When the Inevitable Event comes to pass -
There is no denying that it will come -
Abasing some, exalting others.
When the earth shall be shaken to its foundations,
And the mountains shall be crumbled,
So that they shall be as scattered dust.
And you shall be sorted into three classes,
First the companions of the right hand - what will be the companions of the right hand?
And then the companions of the left hand - what will be the companions of the left hand?
And those foremost (in faith) will be the foremost (in the Hereafter),
These are they who are drawn nigh (to Allah),
In the Gardens of Bliss.
A multitude of those of old,
And a few of those of later times.
On thrones decorated,
Reclining on them, facing one another.
Round about them shall serve youths of permanent freshness (immortal or never altering in age),
With goblets and ewers and a cup filled from a pure fountain;
They shall not suffer with headache thereby, nor shall they get intoxicated (or exhausted),
And fruits such as they choose,
And the flesh of fowl and any as they desire.
And pure, beautiful companions,
The like of the well-preserved pearls:
A reward for what they used to do.
They shall not hear therein vain or sinful discourse,
Except the saying, "Peace! Peace!"
And the companions of the right hand; what of the companions of the Right Hand!
Amid thornless Lote-trees,
And tall trees with clusters of flowers (or fruits) one above another.
And spreading shade,
And water flowing constantly,
And abundant fruit,
Neither intercepted nor forbidden,
And exalted thrones.
Surely We have created them into a new creation,
And made them virgins pure,
Loving friends, equals in age,
For the sake of the companions of the right hand.
A multitude of those of old,
And a multitude of those of later times.
And those of the left hand; what of those of the Left Hand?
In hot wind and boiling water,
And the shade of black smoke,
Neither cool nor honourable.
Surely they were before this made to live in ease and plenty.
And they persisted in the great violation (or great sin).
And they used to say, "What! When we die and have become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be raised?
"Or our fathers of yore?"
Say, "The first and the last,
"Shall most surely be gathered together for the appointed hour of a known day.
"Then shall you, O you who err and call it a lie!
"Most surely eat of a tree of Zaqqum,
"And fill your bellies therewith;
"Then drink over it boiling water;
"And drink as drinks the thirsty camel."
This is their entertainment on the Day of Requital.
We have created you, why do you not then assent?
Have you considered the seed (or what you emit)?
Is it you that create it or are We the creators?
We have ordained death among you and We are not to be frustrated,
That We may transfigure you and make you grow into what you know not.
And certainly you know the first growth, why do you not then reflect?
Have you considered what you sow?
Is it you that cause it to grow, or are We the cause.
If We willed, We could crumble it to powder, then would you lament,
"Surely we are burdened with debt;
"Nay! We are deprived."
Have you considered the water which you drink?
Is it you that send it down from the clouds, or are We the senders?
If We willed, We could have made it salty; why do you not then give thanks?
Have you considered the fire which you strike?
Is it you that produce the trees for it, or are We the producers?
We have made it a reminder and a convenience for the dwellers of the deserts.
Therefore, glorify the name of your Lord, the Supreme.
But nay! I swear by the setting (or falling or fading) of stars;
And most surely it is a very great oath if you only knew;
Most surely it is an honoured Quran,
In a book that is protected
None shall touch it save the purified ones.
A revelation by the Lord of the worlds.
Do you then hold this announcement in contempt?
And make denial of it your means of subsistence.
Why then do you not (intervene) when the soul comes up to the throat (of a dying person),
And you the while look on -
And We are nearer to it (the soul) than you, but you see not -
Then why, if you are not under Our authority,
Force back (the soul), if you are truthful (about your independence)?
Then if he is one of those Near to Allah,
(There is for him) Satisfaction and Bounty and a Garden of Bliss.
And if he is one of those on the Right Hand,
Then (the salutation) "Peace to you” from the companions of the Right Hand.
And if he is one of the rejecters, the erring ones,
He shall have an entertainment of boiling water,
And burning in Hell.
Most surely this is a certain truth (or the Truth of Certainty).
Therefore glorify the name of your Lord, the Supreme.