Sura 12, Yusuf (Joseph), Mecca 53

The Quranic Text

“God has ordained that you should serve nothing but Him: this is the one ever-true faith; but most people know it not.” [Quran 12:40]

Asad’s version

12:40 "All that you worship instead of God is nothing but [empty] names which you have invented 42 - you and your forefathers - [and] for which God has bestowed no warrant from on high. Judgment [as to what is right and what is wrong] rests with God alone - [and] He has ordained that you should worship nought but Him: this is the [one] ever-true faith; but most people know it not. 43

Other Translations:

Pickthall: Those whom ye worship beside Him are but names which ye have named, ye and your fathers. Allah hath revealed no sanction for them. The decision rests with Allah only, Who hath commanded you that ye worship none save Him. This is the right religion, but most men know not.

Yusuf Ali: "If not Him, ye worship nothing but names which ye have named,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah hath sent down no authority: the command is for none but Allah: He hath commanded that ye worship none but Him: that is the right religion, but most men understand not...

Shakir: You do not serve besides Him but names which you have named, you and your fathers; Allah has not sent down any authority for them; judgment is only Allah's; He has commanded that you shall not serve aught but Him; this is the right religion but most people do not know:

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Asad’s comments : - 42 Lit., "names which you have named" - i.e., "figments of your own imagination".

43 Cf. the last sentence of 30:30.