Quran — Page 448

who was wont to ask [me], ‘Why - art thou really one of those who believe it to be true

[that] after we have died and become mere dust and bones we shall, forsooth, be brought to judgment?”’

[And] he adds: “Would you like to look [and see him]?” –

and then he looks and sees that [companion of his] in the midst of the blazing fire,

and says: “By God! Verily, thou hast almost destroyed me [too, O my erstwhile companion]

for had it not been for my Sustainer’s favour, I would surely be [now] among those who are given over [to suffering]!

But then, [O my friends in paradise,] is it [really] so that we are not to die

[again,] beyond our previous death, and that we shall never [again] be made to suffer?

Verily, this - this indeed - is the triumph supreme!”

For the like of this, then, let them labour, those who labour [in God’s way]!

Is such [a paradise] the better welcome - or the [hellish] tree of deadly fruit?

Verily, We have caused it to be a trial for evildoers:

for, behold, it is a tree that grows in the very heart of the blazing fire [of hell],

its fruit [as repulsive] as satans’ heads;

and they [who are lost in evil] are indeed bound to eat thereof, and to fill their bellies therewith.

And, behold, above all this they will be confounded with burning des­pair!

And once again: Verily, the blazing fire is their ultimate goal –

for, behold, they found their forebears on a wrong way,

and [now] they make haste to follow in their footsteps!

Thus, indeed, most of the people of old went astray before them,

although, verily, We had sent warners unto them:

and behold what happened in the end to those that had been warned [to no avail]!

EXCEPT for God’s true servants, [most people are apt to go astray.]

And, indeed, [it was for this reason that] Noah cried unto Us - and how excellent was Our response:

for We saved him and his household from that awesome calamity,