التين

وَٱلتِّينِ وَٱلزَّيۡتُونِ 1

By the fig and the olive[1947]

Translation notes

[1947] Referring to the places known for their production, i.e., Damascus and Jerusalem, respectively. It could also refer to the fig and olive trees or to the fruits themselves.

وَطُورِ سِينِينَ 2

And [by] Mount Sinai

وَهَٰذَا ٱلۡبَلَدِ ٱلۡأَمِينِ 3

And [by] this secure city [i.e., Makkah],

لَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ فِيٓ أَحۡسَنِ تَقۡوِيمٖ 4

We have certainly created man in the best of stature;[1948]

Translation notes

[1948] i.e., upright, symmetrical, and balanced in form and nature.

ثُمَّ رَدَدۡنَٰهُ أَسۡفَلَ سَٰفِلِينَ 5

Then We return him to the lowest of the low,[1949]

Translation notes

[1949] This can refer to the depths of Hell, to decrepit old age or to immorality.

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَٰتِ فَلَهُمۡ أَجۡرٌ غَيۡرُ مَمۡنُونٖ 6

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they will have a reward uninterrupted.

فَمَا يُكَذِّبُكَ بَعۡدُ بِٱلدِّينِ 7

So what yet causes you to deny the Recompense?[1950]

Translation notes

[1950] More literally, "What makes you lie concerning it?"

أَلَيۡسَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَحۡكَمِ ٱلۡحَٰكِمِينَ 8

Is not Allāh the most just of judges?