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 Koran, 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 (Old Covenant) and Wisdom, The Law (The Torah) 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, Isaac, Jacob-Israel, 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 (The Torah) 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 (of Tears/Baca/Bakka - Ps. 84:6 - Mt. Moriah): 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 (and Strait - (Matt. 7:13-14).
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 your 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 (Matt. 6:12);- 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 (other) 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 emotions, 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 (Jere. 17:9)."
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 the 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