Ayetbul | Kuran Mealleri | Quran | Hamid S. Aziz meali

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ALIF LAM MIM.

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This is the Book! There is no doubt therein; a guide to the pious,

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Who believe in the unseen, and are steadfast in worship, and spend of what We have given them;

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Who believe in what is revealed to you (Muhammad), and what was revealed before you, and are sure of the Hereafter.

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These are guided by their Lord, and these are the successful.

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Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them if you warn them or if you warn them not, they will not believe.

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Allah has set a seal upon their heart and on their hearing; and on their eyes is dimness, and for them is grievous woe.

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And there are those among men who say, "We believe in Allah and in the last day;" but they do not believe.

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They would deceive Allah and those who do believe; but they deceive only themselves and they do not perceive.

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In their heart is a sickness, and Allah has made them still more sick, and for them is grievous woe because they lied.

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And when it is said to them, "Do not evil in the earth," they say, "We do only what is right"

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Are not they the evildoers? And yet they do not perceive!

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And when it is said to them, "Believe as other men believe," they say, "Shall we believe as fools believe?" Are not they themselves the fools? And yet they do not know.

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And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We do believe;" but when they go aside with their devils, they say, "We are with you; we were but mocking!"

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Allah shall mock at them and let them go on in their rebellion, blindly wandering on.

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Those who buy error for guidance, their traffic profits not, and they are not guided.

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Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindles a fire; and when it lights up all around, Allah goes off with their light, and leaves them in darkness that they cannot see.

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Deaf, dumb, blind, and they shall not return!

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Or like a storm-cloud from the sky, wherein is darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers in their ears at the thunder-clap, for fear of death, for Allah encompasses the disbelievers.

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The lightning well-nigh snatches off their sight, whenever it shines for them they walk therein; but when it is dark for them they halt; and if Allah willed He would go off with their hearing and their sight; verily, Allah is mighty over all.

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O you folk! Serve (adore) your Lord (Guardian) who created you and those before you; per chance (or possibly) you may fear evil (learn righteousness)!

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Who made the earth for you a bed and the heaven a canopy; and sent down from heaven water, and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; so make no peers (rivals) for Allah, when you know better!

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And if you are in doubt of what we have revealed unto Our servant, then bring a chapter like it, and call your witnesses other than Allah if you tell truth.

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But if you do it not - and you surely cannot - then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for disbelievers.

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But bear the glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that for them are Gardens beneath which rivers flow; whenever they are provided with fruit there from they say, "This is what we were provided with before," and they shall be provided with their similitude; and there are pure companions for them therein, and they shall dwell therein for ever.

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Behold! Allah does not disdain to set forth a similitude even of a gnat, or anything lower or higher; and as for those who believe, they know that it is truth from the Lord; but as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What is it that Allah means by this as a parable? He leads astray many and He guides many;"- but He leads astray only the evildoers;

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Those who break Allah's covenant after the fixing thereof, and cut asunder what Allah has ordered to be joined, and do evil in the earth, these it is who are losers.

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How can you disbelieve in Allah, when you were dead and He made you alive, and then He will cause you to die, and then make you alive again, and then to Him will you return?

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It is He who created for you all that is in the earth, and He designed the heavens also and fashioned (ordered) them as seven heavens; and He knows all things.

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And when your Lord said unto the angels, "I am about to place a Vicegerent (Agent, Successor, Inheritor) in the earth," they said, "Will you place therein one who will do evil therein and shed blood? While we celebrate Thy praise and glorify Thee. " Said (the Lord), "I know what you know not."

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And He taught Adam the Names (qualities), all of them; then He propounded them to the angels and said, "Declare to Me the names of these, if you are truthful. "

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They said, "Glory be to Thee! No knowledge is ours but what Thou Thyself have taught us, verily, you are the Knower, the Wise. "

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Said the Lord, "O Adam declare to them the Names;" and when he had declared to them the Names, He said, "Did I not say to you, I know the secrets of the heavens and of the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?"

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And when we said to the angels, "Bow down before Adam," they bowed before him save only Iblis, who refused and was too proud and became one of the disbelievers.

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And we said, "O Adam dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise, and eat there from amply as you wish; but do not draw near this tree or you will be of the transgressors.

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But Satan made them backslide there from and drove them out from what they were in, and We said, "Go down, one of you the enemy of the other, and in the earth there is an abode and a provision for a time. "

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And Adam obtained certain words (revelations) from his Lord, and He relented towards him, for He is the Relenting, the Compassionate.

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We said, "Go down there from altogether and per chance (or possibly) there may come from Me a Guidance, and whoever follows My Guidance, no fear is theirs, nor shall they grieve.

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But those who disbelieve, and call Our signs lies, they are the fellows of the Fire, they shall dwell therein for ever. "

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O you children of Israel! Remember My favours which I have favoured you with; fulfil My Covenant and I will fulfil your covenant; therefore, fear Me.

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Believe in what I have revealed, verifying what you have got, and be not the first to disbelieve in it, and do not barter My signs for a little price, and keep your duty to Me.

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Cloak not truth with vanity and falsehood, nor knowingly hide the truth.

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Be steadfast in worship, give alms, and bow down with those who bow.

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Will you order men to piety and forget it yourselves? You read the Book, do you not then understand?

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Seek aid with patience and prayer, though it is a hard thing save for the humble,

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Who know that they will meet their Lord, and that to Him they are returning.

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O you children of Israel! Remember My favours which I have favoured you with, and that I have preferred you above all others in the world.

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Fear the day wherein no soul shall pay any recompense for another soul, nor shall intercession be accepted for it, nor shall compensation be taken from it, nor shall they be helped.

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When We saved you from Pharaoh's people who sought to wreak evil and woe on you, slaughtering your sons and letting your women live; in that was a great trial for you from your Lord.

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When We divided for you the sea and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people while you looked on.

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When We treated with Moses forty nights, then you chose the calf after he had gone and you did wrong.

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Yet then We forgave you after that; perhaps you may be grateful.

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And remember when We gave Moses the Scriptures and the Criterion; you had a chance to be guided.

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And remember when Moses said to his people, "O my people! You have wronged yourselves in taking this calf; repent unto your Creator and kill the guilty yourselves; that will be better for you in your Creator's eyes; and He relented towards you, for He is the Oft Relenting, the Merciful.

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And remember when you said to Moses, "O Moses! We will not believe in you until we see Allah manifestly," and the thunderbolt caught you while you yet looked on.

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Then We raised you up after your death; perhaps you may be grateful.

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And We overshadowed you with the cloud, and sent down the manna and the quails; "Eat of the good things we have given you. " They did not wrong Us, but it was themselves they were wronging.

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And when We said, "Enter this city and eat there from as plentifully as you wish; and enter the gate worshipping and say "hittatun" (repentance and surrender to Allah). So will We pardon you your sins and give increase unto those who do right."

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But those who did wrong changed it for another word than that which was said to them: and We sent down upon those who did wrong, wrath from heaven for that they had so sinned.

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When Moses, too, asked drink for his people and We said, "Strike with your staff the rock," and from it burst forth twelve springs; each tribe among them knew his drinking place. "Eat and drink of what Allah has provided, and transgress not on the earth as evildoers."

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And when they said: "Moses, we cannot always bear one kind of food; pray then to your Lord to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its green herbs, its cucumbers, its garlic, its lentils, and its onions. " Said He, "Do you ask what is meaner instead of what is better? Go down to Egypt (or any town), - there is what you ask." Then were they smitten with abasement and poverty, and met with wrath from Allah. That was because they had disbelieved in Allah's signs and killed the prophets undeservedly; that was because they were rebellious and had transgressed.

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Verily, whether it be of those who believe, or those who are Jews or Christians or Sabaeans, whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and acts aright, they have their reward with their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.

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And when We took a covenant with you and held the mountain over you; (saying) "Accept what We have brought you with strong will, and bear in mind what is therein, per chance (or possibly) you yet may fear. "

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Then even after that did you turn aside, and were it not for Allah's grace towards you and His mercy, you would have been of those who lose.

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You know also of those among you who transgressed upon the Sabbath, and how We said to them, "Be you (as) apes, despised and spurned. "

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Thus We made them an example unto those who stood before them, and those who should come after them, and a warning unto those who fear Allah.

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And remember when Moses said to his people, "Allah bids you slaughter a heifer. " they said, "Are you making a jest of us?" Said he, "I seek refuge with Allah from being one of the unwise."

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They said, "Then pray to your Lord for us to show us what she is to be. " He answered, "He said it is a cow, not old, nor young, of middle age between the two; so do as you are bid."

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They said, "Pray now to your Lord to show us what her colour is to be. " He answered, "He said it is a fawn-coloured heifer, intensely fawn, her colour delighting those who look upon her."

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Again they said, "Pray to your Lord to show us what she is to be; for cows appear the same to us; then we, if Allah will, shall be guided. "

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He answered, "He said, it is a heifer, not broken in to plough the earth or irrigate the tilth, a sound one with no blemish on her. " They said, "Now have you brought the truth." And they slaughtered her, though they came near leaving it undone (without goodwill).

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Remember when you slew a soul and disputed thereupon, and Allah brought forth that which you had hidden,

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Then We said, "Strike him with part of her (the heifer). " Thus Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His signs, that per chance (or possibly) you may understand.

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Yet were your heart hardened even after that, till they were as rocks or harder still, for verily, there are some rocks from which streams burst forth, and others burst asunder and water issues out, and others there are that sink down for fear of Allah; but Allah is never careless of what you do.

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Do you hope that they should believe you when already a sect of them have heard the word of Allah and then perverted it knowingly after they had understood it?

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Behold, when they meet men of faith they say, "We believe," but when they meet in private they say, "Will you talk to them of what Allah has opened up (revealed) to you, that they may argue with you upon it before your Lord? Do you not therefore understand?"

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Do they not then know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they make known abroad?

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And some of them there are, illiterate folk, that know not the Book, but their own fancies, conjectures and idle tales.

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But woe to those who write out the Book with their own hands and say "This is from Allah"; to buy therewith a little price! And woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they gain!

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And then they say, "Hell fire shall not touch us save for a few number of days. " Say, "Have you taken a covenant with Allah?" but Allah breaks not His covenant. Or do you say of Allah that which you do not know?

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Nay, whoever gains an evil gain, and is encompassed by his sins, those are the fellows of the Fire, and they shall dwell therein for ever.

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But such as act aright, those are the fellows of Paradise, and they shall dwell therein for ever.

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And remember when We took from the children of Israel a covenant, saying, "Serve you none but Allah, and to your two parents show kindness, and to your kindred and the orphans and the needy, and speak to men kindly, and be steadfast in prayer, and give alms;" and then you turned back, save a few of you, and you backslide (even now).

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And remember when We took a covenant from you, "shed not your kinsman's blood, nor turn your kinsmen out of their homes:" then did you confirm it and were witnesses thereto.

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Yet you were those who slay your kinsmen and turn a party out of their homes, and back each other up against them with sin and enmity. But if they come to you as captives you ransom them! - and yet it is as unlawful for you to turn them out. Do you then believe in part of the Book and reject the rest? But the reward of such among you as do that shall be naught else but disgrace in this worldly life, and on the day of Judgment shall they be driven to the most grievous torment, for Allah is not unmindful of what you do.

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Those who have bought this worldly life with the price of the Hereafter, the torment shall not be lightened from them nor shall they be helped.

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We gave Moses the Book and We followed him up with other apostles, and We gave Jesus the son of Mary manifest signs and aided him with the Holy Spirit. Do you then, every time an apostle comes to you with what your souls love not, scorn him with pride, and charge some with lying and slay others?

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They say, "Our heart are wrappings (preserving Allah's truth)" nay, Allah has cursed them in their unbelief, and few it is who do believe (or little it is they believe).

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And when a Book came down from Allah confirming what they had with them, though they had before prayed for victory over the faithless, yet when that came to them, which they recognised, then they refused to believe it. Allah's curse is on the faithless.

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For a miserable price have they sold their souls, in not believing what Allah has revealed, grudging because Allah sends down of His grace on whomsoever of His servants He will; and they have brought on themselves wrath after wrath and for the disbelievers is there shameful woe.

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And when they are told to believe in what Allah has revealed, they say, "We believe in what has been revealed to us only;" but they disbelieve in all beside, although it is the truth confirming what they have. Say, "Why did you kill Allah's prophets in past times if you were true believers?"

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Moses came to you with manifest signs, then you took up with the calf when he had gone and did wrong.

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And remember when We took a covenant with you and raised the mountain (Sinai) over you, "Take what We have given you with resolution and hear (the Law);" they said, "We hear but disobey;" and they were made to drink (the sin of) the calf down into their heart for their faithlessness. Say, "A vile thing is it which your faith bids you do, if you have any faith."

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Say, "If the abode with Allah is your s alone and not for mankind, then seek you for death if you are sincere. "

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But they will never long for it because of what their hands have sent on before them; but Allah is well acquainted with the wrong doers.

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Why, you will find them the greediest of men for life; even more than the idolaters; each one would fain live for a thousand years,- but he will not be reprieved from punishment by being allowed to live that long, for Allah sees what they do.

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Say, "Who is an enemy to Gabriel? For he has revealed to your heart, with Allah's permission, confirmation of what had been before, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers.

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Who is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His apostles and Gabriel and Michael? - Verily, Allah is an enemy to the unbelievers.

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We have sent down to you conspicuous signs, and none will disbelieve therein except the perverse.

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Or every time they make a covenant, will a part of them repudiate it? Nay, most of them are faithless.

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And when there comes to them an apostle confirming what they have, a party of those who have received the Book repudiate Allah's book, casting it behind their backs as though they did not know.

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And they follow that which the devils recited against Solomon's kingdom;- it was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils who disbelieved, teaching men sorcery, and what has been revealed to the two angels, Harut and Marut, at Babylon, yet neither taught any one until they said, "We are but a temptation, so do not blaspheme. " Men learn from them only that by which they may part man and wife; but they can harm no one therewith, unless with the permission of Allah, and they learn what hurts them, not what profits them. And they knew that those who indulge in magic would have no share in the bliss of the Hereafter. Vile is the price of that for which they sell their souls, if they but knew.

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If they had kept their faith and protected themselves from evil, far better had been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew.

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O you men of faith! Say not "rahina" (a word having ambiguous meanings, including "attend to us") but say "unthurna" (an unambiguous word having the same meaning), but words of respect and hearken; for to disbelievers shall be grievous woe.

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They who disbelieve, whether of those who have the Book or of the idolaters, would fain that no good were sent down to you from your Lord; but Allah especially favours with His mercy whom He will, for Allah is Lord of abounding Grace.

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Whatever verse We may annul or cause you to forget, We will bring a better one than it, or one like it; do you not know that Allah has power over all?

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Do you not know that Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth? Nor have you besides Allah a patron or a helper.

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Do you wish to question your Messenger, as Moses was questioned in the past? But whoever takes disbelief in exchange for faith has erred from the Level Way (sawaa = even, smooth, symmetrical, proportionate, righteous, balanced, appropriate, relevant).

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Many of those who have the Book would fain turn you back into infidelity after you have once believed, through selfish envy, after the truth has been made manifest to them; but pardon and shun them till Allah accomplishes His purpose; verily, Allah is mighty over all.

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Be you steadfast in prayer, and regular in charity; and whatsoever good you send before you for your own souls, you shall find it with Allah, for Allah sees all you do.

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They say, "None shall enter Paradise save such as be Jews or Christians;" that is their vain desire. Say thou, "Bring your proofs, if you are speaking truth."

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Nay, whoever surrenders his face (his countenance, nature, honour, glory, cause, will, his whole self) to Allah, and does good, he shall have his reward from his Lord, and no fear shall be on them, and they shall not grieve.

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The Jews say, "The Christians base themselves on naught;" and the Christians say, "The Jews base themselves on naught"; and yet both read the (same) Book. They say the same things as those people say who know not; but Allah shall judge between them on the Day of Judgment concerning that whereon they dispute.

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But who is more unjust than he who forbids that His name should not be mentioned in the places for the worship of Allah, and who strives to ruin them? It is not fitting for such to enter into them except in fear. For them is disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, mighty woe.

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To Allah belongs the East and the West, and wherever you turn there is Allah's face (presence); for verily, Allah is All-pervading and All-Knowing.

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They say, "Allah takes unto Himself a son. " All Glory is to Him! Nay, His is whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and all things worship (obey, glorify, praise) Him.

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The Originator of the heavens and the earth, when He decrees a matter He does but say unto it, "BE," and it is.

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And those without knowledge say, "Why does not Allah speak to us?" or "Why does no sign come to us?". So spoke those before them in words of similar meaning. Their hearts are all alike. We have made manifest the signs unto a people that are sure.

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Verily, We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of good tidings and of warning, and you shall not be questioned as to the fellows of hell.

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The Jews will not be satisfied with you, nor yet the Christians, until you follow their creed. Say, "Allah's guidance is the (sufficient, correct or only) guidance;" and if you were to follow their lusts (desires, prejudices, fantasies, superstitions) after the knowledge that has come to you, you have not then from Allah a patron or a help.

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They to whom We have brought the Book and who read it as it should be studied, they are the ones that believe therein; and whoever rejects faith therein, it is they who are the losers.

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O children of Israel! Remember My favours which I bestowed on you, and that I have preferred you over the (other people of the) worlds.

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And fear the day when no soul shall pay a recompense for another soul, nor shall an equivalent be received there from, nor any intercession avail; and they shall not be helped.

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And remember when his Lord tried Abraham with words, and he fulfiled them, He said, "Verily, I will set you as an Imam (high priest, leader, model, example, guide) for the nations. " Said he, "And of my seed also?" Allah said, "My covenant touches not the evildoers."

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And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place of assembly unto men, and a sanctuary, and (said to them) "take the station of Abraham for a place of prayer"; and covenanted with Abraham and Ishmael, saying, "Do you two cleanse my house for those who make the circuit, for those who pay devotions there, for those who bow down, and for those too who adore. "

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When Abraham said, "Lord, make this a City of Peace, and provide the dwellers there with fruits, such as believe in Allah and the Last Day!" (Allah) said, "And he who reject the faith, I will give him but little to enjoy, then will soon drive him to the torment of the fire, an evil destination will it be. "

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And when Abraham raised up the foundations of the House with Ishmael, (with this prayer) "Lord! Receive it from us, verily, you are All-Hearing and All-Knowing.

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Lord! Make us Muslims (submissive) unto Thee, and of our seed also a nation of Muslims (resigned), bowing to Thy will, and show us our rites, and turn towards us, verily, Thou art the Oft-Relenting, the Most Merciful.

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"Our Lord! Send them an apostle of their own, to read to them Thy signs and teach them the Scripture and Wisdom, and to purify them; verily, you are the Mighty and the Wise. "

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Who is averse from the religion of Abraham save one who is foolish of soul? For We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he is surely in the ranks of the righteous.

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Behold! His Lord said to him, "Surrender" he said, "I have surrendered unto the Lord of the worlds. "

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And Abraham instructed his sons therein, and so did Jacob (saying), "O my sons! Verily, Allah has chosen for you the (true) religion, do not therefore die save as those who have surrendered (as Muslims).

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Were you then witnesses when Jacob was facing death, when he said to his sons, "What will you serve when I am gone?" They said, "We will serve your God, the God of your fathers Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, one God; and unto Him have we surrendered. "

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That is a nation that has passed away, theirs is what they gained; and your s shall be what you have gained; you shall not be questioned as to that which they have done.

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They say, "Become you Jews or Christians then shall you be guided by Abraham. " Say, "Not so! But we follow the religion of Abraham, the upright; he was not of the idolaters."

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Say you "We believe in Allah, and what has been revealed to us, and what has been revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Tribes, and what was brought to Moses and Jesus, and what was brought unto the Prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between any one of them, and unto Him have we surrendered. "

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If they believe in that in which you believe, then are on the right path; but if they turn back, then are they only in a schism, and Allah will suffice you against them, for He both Hearer and Knower.

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(We take our) dye of Allah (Our Religion is the Baptism of Allah)! And who is better than Allah at dyeing? And we are worshippers of Him.

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Say, "Do you dispute with us concerning Allah, and He is our Lord and your Lord? You have your works and we have ours, and unto Him alone are we sincerely loyal. "

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Do you say that Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say, "Do you know better than Allah? Ah! Who is more unjust than one who conceals a testimony that he has from Allah? But Allah is not unmindful of what you do.

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That was a nation that has passed away. Theirs is what they earned, and your s shall be what you have earned; you shall not be questioned as to that which they have done.

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The fools among men will say, "What has turned them from their Qiblah (direction, focus, goal), to which they were used?" Say, "Allah's is the East and the West, He guides whom He will unto the Straight Way. "

143

Thus have We made you a middle (or justly balanced) nation, to be witnesses against men, and that the Apostle may be a witness against you. We have not appointed the Qiblah (direction, focus, goal) which you were used to, save that We might know (test) who follows the Apostle from him who turns upon his heels, although it is a great thing save for those whom Allah does guide. But Allah will not waste your faith, for verily, Allah is to all people full of Kindness, Most Merciful.

144

We see you often turn your face towards the heavens, but We will surely turn you to a Qiblah you shall like. Turn then your face towards the Sacred Mosque (Kaaba in Mecca); wherever you are, turn your faces towards it; for verily, the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) know well that it is the truth from their Lord; - Allah is not unmindful of that which you do.

145

And even if you should bring to the People of the Book every sign, they would not follow your Qiblah (direction, focus, goal); and you are not to follow their Qiblah; nor do some of them follow the Qiblah of the others: and if you follow their lusts (vain desires, prejudices, fantasies) after the knowledge that has come to you, then are you of the wrongdoers.

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Those whom We have given the Book know this as they know their own sons, although a sect of them does surely hide the truth which they themselves know.

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The truth (is) from your Lord; be not, therefore, one of those who doubt.

148

Every sect has a huwa (goal) to which Allah turns him; but do you strive onwards together to do good works; wherever you are Allah will bring you all together; verily, Allah has power over all things.

149

From wherever you come forth, there turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque, for it is surely truth from your Lord; Allah is not unmindful about what you do.

150

And from wherever you come forth, there turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and wherever you are, turn your faces towards it, that men may have no argument against you, save only those of them who are bent on wickedness; and fear them not, but fear Me; and I will fulfil My favours to you, perchance you may be guided yet.

151

Thus (similarly) have We sent amongst you an apostle from yourselves, to recite to you Our signs, to purify you and teach you the Book and wisdom, and to teach you what you did not know;

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Remember Me, then, and I will remember you; thank Me, and do not disbelieve (or reject faith).

153

O you who do believe! Seek aid from sabr (patience, perseverance, self-restraint and constancy) and from prayer, verily, Allah is with the patient.

154

And say not of those who are slain in Allah's Way (the Way of striving, sacrifice and restraint) (that they are) dead. Nay, they are living; but you do not perceive it.

155

We will try you with something of fear, and hunger and loss of wealth, and lives and fruits (of toil); but give good tidings to those who patiently persevere

156

Who, when there falls on them a calamity say, "Verily, we are Allah's and, verily, to Him is our return. "

157

These are they on whom are blessings from their Lord and Mercy, and they it is who receive Guidance.

158

Verily, Zafa and Merwah (mountains near the Kaaba) are of the beacons (symbols) of Allah, and he who makes the pilgrimage unto the House, or visits it at other times, it is no crime for him to compass them both about; and he who obeys his own Impulse to Good - Allah is Responsive, Aware.

159

Verily, those who hide what We have revealed of manifest Signs and of Guidance after We have manifested it to men in the Book, them Allah shall curse, and those entitled to curse shall curse them too.

160

Save those who turn (repent) and make amends and openly declare the truth; these will I turn to again, for I am Oft-Relenting, Most Merciful.

161

Verily, those who disbelieve (or reject faith) and die while still in disbelief, on them is the curse of Allah, and of the angels, and of all mankind;

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They will dwell therein (in the curse) for ever; the torment shall not be lightened for them, nor shall they have any respite.

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Your God is one God; there is no God but He, the Compassionate, the Merciful

164

Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and in the ship that sail the seas with that which profits mankind, and in the rain which Allah sends down from heaven and quickens therewith the earth after its death, and spreads abroad therein all kinds of animals, and in the shifting of the winds, and in the clouds that are pressed into service betwixt heaven and earth, are signs for people who can understand.

165

Yet are there some amongst mankind who take to themselves (for worship) peers other than Allah; they love them as they should love Allah. But those who have faith are overflowing with love for Allah. O that those who are unjust could only see, they would see the Penalty (or Consequence) that all power belongs to Allah, and He will strongly enforce the Penalty,

166

When those who are Followed clear themselves of those who Follow them, they would see the Penalty, and the cords between them would be cut asunder.

167

And those who Follow would say, "Had we but another turn, then would we clear ourselves of them as they have cleared themselves of us. " So will Allah show them the fruits of their deeds; for them are regrets, and they shall have no way out of the Fire.

168

O you folk! Eat of what is in the earth, things lawful and things good, and follow not the footsteps of Satan, verily, to you he is an open foe.

169

He does but bid you what is evil and shameful, and that you should speak against Allah what you do not know.

170

When it is said to them, "Follow what Allah has revealed," they say, "Nay, we will follow the way of our fathers. " What! Even though their fathers had no sense (or wisdom) at all or guidance?

171

The likeness of those who disbelieve (or reject faith) is as the likeness of him who shouts like a goat-herd, to that which hears him not, save only a call and a cry; deaf, dumb, and blind they are devoid of understanding.

172

O you who do believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and give thanks unto Allah if it be Him you serve.

173

He has only forbidden for you what is dead, and blood, and flesh of swine, and whatsoever has been consecrated to other than Allah; but he who is forced by necessity, neither revolting nor transgressing, it is no sin for him; for verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving and Most Merciful.

174

Verily, those who hide what Allah has revealed of the Book, and sell it for a miserable profit, they swallow nothing save fire; and Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, but for them is grievous woe.

175

They are those who sell guidance for error, and pardon for torment, how bold are they of the fire!

176

That (is), because Allah has revealed the Book with truth, but verily those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism far (from the goal).

177

Righteousness is not 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, and to spend of your wealth for love of Him, for your kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, for those who ask, and to ransom those in captivity; and to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the covenant (contracts) which you have made; and to be firm in patience in times of pain (poverty and deprivation), and adversity, and in periods of panic (or violence); these are the people who are true, and these are those who are Allah-fearing.

178

O you who believe! Retaliation (or the Law of Equivalence) is prescribed for you. In cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the female for the female; yet he who is pardoned at all by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand and compensate him with kindness. That is a concession and a mercy from your Lord; and he who transgresses after that for him is grievous woe.

179

In retaliation (or the law of Equivalence) there is life for you, O you possessors of understanding! That you may ward of evil.

180

It is prescribed for you that when any of you is facing death, if he leaves any goods, that he makes reasonable bequests to his parents, and to his kinsmen. It is a duty upon all those that are God-fearing.

181

But he who alters it after that he has heard it, the sin thereof is only upon those who alter it; verily, Allah is Hearer and Knower.

182

And he who fears from the testator a wrong intention, or a crime, and does make peace between the parties, it is no sin to him; verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving and Merciful.

183

O you who believe! There is prescribed for you the fast as it was prescribed for those before you; per chance (or possibly) you may learn self-restraint.

184

(Fasting) A certain number of days, but he amongst you who is ill or on a journey, then (let him fast) another number of days. And those who can do it with hardship may redeem it by feeding a poor man; but he who gives more of his own will, it is better for him; but if you fast it is better for you, if you did but know.

185

The month of Ramadan, wherein was revealed the Quran as a Guidance to mankind, and as manifest Sign, and as a Discrimination. So he amongst you who is at his home during this month then let him fast through it; but he who is sick or on a journey, then another number of days; - Allah desires for you what is easy (or reasonable), and desires not for you what is difficult, that you may complete the prescribed period, and say, "Great is Allah," (or glorify Him) for that He has guided you; per chance (or possibly) you may give thanks.

186

When My servants ask you concerning Me, then, verily, I am near; I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when ever he calls to Me. So let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and let them believe in Me; per chance (or possibly) they may be directed aright.

187

Lawful for you on the night of the fast is association with your wives; they are a garment unto you, and you a garment unto them. Allah knows that you did defraud yourselves, wherefore He has turned towards you and forgiven you; so now go in unto them and crave what Allah has prescribed (or ordained) for you, and eat and drink until a white thread can be distinguished by you from a black one at the dawn. Then fulfil the fast until the night, and go not in unto them while you are at your devotions in the mosques. These are the bounds that Allah has set, so draw not near thereto. Thus does Allah make manifest His signs to men, that per chance (or possibly) they may learn restraint.

188

Devour not your wealth among yourselves vainly, nor present it to the judges that you may devour a part of the wealth of other men sinfully and knowingly.

189

They will ask you about the New Moon; say, "They are indications of time for men and for the pilgrimage. " And it is not righteousness that you should enter into your houses from behind them (in superstition), but righteous is he who fears (Allah); so enter into your houses by the proper doors and fear Allah that per chance (or possibly) you may prosper.

190

Fight in the Cause of Allah with those who fight you, but transgress not the limits (or begin not hostilities); verily, Allah loves not those who transgress (or the aggressors).

191

Kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from whence they drive you out; for persecution (oppression or sedition) is worse than slaughter; but fight them not by the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there; If they fight you then kill them, for such is the recompense of those that are faithless.

192

But if they desist, then, verily, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

193

But fight them until there be no more oppression (persecution or sedition) and that the Din (religion, faith, justice, the attitude and way of life) may be Allah's; but, if they desist, then let there be no hostility save against the unjust oppressors.

194

The sacred month for the sacred month; for all sacred things demand retaliation (the Law of Equivalence); and whoever transgresses against you, transgress against him likewise as he transgressed against you; but fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who practice restraint.

195

Expend in alms in the cause of Allah and be not cast by your own hands into perdition; but do good, for Allah loves those who do good.

196

And fulfil the pilgrimage and the visitation to Allah; but if you be prevented (or besieged), then what is easiest for you by way of gift. But shave not your heads until your gift shall reach its destination; and he amongst you who is sick or has a hurt upon his head, then the redemption is by fasting or by alms or by an offering. But when you are safe again, then let him who would enjoy the visitation until the pilgrimage what is easiest (what he can afford) as a gift. And he who cannot afford it, then let him fast three days on the pilgrimage and seven when you return; these make ten days complete. That is, for him whose family are not present in the Sacred Mosque; and fear Allah and know that Allah is strict in punishment.

197

The pilgrimage is (in) well-known months: whoever then makes it incumbent on himself (let him have neither) commerce with women, nor fornication, nor a quarrel on the pilgrimage; and whatsoever of good you do, Allah knows it; then provide yourself for your journey; but the best provision is piety. Fear you Me you who possess understanding.

198

It is no crime to you that you seek the bounty of your Lord; but when you pour forth from Arafat, remember Allah by the Sacred Monument. Remember Him how He guided you, although you were, before this, surely of those who are in error.

199

Then quickly pass you forth from whence it is usual for multitudes to pour forth and ask pardon of Allah; verily, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

200

And when you have performed your rites, remember Allah as you remember your fathers, or with a keener memory still. There is among men such as says, "Our Lord! Give us in this world;" but then they have no portion in the Hereafter.

201

And some there be who say, "Our Lord! Give us in this world good and good in the Hereafter; and defend us from the torment of the fire!"

202

These have their portion from what they have earned; for Allah is swift at reckoning.

203

Remember Allah through the appointed days; but whoever hastens off in two days, it is no sin to him, and he who lingers on it is no sin to him, for him who fears. So fear you Allah and know that unto Him shall you be gathered.

204

There is among men a type whose speech about the life of this world pleases you, and he calls on Allah to witness what is in his heart; yet is he most fierce in opposition unto you.

205

And when he turns away, he strives upon the earth to do evil therein, and to destroy the tilth and the stock; verily, Allah loves not evil doing.

206

And when it is said to him, "Fear Allah," then pride leads him to sin; but hell is enough for him! Surely an evil bed is that.

207

And there is among men a type who sells his soul, craving, those things that are pleasing unto Allah, and Allah is kind unto His servants.

208

O you who believe! Come, one and all (or wholeheartedly), into surrender (Islam), and follow not the footsteps of Satan; verily, to you he is an open enemy.

209

And if you slip after the manifest signs have come to you, then know that Allah is the Mighty, the Wise.

210

Do they expect that Allah should come unto them in the shadow of a cloud with angels? (Would this settle the question? Or is this the excuse?) But then their case would have been judged already. Unto Allah do all cases return.

211

Ask the children of Israel how many a manifest sign We gave to them; and whoever alters Allah's favours after that they have come to him, then Allah is strict at following up.

212

Beautiful is the life of this world to those who disbelieve; they jest at those who do believe. But those who keep their duty shall be above them on the Day of Resurrection. Allah gives provision unto whom He will without measure.

213

Mankind were one nation once, and Allah sent them prophets with good tidings and with warnings, and sent down with them the Book in truth, to judge between men in that wherein they disagreed; but only those unto whom the scripture was given disagreed therein after manifest signs had come to them, through selfishness and stubborn pride (or hatred) amongst themselves; and Allah guided by His Will the believers to the truth concerning that wherein they disagreed, for Allah guides whom He will unto the straight path.

214

Did you count on entering Paradise, while there had nothing come to you like that which came to those who passed away before you; they encountered affliction and adversity, and they were made to quake, until the Messenger and those who believed with him said, "When (comes) Allah's help? Surely, Allah's help is nigh?"

215

They will ask you what they are to expend in alms: say, "Whatsoever good you expend it should be for parents and kinsmen, and the orphan and the poor, and the son of the road (wayfarers); and whatsoever good you do, verily, of it Allah is Aware. "

216

Prescribed for you is Warfare, though it is hateful to you. But it is possible that you hate a thing while it is good for you, and it is possible that you love a thing while it is bad for you; Allah knows, and ye, you do not!

217

They will ask you about warfare in the Sacred Month. Say, "Fighting therein is a great sin; but turning people away from Allah's way, and disbelief in Him and in the Sacred Mosque, and to expel His people out there from, is a greater sin in the sight of Allah; and persecution is a greater sin than slaughter." They will not cease from fighting you until they turn you from your religion if they can; but whoever of you is turned from his religion and dies while still a disbeliever; these are those whose works are vain in this life and the Hereafter; they are the Fellows of the Fire, and they shall dwell therein.

218

Verily, those who believe, and those who flee, and those who fight (strive and struggle) in Allah's way; these may hope for Allah's mercy, for Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

219

They will ask you about wine and el maisar (getting something too easily, i. e. gambling, usury etc.), say, "In them both is great sin and some profit to men; but the sin of both is greater than the profit of the same." They will ask you what they shall expend in alms: Say: "The surplus (what is beyond need)." Thus does Allah manifest to you His signs; per chance (or possibly) you may reflect

220

Upon this life and the Hereafter! They will ask you about orphans: say, "It is best to do what improves their lot. " But if you mingle their affairs with your s - they are your brethren, and Allah knows him who means mischief from him who means well; and if Allah wills He could surely put you into trouble. Verily, Allah is Mighty, Wise.

221

Wed not with idolatrous women until they believe, for surely a believing handmaid is better than an idolatrous woman, even though she please you. And wed not (your girls) to idolatrous men until they believe, for a believing slave is better than an idolater, even though he please you. These invite you to the fire, but Allah invites you to paradise and to pardon by His Grace, and makes clear His signs to mankind; per chance (or possibly) they may remember.

222

They will ask you about menstruation: say, "It is a hurt and a pollution. " So keep apart from women at such times, and go not near them till they are cleansed; but when they have purified themselves you may come in to them as Allah has ordered you. Verily, Allah loves those who turn to Him, and those who keep themselves clean.

223

Your women are your tilth (to cultivate), so come into your tillage how you choose; but do a previous good act for yourselves, and fear Allah, and know that you are going to meet Him; and give good tidings unto those who do believe.

224

Make not Allah an excuse in your oaths against doing good and observing your duty to Him, and make peace amongst men, for Allah is both Hearer and Knower.

225

He will not call you to account for the unintentional word in your oaths, but He will call you to account for the intentions of your heart; but Allah is Forgiving and Clement.

226

Those who take an oath of abstention from their wives, they must wait four months; but if they break their vow Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

227

And if they intend to divorce them, verily, remember Allah is Hearer and Knower.

228

Divorced women must wait, apart, for three courses; and it is not lawful to them that they hide what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and in the Last Day. Their husbands will do better to take them back in that (case) if they wish for reconciliation; for, the same right is due to them as from them in kindness; but men have a degree of advantage (in strength, position, wealth etc.) over them. Allah is Mighty and Wise.

229

Divorce is permissible only twice (after an intermediate reconciliation); then keep them in honour, or let them go with kindness. It is not lawful for you to take from them anything of what you have given them, unless both fear that they cannot keep within Allah's bounds. So if you fear that you cannot keep within Allah's bounds there is no crime in you both if she ransoms herself. These are Allah's bounds. Do not transgress them; and whoever transgresses Allah's bounds, they it is who are unjust.

230

But if he divorce her (a third time) she shall not be lawful to him after that, until she marry another husband; but, if he divorce her too, it is no crime in them both to come together again, if they think that they can keep within Allah's bounds. These are Allah's bounds which He explains to a people who have knowledge.

231

When you divorce women, and they have reached the prescribed time, then keep them in kindness (or equity), or release them in kindness (or equity). but do not keep them by force to transgress; for whoever does that, he is unjust to his own soul: and do not make the revelations of Allah into a jest; but remember Allah's favours to you, and what He has sent down to you in the Book and Wisdom, to admonish you thereby; and observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Aware of all things.

232

When you divorce women, and they have reached their prescribed term, do not put difficulties in their marrying their husbands, if it is agreed between them in kindness (or equity). This instruction is for all amongst you who believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is more pure for you and cleaner. But Allah knows, and you know not.

233

Mothers shall suckle their children two whole years for those who wish to complete the time of suckling; the duty for feeding and clothing nursing mothers in adequate manner is upon the father of the child; but no soul shall be obliged beyond its capacity. A mother shall not be made to suffer because of her child; nor should he to whom the child is born (the father). And the same (is incumbent) on the heir (of the father). But if both parties wish to wean, by mutual consent and counsel, then it is no crime in them. And if you wish to provide a wet-nurse for your children, it is no crime in you provided you pay what you have promised her, in reason. Fear Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what you do.

234

Those of you who die and leave wives behind, let these wait by themselves for four months and ten days; and when they have reached their prescribed time, there is no crime in them for what they do with themselves in reason; for Allah is well informed of what you do.

235

Nor is there any crime in you if you make them an offer of marriage, or that you keep it secret in your minds. Allah knows that you will remember them; but do not make a secret contract with them except in honourable terms (or use a recognised form of words and procedures); and resolve not on the marriage tie until the prescribed times are fulfiled. Know that Allah is Forgiving and Clement.

236

It is no crime in you if you divorce your women ere you have yet touched them, or settled for them a settlement. But provide fair maintenance for them; the wealthy according to his power, and the straitened according to his power - a duty this upon the virtuous.

237

And if you divorce them before you have touched them, but have already settled for them a settlement; then pay half of what you have settled, unless they (the women) agree to remit it, or he in whose hand is the marriage tie (the husband) remits it (his half, and therefore, pays the whole); and that you should remit it is nearer to righteousness; and forget not liberality between you. Verily, Allah is Seer of what you do.

238

Observe prayers, especially the middle (afternoon) prayer, and stand you before Allah with full attention and devotion.

239

And if you stand in danger, then pray afoot or on horseback; but when you are in safety remember Allah, how He taught you what yet you knew not.

240

Those of you who die and leave wives, should bequeath to their wives maintenance for a year, without expulsion (from their home); but if they go out of their accord, there is no crime in you for what they do of their own rights. Allah is Mighty and Wise.

241

And divorced women should have a maintenance in reason, - a duty this on those that fear.

242

Thus does Allah explain to you His revelations so that you may understand.

243

Do you not look at those who left their homes by thousands, for fear of death; and Allah said to them "Die," and then He quickened them again? Verily Allah is Lord of Grace to men, but most men give no thanks.

244

Fight then in the way of Allah, and know that Allah is both Hearer and Knower.

245

Who is there that will lend to Allah a goodly loan? He will increase it many times; Allah closes His hand and holds it out (i. e. He gives want or plenty), and unto Him shall you return.

246

Do you not look at the chiefs of the children of Israel after Moses' time, when they said to a prophet of theirs (Samuel), "Raise up for us a king, and we will fight in Allah's way?" He said, "Will you perhaps, if it be prescribed for you to fight, refuse to fight?" They said, "Why should we not fight in Allah's way, now that we are dispossessed of our homes and children?" But when it was prescribed for them to fight they turned back, save a few of them. Allah is Aware of evildoers.

247

Then their prophet said to them, "Verily, Allah has raised up for you Talut (Saul) as a king;" they said, How can the kingdom be his over us; we have more right to the kingdom than he, for he has not an amplitude of wealth?" He said, "Verily, Allah has chosen him over you, and has provided him with an abundance of knowledge and stature. Allah gives the kingdom unto whom He will; Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing."

248

Then said to them their prophet, "The sign of his kingdom is that there shall come to you the Ark with the shechina (peace, security and reassurance) in it from your Lord, and the relics of what the family of Moses and the family of Aaron left; the angels shall bear it. " In that is surely a sign to you if you have faith.

249

And when Saul set out with his army, he said, "Behold, Allah will try you with a river, and he who drinks there from, he is not of mine; but whoever tastes it not, he is of mine, save he who sips it with his hand. " But they drank from it save a few of them, and when he crossed the river, he and those who believed with him, they said, "We have no power this day against Goliath and his army," But those who thought that they would meet their Lord said, "How many times has a small division of men vanquished a numerous one, by Allah's permission. For Allah is with the steadfast."

250

And when they went out against a Goliath and his forces, they prayed saying, "Lord, pour out on us endurance, make firm our steps, and help us against the faithless!"

251

And they routed them by the permission of Allah, and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him of what He willed. And were it not that Allah repelled some men by means of others the earth would become corrupted; but Allah is Lord of Bounty over all the worlds.

252

These are the signs of Allah, which We recite unto you in truth, for, verily, you are of those who are sent (Our Messengers).

253

Of these Messengers, We preferred some above others. Of them are some to whom Allah spoke; and We have exalted some of them by degrees; and We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, manifest signs, and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. And, if Allah had willed, those who came after them would not have fought one another, after the clear proof had come to them. But they disagreed, some believing and others disbelieving. And, if Allah had willed, they would not have fought one another; but Allah does what He will.

254

O you who believe! Expend in alms of what We have bestowed upon you, before the day comes in which is no barter, and no friendship, and no intercession. The faithless, they are the miscreants.

255

Allah, there is no God but He, the Living, the Eternal. Slumber takes Him not, nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Who is it that intercedes with Him save by His permission? He knows what is before them and what behind them, and they comprehend nothing of His Knowledge but of what He pleases. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and it tires Him not to preserve them both, for He is Sublime, the Grand.

256

There is no compulsion in religion; the right way is henceforth distinct from the wrong. And whoever rejects Taghut (false deities) and believes in Allah, he has grasped a firm handle which will not break; but Allah is both Hearer and Knower.

257

Allah is the patron of those who believe, He brings them forth from darkness into light. But those who disbelieve, their patrons are false deities; these bring them forth from light to darkness. Such are fellows of the Fire, they will dwell therein.

258

Have you not seen him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord, that Allah had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said, "My Lord is He who gives life and death," he said, "I give life and death. " Abraham said, "But verily, Allah brings the sun from the east, do you then bring it from the west?" Thus was the disbeliever abashed. Allah does not guide unjust folk.

259

Or the like of him who passed by a town, when it was desolate and in ruins, and said, "How will Allah revive this after its death?" And Allah made him die for a hundred years, and then He raised him, and said, "How long have you tarried?" Said he, "I have tarried a day, or some part of a day. " He said, "Nay, you have tarried a hundred years; look at your food and drink, they have rotted, and look at your ass; for We will make you a sign to men. And look at the bones how We scatter them and then clothe them with flesh." And when it was made manifest to him, he said, "I know now that Allah is Able to do all things."

260

And when Abraham said, "Lord, show me how you will revive the dead," He said, "What, do you not yet believe?" Said he, "Yea, but that my heart may be quieted. " He said, "Then take four birds, and take them close to yourself (tame them or make them love you); then put some of them on every hill; then call them, and they will come to you in haste; and know that Allah is Mighty, Wise."

261

The likeness of those who expend their wealth in Allah's way is as the likeness of a grain that grows to seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains, for Allah will give many fold unto whom He pleases; for Allah is All-Embracing and All-Knowing.

262

Those who expend their wealth in Allah's way, then do not follow it up by taunting and by annoyance, these have their reward with their Lord, and no fear is on them, neither shall they grieve.

263

Kind speech and pardon are better than almsgiving followed by injury. Allah is Absolute and Clement.

264

O you who believe! Make not your almsgiving vain by reproach (or reminders of your generosity) and injury, like him who expends what he has for the sake of appearances before men, and believes not in Allah and the Last Day; for his likeness is as the likeness of a flint with soil upon it, and a heavy shower falls on it and leaves it bare rock; they can do naught with what they earn, for Allah guides not the misbelieving folk.

265

But the likeness of those who expend their wealth craving the goodwill of Allah, and to strengthen their souls, are as the likeness of a fertile garden on a hill. A heavy shower falls on it, and it brings forth its yield twofold; and if no heavy shower falls on it, the dew does; Allah is Seer of all you do.

266

Would one of you like to have a garden of date-palms and vines, with rivers flowing beneath it, in which is every fruit; and when old age comes to him and he has weak children, that it should be stricken by a storm wind with fire therein, and burnt up? Thus does Allah manifest to you His signs, per chance (or possibly) you will reflect.

267

O you who believe! Spend of the good things that you have earned, and of what We have brought forth for you out of the earth, and do not take the vile (or worst) thereof to spend in alms, that you would not take for yourselves save with closed eyes (or disdain); but know that Allah is Absolute, the Praise-worthy.

268

The devil promises you destitution and bids you sin, but Allah promises you pardon from Him and grace, for Allah is both All-Embracing and All-Knowing.

269

He brings wisdom unto whom He will, and he who is brought wisdom is brought much good; but none will remember save those endowed with understanding.

270

Whatever alms you expend, or vow you swear, Allah knows it; but the unjust have no helpers.

271

If you display your almsgiving, then it is well ; but if you hide it and bring it to the poor, then is it better for you, and will atone for you some of your evil deeds; for Allah is Informed of what you do.

272

It is not your duty (O Muhammad) to guide them; but Allah guides whom He will; and whatever good you expend it is for yourselves when you spend not save for Allah's sake. And what you spend of good, it shall be repaid you in full, and you shall not be wronged,

273

(Alms are for) the poor who are straitened in Allah's way, and cannot travel about in the earth. The ignorant think them to be rich because of their modesty; you will know them by their mark, they do not beg from men with importunity; but what you spend of good Allah knows.

274

Those who expend their wealth by night and day, secretly and openly, they shall have their reward with their Lord. No fear shall come on them, nor shall they grieve.

275

Those who devour usury shall not rise again, save as he rises whom Satan hath paralyzed with a touch; and that is because they say "trade is only like usury," but Allah has made selling (or trade) lawful and usury unlawful; and he to whom the admonition from his Lord has come, if he desists, he can keep his past gains: his matter is in Allah's hands. But whoever returns (to usury) these are the Fellows of the Fire, and they shall dwell therein.

276

Allah has cursed usury, but made charity fruitful, for Allah loves not the ungrateful and faithless.

277

Verily, those who believe, and act righteously, and are steadfast in prayer, and pay the poor due, their reward is with their Lord; there shall no fear come on them, nor shall they grieve.

278

O you who believe! Observe your duty to Allah, and remit the balance of usury, if you be, in truth, believers;

279

And if you will not do it, then hearken to the proclamation of war from Allah and His Apostle; but if you repent, your capital is your s. Wrong not, and you shall not be wronged.

280

And if a debtor be in difficulties, then wait for easier circumstances; but to remit the debt as alms is better for you, if you did but know.

281

Guard yourselves against the day when you shall return to Allah; then shall each soul be paid what it has earned, and they shall not be wronged.

282

O you who believe! If you contract a debt for a stated time, then write it down, and let a scribe faithfully record it in writing between you in equity; nor let a scribe refuse to write as Allah taught him, but let him write, and let him who owes dictate; but let him fear Allah his Lord, and diminish nothing there from; but if he who owes be of low understanding, or weak, or cannot dictate himself, then let the guardian of his interests (or agent) dictate faithfully in justice. And call two witnesses out from amongst their men; or if two men not be at hand, then a man and two women, from those whom he approves as witnesses, so that if one of the two should err, the second of the two may remind the other. And let not the witnesses refuse when they are summoned; and let them not tire of writing it, be it small or great, with the terms of payment. That is more just in the sight of Allah, and more upright for testimony, and brings you nearer to avoiding doubt. Unless, indeed, it be actual merchandise (or ready-money) which you transfer between you hand to hand. In that case it is no sin against you that you do not write it down; but bring witnesses to what you sell one to another, and let not either scribe or witness come to harm; for if you do, it will be an abomination in you. Observe your duty to Allah, for Allah is teaching you, and Allah is Knower of all things.

283

But if you are upon a journey, and you cannot find a scribe, then let a pledge be taken. But if one of you trust another, then let him who is trusted surrender his trust, and let him fear Allah his Lord, and conceal not testimony, for he who conceals it, verily, sinful is his heart: Allah is Aware of what you do.

284

Allah's is what is in heaven and in the earth, and if you show what is in your souls, or hide it, Allah will call you to account; and He forgives whom He will, and punishes whom He will, for Allah is Able to do all things.

285

The Messenger believes in what is sent down to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. Each believes 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, Thy pardon, O Lord! For to Unto Thee is our journeying."

286

Allah will not require of the soul beyond its capacity. It shall have what it has earned, and it shall owe what it deserves. "Our Lord, condemn us not, if we forget or miss the mark; Our Lord, load us not with a burden as Thou hast loaded those before us. Our Lord, impose not on us what we have not strength to bear, but forgive us, absolve us, and have mercy on us. Thou art our Sovereign, then give us victory against the faithless!"

Bakara Suresi