English - Chapter 2 - Al-Baqarah

ALIF lām mīm

This Book is not to be doubted. It is a guide for the righteous

who believe in the Unseen and are steadfast in prayer; who give¹ from what We gave them

who believe in what has been revealed to you² and what was revealed before you, and have absolute faith in the life to come

These are rightly guided by their Lord; these shall surely succeed

God has set a seal upon their hearts and ears; their sight is dimmed and grievous punishment awaits them

And some there are who declare: ‘We believe in God and the Last Day,‘ yet they are no true believers

They seek to deceive God and those who believe in Him: but they deceive none save themselves, though they may not perceive it

There is a sickness in their hearts which God has aggravated: grievous punishment awaits them for the lies they ever told

If they are told: ‘You shall not do evil in the land,‘ they reply: ‘Surely we are doing only what is good.‘

But it is they who are the evil-doers, though they may not perceive it

And if they are told: ‘Believe as the people believe,‘ they reply: ‘Are we to believe as fools believe?‘ It is they who are the fools, if they but knew it

And when they meet the faithful, they declare: ‘We, too, are believers.‘ But when alone with their demons they say to them: ‘We follow none but you: we were only mocking.‘

God will mock them and keep them long in sin, ever straying from the right path

Such are those that barter guidance for error: they profit nothing, nor are they on the right path

They are like one who kindled a fire, but as soon as it lit up all around him God put it out and left him in darkness: they do not see

Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will never return to the right path

Or like those who, beneath a dark storm-cloud charged with thunder and lightning, thrust their fingers into their ears at the sound of every thunder-clap for fear of death (God thus encompasses the unbelievers)

The lightning almost snatches away their sight: whenever it flashes upon them they walk on, but as soon as it darkens they stand still. Indeed, if God pleased, He could take away their hearing and their sight: God has power over all things

You people! Worship your Lord, who has created you and those who have gone before you, so that you may guard yourselves against evil

who has made the earth a bed for you and the sky a dome, and has sent down water from the sky to bring forth fruits for your sustenance. Do not knowingly set up other deities beside God

And if you doubt what We have revealed to Our servant, produce one sūrah comparable to it. Call upon your idols to assist you, if what you say be true

But if you fail (as you are sure to fail), then guard yourselves against the Fire whose fuel is humans and stones, prepared for the unbelievers

And proclaim joyful tidings to those that believe and do good works. They shall dwell in gardens watered by running brooks: whenever they are given fruit to eat they will say: ‘This is what we used to eat before,‘ for they shall be given the like. Wedded to chaste spouses, they shall abide therein for ever

Surely God does not disdain to make comparison with a gnat or with a larger creature. The faithful know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but the unbelievers ask: ‘What could God mean by this comparison?‘ By such comparison God confounds many and enlightens many. But He confounds none except the ungodly

who break God‘s covenant after accepting it, and put asunder what God has bidden to be united, and perpetrate corruption in the land. It is these who will surely be the lost ones

How can you deny God? Did He not give you life when you were dead, and will He not cause you to die and then restore you to life? Will you not return to Him at last

He created for you all that the earth contains; then, ascending to the sky, He fashioned it into seven heavens. And He has knowledge of all things

And when your Lord said to the angels: ‘I am placing on the earth one that shall rule as My deputy,‘ they replied: ‘Will You put there one that will do evil and shed blood, when we have for so long sung Your praises and sanctified Your name?‘ He said: ‘I know what you know not.‘

He taught Adam the names of all things and then set them before the angels, saying: ‘Tell Me the names of these, if what you say be true.‘

Glory be to You,‘ they replied, ‘we have no knowledge except that which You have given us. You alone are all-knowing and wise.‘

Then said He: ‘Adam, tell them their names.‘ And when Adam had named them, He said: ‘Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and know all that you reveal and all that you conceal?‘

And when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam,‘ they all prostrated themselves except Satan, who in his pride refused and became an unbeliever

We said: ‘Adam, dwell with your spouse in Paradise and both of you eat of its fruits to your hearts‘ content wherever you will. But never approach this tree or you shall both become transgressors.‘

But Satan lured them thence and brought about their banishment. ‘Get you down,‘ We said, ‘and be enemies to each other. The earth will provide for you an abode and comforts for a time.‘

Then Adam received commandments from his Lord, and his Lord relented towards him. He is the Relenting One, the Compassionate

Get you down hence, all,‘ We said. ‘When My guidance is revealed to you, those that follow My guidance shall have nothing to fear or to regret

but those that deny and reject Our revelations shall be the inmates of the Fire, wherein shall they abide for ever.‘

Children of Israel, remember the favour I have bestowed upon you. Keep your covenant, and I will be true to Mine. Dread My power

Have faith in My revelations, which confirm your Scriptures, and do not be the first to deny them. Do not sell My revelations for a paltry price; fear Me

Do not confound truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth

Attend to your prayers, render the alms levy, and kneel with those who kneel

Would you enjoin people to be charitable and forget yourselves? Yet you recite the Scriptures. Have you no sense

Fortify yourselves with patience and with prayer. This may indeed be an exacting discipline, but not to the devout

who know that they will meet their Lord and that to Him they will return

Children of Israel, remember the favour I have bestowed upon you, and that I exalted you above the nations

Guard yourselves against the day on which no soul shall stand for another: when no intercession shall be accepted for it, no ransom be taken from it, and non shall be helped

And remember how We delivered you from Pharaoh‘s people, who had oppressed you cruelly, slaying your sons and sparing only your daughters. Surely that was a great trial by your Lord

We parted the sea for you and, taking you to safety, drowned Pharaoh‘s men before your very eyes

We made a tryst with Moses for the fortieth night, and in his absence you took up the calf and thus committed evil

Yet after that We pardoned you, so that you might give thanks

We gave Moses the Book and Salvation,¹ so that you might be rightly guided

Moses said to his people: ‘You have wronged yourselves, my people, in worshipping the calf. Turn in penitence to your Creator and slay the culprits among you. That will be best for you in your Creator‘s sight.‘ And He relented towards you. He is the Relenting One, the Compassionate

When you said to Moses: ‘We will not believe in you until we see God¹ with our own eyes,‘ the thunderbolt struck you while you were looking on

Then We revived you from your stupor, so that you might give thanks

We caused the clouds to draw their shadow over you and sent down for you manna and quails,² saying: ‘Eat of the wholesome things We have given you.‘ Indeed, they³ did not wrong Us, but they wronged themselves

‘Enter this city,‘ We said, ‘and eat where you will to your hearts‘ content. Make your way reverently through the gates, saying: "We repent." We shall forgive you your sins and bestow abundance on the righteous.‘

But that which they were told the wrongdoers replaced with other words; and We let loose on the wrongdoers a scourge from heaven as punishment for their misdeeds

And when Moses requested water for his people We said to him: ‘Strike the Rock with your staff.‘⁴ Thereupon twelve springs gushed from the Rock, and each tribe knew their drinking-place

We said: ‘Eat and drink of that which God has provided and do not foul the land with evil.‘ ‘Moses,‘ you said, ‘we will no longer put up with this monotonous diet. Call on your Lord to give us some of the varied produce of the earth, green herbs and cucumbers, corn⁵ and lentils and onions.‘ ‘What!‘ he answered. ‘Would you exchange that which is good for what is worse? Go back to Egypt.⁶ There you will find all you have asked for.‘ Servility and misery were stamped upon them and they incurred the wrath of God; because they disbelieved God‘s signs and slew the prophets unjustly; because they were rebels and transgressors

Believers, those who follow the Jewish Faith,¹ Christians, and Sabaeans ― whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does what is right ― shall be rewarded by their Lord; they have nothing to fear or to regret

We made a covenant with you² and raised the Mount above you, saying: ‘Hold fast to what We have given you, and bear in mind its precepts, that You may guard yourselves against evil.‘

Yet after that you turned away, and but for God‘s grace and mercy you would have surely been among the lost

You have heard of those of you that broke the Sabbath. We said to them: ‘Change into detested apes.‘

We made their fate an example to their own generation and to those that followed them, and a lesson to the righteous

And when Moses said to his people: ‘God commands you to sacrifice a cow,‘³ they replied: ‘Are you mocking us?‘ ‘God forbid that I should be so foolish!‘ he rejoined

Call on your Lord,‘ they said, ‘to make known to us what kind of cow she shall be.‘ He replied: ‘Your Lord says: "Let her be neither an old cow nor a young heifer, but in between." Do, therefore, as you are bidden.‘

Call on your Lord,‘ they said, ‘to make known to us what her colour shall be.‘ He replied: ‘Your Lord says: "Let the cow be yellow, a rich yellow, pleasing to those that see it

‘Call on your Lord,‘ they said, ‘to make known to us the exact type of cow she shall be; for to us cows look all alike. If God wills we shall be rightly guided.‘

Moses replied: ‘Your Lord says: "Let her be a healthy cow, not worn out with ploughing the earth or watering the field; a cow free from any blemish."‘ ‘Now you have told us all,‘ they answered. And they slaughtered a cow, after they had nearly declined

And when you slew a man and then fell out with one another concerning him, God made known what you concealed

We said: ‘Strike him with a part of it.‘ Thus God restores the dead to life and shows you His signs, that you may grow in understanding

Yet after that your hearts became as hard as rock or even harder; for from some rocks rivers take their course: some break asunder and water gushes from them: and others tumble down through fear of God. God is not unaware of what you do

Do you¹ then hope that they will believe in you, when some of them have already heard the Word of God and knowingly perverted it, although they understood its meaning

And when they meet the faithful they declare: ‘We, too, are believers.‘ But when alone they say to each other: ‘Must you declare to them what God has revealed to you? They will only dispute with you about it in our Lord‘s presence. Have you no sense?‘

Do they not know that God has knowledge of all that they conceal and all that they reveal

Some among them are illiterate, ignorant of the Book and know of nothing but wishful fancies and vague conjecture

Woe betide those that write the Book with their own hands and then declare: ‘This is from God,‘ in order to gain some paltry end. Woeful shall be their fate, because of what their hands have written, because of what they did

They declare: ‘The Fire will never touch us ― except for a few days.‘ Say: ‘Did God make you such a promise ― God will not break His promise ― or do you assert of God what you know not?‘

Truly, those that commit evil and become engrossed in sin shall be the inmates of the Fire; wherein shall they abide for ever

But those that have faith and do good works shall be the tenants of Paradise; wherein shall they abide for ever

And when We made a covenant with the Israelites We said: ‘Serve none but God. Show kindness to your parents, to your kin, to orphans, and to the destitute. Exhort people to righteousness. Attend to your prayers and render alms.‘ But you all broke your covenant except a few, and paid no heed

And when We made a covenant with you We said: ‘You shall not shed your kin‘s blood or turn them out of their dwellings.‘ To this you consented and bore witness

Yet there you were, slaying your own kin, and turning a number of you out of their dwellings, and helping each other against them with sin and aggression; though had they come to you as captives, You would have ransomed them. Surely their expulsion was unlawful. Do you believe in one part of the Book and deny another? So what reward is there for those of you that act thus but disgrace in this world and grievous punishment on the Day of Resurrection. God is never heedless of what you do

Such are they who buy the life of this world at the price of the life to come. Their punishment shall not be mitigated, nor shall they be helped

To Moses We gave the Book and after him We sent other apostles. We gave Jesus son of Mary veritable signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. You scorn each apostle who comes to you with whatever does not suit your fancies, charging some with imposture and slaying others

And they say: ‘Our hearts are sealed.‘ But God has cursed them for their unbelief. They have but little faith

And now that a Book conforming their own has come to them from God, they deny it, although they know it to be the Truth and have long prayed for help against the unbelievers. God‘s curse be upon the infidels

Evil is that for which they have bartered their souls. To deny God‘s own revelation, grudging that He should reveal His bounty to whom He chooses from among His servants! They have incurred God‘s most inexorable ire. Ignominious punishment awaits the unbelievers

And if they are told: ‘Believe in what God has revealed,‘ they reply: ‘We believe in what was revealed to us.‘ And they deny what has since been revealed, although it is the Truth, corroborating their own Scriptures. Say: ‘Why did you kill the prophets of God, if you are true believers

Moses came to you with veritable signs, but in his absence you worshipped the calf and committed evil.‘

And when We made a covenant with you and raised the Mount above you, saying: ‘Hold fast to what We have given you and hear Our commandments,‘ you¹ replied: ‘We hear, and will not obey.‘ For their unbelief they were made to drink down the calf into their hearts.² Say: ‘Evil is that to which your faith prompts you if you are true believers.‘

Say: ‘If God‘s Abode of the Hereafter is for yourselves alone, to the exclusion of all other people, then wish for death if your claim be true!‘

But they will never wish for death, because of what they did; and God knows the wrongdoers

Indeed, you will find that, of all people, they love life most: more than the pagans do. Each of them would love to live a thousand years. And even if his life were indeed prolonged, that will surely not save him from the scourge. God is cognizant of what they do

Say: ‘Whoever is an enemy of Gabriel‘ (who has by God‘s grace revealed to you³ the Koran as a guide and joyful tidings for the faithful, confirming previous scriptures)

whoever is an enemy of God, His angels, or His apostles, or of Gabriel or Michael, will surely find that God is the enemy of the unbelievers.‘

We have sent down to you clear revelations: none will deny them except the ungodly

What! Whenever they make a covenant, must some of them cast it aside? Most of them do not believe

And now that an apostle has come to them from God confirming their own Scriptures, some of those to whom the Book was given cast off the Book of God over their backs, as though they know nothing of it

and accept what the demons tell of Solomon‘s kingdom. Not that Solomon was an unbeliever: it is the demons who are unbelievers. They teach the people witchcraft and that which was revealed to the angels Hārūt and Mārūt in Babylon. Yet they never instruct any without saying beforehand: ‘We have been sent only to tempt you; do not blaspheme.‘ From these two, they learn that which creates discord between husband and wife, although they can harm none with what they learn except by God‘s leave. They learn what harms them and does not profit them; yet they know full well that anyone who engaged in that traffic would have no share in the life to come. Vile is that for which they have sold their souls, if they but knew it

Had they embraced the Faith and feared God, far better for them would God‘s reward have been, if they but knew it

Believers, do not say rā‘inā; but say unʐurnā.¹ Take heed; woeful punishment awaits the unbelievers

The unbelievers among the People of the Book, and the pagans, resent that any blessings should have been sent down to you from your Lord. But God chooses whom He will for His mercy. God‘s grace is infinite

Any verse We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We will replace by a better one or one similar. Did you not know that God has power over all things

Did you not know that it is God who has sovereignty over the heavens and the earth, and that there is none besides God to protect or help you

Or would you rather demand of your Apostle that which was once demanded of Moses? He that barters faith for unbelief has surely strayed from the right path

Many among the People of the Book wish, through envy, to lead you back to unbelief, now that you have embraced the Faith and the Truth has been made plain to them. Forgive them and bear with them until God makes known His will. God has power over all things

Attend to your prayers and render the alms levy. Whatever good you do shall be recompensed by God. God is watching all your actions

And they declare: ‘None shall enter Paradise but Jews and Christians.‘ Such are their wishful fancies. Say: ‘Let us have your proof, if what you say be true.‘

Indeed, those that submit to God and do good works shall be recompensed by their Lord: they shall have nothing to fear or to regret

The Jews say the Christians are misguided, and the Christians say it is the Jews who are misguided. Yet they both recite the Book. And the ignorant say the same of both. God will on the Day of Resurrection judge what they disagreed about

And who is more wicked than those who forbid God‘s name to be pronounced in the mosques of God and seek to destroy them, when they should enter them only with fear in their hearts? They shall be held up to shame in this world, and in the world to come grievous punishment awaits them

To God belongs the East and the West. Whichever way you turn there is the Face of God. God is omnipresent and all knowing

And they say: ‘God has begotten a son.‘ Glory be to Him! His is what the heavens and the earth contain; all is obedient to Him

Creator of the heavens and the earth! When He decrees a thing, He need only say ‘Be,‘ and it is

And the ignorant ask: ‘Why does God not speak to us or give us a sign?‘ The same demand was made by those before them: their hearts are all alike. But to those whose faith is firm We have already revealed Our signs

We have sent you forth to proclaim the truth and to give warning. You shall not be questioned about the heirs of Hell

You will please neither the Jews nor the Christians unless you follow their faith. Say: ‘God‘s guidance is the only guidance.‘ And if after all the knowledge you have been given you yield to their whims, there shall be none to help or protect you from God‘s ire

Those to whom We have given the Book, and who recite it as it ought to be recited, truly believe in it; those that dissent from it will surely be lost

Children of Israel, remember the favour I have bestowed upon you, and that I exalted you above the nations

Guard yourselves against a day on which no soul shall stand in for another: when no ransom shall be accepted from it, no intercession avail it, no help be given it

When his Lord put Abraham to the proof by enjoining on him certain commandments and Abraham fulfilled them, He said: ‘I have appointed you a leader of mankind.‘ ‘And what of my descendants?‘ Abraham asked. ‘My covenant,‘ said He, ‘does not apply to the wrongdoers.‘

We made the House¹ a resort and a sanctuary for mankind, saying: ‘Make the place where Abraham stood a house of worship.‘ We enjoined Abraham and Ishmael to cleanse My House for those who walk round and round it, who meditate in it, and who kneel and prostrate themselves.‘

Lord,‘ said Abraham, ‘make this a secure land and bestow plenty upon its people, those of them that believe in God and the Last Day.‘ ‘As for those that do not,‘ He answered, ‘I shall let them live awhile, and then shall drag them to the scourge of the Fire: a wretched fate.‘

Abraham and Ishmael laid the foundation of the House and dedicated it, saying: ‘Accept this from us, Lord. You are the One that hears all and knows all

Lord, make us submissive to You; make of our descendants a community that will submit to You. Teach us our rites of worship and turn to us with mercy; You are the Forgiving One the Compassionate

Lord, send forth to them an apostle of their own who shall declare to them Your revelations, and shall instruct them in the Book and in wisdom, and shall purify them of sin. You are the Mighty, the Wise One.‘

Who but a foolish man would renounce the faith of Abraham? We chose him in this world, and in the world to come he shall abide among the righteous

When his Lord said to him: ‘Submit,‘ he answered: ‘I have submitted to the Lord of the Universe

Abraham enjoined the Faith on his children, and so did Jacob, saying: ‘My children, God has chosen the Faith for you. Do not depart this life except as Muslims.‘

Were you present when death came to Jacob? He said to his children: ‘What will you worship when I am gone?‘ They replied: ‘We will worship your God and the God of your forefathers Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac: One God. To Him we will submit as Muslims.‘

That community has passed away. Theirs is what they did and yours what you have done. You shall not be questioned about their actions

They say: ‘Follow the Jewish or the Christian faith and you shall be rightly guided.‘ Say: ‘By no means! Only the faith of Abraham, the upright one. And He was no idolater.‘

Say: ‘We believe in God and that which has been revealed to us; in what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes; to Moses and Jesus and the other prophets by their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them, and to Him we do submit as Muslims.‘

If they believe as you believe, they shall be rightly guided; if they turn away, they shall surely be in schism. Against them God is your all-sufficient defender. And it is He that hears all and knows all

We take on God‘s own dye. And who has a better dye than God‘s? Him will we worship

Say: ‘Would you dispute with us about God, who is our Lord and your Lord? We shall both be judged by our works. To Him alone we are devoted

Or do you claim that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, were all Jews or Christians?‘ Say: ‘Who knows better, you or God? Who is more wicked than he that hides a testimony he has received from God? God is never heedless of what you do.‘

That community has passed away. Theirs is what they did and yours what you have done. You shall not be questioned about their actions

The foolish will ask: ‘What has made them turn away from their former qiblah?‘¹ Say: ‘The East and the West are God‘s. He guides whom He will to a straight path.‘

Thus have We made you a just community, so that you may testify against mankind and that your own Apostle may testify against you. We decreed your former qiblah only in order that We might know the Apostle‘s true adherents and those who were to disown him. It was indeed a hard test, but not to those whom God has guided. God‘s aim was not to make your faith fruitless. God is benignant and compassionate to mankind

Many a time have We seen you² turn your face hither and thither towards the sky. We will henceforth make you turn towards a qiblah that will please you. Turn your face towards the Holy Mosque; wherever you³ be, turn your faces towards it. Those to whom the Book was given know this to be the Truth from their Lord. God is never heedless of what they do

But even if you gave them every proof they would not accept your qiblah, nor would you accept theirs; nor would any of them accept the qiblah of the other. If, after all the knowledge you have been given, you yield to their desires, then you will surely become a wrongdoer

Those to whom We gave the Scriptures know him² as they know their own sons. But some of them deliberately conceal the Truth

This is the Truth from your Lord: therefore never doubt it

Each one has a goal towards which he turns. But wherever you are, emulate one another in good works. God will bring you all before Him. God has power over all things

Whichever way you depart, face towards the Holy Mosque. This is surely the Truth from your Lord. God is never heedless of what you do

Whichever way you depart, face towards the Holy Mosque: and wherever you are, face towards it, so that people will have no cause to reproach you, except the wrongdoers among them. Have no fear of them; fear Me, so that I may perfect My favour to you and that you may be rightly guided

Thus have We sent forth to you an apostle of your own who will recite to you Our revelations and purify you of sin, who will instruct you in the Book and in wisdom and teach you what you knew not

Remember Me, then, and I will remember you. Give thanks to Me and never deny Me

Believers, fortify yourselves with patience and with prayer. God is with those that are patient

Do not say that those slain in the cause of God are dead. They are alive, but you are not aware of them

We shall test your steadfastness with fear and famine, with loss of property and life and crops. Give joyful tiding to those who endure with fortitude

who in adversity say: ‘We belong to God, and to Him we shall return.‘

On such shall be God‘s blessing and mercy; such are those that are rightly guided

Safā and Marwa¹ are two of God‘s beacons. It shall be no offence for the pilgrim or the visitor to the Sacred House to walk around them both. He that does good of his own accord shall be recompensed by God. God has knowledge of all things

Those that hide the clear proofs and the guidance We have revealed to mankind after We had proclaimed them in the Book shall be cursed by God and cursed by those who invoke damnation

except those that repent and mend their ways and make known the Truth. Towards them I shall relent. I am the Relenting One, the Compassionate

But the infidels who die unbelievers shall incur the curse of God, the angels, and people all

Under it they shall remain for ever; their punishment shall not be mitigated, nor shall they be reprieved

Your God is one God. There is no god but Him. He is the Merciful, the Compassionate

Surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of night and day; in the ships that sail the ocean with cargoes beneficial to mankind; in the water which God sends down from the sky and with which He revives the earth after its death, dispersing over it all manner of beasts; in the disposal of the winds, and in the clouds that are driven between sky and earth: surely in these there are signs for rational people

And yet there are some who worship idols, bestowing on them the adoration due to God (though the love of God is stronger in the faithful). But when they face their punishment the wrongdoers will learn that might is God‘s alone, and God is stern in retribution

When they face their punishment those who were followed will disown their followers, and the bonds which now unite them will break asunder

Those who followed them will say: ‘Could we but live again, we would disown them as they have now disowned us.‘ Thus will God show them their own works. They shall sigh with remorse, but shall never emerge from the Fire

You people! Eat of what is lawful and wholesome on the earth and do not walk in Satan‘s footsteps, for he is your veritable foe

He enjoins on you evil and lewdness, and bids you assert about God what you know not

If they are told: ‘Follow what God has revealed,‘ they say: ‘We will follow what our fathers practised,‘ even though their fathers understood nothing and had no guidance

The unbelievers are like those that, call out to them as one may, can hear nothing but a shout and a cry. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they do not understand

Believers, eat of the wholesome things with which We have provided you and give thanks to God, if it is Him you worship

He has forbidden you carrion, blood, and the flesh of swine;¹ also any flesh that is consecrated other than in the name of God. But whoever is driven by necessity, intending neither to sin nor to transgress, shall incur no guilt. God is forgiving and compassionate

Those that suppress any part of the Book which God has revealed in order to gain some paltry end shall swallow nothing but fire into their bellies. On the Day of Resurrection God will neither speak to them nor purify them. Woeful punishment awaits them

Such are those that barter guidance for error and forgiveness for punishment. How steadfastly they seek the Fire

That is because God has revealed the Book with the Truth; those that disagree about it are in extreme schism

Righteousness does not consist in whether you turn your face to the East or to the West. The righteous are those who believes in God and the Last Day, in the angels and the Book and the prophets; who, though they love it dearly, gives their wealth to kin, to orphans, to the destitute, to the traveller in need and to beggars, and for the redemption of captives; who attend to their prayers and renders the alms levy; who are true to their promises and steadfast in trial and adversity and in times of war. Such are the true believers; such are the God-fearing

Believers, retaliation is decreed for you in bloodshed: a free man for a free man, a slave for a slave, and a female for a female. He who is pardoned by his aggrieved brother shall be prosecuted according to usage and shall pay him a liberal fine. This is a merciful dispensation from your Lord. Whoever transgresses thereafter, a woeful punishment awaits him

In retaliation you have a safeguard for your lives ― you that are of good sense possessed; perchance you will fear God

It is decreed that when death approaches, those of you that leave property shall bequeath it equitably to parents and kin. This is a duty incumbent on the God-fearing

He that alters a will after hearing it shall be accountable for his crime. God hears all and knows all

He that suspects an error or an injustice on the part of a testator and brings about a settlement among the parties incurs no guilt. God is forgiving and compassionate

Believers, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you; perchance you will fear God

Fast a certain number of days, but if any one among you is ill or on a journey, let him fast a similar number of days later; and for those that cannot¹ endure it there is a penance ordained: the feeding of a poor man. He that does good of his own accord shall be well rewarded; but to fast is better for you, if you but knew it

It was in the month of Ramaḑān that the Koran was revealed, a guide for mankind with proofs of guidance and Salvation.² Therefore whoever of you is present in that month let him fast. And he who is ill or on a journey shall fast a similar number of days later on. God desires your well-being, not your discomfort. He desires you to fast the whole month so that you may magnify God for His guidance and render thanks

If My servants question you about Me, tell them that I am near. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls to Me; therefore let them answer My call and put their trust in Me, that they may be rightly guided

It is now lawful for you to lie with your wives on the night of the fast; they are a comfort to you as you are a comfort to them. God knew that you were deceiving yourselves. He has relented towards you and pardoned you. Therefore you may now lie with them and seek what God has ordained for you. Eat and drink until you can tell a white thread from a black one in the light of the coming dawn. Then resume the fast till nightfall and do not approach them, when you should be preoccupied with your prayers in the mosques. These are the bounds set by God: do not approach them. Thus God makes known His revelations to mankind that they may guard themselves against evil

Do not devour one another‘s property by unjust means, nor bribe the judges with it in order that you may wrongfully and knowingly devour other people‘s possessions

They ask you about the phases of the moon. Say: ‘They are times set for the people and for the Pilgrimage.‘ Righteousness does not consist in entering your dwellings from the back.¹ The righteous are those that fear God. Enter dwellings by their doors and fear God, so that you may prosper

Fight in the cause of God those that fight you, but commit no aggression. God does not love the aggressors

Slay them wherever you find them. Drive them out of the places from which they drove you. Idolatry is more grievous than bloodshed. But do not fight them within the precincts of the Holy Mosque unless they attack you there; if they attack you slay them. Thus shall the unbelievers be requited

but if they desist, God is forgiving and compassionate

Fight them until idolatry is no more and God‘s religion reigns supreme. But if they desist, attack none except the wrongdoers

A sacred month for a sacred month: sacred things too are subject to retaliation. If anyone attacks you, attack him as he attacked you. Have fear of God, and know that God is with those that fear Him

Give generously for the cause of God and do not with your own hands cast yourselves into destruction. Be charitable; God loves the charitable

Make the pilgrimage and Visit for His sake. If you cannot, send such offerings as you can afford and do not shave your heads until the offerings have reached their destination. But if any of you is ill or suffers from an ailment of the head, he must do penance either by fasting or by almsgiving or by offering a sacrifice. If in peacetime anyone among you combines the Visit with the Pilgrimage, he must offer such gifts as he can afford; but if he lacks the means let him fast three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when he has returned; that is, ten days in all. That is incumbent on him whose family are not present at the Holy Mosque. Have fear of God, and know that God is stern in retribution

The Pilgrimage shall be made in the appointed months. He that intends to perform it in those months must abstain from sexual intercourse, obscene language, and acrimonious disputes while on pilgrimage. God is aware of whatever good you do. Provide well for yourselves: the best provision is fear of God. Fear Me, then, you that are of good sense possessed

It shall be no offence for you to seek the bounty of your Lord. When you come down from ‘Arafāt¹ remember God as you approach the Sacred Monument. Remember Him that gave you guidance when you were assuredly among the lost

Then go out from the place whence the pilgrims will go out and implore the forgiveness of God. God is forgiving and compassionate

And when you have fulfilled your sacred duties, remember God as you remember your forefathers or with deeper reverence. There are some who say: ‘Lord, give us a good life in this world.‘ These shall have no share in the world to come

And there are some who say: ‘Lord, give us what is good both in this world and in the world to come, and keep us from the torment of the Fire.‘

These shall have a share, according to what they did. Swift is God‘s reckoning

Give glory to God on appointed days. He that departs in haste after two days incurs no sin, nor does he who stays on longer, if he truly fears God. Have fear of God, then, and know that before Him you shall all be herded

Among people there may be one whose views on the life of this world please you: he even calls on God to vouch for that which is in his heart; whereas in fact he is the deadliest of adversaries

No sooner does he turn away than he hastens to perpetrate evil in the land, destroying crops and cattle; and God does not love evil

And if he is told: ‘Fear God,‘ vanity carries him off to sin. Sufficient is Hell for him, an evil resting-place

And among people there may be one who would give away his soul to find favour with God. God is compassionate to His creatures

Believers, submit all of you to God and do not follow in Satan‘s footsteps; he is to you a veritable foe

If you lapse after the conspicuous signs that have come to you, know that God is mighty and wise

Are they waiting for God to come down to them in the shadow of a cloud, with the angels? But judgement has been duly passed, and to God shall all return

Ask the Israelites how many conspicuous signs We gave them. He that tampers with the gift of God after it had been bestowed on him shall find that God is stern in retribution

For the unbelievers the life of this world is decked with all manner of temptations. They scoff at the faithful, but those that fear God shall be above them on the Day of resurrection. God gives to whom He will without reckoning

People were once but one community. Then God sent forth prophets to give them joyful tidings and to warn them, and with these He sent down the Book with the Truth, that it might serve as arbiter in people‘s disputes. None disputed it save those to whom it was given, and that was through envy of one another, after veritable signs had been vouchsafed them. So God guided by His will those who believed in the Truth which had been disputed. God guides whom He will to a straight path

Or did you suppose that you would enter Paradise untouched by the suffering endured by those before you? Affliction and adversity befell them; and so shaken were they that each apostle, and those who shared his faith, cried out: ‘When will God‘s help come?‘ Surely God‘s help is ever near

They will ask you about almsgiving. Say: ‘Whatever you give in charity shall go to parents and to kin, to the orphans and to the destitute, and to the traveller in need. God is fully aware of whatever good you do.‘

Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you dislike it. But you may hate a thing although it is good for you, and love a thing although it is bad for you. God knows, but you know not

They ask you about the sacred month and about fighting therein. Say: ‘To fight in this month is a grave offence; but to debar people from the path of God, to blaspheme against Him and against the Holy Mosque, and to expel its worshippers from it, is more grievous in God‘s sight. Idolatry¹ is more grievous than bloodshed.‘ They will not cease to fight you until they force you to renounce your religion ― if they are able. But whoever among you renounces his religion and dies an unbeliever, his works shall come to nothing in this world and in the world to come. Such shall be the tenants of the Fire, wherein shall they abide for ever

Those that have embraced the Faith, and those that have fled their land and fought for the cause of God, may hope for God‘s mercy. God is forgiving and compassionate

They ask you about drinking and gambling. Say: ‘There is great harm in both, although they have some benefits for the people; but their harm is far greater than their benefit.‘ They ask you what they should give in alms. Say: ‘What you can spare.‘ Thus God makes plain to you His revelations so that you may reflect

upon this world and the Hereafter. They question you concerning orphans. Say: ‘To deal justly with them is best. If you mix their affairs with yours: they are your brothers: God knows the unjust from the just. If God pleased, He could afflict you. God is mighty and wise

You shall not wed pagan women, unless they embrace the Faith. A believing slave-girl is better than an idolatress, although she may please you. Nor shall you wed idolaters, unless they embrace the Faith. A believing slave is better than an idolater, although he may please you. These call you to the Fire; but God calls you, by His will, to Paradise and to forgiveness. He makes plain His revelations to mankind, so that they may remember

They ask you about menstruation. Say: ‘It is an indisposition. Keep aloof from women during their menstrual periods and do not approach them until they are clean again; when they are clean, have intercourse with them whence God enjoined you. God loves those that turn to Him in penitence and strive to keep themselves clean.‘

Women are your fields: go, then, into your fields whence you please. Do good works and fear God. Know that you shall meet Him. Give joyful tidings to the believers

And do not make God, when you swear by Him, a means to prevent you from dealing justly, from fearing Him, and from making peace among people. God hears all and knows all

God will not call you to account for that which is inadvertent in your oaths. But He will take you to task for that which is intended in your hearts. God is forgiving and lenient

Those that renounce their wives on oath must wait four months. If they change their minds, God is forgiving and compassionate

but if they decide to divorce them, know that God hears all and knows all

Divorced women must wait, keeping themselves from men, three menstrual courses. It is unlawful for them, if they believe in God and the Last Day, to hide what God has created in their wombs: in which case their husbands would do more justly to take them back, should they desire reconciliation. Women shall with justice have rights similar to those exercised against them, although men have a status above them. God is mighty and wise

Divorce¹ may be pronounced twice, and then a woman shall be retained in honour or allowed to go with kindness. It is unlawful for you to take from them anything you gave them, unless both fear that they may not be able to keep within the bounds set by God; in which case it shall be no offence for either of them if the wife redeems herself. These are the bounds set by God; do not transgress them. Those that transgress the bounds of God are assuredly the wrongdoers

If a man divorces² his wife, he shall not remarry her until she has wedded another man and been divorced by him; in which case it shall be no offence for either of them to return to the other, if they think that they can keep within the bounds set by God. Such are the bounds of God. He makes them plain to those endowed with knowledge

When you have renounced your wives and they have reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them in honour or let them go with kindness. But you shall not retain them in order to harm them or to wrong them. Whoever does this wrongs his own soul. Do not trifle with God‘s revelations. Remember the favour God has bestowed upon you, and the Book and the wisdom He has revealed for your instruction. Fear God and know that God has knowledge of all things

When you have renounced your wives and they have reached the end of her waiting period, do not prevent them from remarrying their husbands if they have come to an honourable agreement. This is enjoined on every one of you who believes in God and the Last Day; this is more honourable for you and more chaste. God knows, and you know not

Mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years if the father wishes the sucking to be completed. They must be maintained and clothed in a reasonable manner by the child‘s father. None should be charged with more than one can bear. A mother shall not be allowed to suffer on account of her child, nor shall a father on account of his child. The same duties devolve upon the father‘s heir. But if, by mutual consent and consultation, they choose to wean the child, they shall incur no guilt. Nor shall it be any offence for you if you prefer to have a nurse for your children, provided that you pay her what you promise, according to usage. Fear God, and know that God is cognizant of what you do

Those of you who die and leave wives behind, their widows shall wait, keeping to themselves for four months and ten days. When they have reached the end of their waiting period, it shall be no offence for you to let them do whatever they choose for themselves, provided that it is decent. God is cognizant of what you do

It shall be no offence for you openly to propose marriage to such women or to cherish them in your hearts. God knows that you will remember them. But do not arrange to meet them in secret, and if you do, speak to them honourably, and you shall not consummate the marriage before the end of their waiting period. Know that God has knowledge of all that is in your minds. Therefore fear Him and know that God is forgiving and lenient

It shall be no offence for you to divorce your wives unless the marriage has been consummated and the dowry settled

And provide for them; the rich man according to his means and the poor according to his: a fair provision. This is incumbent on men of virtue. And if you divorce them before the marriage is consummated, but after their dowry has been settled, give them the half of their dowry, unless they or the husband agree to waive it. But it is more proper and decent that the husband should waive it. Do not forget to show kindness to each other. God is cognizant of what you do

Attend regularly to your prayers, including the middle prayer, and stand up with all devotion before God

When you are exposed to danger pray on foot or while riding; and when you are restored to safety remember God, as He has taught you what you did not know

Those of you who die leaving wives behind shall bequeath their widows a year‘s maintenance without causing them to leave their homes; but if they leave of their own accord, no blame shall be attached to you for any course they may deem reasonable to pursue. God is mighty and wise

Reasonable provision shall also be made for divorced women; this is incumbent on those who fear God

Thus God makes known to you His revelations that you may grow in understanding

Consider those that fled their homes in their thousands for fear of death. God had said to them: ‘You will die,‘ and then He brought them back to life. Surely God is bountiful to mankind, but most do not give thanks

Fight for the cause of God, and know that He assuredly hears all and knows all

Who will grant God a generous loan? He will repay him many times over. God gives abundantly and in scant measure. To Him shall you be recalled

Have you not heard of what the leaders of the Israelites demanded of a prophet of theirs after the death of Moses? ‘Raise up for us a king,‘ they said, ‘and we will fight for the cause of God.‘ He replied: ‘What if you refuse, when ordered so to fight?‘ ‘Why should we refuse to fight for the cause of God,‘ they said, ‘when we have been driven from our dwellings and our children?‘ But when they were ordered to fight, they all refused, except a few of them. God knows the wrongdoers

Their prophet said to them: ‘God has appointed Saul to be your king.‘ They replied: ‘Why should he be given the kingship, when we are more deserving of it than he? Besides, he has not been given abundant wealth.‘ He said: ‘God has chosen him to rule over you and made him grow in knowledge and in stature. God gives His sovereignty to whom He will. God is munificent and all-knowing.‘

Their prophet also said to them: ‘The portent of his reign shall be the advent of the Ark. Therein shall be a Divine Presence¹ from your Lord, and the relics which the House of Moses and the House of Aaron left behind. It will be borne by the angels. That will be a sign for you, if you are true believers.‘

And when Saul marched out with his warriors, he said: ‘God will put you to the test at a certain river. He that drinks from it shall be no soldier of mine, but he that does not drink from it, or scoops a little in the hollow of his hand, shall fight by my side.‘¹ They all drank from it, except a few of them. And when he had crossed the river with those who shared his faith, they said: ‘We have no power this day against Goliath and his warriors.‘ Those of them who believed that they would meet God said: ‘Many a small band has, by God‘s grace, vanquished a mighty army. God is with those who endure with fortitude.‘