Henryk Sienkiewicz - "Quo Vadis A Narrative of the Time of Nero"

P. G. Wodehouse - "Psmith in the City"

Margot Asquith - "Margot Asquith, An Autobiography: Volumes I & II"

Inez Haynes Irwin - "The Native Son"

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)








AL KORAN.



________


CHAPTER I.

ENTITLED, THE PREFACE, OR INTRODUCTION; REVEALED AT MECCA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD
PRAISE be to GOD, the LORD of all creatures;
the most merciful,
the king of the day of judgment.
Thee do we worship, and of thee do we beg assistance.
Direct us in the right way,
in the way of those to whom thou hast been gracious; not of those against
whom thou art incensed, nor of those who go astray.



________


CHAPTER II.

ENTITLED, THE COW; REVEALED PARTLY AT MECCA, AND PARTLY AT MEDINA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

A.L.M.
There is no doubt in this book; it is a direction to the pious,
who believe in the mysteries of faith, who observe the appointed times
of prayer, and distribute alms out of what we have bestowed on them,
and who believe in that revelation, which hath been sent down unto thee
and that which hath been sent down unto the prophets before thee, and have
firm assurance of the life to come:
these are directed by their LORD, and they shall prosper.
As for the unbelievers, it will be equal to them whether thou admonish
them, or do not admonish them; they will not believe.
GOD hath sealed up their hearts and their hearing; a dimness covereth
their sight, and they shall suffer a grievous punishment.
There are some who say, We believe in GOD, and the last day; but are not
really believers:
they seek to deceive GOD, and those who do believe, but they deceive
themselves only, and are not sensible thereof.
10 There is an infirmity in their hearts, and GOD hath increased that
infirmity; and they shall suffer a most painful punishment, because they have
disbelieved.
When one saith unto them, Act not corruptly in the earth; they reply,
Verily we are men of integrity.
Are not they themselves corrupt doers? but they are not sensible thereof.
And when one saith unto them, Believe ye as others believe; they answer,
Shall we believe as fools believe? Are not they themselves fools? but they
know it not.
When they meet those who believe, they say, We do believe: but when they
retire privately to their devils, they say, We really hold with you, and only
mock at those people:
GOD shall mock at them, and continue them in their impiety; they shall
wander in confusion.
There are the the men who have purchased error at the price of true
direction: but their traffic hath not been gainful, neither have they been
rightly directed.
They are like unto one who kindleth a fire, and when it hath enlightened
all around him, GOD taketh away their light and leaveth them in darkness,
they shall not see;
they are deaf, dumb, and blind, therefore will they not repent.
Or like a stormy cloud from heaven, fraught with darkness, thunder, and
lightning, they put their fingers in their ears because of the noise of the
thunder, for fear of death; GOD encompasseth the infidels:
20 the lightning wanteth but little of taking away their sight; so often as
it enlighteneth them, they walk therein, but when darkness cometh on them,
they stand still; and if GOD so pleased, he would certainly deprive them of
their hearing and their sight, for GOD is almighty.
O men of Mecca, serve your LORD who hath created you, and those who
have been before you: peradventure ye will fear him;
who hath spread the earth as a bed for you, and the heaven as a
covering, and hath caused water to descend from heaven, and thereby produced
fruits for your sustenance. Set not up therefore any equals unto GOD, against
your own knowledge.
If ye be in doubt concerning that revelation which we have sent down unto
our servant, produce a chapter like unto it, and call upon your witnesses
besides GOD, if ye say truth.
But if ye do it not, nor shall ever be able to do it; justly fear the
fire whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the unbelievers.
But bear good tidings unto those who believe, and do good works, that
they shall have gardens watered by rivers; so often as they eat of the fruit
thereof for sustenance, they shall say, this is what we have formerly eaten
of; and they shall be supplied with several sorts of fruit having a mutual
resemblance to one another. There shall they enjoy wives subject to no
impurity, and there shall they continue forever.
Moreover, GOD will not be ashamed to propound in a parable a gnat, or
even a more despicable thing: for they who believe will know it to be the
truth from their LORD; but the unbelievers will say, What meaneth GOD by this
parable? he will thereby mislead many, and will direct many thereby: but he
will not mislead any thereby, except the transgressors,
who make void the covenant of GOD after the establishing thereof, and cut
in sunder that which GOD hath commanded to be joined, and act corruptly in the
earth; they shall perish.
How is it that ye believe not in GOD? Since ye were dead, and he gave
you life; he will hereafter cause you to die, and will again restore you to
life; then shall ye return unto him.
It is he who hath created for you whatsoever is on earth, and then set
his mind to the creation of heaven, and formed it into seven heavens; he
knoweth all things.
30 When thy LORD said unto the angels, I am going to place a substitute on
earth; they said, Wilt thou place there one who will do evil therein, and
shed blood? but we celebrate thy praise, and sanctify thee. GOD answered,
Verily I know that which ye know not;
and he taught Adam the names of all things, and then proposed them to the
angels, and said, Declare unto me the names of these things if ye say truth.
They answered, Praise be unto thee; we have no knowledge but what thou
teachest us, for thou art knowing and wise.
GOD said, O Adam, tell them their names. And when he had told them their
names, GOD said, Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and
earth, and know that which ye discover, and that which ye conceal?
And when we said unto the angels, Worship Adam, they all worshipped him,
except Eblis, who refused, and was puffed up with pride, and became of the
number of unbelievers.
And we said, O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the garden, and eat of
the fruit thereof plentifully wherever ye will; but approach not this tree,
lest ye become of the number of the transgressors.
But Satan caused them to forfeit paradise, and turned them out of the
state of happiness wherein they had been; whereupon we said, Get ye down, the
one of you an enemy unto the other; and there shall be a dwelling-place for
you on earth, and a provision for a season.
And Adam learned words of prayer from his LORD, and GOD turned unto him,
for he is easy to be reconciled and merciful.
We said, Get ye all down from hence; hereafter shall there come unto you
a direction from me, and whoever shall follow my direction, on them shall no
fear come, neither shall they be grieved;
but they who shall be unbelievers, and accuse our signs of falsehood,
they shall be the companions of hell fire, therein shall they remain forever.
40 O children of Israel, remember my favor wherewith I have favored you;
and perform your covenant with me, and I will perform my covenant with you;
and revere me:
and believe in the revelation which I have sent down, confirming that which
is with you, and be not the first who believe not therein, neither exchange my
signs for a small price; and fear me.
Clothe not the truth with vanity, neither conceal the truth against your
own knowledge;
observe the stated times of prayer, and pay your legal alms, and bow
down yourselves with those who bow down.
Will ye command men to do justice, and forget your own souls? yet ye
read the book of the law: do ye not therefore understand?
Ask help with perseverance and prayer; this indeed is grievous unless to
the humble,
who seriously think they shall meet their LORD and that to him they shall
return.
O children of Israel, remember my favor wherewith I have favored you, and
that I have preferred you above all nations;
dread the day wherein one soul shall not make satisfaction for another
soul, neither shall any intercession be accepted from them, nor shall any
compensation be received, neither shall they be helped.
Remember when we delivered you from the people of Pharaoh, who grievously
oppressed you, they slew your male children, and let your females live:
therein was a great trial from your LORD.
50 And when we divided the sea for you and delivered you, and drowned
Pharaoh's people while ye looked on.
And when we treated with Moses forty nights; then ye took the calf for
your God, and did evil;
yet afterwards we forgave you, that peradventure ye might give thanks.
And when we gave Moses the book of the law, and the distinction between
good and evil, that peradventure ye might be directed.
And when Moses said unto his people, O my people, verily ye have injured
your own souls, by your taking the calf for your God; therefore be turned unto
your Creator, and slay those among you who have been guilty of that crime;
this will be better for you in the sight of your Creator: and thereupon he
turned unto you, for he is easy to be reconciled, and merciful.
And when ye said, O Moses, we will not believe thee, until we see GOD
manifestly; therefore a punishment came upon you, while ye looked on;
then we raised you to life after ye had been dead, that peradventure ye
might give thanks.
And we caused clouds to overshadow you, and manna and quails to descend
upon you, saying, Eat of the good things which we have given you for food: and
they injured not us, but injured their own souls.
And when we said, Enter into this city, and eat of the provisions
thereof plentifully as ye will; and enter the gate worshipping, and say,
Forgiveness! we will pardon you your sins, and give increase unto the well-
doers.
But the ungodly changed the expression into another, different from what
had been spoken unto them; and we sent down upon the ungodly indignation from
heaven, because they had transgressed.
60 And when Moses asked drink for his people, we said, Strike the rock with
thy rod; and there gushed thereout twelve fountains according to the number
of the tribes, and all men knew their respective drinking-place. Eat and
drink of the bounty of GOD, and commit not evil on the earth, acting unjustly.
And when ye said, O Moses, we will by no means be satisfied with one kind
of food; pray unto thy LORD therefore for us, that he would produce for us of
that which the earth bringeth forth, herbs and cucumbers, and garlic, and
lentils, and onions; Moses answered, Will ye exchange that which is better,
for that which is worse? Get ye down into Egypt, for there shall ye find what
ye desire: and they were smitten with vileness and misery, and drew on
themselves indignation from GOD. This they suffered, because they believed
not in the signs of GOD, and killed the prophets unjustly; this, because they
rebelled and transgressed.
Surely those who believe, and those who Judaize, and Christians, and
Sabians, whoever believeth in GOD, and the last day, and doth that which is
right, they shall have their reward with their LORD; there shall come no fear
on them, neither shall they be grieved.
Call to mind also when we accepted your covenant, and lifted up the
mountain of Sinai over you, saying, Receive the law which we have given you,
with a resolution to keep it, and remember that which is contained therein,
that ye may beware.
After this ye again turned back, so that if it had not been for GOD's
indulgence and mercy towards you, ye had certainly been destroyed.
Moreover ye know what befell those of your nation who transgressed on
the sabbath day; We said unto them, Be ye changed into apes, driven away
from the society of men.
And we made them an example unto those who were contemporary with
them, and unto those who came after them, and a warning to the pious.
And when Moses said unto his people, Verily GOD commandeth you to
sacrifice a cow; they answered, Dost thou make a jest of us! Moses said, GOD
forbid that I should be one of the foolish.
They said, Pray for us unto thy LORD, that he would show us what cow it is.
Moses answered, He saith, She is neither an old cow, nor a young heifer, but
of a middle age between both: do ye therefore that which ye are commanded.
They said, Pray for us unto thy LORD, that he would show us what colour
she is of. Moses answered, He saith, She is a red cow, intensely red, her
colour rejoiceth the beholders.
70 They said, Pray for us unto thy LORD, that he would further show us what
cow it is, for several cows with us are like one another, and we, if GOD
please, will be directed.
Moses answered, He saith, She is a cow not broken to plough the earth, or
water the field, a sound one, there is no blemish in her. They said, Now hast
thou brought the truth. Then they sacrificed her; yet they wanted but little
of leaving it undone.
And when ye slew a man, and contended among yourselves concerning him,
GOD brought forth to light that which ye concealed.
For we said, Strike the dead body with part of the sacrificed cow: so
GOD raiseth the dead to life, and showeth you his signs, that peradventure ye
may understand.
Then were your hearts hardened after this, even as stones, or exceeding
them in hardness: for from some stones have rivers bursted forth, others have
been rent in sunder, and water hath issued from them, and others have fallen
down for fear of GOD. But GOD is not regardless of that which ye do.
Do ye therefore desire that the Jews should believe you? yet a part of
them heard the word of GOD, and then perverted it, after they had understood
it, against their own conscience.
And when they meet the true believers, they say, We believe: but when
they are privately assembled together, they say, Will ye acquaint them with
what GOD hath revealed unto you, that they may dispute with you concerning it
in the presence of your LORD? Do ye not therefore understand?
Do not they know that GOD knoweth that which they conceal as well as that
which they publish?
But there are illiterate men among them, who know not the book of the
law, but only lying stories, although they think otherwise.
And woe unto them, who transcribe corruptly the book of the law with their
hands, and then say, This is from GOD: that they may sell it for a small price.
Therefore woe unto them because of that which their hands have written; and
woe unto them for that which they have gained.
80 They say, The fire of hell shall not touch us but for a certain number of
days. Answer, Have ye received any promise from GOD to that purpose? for GOD
will not act contrary to his promise: or do ye speak concerning GOD that which
ye know not?
Verily whoso doth evil, and is encompassed by his iniquity, they shall
be the companions of hell fire, they shall remain therein forever:
but they who believe and do good works, they shall be the companions of
paradise, they shall continue therein forever.
Remember also, when we accepted the covenant of the children of Israel,
saying, Ye shall not worship any other except GOD, and ye shall show kindness
to your parents and kindred, and to orphans, and to the poor, and speak that
which is good unto men, and be constant at prayer, and give alms. Afterwards
ye turned back, except a few of you, and retired afar off.
And when we accepted your covenant, saying, Ye shall not shed your
brother's blood nor dispossess one another of your habitations; then ye
confirmed it, and were witnesses thereto.
Afterwards ye were they who slew one another, and turned several of your
brethren out of their houses, mutually assisting each other against them with
injustice and enmity; but if they come captives unto you, ye redeem them: yet
it is equally unlawful for you to dispossess them. Do ye therefore believe in
part of the book of the law, and reject other part thereof? But whoso among
you doth this, shall have no other reward than shame in this life, and on the
day of resurrection they shall be sent to a most grievous punishment; for GOD
is not regardless of that which ye do.
These are they who have purchased this present life, at the price of
that which is to come; wherefore their punishment shall not be mitigated,
neither shall they be helped.
We formerly delivered the book of the law unto Moses, and caused apostles
to succeed him, and gave evident miracles to Jesus the son of Mary, and
strengthened him with the holy spirit. Do ye therefore, whenever an apostle
cometh unto you with that which your souls desire not, proudly reject him, and
accuse some of imposture, and slay others?
The Jews say, Our hearts are uncircumcised: but GOD hath cursed them with
their infidelity; therefore few shall believe.
And when a book came unto them from GOD, confirming the scriptures which
were with them, although they had before prayed for assistance against those
who believed not, yet when that came unto them which they knew to be from
God, they would not believe therein: therefore the curse of GOD shall be on
the infidels.
90 For a vile price have they sold their souls, that they should not believe
in that which GOD hath sent down; out of envy, because GOD sendeth down his
favors to such of his servants as he pleaseth: therefore they brought on
themselves indignation on indignation; and the unbelievers shall suffer an
ignominious punishment.
When one saith unto them, Believe in that which GOD hath sent down; they
answer, We believe in that which hath been sent down unto us: and they reject
what hath been revealed since, although it be the truth, confirming that which
is with them. Say, Why therefore have ye slain the prophets of GOD in times
past, if ye be true believers?
Moses formerly came unto you with evident signs, but ye afterwards took
the calf for your god and did wickedly.
And when we accepted your covenant, and lifted the mountain of Sinai over
you, saying Receive the law which we have given you, with a resolution to
perform it, and hear; they said, We have heard, and have rebelled: and they
were made to drink down the calf into their hearts for their unbelief. Say,
A grievous thing hath your faith commanded you, if ye be true believers?
Say, if the future mansion with GOD be prepared peculariarly for you,
exclusive of the rest of mankind, wish for death, if ye say truth;
but they will never wish for it, because of that which their hands have
sent before them; GOD knoweth the wicked-doers;
and thou shalt surely find them of all men the most covetous of life,
even more than the idolaters: one of them would desire his life to be
prolonged a thousand years, but none shall reprieve himself from punishment,
that his life may be prolonged: GOD seeth that which they do.
Say, Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel (for he hath caused the Koran to
descend on thy heart, by the permission of GOD, confirming that which was
before revealed, a direction, and good tidings to the faithful);
whosoever is an enemy to GOD, or his angels, or his apostles, or to
Gabriel, or Michael, verily GOD is an enemy to the unbelievers.
And now we have sent down unto thee evident signs, and none will
disbelieve them but the evil-doers.
100 Whenever they make a covenant, will some of them reject it? yea, the
greater part of them do not believe.
And when there came unto them an apostle from GOD, confirming that
scripture which was with them, some of those to whom the scriptures were given
cast the book of GOD behind their backs, as if they knew it not:
and they followed the device which the devils devised against the kingdom
of Solomon; and Solomon was not an unbeliever; but the devils believed not,
they taught men sorcery, and that which was sent down to the two angels at
Babel, Harut and Marut: yet those two taught no man until they had said,
Verily we are a temptation, therefore be not an unbeliever. So men learned
from those two a charm by which they might cause division between a man and
his wife; but they hurt none thereby, unless by GOD'S permission, and they
learned that which would hurt them, and not profit them; and yet they knew
that he who bought that art should have no part in the life to come, and woful
is the price for which they have sold their souls, if they knew it.
But if they had believed, and feared GOD, verily the reward they would
have had from GOD would have been better, if they had known it.
O true believers, say not to our apostle, Raina; but say Ondhorna; and
hearken: the infidels shall suffer a grievous punishment.
It is not the desire of the unbelievers, either among those unto whom the
scriptures have been given, or among the idolaters, that any good should be
sent down unto you from your LORD: but GOD will appropriate his mercy unto
whom he pleaseth; for GOD is exceeding beneficent.
Whatever verse we shall abrogate, or cause thee to forget, we will bring
a better than it, or one like unto it. Dost thou not know that God is
almighty?
Dost thou not know that unto GOD belongeth the kingdom of heaven and
earth? neither have ye any protector or helper except GOD.
Will ye require of your apostle according to that which was formerly
required of Moses? but he that hath exchanged faith for infidelity, hath
already erred from the straight way.
Many of those unto whom the scriptures have been given, desire to render
you again unbelievers, after ye have believed; out of envy from their souls,
even after the truth is become manifest unto them; but forgive them, and avoid
them, till GOD shall send his command; for GOD is omnipotent.
110 Be constant in prayer, and give alms; and what good ye have sent before
for your souls, ye shall find it with GOD; surely GOD seeth that which ye do.
They say, Verily none shall enter paradise, except they who are Jews or
Christians: this is their wish. Say, Produce your proof of this, if ye speak
truth.
Nay, but he who resigneth himself to GOD, and doth that which is right,
he shall have his reward with his LORD: there shall come no fear on them,
neither shall they be grieved.
The Jews say, The Christians are grounded on nothing; and the Christians
say, The Jews are grounded on nothing; and the Christians say, The Jews are
grounded on nothing; yet they both read the scriptures. So likewise say they
who know not the scripture, according to their saying. But GOD shall judge
between them on the day of the resurrection, concerning that about which they
now disagree.
Who is more unjust than he who prohibiteth the temples of GOD, that his
name should be remembered therein, and who hasteth to destroy them? Those men
cannot enter therein, but with fear: they shall have shame in this world, and
in the next a grievous punishment.
To GOD belongeth the east and the west; therefore whithersoever ye turn
yourselves to pray, there is the face of GOD; for GOD is omnipresent and
omniscient.
They say, GOD hath begotten children: GOD forbid! To him belongeth
whatever is in heaven, and on earth; all is possessed by him,
the Creator of heaven and earth; and when he decreeth a thing, he only
saith unto it, Be, and it is.
And they who know not the scriptures say, Unless GOD speak unto us, or
thou show us a sign, we will not believe. So said those before them,
according to their saying: their hearts resemble each other. We have already
shown manifest signs unto people who firmly believe;
we have sent thee in truth, a bearer of good tidings and a preacher; and
thou shalt not be questioned concerning the companions of hell.
120 But the Jews will not be pleased with thee, neither the Christians, until
thou follow their religion; say, The direction of GOD is the true direction.
And verily if thou follow their desires, after the knowledge which hath been
given thee, thou shalt find no patron or protector against GOD.
They to whom we have given the book of the Koran, and who read it with
its true reading, they believe therein; and whoever believeth not therein,
they shall perish.
O children of Israel, remember my favor wherewith I have favored you, and
that I have preferred you before all nations;
and dread the day wherein one soul shall not make satisfaction for
another soul, neither shall any compensation be accepted from them, nor shall
any intercession avail, neither shall they be helped.
Remember when the LORD tried Abraham by certain words, which he
fulfilled: GOD said, Verily I will constitute thee a model of religion unto
mankind; he answered, And also of my posterity; GOD said, My covenant doth not
comprehend the ungodly.
And when we appointed the holy house of Mecca to be a place of resort
for mankind, and a place of security; and said, Take the station of Abraham
for a place of prayer; and we covenanted with Abraham for a place of prayer;
and we covenanted with Abraham and Ismael, that they should cleanse my house
for those who should compass it, and those who should be devoutly assiduous
there, and those who should bow down and worship.
And when Abraham said, LORD make this a territory of security, and
bounteously bestow fruits on its inhabitants, such of them as believe in GOD
and the last day; GOD answered, And whoever believeth not, I will bestow on
him little; after wards I will drive him to the punishment of hell fire; an
ill journey shall it be!
And when Abraham and Ismael raised the foundations of the house, saying,
LORD, accept it from us, for thou art he who heareth and knoweth:
LORD, make us also resigned unto thee, and of our posterity a people
resigned unto thee, and show us our holy ceremonies, and be turned unto us,
for thou art easy to be reconciled, and merciful:
LORD, send them likewise an apostle from among them, who may declare thy
signs unto them, and teach them the book of the Koran and wisdom, and may
purify them; for thou art mighty and wise.
130 Who will be averse to the religion of Abraham, but he whose mind is
infatuated? Surely we have chosen him in this world, and in that which is to
come he shall be one of the righteous.
When his LORD said unto him, Resign thyself unto me; he answered, I have
resigned myself unto the LORD of all creatures.
And Abraham bequeathed this religion to his children, and Jacob did the
same, saying, My children, verily GOD hath chosen this religion for you,
therefore die not, unless ye also be resigned.
Were ye present when Jacob was at the point of death? when he said to his
sons, Whom will ye worship after me? They answered, We will worship thy GOD,
and the GOD of thy fathers Abraham, and Ismael, and Isaac, one GOD, and to him
will we be resigned.
That people are now passed away, they have what they have gained, and ye
shall have what ye gain; and ye shall not be questioned concerning that which
they have done.
They say, Become Jews or Christians that ye may be directed. Say, Nay we
follow the religion of Abraham the orthodox, who was no idolater.
Say, We believe in GOD, and that which hath been sent down unto us, and
that which hath been sent down unto Abraham, and Ismael, and Isaac, and Jacob,
and the tribes, and that which was delivered unto Moses, and Jesus, and that
which was delivered unto the prophets from their LORD: We make no distinction
between any of them, and to GOD are we resigned.
Now if they believe according to what ye believe, they are surely
directed, but if they turn back, they are in schism. GOD shall support thee
against them, for he is in the hearer, the wise.
The baptism of GOD have we received, and who is better than GOD to
baptize? him do we worship.
Say, Will ye dispute with us concerning GOD, who is our LORD, and your
LORD? we have our works, and ye have your works, and unto him are we sincerely
devoted.
140 Will ye say, truly Abraham, and Ismael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the
tribes were Jews or Christians? Say, are ye wiser, or GOD? And who is more
unjust than he who hideth the testimony which he hath received from GOD? But
GOD is not regardless of that which ye do.
That people are passed away, they have what they have gained, and ye
shall have what ye gain, nor shall ye be questioned concerning that which they
have done.
The foolish men will say, What hath turned them from their Keblah,
towards which they formerly prayed? Say unto GOD belongeth the east and the
west: he directeth whom he pleaseth into the right way.
Thus have we placed you, O Arabians, an intermediate nation, that ye may
be witness against the rest of mankind, and that the apostle may be a witness
against you. We appointed the Keblah, towards which thou didst formerly pray, only
that we might know him who followeth the apostle, from him who turneth back on
the heels; though this change seem a great matter, unless unto those whom GOD
hath directed. But GOD will not render your faith of none effect; for GOD is
gracious and merciful unto man.
We have seen thee turn about thy face towards heaven with uncertainty,
but we will cause thee to turn thyself towards a Keblah that will please thee.
Turn, therefore, thy face towards the holy temple of Mecca; and wherever ye
be, turn your faces towards that place. They to whom the scripture hath been
given, know this to be truth from their LORD. GOD is not regardless of that
which ye do.
Verily although thou shouldest show unto those to whom the scripture
hath been given all kinds of signs, yet they will not follow thy Keblah,
neither shalt thou follow their Keblah; nor will one part of them follow the
Keblah of the other. And if thou follow their desires, after the knowledge
which hath been given thee, verily thou wilt become one of the ungodly.
They to whom we have given the scripture know our apostle, even as they
know their own children, but some of them hide the truth, against their own
knowledge.
Truth is from thy LORD, therefore thou shalt not doubt.
Every sect hath a certain tract of heaven to which they turn themselves
in prayer; but do ye strive to run after good things; wherever ye be, GOD will
bring you all back at the resurrection, for GOD is almighty.
And from what place soever thou comest forth, turn thy face towards the
holy temple, for this is truth from thy LORD; neither is GOD regardless of
that which ye do.
150 From what place soever thou comest forth, turn thy face towards the holy
temple; and wherever ye be, thitherward turn your faces, lest men have matter
of dispute against you; but as for those among them who are unjust doers, fear
them not, but fear me, that I may accomplish my grace upon you, and that ye
may be directed.
As we have sent unto you an apostle from among you, to rehearse our
signs unto you, and to purify you, and to teach you the book of the Koran and
wisdom, and to teach you that which ye knew not:
therefore remember me, and I will remember you, and give thanks unto me,
and be not unbelievers.
O true believers, beg assistance with patience and prayer, for GOD is
with the patient.
And say not of those who are slain in fight for the religion of GOD,
that they are dead; yea, they are living: but ye do not understand.
We will surely prove you by afflicting you in some measure with fear,
and hunger, and decrease of wealth, and loss of lives, and scarcity of fruits:
but bear good tidings unto the patient,
who, when a misfortune befalleth them, say, We are GOD'S and unto him
shall we surely return.
Upon them shall be blessings from their LORD and mercy, and they are the
rightly directed.
Moreover Safa and Merwah are two of the monuments of God: whoever
therefore goeth on pilgrimage to the temple of Mecca or visiteth it, it shall
be no crime in him, if he compass them both. And as for him who voluntarily
performeth a good work; verily GOD is grateful and knowing.
They who conceal any of the evident signs, or the direction which we have
sent down, after what we have manifested unto men in the scripture, GOD shall
curse them; and they who curse shall curse them.
160 But as for those who repent and amend, and make known what they
concealed, I will be turned unto them, for I am easy to be reconciled and
merciful.
Surely they who believe not, and die in their unbelief, upon them shall
be the curse of GOD, and of the angels, and of all men;
they shall remain under it forever, their punishment shall not be
alleviated, neither shall they be regarded.
Your GOD is one GOD; there is no GOD but He, the most merciful.
Now in the creation of heaven and earth, and the vicissitude of night and
day, and in the ship which saileth in the sea, loaden with what is profitable
for mankind, and in the rain water which GOD sendeth from heaven, quickening
thereby the dead earth, and replenishing the same with all sorts of cattle,
and in the change of winds, and the clouds that are compelled to do service
between heaven and earth, are signs to people of understanding:
yet some men take idols beside GOD, and love them as with the love due
to GOD; but the true believers are more fervent in love towards GOD. Oh that
they who act unjustly did perceive, when they behold their punishment, that
all power belongeth unto GOD, and that he is severe in punishing!
When those who have been followed shall separate themselves from their
followers, and shall see the punishment, and the cords of relation between
them shall be cut in sunder;
the followers shall say, If we could return to life, we would separate
ourselves from them, as they have now separated themselves from us. So GOD
will show them their works; they shall sigh grievously, and shall not come
forth from the fire of hell.
O men, eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth; and tread not
in the steps of the devil, for he is your open enemy.
Verily he commandeth you evil and wickedness, and that ye should say that
of GOD which ye know not.
170 And when it is said unto them who believe not, Follow that which GOD hath
sent down; they answer, Nay, but we will follow that which we found our
fathers practise. What? though their fathers knew nothing, and were not
rightly directed?
The unbelievers are like unto one who crieth aloud to that which heareth
not so much as his calling, or the sound of his voice. They are deaf, dumb,
and blind, therefore do they not understand.
O true believers, eat of the good things which we have bestowed on you
for food, and return thanks unto GOD, if ye serve him.
Verily he hath forbidden you to eat that which dieth of itself, and blood
and swine's flesh, and that on which any other name but GOD'S hath been
invocated. But he who is forced by necessity, not lusting, nor returning to
transgress, it shall be no crime in him if he eat of those things, for GOD is
gracious and merciful.
Moreover they who conceal any part of the scripture which GOD hath sent
down unto them, and sell it for a small price, they shall swallow into their
bellies nothing but fire; GOD shall not speak unto them on the day of
resurrection, neither shall he purify them, and they shall suffer a grievous
punishment.
These are they who have sold direction for error, and pardon for
punishment: but how great will their suffering be in the fire!
This they shall endure, because GOD sent down the book of the Koran with
truth, and they who disagree concerning that book are certainly in a wide
mistake.
It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces in prayer towards the
east and the west, but righteousness is of him who believeth in GOD and the
last day, and the angels, and the scriptures, and the prophets; who giveth
money for GOD'S sake unto his kindred, and unto orphans, and the needy, and
the stranger, and those who ask, and for redemption of captives; who is
constant at prayer, and giveth alms; and of those who perform their covenant,
when they have covenanted, and who behave themselves patiently in adversity,
and hardships, and in time of violence; these are they who are true, and these
are they who fear GOD.
O true believers, the law of retaliation is ordained you for the slain:
the free shall die for the free, and the servant for the servant, and a woman
for a woman: but he whom his brother shall forgive may be prosecuted, and
obliged to make satisfaction according to what is just, and a fine shall be
set on him with humanity. This is indulgence from your LORD, and mercy.
And he who shall transgress after this, by killing the murderer, shall suffer
a grievous punishment.
And in this law or retaliation ye have life, O ye of understanding, that
peradventure ye may fear.
180 It is ordained you, when any of you is at the point of death, if he leave
any goods, that he bequeath a legacy to his parents, and kindred, according to
what shall be reasonable. This is a duty incumbent on those who fear GOD.
But he who shall change the legacy, after he hath heard it bequeathed by the
dying person, surely the sin thereof shall be on those who change it, for GOD
is he who heareth and knoweth.
Howbeit he who apprehendeth from the testator any mistake or injustice,
and shall compose the matter between them, that shall be no crime in him, for
GOD is gracious and merciful.
O true believers, a fast is ordained you, as it was ordained unto those
before you, that ye may fear GOD.
A certain number of days shall ye fast: but he among you who shall be
sick, or on a journey, shall fast an equal number of other days. And those
who can keep it, and do not, must redeem their neglect by maintaining of a
poor man. And he who voluntarily dealeth better with the poor man than he is
obliged, this shall be better for him. But if ye fast, it will be better for
you, if ye knew it.
The month of Ramadan shall ye fast, in which the Koran was sent down
from heaven, a direction unto men, and declarations of direction, and the
distinction between good and evil. Therefore, let him among you who shall be
present in this month, fast the same month; but he who shall be sick, or on a
journey, shall fast the like number of other days. GOD would make this an
ease unto you, and would not make it a difficulty unto you; that ye may fulfil
the number of days, and glorify GOD, for that he hath directed you, and that
ye may give thanks.
When my servants ask thee concerning me, Verily I am near; I will hear
the prayer of him that prayeth, when he prayeth unto me: but let them hearken
unto me, and believe in me, that they may be rightly directed.
It is lawful for you, on the night of the fast, to go in unto your
wives; they are a garment unto you, and ye are a garment unto them. GOD
knoweth that ye defraud yourselves therein, wherefore he turneth unto you, and
forgiveth you. Now, therefore, go in unto them; and earnestly desire that
which GOD ordaineth you, and eat and drink, until ye can plainly distinguish a
white thread from a black thread by the daybreak: then keep the fast until
night, and go not in unto them, but be constantly present in the places of
worship. These are the prescribed bounds of GOD, therefore draw not near them
to transgress them. Thus GOD declareth his signs unto men, that ye may fear
him.
Consume not your wealth among yourselves in vain; nor present it unto
judges, that ye may devour part of men's substance unjustly, against your own
consciences.
They will ask thee concerning the phases of the moon: Answer, They are
times appointed unto men, and to show the season of the pilgrimage to Mecca.
It is not righteousness that ye enter your houses by the back parts thereof,
but righteousness is of him who feareth GOD. Therefore enter your houses by
their doors; and fear GOD, that ye may be happy.
190 And fight for the religion of GOD against those who fight against you;
but transgress not by attacking them first, for GOD loveth not the
transgressors.
And kill them wherever ye find them, and turn them out of that whereof
they have dispossessed you; for temptation to idolatry is more grievous than
slaughter; yet fight not against them in the holy temple, until they attack
you therein; but if they attack you, slay them there. This shall be the
reward of infidels.
But if they desist, GOD is gracious and merciful.
Fight therefore against them, until there be no temptation to idolatry,
and the religion be GOD'S; but if they desist, then let there be no hostility,
except against the ungodly.
A sacred month for a sacred month, and the holy limits of Mecca, if they
attack you therein, do ye also attack them therein in retaliation; and whoever
transgresseth against you by so doing, do ye transgress against him in like
manner as he hath transgressed against you, and fear GOD, and know that GOD is
with those who fear him.
Contribute out of your substance toward the defence of the religion of
GOD, and throw not yourselves with your own hands into perdition; and do
good, for GOD loveth those who do good.
Perform the pilgrimage of Mecca, and the visitation of GOD; and, if ye be
besieged, send that offering which shall be the easiest; and shave not your
heads, until your offering reacheth the place of sacrifice. But, whoever
among you is sick, or is troubled with any distemper of the head, must redeem
the shaving his head, by fasting, or alms, or some offering. When ye are
secure from enemies, he who tarrieth in the visitation of the temple of Mecca
until the pilgrimage, shall bring that offering which shall be the easiest.
But he who findeth not anything to offer, shall fast three days in the
pilgrimage, and seven when ye are returned: they shall be ten days complete.
This is incumbent on him whose family shall not be present at the holy temple.
And fear GOD, and know that GOD is severe in punishing.
The pilgrimage must be performed in the known months: whosoever
therefore purposeth to go on pilgrimage therein, let him not know a woman, nor
transgress, nor quarrel in the pilgrimage. The good which ye do, GOD knoweth
it. Make provision for your journey; but the best provision is piety and fear
me, O ye of understanding.
It shall be no crime in you, if ye seek an increase from your LORD, by
trading during the pilgrimage. And when ye go in procession from Arafat,
remember GOD near the holy monument; and remember him for that he hath
directed you, although ye were before this of the number of those who go
astray.
Therefore go in procession from whence the people go in procession, and
ask pardon of GOD, for GOD is gracious and merciful.
200 And when ye have finished your holy ceremonies, remember GOD, according
as ye remember your fathers, or with a more reverent commemoration. There are
some men who say, O LORD, give us our portion in this world; but such shall
have no portion in the next life:
and there are others who say, O LORD, give us good in this world and also
good in the next world, and deliver us from the torment of hell fire.
They shall have a portion of that which they have gained: GOD is swift in
taking an account.
Remember GOD the appointed number of days: but if any haste to depart
from the valley of Mina in two days, it shall be no crime in him. And if any
tarry longer, it shall be no crime in him, in him who feareth GOD. Therefore
fear GOD, and know that unto him ye shall be gathered.
There is a man who causeth thee to marvel by his speech concerning this
present life, and calleth God to witness that which is in his heart, yet he is
most intent in opposing thee;
and when he turneth away from thee, he hasteth to act corruptly in the
earth, and to destroy that which is sown, and springeth up: but GOD loveth
not corrupt doing.
And if one say unto him, Fear GOD; pride seizeth him, together with
wickedness; but hell shall be his reward, and an unhappy couch shall it be.
There is also a man who selleth his soul for the sake of those things
which are pleasing unto GOD; and GOD is gracious unto his servants.
O true believers, enter into the true religion wholly, and follow not the
steps of Satan, for he is your open enemy.
If ye have slipped after the declarations of our will have come unto you,
know that GOD is mighty and wise.
210 Do the infidels expect less than that GOD should come down to them
overshadowed with clouds, and the angels also? but the thing is decreed, and
to GOD shall all things return.
Ask the children of Israel how many evident signs we have showed them;
and whoever shall change the grace of GOD after it shall have come unto him,
verily GOD will be severe in punishing him.
The present life was ordained for those who believe not, and they laugh
the faithful to scorn; but they who fear GOD shall be above them, on the day
of the resurrection: for GOD is bountiful unto whom he pleaseth without
measure.
Mankind was of one faith, and GOD sent prophets bearing good tidings, and
denouncing threats and sent down with them the scripture in truth, that it
might judge between men of that concerning which they disagreed: and none
disagreed concerning it, except those to whom the same scriptures were
delivered, after the declarations of GOD'S will had come unto them, out of
envy among themselves. And GOD directed those who believed, to that truth
concerning which they disagreed, by his will: for GOD directeth whom he
pleaseth into the right way.
Did ye think ye should enter paradise, when as yet no such thing had
happened unto you, as hath happened unto those who have been before you?
They suffered calamity, and tribulation, and were afflicted; so that the apostle,
and they who believed with him, said: When will the help of GOD come? Is not
the help of GOD nigh?
They will ask thee what they shall bestow in alms: Answer, The good
which ye bestow, let it be given to parents, and kindred, and orphans, and the
poor and the stranger. Whatsoever good ye do, GOD knoweth it.
War is enjoined you against the Infidels; but this is hateful unto you:
yet perchance ye hate a thing which is better for you, and perchance ye
love a thing which is worse for you: but GOD knoweth and ye know not.
They will ask thee concerning the sacred month, whether they may war
therein: Answer, To war therein is grievous; but to obstruct the way of GOD,
and infidelity towards him, and to keep men from the holy temple, and to drive
out his people from thence, is more grievous in the sight of GOD, and the
temptation to idolatry is more grievous than to kill in the sacred months.
They will not cease to war against you, until they turn you from your
religion, if they be able: but whoever among you shall turn back from his
religion, and die an infidel, their works shall be vain in this world, and the
next; they shall be the companions of hell fire, they shall remain therein
forever.
But they who believe, and who fly for the sake of religion, and fight in
GOD's cause, they shall hope for the mercy of GOD; for GOD is gracious and
merciful.
They will ask thee concerning wine and lots: Answer, In both there is
great sin, and also some things of use unto men; but their sinfulness is
greater than their use. They will ask thee also what they shall bestow in
alms: Answer, What ye have to spare. Thus GOD showeth his signs unto you,
that peradventure ye might seriously think
220 of this present world, and of the next. They will also ask thee
concerning orphans: Answer, To deal righteously with them is best; and if ye
intermeddle with the management of what belongs to them, do them no wrong;
they are your brethren: GOD knoweth the corrupt dealer from the righteous;
and if GOD please, he will surely distress you, for GOD is mighty and wise.
Marry not women who are idolaters, until they believe: verily a maid-
servant who believeth, is better than an idolatress, although she please you
more. And give not women who believe in marriage to the idolaters, until they
believe: for verily a servant who is a true believer, is better than an idolater,
though he please you more. They invite unto hell fire, but GOD inviteth unto
paradise and pardon through his will, and declareth his signs unto men, that
they may remember.
They will ask thee also concerning the courses of women: Answer, They are
a pollution: therefore separate yourselves from women in their courses, and go
not near them, until they be cleansed. But when they are cleansed, go in unto
them as GOD hath commanded you, for GOD loveth those who repent, and loveth
those who are clean.
Your wives are your tillage, go in therefore unto your tillage in what
manner soever ye will: and do first some act that may be profitable unto your
souls; and fear GOD, and know that ye must meet him; and bear good tidings
unto the faithful.
Make not GOD the object of your oaths, that ye will deal justly, and be
devout, and make peace among men; for God is he who heareth and knoweth.
GOD will not punish you for an inconsiderate word in your oaths; but he
will punish you for that which your hearts have assented unto: GOD is merciful
and gracious.
They who vow to abstain from their wives, are allowed to wait four
months: but if they go back from their vow, verily GOD is gracious and
merciful;
and if they resolve on a divorce, GOD is he who heareth and knoweth.
The women who are divorced shall wait concerning themselves until they
have their courses thrice, and it shall not be lawful for them to conceal
that which GOD hath created in their wombs, if they believe in GOD and the
last day; and their husbands will act more justly to bring them back at this
time, if they desire a reconciliation. The women ought also to behave towards
their husbands in like manner as their husbands should behave towards them,
according to what is just: but the men ought to have a superiority over them.
GOD is mighty and wise.
Ye may divorce your wives twice; and then either retain them with
humanity, or dismiss them with kindness. But it is not lawful for you to take
away anything of what ye have given them, unless both fear that they cannot
observe the ordinances of GOD. And if ye fear that they cannot observe the
ordinance of GOD, it shall be no crime in either of them on account of that
for which the wife shall redeem herself. These are the ordinances of GOD;
therefore transgress them not; for whoever transgresseth the ordinances of
GOD, they are unjust doers.
230 But if the husband divorce her a third time, she shall not be lawful for
him again, until she marry another husband. But if he also divorce her, it
shall be no crime in them if they return to each other, if they think they can
observe the ordinances of GOD, and these are the ordinances of GOD, he
declareth them to people of understanding.
But when ye divorce women, and they have fulfilled their pre-scribed
time, either retain them with humanity, or dismiss them with kindness; and
retain them not by violence, so that ye transgress; for he who doth this
surely injureth his own soul. And make not the signs of GOD a jest: but
remember GOD'S favor towards you, and that he hath sent down unto you the book
of the Koran, and wisdom admonishing you thereby; and fear GOD, and know that
GOD is omniscient.
But when ye have divorced your wives, and they have fulfilled their
prescribed time, hinder them not from marrying their husbands, when they have
agreed among themselves according to what is honourable. This is given in
admonition unto him among you who believeth in GOD, and the last day. This is
most righteous for you, and most pure. GOD knoweth, but ye know not.
Mothers after they are divorced shall give suck unto their children two
full years, to him who desireth the time of giving suck to be completed; and
the father shall be obliged to maintain them and clothe them in the mean time,
according to that which shall be reasonable. No person shall be obliged
beyond his ability. A mother shall not be compelled to what is unreasonable
on account of her child nor a father on account of his child. And the heir of
the father shall be obliged to do in like manner. But if they choose to wean
the child before the end of two years, by common consent, and on mutual
consideration, it shall be no crime in them. And if ye have a mind to provide
a nurse for your children, it shall be no crime in you, in case ye fully pay
what ye offer her, according to that which is just. And fear GOD, and know
that GOD seeth whatsoever ye do.
Such of you as die, and leave wives, their wives must wait concerning
themselves four months and ten days, and when they shall have fulfilled their
term, it shall be no crime in you, for that which they shall do with themselves,
according to what is reasonable. GOD well knoweth that which ye do.
And it shall be no crime in you, whether ye make public overtures of
marriage unto such women, within the said four months and ten days, or whether
ye conceal such your designs in your minds: GOD knoweth that ye will remember
them. But make no promises unto them privately, unless ye speak honourable
words; and resolve not on the knot of marriage until the prescribed time be
accomplished; and know that GOD knoweth that which is in your minds, therefore
beware of him and know that GOD is gracious and merciful.
It shall be no crime in you, if ye divorce your wives, so long as ye have
not touched them, nor settled any dowry on them. And provide for them (he who
is at his ease must provide according to his circumstances) necessaries,
according to what shall be reasonable. This is a duty incumbent on the
righteous.
But if ye divorce them before ye have touched them, and have already
settled a dowry on them, ye shall give them half of what ye have settled,
unless they release any part, or he release part in whose hand the knot of
marriage is; and if ye release the whole, it will approach nearer unto piety.
And not forget liberality among you, for GOD seeth that which ye do.
Carefully observe the appointed prayers, and the middle prayer, and be
assiduous therein, with devotion towards GOD.
But if ye fear any danger, pray on foot or on horseback; and when ye are
safe remember GOD, how he hath taught you what as yet ye knew not.
240 And such of you as shall die and leave wives ought to bequeath their
wives a year's maintenance, without putting them out of their houses: but if
they go out voluntarily, it shall be no crime in you, for that which they
shall do with themselves, according to what shall be reasonable; GOD is mighty
and wise.
And unto those who are divorced, a reasonable provision is also due; this
is a duty incumbent on those who fear GOD.
Thus GOD declareth his signs unto you, that ye may understand.
Hast thou not considered those, who left their habitations, (and they
were thousands,) for fear of death? And GOD said unto them, Die; then he
restored them to life, for GOD is gracious towards mankind; but the greater
part of men do not give thanks.
Fight for the religion of GOD, and know that GOD is he who heareth and
knoweth.
Who is he that will lend unto GOD on good usury? verily he will double
it unto him manifold; for GOD contracteth and extendeth his hand as he
pleaseth, and to him shall ye return.
Hast thou not considered the assembly of the children of Israel, after
the time of Moses; when they said unto their prophet Samuel, Set a king over
us, that we may fight for the religion of GOD. The prophet answered, If ye
are enjoined to go to war, will ye be near refusing to fight? They answered,
And what should ail us that we should not fight for the religion of GOD,
seeing we are dispossessed of our habitations, and deprived of our children?
But when they were enjoined to go to war, they turned back, except a few of
them: and GOD knew the ungodly.
And their prophet said unto them, Verily GOD hath set Talut, king over
you: they answered, How shall he reign over us, seeing we are more worthy of
the kingdom than he, neither is he possessed of great riches? Samuel said,
Verily GOD hath chosen him before you, and hath caused him to increase in
knowledge and stature, for GOD giveth his kingdom unto whom he pleaseth; GOD
is bounteous and wise.
And their prophet said unto them, Verily the sign of his kingdom shall
be, that the ark shall come unto you: therein shall be tranquility from your
LORD, and the relics which have been left by the family of Moses and the
family of Aaron; the angels shall bring it. Verily this shall be a sign unto
you, if ye believe.
And when Talut departed with his soldiers he said, Verily GOD will prove
you by the river: for he who drinketh thereof, shall not be on my side (but he
who shall not taste thereof he shall be on my side), except he who drinketh a
draught out of his hand. And they drank thereof, except a few of them. And
when they had passed the river, he and those who believed with him, they said,
We have no strength to-day, against Jalut and his forces. But they who
considered that they should meet GOD at the resurrection, said, How often hath
a small army discomfited a great one, by the will of GOD! and GOD is with
those who patiently persevere.
250 And when they went forth to battle against Jalut and his forces, they
said, O LORD, pour on us patience, and confirm our feet, and help us against
the unbelieving people.
Therefore they discomfited them, by the will of GOD, and David slew
Jalut. And GOD gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him his will; and
if GOD had not prevented men, the one by the other, verily the earth had been
corrupted: but GOD is beneficent towards his creatures.
These are the signs of GOD: we rehearse them unto thee with truth, and
thou art surely one of those who have been sent by GOD.
These are the apostles; we have preferred some of them before others;
some of them hath GOD spoken unto, and hath exalted the degree of others of
them. And we gave unto Jesus the son of Mary manifest signs, and strengthened
him with the holy spirit. And if GOD had pleased, they who came after those
apostles would not have contended among themselves, after manifest signs had
been shown unto them. But they fell to variance; therefore some of them
believed, and some of them believed not; and if GOD had so pleased, they would
not have contended among themselves; but GOD doth what he will.
O true believers, give alms of that which we have bestowed unto you,
before the day cometh wherein there shall be no merchandizing, nor friendship,
nor intercession. The infidels are unjust doers.
GOD! there is no GOD but he; the living, the self--subsisting: neither
slumber nor sleep seizeth him; to him belongeth whatsoever is in heaven, and
on earth. Who is he than can intercede with him, but through his good
pleasure? He knoweth that which is past, and that which is to come unto them,
and they shall not comprehend anything of his knowledge, but so far as he
pleaseth. His throne is extended over heaven and earth, and the preservation
of both is no burden unto him. He is the high, the mighty.
Let there be no violence in religion. Now is right direction manifestly
distinguished from deceit: whoever therefore shall deny Tagut, and believe in
GOD, he shall surely take hold on a strong handle, which shall not be broken;
GOD is he who heareth and seeth.
GOD is the patron of those who believe; he shall lead them out of
darkness into light: but as to those who believe not, their patrons are Tagut;
they shall lead them from the light into darkness; they shall be the companions
of hell fire, they shall remain therein forever.
Hast thou not considered him who disputed with Abraham concerning his
LORD, because GOD had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said, My LORD is
he who giveth life, and killeth: he answered, I give life, and I kill. Abraham said,
Verily GOD bringeth the sun from the east, now do thou bring it from the west.
Whereupon the infidel was confounded; for GOD directeth not the ungodly people.
Or hast thou not considered how he behaved who passed by a city which
had been destroyed, even to her foundations? He said, How shall GOD quicken
this city, after she hath been dead? And GOD caused him to die for an hundred
years, and afterwards raised him to life. And GOD said, how long hast thou
tarried here? He answered, A day, or part of a day. GOD said, Nay, thou hast
tarried here a hundred years. Now look on thy food and thy drink, they are
not yet corrupted; and look on thine ass: and this have we done that we might
make thee a sign unto men. And look on the bones of thine ass, how we raise
them, and afterwards clothe them with flesh. And when this was shown unto
him, he said, I know that GOD is able to do all things.
260 And when Abraham said, O LORD, show me how thou wilt raise the dead; God
said, Dost thou not yet believe? He answered, Yea, but I ask this that my
heart may rest at ease. GOD said, take therefore four birds, and divide
them; then lay a part of them on every mountain; then call them, and they
shall come swiftly unto thee: and know that GOD is mighty and wise.
The similitude of those who lay out their substance, for advancing the
religion of GOD, is as a grain of corn which produceth seven ears, and in
every ear an hundred grains; for GOD giveth twofold unto whom he pleaseth: GOD
is bounteous and wise.
They who lay out their substance for the religion of GOD, and afterwards
follow not what they have so laid out by reproaches or mischief, they shall
have their reward with their LORD; upon them shall no fear come, neither shall
they be grieved.
A fair speech and to forgive, is better than alms followed by mischief.
GOD is rich and merciful.
O true believers, make not your alms of none effect by reproaching, or
mischief, as he who layeth out what he hath to appear unto men to give alms,
and believeth not in GOD and the last day. The likeness of such a one is as a
flint covered with earth, on which a violent rain falleth, and leaveth it
hard. They cannot prosper in anything which they have gained, for GOD
directeth not the unbelieving people.
And the likeness of those who lay out their substance from a desire to
please GOD, and for an establishment for their souls, is as a garden on a
hill, on which a violent rain falleth, and it bringeth forth its fruits
twofold; and if a violent rain falleth not on it, yet the dew falleth thereon:
and GOD seeth that which ye do.
Doth any of you desire to have a garden of palm-trees and vines, through
which rivers flow, wherein ye may have all kinds of fruits, and that he may
attain to old age, and have a weak offspring? then a violent fiery wind shall
strike it, so that it shall be burned. Thus GOD declareth his signs unto you,
that ye may consider.
O true believers, bestow alms of the good things which ye have gained,
and of that which we have produced for you out of the earth, and choose not
the bad thereof, to give it in alms, such as ye would not accept yourselves,
otherwise than by connivance: and know that GOD is rich and worthy to be
praised.
The devil threateneth you with poverty, and commandeth you filthy
covetousness; but GOD promiseth you pardon from himself and abundance:
GOD is bounteous and wise.
He giveth wisdom unto whom he pleaseth; and he unto whom wisdom is given
hath received much good: but none will consider, except the wise of heart.
270 And whatever alms ye shall give, or whatever vow ye shall vow, verily
GOD knoweth it; but the ungodly shall have none to help them.
If ye make your alms to appear, it is well; but if ye conceal them, and give
them unto the poor, this will be better for you, and will atone for your sins;
and GOD is well informed of that which ye do.
The direction of them belongeth not unto thee; but GOD directeth whom he
pleaseth. The good that ye shall give in alms shall redound unto yourselves;
and ye shall not give unless out of desire of seeing the face of GOD. And
what good thing ye shall give in alms, it shall be repaid you, and ye shall
not be treated unjustly;
unto the poor who are wholly employed in fighting for the religion of GOD,
and cannot go to and fro on the earth; whom the ignorant man thinketh rich,
because of their modesty: thou shalt know them by this mark, they ask not
men with importunity; and what good ye shall give in alms, verily GOD knoweth it.
They who distribute alms of their substance night and day, in private and
in public, shall have their reward with the LORD; on them shall no fear come,
neither shall they be grieved.
They who devour usury shall not arise from the dead, but as he ariseth
whom Satan hath infected by a touch: this shall happen to them because they
say, Truly selling is but as usury: and yet GOD hath permitted selling and
forbidden usury. He therefore who when there cometh unto him an admonition
from his LORD abstaineth from usury for the future, shall have what is past
forgiven him, and his affair belongeth unto GOD. But whoever returneth to
usury, they shall be the companions of hell fire, they shall continue therein
forever.
GOD shall take his blessing from usury, and shall increase alms: for GOD
loveth no infidel, or ungodly person.
But they who believe and do that which is right, and observe the stated
times of prayer, and pay their legal alms, they shall have their reward with
their LORD: there shall come no fear on them, neither shall they be grieved.
O true believers, fear GOD, and remit that which remaineth of usury, if
ye really believe;
but if ye do it not, hearken unto war, which is declared against you from
GOD and his apostle: yet if ye repent, ye shall have the capital of your
money. Deal not unjustly with others, and ye shall not be dealt with
unjustly.
280 If there be any debtor under a difficulty of paying his debt, let his
creditor wait till it be easy for him to do it; but if ye remit it as alms, it
will be better for you, if ye knew it.
And fear the day wherein ye shall return unto GOD; then shall every soul
be paid what it hath gained, and they shall not be treated unjustly.
O true believers, when ye bind yourselves one to the other in a debt for
a certain time, write it down; and let a writer write between you according to
justice, and let not the writer refuse writing according to what GOD hath
taught him; but let him write, and let him who oweth the debt dictate, and let
him fear GOD his LORD, and not diminish aught thereof. But if he who oweth
the debt be foolish, or weak, or be not able to dictate himself, let his
agent dictate according to equity; and call to witness two witnesses of your
neighboring men; but if there be not two men, let there be a man and two women
of those whom ye shall choose for witnesses: if one of those women should
mistake, the other of them will cause her to recollect. And the witnesses
shall not refuse, whensoever they shall be called. And disdain not to write
it down, be it a large debt, or be it a small one, until its time of payment:
this will be more just in the sight of GOD, and more right for bearing
witness, and more easy, that ye may not doubt. But if it be a present bargain
which ye transact between yourselves, it shall be no crime in you, if ye write
it not down. And take witnesses when ye sell one to the other, and let no
harm be done to the writer, nor to the witness; which if ye do, it will surely
be injustice in you: and fear GOD, and GOD will instruct you, for GOD knoweth
all things.
And if ye be on a journey, and find no writer, let pledges be taken: but
if one of you trust the other, let him who is trusted return what he is
trusted with, and fear GOD his LORD. And conceal not the testimony, for he
who concealeth it hath surely a wicked heart: GOD knoweth that which ye do.
Whatever is in heaven and on earth is GOD'S: and whether ye manifest that
which is in your minds, or conceal it, GOD will call you to account for it,
and will forgive whom he pleaseth, and will punish whom he pleaseth, for GOD
is almighty.
The apostle believeth in that which hath been sent down unto him from his
LORD, and the faithful also. Every one of them believeth in GOD, and his
angels, and his scriptures, and his apostles: we make no distinction at all
between his apostles. And they say, We have heard, and do obey: we implore
thy mercy, O LORD, for unto thee must we return.
GOD will not force any one beyond its capacity: it shall have the good
which it gaineth, and it shall suffer the evil which it gaineth. O LORD,
punish us not, if we forget, or act sinfully: O LORD, lay not on us a burden
like that which thou hast laid on those who have been before us; neither make
us, O LORD, to bear what we have not strength to bear, but be favorable unto
us, and spare us, and be merciful unto us. Thou art our patron, help us
therefore against the unbelieving nations.