Ali Quli Qarai, The Qur’ān with a Phrase-by-Phrase English Translation (2005)
That is the ordaining of the All-mighty, the All-knowing.
39 As for the moon, We have ordained its phases,
until it becomes like an old palm leaf.
40 Neither it behooves the sun
to overtake the moon,
nor may the night outrun the day,
and each swims in an orbit.
41 A sign for them is that We carried their progeny
in the laden ship,1
42 and We have created for them what is similar to it,
which they ride.2
43 And if We like We drown them,
whereat they have no one to call for help,
nor are they rescued
44 — except by a mercy from Us
and for an enjoyment until some time.
45 And when they are told,
‘Beware of that which is before you
and that which is behind you,3
so that you may receive [His] mercy.’4
46 There did not come to them any sign
from among the signs of their Lord
but that they used to disregard it.
47 When they are told,
‘Spend out of what Allah has provided you,’
1 That is, in the ark of Noah.
2 Or ‘board,’ that is, ships which are similar to their prototype, the ark of Noah; or, alternatively, the camel, which has been called ‘the ship of the desert,’ and other animals and means of transport.
3 See 34:9.
4 Ellipsis. The omitted clause is, ‘they turn away arrogantly.’
