53 An-Najm (The Unfolding)

Mecca Period [23]

53:24 Does man imagine that it is his due to have 17 all that he might wish for, (53:25) despite the fact that [both] the life to come and this present [one] belong to God [alone]? 18

Ali’s notes and Arabic text

أَمْ لِلْإِنسَانِ مَا تَمَنَّى ﴿٢٤﴾

24.  Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after?

C5099. The unpurified desires of men's hearts often lead to destruction, for they are dictated by Evil. The true source of guidance and light is Allah, just as He is also the goal to which all persons and things-all existence-returns.

فَلِلَّهِ الْآخِرَةُ وَالْأُولَى ﴿٢٥﴾

25.  But it is to Allah that the End and the Beginning (of all things) belong.

Yuksel’s version

53:24 Or shall the human being have what he wishes?

53:25 To God belongs the Hereafter, and the world.

[[Asad’s notes - 17 Lit., "Is it for man to have ...", etc.

18 I.e., despite the fact (which is the meaning of the particle la in this context) that God is omnipotent and omniscient and does not, therefore, require any "mediator" between Himself and His creatures. ]]