In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
[38:1] S. (Saad),* and the Quran that contains the proof.**
*38:1 This Initial (Saad) occurs in suras 7, 19, & 38 a total of 152 times, 19x8 (Appendix 1). **38:1 The word "Zikr" is made distinct from the Quran and clearly points at the Quran's miraculous mathematical code. See 15:6, 9; 16:44; 21:2, 24; 26:5; & 36:11, 69.
[38:4] They wondered that a warner should come to them, from among them. The disbelievers said, "A magician; a liar.
[38:6] The leaders announced, "Go and steadfastly persevere in worshiping your gods. This is what is desired.
[38:8] "Why did the proof come down to him, instead of us?" Indeed, they are doubtful of My proof. Indeed, they have not yet tasted My retribution.
[38:10] Do they possess the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them? Let them help themselves.
[38:11] Instead, whatever forces they can muster—even if all their parties banded together—will be defeated.
[38:13] Also, Thamûd, the people of Lot, the dwellers of the Woods (of Midyan); those were the opponents.
[38:16] They challenged: "Our Lord, why do you not rush the retribution for us, before the Day of Reckoning."
[38:17] Be patient in the face of their utterances, and remember our servant David, the resourceful; he was obedient.
[38:22] When they entered his room, he was startled. They said, "Have no fear. We are feuding with one another, and we are seeking your fair judgment. Do not wrong us, and guide us in the right path.
[38:23] "This brother of mine owns ninety-nine* sheep, while I own one sheep. He wants to mix my sheep with his, and continues to pressure me."
*38:23 This is the only place where the number 99 occurs. Thirty different numbers are mentioned in the Quran, and their total comes to 162146, 19x8534. See Appendix 1.
[38:24] He said, "He is being unfair to you by asking to combine your sheep with his. Most people who combine their properties treat each other unfairly, except those who believe and work righteousness, and these are so few." Afterwards, David wondered if he made the right judgment. He thought that we were testing him. He then implored his Lord for forgiveness, bowed down, and repented.*
*38:24 In this clear example, 99 on one side vs 1 on the other side, David's extreme care to render the correct judgment caused him to ask forgiveness. Are we this careful?
[38:25] We forgave him in this matter. We have granted him a position of honor with us, and a beautiful abode.
[38:26] O David, we have made you a ruler on earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people equitably, and do not follow your personal opinion, lest it diverts you from the way of GOD. Surely, those who stray off the way of GOD incur severe retribution for forgetting the Day of Reckoning.
[38:27] We did not create the heaven and the earth, and everything between them, in vain. Such is the thinking of those who disbelieve. Therefore, woe to those who disbelieve; they will suffer in Hell.
[38:28] Shall we treat those who believe and lead a righteous life as we treat those who commit evil on earth? Shall we treat the righteous as we treat the wicked?
[38:29] This is a scripture that we sent down to you, that is sacred—perhaps they reflect on its verses. Those who possess intelligence will take heed.
[38:32] He then said, "I enjoyed the material things more than I enjoyed worshiping my Lord, until the sun was gone.*
*38:32 Solomon missed his afternoon prayer because of his horses. To nullify Satan's possible claim that Solomon loved his horses more than loving God, he got rid of his horses.
[38:34] We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted.*
*38:34 & 41 Solomon and Job represent both ends of the testing spectrum. We are put to the test through wealth, health, or lack of them, to see if we worship God alone under all circumstances.
[38:35] He said, "My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingship never attained by anyone else. You are the Grantor."
[38:36] We (answered his prayer and) committed the wind at his disposal, pouring rain wherever he wanted.
[38:41] Remember our servant Job: he called upon his Lord, "The devil has afflicted me with hardship and pain."
*38:34 & 41 Solomon and Job represent both ends of the testing spectrum. We are put to the test through wealth, health, or lack of them, to see if we worship God alone under all circumstances.
[38:43] We restored his family for him; twice as many. Such is our mercy; a reminder for those who possess intelligence.
[38:44] "Now, you shall travel the land and preach the message, to fulfill your pledge." We found him steadfast. What a good servant! He was a submitter.
[38:45] Remember also our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were resourceful, and possessed vision.
[38:55] As for the transgressors, they have incurred a miserable destiny.
[38:59] "This is a group to be thrown into Hell with you." They will not be welcomed (by the residents of Hell). They have deserved to burn in the hellfire.
[38:60] The newcomers will respond, "Nor are you welcomed. You are the ones who preceded us and misled us. Therefore, suffer this miserable end."
[38:61] They will also say, "Our Lord, these are the ones who led us into this; double the retribution of hellfire for them."
[38:62] They will say, "How come we do not see (in Hell) people we used to count among the wicked?
[38:66] "The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; the Almighty, the Forgiving."
[38:69] "I had no knowledge previously, about the feud in the High Society.*
*38:69 The feud in the High Society was triggered by Satan's challenge to God's absolute authority. This is definitely the most important event in the history of the human race. We failed to make a firm stand regarding God's absolute authority. This life represents the third and final chance to redeem ourselves (See the Introduction and Appendix 7).