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Revealed Partly At Mecca

Books: Sacred Books Of The East

A.L.M. There is no doubt in this book; it is a direction to the pious,

who believe in the mysteries of faith, who observe the appointed times

of prayer, and distribute alms out of what we have bestowed on them; and

who believe in that revelation, which hath been sent down unto thee, and

that which hath been sent down unto the prophets before thee, and have

firm assurance in the life to come: these are directed by their Lord,
br /> and they shall prosper. As for the unbelievers, it will be equal to them

whether thou admonish them, or do not admonish them; they will not

believe. God hath sealed up their hearts and their hearing; a dimness

covereth their sight, and they shall suffer a grievous punishment. There

are some who say, We believe in God and the last day, but are not really

believers; they seek to deceive God, and those who do believe, but they

deceive themselves only, and are not sensible thereof. There is an

infirmity in their hearts, and God hath increased that infirmity; and

they shall suffer a most painful punishment because they have

disbelieved. When one saith unto them, Act not corruptly in the earth,

they reply, Verily, we are men of integrity. Are not they themselves

corrupt doers? but they are not sensible thereof. And when one saith

unto them, Believe ye as others believe; they answer, Shall we believe

as fools believe? Are not they themselves fools? but they know it not.

When they meet those who believe, they say, We do believe: but when they

retire privately to their devils, they say, We really hold with you, and

only mock at those people: God shall mock at them, and continue them in

their impiety; they shall wander in confusion. These are the men who

have purchased error at the price of true direction: but their traffic

hath not been gainful, neither have they been rightly directed. They are

like unto one who kindleth a fire, and when it hath enlightened all

around him, God taketh away their light and leaveth them in darkness,

they shall not see; they are deaf, dumb, and blind, therefore will they

not repent. Or like a stormy cloud from heaven, fraught with darkness,

thunder, and lightning, they put their fingers in their ears, because of

the noise of the thunder, for fear of death; God encompasseth the

infidels: the lightning wanteth but little of taking away their sight;

so often as it enlighteneth them, they walk therein, but when darkness

cometh on them, they stand still; and if God so pleased, He would

certainly deprive them of their hearing and their sight, for God is

almighty. O men of Mecca! serve your Lord who hath created you, and

those who have been before you: peradventure ye will fear him; who hath

spread the earth as a bed for you, and the heaven as a covering, and

hath caused water to descend from heaven, and thereby produced fruits

for your sustenance. Set not up therefore any equals unto God, against

your own knowledge. If ye be in doubt concerning that revelation which

we have sent down unto our servant, produce a chapter like unto it, and

call upon your witnesses, besides God, if ye say truth. But if ye do it

not, nor shall ever be able to do it, justly fear the fire whose fuel is

men and stones, prepared for the unbelievers. But bear good tidings unto

those who believe, and do good works, that they shall have gardens

watered by rivers; so often as they eat of the fruit thereof for

sustenance, they shall say, This is what we have formerly eaten of; and

they shall be supplied with several sorts of fruit having a mutual

resemblance to one another. There shall they enjoy wives subject to no

impurity, and there shall they continue forever. Moreover God will not

be ashamed to propound in a parable a gnat, or even a more despicable

thing: for they who believe will know it to be the truth from their

Lord; but the unbelievers will say, What meaneth God by this parable? he

will thereby mislead many, and will direct many thereby: but he will not

mislead any thereby, except the transgressors, who make void the

covenant of God after the establishing thereof, and cut in sunder that

which God hath commanded to be joined, and act corruptly in the earth;

they shall perish. How is it that ye believe not in God? Since ye were

dead, and he gave you life; he will hereafter cause you to die, and will

again restore you to life; then shall ye return unto him. It is he who

hath created for you whatsoever is on earth, and then set his mind to

the creation of heaven, and formed it into seven heavens; he knoweth all

things. When thy Lord said unto the angels, I am going to place a

substitute on earth,[23] they said, Wilt thou place there one who will

do evil therein, and shed blood? but we celebrate thy praise, and

sanctify thee. God answered, Verily I know that which ye know not; and

he taught Adam the names of all things, and then proposed them to the

angels, and said, Declare unto me the names of these things if ye say

truth. They answered, Praise be unto thee, we have no knowledge but what

thou teachest us, for thou art knowing and wise. God said, O Adam, tell

them their names. And when he had told them their names, God said, Did I

not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and know that

which ye discover, and that which ye conceal? And when we said unto the

angels, Worship Adam, they all worshipped him, except Eblis, who

refused, and was puffed up with pride, and became of the number of

unbelievers.[24] And we said, O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the

garden, and eat of the fruit thereof plentifully wherever ye will; but

approach not this tree, lest ye become of the number of the

transgressors. But Satan caused them to forfeit paradise, and turned

them out of the state of happiness wherein they had been; whereupon we

said, Get ye down, the one of you an enemy unto the other; and there

shall be a dwelling-place for you on earth, and a provision for a

season. And Adam learned words of prayer from his Lord, and God turned

unto him, for he is easy to be reconciled and merciful. We said, Get ye

all down from hence; hereafter shall there come unto you a direction

from me, and whoever shall follow my direction, on them shall no fear

come, neither shall they be grieved; but they who shall be unbelievers,

and accuse our signs of falsehood, they shall be the companions of hell

fire, therein shall they remain forever. O children of Israel,[25]

remember my favor wherewith I have favored you; and perform your

covenant with me and I will perform my covenant with you; and revere me;

and believe in the revelation which I have sent down, confirming that

which is with you, and be not the first who believe not therein, neither

exchange my signs for a small price; and fear me. Clothe not the truth

with vanity, neither conceal the truth against your own knowledge;

observe the stated times of prayer, and pay your legal alms, and bow

down yourselves with those who bow down. Will ye command men to do

justice, and forget your own souls? yet ye read the book of the law: do

ye not therefore understand? Ask help with perseverance and prayer; this

indeed is grievous, unless to the humble, who seriously think they shall

meet their Lord, and that to him they shall return. O children of

Israel, remember my favor wherewith I have favored you, and that I have

preferred you above all nations: dread the day wherein one soul shall

not make satisfaction for another soul, neither shall any intercession

be accepted from them, nor shall any compensation be received, neither

shall they be helped. Remember when we delivered you from the people of

Pharaoh, who grievously oppressed you, they slew your male children, and

let your females live: therein was a great trial from your Lord. And

when we divided the sea for you and delivered you, and drowned Pharaoh's

people while ye looked on. And when we treated with Moses forty nights;

then ye took the calf[26] for your God, and did evil; yet afterwards we

forgave you, that peradventure ye might give thanks. And when we gave

Moses the book of the law, and the distinction between good and evil,

that peradventure ye might be directed. And when Moses said unto his

people, O my people, verily ye have injured your own souls, by your

taking the calf for your God; therefore be turned unto your Creator, and

slay those among you who have been guilty of that crime; this will be

better for you in the sight of your Creator; and thereupon he turned

unto you, for he is easy to be reconciled, and merciful. And when ye

said, O Moses, we will not believe thee, until we see God manifestly;

therefore a punishment came upon you, while ye looked on; then we raised

you to life after ye had been dead, that peradventure ye might give

thanks. And we caused clouds to overshadow you, and manna and quails[27]

to descend upon you, saying, Eat of the good things which we have given

you for food: and they injured not us, but injured their own souls. And

when we said, Enter into this city, and eat of the provisions thereof

plentifully as ye will; and enter the gate worshipping, and say,

Forgiveness! we will pardon you your sins, and give increase unto the

well-doers. But the ungodly changed the expression into another,

different from what had been spoken unto them; and we sent down upon the

ungodly indignation from heaven, because they had transgressed. And when

Moses asked drink for his people, we said, Strike the rock with thy rod;

and there gushed thereout twelve fountains according to the number of

the tribes, and all men knew their respective drinking-place. Eat and

drink of the bounty of God, and commit not evil in the earth, acting

unjustly. And when ye said, O Moses, we will by no means be satisfied

with one kind of food; pray unto thy Lord therefore for us, that he

would produce for us of that which the earth bringeth forth, herbs, and

cucumbers, and garlic, and lentils, and onions; Moses answered, Will ye

exchange that which is better, for that which is worse? Get ye down into

Egypt, for there shall ye find what ye desire; and they were smitten

with vileness and misery, and drew on themselves indignation from God.

This they suffered, because they believed not in the signs of God, and

killed the prophets unjustly; this, because they rebelled and

transgressed. Surely those who believe, and those who Judaize, and

Christians, and Sabeans, whoever believeth in God, and the last day, and

doth that which is right, they shall have their reward with their Lord;

there shall come no fear on them, neither shall they be grieved. Call to

mind also when we accepted your covenant, and lifted up the mountain of

Sinai over you, saying, Receive the law which we have given you, with a

resolution to keep it, and remember that which is contained therein,

that ye may beware. After this ye again turned back, so that if it had

not been for God's indulgence and mercy towards you, ye had certainly

been destroyed. Moreover, ye know what befell those of your nation who

transgressed on the Sabbath day: We said unto them, Be ye changed into

apes, driven away from the society of men. And we made them an example

unto those who were contemporary with them, and unto those who came

after them, and a warning to the pious. And when Moses said unto his

people, Verily God commandeth you to sacrifice a cow;[28] they answered,

Dost thou make a jest of us? Moses said, God forbid that I should be one

of the foolish. They said, Pray for us unto thy Lord, that he would show

us what cow it is. Moses answered, He saith, She is neither an old cow,

nor a young heifer, but of a middle-age between both: do ye therefore

that which ye are commanded. They said, Pray for us unto the Lord, that

he would show us what color she is of. Moses answered, He saith, She is

a red cow, intensely red, her color rejoiceth the beholders. They said,

Pray for us unto thy Lord, that he would further show us what cow it is,

for several cows with us are like one another, and we, if God please,

will be directed. Moses answered, He saith, She is a cow not broken to

plough the earth, or water the field: a sound one, there is no blemish

in her. They said, Now hast thou brought the truth. Then they sacrificed

her; yet they wanted little of leaving it undone. And when ye slew a

man, and contended among yourselves concerning him, God brought forth to

light that which ye concealed. For we said, Strike the dead body with

part of the sacrificed cow; so God raiseth the dead to life, and showeth

you his signs, that peradventure ye may understand. Then were your

hearts hardened after this, even as stones, or exceeding them in

hardness: for from some stones have rivers burst forth, others have been

rent in sunder, and water hath issued from them, and others have fallen

down for fear of God. But God is not regardless of that which ye do. Do

ye therefore desire that the Jews should believe you? yet a part of them

heard the word of God, and then perverted it, after they had understood

it, against their own conscience. And when they meet the true believers,

they say, We believe: but when they are privately assembled together,

they say, Will ye acquaint them with what God hath revealed unto you,

that they may dispute with you concerning it in the presence of your

Lord? Do ye not therefore understand? Do not they know that God knoweth

that which they conceal as well as that which they publish? But there

are illiterate men among them, who know not the book of the law, but

only lying stories, although they think otherwise. And woe unto them who

transcribe corruptly the book of the law with their hands, and then say,

This is from God: that they may sell it for a small price. Therefore woe

unto them because of that which their hands have written; and woe unto

them for that which they have gained. They say, The fire of hell shall

not touch us but for a certain number of days. Answer, Have ye received

any promise from God to that purpose? for God will not act contrary to

his promise: or do ye speak concerning God that which ye know not?

Verily whoso doth evil, and is encompassed by his iniquity, they shall

be the companions of hell fire, they shall remain therein forever: but

they who believe and do good works, they shall be the companions of

paradise, they shall continue therein forever. Remember also, when we

accepted the covenant of the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall not

worship any other except God, and ye shall show kindness to your parents

and kindred, and to orphans, and to the poor, and speak that which is

good unto men, and be constant at prayer, and give alms. Afterwards ye

turned back, except a few of you, and retired afar-off. And when we

accepted your covenant, saying, Ye shall not shed your brother's blood,

nor dispossess one another of your habitations, then ye confirmed it,

and were witnesses thereto. Afterwards ye were they who slew one

another, and turned several of your brethren out of their houses,

mutually assisting each other against them with injustice and enmity;

but if they come captives unto you, ye redeem them: yet it is equally

unlawful for you to dispossess them. Do ye therefore believe in part of

the book of the law, and reject other parts thereof? But whoso among you

doth this, shall have no other reward than shame in this life, and on

the day of resurrection they shall be sent to a most grievous

punishment; for God is not regardless of that which ye do. These are

they who have purchased this present life, at the price of that which is

to come; wherefore their punishment shall not be mitigated, neither

shall they be helped. We formerly delivered the book of the law unto

Moses, and caused apostles to succeed him, and gave evident miracles to

Jesus the son of Mary, and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Do ye

therefore, whenever an apostle cometh unto you with that which your

souls desire not, proudly reject him, and accuse some of imposture, and

slay others? The Jews say, Our hearts are uncircumcised: but God hath

cursed them with their infidelity, therefore few shall believe. And when

a book came unto them from God, confirming the scriptures which were

with them, although they had before prayed for assistance against those

who believed not, yet when that came unto them which they knew to be

from God, they would not believe therein: therefore the curse of God

shall be on the infidels. For a vile price have they sold their souls,

that they should not believe in that which God hath sent down; out of

envy, because God sendeth down his favors to such of his servants as he

pleaseth: therefore they brought on themselves indignation on

indignation; and the unbelievers shall suffer an ignominious punishment.

When one saith unto them, Believe in that which God hath sent down; they

answer, We believe in that which hath been sent down unto us: and they

reject what hath been revealed since, although it be the truth,

confirming that which is with them. Say, Why therefore have ye slain the

prophets of God in times past, if ye be true believers? Moses formerly

came unto you with evident signs, but ye afterwards took the calf for

your god and did wickedly. And when we accepted your covenant, and

lifted the mountain of Sinai over you, saying, Receive the law which we

have given you, with a resolution to perform it, and hear; they said, We

have heard, and have rebelled: and they were made to drink down the calf

into their hearts for their unbelief. Say, A grievous thing hath your

faith commanded you, if ye be true believers. Say, If the future mansion

with God be prepared peculiarly for you, exclusive of the rest of

mankind, wish for death, if ye say truth: but they will never wish for

it, because of that which their hands have sent before them; God knoweth

the wicked doers; and thou shalt surely find them of all men the most

covetous of life, even more than the idolaters: one of them would desire

his life to be prolonged a thousand years, but none shall reprieve

himself from punishment, that his life may be prolonged: God seeth that

which they do. Say, Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel (for he hath caused

the Koran to descend on thy heart, by the permission of God, confirming

that which was before revealed, a direction, and good tidings to the

faithful); whosoever is an enemy to God, or his angels, or his apostles,

or to Gabriel, or Michael, verily God is an enemy to the unbelievers.

And now we have sent down unto thee evident signs, and none will

disbelieve them but the evil-doers. Whenever they make a covenant, will

some of them reject it? yea, the greater part of them do not believe.

And when there came unto them an apostle from God, confirming that

scripture which was with them, some of those to whom the scriptures were

given, cast the book of God behind their backs, as if they knew it not:

and they followed the device which the devils devised against the

kingdom of Solomon; and Solomon was not an unbeliever; but the devils

believed not, they taught men sorcery, and that which was sent down to

the two angels at Babel, Harut, and Marut: yet those who taught no man

until they had said, Verily we are a temptation, therefore be not an

unbeliever. So men learned from those two a charm by which they might

cause division between a man and his wife; but they hurt none thereby,

unless by God's permission; and they learned that which would hurt them,

and not profit them; and yet they knew that he who bought that art

should have no part in the life to come, and woful is the price for

which they have sold their souls, if they knew it. But if they had

believed and feared God, verily the reward they would have had from God

would have been better, if they had known it. O true believers, say not

to our apostle, Raina; but say, Ondhorna;[29] and hearken: the infidels

shall suffer a grievous punishment. It is not the desire of the

unbelievers, either among those unto whom the scriptures have been

given, or among the idolaters, that any good should be sent down unto

you from your Lord: but God will appropriate his mercy unto whom he

pleaseth; for God is exceeding beneficent. Whatever verse we shall

abrogate, or cause thee to forget, we will bring a better than it, or

one like unto it. Dost thou not know that God is almighty? Dost thou not

know that unto God belongeth the kingdom of heaven and earth? neither

have ye any protector or helper except God. Will ye require of your

apostle according to that which was formerly required of Moses? but he

that hath exchanged faith for infidelity, hath already erred from the

straight way. Many of those unto whom the scriptures have been given,

desire to render you again unbelievers, after ye have believed; out of

envy from their souls, even after the truth is become manifest unto

them; but forgive them, and avoid them, till God shall send his command;

for God is omnipotent. Be constant in prayer, and give alms; and what

good ye have sent before for your souls, ye shall find it with God;

surely God seeth that which ye do. They say, Verily none shall enter

paradise, except they who are Jews or Christians: this is their wish.

Say, Produce your proof of this, if ye speak truth. Nay, but he who

resigneth himself to God, and doth that which is right, he shall have

his reward with his Lord; there shall come no fear on them, neither

shall they be grieved. The Jews say, The Christians are grounded on

nothing; and the Christians say, The Jews are grounded on nothing; yet

they both read the scriptures. So likewise say they who know not the

scripture, according to their saying. But God shall judge between them

on the day of the resurrection, concerning that about which they now

disagree. Who is more unjust than he who prohibiteth the temples of God,

that his name should be remembered therein, and who hasteth to destroy

them? Those men cannot enter therein, but with fear: they shall have

shame in this world, and in the next a grievous punishment. To God

belongeth the east and the west; therefore, whithersoever ye turn

yourselves to pray, there is the face of God; for God is omnipresent and

omniscient. They say God hath begotten children. God forbid! To him

belongeth whatever is in heaven, and on earth; all is possessed by him,

the Creator of heaven and earth; and when he decreeth a thing, he only

saith unto it, Be, and it is. And they who know not the scriptures say,

Unless God speak unto us, or thou show us a sign, we will not believe.

So said those before them, according to their saying: their hearts

resemble each other. We have already shown manifest signs unto people

who firmly believe; we have sent thee in truth, a bearer of good

tidings, and a preacher; and thou shalt not be questioned concerning the

companions of hell. But the Jews will not be pleased with thee, neither

the Christians, until thou follow their religion; say, The direction of

God is the true direction. And verily if thou follow their desires,

after the knowledge which hath been given thee, thou shalt find no

patron or protector against God. They to whom we have given the book of

the Koran, and who read it with its true reading, they believe therein;

and whoever believeth not therein, they shall perish. O children of

Israel, remember my favor wherewith I have favored you, and that I have

preferred you before all nations; and dread the day wherein one soul

shall not make satisfaction for another soul, neither shall any

compensation be accepted from them, nor shall any intercession avail,

neither shall they be helped. Remember when the Lord tried Abraham by

certain words, which he fulfilled: God said, Verily I will constitute

thee a model of religion unto mankind; he answered, And also of my

posterity; God said, My covenant doth not comprehend the ungodly. And

when we appointed the holy house of Mecca to be the place of resort for

mankind, and a place of security; and said, Take the station of Abraham

for a place of prayer; and we covenanted with Abraham and Ismael, that

they should cleanse my house for those who should compass it, and those

who should be devoutly assiduous there, and those who should bow down

and worship. And when Abraham said, Lord, make this a territory of

security, and bounteously bestow fruits on its inhabitants, such of them

as believe in God and the last day; God answered, And whoever believeth

not, I will bestow on him little: afterwards I will drive him to the

punishment of hell fire; an ill journey shall it be! And when Abraham

and Ismael raised the foundations of the house, saying, Lord, accept it

from us, for thou art he who heareth and knoweth: Lord, make us also

resigned unto thee, and of our posterity a people resigned unto thee,

and show us our holy ceremonies, and be turned unto us, for thou art

easy to be reconciled, and merciful; Lord, send them likewise an apostle

from among them, who may declare thy signs unto them, and teach them the

book of the Koran and wisdom, and may purify them; for thou art mighty

and wise. Who will be averse to the religion of Abraham, but he whose

mind is infatuated? Surely we have chosen him in this world, and in that

which is to come he shall be one of the righteous. When his Lord said

unto him, Resign thyself unto me, he answered, I have resigned myself

unto the Lord of all creatures. And Abraham bequeathed this religion to

his children, and Jacob did the same, saying, My children, verily, God

hath chosen this religion for you, therefore die not, unless ye also be

resigned. Were ye present when Jacob was at the point of death? when he

said to his sons, Whom will ye worship after me? They answered, We will

worship thy God, and the God of thy fathers, Abraham and Ismael, and

Isaac, one God, and to him will we be resigned. That people are now



passed away, they have what they have gained, and ye shall have what ye

gain; and ye shall not be questioned concerning that which they have

done. They say, Become Jews or Christians that ye may be directed. Say,

Nay, we follow the religion of Abraham the orthodox, who was no

idolater. Say, We believe in God, and that which hath been sent down

unto us, and that which hath been sent down unto Abraham, and Ismael,

and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which was delivered unto

Moses, and Jesus, and that which was delivered unto the prophets from

their Lord: We make no distinction between any of them, and to God are

we resigned. Now if they believe according to what ye believe, they are

surely directed, but if they turn back, they are in schism. God shall

support thee against them, for he is the hearer, the wise. The baptism

of God[30] have we received, and who is better than God to baptize? him

do we worship. Say, Will ye dispute with us concerning God, who is our

Lord, and your Lord? we have our works, and ye have your works, and unto

him are we sincerely devoted. Will ye say, Truly Abraham, and Ismael,

and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say, Are

ye wiser, or God? And who is more unjust than he who hideth the

testimony which he hath received from God? But God is not regardless of

that which ye do. That people are passed away, they have what they have

gained, and ye shall have what ye gain, nor shall ye be questioned

concerning that which they have done. The foolish men will say, What

hath turned them from their Keblah, towards which they formerly

prayed?[31] Say, Unto God belongeth the east and the west: he directeth

whom he pleaseth into the right way. Thus have we placed you, O

Arabians, an intermediate nation, that ye may be witnesses against the

rest of mankind, and that the apostle may be a witness against you. We

appointed the Keblah towards which thou didst formerly pray, only that

we might know him who followeth the apostle, from him who turneth back

on his heels; though this change seem a great matter, unless unto those

whom God hath directed. But God will not render your faith of no effect;

for God is gracious and merciful unto man. We have seen thee turn about

thy face towards heaven with uncertainty, but we will cause thee to turn

thyself towards a Keblah that will please thee. Turn, therefore, thy

face towards the holy temple of Mecca; and wherever ye be, turn your

faces towards that place. They to whom the scripture hath been given,

know this to be truth from their Lord. God is not regardless of that

which ye do. Verily although thou shouldst show unto those to whom the

scripture hath been given all kinds of signs, yet they will not follow

thy Keblah, neither shalt thou follow their Keblah; nor will one part of

them follow the Keblah of the other. And if thou follow their desires,

after the knowledge which hath been given thee, verily thou wilt become

one of the ungodly. They to whom we have given the scripture know our

apostle, even as they know their own children; but some of them hide the

truth, against their own knowledge. Truth is from thy Lord, therefore

thou shalt not doubt. Every sect hath a certain tract of heaven to which

they turn themselves in prayer; but do ye strive to run after good

things: wherever ye be, God will bring you all back at the resurrection,

for God is almighty. And from what place soever thou comest forth, turn

thy face towards the holy temple; for this is truth from thy Lord;

neither is God regardless of that which ye do. From what place soever

thou comest forth, turn thy face towards the holy temple; and wherever

ye be, thitherward turn your faces, lest men have matter of dispute

against you; but as for those among them who are unjust doers, fear them

not, but fear me, that I may accomplish my grace upon you, and that ye

may be directed. As we have sent unto you an apostle from among you, to

rehearse our signs unto you, and to purify you, and to teach you the

book of the Koran and wisdom, and to teach you that which ye knew not:

therefore remember me, and I will remember you, and give thanks unto me,

and be not unbelievers. O true believers, beg assistance with patience

and prayer, for God is with the patient. And say not of those who are

slain in fight for the religion of God, that they are dead; yea, they

are living: but ye do not understand. We will surely prove you by

afflicting you in some measure with fear, and hunger, and decrease of

wealth, and loss of lives, and scarcity of fruits; but bear good tidings

unto the patient, who when a misfortune befalleth them, say, We are

God's, and unto him shall we surely return. Upon them shall be blessings

from their Lord and mercy, and they are the rightly directed. Moreover

Safa and Merwah are two of the monuments of God: whoever therefore goeth

on pilgrimage to the temple of Mecca or visiteth it, it shall be no

crime in him if he compass them both. And as for him who voluntarily

performeth a good work; verily God is grateful and knowing. They who

conceal any of the evident signs, or the direction which we have sent

down, after what we have manifested unto men in the scripture, God shall

curse them; and they who curse shall curse them. But as for those who

repent and amend, and make known what they concealed, I will be turned

unto them, for I am easy to be reconciled and merciful. Surely they who

believe not, and die in their unbelief, upon them shall be the curse of

God, and of the angels, and of all men; they shall remain under it

forever, their punishment shall not be alleviated, neither shall they be

regarded. Your God is one God, there is no God but He, the most

merciful. Now in the creation of heaven and earth, and the vicissitude

of night and day, and in the ship which saileth in the sea, laden with

what is profitable for mankind, and in the rain-water which God sendeth

from heaven, quickening thereby the dead earth, and replenishing the

same with all sorts of cattle, and in the change of winds, and the

clouds that are compelled to do service between heaven and earth, are

signs to people of understanding: yet some men take idols beside God,

and love them as with the love due to God; but the true believers are

more fervent in love towards God. Oh that they who act unjustly did

perceive, when they behold their punishment, that all power belongeth

unto God, and that he is severe in punishing! When those who have been

followed, shall separate themselves from their followers, and shall see

the punishment, and the cords of relation between them shall be cut

asunder; the followers shall say, If we could return to life, we would

separate ourselves from them, as they have now separated themselves from

us. So God will show them their works; they shall sigh grievously, and

shall not come forth from the fire of hell. O men, eat of that which is

lawful and good on the earth; and tread not in the steps of the devil,

for he is your open enemy. Verily he commandeth you evil and wickedness,

and that ye should say that of God which ye know not. And when it is

said unto them who believe not, Follow that which God hath sent down;

they answer, Nay, but we will follow that which we found our fathers

practised. What? though their fathers knew nothing, and were not rightly

directed? The unbelievers are like unto one who crieth aloud to that

which heareth not so much as his calling, or the sound of his voice.

They are deaf, dumb, and blind, therefore they do not understand. O true

believers, eat of the good things which we have bestowed on you for

food, and return thanks unto God, if ye serve him. Verily he hath

forbidden you to eat that which dieth of itself, and blood, and swine's

flesh, and that on which any other name but God's hath been

invocated.[32] But he who is forced by necessity, not lusting, nor

returning to transgress, it shall be no crime in him if he eat of those

things, for God is gracious and merciful. Moreover they who conceal any

part of the scripture which God hath sent down unto them, and sell it



for a small price, they shall swallow into their bellies nothing but

fire; God shall not speak unto them on the day of resurrection, neither

shall he purify them, and they shall suffer a grievous punishment. These

are they who have sold direction for error, and pardon for punishment:

but how great will their suffering be in the fire! This they shall

endure, because God sent down the book of the Koran with truth, and they

who disagree concerning that book, are certainly in a wide mistake. It

is not righteousness that ye turn your faces in prayer towards the east

and the west, but righteousness is of him who believeth in God and the

last day, and the angels, and the scriptures, and the prophets; who

giveth money for God's sake unto his kindred, and unto orphans, and the

needy, and the stranger, and those who ask, and for redemption of

captives; who is constant at prayer, and giveth alms; and of those who

perform their covenant, when they have covenanted, and who behave

themselves patiently in adversity, and hardships, and in time of

violence: these are they who are true, and these are they who fear God.

O true believers, the law of retaliation is ordained you for the slain:

the free shall die for the free, and the servant for the servant, and a

woman for a woman; but he whom his brother shall forgive, may be

prosecuted, and obliged to make satisfaction according to what is just,

and a fine shall be set on him[33] with humanity. This is indulgence

from your Lord, and mercy. And he who shall transgress after this, by

killing the murderer, shall suffer a grievous punishment. And in this

law of retaliation ye have life, O ye of understanding, that

peradventure ye may fear. It is ordained you, when any of you is at the

point of death, if he leave any goods, that he bequeath a legacy to his

parents and kindred, according to what shall be reasonable.[34] This is

a duty incumbent on those who fear God. But he who shall change the

legacy, after he hath heard it bequeathed by the dying person, surely

the sin thereof shall be on those who change it, for God is he who

heareth and knoweth. Howbeit he who apprehendeth from the testator any

mistake or injustice, and shall compose the matter between them, that

shall be no crime in him, for God is gracious and merciful. O true

believers, a fast is ordained you, as it was ordained unto those before

you, that ye may fear God. A certain number of days shall ye fast: but

he among you who shall be sick, or on a journey, shall fast an equal

number of other days. And those who can keep it, and do not, must redeem

their neglect by maintaining of a poor man. And he who voluntarily

dealeth better with the poor man than he is obliged, this shall be

better for him. But if ye fast it will be better for you, if ye knew it.

The month of Ramadhan shall ye fast, in which the Koran was sent down

from heaven, a direction unto men, and declarations of direction, and

the distinction between good and evil. Therefore let him among you who

shall be present in this month, fast the same month; but he who shall be

sick, or on a journey, shall fast the like number of other days. God

would make this an ease unto you, and would not make it a difficulty

unto you; that ye may fulfil the number of days, and glorify God, for

that he hath directed you, and that ye may give thanks. When my servants

ask thee concerning me, Verily I am near; I will hear the prayer of him

that prayeth, when he prayeth unto me: but let them hearken unto me, and

believe in me, that they may be rightly directed. It is lawful for you

on the night of the fast to go in unto your wives: they are a garment

unto you, and ye are a garment unto them. God knoweth that ye defraud

yourselves therein, wherefore he turneth unto you and forgiveth you. Now

therefore go in unto them; and earnestly desire that which God ordaineth

you, and eat and drink, until ye can plainly distinguish a white thread

from a black thread by the daybreak: then keep the fast until night, and

go not in unto them, but be constantly present in the places of worship.

These are the prescribed bounds of God, therefore draw not near them to

transgress them. Thus God declareth his signs unto men, that ye may fear

him. Consume not your wealth among yourselves in vain; nor present it

unto judges, that ye may devour part of men's substance unjustly,

against your own consciences. They will ask thee concerning the phases

of the moon. Answer, They are times appointed unto men, and to show the

season of the pilgrimage to Mecca. It is not righteousness that ye enter

your houses by the back part thereof, but righteousness is of him who

feareth God. Therefore enter your houses by their doors; and fear God,

that ye may be happy. And fight for the religion of God against those

who fight against you, but transgress not by attacking them first, for

God loveth not the transgressors. And kill them wherever ye find them,

and turn them out of that whereof they have dispossessed you; for

temptation to idolatry is more grievous than slaughter: yet fight not

against them in the holy temple, until they attack you therein; but if

they attack you, slay them there. This shall be the reward of the

infidels. But if they desist, God is gracious and merciful. Fight

therefore against them, until there be no temptation to idolatry, and

the religion be God's: but if they desist, then let there be no

hostility, except against the ungodly. A sacred month for a sacred

month, and the holy limits of Mecca, if they attack you therein, do ye

also attack them therein in retaliation; and whoever transgresseth

against you by so doing, do ye transgress against him in like manner as

he hath transgressed against you, and fear God, and know that God is

with those who fear him. Contribute out of your substance towards the

defence of the religion of God, and throw not yourselves with your own

hands into perdition; and do good, for God loveth those who do good.

Perform the pilgrimage of Mecca, and the visitation of God; if ye be

besieged, send that offering which shall be the easiest; and shave not

your heads, until your offering reacheth the place of sacrifice. But

whoever among you is sick, or is troubled with any distemper of the

head, must redeem the shaving his head by fasting, or alms, or some

offering. When ye are secure from enemies, he who tarrieth in the

visitation of the temple of Mecca until the pilgrimage, shall bring that

offering which shall be the easiest. But he who findeth not anything to

offer, shall fast three days in the pilgrimage, and seven when ye are

returned: they shall be ten days complete. This is incumbent on him

whose family shall not be present at the holy temple. And fear God, and

know that God is severe in punishing. The pilgrimage must be performed

in the known months; whosoever therefore purposeth to go on pilgrimage

therein, let him not know a woman, nor transgress, nor quarrel in the

pilgrimage. The good which ye do, God knoweth it. Make provision for

your journey; but the best provision is piety: and fear me, O ye of

understanding. It shall be no crime in you, if ye seek an increase from

your Lord, by trading during the pilgrimage. And when ye go in

procession from Arafat, remember God near the holy monument; and

remember him for that he hath directed you, although ye were before this

of the number of those who go astray. Therefore go in procession from

whence the people go in procession, and ask pardon of God, for God is

gracious and merciful. And when ye have finished your holy ceremonies,

remember God, according as ye remember your fathers, or with a more

reverent commemoration. There are some men who say, O Lord, give us our

portion in this world; but such shall have no portion in the next life:

and there are others who say, O Lord, give us good in this world, and

also good in the next world, and deliver us from the torment of hell

fire. They shall have a portion of that which they have gained: God is

swift in taking an account. Remember God the appointed number of days;

but if any haste to depart from the valley of Mina in two days, it shall

be no crime in him. And if any tarry longer, it shall be no crime in

him, in him who feareth God. Therefore fear God, and know that unto him

ye shall be gathered. There is a man who causeth thee to marvel[35] by

his speech concerning this present life, and calleth God to witness that

which is in his heart, yet he is most intent in opposing thee; and when

he turneth away from thee, he hasteth to act corruptly in the earth, and

to destroy that which is sown, and springeth up;[36] but God loveth not

corrupt doing. And if one say unto him, Fear God; pride seizeth him,

together with wickedness; but hell shall be his reward, and an unhappy

couch shall it be. There is also a man who selleth his soul for the sake

of those things which are pleasing unto God;[37] and God is gracious

unto his servants. O true believers, enter into the true religion

wholly, and follow not the steps of Satan, for he is your open enemy. If

ye have slipped after the declarations of our will have come unto you,

know that God is mighty and wise. Do the infidels expect less than that

God should come down to them overshadowed with clouds, and the angels

also? but the thing is decreed, and to God shall all things return. Ask

the children of Israel how many evident signs we have showed them; and

whoever shall change the grace of God, after it shall have come unto

him, verily God will be severe in punishing him. The present life was

ordained for those who believe not, and they laugh the faithful to

scorn; but they who fear God shall be above them, on the day of the

resurrection: for God is bountiful unto whom he pleaseth without

measure. Mankind was of one faith, and God sent prophets bearing good

tidings, and denouncing threats; and sent down with them the scripture

in truth, that it might judge between men of that concerning which they

disagreed: and none disagreed concerning it, except those to whom the

same scriptures were delivered, after the declarations of God's will had

come unto them, out of envy among themselves. And God directed those who

believed, to that truth concerning which they disagreed, by his will:

for God directeth whom he pleaseth into the right way. Did ye think ye

should enter paradise, when as yet no such thing had happened unto you,

as hath happened unto those who have been before you? They suffered

calamity and tribulation, and were afflicted; so that the apostle, and

they who believed with him, said, When will the help of God come? Is not

the help of God nigh? They will ask thee what they shall bestow in alms:

Answer, The good which ye bestow, let it be given to parents, and

kindred, and orphans, and the poor, and the stranger. Whatsoever good ye

do, God knoweth it. War is enjoined you against the Infidels; but this

is hateful unto you: yet perchance ye hate a thing which is better for

you, and perchance ye love a thing which is worse for you: but God

knoweth and ye know not. They will ask thee concerning the sacred month,

whether they may war therein: Answer, To war therein is grievous; but to

obstruct the way of God, and infidelity towards him, and to keep men

from the holy temple, and to drive out his people from thence, is more

grievous in the sight of God, and the temptation to idolatry is more

grievous than to kill in the sacred months. They will not cease to war

against you, until they turn you from your religion, if they be able:

but whoever among you shall turn back from his religion, and die an

infidel, their works shall be vain in this world and the next; they

shall be the companions of hell fire, they shall remain therein forever.

But they who believe, and who fly for the sake of religion, and fight in

God's cause, they shall hope for the mercy of God; for God is gracious

and merciful. They will ask thee concerning wine[38] and lots:[39]

Answer, In both there is great sin, and also some things of use unto

men, but their sinfulness is greater than their use. They will ask thee

also what they shall bestow in alms: Answer, What ye have to spare. Thus

God showeth his signs unto you, that peradventure ye might seriously

think of this present world, and of the next. They will also ask thee

concerning orphans: Answer, To deal righteously with them is best; and

if ye intermeddle with the management of what belongs to them, do them

no wrong; they are your brethren: God knoweth the corrupt dealer from

the righteous; and if God please, he will surely distress you, for God

is mighty and wise. Marry not women who are idolaters, until they

believe: verily a maid-servant who believeth is better than an

idolatress, although she please you more. And give not women who believe

in marriage to the idolaters, until they believe; for verily a servant

who is a true believer, is better than an idolater, though he please you

more. They invite into hell fire, but God inviteth unto paradise and

pardon through his will, and declareth his signs unto men, that they may

remember. They will ask thee also concerning the courses of women:

Answer, They are a pollution: therefore separate yourselves from women

in their courses, and go not near them until they be cleansed. But when

they are cleansed, go in unto them as God hath commanded you, for God

loveth those who repent, and loveth those who are clean. Your wives are

your tillage; go in therefore unto your tillage in what manner soever ye

will: and do first some act that may be profitable unto your souls; and

fear God, and know that ye must meet him; and bear good tidings unto the

faithful. Make not God the object of your oaths, that ye may deal

justly, and be devout, and make peace among men;[40] for God is he who

heareth and knoweth. God will not punish you for an inconsiderate word

in your oaths; but he will punish you for that which your hearts have

assented unto: God is merciful and gracious. They who vow to abstain

from their wives, are allowed to wait four months: but if they go back

from their vow, verily God is gracious and merciful; and if they resolve

on a divorce, God is he who heareth and knoweth. The women who are

divorced shall wait concerning themselves until they have their courses

thrice, and it shall not be lawful for them to conceal that which God

hath created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the last day;

and their husbands will act more justly to bring them back at this time,

if they desire a reconciliation. The women ought also to behave towards

their husbands in like manner as their husbands should behave towards

them, according to what is just: but the men ought to have a superiority

over them. God is mighty and wise. Ye may divorce your wives twice; and

then either retain them with humanity, or dismiss them with kindness.

But it is not lawful for you to take away anything of what ye have given

them, unless both fear that they cannot observe the ordinances of God.

And if ye fear that they cannot observe the ordinances of God, it shall

be no crime in either of them on account of that for which the wife

shall redeem herself. These are the ordinances of God; therefore

transgress them not; for whoever transgresseth the ordinances of God,

they are unjust doers. But if the husband divorce her a third time, she

shall not be lawful for him again, until she marry another husband. But

if he also divorce her, it shall be no crime in them, if they return to

each other, if they think they can observe the ordinances of God; and

these are the ordinances of God: he declareth them to people of

understanding. But when ye divorce women, and they have fulfilled their

prescribed time, either retain them with humanity, or dismiss them with

kindness; and retain them not by violence, so that ye transgress; for he

who doth this, surely injureth his own soul. And make not the signs of

God a jest: but remember God's favor towards you, and that he hath sent

down unto you the book of the Koran, and wisdom, admonishing you

thereby; and fear God, and know that God is omniscient. But when ye have

divorced your wives, and they have fulfilled their prescribed time,

hinder them not from marrying their husbands, when they have agreed

among themselves according to what is honorable. This is given in

admonition unto him among you who believeth in God, and the last day.

This is most righteous for you, and most pure. God knoweth, but ye know

not. Mothers, after they are divorced, shall give suck unto their

children two full years, to him who desireth the time of giving suck to

be completed; and the father shall be obliged to maintain them and

clothe them in the meantime, according to that which shall be

reasonable. No person shall be obliged beyond his ability. A mother

shall not be compelled to what is unreasonable on account of her child,

nor a father on account of his child. And the heir of the father shall

be obliged to do in like manner. But if they choose to wean the child

before the end of two years, by common consent and on mutual

consideration, it shall be no crime in them. And if ye have a mind to

provide a nurse for your children, it shall be no crime in you, in case

ye fully pay what ye offer her, according to that which is just. And

fear God, and know that God seeth whatever ye do. Such of you as die,

and leave wives, their wives must wait concerning themselves four months

and ten days, and when they shall have fulfilled their term, it shall be

no crime in you, for that which they shall do with themselves, according

to what is reasonable. God well knoweth that which ye do. And it shall

be no crime in you, whether ye make public overtures of marriage unto

such women, within the said four months and ten days, or whether ye

conceal such your designs in your minds: God knoweth that ye will

remember them. But make no promise unto them privately, unless ye speak

honorable words; and resolve not on the knot of marriage, until the

prescribed time be accomplished; and know that God knoweth that which is

in your minds, therefore beware of him, and know that God is gracious

and merciful. It shall be no crime in you, if ye divorce your wives, so

long as ye have not touched them, nor settled any dowry on them. And

provide for them (he who is at his ease must provide according to his

circumstances, and he who is straitened according to his circumstances)

necessaries, according to what shall be reasonable. This is a duty

incumbent on the righteous. But if ye divorce them before ye have

touched them, and have already settled a dowry on them, ye shall give

them half of what ye have settled, unless they release any part, or he

release part in whose hand the knot of marriage is; and if ye release

the whole, it will approach nearer unto piety. And forget not liberality

among you, for God seeth that which ye do. Carefully observe the

appointed prayers, and the middle prayer,[41] and be assiduous therein,

with devotion towards God. But if ye fear any danger, pray on foot or on

horseback; and when ye are safe, remember God, how he hath taught you

what as yet ye knew not. And such of you as shall die and leave wives,

ought to bequeath their wives a year's maintenance, without putting them

out of their houses: but if they go out voluntarily, it shall be no

crime in you, for that which they shall do with themselves, according to

what shall be reasonable; God is mighty and wise. And unto those who are

divorced, a reasonable provision is also due; this is a duty incumbent

on those who fear God. Thus God declareth his signs unto you, that ye

may understand. Hast thou not considered those who left their

habitations (and they were thousands) for fear of death? And God said

unto them, Die; then he restored them to life, for God is gracious

towards mankind; but the greater part of men do not give thanks. Fight

for the religion of God, and know that God is he who heareth and

knoweth. Who is he that will lend unto God on good usury? verily he will

double it unto him manifold; for God contracteth and extendeth his hand

as he pleaseth, and to him shall ye return. Hast thou not considered the

assembly of the children of Israel, after the time of Moses; when they

said unto their prophet Samuel, Set a king over us, that we may fight

for the religion of God? The prophet answered, If ye are enjoined to go

to war, will ye be near refusing to fight? They answered, And what

should ail us that we should not fight for the religion of God, seeing

we are dispossessed of our habitations, and deprived of our children?

But when they were enjoined to go to war, they turned back, except a few

of them: and God knew the ungodly. And their prophet said unto them,

Verily God hath set Talut king over you: they answered, How shall he

reign over us, seeing we are more worthy of the kingdom than he, neither

is he possessed of great riches? Samuel said, Verily God hath chosen him

before you, and hath caused him to increase in knowledge and stature,

for God giveth his kingdom unto whom he pleaseth; God is bounteous and

wise. And their prophet said unto them, Verily the sign of his kingdom

shall be, that the ark shall come unto you: therein shall be

tranquillity from your Lord, and the relics which have been left by the

family of Moses, and the family of Aaron; the angels shall bring it.

Verily this shall be a sign unto you, if ye believe. And when Talut

departed with his soldiers, he said, Verily God will prove you by the

river: for he who drinketh thereof, shall not be on my side (but he who

shall not taste thereof he shall be on my side) except he who drinketh a

draught out of his hand. And they drank thereof, except a few of them.

And when they had passed the river, he and those who believed with him,

they said, We have no strength to-day against Jalut and his forces. But

they who considered that they should meet God at the resurrection, said,

How often hath a small army discomfited a great army, by the will of

God? and God is with those who patiently persevere. And when they went

forth to battle against Jalut and his forces, they said, O Lord, pour on

us patience, and confirm our feet, and help us against the unbelieving

people. Therefore they discomfited them, by the will of God, and David

slew Jalut. And God gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him his

will; and if God had not prevented men, the one by the other, verily the

earth had been corrupted: but God is beneficent towards his creatures.

These are the signs of God: we rehearse them unto thee with truth, and

thou art surely one of those who have been sent by God. These are the

apostles; we have preferred some of them before others: some of them

hath God spoken unto, and hath exalted the degree of others of them. And

we gave unto Jesus the son of Mary manifest signs, and strengthened him

with the holy spirit. And if God had pleased, they who came after those

apostles would not have contended among themselves, after manifest signs

had been shown unto them. But they fell to variance; therefore some of

them believed, and some of them believed not; and if God had so pleased,

they would not have contended among themselves, but God doeth what he

will. O true believers, give alms of that which we have bestowed on you,

before the day cometh wherein there shall be no merchandising, nor

friendship, nor intercession. The infidels are unjust doers. God! there

is no God but he;[42] the living, the self-subsisting: neither slumber

nor sleep seizeth him; to him belongeth whatsoever is in heaven, and on

earth. Who is he that can intercede with him, but through his good

pleasure! He knoweth that which is past, and that which is to come unto

them, and they shall not comprehend anything of his knowledge, but so

far as he pleaseth. His throne is extended over heaven and earth,[43]

and the preservation of both is no burden unto him. He is the high, the

mighty. Let there be no violence in religion. Now is right direction

manifestly distinguished from deceit: whoever therefore shall deny

Tagut, and believe in God, he shall surely take hold on a strong handle,

which shall not be broken; God is he who heareth and seeth. God is the

patron of those who believe; he shall lead them out of darkness into

light: but as to those who believe not, their patrons are Tagut; they

shall lead them from the light into darkness; they shall be the

companions of hell fire, they shall remain therein forever. Hast thou

not considered him who disputed with Abraham concerning his Lord,

because God had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said, My Lord is he

who giveth life, and killeth: he answered, I give life, and I kill.

Abraham said, Verily God bringeth the sun from the east, now do thou

bring it from the west. Whereupon the infidel was confounded; for God

directeth not the ungodly people. Or hast thou not considered how he

behaved who passed by a city which had been destroyed, even to her

foundations? He said, How shall God quicken this city, after she hath

been dead? And God caused him to die for a hundred years, and afterwards

raised him to life. And God said, How long hast thou tarried here? He

answered, A day, or part of a day. God said, Nay, thou hast tarried here

a hundred years. Now look on thy food and the drink, they are not yet

corrupted; and look on thine ass: and this have we done that we might

make thee a sign unto men. And look on the bones of thine ass, how we

raise them, and afterwards clothe them with flesh. And when this was

shown unto him, he said, I know that God is able to do all things. And

when Abraham said, O Lord, show me how thou wilt raise the dead; God

said, Dost thou not yet believe? He answered, Yea; but I ask this that

my heart may rest at ease. God said, take therefore four birds, and

divide them; then lay a part of them on every mountain; then call them,

and they shall come swiftly unto thee: and know that God is mighty and

wise. The similitude of those who lay out their substance for advancing

the religion of God, is as a grain of corn which produceth seven ears,

and in every ear a hundred grains; for God giveth twofold unto whom he

pleaseth: God is bounteous and wise. They who lay out their substance

for the religion of God, and afterwards follow not what they have so

laid out by reproaches or mischief, they shall have their reward with

their Lord; upon them shall no fear come, neither shall they be grieved.

A fair speech, and to forgive, is better than alms followed by mischief.

God is rich and merciful. O true believers, make not your alms of no

effect by reproaching, or mischief, as he who layeth out what he hath to

appear unto men to give alms, and believeth not in God and the last day.

The likeness of such a one is as a flint covered with earth, on which a

violent rain falleth, and leaveth it hard. They cannot prosper in

anything which they have gained, for God directeth not the unbelieving

people. And the likeness of those who lay out their substance from a

desire to please God, and for an establishment for their souls, is as a

garden on a hill, on which a violent rain falleth, and it bringeth forth

its fruits twofold; and if a violent rain falleth not on it, yet the dew

falleth thereon: and God seeth that which ye do. Doth any of you desire

to have a garden of palm-trees and vines, through which rivers flow,

wherein he may have all kinds of fruits, and that he may attain to old

age, and have a weak offspring? then a violent fiery wind shall strike

it, so that it shall be burned. Thus God declareth his signs unto you,

that ye may consider. O true believers, bestow alms of the good things

which ye have gained, and of that which we have produced for you out of

the earth, and choose not the bad thereof, to give it in alms, such as

ye would not accept yourselves, otherwise than by connivance: and know

that God is rich and worthy to be praised. The devil threateneth you

with poverty, and commandeth you filthy covetousness; but God promiseth

you pardon from himself and abundance: God is bounteous and wise. He

giveth wisdom unto whom he pleaseth; and he unto whom wisdom is given,

hath received much good: but none will consider, except the wise of

heart. And whatever alms ye shall give, or whatever vow ye shall vow,

verily God knoweth it; but the ungodly shall have none to help them. If

ye make your alms to appear, it is well; but if ye conceal them, and

give them unto the poor, this will be better for you, and will atone for

your sins: and God is well informed of that which ye do. The direction

of them belongeth not unto thee; but God directeth whom he pleaseth. The

good that ye shall give in alms shall redound unto yourselves; and ye

shall not give unless out of desire of seeing the face of God. And what

good thing ye shall give in alms, it shall be repaid you, and ye shall

not be treated unjustly; unto the poor who are wholly employed in

fighting for the religion of God, and cannot go to and fro in the earth;

whom the ignorant man thinketh rich, because of their modesty: thou

shalt know them by this mark, they ask not men with importunity; and

what good ye shall give in alms, verily God knoweth it. They who

distribute alms of their substance night and day, in private and in

public, shall have their reward with the Lord; on them shall no fear

come, neither shall they be grieved. They who devour usury shall not

arise from the dead, but as he ariseth whom Satan hath infected by a

touch: this shall happen to them because they say, Truly selling is but

as usury: and yet God hath permitted selling and forbidden usury. He

therefore who, when there cometh unto him an admonition from his Lord,

abstaineth from usury for the future, shall have what is past forgiven

him, and his affair belongeth unto God. But whoever returneth to usury,

they shall be the companions of hell fire, they shall continue therein

forever. God shall take his blessing from usury, and shall increase

alms: for God loveth no infidel, or ungodly person. But they who believe

and do that which is right, and observe the stated times of prayer, and

pay their legal alms, they shall have their reward with their Lord:

there shall come no fear on them, neither shall they be grieved. O true

believers, fear God, and remit that which remaineth of usury, if ye

really believe; but if ye do it not, hearken unto war, which is declared

against you from God and his apostle: yet if ye repent, ye shall have

the capital of your money. Deal not unjustly with others, and ye shall

not be dealt with unjustly. If there be any debtor under a difficulty of

paying his debt, let his creditor wait till it be easy for him to do it;

but if ye remit it as alms, it will be better for you, if ye knew it.

And fear the day wherein ye shall return unto God; then shall every soul

be paid what it hath gained, an



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