Sura 3

Surah 3. The Family Of Amram, The House Of Amram

3:1. A. L. M. (Almighty. Loving. Merciful.)
3:2. Allah (God). There is no God but He,- the Living, the Self-Existing (YHWH - "I AM"), Eternal.
3:3. It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it and He sent down The Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the Criterion (of Judgment between right and wrong).
3:4. Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of the "I AM" will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah (God) is Almighty, Lord of Retribution.
3:5. From God, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.
3:6. He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no God but He, the Almighty, the Wise.
3:7. He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: in it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning) they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except the "I AM". And those who are firmly grounded in Knowledge say: "We believe in the Book the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of Understanding (Dan. 12:10).
3:8. "Our Lord!" (they say), "Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thine Own Presence; for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure.
3:9. "Our Lord! Thou art He That will gather mankind together against a Day about which there is no doubt; for Allah (God) never fails in His promise."
3:10. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against God: they are themselves just fuel for the Fire.
3:11. (Their plight will be) no better than that of the people of Pharaoh, and their predecessors: they denied Our Signs, and God called them to account for their sins. For God is STRICT in punishment.
3:12. Say to those who reject Faith: "Soon will ye be vanquished and gathered together to Hell-Fire,- an evil bed indeed (to lie on)!
3:13. "There has already been for you a Sign in the two armies that met (in combat): one was fighting in the Cause of God, the other resisting God; these saw with their own eyes twice their number. But God doth support with His aid whom He pleaseth. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see."
3:14. Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life but in nearness to God is the best of the goals (to return to).
3:15. Say: "Shall I give you glad tidings of things far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with Companions pure (and holy); and the good pleasure of God. For in God's sight are (all) His servants,-
3:16. (Namely), those who say: "Our Lord! we have indeed believed: forgive us, then, our sins, and save us from the agony of the Fire;"-
3:17. Those who show patience, firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in The Way of God); and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.
3:18. There is no God but He: that is the witness of God, His angels, and those endued with Knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no God but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.
3:19. The Religion before God is eagerly desiring to do His Will: nor did the People of the Book (Bible) dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after Knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of God, God is swift in calling to account.
3:20. So if they dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted My whole "self" to God and so have those who follow me." And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit your-"selves"?" If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, thy duty is to convey the Message; and in God's sight are (all) His servants.
3:21. As to those who deny the Signs of God, and in defiance of right, slay the Prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty.
3:22. They are those whose works will bear no fruit in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.
3:23. Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who have been given a portion of the Book (Bible)? They are invited to the Book of God, to settle their dispute, but a party of them turn back and decline (the arbitration).
3:24. This because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days": for their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.
3:25. But how (will they fare) when We gather them together against a Day about which there is no doubt, and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned, without (favour or) injustice?
3:26. Say: "O God. Lord of Power (and Rule), Thou givest power to whom Thou pleasest, and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest: Thou enduest with honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest: in Thy hand is all good. Verily, over all things Thou hast power.
3:27. "Thou causest the night to gain on the day, and thou causest the day to gain on the night Thou bringest the Living out of the dead, and Thou bringest the dead out of the Living and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest, without measure."
3:28. Let not the Believers take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than Believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from God: except by way of precaution, that ye may guard yourselves from them. But God cautions you (to remember) Himself; for the final goal is to God.
3:29. Say: "Whether ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, God knows it all: He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth. And God has power over all things.
3:30. "On the Day when every soul will be 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 its evil. But God cautions you (to remember) Himself (Mal. 4:4-6). And God is full of kindness to those that serve [only] Him."
3:31. Say: "If ye do love God, follow me: God will love you and forgive you your sins: for God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
3:32. Say: "Obey God and His Messenger": but if they turn back, God loveth not those who reject Faith.
3:33. God did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Amram above all people,-
3:34. Offspring, one of the other: and God heareth and knoweth all things.
3:35. Behold! A woman (Hannah - Anne who was a member of the British Royal Family) of Amram (who was a Levite) said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: so accept this of me: for Thou hearest and knowest all things."
3:36. When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!"- and God knew best what she brought forth- "And in no way is the male like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected."
3:37. Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: to the care of Zacharias was she assigned. Every time that he entered (her) chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" She said: "From God: for God provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure."
3:38. There did Zacharias pray to his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer!
3:39. While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him: "(God) doth give thee glad tidings of John (the Baptist), witnessing the Truth of The Word from God, and (be besides) noble, chaste, and a Prophet,- of the (goodly) company of the righteous."
3:40. He said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son, seeing I am very old, and my wife is barren?" "Thus," was the answer, "Doth God accomplish what He willeth?"
3:41. He said: "O my Lord! Give me a Sign!" "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three days except with signals. Then celebrate the praises of thy Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the evening and in the morning."
3:42. Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! God hath chosen thee and purified thee- chosen thee above the women of all nations.
3:43. "O Mary! worship Thy Lord devoutly: prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down."
3:44. This is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee (O Messenger!) by inspiration: thou wast not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary: nor wast thou with them when they disputed (the point).
3:45. Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! God giveth thee glad tidings of The Word (John 1:1-5) from Him: he will be called Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to God.
3:46. "He shall speak to the people in childhood (Luke 2:40-47) and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous."
3:47. She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: God createth what He willeth: when He hath decreed a plan, He only saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!
3:48. "And God will teach him the Book (Torah) and Wisdom, The Law and the Gospel,
3:49. "And (appoint him) an Apostle to the Children of Israel, (with this message): "'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God's leave: and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I enliven the dead, by God's leave and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;
3:50. "'(I have come to you), to affirm The Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear God, and obey me.
3:51. "'It is God Who is my Lord and your Lord then worship Him. This is The Way that is Straight.'"
3:52. When Jesus found Unbelief on their part he said: "Who will be My helpers to (the work of) God." Said the disciples: "We are God's helpers: we believe in God, and do thou bear witness that we are "True in Faith".
3:53. "Our Lord! we believe in what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger; then write us down among those who bear witness."
3:54. And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and God too planned, and the best of planners is God.
3:55. Behold! God said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee SUPERIOR to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: then shall ye all return unto Me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.
3:56. "As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help."
3:57. "As to those who believe and work righteousness, God will pay them (in full) their reward; but God loveth not those who do wrong."
3:58. "This is what We rehearse unto thee of the Signs and the Message of Wisdom."
3:59. The similitude of Jesus (the human) before God is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be": and he was.
3:60. The Truth (comes) from God alone; so be not of those who doubt.
3:61. If any one disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge hath come to thee, say: "Come! let us gather together,- our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of God on those who lie!"
3:62. This is the true account: there is no god except God; and God- He is indeed the Exalted in Power, the Wise.
3:63. But if they turn back, God hath full Knowledge of those who do mischief.
3:64. Say: "O People of the Book (Bible)! come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, lords and patrons other than God." If then they turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we (at least) are "True in Faith" (bowing to God's Will).
3:65. Ye People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when The Law and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye no understanding?
3:66. Ah! Ye are those who fell to disputing (even) in matters of which ye had some Knowledge! But why dispute ye in matters of which ye have no Knowledge? It is God Who knows, and ye who know not!
3:67. Abraham was NOT a Jew nor yet a Christian but he was "True in Faith", and yielded his will to God's (which is what the word Islam means), and he joined not gods with God.
3:68. Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him (his example), as are also this Messenger and those who believe: and God is the Protector of those who have faith (John 8:30-31).
3:69. It is the wish of a section of the People of the Book to lead you astray. But they shall lead astray (not you), but themselves, and they do not perceive!
3:70. Ye People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of God, of which ye are (yourselves) witnesses?
3:71. Ye People of the Book! Why do ye clothe Truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth, while ye have Knowledge?
3:72. A section of the People of the Book say: "Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers, but reject it at the end of the day; perhaps they may (themselves) turn back;
3:73. "And believe no one unless he follows your religion." Say: "True guidance is the Guidance of God: (fear ye) lest a revelation be sent to someone (else) like unto that which was sent unto you? Or that those (receiving such revelation) should engage you in argument before your Lord?" Say: "All bounties are in the hand of God: He granteth them to whom He pleaseth: and God careth for all, and He knoweth all things."
3:74. For His Mercy He specially chooseth whom He pleaseth; for God is the Lord of bounties unbounded.
3:75. Among the People of the Book are some who, if entrusted with a hoard of gold, will (readily) pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless thou constantly stoodest demanding, because, they say, "there is no call on us (to keep faith) with these ignorant (Pagans)." But they tell a lie against God, and (well) they know it.
3:76. Nay.- Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright,- verily God loves those who act aright.
3:77. As for those who sell the faith they owe to God and their own plighted word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter: nor will God (deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He cleanse them (of sin): they shall have a grievous Penalty (Enoch 40:7).
3:78. There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (as they read) you would think it is a part of the Book (Bible), but it is no part of the Book (Bible) and they say, "That is from God," but it is not from God: it is THEY who tell a LIE against God, and (well) they know it!
3:79. It is NOT (POSSIBLE) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the Prophetic office, should say to people: "Be ye my worshippers rather than God's": on the contrary (he would say) "Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all: for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly (Matt. 5:48)."
3:80. Nor would he instruct you to take angels and Prophets for Lords and Patrons. What! Would he bid you to unbelief after ye have yielded your will (to God's Will)?
3:81. Behold! God took the Covenant of the Prophets, saying: "I give you a Book and Wisdom then comes to you an Apostle, confirming what is with you; ye must believe him and render him help." God said: "Do ye agree, and take this My Covenant as binding on you?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses."
3:82. If any turn back after this, they are perverted transgressors.
3:83. Do they seek for other than the Religion of God?- while all creatures in the heavens and on Earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will (accepted the Will of God), and to Him shall they all be brought back.
3:84. Say: "We believe in God, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the (twelve) Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord: we make no distinction between one and another among them, and to God do we bow our will."
3:85. If anyone desires a religion other than (submission to God's Will), never will it be accepted of him and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).
3:86. How shall God guide those who reject Faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that Clear Signs had come unto them? But God guides not an unjust people (satan does).
3:87. Of such the reward is that on them (rests) the curse of God, of His angels, and of all mankind;-
3:88. In that will they dwell nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be (their lot);-
3:89. Except for those that repent (even) after that, and make amends; for verily God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
3:90. But those who reject Faith after they accepted it, and then go on adding to their defiance of Faith,- never will their repentance be accepted; for they are those who have (of set purpose) gone astray.
3:91. As to those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- never would be accepted from any such as much gold as the earth contains, though they should offer it for ransom (Matt. 16:26). For such is (in store) a Penalty grievous, and they will find no helpers.
3:92. By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth God knoweth it well (Matt. 6:4).
3:93. All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for itself, before The Law was revealed (to Moses). Say: "Bring ye The Law and study it, if ye be men of truth."
3:94. If any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to God, they are indeed unjust wrong-doers.
3:95. Say: "God speaketh the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham, the SANE in Faith; he was not of the Pagans."
3:96. The chief House (of worship) appointed for men was that at The Holy Place: full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings:
3:97. In it are Signs manifest (for example), the Station of Abraham (Mt. Moriah) whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to God,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, God stands not in need of any of His creatures.
3:98. Say: "O People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of God, when God is Himself witness to all ye do?"
3:99. Say: "O ye People of the Book (Bible)! Why obstruct ye those who believe, from The Way of God, seeking to make it crooked, while ye were yourselves witnesses (to God's Covenant written in the Bible)? But God is not unaware of all that ye do."
3:100. O ye who believe! If ye listen to a faction among the People of the Book, they would (indeed) render you apostates after ye have believed!
3:101. And how would ye deny Faith while unto you are rehearsed the Signs of God, and among you lives the Messenger? Whoever holds firmly to God will be shown The Way that is Straight.
3:102. O ye who believe! Fear God as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of submission to His Will.
3:103. And hold fast, all together, by the rope which God (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude God's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the Pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth God make His Signs clear to you: that ye may be guided.
3:104. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting all to that which is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain joy.
3:105. Be NOT like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: for them is a dreadful Penalty,-
3:106. On the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white, and some faces will be (in the gloom of) black: to those whose faces will be black, (will be said): "Did ye reject Faith after accepting it? Taste then the Penalty for rejecting Faith."
3:107. But those whose faces will be (lit with) white,- they will be in (the Light of) God's Mercy: therein to dwell (for ever).
3:108. These are the Signs of God. We rehearse them to thee in Truth: and God means no injustice to any of His creatures.
3:109. To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on Earth: to Him do all questions go back (for decision).
3:110. Ye are the best of Peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing God. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.
3:111. They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; if they come out to fight you, they will show you their backs, and no help shall they get.
3:112. Shame is pitched over them (like a tent) wherever they are found, except when under a covenant (of protection) from God and from men; they draw on themselves wrath from God, and pitched over them is (the tent of) destitution. This because they rejected the Signs of God, and slew the Prophets in defiance of right; this because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds.
3:113. Not all of them are alike: of the People of the Book (Bible) are a portion that stand (for the right); they rehearse the Signs of God all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration.
3:114. They believe God and in the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: they are in the ranks of the righteous.
3:115. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for God knoweth well those that do right.
3:116. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against God. They will be Companions of the Fire,- dwelling therein (for ever).
3:117. What they spend in the life of this (material) world may be likened to a wind which brings a nipping frost: it strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls: it is not God that hath wronged them, but they wrong themselves.
3:118. O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks: they will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: what their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have Wisdom.
3:119. Ah! ye are those who love them, but they love you not,- though ye believe in the whole of the Book. When they meet you, they say, "We believe": but when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say: "Perish in you rage; God knoweth well all the secrets of the heart."
3:120. If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you; for God compasseth round about all that they do.
3:121. Remember that morning thou didst leave thy household (early) to post the faithful at their stations for battle: and God heareth and knoweth all things:
3:122. Remember two of your parties meditated cowardice; but God was their protector, and in God should the Faithful (ever) put their trust.
3:123. God had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear God; thus may ye show your gratitude.
3:124. Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: "Is it not enough for you that God should help you with three thousand angels (specially) sent down?
3:125. "Yea, - if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels making a terrific onslaught.
3:126. God made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from God. The Exalted, the Wise:
3:127. That He might cut off a fringe of the Unbelievers or expose them to infamy, and they should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose.
3:128. Not for thee, (but for God), is the decision: whether He turn in mercy to them, or punish them; for they are indeed wrong-doers.
3:129. To God belongeth all that is in the heavens and on Earth. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth and punisheth whom He pleaseth; but God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
3:130. O ye who believe! Devour not usury (interest), doubled and multiplied; but fear God; that ye may (really) prosper.
3:131. Fear the Fire, which is prepared for those who reject Faith:
3:132. And obey God and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy.
3:133. Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,-
3:134. Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men;- for God loves those who do good;-
3:135. And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring God to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except God?- and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.
3:136. For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath,- an eternal dwelling: how excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!
3:137. Many were the ways of life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.
3:138. Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear God!
3:139. So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: for ye must gain complete mastery (over the human you are inhabiting) before ye can (possibly be) "True in Faith".
3:140. If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that God may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks "Self"-sacrificing-witnesses (to Truth). And God loveth not those that do wrong.
3:141. God's object also is to purge those that are "True in Faith" and to deprive of blessing those that resist Faith.
3:142. Did ye think that ye would enter Heaven without God testing you to see who fought hard (in His Cause) and remained steadfast?
3:143. Ye did indeed wish for death before ye met him: now ye have seen him (death) with your own eyes, (and ye flinch!)
3:144. Muhammad is no more than an Apostle: many were the Apostles that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to God; but God (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.
3:145. Nor can a soul die except by God's leave, the term being fixed as by writing. If any do desire a reward in this life, We shall give it to him; and if any do desire a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those that (serve Us with) gratitude.
3:146. How many of the Prophets fought (in God's Way), and with them (fought) large bands of Godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in God's Way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And God loves those who are firm and steadfast.
3:147. All that they said was: "Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may have done that transgressed our duty: establish our feet firmly, and help us against those that resist Faith."
3:148. And God gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For God loveth those who do good.
3:149. O ye who believe! If ye obey the Unbelievers, they will drive you back on your heels, and ye will turn back (from Faith) to your own loss.
3:150. Nay, God is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.
3:151. Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with God, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: and evil is the home of the wrong-doers!
3:152. God did indeed fulfill His promise to you when ye with His permission were about to annihilate your enemy,- until ye flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the Booty) which ye covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then did He divert you from your foes in order to test you. But He forgave you: for God is full of grace to those who believe.
3:153. Behold! ye were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at anyone, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There did God give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for (the booty) that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had befallen you. For God is well aware of all that ye do.
3:154. After (the excitement) of the distress, He sent down calm on a band of you overcome with slumber, while another band was stirred to anxiety by their own feelings, moved by wrong suspicions of God- suspicions due to Ignorance. They said: "What affair is this of ours?" Say thou: "Indeed, this affair is wholly God's." They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to thee. They say (to themselves): "If we had had anything to do with this affair, we should not have been in the slaughter here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death"; but (all this was) that God might test what is in your breasts and purge what is in your hearts. For God knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.
3:155. Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts met,- it was Satan who caused them to fail, because of some (evil) they had done. But God has blotted out (their fault): for God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
3:156. O ye who believe! Be not like the Unbelievers, who say of their brethren, when they are travelling through the Earth or engaged in fighting: "If they had stayed with us, they would not have died, or been slain." This that God may make it a cause of sighs and regrets in their hearts. It is God that gives Life and Death, and God sees well all that ye do.
3:157. And if ye are slain, or die, in The Way of God, Forgiveness and Mercy from God are far better than all they could amass.
3:158. And if ye die, or are slain, Lo! it is unto God that ye are brought together.
3:159. It is part of the Mercy of God that thou dost deal gently with them. Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (God's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision, put thy trust in God. For God loves those who put their trust (in Him).
3:160. If God helps you, none can overcome you: if He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? In God, then, let believers put their trust.
3:161. No Prophet could (ever) be false to his trust. If any person is so false, he shall, on the Day of Judgment, restore what he misappropriated then shall every soul receive its due,- whatever it earned,- and none shall be dealt with unjustly.
3:162. Is the man who follows the good pleasure of God like the man who draws on himself the wrath of God, and whose abode is in Hell?- a woeful refuge!
3:163. They are in varying grades in the sight of God, and God sees well all that they do.
3:164. God did confer a great favour on the Believers when He sent among them an Apostle from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of God, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error.
3:165. What! When a single disaster smites you, although ye smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, do ye say?- "Whence is this?" Say (to them): "It is from yourselves: for God hath power over all things."
3:166. What ye suffered on the day the two armies met, was with the leave of God, in order that He might test the Believers,-
3:167. And the Hypocrites also. These were told: "Come, fight in The Way of God, or (at least) drive (the foe from your city)." They said: "Had we known how to fight, we should certainly have followed you." They were that day nearer to Unbelief than to Faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts. But God hath full knowledge of all they conceal.
3:168. (They are) the ones that say, (of their brethren slain), while they themselves sit (at ease): "If only they had listened to us, they would not have been slain." Say: "Avert death from your own selves, if ye speak the truth."
3:169. Think not of those who are slain in God's Way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the Presence of their Lord;
3:170. They rejoice in the Bounty provided by God: and with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (Martyrs) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they (cause to) grieve.
3:171. They glory in the Grace and the Bounty from God, and in the fact that God suffereth not the reward of the Faithful to be lost (in the least).
3:172. Of those who answered the call of God and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward;-
3:173. Men said to them: "A great army is gathering against you": and frightened them: but it (only) increased their Faith: they said: "For us God sufficeth, and He is the best disposer of affairs."
3:174. And they returned with Grace and Bounty from God: no harm ever touched them: for they followed the good pleasure of God: and God is the Lord of bounties unbounded.
3:175. It is only the Evil One that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: be ye not afraid of them, but fear Me, if ye have Faith.
3:176. Let not those grieve thee who rush headlong into Unbelief: not the least harm will they do to God: God's Plan is that He will give them no portion in the Hereafter, but a severe punishment.
3:177. Those who purchase Unbelief at the price of faith,- not the least harm will they do to God, but they will have a grievous punishment.
3:178. Let not the Unbelievers think that Our respite to them is good for themselves: We grant them respite that they may grow in their iniquity: but they will have a shameful punishment.
3:179. God will not leave the Believers in the state in which ye are now, only until He separates what is evil from what is good. Nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen. But He chooses of His Messengers (for the purpose) whom He pleases. So believe God and His apostles: and if ye believe and do right, ye have a reward without measure.
3:180. And let not those who covetously withhold the gifts which God hath given them of His Grace, think that it is good for them: nay, it will be the worse for them: soon shall the things which they covetously withheld be tied to their necks like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgment. To God belongs the heritage of the heavens and the Earth and God is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
3:181. God hath heard the taunt of those who say: "Truly, God is indigent and we are rich!"- We shall certainly record their word and (their act) of slaying the Prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say: "Taste ye the Penalty of the Scorching Fire!
3:182. "This is because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent on before ye: for God never harms those who serve Him."
3:183. They (also) said: "(God) took our promise not to believe in an apostle unless he showed us a sacrifice consumed by fire (from heaven)." Say: "There came to you Apostles before me, with Clear Signs and even with what ye ask for: why then did ye slay them, if ye speak the truth?"
3:184. Then if they reject thee, so were rejected Apostles before thee, who came with Clear Signs, Books of dark prophecies, and the Book of Enlightenment.
3:185. Every soul shall have a taste of death: and only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): for the life of this world is only goods and chattels of deception.
3:186. Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if ye persevere patiently, and guard against evil,- then that will be a determining factor in all affairs.
3:187. And remember God took The Covenant from the People of the Book (Bible), to make it (The Covenant) known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And vile was the bargain they made!
3:188. Think not that those who exult in what they have brought about, and love to be praised for what they have not done,- think not that they can escape the Penalty. For them is a Penalty Grievous indeed.
3:189. To God belongeth the Dominion of the heavens and the earth; and God hath power over all things.
3:190. Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the Earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding,-
3:191. Men who celebrate the praises of God, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the Earth, (with the thought): "Our Lord! not for naught hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us Salvation from the Penalty of the Fire.
3:192. "Our Lord! any whom Thou dost admit to the Fire, truly Thou coverest with shame, and never will wrong-doers find any helpers!
3:193. "Our Lord! We have heard the call of one calling (us) to Faith, 'Believe ye in the Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous.
3:194. "Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through Thine Apostles, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: for Thou never breakest Thy promise."
3:195. And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: ye are members, one of another: those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain,- verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath;- a reward from the Presence of God, and from His Presence is the best of rewards."
3:196. Let not the strutting about of the Unbelievers through the land deceive thee:
3:197. Little is it for enjoyment: their ultimate abode is Hell-Fire: what an evil bed (to lie on)!
3:198. On the other hand, for those who fear their Lord, are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath; therein are they to dwell (for ever),- a gift from the Presence of God; and that which is in the Presence of God is the best (bliss) for the righteous.
3:199. And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book (Bible), those who believe God, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to God: they will not sell the Signs of God for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and God is swift in account.
3:200. O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; strive for superiority in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear God; that ye may prosper.

JAH

 

Sura 4

Surah 4. Women

4:1. O mankind! Revere your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single source, created, of like nature, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; - reverence the "I AM", through Whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for the "I AM" ever watches over you.
4:2. To orphans restore their property (when they reach their age), nor substitute (your) worthless things for (their) good ones; and devour not their substance (by mixing it up) with your own. For this is indeed a great sin.
4:3. If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess. That will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.
4:4. And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it and enjoy it with right good cheer.
4:5. To those weak of understanding make not over your property, which God hath made a means of support for you, but feed and clothe them therewith, and speak to them words of kindness and justice.
4:6. Make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if then ye find sound judgment in them, release their property to them; but consume it not wastefully, nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off, let him claim no remuneration, but if he is poor, let him have for himself what is just and reasonable. When ye release their property to them, take witnesses in their presence: but all-sufficient is God in taking account.
4:7. From what is left by parents and those nearest related there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large,- a determinate share.
4:8. But if at the time of division other relatives, or orphans, or poor, are present, feed them out of the (property), and speak to them words of kindness and justice.
4:9. Let those (disposing of an estate) have the same fear in their minds as they would have for their own if they had left a helpless family behind: let them fear God, and speak words of appropriate (comfort).
4:10. Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, eat up a Fire into their own bodies: they will soon be enduring a Blazing Fire!
4:11. God (thus) directs you as regards your children's (inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by God; and God is All-knowing, All-wise.
4:12. In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child; but if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eighth; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to any one). Thus is it ordained by God; and God is All-knowing, Most Forbearing.
4:13. Those are limits set by God: those who obey God and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to abide therein (for ever) and that will be the Supreme achievement.
4:14. But those who disobey God and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein: and they shall have a humiliating punishment.
4:15. If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, take the evidence of four (reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or God ordain for them some (other) way.
4:16. If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, leave them alone; for God is Oft-returning, Most Merciful.
4:17. God accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards; to them will God turn in mercy: for God is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
4:18. Of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil, until death faces one of them, and he says, "Now have I repented indeed;" nor of those who die rejecting Faith: for them have We prepared a punishment most grievous.
4:19. O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given them,- except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and fairness. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and God brings about through it a great deal of good.
4:20. But if ye decide to take one wife in place of another, even if ye had given the latter a whole treasure for dower, take not the least bit of it back: would ye take it by slander and manifest wrong?
4:21. And how could ye take it when ye have gone in unto each other, and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?
4:22. And marry not women whom your fathers married,- reject what is past: it was shameful and odious,- an abominable custom indeed.
4:23. Prohibited to you (for marriage) are:- your mothers, daughters, sisters; father's sisters, mother's sisters; brother's daughters, sister's daughters; foster- mothers (who gave you suck), foster-sisters; your wives' mothers; your step- daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in,- no prohibition if ye have not gone in;- (those who have been) wives of your sons proceeding from your loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, reject what was done in the past; for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful;
4:24. Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess: thus hath God ordained (Prohibitions) against you: except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property,- desiring chastity, not lust. Seeing that ye derive benefit from them, give them their dowers (at least) as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, ye agree mutually (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and God is All-knowing, All-wise.
4:25. If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: and God hath full knowledge about your Faith. Ye are one from another: wed them with the leave of their owners, and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: they should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking paramours: when they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practise self-restraint. And God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
4:26. God doth wish to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of those before you; and (He doth wish to) turn to you (in Mercy): and God is All- knowing, All-wise.
4:27. God doth wish to turn to you, but the wish of those who follow their lusts is that ye should turn away (from Him),- far, far away.
4:28. God doth wish to lighten your (difficulties): for man was created weak (in flesh).
4:29. O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily God hath been to you Most Merciful!
4:30. If any do that in rancour and injustice,- soon shall We cast them into the Fire: and easy it is for God.
4:31. If ye (only) eschew the most heinous of the things which ye are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of you all the evil in you, and admit you to a Gate of great honour.
4:32. And in no wise covet those things in which God hath bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others: to men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn: but ask God of His bounty. For God hath full knowledge of all things.
4:33. To (benefit) every one, We have appointed shares and heirs to property left by parents and relatives. To those, also, to whom your right hand was pledged, give their due portion. For truly God is witness to all things.
4:34. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because God has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what God would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance): for God is Most High, great (above you all).
4:35. If ye fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, God will cause their reconciliation: for God hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things.
4:36. Serve God, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: for God loveth not the arrogant, the conceited;-
4:37. (Nor) those who are niggardly or enjoin niggardliness on others, or hide the bounties which God hath bestowed on them; for We have prepared, for those who resist Faith, a punishment that steeps them in contempt;-
4:38. Nor those who spend of their substance, to be seen of men, but have no faith in God and the Last Day: if any take the Evil One for their intimate, what a dreadful intimate he is!
4:39. And what burden were it on them if they had faith in God and in the Last Day, and they spent out of what God hath given them for sustenance? For God hath full knowledge of them.
4:40. God is never unjust in the least degree: if there is any good (done), He doubleth it, and giveth from His Own Presence a great reward.
4:41. How then if We brought from each People a witness, and We brought thee as a witness against these People!
4:42. On That Day those who reject Faith and disobey the Apostle will wish that the earth would swallow them up: but never will they hide a single fact from God!
4:43. O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged; wait until ye can understand all that ye say,- nor in a state of ceremonial impurity (except when travelling on the road), wait until after washing your whole body. If ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands. For God doth blot out sins and forgive again and again.
4:44. Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who were given a portion of the Book? They traffic in error, and wish that ye should lose The Straight Way.
4:45. But God hath full knowledge of your enemies: God is enough for a Protector, and God is enough for a Helper.
4:46. Of the Jews there are those who displace words from their (right) places, and say: "We hear and we disobey"; and "Hear what is not heard"; and "Pay attention to us"; with a twist of their tongues and a slander to Faith. If only they had said: "We hear and we obey"; and "Do hear"; and "Do look at us": it would have been better for them, and more proper; but God hath cursed them for their Unbelief; and only few of them will believe.
4:47. O ye People of the Book! Believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was (already) with you, before We change the face and fame of some (of you) beyond all recognition, and turn them hindwards, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers, for the decision of God MUST be carried out.
4:48. God forgiveth not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgiveth anything else, to whom He pleaseth; to set up partners with God is to devise a sin most heinous indeed.
4:49. Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who claim sanctity for themselves? Nay- but God doth sanctify whom He pleaseth. But never will they fail to receive justice in the least little thing.
4:50. Behold! how they invent a lie against God! But that by itself is a manifest sin!
4:51. Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in Sorcery and Evil, and say to the Unbelievers that they are better guided in The (Right) Way than the Believers!
4:52. They are (men) whom God hath cursed: and those whom God hath cursed, thou wilt find, have no one to help.
4:53. Have they a share in Dominion or Power? Behold, they give not a farthing to their fellow-men?
4:54. Or do they envy mankind for what God hath given them of His Bounty? But We had already given the people of Abraham the Book (Torah) and Wisdom, and conferred upon them a great kingdom.
4:55. Some of them believed, and some of them averted their faces from him: and enough is Hell for a burning fire.
4:56. Those who reject Our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the Penalty: for God is Exalted in Power, and in Wisdom.
4:57. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their Eternal Home: therein shall they have companions pure and holy: We shall admit them to shades, cool and ever deepening.
4:58. God doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; and when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice. Verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! For God is He Who heareth and seeth all things.
4:59. O ye who believe! Obey God, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to God and His Messenger, if ye do believe God and in the Last Day: that is best, and most suitable for final determination.
4:60. Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who declare that they believe in the revelations that have come to thee and to those before thee? Their (real) wish is to resort together for judgment (in their disputes) to the Evil One, though they were ordered to reject him. But Satan's wish is to lead them astray far away (from the Right).
4:61. When it is said to them: "Come to what God hath revealed, and to the Messenger": thou seest the Hypocrites avert their faces from thee in disgust.
4:62. How then, when they are seized by misfortune, because of the deeds which their hands have sent forth? Then they come to thee, swearing by God: "We meant no more than good-will and conciliation!"
4:63. Those men,- God knows what is in their hearts; so keep clear of them, but warn them, and speak to them a word to reach their very souls.
4:64. We did not send an Apostle, except to be obeyed, in accordance with the Will of God. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto thee and asked God's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found God indeed Oft-returning, Most Merciful.
4:65. But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make thee judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against thy decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.
4:66. If We had ordered them to sacrifice their lives or to leave their homes, very few of them would have done it: but if they had done what they were (actually) told, it would have been best for them, and would have gone farthest to strengthen their (faith);
4:67. And We should then have given them from Our Presence a great reward;
4:68. And We should have shown them The Straight Way.
4:69. All who obey God and the Apostle are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of God,- of the Prophets (who teach), the Sincere (lovers of Truth), the Witnesses (who testify), and the Righteous (who do good): Ah! what a beautiful Fellowship!
4:70. Such is the Bounty from God: and sufficient is it that God knoweth all.
4:71. O ye who believe! Take your precautions, and either go forth in parties or go forth all together.
4:72. There are certainly among you men who would tarry behind: if a misfortune befalls you, they say: "God did favour us in that we were not present among them."
4:73. But if good fortune comes to you from God, they would be sure to say - as if there had never been ties of affection between you and them - "Oh! I wish I had been with them; a fine thing should I then have made of it!"
4:74. Let those fight in the Cause of God who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. To him who fighteth in the Cause of God,- whether he is slain or gets victory - soon shall We give him a reward of great (value).
4:75. And why should YE not fight in the Cause of God and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from Thee One who will protect; and raise for us from Thee One who will help!"
4:76. Those who believe champion the Cause of God, and those who reject Faith fight in the cause of Evil: so fight YE against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.
4:77. Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who were told to hold back their hands (from fight) but establish constant prayer and spend in regular charity? When (at length) the order for fighting was issued to them, behold! a section of them feared men as - or even more than - they should have feared God: they said: "Our Lord! Why hast Thou ordered us to fight? Wouldst Thou not grant us respite to our (natural) term, near (enough)?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of this world: the Hereafter is the best for those who do right: never will ye be dealt with unjustly in the very least!
4:78. "Wherever ye are, death will find you out, even if ye are in towers built up strong and high!" If some good befalls them, they say, "This is from God"; but if harm, they say, "This is from thee" (O Prophet). Say: "All things are from God." But what hath happened to these people, that they fail to understand a single Fact?
4:79. Whatever good, (O man!) happens to thee, is from God; but whatever harm happens to thee, is from thy (own) soul. And We have sent thee as an Apostle to (instruct) mankind. And enough is God for a witness.
4:80. He who obeys the Messenger, obeys God. But if any turn away, We have not sent thee to watch over their (evil deeds).
4:81. They have "Obedience" on their lips; but when they leave thee, a section of them meditate all night on things very different from what thou tellest them. But God records their nightly (plots): so keep clear of them, and put thy trust in God, and enough is God as a disposer of affairs.
4:82. Do they not consider the Koran (with care)? Had it been from other than God, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.
4:83. When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they divulge it. If they had only referred it to the Messenger, or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have tested it from them (direct). Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of God unto you, all but a few of you would have fallen into the clutches of Satan.
4:84. Then fight in God's Cause - thou art held responsible only for thyself - and rouse the Believers. It may be that God will restrain the fury of the Unbelievers; for God is the strongest in might and in punishment.
4:85. Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein: and whoever recommends and helps an evil cause, shares in its burden: and God hath power over all things.
4:86. When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. God takes careful account of all things.
4:87. "I AM"! There is no god but He: of a surety He will gather you together against the Day of Judgment, about which there is no doubt. And whose word can be truer than God's?
4:88. Why should ye be divided into two parties about the Hypocrites? God hath upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would ye guide those whom God hath thrown out of The Way? For those whom God hath thrown out of The Way, never shalt thou find The Way.
4:89. They only wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): but take not friends from their ranks until they flee in The Way of God (from what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks;-
4:90. Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If God had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then God hath opened no way for you (to war against them).
4:91. Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto: if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever ye get them: in their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them.
4:92. Never should a Believer kill a Believer; but (if it so happens) by mistake, (compensation is due): if one (so) kills a Believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased's family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a Believer, the freeing of a believing slave (is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to God: for God hath all Knowledge and all Wisdom.
4:93. If a man kills a Believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell-Fire, to abide therein (for ever): and the wrath and the curse of God are upon him, and a dreadful Penalty is prepared for him.
4:94. O ye who believe! When ye go abroad in the Cause of God, investigate carefully, and say not to any one who offers you a salutation: "Thou art none of a Believer!" Coveting the perishable goods of this life: with God are profits and spoils abundant. Even thus were ye yourselves before, till God conferred on you His favours: therefore carefully investigate. For God is well aware of all that ye do.
4:95. Not equal are those Believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and champion the Cause of God with their goods and their persons. God hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (who have Faith) hath God promised good: but those who strive and fight hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward,- (the word Israel means "champion of God" - anyone who champions God's Cause is by definition an Israelite even if not by birth - Matt. 8:11-12)
4:96. Ranks specially bestowed by Him, and Forgiveness and Mercy. For God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
4:97. When angels take the souls of those who die in sin against their souls, they say: "In what (plight) were ye?" They reply: "Weak and oppressed were we in the Earth." They say: "Was not the Earth of God spacious enough for you to move yourselves away (from evil)?" Such men will find their abode in Hell-Fire,- what an evil refuge! -
4:98. Except those who are (really) weak and oppressed - men, women, and children - who have no means in their power, nor (a guide-post) to direct their way.
4:99. For these, there is hope that God will forgive: for God doth blot out (sins) and forgive again and again.
4:100. He who forsakes his home in the Cause of God, finds in the Earth many a refuge, wide and spacious: should he die as a refugee from home for God and His Messenger, his reward becomes due and sure with God: and God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
4:101. When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if ye shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers may attack you: for the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.
4:102. When thou (O Messenger) art with them, and standest to lead them to prayer (in war-time), let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with thee, taking their arms with them: when they finish their prostrations, let them take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which hath not yet prayed - and let them pray with thee, taking all precaution, and bearing arms: the Unbelievers wish, if ye were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush. But there is no blame on you if ye put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because ye are ill; but take (every) precaution for yourselves. For the Unbelievers God hath prepared a humiliating punishment.
4:103. When (on account of extreme danger) ye pass prayers, celebrate God's praises, standing, sitting down, or lying down on your sides; but when ye are free from danger, set up Regular Prayers: for such prayers are enjoined on Believers at stated times.
4:104. And slacken not in following up the enemy: if ye are suffering hardships, they are suffering similar hardships; but ye have hope from God, while they have none. And God is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
4:105. We have sent down to thee the Book (Torah) in truth, that thou mightest judge between men, as guided by God: so be not (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust;
4:106. But seek the forgiveness of God; for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
4:107. Contend not on behalf of such as betray their own souls; for God loveth not one given to duplicity and crime;
4:108. They may hide (their crimes) from men, but they cannot hide (them) from God, seeing that He is in their midst when they plot by night, in words that He cannot approve: and God doth compass round all that they do.
4:109. Ah! These are the sort of men on whose behalf ye may contend in this world; but who will contend with God on their behalf on the Day of Judgment, or who will carry their affairs through?
4:110. If any one does evil or wrongs his own soul but afterwards seeks God's forgiveness, he will find God Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
4:111. And if any one earns sin, he earns it against his own soul: for God is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
4:112. But if any one earns a fault or a sin and throws it on to one that is innocent, he carries (on himself) (both) a falsehood and a flagrant sin.
4:113. But for the Grace of God to thee and His Mercy, a party of them would certainly have plotted to lead thee astray. But (in fact) they will only lead their own souls astray, and to thee they can do no harm in the least. For God hath sent down to thee the Book and Wisdom and taught thee what thou knewest not (before): and great is the Grace of God unto thee.
4:114. In most of their secret talks there is no good: but if one exhorts to a deed of charity or justice or conciliation between men, (secrecy is permissible): to him who does this, seeking the good pleasure of God, We shall soon give a reward of the highest (value).
4:115. If anyone contends with the Messenger even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men of Faith, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell-Fire,- what an evil refuge!
4:116. God forgiveth not (the sin of) joining other gods with Him; but He forgiveth whom He pleaseth other sins than this: one who joins other gods with God, hath strayed far, far away (from the Right).
4:117. (The Pagans), leaving Him, call upon female deities (like the queen of heaven - Jeremiah 44:19-29): they call (by so doing) only upon Satan; the persistent rebel (Opposer)!
4:118. God did curse him, but he said: "I will take of Thy servants a portion "marked" off;
4:119. "I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires; I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and to deface (pollute) the (fair) nature created by God." Whoever, forsaking God, takes Satan for a friend, hath of a surety suffered a loss that is manifest.
4:120. Satan makes them promises, and creates in them false desires; but Satan's promises are nothing but deception.
4:121. They (his dupes) will have their dwelling in Hell-Fire, and from it they will find no way of escape.
4:122. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness,- we shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- to dwell therein for ever. God's promise is the Truth, and whose Word can be truer than God's?
4:123. Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book (can prevail): whoever works evil, will be repayed accordingly. Nor will he find, besides God, any protector or helper.
4:124. If any do deeds of righteousness,- be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.
4:125. Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole "self" to God, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the "True in Faith"? For God did take Abraham for a friend.
4:126. But to God belong all things in the heavens and on earth: and He it is that encompasseth all things.
4:127. They ask thy instruction concerning the women, say: "God doth instruct you about them: and (remember) what hath been rehearsed unto you in the Book (Torah), concerning the orphans of women to whom ye give not the portions prescribed, and yet whom ye desire to marry, as also concerning the children who are weak and oppressed: that ye stand firm for justice to orphans. There is not a good deed which ye do, but God is well-acquainted therewith.
4:128. If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves; and such settlement is best; even though men's souls are swayed by greed. But if ye do good and practise self-restraint, God is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
4:129. Ye are never able to be fair and just between women, even if it is your ardent desire: but turn not away (from a woman) altogether, so as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If ye come to a friendly understanding, and practise self- restraint, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
4:130. But if they disagree (and must part), God will provide abundance for all from His all-reaching bounty: for God is He that careth for all and is Wise.
4:131. To God belong all things in the heavens and on earth. Verily We have directed the People of the Book (Bible) before you, and you to fear God. But if ye deny Him, lo! unto God belong all things in the heavens and on earth, and God is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
4:132. Yea, unto God belong all things in the heavens and on Earth, and enough is God to carry through all affairs.
4:133. If it were His Will, He could destroy you, O mankind, and create another race for He hath power this to do.
4:134. If any one desires a reward in this life, in God's (gift) is the reward (both) of this life and of the Hereafter: for God is He that heareth and seeth (all things).
4:135. O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve; and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well- acquainted with all that ye do.
4:136. O ye who believe! Believe in God and His Messenger, and the Scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth God, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far astray.
4:137. Those who believe, then reject Faith, then believe (again) and (again) reject Faith, and go on increasing in Unbelief,- God will not forgive them nor guide them nor guide them on The Way.
4:138. To the Hypocrites give the glad tidings that there is for them (only) a grievous Penalty;-
4:139. Yea, to those who take for friends Unbelievers rather than Believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay,- all honour is with God.
4:140. Already has He sent you Word in the Book (Bible), that when ye hear the Signs of God held in defiance and ridicule, ye are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme: if ye did, ye would be like them. For God will collect the Hypocrites and those who defy Faith - all in Hell-Fire;-
4:141. (These are) the ones who wait and watch about you: if ye do gain a victory from God, they say: "Were we not with you?"- but if the Unbelievers gain a success, they say (to them): "Did we not gain an advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the Believers?" But God will judge betwixt you on the Day of Judgment. And never will God grant to the Unbelievers a way (to triumph) over the Believers.
4:142. The Hypocrites - they think they are over-reaching God, but He will over- reach them: when they stand up to prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be seen by men, only little do they hold God in remembrance;
4:143. (They are) distracted in mind even in the midst of it,- being (sincerely) for neither one group nor for another. Whom God leaves straying,- never wilt thou find for him The Way.
4:144. O ye who believe! Take not for friends Unbelievers rather than Believers: do ye wish to offer God an open proof against yourselves?
4:145. The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them;-
4:146. Except for those who repent, mend (their lives), hold fast to God, and purify their religion as in God's sight: if so they will be (numbered) with the Believers. And soon will God grant to the Believers a reward of immense value.
4:147. What can God gain by your punishment, if ye are grateful and ye believe? Nay, it is God that recogniseth (all good), and knoweth all things.
4:148. God loveth not that evil should be noised abroad in public speech, except where injustice hath been done; for God is He who heareth and knoweth all things.
4:149. Whether ye publish a good deed or conceal it or cover evil with pardon, verily God doth blot out (sins) and hath power (in the Judgment of values).
4:150. Those who deny God and His Apostles, and (those who) wish to separate God from His Apostles, saying: "We believe in some but reject others": and (those who) wish to take a course midway,-
4:151. They are in truth (equally) Unbelievers; and we have prepared for Unbelievers a humiliating punishment.
4:152. To those who believe in God and His Apostles and make no distinction between any of the Apostles, We shall soon give their (due) rewards: for God is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful.
4:153. The people of the Book ask thee to cause a book to descend to them from heaven: indeed they asked Moses for an even greater (miracle), for they said: "Show us God in public," but they were dazed for their presumption, with thunder and lightning. Yet they worshipped the Calf even after Clear Signs had come to them; even so We forgave them; and gave Moses manifest proofs of authority.
4:154. And for their Covenant We raised over them (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai); and (on another occasion) We said: "Enter the gate with humility"; and (once again) We commanded them: "Transgress not in the matter of the Sabbath." And we took from them a solemn Covenant.
4:155. (They have incurred divine displeasure): in that they broke their Covenant; that they rejected the Signs of God; that they slew the Messengers in defiance of right; that they said, "Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve God's Word; we need no more)";- nay, God hath set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little it is that they believe;-
4:156. That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;
4:157. That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ the son of Mary, the Messenger of God";- but they killed Christ not, nor crucified Christ, but so it was made to appear to them (as they crucified the human body called Jesus, that Christ the spirit-being used - Psalm 22; Isaiah 52:13 to 54:1; Zechariah 11:10-13; Matthew 27), and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) Knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed Christ not:-
4:158. Nay, God raised him up unto Himself and God is Exalted in Power, and in Wisdom;-
4:159. And, of the People of the Book, they all must believe him (Christ) before their death; and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness against them (and you) (Surah 43:61);-
4:160. For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain (foods) good and wholesome which had been lawful for them;- because they hindered many from God's Way;-
4:161. In that they took usury, though they were forbidden; and that they devoured men's substance wrongfully;- We have prepared for those among them who reject Faith a grievous punishment.
4:162. But those among them who are well-grounded in Knowledge, and the Believers, believe in what hath been revealed to thee and what was revealed before thee: and (especially) those who establish constant prayer and practise regular charity and believe God and in the Last Day: to them shall We soon give a great reward.
4:163. We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: We sent inspiration to Abraham; Ishmael; Isaac; Jacob and the (twelve) Tribes (of Israel); to Aaron; Job; Solomon son of David; Jonah; Jesus; and to David We gave the Psalms (in the Old Covenant/Testament. Note well Psalm 22).
4:164. Of some Apostles We have already told thee the story; of others We have not;- and to Moses God spoke direct;-
4:165. Messengers who gave good news as well as warning, that mankind, after (the coming) of the Apostles, should have no plea against God: for God is Exalted in Power, and Wisdom.
4:166. But God beareth witness that what He hath sent unto thee He hath sent from His (Own) Knowledge, and the angels bear witness: but enough is God for a witness.
4:167. Those who reject Faith and obstruct (men) from The Way of God, have verily strayed far, far away from The Way (The Covenant).
4:168. Those who reject Faith and do wrong,- God will not forgive them nor guide them to any way
4:169. Except the way of Hell-Fire, to dwell therein for ever. And this to God is easy.
4:170. O Mankind! The Messenger hath come to you in truth from God: believe him: it is best for you. But if ye reject Faith, to God belong all things in the heavens and on earth: and God is All-knowing, All-wise.
4:171. O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of God aught but the Truth. Jesus the (human) son of Mary was (no more than) an Apostle of God; and His Word (John 1:14), which He bestowed on Mary's (human) son; was a spirit-Being (Christ) proceeding from Him (making the human+Being called Jesus+Christ): so believe God and His Apostles. Say NOT "Trinity": DESIST: it will be better for you: for "I AM" is one God. Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a human son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs.
4:172. Christ commandeth YE to serve and worship God, so do the angels, those nearest (to God): those who scorn His worship and are arrogant,- He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer).
4:173. But to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will give their (due) rewards,- and more, out of His bounty: but those who are scornful and arrogant, He will punish with a grievous Penalty; nor will they find, besides God, any to protect or help them.
4:174. O mankind! Verily there hath come to you a convincing proof from your Lord: for We have sent unto you a Light (that is) manifest.
4:175. Then those who believe God, and hold fast to Him,- soon will He admit them to Mercy and Grace from Himself, and guide them to Himself by The Straight Way.
4:176. They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: "God directs (thus) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance: if (such a deceased was) a woman, who left no child, her brother takes her inheritance: if there are two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance (between them): if there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth God make clear to you (His Law), lest ye err. And God hath knowledge of all things.

JAH