Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of The Glorious Koran. An Explanatory Translation (1930)

SÛRAH XXI

Al-Anbiyâ, “The Prophets” is named from its subject, the history of the former Prophets. The speaker in v. 4 and v. 112 is every Prophet. There is no historical reference or tradition to enable us to fix the date. It is undoubtedly of Meccan revelation, and lacks the characteristics of the latest and earliest Meccan Sûrahs. It may, therefore, be taken as belonging to the middle group of Meccan Sûrahs.

The Prophets

1. Their reckoning draweth nigh for mankind, while they turn away in heedlessness.
2. Never cometh there unto them a new reminder from their Lord but they listen to it while they play,

3. With hearts preoccupied. And they confer in secret. The wrong-doers say: Is this other than a mortal like you? Will ye then succumb to magic when ye see (it)?

4. He saith: My Lord knoweth what is spoken in the heaven and the earth. He is the Hearer, the Knower.

5. Nay, say they, (these are but) muddled dreams; nay, he hath but invented it; nay, he is but a poet. Let him bring us a portent even as those of old (who were God’s messengers) were sent (with portents).

6. Not a township believed of those which We destroyed before them (though. We sent them portents): would they then believe?