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2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Medinan, 286 verses

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

A.L.M. (Alif. Lam. Mim.)
This is the book, there is no doubt in it, a guide for those who are cautious of God (against doing wrong and disobeying God's commandments),
those who believe in the unseen and perform mandatory prayer and spend (in God's way) from what We have provided for them,
and those who believe in what was sent down to you (Quran) and what was sent down before you (other holy scriptures) and they are sure of the Hereafter.
These are on guidance from their Lord, and they are the successful ones.
Indeed those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you warn them or not, they will not believe.
God has sealed their hearts and their hearing (according to His laws), and there is a cover over their eyes and they will have a great punishment.
Some people say: “We believe in God and the Last Day,” but they are not believers.
They want to trick God and those who believe, but they only trick themselves and they do not realize it.
There is a disease in their hearts and God has increased their disease and they will have a painful punishment because they were lying.
When they are told: “Do not commit corruption on the earth,” they say: “We are only doing what is right.”
In fact, they are the corruptors but they do not realize it.
And when they are told: “Believe, like people who believe,” they say: “Shall we believe as fools believe?” In fact, they are the fools but they do not know it.
When they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe,” yet when they are alone with their own devils (like-minded friends) they say: “We are with you and we were only making fun (of them)”
God makes fun of them and helps them wander blindly in their rebellion.
They are those who trade guidance for misguidance, and their trade does not profit (them), and they are not guided.
They are like someone who starts a fire, and when it lights up around him, God takes away their light and leaves them in darkness, unable to see.
Deaf, dumb, blind, and they will not return.
Or like (those in) a rainstorm from the sky in which is darkness and thunder and lightning, they put their fingers in their ears for fear of death from lightning strikes. God surrounds (and dominates) the disbelievers.
Lightning almost takes away their sight, and whenever it lights up around them, they walk in it, and when it becomes dark around them, they stand still. If God wanted, He would have taken away their hearing and their sights. God is capable of everything.
People, only serve your Lord who created you and those before you so that you may be cautious (of Him),
the One Who made the earth a bed and sky a structure for you, and He sent down water (rain) from sky to bring out (all sorts of) produce as food for you. So do not set up any equals for God, while you know this.
And if you have any doubt about what We have sent down (Quran) to Our servant, then bring a chapter like it, and invite your witnesses besides God if you are truthful.
So if you do not do it, which you will never do, then be cautious of the fire which is prepared for the disbelievers whose fuel is people and rocks.
And give good news to those who believe and do good, that they will have gardens which rivers flow through them. Whenever they are provided with a fruit from there to eat, they say: “That is what we were provided before.” And they will be given similar to it, and they will have pure spouses in there, remaining in it forever.
God does not shy away from giving example of a mosquito or something beyond it (bigger or smaller). And as for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And as for those who disbelieve, they say: “What does God mean by this example?” He misguides many by it, and guides many by it, but He only misguides the disobedient ones with it,
those who break their promise to God after committing to it, and cut what God ordered to be joined, and spread corruption on the earth, they are the losers.
How do you disbelieve in God, when you were lifeless and He gave you life then He causes you to die and brings you back to life, and then you are returned to Him?
He is the One Who created everything on the earth for you. He then turned to the sky and shaped it into seven skies. He knows everything.
And when your Lord said to the angels that I am placing a successor (and replacement) on the earth, they said: “Will You place someone who commits corruption and sheds blood while we glorify You with Your praise and sanctify You?” He said: “I know something that you do not know.”
And He taught Adam the attributes/names, all of them. And then presented them to the angels and said: “Tell Me the attributes/names of these, if you are truthful.”
The angels said: “You are flawless (glory to You), we only know what You taught us, You are the knowledgeable and the wise.”
He said: “Adam, tell them their attributes/names.” When Adam told them their attributes/names, He said: “Did I not tell you that I know unseen (secrets) of the skies and the earth, and I know what you disclose and what you hide?”
And when We told the angels to be humble toward Adam, they all humbled except Iblis (Satan) which refused and was arrogant and became one of the disbelievers.
And We said: “Adam, you and your wife live in the garden and eat as much as you want from anywhere (and anything) you want, but do not go near this tree because you become one of the wrongdoers.”
But Satan tricked them and got them both removed from where they were. We said: “Go down, some of you will be enemies of the others, and on the earth you will have a place to stay and provision for a while (your lifetime).”
Then Adam received (and learned) some words from his Lord, so He turned to him (and forgave him). Indeed He is the acceptor of repentance and the merciful.
We said: “Go down from here, all of you, when guidance from Me comes to you then whoever follows My guidance shall have no fear and no sadness.”
And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs are inhabitants of the fire remaining in there forever.
Children of Israel, remember My favor that I granted you, and keep your promise to Me so I keep My promise to you, and fear only Me.
And believe in what I sent down (Quran) confirming what is already with you (Torah)and do not be the first disbeliever in it, and do not trade My signs for a small price, and be cautious of Me.
And do not cover the truth with falsehood, and do not hide the truth while you know it.
And perform mandatory prayer and give to mandatory charityand bow down with those who bow down.
Do you instruct people to do good but you forget to do it yourselves, while you read the book? Do you not understand?
Get help through perseverance (and patience) and prayer, that is definitely difficult except for those who are humble,
those who think they meet their Lord (in the Hereafter) and they return to Him.
Children of Israel, remember My favor that I granted you, and that I preferred you over all other people.
Be cautious of a day that no one will pay for another one, and mediation is not accepted from anyone, and no equivalent (compensation) is taken from anyone, and no one is helped.
And (remember) when We saved you from Pharaoh’s people who subjected you to severe punishment, killing your sons and letting your women live. In this there was a great test from your Lord.
And (remember) when We parted the (red) sea and saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people while you were watching.
And (remember) when We made an appointment with Moses for forty nights, then in his absence you took the calf (as god). You were wrongdoers.
We excused you after that, so you may be thankful.
And (remember) when We gave Moses the book and the criterion (between good and bad), so that you may be guided.
And (remember) when Moses told his people: “You wronged yourselves by taking the calf (as god), so repent to your creator, then kill (the guilty among) yourselves, it is better for you in your creator’s view, so that He turns to you (and forgives you). Indeed He is the merciful acceptor of repentance.”
And when you told Moses: “We will never believe in you until we visibly see God” then the lightning struck you while you watched.
Then We raised you up after your death, so you may be thankful.
And We cast a shadow over you with clouds, and We sent down Manna and Salwa (two kind of edible foods) to you (saying:) “Eat from the good things that We have provided for you.” They did not do Us wrong, but they were wrong to themselves.
And (remember) when We said: “Enter this town, and eat as much as you want from anywhere you want, and enter the gate humbly and say remove (and reduce our sins), so that We forgive your mistakes, and We are going to increase the good doers (in rewards and in numbers).”
But the wrongdoers changed the word to (something) other than what they were told. So We sent down a punishment from the sky upon the wrongdoers because they were disobeying.
And (remember) when Moses asked for water for his people, We told him: “Strike the rock with your cane.” And twelve springs flowed out of it. And all people knew their drinking spot. Eat and drink from God's provision, and do not do mischief on the earth as corruptors.
And (remember) when you said: “Moses, we will never tolerate (and last) on only one (kind of) food, so call on your Lord on our behalf to bring out for us some of the earth produce such as herb, cucumber, garlic, lentil and onion.” He (Moses) said: “Do you want to exchange a good thing with something bad? Go down to a city and you will have what you are asking.” And humility and poverty were imposed on them and they incurred God’s anger, because they were disbelieving in God’s signs and were killing the prophets unjustly. That is because they rebelled and were violating (the law).
Indeed those who believe (in Quran), the Jews, the Christians, and the Sabians, anyone who believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they have their reward with their Lord and they have no fear and no sadness.
And (remember) when We took your commitment and put the mountain above you (and told you) to firmly hold on to what We gave you (Our commandments), and remember what is in it, so that you may be cautious (of God).
Then you turned back after that, and if it was not for God’s grace and mercy upon you, you would be among the losers.
Certainly you know those among you who violated the Sabbath, and We told them: “Be despised monkeys.”
So We made it an exemplary punishment for those of that time and those after that, and a lesson for those who are cautious (of God).
And (remember) when Moses told his people: “Indeed God orders you to sacrifice a cow.” They said: “Are you kidding with us?” Moses said: “I seek God’s protection that I be among the ignorant ones.”
They said: “Call on your Lord on our behalf to clarify for us what (kind of cow) it is.” He said: “He says it is a cow, not old and not young, but in between, a middle-aged one. So, do as you are ordered.”
They said: “Call on your Lord on our behalf to clarify for us what is its color.” He said: “He says it is a cow, yellow with its color bright, pleasing the viewers.”
They said: “Call on your Lord on our behalf to clarify for us what (kind) it is, indeed all cows look alike to us, and God willing we will be guided.”
He said: “He says a cow that is not trained to plow the land or water the crop, perfect with no blemishes on it.” They said:” Now you brought us the truth.” Then they slaughtered it, but they almost did not do that.
And (remember) when you killed a person, then you disputed about it, but God exposed what you were hiding.
And We said: “Strike him (the victim) with part of it (the sacrificed cow)” that is how God revives the dead, and shows you His signs, so you may understand.
Then after that your hearts hardened like a rock, or even harder. And among the rocks, there are some that rivers flow out of them, and some of them crack and water comes out of them, and some of them crumble from fear of God. God is not unaware of what you do.
Do you hope that they believe in you? While some of them heard the word of God, then changed it after they understood it, while they knew (what they were doing).
And whenever they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe.” And when they meet each other in private, they say: “Why do you tell them about what God has disclosed to you, so that they argue with you before your Lord with it? Do you not understand?”
Do they not know that God knows what they hide and what they disclose?
Some of them are uneducated (about God’s religion), they do not know the book except wishful thinking (and perception), and they only guess.
So woe to those who write the book with their hands, then they say: “This is from God” in order to trade it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands write, and woe to them for what they earn.
And they say: “The fire will never touch us except for a few days.” Say: “Did you take a promise from God? (If so) God never breaks His promise, or do you say on God's behalf what you do not know?”
Yes, whoever commits bad deed and his sins surround (and engulf) him, then they are inhabitants of the fire, remaining in it forever.
And those who believe and do good, they are inhabitants of the garden, remaining in it forever.
And (remember) when We took a commitment from the children of Israel: “You shall not serve anyone but God, and be good to your parents and relatives (and close ones) and orphans and the needy, and speak nicely to people, and perform mandatory prayer and give to mandatory charity” but you turned back except a few of you, and you avoided (your commitment).
And (remember) when We took your commitment that: “You should not shed each other's blood, and should not drive each other out of your homes” and you accepted it and you testify (to this).
Yet you are these who kill each other and drive some of you out of their homes, supporting (each other) against them by sin and enmity, and if they come to you as captives, you ask (or give) ransom for them while it was prohibited for you to drive them out. Do you believe in part of the book and disbelieve in part? So punishment of anyone among you who does this is indeed disgrace in this life, and on the Resurrection Day they are sent back to the most severe punishment, and God is not unaware of what you do.
They are those who traded the life of the Hereafter for this world's life, so the punishment will not be reduced for them and they will not be helped.
And We certainly gave Moses the book and followed him up with the messengers. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear evidences and We supported him with the Holy Spirit. So why every time a messenger came to you with something that is against your desires, you were arrogant and you denied some and killed others?
They said: “Our hearts are covered (and we do not understand God’s message).” No, rather God has cursed them for their disbelief, so a few of them believe (or they believe a little).
And when a book came to them from God confirming what they already had, and previously they were praying for victory over the disbelievers, then when something came to them that they recognized (as true), they disbelieved in it. God’s curse is upon the disbelievers.
They traded their soul for a low price for disbelieving in what God has sent down, out of jealousy that God would send down His grace to any of His servants that He wants. So they incurred anger upon anger, and the disbelievers will have a humiliating punishment.
When they were told: “Believe in what God has sent down” they said: “We believe in what was sent down to us.” And they disbelieve in anything beyond that, while it is the truth confirming what is with them (their Holy Book). Say: “Why did you kill God's prophets in the past, if you were believers?”
And certainly Moses brought you clear evidences, then you took the calf (as god) after him (in his absence), and you were wrongdoers.
And (remember) when We took your commitment and put the mountain above you, (saying:) “Firmly take what We have given you, and listen.” They said: “We hear and we rebel”. And because of their disbelief their hearts were filled with (love of) the calf. Say: “What your belief orders you to it is miserable, if you are believers!”
Say: “If the home of the Hereafter with God (paradise) is exclusively for you, excluding other people, then wish for death (to go to paradise) if you are truthful.”
And they will never wish for it because of what their hands have sent ahead (what they have done), and God knows the wrongdoers well.
And you certainly find them the most eager people for living (long), even more than those who are idolaters. Every one of them loves to be given a life of a thousand years, and even if he is given a (long) life it will not get him out of the punishment. God sees everything they do.
Say: “Anyone who is the enemy of Gabriel (is God’s enemy),” as he sent it (Quran) down to your heart with God’s permission, a confirmation of what came before it, and a guide and good news for believers.
Anyone who is enemy of God, His angels, His messengers, Gabriel and Michael (is a disbeliever), and God is indeed the enemy of disbelievers.
And We have certainly sent down clear signs to you, and only the disobedient ones disbelieve in it.
Is it not (a fact) that whenever they made a promise, some of them threw it away (and broke it)? Yes, most of them do not believe.
And when a messenger from God came to them confirming what is with them, then some people of the book threw God’s book behind their backs as if they did not know.
And they followed what the devils read (to people) in Solomon's kingdom. Solomon did not disbelieve but the devils disbelieved, teaching people witchcraft and what was sent down to the two angels of Babylon, Harut and Marut. But neither of the two would teach anyone before saying: “We are only a temptation, so do not disbelieve.” But they learned from them what causes separation between a man and his wife. And they did not harm anyone with it except by God’s permission. And they learned things that harmed them and had no benefit for them. And they certainly knew that whoever buys it (witchcraft), he will have no share in the Hereafter. And what they sold themselves for was certainly miserable, if they knew (the truth).
And if they had believed and been cautious (of God), certainly (their) reward from God would have been better, if they knew.
You who believe, do not say: “Ra’ina (observe us, but with a slight twist of tongue means our fool or our evil),” but say: “Unzurna (look at us),” and listen (to this command). And for the disbelievers there will be a painful punishment.
Those people of the book who disbelieve and the idolaters do not like anything good to be sent down to you from your Lord. But God chooses anyone He wants for His mercy. God has enormous grace.
If We invalidate (or cancel) any sign or make it forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it. Do you not know that God is capable of everything?
Do you not know that the rule of the skies and the earth belongs to God, and you have no protector or helper besides God?
Or do you want to ask from your messenger (for something) as it was asked from Moses in the past? Whoever changes belief with disbelief has lost the even (and straight) way.
Many of the people of the book want to turn you to disbelief after your belief and after the truth is clarified for them because of jealousy in themselves. Forgive and disregard (them) until God gives His order. God is capable of everything.
And perform mandatory prayer and give to mandatory charity. And anything good you send ahead for yourselves you shall find it with God. God sees everything you do.
And they said: “No one ever enters the garden except anyone who is a Jew or a Christian.” This is their wish. Say: “Bring your evidence if you are truthful.”
Yes, anyone who submits himself to God and is a good doer, then his reward is with his Lord, and he shall have no fear and no sadness.
Jews said that Christians are not on anything, and Christians said that Jews are not on anything, although they were reading the book. Likewise, those who do not know (the truth) say the same as they say. But on the Resurrection Day God judges between them in what they used to disagree about.
Who is more wrong than someone who, in God’s places of worship, prevents His name to be mentioned and tries to ruin them? They should not enter it except in fear. They have humiliation in this world and have a great punishment in the Hereafter.
The east and the west belong to God, so wherever you turn is God's direction. God is bountiful (and boundless) and knowledgeable.
And they say: “God has taken a son.” Never, He is flawless. Everything in the skies and on the earth belongs to Him, all are obedient to Him.
Originator of the skies and the earth, when He decides on a matter, He just says to it: “Be” and it will be.
And those who do not know say: “If only God would speak to us or a sign would come to us.” Those before them were saying the same as their saying. Their hearts (and minds) are alike. We have made the signs clear for those who are sure.
We have sent you with the truth as a giver of good news and a warner, you will not be questioned about the inhabitants of hellfire.
Jews and Christians will never be satisfied with you until you follow their faith. Say: “God’s guidance is the (true) guidance.” And if you follow their wishes after what came to you from the knowledge, then you have no supporter or helper against God.
Those to whom We gave the book, and read it the way it deserves to be read, they believe in it. And whoever disbelieves in it, then they are the losers.
Children of Israel, remember My favor that I granted you and I preferred you over all other people.
Be cautious of a day that no one can do anything for another, no equivalent (compensation) is taken from anyone, and mediation has no benefit for anyone, and they are not helped.
And when his Lord tested Abraham by (certain) words, which he fulfilled, He said: “I make you a leader for the people.” He (Abraham) said: “And from my offspring?” He said: “My promise does not include the wrongdoers.”
And when We made the house (the Ka’aba) a place of gathering and safety for people, and (said:) “Take where Abraham stood (in prayer) as a place of prayer.” And We charged Abraham and Ishmael to cleanse My House for those who go around it and for the devoted and those who bow down and show humbleness.
And when Abraham said: “My Lord, make this territory safe, and provide its people who believe in God and the Last Day with its produce.” He (God) said: “And whoever disbelieves, I let him enjoy for a short while and then I force him to the punishment of fire, and it is a miserable destination.”
And when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the house (they prayed:) “Our Lord, accept from us, indeed You hear all and know all,
our Lord, make the two of us submitters to You, and from our offspring, a community who are submitters to You, and show us our rituals, and turn to us (and forgive us), indeed You are the acceptor of repentance and the merciful,
our Lord, send a messenger in them from among themselves to read them Your signs and teach them the book and wisdom and to purify (and absolve) them. You are the powerful and the wise.”
And who turns away from Abraham’s faith, except someone who fools himself? And We have certainly chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter, he is among the righteous.
When his Lord told him: “Submit,” he said: “I submit to the Lord of humankind.”
Abraham and Jacob instructed their sons to it (saying:) “My sons, indeed God chose the way of life (religion) for you, so do not die except while you are submitted (to God).”
Or were you witnesses when death came to Jacob, when he said to his sons: “Who will you serve after me?” They said: “We will serve your god and the god of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac, the One (and only) god, and we are submitted to Him.”
They are people who passed away, for them is what they did, and for you is what you have done, and you will not be questioned about what they used to do.
And they say: “Be a Jew or Christian to be guided.” Say: “Not at all, the faith of Abraham, a true believer (is enough to be guided), and he was not of the idolaters.”
Say: “We believe in God, and what was sent down to us, and what was sent down to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes (of Israel), and what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord, we do not differentiate between any of them, and we are submitted to Him.”
And if they believe like what you believe in it, then they are surely guided, and if they turn away, then they are indeed in opposition. God will suffice (to protect) you against them, and He hears all and knows all.
(The best religion is) God's religion, and who is better than God (in prescribing a) religion? And we are His servants.
Say: “Do you argue with us about God, while He is our Lord and your Lord? Our deeds are ours, and your deeds are yours, and we are only devoted to Him.”
Or do you say that Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes (of Israel) were Jews or Christians? Say: “Do you know better or God?” And who is more wrong than someone who hides a testimony that he has (received) from God? God is not unaware of what you do.
They are people who passed away, for them is what they did, and for you is what you have done, and you will not be questioned about what they used to do.
The fools among people say: “What turned them away from their qiblah (direction of mandatory prayer) which they had?” Say: “The east and the west belong to God, He guides whom He wants to a straight path.”
And like that We made you a moderate (and fair) group so that you will be witness over people, and the messenger will be a witness over you. And We only appointed the qiblah that you used to face, in order that We know those who follow the messenger from anyone who turns back on his heel (to his old ways). And that was indeed a great (test) except for those whom God guided. And God is not to waste your belief. Indeed God is gentle and merciful to people.
We have seen the turning of your face in the sky, so We make you turn to a qiblah that it pleases you. So turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque (Masjid-el-Haram), and wherever you are (during mandatory prayer) turn your faces toward it. Those who were given the book know that it is the truth from their Lord. And God is not unaware of what they do.
And even if you bring all the signs to those who were given the book, they would not follow your qiblah, and you are not follower of their qiblah, and some of them are not follower of the other's qiblah. And if you follow their desires after what came to you of the knowledge, you are one of the wrongdoers.
Those to whom We gave the book, recognize him (the messenger) like they recognize their sons, and a group of them hide the truth while they know that.
The truth is from your Lord, so do not be one of the doubters.
For everyone there is a direction that he turns to it, so compete in (doing) good. Wherever you are, God brings you all together (for reckoning). God is capable of everything.
And from wherever you go out, turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque (during mandatory prayer), indeed that is the truth from your Lord. God is not unaware of what you do.
And from wherever you go out turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque (during mandatory prayer), and wherever you are turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque, so there will not be any reason for people against you, except those who did wrong among them. And do not fear them, but fear Me, so I complete My favor upon you, and you may be guided.
As We sent you a messenger from among yourselves who reads Our signs to you and purifies (and absolves) you and teaches you the book and wisdom and teaches you what you did not know,
so remember Me, that I remember you, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.
You who believe, get help through perseverance (and patience) and prayer, because God is with those who persevere (and are patient).
Do not say that those who are killed in God's way are dead. No, they are alive but you do not realize it.
We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and life and crops. Give good news to those who persevere (and are patient),
those who when a tragedy hits them say: “We belong to God, and we return to Him.”
Blessing and mercy of their Lord is upon them, and they are the guided.
Safa and Marwa (located in Mecca) are indeed two of God’s symbols, and there is no blame on anyone to go around them while performing the Hajj (the pilgrimage) or the Umrah (the visit) of the house (of Ka’aba). And whoever voluntarily does good, then God is indeed appreciative and knowledgeable.
Those who hide (and do not tell others) what We have sent down of clear evidences and the guidance, after We clarified it for people in the book, God curses them and those who cursealso curse them,
except those who repented and straightened out and stated (the truth), so I will turn to them (and forgive them), and I am the acceptor of repentance and the merciful.
Those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers, are those whom curse of God and the angels and all the people is upon them,
and they remain in it forever, and the punishment is not reduced for them, and they are not given any delays.
Your god is the One god, there is no god except Him, the beneficent and the merciful.
There are signs in the creation of the skies and the earth, and the alternation (and the difference) between night and day, and the ships that sail on the sea for the benefit of people, and the rain that God sends down from the sky to bring the land back to life after its death, and scattering all kinds of living creatures in it, and the controlled changing of the winds and the clouds between the sky and the earth, for those who understand.
And some people take equals besides God (to serve), loving them as they love God, while those who believe have greater love for God. And if those who did wrong could see when they see the punishment, (they realize) that all powers belong to God, and God is severe in punishment.
When those who were followed disown those who followed (them) and see the punishment and all their means cut off,
those who followed say: “If we had another chance, we would disown them as they disowned us.” That is how God shows them their deeds as (source of) regrets for them, and they will not get out of the fire.
People, eat from what is lawful and good on the earth, and do not follow Satan's footsteps as he is your clear (and obvious) enemy,
he only instructs you to badness and indecency, and to say what you do not know about God.
And when it is said to them: “Follow what God sent down,” they say:” No, we follow what we found our fathers on it,” even if their fathers did not understand anything and were not guided.
And the example of (inviting) those who disbelieve is like example of someone shouting at what does not hear except a sound or a cry; deaf, dumb, and blind so they do not understand.
You who believe, eat from good things that We have provided for you and be thankful to God if you serve Him.
He has only forbidden you dead (animals), blood, pig’s meat (pork), and what is offered up (sacrificed) for other than God. And whoever is forced (to eat them) not being desirous and not exceeding (his need), then there is no sin against him as God is forgiving and merciful.
Those who hide (and do not tell others) what God has sent down in the book and trade it for a small price, they fill their stomach with nothing but fire, and God will not speak to them on the Resurrection Day and will not purify (or absolve) them, and they will have a painful punishment.
They traded guidance for misguidance, and forgiveness for punishment. So how is their patience on the fire?
That is because God sent down the book in truth, and those who disagree about the book are certainly in a great opposition.
Goodness (or obedience) is not to turn your face toward the east or the west, but good is someone who believes in God, the Last Day, the angels, the book, the prophets, and he gives the wealth, in spite of his love for it, to the relatives (and close ones), orphans, the needy, travelers (in need), and those who ask, and to free slaves, and he performs mandatory prayer and gives to mandatory charity, and they fulfill their promise when they make a promise, and they persevere (and are patient) in hardship and loss and during the hard times (and the battle). They are those who tell the truth and they are those who are cautious (of God).
You who believe, fair retaliation is prescribed for you in case of murder, the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female, but anyone who is forgiven in part by his brother (or the person in charge of victim’s affairs) must follow with good intentions and pay (the ransom) with gratitude. This is a mitigation from your Lord and a mercy. Whoever exceeds the limits after this will have a painful punishment.
People of understanding, there is (saving of) life for you in fair retaliation, so that you may be cautious (of God).
It is prescribed to you that when any one of you is near death, if he has any goods to leave behind, to make a will for (the benefit of) the parents and the relatives (and close ones) with fairness. This is a duty of those who are cautious (of God).
If anyone changes it (the will) after hearing it, then its sin is only upon those who changed it. God indeed hears all and knows all.
If anyone fears deviation (from the right course) or sin from the maker of the will, and reconciles between them (the inheritors), there is no sin upon him. God is forgiving and merciful.
You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so you may be cautious (of God and control your desires).
(Fasting) is for a limited number of days, and if any one of you is sick or traveling, then (he should fast) a number of other days. And for those who are able (and can afford it), there is (the option of) compensation of feeding a needy. And anyone who does good voluntarily, it is better for him. And fasting is better for you, if you knew.
Month of Ramadan is the one in which Quran, a guide for (all) the people and clear evidences of guidance and the criterion (of right and wrong), was sent down. So any one of you who sees the month should fast in it. And anyone who is sick or traveling, then (he should fast) a number of other days. God wants ease for you and He does not want difficulty for you, so that you complete the (mandated) number, and so that you magnify God for guiding you, and you may be thankful.
When My servants ask you about Me, I am indeed near, answering the call of the caller when he calls on Me. So they should answer Me (and My commands) and believe in Me, so they may be on the right way.
It is made lawful for you to approach your wives (to have sex with them) during the night of fasting (day). They are your clothes and you are their clothes (to cover and complement each other). God knew that you betray yourselves, so He turned to you and excused you, so now you may have intercourse with them and look for what God mandated for you. And eat and drink until the white line becomes clear to you from the dark line at dawn, then complete the fast until the nightfall. And do not have intercourse with them while you are in retreat for devotion in the mosque. That is the limit set by God, so do not go near it. This is how God makes His signs clear to people, so they may be cautious (of God).
And do not eat up each others’ properties falsely among yourselves, and do not offer it (as bribe) to judges so that you eat up from a portion of people's properties sinfully while you know it.
They ask you about the new moons, say: “They are time keeping (a calendar) for people and for pilgrimage (Hajj).” It is not goodness that you enter the houses from their backs, but good is someone who is cautious (of God). Enter the houses from their doors. And be cautious of God so you may be successful.
And fight in God's way with those who wage war against you, but do not exceed the limits. God does not like those who exceed the limits.
And kill them (those who wage war against you) wherever you find them, and drive them out of where they drove you out. Turmoil (and disorder) is worse than murder. And do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they (start to) fight you in there, and if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the payback of the disbelievers.
And if they stopped, then God is forgiving and merciful.
And fight them until there is no more conspiracy (and turmoil) and the way of life (religion) is only for God. So if they stopped, then there shall be no enmity except against the wrongdoers.
The prohibited month is for the prohibited month, and for all that is prohibited there is fair retaliation. If anyone assaults you, then assault him like the assault against you, and be cautious of God and know that God is with those who are cautious (of Him).
And spend in God's way, and do not throw (yourselves) into ruins with your own hands, and do good as God indeed likes the good doers.
And complete the Hajj (the pilgrimage) and the Umrah (visit of Ka’aba) for God, but if you are held back, then send the offering (of sacrifice) that is easy for you. And do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its destination. If anyone among you is sick or he has an illness of his head, then a compensation of fasting, or giving to charity, or a sacrifice (is upon him). And when you are safe, then anyone who wishes to continue the Umrah on to the Hajj, then the offering (of sacrifice) that is easy for him. And anyone who cannot find (or afford) it, should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return (from the Hajj), that is ten (days) in all. This is for anyone whose family does not reside near the Sacred Mosque. And be cautious of God and know that God is severe in punishment.
The Hajj is in known months, then whoever sets out to the Hajj during them (should know that) there shall be no sexual conduct, and no disobedience (of God’s commands), and no argument (or altercation) during the Hajj. And anything good you do, God knows it. And take provision, and indeed the best provision is being cautious (of God). People of understanding, be cautious of Me.
There is no blame on you to look for your Lord's bounty (through trades), and when you return from (mount) Arafat then remember God at the Sacred Monument. And remember Him, as He guided you, though previously you were of the misguided.
Then proceed from where people are proceeding, and ask for God’s forgiveness. He is forgiving and merciful.
And when you completed your rituals, then remember God as you remember your fathers, or remember more. And among the people some say: “Our Lord, give us (good things) in this world.” There is no share for them in the Hereafter.
And among them, some say: “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of fire.”
They will have an allowance of whatever they did. God is quick in reckoning.
And remember God in the specified days (during Hajj). Anyone who hurries up for two days, there is no sin against him and anyone who delays (for two days) there is no sin against him, of course for anyone who is cautious (of God). And be cautious of God and know that you will be gathered before Him.
And among people there is one who impresses you with his word about this world’s life, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart, while he is the most determined enemy.
When he gains authority (or turns away) on earth, he tries to corrupt it and destroys the crops and the offspring. God does not like corruption.
And when he is told to be cautious of God, the ego leads him to sin. So hell is enough for him, certainly a miserable resting place.
While among people there is one who trades his life looking for God's pleasure, and God is gentle to His servants.
You who believe, enter into submission (to God), all of you, and do not follow Satan’s steps as he is indeed your obvious enemy.
But if you stumbled after clear evidences came to you, know that God is powerful and wise.
Do they wait for God and angels to come to them in shades of the clouds, and then the matter is settled? All affairs are returned to God.
Ask children of Israel: “How many clear signs did We give them?” And whoever changes God’s favor (God’s instructions and guidance) after it came to him, then God is severe in punishment.
This world’s life is beautified for those who disbelieve, and they make fun of those who believe, but on the Resurrection Day those who were cautious (of God) will be above them. And God provides for whomever He wants without limit.
People were a single community, then God sent the prophets, givers of good news and warners, and He sent down the book with them in truth, to judge between people in what they disagreed about it. And only those who were given it (the book) disagreed about it, after clear evidences had come to them, because of envy among them. So, God, by His permission, guided those who believed regarding what they disagreed about it from the truth. God guides whom He wants to a straight path.
Did you think that you enter paradise while (tests) has not come to you like (it came) to those who passed away before you? Hardship and suffering happened to them, and they were so shaken that even the messenger and those who believed with him said: “When is God’s help (coming)?” Be aware that God’s help is near.
They ask you about what they should spend. Say: “Whatever you spend from good (things) is for the parents and the relatives (and close ones) and the orphans and the needy and the travelers (in need). And anything good you do, God knows about it.”
Fighting is prescribed to you, even though you do not like it. You may dislike something and it is good for you, and you may like something and it is bad for you. God knows and you do not know.
They ask you about fighting in the prohibited month. Say: “Fighting in it is a great (sin), but preventing from God’s way and disbelieving Him and (preventing from) the Sacred Mosque and driving out its people from there are greater (sins) in God’s view.” Turmoil (and disorder) is worse than murder. They will not stop fighting you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can. And any one of you who turns back from his religion and die while he is a disbeliever, then their works become useless in this world and the Hereafter, and they are inhabitants of the fire remaining in it forever.
Those who believed and those who migrated and tried hard in God's way, they hope for God’s mercy. And God is forgiving and merciful.
They ask you about wine (and alcoholic beverages) and gambling. Say: “There is great sin in both of them, and some benefits for people, but their sin is greater than their benefit.” They ask you what to spend, say: “What you can give away (and let go of).” This is how God makes the signs clear for you, so you may think
about this life and the Hereafter. And they ask you about the orphans. Say: “Improving their affairs is better, and if you mix with them (in business and other affairs), then they are your brothers. God knows the corruptor from one who does what is right. If God wanted, He would have brought you hardship. God is powerful and wise.”
Do not marry the idolater women until they believe, and (marrying) a believing slave woman is better than an idolater, even if she impresses you. And do not give (your women) in marriage to the idolater men until they believe, and (marrying) a believing slave man is better than an idolater, even if he impresses you. They invite into the fire, while God invites to the garden and forgiveness, by His permission. And He makes His signs clear for people, that they may take notice.
They ask you about women's menstruation. Say: “It is uncomfortable, so keep away from (having sex with) women during the menstruation, and do not go near them until they are clean, and when they are clean, then you may approach them from where God instructed you.” God indeed likes those who repent and likes those who purify (and absolve) themselves.
Your wives are as your plantation (to produce your children), so go to your plantation when you desire, and send (some good) for yourself in advance, and be cautious of God and know that you will meet Him, and give good news to the believers.
Do not make God object of your oaths (do not swear by God) to hold back from doing good, controlling yourselves, or making peace between people. God hears all and knows all.
God does not hold you responsible for your useless (and absurd) oaths, but He holds you responsible for what your hearts did (intentionally). God is forgiving and patient.
For those who swear off their wives (not to have sex with them) is a wait of four months. But If they return (and change their mind), God is forgiving and merciful.
And if they decide to divorce, then God indeed hears all and knows all.
Divorced women should wait for three monthly periods, and they are prohibited from hiding what God has created in their wombs if they believe in God and the Last Day. And their husbands have more rights to take them back during this period, if they want to reconcile. And they have appropriate rights similar to their responsibilities, but men are a rank above them (in rights and responsibilities). God is powerful and wise.
Divorce is (permitted) twice, then either keeping in fairness, or leaving in kindness. And it is not allowed for you that you take back anything from what you gave them, unless they are (both) afraid of (violating) the limits set by God. And if you are afraid of (violating) the limits set by God, then there is no blame on either of them for what she pays to free herself with it (for her divorce). These are the limits set by God, so do not violate them, and whoever violates the limits set by God, then they are wrongdoers.
Then if he divorces her, she is not lawful for him until she marries another man. Then if he divorces her, there is no blame on either of them if they return to each other (and remarry) if they think they can keep the limits set by God. These are the limits set by God, He makes it clear to people who know.
And when you divorce women and they reach (the end of) their (waiting) period, then either keep them in kindness or let them go in kindness, and do not keep them to harm them so that you violate (God's limits), and anyone who does this has wronged himself. And do not take God’s signs as a joke, and remember God’s favor upon you, and what he sent down to you from the book and wisdom to advise you with it. Be cautious of God and know that God knows everything.
And when you divorce women and they reach their waiting period, do not prevent them from marrying their (previous) husbands, if it is agreed between them in a good manner. Any one of you who believes in God and the Last Day is advised to this. This is better for you and is more pure, and God knows and you do not know.
Mothers may nurse their children for two full years, for anyone who wants to complete the nursing. And the father is responsible for her appropriate food and clothing. No one is tasked beyond its capability. A mother should not sustain any loss because of her child, nor should a father because of his child, and the same (responsibility as the father) is on the heir. If they decide to stop (the nursing) after their mutual agreement and consultation, there is no blame on either of them. And if you decide to ask for a nursing mother for your children, there is no blame on you if you properly pay what you offered. Be cautious of God and know that God sees everything you do.
And those (men) among you who die and leave their wives behind, (their widows) should wait for four months and ten days. And when they reach their term, then there is no blame on you for whatever they do about themselves appropriately. God is well aware of what you do.
There is no blame on you for what you hint with it for proposing to the women or if you keep it to yourselves. God knows that you are going to remember them. But do not make secret promises to them unless you speak properly. And do not decide on marriage tie before the prescribed term reaches its end. And know that God knows what is in your minds, so beware of Him, and know that God is forgiving and patient.
There is no blame on you if you divorce women whom you did not touch them (did not have sex with them) or set a marriage portion for them. Provide them with appropriate provision, the wealthy according to his ability and the poor according to his ability, this is a duty upon the good doers.
And if you divorced them before touching them while you did set a marriage portion for them, then half of what you set (is your duty to pay), unless they forgive it or he who has the tie of marriage in his hands forgives it, and it is closer to self control if you forgive, and do not forget the grace (and generosity) between yourselves. God sees what you do.
Be mindful of your mandatory prayers especially the middle prayer, and stand before God in devotion.
If you are afraid, then (pray) on foot or riding, and when you are safe then remember God as He taught you what you did not used to know.
And those among you who die and leave their wives behind (should have) a will for their wives for expenses of one year, without eviction (from their residence). And if they leave (on their own) then there is no blame on you for whatever they do about themselves appropriately. God is powerful and wise.
An appropriate provision (and gift) for the divorcee is a duty upon those who are cautious (of God).
That is how God clarifies his signs for you, so you may understand.
Have you not considered those who left their homes, and they were thousands, while they were afraid of death? God said to them: “Die.” Then He brought them back to life. Indeed God is gracious to people, but most people are not thankful.
And fight in God's way and know that God hears all and knows all.
Who is he that lends God a good loan, so that He multiplies it for him many times? And God withholds and expands (what He wants for whom He wants), and you will be returned to Him.
Have you not seen that after Moses, the leaders of children of Israel told their prophet: “Appoint a king for us, and we will fight in God's way.” He said: “Is it possible that you will not fight if you are prescribed to fight?” They said: “Why should we not fight in God's way while we are driven out of our homes and from our children?” But when the fight was prescribed to them, they turned away (and refused) except a few of them. God knows the wrongdoers.
And their prophet told them: “God has appointed Talut (Saul) as a king for you.” They said: “How can he be the king over us when we are more deserved to be king than him and he is not given plenty (of wealth)?” He (their prophet) said: “God has chosen him over you and greatly increased his knowledge and body (and stature), and God gives His kingdom (and authority) to whomever He wants. God is bountiful and knowledgeable.”
Their prophet told them: “A sign of his authority is that the ark of covenant comes to you, therein is soothing from your Lord and the remains left by family of Moses and Aaron’s family, the angels carrying it. Indeed there is a sign in this for you, if you are believers.”
So when Talut (Saul) set out with the troops, he said: “God tests you with a river, anyone who drinks from it is not with me, and anyone who does not taste it or anyone who scoops a handful of it then he is indeed with me.” So they all drank from it except a few of them. Then when he and those who believed with him crossed it (the river), they said: “We do not have the strength to face Goliath and his troops today.” Those who thought that they meet God said: “Many small forces overcome large forces by God’s permission, and God is with those who persevere (and the patient ones).”
When they faced Goliath and his troops, they said: “Our Lord, give us perseverance and solidify our steps and help us against the disbelieving people.”
So they defeated them by God’s permission, and David killed Goliath, and God gave him the rule and the wisdom, and taught him what He wanted. If God does not repel some people by some others, the earth would certainly corrupt, but God is gracious to humankind.
These are God's signs, We read them to you with the truth, and you are indeed one of the messengers.
These are the messengers, We preferred some of them over the others, God spoke to one and He raised some of them in ranks. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear evidences and We supported him with the Holy Spirit. And if God wanted, those after them would not have fought after clear evidences came to them. But they disagreed, so some of them believed and some of them disbelieved. And if God wanted, they would not have fought, but God does what He wants.
You who believe, spend from what We have provided for you before a day comes in which there is no selling (and buying) and no friendship and no mediation. And the disbelievers, they are the wrongdoers.
God, there is no god except Him, the living and the eternal, neither does He take a nap nor He sleeps. Everything in the skies and on the earth belongs to Him. Who can mediate before Him except with His permission? He knows what is in front of them and what is behind them, while they do not comprehend anything of His knowledge except what He wants. His throne extends over the skies and the earth, and maintaining them does not bother Him. He is the superior, the great.
There is no compulsion in religion (i.e. religion is not to be forced on anyone), the right course has been clarified from error, and whoever disbelieves in the rebellious ones and believes in God has indeed grabbed on to the strong handle that does not break. God hears all and knows all.
God is protector of those who believe, He gets them out of the darkness into the light, while those who disbelieve, their protectors are the rebellious ones, driving them out of the light into the darkness. They are the inhabitants of the fire remaining in there forever.
Have you not seen the one arguing with Abraham about his Lord, because God had given him kingdom? When Abraham said: “My Lord is the One Who gives life and causes death.” He said: “I (also) give life and cause death.” Abraham said: “God brings the sun from the east, so you bring it from the west (if you can).” So the one who disbelieved was stunned. God does not guide the wrongdoing people.
Or like the one who passed by a village where it had fallen down over its roofs (the roofs were collapsed), he said: “How does God bring that (village) back to life after its death?” Then God made him die for a hundred years, then He raised him up (and brought him back to life) and said: “How long did you remain (dead)?” He said: “I remained a day or part of a day.” He said: “No, you remained for a hundred years, look at your food and drink, it did not age (or spoil), and look at your donkey (that is turned to bones), and We make you a sign (of resurrection) for the people, and look at the bones (of your donkey) how We put them back together and We cover it with flesh.” So when it was clear to him, he said: “I know that God is capable of everything.”
And when Abraham said: “My Lord, show me how you give life to the dead.” He (God) said: “Do you not believe?” He said: “Yes (I do), but to reassure my heart.” He said: “Take four birds to yourself (and familiarize them), and cut them and divide them in pieces, then place a piece of them on each mountain, then call them, they will come to you in a hurry, and know that God is powerful and wise.”
The example of those who spend their wealth in God's way is like a seed growing seven clusters, in each cluster one hundred seeds. God multiplies it for whom He wants. God is bountiful and knowledgeable.
Those who spend their wealth in God's way, and do not follow their spending with bragging and insult (and annoyance) have their reward with their Lord and they shall have no fear and no sadness.
Nice word and forgiveness is better than charity that is followed by insult (and annoyance). God is rich (without any needs) and patient.
You who believe, do not make your charities worthless by bragging and insult (and annoyance), like someone who spends his wealth to be seen by people while he does not believe in God and the Last Day. His example is like a smooth rock with dust on it, then a heavy rain falls on it and leaves it bare (with no dust on it), they are not able (to benefit) from anything that they have done. And God does not guide the disbelieving people.
Example of those who spend their wealth looking for God's pleasure and solidifying themselves is like a garden on a hill which heavy rain falls on it so it gives double of its fruit, and if a heavy rain does not fall on it, then a light rain (suffices). God sees everything you do.
Does any one of you like to have a garden of date palms and grape vines, which rivers flow through it, having all kinds of fruits in it, and he gets old having weak (or small) children, and a tornado with fire inside strikes it and burns it? This is how God makes His signs clear for you, so you may think.
You who believe, spend (in God's way) from the good things that you earned and from what We brought out from the earth for you, and do not consider spending the bad (part) of it that you would not take except (reluctantly) by pretending not to see it. And know that God is rich (has no need) and praiseworthy.
Satan promises you poverty and instructs you to indecency, while God promises you forgiveness and grace from Him. God is bountiful and knowledgeable.
He gives wisdom to whom He wants, and whoever is given wisdom, indeed is given a lot of good, but only people of understanding (reasonable people) take notice.
And whatever you spend in charity or you pledge in your pledges, God knows it. And there are no helpers for wrongdoers.
If you openly give to charity then it is good, but if you hide it and give it to the poor then it is better for you, and it removes some of your sins from you. God is well aware of what you do.
Guiding them is not your responsibility, but God guides whom He wants. And anything good you spend is for (the benefit of) yourselves, and spend only looking for God's pleasure (and His attention). And anything good you spend will be paid back to you (in full), and you will not be wronged.
(Charity) is for the poor who are restricted in God's way and cannot travel on the earth, but the ignorant ones assume that they are rich because of their self respect, you know them by their appearance, and they do not ask (beg) people insistently. And anything good you spend, indeed God knows about it.
Those who spend their wealth (in God's way) night and day, secretly and openly, they have their reward with their Lord and they have no fear and no sadness.
Those who consume usury stand/rise (on the Resurrection Day) like someone who is driven to madness by Satan’s touch. This is because they said that sale (and doing business) is like usury, while God permitted selling and prohibited usury. So anyone whom an advice from his Lord came to him and he stopped, then his past (profits) is his and his case is with God, and anyone who goes back (to usury), they will be inhabitants of the fire remaining in it forever.
God destroys usury and increases charities. And God does not like any disbelieving sinners.
Those who believe and do good and perform mandatory prayer and give to mandatory charity have their reward with their Lord and they have no fear and no sadness.
You who believe, be cautious of God and leave what is left of usury if you are believers.
If you do not do it, then be informed about a war from God and His messenger, and if you repent (from usury) then your principal capital is yours, you will not be wrong and you will not be wronged.
And if he (the debtor) is having difficulty (financially or otherwise) then postpone until it is easy (for him to repay), and if you are charitable (and forgive the loan) it is better for you if you know.
And be cautious of a day wherein you are returned to God, then every person is paid back (in full) for what they have done, and they will not be wronged.
You who believe, when you borrow from each other for a limited period, then write it (to have a record). And let a writer write it (the loan details) between you in justice. A writer should not refuse to write as God has taught him. So he shall write, and the borrower should dictate, and he should be cautious of God, his Lord, and should not reduce (or eliminate) anything from it. And if the borrower is retarded or is a child or is unable to dictate, then his guardian should dictate it fairly. And ask two witnesses from among your men to witness, and if there are not two men, then one man and two women from the witnesses who are acceptable to you, so if one of the two makes a mistake (or forgets) then the other one of the two may remind the other one. And the witnesses should not refuse (to testify) if they are called upon. And they should not be reluctant to write it no matter how small or large, along with its term. This is fairer in God’s view, and more appropriate for the testimony, and closer to not having doubts. Except if it is a face to face transaction that (the actual merchandise or money) changes hands between you, then there will be no blame on you if you do not write it. And take witness when you buy and sell. And the writer and the witness should not be harmed, and if you do (harm them) it is indeed disobedience on your part. And be cautious of God, and God teaches you (what to do). God knows everything.
If you are traveling and cannot find a writer then take collateral. And if some of you entrusts (a trust to) another, then the trustee should return the trust and he should be cautious of God, his Lord. And do not hide (or withhold) the testimony, and anyone who hides it then he is indeed a sinner at heart. And God knows what you do.
Everything in the skies and on the earth belongs to God, and whether you disclose what is in your mind (your beliefs or your testimony) or you hide it, God holds you accountable for it, and He forgives whom He wants and punishes whom He wants. God is capable of everything.
The messenger believes in what was sent down to him by his Lord, and all the believers believe in God, His angels, His books, and His messengers, (saying:) “We do not differentiate between any of His messengers,” and they say: “We heard and we obeyed, (we ask for) Your forgiveness our Lord, and the final return is to You.”
God does not task anyone beyond its capability, whatever (good) it does is for it, and whatever (bad) it does is against it. Our Lord, do not hold it against us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, do not impose a burden on us as you imposed on those before us. Our Lord, do not impose on us what we cannot bear and excuse us and forgive us and have mercy on us, You are our protector (and guardian), so help us against the disbelieving people.

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