Oscar Wilde - "A House of Pomegranates"

Mary Johnston - "Pioneers of the Old South, A Chronicle of English Colonial Beginnings"

James Oliver Curwood - "Nomads Of The North"

Charles Ives - "Essays Before a Sonata"

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 LIX.

ENTITLED, THE EMIGRATION; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

WHATEVER is in heaven and earth celebrateth the praise of GOD: and he is
the mighty, the wise.
It was he who caused those who believed not, of the people who receive
the scripture, to depart from their habitations at the first emigration. Ye
did not think that they would go forth: and they thought that their fortresses
would protect them against GOD. But the chastisement of GOD came upon them,
from whence they did not expect; and he cast terror into their hearts. They
pulled down their houses with their own hands, and the hands of the true
believers. Wherefore take example from them, O ye who have eyes.
And if GOD had not doomed them to banishment, he had surely punished them
in this world: and in the world to come they shall suffer the torment of hell
fire.
This, because they opposed GOD and his apostle: and whoso opposeth GOD,
verily GOD will be severe in punishing him.
What palm-trees ye cut down, or left standing on their roots, were so cut
down or left by the will of GOD; and that he might disgrace the wicked doers.
And as to the spoils of these people which GOD hath granted wholly to his
apostle, ye did not push forward any horses or camels against the same; but
GOD giveth unto his apostles dominion over whom he pleaseth: for GOD is
almighty.
The spoils of the inhabitants of the towns which GOD hath granted to his
apostle are due unto GOD and to the apostle, and to him who is of kin to the
apostle, and the orphans, and the poor, and the traveller; that they may not
be forever divided in a circle among such of you as are rich. What the
apostle shall give you, that accept; and what he shall forbid you, that
abstain from: and fear GOD; for GOD is severe in chastising.
A part also belongeth to the poor Mohâjerin, who have been dispossessed
of their houses and their substance, seeking favor from GOD, and his good-
will, and assisting GOD and his apostle. These are the men of veracity.
And they who quietly possessed the town of Medina, and professed the
faith without molestation, before them, love him who hath fled unto them, and
find in their breasts no want of that which is given the Mohâjerin, but
prefer them before themselves, although there be indigence among them. And
whoso is preserved from the covetousness of his own soul, those shall surely
prosper.
10 And they who have come after them say, O LORD, forgive us and our
brethren who have preceded us in the faith, and put not into our hearts ill-
will against those who have believed: O LORD, verily thou art compassionate
and merciful.
Hast thou not observed them who play the hypocrites? They say unto their
brethren who believe not, of those who have received the scriptures, Verily
if ye be expelled your habitations, we will surely go forth with you; and we
will not pay obedience, in your respect, unto any one forever: and if ye be
attacked, we will certainly assist you. But GOD is witness that they are
liars.
Verily if they be expelled, they will not go forth with them: and if they
be attacked, they will not assist them; and if they do assist them, they will
surely turn their backs: and they shall not be protected.
Verily ye are stronger than they, by reason of the terror cast into their
breasts from GOD. This, because they are not people of prudence.
They will not fight against you in a body, except in fenced towns, or
from behind walls. Their strength in war among themselves is great: thou
thinkest them to be united; but their hearts are divided. This, because they
are people who do not understand.
Like those who lately preceded them, they have tasted the evil
consequence of their deed; and a painful torment is prepared for them
hereafter.
Thus have the hypocrites deceived the Jews: like the devil, when he saith
unto a man, Be thou an infidel; and when he is become an infidel, he saith,
Verily I am clear of thee; for I fear GOD, the LORD of all creatures.
Wherefore the end of them both shall be that they shall dwell in hell
fire, abiding therein forever: and this shall be the recompense of the unjust.
O true believers, fear GOD; and let a soul look what it sendeth before
for the morrow: and fear GOD, for GOD is well acquainted with that which ye
do.
And be not as those who have forgotten GOD, and whom he hath caused to
forget their own souls: these are the wicked doers.
20 The inhabitants of hell fire and the inhabitants of paradise shall not
be held equal. The inhabitants of paradise are they who shall enjoy felicity.
If we had sent down this Koran on a mountain, thou wouldest certainly
have seen the same humble itself, and cleave in sunder for fear of GOD. These
similitudes do we propose unto men, that they may consider.
He is GOD, besides whom there is no GOD; who knoweth that which is
future, and that which is present: he is the most Merciful;
he is GOD, besides whom there is no GOD: the King, the Holy, the Giver of
peace, the Faithful, the Guardian, the Powerful, the Strong, the most High.
Far be GOD exalted above the idols which they associate with him!
He is GOD, the Creator, the Maker, the Former. He hath most excellent
names. Whatever is in heaven and in earth praiseth him: and he is the
Mighty, the Wise.



________


CHAPTER LX.

ENTITLED, SHE WHO IS TRIED; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

O TRUE believers, take not my enemy and your enemy for your friends,
showing kindness towards them; since they believe not in the truth which hath
come unto you, having expelled the apostle and yourselves from your native
city, because ye believe in GOD, your LORD. If ye go forth to fight in
defence of my religion, and out of a desire to please me, and privately show
friendship unto them; verily I well know that which ye conceal, and that
which ye discover: and whoever of you doth this, hath already erred from the
straight path.
If they get the better of you, they will be enemies unto you, and they
will stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you with evil: and
they earnestly desire that ye should become unbelievers.
Neither your kindred nor your children will avail you at all on the day
of resurrection, which will separate you from one another: and GOD seeth that
which ye do.
Ye have an excellent pattern in Abraham, and those who were with him,
when they said unto their people, Verily we are clear of you, and of the idols
which ye worship, besides GOD: we have renounced you; and enmity and hatred is
begun between us and you forever, until ye believe in GOD alone: except
Abraham's saying unto his father, Verily I will beg pardon for thee: but I
cannot obtain aught of GOD in thy behalf. O LORD, in thee do we trust, and
unto thee are we turned; and before thee shall we be assembled hereafter.
O LORD, suffer us not to be put to trial by the unbelievers: and forgive
us, O LORD; for thou art mighty and wise.
Verily ye have in them an excellent example, unto him who hopeth in GOD
and the last day: and whoso turneth back; verily GOD is self-sufficient, and
praiseworthy.
Peradventure GOD will establish friendship between yourselves and such of
them as ye now hold for enemies: for GOD is powerful; and GOD is inclined to
forgive, and merciful.
As to those who have not borne arms against you on account of religion,
nor turned you out of your dwellings, GOD forbiddeth you not to deal kindly
with them, and to behave justly towards them: for GOD loveth those who act
justly.
But as to those who have borne arms against you on account of religion,
and have dispossessed you of your habitations, and have assisted in
dispossessing you, GOD forbiddeth you to enter into friendship with them: and
whosoever of you entereth into friendship with them, those are unjust doers.
10 O true believers, when believing women come unto you as refugees, try
them: GOD well knoweth their faith. And if ye know them to be true believers,
send them not back to the infidels: they are not lawful for the unbelievers to
have in marriage; neither are the unbelievers lawful for them. But give their
unbelieving husbands what they shall have expended for their dowers. Nor
shall it be any crime in you if ye marry them, provided ye give them their
dowries. And retain not the patronage of the unbelieving women: but demand
back that which ye have expended for the dowry of such of your wives as go
over to the unbelievers; and let them demand back that which they have
expended for the dowry of those who come over to you. This is the judgment of
GOD, which he establisheth among you: and GOD is knowing and wise.
If any of your wives escape from you to the unbelievers, and ye have
your turn by the coming over of any of the unbelievers' wives to you; give
unto those believers whose wives shall have gone away, out of the dowries of
the latter, so much as they shall have expended for the dowers of the former:
and fear GOD, in whom ye believe.
O prophet, when believing women come unto thee, and plight their faith
unto thee, that they will not associate anything with GOD, nor steal, nor
commit fornication, nor kill their children, nor come with a calumny which
they have forged between their hands and their feet, nor be disobedient to
thee in that which shall be reasonable: then do thou plight thy faith unto
them, and ask pardon for them of GOD; for GOD is inclined to forgive, and
merciful.
O true believers, enter not into friendship with a people against whom
GOD is incensed; they despair of the life to come, as the infidels despair
of the resurrection of those who dwell in the graves.



________


CHAPTER LXI.

ENTITLED, BATTLE-ARRAY; REVEALED AT MECCA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

WHATEVER is in heaven and in earth celebrateth the praise of GOD; for he
is mighty and wise.
O true believers, why do ye say that which ye do not?
It is most odious in the sight of GOD, that ye say that which ye do not.
Verily GOD loveth those who fight for his religion in battle-array, as
though they were a well-compacted building.
Remember when Moses said unto his people, O my people, why do ye injure
me; since ye know that I am the apostle of GOD sent unto you? And when they
had deviated from the truth, GOD made their hearts to deviate from the right
way; for GOD directeth not wicked people.
And when Jesus the Son of Mary said, O children of Israel, verily I am
the apostle of GOD sent unto you, confirming the law which was delivered
before me, and bringing good tidings of an apostle who shall come after me,
and whose name shall be Ahmed. And when he produced unto them evident
miracles, they said, This is manifest sorcery.
But who is more unjust than he who forgeth a lie against GOD, when he is
invited unto Islam? And GOD directeth not the unjust people.
They seek to extinguish GOD'S light with their mouths: but GOD will
perfect his light, though the infidels be averse thereto.
It is he who hath sent his apostle with the direction, and the religion
of truth, that he may exalt the same above every religion, although the
idolaters be averse thereto.
10 O true believers, shall I show you a merchandise which will deliver you
from a painful torment hereafter?
Believe in GOD and his apostle; and defend GOD'S true religion with your
substance, and in your own persons. This will be better for you, if ye knew
it.
He will forgive you your sins, and will introduce you into gardens
through which rivers flow, and agreeable habitations in gardens of perpetual
abode. This will be great felicity.
And ye shall obtain other things which ye desire, namely, assistance from
GOD, and a speedy victory. And do thou bear good tidings to the true
believers.
O true believers, be ye assistants of GOD; as Jesus the son of Mary said
to the apostles, Who will be my assistants with respect to GOD? The apostles
answered, We will be the assistants of GOD. So a part of the children of
Israel believed, and a part believed not: but we strengthened those who
believed, above their enemy; wherefore they became victorious over them.



________


CHAPTER LXII.

ENTITLED, THE ASSEMBLY; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

WHATEVER is in heaven and earth praiseth GOD; the King, the Holy, the
Mighty, the Wise.
It is he who hath raised up amidst the illiterate Arabians an apostle
from among themselves, to rehearse his signs unto them, and to purify them,
and to teach them the scriptures and wisdom; whereas before they were
certainly in a manifest error;
and others of them have not yet attained unto them, by embracing the
faith; though they also shall be converted in GOD's good time; for he is
mighty and wise.
This is the free grace of GOD: he bestoweth the same on whom he pleaseth:
and GOD is endued with great beneficence.
The likeness of those who were charged with the observance of the law,
and then observed it not, is as the likeness of an ass laden with books. How
wretched is the likeness of the people who charge the signs of GOD with
falsehood! and GOD directeth not the unjust people.
Say, O ye who follow the Jewish religion, if ye say that ye are the
friends of GOD above other men, wish for death, if ye speak truth.
But they will never wish for it, because of that which their hands have
sent before them: and GOD well knoweth the unjust.
Say, Verily death, from which ye fly, will surely meet you: then shall ye
be brought before him who knoweth as well what is concealed as what is
discovered; and he will declare unto you that which ye have done.
O true believers, when ye are called to prayer on the day of assembly,
hasten to the commemoration of GOD and leave merchandising. This will be
better for you, if you knew it.
10 And when prayer is ended, then disperse yourselves through the land as
ye list, and seek gain of the liberality of GOD: and remember GOD frequently,
that ye may prosper.
But when they see any merchandising, or sport, they flock thereto, and
leave thee standing up in the pulpit. Say, The reward which is with GOD is
better than any sport or merchandise: and GOD is the best provider.



________


CHAPTER LXIII.

ENTITLED, THE HYPOCRITES; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

WHEN the hypocrites come unto thee, they say, We bear witness that thou
art indeed the apostle of GOD. And GOD knoweth that thou art indeed his
apostle: but GOD beareth witness that the hypocrites are certainly liars.
They have taken their oaths for a protection, and they turn others aside
from the way of GOD: it is surely evil which they do.
This is testified of them, because they believed, and afterwards became
unbelievers: wherefore a seal is set on their hearts, and they shall not
understand.
When thou beholdest them, their persons please thee: and if they speak,
thou hearest their discourse with delight. They resemble pieces of timber set
up against a wall. They imagine every shout to be against them. They are
enemies: wherefore beware of them. GOD curse them: how are they turned aside
from the truth!
And when it is said unto them, Come, that the apostle of GOD may ask
pardon for you; they turn away their heads, and thou seest them retire big
with disdain.
It shall be equal unto them, whether thou ask pardon for them, or do not
ask pardon for them: GOD will by no means forgive them; for GOD directeth not
the prevaricating people.
These are the men who say to the inhabitants of Medina, Do not bestow
anything on the refugees who are with the apostle of GOD, that they may be
obliged to separate from him. Whereas unto GOD belong the stores of heaven
and earth: but the hypocrites do not understand.
They say, Verily, if we return to Medina, the worthier shall expel thence
the meaner. Whereas superior worth belongeth unto GOD and his apostle, and
the true believers: but the hypocrites know it not.
O true believers, let not your riches or your children divert you from
the remembrance of GOD: for whosoever doth this, they will surely be losers.
10 And give alms out of that which we have bestowed on you; before death
come unto one of you, and he say, O LORD, wilt thou not grant me respite for a
short term: that I may give alms, and become one of the righteous?
For GOD will by no means grant further respite to a soul, when its
determined time is come: and GOD is fully apprised of that which ye do.



________


CHAPTER LXIV.

ENTITLED, MUTUAL DECEIT; REVEALED AT MECCA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

WHATEVER is in heaven and earth celebrateth the praises of GOD: his is
the kingdom, and unto him is the praise due; for he is almighty.
It is he who hath created you; and one of you is predestined to be an
unbeliever, and another of you is predestined to be a believer: and GOD
beholdeth that which ye do.
He hath created the heavens and the earth with truth; and he hath
fashioned you, and given you beautiful forms: and unto him must ye all go.
He knoweth whatever is in heaven and earth: and he knoweth that which ye
conceal, and that which ye discover; for GOD knoweth the innermost part of
men's breasts.
Have ye not been acquainted with the story of those who disbelieved
heretofore, and tasted the evil consequence of their behavior? And for them
is prepared in the life to come a tormenting punishment.
This shall they suffer, because their apostles came unto them with
evident proofs of their mission, and they said, Shall men direct us?
Wherefore they believed not, and turned their backs. But GOD standeth in need
of no person: for GOD is self-sufficient, and worthy to be praised.
The unbelievers imagine that they shall not be raised again. Say, Yea,
by my LORD, ye shall surely be raised again; then shall ye be told that which
ye have wrought; and this is easy with GOD.
Wherefore believe in GOD and his apostle, and the light which we have
sent down: for GOD is well acquainted with that which ye do.
On a certain day he shall assemble you, at the day of the general
assembly: that will be the day of mutual deceit. And whoso shall believe in
GOD, and shall do that which is right, from him will he expiate his evil
deeds, and he will lead him into gardens beneath which rivers flow, to remain
therein forever. This will be great felicity.
10 But they who shall not believe, and shall accuse our signs of falsehood,
those shall be the inhabitants of hell fire, wherein they shall remain
forever; and a wretched journey shall it be thither!
No misfortune happeneth but by the permission of GOD; and whoso believeth
in GOD, he will direct his heart: and GOD knoweth all things.
Wherefore obey GOD, and obey the apostle: but if ye turn back, verily the
duty incumbent on our apostle is only public preaching.
GOD! there is no GOD but he: wherefore in GOD let the faithful put their
trust.
O true believers, verily of your wives and your children ye have an
enemy: wherefore beware of them. But if ye pass over their offences, and
pardon, and forgive them; GOD is likewise inclined to forgive, and merciful.
Your wealth and your children are only a temptation; but with GOD is a
great reward.
Wherefore fear GOD, as much as ye are able; and hear, and obey: and give
alms, for the good of your souls; for whoso is preserved from the covetousness
of his own soul, they shall prosper.
If ye lend unto GOD an acceptable loan, he will double the same unto you,
and will forgive you: for GOD is grateful, and long-suffering,
knowing both what is hidden, and what is divulged; the Mighty, the Wise.



________


CHAPTER LXV.

ENTITLED, DIVORCE; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

O PROPHET, when ye divorce women, put them away at their appointed term;
and compute the term exactly: and fear GOD, your LORD. Oblige them not to go
out of their apartments, neither let them go out, until the term be expired,
unless they be guilty of manifest uncleanness. These are the statutes of GOD:
and whoever transgresseth the statutes of GOD assuredly injureth his own soul.
Thou knowest not whether GOD will bring something new to pass, which may
reconcile them after this.
And when they shall have fulfilled their term, either retain them with
kindness, or part from them honourably: and take witnesses from among you,
men of integrity; and give your testimony as in the presence of GOD. This
admonition is given unto him who believeth in GOD and the last day: and whoso
feareth GOD, unto him will he grant a happy issue out of all his afflictions,
and he will bestow on him an ample provision from whence he expecteth it
not: and whoso trusteth in GOD, he will be his sufficient support; for GOD
will surely attain his purpose. Now hath GOD appointed unto everything a
determined period.
As to such of your wives as shall despair having their courses, by reason
of their age; if ye be in doubt thereof, let their term be three months: and
let the same be the term of those who have not yet had their courses. But as
to those who are pregnant, their term shall be, until they be delivered of
their burden. And whoso feareth GOD, unto him will he make his command easy.
This is the command of GOD, which he hath sent down unto you. And whoso
feareth GOD, he will expiate his evil deeds from him, and will increase his
reward.
Suffer the women whom ye divorce to dwell in some part of the houses
wherein ye dwell; according to the room and conveniences of the habitations
which ye possess: and make them not uneasy, that ye may reduce them to
straits. And if they be with child, expend on them what shall be needful,
until they be delivered of their burden. And if they suckle their children
for you, give them their hire; and consult among yourselves, according to
what shall be just and reasonable. And if ye be put to a difficulty herein,
and another woman shall suckle the child for him,
let him who hath plenty expend proportionably in the maintenance of the
mother and the nurse, out of his plenty: and let him whose income is scanty
expend in proportion out of that which GOD hath given him. GOD obligeth no
man to more than he hath given him ability to perform: GOD will cause ease to
succeed hardship.
How many cities have turned aside from the command of the LORD and his
apostles! Wherefore we brought them to a severe account; and we chastised
them with a grievous chastisement:
and they tasted the evil consequence of their business; and the end of
their business was perdition.
10 GOD hath prepared for them a severe punishment: wherefore fear GOD,
O ye who are endued with understanding. True believers, now hath GOD sent
down unto you an admonition,
an apostle who may rehearse unto you the perspicuous signs of GOD; that
he may bring forth those who believe and do good works, from darkness into
light. And whoso believeth in GOD, and doth that which is right, him will he lead
into gardens beneath which rivers flow, to remain therein forever: now hath
GOD made an excellent provision for him.
It is GOD who hath created seven heavens, and as many different stories
of the earth: the divine command descendeth between them; that ye may know
that GOD is omnipotent, and that GOD comprehendeth all things by his
knowledge.



________


CHAPTER LXVI.

ENTITLED, PROHIBITION; REVEALED AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

O PROPHET, why holdest thou that to be prohibited which GOD hath allowed
thee, seeking to please thy wives; since GOD is inclined to forgive, and
merciful?
GOD hath allowed you the dissolution of your oaths: and GOD is your
master; and he is knowing and wise.
When the prophet intrusted as a secret unto one of his wives a certain
accident; and when she disclosed the same, and GOD made it known unto him; he
acquainted her with part of what she had done, and forbore to upbraid her with
the other part thereof. And when he had acquainted her therewith, she said,
Who hath discovered this unto thee? He answered, The knowing, the sagacious
God hath discovered it unto me.
If ye both be turned unto GOD (for your hearts have swerved) it is well:
but if ye join against him, verily GOD is his patron; and Gabriel, and the
good man among the faithful, and the angels also are his assistants.
If he divorce you, his LORD can easily give him in exchange other wives
better than you, women resigned unto God, true believers, devout, penitent,
obedient, given to fasting, both such as have been known by other men, and
virgins.
O true believers, save your souls, and those of your families, from the
fire whose fuel is men and stones, over which are set angels fierce and
terrible; who disobey not GOD in what he hath commanded them, but perform
what they are commanded.
O unbelievers, excuse not yourselves this day; ye shall surely be
rewarded for what ye have done.
O true believers, turn unto GOD with a sincere repentance: peradventure
your LORD will do away from you your evil deeds, and will admit you into
gardens, through which rivers flow; on the day whereon GOD will not put to
shame the prophet, or those who believe with him: their light shall run before
them, and on their right hands, and they shall say, LORD, make our light
perfect, and forgive us: for thou art almighty.
O prophet, attack the infidels with arms, and the hypocrites with
arguments; and treat them with severity: their abode shall be hell, and an ill
journey shall it be thither.
10 GOD propoundeth as a similitude unto the unbelievers, the wife of Noah,
and the wife of Lot: they were under two of our righteous servants, and they
deceived them both; wherefore their husbands were of no advantage unto them
at all, in the sight of GOD: and it shall be said unto them, at the last day,
Enter ye into hell fire, with those who enter therein.
GOD also propoundeth as a similitude unto those who believe, the wife of
Pharaoh; when she said, LORD, build me a house with thee in paradise; and
deliver me from Pharaoh and his doings, and deliver me from the unjust people:
and Mary the daughter of Imran; who preserved her chastity, and into
whose womb we breathed of our spirit, and who believed in the words of her
LORD, and his scriptures, and was a devout and obedient person.