HOLY QUR'AN

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HOLY QUR'AN
Translated by M.H. Shakir

Edited by Yasin T. al-Jibouri

yasinaljibouri@hotmail.com

SURA 1

Al-Fatihah

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds,
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
Master of the Day of Judgment.
You do we worship, and Your aid do we seek.
Show us the straight way,
The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who do not stray.

SURA 2

Al-Baqarah

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Alif Lam Mim.
This is the Book; in it is sure guidance, without doubt, to those who fear Allah,
Who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.
And who believe in the revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the hereafter.
They are on (true) guidance from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.
As for those who reject faith, it is the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.
Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil; the penalty they (incur) is great.
Among people are those who say, “We believe in Allah and the Last Day,” but they do not (really) believe.
Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves and do not realize (it)!
A disease is in their hearts; and Allah has increased their disease, and the penalty they (incur) is grievous, because they deceive (only their own selves).
When it is said to them, “Do not make mischief on the earth,” they say, “Why, we only want to make peace!”
Surely, they are the ones who make mischief, but they do not even realize (it).
When it is said to them, “Believe as the others believe,” they say, “Shall we believe as the fools believe?” No, without doubt they are the fools, but they do not realize.
When they meet those who believe, they say, “We believe,” but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, “We are really with you; we (were) only jesting.”
Allah will throw back their mockery on them, and grant them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander aimlessly like the blind.
Such are those who have bartered guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction.
Their analogy is that of men who kindled a fire; when it lit all around them, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness, so they could not see.
Deaf, dumb, and blind; they will not return (to the path).
Or (another analogy) 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, terrified by the thought of death, but Allah is ever round the rejecters of faith!
The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (helps) them, they walk in it, 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 has power over all things.
O people! Adore your Guardian-Lord Who created you and those who came before you that you may have the chance to learn righteousness.
Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy, and sent down rain from the heavens, and bestowed fruits for your sustenance? Then do not set up rivals to Allah when you know (the truth).
And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sura such as this; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.
But if you cannot--and surely you cannot--then fear the Fire fueled by men and stones, which is prepared for those who reject faith.
But grant the glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they shall have gardens with rivers flowing beneath. Every time fruits are served to them they say, “Why, this is what we were fed with before,” for they are given the like thereof; and they have (pure and holy) mates; and they shall live there (forever).
Allah does not disdain to use analogies of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord; but those who reject faith say, “What does Allah mean by this analogy?” By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads onto the right path, but He does not cause (any) to stray, except those who divert from (the path).
Those who break God's covenant after its confirmation, and those who rend asunder what Allah has ordered to be joined and make mischief on earth: These cause loss (only) to their own selves.
How can you reject faith in Allah?_Seeing that you were lifeless and He gave you life; then He will cause you to die and will bring you to life again, and you will be returned to Him once more.
It is He Who has created for you all things that are on earth; moreover, His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and He has perfect knowledge of all things.
Behold! Your Lord said to the angels, “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” They said, “Will You place therein one who will create mischief and shed blood? While we celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?” He said, “I know what you do not know.”
And He taught Adam the names (nature) of all things; then He placed them before the angels and said, “Tell Me the names of these (things) if you are right.”
They said, “Glory to You: We have no knowledge except what You have taught us: In truth it is You Who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom.”
He said, “O Adam! Tell them their natures.” When he had told them, Allah said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you conceal?”
And behold! We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam;” and they bowed down except Iblis; he refused and was haughty; he was of those who reject faith.
We said, “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the garden, and eat of the bountiful things in it (where and when) you will, but do not approach this tree or you will run into harm and transgression.”
Then Satan made them slip out from the (garden) and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said, “Get you down, all (you people), with enmity among you. Your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood will be on earth--for a while.”
Then Adam learned words of inspiration from his Lord, and his Lord turned toward him; for He is Oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.
We said, “Get down, all of you, from here; and if, as is sure, guidance comes to you from Me, those who follow My guidance shall know no fear, nor shall they grieve.
“But those who reject faith and belie Our signs shall be the companions of the Fire; there shall they dwell (forever).”
O Children of Israel! Remember the (special) favor which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your covenant with Me as I fulfill My covenant with you, and fear none but Me.
And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and do not be the first to disbelieve therein, nor sell My signs for a small price, and fear Me, and Me alone.
And do not cover truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth when you know (it).
And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).
Do you require right conduct from the people and forget (to practice it) yourselves, and yet you study the Scriptures? Will you not understand?
No, seek (God's) help with patient perseverance and prayer; it is indeed hard, except to those who are humble,
Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.
O Children of Israel! Remember the (special) favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you above all others (for My message).
Then guard yourselves against a Day when no soul shall avail any other, nor shall intercession be accepted for it, nor shall compensation be taken from it, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
And remember We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: They set hard tasks and punishments for you, slaughtered your sons and let your women live; this was a tremendous trial from your Lord.
And remember We parted the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people before your very eyes.
And remember We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence you took the calf (for worship), and you committed a grievous wrong.
Even then We forgave you; there was a chance for you to be grateful.
And remember We gave Moses the Scriptures and the criterion (for right and wrong): There was a chance for you to be rightly guided.
And remember Moses said to his people, “O my people! You have indeed wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf; so turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and execute (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker.” Then He turned toward you (in forgiveness); for He is Oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.
And remember you said, “O Moses! We shall never believe in you until we see Allah manifestly,” but you were dazed with thunder and lightning even as you looked on.
Then We raised you up after your death: You had the chance to be grateful.
And We gave you the shade of clouds and sent down to you manna and quails, saying, “Eat of the good things We have provided for you.” (But they rebelled;) they did not harm Us, but they harmed their own souls.
And remember We said, “Enter this town, and eat of the plenty in it as you wish; but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in words, and We shall forgive your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good deeds.”
But the transgressors changed the word from what had been given to them; so We sent a plague from heavens on the transgressors because they repeatedly violated (Our command).
And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said, “Strike the rock with your staff.” Then twelve springs gushed forth from it. Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah and do no evil nor mischief on earth.
And remember you said, “O Moses! We cannot endure one kind of food (always); so ask your Lord to produce for us of what the earth grows_its pot-herbs, and cucumbers, its garlic, lentils and onions.” He said, “Will you exchange the better for the worse? Go to any town, and you shall find what you want!” They were covered with humiliation and misery: They drew God's Wrath upon themselves. This is so because they went on rejecting God's Signs and killing His messengers without a just cause. This is so because they rebelled and went on transgressing.
Those who believe (in the Qur'an) and those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians, and who believe in Allah and the last day, and work righteousness, shall all have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
And remember We made a covenant with you and We raised above you (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai) (saying), “Hold firmly to what We have given you and always remember its contents; perhaps you may fear Allah.”
But you turned back after that: Had it not been for God's grace and mercy to you, you would surely have been among the lost (ones).
And you knew very well those among you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: We said to them, “Be you apes, despised and rejected.”
So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity and a lesson to those who fear Allah.
And remember Moses said to his people, “God commands you to sacrifice a heifer.” They said, “Are you making a laughing-stock of us?” He said, “God save me from being an ignorant (fool)!”
They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us what (heifer) it is.” He said, “He says: The heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middling age; now do as you are commanded!”
They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make her color plain to us.” He said, “He says: a fawn-colored heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of the beholders!”
They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us what she is: all heifers are alike to us; we truly wish to be guided, if Allah wills.”
He said, “He says: A heifer not trained to till the soil nor water the fields; sound and without a blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth.” Then they offered her in sacrifice, but grudgingly.
Remember you killed a man and fell into dispute among yourselves about the crime, but Allah was to bring forth what you hid.
So We said, “Strike the (body) with a piece of the (heifer).” Thus Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His signs; perhaps you may understand.
From then (on) your hearts were hardened: they became like rocks, and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; there are others which, when split asunder, send forth water, and others which sink for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what you do.
Can you (O men of faith) entertain the hope that they will believe in you, seeing that a party of them heard the word of Allah, and perverted it knowingly after understanding it?
Behold! When they meet men of faith, they say, “We believe.” But when they meet each other in private, they say, “Shall you tell them what Allah has revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?” Do you not understand (their aim)?
Do they not know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal?
Among them are those who are illiterate; these do not know the Book but (see in it their own) desires, and they do nothing but conjecture.
Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, “This is from Allah,” to traffic with it for a miserable price! Woe to them for what their hands write, and for the gain they get from it.
And they say, “The Fire shall not touch us except for a few numbered days.” Say: “Have you taken a promise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? Or is it that you say things about Allah that you do not know?”
Surely those who seek gain in evil and are engulfed in their sins__they are the companions of the Fire: they shall dwell in it (forever).
But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are the companions of the garden: they shall dwell in it (forever).
And remember We made a covenant with the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah; treat your parents and kindred and orphans and those in need with kindness; speak fairly to people; be steadfast in prayer; and practice regular charity. Then you turned back, except for a few among you, and you backslide (even now).
And remember We made a covenant with you (to this effect): Do not shed blood among you, nor turn out your own people from your homes. And you solemnly ratified this and you can bear witness to this.
After this it is you, the same people, who kill each other and banish some of your folk from their homes, and assist (their enemies) against them, in guilt and rancor; and if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, though it was unlawful for you to banish them. Then do you believe in only a part of the Book and reject the rest? But what is the reward of those among you who behave like this other than disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what you do.
These are the people who barter for the life of this world at the expense of the hereafter; their penalty shall not be lessened, nor shall they be helped.
We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers; We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear (signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever a Messenger comes to you with something you do not desire, you are puffed up with pride? Some you called impostors and others you murdered!
They say, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve God's word; we need no more).” Undoubtedly God's curse is on them for their blasphemy. Little do they believe.
And when a Book from Allah comes to them, confirming what is with them__even though for ages they had prayed for victory against those without faith__when what they (should) have recognized comes to them, they refuse to believe in it. But God's curse is on those who do not have faith.
They have sold their souls for a miserable price, by denying (the revelation) which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of His grace should send it to whomever of His servants He pleases. Thus have they brought wrath upon wrath on their own selves. And the punishment of those who reject faith is humiliating.
When it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah has sent down,” they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us.” Yet they reject all besides, even if it is truth confirming what is with them. Say: “Then why have you killed God's prophets in the past, if you did indeed believe?”
Moses came to you with clear (signs); yet you worshipped the calf (even) after that, and you behaved wrongfully.
And remember We made a covenant with you and raised above you (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai), (saying), “Hold firmly to what We have given you and keep (to the Law).” They said, “We hear, and we disobey;” and they had to drink into their hearts (of the taint) of the calf because of their faithlessness. Say: “Vile indeed are the behests of your faith, if you have any faith (at all)!”
Say: “If the last abode, with Allah, is especially for you and not for anyone else, then seek death, if you are sincere.”
But they will never seek death, on account of the (sins) which their hands have sent on before them. And Allah is well acquainted with the wrong-doers.
You will indeed find them, of all people, most greedy for life__even more than the idolaters; each of them wishes he could live for a thousand years. But granting him such a life will not save him from (due) punishment, for Allah sees well all that they do.
Say: “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel__for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by God's will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe,
“Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and Messengers, to Gabriel and Michael__Beware! Allah is an enemy to those who reject faith.”
We have sent clear signs (ayat) to you; and none reject them except those who are perverse.
Is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, some of them throw it aside? In truth, most of them are faithless.
And when a Messenger from Allah came to them, confirming what was with them, some of the People of the Book threw away God's Book behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did not know!
They followed what the evil ones said (falsely) against the power of Solomon: The blasphemers, not Solomon, the evil ones, were teaching men magic and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these taught anyone (such things) without saying, “We are only for trial; so do not blaspheme.” They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But they could not harm anyone in this way except with God's permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what benefitted them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) would have no share in the happiness of the hereafter. And the price for which they sold their souls was vile, if they only knew!
Had they kept their faith and guarded themselves from evil, their reward from their Lord would have been far better, if they only knew!
O people of faith! Do not speak ambiguous words (to the Messenger), but words of respect; and listen (to him): There is a grievous punishment for those without faith.
Neither the faithless among the People of the Book, nor the pagans, ever wish that anything good should come to you from your Lord. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whomsoever He wills__for Allah is Lord of grace abounding.
We neither abrogate any of Our revelations nor cause them to be forgotten without substituting something better or similar: Do you not know that Allah has power over all things?
Do you not know that the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah! And you have no patron or helper besides Him.
Would you question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? But whoever changes from faith to faithlessness has undoubtedly strayed from the straight way.
Quite a number of the People of the Book, out of selfish envy, wish they could turn you back to faithlessness after you have believed, after the truth has become manifest to them: But forgive and overlook, till Allah accomplishes His purpose; for Allah has power over all things.
And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. And whatever good you send forth before you for your souls, you shall find it with Allah; for Allah well sees all that you do.
And they say, “No one shall enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian.” These are their (vain) desires. Say: “Show us your proof if you are truthful.”
Nay! Whoever submits entirely to Allah and is a doer of good deeds__he will get his reward from his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
The Jews say, “The Christians have nothing (to stand) upon,” and the Christians say, “The Jews have nothing (to stand) upon.” Yet they (profess to) study the (same) Book. Their word is like that which is said by those who do not know, but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.
And who is more unjust than he who forbids God's name to be celebrated in places for the worship of Allah? Whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such (people) should enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this life and an exceeding torment in the life to come.
The East and the West belong to Allah: Wherever you turn, God's presence is there. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing.
They say, “God has begotten a son.” Glory be to Him! Nay! All that is in the heavens and on the earth belongs to Him. Everything worships Him.
The primal origin of the heavens and the earth is due to Him: When He decrees a matter He says to it, “Be,” and it is.
Those without knowledge say, “Why does Allah not speak to us? Or why does a sign not come to us?” So said the people before them: words of similar meaning. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made the signs clear to any people who hold firmly to faith (in their hearts).
Surely We have sent you in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. But you shall be asked no questions about the companions of the blazing Fire.
Neither the Jews nor the Christians will ever be pleased with you unless you follow their form of religion. Say: “God's guidance_that is the (only) guidance.” Were you to follow their desires after the knowledge which has reached you, then you would find neither protector nor helper against Allah.
Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied. They are the ones who believe in it, (and as for) those who reject faith in it__the loss is their own.
O Children of Israel! Remember the special favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you above all others (for My message).
Then guard yourselves against a Day when no soul shall avail any other, nor shall compensation be accepted from it, nor shall intercession profit it, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled. He said, “I will make you an Imam (guide) to the nations.” He pleaded, “And also (make Imams) of my offspring!” He answered, “But My promise is not within the reach of evil-doers.”
Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety, and take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We made a covenant with Abraham and Ishmael, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it around, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (in it in prayer).
And remember Abraham said, “My Lord, make this a city of peace, and feed fruits to its people__those of them who believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He said, “(Yes,) and as for those who reject faith__for a while I will grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of the Fire! a (truly) evil destination!”
And remember Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us; for You are the all-Hearing, the all-Knowing.
“Our Lord! Make us Muslims, bowing to Your (will), and make our progeny a Muslim people, bowing to Your (will), and show us our places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn to us (in mercy): for You are the Oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.
“Our Lord! Send among them a Messenger of their own who will recite Your Signs to them and instruct them in the Scriptures and wisdom, and sanctify them; for You are Exalted in might, Wise.”
And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? We chose him and made him pure in this world, and in the hereafter he will be in the ranks of the righteous.
Behold! His Lord said to him, “Bow (your will to me).” He said, “I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the universe.”
And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob: “O my sons! Allah has chosen the faith for you; then do not die except in the faith of Islam.”
Were you witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? See, he said to his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We shall worship your Allah and the Allah of your fathers_of Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac_the One (true) Allah: To Him we bow (in Islam).”
That was a people that has passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and you of what you do! There is no question of their merits in your case!
They say, “Become Jews or Christians if you want to be guided (to salvation).” Say: “No! (I would rather follow) the religion of Abraham the true, and he did not join gods with Allah.”
Say: “We believe in Allah and in the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and the one given to Moses and Jesus, and given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another of them, and we bow to Allah (in Islam).”
So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice you against them, and He is the all-Hearing, the all-Knowing.
(Our religion is) the Baptism of Allah; and who can baptize better than Allah? And it is He Whom we worship.
Say: Will you dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord, that we are responsible for our deeds and you for yours, and that we are sincere (in our faith) in Him?
Or do you say that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do you know better than Allah? Ah! Who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah? But Allah is not unmindful of what you do!
That was a people that has passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and you of what you do! There is no question of their merits in your case.
The fools among the people will say, “What has turned them from the Qibla which they had before?” Say: Both East and West belong to Allah. He guides whomsoever He pleases to a way that is straight.
Thus have We made of you a justly balanced Ummat (nation) so that you may be witnesses to the nations, and the Messenger a witness to you; and We appointed the Qibla which you had before, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (from the faith). Indeed it was a momentous (change), except to those guided by Allah. And Allah would never make your faith of no effect. For Allah is most surely full of kindness, the Most Merciful to all people.
We see you turn your face to the heavens (for guidance): Now We shall turn you to a Qibla that will please you. Then turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: Wherever you are, turn your faces in that direction. The People of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord, nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.
Even if you were to bring all the signs (together) to the People of the Book, they would not follow your Qibla; nor are you going to follow their Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other's Qibla. If you, after knowledge has reached you, were to follow their (vain) desires! Then you would be (clearly) in the wrong.
The People of the Book know this as they know their own sons; but some of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.
The truth is from your Lord, so have no doubts at all.
Each has a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) towards all that is good. Wherever you are, Allah will bring you together. For Allah has power over all things.
Wherever you start from, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: That is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what you do.
So wherever you start from, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; wherever you are, turn your face towards it: That there be no grounds for dispute against you among the people, except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so do not fear them, but fear Me; that I may complete My favors to you and you may (consent to) be guided.
(You have already received) a similar (favor) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, reciting to you Our signs and sanctifying you and instructing you in Scriptures and wisdom and in new knowledge.
Then remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject faith.
O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.
And do not say of those who are killed in the way of Allah, “They are dead.” No, they are living, though you do not perceive (it).
Rest assured that We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,
Who say, when afflicted with calamity, “To Allah do we belong, and to Him do we return.”
They are the ones on whom God's blessings and mercy (descend), and they are the ones who receive guidance.
Behold! The Safa and Marwa are among God's symbols. So if those who visit the House in the season or at other times should circle them, they have not sinned in this. And if anyone obeys his own impulse to do good! be sure that Allah is He Who recognizes and knows.
Those who conceal the clear (Signs) and the guidance We have sent down after We have made it clear for the people in the Book! God's curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse, shall be upon them,
Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare (the truth): I turn to them; for I am oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.
Those who reject faith and die rejecting! God's curse and the curse of the angels and of all mankind is upon them.
They will abide in it: Their penalty will not be lessened, nor will respite be theirs.
And your Allah is One Allah: There is no god but He, Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of night and day; in the sailing of ships through the ocean for the benefit of mankind; in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies; and the life which He gives with it to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters throughout the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth; (here) indeed are signs for wise people.
Yet there are men who (worship) others besides Allah as equal (with Allah): They love them as they should love Allah. But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. If only the unrighteous could see, behold! They would see the penalty: That all power belongs to Allah, and Allah will strongly enforce the penalty.
Then those who are followed would rid themselves of those who follow (them): They would see the penalty, and all relations between them would be cut off.
And those who followed would say, “If only we had one more chance, we would rid ourselves of them, as they have rid themselves of us.” Thus will Allah show them (the fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets, nor will there be a way out of the Fire for them.
O people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of the evil one, for he is an avowed enemy to you.
For he commands you (to do) what is evil and shameful, and that you should say of Allah what you have no knowledge of.
When it is said to them, “Follow what Allah has revealed,” they say, “No! We shall follow the ways of our fathers.” What! Even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance?!
The analogy for those who reject faith is as if one were to shout like a goat-herd to things that listen to nothing but calls and cries: Deaf, dumb and blind, they are void of wisdom.
O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him you worship.
He has only forbidden you dead meat and blood and the flesh of swine and that on which any name other than that of Allah has been invoked, but if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits! then is he guiltless. For Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Those who conceal God's Revelations in the Book and purchase a miserable profit for them! they swallow nothing but fire; Allah will not address them on the Day of Resurrection, nor purify them; their penalty will be grievous.
They are the ones who buy error instead of guidance and torment instead of forgiveness. Ah! What boldness (they show) for the Fire!
(Their doom is) because Allah sent down the Book in truth but those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism far (from the purpose).
It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the messengers, to spend of your wealth, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves, to be steadfast in prayer and practice regular charity, to fulfill the contracts which you have made, and to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity and throughout all times of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.
O you who believe! The law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: The free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand and compensate him with handsome gratitude; this is a concession and a mercy from your Lord. After this, whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.
O you men of understanding! The law of equality is life-(saving) to you, that you may restrain yourselves.
It is prescribed for you that when death approaches any of you, if he leaves behind any goods, that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin in goodness, a duty incumbent on the pious.
If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt shall be on those who make the change. For Allah hears and knows all things.
But if anyone fears partiality or wrong-doing on the part of the testator and makes peace between (the parties concerned), he has done no wrong: For Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) in later days. There is a ransom for those who can do it (only with hardship)! the feeding of one who is indigent. But it is better for him who will grant more of his own free will, and it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.
Ramadan is the (month) in which the Qur'an was sent down as guidance to mankind, as well as clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) in later days. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him because He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.
When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every supplicant when he calls upon Me: Let them also listen to My call with a will, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.
You are permitted to approach your wives on the night of the fasts. They are your garments. And you are their garments. Allah knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah: Do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His signs to men that they may learn self-restraint.
And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for judges, with the intent of wrongfully and knowingly eating up a little of (other) people's property.
They ask you concerning the new moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men and for pilgrimage. It is no virtue if you enter your houses from the back: It is virtue if you fear Allah. Enter houses through the proper doors: And fear Allah (so) that you may prosper.
In the cause of Allah fight those who fight you, but do not transgress the limits; for Allah does not love the transgressors.
And kill them wherever you catch them and turn them out from wherever they have turned you out, for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there. But if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.
But if they cease, Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
And (continue) fighting them until there is no more tumult or oppression, and justice and faith in Allah prevail; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except towards those who practice oppression.
The prohibited month for the prohibited month! and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. Then, if anyone transgresses the prohibition against you, likewise transgress against him. But fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
And spend of your wealth in the cause of Allah and do not make your own hands contribute to your destruction, but do good; for Allah loves those who do good.
And complete the Hajj or `Umra in the service of Allah. But if you are prevented (from completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as you may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp (necessitating shaving), (he should) in compensation either fast or feed the poor or offer sacrifice; and when you are in peaceful conditions (again), if anyone wishes to continue the `Umra on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford; he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah and know that Allah is strict in punishment.
The months for Hajj are well known. If anyone undertakes the duty during them, let there be no obscenity nor wickedness, nor wrangling during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (rest assured) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, O you who are wise!
It is no crime in you if you seek of the bounty of your Lord (during the pilgrimage). Then when you pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the sacred monument and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, even though you went astray before this.
Then pass on quickly from the place from which the multitude usually does so, and ask for God's forgiveness. For Allah is the oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
So when you have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of Allah, as you used to celebrate the praises of your fathers! yes, (and) with far more heart and soul. There are men who say, “Our Lord! Grant us (Your bounties) in this world!” But they will have no portion in the hereafter.
And there are those who say, “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter and defend us from the torment of the Fire!”
These will be allotted what they have earned, and Allah is swift in accounting.
Celebrate the praises of Allah during the appointed days, but if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if anyone stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah and know that you will surely be gathered before Him.
There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life may dazzle you, and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet he is the most contentious of enemies.
When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah does not love mischief.
When it is said to him, “Fear Allah,” he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Hell suffices him! a truly evil bed (to lie on)!
And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn God's pleasure; and Allah is full of kindness to (His) devotees.
O you who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and do not follow the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is an avowed enemy to you.
If you backslide after the clear (Signs) have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is settled (thus)? But all questions go back to Allah (for decision).
Ask the Children of Israel how many clear (Signs) We have sent them. But if anyone substitutes (something else), after God's favor has come to him, Allah is strict in punishment.
The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for Allah bestows His abundance without measure on whom He will.
Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent messengers with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves except through selfish insubordination. Allah by His grace guided the believers to the truth concerning their differences, for Allah guides whomsoever He pleases to a path that is straight.
Or do you think that you shall enter the garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and the believers who were with him cried, “When (will) God's help come?” Ah! Surely God's help is (always) near!
They ask you what they should spend (in charity). Say: Whatever you spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers, and whatever good you do! God knows it well.
Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it; but you might dislike a thing that is good for you and love a thing that is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you do not.
They ask you about fighting in the prohibited month. Say: “Fighting during it is a grave (offense); but in the sight of Allah, it is more grave to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members. Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any one turns back from his faith and dies in disbelief, his deeds will bear no fruit in this life nor in the hereafter; he will be a companion of the Fire and he will dwell therein (forever).”
Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of God! they have hope of God's mercy; and Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: “There is great sin and some profit in them for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.” They ask you how much they are to spend. Say: “What exceeds your needs.” Thus does Allah make His Signs clear to you so that you may consider,
(Their bearing) on this life and the hereafter. They ask you about orphans. Say: “The best thing to do is what is good for them; if you mix their affairs with yours, they are your brothers; but Allah knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good. Had Allah wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in power, Wise.”
Do not marry unbelieving women (idolatresses), until they believe; a slave woman who believes is better than a woman who does not believe, even though she may allure you. Nor marry (your girls) to disbelievers until they believe: A believing slave is better than an disbeliever (who is free), even though he may allure you. Disbelievers (only) invite you to the Fire. But Allah by His grace invites you to the garden (of bliss) and to forgiveness, and He makes His signs clear to mankind so that they may celebrate His praise.
They ask you about women's menstruation. Say: “It is a discomfort; so keep away from women during their menstruation and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, you may approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by Allah. For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly, and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.”
Your wives are as a tilth to you; so approach your tilth when or how you please. But do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah and know that you are to meet Him (in the hereafter) and grant (these) glad tidings to the believers.
And in your oaths, do not make God's (name) an excuse for not doing good or acting rightly or making peace among others; for Allah is the all-Hearing, all-Knowing.
Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
For those who take a vow of abstention from their wives, a waiting period of four months is ordained; if then they return, Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
But if they have resolved on a divorce, Allah hears and knows all things.
Concerning themselves, divorced women shall wait for three monthly periods, nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah has created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is fair; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them and Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
Divorce is only permissible twice; after that, the parties should either hold together on equitable terms or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear that they would be unable to observe the limits set by Allah. If you (judges) truly fear that they would be unable to observe the limits set by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she gives something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah; so do not transgress them. If anyone violates the limits set by Allah, such persons wrong (themselves as well as others).
So if a husband divorces his wife (irrevocably), he cannot, after that, remarry her until after she has married another husband and he has divorced her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they reunite, provided they feel that they can observe the limits set by Allah. Such are the limits set by Allah, which He makes plain to those who understand.
When you divorce women and they fulfill their waiting period (`Iddat), either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them or to take undue advantage of them; if anyone does that, he wrongs his own soul. Do not treat God's Signs lightly but solemnly rehearse God's favors to you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and wisdom for your instruction. And fear Allah and know that Allah is well acquainted with all things.
When you divorce women and they fulfill their waiting period (`Iddat), do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all among you who believe in Allah and the Last Day, to (make) you more virtuous and pure, and Allah knows and you do not.
Mothers shall nurse their children for two whole years, if the father wishes, to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his child. An heir shall have the same duty; if, after mutual consent and consultation, they both decide on weaning, there is no blame on them. If you decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided you pay (the mother) what you offered, on equitable terms. But fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what you do.
If any of you dies and leaves widows behind, they shall wait four months and ten days: When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if they make arrangements for themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And Allah is well acquainted with what you do.
There is no blame on you if you make an offer of marriage or hold it in your hearts. Allah knows that you cherish them in your hearts, but do not make a secret contract with them except on honorable terms, nor sign the marriage contract till the prescribed term is fulfilled. And know that Allah knows what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him, and know that Allah is oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
There is no blame on you if you divorce women before consummation or the fixation of their dower, but grant them (a suitable gift), the wealthy man according to his means, and the poor one according to his means; a gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do the right thing.
And if you divorce them before consummation but after the fixation of a dower for them, then (you owe them) half of the dower unless they remit it, or (the man's half) is remitted by the person who holds the marriage tie, and the (man's) remission (of one half) is nearest to righteousness. And do not forget liberality among yourselves. For Allah sees well all that you do.
Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the middle prayer and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind).
If you fear (an enemy), pray while walking or riding (as may be most convenient), but when you are safe, celebrate God's praises in the manner He taught you, which you did not know (before).
Those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows a year's maintenance and residence, but if they leave (the residence), there is no blame on you for what they do by themselves, provided it is reasonable, and Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
For divorced women maintenance (should be provided) on a reasonable (scale). This is a duty for the righteous.
Thus Allah makes His signs clear to you, so you may understand.
Have you not considered those who abandoned their homes, though they were thousands (in number), for fear of death? Allah said to them, “Die.” Then He restored them to life, for Allah is full of bounty to mankind, yet most of them are ungrateful.
Then fight in the cause of Allah and know that Allah hears and knows all things.
Who will grant Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will double to his credit and multiply many times? It is Allah Who gives (you) want or plenty, and to Him you will return.
Have you not considered the chiefs of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? They said to a prophet (who was) among them, “Appoint a king for us, so we may fight in the cause of Allah.” He said, “Is it possible that you would not fight if you were commanded to fight?” They said, “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and families?” But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except for a small band among them. But Allah has full knowledge of the wrong-doers.
Their prophet said to them, “God has appointed alt as your king.” They said, “How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he is to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted with wealth in abundance?” He said, “God has chosen him over you and has gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: Allah grants His authority to whom He pleases. Allah cares for all, and He knows all things.”

And their prophet (also) said to them, “A sign of his authority is that the Ark of the Covenant shall come to you, with (an assurance) in it of security from your Lord and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels. In this is a symbol for you if you indeed have faith.”

When Talut set forth with the armies, he said, “God will test you at the stream: If anyone drinks of its water, he will not go with my army: Only those who do not taste of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused.” But they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river! he and the faithful ones with him! they said, “This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they must meet Allah said, “How often, by God's will, has a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.”

When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed, “Our Lord! Pour out patience on us and make our steps firm; help us against those who reject faith.”

By God's will they routed them; and David slew Goliath, and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed. And if Allah had not checked one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed have been full of mischief, but Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds.

These are God's Signs: We recite them to you in truth; truly you are one of the Messengers.

We endowed those Messengers with gifts, some more than others: To one of them Allah spoke; others We raised to degrees (of honor). To Jesus, the son of Mary, We gave clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to argue, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have fought each other, but Allah fulfills His plan.

O you who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you, before the Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. Those who reject faith! they are the wrong-doers.

Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, the Eternal. Neither slumber can seize Him nor sleep. All things in the heavens and on earth are His. Who is there who can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what (appears to his creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they grasp anything of His knowledge except as He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He never tires in guarding and preserving them, for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clearly from error: Whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy lifeline, one that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.

Allah is the Protector of the believers: From the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. The patrons of those who reject faith are the Evil Ones: They will lead them forth from light into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the Fire, to dwell in it (forever).

Have you not considered the one who disputed with Abraham about his Lord because Allah had granted him power? Abraham said, “My Lord is He Who gives life and death.” He said, “I grant life and death.” Abraham said, “But it is Allah Who causes the sun to rise in the East: Then you, make it rise in the West.” So did he confound the one who (arrogantly) rejected faith. And Allah does not guide the unjust people.

Or (take) the analogy of one who passed by a village, all in ruins to its roofs. He said, “Oh! How shall Allah (ever) bring it to life, after its death?” But Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said, “How long did you tarry (like that)?” He said, “(Perhaps) a Day or part of a Day.” He said, “No, you tarried a hundred years like that; so look at your food and your drink; they show no Signs of age, and look at your donkey. And so We may make a Sign out of you to the people. Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh!” When this was shown clearly to him, he said, “I know that Allah has power over all things.”

Behold! Abraham said, “My Lord! Show me how You grant life to the dead.” He said, “Then do you not believe?” He said, “Yes, but to satisfy my own understanding.” He said, “Take four birds; tame them to come back to you; put parts of them on every hill and call to them: They will come to you (flying) with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.”

The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a kernel of corn: It grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred kernels. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases: And Allah cares for all and He knows all things.

Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allah and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury! Their reward is with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Kind words and covering up faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most Forbearing.

O you who believe! Do not cancel your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury! [It is] like those who spend their substance to be seen by men but do not believe in Allah or the Last Day. They are in parable like a hard, barren rock on which is a little soil; a heavy rain falls on it, leaving it (just) a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with anything they have earned. And Allah does not guide those who reject faith.

And the comparison for those who spend their substance, seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls, is a high and fertile garden: Heavy rain falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it does not receive heavy rain, light moisture suffices. Allah sees well whatever you do.

Does any of you wish that he should have a garden with date-palms and vines and streams flowing underneath and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age and his children are not strong (enough to look after themselves)! That it should be caught in a fiery whirlwind and burnt up? Thus does Allah make (His) Signs clear to you, (so) that you may consider.

O you who believe! Grant of the good things which you have (honorably) earned and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you and do not even try to get anything bad, so that you may grant away some of it, when you yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

The Evil One threatens you with poverty and invites you to odious conduct. Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounties and Allah cares for all and He knows all things.

He grants wisdom to whomsoever He pleases, and he to whom wisdom is granted receives a truly overflowing benefit, but none will grasp the message except men of understanding.

And whatever you spend in charity or devotion, be sure Allah knows it all. But the wrong-doers have no helpers.

If you disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if you conceal them and make them reach those (really) in need, that is best for you: It will remove some of your (stains of) evil from you. And Allah is well acquainted with what you do.

It is not required of you (O Messenger), to set them on the right path, but Allah sets whom He pleases on the right path. Whatever good things you grant benefit your own souls, and you shall do so only seeking the “Face” of Allah. Whatever good you grant shall be paid back to you, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.

(Charity is) for those in need, who, in God's cause, are restricted (from travel) and cannot move about in the land, seeking (trade or work). The ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want. You shall know them by their (unfailing) mark: They do not beg importunately from all and sundry, and whatever good you grant, rest assured Allah knows it well.

Those who spend of their wealth (in charity) by night and by Day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Those who devour usury will not stand except like those driven to madness by the touch of the Evil One. That is because they say, “Trade is like usury," but Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who desist, after receiving direction from their Lord, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allah (to judge), but those who repeat (the offense) are companions of the Fire: They will dwell in it (forever).

Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will grant increase for deeds of charity, for He does not love ungrateful and wicked creatures.

Those who believe and do deeds of righteousness and establish regular prayers and regular charity will have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

O you who believe! Fear Allah and grant up what remains of your demand for usury, if you truly believe.

If you do not do it, take note of war from Allah and His Messenger, but if you turn back, you shall have your capital sums: Do not deal unfairly, and you shall not be dealt with unfairly.

If the debtor is in difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But it you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you, if you only know.

And fear the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every soul shall be paid what it has earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly.

O you who believe! When you deal with each other in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, write them down. Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: Let not the scribe refuse to write: As Allah has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear his Lord Allah and not diminish what he owes. If the liable party is mentally deficient or weak or personally unable to dictate, let his guardian dictate faithfully. And get two witnesses from among your own men, and if there are no two men, then a man and two women, such as you choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the one can remind the other. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (for evidence). Do not disdain to write down (your contract) for a future period, whether it be small or big: It is more just in the sight of Allah, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, but if it be a transaction which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract, and do not let either the scribe or the witness suffer harm. If you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So fear Allah, for it is Allah Who teaches you. And Allah is well acquainted with all things.

If you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, accept collateral (which may serve the purpose). And if one of you deposits something on trust with another, let the trustee (faithfully) discharge his trust, and let him fear his Lord. Do not conceal evidence, for whoever conceals it, his heart is tainted with sin. And Allah knows all that you do.

All that is in the heavens and on earth belongs to Allah. Whether you show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah calls you to account for it. He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases, for Allah has power over all things.

The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believes in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. “We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His Messengers.” And they say, “We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Your forgiveness, Our Lord, and You are the end of all journeys.”

Allah does not place a burden on any soul greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Do not condemn us if we forget or fall into error. Our Lord! Do not lay a burden on us like the one You laid on those before us. Our Lord! Do not lay a burden on us greater than we have the strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector; help us against those who stand against faith.”

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SURA 3

Aal-'Imran

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Alif Lam Mim.
Allah! There is no god but He! the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.
It is He Who sent down the Book to you (step by step), in truth, confirming what went before it, and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of Judgment between right and wrong).
Then those who reject faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in might, Lord of retribution.
Truly nothing is hidden from Allah on earth or in the heavens.
It is He Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in might, the Wise.
It is He Who has sent down the Book to you; there are basic (fundamental) verses (of established meaning) in it; they are the foundation of the Book; others are allegorical. But those with perversity in their hearts follow its allegorical parts, seeking discord and searching for their own hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah, and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge. Say, “We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord.” And none will grasp the message except men of understanding.
“Our Lord!” (they say,) “do not let our hearts deviate now that You have guided us, but grant us mercy from Your Own Presence, for You are the Giver of unlimited bounties.
“Our Lord! You are He Who will gather mankind together on a Day about which there is no doubt, for Allah never fails His promise.”
Those who reject faith! Neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will be of any help to them against Allah: They are themselves but fuel for the Fire.
(Their plight will be) no better than that of the people of Pharaoh and their predecessors: They denied Our Signs, and Allah called them to account for their sins, for Allah is strict in punishment.
Say to those who reject faith, “You will soon be vanquished and gathered together in Hell! a truly evil bed (to lie on)!
“There has already been a Sign for you in the two armies that met (in combat): One was fighting in the cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah, and their eyes saw twice their number. But Allah supports and aids whom He pleases. This is a warning for those who have eyes to see.”
In the eyes of men, the love of things they covet! Women and sons, heaped-up hoards of gold and silver, horses branded (for blood and excellence), and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land! (all) seem fair. Such are the possessions of this world's life, but nearness to Allah is the best goal.
Say: Shall I grant you glad tidings of things far better than those? For the righteous, there are gardens near to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; their eternal home is there, with pure (and holy) companions, and the good pleasure of Allah, for (all) His servants are in God's sight,
(Namely,) those who say, “Our Lord! We have truly believed: Then forgive us our sins and save us from the agony of the Fire,”
And those who show patience, firmness and self-control, who are true (in word and deed), who worship devoutly, who spend (in the way of Allah), and who pray for forgiveness in the early Hours of the morning.
There is no god but He: As witnessed by Allah, His angels and those endowed with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in power, the Wise.
According to Allah, (true) religion is Islam (submission to His will): Nor did the People of the Book dissent from it except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny God's Signs, Allah is swift in calling to account.
So if they dispute with you, say: “I have submitted my whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me.” And say to the People of the Book and to the unlearned, “Do you (also) submit yourselves?” If they do, they are rightly guided, but if they turn back, your duty is to convey the message, and (all) His servants are in God's sight.
As for those who deny God's Signs and, in defiance of right, kill the Prophets and kill those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce a grievous penalty to them.
They are the ones whose works will bear no fruit in this world nor in the hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help (them).
Have you not considered those who have been given a portion of the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allah to settle their dispute, but some of them turn back and decline (the arbitration).
This (is so) because they say, “The Fire will only touch us for a few numbered Days.” Their forgeries have deceived them as to their own religion.
But how (will they fare) when We gather them together on a Day about which there is no doubt, and each soul will receive exactly what it has earned without (favor or injustice)?
Say: “O Allah! Lord of power (and Judgment), You grant dominions to whomsoever You please: And You strip away dominions from whomsoever You please; You endow with honor whom You please, and You abase whomsoever You please: all good is in Your hands. Truly, You have power over all things.
“You cause the night to gain on the Day, and You cause the Day to gain on the night; You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living, and You grant sustenance to whom You please, without measure.”
Let the believers not take disbelievers for friends or helpers rather than believers: If any do so, there will be no help from Allah in anything: Unless (you do so) by way of precaution, (so) that you may guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (to remember) Him, for the final goal is Allah.
Say: “Whether you hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it all: He knows what is in the heavens and what is on earth. And Allah has power over all things.
“On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you (to remember) Him. And Allah is full of kindness to those who serve Him.”
Say: “If you love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you, and forgive you your sins, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
Say: “Obey Allah and His Messenger.” But if they turn back, Allah does not love those who reject faith.
Allah chose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of 'Imran above all people,
Offspring, one of the other: And Allah hears and knows all things.
Behold! A woman of 'Imran (Amram) said, “O my Lord! I dedicate what is in my womb to You specifically to serve You, so accept this from me, for You hear and know all things.”
After she had given birth, she said, “O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child!”! And Allah knew best what she brought forth!”and in no way is the male like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Your protection from the Evil One, the Rejected.”
Her Lord accepted her most graciously; He made her grow in purity and beauty: She was assigned to the care of Zakariya (Zacharias). Every time he entered (her) chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said, “O Mary! From where does this (come) to you?” She said, “From Allah, for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases, without measure.”
There Zakariya prayed to his Lord, saying, “O my Lord! Grant me pure offspring, for You are He Who hears prayer!”
While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him, “God gives you glad tidings of John, a witness to the truth of a Word of Allah, and (also) noble, chaste, and a Prophet! of the (good) company of the righteous.”
He said, “O my Lord! How shall I have a son, seeing I am very old and my wife is barren?” “Thus does Allah accomplish what He wills,” was the answer.
He said. “O my Lord! Grant me a Sign!” The answer was: “Your Sign shall be that you shall speak to no man for three Days except through Signals. Then celebrate the praises of your Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the evening and in the morn.”
Behold! The angels said, “O Mary! Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of all nations.
“O Mary! Worship your Lord devoutly: Prostrate yourself and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down.”
This is part of the tidings of the unseen which We reveal to you (O Messenger!) by inspiration: You were not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary, nor were you with them when they disputed (the point).
Behold! The angels said, “O Mary! Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him: His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and in the hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.
“He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity, and he shall be (of the company) of the righteous.”
She said, “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?” He said, “Even so: Allah creates what He wills: When He has decreed a plan, He but says to it `Be,' and it is!
“And Allah will teach him the Book and wisdom, the Law and the Gospel.
“And (appoint him) a Messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): `I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. I make the figure of a bird for you out of clay, as it were, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God's leave: And I heal those born blind and the lepers, and I bring the dead to life, by God's leave, and I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses. Surely there is a Sign in this for you if you do believe.
`(I have come to you) to bear witness to the Law which came before me and to make lawful to you part of what was (once) forbidden to you: I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me.
`It is Allah Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a straight way.'”
When Jesus found disbelief on their part, he said, “Who will be my helpers in (the Cause of) Allah?” Said the disciples, “We are God's helpers: We believe in Allah and bear witness that we are Muslims.
“Our Lord! We believe in what You have revealed and we follow the Messenger; then count us among those who bear witness.”
And (the disbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and Allah is the best of planners.
Behold! Allah said, “O Jesus! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow you superior to those who reject faith until the Day of Resurrection: Then all of you shall return to Me and I will judge between you concerning what you argued about.
“As for those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the hereafter, and they will have no one to help (them).
“As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, Allah will pay them their reward (in full), but Allah does not love wrong-doers.
“This is what We recite to you of the Signs and the message of wisdom.”
This analogy of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him, “Be,” and he was.
The truth (comes) from Allah alone; so do not be one who doubts.
If anyone disputes this matter with you, now after (full) knowledge has come to you, say: “Come! Let us gather together! our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us earnestly pray and invoke God's curse on the liars!”
This is the true account: There is no god but Allah, and God! He indeed is the Exalted in power, the Wise.
But if they turn back, Allah has full knowledge of those who do mischief.
Say: “O People of the Book! Come to common terms between us and you: That we worship none but Allah, (so) that we do not associate partners with Him, (so) that we do not set up lords and patrons from among ourselves other than Allah.” Then if they turn back, say: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to God's will).”
O People of the Book! Why do you dispute about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have you no understanding?
Ah! You are those who fell to disputing (even) in matters of which you had some knowledge! But why do you dispute about matters of which you have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and you who do not know!
Abraham was not a Jew nor was he a Christian, but he was true in faith and bowed his will to God's will (which is Islam), and he did not join gods with Allah.
Without doubt, the nearest of kin among men to Abraham are those who follow him, as are also this Messenger and those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who have faith.
Some of the People of the Book wish to lead you astray. But they shall lead (only) themselves astray, and they do not perceive!
O People of the Book! Why do you reject God's Signs, of which you (yourselves) are witnesses?
O People of the Book! Why do you cover up truth with falsehood and conceal the truth, while you have knowledge?
Some of the People of the Book say, “Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers, but reject it at the end of the Day, perhaps they (themselves) may turn back.
“And believe no one unless he follows your religion.” Say: “True guidance is God's guidance: (Beware) lest a Revelation be sent to someone (else) similar to the one that was sent to you. Or that those (receiving such Revelation) should argue with you before your Lord.” Say: “All bounties are in God's Hands: He grants them to whomsoever He pleases: And Allah cares for all and He knows all things.”
for His mercy He specially chooses whomsoever He pleases, for Allah is the Lord of unlimited bounties.
Some of the People of the Book, if entrusted with a hoard of gold, will (readily) pay it back; others, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you continually demand it, because, they say, “We are not required (to keep faith) with these ignorant (pagans).” But they tell a lie against Allah, and they know it (well).
Nay! Those who keep their sworn faith and act rightly! truly Allah loves those who act rightly.
As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own sworn word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the hereafter: Nor will Allah (deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He cleanse them (of sin): They shall have a grievous penalty.
There are some among them who distort the Book with their tongues: (As they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is not part of the Book, and they say, “That is from Allah,” but it is not from Allah: It is they who tell a lie against Allah, and they know it (well)!
It is not (possible) that a man who is given the Book and wisdom and the Prophetic mission would say to people, “Worship me rather than Allah.” On the contrary (he would say), “Worship Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all, for you have taught the Book and you have studied it earnestly.”
Nor would he instruct you to take angels and Prophets for lords and patrons. What! Would he have you believe falsely after you have bowed your will (to Allah in Islam)?
Behold! Allah made a covenant with the Prophets, saying, “I grant you a Book and wisdom; then a Messenger comes to you confirming what is with you; believe in him and help him.” Allah said, “Do you agree and take this My covenant as binding on you?” They said, “We agree.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.”
If any turn back after this, they are perverted transgressors.
Do they seek something other than the religion of Allah? While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His will (accepted Islam), and all of them shall be brought back to Him.
Say: “We believe in Allah and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and in (Books) given to Moses, Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and we bow our will to Allah (in Islam).”
If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), it will never be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he will rank among those who have lost (all spiritual good).
How shall Allah guide those who reject faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that clear Signs had come to them? But Allah does not guide an unjust people.
Their reward is to have the curse of Allah, His angels and all mankind (rest) upon them.
They will live under that, nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be their (lot).
Except for those who repent (even) after that and make amends, for truly Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
But those who reject faith after they accepted it and then go on adding to their defiance of faith, their repentance will never be accepted, for they are those who have (intentionally) strayed.
As for those who reject faith and die rejecting! all the gold in the earth, if they offered it as ransom, would never be accepted from them. A grievous penalty is (reserved) for them, and they will find no helpers.
You shall never attain righteousness unless you (freely) grant of what you love, and whatever you grant, truly Allah knows it well.
All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself, before the Law (of Moses) was revealed. Say: “Bring the Law and study it, if you are men of truth.”
If any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust wrong-doers.
Say: “God speaks the truth: Follow the religion of Abraham, the sane in faith; he was not of the pagans.”
The first House (of worship) appointed for men was the one at Bekka (Mecca), full of blessing and guidance for all kinds of beings:
Manifest Signs are in it; (for example,) the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage to this place is a duty men owe God, those who can afford the journey, but if anyone denies faith, Allah is not in need of any of His creatures.
Say: “O People of the Book! Why do you reject the Signs of Allah, when Allah Himself is a witness to everything you do?”
Say: “O People of the Book! Why do you hinder those who believe from God's path, seeking to make it crooked, while you yourselves were witnesses (to God's covenant)? But Allah is not unmindful of all that you do.”
O you who believe! If you listen to a faction among the People of the Book, they would (indeed) render you apostates after you have believed!
And how would you deny faith while the Signs of Allah are recited to you and the Messenger lives among you? Whoever holds firmly to Allah will be shown a straight way.
O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except in a state of Islam.
And hold together fast to the rope (lifeline) which Allah (stretches out to you), and do not be divided among yourselves, and remember God's favor unto you with gratitude, for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that you became brothers by His grace, and you were on the brink of the pit of Fire and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make His Signs clear to you: That you may be guided.
Let a party of people arise out of you, inviting (everyone) to what is good, enjoining (them to do) what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones who attain felicity.
Do not be like those who are divided among themselves and fall into disputes after receiving clear Signs: There is a dreadful penalty for them.
On the Day when some faces will (shine with) white and some faces will be (in) black (darkness); those whose faces will be (in the) darkness (will be told), “Did you reject faith after accepting it? Then taste the penalty for rejecting faith.”
But those whose faces will be (lit with) white! they will be in (the light of) God's mercy, to dwell therein (forever).
These are God's Signs: We recite them to you in truth: And Allah means no injustice to any of His creatures.
To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. To Him do all questions go back (for decision).
You are the best people raised up for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah. Had the People of the Book only had faith, it would have been best for them: Some among them have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.
They will do you no harm, barring a slight annoyance; if they come out to fight you, they will turn their backs to you, and they shall get no help.
Shame is pitched over them (like a tent) wherever they are found, except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allah and from men; they draw God's Wrath on themselves, and (the tent of) destitution is pitched over them. This is (so) because they rejected God's Signs and killed the Prophets in defiance of right; this is (so) because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds.
Not all of them are alike: Some of the People of the Book stand (for the right); they recite God's Signs all night long and then prostrate themselves in adoration.
They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and they (hasten to emulate all) good deeds; they rank among the righteous.
Nothing of the good they do will be rejected, for Allah knows well those who do right.
Those who reject faith! neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them at all against Allah: They will be companions of the Fire! dwelling in it (forever).
What they spend during the life of this (material) world is like a wind which brings a nipping frost: It strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls: It is not Allah Who has wronged them, but they wrong their own selves.
O you who believe! Do not be intimate with those outside your ranks: They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made the Signs plain to you, if you have wisdom.
Ah! You are those who love them, but they do not love you! though you believe in the whole of the Book. When they meet you, they say, “We believe,” but when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say: “Perish in your rage; Allah knows well all the secrets of the heart.”
If anything good befalls you, it grieves them, but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice in it. But if you are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you, for Allah comprehends all that they do.
Remember that morning you left the household (early) to post the faithful at their battle stations, and Allah hears and knows all things.
Remember (how) two of your parties contemplated cowardice, but Allah was their Protector, and the faithful should (always) put their trust in Allah.
Allah helped you at Badr, when you were a small weak force; then fear Allah; thus you may show your gratitude.
Remember you said to the faithful: Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels sent down (especially for you)?
Yes, if you remain firm and act rightly, even if the enemy should rush headlong on you here, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels, making a tremendous onslaught.
Allah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts! (in any case) there is no help except from Allah the Exalted, the Wise,
That He might cut off a fringe of the disbelievers or expose them to infamy, and they should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose.
The decision is not for you (but for Allah): Whether He turns in mercy to them or punishes them, for they are indeed wrong-doers.
All that is in the heavens and on earth belongs to Allah. He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases, but Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
O you who believe! Do not devour usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah, (so) that you may (really) prosper.
Fear the Fire prepared for those who reject faith.
And obey Allah and the Messenger, that you may obtain mercy.
Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and for a garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous,
Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity or in adversity, who restrain (their) anger and pardon (all) men, for Allah loves those who do good,
And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind and pray for forgiveness for their sins! and who can forgive sins except Allah?! and are never obstinate in knowingly persisting in (the wrong) they have done,
The reward for them is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens with rivers flowing underneath! an eternal dwelling: How excellent a prize for those who work (and struggle)!
Many were the ways of life that have passed away before you: Travel through the earth and see what became of those who rejected truth.
Here is a plain statement to men, guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah!
So do not lose heart or fall into despair, for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith.
If a wound has touched you, rest assured a similar wound has touched the others. We grant such Days (of varying fortunes) to men and men by turns, (so) that Allah may know those who believe and that He may take to Himself martyr-witnesses (to truth) from your ranks. And Allah does not love the wrong-doers.
God's object is also to purge those who are true in faith and to deprive of blessing those who resist faith.
Did you think you would enter heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (in His cause) and remained steadfast?
You did indeed wish for death before you met it: Now you have seen it with your own eyes (and you flinch)!
Muhammad is no more than a Messenger: Many Messengers passed away before him. If he died or were killed, would you then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, he would not harm Allah in the least, but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.
Nor can a soul die except by God's leave, the term being fixed as though in writing. If any desires a reward in this life, We shall grant it to him, and if any desires a reward in the hereafter, We shall grant it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those who (serve Us with) gratitude.
How many Prophets fought (for Allah), and with them large bands of godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in the way of Allah, nor did they weaken (in will) or grant in. And Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast.
All that they said was, “Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may have done that transgressed our duty: Make our feet firm and help us against those who resist faith.”
And Allah gave them a reward in this world and the excellent reward of the hereafter (awaits them), for Allah loves those who do good.
O you who believe! If you obey the disbelievers, they will drive you back on your heels and you will turn back (from faith), to your own loss.
Nay! Allah is your Protector and He is the best of helpers.
We shall soon cast terror into the hearts of the disbelievers, because they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: They shall dwell in the Fire: And evil is the abode of the wrong-doers!
Allah truly fulfilled His promise to you when, with His permission, you were about to annihilate your enemy! until you flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) you covet. There are some among you who long for this world and some who long for the hereafter. Then He diverted you from your foes to test you, but He forgave you, for Allah is full of grace to those who believe.
Behold! You were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at anyone, and behind you the Messenger was calling you back. There Allah gave you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for (the booty) that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had befallen you, for Allah is well aware of all that you do.
After (the turmoil) of the distress, He sent down calm on a band of you overcome with slumber, while another band was stirred to anxiety by their own feelings, moved by wrong suspicions of God! suspicions caused by ignorance. They said, “What business is this of ours?” Say: “Indeed, this business is wholly God's.” They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to you. They say (to themselves), “Had we had anything to do with this matter, we should not have been in the slaughter here.” Say: “Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death,” but (all this was for) Allah to test what is in your breasts and purge what is in your hearts, for Allah knows well the secrets of your hearts.
Those of you who turned back on the Day the two armies met, it was Satan who caused them to fail, because of some (evil) they had done. But Allah has blotted out (their fault), for Allah is oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
O you who believe! Do not be like the disbelievers, who say of their brothers, when they are travelling through the earth or engaged in fighting, “If they had stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed.” This (is so) that Allah may make it a cause of sighs and regrets in their hearts. It is Allah Who gives life and death, and Allah sees well all that you do.
And if you are killed or die in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than everything they could amass.
And if you die or are killed, lo! You are brought together before Allah.
It is from God's mercy that you deal with them gently. If you were severe or hard-hearted, they would have broken away from you; so overlook (their faults) and ask for (God's) forgiveness for them, and consult them in matters (of importance). Then, when you have reached a decision, put your trust in Allah, for Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).
If Allah helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, who can help you? Then let believers put their trust in Allah.
No Prophet could (ever) be false to his trust. If any person is so false, on the Day of Judgment he shall restore what he misappropriated; then every soul shall receive its due! whatever it earned! And none shall be dealt with unfairly.
Is the man who follows God's good pleasure like the man who draws God's Wrath onto himself, and whose home is in Hell, an evil destination?!
There are varying ranks in the sight of Allah, and Allah sees well all that they do.
Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them God's Signs, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scriptures and wisdom, while before that they had been in manifest error.
What! When a single disaster strikes you, although you struck (your enemies) with one twice as great, do you say,"Where does this come from?” Say (to them): “It comes from yourselves, for Allah has power over all things.”
What you suffered on the Day the two armies met was with God's leave, so that He might test the believers,
And the hypocrites as well. They were told, “Come, fight for Allah, or (at least) drive (the enemy out of your city).” They said, “Had we known how to fight, we would certainly have followed you.” That Day, they were nearer to disbelief than to faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts. But Allah has full knowledge of all they conceal.
(They are) the ones who say (of their dead brothers) while they themselves sit (at ease), “If only they had listened to us, they would not have been killed.” Say: “Avert your own death, if you speak the truth.”
Do not think of those who are slain in God's Way as dead; Nay! They live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord.
They rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah: And with regard to those left behind who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (martyrs) rejoice in the fact that on them is no fear, nor shall they grieve.
They rejoice in God's grace and bounty and in the fact that Allah does not suffer the reward of the faithful to be lost (in the least).
Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong, have a great reward.
Men said to them, “A great army is gathering against you,” and frightened them, but it (only) increased their faith: They said, “God suffices us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.”
And they returned with grace and bounty from Allah: No harm ever touched them, for they followed God's good pleasure: And Allah is the Lord of unlimited bounties.
It is only the Evil One who prompts you to fear his votaries: Do not be afraid of them, but fear Me, if you have faith.
Do not grieve over those who rush headlong into disbelief: They will not harm Allah in the least: God's plan is that He will grant them no portion in the hereafter, except a severe punishment.
Those who purchase disbelief at the price of faith! they will not harm Allah in the least, but they will have a grievous punishment.
Do not let the disbelievers think that Our respite to them is good for them: We grant them respite so they may grow in their iniquity, but they will have a humiliating punishment.
Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He separates what is evil from what is good. Nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the unseen. But He chooses of His Messengers (for the purpose) whomsoever He pleases. So believe in Allah and His Messengers: And if you believe and do right, you have a reward without measure.
And do not let those who covetously withhold of the gifts which Allah has given them of His grace think that it is good for them: Nay, it will be the worst for them: Soon the things they covetously withheld shall be tied to their necks like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgment. The heritage of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah, and Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.
Allah has heard the taunt of those who say, “Truly, Allah is poor and we are rich!” We shall certainly record their words and (their act) of killing the Prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say, “Taste the penalty of the scorching Fire!
“This is (so) because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent forth before you, for Allah never harms those who serve Him.”
They (also) said, “God took our promise not to believe in a Messenger unless he showed us a sacrifice consumed by fire.” Say: “Messengers came to you before me, with clear Signs and even with what you ask for: Why then did you kill them, if you speak the truth?”
Then if they reject you, Messengers were likewise rejected before you, who came with clear Signs, with Books of dark prophecies, and with the Book of enlightenment.
Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and is admitted to the garden will have attained the object (of life), for the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.
You shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if you persevere patiently and guard against evil! then that will be a determining factor in all affairs.
And remember Allah made a covenant with the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to mankind and not to hide it, but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased some miserable gain with it! And they made a vile bargain!
Do not think that those who exult in what they have brought about, and love to be praised for what they have not done, do not think that they can escape the penalty, for them is a truly grievous penalty.
The dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah, and Allah has power over all things.
Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and Day! there are indeed Signs for men of understanding.
Men who celebrate God's praises standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought,) “Our Lord! You have not created (all) this for nothing! Glory to You! Grant us salvation from the penalty of the Fire.
“Our Lord! Any whom You admit to the Fire, truly You cover (them) with shame, and never will wrong-doers find any helpers!
“Our Lord! We have heard the call of one calling (us) to faith, `Believe in the Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out our iniquities from us, and take our souls to You in the company of the righteous.
“Our Lord! Grant us what You promised us through Your Messenger, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment, for You never break Your promise.”
And their Lord has accepted this from them, and answered them, “I will never suffer the work of any of you, male or female, to be lost: You are members of each other: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out of them, or suffered harm in My cause, or fought or been killed! truly, I will blot out their iniquities from them, and admit them into gardens with rivers flowing beneath, a reward from the presence of Allah, and the best of rewards is from His presence.”
Do not let how the disbelievers strut about through the land deceive you:
Little is it for enjoyment: Their ultimate home is Hell: What an evil bed (to lie on)!
On the other hand, for those who fear their Lord are gardens with rivers flowing beneath; they shall dwell in them (forever)! a gift from the presence of Allah, and what is in God's presence is the best (bliss) for the righteous.
And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in Allah, in the Revelation to you, and in the Revelation to them, bowing in humility to Allah: They will not sell God's Signs for a miserable price! Their reward is with their Lord, and Allah is swift in account.
O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy: Vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other and fear Allah (so) that you may prosper.

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SURA 4

Al-Nisaa'

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person, created his mate of similar nature, and from the two scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; reverence Allah, through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you), for Allah always watches over you.
Restore orphans' property to them (when they come of age); do not substitute (your) worthless things for (their) good ones, and do not devour their substance (by mixing it up) with your own, for this is indeed a great sin.
If you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry two, or three, or four women of your choice, but if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or those whom your right hands possess. That will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.
And (on marriage) grant the women their dower as a free gift, but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it and enjoy it with honest cheer.
Do not surrender your property, which Allah has made a means of support for you, to those weak in understanding, but feed and clothe them with it, and speak words of kindness and justice to them.
Test orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if (by) then you find they have sound Judgment, release their property to them, but do not consume it wastefully, nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off, let him claim no remuneration, but if he is poor, let him have what is just and reasonable for himself. When you release their property to them, take witnesses in their presence, but Allah is all-Sufficient in taking account.
There is a share for men and a share for women out of what is left by parents and closest relatives, whether the property be small or large! a determinate share.
But if at the time of division, other relatives or orphans or poor are present, feed them out of the (property), and speak words of kindness and justice to them.
Let those (disposing of an estate) have the same fear in their minds as they would have for their own if they had left a helpless family behind: Let them fear Allah and speak appropriate words (of comfort).
Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, eat up a Fire into their own bodies: They will soon be enduring a blazing Fire!
Allah (thus) directs you regarding your children's (inheritance): To the male, a portion equal to that of two females: If only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half, for parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters), the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies and debts. You do not know whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah and Allah is all-Knowing, all-Wise.
In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child, but if they leave a child, you get a fourth, after payment of legacies and debts. In what you leave, their share is a fourth, if you leave no child, but if you leave a child, they get an eighth, after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question has left neither parents nor offspring, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth, but if more than two, they share in a third, after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to anyone). Thus is it ordained by Allah, and Allah is all-Knowing, Most Forbearing.
These are limits set by Allah: Those who obey Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell in them (forever), and that will be the supreme achievement.
But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to the Fire, to dwell in it: And they shall have a humiliating punishment.
If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, take the evidence of four (reliable) witnesses from among you against them, and if they testify, confine them to houses until death claims them, or Allah ordains some (other) way for them.
If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, leave them alone, for Allah is oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.
Allah accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards; Allah will turn in mercy to them, for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
There is no effect in the repentance of those who continue to do evil until death faces one of them and he says, “Now I have truly repented,” nor of those who die rejecting faith, for them We have prepared a most grievous punishment.
O you who believe! You are forbidden from inheriting women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dower you have given them! except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary, live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something and Allah brings about a great deal of good out of it.
But if you decide to take one wife in place of another, even if you had given the latter a whole treasure for dower, do not take the least bit of it back: Would you take it by slander and a manifest wrong?
And how could you take it when you have had marital relations with each other, and they have made a solemn covenant with you?
And do not marry women whom your fathers married! except what is past: It was shameful and odious! a truly abominable custom.
You are prohibited (from marrying): your mother, daughters, sisters, father's sisters, mother's sisters, brother's daughters, sister's daughters, foster-mothers (who nursed you), foster-sisters, your mothers-in-law, your step-daughters under your guardianship, those born of your wives with whom you have had marital relations! no prohibition if you have not had them,! (those who have been) wives of your sons proceeding from your loins, and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, except for what is past, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess. Thus has Allah ordained (prohibitions) against you: Except for these, all others are lawful, provided you seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property! desiring chastity, not lust. Seeing that you derive benefit from them, grant them (at least) their prescribed dowers, but if after a dower is prescribed, you mutually agree (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and Allah is all-Knowing, all-Wise.
If some of you do not have the means to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: And Allah has full knowledge of your faith. You are one from another: Wed them with the leave of their masters, and grant them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking lovers: When they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin, but it is better for you to practice self-restraint: And Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Allah wishes to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of those before you, and (He wishes to) turn to you (in mercy): And Allah is all-Knowing, all-Wise.
Allah wishes to turn to you, but those who follow their desires wish for you to turn away (from Him)! far, far away.
Allah wishes to make your burden lighter, for man was created weak (in flesh).
O you who believe! Do not eat up your property among yourselves in vanities, but let there be traffic and trade among you by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves, for truly Allah has been Most Merciful to you.
If any do that in rancor and injustice! We shall soon cast them into the Fire: And that is easy for Allah.
If you (only) avoid the most heinous of the things you are forbidden to do, We will drive out all the evil in you, and admit you to a gate of great honor.
And in no way should you covet those things in which Allah has bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others: Men are allotted what they earn, and women what they earn, but ask Allah of His bounty, for Allah has full knowledge of all things.
To (benefit) everyone, We have appointed sharers and heirs to property left by parents and relatives. Also grant those to whom your right hand was pledged their due portion as well, for truly Allah is Witness to all things.
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has given one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, (first) admonish them, (next,) refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly), but if they return to obedience, do not seek means (of annoyance) against them, for Allah is Most High, Great (above all of you).
If you fear a breach between the two, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation, for Allah has full knowledge and is acquainted with all things.
Serve Allah, and do not join any partners with Him: And do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands possess, for Allah does not love the arrogant, the vainglorious;
(Nor) those who are stingy or enjoin stinginess on others or hide the bounties which Allah has bestowed on them, for We have prepared a punishment for those who resist faith that will steep them in contempt.
(Nor) those who spend of their substance for (other) men to see, but have no faith in Allah and the Last Day: If any take the Evil One for their intimate, what a dreadful intimate he is!
And what burden would it be on them if they had faith in Allah and in the Last Day, and they spent out of what Allah has given them for sustenance? For Allah has full knowledge of them.
Allah is never unjust in the least degree: If there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from His own presence a great reward.
Then how (would it be) if We brought a witness from each people and We brought you as a witness against these people!
On that Day those who reject faith and disobey the Messenger will wish that they could melt into the ground, but they will never hide a single fact from Allah!
O you who believe! Do not approach prayers with a clouded mind, until you can understand all that you say, nor in a state of ceremonial impurity (except when traveling on the road), until after washing your whole body. If you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes from offices of nature, or you have been in contact with women, and you find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub your faces and hands with it, for Allah blots out sins and forgives again and again.
Have you not considered those who were given a portion of the Book? They traffic in error and wish you would lose the right path.
But Allah has full knowledge of your enemies: Allah is enough for a Protector, and Allah is enough for a Helper.
Among the Jews there are some who shift words from their (right) places, and say: “We hear and we disobey,” and “Hear what is not heard,” and “Ra`ina,” with a twist of their tongues and a slander to the faith. If only they had said, “We hear and we obey,” and “Do hear,” and “Do look at us,” it would have been better for them, and more proper, but Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, and only few of them will believe.
O you People of the Book! Believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was (already) with you, before We change the face and fame of some (of you) beyond all recognition, and turn them backwards, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers, for God's decision must be carried out.
Allah does not forgive that partners should be set up with Him, but He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a truly heinous sin.
Have you not considered those who claim sanctity for themselves? No! but (it is) Allah (Who) sanctifies whom He pleases and they will never fail to receive justice in the least little thing.
See how they invent a lie against Allah! But that by itself is a manifest sin!
Have you not considered those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in sorcery and evil, and say to the disbelievers that they are better guided in the (right) way than the believers!
They are (men) whom Allah has cursed: And those whom Allah has cursed, you will find, have no one to help (them).
Do they have a share in dominion or power? See, they do not grant a penny to their fellow men!
Or do they envy mankind for what Allah has given them of His bounty? But We had already given the people of Abraham the Book and wisdom, and conferred a great kingdom on them.
Some of them believed and some of them averted their faces from him: And Hell is enough for a burning Fire.
We shall soon cast those who reject Our Signs into the Fire: As often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins (so) that they may taste the penalty, for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We will soon admit (them) to gardens with rivers flowing beneath! their eternal home: They shall have pure and holy companions there: We will admit them to cool and dense shade.
Allah commands you to return your trusts to those to whom they are due, and that when you judge between man and man, you judge with justice: How truly excellent is the teaching He gives you! For Allah is all-Hearing, all-Seeing.
O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best and most suitable for final determination.
Have you not considered those who declare that they believe in the Revelations that have come to you and to those before you? Their (real) wish is to resort together for Judgment (in their disputes) to the Evil One, though they were ordered to reject him. But Satan's wish is to lead them astray, far away (from the right path).
You see the hypocrites avert their faces from you in disgust when it is said to them, “Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger.”
But how (will it be) when they are seized by misfortune, because of the deeds which their hands have sent before? Then they come to you, swearing by Allah, “We meant no more than good-will and conciliation!”
Allah knows what is in the hearts of those men; so keep clear of them, but admonish them, and speak to them a word to reach their very souls.
We did not send a Messenger but to be obeyed, in accordance with God's will. If only, when they were unjust to themselves, they had come to you and asked God's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked for forgiveness for them, (then) they would have found Allah truly oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.
But no, by your Lord, they can have no (real) faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance to your decisions, but accept them with fullest conviction.
Had We ordered them to sacrifice their lives or to leave their homes, very few of them would have done it, but if they had done what they were (actually) told (to do), it would have been best for them, and would have gone farthest to strengthen their (faith).
And then We would have given them a great reward from Our presence,
And We would have shown them the straight way.
All who obey Allah and the Messenger are in the company of those blessed with God's grace! of the Prophets (who teach) the sincere (lovers of truth), the witnesses (who testify), and the righteous (who do good): Ah! What a beautiful fellowship!
Such is God's bounty: And it is sufficient that Allah knows all.
O you who believe! Take your precautions, and either go forth in parties or go forth all together.
There are certainly men among you who would stay behind: If a misfortune befalls you, they say, “God favored us in that we were not there with them.”
But if Allah sends you good fortune, they would surely say! as if there had never been ties of affection between you and them, “Oh! I wish I had been with them; I would then have made a fine thing of it!”
Let those who trade the life of this world for the hereafter fight for Allah; to the one who fights in God's cause! whether he is killed or is victorious! We shall soon grant him a reward of great (value).
And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of the weak who are ill-treated (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children who cry out: “Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors, and grant us a protector from You, and grant us a helper from You!”
Those who believe fight for the cause of Allah, and those who reject faith fight for the cause of evil, so fight against the friends of Satan: Satan's cunning is truly feeble.
Have you not considered those who were told to hold back their hands (from fighting) but establish regular prayers and spend in regular charity? When (at length) the order for fighting was issued to them, behold! Some of them feared men as! or even more than! they should have feared Allah: They say, “Our Lord! Why have You ordered us to fight? Would You not grant us respite till (the end of) our (natural) term, near (enough)?” Say: “The enjoyment of this world is short: The hereafter is the best for those who do right: You will never be dealt with unfairly in the very least!
“Wherever you are, death will find you, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!” If some good happens to them, they say, “This is from Allah;” but if evil, they say, “This is from you (O Prophet).” Say: “All things are from Allah.” But what has come to these people, that they fail to understand a single fact?
Whatever good, (O man!) happens to you is from Allah, but whatever evil happens to you, is from your (own) soul. And We have sent you as a Messenger to (instruct) mankind: And Allah suffices for a Witness.
He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah, but if any turn away, We have not sent you to watch over their (evil deeds).
They have “obedience” on their lips, but when they leave you, some of them meditate all night on things very different from what you tell them, but Allah records their nightly (plots), so keep clear of them, and put your trust in Allah, and Allah is enough as Administrator of affairs.
Do they not (carefully) consider the Qur'an? Had it been from (anyone) other than Allah, they would surely have found many discrepancies in it.
When some matter touching (public) safety or fear comes to them, they divulge it. Had they only referred it to the Messenger, or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have tested it from them (directly). Were it not for God's grace and mercy to you, all but a few of you would have fallen into Satan's clutches.
Then fight in God's cause! You are held responsible for only your own self! and rouse the believers. It may be that Allah will restrain the fury of the disbelievers, for Allah is the Strongest in might and in punishment.
Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner in it: And whoever recommends and helps an evil cause shares in its burden: And Allah has power over all things.
When a (courteous) greeting is offered to you, respond to it with a greeting still more courteous, (or at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.
Allah! There is no god but He: Surely He will gather you together on the Day of Judgment, about which there is no doubt. And whose word can be truer than God's?
Why should you be divided into two parties about the hypocrites? Allah has upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would you guide those whom Allah has thrown out of the way? You will never find the way for those whom Allah has thrown out of the way.
They only want for you to reject faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they are), but do not take friends from their ranks until they flee (from what is forbidden) in the way of Allah. But if they renege, seize them and kill them wherever you find them! And (in any case) do not take friends or helpers from their ranks,
Except those who join a group with which you have a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: Therefore if they withdraw from you but do not fight you, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah has opened no way for you (to fight them).
You will find others who wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: Every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb to it: if they do not withdraw from you or grant you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and kill them wherever you get them. In their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them.
A believer should never kill a believer, but (if that happens) by mistake, (compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave and pay compensation to the family of the deceased, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family and a believing slave should be freed, for those who find this beyond their means, a fast for two successive months (is prescribed): By way of repentance to Allah, for Allah is all-Knowing and all-Wise.
If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to dwell in it (forever): And God's Wrath and curse are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.
O you who believe! When you go abroad in God's cause, investigate carefully and do not say to anyone who greets you, “You are not a believer!” (out of) greed for the perishable goods of this life: There are abundant profits and spoils with Allah. Just so were you yourselves before, till Allah conferred His favors on you: Therefore investigate carefully, for Allah is well aware of all that you do.
Those believers who sit (at home) and receive no injury are not equal to those who strive and fight in God's cause with their possessions and their persons. Allah has granted a higher rank to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home): Allah has promised good to all (the faithful), but He has given those who strive and fight a special reward above those who sit (at home),
Ranks specially bestowed by Him, and forgiveness and mercy, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
When angels take the souls of those who die in sin against their souls, they say, “In what (plight) were you?” They reply, “We were weak and oppressed on earth.” They say, “Was not God's earth spacious enough for you to stay away (from evil)?” Such men will find their abode in Hell! what an evil refuge!
Except those who are (truly) weak and oppressed! men, women, and children! who have no means in their power, nor (a guide-post) to direct their way.
for these, there is hope that Allah will forgive, for Allah blots out (sins) and forgives again and again.
He who forsakes his home in God's cause, finds many a refuge in the wide and spacious earth: If he should die as a refugee from home for Allah and his Messenger, his reward becomes due and sure with Allah: And Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
When you travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if you shorten your prayers, for fear the disbelievers may attack you, for the disbelievers are your relentless enemies.
When you (O Messenger) are with them and stand to lead them in prayer, let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with you, taking their weapons with them: When they finish their prostrations, let them take their positions in the rear, and let the other party! which has not yet prayed! come forward and let them pray with you, taking all precautions and bearing weapons: The disbelievers wish, should you be negligent of your weapons and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush, but there is no blame on you if you put away your weapons because of the inconvenience of rain or because you are ill, but take (every) precaution for yourselves. Allah has prepared a humiliating punishment for the disbelievers.
When you have finished (congregational) prayers, celebrate God's praises standing, sitting or lying down on your sides, but when you are free from danger, set up regular prayers, for such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.
And do not slacken in pursuing the enemy: If you are suffering hardships, they are suffering similar hardships, but you have hope from Allah, while they have none. And Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
We have sent the Book down to you in truth (so) that you might judge between men, as guided by Allah, so do not be (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust,
But seek the forgiveness of Allah, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Do not contend on behalf of those who betray their own souls, for Allah does not love those given to treachery and crime.
They may hide (their crimes) from men, but they cannot hide (them) from Allah, seeing that He is in their midst when they plot by night, in words that He cannot approve: And Allah comprehends all that they do.
Ah! These are the sort of men on whose behalf you may contend in this world, but who will contend with Allah on their behalf on the Day of Judgment, or who will carry out their affairs?
If anyone does evil or wrongs his own soul but afterwards seeks God's forgiveness, he will find Allah oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
And if anyone commits a sin, he commits it against his own soul, for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
But if anyone commits a fault or a sin and blames it on someone innocent, he bears (both) a falsehood and a flagrant sin (on himself).
But for God's grace to you and His mercy, some of them would certainly have plotted to lead you astray. But (in fact) they will only lead their own souls astray, and they can do no harm to you in the least, for Allah has sent down the Book and wisdom to you and taught you what you did not know (before), and God's grace to you is great.
In most of their secret talks there is no good save if one exhorts (people) to a deed of charity or justice or conciliation among people, (secrecy is permissible): We shall soon grant a reward of the highest (value) to the one who does this, seeking God's good pleasure.
If anyone contends with the Messenger even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that suitable to men of faith, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell! what an evil refuge!
Allah does not forgive (the sin of) joining other gods with Him, but He forgives whom He pleases for sins other than this: One who joins other gods with Allah has strayed far, far away (from the right path).
Leaving Him, (the pagans) call only on female deities: They are calling only on Satan, the persistent rebel!
Allah cursed him, but he said, “I will take a set portion of Your servants.
“I will mislead them and I will create false desires in them; I will order them to slit the ears of cattle and to deface the (fair) nature created by Allah.” Whoever, forsaking Allah, takes Satan for a friend has surely suffered a manifest loss.
Satan makes them promises and creates false desires in them, but Satan's promises are nothing but deception.
They (his dupes) will have their dwelling in Hell, and they will find no way of escape from it.
But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness! We shall soon admit them to gardens with rivers flowing beneath! to dwell therein forever. God's promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than God's?
Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book (can prevail): Whoever commits evil will be requited accordingly. Nor will he find any protector or helper besides Allah.
If any! male or female! do deeds of righteousness and have faith, they will enter heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them.
Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham, the true in faith? For Allah took Abraham for a friend.
But all things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allah: And it is He Who encompasses all things.
They ask your instruction concerning the women. Say: Allah does instruct you about them: And (remember) what has been rehearsed to you in the Book concerning the orphans of women to whom you do not grant the prescribed portions and yet whom you desire to marry, as well as the children who are weak and oppressed: That you stand firm for justice to orphans. There is no good deed that you do that Allah is not well-acquainted with.
If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between them, and such settlement is best, even though men's souls are swayed by greed. But if you do good and practice self-restraint, Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.
You can never be fair and just to women, even if it is your ardent desire, but do not turn completely away (from a woman) so as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If you come to a friendly understanding and practice self-restraint, Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
But if they disagree (and must part), Allah will provide abundance for all from His all-reaching bounty, for Allah is all-Caring, all-Wise.
All things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allah. Truly We have directed the People of the Book before you and you (O Muslims) to fear Allah. But if you deny Him, behold! All things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allah, and Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
Certainly, all things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allah, and Allah is enough to carry through all affairs.
If it were His will, He could destroy you, O mankind, and create another race, for He has the power to do this.
If anyone desires a reward in this life, in God's (gift) is the reward (both) of this life and of the hereafter, for Allah is all-hearing, all-Seeing.
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even against your own selves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor, for Allah can best protect both. Do not follow the lusts (of your hearts) lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, truly Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.
O you who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the Scriptures He sent to His Messenger and the Scriptures He sent to those before (him). And whoever denies Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers and the Day of Judgment, has gone far, far astray.
Those who believe, then reject faith, then believe (again) and (again) reject faith, and go on increasing in disbelief! God will not forgive them nor guide them on the way.
Convey to the hypocrites the glad tidings that for them there is only a grievous penalty.
Yes, (and as for) those who take disbelievers for friends rather than believers: Do they seek honor among them? No! all honor is with Allah.
He has already sent you word in the Book that when you hear God's Signs held in defiance and ridicule, you are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme: If you did, you would be like them, for Allah will collect the hypocrites and those who defy faith! all in Hell.
(These are) the ones who wait and watch you: If you gain a victory from Allah, they say, “Were we not with you?” But if the disbelievers achieve some success, they say (to them), “Did we not gain an advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the believers?” But Allah will judge between you on the Day of Judgment. And Allah will never grant the disbelievers a way (to triumph) over the believers.
The hypocrites think they are deceiving Allah, but He will return their deceit to them: When they stand up in prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be seen by men, but they remember Allah very little.
(They are) distracted in mind even in the midst of it! being (sincerely) for neither one group nor the other. You will never find the way for one whom Allah leaves astray.
O you who believe! Do not take disbelievers for friends rather than believers: Do you wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?
The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: You will find no helper for them.
Except for those who repent, mend (their lives), hold fast to Allah and purify their religion in God's sight: If so, they will be (counted) among the believers. And Allah will soon grant the believers a reward of immense value.
What can Allah gain by punishing you, if you are grateful and you believe? No, it is Allah Who recognizes (all good) and knows all things.
Allah does not love that evil should be announced in public speech, except where injustice has been done, for Allah is all-Hearing, all-Knowing.
Whether you reveal a good deed or conceal it, or cover evil with pardon, truly Allah blots out (sins) and has power (in the Judgment of values).
Those who deny Allah and his Messengers, and (those who) wish to separate Allah from His Messengers, saying, “We believe in some but reject others,” and (those who) wish to take a midway course,
In truth, they are (equally) disbelievers, and We have prepared a humiliating punishment for disbelievers.
To those who believe in Allah and His Messengers and make no distinction between any of the Messengers, We shall soon grant their (due) rewards, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
The People of the Book ask you to cause a book to descend to them from heavens: Indeed they asked Moses for an even greater (miracle), for they said, “Show us Allah manifestly,” but they were dazed with thunder and lightning for their presumption. Yet they worshipped the calf even after clear Signs had come to them; even so We forgave them, and gave Moses manifest proofs of authority.
And for their covenant We raised over them (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai), and (on another occasion) We said, “Enter the gate with humility;” and (once again) We commanded them, “Do not transgress in the matter of the Sabbath.” And We made a solemn covenant with them.
(They have incurred divine displeasure:) In that they broke their covenant, that they rejected the Signs of Allah; that they killed the messengers in defiance of right; (so much so) that they said, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve God's Word; we need no more);” No, Allah has set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it that they believe.
That they rejected faith; that they uttered a grave false charge against Mary.
That they (boasting) said, “We killed Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.” But they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ in this are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge but only conjecture to follow, for surely they did not kill him.
No, Allah raised him up to His presence, and Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
And all of the People of the Book must believe in him before their death, and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness against them.
for the iniquity of the Jews, We made certain good and wholesome (foods) unlawful for them which had been lawful for them; since they hindered many from God's way,
Since they took usury, though they were forbidden, and they devoured men's substance wrongfully; We have prepared a grievous punishment for those among them who reject faith.
But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what has been revealed to you, and (especially) those who establish regular prayer and practice regular charity and believe in Allah and in the Last Day: We shall soon bestow a great reward upon them.
We have sent you inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the messengers after him; We sent inspiration to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.
We have already told you the story of some Messengers; of others We have not, and Allah spoke directly to Moses.
Messengers who gave good news as well as warnings, (so) that mankind, after (the coming) of the Messengers, should have no plea against Allah, for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
But Allah bears witness that what He has sent to you, He has sent from His (Own) Knowledge, and the angels bear witness, but Allah is enough for a Witness.
Those who reject faith and keep (men) from the Way of Allah have truly strayed far, far away from the path.
Those who reject faith and do wrong! God will not forgive them nor guide them to any way,
Except the way of Hell, to dwell in it forever: And this is easy for Allah.
O mankind! The Messenger has come to you in truth from Allah: Believe in him: It is best for you. But if you reject faith, all things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allah: And Allah is all-Knowing, all-Wise.
O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah anything but truth. Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah, and His Word which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him, so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say “Trinity;” desist: It will be better for you, for Allah is One Allah: Glory be to Him: (Exalted is He) above having a son. All things in the heavens and on earth belong to Him. And Allah is enough as a Disposer of affairs.
Christ does not disdain to serve and worship Allah, nor do the angels, those nearest (to Allah): Those who disdain His worship and are arrogant! He will gather them all together before Himself to (answer).
But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will grant them their (due) rewards! and more, out of His bounty, but those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will punish with a grievous penalty, nor will they find any to protect or help them besides Allah.
O mankind! Truly a convincing proof has come to you from your Lord, for We have sent you a manifest light. 175. Then those who believe in Allah and hold fast to Him! He will soon admit them to mercy and grace from Him, and guide them to Himself by a straight way.
They ask you for a Fatwa (legal decision). Say: Allah directs (thus) about those who leave no offspring or parents as heirs. If it is a man who dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance: If (the deceased was) a woman who left no child, her brother takes her inheritance: If there are two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance (between them): If there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male receiving twice the share of the female. Thus Allah makes (His law) clear to you, lest you err. And Allah has knowledge of all things.

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SURA 5

Al-Ma'idah

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

O you who believe! Fulfill (all) obligations. Lawful to you (for food) are all four-footed animals, with the exceptions named, but game animals are forbidden while you are in the sacred precincts or in pilgrim garb, for Allah commands according to His will and plan.
O you who believe! Do not violate the sanctity of God's symbols, nor of the sacred month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people going to the sacred House seeking the bounty and good pleasure of their Lord. But when you are clear of the sacred precincts and of the pilgrim garb, you may hunt, and do not let the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the sacred mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and rancor: Fear Allah, for Allah is strict in punishment.
Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine and that on which a name of other than the name of Allah has been invoked, that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death, that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal, unless you are able to slaughter it (in due form), that which is sacrificed on stone (altars). The division (of meat) by raffling with arrows is also (forbidden): That is impiety. This Day those who reject faith have given up all hope of your religion: Yet do not fear them, but fear Me. This Day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion. But if any are forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allah is indeed oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
They ask you what is lawful for them (as food). Say: (All) good and pure things are lawful for you: And what you have taught your trained hunting animals (to catch) in the manner Allah taught you; eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of Allah over it, and fear Allah, for Allah is swift in taking account.
This Day (all) good and pure things are made lawful for you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful for you and yours is lawful for them. (Lawful for you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but (also) chaste women among the People of the Book revealed before your time! when you grant them their due dowers, and desire chastity not lewdness, nor secret intrigues. If anyone rejects faith, his work is fruitless, and in the hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).
O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads (with water), and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the offices of nature, or you have been in contact with women, and you find no water, then take clean sand or earth and rub your faces and hands with it. Allah does not wish to place you in a difficult (situation), but to make you clean and to complete His favor to you, (so) that you may be grateful.
And remember God's favor to you, and His covenant which He ratified with you, when you said, “We hear and we obey.” And fear Allah, for Allah knows well the secrets of your hearts.
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and do not let the hatred of others towards you make you swerve towards wrong and depart from justice. Be just: That is next to piety: And fear Allah, for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.
To those who believe and do deeds of righteousness Allah has promised forgiveness and a great reward.
Those who reject faith and deny Our Signs will be companions of the Fire.
O you who believe! Remember God's favor to you when certain men plotted to stretch out their hands against you, but (Allah) held back their hands from you: So fear Allah, and let believers put (all) their trust in Allah.
Earlier, Allah made a covenant with the Children of Israel, and We appointed twelve captains among them, and Allah said, “I am with you: If you (but) establish regular prayers, practice regular charity, believe in My Messengers, honor and assist them and loan Allah a beautiful loan, truly I will wipe away your evils, and admit you to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, but if any of you, after this, resists faith, he has truly wandered from the straight path.”
But because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts grow hard: They change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the message that was sent them, nor will you cease to find them! barring a few! ever bent on (new) deceits, but forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds), for Allah loves those who are kind.
With those, too, who call themselves Christians, We made a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the message that was sent to them: So We estranged them, with enmity and hatred among each other, until the Day of Judgment. And Allah will soon show them what they have done.
O People of the Book! Our Messenger has come to you explaining to you much of the Book that you used to hide and overlooking much (that is unnecessary): A (new) light and a clear Book has come to you from Allah,
With it does Allah guide all those who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, and leads them out of darkness to the light by His will! guides them to a path that is straight.
Those who say that Allah is Christ, the son of Mary, are truly blasphemous. Say: “Who then has the least power against Allah, if His will were to destroy Christ, the son of Mary, his mother, and all! everyone that is on earth? For the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between, belongs to Allah. He creates what He pleases. For Allah has power over all things.”
(Both) Jews and Christians say, “We are the sons of Allah and His beloved.” Say: “Why then does He punish you for your sins? No, you are but men! of the men He has created: He forgives whom He pleases, and He punishes whom He pleases: And the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between, belongs to Allah: And He is the final goal (of all).”
O People of the Book! Now Our Messenger has come to you, to make (things) clear to you, after a pause in (the series of) Our Messenger, lest you should say, “No bearer of glad tidings came to us, and no one warned us (against evil).” But now a bearer of glad tidings has come to you, someone to warn you (from evil): And Allah has power over all things.
Remember Moses said to his people, “O my people! Remember God's favor to you, when He produced Prophets among you, made you kings, and gave you what He had not given any other people.
“O my people! Enter the holy land which Allah has assigned to you and do not turn back disgracefully, for then you will be overthrown, to your own ruin.”
They said, “O Moses! An exceedingly strong people are in this land: We shall never enter it until they leave it: If they leave, then we shall enter.”
(But) among (their) God-fearing men were two on whom Allah had bestowed His grace: They said, “Assault them at the (proper) gate: Once you are in, victory will be yours. But put your trust in Allah (first) if you have faith (in Him).”
They said, “O Moses! While they remain there, we shall never be able to enter till the end of time. You go, and your Lord, and you two fight, while we sit here (and watch).”
He said, “Lord! I have control only over myself and my brother, so separate us from these rebellious people!”
Allah said, “So the land will be out of their reach for forty years; in distraction will they wander through the land, but do not grieve for these rebellious people.”
Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! They each presented a sacrifice (to Allah): It was accepted from one, but not from the other. The latter said, “I will certainly kill you.” “Surely,” the former said, “God accepts the sacrifice of those who are righteous.
“If you raise your hand against me to kill me, it is not for me to raise my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allah, the Cherisher of the worlds.
“For me, I intend to let you draw on yourself my sin as well as yours, for you will be among the companions of the Fire, and that is the reward of wrongdoers.”
The other's (evil-insinuating) nafs (spirit) led him to murder his brother: He murdered him and became one of the lost ones.
Then Allah sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him how to hide the shame of his brother. “Woe unto me!” he said, “Was I not even able to be like this crow and hide the shame of my brother?” Then he became full of regret.
On that account We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person! unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land! it would be as if he killed all people: And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all people. Then, even though Our Messengers came to them with clear Signs, yet even after that many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with all their might for mischief throughout the land is: Execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: That is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the hereafter,
Except for those who repent before they fall into your power: In that case, know that Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
O you who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek means of approaching Him, and strive with all your might in His cause (so) that you may prosper.
As for those who reject faith! if they had twice as much of everything on earth to grant as ransom for the penalty of the Day of Judgment, it would never be accepted from them. A grievous penalty would (still) be theirs.
They would desire to escape from the Fire, but they will never escape from it: Their penalty will be one that endures.
As for the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands: A punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: And Allah is Exalted in power.
But if the thief repents after his crime and amends his conduct, Allah turns to him in forgiveness, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Do you not know that the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah (alone)? He punishes whom He pleases, and He forgives whom He pleases: And Allah has power over all things.
O Messenger! Do not grieve over those who race each other into disbelief: (Whether it be) among those who say, “We believe,” with their lips but whose hearts have no faith, or among the Jews! men who will listen to any lie! (and) will even listen to others who have never so much as come to you. They change the words from their (right) times and places; they say, “If you are given this, take it, but if not, beware.” If Allah intends to test anyone, you have no authority whatsoever over him against Allah. For such! it is not God's will to purify their hearts. For them there is disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment in the hereafter.
(They are fond of) listening to falsehood, of devouring anything forbidden. If they do come to you, either judge between them or decline to interfere. If you decline, they cannot hurt you in the least. If you judge, then judge equitably between them, for Allah loves those who judge equitably.
But why do they come to you for decisions when they have (their own) laws before them? God's (plain) commands are there. Yet even after that, they would turn away, for they are not (really) people of faith.
It was We Who revealed the Torah (to Moses) in which there was guidance and there was light. With it, the prophets who submitted to God’s will judged (matters) for those who were Jews, and the rabbis and the doctors of Law, for the protection of God's Book was entrusted to them, and they were witnesses to it; therefore, do not fear men, but fear Me, and do not sell My Signs for a miserable price. Those who fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has revealed are (no better than) the disbelievers.
In it We ordained (this) for them: “Life for life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and wounds equal for equal.” But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And those who fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has revealed are (not better than) the wrong-doers.
And We sent Jesus, the son of Mary, in their footsteps, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: Guidance and light was in it, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: A guidance and an admonishment to those who fear Allah.
Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed in it. Those who fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has revealed are (not better than) those who rebel.
We have revealed the Scriptures to you in truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before them, and guarding them in safety; so judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their vain desires, straying from the truth that has come to you. We have prescribed a Law and an open way to each of you. Had Allah so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He has given you; so, strive as in a race in all virtues. Allah is the goal of all of you; it is He Who will show you the truth of the matters about which you dispute.
And that you should judge among them by what Allah has revealed to you, and do not follow their vain desires, but beware of them lest they should lure you (away) from any of what Allah has sent down to you. And if they turn away, be assured that it is God's purpose to punish them for some of their crimes. And truly most men are rebellious.
Then do they seek a Judgment of (the days of) ignorance? But who, for a people whose faith is assured, can grant better Judgment than Allah?
O you who believe! Do not prefer the Jews and Christians as friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors of each other. And any among you who turns to them (preferring their friendship) is one of them. Truly Allah does not guide the unjust people.
You see how those with a disease in their hearts eagerly run about among them saying, “We fear lest a change of fortune should bring us a disaster.” Ah! Perhaps Allah will grant (you) victory or a decision according to His will. Then will they repent of the thoughts which they secretly harbored in their hearts.
And those who believe will say, “Are these the men who swore their strongest oaths by Allah that they were with you?” All that they do will be in vain, and they will fall into (nothing but) ruin.
O you who believe! If any among you turns back from his faith, Allah will soon bring about a people whom He will love as they will love Him! gentle with the believers, mighty against the rejecters, fighting in the way of Allah, and never afraid of the reproaches of those who find fault. That is God's grace which He will bestow on whom He pleases: And Allah encompasses all, and He knows all things.
Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) believers! those who establish regular prayers and regular charity, and bow down humbly (in worship).
As for those who turn to Allah, His Messenger and the (fellowship of the) believers (as guardians), such is the fellowship of Allah that must certainly triumph.
O you who believe! Do not take as guardians and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport, be they from among those who received the Scriptures before you (Jews and Christians), or from among those who reject the faith; but fear Allah, if you have (true) faith.
When you proclaim your call to prayer, they take it as a mockery and sport; that is (so) because they are people without understanding.
Say: “O People of the Book! Do you disapprove of us for no reason besides (the fact) that we believe in Allah and the Revelation that has come to us and that which came before (us), and (perhaps) that most of you are rebellious and disobedient?”
Say: “Shall I point out to you something much worse than this (as judged) by the treatment it received from Allah? Those who incurred the curse of Allah and His Wrath, those whom He transformed into apes and swine, those who worshipped evil; these are (many times) worse in rank, and far more astray from the straight path!”
When they come to you, they say, “We believe,” but in fact they enter with a mind against faith, and they leave with the same, but Allah knows fully all that they hide.
You see many of them competing with each other in committing sin and rancor and in eating of forbidden things; truly evil is what they do.
Why do not the rabbis and the doctors of Law forbid them from their (habit of) uttering sinful words and eating forbidden things? Their deeds are truly evil.
The Jews say, “God's hands are tied.” Let their hands be tied up, and let them be cursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay! His hands are widely outstretched: He gives and spends (of His bounty) as He pleases, but in most of them the Revelation that comes to you from Allah increases their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. We have placed enmity and hatred among them till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah extinguishes it, but they (continually) strive to make mischief on earth. And Allah does not love those who make mischief.
Had the People of the Book only believed and been righteous, We would truly have blotted out their iniquities and admitted them into the gardens of bliss.
And had they only stood fast to the Torah, the Gospel and all the Revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. Some of them are on the right path, but many of them follow an evil course.
O Messenger (Muhammed)! Proclaim the (message) which has been sent to you from your Lord. If you do not, you will not have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission: And Allah will defend you from men (who mean mischief). For Allah does not guide those who reject faith.
Say: “O People of the Book! You have no grounds to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Torah, the Gospel (Bible) and all the Revelation that has come to you from your Lord.” In most of them, it is the Revelation that comes to you from your Lord that increases their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But do not grieve over (these) faithless people.
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish Scriptures, and the Sabians and Christians, any of those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and do righteous deeds, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
We certainly made a covenant with the Children of Israel and sent them Messengers. Every time a Messenger came to them with what they themselves did not desire! some (of them) they called impostors, and some they killed.
They thought there would be no affliction, so they became blind and deaf: Yet Allah (in mercy) turned to them: Yet again many of them became blind and deaf. But Allah sees well all that they do.
Those who say, “God is Christ, the son of Mary,” blaspheme. Christ (himself) said, “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Allah will forbid the garden to anyone who joins other gods with Allah, and the Fire will be his abode. There will be no one to help the wrong-doers.
Those who say, “God is one of three in a trinity” blaspheme, for there is no god except (the) One God (Allah). If they do not desist from their (blasphemous) words, truly a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.
Why do they not turn to Allah and seek His forgiveness, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful?
Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger (of Allah); many Messengers passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both used to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah makes His Signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are turned away from the truth!
Say: “Instead of Allah, will you worship something which has no power either to harm or to benefit you? But God is the One Who hears and knows all things.”
Say: “O People of the Book! In your religion, do not exceed the bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by and who misled many and (themselves) strayed from the straight course.
Those from among the Children of Israel who rejected the faith were cursed by the tongue of David and Jesus son of Mary because they disobeyed and persisted in their excesses.
Nor did they (usually) forbid one another (from committing) the iniquities which they committed: Their deeds were truly evil.
You see many of them turning in friendship to the disbelievers. Truly evil are (the deeds) which their souls have sent forth before them, (with the result) that God's Wrath is upon them, and they will abide in torment.
Had they only believed in Allah, in the Messenger and in what has been revealed to him, they would never have taken them for friends and protectors, but most of them are rebellious wrongdoers.
The Jews and pagans are among the believers’ worst enemies, while those who say, “We are Christians” are among the nearest to the believers in love because among these are men who are devoted to learning, men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.
And when they listen to the Revelation received by the Messenger, you will see their eyes overflow with tears, for they recognize the truth: They pray, “Lord! We believe; so do count us among the witnesses…,
“What cause can we have not to believe in Allah and the truth which has come to us, seeing that we long for our Lord to admit us to the company of the righteous?”
And for this prayer of theirs, Allah has rewarded them with gardens with rivers flowing beneath them for their eternal abode. Such is the reward of those who do good deeds.
As for those who reject the faith and deny Our Signs, they shall be the fellows of the Fire.
O you who believe! Do not render as unlawful the good things which Allah has made lawful for you, and do not commit excesses, for Allah does not love those given to excesses.
Eat of the things which Allah has provided for you, what is lawful and good, and fear Allah in Whom you believe.
Allah will not call you to account for what is futile of your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths. For expiation, feed ten poor persons as you would feed your (own) family, or clothe them, or grant a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths you have sworn, but guard your oaths. Thus Allah makes His Signs clear to you (so) that you may be grateful.
O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (the dedication of) stones and (divination by) arrows are an abomination! (They are) Satan's handiwork: avoid such (abominations so) you may prosper.
Satan's plan is (to use) intoxicants and gambling to cause enmity and hatred among you and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer: Then will you not abstain?
Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and beware (of evil): If you do turn back, know that it is Our Messenger's duty to proclaim (the message) in the clearest manner.
There is no blame on those who believe and do deeds of righteousness for what they ate (in the past), when they (henceforward) guard themselves from evil and believe! and do deeds of righteousness! (or) again, if they guard themselves from evil and do good. For Allah loves those who do good.
O you who believe! Allah is testing you with the game that is well within reach of your hands and spears (so) He may test those who fear Him in the unseen; those who transgress after this will have a grievous penalty.
O you who believe! Do not kill game while in the sacred precincts or in the pilgrim garb. If any of you does so intentionally, the compensation is an offering, brought to the Ka'ba, of a domestic animal equivalent to the one he killed, as judged by two just men among you; or by way of atonement, the feeding of the poor; or its equivalent in fasts (so) that he may taste the penalty for his deed. Allah forgives what is past, for repetition Allah will exact the penalty from him, for Allah is Exalted, Lord of Retribution.
The pursuit of water-game and its use for food is lawful for you! for the benefit of your own selves and those who travel, but the pursuit of land-game is forbidden as long as you are in the sacred precincts or in the pilgrim garb. And fear Allah to Whom you shall return.
Allah made the Ka`ba, the Sacred House, a safe refuge for men, as well as the Sacred Months, the animals for offerings, and the garlands that mark them, (so) that you may know that Allah has knowledge of what is in the heavens and on earth and that Allah is well acquainted with all things.
Be informed that Allah is strict in punishment and that Allah is oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
The Messenger's duty is only to proclaim (the message), but Allah knows all that you reveal and you conceal.
Say: “Things that are bad and things that are good are not equal, even though the abundance of the bad may dazzle you; so, fear Allah, O you who understand, (so) that you may prosper.”
O you who believe! Do not ask questions about things which, if made plain to you, might trouble you. But if you ask about things while the Qur'an is being revealed, they will be made plain to you: Allah will forgive those, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
Some people before you had asked such questions, and on that account they lost their faith.
It was not Allah Who instituted (superstitions like those of) a slit-ear she-camel, or a she-camel let loose for free pasture, or sacrifices to idols for twin-births in animals, or stallion-camels freed from work; it is blasphemers who invent a lie against Allah, but most of them lack wisdom.
When it is said to them, “Come to what Allah has revealed; come to the Messenger,” they say, “The ways we found our fathers following are enough for us.” What?! Even though their fathers had neither knowledge nor guidance?
O you who believe! Guard your own souls: If you follow (right) guidance, no harm can come to you from those who stray. Allah is the goal of all of you: It is He Who will show you the truth of all that you do.
O you who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take) witnesses from among yourselves when making bequests: Two just men of your own (brotherhood) or others from outside if you are journeying through the earth and death seems imminent. If you doubt (their truth), detain them both after prayers, and let them both swear by Allah: “We do not wish for any worldly gain in this, even if the (beneficiary) may be our close relative: We shall not hide the evidence before Allah: If we do, then behold! May the sin be upon us!”
But if it becomes known that these two were guilty of the sin (of perjury), let two others stand forth in their places nearest in kin from among those who claim a lawful right: Let them swear by Allah: “We affirm that our witness is truer than that of those two, and that we have not trespassed (beyond the truth): If we did, behold! Let the sin be on us!”
That is most suitable (so) that they may grant the evidence in its true nature and shape, or else they would fear that other oaths would be taken after their oaths. But fear Allah, and listen (to His counsel), for Allah does not guide a rebellious people.
One Day Allah will gather the Messengers together and will ask, “What was the response you received (to your teaching)?” They will say, “We have no knowledge: It is You Who knows in full all that is hidden.”
Then Allah will say, “O Jesus son of Mary! Recount My favor to you and your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit, so that you spoke to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! You made the figure of a bird out of clay, as it were, by My permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My permission, and you healed those born blind and the lepers by My permission. And behold! You raised the dead by My permission. And behold! I restrained the Children of Israel from (violence to) you when you showed them the clear Signs, and the disbelievers among them said, `This is nothing but obvious magic.'
“And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me and My Messenger: They said, `We have faith, and bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims.'”
Behold! The disciples said, “O Jesus son of Mary! Can your Lord send us a table set (with food) from the heavens?” Jesus said, “Fear Allah, if you have faith.”
They said, “We only wish to eat of it and satisfy our hearts and to know that you really have told us the truth, and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.”
Jesus son of Mary said, “O Lord our God! Send us a table set (with food) from heaven that there may be for us! for the first and the last of us! a solemn festival and a Sign from You, and provide for our sustenance, for You are the best Sustainer (of our needs).”
Allah said, “I will send it down for you, but if any of you resists faith after that, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on anyone among all the peoples.”
And behold! Allah will say, “O Jesus son of Mary! Did you say to men, `Worship me and my mother as gods instead of Allah?'” He will say, “Glory to You! I could never say what I had no right (to say). If I had said such a thing, You surely would have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I do not know what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden.
“I never said anything to them except what You commanded me to say: `Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord', and I was a witness over them while I lived among them; when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things.
“If You punish them, they are Your servants: If You forgive them, You are the Exalted, the Wise.”
Allah will say, “This is a Day when the truthful benefit from their truth: Theirs are gardens with rivers flowing beneath! their eternal abode: Allah is well-pleased with them, and they with Allah: That is the great salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires).
The dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that they contain belongs to Allah, and it is He Who has power over all things.

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