Sura 62

Surah 62. The Gathering (Friday the Day of Preparation for the Sabbath/Al Sabt)

62:1. Whatever is in the heavens and on Earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory of "I AM",- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Almighty, the Wise.
62:2. It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered an Apostle from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom,- although they had been, before, in unmistakable error;-
62:3. As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them (Deut. 28:1-14), who have not already joined them: and He is Almighty, Wise.
62:4. Such is the Bounty of "I AM" (Sura 6:154-157), which He bestows on whom He will: and "I AM" is the Lord of the highest bounty.
62:5. The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligations of the) Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey which carries huge Books (but understands them not). Evil is the similitude of people who falsify the Signs of "I AM" (Deut. 4:2): and "I AM" guides not people who do wrong.
62:6. Say: "O ye that stand on Judaism! If ye think that ye are friends to "I AM", to the exclusion of (other) men, then express your desire for Death, if ye are truthful!"
62:7. But never will they express their desire (for Death), because of the (deeds) their hands have sent on before them (John 3:19-21)! And "I AM" knows well those that do wrong!
62:8. Say: "The Death from which ye flee will truly overtake you: then will ye be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you (the truth of) the things that ye did!"
62:9. O ye who believe! When the call to gather (what is needed for the Sabbath/Al Sabt) on Friday (the Day of Preparation for the Sabbath/Al Sabt) is heard (Sura 61:6-7), hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of "I AM", and leave off business (and trade on the Sabbath/Al Sabt): that is best for you if ye but knew (Neh. 10:31)!
62:10. And when the gathering is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of "I AM" (Sura 33:33; Matt. 6:33): and celebrate the Praises of "I AM" often (and without stint): that ye may prosper.
62:11. But when they see some bargain or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave thee standing. Say: "The (blessing) from the Presence of "I AM" is better than any amusement or bargain (Matt. 6:33)! And "I AM" is the Best to provide (for all needs)."

JAH