Tarjumatul Quran - Surah al-Hadid [The Iron]: 19 - 27

19. For the charitable men who accept the true as true and the charitable women who accept the true as true and those who lend Allah a goodly loan it shall be increased manifold for them and theirs shall be a generous reward. Those who lend God a goodly loan are promised that يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ ['it shall be increased manifold for them and theirs will be a generous reward']. 21. Know that the life of this world is but a play and an idle diversion of delight and a mere show of pompous pageantry and a means of boasting among yourselves, of rivalry in riches and children. It is like the vegetation that sprouts up after the rain rejoicing the farmers who tilled it. Then it dries up and thou seest it turn yellow; withering into straw and broken pieces of stubble that crumble into dust. In the Hereafter there is severe suffering, as well as forgiveness and Allah's pleasure. For the life of this world is nothing but illusory pleasure. The explanation of the word لَهْوٌ ['play'] is that it means a sport and a diversion and the pursuit of carnal lusts. 26. Verily We sent Our Messengers with manifest signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance that people may uphold and behave with justice and equity; also We sent down iron which furnishes mighty weapons for violent warfare and benefits for humankind so that Allah may distinguish those who help Him and His Messengers albeit He remains unseen. Surely Allah is All-Powerful, Almighty. The significance of iron as a باس ['warfare'] and its various other uses for mankind are highlighted because weapons made from it are used in Jihad. Clarifications and explanations regarding the present translation of 'The Holy Quran' and the important aspects that are borne in mind. 20 October 1998. © The Tahir Archive / MTA International, 2012.