Louisa May Alcott - "Jo's Boys"

Hector St. John de Crevecoeur - "Letters from an American Farmer"

John Lothrop Motley - "History of the United Netherlands, 1587"

John Lothrop Motley - "History of the United Netherlands, 1590(b)"

New Philadelphia Book Publisher Highlights Local Talent
Book and Publishing News from Publishers Newswire(tm)

Looking for Child to be on Cover of a New Book, 'The Model Child'
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The Philadelphia literary world will celebrate the launch of two new players today, April 10th: Kay Square Press, a new publishing company focused on Philadelphia-area artists, their stories, and their art; and Kay Square's first release, 'With the Rich and Mighty: Emlen Etting of Philadelphia' (ISBN: 978-0-9815129-0-7), a critical biography by Kenneth C. Kaleta.

FlatSigned Press Alleges Don Imus Remarks Damage Legacy of President Gerald R. Ford
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Nathan Yungerberg, an accomplished model scout and professional child photographer is launching a nation-wide casting call to find the cover model for his highly anticipated book release, 'The Model Child: A Parents Guide to the Child Modeling Industry' (ISBN: 978-0-9817018-0-6).

Books: The Koran (without footnotes)

U >> Unknown >> The Koran (without footnotes)






________


CHAPTER VIII.

ENTITLED, THE SPOILS; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

THEY will ask thee concerning the spoils: Answer, The division of the
spoils belongeth unto GOD and the apostle. Therefore fear GOD, and compose
the matter amicably among you: and obey GOD and his apostle, if ye are true
believers.
Verily the true believers are those whose hearts fear when GOD is
mentioned, and whose faith increaseth when his signs are rehearsed unto them,
and who trust in their LORD;
who observe the stated times of prayer, and give alms out of that which
we have bestowed on them.
These are really believers: they shall have superior degrees of felicity
with their LORD, and forgiveness, and an honourable provision.
As thy LORD brought thee forth from thy house, with truth; and part of
the believers were averse to thy directions:
they disputed with thee concerning the truth, after it had been made
known unto them; no otherwise than as if they had been led forth to death,
and had seen it with their eyes.
And call to mind when GOD promised you one of the two parties, that it
should be delivered unto you, and ye desired that the party which was not
furnished with arms should be delivered unto you: but GOD purposed to make
known the truth in his words, and to cut off the uttermost part of the
unbelievers;
that he might verify the truth, and destroy falsehood, although the
wicked were averse thereto.
When ye asked assistance of your LORD, and he answered you, Verily I
will assist you with a thousand angels, following one another in order.
10 And this GOD designed only as good tidings for you, and that your
hearts might thereby rest secure: for victory is from GOD alone; and GOD is
mighty and wise.
When a sleep fell on you as a security from him, and he sent down upon
you water from heaven, that he might thereby purify you, and take from you the
abomination of Satan, and that he might confirm your hearts, and establish
your feet thereby.
Also when thy LORD spake unto the angels, saying, Verily I am with you;
wherefore confirm those who believe. I will cast a dread into the hearts of
the unbelievers. Therefore strike off their heads, and strike off all the
ends of their fingers.
This shall they suffer, because they have resisted GOD and his apostle:
and whosoever shall oppose GOD and his apostle, verily GOD will be severe in
punishing him.
This shall be your punishment; taste it therefore: and the infidels shall
also suffer the torment of hell fire.
O true believers, when ye meet the unbelievers marching in great numbers
against you, turn not your backs unto them:
for whoso shall turn his back unto them in that day, unless he turneth
aside to fight, or retreateth to another party of the faithful, shall draw on
himself the indignation of GOD, and his abode shall be in hell; an ill journey
shall it be thither!
And ye slew not those who were slain at Bedr yourselves, but GOD slew
them. Neither didst thou, O Mohammed cast the gravel into their eyes, when
thou didst seem to cast it; but GOD cast it, that he might prove the true
believers by a gracious trial from himself, for GOD heareth and knoweth.
This was done that GOD might also weaken the crafty devices of the
unbelievers.
If ye desire a decision of the matter between us, now hath a decision
come unto you: and if ye desist from opposing the apostle, it will be better
for you. But if ye return to attack him, we will also return to his
assistance; and your forces shall not be of advantage unto you at all,
although they be numerous; for GOD is with the faithful.
20 O true believers, obey GOD and his apostle, and turn not back from him,
since ye hear the admonitions of the Koran.
And be not as those who say, We hear, when they do not hear.
Verily the worst sort of beasts in the sight of GOD are the deaf and the
dumb, who understand not.
If GOD had known any good in them, he would certainly have caused them to
hear: and if he had caused them to hear, they would surely have turned back,
and have retired afar off.
O true believers, answer GOD and his apostle, when he inviteth you unto
that which giveth you life; and know that GOD goeth between a man and his
heart, and that before him ye shall be assembled.
Beware of sedition; it will not affect those who are ungodly among you
particularly, but all of you in general; and know that GOD is severe in
punishing.
And remember when ye were few, and reputed weak in the land; ye feared
lest men should snatch you away: but God provided you a place of refuge, and
he strengthened you with his assistance, and bestowed on you good things, that
ye might give thanks.
O true believers, deceive not GOD and his apostle; neither violate your
faith against your own knowledge.
And know that your wealth and your children are a temptation unto you;
and that with GOD is a great reward.
O true believers, if ye fear GOD, he will grant you a distinction, and
will expiate your sins from you, and will forgive you; for GOD is endued with
great liberality.
30 And call to mind when the unbelievers plotted against thee, that they
might either detain thee in bonds, or put to death, or expel thee the city;
and they plotted against thee: but GOD laid a plot against them; and GOD is
the best layer of plots.
And when our signs are repeated unto them, they say, We have heard; if we
pleased we would certainly pronounce a composition like unto this: this is
nothing but fables of the ancients.
And when they said, O GOD, if this be the truth from thee, rain down
stones upon us from heaven, or inflict on us some other grievous punishment.
But GOD was not disposed to punish them, while thou wast with them: nor
was GOD disposed to punish them when they asked pardon.
But they have nothing to offer in excuse why GOD should not punish them,
since they hindered the believers from visiting the holy temple, although
they are not the guardians thereof. The guardians thereof are those only who
fear God; but the greater part of them know it not.
And their prayer at the house of God is no other than whistling and
clapping of the hands. Taste therefore the punishment, for that ye have been
unbelievers.
They who believe not expend their wealth to obstruct the way of GOD:
they shall expend it, but afterwards it shall become matter of sighing and
regret unto them, and at length they shall be overcome; and the unbelievers
shall be gathered together into hell;
that GOD may distinguish the wicked from the good, and may throw the
wicked one upon the other, and may gather them all in a heap, and cast them
into hell. These are they who shall perish.
Say unto the unbelievers, that if they desist from opposing thee, what is
already past shall be forgiven them; but if they return to attack thee, the
exemplary punishment of the former opposers of the prophets is already past,
and the like shall be inflicted on them.
Therefore fight against them until there be no opposition in favor of
idolatry, and the religion be wholly GOD'S. If they desist, verily GOD seeth
that which they do:
40 but if they turn back, know that GOD is your patron; he is the best
patron, and the best helper.
And know that whenever ye gain any spoils, a fifth part thereof belongeth
unto GOD, and to the apostle, and his kindred, and the orphans, and the poor,
and the traveller; if ye believe in GOD, and that which we have sent down
unto our servant on the day of distinction, on the day whereon the two armies
met: and GOD is almighty.
When ye were encamped on the hithermost side of the valley, and they
were encamped on the farther side, and the caravan was below you; and if ye
had mutually appointed to come to a battle ye would certainly have declined
the appointment; but ye were brought to an engagement without any previous
appointment, that GOD might accomplish the thing which was decreed to be
done; that he who perisheth hereafter may perish after demonstrative evidence,
and that he who liveth may live by the same evidence; GOD both heareth and
knoweth.
When thy LORD caused the enemy to appear unto thee in thy sleep few in
number; and if he had caused them to appear numerous unto thee, ye would have
been disheartened, and would have disputed concerning the matter: but GOD
preserved you from this; for he knoweth the innermost parts of the breasts of
men.
And when he caused them to appear unto you when ye met, to be few in your
eyes; and diminished your numbers in their eyes; that GOD might accomplish
the thing which was decreed to be done; and unto GOD shall all things return.
O true believers, when ye meet a party of the infidels, stand firm, and
remember GOD frequently, that ye may prosper:
and obey GOD and his apostle, and be not refractory, lest ye be
discouraged, and your success depart from you; but persevere with patience,
for GOD is with those who persevere.
And be not as those who went out of their houses in an insolent manner,
and to appear with ostentation unto men, and turned aside from the way of
GOD; for GOD comprehendeth that which they do.
And remember when Satan prepared their works for them, and said, No man
shall prevail against you to-day; and I will surely be near to assist you.
But when the two armies appeared in sight of each other, he turned back on his
heels, and said, Verily I am clear of you: I certainly see that which ye see
not; I fear GOD, for GOD is severe in punishing.
When the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts there was an infirmity,
said, Their religion hath deceived these men: but whosoever confideth in GOD
cannot be deceived; for GOD is mighty and wise.
50 And if thou didst behold when the angels caused the unbelievers to die:
they strike their faces and their backs, and say unto them, Taste ye the pain
of burning:
this shall ye suffer for that which your hands have sent before you; and
because GOD is not unjust towards his servants.
These have acted according to the wont of the people of Pharaoh, and of
those before them, who disbelieved in the signs of GOD: therefore GOD took
them away in their iniquity; for GOD is mighty and severe in punishing.
This hath come to pass because GOD changeth not his grace, wherewith he
hath favored any people, until they change that which is in their souls; and
for that GOD both heareth and seeth.
According to the wont of the people of Pharaoh, and of those before them,
who charged the signs of their LORD with imposture, have they acted: wherefore
we destroyed them in their sins, and we drowned the people of Pharaoh; for
they were all unjust persons.
Verily the worst cattle in the sight of GOD are those who are obstinate
infidels, and will not believe.
As to those who enter into a league with thee, and afterwards violate
their league at every convenient opportunity, and fear not God;
if thou take them in war, disperse, by making them an example, those who
shall come after them, that they may be warned;
or if thou apprehend treachery from any people, throw back their league
unto them with like treatment; for GOD loveth not the treacherous.
And think not that the unbelievers have escaped GOD's vengeance, for
they shall not weaken the power of God.
60 Therefore prepare against them what force ye are able, and troops of
horse, whereby ye may strike a terror into the enemy of GOD, and your enemy,
and into other infidels besides them, whom ye know not, but GOD knoweth them.
And whatsoever ye shall expend in the defence of the religion of GOD, it shall
be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly.
And if they incline unto peace, do thou also incline thereto; and put thy
confidence in GOD, for it is he who heareth and knoweth.
But if they seek to deceive thee, verily GOD will be thy support. It is
he who hath strengthened thee with his help, and with that of the faithful;
and hath united their hearts. If thou hadst expended whatever riches are in
the earth, thou couldst not have united their hearts, but GOD united them;
for he is mighty and wise.
O prophet, GOD is thy support, and such of the true believers who
followeth thee.
O prophet stir up the faithful to war: if twenty of you persevere with
constancy, they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be one hundred of
you, they shall overcome a thousand of those who believe not; because they are
a people which do not understand.
Now hath GOD eased you, for he knew that ye were weak. If there be an
hundred of you who persevere with constancy, they shall overcome two hundred;
and if there be a thousand of you, they shall overcome two thousand, by the
permission of GOD; for GOD is with those who persevere.
It hath not been granted unto any prophet, that he should possess
captives, until he hath made a great slaughter of the infidels in the earth.
Ye seek the accidental goods of this world, but GOD regardeth the life to
come; and GOD is mighty and wise.
Unless a revelation had been previously delivered from GOD, verily a
severe punishment had been inflicted on you, for the ransom which ye took from
the captives at Bedr.
Eat therefore of what ye have acquired, that which is lawful and good;
for GOD is gracious and merciful.
70 O prophet, say unto the captives who are in your hands. If GOD shall know
any good to be in your hearts, he will give you better than what hath been
taken from you; and he will forgive you, for GOD is gracious and merciful.
But if they seek to deceive thee, verily they have deceived GOD;
wherefore he hath given thee power over them: and GOD is knowing and wise.
Moreover, they who have believed, and have fled their country, and
employed their substance and their persons in fighting for the religion of
GOD, and they who have given the prophet a refuge among them, and have
assisted him, these shall be deemed the one nearest of kin to the other. But
they who have believed, but have not fled their country, shall have no right
of kindred at all with you, until they also fly. Yet if they ask assistance
of you on account of religion, it belongeth unto you to give them assistance;
except against a people between whom and yourselves there shall be a league
subsisting: and GOD seeth that which ye do.
And as to the infidels let them be deemed of kin the one to the other.
Unless ye do this, there will be a sedition in the earth, and grievous
corruption.
But as for them who have believed, and left their country, and have
fought for GOD's true religion, and who have allowed the prophet a retreat
among them, and have assisted him, these are really believers; they shall
receive mercy, and an honourable provision.
And they who have believe since, and have fled their country, and have
fought with you, these also are of you. And those who are related by
consanguinity shall be deemed the nearest of kin to each other preferably to
strangers according to the book of GOD; GOD knoweth all things.



________


CHAPTER IX.

ENTITLED, THE DECLARATION OF IMMUNITY; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

A DECLARATION of immunity from GOD and his apostle, unto the idolaters,
with whom ye have entered into league.
Go to and fro in the earth securely four months; and know that ye shall
not weaken GOD, and that GOD will disgrace the unbelievers.
And a declaration from GOD and his apostle unto the people, on the day of
the greater pilgrimage, that GOD is clear of the idolaters, and his apostle
also. Wherefore if ye repent, this will be better for you; but if ye turn
back, know that ye shall not weaken GOD: and denounce unto those who believe
not, a painful punishment.
Except such of the idolaters with whom ye shall have entered into a
league, and who afterwards shall not fail you in any instance, nor assist any
other against you. Wherefore perform the covenant which ye shall have made
with them, until their time shall be elapsed; for GOD loveth those who fear
him.
And when the months wherein ye are not allowed to attack them shall be
past, kill the idolaters wheresoever ye shall find them, and take them
prisoners, and besiege them, and lay wait for them in every convenient place.
But if they shall repent, and observe the appointed times of prayer, and pay
the legal alms, dismiss them freely: for GOD is gracious and merciful.
And if any of the idolaters shall demand protection of thee, grant him
protection, that he may hear the word of GOD: and afterwards let him reach the
place of his security. This shalt thou do, because they are people which
know not the excellency of the religion thou preachest.
How shall the idolaters be admitted into a league with GOD and with his
apostle; except those with whom ye entered into a league at the holy temple?
So long as they behave with fidelity towards you, do ye also behave with
fidelity towards them; for GOD loveth those who fear him.
How can they be admitted into a league with you, since, if they prevail
against you, they will not regard in you either consanguinity or faith? They
will please you with their mouths, but their hearts will be averse from you;
for the greater part of them are wicked doers.
They sell the signs of GOD for a small price, and obstruct his way; it is
certainly evil which they do.
10 They regard not in a believer either consanguinity or faith; and these
are the transgressors.
Yet if they repent, and observe the appointed times of prayer, and give
alms, they shall be deemed your brethren in religion. We distinctly propound
our signs unto people who understand.
But if they violate their oaths, after their league, and revile your
religion, oppose the leaders of infidelity (for there is no trust in them),
that they may desist from their treachery.
Will ye not fight against people who have violated their oaths, and
conspired to expel the apostle of God; and who of their own accord assaulted
you the first time? Will ye fear them? But it is more just that ye should
fear GOD, if ye are true believers.
Attack them therefore; GOD shall punish them by your hands, and will
cover them with shame, and will give you the victory over them; and he will
heal the breasts of the people who believe,
and will take away the indignation of their hearts: for GOD will be
turned unto whom he pleaseth; and GOD is knowing and wise.
Did ye imagine that ye should be abandoned, whereas GOD did not yet know
those among you who fought for his religion, and took not any besides GOD, and
his apostle, and the faithful for their friends? GOD is well acquainted with
that which ye do.
It is not fitting that the idolaters should visit the temples of GOD,
being witnesses against their own souls of their infidelity. The works of
these men are vain: and they shall remain in hell fire forever.
But he only shall visit the temples of GOD, who believeth in GOD and the
last day, and is constant at prayer, and payeth the legal alms, and feareth
GOD alone. These perhaps may become of the number of those who are rightly
directed.
Do ye reckon the giving drink to the pilgrims, and the visiting of the
holy temple, to be actions as meritorious as those performed by him who
believeth in GOD and the last day, and fighteth for the religion of GOD?
They shall not be held equal with GOD: for GOD directeth not the unrighteous
people.
20 They who have believed, and fled their country and employed their
substance and their persons in the defence of GOD'S true religion, shall be in
the highest degree of honour with GOD; and these are they who shall be happy.
Their LORD sendeth them good tidings of mercy from him, and good will,
and of gardens wherein they shall enjoy lasting pleasure:
they shall continue therein forever; for with GOD is a great reward.
O true believers, take not your fathers or your brethren for friends, if
they love infidelity above faith; and whosoever among you shall take them for
his friends, they will be unjust doers.
Say, if your fathers, and your sons, and your brethren, and your wives,
and your relations, and your substance which ye have acquired, and your
merchandise which ye apprehend may not be sold off, and your dwellings wherein
ye delight, be more dear unto you than GOD, and his apostle, and the
advancement of his religion; wait until GOD shall send his command: for GOD
directeth not the ungodly people.
Now hath GOD assisted you in many engagements, and particularly at the
battle of Honein, when ye pleased yourselves in your multitude, but it was no
manner of advantage unto you, and the earth became too strait for you,
notwithstanding it was spacious; then did ye retreat, and turn your backs.
Afterwards GOD sent down his security upon his apostle and upon the
faithful, and sent down troops of angels, which ye saw not; and he punished
those who disbelieved; and this was the reward of the unbelievers.
Nevertheless GOD will hereafter be turned unto whom he pleaseth; for GOD
is gracious and merciful.
O true believers, verily the idolaters are unclean; let them not
therefore come near unto the holy temple after this year. And if ye fear
want, by the cutting off trade and communication with them, GOD will enrich
you of his abundance, if he pleaseth; for GOD is knowing and wise.
Fight against them who believe not in GOD, nor the last day, and forbid
not that which GOD and his apostle have forbidden, and profess not the true
religion, of those unto whom the scriptures have been delivered, until they
pay tribute by right of subjection, and they be reduced low.
30 The Jews say, Ezra is the son of GOD: and the Christians say, Christ is
the Son of GOD. This is their saying in their mouths; they imitate the saying
of those who were unbelievers in former times. May GOD resist them. How are
they infatuated!
They take their priests and their monks for their lords, besides GOD,
and Christ the son of Mary; although they are commanded to worship one GOD
only: there is no GOD but he; far be that from him which they associate with
him!
They seek to extinguish the light of GOD with their mouths; but GOD
willeth no other than to perfect his light, although the infidels be averse
thereto.
It is he who hath sent his apostle with the direction, and true religion:
that he may cause it to appear superior to every other religion; although the
idolaters be averse thereto.
O true believers, verily many of the priests and monks devour the
substance of men in vanity, and obstruct the way of GOD. But unto those who
treasure up gold and silver, and employ it not for the advancement of GOD'S
true religion, denounce a grievous punishment.
On the day of judgment their treasures shall be intensely heated in the
fire of hell, and their foreheads, and their sides, and their backs shall be
stigmatized therewith; and their tormentors shall say, This is what ye have
treasured up for your souls; taste therefore that which ye have treasured up.
Moreover, the complete number of months with GOD, is twelve months,
which were ordained in the book of GOD, on the day whereon he created the
heavens and the earth: of these, four are sacred. This is the right
religion: therefore deal not unjustly with yourselves therein. But attack the
idolaters in all the months, as they attack you in all; and know that GOD is
with those who fear him.
Verily the transferring of a sacred month to another month, is an
additional infidelity. The unbelievers are led into an error thereby: they
allow a month to be violated one year, and declare it sacred another year,
that they may agree in the number of months which GOD hath commanded to be
kept sacred; and they allow that which GOD hath forbidden. The evil of their
actions hath been prepared for them: for GOD directeth not the unbelieving
people.
O true believers, what ailed you, that when it was said unto you, Go
forth to fight for the religion of GOD, ye inclined heavily towards the
earth? Do ye prefer the present life to that which is to come? But the
provision of this life, in respect of that which is to come, is but slender.
Unless ye go forth when ye are summoned to war, God will punish you with
a grievous punishment; and he will place another people in your stead, and ye
shall not hurt him at all; for GOD is almighty.
40 If ye assist not the prophet, verily GOD will assist him, as he assisted
him formerly, when the unbelievers drove him out of Mecca, the second of two:
when they were both in the cave: when he said unto his companion, Be not
grieved, for GOD is with us. And GOD sent down his security upon him, and
strengthened him with armies of angels, whom ye saw not. And he made the
word of those who believed not to be abased, and the word of GOD was exalted:
for GOD is mighty and wise.
Go forth to battle, both light and heavy, and employ your substance and
your persons for the advancement of GOD's religion. This will be better for
you, if ye know it.
If it had been a near advantage, and a moderate journey, they had surely
followed thee; but the way seemed tedious unto them: and yet they will swear
by GOD, saying, If we had been able, we had surely gone forth with you. They
destroy their own souls; for GOD knoweth that they are liars.
GOD forgive thee! why didst thou give them leave to stay at home, until
they who speak the truth, when they excuse themselves, had become manifested
unto thee, and thou hadst known the liars.
They who believe in GOD and the last day, will not ask leave of thee to
be excused from employing their substance and their persons for the
advancement of GOD's true religion; and GOD knoweth those who fear him.
Verily they only will ask leave of thee to stay behind, who believe not
in GOD and the last day, and whose hearts doubt concerning the faith:
wherefore they are tossed to and fro in their doubting.
If they had been willing to go forth with thee, they had certainly
prepared for that purpose a provision of arms and necessaries: but GOD was
averse to their going forth; wherefore he rendered them slothful, and it was
said unto them, Sit ye still with those who sit still.
If they had gone forth with you, they had only been a burden unto you,
and had run to and fro between you, stirring you up to sedition; and there
would have been some among you, who would have given ear unto them: and GOD
knoweth the wicked.
They formerly sought to raise a sedition, and they disturbed thy
affairs, until the truth came, and the decree of GOD was made manifest;
although they were adverse thereto.
There is of them who saith unto thee, Give me leave to stay behind, and
expose me not to temptation.a Have they not fallen into temptation at home?b
But hell will surely encompass the unbelievers.
50 If good happen unto thee, it grieveth them: but if a misfortune befall
thee, they say, We ordered our business before;c and they turn their backs,
and rejoice at thy mishap.
Say, Nothing shall befall us, but what GOD hath decreed for us; he is our
patron; and on GOD let the faithful trust.
Say, Do ye expect any other should befall us, than one of the two most
excellent things; either victory or martyrdom? But we expect concerning you,
that GOD inflict a punishment on you, either from himself, or by our hands.
Wait, therefore, to see what will be the end of both; for we will wait for
you.
Say, Expend your money in pious uses, either voluntarily, or by
constraint, it shall not be accepted of you; because ye are wicked people.
And nothing hindereth their contributions from being accepted of them,
but that they believe not in GOD and his apostle, and perform not the duty of
prayer, otherwise than sluggishly; and expend not their money for GOD's
service, otherwise than unwillingly.
Let not therefore their riches, or their children cause thee to marvel.
Verily GOD intendeth only to punish them by these things in this world; and
that their souls may depart while they are unbelievers.
They swear by GOD that they are of you; yet they are not of you, but are
people who stand in fear.
If they find a place of refuge, or caves, or a retreating hole, they
surely turn towards the same, and in a headstrong manner, haste thereto.
There is of them also who spreadeth ill reports of thee, in relation to
thy distribution of the alms: yet if they receive part thereof, they are well
pleased; but if they receive not a part thereof, behold, they are angry.
But if they had been pleased with that which GOD and his apostle had
given them, and had said, GOD is our support; GOD will give unto us of his
abundance, and his prophet also; verily unto GOD do we make our supplications:
it would have been more decent.
60 Alms are to be distributed only unto the poor, and the needy, and
those who are employed in collecting and distributing the same, and unto those
whose hearts are reconciled, and for the redemption of captives, and unto
those who are in debt and insolvent, and for the advancement of GOD'S
religion, and unto the traveller. This is an ordinance from GOD: and GOD is
knowing and wise.
There are some of them who injure the prophet, and say, He is an ear.
Answer, He is an ear of good unto you: he believeth in GOD, and giveth credit
to the faithful, and is a mercy unto such of you who believe. But they who
injure the apostle of GOD, shall suffer a painful punishment.
They swear unto you by GOD, that they may please you; but it is more just
that they should please GOD and his apostle, if they are true believers.
Do they not know that he who opposeth GOD and his apostle, shall without
doubt be punished with the fire of hell; and shall remain therein forever?
This will be great ignominy.
The hypocrites are apprehensive lest a Sura should be revealed
concerning them, to declare unto them that which is in their hearts. Say unto
them, Scoff ye; but GOD will surely bring to light that which ye fear should
be discovered.
And if thou ask them the reason of this scoffing, they say, Verily we
were only engaged in discourse; and jesting among ourselves. Say, Do ye
scoff at GOD and his signs, and at his apostle?
offer not an excuse: now are ye become infidels, after your faith. If we
forgive a part of you, we will punish a part, for that they have been wicked
doers.
Hypocritical men and women are the one of them of the other: they command
that which is evil, and forbid that which is just, and shut their hands from
giving alms. They have forgotten GOD; wherefore he hath forgotten them:
verily the hypocrites are those who act wickedly.
GOD denounceth unto the hypocrites, both men and women, and to the
unbelievers, the fire of hell; they shall remain therein forever: this will be
their sufficient reward; GOD hath cursed them, and they shall endure a lasting
torment.
As they who have been before you, so are ye. They were superior to you
in strength, and had more abundance of wealth and of children; and they
enjoyed their portion in this world; and ye also enjoy your portion here, as
they who have preceded you enjoyed their portion. And ye engage yourselves in
vain discourses, like unto those wherein they engaged themselves. The works
of these are vain both in this world and in that which is to come; and these
are they who perish.
70 Have they not been acquainted with the history of those who have been
before them? of the people of Noah, and of Ad, and of Thamud, and of the
people of Abraham, and of the inhabitants of Madian, and of the cities which
were overthrown? Their apostles came unto them with evident demonstrations:
and GOD was not disposed to treat them unjustly; but they dealt unjustly with
their own souls.
And the faithful men, and the faithful women, are friends one to another:
they command that which is just, and they forbid that which is evil; and they
are constant at prayer, and pay their appointed alms; and they obey GOD and
his apostle: unto these will GOD be merciful; for he is mighty and wise.
GOD promiseth unto the true believers, both men and women, gardens
through which rivers flow, wherein they shall remain forever; and delicious
dwellings in gardens of perpetual abode: but good-will from GOD shall be
their most excellent reward. This will be great felicity.
O prophet, wage war against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be
severe unto them: for their dwelling shall be hell; an unhappy journey shall
it be thither!
They swear by GOD that they said not what they are charged with: yet they
spake the word of infidelity, and became unbelievers after they had embraced
Islâm. And they designed that which they could not effect; and they did not
disapprove the design for any other reason than because GOD and his apostle
had enriched them of his bounty. If they repent, it will be better for them;
but if they relapse, GOD will punish them with a grievous torment, in this
world and in the next; and they shall have no portion on earth, nor any
protector.
There are some of them who made a covenant with GOD, saying, Verily if he
give us of his abundance, we will give alms, and become righteous people.
Yet when they had given unto him of his abundance, they became covetous
thereof, and turned back, and retired afar off.
Wherefore he hath caused hypocrisy to succeed in their hearts, until the
day whereon they shall meet him; for that they failed to perform unto GOD that
which they had promised him, and for that they prevaricated.
Do they not know that GOD knoweth whatever they conceal, and their
private discourses; and that GOD is the knower of secrets?
They who traduce such of the believers as are liberal in giving alms
beyond what they are obliged, and those who find nothing to give, but what
they gain by their industry; and therefore scoff at them: GOD shall scoff at
them, and they shall suffer a grievous punishment.
80 Ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them; it will be
equal. If thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times, GOD will by no means
forgive them. This is the divine pleasure, for that they believe not in GOD,
and his apostle; and GOD directeth not the ungodly people.
They who were left at home in the expedition of Tabuc, were glad of their
staying behind the apostle of GOD, and were unwilling to employ their
substance and their persons for the advancement of GOD's true religion; and
they said, Go not forth in the heat. Say, the fire of hell will be hotter;
if they understood this.
Wherefore let them laugh little, and weep much, as a reward for that
which they have done.
If GOD bring thee back unto some of them, and they ask thee leave to go
forth to war with thee, say, Ye shall not go forth with me for the future,
neither shall ye fight an enemy with me; ye were pleased with sitting at home
the first time; sit ye at home therefore with those who stay behind.
Neither do thou ever pray over any of them who shall die, neither stand
at his grave for that they believed not in GOD and his apostle, and die in
their wickedness.
Let not their riches or their children cause thee to marvel: for GOD
intendeth only to punish them therewith in this world, and that their souls
may depart, while they are infidels.
When a Sura is sent down, wherein it is said, Believe in GOD, and go
forth to war with his apostle; those who are in plentiful circumstances among
them ask leave of thee to stay behind, and say, Suffer us to be of the number
of those who sit at home.
They are well pleased to be with those who stay behind, and their hearts
are sealed up; wherefore they do not understand.
But the apostle, and those who have believed with him, expose their
fortunes and their lives for GOD's service; they shall enjoy the good things
of either life, and they shall be happy.
GOD hath prepared for them gardens through which rivers flow; they shall
remain therein forever. This will be great felicity.
90 And certain Arabs of the desert came to excuse themselves, praying that
they might be permitted to stay behind; and they sat at home who had renounced
GOD and his apostle. But a painful punishment shall be inflicted on such of
them as believe not.
In those who are weak, or are afflicted with sickness, or in those who
find not wherewith to contribute to the war, it shall be no crime if they
stay at home; provided they behave themselves faithfully towards GOD and his
apostle. There is no room to lay blame on the righteous; for GOD is gracious
and merciful:
nor on those, unto whom, when they came unto thee, requesting that thou
wouldest supply them with necessaries for travelling, thou didst answer, I
find not wherewith to supply you, returned, their eyes shedding tears for
grief, that they found not wherewith to contribute to the expedition.
But there is reason to blame those who ask leave of thee to sit at home,
when they are rich. They are pleased to be with those who stay behind, and
GOD hath sealed up their hearts; wherefore they do not understand.
They will excuse themselves unto you, when ye are returned unto them.
Say, Excuse not yourselves; we will by no means believe you: GOD hath
acquainted us with your behavior; and GOD will observe his actions, and his
apostle also: and hereafter shall ye be brought before him who knoweth that
which is hidden, and that which is manifest; and he will declare unto you that
which ye have done.
They will swear unto you by GOD, which ye have done. They will swear
unto you by GOD, when ye are returned unto them, that ye may let them alone.
Let them alone, therefore, for they are an abomination, and their dwelling
shall be hell, a reward for that which they have deserved.
They will swear unto you, that ye may be well pleased with them; but if
ye be well pleased with them, verily GOD will not be well pleased with people
who prevaricate.
The Arabs of the desert are more obstinate in their unbelief and
hypocrisy; and it is easier for them to be ignorant of the ordinances of that
which GOD hath sent down unto his apostle; and GOD is knowing and wise.
Of the Arabs of the desert there is who reckoneth that which he expendeth
for the service of God, to be as tribute, and waiteth that some change of
fortune may befall you. A change for evil shall happen unto them; for GOD
both heareth and knoweth.
And of the Arabs of the desert there is who believeth in GOD, and in the
last day; and esteemeth that which he layeth out for the service of God to be
the means of bringing him near unto GOD, and the prayers of the apostle. Is
it not unto them the means of a near approach? GOD shall lead them into his
mercy; for GOD is gracious and merciful.
100 As for the leaders and the first of the Mohâjerin, and the Ansârs, and
those who have followed them in well doing; GOD is well pleased with them, and
they are well pleased in him: and he hath prepared for them gardens watered by
rivers; they shall remain therein forever. This shall be great felicity.
And of the Arabs of the desert who dwell round about you, there are
hypocritical persons: and of the inhabitants of Medina there are some who are
obstinate in hypocrisy. Thou knowest them not, O prophet, but we know them:
we will surely punish them twice: afterwards shall they be sent to a grievous
torment.
And others have acknowledged their crimes. They have mixed a good
action with another which is bad: peradventure GOD will be turned unto them;
for GOD is gracious and merciful.
Take alms of their substance, that thou mayest cleanse them, and purify
them thereby; and pray for them: for thy prayers shall be a security of mind
unto them; and GOD both heareth and knoweth.
Do they not know that GOD accepteth repentance from his servants, and
accepteth alms; and that GOD is easy to be reconciled, and merciful?
Say unto them, Work as ye will; but GOD will behold your work, and his
apostle also, and the true believers: and ye shall be brought before him who
knoweth that which is kept secret, and that which is made public: and he will
declare unto you whatever ye have done.
And there are others who wait with suspense the decree of GOD: whether he
will punish them, or whether he will be turned unto them: but GOD is knowing
and wise,
There are some who have built a temple to hurt the faithful, and to
propagate infidelity, and to foment division among the true believers, and
for a lurking place for him who hath fought against GOD and his apostle in
time past; and they swear, saying, Verily we intended no other than to do for
the best: but GOD is witness that they do certainly lie.
Stand not up to pray therein forever. There is a temple founded on
piety, from the first day of its building. It is more just that thou stand
up to pray therein: therein are men who love to be purified; for GOD loveth
the clean.
Whether therefore is he better, who hath founded his building on the
fear of GOD and his good will; or he who hath founded his building on the
brink of a bank of earth which is washed away by waters, so that it falleth
with him into the fire of hell? God directeth not the ungodly people.
110 Their building which they have built will not cease to be an occasion of
doubting in their hearts, until their hearts be cut in pieces; and GOD is
knowing and wise.
Verily GOD hath purchased of the true believers their souls, and their
substance, promising them the enjoyment of paradise; on condition that they
fight for the cause of GOD: whether they slay or be slain, the promise for the
same is assuredly due by the law, and the gospel, and the Koran. And who
performeth his contract more faithfully than GOD? Rejoice therefore in the
contract which ye have made. This shall be great happiness.
The penitent, and those who serve God, and praise him, and who fast, and
bow down, and worship; and who command that which is just, and forbid that
which is evil, and keep the ordinances of GOD, shall likewise be rewarded with
paradise: wherefore bear good tidings unto the faithful.
It is not allowed unto the prophet, nor those who are true believers,
that they pray for idolaters, although they be of kin, after it is become
known unto them, that they are inhabitants of hell.
Neither did Abraham ask forgiveness for his father, otherwise than in
pursuance of a promise which he had promised unto him: but when it became
known unto him, that he was an enemy unto GOD, he declared himself clear of
him. Verily Abraham was pitiful and compassionate.
Nor is GOD disposed to lead people into error, after that he hath
directed them, until that which they ought to avoid is become known unto them;
for GOD knoweth all things.
Verily unto GOD belongeth the kingdom of heaven and of earth; he giveth
life, and he causeth to die; and ye have no patron or helper besides GOD.
GOD is reconciled unto the prophet, and unto the Mohâjerin and the
Ansârs, who followed him in the hour of distress, after that it had wanted
little but that the hearts of a part of them had swerved from their duty:
afterwards was he turned unto them: for he was compassionate and merciful
towards them.
And he is also reconciled unto the three who were left behind, so that
the earth became too straight for them, notwithstanding its spaciousness, and
their souls became straightened within them, and they considered that there
was no refuge from GOD, otherwise than by having recourse unto him. Then was
he turned unto them, that they might repent; for GOD is easy to be reconciled
and merciful.
O true believers, fear GOD and be with the sincere.
120 There was no reason why the inhabitants of Medina, and the Arabs of the
desert who dwell around them, should stay behind the apostle of GOD, or should
prefer themselves before him. This is unreasonable: because they are not
distressed either by thirst, or labor, or hunger, for the defence of GOD'S
true religion; neither do they stir a step, which may irritate the
unbelievers; neither do they receive from the enemy any damage, but a good
work is written down unto them for the same; for GOD suffereth not the reward
of the righteous to perish.
And they contribute not any sum either small or great, nor do they pass a
valley; but it is written down unto them that GOD may reward them with a
recompense exceeding that which they have wrought.
The believers are not obliged to go forth to war altogether: if a part of
every band of them go not forth, it is that they may diligently instruct
themselves in their religion; and may admonish their people, when they return
unto them, that they may take heed to themselves.
O true believers, wage war against such of the infidels as are near you;
and let them find severity in you: and know that GOD is with those who fear
him.
Whenever a Sura is sent down, there are some of them who say, Which of
you hath this caused to increase in faith? It will increase the faith of
those who believe, and they shall rejoice:
but unto those in whose hearts there is an infirmity, it will add further
doubt unto their present doubt; and they shall die in their infidelity.
Do they not see that they are tried every year once or twice? yet they
repent not, neither are they warned.
And whenever a Sura is sent down, they look at one another, saying, Doth
any one see you? then do they turn aside. GOD shall turn aside their hearts
from the truth; because they are a people who do not understand.
Now hath an apostle come unto you of our own nation, an excellent
person: it is grievous unto him that ye commit wickedness; he is careful over
you, and compassionate and merciful towards the believers.
If they turn back, say, GOD is my support: there is no GOD but he. On
him do I trust; and he is the LORD of the magnificent throne.