Part 2

 

 The fools among the people (pagans, hypocrites, and Jews) will say, "What has turned them (Muslims) from their Qiblah [prayer direction (towards Jerusalem)] to which they were used to face in prayer." Say, (O Muhammad SAW) "To Allāh belong both, east and the west. He guides whom He wills to a Straight Way." (142) Thus We have made you [true Muslims - real believers of Islāmic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad SAW and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a (just) (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind[] and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) be a witness over you. And We made the Qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy) except for those whom Allāh guided. And Allāh would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allāh is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind. (143) Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's SAW) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid- Al-Harām (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction. Certainly, the people who were given the Scriptures (i.e. Jews and the Christians) know well that, that (your turning towards the direction of the Ka'bah at Makkah in prayers) is the truth from their Lord. And Allāh is not unaware of what they do. (144) And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayāt (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their Qiblah (prayer direction). And they will not follow each other's Qiblah (prayer direction). Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allāh), then indeed you will be one of the Zālimūn (polytheists, wrong-doers.) (145)

 

 Those to whom We gave the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognise him (Muhammad SAW or the Ka'bah at Makkah) as they recongise their sons. But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it - [i.e. the qualities of Muhammad SAW which are written in the Taurāt (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)][]. (146) (This is) the truth from your Lord. So be you not one of those who doubt. (147) For every nation there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers). So hasten towards all that is good. Wheresoever you may be, Allāh will bring you together (on the Day of Resurrection). Truly, Allāh is Able to do all things. (148) And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-Al-Harām (at Makkah), that is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allāh is not unaware of what you do. (149) And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-Al-Harām (at Makkah), and wheresoever you are, turn your faces towards, it (when you pray) so that men may have no argument against you except those of them that are wrong-doers, so fear them not, but fear Me! - And so that I may complete My Blessings on you and that you may be guided. (150) Similarly (to complete My Blessings on you) We have sent among you a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) of your own, reciting to you Our Verses (the Qur'ān) and purifying you, and teaching you the Book (the Qur'ān) and the Hikmah (i.e. Sunnah, Islāmic laws and Fiqh - jurisprudence), and teaching you that which you used not to know. (151) Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying,).[] I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me. (152) O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salāt (the prayer). Truly! Allāh is with As-Sābirun (the patient.) (153)

 

 And say not of those who are killed in the Way of Allāh, "They are dead." Nay, they are living, but you perceive (it) not. (154) And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sābirun (the patient) (155) Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allāh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return." (156) They are those on whom are the Salawāt (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones. (157) Verily! As-Safā and Al-Marwah (two mountains in Makkah) are of the Symbols of Allāh. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or 'Umrah (pilgrimage) of the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah) to perform the going (Tawāf) between them (As-Safā and Al-Marwah).[] And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allāh is All-Recogniser, All-Knower. (158) Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allāh and cursed by the cursers. (159) Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed). These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. (160) Verily, those who disbelieve, and die while they are disbelievers, it is they on whom is the Curse of Allāh and of the angels and of mankind, combined. (161) They will abide therein (under the curse in Hell), their punishment will neither be lightened, nor will they be reprieved. (162) And your Ilāh (God) is One Ilāh (God - Allāh), Lā ilāha illa Huwa (there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. (163)

 

 Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) which Allāh sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayāt (proofs, evidences, signs, etc.) for people of understanding. (164) And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allāh as rivals[] (to Allāh). They love them as they love Allāh. But those who believe, love Allāh more (than anything else). If only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allāh and that Allāh is Severe in punishment. (165) When those who were followed, disown (declare themselves innocent of) those who followed (them), and they see the torment, then all their relations will be cut off from them. (166) And those who followed will say: "If only we had one more chance to return (to the worldly life), we would disown (declare ourselves as innocent from) them as they have disowned (declared themselves as innocent from) us." Thus Allāh will show them their deeds as regrets for them. And they will never get out of the Fire. (167) O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitān (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy: (168) He [Shaitān (Satan)] commands you only what is evil and Fahshā (sinful), and that you should say against Allāh what you know not. (169)

 

 When it is said to them: "Follow what Allāh has sent down." They say: "Nay! We shall follow what we found our fathers following." (Would they do that!) even though their fathers did not understand anything nor were they guided? (170) And the example of those who disbelieve, is as that of him who shouts to those (flock of sheep) that hears nothing but calls and cries. (They are) deaf, dumb and blind. So they do not understand. (Tafseer Al Qurtubi). (171) O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allāh - Islāmic Monotheism)! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you[] with, and be grateful to Allāh, if it is indeed He Whom you worship. (172) He has forbidden you only the Maitah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a scrifice for others than Allāh (or has been slaughtered for idols, on which Allāh's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity without wilful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (173) Verily, those who conceal what Allāh has sent down of the Book, and purchase a small gain therewith (of worldly things), they eat into their bellies nothing but fire. Allāh will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor purify them, and theirs will be a painful torment. (174) Those are they who have purchased error at the price of Guidance, and torment at the price of Forgiveness. So how bold they are (for evil deeds which will push them) to the Fire. (175) That is because Allāh has sent down the Book (the Qur'ān) in truth. And verily, those who disputed as regards the Book are far away in opposition. (176)

 

 It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allāh, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allāh, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets[] and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, and to Al-Masākin (the poor), and to the wayfarer, and to those who ask, and to set slaves free, performs As-Salāt (Iqāmat-as-Salāt), and gives the Zakāt, and who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are patient in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al¬Muttaqūn (pious - see V.2:2) (177) O you who believe! Al-Qisās (the Law of Equality in punishment) 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 if the killer is forgiven by the brother (or the relatives, etc.) of the killed against blood money then adhering to it with fairness and payment of the blood money, to the heir should be made in fairness. This is an alleviation and a mercy from your Lord. So after this whoever transgresses the limits (i.e. kills the killer after taking the blood money), he shall have a painful torment. (178) And there is (a saving of) life for you in Al-Qisās (the Law of Equality in punishment), O men of understanding, that you may become Al-Muttaqūn (the pious - see V.2:2). (179) It is prescribed for you, when death approaches any of you, if he leaves wealth, that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable manners. (This is) a duty upon Al-Muttaqūn (the pious - see V.2:2). (180) Then whoever changes the bequest after hearing it, the sin shall be on those who make the change. Truly, Allāh is All-Hearer, All-Knower. (181)

 

 But he who fears from a testator some unjust act or wrong-doing, and thereupon he makes peace between the parties concerned, there shall be no sin on him. Certainly, Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (182) O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting)[] is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqūn (the pious - see V.2:2). (183) [Observing Saum (fasts)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskīn (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, is better for you if only you know.[] (184) The month of Ramadān in which was revealed the Qur'ān, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadān i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allāh intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allāh [i.e. to say Takbīr (Allāhu-Akbar; Allāh is the Most Great) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.[] (185) And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.[] (186)

 

 It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of As-Saum (the fasts). They are Lības [i.e. body cover, or screen, or Sakan, (i.e. you enjoy the pleasure of living with them - as in Verse 7:189) Tafsir At-Tabarī], for you and you are the same for them. Allāh knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you (accepted your repentance) and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allāh has ordained for you (offspring), and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Saum (fast) till the nightfall. And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I'tikāf (i.e. confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques. These are the limits (set) by Allāh, so approach them not. Thus does Allāh make clear His Ayāt (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelations, verses, laws, legal and illegal things Allahs set limits orders.) to mankind that they may become Al- Muttaqun. (187) And eat up not one another's property unjustly (in any illegal way e.g. stealing, robbing, deceiving, etc.), nor give bribery to the rulers (judges before presenting your cases) that you may knowingly eat up a part of the property of others sinfully (188) They ask you (O Muhammad SAW) about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage. It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness) that you enter the houses from the back but Al-Birr (is the quality of the one) who fears Allāh. So enter houses through their proper doors, and fear Allāh that you may be successful. (189) And fight in the Way of Allāh[] those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allāh likes not the transgressors. [This Verse is the first one that was revealed in connection with Jihād, but it was supplemented by another (V.9:36)]. (190)

 

 And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah[] is worse than killing. And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-Al-Harām (the sanctuary at Makkah),[] unless they (first) fight you there. But if they attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. (191) But if they cease, then Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (192) And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allāh) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allāh (Alone).[] But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zālimūn (the polytheists, and wrong-doers.) (193) The sacred month is for the sacred month, and for the prohibited things, there is the Law of Equality (Qisās). Then whoever transgresses the prohibition against you, you transgress likewise against him. And fear Allāh, and know that Allāh is with Al-Muttaqūn (the pious - see V.2:2). (194) And spend in the Cause of Allāh (i.e. Jihād of all kinds,) and do not throw yourselves into destruction (by not spending your wealth in the Cause of Allāh), and do good. Truly, Allāh loves Al-Muhsinūn[] (the good-doers). (195) And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad SAW), the Hajj and 'Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah) for Allāh. But if you are prevented (from completing them), sacrifice a Hady (animal, i.e. a sheep, a cow, or a camel,) such as you can afford, and do not shave your heads until the Hady reaches the place of sacrifice. And whosoever of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp (necessitating shaving), he must pay a Fidyah (ransom) of either observing Saum (fasts) (three days) or giving Sadaqah (charity - feeding six poor persons) or offering sacrifice (one sheep). Then if you are in safety and whosoever performs the 'Umrah in the months of Hajj, before (performing) the Hajj, (i.e. Hajj-at-Tamattu' and Al-Qirān), he must slaughter a Hady such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should observe Saum (fasts) three days during the Hajj and seven days after his return (to his home), making ten days in all. This is for him whose family is not present at Al Massid-Al-Haram (i.e non-resident of Makkah) And fear Allah much and know that Allah is severe in punishment. (196)

 

 The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islāmic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj[] therein (by assuming Ihrām), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allāh knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding! (197) There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage by trading). Then when you leave 'Arafāt[], remember Allāh (by glorifying His Praises, i.e. prayers and invocations,) at the Mash'ar-il-Harām.[] And remember Him (by invoking Allāh for all good) as He has guided you, and verily, you were, before, of those who were astray. (198) Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask Allāh for His Forgiveness. Truly, Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. (199) So when you have accomplished your Manasik remember Allāh as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!" and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter. (200) And of them there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!" (201) For them there will be alloted a share for what they have earned. And Allāh is Swift at reckoning. (202)

 

And remember Allāh during the appointed Days.[] But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey Allāh (fear Him), and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him. (203) And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad SAW), in this worldly life, and he calls Allāh to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents.[] (204) And when he turns away (from you "O Muhammad SAW "), his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allāh likes not mischief. (205) And when it is said to him, "Fear Allāh", he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest! (206) And of mankind is he who would sell himself, seeking the Pleasure of Allāh. And Allāh is full of Kindness to (His) slaves. (207) O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islām (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islāmic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitān (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy. (208) Then if you slide back after the clear signs (Prophet Muhammad SAW and this Qur'ān, and Islām) have come to you, then know that Allāh is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (209) Do they then wait for anything other than that Allāh should come to them in the shadows of the clouds and the angels? (Then) the case would be already judged. And to Allāh return all matters (for decision). (210)

 

Ask the Children of Israel how many clear Ayāt (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) We gave them. And whoever changes Allāh's Favour after it had come to him, [e.g. renounces the Religion of Allāh (Islām) and accepts Kufr (disbelief),] then surely, Allāh is Severe in punishment. (211) Beautified is the life of this world for those who disbelieve, and they mock at those who believe. But those who obey Allāh's Orders and keep away from what He has forbidden, will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allāh gives (of His Bounty, Blessings, Favours, Honours, on the Day of Resurrection) to whom He wills without limit. (212) Mankind were one community and Allāh sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then Allāh by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allāh guides whom He wills to a Straight Path. (213) Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, "When (will come) the Help of Allāh?" Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allāh is near! (214) They ask you (O Muhammad SAW) what they should spend. Say: Whatever you spend of good must be for parents and kindred and orphans and Al¬Masākin (the poor) and the wayfarers, and whatever you do of good deeds, truly, Allāh knows it well. (215)

 

Jihād[] (holy fighting in Allāh's Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allāh knows but you do not know. (216) They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the Islāmic calendar). Say, "Fighting therein is a great (transgression)[] but a greater (transgression) with Allāh is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allāh, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al-Masjid-Al-Harām (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Al-Fitnah[] is worse than killing. And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islāmic Monotheism) if they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever." (217) Verily, those who have believed, and those who have emigrated (for Allāh's Religion) and have striven hard in the Way of Allāh, all these hope for Allāh's Mercy. And Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. (218) They ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling.[] Say: "In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit, for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: "That which is beyond your needs." Thus Allāh makes clear to you His Laws in order that you may give thought."[] (219)

 

In (to) this worldly life and in the Hereafter. And they ask you concerning orphans. Say: "The best thing is to work honestly in their property, and if you mix your affairs with theirs, then they are your brothers. And Allāh knows him who means mischief (e.g. to swallow their property) from him who means good (e.g. to save their property). And if Allāh had wished, He could have put you into difficulties. Truly, Allāh is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (220) And do not marry Al-Mushrikāt (idolatresses, etc.) till they believe (worship Allāh Alone). And indeed a slave woman who believes is better than a (free) Mushrikah (idolatress), even though she pleases you. And give not (your daughters) in marriage to Al-Mushrikūn[] till they believe (in Allāh Alone) and verily, a believing slave is better than a (free) Mushrik (idolater), even though he pleases you. Those (Al-Mushrikūn) invite you to the Fire, but Allāh invites (you) to Paradise and Forgiveness by His Leave, and makes His Ayāt (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) clear to mankind that they may remember. (221) They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha (a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses), therefore keep away from women during menses and go not unto them till they are purified (from menses and have taken a bath). And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allāh has ordained for you (go in unto them in any manner as long as it is in their vagina). Truly, Allāh loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers). (222) Your wives are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth, when or how you will, and send (good deeds, or ask Allāh to bestow upon you pious offspring) for your ownselves beforehand. And fear Allāh, and know that you are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give good tidings to the believers (O Muhammad SAW). (223) And make not Allāh's (Name) an excuse in your oaths against your doing good and acting piously, and making peace among mankind. And Allāh is All-Hearer, All-Knower (i.e. do not swear much and if you have sworn against doing something good then give an expiation for the oath and do good).[] (224)

 

Allāh will not call you to account for that which is unintentional in your oaths, but He will call you to account for that which your hearts have earned. And Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Forbearing. (225) Those who take an oath[] not to have sexual relation with their wives must wait for four months, then if they return (change their idea in this period), verily, Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (226) And if they decide upon divorce, then Allāh is All-Hearer, All-Knower. (227) And divorced women shall wait (as regards their marriage) for three menstrual periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allāh has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allāh and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allāh is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (228) The divorce is twice, after that, either you retain her on reasonable terms or release her with kindness. And it is not lawful for you (men) to take back (from your wives) any of your Mahr (bridal - money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) which you have given them, except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allāh (e.g. to deal with each other on a fair basis). Then if you fear that they would not be able to keep the limits ordained by Allāh, then there is no sin on either of them if she gives back (the Mahr or a part of it) for her Al-Khul' (divorce)[]. These are the limits ordained by Allāh, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits ordained by Allāh, then such are the Zālimūn (wrong-doers). (229) And if he has divorced her (the third time), then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she has married another husband. Then, if the other husband divorces her, it is no sin on both of them that they reunite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allāh. These are the limits of Allāh, which He makes plain for the people who have knowledge. (230)

 

And when you have divorced women and they have fulfilled the term of their prescribed period, either take them back on reasonable basis or set them free on reasonable basis. But do not take them back to hurt them, and whoever does that, then he has wronged himself. And treat not the Verses (Laws) of Allāh as a jest, but remember Allāh's Favours on you (i.e. Islām), and that which He has sent down to you of the Book (i.e. the Qur'ān) and Al-Hikmah (the Prophet's Sunnah - legal ways - Islāmic jurisprudence). whereby He instructs you. And fear Allāh, and know that Allāh is All-Aware of everything. (231) And when you have divorced women and they have fulfilled the term of their prescribed period, do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on reasonable basis. This (instruction) is an admonition for him among you who believes in Allāh and the Last Day. That is more virtuous and purer for you. Allāh knows and you know not. (232) The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years, (that is) for those (parents) who desire to complete the term of suckling, but the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother's food and clothing on a reasonable basis. No person shall have a burden laid on him greater than he can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no sin on them. And if you decide on a foster suckling-mother for your children, there is no sin on you, provided you pay (the mother) what you agreed (to give her) on reasonable basis. And fear Allāh and know that Allāh is All-Seer of what you do. (233)

 

And those of you who die and leave wives behind them, they (the wives) shall wait (as regards their marriage) for four months and ten days, then when they have fulfilled their term, there is no sin on you if they (the wives) dispose of themselves in a just and honourable manner (i.e. they can marry). And Allāh is Well-Acquainted with what you do (234) And there is no sin on you if you make a hint of betrothal or conceal it in yourself, Allāh knows that you will remember them, but do not make a promise of contract with them in secret except that you speak an honourable saying according to the Islāmic law. And do not consummate the marriage until the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that Allāh knows what is in your minds, so fear Him. And know that Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing. (235) There is no sin on you, if you divorce women while yet you have not touched (had sexual relation with) them, nor appointed unto them their Mahr (bridal - money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage). But bestow on them ( a suitable gift), the rich according to his means, and the poor according to his means, a gift of reasonable amount is a duty on the doers of good. (236) And if you divorce them before you have touched (had a sexual relation with) them, and you have appointed unto them the Mahr (bridal money given by the husbands to his wife at the time of marriage), then pay half of that (Mahr), unless they (the women) agree to forego it, or he (the husband), in whose hands is the marriage tie, agrees to forego and give her full appointed Mahr. And to forego and give (her the full Mahr) is nearer to At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). And do not forget liberality between yourselves. Truly, Allāh is All-Seer of what you do. (237)

 

Guard strictly (five obligatory) As¬Salawāt (the prayers) especially the middle Salāt (i.e. the best prayer ¬ 'Asr).[] And stand before Allāh with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salāt (prayers)]. (238) And if you fear (an enemy), perfrom Salāt (pray) on foot or riding[]. And when you are in safety, offer the Salāt (prayer) in the manner He has taught you, which you knew not (before). (239) And those of you who die and leave behind wives should bequeath for their wives a year's maintenance and residence without turning them out, but if they (wives) leave, there is no sin on you for that which they do of themselves, provided it is honourable (e.g. lawful marriage). And Allāh is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (240) And for divorced women, maintenance (should be provided) on reasonable (scale). This is a duty on Al-Muttaqūn (the pious - see V.2:2). (241) Thus Allāh makes clear His Ayāt (Laws) to you, in order that you may understand. (242) Did you (O Muhammad SAW) not think of those who went forth from their homes in thousands, fearing death? Allāh said to them, "Die". And then He restored them to life. Truly, Allāh is full of Bounty to mankind, but most men thank not. (243) And fight in the Way of Allāh and know that Allāh is All-Hearer, All-Knower. (244) Who is he that will lend to Allāh a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allāh that decreases or increases (your provisions), and unto Him you shall return. (245)

 

Have you not thought about the group of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Musā (Moses)? When they said to a Prophet of theirs, "Appoint for us a king and we will fight in Allāh's Way." He said, "Would you then refrain from fighting, if fighting was prescribed for you?" They said, "Why should we not fight in Allāh's Way while we have been driven out of our homes and our children (families have been taken as captives)?" But when fighting was ordered for them, they turned away, all except a few of them. And Allāh is All-Aware of the Zālimūn (polytheists and wrong-doers). (246) And their Prophet (Samuel A.S.) said to them, "Indeed Allāh has appointed Talūt (Saul) as a king over you." They said, "How can he be a king over us when we are fitter than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth." He said: "Verily, Allāh has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allāh grants His Kingdom to whom He wills. And Allāh is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." (247) And their Prophet (Samuel A.S.) said to them: Verily! The sign of His Kingdom is that there shall come to you At-Tābūt (a wooden box), wherein is Sakinah[] (peace and reassurance) from your Lord and a remnant of that which Mūsā (Moses) and Hārūn (Aaron) left behind, carried by the angels. Verily, in this is a sign for you if you are indeed believers. (248)

 

Then when Tālūt (Saul) set out with the army, he said: "Verily! Allāh will try you by a river. So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes (thereof) in the hollow of his hand." Yet, they drank thereof, all, except a few of them. So when he had crossed it (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: "We have no power this day against Jālūt (Goliath) and his hosts." But those who knew with certainty that they were to meet their Lord, said: "How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allāh's Leave?" And Allāh is with As-Sābirūn (the patient). (249) And when they advanced to meet Jālūt (Goliath) and his forces, they invoked: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience, and set firm our feet and make us victorious over the disbelieving people." (250) So they routed them by Allāh's Leave and Dāwūd (David) killed Jālūt (Goliath), and Allāh gave him [Dawūd (David)] the kingdom [after the death of Talūt (Saul) and Samuel] and Al¬Hikmah (Prophethood)[], and taught him of that which He willed. And if Allāh did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allāh is full of Bounty to the 'Alamīn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). (251) These are the Verses of Allāh, We recite them to you (O Muhammad SAW) in truth, and surely, you are one of the Messengers (of Allāh)[]. (252)