Gems from the Holy Qur’an
From the translation by Muhammad Asad (Leopold Weiss)

 

About the translator:

Muhammad Asad, Leopold Weiss, was born of Jewish parents in Livow, Austria (later Poland) in 1900, and at the age of 22 made his first visit to the Middle East. He later became an outstanding foreign correspondent for the Franfurter Zeitung, and after years of devoted study became one of the leading Muslim scholars of our age. His translation of the Holy Qur'an is one of the most lucid and well-referenced works in this category, dedicated to “li-qawmin yatafakkaroon” (people who think). Forwarded by Dr Ismat Kamal.

Chapter 30, verse 8

Have they never learnt to think for themselves? God has not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them without [an inner] truth and a term set [by Him]: and yet, behold, there are many people who stubbornly deny the truth that they are destined to meet their Sustainer!

Chapter 30, verses 14 – 23

And when the Last Hour dawns – on that Day will all [men] be sorted out: as for those who attained to faith and did righteous deeds, they shall be made happy in a garden of delight; but as for those who refused to acknowledge the truth and gave the lie to Our messages – and [thus] to the announcement of life to come – they will be given over to suffering.

Extol, then God’s limitless glory when you rise at morn; and [seeing that] unto Him is due all praise in the heavens and on earth, [glorify Him] in the afternoon as well, and when you enter upon the hour of noon.

He [it is who] brings forth the living out of that which is dead, and brings forth the dead out of that which is alive, and gives life to the earth after it has been lifeless: and even thus will you be brought forth [from death to life].

And among His wonders is this: He creates you out of dust – and then, lo! You become human beings ranging far and wide!

And among His wonders is this: He creates for you mates out of your own kind, so that you might incline towards them, and He engenders love and tenderness between you: in this, behold, there are messages indeed for people who think!

And among His wonders is the creation of the heavens and earth, and the diversity of your tongues and colors: for in this, behold, there are messages indeed for all who are possessed of [innate] knowledge!

And among His wonders is your sleep, at night or in daytime, as well as your [ability to go about in] quest of some of His bounties: in this, behold, there are messages for people who [are willing to] listen!

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