The Noble Qur'an Encyclopedia

O people, fear your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and created from it its mate[1], and from both of them created countless men and women. Fear Allah in Whose name you ask one another, and be mindful of your kinship ties[2], for Allah is ever Watchful over you.

Give orphans their wealth, and do not exchange your bad possessions for their good ones, nor consume their wealth by mixing it with your own; for this is indeed a great sin.

If you fear that you may not maintain justice with orphan girls [by marrying them] then marry women of your choice – two, three, or four[3]; but if you fear that you may not maintain justice, then marry only one, or slave-girls you may own. That is more likely to avoid committing injustice.

Give women their marriage dowries[4] graciously. However, if they waive to you part of it willingly, then enjoy it with a clear conscience.

Do not give the feeble-minded your property, which Allah has made a means of livelihood for you, but feed and clothe them from it, and speak to them kindly.

Test the orphans until they reach a marriageable age. Then if you perceive maturity in them, hand over their property to them[5], and do not consume it extravagantly and hastily, lest they should grow up. If the guardian is well-off, he should restrain himself entirely; but if he is poor, he may take a reasonable provision. When you hand over their property to them, call in witnesses. And Allah is sufficient as a Reckoner.

Men have a share in what parents and relatives leave behind, and women have a share in what parents and relatives leave behind, whether it is little or much; an ordained share[6].

If at the time of distribution, [other] relatives, orphans, and the needy are present, give them something too[7], and speak to them kindly.

And let those [in charge of orphans] be cautious just as they themselves would be concerned had they left helpless offspring behind; let them fear Allah and say words of justice.

Indeed, those who consume the orphans’ property unjustly, only consume fire into their bellies[8], and they will burn in a Blazing Fire.

Allah instructs you concerning [the inheritance of] your children: the share of a male is equal to that of two females. If there are only daughters, two or more, they get two-thirds of the estate, but if there is only one daughter, she gets half. Each parent is entitled to one-sixth if he left offspring, but if he left no offspring and the parents are the only heirs, the mother gets one-third, but if he has siblings, the mother gets one-sixth, after settling any bequests or debts[9]. Your parents and your children, you do not know which of them will benefit you more. [These shares are] ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Your share is half of your wives’ estate if they leave no child; but if they leave a child, you get one-fourth, after settling the bequests or debts. Your wives’ share is one-fourth of your estate if you leave no child, but if you leave a child, they get one-eighth, after settling the bequests or debts. If a man or a woman leaves neither parents nor offspring[10], but has a brother or a sister, each one gets one-sixth[11]; but if they are more than two, they share in one-third, after settling the bequests or debts, without causing harm to the heirs. This is an instruction from Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.

These are the limits [set by] Allah. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will admit him to gardens under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. That is the supreme triumph.

But whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits, He will cause him to enter the Fire, abiding therein forever, and for him there will be a humiliating punishment.

Those of your women who commit adultery, call four witnesses against them[12] from amongst you. If they testify, confine them to their homes until they die or Allah ordains for them [another] way[13].

If two among you commit this [sin], chastise them. Then if they repent and mend their ways, leave them alone[14]. Indeed, Allah is Accepting of Repentance, Most Merciful.

Allah only accepts the repentance of those who commit evil out of ignorance, then repent soon thereafter[15]; it is they to whom Allah will turn in forgiveness, for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

However, repentance is not for those who commit evil deeds until death approaches one of them, he then says, “Now I repent,” nor for those who die as disbelievers; for them We have prepared a painful punishment.

O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to forcibly inherit women, nor to hinder them from marriage, in order to take back some of what you have given them[16] unless they commit a clear adultery. Treat them kindly. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something which Allah has put much good in it.

If you decide to replace one wife with another, and you have given her an abundance of wealth, do not take any of it back. Would you take it wrongfully and sinfully?

How could you take it back after having been intimate with one another, and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?

Do not marry the women whom your fathers married, except what happened in the past: it is indeed a shameful, detestable, and evil practice.

It is prohibited for you [to marry] your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your paternal and maternal aunts, your brother’s daughters, your sister’s daughters, your foster mothers, your foster sisters, your mothers-in-law, your step-daughters under your guardianship if you have consummated the marriage with their mothers – however if you have not consummated the marriage, it is not a sin [to marry them] – nor wives of your own sons, nor two sisters together, except for what happened in the past, for Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Also [prohibited are] married women except for female slaves you may own. This is Allah’s commandment to you. All women other than these are lawful for you to marry with your wealth in a legal marriage, not adultery. When you consummate your marriage with them, give them their due dowries[17]. There is no sin on you to mutually agree after the [initial] agreement. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

But if any of you cannot afford to marry free believing women, you may marry believing bondwomen in your possession. Allah knows best about your faith; you are from one another. Marry them with the permission of their masters and give them their dowries in fairness – provided that they are chaste, neither given to committing fornication nor having secret paramours. If they commit adultery after marriage, they are liable to half of the punishment prescribed for free women[18]. This is for those of you who fear falling into sin; but if you stay patient, it is better for you. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Allah wants to make things clear to you and guide you to the [righteous] ways of those before you, and accept your repentance; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Allah wants to accept your repentance, but those who follow their lusts want you to deviate a massive deviation.

Allah wants to lighten your burdens, for man was created weak.

O you who believe, do not consume one another’s property unlawfully, unless it is trade conducted with your mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves[19] [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is Most Merciful to you.

And whoever does that out of aggression and injustice, We will cast him into the Fire; that is easy for Allah.

If you avoid the major sins[20] which are forbidden to you, We will absolve your [minor] sins and admit you to a noble entrance.

Do not wish for what Allah has bestowed upon some of you over others. Men will have the reward of their deeds and women will have the reward of their deeds. And ask Allah for His bounty[21]. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

For everyone We have appointed heirs to what parents and close relatives leave behind. As for those to whom you have made a pledge, give them their share[22]. Indeed, Allah is Witness over all things.

Men are in charge of women, as Allah has made some of them excel the others, and because they spend of their wealth. Therefore the righteous women are obedient, and protect what Allah has entrusted them with[23] in [their husband’s] absence. As for those women on whose part you fear rebellion[24], [first] admonish them, [next] forsake them in bed, and [last] hit them[25]. Then if they obey you, do not take further action against them. Indeed, Allah is Most High, All-Great.

If you fear a breach between them, appoint an arbitrator from his family and another from hers. If they both want reconciliation, Allah will bring harmony between them. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.

Worship Allah and do not associate any partners with Him. Be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, near and distant neighbors, close friends, wayfarers, and slaves whom you own[26]. For Allah does not like those who are arrogant, boastful,

those who are stingy and promote stinginess among people[27], and conceal what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty. We have prepared for disbelievers a humiliating punishment.

And [also] those who spend their wealth to show off to people, but do not believe in Allah or the Last Day. Whoever[28] takes Satan as an associate has indeed taken an evil associate.

What harm would it do to them to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and spend out of what Allah has provided for them? For Allah is All-Knowing of them.

Allah does not do injustice as much as an atom’s weight[29]. And if it is a good deed, He will multiply it and give from Himself a great reward.

How will it be when We bring a witness from every community, and bring you [O Prophet] as a witness against these [people]?

On that Day, those who disbelieved and disobeyed the Messenger will wish that the earth were leveled upon them. And they will not be able to hide anything from Allah[30].

O you who believe, do not approach the prayer while you are intoxicated[31] until you know what you are saying, nor in a state of major impurity – except while passing through [a mosque] – until you take a bath. If you are ill, or on a journey, or have relieved yourselves, or had intercourse with [your] women and find no water, then purify yourselves with clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with it. For Allah is Ever-Pardoning, All-Forgiving.

Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book – purchasing misguidance and wishing that you lose your way?

But Allah knows best your enemies. Allah is sufficient as a Protector, and Allah is sufficient as a Helper.

Among the Jews are those who distort the words taking them out of context, and say, “We hear and disobey,” and “Hear! May you never hear,” and “Rā‘ina,” [i.e., hearken to us][32] – twisting their tongues and insulting the religion. If they had said, “We hear and obey,” and “Hear,” and “Wait for us,” it would have been better for them and more proper. But Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so only a few of them will believe.

O you who were given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down [to Muhammad] – confirming your own Scriptures – before We obliterate faces turning them backward, or We curse them[33] as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers. For Allah’s will is always executed.

Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him[34], but forgives anything less than that for whom He wills. Whoever associates partners with Allah has indeed committed a grave sin.

Have you not seen those who claim purity for themselves[35]? It is Allah Who purifies whom He wills, and they will not be wronged even as much as the thread on a date stone.

See how they fabricate lies about Allah[36]! This in itself is sufficient as a flagrant sin.

Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, who believe in idols[37] and Tāghoot [i.e., false gods][38], and they say to the disbelievers that they are more guided than the believers[39]?

It is they whom Allah has cursed, and whoever Allah curses, you will never find any helper for him.

Do they have a share in the dominion? Even if so, they would not give people even as much as the speck on a date stone.

Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them[40] out of His bounty? We gave the descendants of Abraham the Book and wisdom[41], and We gave them great authority[42].

Some of them believed in him [i.e., Muhammad], while others turned away from him. Hell is sufficient as a blaze.

Those who reject Our verses, We will cast them into the Fire. Whenever their skins are burnt through, We will replace them with fresh skins, so that they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, We will admit them into gardens under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. They will have therein pure spouses[43], and We will admit them into a cool refreshing shade.

Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their owners, and when you judge between people, judge with justice. What an excellent exhortation from Allah to you! Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and those of you who are in authority[44]. If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day; that is better and more commendable in the end.

Have you not seen [O Prophet] those[45] who claim that they believe in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down before you, yet they seek the judgment of Tāghoot[46] [i.e., false judges][47], even though they were commanded to reject them? Satan wants to lead them far astray.

When it is said to them, “Come to what Allah has sent down and to the Messenger,” you will see the hypocrites turn away from you in aversion.

How will it be when a disaster befalls them because of what their hands have sent forth, then they come to you swearing by Allah, “We intended nothing but good and reconciliation.”

They are those whom Allah knows what is in their hearts; so turn away from them[48], admonish them, and speak to them in a far-reaching effective way.

We did not send any Messenger but to be obeyed by Allah’s permission. If only they had come to you [O Prophet] – after wronging themselves – and had asked Allah for forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked for forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Accepting of Repentance, Most Merciful.

But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they accept you [O Prophet] as judge in their disputes, and find no discomfort within their hearts about your judgments, but accept them wholeheartedly.

If We were to command them, “Kill yourselves”, or “Leave your homes”, they would not do it except for a few of them. But if they did what they were instructed, it would surely be better for them and more reassuring[49],

and then We would certainly give them from Us a great reward,

and would surely guide them to a straight path.

Those who obey Allah and the Messenger will be with those whom Allah has blessed: the prophets, the people of Truth, the martyrs, and the righteous[50]. What excellent companions they are!

That grace is from Allah, and sufficient is Allah as Knower.

O you who believe, take your precautions, then march out in groups or march out all together.

There are some[51] among you who lag behind [from the battle]; then if a calamity befalls you, he will say, “Allah has blessed me that I was not present with them.”

But if some bounty comes to you from Allah[52], he will surely say – as if there had never been any affection between you and him – “Oh, I wish I had been with them, so I could have made a great gain.”

Let those who sacrifice the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in the way of Allah; for whoever fights in the way of Allah, whether he is killed or attains victory, We will give him a great reward.

Why is it that you do not fight in the way of Allah and for the sake of the oppressed men, women, and children who say, “Our Lord, take us out of this town[53] of oppressive people, and grant us from Yourself a protector and grant us from Yourself a helper”?

The believers fight in the way of Allah, whereas the disbelievers fight in the way of Tāghoot[54] [i.e., false gods]. So fight the allies of Satan. Indeed, the scheme of Satan is ever weak.

Have you not seen those who were told, “Restrain your hands [from fighting][55], establish prayer and give zakah”? However, when fighting was ordained for them, a group of them feared people as one should fear Allah or even more. They said, “Our Lord, why have You ordained fighting for us? If only you had spared us for a little while.” Say, “The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah. And you will not be wronged, even as much as a thread of a date stone.

Wherever you are, death will overcome you, even if you are in fortified towers.” If something good happens to them, they say, “This is from Allah,” but if something bad happens to them, they say, “This is from you[56].” Say, “All is from Allah.” What is wrong with these people that they hardly understand any words?

Whatever good happens to you[57] is from Allah, but whatever bad happens to you is from yourself[58]. We have sent you [O Prophet] as a messenger to mankind, and sufficient is Allah as a witness.

Whoever obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah[59]. But anyone who turns away, We have not sent you [O Prophet] as a keeper over them[60].

They say, “We obey you,” but as soon as they leave you, a group of them[61] conspires by night against what you say. Allah records all their plots, so turn away from them, and put your trust in Allah. And sufficient is Allah as a Trustee of Affairs.

Do they not then ponder on the Qur’an[62]? If it had been from anyone other than Allah, they would have surely found in it many discrepancies.

Whenever they hear any news of security or fear, they spread it[63]. If they referred it to the Messenger or to those in authority among them, those with sound judgment among them could know it. Were it not for Allah’s grace and mercy, you would all have followed Satan, except for a few.

So fight in the way of Allah [O Prophet]; you are accountable only for yourself. But urge the believers [to fight]; perhaps Allah will restrain the might of the disbelievers, for Allah is strongest in might and severe in punishment.

Whoever intercedes in a good cause will have a share in its reward, but whoever intercedes in an evil cause will have a share in its burden[64]. And Allah is ever Watchful over all things.

When you are given a greeting, respond with a better greeting or return the same[65]. Indeed, Allah is the Reckoner of all things.

Allah: None has the right to be worshiped except Him. He will surely gather you all on the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt. Who is more truthful in speech than Allah?

What is the matter with you that you are divided into two groups concerning the hypocrites when Allah has reverted them [to disbelief] because of their misdeeds? Do you want to guide those whom Allah has caused to stray? Whoever Allah causes to stray, you will never find a way [to guidance] for him.

They wish that you would disbelieve just as they have disbelieved so that you become all alike. Therefore do not take from them allies unless they migrate for the sake of Allah. But if they turn away, seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and do not take from them any allies or helpers,

except those who join a people with whom you have a treaty[66] or those who come to you feeling discomfort to fight you or fight their own people. If Allah had willed, He would have empowered them to fight you. Therefore if they withdraw and refrain from fighting you and offer you peace, then Allah has not given you permission [to fight] against them.

You will find others who wish to be secure from you and from their own people. Whenever they are tempted back to disbelief, they fall into it. Therefore if they do not withdraw, or offer you peace, or restrain their hands from you, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them; they are those against whom We have given you a clear authority.

It is not for a believer to kill another believer except by mistake. Whoever kills a believer by mistake[67] must free a believing slave and pay blood money to his family, unless they waive it as an act of charity. But if the victim was a believer and belonged to people at war with you, then a believing slave must be freed. If he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty, then blood money must be paid to his family and the freeing of a believing slave. Anyone who is unable must fast for two consecutive months[68] by way of repentance to Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

But anyone who kills a believer deliberately, his punishment will be Hell, abiding therein forever; Allah will be displeased with him and will curse him, and will prepare for him a great punishment[69].

O you who believe, when you go to fight in the way of Allah, make sure [who you fight]; and do not say to someone who offers you the greetings of peace, “You are not a believer”[70] – seeking gains of the life of this world, while Allah has abundant gains. You were in the same position before, then Allah blessed you [with Islam]. Therefore make sure, for Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

Not equal are those believers who stay behind – except those forced by necessity – and those who fight in the way of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has given a higher rank to those who fight with their wealth and their lives than those who stay behind. To each Allah has promised a fine reward[71], but Allah has favored those who fight over those who stay behind with a great reward,

high ranks from Him, and forgiveness and mercy. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

When the angels take the souls of those who have wronged themselves, they will say, “What was the matter with you?” They will say, “We were oppressed in the land.” They will say, “Was not Allah’s earth spacious enough for you to migrate[72]?” They are those whose refuge will be Hell – what a terrible destination!

Except the helpless men, women, and children who have no means nor do they know where to go.

They are those whom Allah may pardon, for Allah is Ever-Pardoning, All-Forgiving.

Whoever emigrates for the sake of Allah will find on earth many places of refuge and abundant provision. Whoever leaves his home emigrating for the cause of Allah and His Messenger, then death overtakes him, his reward has already been secured with Allah. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

When you are traveling through the land, there is no blame on you to shorten the prayer[73], if you fear that the disbelievers may harm you[74]. Indeed, the disbelievers are your open enemy.

When you [O Prophet] are with them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you, carrying their weapons. When they have finished their prostration, let them take their positions in the rear. Then let the other group that has not yet prayed join you in prayer, keeping vigilant and carrying their arms[75]. The disbelievers wish that you would neglect your weapons and belongings, so they could launch on you a surprise attack. But there is no blame on you if you lay down your weapons because of the inconvenience of rain or because you are ill, but take all precautions. Indeed, Allah has prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.

When you have finished the prayer, remember Allah, standing, sitting, or lying down. But when you are safe again, establish regular prayer. Indeed, prayer is prescribed for the believers at specific times.

Do not weaken in pursuit of the enemy. If you are suffering harm, they too are suffering harm just like you; but you hope from Allah what they do not hope. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

We have sent down the Book to you [O Prophet] in truth, so that you may judge between people, in accordance with what Allah has taught you. So do not be an advocate for the deceitful.

And seek forgiveness of Allah[76], for Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Do not argue on behalf of those who betray themselves, for Allah does not like the treacherous and sinful.

They seek to hide from people but they do not seek to hide from Allah, although He is with them when they devise plans to say things that are displeasing to Him[77]. Indeed, Allah encompasses all what they do.

Here you are, you are those who argue on their behalf in the life of this world[78], but who will argue on their behalf before Allah on the Day of Resurrection, or who will be their defender?

Whoever commits evil or wrongs himself, then seeks Allah’s forgiveness will find Allah All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

And whoever commits a sin, only commits it against himself. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

But whoever commits an offense or a sin, then blames it on an innocent person, will surely bear the guilt of slander and flagrant sin[79].

Were it not for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you [O Prophet], a group of them would have tried to mislead you, but they only mislead themselves, nor can they harm you in the least. For Allah has sent down to you the Book and Wisdom[80] and has taught you what you did not know. And the grace of Allah upon you is always great.

There is no good in much of their private talks, except for one who enjoins charity[81], kindness[82], or reconciliation between people. Anyone who does that, seeking Allah’s pleasure, We will give him a great reward.

But whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him, and follows other than the way of the believers, We will leave him to what he has chosen[83], and burn him in Hell[84]. What a terrible destination!

Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but forgives other than that to whom He wills; whoever associates partners with Allah has certainly gone far astray.

They call upon none besides Him except female [idols][85]; they call upon none but a rebellious Satan[86]

whom Allah cursed, who said, “I will surely take hold of a designated portion of Your slaves.

And I will surely mislead them and arouse in them false hopes, and will order them to slit the ears of livestock, and will order them to change Allah’s creation[87].” Whoever takes Satan as a protector instead of Allah has surely suffered a manifest loss.

[Satan] makes promises to them and arouses in them false hopes, but Satan makes no promises to them except delusion[88].

It is they whose abode will be Hell, and they will find no escape from it.

But those who believe and do righteous deeds, We will admit them into gardens under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. Allah’s promise is true. Who is more truthful than Allah in speech?

It is not your wishful thinking or the wishful thinking of the People of the Book that matters[89]; whoever does evil will be recompensed for it, and he will not find besides Allah any protector or helper.

Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer, it is they who will enter Paradise, and they will not be wronged even as much as the speck on a date stone.

Who is better in religion than one who submits himself entirely to Allah, does good, and follows the religion of Abraham, exclusively devoted to Allah? For Allah did take Abraham as a close friend.

To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Indeed, Allah encompasses all things.

They ask you [O Prophet] concerning women. Say, “It is Allah Who gives you a ruling concerning them. It has been recited to you in the Book concerning orphan girls whom you deprive of their prescribed rights [i.e., dowry and inheritance], yet you desire to marry them, and concerning helpless children, and that you should treat orphans with justice. Whatever good you do, Allah is All-Knowing of it.”

If a woman fears ill-treatment or indifference on her husband’s part, there is no blame on them to reach an amicable reconciliation between themselves, for reconciliation is best[90], even though human souls are prone to avarice. If you do good and fear Allah, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

You will never be able to maintain absolute justice between your wives, no matter how keen you are. So do not completely incline to one leaving the other in suspense[91]. If you do what is right and fear Allah, Allah is surely All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

But if they choose to separate, Allah will compensate both out of His abundance[92], for Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Wise.

To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. We have ordered those who were given the Scripture before you, as well as yourselves, to fear Allah. But if you disbelieve, [know that] all that is in the heavens and earth belongs to Allah, and Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.

To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth, and Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs.

If He wills, He can eliminate you altogether, O humans, and replace you with others, for Allah is Most Capable to do that.

Whoever seeks the reward of this world, then with Allah is the reward of this world and of the Hereafter, and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

O you who believe, stand up for justice as witnesses for Allah[93], even against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah takes the best care of both. So do not let your desires to cause you swerve from justice. If you distort your testimony or refuse to give it, then Allah is indeed All-Aware of what you do.

O you who believe, believe[94] in Allah, His Messenger, the Book which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Books which He sent down before. Whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, and the Last Day has indeed gone far astray.

Those who believe then disbelieve, then believe and then again disbelieve, then increase in disbelief – Allah will never forgive them, nor will He guide them to a [straight] way[95].

Give tidings to the hypocrites, that for them there will be a painful punishment,

those who take disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Are they seeking power through them? Indeed, all power belongs to Allah.

He has already sent down to you in the Book that when you hear Allah’s verses being rejected or ridiculed, do not sit with them until they engage in another discourse, or else you will be like them. Indeed, Allah will gather all the hypocrites and disbelievers together in Hell.

[These hypocrites are] those who are waiting and watching[96] to see what happens to you. If Allah grants you victory, they say, “Were we not with you?” But if the disbelievers have some partial [victory], they say, “Did we not take care of you and protect you from the believers?” But Allah will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection[97], and Allah will never give the disbelievers a way to [overcome] the believers.

The hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He Who deceives them. Whenever they stand up for prayer, they stand up reluctantly, only to be seen by people[98], and they do not remember Allah but a little,

wavering in between, neither belonging to these [believers], nor to those [disbelievers][99]. Whomsoever Allah causes to stray, you will never find a way [to guidance] for him.

O you who believe, do not take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do you want to give Allah a clear proof against yourselves?

Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire[100], and you will never find for them any helper,

except those who repent and mend their ways, and hold fast to Allah and devote their religion sincerely to Allah; it is they who will be with the believers, and Allah will give the believers a great reward.

Why would Allah punish you, if you are grateful and faithful? Allah is ever Appreciative, All-Knowing.

Allah does not like offensive words[101] to be said in public except by one who has been wronged. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

If you do something good openly or in secret, or pardon an offense[102], then Allah is indeed Ever-Pardoning, Most Capable.

Those who disbelieve in Allah and His messengers, and wish to make a distinction between Allah and His messengers, and they say, “We believe in some and disbelieve in others,” wishing to adopt a way in between.

It is they who are the true disbelievers, and We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.

But those who believe in Allah and His messengers, and make no distinction between any of them, they will be given their rewards. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

The People of the Book ask you to bring down upon them a Book from heaven[103]. They had asked Moses even greater than that when they said, “Show us Allah openly.” But they were struck with a thunderbolt for their transgression. Then they took the calf for worship after receiving clear signs, yet We pardoned them, and We gave Moses compelling proof.

And We raised above them the Mount [to remind them] of their covenant, and We said to them, “Enter the gate [of Jerusalem] lowering your heads[104]”, and said to them: “Do not break the Sabbath”, and We took from them a solemn covenant.

[They were cursed] for breaking their covenant, rejecting the signs of Allah, killing the prophets unjustly, and for their saying, “Our hearts are wrapped up”. Rather, it is Allah Who has sealed them for their disbelief; so none of them will believe except a few –

and for their disbelief and for their monstrous allegation[105] against Mary,

and for their saying, “We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.” But they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear to them so. Even those who dispute it are in doubt about it; they have no certain knowledge other than conjecture. But they certainly did not kill him.

Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself[106], and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

There will be none from the People of the Book but will believe in him [upon his return] before his death[107], and on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them.

For the wrongdoing of the Jews, We prohibited for them good things[108] that were lawful for them; and for their frequent hindering many from the way of Allah,

and for their taking usury, although it was forbidden to them, and for unjustly consuming people’s wealth. We have prepared for the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.

But those well-grounded in knowledge among them and the believers believe in what has been sent down to you [O Prophet], and what was sent down before you; who establish prayer and give zakah, and believe in Allah and the Last Day – it is they who We will give a great reward.

We have sent revelation to you [O Prophet] just as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. We also sent revelation to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and his descendants, and to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and We gave David the Psalms.

There are messengers whose stories We have already mentioned to you and messengers We have not mentioned to you. And Allah spoke to Moses directly[109].

These messengers were sent as bearers of glad tidings and as warners, so that the people may have no excuse before Allah after [the coming of] the messengers. For Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

But Allah bears witness to what He has sent down to you, as He has sent it down with His knowledge, and the angels bear witness, but sufficient is Allah as a Witness.

Those who disbelieve and prevent others from the way of Allah have gone far astray.

Those who disbelieve and do wrong, Allah will not forgive them nor will He guide them to a way

except the way of Hell, abiding therein forever. And that is easy for Allah.

O people, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, [know that] all that is in the heavens and earth belongs to Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

O People of the Book, do not go to extremes in your religion, and do not say about Allah but the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His Word that He bestowed upon Mary, and a spirit[110] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say “Three” [i.e., Trinity]. Cease; that is better for you. Indeed, Allah is the only One God. Glory be to Him, [far exalted is He] to have a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth, and sufficient is Allah as a Disposer of Affairs.

The Messiah would never disdain to be a slave of Allah, nor would the nearest angels to Him. Those who disdain to worship Him and are arrogant, He will gather them all together before Him.

As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, He will give them their rewards in full and will increase them out of His bounty. But those who disdain and act arrogantly, He will subject them to a painful punishment, and they will not find for themselves any protector or helper besides Allah.

O people, there has come to you conclusive evidence[111] from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light[112].

As for those who believe in Allah and hold fast to Him, He will admit them into His mercy and grace[113], and guide them to Himself through a straight path.

They ask you for a ruling. Say, “Allah gives you a ruling concerning the one leaving neither descendant nor ascendant as heir. If he dies leaving no child but a sister, she will get one-half of the inheritance. Likewise, he will inherit her if she dies leaving behind no descendant. If they are two sisters, they will share two-thirds of the inheritance. Should there be both male and female siblings, then the share of a male is equal to that of two females.”[114] Allah explains it clearly so that you do not fall into error. And Allah is All-Knowing of everything.