In the name of ALLAH, the Gracious, the Merciful. All praise is due to ALLAH alone, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. THEE alone do we worship and THEE alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the straight path, The path of those on whom THOU hast bestowed THY favours, those who have not incurred THY displeasure and those who have not gone astray. In the name of ALLAH, the Gracious, the Merciful. Alif, Lam, Mim. This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous, Who believe in the unseen and observe prayer and spend out of what WE have provided for them. And who believe in that which has been revealed to thee and that which was revealed before thee and they have firm faith in the hereafter. It is they who follow the guidance from their LORD and it is they who shall prosper. Those who have disbelieved - it being alike to them whether thou warn them or warn them not - they will not believe. ALLAH has set a seal on their hearts and their ears, and over their eyes is a covering; and for them is a grievous chastisement. And of the people there are some who say, `We believe in ALLAH, and the Last Day;' while they are not believers at all. They would deceive ALLAH and those who believe, but they deceive none but themselves; only they perceive it not. In their hearts was a disease, so ALLAH has increased their disease, and for them is a grievous punishment because they lied. And when it is said to them, `Create not disorder in the earth,' they say `We are only promoters of peace.' Beware ! it is surely they who create disorder, but they do not perceive it. And when it is said to them, `Believe as other people have believed,' they say, `Shall we believe as the fools have believed ?' Remember ! it is surely they that are the fools, but they do not know. And when they meet those who believe, they say, `We believe;' but when they are alone with their ring-leaders they say, `We were only mocking.' ALLAH will punish their mockery and will let them continue in their transgression, wandering blindly. These are they who have bartered away guidance for error, but their traffic has brought them no gain, nor are they rightly guided. Their case is like the case of a person who kindled a fire, and when it lighted up all around him, ALLAH took away their light and left them in thick darkness, they see not. They are deaf, dumb and blind; so they will not return. Or, it is like a heavy rain from the clouds, wherein is thick darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunder claps for fear of death, and ALLAH encompasses the disbelievers. The lightning might well nigh snatch away their sight; whenever it shines upon them, they walk therein; and when it becomes dark to them, they stand still. And if ALLAH had so willed HE could take away their hearing and their sight; surely ALLAH has the power to do all that HE wills. O ye men ! worship your Lord WHO created you and those before you, that you may guard against evil. WHO made the earth a bed for you, and the heaven a roof, and caused water to come down from the clouds and therewith brought forth fruits for your sustenance; so do not set up equals to ALLAH, while you know. And if you are in doubt as to what WE have sent down to OUR servant, then produce a chapter like it, and call upon your helpers besides ALLAH, if you are truthful. But if you do it not - and never shall you do it - then guard against the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, which is prepared for the disbelievers. And give glad tidings to those who believe and do good works, that for them are gardens beneath which flow streams. Whenever they are given a portion of fruit therefrom, they will say, `This is what was given us before,' and gifts mutually resembling shall be brought to them. And they will have therein pure mates, and therein will they abide. ALLAH disdains not to give an illustration - as small as a gnat or even smaller. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord, while those who disbelieve say, `What does ALLAH mean by such an illustration ?' Many does HE adjudge by it to be in error and many by it does HE guide, and none does HE adjudge thereby to be in error except the disobedient, Who breaks the covenant of ALLAH after having established it, and cut asunder what ALLAH has bidden to be joined, and create disorder in the earth; it is these that are the losers. How can you disbelieve in ALLAH ? You were without life and HE gave you life, and then HE will cause you to die, then restore you to life, and then to HIM shall you be made to return. HE it is WHO created for you all that is in the earth; then HE turned towards the heavens, and HE perfected them as seven heavens; and HE has perfect knowledge of all things. And when thy Lord said to the angels, `I am about to place a viceregent in the earth,' they said `Wilt THOU place therein such as will cause disorder in it, and shed blood ? - and we glorify THEE with THY praise and extol THY holiness,' HE answered, `I know what you know not.' And HE taught Adam all the names, then HE put the objects of these names before the angles and said, `Tell ME the names of these, if you are right,' They said, `Holy art THOU ! No knowledge have we except what THOU hast taught us; surely THOU art All-Knowing, the Wise.' HE said `O Adam, tell them their names;' and when he had told them their names, HE said `Did I not say to you, I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you hide ? And remember the time when WE said to the angels `Submit to ADAM,' and they all submitted. But Iblis did not. He refused and deem himself too big; and he was of the disbelievers. And when WE said `O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the garden, and eat therefrom plentifully where ever you will, but approach not this tree, least you be of the wrongdoers.' But Satan caused them both to slip by means of it and drove them out of the state in which they were. And WE said, `Go forth hence; some of you are enemies of others and for you there is an abode in the earth and a provision for a time.' Then Adam learnt from his Lord certain words of prayer. So HE turned towards him with mercy. Surely HE is Oft-Returning with compassion, and is Merciful. We said. `Go forth hence, all of you. And if there comes to you guidance from ME then whoso shall follow MY guidance, on them shall come no fear nor shall they grieve.' But they who will disbelieve and treat Our signs as lies, these shall be the inmates of the Fire; herein shall they abide. O Children of Israel ! remember MY favours which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your covenant with ME, I will fulfill MY covenant with you, and ME alone should you fear. And believe in what I have sent which fulfill that which is with you, and be not the first to disbelieve therein, and barter not MY Signs for a paltry price, and take protection in ME alone. And confound not truth with falsehood nor hide the truth knowingly. And observe Prayer and pay the Zakaat, and bow down with those who bow. Do you enjoined others to do what is good and forget your ownselves, while you read the book ? Will you not then understand ? And seek help with patience and prayer, and this indeed is hard except for the humble in spirit, Who know for certain that they will meet their Lord, and to HIM will they return. O Children of Israel ! remember MY favours which I bestowed upon you and that I exalted you above the peoples of the time. And guard yourselves against the day when no soul shall serve as a substitute for another soul at all, nor shall intercession be accepted for it, nor shall ransom be taken from it, nor shall they be helped. And remember the time when WE delivered you from Pharaoh's people who afflicted you with grievous torment, slaying your sons and sparing your women; and in that was a great trial for you from your Lord. And remember also the time when WE divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people while you looked on. And when WE made Moses a promise of forty nights, then you took the calf for worship in his absence and you were the transgressors. Then WE forgave you thereafter, that you may be grateful. And remember when WE gave Moses the Book and the Discrimination, that you may be rightly guided. And when Moses said to his people, `O my people, you have indeed wronged yourselves by taking the calf for worship; turn ye therefore to your Maker, and kill your evil desires; that is best for you in the sight of your Maker.' Then HE turned towards you with compassion. Surely HE is Oft-Returning with compassion and is Merciful. And remember when you said, `O Moses, we will not believe thee until we see ALLAH face to face;' Then the thunderbolt overtook you, while you witnessed with your own eyes the consequences of your conduct. The We raised you up after your death that you might be grateful. And WE caused the clouds to be a shade over you and sent down on you Manna and Salwa, saying, `Eat of the good things We have provided for you.' And they wronged us not, but it was themselves that they wronged. And remember the time when WE said `Enter this town and eat therefrom - whatever you will - plentifully; and enter the gate submissively and say, `God ! forgive us our sins.' WE shall forgive you your sins and WE shall give increase to those who do good.' The transgressors changed it for a word other than that which was said to them. So WE send down upon the transgressors a punishment from heaven because they were disobedient. And remember the time when Moses prayed for water for his people and WE said, `Strike the rock with thy rod;' And there gushed forth from it twelve springs, so that each tribe knew their drinking place. And they were told, `Eat and drink of what ALLAH has provided, and commit not iniquity in the earth, creating disorder.' And remember when you said, O Moses, surely we will not remain content with one kind of food; pray, then, to thy Lord for us that HE may bring forth for us of what the earth grows - of its herbs and its cucumbers and its wheat and its lentils and its onions.' He said, `Would you take in exchange that which is worse for that which is better ? Go down to some town and there is for you what you ask.' And they were smitten with abasement and destitution, and they incurred the wrath of ALLAH; that was because they rejected the Signs of ALLAH and sought to slay the Prophets unjustly; this was because they rebelled and transgressed. Surely, those who believe and the Jews and the Christians and the Sabians - whichever party from among these truly believes in ALLAH and the Last Day and does good deeds, shall have their reward with their Lord, and no fear shall come upon then nor shall they grieve. And remember the time when WE took a covenant from you and raised you above the Mount, saying, `Hold fast that which WE have given you and bear in mind what is therein, that you may be saved.' Then you turned back thereafter; and had it not been for ALLAH's grace and HIS mercy upon you, you would surely have been of the losers. And surely, you have known the end of those amongst you, who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath. So WE said to them, `Be ye apes, despised.' Thus WE made it an example to those of its time and to those who came after it, and a lesson to those who fear God. And remember when Moses said to his people, `ALLAH commands you to slaughter a cow,' they said, `Dost thou make a jest of us ?' He said `I seek refuge with ALLAH least I should be of the ignorant.' They said, `Pray for us to thy Lord that HE make plain to us what she is,' He answered, `God says, it is a cow, neither old nor young, full-grown between the two; now do what you are commanded.' They said, `Pray for us to thy Lord that HE make plain to us of what colour she is.' He answered, `God says, it is a cow of dun colour, pure and rich in tone, delighting the beholders.' They said, `Pray for us to thy Lord that HE make plain to us what she is, for all such cows appear to us alike; and if ALLAH please, we shall indeed be guided aright,' He answered, `God says it is a cow not broken to plough the earth or water the tilth; one without blemish; of one colour.' They said, `Now thou have brought the truth.' Then they slaughtered her, though they would rather not do it. And remember the time when you killed a person and differed among yourselves about it, and ALLAH, would bring to light what you were hiding. Then WE said, `Compare this incident with some other similar ones' and you will discover the truth. Thus does ALLAH give life to the dead and show you HIS Signs that you may understand. Then your hearts became hardened after that, till they were like stones or harder still; for of stones there are some out of which gush forth streams, and of them there are some out of which flows water when they cleave asunder. And indeed of them are some that humble themselves for the fear of ALLAH. And ALLAH is not unmindful of what you do. Do you expect that they will believe you when a party of them hear the Word of ALLAH, then pervert it after they have understood it, and they well know the consequences thereof. And when they meet those who believe, they say `We believe,' and when they meet one another in private, they say, `Do you inform them (the believers) of what ALLAH has unfolded to you, that they may thereby argue with you before your Lord. Will you not then understand ? Do they not know that ALLAH knows what they keep secret and what they make known ? And some of them are illiterate, they know not the book but their own false notions, and they do nothing but conjecture. Woe, therefore, to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, `This is from ALLAH,' That they may take it for a paltry price. Woe, then, to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they earn. And they say, `The fire shall not touch us except for a small number of days,' Say, `Have you taken a promise from ALLAH ? Then, ALLAH will never break HIS promise. Or, do you say of ALLAH what you know not. Aye ! whoso does evil and is encompassed by his sins -those are the inmates of the Fire; therein shall they abide. But they who believe and do good works - those are the dwellers of Heaven; therein shall they abide. And remember the time when WE took a covenant from the Children of Israel: `You shall worship none but ALLAH and be kind to parents and to the kindred and orphans and the poor, and speak to men kindly and observe prayer, and pay the Zakát.' then you turned away in aversion, except a few of you. And remember when WE took a covenant from you: `You shall not shed each other's blood nor turn your people out of your homes,' Then you confirmed it; and you have been witness to it. Yet you are those who slay one another and turn out a section of your people from their homes, backing up their enemies against them in sin and transgression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, while their expulsion itself was unlawful for you. Do you then believe in a part of the Book and disbelieve in another part ? What is then the reward of such among you as do so, except disgrace in the present life; and on the Day of Judgment they shall be driven to a most severe chastisement; and surely ALLAH is not unmindful of what you do. These are they who have preferred the present life to the Hereafter. Their punishment shall not, therefore, be lightened, nor shall they be helped in any way. And verily WE gave Moses the Book and caused Messengers to follow in his footsteps after him; and to Jesus, son of Mary, WE gave manifest Signs, and strengthened him with the Spirit of Holiness. Will you, then, every time a Messenger comes to you with what you yourselves desire not, behave arrogantly and treat some as liars and slay others ? They said `Our hearts are wrapped up in covers.' Nay, ALLAH has cursed them for their disbelief. Little is that which they believe. And when there came to them a book from ALLAH, fulfilling that which is with them - and before that they have prayed for victory over the disbelievers - yet when there came to them that which they knew to be the truth, they rejected it. The curse of ALLAH be on the disbelievers. Evil is that which they have sold their souls - that they should disbelieve in what ALLAH has revealed, grudging that ALLAH should send down HIS grace on whomsoever of HIS servants HE pleases. So they have incurred wrath upon wrath; and there is a humiliating chastisement for the disbelievers. And when it is said to them `Believe in what ALLAH has sent down,' they say `We believe in what has been sent down to us;' and they disbelieve in what has been sent down after that, yet it is the Truth, fulfilling that which is with them. Say `Why, then, do you seek to slay the Prophets of ALLAH before this, if you were believers. And Moses came to you with manifest Signs, then you took the calf for worship in his absence, and you were transgressors. And remember the time when WE took a covenant from you and raised high above you the Mount, saying `Hold firmly to what WE have given you and hearken;' They said, `We hear and we disobey;' and their hearts were saturated with the love of the calf because of their disbelieve. Say `Evil is that which your faith enjoins on you if you are believers,' Say `If the abode of the Hereafter with ALLAH is solely for you to the exclusion of all other people, then wish for death if you are truthful.' But never shall they wish for it, because of what their own hands have sent on before them; and ALLAH knows the wrongdoers well. And thou shalt surely find them of all people, the most covetous of life, even more than those who set up equals with God. Every one of them wishes that he may be granted a life of a thousand years, but his being granted such a life shall not remove him further away from the punishment; and ALLAH sees all they do. Say `Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel' - for he it is who has caused it to descend on thy heart by the command of ALLAH, fulfilling that revelation which precedes it, and is a guidance and glad tidings to the believers. `Whoever is an enemy to ALLAH, and HIS angels, and HIS Messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then surely, ALLAH is an enemy to such disbelievers.' And surely WE have sent down to thee manifest Signs, and none disbelieves in them but the disobedient. What ! every time they make a covenant, will a party among them throw it aside ? Nay, most of them have no faith. And now that there has come to them a messenger from ALLAH, fulfilling that which is with them, a party of the people to whom the Book was given have thrown the Book of ALLAH behind their backs, as if they know it not. And they pursue the course which was pursued by the rebellious men against the Kingdom of Solomon. And Solomon did not disbelieve; but it was the rebellious ones who disbelieved. They taught people falsehood and deception, and they claim that they follow what was revealed to the two angels in Babylon, Harút and Marút. But these two taught no one anything until they had said, `We are but a trial from ALLAH, do not, therefore, reject what we say.' So men learnt from them that by which they made a distinction between man and his wife, but they harmed no one thereby, except by the command of ALLAH; on the contrary, these people (the opponents of the Holy Prophet) are learning that which would harm them and do them no good. And they have certainly known that he who traffics therein has no share of good in the Hereafter; and surely evil is that for which they sold their souls; if only they knew. And if they had believed and acted righteously, better surely, would have been their reward from ALLAH, if only they knew. O ye who believe, say not to the Prophet `Ra'ina,' but say `Unzurna' and hearken unto him. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment. They who disbelieve from among the people of the Book, or from among those who associate gods with ALLAH, desire not that any good should be sent down to you from your Lord; but ALLAH chooses for HIS mercy whomsoever HE pleases; and ALLAH is Lord of exceeding bounty. Whatever message WE abrogate or cause to be forgotten, WE bring one better than that or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that ALLAH has the power to do all that HE wills ? Knowest thou not that the Kingdom of the Heavens and the earth belongs to ALLAH alone ? And there is no protector or helper for you besides ALLAH. Would you question the Messenger sent to you as Moses was questioned before this ? And whoever takes disbelief in exchange for belief has undoubtedly gone astray from the right path. Many people of the Book wish, out of sheer envy from themselves, that, after you have believed, they could turn you again into disbelievers after the truth has become manifest to them. But forgive and overlook till ALLAH brings HIS decree, surely ALLAH has the power to do all that HE wills. And observe prayer and pay the Zakaat; and whatever good you send on before you for yourselves, you shall find it with ALLAH; surely ALLAH sees all that you do. And they say. `None shall enter Heaven unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' These are their vain desires. Say, `Produce your proof, if you are truthful.' Nay, whosoever submits himself completely to ALLAH and he is the doer of good, shall have his reward from his Lord. No fear shall come on them nor shall they grieve. And the Jews say, `The Christians stand on nothing' and the Christians say, `The Jews stand on nothing;' while they both read the same book. Even thus said those, who had no knowledge, like what they say. But ALLAH shall judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein they disagree. And who is more unjust than he who prohibits the name of ALLAH being glorified in ALLAH's temples and strives to ruin them ? It was not proper for such men to enter therein except in fear. For them is disgrace in this world; and theirs shall be a great punishment in the next. To ALLAH belongs the East and the West; so whithersover you turn, there will be the face of ALLAH. Surely, ALLAH is Bountiful, All-Knowing. And they say, `ALLAH has taken to Himself a son.' Holy is HE ! Nay, everything in the Heavens and the earth belongs to HIM. To HIM are all obedient. HE is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When HE decrees a thing, HE only says to it `Be,' and it is. And those who have no knowledge say, `Why does ALLAH not speak to us, or a Sign come to us direct ?' Likewise said those before them what was similar to their saying. Their hearts are all alike. We have certainly made the Signs plain for a people who firmly believe. We have sent thee with the Truth, as a bearer of glad tidings and a Warner. And thou wilt not be questioned concerning the inmates of Hell. And the Jews will never be pleased with thee, nor the Christians, unless thou followest their creed. Say `Surely ALLAH's guidance alone is the true guidance,' And if thou follow their evil desires after the knowledge has come to thee, thou shalt have from ALLAH, no friend nor helper. They to whom we have given the Book, follow it as it ought to be followed; it is these that believe therein. And whoso believes not therein, these are they who are the losers. O Children of Israel ! remember MY favours which I bestowed upon you, and that I exalted you above all the nations of the time. And guard yourselves against the day when no soul shall serve as a substitute for another soul at all, nor shall any ransom be accepted from it, nor any intercession avail it, nor shall it be helped. And remember when his Lord tried Abraham with certain commandments which he fulfilled, HE said, `I will make thee a leader of men.' Abraham asked, `And from among my offspring ?' God said, `MY covenant does not embrace the transgressors.' And remember the time when WE made the House a resort for mankind and a place of security; We said, `Take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer.' And we commanded Abraham and Ishmael, saying, `Purify MY House for those who perform the circuit and for those who remain therein for devotion and those who bow down and fall prostrate in Prayer.' And remember when Abraham said, `My Lord, make this a town of peace and provide with fruits such of its dwellers as believe in ALLAH and the Last Day.' ALLAH said `And on him too who believes not, will I bestow benefits for a little while; then will I drive him to the punishment of the Fire, and an evil destination it is. And remember the time when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the house, praying, `Our Lord, accept this from us; for thou art the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing; `Our Lord, make us both submissive to THEE and make of our offspring a people submissive to THEE. And show us our ways of worship and turn to us with mercy; for thou art Oft-Returning with compassion, and art Merciful. `And, Our Lord, raise up among them a Messenger from among themselves who may recite to them THY Signs and teach them the Book and Wisdom and may purify them; surely Thou art the Mighty the Wise. And who will turn away from the religion of Abraham but he who makes a fool of himself. Him did we choose in this world, and in the next he will surely be among the righteous. When his Lord said to Him, `Submit', he said, `I have already submitted to the Lord of the worlds.' The same did Abraham enjoin upon his sons, - and Jacob also - saying, `O my sons, truly ALLAH has chosen this religion for you; so let not death overtake you except when you are in a state of complete submission.' Were you present when death came to Jacob, when he said to his sons. `What will you worship after me ?' They answered, `We will worship thy God, the God of thy fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac, the One God; and to HIM we submit ourselves.' Those are a people that have passed away, for them is that which they have earned, and for you is what you earn, and you shall not be questioned as to what they did. And they say, `Be ye Jews or Christians, then you will be rightly guided,' Say `Nay, but follow ye the religion of Abraham who was ever inclined to ALLAH; he was not of those who associated gods with ALLAH.' Say ye, `We believe in ALLAH and what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael, and Isaac and Jacob and his children and what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to all other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them; and to HIM we submit ourselves.' And if they believe as you have believed, then they are rightly guided; but if they turn back, then they are bent upon creating a schism, and ALLAH will surely suffice thee against them, for HE is All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. Say, `We have adopted the religion of ALLAH; and who is better than ALLAH in teaching religion, and him alone do we worship.' Say, `Do you dispute with us concerning ALLAH, while HE is our Lord and your Lord ? And for us is our works and for you your works; and to HIM alone are we sincerely devoted.' Do you say that Abraham and Ishmael, and Isaac and Jacob and his children were Jews or Christians ?' Say `Do you know better or ALLAH and who is more unjust than he who hides the testimony that he has from ALLAH ? And ALLAH is not unaware of what you do.' Those are a people that have passed away, for them is what they have earned, and for you is what you earn, and you shall not be questioned as to what they did. The fools among the people will say `What has turned them away from their Qiblah which they followed ?' Say, `To ALLAH belong the East and the West. HE guides whom HE pleases to the right path.' And thus have WE made you an exalted nation, that you may be guardians over the people and the Messenger of ALLAH may be a guardian over you. And WE did not appoint the Qiblah which thou didst follow; except that WE might know him who follows the Messenger of ALLAH from him who turns upon his heels. And this is indeed hard except for those whom ALLAH has guided. And ALLAH would never let your faith go in vain; surely, ALLAH is compassionate and Merciful to the people. Verily, WE see thee turning thy face often to heaven, surely then will we make thee turn to the Qiblah which thou likest. So turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you may be, turn your faces towards it. And they to whom the Book has been given know that this is the truth from their Lord; and ALLAH is not unmindful of what they do. And even if thou shouldst bring every Sign to those who have been given the Book, they would not follow thy Qiblah nor wouldst thou follow their Qiblah, nor would some of them follow the Qiblah of others. And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to thee, then thou shalt surely be of the transgressors. Those to whom WE have given the Book recognize it even as they recognize their sons, but surely some of them hide the truth knowingly. It is the truth from thy Lord; be not, therefore of those who doubt. And everyone has a goal to which he turns his whole attention. Then vie with one another in good works. Wherever you may be ALLAH will bring you all together. Surely, ALLAH has the power to do all that HE wills. And from wheresoever thou comest forth, turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; for that is indeed the truth from thy Lord. And ALLAH is not unmindful of what you do. And from wheresoever thou comest forth, turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you be, turn your faces towards it that people may have no argument against you, except those who are unjust - so fear them not, but fear ME - and that I may perfect MY favour upon you, and that you may be rightly guided. Even as WE have sent to you a Messenger from among yourselves who recites OUR Signs to you, and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and Wisdom, and teaches you that which you knew not. Therefore, remember ME and I will remember you; and be thankful to ME and do not be ungrateful to ME. O ye who believe, seek help through perseverance and Prayer; surely, ALLAH is with those who patiently persevere. And say not of those who are slain in the way of ALLAH that they are dead; nay they are living, only you perceive not. And WE will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits; but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, `Surely, to ALLAH we belong and to HIM shall we return.' It is these on whom descend blessings from their Lord and also mercy, and it is these that are rightly guided. Surely, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the Signs of ALLAH. It is therefore no sin for him who is on Pilgrimage to the House, or performs Umrah, or go around the two. And whoso does good beyond what is obligatory, surely then, ALLAH is appreciative of good deeds, and All-Knowing. Those who hide what WE have sent down of Signs and guidance after WE have made it clear for the people in the Book, it is these whom ALLAH curses; so curse them those who have the right to curse. But they who repent and amend and openly declare the truth, it is these to whom I turn with forgiveness, and I am Oft-Returning with compassion and Merciful. Those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers, on them shall be the curse of ALLAH and of the angels and of men all together. They shall remain under it. The punishment shall not be lightened for them, nor shall they be granted respite. And your God is One God; there is no God but HE, the Gracious, the Merciful. Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day, and in the ships that sail the sea with that which profits men, and in the water which ALLAH sends down from the sky and quickens therewith the earth after its death and scatters therein all kinds of beasts, and in the change of the winds and the clouds pressed into service between the heaven and the earth - are indeed Signs for the people who use their understanding. And there are some among men who take for themselves objects of worship other than ALLAH, loving them as they should love ALLAH. But believers are stronger in their love for ALLAH. And if those who transgress could now see the time when they shall see the punishment, they would realize that all power belongs to ALLAH and that ALLAH is severe in punishing. Could they but see when those who were followed shall disown their followers and shall see the punishment and all their ties shall be cut asunder. And those who followed shall say, `If we could only return, we would disown them even as they have disowned us.' Thus will ALLAH show them their works as anguish for them, and that they shall not get out of the fire. O ye men ! eat of what is lawful and good in the earth; and follow not the footsteps of Satan, surely he is to you an open enemy. He enjoins upon you only what is evil and what is foul, and that you say of ALLAH what you do not know. And when it is said to them, `Follow that which ALLAH has sent down, they say, `Nay, we will follow that wherein we found our fathers.' What ! even if their fathers had no sense at all and followed not the right path. And the case of those who disbelieve is like the case of one who shouts to that which hears naught but a call and a cry. They are deaf dumb and blind - so they do not understand. O ye who believe, eat of the good things WE have provided for you, and render thanks to ALLAH, if it is HE Whom you really worship. HE has made unlawful to you only that which dies of itself, and blood and the flesh of swine, and that on which the name of any other than ALLAH has been invoked. But he who is driven by necessity, being neither disobedient nor exceeding the limit, it shall be no sin for him. Surely, ALLAH is most Forgiving, Merciful. Those who hide that which ALLAH has sent down of the Book and take in exchange for it a paltry price, they fill their bellies with nothing but fire. ALLAH will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will HE purify them. And for them is a grievous punishment. It is they who have bought error for guidance and punishment for forgiveness. How great is their endurance of the Fire ! That is because ALLAH has sent down the Book with the truth; and surely they who disagree concerning the Book are gone far in enmity. It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East or the West, but truly righteous is he who believes in ALLAH and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets, and spends his money out of love for HIM, on the kindred and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and those who ask for charity and for ransoming the captives; and observes prayer and pays the Zakát; and those who fulfill their promise when they have made one, and the patient in poverty and afflictions and the steadfast in the time of war; it is these who have proved truthful and it is these who are truly God-Fearing. O ye who believe ! equitable retaliation in the matter of the slain is prescribed for you; the free man for the free man, and the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But for him who is granted any remission by his injured brother, pursuing the matter for the realization of the blood-money shall be done with fairness, and the murderer shall pay him the blood-money in a handsome manner. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. And whoso transgresses thereafter, for him there shall be a grievous punishment. And there is life for you in the law of retaliation, O men of understanding, that you may enjoy security. It is prescribed for you, when death comes to any one of you, if he leaves much wealth that he make a will to parents and near relatives to act with fairness. This is an obligation on those who fear ALLAH. And he who alters it after he has heard it , the sin thereof shall surely lie on those who alter it. Surely ALLAH is All-Hearing and All-Knowing. But whoso apprehends from a testator a partiality or a wrong, and makes peace between them (the parties affected), it shall be no sin for him. Surely, ALLAH is most Forgiving and Merciful. O ye who believe ! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil. The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew. The month of Ramadaan is that in which the Qur'an was revealed as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever is present at home in this month let him fast therein. But whoso is temporarily sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days, ALLAH desires ease for you and HE desires not hardship for you, and HE desires that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt ALLAH for HIS having guided you and that you may be grateful. And when MY servants ask thee about ME, say `I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to ME. So they should hearken to ME and believe in ME that they may follow the right way. It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are a sort of garment for you and you are a sort of garment for them. ALLAH knows that you have been acting unjustly to yourselves, wherefore HE has turned to you with mercy and afforded you relief. So you may now go in unto them and seek what ALLAH has ordained for you; and eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black tread of the dawn. Then complete the fast till nightfall and do not go in unto them while you remain in the Mosques for devotion. These are the limits set by ALLAH, so approach them not. Thus does ALLAH make HIS commandments clear to men that they may become secure against evil. And do not devour your property among yourselves by false means and offer it not as bribe to the authorities that you may devour a part of the wealth of other people wrongfully while you know. They ask thee about the new moons. Say, `They are means for measuring time, for the general convenience of people and for the Pilgrimage.' And it is not righteousness that you come into houses by the backs thereof, but truly righteous is he who fears God. And you should come into houses by the doors thereof; and fear ALLAH that you may prosper. And fight in the way of ALLAH against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, ALLAH loves not the transgressors. And slay these transgressors wherever you meet them and drive them out from where they have driven you out; for persecution is worst than slaying. And fight them not in and near the Sacred Mosque until they fight you therein. But if they fight you, then fight them. Such is the requital for the disbelievers. But if they desist, then surely, ALLAH is Most Forgiving, Merciful. And fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is professed only for ALLAH. But if they desist, then remember that no hostility is allowed except against the wrongdoers. The violation of a Sacred Month may be retaliated in the Sacred Month, and for all sacred things there is the law of retaliation. So whoso transgresses against you, punish him for his transgression to the extent to which he has transgressed against you. And fear ALLAH and know that ALLAH is with those who fear him, And spend in the cause of ALLAH, and cast not yourselves into ruin with your own hands, and do good; surely ALLAH loves those who do good. And complete the pilgrimage and the Umrah for the sake of ALLAH; but if you are kept back, then make whatever offering is easily available; and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its destination. And whoever among you is sick or has an ailment of the head, should make and expiation either by fasting or alms giving, or a sacrifice. But when you are safe, then he who would avail himself of the Umrah together with the Pilgrimage, should make whatever offering is easily obtainable. But such of you as cannot find an offering should fast three days during the Pilgrimage, and seven when you return home; these are ten complete. This is for him whose family does not reside near the Sacred Mosque. And fear ALLAH and know that ALLAH is severe in punishing. The months of the Pilgrimage are well known; so whoever determines to perform the Pilgrimage in these months should remember that there is to be no foul talk, nor any transgression, nor any quarreling during the Pilgrimage. And whatever good you do, ALLAH knows it. And furnish yourselves with necessary provisions for your journey and surely, the best provision is righteousness. And fear ME alone, O men of understanding. It is no sin for you that you seek the bounty of your Lord. But when you pour forth from Arafat, remember ALLAH at Mash'ar al-Haraam, and remember HIM as HE has guided you; although before this you were of those gone astray. Then pour forth from where the people pour forth, and seek forgiveness from ALLAH; surely ALLAH is most forgiving, Merciful. And when you have performed the acts of worship prescribed for you, celebrate the praises of ALLAH as you used to celebrate the praises of your fathers, or even with greater devotion. And of men there are some who say `Our Lord grant us good things in this world;' and such a one shall have no share in the hereafter. And of them there are some who say, `Our Lord grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come, and save us from the torment of the fire. For these their shall be a goodly share because of what they have earned. And ALLAH is swift at reckoning. And remember ALLAH during the appointed number of days, but whoso hastens to leave in two days, it shall be no sin for him; and whoso stays behind, it shall be no sin for him either. This direction is for him who fears ALLAH. So fear ALLAH and know that you shall all be brought together before HIM. And of men there is he whose talk on this life would please thee, and he calls ALLAH to witness as to that which is in his heart, and yet he is the most contentious of quarrelers. And when he is in authority, he runs about in the land to create disorder in it and destroys the tilth and the progeny of man; and ALLAH loves not disorder. And when it is said to him `Fear ALLAH,' pride incites him to further sin. So Hell shall be his sufficient reward; and surely it is an evil place of rest. And of men there is he who would sell himself to seek the pleasure of ALLAH; and ALLAH is Compassionate to HIS servants. O ye who believe, come into submission all of you and follow not the footsteps of Satan; surely he is your open enemy. But if you slip after the clear Signs that have come to you, then know that ALLAH is Mighty and Wise. What do they wait for but that ALLAH should come to them in the coverings of the clouds with angels, and the matter be decided ? And to ALLAH do all things return. Ask the Children of Israel how many clear Signs WE gave them. But whoso changes the gift of ALLAH after it has come to him, surely then, ALLAH is Severe in punishing. The life of this world is made to appear attractive to those who disbelieve; and they scoff at those who believe. But those who fear God shall be above them on the day of Resurrection; and ALLAH bestows HIS gifts on whomsoever HE pleases without reckoning. Mankind were one community, then they differed among themselves, so ALLAH raised Prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and sent down with them the book containing the truth that HE might judge between the people wherein they differed. But then they began to differ about the Book, and none differed about it except those to whom it was given, after clear Signs had come to them, out of envy towards one another. Now has ALLAH, by HIS command, guided the believers to the truth in regard to which they (the unbelievers) differed; and ALLAH guides whomsoever HE pleases to the right path. Do you think that you will enter heaven while there has not come to you the like of that which came to those who passed away before you ? Poverty and afflictions befell them and they were violently shaken until the Messenger and those who believe along with him said, `When will the help of ALLAH come ?' Yea, surely the help of ALLAH is nigh. They ask thee what they shall spend. Say, `Whatever of good and abundant wealth you spend should be for parents and near relatives and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer. And whatever good you do, surely ALLAH knows it perfectly well.' Fighting is ordained for you, though it is repugnant to you; but it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you like a thing while it is bad for you. ALLAH knows and you know not. They ask thee about fighting in the Sacred Month. Say, `Fighting therein is a heinous thing, but to hinder men from the way of ALLAH, and to be ungrateful to HIM, and to hinder men from the Sacred Mosque, and to turn out its people therefrom, is more heinous in the sight of ALLAH; and persecution is worst than killing.' And they will not cease fighting you until they turn you back from your Faith, if they can. And whoso from among you turns back from his Faith and dies while he is a disbeliever, it is they whose works shall be vain in this world and in the next. These are the inmates of the Fire and therein shall they abide. Those who believe and those who emigrate and strive hard in the cause of ALLAH, it is these who hope for ALLAH's mercy; And ALLAH is Most forgiving Merciful. They ask thee concerning wine and games of chance. Say `In both there is great sin and harm and also some advantages for men, but their sin and harm are greater than their advantage,' And they ask thee what they should spend. Say, `Spend what you can spare.' Thus does ALLAH makes HIS commandments clear to you that you may reflect - Upon this world and the next. And they ask thee concerning the orphans. Say `Promotion of their welfare is an act of great goodness. And if you intermix with them, they are your brethren. And ALLAH knows him who seeks to make mischief apart from him who seeks to promote the welfare of the orphans. And if ALLAH had so willed, HE would have put you to hardship. Surely ALLAH is Mighty and Wise.' And marry not idolatrous women until they believe; even a believing bond women is better than an idolatress, although she may please you. And give not believing women in marriage to idolaters until they believe; even a believing slave is better than an idolater, although he may please you. These call to Fire, but ALLAH calls to Heaven and to forgiveness by HIS will. And HE makes HIS Signs clear to the people that they may remember. And they ask thee concerning menstruation. Say, `It is a harmful thing, so keep away from women during menstruation, and go not in unto them until they are clean. But when they have cleansed themselves, go in unto them as ALLAH has commanded you. ALLAH loves those who keep themselves clean.' Your wives are a sort of tilth for you; so approach your tilth when and as you like and send ahead some good for yourselves; and fear ALLAH and know that you shall meet HIM; and bear good tidings to those who believe. And make not ALLAH a target for your oaths that you may thereby abstain from doing good and acting righteously and making peace between men. And ALLAH is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. ALLAH will not call you to account for such of your oaths as are vain, but HE will call you to account for what your hearts have earned. And ALLAH is Most forgiving, Forbearing. For those who vow abstinence from their wives, the maximum period of waiting is four months. Then if they go back to their normal relationship, surely ALLAH is Most forgiving, Merciful. And if they decide upon divorce, then surely ALLAH is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. And the divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three courses; and it is not lawful for them that they conceal what ALLAH has created in their wombs, if they believe in ALLAH and the Last Day; and their husbands have the greater right to take them back during that period, provided they desire reconciliation. And they (the women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in equity; but men have a degree of advantage above them. And ALLAH is Mighty and Wise. Such divorce may be pronounced twice; then either retain them in a becoming manner or send them away with kindness. And it is not lawful for you that you take anything of what you have given them (your wives) unless both fear that they cannot observe the limits prescribe by ALLAH. But if you fear that they cannot observe the limits prescribed by ALLAH, then it shall be no sin for either of them in what she gives to get her freedom. These are the limits prescribed by ALLAH, so transgress them not; and whoso transgresses the limits prescribed by ALLAH, it is they that are the wrongdoers. And if he divorces her the third time, then she is not lawful for him thereafter, until she marries another husband; and, if he also divorces her, then it shall be no sin for them to return to each other, provided they are sure that they would be able to observe the limits prescribed by ALLAH. And these are the limits prescribed by ALLAH which HE makes clear to the people who have knowledge. And when you divorce women and they approach the end of their appointed period, then either retain them in a becoming manner or send them away in a becoming manner; but retain them not wrongfully so that you may transgress against them. And whoso does that, surely wrongs his own soul. And do not make a jest of the commandments of ALLAH, and remember the favour of ALLAH upon you and the book and the Wisdom which HE has sent down to you, whereby HE exhorts you. And fear ALLAH and know that ALLAH knows all things well And when you divorce women and they reach the end of their period, prevent them not from marrying their husbands, if they agree between themselves in a decent manner. This an admonition for him among you who believes in ALLAH and the Last Day. It is more blessed for you and purer; and ALLAH knows but you know not. And mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years; this is for those who desire to complete the period of suckling. And the man to whom the child belongs shall be responsible for their (the mothers') maintenance and clothing according to usage. No soul is burdened beyond its capacity. Neither shall a mother be made to suffer on account of her child, nor shall he to whom the child belongs be made to suffer on account of his child and the same is incumbent on the father's heir. If they both decide upon weaning the child by mutual consent and consultation, there is no blame on them. And if you desire to engage a wet-nurse for your children, there shall be no blame on you, provided you pay what you have agreed to pay in a fair manner. And fear ALLAH and know that ALLAH sees what you do. And as for those of you who die and leave wives behind, these (wives) shall wait concerning themselves for four months and ten days. And when they have reached the end of their period, no blame shall be attached to you concerning anything that they do with regard to themselves in a decent manner. And ALLAH is Aware of what you o. And their shall be no blame on you in throwing out a hint regarding proposal of marriage to these women or in keeping the desire hidden in your minds. ALLAH knows that you will think of them in this connection. But make not a contract with them in secret, except that you say a fair word. And resolve not on marriage tie until the prescribed period reaches its end. And know that ALLAH knows what is in your minds; so beware of HIM. And know that ALLAH is Most Forgiving, Forbearing. It shall be no sin for you if you divorce women while you have not touched them, nor settle for them a dowry. But provide for them - the rich man according to his means and the poor man according to his need - a provision in a becoming manner. This is an obligation upon the virtuous. And if you divorce them before you have touched them, but have settled upon them a dowry, then half of what you have settled shall be due from you, unless they remit, or he, in whose hands is the tie of marriage, should remit. And that you should remit is nearer to righteousness. And do not forget to do good to one another. Surely ALLAH sees what you do. Watch over prayers, and particularly the middle Prayer, and stand before ALLAH submissively. If you are in a state of fear, then say your prayers on foot or riding, but when you are safe, remember ALLAH as HE has taught you that which you did not know. And those of you who die and leave behind wives shall bequeath to their wives provision for a year without being turned out. But if they themselves go out, then there shall be no blame upon you in regard to any proper thing which they do concerning themselves. And ALLAH is Mighty and Wise. And for the divorce women also there should be a provision according to what is fair - an obligation on the God-fearing. Thus does ALLAH make HIS commandments clear to you that you may understand. Hast thou not heard of those who went forth from their homes, and they were thousands, fearing death ? And ALLAH said to them, `Die', Then HE brought them to life. Surely ALLAH is Gracious to men, but most men are not grateful. And fight in the cause of ALLAH and know that ALLAH is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Who is it that will lend ALLAH a goodly loan that HE may multiply it for him manifold ? And ALLAH receives and enlarges. And to HIM shall you be made to return. Hast thou not heard of the chiefs of the Children of Israel after Moses, when they said to a Prophet of theirs, `Appoint for us a king that we may fight in the way of ALLAH ?' He said, `It is not likely that you will not fight, if fighting is prescribe for you ?' They said, `What reason have we that we should not fight in the way of ALLAH when we have been driven forth from our homes and our sons ?' But when fighting was ordained for them, they turned back except a small number of them. And ALLAH knows the transgressors well. And their Prophet said to them, `ALLAH has appointed for you Talut as king.' They said, `How can he have sovereignty over us while we are better entitled to sovereignty than he, and he is not given abundance of wealth ?' He said, `Surely, ALLAH has chosen him above you and has bestowed upon him abundant increase in knowledge and in strength of body. And ALLAH gives sovereignty to whom HE pleases. And ALLAH is Bountiful, All-Knowing. And their Prophet said to them, `The sign of his sovereignty is that there shall be given you a heart wherein there will be tranquility from your Lord and a legacy of good left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron - the angels bearing it. Surely, in this there is a sign for you if you are believers.' And when Talut set out with the forces, he said, `Surely, ALLAH will try you with a river. So he who drinks therefrom is not of me; and he who taste it not is assuredly of me, save him who takes only a handful of water with his hand.' But they drank of it, except a few of them. And when they crossed it - he and those who believed along with him - they said, `We have no power today against Jalut and his forces.' But those who knew for certain that they would one day meet ALLAH, said, `How many a small party has triumphed over a large party by ALLAH's command ! And ALLAH is with the steadfast.' And when they issued forth to encounter Jalut and his forces, they said, `O our Lord, pour forth steadfastness upon us, and make our steps firm, and help us against the disbelieving people.' So they routed them by the command of ALLAH, and David slew Jalut, and ALLAH gave him sovereignty and wisdom and taught him of what HE pleased. And had not ALLAH repelled some men by others, the earth would be full of mischief. But ALLAH is the Lord of grace to all peoples. These are the Signs of ALLAH. WE recite them unto thee with truth. Surely, thou art of the Messengers. These messengers have WE exalted some of them above others; among them there are those to whom ALLAH spoke and some of them HE exalted in degrees of rank and WE gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and strengthened him with the spirit of holiness. And if ALLAH had so willed, those that came after them would not have fought with one another after clear Signs had come to them; but they did disagree. Of them were some who believed, and of them were some who disbelieved. And if ALLAH had so willed, they would not have fought with one another; but ALLAH does what HE desires. O ye who believe ! spend out of what WE have bestowed on you before the day comes wherein there shall be no buying and selling, nor friendship, nor intercession, and it is those who disbelieve that do wrong to themselves. ALLAH - there is no god save HIM, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining. Slumber seizes HIM not, nor sleep. To HIM belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that dare intercede with HIM save by HIS permission ? HE knows what is before them and what is behind them; and they encompass nothing of HIS knowledge, except what HE pleases. HIS knowledge extends over the heavens and the earth; and the care of them wearies HIM not; and HE is the High, the Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Surely the right has become distinct from error; so whosoever refuses to be led by those who transgress and believes in ALLAH, has surely grasped a strong handle which knows no breaking. And ALLAH is All-Hearing. All-Knowing. ALLAH is the Friend of those who believe; HE brings them out of all kinds of darkness into light. And those who disbelieve, their friends are the transgressors who brings them out of light into manifold darknesses. These are the inmates of the Fire, therein shall they abide. Hast thou not heard of him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord, because ALLAH has given him kingdom ? When Abraham said, `My Lord is HE WHO gives life and causes death,' he said, `I also give life and cause death.' Abraham said, `Well, ALLAH brings the sun from the East; bring it thou from the West,' Thereupon the infidel was confounded. And ALLAH guides not the unjust people. Or hast thou not heard of the like of him who passed by a town which had fallen down upon its roofs and exclaimed, `When will ALLAH restore it to life after its destruction ?' Then ALLAH caused him to die for a hundred years, then HE raised him and said, `How long hast thou remained in this state ?' He answered, `I have remained a day or part of a day.' ALLAH said, `It is so but thou hast also remained in this state for a hundred years. Now look at thy food and thy drink; they have not rotted And look at thy ass. And WE have done this that WE may make thee a Sign unto men. And look at the bones, how WE set them and then clothe them with flesh.' And when this became clear to him, he said, `I know that ALLAH has the power to do all that HE wills.' And remember when Abraham said, `My Lord, show me how THOU givest life to the dead.' God said, `Dost thou not believe ?' Abraham said, `Yes, but I ask this that my heart may be at ease.' God answered, `Take four birds and make them attached to thee. Then put each of them on a hill; then call them; they will come to thee in haste.' And know that ALLAH is Mighty and Wise. The similitude of those who spend their wealth in the way of ALLAH is like the similitude of a grain of corn which grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains. And ALLAH multiplies it further for whomsoever HE pleases and ALLAH is Bountiful, All-Knowing. They who spend their wealth in the way of ALLAH, then follow not up what they have spent with taunt or injury, for them is their reward with their Lord, and they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. A kind word and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And ALLAH is Self-Sufficient, Forbearing. O ye who believe ! render not vain your alms by reproach and injury like him who spends his wealth to be seen by men, and he believes not in ALLAH and the Last Day. His case is like the case of a smooth rock covered with earth, on which heavy rain falls, leaving it bare and hard, They shall not secure aught of what they earn. And ALLAH guides not the disbelieving people. And the case of those who spend their wealth to seek the pleasure of ALLAH and to strengthen their souls is like the case of a garden on elevated ground. Heavy rain falls on it so that it brings forth its fruit twofold. And if heavy rain does not fall on it, then light rain suffices. And ALLAH sees what you do. Would any of you desire that there should be for him a garden of palm tress and vines with streams flowing beneath it, and with all kinds of fruit for him therein - while old age has stricken him and he has weak offspring - and that a fiery whirlwind should smite it and it be all burnt ? Thus does ALLAH makes HIS Signs clear to you that you may reflect. O ye who believe ! spend of the good things you have earned, and from what WE produce for you from the earth; and seek not what is bad that you may spend out of it when you would not take it yourselves except that you connive at it. And know that ALLAH is Self-Sufficient, praiseworthy. Satan threatens you with poverty and enjoins upon you what is foul, whereas ALLAH promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty. And ALLAH is Bountiful, All-Knowing. HE grants wisdom to whom HE pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted abundant good; and none would take heed except those endowed with understanding. And whatsoever you spend or whatsoever you vow, ALLAH surely knows it; and for the wrongdoers there shall be no helpers. If you give alms openly it is well and good; but if you hide them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, And HE will remit from you many of your evil deeds. And ALLAH is Aware of what you do. It is not thy responsibility to make them follow the right path; But ALLAH guides whosoever HE pleases. And whatever of wealth you spend, the benefit will of it will be for yourselves, for, you spend not but to seek the favour of ALLAH. And whatever of wealth you spend, it shall be paid back to you in full and you shall not be wronged. Alms are for the poor who are detained in the way of ALLAH and are unable to move about in the land. The ignorant man imagines them to be free from want because of their abstaining from begging. Thou shalt know them by their appearance, they do not beg of men with importunity. And whatever of wealth you spend, Surely ALLAH has perfect knowledge thereof. Those who spend their wealth by night and day, secretly and openly, have their reward with their Lord; on them shall come no fear nor shall they grieve. Those who devour interest do not rise except as rises one whom Satan has smitten with insanity. That is because they say, `Trade also is like interest;' whereas ALLAH has made trade lawful and has made interest unlawful. So he to whom an admonition comes from his Lord and he desist, then will that which he received in the pass be his; and his affair rests with ALLAH. And those who revert to it they are the inmates of the Fire; therein shall they abide. ALLAH will blot out interest and will cause charity to increase. And ALLAH loves not anyone who is a confirmed disbeliever and an arch-sinner. Surely, those, who believe and do good deeds, and observe Prayer and pay the Zakát, shall have their reward from their Lord, and no fear shall come on them, nor shall they grieve. O ye who believe ! fear ALLAH and give up what remains of interest, if you are truly believers. But if you do it not, then beware of war from ALLAH and HIS Messenger; and if you repent, then you shall have your principal; thus you shall not wrong nor shall you be wronged. And if the debtor be in straitened circumstances, then grant him respite till a time of ease. And that you remit it as charity shall be better for you, if you only knew. And guard yourselves against the day when you shall be made to return to ALLAH; then shall every soul be paid in full what it has earned; and they shall not be wronged. O ye who believe ! When you borrow one from another for a fixed period, then write it down. And let a scribe write it in your presence faithfully; and no scribe should refuse to write, because ALLAH has taught him, so let him write and let him who incurs the liability dictate, and he should fear ALLAH, his Lord, and not diminish anything therefrom. But if the person incurring the liability be of low understanding or be weak or be unable himself to dictate, then let someone who can guard his interest dictate with justice. And call two witnesses from among your men; and if two men be not available, then a man and two women, of such as you approve as witnesses, so that if either of the two women should forget, then one may remind the other. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called. And be not averse to writing it down whether it be small or large, along with its appointed time of payment. This is more equitable in the sight of ALLAH and makes testimony surer and is more likely to save you from doubt; so write it down except that it be ready transaction which you make among yourselves on the spot in which case it shall be no sin for you that you write it not. And have witnesses when you sell one to another, and let no harm be done to the scribe or the witness. And if you do that, then certainly it shall be disobedience on your part. And fear ALLAH. And ALLAH teaches you and ALLAH knows all things quite well. And if you be on a journey, and you find not a scribe, then let there be a pledge with possession. And if one of you entrust another with something, then let him who is entrusted, surrender his trust and let him fear ALLAH, his Lord. And hide not testimony; and whoever hides it his heart is certainly sinful. And ALLAH is Well-Aware of what you do. To ALLAH belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth; and whether you disclose what is in your minds or keep it hidden, ALLAH will call you to account for it, then will HE forgive whomsoever HE pleases, and punish whomsoever HE pleases; and ALLAH has the power to do all that HE wills. This Messenger of OURS believes in that which has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers; all of them believe in ALLAH, and in HIS angels, and in HIS Books, and in HIS Messengers, saying, `We make no distinction between any of HIS Messengers;' and they say `We have heard and we are obedient. Our Lord, we implore THY forgiveness, and to Thee is the returning.' ALLAH burdens not any soul beyond its capacity. It shall have the reward it earns, and it shall get the punishment it incurs. Our Lord, do not punish us if we forget or fall into error, and our Lord, lay not on us a responsibility as THOU didst lay upon those before us. Our Lord, burden us not with what we have not he strength to bear; and efface our sins and grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us; Thou art our Master; so help us against the disbelieving people. In the name of ALLAH, the Gracious, the Merciful. Alif, Lam, Mim. ALLAH is HE besides Whom there is none worthy of worship, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining. HE has sent down to thee the Book containing the truth and fulfilling that which precedes it; and HE has sent down the Torah and the Gospel before this, as a guidance to the people; and HE has sent down the Discrimination. Surely, those who deny the Signs of ALLAH, shall have a severe punishment. And ALLAH is Mighty, Lord of Retribution. Surely, nothing in the earth or in the heaven is hidden from ALLAH. HE it is who fashions you in the wombs as HE wills; there is none worthy of worship but HE, the Mighty, the Wise. HE it is who has sent down to thee the Book; in it there are verses that are firm and decisive in meaning - they are the basis of the Book - and there are others that are susceptible of different interpretations. But those in whose hearts is perversity pursue such thereof as are susceptible of different interpretations, seeking to cause discord and seeking wrong interpretations of it. And none knows it except ALLAH and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge; they say, `We believe in it; the whole is from our Lord.' - And none take heed except those gifted with understanding - `Our Lord, let not our hearts become perverse after Thou hast guided us, and bestow on us mercy from Thyself; surely Thou art the Great Bestower; `Our Lord, Thou wilt certainly assemble mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt; surely, ALLAH never fails in HIS promise.' Those who disbelieve - their possessions and their children shall not avail them at all against ALLAH; and it is they that are the fuel of the Fire. Their case is the like the case of the people of Pharaoh and those before them; They rejected our Signs; So ALLAH punished them for their sins, and ALLAH is severe in punishing. Say to those who disbelieve, `You shall be overcome and be gathered unto Hell; and an evil place of rest it is.' Certainly there was for you a Sign in the two armies which encountered each other - one army fighting in the way of ALLAH and the other disbelieving, whom they saw with their own eyes to be twice as many as themselves. Thus does ALLAH strengthen with HIS aid whomsoever HE pleases. In that surely is a lesson for those who have eyes. Fair-seeming to men is made the love of desired things -women and children, and stored up heaps of gold and silver, and horses of mark and cattle and crops. That is the provision of the present life; but it is ALLAH with Whom is an excellent home. Say, `Shall I inform you of something better than that ?' For those who fear God, there are Gardens with their Lord; beneath which streams flow; therein shall they abide; and pure mates and ALLAH's pleasure. And ALLAH is Mindful of HIS servants. Those who say, `Our Lord, we do believe; forgive us, therefore, our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire; The steadfast, and the truthful, and the humble, and those who spend in the way of ALLAH and those who pray for pardon in the latter part of the night. ALLAH bears witness that there is no god but HE - and also do the angels and those possessed of knowledge, maintaining justice; there is no god but HE, the Mighty, the Wise. Surely the true religion with ALLAH is Islam. And those who were given the Book did not disagree but, after knowledge had come to them, out of mutual envy. And whoso denies the Signs of ALLAH, then surely ALLAH is quick at reckoning. But if they dispute with thee, say `I have surrendered myself completely to ALLAH, and also those who follow me.' And say to those who have been given the Book and to the Unlearned, `Have you also surrendered ? If they surrender, then they will surely be rightly guided, but if they turn back, then thy duty is only to convey the Message. And ALLAH is Watchful of HIS servants. Surely, those who deny the signs of ALLAH and seek to slay the Prophets unjustly and seek to slay such men as enjoin equity - announce to them a painful punishment. Those are they whose deed shall come to naught in this world and in the next, and they shall have no helpers. Hast thou not seen those who have been given their portion of the Book ? They are called to the Book of ALLAH that it may judge between them, but a party of them turn away in aversion. That is because they say, `The Fire shall not touch us except for a limited number of days.' And what they used to forge has deceived them regarding their religion. How will it be with them when WE will gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt; and when every soul will be paid in full what it has earned, and they shall not be wronged ? Say, `O ALLAH, Lord of Sovereignty, Thou givest sovereignty to whomsoever Thou pleasest; and Thou takest away sovereignty from whomsoever Thou pleasest. Thou exaltest whomsoever Thou pleasest and Thou abasest whomsoever Thou pleasest. In Thy hand is all good. Thou surely hast power to do all things. Thou makest the night pass into the day and makest the day pass into the night. And Thou bringest forth the living from the dead and bringest forth the dead from the living. And Thou givest to whomsoever Thou pleasest without measure.' Let not the believers take disbelievers for friends in preference to believers - and whoever does that has no connection with ALLAH - except that you guard yourselves fully against them. And ALLAH cautions you against HIS punishment; and to ALLAH is the returning. Say, `Whether you hide what is in your breasts or reveal it, ALLAH knows it; and HE knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. And ALLAH has power to do all things.' Beware of the Day when every soul shall find itself confronted with all the good it has done and all the evil it has done. It will wish there were a great distance between it and that evil. And ALLAH cautions you against HIS punishment. And ALLAH is Most Compassionate to HIS servants. Say `If you love ALLAH, follow me; then will ALLAH love you and forgive you your sins.' And ALLAH is Most Forgiving and Merciful. Say, `Obey ALLAH and HIS Messenger;' but if they turn away, then remember that ALLAH loves not the disbelievers. ALLAH chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of Imran above all peoples of the time. They were descendants of one another and ALLAH is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Remember when a women of Imran said, `My Lord, I have vowed to Thee what is in my womb to be dedicated to Thy service. So do Thou accept it of me; Verily Thou alone art All-Hearing, All-Knowing.' But when she was delivered of it, she said, `My Lord, I am delivered of a female,' - and ALLAH knew best of what she was delivered and the male she desired to have was not like the female she was delivered of - `and I have named her Mary, and I commit her and her offspring to Thy protection from Satan, the rejected. So her Lord accepted her with gracious acceptance and caused her to grow an excellent growth and made Zachariah her guardian. Whenever Zachariah visited her in the chamber, he found with her provisions. He said, `O Mary whence hast thou this ?' She replied, `It is from ALLAH.' Surely ALLAH gives to whomsoever HE pleases without measure. Then and there did Zachariah pray to his Lord, saying, `My Lord grant me from Thyself pure offspring; surely thou art the Hearer of Prayer.' And the angels called to him as he stood praying in the chamber, `ALLAH gives thee glad tidings of Yahya, who shall testify to the truth of a word from ALLAH - noble and chaste and a Prophet, from among the righteous. He said `My Lord, how shall I have a son, when old age has overtaken me already, and my wife is barren ?' He answered, `Such is the way of ALLAH; HE does what HE pleases,' He said `My Lord, give me a commandment.' He replied, `The commandment for thee is that thou shalt not speak to men for three days except by signs. And remember thy Lord much and glorify HIM in the evening and in the early morning.' And remember when the angels said, `ALLAH has chosen thee and purified thee and chosen thee above all women of the time. `O Mary, be obedient to thy Lord and prostrate thyself and worship the one God with those who worship HIM.' This is of the tidings of things unseen which WE reveal to thee. And thou was not with them when they cast their arrows, as to which of them should be the guardian of Mary, nor was thou with them when they disputed with one another. When the angels said, `O Mary, ALLAH gives thee glad tidings of a son through a word from HIM; his name shall be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, honoured in this world and in the next, and of those who are granted nearness to God; `And he shall speak to the people in the cradle, and when of middle age, and he shall be of the righteous. She said, `My Lord, how shall I have a son, when no man has touch me ? He said, `Such is the way of ALLAH. HE creates what HE pleases. When HE decrees a thing HE says to it `Be,' and it is; And HE will teach him the Book and the Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; And will send him as a Messenger to the Children of Israel with the Message, `I come to you with a Sign from your Lord, which is, that I will fashion out for you a creation out of clay after the manner of a bird; then I will breath into it a new spirit and it will become a soaring being by the command of ALLAH; and I will heal the night blind and the leprous, and I will quicken the dead by the command of ALLAH; and I will announce to you what you will eat and what you will store up in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you, if you are believers. `And I come fulfilling that which is before me, namely the Torah; and to allow you some of that which was forbidden unto you, and I come to you with a Sign from your Lord; so fear ALLAH and obey me; `Surely, ALLAH is my Lord and your Lord, so worship him this is the right path.' And when Jesus perceived their disbelief, he said, `Who will be my helpers in the cause of ALLAH ?' The disciples answered, `We are the helpers of ALLAH. We have believed in ALLAH. And bear thou witness that we are obedient; `Our Lord, we believe in that which thou hast sent down and we follow this Messenger. So write us down among those who bear witness.' And Jesus's enemies planned and ALLAH also planned, and ALLAH is the Best of Planners. Remember the time when ALLAH said' `O Jesus, I will cause thee to die a natural death and will raise thee to Myself, and will clear thee of the charges of those who disbelieve, and will exalt those who follow thee above those who disbelieve, until the Day of Resurrection; then to ME shall be your return, and I will judge between you concerning that wherein you differ. `Then as for those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe punishment in this world and in the next, and they shall have no helpers;' `And as for those who believe and do good works, HE will give them their full rewards. And ALLAH loves not the wrongdoers.' That is what WE recite unto thee of the Signs and the Reminder, full of Wisdom. Surely the case of Jesus is like the case of Adam. HE created him out of dust, then he said to him, "Be', and he was. This is the truth from thy Lord, so be thou not of those who doubt. Now whoso disputes with thee concerning him, after what has come to thee of Knowledge, say to him `Come, let us call our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and our people and your people; then let us pray fervently and invoke the curse of ALLAH on those who lie. This certainly is the true account. There is none worthy of worship save ALLAH; and surely, it is ALLAH Who is the Mighty, the Wise. But if they turn away, then remember that ALLAH fully knows the mischief-makers. Say, `O people of the Book ! come to a word equal to us and you - that we worship none but ALLAH, and that we associate no partner with HIM, and that some of us take not others for Lords beside ALLAH.' But if they turn away, then say `Bear witness that we have submitted to God.' O People of the Book ! Why do you dispute concerning Abraham, When the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him ? Will you not understand. Behold ! you are those who disputed about that whereof you had some knowledge. Why then do you now dispute about that whereof you have no knowledge at all ? ALLAH knows and you know not. Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian but he was ever inclined to God and obedient to HIM, and he was not of those who associate gods with ALLAH. Surely, the nearest of men to Abraham are those who followed him and this prophet and those who believe in him, and ALLAH is the Friend of the believers. A party of the People of the Book would fain lead you astray; but they lead astray none except themselves, only they perceive not. O People of the Book ! Why do you deny the signs of ALLAH, while you are witnesses thereof ? O People of the Book ! Why do you confound truth with falsehood and hide the truth knowingly ? And a party of the People of the Book say, `Declare your belief outwardly in that which has been revealed unto the believers, in the early part of the day, and disbelieve in the latter part of thereof; perchance they may return. And obey none but him who follows your religion.' Say, `Surely, true guidance - the guidance of ALLAH, - is, that one be given the like of that which has been given to you - or they would argue with you before your Lord.' Say, `All grace is in the hand of ALLAH. HE gives it to whomsoever HE pleases. And ALLAH is Bountiful, All-knowing. `HE selects for HIS mercy whomsoever HE pleases. And ALLAH is the Lord of mighty grace. Among the People of the Book there is he who, if thou trust him with a treasure, will return it to thee; and among them is he who, if thou trust him with a dinar, will not return it to thee, unless thou keep standing over him. That is because they say, `We are not liable to be called to account in the matter of the Unlearned people; and they utter a lie against ALLAH knowingly. Nay, but whoso fulfills his pledge and fears ALLAH -verily, ALLAH loves those who fear Him. As for those who take a paltry price in exchange for their covenant with ALLAH and their oaths, they shall have no portion in the life to come, and ALLAH will neither speak to them nor look upon them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will HE purify them; and for them shall be a grievous punishment. And, surely, among them is a party who twist their tongues while reciting the Book that you may think it to be part of the Book, while it is not part of the Book. And they say `It is from ALLAH;' while it is not from ALLAH; and they utter a lie against ALLAH while they know. It does not befit a truthful man that ALLAH should give him the Book and Wisdom and Prophethood, and then he should say to men, `Be my worshippers instead of ALLAH; but he would say, `Be solely devoted to the Lord because you teach the book and because you study t. Nor does it befit that he should bid you to take angels and Prophets for lords. What ! would he enjoin you to disbelieve after you have submitted to God. And remember the time when ALLAH took a covenant from the people through the Prophets, saying `Whatever I give you of the Book and Wisdom and then there comes to you a Messenger, fulfilling that which is with you, you shall believe in him and help him.' And HE said, `Do you agree, and do you accept the responsibility which I lay upon you in this matter ?' They said `We agree.' HE said `Then bear witness and I am with you among the witnesses.' Now whoso turns away after this, then surely, those are the transgressors. Do the seek a religion other than ALLAH's, while to HIM submits whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and to HIM shall they all be returned ? Say, `We believe in ALLAH and that which has been revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and in that which was given to Moses and Jesus and other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and to HIM we submit. And whoso seeks a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he shall be among the losers. How shall ALLAH guide a people who have disbelieved after believing and who had borne witness that the messenger was true and to whom clear proofs had come ? And ALLAH guides not the wrong doing people. As for such - their reward is that on them shall be the curse of ALLAH and of angels and of men, all together. They shall abide thereunder. Their punishment shall not be lightened nor shall they be reprieved. Except those who repent thereafter and amend. And surely ALLAH is Most Forgiving, Merciful. Surely those who disbelieve after they have believed and then increase in their disbelief, their repentance shall not be accepted, and these are they who have gone astray. As for those who have disbelieved, and die while they are disbelievers, there shall not be accepted from anyone of them even the earth-full of gold though he offer it as ransom. It is these for whom shall be a grievous punishment, and they shall have no helpers. You cannot attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love; and whatever you spend, ALLAH surely knows it well. All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel forbade himself before the Torah was sent down. Say, `Bring, then, the Torah and read it, if you are truthful.' Now whoso forges a lie against ALLAH after this, then it is these that are the wrongdoers. Say, `ALLAH has declared the truth; follow, therefore, the religion of Abraham who was ever inclined to ALLAH, and he was not of those who associated gods with Him.' Surely the first House founded for all mankind is that at Becca, abounding in blessings and a guidance for all peoples. In it are manifest Signs; it is the place of Abraham; and whoso enters it, is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty which men - those who can find a way thither - owe to ALLAH. And whoso disbelieves, let him remember that ALLAH is surely Independent of all creatures. Say, `O People of the Book ! why deny ye the signs of ALLAH, while ALLAH is Witness of what you do ? Say, `O People of the Book ! why hinder ye the believers from the path of ALLAH, seeking to make it crooked, while you are witnesses thereof ? And ALLAH is not unmindful of what you do.' O ye who believe ! if you obey any party of those who have been given the Book, they will turn you again into disbelievers after you have believed. How would you disbelieve, while to you are rehearsed the Signs of ALLAH, and HIS messenger is in your midst ? And he who holds fast to ALLAH is indeed guided to the right path. O ye who believe ! fear ALLAH as HE should be feared; and let not death overtake you except when you are in a state of submission. And hold fast, all together, to the rope of ALLAH and be not divided; and remember the favour of ALLAH which HE bestowed upon you when you were enemies and HE united your hearts in love, so that by HIS grace you became as brothers; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire and HE saved you from it. Thus does ALLAH explain to you HIS commandments that you may be guided. And let there always be among you a body of men who should invite to goodness, and enjoin virtue and forbid evil. And it is they who shall prosper. And be not like those who became divided and who disagreed among themselves after clear proofs had come to them. And it is they for whom there shall be grievous punishment, On the day when some faces shall be white, and some faces shall be black. As for those whose faces will be black, it will be said to them: `Did you disbelieve after believing ? Taste then the punishment because you disbelieved.' And as for those whose faces will be white, they will be in the mercy of ALLAH; therein will they abide. These are the Signs of ALLAH, comprising the Truth. WE rehearse them to thee and ALLAH desires not any injustice to HIS creatures. And to ALLAH belongs whatever is in the heavens and what ever is in the earth, and to ALLAH shall all affairs be returned for decision. You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin good and forbid evil and believe in ALLAH. And if the People of the Book had believed, it would have, surely, been better for them. Some of them are believers, but most of them are transgressors. They cannot harm you save that they may cause you slight hurt; and if they fight you, they will turn their backs to you. Then they shall not be helped. They shall be smitten with abasement wherever they are found unless they are protected by a covenant with ALLAH or by a covenant with men. They have incurred the wrath of ALLAH, and they have been smitten with wretchedness. That is because they rejected the Signs of ALLAH and sought to slay the Prophets unjustly. That is because they rebelled and used to transgress. They are not all alike. Among the People of the Book, there is a party who stand by their covenant; they recite the word of ALLAH in the hours of the night and prostrate themselves before HIM. They believe in ALLAH and the Last Day, and enjoin good and forbid evil, and hasten to vie with one another in good works. And these are among the righteous. And whatever good they do, they shall not be denied its due reward, and ALLAH well knows those who guard against evil. As for those who disbelieve, their possessions and their children shall not avail them aught against ALLAH, and these are the inmates of the Fire; therein shall they abide. The likeness of what they spend for the present life is as the likeness of a wind wherein there is intense cold. It smites the harvest of a people who have wronged themselves and destroys it. And ALLAH wronged them not but they wronged themselves. O ye who believe ! take not others than your own people as intimate friends; they will spare no pains to ruin you. They love to see you in trouble. Hatred has already shown itself through the utterances of their mouths and what their breasts hide is greater still. We have made clear to you OUR commandments, if you will only use your understanding. Behold ! you are those who love them, but they love you not. And you believe in the Book, all of it. When they meet you, they say, `We believe;' but when they are alone, they bite their finger tips at you for rage. Say, `Perish in your rage. Surely ALLAH has full knowledge of what is hidden in your breast.' If anything good befalls you, it grieves them; and if an evil afflicts you, they rejoice thereat. But if you be steadfast and righteous, their designs will not harm you at all; surely ALLAH encompasses all that they do. And remember when thou didst go forth early in the morning from thy household, assigning to the believers their positions for battle. And ALLAH is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. When two parties from among you, thought of showing cowardice, although ALLAH was their Friend. And upon ALLAH should the believers rely. And ALLAH had already helped you at Badr when you were weak. So take ALLAH for your protector so that you may be grateful. When thou didst say to the believers, `Will it not suffice you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels sent down from on high. Yea, if you be steadfast and righteous and they came upon you immediately in hot haste, your Lord will help you with five thousand angels, attacking vehemently. And ALLAH has made it only as glad tidings for you and to put your hearts at rest thereby; and help comes from ALLAH alone, the Mighty, the Wise. This will be, that HE might cut off a part of the disbelievers or abase them so that they may go back frustrated. It is none of thy concern whether HE may turn to them in mercy or punish them, for they are wrongdoers. And to ALLAH belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. HE forgives whomsoever HE pleases and punishes whomsoever HE pleases, and ALLAH is Most Forgiving, Merciful. O ye who believe ! devour not interest involving multiple additions, and fear ALLAH that you may prosper. And fear the Fire which has been prepared for the disbelieves. And obey ALLAH and the Messenger that you may be shown mercy. And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord, and the Paradise whose value is the heavens and the earth. It is prepared for the God-fearing. Those, who spends in prosperity and adversity, and those who suppress anger, and pardon men; and ALLAH loves those who do good; And those who, when they commit a foul deed or wrong themselves, remember ALLAH and implore forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except ALLAH - and do not knowingly persist in what they do. It is these whose reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide; and an excellent is the reward of good workers. Surely there have been many dispensations before you; so travel through the earth and see how evil was the end of those who treated the Prophets as liars. This Qur'an is a clear demonstration to men, and a guidance and an admonition to the God-fearing. Slacken not nor grieve; and you shall certainly have the upper hand, if you are true believers. If you have received an injury, surely the disbelieving people have already received a similar injury. And such days WE cause to alternate among men that they may be admonished, and that ALLAH may cause to be distinguished those who believe and may take witnesses from among you; and ALLAH loves not the unjust. And that ALLAH may purify those who believe, and destroy the disbelievers. Do you suppose that you will enter Heaven while ALLAH has not yet caused to be distinguished those of you that strive in the way of ALLAH and has not yet caused to be distinguished the steadfast. And you used to wish for such a death before you met it; now you have seen it face to face, then why do some of you seek to avoid it. And Muhammad is but a messenger. Verily all Messengers have passed away before him. If then he dies or is slain, will you turn back on your heels ? And he who turns back on his heels shall not harm ALLAH at all. And ALLAH will certainly reward the grateful. And no soul can die except by ALLAH's leave, - a decree with a fixed term. And whoever desires the reward of the present world, WE will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter, WE will give him thereof; and WE will surely reward the grateful. And many a Prophet there has been beside whom fought numerous companies of their followers. They slacken not for aught that befell them in the way of ALLAH nor did they weaken, nor did they humiliate themselves before the enemy. And ALLAH loves the steadfast. And they uttered not a word except that they said, `Our Lord forgive us our sins and our excesses in our conduct, and make firm our steps and help us against the disbelieving people. So ALLAH gave them the reward of this world, and also an excellent reward of the Hereafter; and ALLAH loves those who do good. O ye who believe ! if you obey those who have disbelieved, they will cause you to turn back on your heels, and you will become the losers. Nay, ALLAH is your Protector, and HE is the Best of helpers. And WE shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved because they associate partners with ALLAH, for which HE has sent down no authority. Their abode is the Fire; and evil is the habitation of the wrongdoers. And ALLAH had surely made good to you HIS promise when you were slaying and destroying them by HIS leave, until, when your courage failed you and you disputed among yourselves concerning the order and you disobeyed, after HE had shown you that which you love, HE withdrew HIS help. Among you were those who desired the present world, and among you were those who desired the Hereafter. Then HE turned you away from them, that HE might try you - and HE has surely pardoned you, and ALLAH is Gracious to the believers - When you were running away and looked not back at anyone while the Messenger was calling you, in your rear, then HE gave you one sorrow after another sorrow, that you might not grieve for what escaped you nor for what befell you. And ALLAH is quite Aware of what you do. Then after the sorrow HE sent down peace on you - a slumber that overcame a party of you - while the other part was anxious concerning their ownselves. They entertain about ALLAH wrong thoughts of ignorance. They said, `Have we any part in the affair ?' Say, `Verily the affair wholly belongs to ALLAH.' They hide in their minds what they disclose not to thee. They say, `If we had any part in the determination of the affairs, we should not have been killed here.' Say, `If you had remained in your homes, surely those on whom fighting had been enjoined would have gone forth to their death-beds that ALLAH might fulfill HIS decree and that HE might test what is in your breasts and that HE might purge what was in your hearts. And ALLAH knows well what is in your breasts; Those of you who turned their backs on the day when the two host met, surely it was Satan who sought to make them stumble because of certain doings of theirs. But certainly ALLAH has already pardoned them. Verily ALLAH is Most Forgiving, Forbearing. O ye who believe ! be not like those who have disbelieved, and who say of their brethren when they travel in the land or go forth to war: `Had they been with us, they would not have died or been slain.' They say this that ALLAH may make it a cause of regret in their hearts. And ALLAH gives life and causes death and ALLAH is Mindful of what you do. And if you are slain in the cause of ALLAH or you die, surely, forgiveness from ALLAH and mercy are better than what they hoard. And if you die or be slain, surely unto ALLAH shall you be gathered together. And it is by the great mercy of ALLAH that thou art kind towards them, and if thou hadst been rough and hard-hearted, they would surely have dispersed from around thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in matters of administration; and when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in ALLAH. Surely, ALLAH loves those who put their trust in HIM. If ALLAH helps you none can overcome you; but if HE forsakes you, then who is there that can help you beside HIM ? In ALLAH, then, let the believers put their trust. And it is not possible for a Prophet to act dishonestly, and whosoever acts dishonestly shall bring with him that, concerning which he has been dishonest, on the Day of Resurrection. Then every soul shall be fully paid what it has earned; and they shall not be wronged. Is he who follows the pleasure of ALLAH like him who draws on himself the wrath of ALLAH and whose abode is Hell ? And an evil retreat it is ! They have different ranks with ALLAH; and ALLAH sees what they do. Verily, ALLAH has conferred a favour on the believers by raising among them a Messenger from among themselves who recites to them HIS Signs, and purifies them and teaches them the Book and Wisdom; and, before that, they were surely in manifest error. What ! when a misfortune befalls you - and you had already inflicted twice as much - you say, `Whence is this ? Say, `It is from your ownselves.' Surely ALLAH has the power over all things. And that which befell you, on the day when the two host met, was by ALLAH's command; and this was so that he might cause the believers to be distinguished; And that HE might cause the hypocrites to be distinguished. And it was said to them, `Come ye, fight in the cause of ALLAH and repel the attack of the enemy;' they said, `If we knew how to fight we would surely follow you.' They were that day, nearer to disbelief than belief. They say with their mouths what is not in their hearts. And ALLAH knows quite well what they hide. It is these who said to their brethren, while they themselves remained behind, `If they had obeyed us, they would not have been slain.' Say, `Then avert death from yourselves, if you are truthful.' Think not of those, who have been slain in the cause of ALLAH, as dead. Nay, they are living, in the presence of their Lord, and are granted gifts from HIM; Jubilant because that which ALLAH has given them of HIS bounty; and rejoicing for the sake of those who have not yet joined them from behind them, because on them shall come no fear nor shall they grieve. They rejoice at the favour of ALLAH and HIS bounty, and at the fact that ALLAH suffers not the reward of the believers to be lost. Those who answered the call of ALLAH and the Messenger after they had received an injury - such of them as do good and act righteously shall have a great reward; Those to whom men said, `People have mustered against you, therefore fear them,' but this only increased their faith and they said, `Sufficient for us is ALLAH, and an excellent Guardian is HE.' So they returned with a mighty favour from ALLAH and a great bounty, while no evil had touched them; and they followed the pleasure of ALLAH; and ALLAH is the Lord of great bounty. It is Satan who only frightens his friends, so fear them not but fear ME, if you are believers. And let not those who hasten to fall into disbelief grieve thee; surely, they cannot harm ALLAH in any way. ALLAH desires not to assign them any portion in the life to come; and they shall have a severe punishment. Surely those who have purchased disbelief at the price of faith cannot harm ALLAH at all; and they shall have a grievous punishment. And let not the disbelievers think that OUR granting them respite is good for them; in fact the result of OUR granting them respite will only be that they will increase in sin; and they shall have an humiliating punishment. ALLAH would not leave the believers in the state in which you are, until HE separated the wicked from the good. Nor would ALLAH reveal to you the unseen. But ALLAH chooses of HIS Messengers whom HE pleases. Believe therefore in ALLAH and HIS Messengers. If you believe and be righteous, you shall have a great reward. And let not those who are niggardly in spending what ALLAH has given them of HIS bounty, think that it is good for them; nay, it is bad for them. That with respect to which they were niggardly shall be put as a collar round their necks on the Day of Resurrection. And to ALLAH belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth, and ALLAH is fully Aware of what you do. And surely, ALLAH has heard the utterance of those who said, `ALLAH is poor and we are rich.' WE shall record what they have said, and their attempts to slay the Prophets unjustly; and WE shall say, `Take ye the punishment of the burning;' That is because of that which your hands have sent on before.' and ALLAH is not at all unjust to HIS servants. Those who say, `ALLAH has charged us not to believe in any Messenger until he brings us an offering which fire devours.' Say, `There have already come to you Messengers before me with clear Signs and with that which you ask for. Why, then, did you seek to slay them, if you are truthful ?' And if they accuse thee of lying, even so were accused of lying Messengers before thee who came with clear Signs and Books of wisdom and the illuminating Book. Every soul shall taste of death. And you shall be paid in full your rewards only on the Day of Resurrection. So whosoever is removed away from the Fire and is made to enter Heaven has indeed attained his goal. And the life of this world is nothing but an illusory enjoyment. You shall surely be tried in your possessions and your persons and you shall surely hear many hurtful things from those who were given the Book before you and from those who set up equals to ALLAH. But if you show patience and fortitude and act righteously, that indeed is a matter of high resolve. And remember when ALLAH took a covenant from those who were given the Book, saying, `You shall expound it to the people and not hide it.' But they threw it away behind their backs, and bartered it for a paltry price. Evil is that which they purchased. Think not that those who exult in what they have done, and love to be praised for what they have not done - think not that they are secure from punishment. They shall suffer a grievous chastisement. And to ALLAH belongs the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth; and ALLAH has the power over all things. In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day there are indeed Signs for men of understanding.; Those who remember ALLAH standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth; and say, `Our Lord, thou hast not created this universe in vain. Holy art Thou; save us then from the punishment of the Fire; `Our Lord, whomsoever THOU causest to enter the Fire, him THOU hast surely disgraced. And the wrongdoers shall have no helpers; `Our Lord, we have heard a Crier calling us unto faith, saying, `Believe ye in your Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord, forgive us, therefore, our sins and remit from us our evils and in death join us with the righteous; `Our Lord, give us what Thou hast promised to us through Thy Messengers; and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection. Surely, Thou breakest not Thy promise. So their Lord answered their prayers, saying, `I will suffer not the work of any worker from among you, whether male or female, to be lost. You are from one another. Those, therefore, who have emigrated, and have been driven out of their homes, and have been persecuted for MY cause, and have fought and been slain, I will surely remit from them their evil deeds and will cause them to enter gardens through which streams flow - a reward from ALLAH, and with ALLAH is the best of rewards. Let not the moving about of the disbelievers in the land deceive thee. It is a small and temporary advantage, then Hell shall be their abode. What an evil place of rest. But those who fear their Lord shall have gardens through which streams flow; therein shall they abide - an entertainment from ALLAH. And that which is with ALLAH is still better for the righteous. And surely, among the People of the Book there are some who believe in ALLAH and in what has been sent down to you and in what was sent down to them, humbling themselves before ALLAH. They barter not the Signs of ALLAH for a paltry price. It is these who shall have their reward with their Lord. Surely ALLAH is Swift in settling account. O ye who believe ! be steadfast and strive to excel in steadfastness and be on your guard and fear ALLAH, that you may prosper. In the name of ALLAH, the Gracious, the Merciful. O ye people ! fear your Lord who created you from a single soul and of its kind created its mate, and from them twain spread many men and women; and fear ALLAH, in Whose name you appeal to one another, and fear him particularly respecting ties of kinship. Verily ALLAH watches over you. And give to the orphans their property and exchange not the bad for the good, and devour not their property by mixing it with your own. Surely, it is a great sin. And if you fear that you will not be just in dealing with the orphans, then marry of other women as may be agreeable to you, two, or three, or four; and if you fear you will not be able to do justice, then marry only one or marry what your right hand possess. Thus it is more likely that you will not do injustice. And give the women their dowries willingly. But if they, of their own pleasure, remit to you a part thereof, then enjoy it as something pleasant and wholesome. And give not to those weak of understanding your property which ALLAH has made for you a means of support; but feed them therewith and clothe them and speak to them words of kind advice. And test the understanding of orphans until they attain the age of marriage, then, if you perceive in them mature judgment, deliver to them their property; and devour it not in extravagance and haste against their growing up. And whoso is rich, let him abstain; and who so is poor let him eat thereof with equity. And when you deliver to them their property, then call witnesses in their presence. And ALLAH is sufficient as a Reckoner. For men is a share of that which parents leave and near relations leave; and for women is a share of that which parents and near relations leave, whether it be little or much - a determined share. And when other relations and orphans and the poor are present at the division of the heritage, give them something therefrom and speak to them words of kindness. And let those fear ALLAH who, if they should leave behind them weak offspring, would be afraid on their account. Let them, therefore, fear ALLAH and let them say the right word. Surely they who devour the property of the orphans unjustly, only swallow fire into their bellies, and they shall burn in a blazing fire. ALLAH commands you concerning your children; a male shall have as much as the share of two females; but if their be females only, numbering more than two, then they shall have two-thirds of what the deceased leave; and if there be one, she shall have the half. And his parents each of them a sixth of the inheritance, if he have a child, but if he have no child and his parents be his heirs, then his mother shall have a third; and if he have brothers and sisters, then his mother shall have a sixth, after the payment of any bequests he may have bequeathed or of debts. Your fathers and your children; you know not which of them is more beneficent to you. This fixing of portions is from ALLAH. Surely, ALLAH is All-Knowing, Wise. And you shall half of that which your wives leave, if they have no child; but if they have a child, then you shall have a fourth of that which they leave, after the payment of any bequests they may have bequeathed or of debts. And they shall have a fourth of that which you leave, if you have no child; but if you have a child, then they shall have an eighth of that which you leave, after the payment of any bequests you may have bequeathed or of debt. And if there be a man or a woman whose heritage is to be divided and he or she has neither parent nor child, and he or she has a brother and a sister, then each one of them shall have a sixth. But if they be more than that, then they shall be equal sharers in one-third, after the payment of any bequests which may have been bequeathed or of debt. And all this shall be without intent to cause injury to anyone. This is an injunction from ALLAH and ALLAH is Wise, Forbearing. These are the limits set by ALLAH; and whoso obeys ALLAH and HIS Messenger, HE will make him enter Gardens through which streams flow; Therein shall they abide; and that is a great triumph. And whoso disobeys ALLAH and HIS Messenger and transgresses HIS limits. HE will make him enter into the Fire; therein he shall abide; and he shall have an humiliating punishment. And such of your women who are guilty of any flagrant impropriety - call to witness four of you against them; and if they bear witness, then confine them to the houses until death overtakes them or ALLAH opens for them some other way. And if two from among you are guilty of it, punish them both. And if they repent and amend, then leave them alone; surely ALLAH is Oft-Returning with compassion and is ever Merciful. Verily, ALLAH accepts the repentance of only those who do evil in ignorance and then repent soon after. These are they to whom ALLAH turns with mercy; and ALLAH is All-Knowing, Wise. There is no acceptance of repentance for those who continue to do evil until, when death faces one of them, he says, I do indeed repent now; nor for those who die disbelievers. It is these for whom WE have prepared a painful punishment. O ye who believe, it is not lawful for you to inherit women against their will, nor should you detain them wrongfully that you may take away part of that which you have given them, except that they be guilty of a flagrant impropriety, and consort with them in kindness, and if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing wherein ALLAH has placed much good. And if you desire to take one wife in place of another and you have given one of them a treasure, take not aught therefrom. Will you take it by false accusations and manifest sinfulness ? And how can you take it when one of you may have consorted with the other, and they (the women) have taken from you a strong covenant ?