Alif, Lam, Meem.

(This is part of the Great Mystery.)

This is the Book.  In it, is Guidance certainly, without a doubt, 

for those who are conscious of God.

Those who Believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in establishing prayer,

and spend of what We have provided for them in charity and God's causes;

And, who Believe in what has been Revealed to you,

and what was Revealed before your time,

_{and in their hearts they have the assurance of the Hereafter.}

 

_{They are upon Right Guidance from their Sovereign Lord God,
 
and it is those people who will prosper.}
 

<sub>As to those who reject Faith,
 
it is the same to them whether you warn them or you don't;
 
they still will not Believe. 

God has put a seal on their hearts, and on their hearts is a veil.</sub>
 

_{Great is the punishment they will receive.}

 

<sub>Of the people there are some who say,
 
"We believe in God (Allah) and the Last Day." 

But, they really don't Believe in Him.

They think they can deceive God and those who Believe,

but they only deceive themselves, and don't realize it!</sub>

 

<sub>In their hearts is a Darkness; and God has increased their Darkness.
 
And, grievous is the punishment they will receive,

because they are untrue to even themselves.</sub>

 

<sub>When it is said to them, "Do not make mischief on the earth,"

They say, "Why, we only want to make peace with others!"

When in reality, they don't.</sub>

_{Surely, they are the ones who make mischief, but they don't realize it.}

_{When it is said to them, "Believe as the other people believe,"
 
they doubtingly say, "Why should we Believe as they do?"
 
No, they are surely the UnKnowing ones, but they don't know it.}

 

<sub>When they meet those who Believe, they say, "We believe,"

but, when they are alone with their evil friends, they say,
 
"We are really with you. We were only joking."

God will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their trespasses;
 
so they will wander about Unseeing here and there.</sub>

 

<sub>They have bartered Guidance for error. 

Their plight is lost, and so are they, having lost True Direction.</sub> 

 

<sub>Their likeness is like that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lit all around him. 

 God took away their Light and left them in utter Darkness so they could not See.</sub>

_{UnHearing, UnKnowing and UnSeeing, they will not return to the Right Path.}

 

<sub>Or, another example is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky.

  In it are areas of Darkness, thunder and lightning. 

They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the sharp thunder clap,
 
all the while they are in fear of death.

But, God is ever around those who reject Faith!</sub>

<sub>The lightning all but snatches away their sight. 

Every time the Light helps them, they walk therein,
 
and when the Darkness overtakes them, they stand still.

And if Allah willed it, He could take away their faculty of Hearing and Seeing.  

For God has Power over all things.</sub>

 

_{O people! Adore your Guardian Lord God, who created you and those who came before you, that you may have the chance to learn Righteousness.}

 

<sub>He who has made the Earth your couch, and the Heavens your canopy. 

And, sent down rain from the Heavens, 
 
and brought forth thereby fruits for your sustenance. 

Then, do not set up rivals to God, when you know the Truth.</sub>

<sub>And, if you are in doubt as to what We have Revealed from time to time to Our servants,

then produce a Surah like this one, and call your witnesses or helpers, if there are any,

besides God, if you should be Truthful. 

But if you cannot, and surely you cannot,

then fear the Fire whose fuel is stones, which is prepared for those who reject Faith. 

But, give glad tidings to those who Believe and work Righteously.

Their portion is Gardens in Paradise, beneath which rivers flow.
 
Whenever they are provided with fruits therefrom, they say,

"Why, this is what we were fed with before," for they were given similar things.

And, they have therein companions pure and holy;

and they abide therein forever.</sub>

 

<sub>Allah is not timid to present an example, that of a mosquito or something smaller than it.

Those who Believe know that it is The Truth from their Lord God.
 
But, those who reject Faith say,"What did God intend for this as an example?" 

By it, He causes many to stray, and He leads many onto the Right Path. 

But, He misleads no one, except the perversely rebellious.</sub> 

 

<sub>Those who break God's Covenant after it is ratified, and who ignore what God has

ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth:

these people only cause loss to their ownselves.</sub>

 

<sub>How can you reject Faith in God?

 Seeing that you were without life, and He gave you life. 

Then, He will cause you to die, and will again bring you back to life. 

And, again, to Him you will all return.</sub>

_{It is He who has created for you all things that are on Earth.}  

<sub>Moreover, His design comprehended the Heavens,
 
for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments. 

And, of all things He has perfect Knowledge.</sub>

 

<sub>Behold, your Lord said to the Angels,
 
"I will make upon the earth a successive authority."

They said, "Will you place therein one who will make mischief, and shed blood?

Will you celebrate Your praises and glorify His Holy Name?"
 
He said, "I Know what you do not know."</sub>
 

<sub>And He taught Adam the nature of all things.

 Then He placed them before the Angels, and said,

"Tell me the nature of these, if you are Truthful."</sub>

 

<sub>They said, "Glory to You, we have no knowledge,

except what You have taught us. 

Truthfully, it is You who is the All Knowing, perfect in Knowledge and Wisdom." 

He said, "O Adam! Tell them their natures."
 
When he had told them,

Allah said, "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the Heavens and the Earth,
 
and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?"</sub>

 

<sub>And behold, We said to the Angels, "Bow down to Adam," and they bowed down. 

Not Satan, he refused and was arrogant. He was one of those who rejected Faith.</sub>

 

<sub>We said, "O Adam! You and your wife live in the Garden of Paradise;

and eat of the bountiful things therein as you will. 

But, do not approach this tree, or you will be among the wrongdoers."</sub>

<sub>But, Satan did make them slip from the Garden,

and got them out of the state of happiness that they had been in. 

We said, "Get  down, all you people, with hatred between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling place and your means of livelihood - for a time."</sub>

 

_{Then, Adam learned from his Lord words of inspiration,
 
and He accepted his repentance for He is Ever Accepting of Repentance,
 
the Most Merciful.}

<sub>We said, "Get you down all from here.

  And if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me. 

And, whosoever follows My Guidance, they will have no fear, nor shall they grieve.</sub>

 

<sub>"But, those who reject Faith and ignore Our Signs, they shall be Companions of the Fire.

And, they shall abide therein eternally."</sub>

<sub>O Children of Israel! Remember the special favor which I bestowed upon you,
 
and fulfill My Covenant upon you, and I will fulfill your Covenant with Me.

But, fear none but Me.</sub>

 

<sub>And Believe in what I Reveal,
 
confirming the Revelation which is with you. 

And, be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price;
 
and fear Me, and Me alone.</sub>
 

_{And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when you know what it is.} 

_{And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity,
 
and bow down your heads with those who bow down in worship.}

 

_{Do you enjoin right conduct on the people and forget to practice it yourselves,
 
and yet you study the Scripture? Will you not understand?}

 

<sub>No, seek God's help with patient perseverance and prayer. 

It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a humble spirit,</sub>

<sub>who bear in mind with certainty that they are to meet their Sovereign Lord,

and that they are to return to Him.</sub>

 

<sub>Children of Israel! Call to mind the special favor that I bestowed upon you,

and that I preferred you to all others for My Message.</sub>

 

_{Then, guard yourselves against a Day when one soul shall not avail another,
 
nor shall intercession be accepted,
 
nor shall compensation be taken,
 
nor shall anyone be helped from outside.}

_{And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh.}

<sub>They gave you hard tasks and punishments,
 
slaughtered your sons and let your women live. 

Therein, was a tremendous trial from your Lord.</sub>

 

<sub>And remember, We divided the sea for you and saved you,

and drowned Pharaoh's people within your very sight.</sub>

 

_{And remember, We appointed forty nights for Moses,
 and in his absence you took the calf for worship, and you did grievous wrong.}

 

_{Even then, We did forgive you.  There was a chance for you to be grateful.}

 

_{And remember, We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion
 
between Right and wrong.  There was a chance for you to be Rightly Guided.}

 

<sub>And remember, Moses said to his people, "O my people!

You have wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf.</sub>

<sub>So, turn in repentance to your Creator,

 that will be better for you in the sight of your Creator."

Then, He turned towards you in Forgiveness.</sub>

For He is the Most Accepting of Repentance, the Most Merciful.

 

_{And remember, you said, "O Moses! We shall never believe you until we see God manifestly," but you were dazed with thunder and lighting even as we looked on.}

 

_{Then, We raised you up after your death.  You had the chance to be grateful.}

<sub>And, We gave you the shade of clouds and sent down to you manna and quails,

saying, "Eat of the good things We have provided for you."</sub>

_{But, they rebelled.  To Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls.}

<sub>And remember, We said, "Enter this city Jerusalem, and eat of the Bounty

therein as you wish.  But, enter the gate with humility in both stature and in words,
 
and We shall forgive your faults, and increase the lot of those who do good.”</sub>

<sub>But, the transgressors changed the Word from that which had been given them.

  So, We sent on the sinners a plague from heaven.

For that they infringed Our Commands repeatedly.</sub>

<sub>And, remember, Moses prayed for water for his people. 

We said, "Strike the rock with thy staff."

Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs.
 
And, each group knew its own place for water.

So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by God,

and do not do evil, nor do mischief on the face of the earth.</sub>

 

<sub>And, remember, you said, "O Moses! We cannot endure one kind of food always;

 so beseech your Lord for us to produce for us of what the earth grows, its herbs,
 
and cucumbers,  garlic, lentils, and onions."
 
He said, "Will you exchange the better for the worse?

Go down to any town, and you shall find what you want!"

They were covered with humiliation and misery. 

They drew on themselves the wrath of God.

This is because they went on rejecting the Signs of God, and slaying His Messengers without just cause. This is because they rebelled, and went on sinning.</sub>

 

<sub>Those who Believe in the Qur'an, and those who follow the Jewish Scriptures,
 
and the Christians and the Sabians, anyone who Believes in God and the Last Day,

and works Righteously, shall have their reward with their Lord God;
on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.</sub>

 

<sub>And, remember, We took your Covenant and We raised above you the towering height of
 
Mount Sinai, saying, "Hold firmly to what We have given you

and remember what is therein.  Maybe you may fear God."</sub>

 

_{But, you turned back thereafter.  Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah to you, you would have surely been among the Lost.}

 

_{And, you knew well those among you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath.  We said to them, "Be you apes, despised and rejected."}

 

<sub>So We made it an example to their own time,
 
and to their posterity,

and a lesson to those who fear God. 

And, remember, Moses said to his people, "Allah commands that you sacrifice a heifer." 

They said, "Are you making a laughing stock of us?" 

He said, "Allah, save me from being an ignorant fool!"</sub>

_{They said, "Beseech on our behalf to Your Lord to make plain to us what heifer it is!"
 
He said, " The heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middle age. 
Now do what you are commanded!"}

 

_{They said, "Beg on our behalf  of your Lord to make plain to us her color."
 
He replied, "A fawn-colored heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders!"}

 

<sub>They said, "Beg on our behalf of your Lord to make plain to us what she is

for to us are all heifers alike.   We wish indeed for Guidance, if God Wills it."</sub>

 

<sub>He said, "A heifer neither trained to till the soil, nor water the fields; 

solid and without flaw."They said, "Now, you have brought the truth."

Then, they offered her in sacrifice, but not with happiness.</sub>

<sub>Remember, you slew a man and fell into a dispute among yourselves as to the crime. 

But, God was to bring forth what you hid.</sub>

 

_{So We said, "Strike the body with a piece of the heifer."Thus, God brought the dead to life and demonstrated to you His Signs, maybe you will Understand.}

 

<sub>Thenceforth, were your hearts hardened?
 
They became like a rock, and even worse in harshness.

  For among rocks there are some from which rivers gushed forth;

others there are those that when split asunder send forth water;
 
and others that sink for fear of God.  And, God is not unmindful of what you do.</sub>

 

_{Can you, O People of Faith, entertain the hope that they will Believe in you?
 
Seeing that a party of them heard the Word of God,
and perverted it knowingly after they Understood it.}

 

_{Behold! When they meet the men of Faith, they say, "We believe." 
 
But, when they meet each other in private, they say, "Shall you tell them what God has
 
Revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?"
 
Do you not understand their aim?}

 

_{They do not know that God Knows what they conceal, and what they reveal?}

 

_{And, there are among them illiterates, who do not know the Book, but see therein their own desires, and they do nothing but conjecture.}

 

<sub>Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say,

"This is from Allah," to gain from it for a miserable price!</sub>

<sub>Woe to them for what their hands do write,

and for the gain they make thereby.</sub>

<sub>And they say, "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered

days." Say: "Have you taken a promise from Allah? 

For He never breaks His promise.
 
Or is it that you say about God about what you do not know?"</sub>

 

_{No, those who seek gain in evil, and are surrounded by their sins,
they are Companions of the Fire, and therein they shall abide forever.}

 

<sub>But those who have Faith, and work Righteously,

 they are Companions of the Garden of Paradise. Therein, they will abide forever.</sub>

 

<sub>And remember, We took a covenant from the Children of Israel to this effect: 

Worship none but Allah.  Treat with kindness your parents and kindred,
 
and orphans and those in need;

speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practice regular charity. Then, did you turn back, except a few among you, and you backslide even now.</sub>

 

<sub>And remember, We took your covenant: Shed no blood among you, nor turn out your

own people from your homes. 
And this you solemnly ratified, and to this you can bear witness.</sub>

 

<sub>After this it is you, the same people, who slay among yourselves,
 
and banish a party of you from their homes; assist their enemies against them,
 
in guilt and rancor; and if they come to you as captives, you ransom them,

though it was not lawful for you to banish them.

Then is it only a part of the Book that you Believe in, and do you reject the rest?

But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this,

 but disgrace yourself in this life?

On the Day of Judgment, they shall be consigned to the most grievous punishment.

 For Allah is not unmindful of what you do.</sub>

 

_{These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter.  Their penalty shall not be lightened, nor shall they be helped.}

 

<sub>We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers.

  We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear Signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit.
 
Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what you yourselves do not desire,

you are puffed up with pride? Some you called impostors, and others you slew!</sub>

 

_{They say, "Our hearts are the wrappings which preserve God's Word.  We need no more."
 
No, God's curse is on them for their disrespect for Him.  Little is it that they Believe.}

 

<sub>And, when there comes to them a Book from God, confirming what is already known

to them, they refuse to Believe in it, although from of old they had prayed for victory

against those without Faith  But, the curse of God is on those without Faith.</sub>

 

<sub>Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls,
 
in that they deny the Revelation which God has sent down,
 
insolent with envy that God will give of His Grace 

and send it to any of His servants as He pleases.</sub>

_{Thus, have they drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath.
And, humiliating is the punishment of those who reject Faith.}

<sub>When it is said to them, "Believe in what God has sent down,

They say, "We believe in what was sent down to us," yet they reject it all besides,
 
even if it is The Truth confirming what is already known to them.</sub>

Say: "Why then have you slain the prophets of God in times gone by,

 if you did really Believe in God?" 

_{There came to you Moses with Clear Signs.  Yet, you worshiped the calf and even after that, you behaved wrongfully.}

 

<sub>And remember, We took your Covenant and We raised above you the towering height of

Mount Sinai, saying, "Hold firmly to what We have given you, and hearken to the Law."

They said, " We hear, and we disobey." And, they had to drink into their hearts of the

taint of the calf because of their faithlessness.
 
Say: "Vile indeed are the behests of your Faith, if you have any Faith!"</sub>

 

_{Say: "If the last Home rests with Allah, be especially for you, and not for anyone else, then be not afraid of death, if you should be Truthful."}

 

_{But, they will never seek death, on account of the sins which their hands have sent on before them, and God is well-acquainted with the DisBelievers.}

 

<sub>You will indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life, even more than the idolaters.

Each one of them wishes He could be given a life of a thousand years.  But, the grant of such life will not save him from due punishment.  For Allah sees well all that they do.</sub>

 

<sub>Say: "Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel should know that it is none but he who brings

down the Revelation to your heart by Allah's Will, a confirmation of what went before, and Guidance and glad tidings for the Believers.</sub>

 

<sub>Whoever is an enemy to God, and His angels, and apostles, to Gabriel and Michael,

Lo! God is an enemy to those who reject Faith.</sub>

 

_{We have sent down to you Manifest Signs, but no one rejects them but those who are perverse and defiantly disobedient.}                     

 

_{Is it not the case that every time they make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside? No, most of them are Faithless and do not Believe.}

 

<sub>And, when there came to them a Messenger from God, confirming what they already

knew, a party of the people of the Book threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if it had been something they did not Know!</sub>

 

<sub>They falsely followed what the Evil Ones gave out against the power of Solomon.

  The blasphemers were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching men magic, and such

things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these

taught anyone such things without saying: "We are only for trial; so do not disrespect

God." They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But,

they could not harm anyone except by God's permission. And, they learned what harmed

them, not what profitted them. And, they knew that the buyers of magic would have no

share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And, vile was the price for which they did sell

their souls, if they only but Knew!</sub>

 

_{If they had kept their Faith, and guarded themselves from evil,
 
far better would have been the reward from their Lord, if they but Knew!}

 

<sub>O you of Faith! Say not to the Messenger "Consider us," but rather,

"Wait for us so that we may understand." 

And, listen, for those without Faith is a grievous punishment.</sub>

 

<sub>It is never the wish of those without Faith among the People of the Scripture, nor of the

polytheists, that anything good should come down to you from your Lord God.
 
But, Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He wills,
 for God is Lord of Grace Abounding.</sub>

 

<sub>None of Our Revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten,
 
but We substitute something better or similar. 

Do you not know that God has power over all things?</sub>

<sub>Did you not know that to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth?

  And besides God, you have neither any protector nor helper.</sub>

 

<sub>Would you question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old?

But, whoever changes from
 
Faith to Unbelief, has strayed without doubt from the Right Way.</sub>

 

<sub>Quite a number of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you people back

to Disbelief after you have Believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth has become

Manifest unto them.  But, forgive and overlook them, until Allah accomplishes His

purpose.  For God has power over all things.</sub>

 

_{And, be steadfast in prayer, and regular in charity. And, whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with God. For God sees all that you do.}

 

_{And they say, "None shall enter Paradise unless he is Jew or a Christian." That is merely wishful thinking. Say: "Produce your proof, if you are Truthful."}

 

_{Yes, whoever submits His whole self to God and does acts of goodness and kindness, He will get his reward with his Lord; and no fear shall he have, nor will he grieve.}

 

<sub>The Hebrews say, "The Christians have nothing to stand upon.  And, the Christians

say, "The Hebrews have nothing to stand upon." Yet, they profess to study the same

Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not. 
But, God will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.</sub>

 

<sub>And, who is more unjust than he who forbids prayer in places for the worship of Allah?

God's name should be celebrated! Whose zeal is in fact to ruin them?
 
It was not fitting that they themselves enter them, except in fear.
 
For them, there is nothing but disgrace in this world. 

And in the world to come, an exceeding torment.</sub>

 

<sub>To God belongs the East and the West. 

Whereever you turn, there is the presence of Allah.
 
For God is The All-Pervading, the All-Knowing.</sub>

<sub>They say, "God has begotten a son," Glory be to Him.

No, to God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. 
Everything renders worship to Him.</sub>

 

_{To Him, is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth. 
When He decrees a matter, He says to it, "Be," and it is.}

 

_{Those without Knowlege say, "Why doesn't God speak to us?}

<sub>Or, why hasn't He come to us with a Sign?"
 
So said the people before them with similar words. Their hearts are alike.

We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people
 who hold firmly to Faith in their hearts.</sub>

 

<sub>Verily, We have sent you in Truth as a bearer of good tidings,
 
and as a warner to mankind. 

But, of you no question shall be asked of the Companions of the Blazing Fire.</sub>

 

<sub>Never will the Hebrews or the Christians be satisfied with you unless 

you follow their form of religion.</sub>

 

_{Say: "The Guidance of God, Allah, that is the only Guidance I need."
 
Were you to follow their desires after the Knowledge which has reached you,
 
then would you find neither Protector, nor helper against God.}

 

_{Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied. They are the ones that Believe therein.  Those who reject Faith therein, the loss is their own.}

 

_{O Children of Israel! Call to mind the special favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others for My Message.}

 

<sub>Then, guard yourselves against a Day when one soul shall not avail another,
 
nor shall compensation be accepted from it, nor shall intercession profit it,

nor shall anyone be helped from the outside.</sub>

<sub>And remember, that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands,

which he fulfilled. He said, "I will make you an Imam to the Nations."

He pleaded, "And also, Imams from my offspring!"
He answered, "But, my promise is not within the reach of evildoers."</sub>

 

<sub>Remember, We made the House a place of assembly for people, and a place of safety;

and you take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with

Abraham and Isma'il, that they should sanctify My House for those who encompass it, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves therein in prayer.</sub>

 

<sub>And remember, Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people

with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day."
 
He said, "Yes, and such as reject Faith, for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire, an evil destination indeed!"</sub>

 

<sub>And remember, Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House with this

prayer, "Our Lord! Accept this service from us,
 for You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.</sub>

 

<sub>"Our Lord! Make of us Muslims, in submission to You,

and of our descendants a Muslim people, bowing to Your Will. 

And, show us our place for the celebration of due rites; and accept our mercy.  For You are the Accepting of Repentance, the Most Merciful.</sub>

 

_{"Our Lord! Send among them an Messenger of their own people,
 
who shall rehearse Your Signs to them and instruct them in Scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them.  For You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise."}

 

_{And, who turns away from the religion of Abraham,
 
but such as debase their souls with lack of understanding?
 
Him We chose and rendered pure in this world.
 And, he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous.}

 

_{Behold! His Lord said to him, "Bow your will to Me:"
 
He replied, "I bow my will to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe."}

_{And, this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob. "Oh my sons! Allah has chosen the Faith for you; then do not die except in the Faith of Islam."}

 

<sub>Were you witnesses when death appeared before Jacob?

Behold, he said to his sons, "What will you worship after me?"

They said, "We shall worship God and the Allah of your fathers, of Abraham, Isma'il and Isaac, the one True God. To Him, we bow in Islam, in submission to God."</sub>

 

_{That was a civilization that passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and you of what you do! Of their merits, there is no question in your case!}

 

<sub>They say, "Become Hebrews or Christians if you would be guided to salvation."

Say, "No! I would rather the Religion of Abraham, the true,
and he did not join gods with Allah."</sub>

 

<sub>Say: "We Believe in God, and the Revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac,
 
Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to all prophets

from their Lord.  We make no difference between one and another of them. 
And, we bow to God in submission. "</sub>

 

<sub>So, if they believe as you Believe, they are indeed on the Right Path. 

But, if they turn back, it is they who are in division.

  But, Allah will suffice you as against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.</sub>

 

_{Our religion is the Baptism of God (Allah).  And, who can baptize better than Allah.
  And, it is He whom we worship.}

 

<sub>Say: Will you dispute with us about God, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord;
 
that we are responsible for our deeds and you for yours;

 and that we are sincere in our Faith in Him?</sub>

<sub>Or do you say that Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes were Hebrews or

Christians? Say: Do you know better than God? Ah! Who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah.  But, God is not unmindful of what you do!</sub>

 

_{That was a passed civilization. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and you of what you do! Of their merits, there is no question in the case.}

 

<sub>The fools among the people will say,
 
"What turned them from the Qibla to that which they were used to?"
 
Say: To Allah belong both East and West. 

He guides whom He Wills to

the Straight Path.</sub> 

 

<sub>Thus, have We made of you a justly balanced Ummah so that you might be witnesses

over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves.

And We appointed the Qibla to which you used, only to test those who followed the

Messenger from those who would turn on their heels from the Faith.

Indeed, it was a momentous change, except to those Guided by Allah.

And, never would Allah make your Faith of no effect.
 
For Allah is to all people, the Most Kind, Most Merciful.</sub>

 

<sub>O Muhammad, We see you turning your face turning for Guidance to the Heavens. 

Now, shall We turn you to a Qibla with which We will please You.

So turn then Your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque.
 
Wherever you are, turn your faces in that direction.

The people of the Scripture know well that it is the Truth from their Lord God. 

Nor is God unmindful of what they do.</sub>

 

_{And, if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture all the Signs together, they would not follow your Qibla; nor are you going to follow their Qibla.}

 

<sub>When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief throughout the earth

and destroy crops and cattle. But, God does not love mischief. 

When it is said to him, "Fear Allah, He is led by arrogance to do more crime.

Enough for him is Hellfire, an evil bed to lie on!</sub>

<sub>And, there is the type of person who sells himself to earn the pleasure of Allah.

And, Allah is full of kindness to those who are devoted to Him alone.</sub>

O you who Believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly, and follow not the footsteps of

The Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy.

_{If you backslide after the Clear Signs have come to you,
 
then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, the Most Wise.}

<sub>Will they wait until God comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels as well,

and the matter is settled? But, to Allah do all questions go back for decision.</sub>

<sub>Ask the Children of Israel how many Signs We have sent them.
 
But, if any one, after Allah's favor has come to him, substitutes something else,

God is strict in punishment.</sub>

<sub>The life of this world is alluring to those who reject Faith,

and they scoff at those who Believe. But, the Righteous will be above them on the Day of

Resurrection; for Allah bestows His abundance upon whom He Wills.</sub>

<sub>Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings;
 
and with them He sent the Book in Truth, to judge between people in matters wherein

they differed.  But, the People of the Scripture, after the clear Signs had come to them,

did not differ among themselves, except through jealous animosity. God, by His Grace,

Guided the Believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed.

For, Allah

Guides whom He Wills to the Straight Path.</sub>

<sub>Or, do you think that you shall enter the Garden of Paradise without such trials as came to
 
those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were

so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and the Believers who were with him

cried, "When will God's help come?" Ah! Indeed, the help of God is always near!</sub>

<sub>They ask you what they should spend in charity. Say: "Whatever you spend that is good,

 for parents, and kindred and orphans, and those in want, and for wayfarers.

And, whatever you do that is good, Allah knows it well.</sub>

<sub>War is inevitable at times, although you despise it.

But, is it possible that you dislike a thing helpful to you, 

or is that you love something that is bad for you?

But, God Knows everything, and we do not know what He does.</sub>

<sub>They ask you concerning fighting at war in the Sacred Month.

Say, "Fighting therein is a grave offense, but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent
 
access to the Path of Allah, to deny Him,

to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members."

Aggression and oppression are worse than death itself.
 
Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your Faith if they can.
 
And, if any of you turn back from your Faith and die in DisBelief,

their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the Hereafter. 

They will be Companions of the Fire and will abide therein.</sub>

<sub>Those who Believed, and those who suffered exile, and strove in the path of God, they
 
have the hope of the Mercy of Allah. And, Allah is The Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

They ask you concerning wine and gambling.

Say: "In them is great sin, and very little benefit for people. 

And, the risks are greater than any benefit you might receive in so doing."
 
They ask you how much they are to spend. Say: "What is beyond your needs in charity.

 Thus, does Allah make clear to you His Signs, in order that you may consider the

bearings on this life and the Hereafter.

They ask you concerning orphans.
 
Say: "The best thing to do is what is for their
 
own good. 

If you mix their affairs with yours, they are your brethren. 

But, Allah Knows the man who means mischief from the person who means well.
 
And, if Allah had wished, He could have put you all into difficulties.
 
For He is indeed Exalted in Power, the Most Wise."</sub>

 

<sub>Do not marry unBelieving women, until they Believe in God.
 
A slave woman who Believes is better than an unBelieving woman,
 
even though she may allure you. Nor marry your daughters to unBelievers until they

Believe.  

A man who Believes is better than an unBeliever, even though he may allure

you.

Unbelievers do nothing but draw you to the Fire.

But, God beckons by His Grace to the Garden of Paradise and Forgiveness,
 
and makes His Signs Clear to mankind, that they may celebrate His praise.</sub>

<sub>They ask you concerning women's monthly menses. 

Say, "It is painful, so give them comfort until they are finished.

But, when they have purified themselves,

you may approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by Allah.

 For, Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly,

and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.</sub>

<sub>Your wife is a place of cultivation for you, so approach as you need to.
 
But, think of God, and do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah.

And, know that you are to meet Him in the Hereafter,

and give these good tidings to those who Believe.</sub>
 

<sub>And, do not use God's name as an excuse in your oaths against doing good. 

Only use His Holy Name when acting righteously, or making peace between people. 

For, God is the One who Hears and Knows all things.</sub>

<sub>Allah will not call you to account for the mindlessness of your idle promises,
 
but for the intention in your hearts; and He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Forbearing.


For those who are no longer with their spouse, a waiting period for four months is

ordained.  If then they return, God is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.</sub>

<sub>But, if their intention is firm for divorce, God Hears and Knows all things. Divorced women of childbearing age shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly

periods. It is not lawful for them to hide what Allah Has created in their wombs,
 
if they have Faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husband has the right to take them

back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And, women shall have rights similar to

the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree of physical advantage over them. And, God is the Most Exalted in Power, the Most Wise.

A divorce is only permissible twice with the same spouse.  After that, the parties should either stay together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you men to take back any of your gifts from your wives, except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. If you do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she gives something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah. So, do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong themselves as well as others.</sub>

 

<sub>So if a husband divorces his wife irrevocably,
 
he cannot, after that, re-marry her until after she has married another husband and he
 
has divorced her. In that case, there is no blame on either of them if they reunite,

provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah.

Such are the limits ordained by Allah, which He makes plain to those who Understand.</sub>

<sub>When you divorce a woman, and she fulfills the term of their Iddat,

either take her back on equitable terms, or set her free on equitable terms. 

But, do not take her back to injure her, or to take undue advantage.  If any one does that, 

then he wrongs his own soul. Do not treat God's Signs as a joke, but solemnly rehearse

God's favors on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and Wisdom, for

your instruction. And fear Allah, and know that God is well acquainted with all things.

When you divorce a woman, and she fulfills the term of their Iddat, do not prevent them f

rom marrying their former husband, if they mutually agree to on equitable terms. This is

instruction for all among you, who believe in Allah and the Last Day.

This is the course of virtue and purity among you,

and Allah knows it, and you know it not.

The mothers shall nurse their offspring for two whole years,

if the father desires her to complete that term. But, he shall bear the cost of their food and
 
clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear.

No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his

child.   An heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by

mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If you decide on a

foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided you pay the mother

what you offered, on equitable terms.

But, fear God and know

that God sees well all that
you do.

If any of you die, leaving a widow behind, then wait for four months and ten days. 

When that term is over, there is no blame on you if they then do as they will in a just and

reasonable manner. And, God is well acquainted with what you do.

There is no blame on you if you make an offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts.

Allah knows that you cherish them in your hearts.  But, do not make a secret contract

with them, except with honorable terms, nor resolve the marriage tie until the term

prescribed is fulfilled. And know that God Knows what is in your hearts, and take heed of

Him,  And, know that God is the Most Forgiving, Most Forbearing.</sub>

<sub>There is no blame on you if you divorce women before consummation

or the fixation of their dowery.</sub>
 

However, bestow on them a suitable gift, the wealthy according to his means,

and the poor according to his means.

A gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do the right thing.

<sub>And, if you divorce them before consummation of the marriage, but after the fixation of a

dowery for them, then the half of the dowery is due to them, unless they remit it,

or the man's half is remitted by him on whose hands is the marriage tie; and the remission

of the man's half is the nearest to righteousness.

And do not forget generosity between yourselves. For Allah sees well all that you do.

Strictly guard your prayer habits, especially the middle prayer. 

And, stand before God in the most devout and pure frame of mind.

If you fear an enemy, pray on foot, or riding by horse,
 
as may be most convenient for you, but when you are in security,
 
celebrate Allah's praises in the manner He has taught you,
 

which you did not Know before.

Those of you who die and leave a widow behind should bequeath for their widow a year's

maintenance and residence.  But, if they leave the home, there is no blame on you for

what they do with themselves, provided it is reasonable.

And, God is exalted in Power, the Most Wise.

For divorced women, maintenance should be provided on a reasonable basis.

This is a duty on the Righteous.

Thus, does Allah make Clear His Signs to you, in order that you may Understand.</sub>

Did you not see those who abandoned their homes, though they were thousands in

number, for fear of death? God said to them, "Perish." Then, He restored them to life.

For, God is full of Bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.

_{Then, strive in the cause of God, and know that Allah Hears and Knows all things.}

<sub>Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, 

that Allah will double unto his credit and multiply many times over?
 
It is God that gives you want or plenty, and to Him shall be your return.</sub>

 
<sub>Have you not turned your vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after the time of

Moses? They said to a prophet that was among them, "Appoint for us a king, so that we

may fight in the cause of Allah." He said, "Is it not possible, if you were commanded to

strive in His cause, that you would not?" They said, "How could we refuse to strive in the

cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?" But, when

they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them.

But, Allah has full Knowledge of those who do wrong.</sub>

<sub>Their Prophet said to them, "Allah has appointed Talut as king over you."
 
They said, "How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he to

exercise authority, and he is not even gifted with abundant wealth?"

He said, "God has chosen him above you, and has gifted him abundantly with knowledge

and bodily prowess. God grants His authority to whom He pleases. 

God cares for all things, and He Knows all things."

And, further, their Prophet said to them, "A Sign of his authority is that there shall come

to you the Ark of the covenant, with an assurance therein of security from your Lord, and

the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels.

In this is a Symbol for you if you indeed have Faith."

When Talut set forth with the armies, he said "God will test you at the stream. 

If any drinks of its water, He goes not with my army. 

Only those who taste not of it go with me.  A mere sip out of the hand is excused."
 
But they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river, he and the faithful

ones with him, they said, "This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his forces." But,

those who were convinced that they must meet Allah said, "How is it, but by God's Will

that such a small force vanquished a big one?

Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere."

When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed, "Our Lord!
 
Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm.  Help us against those that reject

Faith." By Allah's Will they routed them; and David slew Goliath; and God gave him

power and wisdom and taught him whatever else He willed. And, did not Allah check one

set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. 

But, God is

the Most Bountiful to all the worlds.</sub>

 

<sub>These are the Signs of God. We rehearse them to you in Truth. 

Verily, You are one of the Messengers. Those Messengers We endowed with gifts,

some above others.  To one of them God spoke; others He raised to degrees of honor. 

To Jesus, the son of Mary, We gave Clear Signs,
 
and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit.
 
If God had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other,

after Clear Signs had come to them.  But, they chose to fight amongst themselves, some

Believing and others, rejecting Faith. If God had so Willed, they would not have fought

each other; but, God fulfills His Plan.</sub>

 

<sub>O you who Believe! Spend out of the Bounties We have provided for you,
 
before the Day comes when no bargaining will avail you, nor friendship, nor intercession.

Those who reject Faith, they are the wrongdoers.</sub>

 

<sub>Allah.  There is no God but He, the Living, the Self-subsisting, the Eternal.
 
No slumber can seize Him, nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who i

s there who can intercede in His presence, except as He permits? He knows what appears

to His creatures as before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass anything of His

knowledge except as He wills. His Throne does extend over the Heavens and the earth,

and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them

for He is the Most Exalted, the Supreme in Glory.</sub>

<sub>Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error. 

Whoever rejects evil and Believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy hand,
 
that never breaks. And, God Hears and Knows all things.</sub>

<sub>God is the Protector of those who have Faith.  From the Depths of Darkness,

He will lead them forth into Light.
 
Of those who reject Faith, the beneficiaries are the Evil Ones. 

From Light, they will lead them forth into the Depths of Darkness.

They will be companions of the Fire, to dwell therein forever.</sub>

Have you not turned your vision to one who disputed with Abraham about his Lord,

because Allah had granted him power? Abraham said, "My Lord is He Who gives life and

death." He said, "I give life and death". Said Abraham, "But, it is God that causes the sun

to rise from the east.  Do you then cause it to rise from the West." Thus, was he

confounded who in arrogance rejected Faith.
 
Nor does God give Guidance to an unjust people.

<sub>Or, take the likeness of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins all the way to its roofs.

He said, "Oh! How shall Allah bring it to life, after its death?" But, Allah caused him to die

for a hundred years, then raised him up again. He said, "How long did you delay thus?"

He said, "Perhaps a day or part of a day."

He said, "Nay, you have delayed thus a hundred years; but look at your food and drink;

they show no signs of age. And, look at your donkey.  And that We may make of you a

Sign unto the people, look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe

them with flesh." When this was shown clearly to him, he said, "I know that God has Power over all things."</sub>

 

<sub>Behold! Abraham said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead."
 
He said, "Do you not Believe?" He said, "You! But, to satisfy my own undertaking."
 
He said, "Take four birds.  Tame them to return to you. 

Put a portion of them on every hill and call to them.

They will come to you flying with speed.

Then, know that God is Exalted in Power, the Most Wise."</sub>

 

<sub>The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of God is that of a grain of

corn.  It grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains.  God gives manifold

increase to whom He pleases.  And, God cares for all things and He knows all things.</sub>

<sub>Those who spend their substance in the cause of God, and who do not follow up their

gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, for them their reward is with their

Lord.  On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.</sub>

 

<sub>Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury.

Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most Forbearing.</sub>

 

<sub>O you who Believe! Do not cancel your charity by reminders of your generosity or by

injury, like those who spend their substance to be seen of men, but Believe neither in

Allah nor in the Last Day. They are in parable like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little

soil.  On it, falls heavy rain, which leaves it a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing

with what they have earned. And, God does not Guides those who reject Faith.</sub>
 

<sub>And the likeness of those who spend their substance, seeking to please God, and to

strengthen their souls, is as a garden, high and fertile: heavy rain falls on it,

 and it yields twice the harvest.

And, if the garden does not receive heavy rain, light moisture suffices it. 

 For, Allah sees well all that you do.</sub>

 

<sub>Do any of you wish that he should have a garden with date-palms and vines and streams

flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age, and his

children are not strong enough to look after themselves that it should be caught in a

whirlwind, with fire therein, and be burnt up? Thus, does God make clear to you His

Signs; so that you may Understand.</sub>

<sub>O you who Believe! Give of the good things which you have honorably earned, and of the

fruits of the earth which We have produced for you.  And, do not try to aim for anything

that is bad, in order that out of it you may give away something, when you yourselves

would not receive it except with closed eyes.
 
And, know that Allah is free of all wants, and worthy of all praise.</sub>

<sub>The Evil One threatens you with poverty, and bids you to conduct your affairs unfairly.

Allah promises you His Forgiveness and to share in the Bounties.

 And, Allah cares for all things, and He Knows all things.</sub>

<sub>He grants wisdom to whom He pleases.  And the person to whom Wisdom is granted,

receives a benefit overflowing, indeed. 
But, none will grasp the Message, but people of Understanding.</sub> 

<sub>And, whatever you spend in charity or devotion, be certain that God Knows it all.

But the DisBelievers will have no helpers.
 
If you make open acts of charity, even so it is well, but if you conceal them, and make

them reach those in need privately, that is best for you.
 
It will remove from you some of your stains of evil.
 
And, God is well acquainted with what you do.</sub>

<sub>It is not required of you, O Messenger, to set them on the Right Path,

but God sets on the Right Path whom He pleases.

Whatever of good you give benefits your own souls, and you shall only do so seeking

the good pleasure of Allah.

Whatever good you give, shall be rendered back to you,
 
and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.</sub>

 

<sub>Charity is for those in need, who, in God’s causes are restricted from travel, and cannot

move about in the land, seeking for trade or work. The ignorant man thinks, because of

their modesty, that they are free from want. You shall know them by their unfailing

mark: they do not ask people imploringly, or at all.

And whatever of good you give, be assured that God Knows it well.</sub> 

 

<sub>Those who in charity spend of their property by night and by day to help with good

causes, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord. 

On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.</sub>

<sub>Those who devour usury will not stand on the Day of Resurrection,
 
except as one whom the Evil one by his touch has driven to madness.

That is because they say: "Trade is like usury."
 
But, Allah has permitted trade, and forbidden usury.

Those who, after receiving direction from their Lord, persist in doing wrong,

their matter is for God to judge.
 
But, those who repeat the offense are companions of the Fire.

They will abide therein forever.</sub>

God will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity.

  For He does not Love creatures who are ungrateful and wicked. 

 

<sub>Those who Believe, and do deeds of Righteousness, and establish regular prayers
 
and practice regular charity, they will have their reward with their Lord. 

On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.</sub>

<sub>O you who Believe! Fear God, and give up what remains of your demand for usury,
 
if you are indeed Believers.  If you do it not, take notice of war from Allah and His

Messenger. But if you turn back, you shall have your capital sums. 

Deal not unjustly with others, and you shall not be unjustly dealt with.</sub>

If the debtor is in a financial difficulty, grant him time until it is easy for him to repay. But

if you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if you only knew.

<sub>And, fear the Day when you shall be brought back to God.

Then, shall every soul be paid what it earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly.</sub>

<sub>O you who Believe! When you deal with each other, in transactions involving future

obligations in a fixed period of time, put them down in writing.  Let a scribe write down

faithfully as between the parties.  Let not the scribe refuse to write as Allah Has taught

him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear His Lord

Allah, and not diminish that which he owes. If the liable party is mentally deficient, or

weak, or unable Himself to dictate, let his guardian dictate faithfully, and get two

witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two

women, such as you may choose, for witnesses,

so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her.</sub>

 

<sub>The witnesses should not refuse to be witnesses when they are called upon for

evidence.  Reduce to writing your contract for a future period, whether it is small or big. 

It is more just in the sight of Allah, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient to

prevent doubts among yourselves.  But, if it is a transaction which you carry out on the

spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you if you did not put it in writing. But, take

witness whenever you make a commercial contract; and let neither scribe, nor witness,

suffer harm thereby. If you do such harm, it would be wickedness in you.

So fear God. For it is God that teaches you.  And, He is well acquainted with all things.</sub> 

 

<sub>If you are on a journey, and cannot find a scribe, a pledge with possession may serve the

purpose. And, if one of you deposits a thing on trust with another, let the trustee faithfully

discharge His trust, and let him fear his Lord.
 
Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it, His heart is tainted with sin.

 And, God Knows all that you do.</sub>

To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth.

Whether you show what is in your mind or conceal it, God will call you to account for it.
 
He Forgives whom He pleases, and punishes whom He pleases,
 
for God has Power over all things. 

 

<sub>The Messenger Believes in what has been Revealed to him from his Lord, as do the

people of Faith. Each one Believes in God, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We

make no distinction they say between one and another of His Messengers." And they

say, "We hear, and we obey. We seek Your forgiveness, O Lord,

and to You is all journey's end."

On no soul does God place a burden greater than it is able to bear. 

It receives every good that it has earned, and it will suffer every ill that is has earned. 

Pray: "Our Lord!  Do not condemn us if we forget or fall into error!  Do not lay on us a

burden like that which You did lay on those before us, O Lord! Do not lay on us a burden

greater than we have the strength to bear.  Blot out our sins, and grant us Your

Forgiveness.  Have Mercy on us.  You are our Protector.  Help us against those who stand against Faith."</sub>