Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of The Glorious Koran. An Explanatory Translation (1930)
SÛRAH XLIV
Ad-Dukhân, “The Smoke,” takes its name from a word in v. 10. Tradition says that smoke here refers prophetically to the haze of dust which surrounded Mecca at the time of the great drought and famine which preceded the Muslim conquest of Mecca and facilitated it.
It belongs to the middle group of Meccan Sûrahs.
Smoke
1. Ḥâ. Mîm.1
2. By the Scripture that maketh plain
3. Lo! We revealed it on a blessed night — Lo! We are ever warning —
4. Whereon every wise command is made clear
5. As a command from Our presence — Lo! We are ever sending —
6. A mercy from thy Lord. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower,
7. Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, if ye would be sure.
8. There is no God save Him. He quickeneth and giveth death; your Lord and Lord of your forefathers.
9. Nay, but they play in doubt.
10. But watch thou (O Muhammad) for the day when the sky will produce visible smoke
1 See Sûr. II, v. 1, footnote.
