Alif Lam Ra. O Muhammad! This is a Book which We have sent down to you so that you may bring mankind by the help of their Lord out of the dark ways (of ignorance) into the Light (of knowledge) to the Way of that God,1 Who is All-Powerful and inherently worthy of All Praise2 and the Owner of whatever is in the heavens and the earth. And there is a painful torment for those who reject the Truth: who love the life of this world more than the life pf the Hereafter:3 who debar people from Allah's Way and want to make this Way crooked4 (to suit their wishes). They have gone far astray from the Way of Allah. Whenever We sent a Messenger to convey Our Message, he delivered it in the language of his people so that he may make it plain to them.5 Then Allah lets go astray whomsoever He wills and shows Guidance to whomsoever He desires.6 He is All-Powerful, All-Wise.7 We sent Moses also before this with Our Signs: and We commanded him, "Bring your people out of all kinds of darkness into Light and admonish, them to learn lessons from the Divine History."8 There are great Signs9 in this for every steadfast and grateful person.10 Recall (the time) when Moses said to his people, "Remember Allah's favor on you: He delivered you from Pharaoh's people who oppressed you with cruel afflictions: they slaughtered your sons and let your females live. In this there was a hard trial for you from your Lord. And remember also that your Lord forewarned, `If you be grateful11 I will increase My favors on you, and if you be ungrateful (you should know that) My chastisement is severe indeed'!"12 And Moses said, "If you prove thankless, you and all the dwellers of the earth know that Allah does not stand in need of any of you, for He is All Sufficient and worthy of all praise by Himself."13