The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

42. CONSULTATION
A Meccan sura that takes its name from verse 38, where the practice of
consultation (shura) is listed as one characteristic of the Muslim community.
The sura discusses man’s habit of creating division and disharmony in matters
of religion, and God’s all-prevailing power, wisdom, and final decision. The
unity of religion is stressed (verse 13) as is the continuity of the prophets (verse
3). The Prophet is reminded that he cannot compel people to believe, that they
will be judged according to their deeds, and that he is only there to deliver the
message. The nature of revelation is described in verses 51–3.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Ha Mim 2 Ayn Sin Qaf
3 This is how God, the Mighty, the Wise, sends revelation to you
[Prophet] as He did to those before you. 4 All that is in the heavens
and earth belongs to Him: He is the Exalted, the Almighty. 5 The
heavens are almost broken apart from above as the angels proclaim
the praises of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on earth. God
is indeed the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful. 6 As for those who
take protectors other than Him, God is watching them; you are not
responsible for them.
7 So We have revealed an Arabic Quran to you, in order that you
may warn the capital city a and all who live nearby. And warn [especially]
about the Day of Gathering, of which there is no doubt, when
some shall be in the Garden and some in the blazing Flame. 8 If God
had so pleased, He could have made them a single community, but
He admits to His mercy whoever He will; the evildoers will have no
one to protect or help them. 9 How can they take protectors other
than Him? God alone is the Protector; He gives life to the dead; He
has power over all things. 10 Whatever you may differ about is for
God to judge. [Say], ‘Such is God, my Lord. In Him I trust and to
Him I turn, 11 the Creator of the heavens and earth.’ He made mates
for you from among yourselves––and for the animals too––so that
a Literally ‘the mother of cities’, Mecca.