The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

52. THE MOUNTAIN
A Meccan sura which addresses many of the arguments put to the Prophet by
the disbelievers of Mecca (verses 29–49). The bliss that will be enjoyed by the
believers is contrasted to the torments of Hell, and the Prophet is urged to bide
his time, to continue to deliver his message, and to wait with confidence for
God’s judgement. God swears by, among other things, Mount Sinai, from which
the sura takes its title, that the Day of Judgement is inevitable.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 By the mountain, a 2 by a Scripture inscribed 3 in unrolled parchment,
4 by the much-visited House, b 5 by the raised canopy, c 6 by the
ocean ever filled, 7 [Prophet], your Lord’s punishment is coming––
8 it cannot be put off–– 9 on the Day when the sky sways back and
forth 10 and the mountains float away. d 11 Woe on that Day to those
who deny the Truth, 12 who amuse themselves with idle chatter: 13 on
that Day they will be thrust into the Fire of Hell. 14 ‘This is the Fire
you used to deny. 15 So is this sorcery? Do you still not see it? 16 Burn
in it––it makes no difference whether you bear it patiently or not––
you are only being repaid for what you have done.’
17 Those who were mindful of God are in Gardens and in bliss,
18 rejoicing in their Lord’s gifts: He has saved them from the torment
of the Blaze, 19 ‘Eat and drink with healthy enjoyment as a reward for
what you have done.’ 20 They are comfortably seated e on couches
arranged in rows; We pair them with beautiful-eyed maidens; 21 We
unite the believers with their offspring who followed them in faith––
We do not deny them any of the rewards for their deeds: each person
is in pledge for his own deeds––22 We provide them with any fruit or
meat they desire. 23 They pass around a cup which does not lead to
any idle talk or sin. 24 Devoted youths like hidden pearls f wait on
a Mount Sinai, see 95: 2; 23: 20.
b Understood to refer to the Kaba in Mecca.
c The sky.
d See 27: 88.
e Ittakaa means ‘to sit, well supported’ (al-Mujam al-Wasit) (cf. 55: 54, 76).
f The choicest pearls were kept hidden for their protection and only removed from
safekeeping on very special occasions.