(1) Alif, Lām, Rā.[648] [This is] a Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], that you might bring mankind out of darknesses into the light by permission of their Lord - to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy -
(2) Allāh, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And woe [i.e., destruction] to the disbelievers from a severe punishment -
(3) The ones who prefer the worldly life over the Hereafter and avert [people] from the way of Allāh, seeking to make it [seem] deviant. Those are in extreme error.
(4) And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them, and Allāh sends astray [thereby] whom He wills[649] and guides whom He wills. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
(5) And We certainly sent Moses with Our signs, [saying], "Bring out your people from darknesses into the light and remind them of the days[650] of Allāh." Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful.
[650]- Days of blessings bestowed upon the Children of Israel. Also interpreted as days of punishment and destruction of the former nations.