Chapter 29

Surah Al Ankabut (The Spider)

29.41

surah 29 - verse 41

translator's name verse
Arberry The likeness of those who have taken to them protectors, apart from God, is as the likeness of the spider that takes to itself a house; and surely the frailest of houses is the house of the spider, did they but know.
Maududi The case of those who took others than Allah as their protectors is that of a spider who builds a house; but the frailest of all houses is the spider's house; if they only knew.
Pickthall The likeness of those who choose other patrons than Allah is as the likeness of the spider when she taketh unto herself a house, and lo! the frailest of all houses is the spider's house, if they but knew.
Sahih The example of those who take allies other than Allah is like that of the spider who takes a home. And indeed, the weakest of homes is the home of the spider, if they only knew.
Yusuf Ali The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the spider, who builds (to itself) a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses is the spider's house;- if they but knew.

29.42

surah 29 - verse 42

translator's name verse
Arberry God knows whatever thing they call upon apart from Him; He is the All-mighty, the All-wise.
Maududi Surely Allah knows fully what they call upon apart from Him. He is the Most Powerful, the Most Wise.
Pickthall Lo! Allah knoweth what thing they invoke instead of Him. He is the Mighty, the Wise.
Sahih Indeed, Allah knows whatever thing they call upon other than Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
Yusuf Ali Verily Allah doth know of (every thing) whatever that they call upon besides Him: and He is Exalted (in power), Wise.

29.43

surah 29 - verse 43

translator's name verse
Arberry And those similitudes -- We strike them for the people, but none understands them save those who know.
Maududi These are the parables that We set forth to make people understand. But only those endowed with knowledge will comprehend them.
Pickthall As for these similitudes, We coin them for mankind, but none will grasp their meaning save the wise.
Sahih And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.
Yusuf Ali And such are the Parables We set forth for mankind, but only those understand them who have knowledge.

29.44

surah 29 - verse 44

translator's name verse
Arberry God created the heavens and the earth with the truth; surely in that is a sign to the believers.
Maududi Allah has created the heavens and the earth in Truth. Certainly there is a Sign in this for those who believe.
Pickthall Allah created the heavens and the earth with truth. Lo! therein is indeed a portent for believers.
Sahih Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth. Indeed in that is a sign for the believers.
Yusuf Ali Allah created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): verily in that is a Sign for those who believe.

29.45

surah 29 - verse 45

translator's name verse
Arberry Recite what has been revealed to thee of the Book, and perform the prayer; prayer forbids indecency and dishonour. God's remembrance is greater; and God knows the things you work.
Maududi (O Prophet), recite the Book that has been revealed to you and establish Prayer. Surely Prayer forbids indecency and evil. And Allah's remembrance is of even greater merit. Allah knows all that you do.
Pickthall Recite that which hath been inspired in thee of the Scripture, and establish worship. Lo! worship preserveth from lewdness and iniquity, but verily remembrance of Allah is more important. And Allah knoweth what ye do.
Sahih Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.
Yusuf Ali Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do.

29.46

surah 29 - verse 46

translator's name verse
Arberry Dispute not with the People of the Book save in the fairer manner, except for those of them that do wrong; and say, 'We believe in what has been sent down to us, and what has been sent down to you; our God and your God is One, and to Him we have surrendered.'
Maududi Argue not with the People of the Book except in the fairest manner, unless it be those of them that are utterly unjust. Say to them: “We believe in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to you. One is our God and your God; and we are those who submit ourselves to Him.”
Pickthall And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our Allah and your Allah is One, and unto Him we surrender.
Sahih And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him."
Yusuf Ali And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)."

29.47

surah 29 - verse 47

translator's name verse
Arberry Even so We have sent down to thee the Book. Those to whom We have given the Book believe in it; and some of these believe in it; and none denies Our signs but the unbelievers.
Maududi (O Prophet), thus have We bestowed the Book on you. So those on whom We had bestowed the Book before believe in it, and of these (Arabs) too a good many believe in it. It is none but the utter unbelievers who deny Our Signs.
Pickthall In like manner We have revealed unto thee the Scripture, and those unto whom We gave the Scripture aforetime will believe therein; and of these (also) there are some who believe therein. And none deny Our revelations save the disbelievers.
Sahih And thus We have sent down to you the Qur'an. And those to whom We [previously] gave the Scripture believe in it. And among these [people of Makkah] are those who believe in it. And none reject Our verses except the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali And thus (it is) that We have sent down the Book to thee. So the People of the Book believe therein, as also do some of these (pagan Arabs): and none but Unbelievers reject our signs.

29.48

surah 29 - verse 48

translator's name verse
Arberry Not before this didst thou recite any Book, or inscribe it with thy right hand, for then those who follow falsehood would have doubted.
Maududi (O Prophet), you did not recite any Book before, nor did you write it down with your hand; for then the votaries of falsehood would have had a cause for doubt.
Pickthall And thou (O Muhammad) wast not a reader of any scripture before it, nor didst thou write it with thy right hand, for then might those have doubted, who follow falsehood.
Sahih And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt.
Yusuf Ali And thou wast not (able) to recite a Book before this (Book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hand: In that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted.

29.49

surah 29 - verse 49

translator's name verse
Arberry Nay; rather it is signs, clear signs in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge; and none denies Our signs but the evildoers.
Maududi But it is a set of Clear Signs in the hearts of those who have been endowed with knowledge. None except the utterly unjust will deny Our Signs.
Pickthall But it is clear revelations in the hearts of those who have been given knowledge, and none deny Our revelations save wrong-doers.
Sahih Rather, the Qur'an is distinct verses [preserved] within the breasts of those who have been given knowledge. And none reject Our verses except the wrongdoers.
Yusuf Ali Nay, here are Signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: and none but the unjust reject Our Signs.

29.50

surah 29 - verse 50

translator's name verse
Arberry They say, 'Why have signs not been gent down upon him from his Lord?' Say: 'The signs are only with God, and I am only a plain warner.
Maududi They say: “Why were Signs from his Lord not sent down upon him?” Say: “The Signs are only with Allah. As for me, I am no more than a plain warner.”
Pickthall And they say: Why are not portents sent down upon him from his Lord? Say: Portents are with Allah only, and I am but a plain warner.
Sahih But they say, "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, "The signs are only with Allah, and I am only a clear warner."
Yusuf Ali Ye they say: "Why are not Signs sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "The signs are indeed with Allah: and I am indeed a clear Warner."

29.51

surah 29 - verse 51

translator's name verse
Arberry What, is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down upon thee the Book that is recited to them? Surely in that is a mercy, and a reminder to a people who believe.
Maududi Does it not suffice for them (as a Sign) that We revealed to you the Book that is recited to them? Surely there is mercy and good counsel in it for those who believe.
Pickthall Is it not enough for them that We have sent down unto thee the Scripture which is read unto them? Lo! herein verily is mercy, and a reminder for folk who believe.
Sahih And is it not sufficient for them that We revealed to you the Book which is recited to them? Indeed in that is a mercy and reminder for a people who believe.
Yusuf Ali And is it not enough for them that we have sent down to thee the Book which is rehearsed to them? Verily, in it is Mercy and a Reminder to those who believe.

29.52

surah 29 - verse 52

translator's name verse
Arberry Say: 'God suffices as a witness between me and you.' He knows whatsoever is in the heavens and earth. Those who believe in vanity and disbelieve in God -- those, they are the losers.
Maududi Say (O Prophet): “Allah suffices as a witness between me and you. He knows whatever is in the heavens and the earth. As for those who believe in falsehood and are engaged in infidelity with Allah, it is they who will be the losers.”
Pickthall Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Allah sufficeth for witness between me and you. He knoweth whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those who believe in vanity and disbelieve in Allah, they it is who are the losers.
Sahih Say, "Sufficient is Allah between me and you as Witness. He knows what is in the heavens and earth. And they who have believed in falsehood and disbelieved in Allah - it is those who are the losers."
Yusuf Ali Say: "Enough is Allah for a witness between me and you: He knows what is in the heavens and on earth. And it is those who believe in vanities and reject Allah, that will perish (in the end).

29.53

surah 29 - verse 53

translator's name verse
Arberry And they demand of thee to hasten the chastisement! But for a stated term the chastisement would have come upon them; but it shall come upon them suddenly, when they are not aware.
Maududi They ask you to hasten in bringing chastisement upon them. Had there not been an appointed term for it, the chastisement would have already visited them; in fact it will come down upon them all of a sudden (at its appointed time) while they will not be aware of it.
Pickthall They bid thee hasten on the doom (of Allah). And if a term had not been appointed, the doom would assuredly have come unto them (ere now). And verily it will come upon them suddenly when they perceive not.
Sahih And they urge you to hasten the punishment. And if not for [the decree of] a specified term, punishment would have reached them. But it will surely come to them suddenly while they perceive not.
Yusuf Ali They ask thee to hasten on the Punishment (for them): had it not been for a term (of respite) appointed, the Punishment would certainly have come to them: and it will certainly reach them,- of a sudden, while they perceive not!

29.54

surah 29 - verse 54

translator's name verse
Arberry They demand of thee to hasten the chastisement! Lo, Gehenna encompasses the unbelievers.
Maududi They ask you to hasten the chastisement upon them although Hell encompasses the unbelievers.
Pickthall They bid thee hasten on the doom, when lo! hell verily will encompass the disbelievers
Sahih They urge you to hasten the punishment. And indeed, Hell will be encompassing of the disbelievers
Yusuf Ali They ask thee to hasten on the Punishment: but, of a surety, Hell will encompass the Rejecters of Faith!-

29.55

surah 29 - verse 55

translator's name verse
Arberry Upon the day the chastisement shall overwhelm them from above them and from under their feet, and He shall say, 'Taste now what you were doing!'
Maududi (They will become aware of it) the Day when the chastisement will overwhelm them from above and from under their feet, and He will say to them: “Taste now the consequence of the deeds that you used to commit.”
Pickthall On the day when the doom will overwhelm them from above them and from underneath their feet, and He will say: Taste what ye used to do!
Sahih On the Day the punishment will cover them from above them and from below their feet and it is said, "Taste [the result of] what you used to do."
Yusuf Ali On the Day that the Punishment shall cover them from above them and from below them, and (a Voice) shall say: "Taste ye (the fruits) of your deeds!"

29.56

surah 29 - verse 56

translator's name verse
Arberry O My servants who believe, surely My earth is wide; therefore Me do you serve!
Maududi O My servants who believe, verily My earth is vast; so serve Me alone.
Pickthall O my bondmen who believe! Lo! My earth is spacious. Therefor serve Me only.
Sahih O My servants who have believed, indeed My earth is spacious, so worship only Me.
Yusuf Ali O My servants who believe! truly, spacious is My Earth: therefore serve ye Me - (and Me alone)!

29.57

surah 29 - verse 57

translator's name verse
Arberry Every soul shall taste of death; then unto Us you shall be returned.
Maududi Every being shall taste death, then it is to Us that you shall be sent back.
Pickthall Every soul will taste of death. Then unto Us ye will be returned.
Sahih Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.
Yusuf Ali Every soul shall have a taste of death in the end to Us shall ye be brought back.

29.58

surah 29 - verse 58

translator's name verse
Arberry And those who believe, and do righteous deeds, We shall surely lodge them in lofty chambers of paradise, underneath which rivers flow, therein dwelling forever; and excellent is the wage of those who labour,
Maududi We shall house those who believed and acted righteously in the lofty mansions of Paradise beneath which rivers flow. There they shall remain for ever. How excellent a reward it is for those who acted (in obedience to Allah),
Pickthall Those who believe and do good works, them verily We shall house in lofty dwellings of the Garden underneath which rivers flow. There they will dwell secure. How sweet the guerdon of the toilers,
Sahih And those who have believed and done righteous deeds - We will surely assign to them of Paradise [elevated] chambers beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers
Yusuf Ali But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness - to them shall We give a Home in Heaven,- lofty mansions beneath which flow rivers,- to dwell therein for aye;- an excellent reward for those who do (good)!-

29.59

surah 29 - verse 59

translator's name verse
Arberry such men as are patient, and put their trust in their Lord.
Maududi who remained steadfast and put their trust in their Lord!
Pickthall Who persevere, and put their trust in their Lord!
Sahih Who have been patient and upon their Lord rely.
Yusuf Ali Those who persevere in patience, and put their trust, in their Lord and Cherisher.

29.60

surah 29 - verse 60

translator's name verse
Arberry How many a beast that bears not its own provision, but God provides for it and you! He is the All-hearer, the All-knower.
Maududi How many an animal there is that does not carry about its sustenance. Allah provides sustenance to them and to you. He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
Pickthall And how many an animal there is that beareth not its own provision! Allah provideth for it and for you. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
Sahih And how many a creature carries not its [own] provision. Allah provides for it and for you. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
Yusuf Ali How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah who feeds (both) them and you: for He hears and knows (all things).