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security and bestow upon its people fruits, such of them
as believe in Allah and the Last Day, He answered: As for
him who disbelieves, I shall leave him in contentment
for a while, then I shall compel him to the doom of Fire
– and wrecked is the destination!
127. And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the
foundations of the House, [Abraham prayed]: Our
Lord! Accept from us [this duty]. Lo! You, only You, are
the Hearer, the Knower.
128. Our Lord! And make us Muslims [submissive] to You
and of our offspring a Muslim nation to You, and show
us our rites, and accept our repentance. Lo! You, only
You, are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.
129. Our Lord! And raise up in their midst a messenger from
among them who shall recite to them Your verses, and
shall instruct them in the Book and in wisdom and purify
them. Lo! You, only You, are the Mighty, Wise.
130. And who forsakes the religion of Abraham save him
who befools himself? Verily We chose him in the world,
and lo! in the Hereafter he is among the righteous.
131. When his Lord said to him: Surrender! he said: I have
surrendered to the Lord of the Worlds.
132. The same did Abraham enjoin upon his sons, and also
Jacob, [saying]: O my sons! Lo! Allah has chosen for you
the [true] religion; therefore die not except while you are
Muslims [who have surrendered to Him].
133. Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob,
when he said to his sons: What will you worship after
me? They said: We shall worship your God, the God of
your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac, One God,
and we are Muslims [surrendering] to Him.
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134. Those are a nation who has passed away. Theirs is that
which they earned, and yours is that which you earn.
And you will not be asked of what they used to do.
135. And they say: Be Jews or Christians, then you will be
rightly guided. Say [to them, O Muhammad]: Nay, but
[we follow] the religion of Abraham, the upright, and he
was not of the polytheists.
136. Say [O Muslims]: We believe in Allah and that which is
revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham,
and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and
that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which
the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no
distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims
[surrendering] to Him.
137. And if they believe in the like of that which you believe,
then they are rightly guided. But if they turn away, then
they are in schism, and Allah will suffice you [for defence]
against them. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
138. [We take our] religion from Allah, and who is better than
Allah in [ordaining] religion. We are His worshippers.
139. Say [to the People of the Book]: Dispute you with us
concerning Allah when He is our Lord and your Lord?
Ours are our deeds and yours your deeds. And we are
sincere [in deed and intention] to Him alone.
140. Or you say that Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and
Jacob, and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do
you know best, or does Allah? And who is more unjust
than he who hides a testimony which he has received
from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do.
141. Those are a nation who has passed away; theirs is that
which they earned and yours that which you earn. And
you will not be asked of what they used to do.
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۞ . 142 The foolish of the people will say: What has turned
them from the Qiblah [1] which they formally observed?
Say: To Allah belong the East and the West. He guides
whom He wills to a straight path.
143. Thus We have appointed you a middle nation, that
you may be witnesses against the people, and that
the messenger may be a witness against you. And We
appointed the Qiblah which you formally observed only
that We might know him who follows the messenger,
from him who turns on his heels. In truth, it was a hard
[test] save for those whom Allah guided. But it was not
Allah’s purpose that your faith should be in vain, for
Allah is Kind, Merciful toward mankind.
144. We have seen the turning of your face to heaven [for
guidance, O Muhammad]. And now verily We shall
make you turn [in prayer] toward a Qiblah which is dear
to you. So turn your face toward Al-masjid al-Haram[2]
[Sacred Mosque], and you [O Muslims], wheresoever
you may be, turn your faces [when you pray] toward
it. Lo! those who have received the Scripture know
that [this revelation] is the Truth from their Lord. And
Allah is not unaware of what they do.
145. And even if you brought to those who have received the
Scripture all kinds of signs, they would not follow your
Qiblah, nor can you be a follower of their Qiblah; nor are
some of them followers of the Qiblah of others. And
if you should follow their desires after the knowledge
[1] i.e. the place towards which the face is turned at prayer. The first Qiblah
of the Muslims was Jerusalem, which gave rise to a misunderstanding
on the part of the Jews of Al-Madînah, who wished to draw the
Muslims into Judaism. This was the cause of the Prophet’s anxiety
mentioned in the next verse but one.
[2] The Ka’bah at Mecca.
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which has come to you, surely you would then be of the
wrong-doers.
146. Those to whom We gave the Scripture recognise [this
revelation] as they recognise their sons. But lo! a party of
them knowingly conceal the truth.
147. It is the Truth from your Lord [O Muhammad], so be
not you of those who waver.
148. And for each nation there is a direction toward which
they turn [in their prayers]; so vie with one another in
good deeds. Wheresoever you may be, Allah will bring
you all together. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
149. And whencesoever you come forth [for prayer, O
Muhammad] turn your face toward the Al-Masjid-al-
Haram [at Mecca]. Lo! it is the Truth from your Lord.
Allah is not unaware of what you do.
150. Whencesoever you come forth turn your face toward
Al-Masjid al-Haram; and wheresoever you may be [O
Muslims] turn your faces toward it [when you pray] so
that people may have no argument against you, save such
of them as do injustice– Fear them not, but fear Me and
so that I may complete My favour upon you, and that
you may be guided.
151. Even as We have sent to you a messenger from among
you, who recites to you Our Verses and purifies you, and
teaches you the Book and wisdom, and teaches you that
which you knew not.
152. Therefore remember Me, I will remember you. Give
thanks to Me, and never be ungrateful to Me.
153. O you who believe! Seek help in patience and prayer. Lo!
Allah is with the patient.
154. And call not those who are killed in the way of Allah
“dead.” Nay, they are living, only you perceive not.
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155. And surely We shall test you with something of fear and
hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give
glad tidings to the patient,
156. Who say, when a misfortune strikes them: Lo! we are
Allah’s and lo! to Him we are returning.
157. Such are they on whom are blessings from their Lord,
and mercy. Such are the rightly guided.
158. Lo! [the mountains] As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among
the symbols of Allah. It is therefore no blame for
him who is on pilgrimage to the House [of Allah] or
performs Umrah, to go around them. And he who does
good voluntarily, lo! Allah is Appreciative, Knowing.
159. Lo! those who conceal the proofs and the guidance which
We sent down, after We had made it clear to mankind in
the Scripture: such are cursed by Allah and cursed by
those who curse.
160. Except those who repent and amend and make manifest
[the truth]. Those I will accept their repentance. I am the
One Who accepts repentance, the Merciful.
161. Lo! those who disbelieve, and die while they are
disbelievers; on them is the curse of Allah and of angels
and of men combined.
162. They ever dwell therein. The doom will not be lightened
for them, neither will they be reprieved.
163. Your god is One God; there is no deity [worth of
worship] save Him, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
164. Lo! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the
alteration of night and day, and the ships which run upon
the sea with that which is of use to people, and the water
which Allah sends down from the sky, thereby reviving the
earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of moving
creature therein, and [in] the ordinance of the winds, and
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the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs
[of Allah’s Sovereignty] for people who have sense.
165. Yet of mankind are some who take to themselves [objects
of worship which they set as] rivals to Allah, loving them
with a love like [that which is the due] of Allah [only] -
Those who believe are stronger in their love for Allah -
Oh, that those who do evil had but known, [on the day]
when they see the doom, that power belongs wholly to
Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment!
166. [On the day] when those who were followed disown
those who followed [them], and they see the doom, and
all their relations are cut from them.
167. And those who were but followers will say: If a return were
possible for us, we would disown them even as they have
disowned us. Thus will Allah show them their own deeds as
anguish for them, and they will not emerge from the Fire.
168. O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome
in the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Satan. Lo!
he is an open enemy for you.
169. He enjoins upon you only the evil and the foul, and that
you tell concerning Allah that which you know not.
170. And when it is said to them: Follow that which Allah has
sent down, they say: We follow that wherein we found
our fathers. What! Even though their fathers understood
nothing, nor they were guided?
171. The likeness of those who disbelieve [in relation to
the messenger] is as the likeness of one who shouts to
the [flock of sheep] that which hears nothing except a
shout and cry. Deaf, dumb, blind, therefore they do not
understand.
172. O you who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith
We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is
[indeed] He whom you worship.
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173. He has forbidden you only carrion, and blood, and
swine flesh, and that which has been immolated to [the
name of] any other than Allah. But he who is driven by
necessity, neither craving nor transgressing, it is no sin
for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
174. Lo! those who conceal of the Book which Allah has sent
down, and purchase a small gain therewith, they eat into
their bellies nothing else than fire. Allah will not speak
to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify
them. Theirs will be a painful doom.
175. Those are they who purchase error at the price of
guidance, and doom at the price of forgiveness. How
patient are they in their strife to reach the Fire!
176. That is because Allah has sent down the Book with the
truth. Lo! those who find [a cause of] disagreement in
the Book are in far schism.
177. It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the
East and the West; but righteous is he who believes in
Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and
the Prophets; and gives wealth, in spite of love of it, to
kinsfolk and to orphans and the poor and the wayfarer
and to those who ask, and to set slaves free; and observes
proper prayer and pays the poor-due. And those who
keep their covenant when they make one, and the patient
in tribulation and adversity and time of stress. Such are
they who are sincere. Such are the God-fearing.
178. O you who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for you in
the matter of the murdered; the freeman for the freeman,
and the slave for the slave, and the female for the female.
And for him who is forgiven somewhat by his [injured]
brother, then there should be a suitable follow up and
payment to him in kindness. This is an alleviation and
a mercy from your Lord. He who transgresses after this
will have a painful doom.
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179. And there is life for you in retaliation, O men of
understanding, that you may become righteous.
180. It is prescribed for you, when death approaches one of you,
if he leaves wealth, that he bequeaths to parents and near
relatives in kindness. [This is] a duty upon the righteous.
181. And whoso changes [the will] after he has heard it– the
sin thereof is only upon those who change it. Lo! Allah
is Hearer, Knower.
182. But he who fears from a testator some unjust or sinful
clause, and makes peace between the parties, [it shall be]
no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even
as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may
become righteous;
184. [Fast] a certain number of days; and [for] him who is
sick among you, or on a journey, [the same] number of
other days; and for those who can afford [to fast, but
with hardship] it there is a ransom: the feeding of a man
in need– But whoso does good of his own accord, it is
better for him: and that you fast is better for you if you
did but know.
185. The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the
Qur’ân, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of
the guidance, and the Criterion [of right and wrong].
And whoever of you is present, let him fast the month,
and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, [let him
fast the same] number of other days. Allah desires for
you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and [He
desires] that you should complete the period and that
you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and
that perhaps you will be thankful.
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186. And when My servants question you [Muhammad]
concerning Me, then surely I am near. I answer the
prayer of the suppliant when he cries to Me. So let them
bear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they
may be [rightly] guided.
187. It is made lawful for you to go to your wives on the night of
the fast. They are raiment for you and you are raiment for
them. Allah is aware that you were deceiving yourselves[1]
in this respect and He has turned in mercy toward you
and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and seek
that which Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink
until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the
black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast
till nightfall and touch them not, as long as you are at your
devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed
by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expounds His
revelations to mankind that they may become righteous.
188. And eat not up your property among yourselves in
vanity, nor seek by it [in bribery] to gain the hearing of
the judges that you may knowingly devour a portion of
the property of others wrongfully.
189. They ask you, [O Muhammad], of new moons. Say: They
are fixed seasons for mankind and for the pilgrimage. It
is not righteousness that you go to houses by the backs
thereof [as do the polytheists at certain seasons], but the
righteous man is he who fears Allah. So go to houses by the
gates thereof, and fear Allah, that you may be successful.
190. Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight
against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loves
not aggressors.
[1] The evening meal of one day till the evening meal of the next, and if
they fell asleep before they had taken their meal they had considered it
their duty to abstain from it, with the result that men fainted and came
near to death. Intercourse with their wives had been similarly restricted.
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191. And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out
of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution
is worse than killing. And fight not with them at the Al-
Masjid-al-Haram [at Mecca] until they first attack you
there, but if they attack you [there] then kill them. Such
is the reward of disbelievers.
192. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
193. And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion
is for Allah. But if they cease, then let there be no hostility
except against wrong-doers.
194. The sacred month for the sacred month, and for [all]
violations there is retaliation. And one who attacks you,
attack him like manner as he attacked you. Fear Allah,
and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.
195. Spend for the cause of Allah, and be not cast by your
own hands to ruin; and do good. Lo! Allah loves the
doers of good.
196. And complete the pilgrimage[1] [Hajj] and the visit [to
Mecca] [Umrah] for Allah. And if you are prevented, then
offer what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals,
and shave not your heads until the sacrificial animals have
reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is
sick or has an ailment of the head must pay a ransom of
fasting or charity or sacrifice. And if you are in safety, then
whosoever performs Umrah [during the Hajj months]
followed by the Pilgrimage [offers] sacrificial animals as
what can be obtained with ease. And whosoever cannot
find [such sacrificial animals], then a fast of three days
while on the pilgrimage, and of seven when you have
returned; that is, ten in all. That is for him whose folk are
not present at the Al-Masjid-al-Haram [at Mecca]. Fear
Allah, and know that Allah is severe in punishment.
[1] See also Sûrah 22, vv. 26 ff.
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197. The pilgrimage is [in] the well-known months, and
whoever is minded to perform the pilgrimage therein
[let him remember that] there is [to be] no sexual
relations nor disobedience nor angry conversation on
the pilgrimage. And whatsoever good you do Allah
knows it. So make provision for yourselves [hereafter];
for the best provision is fear of Allah. Therefore fear
Me, O men of understanding.
198. It is no sin for you that you seek the bounty of your
Lord [by trading]. But, when you depart from Arafât,
remember Allah by the Mash’ar il-Haram. Remember
Him as He has guided you, although before you were of
those astray.
199. Then hasten onward from the place whence the multitude
hastens onward, and ask forgiveness of Allah. Lo! Allah
is Forgiving, Merciful.
200. And when you have completed your rites, then remember
Allah as you remember your fathers [1] or with a more
lively remembrance. But of mankind is he who says:
“Our Lord! Give to us in the world,” and he has no share
in the Hereafter.
201. And of them [also] is he who says: “Our Lord! Give to us
in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that
which is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire.”
202. For them there is a share out of that which they have
earned. Allah is swift at reckoning.
203. And remember Allah during the appointed days. Then
whoso hastens [his departure] by two days, it is no sin
for him, and whoso delays, it is no sin for him; that is for
[1] It was the custom of the pagan Arabs to praise their forefathers at the
conclusion of the Pilgrimage.
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him who fears Allah. And fear Allah, and know that to
Him you will be gathered.
204. And of mankind there is he whose speech in the life of
this world pleases you [Muhammad], and he calls Allah
to witness as to that which is in his heart; yet he is the
most rigid of opponents.
205. And when he turns away [from you] his effort in the land
is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and
the cattle; and Allah loves not mischief.
206. And when it is said to him: “Fear Allah”, pride takes him
to sin. Hell will settle his account, an evil resting place.
207. And of mankind is he who would sell himself, seeking
the pleasure of Allah; and Allah has compassion on
[His] bondmen.
208. O you who believe! Come, all of you, into Islâm
[submission to Him]; and follow not the footsteps of
the Satan. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.
209. And if you slide back after the clear proofs have come to
you, then know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.
210. Wait they for nothing else than that Allah should come
to them in the shadows of the clouds with the angels?
Then the case would be already judged. All matters go
back to Allah [for judgment].
211. Ask of the Children of Israel how many a clear sign We
gave them! He who alters the grace of Allah after it has
come to him [for him], lo! Allah is severe in punishment.
212. Beautified is the life of the world for those who disbelieve;
they ridicule those who believe. But those who fear Allah
will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. Allah
gives provision without account to whom He wills.
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213. Mankind were one nation, and Allah sent [to them]
prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and
sent down therewith the Scripture with the truth that it
might judge between mankind concerning that wherein
they differed. And only those to whom [the Book] was
given differed concerning it, after clear proofs had come
to them, through hatred one of another. And Allah by
His Will guided those who believe to the truth of that
concerning which they differed. Allah guides whom He
wills to a straight path.
214. Or think you that you will enter Paradise while yet there
has not come to you the like of [that which came to] those
who passed away before you? Affliction and adversity
befell them, they were shaken, till the messenger [of Allah]
and those who believed along with him said: When comes
Allah’s help? Now surely Allah’s help is near.
215. They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they shall spend. Say:
That which you spend for good [must go] to parents and
near kindred and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer.
And whatever good you do, lo! Allah is Aware of it.
216. Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful to you;
but it may happen that you hate a thing which is good
for you, and it may happen that you love a thing which is
bad for you. Allah knows, you know not.
217. They question you [O Muhammad] with regard to
warfare in the sacred month. Say: Warfare therein is a
great [transgression], but to turn [men] from the way of
Allah, and to disbelieve in Him and [preventing access to]
the Al-Masjid-al-Haram, and to expel his people thence,
is a greater with Allah; for persecution is worse than
killing. And they will not cease from fighting against you
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till they have made you renegades from your religion, if
they can. And whoever of you reverts from his religion
and dies while he is a disbeliever: such are they whose
deeds have become worthless both in the world and the
Hereafter. Such are rightful owners of the Fire: they will
abide therein eternally.
218. Lo! those who believe, and those who emigrate [to escape
the persecution] and strive in the way of Allah, these
have hope of Allah’s mercy. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
219. They question you about strong drinks and games of
chance. Say: In both is great sin, and [some] utility
for people; but the sin of them is greater than their
usefulness. And they ask you what they ought to spend.
Say: That which is superfluous. Thus Allah makes plain
to you [His] revelations, that perhaps you may reflect.
220. Upon this world and the Hereafter. And they question
you concerning orphans. Say: To improve their lot is
best. And if you mingle your affairs with theirs, then
[they are] your brothers. Allah knows him who spoils
from him who improves. Had Allah willed He could
have overburdened you. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
221. Wed not polytheistic women till they believe; for lo! a
believing bondwoman is better than a polytheist though
she pleases you; and give not your daughters in marriage
to polytheists till they believe, for lo! a believing slave is
better than a polytheist though he pleases you. These
invite to the Fire, and Allah invites to the Paradise, and
to forgiveness by His grace, and expounds thus His
revelations to mankind that perhaps they may remember.
222. They question you [O Muhammad] concerning menstruation.
Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and
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go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they
have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah
has enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loves those who are
constantly repentant, and loves those who have a care for
cleanness.
223. Your women are a tilth for you [to cultivate] go to your
tilth as you will, and send [good deeds] before you
for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that you will
[one day] meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, [O
Muhammad].
224. And make not Allah, by your oaths, a hindrance to your
being righteous and fearing Him and making peace
among mankind. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
225. Allah will not take you to task for that which unintentional
in your oaths. But He will take you to task for that which
your hearts have earned. Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.
226. For those who forswear their wives must wait four months;
then, if they change their mind, lo! Allah is Forgiving,
Merciful.
227. And if they decide upon divorce [let them remember
that] Allah is Hearer, Knower.
228. Women who are divorced shall wait, keeping themselves
apart, three [monthly] courses. And it is not lawful for
them that they should conceal that which Allah has
created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the
Last Day. And their husbands would do better to take
them back in that case if they desire reconciliation. And
they [women] have rights similar to those [of men] over
them in kindness, and men are a degree above them [in
responsibility and authority]. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
229. Divorce is twice and then [a woman] must be retained in
honour or released in kindness. And it is not lawful for
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you that you take from women anything of that which
you have given them; except [in the case] when both
fear that they may not be able to keep within the limits
[imposed by] Allah. And if you fear that they may not be
able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is no sin for
either of them if the woman ransoms herself. These are
the limits [imposed by] Allah. Transgress them not. For
whoso transgresses Allah’s limits: such are wrong-doers.
230. And if he has divorced her [the third time], then she is
not lawful to him thereafter until she has wedded another
husband. Then if he [the other husband] divorces her it
is no sin for both of them that they come together again
if they consider that they are able to observe the limits
of Allah. These are the limits of Allah. He manifests
them for people who know.
231. When you have divorced women, and they have reached
their term, then retain them in kindness or release them
in kindness. Retain them not to their hurt so that you
transgress [the limits]. He who does that has wronged
his soul. Take not the verses of Allah a laughing stock
[by your behaviour], but remember Allah’s grace upon
you and that which He has revealed to you of the Book
and of wisdom, whereby He does exhort you. Fear Allah
and know that Allah is Aware of all things.
232. And when you have divorced women and they reach their
term, place not difficulties in the way of their marrying
their husbands if it is agreed between them in kindness.
This is an admonition for him among you who believes
in Allah and the Last Day. That is more virtuous for you,
and more pure. Allah knows: you know not.
233. Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years;
[that is] for those who wish to complete the suckling.
The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a
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seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one
should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should
not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should
he to whom the child is born [be made to suffer] because
of his child. And on the [father’s] heir is incumbent
the like of that [which was incumbent on the father].
If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and
[after] consultation, it is no sin for them; and if you wish
to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you,
provided that you pay what is due from you in kindness.
Fear Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what you do.
234. Such of you as die and leave behind them wives, they
[the wives] shall wait, keeping themselves apart, four
months and ten days. And when they reach the term
[prescribed for them] then there is no sin for you in
anything that they may do with themselves in decency.
Allah is Acquainted of what you do.
235. There is no sin for you in that which you proclaim or
hide in your minds concerning your allude betrothal
to women. Allah knows that you will remember them.
But do not promise them secretly except by uttering a
recognised form of words. And do not consummate
the marriage until [the term] prescribed is run. Know
that Allah knows what is within yourselves, so beware
of Him; and know that Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.
236. It is no sin for you if you divorce women while yet you
have not touched them, nor appointed to them a portion.
Provide for them, the rich according to his means, and
the straitened according to his means, a fair provision.
[This is] a binding duty for those who do good.
237. If you divorce them before you have touched them
and you have appointed to them a portion, then [pay
the] half of that which you appointed, unless they [the
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women] agree to forgo it, or he agrees to forgo it in
whose hand is the marriage tie.[1] To forgo is nearer to
piety. And forget not kindness among yourselves. Allah
is Seer of what you do.
238. Be guardians of your prayers, and of the midmost
prayer,[2] and stand up with devotion to Allah.
239. And if you go in fear, then [pray] standing or on horseback.
And when you are again in safety, remember Allah, as He
has taught you that which [previously] you knew not.
240. [In the case of] those of you who are about to die and
leave behind them wives, they should bequeath to their
wives a provision for the year without turning them out,
but if they go out [of their own accord] there is no sin
for you in that which they do of themselves within their
rights. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
241. For divorced women a provision in kindness: a duty
upon the righteous.
242. Thus Allah expounds to you His verses so that you may
understand.
243. Have you not considered [O Muhammad] of those
of old, who went forth from their habitations in their
thousands, fearing death,[3] and Allah said to them:
Die, and then He brought them back to life. Lo!
Allah is a Lord of Kindness to mankind, but most of
mankind give not thanks.
244. Fight in the way of Allah, and know that Allah is Hearer,
Knower.
[1] i.e. the bridegroom.
[2] Meaning, probably, the best amid all forms of prayer; but some
authorities think the reference is to the ‘asr (afternoon) prayer which
Muslims are most apt to forget.
[3] The reference is to the Exodus.
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245. Who is it that will lend to Allah a goodly loan,[1] so that
He may give it increase manifold? Allah straitens and
enlarges. To Him you will return.
246. Have you not considered the assembly of the Children
of Israel after Moses, how they said to a Prophet whom
they had: Set up for us a King and we will fight in Allah’s
way. He said: Would you then refrain from fighting if
fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should
we not fight in Allah’s way when we have been driven
from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when fighting
was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few
of them. Allah is Aware of wrong-doers.
247. Their Prophet said to them: Lo! Allah has raised up Talut
[Saul] to be a king for you. They said: How can he have
authority over us when we are more deserving of the
authority than he is, since he has not been given wealth
enough? He said: Lo! Allah has chosen him above you,
and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and
stature. Allah bestows His sovereignty on whom He
wills. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
248. And their Prophet said to them: Lo! the sign of his
authority is that there shall come to you the chest wherein
is peace of reassurance from your Lord, and a remnant
of that which the house of Moses and the house of
Aaron left behind, the angels bearing it. Lo! herein shall
be a sign for you if [in truth] you are believers.
249. And when Talut set out with the hosts, he said: Lo! Allah
will try you by [the ordeal of] a river. Whoever therefore
drinks thereof he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not
he is of me, save him who takes [thereof] in the hollow
of his hand. But they drank thereof, all save a few of
them. And after he had crossed [the river], he and those
who believed with him, they said: We have no power this
[1] A loan without interest i.e. without thought of gain.
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day against Galut [Goliath] and his hosts. But those who
knew that they would meet their Lord exclaimed: How
many a little company has overcome a mighty host by
Allah’s leave! Allah is with the patient.
250. And when they went into the field against Galut [Goliath]
and his hosts they said: Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance,
make our foothold sure, and give us help against the
disbelieving folk.
251. So they defeated them by Allah’s leave and Dawud
[David] killed Galut [Goliath]; and Allah gave him the
power and wisdom, and taught him of that which He
willed. And if Allah had not repelled some men by
others the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah
is a Lord of Bounty to the worlds.
252. These are the signs of Allah which We recite to you
[Muhammad] with truth, and lo! you are from among
the messengers;
۞ . 253 Of those messengers, some of whom We have caused
to excel others, and of whom there are some to whom
Allah spoke, while some of them He exalted [above
others] in degree; and We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear
proofs [of Allah’s Sovereignty] and We supported him
with the pure Spirit [i.e. the angel Gabriel]. And if Allah
had so willed it, those who followed after them would
not have fought one with another after the clear proofs
had come to them. But they differed, some of them
believed and some disbelieved. And if Allah had so
willed it, they would not have fought one with another;
but Allah does what He wills.
254. O you who believe! Spend of that wherewith We have
provided you before a day come when there will be no
trading, nor friendship, nor intercession. The disbelievers,
they are the wrong-doers.
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255. Allah! There is no deity save Him, the Alive, the Sustainer
of [all] existence. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes
Him. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and
whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedes
with Him save by His leave? He knows that which is
in front of them and that which is behind them, while
they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what
He wills. His Kursi [Throne] extends the heavens and
the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He
is the High, the Great.
256. There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is
henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejects false
deities and believes in Allah has grasped a firm handhold
which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
257. Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them
out of darkness into light. As for those who disbelieve,
their allies are false deities. They bring them out of light
into darkness. Such are the owners of the Fire. They will
abide therein eternally.
258. Have you not considered the one who had an argument
with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had given
him the power; how, when Abraham said: My Lord is He
who gives life and causes death, he answered: I give life
and cause death. Abraham said: Lo! Allah causes the sun
to rise in the East, so do you cause it to come up from
the West. Thus was the disbeliever overwhelmed. And
Allah guides not wrong-doing folk.
259. Or [consider you of] the like of him who, passing by a
township which had fallen into utter ruin, exclaimed:
How shall Allah give this township[1] life after its death?
And Allah made him die a hundred years, then brought
[1] Most of the commentators agree that the reference here is to Jerusalem
in ruins, while the following words tell of the vision of Ezekiel.
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him back to life. He said: How long have you tarried? [The
man] said: I have tarried a day or part of a day. [He] said:
Nay, but you have tarried for a hundred years. Just look at
your food and drink which have not rotted! Look at your
donkey! And, that We may make you a sign to mankind,
look at the bones, how We adjust them and then cover
them with flesh! And when [the matter] became clear to
him, he said: I know now that Allah is Able to do all things.
260. And when Abraham said [to his Lord]: My lord! Show
me how You give life to the dead, He said: Do you not
believe? Abraham said: Yes, but [I ask] in order that my
heart may be at ease. [His Lord] said: Take four of the
birds and cause them to incline to you, then place a part
of them on each mountain, then call them, they will come
to you in haste. And know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.
261. The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah’s
way is as the likeness of a grain which grows seven
ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah gives increase
manifold to whom He wills. Allah is All-Embracing, All-
Knowing.
262. Those who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah and
afterward make not reproach and injury to follow that
which they have spent; their reward is with their Lord,
and there shall no fear come upon them, neither shall
they grieve.
263. A kind word and forgiveness is better than charity
followed by injury. Allah is Free from need, Forbearing.
264. O you who believe! Render not vain your charities by
reproach and injury, like him who spends his wealth only
to be seen of men and believes not in Allah and the Last
Day. His likeness is as the likeness of a rock whereon is
dust of earth; a rainstorm smites it, leaving it smooth and
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bare. They have no control of anything of that which they
have gained. And Allah guides not the disbelieving folk.
265. And the likeness of those who spend their wealth in
search of Allah’s pleasure, and for the strengthening of
their souls, is as the likeness of a garden on a height. The
rainstorm smites it and it brings forth its fruit twofold.
And if the rainstorm smites it not, then the shower.
Allah is Seer of what you do.
266. Would any of you like to have a garden of palm-trees and
vines, with rivers flowing underneath it, with all kinds of
fruit for him therein; and old age has stricken him and
he has feeble offspring; and a fiery whirlwind strikes it
and it is [all] consumed by fire. Thus Allah makes plain
[His] verses to you, in order that you may give thought.
267. O you who believe! Spend of the good things which
you have earned, and of that which we bring forth from
the earth for you, and seek not the bad [with intent] to
spend thereof [in charity] when you would not take it for
yourselves save with disdain; and know that Allah is Free
of need, Praiseworthy.
268. Satan promises you destitution and enjoins on you lewdness.
But Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself with
bounty. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
269. He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and he to whom
wisdom is given, he truly has received abundant good.
But none remember except men of understanding.
270. Whatever expenditure you spend or vow you vow, lo!
Allah knows it. Wrong-doers have no helpers.
271. If you disclose your almsgiving, it is well, but if you hide
it and give it to the poor, it will be better for you, and He
will atone for some of your ill deeds. Allah is Acquainted
of what you do.
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272. The guiding of them is not your duty [O Muhammad],
but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever good
thing you spend, it is for yourselves, when you spend
not save in search of Allah’s countenance; and whatever
good thing you spend, it will be repaid to you in full, and
you will not be wronged.
273. [Alms are] for the poor who are straitened for the cause
of Allah, who cannot travel in the land [for trade]. The
unthinking man accounts them wealthy because of their
restraint. You shall know them by their mark: They do not
beg of men with persistently. And whatsoever good thing
you spend, lo! Allah knows it.
274. Those who spend their wealth by night and day, by
covertness and openly, verily their reward is with their
Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither
shall they grieve.
275. Those who swallow usury cannot rise up [on the Day
of Resurrection] save as he arises whom the Satan has
beaten by [his] touch. That is because they say: Trade is
just like usury; whereas Allah permits trading and forbids
usury. He to whom an admonition from his Lord comes,
and [he] refrains [in obedience thereto], he shall keep [the
profits of] that which is past, and his affair [henceforth]
is with Allah. As for him who returns [to usury] such are
the owners of the Fire. They will abide therein eternally.
276. Allah destroys usury and makes charities fruitful. Allah
loves not the sinning disbeliever.
277. Lo! those who believe and do good deeds and establish
prayer and pay the poor-due, their reward is with their
Lord and there shall no fear come upon them neither
shall they grieve.
278. O you who believe! Fear Allah, and give up what remains
[due to you] from usury, if you are [in truth] believers.
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279. And if you do not, then be warned of war [against you]
from Allah and His messenger. And if you repent, then
you have your principal [without interest]. Wrong not,
and you shall not be wronged,
280. And if the debtor is in straitened circumstances, then [let
there be] postponement to [the time of] ease; and if you
remit the debt as charity would be better for you if you
did but know.
281. And fear a Day when you will be brought back to Allah.
Then every soul will be paid in full that which it has
earned, and they will not be wronged.
282. O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a
fixed term, record it in writing. Let a scribe record it
in writing between you in [terms of] equity. No scribe
should refuse to write as Allah has taught him, so let
him write, and let him who incurs the debt dictate, and
let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord, and diminish
nothing thereof. But if he who owes the debt is of low
understanding, or weak, or unable himself to dictate,
then let the guardian of his interests dictate in [terms of]
equity. And call to witness, from among your men, two
witnesses. And if two men be not [at hand] then a man
and two women, of such as you approve as witnesses,
so that if the one errs [through forgetfulness] the other
will remind her. And the witnesses must not refuse when
they are summoned. Be not averse to writing down [the
contract] whether it be small or great, with [record of]
the term thereof. That is more equitable in the sight of
Allah and more sure for testimony, and the best way
of avoiding doubt between you; save only in the case
when it is actual merchandise which you transfer among
yourselves from hand to hand. In that case it is no sin
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for you if you write it not. And have witnesses when you
sell one to another, and let no harm be done to scribe or
witness. If you do [harm to them] lo! it is a sin in you.
Fear Allah. Allah is teaching you. And Allah is Knower
of all things.
283. If you be on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a
pledge in hand [shall suffice]. And if one of you entrusts
to another let him who is trusted deliver up that which is
entrusted to him [according to the pact between them]
and let him observe his duty to Allah. Hide not testimony.
He who hides it, verily his heart is sinful. Allah is Aware
of what you do.
284. To Allah [belongs] whatsoever is in the heavens and
whatsoever is in the earth; and whether you make known
what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will bring you to
account for it. He will forgive whom He wills and He
will punish whom He wills. Allah is Able to do all things.
285. The messenger believes in that which has been revealed
to him from his Lord and [so do] the believers. Each one
believes in Allah and His angels and His books and His
messengers– We make no distinction [they say] between
any of His messengers and they say: We hear, and we
obey. [Grant us] Your forgiveness, our Lord. To You is
the final destination.
286. Allah tasks not a soul beyond its scope. For it [is only] that
which it has gained, and against it [only] that which it has
earned. Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget, or erred!
Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as You did lay on
those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which
we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us
and have mercy on us, You, our Protector, and give us
victory over the disbelieving folk.
