النَّمْل

These are verses of the Qur´an,-a book that makes (things) clear;

A guide: and glad tidings for the believers,-

Those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity, and also have (full) assurance of the hereafter.

As to those who believe not in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds pleasing in their eyes; and so they wander about in distraction.

Such are they for whom a grievous Penalty is (waiting); and in the Hereafter theirs will be the greatest loss.

As to thee, the Qur´an is bestowed upon thee from the presence of one who is wise and all-knowing.

Behold! Moses said to his family: "I perceive a fire; soon will I bring you from there some information, or I will bring you a burning brand to light our fuel, that ye may warm yourselves.

But when he came to the (fire), a voice was heard: "Blessed are those in the fire and those around: and glory to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

"O Moses! verily, I am Allah, the exalted in might, the wise!....

"Now do thou throw thy rod!" But when he saw it moving (of its own accord)as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: "O Moses!" (it was said), "Fear not: truly, in My presence, those called as messengers have no fear,-

"But if any have done wrong and have thereafter substituted good to take the place of evil, truly, I am Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

"Now put thy hand into thy bosom, and it will come forth white without stain (or harm): (these are) among the nine Signs (thou wilt take) to Pharaoh and his people: for they are a people rebellious in transgression."

But when Our Signs came to them, that should have opened their eyes, they said: "This is sorcery manifest!"

And they rejected those Signs in iniquity and arrogance, though their souls were convinced thereof: so see what was the end of those who acted corruptly!

We gave (in the past) knowledge to David and Solomon: And they both said: "Praise be to Allah, Who has favoured us above many of his servants who believe!"

And Solomon was David´s heir. He said: "O ye people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah.)"

And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts,- of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.

At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it."

So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants."

And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?