English

[1] IN THE NAME OF GOD THE MERCIFUL THE COMPASSIONATE

[2] Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe

[3] The Merciful, the Compassionate

[4] Sovereign of the Day of Judgement

[5] You alone we worship, and to You alone we turn for help

[6] Guide us to the straight path

[7] The path of those whom You have favoured, Not of those who have incurred Your ire, Nor of those who have lost their way

[1] ALIF lām mīm

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

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

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

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

[6] As for the unbelievers, it is the same whether or not you forewarn them; they will not have faith

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

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

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

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

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

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

[13] 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

[14] 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.‘

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

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

[17] 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

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

[19] 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)

[20] 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

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

[22] 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

[23] 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

[24] 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

[25] 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

[26] 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

[27] 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

[28] 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

[29] 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

[30] 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.‘

[31] 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.‘

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

[33] 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?‘

[34] 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

[35] 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.‘

[36] 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.‘

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

[38] 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

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

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

[41] 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

[42] Do not confound truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth

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

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

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

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

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

[48] 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

[49] 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

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

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

[52] Yet after that We pardoned you, so that you might give thanks

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

[54] 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

[55] 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

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

[57] 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

[58] ‘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.‘

[59] 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

[60] 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

[61] 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

[62] 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

[63] 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.‘

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

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

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

[67] 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

[68] 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.‘

[69] 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

[70] ‘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.‘

[71] 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

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

[73] 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

[74] 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

[75] 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

[76] 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?‘

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

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

[79] 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

[80] 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?‘

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

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

[83] 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

[84] 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

[85] 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

[86] 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

[87] 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

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

[89] 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

[90] 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

[91] 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

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

[93] 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.‘

[94] 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!‘

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

[96] 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

[97] 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)

[98] 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.‘

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

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

[101] 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

[102] 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

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

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

[105] 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

[106] 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

[107] 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

[108] 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

[109] 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

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

[111] 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.‘

[112] 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

[113] 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

[114] 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

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

[116] 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

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

[118] 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

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

[120] 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

[121] 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

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

[123] 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

[124] 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.‘

[125] 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.‘

[126] 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.‘

[127] 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

[128] 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

[129] 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.‘

[130] 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

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

[132] 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.‘

[133] 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.‘

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

[135] 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.‘

[136] 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.‘

[137] 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

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

[139] 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

[140] 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.‘

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

[142] 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.‘

[143] 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

[144] 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

[145] 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

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

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

[148] 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

[149] 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

[150] 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

[151] 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

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

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

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

[155] 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

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

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

[158] 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

[159] 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

[160] 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

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

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

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

[164] 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

[165] 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

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

[167] 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

[168] 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

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

[170] 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

[171] 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

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

[173] 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

[174] 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

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

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

[177] 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

[178] 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

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

[180] 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

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

[182] 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

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

[184] 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

[185] 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

[186] 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

[187] 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

[188] 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

[189] 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

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

[191] 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

[192] but if they desist, God is forgiving and compassionate

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

[194] 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

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

[196] 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

[197] 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

[198] 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

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

[200] 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

[201] 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.‘

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

[203] 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

[204] 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

[205] 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

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

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

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

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

[210] 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

[211] 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

[212] 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

[213] 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

[214] 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

[215] 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.‘

[216] 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

[217] 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

[218] 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

[219] 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

[220] 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

[221] 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

[222] 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.‘

[223] 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

[224] 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

[225] 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

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

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

[228] 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

[229] 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

[230] 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

[231] 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

[232] 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

[233] 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

[234] 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

[235] 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

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

[237] 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

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

[239] 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

[240] 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

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

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

[243] 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

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

[245] 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

[246] 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

[247] 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.‘

[248] 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.‘

[249] 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.‘

[250] And when they confronted Goliath and his warriors they said: ‘Lord, fill our hearts with steadfastness; make us firm of foot and help us against the unbelievers.‘

[251] By God‘s will they routed them. David slew Goliath,² and God bestowed on him sovereignty and wisdom and taught him what He pleased. Had God not defeated some by the might of others, the earth would have been utterly corrupted. But God is bountiful to mankind

[252] Such are God‘s revelations. We recite them to you in all truth; and one of Our emissaries you surely are

[253] Of these emissaries We have exalted some above others. To some God spoke; others He raised to a lofty status. We gave Jesus son of Mary conspicuous signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Had God pleased, those who succeeded them would not have fought each other after the conspicuous signs had been given them. But they disagreed among themselves; some had faith and others had none. And had God pleased they would not have fought each other; but God does what He will

[254] Believers, bestow in alms a part of what We have given you before that day arrives when no commerce or friendship or intercession shall avail. It is the unbelievers who are the wrongdoers

[255] God: there is no god but Him, the Living, the Eternal One.³ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. His is what the heavens and the earth contain. Who can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and behind them. They can grasp only that part of His knowledge which He wills. His throne is as vast as the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not weary Him. He is the Exalted, the Immense One

[256] There shall be no compulsion in religion. True guidance is now distinct from error. He that renounces idol-worship and puts his faith in God shall grasp a firm handle that will never break. God hears all and knows all

[257] God is the Patron of the faithful; He leads them from darkness to the light. As for the unbelievers, their patrons are false gods, who lead them from light to darkness. They are the inmates of the Fire, wherein shall they abide for ever

[258] Have you not thought of him who argued with Abraham about his Lord because He had bestowed sovereignty upon him? Abraham said: ‘My Lord is He who has the power over life and death.‘ ‘I, too,‘ replied the other, ‘have the power over life and death.‘ ‘God brings up the sun from the east,‘ said Abraham. ‘Bring it up yourself from the west.‘ The unbeliever was confounded. God does not guide the wrongdoers

[259] Or of him, who, when passing by a ruined and desolate city, remarked: ‘How can God give life to this city, now that it is dead?‘ Thereupon God caused him to die, and after a hundred years brought him back to life. ‘How long have you been here?‘ God asked. ‘A day,‘ he replied, ‘or part of a day.‘ God said: ‘You have been here a hundred years. Yet look at your food and drink: they have not rotted. And look at your ass. We will make of you a sign for the people: and look at the bones, how We will revive them and clothe them with flesh.‘ And when it had all become manifest to him, he said: ‘Now I know that God has power over all things.‘

[260] And when Abraham said: ‘Show me, Lord, how You will raise the dead,‘ He replied: ‘Have you no faith?‘ ‘Yes,‘ said he, ‘but just to reassure my heart.‘ He said: ‘Take four birds, and cut them to pieces. Scatter them over the mountain-tops, then call them back. They will come swiftly to you. Know that God is mighty and wise.‘

[261] Those that give their wealth for the cause of God can be compared to a grain of corn which brings forth seven ears, each bearing a hundred grains. God gives more and more to whom He will; God is munificent and all-knowing

[262] Those that give their wealth for the cause of God and do not follow their almsgiving with taunts and insults shall be rewarded by their Lord; they shall have nothing to fear or to regret

[263] A kind word with forgiveness is better than charity followed by insult. God is self-sufficient and gracious

[264] Believers, do not nullify your almsgiving with taunts and mischief-making, like him who spends his wealth only to be seen by people, and believes neither in God nor in the Last Day. He can be compared to a rock covered with earth: a shower falls upon it and leaves it hard and bare. They shall gain nothing from their works; and God does not guide the unbelievers

[265] But those that give away their wealth from a desire to please God and to reassure their own souls can be compared to an orchard on a hill-side: if a shower falls upon it, it yields up twice its normal produce; and if no shower falls upon it, it‘s watered by the dew. God is cognizant of what you do

[266] Would any one of you, being well-advanced in age with helpless children to support, wish to have an orchard planted with palm-trees, vines and all manner of fruits, and watered by running brooks ― only to be blasted and consumed by a fiery whirlwind? Thus God makes plain to you His revelations, so that you may give thought

[267] You believers! Give in alms from the wealth you have lawfully earned and from that which We have brought out of the earth for you; not worthless things which you yourselves would but reluctantly accept. Know that God is self-sufficient and worthy of praise

[268] Satan threatens you with poverty and enjoins lewdness on you. But God promises you His forgiveness and His bounty: God is munificent and all-knowing

[269] He gives wisdom to whom He will; and he that receives the gift of wisdom is rich indeed. Yet none remembers but those that are of good sense possessed

[270] And whatever alms you give and whatever vows you make are known to God. The wrongdoers shall have none to help them

[271] To be charitable in public is good, but to give alms to the poor in private is better for you and will atone for some of your sins. God has knowledge of all your actions

[272] It is not for you to guide them. God gives guidance to whom He will. Whatever alms you give shall rebound to your own advantage, provided that you give them only for the love of God. And whatever alms you give shall be repaid to you in full: you shall not be wronged

[273] As for the poor who are preoccupied with fighting in the cause of God, and cannot travel the land in quest of a livelihood: the ignorant take them for men of wealth on account of their modest behaviour. But you recognize them by their look ― they never importune people for alms. Whatever alms you give are known to God

[274] Those that give alms by night and by day, in private and in public, shall be rewarded by their Lord and have nothing to fear or to regret

[275] Those that devour usury shall rise up before God like him that Satan has demented by his touch; for they claim that trading is no different from usury. But God has permitted trading and made usury unlawful. He that has received an admonition from his Lord and mended his ways may keep his previous gains; God will be his judge. Those that turn back shall be the inmates of the Fire, wherein they shall abide for ever

[276] God has laid His curse on usury and blessed almsgiving with increase. God bears no love for the impious and the sinful

[277] Those that believe and do good works, attend to their prayers and render the alms levy, shall be rewarded by their Lord and have nothing to fear nor to regret

[278] Believers, fear God and waive what is still due to you from usury, if your faith be true

[279] or war shall be declared against you by God and His apostle. If you repent, you may retain your principal, suffering no loss and causing loss to none

[280] If your debtor be in straits, grant him a delay until he can discharge his debt; but if you waive the sum as alms it will be better for you, if you but knew it

[281] Fear the day when you shall all return to God; and then every soul shall be paid back for what it did. None shall be wronged

[282] Believers, when you contract a debt for a fixed period, put it in writing. Let a scribe write it down for you with fairness; no scribe should refuse to write as God has taught him. Therefore let him write; and let the debtor dictate, fearing God his Lord and not diminishing the sum he owes. If the debtor be an ignorant or feeble-minded person, or one who cannot dictate, let his guardian dictate for him in fairness. Call in two male witnesses from among you, but if two men cannot be found, then one man and two women whom you judge fit to act as witnesses; so that if either of them make an error, the other will remind her. Witnesses shall not refuse if called upon to give evidence. So do not fail to put your debts in writing, be they small or large, together with the date of payment. This is more just in the sight of God; it ensures accuracy in testifying and is the best way to remove all doubt. But if the transaction be a bargain concluded on the spot, it is no offence for you if you do not put it into writing. See that witnesses are present when you barter with one another, and let no harm be done to either scribe or witness. If you harm them you will commit a transgression. Have fear of God; God teaches you, and God has knowledge of all things

[283] If you are travelling the road and cannot find a scribe, then let pledges be given. If one of you entrusts another with a pledge, let the trustee restore the pledge to its owner; and let him fear God, his Lord. You shall not withhold testimony; sinful is the heart of him who withholds it. God has knowledge of what you do

[284] To God belongs all that the heavens and the earth contain. Whether you reveal your thoughts or hide them, God will bring you to account for them. He will forgive whom He will and punish whom He pleases; God has power over all things

[285] The Apostle believes in what has been revealed to him by his Lord, and so do the faithful. They all believe in God and His angels, His Scriptures, and His apostles: We discriminate against none of His apostles. They say: ‘We hear and obey. Grant us Your forgiveness, Lord; to You shall all return

[286] God does not charge a soul with more than it can bear. It shall be requited for whatever good and whatever evil it has done. Lord, do not reproach us if we forget or lapse into error. Lord, do not lay on us a burden such as You laid on those before us. Lord, do not charge us with more than we can bear. Pardon us, forgive us our sins, and have mercy upon us. You alone are our Protector. Give us victory over the unbelievers.‘

[1] ALIF lām mīm

[2] God! There is no god but Him, the Living, the Ever-existent One

[3] He has revealed to you the Book with the Truth, confirming that which preceded it; for He had already revealed the Torah and the Gospel

[4] for the guidance of mankind, and revealed Salvation.¹ Those that deny God‘s revelations shall be sternly punished; God is mighty and capable of revenge

[5] Nothing on earth or in heaven is hidden from God

[6] It is He who shapes your bodies in your mothers‘ wombs as He pleases. There is no god but Him, the Mighty, the Wise One

[7] It is He who has revealed to you the Book. Some of its verses are precise in meaning ― they are the foundation of the Book ― and others ambiguous. Those whose hearts are infected with disbelief observe the ambiguous part, so as to create dissension by seeking to explain it. But no one knows its meaning except God. Those who are well-grounded in knowledge say: ‘We believe in it: it is all from our Lord. Yet none remembers but those that are of good sense possessed

[8] Lord, do not cause our hearts to go astray after You have guided us. Grant us mercy through Your own grace; You are the munificent Giver

[9] Lord, You will surely gather up all mankind upon a day of which there is no doubt. God will not fail the time appointed.‘

[10] As for the unbelievers, neither their riches nor their children will in the least save them from God‘s judgement. They will surely be the fuel of the Fire

[11] Like Pharaoh‘s people and those before them, they denied Our revelations, and God smote them in their sin: God is stern in retribution

[12] Say to the unbelievers: ‘You shall be overthrown and driven into Hell ― an evil resting-place!‘

[13] Indeed, there was a sign for you in the two armies which met on the battlefield.¹ One was fighting for the cause of God, the other being a host of unbelievers. The faithful saw with their very eyes that they were twice their own number. But God strengthens with His aid whom He will. Surely in that there was a lesson for the discerning

[14] Men are tempted by the lure of women and offspring, of hoarded treasures of gold and silver, of splendid horses, cattle, and plantations. These are the enjoyments of this life, but far better is the return to God

[15] Say: ‘Shall I tell you of better things than these, with which the God-fearing shall be rewarded by their Lord? Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide for ever: spouses of perfect chastity and grace from God.‘ God is ever observant of His servants

[16] those who say: ‘Lord, we do believe: forgive us our sins and keep us from the torment of the Fire‘

[17] who are steadfast, sincere, obedient, and charitable; and who implore forgiveness at break of day

[18] God bears witness that there is no god but Him, and so do the angels and the sages; the Executor of Justice, the Only God; the Almighty, the Wise One

[19] The only religion in God‘s sight is Islam. Those to whom the Book was given dissented, through insolence, only after knowledge had been vouchsafed them. He that denies God‘s revelations should know that swift is God‘s reckoning

[20] If they argue with you, say: ‘I have submitted my face to God and so have those that follow me.‘ And to those who were given the Book and to the Gentiles say: ‘Will you submit to God?‘ If they embrace Islam, they shall be rightly guided; if they pay no heed, then your only duty is to warn them. God is ever observant of His creatures

[21] Those that deny God‘s revelations, and slay the prophets unjustly, and kill those among the people who preach fair dealing ― warn them of a woeful scourge

[22] Their works shall come to nothing in this world and in the world to come, and there shall be none to help them

[23] Do but consider those who have received a portion of the Book: when they are called on to accept the judgement of God‘s Book, some turn their backs and pay no heed

[24] For they declare: ‘We shall endure the Fire for a few days only.‘ In their religion they are deceived by their own lies

[25] What will they do when We gather them all together upon a day of which there is no doubt, when every soul will be given what it has earned, with none treated unjustly

[26] Say: ‘Lord, Sovereign of all sovereignty, You bestow sovereignty on whom You will and take sovereignty away from whom You please; You exalt whomever You will and abase whomever You please. In Your hand all goodness lies; You have power over all things

[27] You cause the night to pass into the day, and the day to pass into the night; You bring forth the living from the dead and You bring forth the dead from the living. You give without reckoning to whom You will.‘

[28] Let not believers take infidels as their friends in preference to the faithful ― he that does this has nothing to hope for from God ― except in self-defence. God admonishes you to fear Him: for to God shall all return

[29] Say: ‘Whether you hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, it is known to God. He knows all that the heavens and the earth contain; God has power over all things.‘

[30] The day will surely come when each soul will be confronted with whatever good it did. As for its evil deeds, it will wish them far away. God admonishes you to fear Him. God is kindly to His servants

[31] Say: ‘If you love God, follow me. God will love you and forgive you your sins. God is forgiving and compassionate.‘

[32] Say: ‘Obey God and the Apostle.‘ If they pay no heed, then, surely, God does not love the unbelievers

[33] God exalted Adam and Noah, Abraham‘s descendants and the descendants of Imran¹ above the nations

[34] They were the offspring of one another. God hears all and knows all

[35] Remember the words of Imrān‘s² wife. ‘Lord,‘ she said, ‘I dedicate to You that which is in my womb. Accept it from me. You alone hear all and know all.‘

[36] And when she was delivered of the child, she said: ‘Lord, I have given birth to a daughter‘ ― God knew better of what she was delivered: the male is not like the female ― ‘and have called her Mary. I beseech you to protect her and all her descendants from Satan, the Accursed One.‘

[37] Her Lord graciously accepted her. He made her grow a goodly child and entrusted her to the care of Zacharias. Whenever Zacharias visited her in the Shrine he found she had food with her. ‘Mary,‘ he said, ‘where is this food from?‘ ‘It is from God,‘ she answered. ‘God gives without reckoning to whom He will.‘

[38] Thereupon Zacharias prayed to his Lord, saying: ‘Lord, grant me of Your own grace upright descendants. You hear all prayers.‘

[39] And as he stood praying in the Shrine, the angels called out to him, saying: ‘God bids you rejoice in the birth of John, who shall confirm the Word of God. He shall be princely and chaste, a prophet and a righteous man.‘

[40] Lord,‘ he said, ‘how shall I have a son when I am now overtaken by old age and my wife is barren?‘ ‘Such is the will of God,‘ He said. ‘He does what He pleases.‘

[41] Lord,‘ said he, ‘vouchsafe me a sign.‘ ‘Your sign is that for three days and three nights,‘ He replied, ‘you shall not speak to people except by symbols. Remember your Lord always; give glory to Him evening and morning.‘

[42] And remember the angels‘ words to Mary. They said:¹ ‘God has chosen you. He has made you pure and exalted you above womankind

[43] Mary, be obedient to your Lord; bow down and worship with the worshippers.‘

[44] This is an account of a divine secret. We reveal it to you.² You were not present when they cast lots to see which of them should have charge of Mary; nor were you present when they argued about her

[45] The angels said: ‘Mary, God bids you rejoice in a Word from Him. His name is the Christ, Jesus son of Mary; noble in this world and in the world to come, and one of the favoured

[46] He shall preach to people in his cradle and in the prime of manhood, and shall lead a righteous life.‘

[47] Lord,‘ she said, ‘how can I bear a child when no man has touched me?‘ He said: ‘Even thus: God creates whom He will. If He decrees a thing He need only say: "Be," and it is

[48] He will instruct him in the Scriptures and in wisdom, in the Torah and in the Gospel

[49] and send him forth an apostle to the Israelites. He will say: "I bring you a sign from your Lord. From clay I will create for you the likeness of a bird. I shall breathe into it and, by God‘s leave, it shall become a living bird. By God‘s leave I shall heal the blind man and the leper, and raise the dead to life. I shall tell you what to eat and what to store up in your houses. Surely that will be a sign for you, if you are true believers

[50] I come to confirm the Torah which preceded me and to make lawful for you some of the things you are forbidden. I bring you a sign from your Lord: therefore fear God and obey me

[51] Surely God is my Lord and your Lord: therefore worship Him. That is a straight path."‘

[52] And when Jesus observed that they had no faith, he said: ‘Who will help me in the cause of God?‘ The disciples replied: ‘We are God‘s helpers. We believe in God, and bear witness that we are Muslims

[53] Lord, we believe in Your revelations and follow the apostle. Count us among Your witnesses.‘

[54] They contrived, and God contrived; God is the supreme Contriver

[55] God said: ‘Jesus, I am about to claim you back and lift you up to Me. I shall cleanse you of the unbelievers and exalt your followers above them till the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me you shall all return and I shall judge your dissensions

[56] To the unbelievers I shall mete out grievous punishment in this world and in the world to come: there shall be none to help them

[57] As for those that have faith and do good works, He will give them their reward in full. God does not love the wrongdoers.‘

[58] This revelation, and the wise Admonition, We recite to you

[59] Jesus can be compared to Adam in the sight of God. He created him from dust and then said to him: ‘Be,‘ and he was

[60] This is the Truth from your Lord: therefore do not doubt it

[61] To those that dispute with you concerning him after the knowledge you have received, say: ‘Come, let us gather our sons and your sons, our wives and your wives, our people and your people. We will then fervently pray and call down the curse of God on the liars.‘

[62] Surely this is the true story. There is no deity but God. And surely it is God who is the Almighty, the Wise One

[63] If they pay no heed, God surely knows the evil-doers

[64] Say: ‘People of the Book, let us come to a fair agreement between us: that we will worship none but God, that we will associate none with Him, and that none of us shall set up mortals as deities besides God.‘ If they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness, then, that we are Muslims.‘

[65] People of the Book, why do you argue about Abraham when both the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have you no sense

[66] Indeed, you have argued about things of which you have some knowledge; must you now argue about that of which you have no knowledge? God knows, but you know not

[67] Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian. He was a devout Muslim. And he was no idolater

[68] Surely those who are nearest to Abraham are those who followed him, this Prophet, and the true believers. God is the guardian of the faithful

[69] Some of the People of the Book wish to mislead you; but they mislead none but themselves, unaware though they are

[70] People of the Book! Why do you deny God‘s revelations when you can clearly see

[71] People of the Book! Why do you confound Truth with the falsehood, and knowingly hide the Truth

[72] Some of the People of the Book say: ‘Believe in that which is revealed to the faithful in the morning and deny it at the end of the day, so that they may recant

[73] Believe in none except those that follow your own religion.‘ (Say: ‘The only guidance is God‘s guidance!‘) ‘Do not believe that anyone will be given the like of that which you were given, or that they will ever dispute with you in your Lord‘s presence.‘ Say: ‘Grace is in the hands of God: He bestows it on whom He will. And God is munificent and all-knowing

[74] He is merciful only to whom He will. God is He whose grace is infinite.‘

[75] Among the People of the Book there are some who, if you trust them with a heap of gold, will return it to you intact; and some who, if you trust them with one dinar, will not hand it back unless you demand it with importunity. For they say: ‘We are not bound to keep faith with Gentiles.‘ And they knowingly utter falsehood against God

[76] Indeed, those that are true to their covenant and fear God know that God loves those that fear Him

[77] Those that sell God‘s covenant and their own oaths for a paltry price shall have no share in the world to come. God will neither speak to them nor look at them on the Day of Resurrection; nor will He purify them: woeful punishment awaits them

[78] And there are some among them who twist their tongues when quoting the Scriptures, so that you may think it from the Scriptures, whereas it is not from the Scriptures. They say: ‘This is from God,‘ whereas it is not from God. And they knowingly utter falsehood against God

[79] No mortal to whom God has given the Book and wisdom and prophethood would say to people: ‘Worship me instead of God.‘ But rather: ‘Be devoted masters, for you have taught and studied the Book.‘

[80] Nor would he enjoin you to adopt the angels and the prophets as deities; for would he enjoin you to be unbelievers after you have become Muslims

[81] And when God made His covenant with the prophets: ‘Here is the Book and the wisdom which I have given you. An apostle will then come forth to confirm them. You shall believe in him and you shall help him.‘ And He said: ‘Will you affirm this and accept the burden I have laid on you in these terms?‘ They replied: ‘We do affirm.‘ ‘Then bear witness,‘ He said, ‘and I will bear witness with you

[82] He that hereafter turns away is a transgressor.‘

[83] Are they seeking a religion other than God‘s, when every soul in the heavens and the earth has submitted as a Muslim, willingly or with reluctance? To Him shall they be recalled

[84] Say: ‘We believe in God and what is revealed to us; in that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael, to Isaac and Jacob and the tribes; and in that which was given to Moses and Jesus and the prophets by their Lord. We discriminate against none of them. To Him we submit as Muslims.‘

[85] He that follows a religion other than Islam, it will not save him¹ and in the world to come he will surely be among the lost

[86] How will God guide people who lapsed into unbelief after embracing the Faith and acknowledging the Apostle as true, and after receiving veritable proofs? God does not guide the wrongdoers

[87] Their reward will be the curse of God, the angels, and mankind all

[88] under it shall they abide for ever. Their punishment shall not be mitigated, nor shall they be reprieved

[89] except those who afterwards repent and mend their ways, for surely God is forgiving and compassionate

[90] But those that recant after they had believed and grow in unbelief, their repentance shall not be accepted; these are the truly erring ones

[91] As for those that recant and die unbelievers, no ransom shall be accepted from any of them: be it as much gold as would fill the earth entire. Woeful punishment awaits them, and none shall help them

[92] You shall never attain righteousness until you give in alms what you dearly cherish. Whatever you give, it shall be known to God

[93] All food was lawful to the Israelites except what Israel forbade himself before the Torah was revealed. Say: ‘Bring the Torah and read it, if what you say be true.‘

[94] Those that after this invent falsehoods about God are the real transgressors

[95] Say: ‘God has declared the Truth. Follow the faith of Abraham. He was an upright man, never an idolater.‘

[96] The first temple ever to be built for mankind was that at Bakkah,¹ a blessed site, a beacon for the nations

[97] Therein are veritable signs and the spot where Abraham stood. Whoever enters it is safe. Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to God for all who can make the journey. As for the unbelievers, God can surely do without them all

[98] Say: ‘People of the Book, why do you deny God‘s revelations? God is witness of what you do.‘

[99] Say: ‘People of the Book, why do you debar believers from the path of God and seek to make it crooked when you have witnessed all? God is never heedless of what you do.‘

[100] Believers, if you obey a group from among those who were given the Book, they will turn you back after your faith into unbelievers

[101] And how can you disbelieve when God‘s revelations are recited to you and His own apostle is in your midst? He that holds fast to God shall surely be guided to a straight path

[102] Believers, fear God as you rightly should, and die only as Muslims

[103] Cling one and all to the Faith¹ of God and never be divided. Remember the favour God has bestowed upon you: how, after your enmity, He united your hearts, so that you are now brothers through His grace; and how, when you were on the brink of an abyss of fire, He delivered you from it. God thus makes plain to you His revelations, that you may be rightly guided

[104] And of you let there become a community that shall call for righteousness, enjoin justice, and forbid the reprehensible. Such are those that will surely thrive

[105] Do not follow the example of those who became divided and opposed to each other after veritable proofs had been given them. Grievous punishment awaits them

[106] on the day when some faces will be bright with joy and others blackened. The black-faced will be asked: ‘Did you recant after embracing the true Faith? Taste then the scourge, for you were unbelievers!‘

[107] As for those whose faces will be bright, in God‘s mercy shall they abide for ever

[108] Such are God‘s revelations; We recite them to you in Truth. God desires no injustice to mankind

[109] His is all that the heavens and the earth contain. To God shall all things return

[110] You are the noblest community ever raised up for people. You enjoin justice and forbid the reprehensible and believe in God. Had the People of the Book accepted the Faith, it would surely have been better for them. Some are true believers, but most of them are ungodly

[111] If they harm you, they can cause you but little hurt; and if they fight you they will turn their backs and run away. Then there shall be none to help them

[112] Servility shall be stamped upon them wherever they are found, unless they make a covenant with God and a covenant with man. They have provoked God‘s ire, and wretchedness is stamped upon them: because they disbelieved God‘s revelations and slew the prophets unjustly; and because they were rebels and transgressors

[113] Yet they are not all alike. There are among the People of the Book an upright community who all night long recite God‘s revelations and bow down in worship

[114] who believe in God and the Last Day; who enjoin justice and forbid the reprehensible, and strive to do good works. These are among the righteous

[115] whatever good they do, its reward shall not be denied them. God well knows those that fear Him

[116] As for the unbelievers, neither their riches nor their children shall in the least protect them from scourge of God. They are the inmates of the Fire, wherein shall they abide for ever

[117] The wealth they spend in this world can be compared to a freezing wind that smites the tillage of people who have wronged themselves, laying it waste. God is not unjust to them. They are unjust to their own souls

[118] Believers, do not make friends with any but your own people. They will spare no pains to corrupt you; they desire nothing but your ruin; their hatred is evident from what they utter with their mouths, but greater is the hatred which their bosoms conceal. We have made plain to you Our revelations; perchance you will understand

[119] Behold how you love them and they do not love you; because you believe in the Book entire. When they meet you they say: ‘We believe.‘ But when alone, they bite their finger-tips with rage. Say: ‘May you perish in your rage! God has knowledge of your innermost thoughts.‘

[120] If you are blessed with something good it grieves them: but if something bad befalls you they rejoice. If you persevere and fear God, their machinations will not a whit harm you. God has full knowledge of what they do

[121] Remember when you¹ left your people at an early hour to lead the faithful to their battle-posts.¹ And God heard all and knew all

[122] Two of your battalions became faint-hearted, but God was their protector. In God let the faithful put their trust

[123] God had already given you victory at Badr when you were helpless. Therefore fear God. Perchance you will give thanks

[124] You said to the believers: ‘Is it not enough that your Lord should send down three thousand angels to help you?‘

[125] Yes! If you have patience and fear God; and if they suddenly attack you, your Lord will send to your aid five thousand angels splendidly accoutred

[126] God designed this to be but good news for you, so that your hearts might be comforted (victory comes only from God, the Almighty, the Wise One)

[127] and that He might cut off the flank of the unbelievers or put them to flight, that they might withdraw defeated

[128] It is no concern of yours whether He will forgive or punish them. Wrongdoers they surely are

[129] His is all that the heavens and the earth contain. He pardons whom He will and punishes whom He pleases. God is forgiving and compassionate

[130] Believers, do not live on usury, doubling your wealth many times over. Have fear of God, that you may prosper

[131] Guard yourselves against the Fire, prepared for unbelievers

[132] Obey God and the Apostle that you may find mercy

[133] Vie with each other to earn the forgiveness of your Lord and a Paradise as vast as heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous

[134] those who give, alike in prosperity and in adversity; who curb their anger and pardon their fellow men (God loves the charitable)

[135] who, if they commit a lewd act or wrong their souls, remember God and seek forgiveness for their sins (for who but God can forgive sins?) and do not knowingly persist in their misdeeds

[136] These shall be rewarded with forgiveness from their Lord and with Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide for ever. And blessed is the reward of those who do good works

[137] Numerous were the cults that came and went before you. Roam the earth and behold what was the fate of those who disbelieved

[138] This is a declaration to the people: a guide and an admonition to the righteous

[139] Do not waver and do not despair. Have faith and you shall triumph

[140] If once a defeat hit you, the foe was hit by a like defeat. These vicissitudes We alternate among people, that God may know the true believers and choose martyrs from among you: God does not love the wrongdoers

[141] and that God may test the faithful and annihilate the infidels

[142] Did you suppose that you would enter Paradise before God knew which of you fought and which of you endured with fortitude

[143] You used to wish for death before you met it, and now you behold what it is like

[144] Muhammad is but an apostle: other apostles have passed away before him. If he should die or be slain, will you recant? He that recants will in no way harm God. And God will recompense the thankful

[145] And it is not for a soul to die except with God‘s will: upon a time decreed. He that desires the reward of this world shall have it; and he that desires the reward of the life to come shall have it also. We will recompense the thankful

[146] Many a large army fought by the side of its prophet. They were never daunted by whatever befell them on the path of God: they neither weakened nor cringed abjectly. God loves the steadfast

[147] Their only words were: ‘Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses; make us firm of foot and give us victory over the unbelievers.‘

[148] Therefore God gave them the reward of this life, and the glorious recompense of the life to come; God loves the righteous

[149] You believers! If you yield to the infidels they will drag you back to unbelief and you will return headlong to perdition

[150] But God is your protector, and he is the best of helpers

[151] We will caste terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, because they serve other deities besides God for whom He has revealed no sanction. The Fire shall be their dwelling; and evil is the wrongdoers‘ dwelling

[152] Surely God fulfilled His pledge to you when, by His leave, you defeated them. But afterwards your courage failed you; discord reigned among you and you disobeyed the Apostle after he had brought you within sight of what you wished for. Some among you wanted this world; and some wanted the world to come. He allowed you to be defeated in order to test you. But now He has pardoned you, for God is gracious to the faithful

[153] Remember how you fled in panic while the Apostle at your rear was calling out to you. Therefore He paid you back with tribulation for every vexation, that you might not grieve for what you missed or what befell you. God is cognizant of what you did

[154] Then, after tribulation, He let peace fall upon you ― a sleep which overtook some among you, while others lay troubled by their own fancies, thinking unjust and foolish thoughts about God. ‘Have we any say in the matter?‘ they ask. Say: ‘All is in the hands of God.‘ They conceal in their minds what they do not reveal to you. They complain: ‘Had we had any say in the matter, we should not have been slain here.‘ Say: ‘Had you stayed in your homes, those of you who were destined to be slain would have died in their beds; for it was God‘s will to test what was in your bosoms and to scrutinize what was in your hearts. God has full knowledge of one‘s innermost thoughts.‘

[155] Those of you who ran away on the day the two armies met¹ must have been seduced by Satan on account of some evil they had done. But now God has pardoned them; God is forgiving and lenient

[156] Believers, do not follow the example of the infidels, who say of their brothers when they meet death abroad or in battle: ‘Had they stayed with us they would not have died, nor would they have been killed.‘ God will turn that into a sigh in their hearts. God has power over life and death, and God is ever observant of what you do

[157] If you should be slain in the cause of God or die, God‘s forgiveness and His mercy would surely be better than the riches they amass

[158] And if you should die or be slain, before God shall you all be herded

[159] It was thanks to God‘s mercy that you¹ dealt so leniently with them. Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have surely deserted you. Pardon them and implore God to forgive them. Take counsel with them in the conduct of affairs; and when you are resolved, put your trust in God. God loves those that are trustful

[160] And if God helps you, none can overcome you, if He abandons you, who then can help you after Him? Therefore in God let the faithful put their trust

[161] No prophet would steal; for anyone that steals shall on the Day of Resurrection bring with him that which he has stolen. Then shall every soul be paid what it has earned: none shall be wronged

[162] Can the man who seeks to please God be compared to him who has incurred God‘s anger? Hell shall be his home, evil his fate

[163] Varied are the rewards of God. God is cognizant of all their actions

[164] God has surely been gracious to the faithful in sending them an apostle of their own to recite to them His revelations, to purify them, and to instruct them in the Book and in wisdom; for before that they surely were in monstrous error

[165] When a disaster befell you after you had yourselves inflicted losses twice as heavy, you said: ‘Whose fault was that?‘ Say: ‘It was your own doing. God has power over all things

[166] And the misfortune which befell you when the two armies met was ordained by God, so that He might know the true believers

[167] and know the hypocrites.‘ And when they were told: ‘Come, fight for the cause of God and defend yourselves,‘ they said: ‘If we only knew how to fight, we would surely follow you. On that day they were nearer unbelief than faith. Their words belied their intentions: but God knew their secret thoughts

[168] Such were the men who, as they sat at home, said of their brothers: ‘Had they listened to us, they would not have been slain.‘ Say: ‘Ward off death from yourselves, then, if what you say be true!‘

[169] Never think that those who were slain in the cause of God are dead. They are alive, and well provided for by their Lord

[170] pleased with what God of His own bounty has given them; and rejoicing that those they left behind, who have not yet joined them, shall have nothing to fear or to regret

[171] rejoicing in God‘s grace and bounty. God will not deny the faithful their reward

[172] As for the men who after their defeat answered the call of God and the Apostle, those of them that do what is right and fear God shall be richly recompensed

[173] They are those who, when people said to them: ‘The people have mustered a great force against you: fear them,‘ grew more tenacious in their faith and said: ‘Sufficient for us is God, the best of guardians.‘

[174] Thus did they earn God‘s grace and bounty, and no harm befell them. For they had striven to please God, and God‘s bounty is infinite

[175] It is Satan that causes his followers to be feared. But have no fear of them, and fear Me, if you are true believers

[176] Do not grieve for those that rush back headlong to disbelief; in no way will they harm God. God intends to give them no share in the Hereafter. And grievous punishment awaits them

[177] Those that barter their faith for unbelief will in no way harm God. Woeful punishment awaits them

[178] Let not the unbelievers think that We prolong their days for their own good; We give them respite only so that they may commit more grievous sins. Shameful punishment awaits them

[179] It was not God‘s aim to leave the faithful in their present plight, but only to tell the evil from the good. Nor was God to reveal to you what is hidden. But God chooses those of His apostles whom He will. Therefore have faith in God and His apostles, for if you have faith and fear God, your recompense shall be rich indeed

[180] Let not those who stingily hoard the wealth which God has given them out of His bounty think it good for them: rather it is an evil thing for them. They shall be shackled round with what they hoarded on the Day of Resurrection. It is God who will inherit the heavens and the earth, and God is cognizant of what you do

[181] God has surely heard the words of those who said: ‘God is poor, but we are rich.‘ Their words We will record, and their slaying of the prophets unjustly. We shall say: ‘Taste now the torment of the Conflagration

[182] This is the reward of your misdeeds. God is never unjust to His servants.‘

[183] To those that say: ‘God has commanded us to believe in no apostle until he brings down for us an offering to be consumed by fire,‘¹ say: ‘Other apostles before me have come to you with veritable signs and worked the miracle you asked for. Why did you slay them, if what you say be true?‘

[184] If they deny you, other apostles have been denied before you, although they came with veritable signs, psalms, and the light-giving Book

[185] Every soul shall taste death. You shall receive your rewards only on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever is spared the Fire and is admitted to Paradise will surely triumph; for the life of this world is but a frivolous show of vanity

[186] You shall be sorely tried in the matter of your possessions and your persons, and will hear much that is hurtful from those who were given the Book before you, and from the pagans. But if you endure with fortitude and fear God, your triumph shall be assured

[187] And when God made a covenant with those to whom the Book was given He said: ‘Proclaim it to the people and suppress it not.‘ But they cast the Book over their backs and sold it for a paltry price. Evil was their bargain

[188] Never think that those who rejoice in their misdeeds and wish to be praised for what they failed to do ― never think they will escape the torment; woeful torment awaits them

[189] God has sovereignty over the heavens and the earth. And God has power over all things

[190] In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, surely there are signs for those that are of good sense possessed

[191] those that remember God when standing, sitting, and lying down, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying: ‘Lord, You have not created this in vain. Glory be to You! Save us from the torment of the Fire

[192] Lord, those whom You will cast into the Fire You will disgrace: none will help the wrongdoers

[193] Lord, we have heard a summoner summoning to the faith, saying: Believe in your Lord, and we believed. Lord, forgive us our sins and purge us of our evil deeds and claim us back with the righteous

[194] Lord, grant us what You promised through Your apostles, and do not hold us up to shame on the Day of Resurrection. You never fail the time decreed.‘

[195] Their Lord will answer them: ‘I will deny none among you, male or female, the reward of their labours. The one of you is as the other.‘ Those that fled their land and were expelled from their homes, and suffered persecution for My sake and fought and were slain: I shall surely acquit them of their evil deeds and admit them into Gardens watered by running brooks, as a recompense from God; God dispenses the richest recompense

[196] Never be deluded by the goings-on of the unbelievers in the land

[197] a little enjoyment― then Hell shall be their home: an evil resting-place

[198] But for those that fear God, theirs shall be gardens watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide for ever: a gracious welcome from God. And that which is in store with God is surely better for the righteous

[199] Some there are among the People of the Book who truly believe in God, and in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed to them: they humble themselves before God and do not sell God‘s revelations for a trifling price. These shall be rewarded by their Lord. Swift is God‘s reckoning

[200] Believers, be patient and forebear; stand firm in your faith and fear God, that you may succeed

[1] YOU PEOPLE! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul. From that soul He created its spouse, and through them He bestrewed the earth with countless men and women. Fear God, in whose name you plead with one another, and honour the mothers who bore you. God is ever watching you

[2] Give orphans the property which belongs to them. Do not exchange their valuables for worthless things or cheat them of their possessions; for this would surely be a grievous sin

[3] If you fear that you cannot treat orphans¹ with fairness, then you may marry other women who seem good to you: two, three, or four. But if you fear that you cannot maintain equality among them, marry one only or any slave-girls you may own. This will make it easier for you to avoid injustice

[4] Give women their dowry as a free gift; but if they willingly choose to make over to you a part of it, you may enjoy it as lawfully yours

[5] Do not give the feeble-minded the property with which God has charged you for their support; but maintain and clothe them with its proceeds, and speak kind words to them

[6] Put orphans to the test until they reach a marriageable age. If you find them capable of sound judgement, hand over to them their property, and do not cheat them of it by squandering it before they come of age. Let not the rich guardian touch the property of his orphan ward; and let him who is poor use no more than a fair portion of it for his own advantage. When you hand over to them their property, call in some witnesses to be present; sufficient is God‘s reckoning

[7] Men shall have a share in what their parents and kin leave; and women shall have a share in what their parents and kin leave: whether it be little or much, they shall be entitled to a share decreed

[8] If relatives, orphans, or needy men are present at the division of an inheritance, give them, too, a share of it, and speak kind words to them

[9] Let those who are solicitous about the welfare of their young children after their own death take care not to wrong orphans. Let them fear God and speak for justice

[10] Those that devour the property of orphans unjustly, do swallow fire into their bellies; they shall burn in a mighty conflagration

[11] God has thus enjoined you concerning your children: A male shall inherit twice as much as a female. If there be more than two girls, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance; but if there be one only, she shall inherit the half. Parents shall inherit a sixth each, if the deceased have a child; but if he leave no child and his parents be his heirs, his mother shall have a third. If he have brothers, his mother shall have a sixth after payment of any legacy he may have bequeathed or any debt he may have owed. You may wonder whether your parents or your children are more beneficial to you. But this is a decree from God; surely God is all-knowing and wise

[12] And you shall inherit the half of your wives‘ estate if they die childless. If they leave children, a quarter of their estate shall be yours after payment of any legacy they may have bequeathed or any debt they may have owed. Your wives shall inherit one quarter of your estate if you die childless. If you leave children, they shall inherit one-eighth of your estate, after payment of any legacy you may have bequeathed or any debt you may have owed. If a man or a woman leave neither children nor parents and have a brother or a sister, they shall each inherit one-sixth. If there be more, they shall equally share the third of the estate, after payment of any legacy he may have bequeathed or any debt he may have owed, without prejudice to the rights of the heirs. That is a commandment from God. God is all-knowing, and gracious

[13] Such are the bounds set by God. He that obeys God and His apostle shall be admitted by Him into Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide for ever. That is the supreme triumph

[14] But he that defies God and His Apostle and transgresses His bounds, shall be cast into a Fire wherein he shall abide for ever. Shameful punishment awaits him

[15] If any of your women commit a lewd act, call in four witnesses from among yourselves against them; if they testify to their guilt confine them to their houses till death overtakes them or till God finds another way for them

[16] If two men among you commit a lewd act, punish them both. If they repent and mend their ways, let them be. Surely God is forgiving and compassionate

[17] God pardons those who commit evil in ignorance and then quickly turn to Him in penitence. These God will pardon. God is all-knowing and wise

[18] But He will not pardon those who do evil and, when death comes to any of them, he says: ‘Now I repent!‘ Nor those who die unbelievers: for them We have prepared a woeful scourge

[19] Believers, it is unlawful for you to inherit the women of your deceased kinsmen against their will, or to bar them from re-marrying, in order that you may force them to give up a part of what you have given them, unless they be guilty of a proven lewd act. Live with them in modest conduct; for even if you dislike them, it may well be that you dislike a thing which God has meant for your own abundant good

[20] If you wish to replace one wife with another, do not take anything from the dowry you gave her even if it be a talent. That would be improper and a veritable sin

[21] for how can you take it back when you have lain with each other and entered into a firm contract

[22] You shall not marry the women whom your fathers married: all previous such marriages excepted. That was an evil practice, indecent and abominable

[23] Forbidden to you are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your paternal and maternal aunts, the daughters of your brothers and sisters, your foster-mothers, your foster sisters, the mothers of your wives, your step-daughters who are in your charge, born of the wives with whom you have lain (it is no offence for you to marry your step-daughters if you have not consummated your marriage with their mothers), and the wives of your own begotten sons.¹ You are forbidden also to marry two sisters at one and the same time: all previous such marriages excepted. Surely God is forgiving and compassionate

[24] Also married women, except those whom you own as slaves. Such is the decree of God. All women other than these are lawful for you, provided you court them with your wealth in modest conduct, not in fornication. Give them their dowry for the enjoyment you have had of them as a duty; but it shall be no offence for you to make any other agreement among yourselves after you have fulfilled your duty. Surely God is all-knowing and wise

[25] If any one of you cannot afford to marry a believing free woman, let him marry a slave-girl who is a believer (God best knows your faith: you are born one of another). Marry them with their master‘s permission and give them their dowry in all justice, provided they are honourable and chaste and have not courted other men. If after marriage they commit a lewd act, they shall suffer half the penalty inflicted upon free women. Such is the provision for those of you who fear impropriety: but if you abstain, it will be better for you. God is forgiving and compassionate

[26] God desires to make this clear to you and to guide you along the paths of those who have gone before you, and to pardon you. God is all-knowing and wise

[27] And God wishes to pardon you, but those who follow their own appetites wish to see you stray grievously into error

[28] God wishes to lighten your burdens, for man was created weak

[29] Believers, do not consume your wealth among yourselves in vanity, but rather trade with it by mutual consent. Do not kill one another.¹ Surely God is compassionate to you

[30] but he that does that through wickedness and injustice We shall burn in fire. Surely that is² easy enough for God

[31] If you avoid the enormities you are forbidden, We shall pardon your misdeeds and usher you in with all honour

[32] Do not covet the favours by which God has exalted some among you above others. Men shall be rewarded according to their deserts, and women shall be rewarded according to their deserts. Rather implore God to bestow on you His bounty. Surely God has knowledge of all things

[33] To every parent and kin We have appointed heirs who will inherit from them. As for those with whom you have entered into agreements, let them, too, have their share. Surely God bears witness to all things

[34] Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because God has guarded them. As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, and forsake them in beds³ apart, and beat them. Then if they obey you, take no further action against them. Surely God is high, supreme

[35] If you fear a breach between a man and his wife, appoint an arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her people. If they wish to be reconciled, God will bring them together again. Surely God is all-knowing and wise

[36] Serve God and associate none with Him. Show kindness to parents and to kin, to orphans and to the destitute, to near and distant neighbours, to those that keep company with you, to the traveller in need, and to the slaves you own. God does not love the arrogant and the boastful

[37] who are themselves niggardly and enjoin people to be niggardly; who conceal that which God of His bounty has given them (We have prepared a shameful punishment for the unbelievers)

[38] and who spend their wealth only to be seen by people, believing neither in God nor in the Last Day. He that chooses Satan for his friend, an evil friend has he

[39] What could harm them if they believed in God and the Last Day and gave in alms from that which God bestowed on them? Surely God knows them well

[40] God will wrong none by as much as the weight of an atom. A good deed He will repay twofold. Of His own bounty He will bestow a rich recompense

[41] How will it be when We produce a witness from each community and call upon you to testify against them

[42] On that day those who disbelieved and disobeyed the Apostle will wish that they were levelled with the dust; they cannot hide from God any word that is spoken

[43] Believers, do not approach your prayers when you are drunk, until you know what you are saying; nor when you are unclean ― unless you are travelling the road ― until you have washed yourselves. If you are sick or on a journey, or if, when you have relieved yourselves or had intercourse with women, you can find no water, take some clean sand and rub your faces and your hands with it. God will surely pardon and forgiving

[44] Consider those to whom a portion of the Book was given. They purchase error for themselves and wish to see you go astray

[45] And God best knows your enemies. Sufficient is God as protector, and sufficient is God as a helper

[46] Among those who follow the Jewish Faith are some who take words out of their context and say:¹ ‘We hear, but will disobey. May you be bereft of hearing! Rā‘inā!‘ ― thus distorting the phrase with their tongues and reviling the Religion. But if they said: ‘We hear and obey: hear us and unʐurnā,‘² it would be better and more proper for them. But God has cursed them in their unbelief. They have no faith, except a few

[47] You to whom the Book were given! Believe in that which We have revealed, confirming your own, before We obliterate some faces and turn them backward, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers. What God ordains shall be accomplished

[48] God will not forgive those who serve other deities besides Him; but He will forgive whom He will for other sins. He that serves other deities besides God is guilty of a heinous sin

[49] Do but consider those who think themselves pure. God purifies whom He will. They shall not be wronged by as much as the husk of a date-stone

[50] Behold how they invent falsehoods about God; this in itself is a most grievous sin

[51] Consider those to whom a portion of the Book was given. They believe in idols and false gods and say of the infidels: ‘These are better guided than those who believe.‘

[52] These are they whom God has cursed; and he who is cursed by God has none to help him

[53] Will they have a share in sovereignty? If so, they will not give people so much as the speck on a date-stone

[54] Or do they envy others what God has of His bounty given them? We gave Abraham‘s descendants the Book and wisdom, and an illustrious kingdom

[55] Some among them believe in him,¹ but others reject him. Sufficient scourge is the fire of Hell

[56] Those that deny Our revelations We will burn in fire. No sooner will their skins be consumed than We shall give them other skins, so that they may taste the torment. Surely God is mighty and wise

[57] As for those that believe and do good works, We shall admit them into Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein, wedded to chaste spouses, shall they abide for ever. To a cool shade shall We admit them

[58] God commands you to hand back your trusts to their rightful owners, and, when you pass judgement among people, to judge with fairness. Noble is that to which God exhorts you. Surely God hears all and observes all

[59] Believers, obey God and obey the Apostle and those in authority among you. Should you disagree about anything refer it to God and the Apostle, if you believe in God and the Last Day. This will in the end be better and more just

[60] Mark those who profess to believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you. They seek the judgement of the devil, although they were bidden to deny him. Satan would lead them far into error

[61] If they are told: ‘Come to be judged by that which God has revealed and by the Apostle,‘ you see the hypocrites reject you vehemently

[62] But how would it be if some disaster befell them on account of what their hands committed? They would come to you swearing by God that ‘we desired nothing but amity and conciliation.‘

[63] But God knows what their hearts conceal. Let them be. Admonish them and eloquently rebuke them

[64] We have sent forth apostles only so that they are obeyed by God‘s leave. If, when they wronged themselves, they had come to you imploring God‘s forgiveness, and if the Apostle had sought forgiveness for them, they would have found that God pardons and is compassionate

[65] But, by your Lord, they will not believe until they seek your arbitration in their disputes. Then they will not doubt the justice of your verdicts and will submit entirely

[66] And had We commanded them: ‘Lay down your lives,‘ or ‘Flee from your homes,‘ only a few would have complied. Yet, had they done what they were admonished to do, it would have been better for them and their faith would have been strengthened

[67] We would have bestowed on them of Our grace a rich recompense

[68] and guided them to a straight path

[69] And he that obeys God and the Apostle shall dwell with the prophets and the saints, the martyrs and the righteous whom God has favoured. Gracious companions will be those

[70] Such is God‘s bounty; and sufficient is God‘s infinite knowledge

[71] Believers, be ever on your guard: march in detachments or in one body

[72] Someone among you is sure to lag behind, so that if a disaster befell you, he would say: ‘God has been gracious to me; I was not present with them.‘

[73] But if, by God‘s grace, you were successful, he would surely say, as though there was no friendship between you and him: ‘Would that I had been with them! I should have won a great victory.‘

[74] Let those who would exchange the life of this world for the Hereafter, fight for the cause of God; whoever fights for the cause of God, whether he be slain or he triumph, on him We shall bestow a rich recompense

[75] And how should you not fight for the cause of God, and for the helpless old men, women, and children¹ who say: ‘Deliver us, Lord, from this city of wrongdoers; send forth to us a guardian from Your presence; send to us from Your presence one that will help us‘

[76] The true believers fight for the cause of God, but the infidels fight for the devil. Fight then the friends of Satan; Satan‘s cunning is weak indeed

[77] Mark those who were told: ‘Lay down your arms; recite your prayers and render the alms levy.‘ When they were ordered to fight, some of them feared man as much as they feared God or even more. ‘Lord,‘ they said, ‘why do You bid us fight? Could you not give us a brief respite?‘ Say: ‘Trifling are the pleasures of this life. Better is the life to come for those who fear God. You shall not be wronged by as much as the husk of a date-stone

[78] Wherever you may be, death will overtake you: though you put yourselves in lofty towers.‘ When they are blessed with good fortune, they say: ‘This is from God.‘ But when evil befalls them, they say: ‘It was your² fault.‘ Say: ‘All is from God!‘ What has come over these people that they can hardly understand a word

[79] Whatever good befalls you,³ it is from God: and whatever ill befalls you it is from yourself. We have sent you forth as an apostle to mankind. Sufficient is God as a witness

[80] He that obeys the Apostle has assuredly obeyed God. As for those that pay no heed, We have not sent you to be their keeper

[81] They promise obedience: but as soon as they leave your presence a band of them plot in secret to do otherwise. God takes note of all their plots. Therefore let them be, and put your trust in God. Sufficient is God as a guardian

[82] Will they not ponder on the Koran? If it had come from other than God, they could have surely found in it many contradictions

[83] When they hear any news, good or bad, they at once make it known to all; whereas if they reported it to the Apostle and to those in authority among them, those who sought news could learn it from them. But for God‘s grace and mercy, all but a few of you would have followed Satan

[84] Therefore fight for the cause of God. You are accountable for none but yourself. Rouse the faithful: perchance God will overthrow the might of the unbelievers. Mightier is God and more terrible is His retribution

[85] He that mediates in a good cause shall gain by his mediation; and he that mediates in a bad cause shall be held accountable for its evil. God surely has control over all things

[86] If a man greets you, let your greeting be better than his ― or at least return it. God surely keeps count of all things

[87] God: there is no god but Him. He will surely gather you all together on the Day of Resurrection of which there is no doubt. And who has a truer word than God

[88] Why are you thus divided concerning the hypocrites, when God has cast them off on account of their misdeeds? Would you guide those whom God has confounded? He whom God confounds you cannot guide

[89] They would have you disbelieve as they themselves have disbelieved, so that you may be all alike. Do not befriend them until they have fled their homes in God‘s cause. If they desert you, seize them and slay them wherever you find them. Look for neither friend nor helper among them

[90] except those who seek refuge with your allies or come over to you because their hearts forbid them to fight against you or against their own people. Had God pleased, He would have given them power over you, so that they would have taken arms against you. Therefore, if they keep away from you and cease their hostility and offer you peace, God bids you not to harm them

[91] Others you will find who seek security from you as well as from their own people. Whenever they are called back to sedition they plunge into it headlong. If these do not keep their distance from you, if they neither offer you peace nor cease their hostilities against you, lay hold of them and slay them wherever you find them. Over such men We give you absolute authority

[92] It is unlawful for a believer to kill another believer, accidents excepted. He that accidentally kills a believer shall free one Muslim slave and pay blood-money to the family of the victim, unless they choose to give it away in alms. If the victim be a Muslim from a hostile tribe, the penalty shall be the freeing of one Muslim slave. But if the victim be a member of an allied tribe, then blood-money shall be paid to his family and a Muslim slave set free. He that lacks the means shall fast two consecutive months. Such is the penance imposed by God: God is all-knowing and wise

[93] He that kills a believer by design shall burn in Hell for ever. And he shall incur the ire of God, who will lay His curse on him and prepare for him a mighty scourge

[94] Believers, if you go to fight for the cause of God, show discernment and do not say to him that offers you peace: ‘You are not a believer,‘ seeking the chance booty of this world; for with God there are abundant gains. Such was your custom in days gone by, but now God has bestowed on you His grace. Therefore show discernment; God is cognizant of what you do

[95] The believers who stay at home ― apart from those that suffer from a grave disability ― are not the equals of those who fight for the cause of God with their goods and their persons. God has exalted in rank those who fight with their goods and their persons above those who stay at home. God has promised all a good reward; but far richer is the recompense of those who fight for Him

[96] ranks of His own bestowal, forgiveness, and mercy. Surely God is forgiving and compassionate

[97] The angels will ask those whom they claim back while steeped in sin: ‘What were you doing?‘ ‘We were oppressed in the land,‘ they will reply. They will say: ‘Was not the earth of God spacious enough for you to fly for refuge?‘ Hell shall be the abode of these: a wretched fate

[98] As for the helpless men, women, and children who have neither the strength nor the means to escape

[99] God may pardon them: surely God pardons and forgives

[100] He that leaves his home in God‘s cause shall find many a refuge in the land and great abundance. He that leaves his dwelling to fight for God and His apostle and is then overtaken by death shall be recompensed by God. Surely God is forgiving and compassionate

[101] It is no offence for you to shorten your prayers when travelling the road if you fear that the unbelievers may attack you. The unbelievers are your veritable foe

[102] When you¹ are among them, conducting the prayers, let one party of them rise up to pray with you, armed with their weapons. After making their prostrations, let them withdraw to the rear and then let another party who have not prayed come forward and pray with you; and let these also be on their guard, armed with their weapons. It would much please the unbelievers if you neglected your arms and your baggage, so that they could swoop upon you with one assault. But it is no offence for you to lay aside your arms when overtaken by heavy rain or stricken with an illness, although you must be always on your guard. God has prepared a shameful punishment for the unbelievers

[103] When your prayers are ended, remember God standing, sitting, and lying down. When you are safe, attend to your prayers: for prayer is a duty incumbent on the faithful, to be conducted at appointed times

[104] Seek out the enemy relentlessly. If you have suffered, they too have suffered as you have: but you at least hope to receive from God what they cannot hope for. Surely God is all-knowing and wise

[105] We have revealed to you the Book with the Truth, that you may arbitrate among people by that which God has shown you. You shall not plead for treacherous

[106] Implore God‘s forgiveness: God is ever forgiving and compassionate

[107] Nor shall you plead for those who betray their own souls; God does not love the treacherous or the sinful

[108] They seek to hide from people, but they cannot hide from God. He is with them when they utter in secret what does not please Him: God has knowledge of all their actions

[109] Yes, you may plead for them in this life, but who will plead for them with God on the Day of Resurrection? Who will be their defender

[110] He that does evil or wrongs his own soul and then seeks God‘s forgiveness, will find God forgiving and compassionate

[111] He that commits sin commits it against his own soul. God is all-knowing and wise

[112] And he that commits an offence or a crime and charges an innocent man with it, shall bear the guilt of calumny and gross injustice

[113] But for God‘s grace and mercy you would have been led astray by some among them. They lead astray none but themselves, nor can they do you any harm. God has revealed to you the Book and wisdom and taught you what you did not know before. God‘s goodness to you has been great indeed

[114] There is no virtue in much of their counsel: only in his who enjoins charity, kindness, or peace among people. He that does this seeking to please God, on him We shall bestow a rich recompense

[115] He that defies the Apostle after guidance has been revealed to him, and follows a path other than that of the faithful, shall be given by Us what he has chosen. We will burn him in the fire of Hell: a wretched fate

[116] God will not forgive the worship of other deities besides Him. But He will forgive whom He will all other sins. He that serves other deities besides God has strayed far into error

[117] Rather than to Him, they pray but to females: they pray but to a rebellious Satan

[118] God laid His curse on him, for he had said: ‘I shall entice a determined share of Your servants and lead them astray‘

[119] ‘I shall arouse in them vain desires and order them to slit the ears of cattle. I shall order them to tamper with God‘s creation.‘ Indeed, he that chooses Satan rather than God for his protector ruins himself beyond redemption

[120] He makes promises and stirs up in them vain desires; Satan makes them promises only to deceive them

[121] Hell shall be their abode: and from it shall they find no refuge

[122] As for those that believe and do good works, We shall admit them into Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide for ever. Such is God‘s true promise: and who has a truer word than God

[123] It shall not be in accordance with your wishes, nor shall it be as the People of the Book desire. He that does evil shall be requited with evil: he shall find none besides God to protect or help him

[124] But the believers who do good works, be they men or women, shall enter Paradise. They shall not suffer the least injustice

[125] And who has a nobler religion than he who submits to God, does what is right, and follows the faith of saintly Abraham, God having chosen Abraham as His friend

[126] To God belongs all that the heavens and the earth contain. God encompasses all things

[127] They consult you concerning women. Say: ‘God has instructed you about them, and so have the verses proclaimed to you in the Book, concerning the orphan girls whom you deny their lawful rights and refuse to marry; also regarding helpless children. He has instructed you to deal justly with orphans. Of the good you do, surely God has full knowledge.‘

[128] If a woman fear ill-treatment or desertion on the part of her husband, it shall be no offence for them to seek a mutual agreement, for agreement is best. People are prone to avarice. But if you do what is right and guard yourselves against evil, know then that God is cognizant of all your actions

[129] Try as you may, you cannot treat all your wives impartially. Do not set yourself altogether against any of them, leaving her, as it were, in suspense. If you do what is right and fear God, God is forgiving and compassionate

[130] If they separate, God will compensate each out of His own abundance: God is munificent and wise

[131] To God belongs all that the heavens and the earth contain. We exhort you, as We have exhorted those to whom the Book was given before you, to fear God. If you deny Him, know that to God belongs all that the heavens and the earth contain. God is self-sufficient and worthy of praise

[132] To God belongs all that the heavens and the earth contain. Sufficient is God as a guardian

[133] If He pleased, He could obliterate you all, you people! and replace you by other men. This God has the power to do

[134] Let him who seeks the reward of this life know that it is God who dispenses the reward of both this life and the life to come; God hears all and observes all

[135] Believers, conduct yourselves with justice and bear true witness before God, even though it be against yourselves, your parents, or your kin. Be they rich or poor, God knows better about them both. So do not be led by passion, lest you swerve from the truth. If you distort your testimony or decline to give it, know that God is cognizant of all your actions

[136] Believers, have faith in God and His apostle, in the Book He has revealed to His apostle, and in the Scriptures He formerly revealed. He that denies God, His angels, His Scriptures, His apostles, and the Last Day has strayed far indeed

[137] Those who accept the Faith and then renounce it, who again embrace it and again deny it and grow in unbelief ― God will neither forgive them nor rightly guide them

[138] Give warning to the hypocrites that woeful punishment awaits them

[139] those who choose the unbelievers rather than the faithful for their friends. Are they seeking glory at their hands? Surely all glory belongs to God

[140] He has instructed you in the Book that if you hear God‘s revelations being blasphemed or ridiculed you shall not sit with them until they engage in other talk; or else you shall yourselves become like them. God will surely gather in Hell the hypocrites and the unbelievers all

[141] They watch your fortunes closely. If God grants you victory, they say: ‘Did we not stand on your side?‘ And if it be the unbelievers‘ turn, they say to them: ‘Were we not mightier than you, and did we not protect you from the faithful?‘ God will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection. God will not let the unbelievers triumph over the faithful

[142] The hypocrites seek to deceive God, but it is He who deceives them. When they rise to pray, they stand up sluggishly: they pray only to be seen by people and remember God but little

[143] wavering between this and that and belonging neither to these nor those. You cannot guide the man whom God has confounded

[144] Believers, do not choose the infidels as your allies rather than the faithful. Would you give God clear evidence against yourselves

[145] The hypocrites shall be cast into the lowest depths of the Fire: and you shall find none to help them

[146] except those who repent and mend their ways, who hold fast to God and are sincere in their devotion to God ― they shall be numbered with the faithful, and God will richly recompense the faithful

[147] And why should God punish you if you render thanks and truly believe in Him? God will surely recompense your labours, for He has full knowledge of them all

[148] God does not love harsh words to be openly uttered, except by the truly wronged. God hears all and knows all

[149] Whether you do good openly or in private, whether you pardon a wrong ― God pardons and is omnipotent

[150] Those that deny God and His apostles, and those that discriminate between God and His apostles, saying: ‘We believe in some, but deny others,‘ thus seeking a middle way ―

[151] these truly are the unbelievers; and for the unbelievers We have prepared a shameful punishment

[152] As for those that believe in God and His apostles and discriminate against none of them, they shall be recompensed by Him. God is ever forgiving and compassionate

[153] The People of the Book ask you to bring down for them a book from heaven. Of Moses they demanded a harder thing than that; they said to him: ‘Show us God openly.‘ And for their wrongdoing the thunderbolt smote them. Then they took up the calf after clear signs had been revealed to them; yet We pardoned them that, and bestowed on Moses clear authority

[154] We raised the Mount above them when We made a covenant with them, and said to them: ‘Enter the gates in bowing down.‘ And We said to them: ‘Do not break the Sabbath.‘ We took from them a solemn covenant

[155] But they broke their covenant, denied God‘s revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. They said: ‘Our hearts are sealed.‘ It was God who sealed their hearts, on account of their unbelief. They have no faith, except a few

[156] They denied the Truth and uttered a monstrous falsehood against Mary

[157] They declared: ‘We have killed the Christ , Jesus son of Mary, the apostle of God.‘ They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but they thought they did.¹ Those that disagreed about him were in doubt concerning him; they knew nothing about him that was not sheer conjecture; they did not slay him for certain

[158] Rather God lifted him up to Himself; God is Almighty and wise

[159] There is none among the People of the Book but will believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Resurrection he will bear witness against them

[160] Because of their iniquity, We forbade those who followed the Jewish Faith wholesome things which were formerly allowed them; because time after time they have debarred many from the path of God

[161] because they practise usury ― although they had been forbidden it ― and cheat people of their possessions. Woeful punishment have We prepared for those of them that disbelieve

[162] But those of them that are well grounded in knowledge, and the believers who believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you; who attend to their prayers and render the alms levy and believe in God and the Last Day ― on these We shall bestow a rich recompense

[163] We have revealed Our will to you as We revealed it to Noah and to the prophets who came after him; as We revealed it to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes; to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron and Solomon; to David We gave Psalms

[164] Apostles of whom We have already told you, and apostles of whom We have not yet told you; God spoke directly to Moses

[165] apostles who brought joyful tidings as well as warnings, so that people might have no plea against God after the apostles‘ coming: God is Almighty and wise

[166] But God bears witness, by that which He has revealed to you, that He revealed it with His knowledge; the angels bear witness too. And there is no better witness than God

[167] Those that disbelieve and debar others from the path of God have strayed far into error

[168] God will not forgive those who disbelieve and act unjustly; nor will He guide them to any path

[169] other than the path of Hell, wherein shall they abide for ever. Surely that is easy enough for God

[170] You people! The Apostle has brought you the Truth from your Lord. Have faith and it shall be well with you. If you disbelieve: to God belongs all that the heavens and the earth contain. God is omniscient and wise

[171] People of the Book,¹ do not transgress the bounds of your religion. Speak nothing but the Truth about God. The Christ, Jesus son of Mary, was no more than God‘s apostle and His Word which He cast to Mary: a spirit from Him. So believe in God and His apostles and do not say: ‘Three.‘ Forbear, and it shall be better for you. Surely God is but one God; God forbid that He should have a son! His is all that the heavens and the earth contain. Sufficient is God as a patron

[172] Christ does not disdain to be a servant of God, nor do the angels who are nearest to Him. Those who through arrogance disdain to worship Him shall be herded, all, before Him

[173] As for those that believe and do good works, God will bestow on them their rewards and enrich them from His own abundance. But those who are scornful and proud He will sternly punish, and they will find none besides God to protect or succour them

[174] You people! Clear evidence has come to from your Lord. We have sent down to you a veritable light

[175] Those that believe in God and hold fast to Him He will admit to His mercy and to His grace; He will guide them to Him along a straight path

[176] They seek your guidance. Say: ‘Thus God instructs you regarding those that die childless and without living parents. If a man die childless and he have a sister, she shall inherit the half of his estate. If a woman die childless, her brother shall be her sole heir. If a childless man have two sisters, they shall inherit two-thirds of his estate; but if he have both brothers and sisters, the share of the male shall be that of two females.‘ God enlightens you, so that you may not err. God has knowledge of all things

[1] BELIVERS, BE true to your obligations. It is lawful for you to eat the flesh of all beasts other than that which is hereby announced to you. Game is forbidden while you are on Pilgrimage. God decrees what He will

[2] Believers, do not violate the rites of God, or the sacred month, or the offerings or their ornaments, or those that repair to the Sacred House seeking their Lord‘s grace and pleasure. Once your Pilgrimage is ended, you shall be free to go hunting. Do not allow your hatred for those who would debar you from the Holy Mosque to lead you to commit aggression. Help one another in what is good and pious, and help not one another in sin and belligerence. And fear God; God is stern in retribution

[3] You are forbidden carrion, blood, and the flesh of swine; also any flesh dedicated to any other than God. You are forbidden the flesh of strangled animals and of those beaten or gored to death; of those killed by a fall or mangled by beasts of prey (unless you make it clean by giving the death-stroke yourselves); also of animals sacrificed to idols. You are forbidden to settle disputes by consulting the Arrows. That is a pernicious practice. The unbelievers have this day abandoned all hope of vanquishing your religion. Have no fear of them: fear Me. This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favour to you. I have chosen Islām to be your religion. He that is constrained by hunger to eat of what is forbidden, not intending to commit sin, will find God forgiving and compassionate

[4] They ask you what is lawful for them. Say: ‘All wholesome things are lawful for you, as well as that which you have taught the birds and beasts of prey to catch, training them as God has taught you. Eat of what they catch for you, pronouncing upon it the name of God. And fear God: swift is God‘s reckoning.‘

[5] Wholesome things are this day made lawful for you. The food of those to whom the Book was given¹ is lawful for you, and yours for them. Lawful for you are the believing women and the free women from among those who were given the Book before you, provided that you give them their dowries and live in honour with them, neither committing fornication nor taking them as mistresses. He that denies the Faith shall gain nothing from his labours; and in the world to come he will surely be among the lost

[6] Believers, when you rise to pray wash your faces and your hands as far as the elbow, and wipe your heads and your feet to the ankle. If you are unclean, cleanse yourselves. But if you are sick or on a journey, or if, when you have just relieved yourselves or had intercourse with women, you can find no water, take some clean sand and rub your faces and your hands with it. God does not wish to inconvenience you; but He seeks only to purify you and to perfect His favour to you, so that you may give thanks

[7] Remember God‘s favour to you, and the covenant with which He bound you when you said: ‘We hear and obey.‘ Fear God; God knows your innermost thoughts

[8] Believers, fulfil your duties to God and bear true witness. Do not allow your hatred for other people to turn you away from justice. Deal justly; that will bring you closer to true piety. Fear God; God is cognizant of what you do

[9] God has promised those that believe and do good works forgiveness and a rich reward

[10] As for those who disbelieve and deny Our revelations, they are the heirs of Hell

[11] Believers, remember the favour which God bestowed upon you when He restrained the hands of those who sought to harm you. Fear God; in God let the faithful put their trust

[12] God made a covenant with the Israelites and We raised among them twelve chieftains. And God said: ‘I shall be with you. If you attend to your prayers and render the alms levy; if you believe in My apostles and support them and give God a generous loan, I shall forgive you your sins and admit you to Gardens watered by running brooks. But whoever of you hereafter disbelieves will surely stray from the straight path.‘

[13] But because they broke their covenant We laid on them Our curse and hardened their hearts. They have tampered with words out of their context and forgotten much of what they were enjoined. You will ever find them deceitful, except for a few of them. But pardon them and bear with them; God loves those who do good

[14] And with those who said they were Christians We made a covenant, but they too have forgotten much of what they were exhorted to do. Therefore We stirred among them enmity and hatred, which shall endure till the Day of Resurrection, when God will declare to them all that they have done

[15] People of the Book! Our apostle has come to reveal to you much of what you have hidden of the Book, and to pardon you much. A light has surely come to you from God and a veritable Book

[16] with which God will guide to the paths of peace those that seek to please Him; He will lead them by His will from darkness to the light; He will guide them to a straight path

[17] They do blaspheme, who declare: ‘God is Christ, the son of Mary.‘ Say: ‘Who could prevent God, if He so willed, from destroying Christ, the son of Mary, his mother, and all the people of the earth? God has sovereignty over the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them. He creates what He will; and God has power over all things.‘

[18] The Jews and the Christians say: ‘We are the children of God and His loved ones.‘ Say: ‘Why then does He punish you for your sins? Surely you are mortals of His own creation. He forgives whom He will and punishes whom He pleases. God has sovereignty over the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them. All shall return to Him.‘

[19] People of the Book! Our apostle has come to you with revelations after an interval which saw no apostles, lest you say: ‘No one has come to give us joyful tidings or to warn us. Now someone has come to give you joyful tidings and to warn you. God has power over all things

[20] Bear in mind the words of Moses to his people. He said: ‘Remember, my people, the favour God bestowed upon you. He has raised up prophets among you, made you kings, and given you that which He has given to no other nation

[21] Enter, my people, the holy land which God has assigned for you. Do not turn back, and thus lose all.‘

[22] Moses,‘ they said, ‘a race of giants dwells in this land; we will not set foot in it till they are gone. As soon as they are gone we will enter.‘

[23] Thereupon two God-fearing men¹ whom God had favoured said: ‘Go in to them through the gates, and when you have entered you shall surely be victorious. In God put your trust, if you are true believers.‘

[24] But they said: ‘Moses, we will never go in so long as they are in it. Go, you and your Lord, and fight. Here will we stay.‘

[25] Lord,‘ said Moses, ‘I have none but myself and my brother. Keep us apart from the iniquitous people.‘

[26] He said: ‘They shall be forbidden this land for forty years, during which time they shall wander homeless on the earth. Do not grieve for the iniquitous people.‘

[27] Recount to them in all truth the story of Adam‘s two sons: how they each made an offering, which was accepted from the one and was not accepted from the other. One said: ‘I will surely kill you.‘ The other said: ‘God accepts only from the righteous

[28] If you stretch your hand to kill me, I shall not stretch my hand to kill you; for I fear God, Lord of the Universe

[29] I would rather you should add your sin against me to your other sins and thus become an inmate of the Fire. Such is the recompense of the unjust.‘

[30] His soul prompted him to slay his brother; he slew him and thus became one of the lost

[31] Then God sent down a raven, which clawed the earth to show him how to bury the naked corpse of his brother. ‘Alas for me!‘ he said. ‘Have I not strength enough to do as this raven has done and so bury my brother‘s naked corpse?‘ And he repented

[32] That was why We laid it down for the Israelites that whoever killed a human being, except as punishment for murder or other villainy in the land, it shall be as if he has killed all mankind; and that whoever saved a life shall be as if he has saved all mankind. Indeed, Our apostles brought them veritable proofs: yet many among them after that did prodigious evil in the land

[33] The punishment of those that make war against God and His apostle and spread disorder in the land shall be to be slain or crucified or have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, or be banished from the land. They shall be held up to opprobrium in this world, and in the world to come grievous punishment awaits them

[34] except those that repent before you reduce them. For you must know that God is forgiving and compassionate

[35] Believers, have fear of God and seek the right path to Him. Fight valiantly for His cause, that you may triumph

[36] As for the unbelievers, if they offered all that the earth contains and as much besides to redeem themselves from the torment of the Day of Resurrection, it shall not be accepted from them. Woeful punishment awaits them

[37] They will strive to get out of the Fire, but get out of it they shall not. Lasting torment awaits them

[38] As for the man or woman who is guilty of theft, cut off their hands to punish them for what they did. That is the punishment enjoined by God. And God is Almighty and wise

[39] But whoever repents after his wrongdoing, and mends his ways, shall be pardoned by God; God is forgiving and compassionate

[40] Did you not know that God has sovereignty over the heavens and the earth? He punishes whom He will and forgives whom He pleases. God has power over all things

[41] Apostle, do not grieve for those who plunge headlong into unbelief; those who say with their mouths: ‘We believe,‘ but have no faith in their hearts, and those of the Jewish Faith who avidly listen to lies and avidly listen to others who have not come to you. They tamper with words out of their context and say: ‘If such-and-such be given you, accept it; if it be not given you, beware!‘ You cannot help a man if God intends to try him. Those whose hearts God does not intend to purify shall be held up to shame in this world, and in the world to come grievous punishment awaits them

[42] They avidly listen to lies and avidly devour the unlawful. If they come to you, give them your judgement or avoid them. If you avoid them, they can in no way harm you; but if you do act as their judge, judge them with fairness. God loves those that deal justly

[43] But how will they come to you for judgement when they already have the Torah which enshrines God‘s own judgement? Soon after, they will turn their backs: they are no believers

[44] We have revealed the Torah, in which there is guidance and light. By it the prophets who submitted to God were to judge those of the Jewish Faith, and so would the rabbis and the clerics, according to God‘s Book which had been committed to their keeping and to which they themselves were witnesses. Have no fear of people; fear Me, and do not sell My revelations for a paltry sum. Unbelievers are those who do not judge according to God‘s revelations

[45] Therein We decreed for them a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and a wound for a wound. But if a man charitably forbears from retaliation, his remission shall atone for him. Wrongdoers are those that do not judge according to what God has revealed

[46] In their trail We sent forth Jesus son of Mary, confirming the Torah revealed before him; and We gave him the Gospel, in which there is guidance and light, corroborating what was revealed before him in the Torah: a guide and an admonition to the righteous

[47] Let those who follow the Gospel judge by what God has revealed in it; ungodly are those that do not judge by what God has revealed

[48] And to you We have revealed the Book with the Truth. It confirms the Book which came before it and supersedes it. Therefore pronounce judgement among them by what God has revealed and do not follow their whims or swerve from the Truth made known to you. For each of you We have ordained a law and assigned a path. Had God pleased, He could have made of you but one community: but it is His wish to prove you by that which He has given you. Vie with each other in good works; to God shall you all return and He will resolve your differences for you

[49] Pronounce judgement among them by what God has revealed and do not follow their whims. Beware of them, lest they tempt you away from a part of that which God has revealed to you. If they turn away, know that it is God‘s wish to scourge them for some of their sins. A great many people are ungodly

[50] Is it the pagan laws that they wish to be judged by? And who is a better judge than God for those whose faith is firm

[51] Believers, take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends. They are friends to each other. Whoever of you seeks their friendship shall become one of their number. God does not guide the wrongdoing people

[52] You see the faint-hearted hastening to woo them. They say: ‘We fear lest a change of fortune should befall us.‘ But it may well be that when God grants victory or makes known His will, they will regret their secret plans

[53] Then will the faithful say: ‘Are these the men who solemnly swore by God that they would stand by you?‘ Their works will come to nothing and they will lose all

[54] Believers, if any among you renounce their religion, God will replace them by others who love Him and are loved by Him, who are humble towards the faithful and stern towards the unbelievers, zealous for God‘s cause and fearless of man‘s censure. Such is the grace of God: He bestows it on whom He will. God is munificent and all-knowing

[55] Your only protectors are God, His apostle, and the faithful: those who attend to their prayers, render the alms levy, and kneel down in worship

[56] Those who seek the protection of God, His apostle, and the faithful must know that God‘s party is sure to triumph

[57] Believers, do not seek the friendship of those who have mocked and derided your religion, among those who were given the Book before you; nor of the infidels. And fear God, if you are true believers

[58] If you call them to the prayer, they treat it as a jest and a diversion. This is because they are a people devoid of understanding

[59] Say: ‘People of the Book, is it not that you hate us only because we believe in God and in what has been revealed to us and what was formerly revealed, because most of you are ungodly?‘

[60] Say: ‘Shall I tell you who will receive a worse reward from God? Those whom God has cursed and with whom He has been angry, transforming them into apes and swine, and those who serve the devil. Worse is the plight of these, and they have strayed farther from the right path.‘

[61] When they came to you they said: ‘We are believers.‘ Indeed, infidels they came and infidels they departed. God knew best what they concealed

[62] You see many among them rush headlong into sin and transgression and practise what is unlawful. Surely evil is what they do

[63] Why do their rabbis and divines not forbid them to blaspheme or to practise what is unlawful? Evil indeed are their doings

[64] The Jews say: ‘God‘s hand is chained.‘ May their own hands be chained! May they be cursed for what they say! By no means. His hands are both outstretched: He bestows as He will. That which is revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase the wickedness and unbelief of many among them. We have stirred among them enmity and hatred, which shall endure till the Day of Resurrection. Whenever they kindle the fire of war, God puts it out. They prepetrate evil in the land, and God does not love the evil-doers

[65] And if the People of the Book accept the Faith and fear God, We will pardon them their misdeeds and admit them to the Gardens of Delight

[66] If they observed the Torah and the Gospel and what has been revealed to them from their Lord, they would enjoy all that is good, from above, and from beneath their feet. Among them there is a righteous community; but many among them are evil-doers

[67] Apostle, proclaim what has been revealed to you from your Lord; if you do not, you will surely fail to convey His message. God will protect you from all people. God does not guide the unbelievers

[68] Say: ‘People of the Book, you will attain nothing until you observe the Torah and the Gospel and that which has been revealed to you from your Lord.‘ That which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase the wickedness and unbelief of many among them. But do not grieve for the unbelievers

[69] Believers, those who follow the Jewish Faith, Sabaeans and Christians ― whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does what is right ― shall have nothing to fear or to regret

[70] We made a covenant with the Israelites and sent forth apostles among them. But whenever an apostle came to them with a message that did not suit their inclinations, some they accused of lying and some they killed

[71] They thought no punishment¹ would follow: they were blind and deaf. Then God turned to them in mercy, but many again were blind and deaf. God is ever observant of what they do

[72] They do blaspheme, that say: ‘God is the Christ, the son of Mary.‘ For the Christ himself said: ‘Children of Israel, worship God, my Lord and your Lord.‘ He that worships other deities besides God, God will deny him Paradise, and his abode shall be the Fire. The wrongdoers shall have none to succour them

[73] They do blaspheme, that say: ‘God is one of three.‘ There is but one God. If they do not desist from so saying, those of them that disbelieve shall be smitten by grievous torment

[74] Will they not turn to God in penitence and seek forgiveness of Him? God is forgiving and compassionate

[75] Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than an apostle: other apostles passed away before him. His mother was a saintly woman; they both ate earthly food. Behold how We manifest to them Our revelations. Then behold how they ignore the Truth

[76] Say: ‘Will you serve instead of God that which can neither harm nor help you? And God it is who hears all and knows all.‘

[77] Say: ‘People of the Book! Do not transgress the bounds of Truth in your religion. Do not yield to the desires of those who have erred before; who have led many astray and have themselves strayed from the even path.‘

[78] Those of the Israelites who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of David and of Jesus son of Mary for their rebeliousness and transgression

[79] Nor did they reproach each other for any reprehensible act they committed. Evil indeed is what they did

[80] You see many among them make friends with unbelievers. Evil is that to which their souls prompt them. They have incurred the wrath of God and shall endure eternal torment

[81] Had they believed in God and the Prophet and that which has been revealed to him, they would not have befriended them. But the greater part of them are ungodly

[82] You will assuredly find that the most hostile of people to the faithful are the Jews and the pagans; and you will assuredly find that the nearest in affection to the faithful are those who say: ‘We are Christians.‘ That is because there are priests and monks among them; and because they are free from pride

[83] When they listen to that which was revealed to the Apostle, you see their eyes overflow with tears as they recognize its Truth. They say: ‘Lord, we believe. Count us among the witnesses

[84] Why should we not believe in God and in the Truth that has come down to us? Why should we not hope our Lord will admit us among the righteous?‘

[85] And for their words God has rewarded them with Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide for ever. Such is the recompense of the righteous

[86] But those that disbelieve and deny Our revelations shall become the inmates of Hell

[87] Believers, do not forbid the wholesome things which God made lawful for you. Do not transgress; God does not love the transgressors

[88] Eat of the lawful and wholesome things which God has given you. And fear God, in whom you do believe

[89] God will not take you to task for that which is inadvertent in your oaths. But He will take you to task over the oaths which you solemnly swear. The penance for a broken oath shall be the feeding of ten needy men with such food as you normally offer to your own people; or fitting them out with clothes; or the freeing of a slave. He that cannot afford any of these shall fast three days. In this way you shall atone for your broken oaths. Therefore be true to that which you have sworn. Thus God manifests to you His revelations, so that you may give thanks

[90] You that believe! Wine and games of chance, idols and divining arrows, are abominations devised by Satan. Avoid them, so that you may prosper

[91] Surely Satan seeks to stir up enmity and hatred among you by means of wine and gambling, and to keep you from the remembrance of God and from your prayers. Will you then desist

[92] Obey God, and obey the Apostle. Beware; if you pay no heed, know that Our apostle‘s duty is but to give clear warning

[93] In regard to any food they may have eaten, no blame shall be attached to those that have embraced the Faith and done good works so long as they fear God and believe in Him and do good works; so long as they fear God and believe in Him; so long as they fear God and do good works. God loves the charitable

[94] Believers, God will surely put you to the proof by means of the game which you can catch with your hands or with your spears, so that God may know those who fear Him in their hearts. He that transgresses hereafter, woeful punishment awaits him

[95] Believers, you shall not kill game while on Pilgrimage. He that kills game by design, shall present, as an offering to the Ka‘bah, an animal equivalent to the one he killed, to be determined by two just men among you; or he shall, in atonement, either feed the destitute or fast, so that he may taste the evil consequences of his deed. God has pardoned what is past; but if anyone relapses God will avenge Himself on him: God is Almighty and capable of revenge

[96] Lawful for you is what you catch from the sea and the sustenance it provides; wholesome, for you and for the seafarer. But you are forbidden the game of the land while you are on Pilgrimage. And fear God, before whom you shall be herded

[97] God has made the Ka‘bah, the Sacred House, a standing shrine for people; also the sacred month, and the sacrificial offerings with their ornaments, so that you may know God has knowledge of all that the heavens and the earth contain; that God has knowledge of all things

[98] Know that God is stern in retribution, and that God is forgiving and compassionate

[99] The Apostle‘s duty is only to give warning. God knows all that you reveal and all that you conceal

[100] Say: ‘Evil and good are not alike, even though the abundance of evil may tempt you. Fear God, you that are of good sense possessed, that you may thrive.‘

[101] Believers, do not ask questions about things which, if made known to you, would only pain you; but if you ask them when the Koran is being revealed, they shall be made plain to you. God will pardon you for this; God is forgiving and gracious

[102] People asked them before you, only to disbelieve them thereafter

[103] God demands neither a bahīrah, nor a sā‘ibah, nor a waşīlah, nor a ḥāmi.¹ The unbelievers invent falsehoods about God; and most of them are lacking in judgement

[104] If they are told: ‘Come to that which God has revealed, and to the Apostle,‘ they say: ‘Sufficient for us is the faith of our fathers,‘ even though their fathers knew nothing and did not follow the right path

[105] Believers, you are accountable for none but yourselves; he that strays cannot harm you if you are on the right path. To God shall you all return, and He will declare to you what you have done

[106] Believers, when death approaches you, let two just men from among you act as witnesses when you make your testament; or two men from another tribe if while you are traveling the land the calamity of death overtakes you. Detain them after prayers, and if you doubt their honesty, let them swear by God: ‘We will not sell our testimony for any price even to kin. We will not hide the testimony of God; for we should then be sinners.‘

[107] If both prove dishonest, replace them by another pair from among those immediately concerned, and let them both swear by God, saying: ‘Our testimony is truer than theirs. We have told no lies, for we should then be wrongdoers.‘

[108] Thus will they be more likely to bear true witness or to fear that the oaths of others may contradict theirs. Fear God and be attentive. God does not guide the ungodly

[109] On the day God gathers the apostles and says to them: ‘How were you received?‘ they will say: ‘We have no knowledge. You alone know what is hidden.‘

[110] God will say: ‘Jesus son of Mary, remember the favour I bestowed on you and on your mother: how I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit, so that you spoke to people in the cradle and in the prime of manhood; how I instructed you in the Book and in wisdom, in the Torah and in the Gospel; how by My leave you fashioned from clay the likeness of a bird and breathed into it so that, by My leave, it became a living bird; how, by My leave, you healed the blind man and the leper, and, by My leave, restored the dead to life; how I protected you from the Israelites when you had come to them with conspicuous signs: when those of them who disbelieved said: "This is but sorcery manifest

[111] how, when I enjoined the disciples to believe in Me and in My apostle, they said: "We do believe; bear witness that we are Muslims."‘

[112] Jesus son of Mary,‘ said the disciples, ‘is your Lord able to send down to us from heaven a table spread with food?‘ He said: ‘Fear God, if you are true believers.‘

[113] We wish to eat of it,‘ they said, ‘so that we may reassure our hearts and know that what you said to us is true, and that we may be witnesses of it.‘

[114] Lord,‘ said Jesus son of Mary, ‘send down to us from heaven a table spread with food, that it may mark a feast for the first of us and for the last of us: a sign from You. Give us our sustenance; You are the best provider.‘

[115] God said: ‘I am sending one to you. But whoever of you disbelieves hereafter shall be punished as no man will ever be punished.‘

[116] Then God will say: ‘Jesus son of Mary, did you ever say to the people: "Worship me and my mother as gods besides God?"‘ ‘Glory be to You,‘ he will answer, ‘I could never have claimed what I have no right to. If I had ever said so, You would have surely known it. You know what is in my mind, but I know not what is in Your mind. You alone know what is hidden

[117] I told them only what You bade me: "Worship God, my Lord and your Lord." I was a witness over them while living in their midst, and ever since You took me to Yourself, You Yourself have been watching them. Over all things You are the witness

[118] If You punish them, they surely are Your creatures; and if You forgive them, surely You are the Almighty and the Wise One

[119] God will say: ‘This is the day when their truthfulness will benefit the truthful. They shall for ever dwell in Gardens watered by running brooks. God is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. That is the supreme triumph.‘

[120] God it is who has sovereignty over the heavens and the earth and all that they contain. And He has power over all things

[1] PRAISE BE to God, who created the heavens and the earth and ordained darkness and light. Yet the unbelievers set up other gods as equals with their Lord

[2] He it is who has created you from clay. Then He decreed a term for you in this world and another specified by Him. Yet you are still in doubt

[3] God is He in the heavens and on earth. He knows what you conceal and what you reveal; He knows what you do

[4] Yet every time a revelation comes to them from their Lord, they pay no need to it

[5] Thus do they deny the Truth when it is declared to them: but they shall learn the consequences of their scorn

[6] Can they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? We had given them more power in the land than the power we have given you,¹ We sent down for them abundant water from the sky, and We gave them rivers that rolled at their feet. Yet because they sinned We obliterated them, and raised up other generations after them

[7] If We sent down to you a Book inscribed on real parchment and they touched it with their own hands, the unbelievers would still assert: ‘This is but sorcery manifest.‘

[8] And they ask: ‘Why has no angel been sent down to him?‘ If We had sent down an angel, judgement would have been passed and they would have never been reprieved

[9] And if We had made him an angel, We would have given him the semblance of a man, and would have thus added to their confusion

[10] Other apostles have been laughed to scorn before you; but those that scoffed at them were felled by the very scourge they had derided

[11] Say: ‘Roam the land and see what was the fate of those that disbelieved.‘

[12] Say: ‘To whom belongs all that the heavens and the earth contain?‘ Say: ‘To God. He has decreed mercy for Himself, and will gather you all on the Day of Resurrection: a day not to be doubted. Those who have forfeited their souls will never believe.‘

[13] And His is whatever takes its rest in the night or in the day. And He it is who hears all and knows all

[14] Say: ‘Should I take any but God for my Protector? Creator of the heavens and the earth, He gives nourishment to all and is nourished by none.‘ Say: ‘I was commanded to be the first of the Muslims. You shall serve no other god besides Him.‘

[15] Say: ‘I will never disobey my Lord, for I fear the torment of a fateful day.‘

[16] He who is spared that day shall have received His mercy. That is the glorious triumph

[17] If God afflicts you with an evil, none can remove it but Him; and if He blesses you with good fortune, know that He has power over all things

[18] He reigns supreme over His servants; and He alone is the Wise One, the Omniscient

[19] Say: ‘What counts most in testimony?‘ Say: ‘God is my witness and your witness. This Koran has been revealed to me that I may thereby warn you and all whom it may reach. Will you really testify there are other gods besides God?‘ Say: ‘I will testify to no such thing!‘ Say: ‘He is but one God. I disown the gods you serve besides Him.‘

[20] Those to whom We have given the Book¹ know him as they know their own children. But those who have forfeited their souls will never have faith

[21] And who is more wicked than the man who invents a falsehood about God or denies His revelations? The wrong-doers shall never succeed

[22] On the day We herd them all together We shall say to the pagans: ‘Where are your idols now, those whom you claimed to be your gods?‘

[23] They will then have no case to argue, but will only say: ‘By God, our Lord, we have never worshipped idols.‘

[24] You shall see how they have deceived themselves and how the deities of their own invention will forsake them

[25] And some among them listen to you. But We have cast veils over their hearts and made them hard of hearing lest they understand your words. They will believe in none of Our signs, even if they see them, one and all. When they come to argue with you the unbelievers say: ‘This is nothing but fables of the ancients.‘

[26] They forbid it and distance themselves from it. They ruin none but themselves, though they do not perceive it

[27] If you could see them when they are set before the Fire! They will say: ‘Would that we could return! Then we would not deny the revelations of our Lord and would be true believers.‘

[28] Indeed, that which they concealed before will manifest itself to them. But if they were sent back, they would return to that which they had been forbidden; they are surely lying

[29] They say: ‘It is but this our nether life; nor shall we ever be raised to life again.‘

[30] If you could see them when they are set before their Lord! He will say: ‘Is this not real?‘ ‘Yes, by our Lord,‘ they will reply, and He will say: ‘Taste then the torment, the reward of your unbelief!‘

[31] Lost indeed are those who deny they will ever meet God. When the Hour overtakes them unawares, they will say: ‘Alas, we have neglected much in our lifetime!‘ And they shall bear their burdens on their backs; evil are the burdens they shall bear

[32] The life of this world is but a sport and a diversion. Surely better is the life to come for those that fear God. Will you not understand

[33] We know too well that what they say grieves you. It is not you that they are disbelieving; the wrongdoers deny God‘s own revelations

[34] Other apostles have been denied before you; but they patiently bore with disbelief and persecution until Our help came down to them: for none can change the decrees of God. You have already heard of those apostles

[35] And if you find their aversion hard to bear, seek if you can a tunnel in the earth or a ladder to the sky by which you may bring them a sign. Had God pleased He would have given them guidance, one and all. Do not be foolish, then

[36] Those that can hear will surely answer. As for the dead, God will bring them back to life. Then to Him shall they be recalled

[37] They ask: ‘Why was no sign sent down to him from his Lord?‘ Say: ‘God is well able to send down a sign.‘ But most of them have no knowledge

[38] All the beasts that roam the earth and all the birds that soar on high are but communities like your own. We have left out nothing in the Book. Then to their Lord they shall be herded all

[39] Deaf and dumb are those that deny Our revelations: they are in darkness. God confounds whom He will, and whome He pleases He guides on to the straight path

[40] Say: ‘Do but consider. When God‘s scourge smites you and the Hour of Doom suddenly overtakes you, will you call on any but God to help you? Answer me, if you are truthful

[41] No, on Him you will call; and He will relieve your affliction if He pleases. Then you will forget your idols.‘

[42] We sent forth apostles before you to other communities, and afflicted them with calamities and misfortunes that they might humble themselves

[43] If only did they humble themselves when Our scourge overtook them! But their hearts hardened, and Satan made their deeds seem fair to them

[44] And when they had clean forgotten Our admonition We opened every door for them; but just as they were rejoicing in what they were given, We suddenly smote them, and, lo, they were despondent

[45] Thus were the wrongdoers annihilated. Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe

[46] Say: ‘Do but consider: if God took away your hearing and your sight and set a seal upon your hearts, could any but God restore them to you?‘ See how We expound the revelations; and yet they turn away

[47] Say: ‘Do but consider: if the scourge of God overtook you suddenly or predictably, would any perish but the wrongdoers?‘

[48] We send forth apostles only to proclaim joyful tidings and to give warning. Those that believe in them and mend their ways shall have nothing to fear or to regret

[49] and those that deny Our revelations shall be punished for their foul deeds

[50] Say: ‘I do not tell you that I possess God‘s treasures or know what is hidden, nor do I say to you I am an angel. I follow only that which is revealed to me.‘ Say: ‘Are the blind and the seeing equal? Will you not reflect?‘

[51] Warn those who dread to be herded before their Lord that they have no guardian or intercessor besides Him, so that they may fear Him

[52] Do not drive away those that call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking only to gain His favour. You are in no way accountable for them, nor are they in any way accountable for you. If you dismiss them, you shall yourself become a wrongdoer

[53] And thus have We made some among them a means for testing others, so that they should say: ‘Are these the ones God has favoured among us?‘ But does not God best know the thankful

[54] If those that believe in Our revelations come to you, say: ‘Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed mercy for Himself. If any one among you has done a bad deed through ignorance and then repented and mended his ways, he will find God forgiving and compassionate.‘

[55] Thus do We expound Our revelations, so that the path of the guilty may be laid bare

[56] Say: ‘I am forbidden to worship the deities you invoke besides God.‘ Say: ‘I will not yield to your wishes, for then I would have strayed and ceased to be on the right path.‘

[57] Say: ‘I have received veritable proofs from my Lord, yet you deny Him. I have no power to hasten that which you challenge; judgement is for God only. He it is who declares the Truth and is the best of arbiters.‘

[58] Say: ‘Had I the power to hasten that which you challenge, judgement would have been passed between myself and you. But God best knows the wrongdoers

[59] He has the keys of all that is hidden: none knows it but Him. He knows all that land and sea contain: every leaf that falls is known to Him. There is no grain in the darkest bowels of the earth, nor anything green or sear, but is recorded in a veritable Book

[60] He it is who claims you back by night, knowing what you have done by day, and then rouses you up to fulfil your allotted span of life. Then to Him shall you return, and He will then declare to you all that you have done

[61] He it is who reigns supreme over His servants. And He sends forth guardians to watch over you, so that when death overtakes any one of you, Our emissaries will claim him back: they never fail

[62] Then are all restored to God, their true Lord. His alone is the Judgement, and most swift is His reckoning.‘

[63] Say: ‘Who delivers you from the dark perils of land and sea, when you call out to Him humbly and in secret, saying: "Save us from these and we will be truly thankful!"?‘

[64] Say: ‘God delivers you from them, and from all afflictions; yet you worship idols.‘

[65] Say: ‘He it is who has power to let loose a scourge upon you from above your heads and from beneath your feet, and to divide you into discordant factions, causing the one to suffer at the hands of the other.‘ See how We expound Our revelations, that they may understand them

[66] Your people have rejected this¹ although it is the very Truth. Say: ‘I am not your keeper

[67] The time will come when every prophecy shall be fulfilled, and you shall learn

[68] If you see those that scoff at Our revelations, withdraw from them till they engage in other talk. And should Satan cause you to forget, take leave of the wrongdoers as soon as you remember

[69] Those that fear God are in no way accountable for them. Remind them only so that they may fear Him

[70] Avoid those that treat their faith as a sport and a diversion and are seduced by the life of this world. Admonish them with this lest their souls be damned by their own actions, having no guardian or intercessor besides God: and though they offer every ransom, it shall not be accepted from them. Such are those that are damned by their own actions. Scalding water shall they drink, and suffer woeful torment for their unbelief

[71] Say: ‘Are we to call on idols which can neither help nor harm us? Are we to turn upon our heels after God has guided us, like him who, being bewitched by demons in the land, blunders along perplexed, although his friends call him to the right path, shouting: "Come this way!"?‘ Say: ‘God‘s guidance is the only guidance. We are commanded to submit to the Lord of the Universe

[72] to pray, and to fear Him. Before Him shall you be herded all.‘

[73] He it was who created the heavens and the earth with Truth. On the day He says: ‘Be,‘ it shall be. His word is Truth: and sovereignty shall be His on the day when the trumpet is blown. He has knowledge of the unknown and the manifest, He alone is the Wise One the Omniscient

[74] Tell of Abraham, who said to Azar, his father: ‘Will you worship idols as your gods? I can see that you and your people are in palpable error.‘

[75] Thus did We show Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, so that he might become a firm believer

[76] When night drew its shadow over him, he saw a star. ‘That,‘ he said, ‘is surely my God.‘ But when it faded away, he said: ‘I have no love for such that fade.‘

[77] When he beheld the rising moon, he said: ‘That is my God.‘ But when it set, he said: ‘If my Lord does not guide me, I shall surely go astray.‘

[78] Then, when he beheld the sun shining, he said: ‘That must be my God: it is larger.‘ But when it set, he said to his people: ‘I disown your idols

[79] I will turn my face to Him who has created the heavens and the earth, and will live a righteous life. I am no idolater.‘

[80] His people argued with him. He said: ‘Will you argue with me about God, who has given me guidance? I do not fear your idols, unless my Lord so willed for a purpose. My Lord has prodigious knowledge of all things: will you not reflect

[81] And how should I fear your idols when you yourselves are not afraid of serving idols not sanctioned by God? Which of us is more deserving of salvation? Tell me, if you know

[82] Those that have faith and do not taint their faith with wrongdoing shall surely earn salvation, and are rightly guided.‘

[83] Such was the argument with which We furnished Abraham against his people. We raise whom We will to an exalted rank. Your Lord is wise and all-knowing

[84] We gave him Isaac and Jacob and guided both as We had guided Noah before them. Among his descendants were David and Solomon, Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron (thus do we reward the righteous)

[85] Zacharias and John, Jesus and Elias¹ (all were upright men)

[86] and Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah and Lot. All these We exalted above the nations

[87] as We had exalted some of their fathers, their children, and their brothers. We chose them and guided them to a straight path

[88] Such is God‘s guidance; He guides those of His servants whom He chooses. Had they served other gods besides Him, their labours would have been vain indeed

[89] On those We bestowed the Book, wisdom, and prophethood. If these are denied by them, We will entrust them to others who will not deny them

[90] It was those whom God had guided: follow then their guidance and say: ‘I demand of you no recompense for this. It is but an admonition to mankind.‘

[91] And they have no true notion of God‘s glory, those that say: ‘God has never revealed anything to a mortal.‘ Say: ‘Who, then, revealed the Scriptures which Moses brought down, a light and a guide for mankind? You have transcribed them on scraps of paper, declaring some and suppressing much, though now you have been taught what neither you nor your fathers knew before.‘ Say: ‘God!‘ Then leave them to amuse themselves with foolish chatter

[92] This is a blessed Book which We have revealed, confirming what came before it, that you may warn the mother city¹ and those that dwell around her. Those who believe in the life to come will believe in it and are steadfast in their prayers

[93] Who is more wicked than he who invents a falsehood about God, or says: ‘This was revealed to me,‘ when nothing was revealed to him? Or says: ‘I can reveal the like of what God has revealed‘? Could you but see the wrongdoers when death overwhelms them! With hands outstretched, the angels will say: ‘Yield up your souls this day. You shall be rewarded with the scourge of shame, for you have said of God what is untrue and scorned His revelations

[94] And now you have returned to Us, one by one, as We created you at first, leaving behind all that We bestowed on you. Nor do We see with you your intercessors, those whom you claimed to be God‘s equals. Broken are the ties which bound you, and that which you claimed has failed you.‘

[95] God it is who splits the seed and the fruit-stone. He brings forth the living from the dead, and the dead from the living. Such is God. How then can you turn away

[96] He kindles the light of dawn. He has ordained the night for rest and the sun and the moon for reckoning. Such is the ordinance of the Mighty One, the All-knowing

[97] He it was that has created for you the stars, so that you may be guided by them in the darkness of land and sea. We have expounded Our revelations for those endowed with knowledge

[98] And He it was who created you from a single soul and furnished you with a dwelling and a resting-place. We have expounded Our revelations for those who understand

[99] And He it is who sends down water from the sky with which We bring forth the buds of every plant. From these We bring forth green foliage and close-growing grain, palm-trees laden with clusters of dates, vineyards and olive groves, and pomegranates alike and different. Behold their fruits when they ripen. Surely in these there are signs for those who truly believe

[100] And they made the jinn God‘s partners, though He Himself created them, and in their ignorance ascribe to Him sons and daughters. Glory be to Him! Exalted be He above their imputations

[101] Creator of the heavens and the earth. How should He have a son when He had no consort? He created all things, and of all things He has knowledge

[102] Such is God, your Lord. There is no god but Him, Creator of all things. Therefore serve Him. And of all things He is the Guardian

[103] No mortal eyes can see Him, though He sees all eyes. He is the Benign One and Omniscient

[104] Momentous portents have come to you from your Lord. He that sees them shall himself have much to gain, and he who is blind to them shall lose much indeed. I¹ am not your keeper

[105] Thus do We expound Our revelations, that they may say: ‘You¹ have studied deep,‘ and that We may make it clear for those endowed with knowledge

[106] Therefore follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord; there is no god but Him. Avoid the pagans

[107] had God pleased, they would not have worshipped idols. We have not made you their keeper, nor are you their guardian

[108] Do not revile¹ the idols which they invoke besides God, lest in their ignorance they revile God with rancour. Thus have We made the actions of each community seem pleasing to itself. Then to their Lord shall they return, and He will declare to them what they have done

[109] They solemnly swear by God that if a sign be given them they would assuredly believe in it. Say: ‘Signs are only vouchsafed by God.‘ And how can you tell? Even if a sign be given them they may still not believe

[110] And we will turn away their hearts and eyes from the Truth, even as they did not believe in it at first. We will let them blunder about in their wickedness

[111] And if We sent the angels down to them, and caused the dead to speak with them, and ranged all things in front of them, they would still not believe, unless God willed otherwise. But most of them are ignorant men

[112] Thus have We assigned for every prophet an adversary: the demons of people and of jinn, who inspire each other with vain and varnished falsehoods. And had your Lord pleased, they would not have done so. Therefore leave them to their own inventions

[113] so that the hearts of those who have no faith in the life to come may be inclined to what they say and, being pleased, persist in their sinful ways

[114] Should I² seek a judge other than God when He it is who has revealed the Book for you with all its precepts? Those to whom We gave the Book know that it is revealed with Truth from your Lord. Therefore never doubt it

[115] Perfected are the words of your Lord in Truth and Justice. None can change His words. And He it is who hears all and knows all

[116] If you obeyed the greater part of those on earth, they would lead you away from God‘s path. They follow nothing but idle fancies and preach nothing but falsehoods

[117] Surely your Lord is best aware of those who stray from His path, as He best knows the rightly guided

[118] Eat only of that which has been consecrated in the name of God, if you do believe in His revelations

[119] And why should you not eat of that which has been consecrated in God‘s name when He has expounded to you what He forbade you, except when you are constrained? Many are those that are misled through ignorance by their desires: surely your Lord best knows the transgressors

[120] Sin neither openly nor in secret. Those that commit sins shall be punished for the sin they committed

[121] Therefore do not eat of that which has not been consecrated in the name of God; for that is ungodly. The demons will teach their votaries to argue with you; if you obey them, you shall yourselves become idolaters

[122] Can the dead man We have raised to life, and given a light to walk with among people, be compared to him who is in darkness from which he will never emerge? Thus do their deeds seem fair to the unbelievers

[123] We have placed in every city arch-transgressors who scheme within its walls. But they scheme only against themselves, though they may not perceive it

[124] When a sign is revealed to them they say: ‘We will not believe in it unless we are given the like of what God‘s apostles were given.‘ But God knows best whom to entrust with His message. God will humiliate the transgressors and mete out to them grievous torment for their scheming

[125] If God intends to guide a man, He opens his bosom to Islam; and if He pleases to confound him, He makes his bosom small and narrow as though he were climbing up to the sky. Thus shall God lay the abomination on the unbelievers

[126] Such is the path of your Lord: a straight path. We have expounded the revelations to people who reflect

[127] They shall dwell in peace with their Lord. He will give them His protection as recompense for what they do

[128] And on the day He herds them all together, He will say: ‘You clans of jinn, you have seduced mankind in great numbers.‘ And their votaries among mankind will say: ‘Lord, we did enjoy each other‘s fellowship. But now we have reached the end of the term You have decreed for us.‘ He will say: ‘The Fire shall be your home, therein to abide for ever: unless God ordain otherwise.‘ Surely your Lord is wise and all-knowing

[129] Thus do We give the wrongdoers sway over each other as punishment for their misdeeds

[130] You clans of jinn and humankind! Did there not come to you apostles of your own who proclaimed to you My revelations and warned you of this day?‘ They will say: ‘We bear witness against our own souls.‘ The life of this world has seduced them. They will testify against their own souls that they were unbelievers

[131] Nor would your Lord destroy the cities without just cause, with their people unware

[132] For each there shall be grades, according to their deeds. Your Lord is never heedless of what they do

[133] Your Lord is the Self-sufficient One, the Merciful. He takes you away if He wills and replaces you with whom He pleases, just as He raised you from the offspring of other people

[134] That which you are promised is sure to come. Resist it you shall not

[135] Say: ‘My people, do all that is in your power, and I will do what is in mine. You shall learn who is to gain the recompense of the Hereafter; the wrongdoers shall never succeed.‘

[136] They set aside for God a share of their produce and of their cattle, saying: ‘This is for God‘ ― so they pretend ― ‘and this for our idols.‘ Their idols‘ share does not reach God, but the share of God is wholly given to their idols. How ill they judge

[137] Thus did their idols induce many pagans to kill their children, seeking to ruin them and to confuse them in their religion. Had God pleased they would not have done so. Therefore leave them to their false devices

[138] They say: ‘These animals and these crops are forbidden. None may eat of them save those whom we permit.‘ So they assert. And there are beasts which they prohibit men from riding, and others over which they do not pronounce the name of God, thus inventing lies against Him. He will punish them for the lies they invented

[139] They also say: ‘The offspring of these animals is lawful for our males but forbidden to our females.‘ But if it is stillborn, they all partake of it! He will punish them for their imputations. Surely He is wise and all-knowing

[140] Losers are those that in their ignorance have wantonly slain their own children and made unlawful what God has given them, inventing falsehoods about God. They have surely gone astray and are not guided

[141] And He it is who brings gardens into being: creepers and upright trees, the palm, and produce of various taste, and olives, and pomegranates alike and different. Eat of these fruits when they ripen and give away what is due of them upon the harvest day. But you shall not be prodigal; He does not love the prodigal

[142] Of the beasts you have, some are for carrying loads and others for slaughter. Eat of that which God has given you and do not walk in Satan‘s footsteps; he is your inveterate foe

[143] Eight kinds of livestock: take a pair of sheep and a pair of goats. Say: ‘Has He forbidden you the two males, the two females, or that which is in the wombs of the two female? Tell me with knowledge if you are truthful.‘

[144] And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle. Say: ‘Has He forbidden you the two males, the two females, or that which is in the wombs of the two female? Were you present when God gave you this commandment?‘ Who is more wicked than he who, in his ignorance, invents a falsehood about God to lead people astray? God does not guide the wrongdoers

[145] Say: ‘I find nothing in what has been revealed to me that forbids anyone to eat of such food, unless it be carrion, running blood, or the flesh of swine ― for that is an abomination ― or any profane thing that has been consecrated to other than God. But whoever is driven by necessity, intending neither to sin nor to transgress ― surely your Lord is forgiving and compassionate.‘

[146] To those who follow the Jewish Faith We forbade all animals with undivided hoofs¹ and the fat of sheep and oxen, except what is on their backs and on their entrails, or what is mixed with their bones. Such is the penance We imposed on them for their misdeeds. What We declare is surely true

[147] If they disbelieve in you, say: ‘All-encompassing is the mercy of your Lord: and His punishment cannot be warded off from those who do wrong.‘

[148] The idolaters will say: ‘Had God pleased, neither we nor our fathers would have served other gods besides Him; nor would we have declared anything unlawful.‘ In like manner did those who have gone before them disbelieve until they felt Our might. Say: ‘Have you any knowledge you can put before us? You believe in nothing but conjecture and follow nothing but falsehoods.‘

[149] Say: ‘God alone has the conclusive proof. Had He so pleased He would have guided you all.‘

[150] Say: ‘Bring me those witnesses of yours who can testify that God has forbidden this.‘ If they so testify, do not testify with them, nor follow the whims of those that deny Our revelations, disbelieve in the life to come, and set up other gods as equals with their Lord

[151] Say: ‘Come, I will tell you what your Lord has made unlawful for you: that you shall serve no other gods besides Him; that you shall show kindness to your parents; that you shall not kill your children because you cannot support them: We provide for you and for them; that you shall not commit lewd acts, whether openly or in secret; and that you shall not kill, for that is forbidden by God ― except for a just cause. Thus does He exhort you, that you may grow in wisdom.‘

[152] Do not tamper with the property of orphans, unless to improve their lot until they reach maturity. Give just weight and full measure; We never charge a soul with more than it can bear. Speak for justice, even if it affects your own kin. And be true to God‘s covenant. Thus does He exhorts you, so that you may take thought

[153] This path of Mine is straight. Follow it and do not follow other paths, for they will lead you away from His path. Thus does He exhort you, so that you may fear Him

[154] We gave the Book to Moses, a perfect code for the righteous with precepts about all things, a guide and a blessing, so that they might believe in meeting their Lord

[155] And this Book We have now revealed: truly blessed. Observe it and fear God, so that you may find mercy

[156] and not say: ‘The Book was revealed only to two¹ communities before us; though of their studies we were surely heedless‘

[157] or: ‘Had the Book been revealed to us, we would have been better guided than they.‘ A veritable sign has now come to you from your Lord, a guide and a blessing. And who is more wicked than he who denies God‘s revelations and turns away from them? Those that turn away from Our revelations We shall requite with grievous torment for their turning

[158] Are they waiting for the angels to come to them, or for your Lord to come, or for a sign of your Lord to come? On the day some sign of your Lord does come, faith shall not avail the soul that had no faith before or did not put its faith to good uses. Say: ‘Wait if you will; we too are waiting.‘

[159] Have nothing to do with those who have split up their religion into sects. God will call them to account and declare to them what they have done

[160] He that does a good deed shall be repaid ten of the like of it; and he that does evil shall be rewarded only with the like. None shall be wronged

[161] Say: ‘My Lord has guided me to a straight path, to an upright religion, to the faith of saintly Abraham, who was no idolater.‘

[162] Say: ‘My prayers and my devotions, my life and my death, are all for God, Lord of the Universe

[163] He has no peer. Thus am I commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.‘

[164] Say: ‘Should I seek any but God for my Lord, when He is the Lord of all things? Each soul shall reap the fruits only of its own deeds: no burdened soul shall bear another‘s burden. Then to your Lord shall you return, and He will resolve for you your differences.‘

[165] He has given you the earth for your heritage and exalted some of you in rank above others, that He might test you with what He has given you. Swift is your Lord in retribution; yet is He forgiving and compassionate

[1] ALIF lām mīm şād

[2] A Book has been revealed to you ― let not your heart be troubled about it ― so that you may thereby give warning and admonish the faithful

[3] Observe that which is brought down to you¹ from your Lord and follow no other masters besides Him. But you seldom take warning

[4] How many cities have We obliterated! While sleeping Our scourge fell upon them, or at midday, when they were drowsing

[5] And when Our scourge fell upon them, their only cry was: ‘We have indeed been wrongdoers.‘

[6] We will surely question those to whom the emissaries were sent, and We will surely question the emissaries themselves

[7] With knowledge We will recount to them what they have done, for We were never away from them

[8] On that day all shall be weighed with justice. Those whose good deeds weigh heavy in the scales shall prosper

[9] and those whose deeds are light shall lose their souls, because they have reviled Our revelations

[10] We have given you power in the land and provided you with a livelihood: yet you are seldom thankful

[11] We created you and gave you form. Then We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam.‘ They all prostrated themselves except Satan, who refused to prostrate himself

[12] Why did you not prostrate yourself when I commanded you?‘ He asked. ‘I am nobler than he,‘ he replied. ‘You created me from fire, but You created him from clay.‘

[13] He said: ‘Get you down hence! This is no place for your contemptuous pride. Away with you! Abject shall you henceforth be.‘

[14] He said: ‘Reprieve me till the Day of Resurrection.‘

[15] ‘You are reprieved,‘ said He

[16] Because You have led me into sin,‘ he said, ‘I will waylay them as they walk on Your straight path

[17] then spring upon them from before and from behind them, from their right and from their left. Then You will find the greater part of them ungrateful.‘

[18] Get you hence!‘ He said. ‘A despicable outcast shall you be. As for those that follow you, I shall surely fill Hell with you all.‘

[19] And you Adam, dwell with your wife in Paradise, and eat of any fruit you please; but never approach this tree or you shall both become wrongdoers.‘

[20] But Satan tempted them, so that he might reveal to them their shameful parts, which they had never seen before. And He said: ‘Your Lord has forbidden you to approach this tree only to prevent you from becoming angels or immortals.‘

[21] Then he swore to them that he would give them friendly counsel

[22] Thus did he cunningly seduce them. And when they had eaten of the tree, their shame became visible to them, and they both hastened to cover themselves with the leaves of the Garden. Their Lord called out to them, saying: ‘Did I not forbid you both to approach that tree, and say to you that Satan was your veritable foe?‘

[23] They replied: ‘Lord, we have wronged our souls. Pardon us and have mercy on us, or we shall surely be among the lost.‘

[24] He said: ‘Get you down hence, and may your descendants be adversaries to each other. The earth will for a certain term provide your dwelling and your comforts

[25] There you shall live and there shall you die, and thence shall you be raised to life.‘

[26] Children of Adam! We have given you clothes to cover your shameful parts, and garments pleasing to the eye; but the robe of piety is the finest of them all. That is one of God‘s revelations. Perchance they will take thought

[27] Children of Adam! Let not Satan tempt you, as he seduced your parents out of Paradise. He stripped them of their garments to reveal to them both their shameful parts. He and his minions see you whence you cannot see them. We have made the demons patrons of the unbelievers

[28] When they commit a lewd act, they say: ‘This is what our fathers used to do. God enjoined it.‘ Say: ‘God does not enjoin lewdness. Would you tell of God what you know not?‘

[29] Say: ‘My Lord has enjoined justice. Turn your face to Him wherever you kneel down in prayer and call on Him with true devotion. Even as He created you, so shall you return.‘

[30] Some He has guided and some He has justly left in error; for they chose the demons for their patrons instead of God and deemed themselves on the right path

[31] Children of Adam, dress well when you attend your mosques. Eat and drink, but do not indulge. He does not love the indulgent

[32] Say: ‘Who has forbidden you to wear the decent clothes or to eat the good things which God has provided for His servants?‘ Say: ‘These are for the enjoyment of the faithful in the life of this world, and they shall be theirs alone on the Day of Resurrection.‘ Thus do We expound Our revelations to those endowed with knowledge

[33] Say: ‘My Lord has forbidden all lewd acts, whether overt or disguised, sin, and wrongful oppression; and He has forbidden you to worship what He did not sanction, or to tell of God what you know not.‘

[34] Every community has a term decreed; when their time is come, not for one hour shall they hold it back, nor can they go before it

[35] Children of Adam, when apostles of your own come to proclaim to you My revelations, those that take warning and mend their ways will have nothing to fear or to regret

[36] but those that deny and scorn Our revelations shall be the inmates of the Fire, wherein shall they abide for ever

[37] Who is more wicked than he who invents a falsehood about God or denies His revelations? Those shall have their share as destined in the Book, and when Our emissaries come to claim back their souls they shall say: ‘Where are your idols now, those whom you invoked besides God?‘ ‘They have forsaken us,‘ they will say, and will impeach themselves as unbelievers

[38] He will say: ‘Enter, and join communities of jinn and humankind that have gone before you into the Fire.‘ As it enters, every community will curse the one that went before it, and when all are gathered there, the last of them will say of the first: ‘These, Lord, have led us astray. Let their punishment be doubled in the Fire.‘ He will say: ‘All shall be doubly punished, though you may know not.‘

[39] Then the first will say to the last: ‘You were no better than we. Taste then the torment, the penalty of your misdeeds.‘

[40] For those that have denied and scorned Our revelations the gates of heaven shall not be opened; nor shall they enter Paradise until the camel shall pass through the eye of a sewing needle.¹ Thus shall We reward the transgressors

[41] Hell shall be their couch, and sheets of fire shall cover them. Thus shall We requite the wrongdoers

[42] As for those that believe and do good works ― We never charge a soul with more than it can bear ― they are the heirs of Paradise, wherein shall they abide for ever

[43] We shall take away all rancour from their hearts. Rivers will roll at their feet and they shall say: ‘Praise be to God who has guided us hither. Had He not given us guidance we would not have been rightly guided. Our Lord‘s apostles have surely preached the Truth.‘ And a voice will cry out to them: ‘This is the Paradise you inherited for what you did.‘

[44] Then the heirs of Paradise will cry out to the inmates of the Fire: ‘What our Lord promised we have found to be true. Have you, too, found the promise of your Lord to be true?‘ ‘Yes,‘ they will answer, and a herald will cry out among them: ‘The curse of God be upon the wrongdoers

[45] who have debarred others from the path of God and sought to make it crooked, and who disbelieved in the life to come.‘

[46] A screen will divide them, and on the Heights there will be men who recognize each one by his look. To those in Paradise they shall say: ‘Peace be upon you!‘ They shall not yet enter, though they long to be there

[47] And when they turn their eyes towards the inmates of the Fire they will cry: ‘Lord, do not cast us among the wrongdoers!‘

[48] Then, those on the Heights will say to men they recognize by their looks: ‘Nothing have the riches you amassed and your scornful pride availed you

[49] Are these the ones who you swore would never earn God‘s mercy? Come into Paradise. You have nothing to fear or to regret.‘

[50] And the inmates of Fire will cry out to the heirs of Paradise: ‘Give us some water, or some of that which God has given you.‘ They will say: ‘God has forbidden both to the unbelievers

[51] who made their religion a diversion and an idle sport, and who were seduced by their earthly life.‘ On that day We will forget them as they forgot they would ever meet that day, and because they denied Our revelations

[52] And We have bestowed on them a Book We expounded with knowledge, a guide and a blessing to true believers

[53] Are they waiting but for its fulfilment? On the day it is fulfilled, those that have forgotten it will say: ‘Our Lord‘s apostles surely came to us with the Truth before. Could we but have intercessors to plead on our behalf! Could we but live our lives again, we would not do as we have done.‘ They shall forfeit their souls, and that which they invented will forsake them

[54] Your Lord is God, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then ascended the throne. He throws the veil of night over the day; swiftly they follow one another. And the sun and the moon and the stars ― all subservient to His will. His is the creation, His the command. Blessed be God, Lord of the Universe

[55] Pray to your Lord with humility and in secret. He does not love the transgressors

[56] Do not corrupt the earth after it has been purged of evil. Pray to Him with fear and hope; His mercy is within reach of the righteous

[57] He sends forth the winds as harbingers of His mercy, and when they have gathered up a heavy cloud, We drive it on to some dead land and let the water fall upon it, bringing forth all manner of fruit. Thus will We raise the dead to life. Perchance you will take thought

[58] Rich soil yields it‘s crop by God‘s will; but poor soil yields nothing but what is poor and scant. Thus do We expound Our revelations to those who render thanks

[59] We sent forth Noah to his people. He said: ‘Serve God, my people, for you have no god but Him. Beware the torment of a fateful day.‘

[60] But the elders of his people said: ‘We can see that you are in palpable error.‘

[61] I am not in error, my people,‘ he said. ‘but am sent forth by the Lord of the Universe

[62] to deliver to you my Lord‘s message and to give you friendly counsel; for I know of God what you know not

[63] Do you think it strange that an Admonition should come to you from your Lord through a mortal like yourselves to warn you, so that you may fear God and be shown mercy?‘

[64] They denied him. So We saved him and all who were with him in the ark, and drowned those that denied Our revelations. Surely they were blind people

[65] And to the tribe of ‘Ad We sent their kin Hud. He said: ‘Serve God, my people, for you have no god but Him. Will you not fear Him?‘

[66] The unbelievers among the elders of his tribe said: ‘We can see you are a foolish man, and we surely think that you are lying.‘

[67] Foolish I am not, my people,‘ he replied. ‘I am sent forth by the Lord of the Universe

[68] to deliver to you my Lord‘s messages and to give you honest counsel

[69] Do you think it strange that an Admonition has come to you from your Lord through a mortal from among yourselves to warn you? Remember that He has made you the heirs of Noah‘s people and gave you greater power than He did to other creatures. Remember God‘s favours, that you may thrive.‘

[70] They said: ‘Would you have us serve God alone and renounce the gods our fathers worshipped? Bring down the scourge you threaten us with, if what you say be true.‘

[71] He said: ‘Your Lord‘s punishment and ire have already been decreed to visit you. Would you dispute with me about names which you and your fathers named, and for which God has revealed no sanction? Wait if you will; I will wait with you.‘

[72] We delivered him and those who were with him through Our mercy, and annihilated those that denied Our revelations. They were unbelievers all

[73] And to Thamūd We sent their kin Ṣālih. He said: ‘Serve God, my people, for you have no god but Him. A veritable proof has come to you from your Lord. Here is God‘s she-camel: a sign for you. Leave her to graze at will in God‘s own land and do not molest her, lest a woeful scourge should take you

[74] And remember, He has made you the heirs of ‘Ad, and gave you power in the land. You have built mansions on its plains and hewn out houses into the mountains. Remember God‘s favours and do not corrupt the earth with wickedness.‘

[75] The haughty elders of his people said to the believers who were oppressed: ‘Do you really believe that Ṣālih is sent forth from his Lord?‘ They answered: ‘We do believe in the message he has been sent with.‘

[76] The haughty elders said: ‘We deny all that you believe in.‘

[77] They hamstrung the she-camel and defied the commandment of their Lord, saying to Ṣālih: ‘Bring down the scourge you threaten us with, if you have truly been sent.‘

[78] Thereupon the earthquake felled them, and when morning came they were crouching lifeless in their dwellings

[79] He left them, saying: ‘I conveyed to you, my people, the message of my Lord and gave you good counsel; but you had no love for those who give good counsel.‘

[80] And Lot, who said to his people: ‘Will you persist in these lewd acts which no other nation has committed before you

[81] You lust after men instead of women. Truly, you are a degenerate people.‘

[82] His people‘s only answer was: ‘Banish them from your city. They are people who would keep themselves chaste.‘

[83] We delivered him and all his kin, except his wife, who stayed behind

[84] and let loose a shower upon them. Consider the fate of the transgressors

[85] And to Midian, their kin Shu‘aib. He said: ‘Serve God, my people, for you have no god but Him. A veritable sign has come to you from your Lord. Give just weight and measure and do not defraud people of their possessions; do not corrupt the land after it has been purged of evil. That is best for you, if you are true believers

[86] Do not squat down in every highway, threatening and debarring from the path of God those who believe in Him, and seeking to make that path crooked. Remember how He multiplied you when you were few in number. And consider the fate of the evil-doers

[87] If there are some among you who believe in my message and some who disbelieve, be patient till God shall judge between us; He is the best of judges.‘

[88] The haughty elders of his tribe said: ‘Return to our fold, Shu‘aib, or we will banish you from our city, you and all your followers.‘ ‘Even though we are averse to it?‘ he said

[89] If we returned to your faith, from which God has delivered us, we should be false to God; we could only turn to it again by the will of God, our Lord. Our Lord encompasses all things with His knowledge, and in God we have put our trust. Lord, judge rightly between us and our people; You are the best of judges.‘

[90] And the infidel chieftains of his people said: ‘If you follow Shu‘aib, you shall indeed lose out.‘

[91] Thereupon the earthquake felled them, and when morning came they were crouching lifeless in their dwellings

[92] as if those that denied Shu‘aib had never prospered there. It was those that denied Shu‘aib who did lose out

[93] He left them, saying: ‘I conveyed to you, my people, the messages of my Lord and gave you good counsel. How can I grieve for an unbelieving people?‘

[94] And whenever We sent a prophet to a city We afflicted its people with calamities and misfortunes so that they might abase themselves

[95] Then We changed adversity to good fortune, so that when they had multiplied they said: ‘Our fathers also had their sorrows and their joys.‘ And in their heedlessness We suddenly smote them

[96] And had the people of those cities believed and feared God, We would have showered upon them blessings from heaven and earth. But they disbelieved, and We punished them for what they did

[97] Were the people of those cities secure from Our power when it overtook them in the night while they were sleeping

[98] Or were the people of those cities secure from Our power when it overtook them in the morning at their play

[99] Did they feel themselves secure from God‘s cunning? None feels secure from God‘s cunning except the losers

[100] Or is it not plain to those that inherit the land after those who once possessed it that, if We pleased, We could smite them for their sins and set a seal upon their hearts, leaving them bereft of hearing

[101] We have recounted to you the history of those cites. Their apostles came to them with veritable proofs, yet they persisted in their unbelief. Thus God seals up the hearts of the unbelievers

[102] We found the larger part of them untrue to their covenants; indeed, We found the larger part of them immersed in evil

[103] Then after them We sent forth Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his chieftains, but they too spurned them. Consider the fate of the evil-doers

[104] Moses said: ‘Pharaoh, I am an apostle from the Lord of the Universe

[105] and may tell nothing of God but what is true. I bring you a clear sign from your Lord. Let the Children of Israel depart with me

[106] He said: ‘If you have indeed brought a sign, show it to us if what you say be true.‘

[107] So he threw down his staff, and thereupon it changed to a veritable serpent

[108] Then he drew out his hand, and it was white to all who saw it

[109] The elders of Pharaoh‘s people said: ‘This man is but a skilful sorcerer

[110] who seeks to drive you from your land. What would you have us do?‘

[111] They said: ‘Put them off awhile, him and his brother, and send forth criers to the cities to summon

[112] every skilful sorcerer to your presence.‘

[113] The sorcerers came to Pharaoh. They said: ‘Shall we be rewarded if we win?‘

[114] Yes,‘ he answered. ‘And you shall be among the most favoured

[115] They said: ‘Moses, will you throw first, or are we the first to throw?‘

[116] Throw,‘ he replied. And when they threw, they bewitched the people‘s eyes and terrified them by a display of mighty sorcery

[117] Then We signalled to Moses: ‘Throw down your staff.‘ And thereupon it swallowed up their false devices

[118] Thus did the Truth prevail, and all their doings proved vain

[119] Thus were they defeated and abased

[120] and the sorcerers bowed down

[121] and said: ‘We now believe in the Lord of the Universe

[122] the Lord of Moses and Aaron.‘

[123] Pharaoh said: ‘Do you dare believe in Him before I give you leave? This is a plot you have contrived to turn the people out of their city. But you shall learn

[124] I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and then crucify you all!‘

[125] They said: ‘We shall surely return to our Lord

[126] You would punish us only because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they came to us. Lord, instil into us patience and let us die as Muslims.‘

[127] And the elders of Pharaoh‘s people said: ‘Will you allow Moses and his people to perpetrate corruption in the land and to forsake you and your gods?‘ He said: ‘We will put their sons to death¹ and spare only their daughters. We shall surely triumph over them.‘

[128] Moses said to his people: ‘Seek help in God and be patient. The earth is God‘s; He gives it to those of His servants whom He chooses. Happy shall be the lot of those that fear Him.‘

[129] They said: ‘We were oppressed before you came to us, and still are we after your coming.‘ He said: ‘Your Lord will perchance destroy your enemies and give you the land to inherit. Then will He see how you will act.‘

[130] We afflicted Pharaoh‘s people with years of famine and dearth of fruitfulness, so that they might reflect

[131] If good things came their way, they said: ‘It is our due,‘ but if evil befell them they ascribed it to Moses and those who were with him. Yet it was God who had ordained their ills, though most of them did not know it

[132] And they said: ‘Whatever miracles you work to enchant us with it, we will never believe in you.‘

[133] So We plagued them with the flood and with locusts, with lice and frogs and blood: miracles manifest, yet they scorned them all, for they were a sinful people

[134] And when each plague smote them, they said: ‘Moses, pray to your Lord for us: invoke the promise He has made you. If you do lift the plague from us, we will believe in you and let the Israelites go with you.‘

[135] But when We had lifted the plague from them and the appointed time had come for them, they broke their promise

[136] So We took vengeance on them and drowned them in the sea, for they had denied Our signs and paid no heed to them

[137] We gave the persecuted people dominion over the eastern and the western lands which We had blessed. Thus was your Lord‘s gracious word fulfilled for the Israelites, because they had endured with fortitude; and We destroyed the edifices and the towers of Pharaoh and his people

[138] And We led the Israelites across the sea, and they came upon a people who worshipped idols which they had. They said to Moses: ‘Make us a god like the gods they have.‘ He said: ‘You are indeed an ignorant people

[139] That which they follow is doomed, and all their works are vain

[140] Am I to seek for you a deity other than God, when He has exalted you above the nations

[141] We delivered you from Pharaoh‘s people, who had oppressed you cruelly, putting your sons to death and sparing only your daughters. Surely that was a great trial by your Lord.‘

[142] And We promised Moses thirty nights, to which We added ten nights more: so that the appointment with his Lord was after forty nights.¹ And Moses said to his brother Aaron: ‘Take my place among my people. Do what is right and do not follow the path of the wrongdoers.‘

[143] And when Moses came at Our appointed time and His Lord communed with him, he said: ‘Lord, reveal Yourself to me, that I may look upon You.‘ He replied: ‘You shall never see Me. But look upon the Mount; if it remains firm upon its base, then only shall you see Me.‘ And when his Lord revealed Himself to the Mount, He levelled it to dust. Moses fell down senseless, and, when he recovered, said: ‘Glory be to You! I turn to You in penitence, and am the first of the believers

[144] He said: ‘Moses; I have chosen you above all mankind for My messages and My commandments. Take therefore what I have given you, and be thankful.‘

[145] And We inscribed for him upon the Tablets all manner of precepts, and instructions concerning all things, and said to him: ‘Observe these steadfastly, and enjoin your people to observe what is best in them. I shall show you the abode of the ungodly

[146] I will turn away from My signs those who lord it in the land with arrogance and injustice, so that even if they witness each and every sign they shall not believe them. If they see the right path, they shall not walk upon it: but if they see the path of error, they shall choose it for their path; because they disbelieved Our signs and paid no heed to them

[147] Vain are the deeds of those who disbelieve in Our signs and in the life to come. Shall they not be rewarded according only to their deeds?‘

[148] And in his absence the people of Moses made a calf from their ornaments, an image with a hollow sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor give them guidance? Yet they worshipped it and thus committed evil

[149] And when they repented and realized that they had strayed, they said: ‘If our Lord does not have mercy on us and pardon us, we shall surely be among the lost.‘

[150] And when Moses returned to his people, angry and sorrowful, he said: ‘Evil is the thing you did in my absence! Would you hasten the ordinance of your Lord?‘ He threw down the Tablets and, seizing his brother‘s head, dragged him closer to him. ‘Son of my mother,‘ Aaron said, ‘the people overpowered me and almost did me to death. Do not let the enemy gloat over me; do not number me among the wrongdoers.‘

[151] Lord,‘ said Moses; ‘forgive me and forgive my brother. Admit us to Your mercy, for, of all those that show mercy, You are the most merciful.‘

[152] Those that worshipped the calf were to incur the anger of their Lord and servility in this life. Thus shall We reward those who fabricate falsehoods

[153] But to those that do evil but later repent and believe, your Lord is forgiving and compassionate

[154] When his anger was allayed, Moses took up the Tablets, upon which was inscribed a pledge of guidance and of mercy to those that fear their Lord

[155] And Moses chose from among his people seventy men¹ for Our appointed time and, when the earth shook them, said: ‘Had it been Your will, Lord, You could have destroyed them long ago, and myself too. But would You destroy us because of what the fools among us did? That trial was ordained by You, to confound whom You willed and to guide whom You pleased. You alone are our guardian. Forgive us and have mercy on us: You are the best of those who forgive

[156] Ordain for us what is good, both in this life and in the life to come; to You alone we turn.‘ He said: ‘My scourge I will visit upon whom I please: yet My mercy encompasses all things. I show it to those that fear God and give alms, and to those that in Our signs believe

[157] to those that follow the Apostle ― the Unlettered¹ Prophet ― whom they shall find writ down for them in the Torah and the Gospel. He will enjoin righteousness on them and forbid them to do the reprehensible. He will make wholesome things lawful for them and foul things unlawful for them. He will relieve them of their burdens and of the shackles that weigh upon them. Those that believe in him and honour him, those that aid him and follow the light sent down with him, shall surely triumph.‘

[158] Say:² ‘You people! I am God‘s emissary to you all; He that has sovereignty over the heavens and the earth. There is no god but Him. He ordains life and death. Therefore have faith in God and His apostle, the Unlettered¹ Prophet, who believes in God and His commandments. Follow him, that you may be rightly guided.‘

[159] Yet among the people of Moses there are some who preach the Truth and act justly.‘

[160] We divided them into twelve tribes, each a whole community. And when his people demanded drink of him, We revealed our Will to Moses: ‘Strike the rock with your staff.‘ Thereupon twelve springs gushed from it and each tribe knew its drinking-place. We caused the clouds to draw their shadow over them and sent down for them manna and quails: ‘Eat of the wholesome things We have given you.‘ They did Us no wrong, but they wronged themselves

[161] And when they were told: ‘Dwell in this city, and eat from it whatever you please; pray for forgiveness and enter the gates bowing: We will forgive you your sins and bestow abundance on the righteous,‘

[162] the wrongdoers among them changed what they were told to words that were not said to them; and We let loose on them a scourge from heaven as punishment for their wrongdoing

[163] Ask them about the city which overlooked the sea and what befell its people when they broke the Sabbath. On their Sabbath the fish came to them floating on the water, but on weekdays they never came near them. Thus did We test them because of the evil they did

[164] And when one of their tribe said: ‘Why do you admonish a people for whom God has ordained destruction and grievous torment?‘ they replied: ‘To be blameless in the sight of your Lord, and that they may fear God.‘

[165] Therefore, when they forgot the warning they were given, We delivered those who had admonished against evil, and smote the wrongdoers with punishment for their misdeeds

[166] And when they scornfully persisted in their forbidden ways, We said to them: ‘Turn into detested apes.‘

[167] Then your Lord declared that He would raise against them others who would oppress them grievously till the Day of Resurrection. Swift is the retribution of your Lord, yet is He forgiving and compassionate

[168] We dispersed them into communities throughout the earth ― some were righteous, others were not ― and tested them with blessings and misfortunes so that they might return to the right path

[169] Then others succeeded them who inherited the Book and took to these nether vanities. ‘We shall be forgiven,‘ they said. And if such vanities came their way once more, they would again take to them. Are they not committed in the Book to tell nothing of God but what is true? And they have studied it well; surely the world to come is better for those that fear God. Have you no sense

[170] As for those that strictly observe the Book and are steadfast in prayer, We shall not deny the righteous their reward

[171] And when We suspended the Mount over them as though it were a shadow (they feared that it was falling down on them) We said: ‘Hold fast to that which We have given you and bear in mind what it contains, that you may fear God.‘

[172] Your Lord brought forth descendants from the loins of Adam‘s children, and made them testify against their own souls. He said: ‘Am I not your Lord?‘ They replied: ‘Yes, we do testify.‘ Lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘We had no knowledge of that,‘

[173] or you should say: ‘Our forefathers were, indeed, idolaters; but will You destroy us, their descendants, on account of what the followers of falsehood did?‘

[174] Thus do We expound Our revelations so that they may return to the right path

[175] Tell them of the man to whom We vouchsafed Our signs and who turned away from them: how Satan pursued him and he went astray

[176] Had it been Our will, We would have exalted him through Our signs: but he clung to this earthly life and succumbed to his desires. He can be compared to the dog which pants if you chase it away, but pants still if you leave it alone. Such are those that deny Our revelations. Recount to them these parables, so that they may reflect

[177] Evil is the tale of those that denied Our revelations and were unjust to their own souls

[178] He whom God guides is he who is rightly guided; but those whom He confounds are they that will surely be lost

[179] We have predestined for Hell a multitude of jinn and humans. They have hearts they cannot comprehend with; and they have eyes they cannot see with; and they have ears they cannot hear with. They are like beasts ― indeed, they are more misguided. Such are the heedless

[180] God has the Most Excellent Names; call on Him by them and keep away from those that pervert them; they shall receive their due for what they did

[181] Among those We created there is a community that gives true guidance and acts justly

[182] As for those that deny Our revelations, We will lead them step by step whence they cannot tell

[183] for though I bear with them, My stratagem is sure

[184] Has it never occurred to them that their compatriot¹ is no madman, but one who gives clear warning

[185] Will they not ponder upon the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and all the things that God created, and whether their hour is not drawing near? And in what other words after these will they believe

[186] None can guide those whom God confounds. He leaves them in their sinful ways, ever straying from the right path

[187] They ask you about the Hour: when will it come? Say: ‘None but my Lord has knowledge of it.² Only He will reveal it ― at the appointed time. A fateful hour shall it be, both in the heavens and on earth. It will but suddenly overtake you.‘ They will put questions to you as though you were privy to it. Say: ‘Only God has knowledge of it, but the greater part of mankind do not know this.‘

[188] Say: ‘I have not the power to acquire benefits or to avert evil from myself; except by the will of God. Had I possessed knowledge of what is hidden, I would have availed myself of much that is good and no harm would have touched me. But I am no more than one who gives warning and joyful tidings to true believers.‘

[189] He it was who created you from a single being.³ From that being He created his spouse, so that he might find comfort in her. And when he had lain with her, she conceived, and her burden was light. She carried it with ease, but when it grew heavy, they both cried to God their Lord: ‘Grant us a goodly child and we will be truly thankful.‘

[190] Yet when He had granted them a goodly child, they both set up other gods besides Him in return for what He gave them. Exalted be God above their idols

[191] Will they worship those which can create nothing, but are themselves created

[192] They cannot help them, nor can they help themselves

[193] If you call them to the true guidance they will not follow you. It is the same whether you call to them or hold your peace

[194] Those whom you invoke besides God are, like yourselves, His creatures. Call on them, and let them answer you, if what you say be true

[195] Have they feet to walk with? Or have they hands to hold with? Or have they eyes to see with? Or have they ears to hear with? Say: ‘Call on your false gods and scheme against me. Give me no respite

[196] Surely my guardian is God, who has revealed the Book; He is the guardian of the righteous

[197] Those to whom you call besides Him cannot help you, nor can they help themselves.‘

[198] If you call them to the right guidance, they will not hear. You find them looking towards you, but they cannot see

[199] Be tolerant, speak for what is right, and avoid the ignorant

[200] If Satan presents you with a temptation, seek refuge in God; He hears all and knows all

[201] If the God-fearing are touched by a hint from Satan, they have but to reflect; and they shall see the light

[202] As for their brothers, they would keep them long in error, nor would they ever desist

[203] When you have no sūrah to give them, they say: ‘Have you not yet invented it?‘ Say: ‘I follow only what is revealed to me by my Lord. This Book is a veritable proof from your Lord, a guide and a blessing to true believers.‘

[204] When the Koran is recited, listen to it in silence that you may be shown mercy

[205] Remember your Lord deep in your soul with humility and awe, and without ostentation: in the morning and in the evening; and do not be heedless

[206] Those who dwell with your Lord do not disdain to worship Him; they give glory to Him and before Him they prostrate themselves

[1] THEY ASK you about the spoils. Say: ‘The spoils belong to God and the Apostle. Therefore fear God and end your differences. Obey God and His apostle, if you are true believers.‘

[2] The true believers are those whose hearts are filled with awe at the mention of God, and whose faith grows stronger when His revelations are recited to them

[3] They are those who put their trust in their Lord, pray steadfastly, and give from what We gave them

[4] Such are the true believers. They will be exalted to high ranks by their Lord, and forgiveness and a generous provision awaits them

[5] Just as your Lord bade you leave your home in the cause of Truth, and some of the faithful were reluctant

[6] they argued with you about the Truth that had been revealed, as though they were being led to certain death while they looked on

[7] While God promised you victory over one of the two bands, it was your wish to take possession of the one that was unarmed.² God wished to vindicate the Truth by His words and to rout the unbelievers

[8] to vindicate the Truth and to render falsehood vain, though the transgressors wished otherwise

[9] Remember when you prayed to your Lord for help and He answered: ‘I am sending to your aid a thousand angels in their ranks.‘

[10] By this good news God sought to reassure your hearts, for victory comes only from God; surely God is Almighty and wise

[11] You were overcome by sleep, a token of protection from Him. He sent down water from the sky to cleanse you and to purify you of Satan‘s abomination, to strengthen your hearts and to steady your footsteps

[12] Remember when God revealed His will to the angels: ‘I am with you; so give courage to the believers. I shall cast terror into the hearts of the infidels. Strike off their heads, strike off the very tips of their fingers!‘

[13] That was because they defied God and His apostle; and he that defies God and His apostle shall be sternly punished by God

[14] ‘That is it: taste it.‘ The scourge of the Fire awaits the unbelievers.‘

[15] Believers, when you encounter the infidels on the march, do not turn your backs to them in flight

[16] If anyone on that day turns his back to them, except for tactical reasons, or to join another band, he shall incur the ire of God and Hell shall be his shelter: a wretched fate

[17] You did not slay them, but it was God who slew them. You did not smite them, but it was God who smote them so that He might richly reward the faithful. God hears all and knows all

[18] Even so; God will surely frustrate the designs of the unbelievers

[19] If you¹ were seeking a judgement, now has a judgement come to you. If you desist, it will be best for you. And if you resume the fight, We will fight back, and your forces shall avail you nothing, superior though they be in number: for God is with the faithful

[20] Believers, obey God and His apostle, and do not forsake him, now that you have heard all

[21] Do not be like those who say: ‘We hear,‘ but pay no heed to what they hear

[22] The meanest beasts in God‘s sight are those that are deaf, dumb, and devoid of reason

[23] Had God perceived any virtue in them, He would have surely made them hear. But even if He had made them hear, they would have turned away and refused to listen

[24] Believers, obey God and the Apostle when he calls you to that which gives you life. Know that God stands between man and his heart, and that in His presence you shall all be herded

[25] Guard yourselves against temptation.¹ The wrongdoers among you are not the only men who will be tempted; and know that God‘s punishment is stern

[26] And remember when you were few in number and persecuted in the land, ever fearing the onslaught of the people, how He gave you shelter. He made you strong with His help and provided you with wholesome things that you might give thanks

[27] Believers, do not betray God and the Apostle, nor knowingly betray your trust

[28] Know that your worldly goods and your children are but a temptation, and that God‘s recompense is great

[29] Believers, if you fear God He will grant you salvation and cleanse you of your sins and forgive you. Supreme is God‘s bounty

[30] And remember how the unbelievers plotted against you,² seeking to take you captive or to have you slain or banished. They schemed ― and God also schemed. God is the most adroit of schemers

[31] Whenever Our revelations are recited to them, they say: ‘We have heard them. If we wished, we could say the like. They are but fables of the ancients.‘

[32] They also say: ‘Lord, if this be indeed the Truth revealed from You, rain down upon us stones from heaven or bring us some woeful scourge to punish us.‘

[33] But God would not punish them while you were present in their midst. Nor would God punish them if they sought forgiveness

[34] And yet it is but just that God should punish them; for they have debarred others from the Sacred Mosque, although its guardian they are not. Its guardians are only those that fear God, but most of them have no knowledge

[35] Their prayers at the Sacred House are nothing but whistling and clapping of hands. ‘Taste then the scourge, because you disbelieved.‘

[36] The unbelievers expend their riches in debarring others from the path of God. Thus do they dissipate their wealth: but they shall rue it, and in the end be overthrown. The unbelievers shall into Hell be driven

[37] God will separate the wicked from the just. He will heap all the wicked one upon another and then cast them into Hell. These will surely be lost

[38] Tell the unbelievers that if they mend their ways their past shall be forgiven; but if they relapse, then theirs shall be the fate of bygone nations

[39] Fight them until idolatry¹ shall cease and God‘s religion shall reign supreme.² If they desist, God is cognizant of what they do

[40] but if they pay no heed, know then that God is your protector; the noblest Protector and the noblest Helper

[41] And know that if you gain any spoils one-fifth of them shall belong to God, the Apostle, his kin, the orphans, the destitute, and the traveller in need: if you truly believe in God and what We revealed to Our servant on the Day of Salvation, the day when the two armies met. God has power over all things

[42] You were on the nearer side of the valley and the unbelievers on the farther side, with the caravan below you. Had they offered battle, you would have surely declined; but God sought to accomplish what had been ordained, so that he that was destined to perish might by a clear sign die, and he that was destined to live might by a clear sign survive. Surely God hears all and knows all

[43] God made them appear to you in a dream as few; had He showed them to you as many, your courage would have failed you and discord would have triumphed in your ranks. But this God spared you. He has knowledge of man‘s innermost thoughts

[44] And when you met them, He made each appear to the other few in number, that God might accomplish what had been ordained. To God shall all things return

[45] Believers, when you meet a troop stand firm and pray to God at all times, so that you may triumph

[46] And obey God and His apostle and do not quarrel among yourselves, lest you lose courage and your resolve weaken. Have patience: God is with those that are patient

[47] Do not be like those who left their homes gloating and to be seen by people. They debar others from the path of God: but God has full knowledge of what they do.‘

[48] Satan had made their deeds seem fair to them; and he said: ‘No one shall conquer you this day. I shall be at hand to help you.‘ But when the two armies came within sight of each other, he took to his heels, saying: ‘I am done with you, for I can see what you cannot. I fear God. God‘s punishment is stern.‘

[49] The hypocrites, and those whose hearts were tainted, said: ‘Their religion has deceived them.‘ But he that puts his trust in God shall find God mighty and wise

[50] If you could see the angels when they carry off the souls of the unbelievers! They shall strike them on their faces and their backs, saying: ‘Taste the torment of the Conflagration

[51] This is the punishment for what your hands committed.‘ God is never unjust to His servants

[52] Like Pharaoh‘s people and those before them, they disbelieved God‘s revelations. Therefore God smote them for their sins; mighty is God and stern His retribution

[53] God does not change the blessings He has bestowed upon a people until they change what is in their hearts. And God hears all and knows all

[54] Like Pharaoh‘s people and those before them, they disbelieved their Lord‘s revelations. We destroyed them for their sins, and We drowned Pharaoh‘s people. They were wrongdoers all

[55] Surely the basest creatures in the sight of God are the blasphemers who will not believe

[56] those who time after time violate their treaties with you and have no fear of God

[57] If you capture them in battle discriminate between them and those that follow them, so that their followers may take warning

[58] If you fear treachery from any of your allies, you may fairly retaliate by breaking off your treaty with them. God does not love the treacherous

[59] And let not the unbelievers think that they will ever get away; they have not the power so to do

[60] Muster against them all the armed forces and cavalry at your command, that you may strike terror into the enemy of God and your own enemy, and others besides them who are unknown to you but known to God. All that you give in the cause of God shall be repaid to you; and you shall not be wronged

[61] If they incline to peace, make peace with them, and put your trust in God. Surely He it is who hears all and knows all

[62] And should they seek to deceive you, all-sufficient is God for you. He it was who has made You strong with His help and rallied the faithful round you, uniting their hearts

[63] If you had given away all the riches of the earth, you could not have so united them: but God has united them. He is mighty and wise

[64] Prophet, sufficient is God for you, and sufficient are the faithful who follow you

[65] Prophet, rouse the faithful to arms. If there are twenty steadfast men among you, they shall vanquish two hundred; and if there are a hundred, they shall rout a thousand unbelievers, for they are devoid of understanding

[66] God has now lightened your burden, for He knows that you are weak. If there are a hundred steadfast men among you, they shall vanquish two hundred; and if there are a thousand, they shall, by God‘s will, defeat two thousand. God is with those that are steadfast

[67] A prophet may not take captives until he has fought and triumphed in the land. You¹ seek the chance gain of this world, but God desires for you the world to come. God is mighty and wise

[68] Had there not been, a previous writ from God, you would have been sternly punished for what you took

[69] Enjoy therefore the good and lawful things which you have gained in war, and fear God. Surely God is forgiving and compassionate

[70] Prophet, say to those you have taken captive: ‘If God finds goodness in your hearts, He will give you that which is better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you. God is forgiving and compassionate.‘

[71] But if they seek to betray you, they have already betrayed God. Therefore He has made you triumph over them; God is all-knowing and wise

[72] Those that have embraced the Faith and left their land, and fought for the cause of God with their wealth and with their persons; and those that sheltered and helped, shall be as friends to each other. Those that have embraced the Faith, but have not left, shall in no way be your friends until they leave. But if they seek your help in the cause of the Religion, it is your duty to assist them, except against a people with whom you have a treaty. And God is ever observant of what you do

[73] The unbelievers give aid and comfort to each other. If you fail to do likewise, there will be sedition in the land and great corruption

[74] Those that have embraced the Faith and fled their land and fought for the cause of God, and those that sheltered and helped ― they are the true believers. Forgiveness and a gracious provision await them

[75] Those that have since embraced the Faith and left their land and fought with you ― they too are your brothers; although according to the Book of God those who are bound by ties of blood are nearest to one another. Surely God has knowledge of all things

[1] A DECLARATION of immunity from God and His apostle to the idolaters with whom you have made treaties

[2] For four months you shall go unmolested in the land. But know that you shall not escape God‘s judgement, and that God will humble the unbelievers

[3] A proclamation to the people from God and His apostle on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage: God and His apostle are under no obligation to the idolaters. If you repent, it shall be well with you; but if you pay no heed, know that you shall not be immune from God‘s judgement. Proclaim a woeful punishment to the unbelievers

[4] except to those idolaters who have honoured their treaties with you in every detail and aided none against you. With these keep faith, until their treaties have run their term. God loves the righteous

[5] When the sacred months¹ are over kill the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. If they repent and take to prayer and render the alms levy, allow them to go their way. God is forgiving and compassionate

[6] If an idolater seeks asylum with you, give him protection so that he may hear the Word of God, and then convey him to safety; for the idolaters are ignorant people

[7] How can God and His apostle repose trust in idolaters, save those with whom you have made treaties at the Sacred Mosque? So long as they keep faith with you, keep faith with them. God loves the righteous

[8] How can you trust them? If they prevail against you, they will respect neither treaties nor ties of kin. They flatter you with their mouths, but their hearts reject you; and most of them are ungodly

[9] They sell God‘s revelations for paltry price and debar others from His path. Evil is what they do

[10] they break faith with the believers and set at nought all ties of kin. Such are the transgressors

[11] If they repent and take to prayer and render the alms levy, they shall become your brothers in the Faith. Thus do We expound Our revelations to those endowed with knowledge

[12] But if, after coming to terms with you, they break their oaths, and revile your religion, then fight the leaders of unbelief ― for no oaths are binding for them ― so that they may desist

[13] Will you not fight against those who have broken their oaths and conspired to banish the Apostle? They were the first to attack you. Do you fear them? Surely God is more deserving of your fear, if you are true believers

[14] Fight them: God will chastise them at your hands and humble them. He will grant you victory over them and heal the spirit of the faithful

[15] He will take away all rancour from their hearts: God shows mercy to whom He pleases. God is all-knowing and wise

[16] Or did you imagine you would be forsaken before God has recognized those of you who have fought valiantly and served none but God, His apostle and the faithful? God is cognizant of what you do

[17] It ill becomes the idolaters to visit the mosques of God, for they are unbelievers, self-confessed. Vain shall be their works, and in the Fire shall they abide for ever

[18] None should visit the mosques of God except those who believe in God and the Last Day, attend to their prayers and render the alms levy and fear none but God; these shall be rightly guided

[19] Do you pretend that he who gives a drink to the pilgrims and pays a visit to the Sacred Mosque is as worthy as the man who believes in God and the Last Day, and fights for God‘s cause? These are not held equal by God. God does not guide the wrongdoers

[20] Those that have embraced the Faith, and left their land, and fought for God‘s cause with their wealth and with their persons, are held in higher esteem by God; it is they who shall triumph

[21] Their Lord has promised them the joy of mercy from Himself and His pleasure, and Gardens of eternal bliss

[22] where shall they abide for ever; God‘s recompense is great indeed

[23] Believers, do not befriend your fathers or your brothers if they choose unbelief in preference to faith; wrongdoers are those of you that befriend them

[24] Say: ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribes, the property you have acquired, the merchandise you fear may not be sold, and the homes you love, are dearer to you than God, His apostle and the struggle for His cause, then wait until God shall pass His judgement. God does not guide the ungodly.‘

[25] God has aided you on many a battlefield. In the Battle of Hunain¹ you set great store by your numbers, but they availed you nothing: the earth, for all its vastness, seemed to close in upon you, and you turned your backs and fled

[26] Then God caused His Divine Presence² to descend upon His apostle and the faithful: He sent to your aid warriors you did not see and sternly punished the unbelievers; that was the infidels recompense

[27] Then God will after that show mercy to whom He will. God is forgiving and compassionate

[28] Believers! The idolaters are unclean. Let them not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year is ended. If you fear poverty, God, if He pleases, will enrich you through His own bounty; God is all-knowing and wise

[29] Fight those who believe in neither God nor the Last Day, who do not forbid what God and His apostle have forbidden, and do not embrace the Religion of Truth, from among those who were given the Book, until they render the tribute, by hand, in abject submission

[30] The Jews say Ezra is the son of God, and the Christians say Christ is the son of God. Such are the words they utter with their mouths, by which they emulate the infidels of old. God smite them! How perverse they are

[31] They make of their clerics and their monks, and of Christ, the son of Mary, Lords besides God; though they were ordered to serve but one God; there is no god but Him. Exalted be He above those they deify besides Him

[32] They would extinguish the light of God with their mouths: but God seeks only to perfect His light, though the infidels abhor it

[33] He it was who has sent forth His apostle with guidance and the Religion of Truth that He may exalt it above all religions, though the infidels abhor it

[34] Believers, many are the clerics and the monks who defraud the people of their possessions and debar them from the path of God. To those that hoard up gold and silver and do not spend them in God‘s cause, proclaim a woeful punishment

[35] the day when their treasures shall be heated in the fire of Hell, and their foreheads, sides, and backs branded with them. They will be told: ‘These are the treasures that for yourself you hoarded. Taste then the treasures that you hoarded.‘

[36] God ordained the months twelve in number when He created the heavens and the earth. Of these, four are sacred, according to the True Religion. Therefore do not sin against yourselves by violating them. But fight the idolaters in all these months, as they themselves fight you in all of them. And know that God is with the righteous

[37] The postponement of sacred months is a grossly impious practice, in which the unbelievers are misguided. They make it lawful one year and make it unlawful in the next, in order to make up for the months which God has sanctified; thus making lawful what God has forbidden. Their foul acts seem fair to them: God does not guide the unbelievers

[38] Believers, why is it that when you are told: ‘March in the cause of God,‘ you linger slothfully in the land? Are you content with this life in preference to the life to come? Few indeed are the blessings of this life, compared with those of the life to come

[39] If you do not go on the march, He will mete out to you grievous punishment, and will replace you by other people. You will in no way harm Him: for God has power over all things

[40] If you do not help him,¹ God did help him when he was driven out by the unbelievers with one other¹. In the cave he said to his companion: ‘Do not despair, God is with us.‘ God caused His Divine Presence² to descend upon him and sent to his aid warriors you did not see, so that he brought low the unbelievers design: supreme is God‘s design. God is mighty and wise

[41] Whether lightly armed or well-equipped, march on and fight for the cause of God, with your wealth and with your persons. This will be best for you, if you but knew it

[42] Had the gain been immediate or the journey short, they would have followed you:³ but the distance seemed too far to them. Yet they will swear by God: ‘Had we been able, we would have marched with you.‘ They bring ruin upon themselves. God knows that they are surely lying

[43] God pardon you! Why did you give them leave before you discovered who was speaking the truth, and knew who was lying

[44] Those that believe in God and the Last Day will not beg you to exempt them from fighting with their wealth and with their persons. God best knows the righteous

[45] Only those seek exemption who disbelieve in God and the Last Day, and whose hearts are filled with doubt. Because they doubt, they waver

[46] Had they intended to set forth, they would have prepared themselves for the march. But God was loath to let them go, and held them back. They were bidden to stay with those who stayed behind

[47] Had they taken the field with you, they would have only added to your burden. They would have wormed their way through your ranks, seeking to sow discord among you: and among you there were some who would have been willing listeners. God well knows the wrongdoers

[48] They had sought to sow dissension before this, and turned things topsy-turvy for you until the Truth prevailed and the will of God became manifest, averse to it though they were

[49] Some among them say: ‘Give us leave to stay behind, and do not expose us to temptation.‘ Surely they have already succumbed to temptation. Hell shall engulf the unbelievers

[50] If you meet with success, it grieves them; and if a disaster befalls you, they say: ‘We have already taken our precautions.‘ And they turn away, rejoicing

[51] Say: ‘Nothing will befall us except what God has ordained for us. He is our Guardian. In God let the faithful put their trust.‘

[52] Say: ‘Are you waiting for anything to befall us except victory or martyrdom? We are waiting for God‘s scourge to smite you, direct from Him or at our hands. Wait if you will; we will wait with you.‘

[53] Say: ‘Whether you give willingly or with reluctance, your offerings shall not be accepted from you; for you are ungodly people.‘

[54] Their offerings shall not be accepted from them only because they have denied God and His apostle. They pray but half-heartedly and give only with reluctance

[55] So let neither their riches nor their children make you wonder. Through these God seeks to punish them in the life of this world, so that their souls shall perish while they are still in unbelief

[56] They swear by God that they are believers with you, and they are not with you. But they are afraid

[57] If they could find a shelter or some cave, or any hiding-place, they would run in frantic haste to seek refuge in it

[58] And there are some among them who speak ill of you¹ concerning the distribution of alms. If a share is given them, they are content: but if they are not given a share, they grow resentful

[59] Would that they were satisfied with what God and His apostle have given them, and said: ‘All-sufficient is God for us. God will provide for us from His own bounty, and so will His apostle. To God we will humbly submit.‘

[60] Alms shall be only for the poor and the destitute, for those that are engaged in the management of alms and those whose hearts are sympathetic to the Faith; for the freeing of slaves and debtors; for the advancement of God‘s cause; and for the traveller in need. That is a duty enjoined by God. God is all-knowing and wise

[61] And there are some among them who speak ill of the Prophet, saying: ‘He has an ear for everything.‘ Say: ‘He has an ear for only what is good for you. He believes in God and puts his trust in the faithful. He is a blessing to the true believers among you. Those that speak ill of God‘s apostle have woeful punishment in wait for them.‘

[62] They swear by God in order to please you. But it is more just that they should please God and the Apostle, if they are true believers

[63] Are they not aware that whoever defies God and His apostle shall abide for ever in the fire of Hell? That surely is the supreme humiliation

[64] The hypocrites are afraid lest a sūrahbe revealed to them, telling them what is in their hearts. Say: ‘Scoff if you will; God will surely bring to light what you are dreading.‘

[65] If you question them, they will surely say: ‘We were only jesting and making merry.‘ Say: ‘Would you mock God, His revelations, and His apostle

[66] Make no excuses. You have renounced the Faith after embracing it. If We pardon some among you, We will punish others, for they were transgressors.‘

[67] Be they men or women, the hypocrites are all alike. They enjoin the reprehensible, forbid the just, and tighten their fists. They forgot God, so God forgot them. Surely it is the hypocrites who are the ungodly

[68] God has promised the hypocrites, both men and women, and the unbelievers, the fire of Hell. Therein shall they abide for ever: a sufficient recompense. God has cursed them; and lasting torment awaits them

[69] Like those before you, mightier they were than you, and had greater riches and more offspring. Like them, you have enjoyed your earthly lot and, like them, you have engaged in idle talk. But vain were their works in this life, and vain shall they be in the life to come. These will surely be lost

[70] Have they not heard the histories of those who have gone before them? The fate of Noah‘s people and of ‘Ād and Thamūd; of Abraham‘s people and the people of Midian and the Ruined Cities? Their apostles came to them with veritable signs. God did not wrong them, but they wronged their own souls

[71] The true believers, both men and women, are friends to one another. They enjoin the just and forbid the reprehensible; they attend to their prayers, and render the alms levy, and obey God and His apostle. On these God will have mercy. God is mighty and wise

[72] God has promised the men and women who believe in Him Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide for ever: goodly mansions in the Gardens of Eden: and, what is more, they shall have grace in God‘s sight. That is the supreme triumph

[73] Prophet, make war on the unbelievers and the hypocrites and deal rigorously with them. Hell shall be their home: a wretched fate

[74] They swear by God that they said nothing. Yet they uttered the word of blasphemy and renounced Islām after embracing it. They sought to do what they could not attain. Yet they had no reason to be spiteful; except perhaps because God and His apostle had enriched them through His bounty. If they repent, it will indeed be better for them; but if they pay no heed, God will torment them grievously, in this world and in the world to come. They shall have none on earth to protect or succour them

[75] Some among them pledged themselves to God: ‘If He is bountiful to us, we will assuredly give alms and be among the righteous.‘

[76] But when God had bestowed His bounty on them they tightened their fists and, turning their backs, hurried away

[77] He has caused hypocrisy to reign in their hearts till the day they meet Him, because they have been untrue to the pledge they gave Him and because of the lies they told

[78] Are they not aware that God knows what they conceal and what they talk about in secret? That God knows what is hidden

[79] As for those that taunt the believers who give freely, and deride those who give according to their means, God will deride them. Woeful punishment awaits them

[80] It is the same whether or not you beg forgiveness for them. If seventy times you beg forgiveness for them, God will not forgive them, for they have denied God and His apostle. God does not guide the ungodly

[81] Those that stayed at home were glad that they were left behind by God‘s apostle, for they had no wish to fight for the cause of God with their wealth and with their persons. They said: ‘Do not go to war, the heat is fierce.‘ Say: ‘More fierce is the heat of Hell-fire!‘ Would that they understood

[82] They shall laugh but little and shed many tears. Thus shall they be rewarded for what they did

[83] If God brings you back in safety and some of them ask leave to march with you, say: ‘You shall never march with me, nor shall you ever fight with me against an enemy. You chose to stay at home on the first occasion; therefore you shall now stay with those who will remain behind.‘

[84] You shall not pray for any of their dead, nor shall you attend their burial. For they denied God and His apostle and remained sinners to the last

[85] So let neither their riches nor their offspring rouse your envy. Through these God seeks to punish them in the life of this world, so that their souls shall perish while still in unbelief

[86] Whenever a sūrah was revealed, saying: ‘Believe in God and fight alongside His apostle,‘ the rich among them excused themselves to you, saying: ‘Leave us; we would rather be with those who are to stay behind.‘

[87] They were content to be with those who stayed behind: a seal was set upon their hearts, leaving them bereft of understanding

[88] But the Apostle and the men who shared his faith fought with their goods and with their persons. These shall be rewarded with good things. These shall surely prosper

[89] God has prepared for them Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide for ever. That is the supreme triumph

[90] Some Arabs of the desert turned up with excuses, begging to be given leave; while those who denied God and His apostle remained idle at home. A woeful scourge shall fall on those of them that disbelieved

[91] It shall be no offence for the disabled, the sick, and those lacking the means, to stay behind: if they are true to God and His apostle. The righteous shall not be blamed: God is forgiving and compassionate

[92] Nor shall those be blamed who, when they came to you demanding conveyances to mount to the battle-front and you said you could find none to carry them, went away in tears grieving that they could find nothing to contribute

[93] The offenders are those that seek exemption although they are men of wealth. They are content to be with those who stay behind. God has set a seal upon their hearts so that they are devoid of knowledge

[94] They will come up to you with excuses when you return to them. Say: ‘Make no excuses: we will not believe you. God has revealed to us the truth about you. God will watch your actions, and so will His apostle. Then you shall return to Him who knows alike the unknown and the manifest, and He will declare to you what you have done.‘

[95] When you return they will appeal to you in God‘s name to let them be. So let them be: they are an abomination. Hell shall be their home, in requital for their misdeeds

[96] They will swear to you in order to gain your acceptance. But if you accept them, God will not accept the ungodly

[97] The desert Arabs surpass others in unbelief and hypocrisy, and have more cause to be ignorant of the laws which God has revealed to His apostle. But God is all-knowing and wise

[98] Some desert Arabs regard what they give as a compulsory fine and wait for some misfortune to befall you. May ill-fortune befall them! God hears all and knows all

[99] Yet there are some among the desert Arabs who believe in God and the Last Day, and regard what they give as a means of bringing them close to God and to the Apostle‘s prayers. Indeed, closer they shall be brought; God will admit them into His mercy. God is forgiving and compassionate

[100] As for those who led the way, the first of the muhājirīn¹ and the anşār,² and those who nobly followed them, God is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide for ever. That is the supreme triumph

[101] Some of the desert Arabs around you are hypocrites, and so are some of the citizens of Madinah, who are indeed fanatical in their hypocrisy. You know them not, but We know them well. Twice We will chastise them: then shall they return to a grievous torment

[102] Others there are who have confessed their sins; they intermixed their good works with evil. Perchance God will pardon them

[103] God is forgiving and compassionate. Take alms from their wealth, that they may thereby be cleansed and purified, and pray for them: for your prayers will give them comfort. God hears all and knows all

[104] Do they not know that God accepts the repentance from His servants and welcomes alms, and that God pardons and is compassionate

[105] Say: ‘Act as you will. God will behold your actions, and so will His apostle and the faithful; then shall you return to Him who knows alike the unknown and the manifest, and He will declare to you what you have done.‘

[106] And there are yet others who must await God‘s decree. He will either punish them or pardon them. God is all-knowing and wise

[107] And there are those who built a mosque from mischievous motives, to spread unbelief and disunite the faithful, in expectation of him¹ who had made war on God and His apostle. They swear their intentions were nothing but good, and God bears witness that they are lying

[108] You shall not set foot in it. It is more fitting that you should pray in a mosque founded on piety from the very first, wherein you shall find men who love to keep themselves pure; God loves those that are purified

[109] Who is a better man, he who founds his house on the fear of God and His good pleasure, or he who builds on the brink of a crumbling precipice, so that his house will fall with him into the fire of Hell? God does not guide the wrongdoers

[110] The edifice they built shall ever inspire their hearts with doubt, until their hearts are cut in pieces. God is all-knowing and wise

[111] God has purchased from the faithful their lives and worldly goods, and in return has promised them the Garden. They will fight for the cause of God, they will slay and be slain. Such is the true promise He made in the Torah, the Gospel and the Koran; and who is more true to his pledge than God? Rejoice then in the bargain you have made; that is the supreme triumph

[112] Those that repent and those that worship and praise Him; those that fast and those that kneel and prostrate themselves; those that enjoin justice, forbid the reprehensible, and observe God‘s commandments: proclaim joyful tidings to the faithful

[113] It is not for the Prophet or the believers to beg forgiveness for idolaters, even though they be related, after it has become manifest to them that they have earned the punishment of Hell

[114] Abraham prayed for his father only to fulfil a promise he had made him. But when he realized he was an enemy of God, he disowned him. Yet Abraham was a compassionate and tender-hearted man

[115] Nor will God confound men after He has given them guidance until He has manifested to them all that they should avoid. God has knowledge of all things

[116] God has sovereignty over the heavens and the earth; He ordains life and death. You have none besides God to protect or help you

[117] God pardoned the Prophet, the muhājirīn and the anşār, who stood by him in the hour of adversity, when some among them were on the point of losing heart. He pardoned them; He took pity on them and was compassionate

[118] And to the three who had been left behind. So despondent were they that the earth, for all its vastness, and their own souls, seemed to close in upon them. They knew there was no refuge from God except in Him. Therefore He pardoned them, that they might repent. God pardons and is compassionate

[119] You believers, fear God and stand firm with those who uphold the cause of Truth

[120] No cause have the people of Madinah and the desert Arabs around them to forsake God‘s apostle or to jeopardize his life so as to safeguard their own; for they do not expose themselves to thirst or hunger or to any ordeal for the sake of God, nor do they take any step which may displease the unbelievers, nor do they inflict any loss on an enemy but shall it shall be noted down for them as a good deed: God will not deny the righteous their reward

[121] Each sum they give, be it small or large, and each valley they traverse, shall be noted down, so that God may requite them for their noblest deeds

[122] It is not right that all the faithful should go to war at once. A band from each community should stay behind to instruct themselves in Religion and to admonish their people when they return, so that they may be warned

[123] Believers, fight the infidels who dwell around you. Deal firmly with them; and know that God is with those that fear Him

[124] Whenever a sūrah is revealed, some among them ask: ‘Which of you has had his faith increased by this?‘ It will surely increase the believers‘ faith and give them joy

[125] As for those whose hearts are tainted, it will add abomination to their abomination, so that they shall die while still in unbelief

[126] Do they not see how every year they were afflicted once or twice? Yet they neither repent nor take warning

[127] And whenever a sūrah is revealed, they glance at each other, asking: ‘Is anyone watching you?‘ Then they turn away. God has turned away their hearts, for they are senseless people

[128] There has now come to you an apostle of your own, one who grieves at your sinfulness and cares for you; one who is benevolent and compassionate to the believers

[129] If they pay no heed, say: ‘All-sufficient is God for me. There is no god but Him; in Him I have put my trust. And He is the Lord of the Glorious Throne.‘

[1] ALIF lām rā‘. These are the revelations of the Wise Book

[2] Does it seem strange to people that We revealed Our will to a mortal from among themselves, saying: ‘Give warning to the people, and proclaim joyful tidings to the faithful that they may have a tried and true footing with their Lord‘? The unbelievers say: ‘This man¹ is a sorcerer manifest.‘

[3] Yet your Lord is God, who in six days created the heavens and the earth and then ascended the throne, ordaining all things. None has power to intercede without His sanction. Such is God, your Lord: therefore serve Him. Will you not reflect

[4] To Him shall you all return: God‘s promise shall be fulfilled. He brings the Creation into being and will then restore it, so that He may justly recompense those who have believed and done good works. As for the unbelievers, scalding water shall they drink, and for their unbelief woeful punishment awaits them

[5] It was He that gave the sun his brightness and the moon her light, ordaining her phases that you may learn to compute the seasons and the years.² God created them only to manifest the Truth. He expounds His revelations to those endowed with knowledge

[6] In the alternation of night and day, and in all that God has created in the heavens and the earth, there are signs for the God-fearing

[7] Those who entertain no hope of meeting Us, being pleased and contented with the life of this world, and those who pay no heed to Our revelations

[8] shall have the Fire as their abode in requital for their deeds

[9] As for those that believe and do good works, their Lord will guide them through their faith. Brooks will run at their feet in the Gardens of Delight

[10] Their prayer will be: ‘Glory be to You, Lord!‘ and their greeting: ‘Peace!‘ ‘Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe‘ will be the burthen of their plea

[11] Had God hastened what is ill for people as they would hasten what is good, their fate would have been sealed. Therefore We leave those who entertain no hope of meeting Us to their wrongdoing, ever straying from the right path

[12] When misfortune befalls man, he prays to Us lying on his side, sitting, or standing on his feet. But as soon as We relieve his affliction he carries on, as though he never prayed to Us to relieve the misfortune that touched him. Thus do their deeds seem fair to the transgressors

[13] We obliterated generations before you on account of the wrongs they did; their apostles had come to them with veritable signs, but they would not believe. Thus do We requite the transgressors

[14] We then made you their successors in the land, so that We might observe how you would act

[15] When Our clear revelations are recited to them, those who entertain no hope of meeting Us say to you: ‘Give us a Koran different from this, or change it.‘ Say: ‘It is not for me to change it of my own accord. I follow only what is revealed to me, for I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the punishment of a fateful day.‘

[16] Say: ‘Had God pleased, I would never have recited it to you, nor would He have made you aware of it. A whole lifetime I dwelt among you before its coming. Will you not understand?‘

[17] Who is more wicked than he who invents a falsehood about God or denies His revelations? Truly, the transgressors shall not succeed

[18] They worship idols that can neither harm nor help them, and say: ‘These will intercede for us with God.‘ Say: ‘Do you presume to tell God of what He knows to exist neither in the heavens nor on earth?‘ Glory be to Him! Exalted be He above the gods they serve besides Him

[19] There was a time when mankind were but one community. Then they disagreed among themselves: and but for a Word from your Lord, long since decreed, their differences would have been surely resolved

[20] And they say: ‘Why has no sign been sent down to him from his Lord?‘ Say: ‘God alone has knowledge of what is hidden. Wait if you will: I will wait with you.‘

[21] No sooner do We let people taste a blessing after some misfortune has afflicted them than they begin to scheme against Our revelations. Say: ‘More swift is God‘s scheming. Our emissaries are recording your intrigues.‘

[22] He it is who guides them by land and sea. They embark: and as the ships set sail, rejoicing in a favourable wind, a raging tempest overtakes them. Billows surge upon them from every side and they fear they are encompassed by death. They call out to God, fervently dedicating all religion to Him: ‘Deliver us from this peril and we will be truly thankful.‘

[23] Yet when He does deliver them, they perpetrate corruption in the land and act unjustly. You people! It is your own souls that you are corrupting. Take your enjoyment in this life: to Us shall you then return, and We will declare to you all that you have done

[24] This present life is like the rich garment with which the earth adorns itself when watered by the rain We send down from the sky. Crops, sustaining man and beast, grow luxuriantly: but, as the earth‘s tenants begin to think themselves its masters, down comes Our scourge upon it, by night or by day, laying it waste, as though it did not blossom but yesterday. Thus do We expound Our revelations to people who reflect

[25] God invites you to the Abode of Peace; He guides whom He will to a straight path

[26] Those that have done good works shall have a good recompense, and more besides. Neither blackness nor misery shall overcast their faces. They are the heirs of Paradise, wherein shall they abide for ever

[27] As for those that have done evil, evil shall be requited with like evil. Misery will oppress them (they shall have none to protect them from God), as though patches of the night‘s own darkness veiled their faces. These shall be the tenants of the Fire, wherein shall they abide for ever

[28] And on the day We herd them all together, We shall say to the idolaters: ‘Keep to your places, you and your idols!‘ We will separate them one from another, and then their idols will say to them: ‘It was not us that you worshipped

[29] Sufficient is God as our witness, and your witness. Nor were we aware of your worship.‘

[30] Thereupon each soul will know what it did in days gone by. They shall be sent back to God, their true Lord, and the idols they invented will forsake them

[31] Say: ‘Who provides for you from heaven and earth? Who has endowed you with hearing and sight? Who brings forth the living from the dead, and the dead from the living? Who ordains all things?‘ They will say: ‘God.‘ Say: ‘Will you not take heed, then

[32] Such is God, your true Lord. That which is not true must needs be false. How then can you turn away?‘

[33] Thus is the Word of your Lord made true about the ungodly; they will not believe

[34] Say: ‘Can any of your idols bring the Creation into being, and then restore it?‘ Say: ‘God brings the Creation into being, and will then restore it. How is it that you are so misled?‘

[35] Say: ‘Can any of your idols give guidance to the Truth?‘ Say: ‘God gives guidance to the Truth. Who is more worthy to be followed: He that can give guidance to the Truth, or he that cannot and is himself in need of guidance? What has come over you that you so judge?‘

[36] Most of them follow nothing but mere conjecture. But conjecture is in no way a substitute for Truth. God is cognizant of what they do

[37] This Koran could not have been devised by any but God. Indeed, its confirmation of what was revealed before it, and its expounding of the Book, are beyond doubt from the Lord of the Universe

[38] If they say: ‘He invented it himself,‘ say: ‘Bring one sūrah like it. Call on whom you will besides God to help you, if what you say be true!‘

[39] Indeed, they disbelieve what they cannot grasp, for they have not yet seen its prophecy fulfilled. Likewise did those before them disbelieve. But see what was the fate of the wrongdoers

[40] Some among them believe in it, and some among them do not believe in it. But your Lord best knows the evil-doers

[41] If they disbelieve you, say: ‘My deeds are mine and your deeds are yours. You are not accountable for my actions, nor am I accountable for what you do.‘

[42] Some among them listen to you. But can you make the deaf hear you, incapable as they are of understanding

[43] Some of them look upon you. But can you show the way to the blind, bereft as they are of sight

[44] Indeed, in no way does God wrong people, but people wrong themselves

[45] The day He herds them all together, as though they had lingered but for an hour, they will acquaint themselves with each other and realise they shall lose out: those who denied they would ever meet God and did not follow the right path

[46] Whether We show you but some of the torment We threaten them with, or claim you back to Us before that, to Us they shall return, and God will then be witness to all their actions

[47] Each community has it‘s own apostle. When their apostle comes, justice is done among them; they are not wronged

[48] They say: ‘When will this promise be fulfilled, if what you say be true?‘

[49] Say: ‘I have no control over any harm or benefit to myself, except by the will of God. A space of time is fixed for each community; when their time is come, not for one hour shall they delay: nor can they go before it.‘

[50] Say: ‘Do but consider. Should His scourge fall upon you in the night or by the light of day, what punishment would the guilty hasten

[51] Will you believe in it when it does overtake you, although it was your wish to hurry it on?‘

[52] Then will the wrongdoers be told: ‘Feel the everlasting torment! Shall you not be rewarded according only to what you have earned?‘

[53] And they ask you if it is true. Say: ‘Yes, by the Lord, it is certainly true! And you shall not escape

[54] To redeem itself then, each soul would gladly give all that the earth contains if it possessed it. They will rue in secret when they behold the scourge; but judgement shall be fairly passed upon them; they shall not be wronged

[55] Surely to God belongs all that the heavens and the earth contain. Surely the promise of God is true, but most of them have no knowledge

[56] He it is who ordains life and death, and to Him shall you be recalled

[57] You people! An Admonition has come to you from your Lord, a cure for the mind, a guide and a blessing to the believers

[58] Say: ‘In God‘s grace and mercy let them rejoice, for these are better than the worldly riches they amass.‘

[59] Say: ‘Do but consider the provision God has sent down for you. Some of it you pronounced unlawful and some, lawful.‘ Say: ‘Was it God who gave you leave, or do you invent falsehood about God?‘

[60] What will they think, those who invent falsehood about God, on the Day of Resurrection? God is bountiful to mankind: yet most of them do not give thanks

[61] You shall engage in no affair, you shall recite no verse from the Koran, you shall commit no act, but We shall be witnesses over you when you engage in it. Not an atom‘s weight in earth or heaven escapes your Lord, nor is there any object smaller or greater, but is recorded in a veritable Book

[62] But surely the servants of God have nothing to fear or to regret

[63] Those that have faith and fear Him

[64] shall rejoice both in this life and in the life to come: the words of God shall never change. That is the supreme triumph

[65] Let not their words grieve you. All glory belongs to God; He it is who hears all and knows all

[66] Surely to God belong all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth. Those that follow what they call gods besides God follow nothing but idle fancies and preach nothing but falsehoods

[67] He it is who has ordained the night for you to rest in and given the day its light for you to see with. Surely in this there are signs for attentive people

[68] They say: ‘God has begotten a son.‘ Glory be to Him! Self-sufficient is He. His is all that the heavens and the earth contain. Have you any sanction for this? Would you say of God what you know not

[69] Say: ‘Those that invent falsehood about God shall not succeed

[70] They may take their ease in this life, but to Us they shall then return, and for their unbelief We will make them taste the grievous torment.‘

[71] And recount to them the tale of Noah. He said to his people: ‘If it offends you, my people, that I should dwell in your midst and preach to you God‘s revelations (for in God I have put my trust), muster all your idols and decide on your course of action. Do not intrigue in secret. Execute your judgement and give me no respite

[72] If you turn away, remember I demand of you no recompense. Only God will reward me. I am commanded to be a Muslim.‘

[73] But they disbelieved him. Therefore We saved him and those who were with him in the ark, so that they survived, and drowned those that denied Our revelations. Consider, then, the fate of those who were forewarned

[74] After him We sent apostles to their descendants. They brought them veritable signs, but they would not have faith in what they disbelieved before. Thus do We seal up the hearts of the transgressors

[75] Then We sent forth Moses and Aaron with Our signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. But they responded with scorn, for they were wicked people

[76] And when the Truth had come to them from Us, they declared: ‘Surely this is but sorcery manifest.‘

[77] Moses replied: ‘Is this what you say of the Truth when it has come to you? Is this sorcery? Sorcerers shall never succeed.‘

[78] They said: ‘Have you come to turn us away from the faith of our forefathers, that you two may lord it over the land? We will never believe in the pair of you.‘

[79] And Pharaoh said: ‘Bring every learned sorcerer to my presence.‘

[80] And when the sorcerers attended, Moses said to them: ‘Throw down what you wish to throw.‘

[81] And when they had thrown, Moses said: ‘The sorcery that you have wrought, God will surely bring to nothing. God does not make good the work of those who do evil

[82] By His words God vindicates the Truth, averse to it though the transgressors may be.‘

[83] Few of his¹ people believed in Moses, for they feared the persecution of Pharaoh and his nobles. Surely Pharaoh was a tyrant in the land, a man of rampant wickedness

[84] Moses said: ‘If you believe in God, my people, in Him alone then put your trust if you are Muslims.‘

[85] They replied: ‘In God we have put our trust. Lord, do not let us suffer at the hands of the wrongdoers

[86] Deliver us, through Your mercy, from the unbelievers.‘

[87] We revealed Our will to Moses and his brother, saying: ‘Build houses in Egypt for your people and make your homes places of worship. Conduct prayers and give good tidings to the faithful.‘

[88] Lord,‘ said Moses, ‘You have bestowed on Pharaoh and his nobles splendour and riches in this life, Lord, so that they may stray from Your path. Lord, wipe out their riches and harden their hearts, so that they shall persist in unbelief until they face the woeful scourge.‘

[89] He said: ‘Your prayer shall be answered. Follow, both of you, the straight path and do not walk in the footsteps of those that have no knowledge.‘

[90] And We led the Israelites across the sea, and Pharaoh and his legions pursued them with wickedness and spite. But as he was drowning, Pharaoh said: ‘Now I believe no god exists except the God in whom the Israelites believe. I am now a Muslim.‘

[91] Only now! But before this you were a rebel and an evil-doer

[92] We shall today save your body, so that you may become a sign for all posterity: a great many of mankind do not heed Our signs.‘

[93] We settled the Israelites in a secure land and provided them with wholesome things. Nor did they disagree among themselves until knowledge was given them. Your Lord will on the Day of Resurrection judge their differences

[94] If you doubt what We have revealed to you, ask those who have read the Book before you. Truth has come to you from your Lord: therefore do not doubt it

[95] Nor shall you deny God‘s revelations, for then you will be one of the lost

[96] Those for whom the word of your Lord shall be fulfilled will not believe

[97] even if every sign has come to them, until they face the woeful torment

[98] Were it otherwise, every community, had it believed, would have profited from its faith. But it was so only with Jonah‘s people. When they believed, We spared them the punishment of disgrace in this nether life and suffered them to take their ease a while

[99] Had your Lord pleased, all the people of the earth would have believed, one and all. Would you then force people to have faith

[100] None can have faith except by God‘s leave. He will visit abomination upon the senseless

[101] Say: ‘Behold what the heavens and the earth contain!‘ But neither signs nor warnings will avail the unbelievers

[102] What can they wait for but the fate of those who have gone before them? Say: ‘Wait if you will; I will wait with you.‘

[103] We shall save Our apostles and those who believe; it is but just that We should save the faithful

[104] Say: ‘You people! Doubt my religion if you will, but never will I worship those that you worship besides God. I worship God, who will claim you back: for I am commanded to be a believer

[105] Dedicate yourself to the Religion in all uprightness and serve none besides God

[106] You shall not pray to idols which can neither help nor harm you; for if you do, you will become a wrongdoer

[107] If God afflicts you with a misfortune, none can remove it but Him; and if He bestows on you a good thing, none can withhold His bounty. He is bountiful to whom He will among His servants. He is the Forgiving One, the Compassionate."‘

[108] Say: ‘You people! Truth has come to you from your Lord. He that follows the right path follows it for his own good, and he that strays from the right path strays at his own peril. I am not your keeper.‘

[109] Observe what is revealed to you, and have patience till God make known His judgement. He is the best of judges

[1] ALIF lām rā‘. A Book, whose verses are perfected and then expounded, from Him who is wise and all-knowing

[2] Serve none but God. I am sent to you from Him to warn you and to give good tidings

[3] Seek forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in penitence. A goodly provision He will make for you for an appointed term, and will bestow His grace on each that has merit. But if you pay no heed, then beware the torment of a fateful day

[4] to God shall you return. And He has power over all things

[5] They cover up their bosoms to conceal their thoughts from Him. But when they put on their garments, does He not know what they conceal and what they reveal? He well knows their innermost thoughts

[6] And there is not a creature on the earth but God provides its sustenance. He knows its dwelling and its final resting-place. All is recorded in a veritable Book

[7] Throned above the waters, He created the heavens and the earth in six days, to find out which of you shall best acquit himself. When you¹ say: ‘After death you shall be raised to life,‘ the unbelievers declare: ‘It is but sorcery manifest.‘

[8] And if We put off their punishment till an appointed time, they will surely say: ‘Why is it delayed?‘ On the day it overtakes them, they shall not be immune from it: the terrors at which they scoffed will encompass them

[9] If We let man taste a blessing from Ourself and then withhold it from him, he yields to despair and becomes ungrateful

[10] And if after adversity We let him taste good fortune, he will surely says: ‘Gone are my sorrows from me,‘ and grows jubilant and boastful

[11] Not so the steadfast who do good works; forgiveness and a rich recompense await them

[12] You may chance to omit a part of what is revealed to you and be distressed because they say: ‘Why has no treasure been sent down to him? And why has no angel come with him?‘ But you are only to give warning; and God is the guardian of all things

[13] Or do they say: ‘He has invented it?‘¹ Say: ‘Produce ten sūrah like it, all invented. Call on whom you will among your idols, if what you say be true

[14] If they do not answer you, know that it is revealed with God‘s knowledge, and that there is no god but Him. So will you be Muslims?‘

[15] Those that desire the life of this world with all its finery We shall reward for their deeds in their own lifetime: they shall not be given less

[16] They are those who in the world to come shall have earned nothing but the Fire. Fruitless are their deeds, and vain are all their works

[17] Are they to be compared to those that have received a revelation from their Lord, recited by a witness from Him and heralded by the Book of Moses, a guide and a blessing? These have faith in it, but the factions who deny it shall be consigned to the Fire. Therefore do not doubt it. It is the Truth from your Lord: yet most people do not believe

[18] And who is more wicked than he who invents a falsehood about God? These shall be brought before their Lord, and witnesses will say: ‘These are they who lied about their Lord.‘

[19] God‘s curse is on the wrongdoers, who debar others from the path of God and seek to make it crooked, and who deny the life to come

[20] These shall not be impregnable in the land; there is none to protect them besides God. Their punishment shall be doubled, for they could neither hear nor see

[21] Such are those who shall forfeit their souls; their false devices will forsake them

[22] and in the life to come they will assuredly lose most

[23] As for those that believe and do good works and humble themselves before their Lord, they are the heirs of Paradise, wherein shall they abide for ever

[24] The two are like the blind and the deaf compared with those that can see and hear. Are the two equal? So will you not take thought

[25] We sent forth Noah to his people. He said: ‘I have come to warn you plainly

[26] Serve none but God; beware the torment of a woeful day.‘

[27] The unbelieving elders of his people said: ‘We see you as but a mortal like ourselves. Nor can we see you being followed by any but the lowliest of our people: rash and undiscerning. We see no superior merit in you: indeed we think that you are lying.‘

[28] He said: ‘Consider, my people! If my Lord has revealed to me His will and bestowed on me a favour of His own, though it be hidden from you, can we impose it on you, and you averse to it

[29] I seek of you no recompense for this, my people; for none but God can reward me. Nor will I drive away the faithful, for they will surely meet their Lord. But I can see that you are ignorant people

[30] And were I to drive them away, my people, who would protect me from God? Will you not reflect

[31] I do not say to you that I possess God‘s treasuries, nor have I knowledge of what is hidden; I do not claim to be an angel, nor do I say to those your eyes disdain that God will not be bountiful to them ― God knows best what is in their hearts ― for then I should become a wrongdoer.‘

[32] Noah,‘ they said, ‘you have argued with us, and argued to excess. Bring down the scourge you threaten us with, if what you say be true!‘

[33] He said: ‘God will bring it down upon you if He pleases: nor shall you be immune

[34] My counsel will not profit you if God intends to confound you, willing though I am to offer you counsel. He is your Lord, and to Him shall you be recalled.‘

[35] If they say: ‘He has invented it himself,‘ say: ‘If I have indeed invented it, then may I be punished for my sin! I am innocent of yours imputations.‘

[36] And it was revealed to Noah: ‘None of your people will believe in you save those who already believe. Do not grieve at what they do

[37] Build the ark under Our watchful eyes, and with Our inspiration. You shall not plead with Me for those who have done wrong: they shall assuredly be drowned.‘

[38] So he built the ark. And whenever some elders of his people passed by him they mocked him. He said: ‘If you mock us, we shall mock you just as you mock us

[39] You shall learn who will be visited by a scourge that shall humiliate him, and be smitten by a scourge everlasting.‘

[40] And when Our judgement was passed and water welled out from the Oven, We said: ‘Take into the ark a pair from every species, your kin (except for those already doomed), and the true believers.‘ But none believed with him except a few

[41] Embark,‘ he said.‘ In the name of God it shall set sail and cast anchor. Surely my Lord is forgiving and compassionate.‘

[42] And as the ark moved on with them amid the mountainous waves, Noah cried out to his son, who stood apart: ‘Embark with us, my son. Do not remain with the unbelievers!‘

[43] He replied: ‘I shall seek refuge on a mountain, which will protect me from the water.‘ He said: ‘None shall be secure today from God‘s judgement but those who shall enjoy His mercy!‘ And thereupon the billows rolled between them, and Noah‘s son was drowned

[44] A voice cried out: ‘Earth, swallow up your waters. Heaven, cease your rain!‘ The flood abated, and judgement was passed. The ark came to rest upon Al-Judi, and a voice declared: ‘Gone are the wrongdoers.‘

[45] Noah called out to his Lord, saying: ‘Lord, my son was my own flesh and blood. Your promise was surely true. You are the most just of judges.‘

[46] Noah,‘ He said, ‘he was no kin of yours: he had acted unjustly. Do not question Me about things you know nothing of. I admonish you lest you become an ignorant man.‘

[47] He said: ‘I seek refuge in You, Lord, from asking You about things I know nothing of. Forgive me and have mercy on me, or I shall surely be among the lost.‘

[48] A voice said ‘Noah, land in peace with blessings from Ourselves upon you and on some of the communities that are with you. Other communities We will suffer to take their ease, and will then visit them with a woeful scourge.‘

[49] That which We now reveal to you is secret history: it was unknown to you and to your people before this. Have patience; a joyful end awaits the righteous

[50] And to ‘Ād We sent their kin Hūd. He said: ‘Serve God, my people; you have no god but Him. False are your fabrications

[51] I demand of you no recompense, my people, for none can reward me except my Creator. Will you not understand

[52] My people, seek forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in penitence. He will send from the sky abundant rain upon you; He will add strength to your strength. Do not turn away from Him with wrongdoing.‘

[53] They said: ‘Hūd, you have given us no evidence. We will not forsake our gods at your behest, nor will we believe in you

[54] We can only suppose that one of our gods have afflicted you with evil.‘ He said: ‘God be my witness, and you are my witnesses too: I disown your idols

[55] Scheme against me if you will, and give me no respite

[56] I have put my trust in God, my Lord and your Lord. There is not a creature on the earth whose destiny He does not govern. Straight is the path of my Lord

[57] If you pay no heed, I have made known to you what I was sent with, and my Lord will replace you by other people. You will in no way harm Him. My Lord is watching over all things.‘

[58] And when Our judgement came to pass, We delivered Hūd through Our mercy, together with those who shared his faith; We delivered them from a mighty scourge

[59] Such were ‘Ād. They denied the revelations of their Lord, disobeyed His apostles, and did the bidding of every headstrong reprobate

[60] Cursed were they in this world, and cursed they shall be on the Day of Resurrection. ‘Ād denied their Lord. Gone are ‘Ād, the people of Hūd

[61] And to Thamūd We sent their kin Ṣālih. He said: ‘Serve God, my people; you have no god but Him. It was He who brought you into being from the earth and gave you means to dwell upon it. Seek forgiveness of Him, and turn to Him in penitence. My Lord is near at hand and answers all.‘

[62] Ṣālih,‘ they said, ‘great were the hopes we placed in you before this. Would you now forbid us to serve the gods our fathers worshipped? Truly, we strongly doubt the faith to which you call us.‘

[63] He said: ‘Do but consider, my people! If my Lord has revealed to me His will and bestowed on me His grace, who would protect me from God if I rebelled against Him? You would surely aggravate my ruin

[64] My people, here is God‘s she-camel, a sign for you. Leave her to graze at will in God‘s own land, and do not molest her lest an instant scourge should fall upon you.‘

[65] Yet they hamstrung her. He said: ‘You have but three days to take your ease in your dwellings: this prophecy shall not prove false.‘

[66] And when Our judgement came to pass, We delivered Ṣāliḥ through Our mercy from the ignominy of that day, together with those who shared his faith. Mighty is your Lord and all-powerful

[67] The Cry took the wrongdoers, and when morning came they were crouching lifeless in their dwellings

[68] as though they had never prospered there. Thamūd denied their Lord. Gone are Thamūd

[69] Our messengers came to Abraham with joyful tidings. They said: ‘Peace!‘ ‘Peace!‘ he said, and hastened to bring them a roasted calf

[70] But when he saw their hands being withheld from it, he mistrusted them and was afraid of them. They said: ‘Have no fear. We are sent forth to the people of Lot

[71] His wife, who was standing by, laughed.¹ We bade her rejoice in Isaac, and after Isaac in Jacob

[72] Alas!‘ she said. ‘How shall I bear a child when I am old and this, my husband, is well-advanced in years? This is indeed a marvel.‘

[73] They said: ‘Do you marvel at the ways of God? May God‘s mercy and blessings be upon you, dear hosts! Worthy of praise is He and glorious.‘

[74] And when awe left Abraham as he pondered the joyful tidings, he pleaded with Us for the people of Lot

[75] Abraham was gracious, tender-hearted, and devout

[76] Abraham, plead no more; Your Lord‘s will must needs be done. Irrevocable is the scourge which shall smite them.‘

[77] And when Our emissaries came to Lot, he grew anxious about them, and was distressed on their account. ‘This is indeed a day of woe,‘ he said

[78] His people, long addicted to evil practices, came hurrying towards him. ‘My people,‘ he said, ‘here are my daughters:¹ surely they are more wholesome to you. Fear God, and do not shame me by insulting my guests. Is there not one right-minded man among you?‘

[79] They said: ‘You well know we have no need of your daughters; and you know full well what we are seeking.‘

[80] He said: ‘Would that I had power enough to overcome you, or could find refuge in a tower of strength!‘

[81] They said: ‘Lot, we are the emissaries of your Lord: they shall not touch you. Depart with your kin in the dead of night and let none of you turn back, except your wife; she shall suffer the fate that they shall suffer. In the morning their hour will come; is not the morning near?‘

[82] And when Our judgement came to pass, We turned their city upside down and let loose upon it a shower of clay-stones

[83] bearing the tokens of your Lord. The fate of the wrongdoers was not far off

[84] And to the people of Midian We sent their kin Shu‘aib. He said: ‘Serve God, my people; you have no god but Him. Do not give short weight and measure. Prosperous though you are, beware the torment of a fateful day

[85] My people, give just weight and measure in all fairness. Do not defraud people of their possessions, nor shall you corrupt the land with evil

[86] Better for you is God‘s recompense, if you are true believers. I am not your keeper.‘

[87] Shu‘aib,‘ they said, ‘do your prayers bid you that we renounce the gods our fathers worshipped and not conduct our affairs in the manner we pleased? Truly, you are a kind and rightly-guided man!‘

[88] He said: ‘Do but consider, my people! If my Lord has revealed to me His will and bestowed on me a gracious gift, should I not guide you? I do not wish to argue with you, only to practise myself what I forbid you. I seek only to reform you: as far as I am able. Nor can I succeed without God‘s help. In Him I have put my trust and to Him I turn in penitence

[89] My people, let your dispute with me not bring upon you the doom which overtook the people of Noah, the people of Hūd, and the people of Ṣāliḥ; nor is it long since the people of Lot was punished

[90] Seek forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in penitence. Compassionate and loving is my Lord.‘

[91] They said: ‘Shu‘aib, much of what you say we cannot comprehend. We surely know how weak you are in our midst. But for your tribe, we should have stoned you. You shall on no account prevail against us.‘

[92] He said: ‘My people, have you more regard for my tribe than for God? Dare you turn your backs upon Him? My Lord has knowledge of all your actions

[93] Do what you will, my people, and so will I. You shall learn who will be punished and held up to shame, and who is lying. Watch if you will; I will watch with you.‘

[94] And when Our judgement was carried out We delivered Shu‘aib through Our mercy, together with those who shared his faith. The Cry took the wrongdoers, and when morning came they were crouching lifeless in their dwellings

[95] as though they had never prospered there. Like Thamūd, gone are the people of Midian

[96] We sent forth Moses with Our signs and with manifest authority

[97] to Pharaoh and his nobles. But they followed the behests of Pharaoh; nor was Pharaoh‘s behests rightly guided

[98] He shall stand at the head of his people on the Day of Resurrection, and shall lead them into the Fire. Evil is the place they shall be led to

[99] A curse followed them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection an evil gift shall they receive

[100] The annals of those communities We recount to you: some have survived, while others have ceased to be

[101] We did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves. The gods they called on besides God availed them nothing when your Lord‘s will was done; they only added to their ruin

[102] Such was the scourge your Lord scourged the communities while they sinned. Harrowing and relentless is His scourge

[103] Surely in this there is a sign for him that dreads the torment of the hereafter. That will be the day on which all mankind shall be gathered; and that shall be a fateful day

[104] We shall defer it only for a time decreed

[105] When that day is come, no soul shall speak but by His leave. Some shall be damned, and some shall be blessed

[106] The damned shall be cast into the Fire, where, groaning and wailing

[107] they shall abide as long as the heavens and the earth endure, unless your Lord ordain otherwise: your Lord shall accomplish what He will

[108] As for the blessed, they shall abide in Paradise as long as the heavens and the earth endure, unless your Lord ordain otherwise: an endless recompense

[109] Have no doubt as to what they worship; they worship what their fathers worshiped before them. Their deserts We shall requite, undiminished

[110] We gave the Book to Moses, but differences arose about it. And but for a Word from your Lord, already decreed, their fate would have long been sealed. Yet this they strongly doubt

[111] Your Lord will surely reward each according to his deeds; He has full knowledge of what they do

[112] Follow then the straight path as you are bidden, together with those who have repented with you, and do not transgress. Surely He is ever observant of what you do

[113] Put no trust in the wrongdoers, lest the Fire should touch you. And none but God can protect or help you

[114] Attend to your prayers at the two ends of the day, and in part of the night time too. Good deeds shall make amends for sins. This is an Admonition for those that reflect

[115] And have patience; God will not deny the righteous their reward

[116] Was there, among the generations that have gone before you, a remnant that forbade corruption in the land, except the few We had delivered from among them? The wrongdoers pursued their worldly pleasures and were sinful

[117] The Lord would not have ruined the cities, without just cause, had their inhabitants been upright

[118] And had your Lord pleased, He would have united mankind in one community. They are still at odds

[119] except for those to whom your Lord has shown mercy. To this end He has created them. The word of your Lord shall be fulfilled: ‘I will fill Hell with jinn and humans all.‘

[120] We recount to you the histories of those apostles to put courage into your heart. Through them Truth shall be revealed to you, with precepts and an Admonitions for the faithful

[121] Say to the infidels: ‘Do whatever lies within your power, and so shall we

[122] Wait if you will; we too are waiting.‘

[123] God alone has knowledge of what the heavens and the earth conceal; to Him all things shall be referred. Worship Him, and put your trust in Him; your Lord is never heedless of what you do

[1] ALIF lām rā‘. These are the revelations of the veritable Book

[2] We have revealed it an Arabic Koran, that you may grow in understanding

[3] In inspiring you with this Koran We recount to you the best of narratives, though before it you were heedless

[4] Joseph said to his father: ‘Father, I dreamt of eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrate themselves before me.‘

[5] My son,‘ he replied, ‘say nothing of this dream to your brothers, lest they plot evil against you: Satan is the sworn enemy of man

[6] Even thus shall you be chosen by your Lord. He will teach you to interpret visions, and will perfect His favour to you and to the house of Jacob, as He perfected it to your forefathers Abraham and Isaac before you. Your Lord is all-knowing and wise.‘

[7] Surely in Joseph and his brothers there are signs for doubting men

[8] They said to each other: ‘Surely Joseph and his brother¹ are dearer to our father than ourselves, though we are many. Truly, our father is much mistaken

[9] Kill Joseph, or cast him away in some far-off land, so that you may have no rivals in your father‘s love, and after that be honourable men.‘

[10] One of the brothers said: ‘Do not kill Joseph; but, if you must, rather cast him into a dark pit. Some caravan will take him up.‘

[11] They said: ‘Father why do you not trust us with Joseph? Surely we wish him well

[12] Send him with us tomorrow, that he may play and enjoy himself. We will take good care of him.‘

[13] He said: ‘It would much grieve me to let him go with you; for I fear lest the wolf should eat him when you are off your guard.‘

[14] They said: ‘If the wolf could eat him when we are so many, then we should surely be lost!‘

[15] So when they took him with them, they together resolved to cast him into a dark pit. We revealed to him Our will, saying: ‘You shall tell them of all this when they will not know you.‘

[16] At nightfall they returned to their father, weeping

[17] Father,‘ they said, ‘we went off to compete together, and left Joseph with our packs. The wolf devoured him. But you will not believe us, though we speak the truth.‘

[18] And they brought him their brother‘s shirt, stained with false blood. ‘No!‘ he cried. ‘Your souls have tempted you to something evil. Sweet patience! God alone can help me bear the loss you speak of.‘

[19] And a caravan passed by, who sent their water-bearer to the pit. And when he had let down his pail, he cried: ‘Rejoice! Here is a boy!‘ They concealed him as part of their merchandise. But God knew what they did

[20] They sold him for a trifling price, for a few pieces of silver. They cared nothing for him

[21] The Egyptian who bought him said to his wife: ‘Be kind to him. He may prove useful to us, or we may adopt him as our son. Thus We established Joseph in the land, and taught him to interpret dreams. God has power to accomplish His will, though most may not know it

[22] And when he reached maturity We bestowed on him wisdom and knowledge. Thus do We reward the righteous

[23] The woman in whose house he served attempted to seduce him. She bolted the doors and said: ‘Come!‘ ‘God forbid!‘ he replied. ‘My lord has treated me with kindness. Wrongdoers shall never prosper.‘

[24] She made for him, and he himself would have succumbed to her had he not seen the sign of his Lord. Thus did We shield him from evil-doing and lechery, for he was one of Our faithful servants

[25] They both rushed to the door. She tore his shirt from behind. And at the door they met her husband. She said: ‘Shall not the man who wished to violate your wife be thrown into prison or sternly punished?‘

[26] Joseph said: ‘It was she who attempted to seduce me.‘ ‘If his shirt is torn from the front,‘ said one of her people who was present, ‘she is speaking the truth and he is lying.‘

[27] And if his shirt is torn from behind, then she is lying and he is speaking the truth.‘

[28] And when her husband saw that Joseph‘s shirt was rent from behind, he said to her: ‘This is but one of your tricks. Your cunning is great indeed!‘

[29] Joseph, say no more about this. Woman, ask pardon for your sin. You have assuredly done wrong.‘

[30] In the city, women were saying: ‘The Prince‘s wife has sought to seduce her servant. She has conceived a passion for him. We can see that she has clearly gone astray.‘

[31] When she heard of their intrigues, she invited them to a banquet prepared at her house. To each she gave a knife, and ordered Joseph to present himself before them. When they saw him, they were amazed at him and cut their hands, exclaiming: ‘God preserve us! This is no mortal, but a gracious angel.‘

[32] ‘This is he,‘ she said, ‘on whose account you blamed me. I attempted to seduce him, but he was unyielding. If he declines to do my bidding, he shall be thrown into prison and shall be held in scorn.‘

[33] Lord,‘ said Joseph, ‘sooner would I go to prison than give in to their advances. Shield me from their cunning, or I shall yield to them and lapse into folly.‘

[34] His Lord answered his prayer and warded off their cunning from him. Surely He it is who hears all and knows all

[35] Yet, for all the evidence they had seen, they thought it right to jail him for a time

[36] Two young men entered the prison with him. One said: ‘I dreamt that I was pressing grapes.‘ And the other: ‘I dreamt I was carrying a loaf upon my head, and the birds came and ate of it. Tell us the meaning of these dreams, for we can see you are a man of virtue.‘

[37] He said: ‘Whatever food you are provided with, I can divine for you its meaning, even before it reaches you. This knowledge my Lord has given me, for I have left the faith of those that disbelieve in God and deny the life to come

[38] And I followed the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We are not to serve idols besides God. Such is the grace which God has bestowed on us and on mankind. Yet the larger part of mankind do not give thanks.‘

[39] ‘Fellow prisoners! Are sundry gods better than God, the One who conquers all

[40] Those you serve besides Him are nothing but names which you and your fathers have devised and for which God has revealed no sanction. Judgement rests only with God. He has commanded you to worship none but Him. That is the True Religion: but the larger part of mankind have no knowledge.‘

[41] ‘Fellow prisoners, one of you will serve his lord with wine. The other will be crucified, and the birds will peck at his head. That is the answer to your question.‘

[42] And he said to the prisoner who he knew would survive: ‘Remember me in the presence of your lord.‘ But Satan made him forget to mention Joseph to his lord, so that he stayed in prison for several years

[43] The King said: ‘I saw seven fatted cows which seven lean ones devoured; also seven green ears of corn and seven others dry. Tell me the meaning of this vision, my nobles, if you can interpret visions

[44] They replied: ‘They are but a medley of dreams; nor are we skilled in the interpretation of dreams.‘

[45] Thereupon the man who had been freed remembered after all that time. He said: ‘I shall bring you what it means. Give me leave to go.‘

[46] Joseph,‘ he said, ‘man of truth, tell us of the seven fatted cows which seven lean ones devoured; also of the seven green ears of corn and the other seven which were dry: so that I may go back to the people and inform them.‘

[47] He said: ‘You shall sow for seven consecutive years. Leave in the ear the corn you reap, except a little which you may eat

[48] There shall follow seven hungry years which will consume all but a little of what you stored

[49] Then will come a year of abundant rain, in which the people will press the grape.‘

[50] He said: ‘Bring this man before me.‘ But when the envoy came to him, Joseph said: ‘Go back to your master and ask him about the women who cut their hands. My master well knows their cunning.‘

[51] The king questioned the women, saying: ‘What made you attempt to seduce Joseph?‘ ‘God forbid!‘ they said. ‘We know no evil of him.‘ ‘Now the truth must come to light,‘ said the Prince‘s wife. ‘It was I who attempted to seduce him. He has told the truth.‘

[52] From this,‘ said Joseph, ‘my lord will know that I did not betray him in his absence, and that God does not guide the mischief of the treacherous

[53] Not that I claim to be free from sin: man‘s soul is prone to evil, except his to whom my Lord has shown mercy. My Lord is forgiving and compassionate.‘

[54] The king said: ‘Bring him before me. I will choose him for my own.‘ And when he had spoken with him, he said: ‘You shall henceforth dwell with us, honoured and trusted.‘

[55] Joseph said: ‘Give me charge of the granaries of the land. I know how to husband them wisely.‘

[56] Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, and he dwelt there as he pleased. We bestow Our mercy on whom We will, and never deny the righteous their reward

[57] Surely better is the recompense of the life to come for those who believe in God and fear Him

[58] Joseph‘s brothers came and presented themselves before him. He recognized them, but they knew him not

[59] And when he had given them their provisions, he said: ‘Bring me a brother of yours from your father. Do you not see that I give just measure and am the best of hosts

[60] If you refuse to bring him to me, you shall have no measure here, nor shall you come near me.‘

[61] They replied: ‘We will endeavour to fetch him from his father. This we will surely do.‘

[62] He said to his servants: ‘Put their silver¹ into their packs, so that they may discover it when they return to their people. Perchance they will come back.‘

[63] When they returned to their father, they said: ‘Father, corn is henceforth denied us. Send our brother with us and we shall have our measure. We will take good care of him.‘

[64] He said: ‘Am I to trust you with him as I once trusted you with his brother? But God is the best of guardians: and of all those that show mercy He is the most merciful.‘

[65] When they opened their packs, they discovered that their silver had been returned to them. ‘Father,‘ they said, ‘what more can we desire? Here is our silver returned to us. We will buy provisions for our people, and take good care of our brother. We should receive an extra camel-load; a camel-load should be easy enough.‘

[66] He replied: ‘I will not send him with you until you promise in God‘s name to bring him back to me, unless the worst befall you.‘ And when they had given him their pledge, he said: ‘God is the witness of what we say

[67] My sons, do not enter from one gate; enter from different gates. In no way can I shield you from the might of God; judgement is God‘s alone. In Him I have put my trust. In Him let the trustful put their trust.‘

[68] And when they entered as their father bade them, he could in no way shield them from the might of God. It was but a wish in Jacob‘s soul which he had thus fulfilled. He was possessed of knowledge which We had given him. But the greater part of mankind have no knowledge

[69] When they went in to Joseph, he embraced his brother, and said: ‘I am your brother. Do not grieve at what they did.‘

[70] And when he had provided them with their provisions, he hid a drinking-cup in his brother‘s pack. Then a crier called: ‘Travellers, you are surely thieves!‘

[71] They turned back to them, and said: ‘What have you lost?‘

[72] We miss the King‘s drinking-cup,‘ they said. ‘He that brings it shall have a camel-load. I pledge my word for it.‘

[73] In God‘s name,‘ they said, ‘you know we did not come to do evil in the land. We are no thieves.‘

[74] They said: ‘What punishment shall be his, if you prove to be lying?‘

[75] They said: ‘He in whose pack the cup is found shall penalize himself for what he did. Thus do we punish the wrongdoers.‘

[76] He searched their bags before his brother‘s, and then took out the cup from his brother‘s bag. Thus did We devise it for Joseph: by the king‘s law he had no right to seize his brother: but God willed otherwise. We exalt whom We will to a lofty station: and above those that have knowledge there is One who is all-knowing

[77] They said: ‘If he has stolen ― know then that a brother of his did steal before him.‘ But Joseph kept his secret and revealed nothing to them. He said: ‘Your deed was worse. God best knows the things you speak of.‘

[78] They said: ‘Noble prince, he has an aged father; take one of us, instead of him. We can see you are a man of virtue

[79] He said: ‘God forbid that we should take any but the man with whom our property was found: for then we should surely be unjust.‘

[80] When they despaired of him, they went aside to confer in private. Their eldest said: ‘Do you not know that your father took from you a pledge in God‘s name, and that long before you did your worst with Joseph? I will not stir from the land until my father gives me leave or God makes known to me His judgement

[81] He is the best of judges. Return to your father and say to him: Father, your son has stolen. We testify only to what we know: we could not guard against the unforeseen

[82] Inquire at the city where we lodged, and from the caravan we travelled with. We surely speak the truth."‘

[83] No!‘ cried their father. ‘Your souls have tempted you to evil. But I will have sweet patience. God may bring them all to me: He alone is all-knowing and wise.‘

[84] And he turned away from them, crying: ‘Alas for Joseph!‘ His eyes went white with grief, and he was oppressed with silent sorrow

[85] They said: ‘In God‘s name, will you not cease to remember Joseph until you ruin your health and die?‘

[86] He said: ‘I complain only to God of my sorrow and sadness; God has made known to me things that you know not

[87] Go, my sons, and seek news of Joseph and his brother. And do not despair of God‘s spirit; none but unbelievers despair of God‘s spirit.‘

[88] And when they went in to him, they said: ‘Noble Prince, we and our people are scourged with famine. We have brought but little money. Give us our full measure, and be charitable to us: God surely rewards the charitable.‘

[89] Do you know,‘ he said, ‘what you did to Joseph and his brother? You are surely unaware.‘

[90] They said: ‘Can you indeed be Joseph?‘ ‘I am Joseph,‘ he said, ‘and this is my brother. God has been gracious to us. Those that fear God and endure with fortitude, God will not deny the virtuous their reward.‘

[91] ‘By the Lord,‘ they said, ‘God has exalted you above us all. We have indeed done wrong.‘

[92] He said: ‘None shall reproach you this day. May God forgive you: of all those that show mercy He is the most merciful

[93] Take this shirt of mine and throw it over my father‘s face: he will recover his sight. Then return to me with your people all.‘

[94] When the caravan departed their father said: ‘I feel the breath of Joseph, though you will not believe me.‘

[95] ‘By the Lord,‘ they said, ‘you are surely under your old illusion.‘

[96] And when the bearer of joyful tidings arrived, he threw Joseph‘s shirt over the old man‘s face, and he regained his sight. He said: ‘Did I not tell you, God has made known to me what you know not?‘

[97] They said: ‘Father, implore forgiveness for our sins. We have indeed done wrong.‘

[98] He said: ‘I shall implore my Lord to forgive you. He it is who is the Forgiving, the Compassionate One.‘

[99] And when they went in to Joseph, he embraced his parents and said: ‘Welcome to Egypt, safe, if God wills!‘

[100] He helped his parents to the throne, and they all fell on their knees and prostrated themselves before him. ‘This,‘ he said to his father, ‘is the meaning of my old vision: my Lord has fulfilled it. He has been gracious to me; He has released me from prison, and brought you out of the desert after Satan had stirred up strife between me and my brothers. My Lord is gracious to whom He will. He alone is all-knowing and wise.‘

[101] Lord, You have given me authority and taught me to interpret dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth, my Guardian in this world and in the world to come! Allow me to die a Muslim, and admit me among the righteous.‘

[102] That which We have now revealed to you¹ is a tale of the unknown. You were not present when they conceived their plan, and when they schemed together

[103] Yet strive as you may, the greater part of mankind will not believe

[104] And you demand of them no recompense for this: it is but an Admonition to mankind

[105] Many are the marvels in the heavens and the earth; yet they pass them by and pay no heed to them

[106] The greater part of them believe in God only if they can worship other gods besides Him

[107] Are they confident they will not be overwhelmed by a scourge from God, or that the Hour will not overtake them unawares, without warning

[108] Say: ‘This is my path. With sure knowledge I call on you to have faith in God, I and all my followers. Glory be to God! I am no idolater.‘

[109] Nor were those We sent before you other than men We inspired from people of the city. Have they not travelled the land and seen what was the end of those who disbelieved before them? Surely better is the life to come for those that fear God. Can you not understand

[110] And when the apostles despaired and thought they were denied, Our help came down to them, delivering whom We pleased. The transgressors could not be saved from Our power

[111] Their annals point a moral to those that are of good sense possessed. This is no invented tale, but a confirmation of what came before it, an explanation of all things, a guide and a blessing to people who believe

[1] ALIF lām mīm rā‘. These are the revelations of the Book: and that which has been revealed to you from your Lord is Truth, yet most do not believe

[2] It was God who raised the heavens without visible pillars. He then ascended the throne and pressed the sun and the moon into service, each pursuing an appointed course. He ordains all things: He makes plain His revelations, so that you may firmly believe in meeting your Lord

[3] It was He who spread out the earth and placed upon it mountains and rivers. He gave all plants their male and female parts and drew the veil of night over the day. Surely in these there are signs for people who reflect

[4] And in the land there are adjoining plots: vineyards and cornfields and groves of palm, the single and the clustered. Their fruits are nourished by the same water: yet We make the taste of some more favoured than the taste of others. Surely in this there are signs for people who understand

[5] If anything could make you marvel, then you should surely marvel at those who say: ‘When we are dust, shall we be restored in a new creation?‘ Such are those who deny their Lord. Their necks shall be bound with chains. Those are the tenants of the Fire, wherein shall they abide for ever

[6] And they bid you hasten evil rather than good. Yet many were those who were punished before them. Your Lord is forgiving to people, despite their wrongdoing: yet stern is your Lord in retribution

[7] And the unbelievers say: ‘Why has no sign been sent down to him from his Lord?‘ But you are only to give warning: every nation has its mentor

[8] God knows what every female bears: He knows the wombs whose term falls short, and those that signify increase. For everything He has a finite measure

[9] He knows the unknown and the manifest: the Supreme One, the Most High

[10] It is the same whether you converse in secret or aloud, whether you hide under the cloak of night or walk about in the light of day

[11] Each has guardian angels before him and behind him, who preserve him by God‘s command. God does not change a people‘s lot unless they change what is in their hearts. If God seeks to afflict them with a misfortune, none can ward it off. Besides Him, they have no protector

[12] He it is who makes the lightning flash upon you, inspiring you with fear and hope, and gathers up the heavy clouds

[13] The thunder sounds His praises, and the angels, too, in awe of Him. He hurls His thunderbolts at whom He pleases. Yet they wrangle about God; and stern is His might

[14] To Him is the prayer of Truth. The idols to which they pray give them no answer. They are like a man who stretches out his hands to the water and bids it rise to his mouth: it cannot reach it. Vain are the prayers of the unbelievers

[15] All who dwell in the heavens and on the earth shall prostrate themselves before God: some willingly, some perforce; and their very shadows, morning and evening

[16] Say: ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?‘ Say: ‘God.‘ Say: ‘Why then have you chosen other gods besides Him, who, even to themselves, can do neither good nor harm?‘ Say: ‘Are the blind and the seeing equal? Is darkness equal to the light?‘ Or have their idols brought into being a creation like His, so that both creations appear to them alike? Say: ‘God is the Creator of all things. He is the One who conquers all.‘

[17] He sends down water from the sky which fills the riverbeds to overflowing, so that the torrent bears a swelling foam, akin to that which rises from smelted ore when men make ornaments and tools. Thus God depicts Truth and falsehood. The scum is cast away, but that which is of use to man remains behind. Even thus God speaks in parables

[18] Rich is the recompense of those that obey their Lord. But those that disobey Him ― if they possessed all that the earth contains, and as much besides, they would gladly offer it for their ransom. Theirs shall be a baleful reckoning. Hell shall be their home, an evil resting-place

[19] Is then he who knows that the Truth has been revealed to you from your Lord like him who is blind? Truly, none will remember but those that are of good sense possessed

[20] those who keep faith with God and do not break their pledge

[21] who join together what God has bidden to be united; who fear their Lord and dread a baleful reckoning

[22] who for the sake of God endure with fortitude, attend to their prayers, and from what We gave them give in private and in public; and who ward off evil with good. These shall have the recompense of Paradise

[23] They shall enter the Gardens of Eden, together with the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their descendants. From every gate the angels will come in to them, saying

[24] Peace be to you for all that you have steadfastly endured; blessed is the recompense of Paradise.‘

[25] As for those who break God‘s covenant after confirming it, who put asunder what God has bidden to be united and perpetrate corruption in the land, the curse shall light on them; the scourge of Hell awaits them

[26] God gives abundantly to whom He will and sparingly likewise. They rejoice in the life of this world: yet the life of this world is but a brief diversion compared with the life to come

[27] The unbelievers say: ‘Why has no sign been sent down to him by his Lord?‘ Say ‘God leaves in error whom he will, and guides to Himself those who repent

[28] and have faith; whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of God

[29] Surely in the remembrance of God all hearts are comforted. Blessed are those who believe and do good works; blissful is their final abode

[30] Thus have We sent you forth to a community before whom other communities had passed away, that you may recite to them that with which We have inspired you. Yet they deny the Lord of Mercy. Say: ‘He is my Lord. There is no god but Him. In Him I have put my trust, and to Him I shall return.‘

[31] And even if there be a Koran whereby the mountains could be set in motion, the earth rent asunder, and the dead communed with, surely all things are subject to God‘s will. Are the faithful unaware that, had God pleased, He could have guided all mankind? As for the unbelievers, because of their misdeeds disaster shall not cease to afflict them or to crouch at their very doorstep until God‘s promise be fulfilled. God will not fail the appointed time

[32] Apostles were mocked before you: but, though I bore with the unbelievers, My scourge at length took them; and how terrible was My scourge

[33] Who is it that watches every soul and all its actions? Yet they set up other deities besides God. Say: ‘Name them. Would you tell Him of that which is unknown to Him on the earth? Or are they merely empty words?‘ Indeed, their foul devices seem fair to the unbelievers, for they are debarred from the right path. They have no guide, those whom God has led astray

[34] Torment awaits them in this nether life: but more grievous is the torment of the life to come. From God they will have no protector

[35] Such is the Paradise the righteous have been promised: it is watered by running brooks: eternal is its fruit, and eternal is its shade. Such shall be the end of the righteous; and the Fire shall be the fate of the unbelievers

[36] Those to whom We gave the Book rejoice in what is revealed to you, while some factions deny a part of it. Say: ‘I am only commanded to serve God and to associate none with Him. To Him I pray, and to Him I shall return.‘

[37] Thus have We revealed it, a code of judgements in the Arabic tongue. If you succumb to their desires after the knowledge you have been given, from God you shall have no guardian or protector

[38] We sent forth apostles before you and gave them wives and descendants. Yet no apostle could work a miracle except by God‘s leave. Every age has a term decreed

[39] God abrogates and confirms what He pleases. His is the Decree Eternal

[40] Whether We let you glimpse in some measure the scourge We promise them, or claim you back to Us, your mission is only to give warning: it is for Us to do the reckoning

[41] Do they not see how We invade their land and diminish its borders? If God decrees a thing, none can reverse it. And swift is His reckoning

[42] Those who have gone before them also schemed, but God is the master of all scheming: He knows what every soul has done. And the unbelievers will then learn for whom the blissful end is destined

[43] And the unbelievers say: ‘You are not sent.‘ Say: ‘Sufficient is God as my witness and your witness, and so are those who know the Book.‘

[1] ALIF lām rā‘. A Book We have revealed to you so that, by their Lord‘s leave, you may lead the people from darkness to the light; to the path of the Mighty, the Praiseworthy One

[2] the path of God, to whom belongs all that the heavens and all that the earth contain. Woe betide the unbelievers, for they shall be grievously punished

[3] Those who love the life of this world more than the life to come; who debar others from the path of God and seek to make it crooked: they have strayed far into error

[4] Each apostle We have sent has spoken only in the language of his own people, that he might clearly guide them. But God leaves in error whom He will and gives guidance to whom He pleases. He is the Almighty, the Wise One

[5] We sent forth Moses with Our signs: ‘Lead your people out of the darkness into the light, and remind them of God‘s bounty.‘ Surely in this there are signs for every steadfast, thankful man

[6] And when Moses said to his people: ‘Remember God‘s goodness to you when He delivered you from Pharaoh‘s nation, who had oppressed you cruelly, slaughtering your sons and sparing only your daughters; surely that was a grievous trial by your Lord

[7] For your Lord had declared: "If you give thanks, I will bestow abundance upon you: but if you are thankless, My punishment is terrible indeed."‘

[8] And Moses said: ‘If you and all who are on earth prove thankless, God does not need your thanks, though He deserves your praise.‘

[9] Have you not heard what befell those that have gone before you? The people of Noah, Ad, and Thamūd, and those who came after them? God alone knows their number. Their apostles came to them with veritable signs, but they bit their hands with their mouths¹ and said: ‘We disbelieve your message. Indeed, we strongly doubt the faith to which you call us.‘

[10] Their apostles said: ‘Is God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, to be doubted? He calls you that He may forgive you your sins and reprieve you till an appointed time.‘ They said: ‘You are but mortals like ourselves. You wish to turn us away from the gods our fathers worshipped. Bring us some clear authority.‘

[11] Their apostles said to them: ‘We are indeed but mortals like yourselves; but God bestows His grace on such of His servants as He chooses. We cannot give you proof, except by God‘s leave; in God let true believers put their trust

[12] And why should we not trust in God, when He has already guided us on to our paths? We will endure your persecution patiently. In God let the trusting put their trust.‘

[13] Return to our folds,‘ the unbelievers said to their apostles, ‘or we will banish you from our land.‘ But their Lord revealed His will to them: ‘We shall surely destroy the wrongdoers

[14] and shall surely give you the land to dwell in after them. Let him take heed who dreads My eminence and fears My threats.‘

[15] And they called for help; and every hardened sinner came to grief

[16] Hell will stretch behind him, and putrid water shall he drink

[17] he will sip, but scarcely swallow. Death will assail him from every side, yet shall he not be dead. Harrowing torment awaits him

[18] The works of the unbelievers are like ashes which the wind scatters on a stormy day: they shall gain nothing from what they earn. That is surely the way to egregious error

[19] Do you not see that God created the heavens and the earth with Truth? He can remove you if He will and bring into being a new creation

[20] that is no difficult thing for God

[21] All shall appear before God. The humble will say to those who thought themselves mighty: ‘We were your followers. Can you protect us from God‘s punishment in any way?‘ They will say: ‘Had God given us guidance, we would have guided you. Neither panic nor patience will help us now. There is no escape for us.‘

[22] And when judgement had been passed, Satan will say to them: ‘True was the promise which God made you. I too made you a promise, but did not keep it. Yet had I no power over you. I only called you, and you answered me. Do not now blame me, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I never believed in that with which you associated me before.‘ Grievous torment awaits the wrongdoers

[23] And those that believe and do good works shall be admitted into Gardens watered by running brooks, wherein, by their Lord‘s leave, shall they abide for ever. Their greeting shall be: ‘Peace!‘

[24] Do you not see how God compares a good word to a good tree? Its root is firm and its branches are in the sky

[25] It yields its fruit in every season by its Lord‘s leave. God speaks in parables to people so that they may reflect

[26] But an evil word is like a rotten tree torn out of the earth and shorn of all its roots

[27] God makes steadfast the faithful with His steadfast Word, both in this life and in the life to come. God leads the wrongdoers astray; God accomplishes what He pleases

[28] Have you not thought of those who repay the grace of God with unbelief and drive their people into the House of Perdition

[29] In Hell shall they burn; and evil shall be their fate

[30] They set up equals to God to lead people away from His path. Say to them: ‘Take your pleasure now: you are surely destined for the Fire.‘

[31] Tell My servants, those who are true believers, to be steadfast in prayer and from what We gave them to give in private and in public, before that day arrives when all trading shall cease and friendships be no more

[32] God it was who created the heavens and the earth. He sends down water from the sky wherewith He brings forth fruits for your sustenance. He has subdued the ships which, by His leave, sail the ocean in your service. He has subdued for you the rivers

[33] and subdued for you the sun and the moon, which steadfastly pursue their courses. And He has subdued for you the night and the day

[34] And of everything you have asked Him for He has given you some. If you reckoned up God‘s bounties you could not count them. Truly, man is wicked and thankless

[35] Abraham said ‘‘Lord, make this¹ land secure. Preserve me and my descendants from serving idols

[36] Lord, many have they led astray. He that follows me shall become my brother, and if anyone turns against me, You are surely forgiving and compassionate

[37] Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley near Your Sacred House, so that they may observe true worship, Lord. Put in some people‘s hearts kindness towards them, and provide them with the earth‘s fruits; perchance they will give thanks

[38] Lord, You have knowledge of all that we conceal and all that we reveal: nothing on earth or in heaven can be concealed from God

[39] Praise be to God who has bestowed on me Ishmael and Isaac despite my old age! My Lord well hears all prayers

[40] Lord, make me and my descendants steadfast in prayer. Lord, accept my prayer

[41] ‘Forgive me, Lord, and forgive my parents and all the faithful on the Day of Reckoning.‘

[42] Never think that God is unaware of the wrongdoers‘ actions. He only gives them respite till the day on which all eyes will stare with consternation

[43] They shall rush in terror with heads uplifted; they shall stare, but see nothing; their hearts utterly vacant

[44] Forewarn the people of the day when the scourge will overtake them; when the wrongdoers will say: ‘Lord, grant us respite for a short while. We will obey Your call, and follow the apostles.‘ ‘Did you not once swear that you would never die away

[45] You lived in the dwellings of those who wronged their souls before you: yet you knew full well how We had dealt with them, and We spoke to you in parables about them.‘

[46] They schemed, but their schemes were known to God, even if their schemes could move mountains

[47] Never think that God will break the pledge He gave to His apostles. Mighty is God, and capable of revenge

[48] On the day when the earth is changed into a different earth and the heavens into new heavens, mankind shall stand before God, the One, who conquers all

[49] On that day you shall see the guilty bound with chains

[50] their garments pitch, and their faces covered with flames

[51] God will surely requite each soul according to what it earned. Swift is God‘s reckoning

[52] This is an exhortation to the people. Let them be warned thereby and know that He is but one God. Let them reflect, those that are of good sense possessed

[1] ALIF lām rā. These are the revelations of the Book, and a veritable Koran

[2] The day will surely come when those who disbelieve will wish that they were Muslims

[3] Let them feast and make merry; and let their hopes beguile them. They shall learn

[4] Never have We destroyed a city whose term of life was not ordained and known beforehand

[5] Communities cannot forestall their doom, nor can they retard it

[6] They say: ‘You to whom the Admonition was revealed, you are surely possessed

[7] Bring down to us the angels, if what you say be true.‘

[8] We shall send down the angels only with the Truth. Then shall they never be reprieved

[9] It was We that revealed the Admonition, and shall Ourself preserve it

[10] We have sent forth apostles before you to the older nations

[11] but they scoffed at each apostle We sent them

[12] Thus do We put doubt into the hearts of the guilty

[13] they deny him, despite the example of the ancients

[14] If We opened for them a gate in heaven and they ascended through it higher and higher

[15] still would they say: ‘Our eyes were dazzled: truly, we must have been bewitched.‘

[16] And We have decked the sky with constellations and made them lovely to behold

[17] And We have guarded them from every cursed demon

[18] Eavesdroppers are pursued by fiery comets

[19] We have spread out the earth and set upon it immovable mountains

[20] We have planted it with every seasonable fruit, providing sustenance for yourselves and for those you do not provide for

[21] We hold the store of every blessing and send it down only in appropriate measure

[22] We let loose the fertilizing winds and bring down water from the sky for you to drink; its stores are beyond your reach

[23] It is surely We who ordain life and death; We are the Heir of all things

[24] We surely know those who have gone before you, as we surely know those who will come hereafter

[25] and it is your Lord who shall herd them all together. He is wise and all-knowing

[26] We created man from dry clay, from black moulded loam

[27] and before him Satan from smokeless fire

[28] Your Lord said to the angels: ‘I am creating man from dry clay, from black moulded loam

[29] When I have fashioned him and breathed My spirit into him, kneel down and prostrate yourselves before him.‘

[30] The angels, one and all, prostrated themselves

[31] except Satan: he refused to be with those who prostrated themselves

[32] He said: ‘Satan, how is it that you are not with those who prostrated themselves?‘

[33] He said: ‘I was not to bow to a mortal whom You created of dry clay, of black moulded loam.‘

[34] Get you hence,‘ said He, ‘you are accursed

[35] And the curse shall be on you till Judgement-day.‘

[36] Lord,‘ he said, ‘reprieve me till the Day of Resurrection.‘

[37] He said: ‘You are reprieved

[38] till the Appointed Day.‘

[39] Lord,‘ said Satan, ‘since You have thus tempted me, I will seduce those on earth

[40] I will surely tempt them all, except those among them who are Your faithful servants.‘

[41] He said: ‘This is My straight path

[42] You shall have no power over My servants, only the sinners who follow you

[43] they are all destined for Hell

[44] It has seven gates, and through each gate they shall come in separate bands

[45] The righteous shall dwell among gardens and fountains

[46] in peace and safety shall they enter them

[47] We shall remove all rancour from their hearts, and they shall take their ease on couches face to face, a band of brothers

[48] Toil shall not weary them, nor shall they ever be driven out

[49] Tell My servants that I alone am the Forgiving One, the Compassionate

[50] and that My scourge is the woeful scourge

[51] And tell them of Abraham‘s guests

[52] When they went in to him and said: ‘Peace,‘ he said: ‘We fear your intent.‘

[53] Have no fear,‘ they said. ‘We come to you with joyful tidings. You shall have a son endowed with knowledge.‘

[54] He said: ‘Do you bring me such joyful tidings in my old age? What joyful tidings can you bring me?‘

[55] They said: ‘We do gladden you with the Truth. Do not despair.‘

[56] He said: ‘Who but the lost would despair of God‘s mercy

[57] Envoys,‘ he said, ‘what is your errand?‘

[58] They said: ‘We are sent forth to a sinful people

[59] The house of Lot alone we shall deliver

[60] except his wife.‘ We had decreed that she should stay with those who were to stay behind

[61] And when the envoys came to the house of Lot

[62] he said: ‘No one knows you.‘

[63] No,‘ they said. ‘We bring you news of that concerning which they are in doubt

[64] We bring you Truth, and what we say is true

[65] Go with your kin in the dead of night; walk in their rear and let none turn round: go where you are commanded.‘

[66] Such was the command We gave him; those were to be obliterated next morning

[67] And the townsfolk came to him rejoicing

[68] He said: ‘These are my guests; do not disgrace me

[69] Fear God and do not shame me.‘

[70] They said: ‘Did we not forbid you to entertain strangers?‘

[71] He said: ‘These are my daughters: take them, if you are bent on doing the deed.‘

[72] By your life, they were reeling in their frenzy

[73] At sunrise the Cry took them

[74] We turned their city upside down and let loose a shower of clay-stones upon them

[75] Surely in this there are signs for prudent people

[76] The road on which it stood is trodden still

[77] Surely in this there is a sign for true believers

[78] Surely the dwellers of the Forest¹ also did wrong

[79] On them, too, We took vengeance, and made of both a manifest example

[80] The people of Hijr² also denied the apostles

[81] We gave them Our signs, but they ignored them

[82] They hewed their dwellings out of the mountains and led their lives in safety

[83] But one morning the Cry took them

[84] Nothing did their gains avail them

[85] It was but to reveal the Truth that We created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them. The Hour is sure to come: bear with them nobly

[86] It is your Lord who is the all-knowing Creator

[87] We have given you the seven oft-repeated verses³ and the Glorious Koran

[88] Do not eye with envy what We have given some among them to enjoy, nor grieve on their account. Show kindness to the faithful

[89] and say: ‘I am he that gives veritable warning.‘

[90] As surely will We punish the schismatics, those who have broken up

[91] the Koran into bits and pieces.⁴

[92] By the Lord, We will question them

[93] all about their doings

[94] Proclaim, then, what you are bidden and let the idolaters be

[95] We will Ourself sustain you against those that mock you

[96] and serve other deities besides God. They shall learn

[97] We know you are distressed by what they say

[98] Give glory in praise of your Lord and prostrate yourself

[99] Worship your Lord till the inevitable overtakes you

[1] GOD‘S JUDGEMENT will surely come to pass: do not seek to hurry it on. Glory be to Him! Exalted be He above their idols

[2] By His will He sends down the angels with the Spirit to those among His servants whom He chooses, bidding them give warning: ‘There is no god but Me: therefore fear Me.‘

[3] He created the heavens and the earth to manifest the Truth. Exalted be He above their idols

[4] He created man from a little germ: yet is he openly contentious

[5] He created the beasts which give you warmth and food and other benefits

[6] How pleasant they look when you bring them home to rest and when you lead them out to pasture

[7] They carry your burdens to a land you could not otherwise reach except with painful toil. Surely kindly is your Lord, and compassionate

[8] Also horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride on or put on show; and He creates other things beyond your knowledge

[9] God alone points to the right path. Some turn aside but, had He pleased, He would have given you guidance all

[10] It is He who sends down water from the sky, which provides you with your drink and brings forth the pasturage on which your cattle feed

[11] And with it He brings forth corn and olives, dates and grapes and fruits of every kind. Surely in this there is a sigh for people who can think

[12] He has pressed the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, into your service: the stars also serve you by His command. Surely in this there are signs for people who understand

[13] On the earth He has fashioned for you objects of various hues: surely in this there is a sign for people who reflect

[14] He it is who has subdued the ocean, so that you may eat from it fresh flesh and bring up from its depths ornaments to wear. Behold the ships ploughing their course through it. All this, that you may seek His bounty and may render thanks

[15] He set upon the earth firm mountains lest it should move away with you; and rivers, and roads, that you may be rightly guided

[16] by landmarks and the stars, too, they are directed

[17] Is He, then, who has created, like him who cannot create? Will you, then, not ponder

[18] If you reckoned up God‘s blessings, you could not count them. Surely God is forgiving and compassionate

[19] God has knowledge of what you conceal and what you reveal

[20] Those that they invoke besides God create nothing: they are themselves created

[21] Dead, not living; nor do they know when they will be raised to life

[22] Your God is one God. Those that deny the life to come have faithless hearts and are puffed up with pride

[23] God surely knows what they conceal and what they reveal. He does not love the proud

[24] When they are asked: ‘What has your Lord revealed?‘ they say: ‘Fables of the ancients!‘

[25] They shall bear the full brunt of their burdens on the Day of Resurrection, together with the burdens of those who in their ignorance were misled by them. Evil is that which they shall bear

[26] Those who had gone before them also schemed. But God smote their edifice at its foundations, and its roof collapsed upon their heads. The scourge overtook them whence they did not perceive

[27] Then, on the Day of Resurrection He will hold them up to shame, and He will say: ‘Where are your idols now, the theme of your disputes?‘ And those endowed with knowledge will say: ‘Shame and sorrow shall this day smite the unbelievers.‘

[28] Those whom the angels will claim back while steeped in sin will offer their submission, saying: ‘We have done no wrong!‘ ‘Indeed! God well knows what you have done

[29] Enter the gates of Hell, wherein shall you abide for ever.‘ Evil is the abode of the arrogant

[30] But when the God-fearing are asked: ‘What has your Lord revealed?‘ they will reply: ‘That which is best.‘ Good is the reward of those that do good works in this present life: but better is the abode of the life to come. Blessed is the abode of the God-fearing

[31] The Gardens of Eden they shall enter, wherein brooks will roll at their feet; and wherein shall they have all that they desire. Thus shall God recompense the God-fearing

[32] whom the angels will claim, in all their virtue, saying: ‘Peace be on you. Come into Paradise, the reward of your labours.‘

[33] Are they only waiting for the angels to come down or for the fulfilment of your Lord‘s will? Those who had gone before them also waited. God did not wrong them, but they wronged their own souls

[34] the evil which they did recoiled upon them, and the scourge at which they scoffed encompassed them

[35] The idolaters say: ‘Had God pleased, we would not have worshipped any besides Him, neither we or our forefathers; nor would we have declared anything unlawful without His sanction.‘ Such also was the pleas of those who had gone before them. Yet what should apostles do but give veritable warning

[36] We raised an apostle in each community: ‘Serve God and keep away from false gods.‘ Among them were some to whom God gave guidance, and among them were some doomed to go astray. Roam the world and see what was the fate of the disbelievers

[37] Strive as you may to guide them, God will not guide those whom He confounds; there shall be none to help them

[38] They solemnly swear by God that God will never raise the dead to life. But that is a promise that shall be justly fulfilled, though most may not know it

[39] so that He will resolve for them their differences, and that the unbelievers will know that they were lying

[40] When We decree a thing, We need only say: ‘Be,‘ and it is

[41] As for those who after persecution fled their homes in the cause of God, We will reward them well in this nether life: yet better still is the reward of the life to come, if they but knew it

[42] those who bore ills with patience and put their trust in their Lord

[43] We sent none before you but men whom We inspired with revelations and with Psalms. Ask the People of the Admonition, if you know not

[44] And to you also We have revealed the Admonition, so that you may proclaim to the people what was sent down for them, and that they may reflect

[45] Are those who plot evil so certain that God will not cause the earth to cave in beneath them, or that the scourge will not descend on them whence they do not perceive

[46] Or smite them in the course of their journeys when they cannot escape

[47] or give them over to slow destruction?¹ Yet is your Lord kindly and compassionate

[48] Do they not see how every object God created casts its shadow right and left, prostrating itself before God in all humility

[49] To God bow all the creatures of the heavens and the earth, and the angels too. They are not disdainful

[50] they fear their Lord on high and do as they are bidden

[51] And God has said: ‘You shall not serve two gods, for He is but one God. Fear none but Me.‘

[52] His is what the heavens and the earth contain. His is the Religion everlasting. Would you then fear any but God

[53] There is no blessing you enjoy which does not come from God, and to Him you turn for help when misfortune befalls you

[54] Yet no sooner does He remove your ills than some among you set up other gods besides their Lord

[55] showing no gratitude for what We give them. Take your pleasure now, and you shall learn

[56] To those they know nothing of, they assign a share of what We gave them. By the Lord, you shall be questioned about the lies you fabricated

[57] They foist daughters upon God (glory be to Him!) but for themselves they choose what they desire

[58] When the birth of a female is announced to one of them, his countenance darkens and he is mightily vexed

[59] On account of the bad news he hides himself from people: should he put up with the shame or bury her in the earth? How ill they judge

[60] Evil are the ways of those who deny the life to come; and most sublime are the ways of God. He is the Almighty, the Wise One

[61] If God punished people for their sins, not one creature would He leave alive. He reprieves them till a time ordained; when their time is come, not for one hour shall they stay behind: nor can they go before it

[62] They foist upon God what they themselves abhor. Their tongues falsely claim that a good reward awaits them. But let there be no doubt: the Fire awaits them, and they have strayed into egregious error

[63] By the Lord, We have sent forth before you to other communities. But Satan made their deeds seem fair to them, and to this day he is their patron. Woeful punishment awaits them

[64] We have revealed to you the Book only that you may resolve their differences for them: a guide and a blessing to true believers

[65] And God sends down water from the sky wherewith He quickens the earth after its death. Surely in this there is a sign for people who can hear

[66] In cattle too you have a worthy lesson. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, between the bowels and the blood-streams: pure milk, pleasant for those who drink it

[67] And the fruits of the palm and the vine, from which you derive intoxicants and wholesome food. Surely in this there is a sign for those endowed with reason

[68] Your Lord inspired the bee, saying: ‘Make your homes in the mountains, in the trees, and in the hives which men shall build for you

[69] Then feed on every kind of fruit, and follow the trodden paths of your Lord.‘ From its belly comes forth a syrup of different hues, a cure for humans. Surely in this there is a sign for those who would take thought

[70] God created you, and He will then reclaim you. Some among you shall have their lives prolonged to abject old age, when all that they once knew they shall know no more. All-knowing is God, and Almighty

[71] In what He has provided, God has favoured some among you above others. Those who are so favoured will not allow their slaves an equal share in what they have. Would they deny God‘s goodness

[72] God has given you spouses from among yourselves and, through your spouses, children and grandchildren. And He has provided you with wholesome things: will they then in falsehood believe and deny God‘s bounty

[73] And they worship helpless idols which can confer on them no benefits from the heavens or the earth

[74] Therefore compare God to none: God has knowledge, but you have not

[75] God makes this comparison: one a helpless slave, the property of his master; and one on whom We have bestowed a bounteous provision from which he gives in private and in public. Are the two equal? God be praised! But most of them have no knowledge

[76] And God makes this comparison: two men, one dumb and helpless, a burden on his master: wherever he sends him he comes back with nothing good. Is he equal to him that enjoins justice and is on a straight path

[77] To God belong the secrets of the heavens and the earth. The business of the Hour shall be accomplished in the twinkling of an eye, or in a shorter time. Surely God has power over all things

[78] And God brought you out of your mothers‘ wombs devoid of any knowledge, and gave you ears and eyes and hearts, so that you may give thanks

[79] Do they not see the birds that wing their way in heaven‘s vault? None but God sustains them. Surely in this there are signs for true believers

[80] And God has given you houses to dwell in, and has given you animals‘ skins for tents, that you may find them light when you travel and easy to pitch when you halt for shelter; while from their wool, fur, and hair, He has for a space of time provided you with comforts and domestic goods

[81] By means of that which He created, God has given you shelter from the sun; He has given you refuge in the mountains; He has given you garments to protect you from the heat, and coats of armour to shield you in your wars. Thus does He perfects His bounty to you, that you may turn to Islam

[82] But if theyˡ pay no heed, your² mission is only to give clear warning

[83] They recognize God‘s bounty, yet they deny it. And most of them surely are ungrateful

[84] On the day We call to life a witness from each community, their pleas shall not avail the unbelievers, nor shall they be allowed to make amends

[85] And when the wrongdoers face the scourge, it shall not be eased for them, nor shall they ever be reprieved

[86] When the pagans behold their idols, they will say: ‘Lord, these are the idols to whom we prayed.‘ But their idols will retort: ‘You are surely lying!‘

[87] They shall proffer God submission on that day, and the gods of their own invention will forsake them

[88] Those that disbelieve and debar others from the path of God, We shall chastise all the more for their misdeeds

[89] on the day We call to life a witness in each community from among themselves to testify against them. We shall call you to testify against these: for to you We have revealed the Book to manifests the Truth about all things, a guide, a blessing, and joyful tidings for the Muslims

[90] God enjoins justice, kindness and charity to kin, and forbids lewdness, reprehensible conduct and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take thought

[91] Keep faith with God when you make a pledge. And you shall not break your oaths after you have sworn them, having made God thereby your surety. God has knowledge of what you do

[92] Do not, like the woman who unravels the thread she has firmly spun, take oaths with mutual deceit and break them on finding yourselves superior in numbers. In this, God puts you to the proof. On the Day of Resurrection He will resolve your differences for you

[93] Had God pleased, He would have united you into one community. But He confounds whom He will and gives guidance to whom He pleases. And you shall surely be questioned over what you did

[94] And you shall not take oaths to deceive each other, lest a foot should slip after being rightly guided, and lest you taste misfortune for debarring others from the path of God: for then indeed you should incur a grievous punishment

[95] You shall not barter God‘s covenant for a trifling price. God‘s recompense is better for you, if you but knew it

[96] Your worldly riches are transitory, but God‘s recompense is everlasting

[97] We shall recompense the steadfast according to their noblest deeds. Be they men or women, to those that embrace the Faith and do what is right We will surely grant a happy life; We shall reward them according to their noblest deeds

[98] When you read the Koran, seek refuge in God from accursed Satan

[99] no power has he over those who believe and who put their trust in their Lord

[100] He has power only over those who befriend him and those who serve partners besides Him

[101] And if We change one sūrahfor another (God knows best what He reveals), they say: ‘You¹ are but an impostor.‘ Indeed most of them have no knowledge

[102] Say: ‘The Holy Spirit brought it down from your Lord in Truth to reassure the faithful, and to give guidance and joyful tidings to Muslims.‘

[103] We do know that they say: ‘A mortal taught him.‘ But the man² to whom they allude speaks a foreign tongue, while this is eloquent Arabic speech

[104] Those who disbelieve God‘s revelations God will not guide. Woeful punishment awaits them

[105] None invents falsehoods save those who disbelieve God‘s revelations: it is they that are the liars

[106] Those who are forced to recant while their hearts remain loyal to the Faith shall be absolved; but those who open their bosoms to unbelief shall incur God‘s ire; and grievous punishment awaits them

[107] That is because they love the life of this world more than the life to come; and God does not guide the unbelievers

[108] Such are those whose hearts and ears and eyes are sealed by God; such are the heedless

[109] In the life to come they will assuredly be lost

[110] Your Lord ― to those who after persecution fled their land and fought and remained constant to the last ― your Lord will be forgiving and compassionate

[111] on the day when every soul will plead for itself; when every soul will be requited for its deeds. They shall not be wronged

[112] God has made an example of a city¹ which was once safe and peaceful. Its provisions came to it abundantly from every quarter: but it denied God‘s favours. Therefore God afflicted it with famine and fear as punishment for what they did

[113] An apostle of their own did come to them, but they denied him; therefore the scourge smote them in their wrongdoing

[114] Eat of the good and lawful things which God bestowed on you, and give thanks for God‘s bounty if it is Him that you worship

[115] He has forbidden you carrion, blood and the flesh of swine; also any flesh consecrated other than in the name of God. But whoever is driven by necessity, intending neither to sin nor to transgress, will find that God is forgiving and compassionate

[116] You shall not say, when your tongues utter falsehood: ‘This is lawful, and that is forbidden,‘ in order to invent a falsehood about God. Those who invent falsehoods about God shall never succeed

[117] Brief is their enjoyment, and woeful punishment awaits them

[118] To those who follow the Jewish Faith We have pronounced unlawful what We recounted to you before. We never wronged them, but they wronged themselves

[119] To those who commit evil through ignorance, and then repent and mend their ways, your Lord is forgiving and compassionate

[120] Abraham was a paragon of piety, an upright man obedient to God: he was no idolater

[121] He rendered thanks for His bounty, so that He chose him and guided him to a straight path

[122] We bestowed on him a blessing in this world, and in the world to come he will assuredly dwell among the righteous

[123] And now We have revealed to you Our will: that you shall follow the faith of saintly Abraham, who was no idolater.‘

[124] The Sabbath was ordained only for those who differed about it. On the Day of Resurrection your Lord will judge their differences

[125] Call people to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kindly exhortation. Reason with them in a manner most courteous. Your Lord best knows those who stray from His path and He best knows the rightly guided

[126] If you punish, let your punishment be commensurate with the wrong that has been done you. But it shall be best for you to endure with patience

[127] Be patient, then: none but God will grant you patience. Do not grieve for them, nor distress yourself at their intrigues

[128] God is with those who fear Him and do good works

[1] GLORY BE to Him who made His servant go by night from the Sacred Temple¹ to the farther Temple² whose surroundings We have blessed, that We might show him some of Our signs. He it is who hears all and observes all

[2] We gave Moses the Book and made it a guide for the Israelites: ‘You shall take no guardian other than Myself

[3] You are the descendants of those We carried in the ark with Noah: he was a truly thankful servant.‘

[4] In the Book We decreed to the Israelites: ‘Twice shall you do evil in the land; and you shall commit great transgressions.‘

[5] And when the prophecy of the first came to be fulfilled, We sent against you servants of Ours, a formidable army¹ which ravaged your land and carried out the punishment that had been promised

[6] Then We once again granted you victory over them and multiplied your riches and your descendants, so that once again you grew and multiplied

[7] If you do good, it shall be to your advantage; but if you do evil, you shall sin against your own souls.‘ And when the prophecy of the second came to be fulfilled, We sent another² to afflict you and to enter the Temple as the former entered it at first, utterly destroying all that they laid their hands on

[8] Your Lord may yet be merciful to you. If you come back, We shall again come back. We have made Hell a prison-house for the unbelievers.‘

[9] Surely this Koran gives guidance to that which is most upright. It promises the faithful who do good works a rich recompense

[10] and those who deny the life to come We have prepared a woeful scourge

[11] Yet man prays for evil as fervently as he prays for good. Truly, man is ever impatient

[12] We made the night and the day twin marvels. We enshrouded the marvel of the night with darkness and made the marvel of the day to see with, that you might seek the bounty of your Lord and learn to count the seasons and the years.³ We have made all things manifestly plain to you

[13] And the fate of each man We have bound about his neck. On the Day of Resurrection We shall confront him with a book he shall find wide open

[14] Read your Book: enough for you this day that your own soul should call you to account.‘

[15] He that seeks guidance shall have guidance for the good of his own soul, and he that errs shall err at his peril. No burdened soul shall bear another‘s burden. Nor do We punish until We have sent forth an emissary

[16] When We resolve to raze a city, We first give warning to its prodigals. If they persist in sin therein, judgement is passed, and We destroy it utterly

[17] How many generations have We cut down since Noah‘s time! Suffice it that your Lord is well aware of His servants‘ sins and observes them all

[18] Whoever desires this fleeting life We shall quickly grant him therein whatever We will and for whomever We please. But then We have prepared Hell for him, wherein he shall burn despised and rejected

[19] As for him that desires the life to come and strives for it as he ought to, being a true believer, his endeavours shall be richly recompensed

[20] On all ― on these and those ― We bestow the bounty of your Lord: none shall be denied the bounty of your Lord

[21] Behold how We have exalted some above others. Yet the life to come has higher ranks of honours and is more exalted

[22] Set up no other deity besides God, lest you incur disgrace and ruin

[23] your Lord has decreed that you shall worship none but Him. And that you shall show kindness to your parents: if either or both of them attain old age in your dwelling, show them no sign of impatience, nor rebuke them; but speak to them kind words

[24] Treat them with humility and tenderness, and say: ‘Lord, be merciful to them, even as they nursed me when I was an infant.‘

[25] Your Lord best knows what is in your hearts, and knows if you are virtuous. He will surely forgive those that turn to Him in penitence

[26] Give to the near of kin their due, and also to the destitute and to the traveller in need. Do not squander your substance wastefully

[27] for the wasteful are Satan‘s brothers; and Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord

[28] And if, while hopefully seeking from your Lord some bounty, you lack the means to assist them, then speak to them kindly

[29] Be neither miserly nor prodigal, for then you should either earn reproach or be reduced to penury

[30] Your Lord gives abundantly to whom He will, and sparingly likewise. He knows and observes His servants

[31] You shall not kill your children for fear of poverty.¹ We will provide for them and for you. To kill them is a grievous sin

[32] You shall not commit adultery, for it is lewd and the way to evil

[33] You shall not kill any man God has forbidden you to kill, except for a just cause. If a man is slain unjustly, his heir shall be entitled to satisfaction. But let him not carry his vengeance to excess, for his victim is sure to be assisted and avenged

[34] And do not approach the property of orphans except with the best of motives, until they reach maturity. Keep your promises; you are accountable for all that you promise

[35] And give full measure, when you measure, and weigh with even scales; that is better and fairer in the end

[36] Do not follow what you know not. Man‘s eyes, ears, and heart ― each of his senses shall be closely questioned

[37] And do not walk proudly on the earth. You cannot split the earth, nor can you rival the mountains in stature

[38] Evil is all this in the sight of your Lord, and odious

[39] These are but some of the wise precepts your Lord has inspired you² with. Serve no other deity besides God, lest you should be cast into Hell, condemned and rejected

[40] What! Has your Lord favoured you³ with sons and Himself adopted females from among the angels? A monstrous blasphemy is that which you utter

[41] We have expounded Our revelations in this Koran so that they may remember. Yet it has only added to their aversion

[42] Say: ‘If, as they claim, there were other gods besides God, they would surely seek to dethrone Him.‘

[43] Glory be to Him! Exalted be He, high above their falsehoods

[44] The seven heavens, the earth, and all who dwell in them give glory to Him. All creatures celebrate His praises. Yet you cannot understand their praises. Benevolent is He and forgiving

[45] And when you recite the Koran, We place between you and those who deny the life to come a hidden screen

[46] We have cast veils over their hearts lest they understand it, and made them hard of hearing. When you make mention of your Lord, alone, in the Koran they turn their backs with much aversion

[47] We well know what they wish to hear in it when they listen to you, and what they say when they converse in private; when the wrongdoers declare: ‘The man you follow is surely bewitched.‘

[48] Behold what epithets they bestow upon you. They have surely gone astray and cannot find the right path

[49] And they say: ‘What! When we are turned to bones and dust, shall we be restored in a new creation?‘

[50] Say: ‘Whether you turn to stone or iron

[51] or any other substance you may think unlikely to be given life.‘ They will say: ‘Who will restore us?‘ Say: ‘He that created you at first.‘ They will shake their heads at you and say: ‘When will this be?‘ Say: ‘It may well be near at hand

[52] On that day He will summon you all, and you shall answer Him with praises. You shall think that you have lingered but a little while.‘

[53] And tell My servants to be courteous in their speech. Satan would sow discord among them; Satan is surely the veritable enemy of man

[54] Your Lord knows you best. He will show you mercy if He will, and punish you if He pleases. We have not sent you to be their guardian

[55] Your Lord is best aware of all who dwell in the heavens and the earth. We have exalted some prophets above others. To David We gave Psalms

[56] Say: ‘Pray if you will to those whom you deify besides Him.¹ They cannot relieve your distress, nor can they change it.‘

[57] Those to whom they pray, themselves seek to approach their Lord, vying with each other to be near Him. They crave His mercy and fear His punishment; for your Lord‘s punishment is to be feared indeed

[58] There is no city but We shall obliterate it before the Day of Resurrection, or grievously punish it: that is decreed in the Eternal Book

[59] And nothing hinders us from sending signs except that the ancients disbelieved them. To Thamūd We gave the she-camel as a visible sign, yet they laid violent hands on her. We give signs only by way of warning

[60] We have told you that your Lord encompasses mankind. We have made the vision which We showed you, as well as the tree² cursed in the Koran, but a test for people‘s faith. We seek to put fear in their hearts, but this only makes their wickedness all the more outrageous

[61] And when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam,‘ they all prostrated themselves, except Satan, who said: ‘Shall I bow to him whom You have made of clay

[62] And he said: ‘Do You see this being whom You have exalted above me? If You give me respite till the Day of Resurrection, I will exterminate all but a few of his descendants.‘

[63] Go!‘ said He. ‘Hell is your reward, and the reward of those that follow you. An ample recompense it shall be

[64] Rouse with your voice whomever you are able. Muster against them your battalions of horse and foot. Be their partner in riches and in offspring. Promise them what you will. (Satan promises them only to deceive them)

[65] But over My true servants you shall have no authority. Sufficient is your Lord as a guardian.‘

[66] It is your Lord who drives for you the ships across the ocean, that you may seek His bounty. Surely He is ever compassionate towards you

[67] And when at sea a misfortune befalls you, all but Him of those to whom you pray forsake you; yet when He brings you safe to dry land you turn your backs: truly, man is ever thankless

[68] Are you confident He will not cause the earth to cave in beneath you, or let loose a deadly sand-storm upon you? Then you shall find none to protect you

[69] Or are you confident that when again He lets you put to sea He will not blast you with a violent tempest and drown you for being thankless? Then you shall find none to prosecute your case against Us

[70] We have bestowed bounties on Adam‘s descendants and carried them by land and sea. We have provided them with wholesome things and exalted them above a great many of Our creatures

[71] The day will surely come when We shall summon each community with its leader. Those who are given their books in their right hands will read their recorded doings, and shall not in the least be wronged

[72] And those who have been blind in this life shall be blind in the life to come and more misguided

[73] They sought to entice you from Our revelations ― they nearly did ― hoping that you might invent another in Our name, and thus they would adopt you as an intimate friend

[74] Indeed, had We not strengthened your faith, you might have made some compromise with them

[75] and We would thus have made you taste a double punishment in this life and a double punishment after death. Then you should have found none to help you against Us

[76] And they sought to provoke you ― they nearly did ― and thus drive you out of the land: and they then would have scarcely survived your departure

[77] Such was Our way with the apostles We sent before you. And you shall find no change in Our accustomed way

[78] Perform the prayer at sunset, at nightfall, and at dawn recital; the dawn recital has its witnesses

[79] during the night as well: an additional duty, for the fulfilment of which your Lord may exalt you to a praiseworthy station

[80] Say: ‘Lord, grant me a goodly entrance and a goodly exit, and sustain me with Your own power.‘

[81] And say: ‘Truth has come and Falsehood has been routed. Falsehood was bound to be routed.‘

[82] That which We reveal in the Koran is a balm and a blessing to true believers, although it only adds to the wrongdoers‘ prospects of perdition

[83] When We bestow bounties on man, he turns his back and holds aloof; and when evil befalls him, he grows despondent

[84] Say: ‘Each man behaves after his own fashion. But your Lord best knows who is more rightly guided.‘

[85] And they put questions to you about the Spirit. Say: ‘The Spirit is at my Lord‘s command. Little indeed is the knowledge vouchsafed to you.‘

[86] If We please, We could take away that which We have revealed to you: then you should find none to plead with Us on your behalf

[87] except through a favour from your Lord. His goodness to you has been great indeed

[88] Say: ‘If men and jinn combined to produce a book akin to this Koran, they would surely fail to produce its like, though they helped one another as best they could.‘

[89] We have set forth for people in this Koran all manner of arguments, yet most of them persist in unbelief

[90] They say: ‘We will not believe in you until you make a spring gush from the earth before our very eyes

[91] or cause rivers to gush in a grove of palms and vines

[92] until you cause the sky to fall upon us in fragments, as you have claimed you would, or bring down God and the angels in our midst

[93] until you have for yourself a house of gold, or ascend to heaven: nor will we believe in your ascent until you have sent down for us a book which we can read.‘ Say: ‘Glory be to my Lord! Am I not but an emissary, made of flesh and blood?‘

[94] Nothing prevents people from having faith when guidance comes to them but the excuse: ‘Can it be that God has sent a human as an emissary?‘

[95] Say: ‘Had the earth been safe enough for angels to walk on, We would have sent down to them an angel from heaven as an emissary.‘

[96] Say: ‘Sufficient is God as my witness, and your witness. He well knows and closely observes His servants.‘

[97] Those whom God guides are rightly guided; and those whom He confounds shall find no guardians besides Him. We shall herd them all on the Day of Resurrection, prostrate upon their faces, blind, dumb, and deaf. Hell shall be their home: whenever its flames die down We will rekindle them into a greater conflagration

[98] Thus shall they be rewarded: because they disbelieved Our revelations and said: ‘When we are turned to bones and dust, shall we be restored in a new creation?‘

[99] Or do they not see that God, who has created the heavens and the earth, has power to create their like? Their term He pre-ordained beyond all doubt. Yet the wrong-doers persist in unbelief

[100] Say: ‘Had you possessed the treasures of my Lord‘s mercy, you would have covetously hoarded them. How niggardly is man!‘

[101] And to Moses We gave nine conspicuous signs. Ask the Israelites how he first appeared among them. Pharaoh said to him: ‘Moses, I can see that you are bewitched.‘

[102] ‘You know full well,‘ he replied, ‘that none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth has revealed these visible signs. Indeed, Pharaoh, I can see that you are doomed.‘

[103] He sought to scare them out of the land: but We drowned him, together with those who were with him all

[104] Then We said to the Israelites: ‘Dwell in the land. When the promise of the hereafter comes to be fulfilled, We shall herd you all together.‘

[105] With the Truth We have revealed it, and with the Truth it has come down. We have sent you forth only to proclaim joyful tidings and to give warning

[106] with a Koran that We divided into sections, that you may recite it to the people with deliberation. We have imparted it by gradual revelation

[107] Say: ‘It is for you to believe in it or to deny it. Those who were endowed with knowledge before its revelation prostrate themselves when it is recited to them

[108] and say: "Glorious is our Lord. Our Lord‘s promise has surely been fulfilled

[109] They fall down upon their faces, weeping; and as they listen, their awe increases.‘

[110] Say: ‘You may call on God or you may call on the Merciful: by whatever name you call on Him, His are the most gracious names.‘ Pray neither with too loud a voice nor in silence, but, between these extremes, seek a middle course

[111] Say: ‘Praise be to God who has never begotten a son; who has no partner in His Kingdom; who needs none to protect Him from humiliation.‘ Proclaim His greatness

[1] PRAISE BE to God who has revealed the Book to His servant and made it flawless

[2] unswerving from the Truth, that he may give warning of a dire scourge from Himself; proclaim to the faithful who do good works that a rich

[3] and everlasting recompense awaits them

[4] and admonish those who say that God has begotten a son.¹

[5] Surely of this they could have no knowledge, neither they nor their forefathers: a monstrous blasphemy is that which their mouths utter; they speak nothing but falsehood

[6] Yet, if they deny this revelation, you may destroy yourself with grief, sorrowing over them

[7] We have decked the earth with all manner of ornaments to test them as to who would acquit himself best

[8] But We will surely reduce all that is on it to barren dust

[9] Did you think the Sleepers of the Cave¹ and Al-Raqīm² a wonder among Our signs

[10] When the youths sought refuge in the cave, they said: ‘Lord, have mercy on us and guide us through our ordeal.‘

[11] We made them³ sleep in the cave for many years

[12] and then awakened them to find out who could best tell the length of their stay

[13] We recount to you their story in all truth. They were young men who had faith in their Lord, and on whom We had lavished Our guidance

[14] We put courage in their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We call on no other god besides Him: for if we did we should be blaspheming

[15] Our people serve other gods besides Him, though they have no convincing proof of their divinity. Who is more wicked than he who invents a falsehood against God

[16] And when you forsake them and those they worship besides God, go to the cave for shelter. Your Lord will extend to you His mercy and prepare for you a means of safety.‘

[17] You might have seen the rising sun decline to the right of their cavern and, as it set, go past them on the left, while they stayed within. That was one of God‘s signs. He whom God guides is rightly guided; but he whom He confounds shall find no friend to guide him

[18] And you might have thought them awake, though they were sleeping. We turned them about to right and left, while their dog lay at the cave‘s entrance with legs outstretched. Had you looked upon them, you would have surely turned your back and fled in terror

[19] Thus did We rouse them that they might question one another. One of them asked: ‘How long have you stayed here?‘ They said: ‘We have stayed one day, or part of a day.‘ They said: ‘Your Lord knows best how long you have stayed here. Let one of you go to the city with this silver coin and bring you back whatever food he finds most wholesome there. Let him conduct himself with caution and not disclose your whereabouts to anyone

[20] For if they find you out they will stone you to death, or force you back into their faith; then will you surely never succeed, ever.‘

[21] Thus did We reveal their secret, so that they might know that God‘s promise was true and that the Hour was not to be doubted. People argued among themselves concerning them. Some said: ‘Build a monument over their remains. Their Lord knows best who they were.‘ Those who were to win said: ‘Let us build a place of worship over them.‘

[22] Some will say: ‘They were three: their dog was the fourth.‘ Others, guessing at the unknown, will say: ‘They were five: their dog was the sixth.‘ And yet others: ‘Seven: their dog was the eighth.‘ Say: ‘My Lord best knows their number. Only a few know them.‘ Therefore, when you dispute about them, adhere only to that which is manifest and do not ask any of these concerning them

[23] Never say of anything: ‘I will do it tomorrow,‘

[24] without adding: ‘If God wills.‘ When you forget, remember your Lord and say: ‘May God guide me and bring me nearer to the Truth.‘

[25] Some say they stayed in the cave three hundred years and nine

[26] Say: ‘God knows best how long they stayed. His are the secrets of the heavens and the earth. Clear is His sight, and keen His hearing. They have no other guardian besides Him. He allows none to share His sovereignty.‘

[27] Proclaim what has been revealed to you from the Book of your Lord. None can change His Words. And you shall find no refuge besides Him

[28] And restrain yourself, you and those who pray to their Lord morning and evening, seeking His pleasure. Do not turn your eyes away from them in quest of the allurements of this life, nor obey him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance; who follows his appetite and gives a loose rein to his desires

[29] Say: ‘This is the truth from your Lord. Let him who will, believe in it, and him who will, deny it.‘ For the wrongdoers We have prepared a fire which will encompass them like the walls of a pavilion. When they cry out for help they shall be showered with water as hot as molten brass, which will scald their faces; evil the drink, and evil the resting-place

[30] As for those that believe and do good works, We shall not deny the recompense of those whose deeds were good

[31] The Gardens of Eden shall be theirs, wherein brooks will roll at their feet. Reclining there upon soft couches, they shall be adorned with bracelets of gold, and arrayed in garments of fine green silk and rich brocade: blissful the reward and happy the resting-place

[32] Coin for them a parable: Two men, to one of whom We gave two vineyards set about with palm-trees and watered by a running brook, with a cornfield lying in between

[33] Each of the vineyards yielded an abundant crop

[34] and when their owner had gathered in the harvest, he said to his companion while conversing with him: ‘I am richer than you, and my clan is mightier than yours.‘

[35] And when, having thus wronged his soul, he entered his vineyard, he said: ‘I cannot think this will ever perish

[36] Nor do I believe that the Hour will ever come. Even if I returned to my Lord, I should surely find a better place than this to go back to.‘

[37] His companion replied, while still conversing with him: ‘Have you no faith in Him who created you from dust, then from a little germ, and then fashioned you into a man

[38] As for myself, God is my Lord, and I will associate none with my Lord

[39] When You entered your garden, why did you not say: "What God has ordained must surely come to pass: there is no strength except in God

[40] Though you see me poorer than yourself and blessed with fewer children, yet my Lord may give me a garden better than yours, and send down thunderbolts from heaven upon your vineyard, turning it into a barren waste

[41] or drain its water deep into the earth so that you will find none of it.‘

[42] And his fruits were destroyed, and he wrung his hands with grief at all that he had spent on the garden: for the vines had tumbled down upon their trellises. ‘Would that I had served no other gods besides my Lord!‘ he said

[43] He had none to help him besides God, nor was he able to defend himself

[44] In such ordeals protection comes only from God, the true God. His is the best recompense, and His the best requital

[45] And coin for them a simile about the life of this world. It is like the vegetation of the earth that thrives when watered by the rain We send down from the sky, soon turning into stubble which the wind scatters abroad. God has power over all things

[46] Wealth and children are the ornament of this life. But deeds of lasting merit are better rewarded by your Lord and hold for you a greater hope of salvation

[47] Tell of the day when We shall blot out the mountains and make the earth a barren waste; when We shall herd them all together, leaving not a soul behind

[48] They shall be ranged before your Lord: ‘You have returned to Us as We created you at first. Yet you supposed We had not set for you a predestined time

[49] The book will be laid down, and you shall see the sinners dismayed at the content. They will say: ‘Woe betide us! What can this Book mean? It omits nothing small or great: all is noted down!‘ and they shall find their deeds recorded there. Your Lord will wrong none

[50] And when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam,‘ all prostrated themselves except Satan, who was a jinnee disobedient to his Lord. Would you then serve him and his offspring as your masters rather than Myself, despite their enmity towards you? A sad substitute the wrongdoers have chosen

[51] I did not call them to witness at the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor at their own creation; nor was I to seek the aid of those who were to lead mankind astray

[52] On that day He will say: ‘Call on those you claimed to be My partners.‘ They will invoke them, but they will make no answer; for We shall place a deadly gulf between them

[53] And when the sinners behold the Fire they will realize that therein they shall be flung. Nor shall they ever escape from it

[54] In this Koran We have coined for mankind all manner of parables. But man is exceedingly contentious

[55] Nothing prevents people from having faith when guidance has been revealed to them, and from seeking their Lord‘s forgiveness: unless they are waiting for the fate of the ancients to overtake them or to behold the scourge with their own eyes

[56] We send the apostles only to proclaim joyful tidings and to give warning. But with false arguments the unbelievers seek to confute the Truth, deriding My revelations and My warnings

[57] Who is more wicked than he that, when reminded of his Lord‘s revelations, turns away from them and forgets what his own hands have done? We have cast veils over their hearts so that they cannot understand it,¹ and made them hard of hearing. Call them as you may to the right path, they shall never be guided

[58] And your Lord is the Forgiving One, the Merciful. Had it been His will to scourge them for what they did, He would have hurried on their punishment; but He has set for them a predestined time they cannot evade

[59] And all those cities! We destroyed them for the wrongs they did, and for their destruction We set a predestined time

[60] Moses said to his servant: ‘I will journey on until I reach the land where the two seas meet, though I may march for ages.‘

[61] But when they came to the land where the two seas met, they forgot their fish, which made its way into the water, swimming at will

[62] And when they had journeyed farther on, he said to his servant: ‘Bring us some food; we are worn out with travelling.‘

[63] Know,‘ he replied, ‘that I forgot the fish when we were resting on the rock. It was only Satan who made me forget to mention this. It made its way miraculously into the sea

[64] This is what we have been seeking,‘ he said. They went back the way they came

[65] and found one of Our servants to whom We had vouchsafed Our mercy and whom We had endowed with knowledge of Our own

[66] Moses said to him: ‘May I follow you, so that you may guide me by that which you have been taught?‘

[67] You will not bear with me,‘ said he

[68] For how can you bear with that which is beyond your knowledge?‘

[69] Moses said: ‘If God wills, you shall find me patient: I shall in no way cross you.‘

[70] He said: ‘If you are bent on following me, you must not question me about anything until I mention it to you myself.‘

[71] The two set forth, but as soon as they embarked, he bored a hole in the bottom of the ship. ‘Is it to drown her passengers that you have bored a hole in her?‘ he said. ‘A strange thing you have done.‘

[72] Did I not tell you,‘ he said, ‘that you would not bear with me?‘

[73] ‘Pardon my forgetfulness,‘ said Moses. ‘Do not be angry with me on account of this.‘

[74] They journeyed on until they fell in with a certain youth. He slew him, and Moses said: ‘You have slain an innocent man who has slain no one. Surely you have done a heinous thing.‘

[75] Did I not tell you,‘ he said, ‘that you would not bear with me?‘

[76] He said: ‘If ever I question you again, abandon me; for then I should deserve it.‘

[77] They travelled on until they came to a city. They asked its people for some food, but they declined to receive them as their guests. There they found a wall on the point of falling down. He re-erected it, and Moses said: ‘Had you wished, you could have demanded payment.‘

[78] Now has the time arrived when we must part,‘ he said. ‘But first I will explain to you those acts of mine which you could not bear to watch with patience

[79] As for the ship, it belonged to some poor fellows who had laboured at sea. I wanted to damage it because at their rear there was a king who was taking every ship by force

[80] As for the youth, his parents both were true believers, and we feared lest he should plague them with wickedness and unbelief

[81] ‘It was our wish that their Lord should grant them another in his place, a son more righteous and more filial

[82] As for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city; beneath it a treasure of theirs was buried. Their father was an honest man. Your Lord decreed, as a mercy from your Lord, that they should dig up their treasure when they grew to manhood. What I did was not done by my will. ‘That explains what you could not bear to watch with patience.‘

[83] They will ask you about Dhūl-Qarnayn.¹ Say: ‘I will give you an account of him

[84] ‘We made him mighty in the land and gave him means to achieve all things

[85] He journeyed on a certain road

[86] until he reached the West and saw the sun setting in a pool of black mud. Hard by he found a certain people. ‘"Dhūl-Qarnayn," We said, "you must either punish them or show them kindness

[87] He replied: "The wicked we shall surely punish. Then shall they return to their Lord, who will torment them with grievous torment

[88] As for those that have faith and do good works, we shall bestow on them a rich reward and deal indulgently with them

[89] ‘He then journeyed along another road

[90] until he reached the East and saw the sun rising upon a people whom We had exposed to its flaming rays.²

[91] So he did; and We had full knowledge of all the forces at his command

[92] Then he journeyed along another road

[93] until he came between the Two Mountains and found a people who could barely understand a word

[94] Dhūl-Qarnayn," they said, "Gog and Magog are ravaging this land. Build a rampart between us, and we will pay you tribute

[95] He replied: "The power my Lord has given me is better than any tribute. Lend me a force of men, and I will raise a rampart between you and them

[96] Bring me blocks of iron." ‘He dammed up the valley between the Two Mountains, and said: "Ply your bellows." And when the iron blocks were red with heat, he said: "Bring me molten brass to pour on them

[97] Gog and Magog could not scale it, nor could they dig their way through it

[98] He said: "This is a blessing from my Lord. But when my Lord‘s promise has been fulfilled, He will level it to dust, the promise of my Lord is ever true."‘

[99] And on that day We will let them come in tumultuous throngs. The Trumpet shall be blown and We will gather them all together

[100] On that day We shall lay Hell bare before the unbelievers

[101] who have turned a blind eye to My Admonition and a deaf ear to My warning

[102] Do the unbelievers think that they can make My servants patrons besides Me? We have prepared Hell for the unbelievers to dwell in

[103] Say: ‘Shall we tell you who will lose most through their labours

[104] Those whose endeavours in this world are misguided and who yet think that what they do is right

[105] who disbelieve the revelations of their Lord and deny that they will ever meet Him.‘ Vain are the works of these. On the Day of Resurrection We shall give them no consequence

[106] Hell is their reward: because they disbelieved, and because they mocked My apostles and My revelations

[107] As for those that have faith and do good works

[108] they shall forever dwell in the Gardens of Paradise, desiring no change

[109] Say: ‘If the sea were ink with which to write the words of my Lord, the sea would surely run dry before the words of my Lord were finished, though we found another sea to replenish it.‘

[110] Say: ‘I am but a mortal like yourselves. It is revealed to me that your God is one God. Let him that hopes to meet his Lord do what is right and worship none besides his Lord.‘

[1] KĀF hā‘ yā‘ ‘ain şād

[2] Remembering your Lord‘s goodness to his servant Zacharias

[3] He invoked his Lord in secret

[4] saying: ‘Lord, my bones are enfeebled, and my head glows silver with age. Yet never, Lord, have I prayed to You in vain

[5] I now fear my kin who will succeed me, for my wife is barren. Grant me, from Yourself, a son

[6] who will be my heir and an heir to the house of Jacob, and make him worthy, Lord, of Your pleasure.‘

[7] Rejoice, Zacharias. We shall give you a son to rejoice in, and his name shall be John; a name We have given no man before him.‘

[8] Lord,‘ said Zacharias, ‘how shall I have a son when my wife is barren, and I am well-advanced in years?‘

[9] He replied: ‘Thus did your Lord speak. That is easy for Me; even as I brought you into being when you were nothing before.‘

[10] Lord,‘ said Zacharias, ‘give me a sign.‘ ‘Your sign is that for three days and nights,‘ He replied, ‘you shall be bereft of speech, though otherwise sound in body.‘

[11] Then Zacharias came out from the Shrine and exhorted his people to give glory morning and evening

[12] To John We said: ‘Observe the Book with a firm resolve.‘ We bestowed on him from Ourself wisdom

[13] grace, and purity while yet a child, and he grew up a righteous man

[14] honouring his father and mother, and neither arrogant nor rebellious

[15] Peace he on him on the day he was born and on the day of his death and on the day he is raised to life

[16] And you shall recount in the Book the story of Mary: how she left her people and betook herself to a solitary place to the east

[17] We sent to her Our spirit in the semblance of a full-grown man. And when she saw him

[18] she said: ‘May the Merciful defend me from you! If you fear the Lord . . .‘

[19] ‘I am but your Lord‘s emissary,‘ he replied, ‘and have come to give you a holy son.‘

[20] How shall I bear a child,‘ she answered, ‘when I have neither been touched by any man nor ever been unchaste?‘

[21] Thus did your Lord speak,‘ he replied. ‘"That is easy enough for Me. We shall make him a sign to mankind and a blessing from Ourself. Our will shall be done."‘

[22] Thereupon she conceived him, and retired to a far-off place

[23] And when she felt the throes of childbirth she lay down by the trunk of a palm-tree, crying: ‘Oh, would that I had died before this and passed into oblivion!‘

[24] But a voice from below cried out to her: ‘Do not despair. Your Lord has provided a brook that runs at your feet

[25] and if you shake the trunk of the palm-tree it will drop fresh ripe dates in your lap

[26] Therefore eat and drink and rejoice; and should you meet any mortal say to him: "I have vowed a fast to the Merciful and will not speak with anyone today."‘

[27] Carrying the child, she came to her people, who said to her: ‘Mary, you have indeed done a shameful deed

[28] Sister of Aaron,¹ your father was never a whore-monger, nor was your mother a harlot.‘

[29] She made a sign to them, pointing to the child. But they replied: ‘How can we speak with a babe in the cradle?‘

[30] Whereupon he spoke and said: ‘I am the servant of God. He has given me the Book and ordained me a prophet

[31] His blessing is upon me wherever I go, and He has exhorted me to be steadfast in prayer and to give alms as long as I shall live

[32] He has exhorted me to honour my mother and has purged me of vanity and wickedness

[33] Peace be on me on the day I was born and on the day of my death and on the day I shall be raised to life.‘

[34] Such was Jesus son of Mary. That is the whole truth, which they still doubt

[35] God forbid that He Himself should beget a son! When He decrees a thing He need only say: ‘Be,‘ and it is

[36] God is my Lord and your Lord: therefore serve Him. That is a straight path

[37] Yet are the sects at odds among themselves. But when the fateful day arrives, woe betide the unbelievers

[38] Their hearing and their sight will be sharpened on the day they appear before Us. Truly, the wrongdoers are today in monstrous error

[39] And forewarn them of that woeful day, when Our decree shall be fulfilled while they heedlessly persist in unbelief

[40] We Ourself shall inherit the earth and all who dwell upon it. And to Us they shall be recalled

[41] You shall also recount in the Book the story of Abraham: He was a saintly man and a prophet

[42] He said to his father: ‘Why do you worship a worthless idol, a thing that can neither hear nor see

[43] Father, things you know nothing of have come to my knowledge: therefore follow me, that I may guide you along an even path

[44] Father, do not worship Satan; for Satan has rebelled against the Lord of Mercy

[45] Father, I fear that a scourge will fall upon you from the Merciful, and you will become one of Satan‘s minions.‘

[46] He said: ‘Do you dare renounce my gods, Abraham? Desist, or I will stone you. Leave my house this instant!‘

[47] Peace be with you,‘ said Abraham. ‘I shall implore my Lord to forgive you: for to me He has ever been gracious

[48] But I will not live with you or with your idols. I will pray to my Lord, and may my prayers to my Lord not be in vain.‘

[49] And when Abraham had cast off his people and the idols which they worshipped, We bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob. Each of them We made a prophet

[50] and We bestowed on them gracious gifts and high renown

[51] In the Book tell also of Moses, who was a chosen man, an apostle, and a prophet

[52] We called out to him from the right side of the Mountain, and when he came near We communed with him in secret

[53] We gave him, of Our mercy, his brother Aaron, himself a prophet

[54] And in the Book you shall tell of Ishmael: he, too, was a man of his word, an apostle, and a prophet

[55] He enjoined prayer and almsgiving on his people, and his Lord was pleased with him

[56] And in the Book tell of Idrīs:¹ he, too, was a saint and a prophet

[57] whom We honoured and exalted

[58] Those are the men to whom God was gracious: the prophets from among the descendants of Adam and of those whom We carried in the ark with Noah; the descendants of Abraham, of Israel, and of those whom We have guided and chosen. For when the revelations of the Merciful were recited to them they fell down on their knees in tears and adoration

[59] But the generations who succeeded them neglected their prayers and succumbed to their desires. These shall assuredly be lost

[60] But those that repent and embrace the Faith and do what is right shall enter Paradise and shall in no way be wronged

[61] the Gardens of Eden, which the Merciful has promised on trust to His servants; His promise shall surely be fulfilled

[62] Therein shall they hear no idle talk, but only the voice of peace. And their sustenance shall be given them therein morning and evening

[63] Such is the Paradise which We shall give the righteous among our servants to inherit

[64] We descend only at the bidding of Your Lord,² to Him belongs what is before us and behind us, and all that lies between. And your Lord never forgets

[65] The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them: worship Him, then, and be patient in His service; for do you know any other worthy of His name

[66] ‘What!‘ says man, ‘When I am once dead, shall I be raised to life?‘

[67] Does man forget that We created him when he was nothing before

[68] By the Lord, We will assuredly herd them in company with the demons and set them on their knees around the fire of Hell

[69] and then from every sect We will carry off its stoutest rebels against the Lord of Mercy

[70] And then We surely know best who deserve most to be burnt in its flames

[71] There is not one among you who shall not pass through it: such is the absolute decree of your Lord

[72] We will deliver those who fear Us, and therein leave the wrongdoers, on their knees

[73] And when Our revelations are recited to them, manifest, the unbelievers say to the faithful: ‘Which of us two will have a finer abode and better companions?‘

[74] And how many generations have We destroyed before them, far greater in riches and in splendour

[75] Say: ‘The Merciful will bear long with those in error until they see the fulfilment of His promise: be it a worldly scourge or the Hour itself. Then shall they learn whose is the worse plight and whose the smaller following.‘

[76] God will increase His guidance to those that follow the right guidance. Deeds of lasting merit shall earn you a better recompense in the sight of your Lord and a more auspicious end

[77] Mark the words of him who denies Our signs and who yet boasts: ‘I shall surely be given wealth and children!‘

[78] Has the future been revealed to him? Or has the Merciful made him such a promise

[79] By no means! We will record his words and make his punishment long and terrible

[80] All he speaks of he shall leave behind and come before us all alone

[81] They have chosen deities other than God to help them. By no means

[82] They will renounce their worship and turn against them

[83] Behold how We send down to the unbelievers demons who incite them to evil

[84] Therefore do not hurry them on: their days are numbered

[85] The day will surely come when We will gather the righteous in multitudes before the Lord of Mercy

[86] and drive the guilty to Hell in thirsty hordes

[87] None has power to intercede for them save him who has received the sanction of the Merciful

[88] And they say: ‘The Lord of Mercy has begotten a son.‘

[89] You surely preach a monstrous falsehood

[90] at which the very heavens might crack, the earth split asunder, and the mountains crumble to dust

[91] That they should ascribe a son to the Merciful

[92] when it does not become the Merciful to beget offspring

[93] There is none in the heavens or on earth but shall return to the Merciful in utter submission

[94] He has kept strict count of them all

[95] and one by one shall they come to Him on the Day of Resurrection

[96] The Merciful will cherish those who believed and were charitable in their lifetime

[97] We have made it easy in your own tongue that you may thereby proclaim joyful tidings to the upright and give warning to a contentious people

[98] And how many generations have We destroyed before them! Can you find one of them still alive, or hear so much as a whisper from them

[1] Tā‘ hā‘

[2] It was not to distress you that We revealed the Koran to you

[3] but to admonish the God-fearing

[4] It is a revelation from Him who has created the earth and the lofty heavens

[5] the Merciful who sits enthroned on high

[6] His is what the heavens and the earth contain, and all that lies between them and underneath the soil

[7] You have no need to speak aloud; for He has knowledge of all that is secret, and all that is hidden

[8] He is God. There is no god but Him. His are the most gracious names

[9] Have you heard the story of Moses

[10] When he saw a fire, he said to his people: ‘Stay here, for I can see a fire. Perchance I can bring you from it a lighted torch, or find a guide hard by the fire.‘

[11] When he came near, a voice called out to him: ‘Moses

[12] I am your Lord. Take off your sandals, for you are now in the sacred valley of Ţuwā

[13] And I have chosen you: so listen to what shall be revealed

[14] I am God. There is no god but Me. Worship Me, and recite your prayers in My remembrance

[15] The Hour is sure to come. But I choose to keep it hidden, so that every soul shall be rewarded according to its labours

[16] Let not those who disbelieve in it and yield to their desires turn your thoughts from it, lest you perish

[17] What is it you are carrying in your right hand, Moses?‘

[18] He said: ‘It is my staff; upon it I lean and with it I beat down the leaves for my flock. And I have other uses for it besides.‘

[19] He said: ‘Moses, cast it down.‘

[20] Moses threw it down, and thereupon it turned into a slithering serpent

[21] Take it up and have no fear,‘ He said. ‘We will change it back to its former state

[22] And now put your hand under your armpit. It shall come out white, although unharmed: another sign

[23] We shall show you the most wondrous of all Our signs

[24] Go to Pharaoh; he has transgressed all bounds.‘

[25] Lord,‘ said he, ‘put courage into my heart

[26] and make my task easy

[27] Free my tongue from its impediment

[28] that men may understand my speech

[29] Appoint for me a helper from among my kin

[30] Aaron my brother

[31] Grant me strength through him

[32] and let him share my task

[33] so that we may give glory to You always

[34] and remember You always

[35] You are surely watching over us.‘

[36] He said: ‘Your request is granted, Moses

[37] We had already shown you bounty when

[38] We revealed Our will to your mother, saying

[39] Put your child in the ark and let him be carried away by the river. The river will cast him on to the bank, and he shall be taken up by an enemy of Mine and his." I lavished My love on you, so that you might be reared under My eye

[40] Your sister went to them and said: "Shall I direct you to one who will nurse him?" ‘Thus did We restore you to your mother, so that her mind might be set at ease and that she might not grieve. ‘And when you slew a man We delivered you from distress and then proved you by other trials. ‘You stayed for years among the people of Midian, and you then came here, Moses, as was ordained

[41] I have chosen you for Myself

[42] Go, you and your brother, with My signs, and do not cease to remember Me

[43] Go both of you to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed all bounds

[44] Speak to him with gentle words; he may yet take thought and fear Us.‘

[45] ‘Lord,‘ they said, ‘we dread his malevolence and tyranny.‘

[46] He said: ‘Have no fear. I shall be with you. I hear all and see all

[47] Go to him and say: "We are the emissaries of your Lord. Let the Israelites depart with us, and oppress them no more. We have come to you with a revelation from your Lord: peace shall be his that follows the right guidance

[48] It is revealed to us that the scourge will fall on those who deny His signs and turn away from them."‘

[49] He said: ‘And who is your Lord, Moses?‘

[50] Our Lord,‘ he said, ‘is He that gave all creatures their distinctive form and then rightly guided them.‘

[51] How was it, then, with the early generations?‘ he said

[52] He said: ‘My Lord alone has knowledge of that, recorded in a Book. My Lord does not err, neither does He forget

[53] It is He who has made the earth your cradle and traced on it paths for you to walk on. It is He who sends down water from the sky with which We bring forth every kind of plant, saying

[54] Eat and graze your cattle. Surely in this there are signs for rational beings

[55] From the earth We have created you, and to the earth We will restore you; and from it We will bring you back to life

[56] We showed him all Our signs, but he denied them and paid no heed

[57] He said: ‘Have you come to drive us from our land with your sorcery, Moses

[58] We will surely confront you with sorcery as powerful as yours. Appoint a day when both of us can meet, a tryst which neither we nor you shall fail to keep, and a place at an equal distance from us both.‘

[59] He said: ‘Meet me on the day of the Feast, and let all the people come together before noon.‘

[60] Pharaoh withdrew; he gathered his sorcerers and then returned

[61] Woe betide you!‘ said Moses to them. ‘Invent no falsehoods against God, or He will obliterate you with a scourge. Those that invent falsehood have ever failed.‘

[62] They conferred among themselves, whispering to one another

[63] They said: ‘These two are sorcerers who intend to drive you from your land by their sorcery and do away with your best traditions

[64] Muster all your forces and array them in their ranks; those who win today will surely triumph.‘

[65] They said: ‘Moses, either you throw down, or we shall be the first to throw?‘

[66] Throw you down,‘ he said. And lo! by their sorcery their ropes and staffs appeared to Moses‘ eyes as though they were running

[67] Moses was much alarmed

[68] We said: ‘Have no fear; you shall surely win

[69] Throw that which is in your right hand. It will swallow up their devices, for their devices are but the deceitful show of a sorcerer. And the sorcerer shall never prosper, wherever he has come from.‘

[70] The sorcerers prostrated themselves, they said: ‘We now believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.‘

[71] ‘Do you dare believe in Him before I give leave?‘ said Pharaoh. ‘This man must be your master, who taught you witchcraft. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you on the trunks of palm-trees. You shall learn whose punishment is more terrible, and more lasting.‘

[72] They said: ‘We cannot have greater faith in you than in the miracles which we have witnessed and in Him who has created us. Therefore do your worst; you can punish us only in this present life

[73] We have put our faith in our Lord so that He may forgive us our sins and the sorcery you have imposed upon us. Better is God‘s recompense, and more lasting

[74] He that comes before his Lord laden with sin shall be consigned to Hell, wherein he shall neither die nor live

[75] But they that come before Him with true faith, having done good works, shall be exalted to the highest ranks

[76] in the Gardens of Eden, watered by running brooks, wherein shall they abide forever. Such shall be the recompense of those that keep themselves pure.‘

[77] And We revealed Our will to Moses: ‘Set forth with My servants in the night and strike for them a dry path across the sea. Have no fear of being overtaken, nor let anything dismay you

[78] Pharaoh pursued them with his warriors, but the waters of the sea overwhelmed them

[79] For Pharaoh misled his people: he did not guide them

[80] Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemies and made a covenant with you on the right flank of the Mount. We sent down for you manna and quails

[81] Eat of the wholesome things with which We have provided you and do not transgress, lest you should provoke My ire

[82] He that provokes My ire shall assuredly be lost; and I will surely forgive him that repents and believes in Me, does good deed, and follows the right path

[83] But, Moses, why have you come with such haste from your people?‘

[84] He said: ‘There they are, close behind me. I hastened to You, Lord, so that I might earn Your pleasure.‘

[85] He said: ‘We proved your people in your absence, but the Sāmirī¹ has led them astray.‘

[86] Moses went back to his people, angry and sorrowful. ‘My people,‘ he said, ‘did your Lord not make you a gracious promise? Did my absence seem too long to you, or was it to incur your Lord‘s anger that you failed me?‘

[87] They replied: ‘We did not fail you of our own free will. We were made to carry the people‘s trinkets and cast them into the fire. The Sāmirī threw likewise

[88] and forged for them a calf, an image with a hollow sound. "This," they said, "is your god and the god of Moses whom he has forgotten."‘

[89] Did they not see that it returned to them no answer, and that it could neither harm nor help them

[90] Aaron had said to them: ‘My people, this is but a test for you. Your Lord is the Merciful. Follow me and do as I bid you.‘

[91] But they had replied: ‘We will not cease to worship it until Moses returns.‘

[92] He said to Aaron: ‘Why did you not seek me out when you saw them go astray

[93] Why did you disobey my bidding?‘

[94] ‘Son of my mother,‘ he replied, ‘let go, I pray you, of my beard and my head. I was afraid that you might say: "You have sown discord among the Israelites and did not wait for my orders."‘

[95] Sāmirī,‘ he said, ‘what had come over you?‘

[96] He replied: ‘I saw what they did not see. I took a handful of dust from the trail of the Messenger and flung it away: thus did my soul prompt me.‘

[97] Go!‘ he said. ‘An outcast shall you be in this life, nor shall you escape your appointed doom. Behold this idol which you have served with such devotion: we will burn it to cinders and scatter its ashes far and wide over the sea

[98] Your Lord is God, other than whom there is no god. His knowledge encompasses all things

[99] Thus do We recount to you the history of events gone by. An Admonition of Our own have We given you

[100] those that reject it shall bear a heavy burden on the Day of Resurrection

[101] Forever shall they bear it: an evil burden on the Day of Resurrection

[102] On the day when the Trumpet shall be blown; on that day We shall herd all the sinners together. Their eyes blue with terror

[103] they shall murmur among themselves: ‘You lingered on the earth but ten days.‘

[104] We know full well what they will say. The most upright among them will say: ‘You lingered but one day.‘

[105] And they ask you about the mountains. Say: ‘My Lord will crush them to fine dust

[106] and reduce them to a desolate waste

[107] with no hollows nor jutting mounds to be seen.‘

[108] On that day men will follow their truthful summoner, their voices hushed before the Lord of Mercy; and you shall hear only the sound of marching feet

[109] On that day no intercession will avail except from him that has received the sanction of the Merciful and whose word was pleasing to Him

[110] He knows what is before them and behind them, but of Him they have no knowledge

[111] They will hang their heads with awe before the Living One, the Ever-existent. Those who are burdened with sin shall come to grief

[112] but those who have believed and done good works shall fear no tyranny or injustice

[113] And thus have We sent it down: a Koran in the Arabic tongue, and proclaimed in it warnings and threats, that they may fear God and be admonished

[114] So, exalted be God, the True King! Do not be quick to recite the Koran before its revelation is completed, but rather say: ‘Lord, increase my knowledge.‘

[115] We had made a covenant with Adam, but he forgot, and We found him lacking in steadfastness

[116] And when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam,‘ they all prostrated themselves except Satan, who refused

[117] Adam,‘ We said, ‘Satan is an enemy to you and to your wife. Let him not turn you both out of Paradise and plunge you into affliction

[118] Here you shall not hunger or be naked

[119] you shall not thirst, or feel the scorching heat.‘

[120] But Satan whispered to him, saying: ‘Adam, shall I show you the Tree of Immortality and an imperishable kingdom?‘

[121] They both ate from it, so that they saw their shameful parts and began to cover themselves with the leaves of the Garden. Thus did Adam disobey his Lord and stray from the right path

[122] Then his Lord chose him; He relented towards him and rightly guided him

[123] Get you down hence, both, all together‘ He said, ‘and may you be enemies to each other. When My guidance is revealed to you, he that follows it shall neither err nor grieve

[124] but he that forsakes My remembrance shall live in woe and come before Us blind on the Day of Resurrection

[125] Lord, he will say, "why have You brought me blind before You when I had once been clear-sighted?"‘

[126] He will say: ‘Just as Our revelations were declared to you and you forgot them, so on this day shall you be yourself forgotten.‘

[127] Thus shall We reward the transgressor who denies his Lord‘s revelations. But the scourge of the life to come is more terrible and more lasting

[128] Do they not comprehend how many generations We have destroyed before them? They walk amidst the very ruins wherein once they dwelt. Surely in this there are signs for those endowed with good sense

[129] But for a Word from your Lord, long since decreed, their destruction in this life would have been certain

[130] Therefore bear with what they say. Give glory to your Lord before sunrise and before sunset. Praise Him night and day, so that you may find comfort

[131] Do not regard with envy what We have given some among them to enjoy ― the flower of the present life ― for with this We seek only to try them. Better is your Lord‘s provision, and more lasting

[132] Enjoin prayer on your people and be diligent in its observance. We demand of you no provision: We shall Ourself provide for you. Blessed shall be the end of the devout

[133] And they say: ‘Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?‘ Have they not been given sufficient proof in previous scriptures

[134] Had We destroyed them with a scourge before his¹ coming they would have said: ‘Lord, if only You had sent us an apostle! We would have followed Your revelations before we were humbled and disgraced.‘

[135] Say: ‘All are waiting: so wait if you will. You shall learn who have followed the even path and who have been rightly guided.‘

[1] THE DAY of Reckoning for mankind is drawing near, yet they blithely persist in unbelief

[2] They listen with ridicule to each fresh warning that their Lord gives them

[3] their hearts are set on pleasure. In private the wrongdoers say to each other: ‘Is this man not a mortal like yourselves? Would you follow witchcraft with your eyes open?‘

[4] Say: ‘My Lord has knowledge of whatever is said in heaven and earth. He it is who hears all and knows all.‘

[5] Some say: ‘It² is but a medley of dreams.‘ Others: ‘He has invented it himself.‘ And yet others: ‘He is a poet: let him show us a miracle, as did the apostles in days gone by.‘

[6] Communities whom We destroyed before them did not believe either. Will they believe

[7] The apostles We sent before you were but men whom We inspired. Ask the People of the Book if you do not know this

[8] The bodies We gave them could not dispense with food, nor were they immortal

[9] Then We fulfilled for them Our promise: We delivered them and those We willed, and utterly destroyed the transgressors

[10] And now We have revealed a Book for your admonishment. Will you not understand

[11] Many a sinful city have We annihilated, and after that replaced by other people

[12] And when they felt Our might they took to their heels and ran away

[13] Do not run away; return to your comforts and to your habitations: you shall be questioned all.‘

[14] Woe betide us, we have done wrong!‘ was their reply

[15] And this they kept repeating until We mowed them down and put out their light

[16] And it was not in sport that We created the heaven and the earth and all that lies between them

[17] Had it been Our will to find a diversion, We could have found one near at hand if such were Our intent

[18] Indeed, We will hurl Truth at Falsehood, until Truth shall triumph and Falsehood be no more. Woe betide you, for all the falsehoods you have uttered

[19] His are all who dwell in the heavens and on earth. Those who stand in His presence do not disdain to worship Him, nor are they ever wearied

[20] They praise Him night and day, tirelessly

[21] Or have they chosen earthly deities? And can these deities restore the dead to life

[22] Were there other gods in heaven or earth besides God, both heaven and earth would be corrupted. Exalted be God, Lord of the Throne, above their falsehoods

[23] None shall question Him about His works, but questioned they shall be

[24] Or have they chosen other gods besides Him? Say: ‘Show us your proof. Here are the Admonition of today and the Admonition of days gone by.‘ But most of them know not the Truth, and this is why they pay no heed

[25] No apostles have We sent before you without inspiring him: ‘There is no god but Me. Therefore serve Me.‘

[26] And they say: ‘The Merciful has begotten children.‘ God forbid! They are but His honoured servants

[27] They do not speak till He has spoken: they act by His command

[28] He knows what is before them and behind them. They intercede for none save those whom He accepts, and tremble for awe of Him

[29] Whoever of them declares: ‘I am a god besides Him,‘ We shall requite with Hell. Thus shall We requite the wrongdoers

[30] Are the disbelievers unaware that the heavens and the earth were but one solid mass which We tore asunder, and that We made every living thing from water? Will they not have faith

[31] We set firm mountains upon the earth lest it should move away with them, and hewed out highways in the rock so that they might be rightly guided

[32] We spread the heaven like a canopy and provided it with strong support: yet of its signs they are heedless

[33] And He it is who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon: each moves swiftly in an orbit of its own

[34] No man before you¹ have We made immortal. If you yourself are doomed to die, will they live on for ever

[35] Every soul shall taste death. We will test you all with evil and good. And to Us shall you be recalled

[36] And when the unbelievers see you, they only mock you: ‘Is this the one who denies your gods?‘ While against the remembrance of the Merciful they also blaspheme

[37] Impatience is the very stuff man is made of. I shall show you My signs: do not ask Me to hurry them on

[38] And they say: ‘When will this promise be fulfilled, if what you say be true?‘

[39] If only the unbelievers knew the day when they shall strive in vain to shield their faces and their backs from the fire of Hell; the day when none shall succour them

[40] Indeed, it will overtake them unawares and stupefy them. They shall have no power to ward it off, nor shall they be reprieved

[41] Other apostles were mocked before you; but those who derided them were felled by the very scourge they mocked

[42] Say: ‘Who will protect you, by night and by day, from the Lord of Mercy?‘ Yet are they unmindful of their Lord‘s remembrance

[43] Or have they other gods to defend them? Their idols shall be powerless over their own salvation, nor shall they be protected from Our scourge

[44] Yet have We indulged them and their fathers, so that they have lived too long. Can they not see how We invade their land and diminish its borders? Is it they who will triumph

[45] Say: ‘I warn you only by inspiration.‘ But the deaf can hear no plea when they are warned

[46] Yet if the lightest whiff from the vengeance of your Lord touched them, they would surely say: ‘Woe betide us: we have done wrong!‘

[47] We shall set up just scales for the Day of Resurrection, so that no soul shall in the least be wronged. Actions as small as a grain of mustard seed shall be weighed out. Our reckoning shall suffice

[48] We bestowed Salvation upon Moses and Aaron, and a light and an Admonition for righteous

[49] those who fear their Lord, although unseen, and dread the terrors of the Hour

[50] And this¹ is a blessed Admonition We have sent down. Will you then reject it

[51] We formerly bestowed guidance on Abraham, for We knew him well

[52] He said to his father and to his people: ‘What are these images to which you are so devoted?‘

[53] They said: ‘They are the gods our fathers worshipped.‘

[54] He said: ‘Then you and your fathers have surely been in evident error.‘

[55] Is it the truth that you are preaching,‘ they said, ‘or is this but a jest?‘

[56] Indeed,‘ he said, ‘your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. It was He that made them: to this I bear witness

[57] By the Lord, I will overthrow your idols as soon as you have turned your backs.‘

[58] So he broke them all in pieces, except their supreme god, so that they might return to him

[59] Who has done this to our deities?‘ said some. ‘He must surely be a wrongdoer.‘

[60] Others said: ‘We have heard a youth called Abraham speak of them.‘

[61] They said: ‘Then bring him here in sight of all the people, that they may act as witnesses

[62] ‘Abraham,‘ they said, ‘was it you who did this to our deities?‘

[63] No,‘ he said. ‘It was their chief who smote them. Ask them, if they can speak.‘

[64] Thereupon they turned their thoughts upon themselves and said to each other: ‘Surely you are the ones who have done wrong.‘

[65] They were crestfallen: ‘You know they cannot speak.‘

[66] He said: ‘Would you then worship that, instead of God, which can neither help nor harm you

[67] Shame on you and on your idols! Have you no sense?‘

[68] They said: ‘Burn him and avenge your gods, if you must punish him!‘

[69] ‘Fire,‘ We said, ‘be cool to Abraham and keep him safe.‘

[70] They sought to lay a snare for him, but it was they whom We ruined

[71] We delivered him and Lot, and brought them to the land which We had blessed for all mankind

[72] We gave him Isaac, and then Jacob for a grandson; and We made each a righteous man

[73] And We ordained them leaders to give guidance at Our behest, and enjoined on them charity, prayer and almsgiving. They served none but Ourself

[74] To Lot We gave wisdom and knowledge and delivered him from the city that had committed deeds of abomination; surely they were men of iniquity and evil

[75] We admitted him to Our mercy: he was a righteous man

[76] And Noah, who invoked Us before him; We answered his prayer, and saved him and all his kin from the great calamity

[77] and We delivered him from those who had denied Our revelations. Evil were they; We drowned them all

[78] And tell of David and Solomon: how they passed judgement regarding the cornfield in which strayed lambs of some people had grazed by night

[79] We gave Solomon insight into the case and bore witness to their judgement. We bestowed on both of them wisdom and knowledge, and caused the mountains and the birds to join with David in Our praise. All this We did

[80] We taught him the armourer‘s craft, so that you might have protection in your wars. Will you then give thanks

[81] To Solomon We subjected the raging wind: it sped at his bidding to the land which We had blessed. And of all things We had knowledge

[82] From among the demons We assigned to him some who dived for him into the sea and performed other tasks besides. We ourselves assured their preservations

[83] And tell of Job: how he called on his Lord, saying: ‘I am sorely afflicted: and of all those that show mercy You are the most merciful.‘

[84] We answered his prayer and relieved his affliction. We restored to him his family and as many more with them: a blessing from Ourself and an Admonition to the devout

[85] And Ishmael, Idrīs¹, and Dhūl-Kifl², who all endured with patience

[86] To Our mercy We admitted them, for they were upright men

[87] And of Dhūl-Nūn:³ how he went away in anger, thinking We had no power over him. But in the darkness he cried: ‘There is no god but You. Glory be to You! I have done wrong

[88] We answered his prayer and delivered him from distress. Thus shall We save the true believers

[89] And Zacharias, who invoked his Lord, saying: ‘Lord, let me not remain childless, though of all heirs You are the best.‘

[90] We answered his prayer and gave him John, curing his wife of sterility. They vied with each other in good works and called on Us with piety, fear, and awe

[91] And the woman who kept her chastity; We breathed into her of Our spirit, and made her and her son a sign to all mankind

[92] Your community is but one community, and I am Your only Lord. Therefore serve Me

[93] They have divided themselves into factions, but to Us shall they all return