18.Surah Al Kahf

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

قَيِّمًا لِّيُنذِرَ بَأْسًا شَدِيدًا مِن لَّدُنْهُ...   

18: 2.     (He hath made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him,

C2327. Qayyim:

-         straight, that which has no bends and no corners to mystify people,

-         that which speaks clearly and unambiguously,

-         that which guides to the right path.

Cf. 9:36, where the adjective is used for a straight usage, in contrast to usages, which tend to mystify and deceive people.

The Quran is above all things straight, clear, and perspicuous. Its directions are plain for everyone to understand.

Any book that deals with the highest mysteries of spiritual life must necessarily have portions whose full meaning is clearer to some minds than to others not so well prepared. But here there is nowhere any mystification, any desire to wrap up things in dark sayings repugnant to human reason. Allah's purpose is to give clear warning of spiritual dangers and lead up to the highest bliss.

... وَيُبَشِّرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا حَسَنًا ﴿٢﴾

and that He may give Glad Tidings to the Believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly Reward.

مَاكِثِينَ فِيهِ أَبَدًا ﴿٣﴾

18: 3.     Wherein they shall remain forever:

C2328. Cf. 4:122, 43:71, 65:11, 98:8.

Other versions:

18: 2

Asad [a divine writ] unerringly straight, meant to warn [the godless] of a severe punishment from Him, and to give unto the believers who do good works the glad tiding that their s shall be a goodly reward

Yusuf Ali (He hath made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him and that He may give Glad Tidings to the Believers who work righteous deeds that they shall have a goodly Reward.

Pickthall (But hath made it) straight, to give warning of stern punishment from Him, and to bring unto the believers who do good works the news that theirs will be a fair reward,

Transliteration Qayyimal liyunzira ba'san syadidam mil ladunhu wa yubasysyiral mu'mininal lazina ya'malu_nas sa_liha_ti anna lahum ajran hasana_

18: 3

Asad in which they shall dwell beyond the count of time.

Yusuf Ali Wherein they shall remain forever:

Pickthall Wherein they will abide for ever;

Transliteration Ma_kisina fihi abada_(w),