(1) (1) He [i.e., the Prophet (ﷺ) ] frowned and turned away
(2) (2) Because there came to him the blind man,[1853] [interrupting].
[1853]- ʿAbdullāh, the son of Umm Maktūm.
(3) (3) But what would make you perceive, [O Muḥammad], that perhaps he might be purified[1854]
[1854]- As a result of what he learns from you.
(4) (4) Or be reminded and the remembrance would benefit him?
(5) (5) As for he who thinks himself without need,[1855]
[1855]- i.e., without need of faith or need of Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) . Here it is in reference to a certain influential member of the Quraysh whom the Prophet (ﷺ) had hoped to bring to Islām.
(6) (6) To him you give attention.
(7) (7) And not upon you [is any blame] if he will not be purified.[1856]
[1856]- The Prophet (ﷺ) was responsible only for conveying the message, not for ultimate guidance.
(8) (8) But as for he who came to you striving [for knowledge]
(9) (9) While he fears [Allāh],
(10) (10) From him you are distracted.
(11) (11) No! Indeed, they [i.e., these verses] are a reminder;
(12) (12) So whoever wills may remember it.[1857]
[1857]- The revelation. Or "Him," i.e., Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) .
(13) (13) [It is recorded] in honored sheets,
(14) (14) Exalted and purified,
(15) (15) [Carried] by the hands of messenger-angels,
(16) (16) Noble and dutiful.
(17) (17) Destroyed [i.e., cursed] is man;[1858] how disbelieving is he.
[1858]- i.e., those who deny Allāh's message.
(18) (18) From what thing [i.e., substance] did He create him?
(19) (19) From a sperm-drop He created him and destined for him;[1859]
[1859]- His proportions, provisions, life span, etc.
(20) (20) Then He eased the way for him;[1860]
[1860]- Into this world (i.e., his birth) . It may also refer to life itself, which has been made easier by Allāh's guidance.
(21) (21) Then He causes his death and provides a grave for him.[1861]
[1861]- To conceal his decaying body.
(22) (22) Then when He wills, He will resurrect him.
(23) (23) No! He [i.e., man] has not yet accomplished what He commanded him.
(24) (24) Then let mankind look at his food -
(25) (25) How We poured down water in torrents,
(26) (26) Then We broke open the earth, splitting [it with sprouts],
(27) (27) And caused to grow within it grain
(28) (28) And grapes and herbage
(29) (29) And olive and palm trees
(30) (30) And gardens of dense shrubbery
(31) (31) And fruit and grass -
(32) (32) [As] enjoyment [i.e., provision] for you and your grazing livestock.
(33) (33) But when there comes the Deafening Blast[1862]
[1862]- The piercing blast of the Horn which signals resurrection. Aṣ-Ṣākhkhah is also a name for the Day of Resurrection.
(34) (34) On the Day a man will flee from his brother
(35) (35) And his mother and his father
(36) (36) And his wife and his children,
(37) (37) For every man, that Day, will be a matter adequate for him.[1863]
[1863]- i.e., to occupy him. He will be concerned only with himself, thus forgetting all others.
(38) (38) [Some] faces, that Day, will be bright -
(39) (39) Laughing, rejoicing at good news.
(40) (40) And [other] faces, that Day, will have upon them dust.
(41) (41) Blackness will cover them.
(42) (42) Those are the disbelievers, the wicked ones.