Quran — Page 536

and then, verily, O you who have gone astray and called the truth a lie,

you will indeed have to taste of the tree of deadly fruit,

and will have to fill your bellies therewith,

and will thereupon have to drink [many a draught] of burning despair -

drink it as the most insatiably thirsty camels drink!”

Such will be their welcome on Judgment Day!

WE who have created you, [O men:] why, then, do you not accept the truth?

Have you ever considered that [seed] which you emit?

Is it you who create it - or are We the source of its creation?

We have [indeed] decreed that death shall be [ever-present] among you: but there is nothing to prevent Us

from changing the nature of your existence and bringing you into being [anew] in a manner [as yet] unknown to you.

And [since] you are indeed aware of the [miracle of your] coming into being in the first instance - why, then, do you not bethink yourselves [of Us]?

Have you ever considered the seed which you cast upon the soil?

Is it you who cause it to grow - or are We the cause of its growth?

[For,] were it Our will, We could indeed turn it into chaff, and you would be left to wonder [and to lament],

“Verily, we are ruined!

Nay, but we have been deprived [of our livelihood]!”

Have you ever considered the water which you drink?

Is it you who cause it to come down from the clouds - or are We the cause of its coming down?

[It comes down sweet - but] were it Our will, We could make it burningly salty and bitter: why, then, do you not give thanks [unto Us]?

Have you ever considered the fire which you kindle?

Is it you who have brought into being the tree that serves as its fuel - or are We the cause of its coming into being?

It is We who have made it a means to remind [you of Us], and a comfort for all who are lost and hungry in the wilderness [of their lives].

Extol, then, the limitless glory of thy Sus­tainer’s mighty name!

NAY, I call to witness the coming-down in parts [of this Qur’an]

and, behold, this is indeed a most solemn affirmation, if you but knew it!