asunder[1]. But if they see a sign they turn aside and say, ‘ Magic, continuous[2]!’
And they call it a lie and follow their lusts ; but every matter is settled !
There has come to them some information[3] with restraint in it — 5 wisdom far-reaching — but warners avail not !
But turn thy back on them !
The day when the caller[4] shall call to an awkward thing[5].
Humbly casting down their looks shall they come forth from their graves, as though they were locusts scattered abroad !
Hurrying forwards to the caller ! the misbelievers shall say, ‘ This is a difficult day !’
Noah’s people before them called (the apostles) liars ; they called our servant a liar ; and they said, ‘ Mad !’ and he was rejected.
10 And he called upon his Lord, ‘ Verily, I am overcome, come then to my help !’
And we opened the gates of heaven with water pouring down!
- ↑ According to a tradition this refers to a miracle: the unbelievers having asked for a sign, the moon appeared to be cloven in twain. The tradition is, however, supported by very doubtful authority, and is directly opposed to the teaching of the Qurʼân elsewhere, for the power to comply with the demand for a sign is always distinctly disclaimed. The more usual explanation is the natural one, that the expression merely refers to one of the signs of the day of judgment.
- ↑ This word is interpreted by some to mean ‘ transient,’ by others ‘ powerful.’
- ↑ The Qurʼân.
- ↑ The angel Isrâfîl.
- ↑ The last judgment.
