Albert Einstein - "Relativity: The Special and General Theory"

J. D. Hooker - "Himalayan Journals, V1"

Wm. H. Maher - "A Man of Samples"

William Morris - "Old French Romances"

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 XIV.

ENTITLED, ABRAHAM; REVEALED AT MECCA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

A.L.R. This book have we sent down unto thee, that thou mayest lead men
forth from darkness into light, by the permission of their LORD, into the
glorious and laudable way.
GOD is he unto whom belongeth whatsoever is in heaven and on earth: and
woe be to the infidels, because a grievous punishment waiteth them;
who love the present life above that which is to come, and turn men aside
from the way of GOD, and seek to render it crooked: these are in an error far
distant from the truth.
We have sent no apostle but with the language of his people, that he
might declare their duty plainly unto them; for GOD causeth to err whom he
pleaseth, and directeth whom he pleaseth; and he is the mighty, the wise.
We formerly sent Moses with our signs, and commanded him saying, Lead
forth thy people from darkness into light, and remind them of the favors of
GOD: verily therein are signs unto every patient and grateful person.
And call to mind when Moses said unto his people, Remember the favor of
GOD towards you, when he delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: they
grievously oppressed you; and they slew your male children, but let your
females live: therein was a great trial from your LORD.
And when your LORD declared by the mouth of Moses, saying, If ye be
thankful, I will surely increase my favors towards you; but if ye be
ungrateful, verily my punishment shall be severe.
And Moses said, If ye be ungrateful, and all who are in the earth
likewise; verily GOD needeth not your thanks, though he deserveth the
highest praise.
Hath not the history of the nations your predecessors reached you;
namely, of the people of Noah, and of Ad, and of Thamud, and of those who
succeeded them; whose number none knoweth except GOD? Their apostles
came unto them with evident miracles; but they clapped their hands to their
mouths out of indignation, and said, We do not believe the message with
which ye pretend to be sent; and we are in a doubt concerning the religion
to which ye invite us, as justly to be suspected.
10 Their apostles answered, Is there any doubt concerning GOD, the creator
of heaven and earth? He inviteth you to the true faith that he may forgive
you part of your sins, and may respite your punishment, by granting you space
to repent, until an appointed time. They answered, Ye are but men, like unto
us: ye seek to turn us aside from the gods which our fathers worshipped:
wherefore bring us an evident demonstration by some miracle, that ye speak
truth.
Their apostles replied unto them, We are no other than men like unto you;
but GOD is bountiful unto such of his servants as he pleaseth: and it is not
in our power to give you a miraculous demonstration of our mission, unless by
the permission of GOD; in GOD therefore let the faithful trust.
And what excuse have we to allege, that we should not put our trust in
GOD; since he hath directed us our paths? Wherefore we will certainly suffer
with patience the persecution wherewith ye shall afflict us: in GOD therefore
let those put their confidence who seek in whom to put their trust.
And those who believed not said unto their apostles, We will surely expel
you out of our land; or ye shall return unto our religion. And their LORD
spake unto them by revelation, saying, We will surely destroy the wicked
doers;
and we will cause you to dwell in the earth, after them. This shall be
granted unto him who shall dread the appearance at my tribunal, and shall fear
my threatening.
And they asked assistance of God, and every rebellious perverse person
failed of success.
Hell lieth unseen before him, and he shall have filthy water given him
to drink:
he shall sup it up by little and little, and he shall not easily let it
pass his throat because of its nauseousness; death also shall come upon him
from every quarter, yet he shall not die; and before him shall there stand
prepared a grievous torment.
This is the likeness of those who believe not in their LORD. Their works
are as ashes, which the wind violently scattereth in a stormy day: they shall
not be able to obtain any solid advantage from that which they have wrought.
This is an error most distant from truth.
Dost thou not see that GOD hath created the heavens and the earth in
wisdom? If he please, he can destroy you, and produce a new creature in your
stead:
20 neither will this be difficult with GOD.
And they shall all come forth into the presence of GOD at the last day:
and the weak among them shall say unto those who behaved themselves
arrogantly, Verily we were your followers on earth; will ye not therefore
avert from us some part of the divine vengeance? They shall answer, If
GOD had directed us aright, we had certainly directed you. It is equal unto
us whether we bear our torments impatiently, or whether we endure them
with patience: for we have no way to escape.
And Satan shall say, after judgment shall have been given, Verily GOD
promised you a promise of truth: and I also made you a promise; but I deceived
you. Yet I had not any power over you to compel you; but I called you only, and
ye answered me: wherefore accuse not me, but accuse yourselves. I cannot
assist you; neither can ye assist me. Verily I do now renounce your having
associated me with God heretofore. A grievous punishment is prepared for
the unjust.
But they who shall have believed and wrought righteousness shall be
introduced into gardens, wherein rivers flow, they shall remain therein
forever, by the permission of their LORD; and their salutation therein shall
be, Peace!
Dost thou not see how GOD putteth forth a parable; representing a good
word, as a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed in the earth, and whose
branches reach unto heaven;
which bringeth forth its fruit in all seasons, by the will of its LORD?
GOD propoundeth parables unto men, that they may be instructed.
And the likeness of an evil word is as an evil tree; which is torn up
from the face of the earth, and hath no stability.
GOD shall confirm them who believe, by the steadfast word of faith, both
in this life and in that which is to come: but GOD shall lead the wicked into
error; for GOD doth that which he pleaseth.
Hast thou not considered those who have changed the grace of GOD to
infidelity, and cause their people to descend into the house of perdition,
namely, into hell? They shall be thrown to burn therein; and an unhappy
dwelling shall it be.
30 They also set up idols as co-partners with GOD, that they might cause men
to stray from his path. Say, unto them, Enjoy the pleasures of this life for
a time; but your departure hence shall be into hell fire.
Speak unto my servants who have believed, that they be assiduous at
prayer, and give alms out of that which we have bestowed on them, both
privately and in public; before the day cometh, wherein there shall be no
buying nor selling, neither any friendship.
It is GOD who hath created the heavens and the earth; and causeth water
to descend from heaven, and by means thereof produceth fruits for your
sustenance: and by his command he obligeth the ships to sail in the sea for
your service; and he also forceth the rivers to supply your uses:
he likewise compelleth the sun and the moon, which diligently perform
their courses, to serve you; and hath subjected the day and the night to
your service.
He giveth you of everything which ye ask him; and if ye attempt to reckon
up the favors of GOD, ye shall not be able to compute the same. Surely man
is unjust and ungrateful.
Remember when Abraham said, O LORD, make this land a place of security;
and grant that I and my children may avoid the worship of idols;
for they, O LORD, have seduced a great number of men. Whoever therefore
shall follow me, he shall be of me; and whosoever shall disobey me, verily
thou wilt be gracious and merciful.
O LORD, I have caused some of my offspring to settle in an unfruitful
valley, near the holy house, O LORD, that they may be constant at prayer.
Grant, therefore, that the hearts of some men may be affected with kindness
toward them; and do thou bestow on them all sorts of fruits, that they may
give thanks.
O LORD, thou knowest whatsoever we conceal, and whatsoever we publish;
for nothing is hidden from GOD, either on earth or in heaven.
Praise be unto GOD, who hath given me, in my old age, Israel and Isaac:
for my LORD is the hearer of supplication.
40 O LORD, grant that I may be an observer of prayer, and a part of my
posterity also, O LORD, and receive my supplication.
O LORD, forgive me, and my parents, and the faithful, on the day whereon
an account shall be taken.
Think not, O prophet, that GOD is regardless of what the ungodly do. He
only deferreth their punishment unto the day whereon men's eyes shall be
fixed:
they shall hasten forward, at the voice of the angel calling to judgment,
and shall lift up their heads; they shall not be able to turn their sight from
the object whereon it shall be fixed, and their hearts shall be void of sense,
through excessive terror.
Wherefore do thou threaten men with the day, whereon their punishment
shall be inflicted on them, and whereon those who have acted unjustly shall
say, O LORD, give us respite unto a term near at hand; and we will obey thy
call, and we will follow thy apostles. But it shall be answered unto them, Did
ye not swear heretofore, that no reverse should befall you?
yet ye dwelt in the dwellings of those who had treated their own souls
unjustly; and it appeared plainly unto you how we had dwelt with them; and
we propounded their destruction as examples unto you.
They employ their utmost subtlety to oppose the truth; but their subtlety
is apparent unto GOD, who is able to frustrate their designs; although their
subtlety were so great, that the mountains might be moved thereby.
Think not, therefore, O prophet, that GOD will be contrary to his promise
of assistance, made unto his apostles; for GOD is mighty, able to avenge.
The day will come, when the earth shall be changed into another earth,
and the heavens into other heavens; and men shall come forth from their
graves to appear before the only, the mighty GOD.
And thou shalt see the wicked on that day bound together in fetters:
50 their inner garments shall be of pitch, and fire shall cover their faces;
that GOD may reward every soul according to what it shall have deserved; for
GOD is swift in taking an account.
This is a sufficient admonition unto men, that they may be warned
thereby, and that they may know that there is but one GOD; and that those who
are endued with understanding may consider.



________


CHAPTER XV.

ENTITLED, AL HEJR; REVEALED AT MECCA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

A.L.R. These are the signs of the book, and of the perspicuous Koran.
The time may come when the unbelievers shall wish that they had been
Moslems.
Suffer them to eat, and to enjoy themselves in this world; and let hope
entertain them, but they shall hereafter know their folly.
We have not destroyed any city, but a fixed term of repentance was
appointed them.
No nation shall be punished before their time shall be come; neither
shall they be respited after.
The Meccans say, O thou to whom the admonition hath been sent down, thou
art certainly possessed with a devil:
wouldest thou not have come unto us with an attendance of angels, if thou
hadst spoken truth?
Answer, We send not down the angels, unless on a just occasion; nor
should they be then respited any longer.
We have surely sent down the Koran; and we will certainly preserve the
same from corruption.
10 We have heretofore sent apostles before thee among the ancient sects:
and there came no apostle unto them, but they laughed him to scorn.
In the same manner will we put it into the hearts of the wicked Meccans
to scoff at their prophet:
they shall not believe on him; and the sentence of the nations of old
hath been executed heretofore.
If we should open a gate in the heaven above them, and they should ascend
theretom all the day long,
they should rather say, Our eyes are only dazzled; or rather we are a
people deluded by enchantments.
We have placed the twelve signs in the heaven, and have set them out in
various figures, for the observation of spectators:
and we guard them from every devil driven away with stones;
except him who listeneth by stealth, at whom a visible flame is darted.
We have also spread forth the earth, and thrown thereon stable mountains,
and we have caused every kind of vegetable to spring forth in the same,
according to a determinate weight:
20 and we have provided therein necessaries of life for you, and for him
whom ye do not sustain.
There is not one thing but the storehouses thereof are in our hands; and
we distribute not the same otherwise than in a determinate measure.
We also send the winds driving the pregnant clouds, and we send down from
heaven water, whereof we give you to drink, and which ye keep not in store.
Verily we give life, and we put to death: and we are the heirs of all
things.
We know those among you who go before; and we know those who stay
behind.
And thy LORD shall gather them together at the last day: for he is
knowing and wise.
We created man of dried clay, of black mud, formed into shape:
and we had before created the devil of subtle fire.
And remember when thy LORD said unto the angels, Verily I am about to
create man of dried clay, of black mud, wrought into shape;
when, therefore, I shall have completely formed him, and shall have
breathed of my spirit into him; do ye fall down and worship him.
30 And all the angels worshipped Adam together,
except Eblis, who refused to be with those who worshipped him.
And God said unto him, O Eblis, what hindered thee from being with those
who worshipped Adam?
He answered, It is not fit that I should worship man, whom thou hast
created of dried clay, of black mud, wrought into shape.
God said, Get thee therefore hence: for thou shalt be driven away with
stones:
and a curse shall be on thee, until the day of judgment.
The devil said, O LORD, Give me respite until the day of resurrection.
God answered, Verily thou shalt be one of those who are respited
until the day of the appointed time.
The devil replied, O LORD, because thou hast seduced me, I will surely
tempt them to disobedience in the earth;
40 and I will seduce such of them as shall be thy chosen servants.
God said, This is the right way with me.
Verily as to my servants, thou shalt have no power over them; but over
those only who shall be seduced, and who shall follow thee.
And hell is surely denounced unto them all:
it hath seven gates; unto every gate a distinct company of them shall be
assigned.
But those who fear God shall dwell in gardens, amidst fountains.
The angels shall say unto them, Enter ye therein in peace and security,
and we will remove all grudges from their breasts; they shall be as
brethren, sitting over against one another on couches;
weariness shall not affect them therein, neither shall they be cast out
thence forever.
Declare unto my servants that I am the gracious, the merciful God;
50 and that my punishment is a grievous punishment.
And relate unto them the history of Abraham's guests.
When they went in unto him, and said, Peace be unto thee, he answered,
Verily we are afraid of you:
and they replied, Fear not; we bring thee the promise of a wise son.
He said, Do ye bring me the promise of a son now old age hath overtaken
me? what is it therefore that ye tell me?
They said, We have told thee the truth; be not therefore one of those who
despair.
He answered, And who despaireth of the mercy of GOD, except those who
err?
And he said, What is your errand, therefore, O messengers of God?
They answered, Verily we are sent to destroy a wicked people;
but as for the family of Lot, we will save them all,
60 except his wife; we have decreed that she shall be one of those who
remain behind to be destroyed with the infidels.
And when the messengers came to the family of Lot,
he said unto them, Verily ye are a people who are unknown to me.
They answered, But we are come unto thee to execute that sentence,
concerning which your fellow-citizens doubted:
we tell thee a certain truth; and we are messengers of veracity.
Therefore lead forth thy family, in some time of the night; and do thou
follow behind them, and let none of you turn back; but go whither ye are
commanded.
And we gave him this command; because the utmost remnant of those people
was to be cut off in the morning.
And the inhabitants of the city came unto Lot, rejoicing at the news of
the arrival of some strangers.
And he said unto them, Verily these are my guests: wherefore do not
disgrace me by abusing them;
but fear GOD, and put me not to shame.
70 They answered, Have we not forbidden thee from entertaining or protecting
any man?
Lot replied, These are my daughters: therefore rather make use of them,
if ye be resolved to do what ye purpose.
As thou livest they wander in their folly.
Wherefore a terrible storm from heaven assailed them at sunrise,
and we turned the city upside down: and we rained on them stones of baked
clay.
Verily herein are signs unto men of sagacity:
and those cities were punished, to point out a right way for men to walk
in.
Verily herein is a sign unto the true believers.
The inhabitants of the wood near Midian were also ungodly.
Wherefore we took vengeance on them. And both of them were destroyed,
to serve as a manifest rule for men to direct their actions by.
80 And the inhabitants of Al Hejr likewise heretofore accused the
messengers of God of imposture:
and we produced our signs unto them, but they retired afar off from the
same.
And they hewed houses out of the mountains, to secure themselves.
But a terrible noise from heaven assailed them in the morning;
neither was what they had wrought of any advantage unto them.
We have not created the heavens and the earth, and whatever is contained
between them, otherwise than in justice: and the hour of judgment shall surely
come. Wherefore O Mohammed, forgive thy people with a gracious forgiveness.
Verily thy LORD is the creator of thee and of them, and knoweth what is
most expedient.
We have already brought unto thee seven verses which are frequently to be
repeated, and the glorious Koran.
Cast not thine eyes on the good things which we have bestowed on several
of the unbelievers, so as to covet the same: neither be thou grieved on their
account. Behave thyself with meekness towards the true believers;
and say, I am a public preacher.
90 If they believe not, we will inflict a like punishment on them, as we
have inflicted on the dividers,
who distinguished the Koran into different parts,
for by thy LORD, we will demand an account from them all
of that which they have wrought.
Wherefore publish that which thou hast been commanded, and withdraw from
the idolaters.
We will surely take thy part against the scoffers,
who associate with GOD another god; they shall surely know their folly.
And now we well know that thou art deeply concerned on account of that
which they say;
but do thou celebrate the praise of thy LORD; and be one of those who
worship;
and serve thy LORD until death shall overtake thee.



________


CHAPTER XVI.

ENTITLED, THE BEE; REVEALED AT MECCA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

THE sentence of GOD will surely come to be executed; wherefore do not
hasten it. Praise be unto him! and far be that from him which they associate
with him!
He shall cause the angels to descend with a revelation by his command,
unto such of his servants as he pleaseth, saying, Preach that there is no GOD,
except myself; therefore fear me.
He hath created the heavens and the earth, to manifest his justice; far
be that from him which they associate with him!
He hath created man of seed; and yet behold he is a professed disputer
against the resurrection.
He hath likewise created the cattle for you; from them ye have wherewith
to keep yourselves warm, and other advantages; and of them do ye also eat.
And they are likewise a credit unto you, when ye drive them home in the
evening, and when ye lead them forth to feed in the morning:
and they carry your burdens to a distant country, at which ye could not
otherwise arrive, unless with great difficulty to yourselves; for your LORD is
compassionate and merciful.
and he hath also created horses, and mules, and asses, that ye may ride
thereon, and for an ornament unto you; and he likewise created other things
which ye know not.
It appertaineth unto GOD to instruct men in the right way; and there is
who turneth aside from the same: but if he had pleased, he would certainly
have directed you all.
10 It is he who sendeth down from heaven rain water, whereof ye have to
drink, and from which plants, whereon ye feed your cattle, receive their
nourishment.
And by means thereof he causeth corn, and olives, and palm-trees, and
grapes, and all kinds of fruits, to spring forth for you. Surely herein is a
sign of the divine power and wisdom unto people who consider.
And he hath subjected the night and the day to your service; and the sun,
and the moon, and the stars, which are compelled to serve by his command.
Verily herein are signs unto people of understanding.
And he hath also given you dominion over whatever he hath created for you
in the earth, distinguished by its different colour. Surely herein is a sign
unto people who reflect.
It is he who hath subjected the sea unto you, that ye might eat fish
thereout, and take from thence ornaments for you to wear; and thou seest the
ships ploughing the waves thereof, that ye may seek to enrich yourselves of
his abundance, by commerce; and that ye might give thanks.
And he hath thrown upon the earth mountains firmly rooted, lest it should
move with you, and also rivers, and paths, that ye might be directed:
and he hath likewise ordained marks whereby men may know their way; and
they are directed by the stars.
Shall God therefore, who createth, be as he who createth not? Do ye not
therefore consider?
If ye attempt to reckon up the favors of GOD, ye shall not be able to
compute their number; GOD is surely gracious and merciful;
and GOD knoweth that which ye conceal, and that which ye publish.
20 But the idols which ye invoke, besides GOD, create nothing, but are
themselves created.
They are dead, and not living; neither do they understand when they shall
be raised.
Your GOD is one GOD. As to those who believe not in the life to come,
their hearts deny the plainest evidence, and they proudly reject the truth.
There is no doubt but GOD knoweth that which they conceal and that which
they discover. Verily he loveth not the proud.
And when it is said unto them, What hath your LORD sent down unto
Mohammed? they answer, Fables of ancient times.
Thus are they given up to error, that they may bear their own burdens
without diminution on the day of resurrection, and also a part of the burdens
of those whom they caused to err, without knowledge. Will it not be an evil
burden which they shall bear?
Their predecessors devised plots heretofore: but GOD came into their
building, to overthrow it from the foundations; and the roof fell on them from
above, and a punishment came upon them, from whence they did not expect.
Also on the day of resurrection he will cover them with shame; and will
say, Where are my companions, concerning whom ye disputed? Those unto whom
knowledge shall have been given, shall answer, This day shall shame and
misery fall upon the unbelievers.
They whom the angels shall cause to die, having dealt unjustly with
their own souls, shall offer to make their peace in the article of death,
saying, We have done no evil. But the angels shall reply. Yea; verily GOD
well knoweth that which ye have wrought:
wherefore enter the gates of hell, therein to remain forever; and
miserable shall be the abode of the proud.
30 And it shall be said unto those who shall fear God, What hath your LORD
sent down? They shall answer, Good; unto those who do right shall be given an
excellent reward in this world; but the dwelling of the next life shall be
better; and happy shall be the dwelling of the pious!
namely gardens of eternal abode, into which they shall enter; rivers
shall flow beneath the same; therein shall they enjoy whatever they wish.
Thus will GOD recompense the pious.
Unto the righteous, whom the angels shall cause to die, they shall say,
Peace be upon you; enter ye into paradise, as a reward for that which ye have
wrought.
Do the unbelievers expect any other than that the angels come unto them,
to part their souls from their bodies; or that the sentence of thy LORD come
to be executed on them? So did they act who were before them; and GOD was not
unjust towards them in that he destroyed them; but they dealt unjustly with
their own souls:
the evils of that which they committed reached them; and the divine
judgment which they scoffed at fell upon them.
The idolaters say, If GOD had pleased, we had not worshipped anything
besides him, neither had our fathers: neither had we forbidden anything,
without him. So did they who were before them. But is the duty of the
apostles any other than public preaching?
We have heretofore raised up in every nation an apostle to admonish them,
saying, Worship GOD, and avoid TAGHUT. And of them there were some whom GOD
directed, and there were others of them who were decreed to go astray.
Wherefore go through the earth, O tribe of Koreish, and see what hath been the
end of those who accused their apostles of imposture.
If thou, O prophet, dost earnestly wish for their direction; verily GOD
will not direct him whom he hath resolved to lead into error; neither shall
they have any helpers.
And they swear most solemnly by GOD, saying, GOD will not raise the
dead. Yea; the promise thereof is true: but the greater part of men know it
not.
He will raise them that he may clearly show them the truth concerning
which they now disagree, and that the unbelievers may know that they are
liars.
40 Verily our speech unto anything, when we will the same, is, that we only
say unto it, Be; and it is.
As for those who have fled their country for the sake of GOD, after they
had been unjustly persecuted; we will surely provide them an excellent
habitation in this world, but the reward of the next life shall be greater; if
they knew it.
They who persevere patiently, and put their trust in their LORD, shall
not fail of happiness in this life and in that which is to come.
We have not sent any before thee, as our apostles, other than men, unto
whom we spake by revelation. Inquire therefore of those who have the custody
of the scriptures, if ye know not this to be truth.
We sent them with evident miracles, and written revelations; and we have
sent down unto thee this Koran, that thou mayest declare unto mankind that
which hath been sent down unto them, and that they may consider.
Are they who have plotted evil against their prophet secure that GOD will
not cause the earth to cleave under them, or that a punishment will not come
upon them, from whence they do not expect;
or that he will not chastise them while they are busied in travelling
from one place to another, and in traffic? (for they shall not be able to
elude the power of God,)
or that he will not chastise them by a gradual destruction? But your
LORD is truly gracious and merciful in granting you respite.
Do they not consider the things which GOD hath created; whose shadows
are cast on the right hand and on the left, worshipping God, and become
contracted?
Whatever moveth both in heaven and on earth worshippeth GOD, and the
angels also; and they are not elated with pride, so as to disdain his service:
50 they fear their LORD, who is exalted above them, and perform that which
they are commanded.
GOD said, Take not unto yourselves two gods; for there is but one GOD:
and revere me.
Unto him belongeth whatsoever is in heaven and on earth; and unto him is
obedience eternally due. Will ye therefore fear any besides GOD?
Whatever favors ye have received are certainly from GOD; and when evil
afflicteth you, unto him do ye make your supplication;
yet when he taketh the evil from off you, behold, a part of you give a
companion unto their LORD,
to show their ingratitude for the favors we have bestowed on them.
Delight yourselves in the enjoyments of this life: but hereafter shall ye know
that ye cannot escape the divine vengeance.
And they set apart unto idols which have no knowledge, a part of the
food which we have provided for them. By GOD, ye shall surely be called to
account for that which ye have falsely devised.
They attribute daughters unto GOD (far be it from him!) but unto
themselves children of the sex which they desire.
And when any of them is told the news of the birth of a female, his face
becometh black, and he is deeply afflicted:
he hideth himself from the people, because of the ill tidings which have
been told him; considering within himself whether he shall keep it with
disgrace, or whether he shall bury it in the dust. Do they not make an ill
judgment?
60 Unto those who believe not in the next life, the similitude of evil ought
to be applied, and unto GOD the most sublime similitude: for he is mighty and
wise.
If GOD should punish men for their iniquity, he would not leave on the
earth any moving thing: but he giveth them respite unto an appointed time; and
when their time shall come, they shall not be respited an hour, neither shall
their punishment be anticipated.
They attribute unto GOD that which they dislike themselves, and their
tongues utter a lie; namely, that the reward of paradise is for them. There
is no doubt but that the fire of hell is prepared for them, and that they
shall be sent thither before the rest of the wicked.
By GOD, we have heretofore sent messengers unto the nations before thee:
but Satan prepared their works for them; he was their patron in this world,
and in that which is to come they shall suffer a grievous torment.
We have not sent down the book of the Koran unto thee, for any other
purpose, than that thou shouldest declare unto them that truth concerning
which they disagree; and for a direction and mercy unto people who believe.
GOD sendeth down water from heaven, and causeth the earth to revive after
it hath been dead. Verily herein is a sign of the resurrection unto people
who hearken.
Ye have also in cattle an example of instruction: we give you to drink of
that which is in their bellies; a liquor between digested dregs, and blood;
namely, pure milk, which is swallowed with pleasure by those who drink it.
And of the fruits of palm-trees, and of grapes, ye obtain an inebriating
liquor, and also good nourishment. Verily herein is a sign unto people who
understand.
Thy LORD spake by inspiration unto the bee, saying, Provide thee houses
in the mountains, and in the trees, and of those materials wherewith men build
hives for thee:
then eat of every kind of fruit, and walk in the beaten paths of thy
LORD. There proceedeth from their bellies a liquor of various colours,
wherein is a medicine for men. Verily herein is a sign unto people who
consider.
70 GOD hath created you, and he will hereafter cause you to die: and some of
you shall have his life prolonged to a decrepit age, so that he shall forget
whatever he knew; for GOD is wise and powerful.
GOD causeth some of you to excel others in worldly possessions: yet they
who are caused to excel do not give their wealth unto the slaves whom their
right hands possess, that they may become equal sharers therein. Do they
therefore deny the beneficence of GOD?
GOD hath ordained you wives from among yourselves, and of your wives
hath granted you children and grand-children; and hath bestowed on you good
things for food. Will they therefore believe in that which is vain, and
ungratefully deny the goodness of GOD?
They worship, besides GOD, idols which possess nothing wherewith to
sustain them, either in heaven, or on earth; and have no power.
Wherefore liken not anything unto GOD: for GOD knoweth, but ye know not.
GOD propoundeth as a parable a possessed slave, who hath power over
nothing, and him on whom we have bestowed a good provision from us, and who
giveth alms thereout both secretly and openly: shall these two be esteemed
equal? GOD forbid! But the greater part of men know it not.
GOD also propoundeth as a parable two men; one of them born dumb, who is
unable to do or understand anything, but is a burden unto his master;
whithersoever he shall send him, he shall not return with any good success:
shall this man, and he who hath his speech and understanding, and who
commandeth that which is just, and followeth the right way, be esteemed
equal?
Unto GOD alone is the secret of heaven and earth known. And the business
of the last hour shall be only as the twinkling of an eye, or even more
quick: for GOD is almighty.
GOD hath brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers; ye knew
nothing, and he gave you the senses of hearing and seeing, and understandings,
that ye might give thanks.
Do they not behold the fowls which are enabled to fly in the open
firmament of heaven? none supporteth them except GOD. Verily herein are signs
unto people who believe.
80 GOD hath also provided you houses for habitations for you; and hath also
provided you tents of the skins of cattle, which ye find light to be removed
on the day of your departure to new quarters, and easy to be pitched on the
day of your sitting down therein: and of their wool, and their fur, and their
hair, hath he supplied you with furniture and household-stuff for a season.
And GOD hath provided for you, of that which he hath created,
conveniences to shade you from the sun, and he hath also provided you places
of retreat in the mountains, and he hath given you garments to defend you
from the heat, and coats of mail to defend you in your wars. Thus doth he
accomplish his favor towards you, that ye may resign yourselves unto him.
But if they turn back, verily thy duty is public preaching only.
They acknowledge the goodness of GOD, and afterwards they deny the same;
but the greater part of them are unbelievers.
On a certain day we will raise a witness out of every nation: then they
who shall have been unbelievers shall not be suffered to excuse themselves,
neither shall they be received into favor.
And when they who shall have acted unjustly shall see the torment
prepared for them; (it shall not be mitigated unto them, neither shall they be
respited):
and when those who shall have been guilty of idolatry shall see their
false gods, they shall say, O LORD, these are our idols which we invoked,
besides thee. But they shall return an answer unto them, saying, Verily ye
are liars.
And on that day shall the wicked offer submission unto GOD; and the false
deities which they imagined shall abandon them.
As for those who shall have been infidels, and shall have turned aside
others from the way of GOD, we will add unto them punishment upon punishment
because they have corrupted others.
On a certain day we will raise up in every nation a witness against them,
from among themselves; and we will bring thee, O Mohammed, as a witness
against these Arabians. We have sent down unto thee the book of the Koran,
for an explication of everything necessary both as to faith and practice, and
a direction, and mercy, and good tidings unto the Moslems.
90 Verily GOD commandeth justice, and the doing of good, and the giving unto
kindred what shall be necessary; and he forbiddeth wickedness, and iniquity,
and oppression: he admonisheth you that ye may remember.
Perform your covenant with GOD, when ye enter into covenant with him;
and violate not your oaths, after the ratification thereof; since ye have made
GOD a witness over you. Verily GOD knoweth that which ye do.
And be not like unto her who undoeth that which she hath spun, untwisting
it after she hath twisted it strongly; taking your oaths between you
deceitfully, because one party is more numerous than another party. Verily
GOD only tempteth you therein; and he will make that manifest unto you, on the
day of resurrection, concerning which ye now disagree.
If GOD had pleased, he would surely have made you one people: but he
will lead into error whom he pleaseth, and he will direct whom he pleaseth;
and ye shall surely give an account of that which ye have done.
Therefore take not your oaths between you deceitfully lest your foot
slip, after it hath been steadfastly fixed, and ye taste evil in this life,
for that ye have turned aside from the way of GOD; and ye suffer a grievous
punishment in the life to come.
And sell not the covenant of GOD for a small price; for with GOD is a
better recompense prepared for you, if ye be men of understanding.
That which is with you will fail; but that which is with GOD is
permanent: and we will surely reward those who shall persevere, according to
the utmost merit of their actions.
Whoso worketh righteousness, whether he be male or female, and is a true
believer, we will surely raise him to a happy life; and we will give them
their reward, according to the utmost merit of their actions.
When thou readest the Koran, have recourse unto GOD, that he may
preserve thee from Satan driven away with stones;
he hath no power over those who believe, and who put confidence in their
LORD;
100 but his power is over those only who take him for their patron, and who
give companions unto God.
When we substitute in the Koran an abrogating verse in lieu of a verse
abrogated (and GOD best knoweth the fitness of that which he revealeth), the
infidels say, Thou art only a forger of these verses: but the greater part of
them know not truth from falsehood.
Say, The holy spirit hath brought the same down from thy LORD with
truth; that he may confirm those who believe, and for a direction and good
tidings unto the Moslems.
We also know that they say, Verily, a certain man teacheth him to compose
the Koran. The tongue of the person unto whom they incline is a foreign
tongue; but this, wherein the Koran is written, is the perspicuous Arabic
tongue.
Moreover as for those who believe not the signs of GOD, GOD will not
direct them, and they shall suffer a painful torment:
verily they imagine a falsehood who believe not in the signs of GOD, and
they are really the liars.
Whoever denieth GOD, after he hath believed, except him who shall be
compelled against his will, and whose heart continueth steadfast in the faith,
shall be severely chastised: but whoever shall voluntarily profess
infidelity, on those shall the indignation of GOD fall, and they shall suffer
a grievous punishment.
This shall be their sentence, because they have loved the present life
above that which is to come, and for that GOD directeth not the unbelieving
people.
These are they whose hearts, and hearing, and sight, GOD hath sealed up;
and these are the negligent:
there is no doubt but that in the next life they shall perish.
110 Moreover thy LORD will be favorable unto those who have fled their
country, after having suffered persecution, and had been compelled to deny
the faith by violence, and who have since fought in defence of the true
religion, and have persevered with patience; verily unto these will thy LORD
be gracious and merciful, after they shall have shown their sincerity.
On a certain day shall every soul come to plead itself, and every soul
shall be repaid that which it shall have wrought; and they shall not be
treated unjustly.
GOD propoundeth as a parable a city which was secure and quiet, unto
which her provisions came in abundance from every side; but she ungratefully
denied the favor of GOD: wherefore GOD caused her to taste the extreme famine,
and fear, because of that which they had done.
And now is an apostle come unto the inhabitants of Mecca from among
themselves; and they accuse him of imposture: wherefore a punishment shall be
inflicted on them, while they are acting unjustly.
Eat of what GOD hath given you for food, that which is lawful and good;
and be thankful for the favors of GOD, if ye serve him.
He hath only forbidden you that which dieth of itself, and blood, and
swine's flesh, and that which hath been slain in the name of any, besides
GOD. But unto him who shall be compelled by necessity to eat of these
things, not lusting nor wilfully transgressing, GOD will surely be gracious
and merciful.
And say not that wherein your tongues utter a lie; This is lawful, and
this is unlawful; that ye may devise a lie concerning GOD: for they who
devise concerning GOD shall not prosper.
They shall have small enjoyment in this world, and in that which is to
come they shall suffer a grievous torment.
Unto the Jews did we forbid that which we have told thee formally: and
we did them no injury in that respect; but they injured their own souls.
Moreover thy LORD will be favorable unto those who do evil through
ignorance, and afterwards repent and amend: verily unto these will thy LORD be
gracious and merciful, after their repentance.
120 Abraham was a model of true religion, obedient unto GOD, orthodox, and
was not an idolater:
he was also grateful for his benefits: wherefore God chose him, and
directed him into the right way.
And we bestowed on him good in this world; and in the next he shall
surely be one of the righteous.
We have also spoken unto thee, O Mohammed, by revelation, saying, Follow
the religion of Abraham, who was orthodox, and was no idolater.
The sabbath was only appointed unto those who differed with their prophet
concerning it; and thy LORD will surely judge between them, on the day of
resurrection, as to that concerning which they differed.
Invite men unto the way of thy LORD, by wisdom, and mild exhortation; and
dispute with them in the most condescending manner: for thy LORD well knoweth
him who strayeth from his path, and he well knoweth those who are rightly
directed.
If ye take vengeance on any, take a vengeance proportionable to the wrong
which hath been done you; but if ye suffer wrong patiently, verily this will
be better for the patient.
Wherefore, do thou bear opposition with patience; but thy patience shall
not be practicable, unless with GOD'S assistance. And be thou not grieved on
account of the unbelievers; neither be thou troubled for that which they
subtilely devise;
for GOD is with those who fear him, and are upright.