Alexandre Dumas, Pere - "The Man in the Iron Mask"

Hector Malot - "Conscience, v1"

Anatole France - "The Red Lily, v1"

Vivia Hemphill - "Down the Mother Lode"

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 III.

ENTITLED, THE FAMILY OF IMRAN; REVEALED AT MEDINA

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.

A.L.M.
There is no GOD but GOD, the living, the self-subsisting:
he hath sent down unto thee the book of the Koran with truth, confirming
that which was revealed before it; for he had formerly sent down the law, and
the gospel
a direction unto men; and he had also sent down the distinction between
good and evil. Verily those who believe not the signs of GOD shall suffer a
grievous punishment; for GOD is mighty, able to revenge.
Surely nothing is hidden from GOD, of that which is on earth, or in heaven:
it is he who formeth you in the wombs, as he pleaseth; there is no GOD
but he, the mighty, the wise.
It is he who hath sent down unto thee the book, wherein are some verses
clear to be understood, they are the foundation of the book; and others are
parabolical. But they whose hearts are perverse will follow that which is
parabolical therein, out of love of schism, and a desire of the interpretation
thereof; yet none knoweth the interpretation thereof, except God. But they
who are well grounded in the knowledge say, We believe therein, the whole is
from our LORD; and none will consider except the prudent.
O LORD, cause not our hearts to swerve from truth, after thou hast
directed us: and give us from thee mercy, for thou art he who giveth.
O LORD, thou shalt surely gather mankind together, unto a day of
resurrection: there is no doubt of it, for GOD will not be contrary to the
promise.
10 As for the infidels, their wealth shall not profit them anything, nor
their children, against GOD: they shall be the fuel of hell fire.
According to the wont of the people of Pharaoh, and of those who went
before them, they charged our signs with a lie; but GOD caught them in their
wickedness, and GOD is severe in punishing.
Say unto those who believe not, Ye shall be overcome, and thrown
together into hell; and an unhappy couch shall it be.
Ye have already had a miracle shown you in two armies, which attacked
each other: one army fought for GOD'S true religion, but the other were
infidels; they saw the faithful twice as many as themselves in their eyesight;
for GOD strengthened with his help whom he pleaseth. Surely herein was an
example unto men of understanding.
The love and eager desire of wives, and children, and sums heaped up of
gold and silver, and excellent horses, and cattle, and land, is prepared for
men: this is the provision of the present life; but unto GOD shall be the most
excellent return.
Say, Shall I declare unto you better things than this? For those who are
devout are prepared with their LORD gardens through which rivers flow; therein
shall they continue forever: and they shall enjoy wives free from impurity,
and the favor of GOD; for GOD regardeth his servants
who say, O LORD, we do sincerely believe; forgive us therefore our sins,
and deliver us from the pain of hell fire:
the patient, and the lovers of truth, and the devout, and the almsgivers,
and those who ask pardon early in the morning.
GOD hath borne witness that there is no GOD but he; and the angels, and
those who are endowed with wisdom, profess the same; who executeth
righteousness; there is no GOD but he; the mighty, the wise.
Verily the true religion in the sight of GOD is Islâm; and they who had
received the scriptures dissented not therefrom, until after the knowledge of
GOD's unity had come unto them, out of envy among themselves; but whosoever
believeth not in the signs of GOD, verily GOD will be swift in bringing him to
account.
20 If they dispute with thee, say, I have resigned myself unto GOD, and he
who followeth me doth the same; and say unto them who have received the
scriptures, and to the ignorant, Do ye profess the religion of Islam? now if they
embrace Islam, they are surely directed; but if they turn their backs, verily
unto thee belongeth preaching only; for GOD regardeth his servants.
And unto those who believe not in the signs of GOD, and slay the
prophets without a cause, and put those men to death who teach justice;
denounce unto them a painful punishment.
These are they whose works perish in this world, and in that which is to
come; and they shall have none to help them.
Hast thou not observed those unto whom part of the scripture was given?
They were called unto the book of GOD, that it might judge between them; then
some of them turned their backs, and retired afar off.
This they did because they said, the fire of hell shall by no means touch
us, but for a certain number of days; and that which they had falsely devised
hath deceived them in their religion.
How then will it be with them, when we shall gather them together at the
day of judgment, of which there is no doubt; and every soul shall be paid
that which it hath gained, neither shall they be treated unjustly?
Say, O GOD, who possessest the kingdom; thou givest the kingdom unto whom
thou wilt, and thou takest away the kingdom from whom thou wilt: thou exaltest
whom thou wilt, and thou humblest whom thou wilt: in thy hand is good, for
thou art almighty.
Thou makest the night to succeed the day: thou bringest forth the living
out of the dead, and thou bringest forth the dead out of the living; and
providest food for whom thou wilt without measure.
Let not the faithful take the infidels for their protectors, rather than
the faithful: he who doth this shall not be protected of GOD at all; unless ye
fear any danger from them: but GOD warneth you to beware of himself; for unto
GOD must ye return.
Say, Whether ye conceal that which is in your breasts, or whether ye declare
it, GOD knoweth it; for he knoweth whatever is in heaven, and whatever is on
earth: GOD is almighty.
30 On the last day every soul shall find the good which it hath wrought,
present; and the evil which it hath wrought, it shall wish that between itself
and that were a wide distance: but GOD warneth you to beware of himself; for
GOD is gracious unto his servants.
Say, If ye love GOD, follow me: then GOD shall love you, and forgive you
your sins; for GOD is gracious and merciful.
Say, Obey GOD, and his apostle; but if ye go back, verily GOD loveth not the
unbelievers.
GOD hath surely chosen Adam, and Noah, and the family of Abraham, and
the family of Imrân above the rest of the world;
a race descending the one from the other: GOD is he who heareth and knoweth.
Remember when the wife of Imrân said, LORD, verily I have vowed unto
thee that which is in my womb, to be dedicated to thy service; accept it
therefore of me; for thou art he who heareth and knoweth.
And when she was delivered of it, she said, LORD, verily I have brought forth
a female (and GOD well knew what she had brought forth), and a male is not as a
female. I have called her MARY; and I commend her to thy protection, and also
her issue, against Satan driven away with stones.
Therefore the LORD accepted her with a gracious acceptance, and caused
her to bear an excellent offspring. And Zacharias took care of the child;
whenever Zacharias went into the chamber to her, he found provisions with
her: and he said, O Mary, whence hadst thou this? she answered, This is from
GOD, for GOD provideth for whom he pleaseth without measure.
There Zacharias called on his LORD, and said, LORD, give me from thee a
good offspring, for thou art the hearer of prayer.
And the angels called to him, while he stood praying in the chamber, saying,
Verily GOD promiseth thee a son named John, who shall bear witness to the
Word which cometh from GOD; and honourable person, chaste, and one of the
righteous prophets.
40 He answered, LORD, how shall I have a son, when old age hath overtaken
me, and my wife is barren? The angel said, So GOD doth that which he
pleaseth.
Zacharias answered, LORD, give me a sign. The angel said, Thy sign shall
be, that thou shalt speak unto no man for three days, otherwise than by
gesture: remember thy LORD often, and praise him evening and morning.
And when the angels said, O Mary, verily GOD hath chosen thee, and hath
purified thee and hath chosen thee above all the women of the world:
O Mary, be devout towards thy LORD, and worship, and bow down with those
who bow down.
This is a secret history: we reveal it unto thee, although thou wast not
present with them when they threw in their rods to cast lots which of them
should have the education of Mary; neither wast thou with them, when they
strove among themselves.
When the angels said; O Mary, verily GOD sendeth thee good tidings, that
thou shalt bear the Word proceeding from himself; his name shall be CHRIST
JESUS the son of Mary, honourable in this world and in the world to come, and
one of those who approach near to the presence of GOD;
and he shall speak unto men in the cradle, and when he is grown up; and
he shall be one of the righteous:
she answered, LORD, how shall I have a son, since a man hath not touched
me? the angel said, So GOD createth that which he pleaseth: when he decreeth
a thing, he only saith unto it, Be, and it is:
GOD shall teach him the scripture, and wisdom, and the law, and the gospel;
and shall appoint him his apostle to the children of Israel; and he shall say,
Verily I come unto you with a sign from your LORD; for I will make before you,
of clay, as it were the figure of a bird; then I will breathe thereon, and it shall
become a bird, by the permission of GOD; and I will heal him that hath been blind
from his birth; and the leper: and I will raise the dead by the permission of GOD:
and I will prophesy unto you what ye eat, and what ye lay up for store in your
houses. Verily herein will be a sign unto you, if ye believe.
50 And I come to confirm the law which was revealed before me and to allow
unto you as lawful part of that which hath been forbidden you: and I come
unto you with a sign from your LORD; therefore fear GOD, and obey me.
Verily GOD is my LORD, and your LORD; therefore serve him. This is the
right way.
But when Jesus perceived their unbelief, he said, Who will be my helpers
towards GOD? The apostles answered, We will be the helpers of GOD; we
believe in GOD, and do thou bear witness that we are true believers.
O LORD, we believe in that which thou hast sent down, and we have
followed thy apostle; write us down therefore with those who bear witness of
him.
And the Jews devised a stratagem against him; but GOD devised a
stratagem against them; and GOD is the best deviser of stratagems.
When GOD said, O Jesus, verily I will cause thee to die, and I will take
thee up unto me, and I will deliver thee from the unbelievers; and I will
place those who follow thee above the unbelievers, until the day of
resurrection: then unto me shall ye return, and I will judge between you of
that concerning which ye disagree.
Moreover, as for the infidels, I will punish them with a grievous
punishment in this world, and in that which is to come; and there shall be
none to help them.
But they who believe, and do that which is right, he shall give them
their reward: for GOD loveth not the wicked doers.
These signs and this prudent admonition do we rehearse unto thee.
Verily the likeness of Jesus in the sight of GOD is as the likeness of
Adam; he created him out of the dust, and then said unto him, Be; and he was.
60 This is the truth from thy LORD; be not therefore one of those who doubt;
and whoever shall dispute with thee, concerning him, after the knowledge
which hath been given thee, say unto them, Come, let us call together our sons
and your sons, and our wives and your wives, and ourselves and yourselves;
then let us make imprecations, and lay the curse of GOD on those who lie.
Verily this is a true history: and there is no GOD, but GOD; and GOD is
most mighty and wise.
If they turn back, GOD well knoweth the evil doers.
Say, O ye who have received the scripture, come to a just determination
between us and you; that we worship not any except GOD, and associate no
creature with him; and that the one of us take not the other for lords,
beside GOD. But if they turn back, say, Bear witness that we are true
believers.
O ye to whom the scriptures have been given, why do ye dispute concerning
Abraham, since the Law and the Gospel were not sent down until after him? Do
ye not therefore understand?
Behold ye are they who dispute concerning that which ye have some
knowledge in; why therefore do you dispute concerning that which ye have no
knowledge of? GOD knoweth, but ye know not.
Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian; but he was of the true
religion, one resigned unto God, and was not of the number of the idolaters.
Verily the men who are the nearest of kin unto Abraham are they who
follow him; and this prophet, and they who believed on him: GOD is the patron
of the faithful.
Some of those who have received the scriptures desire to seduce you; but
they seduce themselves only, and they perceive it not.
70 O ye who have received the scriptures, why do ye not believe in the signs
of GOD, since ye are witnesses of them?
O ye who have received the scriptures, why do you clothe truth with
vanity, and knowingly hide the truth?
And some of those to whom the scriptures were given say, Believe in that
which hath been sent down unto those who believe, in the beginning of the day,
and deny it in the end thereof; that they may go back from their faith;
and believe him only who followeth your religion. Say, Verily the true
direction is the direction of GOD, that there may be given unto some other a
revelation like unto what hath been given unto you. Will they dispute with
you before your Lord? Say, Surely excellence is in the hand of GOD, he giveth
it unto whom he pleaseth; GOD is bounteous and wise:
he will confer peculiar mercy on whom he pleaseth; for GOD is endued with
great beneficence.
There is of those who have received the scriptures, unto whom if thou
trust a talent he will restore it unto thee; and there is also of them, unto
whom if thou trust a dinâr, he will not restore it unto thee, unless thou
stand over him continually with great urgency. This they do because they say,
We are not obliged to observe justice with the heathen: but they utter a lie
against GOD, knowingly.
Yea, whoso keepeth his covenant, and feareth God, GOD surely loveth
those who fear him.
But they who make merchandise of GOD'S covenant, and of their oaths, for
a small price, shall have no portion in the next life, neither shall GOD speak
to them or regard them on the day of resurrection, nor shall he cleanse them;
but they shall suffer a grievous punishment.
And there are certainly some of them who read the scriptures perversely,
that ye may think what they read to be really in the scriptures, yet it is not
in the scripture; and they say, This is from GOD; but it is not from GOD: and
they speak that which is false concerning GOD, against their own knowledge.
It is not fit for a man, that GOD should give him a book of revelations,
and wisdom, and prophecy; and then he should say unto men, Be ye worshippers
of me, besides GOD; but he ought to say, Be ye perfect in knowledge and in
works, since ye know the scriptures, and exercise yourselves therein.
80 GOD hath not commanded you to take the angels and the prophets for
your lords: Will he command you to become infidels, after ye have been true
believers?
And remember when GOD accepted the covenant of the prophets, saying,
This verily is the scripture and the wisdom which I have given you: hereafter
shall an apostle come unto you, confirming the truth of that scripture which
is with you; ye shall surely believe in him, and ye shall assist him. GOD said,
Are ye firmly resolved, and do ye accept my covenant on this condition? They
answered, We are firmly resolved: God said, Be ye therefore witnesses;
and I also bear witness with you:
and whosoever turneth back after this, they are surely the transgressors.
Do they therefore seek any other religion but GOD'S? since to him is resigned
whosoever is in heaven or on earth, voluntarily or of force: and to him shall
they return.
Say, We believe in GOD, and that which hath been sent down unto us, and
that which was sent down unto Abraham, and Ismael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and
the tribes, and that which was delivered to Moses, and Jesus, and the prophets
from their LORD; we make no distinction between any of them; and to him are
we resigned.
Whoever followeth any other religion than Islam, it shall not be accepted
of him: and in the next life he shall be of those who perish.
How shall GOD direct men who have become infidels after they had believed,
and borne witness that the apostle was true, and manifest declarations of the
divine will had come unto them? for GOD directeth not the ungodly people.
Their reward shall be, that on them shall fall the curse of GOD and of
angels, and of all mankind:
they shall remain under the same forever; their torment shall not be
mitigated, neither shall they be regarded;
except those who repent after this, and amend; for GOD is gracious and
merciful.
90 Moreover they who become infidels after they have believed, and yet
increase in infidelity, their repentance shall in no wise be accepted, and
they are those who go astray.
Verily they who believe not, and die in their unbelief, the world full of
gold shall in nowise be accepted from any of them, even though he should give
it for his ransom; they shall suffer a grievous punishment, and they shall
have none to help them. Ye will never attain unto righteousness until ye give
in alms of that which ye love: and whatever ye give, GOD knoweth it.
All food was permitted unto the children of Israel, except what Israel
forbade unto himself, before the Pentateuch was sent down. Say unto the
Jews, Bring hither the Pentateuch and read it, if ye speak truth.
Whoever therefore contriveth a lie against GOD after this, they will be
evil doers.
Say, GOD is true: follow ye therefore the religion of Abraham the orthodox;
for he was no idolater.
Verily the first house appointed unto men to worship in was that which
was in Becca; blessed, and a direction to all creatures.
Therein are manifest signs: the place where Abraham stood; and whoever
entereth therein, shall be safe. And it is a duty towards GOD, incumbent on
those who are able to go thither, to visit this house; but whosoever disbelieveth,
verily GOD needeth not the service of any creature.
Say, O ye who have received the scriptures, why do ye not believe in the
signs of GOD?
Say, O ye who have received the scriptures, why do ye keep back from the
way of GOD, him who believeth? Ye seek to make it crooked, and yet are
witnesses that it is the right: but GOD will not be unmindful of what ye do.
100 O true believers, if ye obey some of those who have received the
scripture, they will render you infidels, after ye have believed:
and how can ye be infidels, when the signs of GOD are read unto you, and
his apostle is among you? But he who cleaveth firmly unto GOD, is already
directed in the right way.
O believers, fear GOD with his true fear, and die not unless ye also be
true believers.
And cleave all of you unto the covenant of GOD, and depart not from it,
and remember the favor of GOD towards you: since ye were enemies, and he
reconciled your hearts, and ye became companions and brethren by his favor:
and ye were on the brink of a pit of fire, and he delivered you thence. Thus
GOD declareth unto you his signs, that ye may be directed.
Let there be people among you who invite to the best religion; and
command that which is just, and forbid that which is evil; and they shall be
happy.
And be not as they who are divided, and disagree in matters of religion,
after manifest proofs have been brought unto them: they shall suffer a great
torment.
On the day of resurrection some faces shall become white, and other faces
shall become black. And unto them whose faces shall become black, GOD will
say, Have ye returned unto your unbelief, after ye had believed? therefore
taste the punishment, for that ye have been unbelievers:
but they whose faces shall become white shall be in the mercy of GOD,
therein shall they remain for ever.
These are the signs of GOD: we recite them unto thee with truth. GOD
will not deal unjustly with his creatures.
And to GOD belongeth whatever is in heaven and on earth; and to GOD shall
all things return.
110 Ye are the best nation that hath been raised up unto mankind: ye command
that which is just, and ye forbid that which is unjust, and ye believe in GOD.
And if they who have received the scriptures had believed, it had surely been
the better for them: there are believers among them, but the greater part of
them are transgressors.
They shall not hurt you, unless with a slight hurt; and if they fight
against you, they shall turn their backs to you; and they shall not be
helped.
They are smitten with vileness wheresoever they are found; unless they
obtain security by entering into a treaty with GOD, and a treaty with men:
and they draw on themselves indignation from GOD, and they are afflicted with
poverty. This they suffer, because they disbelieved the signs of GOD, and
slew the prophets unjustly; this, because they were rebellious, and
transgressed.
Yet they are not all alike: there are of those who have received the
scriptures, upright people; they meditate on the signs of GOD in the night
season, and worship;
they believe in GOD, and the last day; and command that which is just,
and forbid that which is unjust, and zealously strive to excel in good works;
these are of the righteous.
And ye shall not be denied the reward of the good which ye do; for GOD
knoweth the pious.
As for the unbelievers, their wealth shall not profit them at all,
neither their children, against GOD: they shall be the companions of hell
fire; they shall continue therein forever.
The likeness of that which they lay out in this present life, is as a
wind wherein there is a scorching cold: it falleth on the standing corn of
those men who have injured their own souls, and destroyeth it. And GOD
dealeth not unjustly with them; but they injure their own souls.
O true believers, contract not an intimate friendship with any besides
yourselves; they will not fail to corrupt you. They wish for that which may
cause you to perish: their hatred hath already appeared from out of their
mouths; but what their breasts conceal is yet more inveterate. We have
already shown you signs of their ill will towards you, if ye understand.
Behold, ye love them, and they do not love you: ye believe in all the
scriptures, and when they meet you, they say, We believe; but when they
assemble privately together, they bite their fingers' ends out of wrath
against you. Say unto them, Die in your wrath: verily GOD knoweth the
innermost part of your breasts.
120 If good happen unto you, it grieveth them; and if evil befall you, they
rejoice at it. But if ye be patient, and fear God, their subtlety shall not
hurt you at all; for GOD comprehendeth whatever they do.
Call to mind when thou wentest forth early from thy family, that thou
mightest prepare the faithful a camp for war; and GOD hear and knew it;
when two companies of you were anxiously thoughtful, so that ye became
faint-hearted; but GOD was the supporter of them both; and in GOD let the
faithful trust.
And GOD had already given you the victory at Bedr, when ye were inferior
in number; therefore fear GOD, that ye may be thankful.
When thou saidst unto the faithful, Is it not enough for you, that your
LORD should assist you with three thousand angels sent down from heaven?
Verily if ye persevere, and fear God, and your enemies come upon you
suddenly, your LORD will assist you with five thousand angels, distinguished
by their horses and attire.
And this GOD designed only as good tidings for you that your hearts
might rest secure; for victory is from GOD alone, the mighty, the wise.
That he should cut off the uttermost part of the unbelievers, or cast
them down, or that they should be overthrown and unsuccessful is nothing
to thee.
It is no business of thine; whether God be turned unto them, or whether
he punish them; they are surely unjust doers.
To GOD belongeth whatsoever is in heaven and on earth: he spareth whom he
pleaseth, and he punisheth whom he pleaseth; for GOD is merciful.
130 O true believers, devour nor usury, doubling it twofold; but fear GOD,
that ye may prosper:
and fear the fire which is prepared for the unbelievers;
and obey GOD, and his apostle that ye may obtain mercy.
And run with emulation to obtain remission from your LORD, and paradise,
whose breath equalleth the heavens and the earth, which is prepared for the
godly;
who give alms in prosperity and adversity; who bridle their anger, and
forgive men; for GOD loveth the beneficent.
And who, after they have committed a crime, or dealt unjustly with their
own souls, remember GOD, and ask pardon for their sins, (for who forgiveth
sins except GOD?) and persevere not in what they have done knowingly;
their reward shall be pardon from their LORD, and gardens wherein rivers
flow, they shall remain therein forever: and how excellent is the reward of
those who labor!
There have already been before you examples of punishment of infidels,
therefore go through the earth, and behold what hath been the end of those
who accuse GOD's apostles of imposture.
This book is a declaration unto men, and a direction and an admonition to
the pious.
And be not dismayed, neither be ye grieved; for ye shall be superior to
the unbelievers if ye believe.
140 If a wound hath happened unto you in war, a like wound hath already
happened unto the unbelieving people: and we cause these days of different
success interchangeably to succeed each other among men; that GOD may
know those who believe, and may have martyrs from among you: (GOD loveth
not the workers of iniquity;)
and that GOD might prove those who believe, and destroy the infidels.
Did ye imagine that ye should enter paradise, when as yet GOD knew not
those among you who fought strenuously in his cause; nor knew those who
persevered with patience?
Moreover ye did sometimes wish for death before that ye met it; but ye
have now seen it, and ye looked on, but retreated from it.
Mohammed is no more than an apostle; the other apostles have already
deceased before him: if he die, therefore, or be slain, will ye turn back on
your heels? but he who turneth back on his heels will not hurt God at all;
and GOD will surely reward the thankful.
No soul can die unless by the permission of GOD, according to what is
written in the book containing the determination of things. And whoso
chooseth the reward of this world, we will give him thereof: but whoso
chooseth the reward of the world to come, we will give him thereof: and we
will surely reward the thankful.
How many prophets have encountered those who had many myriads of
troops: and yet they desponded not in their mind for what had befallen them
in fighting for the religion of GOD; and were not weakened, neither behaved
themselves in an abject manner? GOD loveth those who persevere patiently.
And their speech was no other than what they said, Our LORD forgive us
our offences, and our transgressions in our business; and confirm our feet,
and help us against the unbelieving people.
And GOD gave them the reward of this world, and a glorious reward in the
life to come; for GOD loveth the well-doers.
O ye who believe, if you obey the infidels, they will cause you to turn
back on your heels, and ye will be turned back and perish:
150 but GOD is your LORD; and he is the best helper.
We will surely cast a dread into the hearts of the unbelievers, because
they have associated with GOD that concerning which he sent them down no
power: their dwelling shall be the fire of hell; and the receptacle of the
wicked shall be miserable.
GOD had already made good unto you his promise, when ye destroyed them
by his permission, until ye became faint-hearted, and disputed concerning the
command of the apostle, and were rebellious; after God had shown you what ye
desired. Some of you chose this present world, and others of you chose the
world to come. Then he turned you to flight from before them, that he might
make trial of you: (but he hath now pardoned you: for GOD is endued with
beneficence towards the faithful;)
when ye went up as ye fled, and looked not back on any: while the apostle
called you, in the uttermost part of you. Therefore God rewarded you with
affliction on affliction, that ye be not grieved hereafter for the spoils
which ye fail of, nor for that which befalleth you, for GOD is well
acquainted with whatever ye do.
Then he sent down upon you after affliction security; a soft sleep which
fell on some part of you; but other part were troubled by their own souls;
falsely thinking of GOD, a foolish imagination saying, Will anything of the
matter happen unto us? Say, Verily, the matter belongeth wholly unto GOD.
They concealed in their minds what they declared not unto thee; saying, If
anything of the matter had happened unto us, we had not been slain here.
Answer, If ye had been in your houses, verily they would have gone forth to
fight, whose slaughter was decreed, to the places where they died, and this
came to pass that GOD might try what was in your breasts, and might discern
what was in your hearts; for GOD knoweth the innermost parts of the breasts of
men.
Verily they among you who turned their backs on the day whereon the two
armies met each other at Ohod, Satan caused them to slip for some crime which
they had committed: but now hath GOD forgiven them; for GOD is gracious and
merciful.
O true believers, be not as they who believed not, and said of their
brethren when they had journeyed in the land or had been at war, If they had
been with us, those had not died, nor had these been slain: whereas what
befell them was so ordained that GOD might take it matter of sighing in their
hearts. GOD giveth life, and causeth to die: and GOD seeth that which ye do.
Moreover if ye be slain, or die in defence of the religion of GOD, verily
pardon from GOD, and mercy, is better than what they heap together of worldly
riches.
And if ye die, or be slain, verily unto GOD shall ye be gathered.
And as to the mercy granted unto the disobedient from GOD, thou O
Mohammed, hast been mild towards them; but if thou hadst been severe, and
hard-hearted, they had surely separated themselves from about thee. Therefore
forgive them, and ask pardon for them: and consult them in the affair of war;
and after thou hast deliberated, trust in GOD; for GOD loveth those who trust
in him.
160 If GOD help you, none shall conquer you; but if he desert you, who is it
that will help you after him? Therefore in GOD let the faithful trust.
It is not the part of a prophet to defraud, for he who defraudeth shall
bring with him what he hath defrauded any one of, on the day of the
resurrection. Then shall every soul be paid what he hath gained; and they
shall not be treated unjustly.
Shall he therefore who followeth that which is well-pleasing unto GOD be
as he who bringeth on himself wrath from GOD, and whose receptacle is hell?
an evil journey shall it be thither.
There shall be degrees of rewards and punishments with GOD, for GOD seeth
what they do.
Now hath GOD been gracious unto the believers when he raised up among
them an apostle of their own nation, who should recite his signs unto them,
and purify them, and teach them the book of the Koran and wisdom: whereas
they were before in manifest error.
After a misfortune had befallen you at Ohod, (ye had already obtained two
equal advantages) do ye say, Whence cometh this? Answer, This is from
yourselves: for GOD is almighty.
And what happened unto you, on the day whereon the two armies met, was
certainly by the permission of GOD;
and that he might know the ungodly. It was said unto them, Come, fight for
the religion of GOD, or drive back the enemy: they answered, if we had known
ye went out to fight, we had certainly followed you. They were on that day
nearer unto unbelief, than they were to faith; they spake with their mouths,
what was not in their hearts: but GOD perfectly knew what they concealed;
who said of their brethren, while themselves stayed at home, if they had
obeyed us, they had not been slain. Say, Then keep back death from
yourselves, if ye say truth.
Thou shalt in nowise reckon those who have been slain at Ohod, in the
cause of GOD, dead; nay, they are sustained alive with their LORD,
170 rejoicing for what GOD of his favor hath granted them; and being glad for
those who, coming after them, have not as yet overtaken them; because there
shall no fear come on them, neither shall they be grieved.
They are filled with joy for the favor which they have received from GOD
and his bounty; and for that GOD suffereth not the reward of the faithful to
perish.
They who hearkened unto GOD and his apostle, after a wound had befallen
them at Ohod, such of them as do good works, and fear God, shall have a great
reward;
unto whom certain men said, Verily the men of Mecca have already gathered
forces against you, be ye therefore afraid of them: but this increased their
faith, and they said, GOD is our support, and the most excellent patron.
Wherefore they returned with favor from GOD, and advantage: no evil
befell them: and they followed what was well pleasing unto GOD: for GOD is
endowed with great liberality.
Verily that devil would cause you to fear his friends: but be ye not
afraid of them: but fear me, if ye be true believers.
They shall not grieve thee, who emulously hasten unto infidelity; for
they shall never hurt GOD at all. GOD will not give them a part in the next
life, and they shall suffer a great punishment.
Surely those who purchase infidelity with faith shall by no means hurt
GOD at all, but they shall suffer a grievous punishment.
And let not the unbelievers think, because we grant them lives long and
prosperous, that it is better for their souls: we grant them long and
prosperous lives only that their iniquity may be increased; and they shall
suffer an ignominious punishment.
GOD is not disposed to leave the faithful in the condition which ye are
now in, until he sever the wicked from the good; nor is GOD disposed to make
you acquainted with what is a hidden secret, but GOD chooseth such of his
apostles as he pleaseth, to reveal his mind unto: believe therefore in GOD, and
his apostles; and if ye believe, and fear God, ye shall receive a great reward.
180 And let not those who are covetous of what GOD of his bounty hath
granted them imagine that their avarice is better for them: nay, rather it is
worse for them. That which they have covetously reserved shall be bound as
a collar about their neck, on the day of the resurrection: unto GOD belongeth
the inheritance of heaven and earth; and GOD is well acquainted with what ye do.
GOD hath already heard the saying of those who said, Verily GOD is poor,
and we are rich: we will surely write down what they have said, and the
slaughter which they have made of the prophets without a cause; and we will
say unto them, Taste ye the pain of burning.
This shall they suffer for the evil which their hands have sent before
them, and because GOD is not unjust towards mankind;
who also say, Surely GOD hath commanded us, that we should not give
credit to any apostle, until one should come unto us with a sacrifice, which
should be consumed by fire. Say, Apostles have already come unto you before
me, with plain proofs, and with the miracle which ye mention: why therefore
have ye slain them, if ye speak truth?
If they accuse thee of imposture, the apostles before thee have also been
accounted impostors, who brought evident demonstrations, and the scriptures,
and the book which enlighteneth the understanding.
Every soul shall taste of death, and ye shall have your reward on the day
of resurrection; and he who shall be far removed from hell fire, and shall be
admitted into paradise, shall be happy: but the present life is only a
deceitful provision.
Ye shall surely be proved in your possessions, and in your persons; and
ye shall bear from those unto whom the scripture was delivered before you, and
from the idolaters, much hurt: but if ye be patient and fear God, this is a
matter that is absolutely determined.
And when GOD accepted the covenant of those to whom the book of the law
was given, saying, Ye shall surely publish it unto mankind, ye shall not hide
it: yet they threw it behind their backs, and sold it for a small price: but
woful is the price for which they have sold it.
Think not that they who rejoice at what they have done, and expect to be
praised for what they have not done; think not, O prophet, that they shall
escape from punishment, for they shall suffer a painful punishment;
and unto GOD belongeth the kingdom of heaven and earth: GOD is almighty.
190 Now in the creation of heaven and earth, and the vicissitude of night and
day, are signs unto those who are endued with understanding;
who remember GOD standing, and sitting, and lying on their sides; and
meditate on the creation of heaven and earth, saying, O LORD, thou hast not
created this in vain; far be it from thee: therefore deliver us from the
torment of hell fire:
O LORD, surely whom thou shalt throw into the fire, thou wilt also cover
with shame: nor shall the ungodly have any to help them.
O LORD, we have heard a preacher inviting us to the faith and saying,
Believe in your LORD: and we believed. O LORD, forgive us therefore our sins,
and expiate our evil deeds from us, and make us to die with the righteous.
O LORD, give us also the reward which thou hast promised by thy apostles;
and cover us not with shame on the day of resurrection; for thou art not
contrary to the promise.
Their LORD therefore answered them, saying, I will not suffer the work of
him among you who worketh to be lost, whether he be male, or female: the one
of you is from the other. They therefore who have left their country, and have
been turned out of their houses, and have suffered for my sake, and have been
slain in battle; verily I will expiate their evil deeds from them, and I will surely
bring them into gardens watered by rivers; a reward from GOD; and with GOD
is the most excellent reward.
Let not the prosperous dealing of the unbelievers in the land deceive
thee;
it is but a slender provision; and then their receptacle shall be
hell; an unhappy couch shall it be.
But they who fear the LORD shall have gardens through which rivers flow,
they shall continue therein forever: this is the gift of GOD for what is with
GOD shall be better for the righteous than short-lived worldly prosperity.
There are some of those who have received the scriptures, who believe in
GOD, and that which hath been sent down unto you, and that which hath been
sent down to them, submitting themselves unto GOD; they tell not the signs of
GOD for a small price: these shall have their reward with their LORD; for GOD
is swift in taking an account.
200 O true believers, be patient and strive to excel in patience, and be
constant-minded, and fear GOD, that ye may be happy.