بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Transcription
Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Edip-Layth
In the name of God, the Gracious, the Compassionate.
The Monotheist Group
In the name of God, the Almighty, the Merciful.
Muhammad Asad
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace:
Rashad Khalifa
In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. ,
Shabbir Ahmed
All praise is due to God, the Lord/Cherisher/Sustainer of the Universe and everything therein.
Çeviriyazı
Bismillâhir rahmânir rahîm.
Edip Yüksel
Rahman, Rahim Allah'ın ismiyle
Yaşar Nuri Öztürk
Rahman ve Rahim Allah'ın adıyla...
Muhammed Esed
RAHMÂN, RAHÎM ALLAH ADINA
Ali Bulaç
Rahman ve Rahim olan Allah'ın adıyla

34:1 الحمد لله الذى له ما فى السموت وما فى الارض وله الحمد فى الءاخرة وهو الحكيم الخبير

Transcription (English)
34:1 Alhamdu lillahi allatheelahu ma fee alssamawati wamafee al-ardi walahu alhamdu fee al-akhiratiwahuwa alhakeemu alkhabeeru
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:1 Praise be to God, to whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth; and to Him is the praise in the Hereafter. He is the Wise, the Ever-aware.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:1 Praise be to God, to whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth; and to Him is the praise in the Hereafter. He is the Wise, the Expert.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:1 ALL PRAISE is due to God, to whom all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth belongs; and to Him will be due all praise in the life to come. For He alone is truly wise, all-aware:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:1 Praise be to GOD - to whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth; all praise is also due to Him in the Hereafter. He is the Most Wise, the Cognizant.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:1 All praise is due to God to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. The entire Universe manifests His praise in its design, action, discipline and splendor. And for Him is the praise in the Hereafter, and He is Wise, Aware.1

Note 1


This is the 34th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 54 verses. Queen Bilqees of the kingdom of Sheba had a strong and prosperous Empire but they worshiped the sun along with smaller deities, therefore, their social system was not without inequities. They also liked to invade other lands. King Solomon, the Prophet, subdued the hostility of her Kingdom without a fight and she saw the Divine truth. That was around 950 BC. Sheba is the name of the Kingdom that once prospered in today’s Yemen, Somalia and Ethiopia. This impoverished region of today was the wealthiest kingdom at its zenith, which was the time of Queen Bilqees of Sheba. For a little more account of their history, please see Surah 27, An-Naml. After Bilqees, the kingdom of Sheba lasted, with ups and downs, until 115 BC when they were over-run by a Southern warrior people, Bihair. This Surah mentions the history of this kingdom shortly before their annihilation in 115 BC. As usual the Surah touches upon diverse concepts. The Qur’an being a Book of guidance refers to history only enough to provide us with lessons.



It is worth noting that the Qur’an describes especially the stories of David, Solomon and Sheba in allegorical terms since the Arab poetry and folklore spoke of them as such and the allegorical expression of the Qur’an instantly struck a chord with the initial addressees.



With the Glorious Name of God, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness



34:2 يعلم ما يلج فى الارض وما يخرج منها وما ينزل من السماء وما يعرج فيها وهو الرحيم الغفور

Transcription (English)
34:2 YaAAlamu ma yaliju fee al-ardiwama yakhruju minha wama yanzilu mina alssama-iwama yaAAruju feeha wahuwa alrraheemualghafooru
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:2 He knows what goes into the earth, and what comes out of it, and what comes down from the sky, and what climbs into it. He is the Compassionate, Forgiver.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:2 He knows what goes into the earth, and what comes out of it, and what comes down from the heaven, and what ascends into it. He is the Merciful, Forgiver.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:2 He knows all that enters the earth, and all that comes out of it, as well as all that descends from the skies, and all that ascends to them.1 And He alone is a dispenser of grace, truly-forgiving.

Note 1
This definition comprises things physical and spiritual: waters disappearing underground and reappearing; the metamorphosis of seed into plant, and of decaying plant into oil and coal; traces of old artifacts and entire civilizations buried in the earth and then reappearing within the sight and consciousness of later generations of men; the transformation of dead bodies of animals and men into elements of nourishment for new life; the ascent of earthy vapours towards the skies, and their descent as rain, snow or hail; the ascent towards the heavens of men's longings, hopes and ambitions, and the descent of divine inspiration into the minds of men, and thus a revival of faith and thought and, with it, the growth of new artifacts, new skills and new hopes: in short, the endless recurrence of birth, death and re-birth which characterizes all of God's creation.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:2 He knows everything that goes into the earth, and everything that comes out of it, and everything that comes down from the sky, and everything that climbs into it. He is the Most Merciful, the Forgiving.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:2 He knows all that enters the earth, and all that comes out of it, and what descends from the high atmosphere and what ascends to it. And He is Merciful, Forgiving.2

Note 2
He nourishes the entire Cosmos and absolves imperfections

34:3 وقال الذين كفروا لا تاتينا الساعة قل بلى وربى لتاتينكم علم الغيب لا يعزب عنه مثقال ذرة فى السموت ولا فى الارض ولا اصغر من ذلك ولا اكبر الا فى كتب مبين

Transcription (English)
34:3 Waqala allatheena kafaroo lata/teena alssaAAatu qul bala warabbeelata/tiyannakum AAalimi alghaybi la yaAAzubu AAanhumithqalu tharratin fee alssamawatiwala fee al-ardi wala asgharu min thalikawala akbaru illa fee kitabin mubeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:3 Those who rejected said, "the moment will not come upon us!" Say, "Yes, by my Lord, it will come to you." He is the Knower of the unseen, not even an atom's weight or less than that or greater can be hidden from Him, be it in the heavens or the earth. All are in a clear record.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:3 And those who rejected said: "The Hour will not come to us!" Say: "Yes, by my Lord, it will come to you." He is the Knower of the unseen; not even the weight of an atom or less than that or greater can be hidden from Him, be it in the heavens or the earth. All are in a clear record.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:3 And yet, they who are bent on denying the truth assert, “Never will the Last Hour come upon us!"2 Say: “Nay, by my Sustainer! By Him who knows all that is beyond the reach of a created being's perception: it will most certainly come upon you!" Not an atom's weight [of whatever there is] in the heavens or on earth escapes His knowledge; and neither is there anything smaller than that, or larger, but is recorded in [His] clear decree,

Note 2
This assertion of the godless has a twofold meaning: (1) "The universe is without beginning and without end: it can only change, but can never cease to exist" - which amounts to a denial of the fact that God alone is eternal; and (2) "There is no resurrection and divine judgment as symbolized by the Last Hour" - which amounts to a denial of life after death and, hence, of all significance and purpose attaching to human life as such.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:3 Those who disbelieve have said, "The Hour will never come to pass!" Say, "Absolutely - by my Lord - it will most certainly come to you. He is the Knower of the future. Not even the equivalent of an atom's weight is hidden from Him, be it in the heavens or the earth. Not even smaller than that, or larger (is hidden). All are in a profound record.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:3 And yet the disbelievers say, “Never will the Hour come upon us.” Say, "Nay, by my Lord, it is coming to you. By the Knower of the Unseen, it will most certainly come upon you. (The Great Revolution in this world and the Hour of Resurrection are bound to come.) Not an atom's weight in the heavens and the earth, escapes His knowledge, nor is hidden anything smaller or larger, but it is recorded in a clear Database.

34:4 ليجزى الذين ءامنوا وعملوا الصلحت اولئك لهم مغفرة ورزق كريم

Transcription (English)
34:4 Liyajziya allatheena amanoowaAAamiloo alssalihati ola-ika lahummaghfiratun warizqun kareemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:4 That He may reward those who acknowledge and promote reforms. To them will be forgiveness and a generous provision.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:4 That He may reward those who believe and do good works. To them will be a forgiveness and a generous provision.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:4 to the end that He may reward those who believe and do right­eous deeds: [for] it is they whom forgiveness of sins awaits, and a most excellent sustenance3

Note 3
See note 5 on 8:4.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:4 Most certainly, He will reward those who believe and lead a righteous life. These have deserved forgiveness and a generous provision.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:4 That He may reward those who attain belief and do righteous deeds that augment the society and thus grow their own ‘self’. They, they are the ones for whom is the protection of forgiveness and honorable provision.”

34:5 والذين سعو فى ءايتنا معجزين اولئك لهم عذاب من رجز اليم

Transcription (English)
34:5 Waallatheena saAAaw fee ayatinamuAAajizeena ola-ika lahum AAathabun minrijzin aleemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:5 As for those who sought against Our signs to frustrate them, they will have retribution of painful affliction.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:5 As for those who sought against Our revelations to frustrate them, they will have a retribution of painful affliction.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:5 whereas for those who strive against Our messages, seeking to defeat their purpose, there is grievous suffering in store as an outcome of [their] vileness.4

Note 4
The particle mim (lit., "out of") which precedes the noun rijz ("vileness" or "vile conduct") indicates that the suffering which awaits such sinners in the life to come is an organic consequence of their deliberately evil conduct in this world.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:5 As for those who constantly challenge our revelations, they have incurred a retribution of painful humiliation.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:5 Whereas those who strive against Our revelations trying to defeat their purpose, theirs will be a suffering of an incapacitating doom.3

Note 3
Rijz= Incapacity

34:6 ويرى الذين اوتوا العلم الذى انزل اليك من ربك هو الحق ويهدى الى صرط العزيز الحميد

Transcription (English)
34:6 Wayara allatheena ootooalAAilma allathee onzila ilayka min rabbika huwa alhaqqawayahdee ila sirati alAAazeezi alhameedi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:6 Those that have been given knowledge will see that what has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the Noble, the Praiseworthy.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:6 And those that have been given knowledge will see that what has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the Noble, the Praiseworthy.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:6 NOW THEY who are endowed with [innate] knowl­edge are well aware that whatever has been be­stowed upon thee from on high by thy Sustainer is indeed the truth, and that it guides onto the way that leads to the Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:6 It is evident to those who are blessed with knowledge that this revelation from your Lord to you is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the Almighty, the Most Praiseworthy.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:6 Those who make use of the (perceptual and conceptual) knowledge that they have been given, see that the revelation to you (O Prophet) from your Lord, is the truth. And that it leads to the path of the Almighty, the Owner of praise.

34:7 وقال الذين كفروا هل ندلكم على رجل ينبئكم اذا مزقتم كل ممزق انكم لفى خلق جديد

Transcription (English)
34:7 Waqala allatheena kafaroo halnadullukum AAala rajulin yunabbi-okum ithamuzziqtum kulla mumazzaqin innakum lafee khalqin jadeedin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:7 Those who rejected said, "Shall we lead you to a man who will tell you that after you are dismembered you will be created anew?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:7 And those who rejected said: "Shall we lead you to a man who will tell you that after you are dismembered you will be created anew?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:7 As against this, they who are bent on denying the truth say [unto all who are of like mind]: “Shall we point out to you a man who will tell you that [after your death,] when you will have been scattered in countless fragments, you shall - lo and behold! - be [restored to life] in a new act of creation?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:7 Those who disbelieve have said, "Let us show you a man who tells you that after you are torn apart you will be created anew.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:7 But those who are bent upon denying the truth, say, "May we show you a man who says that after you are dispersed in dust completely, you will be created anew?”

34:8 افترى على الله كذبا ام به جنة بل الذين لا يؤمنون بالءاخرة فى العذاب والضلل البعيد

Transcription (English)
34:8 Aftara AAala Allahi kathibanam bihi jinnatun bali allatheena la yu/minoona bial-akhiratifee alAAathabi waalddalali albaAAeedi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:8 "Has he invented a lie against God, or is there madness in him?" Indeed, those who do not acknowledge the Hereafter will be in retribution and far straying.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:8 "Has he invented a lie against God, or is there a madness in him?" Indeed, those who do not believe in the Hereafter will be in a retribution and are far straying.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:8 Does he [knowingly] attribute his own lying inventions to God - or is he a madman?" Nay, [there is no madness in this Prophet -] but they who will not believe in the life to come are [bound to lose themselves] in suffering and in a profound aberration.5

Note 5
Lit., "remote aberration". (For the Quranic use of the term dalal - lit., "error" or "going astray" - in the sense of "aberration", see 12:8 and 12:95.) The construction of this phrase points definitely to suffering in this world (in contrast with the suffering in the hereafter spoken of in verse 5 above): for whereas the concept of "aberration" is meaningless in the context of the life to come, it has an obvious meaning in the context of the moral and social confusion - and, hence, of the individual and social suffering - which is the unavoidable consequence of people's loss of belief in the existence of absolute moral values and, thus, in an ultimate divine judgment on the basis of those values.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:8 "Either he fabricated lies about GOD, or he is crazy." Indeed, those who disbelieve in the Hereafter have incurred the worst retribution; they have gone far astray.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:8 “Has he invented a lie against God or is he a madman?" Nay, but those who disbelieve in the life to come are wandering in the wilderness of thought and in a profound error.

34:9 افلم يروا الى ما بين ايديهم وما خلفهم من السماء والارض ان نشا نخسف بهم الارض او نسقط عليهم كسفا من السماء ان فى ذلك لءاية لكل عبد منيب

Transcription (English)
34:9 Afalam yaraw ila ma baynaaydeehim wama khalfahum mina alssama-i waal-ardiin nasha/ nakhsif bihimu al-arda aw nusqitAAalayhim kisafan mina alssama-i inna fee thalikalaayatan likulli AAabdin muneebin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:9 Have they not seen all that is before them and behind them, in the heaven and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them, or cause pieces of the sky to fall on them. In this is a sign for every obedient servant.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:9 Have they not seen all that is before them and behind them, in the heaven and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them, or cause pieces of the heaven to fall on them. In this is a sign for every obedient servant.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:9 Are they, then, not aware of how little of the sky and the earth lies open before them, and how much is hidden from them?6 [or that,] if We so willed, We could cause the earth to swallow them,7 or cause fragments of the sky to fall down upon them?8 In all this, behold, there is a message indeed for every servant [of God] who is wont to turn unto Him [in repentance].9

Note 6
Lit., "... not aware of what of the sky and the earth is between their hands, and what is behind them": an idiomatic phrase explained in surah 2 note 247. In the present context - as well as in 2:255 - the above phrase stresses the insignificance of the knowledge attained to by man, or accessible to him; hence, so the argument goes, how can anyone be so presumptuous as to deny the reality of resurrection and life after death, seeing that it is a phenomenon beyond man's experience, while, on the other hand, everything within the universe points to God's unlimited creative power?

Note 7
I.e., in an earthquake.

Note 8
This allusion to unpredictable geological and cosmic occurrences - earthquakes, the fall of meteors and meteorites, cosmic rays, and so forth - reinforces the statement about "how little of the sky and the earth lies open before them, and how much is hidden from them", and contrasts man's insignificance with God's omniscience and almightiness.

Note 9
See last sentence of 24:31 and the corresponding note 41.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:9 Have they not seen all the things in front of them and behind them, in the heaven and the earth? If we willed, we could have caused the earth to swallow them, or caused masses to fall on them from the sky. This should be a sufficient proof for every obedient servant.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:9 Have they not observed the heaven and the earth however little lies open before them, and however much is hidden from them? If We so willed, We could have caused the earth to swallow them, or caused masses from the sky fall down upon them. Therein, is a sign for every servant who turns to his Lord.

34:10 ولقد ءاتينا داود منا فضلا يجبال اوبى معه والطير والنا له الحديد

Transcription (English)
34:10 Walaqad atayna dawoodaminna fadlan ya jibalu awwibeemaAAahu waalttayra waalanna lahu alhadeeda
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
David and Solomon34:10 We granted David blessings from Us: "O mountains, glorify with him, as well as the birds." We softened the iron for him.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:10 And We granted David blessings from Us: "O mountains, echo with him, and the birds." And We softened the iron for him.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:10 AND [thus], indeed, did We grace David with Our favour:10 “O you mountains! Sing with him the praise of God! And [likewise] you birds!"11 And We softened all sharpness in him,12

Note 10
Lit., "did We bestow upon David a favour from Ourselves". This connects with the elliptic reference to repentance in the preceding verse: David is singled out for special mention in view of the allusion, in surah 38, to his having suddenly become aware that he had committed a sin, whereupon "he asked his Sustainer to forgive him his sin… and turned unto Him in repentance" (38:24).

Note 11
Cf. 21:79 and the corresponding note 73.

Note 12
Lit., "for him". The term hadid denotes, primarily, something that is "sharp" in both the concrete and abstract senses of the word: for the latter sense, cf. the Quranic phrase "sharp (hadid) is thy sight today" (50:22), or the many idiomatic expressions like rajul hadid, "a man of sharp intellect", hadid an-nazar, "one who looks boldly [at others]", ra'ihah hadidah, "a sharp odour", etc. (Lisan al-Arab). As a noun with a definite article (al -hadid), it signifies "all that is sharp", or "sharpness", as well as "iron". God's having "softened all sharpness" in David is evidently an allusion to his exalted sense of beauty (expressed in the poetry of his Psalms) as well as to his goodness and humility. An alternative rendering of the above phrase would be: "We caused iron to become soft for him", which might be an allusion to his outstanding abilities as poet, warrior and ruler.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
David and Solomon34:10 We endowed David with blessings from us: "O mountains, submit with him, and you too, O birds." We softened the iron for him.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:10 We bestowed upon David bounties from Us, and commanded thus, “O Tribes of the Mountains! Join him in establishing My glory on earth." And so were commanded the fierce riders of the Tayir Tribe. And We made the iron soft for him.4

Note 4
David mastered iron technology. 21:79, 27:15

34:11 ان اعمل سبغت وقدر فى السرد واعملوا صلحا انى بما تعملون بصير

Transcription (English)
34:11 Ani iAAmal sabighatin waqaddirfee alssardi waiAAmaloo salihan inneebima taAAmaloona baseerun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:11 That you may make Armour coats that fit perfectly, and work righteousness. For I am Seer of what you do.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:11 That you may make armor coats that fit perfectly, and work righteousness. For I am Seer of what you do.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:11 [and inspired him thus:] “Do good deeds lavishly, without stint, and give deep thought to their steady flow."13 And [thus should you all, O believers,] do righteous deeds: for, verily, I see all that you do!

Note 13
The adjective sabigh (fem. sabighah) signifies anything that is "ample", "abundant" and "complete" (in the sense of being perfect). In its plural form sabighat it assumes the function of the noun which it is meant to qualify, and denotes, literally, "things [or "deeds"] ample and complete" or "perfect" - i.e., good deeds done abundantly and without stint: cf. the only other Quranic instance of the same stem in 31:20 - "[God] has lavished (asbagha) upon you His blessings". The noun sard, on the other hand, denotes something "carried on consecutively", or something the parts (or stages) whereof are "following one another steadily". i.e., are continued or repeated.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:11 "You may make shields that fit perfectly, and work righteousness. Whatever you do, I am Seer thereof.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:11 (And We said to him), “Set up means for making coats of armor, and design a strong defense (with infantry and cavalry) linked in command. And (O People of David) you all shall use this power to serve humanity. Surely, I am Seer of whatever you do.”

34:12 ولسليمن الريح غدوها شهر ورواحها شهر واسلنا له عين القطر ومن الجن من يعمل بين يديه باذن ربه ومن يزغ منهم عن امرنا نذقه من عذاب السعير

Transcription (English)
34:12 Walisulaymana alrreehaghuduwwuha shahrun warawahuha shahrunwaasalna lahu AAayna alqitri wamina aljinni manyaAAmalu bayna yadayhi bi-ithni rabbihi waman yazighminhum AAan amrina nuthiqhu min AAathabi alssaAAeeri
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Transportation and Petroleum34:12 For Solomon the wind was given, traveling one month coming and one month going, and We caused a spring of petroleum to flow for him. From among the Jinn are those that worked for him by his Lord's leave; and any one of them who turns from Our commands, We shall cause him to taste the retribution of the fire.1

Note 1

Accepting the average speed of that day to be 6 km/h, then Solomon was reaching 360 km/h.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:12 And for Solomon the wind was given, traveling one month coming and one month going, and We caused a spring of tar to flow for him. And from among the Jinn are those that worked for him with the permission of his Lord; and any one of them who turns from Our commands, We shall cause him to taste the retribution of the Fire.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:12 AND UNTO Solomon [We made subservient] the wind: its morning course [covered the distance of] a month's journey, and its evening course, a month's journey.14 And We caused a fountain of molten copper to flow at his behest;15 and [even] among the invisible beings there were some that had [been constrained] to labour for him by his Sustainer's leave16 and whichever of them deviated from Our command, him would We let taste suffering through a blazing flame -:

Note 14
Cf. 21:81 and the corresponding note 75. For a more general explanation of the legends connected with the person of Solomon, see note 77 on 21:82.

Note 15
Lit., "for him": probably a reference to the many furnishings of copper and brass which, according to the Bible (cf. II Chronicles iv), Solomon caused to be made for his newly-built temple.

Note 16
Lit., "between his hands", i.e., subject to his will: see 21:82 and the corresponding notes 76 and 77. For my rendering of jinn as "invisible beings", see Appendix III.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The First Oil Field34:12 To Solomon we committed the wind at his disposal, traveling one month coming and one month going. And we caused a spring of oil to gush out for him. Also, the jinns worked for him, by his Lord's leave. Any one of them who disregarded our commands, we subjected him to a severe retribution.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:12 And to Solomon, We committed the wind at his disposal. (He mastered the science of sailing and his ships sailed much faster than the others.) They sailed one month going and one month coming back. And We gave him abundance in mining of copper and minerals and subdued for him the wild tribes who worked for him by his Lord’s leave. (Solomon established the Divine System such that) whoever turned aside from Our command, We made him taste a severe punishment. [21:82, 38:37]

34:13 يعملون له ما يشاء من محريب وتمثيل وجفان كالجواب وقدور راسيت اعملوا ءال داود شكرا وقليل من عبادى الشكور

Transcription (English)
34:13 YaAAmaloona lahu ma yashao minmahareeba watamatheela wajifanin kaaljawabiwaqudoorin rasiyatin iAAmaloo ala dawoodashukran waqaleelun min AAibadiya alshshakooru
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:13 They made for him what he desired of enclosures, and statues, and pools of deep reservoirs, and heavy pots. "O family of David, work to show thanks." Only a few of My servants are appreciative.2

Note 2

Solomon, besides being a leader, was also an art enthusiast. It is ironic to see that those who worship the black stone in Mecca, or turn the tombs of dead people into shrines, or hope for the intercession of the dead prophets and saints, those who commit polytheism in a myriad of ways, have such an opposition to statues made for artistic purposes.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:13 They made for him what he desired of enclosures, and images and pools of deep reservoirs, and heavy pots. "O family of David, work to give thanks." Only a few of My servants are thankful.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:13 they made for him whatever he wished of sanctuaries, and statues, and basins as [large as] great watering - troughs, and cauldrons firmly anchored.17 [And We said:] “Labour, O David's people, in gratitude [towards Me]18 and [remember that] few are the truly grateful [even] among My servants!"19

Note 17
I.e., because of their enormous size. Cf. II Chronicles iii, 10-13, where statues ("images") of cherubim are mentioned, as well as iv, 2-5, describing "a molten sea" (i.e., basin) of huge dimensions, resting upon twelve statues of oxen, and meant to contain water "for the priests to wash in" (ibid., iv, 6). The "sanctuaries" were apparently the various halls of the new temple.

Note 18
These words, ostensibly addressed to "the people" or "the family" of David, are in reality an admonition to all believers, at all times, since all of them are, spiritually, "David's people".

Note 19
I.e., even among those who consider themselves God's servants - for "truly grateful [to God] is only he who realizes his inability to render adequate thanks to Him" (Zamakhshari).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:13 They made for him anything he wanted - niches, statues, deep pools, and heavy cooking pots. O family of David, work (righteousness) to show your appreciation. Only a few of My servants are appreciative.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:13 They worked for him as he desired: making beautiful arches, sculptures, paintings, music instruments and fixed boilers. We said, “Labor O Children of David, in gratitude for what you have been given. Few of My servants are truly grateful in practice.”5

Note 5
Please note a Prophet of God decorating his kingdom with arches, sculptures, paintings and joyous music. ‘Jif’ = A string instrument with drum = Musicale = A boiler fixed in the ground. Muslim orthodoxy, unfortunately, declares all this as Forbidden. 17:101, 27:12

34:14 فلما قضينا عليه الموت ما دلهم على موته الا دابة الارض تاكل منساته فلما خر تبينت الجن ان لو كانوا يعلمون الغيب ما لبثوا فى العذاب المهين

Transcription (English)
34:14 Falamma qadaynaAAalayhi almawta ma dallahum AAala mawtihi illadabbatu al-ardi ta/kulu minsaatahu falammakharra tabayyanati aljinnu an law kanoo yaAAlamoonaalghayba ma labithoo fee alAAathabi almuheeni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:14 Then, when We decreed death for him, nothing informed them of his death until a worm kept eating from his staff, so when he fell down, the Jinn realized that if they had known the unseen, they would not have remained in the humiliating retribution.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:14 Then, when We decreed death for him, nothing informed them of his death until a worm kept eating from his staff, so when he fell down, the Jinn realized that if they had known the unseen, they would not have remained in the humiliating retribution.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:14 Yet [even Solomon had to die; but] when We decreed that he should die, nothing showed them that he was dead except an earthworm that gnawed away his staff.20 And when he fell to the ground, those invisible beings [subservient to him] saw clearly that, had they but understood the reality which was be­yond the reach of their perception,21 they would not have continued [to toil] in the shameful suffering [of servitude]22

Note 20
This is yet another of the many Solomonic legends which had become an inalienable part of ancient Arabian tradition, and which the Qur'an uses as a vehicle for the allegorical illustration of some of its teachings. According to the legend alluded to above, Solomon died on his throne leaning forward on his staff, and for a length of time nobody became aware of his death: with the result that the jinn, who had been constrained to work for him, went on labouring at the heavy tasks assigned to them. Gradually, however, a termite ate away Solomon's staff, and his body, deprived of support, fell to the ground. This story - only hinted at in its outline - is apparently used here as an allegory of the insignificance and inherent brittleness of human life and of the perishable nature and emptiness of all worldly might and glory.

Note 21
Al-ghayb, "that which is beyond the reach of [a created being's] perception", either in an absolute or - as in this instance - in a relative, temporary sense.

Note 22
I.e., because they would have known that Solomon's sway over them had ended. In the elliptic manner so characteristic of the Qur'an, stress is laid here, firstly, on the limited nature of all empirical knowledge, including the result of deductions and inferences based on no more than observable or calculable phenomena, and, secondly, on the impossibility to determine correctly, on the basis of such limited fragments of knowledge alone, what course of action would be right in a given situation. Although the story as such relates to "invisible beings", its moral lesson (which may be summed up in the statement that empirical knowledge cannot provide any ethical guideline unless it is accompanied, and completed, by divine guidance) is obviously addressed to human beings as well.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Jinns' Knowledge is Limited34:14 When the appointed time for his death came, they had no clue that he had died. Not until one of the animals tried to eat his staff, and he fell down, did the jinns realized that he was dead. They thus realized that if they really knew the unseen, they would have stopped working so hard as soon as he died.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:14 When We decreed death for him, nothing showed his death to the wild tribes until a creature of the earth ate away the strength he had mustered. (The incompetent successor Rehoboam destroyed the kingdom.) When the power base fell, the wild tribes rebelled regretting that they should have done it sooner only if they knew that the new king was unjust and weak.6

Note 6
‘Daabba-tul-ardh’ = Creature of the earth was the highly incompetent Rehoboam, son of Solomon 38:34. Historically, ten of the Israelite Tribes also broke away from the kingdom at that point

34:15 لقد كان لسبا فى مسكنهم ءاية جنتان عن يمين وشمال كلوا من رزق ربكم واشكروا له بلدة طيبة ورب غفور

Transcription (English)
34:15 Laqad kana lisaba-in fee maskanihim ayatunjannatani AAan yameenin washimalin kuloo min rizqirabbikum waoshkuroo lahu baldatun tayyibatunwarabbun ghafoorun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
People of Sheba34:15 There was for Sheba a sign in their homeland, with two paradises, on the right and the left. "Eat from the provisions of your Lord, and be thankful to Him." A good land, and a forgiving Lord.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:15 There was for Sheba a sign in their homeland, with two gardens on the right and the left. "Eat from the provisions of your Lord, and be thankful to Him." A good land, and a forgiving Lord.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:15 INDEED, in [the luxuriant beauty of] their homeland, the people of Sheba had an evidence [of God's grace]23 two [vast expanses of] gardens, to the right and to the left, [calling out to them, as it were:] “Eat of what your Sustainer has provided for you, and render thanks unto Him: a land most goodly, and a Sustainer much-forgiving!"

Note 23
This connects with the call to gratitude towards God in the preceding passage, and the mention, at the end of verse 13, that "few are the truly grateful" even among those who think of themselves as "God's servants". (see note 19 above). The kingdom of Sheba (Saba in Arabic) was situated in south-western Arabia, and at the time of its greatest prosperity (i.e., in the first millennium B.C.) comprised not only the Yemen but also a large part of Hadramawt and the Mahrah country, and probably also much of present-day Abyssinia. In the vicinity of its capital Marib - the Sabaeans had built in the course of centuries an extraordinary system of dams, dykes and sluices, which became famous in history, with astonishing remnants extant to this day. It was to this great dam that the whole country of Sheba owed its outstanding prosperity, which became proverbial throughout Arabia. (According to the geographer Al-Ham­dani, who died in 334 H., the area irrigated by this system of dams stretched eastward to the desert of Sayhad on the confines of the Rub al-Khali). The flourishing state of the country was reflected in its people's intense trading activities and their control of the "spice road" which led from Ma'rib northwards to Mecca, Yathrib and Syria, and eastwards to Dufar on the shores of the Arabian Sea, thus connecting with the maritime routes from India and China. The period to which the above Quranic passage refers is evidently much later than that spoken of in 27:22.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:15 Sheba's homeland used to be a marvel, with two gardens on the right and the left. Eat from your Lord's provisions, and be appreciative of Him - good land, and a forgiving Lord.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:15 The People of Sheba had a homeland that was a marvel, with gardens everywhere on the right and the left (Yemen-Somalia-Abyssinia). “Enjoy what your Lord has provided for you, and render thanks to Him for a goodly land and a Lord Absolver of imperfections.”

34:16 فاعرضوا فارسلنا عليهم سيل العرم وبدلنهم بجنتيهم جنتين ذواتى اكل خمط واثل وشىء من سدر قليل

Transcription (English)
34:16 FaaAAradoo faarsalna AAalayhimsayla alAAarimi wabaddalnahum bijannatayhim jannatayni thawatayokulin khamtin waathlin washay-in min sidrin qaleelin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:16 But they turned away, so We sent them a destructive flash flood, and We substituted their two gardens into two gardens of rotten fruits, thorny plants, and a skimpy harvest.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:16 But they turned away, so We sent them a destructive flash flood, and We substituted their two gardens with two gardens of rotten fruits, thorny plants, and a skimpy harvest.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:16 But they turned away [from Us], and so We let loose upon them a flood that overwhelmed the dams,24 and changed their two [expanses of luxuriant] gardens into a couple of gardens yielding bitter fruit, and tamarisks, and some few [wild] lote-trees:

Note 24
Lit., "the flooding of the dams" (sayl al-arim). The date of that catastrophe cannot be established with any certainty, but the most probable period of the first bursting of the Dam of Ma'rib seems to have been the second century of the Christian era. The kingdom of Sheba was largely devastated, and this led to the migration of many southern (Qahtan) tribes towards the north of the Peninsula. Subsequently, it appears, the system of dams and dykes was to some extent repaired, but the country never regained its earlier prosperity; and a few decades before the advent of Islam the great dam collapsed completely and finally.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:16 They turned away and, consequently, we poured upon them a disastrous flood, and we substituted their two gardens into two gardens of bad tasting fruits, thorny plants, and a skimpy harvest.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:16 But they turned away from Permanent Moral Values and We sent on them the Flood of the Aarim released from water dams. And We turned their Gardens into ‘gardens’ producing wild bitter fruit, and a thorny Lote-tree here and there.7

Note 7
The ruins of the greatest of these dams Ma’aarib exist in Yemen indicating that it was at least two miles long and 120 ft. high

34:17 ذلك جزينهم بما كفروا وهل نجزى الا الكفور

Transcription (English)
34:17 Thalika jazaynahum bimakafaroo wahal nujazee illa alkafoora
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:17 We thus requited them for what they rejected. We do not requite except the ingrate.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:17 We thus requited them for what they rejected. And We do not requite except the rejecter.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:17 thus We requited them for their having denied the truth. But do We ever requite [thus] any but the utterly ingrate?25

Note 25
Neither the Qur'an nor any authentic hadith tells us anything definite about the way in which the people of Sheba had sinned at the time immediately preceding the final collapse of the Dam of Ma'rib (i.e.. in the sixth century of the Christian era). This omission, however, seems to be deliberate. In view of the fact that the story of Sheba's prosperity and subsequent catastrophic downfall had become a byword in ancient Arabia, it is most probable that its mention in the Qur'an has a purely moral purport similar to that of the immediately preceding legend of Solomon's death, inasmuch as both these legends, in their Quranic presentation, are allegories of the ephemeral nature of all human might and achievement. As mentioned at the beginning of note 23 above, the story of Sheba's downfall is closely linked with the phenomenon of men's recurrent ingratitude towards God. (See also verse 20 and corresponding note 29 .)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:17 We thus requited them for their disbelief. Do we not requite only the disbelievers?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:17 This was Our requital for their ingratitude. Do We ever punish anyone but the ungrateful?8

Note 8
Ingratitude = Refusing to share God’s bounties in equity. It appears that in the kingdom of Sheba people were divided into two classes, the very rich and the very poor

34:18 وجعلنا بينهم وبين القرى التى بركنا فيها قرى ظهرة وقدرنا فيها السير سيروا فيها ليالى واياما ءامنين

Transcription (English)
34:18 WajaAAalna baynahum wabayna alquraallatee barakna feeha quran thahiratanwaqaddarna feeha alssayra seeroo feehalayaliya waayyaman amineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:18 We placed between them and between the towns that We blessed, towns that were easy to see; and We measured the journey between them: "Travel in them by night and day in complete security."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:18 And We placed between them and between the towns that We blessed, towns that were easy to see; and We measured the journey between them: "Travel in them by night and day in complete security."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:18 Now [before their downfall,] We had placed between them and the cities which We had blessed26 [many] towns within sight of one another; and thus We had made traveling easy [for them, as if to say]: “Travel safely in this [land], by night or by day!"

Note 26
I.e., Mecca and Jerusalem, both of which lay on the caravan route much used by the people of Sheba.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:18 We placed between them and the communities that we blessed other oases, and we secured the journey between them: "Travel therein days and nights in complete security.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:18 And We had set, between them and the towns We had blessed (Syria-Palestine), many oases with townships within sight of one another, and thus We had made traveling easy, “Travel safely in this land by night or by day.”9

Note 9
Before the destruction of the Sheba Empire, there were beautiful oases and towns from Ethiopia-Somalia-Yemen to Syria-Palestine, and business flourished through the highways and international trade through land and sea. Journey had been made easy for them with secured rest areas day and night. On the highway from Yemen to Jerusalem they had built 700 luxurious rest areas for the busy caravan route. Their trade extended to India in the East, Egypt-Sudan in the West, Kenya-Uganda in the South and Syria-Palestine in the North

34:19 فقالوا ربنا بعد بين اسفارنا وظلموا انفسهم فجعلنهم احاديث ومزقنهم كل ممزق ان فى ذلك لءايت لكل صبار شكور

Transcription (English)
34:19 Faqaloo rabbana baAAidbayna asfarina wathalamoo anfusahumfajaAAalnahum ahadeetha wamazzaqnahum kullamumazzaqin inna fee thalika laayatin likullisabbarin shakoorin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:19 But they said, "Our Lord, make the measure between our journeys longer," and they wronged themselves. So We made them a thing of the past, and We scattered them into small groups. In this are signs for every person who is patient, thankful.3

Note 3

With the discovery of new water sources and the formation of new towns, competing markets emerged. It seems that the competition did not please Sheba's traders. Instead of adapting to the new conditions of demand and supply, trying to preserve the status quo might lead to loss and extinction.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:19 But they said: "Our Lord, make the measure between our journeys longer," and they wronged themselves. So We made them narrations and We tore them into pieces. In this are signs for every person who is patient, thankful.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:19 But now they would say, “Long has our Sus­tainer made the distance between our journey- stages!" - for they had sinned against themselves.27 And in the end We caused them to become [one of those] tales [of things long past], and scattered them in countless fragments.28 Herein, behold, there are messages indeed for all who are wholly patient in adversity and deeply grate­ful [to God].

Note 27
In its generally-accepted spelling - based on the reading adopted by most of the early scholars of Medina and Kufah - the above phrase reads in the vocative rabbana and the imperative ba'id ("Our Sustainer! Make long the distances…", etc.), which, however, cannot be convincingly explained. On the other hand, Tabari, Baghawi and Zamakhshari mention, on the authority of some of the earliest Qur'an-commentators, another legitimate reading of the relevant words, namely, rabbuna (in the nominative) and ba'ada (in the indicative), which gives the meaning adopted by me: "Long has our Sustainer made the distances…", etc. To my mind, this reading is much more appropriate since (as pointed out by Zamakhshari) it expresses the belated regrets and the sorrow of the people of Sheba at the devastation of their country, the exodus of large groups of the population, and the resultant abandonment of many towns and villages on the great caravan routes.

Note 28
An allusion to the mass-migration of South-Arabian tribes in all directions - particularly towards central and northern Arabia - subsequent to the destruction of the Dam of Ma'rib.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:19 But they (turned unappreciative and) challenged: "Our Lord, we do not care if You increase the distance of our journeys (without any stations)." They thus wronged their own souls. Consequently, we made them history, and scattered them into small communities throughout the land. This should provide lessons for those who are steadfast, appreciative.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:19 But now they would say, “Our Lord has made our journey-stages very distant.” They wronged people and thus harmed themselves. Consequently, We made them and their formidable empire, history, dispersing them in fragments (as diasporas). Herein are signs for individuals and communities who would patiently draw lessons from history and be grateful (for what they learn).10

Note 10
The population of Ma’aarib, the capital, and the whole of Yemen, the Center of their Empire, got dispersed as wandering tribes Northward in the Arabian Peninsula and Southward in Africa

34:20 ولقد صدق عليهم ابليس ظنه فاتبعوه الا فريقا من المؤمنين

Transcription (English)
34:20 Walaqad saddaqa AAalayhim ibleesu thannahufaittabaAAoohu illa fareeqan mina almu/mineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:20 Perverse has been successful in his suggestions to them, for they followed him, except for a group of those who acknowledge.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:20 And Satan has been successful in his suggestions to them, for they followed him, except for a group of the believers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:20 Now, indeed, Iblis did prove that his opinion of them had been right:29 for [when he called them,] they followed him - all but some of the believers [among them].

Note 29
See 17:62, as well as the last sentence of 7:17, in which Iblis (i.e., Satan) says of the human race, "most of them wilt Thou find ungrateful".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Satan Claims the Majority34:20 Satan found them readily fulfilling his expectations. They followed him, except a few believers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:20 Iblees found them meeting his expectations. All of them followed their selfish desires, barring a few who had remained believers in moral values. [7:17, 17:62]

34:21 وما كان له عليهم من سلطن الا لنعلم من يؤمن بالءاخرة ممن هو منها فى شك وربك على كل شىء حفيظ

Transcription (English)
34:21 Wama kana lahu AAalayhim minsultanin illa linaAAlama man yu/minu bial-akhiratimimman huwa minha fee shakkin warabbuka AAala kullishay-in hafeethun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:21 He did not have any authority over them except that We might know who acknowledged the Hereafter from those who are doubtful about it. Your Lord is Keeper over all things.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:21 And he did not have any authority over them except that We might distinguish those who believed in the Hereafter from those who are doubtful about it. And your Lord is Keeper over all things.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:21 And yet, he had no power at all over them:30 [for if We allow him to tempt man,] it is only to the end that We might make a clear distinction between those who [truly] believe in the life to come and those who are in doubt thereof:31 for thy Sustainer watches over all things.

Note 30
Cf. a similar phrase placed in the mouth of Iblis in 14:22 ("I had no power at all over you: I but called you - and you responded unto me"), and the corresponding note 31; also, see note 30 on 15:39. Although, on the face of it, verses 20-21 of the present surah refer to the people of Sheba, their import is (as the sequence shows) much wider, applying to the human race as such.

Note 31
See 15:41 and the corresponding note 31.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Objective: Do We Believe in the Hereafter?34:21 He never had any power over them. But we thus distinguish those who believe in the Hereafter from those who are doubtful about it. Your Lord is in full control of all things.1 ,

Note 1
The criteria that inform us whether or not we believe in the Hereafter are in6:113,17:45,&39:45.These three criteria bring out our true convictions, regardless of our oralstatements.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:21 And yet he (Iblees) had no power at all over them (15:38-41). But We thus distinguish between those who believe in the life to come and those who keep doubting it. Your Lord is Watcher over all things.11

Note 11
Those who deny the Hereafter and the Law of Requital easily succumb to desires

34:22 قل ادعوا الذين زعمتم من دون الله لا يملكون مثقال ذرة فى السموت ولا فى الارض وما لهم فيهما من شرك وما له منهم من ظهير

Transcription (English)
34:22 Quli odAAoo allatheena zaAAamtum mindooni Allahi la yamlikoona mithqala tharratinfee alssamawati wala fee al-ardiwama lahum feehima min shirkin wama lahuminhum min thaheerin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
On the Day of Judgment: Intercession is Denied34:22 Say, "Call on those whom you have claimed besides God. They do not possess even a single atom's weight in the heavens, or the earth. They possess no partnership therein, nor is there for Him any assistant among them."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:22 Say: "Call on those whom you have claimed besides God. They do not possess even the weight of an atom in the heavens, or the earth. They possess no partnership therein, nor is there for Him any assistant among them."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:22 SAY: “Call upon those [beings] whom you imagine [to be endowed with divine powers] beside God: they have not an atom's weight of power either in the heavens or on earth, nor have they any share in [governing] either, nor does He [choose to] have any helper from among them."32

Note 32
I.e., anybody who would "mediate" between Him and any of His creatures. As is evident from the sequence (as well as from 17:56), this passage relates, in particular, to the attribution of divine or semi-divine qualities to saints and angels and to the problem of their "intercession" with God.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:22 Say, "Implore the idols you have set up beside GOD. They do not possess as much as a single atom in the heavens, or the earth. They possess no partnership therein, nor does He permit them to be His assistants.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:22 Say, “Call upon those whom you imagine besides God! They do not have an atom’s weight of power either in the heavens or on the earth, nor have they any share in either, nor does He need any of them as a helper.”

34:23 ولا تنفع الشفعة عنده الا لمن اذن له حتى اذا فزع عن قلوبهم قالوا ماذا قال ربكم قالوا الحق وهو العلى الكبير

Transcription (English)
34:23 Wala tanfaAAu alshshafaAAatuAAindahu illa liman athina lahu hattaitha fuzziAAa AAan quloobihim qaloo matha qalarabbukum qaloo alhaqqa wahuwa alAAaliyyu alkabeeru
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:23 Nor will intercession be of any help with Him, except for whom He has already given leave. Until when the terror has subsided from their hearts, they ask: "What did your Lord say?" They will say, "The truth!" He is the Most High, the Great.4

Note 4

See 2:48.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:23 "Nor will intercession be of any help with Him, except for whom He has already given leave." Until when the fear has subsided from their hearts, they ask: "What did your Lord say?" They will say: "The truth!" And He is the Most High, the Great.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:23 And, before Him, intercession can be of no avail [to any] save one in whose case He may have granted leave [there for]:33 so much so that when the terror [of the Last Hour] is lifted from their hearts, they [who have been resurrected] will ask [one an­other], “What has your Sustainer decreed [for you]?" - [to which] the others will answer, “Whatever is true and deserved - for He alone is exalted, great!"34

Note 33
Regarding the Qur'anic concept of "intercrssion", See note 7 on 10:31. Cf. also 19:87 and 20:109.

Note 34
Lit., "the truth" - i.e., whatever God decides regarding His grant or refusal of leave for intercession (which is synonymous with His redemptive acceptance or His rejection of the human being concerned) will conform with the requirements of absolute truth and justice (see note 74 on 19:87).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
No Intercession34:23 Intercession with Him will be in vain, unless it coincides with His will. When their minds are finally settled down, and they ask, "What did your Lord say," they will say, "The truth." He is the Most High, the Most Great.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:23 No intercession is of any avail with Him except that one stands up as a witness of law in His Court. When their hearts are calmed down, they will ask, “What did your Lord decide?” The witnesses will say, “The decisive truth.” He is the Most High, Most Great.

34:24 قل من يرزقكم من السموت والارض قل الله وانا او اياكم لعلى هدى او فى ضلل مبين

Transcription (English)
34:24 Qul man yarzuqukum mina alssamawatiwaal-ardi quli Allahu wa-inna aw iyyakumlaAAala hudan aw fee dalalin mubeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:24 Say, "Who provides for you from the heavens and the earth?" Say, "God! Either we or you are guided, or are clearly astray."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:24 Say: "Who provides for you from the heavens and the earth?" Say: "God! And either we or you are guided, or are clearly astray."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:24 Say: “Who is it that provides for you sus­tenance out of the heavens and the earth?"35 Say: “It is God. And, behold, either we [who believe in Him] or you [who deny His oneness] are on the right path, or have clearly gone astray!"

Note 35
See note 49 on the first sentence of 10:31.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:24 Say, "Who provides for you, from the heavens and the earth?" Say, "GOD," and "Either we or you are guided, or have gone far astray.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:24 Say, “Who grants you provision from the heavens and earth?” Say, “God” and see for yourself who is rightly guided and who is in error, we or you?”12

Note 12
You wish to keep the God-given resources to yourselves and we insist on an equitable distribution

34:25 قل لا تسلون عما اجرمنا ولا نسل عما تعملون

Transcription (English)
34:25 Qul la tus-aloona AAammaajramna wala nus-alu AAamma taAAmaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:25 Say, "You will not be asked about our crimes, nor will we be asked for what you do."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:25 Say: "You will not be asked about our crimes, nor will we be asked for what you do."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:25 Say: “Neither shall you be called to account for whatever we may have become guilty of, nor shall we be called to account for whatever you are doing."
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:25 Say, "You are not responsible for our crimes, nor are we responsible for what you do.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:25 Say, “You will not be asked of our wrongs, nor will we be called to account for what you are doing.”

34:26 قل يجمع بيننا ربنا ثم يفتح بيننا بالحق وهو الفتاح العليم

Transcription (English)
34:26 Qul yajmaAAu baynana rabbunathumma yaftahu baynana bialhaqqiwahuwa alfattahu alAAaleemu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:26 Say, "Our Lord will gather us together then He will judge between us with truth. He is the Judge, the Knowledgeable."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:26 Say: "Our Lord will gather us together then He will judge between us with the truth. He is the Judge, the Knowledgeable."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:26 Say: “Our Sustainer will bring us all together [on Judgment Day], and then He will lay open the truth between us, in justice - for He alone is the One who opens all truth, the All-Knowing!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:26 Say, "Our Lord will gather us all together before Him, then He will judge between us equitably. He is the Judge, the Omniscient.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:26 Say, “Our Lord will bring us all together, then He will lay open the truth between us. Surely, He is the Exponent of truth, Knower.”

34:27 قل ارونى الذين الحقتم به شركاء كلا بل هو الله العزيز الحكيم

Transcription (English)
34:27 Qul arooniya allatheena alhaqtumbihi shurakaa kalla bal huwa AllahualAAazeezu alhakeemu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:27 Say, "Show me those whom you have set up as partners with Him! No; He is but God, the Noble, and the Wise."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:27 Say: "Show me those whom you have set up as partners with Him! No; He is but God, the Noble, the Wise."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:27 Say: “Point out to me those [beings] that you have joined with Him [in your minds] as partners [in His divinity]! Nay - nay, but He [alone] is God, the Almighty, the Wise!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:27 Say, "Show me the idols you have set up as partners with Him!" Say, "No; He is the one GOD, the Almighty, Most Wise.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:27 Say, “Point out to me those whom you associate with Him as partners. Nay, but He alone is God, the Almighty, the Wise."

34:28 وما ارسلنك الا كافة للناس بشيرا ونذيرا ولكن اكثر الناس لا يعلمون

Transcription (English)
34:28 Wama arsalnaka illa kaffatanlilnnasi basheeran wanatheeran walakinnaakthara alnnasi la yaAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:28 We have sent you to all people to be a bearer of good news, as well as a warner; but most people do not know.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:28 And We have sent you to all people to be a bearer of good news, and as a warner; but most of the people do not know.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:28 NOW [as for thee, O Muhammad,] We have not sent thee otherwise than to mankind at large, to be a herald of glad tidings and a warner; but most people do not understand [this],
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
God's Messenger of the Covenant34:28 We have sent you (O Rashad) to all the people, a bearer of good news, as well as a warner, but most people do not know.,2

Note 2
As detailed in Appendix 2, the name of this messengeris mathematically coded into the Quran as ``Rashad Khalifa.'' By adding thenumerical value of the name ``Rashad'' (505), plus the numerical value ofthe name ``Khalifa'' (725), plus the number of the sura (34), plus the numberof the verse (28), we obtain a total that conforms with the Quran's 19-basedmathematical miracle, which was unveiled through Rashad Khalifa.(505+725+34+28=1292=19x68). More information is given in5:19 and its footnote.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:28 (O Messenger) We have sent you as a bearer of glad news and as a warner to mankind at large, but most people are (at this time) unaware of this fact.

34:29 ويقولون متى هذا الوعد ان كنتم صدقين

Transcription (English)
34:29 Wayaqooloona mata hathaalwaAAdu in kuntum sadiqeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:29 They say, "When is this promise, if you are truthful?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:29 And they say: "When is this promise, if you are truthful?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:29 and so they ask, “When is this promise [of resurrection and judgment] to be fulfilled? [Answer this, O you who believe in it,] if you are men of truth!"36

Note 36
The Quranic answer to this ironic question is found in 7:187.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:29 They challenge, "When will this promise come to pass, if you are truthful?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:29 They keep saying, “When will the promise be fulfilled, if you (believers) are truthful?”

34:30 قل لكم ميعاد يوم لا تستخرون عنه ساعة ولا تستقدمون

Transcription (English)
34:30 Qul lakum meeAAadu yawmin latasta/khiroona AAanhu saAAatan wala tastaqdimoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:30 Say, "You have an appointed day, which you cannot delay by one moment, nor advance."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:30 Say: "You have an appointed day, which you cannot delay by one hour, nor advance."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:30 Say: “There has been appointed for you a Day, which you can neither delay nor advance by a single moment."37

Note 37
For my rendering of sa'ah (lit., "hour") as "a single moment", see surah 7 note 26.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:30 Say, "You have a specific time, on a specific day, that you cannot delay by one hour, nor advance.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:30 Say, “There is an appointed day for you which you can neither postpone nor hasten it by an hour.”

34:31 وقال الذين كفروا لن نؤمن بهذا القرءان ولا بالذى بين يديه ولو ترى اذ الظلمون موقوفون عند ربهم يرجع بعضهم الى بعض القول يقول الذين استضعفوا للذين استكبروا لولا انتم لكنا مؤمنين

Transcription (English)
34:31 Waqala allatheena kafaroo lannu/mina bihatha alqur-ani wala biallatheebayna yadayhi walaw tara ithi alththalimoonamawqoofoona AAinda rabbihim yarjiAAu baAAduhum ilabaAAdin alqawla yaqoolu allatheena istudAAifoolillatheena istakbaroo lawla antum lakunnamu/mineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:31 Those who rejected have said, "We will not acknowledge this Quran, nor in what is already with him." If you could but see these transgressors when they stand before their Lord, how they will accuse one another back and forth. Those who were weak will say to those who were mighty: "If it were not for you, we would have been those who acknowledge!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:31 And those who rejected have said: "We will not believe in this Qur'an, nor in what is already with him." And if you could but see these transgressors when they stand before their Lord, how they will accuse one another back and forth. Those who were weak will say to those who were mighty: "If it were not for you, we would have been believers!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:31 And [yet,] those who are bent on denying the truth do say, “We shall never believe in this Qur'an, and neither in whatever there still remains of earlier revelations!"38 But if thou couldst only see [how it will be on Judgment Day,] when these evildoers shall be made to stand before their Sustainer, hurling reproaches back and forth at one another! Those [of them] who had been weak [on earth] will say unto those who had gloried in their arrogance:39 “Had it not been for you, we would certainly have been believers!"

Note 38
For the rendering of ma bayna yadayhi, in relation to the Qur'an, as "whatever there still remains of earlier revelations", see surah 3 note 3. As is evident from the preceding and subsequent verses, the rejection by "those who are bent on denying the truth" of all revelation is motivated by their refusal to believe in resurrection and God's judgment, and, hence, to admit the validity of absolute moral standards as postulated by every higher religion.

Note 39
I.e., as the "intellectual leaders" of their community.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:31 Those who disbelieve have said, "We will not believe in this Quran, nor in the previous scriptures." If you could only envision these transgressors when they stand before their Lord! They will argue with one another back and forth. The followers will tell their leaders, "If it were not for you, we would have been believers.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:31 And the rejecters say, "We will not believe in this Qur’an, nor in the previous scriptures." If you could only see these transgressors when they are made to stand before their Lord, how they blame one another. The followers will tell their proud leaders, "If it were not for you, we would have been believers."

34:32 قال الذين استكبروا للذين استضعفوا انحن صددنكم عن الهدى بعد اذ جاءكم بل كنتم مجرمين

Transcription (English)
34:32 Qala allatheena istakbaroolillatheena istudAAifoo anahnu sadadnakumAAani alhuda baAAda ith jaakum bal kuntummujrimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:32 Those who were mighty will say to those who were weak: "Did we turn you away from the guidance after it had come to you? No, it was you who were criminal."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:32 Those who were mighty will say to those who were weak: "Did we turn you away from the guidance after it had come to you? No, it was you who were criminals."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:32 [And] those who were wont to glory in their arrogance will say unto those who had been weak: “Why - did we keep you [forcibly] from following the right path after it had become obvious to you?40 Nay, it was but you [yourselves] who were guilty!"

Note 40
Lit., "did we keep you away from guidance after it had come to you?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
On the Day of Resurrection34:32 The leaders will say to those who followed them, "Are we the ones who diverted you from the guidance after it came to you? No; it is you who were wicked.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:32 The arrogant leaders will say to the weak masses, "Why! Did we drive you away from the guidance when it had come to you? Nay, it is you who were guilty (of blind following)."

34:33 وقال الذين استضعفوا للذين استكبروا بل مكر اليل والنهار اذ تامروننا ان نكفر بالله ونجعل له اندادا واسروا الندامة لما راوا العذاب وجعلنا الاغلل فى اعناق الذين كفروا هل يجزون الا ما كانوا يعملون

Transcription (English)
34:33 Waqala allatheena istudAAifoolillatheena istakbaroo bal makru allayli waalnnahariith ta/muroonana an nakfura biAllahiwanajAAala lahu andadan waasarroo alnnadamatalamma raawoo alAAathaba wajaAAalna al-aghlalafee aAAnaqi allatheena kafaroo hal yujzawna illama kanoo yaAAmaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:33 Those who were weak will say to those who were mighty: "No, it was your scheming night and day, when you commanded us to reject God, and to set up equals to Him." They will be filled with regret, when they see the retribution. We will place shackles around the necks of those who rejected. Are they not being requited for what they used to do?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:33 And those who were weak will say to those who were mighty: "No, it was your scheming night and day, when you commanded us to reject God and to set up equals to Him." And they are filled with regret when they see the retribution and We will place shackles around the necks of those who rejected. Are they not being requited for what they used to do?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:33 But those who had been weak will say unto those who had gloried in their arrogance: “Nay, [what kept us away was your] devising of false arguments, night and day, [against God's messages- as you did]41 when you persuaded us to blaspheme against God and to claim that there are powers that could rival Him!"42 And when they see the suffering [that awaits them], they will [all] be unable to express [the full depth of] their remorse:43 for We shall have put shackles around the necks of those who had been bent on denying the truth:44 [and] will this be aught but a [just] requital for what they were doing?

Note 41
I.e., always, the term makr (lit., "a scheme" or "scheming") has here the connotation of "devising false arguments" against something that is true: in this case, as is shown in the first paragraph of verse 31 above, against God's messages (cf. a similar use of this term in 10:21 and 35:43; see also 86:15).

Note 42
Lit., "[that we should] give God compeers (andad)". For an explanation of this phrase and my rendering of it, see surah 2 note 13.

Note 43
For a justification of this rendering of the phrase asarru 'n-nadamah, see surah 10 note 77.

Note 44
As pointed out by several of the classical commentators (e.g., Zamakhshari, Razi and Baydawi) in their explanations of similar phrases occurring in 13:5 and 36:8, the "shackles" (aghlal) which these sinners carry, as it were, "around their necks" in life, and will carry on Judgment Day, are a metaphor of the enslavement of their souls to the false values to which they had surrendered, and of the suffering which will be caused by that surrender.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:33 The followers will say to their leaders, "It was you who schemed night and day, then commanded us to be unappreciative of GOD, and to set up idols to rank with Him." They will be ridden with remorse, when they see the retribution, for we will place shackles around the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they not justly requited for what they did?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:33 The weak masses will say to the arrogant ones, "Nay, you were the ones who schemed night and day to set up systems that you forced us to follow, and be ungrateful to God, and to attribute equals to Him." Both parties will be filled with remorse when they see the doom. We will put shackles around the necks of all those who rejected the truth. Are they rewarded for anything but what they used to do?

34:34 وما ارسلنا فى قرية من نذير الا قال مترفوها انا بما ارسلتم به كفرون

Transcription (English)
34:34 Wama arsalna fee qaryatin minnatheerin illa qala mutrafooha innabima orsiltum bihi kafiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:34 We do not send a warner to any town, except its privileged hedonists would say, "We reject what you have been sent with."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:34 And We do not send a warner to any town, except its carefree ones would say: "We reject what you have been sent with."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:34 For [thus it is:] whenever We sent a warner to any community, those of its people who had lost themselves entirely in the pursuit of pleasures would declare,45 “Behold, we deny that there is any truth in [what you claim to be] your message!" –

Note 45
The term mutraf denotes "one who indulges in the pursuit of pleasures", i.e., to the exclusion of all moral considerations: cf. note 147 on 11:116.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Every Time!34:34 Every time we sent a warner to a community, the leaders of that community said, "We reject the message you are sent with.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:34 Whenever We sent a warner to any community its rich elite declared, “We reject the message you are sent with.”

34:35 وقالوا نحن اكثر امولا واولدا وما نحن بمعذبين

Transcription (English)
34:35 Waqaloo nahnu aktharu amwalanwaawladan wama nahnu bimuAAaththabeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:35 They said, "We have more wealth and more children, and we will not be punished."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:35 And they said: "We have more wealth and more children, and we will not be punished."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:35 and they would add, “Richer [than you] are we in wealth and in children, and [so] we are not going to be made to suffer!"46

Note 46
Implying, firstly, that the only thing that really counts in life is the enjoyment of material benefits; and, secondly, that a materially successful life is, by itself, an evidence of one's being "on the right way".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:35 They also said, "We are more powerful, with more money and children, and we will not be punished.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:35 They further said, "We are more abundant in wealth and children and we cannot be overpowered."

34:36 قل ان ربى يبسط الرزق لمن يشاء ويقدر ولكن اكثر الناس لا يعلمون

Transcription (English)
34:36 Qul inna rabbee yabsutu alrrizqaliman yashao wayaqdiru walakinna akthara alnnasila yaAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:36 Say, "My Lord gives provisions to whomever He wishes, or He restricts them, but most people do not know."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:36 Say: "My Lord gives provisions to whoever He wishes, or He restricts them, but most of the people do not know."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:36 Say: “Behold, my Sustainer grants abundant sustenance, or gives it in scant measure, unto whomever He wills: but most men do not understand [God's ways]."47

Note 47
Sc., "and foolishly regard riches and poverty as indications of God's favour or disfavour". Indirectly, this statement refutes the belief held by many people in the present as well as in the past that material prosperity is a justification of all human endeavour.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:36 Say, "My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He grants the provisions to whomever He wills, or reduces them, but most people do not know.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:36 Say, "Behold! My Lord enlarges the provision and narrows it for any and all according to His laws. But most people remain unaware.”13

Note 13
Ad-Deen,the Prescribed System of Life, ordained in this Book ensures prosperity for all

34:37 وما امولكم ولا اولدكم بالتى تقربكم عندنا زلفى الا من ءامن وعمل صلحا فاولئك لهم جزاء الضعف بما عملوا وهم فى الغرفت ءامنون

Transcription (English)
34:37 Wama amwalukum wala awladukumbiallatee tuqarribukum AAindana zulfa illaman amana waAAamila salihan faola-ikalahum jazao alddiAAfi bima AAamiloowahum fee alghurufati aminoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:37 It is not your money or your children that will bring you closer to Us, but only those who acknowledge and promote reforms, they will receive double the reward for their works, and they will reside in the high dwellings in peace.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:37 And it is not your money or your children that will bring you closer to Us, but only those who believe and do good work, they will receive double the reward for their works, and they will reside in the high dwellings in peace.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:37 For, it is neither your riches nor your children that can bring you nearer to Us: only he who attains to faith and does what is right and just [comes near unto Us]; and it is [such as] these whom multiple recompense awaits for all that they have done; and it is they who shall dwell secure in the mansions [of paradise] –
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:37 It is not your money or your children that bring you closer to us. Only those who believe and lead a righteous life will receive the reward for their works, multiplied manifold. In the abode of Paradise they will live in perfect peace.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:37 And it is not your wealth nor your children and party that will bring you closer to Us in degree, but he who truly believes and helps others. It is those who will have a twofold reward for their deeds. And they will dwell in secure mansions. [25:75]

34:38 والذين يسعون فى ءايتنا معجزين اولئك فى العذاب محضرون

Transcription (English)
34:38 Waallatheena yasAAawna fee ayatinamuAAajizeena ola-ika fee alAAathabi muhdaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:38 As for those who sought against Our signs, they will be brought to the retribution.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:38 As for those who sought against Our revelations, they will be brought to the retribution.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:38 whereas all who strive against Our messages, seeking to defeat their purpose, shall be given over to suffering.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:38 As for those who consistently challenge our revelations, they will abide in retribution.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:38 Whereas those who strive against Our revelations trying to make them ineffective, will be given over to retribution.

34:39 قل ان ربى يبسط الرزق لمن يشاء من عباده ويقدر له وما انفقتم من شىء فهو يخلفه وهو خير الرزقين

Transcription (English)
34:39 Qul inna rabbee yabsutu alrrizqaliman yashao min AAibadihi wayaqdiru lahu wamaanfaqtum min shay-in fahuwa yukhlifuhu wahuwa khayru alrraziqeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:39 Say, "My Lord gives provisions to whom He wishes of His servants and He restricts. Anything you spend, He will replace it; and He is the Best of providers."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:39 Say: "My Lord gives provisions for whom He wishes of His servants and He restricts. And anything you spend, He will replace it; and He is the Best of providers."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:39 Say: “Behold, my Sustainer grants abundant sustenance, or gives it in scant measure, unto whomever He wills of His servants;48 and whatever it be that you spend on others, He [always] replaces it: for He is the best of providers."49

Note 48
I.e., God's promise to the righteous that they would attain to happiness in the life to come neither precludes nor implies their being wealthy or poor in this world.

Note 49
I.e., either with worldly goods, or with inner contentment, or with spiritual merit (Zamakhshari).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:39 Say, "My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He increases the provisions for whomever He chooses from among His servants, or reduces them. Anything you spend (in the cause of God), He will reward you for it; He is the Best Provider.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:39 Say, “My Lord enlarges or narrows provision for His servants according to His laws. Whatever you spend on others, He replaces it. For, He is the Best of providers.” [2:261, 20:124]

34:40 ويوم يحشرهم جميعا ثم يقول للملئكة اهؤلاء اياكم كانوا يعبدون

Transcription (English)
34:40 Wayawma yahshuruhum jameeAAan thummayaqoolu lilmala-ikati ahaola-i iyyakumkanoo yaAAbudoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:40 On the day when We gather them all, then We will say to the controllers: "Was it you that these people used to serve?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:40 And on the Day when We gather them all, then We will say to the angels: "Was it you that these people used to serve?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:40 And [as for those who now deny the truth,] one Day He will gather them all together, and will ask the angels, “Was it you that they were wont to worship?"50

Note 50
This allegorical "question" - allegorical, because God is omniscient and has no need to "ask" - implies that many of "those who deny the truth" of God's messages delude themselves into believing that they are, nevertheless, worshipping spiritual forces, here comprised in the term "angels".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:40 On the day when He summons them all, He will say to the angels, "Did these people worship you?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:40 The Day He gathers all people He will ask the angels, "Did they worship you?”

34:41 قالوا سبحنك انت ولينا من دونهم بل كانوا يعبدون الجن اكثرهم بهم مؤمنون

Transcription (English)
34:41 Qaloo subhanaka anta waliyyunamin doonihim bal kanoo yaAAbudoona aljinna aktharuhumbihim mu/minoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:41 They will say, "Be You glorified. You are our Lord, not them. No, most of them were serving the Jinn; most were those who acknowledge them."5

Note 5

Following the teaching of Perverse is the equivalent of serving him. Even if someone claims to serve God, if he is following other teachings for salvation, he is serving Satan. The only way for protecting oneself is to dedicate one’s purpose in life to God alone (15:39). Those who hope for the intercession of prophets, saints, and controllers, and consider them to be partners with God in issuing the system, in fact do not serve them. Service requires mutual acceptance. Considering someone who rejects any other lord besides God to be one's lord is a contradiction and pleases Satan. In the hereafter, righteous people who were idolized against their will, will reject those who "worship them." (19:82; 46:6).

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:41 They will say: "Be You glorified. You are our Lord, not them. No, most of them were serving the Jinn; most were believers to them."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:41 They will answer: “Limitless art Thou in Thy glory! Thou [alone] art close unto us, not they!51 Nay, [when they thought that they were worshipping us,] they were but [blindly] worshipping forces concealed from their senses; most of them believed in them."52

Note 51
Implying that they (the angels) would never have accepted that worship which is due to God alone.

Note 52
In this instance, I believe, the term jinn has its primary meaning of "that which is concealed from [man's] senses" (see Appendix III), thus including all manner of unknown forces, both real and imaginary, believed to be inherent in what we describe as "nature". Hence, the answer of the angels implies that the sinners' alleged worship of them had never been more than a subconscious screen for their fear of the invisible forces of nature and, ultimately, of the yet deeper fear of the Unknown - that fear which sooner or later engulfs all who refuse to believe in the existence of God and, hence, cannot see any meaning or purpose in human life. (See also the last sentence of 10:28 and the corresponding note 46.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:41 They will answer, "Be You glorified. You are our Lord and Master, not them. Instead, they were worshipping the jinns; most of them were believers therein.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:41 They will answer, “Glory is Yours! You are our Master, not they. Nay, they used to worship their evil desires. Most of them were believers in them.”14

Note 14
9:51, 10:30. Jinns = Hidden from sight. Generally this term in the Qur’an applies to nomads rarely appearing in townships. It is also used to describe rebellious desires, emotions and fiery temperament like Satan. 6:101, 18:50, 37:158, 55:15

34:42 فاليوم لا يملك بعضكم لبعض نفعا ولا ضرا ونقول للذين ظلموا ذوقوا عذاب النار التى كنتم بها تكذبون

Transcription (English)
34:42 Faalyawma la yamliku baAAdukumlibaAAdin nafAAan wala darran wanaqoolulillatheena thalamoo thooqoo AAathabaalnnari allatee kuntum biha tukaththiboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:42 So today, none of you can help or harm one another. We will say to the transgressors: "Taste the retribution of the fire that you used to deny."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:42 So today, none of you can help or harm one another. And We will say to the transgressors: "Taste the retribution of the Fire that you used to deny."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:42 And [on that Day God will say]: “None of you [created beings] has today any power to benefit or to harm another!" And [then] We shall say unto those who had been bent on evildoing: “Taste [now] that suffering through fire which you were wont to call a lie!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:42 On that day, you possess no power to help or harm one another, and we will say to the transgressors, "Taste the retribution of the Hell that you used to deny.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:42 That Day you will have no power to help or harm one another and We will tell the transgressors, “Taste the doom of fire which you used to deny.”

34:43 واذا تتلى عليهم ءايتنا بينت قالوا ما هذا الا رجل يريد ان يصدكم عما كان يعبد ءاباؤكم وقالوا ما هذا الا افك مفترى وقال الذين كفروا للحق لما جاءهم ان هذا الا سحر مبين

Transcription (English)
34:43 Wa-itha tutla AAalayhim ayatunabayyinatin qaloo ma hatha illarajulun yureedu an yasuddakum AAamma kanayaAAbudu abaokum waqaloo ma hathailla ifkun muftaran waqala allatheenakafaroo lilhaqqi lamma jaahum in hathailla sihrun mubeenun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Signs are not Appreciated by the Majority34:43 When Our clear signs were recited to them, they said, "This is but a man who wants to turn you away from what your parents were serving." They also said, "This is nothing but a fabricated lie." Those who rejected say of the truth when it has come to them: "This is nothing but evident magic!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:43 And when Our clear revelations were recited to them, they said: "This is but a man who wants to turn you away from what your parents were worshiping." And they also said: "This is nothing except a fabricated lie." And those who disbelieved say of the truth when it has come to them: "This is nothing except evident magic!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:43 For [thus it is:] whenever Our messages are conveyed unto them in all their clarity, they [who are bent on denying the truth] say [to one another], “This [Muhammad] is nothing but a man who wants to turn you away from what your forefathers were wont to worship!" And they say, “This [Qur'an] is nothing but a falsehood invented [by man]!" And [finally,] they who are bent on denying the truth speak thus of the truth when it comes to them: “This is clearly nothing but spellbinding eloquence!"53

Note 53
Lit., "sorcery" or "magic" - a term frequently used in the sense of "spellbinding eloquence" (cf. 74: 24, the earliest instance in the chronology of Quranic revelation).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Mathematical Miracle of the Quran34:43 When our proofs were recited to them, perfectly clear, they said, "This is simply a man who wants to divert you from the way your parents are worshipping." They also said, "These are fabricated lies." Those who disbelieved also said about the truth that came to them, "This is obviously magic."3 ,

Note 3
By adding the gematrical value of "Rashad" (505), plus the value of "Khalifa" (725), plus this verse number (43), we get 505+725+43=1273=19x67. SeeAppendices1 &2.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:43 When Our verses are conveyed to them in all clarity, they say, "This is only a man who wants to divert you from what your ancestors used to worship.” And they say, “This is nothing but an invented lie.” Those who disbelieve say of the truth when it reaches them, “This is nothing but an obvious magic."

34:44 وما ءاتينهم من كتب يدرسونها وما ارسلنا اليهم قبلك من نذير

Transcription (English)
34:44 Wama ataynahum minkutubin yadrusoonaha wama arsalna ilayhimqablaka min natheerin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:44 We had not given to them any book to study, nor did We send to them before you any warner.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:44 We had not given to them any books to study, nor did We send to them before you any warner.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:44 And yet, [O Muhammad,] never have We vouchsafed them any revelations which they could quote, and neither have We sent unto them any warner before thee.54

Note 54
Lit., "which they could study", i.e., in support of the blasphemous beliefs and practices inherited from their ancestors. Cf. 30:35, which expresses a similar idea.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:44 We did not give them any other books to study, nor did we send to them before you another warner.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:44 But We never gave them any scriptures that they study, nor did We send to them before you any warner.

34:45 وكذب الذين من قبلهم وما بلغوا معشار ما ءاتينهم فكذبوا رسلى فكيف كان نكير

Transcription (English)
34:45 Wakaththaba allatheena minqablihim wama balaghoo miAAshara ma ataynahumfakaththaboo rusulee fakayfa kana nakeeri
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:45 Those before them had also denied, while they did not reach one tenth of what We have given to this generation, so they denied My messengers, how severe was My retribution!
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:45 And those before them had also denied, while they did not reach one tenth of what We had given them, but they denied My messengers; so how was My retribution?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:45 Thus, too, gave the lie to the truth [many of] those who lived before them; and although those [earlier people] had not attained to even a tenth of [the evidence of the truth] which We have vouch­safed unto these [late successors of theirs], yet when they gave the lie to My apostles, how awesome was My rejection!55

Note 55
Sc., "And how much worse will fare the deniers of the truth to whom so explicit and so comprehensive a divine writ as the Qur'an has been conveyed!" My rendering of the whole of this verse is based on Razi's interpretation, which differs from that of most of the other commentators.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:45 Those before them disbelieved, and even though they did not see one-tenth of (the miracle) we have given to this generation, when they disbelieved My messengers, how severe was My retribution!,4

Note 4
The great miracles given to Moses and Jesus were limited in time and place; they were witnessed by a few people who happenedto exist in that place at that time. But the mathematical miracle of theQuran is perpetual (see74:30-35 and Appendix 1).
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:45 Thus too, those before them had denied. These (people) have not received a tenth of what We had granted to those. Yet, when they denied My Messengers, (see) how awesome was My rejection!

34:46 قل انما اعظكم بوحدة ان تقوموا لله مثنى وفردى ثم تتفكروا ما بصاحبكم من جنة ان هو الا نذير لكم بين يدى عذاب شديد

Transcription (English)
34:46 Qul innama aAAithukumbiwahidatin an taqoomoo lillahi mathna wafuradathumma tatafakkaroo ma bisahibikum min jinnatin inhuwa illa natheerun lakum bayna yaday AAathabinshadeedin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:46 Say, "I advise you to do one thing: that you stand to God, in pairs or as individuals, then reflect. There is no madness in your friend, he is only a warner to you in the face of a severe retribution."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:46 Say: "I advise you to do one thing: that you stand to God, in twos and individually, then reflect." There is no madness in your friend, he is only a warner to you in the face of a severe retribution.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:46 Say: “I counsel you one thing only: Be [ever­ conscious of] standing before God, whether you are in the company of others or alone;56 and then bethink yourselves [that] there is no madness in [this pro­phet,] your fellow-man:57 he is only a warner to you of suffering severe to come."

Note 56
Lit., "two by two (mathna) and singly (furada)". According to Razi, the expression mathna denotes, in this context, "together with another person" or "other persons": hence, the above phrase may be understood to refer to man's social behaviour - i.e., his actions concerning others - as well as to his inner, personal attitude in all situations requiring a moral choice.

Note 57
See note 150 on 7:184.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
God's Messenger of the Covenant34:46 Say, "I ask you to do one thing: Devote yourselves to GOD, in pairs or as individuals, then reflect. Your friend (Rashad) is not crazy. He is a manifest warner to you, just before the advent of a terrible retribution."5 ,

Note 5
By placing the gematrical value of "Rashad" (505) next to the value of "Khalifa" (725), then the sura number (34), andthe verse number (46), we get 5057253446=19x266171234.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:46 Say, "I ask you to do just one thing: For the sake of God! Stand up in pairs and singly, and then think. There is no madness in your companion. He is only a warner to you in the face of a terrible doom."

34:47 قل ما سالتكم من اجر فهو لكم ان اجرى الا على الله وهو على كل شىء شهيد

Transcription (English)
34:47 Qul ma saaltukum min ajrin fahuwalakum in ajriya illa AAala Allahi wahuwaAAala kulli shay-in shaheedun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:47 Say, "I have not asked you for any wage; you can keep it. My wage is from God, and He is witness over all things."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:47 Say: "I have not asked you for any wage; for it will be your own. My wage is from God, and He is witness over all things."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:47 Say: “No reward have I ever asked of you [out of anything] that is yours:58 my reward rests with none but God, and He is witness unto everything!"

Note 58
I.e., no reward of a material nature: cf. 25:57 - "no reward other than that he who so wills may unto his Sustainer find a way".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:47 Say, "I do not ask you for any wage; you can keep it. My wage comes only from GOD. He witnesses all things.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:47 Say, "I have never asked you any reward but (all my effort) is in your interest. My reward rests with none but God, and He is Witness to everything."

34:48 قل ان ربى يقذف بالحق علم الغيوب

Transcription (English)
34:48 Qul inna rabbee yaqthifu bialhaqqiAAallamu alghuyoobi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:48 Say, "My Lord rebuts with the truth. He is the Knower of all secrets."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:48 Say: "My Lord casts with the truth. He is the Knower of all secrets."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:48 Say: “Verily, my Sustainer hurls the truth [against all that is false]59 He who fully knows all the things that are beyond the reach of a created being's perception!"

Note 59
Cf. 21:18.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:48 Say, "My Lord causes the truth to prevail. He is the Knower of all secrets.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:48 Say, "Surely, my Lord makes the truth prevail - He Who is the Profound Knower of the Unseen."

34:49 قل جاء الحق وما يبدئ البطل وما يعيد

Transcription (English)
34:49 Qul jaa alhaqqu wamayubdi-o albatilu wama yuAAeedu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:49 Say, "The truth has come; while falsehood can neither initiate anything, nor resurrect."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:49 Say: "The truth has come; while falsehood can neither initiate anything, nor resurrect."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:49 Say: “The truth has now come [to light, and falsehood is bound to wither away]:60 for, falsehood cannot bring forth anything new, nor can it bring back [what has passed away]."61

Note 60
Cf. 17:81.

Note 61
I.e., in contrast to the creativeness inherent in every true idea, falsehood - being in itself an illusion - cannot really create anything or revive any values that may have been alive in the past.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:49 Say, "The truth has come; while falsehood can neither initiate anything, nor repeat it.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:49 Say, "The truth has now come. And falsehood can neither initiate anything, nor repeat it."15

Note 15
17:81. True ideas are inherently creative. falsehood, being itself an illusion, cannot really create anything

34:50 قل ان ضللت فانما اضل على نفسى وان اهتديت فبما يوحى الى ربى انه سميع قريب

Transcription (English)
34:50 Qul in dalaltu fa-innama adilluAAala nafsee wa-ini ihtadaytu fabima yooheeilayya rabbee innahu sameeAAun qareebun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:50 Say, "If I stray, then I stray to my own loss. If I am guided, then it is because of what my Lord inspired to me. He is Hearer, Near."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:50 Say: "If I stray, then I stray to my own loss. And if I am guided, then it is because of what my Lord inspired to me. He is Hearer, Near."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:50 Say: “Were I to go astray, I would but go astray [due to my own self, and] to the hurt of myself;62 but if I am on the right path, it is but by virtue of what my Sustainer reveals unto me: for, verily, He is all-hearing, ever-near!"

Note 62
According to Zamakhshari, the idea expressed by the interpolated words "due to my own self" is implied in the above, inasmuch as "everything that goes against [the spiritual interests of] oneself is caused by oneself". (See note 4 on 14:4.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:50 Say, "If I go astray, I go astray because of my own shortcomings. And if I am guided, it is because of my Lord's inspiration. He is Hearer, Near.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:50 Say, "When I was searching for the truth, I was searching for the truth for myself. And now I am rightly guided because of what my Lord has revealed to me. He is the Hearer, Near." [93:7]

34:51 ولو ترى اذ فزعوا فلا فوت واخذوا من مكان قريب

Transcription (English)
34:51 Walaw tara ith faziAAoo falafawta waokhithoo min makanin qareebin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:51 If you could but see, when they will be terrified with no escape, and they will be taken from a place that is near.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:51 And if you could but see, when they will be terrified with no escape, and they will be taken from a place that is near.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:51 IF THOU couldst but see [how the deniers of the truth will fare on Resurrection Day,] when they will shrink in terror, with nowhere to escape - since they will have been seized from so close nearby63

Note 63
Lit., "from a place nearby" - i.e., from within their own selves: cf. 17:13 ("every human being's destiny have We tied to his neck") and the corresponding note 17. The same idea is expressed in 13:5 ("it is they who carry the shackles [of their own making] around their necks"), as well as in the second part of verse 33 of the present surah ("We shall have put shackles around the necks of those who had been bent on denying the truth"). See also 50:41 and the corresponding note 33.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:51 If you could only see them when the great terror strikes them; they cannot escape then, and they will be taken away forcibly.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:51 If you could but see when they will quake with terror. But there will be no escape and they will soon be seized.16

Note 16
Makaanin qareeb = A place nearby = Soon = Close to their homes

34:52 وقالوا ءامنا به وانى لهم التناوش من مكان بعيد

Transcription (English)
34:52 Waqaloo amanna bihiwaanna lahumu alttanawushu min makaninbaAAeedin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:52 They will say, "We acknowledge it," but it will be far too late.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:52 And they will say: "We believe in it!" But it will be far too late.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:52 and will cry, “We do [now] believe in it!" But how can they [hope to] attain [to salvation] from so far away,64

Note 64
Lit., "from a place far-away" - i.e., from their utterly different past life on earth.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:52 They will then say, "We now believe in it," but it will be far too late.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:52 They will cry, “We now believe in it.” But how could they attain it when it will be far too late.17

Note 17
Makaanim ba’eed =A place far away = Point of no return = Far too late

34:53 وقد كفروا به من قبل ويقذفون بالغيب من مكان بعيد

Transcription (English)
34:53 Waqad kafaroo bihi min qablu wayaqthifoonabialghaybi min makanin baAAeedin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:53 They had rejected it in the past; and they conjectured about the unseen from a place far off.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:53 And they had rejected it in the past; and they made allegations regarding the unseen, from a place far off.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:53 seeing that aforetime they had been bent on denying the truth, and had been wont to cast scorn, from far away, on something that was beyond the reach of human perception?65

Note 65
The obvious implication is that man's fate in the hereafter will be a consequence of, and invariably conditioned by, his spiritual attitude and the manner of his life during the first, earthly stage of his existence. In this instance, the expression "from far away" is apparently used in a sense similar to sayings like "far off the mark" or "without rhyme or reason", and is meant to qualify as groundless and futile all negative speculations about what the Qur'an describes as al-ghayb ("that which is beyond the reach of human [or "a created being's"] perception"): in this case, life after death.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:53 They have rejected it in the past; they have decided instead to uphold conjecture and guesswork.6 ,

Note 6
People of all religions tend to forsake the word of God and uphold the words of men. The Jews and the Muslims uphold the Mishnah (Hadith) andGemarrah (Sunna), while the Christians uphold a trinity invented by the NiceneConference, 325 years after Jesus. 
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:53 They did reject the truth in the past, and they used to shoot arrows of conjecture in the darkness.18

Note 18
They aimed at what they could not see and worked for what was futile

34:54 وحيل بينهم وبين ما يشتهون كما فعل باشياعهم من قبل انهم كانوا فى شك مريب

Transcription (English)
34:54 Waheela baynahum wabayna mayashtahoona kama fuAAila bi-ashyaAAihim min qabluinnahum kanoo fee shakkin mureebin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
34:54 They will be separated from what they had desired, as was done for their counterparts before. They have been in grave doubt.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
34:54 And a barrier will be set between them and what they had desired, as was done for their counterparts before. They have been in grave doubt.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
34:54 And so, a barrier will be set between them and all that they had [ever] desired,66 as will be done to such of their kind as lived before their time: for, behold, they [too] were lost in doubt amounting to suspicion.67

Note 66
Thus, the impossibility of attaining to the fulfillment of any of their desires - whether positive or negative - sums up, as it were, the suffering of the damned in the life to come.

Note 67
I.e., a suspicion that all moral postulates were but meant to deprive them of what they considered to be the "legitimate advantages" of life in this world.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
34:54 Consequently, they were deprived of everything they longed for. This is the same fate as their counterparts in the previous generations. They harbored too many doubts.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
34:54 A barrier will be set between them and their desires, as was done in the past for people of their kind. They too were lost in doubt and suspicion.