Quran — Page 443

And [it ought to be] a sign for them that We bear their offspring [over the seas] in laden ships,

and [that] We create for them things of a similar kind, on which they may embark [in their travels];

and [that,] if such be Our will, We may cause them to drown, with none to respond to their cry for help: and [then] they cannot be saved,

unless it be by an act of mercy from Us and a grant of life for a [further span of] time.

And [yet,] when they are told, “Beware of [God’s insight into] all that lies open before you and all that is hidden from you, so that you might be graced with His mercy,” [most men choose to remain deaf;]

and no message of their Sustainer s messages ever reaches them without their turning away from it.

Thus, when they are told, “Spend on others out of what God has provided for you as sus­tenance,” those who are bent on denying the truth say unto those who believe, “Shall we feed anyone whom, if [your] God had so willed, He could have fed [Himself]? Clearly, you are but lost in error!”

And they add, “When is this promise [of resurrection] to be fulfilled? [Answer this] if you are men of truth!”

[And they are unaware that] nothing awaits them beyond a single blast [of God’s punishment], which will overtake them while they are still arguing - [against resurrection]:

and so [sudden will be their end that] no testament will they be able to make, - nor to their own people will they return!

And [then] the trumpet [of resurrection] will be blown - and lo! out of their graves towards their Sustainer will they all rush forth!

They will say: “Oh, woe unto us! Who has roused us from our sleep [of death]?” [Whereupon they will be told:] “This is what the Most Gracious has promised! And His message-bearers spoke the truth!”

Nothing will there have been but one single blast - and lo! before Us will all of them be arraigned [and be told]:

“Today, then, no human being shall be wronged in the least, nor shalt you be requited for aught but what you were doing [on earth].