S:  These are they who buy error for the right direction, so their bargain shall bring no gain, nor are they the followers of the right direction.

002.017 Y:  Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness.  So they could not see.

P:  Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindleth fire, and when it sheddeth its light around him Allah taketh away their light and leaveth them in darkness, where they cannot see,

S:  Their parable is like the parable of one who kindled a fire but when it had illumined all around him, Allah took away their light, and left them in utter darkness—­they do not see.

002.018 Y:  Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path).

P:  Deaf, dumb and blind; and they return not.

S:  Deaf, dumb (and) blind, so they will not turn back.

002.019 Y:  Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky:  In it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning:  They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death.  But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!

P:  Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder and the flash of lightning.  They thrust their fingers in their ears by reason of the thunder-claps, for fear of death, Allah encompasseth the disbelievers (in His guidance, His omniscience and His omnipotence).

S:  Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is utter darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers.

002.020 Y:  The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (Helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still.  And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things.

P:  The lightning almost snatcheth away their sight from them.  As often as it flasheth forth for them they walk therein, and when it darkeneth against them they stand still.  If Allah willed, He could destroy their hearing and their sight.  Lo!  Allah is able to do all things.

S:  The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them they walk in it, and when it becomes dark to them they stand still; and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have taken away their hearing and their sight; surely Allah has power over all things.

002.021 Y:  O ye people!  Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness;

P:  O mankind! worship your Lord, Who hath created you and those before you, so that ye may ward off (evil).

S:  O men! serve your Lord Who created you and those before you so that you may guard (against evil).