About the Surah

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Alif-Lam-Mim. (Allah Alone knows their meanings)

This Book (the Quran) has no doubt in it. (That the Quran is from Allah. But if a person doubts due to his ignorance, the fact is not changed). It is a guidance for pious persons

Those who believe in the Unseen, establish prayer and spend (in good pro-jects) from what Allah has given them

And they believe in what is sent down to you (i.e. the Quran) and what was sent down before you. (Believing in the earlier Scrip-tures; is a must, but one should act on the guidance of the Quran only) and they believe firmly in the Hereafter.

They have the (true) guidance from their Creator and they will be successful (in the Hereafter).

It is the same for the dis-believers whether you warn them or not, they will not believe. 

Allah has sealed their hearts and ears and there is a cover on their eyes. And they will have severe punishment.

And among the people some of them (hypocrites) say: “We believe in Allah and the Day of Judgement.” In fact, they don’t believe

They (are trying to) deceive Allah and the believers. In fact, they are deceiving themselves only, but they don’t realize it.

There is a disease (i.e. hypoc-risy) in their hearts and Allah has increased their (this) disease. And there is a painful punish-ment for them since they used to tell lies.

And when it is said to them: “Don’t make mischief in the land,” they say: “Indeed, we are the re-formers.”

Bear in mind that they are the ones who are spreading the mischief but they don’t realize it.

And when it is said to them: “Believe as the people [the Companions of the Prophet ( )have believed. They say: “Shall we believe as the fools have believed?” Bear in mind that they are the fools, but they don’t understand it.

And when they meet the believers, they say: “We believe.” And when they are alone with their Shayatin (i.e. hypocrites), they say (in privacy): “We are, indeed, with you. We were only mocking (at the believers).”

Allah mocks at them and increases their evil activities to wander blindly.

They have purchased ignorance in place of guidance, so their trading did not profit them and they were not guided (to the right direction).

The example of such persons is like the one who kindled a fire and when everything around him was lighted, Allah took away their light and left them in the darkness, unable to see anything.

(Their condition is) as if they are deaf, dumb and blind and they will not return (to the Right Path). (This was an example for the firm hypocrites).

(Some hypocrites are wishy-washy). Their example is like a rainstorm from the sky. There is darkness, thunder and lightning in it. They thrust their fingers in their ears for the fear of death from the thunderclaps. And Allah fully encompasses the disbelievers.

The lightning is such that it is about to snatch away their eyesight. When it flashes (momentarily) they walk in it and when it becomes dark for them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He would have deprived them from their hearing and eyesight. Indeed, Allah is Able to do all things.

O Mankind! Worship Allah who has created you and those who were before you so that you may become pious (persons). 

Who has made the earth as a floor for you and the sky as a canopy and sent down rain water from the sky and grew fruits with it as a provision for you. Hence, don’t make partners with Allah while you know (that nobody else can produce fruits etc).

And if you are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down to Our slave [Muhammad ( )], then (We challenge you) to produce a Surah (chapter) like this one and you may call all your supporters to help you, besides Allah, if you are truthful.

So if you cannot produce it, and you will never be able to produce it, then fear the Hell-Fire whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.

       And give the (following) glad tidings to those who believe and do good deeds. There are Gardens for them beneath which rivers flow (i.e. Paradise). When they will be given some fruit there and We shall give the resembling fruit, they will say: “It resembles with what we had before.” (i.e. name and shape is the same as in the worldly life but is totally different in taste), and there will be pure companions for them and they will reside there forever.

Indeed, Allah does not feel shy to give an example of a mosquito or even of a more ordinary thing (here Allah informed us that a tiny parasite is sitting on top of each mosquito. We discovered it recently). The believers know that it is a very appropriate example from Allah. And the disbelievers say: “What did Allah intend by this example?” Allah misleads many (by such examples) and guides others (with them). Allah does not mislead anybody with these examples except those who are disobedient to Allah.

Those who break Allah’s promise after making it (or ratifying it) and cut off those relations which Allah has ordered to maintain, and they spread mischief in the land. They are going to be in utter loss. 

How can you disbelieve in Allah? (Knowing that) He gave you life when you were dead. Then He will cause you to die, and then He will again grant you life (on the Day of Resurrection), and then you will have to return to Him.

He created for you everything in the earth, and then He rose towards the heaven (i.e. paid attention towards the creation) and perfected them as seven skies. And He is the All-Knower of everything.

(So far Allah described His favours to mankind which we can touch or feel i.e. meals, property etc. Now Allah describes His favours to mankind like knowledge, honour etc). And (remember) when Allah said to the angels: “Indeed, I am going to make a viceroy (Khalifa) in the earth.” The angels said: “Will you make one who will spread mischief in it and shed blood while we glorify You with Your praises and sanctify You.” Allah said: “Indeed, I know that which you don’t know.”

Allah taught Adam ( ) the names of everything, then He presented those to the angels and said: “Tell me the names of these, if you are truthful.”

The angels said: “Glory to you, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, You are the All-Knower, the All-Wise.”

Allah said: “O Adam ()!
Tell them the names of these things.” When Adam () had told the names of the things (with their characte-ristics, to the angels), Allah said: “Did I not tell you that I, indeed, know the Unseen in the heavens and the earth, and I know that which you reveal and what you have been hiding?”

And (remember) when We said to the angels: “All of you Pros-trate your-selves to Adam ().” So they all prostrated except Satan, he refused and was haughty and he be-came one of the disbelievers (of Allah).

And We said: “O Adam ()You and your wife reside in Paradise and eat plentifully from wherever you desire, and don’t come near this tree otherwise both of you will become wrong-doers.”

So Satan caused to slip both of them concerning this tree and, brought them out (of the enjoyable life there). And We said to them: “Get down from here. Some of you will be enemies of each other. And you have to reside on the earth and find enjoyment there for a while.”

So Adam () learnt some words from his Creator, and then He accepted his repentance. Indeed, Allah accepts (sincere) repentance, the Most Merciful.

We said (with Our Wisdom): “Get down from here all of you. So if you come across My guidance, then whoever follows it (My guidance), there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve.

“And those who will dis-believe and deny Our revelations will be dwellers of Hell-Fire, and they shall reside there forever.”

O Children of Israel!  Remem-ber My favour I did to you. Fulfil your promise you made to Me (in Taurat), I shall fulfil My promise (of removing your sins) and fear Me Alone.

And believe in the Book which I have sent down (i.e. the Quran) since it confirms what is with you, and don’t be the first to disbelieve in it. And don’t sell My Verses for petty gains and fear Me Alone.

Don’t mix truth with falsehood and don’t conceal the truth while you know (the truth clearly). 

Establish Salat and give Zakat (the poor-due) and bow with those who bow (in worship).

Do you motivate other people to observe piety, and you ignore its practice yourselves while you recite the Book (Taurat, which disapproves knowledge without practice)? Don’t you understand this?

And seek help with patience and Salat . And, indeed, it is hard, except for those who are humble,

Those who bear in mind that they will certainly meet their Creator and that they are certainly going to return to Him.

       O Children of Israel! Remem-ber My favour to you that I gave preference to you amongst all My creatures (of that time).

And fear the Day when no person will benefit other person, nor intercession will be accepted from him, nor compen-sation will be taken from him and they will not be helped in any way.

(Here are the details of Allah’s favours). And (remember) when We rescued you from Firaun’s people, who inflicted upon you a terrible torment, killing your sons while letting your ladies live. That was a big trial for you from Allah

And (remember) when We split the sea for you and took you across the sea safely, and We drowned the people of Firaun while you were looking at them.

And (remember) when We ap-pointed forty nights for Musa, ()
then you started (worshiping) a calf in his absence and you became wrong-doers.

Even after that We pardoned you so that you might be grateful.

And (remember) when We gave Musa () the Scripture and the criterion of right and wrong so that you may be guided (to the Right Path).

And (remember) when Musa () said to his people: “O my people, indeed, you have wronged yourselves by taking the calf (for worship). Hence, turn to your Creator for forgiveness, and kill yourselves (the innocents should kill the wrongdoers), that will be better for you with Allah. Then Allah accepted your repentance. Indeed, He readily accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.

And (remember) when you said: “O Musa (), we shall never believe in you until we see Allah face to face.” So a thunderbolt struck you (due to your rudeness) while you were looking.

Then [due to the supplication of Musa ()] We made you alive again, so that you might be grateful to Allah (for this favour).

And We put shade of clouds on you and sent down for you Manna (a kind of grain) and quails (saying:) “Eat the lawful things, which We have provided for you.” (But they ignored this guidance too). And they did not harm Us, rather they harmed themselves.

       And (remember) when We, ordered you: “Enter this town (Jerusalem) and eat as much as you like and from wherever you like but enter while bowing (with humility) saying: ‘Forgive us, Forgive us.’ We shall forgive your (past) sins. (Moreover) We shall (spontaneously) increase the reward for the good doer.”

       But the wrong-doers changed the wording given to them (for recitation). So We sent a punishment (i.e. plague) for them from the heaven for their rebellion (against Allah).

And (remember) when Musa () asked for water for his people, We said: “Strike the stone with your stick.” Twelve springs gushed out from that stone. Every tribe recognized the spring for its group. (We advised them): “Eat and drink from the provisions of Allah and don’t transgress by creating mischief in the land.”

And (remember) when you said: “O Musa (), we are not contented with one kind of food. Hence, pray to your Creator to provide us what earth grows (in the form of) vegetables, cucumbers, wheat (or garlic), lentils and onions. Musa () said: “Do you wish to exchange the better food with the lower grade of food? (If, however you don’t listen to me) enter the big city (metropolis), you will find what you have requested for. And they were inflicted by humiliation, misery, and they returned with the wrath of Allah. This is because they disbelieved the revelations of Allah and killed the Prophets unjustly. This was also because they disobeyed Allah and transgressed beyond limits

(Jews felt that even if they believed sincerely, it would not be accepted due to their above mis-chief. Allah describes His law) In-deed, the Muslims and the Jews and the Christians and Sabians (with no particular religion), who-ever believes in Allah, and the Last Day and does righteous deeds, Allah shall definitely reward them. And there shall be neither fear nor grief for them.

And (remember) when We took a promise from you (to obey the instructions in Taurat but you broke this promise) and We raised mountain Tur over you (saying:) “Hold this Book firmly and adhere to its instructions so that you may become pious people.”

 Then after that you turned away (i.e. broke your promise again. Hence, you deserve Allah’s punishment). Had there not been the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you, you would definitely have been among the losers.

       And you indeed, knew those who transgressed pertaining to Saturday (i.e. not to catch fish on Saturday). So We said to them: “You be rejected monkeys!” 

       So We made (this punishment) an example for the people before them and for those who would come after them and a lesson for the pious people.

       And (remember) when Musa () said to his people “Indeed, Allah orders you to slaughter a cow” They said: “Are you joking with us?” Musa () said: “I seek Allah’s refuge from acting as an ignorant person.”

       They said: “Pray to your Crea-tor to make clear to us what she is like.” Musa () said: “Allah says, ‘It is a cow neither too old nor too young, rather it is between these two conditions’, hence do what you are ordered.”

       They said: “Pray to your Crea-tor to make clear to us its colour.” Musa () said: “Allah says: ‘It is a yellow cow. Its colour is bright and pleasing for the on-lookers’.”

They said: “Pray to your Creator to make it clear to us which one is it, since there are several resembling cows with us, and surely, if Allah wills, we will be guided.”

       Musa () said: “He says: ‘It is not used for any sort of work. It neither tills the soil nor waters the crops. It is healthy and without any defect.” They said: “Now you have come with the truth.” So they slaughtered it although it looked like they were not going to do it.

       And (remember) when you killed a man and started disputing about it. And Allah was going to reveal what you were hiding.

       Hence, We said: “Strike the dead person with a piece of (slaugh-tered) cow (he will become alive).” In this way Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His signs so that you may understand.

       After that your hearts were hardened even more as if they were like stones or even harder than that. Since there are stones from which rivers flow. There are also stones, which when split; some water comes out of them. There are also stones which fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

       (O you who believe!) Do you desire that they believe in your religion, though there is a group among them (their religious leaders) who used to listen to the Word of Allah, and then they used to change it knowingly after they understood it?

       And when these Jews meet the believers, they say: “We do believe”, but when they meet each other privately they say (by way of reminder to each other): “Shall you inform the believers what has been disclosed to you [about Prophet Muhammad ()], that they may argue with you about it before Allah?” Have you (Jews) no sense? (This was the state of mind of the educated group of the Jews).

       Don’t they know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal?

       (The state of mind of illiterate Jews is as follows). And there are some illiterate people among them who have no knowledge of the Book. They live with false desires and imaginary ideas.

       Hence, woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say: “This is from Allah”, to purchase with this (false writing) a petty gain. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for such gain.

       And they (Jews) say: “The Hell-Fire shall not touch us (on the Day of Resurrection) except for a few limited days.” Say [O Muhammad ( )!]: “Do you have a promise about it from Allah, so that Allah will not act contrary to His promise? (Definitely not). Or do you ascribe things to Allah which you don’t know?”

       In fact, whoever has earned evil deeds and is surrounded by his disobediences, so they will be residents of Hell and they will be there forever.

       And those who are believers and strive to do good deeds, they are the residents of Paradise and they will live there forever.

       And (remember) when We took promise (in Taurat) from the Children of Israel, stating, don’t worship anybody except Allah (Alone), and be respectful to your parents, and to relatives, and to orphans and to the needy persons and say good things to the people, and establish Salat and pay the poor their due (Zakat). Then you turned away (from this) with the exception of few of you and you are backsliders (from the promises).

       And (remember) when We took the promise from you not to kill each other and not to expel your own people from their homes. Then you made this promise and you bear witness (to this).

       (After making this promise you act very strangely). You kill each other and expel your people out of their homes and support their enemies by sin and transgression. And if they come to you as captives, you would ransom (i.e. get them freedom by paying penalty) them, although their expulsion was itself unlawful for you. Do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve the other part? What should be the punishment for those who act like this among you, except disgrace in this world and more severe torment on the Day of Resurrection? And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

       Those are the people who have purchased the (comforts of) worldly life at the cost of (success) on the Day of Resurrection. Their torment shall not be lightened, nor shall they be helped.

       (Allah took many extraordinary steps to guide the Jews. First of all) We, indeed, gave Musa () the Book, and We followed him up with the messengers after him con-tinuously. (In that line of mes--sengers) We gave Isa  (PEACE BE UPON HIM),
the son of Maryam, many clear mir-acles and supported him [Isa (PEACE BE UPON HIM)] by the Holy Spirit [i.e. Jibrael (PEACE BE UPON HIM)]. Whenever a messenger brought to you the guidance which your hearts did not desire, you be-came arrogant. Some of them you totally disbelieved and others you killed outright.

       And the Jews said: “Our hearts are fully protected.” (i.e. no other religion can penetrate our hearts) In fact, Allah cursed them (i.e. deprived them from His Mercy) due to their disbelief, so very little they believe.

       When a Book from Allah (i.e. the Quran) reached them confirm-ing the Books with them, although, before this, they longed for a vic-tory (through it) over the dis-believers, so when it  [Quran or Prophet Muhammad ()] came whom they recognized (clearly), they denied him. So the curse of Allah be on the disbelievers.

       It is a very bad thing for which they have sold themselves. They are disbelieving in what Allah has sent down due to the jealousy that why Allah should reveal His Grace to whom He wills of His slaves. They have earned wrath after wrath (of Allah) and there is a disgraceful torment for the disbelievers.

       And when it is said to them: “Believe in what Allah has revealed,” they say: “We believe in only what was revealed to us [through Musa ()], and dis-believe in what was revealed after that, while this Book (the Quran) is the truth confirming what is with them. [O Muhammad ()!] Say to them: “Why did you kill the Prophets of Allah in the past if you believed (in Taurat)?”

       And Musa ( ) came to you with clear miracles, and then you worshipped a calf when he was away, and you were wrong-doers (in this plan).

       When We took a promise from you and raised mountain Tur over you and ordered you: “Hold firmly to what We have given you and listen to this (sincerely).” You said (out of fear): “We heard and disobeyed.” And due to their disbelief their hearts were filled with the love of calf. [O Muhammad ( )!] Say to them: “Your faith is commanding you to an evil (activity), if you claim to be a believer.” (Hence, yours is not a true faith).

       [O Muhammad ( )!] Say to them: “If the home of the Hereafter is exclusively for you with Allah and not for other people, then long for your death, if you are truthful in your claim.”

       And they will never long for death because of what (the sins) their hands had sent forth. Allah is All-Knower of the wrong-doers. 

       [O Muhammad ( )!] (On the contrary), you will find them greedier for a longer worldly life even more than those who ascribe partners (to Allah; i.e. the idolaters etc.). Every one of them wishes to have a life of a thousand years, although this granting of long life will not save them from the punishment. And Allah is All-Seer of what they do.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] Say to the Jews: “Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael ( ) (let him die with his anger), since, indeed, he has revealed this Quran to your heart with the Permission of Allah, which confirm what was revealed before you and is a guidance and glad tidings for the believers.

       “Whoever is an enemy of Allah, His angels, His messengers and Jibrael ( ) and Mikael ( ), then indeed, Allah is the enemy of such disbelievers.”

       Indeed, We have revealed to you clear proofs, and only the evil-doers will disbelieve in them.

       Whenever they (the Jews) make a promise, one of their groups always breaks it. In fact, most of them are without any belief.

       (Here is an example of their breaking of promise). When a messenger came to them from Allah, confirming what they had (i.e. Taurat), a group of the People of the Book threw the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they were not even aware of it.

       (Jews are very strange people. They refused to follow the Book of Allah, but eagerly followed the devils.) And they followed what the devils recited in the kingdom of Sulaiman ( ). Sulaiman ( ) did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved by teaching people the magic and such things which came down to the two angels, Harut and Marut, in Babylon . The two angels did not teach anybody anything till (they cautioned the people) by saying: “Indeed we are a trial. Therefore, don’t disbelieve (in Allah).” Then the people learnt from these two angels what could cause separation between the spouses and, in fact, they could not harm any person without Allah’s Permission. And they learnt what harmed the people and not what benefitted them. And they knew this for sure that those who buy this (magic) will have no share in the Hereafter. And what a terrible thing it was for which they sold themselves, if they knew it!

       And if they had believed and observed piety, they would have received an excellent reward from Allah, if they knew it.

       O you who believe! Don’t address [Prophet Muhammad ( )] with Raina but instead of this say Unzurna (i.e. see towards us, or take pity on us or please pay attention to us). And you listen (and re-mem-ber this instruction). And for disbelievers there is painful punish-ment.

       Neither the disbelievers from the People of the Scripture, nor idolaters like that any good be sent down to you from your Creator. (Their jealousy will not do you harm). Since Allah chooses for His Mercy whom He wills and Allah is Owner of Great Bounty.

       When We (Allah) cancel a Verse or cause it to be forgotten, We bring a better one or a similar one in its place. Don’t you know that Allah is Able to do all things?

       Don’t you know that whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah? And there is neither any protector nor any helper besides Allah. 

       Would you like to ask your Messenger ( ) as Musa ( ) was asked before (e.g. to see Allah face to face)? And whoever changes his faith for disbelief, he has definitely gone astray from the Right Path.

       Many of the People of the Scripture wish to turn you to dis-belief after you have embraced Islam. It is due to jealousy in their hearts even after the truth has been made clear to them. Forgive and overlook for a while till Allah gives further instructions. Indeed, Allah is Able to do all things.

       And establish Salat and pay Zakat (the poor-due). Whatever good deeds you send forth, you will find reward for them with Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Seer of what you do.

       And they say that nobody will enter Paradise except the Jews or the Christians. These are their desires. Ask them to bring a proof for it if they are truthful in their claim.

       In fact, whoever turns his face to Allah (in His obedience) and performs good deeds, Allah will definitely reward him, and there shall be no fear nor grief for him.

       And the Jews say that the Christians follow nothing (i.e. they have false religion since Jews don’t believe in Isa ( ). And the Christians say that Jews follow nothing (i.e. they have false religion even though Christians recite Taurat). Ignorant people (idolaters) also say like Jews and Christians. So Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about their differences.

       And who will be more unjust than those who forbid remembrance of Allah in the Masajid and strive for their ruin? Such persons should not enter the Masajid except in fear. They will have disgrace in this world and there is a severe punishment for them in the Hereafter.

       (When the Jews objected the change of Qiblah, Allah answered them. All directions, including) East and West belong to Allah. (Hence, He has the right to fix any direction for Salat. Allah is not limited to any particular direction). Wherever you turn (your face), there is Allah’s Countenance. Surely, Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

       And they say: “Allah has be-got-ten a son.” Glory is to Him. (He is above these things). In fact, whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him and everything submissively obeys Him. 

       The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it: “Be!” and it is done.

       And illiterate people say: “Why does not Allah speak to us or why does not a proof (of your Prophethood) come to us?” The (ignorant) people of the past used to say the same thing. In fact, all of them have similar hearts (due to their utter ignorance). (Allah says; you are looking for one proof). Indeed, We have sent many clear proofs for the people who firmly believe (and they attain satisfaction from it).(Also Surah Al-Isra 90-93)

       [O Muhammad ( )!] Indeed, We have sent you with a true religion so that you may give glad tidings to the believers and warn the disbelievers. And you will not be asked about the dwellers of Hell.

       And the Jews and the Christians will never be pleased with you till you follow their religion (completely). (If they demand this). Say: “Indeed, Allah’s guidance is the true guidance.” And if you happen to follow their vain desires after Knowledge (i.e. the Quran) has come to you, then there will be no protector or helper for you against Allah.

       Those people whom We gave the Book (Taurat) and they recite the Book (the Quran) the way it should be recited (e.g. Abdullah bin Salam). They are the ones who (truly) believe in the Book (the Quran). And those who disbelieve in it are the losers.

       O Children of Israel! Re-mem-ber My favour which I bestowed upon you and I gave you preference over all My creatures in the universe (living at that time). 

       And fear that Day when no person shall benefit other person, nor compensation shall be accepted from him, nor intercession shall benefit him, nor shall they be helped.

       (Remember) when Allah tried Ibrahim ( ) with His Commands and he fulfilled all of them. Allah said: “Indeed, I am going to make you a leader of mankind”. Ibrahim ( ) said: “And (are there going to be leaders) from my children too?” Allah said: “My promise is not for the wrong-doers.”

       And (remember) when We made the House (at Makkah) a place of assembly and safety for mankind. And offer Salat near Maqam-e Ibrahim (situated near the House of Allah in Makkah). And We took a promise from Ibrahim ( ) and Ismail ( ) to keep My House clean and purified for those who go around it, for those who station themselves there for meditation and for those who bow and prostrate themselves there.

       And (remember) when Ibrahim ( ) said: “O Allah! Please make this city a place of peace and safety and provide fruits to the residents of this city who believe in Allah and the Day of Judgement.” Allah said: “I shall let the disbelievers also benefit from it a little bit, and then I shall compel them to the Hell-Fire which is a terrible destination.

       And (remember) when Ibrahim ( ) and Ismail ( ) raised the foundations of Kabah saying: “O Allah! Please accept it from us. In-deed, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

       “O our Creator! Make us truly submissive to You and also raise a group from our children submissive to You; and teach us the correct ways of our worship and accept our repentance. Indeed, You (are the One Who) accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.

       “O our Creator! And raise a messenger in them from among them who shall recite your revela-tions to them and teach them (the meanings of) the Book and Wis-dom and purify them. Indeed, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”

       And who will ignore the religion of Ibrahim ( ) except he who befools himself. We, indeed, distinguished him in this world and he will be among the righteous people in the Hereafter.

       When Allah said to him: “Submit.” He said: “I (sincerely) submit myself to the Creator of all the universe.”

       And Ibrahim ( ) and Yaqub ( ) commanded their children (saying): “O our children, Allah has chosen for you the (true) religion. Hence, don’t die except as Muslims.”

       Or were you present when death approached Yaqub ( )? (Re-member) when he said to his chil-dren: “Who will you worship after me?” They said: “We shall worship your God, and God of your fore-fathers, Ibrahim ( ), Ismail ( ) and Ishaq ( ), which is one same God and we shall remain obedient to Him.”

       That was one group of people who has passed away. They will account for what they did and you will account for what you do. You will not be asked for what they used to do.

       And they say: “Be a Jew or a Christian, then you will be rightly guided. [O Muhammad ( )!] Say to them: “In fact, the followers of the religion of Ibrahim ( ) are at the straight path. He worshipped one God and he was not of the idolaters.”

       [O Muhammad ( )!] Say: “We believe in Allah and that which is re-vealed to us and that which was re-vealed to Ibrahim ( ), Ismail ( ),
Ishaq ( ), Yaqub ( and to the children of Yaqub ( ) and that which has been given to Musa 
( ) and Isa ( ), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Creator. We make no distinc-tion between any of them and we have submitted to Allah as Muslims.”

       Hence, if they believe similarly as you believe, then they are rightly guided. But if they turn away, then they are in (open) opposition. So Allah’s support against them is enough for you. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

       Take your colour from Allah and whose colour is better than the colour from Allah ? (Or our religion is the Religion of Allah, and which religion can be better than Allah’s? – Ibn-Kathir) And we are His worshipers.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] Say: (to Jews and Christians) “Do you still dispute with us regar-ding Allah (stating that He will not forgive Muslims on the Day of Judgement) while he is our and your Creator? And we will be treated accor-ding to our deeds and you shall be treated accor-ding to your deeds. And we are sincere to Him.

       Or, do you still keep saying that Ibrahim ( ), Ismail ( ), Ishaq 
( ), Yaqub ( ) and Children of Yaqub ( ) were either Jews or Christians?” Say to them: “Do you know more or Allah? And who will be more unjust than the one who conceals the testimony with him from Allah? And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”

       That was one group of (chosen) people who has passed away. They will account for what they did and you will account for what you do. You will not be asked for what they used to do.

       Soon the fools among the people will say: “What has made the Muslims change their Qiblah (the direction of praying) on which they were? [O Muhammad ( )!] Say to them: “East and west belong to Allah.” (Being the owner, He can fix any direction He likes without giving reason for it). However, Allah guides whom He wills towards a Straight Path.

       And (just as We have given you the best Qiblah, similarly) We have made you the just and best nation, (and honoured you) so that you may be witnesses against mankind and that the messenger [Prophet Muhammad ( )] be a witness against you (on the Day of Resurrection). We did not appoint the Qiblah which you used to face but to test who (openly) followed Prophet Muhammad ( ) and who would turn on his heels. And though it (the change of Qiblah) was very hard on people except those whom Allah has guided. And (don’t worry) Allah would never let your Salat (offered facing Masjid-al Aqsa) go waste. Indeed, Allah is extremely Kind, Most Merciful towards mankind.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] Yes, We have seen the turning of your face to heaven (for guidance). Hence, We will turn you to Qiblah which will please you. So you turn your face towards the Sacred Masjid (Masjid-al-Haram) and wherever you people are, turn your face towards this direction. And, indeed, the People of the Scripture know that this revelation is true from their Creator (as it is written in their Books). And Allah is not unaware of what they do.

       Even if you give all the proofs to those who were given the Scripture, they will not accept your Qiblah. [O Muhammad ( )!] You are also not going to accept their Qiblah. Furthermore, they (Jews and Christians) are not willing to accept each other’s Qiblah. [O Muhammad ( )!] If you happen to follow their desires after this knowledge has come to you, then you will surely be one of the wrong-doers.

       The People of the Scripture recog-nize [Prophethood of Muhammad ( )] as clearly and fully as they recognize their own sons. However, a group of them con-ceals the truth after knowing it.

       (This is) the truth from your Creator. Hence, don’t be one of those who doubt.

       For every person (or nation) there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers). (Hence, forget about this discussion of Qiblah) You rather compete and concentrate on performing good deeds. Allah will gather you together on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, Allah is Able to do all things.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] And from wheresoever you start your journey, you should turn your face towards Masjid-al-Haram (for Salat), that is, indeed, the truth from your Creator. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] And from wheresoever you start a journey, you should turn your face towards Masjid-al-Haram. And wherever you are, turn your face to this direction (when you pray). (This message is repeated) so that the people (i.e. your opponents) are left with no argument against you, except those who are wrong-doers among them. Hence, don’t fear them, rather fear Me Alone so that I may complete My Blessings on you (By providing you abode in Paradise in the Hereafter) and so that you be guided (to Islam in this world).

       [By making Masjid-al-Haram as Qiblah, We have fulfilled the supplication of Ibrahim ( ). Similarly We have fulfilled his second part of supplication by sending Prophet Muhammad ( )]. As We sent a Prophet among you from you who recites Our revela-tions to you and purifies you (from sins), and teaches you (the meanings of) the Book and wisdom and teaches you (beneficial) know-ledge which you did not have.

       Hence, remember Me, I will re-member you. Be grateful to Me and save yourself from ungratefulness.

       O you who believe! Seek help with patience and Salat. Indeed, Allah is with patient people.

       And don’t say about those who are killed in the Path of Allah: “They are dead.” In fact, they are living but you don’t perceive it.

       And certainly We shall test you with fear and hunger and with the loss of wealth, lives and fruits. And give glad tidings to those who are patient.

       Who, when struck with a mis-fortune, say: “Indeed, We belong to Allah and, indeed, we shall return to Him.”

       They are those who will receive the blessings from their Creator and they are the truly guided ones.

       Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the signs of Allah. So it is not a sin to walk between these two hillocks during Hajj or Umra. And those who do good deeds voluntarily, then, indeed, Allah is All-Recogniser, the All-Knower.

       Indeed, those who conceal that which We have sent down as proofs and guidance, even after We have described clearly for the people in the Book, they are cursed by Allah and by all the cursers(who hate their concealing the proofs).

       Except those who repent and amend their behaviour and openly display this change. So I accept their repentance. And I do accept repentance, the Most Merciful.

       Indeed, those who disbelieve, and die while they are disbelievers, Allah’s curse is on them and of the angels and of all mankind.

       They will reside in Hell (under this curse), their punishment will not be lightened nor will the execution of their punishment be delayed.

       And your God is One God. There is none who has the right to be worshipped but Him, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

       In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alteration of the night and the day, and the ships which sail through the sea to benefit mankind, and the rain which Allah sends down from the sky and revives the earth with it after its death, and scattering of all kinds of animals in the earth, and in the changing of the courses of the winds, and the clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, these are, indeed, signs for the people of understanding.

       And some people make other things rivals of Allah and they love these rivals just as they love Allah. And the believers love Allah more (than all other things). Alas! Had the idolaters understood before confronting the torment that all power belongs to Allah and that He is severe in Punishment (they would not have made rivals of Allah?)

       When the leaders will disown their followers, and on seeing the torment, the leaders will cut-off all their relations with their followers.

       And the followers will say: “If there is a second chance to return to worldly life, we would disown our leaders as they have disowned us.” Thus Allah will show them their deeds as intense regrets for them and they will never come out of the Fire.

       O mankind! Eat from that which is lawful and good on the earth and don’t follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is an open enemy for you.

       Indeed, Satan commands you only what is evil and indecent and to say against Allah what you don’t know.

       And when it is said to them: “Follow what Allah has revealed.” They say: “We shall rather follow what our forefathers did.” (Would they follow their forefathers blindly) even though their forefathers did not understand anything and had no guidance? 

       And the example of dis-believers is like one who shouts to those (flock of sheep) that hears nothing but calls and cries. (They are) deaf, dumb and blind. So they have no sense.

       O you who believe! Eat from the lawful things which We have provided for you and be thankful to Allah if you sincerely worship Him.

       Allah has forbidden you only the dead animals, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah. But if one is forced by necessity without intentional disobedience or transgression, then there is no sin on him. Indeed, Allah is Very-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

       Indeed, those who conceal what Allah has revealed in the Book and purchase a petty gain with it, they throw into their bellies nothing but fire. And Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection and will not purify them (by forgiving their sins) and there is painful torment for them.

       Those are the people who have purchased ignorance at the cost of Guidance, and torment instead of Forgiveness. So how bold are they (in committing evil-deeds which lead them) to Hell-Fire.

       That is because Allah has revealed the Quran in truth. Indeed, those who disputed and opposed this Book are in a far (i.e. big) opposition. (Hence, they deserve a big punishment).

       It is not the (total) piety that you turn your faces towards the east and the west (in prayer) but piety (consists of following beliefs, actions and character). The pious person is he who believes in Allah, the Day of Judgement, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets, and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the travellers and to those who ask and to set slaves free, and performs Salat and gives Zakat (i.e.  the poor-due), and who fulfils his promise when he makes it, and he is patient in extreme poverty and adversity and at the time of fighting (in the battles). Such are those who are true believers and such are those who are pious persons.

       O you who believe! The Law of Equality in punishment is prescribed for you in case of a murder, the freeman for the freeman and the slave for the slave and the female for the female. But if the killer is forgiven by the close relatives of the killed against blood money, the survivors of the killed should ask reasonable amount of blood-money (not to strain the killer too much) and the killer should pay this blood-money promptly (without decreasing the amount). This is a reduction (in punishment) and a mercy from your Creator. So he who transgresses after this will have a painful punishment.

       O people of understand-ing, and there is (a saving of) life for you in the above Law of Equality, and so that you should avoid killing unjustly.

       It is prescribed for you that when death approaches any of you, and he leaves behind some wealth, he should make a will for the parents and near relatives in a reasonable manner. This is a duty of all the pious persons.

       Then whoever changes the will after hearing it, then the sin shall be on those who make the changes. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

       If someone fears that the pe-rson who left the will (testator) has done some injustice or sin, so he makes peace between the con-cerned parties, then there shall be no sin on him. Indeed, Allah is very Forgiving, Most Merciful.

       O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that (through fasting) you become pious persons.

       Fasting is only for limited days (of Ramadan). If, however, you are ill or on a journey, the missing days should be made up later. (This is the first concession, the second concession, which is cancelled by the next Verse as given in Bukhari). If a person is able to fast (but is unable to fast), he should feed a needy person for every missing fast. Whoever does extra good on his own (by feeding more than one needy person), it is better for him. And (in spite of these concessions) it is better for you to fast if you understand (the benefits of fasting).

       The month of Ramadhan is in which the Quran was revealed . The Quran has guidance for man-kind and clear proofs regarding the guidance. And it (The Quran) is an absolute criterion (between the right and wrong). So whoever witnesses the month of Ramadhan, he must fast and whoever is ill or is on a journey, he must make up the missed days of fasting later on. Allah intends ease for you and does not like to cause you hardship. Allah desires that you complete the days of fasting (in Ramadhan or by making up, so that your reward is not decreased) and that you must glorify Allah for guiding you and be thankful (to Allah for making it easy for you).

       [O Muhammad ( )!] When my slave asks you concerning Me, then surely I am very near (by My Knowledge). I answer the prayer of the caller as he calls Me. Hence, people should also obey Me and believe in Me so that it may benefit them.

       It is made lawful for you to have sex with your wives during the night of fasting. They are your clothes and you are their clothes (due to closeness between the spouses). Allah is aware that you used to secretly cheat. So He accepted your repentance and forgave you. Hence, now you have  been granted permission, so have sex with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you (i.e. children), and eat and drink until you can make the distinction between the white thread and the black thread at dawn. Then complete your fast till nightfall. And don’t have sex with your wives while you are in Itikaf (i.e. during stay in the Masjid for prayers, reading the Quran). These are the limits set by Allah. Don’t go near the limits set by Allah. In this way Allah makes His revelations clear to the people so that they may become pious (persons).

       And don’t eat up your property among yourselves unjustly and don’t give bribe to the judges so that you may sinfully and knowingly eat up (or usurp) part of the property of others.

       They ask you about the (benefits of changes in size of) new moon. Say: “These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for the people (e.g. monthly course, rights, etc) and also for Hajj (Zakat and fasting etc).” It is not an act of piety that you enter your houses from rear (while you are in ihram or without it). True piety is to fear Allah. Hence, enter your houses through their (front) doors and fear Allah so that you may be successful.

       And fight in the Path of Allah against those who fight against you but don’t transgress the limits. Indeed, Allah does not like the transgressors.

       And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out, and disbelief is worse than killing (hence, it is allowed to fight against disbelief). And don’t fight them near Masjid-al Haram, unless they (start) fighting with you. But if they attack you, then do kill them. The disbelievers deserve to be treated like this.

       But if they (the disbelievers) stop fighting, then, indeed, Allah is Very-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 

       And fight them until there is no more disbelief and Allah’s religion prevails. Then if they stop fighting (you should stop it also). So there should be no hostility except against the wrong-doers.

       The sacred month is for the sacred month and for the forbidden things there is a Law of Equality (i.e. if disbelievers violate a truce agreement, then you can also violate it, to punish them). So who-ever transgresses against you, you transgress against him also in the same manner as he transgressed against you. And observe piety. And bear in mind that Allah is with pious persons.

       And spend in the Cause of Allah and don’t drive yourselves into destruction. And do good, since Allah loves the good-doers.

       And complete Hajj and Umra (to please) Allah Alone (i.e. if you put on Ihram with an intention of Umra, you should complete it). And if you are somehow held back (from completing them), then sacrifice an animal which you can afford, and don’t shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. Whoever is ill or has ailment of head (and therefore, he shaves his head), he should pay penalty of either fasting (for three days) or give charity (feeding six persons) or sacrifice (one sheep). Then if you are in safety, and whosoever performs Umra and Hajj together (i.e. Tamattu or Hajj Qiran), he should sacrifice an animal which he can afford. If he cannot afford a sacrifice, then he should fast for three days during the Hajj and seven days more as he returns home to complete ten days. This instruction is for those who are non-residents of Makkah. Keep in mind that, Allah is severe in punishment.

       Pilgrimage is only in well known months. So whoever intends (by wearing ihram) to per-form Hajj, he should not have sex with his wife, or commit sin, or quarrel with others during the Hajj and whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And take provisions with you for the journey and the best provision is piety. Hence, fear Me (all the time), O people of under-standing.

       There is no sin for you if you seek Allah’s Bounty during pilgrimage (by trading). When you return from Arafat, engage your-selves in remembrance of Allah near Sacred monument (Masharil-Haram or Muzdalifah). And re-mem-ber Allah as He has guided you, and, indeed, before this you were of those who went astray.

       Then return from where all the people return (i.e. Arafat) and ask Allah for His Forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Very-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

       When you have completed the obligations of Hajj, remember Allah as you remember your fore-fathers or even with more devotion. Some of the people say: “O Allah! Give us in this world.” For such persons, there will be no portion in the Hereafter.

       And some of them say: “O Allah! Give us the best of this world and the best of the Hereafter and save us from the torment of Fire.”

       There is a portion for them for their deeds. And Allah is Swift in accountability.

       And remember Allah during the appointed days (i.e. 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hajjah). So whoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him and whoever delays it, there is no sin on him, if he fears Allah. And do fear Allah and bear in mind that you will surely be gathered to Him.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] The talk of some people may impress you in this worldly life. And he makes Allah witness (to prove the truthfulness) of what is in his heart. And he is an extremely quarrelsome person. 

       When he goes away from you, he strives to spread mischief in the land and is after destroying the crops and cattle, and Allah does not like mischief.

       And when it is said to him: “Fear Allah”, then his pride and prejudice motivates him to commit more crime. Such person deserves nothing but Hell which is the worst resting place.

       And there are some people [like Suhaib Al-Roomi(ؓ)] who would sell themselves to seek the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is extremely Kind to (His) slaves.

       O you who believe! Embrace Islam completely and whole-heartedly and don’t follow Satan’s foot-steps. Indeed, he is your obvious enemy.

       Hence, if you slide back after the clear proofs have come to you, then bear in mind that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

       Are they waiting when Allah should come to them in the shadows of clouds and the angels too? Then the case would be already judged. And all matters return to Allah (for reward or punishment).

       Ask the Children of Israel how many clear proofs We gave them. And whoever alters Allah’s Favour after it had come to him, then, indeed, Allah is Severe in punishment.

       Worldly life is beautified for the disbelievers and they make fun of the believers. However, those who observe piety will be far superior to the disbelievers on the Day of Resurrection. And Allah Bestows His Bounty to whom He wills without limit.

       Mankind was (originally) one community. Then Allah sent Pro-phets with glad tidings as well as warnings. He also sent with them Books in truth to settle the dif-feren-ces among the people. And those who were given these Books differed about them due to their jealousy between them even after the clear proofs had come to them. However, Allah, with His Per-mission, guided the believers to-wards the truth of that in which they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path.

       Do you think you will enter Para-dise without (trials) ex-perienced by the people passed be-fore you? Severe poverty and diseases struck them. They were so much shaken up that the messenger as well as his followers said: “We won-der when the Help of Allah will come?” Bear in mind, indeed, the Help of Allah is nearby.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] They ask you what they should spend. Say: “Whatever you spend of good, so it must be for the parents, near relatives, orphans, needy and the traveller, and whatever good you do Allah is fully aware of it.”

       Fighting in the Cause of Allah is prescribed for you, though you hate it. And maybe you hate a thing which is good for you and maybe you like something which is harmful for you. Allah knows, but you don’t know.

       They ask you concerning figh-ting in the Sacred Months (Muhar-ram, Rajab, Dhul-qada, Dhul-hijjah). Say: “Fighting during these months is a major sin and to hin-der people in following the Path of Allah, to disbelieve in Allah, to prevent access to Masjid-al-Haram and to expel its residents, are even bigger sins in the sight of Allah. And disbelief is a bigger (sin) than killing. These people will not stop fighting against you, until they turn you from belief to disbelief, if they can. And whoever reverts to disbelief and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will become null and void in this world and in the Hereafter. And they will be residents of Hell-Fire and they will reside there forever.”

       However, those who believed, and those who emigrated (in the Path of Allah), and strove in the Path of Allah, they are very hopeful for Allah’s Mercy. And Allah is Very-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

       They ask you concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: “Both are major sins, although there is a little benefit in them for the people. And, the sin of them is greater than their benefit.” And they ask you how much amount should be spent. Say: “All that which is beyond your needs.” In this way Allah makes His revelations clear to you so that you may ponder over them 

       (Regarding) this worldly life and the Hereafter. And they ask you concerning orphans. Say: “Reforming (i.e. seeking their welfare) is the best thing. If you mix your things with theirs, then they are your brothers. And Allah fully knows those who mean mischief and those who are reformers. And if Allah had wished He would have put you in difficulty (by making more strict laws). Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise (He does not make laws which cannot be obeyed).

       And don’t marry idolatresses till they believe. A slave woman who believes is better than a free idolatress even though she is attrac-tive for you. And don’t give your daughters in marriage to idolaters till they believe since a believing slave is better than an idolater even though he is attractive for you. They invite you to the Fire, but Allah invites you to Paradise and For-giveness by His Permission, and makes His revelations clear to man-kind so that they may seek advice from them.

       And they ask you concerning menstruation. Say: “It is an unclean situation. Keep away from your wives during menstruation and don’t go close to them (i.e. do not have sex with them) till they are clean. So when they are clean (from menstruation) feel free to have sexual relation with them the way Allah has permitted you (i.e. from the front). Indeed, Allah loves those who turn to Him in repen-tance constantly and loves those who care for and keep up for the cleanliness.”

       Your wives are like tilling fields for you, go to your fields when and how you like. (However, don’t forget the Hereafter due to these sexual activities.) Send forward (some good deeds) for yourself (for the Hereafter). Be conscious of Allah all the time, and bear in mind that you are going to meet Him. And give glad tidings to the believers (there are many Bounties of Allah for them in the Hereafter).

       And in your oaths, don’t use Allah’s (Name) to stop   you acting as a pious person   or making peace among the people (i.e. do not swear in anger that I shall not speak to a certain person. Break such oaths). And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower  – (Also Surah Al-Maidah: 89).

       Allah will not punish you for that which is unintentional in your oaths. But Allah will punish you for that which is from your hearts. Allah is very Forgiving, Most-Forbearing.

       Those who swear for not having sexual relations with their wives, they have four months waiting period (to keep their marriage with each other valid). If they return (to their wives within this waiting period), then Allah will forgive them since He is Most Merciful.

       And if they have made up their minds to divorce, then Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

       And the divorced woman shall wait (to remarry) for three menstrual periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the right to take them back in that period if they intend to repair the relations. And women have similar rights over their husbands as husbands have over their wives in a customary and reasonable way. However men are superior (main-tainer) to women (since their res-pon-sibilities are a degree more than women’s responsibilities). And Allah is All-Mighty All-Wise.

       After two divorces to your wife there are two options. Either retain her honourably or release her in a kind manner. At the time of release it is not lawful to take anything (in-cluding bridal money) back from the woman which you have given her except if both of them fear that they will not be able to keep the limits prescribed by Allah. So if you fear that they would be unable to keep the limits prescribed by Allah, in that case it is no sin for either of them if the woman ransoms (frees) herself by (returning part or all of bridal money as long as the amount does not exceed the bridal money). These are the limits prescribed by Allah, so don’t transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits prescribed by Allah, then they are the wrong-doers.

       So if he has divorced her (third time), then she is not lawful for him until she has married another husband. So if the new husband divorces her, it is no sin for both of them that they come together again if they feel that they are able to observe limits set by Allah. These are the limits of Allah which He makes clear for the people who have knowledge.

       And when you have divorced women and they are about to complete the term of their prescribed period, then retain them honourably or release them in a kind manner. Don’t hold on to them to demean them by your unjust behaviour. Whoever does that, then he has wronged himself. And don’t make fun of the revelations of Allah. And keep in mind the favours of Allah bestowed upon you in the form of the Book (the Quran) and Wisdom (sunnah) with which He is advising you. And fear Allah. And bear in mind that Allah is All-Knower of everything.

       And when you have divorced women (once or twice) and they have completed the term of their prescribed period, don’t prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on reasonable basis. This piece of advice is for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is (morally) more virtuous and cleaner for you. Allah knows and you don’t know (what is good for you).

       And mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years for those who wish to complete the suckling at mother’s breast. It is the duty of the father of the child to provide meals and clothing in a rea-sonable and customary manner. No person should be burdened more than his/her capacity. Neither the mother should be made to suffer on account of her child, nor the father because of his child. (If the father is not alive) Similar is the duty of surviving relatives. If both decide through mutual consultation and agreement to end the suckling (in less than two years), there is no sin for them. And if you intend to have foster suckling-mother for your child, there is no sin for you as long as you pay the suckling-mother the agreed amount in a reasonable cus-tomary manner. Remain conscious of Allah. Keep in mind that Allah is All-Seer of what you do.

       And those who die and leave wives behind them, they (the widows) should wait for at least four months and ten days for remarrying. There is no sin for them to arrange marriage for themselves in an honourable way after this waiting period. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.

       And there is no sin for you if you mention indirectly to those women (who are in their waiting period) about your intention to marry them or keep it secret in your mind. Allah knows that you will definitely remember them. But don’t give them your promise for marriage secretly, except that you may talk to them in a nice and honourable way. And don’t make a firm marital bond until (their) waiting period is completed. And bear in mind that Allah knows what is in your hearts, so beware of Him. And also bear in mind that Allah is Very-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

       There is no sin on you, if you divorce women with whom you did not have sexual relations, nor did you fix their bridal-money. Do provide them some benefits, the rich according to his means, and the poor according to his means. It is a duty of good minded persons to provide reasonable benefits to these women.

       And if you divorce women with whom you did not have sexual relations but you have fixed the bridal money for them, then the husband should pay half of the bridal money. (There are two exceptions to this law). (Firstly) if the women forego their rights (then the husband doesn’t have to pay even half of bridal money). (Secondly) the husband in whose hands is marriage tie, foregoes his rights (and voluntarily is willing to pay full bridal money to the wife.) Foregoing your rights is closer to piety. Don’t forget graciousness between yourselves. Indeed, Allah is All-Seer of what you do.

       Guard strictly (five obligatory) prayers and be more careful about the middle prayer (i.e. Asr prayer). And stand before Allah with utmost obedience. 

       So if you fear danger (from an enemy), perform Salat on foot or while riding. And when you are safe, offer the Salat in the manner Allah has taught you, which you did not know previously.

       And those of you who die and leave behind wives, they should leave their personal estate by will for their wives consisting of one year’s maintenance and residence without turning them out (from the residence). However, if the wives leave on their own, there is no sin for you that which they do for themselves in an honourable manner. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

       And it is the duty of pious per-sons to provide reasonable benefits to the divorced women.

       In this way Allah makes His revelations clear to you so that you may understand.

       Did you not see those who came out of their homes, and they were in thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them: “Die.” And then He made them alive again. Indeed, Allah is full of bounty to mankind but most of them don’t thank Him.

       And fight in the Path of Allah and know that Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

       Who would like to lend Allah a goodly loan so that He may return it to him manifold? And Allah decreases or increases (the wealth) and you shall return to Him.

       Did you not see the group of the Children of Israel after the time of Musa ( ), when they said to their Prophet: “Appoint a king for us so that we may fight in the Path of Allah?” Their Prophet said: “It not possible that you don’t fight after the fighting is prescribed for you.” They said: “Why should we not fight in the Path of Allah when we have been expelled from our homeland and, we are kept away from our children?” When fighting was prescribed for them, most of them turned away with the exception of very few of them. And Allah is All-Knower of the wrong-doers.

       And their Prophet said to them: “Indeed, Allah has made Talut the king over you.” They said: “How can he be a king over us when we are more deserving for the kingdom than him, and he does not have an abundance of wealth?” The Prophet said: “Indeed, Allah has chosen him above you and has also increased his knowledge and stature. And Allah grants His kingdom to whom He wills. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.”

       And their Prophet said to them: “Indeed, the token of his kingdom is that there shall come to you a wooden box, which has peace (or reassurance) from your Creator in it, and remnants (all relics) of that which the family of Musa ( ) and the family of Harun ( ) left behind. The angels will be carrying this (wooden box). Indeed, there is a sign in it for you if you are believers.”

       So when Talut started his journey with his army, he said: “Indeed, Allah is going to test you by a river. Whoever drinks water from it, he is not from me, and whoever does not taste it, is from me except he may take the water of the river in the hollow of his palm.” All of them drank that water with the exception of a very few. When he (Talut) crossed the river along with the believers, they said: “We do not have the power to face Jalut and his army.” (However), those who firmly believed that they would meet Allah, said: “How often a small group overcame a powerful group with Allah’s Permission?” And Allah is with patient people.

       And when they faced Jalut and his forces they made supplication: “O our Creator! Bestow upon us steadfastness, make our foothold firm and help us against the disbelieving people.”

       Hence, they defeated them (the army of Jalut) by Allah’s Permission and Dawud ( ) killed Jalut and Allah gave him [Dawud ( )] the kingdom (after the death of Talut) and Prophethood and taught him what He willed. And if Allah did not get rid of one group of people with the help of other group, mischief would have spread in the land. But Allah is full of bounty to the entire universe. 

       These are the Verses of Allah, We recite them to you [O Muhammad ( )!] in truth, and surely, you are one of the messengers (of Allah).

       These are the messengers We excelled some of them over others (in certain ways). Allah spoke to some of them (directly) and raised levels (of honour) of others. We gave Isa ( ), son of Maryam, clear proofs and supported him with Jibrael ( ). If Allah willed the followers of these messengers would not have fought with each other after the clear proofs had come to them, but they differed with each other. So some became believers and others disbelievers. If Allah had willed, they would not have fought against one another, but Allah does what He wills.

       O you who believe! Spend from what We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the wrong-doers.

       None has the right to be worshiped except Allah, the Ever Living the Ever Protector. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. Whatever is in the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him. None can intercede with Him without His Permission. He knows what is in front of them and what is be-hind them. They cannot encompass any of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and earth, and He does not feel any fatigue and bore-dom in protecting them. And He is the Most High, the Most Superior.

       There is no compulsion in religion. The guidance is clearly distinguished from the ignorance. Hence, he who rejects false deities and believes in Allah has grasped a strong handhold which will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

       Allah is the protector of the believers and He brings them out of darkness into light. And the helpers of the disbelievers are false deities. They bring them from light into darkness. They are the residents of Hell-Fire and they will reside there forever.

       Did you not see him who argued with Ibrahim ( )regarding his Creator, since Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim ( )said to him: “My Creator gives life and causes death.” He said: “I give life and cause death.” Ibrahim ( )said: “Indeed, Allah brings the sun from the east, then you bring it from the west.” So the disbeliever became dumb founded. And Allah does not guide the people who are wrong-doers.

       Or like the person who happen to pass by an overturned town with collapsed roof. He said: “I wonder how Allah will ever bring it to life after its death?” So Allah caused him to die for one hundred years, and then brought him back to life. Allah said: “How long did you remain (dead)?” The man said: “(Probably) I remained (dead) a day or part of a day.” Allah said: “In fact, you have remained (dead) for one hundred years. Look at your food and drink, which did not get rotten at all. And look at your donkey (too)! And thus We have made you a sign for the people. And look at the bones, how We create them and then cover them with flesh.” When this became clear to him, he said: “I understand now that Allah is Able to do all things.”

       And (remember) when Ibrahim ( )said: “My Creator! Please show me how You give life to the dead.” Allah said: “Don’t you believe in it?” Ibrahim ( )said: “Yes (I believe), but for the further satisfaction of my heart. (by the visual observation of this phenomena).” Allah said: “Get hold of four birds and then tame them (so that you recognize them fully, and then cut them into pieces) and then put a piece of them on every hill, and then call them, they will come to you running. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”

       The example of those who spend their wealth in the Path of Allah is as the example of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has one hundred grains. And Allah increases (the benefit manifold) for whom He wills (according to the intention and effort of a person). And Allah is All-Sufficient (it does not decrease His treasures), All-Knower (knows the intention and grants accordingly).

       Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah, and then don’t remind others about their generosity (verbally) nor hurt their feelings, their reward is with their Creator. They shall have no fear nor shall they grieve.

       (In case of poverty) kind words and (in case the beggar makes you angry) forgiveness is far better than charity which is followed by hurting (i.e.to hurt others’ feelings). And Allah is All-Rich (free of all needs) and He is Most-Forbearing (He does not punish you instantly even if you injure others’ feelings).

       O you who believe! Don’t void your deeds of charity by the reminders of your generosity or by hurting others’ feelings. He is like a person who spends his wealth simply to show off among people and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day. Hence, his example is like a smooth rock which has (a little) dust on it. Then heavy rain falls on it so leaves it bare. Similarly the hypocrites do not benefit from their deeds. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people (to the Right Path).

       And the example of those who spend their wealth with their firm faith and, seeking solely Allah’s Pleasure, is like a garden on a hillock. When heavy rain falls on it, then its yield is doubled. And if heavy rain does not fall on it, then just light showers or dew is sufficient (for good yield). And Allah is All-Seer of what you do.

       Would any of you like to have a garden of palm-trees and vines, with rivers flowing underneath it, and it has all kinds of fruit for him there, while he is facing old age with feeble children (with no ability to earn livelihood). Then a strong hurricane with fire in it struck his garden and burnt it. In this way Allah makes His revelations clear so that you ponder over them.

       O you who believe! Spend from good things which you have (legally) earned and also spend from things which We have produced for you from the earth. Don’t intend to spend bad things which you will not accept unless by closing your eyes (i.e. out of formality). And bear in mind that Allah is All-Rich (He does not need their useless items), Worthy of all praise.

       Satan threatens you with poverty and tempts you to indulge in obscene activities. And Allah prom-ises you His Forgiveness and His Bounty. And Allah is All-Sufficient for the needs of His creatures, All-Knower.

       He grants wisdom (to under-stand and appreciate Islamic values) to whom He wills and whoever is granted this wisdom is, indeed, granted immense good. But only men of understanding learn a lesson from it.

       And whatever you spend from your spending (i.e. for charity) and whatever vowed commitments you make, indeed, Allah knows it all. And there will be no helpers for the wrong-doers (on the Day of Judgement).

       If you make charity openly, it is fine. However, if you make charity secretly and deliver it to the poor, that is better for you and Allah will forgive some of your sins (due to its blessing). And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.

       [O Muhammad )!] It is not up to you to guide them (your duty is to only convey the message) but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever you spend of good is for your own benefit. And you should spend to seek Allah’s Pleasure only. And whatever you spend of good, you will be repaid fully for it and no injustice will be done to you.

       (Charity is) for the poor who have totally devoted themselves to the Cause of Allah (e.g. students, scholars) (therefore) they are re-stricted and cannot travel in land to seek Allah’s Bounty. Due to their modesty, the ignorant people con-sider them rich. You can recognize them from their faces (i.e. their faces are the index of their pover-ty). They don’t chase people to beg them . And whatever you spend of good, surely, Allah knows it well.

       Those who spend their wealth (in Allah’s Cause) by the night and the day, secretly and openly [e.g. Abu Bakr (ؓ)], Allah will reward them (on the Day of Judgement) and they will have no fear, nor shall they grieve.

       Those who engage in usury will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection and in their graves) except like a person whom Satan has driven to madness. That is because they say: “Trading is similar to usury.” Although Allah has made trading permissible and has forbidden usury. Whoever stops (dealing with) usury after this advice of Allah, he will not be punished for the previous involvement, and his case is for Allah (to judge whether he repented sincerely or not). And whoever returns to usury, they will be residents of the Hell-Fire, they will reside there forever.

       Allah decreases and destroys usury and increases (the reward of) charity (although apparently it is reverse, but in final analysis, it is as in this Verse). And Allah does not like the ungrateful sinners.

       Indeed, those who believe, and do righteous deeds, and perform Salat and give Zakaat (i.e. the poor-due), they will have their reward with Allah. They shall have no fear (on the Day of Judgement) nor will they grieve.

       O you who believe! Be con-scious of Allah and give up what remains from usury, if you are (truly) believers. 

       And if you don’t do it, get ready to have a war with Allah and His messenger. However, if you repent, then your capital amount is still yours. (After this law) don’t do injustice to others (by receiving from others more than your capital amount) nor you would be done injustice (that your capital amount remain unrecovered).

       If the debtor is in difficulty to pay, then grant him time till he is at ease to pay, and if you forego it as charity, it is much better for you if you know (its reward).

       And be conscious of that Day when you shall be brought back to Allah and then everybody will be fully rewarded according to his deeds and they shall not be dealt unjustly.

       O you who believe! When you borrow money from one another for a fixed term, then make a written contract. And a scribe (the writer of the contract) should write a contract between you honestly. The writer should not refuse since Allah has imparted these skills to him, hence he should willingly write it. The debtor (who owes money) should give the dictation of the contract. The debtor should fear Allah, his Creator, and should not decrease anything which he owes. But if the debtor is mentally deficient, or weak, or is unable to dictate for himself, then let his guardian dictate the contract honestly. And make two witnesses from your men. And if two men are not available, then one man and two women of your choice should witness, so that if one woman forgets, the other woman can remind her. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called (for evidence). (Since it is like helping your brother). Don’t be lazy in writing your contract, big or small, for its fixed term. That is more just with Allah, stronger as an evidence, and good safeguard to avoid any doubts among you. However, if there is a transaction in which there is hand to hand exchange on the spot, then there is no sin for you if you don’t write it down. And do make witnesses whenever you do trading (may be somebody raises some objection later on).   And don’t harm the writer (of contract) or the witness. If you harm a writer or a witness, it is a sin on your part. So be afraid of Allah. Allah (is Merciful who) is teaching you (beneficial regulations) and Allah is All-Knowing of each and everything. 

       And if you are on a journey and cannot find a writer, then keep a pledge (of a precious item) in the custody of your lender. (It is called mortgaging). If they have mutual trust (and don’t feel need for any mortgaging), then the borrower should fully repay the loan on time and fear Allah, his Creator. And don’t conceal the evidence. Whoever conceals the evidence, surely his heart is sinful. And Allah is All-Knower of what you do. 

       (We were advised not to hide the evidence in the previous Verse. This Verse is to supplement this topic). Whatever is in the heavens and in the earth, all belongs to Allah. And whether you disclose whatever is in your mind or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it. So He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Able to do all things.

       The messenger [Muhammad ( )] believes in what was revealed to him from his Creator and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books and His messengers. (They say): “We don’t make any distinction among His messengers”, and they say: “We hear, and we obey. O our Creator! Forgive us and we have to return to You.”

       Allah does not burden a person beyond his capacity. He will be rewarded for the good he does and will be punished for the evil he does. “Our Creator! Please, don’t punish us if we forget or commit an error. Our Creator! Please don’t lay burden on us like the burden You laid on those before us (Jews and Christians). Our Creator! Please don’t put on us a burden greater than we can bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”