Sura 15, al-Hijr [Rocky track], Mecca 54

The Quranic text and Ali’s version

وَإنَّا لَنَحْنُ نُحْيِي وَنُمِيتُ ...

23.  And verily, it is We Who give life, and who give death:

... وَنَحْنُ الْوَارِثُونَ ﴿٢٣﴾

it is We Who remain Inheritors (after all else passes away).

Asad’s version

(15:23) for, behold, it is We - We alone - who grant life and deal death, and it is We alone who shall remain after all else will have passed away! 22

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Amatulla’s note:

Life and death are transitory states of a being: these states would ultimately pass away to the Ultimate state of Being or Existence [God], that is why, I believe, the expression of God being the final inheritor is given immediately after this expression. God is the Ultimate reality on which all transitory realities are based, this is both according to the Quran and Hindu Upanishad. There are many places where it is said that finally all will return to God.

Asad’s note –

22 Lit., "We are [or "shall be"] the inheritors (al-warithun)" : an idiomatic metaphor based, according to the consensus of all classical commentators, on the use of the term "inheritor" or "heir" in the sense of "one who remains after his predecessor has passed away" - in this case, after all creation has perished. (Cf. the expression "the heritage of the heavens and of the earth" used, with reference to God, in 3:180 and 57:10.)

Ali’s notes –

C1963. Note how the argument has mounted up from 15:16 onwards to 15:23 -from things most remote from man to things touching his inmost being, and each of them in its own way is a wonderful instance of Allah's glory and goodness, and the beauty, order and harmony of His creation.

-        First, the heavens, the zodiacal Signs, the stars , and the mysterious phenomena that we see above us;

-        then the earth, and the perfect balance of life and forces therein, with man as an important factor, but not the only factor;

-        then, the inexhaustible sources of energy, of which Allah alone is the Provider, but which come to us in measured proportions, as needed; and lastly, Life and Death itself, which will pass away but Allah will remain.

A noble passage, and a fine vindication of Allah's wisdom and providence in dealing with His creatures.

C1964. Literally, "We are the Heirs, or Inheritors,"

Cf. 3:180; "To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth."

See also the latter part of n. 988 to 6:165.]]