2. The Cow

Alif. Lam. Mim.

This is the Book; in it is guidance sure,without doubt, to those who fear Allah;

Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast inprayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;

And who believe in the Revelation sent tothee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have theassurance of the Hereafter.

They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord,and it is these who will prosper.

As to those who reject Faith, it is the sameto them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will notbelieve.

Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and ontheir hearing. And on their eyes is a veil; great is the penaltythey (incur).

Of the people there are some who say: “Webelieve in Allah and the Last Day;” but they do not (really)believe.

Fain would they deceive Allah and those whobelieve, but they only deceive themselves, and realize (it) not!

In their hearts is a disease; and Allah hasincreased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they (incur),because they are false (to themselves).

When it is said to them: “Make not mischiefon the earth,” they say: “Why, we only want to make peace!”

Of a surety, they are the ones who makemischief, but they realize (it) not.

When it is said to them: “Believe as theothers believe:” They say: “Shall we believe as the fools believe?”Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know.

When they meet those who believe, they say:”We believe;” but when they are alone with their evil ones, theysay: “We are really with you: We (were) only jesting.”

Allah will throw back their mockery on them,and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander likeblind ones (to and fro).

These are they who have bartered Guidance forerror: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost truedirection,

Their similitude is that of a man who kindleda fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their lightand left them in utter darkness. So they could not see.

Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return(to the path).

Or (another similitude) is that of arain-laden cloud from the sky: In it are zones of darkness, andthunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears tokeep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror ofdeath. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!

The lightning all but snatches away theirsight; every time the light (Helps) them, they walk therein, andwhen the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allahwilled, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; forAllah hath power over all things.

O ye people! Worship your Guardian Lord, whocreated you and those who came before you, that ye may becomerighteous;

Who has made the earth your couch, and theheavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; andbrought forth therewith Fruits for your sustenance; then set not uprivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth).

And if ye are in doubt as to what We haverevealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a S�rah likethereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any)besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.

But if ye cannot – and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones,- which isprepared for those who reject Faith.

But give glad tidings to those who believeand work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath whichrivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, theysay: “Why, this is what we were fed with before,” for they are giventhings in similitude; and they have therein spouses purified; andthey abide therein (for ever).

Allah disdains not to use the similitude ofthings, even of a gnat as well as anything above it. Those whobelieve know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who rejectFaith say: “What means Allah by this similitude?” By it He causesmany to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causesnot to stray, except those who forsake (the path),-

Those who break Allah’s Covenant after it isratified, and who sunder what Allah Has ordered to be joined, and domischief on earth: These cause loss (only) to themselves.

How can ye reject the faith in Allah?- seeingthat ye were without life, and He gave you life; then will He causeyou to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to Him willye return.

It is He Who hath created for you all thingsthat are on earth; Then He turned to the heavens, and made them intoseven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.

Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: “I willcreate a vicegerent on earth.” They said: “Wilt Thou place thereinone who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we docelebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?” He said: “I knowwhat ye know not.”

And He taught Adam the names of all things;then He placed them before the angels, and said: “Tell me the namesof these if ye are right.”

They said: “Glory to Thee, of knowledge Wehave none, save what Thou Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Whoart perfect in knowledge and wisdom.”

He said: “O Adam! Tell them their natures.”When he had told them, Allah said: “Did I not tell you that I knowthe secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what ye reveal and whatye conceal?”

And behold, We said to the angels: “Bow downto Adam” and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and washaughty: he was of those who reject Faith.

And We said: “O Adam! dwell thou and thy wifein the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where andwhen) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm andtransgression.”

Then did Satan make them slip from the(Garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which theyhad been. And We said: “Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmitybetween yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling place and yourmeans of livelihood – for a time.”

Then learnt Adam from his Lord certain words,and (Allah) accepted his repentance; for He is Oft-Returning, MostMerciful.

We said: “Get ye down all from here; and if,as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me, whosoever followsMy guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

“But those who reject Faith and belie OurSigns, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abidetherein.”

O Children of Israel! call to mind the(special) favor which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your covenantwith Me as I shall fulfill My covenant with you, and fear none butMe.

And believe in what I reveal, confirming therevelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject Faiththerein, nor sell My Signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Mealone.

And cover not Truth with falsehood, norconceal the Truth when ye know (what it is).

And be steadfast in prayer; give Zakat; andbow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).

Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, andforget (to practice it) yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture?Will ye not understand?

Nay, seek (Allah’s) help with patientperseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who arehumble,-

Who bear in mind the certainty that they areto meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.

O Children of Israel! call to mind the(special) favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred youto all others (for My Message).

Then guard yourselves against a day when onesoul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted forher, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone behelped (from outside).

And remember, We delivered you from thepeople of Pharaoh: They set you hard tasks and punishments,slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live; therein was atremendous trial from your Lord.

And remember We divided the sea for you andsaved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people within your very sight.

And remember We appointed forty nights forMoses, and in his absence ye took the calf (for worship), and ye didgrievous wrong.

Even then We did forgive you; there was achance for you to be grateful.

And remember We gave Moses the Scripture andthe Criterion (Between right and wrong): There was a chance for youto be guided aright.

And remember Moses said to his people: “O mypeople! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of thecalf: So turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and slay yourselves(the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of yourMaker.” Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): For He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.

And remember ye said: “O Moses! We shallnever believe in thee until we see Allah manifestly,” Thereupon yewere dazed with thunderbolt even as ye looked on.

Then We raised you up after your death; yehad the chance to be grateful.

And We gave you the shade of clouds and sentdown to you Manna and quails, saying: “Eat of the good things Wehave provided for you:” (But they rebelled); to Us they did no harm,but they harmed their own souls.

And remember We said: “Enter this town, andeat of the plenty therein as ye wish; and enter the gate prostrating(with humility), and say: “Forgive (us)”; We shall forgive you yourfaults and increase (the portion of) those who do good.”

But the transgressors changed the word fromthat which had been given them; so We sent on the transgressors aplague from heaven, for that they infringed (Our command)repeatedly.

And remember Moses prayed for water for hispeople; We said: “Strike the rock with thy staff.” Then gushed forththerefrom twelve springs. Each group knew its own place for water.So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah, and do no evilnor mischief on the (face of the) earth.

And remember ye said: “O Moses! we cannotendure one kind of food (always); so beseech thy Lord for us toproduce for us of what the earth groweth, -its pot-herbs, andcucumbers, Its garlic, lentils, and onions.” He said: “Will yeexchange the better for the worse? Go ye down to any town, and yeshall find what ye want!” They were covered with humiliation andmisery; they drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. This becausethey went on rejecting the Signs of Allah and slaying His Messengerswithout just cause. This because they rebelled and went ontransgressing.

Those who believe (in the Quran), and thosewho follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and theSabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and workrighteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on themshall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

And remember We took your covenant and Weraised above you the Mount (Sinai) : (Saying): “Hold firmly to whatWe have given you and bring (ever) to remembrance what is therein:Perchance ye may fear Allah.”

But ye turned back thereafter: Had it notbeen for the Grace and Mercy of Allah to you, ye had surely beenamong the lost.

And well ye knew those amongst you whotransgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: We said to them: “Be yeapes, despised and rejected.”

So We made it an example to their own timeand to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear Allah.

And remember Moses said to his people: “Allahcommands that ye sacrifice a heifer.” They said: “Makest thou alaughing-stock of us?” He said: “Allah save me from being anignorant (fool)!”

They said: “Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord tomake plain to us what (heifer) it is!” He said; “He says: The heifershould be neither too old nor too young, but of middling age. Now dowhat ye are commanded!”

They said: “Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord tomake plain to us her color.” He said: “He says: A fawn-coloredheifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders!”

They said: “Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord tomake plain to us what she is: To us are all heifers alike: We wishindeed for guidance, if Allah wills.”

He said: “He says: A heifer not trained totill the soil or water the fields; sound and without blemish.” Theysaid: “Now hast thou brought the truth.” Then they offered her insacrifice, and they scarcely did it.

Remember ye slew a man and fell into adispute among yourselves as to the crime: But Allah was to bringforth what ye did hide.

So We said: “Strike the (body) with a pieceof the (heifer).” Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and showethyou His Signs: Perchance ye may understand.

Thenceforth were your hearts hardened: Theybecame like a rock and even worse in hardness. For among rocks thereare some from which rivers gush forth; others there are which whensplit asunder send forth water; and others which sink for fear ofAllah. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.

Can ye (O ye men of Faith) entertain the hopethat they will believe in you?- Seeing that a party of them heardthe Word of Allah, and perverted it knowingly after they understoodit.

Behold! when they meet the men of Faith, theysay: “We believe”: But when they meet each other in private, theysay: “Shall you tell them what Allah hath revealed to you, that theymay engage you in argument about it before your Lord?”- Do ye notunderstand (their aim)?

Know they not that Allah knoweth what theyconceal and what they reveal?

And there are among them illiterates, whoknow not the Book, but (see therein their own) desires, and they donothing but conjecture.

Then woe to those who write the Book withtheir own hands, and then say: “This is from Allah,” to traffic withit for miserable price!- Woe to them for what their hands do write,and for the gain they make thereby.

And they say: “The Fire shall not touch usbut for a few numbered days:” Say: “Have ye taken a promise fromAllah, for He never breaks His promise? or is it that ye say ofAllah what ye do not know?”

Nay, those who seek gain in evil, and aregirt round by their sins,- they are companions of the Fire: Thereinshall they abide (for ever).

But those who have faith and workrighteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall theyabide (For ever).

And remember We took a covenant from theChildren of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah. treatwith kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those inneed; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and giveZakat. Then did ye turn back, except a few among you, and yebackslide (even now).

And remember We took your covenant (to thiseffect): Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out your own peoplefrom your homes: and this ye solemnly ratified, and to this ye werewitness.

After this it is ye, the same people, whoslay among yourselves, and banish a party of you from their homes;assist (their enemies) against them, in guilt and transgression; andif they come to you as captives, ye ransom them, though it was notlawful for you to banish them. Then is it only a part of the Bookthat ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? but what is thereward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in thislife?- and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to themost grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.

These are the people who buy the life of thisworld at the price of the Hereafter: their penalty shall not belightened nor shall they be helped.

We gave Moses the Book and followed him upwith a succession of messengers; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear(Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it thatwhenever there comes to you a messenger with what ye yourselvesdesire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors,and others ye slay!

They say, “Our hearts are the wrappings(which preserve Allah’s Word: we need no more).” Nay, Allah’s curseis on them for their blasphemy: Little is it they believe.

And when there comes to them a Book fromAllah, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they hadprayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes tothem that which they (should) have recognized, they refuse tobelieve in it, but the curse of Allah is on those without Faith.

Miserable is the price for which they havesold their souls, in that they deny (the revelation) which Allah hassent down, in insolent envy that Allah of His Grace should send itto any of His servants He pleases: Thus have they drawn onthemselves Wrath upon Wrath. And humiliating is the chastisement ofthose who reject Faith.

When it is said to them, “Believe in whatAllah Hath sent down, “they say, “We believe in what was sent downto us:” yet they reject all besides, even if it be Truth confirmingwhat is with them. Say: “Why then have ye slain the prophets ofAllah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?”

There came to you Moses with clear (Signs);yet ye worshipped the calf (even) after that, and ye did behavewrongfully.

And remember We took your covenant and Weraised above you them Mount (Sinai): (Saying): “Hold firmly to whatWe have given you, and hearken (to the Law)”: They said:” We hear,and we disobey:” And their hearts were filled (with the love) of thecalf because of their Faithlessness. Say: “Vile indeed are thebehests of your Faith if ye have any faith!”

Say: “If the last Home, with Allah, be foryou specially, and not for anyone else, then seek ye for death, ifye are sincere.”

But they will never seek for death, onaccount of the (sins) which their hands have sent on before them.And Allah is well-acquainted with the wrong-doers.

Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people,most greedy of life,-even more than the idolaters: Each one of themwishes he could be given a life of a thousand years: But the grantof such life will not save him from (due) punishment. For Allah seeswell all that they do.

Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel – for hebrings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah’s will, aconfirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings forthose who believe,-

Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angelsand messengers, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! Allah is an enemy tothose who reject Faith.

We have sent down to thee Manifest Signs(ayat); and none reject them but those who are perverse.

Is it not (the case) that every time theymake a covenant, some party among them throw it aside?- Nay, Most ofthem are faithless.

And when there came to them a messenger fromAllah, confirming what was with them, a party of the People of theBook threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if (it hadbeen something) they did not know!

They followed what the Satans recited(falsely) over Solomon’s kingdom. Solomon did not disbelieve, butthe Satans disbelieved, teaching men magic, and such things as camedown at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of thesetaught anyone (Such things) without saying: “We are only for trial;so do not blaspheme.” They learned from them the means to sowdiscord between man and wife. But they could not thus harm anyoneexcept by Allah’s permission. And they learned what harmed them, notwhat profited them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) wouldhave no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was theprice for which they did sell their souls, if they but knew!

If they had kept their Faith and guardedthemselves from evil, far better had been the reward from Allah, ifthey but knew!

O ye of Faith! Say not (to the Messenger)R��n�, but say unthurna (i.e. say not words of ambiguous import, butwords of respect); and hearken (to him): To those without Faith is agrievous punishment.

It is never the wish of those without Faithamong the People of the Book, nor of the polytheists, that anythinggood should come down to you from your Lord. But Allah will choosefor His special Mercy whom He will – for Allah is Lord of graceabounding.

None of Our revelations do We abrogate orcause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better orsimilar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?

Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth thedominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye haveneither patron nor helper.

Would ye question your Messenger as Moses wasquestioned of old? but whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hathstrayed without doubt from the even way.

Quite a number of the People of the Book wishthey could turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye havebelieved, from selfish envy, after the truth hath become manifestunto them: But forgive and overlook, till Allah brings about hiscommand; for Allah Hath power over all things.

And be steadfast in prayer and regular incharity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you,ye shall find it with Allah. for Allah sees Well all that ye do.

And they say: “None shall enter Paradiseunless he be a Jew or a Christian.” Those are their (vain) desires.Say: “Produce your proof if ye are truthful.”

Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allahand is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; onsuch shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

The Jews say: “The Christians have naught (tostand) upon; and the Christians say: “The Jews have naught (tostand) upon.” Yet they (profess to) study the (same) Book. Like untotheir word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judgebetween them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.

And who is more unjust than he who forbidsthat in places for the worship of Allah, His name should becelebrated?-whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fittingthat such should themselves enter them except in fear. For themthere is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world tocome, an exceeding torment.

To Allah belong the East and the West:whithersoever ye turn, there is Allah’s face. For Allah isAll-Embracing, All-Knowing.

They say: “(Allah) hath begotten a son”:Glory be to Him.-Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens andon earth: everything renders worship to Him.

The Originator of the heavens and the earth:When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: “Be,” and it is.

Say those without knowledge: “Why speakethnot Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?” So said thepeople before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike.We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmlyto Faith (in their hearts).

Verily, We have sent thee in truth as abearer of glad tidings and a warner: But of thee no question shallbe asked of the companions of the Blazing Fire.

Never will the Jews or the Christians besatisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say:”The Guidance of Allah,-that is the (only) Guidance.” Wert thou tofollow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee,then wouldst thou find neither protector nor helper against Allah.

Those to whom We have given the Book study itas it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein:Those who reject faith therein,- the loss is their own.

O Children of Israel! call to mind thespecial favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you toall others.

Then guard yourselves against a Day when onesoul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be acceptedfrom her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone behelped (from outside).

And remember that Abraham was tried by hisLord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: “I willmake thee an Imam to the Nations.” He pleaded: “And also (Imams)from my offspring!” He answered: “But My Promise is not within thereach of evil-doers.”

Remember We made the House a place ofassembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the Station ofAbraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham andIsmail, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass itround, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves(therein in prayer).

And remember Abraham said: “My Lord, makethis a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits,-such of themas believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He said: “(Yea), and such asreject Faith,-for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but willsoon drive them to the torment of Fire,- an evil destination(indeed)!”

And remember Abraham and Ismail raised thefoundations of the House (with this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (thisservice) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”

“Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy(Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (Will);and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turnunto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Relenting, Most Merciful.

“Our Lord! send amongst them a Messenger oftheir own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them inscripture and wisdom, and sanctify them: For Thou art the Exalted inMight, the Wise.”

And who turns away from the religion ofAbraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose andrendered pure in this world: And he will be in the Hereafter in theranks of the Righteous.

Behold! his Lord said to him: “Submit (thywill to Me):” He said: “I submit (my will) to the Lord and Cherisherof the Universe.”

And this was the legacy that Abraham left tohis sons, and so did Jacob; “Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faithfor you; then die not except in the state of submission.”

Were ye witnesses when death appeared beforeJacob? Behold, he said to his sons: “What will ye worship after me?”They said: “We shall worship Thy God and the God of thy fathers, ofAbraham, Ismail and Isaac,- the One (True) God. To Him do we submit(in Isl�m).”

That was a people that hath passed away. Theyshall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Yeshall not be asked about what they did.

They say: “Become Jews or Christians if yewould be guided (to salvation).” Say thou: “Nay! (I would rather)the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods withAllah.”

Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and therevelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, andthe Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to(all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between oneand another of them: And we submit to Allah (in Isl�m).”

So if they believe as ye believe, they areindeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who arein schism; but Allah will suffice thee as against them, and He isthe All- Hearing, the All-Knowing.

(Our religion) takes its hue from Allah. Andwho can give a better hue than Allah. And it is He Whom we worship.

Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah,seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsiblefor our doings and ye for yours; and that we are sincere (in ourfaith) in Him?

Or do ye say that Abraham, Ismail, Isaac,Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know betterthan Allah. Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal thetestimony they have from Allah. But Allah is not unmindful of whatye do!

That was a people that hath passed away. Theyshall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Oftheir merits there is no question in your case:

The fools among the people will say: “Whathath turned them from the Qibla to which they were used?” Say: ToAllah belong both East and West: He guideth whom He will to a waythat is straight.

Thus, have We made of you an Ummah justlybalanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and theMessenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla towhich thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messengerfrom those who would turn on their heels (from the Faith). Indeed itwas (a change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And neverwould Allah Make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all peopleMost surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.

We see the turning of thy face (for guidance)to the heavens: now Shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall pleasethee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque:Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The People ofthe Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor isAllah unmindful of what they do.

Even if thou wert to bring to the People ofthe Book all the Signs (together), they would not follow thy Qibla;nor art thou going to follow their Qibla; nor indeed will theyfollow each other’s Qibla. If thou after the knowledge hath reachedthee, Wert to follow their (vain) desires,- then wert thou Indeed(clearly) in the wrong.

The People of the Book know this as they knowtheir own sons; but some of them conceal the truth which theythemselves know.

The Truth is from thy Lord; so be not at allin doubt.

To each is a goal to which Allah turns him;then strive together (as in a race) towards all that is good.Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you together. For Allah Hathpower over all things.

From whencesoever thou startest forth, turnthy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; that is indeed thetruth from thy Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.

So from whencesoever thou startest forth,turn thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; and wheresoeverye are, turn your face thither: that there be no ground of disputeagainst you among the people. Except those of them that are bent onwickedness; so fear them not, but fear Me; and that I may completeMy favors on you, and ye May (consent to) be guided;

A similar (favor have ye already received) inthat We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing toyou Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scriptureand Wisdom, and in new knowledge.

Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you.Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.

O ye who believe! seek help with patientperseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patientlypersevere.

And say not of those who are slain in the wayof Allah. “They are dead.” Nay, they are living, though ye perceive(it) not.

Be sure we shall test you with something offear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of yourtoil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,-

Who say, when afflicted with calamity: “ToAllah We belong, and to Him is our return”:-

They are those on whom (descend) blessingsfrom their Lord, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receiveguidance.

Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbolsof Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at othertimes, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if anyone obeyeth his own impulse to good,- be sure that Allah is He Whorecogniseth and knoweth.

Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We havesent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear for thePeople in the Book,-on them shall be Allah’s curse, and the curse ofthose entitled to curse,-

Except those who repent and make amends andopenly declare (the Truth): to them I turn; for I am Oft-Returning,Most Merciful.

Those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,-on them is Allah’s curse, and the curse of angels, and of allmankind;

They will abide therein: Their penalty willnot be lightened, nor will respite be their (lot).

And your God is One God. There is no god butHe, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Behold! in the creation of the heavens andthe earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in thesailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; inthe rain which Allah Sends down from the skies, and the life whichHe gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of allkinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of thewinds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between thesky and the earth;- (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that arewise.

Yet there are men who take (for worship)others besides Allah, as equal (with Allah): They love them as theyshould love Allah. But those of Faith are overflowing in their lovefor Allah. If only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would seethe penalty: that to Allah belongs all power, and Allah willstrongly enforce the punishment.

Then would those who are followed clearthemselves of those who follow (them) : They would see theChastisement, and all relations between them would be cut off.

And those who followed would say: “If only wehad one more chance, we would clear ourselves of them, as they havecleared themselves of us.” Thus will Allah show them (the fruits of)their deeds as (nothing but) regrets. Nor will there be a way forthem out of the Fire.

O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, lawfuland good; and do not follow the footsteps of the Satan, for he is toyou an avowed enemy.

For he commands you what is evil andshameful, and that ye should say of Allah that of which ye have noknowledge.

When it is said to them: “Follow what Allahhath revealed:” They say: “Nay! we shall follow the ways of ourfathers.” What! even though their fathers were void of wisdom andguidance?

The parable of those who reject Faith is asif one were to shout like a goat- herd, to things that listen tonothing but calls and cries: Deaf, dumb, and blind, they are void ofwisdom.

O ye who believe! Eat of the good things thatWe have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him yeworship.

He hath only forbidden you dead meat, andblood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hathbeen invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced bynecessity, without willful disobedience, nor transgressing duelimits,- then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving MostMerciful.

Those who conceal Allah’s revelations in theBook, and purchase for them a miserable profit,- they swallow intothemselves naught but Fire; Allah will not address them on the Dayof Resurrection, nor purify them: Grievous will be their penalty.

They are the ones who buy Error in place ofGuidance and Torment in place of Forgiveness. Ah! what boldness(they show) for the Fire!

(Their doom is) because Allah sent down theBook in truth but those who seek causes of dispute in the Book arein a schism Far (from the purpose).

It is not righteousness that ye turn yourfaces towards East or West; but it is righteousness- to believe inAllah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and theMessengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, foryour kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for thosewho ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer,and give Zakat (regular charity); to fulfill the contracts which yehave made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) andadversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the peopleof truth, the God fearing.

O ye who believe! the law of equality isprescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, theslave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remissionis made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonabledemand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is aconcession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceedsthe limits shall be in grave chastisement.

In the Law of Equality there is (saving of)Life to you, O ye men of understanding; that ye may restrainyourselves.

It is prescribed, when death approaches anyof you, if he leave any goods that he make a bequest to parents andnext of kin, according to reasonable usage; this is due from theGod- fearing.

If anyone changes the bequest after hearingit, the guilt shall be on those who make the change. For Allah hearsand knows (All things).

But if anyone fears partiality or wrong-doingon the part of the testator, and brings about a settlement amongst(the parties concerned), there is no wrong in him: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed toyou as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn)self-restraint,-

(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but ifany of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should bemade up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship),is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that willgive more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it isbetter for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.

Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sentdown the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) forguidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of youwho is present (at his home) during that month should spend it infasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribedperiod (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends everyfacility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wantsyou) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in thatHe has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I amindeed close (to them): I respond to the prayer of every suppliantwhen he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to Mycall, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.

Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts,is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye aretheir garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly amongyourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associatewith them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat anddrink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct fromits black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears;but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in themosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto.Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learnself-restraint.

And do not eat up your property amongyourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, withintent that ye may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of(other) people’s property.

They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say:They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of)men, and for Pilgrimage. It is no virtue if ye enter your housesfrom the back: It is virtue if ye fear Allah. Enter houses throughthe proper doors: And fear Allah. That ye may prosper.

Fight in the cause of Allah those who fightyou, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth nottransgressors.

And slay them wherever ye catch them, andturn them out from where they have turned you out; for persecutionand oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at theSacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if theyfight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppressfaith.

But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving,Most Merciful.

And fight them on until there is no morepersecution or oppression, and the religion becomes Allah’s. But ifthey cease. Let there be no hostility except to those who practiceoppression.

The prohibited month for the prohibitedmonth,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law ofequality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you,transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know thatAllah is with those who restrain themselves.

And spend of your substance in the cause ofAllah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction;but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.

And complete the Hajj or Umrah in the serviceof Allah. But if ye are prevented (from completing it), send anoffering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave yourheads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if anyof you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (necessitatingshaving), (he should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor,or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again),if any one wishes to continue the Umrah on to the Hajj, He must makean offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, Heshould fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return,Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in(the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know thatAllah is strict in punishment.

For Hajj are the months well known. If anyone undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, norwickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (besure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (with you) for thejourney, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, Oye that are wise.

It is no crime in you if ye seek of thebounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage). Then when ye pour down from(Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the SacredMonument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, eventhough, before this, ye went astray.

Then return from the place whence it is usualfor the multitude so to do, and ask for Allah’s forgiveness. ForAllah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

So when ye have accomplished your holy rites,celebrate the praises of Allah, as ye used to celebrate the praisesof your fathers,- yea, with far more heart and soul. There are menwho say: “Our Lord! Give us (Thy bounties) in this world!” but theywill have no portion in the Hereafter.

And there are men who say: “Our Lord! Give usgood in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from thetorment of the Fire!”

To these will be allotted what they haveearned; and Allah is quick in account.

Celebrate the praises of Allah during theAppointed Days. But if any one hastens to leave in two days, thereis no blame on him, and if any one stays on, there is no blame onhim, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah, and know that yewill surely be gathered unto Him.

There is the type of man whose speech aboutthis world’s life may dazzle thee, and (on the sight of the people)he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he themost contentious of enemies.

When he turns his back, His aim everywhere isto spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and progeny.But Allah loveth not mischief.

When it is said to him, “Fear Allah.”, He isled by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell;-An evilbed indeed (to lie on)!

And there is the type of man who gives hislife to earn the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is full of kindness to(His) devotees.

O ye who believe! Enter into Isl�mwhole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of Satan; for he is toyou an avowed enemy.

If ye backslide after the clear (Signs) havecome to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

Will they wait until Allah comes to them incanopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is(thus) settled? but to Allah do all questions go back (fordecision).

Ask the Children of Israel how many clear(Signs) We have sent them. But if any one, after Allah’s favor hascome to him, substitutes (something else), Allah is strict inpunishment.

The life of this world is alluring to thosewho reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But therighteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for Allahbestows His abundance without measure on whom He will.

Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sentMessengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent theBook in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein theydiffered; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came tothem, did not differ among themselves, except through selfishcontumacy. Allah by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth,concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guided whom He willto a path that is straight.

Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden(of Bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed awaybefore you? they encountered suffering and adversity, and were soshaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who werewith him cried: “When (will come) the help of Allah.” Ah! Verily,the help of Allah is (always) near!

They ask thee what they should spend (Incharity). Say: Whatever wealth ye spend that is good, is for parentsand kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. Andwhatever ye do that is good, -Allah knoweth it well.

Fighting is prescribed for you, and yedislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is goodfor you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allahknoweth, and ye know not.

They ask thee concerning fighting in theProhibited Month. Say: “Fighting therein is a grave (offense); butgraver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path ofAllah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, anddrive out its members.” Tumult and oppression are worse thanslaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you backfrom your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from theirfaith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in thislife and in the Hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire andwill abide therein.

Those who believed and those who sufferedexile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of Allah,-they have the hope of the Mercy of Allah. And Allah isOft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

They ask thee concerning wine and gambling.Say: “In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin isgreater than the profit.” They ask thee how much they are to spend;Say: “What is beyond your needs.” Thus doth Allah make clear to youHis Signs: In order that ye may consider-

(Their bearings) on this life and theHereafter. They ask thee concerning orphans. Say: “The best thing todo is what is for their good; if ye mix their affairs with yours,they are your brethren; but Allah knows the man who means mischieffrom the man who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could haveput you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise.”

Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters),until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than anunbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (yourgirls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believesis better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you.Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons byHis Grace to the Garden (of Bliss) and forgiveness, and makes HisSigns clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise.

They ask thee concerning women’s courses.Say: They are a hurt and a pollution: So keep away from women intheir courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. Butwhen they have purified themselves, ye may approach them as ordainedfor you by Allah. For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly;and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.

Your wives are as a tilth unto you; soapproach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act foryour souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that ye are to meetHim (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those whobelieve.

And make not Allah’s (name) an excuse in youroaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace betweenpersons; for Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth all things.

Allah will not call you to account forthoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts;and He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

For those who take an oath for abstentionfrom their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained; if thenthey return, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

But if their intention is firm for divorce,Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

Divorced women shall wait concerningthemselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them tohide what Allah Hath created in their wombs, if they have faith inAllah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right totake them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. Andwomen shall have rights similar to the rights against them,according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage)over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

A divorce is only permissible twice: afterthat, the parties should either hold together on equitable terms, orseparate with kindness. It is not lawful for you, (men), to takeback any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both partiesfear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah.If ye (judges) do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep thelimits ordained by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if shegive something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained byAllah. so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limitsordained by Allah, such persons wrong (themselves as well asothers).

So if a husband divorces his wife(irrevocably), he cannot, after that, re- marry her until after shehas married another husband and he has divorced her. In that casethere is no blame on either of them if they re-unite, provided theyfeel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah. Such are thelimits ordained by Allah, which He makes plain to those whounderstand.

When ye divorce women, and they (are aboutto) fulfill the term of their (�ddah), either take them back onequitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not takethem back to injure them, (or) to take undue advantage; if any onedoes that; he wrongs his own soul. Do not treat Allah’s Signs as ajest, but solemnly rehearse Allah’s favors on you, and the fact thatHe sent down to you the Book and Wisdom, for your instruction. Andfear Allah, and know that Allah is well acquainted with all things.

When ye divorce women, and they fulfill theterm of their (�ddah), do not prevent them from marrying their(former) husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. Thisinstruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and theLast Day. That is (the course making for) most virtue and purityamongst you. And Allah knows, and ye know not.

The mothers shall give suck to theiroffspring for two whole years, for him (the father) who desires tocomplete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food andclothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on itgreater than it can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly onaccount of her child. Nor father on account of his child, an heirshall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning,by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame onthem. If ye decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there isno blame on you, provided ye pay (the foster mother) what yeoffered, on equitable terms. But fear Allah and know that Allah seeswell what ye do.

If any of you die and leave widows behind,they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten days: Whenthey have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if theydispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And Allah iswell acquainted with what ye do.

There is no blame on you if ye make anindirect offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts. Allah knowsthat ye cherish them in your hearts: But do not make a secretcontract with them except in terms honorable, nor resolve on the tieof marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know thatAllah Knoweth what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him; and knowthat Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

There is no blame on you if ye divorce womenbefore consummation or the fixation of their dower; but bestow onthem (A suitable gift), the wealthy according to his means, and thepoor according to his means;- a gift of a reasonable amount is duefrom those who wish to do the right thing.

And if ye divorce them before consummation,but after the fixation of a dower for them, then the half of thedower (is due to them), unless they remit it or (the man’s half) isremitted by him in whose hands is the marriage tie; and theremission (of the man’s half) is the nearest to righteousness. Anddo not forget liberality between yourselves. For Allah sees well allthat ye do.

Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers,especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout(frame of mind).

If ye fear (an enemy), pray on foot, orriding, (as may be most convenient), but when ye are in security,celebrate Allah’s praises in the manner He has taught you, which yeknew not (before).

Those of you who die and leave widows shouldbequeath for their widows a year’s maintenance and residence; but ifthey leave (the residence), there is no blame on you for what theydo with themselves, provided it is reasonable. And Allah is Exaltedin Power, Wise.

For divorced women maintenance (should beprovided) on a reasonable (scale). This is a duty on the righteous.

Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to youin order that ye may understand.

Didst thou not turn by vision to those whoabandoned their homes, though they were thousands (in number), forfear of death? Allah said to them: “Die”: Then He restored them tolife. For Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but Most of them areungrateful.

Then fight in the Cause of Allah, and knowthat Allah Heareth and Knoweth all things.

Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautifulloan, which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply manytimes? It is Allah that giveth (you) want or plenty, and to Himshall be your return.

Has thou not turned thy vision to the Chiefsof the Children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? they said to aprophet (that was) among them: “Appoint for us a king, that we mayfight in the cause of Allah.” He said: “Is it not possible, if yewere commanded to fight, that ye will not fight?” They said: “Howcould we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we wereturned out of our homes and our families?” but when they werecommanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band amongthem. But Allah Has full knowledge of those who do wrong.

Their Prophet said to them: “Allah hathappointed Talut as king over you.” They said: “How can he exerciseauthority over us when we are better fitted than he to exerciseauthority, and he is not even gifted, with wealth in abundance?” Hesaid: “Allah hath chosen him above you, and hath gifted himabundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: Allah Granteth Hisauthority to whom He pleaseth. Allah is All-Embracing, and Heknoweth all things.”

And (further) their Prophet said to them: “Asign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of theCovenant, with (an assurance) therein of security from your Lord,and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron,carried by angels. In this is a symbol for you if ye indeed havefaith.”

When Talut set forth with the armies, hesaid: “Allah will test you at the stream: if any drinks of itswater, he goes not with my army: Only those who taste not of it gowith me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused.” But they all drankof it, except a few. When they crossed the river,- he and thefaithful ones with him,- they said: “This day we cannot cope withGoliath and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they mustmeet Allah, said: “How oft, by Allah’s will, hath a small forcevanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastlypersevere.”

When they advanced to meet Goliath and hisforces, they prayed: “Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and makeour steps firm: Help us against those that reject faith.”

By Allah’s will they routed them; and Davidslew Goliath; and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught himwhatever (else) He willed. And did not Allah check one set of peopleby means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief: ButAllah is full of bounty to all the worlds.

These are the Signs of Allah. we rehearsethem to thee in truth: verily thou art one of the messengers.

Those messengers We endowed with gifts, someabove others: To one of them Allah spoke; others He raised todegrees (of honor); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs),and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If Allah had so willed,succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, afterclear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to wrangle, somebelieving and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they wouldnot have fought each other; but Allah Does what he wills.

O ye who believe! Spend out of (the bounties)We have provided for you, before the Day comes when no bargaining(will avail), nor friendship nor intercession. Those who rejectFaith- they are the wrong-doers.

Allah. There is no god but He,-the Living,the Self-subsisting, Supporter of all. No slumber can seize Him norsleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is theecan intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knowethwhat (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them.Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth.His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and Hefeeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. For He is theMost High, the Supreme (in glory).

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truthstands out clear from Error: whoever rejects Taghut (evil) andbelieves in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, thatnever breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

Allah is the Protector of those who havefaith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth intolight. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the Taghut (evil)ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths ofdarkness. They will be companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (forever).

Hast thou not turned thy vision to one whodisputed with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had granted himpower? Abraham said: “My Lord is He Who Giveth life and death.” Hesaid: “I give life and death”. Said Abraham: “But it is Allah thatcauseth the sun to rise from the east: Do thou then cause it to risefrom the west.” Thus was he confounded who (in arrogance) rejectedfaith. Nor doth Allah Give guidance to a people unjust.

Or (take) the similitude of one who passed bya hamlet, all in ruins to its roofs. He said: “Oh! how shall Allahbring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?” But Allah causedhim to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said:”How long didst thou tarry (thus)?” He said: (Perhaps) a day or partof a day.” He said: “Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years;but look at thy food and thy drink; they show no signs of age; andlook at thy donkey: and that We may make of thee a sign unto thepeople. Look further at the bones, how We bring them together andclothe them with flesh.” When this was shown clearly to him, hesaid: “I know that Allah hath power over all things.”

Behold! Abraham said: “My Lord! Show me howThou givest life to the dead.” He said: “Dost thou not thenbelieve?” He said: “Yea! but to satisfy my own heart.” He said:”Take four birds; tie them (cut them into pieces); then put aportion of them on every hill and call to them: They will come tothee (flying) with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in Power,Wise.”

The parable of those who spend their wealthin the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it groweth sevenears, and each ear Hath a hundred grains. Allah giveth manifoldincrease to whom He pleaseth: And Allah careth for all and Heknoweth all things.

Those who spend their substance in the causeof Allah, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of theirgenerosity or with injury,-for them their reward is with their Lord:on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Kind words and the covering of faults arebetter than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants,and He is Most-Forbearing.

O ye who believe! cancel not your charity byreminders of your generosity or by injury,- like those who spendtheir wealth to be seen of men, but believe neither in Allah nor inthe Last Day. They are in parable like a hard, barren rock, on whichis a little soil: on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (just) abare stone. They will be able to do nothing with aught they haveearned. And Allah guideth not those who reject faith.

And the likeness of those who spend theirsubstance, seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls, isas a garden, high and fertile: heavy rain falls on it but makes ityield a double increase of harvest, and if it receives not heavyrain, light moisture sufficeth it. Allah seeth well whatever ye do.

Does any of you wish that he should have agarden with date-palms and vines and streams flowing underneath, andall kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age, and hischildren are not strong (enough to look after themselves)- that itshould be caught in a whirlwind, with fire therein, and be burnt up?Thus doth Allah make clear to you (His) Signs; that ye may consider.

O ye who believe! Give of the good thingswhich ye have (honorably) earned, and of the fruits of the earthwhich We have produced for you, and do not even aim at gettinganything which is bad, in order that out of it ye may give awaysomething, when ye yourselves would not receive it except withclosed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of all wants, and Worthy ofall praise.

The Satan threatens you with poverty and bidsyou to conduct unseemly. Allah promiseth you His forgiveness andbounties. And Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things.

He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; andhe to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing;but none will grasp the Message but men of understanding.

And whatever ye spend in charity or whatevervow ye make, be sure Allah knows it all. But the wrong-doers have nohelpers.

If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so itis well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those (really)in need, that is best for you: It will remove from you some of your(stains of) evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.

It is not required of thee (O Messenger.), toset them on the right path, but Allah sets on the right path whom Hepleaseth. Whatever of good ye give benefits your own souls, and yeshall only do so seeking the “Face” of Allah. Whatever good ye give,shall be rendered back to you, and ye shall not be dealt withunjustly.

(Charity is) for those in need, who, inAllah’s cause are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about inthe land, seeking (for trade or work): the ignorant man thinks,because of their modesty, that they are free from want. Thou shaltknow them by their (unfailing) mark: They beg not importunately fromall the sundry. And whatever of good ye give, be assured Allahknoweth it well.

Those who (in charity) spend of their goodsby night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward withtheir Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Those who devour usury will not stand exceptas stand one whom the Satan by his touch Hath driven to madness.That is because they say: “Trade is like usury,” but Allah hathpermitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who after receivingdirection from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past;their case is for Allah (to judge); but those who repeat (theoffense) are companions of the Fire: They will abide therein (forever).

Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, butwill give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not anyungrateful and wicked.

Those who believe, and do deeds ofrighteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity,will have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear,nor shall they grieve.

O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and give upwhat remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers.

If ye do it not, take notice of war fromAllah and His Messenger. But if ye repent, ye shall have yourcapital sums: Deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt withunjustly.

If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant himtime till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way ofcharity, that is best for you if ye only knew.

And fear the Day when ye shall be broughtback to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned, andnone shall be dealt with unjustly.

O ye who believe! When ye deal with eachother, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixedperiod of time, reduce them to writing. Let a scribe write downfaithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse towrite: as Allah Has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incursthe liability dictate, but let him fear His Lord Allah, and notdiminish aught of what he owes. If the party liable is mentallydeficient, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, let his guardiandictate faithfully. And get two witnesses, out of your own men, andif there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as yechoose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other canremind her. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on(for evidence). Disdain not to reduce to writing (your contract) fora future period, whether it be small or big; it is juster in thesight of Allah, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient toprevent doubts among yourselves but if it be a transaction which yecarry out on the spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you ifye reduce it not to writing. But take witness whenever ye make acommercial contract; and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm.If ye do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So fear Allah.For it is Allah that teaches you. And Allah is well acquainted withall things.

If ye are on a journey, and cannot find ascribe, a pledge with possession (may serve the purpose). And if oneof you deposits a thing on trust with another, Let the trustee(faithfully) discharge his trust, and let him fear Allah, his Lord.Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it,- His heart is taintedwith sin. And Allah Knoweth all that ye do.

To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavensand on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it,Allah Calleth you to account for it. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth,and punisheth whom He pleaseth, for Allah hath power over allthings.

The Messenger believeth in what hath beenrevealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (ofthem) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers.”We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of Hismessengers.” And they say: “We hear, and we obey: (we seek) Thyforgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.”

On no soul doth Allah place a burden greaterthan it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffersevery ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Condemn us not if weforget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden likethat which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not onus a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out oursins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art ourProtector; Grant us victory over the unbelievers.”