The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

35. THE CREATOR
A Meccan sura that affirms God’s power and Creation and contrasts this with
the powerlessness and uselessness of the ‘partners’ set up by the idolaters. The
sura warns the idolaters of their punishment and comforts the Prophet through
mention of previous messengers who were also rejected as liars. The great
rewards that await believers are described.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Praise be to God, Creator of the heavens and earth, who made
angels messengers with two, three, four [pairs of] wings. He adds to
creation as He will: God has power over everything. 2 No one can
withhold the blessing God opens up for people, nor can anyone but
Him release whatever He withholds: He is the Almighty, the All
Wise. 3 People, remember God’s grace towards you. Is there any
creator other than God to give you sustenance from the heavens and
earth? There is no god but Him. How can you be so deluded?
4 If they call you a liar [Prophet], many messengers before you
were also called liars: it is to God that all things will be returned.
5 People! God’s promise is true, so do not let the present life deceive
you. Do not let the Deceiver deceive you about God: 6 Satan is your
enemy––so treat him as an enemy––and invites his followers only to
enter the blazing fire. 7 Those who disbelieve will be punished
severely; those who believe and do good deeds will be forgiven, and
richly rewarded. 8 What about those whose evil deeds are made
alluring to them so that they think they are good? God leaves whoever
He will to stray and guides whoever He will. [Prophet], do not
waste your soul away with regret for them: God knows exactly what
they do.
9 It is God who sends forth the winds; they raise up the clouds; We
drive them to a dead land and with them revive the earth after
its death: such will be the Resurrection. 10 If anyone desires power,
all power belongs to God; good words rise up to Him and He lifts
up the righteous deed, but a severe torment awaits those who plot
evil and their plotting will come to nothing. 11 It is God who created
you from dust and later from a drop of fluid; then He made you into