Part 2
2-142
The fools among the people will say: "What hath turned
them from the Qibla to which they were used?" Say: To God belong both east
and West: He guideth whom He will to a Way that is
straight.
2-143
Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye
might be witnesses over the nations, and the Apostle a witness over yourselves;
and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who
followed the Apostle from those who would turn on their heels (From the Faith).
Indeed it was (A change) momentous, except to those guided by God. And never
would God Make your faith of no effect. For God is to
all people Most surely full of kindness, Most
Merciful.
2-144
We see the turning of thy face (for guidance to the heavens:
now Shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please
thee. Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye
are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that
that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is God unmindful of what they do.
2-145
Even if thou wert to bring to the people of the Book all the
Signs (together), they would not follow Thy Qibla; nor art thou going to follow
their Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other's Qibla. If thou after the
knowledge hath reached thee, Wert to follow their (vain) desires,-then wert
thou Indeed (clearly) in the wrong.
2-146
The people of the Book know this as they know their own
sons; but some of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.
2-147
The Truth is from thy Lord; so be not at all in doubt.
2-148
To each is a goal to which God turns him; then strive
together (as in a race) Towards all that is good.
Wheresoever ye are, God will bring you Together. For
God Hath power over all things.
2-149
From whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the
direction of the sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from the Lord. And God
is not unmindful of what ye do.
2-150
So from whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in
the direction of the sacred Mosque; and wheresoever ye are, Turn your face
thither: that there be no ground of dispute against you among the people,
except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not, but fear
Me; and that I may complete My favours on you, and ye May (consent to) be
guided;
2-151
A similar (favour have ye already received) in that We have
sent among you an Apostle of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, and
sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom, and in new
knowledge.
2-152
Then do ye remember Me; I will
remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.
2-153
O ye who believe! seek help with
patient perseverance and prayer; for God is with those who patiently persevere.
2-154
And say not of those who are slain in the way of God:
"They are dead." Nay, they are living, though ye perceive (it) not.
2-155
Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger,
some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings
to those who patiently persevere,
2-156
Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To God We belong, and to Him is our return":-
2-157
They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from God, and
Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.
2-158
Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of God. So if
those who visit the House in the Season or at other times,
should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own
impulse to good,- be sure that God is He Who
recogniseth and knoweth.
2-159
Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and
the Guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book,-on them
shall be God's curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse,-
2-160
Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare
(the Truth): To them I turn; for I am Oft-returning, Most
Merciful.
2-161
Those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,-
on them is God's curse, and the curse of angels, and of all mankind;
2-162
They will abide therein: Their penalty will not be
lightened, nor will respite be their (lot).
2-163
And your God is One God: There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
2-164
Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the
alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the
ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which God Sends down from the
skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the
beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the
winds, and the clouds which they Trail like their slaves between the sky and
the earth;- (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise.
2-165
Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides God,
as equal (with God): They love them as they should love God. But those of Faith
are overflowing in their love for God. If only the unrighteous could see,
behold, they would see the penalty: that to God belongs all power, and God will
strongly enforce the penalty.
2-166
Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those
who follow (them) : They would see the penalty, and
all relations between them would be cut off.
2-167
And those who followed would say: "If only We had one more chance, We would clear ourselves of them, as
they have cleared themselves of us." Thus will God show them (The fruits
of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets. Nor will there be a way for them out
of the Fire.
2-168
O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, Lawful and good; and
do not follow the footsteps of the evil one, for he is to you an avowed enemy.
2-169
For he commands you what is evil and
shameful, and that ye should say of God that of which ye have no knowledge.
2-170
When it is said to them: "Follow what God hath
revealed:" They say: "Nay! we shall follow
the ways of our fathers." What! even though their
fathers Were void of wisdom and guidance?
2-171
The parable of those who reject Faith is as if one were to
shout Like a goat- herd, to things that listen to
nothing but calls and cries: Deaf, dumb, and blind, they are void of wisdom.
2-172
O ye who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to God, if it is
Him ye worship.
2-173
He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the
flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath
been invoked besides that of God. But if one is forced by necessity, without
wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,-
then is he guiltless. For God is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.
2-174
Those who conceal God's revelations in the Book, and
purchase for them a miserable profit,- they swallow
into themselves naught but Fire; God will not address them on the Day of
Resurrection. Nor purify them: Grievous will be their penalty.
2-175
They are the ones who buy Error in place of Guidance and
Torment in place of Forgiveness. Ah! what boldness
(They show) for the Fire!
2-176
(Their doom is) because God sent down the Book in truth but
those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism Far (from the purpose).
2-177
It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east
or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in God and the Last Day, and the
Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love
for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those
who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice
regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and
patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of
panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.
2-178
O ye who believe! the law of
equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the
slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission
is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand,
and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is a concession and a Mercy
from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave
penalty.
2-179
In the Law of Equality there is (saving of) Life to you, o
ye men of understanding; that ye may restrain yourselves.
2-180
It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if he
leave any goods that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to
reasonable usage; this is due from the God-fearing.
2-181
If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt
shall be on those who make the change. For God hears and knows (All things).
2-182
But if anyone fears partiality or wrong-doing on the part of
the testator, and makes peace between (The parties concerned), there is no
wrong in him: For God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
2-183
O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed
to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-
2-184
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is
ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days
later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one
that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye
fast, if ye only knew.
2-185
Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an,
as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between
right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that
month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the
prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility
for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete
the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and
perchance ye shall be grateful.
2-186
When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close
(to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let
them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may
walk in the right way.
2-187
Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach
to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. God knoweth
what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave
you; so now associate with them, and seek what God Hath ordained for you, and
eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its
black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not
associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are
Limits (set by) God: Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth God make clear His
Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint.
2-188
And do not eat up your property among yourselves for
vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat up
wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) people's property.
2-189
They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but
signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for
Pilgrimage. It is no virtue if ye enter your houses from the back: It is virtue
if ye fear God. Enter houses through the proper doors: And fear God: That ye
may prosper.
2-190
Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not
transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors.
2-191
And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from
where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than
slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight
you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who
suppress faith.
2-192
But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most
Merciful.
2-193
And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or
oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God; but if they cease, Let
there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression.
2-194
The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of
equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress
ye likewise against him. But fear God, and know that God is with those who
restrain themselves.
2-195
And spend of your substance in the cause of God, and make
not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for God
loveth those who do good.
2-196
And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of God. But if
ye are prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as
ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place
of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp,
(Necessitating shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the
poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if
any one wishes to continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering,
such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days
during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is
for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And
fear God, and know that God Is strict in punishment.
2-197
For Hajj are the months well known.
If any one undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor
wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) God
knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of
provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are
wise.
2-198
It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord
(during pilgrimage). Then when ye pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the
praises of God at the
2-199
Then pass on at a quick pace from the place whence it is
usual for the multitude so to do, and ask for God's forgiveness. For God is
Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
2-200
So when ye have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the
praises of God, as ye used to celebrate the praises of your fathers,- yea, with far more Heart and soul. There are men who say:
"Our Lord! Give us (Thy bounties) in this world!" but they will have
no portion in the Hereafter.
2-201
And there are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us good in
this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the
Fire!"
2-202
To these will be allotted what they have earned; and God is
quick in account.
2-203
Celebrate the praises of God during the Appointed Days. But
if any one hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if any
one stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear
God, and know that ye will surely be gathered unto Him.
2-204
There is the type of man whose speech about this world's
life May dazzle thee, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart;
yet is he the most contentious of enemies.
2-205
When he turns his back, His aim everywhere is to spread
mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But God loveth not
mischief.
2-206
When it is said to him, "Fear God", He is led by arrogance
to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell;-An evil bed indeed (To lie on)!
2-207
And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the
pleasure of God: And God is full of kindness to (His) devotees.
2-208
O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and
follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.
2-209
If ye backslide after the clear (Signs) have come to you, then know that God is Exalted in Power, Wise.
2-210
Will they wait until God comes to them in canopies of
clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is (thus) settled? but to God do all questions go back (for decision).
2-211
Ask the Children of
2-212
The life of this world is alluring to those who reject
faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above
them on the Day of Resurrection; for God bestows His abundance without measure
on whom He will.
2-213
Mankind was one single nation, and God sent Messengers with
glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge
between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book,
after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except
through selfish contumacy. God by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth,
concerning that wherein they differed. For God guided whom He
will to a path that is straight.
2-214
Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of bliss)
without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? they
encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the
Apostle and those of faith who were with him cried: "When (will come) the
help of God?" Ah! Verily, the help of God is (always) near!
2-215
They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say:
Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and
kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do
that is good, -God knoweth it well.
2-216
Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is
possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a
thing which is bad for you. But God knoweth, and ye know not.
2-217
They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month.
Say: "Fighting therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight
of God to prevent access to the path of God, to deny Him, to prevent access to
the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members." Tumult and oppression are
worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back
from your faith if they can. And if any of you Turn back from their faith and
die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the
Hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire and will abide therein.
2-218
Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought
(and strove and struggled) in the path of God,- they
have the hope of the Mercy of God: And God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
2-219
They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In
them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the
profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is
beyond your needs." Thus doth God Make clear to
you His Signs: In order that ye may consider-
2-220
(Their bearings) on this life and the
Hereafter. They ask thee concerning orphans. Say:
"The best thing to do is what is for their good; if ye mix their affairs with
yours, they are your brethren; but God knows the man who means mischief from
the man who means good. And if God had wished, He could have put you into
difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power,
Wise."
2-221
Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they
believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even
though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they
believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he
allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But God beckons by
His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear
to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise.
2-222
They ask thee concerning women's courses. Say: They are a hurt
and a pollution: So keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach
them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, ye may
approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by God. For God loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those
who keep themselves pure and clean.
2-223
Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth
when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear
God. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good
tidings to those who believe.
2-224
And make not God's (name) an excuse in your oaths against
doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons; for God is One
Who heareth and knoweth all things.
2-225
God will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your
oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is Oft-forgiving, Most
Forbearing.
2-226
For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a
waiting for four months is ordained; if then they return, God is Oft-forgiving,
Most Merciful.
2-227
But if their intention is firm for divorce, God heareth and
knoweth all things.
2-228
Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three
monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what God Hath
created in their wombs, if they have faith in God and the Last Day. And their
husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish
for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against
them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over
them. And God is Exalted in Power, Wise.
2-229
A divorce is only permissible twice: after that, the parties
should either hold Together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It
is not lawful for you, (Men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives),
except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits
ordained by God. If ye (judges) do indeed fear that they would be unable to
keep the limits ordained by God, there is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits
ordained by God; so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits
ordained by God, such persons wrong (Themselves as well as others).
2-230
So if a husband divorces his wife (irrevocably), He cannot,
after that, re- marry her until after she has married another husband and He
has divorced her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they re-unite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits
ordained by God. Such are the limits ordained by God, which He makes plain to
those who understand.
2-231
When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their
('Iddat), either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on
equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them, (or) to take undue
advantage; if any one does that; He wrongs his own soul. Do not treat God's
Signs as a jest, but solemnly rehearse God's favours on you, and the fact that
He sent down to you the Book and Wisdom, for your instruction. And fear God,
and know that God is well acquainted with all things.
2-232
When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their
('Iddat), do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they
mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who
believe in God and the Last Day. That is (the course Making for) most virtue
and purity amongst you and God knows, and ye know not.
2-233
The mothers shall give such to their offspring for two whole
years, if the father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost
of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid
on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be Treated
unfairly on account of her child. Nor father on account of his child, an heir
shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual
consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If ye decide on
a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided ye pay
(the mother) what ye offered, on equitable terms. But fear God and know that
God sees well what ye do.
2-234
If any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait
concerning themselves four months and ten days: When they have fulfilled their
term, there is no blame on you if they dispose of themselves in a just and
reasonable manner. And God is well acquainted with what ye do.
2-235
There is no blame on you if ye make an offer of betrothal or
hold it in your hearts. God knows that ye cherish them in your hearts: But do
not make a secret contract with them except in terms Honourable, nor resolve on
the tie of marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that God
Knoweth what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him; and know that God is
Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing.
2-236
There is no blame on you if ye divorce women before
consummation or the fixation of their dower; but bestow on them (A suitable
gift), the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means;- A gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish
to do the right thing.
2-237
And if ye divorce them before consummation, but after the
fixation of a dower for them, then the half of the dower (Is due to them),
unless they remit it or (the man's half) is remitted by him in whose hands is
the marriage tie; and the remission (of the man's half) is the nearest to
righteousness. And do not forget Liberality between yourselves. For God sees
well all that ye do.
2-238
Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the
Middle Prayer; and stand before God in a devout (frame of mind).
2-239
If ye fear (an enemy), pray on foot, or riding, (as may be
most convenient), but when ye are in security, celebrate God's praises in the
manner He has taught you, which ye knew not (before).
2-240
Those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for
their widows a year's maintenance and residence; but if they leave (The
residence), there is no blame on you for what they do
with themselves, provided it is reasonable. And God is Exalted
in Power, Wise.
2-241
For divorced women Maintenance (should
be provided) on a reasonable (scale). This is a duty on the righteous.
2-242
Thus doth God Make clear His Signs
to you: In order that ye may understand.
2-243
Didst thou not Turn by vision to those who abandoned their
homes, though they were thousands (In number), for fear of death? God said to
them: "Die": Then He restored them to life. For God
is full of bounty to mankind, but Most of them are ungrateful.
2-244
Then fight in the cause of God, and know that God Heareth
and knoweth all things.
2-245
Who is he that will loan to God a beautiful loan, which God
will double unto his credit and multiply many times? It is God that giveth
(you) Want or plenty, and to Him shall be your return.
2-246
Hast thou not Turned thy vision to the Chiefs of the
Children of
2-247
Their Prophet said to them: "God hath appointed Talut
as king over you." They said: "How can he exercise authority over us
when we are better fitted than he to exercise authority, and he is not even
gifted, with wealth in abundance?" He said: "God hath Chosen him
above you, and hath gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess:
God Granteth His authority to whom He pleaseth. God careth for all, and He
knoweth all things."
2-248
And (further) their Prophet said to them: "A Sign of
his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of the covenant, with (an
assurance) therein of security from your Lord, and the relics left by the
family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels. In this is a symbol
for you if ye indeed have faith."
2-249
When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: "God will
test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, He goes not with my army:
Only those who taste not of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is
excused." but they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the
river,- He and the faithful ones with him,- they said: "This day We cannot
cope with Goliath and his forces." but those who were convinced that they
must meet God, said: "How oft, by God's will, Hath a small force
vanquished a big one? God is with those who steadfastly persevere."
2-250
When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they
prayed: "Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: Help
us against those that reject faith."
2-251
By God's will they routed them; and David slew Goliath; and
God gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed. And did
not God Check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be
full of mischief: But God is full of bounty to all the worlds.
2-252
These are the Signs of God: we rehearse them to thee in
truth: verily Thou art one of the apostles.