Quran — Page 370

and as soon as the two hosts came in sight of one another, the followers of Moses exclaimed: “Behold, we shall certainly be overtaken [and defeated]!”

He replied: Nay indeed! My Sustainer is with me, [and] He will guide me!”

Thereupon We inspired Moses thus: Strike the sea with thy staff!”- whereupon it parted, and each part appeared like a mountain vast.

And We caused the pursuers to draw near unto that place:

and We saved Moses and all who were with him,

and then We caused the others to drown.

In this [story] behold, there is a message [unto all men], even though most of them will not believe [in it].

And yet, verily, thy Sustainer - He alone - is almighty, a dispenser of grace!

And convey unto them the story of Abraham –

[how it was] when he asked his father and his people, “What is it that you worship?”

They answered: We worship idols, and we remain ever devoted to them.”

Said he: “Do [you really think that] they hear you when you invoke them,

or benefit you or do you harm?”

They exclaimed: But we found our fore­fathers doing the same!”

Said [Abraham]: “Have you, then, ever con­sidered what it is that you have been worshipping

you and those ancient forebears of yours?

“Now [as for me, I know that,] verily, these [false deities] are my enemies, [and that none is my helper] save the Sustainer of all the worlds,

who has created me and is the One who guides me,

and is the One who gives me to eat and to drink,

and when I fall ill, is the One who restores me to health,

and who will cause me to die and then will bring me back to life –

and who, [hope, will forgive me my faults on Judgment Day!

“O my Sustainer! Endow me with the ability to judge [between right and wrong], and make me one with the righteous,