(1) (1) Recite in the name of your Lord who created –
(2) (2) Created man from a clinging substance.
(3) (3) Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous -
(4) (4) Who taught by the pen –
(5) (5) Taught man that which he knew not.
(6) (6) No! [But] indeed, man transgresses
(7) (7) Because he sees himself self-sufficient.
(8) (8) Indeed, to your Lord is the return.
(9) (9) Have you seen the one who forbids
(10) (10) A servant when he prays?
(11) (11) Have you seen if he is upon guidance
(12) (12) Or enjoins righteousness?
(13) (13) Have you seen if he denies and turns away -
(14) (14) Does he not know that Allāh sees?
(15) (15) No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock[1952] –
[1952]- It may also mean "slap him" or "blacken his face at the forelock."
(16) (16) A lying, sinning forelock.
(17) (17) Then let him call his associates;
(18) (18) We will call the angels of Hell.[1953]
[1953]- Those who push the wicked into the Fire.
(19) (19) No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near [to Allāh].