And mention Our devotees Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaq (Isaac) andYa'qoob (Jacob): men of power and vision.

Surely We chose them for their special quality of keeping in mindthe abode of hereafter.

Certainly they are with Us; among the best chosen.

When you call for Salah (prayers) they make it as an object ofmockery and pastime; this is because they are a people devoid ofunderstanding.

O believers! Do not make your protecting friends those, fromamong the people who were given the Book before you and theunbelievers, who have made your religion a mockery or pastime,fear Allah if you are true believers.

Thus the reward of such people will be Hell; because they had no faith and because they took My revelations and My Rasools as a joke.

surely this Qur'an is a decisive word,

and it is no joke.

We send the Rasools only to proclaim good news and to give warnings but with false arguments the unbelievers seek to defeat the Truth, through mocking at My revelations and My warnings.

and send him forth as a Rasool to the Children of Israel withthis message: 'I have brought you signs of my appointment fromyour Rabb. I will make for you the likeness of a bird from clay;I will breathe into it and, with Allah's leave, it will become aliving bird. I will heal the blind and the lepers, and raise thedead to life, by Allah's leave. Furthermore, I will tell you whatyou have eaten and what you have stored in your houses. Surelythese are the signs to convince you if you are believers.

Allah said: "O Isa (Jesus)! I am going to recall you (from yourmission) and raise you up to Myself. I will clean you of thosewho rejected you and exalt your followers above the unbelieverstill the Day of Resurrection; then to Me shall be your return andI shall judge those matters in which you have been disputing.

They even say: "We have killed the Messiah, Isa (Jesus), son ofMaryam, the Rasool of Allah." Whereas in fact, neither did theykill him nor did they crucify him but they thought they didbecause the matter was made dubious for them. Those who differtherein are only in doubt. They have no real knowledge, theyfollow nothing but merely a conjecture, certainly they did notkill him (Jesus).

They even say: "We have killed the Messiah, Isa (Jesus), son ofMaryam, the Rasool of Allah." Whereas in fact, neither did theykill him nor did they crucify him but they thought they didbecause the matter was made dubious for them. Those who differtherein are only in doubt. They have no real knowledge, theyfollow nothing but merely a conjecture, certainly they did notkill him (Jesus).

O people of the Book! Indeed Our Rasool has now come to youmaking clear to you the teaching of the Right Way, after a longbreak in the series of the Rasools, so that you may not be ableto say, "No one has come to give us good news or to warn us." Nowsomeone has come to give you good news and warn you so listen tohim. Allah has power over everything.

They said: "We only wish to eat thereof to satisfy our hearts andto know that you have indeed told us the truth, and that we bearwitness to it."

Whereupon the baby spoke out: "I am indeed a servant of Allah. Hehas given me the Book and made me a Prophet.

I never said anything other than what You commanded me to say,that is to worship Allah, Who is my Rabb and your Rabb. I was awitness over them as long as I remained among them; but when Youcalled me off, You were the Watcher over them and You are aWitness to everything.

The Jews say: "Uzair (Azra) is the son of Allah," and theChristians say: " Messiah (Christ) is the son of Allah." That iswhat they say with their mouths, imitating the sayings of theformer unbelievers. May Allah destroy them! How perverted theyare!

After them We sent other Rasools, one after the other, andfollowed them with Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam. We gave him TheInjeel (Gospel), and put compassion and mercy into the hearts ofhis followers. As for monasticism, they instituted it themselves- for We did not enjoin it on them - in order to seek the goodpleasure of Allah, but they did not observe it as it should havebeen observed. Yet We rewarded those among them who were truebelievers, but most of them are transgressors.

Indeed those have committed Kufr (rejected faith) who said, "Godis the Messiah, son of Maryam." O Muhammad, ask them, "Who hasthe power to prevent Allah if He chose to destroy the Messiah theson of Maryam, his mother and all that is in the earth? Allah hasthe sovereignty over the heavens and the earth and all that isbetween them. He creates what He pleases and has power overeverything".

Certainly they have disbelieved who say: "Allah is Christ the sonof Maryam (Mary)." While Christ himself said: "O children ofIsrael! Worship Allah, my Rabb and your Rabb." Whoever commitsshirk (joins partners with Allah), Allah will deny him theparadise, and the hellfire will be his home. There will be nohelper for the wrongdoers.

Christ, the son of Maryam, was no more than a Rasool; manyRasools had already passed away before him. His mother was atruthful woman; they both ate earthly food like other humanbeings. See how the Revelations are made clear to them to knowreality; yet see how they ignore the truth!

In fact the example of the birth of Isa ( Jesus) in the sight ofAllah is like the example of Adam who had no father and mother,whom He created out of dust, then said to him: "Be" and he was.

This is the Truth from your Rabb, therefore, do not be of thosewho doubt it.

If anyone disputes with you concerning this matter (the birth ofJesus) after full knowledge has come to you, say: "Come! Let usgather our sons and your sons, our women and your women,ourselves and yourselves: then let us earnestly pray and invokethe curse of Allah on the liars."

Verily this is the absolute true explanation. The fact of thematter is, that there is no god but Allah; and for sure Allah isthe Mighty, the Wise.

But if they turn away from accepting this challenge, it will beclear proof of their mischief and Allah has the full knowledge ofmischief-makers.

Say: "O people of the Book! Let us get together on what is commonbetween us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah; that weshall not associate any partners with Him; that we shall not takefrom among ourselves any lords beside Allah." If they reject yourinvitation then tell them: "Bear witness that we are Muslims (whohave surrendered to Allah)."

There are some among them who twist their tongues pretending aquote from their Holy Book; so that you may think that what theyread is a part of the Book, whereas, in fact it is not a part ofthe Book. They also assert, "It is from Allah" whereas, in factit is not from Allah. Thus they deliberately ascribe a lie toAllah.

It is not possible for a man whom Allah has given the Book, theWisdom and the Prophethood, that he would say to the people:"Worship me instead of Allah." On the contrary he would say: "Bedevoted worshippers of your Rabb in accordance with the Holy Bookyou have been teaching and reading."

He would never ask you to take angels and prophets as your lords.Would he ask you to become kafir (unbelievers) after you havebecome Muslims (believers)?

They (Jews and Christians) have taken their rabbis and priests tobe their Lords beside Allah and so they did with Messiah (Jesus)the son of Maryam (Mary), although they were commanded in theTorah and the Gospel to worship none but One Ilah (Allah);besides Whom there is none worthy of worship. Exalted be He abovethose whom they associate with Him.

They desire to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouthsbut Allah will not allow it to happen, for He seeks to perfectHis light even though the disbelievers may dislike it.

When Maryam's son Isa (Jesus) is quoted as an example, yourpeople raise a clamor at it,

and say: "Are Our gods better or is he?" They cite this to youmerely to provoke you. They are but a quarrelsome people.

He (Jesus) was no more than a mortal whom We favored and made anexample to the children of Israel.

And We blessed the woman (Maryam), who guarded her chastity, Webreathed into her of Our Spirit and We made her and her son asign for the whole world.

When Maryam's son Isa (Jesus) is quoted as an example, yourpeople raise a clamor at it,

and say: "Are Our gods better or is he?" They cite this to youmerely to provoke you. They are but a quarrelsome people.

He (Jesus) was no more than a mortal whom We favored and made anexample to the children of Israel.

Do you claim that Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaq(Isaac), Ya'qoob (Jacob) and their descendants were all Jews orChristians? Are you more knowledgeable than Allah?" Who is morewicked than the one who hides the testimony he has received fromAllah? Allah is not unaware of what you do.

Ponder upon the incident when Musa said to his people: "O mypeople! Remember the favors which Allah has bestowed upon you. Hehas raised Prophets from among you, made you kings and gave youthat which had not been given to anyone in the worlds."

O Rasool! Deliver the message which has been revealed to you fromyour Rabb, and if you do not, you are not doing justice to yourmission. Allah will protect you from the mischief of the people.Rest assured that Allah will not let the unbelievers succeedagainst you.

The Jews say: "Uzair (Azra) is the son of Allah," and theChristians say: " Messiah (Christ) is the son of Allah." That iswhat they say with their mouths, imitating the sayings of theformer unbelievers. May Allah destroy them! How perverted theyare!

They (Jews and Christians) have taken their rabbis and priests tobe their Lords beside Allah and so they did with Messiah (Jesus)the son of Maryam (Mary), although they were commanded in theTorah and the Gospel to worship none but One Ilah (Allah);besides Whom there is none worthy of worship. Exalted be He abovethose whom they associate with Him.

They desire to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouthsbut Allah will not allow it to happen, for He seeks to perfectHis light even though the disbelievers may dislike it.

It is He Who drove the disbelievers from among the People of theBook (reference is to the Jewish tribe of Banu Al-Nadir) out oftheir homes at the first banishment. You did not think that theywould ever go out; and they thought that their fortresses woulddefend them from Allah, but the wrath of Allah came to them fromwhere they never expected - which casted such terror into theirhearts - that they destroyed their homes by their own hands aswell as by the hands of the believers. So learn a lesson fromthis example! O the people of insight.

Had Allah not decreed exile for them, He would certainly havepunished them in this world, and in the hereafter there shall bethe punishment of the fire for them,

because they set themselves up against Allah and His Rasool; andhe that set himself up against Allah should know that Allah isstern in retribution.

So, O Muhammad, pronounce judgement among them according to thelaw which Allah has revealed and do not follow their vaindesires, and beware of them lest they tempt you away from a partof that which Allah has revealed to you. If they reject yourjudgement, then know that it is Allah's wish to scourge them forsome of their sins. In fact most of the people are transgressors.

They say: "None shall enter paradise except he who is a Jew or aChristian." These are their vain desires. Say O Muhammad: "Let ushave your proof if you are right in your claim."

Yea! Whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and is good toothers will be rewarded by his Rabb; he will have nothing to fearor to regret.

Those people have not valued the attributes of Allah, the way Hisattributes should be valued, who say: "Allah has never revealedanything to a human being." Ask them: "Who then sent down theBook (Torah) which Musa brought, a light and guidance formankind? You have transcribed it on separate sheets, publishingsome and suppressing much of that given knowledge, which neitheryou nor your forefathers previously possessed." If they do notanswer, then just say: "Allah" and leave them alone with thediscourse of their useless arguments.

Tell them: "The death from which you are running away, willsurely overtake you: then you will be sent back to Him Who knowsthe unseen and the seen; and He will tell you all that you havebeen doing."

The Jews say: "The Christians are not on the right track," andthe Christians say: "It is the Jews who are not on the righttrack," yet both read their Holy Books (Torah or Gospel). Andthose who have no knowledge of their Holy Books say like to whatboth of them say; so Allah will judge between them in theirdispute on the Day of Judgment.

Among the Jews there are some who take the words out of theircontext and utter them with a twist of their tongues to slanderthe true Deen (faith) and say: "We hear and we disobey;" and"Hear, may you (O Muhammad) hear nothing!" And "Ra'ina" (anambiguous word meaning: "listen, may you become deaf," or "ourshepherd," or "in judeo-Arabic language conveying the sense of"our evil one"). If only they had said: "We hear and we obey;"and "Hear us;" and "Unzurna ("look upon us," or " pay attentionto us"): it would have been better for them and more proper. Dueto all this Allah has cursed them for their unbelief. In factwith the exception of a few, they have no faith.

Because of the iniquity of those who call themselves Jews, theirhindering of many people from the way of Allah ,

taking of usury in spite of its prohibition, and cheating othersof their properties - We made many wholesome things unlawfulwhich were formerly lawful for them. We have prepared a painfulpunishment for those among them who reject faith.

Among the Jews there are some who take the words out of theircontext and utter them with a twist of their tongues to slanderthe true Deen (faith) and say: "We hear and we disobey;" and"Hear, may you (O Muhammad) hear nothing!" And "Ra'ina" (anambiguous word meaning: "listen, may you become deaf," or "ourshepherd," or "in judeo-Arabic language conveying the sense of"our evil one"). If only they had said: "We hear and we obey;"and "Hear us;" and "Unzurna ("look upon us," or " pay attentionto us"): it would have been better for them and more proper. Dueto all this Allah has cursed them for their unbelief. In factwith the exception of a few, they have no faith.

You will find the most violent in enmity to the believers are theJews and the mushrikin (pagan Arabs); and nearest in affection tothe believers are those who say: "We are Christians." That isbecause among them there are men that are priests and monks, whodo not behave arrogantly.

O believers! Take neither Jews nor Christians as your protectingfriends: they are only protecting friends of one another. Whoeverof you disobeys this commandment will be counted as one of them.Surely Allah does not guide the wrongdoers.

The end of both will be that they will be tossed in hell andremain there forever. Thus shall be the reward of the wrongdoers.

So, O Muhammad, pronounce judgement among them according to thelaw which Allah has revealed and do not follow their vaindesires, and beware of them lest they tempt you away from a partof that which Allah has revealed to you. If they reject yourjudgement, then know that it is Allah's wish to scourge them forsome of their sins. In fact most of the people are transgressors.

The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased with you, untilyou follow their faith. O Muhammad, tell them : "Allah's guidanceis the only guidance;" and if after all the knowledge you havereceived, you yield to their desires, there shall be none toprotect you or help you from the wrath of Allah.

Those people have not valued the attributes of Allah, the way Hisattributes should be valued, who say: "Allah has never revealedanything to a human being." Ask them: "Who then sent down theBook (Torah) which Musa brought, a light and guidance formankind? You have transcribed it on separate sheets, publishingsome and suppressing much of that given knowledge, which neitheryou nor your forefathers previously possessed." If they do notanswer, then just say: "Allah" and leave them alone with thediscourse of their useless arguments.

The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased with you, untilyou follow their faith. O Muhammad, tell them : "Allah's guidanceis the only guidance;" and if after all the knowledge you havereceived, you yield to their desires, there shall be none toprotect you or help you from the wrath of Allah.

Among the Jews there are some who take the words out of theircontext and utter them with a twist of their tongues to slanderthe true Deen (faith) and say: "We hear and we disobey;" and"Hear, may you (O Muhammad) hear nothing!" And "Ra'ina" (anambiguous word meaning: "listen, may you become deaf," or "ourshepherd," or "in judeo-Arabic language conveying the sense of"our evil one"). If only they had said: "We hear and we obey;"and "Hear us;" and "Unzurna ("look upon us," or " pay attentionto us"): it would have been better for them and more proper. Dueto all this Allah has cursed them for their unbelief. In factwith the exception of a few, they have no faith.

For those who are Jews, We forbade every animal with undividedhoofs and the fat of oxen and sheep except what is attached totheir backs or their intestines or is mixed with their bones.This was the punishment We had inflicted for their wilfuldisobedience. What We said is true.

Now if they disbelieve you, say: "Your Rabb is the owner ofboundless Mercy; but His scourge cannot be averted from criminalpeople.

Those people have not valued the attributes of Allah, the way Hisattributes should be valued, who say: "Allah has never revealedanything to a human being." Ask them: "Who then sent down theBook (Torah) which Musa brought, a light and guidance formankind? You have transcribed it on separate sheets, publishingsome and suppressing much of that given knowledge, which neitheryou nor your forefathers previously possessed." If they do notanswer, then just say: "Allah" and leave them alone with thediscourse of their useless arguments.

Therefore, do not be fainthearted crying for peace, for you willsurely gain the upper hand. Allah is on your side and will neverlet your deeds be wasted.

The believers were asking: "Why is not a Surah revealed allowingus to fight?" But when a decisive Surah carrying the order ofallowing them to fight is revealed, you saw those in whose heartswas a disease looking at you like the one under the shadow ofdeath. Woe to them!

On their tongues is the promise of obedience and good talk, so ifthey would have proved their promise with Allah when the finalcommand was given, it would have been better for them.

Now what can be expected of you if you are put in authority,other than to do evil in the land and violate the ties of blood.

Such are those whom Allah has cursed and made them deaf andblinded their sight.

Will they not ponder upon the Qur'an? Are there locks upon theirhearts?

It is not proper that the believers should go forth all together.Therefore, why not a squadron from each division stay behind sothat they may obtain the understanding of Deen (Al-Islam), andadmonish the people when they return to them so that they mayrefrain from un-Islamic conduct!

It is not fit for a Prophet that he should take prisoners of waruntil he has thoroughly subdued the land. Do you, O followers ofMuhammad, desire the temporal goods of this world? While Allahdesires for you the hereafter? Allah is Mighty, Wise.

Had there not been a previous sanction from Allah to take ransom,you should have been sternly punished for what you have taken.

Very well, enjoy the booty which you have taken, for it is lawfuland pure, but in the future fear Allah. Allah is Forgiving,Merciful.

O Prophet! Tell the captives in your custody: "If Allah findsgoodness in your hearts He will give you even better than whathas been taken from you, as well as forgive you. Allah IsForgiving, Merciful."

But if they have treacherous designs against you, O Prophet, theyhave already shown treason against Allah. That is why He madethem your captives. Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.

Allah has heard the statement of those who said: " Allah is poorand we are rich!" Their words are recorded and so is their unjustkillings of the Prophets." On the Day of Judgement, We shall say:"Taste now the torment of burning!

Say: "Whether you give willingly or with reluctance, it will notbe accepted from you; for you are the people who aretransgressors."

Therefore, when you meet the unbelievers in the battlefield smitetheir necks and, when you have thoroughly subdued them, then takeprisoners of war and bind them firmly. After the war lay down herburdens, then you have the choice whether you show them favor oraccept ransom. Thus are you commanded. If Allah wanted, HeHimself could have punished them; but He adopted this way so thatHe may test some of you by means of others. As for those who areslain in the cause of Allah, He will never let their deeds belost.

If you encounter them in combat, make them a fearsome example forothers who would follow them so that they all may learn a lesson.

Allah forgives you! But why did you (O Muhammad) gave them leaveto stay behind? (You yourself should have not given them leave)so that it would have become clear which of them spoke the truthand which of them invented false excuses.

Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day will never ask youfor exemption from fighting with their wealth and their persons.Allah is aware of those who are righteous.

Only those people ask for exemption who do not believe in Allahand the Last Day and whose hearts are filled with doubt, and arewavering because of their doubts.

Among them there is someone (Jad-bin-Qais) who said: "Grant meexemption and do not expose me to temptation (of Roman women'sbeauty)." Have they not fallen into temptation (of telling lies,double dealings and hypocrisy) already? Surely hell has encircledthese disbelievers.

There is no blame on the disabled, the sick, and those lackingthe means, to stay behind so long as they are sincere to Allahand His Rasool. There is no way (blame) against those righteouspeople. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Likewise, there is no blame on those who came to you andrequested the conveyance to the battlefront and you said: "I amunable to provide you the conveyance," and they returned withtheir eyes streaming with tears; they were filled with sorrowthat they had no resources of going forth to the battlefield attheir own expense.

There is no blame on the blind, the lame, and the sick if theystay behind. He that obeys Allah and His Rasool shall be admittedto gardens beneath which the rivers flow, and he that turns awayshall be punished with a painful punishment.

Some from among the desert Arabs also came with their excuses,begging exemption to stay behind; thus, those who lied to Allahand His Rasool sat inactive. Soon a painful punishment shallseize those of them who disbelieved.

The way (blame) is only against those who begged exemptionalthough they are rich. They preferred to be with those whoremained behind. Allah has set a seal upon their hearts; so theydo not know what they missed.

They will apologize to you with all sorts of excuses when youreturn to them. Say: "Present no excuses: we shall not believeyou: Allah has already revealed to us the whole truth about you.Now Allah and His Rasool will keep a watch over your conduct: inthe end you will return to Him who knows what is hidden and whatis open, and He will tell you all that you have been doing."

They will swear to you by Allah when you return to them so thatyou may leave them alone. So leave them alone: they are filth.Hell shall be their abode, a punishment for their misdeeds.

They will swear to you in order to please you, but even if you bepleased with them (accept their excuses), Allah will never bepleased with these transgressors.

O Prophet, tell them: "Nothing will happen to us except whatAllah has written for us; He is our protector;" and in Allah letthe believers put their trust.

Further tell them: "Can you expect for us anything other than twoexcellent things (victory or martyrdom)? But we are waiting forAllah to afflict you with punishment either from Himself or byour hands. So wait if you will; we too are waiting."

O unbelievers! You wanted a decision; lo! The decision, in shapeof the believers' victory, has come to you. Now if you desist, itwill be better for you, and if you repeat your act of war againstthe believers, so shall We repeat the act of providing themassistance, and your forces, however large in number they may be,shall avail you nothing, for verily Allah is with the believers.

O believers! When you encounter an enemy in a combat, be firm andfrequently remember Allah so that you may be successful.

O believers! Should I tell you of a bargain that will save youfrom a painful punishment?

It is to believe in Allah and His Rasool and strive your utmostin the cause of Allah with your wealth and your persons. That isbest for you, if you but knew it.

He will forgive you your sins and admit you to gardens beneathwhich rivers flow, and will lodge you in beautiful mansions inthe gardens of Eden, which will be a supreme achievement.

And yet another blessing which you love: help from Allah and aspeedy victory. So O Prophet, give this good news to thebelievers.

If they give no heed, then you should know that Allah is yourprotector. He is the best to protect and the best to help.

Should they intend to deceive you, verily Allah is All-Sufficientfor you. He is the One Who has strengthened you and the believerswith His help ,

through putting affection in their hearts. If you had spent allthat is in the earth, you could not have so united their hearts;but Allah has united them. He is Mighty, Wise.

Some from among the desert Arabs also came with their excuses,begging exemption to stay behind; thus, those who lied to Allahand His Rasool sat inactive. Soon a painful punishment shallseize those of them who disbelieved.

It is not proper for the people of Madinah and the beduin Arabsof the neighborhood to forsake the Rasool of Allah or tojeopardize his life so as to safeguard their own: because they donot suffer any thirst or hunger or any ordeal for the sake ofAllah, or take any step which may provoke the unbelievers, orreceive any injury from an enemy, but shall be written down as agood deed to their account; for Allah does not waste the rewardof the righteous.

Had they gone with you they would have added nothing butmischief, and they would have made efforts to create disorderamong your ranks, and there would have been some among you whowould have listened to them. Allah knows the wrongdoers.

Indeed Allah has purchased from the believers their persons andtheir wealth and in return has promised them paradise; they fightin the cause of Allah and slay and are slain. This is a truepromise which is binding on Him mentioned in Taurat (Torah), theInjeel (Gospel) and the Qur'an; and who is more true infulfilling his promise than Allah? Rejoice, therefore, in thebargain which you have made, and that is a mighty achievement.

Indeed Allah has purchased from the believers their persons andtheir wealth and in return has promised them paradise; they fightin the cause of Allah and slay and are slain. This is a truepromise which is binding on Him mentioned in Taurat (Torah), theInjeel (Gospel) and the Qur'an; and who is more true infulfilling his promise than Allah? Rejoice, therefore, in thebargain which you have made, and that is a mighty achievement.

If the enemy is inclined towards peace, do make peace with them,and put your trust in Allah. He is the One Who hears all , knowsall.

Should they intend to deceive you, verily Allah is All-Sufficientfor you. He is the One Who has strengthened you and the believerswith His help ,

Fight those people of the Book (Jews and Christians) who do notbelieve in Allah and the Last Day, do not refrain from what hasbeen prohibited by Allah and His Rasool and do not embrace thereligion of truth (Al-Islam), until they pay Jizya (protectiontax) with their own hands and feel themselves subdued.

Muster against them all the military strength and cavalry thatyou can afford so that you may strike terror into the hearts ofthe enemy of Allah and of your, and others besides them who areunknown to you but known to Allah. Remember that whatever youwill spend in the cause of Allah, shall be paid back to you infull and you shall not be treated unjustly.

It is not fit for a Prophet that he should take prisoners of waruntil he has thoroughly subdued the land. Do you, O followers ofMuhammad, desire the temporal goods of this world? While Allahdesires for you the hereafter? Allah is Mighty, Wise.

Had there not been a previous sanction from Allah to take ransom,you should have been sternly punished for what you have taken.

Very well, enjoy the booty which you have taken, for it is lawfuland pure, but in the future fear Allah. Allah is Forgiving,Merciful.

O Prophet! Tell the captives in your custody: "If Allah findsgoodness in your hearts He will give you even better than whathas been taken from you, as well as forgive you. Allah IsForgiving, Merciful."

But if they have treacherous designs against you, O Prophet, theyhave already shown treason against Allah. That is why He madethem your captives. Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.

Had they gone with you they would have added nothing butmischief, and they would have made efforts to create disorderamong your ranks, and there would have been some among you whowould have listened to them. Allah knows the wrongdoers.

Among them there is someone (Jad-bin-Qais) who said: "Grant meexemption and do not expose me to temptation (of Roman women'sbeauty)." Have they not fallen into temptation (of telling lies,double dealings and hypocrisy) already? Surely hell has encircledthese disbelievers.

If you gain success, it grieves them, but if you face a setback,they say "We had taken our precautionary measures," and turnaway, rejoicing.

O Prophet, tell them: "Nothing will happen to us except whatAllah has written for us; He is our protector;" and in Allah letthe believers put their trust.

Further tell them: "Can you expect for us anything other than twoexcellent things (victory or martyrdom)? But we are waiting forAllah to afflict you with punishment either from Himself or byour hands. So wait if you will; we too are waiting."

Say: "Whether you give willingly or with reluctance, it will notbe accepted from you; for you are the people who aretransgressors."

The reasons which prevent their contributions from being acceptedare: that they disbelieve in Allah and His Rasool, that they cometo offer Salah but reluctantly, and that they offer contributionsbut unwillingly.

Let neither their wealth nor their children dazzle you: inreality Allah intends to punish them with these things in thislife and that their souls may depart while they are stillunbelievers.

They swear by Allah that they are indeed believers like you; yetthey are not of you; in fact, they are afraid to appear to you intheir true colors.

If they could find a place of refuge or a cave, or anyhiding-place, they would certainly run to it with an obstinaterush.

As for those, who, even after their injuries during the battle ofUhud, responded to the call of Allah and His Rasool to follow theQureysh army which was gathering to attack again, there will be agreat reward for such of those who do righteous deeds and refrainfrom evil,

and who, when the people told them: "Your enemies have mustered agreat force against you: fear them," grew more firm in theirfaith and replied: "Allah's help is all-sufficient for us. He isthe best protector."

As a result they returned home with blessings and grace fromAllah and suffered no harm at all. Besides this, they had thehonor of following what pleased Allah, and Allah is the Owner ofmighty grace.

Indeed Allah has purchased from the believers their persons andtheir wealth and in return has promised them paradise; they fightin the cause of Allah and slay and are slain. This is a truepromise which is binding on Him mentioned in Taurat (Torah), theInjeel (Gospel) and the Qur'an; and who is more true infulfilling his promise than Allah? Rejoice, therefore, in thebargain which you have made, and that is a mighty achievement.

Muster against them all the military strength and cavalry thatyou can afford so that you may strike terror into the hearts ofthe enemy of Allah and of your, and others besides them who areunknown to you but known to Allah. Remember that whatever youwill spend in the cause of Allah, shall be paid back to you infull and you shall not be treated unjustly.

If the enemy is inclined towards peace, do make peace with them,and put your trust in Allah. He is the One Who hears all , knowsall.

Should they intend to deceive you, verily Allah is All-Sufficientfor you. He is the One Who has strengthened you and the believerswith His help ,

through putting affection in their hearts. If you had spent allthat is in the earth, you could not have so united their hearts;but Allah has united them. He is Mighty, Wise.

O Prophet! Allah is all-sufficient for you and for the believerswho follow you.

O Prophet! Rouse the believers to prepare for combat. If thereare twenty steadfast among you, they shall vanquish two hundred:if there are one hundred they shall overcome one thousand of theunbelievers, for they are a people who lack understanding.

For now Allah is lightening your burden, because He knows thatthere are still some weak individuals among you, so if there areone hundred steadfast among you, they shall vanquish two hundredand if there be one thousand, they will overcome two thousandwith the leave of Allah, for Allah is with those who aresteadfast.

It is not fit for a Prophet that he should take prisoners of waruntil he has thoroughly subdued the land. Do you, O followers ofMuhammad, desire the temporal goods of this world? While Allahdesires for you the hereafter? Allah is Mighty, Wise.

Had there not been a previous sanction from Allah to take ransom,you should have been sternly punished for what you have taken.

Very well, enjoy the booty which you have taken, for it is lawfuland pure, but in the future fear Allah. Allah is Forgiving,Merciful.

O Prophet! Tell the captives in your custody: "If Allah findsgoodness in your hearts He will give you even better than whathas been taken from you, as well as forgive you. Allah IsForgiving, Merciful."

But if they have treacherous designs against you, O Prophet, theyhave already shown treason against Allah. That is why He madethem your captives. Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.

Those who believed (embraced Islam), migrated and made Jihad(exerted their utmost struggle) with their wealth and theirpersons in the cause of Allah; as well as those who gave themasylum and help, are indeed the protecting friends of oneanother. As to those who believed (embraced Islam) but did notemigrate (to Dar-ul-Islam, the Islamic State), you are under noobligation to protect them until they emigrate; yet it is yourobligation to help them in the matters of faith if they ask foryour help, except against a people with whom you have a treaty.Allah is observant of all your actions.

The unbelievers are protectors of one of another. If you fail todo likewise, there will be disorder in the land and greatcorruption.

Those who believed (embraced Islam), migrated and made Jihad(exerted their utmost struggle) in the cause of Allah, and thosewho gave them asylum and help - they are the true believers. Theyshall have forgiveness and honorable provisions.

Those who believed (embraced Islam) afterwards, migrated andjoined you in Jihad - they too are your brothers, althoughaccording to the Book of Allah the blood relatives have greaterrights on one other. Indeed Allah knows everything.

Let not the unbelievers think that they have won the game; surelythey can never frustrate the believers.

In fact, it was not you who killed them, but it was Allah Whokilled them; it was not you who threw the handful of sand, but itwas Allah Who threw it so that He might pass the believerssuccessfully through this excellent trial; surely Allah isAll-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Among them there is someone (Jad-bin-Qais) who said: "Grant meexemption and do not expose me to temptation (of Roman women'sbeauty)." Have they not fallen into temptation (of telling lies,double dealings and hypocrisy) already? Surely hell has encircledthese disbelievers.

Likewise, they do not spend anything for the cause of Allah, beit small or large, or cut across a valley in Jihad, but iswritten down to their credit; so that Allah may reward them basedon the best of their deeds.

At that time the hypocrites and all those who had malice in theirhearts were saying: "Their religion has deceived them." But youshould know that anyone who puts his trust in Allah will findAllah Mighty, Wise.

If you ask them: "who created the heavens and the earth?" Theywill surely say: "Allah." Ask them: "Do you think then, that ifAllah intends to harm me, can they (your goddesses) - to whom youinvoke besides Allah - save me from His harm or if He wants tobestow on me His blessings, can they withhold His blessings?"Tell them: "Allah is all-sufficient for me. On Him do the reliantrely."

O Prophet tell them: Whatever the subject of your dispute is, itsjudgement belongs to Allah: Such is Allah my Rabb, in Him I haveput my trust, and to Him I turn in repentance.

Whatever you are given is nothing but a provision for thetransitory life of this world, better and ever lasting is thereward which Allah has for those who believe, put their trust intheir Rabb,

Had they gone with you they would have added nothing butmischief, and they would have made efforts to create disorderamong your ranks, and there would have been some among you whowould have listened to them. Allah knows the wrongdoers.

Among them there is someone (Jad-bin-Qais) who said: "Grant meexemption and do not expose me to temptation (of Roman women'sbeauty)." Have they not fallen into temptation (of telling lies,double dealings and hypocrisy) already? Surely hell has encircledthese disbelievers.

If you gain success, it grieves them, but if you face a setback,they say "We had taken our precautionary measures," and turnaway, rejoicing.

O believers! When you encounter an enemy in a combat, be firm andfrequently remember Allah so that you may be successful.

Obey Allah and His Rasool and do not argue with one another, lestyou lose courage and weaken your strength. Show patience, surelyAllah is on the side of the patient.

Yet they make the Jinns (Genies: creature which has been createdout of fire) as the partners with Allah, whereas He is theirCreator; and also ascribe to Him sons and daughters withouthaving any knowledge. Glory to Him! He is highly exalted farabove what they ascribe.

They shall have the jewelled couches,

And created jinns from smokeless fire.

reclining on them facing each other,

So, O jinns and men, which of your Rabb’s favors will both of you deny?

On the Day when He will assemble them all together, ( Allah willaddress the Jinns): "O assembly of Jinns! You seduced mankind ingreat number." And their votaries from among mankind will say:"Our Rabb, we have both enjoyed each other's fellowship but alas!Now we have reached the end of our term which You had decreed forus." Then Allah will say: "Now hellfire is your dwelling-place;you will live therein forever unless Allah ordains otherwise."Surely your Rabb is Wise, Knowledgeable.

That is how, in the hereafter, We will make wrongdoers thecomrades of one another on account of what they earned duringtheir life on Earth with evil friendship.

At that time Allah will also ask: "O Assembly of Jinns andmankind! Did not there come to you the Rasools from amongst youwho proclaimed to you My revelations and warned you about themeeting of this Day?" They will reply: "Yes they did, We bearwitness against our own souls." Today this worldly life hasdeceived them but on that Day they will testify againstthemselves that they were indeed kuffar (unbelievers).

Tell them how We brought to you a group of jinns, who when theyreached the place where you were reciting and listened to theQur'an, said to each other: "Be silent." When the recitation wasover, they returned to their people as warners.

They said "O our people! We have just listened to a Book that hasbeen revealed after Musa which is confirming that what camebefore it, and it guides to the truth and to the Right Way.

O our people, answer the one who is calling you towards Allah andbelieve in him! Allah will forgive you your sins and save youfrom a painful punishment.

He that does not answer the one who is calling towards Allah,shall neither escape in the earth, nor shall have any to protectfrom Him. Surely such people are in manifest error."

Tell them how We brought to you a group of jinns, who when theyreached the place where you were reciting and listened to theQur'an, said to each other: "Be silent." When the recitation wasover, they returned to their people as warners.

They said "O our people! We have just listened to a Book that hasbeen revealed after Musa which is confirming that what camebefore it, and it guides to the truth and to the Right Way.

O our people, answer the one who is calling you towards Allah andbelieve in him! Allah will forgive you your sins and save youfrom a painful punishment.

He that does not answer the one who is calling towards Allah,shall neither escape in the earth, nor shall have any to protectfrom Him. Surely such people are in manifest error."

They will respond: "Glory be to You! Our tie is with You - as aprotector - not with them; but they used to worship the jinns andit was them in whom most of these people believed."

On that Day you will be helpless to profit or harm one another.To the wrongdoers We shall say: "Taste the punishment of the firewhich you persistently denied."

while before him We had created Jinn from smokeless fire.

They will respond: "Glory be to You! Our tie is with You - as aprotector - not with them; but they used to worship the jinns andit was them in whom most of these people believed."

Tell them how We brought to you a group of jinns, who when theyreached the place where you were reciting and listened to theQur'an, said to each other: "Be silent." When the recitation wasover, they returned to their people as warners.

They shall have the jewelled couches,

And created jinns from smokeless fire.

O Prophet say: "It has been revealed to me that a band of jinnslistened to the Qur'an, then returned to their folk and said: 'Wehave heard a wonderful Qur'an

Mention Our devotee Ayub (Job), when he called upon his Rabbsaying: "Shaitan has afflicted me with distress and suffering,"

We accepted his prayer and relieved his affliction, and restorednot only his family but also as many more with them as a favorfrom Us so that it may serve as a reminder to Our worshippers.

Mention Our devotee Ayub (Job), when he called upon his Rabbsaying: "Shaitan has afflicted me with distress and suffering,"

and We asked him: "Strike your foot on the ground. A cool springwill gush forth. Wash and drink to refresh yourself."

And We restored to him his family and many more with them as agrace from Ourselves and a reminder for the people ofunderstanding.

Then, to fulfill his oath of giving his wife one hundred strikeswhich he made during his sickness, We said: "Take a bunch oftwigs and strike with it and do not break your oath." CertainlyWe found him full of patience. He was an excellent devotee, whoturned to Us over and over again.

O Muhammad, We have sent revelations to you just as We sent toNuh (Noah) and the Prophets who came after him; We also sentrevelations to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma`il (Ishmael), Ishaq(Isaac), Ya'qoob (Jacob), his descendants, Isa (Jesus), Ayub(Job), Yunus (Jonah), Haroon (Aaron) and Sulaiman (Solomon), andto Dawood (David) We gave the Psalms.

Was there any town which seeing the scourge, believed, and theirbelief profited them except the people of Yunus (Jonah)? Whenthey believed, We removed from them the disgraceful scourge andallowed them to enjoy their worldly life for a while.

Yunus (Jonah) was surely one of Our Rasools.

So wait with patience for the Judgement of your Rabb and be notlike the man of the fish (reference is to the Prophet Jonah whowas swallowed by a whale), who cried when he was in distress.

Had his Rabb not bestowed on him His grace, he would certainlyhave been cast off on the naked shore, while he was condemned.

This is the narrative of that time, when Yusuf (Joseph) said tohis father: "O my father! In a dream I saw eleven stars, the sunand the moon - I saw them prostrate themselves before me!"

After this meeting, they asked their father: "O our father! Whyis it that you do not trust us with Yusuf, though we are hissincere well-wishers?

The Egyptian who bought Yusuf said to his wife: "Be kind to him.He may prove useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son." Thus Weestablished Yusuf in the land and arranged to teach him theunderstanding of affairs. Allah has full power over His affairs;though most people do not know.

The women of the city began to talk about this incident, saying:"The wife of Al-Aziz has seduced her young slave, for she hasfallen madly in love with him. In fact, we see her in manifesterror."

One day the king of Egypt said: "I saw seven fat cows in my dreamwhich were eaten up by seven lean cows, likewise I saw sevengreen ears of corn and seven others that were dried up. O chiefs!Tell me the meaning of my dream if you can interpret the dreams."

Several years later when the famine started and there was no foodavailable outside of Egypt, Yusuf's brothers came to Egypt forfood and entered his office. He recognized them but they did notrecognize him.

Indeed in the story of Yusuf and his brothers, there are signsfor inquirers.

O believers! Do not offer your Salah when you are drunk until youknow what you are saying; nor after seminal emission, except whenyou are travelling, unless you wash your whole body. If you aresick, or on a journey, or one of you has used the toilet, or hashad contact with women (sexual relation with wives) and can findno water, then make Tayammum: take some clean earth and rub yourfaces and hands with it. Allah is Lenient, Forgiving.

O believers! When you rise up for Salah (prayer), wash your facesand your hands as far as the elbows, wipe your heads with wethands and wash your feet to the ankles. If you had an emission ofsemen, then take a full bath. However, if you are sick or on ajourney or you have used the toilet or you had intercourse withyour women (your wife) and you do not find any water then resortto Tayammum - find clean soil and rub your faces and hands withit. Allah does not wish to burden you; He only wishes to purifyyou and to perfect His favor upon you, so that you may bethankful.