Popular Translations
Muhammad Asad
Now when thou seest them, their outward appearance may please thee; and when they speak, thou art inclined to lend ear to what they say. [But though they may seem as sure of themselves] as if they were timbers [firmly] propped up, they think that every shout is [directed] against them. They are the [real] enemies [of all faith], so beware of them. [They deserve the imprecation,] "May God destroy them!" How perverted are their minds
Arthur John Arberry
When thou seest them, their bodies please thee; but when they speak, thou listenest to their speech, and it is as they were propped-up timbers. They think every cry is against them. They are the enemy; so beware of them. God assail them! How they are perverted
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)
When thou lookest at them, their exteriors please thee; and when they speak, thou listenest to their words. They are as (worthless as hollow) pieces of timber propped up, (unable to stand on their own). They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies; so beware of them. The curse of Allah be on them! How are they deluded (away from the Truth)
Arabic
۞ وَإِذَا رَأَیۡتَهُمۡ تُعۡجِبُكَ أَجۡسَامُهُمۡۖ وَإِن یَقُولُوا۟ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡۖ كَأَنَّهُمۡ خُشُبࣱ مُّسَنَّدَةࣱۖ یَحۡسَبُونَ كُلَّ صَیۡحَةٍ عَلَیۡهِمۡۚ هُمُ ٱلۡعَدُوُّ فَٱحۡذَرۡهُمۡۚ قَـٰتَلَهُمُ ٱللَّهُۖ أَنَّىٰ یُؤۡفَكُونَ ٤
Transliteration (2021)
wa-idhā ra-aytahum tuʿ'jibuka ajsāmuhum wa-in yaqūlū tasmaʿ liqawlihim ka-annahum khushubun musannadatun yaḥsabūna kulla ṣayḥatin ʿalayhim humu l-ʿaduwu fa-iḥ'dharhum qātalahumu l-lahu annā yu'fakūn