The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

37. RANGED IN ROWS a
The central point of this Meccan sura is the unity of God (verses 4 and 180–2)
and the refutation of the pagan belief that the angels were daughters of God
and worthy of worship. The angels themselves are quoted to refute this (verses
164–6). The prophethood of Muhammad, is affirmed, as is the Hereafter.
There are two supporting sections: the scenes in the Hereafter (verses 19–68)
and the stories of earlier prophets (verses 75–148).
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 By those [angels] ranged in rows, 2 who rebuke reproachfully 3 and
recite God’s word, 4 truly your God is One, 5 Lord of the heavens and
earth and everything between them, Lord of every sunrise. 6 We have
adorned the lowest heaven with stars, 7 and made them a safeguard
against every rebellious devil: 8 they cannot eavesdrop on the Higher
Assembly b ––pelted from every side, 9 driven away, they will have
perpetual torment––10 if any [of them] stealthily snatches away a
fragment, c he will be pursued by a piercing flame.
11 So [Prophet], ask the disbelievers: is it harder to create them
than other beings We have created? d We created them from sticky
clay. 12 You marvel as they scoff, 13 take no heed when they are
warned, 14 and resort to ridicule when they see a sign, 15 saying, ‘This
is no more than blatant sorcery.’ 16 ‘What! After we have died and
become dust and bones, shall we really be raised up again, 17 along
with our forefathers?’ 18 Say, ‘Yes indeed, and you will be humiliated.’
19 Just one blast and––lo and behold!––they will look 20 and say,
‘Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgement.’ 21 [It will be said], ‘This is
the Day of Decision, which you used to deny. 22 [Angels], gather
together those who did wrong, and others like them, as well as whatever
they worshipped 23 beside God, lead them all to the path of Hell,
24 and halt them for questioning: 25 “Why do you not support each
other now?” ’––26 no indeed! They will be in complete submission
on that Day––27 and they will turn on one another accusingly.
a Cf. 37: 165–6; 78: 38. b Of angels.
c Of something he overheard. d Cf. 40: 57.