ALBAQARAH (2)

"The Cow"

(Revealed at Medina, Verses 286)

In the name of Allah, The Merciful, The All-merciful

Alif Lam Mim (A.L.M.); (1)

this is the Book, no doubt in it, a guidance to the godfearing, (2)

who believe without seeing, establish the Prayer and expend of that We have provided them; (3)

who believe in what has been sent down to thee and what has been sent down before thee, and they are sure about the Hereafter. (4)

Those are upon guidance from their Lord, and those are the ones who shall prosper.(5)

Those who disbelieve, it is equal for them whether thou warn them or warn them not, they will not believe. (6)

God has set a seal on their hearts and on their ears; and there is a covering on their eyes; and for them shall be a big punishment.(7)

And some men there are who say, `we believe in God and the Last Day', but they are no believers. (8)

They would deceive God and the Believers, but they do not deceive any except themselves, though they do not perceive. (9)

In their hearts is a sickness, then God increased their sickness, and for them shall be a painful punishment, for that they were speaking lies. (10)

And when it is said to them, `do not cause disorder in the land', they say, `we are only putting things right.' (11)

Behold, they are the ones that cause disorder, though they do not perceive. (12)

And when it is said to them, `believe as the people believe', they say, `shall we believe as the fools believe?' Behold, they are the fools, but they do not know. (13)

And when they meet the Believers, they say, `we believe'; but when they are alone with their devils, they say, `we are with you, we only mock.' (14)

God mocks them and leaves them in their insolence, blindly wandering. (15)

Those are the ones that have bought error in place of guidance, and their commerce has not profited them, and they are not guided.(16)

Their likeness is as the likeness of him who kindled a fire, and when it lit about him, God took away their light, and left them in darkness, unseeing. (17)

Deaf, dumb and blind, they do not return. (18)

Or it is as a cloud-burst from the heaven, in which is darkness, thunder and lightning; they put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps, for fear of death; but God has encompassed the unbelievers. (19)

The lightning almost snatches away their eyes; whenever it gives them light, they walk in it, and when it darkens over them, they halt; had God willed, He would have taken away their ears and their eyes; God is powerful over everything.(20)

O mankind, serve your Lord who created you and those that were before you, that you may become godfearing;(21)

who made the earth a couch for you and heaven an edifice, and sent down from heaven water, wherewith He brought forth fruits for your provision; so do not set up compeers to God while you know. (22)

And if you are in doubt concerning that We have sent down on Our Servant, then produce a Sura (chapter) like it, and call your witnesses, apart from God, if you are truthful.(23)

But if you do not, and you will not, then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones; it is prepared for the unbelievers.(24)

And give thou good news to those who believe and do righteous deeds, that for them shall be gardens underneath which rivers flow; whenever they are provided with any fruit therefrom, they shall say, `this is what we were provided before', and they will be given in semblance; and there, for them shall be pure spouses, and therein they shall dwell forever.(25)

God is not ashamed to give a similitude even of a gnat or anything above it. Then, as for the Believers, they know that it is the truth from their Lord; but as for the unbelievers, they say, `what does God desire by this similitude?' Thereby He sends astray many and thereby He guides many; but thereby He sends none astray except the transgressors, (26)

those who break the covenant of God after its binding, and cut what God has commanded should be joined, and cause disorder in the land; those are the losers.(27)

How do you disbelieve in God, seeing that you were dead and He gave you life, then He shall make you to die, then He shall give you life, then unto Him you shall be returned?(28)

It is He who created for you all that is in the earth, then turned to the heaven and levelled them seven heavens; and He has knowledge of everything.(29)

And when thy Lord said to the angels, `I am appointing a viceroy in the earth', they said, `wilt Thou appoint therein one who will cause disorder there and shed blood, while we celebrate Thy praise and sanctify Thee?' He said, `I know what you know not?'(30)

And He taught Adam all the names, then presented them to the angels and said, `tell Me the names of these, if you are truthful.'(31)

They said, `glory be to Thee, we have no knowledge except what Thou hast taught us; Thou art the Knowing, the Wise.'(32)

He said, `O Adam, tell them their names.' Then, when he had told them their names, He said, `did I not say to you, I know the unseen of the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you were hiding.'(33)

And when We said to the angels, `prostrate yourselves to Adam', they prostrated themselves, except Iblis; he refused and showed arrogance and was among the unbelievers.(34)

And We said, `O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the garden, and eat thereof easefully where you will, but do not go near this tree, for then you will be among the wrong-doers.'(35)

Then the Devil caused them to slip therefrom and brought them out of the state they were in; and We said , `get you down as enemy to one another; and for you in the earth shall be an abode and goods for a time.'(36)

Then Adam received certain Words from his Lord, so He turned towards him; surely He is the All-returning, the Merciful. (37)

We said, `get you down from here all together; yet there shall come to you guidance from Me, then whosoever follows My guidance, no fear shall be on them, nor shall they grieve.(38)

But those who disbelieve and give lies to Our signs, those shall be the people of the Fire; they shall dwell therein forever.(39)

O Children of Israel, remember My blessing with which I blessed you, and fulfil My covenant and I shall fulfil your covenant, and have awe of Me.(40)

And believe in that I have sent down confirming that which is with you, and be not the first unbeliever of it, nor sell My signs for a little price, and fear you Me.(41)

And do not confound the truth with falsehood, and do not conceal the truth knowingly.(42)

And establish the Prayer and pay the Due-alms and bow with those who bow.(43)

Do you bid people to virtue and forget yourselves, while you recite the Book? Do you not understand?(44)

And seek help through patience and the Prayer; and it is indeed hard except to the humble,(45)

who reckon that they shall meet their Lord, and that to Him they are returning.(46)

O Children of Israel, remember My blessing with which I blessed you, and that I exalted you above all people.(47)

And fear a Day when a soul shall not avail another soul in the least, nor shall any intercession be accepted from it, nor any compensation be taken from it, nor shall they be helped.(48)

And (remember) when We delivered you from Pharaoh's folk who afflicted you with evil punishment, slaughtering your sons and letting your women live; and in that was a big trial from your Lord.(49)

And (remember) when We divided the sea for you, then saved you and drowned Pharaoh's folk, while you beheld.(50)

And (remember) when We appointed with Moses forty nights, then you took the Calf (for a god) after him, and you were wrong-doers.(51)

Yet We pardoned you after that, that you may be thankful.(52)

And (remember) when We gave Moses the Book and the Criterion that you may be guided.(53)

And (remember) when Moses said to his people, `O my people, you have done wrong against yourselves by your taking the Calf (for a god); now turn to your Creator, and kill your people; that is better for you in the sight of your Creator; then He turned to you; surely He is the All-returning, the Merciful.(54)

And (remember) when you said, `O Moses, we will not believe thee until we see God openly;' then the thunderbolt struck you while you beheld.(55)

Then We raised you up after your death that you may give thanks.(56)

And We caused the clouds to overshadow you, and sent down upon you manna and quails: `eat of the good things that We have provided you.' And they did no wrong upon Us, but upon themselves they wronged.(57)

And (remember) when We said, `enter this town and eat therefrom wherever you will easefully, and enter the gate prostrating, and say, `forgive us', We will forgive you your mistakes, and increase for the good-doers.'(58)

But the wrong-doers substituted a saying other than that which was said to them, so We sent down upon the wrong-doers a scourge from the heaven for their transgression.(59)

And (remember) when Moses sought water for his people, We said, `strike the rock with thy staff; and there gushed forth from it twelve springs; each tribe learnt its drinking place: `eat and drink of God's provision, and do not go about in the land causing disorder.'(60)

And (remember) when you said, `O Moses, we will not endure only one food; pray to thy Lord for us that He may bring forth for us, of that which the earth produces ___ of its herbs, its cucumbers, its corn, its lentils and its onions.' He said, `do you ask in exchange that which is inferior for that which is better? Get you down to a city and you shall have what you demand.' And they were struck with abasement and misery, and they were laden with God's wrath; that because they disbelieved in the signs of God and killed the Prophets without right; that because they disobeyed and were exceeding limits.(61)

Surely the Believers, the Jews, the Christians and the Sabaeans, whoso believes in God and the Last Day and does righteous deeds, shall have their wage with their Lord, and no fear shall be on them, nor shall they grieve.(62)

And (remember) when We made a covenant with you and raised the Mount above you: `hold firmly what We have given you, and remember what is in it, that you may be godfearing.'(63)

Yet you turned away after that; and had it not been for the bounty of God and His mercy on you, you would have been among the losers.(64)

And you surely know those of you who violated the Sabbath, and We said to them `be you apes, driven away.'(65)

And We made it a punishment exemplary for those present and those succeeding it, and an admonition to the godfearing.(66)

And (remember) when Moses said to his people, `God commands you to sacrifice a cow,; they said, `dost thou take us in mockery?' He said, `I take refuge with God, lest I should be among the ignorant.'(67)

They said, `pray to thy Lord for us that He may make clear to us what she may be.' He said, `He says, she is a cow neither old nor virgin, middling between that; now do what you are commanded.'(68)

They said, `pray to thy Lord for us that He may make clear to us what her colour may be.' He said, `He says, she shall be a yellow cow of bright colour, gladdening the beholders.'(69)

They said, `pray to thy Lord for us that He may make clear to us what she may be; the cows seem much alike to us; but, if God will, we shall surely be guided.'(70)

He said, `He says, she is a cow not broken to plough the earth, nor to water the tillage; sound, with no blemish on her.' They said, `now thou hast brought the truth.' Then they sacrificed her, though they hardly wanted to do it.(71)

And (remember) when you killed a soul and then fell into dispute on it; and God was to bring forth what you were hiding.(72)

So We said, `strike him with a part of it;' like that God brings to life the dead and shows you His Signs that you may have understanding.(73)

But, in spite of that, your hearts became hardened, and they were like stones or even harder; for there are stones from which rivers gush out, and there are those that split and water comes out of them, and there are those that fall down in the fear of God; and God is not heedless of the things you do.(74)

Are you then eager that they should believe you, seeing that there is a party of them that hears God's Word then tampers with it after they have understood it, and that knowingly?(75)

And when they meet those who believe, they say, `we believe'; but when they are alone with one another, they say, `will you tell them what God has disclosed to you, that they may thereby dispute with you before your Lord; do you not understand?'(76)

But do they not know that God knows what they keep secret and what they make public?(77)

And among them are the common folk who do not know the Book but only fancies, and they only make conjecture.(78)

So woe to those who write the Book with their hands, then say, `this is from God,' that they may sell it for a little price; woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they earn.(79)

And they say, `the Fire shall not touch us but for days numbered.' Say, `have you taken with God a covenant? If so, God will not fail in His covenant; or you say about God things that you do not know?'(80)

No, whoso earns evil, and his wrong deeds encompass him, those are the people of the Fire; they shall dwell therein forever.(81)

And those who believe and do righteous deeds, they are the people of Paradise; they shall dwell therein forever.(82)

And (remember) when We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: `you shall not serve any except God; and be good to parents, the near kinsman, orphans and the needy; and speak good to men; and establish the Prayer, and pay the Due-alms.' Then you turned away, swerving aside, excepting a few of you.(83)

And (remember) when We made a covenant with you: `you shall not shed your own blood, nor expel your people from your habitations.' Then you consented and you are witness to it.(84)

Yet you are those who kill your people and expel a party of yours from their habitations, backing each other against them in sin and enmity; and if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, whereas their very expulsion was forbidden to you. Do you believe in part of the Book and disbelieve in part? The recompense of those who do that is not but disgrace in the present life; and, on the Day of Resurrection, they shall be turned to the most severe punishment; and God is not heedless of the things you do.(85)

Those are the ones who have purchased the present life for the Hereafter; so punishment shall not be lightened for them, nor shall they be helped.(86)

And We gave to Moses the Book and sent Messengers after him in succession; and We gave Jesus, son of Mary, Clear Signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Yet whenever there came to you a Messeng with that your souls did not desire, you became arrogant; then some you gave lies to and some you killed?(87)

And they say, `our hearts are wrapped.' No, God has cursed them for their unbelief; so little do they believe. And when there came to them a Book from God, confirming what was with them __ and aforetime they prayed for victory over the unbelievers __ (88)

but when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so God's curse is on the unbelievers.(89)

Evil is the thing for which they have bartered themselves, that they should disbelieve in what God has sent down, grudging that God should send down of His bounty on whomsoever of His servants He will; so they are laden with anger upon anger; and for the unbelievers there shall be a humiliating punishment.(90)

And when it is said to them, `believe in what God has sent down', they say, `we believe in what was sent down on us;' and they disbelieve in what is beyond that, though it is the truth confirming what is with them. Say, `why were you then killing the Prophets of God aforetime, if you were believers?'(91)

And Moses came to you with Clear Signs, yet you took the Calf (for a god) after him and you were wrong-doers.(92)

And when We made a covenant with you, and raised the Mount over you: `hold what We have given you firmly, and listen;' they said, `we listen and we disobey;' and their hearts were made to imbibe with (the love of) Calf because of their unbelief. Say, `evil is the thing your belief bids you to, if you are believers.'(93)

Say `if the Last House with God is exclusively yours, apart from other people, then long for death, if you are truthful.'(94)

But they will never long for it because of what their hands have forwarded; and God knows well the wrong-doers.(95)

And thou shalt find them the eagerest of men for life, even more than the idolaters; each one of them wishes if he might be given a life of a thousand years; but it will not remove him from the punishment, even if he were given (long) life; and God sees the things they do.(96)

Say, `whosoever is an enemy to Gabriel' ___ and he it is that has brought it down on thy heart, by the leave of God, confirming what was before it, and for a guidance and a good news to the Believers __ (97)

`whoso is an enemy to God, His angels, His Messengers, Gabriel and Michael, surely God is an enemy to the unbelievers.'(98)

And We have sent down to thee Clear Signs, and none disbelieves in them except the transgressors.(99)

What! whenever they make a covenant, a party of them casts it aside! No, but most of them have no faith.(100)

And when there came to them a Messenger from God, confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Book cast off the Book of God behind their backs, as if they had no knowledge.(101)

And they followed what the devils recited over Solomon's kingdom; and Solomon did not disbelieve (the Book) but the devils disbelieved, teaching the people sorcery and that which was sent down on the two angels in Babylon, Harut and Marut; and they (two) did not teach anyone, until they said, `we are only a trial, so do not disbelieve.' And they learnt from them that by which they might cause division between man and his wife; yet they could not hurt anyone except by the leave of God; and they learnt what hurt them and did not profit them; and they knew that whoso bought it shall have no share in the Hereafter; and evil indeed was that for which they sold themselves, if they had but known.(102)

Yet had they believed and been godfearing, a reward from God would have been better, if they had but known.(103)

O Believers, do not say, `have regard for us', but say, `look at us', and listen; and (remember) the unbelievers will have a painful punishment.(104)

The unbelievers among the People of the Book do not wish, nor the idolaters, that any good should be sent down on you from your Lord; but God singles out for His mercy whom He will; and God is extremely Bounteous.(105)

Whatever verse We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it, or the like of it; dost thou not know that God is powerful over everything?(106)

Dost thou not know that to God belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth; and you have no protector or helper apart from God?(107)

Or do you desire to question your Messenger as Moses was questioned before? But whoso exchanges belief for unbelief has indeed strayed from the even way.(108)

Many of the people of the Book wish that they might turn you back as unbelievers due to jealousy of their souls, after the truth has become clear to them; yet forgive and overlook, till God brings His command; God is powerful over everything.(109)

And establish the Prayer and pay the Due-alms; and whatever good you will forward for yourselves, you shall find it with God; God sees the things you do. (110)

And they say, `none shall enter Paradise except that he be a Jew or a Christian.' These are their fancies. Say, `produce your proof, if you are truthful.'(111)

No, whoso submits himself to God, and he is a good-doer, he shall have his wage with his Lord, and no fear shall be on them, nor shall they grieve.(112)

And the Jews say, `the Christians do not stand on anything;' and the Christians say, `the Jews do not stand on anything;' and they recite the Book (of God). Even so, like their saying, say those who have no knowledge. Now God shall decide between them on the Day of Resurrection in what they differed.(113)

And who does greater wrong than he who bars God's places of worship, so that His Name may not be rehearsed in them, and strives to ruin them? It was not proper for them to enter them but in fear; for them shall be disgrace in the present world, and a big punishment in the Hereafter.(114)

And to God belong the East and the West; so whithersoever you turn, there is the Face of God; God is All-embracing, Knowing.(115)

And they say, `God has taken to Him a son' ___ glory be to Him. No, to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth; all have submitted to Him.(116)

The Creator of the heavens and earth, when He decrees a thing, He only says to it, `be', and it is.(117)

And those who have no knowledge say, `why does God not speak to us or a sign not come to us?' Even so, like their saying, said those before them; their hearts are all alike; We have made the Signs clear for a people who have firm belief.(118)

We have sent thee with the truth, as a bearer of good news and as a warner, and thou shalt not be questioned about the people of Hell.(119)

Yet never will the Jews be pleased with thee, nor the Christians, until thou followest their creed. Say, `guidance of God is the guidance'; and if thou followest their caprices, after the knowledge that has come to thee, thou shalt have no protector or helper against God.(120)

Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its due recitation; those indeed believe in it; and those who disbelieve in it, they shall be the losers.(121)

O Children of Israel, remember My blessing with which I blessed you, and that I exalted you above all people.(122)

And fear a Day when a soul shall not avail another soul in the least, nor shall compensation be accepted from it, nor shall any intercession profit it, nor shall they be helped.(123)

And (remember) when his Lord tested Abraham with certain Words, he fulfilled them; He said, `I make thee a leader of men.' He said, `and of my offspring?' He said, `My covenant does not apply to the wrong-doers.'(124)

And (remember) when We made the House (Ka'ba) a resort and a security for men, and (said), `take Abraham's station for a place of the Prayer.' And We made covenant with Abraham and Ishmael: `cleanse my House for those who shall go about it, and those who cleave to it, and those who bow and prostrate themselves.'(125)

And (remember) when Abraham said, `my Lord, make this a land of security, and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in God and the Last Day,' He said, `but if any disbelieves, I shall provide him a little, then I shall compel him to the punishment of the Fire; and how evil is the destination!'(126)

And (remember) when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House (Ka'ba): `our Lord, accept from us; surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing.(127)

And our Lord, make us submissive to Thee, and of our offspring a community submissive to Thee; and show us our rites, and turn to us; surely Thou art the All- returning, the Merciful.(128)

And our Lord, raise up among them a Messenger from among them, who shall recite to them Thy Signs, teach them the Book and the Wisdom, and purify them; surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise.'(129)

And who would forsake the creed of Abraham except him who has befooled himself; We chose him in the present world, and he shall be among the righteous in the Hereafter.(130)

When his Lord said to him, `surrender,' he said, `I surrender to the Lord of the world.'(131)

And with that Abraham charged his sons, and did Jacob: `my sons, God has chosen for you the Religion (of Surrender), so die not but that you have surrendered.'(132)

Or were you witnesses, when death came to Jacob, when he said to his sons, `what will you serve after me?' They said, `we shall serve thy God, and the God of thy fathers, Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, the One God, and to Him we have surrendered.'(133)

That was a community that has passed away; for them was what they earned, and for you shall be what you earned, and you shall not be questioned concerning the things they were doing.(134)

And they say, `be Jews or Christians, and you shall be guided.' Say, `no, but the creed of Abraham, the devout; and he was not of the idolaters.'(135)

Say, `we believe in God, and that which has been sent down to us, and that which was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and that which was given to the Prophets from their Lord; we make no division between any of them, and to Him we have surrendered.’__ (136)

Then if they believe in the like of that you believe, they are guided; but if they turn away, they are only insisting to remain separate; and God shall suffice thee against them; and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.' __(137)

`That is the baptism of God, and who could be better in baptizing than God, and Him we serve.'(138)

Say, `do you dispute with us concerning God, and He is our Lord and your Lord, and for us are our deeds and for you are your deeds, and we are sincerely His?'(139)

Or do you say, `Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians?' Say. `do you know better or God? And who does greater wrong than he who conceals a testimony that he has from God; and God is not heedless of the things you do.'(140)

That was a community that has passed away; for them was what they earned, and for you shall be what you earned, and you shall not be questioned concerning the things they were doing.(141)

he fools among the people will say, `what has turned them from their Qibla (focus of direction in Prayer) which they were facing?' Say, `to God belong the East and the West; He guides whom He will to a straight path.'(142)

And thus We have appointed you a central community that you be witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger be a witness over you. And We did not appoint the Qibla thou wast facing except that We might know who follows the Messenger from him who turns about on his heels; and it was indeed hard, except for those whom God guided; and God was not such as would let your faith waste; God is Kind and Merciful to mankind.(143)

We have seen thee turning about thy face to the heaven, so We will surely turn thee to the Qibla that shall please thee: `now turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you people may be, turn your faces towards it.' And those who were given the Book know that it is the truth from their Lord; and God is not heedless of the things they do.(144)

Yet even if thou shouldst bring every sign to those who were given the Book, they will not follow thy Qibla, and thou wilt not follow their Qibla, nor will they follow one another's Qibla. And if thou followest their fancies, after the knowledge that has come to thee, then thou shalt be among the wrong-doers.(145)

Those whom We had given the Book recognize it, as they recognize their sons, yet a party of them conceals the truth knowingly.(146)

The truth comes from thy Lord, so be thou not among the doubters.(147)

And (remember) everyone has a direction to which he turns, so be you forward in good works; wherever you may be, God will bring you all together; God is powerful over everything.(148)

And whencesoever thou comest forth, turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; and it is the truth from thy Lord; and God is not heedless of the things you do.(149)

And whencesoever thou comest forth, turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you may be, turn your faces towards it, that the people may not have any argument against you __ except the worng-doers among them; but do not fear them and fear Me ___ and that I may complete My blessing on you, and that you may be guided;(150)

as also We have sent among you a Messenger out of you, who recites Our signs to you, and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and the Wisdom, and teaches you what you did not know.(151)

So remember Me, and I will remember you; and be thankful to Me and do not disbelieve Me.(152)

O Believers, seek help through patience and the Prayer; surely God is with the patient.(153)

And do not say of those who are killed in the way of God, `they are dead'; no, they are living, but you do not perceive.(154)

And We will certainly try you with something of fear and hunger, and losses in wealth, lives and fruits; yet give thou good news to the patient,(155)

who, when an affliction befalls them, say `we belong to God and to Him we are returning.'(156)

Those are the ones on whom rest greetings and mercy of their Lord, and those are the guided ones.(157)

(The hillocks of) Safa and Marwa are among the waymarks of God; so whoso makes the Pilgrimage or the Visitation to the House, it is no fault in him to go about them; and whoso volunteers any good, God is Thankful, Knowing.(158)

Those who conceal the clear signs, and the guidance that We have sent down, after We have made it clear in the Book for men, those __ God curses them and the cursers curse them,(159)

except those who repent and amend and make clear; their repentance I will accept, and I am the All-returning, the Merciful.(160)

Those who disbelieve and die as unbelievers, upon them shall rest the curse of God, the angels and men, altogether,(161)

dwelling therein forever; the punishment shall not be lightened for them, nor shall they be given respite.(162)

And your God is One God; there is no god but He, the Merciful, the All- merciful.(163)

In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, and the ship that sails in the sea with that which profits men, and the water that God sends down from the heaven wherewith He revives the earth after it is dead, and scatters therein all types of animals, and the turning about of winds, and the clouds controlled between heaven and earth, there are signs for a people who understand.(164)

Yet some men there are who take to themselves compeers besides God, loving them as God should be loved; and the Believers love God most ardently. O if the wrong-doers might see, when they see the punishment that the power belongs to God altogether, and that God is terrible in punishment.(165)

When those who were followed disown the followers, and they see the punishment, and their cords are cut.(166)

And the followers say, `if we could only return, we would disown them as they have disowned us.' Thus shall God show them their works as regrets to them; and they shall never come out of the Fire.(167)

O mankind, eat of what is lawful and clean in the earth, and do not follow the steps of the Devil; he is an open enemy to you.(168)

He bids you only to evil and indecency, and that you say about God what you do not know.(169)

And when it is said to them, `follow what God has sent down', they say, `no, we will follow what we found our fathers on.' What! even if their fathers did not understand anything, nor were they guided. (170)

And the likeness of the unbelievers is as the likeness of one who shouts to that which does not hear except a call and a cry; deaf, dumb and blind, they do not understand.(171)

O Believers, eat of the clean things that We have provided for you, and be thankful to God, if Him only you serve.(172)

He has forbidden you only carrion, blood, the flesh of swine, and that over which name of other than God is invoked; yet whoso is constrained, not revolting nor exceeding limits, no sin is upon him; God is Forgiving, Merciful.(173)

Those who conceal what God has sent down of the Book, and get a small price for it, they eat in their bellies nothing but the Fire, and God will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them; and for them shall be a painful punishment.(174)

Those are the ones who have bought error in place of guidance, and punishment in place of forgiveness; so how patient are they regarding the Fire!(175)

That is because God has sent down the Book with the truth; and those who differ regarding the Book are in far opposition.(176)

It is no virtue that you turn your faces towards the East and the West, but the virtue is that any believes in God, the Last Day, the angels, the Book and the Prophets; and he gives his wealth, for the love of Him, to kinsmen, orphans, the needy, the traveller, the beggars, and for (ransoming) the enslaved; and he establishes the Prayer and pays the Due-alms; and they fulfil their covenant when they make it; and they are patient in adversity, hardship and in time of peril; those are the ones who have spoken the truth, and those are the godfearing.(177)

O Believers, prescribed for you is retaliation concerning the slain; freeman for freeman, slave for slave, and female for female. Then if any is pardoned something by his brother, let it be pursued desirably, and payment made to him with gratitude. That is a lightening and a mercy granted by your Lord; and if any exceeds limits thereafter, for him shall be a painful punishment.(178)

And (remember), in retaliation there is life for you, O men of understanding, that you may become godfearing.(179)

Prescribed for you, when death approaches any of you, if he leaves behind some goods, is to make testament for the parents and kinsmen in a desirable way; it is an obligation on the godfearing.(180)

Then, if anyone changes it, after he has heard it, its sin shall rest only upon those who change it; God is Hearing, Knowing.(181)

But if any fears partiality or sin from the testator, and he puts things right between them, then no sin shall rest upon him; God is Forgiving, Merciful.(182)

O Believers, prescribed for you is Fasting, as it was prescribed for those that were before you, that you may be godfearing __ (183)

for days numbered. And if any of you is sick or on a journey, then that number on other days; and for those who can afford it, a redemption by feeding a needy; and whoso volunteers good, it is good for him; that you fast is good for you, if you know.(184)

The month of Ramadhan is that in which the Quran was sent down, to be a guidance for mankind, and Clear Signs of Guidance and Criterion. So whoso among you witnesses the month, let him fast it; and if any is sick or is on journey, then that number in other days; God desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you, and that you complete the number, and that you glorify God as He has guided you, and you may be thankful.(185)

And when My servants question thee about Me, I am near; I answer the call of the caller when he calls to Me, so let them respond to Me, and let them have faith in Me, that they may go aright.(186)

Lawful to you, on the night of fasting, is to go in to your wives; they are a garment for you and you are a garment for them; God knows that you have been betraying yourselves; so He has turned to you and pardoned you; now you may go in to them and seek what God has prescribed for you; and eat and drink until the white thread of the dawn shows clearly to you from the black thread; then complete the fast upto the night; but do not go in to them while you are cleaving in the mosques; those are God's bounds, so do not go near them; thus God makes clear His signs to men that they may become godfearing. (187)

And do not eat up your properties between you by false means and do not offer it to the judges that you may eat up a part of the properties of (other) men, committing sin and that knowingly.(188)

They ask thee regarding the new moons. Say, `they are time-marks for the people and the Pilgrimage. And it is no virtue that you come to the houses from their backs, but the virtue is that any fears God; so come to the houses by their doors and fear God that you may prosper.(189)

And fight in the way of God with those who fight with you, but do not aggress; God does not love the aggressors.(190)

And kill them wherever you come upon them, and expel them from where they expelled you, for turmoil is more grievous than killing; but do not fight them by the Sacred Mosque until they fight you there; and if they fight you, kill them; such is the recompense of the unbelievers.(191)

And if they give over, then God is Forgiving, Merciful.(192)

And fight them until there is no turmoil left and Submission to God prevails; then if they give over, there shall be no hostility except against the wrong-doers.(193)

The sacred month for the sacred month, and all sacred things demand retaliation. If any aggresses against you, you aggress against him, as he aggressess against you; but fear God and know that God is with the godfearing.(194)

And expend in the way of God, and do not cast yourselves to destruction by your own hands, and do good; surely God loves the good-doers.(195)

And perform the Pilgrimage (Hajj) and Visitation (Umra) for God; but if you are prevented, then whatever offering is easy; and do not shave your heads till the offering reaches its place of sacrifice; and if any of you is sick or has a hurt in his head, then there will be redemption by fasting or alms-giving or ritual sacrifice. And when you are secure, then he who combines Visitation until the Pilgrimage, let him whatever offering is easy for him; and if he does not find any, then a fast for three days during Pilgrimage, and seven when you return; that is ten complete; that is for him whose family is not present at the Sacred Mosque; and fear God and know that God is terrible in retribution.(196)

The Pilgrimage is in months known; so if any undertakes the Pilgrimage in them, there will be no going in to his women, nor transgression, nor quarrelling during the Pilgrimage; and whatever good you do, God knows it. And take provision, and the best provision is godfearing; and fear Me, O men of understanding!(197)

It is no fault in you that you seek bounty from your Lord. And when you press on from Arafat, remember God at the Sacred Monument (Mash'ar-al-Haram), and remember Him as He has guided you; and, before that, you were among the astray.(198)

Then press on from where the people press on, and pray for God's forgiveness; God is Forgiving, Merciful.(199)

And when you have completed your rites, remember God as you remember your fathers or yet more vehemently. Now, among men is he who says, `our Lord, give us in this world', and he will have no share in the Hereafter.(200)

And among them is he who says, `Our Lord, give us in this world good, and in the Hereafter good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.'(201)

They will have a share of what they have earned; and God is swift at the reckoning.(202)

And remember God during the days numbered; then he who hastens in two days bears no sin, and he who delays bears no sin __ it is for him who is godfearing; and fear God and know that unto Him you shall be mustered. (203)

And among men is he whose talk on the present world makes thee wonder, and he calls on God to witness for that which is in his heart, yet he is most stubborn in altercation.(204)

And when he turns away, he labours in the earth to create disorder and destroy the tillage and the stock; but God does not love disorder.(205)

And when it is said to him, `fear God', pride holds him in sin; Hell shall suffice him; and it is the evil cradle!(206)

And among men is he who sells himself to seek God's pleasure; and God is Kind to His servants.(207)

O Believers, enter Submission totally, and do not follow the steps of the Devil; he is an open enemy to you.(208)

But if you slip after the clear signs have come to you, then know that God is Mighty, Wise.(209)

What are they looking for except that God and the angels should come to them in the cloud-shadows, and the matter be decided? But unto God are all matters returned.(210)

Ask the Children of Israel how many a clear sign We gave them! But if any changes God's blessing after it has come to him, then God is terrible in retribution.(211)

The present life is adorned for the unbelievers, and they scoff at the Believers; but the godfearing shall be above them on the Day of Resurrection; and God provides whomso He will without reckoning.(212)

Mankind are one community; so God raised up the Prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and sent down with them the Book with truth, that it might judge between men wherein they differed; and none differed in it but those to whom it was given, after the clear signs had come to them, due to envy between them; then God guided the Believers, by His leave, to the truth in which they differed; and God guides whom He will to a straight path.(213)

Or do you think that you shall enter Paradise, when the like of those who passed away before you has not yet come upon you? Adversity and hardship afflicted them and they were so shaken that the Messenger and the Believers with him, said, `when comes God's help?' ___ `Behold, God's help is nearby!' (214)

They ask thee as to what they should expend. Say, `whatever good you expend that is for parents, kinsmen, orphans, the needy, and the traveller; and whatever good you may do, God knows it.'(215)

Prescribed for you is fighting, and it is hateful to you; yet it is possible that you hate a thing and it is good for you; and it is possible that you love a thing and it is bad for you; and God knows but you do not know.(216)

They ask thee concerning fighting in the Sacred Month. Say, `fighting in it is a grievous thing, but barring from God's way and from the Sacred Mosque, and disbelieving in Him, and expelling its people from it, is more grievous in the sight of God; and state of turmoil is more grievous than killing. And they will not cease fighting with you, until they turn you from your religion, if they can; but any of you who turns from his religion and dies as unbeliever, their works have failed in this world and the Hereafter; and those are the people of the Fire; they will dwell therein forever.(217)

Those who believed and those who emigrated and struggled in the way of God, those have hope for God's mercy; and God is Forgiving, Merciful.(218)

They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say, `in them is a great sin, and also uses for men, but their sin is greater than their usefulness!' And they ask thee as to what they should expend. Say, `the surplus'; thus God makes clear His signs to you that you may ponder,(219)

over this world and Hereafter. And they ask thee concerning the orphans. Say, `to set their affairs right is good; and if you intermix with them, they are your brothers.' And God knows him who causes disorder from him who sets things right; and had God willed, He would have put you to hardship; God is Mighty, Wise.'( 220)

And do not marry idolatresses, until they accept the faith; for a Believing slave-girl is better than an idolatress, how marvellous she may appear to you. And do not give in marriage to idolaters until they accept the faith, for a Believing slave is better than an idolater, how marvellous he may appear to you. Those call to the Fire, and God calls to Paradise and forgiveness, by His leave; and He makes clear His signs to the people that they may pay heed(221)

And they ask thee concerning the monthly course; say, `it is a hurt; so go apart from women during the monthly course, and do not approach them until they are clean; and when they have cleansed themselves, go to them as God has bid you; God loves those who turn to Him, and He loves those who cleanse themselves.(222)

Your women are a tillage for you; so go to your tillage as you will, and forward for yourselves; and fear God and know that you shall be meeting Him; and give thou good news to the Believers. (223)

And do not make God a hindrance, through your oaths, to being virtuous and godfearing and putting things right between men; and God is Hearing, Knowing.(224)

God will not take you to task for nonsense in your oaths, but He will take you to task for what your hearts have earned; and God is Forgiving, Clement.(225)

For those who forswear their women is a wait of four months; then if they revert, God is Forgiving, Merciful.(226)

And if they resolve on divorce, God is Hearing, Knowing.(227)

And divorced women shall wait by themselves for three periods; and it is not lawful for them to hide what God has created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day; and during that time their mates have better right to take them back, if they desire to put things right; and women have (rights) similar to what (obligations) are upon them, in the desirable way, but men have a rank above them; and God is Mighty, Wise.(228)

Divorce is twice, then retention in a desirable way or letting off with kindness; and it is not lawful for you to take anything you have given them, except that the two fear that they may not maintain God's bounds; then if you fear that the two may not maintain God's bounds, it is no fault in the two how she redeems herself; those are God's bounds, so do not exceed them, and whoso exceeds God's bounds, those are the wrong-doers.(229)

Then if he divorces her (finally), she shall not be lawful to him afterwards till she marries a mate other than he; then if he also divorces her, it is no fault in the two that they return to each other, if they think that they will maintain God's bounds; and these are God's bounds which He makes clear to people who have knowledge.(230)

And when you divorce women and they reach their term, then retain them in a desirable way, or let them off in a desirable way; but do not retain them to harm (them) that you exceed limits; and whoso does that, he has wronged himself; and do not take God's signs in mockery; and remember God's blessing on you and what He has sent down upon you of the Book and the Wisdom, by which He admonishes you; and fear God and know that God has knowledge of everything.(231)

And when you divorce women and they have reached their term, do not debar them from marrying their mates, when they have agreed together in the desirable way; with that is admonished whoso out of you believes in God and the Last Day; that is purer and cleaner for you; and God knows and you do not know.(232)

And the mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years, for him who desires to complete the suckling; and upon his father rests their provisioning and clothing in the desirable way. No soul is charged but to its capacity; a mother shall not be troubled for her child, nor a father for his child, and for the heir is (a duty) similar to that. And if they desire to wean by mutual consent and consultation, there is no blame on them. And if you desire to seek a suckling nurse for your children, there is no blame on you, when you hand over what you give in the desirable way; and fear God and know that God sees the things you do.(233)

And those of you who die leaving wives, they shall wait by themselves for four months and ten (days); then when they have reached their term, there is no blame on you for what they may do with themselves in the desirable way; and God is aware of the things you do.(234)

And there is no blame on you in that you indirectly propose to women, or keep it in your hearts; God knows that you will remember them, but do not make a pledge with them secretly except that you speak desirable words; and do not resolve on marriage-knot until the prescribed term reaches its end; and know that God knows what is in your hearts, so beware of Him; and also know that God is Forgiving, Clement.(235)

There is no blame on you if you divorce women you have as yet not touched them, nor appointed for them a marriage-portion, but make some provision for them, the affluent according to his means and the hard-pressed according to his means, a provision in the desirable way; it is an obligation on the good-doers.(236)

And if you divorce them before you have touched them, but you have appointed a marriage- portion for them, then one half of what you have appointed, unless they forgo, or he in whose hand is the marriage-knot forgoes it; and that you forgo is nearer to godfearing; and do not forget to be bountiful to one another; surely God sees the things you do.(237)

Guard the prayers and the Mid-prayer, and stand obedient to God.(238)

And if you have fear, then (pray) afoot or mounted; and when you are secure, remember God as He has taught you what you knew not.(239)

And those of you who die leaving wives should make a testament for their wives ___ provision for a year without expulsion; then if they go forth, there is no blame on you in what they do with themselves in some desirable way; and God is Mighty, Wise.(240)

And for the divorced women also, there shall be provision in the desirable way; it is an obligation on the godfearing.(241)

Thus God makes clear His signs to you that you may understand.(242)

Hast thou not considered those who went forth from their homes fearful of death, though they were in thousands? Then God said to them, `die', then He gave them life; God is surely bounteous to men, but most men do not give thanks.(243)

And (He said) `fight in the way of God and know that God is Hearing, Knowing.(244)

Who is it that will lend God a good loan and He will multiply it for him manifold; and it is God who grasps and out-spreads; and to Him you shall be returned.'(245)

Hast thou not considered the chiefs of the Children of Israel, after Moses? When they said to a Prophet of theirs, `raise up for us a king, and we will fight in the way of God;' he said, `may it be that, if fighting is prescribed for you, you will not fight?' They said, `why should we not fight in the way of God, when we have been expelled from our homes and our children?' Yet when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned their backs except a few of them; and God knows the wrong-doers.(246)

And their Prophet said to them, `God has raised up Saul as a king for you'; they said, `how should he have kingship over us, when we have a greater right than he to kingship, for he has not been given abundance of wealth?' He said, `God has chosen him over you, for He has increased him broadly in knowledge and body; and God gives His kingship to whom He will; and God is All-embracing, Knowing.'(247)

And their Prophet said to them, `the sign of his kingship is that the Ark will come to you, in which will be tranquility from your Lord and a remnant of what the House of Moses and the House of Aaron left behind, the angels bearing it; in that will surely be a sign for you, if you are believers.'(248)

So when Saul went forth with the hosts, he said, `God will try you at a river; then whoso drinks out of it is not of me, and whoso does not take it is of me, except that any takes a handful with his hand'; but they drank out of it, except a few of them; and when he crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said, `we have no power today against Goliath and his hosts'; those, who reckoned that they would be meeting God, said, `how often a small company has overcome a large company by the leave of God, and God is with the steadfast.'(249)

And when they went out against Goliath and his hosts, they said, `our Lord, pour out upon us patience, and make firm our feet, and help us against the unbelieving people.'(250)

And they routed them by the leave of God, and David killed Goliath; and God gave him the Kingship and Wisdom, and taught him such as He willed. And if God had not repelled people, some of them by others, the earth would have been in disorder; but God is bounteous to the people. (251)

These are the signs of God that We recite to thee with truth; and thou art surely of the Envoys. (252)

Those Messengers, We have exalted some of them above others; among them was he to whom God spoke, and some of them He raised in rank; and We gave Jesus, son of Mary, the Clear Signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. And had God willed, those who came after them would not have fought against one another, after the Clear Signs had come to them; but they fell into variance, so that some of them believed and some disbelieved; and had God willed, they would not have fought against one another; but God does what He desires. (253)

O Believers, expend of that We have provided you, before there comes a Day wherein shall be no trading, nor friendship, nor intercession; and the unbelievers, they are the wrong-doers.(254)

God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Everlasting; slumber does not seize him nor does sleep; to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Who is there that shall intercede with Him, except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is after them, but they do not comprehend anything of His knowledge, except what He will. His Throne extends over the heavens and earth, and their guarding does not strain Him; and He is the High, the Great.(255)

There is no compulsion in the religion; rectitude has become clear from perversion; so whoso disbelieves in idols and believes in God, has laid hold of the most firm handle, which cannot break; and God is Hearing, Knowing.(256)

God is the friend of those who believe; He brings them forth from darkness to light. And those who disbelieve, their friends are idols who bring them forth from light to darkness; those are the people of the Fire; they shall dwell therein forever.(257)

Hast thou not considered him who disputed with Abraham concerning his Lord, because God had given him the kingship? When Abraham said, `my Lord is He who gives life and makes to die', he said `I also give life and make to die.' Abraham said, `God brings the sun from the East, bring it thou from the West', and the unbeliever was dumb-founded; but God does not guide the wrong-doing people.(258)

Or like him who passed by a town that was fallen down on its roofs; he said, `how shall God give life to it now that it is dead?' So God made him to die a hundred years, then raised him up, and said, `how long hast thou remained so?' He said, `I have remained so a day or part of a day.' He said, `no, thou hast remained so a hundred years; now look at thy food and thy drink; it is not spoiled. And that We may make thee a sign for men, look at thy ass and look at the bones how We set them up and clothe them with flesh'. So when it became clear to him, he said, `I know now that God is powerful over everything.'(259)

And when Abraham said, `my Lord, show me how Thou wilt give life to the dead?' He said, `dost thou not believe?' He said, `but that my heart may be at rest.' He said, `take four birds and tame them to thee, then put on every hill a part of them, then call them; they will come to thee running; and know that God is Mighty, Wise.'(260)

The likeness of those who expend their wealth in the way of God is as the likeness of a grain that grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains; and God multiplies for whom He will; and God is All-embracing, Knowing.(261)

Those who expend their wealth in the way of God, then do not follow up what they have expended with reproach or injury, their wage is with their Lord, and there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve.(262)

A desirable word and forgiveness are better than alms followed by injury; and God is All- sufficient, Clement.(263)

O Believers, do not void your alms with reproach or injury, like him who expends his wealth to show off to men but does not believe in God and the Last Day; his likeness is as the likeness of a smooth rock with earth on it, then a heavy rain strikes it and leaves it barren; they have no power over anything that they have earned; but God does not guide the disbelieving people.(264)

And the likeness of those who expend their wealth to seek God's pleasure and to strengthen their souls, is as the likeness of a garden upon a hill on which a heavy rain falls, and it brings its produce twofold; and if a heavy rain does not fall, then dew is there; and God sees the things you do.(265)

Would any of you wish to have a garden of palms and vines underneath which rivers flow, and wherein are all manner of fruit for him, and old age hits him, and he has weak off-spring, then a whirlwind with fire in it strikes it, and it is burnt; thus God makes clear to you the signs that you may ponder.(266)

O Believers, expend of the clean things that you earn and of that We have produced for you from the earth, but do not intend to expend the unclean out of it, for you would not take it except that you close an eye on it; and know that God is All-sufficient, Praise-worthy.(267)

The Devil promises you poverty and bids you to indecency, while God promises you His forgiveness and bounty; and God is All-embracing, Knowing;(268)

He gives the Wisdom to whom He will; and whoso is given the Wisdom is given abundant good; yet none takes heed except men of understanding.(269)

And whatever expenditure you make and whatever vow you vow, God knows it; and the wrong-doers have no helpers.(270)

If you make the alms public, it is all right; and if you hide them and give them to the poor, it is better for you; and He will acquit you of your evils; and God is aware of the things you do.(271)

Their guidance is not thy responsibility, but God guides whom He will; and whatever good you expend is for yourselves; and you expend not but to seek God's attention; and whatever good you expend shall be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.(272)

(Alms are) for the poor who are restrained in the way of God, being unable to journey in the land; the ignorant man thinks them rich because of abstinence; thou shalt recognize them by their mark; they do not beg of people importunately; and whatever good you expend God surely knows it.(273)

Those who expend their wealth, night and day , secretly and openly, shall have their wage with their Lord, and no fear shall be on them, nor shall they grieve.(274)

Those who devour usury stand not but as stands one whom Devil has confounded with touch; that is because they say, `trading is only like usury'; but God has permitted trading and forbidden usury. Now to whom an admonition from his Lord reaches and he gives over, he may have what is past, and his affair is committed to God. But those who revert, they are the people of the Fire; they shall dwell therein forever.(275)

God blots out usury but adds to alms; and God does not love any thankless sinner.(276)

Those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish the Prayer and pay the Due-alms, they shall have their wage with their Lord, and no fear shall be on them, nor shall they grieve.(277)

O Believers, fear God and give up what remains of usury, if you are Believers.(278)

But if you do not, then take notice of war from God and His Messenger; and if you repent, then the principal of your wealth is yours; you wrong not, nor be wronged.(279)

And if he be in hardship, let him have respite till ease; and that you should give it away as alms shall be better for you, if you only knew.(280)

And fear a Day wherein you shall be returned to God, then every soul shall be paid in full what it earned, and they will not be wronged.(281)

O Believers, when you contract a debt for a stated term, write it down; and let a writer write down between you justly; and let not a writer refuse to write down as God has taught him, so let him write. And let him on whom is the obligation dictate, and he should fear God, his Lord, and not diminish anything of it. And if he, on whom is the obligation, be a fool or weak or unable to dictate himself, let his guardian dictate justly. And call to witness two witnesses out of your men; and if two men are not there, then one man and two women, such witnesses as you are pleased to have, so that if one of the two (women) errs, one of them reminds the other. And the witnesses shall not refuse when they are called upon. And be not loth to write it down, be it small or big, with its term. This is most equitable in the sight of God and most upright for testimony and more likely that you will not be in doubt, except that it be a ready merchandise that you give and take between you, then it is no fault in you if you do not write it down. And take witnesses when you trade with each other; and let not a writer or a witness be harmed; if you do that, it will be a wickedness of yours. And fear God; and God teaches you; and God knows everything.(282)

And if you are on a journey, and you do not find a writer, then a pledge in hand. And if one of you trusts the other, let him who is trusted deliver his trust, and let him fear God, his Lord. And do not conceal the testimony, for whoso conceals it, his heart is sinful; and God knows the things you do.(283)

To God belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth; and whether you make public what is in your hearts or hide it, God will make you to account for it; then He will forgive whom He will and punish whom He will; and God is powerful over everything. (284)

The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and so do the Believers; everyone believes in God, His angels, His Books and His Messengers: `we do not make division between any of His Messengers'; and they say, `we hear and we obey; forgive us, our Lord, and to Thee is the destination.'(285)

God does not charge a soul but to its capacity; it shall have what it earns, and upon it shall be what it merits. `Our Lord, take us not to task if we forget or make mistake; and Our Lord, do not lay on us a load as Thou laidest on those before us; and our Lord, do not burden us with that we have no strength to bear; and pardon us, and forgive us, and have mercy upon us; Thou art our Protector; help us against the unbelieving people.'(286)