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

SÛRAH XXIII

Al Mu’minûn, “The Believers” is so named from a word occurring in the first verse or, it may be said, from its subject, which is the triumph of believers. It is considered to be the last of the Sûrahs revealed at Mecca, immediately before the Prophet’s flight to Yathrib (Al-Madînah).

A late Meccan Sûrah.

The Believers

1. Successful indeed are the believers

2. Who are humble in their prayers,

3. And who shun vain conversation,

4. And who are payers of the poor-due;

5. And who guard their modesty —

6. Save from their wives or the (slaves) that their right hands possess, for then they are not blameworthy,

7. But whoso craveth beyond that, such are transgressors —

8. And who are shepherds of their pledge and their covenant,

9. And who pay heed to their prayers.

10. These are the heirs

11. Who will inherit Paradise. There they will abide.

12. Verily We created man from a product of wet earth;

13. Then placed him as a drop (of seed) in a safe lodging;

14. Then fashioned We the drop a clot, then fashioned