Table of Contents
Introduction
It is the longest chapter of the Quran and covers a wide variety of topics, including a considerable amount of laws and narratives. Biblical episodes include the story of Adam and the fallen Angel Satan, Abraham, Moses and other prophets and patriarchs. An important theme is the “Straight Path”, meaning the directions that GOD through the Holy Scriptures provides to men who are seeking Knowledge. This chapter is the right approach to help the reader understand the theological conception that Mohammed preached in the VI century AD. Surah Baqarah is a great demonstration of how the original message of Islam is absolutely aligned with all the other messages of the Abrahamic religions previously revealed by the Jewish and Christian Holy Scriptures. The entire Quran, and this surah above all, remains a Text of inestimable value to reveal today the ideology of the muslim faith at its beginnings, before faith became a religion and before this religion became an institution.
Audio Sura Al-Baqarah Arabic-English (MP3)
Full Interlinear Translation Surah 2
Verses 1-25
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alif, Lām, Mīm. | I, Allah, am the best Knower. | الم | Alif-Lām-Mīm |
| 2 | This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guidance for the righteous. | This Book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who keep their duty. | ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِلْمُتَّقِينَ | Dhālika al-kitābu lā rayba fīhi, hudan lil-muttaqīn |
| 3 | Those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and give from what GOD has provided them. | Who believe in the Unseen and keep up prayer and spend out of what We have given them. | الَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنْفِقُونَ | Alladhīna yu’minūna bil-ghaybi wa yuqīmūna aṣ-ṣalāta wa mimmā razaqnāhum yunfiqūn |
| 4 | And those who believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you, and who are certain of the Hereafter. | And who believe in that which has been revealed to thee and that which was revealed before thee, and of the Hereafter they are sure. | وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ وَبِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ | Wa alladhīna yu’minūna bimā unzila ilayka wa mā unzila min qablika wa bil-ākhirati hum yūqinūn |
| 5 | These are upon guidance from their LORD, and they are the successful. | These are on a right course from their Lord and these it is that are successful. | أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَىٰ هُدًى مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ | Ulā’ika ‘alā hudan min rabbihim wa ulā’ika humu al-mufliḥūn |
| 6 | Indeed, those who disbelieve — it is the same whether you warn them or not — they will not believe. | Those who disbelieve… they will not believe. | إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا سَوَاءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَأَنْذَرْتَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تُنْذِرْهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ | Inna alladhīna kafarū sawā’un ‘alayhim a-andhartahum am lam tundhirhum lā yu’minūn |
| 7 | GOD has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and over their eyes is a covering; for them is a great punishment. | Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing… | خَتَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ… | Khatama Allāhu ‘alā qulūbihim… |
| 8 | And among the people are those who say, “We believe in GOD and the Last Day,” yet they are not believers. | And there are some people who say… | وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَقُولُ… | Wa mina an-nāsi man yaqūlu… |
| 9 | They seek to deceive GOD and those who believe, but they deceive only themselves and do not perceive it. | They seek to deceive Allah… | يُخَادِعُونَ اللَّهَ… | Yukhādi‘ūna Allāh… |
| 10 | In their hearts is a disease, and GOD has increased their disease; for them is a painful punishment because they lie. | In their hearts is a disease… | فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ… | Fī qulūbihim maraḍ… |
| 11 | And when it is said to them, “Do not spread corruption on the earth,” they say, “We are only reformers.” | Make not mischief in the land… | لَا تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ… | Lā tufsidu fī al-arḍ… |
| 12 | Truly, they are the corrupters, but they do not realize it. | Surely they are the mischief-makers… | أَلَا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْمُفْسِدُونَ | Alā innahum hum al-mufsidūn |
| 13 | When it is said to them, “Believe as the people believe,” they say, “Shall we believe as the foolish believe?” Indeed, they are the foolish, but they do not know. | Shall we believe as the fools believe? | كَمَا آمَنَ السُّفَهَاءُ… | Kamā āmana as-sufahā’… |
| 14 | When they meet those who believe, they say, “We believe,” but when alone with their devils, they say, “We are with you; we were only mocking.” | When they meet those who believe… | وَإِذَا لَقُوا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا… | Wa idhā laqū alladhīna āmanū… |
| 15 | GOD mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression, wandering blindly. | Allah will pay them back their mockery… | اللَّهُ يَسْتَهْزِئُ بِهِمْ… | Allāhu yastahzi’u bihim… |
| 16 | These are the ones who have exchanged guidance for error; their trade has brought no profit, nor were they guided. | They buy error for guidance… | اشْتَرَوُا الضَّلَالَةَ… | Ishtaraw aḍ-ḍalālah… |
| 17 | Their example is like one who kindles a fire; when it illuminates what is around him, GOD takes away their light and leaves them in darkness, unable to see. | Their parable is as one who kindles a fire… | مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ… | Mathaluhum kamathali… |
| 18 | Deaf, dumb, blind — they do not return. | Deaf, dumb, blind… | صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْيٌ | Ṣummun bukmun ‘umyun |
| 19 | Or like a storm from the sky, within it darkness, thunder, and lightning… | Or like abundant rain… | أَوْ كَصَيِّبٍ… | Aw kaṣayyibin… |
| 20 | The lightning almost snatches away their sight… | The lightning almost takes away their sight… | يَكَادُ الْبَرْقُ… | Yakādu al-barq… |
| 21 | O mankind, worship your LORD who created you and those before you, so that you may become righteous. | O men, serve your Lord… | يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ… | Yā ayyuhā an-nās… |
| 22 | He who made the earth a resting place for you… | Who made the earth a resting-place… | الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ… | Alladhī ja‘ala lakum… |
| 23 | If you are in doubt about what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it… | If you are in doubt… | وَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ… | Wa in kuntum… |
| 24 | But if you do not — and you will never be able to — then fear the Fire… | Then guard against the fire… | فَاتَّقُوا النَّارَ… | Fattaqū an-nār… |
| 25 | Give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds: for them are Gardens beneath which rivers flow… | Give good news to those who believe… | وَبَشِّرِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا… | Wa bashshir alladhīna āmanū… |
Versetti 26–30
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Surely, GOD does not disdain to set forth as an example a gnat or anything above it. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their LORD; but those who disbelieve say: “What does GOD intend by such an example?”. By it He lets many go astray and by it He guides many; but He does not let go astray except the transgressors. | Surely Allah disdains not to set forth any parable — a gnat or anything above that. Then as for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord; and as for those who disbelieve, they say: What is it that Allah means by this parable? Many He leaves in error by it and many He leads aright by it. And He leaves in error by it only the transgressors. | إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَسْتَحْيِي أَنْ يَضْرِبَ مَثَلًا مَا بَعُوضَةً فَمَا فَوْقَهَا ۚ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا مَثَلًا ۘ يُضِلُّ بِهِ كَثِيرًا وَيَهْدِي بِهِ كَثِيرًا ۚ وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِ إِلَّا الْفَاسِقِينَ | Inna Allāha lā yastaḥyī an yaḍriba mathalan mā ba‘ūḍatan famā fawqahā fa-ammā alladhīna āmanū faya‘lamūna annahu al-ḥaqqu min rabbihim wa ammā alladhīna kafarū fayaqūlūna mādhā arāda Allāhu bihādhā mathalan yuḍillu bihi kathīran wa yahdī bihi kathīran wa mā yuḍillu bihi illā al-fāsiqīn |
| 27 | Those who break the covenant of GOD after confirming it, who sever what GOD has commanded to be joined, and who spread corruption on the earth: those are the losers. | Who break the covenant of Allah after its confirmation and cut asunder what Allah has ordered to be joined, and make mischief in the land. These it is that are the losers. | الَّذِينَ يَنْقُضُونَ عَهْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مِيثَاقِهِ وَيَقْطَعُونَ مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ بِهِ أَنْ يُوصَلَ وَيُفْسِدُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ | Alladhīna yanquḍūna ‘ahda Allāhi min ba‘di mīthāqihi wa yaqṭa‘ūna mā amara Allāhu bihi an yūṣala wa yufsidūna fī al-arḍi ulā’ika humu al-khāsirūn |
| 28 | How can you disbelieve in GOD, when you were lifeless and He gave you life, then He will cause you to die, then He will bring you to life again, and then to Him you will return? | How can you deny Allah and you were without life and He gave you life? Again, He will cause you to die and again bring you to life, then you shall be brought back to Him. | كَيْفَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَكُنْتُمْ أَمْوَاتًا فَأَحْيَاكُمْ ۖ ثُمَّ يُمِيتُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُحْيِيكُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ | Kayfa takfurūna billāhi wa kuntum amwātan fa-aḥyākum thumma yumītukum thumma yuḥyīkum thumma ilayhi turja‘ūn |
| 29 | He is the One who created for you all that is on the earth, then He turned to the heaven and fashioned them into seven heavens. And He is Knower of all things. | He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. And He directed Himself to the heaven, so He made them complete seven heavens; and He is Knower of all things. | هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ اسْتَوَىٰ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَسَوَّاهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ ۚ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ | Huwa alladhī khalaqa lakum mā fī al-arḍi jamī‘an thumma istawā ilā as-samā’i fasawwāhunna sab‘a samāwātin wa huwa bikulli shay’in ‘alīm |
| 30 | And when your LORD said to the angels: “I will place upon the earth a vicegerent,” they said: “Will You place in it one who will spread corruption and shed blood, while we glorify You with praise and sanctify You?”. He said: “Surely I know what you do not know.” | And when thy Lord said to the angels, I am going to place a ruler in the earth, they said: Wilt Thou place in it such as make mischief in it and shed blood? And we celebrate Thy praise and extol Thy holiness. He said: Surely I know what you know not. | وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوا أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَنْ يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ الدِّمَاءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ | Wa idh qāla rabbuka lil-malā’ikati innī jā‘ilun fī al-arḍi khalīfatan qālū ataj‘alu fīhā man yufsidu fīhā wa yasfiku ad-dimā’a wa naḥnu nusabbiḥu biḥamdika wa nuqaddisu laka qāla innī a‘lamu mā lā ta‘lamūn |
Note (v.30): “Vicegerent”: the Arabic term khalīfa derives from a root meaning to succeed or come after, and thus carries the sense of successor, representative, or vicegerent. After the death of the Prophet Muhammad, this term was used for those who exercised political and institutional authority in the early Islamic community.
Verses 31–40
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He presented them to the angels and said: “Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.” | And He taught Adam all the names, then presented them to the angels; He said: Tell Me the names of those if you are right. | وَعَلَّمَ آدَمَ الْأَسْمَاءَ كُلَّهَا ثُمَّ عَرَضَهُمْ عَلَى الْمَلَائِكَةِ فَقَالَ أَنْبِئُونِي بِأَسْمَاءِ هَٰؤُلَاءِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ | Wa ‘allama Ādama al-asmā’a kullahā thumma ‘araḍahum ‘alā al-malā’ikati faqāla anbī’ūnī bi-asmā’i hā’ulā’i in kuntum ṣādiqīn |
| 32 | They said: “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Surely You, You alone, are the Knowing, the Wise.” | They said: Glory be to Thee! we have no knowledge but that which Thou hast taught us. Surely Thou art the Knowing, the Wise. | قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ | Qālū subḥānaka lā ‘ilma lanā illā mā ‘allamtanā innaka anta al-‘alīm al-ḥakīm |
| 33 | He said: “O Adam, inform them of their names.” And when he had informed them of their names, He said: “Did I not tell you that I know the unseen of the heavens and the earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you conceal?” | He said: O Adam, inform them of their names. So when he informed them of their names, He said: Did I not say to you that I know what is unseen in the heavens and the earth? And I know what you manifest and what you hide. | قَالَ يَا آدَمُ أَنْبِئْهُمْ بِأَسْمَائِهِمْ ۖ فَلَمَّا أَنْبَأَهُمْ بِأَسْمَائِهِمْ قَالَ أَلَمْ أَقُلْ لَكُمْ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ غَيْبَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَأَعْلَمُ مَا تُبْدُونَ وَمَا كُنْتُمْ تَكْتُمُونَ | Qāla yā Ādamu anbihum bi-asmā’ihim falammā anba’ahum bi-asmā’ihim qāla alam aqul lakum innī a‘lamu ghayba as-samāwāti wa al-arḍi wa a‘lamu mā tubdūna wa mā kuntum taktumūn |
| 34 | And when We said to the angels: “Prostrate yourselves before Adam,” they prostrated themselves, except Iblīs, who refused, acted arrogantly, and was among the disbelievers. | And when We said to the angels, Be submissive to Adam, they submitted, but Iblis (did not). He refused and was proud, and he was one of the disbelievers. | وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَاسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ | Wa idh qulna lil-malā’ikati usjudū li-Ādama fasajadū illā Iblīsa abā wa istakbara wa kāna mina al-kāfirīn |
| 35 | And We said: “O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in the Garden, and eat freely from it wherever you wish; but do not approach this tree, lest you become among the unjust.” | And We said: O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the garden, and eat from it a plenteous (food) wherever you wish, and approach not this tree, lest you be of the unjust. | وَقُلْنَا يَا آدَمُ اسْكُنْ أَنْتَ وَزَوْجُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ | Wa qulna yā Ādamu uskun anta wa zawjuka al-jannata wa kulā minhā raghadan ḥaythu shi’tumā wa lā taqrabā hādhihi ash-shajarata fatakūnā mina aẓ-ẓālimīn |
| 36 | But Satan made them slip from it and caused them to depart from the state in which they were. And We said: “Go forth, some of you enemies of others; and for you on the earth there shall be an abode and a provision for a time.” | But the devil made them slip from it, and caused them to depart from the state in which they were. And We said: Go forth, some of you are the enemies of others. And there is for you in the earth an abode and a provision for a time. | فَأَزَلَّهُمَا الشَّيْطَانُ عَنْهَا فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ ۖ وَقُلْنَا اهْبِطُوا بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَاعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ | Fa-azallahumā ash-shayṭānu ‘anhā fa-akhrajahumā mimmā kānā fīhi wa qulna ihbiṭū ba‘ḍukum li-ba‘ḍin ‘aduwwun wa lakum fī al-arḍi mustaqarrun wa matā‘un ilā ḥīn |
| 37 | Then Adam received words from his LORD, and He turned toward him. Surely He is the One who accepts repentance, the Merciful. | Then Adam received (revealed) words from his Lord, and He turned to him (mercifully). Surely He is Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful. | فَتَلَقَّىٰ آدَمُ مِنْ رَبِّهِ كَلِمَاتٍ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ | Fata laqqā Ādamu min rabbihi kalimātin fatāba ‘alayhi innahu huwa at-tawwābu ar-raḥīm |
| 38 | We said: “Go forth from this state, all of you. Surely guidance will come to you from Me; then whoever follows My guidance, no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.” | We said: Go forth from this (state) all. Surely there will come to you a guidance from Me, then whoever follows My guidance, no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve. | قُلْنَا اهْبِطُوا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًا ۖ فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ مِنِّي هُدًى فَمَنْ تَبِعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ | Qulnā ihbiṭū minhā jamī‘an fa-immā ya’tiyannakum minnī hudan faman tabi‘a hudāya falā khawfun ‘alayhim wa lā hum yaḥzanūn |
| 39 | And those who disbelieve and reject Our signs: they are the companions of the Fire; in it they shall abide. | And (as to) those who disbelieve in and reject Our messages, they are the companions of the Fire; in it they will abide. | وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَكَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ | Wa alladhīna kafarū wa kadhdhabū bi-āyātinā ulā’ika aṣḥābu an-nār hum fīhā khālidūn |
| 40 | O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill My covenant; I shall fulfill your covenant. And fear Me alone. | O Children of Israel, call to mind My favour which I bestowed on you and be faithful to (your) covenant with Me, I shall fulfil (My) covenant with you; and Me, Me alone, should you fear. | يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتِيَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَأَوْفُوا بِعَهْدِي أُوفِ بِعَهْدِكُمْ وَإِيَّايَ فَارْهَبُونِ | Yā banī Isrā’īla udhkurū ni‘matīya allatī an‘amtu ‘alaykum wa awfū bi‘ahdī ūfi bi‘ahdikum wa iyyāya farhabūn |
Note (v.34): The Arabic name Iblīs is associated with the figure of the rebel and, in Islamic tradition, with Satan. He is often understood as a jinn rather than an angel in the strict sense.
Note (v.35): The tree represents the limit set by GOD as a sign of the first covenant and as a test of obedience.
Note (v.36): The enmity mentioned in the verse refers to the tension between human beings and the forces of evil.
Note (v.37): The Arabic expression fatāba ‘alayhi literally conveys the idea of turning toward him; figuratively, it means that GOD accepted his repentance.
Verses 41–53
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | And believe in what I have sent down, confirming what is with you, and do not be the first to disbelieve in it; and do not sell My signs for a small price. And fear Me alone. | And believe in that which I have revealed, verifying that which is with you, and be not the first to deny it; neither take a mean price for My messages; and keep your duty to Me, Me alone. | وَآمِنُوا بِمَا أَنْزَلْتُ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا مَعَكُمْ وَلَا تَكُونُوا أَوَّلَ كَافِرٍ بِهِ ۖ وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا بِآيَاتِي ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا وَإِيَّايَ فَاتَّقُونِ | Wa āminū bimā anzaltu muṣaddiqan limā ma‘akum wa lā takūnū awwala kāfirin bihi wa lā tashtarū bi-āyātī thamanan qalīlan wa iyyāya fattaqūn |
| 42 | And do not mix truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know. | And mix not up truth with falsehood, nor hide the truth while you know. | وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا الْحَقَّ وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ | Wa lā talbisū al-ḥaqqa bil-bāṭili wa taktumu al-ḥaqqa wa antum ta‘lamūn |
| 43 | And establish prayer, give the prescribed charity, and bow down with those who bow down. | And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and bow down with those who bow down. | وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ | Wa aqīmū aṣ-ṣalāta wa ātū az-zakāta wa irka‘ū ma‘a ar-rāki‘īn |
| 44 | Do you command people to righteousness and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Will you not then use reason? | Do you enjoin men to be good and neglect your own souls while you read the Book? Have you then no sense? | أَتَأْمُرُونَ النَّاسَ بِالْبِرِّ وَتَنْسَوْنَ أَنْفُسَكُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ تَتْلُونَ الْكِتَابَ ۚ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ | Ata’murūna an-nāsa bil-birri wa tansawna anfusakum wa antum tatlūna al-kitāba afalā ta‘qilūn |
| 45 | And seek help through patience and prayer; indeed, this is difficult except for the humble. | And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and this is hard except for the humble ones. | وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ | Wa sta‘īnū biṣ-ṣabri waṣ-ṣalāti wa innahā lakabīratun illā ‘alā al-khāshi‘īn |
| 46 | Those who know that they will meet their LORD and that to Him they will return. | Who know that they will meet their Lord and that to Him they will return. | الَّذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُمْ مُلَاقُوا رَبِّهِمْ وَأَنَّهُمْ إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ | Alladhīna yaẓunnūna annahum mulāqū rabbihim wa annahum ilayhi rāji‘ūn |
| 47 | O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you and that I favored you above the worlds. | O Children of Israel, call to mind My favour which I bestowed on you and that I made you excel the nations. | يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتِيَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَأَنِّي فَضَّلْتُكُمْ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ | Yā banī Isrā’īla uḏkurū ni‘matīya allatī an‘amtu ‘alaykum wa annī faḍḍaltukum ‘alā al-‘ālamīn |
| 48 | And fear the Day when no soul shall avail another soul in anything, nor shall intercession be accepted from it, nor shall compensation be taken from it, nor shall they be helped. | And guard yourselves against a day when no soul will avail another in the least, neither will intercession be accepted on its behalf, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be helped. | وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا لَا تَجْزِي نَفْسٌ عَنْ نَفْسٍ شَيْئًا وَلَا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهَا شَفَاعَةٌ وَلَا يُؤْخَذُ مِنْهَا عَدْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ يُنْصَرُونَ | Wa ttaqū yawman lā tajzī nafsun ‘an nafsin shay’an wa lā yuqbalu minhā shafā‘atun wa lā yu’khadhu minhā ‘adlun wa lā hum yunṣarūn |
| 49 | And when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, who afflicted you with terrible torment, slaughtering your sons and letting your women live; and in that there was a great trial from your LORD. | And when We delivered you from Pharaoh’s people, who subjected you to severe torment, killing your sons and sparing your women, and in this there was a great trial from your Lord. | وَإِذْ نَجَّيْنَاكُمْ مِنْ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَسُومُونَكُمْ سُوءَ الْعَذَابِ يُذَبِّحُونَ أَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيُونَ نِسَاءَكُمْ ۚ وَفِي ذَٰلِكُمْ بَلَاءٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ عَظِيمٌ | Wa idh najjaynākum min āli fir‘awna yasūmūnakum sū’a al-‘adhābi yudhabbiḥūna abnā’akum wa yastaḥyūna nisā’akum wa fī dhālikum balā’un min rabbikum ‘aẓīm |
| 50 | And when We parted the sea for you, so We saved you and drowned the people of Pharaoh while you were watching. | And when We parted the sea for you, so We saved you and drowned the people of Pharaoh while you saw. | وَإِذْ فَرَقْنَا بِكُمُ الْبَحْرَ فَأَنْجَيْنَاكُمْ وَأَغْرَقْنَا آلَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَأَنْتُمْ تَنْظُرُونَ | Wa idh faraqnā bikumu al-baḥra fa-anjaynākum wa aghraqnā āla fir‘awna wa antum tanẓurūn |
| 51 | And when We appointed with Moses forty nights; then you took the calf after him, while you were unjust. | And when We appointed with Moses forty nights, then you took the calf after him and you were unjust. | وَإِذْ وَاعَدْنَا مُوسَىٰ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً ثُمَّ اتَّخَذْتُمُ الْعِجْلَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ وَأَنْتُمْ ظَالِمُونَ | Wa idh wā‘adnā Mūsā arba‘īna laylatan thumma ittakhadhtumu al-‘ijla min ba‘dihi wa antum ẓālimūn |
| 52 | Then We pardoned you after that, so that you might be grateful. | Then We pardoned you after that so that you might give thanks. | ثُمَّ عَفَوْنَا عَنْكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ | Thumma ‘afawnā ‘ankum min ba‘di dhālika la‘allakum tashkurūn |
| 53 | And when We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion, so that you might be guided. | And when We gave Moses the Book and the criterion so that you might be guided. | وَإِذْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْكِتَابَ وَالْفُرْقَانَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ | Wa idh ātaynā Mūsā al-kitāba wa al-furqāna la‘allakum tahtadūn |
Note (v.41): “What is with you” refers to the previous revelations given to the people of GOD: the prophets, the books, and the commandments.
Note (v.43): The Arabic term zakāh indicates the prescribed alms or offering intended for those in need; it is related in meaning to the biblical concept of the tithe.
Note (v.47): The term al-‘ālamīn may be understood as “worlds” or “all peoples.”
Note (v.48): The expression “soul for soul” indicates the individual responsibility of each person before GOD.
Note (v.53): Al-Furqān means the criterion that distinguishes truth from falsehood.
Verses 54–61
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | And when Moses said to his people: “O my people, indeed you have wronged yourselves by taking the calf; so turn back to your CREATOR and kill the guilty among you. This is better for you in the sight of the One who created you.” Then He turned toward you. Surely He is the One who accepts repentance, the Merciful. | And when Moses said to his people: O my people, you have surely wronged yourselves by taking the calf; so turn to your Maker and kill yourselves. That is best for you with your Maker. So He turned to you. Surely He is Oft-returning to mercy, the Merciful. | وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ يَا قَوْمِ إِنَّكُمْ ظَلَمْتُمْ أَنْفُسَكُمْ بِاتِّخَاذِكُمُ الْعِجْلَ فَتُوبُوا إِلَىٰ بَارِئِكُمْ فَاقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ عِنْدَ بَارِئِكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ | Wa idh qāla Mūsā liqawmihi yā qawmi innakum ẓalamtum anfusakum bi-ittikhādhikumu al-‘ijla fatūbū ilā bāri’ikum faqtulū anfusakum dhālikum khayrun lakum ‘inda bāri’ikum fatāba ‘alaykum innahu huwa at-tawwābu ar-raḥīm |
| 55 | And when you said: “O Moses, we will never believe you until we see GOD openly,” then the lightning struck you while you were looking. | And when you said: O Moses, we will not believe in you until we see Allah manifestly, so the lightning overtook you while you looked on. | وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَا مُوسَىٰ لَنْ نُؤْمِنَ لَكَ حَتَّىٰ نَرَى اللَّهَ جَهْرَةً فَأَخَذَتْكُمُ الصَّاعِقَةُ وَأَنْتُمْ تَنْظُرُونَ | Wa idh qultum yā Mūsā lan nu’mina laka ḥattā narā Allāha jahratan fa-akhadhatkumu aṣ-ṣā‘iqatu wa antum tanẓurūn |
| 56 | Then He gave you life again after your death, so that you might be grateful. | Then We raised you after your death so that you might give thanks. | ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَاكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَوْتِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ | Thumma ba‘athnākum min ba‘di mawtikum la‘allakum tashkurūn |
| 57 | And We shaded you with the cloud and sent down to you the manna and the quails: “Eat from the good things We have provided for you.” And they did not wrong Us, but they wronged themselves. | And We made the clouds give shade over you and sent down to you the manna and the quails: Eat of the good things that We have given you. And they wronged Us not, but they wronged their own souls. | وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ الْغَمَامَ وَأَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَنَّ وَالسَّلْوَىٰ ۖ كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ ۖ وَمَا ظَلَمُونَا وَلَٰكِنْ كَانُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ | Wa ẓallalnā ‘alaykumu al-ghamāma wa anzalnā ‘alaykumu al-manna wa as-salwā kulū min ṭayyibāti mā razaqnākum wa mā ẓalamūnā wa lākin kānū anfusahum yaẓlimūn |
| 58 | And when We said: “Enter this town and eat from it abundantly wherever you wish; and enter the gate prostrating and say: ‘Forgive us’; We will forgive your sins and We will increase those who do good.” | And when We said: Enter this town and eat of it freely wherever you will, and enter the gate making obeisance and say: Forgiveness. We shall forgive you your sins and give more to those who do good. | وَإِذْ قُلْنَا ادْخُلُوا هَٰذِهِ الْقَرْيَةَ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمْ رَغَدًا وَادْخُلُوا الْبَابَ سُجَّدًا وَقُولُوا حِطَّةٌ نَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ خَطَايَاكُمْ ۚ وَسَنَزِيدُ الْمُحْسِنِينَ | Wa idh qulna udkhulū hādhihi al-qaryata fakulū minhā ḥaythu shi’tum raghadan wa udkhulū al-bāba sujjadan wa qūlū ḥiṭṭatun naghfir lakum khaṭāyākum wa sanazīdu al-muḥsinīn |
| 59 | But those who were unjust changed the word from what had been said to them; so We sent down upon the wrongdoers a punishment from the heaven because they were rebelling. | But those who were unjust changed the word for one other than that which had been said to them, so We sent down upon those who were unjust a chastisement from heaven, because they transgressed. | فَبَدَّلَ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا قَوْلًا غَيْرَ الَّذِي قِيلَ لَهُمْ فَأَنْزَلْنَا عَلَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا رِجْزًا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْسُقُونَ | Fabaddala alladhīna ẓalamū qawlan ghayra alladhī qīla lahum fa-anzalnā ‘alā alladhīna ẓalamū rijzan mina as-samā’i bimā kānū yafsuqūn |
| 60 | And when Moses asked for water for his people, We said: “Strike the rock with your staff.” Then twelve springs gushed forth from it, and each group knew its drinking place. “Eat and drink from what GOD has provided you and do not act corruptly on the earth spreading corruption.” | And when Moses prayed for water for his people, We said: Strike the rock with your staff. So there gushed forth from it twelve springs; every people knew their drinking-place. Eat and drink of Allah’s provision and act not corruptly, making mischief in the land. | وَإِذِ اسْتَسْقَىٰ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ فَقُلْنَا اضْرِبْ بِعَصَاكَ الْحَجَرَ ۖ فَانْفَجَرَتْ مِنْهُ اثْنَتَا عَشْرَةَ عَيْنًا ۖ قَدْ عَلِمَ كُلُّ أُنَاسٍ مَشْرَبَهُمْ ۖ كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا مِنْ رِزْقِ اللَّهِ وَلَا تَعْثَوْا فِي الْأَرْضِ مُفْسِدِينَ | Wa idh istasqā Mūsā liqawmihi faqulnā iḍrib bi‘aṣāka al-ḥajara fanfajarat minhu ithnatā ‘ashrata ‘aynan qad ‘alima kullu unāsin mashrabahum kulū wa ishrabū min rizqi Allāhi wa lā ta‘thaw fī al-arḍi mufsidīn |
| 61 | And when you said: “O Moses, we cannot endure one kind of food; so call upon your LORD for us to bring forth for us from the earth its herbs, its cucumbers, its garlic, its lentils and its onions.” He said: “Will you exchange what is better for what is lower? Go down to a town and you will have what you asked.” And humiliation and misery were laid upon them, and they incurred the wrath of GOD. That was because they disbelieved in the signs of GOD and killed the prophets unjustly. That was because they disobeyed and transgressed. | And when you said: O Moses, we cannot bear one kind of food, so pray to your Lord for us that He bring forth for us of what the earth grows, of its herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions. He said: Would you exchange that which is better for that which is worse? Go down to a town, so you shall have what you ask. And humiliation and wretchedness were made to cleave to them, and they incurred Allah’s wrath. This was because they disbelieved in Allah’s messages and killed the prophets unjustly. This was because they disobeyed and exceeded the limits. | وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَا مُوسَىٰ لَنْ نَصْبِرَ عَلَىٰ طَعَامٍ وَاحِدٍ فَادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُخْرِجْ لَنَا مِمَّا تُنْبِتُ الْأَرْضُ مِنْ بَقْلِهَا وَقِثَّائِهَا وَفُومِهَا وَعَدَسِهَا وَبَصَلِهَا ۖ قَالَ أَتَسْتَبْدِلُونَ الَّذِي هُوَ أَدْنَىٰ بِالَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ ۚ اهْبِطُوا مِصْرًا فَإِنَّ لَكُمْ مَا سَأَلْتُمْ ۗ وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ وَالْمَسْكَنَةُ وَبَاءُوا بِغَضَبٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ النَّبِيِّينَ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوْا وَكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ | Wa idh qultum yā Mūsā lan naṣbira ‘alā ṭa‘āmin wāḥidin fad‘u lanā rabbaka yukhrij lanā mimmā tunbitu al-arḍu min baqlihā wa qiththā’ihā wa fūmihā wa ‘adasihā wa baṣalihā qāla atastabdilūna alladhī huwa adnā bi-alladhī huwa khayr ihbiṭū miṣran fa-inna lakum mā sa’altum wa ḍuribat ‘alayhimu adh-dhillatu wa al-maskanatu wa bā’ū bighaḍabin mina Allāh dhālika bi-annahum kānū yakfurūna bi-āyāti Allāhi wa yaqtulūna an-nabiyyīna bighayri al-ḥaqq dhālika bimā ‘aṣaw wa kānū ya‘tadūn |
Note (v.57): Reference to the cloud described in Exodus 13:21–22, symbol of the divine presence guiding the people.
Note (v.59): Also referenced in Surah 7, Al-A‘rāf, verses 161–162, and linked to the biblical tradition concerning those who altered GOD’s message.
Note (v.61): The triliteral root mīm ṣād rā appears in the Qur’an with the nominal form miṣr. In other occurrences it can refer to Egypt, while here it may also be understood as a borderland or a land of oppression.
Verses 62–70
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | Surely those who believe, the Jews, the Nazireans and the Sabians, whoever believes in GOD and the Last Day and does righteous deeds, they shall have their reward with their LORD; no fear shall be upon them, nor shall they grieve. | Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians — whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good — they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve. | إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالنَّصَارَىٰ وَالصَّابِئِينَ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ | Inna alladhīna āmanū wa alladhīna hādū wa an-naṣārā wa aṣ-ṣābi’īna man āmana bi-llāhi wa al-yawmi al-ākhiri wa ‘amila ṣāliḥan falahum ajruhum ‘inda rabbihim wa lā khawfun ‘alayhim wa lā hum yaḥzanūn |
| 63 | And when We made a covenant with you and raised above you the Mount: “Hold firmly to what We have given you and remember what is in it, so that you may become righteous.” | And when We made a covenant with you and raised the mountain over you: Hold fast to what We have given you and remember what is in it, so that you may guard against evil. | وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَكُمْ وَرَفَعْنَا فَوْقَكُمُ الطُّورَ خُذُوا مَا آتَيْنَاكُمْ بِقُوَّةٍ وَاذْكُرُوا مَا فِيهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ | Wa idh akhadhnā mīthāqakum wa rafa‘nā fawqakumu aṭ-ṭūra khudhū mā ātaynākum bi-quwwatin wa uḏkurū mā fīhi la‘allakum tattaqūn |
| 64 | Then after that you turned away; and had it not been for the favor of GOD and His mercy upon you, you would surely have been among the losers. | Yet after that you turned away; so if it were not for the grace of Allah and His mercy on you, you would have been among the losers. | ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ ۖ فَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَكُنْتُمْ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ | Thumma tawallaytum min ba‘di dhālika falawlā faḍlu Allāhi ‘alaykum wa raḥmatuhu lakuntum mina al-khāsirīn |
| 65 | And you have certainly known those among you who transgressed concerning the Sabbath; so We said to them: “Be despised apes.” | And you know those among you who broke the Sabbath, so We said to them: Be despised apes. | وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ الَّذِينَ اعْتَدَوْا مِنْكُمْ فِي السَّبْتِ فَقُلْنَا لَهُمْ كُونُوا قِرَدَةً خَاسِئِينَ | Wa laqad ‘alimtumu alladhīna i‘tadaw minkum fī as-sabti faqulnā lahum kūnū qiradatan khāsi’īn |
| 66 | Thus We made it an example for those before them and those after them, and a lesson for those who are mindful. | So We made it an example to those present and those after them, and an admonition for those who guard against evil. | فَجَعَلْنَاهَا نَكَالًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهَا وَمَا خَلْفَهَا وَمَوْعِظَةً لِلْمُتَّقِينَ | Faja‘alnāhā nakālan limā bayna yadayhā wa mā khalfahā wa maw‘iẓatan lil-muttaqīn |
| 67 | And when Moses said to his people: “Surely GOD commands you to sacrifice a heifer.” They said: “Do you take us in mockery?” He said: “I seek refuge in GOD from being among the ignorant.” | And when Moses said to his people: Surely Allah commands you to sacrifice a cow. They said: Do you take us for a mockery? He said: I seek refuge in Allah from being one of the ignorant. | وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَنْ تَذْبَحُوا بَقَرَةً ۖ قَالُوا أَتَتَّخِذُنَا هُزُوًا ۖ قَالَ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ | Wa idh qāla Mūsā liqawmihi inna Allāha ya’murukum an tadhbaḥū baqaratan qālū atattakhidhunā huzuwan qāla a‘ūdhu bi-llāhi an akūna mina al-jāhilīn |
| 68 | They said: “Call upon your LORD for us to make clear to us what she is.” He said: “Surely He says it is a heifer neither old nor young, but of middle age between that; so do what you are commanded.” | They said: Call on your Lord for our sake that He may make clear to us what she is. He said: He says she is a cow neither old nor young, of middle age between the two; so do what you are commanded. | قَالُوا ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُبَيِّنْ لَنَا مَا هِيَ ۚ قَالَ إِنَّهُ يَقُولُ إِنَّهَا بَقَرَةٌ لَا فَارِضٌ وَلَا بِكْرٌ عَوَانٌ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ ۖ فَافْعَلُوا مَا تُؤْمَرُونَ | Qālū ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُبَيِّنْ لَنَا مَا هِيَ qāla innahu yaqūlu innahā baqaratun lā fāriḍun wa lā bikrun ‘awānun bayna dhālika faf‘alū mā tu’marūn |
| 69 | They said: “Call upon your LORD for us to make clear to us what her color is.” He said: “Surely He says it is a yellow heifer, bright in color, pleasing to those who look at it.” | They said: Call on your Lord for our sake that He may make clear to us what colour she is. He said: He says it is a yellow cow, bright in colour, pleasing the beholders. | قَالُوا ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُبَيِّنْ لَنَا مَا لَوْنُهَا ۚ قَالَ إِنَّهُ يَقُولُ إِنَّهَا بَقَرَةٌ صَفْرَاءُ فَاقِعٌ لَوْنُهَا تَسُرُّ النَّاظِرِينَ | Qālū ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُبَيِّنْ لَنَا مَا لَوْنُهَا qāla innahu yaqūlu innahā baqaratun ṣafrā’u fāqi‘un lawnuhā tasurru an-nāẓirīn |
| 70 | They said: “Call upon your LORD for us to make clear to us which one it is, for indeed the heifers appear alike to us; and if GOD wills, we shall surely be guided.” | They said: Call on your Lord for our sake that He may make clear to us what she is, for surely to us the cows are all alike; and if Allah please, we shall be guided aright. | قَالُوا ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُبَيِّنْ لَنَا مَا هِيَ إِنَّ الْبَقَرَ تَشَابَهَ عَلَيْنَا وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَمُهْتَدُونَ | Qālū ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُبَيِّنْ لَنَا مَا هِيَ inna al-baqara tashābaha ‘alaynā wa innā in shā’a Allāhu la-muhtadūn |
Note (v.62): The term “naṣārā” is here rendered as “Nazireans,” referring to the early followers of Jesus the Nazarene before the later historical formation of Christianity.
Note (v.62): The “Sabians” (ṣābi’īn) are associated with a tradition of ritual purification through water, historically linked to the region of Harran.
Note (v.65): Reference to the Sabbath commandment in the biblical tradition (Numbers 15:32–36).
Note (v.68): As in the Biblical Law, the sacrifice required animals with specific characteristics (Numbers 19:1–2).
Verses 71–78
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | He said: “Surely He says it is a heifer not trained to till the soil nor to irrigate the fields, sound and without blemish.” They said: “Now you have brought the truth.” So they sacrificed her, though they were near not doing it. | He said: He says, surely she is a cow not trained to till the soil nor to water the fields, sound, having no blemish in her. They said: Now you have brought the truth. So they sacrificed her, though they were near not doing it. | قَالَ إِنَّهُ يَقُولُ إِنَّهَا بَقَرَةٌ لَا ذَلُولٌ تُثِيرُ الْأَرْضَ وَلَا تَسْقِي الْحَرْثَ مُسَلَّمَةٌ لَا شِيَةَ فِيهَا ۚ قَالُوا الْآنَ جِئْتَ بِالْحَقِّ ۚ فَذَبَحُوهَا وَمَا كَادُوا يَفْعَلُونَ | Qāla innahu yaqūlu innahā baqaratun lā dhalūlun tuthīru al-arḍa wa lā tasqī al-ḥartha musallamatun lā shiyata fīhā qālū al-āna ji’ta bil-ḥaqq fa-dhabaḥūhā wa mā kādū yaf‘alūn |
| 72 | And when you killed a man and disputed among yourselves concerning it, but GOD brought forth what you were concealing. | And when you killed a man, then you disagreed among yourselves as to that, and Allah was to bring forth that which you were hiding. | وَإِذْ قَتَلْتُمْ نَفْسًا فَادَّارَأْتُمْ فِيهَا ۖ وَاللَّهُ مُخْرِجٌ مَا كُنْتُمْ تَكْتُمُونَ | Wa idh qataltum nafsan fa-ddāra’tum fīhā wa Allāhu mukhrijun mā kuntum taktumūn |
| 73 | So We said: “Strike him with a part of it.” Thus GOD brings the dead to life and shows you His signs so that you may understand. | So We said: Strike him with a part of it. Thus Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His signs so that you may understand. | فَقُلْنَا اضْرِبُوهُ بِبَعْضِهَا ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُحْيِي اللَّهُ الْمَوْتَىٰ وَيُرِيكُمْ آيَاتِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ | Faqulnā iḍribūhu bi-ba‘ḍihā kadhālika yuḥyī Allāhu al-mawtā wa yurīkum āyātihi la‘allakum ta‘qilūn |
| 74 | Then your hearts hardened after that, so they became like stones or even harder. And indeed there are stones from which rivers gush forth, and there are some which split open and water comes out of them, and there are some which fall down in awe of GOD. And GOD is not unaware of what you do. | Then your hearts hardened after that, so that they were like stones, or even harder. And surely there are stones from which rivers gush forth, and there are some which split asunder so water issues from them, and there are some which fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not heedless of what you do. | ثُمَّ قَسَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ فَهِيَ كَالْحِجَارَةِ أَوْ أَشَدُّ قَسْوَةً ۚ وَإِنَّ مِنَ الْحِجَارَةِ لَمَا يَتَفَجَّرُ مِنْهُ الْأَنْهَارُ وَإِنَّ مِنْهَا لَمَا يَشَّقَّقُ فَيَخْرُجُ مِنْهُ الْمَاءُ وَإِنَّ مِنْهَا لَمَا يَهْبِطُ مِنْ خَشْيَةِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ | Thumma qasat qulūbukum min ba‘di dhālika fahiya kal-ḥijārah aw ashaddu qaswah wa inna mina al-ḥijārah lamā yatafajjaru minhu al-anhār wa inna minhā lamā yashshaqqaqu fayaḵruju minhu al-mā’ wa inna minhā lamā yahbiṭu min khashyati Allāh wa mā Allāhu bighāfilin ‘ammā ta‘malūn |
| 75 | Do you then hope that they will believe you, while a group of them used to hear the Word of GOD and then distort it knowingly after having understood it? | Do you then hope that they would believe in you, while a party of them indeed heard the word of Allah, then altered it after they had understood it, and they know? | أَفَتَطْمَعُونَ أَنْ يُؤْمِنُوا لَكُمْ وَقَدْ كَانَ فَرِيقٌ مِنْهُمْ يَسْمَعُونَ كَلَامَ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُحَرِّفُونَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا عَقَلُوهُ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ | Afaṭatma‘ūna an yu’minū lakum wa qad kāna farīqun minhum yasma‘ūna kalāma Allāhi thumma yuḥarrifūnahu min ba‘di mā ‘aqalūhu wa hum ya‘lamūn |
| 76 | And when they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe”; but when they are alone among themselves, they say: “Do you tell them what GOD has revealed to you so that they may argue with you about it before your LORD? Will you not then understand?” | And when they meet those who believe, they say: We believe; and when some of them meet others in private, they say: Do you talk to them of what Allah has disclosed to you so that they may contend with you by this before your Lord? Do you not understand? | وَإِذَا لَقُوا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قَالُوا آمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَا بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ قَالُوا أَتُحَدِّثُونَهُمْ بِمَا فَتَحَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لِيُحَاجُّوكُمْ بِهِ عِنْدَ رَبِّكُمْ ۚ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ | Wa idhā laqū alladhīna āmanū qālū āmannā wa idhā khalā ba‘ḍuhum ilā ba‘ḍin qālū atuḥaddithūnahum bimā fataḥa Allāhu ‘alaykum liyuḥājjūkum bihi ‘inda rabbikum afalā ta‘qilūn |
| 77 | Do they not know that GOD knows what they conceal and what they declare? | Do they not know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they make known? | أَوَلَا يَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ | Awa lā ya‘lamūna anna Allāha ya‘lamu mā yusirrūna wa mā yu‘linūn |
| 78 | And among them are unlettered people who do not know the Scripture except through assumptions, and they do nothing but conjecture. | And there are among them illiterates who know not the Book but only vain desires, and they do but conjecture. | وَمِنْهُمْ أُمِّيُّونَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ الْكِتَابَ إِلَّا أَمَانِيَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَظُنُّونَ | Wa minhum ummiyyūna lā ya‘lamūna al-kitāba illā amāniyya wa in hum illā yaẓunnūn |
Note (v.78): The Arabic term kitāb means “Book,” referring to the Scripture. In the ancient context, “People of the Book” referred to those who were able to read and who had access to and knowledge of the sacred texts.
Verses 79–90
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | Woe to those who write the Scripture with their own hands, then say: “This is from GOD,” in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they earn. | Woe, then, to those who write the Book with their hands and then say: This is from Allah, so that they may take for it a small price. Woe to them for what their hands write and woe to them for what they earn. | فَوَيْلٌ لِلَّذِينَ يَكْتُبُونَ الْكِتَابَ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ ثُمَّ يَقُولُونَ هَٰذَا مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ لِيَشْتَرُوا بِهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا ۖ فَوَيْلٌ لَهُمْ مِمَّا كَتَبَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَوَيْلٌ لَهُمْ مِمَّا يَكْسِبُونَ | Fa-waylun lilladhīna yaktubūna al-kitāba bi-aydīhim thumma yaqūlūna hādhā min ‘indi Allāhi liyashtarū bihi thamanan qalīlan fa-waylun lahum mimmā katabat aydīhim wa waylun lahum mimmā yaksibūn |
| 80 | And they say: “The Fire will not touch us except for a limited number of days.” Say: “Have you taken a covenant with GOD? Then GOD will never break His covenant. Or do you say about GOD what you do not know?” | And they say: The Fire shall not touch us but for a few days. Say: Have you received a promise from Allah? Then Allah will not fail in His promise. Or, do you say of Allah what you do not know? | وَقَالُوا لَنْ تَمَسَّنَا النَّارُ إِلَّا أَيَّامًا مَعْدُودَةً ۚ قُلْ أَتَّخَذْتُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ عَهْدًا فَلَنْ يُخْلِفَ اللَّهُ عَهْدَهُ ۖ أَمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ | Wa qālū lan tamassanā an-nāru illā ayyāman ma‘dūdah qul attakhadhtum ‘inda Allāhi ‘ahdan falan yukhlifa Allāhu ‘ahdah am taqūlūna ‘alā Allāhi mā lā ta‘lamūn |
| 81 | Yes, whoever earns evil and is surrounded by his sins, those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein forever. | Yes! whoever earns evil and his sins encompass him, these are the inmates of the Fire; in it they abide. | بَلَىٰ مَنْ كَسَبَ سَيِّئَةً وَأَحَاطَتْ بِهِ خَطِيئَتُهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ | Balā man kasaba sayyi’atan wa aḥāṭat bihi khaṭī’atuhu fa-ulā’ika aṣḥābu an-nār hum fīhā khālidūn |
| 82 | But those who believe and do righteous deeds, they are the companions of the Garden; they will abide therein forever. | And those who believe and do good deeds, these are the dwellers of the Garden; in it they abide. | وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ | Wa alladhīna āmanū wa ‘amilū aṣ-ṣāliḥāt ulā’ika aṣḥābu al-jannah hum fīhā khālidūn |
| 83 | And when We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: “You shall worship none but GOD; and show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy; and speak kindly to people; and establish prayer and give the alms.” Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you refused. | And when We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: You shall serve none but Allah, and do good to parents and to the near of kin and to orphans and the needy, and speak good to men and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate. Then you turned away except a few of you, and you are backsliders. | وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ لَا تَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِنْكُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ مُعْرِضُونَ | Wa idh akhadhnā mīthāqa banī isrā’īla lā ta‘budūna illā Allāha wa bi-al-wālidayni iḥsānan wa dhī al-qurbā wa al-yatāmā wa al-masākīn wa qūlū li-n-nāsi ḥusnan wa aqīmū aṣ-ṣalāta wa ātū az-zakāta thumma tawallaytum illā qalīlan minkum wa antum mu‘riḍūn |
| 84 | And when We made a covenant with you: “Do not shed your blood among yourselves and do not expel one another from your homes.” Then you agreed and bore witness. | And when We made a covenant with you: You shall not shed your blood, nor shall you turn your people out of your cities. Then you agreed, and you bear witness. | وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَكُمْ لَا تَسْفِكُونَ دِمَاءَكُمْ وَلَا تُخْرِجُونَ أَنْفُسَكُمْ مِنْ دِيَارِكُمْ ثُمَّ أَقْرَرْتُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ تَشْهَدُونَ | Wa idh akhadhnā mīthāqakum lā tasfikūna dimā’akum wa lā tukhrijūna anfusakum min diyārikum thumma aqrartum wa antum tashhadūn |
| 85 | Yet you are those who kill one another and expel some of your people from their homes, supporting one another against them in sin and aggression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, though their expulsion was forbidden to you. Do you then believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? What then is the recompense of those among you who do that except disgrace in the life of this world? And on the Day of Resurrection they shall be returned to the severest punishment. And GOD is not unaware of what you do. | Yet you it is who kill your people and turn a party of you out of your homes, backing up each other against them in sin and aggression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, though their expulsion was itself unlawful for you. Do you then believe in part of the Book and disbelieve in part? What then is the reward of those among you who do this but disgrace in this world’s life? And on the day of resurrection they shall be sent back to the severest chastisement. And Allah is not heedless of what you do. | ثُمَّ أَنْتُمْ هَٰؤُلَاءِ تَقْتُلُونَ أَنْفُسَكُمْ وَتُخْرِجُونَ فَرِيقًا مِنْكُمْ مِنْ دِيَارِهِمْ تَظَاهَرُونَ عَلَيْهِمْ بِالْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَإِنْ يَأْتُوكُمْ أُسَارَىٰ تُفَادُوهُمْ وَهُوَ مُحَرَّمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ إِخْرَاجُهُمْ ۚ أَفَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِبَعْضِ الْكِتَابِ وَتَكْفُرُونَ بِبَعْضٍ ۚ فَمَا جَزَاءُ مَنْ يَفْعَلُ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْكُمْ إِلَّا خِزْيٌ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ أَشَدِّ الْعَذَابِ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ | Thumma antum hā’ulā’i taqtulūna anfusakum wa tukhrijūna farīqan minkum min diyārihim taẓāharūna ‘alayhim bi-al-ithmi wa al-‘udwān wa in ya’tūkum usārā tufādūhum wa huwa muḥarramun ‘alaykum ikhrājuhum afatu’minūna bi-ba‘ḍi al-kitābi wa takfurūna bi-ba‘ḍ famā jazā’u man yaf‘alu dhālika minkum illā khizyun fī al-ḥayāti ad-dunyā wa yawma al-qiyāmati yuraddūna ilā ashaddu al-‘adhāb wa mā Allāhu bighāfilin ‘ammā ta‘malūn |
| 86 | Those are the ones who have exchanged the life of this world for the Hereafter; so their punishment will not be lightened, nor will they be helped. | These are they who buy this world’s life at the price of the Hereafter, so their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped. | أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُا الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا بِالْآخِرَةِ فَلَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ الْعَذَابُ وَلَا هُمْ يُنْصَرُونَ | Ulā’ika alladhīna ishtaraw al-ḥayāta ad-dunyā bi-al-ākhirah falā yukhaffafu ‘anhumu al-‘adhāb wa lā hum yunṣarūn |
| 87 | And surely We gave Moses the Scripture and followed him up with messengers; and We gave Jesus son of Mary clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it then that whenever a messenger comes to you with what your souls do not desire, you become arrogant, and some you deny and others you kill? | And certainly We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with messengers, and We gave Jesus son of Mary clear arguments and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. What! whenever there came to you a messenger with that which your souls desired not, you were arrogant, so you called some liars and others you slew. | وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْكِتَابَ وَقَفَّيْنَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِ بِالرُّسُلِ ۖ وَآتَيْنَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَيَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ ۗ أَفَكُلَّمَا جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ بِمَا لَا تَهْوَىٰ أَنْفُسُكُمُ اسْتَكْبَرْتُمْ فَفَرِيقًا كَذَّبْتُمْ وَفَرِيقًا تَقْتُلُونَ | Wa laqad ātaynā Mūsā al-kitāba wa qaffaynā min ba‘dihi bi-ar-rusul wa ātaynā ‘Īsā ibna Maryama al-bayyināti wa ayyadnāhu bi-rūḥi al-qudus afakullamā jā’akum rasūlun bimā lā tahwā anfusukum istakbartum fa-farīqan kadhdhabtum wa farīqan taqtulūn |
| 88 | And they say: “Our hearts are covered.” Rather, GOD has condemned them for their disbelief; so little is it that they believe. | And they say: Our hearts are covered. Nay, Allah has cursed them on account of their disbelief; so little it is that they believe. | وَقَالُوا قُلُوبُنَا غُلْفٌ ۚ بَلْ لَعَنَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِكُفْرِهِمْ فَقَلِيلًا مَا يُؤْمِنُونَ | Wa qālū qulūbunā ghulf bal la‘anahumu Allāhu bikufrihim faqālīlan mā yu’minūn |
| 89 | And when there came to them a Book from GOD confirming what was with them, though before they used to pray for victory over the disbelievers, yet when there came to them what they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so the curse of GOD is upon the disbelievers. | And when there came to them a Book from Allah verifying that which they have, and before that they prayed for victory against those who disbelieved, but when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so Allah’s curse is on the disbelievers. | وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ كِتَابٌ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِمَا مَعَهُمْ وَكَانُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ يَسْتَفْتِحُونَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ مَا عَرَفُوا كَفَرُوا بِهِ ۚ فَلَعْنَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ | Wa lammā jā’ahum kitābun min ‘indi Allāhi muṣaddiqun limā ma‘ahum wa kānū min qablu yastaftiḥūna ‘alā alladhīna kafarū falammā jā’ahum mā ‘arafū kafarū bihi fala‘natu Allāhi ‘alā al-kāfirīn |
| 90 | How miserable is that for which they have sold themselves, that they disbelieve in what GOD has revealed, out of envy that GOD should send down of His grace upon whom He wills of His servants; thus they have drawn upon themselves wrath upon wrath, and for the disbelievers there is a humiliating punishment. | Evil is that for which they have sold their souls, that they deny what Allah has revealed out of envy that Allah should send down of His grace on whom He pleases of His servants. So they have drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath, and for the disbelievers there is an abasing chastisement. | بِئْسَمَا اشْتَرَوْا بِهِ أَنْفُسَهُمْ أَنْ يَكْفُرُوا بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بَغْيًا أَنْ يُنَزِّلَ اللَّهُ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ عَلَىٰ مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ۖ فَبَاءُوا بِغَضَبٍ عَلَىٰ غَضَبٍ ۚ وَلِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَابٌ مُهِينٌ | Bi’samā ishtaraw bihi anfusahum an yakfurū bimā anzala Allāhu baghyan an yunazzila Allāhu min faḍlihi ‘alā man yashā’u min ‘ibādihī fabā’ū bighaḍabin ‘alā ghaḍab wa lilkāfirīna ‘adhābun muhīn |
Note (v.87): The Arabic term rasūl indicates a prophet, messenger, or apostle.
Note (v.88): The term ghulf may also be translated as “wrapped” or “covered,” indicating an inability or refusal to understand and accept truth.
Note (v.89): The “Book” here refers to the Gospel given to Jesus, which confirmed previous revelation.
Verses 91–101
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | And when it is said to them: “Believe in what GOD has revealed,” they say: “We believe in what has been revealed to us.” And they disbelieve in what comes after it, even though it is the Truth confirming what they already had. Say: “Why then did you kill the prophets of GOD before, if you were believers?” | And when it is said to them, Believe in that which God has revealed, they say: We believe in that which was revealed to us. And they deny what is besides that, while it is the Truth verifying that which they have. Say: Why then did you kill God's prophets before this if you were believers? | وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ آمِنُوا بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ قَالُوا نُؤْمِنُ بِمَا أُنْزِلَ عَلَيْنَا وَيَكْفُرُونَ بِمَا وَرَاءَهُ وَهُوَ الْحَقُّ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا مَعَهُمْ ۗ قُلْ فَلِمَ تَقْتُلُونَ أَنْبِيَاءَ اللَّهِ مِنْ قَبْلُ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ | Wa idhā qīla lahum āminū bimā anzala Allāhu qālū nu’minu bimā unzila ‘alaynā wa yakfurūna bimā warā’ahu wa huwa al-ḥaqqu muṣaddiqan limā ma‘ahum qul falima taqtulūna anbiyā’a Allāhi min qablu in kuntum mu’minīn |
| 92 | And indeed Moses came to you with clear proofs, yet in his absence you took the calf and became wrongdoers. | And Moses indeed came to you with clear arguments, then you took the calf for a god in his absence and you were wrongdoers. | وَلَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ مُوسَىٰ بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ ثُمَّ اتَّخَذْتُمُ الْعِجْلَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ وَأَنْتُمْ ظَالِمُونَ | Wa laqad jā’akum Mūsā bil-bayyināti thumma ittakhadhtumu al-‘ijla min ba‘dihi wa antum ẓālimūn |
| 93 | And when We made a covenant with you and raised the Mount above you: “Hold firmly to what We have given you and listen.” They said: “We have heard and we have disobeyed.” And their hearts absorbed the calf because of their disbelief. Say: “Evil is that which your faith commands you, if you are indeed believers.” | And when We made a covenant with you and raised the mountain above you: Take hold of that which We have given you with firmness and obey. They said: We hear and disobey. And they were made to imbibe the love of the calf into their hearts on account of their disbelief. Say: Evil is that which your faith bids you if you are believers. | وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَكُمْ وَرَفَعْنَا فَوْقَكُمُ الطُّورَ خُذُوا مَا آتَيْنَاكُمْ بِقُوَّةٍ وَاسْمَعُوا ۖ قَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَعَصَيْنَا وَأُشْرِبُوا فِي قُلُوبِهِمُ الْعِجْلَ بِكُفْرِهِمْ ۚ قُلْ بِئْسَمَا يَأْمُرُكُمْ بِهِ إِيمَانُكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ | Wa idh akhadhnā mīthāqakum wa rafa‘nā fawqakumu aṭ-ṭūra khudhū mā ātaynākum bi-quwwatin wasma‘ū qālū sami‘nā wa ‘aṣaynā wa ushribū fī qulūbihimu al-‘ijla bikufrihim qul bi’samā ya’murukum bihi īmānukum in kuntum mu’minīn |
| 94 | Say: “If the abode of the Hereafter with GOD is exclusively for you apart from all others, then wish for death, if you are truthful.” | Say: If the abode of the Hereafter with God is specially for you to the exclusion of the people, then invoke death if you are truthful. | قُلْ إِنْ كَانَتْ لَكُمُ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ خَالِصَةً مِنْ دُونِ النَّاسِ فَتَمَنَّوُا الْمَوْتَ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ | Qul in kānat lakumu ad-dāru al-ākhiratu ‘inda Allāhi khāliṣatan min dūni an-nāsi fatamannawū al-mawta in kuntum ṣādiqīn |
| 95 | But they will never wish for it because of what their hands have sent forth. And GOD knows well the wrongdoers. | And they will never invoke it on account of what their hands have sent on before, and God knows the wrongdoers. | وَلَنْ يَتَمَنَّوْهُ أَبَدًا بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالظَّالِمِينَ | Wa lan yatamannawhu abadan bimā qaddamat aydīhim wa Allāhu ‘alīmun biẓ-ẓālimīn |
| 96 | And you will surely find them the most eager of people for life, even more than those who associate others with GOD. Each one of them wishes that he might be granted a life of a thousand years, yet being granted long life would not remove him from the punishment. And GOD sees what they do. | And thou wilt certainly find them the greediest of men for life, greedier even than those who set gods with God. One of them loves to be granted a life of a thousand years, and his being granted a long life will in no way remove him further off from the chastisement. And God is Seer of what they do. | وَلَتَجِدَنَّهُمْ أَحْرَصَ النَّاسِ عَلَىٰ حَيَاةٍ وَمِنَ الَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا ۚ يَوَدُّ أَحَدُهُمْ لَوْ يُعَمَّرُ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ وَمَا هُوَ بِمُزَحْزِحِهِ مِنَ الْعَذَابِ أَنْ يُعَمَّرَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ | Wa latajidannahum aḥraṣa an-nāsi ‘alā ḥayātin wa mina alladhīna ashrakū yawaddu aḥaduhum law yu‘ammaru alfa sanatin wa mā huwa bimuzahzihihi mina al-‘adhābi an yu‘ammara wa Allāhu baṣīrun bimā ya‘malūn |
| 97 | Say: “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, then surely he has brought it down upon your heart by the permission of GOD, confirming what came before it, and as guidance and good news for the believers.” | Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, for surely he revealed it to thy heart by God's command, verifying that which is before it and a guidance and glad tidings for the believers. | قُلْ مَنْ كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِجِبْرِيلَ فَإِنَّهُ نَزَّلَهُ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ | Qul man kāna ‘aduwwan li-Jibrīla fa-innahu nazzalahu ‘alā qalbika bi-idhni Allāhi muṣaddiqan limā bayna yadayhi wa hudan wa bushrā lil-mu’minīn |
| 98 | Whoever is an enemy to GOD and His angels and His messengers and to Gabriel and Michael, then indeed GOD is an enemy to the disbelievers. | Whoever is an enemy to God and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael, then surely God is an enemy to disbelievers. | مَنْ كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِلَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَجِبْرِيلَ وَمِيكَالَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَدُوٌّ لِلْكَافِرِينَ | Man kāna ‘aduwwan lillāhi wa malā’ikatihi wa rusulihi wa Jibrīla wa Mīkāla fa-inna Allāha ‘aduwwun lil-kāfirīn |
| 99 | And We have certainly revealed to you clear signs, and none deny them except the disobedient. | And We indeed have revealed to thee clear messages, and none disbelieve in them except the transgressors. | وَلَقَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ آيَاتٍ بَيِّنَاتٍ ۖ وَمَا يَكْفُرُ بِهَا إِلَّا الْفَاسِقُونَ | Wa laqad anzalnā ilayka āyātin bayyinātin wa mā yakfuru bihā illā al-fāsiqūn |
| 100 | Is it not that every time they make a covenant, a group among them casts it aside? Rather, most of them do not believe. | Is it that whenever they make a covenant, a party of them cast it aside? Nay, most of them have no faith. | أَوَكُلَّمَا عَاهَدُوا عَهْدًا نَبَذَهُ فَرِيقٌ مِنْهُمْ ۚ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ | Awakullamā ‘āhadū ‘ahdan nabadhahu farīqun minhum bal aktharuhum lā yu’minūn |
| 101 | And when a messenger from GOD came to them confirming what they already had, a group of those who were given the Scripture threw the Book of GOD behind their backs, as if they did not know. | And when there came to them a messenger from God verifying that which they have, a party of those who were given the Book threw the Book of God behind their backs as if they knew nothing. | وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ رَسُولٌ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِمَا مَعَهُمْ نَبَذَ فَرِيقٌ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَرَاءَ ظُهُورِهِمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ | Wa lammā jā’ahum rasūlun min ‘indi Allāhi muṣaddiqun limā ma‘ahum nabadha farīqun mina alladhīna ūtū al-kitāba kitāba Allāhi warā’a ẓuhūrihim ka’annahum lā ya‘lamūn |
Note (v.97): Jibrīl is the Arabic name of the Archangel Gabriel, traditionally associated with the transmission of divine revelation.
Verses 102–110
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 102 | And they followed what the devils recited concerning the kingdom of Solomon. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and what had been revealed to the two angels in Babylon, Hārūt and Mārūt. Yet they did not teach anyone without saying: “We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve.” But they learned from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his spouse; yet they could not harm anyone except by the permission of GOD. And they learned what harmed them and did not benefit them. And they certainly knew that whoever acquired it would have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed is that for which they sold themselves, if only they knew. | And they follow what the devils falsely related against the kingdom of Solomon. Solomon disbelieved not, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels in Babylon, Harut and Marut. Nor did they teach anyone without saying: We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve. But they learn from them that by which they cause separation between man and his wife. And they cannot harm anyone thereby except with Allah’s permission. And they learn what harms them and profits them not. And certainly they know that he who buys it has no share in the Hereafter. And evil is that for which they sell their souls, if they but knew. | وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُوا الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ ۖ وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَانُ وَلَٰكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا يُعَلِّمُونَ النَّاسَ السِّحْرَ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ عَلَى الْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَارُوتَ وَمَارُوتَ ۚ وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌ فَلَا تَكْفُرْ ۖ فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِهِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِهِ ۚ وَمَا هُمْ بِضَارِّينَ بِهِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلَا يَنْفَعُهُمْ ۚ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاهُ مَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَاقٍ ۚ وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا بِهِ أَنْفُسَهُمْ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ | Wa ittaba‘ū mā tatlū ash-shayāṭīnu ‘alā mulki Sulaymān wa mā kafara Sulaymān wa lākinna ash-shayāṭīna kafarū yu‘allimūna an-nāsa as-siḥra wa mā unzila ‘alā al-malakayni bi-Bābila Hārūta wa Mārūt wa mā yu‘allimāni min aḥadin ḥattā yaqūlā innamā naḥnu fitnatun falā تكفر fayata‘allamūna minhumā mā yufarriqūna bihi bayna al-mar’i wa zawjih wa mā hum biḍārrīna bihi min aḥadin illā bi-idhni Allāh wa yata‘allamūna mā yaḍurruhum wa lā yanfa‘uhum wa laqad ‘alimū laman ishtarāhu mā lahu fī al-ākhirati min khalāq wa labi’sa mā sharaw bihi anfusahum law kānū ya‘lamūn |
| 103 | And if they had believed and been mindful, surely the reward from GOD would have been better, if only they knew. | And if they had believed and kept their duty, reward from Allah would certainly have been better, if they but knew. | وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ آمَنُوا وَاتَّقَوْا لَمَثُوبَةٌ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ ۖ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ | Wa law annahum āmanū wa ittaqaw lamathūbatun min ‘indi Allāhi khayr law kānū ya‘lamūn |
| 104 | O you who believe, do not say “rā‘inā” but say “unzurnā” and listen. And for the disbelievers there is a painful punishment. | O you who believe, do not say, Rā‘inā, but say, Unẓurnā, and listen. And for the disbelievers there is a painful chastisement. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَقُولُوا رَاعِنَا وَقُولُوا انْظُرْنَا وَاسْمَعُوا ۗ وَلِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū lā taqūlū rā‘inā wa qūlū unẓurnā wasma‘ū wa lil-kāfirīna ‘adhābun alīm |
| 105 | Neither those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture nor the idolaters like that any good should be sent down to you from your LORD. But GOD selects for His mercy whom He wills, and GOD is the Possessor of immense grace. | Neither those who disbelieve from among the People of the Book nor the idolaters like that any good should be sent down to you from your Lord. And Allah chooses especially whom He pleases for His mercy. And Allah is the Lord of mighty grace. | مَا يَوَدُّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ وَلَا الْمُشْرِكِينَ أَنْ يُنَزَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ | Mā yawaddu alladhīna kafarū min ahli al-kitābi wa lā al-mushrikīna an yunazzala ‘alaykum min khayrin min rabbikum wa Allāhu yakhtaṣṣu biraḥmatihi man yashā’ wa Allāhu dhū al-faḍli al-‘aẓīm |
| 106 | We do not abrogate a sign nor cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth one better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that GOD is Powerful over all things? | Whatever message We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it. Knowest thou not that Allah is Possessor of power over all things? | مَا نَنْسَخْ مِنْ آيَةٍ أَوْ نُنْسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ مِنْهَا أَوْ مِثْلِهَا ۗ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ | Mā nansakh min āyatin aw nunsi’hā na’ti bikhayrin minhā aw mithlihā alam ta‘lam anna Allāha ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr |
| 107 | Do you not know that to GOD belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides GOD you have neither protector nor helper. | Knowest thou not that Allah’s is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth? And besides Allah you have neither guardian nor helper. | أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۗ وَمَا لَكُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ مِنْ وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ | Alam ta‘lam anna Allāha lahu mulku as-samāwāti wa al-arḍ wa mā lakum min dūni Allāhi min waliyyin wa lā naṣīr |
| 108 | Or do you wish to question your Messenger as Moses was questioned before? And whoever exchanges faith for disbelief has certainly strayed from the right path. | Or do you desire to question your Messenger as Moses was questioned before? And whoever exchanges disbelief for faith has indeed strayed from the right way. | أَمْ تُرِيدُونَ أَنْ تَسْأَلُوا رَسُولَكُمْ كَمَا سُئِلَ مُوسَىٰ مِنْ قَبْلُ ۗ وَمَنْ يَتَبَدَّلِ الْكُفْرَ بِالْإِيمَانِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ سَوَاءَ السَّبِيلِ | Am turīdūna an tas’alū rasūlakum kamā su’ila Mūsā min qablu wa man yatabaddali al-kufra bi-al-īmāni faqad ḍalla sawā’a as-sabīl |
| 109 | Many among the People of the Scripture wish, out of envy, to turn you back into disbelievers after you have believed, even after the truth has become clear to them. So pardon and overlook until GOD brings His command. Indeed, GOD is Powerful over all things. | Many of the People of the Book wish they could turn you back into disbelievers after your belief, out of envy from themselves after the truth has become manifest to them. But pardon and forgive till Allah brings His command. Surely Allah is Possessor of power over all things. | وَدَّ كَثِيرٌ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ لَوْ يَرُدُّونَكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ إِيمَانِكُمْ كُفَّارًا حَسَدًا مِنْ عِنْدِ أَنْفُسِهِمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الْحَقُّ ۖ فَاعْفُوا وَاصْفَحُوا حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَ اللَّهُ بِأَمْرِهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ | Wadda kathīrun min ahli al-kitābi law yaruddūnakum min ba‘di īmānikum kuffāran ḥasadan min ‘indi anfusihim min ba‘di mā tabayyana lahumu al-ḥaqq fa‘fū wa iṣfaḥū ḥattā ya’tiya Allāhu bi-amrihi inna Allāha ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr |
| 110 | And establish prayer and give the alms, and whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with GOD. Surely GOD sees all that you do. | And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, and whatever of good you send on beforehand for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. Surely Allah is Seer of what you do. | وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ۚ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنْفُسِكُمْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ | Wa aqīmū aṣ-ṣalāta wa ātū az-zakāta wa mā tuqaddimū li-anfusikum min khayrin tajidūhu ‘inda Allāhi inna Allāha bimā ta‘malūna baṣīr |
Note (v.102): According to the First Book of Kings (11:1–11), King Solomon deviated due to foreign influences. The Qur’anic perspective attributes the corruption to devils rather than to Solomon himself.
Note (v.104): The term rā‘inā could be manipulated into an expression of mockery. Believers are instructed to use unzurnā, a clearer and more respectful term.
Note (v.106): The Arabic word āyah can mean sign, indication, example, lesson, or verse.
Verses 111–122
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111 | And they say: “None shall enter Paradise except Jews or Nazireans.” These are their hopes. Say: “Bring your proof, if you are truthful.” | And they say: None shall enter the Garden except he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are their vain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you are truthful. | وَقَالُوا لَنْ يَدْخُلَ الْجَنَّةَ إِلَّا مَنْ كَانَ هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَىٰ ۗ تِلْكَ أَمَانِيُّهُمْ ۗ قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ | Wa qālū lan yadkhula al-jannata illā man kāna hūdan aw naṣārā tilka amāniyyuhum qul hātū burhānakum in kuntum ṣādiqīn |
| 112 | Yes, whoever submits his face to GOD and does good shall have his reward with his LORD; no fear shall be upon them, nor shall they grieve. | Nay, whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and he is the doer of good, he has his reward from his Lord, and there is no fear for such, nor shall they grieve. | بَلَىٰ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَهُ أَجْرُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ | Balā man aslama wajhahu lillāhi wa huwa muḥsinun falahu ajruhu ‘inda rabbihi wa lā khawfun ‘alayhim wa lā hum yaḥzanūn |
| 113 | The Jews say: “The Nazireans stand on nothing,” and the Nazireans say: “The Jews stand on nothing,” while they recite the Scripture. Likewise, those who have no knowledge speak similarly. GOD will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they differed. | And the Jews say: The Christians follow nothing good; and the Christians say: The Jews follow nothing good, while they recite the Book. Even thus say those who have no knowledge, like what they say. So Allah will judge between them on the day of Resurrection in that wherein they differ. | وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ لَيْسَتِ النَّصَارَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَيْءٍ وَقَالَتِ النَّصَارَىٰ لَيْسَتِ الْيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَيْءٍ وَهُمْ يَتْلُونَ الْكِتَابَ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ قَالَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ مِثْلَ قَوْلِهِمْ ۚ فَاللَّهُ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فِيمَا كَانُوا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ | Wa qālati al-yahūdu laysati an-naṣārā ‘alā shay’in wa qālati an-naṣārā laysati al-yahūdu ‘alā shay’in wa hum yatlūna al-kitāb kadhālika qāla alladhīna lā ya‘lamūna mithla qawlihim fa-Allāhu yaḥkumu baynahum yawma al-qiyāmati fīmā kānū fīhi yakhtalifūn |
| 114 | Who is more unjust than those who prevent the name of GOD from being mentioned in His places of prostration and strive to destroy them? It is not for them to enter them except in fear. For them there is disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a great punishment. | And who is more unjust than he who prevents men from the mosques of Allah, that His name should be remembered in them, and strives to ruin them? It was not proper for such to enter them except in fear. For them is disgrace in this world, and for them is a grievous chastisement in the Hereafter. | وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ مَنَعَ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ أَنْ يُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ وَسَعَىٰ فِي خَرَابِهَا ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ مَا كَانَ لَهُمْ أَنْ يَدْخُلُوهَا إِلَّا خَائِفِينَ ۚ لَهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا خِزْيٌ وَلَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ | Wa man aẓlamu mimman mana‘a masājida Allāhi an yudhkara fīhā ismuhu wa sa‘ā fī kharābihā ulā’ika mā kāna lahum an yadkhulūhā illā khā’ifīn lahum fī ad-dunyā khizyun wa lahum fī al-ākhirati ‘adhābun ‘aẓīm |
| 115 | To GOD belong the East and the West; wherever you turn, there is the Face of GOD. Surely GOD is All-Encompassing, Knowing. | And Allah’s is the East and the West, so whither you turn, thither is Allah’s purpose. Surely Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing. | وَلِلَّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَالْمَغْرِبُ ۚ فَأَيْنَمَا تُوَلُّوا فَثَمَّ وَجْهُ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ | Wa lillāhi al-mashriqu wa al-maghrib fa-aynamā tuwallū fathamma wajhu Allāh inna Allāha wāsi‘un ‘alīm |
| 116 | And they say: “GOD has taken a son.” Glory be to Him! Rather, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth; all are devoutly obedient to Him. | And they say: Allah has taken to Himself a son. Glory be to Him! Rather, whatever is in the heavens and the earth is His. All are obedient to Him. | وَقَالُوا اتَّخَذَ اللَّهُ وَلَدًا ۗ سُبْحَانَهُ ۖ بَلْ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ كُلٌّ لَهُ قَانِتُونَ | Wa qālū ittakhadha Allāhu waladan subḥānahu bal lahu mā fī as-samāwāti wa al-arḍ kullun lahu qānitūn |
| 117 | He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth; and when He decrees a thing, He only says to it: “Be,” and it is. | Wonderful Originator of the heavens and the earth! And when He decrees an affair, He only says to it, Be, and it is. | بَدِيعُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ وَإِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُنْ فَيَكُونُ | Badī‘u as-samāwāti wa al-arḍ wa idhā qaḍā amran fa-innamā yaqūlu lahu kun fayakūn |
| 118 | And those who have no knowledge say: “Why does GOD not speak to us, or why does a sign not come to us?” Those before them said the same kind of words; their hearts are alike. Yet We have made the signs clear for a people who believe with certainty. | And those who have no knowledge say: Why does Allah not speak to us or a sign come to us? Even thus said those before them, the like of what they say. Their hearts are all alike. Indeed We have made the messages clear for a people who are sure. | وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ لَوْلَا يُكَلِّمُنَا اللَّهُ أَوْ تَأْتِينَا آيَةٌ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ قَالَ الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ مِثْلَ قَوْلِهِمْ ۘ تَشَابَهَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ ۗ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يُوقِنُونَ | Wa qāla alladhīna lā ya‘lamūna lawlā yukallimunā Allāhu aw ta’tīnā āyah kadhālika qāla alladhīna min qablihim mithla qawlihim tashābahat qulūbuhum qad bayyannā al-āyāti liqawmin yūqinūn |
| 119 | Indeed, We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good news and as a warner; and you will not be questioned concerning the companions of the blazing Fire. | Surely We have sent thee with the Truth as a bearer of good news and as a warner, and thou wilt not be asked about the companions of the flaming Fire. | إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا ۖ وَلَا تُسْأَلُ عَنْ أَصْحَابِ الْجَحِيمِ | Innā arsalnāka bil-ḥaqqi bashīran wa nadhīran wa lā tus’alu ‘an aṣḥābi al-jaḥīm |
| 120 | Neither the Jews nor the Nazireans will ever be satisfied with you until you follow their religion. Say: “Indeed, the true Guidance is the Guidance of GOD.” And if you follow their desires after knowledge has come to you, you will have from GOD neither protector nor helper. | And the Jews will not be pleased with thee, nor the Christians, until thou follow their religion. Say: Surely Allah’s guidance, that is the guidance. And if thou follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to thee, thou shalt have from Allah no friend nor helper. | وَلَنْ تَرْضَىٰ عَنْكَ الْيَهُودُ وَلَا النَّصَارَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَهُمْ ۗ قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى اللَّهِ هُوَ الْهُدَىٰ ۗ وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ بَعْدَ الَّذِي جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ ۙ مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ مِنْ وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ | Wa lan tarḍā ‘anka al-yahūdu wa lā an-naṣārā ḥattā tattabi‘a millatahum qul inna hudā Allāhi huwa al-hudā wa la’ini ittaba‘ta ahwā’ahum ba‘da alladhī jā’aka mina al-‘ilm mā laka mina Allāhi min waliyyin wa lā naṣīr |
| 121 | Those to whom We have given the Scripture and who recite it as it should be recited, these are the ones who believe in it. And whoever disbelieves in it, they are the losers. | Those to whom We have given the Book read it as it ought to be read. These believe in it. And whoever disbelieves in it, these it is that are the losers. | الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَتْلُونَهُ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِ أُولَٰئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ ۗ وَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ | Alladhīna ātaynāhumu al-kitāba yatlūnahu ḥaqqa tilāwatihi ulā’ika yu’minūna bihi wa man yakfur bihi fa-ulā’ika humu al-khāsirūn |
| 122 | O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you above the worlds. | O Children of Israel, call to mind My favour which I bestowed on you and that I made you excel the nations. | يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتِيَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَأَنِّي فَضَّلْتُكُمْ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ | Yā banī Isrā’īla uḏkurū ni‘matīya allatī an‘amtu ‘alaykum wa annī faḍḍaltukum ‘alā al-‘ālamīn |
Note (v.114): In Arabic, masjid literally means “place of prostration” or “place of prayer.”
Note (v.115): This verse emphasizes the omnipresence of GOD: sincere prayer remains valid even when the believer, by necessity or ignorance, is not facing a specific ritual direction.
Verses 123–132
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | And fear the Day when no soul shall avail another soul, no compensation shall be accepted, no intercession shall benefit it, and they shall not be helped. | And guard yourselves against a day when no soul will avail another in the least, nor will compensation be accepted from it, nor will intercession benefit it, nor will they be helped. | وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا لَا تَجْزِي نَفْسٌ عَنْ نَفْسٍ شَيْئًا وَلَا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهَا عَدْلٌ وَلَا تَنْفَعُهَا شَفَاعَةٌ وَلَا هُمْ يُنْصَرُونَ | Wa ttaqū yawman lā tajzī nafsun ‘an nafsin shay’an wa lā yuqbalu minhā ‘adlun wa lā tanfa‘uhā shafā‘atun wa lā hum yunṣarūn |
| 124 | And when Abraham was tested by his LORD with commands, and he fulfilled them, He said: “Surely I will make you a guide for humankind.” He said: “And from my descendants?” He said: “My Covenant does not reach the wrongdoers.” | And when his Lord tried Abraham with certain commands, he fulfilled them. He said: Surely I will make thee a leader of men. Abraham said: And of my offspring? My covenant does not include the wrongdoers, said He. | وَإِذِ ابْتَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ رَبُّهُ بِكَلِمَاتٍ فَأَتَمَّهُنَّ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّي جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًا ۖ قَالَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي ۖ قَالَ لَا يَنَالُ عَهْدِي الظَّالِمِينَ | Wa idh ibtalā Ibrāhīma rabbuhu bikalimātin fa-atammahunna qāla innī jā‘iluka lil-nāsi imāman qāla wa min dhurriyyatī qāla lā yanālu ‘ahdī aẓ-ẓālimīn |
| 125 | And when We made the House a place of return and a refuge for humankind: “Take the place where Abraham stood as a place of prayer.” And We made a Covenant with Abraham and Ishmael: “Purify My House for those who visit it, remain in devotion, bow, and prostrate.” | And when We made the House a resort for men and a place of security. And: Take the place of Abraham for a place of prayer. And We enjoined Abraham and Ishmael, saying: Purify My House for those who visit it and those who abide in it for devotion and those who bow down and those who prostrate themselves. | وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًا وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى ۖ وَعَهِدْنَا إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ أَنْ طَهِّرَا بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْعَاكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ | Wa idh ja‘alnā al-bayta mathābatan lil-nāsi wa amnan wa ttakhidhū min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣallan wa ‘ahidnā ilā Ibrāhīma wa Ismā‘īla an ṭahhirā baytiya lil-ṭṭā’ifīna wa al-‘ākifīna wa ar-rukka‘i as-sujūd |
| 126 | And when Abraham said: “My LORD, make this city secure and provide its inhabitants with fruits, those among them who believe in GOD and the Last Day.” He said: “And whoever disbelieves, I will grant him enjoyment for a short time; then I will drive him to the punishment of the Fire. And what a terrible destination.” | And when Abraham said: My Lord, make this a secure town and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day. He said: And whoever disbelieves, I shall grant him enjoyment for a short while, then I shall drive him to the chastisement of the Fire. And evil is the destination. | وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ مَنْ آمَنَ مِنْهُمْ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۖ قَالَ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَأُمَتِّعُهُ قَلِيلًا ثُمَّ أَضْطَرُّهُ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ النَّارِ ۖ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ | Wa idh qāla Ibrāhīmu rabbi ij‘al hādhā baladan āminan wa rzuq ahlahu mina ath-thamarāti man āmana minhum billāhi wa al-yawmi al-ākhiri qāla wa man kafara fa-umatti‘uhu qalīlan thumma aḍṭarruhu ilā ‘adhābi an-nār wa bi’sa al-maṣīr |
| 127 | And when Abraham raised the foundations of the House together with Ishmael: “Our LORD, accept this from us. Surely You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” | And when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House: Our Lord, accept from us. Surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing. | وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ | Wa idh yarfa‘u Ibrāhīmu al-qawā‘ida mina al-bayti wa Ismā‘īlu rabbanā taqabbal minnā innaka anta as-samī‘u al-‘alīm |
| 128 | Our LORD, make us submissive to You, and from our descendants a community submissive to You. Show us our rites of worship and turn toward us. Surely You are the One who accepts repentance, the Merciful. | Our Lord, and make us both submissive to Thee, and raise from our offspring a nation submissive to Thee, and show us our ways of devotion and turn to us mercifully. Surely Thou art the Oft-returning to mercy, the Merciful. | رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُسْلِمَةً لَكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ | Rabbanā wa j‘alnā muslimayni laka wa min dhurriyyatinā ummatan muslimatan laka wa arinā manāsikanā wa tub ‘alaynā innaka anta at-tawwābu ar-raḥīm |
| 129 | Our LORD, raise among them a Messenger from among themselves who will recite Your verses to them, teach them the Scripture and wisdom, and purify them. Surely You are the Mighty, the Wise. | Our Lord, and raise up in them a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Thy messages and teach them the Book and the Wisdom and purify them. Surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise. | رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ | Rabbanā wa b‘ath fīhim rasūlan minhum yatlū ‘alayhim āyātika wa yu‘allimuhumu al-kitāba wa al-ḥikmata wa yuzakkīhim innaka anta al-‘azīzu al-ḥakīm |
| 130 | Who would turn away from the religion of Abraham except one who makes his own soul foolish? Surely We chose him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will surely be among the righteous. | And who forsakes the religion of Abraham but he who makes himself a fool? And certainly We chose him in this world, and in the Hereafter he is surely among the righteous. | وَمَنْ يَرْغَبُ عَنْ مِلَّةِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِلَّا مَنْ سَفِهَ نَفْسَهُ ۚ وَلَقَدِ اصْطَفَيْنَاهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَإِنَّهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ لَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ | Wa man yarghabu ‘an millati Ibrāhīma illā man safiha nafsahu wa laqad iṣṭafaynāhu fī ad-dunyā wa innahu fī al-ākhirati lamina aṣ-ṣāliḥīn |
| 131 | When his LORD said to him: “Submit,” he said: “I submit to the LORD of the worlds.” | When his Lord said to him, Submit, he said: I submit myself to the Lord of the worlds. | إِذْ قَالَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ أَسْلِمْ ۖ قَالَ أَسْلَمْتُ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ | Idh qāla lahu rabbuhu aslim qāla aslamtu li-rabbi al-‘ālamīn |
| 132 | And Abraham instructed his sons with this, and so did Jacob: “O my sons, surely GOD has chosen the faith for you, so do not die except as those who are submissive.” | And the same did Abraham enjoin on his sons and so did Jacob: O my sons, surely Allah has chosen for you this religion, so die not unless you are submitting ones. | وَوَصَّىٰ بِهَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بَنِيهِ وَيَعْقُوبُ يَا بَنِيَّ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَىٰ لَكُمُ الدِّينَ فَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ | Wa waṣṣā bihā Ibrāhīmu banīhi wa Ya‘qūbu yā baniyya inna Allāha iṣṭafā lakumu ad-dīna falā tamūtunna illā wa antum muslimūn |
Note (v.123): See the note on verse 48.
Note (v.124): The Arabic term imām, from a root connected to the idea of “standing before,” indicates a guide, a model of faith, and an exemplary figure for the community.
Note (v.124): Aẓ-ẓālimīn indicates the unjust, the wrongdoers, those who commit evil.
Note (v.125): By “House,” tradition understands the Ka‘ba in Mecca, connected to the memory of Abraham and Ishmael. The Maqām Ibrāhīm, the Station of Abraham, is traditionally associated with the place where Abraham stood during the construction of the House.
Note (v.125): The term liṭ-ṭā’ifīn is often connected to the ritual circumambulation of pilgrimage, but it may also be understood more broadly as visiting, frequenting, or remaining near the sacred place.
Note (v.128): The word muslimayn literally means “submissive ones,” that is, those who entrust themselves to the will of GOD. It derives from the Semitic root s-l-m, connected to submission, peace, and wholeness.
Note (v.131): See the note on verse 114.
Verses 133–140
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 133 | Or were you witnesses when death came to Jacob, when he said to his sons: “What will you worship after me?” They said: “We will worship your GOD and the GOD of your fathers, Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac, one GOD, and to Him we are submissive.” | Or were you witnesses when death visited Jacob, when he said to his sons: What will you serve after me? They said: We shall serve thy God and the God of thy fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac, one God only, and to Him do we submit. | أَمْ كُنْتُمْ شُهَدَاءَ إِذْ حَضَرَ يَعْقُوبَ الْمَوْتُ إِذْ قَالَ لِبَنِيهِ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ بَعْدِي ۖ قَالُوا نَعْبُدُ إِلَٰهَكَ وَإِلَٰهَ آبَائِكَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ إِلَٰهًا وَاحِدًا وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ | Am kuntum shuhadā’a idh ḥaḍara Ya‘qūba al-mawtu idh qāla li-banīhi mā ta‘budūna min ba‘dī qālū na‘budu ilāhaka wa ilāha ābā’ika Ibrāhīma wa Ismā‘īla wa Isḥāqa ilāhan wāḥidan wa naḥnu lahu muslimūn |
| 134 | That was a community that has passed away; for it is what it earned, and for you is what you earn; and you shall not be questioned about what they used to do. | Those are a people that have passed away; for them is what they earned and for you what you earn; and you will not be asked of what they did. | تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ ۖ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُمْ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ ۖ وَلَا تُسْأَلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ | Tilka ummatun qad khalat lahā mā kasabat wa lakum mā kasabtum wa lā tus’alūna ‘ammā kānū ya‘malūn |
| 135 | And they say: “Be Jews or Nazireans and you will be guided.” Say: “Rather, the religion of Abraham, upright and pure, and he was not among the idolaters.” | And they say: Be Jews or Christians, you will be on the right course. Say: Nay, we follow the religion of Abraham, the upright one, and he was not one of the polytheists. | وَقَالُوا كُونُوا هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَىٰ تَهْتَدُوا ۗ قُلْ بَلْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ | Wa qālū kūnū hūdan aw naṣārā tahtadū qul bal millata Ibrāhīma ḥanīfan wa mā kāna mina al-mushrikīn |
| 136 | Say: “We believe in GOD and in what has been revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the descendants, and in what was given to Moses, to Jesus, and to the Prophets from their LORD. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we are submissive.” | Say: We believe in Allah and in that which has been revealed to us, and in that which was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and in that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and in that which was given to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make any distinction between any of them and to Him we submit. | قُولُوا آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ | Qūlū āmannā billāhi wa mā unzila ilaynā wa mā unzila ilā Ibrāhīma wa Ismā‘īla wa Isḥāqa wa Ya‘qūba wa al-asbāṭi wa mā ūtiya Mūsā wa ‘Īsā wa mā ūtiya an-nabiyyūna min rabbihim lā nufarriqu bayna aḥadin minhum wa naḥnu lahu muslimūn |
| 137 | So if they believe in what you believe, then they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, then they are in opposition. GOD will suffice you against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. | So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right course; and if they turn back, they are only in opposition. So Allah will suffice thee against them, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing. | فَإِنْ آمَنُوا بِمِثْلِ مَا آمَنْتُمْ بِهِ فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوْا ۖ وَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا هُمْ فِي شِقَاقٍ ۖ فَسَيَكْفِيكَهُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ | Fa-in āmanū bimithli mā āmantum bihi faqadi ihtadaw wa in tawallaw fa-innamā hum fī shiqāqin fasayakfīkahumu Allāh wa huwa as-samī‘u al-‘alīm |
| 138 | The coloring of GOD; and who is better than GOD in coloring? And Him we worship. | The baptism of Allah, and who is better than Allah in baptising? And Him do we serve. | صِبْغَةَ اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ مِنَ اللَّهِ صِبْغَةً ۖ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ عَابِدُونَ | Ṣibghata Allāhi wa man aḥsanu mina Allāhi ṣibghatan wa naḥnu lahu ‘ābidūn |
| 139 | Say: “Do you dispute with us concerning GOD, while He is our LORD and your LORD? For us our deeds and for you your deeds, and we are sincere to Him.” | Say: Do you dispute with us about Allah, and He is our Lord and your Lord? And for us are our deeds and for you your deeds, and to Him we are sincere. | قُلْ أَتُحَاجُّونَنَا فِي اللَّهِ وَهُوَ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمْ وَلَنَا أَعْمَالُنَا وَلَكُمْ أَعْمَالُكُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُخْلِصُونَ | Qul atuḥājjūnanā fī Allāhi wa huwa rabbunā wa rabbukum wa lanā a‘mālunā wa lakum a‘mālukum wa naḥnu lahu mukhliṣūn |
| 140 | Or do you say that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the descendants were Jews or Nazireans? Say: “Are you more knowledgeable, or GOD?” And who is more unjust than one who conceals a testimony from GOD that he possesses? And GOD is not unaware of what you do. | Or do you say that Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Are you better knowers or Allah? And who is more unjust than he who conceals a testimony that he has from Allah? And Allah is not heedless of what you do. | أَمْ تَقُولُونَ إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطَ كَانُوا هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَىٰ ۗ قُلْ أَأَنْتُمْ أَعْلَمُ أَمِ اللَّهُ ۗ وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ كَتَمَ شَهَادَةً عِنْدَهُ مِنَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ | Am taqūlūna inna Ibrāhīma wa Ismā‘īla wa Isḥāqa wa Ya‘qūba wa al-asbāṭa kānū hūdan aw naṣārā qul a-antum a‘lamu ami Allāh wa man aẓlamu mimman katama shahādatan ‘indahu mina Allāh wa mā Allāhu bighāfilin ‘ammā ta‘malūn |
Note (v.135): The Arabic term ḥanīf denotes a sincere and upright believer, devoted to pure monotheism and free from associating anything with GOD.
Note (v.138): The Arabic term ṣibghah literally means “coloring” or “dye.” It may symbolically recall immersion or baptism, but it primarily indicates an inner transformation that imprints the “color” of faith in GOD upon the soul.
Verses 141–149
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 141 | That was a community that has passed away: for it is what it earned, and for you is what you earn; and you shall not be questioned about what they used to do. | Those are a people that have passed away; for them is what they earned and for you what you earn; and you will not be asked of what they did. | تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ ۖ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُمْ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ ۖ وَلَا تُسْأَلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ | Tilka ummatun qad khalat lahā mā kasabat wa lakum mā kasabtum wa lā tus’alūna ‘ammā kānū ya‘malūn |
| 142 | The foolish among the people will say: “What has turned them away from their former direction?” Say: “To GOD belong the East and the West; He guides whom He wills to the Straight Path.” | The fools among the people will say: What has turned them from their qiblah which they had before? Say: Allah’s is the East and the West. He guides whom He pleases to the right path. | سَيَقُولُ السُّفَهَاءُ مِنَ النَّاسِ مَا وَلَّاهُمْ عَنْ قِبْلَتِهِمُ الَّتِي كَانُوا عَلَيْهَا ۚ قُلْ لِلَّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَالْمَغْرِبُ ۚ يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ | Sa yaqūlu as-sufahā’u mina an-nāsi mā wallāhum ‘an qiblatihimu allatī kānū ‘alayhā qul lillāhi al-mashriqu wa al-maghrib yahdī man yashā’u ilā ṣirāṭin mustaqīm |
| 143 | Thus We have made you a balanced community, so that you may be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger a witness over you. We did not appoint the direction which you had before except to make clear who follows the Messenger from those who turn back. Indeed, it was a heavy matter except for those whom GOD has guided. And GOD would never let your faith be lost. Surely GOD is Full of Grace, Merciful toward mankind. | And thus We have made you a medium nation that you may be the bearers of witness to the people and the Messenger a bearer of witness to you. And We did not appoint the qiblah which you had but that We might know him who follows the Messenger from him who turns back upon his heels. And it was indeed hard except for those whom Allah has guided. And Allah would never make your faith to be lost. Surely Allah is Compassionate, Merciful to the people. | وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا ۗ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الْقِبْلَةَ الَّتِي كُنْتَ عَلَيْهَا إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَنْ يَتَّبِعُ الرَّسُولَ مِمَّنْ يَنْقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ ۚ وَإِنْ كَانَتْ لَكَبِيرَةً إِلَّا عَلَى الَّذِينَ هَدَى اللَّهُ ۗ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُضِيعَ إِيمَانَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِالنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَحِيمٌ | Wa kadhālika ja‘alnākum ummatan wasaṭan litakūnū shuhadā’a ‘alā an-nāsi wa yakūna ar-rasūlu ‘alaykum shahīdā wa mā ja‘alnā al-qiblata allatī kunta ‘alayhā illā lina‘lama man yattabi‘u ar-rasūla mimman yanqalibu ‘alā ‘aqibayhi wa in kānat lakabīratan illā ‘alā alladhīna hadā Allāh wa mā kāna Allāhu liyuḍī‘a īmānakum inna Allāha bin-nāsi lara’ūfun raḥīm |
| 144 | We have certainly seen the turning of your face toward the heaven; so We will surely turn you to a direction that will please you. Therefore turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you are, turn your faces toward it. Surely those who have been given the Scripture know that this is the truth from their LORD. And GOD is not unaware of what they do. | Indeed We see the turning of thy face to heaven, so We shall surely turn thee to a qiblah which thou shalt like; so turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque. And wherever you are, turn your faces towards it. And those who have been given the Book surely know that it is the truth from their Lord; and Allah is not heedless of what they do. | قَدْ نَرَىٰ تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِي السَّمَاءِ ۖ فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً تَرْضَاهَا ۚ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۚ وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنْتُمْ فَوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُ ۗ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ لَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا يَعْمَلُونَ | Qad narā taqalluba wajhika fī as-samā’i falanuwalliyannaka qiblatan tarḍāhā fawalli wajhaka shaṭra al-masjidi al-ḥarām wa ḥaythu mā kuntum fawallū wujūhakum shaṭrahu wa inna alladhīna ūtū al-kitāba laya‘lamūna annahu al-ḥaqqu min rabbihim wa mā Allāhu bighāfilin ‘ammā ya‘malūn |
| 145 | Even if you were to bring every sign to those who were given the Scripture, they would not follow your direction of prayer, nor will you follow their direction, nor do some of them follow the direction of others. And if you were to follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you would surely be among the wrongdoers. | And even if thou bring to those who have been given the Book all the signs, they will not follow thy qiblah, nor art thou a follower of their qiblah; nor are some of them followers of the qiblah of others. And if thou follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to thee, thou wouldst certainly then be from among the unjust. | وَلَئِنْ أَتَيْتَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ بِكُلِّ آيَةٍ مَا تَبِعُوا قِبْلَتَكَ وَمَا أَنْتَ بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَتَهُمْ ۚ وَمَا بَعْضُهُمْ بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَةَ بَعْضٍ ۚ وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ إِنَّكَ إِذًا لَمِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ | Wa la’in atayta alladhīna ūtū al-kitāba bikulli āyatin mā tabi‘ū qiblataka wa mā anta bitābi‘in qiblatahum wa mā ba‘ḍuhum bitābi‘in qiblata ba‘ḍ wa la’in ittaba‘ta ahwā’ahum min ba‘di mā jā’aka mina al-‘ilmi innaka idhan lamina aẓ-ẓālimīn |
| 146 | Those to whom We have given the Scripture recognize it as they recognize their own sons; yet a group among them conceals the truth while they know it. | Those to whom We have given the Book recognize him as they recognize their sons; but a party of them conceal the truth while they know. | الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَعْرِفُونَهُ كَمَا يَعْرِفُونَ أَبْنَاءَهُمْ ۖ وَإِنَّ فَرِيقًا مِنْهُمْ لَيَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ | Alladhīna ātaynāhumu al-kitāba ya‘rifūnahu kamā ya‘rifūna abnā’ahum wa inna farīqan minhum layaktumūna al-ḥaqqa wa hum ya‘lamūn |
| 147 | The truth is from your LORD, so do not be among those who doubt. | The truth is from thy Lord, so be not of those who doubt. | الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْمُمْتَرِينَ | Al-ḥaqqu min rabbika falā takūnanna mina al-mumtarīn |
| 148 | For each there is a direction toward which he turns, so race toward good deeds. Wherever you may be, GOD will bring you all together. Surely GOD has power over all things. | And everyone has a direction to which he should turn, so vie with one another in good works. Wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together. Surely Allah has power over all things. | وَلِكُلٍّ وِجْهَةٌ هُوَ مُوَلِّيهَا ۖ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ ۚ أَيْنَ مَا تَكُونُوا يَأْتِ بِكُمُ اللَّهُ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ | Wa likullin wijhatun huwa muwallīhā fastabiqū al-khayrāt ayna mā takūnū ya’ti bikumu Allāhu jamī‘an inna Allāha ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr |
| 149 | And from wherever you set out, turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque; surely this is the truth from your LORD. And GOD is not unaware of what you do. | And from whatever place thou goest forth, turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; and it is surely the truth from thy Lord. And Allah is not heedless of what you do. | وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۚ وَإِنَّهُ لَلْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّكَ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ | Wa min ḥaythu kharajta fawalli wajhaka shaṭra al-masjidi al-ḥarām wa innahu la al-ḥaqqu min rabbika wa mā Allāhu bighāfilin ‘ammā ta‘malūn |
Note (v.142): The term qiblah refers to the direction of prayer.
Note (v.145): The Arabic term al-‘ilm denotes knowledge and wisdom, a central foundation of prophetic guidance.
Verses 150–158
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | From wherever you come, turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you are, turn your faces toward it, so that people may have no argument against you, except those among them who act unjustly. So do not fear them, but fear Me, so that I may complete My favor upon you and that you may be guided. | And from whatever place thou goest forth, turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you are, turn your faces towards it, so that people may have no argument against you, except such of them as are unjust. So fear them not, but fear Me, that I may complete My favour to you and that you may be guided. | وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۖ وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنْتُمْ فَوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُ لِئَلَّا يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَيْكُمْ حُجَّةٌ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْهُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَاخْشَوْنِي وَلِأُتِمَّ نِعْمَتِي عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ | Wa min ḥaythu kharajta fawalli wajhaka shaṭra al-masjidi al-ḥarām wa ḥaythu mā kuntum fawallū wujūhakum shaṭrahu li’allā yakūna li-n-nāsi ‘alaykum ḥujjatun illā alladhīna ẓalamū minhum falā takhshawhum wa khshawni wa li-utimmā ni‘matī ‘alaykum wa la‘allakum tahtadūn |
| 151 | Thus We have sent among you a Messenger from yourselves, reciting to you Our verses, purifying you, teaching you the Scripture and the wisdom, and teaching you what you did not know. | Even as We have sent among you a Messenger from among yourselves who recites to you Our messages and purifies you and teaches you the Book and the Wisdom and teaches you what you did not know. | كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِيكُمْ رَسُولًا مِنْكُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمْ مَا لَمْ تَكُونُوا تَعْلَمُونَ | Kamā arsalnā fīkum rasūlan minkum yatlū ‘alaykum āyātinā wa yuzakkīkum wa yu‘allimukumu al-kitāba wa al-ḥikmata wa yu‘allimukum mā lam takūnū ta‘lamūn |
| 152 | So remember Me, and I will remember you; be grateful to Me and do not deny Me. | Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me. | فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِي وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ | Fa-udhkurūnī adhkurkum wa shkurū lī wa lā takfurūn |
| 153 | O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer; surely GOD is with those who are patient. | O you who believe, seek assistance through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū ista‘īnū biṣ-ṣabri wa aṣ-ṣalāh inna Allāha ma‘a aṣ-ṣābirīn |
| 154 | And do not say of those who are slain in the way of GOD: “They are dead.” No, they are alive, but you do not perceive. | And do not say of those who are slain in Allah’s way: They are dead. Nay, they are alive, but you perceive not. | وَلَا تَقُولُوا لِمَنْ يُقْتَلُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتٌ ۚ بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ وَلَٰكِنْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ | Wa lā taqūlū liman yuqtalu fī sabīli Allāhi amwāt bal aḥyā’un wa lākin lā tash‘urūn |
| 155 | We will surely test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and fruits; but give good news to the patient, | And We shall certainly try you with something of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits. And give good news to the patient, | وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ | Wa lanabluwannakum bishay’in mina al-khawfi wa al-jū‘i wa naqṣin mina al-amwāli wa al-anfusi wa ath-thamarāt wa bashshiri aṣ-ṣābirīn |
| 156 | those who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: “Surely we belong to GOD, and to Him we shall return.” | Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah’s and to Him we return. | الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ | Alladhīna idhā aṣābat-hum muṣībatun qālū innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji‘ūn |
| 157 | Upon them are blessings from their LORD and mercy, and they are the ones who are guided. | These are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord, and these are the followers of the right course. | أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ | Ulā’ika ‘alayhim ṣalawātun min rabbihim wa raḥmah wa ulā’ika humu al-muhtadūn |
| 158 | Surely Ṣafā and Marwah are among the symbols of GOD; so whoever makes the pilgrimage to the House or performs the visit incurs no blame in going between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then surely GOD is Appreciative, All-Knowing. | Surely Safa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah; so whoever makes a pilgrimage to the House or pays a visit (to it), there is no blame on him if he goes round them both. And whoever does good voluntarily, then surely Allah is Bountiful, Knowing. | إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ | Inna aṣ-ṣafā wa al-marwata min sha‘ā’iri Allāh fa-man ḥajja al-bayta awi‘tamara falā junāḥa ‘alayhi an yaṭṭawwafa bihimā wa man taṭawwa‘a khayran fa-inna Allāha shākirun ‘alīm |
Note (v.158): Ṣafā and Marwah are two sacred sites within the Masjid al-Ḥarām in Mecca. The rites of Ḥajj and ‘Umrah commemorate the story of Hagar and her son Ishmael, recalling her search for water in the desert, a narrative also connected to the Biblical account in Genesis (chapters 16–21).
Verses 159–172
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 159 | Indeed those who conceal the clear proofs and the Guidance which We have revealed, after We made it clear to mankind in the Scripture: upon them is the curse of GOD and the curse of those who curse. | Surely those who hide the clear proofs and the guidance that We have revealed, after We have made it clear in the Book for men, these it is whom Allah curses and those who curse, curse them. | إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنْزَلْنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالْهُدَىٰ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا بَيَّنَّاهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِي الْكِتَابِ ۙ أُولَٰئِكَ يَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّاعِنُونَ | Inna alladhīna yaktumūna mā anzalnā mina al-bayyināti wa al-hudā min ba‘di mā bayyannāhu li-n-nāsi fī al-kitāb ulā’ika yal‘anuhumu Allāhu wa yal‘anuhumu al-lā‘inūn |
| 160 | Except those who repent, reform, and make it clear: from them I accept repentance. I am the One who accepts repentance, the Merciful. | Except those who repent and amend and make manifest, these it is to whom I turn (mercifully); and I am the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful. | إِلَّا الَّذِينَ تَابُوا وَأَصْلَحُوا وَبَيَّنُوا فَأُولَٰئِكَ أَتُوبُ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَأَنَا التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ | Illā alladhīna tābū wa aṣaḥū wa bayyanū fa-ulā’ika atūbu ‘alayhim wa anā at-tawwābu ar-raḥīm |
| 161 | Indeed those who disbelieve and die in disbelief: upon them is the curse of GOD, the Angels, and all mankind. | Surely those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers, these it is on whom is the curse of Allah and the angels and of men, all. | إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَمَاتُوا وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ لَعْنَةُ اللَّهِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ | Inna alladhīna kafarū wa mātū wa hum kuffār ulā’ika ‘alayhim la‘natu Allāhi wa al-malā’ikati wa an-nāsi ajma‘īn |
| 162 | They will remain therein forever; their punishment will not be lightened, nor will they be given respite. | Abiding therein; their chastisement shall not be lightened, nor shall they be respited. | خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۖ لَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ الْعَذَابُ وَلَا هُمْ يُنْظَرُونَ | Khālidīna fīhā lā yukhaffafu ‘anhumu al-‘adhābu wa lā hum yunẓarūn |
| 163 | Your GOD is One GOD; there is no god except Him, the Compassionate, the Merciful. | And your God is one God; there is no god but He! He is the Beneficent, the Merciful. | وَإِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۖ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الرَّحْمَٰنُ الرَّحِيمُ | Wa ilāhukum ilāhun wāḥid lā ilāha illā huwa ar-raḥmānu ar-raḥīm |
| 164 | Indeed in the creation of the heavens and the earth, in the alternation of night and day, in the ships that sail the sea with that which benefits mankind, in the water that GOD sends down from the sky, thereby giving life to the earth after its death, spreading in it every kind of living creature, in the directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the sky and the earth: in all this are signs for people who use their intellect. | Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships which run on the sea with that which profits men, and the water which Allah sends down from the cloud, then gives life with it to the earth after its death and spreads in it all kinds of animals, and the changing of the winds and the clouds made subservient between the sky and the earth, there are signs for a people who understand. | إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَالْفُلْكِ الَّتِي تَجْرِي فِي الْبَحْرِ بِمَا يَنْفَعُ النَّاسَ وَمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مِنْ مَاءٍ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَبَثَّ فِيهَا مِنْ كُلِّ دَابَّةٍ وَتَصْرِيفِ الرِّيَاحِ وَالسَّحَابِ الْمُسَخَّرِ بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ لَآيَاتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ | Inna fī khalqi as-samāwāti wa al-arḍi wa ikhtilāfi al-layli wa an-nahāri wa al-fulki allatī tajrī fī al-baḥri bimā yanfa‘u an-nāsa wa mā anzala Allāhu mina as-samā’i min mā’in fa-aḥyā bihi al-arḍa ba‘da mawtihā wa baththa fīhā min kulli dābbah wa taṣrīfi ar-riyāḥi wa as-saḥābi al-musakhkhari bayna as-samā’i wa al-arḍi la-āyātin li-qawmin ya‘qilūn |
| 165 | Among mankind are those who take others as equals to GOD and love them as they love GOD; but those who believe are stronger in their love for GOD. If only those who do wrong could see, when they see the punishment, that all power belongs to GOD and that GOD is severe in punishment. | And among men is he who takes besides Allah equals, whom he loves as the love of Allah; and those who believe are stronger in love for Allah. And if those who are unjust could see when they see the chastisement that power is wholly Allah’s, and that Allah is severe in chastising. | وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَتَّخِذُ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ أَنْدَادًا يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ اللَّهِ ۖ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِلَّهِ ۗ وَلَوْ يَرَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا إِذْ يَرَوْنَ الْعَذَابَ أَنَّ الْقُوَّةَ لِلَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعَذَابِ | Wa mina an-nāsi man yattakhidhu min dūni Allāhi andādan yuḥibbūnahum kaḥubbi Allāh wa alladhīna āmanū ashaddu ḥubban li-llāh wa law yarā alladhīna ẓalamū idh yarawna al-‘adhāba anna al-quwwata li-llāhi jamī‘an wa anna Allāha shadīdu al-‘adhāb |
| 166 | When those who were followed will disown those who followed them, and they will see the punishment, and all ties between them will be cut off. | When those who were followed shall renounce those who followed them, and they see the chastisement and their ties are cut asunder. | إِذْ تَبَرَّأَ الَّذِينَ اتُّبِعُوا مِنَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوا وَرَأَوُا الْعَذَابَ وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِهِمُ الْأَسْبَابُ | Idh tabarra’a alladhīna uttubi‘ū mina alladhīna ittaba‘ū wa ra’aw al-‘adhāba wa taqaṭṭa‘at bihimu al-asbāb |
| 167 | And those who followed will say: “If only we had another chance, we would disown them as they have disowned us.” Thus GOD will show them their deeds as regret, and they will not come out of the Fire. | And those who followed shall say: Had there been for us a return, we would renounce them as they have renounced us. Thus will Allah show them their deeds to be intense regret to them, and they shall not come forth from the Fire. | وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوا لَوْ أَنَّ لَنَا كَرَّةً فَنَتَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُمْ كَمَا تَبَرَّءُوا مِنَّا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُرِيهِمُ اللَّهُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ حَسَرَاتٍ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ وَمَا هُمْ بِخَارِجِينَ مِنَ النَّارِ | Wa qāla alladhīna ittaba‘ū law anna lanā karratan fanatabarra’a minhum kamā tabarra’ū minnā kadhālika yurīhimu Allāhu a‘mālahum ḥasarātin ‘alayhim wa mā hum bikhārijīna mina an-nār |
| 168 | O mankind, eat from what is lawful and good on the earth, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan; indeed he is a clear enemy to you. | O men, eat the lawful and good things out of what is in the earth, and do not follow the footsteps of the devil; surely he is your open enemy. | يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ كُلُوا مِمَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ | Yā ayyuhā an-nāsu kulū mimmā fī al-arḍi ḥalālan ṭayyiban wa lā tattabi‘ū khuṭuwāti ash-shayṭān innahu lakum ‘aduwwun mubīn |
| 169 | He only commands you evil and indecency, and that you say about GOD what you do not know. | He only commands you evil and indecency, and that you may speak against Allah what you do not know. | إِنَّمَا يَأْمُرُكُمْ بِالسُّوءِ وَالْفَحْشَاءِ وَأَنْ تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ | Innamā ya’murukum bis-sū’i wa al-faḥshā’i wa an taqūlū ‘alā Allāhi mā lā ta‘lamūn |
| 170 | And when it is said to them: “Follow what GOD has revealed,” they say: “No, we follow what we found our fathers upon,” even though their fathers understood nothing and were not guided. | And when it is said to them, Follow what Allah has revealed, they say: Nay, we follow that wherein we found our fathers. What! though their fathers did not understand anything nor had guidance. | وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ اتَّبِعُوا مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ قَالُوا بَلْ نَتَّبِعُ مَا أَلْفَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ آبَاءَنَا ۗ أَوَلَوْ كَانَ آبَاؤُهُمْ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ شَيْئًا وَلَا يَهْتَدُونَ | Wa idhā qīla lahumu ittabi‘ū mā anzala Allāhu qālū bal nattabi‘u mā alfaynā ‘alayhi ābā’anā awa law kāna ābā’uhum lā ya‘qilūna shay’an wa lā yahtadūn |
| 171 | The example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what hears nothing but a call and a cry: deaf, dumb, blind, they do not understand. | And the parable of those who disbelieve is as the parable of one who shouts to that which hears nothing but a call and a cry. Deaf, dumb, (and) blind, so they do not understand. | وَمَثَلُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا كَمَثَلِ الَّذِي يَنْعِقُ بِمَا لَا يَسْمَعُ إِلَّا دُعَاءً وَنِدَاءً ۚ صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْيٌ فَهُمْ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ | Wa mathalu alladhīna kafarū kamathali alladhī yan‘iqu bimā lā yasma‘u illā du‘ā’an wa nidā’an ṣummun bukmun ‘umyun fahum lā ya‘qilūn |
| 172 | O you who believe, eat from the good things We have provided for you, and give thanks to GOD, if it is Him that you worship. | O you who believe, eat of the good things that We have provided you with, and give thanks to Allah if it is Him that you serve. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِلَّهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū kulū min ṭayyibāti mā razaqnākum wa shkurū li-llāhi in kuntum iyyāhu ta‘budūn |
Verses 173–178
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 173 | He has forbidden you only dead animals, blood, swine flesh, and that which has been dedicated to others besides GOD. But whoever is driven by necessity, without desiring disobedience or transgression, there is no sin upon him. Surely GOD is Forgiving, Merciful. | He has forbidden you only what dies of itself, and blood, and flesh of swine, and that over which any other name than Allah has been invoked. But whoever is driven to necessity, not desiring nor exceeding the limit, no sin shall be upon him. Surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. | إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيْتَةَ وَالدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ الْخِنْزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ بِهِ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ | Innamā ḥarrama ‘alaykumu al-maytata wa ad-dama wa laḥma al-khinzīri wa mā uhilla bihi li-ghayri Allāh fa-mani iḍṭurra ghayra bāghin wa lā ‘ādin falā ithma ‘alayh inna Allāha ghafūrun raḥīm |
| 174 | Indeed, those who conceal what GOD has revealed in the Scripture and exchange it for a small price, they eat nothing into their bellies except Fire. GOD will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them; and for them there is a painful punishment. | Those who conceal what Allah has revealed of the Book and take for it a small price, they eat nothing but fire into their bellies. And Allah will not speak to them on the day of Resurrection, nor purify them, and for them is a painful chastisement. | إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَيَشْتَرُونَ بِهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا ۙ أُولَٰئِكَ مَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمْ إِلَّا النَّارَ وَلَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَا يُزَكِّيهِمْ ۚ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ | Inna alladhīna yaktumūna mā anzala Allāhu mina al-kitābi wa yashtarūna bihi thamanan qalīlan ulā’ika mā ya’kulūna fī buṭūnihim illā an-nāra wa lā yukallimuhumu Allāhu yawma al-qiyāmati wa lā yuzakkīhim wa lahum ‘adhābun alīm |
| 175 | Those are the ones who have exchanged guidance for error, and forgiveness for punishment. How persistent they are in pursuing the Fire. | These are they who buy error for guidance and chastisement for forgiveness. How bold they are to encounter Fire! | أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُا الضَّلَالَةَ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَالْعَذَابَ بِالْمَغْفِرَةِ ۚ فَمَا أَصْبَرَهُمْ عَلَى النَّارِ | Ulā’ika alladhīna ishtaraw aḍ-ḍalālata bil-hudā wa al-‘adhāba bil-maghfirah famā aṣbarahum ‘alā an-nār |
| 176 | This is because GOD has revealed the Scripture with Truth. And indeed those who differ concerning the Scripture are surely in deep discord. | That is because Allah has revealed the Book with truth. And surely those who differ about the Book are in a great opposition. | ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ نَزَّلَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ ۗ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ اخْتَلَفُوا فِي الْكِتَابِ لَفِي شِقَاقٍ بَعِيدٍ | Dhālika bi-anna Allāha nazzala al-kitāba bil-ḥaqq wa inna alladhīna ikhtalafū fī al-kitābi lafī shiqāqin ba‘īd |
| 177 | Righteousness does not consist in turning your faces toward the East or the West; rather, righteous is the one who believes in GOD, the Last Day, the Angels, the Scripture, and the Messengers; who gives his wealth, out of love for Him, to relatives, orphans, the poor, the wayfarer, those who ask, and for freeing slaves; who establishes prayer and gives the alms; those who fulfill their Covenant when they make it; and those who are patient in hardship, adversity, and times of trial. These are the truthful, and these are the righteous. | It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East and the West, but righteous is the one who believes in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the prophets, and gives away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask and to set slaves free, and keeps up prayer and pays the poor-rate; and those who fulfil their promise when they make a promise, and the patient in distress and affliction and in the time of conflict. These are they who are truthful; and these are they who keep their duty. | لَيْسَ الْبِرَّ أَنْ تُوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ وَآتَى الْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا ۖ وَالصَّابِرِينَ فِي الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِينَ الْبَأْسِ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُونَ | Laysa al-birra an tuwallū wujūhakum qibala al-mashriqi wa al-maghribi wa lākinna al-birra man āmana billāhi wa al-yawmi al-ākhiri wa al-malā’ikati wa al-kitābi wa an-nabiyyīna wa ātā al-māla ‘alā ḥubbihi dhawī al-qurbā wa al-yatāmā wa al-masākīna wa ibna as-sabīli wa as-sā’ilīna wa fī ar-riqābi wa aqāma aṣ-ṣalāta wa ātā az-zakāta wa al-mūfūna bi‘ahdihim idhā ‘āhadū wa aṣ-ṣābirīna fī al-ba’sā’i wa aḍ-ḍarrā’i wa ḥīna al-ba’s ulā’ika alladhīna ṣadaqū wa ulā’ika humu al-muttaqūn |
| 178 | O you who believe, legal retaliation has been prescribed for you concerning the slain: the free person for the free person, the slave for the slave, and the woman for the woman. But whoever is pardoned by his brother in any measure, then let there be proper pursuit and payment to him with kindness. This is a concession from your LORD and a mercy. Whoever transgresses after that, for him there is a painful punishment. | O you who believe, retaliation is prescribed for you in the matter of the slain: the free for the free, and the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But if remission is made to one by his brother, prosecution according to usage and payment to him in a good manner should be made. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. So whoever exceeds the limit after this, for him is a painful chastisement. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِصَاصُ فِي الْقَتْلَى ۖ الْحُرُّ بِالْحُرِّ وَالْعَبْدُ بِالْعَبْدِ وَالْأُنْثَىٰ بِالْأُنْثَىٰ ۚ فَمَنْ عُفِيَ لَهُ مِنْ أَخِيهِ شَيْءٌ فَاتِّبَاعٌ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَأَدَاءٌ إِلَيْهِ بِإِحْسَانٍ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ تَخْفِيفٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ۗ فَمَنِ اعْتَدَىٰ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَلَهُ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū kutiba ‘alaykumu al-qiṣāṣu fī al-qatlā al-ḥurru bil-ḥurri wa al-‘abdu bil-‘abdi wa al-unthā bil-unthā fa-man ‘ufiya lahu min akhīhi shay’un fa-ittibā‘un bil-ma‘rūfi wa adā’un ilayhi bi-iḥsān dhālika takhfīfun min rabbikum wa raḥmah fa-mani i‘tadā ba‘da dhālika falahu ‘adhābun alīm |
Note (v.173): The prescriptions of this verse recall laws found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The prohibition also concerns what has been consecrated to other gods, a practice widespread in ancient cultic traditions and forbidden in both the Bible and the Qur’an.
Note (v.177): This verse emphasizes that righteousness is not exhausted by the ritual direction of prayer, but is manifested through faith, mercy, fidelity to the Covenant, charity, and perseverance.
Note (v.178): The Arabic term al-qiṣāṣ indicates the law of proportional retribution. It recalls the biblical principle of measured responsibility, while also introducing the possibility of forgiveness and compensation, limiting indiscriminate revenge and orienting justice toward measure and mercy.
Verses 179–188
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 179 | O you who understand, in legal retribution there is life for you, so that you may become righteous. | And there is life for you in retaliation, O men of understanding, that you may guard yourselves. | وَلَكُمْ فِي الْقِصَاصِ حَيَاةٌ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ | Wa lakum fī al-qiṣāṣi ḥayātun yā ulī al-albābi la‘allakum tattaqūn |
| 180 | It is prescribed for you, when death approaches one of you, if he leaves wealth, that he make a bequest in favor of parents and relatives with fairness. This is a duty upon the righteous. | It is prescribed for you when death approaches one of you, if he leaves wealth, that he make a bequest for parents and near relatives according to usage; (this is) a duty on the righteous. | كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ إِنْ تَرَكَ خَيْرًا الْوَصِيَّةُ لِلْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى الْمُتَّقِينَ | Kutiba ‘alaykum idhā ḥaḍara aḥadakumu al-mawtu in taraka khayran al-waṣiyyatu lil-wālidayni wa al-aqrabīna bil-ma‘rūfi ḥaqqan ‘alā al-muttaqīn |
| 181 | And whoever alters it after having heard it, then the sin is only upon those who alter it. Surely GOD is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. | But whoever alters it after he has heard it, the sin of it is only upon those who alter it. Surely Allah is Hearing, Knowing. | فَمَنْ بَدَّلَهُ بَعْدَ مَا سَمِعَهُ فَإِنَّمَا إِثْمُهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ يُبَدِّلُونَهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ | Fa-man baddalahu ba‘da mā sami‘ahu fa-innamā ithmuhu ‘alā alladhīna yubaddilūnah innā Allāha samī‘un ‘alīm |
| 182 | But whoever fears from the testator an error or wrongdoing and brings about reconciliation between the parties, there is no sin upon him. Surely GOD is Clement, Merciful. | But he who fears an inclination to a wrong course or an injustice on the part of the testator and sets things right between them, there is no sin on him. Surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. | فَمَنْ خَافَ مِنْ مُوصٍ جَنَفًا أَوْ إِثْمًا فَأَصْلَحَ بَيْنَهُمْ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ | Fa-man khāfa min mūṣin janafān aw ithman fa-aṣlaḥa baynahum falā ithma ‘alayh inna Allāha ghafūrun raḥīm |
| 183 | O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous. | O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may guard yourselves. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū kutiba ‘alaykumu aṣ-ṣiyāmu kamā kutiba ‘alā alladhīna min qablikum la‘allakum tattaqūn |
| 184 | The days are numbered; but whoever among you is ill or on a journey, then a number of other days. And for those who are able to bear it, there is an expiation: feeding a poor person. And whoever does good voluntarily, it is better for him; but fasting is better for you, if you knew. | (Fast) a certain number of days; but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a number of other days; and those who can afford it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man. So whoever does good spontaneously, it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you if you know. | أَيَّامًا مَعْدُودَاتٍ ۚ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ ۖ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَهُ ۚ وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ | Ayyāman ma‘dūdāt fa-man kāna minkum marīḍan aw ‘alā safarin fa‘iddatun min ayyāmin ukhar wa ‘alā alladhīna yuṭīqūnahu fidyatun ṭa‘āmu miskīn fa-man taṭawwa‘a khayran fa-huwa khayrun lahu wa an taṣūmū khayrun lakum in kuntum ta‘lamūn |
| 185 | The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever among you witnesses the month should fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey, then a number of other days. GOD intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you, so that you complete the prescribed period and glorify GOD for having guided you, and that you may be grateful. | The month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the Criterion. So whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and He desires not hardship for you, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks. | شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنْزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ | Shahru Ramaḍāna alladhī unzila fīhi al-Qur’ānu hudan li-n-nāsi wa bayyinātin mina al-hudā wa al-furqān fa-man shahida minkumu ash-shahra falyaṣumhu wa man kāna marīḍan aw ‘alā safarin fa‘iddatun min ayyāmin ukhar yurīdu Allāhu bikumu al-yusra wa lā yurīdu bikumu al-‘usra wa litukmilū al-‘iddata wa litukabbirū Allāha ‘alā mā hadākum wa la‘allakum tashkurūn |
| 186 | And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am near. I answer the call of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me, so that they may be rightly guided. | And when My servants ask you concerning Me, surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should hear My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way. | وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ | Wa idhā sa’alaka ‘ibādī ‘annī fa-innī qarīb ujību da‘wata ad-dā‘i idhā da‘ān falyastajībū lī wal-yu’minū bī la‘allahum yarshudūn |
| 187 | It is made lawful for you, on the nights of fasting, to be intimate with your wives; they are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. GOD knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you and forgave you. Now, therefore, have relations with them and seek what GOD has prescribed for you. Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread; then complete the fast until night. And do not approach them while you are in retreat in the places of prayer. These are the limits of GOD, so do not transgress them. Thus GOD makes His signs clear to mankind, so that they may become righteous. | It is made lawful for you to go to your wives on the night of the fast; they are an apparel for you and you are an apparel for them. Allah knows that you were untrue to yourselves, so He has turned to you and pardoned you. So now have intercourse with them and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn, then complete the fast to the night, and do not have intercourse with them while you keep to the mosques. These are the limits of Allah, so do not go near them. Thus Allah makes His messages clear to men that they may guard themselves. | أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ الصِّيَامِ الرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَائِكُمْ ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَكُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَهُنَّ ۗ عَلِمَ اللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ كُنْتُمْ تَخْتَانُونَ أَنْفُسَكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَفَا عَنْكُمْ ۖ فَالْآنَ بَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَابْتَغُوا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۚ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ ۖ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّوا الصِّيَامَ إِلَى اللَّيْلِ ۚ وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنْتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ | Uḥilla lakum laylata aṣ-ṣiyāmi ar-rafathu ilā nisā’ikum hunna libāsun lakum wa antum libāsun lahunna ‘alima Allāhu annakum kuntum takhtānūna anfusakum fa-tāba ‘alaykum wa ‘afā ‘ankum fa-al-āna bāshirūhunna wa ibtaghū mā kataba Allāhu lakum wa kulū wa ishrabū ḥattā yatabayyana lakumu al-khayṭu al-abyaḍu mina al-khayṭi al-aswadi mina al-fajr thumma atimmū aṣ-ṣiyāma ilā al-layl wa lā tubāshirūhunna wa antum ‘ākifūna fī al-masājid tilka ḥudūdu Allāhi fa-lā taqrabūhā kadhālika yubayyinu Allāhu āyātihi li-n-nāsi la‘allahum yattaqūn |
| 188 | And do not consume your wealth among yourselves unjustly, nor offer it to the authorities so that you may consume a portion of the wealth of others sinfully while you know. | And do not eat up your property among yourselves by false means, nor seek to gain access thereby to the judges, so that you may eat up a part of the property of men wrongfully while you know. | وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتُدْلُوا بِهَا إِلَى الْحُكَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوا فَرِيقًا مِنْ أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ بِالْإِثْمِ وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ | Wa lā ta’kulū amwālakum baynakum bil-bāṭili wa tudlū bihā ilā al-ḥukkāmi li-ta’kulū farīqan min amwāli an-nāsi bil-ithmi wa antum ta‘lamūn |
Note (v.182): While fidelity to a will is important, this verse allows reconciliation if injustice or error is suspected. Acting with fairness and seeking agreement does not incur sin.
Note (v.184): The term indicates “numbered” or “prescribed” days, emphasizing measure and structure within the practice of fasting.
Note (v.185): Ramadan is the only month explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an. Its name is linked to heat and dryness, symbolizing spiritual discipline and purification through sacrifice.
Note (v.187): This verse permits marital relations during the nights of fasting, correcting earlier stricter practices and introducing balance between discipline and mercy.
Note (v.188): Corruption and unjust gain are strongly condemned, aligning with teachings found in Biblical wisdom literature and prophetic traditions.
Verses 189–200
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | They ask you about the new moons. Say: “They are measures of time for mankind and for the Pilgrimage.” And righteousness is not that you enter houses from their backs, but righteousness is in one who fears GOD. So enter houses through their doors and fear GOD, so that you may prosper. | They ask thee of the new moons. Say: They are times appointed for men and for the pilgrimage. And it is not righteousness that you enter the houses by their backs, but righteous is he who guards against evil. And enter the houses by their doors and keep your duty to Allah that you may be successful. | يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْأَهِلَّةِ ۖ قُلْ هِيَ مَوَاقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَالْحَجِّ ۗ وَلَيْسَ الْبِرُّ بِأَنْ تَأْتُوا الْبُيُوتَ مِنْ ظُهُورِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنِ اتَّقَىٰ ۗ وَأْتُوا الْبُيُوتَ مِنْ أَبْوَابِهَا ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ | Yas’alūnaka ‘ani al-ahillati qul hiya mawāqītu li-n-nāsi wa al-ḥajj wa laysa al-birru bi-an ta’tū al-buyūta min ẓuhūrihā wa lākinna al-birra mani ittaqā wa’tū al-buyūta min abwābihā wa ittaqū Allāha la‘allakum tufliḥūn |
| 190 | Fight in the way of GOD those who fight you, but do not transgress. Surely GOD does not love those who exceed limits. | And fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but be not aggressive. Surely Allah loves not the aggressors. | وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ | Wa qātilū fī sabīli Allāhi alladhīna yuqātilūnakum wa lā ta‘tadū inna Allāha lā yuḥibbu al-mu‘tadīn |
| 191 | And fight them wherever you encounter them and drive them out from where they drove you out, for oppression is worse than killing. But do not fight them near the Sacred Mosque until they fight you there. If they fight you, then fight them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. | And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from where they drove you out, and persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight them not by the Sacred Mosque until they fight you there. So if they fight you, kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. | وَاقْتُلُوهُمْ حَيْثُ ثَقِفْتُمُوهُمْ وَأَخْرِجُوهُمْ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَخْرَجُوكُمْ ۚ وَالْفِتْنَةُ أَشَدُّ مِنَ الْقَتْلِ ۚ وَلَا تُقَاتِلُوهُمْ عِنْدَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ حَتَّىٰ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ فِيهِ ۖ فَإِنْ قَاتَلُوكُمْ فَاقْتُلُوهُمْ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ جَزَاءُ الْكَافِرِينَ | Wa uqtulūhum ḥaythu thaqiftumūhum wa akhrijūhum min ḥaythu akhrajūkum wa al-fitnatu ashaddu mina al-qatl wa lā tuqātilūhum ‘inda al-masjidi al-ḥarāmi ḥattā yuqātilūkum fīhi fa-in qātalūkum fa-uqtulūhum kadhālika jazā’u al-kāfirīn |
| 192 | But if they desist, then surely GOD is Forgiving, Merciful. | But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. | فَإِنِ انْتَهَوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ | Fa-ini intahaw fa-inna Allāha ghafūrun raḥīm |
| 193 | And fight them until there is no more oppression and devotion is for GOD. But if they desist, then there shall be no hostility except against the oppressors. | And fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is only for Allah. But if they desist, then there should be no hostility except against the oppressors. | وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ الدِّينُ لِلَّهِ ۖ فَإِنِ انْتَهَوْا فَلَا عُدْوَانَ إِلَّا عَلَى الظَّالِمِينَ | Wa qātilūhum ḥattā lā takūna fitnatun wa yakūna ad-dīnu lillāh fa-ini intahaw fa-lā ‘udwāna illā ‘alā aẓ-ẓālimīn |
| 194 | The sacred month for the sacred month, and for sacred things there is proportional retribution. Whoever attacks you, then attack him in the same measure as he attacked you. And fear GOD and know that GOD is with those who fear Him. | The sacred month for the sacred month, and all sacred things are under the law of retaliation. So whoever attacks you, attack him in like manner as he attacked you. And keep your duty to Allah and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty. | الشَّهْرُ الْحَرَامُ بِالشَّهْرِ الْحَرَامِ وَالْحُرُمَاتُ قِصَاصٌ ۚ فَمَنِ اعْتَدَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ فَاعْتَدُوا عَلَيْهِ بِمِثْلِ مَا اعْتَدَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الْمُتَّقِينَ | Ash-shahru al-ḥarāmu bi-ash-shahri al-ḥarāmi wa al-ḥurumātu qiṣāṣ fa-mani i‘tadā ‘alaykum fa‘ttadū ‘alayhi bimithli mā i‘tadā ‘alaykum wa ittaqū Allāha wa‘lamū anna Allāha ma‘a al-muttaqīn |
| 195 | And spend in the way of GOD, and do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands; but do good. Surely GOD loves those who do good. | And spend in the way of Allah and cast not yourselves to perdition with your own hands, and do good to others. Surely Allah loves the doers of good. | وَأَنْفِقُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ ۛ وَأَحْسِنُوا ۛ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ | Wa anfiqū fī sabīli Allāhi wa lā tulqū bi-aydīkum ilā at-tahlukah wa aḥsinū inna Allāha yuḥibbu al-muḥsinīn |
| 196 | And complete the Pilgrimage and the Visit for GOD. But if you are prevented, then offer whatever sacrifice is easy to obtain. And do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its place of sacrifice. Whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head must redeem himself by fasting, charity, or sacrifice. Then, when you are secure, whoever benefits from combining the Visit with the Pilgrimage must offer whatever sacrifice is easy to obtain. And whoever cannot find the means must fast three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when you return: ten complete days. This is for those whose family is not present at the Sacred Mosque. And fear GOD and know that GOD is severe in punishment. | And accomplish the pilgrimage and the visit for Allah. But if you are prevented, send whatever offering is easy to obtain, and shave not your heads until the offering reaches its destination. But whoever among you is sick or has an ailment of the head, he should effect a compensation by fasting or almsgiving or sacrificing. Then when you are secure, whoever profits by combining the visit with the pilgrimage should make whatever offering is easy to obtain. But whoever cannot find any, he should fast three days during the pilgrimage and seven when you return; these make ten complete days. This is for him whose family is not present at the Sacred Mosque. And keep your duty to Allah and know that Allah is severe in requiting. | وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ فَإِنْ أُحْصِرْتُمْ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْيِ ۖ وَلَا تَحْلِقُوا رُءُوسَكُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ الْهَدْيُ مَحِلَّهُ ۚ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَرِيضًا أَوْ بِهِ أَذًى مِنْ رَأْسِهِ فَفِدْيَةٌ مِنْ صِيَامٍ أَوْ صَدَقَةٍ أَوْ نُسُكٍ ۚ فَإِذَا أَمِنْتُمْ فَمَنْ تَمَتَّعَ بِالْعُمْرَةِ إِلَى الْحَجِّ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْيِ ۚ فَمَنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ ثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ فِي الْحَجِّ وَسَبْعَةٍ إِذَا رَجَعْتُمْ ۗ تِلْكَ عَشَرَةٌ كَامِلَةٌ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ أَهْلُهُ حَاضِرِي الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ | Wa atimmū al-ḥajja wa al-‘umrata lillāh fa-in uḥṣirtum famā istaysara mina al-hady wa lā taḥliqū ru’ūsakum ḥattā yablugha al-hadyu maḥillah fa-man kāna minkum marīḍan aw bihi adhan min ra’sihi fa-fidyatun min ṣiyāmin aw ṣadaqatin aw nusuk fa-idhā amintum fa-man tamatta‘a bil-‘umrati ilā al-ḥajji famā istaysara mina al-hady fa-man lam yajid fa-ṣiyāmu thalāthati ayyāmin fī al-ḥajji wa sab‘atin idhā raja‘tum tilka ‘asharatun kāmilah dhālika liman lam yakun ahluhu ḥāḍirī al-masjidi al-ḥarām wa ittaqū Allāha wa‘lamū anna Allāha shadīdu al-‘iqāb |
| 197 | The Pilgrimage takes place in well-known months. Whoever undertakes the Pilgrimage during them must abstain from sexual relations, wicked actions, and disputes during the Pilgrimage. Whatever good you do, GOD knows it. Make provision, but the best provision is righteousness. And fear Me, O people of understanding. | The pilgrimage is in the well-known months; so whoever determines to perform the pilgrimage therein, there shall be no immodest speech, nor abuse, nor disputing in the pilgrimage. And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And make provision, for surely the best provision is to keep one’s duty. And keep your duty to Me, O men of understanding. | الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَعْلُومَاتٌ ۚ فَمَنْ فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ ۗ وَتَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ | Al-ḥajju ashhurun ma‘lūmāt fa-man faraḍa fīhinna al-ḥajja fa-lā rafatha wa lā fusūqa wa lā jidāla fī al-ḥajj wa mā taf‘alū min khayrin ya‘lamhu Allāh wa tazawwadū fa-inna khayra az-zādi at-taqwā wa ittaqūni yā ulī al-albāb |
| 198 | There is no sin upon you if you seek bounty from your LORD. Then, when you depart from ‘Arafāt, remember GOD at the Sacred Monument; remember Him as He has guided you, even though before this you were among those who had gone astray. | It is no sin in you that you seek the bounty of your Lord. So when you hasten on from Arafat, remember Allah by the Sacred Monument. And remember Him as He has guided you, though before that you were certainly of those who went astray. | لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَنْ تَبْتَغُوا فَضْلًا مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَا أَفَضْتُمْ مِنْ عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ عِنْدَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ ۖ وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ وَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الضَّالِّينَ | Laysa ‘alaykum junāḥun an tabtaghū faḍlan min rabbikum fa-idhā afaḍtum min ‘Arafātin fa-udhkurū Allāha ‘inda al-mash‘ari al-ḥarām wa udhkurūhu kamā hadākum wa in kuntum min qablihi lamina aḍ-ḍāllīn |
| 199 | Then depart from where the people depart, and ask forgiveness of GOD. Surely GOD is Forgiving, Merciful. | Then hasten on from the place from which the people hasten on and ask the forgiveness of Allah. Surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. | ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ | Thumma afīḍū min ḥaythu afāḍa an-nāsu wa istaghfirū Allāh inna Allāha ghafūrun raḥīm |
| 200 | And when you have completed your rites, remember GOD as you remember your fathers, or with an even greater remembrance. Among mankind there is one who says: “Our LORD, grant us in this world,” but for him there will be no share in the Hereafter. | So when you have performed your devotions, laud Allah as you lauded your fathers, rather a greater lauding. But of mankind is he who says: Our Lord, give us in this world, and he has no portion in the Hereafter. | فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمْ مَنَاسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا ۗ فَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَمَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَاقٍ | Fa-idhā qaḍaytum manāsikakum fa-udhkurū Allāha kadhikrikum ābā’akum aw ashaddu dhikrā fa-mina an-nāsi man yaqūlu rabbanā ātinā fī ad-dunyā wa mā lahu fī al-ākhirati min khalāq |
Note (v.189): “Entering from the back” is a figurative expression indicating the use of hidden ways, evasions, or refusal of the proper path. Entering through the door means following the right access with knowledge and clarity.
Note (v.190): This verse establishes a defensive principle: fighting is permitted against those who fight, but without transgression. Every excess and unjust aggression is excluded.
Note (v.195): Spending in the way of GOD means using one’s possessions for goodness, justice, and the divine cause, recognizing that life and wealth are entrusted to mankind as a responsibility.
Note (v.196): The shaving of the head recalls the completion of a vow and is also connected with the ancient biblical tradition of the Nazirite vow described in Numbers 6:2–21.
Note (v.197): Preparation for the Pilgrimage is both material and spiritual: the best provision remains fear of GOD and righteousness.
Note (v.198): This verse refers to practices of the Pilgrimage to Mecca, including the remembrance of GOD at the Sacred Monument after ‘Arafāt.
Verses 201–210
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | And among them are those who say: “Our LORD, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.” | And of them is he who says: Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the Fire. | وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ | Wa minhum man yaqūlu rabbanā ātinā fī ad-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fī al-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ‘adhāba an-nār |
| 202 | Those will have a share of what they have earned. And GOD is swift in reckoning. | For these there is a share of what they have earned. And Allah is Swift in reckoning. | أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ نَصِيبٌ مِمَّا كَسَبُوا ۚ وَاللَّهُ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ | Ulā’ika lahum naṣībun mimmā kasabū wa Allāhu sarī‘u al-ḥisāb |
| 203 | And remember GOD during the appointed days. Whoever hastens in two days, there is no sin upon him, and whoever delays, there is no sin upon him, for one who fears GOD. And fear GOD and know that you will be gathered to Him. | And remember Allah during the appointed days. Then whoever hastens off in two days, there is no blame on him; and whoever remains behind, there is no blame on him, for him who guards against evil. And keep your duty to Allah, and know that you will be gathered together to Him. | وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَعْدُودَاتٍ ۚ فَمَنْ تَعَجَّلَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ وَمَنْ تَأَخَّرَ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ لِمَنِ اتَّقَىٰ ۗ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ | Wa udhkurū Allāha fī ayyāmin ma‘dūdāt fa-man ta‘ajjala fī yawmayni fa-lā ithma ‘alayhi wa man ta’akhkhara fa-lā ithma ‘alayhi limani ittaqā wa ittaqū Allāha wa‘lamū annakum ilayhi tuḥsharūn |
| 204 | And among mankind is he whose speech about the life of this world pleases you, and he calls GOD to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents. | And among men is he whose speech about the life of this world pleases thee, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most violent of adversaries. | وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يُعْجِبُكَ قَوْلُهُ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَيُشْهِدُ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِي قَلْبِهِ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ الْخِصَامِ | Wa mina an-nāsi man yu‘jibuka qawluhu fī al-ḥayāti ad-dunyā wa yushhidu Allāha ‘alā mā fī qalbihi wa huwa aladdu al-khiṣām |
| 205 | And when he turns away, he strives throughout the land to spread corruption and destroy crops and livestock. And GOD does not love corruption. | And when he turns away, he strives in the land to make mischief in it and to destroy the tilth and the stock. And Allah loves not mischief. | وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِي الْأَرْضِ لِيُفْسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهْلِكَ الْحَرْثَ وَالنَّسْلَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْفَسَادَ | Wa idhā tawallā sa‘ā fī al-arḍi li-yufsida fīhā wa yuhlika al-ḥartha wa an-nasl wa Allāhu lā yuḥibbu al-fasād |
| 206 | And when it is said to him: “Fear GOD,” arrogance drives him into sin. Hell will be sufficient for him, and what an evil resting place it is. | And when it is said to him, Keep thy duty to Allah, pride carries him off to sin; so hell is sufficient for him. And certainly evil is the resting-place. | وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ اتَّقِ اللَّهَ أَخَذَتْهُ الْعِزَّةُ بِالْإِثْمِ ۚ فَحَسْبُهُ جَهَنَّمُ ۚ وَلَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ | Wa idhā qīla lahu ittaqi Allāha akhadhat-hu al-‘izzati bil-ithm fa-ḥasbuhu jahannam wa labi’sa al-mihād |
| 207 | And among mankind is he who sells himself seeking the pleasure of GOD. And GOD is full of Grace toward His servants. | And among men is he who sells himself to seek the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is Compassionate to the servants. | وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَشْرِي نَفْسَهُ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ | Wa mina an-nāsi man yashrī nafsahu ibtighā’a marḍāti Allāh wa Allāhu ra’ūfun bil-‘ibād |
| 208 | O you who believe, enter completely into Peace, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Surely he is to you a clear enemy. | O you who believe, enter into complete submission and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Surely he is your open enemy. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū udkhulū fī as-silmi kāffatan wa lā tattabi‘ū khuṭuwāti ash-shayṭān innahu lakum ‘aduwwun mubīn |
| 209 | But if you slip after clear proofs have come to you, then know that GOD is Mighty, Wise. | But if you slip after clear arguments have come to you, know that Allah is Mighty, Wise. | فَإِنْ زَلَلْتُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْكُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ فَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ | Fa-in zalaltum min ba‘di mā jā’atkumu al-bayyinātu fa‘lamū anna Allāha ‘azīzun ḥakīm |
| 210 | Do they then wait for nothing but that GOD should come to them in the shadows of clouds with the angels and the matter be decided? And to GOD all matters return. | They wait for naught but that Allah should come to them in the shadows of the clouds with the angels and the matter be settled. And to Allah are all affairs returned. | هَلْ يَنْظُرُونَ إِلَّا أَنْ يَأْتِيَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي ظُلَلٍ مِنَ الْغَمَامِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَقُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ ۚ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ | Hal yanẓurūna illā an ya’tiyahumu Allāhu fī ẓulalin mina al-ghamāmi wa al-malā’ikatu wa quḍiya al-amr wa ilā Allāhi turja‘u al-umūr |
Note (v.208): The Arabic term as-silm conveys peace, submission, and completeness. It is rooted in the triliteral root s-l-m, from which also derive salām and islām, pointing to the idea of entering fully into the Peace of GOD.
Verses 211–220
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 211 | Ask the Children of Israel how many clear Signs I have given them. And whoever changes the favor of GOD after it has come to him, then surely GOD is severe in punishment. | Ask the Children of Israel how many clear signs We have given them. And whoever changes the favor of Allah after it has come to him, surely Allah is Severe in retribution. | سَلْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ كَمْ آتَيْنَاهُمْ مِنْ آيَةٍ بَيِّنَةٍ ۗ وَمَنْ يُبَدِّلْ نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْهُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ | Sal banī Isrā’īla kam ātaynāhum min āyatin bayyinah wa man yubaddil ni‘mata Allāhi min ba‘di mā jā’at-hu fa-inna Allāha shadīdu al-‘iqāb |
| 212 | The life of this world has been made attractive for those who disbelieve, and they mock those who believe. But those who fear GOD will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. And GOD provides for whom He wills without measure. | The life of this world is made fair-seeming to those who disbelieve, and they mock those who believe. But those who keep their duty will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allah gives sustenance to whom He pleases without measure. | زُيِّنَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا وَيَسْخَرُونَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ۘ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا فَوْقَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَرْزُقُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ | Zuyyina li-lladhīna kafarū al-ḥayātu ad-dunyā wa yaskharūna mina alladhīna āmanū wa alladhīna ittaqaw fawqahum yawma al-qiyāmah wa Allāhu yarzuqu man yashā’u bighayri ḥisāb |
| 213 | Mankind was one single community; then GOD sent Messengers as bearers of good news and warners, and revealed with them the Scripture in truth, that it might judge between people concerning their differences. And none differed except those to whom it was given, after clear proofs had come to them, out of mutual jealousy. Then GOD guided those who believed to the truth concerning that over which they differed. And GOD guides whom He wills to the Straight Path. | Mankind was one community; then Allah sent prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and revealed with them the Book with truth that it might judge between people in what they differed. And none differed except those to whom it was given, after clear proofs had come to them, out of envy among themselves. Then Allah guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed, by His permission. And Allah guides whom He pleases to the right path. | كَانَ النَّاسُ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً فَبَعَثَ اللَّهُ النَّبِيِّينَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنْذِرِينَ وَأَنْزَلَ مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ فِيمَا اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ ۚ وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْهُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ فَهَدَى اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَا اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ | Kāna an-nāsu ummatan wāḥidah fa-ba‘atha Allāhu an-nabiyyīna mubashshirīna wa mundhirīn wa anzala ma‘ahumu al-kitāba bil-ḥaqq li-yaḥkuma bayna an-nāsi fīmā ikhtalafū fīh wa mā ikhtalafa fīhi illā alladhīna ūtūhu min ba‘di mā jā’at-humu al-bayyinātu baghyan baynahum fa-hadā Allāhu alladhīna āmanū limā ikhtalafū fīhi mina al-ḥaqq bi-idhnih wa Allāhu yahdī man yashā’u ilā ṣirāṭin mustaqīm |
| 214 | Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such trials have not yet come to you as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with adversity and hardship and were shaken until the Messenger and those who believed with him said: “When will come the help of GOD?” Surely the help of GOD is near. | Or do you think that you will enter the Garden while yet there has not come to you the like of that which came to those who passed away before you? Distress and affliction befell them and they were shaken until the Messenger and those who believed with him said: When will come the help of Allah? Now surely the help of Allah is nigh. | أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَنْ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَأْتِكُمْ مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ خَلَوْا مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ ۖ مَسَّتْهُمُ الْبَأْسَاءُ وَالضَّرَّاءُ وَزُلْزِلُوا حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَ الرَّسُولُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ مَتَىٰ نَصْرُ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا إِنَّ نَصْرَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ | Am ḥasibtum an tadkhulū al-jannata wa lammā ya’tikum mathalu alladhīna khalaw min qablikum massat-humu al-ba’sā’u wa aḍ-ḍarrā’u wa zulzilū ḥattā yaqūla ar-rasūlu wa alladhīna āmanū ma‘ahu matā naṣru Allāh alā inna naṣra Allāhi qarīb |
| 215 | They ask you what they should spend. Say: Whatever good you spend is for parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and the traveler. And whatever good you do, surely GOD knows it. | They ask thee what they should spend. Say: Whatever good you spend is for parents and near relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever good you do, Allah surely knows it. | يَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنْفِقُونَ ۖ قُلْ مَا أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِلْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ | Yas’alūnaka mādhā yunfiqūn qul mā anfaqtum min khayrin fa-li-l-wālidayni wa al-aqrabīna wa al-yatāmā wa al-masākīn wa ibni as-sabīl wa mā taf‘alū min khayrin fa-inna Allāha bihi ‘alīm |
| 216 | Fighting has been prescribed for you, though it is hateful to you. But it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. GOD knows, and you do not know. | Fighting is enjoined on you, though it is hateful to you. And it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you love a thing while it is evil for you. And Allah knows while you know not. | كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِتَالُ وَهُوَ كُرْهٌ لَكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰ أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰ أَنْ تُحِبُّوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ | Kutiba ‘alaykumu al-qitālu wa huwa kurhun lakum wa ‘asā an takrahū shay’an wa huwa khayrun lakum wa ‘asā an tuḥibbū shay’an wa huwa sharrun lakum wa Allāhu ya‘lamu wa antum lā ta‘lamūn |
| 217 | They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say: Fighting in it is a grave matter, but hindering others from the way of GOD and disbelief in Him and preventing access to the Sacred Mosque and driving out its people from it are greater in the sight of GOD. And oppression is worse than killing. And they will not cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can. And whoever among you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, their deeds will become worthless in this world and the Hereafter. They are the companions of the Fire; therein they will abide. | They ask thee about fighting in the sacred month. Say: Fighting therein is a grave matter; but hindering men from Allah’s way and disbelief in Him and preventing access to the Sacred Mosque and driving out its people from it are graver in the sight of Allah. And persecution is worse than slaughter. And they will not cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can. And whoever among you turns back from his religion and dies while he is a disbeliever, these it is whose works are null in this world and the Hereafter. And these are the companions of the Fire; therein they will abide. | يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الشَّهْرِ الْحَرَامِ قِتَالٍ فِيهِ ۖ قُلْ قِتَالٌ فِيهِ كَبِيرٌ ۖ وَصَدٌّ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَكُفْرٌ بِهِ وَالْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ وَإِخْرَاجُ أَهْلِهِ مِنْهُ أَكْبَرُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ ۚ وَالْفِتْنَةُ أَكْبَرُ مِنَ الْقَتْلِ ۗ وَلَا يَزَالُونَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَرُدُّوكُمْ عَنْ دِينِكُمْ إِنِ اسْتَطَاعُوا ۚ وَمَنْ يَرْتَدِدْ مِنْكُمْ عَنْ دِينِهِ فَيَمُتْ وَهُوَ كَافِرٌ فَأُولَٰئِكَ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَالُهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ | Yas’alūnaka ‘ani ash-shahri al-ḥarāmi qitālin fīh qul qitālun fīhi kabīr wa ṣaddun ‘an sabīli Allāhi wa kufrun bihi wa al-masjidi al-ḥarāmi wa ikhrāju ahlihi minhu akbaru ‘inda Allāh wa al-fitnatu akbaru mina al-qatl wa lā yazālūna yuqātilūnakum ḥattā yaruddūkum ‘an dīnikum ini istaṭā‘ū wa man yartadid minkum ‘an dīnihi fa-yamut wa huwa kāfir fa-ulā’ika ḥabiṭat a‘māluhum fī ad-dunyā wa al-ākhirah wa ulā’ika aṣḥābu an-nār hum fīhā khālidūn |
| 218 | Surely those who believe, and those who emigrate and strive in the way of GOD, these hope for the mercy of GOD. And GOD is Forgiving, Merciful. | Surely those who believe and those who flee their homes and strive hard in Allah’s way, these hope for the mercy of Allah. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. | إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا وَجَاهَدُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أُولَٰئِكَ يَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتَ اللَّهِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ | Inna alladhīna āmanū wa alladhīna hājarū wa jāhadū fī sabīli Allāhi ulā’ika yarjūna raḥmata Allāh wa Allāhu ghafūrun raḥīm |
| 219 | They ask you about intoxicants and gambling. Say: In both there is great sin and benefit for people, but their sin is greater than their benefit. And they ask you what they should spend. Say: The surplus. Thus GOD makes clear to you His signs, so that you may reflect. | They ask thee about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: In both of them there is great sin and (some) advantage for men; and their sin is greater than their advantage. And they ask thee what they should spend. Say: What is superfluous. Thus Allah makes clear to you the messages that you may reflect. | يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ ۖ قُلْ فِيهِمَا إِثْمٌ كَبِيرٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَإِثْمُهُمَا أَكْبَرُ مِنْ نَفْعِهِمَا ۗ وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنْفِقُونَ ۖ قُلِ الْعَفْوَ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ | Yas’alūnaka ‘ani al-khamri wa al-maysir qul fīhimā ithmun kabīr wa manāfi‘u li-n-nāsi wa ithmuhumā akbaru min naf‘ihimā wa yas’alūnaka mādhā yunfiqūn qul al-‘afwa kadhālika yubayyinu Allāhu lakumu al-āyāti la‘allakum tatafakkarūn |
| 220 | About this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans. Say: Improving their condition is best. And if you mix your affairs with theirs, they are your brothers. And GOD knows the one who corrupts from the one who does good. And if GOD had willed, He could have put you in hardship. Surely GOD is Mighty, Wise. | (Reflect) on this world and the Hereafter. And they ask thee about orphans. Say: To set right their affairs is best. And if you mix your affairs with theirs, they are your brethren. And Allah knows him who mischief from him who sets right. And if Allah had pleased, He could have put you to difficulty. Surely Allah is Mighty, Wise. | فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۗ وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْيَتَامَىٰ ۖ قُلْ إِصْلَاحٌ لَهُمْ خَيْرٌ ۖ وَإِنْ تُخَالِطُوهُمْ فَإِخْوَانُكُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ الْمُفْسِدَ مِنَ الْمُصْلِحِ ۚ وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَأَعْنَتَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ | Fī ad-dunyā wa al-ākhirah wa yas’alūnaka ‘ani al-yatāmā qul iṣlāḥun lahum khayr wa in tukhāliṭūhum fa-ikhwānukum wa Allāhu ya‘lamu al-mufsida mina al-muṣliḥ wa law shā’a Allāhu la-a‘natakum inna Allāha ‘azīzun ḥakīm |
Note (v.213): The verse recalls the unity of mankind before divisions arose. It highlights how revelation was meant to resolve disputes, yet human jealousy often corrupted that purpose. Knowledge, therefore, is both power and responsibility.
Note (v.215): The term ‘afw refers to surplus wealth, indicating that giving should come from what exceeds basic needs, promoting social balance and justice.
Note (v.219): The Arabic term khamr includes all intoxicants that cloud the mind. The verse presents a balanced evaluation, acknowledging limited benefit but emphasizing the greater harm.
Verses 221–233
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 221 | Do not marry idolatrous women until they believe; a believing servant woman is better than an idolatrous woman, even if she pleases you. And do not give believing women in marriage to idolaters until they believe; a believing servant is better than an idolater, even if he pleases you. These invite to the Fire, while GOD invites to Paradise and forgiveness by His permission, and He makes His signs clear to mankind so that they may remember. | And marry not the idolatresses until they believe. And certainly a believing maid is better than an idolatress, even though she should please you. And give not believing women in marriage to idolaters until they believe. And certainly a believing slave is better than an idolater, even though he should please you. These invite to the Fire, and Allah invites to the Garden and to forgiveness by His will, and makes clear His messages to men that they may be mindful. | وَلَا تَنْكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكَاتِ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنَّ ۚ وَلَأَمَةٌ مُؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ مُشْرِكَةٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تُنْكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنُوا ۚ وَلَعَبْدٌ مُؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ مُشْرِكٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكُمْ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى النَّارِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ يَدْعُو إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَالْمَغْفِرَةِ بِإِذْنِهِ ۖ وَيُبَيِّنُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ | Wa lā tankiḥū al-mushrikāti ḥattā yu’minna wa la-amatun mu’minatun khayrun min mushrikatin wa law a‘jabatkum wa lā tunkihū al-mushrikīna ḥattā yu’minū wa la‘abdun mu’minun khayrun min mushrikin wa law a‘jabakum ulā’ika yad‘ūna ilā an-nār wa Allāhu yad‘ū ilā al-jannati wa al-maghfirati bi-idhnih wa yubayyinu āyātihi li-n-nāsi la‘allahum yatadhakkarūn |
| 222 | They ask you about menstruation. Say: “It is a discomfort; so keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they are pure. When they have purified themselves, then approach them in the way GOD has commanded you.” Surely GOD loves those who repent and loves those who purify themselves. | And they ask thee about menstruation. Say: It is harmful; so keep aloof from women during menstrual discharge and go not near them until they are clean. But when they have cleansed themselves, go in to them as Allah has commanded you. Surely Allah loves those who turn much to Him, and He loves those who purify themselves. | وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْمَحِيضِ ۖ قُلْ هُوَ أَذًى فَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَاءَ فِي الْمَحِيضِ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ ۖ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ | Wa yas’alūnaka ‘ani al-maḥīḍ qul huwa adhan fa‘ta zilū an-nisā’a fī al-maḥīḍ wa lā taqrabūhunna ḥattā yaṭhurna fa-idhā taṭahharna fa’tūhunna min ḥaythu amarakumu Allāh inna Allāha yuḥibbu at-tawwābīna wa yuḥibbu al-mutaṭahhirīn |
| 223 | Your wives are a field for you; so come to your field as you wish, but send something ahead for yourselves. Fear GOD and know that you will meet Him. And give good news to the believers. | Your wives are a tilth for you, so go in to your tilth when you like, and send beforehand for yourselves, and keep your duty to Allah, and know that you will meet Him. And give good news to the believers. | نِسَاؤُكُمْ حَرْثٌ لَكُمْ ۖ فَأْتُوا حَرْثَكُمْ أَنَّىٰ شِئْتُمْ ۖ وَقَدِّمُوا لِأَنْفُسِكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّكُمْ مُلَاقُوهُ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ | Nisā’ukum ḥarthun lakum fa’tū ḥarthakum annā shi’tum wa qaddimū li-anfusikum wa ittaqū Allāha wa‘lamū annakum mulāqūh wa bashshiri al-mu’minīn |
| 224 | Do not make GOD a pretext in your oaths against doing good, being righteous, and making peace among people. And GOD is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. | And make not Allah, by your oaths, a hindrance to your doing good and keeping your duty and making peace between men. And Allah is Hearing, Knowing. | وَلَا تَجْعَلُوا اللَّهَ عُرْضَةً لِأَيْمَانِكُمْ أَنْ تَبَرُّوا وَتَتَّقُوا وَتُصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ | Wa lā taj‘alū Allāha ‘urḍatan li-aymānikum an tabarrū wa tattaqū wa tuṣliḥū bayna an-nās wa Allāhu samī‘un ‘alīm |
| 225 | GOD will not call you to account for what is vain in your oaths, but He will call you to account for what your hearts have earned. And GOD is Forgiving, Clement. | Allah will not call you to account for what is vain in your oaths, but He will call you to account for what your hearts have earned. And Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing. | لَا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ اللَّهُ بِاللَّغْوِ فِي أَيْمَانِكُمْ وَلَٰكِنْ يُؤَاخِذُكُمْ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ | Lā yu’ākhidhukumu Allāhu bil-laghwi fī aymānikum wa lākin yu’ākhidhukum bimā kasabat qulūbukum wa Allāhu ghafūrun ḥalīm |
| 226 | For those who swear to separate from their wives, there is a waiting period of four months. If they return, then surely GOD is Forgiving, Merciful. | Those who swear that they will not go in to their wives should wait four months. Then if they go back, surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. | لِلَّذِينَ يُؤْلُونَ مِنْ نِسَائِهِمْ تَرَبُّصُ أَرْبَعَةِ أَشْهُرٍ ۖ فَإِنْ فَاءُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ | Lilladhīna yu’lūna min nisā’ihim tarabbuṣu arba‘ati ashhur fa-in fā’ū fa-inna Allāha ghafūrun raḥīm |
| 227 | But if they decide upon divorce, then surely GOD is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. | And if they resolve on a divorce, surely Allah is Hearing, Knowing. | وَإِنْ عَزَمُوا الطَّلَاقَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ | Wa in ‘azamū aṭ-ṭalāqa fa-inna Allāha samī‘un ‘alīm |
| 228 | Divorced women shall wait by themselves for three cycles. It is not lawful for them to conceal what GOD has created in their wombs, if they believe in GOD and the Last Day. Their husbands have a greater right to take them back during this period, if they desire reconciliation. Women have rights similar to the duties owed to them, according to what is reasonable, but men have a greater responsibility. And GOD is Mighty, Wise. | And the divorced women should keep themselves in waiting for three courses. And it is not lawful for them that they should conceal what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have a better right to take them back in the meanwhile if they wish for reconciliation. And women have rights similar to those against them in a just manner, and men are a degree above them. And Allah is Mighty, Wise. | وَالْمُطَلَّقَاتُ يَتَرَبَّصْنَ بِأَنْفُسِهِنَّ ثَلَاثَةَ قُرُوءٍ ۚ وَلَا يَحِلُّ لَهُنَّ أَنْ يَكْتُمْنَ مَا خَلَقَ اللَّهُ فِي أَرْحَامِهِنَّ إِنْ كُنَّ يُؤْمِنَّ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۚ وَبُعُولَتُهُنَّ أَحَقُّ بِرَدِّهِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ إِنْ أَرَادُوا إِصْلَاحًا ۚ وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ | Wa al-muṭallaqātu yatarabbaṣna bi-anfusihinna thalāthata qurū’ wa lā yaḥillu lahunna an yaktumna mā khalaqa Allāhu fī arḥāmihinna in kunna yu’minna billāhi wa al-yawmi al-ākhir wa bu‘ūlatuhunna aḥaqqu biraddihinna fī dhālika in arādū iṣlāḥā wa lahunna mithlu alladhī ‘alayhinna bil-ma‘rūf wa lil-rijāli ‘alayhinna darajah wa Allāhu ‘azīzun ḥakīm |
| 229 | Divorce is permitted twice; then either retain them according to what is reasonable or release them with kindness. It is not lawful for you to take back anything of what you have given them, unless both fear that they cannot observe the limits of GOD. If you fear that they cannot observe the limits of GOD, there is no blame on either of them concerning what she gives to redeem herself. These are the limits of GOD, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of GOD, they are the wrongdoers. | Divorce may be pronounced twice; then keep them in good fellowship or let them go with kindness. And it is not lawful for you to take any part of what you have given them, unless both fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah. Then if you fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah, there is no blame on them for what she gives up to become free thereby. These are the limits of Allah, so do not exceed them. And whoever exceeds the limits of Allah, these are the wrongdoers. | الطَّلَاقُ مَرَّتَانِ ۖ فَإِمْسَاكٌ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ تَسْرِيحٌ بِإِحْسَانٍ ۗ وَلَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمْ أَنْ تَأْخُذُوا مِمَّا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ شَيْئًا إِلَّا أَنْ يَخَافَا أَلَّا يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ اللَّهِ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ اللَّهِ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا فِيمَا افْتَدَتْ بِهِ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَعْتَدُوهَا ۚ وَمَنْ يَتَعَدَّ حُدُودَ اللَّهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ | Aṭ-ṭalāqu marratān fa-imsākun bima‘rūfin aw tasrīḥun bi-iḥsān wa lā yaḥillu lakum an ta’khudhū mimmā ātaytumūhunna shay’an illā an yakhāfā allā yuqīmā ḥudūda Allāh fa-in khiftum allā yuqīmā ḥudūda Allāh fa-lā junāḥa ‘alayhimā fīmā iftadat bih tilka ḥudūdu Allāh fa-lā ta‘tadūhā wa man yata‘adda ḥudūda Allāhi fa-ulā’ika humu aẓ-ẓālimūn |
| 230 | If he divorces her, she is not lawful to him afterward until she marries another husband. If the latter divorces her, then there is no blame on them if they return to each other, provided they believe they can observe the limits of GOD. These are the limits of GOD, which He makes clear for a people who know. | So if he divorces her, she shall not be lawful to him afterwards until she marries another husband. Then if he divorces her, there is no blame on them both if they return to each other, if they think that they can keep within the limits of Allah. And these are the limits of Allah which He makes clear for a people who know. | فَإِنْ طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا تَحِلُّ لَهُ مِنْ بَعْدُ حَتَّىٰ تَنْكِحَ زَوْجًا غَيْرَهُ ۗ فَإِنْ طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا أَنْ يَتَرَاجَعَا إِنْ ظَنَّا أَنْ يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَتِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ يُبَيِّنُهَا لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ | Fa-in ṭallaqahā fa-lā taḥillu lahu min ba‘du ḥattā tankiḥa zawjan ghayrah fa-in ṭallaqahā fa-lā junāḥa ‘alayhimā an yatarāja‘ā in ẓannā an yuqīmā ḥudūda Allāh wa tilka ḥudūdu Allāhi yubayyinuhā li-qawmin ya‘lamūn |
| 231 | When you divorce women and they reach their term, retain them according to what is reasonable or release them with kindness. Do not retain them to cause harm and thereby transgress. Whoever does this has wronged himself. Do not take the signs of GOD in mockery. Remember the favor of GOD upon you and what He has revealed to you of the Scripture and Wisdom, by which He admonishes you. Fear GOD and know that GOD knows all things. | And when you divorce women and they reach their prescribed time, retain them in good fellowship or let them go with kindness, and retain them not for injury so that you exceed the limits. And whoever does this, he indeed wrongs his own soul. And take not Allah’s messages for a mockery, and remember Allah’s favour to you and that which He has revealed to you of the Book and the Wisdom, admonishing you thereby. And keep your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Knower of all things. | وَإِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَبَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمْسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ سَرِّحُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ ۚ وَلَا تُمْسِكُوهُنَّ ضِرَارًا لِتَعْتَدُوا ۚ وَمَنْ يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَقَدْ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُ ۚ وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوا آيَاتِ اللَّهِ هُزُوًا ۚ وَاذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَمَا أَنْزَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَالْحِكْمَةِ يَعِظُكُمْ بِهِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ | Wa idhā ṭallaqtumu an-nisā’a fa-balaghna ajalahunna fa-amsikūhunna bima‘rūfin aw sarriḥūhunna bima‘rūf wa lā tumsikūhunna ḍirāran li-ta‘tadū wa man yaf‘al dhālika faqad ẓalama nafsah wa lā tattakhidhū āyāti Allāhi huzuwā wa udhkurū ni‘mata Allāhi ‘alaykum wa mā anzala ‘alaykum mina al-kitābi wa al-ḥikmati ya‘iẓukum bih wa ittaqū Allāha wa‘lamū anna Allāha bikulli shay’in ‘alīm |
| 232 | When you divorce women and they reach their term, do not prevent them from marrying their husbands, if they agree between themselves according to what is reasonable. This is an admonition for whoever among you believes in GOD and the Last Day. That is more virtuous for you and purer. GOD knows, and you do not know. | And when you divorce women and they reach their prescribed time, prevent them not from marrying their husbands when they agree among themselves in a lawful manner. This is an admonition for him among you who believes in Allah and the Last Day. This is more profitable and purer for you. And Allah knows while you know not. | وَإِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَبَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَلَا تَعْضُلُوهُنَّ أَنْ يَنْكِحْنَ أَزْوَاجَهُنَّ إِذَا تَرَاضَوْا بَيْنَهُمْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ يُوعَظُ بِهِ مَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۗ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَزْكَىٰ لَكُمْ وَأَطْهَرُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ | Wa idhā ṭallaqtumu an-nisā’a fa-balaghna ajalahunna fa-lā ta‘ḍulūhunna an yankihna azwājahunna idhā tarāḍaw baynahum bil-ma‘rūf dhālika yū‘aẓu bihi man kāna minkum yu’minu billāhi wa al-yawmi al-ākhir dhālikum azkā lakum wa aṭhar wa Allāhu ya‘lamu wa antum lā ta‘lamūn |
| 233 | Mothers shall nurse their children for two full years, for whoever wishes to complete the nursing. The father is responsible for their food and clothing according to what is reasonable. No soul is burdened beyond its capacity. A mother shall not be harmed because of her child, nor a father because of his child; and the same duty falls upon the heir. If both desire weaning by mutual consent and consultation, there is no blame upon them. And if you wish to entrust your children to a wet nurse, there is no blame upon you, provided you pay what you have promised according to what is reasonable. Fear GOD and know that GOD sees what you do. | And the mothers should suckle their children for two whole years for him who desires to make complete the time of suckling. And their maintenance and their clothing must be borne by the father according to usage. No soul is burdened beyond its capacity. Neither shall a mother be made to suffer on account of her child, nor a father on account of his child, and a similar duty devolves on the heir. But if both desire weaning by mutual consent and counsel, there is no blame on them. And if you wish to engage a wet-nurse for your children, there is no blame on you, so long as you pay what you promised according to usage. And keep your duty to Allah and know that Allah is Seer of what you do. | وَالْوَالِدَاتُ يُرْضِعْنَ أَوْلَادَهُنَّ حَوْلَيْنِ كَامِلَيْنِ ۖ لِمَنْ أَرَادَ أَنْ يُتِمَّ الرَّضَاعَةَ ۚ وَعَلَى الْمَوْلُودِ لَهُ رِزْقُهُنَّ وَكِسْوَتُهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ لَا تُكَلَّفُ نَفْسٌ إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَا تُضَارَّ وَالِدَةٌ بِوَلَدِهَا وَلَا مَوْلُودٌ لَهُ بِوَلَدِهِ ۚ وَعَلَى الْوَارِثِ مِثْلُ ذَٰلِكَ ۗ فَإِنْ أَرَادَا فِصَالًا عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِنْهُمَا وَتَشَاوُرٍ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا ۗ وَإِنْ أَرَدْتُمْ أَنْ تَسْتَرْضِعُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا سَلَّمْتُمْ مَا آتَيْتُمْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۗ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ | Wa al-wālidātu yurḍi‘na awlādahunna ḥawlayni kāmilayn liman arāda an yutimma ar-raḍā‘ah wa ‘alā al-mawlūdi lahu rizquhunna wa kiswatuhunna bil-ma‘rūf lā tukallafu nafsun illā wus‘ahā lā tuḍārra wālidatun bi-waladihā wa lā mawlūdun lahu bi-waladih wa ‘alā al-wārithi mithlu dhālik fa-in arādā fiṣālan ‘an tarāḍin minhumā wa tashāwurin fa-lā junāḥa ‘alayhimā wa in aradtum an tastarḍi‘ū awlādakum fa-lā junāḥa ‘alaykum idhā sallamtum mā ātaytum bil-ma‘rūf wa ittaqū Allāha wa‘lamū anna Allāha bimā ta‘malūna baṣīr |
Note (v.223): The verse uses an agricultural metaphor, common in ancient language, to connect marital union with fertility, responsibility, and the continuity of life. The final reminder of meeting GOD prevents any purely material or instinctive interpretation of the relationship.
Note (v.229): The verse also recognizes the possibility for a woman to obtain separation through compensation when married life can no longer be maintained within the limits established by GOD.
Verses 234–245
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 234 | Those among you who die leaving wives behind, these shall wait by themselves for four months and ten days. When they have reached their term, there is no blame upon you for what the women do with themselves according to what is reasonable. And GOD is Aware of what you do. | And those of you who die and leave wives behind, they should keep themselves in waiting for four months and ten days. Then when they have fully attained their term, there is no blame on you for what they do for themselves in a lawful manner. And Allah is Aware of what you do. | وَالَّذِينَ يُتَوَفَّوْنَ مِنْكُمْ وَيَذَرُونَ أَزْوَاجًا يَتَرَبَّصْنَ بِأَنْفُسِهِنَّ أَرْبَعَةَ أَشْهُرٍ وَعَشْرًا ۖ فَإِذَا بَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا فَعَلْنَ فِي أَنْفُسِهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ | Wa alladhīna yutawaffawna minkum wa yadharūna azwājan yatarabbaṣna bi-anfusihinna arba‘ata ashhurin wa ‘ashrā fa-idhā balaghna ajalahunna fa-lā junāḥa ‘alaykum fīmā fa‘alna fī anfusihinna bil-ma‘rūf wa Allāhu bimā ta‘malūna khabīr |
| 235 | There is no blame upon you if you hint at a marriage proposal to these women, or if you keep it hidden within yourselves. GOD knows that you will remember them; but do not make a secret promise to them, except by speaking honorable words. Do not resolve the marriage bond until the prescribed term has reached its end. Know that GOD knows what is within yourselves, so be on guard before Him. And know that GOD is Forgiving, Magnanimous. | And there is no blame on you respecting that which you speak indirectly in the asking of such women in marriage or keep concealed in your minds. Allah knows that you will remember them, but give them no promise in secret, unless you speak in a lawful manner. And do not confirm the marriage-tie until the prescribed term reaches its end. And know that Allah knows what is in your minds, so beware of Him, and know that Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing. | وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا عَرَّضْتُمْ بِهِ مِنْ خِطْبَةِ النِّسَاءِ أَوْ أَكْنَنْتُمْ فِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ ۚ عَلِمَ اللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ سَتَذْكُرُونَهُنَّ وَلَٰكِنْ لَا تُوَاعِدُوهُنَّ سِرًّا إِلَّا أَنْ تَقُولُوا قَوْلًا مَعْرُوفًا ۚ وَلَا تَعْزِمُوا عُقْدَةَ النِّكَاحِ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ الْكِتَابُ أَجَلَهُ ۚ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ فَاحْذَرُوهُ ۚ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ | Wa lā junāḥa ‘alaykum fīmā ‘arraḍtum bihi min khiṭbati an-nisā’i aw aknantum fī anfusikum ‘alima Allāhu annakum satadhkurūnahunna wa lākin lā tuwā‘idūhunna sirran illā an taqūlū qawlan ma‘rūfā wa lā ta‘zimū ‘uqdata an-nikāḥi ḥattā yablugha al-kitābu ajalah wa‘lamū anna Allāha ya‘lamu mā fī anfusikum fa-ḥdharūh wa‘lamū anna Allāha ghafūrun ḥalīm |
| 236 | There is no blame upon you if you divorce women whom you have not yet touched, nor fixed for them a dowry. Yet give them a gift: the wealthy according to his capacity and the poor according to his capacity, a gift according to what is reasonable. This is a duty upon those who do good. | There is no blame on you if you divorce women when you have not touched them nor appointed for them a portion. And make provision for them: the wealthy according to his means and the straitened according to his means, a provision according to usage. This is a duty on the doers of good. | لَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِنْ طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ مَا لَمْ تَمَسُّوهُنَّ أَوْ تَفْرِضُوا لَهُنَّ فَرِيضَةً ۚ وَمَتِّعُوهُنَّ عَلَى الْمُوسِعِ قَدَرُهُ وَعَلَى الْمُقْتِرِ قَدَرُهُ مَتَاعًا بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى الْمُحْسِنِينَ | Lā junāḥa ‘alaykum in ṭallaqtumu an-nisā’a mā lam tamassūhunna aw tafriḍū lahunna farīḍah wa matti‘ūhunna ‘alā al-mūsi‘i qadaruhu wa ‘alā al-muqtiri qadaruhu matā‘an bil-ma‘rūf ḥaqqan ‘alā al-muḥsinīn |
| 237 | If you divorce them before touching them, but after having fixed for them a dowry, then give them half of what you fixed, unless they waive it or the one in whose hand is the marriage bond waives it. But if you waive, that is nearer to righteousness. Do not forget generosity among yourselves. Surely GOD sees what you do. | And if you divorce them before you have touched them and you have appointed for them a portion, then pay half of what you have appointed, unless they relinquish or he relinquishes in whose hand is the marriage-tie. And that you relinquish is nearer to observance of duty. And do not forget the doing of good to one another. Surely Allah is Seer of what you do. | وَإِنْ طَلَّقْتُمُوهُنَّ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ تَمَسُّوهُنَّ وَقَدْ فَرَضْتُمْ لَهُنَّ فَرِيضَةً فَنِصْفُ مَا فَرَضْتُمْ إِلَّا أَنْ يَعْفُونَ أَوْ يَعْفُوَ الَّذِي بِيَدِهِ عُقْدَةُ النِّكَاحِ ۚ وَأَنْ تَعْفُوا أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَلَا تَنْسَوُا الْفَضْلَ بَيْنَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ | Wa in ṭallaqtumūhunna min qabli an tamassūhunna wa qad faraḍtum lahunna farīḍatan fa-niṣfu mā faraḍtum illā an ya‘fūna aw ya‘fuwa alladhī biyadihi ‘uqdatu an-nikāḥ wa an ta‘fū aqrabu lit-taqwā wa lā tansawu al-faḍla baynakum inna Allāha bimā ta‘malūna baṣīr |
| 238 | Be constant in the prayers and in the middle prayer, and stand before GOD in devout obedience. | Guard the prayers and the middle prayer, and stand up truly obedient to Allah. | حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ | Ḥāfiẓū ‘alā aṣ-ṣalawāti wa aṣ-ṣalāti al-wusṭā wa qūmū lillāhi qānitīn |
| 239 | If you fear danger, then pray on foot or riding; then, when you are safe, remember GOD as He has taught you what you did not know. | But if you are in danger, then on foot or on horseback. And when you are secure, remember Allah as He has taught you what you did not know. | فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ فَرِجَالًا أَوْ رُكْبَانًا ۖ فَإِذَا أَمِنْتُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَمَا عَلَّمَكُمْ مَا لَمْ تَكُونُوا تَعْلَمُونَ | Fa-in khiftum fa-rijālan aw rukbānā fa-idhā amintum fa-udhkurū Allāha kamā ‘allamakum mā lam takūnū ta‘lamūn |
| 240 | Those among you who die leaving wives behind should make a bequest in their favor, providing them with one year of maintenance without being expelled. But if they leave, there is no blame upon you for what they do with themselves according to what is reasonable. And GOD is Mighty, Wise. | And those of you who die and leave wives behind should make a bequest for their wives of maintenance for a year without turning them out. But if they go out, there is no blame on you for what they do for themselves in a lawful manner. And Allah is Mighty, Wise. | وَالَّذِينَ يُتَوَفَّوْنَ مِنْكُمْ وَيَذَرُونَ أَزْوَاجًا وَصِيَّةً لِأَزْوَاجِهِمْ مَتَاعًا إِلَى الْحَوْلِ غَيْرَ إِخْرَاجٍ ۚ فَإِنْ خَرَجْنَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي مَا فَعَلْنَ فِي أَنْفُسِهِنَّ مِنْ مَعْرُوفٍ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ | Wa alladhīna yutawaffawna minkum wa yadharūna azwājan waṣiyyatan li-azwājihim matā‘an ilā al-ḥawli ghayra ikhrāj fa-in kharajna fa-lā junāḥa ‘alaykum fī mā fa‘alna fī anfusihinna min ma‘rūf wa Allāhu ‘azīzun ḥakīm |
| 241 | For divorced women there is a right to maintenance according to what is reasonable. This is a duty upon the righteous. | And for divorced women, provision should be made according to usage. This is a duty on the dutiful. | وَلِلْمُطَلَّقَاتِ مَتَاعٌ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى الْمُتَّقِينَ | Wa lil-muṭallaqāti matā‘un bil-ma‘rūf ḥaqqan ‘alā al-muttaqīn |
| 242 | Thus GOD makes His signs clear to you, so that you may understand. | Thus Allah makes clear to you His messages that you may understand. | كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ آيَاتِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ | Kadhālika yubayyinu Allāhu lakum āyātihi la‘allakum ta‘qilūn |
| 243 | Have you not seen those who left their homes in thousands, fearing death? Then GOD said to them: “Die.” Then He brought them back to life. Surely GOD is the Possessor of grace toward mankind, but most people are not grateful. | Hast thou not thought of those who went forth from their homes, and they were thousands, fearing death? Then Allah said to them, Die. Then He gave them life. Surely Allah is Gracious to men, but most men give not thanks. | أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا مِنْ دِيَارِهِمْ وَهُمْ أُلُوفٌ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ فَقَالَ لَهُمُ اللَّهُ مُوتُوا ثُمَّ أَحْيَاهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ | Alam tara ilā alladhīna kharajū min diyārihim wa hum ulūfun ḥadhara al-mawt fa-qāla lahumu Allāhu mūtū thumma aḥyāhum inna Allāha ladhū faḍlin ‘alā an-nāsi wa lākinna akthara an-nāsi lā yashkurūn |
| 244 | Fight in the way of GOD and know that GOD is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. | And fight in the way of Allah and know that Allah is Hearing, Knowing. | وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ | Wa qātilū fī sabīli Allāhi wa‘lamū anna Allāha samī‘un ‘alīm |
| 245 | Who will make a good loan to GOD? He will multiply it for him many times over. GOD restricts and expands, and to Him you will be returned. | Who is it that will offer Allah a goodly gift, so He will multiply it to him manifold? And Allah straitens and amplifies, and to Him you will be returned. | مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْسُطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ | Man dhā alladhī yuqriḍu Allāha qarḍan ḥasanan fa-yuḍā‘ifahu lahu aḍ‘āfan kathīrah wa Allāhu yaqbiḍu wa yabsuṭu wa ilayhi turja‘ūn |
Note (v.238): The term wusṭā means “middle” or “central.” The middle prayer recalls a prayer placed at the heart of the day, when daily activity can most easily distract from the remembrance of GOD.
Note (v.239): This verse also permits prayer outside the conventional posture of prostration. A Muslim believer may pray while standing or even while riding a mount if there is a danger. However, the Holy Quran ultimately guides the believer back to the proper form of prayer, prostrating and humbling oneself before the FATHER.
Verses 246–256
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 246 | Have you not considered the chiefs among the Children of Israel after Moses, when they said to a Prophet of theirs: “Raise up for us a king so that we may fight in the way of GOD.” He said: “Would you perhaps refrain from fighting if it were prescribed for you?” They said: “How could we not fight in the way of GOD, while we have been driven out of our homes and separated from our children?” Yet when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except for a small group among them. And GOD is Knowing of the wrongdoers. | Hast thou not thought of the chiefs of the Children of Israel after Moses, when they said to a prophet of theirs: Raise up for us a king, we will fight in Allah’s way. He said: May it not be that you will not fight, if fighting is ordained for you? They said: And what reason have we that we should not fight in Allah’s way, and we have indeed been deprived of our homes and our children? But when fighting was ordained for them, they turned away, except a few of them. And Allah is Knower of the wrongdoers. | أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الْمَلَإِ مِنْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ مِنْ بَعْدِ مُوسَىٰ إِذْ قَالُوا لِنَبِيٍّ لَهُمُ ابْعَثْ لَنَا مَلِكًا نُقَاتِلْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۖ قَالَ هَلْ عَسَيْتُمْ إِنْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِتَالُ أَلَّا تُقَاتِلُوا ۖ قَالُوا وَمَا لَنَا أَلَّا نُقَاتِلَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَقَدْ أُخْرِجْنَا مِنْ دِيَارِنَا وَأَبْنَائِنَا ۖ فَلَمَّا كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقِتَالُ تَوَلَّوْا إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالظَّالِمِينَ | Alam tara ilā al-mala’i min banī Isrā’īla min ba‘di Mūsā idh qālū li-nabiyyin lahumu ib‘ath lanā malikan nuqātil fī sabīli Allāh qāla hal ‘asaytum in kutiba ‘alaykumu al-qitālu allā tuqātilū qālū wa mā lanā allā nuqātila fī sabīli Allāhi wa qad ukhrijnā min diyārinā wa abnā’inā fa-lammā kutiba ‘alayhimu al-qitālu tawallaw illā qalīlan minhum wa Allāhu ‘alīmun biẓ-ẓālimīn |
| 247 | Their Prophet said to them: “Surely GOD has appointed Saul as a king over you.” They said: “How can he have kingship over us while we have more right to the kingdom than he, and he has not been given abundance of wealth?” He said: “Surely GOD has chosen him above you and has increased him greatly in knowledge and physical strength.” GOD grants His dominion to whom He wills. And GOD is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. | And their prophet said to them: Surely Allah has raised Saul to be a king over you. They said: How can he hold kingship over us while we have a greater right to kingship than he, and he has not been granted abundance of wealth? He said: Surely Allah has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and physique. And Allah grants His kingdom to whom He pleases. And Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing. | وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طَالُوتَ مَلِكًا ۚ قَالُوا أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِالْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِنَ الْمَالِ ۚ قَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَاهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَهُ بَسْطَةً فِي الْعِلْمِ وَالْجِسْمِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ يُؤْتِي مُلْكَهُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ | Wa qāla lahum nabiyyuhum inna Allāha qad ba‘atha lakum Ṭālūta malikā qālū annā yakūnu lahu al-mulku ‘alaynā wa naḥnu aḥaqqu bil-mulki minhu wa lam yu’ta sa‘atan mina al-māl qāla inna Allāha iṣṭafāhu ‘alaykum wa zādahu basṭatan fī al-‘ilmi wa al-jism wa Allāhu yu’tī mulkahu man yashā’ wa Allāhu wāsi‘un ‘alīm |
| 248 | Their Prophet said to them: “Surely the sign of his sovereignty is that the Ark will come to you, containing tranquility from your LORD and a remnant of what the family of Moses and the family of Aaron left behind; the Angels will carry it. Surely in this is a sign for you, if you are believers.” | And their prophet said to them: Surely the sign of his kingdom is that there will come to you the Ark, in which there is tranquillity from your Lord and a remnant of what the children of Moses and the children of Aaron left, the angels bearing it. Surely there is a sign in this for you if you are believers. | وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ آيَةَ مُلْكِهِ أَنْ يَأْتِيَكُمُ التَّابُوتُ فِيهِ سَكِينَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَبَقِيَّةٌ مِمَّا تَرَكَ آلُ مُوسَىٰ وَآلُ هَارُونَ تَحْمِلُهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ | Wa qāla lahum nabiyyuhum inna āyata mulkihi an ya’tiyakumu at-tābūtu fīhi sakīnatun min rabbikum wa baqiyyatun mimmā taraka ālu Mūsā wa ālu Hārūna taḥmiluhu al-malā’ikah inna fī dhālika la-āyatan lakum in kuntum mu’minīn |
| 249 | When Saul set out with the troops, he said: “Surely GOD will test you by means of a river; whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is surely of me, except one who takes a handful with his hand.” But they drank from it, except a small group among them. Then when he and those who believed with him had crossed it, they said: “Today we have no power against Goliath and his troops.” But those who were certain they would meet GOD said: “How often has a small group, by GOD’s permission, overcome a great army! And GOD is with the patient.” | So when Saul set out with the forces, he said: Surely Allah will try you with a river. So whoever drinks of it, he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, he is surely of me, except him who takes a handful with his hand. But they drank of it, save a few of them. So when he had crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said: We have no power today against Goliath and his forces. Those who were sure that they would meet Allah said: How often has a small party overcome a numerous host by Allah’s permission! And Allah is with the patient. | فَلَمَّا فَصَلَ طَالُوتُ بِالْجُنُودِ قَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مُبْتَلِيكُمْ بِنَهَرٍ فَمَنْ شَرِبَ مِنْهُ فَلَيْسَ مِنِّي وَمَنْ لَمْ يَطْعَمْهُ فَإِنَّهُ مِنِّي إِلَّا مَنِ اغْتَرَفَ غُرْفَةً بِيَدِهِ فَشَرِبُوا مِنْهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِنْهُمْ فَلَمَّا جَاوَزَهُ هُوَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ قَالُوا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا الْيَوْمَ بِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِ قَالَ الَّذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُمْ مُلَاقُوا اللَّهِ كَمْ مِنْ فِئَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثِيرَةً بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ | Fa-lammā faṣala Ṭālūtu bil-junūdi qāla inna Allāha mubtalīkum binaharin fa-man shariba minhu fa-laysa minnī wa-man lam yaṭ‘amhu fa-innahu minnī illā mani ightarafa ghurfatan biyadih fa-sharibū minhu illā qalīlan minhum fa-lammā jāwazahu huwa wa-alladhīna āmanū ma‘ahu qālū lā ṭāqata lanā al-yawma bi-Jālūta wa junūdih qāla alladhīna yaẓunnūna annahum mulāqū Allāh kam min fi’atin qalīlatin ghalabat fi’atan kathīratan bi-idhni Allāh wa-Allāhu ma‘a aṣ-ṣābirīn |
| 250 | And when they confronted Goliath and his troops, they said: “Our LORD, pour upon us patience, make our feet firm, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.” | And when they went out against Goliath and his forces, they said: Our Lord, pour on us patience, and make firm our steps and grant us victory against the disbelieving people. | وَلَمَّا بَرَزُوا لِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِ قَالُوا رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ | Wa lammā barazū li-Jālūta wa junūdihi qālū rabbanā afrigh ‘alaynā ṣabran wa thabbit aqdāmanā wa-nṣurnā ‘alā al-qawmi al-kāfirīn |
| 251 | So they defeated them by the permission of GOD, and David slew Goliath. And GOD gave him kingship and wisdom, and taught him what He willed. And were it not that GOD repels some people by means of others, the earth would surely be corrupted; but GOD is Possessor of grace toward all worlds. | So they routed them by Allah’s permission. And David slew Goliath, and Allah gave him kingdom and wisdom, and taught him of what He pleased. And were it not for Allah’s repelling some people by others, the earth would certainly be in a state of disorder, but Allah is Full of bounty to the worlds. | فَهَزَمُوهُمْ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَقَتَلَ دَاوُودُ جَالُوتَ وَآتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشَاءُ وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لَفَسَدَتِ الْأَرْضُ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ | Fa-hazamūhum bi-idhni Allāh wa-qatal Dāwūdu Jālūta wa ātāhu Allāhu al-mulka wa al-ḥikmata wa ‘allamahu mimmā yashā’ wa law-lā daf‘u Allāhi an-nāsa ba‘ḍahum bi-ba‘ḍin la-fasadati al-arḍu wa-lākinna Allāha dhū faḍlin ‘alā al-‘ālamīn |
| 252 | These are the signs of GOD which We recite to you in truth. And indeed, you are among the Messengers. | These are the messages of Allah. We recite them to thee with truth. And surely thou art of the messengers. | تِلْكَ آيَاتُ اللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِالْحَقِّ وَإِنَّكَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ | Tilka āyātu Allāhi natlūhā ‘alayka bil-ḥaqqi wa-innaka la-mina al-mursalīn |
| 253 | Among those Messengers, We have favored some over others. Among them are those to whom GOD spoke, and He raised some of them in degrees. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If GOD had willed, those who came after them would not have fought each other after clear proofs had come to them; but they differed—some of them believed and some disbelieved. If GOD had willed, they would not have fought each other, but GOD does what He wills. | These messengers, We have made some of them to excel others. Among them are they to whom Allah spoke, and some of them He exalted by raising them in rank. And We gave clear arguments to Jesus son of Mary, and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. And if Allah had pleased, those after them would not have fought one another after clear arguments had come to them, but they disagreed; so some of them believed and some disbelieved. And if Allah had pleased, they would not have fought one another, but Allah does what He intends. | تِلْكَ الرُّسُلُ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۘ مِنْهُمْ مَنْ كَلَّمَ اللَّهُ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَهُمْ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَآتَيْنَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَيَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ ۗ وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مَا اقْتَتَلَ الَّذِينَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْهُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ وَلَٰكِنِ اخْتَلَفُوا فَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ آمَنَ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ كَفَرَ ۚ وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مَا اقْتَتَلُوا وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَفْعَلُ مَا يُرِيدُ | Tilka ar-rusulu faḍḍalnā ba‘ḍahum ‘alā ba‘ḍ minhum man kallama Allāhu wa rafa‘a ba‘ḍahum darajāt wa ātaynā ‘Īsā ibna Maryama al-bayyināt wa ayyadnāhu bi-Rūḥi al-Qudus wa law shā’a Allāhu mā iqtatala alladhīna min ba‘dihim min ba‘di mā jā’at-humu al-bayyināt wa-lākin ikhtalafū fa-minhum man āmana wa-minhum man kafar wa law shā’a Allāhu mā iqtatalū wa-lākinna Allāha yaf‘alu mā yurīd |
| 254 | O you who believe, spend from what We have provided you before a Day comes in which there is no bargaining, no friendship, and no intercession. And the disbelievers—they are the wrongdoers. | O you who believe, spend out of what We have given you before a day comes in which there is no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And the disbelievers — they are the wrongdoers. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنْفِقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لَا بَيْعٌ فِيهِ وَلَا خُلَّةٌ وَلَا شَفَاعَةٌ ۗ وَالْكَافِرُونَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū anfiqū mimmā razaqnākum min qabli an ya’tiya yawmun lā bay‘un fīhi wa-lā khullatun wa-lā shafā‘ah wa al-kāfirūna humu aẓ-ẓālimūn |
| 255 | GOD — there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and preserving them does not tire Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. | Allah — there is no god but He, the Ever-living, the Self-subsisting by Whom all subsist. Slumber seizes Him not, nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him but by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they comprehend nothing of His knowledge except what He pleases. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of them does not tire Him. And He is the Most High, the Great. | اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ | Allāhu lā ilāha illā huwa al-ḥayyu al-qayyūm lā ta’khudhuhu sinatun wa-lā nawm lahu mā fī as-samāwāti wa-mā fī al-arḍ man dhā alladhī yashfa‘u ‘indahu illā bi-idhnih ya‘lamu mā bayna aydīhim wa-mā khalfahum wa-lā yuḥīṭūna bi-shay’in min ‘ilmihi illā bimā shā’a wasi‘a kursiyyuhu as-samāwāti wa al-arḍ wa-lā ya’ūdhu ḥifẓuhumā wa-huwa al-‘aliyyu al-‘aẓīm |
| 256 | There is no compulsion in religion. The right path has become clearly distinct from error. So whoever rejects falsehood and believes in GOD has grasped the firmest handhold that will never break. And GOD is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. | There is no compulsion in religion — the right way is indeed clearly distinct from error. So whoever disbelieves in the devil and believes in Allah, he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall never break. And Allah is Hearing, Knowing. | لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ ۖ قَدْ تَبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ ۚ فَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِالطَّاغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِنْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدِ اسْتَمْسَكَ بِالْعُرْوَةِ الْوُثْقَىٰ لَا انْفِصَامَ لَهَا ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ | Lā ikrāha fī ad-dīn qad tabayyana ar-rushdu mina al-ghayy fa-man yakfur bi-ṭ-ṭāghūti wa yu’min bi-Allāhi fa-qad istamsaka bil-‘urwati al-wuthqā lā infiṣāma lahā wa-Allāhu samī‘un ‘alīm |
Note (v.246): Reference to the biblical narrative in 1 Samuel 8–10, where the people ask for a king.
Note (v.248): The Ark refers to the Ark of the Covenant, associated with the Divine Presence, symbolizing GOD’s dwelling among His people.
Note (v.249): The test of drinking from the river recalls the biblical motif of the chosen remnant tested before battle, comparable in theme to Judges 7:1–8.
Note (v.255): Known as Āyat al-Kursī, the Verse of the Throne, this passage summarizes key attributes of the CREATOR: life, sovereignty, knowledge, transcendence, and sustaining power.
Verses 257–267
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 257 | GOD is the Protector of those who believe; He brings them out of darkness into light. And those who disbelieve — their protectors are the false powers; they bring them out of light into darkness. These are the companions of the Fire; therein they will abide forever. | Allah is the Friend of those who believe. He brings them out of darkness into light. And those who disbelieve — their friends are the devils; they bring them out of light into darkness. These are the companions of the Fire; therein they abide. | اللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ ۖ وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا أَوْلِيَاؤُهُمُ الطَّاغُوتُ يُخْرِجُونَهُمْ مِنَ النُّورِ إِلَى الظُّلُمَاتِ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ | Allāhu waliyyu alladhīna āmanū yukhrijuhum mina aẓ-ẓulumāti ilā an-nūr wa-alladhīna kafarū awliyā’uhumu aṭ-ṭāghūtu yukhrijūnahum mina an-nūri ilā aẓ-ẓulumāt ulā’ika aṣḥābu an-nār hum fīhā khālidūn |
| 258 | Have you not considered the one who argued with Abraham about his LORD because GOD had granted him kingship? When Abraham said: “My LORD is He who gives life and causes death,” he said: “I give life and cause death.” Abraham said: “Surely GOD causes the sun to rise from the East, so bring it from the West.” Thus the disbeliever was confounded. And GOD does not guide the wrongdoing people. | Hast thou not seen him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said: My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death, he said: I give life and cause death. Abraham said: Surely Allah causes the sun to rise from the east, so bring it from the west. Thus he who disbelieved was confounded. And Allah guides not the unjust people. | أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِي حَاجَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي رَبِّهِ أَنْ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ إِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّيَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ قَالَ أَنَا أُحْيِي وَأُمِيتُ ۖ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْتِي بِالشَّمْسِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَأْتِ بِهَا مِنَ الْمَغْرِبِ فَبُهِتَ الَّذِي كَفَرَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ | Alam tara ilā alladhī ḥājja Ibrāhīma fī rabbihi an ātāhu Allāhu al-mulk idh qāla Ibrāhīmu rabbī alladhī yuḥyī wa yumīt qāla anā uḥyī wa umīt qāla Ibrāhīmu fa-inna Allāha ya’tī bi-sh-shamsi mina al-mashriqi fa’ti bihā mina al-maghrib fa-buhita alladhī kafar wa-Allāhu lā yahdī al-qawma aẓ-ẓālimīn |
| 259 | Or like the one who passed by a town which had fallen into ruin. He said: “How will GOD give life to this after its death?” So GOD caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him. He said: “How long have you remained?” He said: “I have remained a day or part of a day.” He said: “No, you have remained a hundred years. Look at your food and your drink — they have not changed; and look at your donkey. And We will make you a sign for the people. And look at the bones — how We raise them, then clothe them with flesh.” So when it became clear to him, he said: “I know that GOD is Powerful over all things.” | Or like him who passed by a town, and it had fallen down upon its roofs. He said: When will Allah give it life after its death? So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him to life. He said: How long hast thou tarried? He said: I have tarried a day, or part of a day. He said: Nay, thou hast tarried a hundred years; then look at thy food and drink — age has not touched it — and look at thy ass; and that We may make thee a sign to men, and look at the bones, how We set them together, then clothe them with flesh. So when it became clear to him, he said: I know that Allah is Possessor of power over all things. | أَوْ كَالَّذِي مَرَّ عَلَىٰ قَرْيَةٍ وَهِيَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِهَا قَالَ أَنَّىٰ يُحْيِي هَٰذِهِ اللَّهُ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا ۖ فَأَمَاتَهُ اللَّهُ مِائَةَ عَامٍ ثُمَّ بَعَثَهُ ۖ قَالَ كَمْ لَبِثْتَ ۖ قَالَ لَبِثْتُ يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ ۖ قَالَ بَلْ لَبِثْتَ مِائَةَ عَامٍ فَانْظُرْ إِلَىٰ طَعَامِكَ وَشَرَابِكَ لَمْ يَتَسَنَّهْ ۖ وَانْظُرْ إِلَىٰ حِمَارِكَ وَلِنَجْعَلَكَ آيَةً لِلنَّاسِ ۖ وَانْظُرْ إِلَى الْعِظَامِ كَيْفَ نُنْشِزُهَا ثُمَّ نَكْسُوهَا لَحْمًا ۚ فَلَمَّا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ قَالَ أَعْلَمُ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ | Aw ka-alladhī marra ‘alā qaryatin wa-hiya khāwiyatun ‘alā ‘urūshihā qāla annā yuḥyī hādhihi Allāhu ba‘da mawtihā fa-amātahu Allāhu mi’ata ‘āmin thumma ba‘athah qāla kam labithta qāla labithtu yawman aw ba‘ḍa yawm qāla bal labithta mi’ata ‘āmin fa-nẓur ilā ṭa‘āmika wa sharābika lam yatasannah wa-nẓur ilā ḥimārik wa li-naj‘alaka āyatan li-n-nās wa-nẓur ilā al-‘iẓāmi kayfa nunshizuhā thumma naksūhā laḥman fa-lammā tabayyana lahu qāla a‘lamu anna Allāha ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr |
| 260 | And when Abraham said: “My LORD, show me how You give life to the dead,” He said: “Do you not believe?” He said: “Yes, but so that my heart may be at ease.” He said: “Take four birds, train them, then place a portion of them on each mountain, then call them — they will come to you swiftly.” And know that GOD is Mighty, Wise. | And when Abraham said: My Lord, show me how Thou givest life to the dead, He said: Dost thou not believe? He said: Yes, but that my heart may be at ease. He said: Then take four birds, then make them attached to thee, then put on every mountain a part of them, then call them, they will come to thee flying. And know that Allah is Mighty, Wise. | وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ أَرِنِي كَيْفَ تُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ ۖ قَالَ أَوَلَمْ تُؤْمِنْ ۖ قَالَ بَلَىٰ وَلَٰكِنْ لِيَطْمَئِنَّ قَلْبِي ۖ قَالَ فَخُذْ أَرْبَعَةً مِنَ الطَّيْرِ فَصُرْهُنَّ إِلَيْكَ ثُمَّ اجْعَلْ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ جَبَلٍ مِنْهُنَّ جُزْءًا ثُمَّ ادْعُهُنَّ يَأْتِينَكَ سَعْيًا ۚ وَاعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ | Wa-idh qāla Ibrāhīmu rabbi arinī kayfa tuḥyī al-mawtā qāla awalam tu’min qāla balā wa-lākin li-yaṭma’inna qalbī qāla fa-khudh arba‘atan mina aṭ-ṭayri fa-ṣurhunna ilayka thumma ij‘al ‘alā kulli jabalin minhunna juz’an thumma ud‘uhunna ya’tīnaka sa‘yan wa‘lam anna Allāha ‘azīzun ḥakīm |
| 261 | The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of GOD is like a seed that grows seven ears; in every ear are a hundred grains. And GOD multiplies for whom He wills. And GOD is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. | The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah’s way is as the likeness of a grain growing seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies for whom He pleases. And Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing. | مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنْبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنْبُلَةٍ مِائَةُ حَبَّةٍ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ | Mathalu alladhīna yunfiqūna amwālahum fī sabīli Allāhi ka-mathali ḥabbatin anbatat sab‘a sanābila fī kulli sunbulatin mi’atu ḥabbah wa-Allāhu yuḍā‘ifu li-man yashā’ wa-Allāhu wāsi‘un ‘alīm |
| 262 | Those who spend their wealth in the cause of GOD, and then do not follow what they have spent with reproach or harm — for them is their reward with their LORD, and they will have no fear, nor will they grieve. | Those who spend their wealth in Allah’s way, then follow not up what they spend with reproach or injury, for them is their reward with their Lord, and they have no fear, nor shall they grieve. | الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ لَا يُتْبِعُونَ مَا أَنْفَقُوا مَنًّا وَلَا أَذًى ۙ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ | Alladhīna yunfiqūna amwālahum fī sabīli Allāhi thumma lā yutbi‘ūna mā anfaqū mannan wa-lā adhan lahum ajruhum ‘inda rabbihim wa-lā khawfun ‘alayhim wa-lā hum yaḥzanūn |
| 263 | A kind word and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And GOD is Self-Sufficient, Forbearing. | A kind word with forgiveness is better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Self-sufficient, Forbearing. | قَوْلٌ مَعْرُوفٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ يَتْبَعُهَا أَذًى ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَنِيٌّ حَلِيمٌ | Qawlun ma‘rūfun wa maghfiratun khayrun min ṣadaqatin yatba‘uhā adhan wa-Allāhu ghaniyyun ḥalīm |
| 264 | O you who believe, do not invalidate your charities with reproach and harm, like the one who spends his wealth to be seen by people and does not believe in GOD and the Last Day. His example is like a smooth rock with dust upon it; then a heavy rain falls upon it and leaves it bare. They will have no control over anything they have earned. And GOD does not guide the disbelieving people. | O you who believe, render not your charity void by reproach and injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men and believes not in Allah nor the Last Day. So his likeness is as the likeness of a smooth rock with earth on it, then heavy rain falls on it, so it leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah guides not the disbelieving people. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُمْ بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَىٰ كَالَّذِي يُنْفِقُ مَالَهُ رِئَاءَ النَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۖ فَمَثَلُهُ كَمَثَلِ صَفْوَانٍ عَلَيْهِ تُرَابٌ فَأَصَابَهُ وَابِلٌ فَتَرَكَهُ صَلْدًا ۖ لَا يَقْدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَيْءٍ مِمَّا كَسَبُوا ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū lā tubṭilū ṣadaqātikum bil-manni wa al-adhā ka-alladhī yunfiqu mālahu ri’ā’a an-nāsi wa-lā yu’minu bi-Allāhi wa al-yawmi al-ākhir fa-mathaluhu ka-mathali ṣafwānin ‘alayhi turābun fa-aṣābahu wābilun fa-tarakahu ṣaldan lā yaqdirūna ‘alā shay’in mimmā kasabū wa-Allāhu lā yahdī al-qawma al-kāfirīn |
| 265 | And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking the pleasure of GOD and strengthening their souls is like a garden on elevated ground: when heavy rain falls upon it, it yields double its produce; and if heavy rain does not reach it, then a light rain suffices. And GOD sees all that you do. | And the likeness of those who spend their wealth to seek Allah’s pleasure and for the strengthening of their souls is as the likeness of a garden on an elevated ground; heavy rain falls on it, so it brings forth its fruit twofold; but if heavy rain falls not on it, then light rain suffices. And Allah sees what you do. | وَمَثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمُ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللَّهِ وَتَثْبِيتًا مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ كَمَثَلِ جَنَّةٍ بِرَبْوَةٍ أَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌ فَآتَتْ أُكُلَهَا ضِعْفَيْنِ فَإِنْ لَمْ يُصِبْهَا وَابِلٌ فَطَلٌّ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ | Wa-mathalu alladhīna yunfiqūna amwālahumu ibtighā’a marḍāti Allāhi wa tathbītan min anfusihim ka-mathali jannatin bi-rabwatin aṣābahā wābilun fa-ātat ukulahā ḍi‘fayn fa-in lam yuṣibhā wābilun fa-ṭall wa-Allāhu bimā ta‘malūna baṣīr |
| 266 | Would one of you like to have a garden of date palms and vines beneath which rivers flow, wherein he has all kinds of fruits, but old age has stricken him and he has weak offspring, then a whirlwind containing fire strikes it and it is burned? Thus GOD makes clear to you His signs so that you may reflect. | Does one of you like that he should have a garden of date-palms and grapes with rivers flowing beneath it, for him therein is every fruit, and old age has smitten him and he has weak offspring, then a whirlwind with fire in it strikes it so it is burnt up? Thus Allah makes clear to you the messages that you may reflect. | أَيَوَدُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ تَكُونَ لَهُ جَنَّةٌ مِنْ نَخِيلٍ وَأَعْنَابٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ لَهُ فِيهَا مِنْ كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ وَأَصَابَهُ الْكِبَرُ وَلَهُ ذُرِّيَّةٌ ضُعَفَاءُ فَأَصَابَهَا إِعْصَارٌ فِيهِ نَارٌ فَاحْتَرَقَتْ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ | A-yawaddu aḥadukum an takūna lahu jannatun min nakhīlin wa a‘nābin tajrī min taḥtihā al-anhāru lahu fīhā min kulli ath-thamarāt wa aṣābahu al-kibaru wa lahu dhurriyyatun ḍu‘afā’u fa-aṣābahā i‘ṣārun fīhi nārun fa-iḥtaraqat kadhālika yubayyinu Allāhu lakumu al-āyāti la‘allakum tatafakkarūn |
| 267 | O you who believe, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have brought forth for you from the earth. And do not aim at the bad to spend from it while you yourselves would not take it except with closed eyes. And know that GOD is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy. | O you who believe, spend of the good things that you earn and of that which We bring forth for you from the earth, and aim not at the bad to spend of it, while you would not take it yourselves unless you shut your eyes at it. And know that Allah is Self-sufficient, Praised. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنْفِقُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَمِمَّا أَخْرَجْنَا لَكُمْ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنْفِقُونَ وَلَسْتُمْ بِآخِذِيهِ إِلَّا أَنْ تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū anfiqū min ṭayyibāti mā kasabtum wa mimmā akhrajnā lakum mina al-arḍ wa-lā tayammamū al-khabītha minhu tunfiqūna wa-lastum bi-ākhidhīhi illā an tughmiḍū fīh wa‘lamū anna Allāha ghaniyyun ḥamīd |
Note (v.258): According to various Jewish and Islamic traditions, the confrontation mentioned in this verse has often been identified with the encounter between Abraham and Nimrod, symbolizing the conflict between the recognition of the One GOD and the arrogance of earthly power.
Note (v.259): This verse recalls the theme of resurrection and may be compared with the vision of the dry bones in the Book of Ezekiel 37:1–14.
Note (v.264): The parable of the smooth rock covered with earth shows the uselessness of charity performed out of vanity. The rain reveals the true nature of the rock: bare, sterile, and incapable of producing fruit.
Verses 268–278
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 268 | Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you to immorality, while GOD promises you forgiveness and His bounty. And GOD is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. | The devil threatens you with poverty and enjoins on you foulness, and Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and abundance. And Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing. | الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُمْ بِالْفَحْشَاءِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُمْ مَغْفِرَةً مِنْهُ وَفَضْلًا ۗ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ | Ash-shayṭānu ya‘idukumu al-faqra wa ya’murukum bil-faḥshā’ wa-Allāhu ya‘idukum maghfiratan minhu wa faḍlan wa-Allāhu wāsi‘un ‘alīm |
| 269 | He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever is given wisdom has certainly been given abundant good. Yet none remember except those of understanding. | He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom, he indeed is given abundant good. And none mind but men of understanding. | يُؤْتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۚ وَمَنْ يُؤْتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ | Yu’tī al-ḥikmata man yashā’ wa-man yu’ta al-ḥikmata faqad ūtiya khayran kathīran wa-mā yadhdhakkaru illā ulū al-albāb |
| 270 | Whatever you spend in charity or any vow you make — surely GOD knows it. And for the wrongdoers there are no helpers. | And whatever you spend in charity or vow a vow, Allah surely knows it. And the unjust have no helpers. | وَمَا أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ نَفَقَةٍ أَوْ نَذَرْتُمْ مِنْ نَذْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُهُ ۗ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنْصَارٍ | Wa-mā anfaqtum min nafaqatin aw nadhartum min nadhrin fa-inna Allāha ya‘lamuhu wa-mā liẓ-ẓālimīna min anṣār |
| 271 | If you disclose your charity, it is good; but if you conceal it and give it to the poor, it is better for you. And He will remove from you some of your sins. And GOD is Aware of what you do. | If you give alms openly, it is well, and if you hide it and give it to the poor, it is better for you. And this will do away with some of your evil deeds. And Allah is Aware of what you do. | إِنْ تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقَاتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِيَ ۖ وَإِنْ تُخْفُوهَا وَتُؤْتُوهَا الْفُقَرَاءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ ۗ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنْكُمْ مِنْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ | In tubdū aṣ-ṣadaqāti fa-ni‘immā hiya wa-in tukhfūhā wa tu’tūhā al-fuqarā’a fa-huwa khayrun lakum wa-yukaffiru ‘ankum min sayyi’ātikum wa-Allāhu bimā ta‘malūna khabīr |
| 272 | It is not upon you to guide them, but GOD guides whom He wills. And whatever good you spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the Face of GOD. And whatever good you spend will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged. | Their guidance is not thy duty, but Allah guides whom He pleases. And whatever good you spend, it is for yourselves. And you spend not but to seek Allah’s pleasure. And whatever good thing you spend, it will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged. | لَيْسَ عَلَيْكَ هُدَاهُمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۗ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنْفُسِكُمْ ۚ وَمَا تُنْفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ | Laysa ‘alayka hudāhum wa-lākinna Allāha yahdī man yashā’ wa-mā tunfiqū min khayrin fa-li-anfusikum wa-mā tunfiqūna illā ibtighā’a wajhi Allāh wa-mā tunfiqū min khayrin yuwaffa ilaykum wa-antum lā tuẓlamūn |
| 273 | For the poor who are restrained in the path of GOD, unable to move freely in the land — the ignorant think them self-sufficient because they refrain from asking. You will recognize them by their mark: they do not ask people persistently. And whatever good you spend — surely GOD knows it. | Charity is for the poor who are confined in the way of Allah — they cannot go about in the land. The ignorant man thinks them to be rich on account of their abstaining. Thou wilt know them by their mark: they beg not of men importunately. And whatever good thing you spend, Allah surely knows it. | لِلْفُقَرَاءِ الَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِي الْأَرْضِ يَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَاءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ ۚ تَعْرِفُهُمْ بِسِيمَاهُمْ لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا ۗ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ | Lil-fuqarā’i alladhīna uḥṣirū fī sabīli Allāhi lā yastaṭī‘ūna ḍarban fī al-arḍ yaḥsabuhumu al-jāhilu aghniyā’a mina at-ta‘affuf ta‘rifuhum bi-sīmāhum lā yas’alūna an-nāsa ilḥāfan wa-mā tunfiqū min khayrin fa-inna Allāha bihi ‘alīm |
| 274 | Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and openly — they shall have their reward with their LORD; they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. | Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and openly — they have their reward with their Lord, and they have no fear, nor shall they grieve. | الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ | Alladhīna yunfiqūna amwālahum bil-layli wa an-nahāri sirran wa ‘alāniyatan fa-lahum ajruhum ‘inda rabbihim wa-lā khawfun ‘alayhim wa-lā hum yaḥzanūn |
| 275 | Those who consume interest will not stand except as one stands whom Satan has driven to madness by his touch. That is because they say: “Trade is like interest,” while GOD has permitted trade and forbidden interest. So whoever receives an admonition from his LORD and desists may keep what has passed, and his affair rests with GOD. But whoever returns — those are the companions of the Fire; therein they will abide forever. | Those who devour usury will not rise except as he rises whom the devil has smitten by his touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury. And Allah has allowed trade and forbidden usury. So he to whom an admonition has come from his Lord, then he desists, he shall have what has already passed, and his affair is with Allah. And whoever returns — these are the companions of the Fire; therein they will abide. | الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبَا لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِي يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا الْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ الرِّبَا ۗ وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا ۚ فَمَنْ جَاءَهُ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِ فَانْتَهَىٰ فَلَهُ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ | Alladhīna ya’kulūna ar-ribā lā yaqūmūna illā kamā yaqūmu alladhī yatakhabbaṭuhu ash-shayṭānu mina al-mass dhālika bi-annahum qālū innamā al-bay‘u mithlu ar-ribā wa-aḥalla Allāhu al-bay‘a wa-ḥarrama ar-ribā fa-man jā’ahu maw‘iẓatun min rabbihi fa-intahā fa-lahu mā salafa wa-amruhu ilā Allāh wa-man ‘āda fa-ulā’ika aṣḥābu an-nār hum fīhā khālidūn |
| 276 | GOD obliterates interest and multiplies charity. And GOD does not love every ungrateful sinner. | Allah will blot out usury and He causes charity to prosper. And Allah loves not any ungrateful sinner. | يَمْحَقُ اللَّهُ الرِّبَا وَيُرْبِي الصَّدَقَاتِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ أَثِيمٍ | Yamḥaqu Allāhu ar-ribā wa-yurbī aṣ-ṣadaqāt wa-Allāhu lā yuḥibbu kulla kaffārin athīm |
| 277 | Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds, establish prayer, and give the prescribed charity — they shall have their reward with their LORD; they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. | Those who believe and do good deeds and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate — their reward is with their Lord, and they have no fear, nor shall they grieve. | إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ | Inna alladhīna āmanū wa ‘amilū aṣ-ṣāliḥāti wa aqāmū aṣ-ṣalāta wa ātaw az-zakāta lahum ajruhum ‘inda rabbihim wa-lā khawfun ‘alayhim wa-lā hum yaḥzanūn |
| 278 | O you who believe, fear GOD and give up what remains of interest, if you are truly believers. | O you who believe, keep your duty to Allah and relinquish what remains of usury, if you are believers. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū ittaqū Allāha wa dharū mā baqiya mina ar-ribā in kuntum mu’minīn |
Note (v.275): It is important to clarify that in modern times the expression “interest-based loan” is more appropriate than simply translating it as “usury,” since contemporary society defines usury only as interest exceeding a legal threshold, which varies from country to country. However, in the Qur’an as well as in Biblical Law, every form of loan with interest is considered “usury” and a grave sin (Exodus 22:24; Leviticus 25:36–37; Deuteronomy 23:20–21 and others).
The Arabic term used is riba, which literally means an “increase” or “addition,” referring to the extra amount taken beyond the principal lent. This is understood as an abuse of power over the weak and the needy. Those to whom GOD has granted abundance should, at the very least, lend what is necessary to those in need without demanding any additional payment.
Practicing usury is symbolically akin to aligning oneself with Satan and making wealth an idol, standing in opposition to the very purpose of religion: to establish a just, compassionate social order oriented toward the well-being of all. Trade, on the other hand, is permitted because it is a mutual exchange in which both parties willingly participate, each hoping to gain while also accepting the possibility of loss.
Verses 279–281
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 279 | And if you do not do so, then be informed of war from GOD and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may retain your capital: you shall not wrong, nor shall you be wronged. | But if you do it not, then be apprised of war from Allah and His Messenger; and if you repent, then you shall have your capital. Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly. | فَإِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَإِنْ تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ | Fa-in lam taf‘alū fa’dhanū bi-ḥarbin mina Allāhi wa rasūlih wa-in tubtum fa-lakum ru’ūsu amwālikum lā taẓlimūna wa-lā tuẓlamūn |
| 280 | And if someone is in hardship, then grant him respite until ease. But if you remit it as charity, it is better for you, if only you knew. | And if the debtor is in straitened circumstances, then grant him respite till it is easy for him to repay; and that you remit it as alms is better for you, if you knew. | وَإِنْ كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ ۚ وَأَنْ تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ | Wa-in kāna dhū ‘usratin fa-naẓiratun ilā maysarah wa-an taṣaddaqū khayrun lakum in kuntum ta‘lamūn |
| 281 | And be mindful of the Day in which you shall be returned to GOD. Then every soul shall be fully repaid for what it has earned, and they shall not be wronged. | And guard yourselves against a day in which you shall be returned to Allah; then every soul shall be paid in full what it has earned, and they shall not be wronged. | وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ | Wa-ittaqu yawman turja‘ūna fīhi ilā Allāh thumma tuwaffā kullu nafsin mā kasabat wa-hum lā yuẓlamūn |
Note (v.279): The term “Fadhanu” means “to be notified of” or “to be warned of” a war. If those who persist in interest-based lending do not desist, they are to be regarded as adversaries and thus opposed. However, this does not negate what is established in verse 190: one may only fight those who fight against you. Interest-based lending is understood as a system that undermines the brotherhood and social justice upon which religious societies are founded, and for this reason it is described as something to be opposed.
Verse 282
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 282 | O you who believe, when you contract a debt for a fixed term, write it down. And let a scribe write it between you in justice. And no scribe should refuse to write as GOD has taught him, so let him write. And let the one upon whom the obligation falls dictate, and let him be mindful of GOD, his LORD, and not diminish anything from it. But if the one upon whom the obligation falls is of limited understanding, or weak, or unable to dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate with justice. And call to witness two witnesses from among your men; but if there are not two men, then one man and two women from among those whom you accept as witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other may remind her. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called upon. And do not be weary to write it, whether it is small or large, with its term. That is more just in the sight of GOD, more upright for testimony, and more likely to prevent doubt. Except when it is an immediate transaction which you conduct among yourselves, then there is no blame upon you if you do not write it. And take witnesses when you transact among yourselves, and let no harm be done to the scribe or to the witness. And if you do so, it is indeed wrongdoing on your part. And be mindful of GOD. And GOD teaches you, and GOD is Knowing of all things. | O you who believe, when you contract a debt for a fixed term, write it down. And let a scribe write it between you with justice. And no scribe should refuse to write as Allah has taught him, so let him write. And let him who incurs the liability dictate, and he should guard against (the displeasure of) Allah, his Lord, and not diminish anything from it. But if he who incurs the liability is weak in understanding or weak or unable himself to dictate, then let his guardian dictate with justice. And call in to witness from among your men two witnesses; but if there are not two men, then one man and two women, from among those whom you accept as witnesses, so that if one of the two errs, then the other may remind her. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are summoned. And be not averse to writing it, whether it is small or large, with the term thereof. This is more equitable in the sight of Allah and assures greater accuracy in testimony and is the nearest way that you may not entertain doubts. Except when it is ready merchandise which you give and take among yourselves from hand to hand, then it is no sin for you if you do not write it. And have witnesses when you sell one to another. And let no harm be done to the scribe or to the witness. And if you do (otherwise), it will surely be transgression in you. And guard against (the displeasure of) Allah. And Allah teaches you. And Allah is Knower of all things. | يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا تَدَايَنْتُمْ بِدَيْنٍ إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى فَاكْتُبُوهُ وَلْيَكْتُبْ بَيْنَكُمْ كَاتِبٌ بِالْعَدْلِ وَلَا يَأْبَ كَاتِبٌ أَنْ يَكْتُبَ كَمَا عَلَّمَهُ اللَّهُ فَلْيَكْتُبْ وَلْيُمْلِلِ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِ الْحَقُّ وَلْيَتَّقِ اللَّهَ رَبَّهُ وَلَا يَبْخَسْ مِنْهُ شَيْئًا فَإِنْ كَانَ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِ الْحَقُّ سَفِيهًا أَوْ ضَعِيفًا أَوْ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُ أَنْ يُمِلَّ هُوَ فَلْيُمْلِلْ وَلِيُّهُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَاسْتَشْهِدُوا شَهِيدَيْنِ مِنْ رِجَالِكُمْ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُونَا رَجُلَيْنِ فَرَجُلٌ وَامْرَأَتَانِ مِمَّنْ تَرْضَوْنَ مِنَ الشُّهَدَاءِ أَنْ تَضِلَّ إِحْدَاهُمَا فَتُذَكِّرَ إِحْدَاهُمَا الْأُخْرَىٰ وَلَا يَأْبَ الشُّهَدَاءُ إِذَا مَا دُعُوا وَلَا تَسْأَمُوا أَنْ تَكْتُبُوهُ صَغِيرًا أَوْ كَبِيرًا إِلَىٰ أَجَلِهِ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَقْسَطُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ وَأَقْوَمُ لِلشَّهَادَةِ وَأَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَرْتَابُوا إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَ تِجَارَةً حَاضِرَةً تُدِيرُونَهَا بَيْنَكُمْ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَلَّا تَكْتُبُوهَا وَأَشْهِدُوا إِذَا تَبَايَعْتُمْ وَلَا يُضَارَّ كَاتِبٌ وَلَا شَهِيدٌ وَإِنْ تَفْعَلُوا فَإِنَّهُ فُسُوقٌ بِكُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ | Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū idhā tadāyantum bi-daynin ilā ajalin musamman faktubūh wa-lyaktub baynakum kātibun bil-‘adl wa-lā ya’ba kātibun an yaktuba kamā ‘allamahu Allāh fa-lyaktub wa-lyumlil alladhī ‘alayhi al-ḥaqqu wa-lyattaqi Allāha rabbah wa-lā yabkhas minhu shay’an fa-in kāna alladhī ‘alayhi al-ḥaqqu safīhan aw ḍa‘īfan aw lā yastaṭī‘u an yumilla huwa fa-lyumlil waliyyuhu bil-‘adl wa-stashhidū shahīdayni min rijālikum fa-in lam yakūnā rajulayni fa-rajulun wa-imra’atāni mimman tarḍawna mina ash-shuhadā’i an taḍilla iḥdāhumā fa-tudhakkira iḥdāhumā al-ukhrā wa-lā ya’ba ash-shuhadā’u idhā mā du‘ū wa-lā tas’amū an taktubūhu ṣaghīran aw kabīran ilā ajalih dhālikum aqsaṭu ‘inda Allāhi wa-aqwamu li-sh-shahādati wa-adnā allā ترتابوا illā an takūna tijāratan ḥāḍiratan tudīrūnahā baynakum fa-laysa ‘alaykum junāḥun allā taktubūhā wa-ashhidū idhā tabāya‘tum wa-lā yuḍārra kātibun wa-lā shahīd wa-in taf‘alū fa-innahu fusūqun bikum wa-ittaqu Allāh wa-yu‘allimukum Allāh wa-Allāhu bi-kulli shay’in ‘alīm |
Note (v.282): This verse is the longest in the entire Qur’an and one of the most significant from a legal, ethical, and social perspective. It establishes a fundamental principle: justice must not be left to memory or goodwill alone, but must be safeguarded through clarity, documentation, and shared responsibility.
The obligation to record debts introduces a remarkably advanced vision for its time: writing becomes an instrument of equity, not of power. The scribe is called to act “with justice,” and the debtor himself is instructed to dictate with mindfulness of GOD, avoiding any form of abuse or manipulation.
The presence of witnesses further strengthens the principle of transparency, not as a form of oppressive control, but as mutual protection between the parties. The verse does not aim to complicate human relations, but to preserve trust over time, preventing future disputes and injustice.
In a broader perspective, this teaching connects with the legal traditions of the Abrahamic religions, where covenant, testimony, and the spoken word carry sacred value. Here the Qur’an demonstrates that spirituality is not separate from daily life, but is expressed also in economic and social order.
The verse concludes by reminding that all knowledge comes from GOD: it is not merely a technical rule, but a divine instruction guiding humanity toward a more just, responsible, and conscious society.
Verses 283–286
| Verse | ASH Translation | Maulana Muhammad Ali | Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 283 | And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a pledge shall be taken. And if one of you entrusts another, then let the one who is entrusted deliver his trust and be mindful of GOD, his LORD. And do not conceal testimony: whoever conceals it, his heart is sinful. And GOD knows all that you do. | And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a security deposit should be taken. But if one of you trusts another, then let him who is trusted deliver his trust, and let him guard against Allah, his Lord. And do not conceal testimony. And whoever conceals it, his heart is surely sinful. And Allah is Knower of what you do. | وَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ وَلَمْ تَجِدُوا كَاتِبًا فَرِهَانٌ مَقْبُوضَةٌ فَإِنْ أَمِنَ بَعْضُكُمْ بَعْضًا فَلْيُؤَدِّ الَّذِي اؤْتُمِنَ أَمَانَتَهُ وَلْيَتَّقِ اللَّهَ رَبَّهُ وَلَا تَكْتُمُوا الشَّهَادَةَ وَمَنْ يَكْتُمْهَا فَإِنَّهُ آثِمٌ قَلْبُهُ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ | Wa-in kuntum ‘alā safarin wa-lam tajidū kātiban fa-rihānun maqbūḍah fa-in amina ba‘ḍukum ba‘ḍan fa-lyu’addi alladhī u’tumina amānatahu wa-lyattaqi Allāha rabbah wa-lā taktumu ash-shahādah wa-man yaktumhā fa-innahū āthimun qalbuh wa-Allāhu bimā ta‘malūna ‘alīm |
| 284 | To GOD belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Whether you reveal what is within yourselves or conceal it, GOD will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And GOD is Powerful over all things. | To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. And whether you manifest what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases. And Allah is Possessor of power over all things. | لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَإِنْ تُبْدُوا مَا فِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ يُحَاسِبْكُمْ بِهِ اللَّهُ فَيَغْفِرُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ | Lillāhi mā fī as-samāwāti wa-mā fī al-arḍ wa-in tubdū mā fī anfusikum aw tukhfūhu yuḥāsibkum bihi Allāh fa-yaghfiru li-man yashā’u wa-yu‘adhdhibu man yashā’u wa-Allāhu ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr |
| 285 | The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his LORD, and so have the believers. All believe in GOD, His angels, His books, and His messengers: “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say: “We hear and we obey. Grant us Your forgiveness, our LORD: to You is the final return.” | The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. They all believe in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers. We make no difference between any of His messengers. And they say: We hear and we obey. Grant us Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the eventual course. | آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْ رُسُلِهِ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ | Āmana ar-rasūlu bimā unzila ilayhi min rabbih wa-al-mu’minūn kullun āmana bi-Allāhi wa-malā’ikatihi wa-kutubihi wa-rusulih lā nufarriqu bayna aḥadin min rusulih wa-qālū sami‘nā wa-aṭa‘nā ghufrānaka rabbanā wa-ilayka al-maṣīr |
| 286 | GOD does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. For it is what it has earned, and against it is what it has committed. “Our LORD, do not hold us accountable if we forget or make mistakes. Our LORD, do not place upon us a burden as You placed upon those before us. Our LORD, do not burden us with what we have no strength to bear, and pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our Protector, so grant us victory over those who do not believe.” | Allah imposes not on any soul a duty beyond its scope. For it is what it has earned, and against it what it has wrought. Our Lord, punish us not if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, lay not on us a burden as Thou didst lay on those before us. Our Lord, impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear. And pardon us and grant us protection and have mercy on us. Thou art our Patron, so grant us victory over the disbelieving people. | لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِنْ نَسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا أَنْتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ | Lā yukallifu Allāhu nafsan illā wus‘ahā lahā mā kasabat wa-‘alayhā mā iktasabat rabbanā lā tu’ākhidhnā in nasīnā aw akhṭa’nā rabbanā wa-lā taḥmil ‘alaynā iṣran kamā ḥamaltahu ‘alā alladhīna min qablinā rabbanā wa-lā tuḥammilnā mā lā ṭāqata lanā bih wa‘fu ‘annā wa-ghfir lanā wa-irḥamnā anta mawlānā fa-unṣurnā ‘alā al-qawmi al-kāfirīn |
Note (v.286): This verse stands among the most sublime passages in the entire Qur’an and is one of the most universal within the Abrahamic traditions. It affirms a fundamental principle: GOD knows the limits of the human being perfectly and never imposes a burden beyond one's capacity.
Here divine justice is united with mercy. The human being is responsible for their actions, yet never abandoned to despair. This balance between responsibility and compassion reflects a profound point of convergence with the Biblical tradition, where GOD is both a just judge and a merciful Father.
The final supplication is one of the highest expressions of monotheistic prayer: recognition of human limitation, a plea for forgiveness, a desire for relief, and total reliance upon GOD. It is a universal voice that can be recognized by believers of every tradition.
In this sense, the verse is not merely a conclusion, but a spiritual summit: an eternal invitation to trust, hope, and the awareness that the path toward GOD is not founded upon burden, but upon mercy.
Notes
Verse 1: “Alif, Lām, Mīm” are known as muqaṭṭaʿāt (disjointed letters), whose meaning has been widely discussed in classical exegesis.
Verse 3: The plural form referring to GOD in Arabic may be understood as a plural of majesty; in ASH it can be rendered in singular form for clarity.