The Qur'an, 2. al-Baqarah
2. al-Baqarah: The Cow
1 Alif. Lam. Mim.
2 This is the Scripture
whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil).
3 Who believe in the Unseen,
and establish worship, and spend of that We have bestowed upon them;
4 And who believe in that
which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee,
and are certain of the Hereafter.
5 These depend on guidance
from their Lord. These are the successful.
6 As for the Disbelievers,
Whether thou warn them or thou warn them not it is all one for them; they believe
not.
7 Allah hath sealed their
hearing and their hearts, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will
be an awful doom.
8 And of mankind are some
who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, when they believe not.
9 They think to beguile
Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves; but they
perceive not.
10 In their hearts is a
disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because
they lie.
11 And when it is said unto
them: Make not mischief in the earth, they say: We are peacemakers only.
12 Are not they indeed the
mischief-makers ? But they perceive not.
13 And when it is said unto
them: believe as the people believe, they say: shall we believe as the foolish
believe ? are not they indeed the foolish ? But they know not.
14 And when they fall in
with those who believe, they say: We believe; but when they go apart to their
devils they declare: Lo! we are with you; verily we did but mock.
15 Allah (Himself) doth
mock them, leaving them to wander blindly on in their contumacy.
16 These are they who purchase
error at the price of guidance, so their commerce doth not prosper, neither
are they guided.
17 Their likeness is as
the likeness of one who kindleth fire, and when it sheddeth its light around
him Allah taketh away their light and leaveth them in darkness, where they cannot
see,
18 Deaf, dumb and blind;
and they return not.
19 Or like a rainstorm from
the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder and the flash of lightning. They thrust
their fingers in their ears by reason of the thunder-claps, for fear of death,
Allah encompasseth the disbelievers (in His guidance, His omniscience and His
omnipotence).
20 The lightning almost
snatcheth away their sight from them. As often as it flasheth forth for them
they walk therein, and when it darkeneth against them they stand still. If Allah
willed, He could destroy their hearing and their sight. Lo! Allah is able to
do all things.
21 O mankind! worship your
Lord, Who hath created you and those before you, so that ye may ward off (evil).
22 Who hath appointed the
earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour
down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set
up rivals to Allah when ye know (better).
23 And if ye are in doubt
concerning that which We reveal unto Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a surah
of the like thereof, and call your witness beside Allah if ye are truthful.
24 And if ye do it not -
and ye can never do it - then guard yourselves against the Fire prepared for
disbelievers, whose fuel is of men and stones.
25 And give glad tidings
(O Muhammad) unto those who believe and do good works; that theirs are Gardens
underneath which rivers flow; as often as they are regaled with food of the
fruit thereof, they say: this is what was given us aforetime; and it is given
to them in resemblance. There for them are pure companions; there for ever they
abide.
26 Lo! Allah disdaineth
not to coin the similitude even of a gnat. Those who believe know that it is
the truth from their Lord; but those who disbelieve say: What doth Allah wish
(to teach) by such a similitude ? He misleadeth many thereby, and He guideth
many thereby; and He misleadeth thereby only miscreants;
27 Those who break the covenant
of Allah after ratifying it, and sever that which Allah ordered to be joined,
and (who) make mischief in the earth: Those are they who are the losers.
28 How disbelieve ye in
Allah when ye were dead and He gave life to you! Then He will give you death,
then life again, and then unto Him ye will return.
29 He it is Who created
for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned
it as seven heavens. And He is knower of all things.
30 And when thy Lord said
unto the angels: Lo! I am about to place a viceroy in the earth, they said:
Wilt thou place therein one who will do harm therein and will shed blood, while
we, we hymn Thy praise and sanctify Thee ? He said: Surely I know that which
ye know not.
31 And He taught Adam all
the names, then showed them to the angels, saying: Inform Me of the names of
these, if ye are truthful.
32 They said: Be glorified!
We have no knowledge saving that which Thou hast taught us. Lo! Thou, only Thou,
art the Knower, the Wise.
33 He said: O Adam! Inform
them of their names, and when he had informed them of their names, He said:
Did I not tell you that I know the secret of the heavens and the earth ? And
I know that which ye disclose and which ye hide.
34 And when We said unto
the angels: Prostrate yourselves before Adam, they fell prostrate, all save
Iblis. He demurred through pride, and so became a disbeliever.
35 And We said: O Adam!
Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and eat ye freely (of the fruits) thereof
where ye will; but come not nigh this tree lest ye become wrong-doers.
36 But Satan caused them
to deflect therefrom and expelled them from the (happy) state in which they
were; and We said: Fall down, one of you a foe unto the other! There shall be
for you on earth a habitation and provision for a time.
37 Then Adam received from
his Lord words (of revelation), and He relented toward him. Lo! He is the relenting,
the Merciful.
38 We said: Go down, all
of you, from hence; but verily there cometh unto you from Me a guidance; and
whoso followeth My guidance, there shall no fear come upon them neither shall
they grieve.
39 But they who disbelieve,
and deny Our revelations, such are rightful Peoples of the Fire. They will abide
therein.
40 O Children of Israel!
Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you, and fulfil your (part of the) covenant,
I shall fulfil My (part of the) covenant, and fear Me.
41 And believe in that which
I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be
not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling
price, and keep your duty unto Me.
42 Confound not truth with
falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth.
43 Establish worship, pay
the poor-due, and bow your heads with those who bow (in worship).
44 Enjoin ye righteousness
upon mankind while ye yourselves forget (to practise it) ? And ye are readers
of the Scripture! Have ye then no sense ?
45 Seek help in patience
and prayer; and truly it is hard save for the humble- minded,
46 Who know that they will
have to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are returning.
47 O Children of Israel!
Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all)
creatures.
48 And guard yourselves
against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, nor will intercession
be accepted from it, nor will compensation be received from it, nor will they
be helped.
49 And (remember) when We
did deliver you from Pharaoh's folk, who were afflicting you with dreadful torment,
slaying your sons and sparing your women: that was a tremendous trial from your
Lord.
50 And when We brought you
through the sea and rescued you, and drowned the folk of Pharaoh in your sight.
51 And when We did appoint
for Moses forty nights (of solitude), and then ye chose the calf, when he had
gone from you, and were wrong-doers.
52 Then, even after that,
We pardoned you in order that ye might give thanks.
53 And when We gave unto
Moses the Scripture and the criterion (of right and wrong), that ye might be
led aright.
54 And when Moses said unto
his people: O my people! Ye have wronged yourselves by your choosing of the
calf (for worship) so turn in penitence to your Creator, and kill (the guilty)
yourselves. That will be best for you with your Creator and He will relent toward
you. Lo! He is the Relenting, the Merciful.
55 And when ye said: O Moses!
We will not believe in thee till we see Allah plainly; and even while ye gazed
the lightning seized you.
56 Then We revived you after
your extinction, that ye might give thanks.
57 And We caused the white
cloud to overshadow you and sent down on you the manna and the quails, (saying):
Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you - they wronged Us not,
but they did wrong themselves.
58 And when We said: Go
into this township and eat freely of that which is therein, and enter the gate
prostrate, and say: "Repentance." We will forgive you your sins and will increase
(reward) for the right-doers.
59 But those who did wrong
changed the word which had been told them for another saying, and We sent down
upon the evil-doers wrath from heaven for their evil-doing.
60 And when Moses asked
for water for his people, We said: Smite with thy staff the rock. And there
gushed out therefrom twelve springs (so that) each tribe knew their drinking-place.
Eat and drink of that which Allah hath provided, and do not act corruptly, making
mischief in the earth.
61 And when ye said: O Moses!
We are weary of one kind of food; so call upon thy Lord for us that He bring
forth for us of that which the earth groweth - of its herbs and its cucumbers
and its corn and its lentils and its onions. He said: Would ye exchange that
which is higher for that which is lower ? Go down to settled country, thus ye
shall get that which ye demand. And humiliation and wretchedness were stamped
upon them and they were visited with wrath from Allah. That was because they
disbelieved in Allah's revelations and slew the prophets wrongfully. That was
for their disobedience and transgression.
62 Lo! Those who believe
(in that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and
Christians, and Sabaeans - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth
right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come
upon them neither shall they grieve.
63 And (remember, O Children
of Israel) when We made a covenant with you and caused the mount to tower above
you, (saying): Hold fast that which We have given you, and remember that which
is therein, that ye may ward off (evil).
64 Then, even after that,
ye turned away, and if it had not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy
ye had been among the losers.
65 And ye know of those
of you who broke the Sabbath, how We said unto them: Be ye apes, despised and
hated!
66 And We made it an example
to their own and to succeeding generations, and an admonition to the God-fearing.
67 And when Moses said unto
his people: Lo! Allah commandeth you that ye sacrifice a cow, they said: Dost
thou make game of us ? He answered: Allah forbid that I should be among the
foolish!
68 They said: Pray for us
unto thy Lord that He make clear to us what (cow) she is. (Moses) answered:
Lo! He saith, Verily she is a cow neither with calf nor immature; (she is) between
the two conditions; so do that which ye are commanded.
69 They said: Pray for us
unto thy Lord that He make clear to us of what colour she is. (Moses) answered:
Lo! He saith: Verily she is a yellow cow. Bright is her colour, gladdening beholders.
70 They said: Pray for us
unto thy Lord that He make clear to us what (cow) she is. Lo! cows are much
alike to us; and Lo! if Allah wills, we may be led aright.
71 (Moses) answered: Lo!
He saith: Verily she is a cow unyoked; she plougheth not the soil nor watereth
the tilth; whole and without mark. They said: Now thou bringest the truth. So
they sacrificed her, though almost they did not.
72 And (remember) when ye
slew a man and disagreed concerning it and Allah brought forth that which ye
were hiding.
73 And We said: Smite him
with some of it. Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His portents
so that ye may understand.
74 Then, even after that,
your hearts were hardened and became as rocks, or worse than rocks, for hardness.
For indeed there are rocks from out which rivers gush, and indeed there are
rocks which split asunder so that water floweth from them. And indeed there
are rocks which fall down for the fear of Allah. Allah is not unaware of what
ye do.
75 Have ye any hope that
they will be true to you when a party of them used to listen to the word of
Allah, then used to change it, after they had understood it, knowingly ?
76 And when they fall in
with those who believe, they say: We believe. But when they go apart one with
another they say: Prate ye to them of that which Allah hath disclosed to you
that they may contend with you before your Lord concerning it ? Have ye then
no sense ?
77 Are they then unaware
that Allah knoweth that which they keep hidden and that which they proclaim
?
78 Among them are unlettered
folk who know the Scripture not except from hearsay. They but guess.
79 Therefore woe be unto
those who write the Scripture with their hands and then say, "This is from Allah,"
that they may purchase a small gain therewith. Woe unto them for that their
hands have written, and woe unto them for that they earn thereby.
80 And they say: The Fire
(of punishment) will not touch us save for a certain number of days. Say: Have
ye received a covenant from Allah - truly Allah will not break His covenant
- or tell ye concerning Allah that which ye know not ?
81 Nay, but whosoever hath
done evil and his sin surroundeth him; such are rightful owners of the Fire;
they will abide therein.
82 And those who believe
and do good works: such are rightful owners of the Garden. They will abide therein.
83 And (remember) when We
made a covenant with the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none save Allah
(only), and be good to parents and to kindred and to orphans and the needy,
and speak kindly to mankind; and establish worship and pay the poor-due. Then,
after that, ye slid back, save a few of you, being averse.
84 And when We made with
you a covenant (saying): Shed not the blood of your people nor turn (a party
of) your people out of your dwellings. Then ye ratified (Our covenant) and ye
were witnesses (thereto).
85 Yet ye it is who slay
each other and drive out a party of your people from their homes, supporting
one another against them by sin and transgression ? - and if they came to you
as captives ye would ransom them, whereas their expulsion was itself unlawful
for you - Believe ye in part of the Scripture and disbelieve ye in part thereof
? And what is the reward of those who do so save ignominy in the life of the
world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be consigned to the most grievous
doom. For Allah is not unaware of what ye do.
86 Such are those who buy
the life of the world at the price of the Hereafter. Their punishment will not
be lightened, neither will they have support.
87 And verily We gave unto
Moses the Scripture and We caused a train of messengers to follow after him,
and We gave unto Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's sovereignty),
and We supported him with the Holy spirit. Is it ever so, that, when there cometh
unto you a messenger (from Allah) with that which ye yourselves desire not,
ye grow arrogant, and some ye disbelieve and some ye slay ?
88 And they say: Our hearts
are hardened. Nay, but Allah hath cursed them for their unbelief. Little is
that which they believe.
89 And when there cometh
unto them a scripture from Allah, confirming that in their possession - though
before that they were asking for a signal triumph over those who disbelieved
- and when there cometh unto them that which they know (to be the truth) they
disbelieve therein. The curse of Allah is on disbelievers.
90 Evil is that for which
they sell their souls: that they should disbelieve in that which Allah hath
revealed, grudging that Allah should reveal of His bounty unto whom He will
of His slaves. They have incurred anger upon anger. For disbelievers is a shameful
doom.
91 And when it is said unto
them: Believe in that which Allah hath revealed, they say: We believe in that
which was revealed unto us. And they disbelieve in that which cometh after it,
though it is the truth confirming that which they possess. Say (unto them, O
Muhammad): Why then slew ye the prophets of Allah aforetime, if ye are (indeed)
believers ?
92 And Moses came unto you
with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), yet, while he was away, ye chose
the calf (for worship) and ye were wrong-doers.
93 And when We made with
you a covenant and caused the Mount to tower above you, (saying): Hold fast
by that which We have given you, and hear (Our Word), they said: We hear and
we rebel. And (worship of) the calf was made to sink into their hearts because
of their rejection (of the covenant). Say (unto them): Evil is that which your
belief enjoineth on you, if ye are believers.
94 Say (unto them): If the
abode of the Hereafter in the providence of Allah is indeed for you alone and
not for others of mankind (as ye pretend), then long for death (for ye must
long for death) if ye are truthful.
95 But they will never long
for it, because of that which their own hands have sent before them. Allah is
aware of evil-doers.
96 And thou wilt find them
greediest of mankind for life and (greedier) than the idolaters. (Each) one
of them would like to be allowed to live a thousand years. And to live (a thousand
years) would be no means remove him from the doom. Allah is Seer of what they
do.
97 Say (O Muhammad, to mankind):
Who is an enemy to Gabriel! For he it is who hath revealed (this Scripture)
to thy heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it,
and a guidance and glad tidings to believers;
98 Who is an enemy to Allah,
and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah
(Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.
99 Verily We have revealed
unto thee clear tokens, and only miscreants will disbelieve in them.
100 Is it ever so that when
they make a covenant a party of them set it aside ? The truth is, most of them
believe not.
101 And when there cometh
unto them a messenger from Allah, confirming that which they possess, a party
of those who have received the Scripture fling the Scripture of Allah behind
their backs as if they knew not,
102 And follow that which
the devils falsely related against the kingdom of Solomon. Solomon disbelieved
not; but the devils disbelieved, teaching mankind magic and that which was revealed
to the two angels in Babel, Harut and Marut. Nor did they (the two angels) teach
it to anyone till they had said: We are only a temptation, therefore disbelieve
not (in the guidance of Allah). And from these two (angles) people learn that
by which they cause division between man and wife; but they injure thereby no-one
save by Allah's leave. And they learn that which harmeth them and profiteth
them not. And surely they do know that he who trafficketh therein will have
no (happy) portion in the Hereafter; and surely evil is the price for which
they sell their souls, if they but knew.
103 And if they had believed
and kept from evil, a recompense from Allah would be better, if they only knew.
104 O ye who believe, say
not (unto the Prophet): "Listen to us" but say "Look upon us," and be ye listeners.
For disbelievers is a painful doom.
105 Neither those who disbelieve
among the people of the Scripture nor the idolaters love that there should be
sent down unto you any good thing from your Lord. But Allah chooseth for His
mercy whom He will, and Allah is of Infinite Bounty.
106 Nothing of our revelation
(even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in
place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to
do all things ?
107 Knowest thou not that
it is Allah unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth;
and ye have not, beside Allah, any guardian or helper ?
108 Or would ye question
your messenger as Moses was questioned aforetime ? He who chooseth disbelief
instead of faith, verily he hath gone astray from a plain road.
109 Many of the people of
the Scripture long to make you disbelievers after your belief, through envy
on their own account, after the truth hath become manifest unto them. Forgive
and be indulgent (toward them) until Allah give command. Lo! Allah is Able to
do all things.
110 Establish worship, and
pay the poor-due; and whatever of good ye send before (you) for your souls,
ye will find it with Allah. Lo! Allah is Seer of what ye do.
111 And they say: None entereth
paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian. These are their own desires. Say:
Bring your proof (of what ye state) if ye are truthful.
112 Nay, but whosoever surrendereth
his purpose to Allah while doing good, his reward is with his Lord; and there
shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
113 And the Jews say the
Christians follow nothing (true), and the Christians say the Jews follow nothing
(true); yet both are readers of the Scripture. Even thus speak those who know
not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that
wherein they differ.
114 And who doth greater
wrong than he who forbiddeth the approach to the sanctuaries of Allah lest His
name should be mentioned therein, and striveth for their ruin. As for such,
it was never meant that they should enter them except in fear. Theirs in the
world is ignominy and theirs in the Hereafter is an awful doom.
115 Unto Allah belong the
East and the West, and whithersoever ye turn, there is Allah's Countenance.
Lo! Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
116 And they say: Allah
hath taken unto Himself a son. Be He glorified! Nay, but whatsoever is in the
heavens and the earth is His. All are subservient unto Him.
117 The Originator of the
heavens and the earth! When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be!
and it is.
118 And those who have no
knowledge say: Why doth not Allah speak unto us, or some sign come unto us ?
Even thus, as they now speak, spake those (who were) before them. Their hearts
are all alike. We have made clear the revelations for people who are sure.
119 Lo! We have sent thee
(O Muhammad) with the truth, a bringer of glad tidings and a warner. And thou
wilt not be asked about the owners of hell-fire.
120 And the Jews will not
be pleased with thee, nor will the Christians, till thou follow their creed.
Say: Lo! the guidance of Allah (Himself) is Guidance. And if thou shouldst follow
their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then wouldst thou
have from Allah no protecting guardian nor helper.
121 Those unto whom We have
given the Scripture, who read it with the right reading, those believe in it.
And whoso disbelieveth in it, those are they who are the losers.
122 O Children of Israel!
Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all)
creatures.
123 And guard (yourselves)
against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, nor will compensation
be accepted from it, nor will intercession be of use to it; nor will they be
helped.
124 And (remember) when
his Lord tried Abraham with (His) commands, and he fulfilled them, He said:
Lo! I have appointed thee a leader for mankind. (Abraham) said: And of my offspring
(will there be leaders) ? He said: My covenant includeth not wrong-doers.
125 And when We made the
House (at Makka) a resort for mankind and sanctuary, (saying): Take as your
place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty
upon Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around
and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves
(in worship).
126 And when Abraham prayed:
My Lord! Make this a region of security and bestow upon its people fruits, such
of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day, He answered: As for him who disbelieveth,
I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the
doom of Fire - a hapless journey's end!
127 And when Abraham and
Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, (Abraham prayed): Our Lord!
Accept from us (this duty). Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower.
128 Our Lord! And make us
submissive unto Thee and of our seed a nation submissive unto Thee, and show
us our ways of worship, and relent toward us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Relenting,
the Merciful.
129 Our Lord! And raise
up in their midst a messenger from among them who shall recite unto them Thy
revelations, and shall instruct them in the Scripture and in wisdom and shall
make them grow. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Mighty, Wise.
130 And who forsaketh the
religion of Abraham save him who befooleth himself ? Verily We chose him in
the world, and lo! in the Hereafter he is among the righteous.
131 When his Lord said unto
him: Surrender! he said: I have surrendered to the Lord of the Worlds.
132 The same did Abraham
enjoin upon his sons, and also Jacob, (saying): O my sons! Lo! Allah hath chosen
for you the (true) religion; therefore die not save as men who have surrendered
(unto Him).
133 Or were ye present when
death came to Jacob, when he said unto his sons: What will ye worship after
me ? They said: We shall worship thy God, the God of thy fathers, Abraham and
Ishmael and Isaac, One God, and unto Him we have surrendered.
134 Those are a people who
have passed away. Theirs is that which they earned, and yours is that which
ye earn. And ye will not be asked of what they used to do.
135 And they say: Be Jews
or Christians, then ye will be rightly guided. Say (unto them, O Muhammad):
Nay, but (we follow) the religion of Abraham, the upright, and he was not of
the idolaters.
136 Say (O Muslims): We
believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed
unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which
Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord.
We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.
137 And if they believe
in the like of that which ye believe, then are they rightly guided. But if they
turn away, then are they in schism, and Allah will suffice thee (for defence)
against them. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
138 (We take our) colour
from Allah, and who is better than Allah at colouring. We are His worshippers.
139 Say (unto the People
of the Scripture): Dispute ye with us concerning Allah when He is our Lord and
your Lord ? Ours are our works and yours your works. We look to Him alone.
140 Or say ye that Abraham,
and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes were Jews or Christians ?
Say: Do ye know best, or doth Allah ? And who is more unjust than he who hideth
a testimony which he hath received from Allah ? Allah is not unaware of what
ye do.
141 Those are a people who
have passed away; theirs is that which they earned and yours that which ye earn.
And ye will not be asked of what they used to do.
142 The foolish of the people
will say: What hath turned them from the qiblah which they formerly observed
? Say: Unto Allah belong the East and the West. He guideth whom He will unto
a straight path.
143 Thus We have appointed
you a middle nation, that ye may be witnesses against mankind, and that the
messenger may be a witness against you. And We appointed the qiblah which ye
formerly observed only that We might know him who followeth the messenger, from
him who turneth on his heels. In truth it was a hard (test) save for those whom
Allah guided. But it was not Allah's purpose that your faith should be in vain,
for Allah is Full of Pity, Merciful toward mankind.
144 We have seen the turning
of thy face to heaven (for guidance, O Muhammad). And now verily We shall make
thee turn (in prayer) toward a qiblah which is dear to thee. So turn thy face
toward the Inviolable Place of Worship, and ye (O Muslims), wheresoever ye may
be, turn your faces (when ye pray) toward it. Lo! Those who have received the
Scripture know that (this revelation) is the Truth from their Lord. And Allah
is not unaware of what they do.
145 And even if thou broughtest
unto those who have received the Scripture all kinds of portents, they would
not follow thy qiblah, nor canst thou be a follower of their qiblah; nor are
some of them followers of the qiblah of others. And if thou shouldst follow
their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then surely wert
thou of the evil-doers.
146 Those unto whom We gave
the Scripture recognise (this revelation) as they recognise their sons. But
lo! a party of them knowingly conceal the truth.
147 It is the Truth from
thy Lord (O Muhammad), so be not thou of those who waver.
148 And each one hath a
goal toward which he turneth; so vie with one another in good works. Wheresoever
ye may be, Allah will bring you all together. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
149 And whencesoever thou
comest forth (for prayer, O Muhammad) turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place
of Worship. Lo! it is the Truth from thy Lord. Allah is not unaware of what
ye do.
150 Whencesoever thou comest
forth turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship; and wheresoever
ye may be (O Muslims) turn your faces toward it (when ye pray) so that men may
have no argument against you, save such of them as do injustice - Fear them
not, but fear Me! - and so that I may complete My grace upon you, and that ye
may be guided.
151 Even as We have sent
unto you a messenger from among you, who reciteth unto you Our revelations and
causeth you to grow, and teacheth you the Scripture and wisdom, and teacheth
you that which ye knew not.
152 Therefore remember Me,
I will remember you. Give thanks to Me, and reject not Me.
153 O ye who believe! Seek
help in steadfastness and prayer. Lo! Allah is with the steadfast.
154 And call not those who
are slain in the way of Allah "dead." Nay, they are living, only ye perceive
not.
155 And surely We shall
try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and
crops; but give glad tidings to the steadfast,
156 Who say, when a misfortune
striketh them: Lo! we are Allah's and lo! unto Him we are returning.
157 Such are they on whom
are blessings from their Lord, and mercy. Such are the rightly guided.
158 Lo! (the mountains)
As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the indications of Allah. It is therefore no
sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House (of God) or visiteth it, to go
around them (as the pagan custom is). And he who doeth good of his own accord,
(for him) lo! Allah is Responsive, Aware.
159 Lo! Those who hide the
proofs and the guidance which We revealed, after We had made it clear to mankind
in the Scripture: such are accursed of Allah and accursed of those who have
the power to curse.
160 Except those who repent
and amend and make manifest (the truth). These it is toward whom I relent. I
am the Relenting, the Merciful.
161 Lo! Those who disbelieve,
and die while they are disbelievers; on them is the curse of Allah and of angels
and of men combined.
162 They ever dwell therein.
The doom will not be lightened for them, neither will they be reprieved.
163 Your God is One God;
there is no God save Him, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
164 Lo! In the creation
of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships
which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which
Allah sendeth down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death,
and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of the winds,
and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs (of Allah's Sovereignty)
for people who have sense.
165 Yet of mankind are some
who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah,
loving them with a love like (that which is the due) of Allah (only) - those
who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah - Oh, that those who do evil
had but known, (on the day) when they behold the doom, that power belongeth
wholly to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment!
166 (On the day) when those
who were followed disown those who followed (them), and they behold the doom,
and all their aims collapse with them.
167 And those who were but
followers will say: If a return were possible for us, we would disown them even
as they have disowned us. Thus will Allah show them their own deeds as anguish
for them, and they will not emerge from the Fire.
168 O mankind! Eat of that
which is lawful and wholesome in the earth, and follow not the footsteps of
the devil. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.
169 He enjoineth upon you
only the evil and the foul, and that ye should tell concerning Allah that which
ye know not.
170 And when it is said
unto them: Follow that which Allah hath revealed, they say: We follow that wherein
we found our fathers. What! Even though their fathers were wholly unintelligent
and had no guidance ?
171 The likeness of those
who disbelieve (in relation to the messenger) is as the likeness of one who
calleth unto that which heareth naught except a shout and cry. Deaf, dumb, blind,
therefore they have no sense.
172 O ye who believe! Eat
of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah
if it is (indeed) He Whom ye worship.
173 He hath forbidden you
only carrion, and blood, and swineflesh, and that which hath been immolated
to (the name of) any other than Allah. But he who is driven by necessity, neither
craving nor transgressing, it is no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
174 Lo! those who hide aught
of the Scripture which Allah hath revealed and purchase a small gain therewith,
they eat into their bellies nothing else than fire. Allah will not speak to
them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He make them grow. Theirs will be
a painful doom.
175 Those are they who purchase
error at the price of guidance, and torment at the price of pardon. How constant
are they in their strife to reach the Fire!
176 That is because Allah
hath revealed the Scripture with the truth. Lo! those who find (a cause of)
disagreement in the Scripture are in open schism.
177 It is not righteousness
that ye turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteous is he who believeth
in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Scripture and the prophets;
and giveth wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy
and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free; and observeth
proper worship and payeth the poor-due. And those who keep their treaty when
they make one, and the patient in tribulation and adversity and time of stress.
Such are they who are sincere. Such are the God-fearing.
178 O ye who believe! Retaliation
is prescribed for you in the matter of the murdered; the freeman for the freeman,
and the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. And for him who
is forgiven somewhat by his (injured) brother, prosecution according to usage
and payment unto him in kindness. This is an alleviation and a mercy from your
Lord. He who transgresseth after this will have a painful doom.
179 And there is life for
you in retaliation, O men of understanding, that ye may ward off (evil).
180 It is prescribed for
you, when death approacheth one of you, if he leave wealth, that he bequeath
unto parents and near relatives in kindness. (This is) a duty for all those
who ward off (evil).
181 And whoso changeth (the
will) after he hath heard it - the sin thereof is only upon those who change
it. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Knower.
182 But he who feareth from
a testator some unjust or sinful clause, and maketh peace between the parties,
(it shall be) no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
183 O ye who believe! Fasting
is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that
ye may ward off (evil);
184 (Fast) a certain number
of days; and (for) him who is sick among you, or on a journey, (the same) number
of other days; and for those who can afford it there is a ransom: the feeding
of a man in need - but whoso doeth good of his own accord, it is better for
him: and that ye fast is better for you if ye did but know -
185 The month of Ramadan
in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of
the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is
present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey,
(let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He
desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the
period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure
ye may be thankful.
186 And when My servants
question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the
suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust
in Me, in order that they may be led aright.
187 It is made lawful for
you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are raiment for
you and ye are raiment for them. Allah is Aware that ye were deceiving yourselves
in this respect and He hath turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So
hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah hath ordained for you,
and eat and drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black
thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch
them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed
by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth His revelation to mankind
that they may ward off (evil).
188 And eat not up your
property among yourselves in vanity, nor seek by it to gain the hearing of the
judges that ye may knowingly devour a portion of the property of others wrongfully.
189 They ask thee, (O Muhammad),
of new moons, say: They are fixed seasons for mankind and for the pilgrimage.
It is not righteousness that ye go to houses by the backs thereof (as do the
idolaters at certain seasons), but the righteous man is he who wardeth off (evil).
So go to houses by the gates thereof, and observe your duty to Allah, that ye
may be successful.
190 Fight in the way of
Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah
loveth not aggressors.
191 And slay them wherever
ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for
persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable
Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there)
then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers.
192 But if they desist,
then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
193 And fight them until
persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then
let there be no hostility except against wrong-doers.
194 The forbidden month
for the forbidden month, and forbidden things in retaliation. And one who attacketh
you, attack him in like manner as he attacked you. Observe your duty to Allah,
and know that Allah is with those who ward off (evil).
195 Spend your wealth for
the cause of Allah, and be not cast by your own hands to ruin; and do good.
Lo! Allah loveth the beneficent.
196 Perform the pilgrimage
and the visit (to Makka) for Allah. And if ye are prevented, then send such
gifts as can be obtained with ease, and shave not your heads until the gifts
have reached their destination. And whoever among you is sick or hath an ailment
of the head must pay a ransom of fasting or almsgiving or offering. And if ye
are in safety, then whosoever contenteth himself with the visit for the pilgrimage
(shall give) such gifts as can be had with ease. And whosoever cannot find (such
gifts), then a fast of three days while on the pilgrimage, and of seven when
ye have returned; that is, ten in all. That is for him whoso folk are not present
at the Inviolable Place of Worship. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that
Allah is severe in punishment.
197 The pilgrimage is (in)
the well-known months, and whoever is minded to perform the pilgrimage therein
(let him remember that) there is (to be) no lewdness nor abuse nor angry conversation
on the pilgrimage. And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it. So make provision
for yourselves (Hereafter); for the best provision is to ward off evil. Therefore
keep your duty unto Me, O men of understanding.
198 It is no sin for you
that ye seek the bounty of your Lord (by trading). But, when ye press on in
the multitude from 'Arafat, remember Allah by the sacred monument. Remember
Him as He hath guided you, although before ye were of those astray.
199 Then hasten onward from
the place whence the multitude hasteneth onward, and ask forgiveness of Allah.
Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
200 And when ye have completed
your devotions, then remember Allah as ye remember your fathers or with a more
lively remembrance. But of mankind is he who saith: "Our Lord! Give unto us
in the world," and he hath no portion in the Hereafter.
201 And of them (also) is
he who saith: "Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in
the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire."
202 For them there is in
store a goodly portion out of that which they have earned. Allah is swift at
reckoning.
203 Remember Allah through
the appointed days. Then whoso hasteneth (his departure) by two days, it is
no sin for him, and whoso delayeth, it is no sin for him; that is for him who
wardeth off (evil). Be careful of your duty to Allah, and know that unto Him
ye will be gathered.
204 And of mankind there
is he whoso conversation on the life of this world pleaseth thee (Muhammad),
and he calleth Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart; yet he is
the most rigid of opponents.
205 And when he turneth
away (from thee) his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy
the crops and the cattle; and Allah loveth not mischief.
206 And when it is said
unto him: Be careful of thy duty to Allah, pride taketh him to sin. Hell will
settle his account, an evil resting-place.
207 And of mankind is he
who would sell himself, seeking the pleasure of Allah; and Allah hath compassion
on (His) bondmen.
208 O ye who believe! Come,
all of you, into submission (unto Him); and follow not the footsteps of the
devil. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.
209 And if ye slide back
after the clear proofs have come unto you, then know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.
210 Wait they for naught
else than that Allah should come unto them in the shadows of the clouds with
the angels ? Then the case would be already judged. All cases go back to Allah
(for judgment).
211 Ask of the Children
of Israel how many a clear revelation We gave them! He who altereth the grace
of Allah after it hath come unto him (for him), lo! Allah is severe in punishment.
212 Beautified is the life
of the world for those who disbelieve; they make a jest of the believers. But
those who keep their duty to Allah will be above them on the Day of Resurrection.
Allah giveth without stint to whom He will.
213 Mankind were one community,
and Allah sent (unto them) prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners,
and revealed therewith the Scripture with the truth that it might judge between
mankind concerning that wherein they differed. And only those unto whom (the
Scripture) was given differed concerning it, after clear proofs had come unto
them, through hatred one of another. And Allah by His Will guided those who
believe unto the truth of that concerning which they differed. Allah guideth
whom He will unto a straight path.
214 Or think ye that ye
will enter paradise while yet there hath not come unto you the like of (that
which came to) those who passed away before you ? Affliction and adversity befell
them, they were shaken as with earthquake, till the messenger (of Allah) and
those who believed along with him said: When cometh Allah's help ? Now surely
Allah's help is nigh.
215 They ask thee, (O Muhammad),
what they shall spend. Say: that which ye spend for good (must go) to parents
and near kindred and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer. And whatsoever
good ye do, lo! Allah is Aware of it.
216 Warfare is ordained
for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing
which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for
you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.
217 They question thee (O
Muhammad) with regard to warfare in the sacred month. Say: Warfare therein is
a great (transgression), but to turn (men) from the way of Allah, and to disbelieve
in Him and in the Inviolable Place of Worship, and to expel His people thence,
is a greater with Allah; for persecution is worse than killing. And they will
not cease from fighting against you till they have made you renegades from your
religion, if they can. And whoso becometh a renegade and dieth in his disbelief:
such are they whose works have fallen both in the world and the Hereafter. Such
are rightful owners of the Fire: they will abide therein.
218 Lo! those who believe,
and those who emigrate (to escape the persecution) and strive in the way of
Allah, these have hope of Allah's mercy. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
219 They question thee about
strong drink and games of chance. Say: In both is great sin, and (some) utility
for men; but the sin of them is greater than their usefulness. And they ask
thee what they ought to spend. Say: that which is superfluous. Thus Allah maketh
plain to you (His) revelations, that haply ye may reflect.
220 Upon the world and the
Hereafter. And they question thee concerning orphans. Say: To improve their
lot is best. And if ye mingle your affairs with theirs, then (they are) your
brothers. Allah knoweth him who spoileth from him who improveth. Had Allah willed
He could have overburdened you. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
221 Wed not idolatresses
till they believe; for lo! a believing bondwoman is better than an idolatress
though she please you; and give not your daughters in marriage to idolaters
till they believe, for lo! a believing slave is better than an idolater though
he please you. These invite unto the Fire, and Allah inviteth unto the Garden,
and unto forgiveness by His grace, and expoundeth His revelations to mankind
that haply they may remember.
222 They question thee (O
Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone
at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they
have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath enjoined upon you.
Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who have a care
for cleanness.
223 Your women are a tilth
for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will, and send (good deeds)
before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that ye will (one day) meet
Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Muhammad).
224 And make not Allah,
by your oaths, a hindrance to your being righteous and observing your duty unto
Him and making peace among mankind. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
225 Allah will not take
you to task for that which is unintentional in your oaths. But He will take
you to task for that which your hearts have garnered. Allah is Forgiving, Clement.
226 Those who forswear their
wives must wait four months; then, if they change their mind, lo! Allah is Forgiving,
Merciful.
227 And if they decide upon
divorce (let them remember that) Allah is Hearer, Knower.
228 Women who are divorced
shall wait, keeping themselves apart, three (monthly) courses. And it is not
lawful for them that they should conceal that which Allah hath created in their
wombs if they are believers in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands would
do better to take them back in that case if they desire a reconciliation. And
they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and
men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
229 Divorce must be pronounced
twice and then (a woman) must be retained in honour or released in kindness.
And it is not lawful for you that ye take from women aught of that which ye
have given them; except (in the case) when both fear that they may not be able
to keep within the limits (imposed by) Allah. And if ye fear that they may not
be able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is no sin for either of
them if the woman ransom herself. These are the limits (imposed by) Allah. Transgress
them not. For whoso transgresseth Allah's limits: such are wrong-doers.
230 And if he hath divorced
her (the third time), then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she hath
wedded another husband. Then if he (the other husband) divorce her it is no
sin for both of them that they come together again if they consider that they
are able to observe the limits of Allah. These are the limits of Allah. He manifesteth
them for people who have knowledge.
231 When ye have divorced
women, and they have reached their term, then retain them in kindness or release
them in kindness. Retain them not to their hurt so that ye transgress (the limits).
He who doeth that hath wronged his soul. Make not the revelations of Allah a
laughing-stock (by your behaviour), but remember Allah's grace upon you and
that which He hath revealed unto you of the Scripture and of wisdom, whereby
He doth exhort you. Observe your duty to Allah and know that Allah is Aware
of all things.
232 And when ye have divorced
women and they reach their term, place not difficulties in the way of their
marrying their husbands if it is agreed between them in kindness. This is an
admonition for him among you who believeth in Allah and the Last Day. That is
more virtuous for you, and cleaner. Allah knoweth; ye know not.
233 Mothers shall suckle
their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete
the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner
is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity.
A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to
whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the
(father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father).
If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation,
it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it
is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe
your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.
234 Such of you as die and
leave behind them wives, they (the wives) shall wait, keeping themselves apart,
four months and ten days. And when they reach the term (prescribed for them)
then there is no sin for you in aught that they may do with themselves in decency.
Allah is informed of what ye do.
235 There is no sin for
you in that which ye proclaim or hide in your minds concerning your troth with
women. Allah knoweth that ye will remember them. But plight not your troth with
women except by uttering a recognised form of words. And do not consummate the
marriage until (the term) prescribed is run. Know that Allah knoweth what is
in your minds, so beware of Him; and know that Allah is Forgiving, Clement.
236 It is no sin for you
if ye divorce women while yet ye have not touched them, nor appointed unto them
a portion. Provide for them, the rich according to his means, and the straitened
according to his means, a fair provision. (This is) a bounden duty for those
who do good.
237 If ye divorce them before
ye have touched them and ye have appointed unto them a portion, then (pay the)
half of that which ye appointed, unless they (the women) agree to forgo it,
or he agreeth to forgo it in whose hand is the marriage tie. To forgo is nearer
to piety. And forget not kindness among yourselves. Allah is Seer of what ye
do.
238 Be guardians of your
prayers, and of the midmost prayer, and stand up with devotion to Allah.
239 And if ye go in fear,
then (pray) standing or on horseback. And when ye are again in safety, remember
Allah, as He hath taught you that which (heretofore) ye knew not.
240 (In the case of) those
of you who are about to die and leave behind them wives, they should bequeath
unto their wives a provision for the year without turning them out, but if they
go out (of their own accord) there is no sin for you in that which they do of
themselves within their rights. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
241 For divorced women a
provision in kindness: a duty for those who ward off (evil).
242 Thus Allah expoundeth
unto you His revelations so that ye may understand.
243 Bethink thee (O Muhammad)
of those of old, who went forth from their habitations in their thousands, fearing
death, and Allah said unto them: Die; and then He brought them back to life.
Lo! Allah is a Lord of Kindness to mankind, but most of mankind give not thanks.
244 Fight in the way of
Allah, and know that Allah is Hearer, Knower.
245 Who is it that will
lend unto Allah a goodly loan, so that He may give it increase manifold ? Allah
straiteneth and enlargeth. Unto Him ye will return.
246 Bethink thee of the
leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, how they said unto a prophet
whom they had: Set up for us a king and we will fight in Allah's way. He said:
Would ye then refrain from fighting if fighting were prescribed for you ? They
said: Why should we not fight in Allah's way when we have been driven from our
dwellings with our children ? Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they
turned away, all save a few of them. Allah is aware of evil-doers.
247 Their Prophet said unto
them: Lo! Allah hath raised up Saul to be a king for you. They said: How can
he have kingdom over us when we are more deserving of the kingdom than he is,
since he hath not been given wealth enough ? He said: Lo! Allah hath chosen
him above you, and hath increased him abundantly in wisdom and stature. Allah
bestoweth His Sovereignty on whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
248 And their Prophet said
unto them: Lo! the token of his kingdom is that there shall come unto you the
ark wherein is peace of reassurance from your Lord, and a remnant of that which
the house of Moses and the house of Aaron left behind, the angels bearing it.
Lo! herein shall be a token for you if (in truth) ye are believers.
249 And when Saul set out
with the army, he said: Lo! Allah will try you by (the ordeal of) a river. Whosoever
therefore drinketh thereof he is not of me, and whosoever tasteth it not he
is of me, save him who taketh (thereof) in the hollow of his hand. But they
drank thereof, all save a few of them. And after he had crossed (the river),
he and those who believed with him, they said: We have no power this day against
Goliath and his hosts. But those who knew that they would meet Allah exclaimed:
How many a little company hath overcome a mighty host by Allah's leave! Allah
is with the steadfast.
250 And when they went into
the field against Goliath and his hosts they said: Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance,
make our foothold sure, and give us help against the disbelieving folk.
251 So they routed them
by Allah's leave and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him the kingdom and
wisdom, and taught him of that which He willeth. And if Allah had not repelled
some men by others the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah is a Lord
of Kindness to (His) creatures.
252 These are the portents
of Allah which We recite unto thee (Muhammad) with truth, and lo! thou art of
the number of (Our) messengers;
253 Of those messengers,
some of whom We have caused to excel others, and of whom there are some unto
whom Allah spake, while some of them He exalted (above others) in degree; and
We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty) and We supported
him with the holy Spirit. And if Allah had so wiled it, those who followed after
them would not have fought one with another after the clear proofs had come
unto them. But they differed, some of them believing and some disbelieving.
And if Allah had so willed it, they would not have fought one with another;
but Allah doeth what He will.
254 O ye who believe! spend
of that wherewith We have provided you ere a day come when there will be no
trafficking, nor friendship, nor intercession. The disbelievers, they are the
wrong-doers.
255 Allah! There is no God
save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him.
Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth.
Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave ? He knoweth that which
is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing
of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the
earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.
256 There is no compulsion
in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who
rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold
which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
257 Allah is the Protecting
Guardian of those who believe. He bringeth them out of darkness into light.
As for those who disbelieve, their patrons are false deities. They bring them
out of light into darkness. Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will
abide therein.
258 Bethink thee of him
who had an argument with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had given him
the kingdom; how, when Abraham said: My Lord is He Who giveth life and causeth
death, he answered: I give life and cause death. Abraham said: Lo! Allah causeth
the sun to rise in the East, so do thou cause it to come up from the West. Thus
was the disbeliever abashed. And Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
259 Or (bethink thee of)
the like of him who, passing by a township which had fallen into utter ruin,
exclaimed: How shall Allah give this township life after its death ? And Allah
made him die a hundred years, then brought him back to life. He said: How long
hast thou tarried ? (The man) said: I have tarried a day or part of a day. (He)
said: Nay, but thou hast tarried for a hundred years. Just look at thy food
and drink which have not rotted! Look at thine ass! And, that We may make thee
a token unto mankind, look at the bones, how We adjust them and then cover them
with flesh! And when (the matter) became clear unto him, he said: I know now
that Allah is Able to do all things.
260 And when Abraham said
(unto his Lord): My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the dead, He said:
Dost thou not believe ? Abraham said: Yea, but (I ask) in order that my heart
may be at ease. (His Lord) said: Take four of the birds and cause them to incline
unto thee, then place a part of them on each hill, then call them, they will
come to thee in haste, and know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.
261 The likeness of those
who spend their wealth in Allah's way is as the likeness of a grain which groweth
seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah giveth increase manifold to
whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
262 Those who spend their
wealth for the cause of Allah and afterward make not reproach and injury to
follow that which they have spent; their reward is with their Lord, and there
shall no fear come upon them, neither shall they grieve.
263 A kind word with forgiveness
is better than almsgiving followed by injury. Allah is Absolute, Clement.
264 O ye who believe! Render
not vain your almsgiving by reproach and injury, like him who spendeth his wealth
only to be seen of men and believeth not in Allah and the Last Day. His likeness
is as the likeness of a rock whereon is dust of earth; a rainstorm smiteth it,
leaving it smooth and bare. They have no control of aught of that which they
have gained. Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk.
265 And the likeness of
those who spend their wealth in search of Allah's pleasure, and for the strengthening
of their souls, is as the likeness of a garden on a height. The rainstorm smiteth
it and it bringeth forth its fruit twofold. And if the rainstorm smite it not,
then the shower. Allah is Seer of what ye do.
266 Would any of you like
to have a garden of palm-trees and vines, with rivers flowing underneath it,
with all kinds of fruit for him therein; and old age hath stricken him and he
hath feeble offspring; and a fiery whirlwind striketh it and it is (all) consumed
by fire. Thus Allah maketh plain His revelations unto you, in order that ye
may give thought.
267 O ye who believe! Spend
of the good things which ye have earned, and of that which We bring forth from
the earth for you, and seek not the bad (with intent) to spend thereof (in charity)
when ye would not take it for yourselves save with disdain; and know that Allah
is Absolute, Owner of Praise.
268 The devil promiseth
you destitution and enjoineth on you lewdness. But Allah promiseth you forgiveness
from Himself with bounty. Allah is All-Embracing, All-knowing.
269 He giveth wisdom unto
whom He will, and he unto whom wisdom is given, he truly hath received abundant
good. But none remember except men of understanding.
270 Whatever alms ye spend
or vow ye vow, lo! Allah knoweth it. Wrong-doers have no helpers.
271 If ye publish your almsgiving,
it is well, but if ye hide it and give it to the poor, it will be better for
you, and will atone for some of your ill-deeds. Allah is Informed of what ye
do.
272 The guiding of them
is not thy duty (O Muhammad), but Allah guideth whom He will. And whatsoever
good thing ye spend, it is for yourselves, when ye spend not save in search
of Allah's Countenance; and whatsoever good thing ye spend, it will be repaid
to you in full, and ye will not be wronged.
273 (Alms are) for the poor
who are straitened for the cause of Allah, who cannot travel in the land (for
trade). The unthinking man accounteth them wealthy because of their restraint.
Thou shalt know them by their mark: They do not beg of men with importunity.
And whatsoever good thing ye spend, lo! Allah knoweth it.
274 Those who spend their
wealth by night and day, by stealth and openly, verily their reward is with
their Lord, and their shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
275 Those who swallow usury
cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch.
That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Allah permitteth
trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh,
and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that
which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Allah. As for him who returneth
(to usury) - Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.
276 Allah hath blighted
usury and made almsgiving fruitful. Allah loveth not the impious and guilty.
277 Lo! those who believe
and do good works and establish worship and pay the poor-due, their reward is
with their Lord and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
278 O ye who believe! Observe
your duty to Allah, and give up what remaineth (due to you) from usury, if ye
are (in truth) believers.
279 And if ye do not, then
be warned of war (against you) from Allah and His messenger. And if ye repent,
then ye have your principal (without interest). Wrong not, and ye shall not
be wronged.
280 And if the debtor is
in straitened circumstances, then (let there be) postponement to (the time of)
ease; and that ye remit the debt as almsgiving would be better for you if ye
did but know.
281 And guard yourselves
against a day in which ye will be brought back to Allah. Then every soul will
be paid in full that which it hath earned, and they will not be wronged. 002.282
283 If ye be on a journey
and cannot find a scribe, then a pledge in hand (shall suffice). And if one
of you entrusteth to another let him who is trusted deliver up that which is
entrusted to him (according to the pact between them) and let him observe his
duty to Allah his Lord. Hide not testimony. He who hideth it, verily his heart
is sinful. Allah is Aware of what ye do.
284 Unto Allah (belongeth)
whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and whether ye
make known what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will bring you to account
for it. He will forgive whom He will and He will punish whom He will. Allah
is Able to do all things.
285 The messenger believeth
in that which hath been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) believers.
Each one believeth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers
- We make no distinction between any of His messengers - and they say: We hear,
and we obey. (Grant us) Thy forgiveness, our Lord. Unto Thee is the journeying.
286 Allah tasketh not a
soul beyond its scope. For it (is only) that which it hath earned, and against
it (only) that which it hath deserved. Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget,
or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as thou didst lay on
those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength
to bear! Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us, Thou, our Protector, and
give us victory over the disbelieving folk.
- Published in The Qur'an
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