Chapter 47

47.1

surah 47 - verse 1

translator's name	verse
Arberry	Those who disbelieve and bar from God's way, God will send their works astray.
Maududi	Allah has caused the works of those who disbelieve and hinder people from the way of Allah to go to waste.
Pickthall	Those who disbelieve and turn (men) from the way of Allah, He rendereth their actions vain.
Sahih	Those who disbelieve and avert [people] from the way of Allah - He will waste their deeds.
Yusuf Ali	Those who reject Allah and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah,- their deeds will Allah render astray (from their mark).

47.2

surah 47 - verse 2

translator's name	verse
Arberry	But those who believe and do righteous deeds and believe in what is sent down to Muhammad -- and it is the truth from their Lord -- He will acquit them of their evil deeds, and dispose their minds aright.
Maududi	As for those who attained to faith and did righteous works and believed in what was revealed to Muhammad -- which indeed is the Truth from their Lord -- Allah has remitted their evil deeds and has set their condition right.
Pickthall	And those who believe and do good works and believe in that which is revealed unto Muhammad - and it is the truth from their Lord - He riddeth them of their ill-deeds and improveth their state.
Sahih	And those who believe and do righteous deeds and believe in what has been sent down upon Muhammad - and it is the truth from their Lord - He will remove from them their misdeeds and amend their condition.
Yusuf Ali	But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and believe in the (Revelation) sent down to Muhammad - for it is the Truth from their Lord,- He will remove from them their ills and improve their condition.

47.3

surah 47 - verse 3

translator's name	verse
Arberry	That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, and those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Even so God strikes their similitudes for men.
Maududi	That is because those who disbelieved followed falsehood whereas those who believed followed the Truth that came to them from their Lord. Thus does Allah set forth to people parables showing their true state.
Pickthall	That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood and because those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus Allah coineth their similitudes for mankind.
Sahih	That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, and those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus does Allah present to the people their comparisons.
Yusuf Ali	This because those who reject Allah follow vanities, while those who believe follow the Truth from their Lord: Thus does Allah set forth for men their lessons by similitudes.

47.4

surah 47 - verse 4

translator's name	verse
Arberry	When you meet the unbelievers, smite their necks, then, when you have made wide slaughter among them, tie fast the bonds; then set them free, either by grace or ransom, till the war lays down its loads. So it shall be; and if God had willed, He would have avenged Himself upon them; but that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of God, He will not send their works astray.
Maududi	When you meet the unbelievers (in battle), smite their necks until you have crushed them, then bind your captives firmly; thereafter (you are entitled to) set them free, either by an act of grace, or against ransom, until the war ends. That is for you to do. If Allah had so willed, He would have Himself exacted retribution from them. (But He did not do so) that He may test some of you by means of others. As for those who are slain in the way of Allah, He shall never let their works go to waste.
Pickthall	Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That (is the ordinance). And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain.
Sahih	So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah - never will He waste their deeds.
Yusuf Ali	Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost.

47.5

surah 47 - verse 5

translator's name	verse
Arberry	He will guide them, and dispose their minds aright,
Maududi	He will guide them and set their condition right
Pickthall	He will guide them and improve their state,
Sahih	He will guide them and amend their condition
Yusuf Ali	Soon will He guide them and improve their condition,

47.6

surah 47 - verse 6

translator's name	verse
Arberry	and He will admit them to Paradise, that He has made known to them.
Maududi	and will admit them to Paradise with which He has acquainted them.
Pickthall	And bring them in unto the Garden which He hath made known to them.
Sahih	And admit them to Paradise, which He has made known to them.
Yusuf Ali	And admit them to the Garden which He has announced for them.

47.7

surah 47 - verse 7

translator's name	verse
Arberry	O believers, if you help God, He will help you, and confirm your feet.
Maududi	Believers, if you aid Allah, He will come to your aid and will plant your feet firmly.
Pickthall	O ye who believe! If ye help Allah, He will help you and will make your foothold firm.
Sahih	O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet.
Yusuf Ali	O ye who believe! If ye will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly.

47.8

surah 47 - verse 8

translator's name	verse
Arberry	But as for the unbelievers, ill chance shall befall them! He will send their works astray.
Maududi	As to those who disbelieve, perdition lies in store for them and Allah has reduced their works to nought.
Pickthall	And those who disbelieve, perdition is for them, and He will make their actions vain.
Sahih	But those who disbelieve - for them is misery, and He will waste their deeds.
Yusuf Ali	But those who reject (Allah),- for them is destruction, and (Allah) will render their deeds astray (from their mark).

47.9

surah 47 - verse 9

translator's name	verse
Arberry	That is because they have been averse to what God has sent down, so He has made their works to fail.
Maududi	That was because they were averse to what Allah had revealed; so He let their works go to waste.
Pickthall	That is because they are averse to that which Allah hath revealed, therefor maketh He their actions fruitless.
Sahih	That is because they disliked what Allah revealed, so He rendered worthless their deeds.
Yusuf Ali	That is because they hate the Revelation of Allah; so He has made their deeds fruitless.

47.10

surah 47 - verse 10

translator's name	verse
Arberry	What, have they not journeyed in the land and beheld how was the end of those before them? God destroyed them; the unbelievers shall have the likes thereof.
Maududi	Have they not journeyed through the land to see the end of those who went before them? Allah utterly destroyed them. These unbelievers are doomed to the same end.
Pickthall	Have they not travelled in the land to see the nature of the consequence for those who were before them? Allah wiped them out. And for the disbelievers there will be the like thereof.
Sahih	Have they not traveled through the land and seen how was the end of those before them? Allah destroyed [everything] over them, and for the disbelievers is something comparable.
Yusuf Ali	Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the End of those before them (who did evil)? Allah brought utter destruction on them, and similar (fates await) those who reject Allah.

47.11

surah 47 - verse 11

translator's name	verse
Arberry	That is because God is the Protector of the believers, and that the unbelievers have no protector.
Maududi	That is because Allah is the Protector of the believers whereas the unbelievers have none to protect them.
Pickthall	That is because Allah is patron of those who believe, and because the disbelievers have no patron.
Sahih	That is because Allah is the protector of those who have believed and because the disbelievers have no protector.
Yusuf Ali	That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, but those who reject Allah have no protector.

47.12

surah 47 - verse 12

translator's name	verse
Arberry	God shall surely admit those who believe and do righteous deeds into gardens underneath which rivers flow. As for the unbelievers, they take their enjoyment and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire shall be their lodging.
Maududi	Allah shall admit those who believe and do righteous works to the Gardens beneath which rivers flow. As for the unbelievers, they enjoy the pleasures of this transient life and eat as cattle eat. The Fire shall be their resort.
Pickthall	Lo! Allah will cause those who believe and do good works to enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow; while those who disbelieve take their comfort in this life and eat even as the cattle eat, and the Fire is their habitation.
Sahih	Indeed, Allah will admit those who have believed and done righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow, but those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as grazing livestock eat, and the Fire will be a residence for them.
Yusuf Ali	Verily Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow; while those who reject Allah will enjoy (this world) and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire will be their abode.

47.13

surah 47 - verse 13

translator's name	verse
Arberry	How many a city that was stronger in might than thy city which has expelled thee have We destroyed! And there was no helper for them.
Maududi	(O Prophet), how many are the cities that had greater power than your city that drove you out? We destroyed them and there was none to protect them.
Pickthall	And how many a township stronger than thy township (O Muhammad) which hath cast thee out, have We destroyed, and they had no helper!
Sahih	And how many a city was stronger than your city [Makkah] which drove you out? We destroyed them; and there was no helper for them.
Yusuf Ali	And how many cities, with more power than thy city which has driven thee out, have We destroyed (for their sins)? and there was none to aid them.

47.14

surah 47 - verse 14

translator's name	verse
Arberry	What, is he who is upon a clear sign from his Lord like unto such a one unto whom his evil deeds have been decked out fair, and they have followed their caprices?
Maududi	Then, can he, who is on a Clear Guidance from His Lord, be like him whose evil deeds have been embellished to him, and who pursued their lusts?
Pickthall	Is he who relieth on a clear proof from his Lord like those for whom the evil that they do is beautified while they follow their own lusts?
Sahih	So is he who is on clear evidence from his Lord like him to whom the evil of his work has been made attractive and they follow their [own] desires?
Yusuf Ali	Is then one who is on a clear (Path) from his Lord, no better than one to whom the evil of his conduct seems pleasing, and such as follow their own lusts?

47.15

surah 47 - verse 15

translator's name	verse
Arberry	This is the similitude of Paradise which the godfearing have been promised: therein are rivers of water unstaling, rivers of milk unchanging in flavour, and rivers of wine -- a delight to the drinkers, rivers, too, of honey purified; and therein for them is every fruit, and forgiveness from their Lord -- Are they as he who dwells forever in the Fire, such as are given to drink boiling water, that tears their bowels asunder?
Maududi	Here is the parable of Paradise which the God-fearing have been promised: in it shall be rivers of incorruptible water, rivers of milk unchanging in taste, and rivers of wine, a delight to those that drink; and rivers of pure honey. In it they will have every kind of fruit as well as forgiveness from their Lord. Can such be like those who will abide in the Fire and will be given a boiling water to drink that will tear their bowels apart?
Pickthall	A similitude of the Garden which those who keep their duty (to Allah) are promised: Therein are rivers of water unpolluted, and rivers of milk whereof the flavour changeth not, and rivers of wine delicious to the drinkers, and rivers of clear-run honey; therein for them is every kind of fruit, with pardon from their Lord. (Are those who enjoy all this) like those who are immortal in the Fire and are given boiling water to drink so that it teareth their bowels?
Sahih	Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord, like [that of] those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines?
Yusuf Ali	(Here is) a Parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits; and Grace from their Lord. (Can those in such Bliss) be compared to such as shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels (to pieces)?

47.16

surah 47 - verse 16

translator's name	verse
Arberry	And some of them there are give ear to thee, till, when they go forth from thee, they say to those who have been given knowledge, 'What said he just now?' Those are they upon whose hearts God has set a seal, and they have followed their caprices.
Maududi	Among them some give ear to you. But no sooner do they leave your presence than they ask those endowed with knowledge: “What is it that he said just now?” Such are those whose hearts Allah has sealed and who pursue their lusts.
Pickthall	Among them are some who give ear unto thee (Muhammad) till, when they go forth from thy presence they say unto those who have been given knowledge: What was that he said just now? Those are they whose hearts Allah hath sealed, and they follow their own lusts.
Sahih	And among them, [O Muhammad], are those who listen to you, until when they depart from you, they say to those who were given knowledge, "What has he said just now?" Those are the ones of whom Allah has sealed over their hearts and who have followed their [own] desires.
Yusuf Ali	And among them are men who listen to thee, but in the end, when they go out from thee, they say to those who have received Knowledge, "What is it he said just then?" Such are men whose hearts Allah has sealed, and who follow their own lusts.

47.17

surah 47 - verse 17

translator's name	verse
Arberry	But those who are guided aright, them He increases in guidance, and gives them their godfearing.
Maududi	As for those who were led to the Guidance, Allah increases them in their guidance and causes them to grow in God-fearing.
Pickthall	While as for those who walk aright, He addeth to their guidance, and giveth them their protection (against evil).
Sahih	And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness.
Yusuf Ali	But to those who receive Guidance, He increases the (light of) Guidance, and bestows on them their Piety and Restraint (from evil).

47.18

surah 47 - verse 18

translator's name	verse
Arberry	Are they looking for aught but the Hour, that it shall come upon them suddenly? Already its tokens have come; so, when it has come to them, how shall they have their Reminder?
Maududi	Are they waiting, then, for anything else than the Last Hour to suddenly come upon them? Already some of its tokens have come. But when it does actually come upon them, where will any time be left for them to take heed?
Pickthall	Await they aught save the Hour, that it should come upon them unawares? And the beginnings thereof have already come. But how, when it hath come upon them, can they take their warning?
Sahih	Then do they await except that the Hour should come upon them unexpectedly? But already there have come [some of] its indications. Then what good to them, when it has come, will be their remembrance?
Yusuf Ali	Do they then only wait for the Hour,- that it should come on them of a sudden? But already have come some tokens thereof, and when it (actually) is on them, how can they benefit then by their admonition?

47.19

surah 47 - verse 19

translator's name	verse
Arberry	Know thou therefore that there is no god but God, and ask forgiveness for thy sin, and for the believers, men and women. God knows your going to and fro, and your lodging.
Maududi	Know, therefore, (O Prophet), that there is no god but Allah, and ask forgiveness for your shortcomings and also for (the shortcomings of) believing men and believing women. Allah knows the places where you move about and where you dwell.
Pickthall	So know (O Muhammad) that there is no Allah save Allah, and ask forgiveness for thy sin and for believing men and believing women. Allah knoweth (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest.
Sahih	So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place.
Yusuf Ali	Know, therefore, that there is no god but Allah, and ask forgiveness for thy fault, and for the men and women who believe: for Allah knows how ye move about and how ye dwell in your homes.

47.20

surah 47 - verse 20

translator's name	verse
Arberry	Those who believe say, 'Why has a sura not been sent down?' Then, when a clear sura is sent down, and therein fighting is mentioned, thou seest those in whose hearts is sickness looking at thee as one who swoons of death; but better for them would be
Maududi	The believers used to say: “Why is a surah (that would ordain fighting) not revealed?” But when a definitive surah was revealed wherein fighting was mentioned, you saw that those in whose hearts there was a sickness looked at you as though they were about to faint at the approach of death. Pity on them!
Pickthall	And those who believe say: If only a surah were revealed! But when a decisive surah is revealed and war is mentioned therein, thou seest those in whose hearts is a disease looking at thee with the look of men fainting unto death. Therefor woe unto them!
Sahih	Those who believe say, "Why has a surah not been sent down? But when a precise surah is revealed and fighting is mentioned therein, you see those in whose hearts is hypocrisy looking at you with a look of one overcome by death. And more appropriate for them [would have been]
Yusuf Ali	Those who believe say, "Why is not a sura sent down (for us)?" But when a sura of basic or categorical meaning is revealed, and fighting is mentioned therein, thou wilt see those in whose hearts is a disease looking at thee with a look of one in swoon at the approach of death. But more fitting for them-