The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

7: 188
The Heights 107
after them: will you destroy us because of falsehoods they invented?’
174 In this way We explain the messages, so that they may turn [to the
right path].
175 [Prophet], tell them the story of the man to whom We gave Our
messages: he sloughed them off, so Satan took him as his follower
and he went astray – 176 if it had been Our will, We could have used
these signs to raise him high, but instead he clung to the earth and
followed his own desires – he was like a dog that pants with a lolling
tongue whether you drive it away or leave it alone. Such is the image
of those who reject Our signs. Tell them the story so that they may
reflect. 177 How foul is the image of those who reject Our signs! It is
themselves they wrong: 178 whoever God guides is truly guided, and
whoever God allows to stray is a loser. 179 We have created many jinn
and people who are destined for Hell, with hearts they do not use for
comprehension, eyes they do not use for sight, ears they do not use
for hearing. They are like cattle, no, even further astray: these are
the ones who are entirely heedless.
180 The Most Excellent Names belong to God: use them to call on
Him, and keep away from those who abuse them – they will be
requited for what they do. 181 Among those We created are a group of
people who guide with truth and act justly according to it. 182 But We
lead on those who reject Our messages, step by step, without them
realizing it: 183 I will give them respite, but My plan is sure. 184 Has it
not occurred to them that their companion a is not mad but is giving
clear warning? 185 Have they not contemplated the realm of the
heavens and earth and all that God created, and that the end of their
time might be near? What [other revelation] will they believe in if
they do not believe in this? 186 No one can guide those God allows to
stray: He leaves them blundering about in their insolence.
187 They ask you [Prophet] about the Hour, ‘When will it happen?’
Say, ‘My Lord alone has knowledge of it: He alone will reveal when
its time will come, a time that is momentous b in both the heavens and
earth. All too suddenly it will come upon you.’ They ask you about
it as if you were eager [to find out]. Say, ‘God alone has knowledge
of [when it will come], though most people do not realize it.’ 188 Say
[Prophet], ‘I have no control over benefit or harm, [even] to myself,
a This refers to Prophet Muhammad.
b Alternatively Suddi gives ‘hidden from’ as the interpretation of thaqulat (Razi),
literally ‘weighs heavy’.