The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

29. THE SPIDER
A Meccan sura that takes its title from the illustration of the spider in
verse 41. The sura stresses that believers will be tested and that they should
remain steadfast. The misconceptions of disbelievers regarding the nature of
revelation and the Prophet are addressed. References are made to earlier
prophets and details given of the punishments brought on those who denied
them.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Alif Lam Mim
2 Do people think they will be left alone after saying ‘We believe’
without being put to the test? 3 We tested those who went before
them: God will certainly mark out which ones are truthful and
which are lying. 4 Do the evildoers think they can escape us? How
ill they judge! 5 But as for those who strive for their meeting with
God, God’s appointed time is bound to come; He is the All Seeing,
the All Knowing. 6 Those who exert themselves do so for their own
benefit––God does not need His creatures––7 We shall certainly blot
out the misdeeds of those who believe and do good deeds, and We
shall reward them according to the best of their actions. 8 We have
commanded people to be good to their parents, but do not obey them
if they strive to make you serve, beside Me, anything of which you
have no knowledge: you will all return to Me, and I shall inform you
of what you have done. 9 We shall be sure to admit those who believe
and do good deeds to the ranks of the righteous.
10 There are some people who say, ‘We believe in God,’ but, when
they suffer for His cause, they think that human persecution is as
severe as God’s punishment––yet, if any help comes to you
[Prophet] from your Lord, they will say, ‘We have always been with
you’. Does God not know best what is in everyone’s hearts? 11 God
will be sure to mark out which ones are the believers, and which the
hypocrites. 12 Those who disbelieve say to the believers, ‘Follow our
path and we shall bear [the consequences for] your sins,’ yet they will
not do so––they are liars. 13 They will bear their own burdens and