The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

40. THE FORGIVER
A Meccan sura with two recurring themes: disputing God’s truth (verses 4,
35, 69) and calling upon Him (verses 14, 49, 50, 60, 65, 73). In the opening
verses God is described as the Forgiver, and the Accepter of repentance, yet
severe in punishment, and this dual aspect is exemplified in the sura. The
central section of the sura deals with the story of Pharaoh and Moses (verses
23–54): the destruction of one and victory of the other are stated in verses 45
and 51. The Prophet is, in his turn, urged to be steadfast and to ignore the
taunts of the disbelievers (verses 55 and 77).
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Ha Mim
2 This Scripture is sent down from God, the Almighty, the All
Knowing, 3 Forgiver of sins and Accepter of repentance, severe in
punishment, infinite in bounty. There is no god but Him; to Him is
the ultimate return. 4 It is only the disbelievers who dispute God’s
revelations. [Prophet], do not be dazzled by their movements back
and forth across the land. a 5 Before them the people of Noah rejected
the truth and so did those who formed opposition after them: every
community schemed to destroy its messenger and strove to refute
truth with falsehood; but it was I who destroyed them. How terrible
My punishment was! 6 In this way your Lord’s sentence was passed
against the disbelievers that they would be the inhabitants of the Fire.
7 Those [angels] who carry the Throne and those who surround it
celebrate the praise of their Lord and have faith in Him. They beg
forgiveness for the believers: ‘Our Lord, You embrace all things in
mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who turn to You and follow
Your path. Save them from the pains of Hell 8 and admit them, Lord,
to the lasting Gardens You have promised to them, together with
their righteous ancestors, b spouses, and offspring: You alone are the
Almighty, the All Wise. 9 Protect them from all evil deeds: those You
a Making wealth by trading.
b The word aba includes male and female ancestors. Father and mother
are called abawan.