Sura 18, al-Kahf

Asad’s version

18:7 Behold, We have willed that all beauty on earth be a means by which We put men to a test, 5 [showing] which of them are best in conduct;

(18:8) and, verily, [in time] We shall reduce all that is on it to barren dust!

[AND SINCE the life of this world is but a test,] 6 dost thou [really] think that [the parable of] the Men of the Cave and of [their devotion to] the scriptures could be deemed more wondrous than any [other] of Our messages? 7

The Quranic text and Ali’s version

إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا ...

18:7.     That which is on earth We have made but as a glittering show for the earth,

C2332. This world's goods-,worldly power, glory, wealth, position, and all that men scramble for,- are but a fleeting show.

The possession or want of them does not betoken a man's real value or position in the coming world, the world which is to endure. Yet they have their uses.

They test a man's sterling quality. He who becomes their slave loses rank in the next world. He who uses them if he gets them, and does not fall into despair if he does not get them, shows his true mettle and quality. His conduct proclaims him.

... لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ﴿٧﴾

in order that We may test them -- as to which of them are best in conduct.

وَإِنَّا لَجَاعِلُونَ مَا عَلَيْهَا صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا ﴿٨﴾

18:8.     Verily what is on earth We shall make but as dust and dry soil (without growth or herbage).

C2333. The fairest sights on the earth will become as dust and waste when this earth vanishes, and true spiritual values are restored.