THOSE WHO ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BEG

He who begs the property of others to increase his own is asking only for live coals, so let him ask little as much. (Muslim).    (Sayings of Muhammad. by Prof. Ghazi Ahmad).

It is better for one of you to take a rope, bring a load of  firewood on hisback, and sell it, God thereby preserving his self respect, than that he should beg from people whether they give him anything or refuse him. (Bukhari).                                                   (Sayings of Muhammad. by Prof. Ghazi Ahmad).

If anyone guarantees me that he will not beg from people, I will guarantee him paradise. (Abu Dawud, Nasa'i).                     (Sayings of Muhammad. by Prof. Ghazi Ahmad).

The Cow

 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

[2.1] Alif Lam Mim.

[2.2] This Book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to

those who guard (against evil).

[2.3] Those who believe in the unseen and keep up prayer

and spend out of what We have given them.

[2.4] And who believe in that which has been revealed to

you and that which was revealed before you and they are

sure of the hereafter.

[2.5] These are on a right course from their Lord and these

it is that shall be successful.

[2.6] Surely those who disbelieve, it being alike to them

whether you warn them, or do not warn them, will not

believe.

[2.7] Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their

hearing and there is a covering over their eyes, and there

is a great punishment for them.

[2.8] And there are some people who say: We believe in

Allah and the last day; and they are not at all believers.

[2.9] They desire to deceive Allah and those who believe,

and they deceive only themselves and they do not perceive.

[2.10] There is a disease in their hearts, so Allah added

to their disease and they shall have a painful chastisement

because they lied.

[2.11] And when it is said to them, Do not make mischief in

the land, they say: We are but peace-makers.

[2.12] Now surely they themselves are the mischief makers,

but they do not perceive.

[2.13] And when it is said to them: Believe as the people

believe they say: Shall we believe as the fools believe?

Now surely they themselves are the fools,

but they do not know.

[2.14] And when they meet those who believe, they say: We

believe; and when they are alone with their Shaitans, they

say: Surely we are with you, we were only

mocking.

[2.15] Allah shall pay them back their mockery, and He

leaves them alone in their inordinacy, blindly wandering

on.

[2.16] These are they who buy error for the right

direction, so their bargain shall bring no gain, nor are

they the followers of the right direction.

[2.17] Their parable is like the parable of one who kindled

a fire but when it had illumined all around him, Allah took

away their light, and left them in utter darkness-- they do

not see.

[2.18] Deaf, dumb (and) blind, so they will not turn back.

[2.19] Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is

utter darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their

fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, for

fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers.

[2.20] The lightning almost takes away their sight;

whenever it shines on them they walk in it, and when it

becomes dark to them they stand still; and if Allah

had pleased He would certainly have taken away their

hearing and their sight; surely Allah has power over all

things.

[2.21] O men! serve your Lord Who created you and those

before you so that you may guard (against evil).

[2.22] Who made the earth a resting place for you and the

heaven a canopy and (Who) sends down rain from the cloud

then brings forth with it subsistence for

you of the fruits; therefore do not set up rivals to Allah

while you know.

[2.23] And if you are in doubt as to that which We have

revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it and

call on your witnesses besides Allah if you

are truthful.

[2.24] But if you do (it) not and never shall you do (it),

then be on your guard against the fire of which men and

stones are the fuel; it is prepared for the

unbelievers.

[2.25] And convey good news to those who believe and do

good deeds, that they shall have gardens in which rivers

flow; whenever they shall be given a portion

of the fruit thereof, they shall say: This is what was

given to us before; and they shall be given the like of it,

and they shall have pure mates in them, and

in them, they shall abide.

[2.26] Surely Allah is not ashamed to set forth any

parable-- (that of) a gnat or any thing 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: He

causes many to err by it and many He leads

aright by it! but He does not cause to err by it (any)

except the transgressors,

[2.27] 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.

[2.28] How do you deny Allah and you were dead 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.

[2.29] 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 knows all

things.

[2.30] And when your Lord said to the angels, I am going to

place in the earth a khalif, they said: What! wilt Thou

place in it such as shall make mischief in it

and shed blood, and we celebrate Thy praise and extol Thy

holiness? He said: Surely I know what you do not know.

[2.31] And He taught Adam all the names, then presented

them to the angels; then He said: Tell me the names of

those if you are right.

[2.32] They said: Glory be to Thee! we have no knowledge

but that which Thou hast taught us; surely Thou art the

Knowing, the Wise.

[2.33] He said: O Adam! inform them of their names. Then

when he had informed them of their names, He said: Did I

not say to you that I surely know what is

ghaib in the heavens and the earth and (that) I know what

you manifest and what you hide?

[2.34] And when We said to the angels: Make obeisance to

Adam they did obeisance, but Iblis (did it not). He refused

and he was proud, and he was one of the unbelievers.

[2.35] And We said: O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the

garden and eat from it a plenteous (food) wherever you wish

and do not approach this tree, for then

you will be of the unjust.

[2.36] But the Shaitan made them both fall from it, and

caused them to depart from that (state) in which they were;

and We said: Get forth, some of you being

the enemies of others, and there is for you in the earth an

abode and a provision for a time.

[2.37] Then Adam received (some) words from his Lord, so He

turned to him mercifully; surely He is Oft-returning (to

mercy), the Merciful.

[2.38] We said: Go forth from this (state) all; so 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.

[2.39] And (as to) those who disbelieve in and reject My

communications, they are the inmates of the fire, in it

they shall abide.

[2.40] O children of Israel! call to mind My favor which I

bestowed on you and be faithful to (your) covenant with Me,

I will fulfill (My) covenant with you; and of Me, Me alone,

should you be afraid.

[2.41] And believe in what I have revealed, verifying that

which is with you, and be not the first to deny it, neither

take a mean price in exchange for My communications; and

Me, Me alone should you fear.

[2.42] And do not mix up the truth with the falsehood, nor

hide the truth while you know (it).

[2.43] And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and bow

down with those who bow down.

[2.44] What! do you enjoin men to be good and neglect your

own souls while you read the Book; have you then no sense?

[2.45] And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and

most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones,

[2.46] Who know that they shall meet their Lord and that

they shall return to Him.

[2.47] O children of Israel! call to mind My favor which I

bestowed on you and that I made you excel the nations.

[2.48] And be on your guard against a day when one soul

shall not avail another in the least, neither shall

intercession on its behalf be accepted, nor shall

any compensation be taken from it, nor shall they be

helped.

[2.49] And when We delivered you from Firon'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.

[2.50] And when We parted the sea for you, so We saved you

and drowned the followers of Firon and you watched by.

[2.51] And when We appointed a time of forty nights with

Musa, then you took the calf (for a god) after him and you

were unjust.

[2.52] Then We pardoned you after that so that you might

give thanks.

[2.53] And when We gave Musa the Book and the distinction

that you might walk aright.

[2.54] And when Musa said to his people: O my people! you

have surely been unjust to yourselves by taking the calf

(for a god), therefore turn to your Creator (penitently),

so kill your people, that is best for you with your

Creator: so He turned to you (mercifully), for surely He is

the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful.

[2.55] And when you said: O Musa! we will not believe in

you until we see Allah manifestly, so the punishment

overtook you while you looked on.

[2.56] Then We raised you up after your death that you may

give thanks.

[2.57] And We made the clouds to give shade over you and We

sent to you manna and quails: Eat of the good things that

We have given you; and they did not do Us any harm, but

they made their own souls suffer the loss.

[2.58] And when We said: Enter this city, then eat from it

a plenteous (food) wherever you wish, and enter the gate

making obeisance, and say, forgiveness. We

will forgive you your wrongs and give more to those who do

good (to others).

[2.59] But those who were unjust changed it for a saying

other than that which had been spoken to them, so We sent

upon those who were unjust a pestilence from

heaven, because they transgressed.

[2.60] And when Musa prayed for drink for his people, We

said: Strike the rock with your staff So there gushed from

it twelve springs; each tribe knew its drinking place: Eat

and drink of the provisions of Allah and do not act

corruptly in the land, making mischief.

[2.61] And when you said: O Musa! we cannot bear with one

food, therefore pray Lord on our behalf to bring forth for

us out of what the earth grows, of its herbs and its

cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions. He

said: Will you exchange that which is better for that which

is worse? Enter a city, so you will have what you ask for.

And abasement and humiliation were brought down

upon them, and they became deserving of Allah's wrath; this

was so because they disbelieved in the communications of

Allah and killed the prophets unjustly;

this was so because they disobeyed and exceeded the limits.

[2.62] 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.

[2.63] And when We took a promise from you and lifted the

mountain over you: Take hold of the law (Tavrat) We have

given you with firmness and bear in mind

what is in it, so that you may guard (against evil).

[2.64] Then you turned back after that; so were it not for

the grace of Allah and His mercy on you, you would

certainly have been among the losers.

[2.65] And certainly you have known those among you who

exceeded the limits of the Sabbath, so We said to them: Be

(as) apes, despised and hated.

[2.66] So We made them an example to those who witnessed it

and those who came after it, and an admonition to those who

guard (against evil).

[2.67] And when Musa said to his people: Surely Allah

commands you that you should sacrifice a cow; they said: Do

you ridicule us? He said: I seek the protection of Allah

from being one of the ignorant.

[2.68] They said: Call on your Lord for our sake to make it

plain to us what she is. Musa said: He says, Surely she is

a cow neither advanced in age nor too young, of middle age

between that (and this); do therefore what you are

commanded.

[2.69] They said: Call on your Lord for our sake to make it

plain to us what her color is. Musa said: He says, Surely

she is a yellow cow; her color is intensely

yellow, giving delight to the beholders.

[2.70] They said: Call on your Lord for our sake to make it

plain to us what she is, for surely to us the cows are all

alike, and if Allah please we shall surely

be guided aright.

[2.71] Musa said: He says, Surely she is a cow not made

submissive that she should plough the land, nor does she

irrigate the tilth; sound, without a blemish in her. They

said: Now you have brought the truth; so they sacrificed

her, though they had not the mind to do (it).

[2.72] And when you killed a man, then you disagreed with

respect to that, and Allah was to bring forth that which

you were going to hide.

[2.73] So We said: Strike the (dead body) with part of the

(Sacrificed cow), thus Allah brings the dead to life, and

He shows you His signs so that you may understand.

[2.74] Then your hearts hardened after that, so that they

were like rocks, rather worse in hardness; and surely there

are some rocks from which streams burst forth, and surely

there are some of them which split asunder so water

issues out of them, and surely there are some of them which

fall down for fear of Allah, and Allah is not at all

heedless of what you do.

[2.75] Do you then hope that they would believe in you, and

a party from among them indeed used to hear the Word of

Allah, then altered it after they had understood it, and

they know (this).

[2.76] And when they meet those who believe they say: We

believe, and when they are alone one with another they say:

Do you talk to them of what Allah has disclosed to you that

they may contend with you by this before your Lord? Do you

not then understand?

[2.77] Do they not know that Allah knows what they keep

secret and what they make known?

[2.78] And there arc among them illiterates who know not

the Book but only lies, and they do but conjecture.

[2.79] 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; therefore woe to

them for what their hands have written and woe to them for

what they earn.

[2.80] And they say: Fire shall not touch us but for a few

days. Say: Have you received a promise from Allah, then

Allah will not fail to perform His promise,

or do you speak against Allah what you do not know?

[2.81] Yeal whoever earns evil and his sins beset him on

every side, these are the inmates of the fire; in it they

shall abide.

[2.82] And (as for) those who believe and do good deeds,

these are the dwellers of the garden; in it they shall

abide.

[2.83] And when We made a covenant with the children of

Israel: You shall not serve any but Allah and (you shall

do) good to (your) parents, and to the near

of kin and to the orphans and the needy, and you shall

speak to men good words and keep up prayer and pay the

poor-rate. Then you turned back except a few of

you and (now too) you turn aside.

[2.84] And when We made a covenant with you: You shall not

shed your blood and you shall not turn your people out of

your cities; then you gave a promise while

you witnessed.

[2.85] Yet you it is who slay your people and turn a party

from among you out of their homes, backing each other up

against them unlawfully and exceeding the

limits; and if they should come to you, as captives you

would ransom them-- while their very turning out was

unlawful for you. Do you then believe in a part

of the Book and disbelieve in the other? What then is the

re ward of such among you as do this but disgrace in the

life of this world, and on the day of resurrection they

shall be sent back to the most grievous chastisement, and

Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.

[2.86] These are they who buy the life of this world for

the hereafter, so their chastisement shall not be lightened

nor shall they be helped.

[2.87] And most certainly We gave Musa the Book and We sent

apostles after him one after another; and We gave Isa, the

son of Marium, clear arguments and strengthened him with

the holy spirit, What! whenever then an apostle came to

you with that which your souls did not desire, you were

insolent so you called some liars and some you slew.

[2.88] And they say: Our hearts are covered. Nay, Allah has

cursed them on account of their unbelief; so little it is

that they believe.

[2.89] And when there came to them a Book from Allah

verifying that which they have, and aforetime they used to

pray for victory against those who disbelieve,

but when there came to them (Prophet) that which they did

not recognize, they disbelieved in him; so Allah's curse is

on the unbelievers.

[2.90] Evil is that for which they have sold their souls--

that they should deny what Allah has revealed, out of envy

that Allah should send down of His grace on

whomsoever of His servants He pleases; so they have made

themselves deserving of wrath upon wrath, and there is a

disgraceful punishment for the unbelievers.

[2.91] And when it is said to them, Believe in what Allah

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 Allah's Prophets before if you

were indeed believers?

[2.92] And most certainly Musa came to you with clear

arguments, then you took the calf (for a god) in his

absence and you were unjust.

[2.93] And when We made a covenant with you and raised the

mountain over you: Take hold of what We have given you with

firmness and be obedient. They said: We

hear and disobey. And they were made to imbibe (the love

of) the calf into their hearts on account of their unbelief

Say: Evil is that which your belief bids you

if you are believers.

[2.94] Say: If the future abode with Allah is specially for

you to the exclusion of the people, then invoke death if

you are truthful.

[2.95] And they will never invoke it on account of what

their hands have sent before, and Allah knows the unjust.

[2.96] And you will most certainly find them the greediest

of men for life (greedier) than even those who are

polytheists; every one of them loves that he

should 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 Allah sees what

they

[2.97] Say: Whoever is the enemy of Jibreel-- for surely he

revealed it to your heart by Allah's command, verifying

that which is before it and guidance and

good news for the believers.

[2.98] Whoever is the enemy of Allah and His angels and His

apostles and Jibreel and Meekaeel, so surely Allah is the

enemy of the unbelievers.

[2.99] And certainly We have revealed to you clear

communications and none disbelieve in them except the

transgressors.

[2.100] What! whenever they make a covenant, a party of

them cast it aside? Nay, most of them do not believe.

[2.101] And when there came to them an Apostle from Allah

verifying that which they have, a party of those who were

given the Book threw the Book of Allah behind their backs

as if they knew nothing.

[2.102] And they followed what the Shaitans chanted of

sorcery in the reign of Sulaiman, and Sulaiman was not an

unbeliever, but the Shaitans disbelieved, they

taught men sorcery and that was sent down to the two angels

at Babel, Harut and Marut, yet these two taught no man

until they had said, "Surely we are only a

trial, therefore do not be a disbeliever." Even then men

learned from these two, magic by which they might cause a

separation between a man and his wife; and

they cannot hurt with it any one except with Allah's

permission, and they learned what harmed them and did not

profit them, and certainly they know that

he who bought it should have no share of good in the

hereafter and evil was the price for which they sold their

souls, had they but known this.

[2.103] And if they had believed and guarded themselves

(against evil), reward from Allah would certainly have been

better; had they but known (this).

[2.104] O you who believe! do not say Raina and say Unzurna

and listen, and for the unbelievers there is a painful

chastisement.

[2.105] Those who disbelieve from among the followers of

the Book do not like, nor do the polytheists, that the 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.

[2.106] Whatever communications We abrogate or cause to be

forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it. Do you

not know that Allah has power over all things?

[2.107] Do you not know that Allah's is the kingdom of the

heavens and the earth, and that besides Allah you have no

guardian or helper?

[2.108] Rather you wish to put questions to your Apostle,

as Musa was questioned before; and whoever adopts unbelief

instead of faith, he indeed has lost the

right direction of the way.

[2.109] Many of the followers of the Book wish that they

could turn you back into unbelievers after your faith, out

of envy from themselves, (even) after the

truth has become manifest to them; but pardon and forgive,

so that Allah should bring about His command; surely Allah

has power over all things.

[2.110] And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and

whatever good you send before for yourselves, you shall

find it with Allah; surely Allah sees what you

do.

[2.111] And they say: None shall enter the garden (or

paradise) except he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are

their vain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you

are truthful.

[2.112] Yes! whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and

he is the doer of good (to others) he has his reward from

his Lord, and there is no fear for him nor shall he grieve.

[2.113] And the Jews say: The Christians do not follow

anything (good) and the Christians say: The Jews do not

follow anything (good) while they recite the

(same) Book. Even thus say those who have no knowledge,

like to what they say; so Allah shall judge between them on

the day of resurrection in what they differ.

[2.114] And who is more unjust than he who prevents (men)

from the masjids of Allah, that His name should be

remembered in them, and strives to ruin them? (As

for) these, it was not proper for them that they should

have entered them except in fear; they shall meet with

disgrace in this world, and they shall have great

chastisement in the hereafter.

[2.115] And Allah's is the East and the West, therefore,

whither you turn, thither is Allah's purpose; surely Allah

is Amplegiving, Knowing.

[2.116] 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.

[2.117] Wonderful Originator of the heavens and the earth,

and when He decrees an affair, He only says to it, Be, so

there it is.

[2.118] And those who have no knowledge say: Why does not

Allah 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

communications clear for a people who are sure.

[2.119] Surely We have sent you with the truth as a bearer

of good news and as a warner, and you shall not be called

upon to answer for the companions of the

flaming fire.

[2.120] And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the

Christians until you follow their religion. Say: Surely

Allah's guidance, that is the (true) guidance. And if you

follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to

you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper.

[2.121] 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.

[2.122] O children of Israel, call to mind My favor which I

bestowed on you and that I made you excel the nations.

[2.123] And.be on your guard against a day when no soul

shall avail another in the least neither shall any

compensation be accepted from it, nor shall

intercession profit it, nor shall they be helped.

[2.124] And when his Lord tried Ibrahim with certain words,

he fulfilled them. He said: Surely I will make you an Imam

of men. Ibrahim said: And of my offspring? My covenant does

not include the unjust, said He.

[2.125] And when We made the House a pilgrimage for men and

a (place of) security, and: Appoint for yourselves a place

of prayer on the standing-place of Ibrahim. And We enjoined

Ibrahim and Ismail 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.

[2.126] And when Ibrahim said: My Lord, make it 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 will grant him enjoyment for a

short while, then I will drive him to the chastisement of

the fire; and it is an evil destination.

[2.127] And when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations

of the House: Our Lord! accept from us; surely Thou art the

Hearing, the Knowing:

[2.128] Our Lord! and make us both submissive to Thee and

(raise) from our offspring a nation submitting to Thee, and

show us our ways of devotion and turn to us (mercifully),

surely Thou art the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful.

[2.129] Our Lord! and raise up in them an Apostle from

among them who shall recite to them Thy communications and

teach them the Book and the wisdom, and

purify them; surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise.

[2.130] And who forsakes the religion of Ibrahim but he who

makes himself a fool, and most certainly We chose him in

this world, and in the hereafter he is most surely among

the righteous.

[2.131] When his Lord said to him, Be a Muslim, he said: I

submit myself to the Lord of the worlds.

[2.132] And the same did Ibrahim enjoin on his sons and (so

did) Yaqoub. O my sons! surely Allah has chosen for you

(this) faith, therefore die not unless you

are Muslims.

[2.133] Nay! were you witnesses when death visited Yaqoub,

when he said to his sons: What will you serve after me?

They said: We will serve your God and the

God of your fathers, Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq, one God

only, and to Him do we submit.

[2.134] This is a people that have passed away; they shall

have what they earned and you shall have what you earn, and

you shall not be called upon to answer for

what they did.

[2.135] And they say: Be Jews or Christians, you will be on

the right course. Say: Nay! (we follow) the religion of

Ibrahim, the Hanif, and he was not one of

the polytheists.

[2.136] Say: We believe in Allah and (in) that which had

been revealed to us, and (in) that which was revealed to

Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq and Yaqoub and

the tribes, and (in) that which was given to Musa and Isa,

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 do we submit.

[2.137] If then they believe as you believe in Him, they

are indeed on the right course, and if they turn back, then

they are only in great opposition, so Allah

will suffice you against them, and He is the Hearing, the

Knowing.

[2.138] (Receive) the baptism of Allah, and who is better

than Allah in baptising? and Him do we serve.

[2.139] Say: Do you dispute with us about Allah, and He is

our Lord and your Lord, and we shall have our deeds and you

shall have your deeds, and we are sincere to Him.

[2.140] Nay! do you say that Ibrahim and Ismail and Yaqoub

and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Are you better

knowing or Allah? And who is more unjust

than he who conceals a testimony that he has from Allah?

And Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.

[2.141] This is a people that have passed away; they shall

have what they earned and you shall have what you earn, and

you shall not be called upon to answer for

what they did.

[2.142] The fools among the people will say: What has

turned them from their qiblah which they had? Say: The East

and the West belong only to Allah; He guides whom He likes

to the right path.

[2.143] And thus We have made you a medium (just) nation

that you may be the bearers of witness to the people and

(that) the Apostle may be a bearer of witness to you; and

We did not make that which you would have to be the qiblah

but that We might distinguish him who follows the Apostle

from him who turns back upon his heels, and this was surely

hard except for those whom Allah has guided aright; and

Allah was not going to make your faith to be fruitless;

most surely Allah is Affectionate, Merciful to the people.

[2.144] Indeed We see the turning of your face to heaven,

so We shall surely turn you to a qiblah which you shall

like; turn then your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and

wherever you are, turn your face towards it, and those who

have been given the Book most surely know that it is the

truth from their Lord; and Allah is not at all heedless of

what they do.

[2.145] And even if you bring to those who have been given

the Book every sign they would not follow your qiblah, nor

can you be a follower of their qiblah, neither are they the

followers of each other's qiblah, and if you follow their

desires after the knowledge that has come to you, then you

shall most surely be among the unjust.

[2.146] Those whom We have given the Book recognize him as

they recognize their sons, and a party of them most surely

conceal the truth while they know (it).

[2.147] The truth is from your Lord, therefore you should

not be of the doubters.

[2.148] And every one has a direction to which he should

turn, therefore hasten to (do) good works; wherever you

are, Allah will bring you all together; surely

Allah has power over all things.

[2.149] And from whatsoever place you come forth, turn your

face towards the Sacred Mosque; and surely it is the very

truth from your Lord, and Allah is not at all heedless of

what you do.

[2.150] And from whatsoever place you come forth, turn your

face towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you are turn

your faces towards it, so that people shall have no

accusation against you, except such of them as are unjust;

so do not fear them, and fear Me, that I may complete My

favor on you and that you may walk on the right course.

[2.151] Even as We have sent among you an Apostle from

among you who recites to you Our communications and

purifies you and teaches you the Book and the wisdom

and teaches you that which you did not know.

[2.152] Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be

thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.

[2.153] O you who believe! seek assistance through patience

and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient.

[2.154] And do not speak of those who are slain in Allah's

way as dead; nay, (they are) alive, but you do not

perceive.

[2.155] And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of

fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits;

and give good news to the patient,

[2.156] Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we

are Allah's and to Him we shall surely return.

[2.157] Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from

their Lord, and those are the followers of the right

course.

[2.158] Surely the Safa and the Marwa are among the signs

appointed by 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 spontaneously, then surely Allah is Grateful, Knowing.

[2.159] Surely those who conceal the clear proofs and the

guidance that We revealed after We made it clear in the

Book for men, these it is whom Allah shall curse, and those

who curse shall curse them (too).

[2.160] Except those who repent and amend and make manifest

(the truth), these it is to whom I turn (mercifully); and I

am the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful.

[2.161] Surely those who disbelieve and die while they are

disbelievers, these it is on whom is the curse of Allah and

the angels and men all;

[2.162] Abiding in it; their chastisement shall not be

lightened nor shall they be given respite.

[2.163] And your God is one God! there is no god but He; He

is the Beneficent, the Merciful.

[2.164] Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the

earth and the alternation of the night and the day, and the

ships that run in the sea with that which profits men, and

the water that 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 heaven and the earth, there are signs for a people who

understand.

[2.165] And there are some among men who take for

themselves objects of worship besides Allah, whom they love

as they love Allah, and those who believe are

stronger in love for Allah and O, that those who are unjust

had seen, when they see the chastisement, that the power is

wholly Allah's and that Allah is severe

in requiting (evil).

[2.166] When those who were followed shall renounce those

who followed (them),

and they see the chastisement and their ties are cut

asunder.

[2.167] And those who followed shall say: Had there been

for us a return, then 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.

[2.168] O men! eat the lawful and good things out of what

is in the earth, and do not follow the footsteps of the

Shaitan; surely he is your open enemy.

[2.169] He only enjoins you evil and indecency, and that

you may speak against Allah what you do not know.

[2.170] And when it is said to them, Follow what Allah has

revealed, they say: Nay! we follow what we found our

fathers upon. What! and though their fathers

had no sense at all, nor did they follow the right way.

[2.171] And the parable of those who disbelieve is as the

parable of one who calls out to that which hears no more

than a call and a cry; deaf, dumb (and)

blind, so they do not understand.

[2.172] O you who believe! eat of the good things that We

have provided you with, and give thanks to Allah if Him it

is that you serve.

[2.173] He has only forbidden you what dies of itself, and

blood, and flesh of swine, and that over which any other

(name) than (that of) 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.

[2.174] Surely those who conceal any part of the Book that

Allah has revealed 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 will He purify them, and they shall have a painful

chastisement.

[2.175] These are they who buy error for the right

direction and chastisement for forgiveness; how bold they

are to encounter fire.

[2.176] This is because Allah has revealed the Book with

the truth; and surely those who go against the Book are in

a great opposition.

[2.177] It is not righteousness that you turn your faces

towards the East and the West, but righteousness is this

that one should believe in Allah and the

last day and the angels and the Book and the prophets, and

give away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and

the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and the beggars

and for (the emancipation of) the captives, and keep up

prayer and pay the poor-rate; and the performers of their

promise when they make a promise, and the patient in

distress and affliction and in time of conflicts--

these are they who are {rue (to themselves) and these are

they who guard (against evil).

[2.178] 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 any remission is made to any one by

his (aggrieved) brother, then prosecution (for the

bloodwit) should be made according to usage,

and payment should be made to him in a good manner; this is

an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy; so whoever

exceeds the limit after this he shall have a

painful chastisement.

[2.179] And there is life for you in (the law of)

retaliation, O men of understanding, that you may guard

yourselves.

[2.180] Bequest is prescribed for you when death approaches

one of you, if he leaves behind wealth for parents and near

relatives, according to usage, a duty (incumbent) upon

those who guard (against evil).

[2.181] Whoever then alters it after he has heard it, the

sin of it then is only upon those who alter it; surely

Allah is Hearing, Knowing.

[2.182] But he who fears an inclination to a wrong course

or an act of disobedience on the part of the testator, and

effects an agreement between the parties, there is no blame

on him. Surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

[2.183] O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you,

as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may

guard (against evil).

[2.184] For a certain number of days; but whoever among you

is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like)

number of other days; and those who are

not able to do 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.

[2.185] The month of Ramazan is that in which the Quran was

revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the

guidance and the distinction; therefore whoever

of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and

whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a

(like) number of other days; Allah desires ease for you,

and He does not desire for you difficulty, 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.

[2.186] And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then

surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant

when he calls on Me, so they should answer

My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right

way.

[2.187] It is made lawful to you to go into your wives on

the night of the fast; they are an apparel for you and you

are an apparel for them; Allah knew that you

acted unfaithfully to yourselves, so He has turned to you

(mercifully) and removed from you (this burden); so now be

in contact with them and seek what Allah has ordained for

you, and eat and drink until the whiteness of the day

becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn,

then complete the fast till night, and have not contact

with them while you keep to the mosques; these

are the limits of Allah, so do not go near them. Thus does

Allah make clear His communications for men that they may

guard (against evil).

[2.188] And do not swallow up your property among

yourselves by false means, neither seek to gain access

thereby to the judges, so that you may swallow up a

part of the property of men wrongfully while you know.

[2.189] They ask you concerning the new moon. Say: They are

times appointed for (the benefit of) men, and (for) the

pilgrimage; and it is not righteousness that

you should enter the houses at their backs, but

righteousness is this that one should guard (against evil);

and go into the houses by their doors and be

careful (of your duty) to Allah, that you may be

successful.

[2.190] And fight in the way of Allah with those who fight

with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does

not love those who exceed the limits.

[2.191] And kill them wherever you find them, and drive

them out from whence they drove you out, and persecution is

severer than slaughter, and do not fight

with them at the Sacred Mosque until they fight with you in

it, but if they do fight you, then slay them; such is the

recompense of the unbelievers.

[2.192] But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving,

Merciful.

[2.193] And fight with them until there is no persecution,

and religion should be only for Allah, but if they desist,

then there should be no hostility except

against the oppressors.

[2.194] The Sacred month for the sacred month and all

sacred things are (under the law of) retaliation; whoever

then acts aggressively against you, inflict

injury on him according to the injury he has inflicted on

you and be careful (of your duty) to Allah and know that

Allah is with those who guard (against evil).

[2.195] 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.

[2.196] And accomplish the pilgrimage and the visit for

Allah, but if, you are prevented, (send) whatever offering

is easy to obtain, and do not shave 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

alms or sacrificing, then when you are secure, whoever

profits by combining the visit with the pilgrimage (should

take) what offering is easy to obtain; but he

who cannot find (any offering) should fast for three days

during the pilgrimage and for seven days when you return;

these (make) ten (days) complete; this is

for him whose family is not present in the Sacred Mosque,

and be careful (of your duty) to Allah, and know that Allah

is severe in requiting (evil).

[2.197] The pilgrimage is (performed in) the well-known

months; so whoever determines the performance of the

pilgrimage therein, there shall be no intercourse nor

fornication nor quarrelling amongst one another; and

whatever good you do, Allah knows it; and make provision,

for surely the provision is the guarding of oneself, and be

careful (of your duty) to Me, O men of understanding.

[2.198] There is no blame on you in seeking bounty from

your Lord, so when you hasten on from "Arafat", then

remember Allah near the Holy Monument, and

remember Him as He has guided you, though before that you

were certainly of the erring ones.

[2.199] Then hasten on from the Place from which the people

hasten on and ask the forgiveness of Allah; surely Allah is

Forgiving, Merciful.

[2.200] So when you have performed your devotions, then

laud Allah as you lauded your fathers, rather a greater

lauding. But there are some people who say, Our

Lord! give us in the world, and they shall have no resting

place.

[2.201] And there are some among them who say: Our Lord!

grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and

save us from the chastisement of the fire.

[2.202] They shall have (their) portion of what they have

earned, and Allah is swift in reckoning.

[2.203] And laud Allah during the numbered days; then

whoever hastens off in two days, there is no blame on him,

and whoever remains behind, there is no blame on

him, (this is) for him who guards (against evil), and be

careful (of your duty) to Allah, and know that you shall be

gathered together to Him.

[2.204] And among men is he whose speech about the life of

this world causes you to wonder, and he calls on Allah to

witness as to what is in his heart, yet he

is the most violent of adversaries.

[2.205] And when he turn,s back, he runs along in the land

that he may cause mischief in it and destroy the tilth and

the stock, and Allah does not love mischief-making.

[2.206] And when it is said to him, guard against (the

punish ment of) Allah; pride carries him off to sin,

therefore hell is sufficient for him; and

certainly it is an evil resting place.

[2.207] And among men is he who sells himself to seek the

pleasure of Allah; and Allah is Affectionate to the

servants.

[2.208] O you who believe! enter into submission one and

all and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan; surely he

is your open enemy.

[2.209] But if you slip after clear arguments have come to

you, then know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.

[2.210] They do not wait aught but that Allah should come

to them in the shadows of the clouds along with the angels,

and the matter has (already) been decided;

and (all) matters are returned to Allah.

[2.211] Ask the Israelites how many a clear sign have We

given them; and whoever changes the favor of Allah after it

has come to him, then surely Allah is severe

in requiting (evil).

[2.212] The life of this world is made to seem fair to

those who disbelieve, and they mock those who believe, and

those who guard (against evil) shall be above

them on the day of resurrection; and Allah gives means of

subsistence to whom he pleases without measure.

[2.213] (All) people are a single nation; so Allah raised

prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and He

revealed with them the Book with truth, that it

might judge between people in that in which they differed;

and none but the very people who were given it differed

about it after clear arguments had come to

them, revolting among themselves; so Allah has guided by

His will those who believe to the truth about which they

differed and Allah guides whom He pleases

to the right path.

[2.214] Or do you think that you would enter the garden

while yet the state of those who have passed away before

you has not come upon you; distress and

affliction befell them and they were shaken violently, so

that the Apostle and those who believed with him said: When

will the help of Allah come? Now surely

the help of Allah is nigh!

[2.215] They ask you as to what they should spend. Say:

Whatever wealth you spend, it is for the parents and the

near of kin and the orphans and the needy

and the wayfarer, and whatever good you do, Allah surely

knows it.

[2.216] Fighting is enjoined on you, and h is an object of

dislike 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 do not know.

[2.217] They ask you concerning the sacred month about

fighting in it. Say: Fighting in it is a grave matter, and

hindering (men) from Allah's way and denying Him, and

(hindering men from) the Sacred Mosque and turning its

people out of it, are still graver with Allah, and

persecution is graver than slaughter; and they will not

cease fighting with you until they turn you back

from your religion, if they can; and whoever of you turns

back from his religion, then he dies while an unbeliever--

these it is whose works shall go for nothing in this world

and the hereafter, and they are the inmates of the

fire; therein they shall abide.

[2.218] Surely those who believed and those who fled (their

home) and strove hard in the way of Allah these hope for

the mercy of Allah and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

[2.219] They ask you about intoxicants and games of chance.

Say: In both of them there is a great sin and means of

profit for men, and their sin is greater than

their profit. And they ask you as to what they should

spend. Say: What you can spare. Thus does Allah make clear

to you the communications, that you may ponder

[2.220] On this world and the hereafter. And they ask you

concerning the orphans Say: To set right for them (their

affairs) is good, and if you become co-partners with them,

they are your brethren; and Allah knows the

mischief-maker and the pacemaker, and if Allah had pleased,

He would certainly have caused you to fall into a

difficulty; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.

[2.221] And do not marry the idolatresses until they

believe, and certainly a believing maid is better than an

idolatress woman, even though she should please

you; and do not give (believing women) in marriage to

idolaters until they believe, and certainly a believing

servant 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 communications to men, that they may be

mindful.

[2.222] And they ask you about menstruation. Say: It is a

discomfort; therefore keep aloof from the women during the

menstrual discharge and do not go near them

until they have become clean; then 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.

[2.223] Your wives are a tilth for you, so go into your

tilth when you like, and do good beforehand for yourselves,

and be careful (of your duty) to Allah, and

know that you will meet Him, and give good news to the

believers.

[2.224] And make not Allah because of your swearing (by

Him) an obstacle to your doing good and guarding (against

evil) and making peace between men, and Allah

is Hearing, Knowing.

[2.225] Allah does 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.

[2.226] Those who swear that they will not go in to their

wives should wait four months; so if they go back, then

Allah is surely Forgiving, Merciful.

[2.227] And if they have resolved on a divorce, then Allah

is surely Hearing, Knowing.

[2.228] 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 they have rights similar to those

against them in a just manner, and the men are a degree

above them, and Allah is Mighty, Wise.

[2.229] 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 it is that are

the unjust.

[2.230] 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 (by marriage), 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.

[2.231] And when you divorce women and they reach their

prescribed time, then either retain them in good fellowship

or set them free with liberality, and do

not retain them for injury, so that you exceed the limits,

and whoever does this, he indeed is unjust to his own soul;

and do not take Allah's communications for a mockery, and

remember the favor of Allah upon you, and that

which He has revealed to you of the Book and the Wisdom,

admonishing you thereby; and be careful (of your duty to)

Allah, and know that Allah is the Knower of all things.

[2.232] And when you have divorced women and they have

ended-- their term (of waiting), then do not prevent them

from marrying their husbands when they agree

among themselves in a lawful manner; with this is

admonished he among you who believes in Allah and the last

day, this is more profitable and purer for you;

and Allah knows while you do not know.

[2.233] 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 shall have imposed upon it a duty but to the

extent of its capacity; neither shall a

mother be made to suffer harm on account of her child, nor

a father on account of his child, and a similar duty

(devolves) on the (father's) 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 for according to usage;

and be careful of (your duty to) Allah and know that Allah

sees what you do.

[2.234] And (as for) 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.

[2.235] And there is no blame on you respecting that which

you speak indirectly in the asking of (such) women in

marriage or keep (the proposal) concealed

within your minds; Allah knows that you win mention them,

but do not give them a promise in secret unless you speak

in a lawful manner, and do not confirm the

marriage tie until the writing is fulfilled, and know that

Allah knows what is in your minds, therefore beware of Him,

and know that Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.

[2.236] There is no blame on you if you divorce women when

you have not touched them or appointed for them a portion,

and make provision for them, the wealthy

according to his means and the straitened in circumstances

according to his means, a provision according to usage;

(this is) a duty on the doers of good (to

others).

[2.237] And if you divorce them before you have touched

them and you have appointed for them a portion, then (pay

to them) ha!f of what you have appointed, unless they

relinquish or he should relinquish in whose hand is the

marriage tie; and it is nearer to righteousness that you

should relinquish; and do not neglect the giving of free

gifts between you; surely Allah sees what you

do.

[2.238] Attend constantly to prayers and to the middle

prayer and stand up truly obedient to Allah.

[2.239] But if you are in danger, then (say your prayers)

on foot or on horseback; and when you are secure, then

remember Allah, as. He has taught you what you did not

know.

[2.240] And those of you who die and leave wives behind,

(make) a bequest in favor of their wives of maintenance for

a year without turning (them) out, then

if they themselves go away, there is no blame on you for

what they do of lawful deeds by themselves, and Allah is

Mighty, Wise.

[2.241] And for the divorced women (too) provision (must be

made) according to usage; (this is) a duty on those who

guard (against evil).

[2.242] Allah thus makes clear to you His communications

that you may understand.

[2.243] Have you not considered those who went forth from

their homes, for fear of death, and they were thousands,

then Allah said to them, Die; again He gave

them life; most surely Allah is Gracious to people, but

most people are not grateful.

[2.244] And fight in the way of Allah, and know that Allah

is Hearing, Knowing.

[2.245] Who is it that will offer of Allah a goodly gift,

so He will multiply it to him manifold, and Allah straitens

and amplifies, and you shall be returned to

Him.

[2.246] Have you not considered the chiefs of the children

of Israel after Musa, when they said to a prophet of

theirs: Raise up for us a king, (that) we may

fight in the way of Allah. He said: May it not be that you

would not fight if fighting is ordained for you? They said:

And what reason have we that we should not fight in the way

of Allah, and we have indeed been compelled to abandon our

homes and our children. But when fighting was ordained for

them, they turned back, except a few of them, and Allah

knows the unjust.

[2.247] And their prophet said to them: Surely Allah has

raised Talut 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 an abundance

of wealth? He said: Surely Allah has chosen him in

preference to you, and He has increased him abundantly in

knowledge and physique, and Allah grants His kingdom

to whom He pleases, and Allah is Amplegiving, Knowing.

[2.248] And the prophet said to them: Surely the sign of

His kingdom is, that there shall come to you the chest in

which there is tranquillity from your Lord

and residue of the relics of what the children of Musa and

the children of Haroun have left, the angels bearing it;

most surely there is a sign in this for

those who believe.

[2.249] So when Talut departed with the forces, he said:

Surely Allah will try you with a river; whoever then drinks

from it, he is not of me, and whoever does

not taste of it, he is surely of me, except he who takes

with his hand as much of it as fills the hand; but with the

exception of a few of them they drank from

it. So when he had crossed it, he and those who believed

with him, they said: We have today no power against Jalut

and his forces. Those who were sure that they

would meet their Lord said: How often has a small party

vanquished a numerous host by Allah's permission, and Allah

is with the patient.

[2.250] And when they went out against Jalut and his forces

they said: Our Lord, pour down upon us patience, and make

our steps firm and assist us against the

unbelieving people.

[2.251] So they put them to flight by Allah's permission.

And Dawood slew Jalut, and Allah gave him kingdom and

wisdom, and taught him of what He pleased. And

were it not for Allah's repelling some men with others, the

earth would certainly be in a state of disorder; but Allah

is Gracious to the creatures.

[2.252] These are the communications of Allah: We recite

them to you with truth; and most surely you are (one) of

the apostles.

[2.253] We have made some of these apostles to excel the

others among them are they to whom Allah spoke, and some of

them He exalted by (many degrees of) rank;

and We gave clear miracles to Isa son of Marium, and

strengthened him with the holy spirit. And if Allah had

pleased, those after them would not have fought

one with another after clear arguments had come to them,

but they disagreed; so there were some of them who believed

and others who denied; and if Allah had

pleased they would not have fought one with another, but

Allah brings about what He intends.

[2.254] O you who believe! spend out of what We have given

you before the day comes in which there is no bargaining,

neither any friendship nor intercession,

and the unbelievers-- they are the unjust.

[2.255] Allah is He besides Whom there is no god, the

Everliving, the Self-subsisting by Whom all subsist;

slumber does not overtake Him nor sleep;

whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is

His; 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 cannot comprehend anything

out of His knowledge except what He pleases, His knowledge

extends over the heavens and the earth,

and the preservation of them both tires Him not, and He is

the Most High, the Great.

[2.256] There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right

way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore,

whoever disbelieves in the Shaitan and believes in Allah he

indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not

break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.

[2.257] Allah is the guardian of those who believe. He

brings them out of the darkness into the light; and (as to)

those who disbelieve, their guardians are

Shaitans who take them out of the light into the darkness;

they are the inmates of the fire, in it they shall abide.

[2.258] Have you not considered him (Namrud) who disputed

with Ibrahim about his Lord, because Allah had given him

the kingdom? When Ibrahim said: My Lord is He

who gives life and causes to die, he said: I give life and

cause death. Ibrahim said: So surely Allah causes the sun

to rise from the east, then make it rise

from the west; thus he who disbelieved was confounded; and

Allah does not guide aright the unjust people.

[2.259] Or the like of him (Uzair) 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 have you tarried? He said: I have

tarried a day, or a part of a day. Said

He: Nay! you have tarried a hundred years; then look at

your food and drink-- years have not passed over it; and

look at your ass; and that We may make you a

sign to men, and look at the bones, how We set them

together, then clothed them with flesh; so when it became

clear to him, he said: I know that Allah has power

over all things.

[2.260] And when Ibrahim said: My Lord! show me how Thou

givest life to the dead, He said: What! and do you not

believe? He said: Yes, but that my heart may

be at ease. He said: Then take four of the birds, then

train them to follow you, then place on every mountain a

part of them, then call them, they will come to

you flying; and know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.

[2.261] The parable of those who spend their property in

the way of Allah is as the parable of a grain growing seven

ears (with) a hundred grains in every ear;

and Allah multiplies for whom He pleases; and Allah is

Ample-giving, Knowing

[2.262] (As for) those who spend their property in the

way.of Allah, then do not follow up what they have spent

with reproach or injury, they shall have their

reward from their Lord, and they shall have no fear nor

shall they grieve.

[2.263] Kind speech and forgiveness is better than charity

followed by injury; and Allah is Self-sufficient,

Forbearing.

[2.264] O you who believe! do not make your charity

worthless by reproach and injury, like him who spends his

property to be seen of men and does not believe

in Allah and the last day; so his parable is as the parable

of a smooth rock with earth upon it, then a heavy rain

falls upon it, so it leaves it bare; they

shall not be able to gain anything of what they have

earned; and Allah does not guide the unbelieving people.

[2.265] And the parable of those who spend their property

to seek the pleasure of Allah and for the certainty 'of

their souls is as the parable of a garden on

an elevated ground, upon which heavy rain falls so it

brings forth its fruit twofold but if heavy rain does not

fall upon it, then light rain (is sufficient); and Allah

sees what you do.

[2.266] Does one of you like that he should have a garden

of palms and vines with streams flowing beneath it; he has

in it all kinds of fruits; and old age has overtaken him

and he has weak offspring, when, (lo!) a whirlwind with

fire in it smites it so it becomes blasted; thus Allah

makes the communications clear to you, that you may

reflect.

[2.267] O you who believe! spend (benevolently) of the good

things that you earn and or what We have brought forth for

you out of the earth, and do not aim at

what is bad that you may spend (in alms) of it, while you

would not take it yourselves unless you have its price

lowered, and know that Allah is Self-sufficient,

Praiseworthy.

[2.268] Shaitan threatens you with poverty and enjoins you

to be niggardly, and Allah promises you forgiveness from

Himself and abundance; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing.

[2.269] He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is

granted wisdom, he indeed is given a great good and none

but men of understanding mind.

[2.270] And whatever alms you give or (whatever) vow you

vow, surely Allah knows it; and the unjust shall have no

helpers.

[2.271] 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.

[2.272] To make them walk in the right way is not incumbent

on you, but Allah guides aright whom He pleases; and

whatever good thing you spend, it is to your

own good; and you do not spend but to seek Allah's

pleasure; and whatever good things you spend shall be paid

back to you in full, and you shall not be

wronged.

[2.273] (Alms are) 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

(from begging); you can recognise them by their mark; they

do not beg from men importunately; and whatever good thing

you spend, surely Allah knows it.

[2.274] (As for) those who spend their property by night

and by day, secretly and openly, they shall have their

reward from their Lord and they shall have no

fear, nor shall they grieve.

[2.275] Those who swallow down usury cannot arise except as

one whom Shaitan has prostrated by (his) touch does rise.

That is because they say, trading is only

like usury; and Allah has allowed trading and forbidden

usury. To whomsoever then the admonition has come from his

Lord, then he desists, he shall have what

has already passed, and his affair is in the hands of

Allah; and whoever returns (to it)-- these arc the inmates

of the fire; they shall abide in it.

[2.276] Allah does not bless usury, and He causes

charitable deeds to prosper, and Allah does not love any

ungrateful sinner.

[2.277] Surely they who believe and do good deeds and keep

up prayer and pay the poor-rate they shall have their

reward from their Lord, and they shall have no

fear, nor shall they grieve.

[2.278] O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to)

Allah and relinquish what remains (due) from usury, if you

are believers.

[2.279] But if you do (it) not, then be apprised of war

from Allah and His Apostle; and if you repent, then you

shall have your capital; neither shall you

make (the debtor) suffer loss, nor shall you be made to

suffer loss.

[2.280] And if (the debtor) is in straitness, then let

there be postponement until (he is in) ease; and that you

remit (it) as alms is better for you, if you

knew.

[2.281] And guard yourselves against a day in which you

shall be returned to Allah; then every soul shall be paid

back in full what it has earned, and they

shall not be dealt with unjustly.

[2.282] O you who believe! when you deal with each other in

contracting a debt for a fixed time, then write it down;

and let a scribe write it down between you

with fairness; and the scribe should not refuse to write as

Allah has taught him, so he should write; and let him who

owes the debt dictate, and he should be

careful of (his duty to) Allah, his Lord, and not diminish

anything from it; but if he who owes the debt is unsound in

understanding, or weak, or (if) he is not

able to dictate himself, let his guardian dictate with

fairness; 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 choose

to be witnesses, so that if one of the two errs, the second of

the two may remind the other; 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 time of its

falling due; this is more equitable in the sight of Allah

and assures greater accuracy in testimony,

and the nearest (way) that you may not entertain doubts

(afterwards), except when it is ready merchandise which you

give and take among yourselves from hand

to hand, then there is no blame on you in not writing it

down; and have witnesses when you barter with one another,

and let no harm be done to the scribe or to the witness;

and if you do (it) then surely it will be a

transgression in you, and be careful of (your duty) to

Allah, Allah teaches you, and Allah knows all things.

[2.283] And if you are upon a journey and you do not find a

scribe, then (there may be) a security taken into

possession; but if one of you trusts another, then

he who is trusted should deliver his trust, and let him be

careful (of his duty to) Allah, his Lord; and do not

conceal testimony, and whoever conceals it, his

heart is surely sinful; and Allah knows what you do.

[2.284] Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the

earth is Allah's; and whether you manifest what is in your

minds or hide it, Allah will call you to

account according to it; then He will forgive whom He

pleases and chastise whom He pleases, and Allah has power

over all things.

[2.285] The apostle 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 apostles; We make no difference between any of His

apostles; and they say: We hear and obey, our Lord! Thy

forgiveness (do we crave), and to Thee is

the eventual course.

[2.286] Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to

the extent of its ability; for it is (the benefit of) what

it has earned and upon it (the evil of)

what it has wrought: Our Lord! do not punish us if we

forget or make a mistake; Our Lord! do not lay on us a

burden as Thou didst lay on those before us, Our

Lord do not impose upon 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

help us against the unbelieving people.