Part 9

[7.88] The proud assembly of his nation said: 'We will expel you Shu'aib and those who believe with you from our village unless you return to our creed. ' He replied: 'Even though we hate it?

[7.89] We would have invented lies about Allah if we returned to your creed from which Allah has saved us, it is not for us that we return into it again except if Allah, our Lord wills. For our Lord has embraced everything with knowledge, and in Allah we have put our trust. Our Lord, open between us and our nation with truth, You are the Best of openers. '

[7.90] But the unbelieving assembly of his nation said: 'If you follow Shu'aib, you shall assuredly be losers. '

[7.91] So the earthquake seized them, at the morning they were crouched in their dwellings, dead.

[7.92] It seemed as if those who had belied Shu'aib had never lived there. Those who belied Shu'aib were the losers.

[7.93] He turned away from them saying: 'I conveyed to you, my nation, the messages of my Lord and advised you. How can I grieve for the unbelieving nation? '

[7.94] We sent no Prophet to a village but seized its inhabitants with misfortune and adversity in order that they might be humble in supplication.

[7.95] Then We changed evil for good, until they multiplied and said: 'Our fathers were indeed touched by misfortune and adversity. ' So We seized them suddenly while they were unaware.

[7.96] Had the people of the villages believed and been cautious, We would have opened upon them the blessings from heaven and earth. But they belied, and We seized them for what they earned.

[7.97] Do the inhabitants of the villages feel secure from Our Might coming to them at night whilst they sleep?

[7.98] Or do the inhabitants of the villages feel secure from Our Might coming to them in the midmorning while they play?

[7.99] (In reply to your devising) do they feel secure from the devising of Allah? None feels secure from the devising of Allah except the loosing nation.

[7.100] Is it not plain to those who inherit the earth after its inhabitants that if We willed We could smite them for their sins and set a seal upon their hearts, so that they do not hear.

[7.101] Those villages We narrate their news to you. Their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, yet they would not believe what they had belied before; as such Allah seals the hearts of the unbelievers.

[7.102] We did not find the covenant upheld by the majority of them, but We found most of them evildoers.

[7.103] After those We sent forth Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his assembly, but with it they harmed. Look at the end of the corrupters.

[7.104] Moses said: 'Pharaoh, I am a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds,

[7.105] incumbent upon me is that I say nothing of Allah except the truth. I bring you a clear proof from your Lord. So let the Children of Israel depart with me. '

[7.106] He answered: 'If you have come with a sign, show it to us if you are of the truthful. '

[7.107] He threw down his staff, and it was clearly a serpent.

[7.108] Then he drew out his hand and it was luminous to the onlookers.

[7.109] The assembly of Pharaoh's nation said: 'This man is a wellversed sorcerer

[7.110] who seeks to drive you from your land what do you command? '

[7.111] Others said: 'Put them off a while, he and his brother, and send forth to your cities gatherers

[7.112] to summon every wellversed sorcerer to you. '

[7.113] The sorcerers came to Pharaoh. They said: 'Shall we be rewarded if we are the winners? '

[7.114] 'Yes, ' he answered, 'and you will be among those near. '

[7.115] They said: 'Moses, will you throw first or shall we be the throwers? '

[7.116] 'Throw, ' he replied. And when they threw, they bewitched the people's eyes and terrified them, and produced great sorcery.

[7.117] Then We revealed to Moses: 'Now, throw down your staff. ' And thereupon it swallowed up their false invention.

[7.118] So, the truth prevailed and what they were doing was annulled;

[7.119] they were defeated and turned belittled,

[7.120] and the sorcerers prostrated themselves,

[7.121] saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds,

[7.122] the Lord of Moses and Aaron. '

[7.123] Pharaoh said: 'Do you believe in Him before I permit? This is a plot that you have contrived in the city in order to expel its people from it. Now you shall know!

[7.124] I will cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and then crucify you all! '

[7.125] They replied: 'We shall surely turn to our Lord.

[7.126] You would take revenge on us only because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they came to us. Lord, pour patience upon us and let us die as submitters (Muslims). '

[7.127] The assembly of Pharaoh's nation said: 'Will you allow Moses and his nation to corrupt in the land and to forsake you and your gods? ' He replied: 'We will put their sons to death and spare their women, indeed we are conquerors over them. '

[7.128] Moses said to his nation: 'Seek help from Allah and be patient. The earth belongs to Allah; He gives it as a heritage to whom He chooses amongst His worshipers. The outcome is for the cautious. '

[7.129] They replied: 'We were hurt before you came to us, and after you came to us. ' He said: 'Your Lord may destroy your enemies and make you inheritors in the land. Then He will see how you conduct yourselves. '

[7.130] We seized Pharaoh's people with years of drought and scarcity of fruit so that they might remember.

[7.131] When good things came their way, they said: 'It is our due, ' but when evil befell them they blamed their ill fortune on Moses and those with him. Indeed their ill fortune was with Allah, though most of them did not know.

[7.132] They said: 'Whatever sign you bring to us, to cast a spell upon us, we will not believe in you. '

[7.133] So We sent upon them floods, locusts, lice, frogs, and blood. (All these were) clear signs, yet they were proud against them, for they were wicked people.

[7.134] And when the plague smote them, they said: 'Moses, pray to your Lord for us invoking the promise He has made with you. If you lift the plague from us, we will believe in you and let the Children of Israel go with you. '

[7.135] But when We had lifted the plague from them for a term which they had to reach, they broke their promise.

[7.136] So We punished them and drowned them in the sea, for they had belied Our signs and gave no heed to them.

[7.137] We gave the persecuted nation dominion over the eastern and western lands which We had blessed. So the Word of your Lord, the finest, was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of their patience; and We destroyed the edifices, and towers of Pharaoh and whatsoever they manufactured.

[7.138] and We moved the Children of Israel from one side of the sea to the other, and they came upon a nation zealously devoted to the idols they had. They said to Moses: 'Make a god for us, as they have gods. ' Moses replied: 'You are indeed an ignorant nation.

[7.139] That which they are engaged upon shall be shattered and all their works are vain.

[7.140] Should I seek any god for you except Allah? He has exalted you above the nations.

[7.141] And that We saved you from Pharaoh's family, who had oppressed you cruelly, putting your sons to death and sparing your women. Surely, that was a great trial from your Lord. '

[7.142] We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and We completed them with ten more; so that the appointment with his Lord took forty nights. Moses said to Aaron, his brother: 'Take my place among my nation. Do what is right and do not follow the path of the corrupt doers. '

[7.143] And when Moses came at the appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said: 'Lord, let me see, that I can look at You. ' He replied: 'You shall not see Me. But look at the mountain; if it remains firm in its place, then shall you see Me. ' And when his Lord was revealed to the mountain and caused it to be crushed and leveled whereupon Moses fell down senseless, and when he recovered, he said: 'Exaltations to You! I repent to You. I am the first of believers. '

[7.144] He said: 'Moses, I have chosen you from all mankind with My Messages and My Words. Therefore, take what I have given you, and be among the thankful. '

[7.145] We inscribed for him upon the Tablets all kinds of exhortation and clear explanations of all things. So take it forcefully, and order your nation to take what is best of it. I shall show you the home of the wicked.

[7.146] From My signs I will turn away the unrightfully, arrogant in the land, so that even if they witness every sign they would not believe it. If they see the path of righteousness, they shall not take it as a path; but if they see the path of error, they shall take it for their path because they belied Our signs and were inattentive towards them.

[7.147] Vain are the deeds of those who belie Our signs and the Everlasting Life. Shall they not be recompensed except for what they used to do?

[7.148] In his absence, the nation of Moses made a calf from their ornaments, a body with a hollow sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them, nor guide them to a path? Yet they took it in worship and were harmdoers.

[7.149] But when it landed in their hands and saw that they had strayed, they said: 'If our Lord does not have mercy on us and forgive us, we shall be lost. '

[7.150] And when Moses returned to his nation, angry and sorrowful, he said: 'Evil is what you have done in my absence! Would you hasten the retribution of your Lord? ' He threw down the Tablets, and seizing his brother by the head, dragged him towards him. 'Son of my mother, ' said (Aaron), 'the nation weakened me, and almost killed me. Do not let my enemies rejoice over me; do not number me among the harmdoers. '

[7.151] 'Lord, ' said Moses, 'forgive me and forgive my brother. Admit us to Your Mercy, for You are Most Merciful of the merciful! '

[7.152] Those who worshipped the calf incurred the Anger of their Lord and abasement in this life, and as such We recompense the forgers.

[7.153] As for those who do evil and later repent and believe, your Lord is Forgiving, the Most Merciful thereafter.

[7.154] When his anger abated, Moses took up the Tablets upon which was inscribed guidance and mercy to those who fear their Lord.

[7.155] Moses chose from among his nation seventy men for Our appointment, and when the quake seized them, Moses said: 'My Lord, had it been Your Will, You would have destroyed them before, and me. Will You destroy us for that which the fools amongst us did? It is only Your trial by which You leave in error whom You will, and guide whom You will. You alone are our Guardian. Forgive us and have mercy on us, You are the Best of those who forgive.

[7.156] Write for us what is good in this life and in the Everlasting Life. To You alone we turn. ' He replied: 'I will smite with My punishment whom I will; yet My Mercy embraces all things. I will write it (My Mercy) to those who are cautious, give the obligatory charity, and believe in Our verses;

[7.157] and to those who shall follow the Messenger the Unlettered Prophet (Muhammad) whom they shall find written with them in the Torah and the Gospel. He will order kindness upon them and forbid them to do evil. He will make good things lawful to them and prohibit all that is foul. He will relieve them of their burdens and of the shackles that weigh upon them. Those who believe in him and honor him, those who aid him and follow the light sent forth with him, shall surely prosper. '

[7.158] Say: 'O mankind, I am the Messenger of Allah to you all. His is the kingdom in the heavens and the earth. There is no god except He. He revives and causes to die. Therefore, believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believes in Allah and His Words. Follow him in order that you are guided. '

[7.159] Yet among the people of Moses there was a nation who preached the truth and acted justly.

[7.160] We divided them into twelve tribes, each a nation. And when his people demanded drink, We revealed to Moses: 'Strike the rock with your staff. ' Thereupon twelve springs gushed from the rock and each tribe knew its drinkingplace. We caused the clouds to cast their shadow over them, and sent down for them manna and quails, saying: 'Eat of the good things We have provided for you. ' Indeed, they did Us no wrong, but they wronged themselves.

[7.161] When it was said to them: 'Dwell in this village, and eat of whatever you please; and say, "Unburdening" and enter the gate prostrating, We will forgive you your sins and increase the gooddoers. '

[7.162] The wicked amongst them changed what was said for other words. Therefore We sent down upon them from heaven a punishment for their evil doing.

[7.163] Ask them about the village that overlooked the sea and what befell (its people) when they broke the Sabbath. Each Sabbath, their fish came swimming towards the shore, but on other days they did not come to them. As such We tempted them (the people) because they had done wrong.

[7.164] And when some asked: 'Why do you admonish a nation whom Allah will destroy or sternly punish? ' They replied: '( Seeking) a pardon from your Lord, and in order that they may be cautious. '

[7.165] Therefore, when they forgot that of which they were reminded, We saved those who were forbidding evil, and seized the evildoers with an evil punishment for that which they used to do of evil.

[7.166] And when they had scornfully persisted in what they had been forbidden, We said to them: 'Be apes, despised. '

[7.167] Then your Lord declared He would send against them he who would oppress them cruelly till the Day of Resurrection. Swift is the retribution of your Lord, yet surely He is Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

[7.168] We dispersed them through the earth in nations some were righteous, others were not, and tested them with good and evil in order that they return.

[7.169] Then others succeeded them who inherited the Book and availed themselves of the vanities of this lower world, saying: 'It will be forgiven us. ' But if similar vanities came their way, they would again take them. Have they not taken the covenant of the Book, which they have studied, to tell nothing of Allah except what is true? Surely, the Everlasting Life is better for the cautious, do you not understand!

[7.170] As for those who hold fast to the Book and are steadfast in prayer, We do not waste the wage of the righteous.

[7.171] When We suspended the mountain over them as though it were a shadow and they feared that it was falling down on them: (We said): 'Take forcefully that which We have given you and remember what it contains, in order that you keep from evil. '

[7.172] When your Lord brought forth descendants from the loins of Adam's children, and made them testify concerning themselves (He said): 'Am I not your Lord. ' They replied: 'We bear witness (that You are). ' Lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: 'We had no knowledge of this, '

[7.173] or you say: 'Our forefathers were idolaters before, and we were the descendants after them, will You destroy us for the deeds of the vaindoers? '

[7.174] As such We make plain Our verses in order that they return.

[7.175] Recite to them the news of he to whom We gave Our verses and who turned away from them; how satan overtook him so he was led astray.

[7.176] Had it been Our will We would have raised with it, but he clung to this earthly life and succumbed to his fancies. His likeness was that of a dog, whether you chase it away or let it alone it pants. Such is the example of a nation who belie Our signs. Recount to them these narratives, in order that they reflect.

[7.177] Evil is the example of those who belied Our verses; they wronged themselves.

[7.178] He whom Allah guides is one that is guided, but he whom Allah leaves in error shall surely be the lost.

[7.179] For Gehenna, We have created many jinn and many humans. They have hearts, with which they cannot understand; eyes, with which they do not see; and ears, with which they do not hear. They are like cattle, rather, they are the more misguided. Such are the heedless.

[7.180] To Allah belongs the Finest Names, so call Him by them, and keep away from those who pervert them. They shall be recompensed for the things they did.

[7.181] Among those whom We created there is a nation who guide with the truth and with it they are just.

[7.182] As for those who belie Our verses, We will draw them on little by little, from where they cannot tell;

[7.183] and I respite them, My stratagem is firm.

[7.184] Have they not reflected? There is no madness in their companion, he is but a plain warner.

[7.185] Will they not ponder upon the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and all that Allah created, and that it may be that their term is drawing near? So, in which speech will they believe thereafter?

[7.186] None can guide those whom Allah leaves in error. He leaves them in their insolence, wandering blindly.

[7.187] They ask you about the Hour and when it is to come. Say: 'None knows except my Lord. He alone will reveal it at the appointed time. It is heavy in the heavens and earth. It will not come to you but suddenly. ' They will question you, as though you had full knowledge of it. Say: 'Its knowledge is with Allah, though most people are unaware. '

[7.188] Say: 'I do not have the power to acquire benefits or to avert harm from myself, except by the Will of Allah. Had I possessed knowledge of the unseen, I would have availed myself of much that is good, and no harm would have touched me. But I am only a warner and a bearer of glad tidings for a nation who believe.

[7.189] It is He who created you from a soul. From it He created its mate, so that he might reside with her. And when he had covered her, she conceived, and for a time her burden was light. She carried it with ease, but when it grew heavy, they both supplicated to Allah, their Lord: 'Grant us a goodly child and we will be among the thankful. '

[7.190] Yet when He gave both of them (the parents) a goodly child, they set up associates with Him, in return for what He had given them. Exalted be Allah above that they associate with Him.

[7.191] Will they associate that which cannot create a thing while they are created?

[7.192] They cannot help them, nor can they help themselves.

[7.193] If you call them to guidance, they will not follow you. It is the same whether you call them or you are silent.

[7.194] Those whom you invoke, other than Allah, are worshipers like yourselves. Call them, and let them answer you, if what you say is true!

[7.195] Have they feet to walk with? Have they hands to punish with? Have they eyes to see with? Have they ears to hear with? Say: 'Call on your partners and then try to scheme against me. Give me no respite.

[7.196] My Guardian is Allah, who has sent down the Book. He guards the righteous.

[7. 197] Those whom you invoke, other than Him, cannot help you, nor can they help themselves. '

[7.198] If you call them to guidance, they will not hear you. You see them looking towards you, but they cannot see.

[7.199] Accept the easing, order with fine jurisprudence, and avoid the ignorant.

[7.200] When satan provokes you seek refuge in Allah; He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

[7.201] Indeed, when a visitation of satan touches the cautious (worshipers) they remember, and then see clearly.

[7.202] And their brothers, they prolong them in error, and they will never stop.

[7.203] When you do not bring them a verse, they say, 'Why have you not chosen one? ' Say: 'I follow only what is revealed to me from my Lord. This (Koran) is a veritable proof from your Lord, guidance and mercy for people who believe. '

[7.204] When the Koran is recited, listen to it in silence in order that Allah has mercy upon you.

[7.205] Remember your Lord in your soul with humility and fear, and not with a loud voice, morning and evening, and do not be among the inattentive.

[7.206] Those who are with your Lord are not too proud to worship Him. They exalt Him and to Him they prostrate.

8 The Spoils -Al-'Anfal

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful

[8.1] They ask you about the spoils (of war). Say: 'The spoils belong to Allah and the Messenger. Therefore, have fear of Allah and set things right between you. Obey Allah and His Messenger, if you are believers. '

[8.2] Indeed the believers are those whose hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and when His verses are recited to them it increased them in faith. They are those who put their trust in their Lord.

[8.3] Those who pray steadfastly, and spend of that which We have provided them,

[8.4] those are, in truth, the believers. They shall have degrees with their Lord and forgiveness, and a generous provision.

[8.5] It is like when your Lord caused you to leave your home with the truth, though some of the believers disliked it.

[8.6] They argued with you about the truth after it had been made clear, as though they were being led to certain death while looking.

[8.7] (Remember) when Allah promised to grant you one of the two parties (at Badr), and you wished for the one that was not strong. Allah wanted to establish the truth by His Words and to sever the unbelievers to the last,

[8.8] in order that He might verify the truth and annul the falsehood, even though the wrongdoers hated it.

[8.9] And when you (Prophet Muhammad) prayed to your Lord for help, He answered: 'I am sending to your aid a thousand angels in succession. '

[8.10] Allah only made it to be glad tidings and so that your hearts may be satisfied; victory comes only from Allah; He is Almighty, Wise.

[8.11] When you were overcome by sleep, as security from Him, He sent down water from the sky to cleanse you and to purify you of satan's filth, to strengthen your hearts and to steady your footsteps.

[8.12] And when Allah revealed to the angels, saying: 'I shall be with you. Give courage to the believers. I shall cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. Strike them above the necks, smite their finger tips. '

[8.13] This is because they had made a breach with Allah and His Messenger. He who makes a breach with Allah and His Messenger indeed, Allah is stern in retribution.

[8.14] 'That for you, so taste it, the punishment of the Fire is for the unbelievers. '

[8.15] Believers, when you encounter unbelievers on the march do not turn your backs to them in flight.

[8.16] If anyone on that day turns his back to them in flight, except when maneuvering to fight, or to join another party, he shall be laden with the Anger of Allah and Gehenna shall be his refuge an evil arrival.

[8.17] It was not you who killed them, but Allah slew them, neither was it you who threw at them. Allah threw at them in order that He confers on the believers a fair benefit. Indeed, Allah is Hearing, Knowing.

[8.18] Allah will surely weaken the guile of the unbelievers.

[8.19] If you were seeking a victory, victory has now come to you. If you desist, it will be better for you. If you resume We will return, and even if your forces are numerous, they shall not help you at all. And Allah is with the believers.

[8.20] Believers, obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not turn away from him when you are hearing.

[8.21] Do not be like those who say: 'We hear, ' but they do not listen.

[8.22] The worst beasts before Allah are those who are deaf, dumb, and do not understand.

[8.23] Indeed, had Allah known any good in them, He would have let them hear. But even if He had made them hear, they would have turned away, swerving aside.

[8.24] Believers, respond to Allah and the Messenger when he calls you to that which revives you. Know that Allah is between the person and his heart, and that to Him you shall all be gathered.

[8.25] And be cautious against a sedition that will not smite the harmdoers alone. Know that the punishment of Allah is Stern.

[8.26] And remember how He gave you shelter when you were few in number and considered weak in the land, ever fearing that the people would snatch you away; but He gave you refuge and supported you with His victory and provided you with goodness, so that you might give thanks.

[8.27] Believers, do not betray Allah and the Messenger, nor knowingly betray your trust.

[8.28] Know that your children and your wealth are but a temptation, and that the reward with Allah is great.

[8.29] Believers, if you fear Allah, He will give you a criteria and cleanse you of your sins and forgive you. Allah is the Owner of great bounty.

[8.30] And when the unbelievers plotted against you (Prophet Muhammad). They sought to either take you captive or have you killed, or expelled. They plotted but Allah (in reply) also plotted. Allah is the Best in plotting.

[8.31] Whenever Our verses are recited to them, they say: 'We have heard them, if we wished, we could speak its like. They are but tales of the ancients. '

[8.32] When they say: 'O Allah, if this is indeed the truth from You, rain down upon us stones from heaven or bring us a painful punishment.. '

[8.33] But Allah was not to punish them whilst you were living in their midst. Nor would Allah punish them if they repeatedly ask forgiveness of Him.

[8.34] And why should Allah not punish them, when they have barred others from the Sacred Mosque, although they were not its guardians? Its only guardians are the cautious, though most of them do not know.

[8.35] Their prayers at the Sacred House are nothing but whistling and clapping. Therefore, taste the punishment for your disbelief.

[8.36] Those who disbelieve spend their wealth to bar (others) from the Path of Allah. They will spend it; but it will become a regret for them, then they will be overcome. The unbelievers shall be gathered in Gehenna,

[8.37] in order that Allah will separate the wicked from the good. He will heap the wicked one upon another, and then heap them together and cast them in Gehenna those shall be the losers.

[8.38] Tell the unbelievers that if they abandon their ways He will forgive them what is past; but, if they return, that was indeed the way of their forefathers who have passed away.

[8.39] Fight them until persecution is no more and the Religion of Allah reigns supreme. If they desist, Allah sees the things they do;

[8.40] but if they turn away, know that Allah is your guardian, (He is) the best Guardian and the best Giver of victory.