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

SÛRAH LIV

Al-Qamr, “The Moon,” takes its name from the first verse: “The hour drew nigh and the moon was rent in twain.” A strange appearance of the moon in the sky, as if it had been torn asunder, is recorded in the traditions of several Companions of the Prophet as having astonished the people of Mecca about the time when the idolaters were beginning to persecute the Muslims.

An early Meccan Sûrah.

The Moon

1. The hour drew nigh and the moon was rent in twain.

2. And if they behold a portent they turn away and say: Prolonged illusion.

3. They denied (the Truth) and followed their own lusts. Yet everything will come to a decision

4. And surely there hath come unto them news whereof the purport should deter,

5. Effective wisdom; but warnings avail not.

6. So withdraw from them (O Muhammad) on the day when the Summoner summoneth unto a painful thing.

7. With downcast eyes, they come forth from the graves as they were locusts spread abroad,

8. Hastening toward the Summoner; the disbelievers say: This is a hard day.

9. The folk of Noah denied before them, yea, they