The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

42: 36
Consultation 313
decree concerning the final Decision, judgement would already
have been made between them. The evildoers will have a grievous
punishment – 22 you will see them fearful because of what they have
done: punishment is bound to fall on them – but those who believe
and do good deeds will be in the flowering meadows of the Gardens.
They will have whatever they wish from their Lord: this is the great
bounty; 23 it is of this that God gives good news to His servants who
believe and do good deeds.
Say [Prophet], ‘I ask no reward from you for this, only the affection
due to kin.’ a If anyone does good, We shall increase it for him;
God is most forgiving and most appreciative. 24 How can they say,
‘He has invented a lie about God’? If God so willed, He could seal
your heart and blot out lies: God confirms the Truth with His words.
He has full knowledge of what is in the heart – 25 it is He who accepts
repentance from His servants and pardons bad deeds – He knows
everything you do. 26 He responds to those who believe and do good
deeds, and gives them more of His bounty; agonizing torment awaits
the disbelievers. 27 If God were to grant His plentiful provision to
[all] His creatures, they would act insolently on earth, but He sends
down in due measure whatever He will, for He is well aware of His
servants and watchful over them: 28 it is He who sends relief through
rain after they have lost hope, and spreads His mercy far and wide.
He is the Protector, Worthy of All Praise.
29 Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and earth and all
the living creatures He has scattered throughout them: He has the
power to gather them all together whenever He will. 30 Whatever
misfortune befalls you [people], it is because of what your own hands
have done – God forgives much – 31 you cannot escape Him anywhere
on earth: you have no protector or helper other than God. 32 Among
His signs are the ships, sailing like floating mountains: 33 if He willed,
He could bring the wind to a standstill and they would lie motionless
on the surface of the sea – there truly are signs in this for anyone
who is steadfast and thankful – 34 or He could cause them to be
wrecked on account of what their passengers have done – God
pardons much – 35 to let those who argue about Our messages know
that there is no escape for them.
36 What you have been given is only the fleeting enjoyment of
a Or ‘I only do this out of affection for you as kin!’