46. Al-Ahqaf (The Sand-Dunes)

Mecca Period 66

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

حم ﴿١﴾

46: 1. Ha Mim.

C4774. See Introduction to Surah 40.

مَا خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى...

46: 3. We created not the heavens and the earth and all between them but for just ends, and for a term appointed:

C4776. Cf. 45:22.

Many things may appear to us in the present world as strange and inexplicable. But everything made by Allah has a just purpose which must be fulfilled.

Nothing in this world is permanent: everything is for an appointed term. The Word of Allah alone abides. All else will pass away after it has fulfilled its purpose. But Unbelievers refuse to face the danger of which they are warned.

...وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا عَمَّا أُنذِرُوا مُعْرِضُونَ ﴿٣﴾

but those who reject Faith turn away from that whereof they are warned.

Asad’s Version:

46:1 Ha; Mini. 1 HE BESTOWAL from on high of this divine writ issues from God, the Almighty, the Wise.

(46:3) We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them otherwise than in accordance with [an inner] truth, and for a term set [by Us]: 2 and yet, they who are bent on denying the truth turn aside from the warning which has been conveyed unto them. 3