# Sura   2 - The Cow

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> SURA II - THE COW  (2) (Medina - 286 Verses)                (XCI - 338)     
>  
>        Elif. Lam. Mim.  No doubt is there about this Book:  It is a guidance to
> the God-fearing.
>  
>        Who believe in the unseen, who observe prayer, and out of what we have
> bestowed on them, expend for God;
>  
>        And who believe in what hath been sent down to thee, and in what hath
> been sent down before thee, and full faith have they in the life to come:
>  
>        These are guided by their Lord; and with these it shall be well.
>  
>        As to the infidels, alike is it to them whether thou warn them or warn
> them not - they will not believe:
>  
>        Their hearts and their ears hath God sealed up; and over their eyes is a
> covering.  For them, a severe chastisement!
>  
>        And some there are who say, "We believe in God, and in the latter day:"
> Yet are they not believers!
>  
>        Fain would they deceive God and those who have believed; but they
> deceive themselves only, and know it not.
>  
>        Diseased are their hearts!  And that disease hath God increased to them.
> Their's a sore chastisement, for that they treated their prophet as a liar!
>  
> 2:10   And when it is said to them, "Cause not disorders in the earth:" they
> say, "Nay, rather do we set them right."
>  
>        Is it not that they are themselves the authors of disorder?  But they
> perceive it not!
>  
>        And when it is said to them, "Believe as other men have believed;" they
> say, "Shall we believe as the fools have believed?"  Is it not that they are
> themselves the fools?  But they know it not!
>  
>        And when they meet the faithful they say, "We believe;" but when they
> are apart with their Satans they say, "Verily we hold with you, and at them we
> only mock."
>  
>        God shall mock at them, and keep them long in their rebellion, wandering
> in perplexity.
>  
>        These are they who have purchased error at the price of guidance:  but
> their traffic hath not been gainful, neither are they guided at all.
>  
>        They are like one who kindleth a fire, and when it hath thrown its light
> on all around him. . . .  God taketh away their light and leaveth them in
> darkness - they cannot see! -
>  
>        Deaf, dumb, blind:  therefore they shall not retrace their steps from
> error!
>  
>        Or like those who, when there cometh a storm-cloud out of the Heaven,
> big with darkness thunder and lightning, thrust their fingers into their ears
> because of the thunder-clap, for fear of death!  God is round about the
> infidels.
>  
>        The lightning almost snatcheth away their eyes!  So oft as it gleameth
> on them they walk on in it, but when darkness closeth upon them, they stop!
> And if God pealed, of their ears and of their eyes would he surely deprive
> them:  - verily God is Almighty!  O men of Mecca adore your Lord, who hath
> created you and those who were before you:  haply ye will fear Him
>  
> 2:20   Who had made the earth a bed for you, and the heaven a covering, and
> hath caused water to come down from heaven, and by it hath brought forth fruits
> for your sustenance!  Do not then wittingly give peers to God.
>  
>        And if ye be in doubt as to that which we have sent down to our servant,
> then produce a Sura like it, and summon your witnesses, beside God, if ye are
> men of truth:
>  
>        But if ye do it not, and never shall ye do it, then fear the fire
> prepared for the infidels, whose fuel is men and stones:
>  
>        But announce to those who believe and do the things that are right, that
> for them are gardens 'neath which the rivers flow!  So oft as they are fed
> therefrom with fruit for sustenance, they say say, "This same was our
> sustenance of old:"  And they shall have its like given to them.  Therein shall
> they have wives of perfect purity, and therein shall they abide for ever.
>  
>        Verily God is not ashamed to set forth as well the instance of a gnat as
> of any nobler object: for as to those who have believed, they know it to be the
> truth from their Lord; but as to the unbelievers, they will say, "What meaneth
> God by this comparison?"  Many will He mislead by such parables and many guide:
> but none will He mislead thereby except the wicked,
>  
>        Who, after its establishment, violate the covenant of God, and but in
> sunder what God hath bidden to be joined, and act disorderly on the Earth.
> These are they who shall suffer loss!
>  
>        How can ye withhold faith from God?  Ye were dead and He gave you life;
> next He will cause you to die; next He will restore you to life: next shall ye
> return to Him!
>  
>        He it is who created for you all that is on Earth, then proceeded to the
> Heaven, and into seven Heavens did He fashion in: and He knoweth all things.
>  
>        When thy Lord said to the angels, "Verily, I am about to place one in my
> stead on earth," they said, "Wilt thou place there one who will do ill therein
> and shed blood, when we celebrate thy praise and extol thy holiness?"  God
> said, "Verily, I know what ye know not."
>  
>        And he taught Adam the names of all things, and then set them before the
> angels, and said, "Tell me the names of these, if ye are endued with wisdom."
>  
> 2:30   They said, "Praise be to Thee!  We have no knowledge but what Thou hast
> given us to know.  Thou!  Thou art the Knowing, the Wise.!
>  
>        He said, "O Adam, inform them of their names."  And when he had informed
> them of their names, He said, "Did I not say to you that I know the hidden
> things of the Heavens and of the Earth, and that I know what ye bring to light,
> and what ye hide?"
>  
>        And when we said to the angels, "Bow down and worship Adam," then
> worshipped they all, save Eblis.  He refused and swelled with pride, and became
> one of the unbelievers.
>  
>        And we said, "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and eat ye
> plentifully therefrom wherever ye list; but to this tree come not nigh, lest ye
> become of the transgressors."
>  
>        But Satan made them slip from it, and caused their banishment from the
> place in which they were.  And we said, "Get ye down, the one of you an enemy
> to the other: and there shall be for you in the earth a dwelling-place, and a
> provision for a time."
>  
>        And words of prayer learned Adam from his Lord: and God turned to him;
> for He loveth to turn, the Merciful.
>  
>        We said, "Get ye down from it, all together: and if Guidance shall come
> to you from me, whoso shall follow my guidance, on them shall come no fear,
> neither shall they be grieved:
>  
>        But they who shall not believe, and treat our signs as falsehoods, these
> shall be inmates of the fires; in it shall they remain for ever."
>  
>        O children of Israel! remember my favour wherewith I shewed favour upon
> you, and be true to your covenant with me; I will be true to my covenant with
> you; me therefore, revere me! and believe in what I have sent down confirming
> your Scriptures, and be not the first to disbelieve it, neither for a mean
> price barter my signs: me therefore, fear ye me!
>  
>        And clothe not the truth with falsehood, and hide not the truth when ye
> know it:
>  
> 2:40   And observe prayer and pay the legal impost, and bow down with those who
> bow.
>  
>        Will ye enjoin what is right upon others, and forget yourselves?  Yet ye
> read the Book: will ye not understand?
>  
>        And seek help with patience and prayer: a hard duty indeed is this, but
> not to the humble,
>  
>        Who bear in mind that they shall meet their Lord, and that unto Him
> shall they return.
>  
>        O children of Israel! remember my favour wherewith I shewed favour upon
> you; for verily to you above all human beings have I been bounteous.
>  
>        And fear ye the day when soul shall not satisfy for soul at all, nor
> shall any intercession be accepted from them, nor shall any ransom be taken,
> neither shall they be helped.
>  
>        And remember when we rescued you for the people of Pharoah, who had laid
> on you a cruel chastisement.  They slew your male children, and let only your
> females live: and in this was a great trial from your Lord:
>  
>        And when we parted the sea for you, and saved you, and drowned the
> people of Pharoah, while ye were looking on:
>  
>        And when we were in treaty with Moses forty nights: then during his
> absence took ye the calf and acted wickedly:
>  
>        Yet after this we forgave you, that ye might be grateful:
>  
> 2:50   And when we gave Moses the Book and the Illumination in order to your
> guidance:
>  
>        And remember when Moses said to his people, "O my people! verily ye have
> sinned to your own hurt, by your taking the calf to worship it:  Be turned then
> to your creator, and slay the guilty among you; this will be best for you with
> your creator:"  Then turned He unto you, for He is the one who turneth, the
> Merciful:
>  
>        And when ye said, "O Moses! we will not believe thee until we see God
> plainly;" the thunderbolt fell upon you while ye were looking on:
>  
>        Then we raised you to life after ye had been dead, that haply ye might
> give thanks:
>  
>        And we caused the clouds to overshadow you, and we sent down manna and
> quails upon you; - "Eat of the good things we have give you for sustenance;" -
> and they injured not us but they injured themselves.
>  
>        And when we said, "Enter this city, and eat therefrom plentifully at
> your will, and enter the gate with prostrations, and say, 'Forgiveness;' and we
> will pardon you your sins, and give an increase to the doers of good:" -
>  
>        But the evil-doers changed that word into another than that spoken to
> them, and we sent down upon those evil-doers wrath from heaven, for that they
> had done amiss:
>  
>        And when Moses asked drink for his people, we said, "Strike the rock
> with thy rod;" and from it there gushed twelve fountains" each tribe knew their
> drinking-place; - "Eat and drink," said we, "of what God hath supplied, and do
> no wrong on the earth by licentious deeds:"
>  
>        And when ye said, "O Moses! we will not put up with one sort of food:
> pray, therefore, thy Lord for us, that He would bring forth for us of that
> which the earth groweth, its herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its
> lentils and its onions:"  He said, "What! will ye exchange that which is worse
> for what is better?  Get ye down into Egypt; - for ye shall have what ye have
> asked:"  Vileness and poverty were stamped upon them, and they returned with
> wrath from God:  This, for that they disbelieved the signs of God, and slew the
> Prophets unjustly: this, for that they rebelled and transgressed!
>  
>        Verily, they were believe (Muslims), and they who follow the Jewish
> religion, and the Christians, and the Sabeites - whoever of these believeth in
> God and the last day, and doeth that which is right, shall have their reward
> with their Lord: fear shall not come upon them, neither shall they be grieved.
>  
> 2:60   Call to mind also when we entered into a covenant with you, and lifted
> up the mountain over you: - "Take hold," said we, "on what we have revealed to
> you, with resolution, and remember what is therein, that ye may fear:"
>  
>        But after this ye turned back, and but for God's grace and mercy toward
> you, ye had surely been of the lost!  Ye know too those of you who transgressed
> on the Sabbath and to whom we said, "Be changed into scouted apes;"
>  
>        And we made them a warning to those of their day, and to those who came
> after them, and a caution to the God-fearing:
>  
>        And when Moses said to his people, "Verily, God bids you sacrifice a
> cow; they said, "Makest thou a jest of us?" He said, "God keep me from being
> one of the foolish." They said, "Call on thy Lord for us that He would make
> plain to us what she is." He said, "God saith, 'She is a cow neither old nor
> young, but of the middle age - between the two:' do therefore what ye are
> bidden."
>  
>        They said, "Call on your Lord for us, that he would make plain to us
> what is her colour." He said, "God saith, 'She is a fawn-coloured cow; her
> colour is very bright; she rejoiceth the beholders.'"
>  
>        They said, "Call on they [sic] Lord for us that He would make plain to
> us what cow it is - for to us are cows alike, - and verily, if God please, we
> shall be guided rightly;"
>  
>        He said, "God saith, 'She is a cow not worn by ploughing the earth or
> watering the field, sound, no blemish in her.'"  They said, "Now hast thou
> brought the truth:"  Then they sacrificed her; Yet nearly had they done it not:
>  
>        And when ye slew a man, and strove among yourselves about hiom, God
> brought to light what he had hidden:
>  
>        For we said, "Strike the corpse with part of her."  So God giveth life
> to the dead, and sheweth you his signs, that haply ye may understand.
>  
>        Then after that your hearts became hard like rocks, or harder still; for
> verily, from rocks have rivers gushed; others, verily, have been cleft, and
> water hath issued from them; and others, verily, have sunk down through fear of
> God:  And God is not regardless of your actions.
>  
> 2:70   Desire ye then that for your sakes the Jews should believe?  Yet a part
> of them heard the word of God, and then, after they had understood it;
> perverted, and knew that they did so.
>  
>        And when they fall in with the faithful, they say, "We believe;" but
> when they are apart one with another, they say, "Will ye acquaint them with
> what God hath revealed to you, that they may dispute with you about it in the
> presence of your Lord?" Understand ye their aim?
>  
>        Know they not that God knoweth what they hide, as well as what they
> bring to light?
>  
>        But there are illiterates among them who are unacquainted with the Book,
> but with lies only, and have but vague fancies.  Woe to those who with their
> own hands transcribe the Book corruptly, and then say, "This is from God," that
> they may sell it for some mean price!  Woe then to them for that which their
> hands have written! and, Woe to them for the gains which they have made!
>  
>        And they said, "Hell fire shall not touch us, but for a few days:"  Say:
> Have ye received such a promise from God? for God will not revoke his promise:
> or, Speak ye of God that which ye know not?
>  
>        But they whose only gains are evil works, and who are environed by their
> sins, - they shall be inmates of the fire, therein to abide for ever:
>  
>        But they who have believed and done the things that be right, they shall
> be the inmates of Paradise, - therein to abide for ever.
>  
>        And when we entered into covenant with the children of Israel, we said,
> "Worship none but God, and be good to your parents and kindred, and to orphans,
> and to the poor, and speak with men what is right, and observe prayer, and pay
> the stated alms."  Then turned ye away, except a few of you, and withdrew afar
> off.
>  
>        And when we made a covenant with you that ye should not shed your own
> blood, nor expel one another from your abodes, then ye ratified it and
> yourselves were witnesses.
>  
>        Then were ye the very persons who slew one another; and ye drove out a
> part of your own people from their abodes; ye lent help against them with wrong
> and hatred; but if they come captives to you, ye redeem them! - Yet it was
> forbidden you to drive them out.  Believe ye then part of the Book, and deny
> part?  But what shall be the meed of him among you who doth this, but shame in
> this life?  And on the day of the Resurrection they shall be sent to the most
> cruel of torments, for God is not regardless of what ye do.
>  
> 2:80   These are they who purchase this present life at the price of that which
> is to come; their torment shall not be lightened, neither shall they be helped.
>  
>        Moreover, to Moses gave we "the Book," and we raised up apostles after
> him; and to Jesus, son of Mary, gave we clear proofs of his mission, and
> strengthened him by the Holy Spirit.  So oft then as an apostle cometh to you
> with that which your souls desire not, swell ye with pride, and treat some as
> impostors, and slay others?
>  
>        And they say, "Uncircumcised are our hearts."  Nay! God hath cursed them
> in their infideility: few are they who believe!
>  
>        And when a Book had come to them from God, confirming that which they
> had received already - although they had before prayed for victory over those
> who believed not - yet when that Koran come to them, of which they had
> knowledge, they did not recognise it.  The curse of God on the infidels!
>  
>        For a vile price have they sold themselves, by not believing what God
> hath sent down, envious of God's sending down his grace on such of his servants
> as he pleaseth:  and they have brought on themselves wrath upon wrath.  And for
> the unbelievers is a disgraceful chastisement.
>  
>        And when it is said to them, "Believe in what God hath sent down," they
> say, "In that which hath been sent down to us we believe:" but what hath since
> been sent down they disbelieve, although it be the truth confirmatory of their
> own Scriptures.  Say:  Why then have ye of old slain God's prophets, if ye are
> indeed believers?
>  
>        Moreover, Moses came unto you with proofs of his mission.  Then in his
> absence ye took the calf for your God, and did wickedly.
>  
>        And when we accepted your covenant, and uplifted the mountain over you,
> we said, "Take firm hold on what we have given you, and hearken." They said,
> "We have hearkened and have rebelled:" then were they made to drink down the
> calf into their hearts for their ingratitude. Say:  A bad thing hath your faith
> commanded you, if ye be indeed believers.
>  
>        Say:  If the future dwelling place with God be specially for you, but
> not for the rest of mankind, then wish for death, if ye are sincere:
>  
>        But never can they wish it, because of that which their own hands have
> sent on before them!  And God knoweth the offenders.
>  
> 2:90   And thou wilt surely find them of all men most covetous of life, beyond
> even the polytheists.  To be kept alive a thousand years might one of them
> desire: but that he may be preserved alive, shall no one reprieve himself from
> the punishment!  And God seeth what they do.
>  
>        Say:  Whoso is the enemy of Gabriel - For he it is who by God's leave
> hath caused the Koran to descend on thy heart, the confirmation of previous
> revelations, and guidance, and good tidings to the faithful -
>  
>        Whoso is an enemy to God or his angels, or to Gabriel, or to Michael,
> shall have God as his enemy: for verily God is an enemy to the Infidels.
>  
>        Moreover, clear signs have we sent down to thee, and one will disbelieve
> them but the perverse.
>  
>        Oft as they have formed an engagement with thee, will some of them set
> it aside?  But most of them believe not.
>  
>        And when there came to them an apostle from God, affirming the previous
> revelations made to them, some of those to whom the Scriptures were given,
> threw the Book of God behind their backs as if they knew it not:
>  
>        And they followed what the Satans read in the reign of Solomon: not that
> Solomon was unbelieving, but the Satans were unbelieving.  Sorcery did they
> teach to men, and what had been revealed to the two angels, Harut and Marut, at
> Babel.  Yet no man did these two teach until they had said "We are only a
> temptation.  Be not then an unbeliever."  From these two did men learn how to
> cause divisions between man and wife: but unless by leave of God, no man did
> they harm thereby.  They learned, indeed, what would harm and not profit them;
> and yet they knew that he who bought that art should have no part in the life
> to come!  And vile the price for which they have sold themselves, - if they had
> but known it!
>  
>        But had they believed and feared God, better surely would have been the
> reward from God, - if they had but known it!
>  
>        O ye who believe! say not to our apostle, "Raina" (Look at us); but say,
> "Ondhorna" (Regard us).  And attend to this; for, the Infidels shall suffer a
> grievous chastisement.
>  
>        The unbelievers among the people of the Book, and among the dilators,
> desire not that any good should be sent down to you from your Lord: but God
> will shew His special mercy to whom He will, for He is of great bounty.
>  
> 2:100  Whatever verses we cancel, or cause thee to forget, we bring a better or
> its like.  Knowest thou not that God hath power over all things?
>  
>        Knowest thou not that the dominion of the Heavens and of the Earth is
> God's? and that ye have neither patron nor helper, save God?
>  
>        Would ye ask of your apostle what of old was asked of Moses?  But he who
> exchangeth faith for unbelief, hath already erred from the even way.
>  
>        Many of the people of the Book desire to bring you back to unbelief
> after ye have believed, out of selfish envy, even after the truth hath been
> clearly shown them.  But forgive them, and shun them till God shall come in
> with His working.  Truly God hath power over all things.
>  
>        And observe prayers and pay the legal impost: and whatever good thing ye
> have sent on before for your soul's sake, ye shall find it with God.  Verily
> God seeth what ye do.
>  
>        And they say, "None but Jews or Christians shall enter Paradise:"  This
> is their wish,.  Say:  Give your proofs if ye speak the truth.
>  
>        But they who set their race with resignation Godward, and do what is
> right, - their reward is with their Lord; no fear shall come on them, neither
> shall they be grieved.
>  
>        Moveover, the Jews say, "The Christians lean on nought:" "On nought lean
> the Jews," say the Christians:  Yet both are readers of the Book. So with like
> words say they who have no knowledge.  But on the resurrection day, God shall
> judge between them as to that in which they differ.
>  
>        And who committeth a greater wrong than he who hindereth God's name from
> being remember in his temples, and who hasteth to ruin them?  such men cannot
> enter them but with fear.  Their's is shame in this world, and a severe torment
> in the next.
>  
>        The East and the West is God's: therefore, whichever way ye turn, there
> is the face of God:  Truly God is immense and knoweth all.
>  
> 2:110  And they say, "God hath a son:"  No!  Praise be to Him!  But - His,
> whatever is in the Heavens and the Earth!  All obeyeth Him,
>  
>        Sole maker of the Heavens and the Earth!  And when He decreeth a thing,
> He only saith to it, "Be," and it is.
>  
>        And they who have no knowledge say, "Unless God speak to us, or thou
> shew us a sign.  . .!" So, with like words, said those who were before them:
> their hearts are alike:  Clear signs have we already shewn for those who have
> firm faith:
>  
>        Verily, with the Truth have we sent thee, a bearer of good tidings and a
> warner: and of the people of Hell thou shalt not be questioned.
>  
>        But until thou follow their religion, neither Jews nor Christians will
> be satisfied with thee.  Say:  Verily, guidance of God, - that is the guidance!
> And if, after "the Knowledge" which hath reached thee, thou follow their
> desires, thou shalt find neither helper nor protector against God.
>  
>        They to whom we have given the Book, and who read it as it ought to be
> read, - these believe therein: but whoso believeth not therein, shall meet with
> perdition.
>  
>        O children of Israel! remember my favour wherewith I have favoured you,
> and that high above all mankind have I raised you:
>  
>        And dread the day when not in aught shall soul satisfy for soul, nor
> shall any ransom be taken from it, nor shall any intercession avail, and they
> shall not be helped.
>  
>        When his Lord made trial of Abraham by commands which he fulfilled, He
> said, "I am about to make thee an Imam to mankind:" he said, "Of my offspring
> also:"  "My covenant," said God, "embraceth not the evil doers."
>  
>        And remember when we appointed the Holy House as man's resort and safe
> retreat, and said, "Take ye the station of Abraham for a place of prayer:"  And
> we commanded Abraham and Ismael, "Purify my house for those who shall go in
> procession round it, and those who shall abide there for devotion, and those
> who shall bow down and prostrate themselves."
> 120  And when Abraham said, "Lord! make this secure land, and supply its people
> with fruits, such of them as believe in God and in the last day:"  He said,
> "And whoso believeth not, for a little while will I bestow good things on him;
> then will I drive him to the torment of the Fire!"  An ill passage!
>  
>        And when Abraham, with Ismael, raised the foundations of the House, they
> said, "O our Lord! accept it from us; for thou art the Hearer, the Knower.
>  
>        O our Lord! make us also Muslims, and our posterity a Muslim people; and
> teach us our holy rites, and be turned towards us, for thou art He who turneth,
> the Merciful.
>  
>        O our Lord!  raise up among them an apostle who may rehearse thy signs
> unto them, and teach them the 'Book,' and Wisdom, and purify them:  for thou
> art the Mighty, the Wife."
>  
>        And who but he that hath debased his soul to folly will mislike the
> faith of Abraham, when we have chosen him in this world, and in the the world
> to come he shall be of the Just?
>  
>        When his Lord said to him, "Resign thyself to me," he said, "I resign
> myself to the Lord of the Worlds."
>  
>        And this to this children did Abraham bequeath, and Jacob also, saying,
> "O my children!  truly God hath chosen a religion for you; so die not unless ye
> be also Muslims."
>  
>        Were ye present when Jacob was at the point of death?  when he said to
> his sons, "Whom will ye worship when I am gone?" They said, "We will worship
> thy God and the God of thy fathers Abraham and Ismael and Isaac, one God, and
> to Him are we surrendered (Muslims)."
>  
>        That people have now passed away; they have the reward of their deeds,
> and ye shall have the meed of yours: but of their doings ye shall not be
> questioned.
>  
>        They say, moreover, "Become Jews or Christians that ye may have the true
> guidance."  Say:  Nay! the religion of Abraham, the sound in faith, and not one
> of those who join gods with God!
>  
> 2:130  Say ye:  "We believe in God, and that which hath been sent down to us,
> and that which hath been sent down to Abraham and Ismael and Isaac and Jacob
> and the tribes:  and that which hath been given to Moses and to Jesus, and that
> which was given to the prophets from their Lord.  No difference do we make
> between any of them:  and to God are we resigned (Muslims)."
>  
>        If therefore they believe even as ye believe, then have they true
> guidance; but if they turn back, then do they cut themselves off from you: and
> God will suffice to protect thee against them, for He is the Hearer, the
> Knower.
>  
>        Islam is the Baptism of God, and who is better to baptise than God?  And
> Him do we serve.
>  
>        Say:  Will ye dispute with us about God? when He is our Lord and your
> Lord!  We have our works and ye have your works; and we are sincerely His.
>  
>        Will ye say, "Verily Abraham, and Ismael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the
> tribes, were Jews or Christians?"  Say: Who knoweth best, ye, or God?  And who
> is more in fault than he who concealeth the witness which he hath from God?
> But God is not regardless of what ye do.
>  
>        That people have now passed away:  they have the reward of their deeds,
> and for you is the meed of yours; but of their doings ye shall not be
> questioned.
>  
>        The foolish ones will say, "What hath turned them from the kebla which
> they used?"  Say:  The East and the West are God's  He guided whom he will into
> the right path.
>  
>        Thus have we made you a central people, that ye may be witnesses in
> regard to mankind, and that the apostle may be a witness in regard to you.
>  
>        We appointed the kebla which thou formerly hadst, only that we might
> know him who followeth the apostle, from him who turneth on his heels:  The
> change is a difficulty, but not to those whom God hath guided.  But God will
> not let your faith be fruitless; for unto man is God Merciful, Gracious.
>  
>        We have seen thee turning thy face towards every part of Heaven; but we
> will have thee turn to a kebla which shall please thee.  Turn then thy face
> towards the sacred Mosque, and wherever ye be, turn your faces towards that
> part.  They, verily, to whom "the Book" hath been given, know this to be the
> truth from their Lord:  and God is not regardless of what ye do.
>  
> 2:140  Even thou thou shouldst bring every kind of sign to those who have
> received the Scriptures, yet thy kebla they will not adopt; nor shalt thou
> adopt their kebla; nor will one part of them adopt the kebla of the other.  And
> if, after the knowledge which hath come to thee, thou follow their wishes,
> verily then will thou become of the unrighteous.
>  
>        They to whom we have given the Scriptures know him - the apostle - even
> as they know their own children: but truly a part of them do conceal the truth,
> though acquainted with it.
>  
>        The truth is from thy Lord.  Be not then of those who doubt.
>  
>        All have a quarter of the Heavens to which they turn them; but wherever
> ye be, hasten emulously after good:  God will one day bring you all together;
> verily, God is all-powerful.
>  
>        And from whatever place thou comest forth, turn thy face toward the
> sacred Mosque; for this is the truth from thy Lord; and God is not inattentive
> to your doings.
>  
>        And from whatever place thou comest forth, turn thy face toward the
> sacred Mosque; and wherever ye be, to that part turn your faces, lest men have
> cause of dispute against you:  but as for the impious among them, fear them
> not; but fear me, that I may perfect my favours on you, and that ye may be
> guided aright.
>  
>        And we sent to you an apostle from among yourselves to rehearse our
> signs unto you, and to purify you, and to instruct you in "the Book," and in
> the wisdom, and to teach you that which ye knew not:
>  
>        Therefore remember me:  I will remember you; and give me thanks and be
> not ungrateful.
>  
>        O ye who believe!  seek help with patience and with prayer, for God is
> with the patient.
>  
>        And say not of those who are slain on God's path that they are Dead; nay
> they are Living!  But ye understand not.
>  
> 2:150  With somewhat of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth, and lives, and
> fruits, will we surely prove you: but bear good tidings to the patient,
>  
>        Who when a mischance chanceth them, say, "Verily we are God's, and to
> Him shall we return:"
>  
>        On them shall be blessings from their Lord, and mercy: and these! - they
> are rightly guided.
>  
>        Verily, Safe and Marwah are among the monuments of God: whoever then
> maketh a pilgrimage to the temple, or visiteth it, shall not be to blame if he
> go round about them both.  And as for him who of his own accord doeth what is
> good - God is Grateful, Knowing.
>  
>        They who conceal aught that we have sent down, either of clear proof or
> of guidance, after what we have so clearly shewn to men in the Book, God shall
> curse them, and they who curse shall curse them.
>  
>        But as for those who turn to me, and amend and make known the truth,
> even unto them will I turn me, for I am He who Turneth, the Merciful.
>  
>        Verily, they who are infidels and die infidels - these! upon them shall
> be the malison of God and of angels and of all men:
>  
>        Under it shall they remain for ever: their torment shall not be
> lightened, and God will not even look upon them!
>  
>        Your God is one God: there is no God but He, the Compassionate, the
> Merciful.
>  
>        Assuredly in the creation of the Heavens and of the Earth; and in the
> alternation of night and day; and in the ships which pass through the sea with
> what is useful to men; and in the rain which God sendeth down from Heaven,
> giving life by it to the earth after its death, and by scattering over it all
> kinds of cattle; and in the change of the winds, and in the clouds that are
> made to do serve between the Heaven and the Earth; - are signs for those who
> understand.
>  
> 2:160  Yet there are men who take to them idols along with God, and love them
> with the love of God:  But stronger in the faithful is the love of God.  Oh!
> the impious will see, when they see their chastisement, that all power is
> God's, and that God is severe in chastising.
>  
>        When those who have had followers shall declare themselves clear from
> their followers after that they have seen the chastisement, and when the ties
> between them shall be cut asunder;
>  
>        The followers shall say, "Could we but return to life we would keep
> ourselves clear from them, as they have declared themselves clear of us."  So
> will God shew them their works!  Sighing is upon them! but, forth from the fire
> they come not.
>  
>        Oh men! eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, but follow
> not the steps of Satan, for he is your avowed enemy:
>  
>        He only enjoineth you evil and wickedness, and that ye should aver of
> God that which ye know not.
>  
>        And when it is said to them, "Follow ye that which God hath sent down:"
> they say, "Nay, we follow the usages which we found with our fathers."  What!
> though their fathers were utterly ignorant and devoid of guidance?
>  
>        The infidels resemble him who shouteth aloud to one who heareth no more
> than a call and cry!  Deaf, dumb, blind: therefore they have no understanding.
>  
>        O ye who believe! eat of the good things with which we have supplied
> you, and give God thanks if ye are His worshippers.
>  
>        But that which dieth of itself, and blood, and swine's flesh, and that
> over which any other name than that of God hath been invoked, is forbidden
> you.  But he who shall partake of them by constraint, without lust of
> wilfulness, no sin shall be upon him.  Verily God is Indulgent, Merciful.
>  
>        They truly who hide the Scriptures which God hath sent down, and barter
> them for a mean price - these shall swallow into their bellies nought by fire.
> God will not speak to them, or assoil them, on the day of the Resurrection: and
> theirs shall be a grievous torment.
>  
> 2:170  These are they who have bartered guidance for error, and pardon for
> torment; But how great their endurance in fire!
>  
>        This shall be their doom, because God had sent down "the Book" with the
> very truth.  And verily they who dispute about that Book are in a far-gone
> severance from it.
>  
>        There is no piety in turning your faces toward the east or the west, but
> he is pious who believeth in God, and the last day, and the angels, and the
> Scriptures, and the prophets; who for the love of God disburseth his wealth to
> his kindred, and to the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and those who
> ask, and for ransoming; who observeth prayer, and payetgh the legal alms, and
> who is of those who are faithful to their engagements when they have engaged in
> them, and patient under ills and hardships, and in time of trouble: these are
> they who are just, and these are they who fear the Lord.
>  
>        O believers!  retaliation for bloodshedding is prescribed to you:  the
> free man for the free, and the slave for the slave, and the woman for the
> woman:  but he to whom his brother shall make any remission, is to be dealt
> with equitably; and to him should he pay a fine with liberality.
>  
>        This is a relaxation from your Lord and a mercy.  For him who after this
> shall transgress, a sore punishment!
>  
>        But in this law of retaliation is your security for life, O men of
> understanding! to the intent that ye may fear God.
>  
>        It is prescribed to you, when any one of you is at the point of death,
> if he leave goods, that he bequeath equitably to his parents and kindred.  This
> is binding on those who fear God.  But as for him who after he hath heard the
> bequest shall change it, surely the wrong of this shall be on those who change
> it:  verily, God Heareth, Knoweth.
>  
>        But he who feareth from the testator any mistake or wrong, and shall
> make a settlement between the parties - that shall be no wrong in him:  verily,
> God is Lenient, Merciful.
>  
>        O believers!  a Fast is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those
> before you, that ye may fear God.
>  
> 2:180  For certain days.  But he among you who shall be sick, or on a journey,
> shall fast that same number of other days: and as for those who are able to
> keep it and yet break it, the expiation of this shall be the maintenance of a
> poor man.  And he who of his own accord performeth a good work, shall derive
> good from it: and good shall it be for you to fast - if ye knew it.
>  
>        As to the month Ramadhan in which the Koran was sent down to be man's
> guidance, and an explanation of that guidance, and of that illumination, as
> soon as any one of you observeth the moon, let him set about the fast; but he
> who is sick, or upon a journey, shall fast a like number of other days.  God
> wisheth you ease, but wisheth not your discomfort, and that you fulfil the
> number of days, and that you glorify God for his guidance, and that you be
> thankful.
>  
>        And when my servants ask thee concerning me, then will I be nigh unto
> them.  I will answer the cry of him that crieth, when he crieth unto me: but
> let them hearken unto me, and believe in me, that they may proceed aright.
>  
>        You are allowed on the night of the fast to approach your wives:  they
> are your garment and ye are their garment.  God knoweth that ye defraud
> yourselves therein, so He turneth unto you and forgiveth you!  Now, therefore,
> go in unto them with full desire for that which God hath ordained for you; and
> eat and drink until ye can discern a white thread from a black thread by the
> daybreak:  then fast strictly till night, and go not in unto them, but rather
> pass the time in the Mosques.  These are the bounds set up by God:  therefore
> come not near them.  Thus God maketh his signs clear to men that they may fear
> Him.
>  
>        Consume not your wealth among yourselves in vain things, nor present it
> to judges that ye may consume a part of other men's wealth unjustly, while ye
> know the sun which ye commit.
>  
>        They will ask thee of the new moons.  Say:  They are periods fixed for
> man's service and for the Pilgrimage.  There is no piety in entering your
> houses at the back, but piety consists in the fear of God.  Enter your houses
> then by their doors; and fear God that it may be well with you.
>  
>        And fight for the cause of God against those who fight against you:  but
> commit not the injustice of attacking them first:  God loveth not such
> injustice:
>  
>        And kill them wherever ye shall find them, and eject them from whatever
> place they have ejected you; for civil discord is worse than carnage:  yet
> attack them not at the sacred Mosque, unless they attack you therein; but if
> they attack you, slay them.  Such the reward of the infidels.
>  
>        But if they desist, then verily God is Gracious, Merciful.
>  
>        Fight therefore against them until there be no more civil discord, and
> the only worship be that of God:  but if they desist, then let there be no
> hostility, save against the wicked.
>  
> 2:190  The sacred month and the sacred precincts are under the safeguard of
> reprisals:  whoever offereth violence to you, offer ye the like violence to
> him, and fear God, and know that God is with those who fear Him.
>  
>        Give freely for the cause of God, and throw not yourselves with your own
> hands into ruin; and do good, for God loveth those who do good.
>  
>        Accomplish the Pilgrimage and the Visitation of the holy places in
> honour of God:  and if ye be hemmed in by foes, send whatever offering shall be
> the easiest:  and shave not your heads until the offering reach the place of
> sacrifice.  But whoever among you is sick, or hath an ailment of the head, must
> satisfy by fasting, or alms, or an offering.  And when ye are safe from foes,
> he who contents himself with the Visitation of the holy places, until the
> Pilgrimage, shall bring whatever offering shall be the easiest.  But he who
> findeth nothing to offer, shall fast three days in the Pilgrimage itself, and
> seven days when ye return:  they shall be ten days in all. This is binding on
> him whose family shall not be present at the sacred Mosque.  And fear God, and
> know that God is terrible in punishing.
>  
>        Let the Pilgrimage be made in the months already known:  whoever
> therefore undertaketh the Pilgrimage therein, let him not know a woman, nor
> transgress, nor wrangle in the Pilgrimage.  The good which ye do, God knoweth
> it.  And provide for your journey; but the best provision is the fear of God:
> fear me, then, O men of understanding!
>  
>        It shall be no crime in you if ye seek an increase from your Lord; and
> when ye pour swiftly on from Arafat, then remember God near the holy monument;
> and remember Him, because He hath guided you who before this were of those who
> went astray.
>  
>        Then pass on quickly where the people quickly pass, and ask pardon of
> God, for God is Forgiving, Merciful.
>  
>        And when ye have finished your holy rites, remember God as ye remember
> your own fathers, or with a yet more intense remembrance!  some men there are
> 
> who say, "O our Lord! give us our portion in this world:" but such shall have
> no portion in the next life:
>  
>        And some say, "O our Lord! give us good in this world and good in the
> next, and keep us from the torment of the fire."
>  
>        They shall have the lot which they have merited:  and God is swift to
> reckon.
>  
>        Bear God in mind during the stated days:  but if any haste away in two
> days, it shall be no fault in him:  And if any tarry longer, it shall be no
> fault in him, if he fear God.  Fear God, then, and know that to Him shall ye be
> gathered.
>  
> 2:200  A man there is who surpriseth thee by his discourse concerning this life
> present.  He taketh God to witness what is in his heart; yet is he the most
> zealous in opposing thee:
>  
>        And when he turneth his back on thee, he runneth through the land to
> enact disorders therein, and layeth waste the fields and flocks:  but God
> loveth not the disorder.
>  
>        And when it is said to him, "Fear God," the pride of sin seizeth him:
> but he shall have his fill of Hell; and right wretched the couch!
>  
>        A man, too, there is who selleth his very self out of desire to please
> God:  and God is good to his servants.
>  
>        O believers! enter completely into the true religion, and follow not the
> steps of Satan, for he is your declared enemy.
>  
>        But if ye lapse after that our clear signs have come to you, know that
> God is Mighty, Wise.
>  
>        What can such expect but that God should come down to them overshadowed
> with clouds, and the angels also, and their doom be sealed?  And to God shall
> all things return.
>  
>        Ask the children of Israel how many clear signs we have given them.  But
> if any man shall alter the boon of God after it shall have reached him,
> assuredly God will be vehement in punishing him.
>  
>        This present life is prepared for those who believe not, and who mock at
> the faithful.  But they who fear God shall be above them on the day of
> resurrection; and God is bounteous without measure to whom He will.
>  
>        Mankind was but one people; and God sent prophets to announce glad
> tidings and to warn; and He sent down with them the Book of Truth, that it
> might decide the disputes of men; and none disputed but those to whom the Book
> had been given, after the clear tokens had reached them, - being full of mutual
> jealousy.  And God guided those who believed to the truth of that about which,
> by his permission, they had disputed; for God guideth whom he pleaseth into the
> straight path.
>  
> 2:210  Think ye to enter Paradise, when no such things have come upon you, as
> on those who flourish before you?  Ills and troubles tried them; and so tossed
> were they by trials, that the Apostle and they who shared his faith, said,
> "When will the help of God come?" - Is not the help of God nigh?
>  
>        They will ask thee what they shall bestow in alms.  Say:  Let the good
> which ye bestow be for parents, and kindred, and orphans, and the poor, and the
> wayfarer; and whatever good ye do, of a truth God knoweth.
>  
>        War is prescribed to you:  but from this ye are averse.
>  
>        Yet haply he are averse from a thing, though it be good for good, and
> haply ye love a thing through it be ad for you:  And God knoweth; but ye, ye
> know not.
>  
>        They will ask thee concerning war in the Sacred Month.  Say:  To war
> therein is bad, but to turn aside from the cause of God, and to have no faith
> in Him, and in the Sacred Temple, and to drive out its people, is worse in the
> sight of God; and civil strive is worse than bloodshed.  They will not cease to
> war against you until they turn you from your religion, if they be able:  but
> whoever of you shall turn from his religion and die an infidel, their works
> shall be fruitless in this world, and in the next:  they shall be consigned to
> the fire; therein to abide for aye.
>  
>        But they who believe, and fly their country, and fight in the cause of
> God may hope for God's mercy:  and God is Gracious, Merciful.
>  
>        They will ask thee concerning wine and games of chance.  Say:  In both
> is great sin, and advantage also, to men; but their sin is greater than their
> advantage.  They will ask thee also what they shall bestow in alms.
>  
>        Say:  What ye can spare.  Thus God sheweth you his signs that ye may
> ponder
>  
>        On this present world, and on the next.  They will also ask thee
> concerning orphans.  Say:  Fair dealing with them is best;
>  
>        But if ye mix yourselves up (in their affairs) - they are your brethren:
> God knoweth the foul dealer from the fair; and, if god pleased, he could indeed
> afflict you!  Verily, God is Mighty, Wise.
>  
> 2:220  Marry not idolatresses until their believe; a slave who believeth is
> better than an idolatress, though she please you more.  And wed not your
> daughters to idolaters until they believe; for a slave who is a believer, is
> than better [sic] an idolater, though he please you.
>  
>        They invite to the Fire; but God inviteth to Paradise, and to pardon, if
> he so will, and maketh clear his signs to men that they may remember.
>  
>        They will also question thee as to the courses of women.  Say:  They are
> a pollution.  Separate yourselves therefore from women and approach them not,
> until they be cleansed.  But when they are cleansed, go in unto them as God
> hath ordained for you.  Verily God loveth those who turn to Him, and loveth
> those who seek to be clean.
>  
>        Your wives are your field:  go in, therefore, to your field as ye will;
> but do first some act for your souls' [sic] good:  and fear ye God, and know
> that ye must meet Him; and bear these good tidings to the faithful.
>  
>        Swear not by God, when ye make oath, that ye will be virtuous and fear
> God, and promote peace among men; for God is He who Heareth, Knoweth.
>  
>        God will not punish you for a mistake in your oaths:  but He will punish
> you for that which your hearts have done.  God is Gracious, Merciful.
>  
>        They who intend to abstain from their wives shall wait four months; but
> if they go back from their purpose, then verily God is Gracious, Merciful.
>  
>        And if they resolve on a divorce, then verily God is He who Heareth,
> Knoweth.
>  
>        The divorced shall wait the result, until they have had their courses
> thrice, nor ought they to conceal what God hath created in their wombs, if they
> believe in God and the last day; and it will be more just in their husbands to
> bring them back when in this state, if they desire what is right.  And it is
> for the women to act as they (the husbands) act by them, in all fairness; but
> the mean are a step above them.  God is Mighty, Wise.
>  
>        Ye may divorce your wives twice:  Keep them honourably, or put them away
> with kindness.  But it is not allowed you to appropriate to yourselves aught
> of what ye have given to them unless both fear that they cannot keep within the
> bounds set up by God.  And if ye fear that they cannot observe the ordinances
> of God, no blame shall attach to either of you for what the wife shall herself
> give for her redemption.  These are the bounds of God:  therefore overstep them
> not; for whoever oversteppeth the bounds of God, they are evil doers.
>  
> 2:230  But if the husband divorce her a third time, it is not lawful for him to
> take her again, until she shall have married another husband; and if he also
> divorce her, then shall no blame attach to them if they return to each other,
> thinking that they can keep within the bounds fixed by God.  And these are the
> bounds of God; He maketh them clear to those who have knowledge.
>  
>        But when ye divorce women, and the time for sending them away is come,
> either retain them with generosity, or put them away with generosity:  but
> retain them not by constraint so as to be unjust towards them.  He who doth so,
> doth in fact injure himself.  And make not the signs of God a jest; but
> remember God's favour toward you, and the Book and the Wisdom which He hath
> sent down to you for your warning, and fear God, and know that God's knowledge
> embraceth everything.
>  
>        And when ye divorce your wives, and they have waited the prescribed
> time, hinder them not from marrying their husbands when they have agreed among
> themselves in an honourable way.  This warning is for him among you who
> believeth in God and in the last day.  This is most pure for you, and most
> decent.  God knoweth, but ye know not.
>  
>        Mothers, when divorced, shall give suck to their children two full
> years, if the father desire that the suckling be completed; and such
> maintenance and clothing as is fair for them, shall devolve on the father.  No
> person shall be charged beyond his means.  A mother shall not be pressed
> unfairly for her child, nor a father for his child:  And the same with the
> father's heir.  But if they choose to wean the child by consent and by bargain,
> it shall be no fault in them.  And if ye choose to have a nurse for your
> children, it shall be no fault in you, in case ye pay what ye promised her
> according to that which is fair.  Fear God, and know that God seeth what ye do.
>  
>        If those of you who die leave wives, they must await their state during
> four months and ten days; and when this their term is expired, you shall not be
> answerable for the way in which they shall dispose of themselves fairly.  And
> God is cognisant of what ye do.
>  
>        And then shall no blame attach to you in making proposals of marriage to
> such women, or in keeping such intention to yourselves?  God knoweth that ye
> will not forget them.  But promise them not in secret, unless ye speak
> honourable words;
>  
>        And resolve not on the marriage tie until the prescribed time be
> reached; and know that God knoweth what is in your minds:  therefore, beware of
> Him; and know that God is Gracious, Mild!
>  
>        It shall be no crime in your if ye divorce your wives so long as ye have
> not consummated the marriage, nor settled any dowry on them.  And provide what
> is needful for them - he who is in ample circumstances according to his means,
> and he who is straitened, according to his means - with fairness:  This is
> binding on those who do what is right.
>  
>        But if ye divorce them before consummation, and have already settled a
> dowry on them, ye shall give them half of what ye have settled, unless they
> make a release, or he make a release in whose hand in the marriage tie.  But if
> ye make a release, it will be nearer to piety.  And forget not generosity in
> your relations one towards another; for God beholdeth your doings.
>  
>        Observe strictly the prayers, and the middle prayer, and stand up full
> of devotion towards God.
>  
> 2:240  And if you have any alarm, then pray on foot or riding:  but when you
> are safe, then remember God,how he hath made you to know what ye knew not.
>  
>        And such of you as shall die and leave wives, shall bequeath their wives
> a year's maintenance without causing them to quit their homes; but if they quit
> them of their own accord, then no blame shall attach to you for any
> disposition they may make of themselves in a fair way.  And God is Mighty,
> Wise.
>  
>        And for the divorced let there be a fair provision.  This a duty in
> those who fear God.
>  
>        Thus God maketh his signs clear to you that ye may understand.
>  
>        Hast thou not thought on those who quitted their dwellings - and they
> were thousands - for fear of death?  God said to them, "Die:" then He restored
> them to life, for full of bounty towards man is God.  But most men give not
> thanks!
>  
>        Fight for the cause of God; and know that God is He who Heareth,
> Knoweth.
>  
>        Who is he that will lend to God a goodly loan?  He will double it to him
> again and again:  God is close, but open handed also:  and to Him shall ye
> return.
>  
>        Hast thou not considered the assembly of the children of Israel after
> the death of Moses, when they said to a prophet of theirs, "Set up for us a
> king; we will do battle for the cause of God?" He said, "May it not be that if
> to fight were ordained you, ye would not fight?" They said, "And why should we
> not fight in the cause of God, since we and our children are driven forth from
> our dwellings?" But when fighting was commanded them, they turned back, save a
> few of them:  But God knew the offenders!
>  
>        And their prophet said to them, "Not hath God set (Talout) Saul king
> over you." They said, 'How shall he reign over us, when we are more worthy of
> the kingdom than he, and of wealth he hath no abundance?" He said, "Verily God
> hath chosen him to be over you, and hath given him increase in knowledge and
> stature; God giveth his kingdom to whom he pleaseth; and God is Liberal,
> Knowing!"
>  
>        And their prophet said to them, "Verily, the sign of his kingship shall
> be that the Ark shall come to you:  in it is a pledge of security from your
> Lord and the relics left by the family of Moses, and the family of Aaron; the
> angels shall bear it:  Truly herein shall be a sign indeed to you if ye are
> believers."
>  
> 2:250  And when Saul marched forth with his forces, he said, "God will test you
> by a river:  He who drinketh of it shall not be of my band; but he who shall
> not taste it, drinking a drink out of the hand excepted, shall be of my band."
> And, except a few of them, they drank of it.  And when they had passed it, he
> and those who believed with him, the former said, "We have no strength this day
> against (Dajalout) Goliath and his forces:"  But they who held it as certain
> that they must meet God, said, "How oft, by God's will, hath a small host
> vanquished a numerous host! and God is with the steadfastly enduring."
>  
>        And when they went forth against Goliath and his forces, they said, "O
> our Lord! pour out steadfastness upon us, and set our feet firm, and help us
> against the infidels!"
>  
>        And by the will of God they routed them; and (Daood) David slew Goliath;
> and God gave him kingship and wisdom, and taught him according to His will:
> and were it not for the restraint of one by means of the other, imposed on men
> by God, verily the earth had been utterly corrupted.  But God is bounteous to
> his creatures.
>  
>        Such are the signs of God:  with truth do we rehearse them to thee, for
> one of the Sent Ones art Thou.
>  
>        Some of the apostles we have endowed more highly than others:  Those to
> whom God hath spoken, He hath raised to the loftiest grade, and to Jesus the
> Son of Mary we gave manifest signs, and we strengthened him with the Holy
> Spirit.  And if God had pleased, they who came after them would not have
> wrangled, after the clear signs had reached them.  But into disputes they fell:
> some of them believed, and some were infidels; yet if God had pleased, they
> would not have thus wrangled:  but God doth what he will.
>  
>        O Believers!  give alms of that with which we have supplied you, before
> the day cometh when there shall be no trafficking, nor friendship, nor
> intercession.  And the infidels are the wrong-doers.
>  
>        God!  There is no God but He; the Living, the Eternal; Nor slumber
> seizeth Him, nor sleep; His, whatsoever is in the Heavens and whatsoever is in
> the Earth!  Who is he that can intercede with Him but by His own permission?
> He knoweth what hath been before them and what shall be after them; yet nought
> of His knowledge shall they grasp, save what He willeth,.  His Throne reacheth
> over the Heavens and the Earth, and the upholding of both burdeneth Him not;
> and He is the High, the Great!
>  
>        Let there be no compulsion in Religion.  Now is the right way made
> distinct from error.  Whoever therefore shall deny Thagout and believe in God -
> he will have taken hold on a strong handle that shall not be broken:  and God
> is He who Heareth, Knoweth.
>  
>        God is the patron of believers:  he shall bring them out of darkness
> into light.
>  
>        As to those who believe not, their patrons are Thagout:  they shall
> bring them out of light into darkness:  they shall be given over to the fire:
> they shall abide therein for ever.
>  
> 2:260  Hast thou not thought on him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord,
> because God had given him the kingdom?  When Abraham said, "My Lord is He who
> maketh alive and causeth to die:"  He said, "It is I who make alive and cause
> to die!"  Abraham said, "since God bringeth the sun from the East, do thou,
> then, bring it from the West."  The infidel was confounded; for God guideth not
> the evil doers.
>  
>        Or how he demeaned him who passed by a city which had been laid in
> ruins.  "How," said he, "shall God give life to this city, after she hath been
> dead?" And God caused him to die for an hundred years, and then raised him to
> life.  And God said, "How long hast thou waited?" He said, "I have waited a day
> or part of a day." He said, "Nay, thou hast waited an hundred years.  Look on
> thy food and thy drink; they are not corrupted; and look on thine ass:  we
> would make thee a sign unto men:  And look on the bones of thine ass, how we
> will raise them, then clothe them with flesh." And when this was shewn to him,
> he said, "I acknowledge that God hath power to do all things."
>  
>        When Abraham said, "O Lord, shew me how thou wilt give life to the
> dead!:  He said, "Hast thou not believed?" He said, "Yes; but I have asked
> thee, that my heart may be well assured." He said, "Take, then, four birds, and
> draw them towards thee, and cut them in pieces; then place a part of them on
> every mountain; then call them and they shall come swiftly to thee:  and know
> thou that God is Mighty, Wise!"
>  
>        The likeness of those who expend their wealth for the cause of God, is
> that of a grain of corn which produceth seven ears, and in each ear a hundred
> grains; and God will multiply to whom He pleaseth:  God is Liberal, Knowing!
>  
>        They who expend their wealth for the cause of God, and never follow what
> they have laid out with reproaches or harm, shall have their reward with their
> Lord; no fear shall come upon them, neither shall they be put to grief.
>  
>        A kind speech and forgiveness is better than alms followed by injury.
> God is Rich, Clement.
>  
>        O ye who believe!  make not your alms void by reproaches and injury,
> like him who spendeth his substance to be seen of men, and believeth not in God
> and in the latter day,.  The likeness of such an one is that of a rock with a
> thin soil upon it, on which a heavy rain falleth but leaveth it hard:  No
> profit from their works shall they be able to gain; for God guideth not the
> unbelieving people.
>  
>        And the likeness of those who expend their substance from a desire to
> please God, and for the stablishing of their souls, is as a garden on a hill,
> on which the heavy rain falleth, and it yieldeth its fruits twofold; and even
> if a heavy rain fall not on it, yet is there a dew:  God beholdeth your
> actions.
>  
>        Desireth any one of you a garden of palms and vines through which rivers
> flow, in which he may have every fruit, and that old age should surprise him
> there, and that his offspring should be weakly, and that then a fiery violent
> wind shall strike it so that it shall be burned?  Thus God maketh plain his
> signs to you that ye may reflect.
>  
>        O ye who believe!  bestow alms of the good things which ye have
> acquired, and of that which we have brought forth for you out of the earth, and
> choose not the bad for almsgiving,
>  
> 2:270  Such as ye would accept yourselves only by connivance:  and know that
> God is Rich, Praiseworthy.
>  
>        Satan menaceth you with poverty, and enjoineth base actions:  but God
> promiseth you pardon from himself and abundance:  God is All-bounteous,
> Knowing.
>  
>        He giveth wisdom to whom He will:  and he to whom wisdom is given, hath
> had much good given him; but none will bear it is mind, except the wise of
> heart.
>  
>        And whatever alms ye shall give, or whatever vow ye shall vow, of a
> truth God knoweth it:  but they who act unjustly shall have no helpers. Give ye
> your alms openly?  it is well.  Do ye conceal them and give them to the poor?
> This, too, will be of advantage to you, and will do away you sins:  and God is
> cognisant of your actions.
>  
>        Their guidance is not thine affair, O Muhammad; but God guideth whom he
> pleaseth.  And the good that ye shall give in alms shall redound unto
> yourselves; and ye shall not give but as seeking the face of God; and whatever
> good thing ye shall have given in alms, shall be repaid you, and ye shall not
> be wronged.  There are among you the poor, who being shut up to fighting for
> the cause of God, have it not in their power to strike out into the earth for
> riches.  Those who know them not, think them rich because of their modesty.  By
> this their token thou shalt know them - they ask not of men with importunity:
> and of whatever good thing ye shall give them in alms, of a truth God will take
> knowledge.
>  
>        They who give away their substance in alms, by night and day, in private
> and in public, shall have their reward with their Lord:  no fear shall come on
> them, neither shall they be put to grief.
>  
>        They who swallow down usury, shall arise in the resurrection only as he
> ariseth whom Satan hath infected by his touch.  This, for that they say,
> "Selling is only the like of usury:" and yet God hath allowed selling, and
> forbidden usury.  He then who when this warning shall come to him from his
> Lord, abstaineth, shall have pardon for the past, and his lot shall be with
> God.  But they who return to usury, shall be given over to the fire; therein
> shall they abide for ever.
>  
>        God will bring usury to nought, but will increase alms with usury, and
> God loveth no infidel, or evil person.  But they who believe and do the things
> that are right, and observe the prayers, and pay the legal impost, they shall
> have their reward with their Lord:  no fear shall come on them, neither shall
> they be put to grief.
>  
>        O believers!  fear God and abandon your remaining usury, if ye are
> indeed believers.
>  
>        But if ye do it not, then hearken for war on the part of God and his
> apostle:  yet if ye repent, ye shall have the principal of your money.  Wrong
> not, and ye shall not be wronged.
>  
> 2:280  If any one find difficulty in discharging a debt, then let there be a
> delay until it be easy for him:  but if ye remit it as alms it will be better
> for you, if ye knew it.
>  
>        Fear the day wherein ye shall return to God:  then shall every soul be
> rewarded according to its desert, and none shall have injustice done to them.
>  
>        O ye who believe! when ye contract a debt (payable) at a fixed date,
> write it down, and let the notary faithfully note between you:  and let not the
> notary refuse to note, even as God hath taught him; but let him note it down,
> and let him who oweth the debt dictate, and let him fear God his Lord, and not
> diminish aught thereof.  But if he who oweth the debt be foolish or weak, or be
> not able to dictate himself, let his friend dictate for him with fairness; and
> call to witness two witnesses of your people:  but if there be not two men, let
> there be a man, and two women of those whom ye shall judge fit for witnesses:
> if the one of them should mistake, the other may cause her to recollect.  And
> the witnesses shall not refuse, whenever they shall be summoned.  And disdain
> not to put the debt in writing, be it large or small, with its time of payment:
> this will be more just for you in the sight of God, better suited for
> witnessing, and the best for avoiding doubt.  But if the goods be there
> present, and ye pass them from hand to hand - then it shall be no fault in you
> not to write it down.  And have witnesses when ye sell, and harm not writer or
> witness:  it will be a crime in you to do this.  But fear God and God will give
> you knowledge, for God hath knowledge of all things.
>  
>        And if ye be on a journey and shall find no notary, let pledges be
> taken:  but if one of you trust the other, let him who is trusted, restore what
> he is trusted with, and fear God his Lord.  And refuse not to give evidence.
> He who refuseth is surely wicked at heart: and God knoweth your deeds.
>  
>        Whatever is in the Heavens and in the Earth is God's:  and whether ye
> bring forth to light what is in your minds or conceal it, God will reckon with
> you for it; and whom He pleaseth will He forgive, and whom He pleaseth will He
> punish; for God is All-powerful.
>  
>        The apostle believeth in that which hath been sent down from his Lord,
> as do the faithful also.  Each one believeth in God, and His Angels, and His
> Books, and His Apostles:  we make no distinction between any of His Apostles.
> And they say, "We have heard and we obey.  Thy mercy, Lord! for unto thee must
> we return."
>  
>        God will not burden any soul beyond its power.  It shall enjoy the good
> which it hath acquired, and shall bear the evil for the acquirement of which it
> laboured.  O our Lord!  punish us not if we forget, or fall into sin; O our
> Lord! and lay not on us a load like that which thou has laid on those who have
> been before us; O our Lord! and lay not on us that for which we have not
> strength: but blot out our sins and forgive us, and have pity on us.  Thou art
> our protector: give us victory therefore over the infidel nations.
>
> — *Sura   2 - The Cow*