Rowwad Translation Center — 565

68:17 Indeed, We have tested them [i.e., the Makkans] as We tested the people of the garden when they swore to harvest its fruits in the early morning,

68:18 and made no exception [by saying: if Allah wills][1].

68:19 Then it was struck by an affliction from your Lord while they were asleep,

68:20 and it turned to ashes [as black as night].

68:21 Then in the early morning they called out to one another:

68:22 “Go early to your garden if you really wish to harvest.”

68:23 So they set out, whispering to one another,

68:24 “Not a single poor person should enter your garden today.”

68:25 And they left early, fully determined to stick to their plan[1].

68:26 But when they saw the garden, they said, “We must have lost our way!

68:27 Rather, we have been deprived.”

68:28 The best among them said, “Did I not tell you to glorify Allah[1]?”

68:29 They said, “Glory be to our Lord! We were truly wrongdoers.”

68:30 Then they turned to one another, throwing blame.

68:31 They said, “Woe to us! We were surely transgressors.

68:32 Our Lord may give us something better than this. We certainly turn to our Lord in hope[1].”

68:33 Such is the punishment [in this world]; but the punishment of the Hereafter is far worse, if only they knew.

68:34 Indeed, the righteous will have gardens of bliss with their Lord.

68:35 Should We then treat Muslims like the wicked?

68:36 What is the matter with you that you make such a judgment?

68:37 Or do you have a scripture in which you read

68:38 that you will be given whatever you choose?

68:39 Or do you have a solemn promise binding upon Us until the Day of Resurrection, that you will have whatever you decide for yourselves?

68:40 Ask them which of them can guarantee that.

68:41 Or do they have associate-gods? Then let them bring forth their associate-gods[1], if they are truthful.

68:42 On the Day when the Shin [of Allah] will be uncovered[1], and they are invited to prostrate, but they will not be able to do so.