

Zealot:The Life and Times of Jesus and Muhammad of Nazareth and Mecca 1 Biography of Muhammad(pbuh) by a Non-Muslim

by Prof. K. S. Ramakrishna Rao, Head of the Dept. of Philosophy, Govt College for Women. University of Mysore, Mandya-571401 (Karnatika, India).

Re-printed from "Islam and Modern age", Hydrabad, March 1978.

Killing innocent human is a major sin in Islam & Islam is against terrorism. Muhammad said no one has the right to burn anything only God has the right to burn someone which is in hell.

In the desert of Arabia was Mohammad born, according to Muslim historians, on April 20, 571. The name means highly praised. He is to me the greatest mind among all the sons of Arabia. He means so much more than all the poets and kings that preceded him in that impenetrable desert of red sand.

When he appeared Arabia was a desert — a nothing. Out of nothing a new world was fashioned by the mighty spirit of Mohammad — a new life, a new culture, a new civilization, a new kingdom which extended from Morocco to Indies and influenced the thought and life of three continents — Asia, Africa and Europe.

When 1 thought of writing on Mohammad the prophet, 1 was a bit hesitant because it was to write about a religion I do not profess and it is a delicate matter to do so for there are many persons professing various religions and belonging to diverse school of thought and denominations even in same religion. Though it is sometimes, claimed that religion is entirely personal yet it can not be gain-said that it has a tendency to envelop the whole universe seen as well unseen. It somehow permeates something or other our hearts, our souls, our minds their conscious as well as subconscious and unconscious levels too. The problem assumes overwhelming importance when there is a deep conviction that our past, present and future all hang by the soft delicate, tender silked cord. If we further happen to be highly sensitive, the center of gravity is very likely to be always in a state of extreme tension. Looked at from this point of view, the less said about other religion the better. Let our religions be deeply hidden and embedded in the resistance of our innermost hearts fortified by unbroken seals on our lips.

But there is another aspect of this problem. Man lives in society. Our lives are bound with the lives of others willingly or unwillingly, directly or indirectly. We eat the food grown in the same soil, drink water,

from the same the same spring and breathe the same air. Even while staunchly holding our own views, it would be helpful, if we try to adjust ourselves to our surroundings, if we also know to some extent, how the mind our neighbor moves and what the main springs of his actions are. From this angle of vision it is highly desirable that one should try to know all religions of the world, in the proper sprit, to promote mutual understanding and better appreciation of our neighborhood, immediate and remote.

Further, our thoughts are not scattered as appear to be on the surface. They have got themselves crystallized around a few nuclei in the form of great world religions and living faiths that guide and

2 motivate the lives of millions that inhabit this earth of ours. It is our duty, in one sense if

we have the ideal of ever becoming a citizen of the world before us, to make a little attempt to know the great religions and system of philosophy that have ruled mankind.

In spite of these preliminary remarks, the ground in these field of religion, where there is often a conflict between intellect and emotion is so slippery that one is constantly reminded of fools that rush in where angels fear to tread. It is also not so complex from another point of view. The subject of my writing is about the tenets of a religion which is historic and its prophet who is also a historic personality. Even a

hostile critic like Sir William Muir speaking about the holy Quran says that. "There is probably in the world no other book which has remained twelve centuries with so pure text." 1 may also add Prophet Mohammad is also a historic personality, every event of whose life has been most carefully recorded and even the minutest details preserved intact for the posterity. His life and works are not wrapped in mystery.

My work today is further lightened because those days are fast disappearing when Islam was highly misrepresented by some of its critics for reasons political and otherwise. Prof. Bevan writes in Cambridge Medieval History, "Those account of Mohammad and Islam which were published in Europe before the beginning of 19th century are now to be regarded as literary curiosities." My problem is to write this monograph is easier because we are now generally not fed on this kind of history and much time need be spent on pointing out our misrepresentation of Islam.

The theory of Islam and Sword for instance is not heard now frequently in any quarter worth the name. The principle of Islam that there is no compulsion in religion is well known. Gibbon, a historian of world repute says, "A pernicious tenet has been imputed to Mohammadans, the duty of extirpating all the religions by sword." This charge based on ignorance and bigotry, says the eminent historian, is refuted by Quran, by history of Musalman conquerors and by their public and legal toleration of Christian worship. The great success of Mohammad's life had been effected by sheer moral force, without a stroke of sword.

But in pure self-defense, after repeated efforts of conciliation had utterly failed, circumstances dragged him into the battlefield. But the prophet of Islam changed the whole strategy of the battlefield. The total number of casualties in all the wars that took place during his lifetime when the whole Arabian Peninsula came under his banner, does not exceed a few hundreds in all. But even on the battlefield he taught the Arab barbarians to pray, to pray not individually, but in congregation to God the Almighty. During the dust and storm of warfare whenever the time for prayer came, and it comes five times a every day, the congregation prayer had not to be postponed even on the battlefield. A party had to be engaged in bowing their heads before God while other was engaged with the enemy. After finishing the prayers, the two parties had to exchange their positions. To the Arabs, who would fight for forty years on the slight provocation that a camel belonging to the guest of one tribe had strayed into the grazing land belonging to other tribe and both sides had fought till they lost 70,000 lives in all; threatening the extinction of both the tribes to such furious Arabs, the Prophet of Islam taught self-control and discipline to the extent of

praying even on the battlefield. In an aged of barbarism, the Battlefield itself was humanized and strict instructions were issued not to cheat, not to break trust, not to mutilate, not to kill a child or woman or an old man, not to hew down date palm nor burn it, not to cut a fruit tree, not to molest any person engaged in worship. His own treatment with his bitterest enemies is the noblest example for his followers. At the conquest of Mecca, he stood at the zenith of his power. The city which had refused to listen to his mission, which had tortured him and his followers, which had driven him and his people into exile and which had unrelentingly persecuted and boycotted him even when he had taken refuge in a place more than 200 miles away, that city now lay at his feet. By the laws of war he could have justly

3 avenged all the cruelties inflicted on him and his people. But what treatment did he accord to

them? Mohammad's heart flowed with affection and he declared, "This day, there is no REPROOF against you and you are all free." "This day" he proclaimed, "1 trample under my feet all distinctions between man and man, all hatred between man and man."

This was one of the chief objects why he permitted war in self defense, that is to unite human beings. And when once this object was achieved, even his worst enemies were pardoned. Even those who killed his beloved uncle, Hamazah, mangled his body, ripped it open, even chewed a piece of his liver.

The principles of universal brotherhood and doctrine of the equality of mankind which he proclaimed represents one very great contribution of Mohammad to the social uplift of humanity. All great religions have preached the same doctrine but the prophet of Islam had put this theory into actual practice and its value will be fully recognized, perhaps centuries hence, when international consciousness being awakened, racial prejudices may disappear and greater brotherhood of humanity come into existence.

Miss. Sarojini Naidu speaking about this aspect of Islam says, "It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy; for in the mosque, when the minaret is sounded and the worshipers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and the king kneel side by side and proclaim, God alone is great." The great poetess of India continues, "1 have been struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes a man instinctively a brother. When you meet an Egyptian, an Algerian and Indian and a Turk in London, it matters not that Egypt is the motherland of one and India is the motherland of another."

Mahatma Gandhi, in his inimitable style, says "Some one has said that Europeans in South Africa dread the advent Islam — Islam that civilized Spain, Islam that took the torch light to Morocco and preached to the world the Gospel of brotherhood. The Europeans of South Africa dread the Advent of Islam. They may claim equality with the white races. They may well dread it, if brotherhood is a sin. If it is equality of colored races then their dread is well founded."

Every year, during the Haj, the world witnesses the wonderful spectacle of this international Exhibition of Islam in leveling all distinctions of race, color and rank. Not only the Europeans, the African, the Arabian, the Persian, the Indians, the Chinese all meet together in Medina as members of one divine family, but they are clad in one dress every person in two simple pieces of white seamless cloth, one piece round the loin the other piece over the shoulders, bare head without pomp or ceremony, repeating "Here am IO God; at thy command; thou art one and alone; Here am I." Thus there remains nothing to differentiate the high from the low and every pilgrim carries home the impression of the international significance of Islam.

In the opinion of Prof. Hurgronje "the league of nations founded by prophet of Islam put the principle of international unity of human brotherhood on such Universal foundations as to show candle to other

nations." In the words of same Professor "the fact is that no nation of the world can show a parallel to what Islam has done the realization of the idea of the League of Nations."

The prophet of Islam brought the reign of democracy in its best form. The Caliph Caliph Ali and the son in-law of the prophet, the Caliph Mansur, Abbas, the son of Caliph Mamun and many other caliphs and kings had to appear before the judge as ordinary men in Islamic courts. Even today we all know how the black Negroes were treated by the civilized white races. Consider the state of BILAL, a Negro Slave, in the days of the prophet of Islam nearly 14 centuries ago. The office of calling Muslims to prayer was

4 considered to be of status in the early days of Islam and it was offered to this Negro slave.

After the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet ordered him to call for prayer and the Negro slave, with his black color and his thick lips, stood over the roof of the holy mosque at Mecca called the Ka'ba the most historic and the holiest mosque in the Islamic world, when some proud Arabs painfully cried loud, "Oh, this black Negro Slave, woe be to him. He stands on the roof of holy Ka'ba to call for prayer." At that moment, the prophet announced to the world, this verse of the holy QURAN for the first time. "O mankind, surely we have created you, families and tribes, so you may know one another. Surely, the most honorable of you with God is MOST RIGHTEOUS AMONG you. Surely, God is Knowing, Aware."

And these words of the holy Quran created such a mighty transformation that the Caliph of Islam, the purest of Arabs by birth, offered their daughter in marriage to this Negro Slave, and whenever, the second Caliph of Islam, known to history as Umar the great, the commander of faithful, saw this Negro slave, he immediately stood in reverence and welcomed him by "Here come our master; Here come our lord." What a tremendous change was brought by Quran in the Arabs, the proudest people at that time on the earth. This is the reason why Goethe, the greatest of German poets, speaking about the Holy Quran declared that, "This book will go on exercising through all ages a most potent influence." This is also the reason why George Bernard Shaw says, "If any religion has a chance or ruling over England, say, Europe, within the next 100 years, it is Islam".

It is this same democratic spirit of Islam that emancipated women from the bondage of man. Sir Charles Edward Archibald Hamilton says "Islam teaches the inherent sinlessness of man. It teaches that man and woman and woman have come from the same essence, posses the same soul and have been equipped with equal capabilities for intellectual, spiritual and moral attainments."

The Arabs had a very strong tradition that one who can smite with the spear and can wield the sword would inherit. But Islam came as the defender of the weaker sex and entitled women to share the inheritance of their parents. It gave women, centuries ago right of owning property, yet it was only 12 centuries later, in 1881, that England, supposed to be the cradle of democracy adopted this institution of Islam and the act was called "the married woman act", but centuries earlier, the Prophet of Islam had proclaimed that "Woman are twin halves of men. The rights of women are sacred. See that women maintained rights granted to them."

Islam is not directly concerned with political and economic systems, but indirectly and in so far as political and economic affairs influence man's conduct, it does lay down some very important principles to govern economic life. According to Prof. Massignon, it maintains the balance between exaggerated opposites and has always in view the building of character which is the basis of civilization. This is secured by its law of inheritance, by an organized system of charity known as Zakat, and by regarding as illegal all anti-social practices in the economic field like monopoly, usury, securing of predetermined unearned income and increments, cornering markets, creating monopolies, creating an artificial scarcity of any commodity in order to force the prices to rise. Gambling is illegal. Contribution to schools, to places of worship, hospitals, digging of wells, opening of orphanages are highest acts of virtue.

Orphanages have sprung for the first time, it is said, under the teaching of the prophet of Islam. The world owes its orphanages to this prophet born an orphan. "Good all this" says Carlyle about Mohammad. "The natural voice of humanity, of pity and equity, dwelling in the heart of this wild son of nature, speaks."

A historian once said a great man should be judged by three tests: Was he found to be of true metel by his contemporaries ? Was he great enough to raise above the standards of his age ? Did he leave anything as

5 permanent legacy to the world at large ? This list may be further extended but all these

three tests of greatness are eminently satisfied to the highest degree in case of prophet Mohammad. Some illustrations of the last two have already been mentioned.

The first is: Was the Prophet of Islam found to be of true metel by his contemporaries?

Historical records show that all the contemporaries of Mohammad both friends foes, acknowledged the sterling qualities, the spotless honesty, the noble virtues, the absolute sincerity and every trustworthiness of the apostle of Islam in all walks of life and in every sphere of human activity. Even the Jews and those who did not believe in his message, adopted him as the arbiter in their personal disputes by virtue of his perfect impartiality. Even those who did not believe in his message were forced to say "O Mohammad, we do not call you a liar, but we deny him who has given you a book and inspired you with a message." They thought he was one possessed. They tried violence to cure him. But the best of them saw that a new light had dawned on him and they hastened him to seek the enlightenment. It is a notable feature in the history of prophet of Islam that his nearest relation, his beloved cousin and his bosom friends, who know him most intimately, were not thoroughly imbued with the truth of his mission and were convinced of the genuineness of his divine inspiration. If these men and women, noble, intelligent, educated and intimately acquainted with his private life had perceived the slightest signs of deception, fraud, earthliness, or lack of faith in him, Mohammad's moral hope of regeneration, spiritual awakening, and social reform would all have been foredoomed to a failure and whole edifice would have crumbled to pieces in a moment. On the contrary, we find that devotion of his followers was such that he was voluntarily acknowledged as dictator of their lives. They braved for him persecutions and danger; they trusted, obeyed and honored him even in the most excruciating torture and severest mental agony caused by excommunication even unto death. Would this have been so, had they noticed the slightest backsliding in their master?

Read the history of the early converts to Islam, and every heart would melt at the sight of the brutal treatment of innocent Muslim men and women.

Sumayya, an innocent women, is cruelly torn into pieces with spears. An example is made of "Yassir whose legs are tied to two camels and the beast were are driven in opposite directions", Khabbab bin Arth is made lie down on the bed of burning coal with the brutal legs of their merciless tyrant on his breast so that he may not move and this makes even the fat beneath his skin melt. "Khabban bin Adi is put to death in a cruel manner by mutilation and cutting off his flesh piece-meal." In the midst of his tortures, being asked weather he did not wish Mohammad in his place while he was in his house with his family, the sufferer cried out that he was gladly prepared to sacrifice himself his family and children and why was it that these sons and daughters of Islam not only surrendered to their prophet their allegiance but also made a gift of their hearts and souls to their master? Is not the intense faith and conviction on part of immediate followers of Mohammad, the noblest testimony to his sincerity and to his utter self-absorption in his appointed task?

And these men were not of low station or inferior mental caliber. Around him in quite early days, gathered what was best and noblest in Mecca, its flower and cream, men of position, rank, wealth and

culture, and from his own kith and kin, those who knew all about his life. All the first four Caliphs, with their towering personalities, were converts of this period.

The Encyclopedia Brittanica says that "Mohammad is the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities".

6 But the success was not the result of mere accident. It was not a hit of fortune. It

was a recognition of fact that he was found to be true metal by his contemporaries. It was the result of his admirable and all compelling personality.

The personality of Mohammad! It is most difficult to get into the truth of it. Only a glimpse of it I can catch. What a dramatic succession of picturesque scenes. There is Mohammad the Prophet, there is Mohammad the General; Mohammad the King; Mohammad the Warrior; Mohammad the Businessman; Mohammad the Preacher; Mohammad the Philosopher; Mohammad the Statesman; Mohammad the Orator; Mohammad the reformer; Mohammad the Refuge of orphans; Mohammad the Protector of slaves; Mohammad the Emancipator of women; Mohammad the Law-giver; Mohammad the Judge; Mohammad the Saint.

And in all these magnificent roles, in all these departments of human activities, he is like, a hero..

Orphanhood is extreme of helplessness and his life upon this earth began with it; Kingship is the height of the material power and it ended with it. From an orphan boy to a persecuted refugee and then to an overlord, spiritual as well as temporal, of a whole nation and Arbiter of its destinies, with all its trials and temptations, with all its vicissitudes and changes, its lights and shades, its up and downs, its terror and splendor, he has stood the fire of the world and came out unscathed to serve as a model in every face of life. His achievements are not limited to one aspect of life, but cover the whole field of human conditions.

If for instance, greatness consist in the purification of a nation, steeped in barbarism and immersed in absolute moral darkness, that dynamic personality who has transformed, refined and uplifted an entire nation, sunk low as the Arabs were, and made them the torch-bearer of civilization and learning, has every claim to greatness. If greatness lies in unifying the discordant elements of society by ties of brotherhood and charity, the prophet of the desert has got every title to this distinction. If greatness consists in reforming those warped in degrading and blind superstition and pernicious practices of every kind, the prophet of Islam has wiped out superstitions and irrational fear from the hearts of millions. If it lies in displaying high morals, Mohammad has been admitted by friend and foe as Al Amin, or the faithful. If a conqueror is a great man, here is a person who rose from helpless orphan and an humble creature to be the ruler of Arabia, the equal to Chosroes and Caesars, one who founded great empire that has survived all these 14 centuries. If the devotion that a leader commands is the criterion of greatness, the prophet's name even today exerts a magic charm over millions of souls, spread all over the world.

He had not studied philosophy in the school of Athens of Rome, Persia, India, or China. Yet, He could proclaim the highest truths of eternal value to mankind. Illiterate himself, he could yet speak with an eloquence and fervor which moved men to tears, to tears of ecstasy. Born an orphan blessed with no worldly goods, he was loved by all. He had studied at no military academy; yet he could organize his forces against tremendous odds and gained victories through the moral forces which he marshaled. Gifted men with genius for preaching are rare. Descartes included the perfect preacher among the rarest kind in the world. Hitler in his Mein Kamp has expressed a similar view. He says "A great theorist is seldom a great leader. An Agitator is more likely to posses these qualities. He will always be a great leader. For leadership means ability to move masses of men. The talents to produce ideas has nothing in common

with capacity for leadership." "But", he says, "The Union of theorists, organizer and leader in one man, is the rarest phenomenon on this earth; Therein consists greatness."

In the person of the Prophet of Islam the world has seen this rarest phenomenon walking on the earth, walking in flesh and blood.

7 And more wonderful still is what the reverend Bosworth Smith remarks, "Head of the

state as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but, he was pope without the pope's claims, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without an standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue. If ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by a right divine It was Mohammad, for he had all the power without instruments and without its support. He cared not for dressing of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life."

After the fall of Mecca, more than one million square miles of land lay at his feet, Lord of Arabia, he mended his own shoes and coarse woolen garments, milked the goats, swept the hearth, kindled the fire and attended the other menial offices of the family. The entire town of Medina where he lived grew wealthy in the later days of his life. Everywhere there was gold and silver in plenty and yet in those days of prosperity many weeks would elapse without a fire being kindled in the hearth of the king of Arabia, His food being dates and water. His family would go hungry many nights successively because they could not get anything to eat in the evening. He slept on no soften bed but on a palm mat, after a long busy day to spend most of his night in prayer, often bursting with tears before his creator to grant him strength to discharge his duties. As the reports go, his voice would get choked with weeping and it would appear as if a cooking pot was on fire and boiling had commenced. On the very day of his death his only assets were few coins a part of which went to satisfy a debt and rest was given to a needy person who came to his house for charity. The clothes in which he breathed his last had many patches. The house from where light had spread to the world was in darkness because there was no oil in the lamp.

Circumstances changed, but the prophet of God did not. In victory or in defeat, in power or in adversity, in affluence or in indigence, he is the same man, disclosed the same character. Like all the ways and laws of God, Prophets of God are unchangeable.

An honest man, as the saying goes, is the noblest work of God, Mohammad was more than honest. He was human to the marrow of his bones. Human sympathy, human love was the music of his soul. To serve man, to elevate man, to purify man, to educate man, in a word to humanize man-this was the object of his mission, the be-all and end all of his life. In thought, in word, in action he had the good of humanity as his sole inspiration, his sole guiding principle.

He was most unostentatious and selfless to the core. What were the titles he assumed? Only true servant of God and His Messenger. Servant first, and then a messenger. A Messenger and prophet like many other prophets in every part of the world, some known to you, many not known you. If one does not believe in any of these truths one ceases to be a Muslim. It is an article of faith.

"Looking at the circumstances of the time and unbounded reverence of his followers" says a western writer "the most miraculous thing about Mohammad is, that he never claimed the power of working miracles." Miracles were performed but not to propagate his faith and were attributed entirely to God and his inscrutable ways. He would plainly say that he was a man like others. He had no treasures of earth or heaven. Nor did he claim to know the secrets of that lie in womb of future. All this was in an age when miracles were supposed to be ordinary occurrences, at the back and call of the commonest saint, when the whole atmosphere was surcharged with supernaturalism in Arabia and outside Arabia. He turned the attention of his followers towards the study of nature and its laws, to understand them and appreciate the Glory of God. The Quran says,

"God did not create the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in play. He did not create them all but with the truth. But most men do not know."

8 The world is not illusion, nor without purpose. It has been created with the truth. The

number of verses inviting close observation of nature are several times more than those that relate to prayer, fasting, pilgrimage etc. all put together. The Muslim under its influence began to observe nature closely and this give birth to the scientific spirit of the observation and experiment which was unknown to the Greeks. While the Muslim Botanist Ibn Baitar wrote on Botany after collecting plants from all parts of the world, described by Myer in his Gesch. der Botanikaa-s, a monument of industry, while Al Byruni traveled for forty years to collect mineralogical specimens, and Muslim Astronomers made some observations extending even over twelve years. Aristotle wrote on Physics without performing a single experiment, wrote on natural history, carelessly stating without taking the trouble to ascertain the most verifiable fact that men have more teeth than animal. Galen, the greatest authority on classical anatomy informed that the lower jaw consists of two bones, a statement which is accepted unchallenged for centuries till Abdul Lateef takes the trouble to examine a human skeleton. After enumerating several such instances, Robert Priffault concludes in his well known book The making of humanity, "The debt of our science to the Arabs does not consist in starting discovers or revolutionary theories. Science owes a great more to Arabs culture; it owes is existence." The same writer says "The Greeks

systematized, generalized and theorized but patient ways of investigation, the accumulation of positive knowledge, the minute methods of science, detailed and prolonged observation, experimental inquiry, were altogether alien to Greek temperament. What we call science arose in Europe as result of new methods of investigation, of the method of experiment, observation, measurement, of the development of Mathematics in form unknown to the Greeks. That spirit and these methods, concludes the same author, were introduced into the European world by Arabs."

It is the same practical character of the teaching of Prophet Mohammad that gave birth to the scientific spirit, that has also sanctified the daily labors and the so called mundane affairs. The Quran says that God has created man to worship him but the word worship has a connotation of its own. Gods worship is not confined to prayer alone, but every act that is done with the purpose of winning approval of God and is for the benefit of the humanity comes under its purview. Islam sanctifies life and all its pursuits provided they are performed with honesty, justice and pure intents. It obliterates the age-long distinction between the sacred and profane. The Quran says if you eat clean things and thank God for it, it is an act of worship. It is saying of the prophet of Islam that Morsel of food that one places in the mouth of his wife is an act of virtue to be rewarded by God. Another tradition of the Prophet says "He who is satisfying the desire of his heart will be rewarded by God provided the methods adopted are permissible." A person was listening to him exclaimed 'O Prophet of God, he is answering the calls of passions, is only satisfying the craving of his heart. Forthwith came the reply, "Had he adopted an awful method for the satisfaction of his urge, he would have been punished; then why should he not be rewarded for following the right course."

This new conception of religion that it should also devote itself to the betterment of this life rather than concern itself exclusively with super mundane affairs, has led to a new orientation of moral values. Its abiding influence on the common relations of mankind in the affairs of every day life, its deep power over the masses, its regulation of their conception of rights and duty, its suitability and adaptability to the ignorant savage and the wise philosopher are characteristic features of the teaching of the Prophet of Islam.

But it should be most carefully born in mind this stress on good actions is not the sacrifice correctness of faith. While there are various school of thought, one praising faith at the expense of deeds, another exhausting various acts to the detriment of correct belief, Islam is based on correct faith and righteous actions. Means are important as the end and ends are as important as the means. It is an organic Unity. Together they live and thrive. Separate them and both decay and die. In Islam faith can not be divorced from the action. Right knowledge should be transferred into right action to produce the right

9 results. How often the words came in Quran — Those who believe and do good thing,

they alone shall enter paradise. Again and again, not less than fifty times these words are repeated as if too much stress can not be laid on them. Contemplation is encouraged but mere contemplation is not the goal. Those who believe and do nothing can not exist in Islam. These who believe and do wrong are inconceivable. Divine law is the law of effort and not of ideals. It chalks out for the men the path of eternal progress from knowledge to action and from action to satisfaction.

But what is the correct faith from which right action spontaneously proceeds resulting in complete satisfaction. Here the central doctrine of Islam is the Unity of God. There is no God but God is the pivot from which hangs the whole teaching and practice of Islam. He is unique not only as regards his divine being but also as regards his divine attributes.

As regards the attributes of God, Islam adopts here as in other things too, the law of golden mean. It avoids on the one hand, the view of God which divests the divine being of every attribute and rejects, on the other, the view which likens him to things material. The Quran says, On the one hand, there is nothing which is like him, on the other , it affirms that he is Seeing, Hearing, Knowing. He is the King who is without a stain of fault or deficiency, the mighty ship of His power floats upon the ocean of justice and equity. He is the Beneficent, the Merciful. He is the Guardian over all. Islam does not stop with this positive statement. It adds further which is its most special characteristic, the negative aspects of problem. There is also no one else who is guardian over everything. He is the meander of every breakage, and no one else is the meander of any breakage. He is the restorer of every loss and no one else is the restorer of any loss what-so-over. There is no God but one God, above any need, the maker of bodies, creator of souls, the Lord of the day of judgment, and in short, in the words of Quran, to him belong all excellent qualities.

Regarding the position of man in relation to the Universe, the Quran says:

"God has made subservient to you whatever is on the earth or in universe. You are destined to rule over the Universe."

But in relation to God, the Quran says:

"O man God has bestowed on you excellent faculties and has created life and death to put you to test in order to see whose actions are good and who has deviated from the right path."

In spite of free will which he enjoys, to some extent, every man is born under certain circumstances and continues to live under certain circumstances beyond his control. With regard to this God says, according to Islam, it is my will to create any man under condition that seem best to me. cosmic plans finite mortals can not fully comprehend. But I will certainly test you in prosperity as well in adversity, in health as well as in sickness, in heights as well as in depths. My ways of testing differ from man to man, from hour to hour. In adversity do not despair and do resort to unlawful means. It is but a passing phase. In prosperity do not forget God. God-gifts are given only as trusts. You are always on trial, every moment on test. In this sphere of life there is not to reason why, there is but to do and die. If you live in accordance with God; and if you die, die in the path of God. You may call it fatalism, but this type of fatalism is a

condition of vigorous increasing effort, keeping you ever on the alert. Do not consider this temporal life on earth as the end of human existence. There is a life after death and it is eternal. Life after death is only a connection link, a door that opens up hidden reality of life. Every action in life however insignificant, produces a lasting effect. It is correctly recorded somehow. Some of the ways of God are known to you, but many of his ways are hidden from you. What is hidden in you and from you in

10 this world will be unrolled and laid open before you in the next, the virtuous will enjoy the

blessing of God which the eye has not seen, nor has the ear heard, nor has it entered into the hearts of men to conceive of they will march onward reaching higher and higher stages of evolution. Those who have wasted opportunity in this life shall under the inevitable law, which makes every man taste of what he has done, be subjugated to a course of treatment of the spiritual diseases which they have brought about with their own hands. Beware, it is terrible ordeal. Bodily pain is torture, you can bear somehow. Spiritual pain is hell, you will find it almost unbearable. Fight in this life itself the tendencies of the spirit prone to evil, tempting to lead you into iniquities ways. Reach the next stage when the self-accusing sprit in your conscience is awakened and the soul is anxious to attain moral excellence and revolt against disobedience. This will lead you to the final stage of the soul at rest, contented with God, finding its happiness and delight in him alone. The soul no more stumbles. The stage of struggle passes away. Truth is victorious and falsehood lays down its arms. All complexes will then be resolved. Your house will not be divided against itself. Your personality will get integrated round the central core of submission to the will of God and complete surrender to his divine purpose. All hidden energies will then be released. The soul then will have peace. God will then address you:

"O thou soul that art at rest, and restest fully contented with thy Lord return to thy Lord. He pleased with thee and thou pleased with him; So enter among my servants and enter into my paradise."

This is the final goal for man; to become, on the, one hand, the master of the universe and on the other, to see that his soul finds rest in his Lord, that not only his Lord will be pleased with him but that he is also pleased with his Lord. Contentment, complete contentment, satisfaction, complete satisfaction, peace, complete peace. The love of God is his food at this stage and he drinks deep at the fountain of life. Sorrow and defeat do not overwhelm him and success does not find him in vain and exulting.

The western nations are only trying to become the master of the Universe. But their souls have not found peace and rest.

Thomas Carlyle, struck by this philosophy of life writes "and then also Islam-that we must submit to God; that our whole strength lies in resigned submission to Him, whatsoever he does to us, the thing he sends to us, even if death and worse than death, shall be good, shall be best; we resign ourselves to God." The same author continues "If this be Islam, says Goethe, do we not all live in Islam?" Carlyle himself answers this question of Goethe and says "Yes, all of us that have any moral life, we all live so. This is yet the highest wisdom that heaven has revealed to our earth."

Thenceforth were your hearts hardened: They became like a rock and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; others there are which when split asunder send forth water; and others which sink for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do. 2:74 al-Baqarah Verse: 74 AL-QURAN.

Some hadiths (teachings of prophet MuhammadH pbuh)

Aisha reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say, "Gabriel continued to advise me to treat neighbors well until I thought he would make them my heirs."

Source: Sahih Muslim 2624

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim

Abu Musa reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "The honest Muslim trustee who carries out the orders of those who trusted him and who pays in full with a good heart to the right person is regarded as one of the two who gave charity." Source: Sahih Bukhari 1371, Sahih Muslim [...]

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "There is no justification for envy except in two cases. First, a man whom Allah has given the Quran and he recites it during the night and day, so someone says: If I were to be given like this, I would do as he is doing. And second, a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in justice, so someone says: If I were to be given like this, I would do as he is doing."

Source: Sahih Bukhari 6805

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Bukhari

Hadith on Zakat: The command to give 2.5% of surplus wealth as alms and charity

Abu Amina Elias | April 5, 2013

Ali ibn Abu Talib reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "If you have two hundred coins and a year has passed, then five coins is due for alms; and you will owe nothing until you own twenty coins, but when you own twenty coins and a year has passed, then half of a coin is due for alms and whatever exceeds that should be calculated likewise."

Source: SunanAbu Dawud 1572

Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Abu Dawud (due to his silence)

Abu Dharr reported: My dear friend the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, enjoined upon me three deeds, "Listen to and obey the ruler even if a slave is appointed over you. When you make soup, put some extra water in it and look to the people in the neighboring house and give them a reasonable portion of it, and pray your prayers on time, for if you find the Imam praying then pray with him and your prayer will be safeguarded, otherwise it will be voluntary for you."

Source: Musnad Ahmad 20918

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

Juwairiya reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, came out from her apartment as she was performing the dawn prayer. He returned in the forenoon and found her sitting there. The Prophet said, "Are you in the same position as I left you?" She said yes. The Prophet said, "I recited four words three times after I left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since the morning, these words will be heavier. They are: Glory and praise to Allah as many as the numbers of His creation, in according with His pleasure, as the weight of the Throne, and as the ink for recording His words."

Source: Sahih Muslim 2726

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim

Ubadah ibn As-Samit reported: We pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, pledging to listen and obey in hardship and in ease, in pleasure and displeasure even if someone is wrongly favored over us, and pledging not to dispute the rule of

those in authority and that we should speak the truth wherever we are and not to fear those who blame us regarding Allah.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1709

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim

Al-Qurtubi reported: Some scholars gave permission to initiate greetings of peace with the unbelievers. It was said to Sufyan bin Uyainah, "Do you give permission to greet an unbeliever with peace?" Sufyan said, "Yes, for Allah the Exalted said: Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you in religion nor expel you from your homes that you be righteous and fair to them. Verily, Allah loves those who are just." (60:8) Sufyan added, "Allah said: There has come to you the best example in Abraham, (60:4) and Abraham said to his father: Peace be upon you." (19:47)

Source: Tafseer Al-Qurtubi, verse 19:41

Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported: He stood upon a platform and he grabbed his tongue and he said, "0 tongue! Speak goodness and be rewarded, or remain silent and be safe before you are regretful." Then he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say, "Most of the sins of the children of Adam are on their tongues."

[At-Tabarani, Mu'jam Al-Kabeer, Number 10300, Sahih]

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said three times, "May Allah have mercy on a person who spoke rightly and was rewarded, or who was silent and remained safe."

Source: Shu'b Al-Iman Al-Bayhaqi 4579

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "The basis of reasoning, after faith in Allah, is loving kindness toward the people."

Source: At-Tabarani, Al-Mu'jam Al-Awsat, Number 6067

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not harm his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak goodness or remain silent."

Source: Sahih Muslim 47

Ibn Mas'ud reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "During the night journey, I met with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus and they were discussing the matter of the Hour. Their matter was referred to Abraham, who said, "I have no knowledge about it." So the matter was referred to Moses, who said, "I have no knowledge about it." So the matter was referred to Jesus, who said, "As for the conditions of the Hour, no one knows them but Allah. My Lord the Exalted has entrusted me that the False Messiah will appear and I will have with me two rods. When he sees me, he will melt away just as lead is melted in fire.

Allah will destroy him to the point that the rock and the tree will say: O Muslims, beneath me is an unbeliever, so come slay him. Thus, Allah will destroy them and the people will return to their lands and their countries. When that happens, the nations of Gog and Magog will appear, eating and drinking everything in their lands. They will not come upon anything but that they will devour it and they will not pass by any water but that they will consume it. The people will complain to me about them, so I will supplicate to Allah and He will destroy them until their stench fills the earth. Then Allah will send rain which will wash their bodies into the sea. My Lord the Exalted has entrusted me that when all of this happens, the Hour is indeed near just as a women is ready to give birth; her family does not know when she will give birth but it could be any day or night."

[Musnad Ahmad, Number 3546, Sahih]

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "By Allah, the son of Mary will descend as a just ruler. He will abolish the cross, kill the swine, and annul the tribute, but he will leave the she-camel such that no one collects from it. He will cause rancor, hatred, and envy to disappear, and he will call people to give their wealth in charity but no one will need it."

Source: Sahih Muslim 155

Prophet said, "By Allah, you must enjoin good and forbid evil and seize the hand of the oppressor and make him follow the truth and restrict him to what is just."

Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 4336

"God is Kind and likes kindness in all things."

Reporter: Hadhrat Ayeshah (r)

Source: Bukhari/Muslim (reported in Riyadhus Saleheen,#633); Sunan Ibn Majah, #3684

The people will be resurrected

(and judged) according to their intentions."

Reporter: Hadhrat Aishah (r)

14 Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book of Fasting, Chapter 6, p. 69

"The best among you are those

who have the best manners and character.""

Reporter: Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Amr (r)

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8: #56b

"A person who goes in search of knowledge, he is in the path of God and he remains so till he returns."

Reporter: Hadhrat Anas (r)

Source: Sunan at-Tirmizi, Vol. 4, #2656

"Hell lies hidden behind evil

(worldly desires) and

paradise is screened behind hard labor."

Reporter: Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (r)

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #494

"Paradise is closer to you than your shoelace, and so is the (Hell) Fire."

Reporter: Hadhrat Ibn Mas'ud

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #495

"The world is prison for the believers and paradise for the disbelievers."

Reporter: Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (r) Source: Sahih Muslim, Vol. 4, #7058

"To spend one morning or evening in the cause of God is better than the world and whatever is in the world."

Reporter: Hadhrat Anas bin Malik

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, #50

15 On the authority of Abu Malik al-Harith bin Asim al-Asharee (may Allah be

pleased with him) who said:

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Purity is half of iman (faith). 'Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)' fills the scales, and 'subhan-Allah (how far is Allah from every imperfection) and 'Al-hamdulillah (praise be to Allah)' fill that which is between heaven and earth. And the salah (prayer) is a light, and charity is a proof, and patience is illumination, and the Qur'an is a proof either for you or against you. Every person starts his day as a vendor of his soul, either freeing it or causing its ruin." It was related by Muslim.

Even Western scholars have repudiated the myth of Muslims coercing others to convert. The great historian De Lacy O'Leary wrote:

"History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated. "[3]

Even in a state of war, Islam enjoins that one deals with the enemy nobly on the battlefield. Islam has drawn a clear line of distinction between the combatants and the non-combatants of the enemy country. As far as the non-combatant population is concerned such as women, children, the old and the infirm, etc., the instructions of the Prophet are as follows: "Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman"

[1].

"Do not kill the monks in monasteries" or "Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship." [2]

During a war, the Prophet saw the corpse of a woman lying on the ground and observed:

"She was not fighting. How then she came to be killed?" Thus non-combatants are guaranteed security of life even if their state is at war with an Islamic state.

What non Muslim scholars say about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

During the centuries of the crusades, all sorts of slanders were invented against the Prophet Muhammad (p)2. However, with the birth of the modern age, marked with religious tolerance and freedom of thought, there has been a great change in the approach of Western authors in their delineation of his life and character.

The West, however, has yet to go a step forward to

discover the greatest reality about Muhammad (p); that is his being the true and the last Prophet of God for all humanity.

Despite all its objectivity and enlightenment, there has been no

sincere and objective attempt by the West to understand the ^^^^^^^^

Prophethood of Muhammad (p). It is so strange that very glowing tributes are paid to him for his integrity and achievement but his claim of being the Prophet of God is rejected explicitly or implicitly. It is here that a searching of the heart is required, and a review of the so-called objectivity is needed. The following glaring facts from the life of Muhammad (p) have been furnished to facilitate an unbiased, logical and objective decision regarding his Prophethood.

Up to the age of forty, Muhammad (p) was not known as a statesman, a preacher or an orator. He was never seen discussing the principles of metaphysics, ethics, law, politics, economics or sociology. No doubt he possessed an excellent character and charming manners and was known to be highly cultured. Yet there was nothing so deeply striking and so radically extraordinary in him that would make men expect something great and revolutionary from him in the future. But when he came out of the Cave of Hira, with a new message, he was completely transformed. .Is it possible for a person known to possess an upright and unblemished character, to suddenly turn an impostor, and claim to be the

Prophet of God?. It is well known that his claim invited the rage of his people, and marked the beginning of a long, arduous struggle. One might ask: .for what reason did he suffer all those hardships?His people offered to accept him as their King and to lay all the riches of the land at his feet if only he would leave the preaching of his message. But he turned down their alluring offers and continued to preach in the face of insults, social boycott and even physical assault. Furthermore, had he come with a design of rivalry with the Christians and the Jews, why should he have believed in Jesus Christ and Moses and other Prophets of God (peace be upon them), which is a basic requirement of faith without which no one could be a Muslim?

It is well known that Muhammad (p) was unlettered and had led a very uneventful life before he announced his mission to the world at the age of forty. Is it not an

incontrovertible proof of his Prophethood, that despite being unlettered, all of Arabia stood in awe and wonder when he began preaching his message, and was bewitched by the wonderful eloquence of his message? The whole legion of Arab poets, preachers and orators of the highest caliber failed to bring forth the equivalent of the Qur.an, which remains inimitable to this day. And above all, how could he then pronounce truths of scientific nature contained in the Qur.an that no human being could possibly have discovered at that time

Last, but not the least, why did he lead a hard life even after gaining power and authority? The words he uttered while dying were: .We the community of the Prophets are not inherited. Whatever we leave is for charity. As a matter of fact, Muhammad (p), is the last link of Prophets sent in different lands and times since the beginning of the human life on earth.

If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples and dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and souls... His forbearance in victory, his ambition, which was entirely devoted to one idea and in no manner striving for an empire; his endless prayers, his mystic conversations with God, his death and his triumph after death; all these attest not to an impostor but to a firm conviction which gave him the power to restore a dogma. This dogma was twofold, the unity of God and the immateriality of God; the former telling what God is, the latter telling what God is not; the one overthrowing false gods with the sword, the other starting an idea with the words.

Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?[Lamartine, Histoire de la Turquie, Paris 1854 Vol. II, pp. 276-77.]

It is not the propagation but the permanency of his religion that deserves our wonder; the same pure and perfect impression that he engraved at Mecca and Medina is preserved, after the revolutions of twelve centuries by the Indian, the African and the Turkish proselytes of the Koran... The Mahometans have uniformly withstood the temptation of reducing the object of their faith and devotion to a level with the senses and imagination of man. I believe in One God and Mahomet the Apostle of God., is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honors of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue; and

18 his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within

the bounds of reason and religion.[Edward Gibbon and Simon Ocklay, History of the Saracen Empire, London 1870, p. 54.]

He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Popes pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar: without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammad, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports.[Bosworth Smifu, Mohammad and Mohammadanism. London 1874, p. 92.]

.It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher.[Annie Besant, The Life and Teachings of Muhammad, Madras 1932, p.4]

His readiness to undergo persecutions for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad.[W. Montgomery, Mohammad at Mecca, Oxford, 1953, p. 52.]

Muhammad, the inspired man who founded Islam, was born about A.D. 570 into an Arabian tribe that worshipped idols. Orphaned at birth, he was always particularly solicitous of the poor and needy, the widow and the orphan, the slave and the downtrodden. At twenty he was already a successful businessman, and soon became director of camel caravans for a wealthy widow. When he reached twenty-five his employer, recognizing his merit, proposed marriage. Even though she was fifteen years older, he married her, and as long as she lived remained a devoted husband.

Like almost every major prophet before him, Muhammad fought shy of serving as the transmitter of God.s word, sensing his own inadequacy. But the angel commanded Read.. So far as we know, Muhammad was unable to read or write, but he began to dictate those inspired words which would soon revolutionize a large segment of the earth; There is one God.

In all things Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occurred, and rumors of God.s personal condolence quickly arose. Whereupon Muhammad is said to have announced, An eclipse is a phenomenon of nature. It is foolish to attribute such things to the death or birth of a human being..

At Muhammad.s own death an attempt was made to deify him, but the man who

19 was to become his administrative successor killed the hysteria with

one of the noblest speeches in religious history: If there are any among you who worshipped Muhammad, he is dead. But if it is God you worshipped, He lives forever..

[James A. Michener, Islam The Misunderstood Religion., In the Reader.s Digest (American Edition) for May 1955, pp. 68-70.]

[Source : WAMY3 Series on Islam]

1. The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, p. 33.

2. (p) here stands for .peace be upon him3. World Assembly of Muslim Youth

PROPHET MUHAMMAD (pbuh) IN THE BIBLE by Dr. Zakir Naik

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the Old Testament:

The Qur'an mentions in Surah Al-Araf chapter 7 verse 157:

"Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures) in the law and the Gospel".

1. MUHAMMAD (PBUH) PROPHESISED IN THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY:

Almighty God speaks to Moses in Book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 18:

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."

The Christians say that this prophecy refers to Jesus (pbuh) because Jesus (pbuh) was like Moses (pbuh). Moses (pbuh) was a Jew, as well as Jesus (pbuh) was a Jew. Moses (pbuh) was a Prophet and Jesus (pbuh) was also a Prophet If these two are the only criteria for this prophecy to be fulfilled, then all the Prophets of the Bible who came after

Moses (pbuh) such as Solomon, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Malachi, John the Baptist, etc. (pbut) will

fulfill this prophecy since all were Jews as well as prophets. However, it is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who is like Moses (pbuh):

Both had a father and a mother, while Jesus (pbuh) was born miraculously without any male intervention.

[Mathew 1:18 and Luke 1:35 and also Al-Qur'an 3:42-47]

Both were married and had children. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not marry nor had children.

Both died natural deaths. Jesus (pbuh) has been raised up alive. (4:157-158)

Muhammad (pbuh) is from among the brethren of Moses (pbuh). Arabs are brethren of Jews. Abraham (pbuh) had two sons: Ishmail and Isaac (pbut). The Arabs are the descendants of Ishmail (pbuh) and the Jews are the descendants of Isaac (pbuh).

Words in the mouth:

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was unlettered and whatever revelations he received

from Almighty God he repeated them verbatim.

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."

[Deuteronomy 18:18]

Both besides being Prophets were also kings i.e. they could inflict capital punishment. Jesus (pbuh) said, "My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36).

Both were accepted as Prophets by their people in their lifetime but Jesus (pbuh) was rejected by his

people. John chapter 1 verse 11 states, "He came unto his own, but his own received him not."

iv) Both brought new laws and new regulations for their people. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not bring any new laws. (Mathew 5:17-18).

21 112. Surah Al-lkhlaas or At-Tauhid (The Purity)

1. Say (O Muhammad (^)): "He is Allah, (the) One.

2. "Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks).

3. "He begets not, nor was He begotten;

4. "And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him." Quran

(according to historians original bible does not exist) search in google!!!

(The punishment of raping a women in islam is death penalty)!!!

if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.Quran.

2. It is Mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 18:19

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not harken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him."

3. Muhammad (pbuh) is prophesised in the book of Isaiah:

It is mentioned in the book of Isaiah chapter 29 verse 12:

"And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned."

When Archangel Gabrail commanded Muhammad (pbuh) by saying Iqra - "Read", he replied, "I am not learned".

4. prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mentioned by name in the old testament:

22 Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of

Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:

prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mentioned by name in the old testament: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:"Hikko Mamittakim we kullo Muhammadim Zehdoodeh wa Zehraee Bayna Jerusalem.""His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."In the Hebrew language im is added for respect. Similarely im is added after the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to make it Muhammadim. In English translation they have even translated the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as "altogether lovely", but in the Old Testament in Hebrew, the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is yet presentlt's majestic plural noun like Elohim which refers to 1 God only.so Muhammadim also refers to 1 Muhammad even though im can refer also to be plural.(Edited by Faisal)

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the New Testament: Al-Qur'an Chapter 61 Verse 6:

"And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed.' But when he came to them with clear signs, they said, 'This is evident sorcery!'"

All the prophecies mentioned in the Old Testament regarding Muhammad (pbuh) besides applying to the Jews also hold good for the Christians.

1. John chapter 14 verse 16:

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever."

2. Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26:

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit

of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me."

' Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7:

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go

not away, the Comforter will not

come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you".

"Ahmed" or "Muhammad" meaning "the one who praises" or "the praised one" is almost the translation of the

Greek word Periclytos. In the Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7. The word 'Comforter' is used in the English translation for the Greek word Paracletos which means advocate or a kind friend rather than a comforter. Paracletos is the warped reading for Periclytos. Jesus (pbuh) actually prophesised Ahmed by name. Even the

Greek word Paraclete refers to the Prophet (pbuh) who is a mercy for all creatures.

Some Christians say that the Comforter mentioned in these prophecies refers to the Holy Sprit. They fail to realise

that the prophecy clearly says that only if Jesus (pbuh) departs will the Comforter come. The Bible states that the

Holy Spirit was already present on earth before and during the time of Jesus (pbuh), in the womb of Elizabeth, and again when Jesus (pbuh) was being baptised, etc. Hence this prophecy refers to none other than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

4. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14:

"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is

come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me".

The Sprit of Truth, spoken about in this prophecy referes to none other than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

NOTE : All quotations of the Bible are taken from the King James Version.

Muhammad's Prophethood: Intellectual Proofs

Table of Contents

1. The Prophet (pbuh) was unlettered. He did not know how to read or write. He lived among a people who were unlettered as well. Therefore one cannot claim that the Qur'an was authored by Muhammad (pbuh)! God, the Exalted, says:

"And you did not recite any Book before it, nor did you write one with your right hand; in that case the liars would have doubted." (29:48)

2. The Arabs were challenged to bring forth something similar to the Qur'an, and they were unable to do so! The beauty, structure and deep meanings of the Qur'an amazed the Arabs. The Qur'an is the everlasting miracle of Muhammad (pbuh). The Messenger of God (pbuh) said:

"The miracles of the Prophets (before Muhammad pbuh) were confined to their times. The miracle I have been given is the Qur'an, which is everlasting; therefore, I hope to have the most followers." (Bukhari 4598)

Even though his people were eloquent and well known for their awesome poetry, God challenged them to produce similar to the Qur'an, but they couldn't. God then challenged them to produce a chapter similar to it, and they couldn't.

God says:

"And if you are in doubt as to what We have sent down to Our slave, then produce a chapter like it, and call upon your helpers beside Allah, if you are truthful." (2:23)

God challenges mankind at large to bring forth similar to the Qur'an. God says:

"Say, 'if mankind and the Jinn gathered together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not

produce the like thereof, even though they should help one another." (17:88)

3. The Prophet pbuh continued preaching and calling people to Islam, even though he faced many hardships and was confronted by his people, who were plotting to kill him. Yet the

Prophet pbuh continued preaching, and was patient. If he was an imposter - he would stop preaching and would have feared for his life. W. Montgomery Watt said:

His readiness to undergo persecution for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as a leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement - all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems that it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad.... Thus, not merely must we credit Muhammad with essential honesty and integrity of purpose, if we are

to understand him at all; if we are to correct the errors we have inherited from the past,

25 we must not forget the conclusive proof is a much stricter requirement than a show of

plausibility, and in a matter such as this only to be attained with difficulty.

4. Every person loves the ornaments and beauties of this life, and would be swayed by these things. God, the Exalted, says:

"Beautified for men is the love of desired things -women and children, and stored-up heaps of gold and silver, and pastured horses and cattle and crops. That is the provision of the present life; but it is God with Whom is an excellent abode." (3:14)

Man, by his nature, is keen in acquiring ornaments and beauties of this world. People differ in the method they use to acquire these things. Some would resort to using lawful means to gain these things, while others would resort to using unlawful means to acquire these things.

If this is known (you should know that) Quraish tried to persuade the Prophet (pbuh) to stop calling people to Islam. They told him that they would make him the master of Quraish, marry him to the most beautiful women, and make him the most affluent man amongst them. He responded to these tempting offers, saying:

"By God, if they place the sun in my right hand, and the moon in my left hand to leave this matter, I would not leave it, until God makes it apparent, or I am killed calling people to it." (Ibn Hisham)

Were the Prophet (pbuh) an impostor he would have accepted this offer without hesitation. Thomas Carlyle, said:

"They called him a prophet, you say? Why, he stood there face to face with them, here, not enshrined in any mystery, visibly clouting his own cloak, cobbling his own shoes, fighting, counseling ordering in the midst of them. They must have seen what kind of a man he was, let him be called what ye like. No emperor with his tiaras was obeyed as this man in a cloak of his own clouting. During three and twenty ears of rough, actual trial, I find something of a veritable hero necessary for that of itself." 40

5. It is well known that subjects and wealth of a kingdom are subjected to the will of the king, and his service. As for Muhammad (pbuh) he knew that this life was a transitory stage. Ibraheem b. Alqamah said that Abdullah said: The Prophet (pbuh) lay down on a straw mat which had marked his side, so I said: '0 Messenger of God! I ransom you with my mother and father! Allow us to put bedding on this mat that you lay on, so your side would not be affected and marked.' The Prophet (pbuh) said:

"My example in this life is like a rider who took rest under the shade of a tree then continued on his journey." (Ibn Majah #4109)

An-Nu'man b. Basheer said:

"I saw your Prophet (pbuh) (during a time) when he was not able to even find low quality dates to fill his stomach." (Muslim #2977)

26 Abu Hurairah said:

"The Messenger of God (pbuh) never filled his stomach for three consecutive days until his death." (Bukhari #5059)

Even though the Arabian Peninsula was under his control, and he was the source of goodness for its people, the Prophet (pbuh) would at some times not find food to suffice him. His wife, A'ishah said that the Prophet (pbuh) bought some food from a Jew (and agreed to pay him at a later time) and he gave him his armor as collateral.' (Bukhari #2088)

This does not mean that he could not obtain what he wanted; for the moneys and wealth would be placed in front of him in his Masjid, and he would not move from his spot, until he distributed it amongst the poor and needy. Among his Companions were those who were wealthy and affluent -they would rush to serve him and would give up the most valuable of things for him. The reason the Prophet (pbuh) renounced the riches of this world, was because he knew the reality of this life. He said:

"The likeness of this world to the Hereafter, is like a person who dipped his finger in the ocean - let him see what would return." (Muslim #2858)

Reverend Bosworth Smith said:

If ever a man ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life. 41

6. Certain incidents would befall the Prophet of God (pbuh) which would need clarification, and he would not be able to do anything because he did not receive revelation regarding it.

During this period (i.e. between the incident and revelation) he would be exhausted. One such incident is the incident of Ifk' 42 wherein the Prophet's wife A'ishah was accused of being treacherous. The Prophet (pbuh) did not receive revelation concerning this incident for one month; during which his enemies talked ill of him, until revelation was revealed and the innocence of A'ishah was declared. Were the Prophet (pbuh) an imposter he would have resolved this incident the minute it came about. God says:

"Nor does he speak out of desire." (53:3)

7. The Prophet (pbuh) did not ask people to adulate him. On the contrary, the Prophet (pbuh) would not be pleased if a person adulated him in any way. Anas said:

"There was no individual more beloved to the Companions than the Messenger of God.' He said: 'If they saw him, they would not stand up for him, because they knew he disliked that.'" (Tirmidthi #2754)

Washington Irving, said:

"His military triumphs awakened no pride nor vain glory as they would have done had they been

27 effected by selfish purposes. In the time of his greatest power he maintained the same

simplicity of manner and appearance as in the days of his adversity. So far from affecting regal state, he was displeased if, on entering a room, any unusual testimonial of respect was shown to him."

8. Some verses from the Qur'an were revealed in which the Prophet (pbuh) was blamed and admonished, due to some incident or happening; such as:

a. The words of God, the Exalted:

"0 Prophet! Why do you forbid (for yourself) that which God has allowed to you, seeking to please your wives? And God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (66:1)

The Prophet (pbuh) abstained from eating honey, due to the behavior of some of his wives. God then admonished him because he forbade upon himself what God deemed lawful.

b. God, the Exalted, says:

"May God forgive you (0 Muhammad). Why did you grant them leave (for remaining behind; you should have persisted as regards your order to them to proceed on Jihad) until those who told the truth were seen by you in a clear light, and you had known the liars?" (9:43)

God admonished the Prophet (pbuh) because he quickly accepted the false excuses of the hypocrites who lagged behind in the Battle of Tabook. He forgave them and accepted their excuses, without verifying them.

c. God, the Exalted, says:

"It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world, but God desires for you the Hereafter. And God is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (8:67)

d. God, the Exalted, says:

"Not for you (0 Muhammad, but for God) is the decision; whether He turns in mercy, to (pardon) them or punishes them; verily, they are the wrong-doers." (3:128)

e. God, the Exalted, says:

"The Prophet frowned and turned away. Because there came to him the blind man. And how can you know that he might become pure from sins? Or he might receive admonition, and the admonition might profit him?" (80:1-4)

Abdullah b. Umm Maktoom, who was blind, came to the Prophet (pbuh) while he was preaching to one or some of the Quraish leaders, and the Prophet (pbuh) frowned and turned away - and God admonished him on account of that.

Therefore, were the Prophet (pbuh) an imposter, these verses would not be found in the Qur'an.

28 Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall said:

One day when the Prophet was in conversation with one of the great men of Qureysh, seeking to persuade him of the truth of Al-Islam, a blind man came and asked him a question concerning the faith. The Prophet was annoyed at the interruption, frowned and turned away from the blind man. In this Surah he is told that a man's importance is not to be judged from his appearance or worldly station. 43

9. One of the sure signs of his Prophethood is found in the Chapter of Lahab (chapter 111) in the Qur'an. In it God, the Exalted, condemned Abu Lahab (the Prophet's uncle) to the torment of Hell. This chapter was revealed during the early stages of his Da'wah (call to Islam). Were the Prophet (pbuh) an imposter he would not issue a ruling like this; since his uncle might accept Islam afterwards!

Dr. Gary Miller says:

For example, the Prophet (pbuh) had an uncle by the name of Abu Lahab. This man hated Islam to such an extent that he used to follow the Prophet around in order to discredit him. If Abu Lahab saw the Prophet (pbuh) speaking to a stranger, he would wait until they parted and then would go back to the stranger and ask him, 'What did he tell you? Did he say black? Well, it's white. Did he say 'Morning?' Well, it's night.' He faithfully said the exact opposite of whatever he heard Muhammad (pbuh) say. However, about ten years before Abu Lahab died a little chapter in the Qur'an was revealed to him. It distinctly stated that he would go to the Fire (i.e. Hell). In other words, it affirmed that he would never become a Muslim and would therefore be condemned forever. For ten years all Abu Lahab had to do was say, ( I heard that it has been revealed to Muhammad that I will never change - that I will never become a Muslim and will enter the Hellfire. Well I want to become a Muslim now. How do you like that? What do you think of your divine revelation now?' But he never did that. And yet, that is exactly the kind of behavior one would have expected from him since he always sought to contradict Islam. In essence, Muhammad (pbuh) said: 'You hate me and you want to finish me? Here, say these words, and I am finished. Come on, say them!' But Abu Lahab never said them. Ten years! And in all that time he never accepted Islam or even became sympathetic to the Islamic cause. How could Muhammad possibly have known for sure that Abu Lahab would fulfill the Qur'anic revelation if he (i.e. Muhammad) was not truly the Messenger of Allah? How could he possibly have been so confident as to give someone ten years to discredit his claim of Prophethood? The only answer is that he was Allah's Messenger; for in order to put forth such a risky challenge, one has to be entirely convinced that he has a divine revelation. 44

10. The Prophet (pbuh) is called: 'Ahmed' in a verse of the Qur'an instead of "Muhammad'.

God, the Exalted, says:

"And remember when Eesa, son of Maryam said: '0 Chil-dren of Israel! I am the Messenger of God unto you, con-firming the Torah which came before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed. But when he came to them with clear proofs, they said:

29 'This is plain magic'" (61:6)

Were he an imposter, the name 'Ahmed' would not have been mentioned in the Qur'an, since he was known as 'Muhammad' amongst his people.

11. The religion of Islam still exists today and is spreading all over the Globe. Thousands of people embrace Islam and prefer it over all other religions. This happens even though the callers to Islam are not financially backed as expected; and in spite of the efforts of the enemies of Islam to halt the spread of Islam. God, the Exalted, says:

"Verily, We sent down the Reminder (i.e. the Qur'an) and surely, We will guard it from corruption." (15:9)

Thomas Carlyle said:

A false man found a religion? Why, a false man cannot build a brick house! If he does not know and follow truly the proper-ties of mortar, burnt clay and what else he works in, it is no house that he makes, but a rubbish-heap. It will not stand for twelve centuries, to lodge a hundred and eighty millions; it will fall straightway. A man must conform himself to Na-ture's laws, _be_ verily in communion with Nature and the truth of things, or Nature will answer him, No, not at all! Spe-ciosities are specious--ah me!--a Cagliostro, many Cagliostros, prominent world-leaders, do prosper by their quackery, for a day. It is like a forged bank-note; they get it passed out of _their_ worthless hands: others, not they, have to smart for it. Nature bursts up in fire-flames; French Revolutions and such like, proclaiming with terrible veracity that forged notes are forged. But of a Great Man especially, of him I will venture to assert that it is incredible he should have been other than true. It seems to me the primary foundation of him, and of all that can lie in him, this. 45

The Prophet pbuh preserved the Qur'an, after God had preserved it in the Books, chests of men generation after generation. In-deed memorizing and reciting it, learning and teaching it are among the things Muslims are very keen on doing, for the Prophet pbuh said: "The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." ((Bukhari #4639)

Many have tried to add and omit verses from the Qur'an, but they have never been successful; for these mistakes are discov-ered almost immediately.

As for the Sunnah of the Messenger of God (pbuh) which is the second source of legislation in Islam, it has been preserved by trustworthy pious men. They spent their lives gathering these traditions, and scrutinizing them to separate the weak from the authentic; they even clarified which narrations were fabricated. Whoever looks at the books written in the science of Hadeeth will realize this, and that the narrations that are authentic are in fact authentic.

Michael Hart 46 says:

Muhammad founded and promulgated one of the world's great religions 47 , and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and

30 pervasive.

12. Veracity and truthfulness of his principles and that they are good and suitable for every time and place. The results of the application of Islam are clear and well known, which in turn testify that it is indeed a revelation from God. Further-more, is it not possible for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to be a Prophet, as many Prophets and Messengers were sent before him? If the answer to this query is that there is nothing that prevents this - we then ask, 'why do you reject his Prophethood, and confirm the Prophethood of the Prophets be-fore him?'

13. Man cannot bring about laws similar to the laws of Islam which deal with every aspect of life, such as transactions, marriage, social conduct, politics, acts of worship and the like.

So, how can an unlettered man bring something like this? Isn't this a clear proof and sign of his Prophethood?

14. The Prophet (pbuh) did not start calling people to Islam until he turned forty years old.

His youth had passed and the age in which he should have rest and spend his time leisurely, was the age in which he was commissioned as a Prophet and charged with the dissemination of Islam.

Thomas Carlyle, said:

It goes greatly against the impostor theory, the fact that he lived in this entirely unexceptionable, entirely quiet and commonplace way, till the heat of his years was done. He was forty before he talked of any mission from Heaven. All his ir-regularities, real and supposed, date from after his fiftieth year, when the good Kadijah died. All his "ambition," seem-ingly, had been, hitherto, to live an honest life; his "fame," the mere good opinion of neighbors that knew him, had been suf-ficient hitherto. Not till he was already getting old, the pruri-ent heat of his life all burnt out, and _peace_ growing to be the chief thing this world could give him, did he start on the "career of ambition;" and, belying all his past character and existence, set up as a wretched empty charlatan to acquire what he could now no longer enjoy! For my share, I have no faith whatever in that. 48

Surah 47. Muhammad(this part of the Quran was reveled when Muhammad was forced out of mecca & it was a time of war & crimes against Muslims)

1. Those who reject Allah and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah,- their deeds will Allah render astray (from their mark).

2. But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and believe in the (Revelation) sent down to Muhammad - for it is the Truth from their Lord,- He will remove from them their ills and improve their condition.

3. This because those who reject Allah follow vanities, while those who believe follow the Truth from their Lord: Thus does Allah set forth for men their lessons by similitudes.

4. Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in war), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time

31 for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are

ye commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost.

5. Soon will He guide them and improve their condition,

6. And admit them to the Garden which He has announced for them.

7. 0 ye who believe! If ye will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly.

8. But those who reject (Allah),- for them is destruction, and (Allah) will render their deeds astray (from their mark).

9. That is because they hate the Revelation of Allah, so He has made their deeds fruitless.

10. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the End of those before them (who did evil)? Allah brought utter destruction on them, and similar (fates await) those who reject Allah.

11. That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, but those who reject Allah have no protector.

12. Verily Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow; while those who reject Allah will enjoy (this world) and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire will be their abode.

13. And how many cities, with more power than thy city which has driven thee out, have We destroyed (for their sins)? and there was none to aid them.

14. Is then one who is on a clear (Path) from his Lord, no better than one to whom the evil of his conduct seems pleasing, and such as follow their own lusts?

15. (Here is) a Parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits; and Grace from their Lord. (Can those in such Bliss) be compared to such as shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels (to pieces)?

16. And among them are men who listen to thee, but in the end, when they go out from thee, they say to those who have received Knowledge, "What is it he said just then?" Such are men whose hearts Allah has sealed, and who follow their own lusts.

17. But to those who receive Guidance, He increases the (light of) Guidance, and bestows on them their Piety and Restraint (from evil).

18. Do they then only wait for the Hour,- that it should come on them of a sudden? But already have come some tokens thereof, and when it (actually) is on them, how can they

benefit then by their admonition?

19. Know, therefore, that there is no god but Allah, and ask forgiveness for thy fault, and for the men and women who believe: for Allah knows how ye move about and how ye dwell in your homes.

20. Those who believe say, "Why is not a sura sent down (for us)?" But when a sura of basic or categorical meaning is revealed, and fighting is mentioned therein, thou wilt see those in whose hearts is a disease looking at thee with a look of one in swoon at the approach of death. But more fitting for them-

21. Were it to obey and say what is just, and when a matter is resolved on, it were best for them if they were true to Allah.

22. Then, is it to be expected of you, if ye were put in authority, that ye will do mischief in the land, and break your ties of kith and kin?

23. Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.

24. Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur'an, or are their hearts locked up by them?

25. Those who turn back as apostates after Guidance was clearly shown to them,- the Evil One has instigated them and busied them up with false hopes.

26. This, because they said to those who hate what Allah has revealed, "We will obey you in part of (this) matter"; but Allah knows their (inner) secrets.

27. But how (will it be) when the angels take their souls at death, and smite their faces and their backs?

28. This because they followed that which called forth the Wrath of Allah, and they hated Allah's good pleasure; so He made their deeds of no effect.

29. Or do those in whose hearts is a disease, think that Allah will not bring to light all their rancour?

30. Had We so wiled, We could have shown them up to thee, and thou shouldst have known them by their marks: but surely thou wilt know them by the tone of their speech! And Allah knows all that ye do.

31. And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience; and We shall try your reported (mettle).

32. Those who reject Allah, hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, and resist the Messenger, after Guidance has been clearly shown to them, will not injure Allah in the least, but He will make their deeds of no effect.

33 33. 0 ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the apostle, and make not

vain your deeds!

34. Those who reject Allah, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, then die rejecting Allah,- Allah will not forgive them.

35. Be not weary and faint-hearted, crying for peace, when ye should be uppermost: for Allah is with you, and will never put you in loss for your (good) deeds.

36. The life of this world is but play and amusement: and if ye believe and guard against Evil, He will grant you your recompense, and will not ask you (to give up) your possessions.

37. If He were to ask you for all of them, and press you, ye would covetously withhold, and He would bring out all your ill-feeling.

38. Behold, ye are those invited to spend (of your substance) in the Way of Allah. But among you are some that are niggardly. But any who are niggardly are so at the expense of their own souls. But Allah is free of all wants, and it is ye that are needy. If ye turn back (from the Path), He will substitute in your stead another people; then they would not be like you! (Quran)

Muhammad In The Bible By Dr. Jamal Badawi

Those who follow the Apostle, the unlettered Prophet, Whom they find mentioned in their own Scriptures, in the Torah and the Gospel... (Holy Qu'ran: VII -157; Translation: YusifAli)

BIBLE PROPHECIES ABOUT THE ADVENT OF MUHAMMAD

Abraham is widely regarded as the Patriarch of monotheism and the common father of the Jews, Christians and Muslims. Through His second son, Isaac, came all Israelite prophets including such towering figures as Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus. May peace and blessings be upon them all. The advent of these great prophets was in partial fulfillment of God's promises to bless the nations of earth through the descendents of Abraham (Genesis12:2-3).Such fulfillment is wholeheartedly accepted by Muslims whose faith considers the belief in and respect of all prophets an article of faith.

BLESSINGS OF ISHMAEL AND ISAAC

Was the first born son of Abraham (Ishmael) and his descendants included in God's covenant and promise? A few verses from the Bible may help shed some light on this question;

1) Genesis 12:2-3 speaks of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants before any child was born to him.

34 2) Genesis 17:4 reiterates God's promise after the birth of Ishmael and before the

birth of Isaac.

3) In Genesis, ch. 21. Isaac is specifically blessed but Ishmael was also specifically blessed and promised by God to become "a great nation" especially in Genesis 21:13,18.

4) According to Deuteronomy 21:15-17 the traditional rights and privileges of the first born son are not to be affected by the social status of his mother (being a "free" woman such as Sarah, Isaac's mother, or a "Bondwoman" such as Hagar, Ishmael's mother). This is only consistent with the moral and humanitarian principles of all revealed faiths.

5) The full legitimacy of Ishmael as Abraham's son and "seed" and the full legitimacy of his mother, Hagar, as Abraham's wife are clearly stated in Genesis 21:13 and 16:3. After Jesus, the last Israelite messenger and prophet, it was time that God's promise to bless Ishmael and his descendants be fulfilled. Less than 600years after Jesus, came the last messenger of God, Muhammad, from the progeny of Abraham through Ishmael. God's blessing of both of the main branches of Abraham's family tree was now fulfilled. But are there additional corroborating evidence that the Bible did in fact foretell the advent of prophet Muhammad?

MUHAMMAD:

The Prophet Like Unto Moses

Long time after Abraham, God's promise to send the long-awaited Messenger was repeated this time in Moses' words.

In Deuteronomy 18:18, Moses spoke of the prophet to be sent by God who is:

1) From among the Israelite's "brethren", a reference to their Ishmaelite cousins as Ishmael was the other son of Abraham who was explicitly promised to become a "great nation".

2) A prophet like unto Moses. There were hardly any two prophets ,who were so much alike as Moses and Muhammad. Both were given comprehensive law code of life, both encountered their enemies and were victors in miraculous ways, both were accepted as prophets/statesmen and both migrated following conspiracies to assassinate them. Analogies between Moses and Jesus overlooks not only the above similarities but other crucial ones as well (e.g. the natural birth, family life and death of Moses and Muhammad but not of Jesus, who was regarded by His followers as the Son of God and not exclusively a messenger of God, as Moses and Muhammad were and as Muslim belief Jesus was).

THE AWAITED PROPHET WAS TO COME FROM ARABIA

Deuteronomy 33:1-2 combines references to Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. It speaks of God (i.e. God's revelation) coming from Sinai, rising from Seir (probably the village of Sa'ir near Jerusalem) and shining forth from Paran. According to Genesis 21:21, the wilderness of Paran was the place where Ishmael settled (i.e. Arabia, specifically Mecca).

35 Indeed the King James version of the Bible mentions the pilgrims passing through

the valley of Ba'ca (another name of Mecca) in Psalms 84:4-6.

Isaiah 42:1-13 speaks of the beloved of God. His elect and messenger who will bring down a law to be awaited in the isles and who "shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgement on earth." Verse 11, connects that awaited one with the descendants of Ke'dar. Who is Ke'dar? According to Genesis 25:13, Ke'dar was the second son of Ishmael, the ancestor of prophet Muhammad.

MUHAMMAD'S MIGRATION FROM MECCA TO MEDINA: PROPHECIED IN THE BIBLE?

Habakkuk 3:3 speaks of God (God's help) coming from Te'man (an Oasis North of Medina according to J. Hasting's Dictionary of the Bible), and the holy one (coming) from Paran. That holy one who under persecution migrated from Paran (Mecca) to be received enthusiastically in Medina was none but prophet Muhammad.

Indeed the incident of the migration of the prophet and his persecuted followers is vividly described in Isaiah 21:13-17. That section foretold as well about the battle of Badr in which the few ill-armed faithful miraculously defeated the "mighty" men of Ke'dar, who sought to destroy Islam and intimidate their own folks who turned -to Islam.

THE QUR'AN (KORAN) FORETOLD IN THE BIBLE?

For twenty-three years, God's words (the Qur'an) were truely put into Muhammad's mouth. He was not the "author" of the Qur'an. The Qur'an was dictated to him by Angel Gabriel who asked Muhammad to simply repeat the words of the Qur'an as he heard them. These words were then committed to memory and to writing by those who hear them during Muhammad's life time and under his supervision.

Was it a coincidence that the prophet "like unto Moses" from the "brethren" of the Israelites (i.e. from the Ishmaelites) was also described as one in whose mouth God will put his words and that he will speak in the name of God, (Deuteronomy 18:18-20). Was it also a coincidence the "Paraclete" that Jesus foretold to come after Him was described as one who "shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak (John 16:13)

Was it another coincidence that Isaiah ties between the messenger connected with Ke'dar and a new song (a scripture in a new language) to be sang unto the Lord (Isaiah 42:10-11). More explicitly, prophesies Isaiah "For with stammering lips, and another tongue, will he speak to this people" (Isaiah 28:11). This latter verse correctly describes the "stammering lips" of Prophet Muhammad reflecting the state of tension and concentration he went through at the time of revelation. Another related point is that the Qur'an was revealed in piece-meals over a span of twenty three years. It is interesting to compare this with Isaiah 28:10 whichspeaks of the same thing.

THAT PROPHET- PARACLETE- MUHAMMAD

Up to the time of Jesus (peace be upon him), the Israelites were still awaiting for that prophet like unto Moses prophecied in Deuteronomy 18:18. When John the Baptist came, they asked him if he was Christ and he said "no". They asked him if he was Elias and he said "no". Then, in apparent reference to Deuteronomy 18:18, they asked him "Art thou that Prophet" and he answered, "no". (John 1: 1 9-2 1).

In the Gospel according to John (Chapters 14, 15,16) Jesus spoke of the "Paraclete" or comforter who will come after him, who will be sent by Father as another Paraclete, who will teach new things which the contemporaries of Jesus could not bear. While the Paraclete is described as the spirit of truth, (whose meaning resemble Muhammad's famous title Al-Amin, the trustworthy), he is identified in one verse as the Holy Ghost (John 14:26). Such a designation is however inconsistent with the profile of that Paraclete. In the words of the Dictionary of the Bible, (Ed. J. Mackenzie) "These items, it must be admitted do not give an entirely coherent picture."

Indeed history tells us that many early Christians understood the Paraclete to be a man and not a spirit. This might explain the followings who responded to some who claimed, without meeting the criteria stipulated by Jesus, to be the awaited "Paraciete".

It was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was the Paraclete, Comforter, helper, admonisher sent by God after Jesus. He testified of Jesus, taught new things which could not be borne at Jesus' time, he spoke what he heard (revelation), he dwells with the believers (through his well-preserved teachings). Such teachings will remain forever because he was the last messenger of God, the only Universal Messenger to unite the whole of humanity under God and on the path of PRESERVED truth. He told of many things to come which "came to pass" in the minutest detail meeting, the criterion given by Moses to distinguish between the true prophet and the false prophets (Deuteronomy 18:22). He did reprove the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgement (John 16:8-11)

WAS THE SHIFT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP PROPHECIED?

Following the rejection of the last Israelite prophet, Jesus, it was about time that God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation be fulfilled (Genesis 21:13,18)

In Matthew 21:19-21, Jesus spoke of the fruitless fig tree (A Biblical symbol of prophetic heritage) to be cleared after being given a last chance of three years (the duration of Jesus' ministry) to give fruit. In a later verse in the same chapter, Jesus said: "Therefore, say I unto you, The Kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruit thereof" (Matthew 21:43). That nation of Ishmael's descendants (the rejected stone in Matthew 21:42) which was victorious against all super-powers of its time as prophecied by Jesus: "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken, but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder" (Matthew 21:44).

OUT OF CONTEXT COINCIDENCE? Is it possible that the numerous prophecies cited here are all individually and combined out of

37 context misinterpretations? Is the opposite true, that such infrequently studied verses

fit together consistently and clearly point to the advent of the man who changed the course of human history, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Is it reasonable to conclude that all these prophecies, appearing in different books of the Bible and spoken by various prophets at different times were all coincidence? If this is so here is another strange "coincidence"!

One of the signs of the prophet to come from Paran (Mecca) is that he will come with "ten thousands of saints" (Deuteronomy 33:2 KJV). That was the number of faithful who accompanied Prophet Muhammad to Paran (Mecca) in his victorious, bloodless return to his birthplace to destroy the remaining symbols of idolatry in the Ka'bah.

Says God as quoted by Moses:

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. (Deuteronomy 18:19)

Biography of Muhammad(PBUH) by a Muslim

by Muhammad Hamidullah (Centre Culturel Islamique, Paris, 1969)

[Taken from Introduction to Islam by Muhammad Hamidullah (Centre Culturel Islamique, Paris, 1969), with some changes to make it more readable. The changes are marked by pairs of brackets like around this paragraph. Dr. Hamidullah's present address is: 9 Beaver Court, Wilkes Barre PA, 18702, USA.]

IN the annals of men, individuals have not been lacking who conspicuously devoted their lives to the socio-religious reform of their connected peoples. We find them in every epoch and in all lands. In India, there lived those who transmitted to the world the Vedas, and there was also the great Gautama Buddha; China had its Confucius; the Avesta was produced in Iran. Babylonia gave to the world one of the greatest reformers, the Prophet Abraham (not to speak of such of his ancestors as Enoch and Noah about whom we have very scanty information). The Jewish people may rightly be proud of a long series of reformers: Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon, and Jesus among others.

2. Two points are to note: Firstly these reformers claimed in general to be the bearers each of a Divine mission, and they left behind them sacred books incorporating codes of life for the guidance of their peoples. Secondly there followed fratricidal wars, and massacres and genocides became the order of the day, causing more or less a complete loss of these Divine messages. As to the books of Abraham, we know them only by the name; and as for the books of Moses, records tell us how they were repeatedly destroyed and only partly restored.

Concept of God

3. If one should judge from the relics of the past already brought to light of the homo sapiens, one finds that man has always been conscious of the existence of a Supreme Being, the Master

38 and Creator of all. Methods and approaches may have differed, but the people of

every epoch have left proofs of their attempts to obey God. Communication with the Omnipresent yet invisible God has also been recognised as possible in connection with a small fraction of men with noble and exalted spirits. Whether this communication assumed the nature of an incarnation of the Divinity or simply resolved itself into a medium of reception of Divine messages (through inspiration or revelation), the purpose in each case was the guidance of the people. It was but natural that the interpretations and explanations of certain systems should have proved more vital and convincing than others.

3/a. Every system of metaphysical thought develops its own terminology. In the course of time terms acquire a significance hardly contained in the word and translations fall short of their purpose. Yet there is no other method to make people of one group understand the thoughts of another. Non-Muslim readers in particular are requested to bear in mind this aspect which is a real yet unavoidable handicap.

4. By the end of the 6th century, after the birth of Jesus Christ, men had already made great progress in diverse walks of life. At that time there were some religions which openly proclaimed that they were reserved for definite races and groups of men only, of course they bore no remedy for the ills of humanity at large. There were also a few which claimed universality, but declared that the salvation of man lay in the renunciation of the world. These were the religions for the elite, and catered for an extremely limited number of men. We need not speak of regions where there existed no religion at all, where atheism and materialism reigned supreme, where the thought was solely of occupying one self with one's own pleasures, without any regard or consideration for the rights of others.

Arabia

5. A perusal of the map of the major hemisphere (from the point of view of the proportion of land to sea), shows the Arabian Peninsula lying at the confluence of the three great continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. At the time in question, this extensive Arabian subcontinent composed mostly of desert areas was inhabited by people of settled habitations as well as nomads. Often it was found that members of the same tribe were divided into these two groups, and that they preserved a relationship although following different modes of life. The means of subsistence in Arabia were meagre. The desert had its handicaps, and trade caravans were features of greater importance than either agriculture or industry. This entailed much travel, and men had to proceed beyond the peninsula to Syria, Egypt, Abyssinia, Iraq, Sind, India and other lands.

6. We do not know much about the Libyanites of Central Arabia, but Yemen was rightly called Arabia Felix. Having once been the seat of the flourishing civilizations of Sheba and Ma'in even before the foundation of the city of Rome had been laid, and having later snatched from the Byzantians and Persians several provinces, greater Yemen which had passed through the hey-day of its existence, was however at this time broken up into innumerable principalities, and even occupied in part by foreign invaders. The Sassanians of Iran, who had penetrated into Yemen had already obtained possession of Eastern Arabia. There was politico-social chaos at the capital (Mada'in = Ctesiphon), and this found reflection in all her territories. Northern Arabia had

39 succumbed to Byzantine influences, and was faced with its own particular

problems. Only Central Arabia remained immune from the demoralising effects of foreign occupation.

7. In this limited area of Central Arabia, the existence of the triangle of Mecca-Ta'if-Madinah seemed something providential. Mecca, desertic, deprived of water and the amenities of agriculture in physical features represented Africa and the burning Sahara. Scarcely fifty miles from there, Ta'if presented a picture of Europe and its frost. Madinah in the North was not less fertile than even the most temperate of Asiatic countries like Syria. If climate has any influence on human character, this triangle standing in the middle of the major hemisphere was, more than any other region of the earth, a miniature reproduction of the entire world. And here was born a descendant of the Babylonian Abraham, and the Egyptian Hagar, Muhammad the Prophet of Islam, a Meccan by origin and yet with stock related, both to Madinah and Ta'if.

Religion

8. From the point of view of religion, Arabia was idolatrous; only a few individuals had embraced religions like Christianity, Mazdaism, etc. The Meccans did possess the notion of the One God, but they believed also that idols had the power to intercede with Him. Curiously enough, they did not believe in the Resurrection and Afterlife. They had preserved the rite of the pilgrimage to the House of the One God, the Ka'bah, an institution set up under divine inspiration by their ancestor Abraham, yet the two thousand years that separated them from Abraham had caused to degenerate this pilgrimage into the spectacle of a commercial fair and an occasion of senseless idolatry which far from producing any good, only served to ruin their individual behaviour, both social and spiritual.

Society

9. In spite of the comparative poverty in natural resources, Mecca was the most developed of the three points of the triangle. Of the three, Mecca alone had a city-state, governed by a council of ten hereditary chiefs who enjoyed a clear division of power. (There was a minister of foreign relations, a minister guardian of the temple, a minister of oracles, a minister guardian of offerings to the temple, one to determine the torts and the damages payable, another in charge of the municipal council or parliament to enforce the decisions of the ministries. There were also ministers in charge of military affairs like custodianship of the flag, leadership of the cavalry etc.). As well reputed caravan-leaders, the Meccans were able to obtain permission from neighbouring empires like Iran, Byzantium and Abyssinia - and to enter into agreements with the tribes that lined the routes traversed by the caravans - to visit their countries and transact import and export business. They also provided escorts to foreigners when they passed through their country as well as the territory of allied tribes, in Arabia (cf. Ibn Habib, Muhabbar). Although not interested much in the preservation of ideas and records in writing, they passionately cultivated arts and letters like poetry, oratory discourses and folk tales. Women were generally well treated, they enjoyed the privilege of possessing property in their own right, they gave their consent to marriage contracts, in which they could even add the condition of reserving their right to divorce their husbands. They could remarry when widowed or divorced.

Burying girls alive did exist in certain classes, but that was rare.

Birth of the Prophet

10. It was in the midst of such conditions and environments that Muhammad was born in 569 after Christ. His father, 'Abdullah had died some weeks earlier, and it was his grandfather who took him in charge. According to the prevailing custom, the child was entrusted to a Bedouin foster-mother, with whom he passed several years in the desert. All biographers state that the infant prophet sucked only one breast of his foster-mother, leaving the other for the sustenance of his foster-brother. When the child was brought back home, his mother, Aminah, took him to his maternal uncles at Madinah to visit the tomb of 'Abdullah. During the return journey, he lost his mother who died a sudden death. At Mecca, another bereavement awaited him, in the death of his affectionate grandfather. Subjected to such privations, he was at the age of eight, consigned at last to the care of his uncle, Abu-Talib, a man who was generous of nature but always short of resources and hardly able to provide for his family.

11. Young Muhammad had therefore to start immediately to earn his livelihood; he served as a shepherd boy to some neighbours. At the age often he accompanied his uncle to Syria when he was leading a caravan there. No other travels of Abu-Talib are mentioned, but there are references to his having set up a shop in Mecca. (Ibn Qutaibah, Ma'arif). It is possible that Muhammad helped him in this enterprise also.

12. By the time he was twenty-five, Muhammad had become well known in the city for the integrity of his disposition and the honesty of his character. A rich widow, Khadijah, took him in her employ and consigned to him her goods to be taken for sale to Syria. Delighted with the unusual profits she obtained as also by the personal charms of her agent, she offered him her hand. According to divergent reports, she was either 28 or 40 years of age at that time, (medical reasons prefer the age of 28 since she gave birth to five more children). The union proved happy. Later, we see him sometimes in the fair of Hubashah (Yemen), and at least once in the country of the ' Abd al-Qais (Bahrain-Oman), as mentioned by Ibn Hanbal. There is every reason to believe that this refers to the great fair of Daba (Oman), where, according to Ibn al-Kalbi (cf. Ibn Habib, Muhabbar), the traders of China, of Hind and Sind (India, Pakistan), of Persia, of the East and the West assembled every year, travelling both by land and sea. There is also mention of a commercial partner of Muhammad at Mecca. This person, Sa'ib by name reports: "We relayed each other; if Muhammad led the caravan, he did not enter his house on his return to Mecca without clearing accounts with me; and if I led the caravan, he would on my return enquire about my welfare and speak nothing about his own capital entrusted to me."

An Order of Chivalry

13. Foreign traders often brought their goods to Mecca for sale. One day a certain Yemenite (of the tribe of Zubaid) improvised a satirical poem against some Meccans who had refused to pay him the price of what he had sold, and others who had not supported his claim or had failed to come to his help when he was victimised. Zuhair, uncle and chief of the tribe of the Prophet, felt great remorse on hearing this just satire. He called for a meeting of certain chieftains in the city,

41 and organized an order of chivalry, called Hilf al-fudul, with the aim and object of

aiding the oppressed in Mecca, irrespective of their being dwellers of the city or aliens. Young Muhammad became an enthusiastic member of the organisation. Later in life he used to say: "I have participated in it, and I am not prepared to give up that privilege even against a herd of camels; if somebody should appeal to me even today, by virtue of that pledge, I shall hurry to his help."

Beginning of Religious Consciousness

14. Not much is known about the religious practices of Muhammad until he was thirty-five years old, except that he had never worshipped idols. This is substantiated by all his biographers. It may be stated that there were a few others in Mecca, who had likewise revolted against the senseless practice of paganism, although conserving their fidelity to the Ka'bah as the house dedicated to the One God by its builder Abraham.

15. About the year 605 of the Christian era, the draperies on the outer wall of the Ka'bah took fire. The building was affected and could not bear the brunt of the torrential rains that followed. The reconstruction of the Ka'bah was thereupon undertaken. Each citizen contributed according to his means; and only the gifts of honest gains were accepted. Everybody participated in the work of construction, and Muhammad's shoulders were injured in the course of transporting stones. To identify the place whence the ritual of circumambulation began, there had been set a black stone in the wall of the Ka'bah. dating probably from the time of Abraham himself. There was rivalry among the citizens for obtaining the honour of transposing this stone in its place. When there was danger of blood being shed, somebody suggested leaving the matter to Providence, and accepting the arbitration of him who should happen to arrive there first. It chanced that Muhammad just then turned up there for work as usual. He was popularly known by the appellation of al-Amin (the honest), and everyone accepted his arbitration without hesitation. Muhammad placed a sheet of cloth on the ground, put the stone on it and asked the chiefs of all the tribes in the city to lift together the cloth. Then he himself placed the stone in its proper place, in one of the angles of the building, and everybody was satisfied.

16. It is from this moment that we find Muhammad becoming more and more absorbed in spiritual meditations. Like his grandfather, he used to retire during the whole month of Ramadan to a cave in Jabal-an-Nur (mountain of light). The cave is called 'Ghar-i-Hira' or the cave of research. There he prayed, meditated, and shared his meagre provisions with the travellers who happened to pass by.

Revelation

17. He was forty years old, and it was the fifth consecutive year since his annual retreats, when one night towards the end of the month of Ramadan, an angel came to visit him, and announced that God had chosen him as His messenger to all mankind. The angel taught him the mode of ablutions, the way of worshipping God and the conduct of prayer. He communicated to him the following Divine message:

With the name of God, the Most Merciful, the All-Merciful.

Read: with the name of thy Lord Who created, Created man from what clings, Read: and thy Lord is the Most Bounteous, Who taught by the pen,

Taught man what he knew not. (Quran 96:1-5)

18. Deeply affected, he returned home and related to his wife what had happened, expressing his fears that it might have been something diabolic or the action of evil spirits. She consoled him, saying that he had always been a man of charity and generosity, helping the poor, the orphans, the widows and the needy, and assured him that God would protect him against all evil.

19. Then came a pause in revelation, extending over three years. The Prophet must have felt at first a shock, then a calm, an ardent desire, and after a period of waiting, a growing impatience or nostalgia. The news of the first vision had spread and at the pause the sceptics in the city had begun to mock at him and cut bitter jokes. They went so far as to say that God had forsaken him.

20. During the three years of waiting, the Prophet had given himself up more and more to prayers and to spiritual practices. The revelations were then resumed and God assured him that He had not at all forsaken him: on the contrary it was He Who had guided him to the right path: therefore he should take care of the orphans and the destitute, and proclaim the bounty of God on him (cf. Q. 93:3-11). This was in reality an order to preach. Another revelation directed him to warn people against evil practices, to exhort them to worship none but the One God, and to abandon everything that would displease God (Q. 74:2-7). Yet another revelation commanded him to warn his own near relatives (Q. 26:214); and: "Proclaim openly that which thou art commanded, and withdraw from the Associators (idolaters). Lo! we defend thee from the scoffers" (15:94-5). According to Ibn Ishaq, the first revelation (n. 17) had come to the Prophet during his sleep, evidently to reduce the shock. Later revelations came in full wakefulness.

The Mission

21. The Prophet began by preaching his mission secretly first among his intimate friends, then among the members of his own tribe and thereafter publicly in the city and suburbs. He insisted on the belief in One Transcendent God, in Resurrection and the Last Judgement. He invited men to charity and beneficence. He took necessary steps to preserve through writing the revelations he was receiving, and ordered his adherents also to learn them by heart. This continued all through his life, since the Quran was not revealed all at once, but in fragments as occasions arose.

22. The number of his adherents increased gradually, but with the denunciation of paganism, the

43 opposition also grew intenser on the part of those who were firmly attached to their

ancestral beliefs. This opposition degenerated in the course of time into physical torture of the Prophet and of those who had embraced his religion. These were stretched on burning sands, cauterized with red hot iron and imprisoned with chains on their feet. Some of them died of the effects of torture, but none would renounce his religion. In despair, the Prophet Muhammad advised his companions to quit their native town and take refuge abroad, in Abyssinia, "where governs a just ruler, in whose realm nobody is oppressed" (Ibn Hisham). Dozens of Muslims profited by his advice, though not all. These secret flights led to further persecution of those who remained behind.

23. The Prophet Muhammad [was instructed to call this] religion "Islam," i.e. submission to the will of God. Its distinctive features are two:

A harmonius equilibrium between the temporal and the spiritual (the body and the soul), permitting a full enjoyment of all the good that God has created, (Quran 7:32), enjoining at the same time on everybody duties towards God, such as worship, fasting, charity, etc. Islam was to be the religion of the masses and not merely of the elect.

A universality of the call - all the believers becoming brothers and equals without any distinction of class or race or tongue. The only superiority which it recognizes is a personal one, based on the greater fear of God and greater piety (Quran 49:13).

Social Boycott

24. When a large number of the Meccan Muslims migrated to Abyssinia, the leaders of paganism sent an ultimatum to the tribe of the Prophet, demanding that he should be excommunicated and outlawed and delivered to the pagans for being put to death. Every member of the tribe, Muslim and non-Muslim rejected the demand, (cf. Ibn Hisham). Thereupon the city decided on a complete boycott of the tribe: Nobody was to talk to them or have commercial or matrimonial relations with them. The group of Arab tribes called Ahabish, inhabiting the suburbs, who were allies of the Meccans, also joined in the boycott, causing stark misery among the innocent victims consisting of children, men and women, the old and the sick and the feeble. Some of them succumbed yet nobody would hand over the Prophet to his persecutors. An uncle of the Prophet, Abu Lahab, however left his tribesmen and participated in the boycott along with the pagans. After three dire years, during which the victims were obliged to devour even crushed hides, four or five non-Muslims, more humane than the rest and belonging to different clans proclaimed publicly their denunciation of the unjust boycott. At the same time, the document promulgating the pact of boycott which had been hung in the temple, was found, as Muhammad had predicted, eaten by white ants, that spared nothing but the words God and Muhammad. The boycott was lifted, yet owing to the privations that were undergone the wife and Abu Talib, the chief of the tribe and uncle of the Prophet died soon after. Another uncle of the Prophet, Abu-Lahab, who was an inveterate enemy of Islam, now succeeded to the headship of the tribe, (cf. Ibn Hisham, Sirah).

The Ascension

44 25. It was at this time that the Prophet Muhammad was granted the mi'raj

(ascension): He saw in a vision that he was received on heaven by God, and was witness of the marvels of the celestial regions. Returning, he brought for his community, as a Divine gift, the [ritual prayer of Islam, the salaat], which constitutes a sort of communion between man and God. It may be recalled that in the last part of Muslim service of worship, the faithful employ as a symbol of their being in the very presence of God, not concrete objects as others do at the time of communion, but the very words of greeting exchanged between the Prophet Muhammad and God on the occasion of the former's mi'raj: "The blessed and pure greetings for God! - Peace be with thee, O Prophet, as well as the mercy and blessing of God! - Peace be with us and with all the [righteous] servants of God!" The Christian term "communion" implies participation in the Divinity. Finding it pretentious, Muslims use the term "ascension" towards God and reception in His presence, God remaining God and man remaining man and no confusion between the twain.

26. The news of this celestial meeting led to an increase in the hostility of the pagans of Mecca; and the Prophet was obliged to quit his native town in search of an asylum elsewhere. He went to his maternal uncles in Ta'if, but returned immediately to Mecca, as the wicked people of that town chased the Prophet out of their city by pelting stones on him and wounding him.

Migration to Madinah

27. The annual pilgrimage of the Ka'bah brought to Mecca people from all parts of Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad tried to persuade one tribe after another to afford him shelter and allow him to carry on his mission of reform. The contingents of fifteen tribes, whom he approached in succession, refused to do so more or less brutally, but he did not despair. Finally he met half a dozen inhabitants of Madinah who being neighbour of the Jews and the Christians, had some notion of prophets and Divine messages. They knew also that these "people of the Books" were awaiting the arrival of a prophet - a last comforter. So these Madinans decided not to lose the opportunity of obtaining an advance over others, and forthwith embraced Islam, promising further to provide additional adherents and necessary help from Madinah. The following year a dozen new Madinans took the oath of allegiance to him and requested him to provide with a missionary teacher. The work of the missionary, Mus'ab, proved very successful and he led a contingent of seventy-three new converts to Mecca, at the time of the pilgrimage. These invited the Prophet and his Meccan companions to migrate to their town, and promised to shelter the Prophet and to treat him and his companions as their own kith and kin. Secretly and in small groups, the greater part of the Muslims emigrated to Madinah. Upon this the pagans of Mecca not only confiscated the property of the evacuees, but devised a plot to assassinate the Prophet. It became now impossible for him to remain at home. It is worthy of mention, that in spite of their hostility to his mission, the pagans had unbounded confidence in his probity, so much so that many of them used to deposit their savings with him. The Prophet Muhammad now entrusted all these deposits to 'Ali, a cousin of his, with instructions to return in due course to the rightful owners. He then left the town secretly in the company of his faithful friend, Abu-Bakr. After several adventures, they succeeded in reaching Madinah in safety. This happened in 622, whence starts the Hijrah calendar.

Reorganization of the Community

45 28. For the better rehabilitation of the displaced immigrants, the Prophet created a

fraternization between them and an equal number of well-to-do Madinans. The families of each pair of the contractual brothers worked together to earn their livelihood, and aided one another in the business of life.

29. Further he thought that the development of the man as a whole would be better achieved if he co-ordinated religion and politics as two constituent parts of one whole. To this end he invited the representatives of the Muslims as well as the non-Muslim inhabitants of the region: Arabs, Jews, Christians and others, and suggested the establishment of a City-State in Madinah. With their assent, he endowed the city with a written constitution - the first of its kind in the world -in which he defined the duties and rights both of the citizens and the head of the State - the Prophet Muhammad was unanimously hailed as such - and abolished the customary private justice. The administration of justice became henceforward the concern of the central organisation of the community of the citizens. The document laid down principles of defence and foreign policy: it organized a system of social insurance, called ma'aqil, in cases of too heavy obligations. It recognized that the Prophet Muhammad would have the final word in all differences, and that there was no limit to his power of legislation. It recognized also explicitly liberty of religion, particularly for the Jews, to whom the constitutional act afforded equality with Muslims in all that concerned life in this world (cf. infra n. 303).

30. Muhammad journeyed several times with a view to win the neighbouring tribes and to conclude with them treaties of alliance and mutual help. With their help, he decided to bring to bear economic pressure on the Meccan pagans, who had confiscated the property of the Muslim evacuees and also caused innumerable damage. Obstruction in the way of the Meccan caravans and their passage through the Madinan region exasperated the pagans, and a bloody struggle ensued.

31. In the concern for the material interests of the community, the spiritual aspect was never neglected. Hardly a year had passed after the migration to Madinah, when the most rigorous of spiritual disciplines, the fasting for the whole month of Ramadan every year, was imposed on every adult Muslim, man and woman.

Struggle Against Intolerance and Unbelief

32. Not content with the expulsion of the Muslim compatriots, the Meccans sent an ultimatum to the Madinans, demanding the surrender or at least the expulsion of Muhammad and his companions but evidently all such efforts proved in vain. A few months later, in the year 2 H., they sent a powerful army against the Prophet, who opposed them at Badr; and the pagans thrice as numerous as the Muslims, were routed. After a year of preparation, the Meccans again invaded Madinah to avenge the defeat of Badr. They were now four times as numerous as the Muslims. After a bloody encounter at Uhud, the enemy retired, the issue being indecisive. The mercenaries in the Meccan army did not want to take too much risk, or endanger their safety.

33. In the meanwhile the Jewish citizens of Madinah began to foment trouble. About the time of the victory of Badr, one of their leaders, Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf, proceeded to Mecca to give

46 assurance of his alliance with the pagans, and to incite them to a war of revenge. After the battle of Uhud, the tribe of the same chieftain plotted to assassinate the Prophet by throwing on him a mill-stone from above a tower, when he had gone to visit their locality. In spite of all this, the only demand the Prophet made of the men of this tribe was to quit the Madinan region, taking with them all their properties, after selling their immovables and recovering their debts from the Muslims. The clemency thus extended had an effect contrary to what was hoped. The exiled not only contacted the Meccans, but also the tribes of the North, South and East of Madinah, mobilized military aid, and planned from Khaibar an invasion of Madinah, with forces four times more numerous than those employed at Uhud. The Muslims prepared for a siege, and dug a ditch to defend themselves against this hardest of all trials. Although the defection of the Jews still remaining inside Madinah at a later stage upset all strategy, yet with a sagacious diplomacy, the Prophet succeeded in breaking up the alliance, and the different enemy groups retired one after the other.

34. Alcoholic drinks, gambling and games of chance were at this time declared forbidden for the Muslims.

The Reconciliation

35. The Prophet tried once more to reconcile the Meccans and proceeded to Mecca. The barring of the route of their Northern caravans had ruined their economy. The Prophet promised them transit security, extradition of their fugitives and the fulfillment of every condition they desired, agreeing even to return to Madinah without accomplishing the pilgrimage of the Ka'bah. Thereupon the two contracting parties promised at Hudaibiyah in the suburbs of Mecca, not only the maintenance of peace, but also the observance of neutrality in their conflicts with third parties.

36. Profiting by the peace, the Prophet launched an intensive programme for the propagation of his religion. He addressed missionary letters to the foreign rulers of Byzantium, Iran, Abyssinia and other lands. The Byzantine autocrat priest - Dughatur of the Arabs - embraced Islam, but for this, was lynched by the Christian mob; the prefect of Ma'an (Palestine) suffered the same fate, and was decapitated and crucified by order of the emperor. A Muslim ambassador was assassinated in Syria-Palestine; and instead of punishing the culprit, the emperor Heraclius rushed with his armies to protect him against the punitive expedition sent by the Prophet (battle of M if tah).

37. The pagans of Mecca hoping to profit by the Muslim difficulties, violated the terms of their treaty. Upon this, the Prophet himself led an army, ten thousand strong, and surprised Mecca which he occupied in a bloodless manner. As a benevolent conqueror, he caused the vanquished people to assemble, reminded them of their ill deeds, their religious persecution, unjust confiscation of the evacuee property, ceaseless invasions and senseless hostilities for twenty years continuously. He asked them: "Now what do you expect of me?" When everybody lowered his head with shame, the Prophet proclaimed: "May God pardon you; go in peace; there shall be no responsibility on you today; you are free!" He even renounced the claim for the Muslim property confiscated by the pagans. This produced a great psychological change of hearts

47 instantaneously. When a Meccan chief advanced with a fulsome heart towards the

Prophet, after hearing this general amnesty, in order to declare his acceptance of Islam, the Prophet told him: "And in my turn, I appoint you the governor of Mecca!" Without leaving a single soldier in the conquered city, the Prophet retired to Madinah. The Islamization of Mecca, which was accomplished in a few hours, was complete.

38. Immediately after the occupation of Mecca, the city of Ta'if mobilized to fight against the Prophet. With some difficulty the enemy was dispersed in the valley of Hunain, but the Muslims preferred to raise the siege of nearby Ta'if and use pacific means to break the resistance of this region. Less than a year later, a delegation from Ta'if came to Madinah offering submission. But it requested exemption from prayer, taxes and military service, and the continuance of the liberty to adultery and fornication and alcoholic drinks. It demanded even the conservation of the temple of the idol al-Lat at Ta'if. But Islam was not a materialist immoral movement; and soon the delegation itself felt ashamed of its demands regarding prayer, adultery and wine. The Prophet consented to concede exemption from payment of taxes and rendering of military service; and added: You need not demolish the temple with your own hands: we shall send agents from here to do the job, and if there should be any consequences, which you are afraid of on account of your superstitions, it will be they who would suffer. This act of the Prophet shows what concessions could be given to new converts. The conversion of the Ta'ifites was so whole hearted that in a short while, they themselves renounced the contracted exemptions, and we find the Prophet nominating a tax collector in their locality as in other Islamic regions.

39. In all these "wars," extending over a period of ten years, the non-Muslims lost on the battlefield only about 250 persons killed, and the Muslim losses were even less. With these few incisions, the whole continent of Arabia, with its million and more of square miles, was cured of the abscess of anarchy and immorality. During these ten years of disinterested struggle, all the peoples of the Arabian Peninsula and the southern regions of Iraq and Palestine had voluntarily embraced Islam. Some Christian, Jewish and Parsi groups remained attached to their creeds, and they were granted liberty of conscience as well as judicial and juridical autonomy.

40. In the year 10 H., when the Prophet went to Mecca for Hajj (pilgrimage), he met 140,000 Muslims there, who had come from different parts of Arabia to fulfil their religious obligation. He addressed to them his celebrated sermon, in which he gave a resume of his teachings: "Belief in One God without images or symbols, equality of all the Believers without distinction of race or class, the superiority of individuals being based solely on piety; sanctity of life, property and honour; abolition of interest, and of vendettas and private justice; better treatment of women; obligatory inheritance and distribution of the property of deceased persons among near relatives of both sexes, and removal of the possibility of the cumulation of wealth in the hands of the few." The Quran and the conduct of the Prophet were to serve as the bases of law and a healthy criterion in every aspect of human life.

41. On his return to Madinah, he fell ill; and a few weeks later, when he breathed his last, he had the satisfaction that he had well accomplished the task which he had undertaken - to preach to the world the Divine message.

48 42. He bequeathed to posterity, a religion of pure monotheism; he created a well-

disciplined State out of the existent chaos and gave peace in place of the war of everybody against everybody else; he established a harmonious equilibrium between the spiritual and the temporal, between the mosque and the citadel; he left a new system of law, which dispensed impartial justice, in which even the head of the State was as much a subject to it as any commoner, and in which religious tolerance was so great that non-Muslim inhabitants of Muslim countries equally enjoyed complete juridical, judicial and cultural autonomy. In the matter of the revenues of the State, the Quran fixed the principles of budgeting, and paid more thought to the poor than to anybody else. The revenues were declared to be in no wise the private property of the head of the State. Above all, the Prophet Muhammad set a noble example and fully practised all that he taught to others.

Biography of Mohammad

He was born in 570 A.D. to Amina and Abdallah, a trader in Mecca - a wealthy caravan trading community, in the renowned tribe of Quraish. He became an orphan before his birth and his mother also died when he was 6 years old. His parents did not leave him any wealth. He was taken care of by his grandfather and after his death by his paternal uncle Abu-Talib. His uncle had a large family himself and he was not wealthy. Very soon Mohammed had to support himself by tending the sheep flocks of rich Meccan families as it is reported.

As a young man he started working as a caravan trader for the wealthy Meccan widow Khadijah. His work took him to distant places in today's Palestine and Syria and possibly to the North African countries. He became known and trusted because of his attempts to resolve intertribal differences. In fact, he was known within his Quraish tribe as "al-Ameen", or "the trustworthy".

At the age of 25 he married Khadijah, a twice widowed lady, 15 years of his senior and they had 6 children together, 4 girls and 2 sons (who both died in infancy). He remained married to her for 25 years, in a time and place where unlimited polygamy was quite acceptable and until her death it remained an one-wife marriage.

Mohammed was of a deeply religious nature and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hera near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the "Mountain of Light" near Mecca. He was elevated to prophethood at the age of 40, on Feb.l2th 610 A.D. His first revelation came while fasting and observing night vigil among the peaks of Mount Hera as angel Gabriel appeared to him.

"Recite in the name of your Lord who has created, Created man out of a germ-cell. Recite for your Lord is the Most Generous one, Who has taught by the pen, Taught man what he did not know!... " (Qur an 36:1-5).

"O you wrapped up, Arise and deliver thy warning ..."(Qur'an 74.1-10) These are the first two oldest Verses of the Qur'an.

49 The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) returned home after his first revelation his heart trembling and

said to Khadijah: "Wrap me up, wrap me up!" She wrapped him till fear had left him. He then said: "O Khadijah! What has happened to me? " - and he told her what had happened, saying "fear for myself. " She replied: "It cannot be. Be happy. I swear by God that he shall never humiliate you. By Allah-you join tie of relationship, you speak the truth, you bear people's burden, you help the destitute, you entertain guests and you help against the vicissitudes which affect people. " Those words of Khadijah were a source of great comfort to him. She was the first person to convert to Islam.

"Say: I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me (Qur'an 18:110)

As the Prophet continued to receive revelations and attract a community of believers, he also attracted the hostility of Mecca's aristocracy, which reaped profits from the pilgrimages and trade brought by Mecca's role as a center for idol worship. His uncompromising message of monotheism brought persecution from the ruling class.

The second phase, public life began at the end of the 3rd year of his prophethood:

"And warn your nearest kinsfolk, And lower your wing (in kindness) to the believers who follow you, Then if they disobey you, say: I am free (of responsibility) of what you do". (Qur'an 26:215-216)

"Therefore, proclaim (openly) that which you are commanded, and turn away from the polytheists. Verily, we are sufficient unto you against the scoffers, who take with God another god, but they will come to know. " (Qur'an 15:94-96)

Mohammad and his followers met active persecution in Mecca in the 3rd year of his prophethood and in the 5th year (615 A.D.) oppression intensified and a small group of believers migrated to Abyssinia (today's Ethiopia), a Christian community in Northern Africa. Muslims in Mecca faced boycott, hostility and oppression and struggled for almost 10 years.

On Sept. 16th 622 A.D. Prophet Mohammad and about 200 of his followers migrated to Yathreb (Mohammad was 53 ), a journey that took 12 days. That is the date of the beginning of Islamic Calendar, "Hijjrah" (migration).

Jathreb was an important Jewish farming and trading community 200 miles North of Mecca. After some traders had met Mohammad in Mecca and had become believers they invited the Prophet and his followers Jathreb. A bloody tribal rivalry going on and a truce was desperately needed. After the Prophet's arrival Jathreb was called "Medinat an-Nabi" or short "Medina" .

An Islamic model state in Medina was established in the same year ( 623 A.D.). Prophet Mohammad was disappointed by the rejection of his message by the Jews in Medina. Young Islam struggled to be accepted there and the believers were harassed and ridiculed by the hypocrites.

50 In Medina, Mohammad and his followers demonstrated the practicality of the new

religion's social application by resolving bitter rivalries and tensions among the city's rival groups and clans. Seeing the virtues of Islam in action, many inhabitants of Medina became Muslims.

Through military activity and political negotiation Prophet Mohammed became the most powerful leader in Arabia. Several important battles ensued, the first and biggest one (624 A.D.) in Badr (near Medina). Muslim forces, though greatly outnumbered (more than threefold), defeated the Meccan army. In the battle of Uhud (625 A.D.) Muslims were defeated and Mohammad was also wounded.

Finally in 627 (A.D.) frustrated by the growing strength of the Muslims, the Meccans mounted an all-out siege of Medina. At the battle of "Ditch" (so named because a trench was dug out to fend off the Meccan cavalry) the Muslims successfully held out against a coalition of Meccans and mercenary Bedouins that the coalition disintegrated and the Meccans withdrew. The failure of the Meccan Quraish enhanced the Prophet's prestige and leadership among the tribes of Arabia.

John L. Esposito, quote*: "The final phase in the struggle between Medina and Mecca highlights the method and political genius of Mohammad. He employed both military and diplomatic means, often preferring the latter. Instead of seeking to rout his Meccan opponents, Mohammad sought to gain submission to God and His messenger by incorporating them within the Islamic community-state. A truce was struck in 628 (A.D.) at Hudaybiyah to permit Muslims to make their pilgrimage to Mecca the following year. In 629 (A.D.) Mohammad established Muslim control over the Hijaz and led the pilgrimage to Mecca as had been scheduled. Then in 630 (A.D.) Mohammad accused the Quraish of breaking the treaty and the Muslims marched on Mecca, ten thousand strong. The Meccans capitulated. Eschewing vengeance and the plunder of conquest the Prophet instead accepted a settlement granting amnesty rather than wielding the sword toward his former enemies. "

It was a triumphant return to Mecca on Ramadan 20th, the 8th year after Hijjrah (630 A.D.). Mecca welcomed the Muslims and it converted without violent resistance to Islam. His first act upon returning to Mecca was to cleanse the 'Kaaba' of its pagan idols, restoring it to the Abrahamic tradition of monotheism.

On his last Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) in the 10th year after Hijjrah (632 A.D.) Mohammad delivered a farewell speech to his followers.

By that time Arabia was united under the banner of Islam after many battles in its cause. His death - a high fever had befallen him - in Medina came to his followers as a grave shock. Medina fell into despair for days. The city was consumed with sorrow and ceremony. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) wanted to be buried very simple with no marker over his grave. He did not want people to worship his grave, that would interfere with their worship of God.

He was buried on the very spot where he died, in the house of Lady Aisha. Later a large mosque

51 was built next to it and it is today one of the three most Holy Places of Islam, with

Mecca and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Here was the secret to Islam's strength and profound influence: the unifying power of one God, merciful and compassionate, the power of one people bound by a common faith.

By 750 A.D. Islam had expanded to China, India, along the Southern shore of the Mediterranean and into Spain. By 1550 it had reached Vienna. Wars resulted expelling Muslims from Spain and Europe. Believers are currently concentrated from the West coast of Africa to the Philippines (well over 1 billion believers).

"It is one of the functions of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and this is why non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world. History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths: when the Caliph Omar entered Jerusalem in the year 634 A.D., Islam granted freedom of worship to all religious communities in the city. Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by minorities by themselves. " ** Quote

The advent of Islam brought about a social revolution in the Arabian peninsula, as the new

religion fought against slavery, the mistreatment of women and other social injustices that had become an accepted way of life. The diversity found among Muslim communities in language, culture, skin color and ethnic origin is a source of pride for Muslims, who believe in the universal and timeless message of Islam.

The Prophet's personality is reported to have been very kind, calm, modest and righteous. As he grew up, in his young adult years he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes.... "Features handsome, middle in height, temperament likeable, long dark and curly hair, large black eyes, a man of grace, captivating at a distance. " He was called "Al-Ameen ", "the trustworthy ". He never claimed to be something else than human, a messenger and devoted servant of God.

The hardships he endured in his early childhood, poor and orphan losing many of his closest relatives at an early age may have formed his character and prepared him to be the Messenger of God.

He was a man of peace. He never took revenge for his own personal self. For example it is reported, that the Prophet would pass by the house of a Jewish woman in Medina every day at the same time. She used to wait for him just so she could throw garbage on him. One day she was not there, so out of concern the Prophet went to ask about her. Upon seeing his thoughtfulness, she felt embarrassed and ashamed and she converted to Islam.
Prophet's wives

This topic is not a problem for the believers knowing the character of the Prophet, but something that is hard to understand for non-Muslims. Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h) has widely been

52 portrayed in the past by orientalists as a lustful man pursuing his lusts and sensuous

pleasures, that he was not satisfied with one wife or even four, but married ten or more driven by his desires. But all his wives were elderly ladies or widows except Lady Aisha, whom the Prophet married when she was still a young maiden and Maria (a slave girl, whom he freed and married). If the aim had been seeking sexual pleasures, he would have done so in his youth and would have married young maidens, not aged widows.

First we must remember the life in Arabia in the pre-Islamic time. Due to the tribal wars and blood revenge there had always been a large number widows and orphans who had to be taken care of. This must have been the main reason for polygamy in those days. It was the same ancient custom that was practiced in Palestine in the centuries before Jesus (p.b.u.h.).

Most of the twelve marriages had political or social motives. As it was customary for the Arab chiefs, many were political marriages to cement alliances. European and other world rulers married for the same reason for centuries. Others were marriages to the widows of his companions who had fallen in combat and were in need of protection, since traditionally remarriage was difficult for widows.

As I already mentioned Mohammad was married for 25 years to Khadijah, a twice-widowed lady 15 years older than him. Their marriage was very happy and they had 6 children (4 girls and 2 boys) together and he remained faithful to her until her death.

After 3 years he married a young woman Aisha (p.b.u.h.), with whom he had the closest relationship. The Prophet had spent the prime of his youth with Khadijah. Once Lady Aisha asked the Prophet if Khadijah had been the only woman worthy of his love, he replied in an honest burst of emotion: "She believed in me when none else did. She embraced Islam when people disbelieved me. She helped and comforted me when there was none else to lend me a helping hand."

Aisha was the third lady to enter the house of the Holy Prophet as his wife. She was the lady, who had the second strongest influence on the Prophet's private and family life. She was the daughter of his lifelong friend and companion Abu Bakr, who succeeded him as ruler of the Islamic state. Aisha was the most intelligent and the most versed in religion among the "Mothers of the Faithful"; she was even more knowledgeable than the companions. Many of the companions of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to ask her questions regarding religion.

After the death of his first wife Khadijah (65 at the time, p.b.u.h.) the Prophet (at the age of 50) desperately needed a companion . Young Islam was struggling in Mecca and in the same year the Prophet lost also his beloved uncle Abu Talib, who had taken care of him as a child. A woman close to him, Khawlah Bint-Hakeem (wife of one of the Prophet's early companions) suggested Aisha, if he wishes to marry a young virgin. She was the daughter of his lifelong friend. But if he preferred a more mature woman, there was Sawdah (bint Zama'a), the widow of Al Sakran ibn Amr Al Ansari, an emigrant to Abyssinia in the early years of persecution in Mecca, who died on their way back home. Sawdah turned to the Prophet himself for shelter since her husband

53 had died in the cause of Islam. The Prophet gave her shelter and married her. She

was not young (55 years old) nor pretty with a quick and loose temper as it is reported (in the Hadith's she is described to have been "a fat huge lady" and "a tall lady"). Soon afterwards he married Lady Aisha.

Later after 5 or 6 years he married widows of his companions, also two women war captives as they were integrated in the Muslim society through legal marriages with the believers. Although the Prophet loved Aisha so much, he treated her in the same way as the rest of his wives. The Prophet referred to her as "the mother of the believers". Aisha was also a fine scholar of Arabic and good orator. When she needed to make speeches, particularly after the assassination of Uthman, the third Khalif, her speeches were of superb literary quality. She was a scholar of broad knowledge and great ability. Lady Aisha died ( p.b.u.h.) at the age of 58 without having any children.

In some sources it is asserted that Lady Aisha was a child when she married the Prophet.

At that time no official birth records existed in Mecca and they did not even have a recognized calendar. They knew that a year is composed of 12 lunar months, each lasting 29 or 30 days, and they dated matters on the basis of major events in their community. Hence, their dating was considerably lacking in accuracy.

In one Hadith (probably the only one) it is suggested that Aisha was only six or seven at the time of her marriage. It is illogical to assert that Khawlah would have suggested a child as a companion for the Prophet, Aisha must have been of marriageable age. Anyway, the marriage took place after 3 years in Medina (after it was first suggested by Khawlah and after the marriage to Sawdah).

More evidence is provided also by one of the earliest authors of Islam, Ibn Ishaq, who writes, that Aisha and her elder sister Asmaa were among the first 80 people in Mecca, who accepted the Prophets call to Islam. He adds as he mentions Aisha, that she was then a young girl. But how old can she have been then? Old enough to be mentioned among the people, who had taken an important step adopting a new religion. Maybe 10 or so? (Adil Salahi: Muhammad, Man and Prophet)

We know, that the time between the first revelation of the Prophet and the migration to Medina (where the marriage to Aisha took place) were thirteen years. So we can say that even if Aisha was only a newborn baby when she became Muslim, she must have been at least fourteen years old at the time of her marriage. The Prophets daughter Fatimah (p.b.u.them) was born when he was 35 years old, meaning that at the time of the marriage to Aisha in Medina she would have been 17 or 18 years old.

According to another account (by Ibn Hajar) his daughter Fatimah was 5 years older than Aisha, meaning that by no means she could not have been younger than 15 or 16 years old at the time of her marriage. How can we believe that the Prophet would have married a girl of 6 years of age,

54 even a girl of 9 years? The whole assertion about the Prophet marrying a six- or nine-

year-old child is highly questionable.

It is amazing how the question of Aisha's age comes up so very often. However, if we regard the sources (the Hadiths) 100% reliable we should also i.e. unconditionally accept the fact that Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) did cause the moon to split into two.

If anybody of my readers have any other evidence concerning this theme I would appreciate it if you would share it with me. Knowing the circumstances and the character of the Prophet in all other aspects and that he was a father of girls himself and remembering the fact that Aisha was the daughter of his lifelong companion, it can be taken for granted (in my opinion) that she was of marriageable age . It is hard to imagine that the Prophet, who strived to be an example to his followers, would have done such a thing knowing that the believers were encouraged by the Qur'an to follow his example in all aspects. What an uproar it would have caused, in his own family and in the community! I think we would have much more evidence in the Hadith's about it.

There is no real evidence for that kind of assertion. The only evidence comes from Hadith's ( Hadith's = reports about the lifetime of the Prophet, collections dated ca. 250-300 years later). Also in Islam religious duties (like fasting, praying etc.) become obligatory only after a girl reaches puberty. Why should it be otherwise in marriage, a much graver aspect of life?

Islam introduced the right of a girl to choose her husband, a suitable husband can only be suggested by parents or guardians. Until today it was and still is common practice in Arab countries that marriage becomes a matter of discussion only after a girl reaches puberty. As far as I know in Pakistan and India child marriages were common in the past but are banned today by civil law.

Two highly reliable Hadith's (Muslim): "Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: A grown-up girl shall be asked permission about herself. If she is silent, it is her permission; and if she declines, there shall be no compulsion on her.

A report from Ibn Abbas states that: "the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: A previously married woman is more a guardian for herself than her guardian and a virgin should be asked permission about herself, and her permission is her silence. "'

Many Hadith's are narrated by Aisha herself about her marriage in general. In one of them she claims, that (according to the Prophet himself) she was the only virgin among the wives of the Prophet.

The only child from all his wives after his first wife Khadijah was born to a Coptic Christian servant girl Maria, whom he married as she was presented to him as a gift from an Egyptian ruler - a son who died in infancy. All other wives remained childless.

55 The fact that the Prophet did not have more children later on is an indication, that

his marriages were more of a sociopolitical nature, to ensure peace between the tribes of Arabia after they were united under Islam.

"There were many war prisoners captured by the Muslims and entitled to security ad protection. They were not killed or denied any human or physical rights. On the contrary, they were helped to settle down through legal marriages to Muslims instead of being taken concubines and common mistresses. That also was another moral burden on Muslims and had to be shouldered jointly as a common responsibly. Here, again, Mohammad carried his share and took some responsibilities by marrying two of those captivities... The Prophet married some women for sociopolitical reasons. His principal concern was the future of Islam. He was most interested in strengthening the Muslims by all bonds. That is why he married the daughter (Aisha) of Abu Bakr, his first successor, and the daughter ofUmar, his second successor. It was by his marriage to Juwairiyah that he gained the support for Islam of the whole clan of Bani Al-Mustalew and all their allied tribes. It was by marrying Safiyah that he neutralized a great section of the hostile Jews of Arabia. By accepting Mary the Copt from Egypt as his wife, he formed a political alliance with a king of great magnitude. It was also a gesture offriendship with a neighboring king that Mohammad married Zaynap who was presented to him by the Negus of Abyssinia (today's Ethiopia) where many early Muslims found refuge. By most of these marriages, the Prophet meant to eliminate the caste system, the racial and national vanities, and the religious prejudices... " (c. Hamouda Abdul Aati,'Islam in Focus')

Qur'an 33:32 : "O wives of the Prophet! you are not like any other of the women; If you will be on your guard, then be not soft in (your) speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease yearn; and speak a good word. "

In Islam the number of wives for the believers was reduced to four. This was an unheard progress for the rights of women after centuries of unlimited polygamy. The Qur'an does not advocate polygamy, in the contrary it says :

"... then marry such women as may seem good to you, two, three or four. If you feel that you will not act justly, then one. " (Qur'an 4:3)

"You will never manage to deal equitably with women no matter how hard you try" (Qur'an 4:129).

Since equal treatment according to these two verses of the Qur'an is a practical impossibility, we understand that Islam prefers monogamy. Here, like concerning some other issues (i.e. slavery) Islam made concessions to prevailing social practices of that time.

This is a Hadith which makes us smile, and the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) appear very human to us, narrated by Lady Aisha: "Allah's messenger was fond of honey and sweet edible things and it was his habit that after finishing the Asr' (afternoon) prayer he would visit his wives and stay with one of them at that time. Once he went to Hafsah, the daughter of Omar and stayed with her

56 more than usual. I got jealous and asked for the reason for that. I was told that a lady

in her folk had given her a skin filled with honey as a present, and that she made a syrup from it and gave it to the prophet to drink (and that was the reason for the delay). I said, 'By Allah, we will play a trick on him (to prevent him delaying so).' So I said to Sawdah bint Zam 'a, 'The Prophet will approach you, and when he comes near you, say: 'Have you taken Maghafir (=a bad-smelling gum)? He will say: 'No'. Then say to him: 'Then what is this bad smell which I smell on you?' He will say to you, 'Hafsah made me drink honey syrup.' Then say:' Perhaps the bees of that honey had sucked the juice of the tree ofAl-Urfut.' I shall also say the same. O you, Safiya, say the same.' Later Sawdah said: 'By Allah, as soon as he (the Prophet) stood at the door, I was about to say to him what you had ordered me to say because I was afraid of you.' So when the Prophet came near Sawdah, she said to him: 'O Allah's messenger! Have you taken Maghafir?' He sad: 'No.' She said: 'Then what is this bad smell I detect on you?' He said: 'Hafsah made me drink honey syrup.' She said: 'Perhaps its bees had sucked the juice of Al-Urfut tree.' When he came to me, I also said the same, and when he went to Safiya, she also said the same. And when the Prophet again went to Hafsah, she said: 'O Allah's messenger! Shall I give you more of that drink?' He said: T am not in need of it.' Sawdah said: 'By Allah we have deprived him (of it). 'Isaid to her: 'Keep quiet!'.

Because this theme being such a controversial topic I include some quotes from Ayesha's Age

"According to a narrative reported by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, after the death of Khadijah (ra), when Khaulah (ra) came to the Prophet (pbuh) advising him to marry again, the Prophet (pbuh) asked her regarding the choices she had in her mind. Khaulah said: "You can marry a virgin (bikr) or a woman who has already been married (thayyib) ". When the Prophet (pbuh) asked about who the virgin was, Khaulah proposed Ayesha's (ra) name. All those who know the Arabic language, are aware that the word "bikr" in the Arabic language is not used for an immature nine year old girl. The correct word for a young playful girl, as stated earlier is "Jariyah ". "Bikr " on the other hand, is used for an unmarried lady, and obviously a nine year old is not a "lady". "

"According to the generally accepted tradition, Ayesha (ra) was born about eight years before Hijrah. But according to another narrative in Bukhari (kitabu 1-tafseer) Ayesha (ra) is reported to have said that at the time Surah Al-Qamar, the 54th chapter of the Qur 'an, was revealed, "I was a young girl". The 54th surah of the Qur 'an was revealed nine years before Hijrah. According to this tradition, Ayesha (ra) had not only been born before the revelation of the referred surah, but was actually a young girl (jariyah), not an infant (sibyah) at that time. Obviously, if this narrative is held to be true, it is in clear contradiction with the narratives reported by Hisham ibn ^urwah. I see absolutely no reason that after the comments of the experts on the narratives of Hisham ibn ^urwah, why we should not accept this narrative to be more accurate."

"According to almost all the historians Asma (ra), the elder sister of Ayesha (ra) was ten years older than Ayesha (ra). It is reported in Taqri 'bu 'l-tehzi 'b as well as Al-bidayah wa 'l-nihayah that Asma (ra) died in 73 hijrah when she was 100 years old. Now, obviously if Asma (ra) was 100 years old in 73 hijrah she should have been 27 or 28 years old at the time of hijrah. If Asma (ra) was 27 or 28 years old at the time of hijrah, Ayesha (ra) should have been 17 or 18 years

57 old at that time. Thus, Ayesha (ra), if she got married in 1 AH (after hijrah) or 2 AH,

was between 18 to 20 years old at the time of her marriage. "

'According to a number of narratives, Ayesha (ra) accompanied the Muslims in the battle of Badr and Uhud. Furthermore, it is also reported in books of hadith and history that no one under the age of 15 years was allowed to take part in the battle of Uhud. All the boys below 15 years of age were sent back. Ayesha's (ra) participation in the battle of Badr and Uhud clearly indicate that she was not nine or ten years old at that time. After all, women used to accompany men to the battle fields to help them, not to be a burden on them. "

"Tabari in his treatise on Islamic history, while mentioning Abu Bakr (ra) reports that Abu Bab-had four children and all four were born during the Jahiliyyah — the pre Islamic period. Obviously, if Ayesha (ra) was born in the period ofjahiliyyah, she could not have been less than 14 years in 1 AH — the time she most likely got married. "

"According to Ibn Hisham, the historian, Ayesha (ra) accepted Islam quite some time before Umar ibn Khattab (ra). This shows that Ayesha (ra) accepted Islam during the first year of Islam. While, if the narrative of Ayesha's (ra) marriage at seven years of age is held to be true, Ayesha (ra) should not have been born during the first year of Islam. "

"Tabari has also reported that at the time Abu Bakr planned on migrating to Habshah (8 years before Hijrah), he went to Mufam — with whose son Ayesha (ra) was engaged — and asked him to take Ayesha (ra) in his house as his son's wife. Mufam refused, because Abu Bakr had embraced Islam, and subsequently his son divorced Ayesha (ra). Now, if Ayesha (ra) was only seven years old at the time of her marriage, she could not have been born at the time Abu Bakr decided on migrating to Habshah. On the basis of this report it seems only reasonable to assume that Ayesha (ra) had not only been born 8 years before hijrah, but was also a young lady, quite prepared for marriage."

"According to Ibn Hajar, Fatimah (ra) was five years older than Ayesha (ra). Fatimah (ra) is reported to have been born when the Prophet (pbuh) was 35 years old. Thus, even if this information is taken to be correct, Ayesha (ra) could by no means be less than 14 years old at the time of hijrah, and 15 or 16 years old at the time of her marriage. "

"In my opinion, neither was it an Arab tradition to give away girls in marriage at an age as young as nine or ten years, nor did the Prophet (pbuh) marry Ayesha (ra) at such a young age. The people of Arabia did not object to this marriage, because it never happened in the manner it has been narrated." (c. Adil Salahi, "Muhammad, Man and Prophet")

The wives of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.):

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (p.b.u.h.), twice widowed lady, 40 years old at the time of their marriage (the Prophet was 25 years old).

Sawdah bint Zama'a (p.b.u.h.), 55 years old (the Prophet was 50), the widow of Al Sakran ibn Amr Al Ansari

Aisha bint Abu Bakr (p.b.u.h.), age most probably late teens/early twenties, the daughter of his devoted friend and lifelong companion Abu Bakr. She died at the age of 58 without having any children.

Hafsah bint Omar (p.b.u.h.) a widow, whose husband Khanis ibn Huthafah was a martyr in the battle of Badr.

Zainab bint Khuzaimah (p.b.u.h.), the widow of Obiadah ibn Al Hareth ibn Abd Al Muttalib, a martyr in the battle of Badr. She continued nursing the wounded unaffected by the martyrdom of her husband . When the Prophet heard of her patience and steadfastness and that no one supported her, he proposed to marry her. She was 60 years old and had two more years to live before she died at 62.

Zainab bint Jahsh (p.b.u.h.), a divorced woman who had been married to Zaid ibn Haritha. The Prophet knew Zainab since his childhood; she was his cousin. She was previously married to Zaid Ibn Haritha ibn Sharaheel but their marriage did not last long. She ill-treated him as she felt socially superior to him as he had been just a slave before the Prophet adopted him and she herself was of a great ancestral line. Zaid divorced her and Prophet Mohammad married her to annul the custom of adoption, to set up the principles of Islam and to destroy the pre-Islamic practices completely. The prophet (p.b.u.h.) feared the hypocrites and the slanderers would say that Mohammad married his "son's" divorced wife. In this way the pre-Islamic custom of adoption came to an end and the Holy Qur'an supported this new divine legislation saying: "Mohammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of God, and the seal of the prophets; And God has full knowledge of all things. " (Qur'an 33: 40) Al Bukhari (Hadiths) mentions that Zainap said boastfully to the other wives of the Prophet: "Your families have married you, but it is only me that God from over seven Heavens has decreed my marriage."

Hind Al Makhzoumiah (Umm Salama), the widow of Abd Allah ibn Abdel Asad who had been one of the first people to embrace Islam. He migrated with his family to Ethiopia where Salama was born. He was a martyr in the battle of Uhud and left four helpless orphans. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) saw no better solution than to ask her hand to support her and her children. She (p.b.u.h.) apologized to him saying: "I am an aged mother of orphans and I have much jealousy".

Ramlah Bint Abu Sufian(Umm Habibah), the widow of the Ubaid Allah ibn Jahsh who had died in Ethiopia. Her father Abu Sufian was at that time the leader of the disbelievers and a strong enemy of the Prophet. She embraced Islam in Makkah and migrated to Ethiopia with her husband. When the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) knew of her husband's death in Ethiopia, he sent to the King of Ethiopia, Al Najashi, to marry him Umm Habibah. She was extremely pleased because if she had returned to her father in Mecca he would have forced her to forsake Islam . When she returned to Madina the Prophet married her. Later her father Abu Suffian embraced Islam and knew of her marriage to the Prophet, consented to it and boasted of the Prophet being a good

59 match to his daughter. The prophet's marriage to the daughter of Abu Suffian led to

the lessening of enmity against the Muslims.

Juwyriah bint Al Hareth, the daughter of Al Hareth, the leader of the tribe of Bani Al Mustalaqthe and the widow of Musafei ibn Dhirar, one of the strongest enemies of Islam who had been killed in the battle of Al Muraysei. She together with the whole tribe, had been taken war prisoners by the Muslims in one of the Prophet's battles. She, as the daughter of the tribe's leader came to the Prophet to ask for money to pay as a ransom to be set free. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) offered to pay the ransom for her and marry her. The Muslims thought it was not becoming to keep the Prophet's in-laws prisoners of war, and set them all free. Seeing the Muslim's noble-mindedness, the whole tribe of Bani Al Mustalaq embraced Islam. Saffian bint Huyay ibn Akhtab (p.b.u.h.). After the Battle of Khybar (a Jewish community) Saffiah, the daughter of Huyay ibn Akhtab was captivated by the Muslims after her husband had been killed. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) gave her the choice, either to set her free and he would marry her or to set her free and she would return to her Jewish family. Seeing the Prophet's nobleness of character, decency and gentlemanliness, she chose to be set free and be his wife. Moreover, she, as well as many people with her, embraced Islam. It is narrated that when the Messenger (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told Saffiah that her father was most antagonistic among the Jews against him, she answered, "O Messenger of Allah! Allah says in His Holy Book: "... no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another .... " (Qur'an 6:164) Maria, a Coptic-Christian slave girl whom he manumitted and married as she was presented to him as a gift by an Egyptian ruler and who bore the Prophet the only child after his first wife Khadijah, a son Ibrahim who died in infancy.

Maymouna bint Al Hareth (p.b.u.h.), the widow of Abi Rahan ibn Abdul Uzza. Her name had been Barrah, the Prophet named her Maymouna, she was the last of his wives. Lady Aisha said of her that she was one of those who most fear God the Almighty and of those who always join ties of relationship.

* "Islam, the straight Path", Prof John L. Esposito What Did Muhammad Say?

Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, taught many important principles and morals, and even set forth rules for combat setting the precedent and still exceeding the rules of war set forth by the Geneva Convention.

Consider the following:

All innocent life was sacred and as such none could be harmed, except those who were engaged against them in active combat. Saving one life was as if one had saved the entire world, while taking an innocent life was as if one had taken the lives of the entire world.

There was to be no genocide of any tribes even up until some had committed genocide against some Muslims. He offered mutual protection and forgiveness to the all even after certain ones broke their covenants with him many times. He did not allow them to be attacked until it was clearly proven they were traitors during time of war and tried to bring down the prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and the Muslims at any cost. Retaliation was only to those Jews who

had turned traitor and not others.

Slaves were common in those days for all nations and tribes. It was Islam that encouraged freeing of the slaves and the great reward from Allah for those who did so. Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, gave the example of this by freeing slaves and encouraging all of his followers to do the same. Examples include his own servant (who was actually considered like a son to him) Zaid ibn Al Haritha and Bilal the slave who was bought by Abu Bakr only for the purpose of freeing him.

While there were many attempts of assassination made on Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, (most famous was the night that Ali took his place in bed while he and Abu Bakr escaped to Madinah), he did not allow his companions to slaughter any of those who had been involved in these attempts. Proof for this is when they entered Makkah triumphantly and his first words were to command his followers not to harm such and such tribes and so and so families. This was one of the most famous of his acts of forgiveness and humbleness.

Military combat was forbidden for the first thirteen years of prophet hood. The desert Arabs did not need anyone to tell them how to fight or do combat. They were experts in this area and held feuds amongst tribes that lasted for decades. It was not until the proper method of warfare was instituted by Allah in the Quran, with proper rights and limitations according His Commandments, that any retaliation or combat was sanctioned. Orders from Allah made it clear who was to be attacked, how and when and to what extent fighting could take place.

Destruction of infrastructures is absolutely forbidden except when it is ordained by Allah in certain instances and then only according to His Commands.

Cursing and invoking evil actually came to the prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, from his enemies, while he would be praying for their guidance. Classic example is that of his journey to At-Taif where the leaders would not even hear him out nor offer so much as the normal courtesy called for and instead they set the children of the street against him, throwing rocks and stones at him until his body was bleeding so much, blood filled his sandals. He was offered revenge by the angel Gabriel, if he would give the command, Allah would cause the surrounding mountains to fall down upon them destroying them all. Instead of cursing them or asking for their destruction, he prayed for them to be guided to worship their Lord alone, without any partners.

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, claimed every person who is born is born in a state of ISLAM (submission to God on His Terms in Peace), as a Muslim (MU-Islam means; "one who does ISLAM" i.e.; submits to God's Will and obeys His Commandments). He further stated, God has created each person in the image that is His according to His plan, and their spirit is His. Then as they grow older they begin to distort their faith according to the influence of the prevailing society and their own prejudices.

Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, taught his followers to believe in the God of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus, peace be upon them all, and to believe in them as true prophets, messengers and servants of Almighty Allah. He insisted on ranking all the prophets up at the highest level without any distinction between them, and ordered his followers to say the words, "peace and blessings be upon him" after mentioning their names.

He also taught the Torah (Old Testament), Zabur (Psalms) and Enjil (Gospel or New Testament) were originally from the very same source as the Quran, from Allah to the angel Gabriel. He asked the Jews to judge according to their own Book, and they tried to cover up some of it to hide the correct judgment, knowing he, peace and blessings be upon him, could not read.

61 He prophesied, predicted and foretold of events to come and they happened just as

he had said they would. He mentioned so many things that people of his time could not have known, yet we have seen the evidences manifest over and over throughout the centuries in science, medicine, biology, embryology, psychology, metrology, geology and many other disciplines and even space travel and wireless communications, all of which we take for granted today. He even predicted something from the past that would come true in the future, and it has..

The Quran states pharaoh was drowned in the Red Sea while chasing after Moses and Allah said He would preserve Pharaoh as a sign for the future. Dr. Maurice Bucaille in his book, "Bible, Quran and Science" makes it clear this has happened and the very person of Pharaoh has been discovered in Egypt and is now on display for all to see.

This event took place thousands of years before Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and it came true in the last few decades, many centuries after his death.

Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, or his followers never at any time claimed that he was a son of God or the God-incarnate or a man with divinity - but he always was and is even today considered as only a Messenger chosen by God. He insisted people praise Almighty God, alone and not to celebrate him or his companions in any way. While most people do not hesitate to raise to divinity and even make 'gods' out of other individuals whose lives and missions have been lost in legend. Historically speaking, none of these legends achieved even a fraction of what Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, accomplished.

Uniting mankind together for the purpose of worshipping the One God of Adam and all the other prophets, peace be upon them all, was his main motivating cause and his striving was for the sole purpose having everyone to understand and follow the codes of moral excellence set forth by Allah in His Revelations.

Today after a lapse of fourteen centuries, the life and teachings of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, have survived without the slightest loss, alteration or interpolation. They offer the same undying hope for treating mankind's many ills, which they did when he was alive. This is not a claim of Muhammad's, peace and blessings be upon him, followers, but the inescapable conclusion forced upon by a critical and unbiased history.

Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, claimed to be a servant, messenger and prophet of the Almighty God; the same God of Adam, Abraham, Moses, David and Solomon and of Jesus, the Christ, son of Mary (peace be upon them all). He claimed he was receiving revelation from Almighty God (Allah) through the Arch Angel Gabriel, calling it the Recitation (Quran).

He ordered people to believe in God as One, without partners, and to follow the Commandments of Almighty God to the best of their abilities.

He forbade himself and his followers from evil practices and filthy habits, showing them the proper ways to eat, drink, use the toilet and proper behavior in all relationships. This he claimed was all from Allah.

What Did He Do?

Almost everyone on the earth today is discussing Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. People want to know, "Who was he exactly?" "What did he teach?" "Why was he loved so much by some and hated so much by others?" "Did he live up to his claims?" "Was he a holy man?" "Was he a prophet of God?" "What is the truth about this man - Muhammad?"

How can we discover the truth and be totally honest in our judgment?

We will begin with the very simple historical evidences, facts as narrated by thousands of people, many of whom knew him personally. The following is based on books, manuscripts, texts and actual eyewitness accounts, too numerous list herein, yet all have been preserved in original form throughout the centuries by both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Muhammad ibn (son of) Abdullah ibn (son of) Abdul Mutalib, was born in the year 570 C.E. (Christian Era) in Makkah, Felix Arabia (today: Saudi Arabia) and he died in 633 C.E. in Yathrib (today: Madinah, Saudi Arabia).

A. His names: When he was born, his grandfather, Abdul Mutalib, gave him the name Muhammad. And it means "praised one" or "praising one." He was later called "As-Saddiq" (the Truthful) by all of those who knew of his truthful and honest nature. He always said only the truth. He was also called "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) due to his integrity and always upholding any trust given to him. When the tribes were battling against each other, both sides would entrust him with their possessions during the fighting, even if it might be against some of his own tribesmen, because they knew he would always uphold any trust given to him. All of his names indicated the very nature of a man who was praised for his honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. He was also well known for advocating the reconciliation of kinship and relationships. He ordered his followers to always honor the "ties of the wombs" (siblings and other close relatives).

This fits right in with the prophecy mentioned in the Bible in the Book of John in chapters 14 and 16, as the coming of a prophet known as the "Spirit of Truth" or "Comforter" or "Advocate."

B. Born as a descendent of Abraham, peace and blessings be upon him, through his first born son, Ishmael (Ismail in Arabic), peace and blessings be upon him, to the noble tribe of the Quraish who were the leaders of Makkah in those days. Muhammad's blood line traces directly back to Abraham, peace and blessings be upon him.

This could certainly point to fulfillment of Old Testament (Torah) prophecies in Deuteronomy (chapter 18:15) of a prophet, like unto Moses from "their brethren."

C. He kept the Commandments of Almighty God, just as his great grandfathers and prophets of old had done in the past (peace be upon them). Here is a statement from Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, while the Quran was being revealed to him by the angel Gabriel;

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"Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your PARENTS; do not kill your children because of poverty - (Allah) provide sustenance for you and for them; do not come near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause. This He has commanded you that you may understand."

[Holy Quran 6:151]

D. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, lived in total commitment to his Belief in One God, and as such, he worshipped God alone, without any other "gods" beside Him. This is the very first commandment in the Old Testament (Exodus chapter 20 and Deuteronomy, chapter 5) and in the New Testament as well (Mark, chapter 12, verse 29).

E. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered his followers to obey Allah Almighty. He ordered following the Commandments as were revealed to him by the angel Gabriel from Almighty Allah. Read below, one of many similar statements from the Quran:

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Surely, Allah Commands absolute justice and steadfast commitment to performing your duties to Almighty Allah, in total sincerity and giving help to relatives: and He forbids evil, and disobedience and all that is prohibited by Allah (such as; illegal sexual acts, disobedience of PARENTS, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right, etc.), and (He Forbids) any evil (i.e. all that is prohibited by God's Law, such as: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds, etc.), and all kinds of oppression, He admonishes you, that you may take heed.

[Holy Quran 16:90]

F. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, never fell into the common practice of his tribesmen to worship statues, idols or man-made "gods." He forbid his followers to ever engage in worship outside of the One True God (Allah) of Adam, Abraham, Moses and all the prophets, peace be upon them all.

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And the people of the Scripture Jews and Christians did not differed amongst themselves until after there came to them clear evidence.

And they were commanded only to worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (no gods beside God), and perform prayers and give charity: and that is the right religion.

[Holy Quran 98:4-5]

He despised false worship to any man-made gods or images or anything in creation as a god. He

64 hated all of the complexities and degradation to which it leads.

This is in direct obedience to the second commandment in the above mentioned verses, "Thou shalt not make any graven images."

G. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, always held the Name of God (Allah) in the highest of reverence and never took God's Name in vain or for any vainglorious purpose.

He forbid his followers for ever doing anything like this and encouraged them to use names such as "Servant of Almighty God" (Abdullah).

H. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, upheld the proper worship and ceremonies of his grandfathers, Abraham and Ishmael, peace be upon them. Here is something from the second chapter of the Quran. Read closely;

"Recall when Abraham's Lord (Allah) tested him with Commands, that he fulfilled. Allah said, "Surely, I am going to make you a leader (prophet) of mankind. (Abraham said) "And my offspring, too." (Allah) said, "My Covenant (prophethood, etc.) does not include wrong-doers (thalimun).

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"And recall when (Allah) made the House (ka'bah in Bakkah, which later was called "Makkah ") a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And it is your place of prayer, and (Allah) commanded Abraham and Ishmael to purify (God's House at Makkah) for those who are circling it, or staying there or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in worship).

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"And when Abraham said, 'My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, for them that believe in Allah Almighty and the Last Day.' (Allah) answered, "As for him who doesn't believe, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!"

"And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the Sacred House (Ka'bah in Makkah), saying, 'Our Lord! Accept from us. Certainly! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.'"

"Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage - Hajj and 'Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts

repentance, the Most Merciful.

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"Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allah answered by sending Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him ), who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Quran) and full knowledge of (Allah's) Laws and jurisprudence, and sanctify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. "

And who turns away from the religion of Abraham (Monotheism) except him who fools himself? Truly, (Allah) chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.

When his Lord said to him, "Submit ("Islam" means "submission")!" He said, "I have submitted myself ("Muslim" means "one who submits") to the Lord of all that exists.'

And this (submission to Allah) was ordered by Abraham upon his sons and by Jacob; saying, "O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the (true) religion; then die not except in the Faith of Submission (like those in true submission to God's Will)."

[Holy Quran 2:124-132]

I. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, performed these same ceremonies in worship to what we find the prophets doing before him, bowing to toward the ground and prostrating (falling on the face) while praying and worshipping. He would face Jerusalem for his devotionals and commanded his followers to do the same (until Allah sent down the angel Gabriel with revelation to change the direction (Qiblah) mentioned in Quran).

J. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, advocated rights for all members of the family and especially ties to the parents, both mother and father, also rights for infant girls, orphaned girls and certainly for wives, as well.

It is known from the Quran, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered his followers to be kind and respectful to their parents. They were told not to even say, "Ooh" to them while caring for them in their old age. Read from the Quran:

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66 And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that

you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor.

[Holy Quran 17:23]

K. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was the defender of the orphans and even the newborn children. He ordered the care of orphans and feeding of the poor as the means to enter Paradise and if anyone held back the rights of those who were destitute, they could forget about ever seeing Paradise. He also forbade the killing of new born girls, as was a custom of ignorance according to primitive Arab traditions. This is referred to in the Quran; when, on the Day of Judgment those who practiced the evil deed of terminating the life of their own infant daughters, will have it exposed, the Quran says:

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"And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do) is going to be asked; about what sin could she (as an infant) have possibly committed."

[Holy Quran 81:8]

Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's Cause) by night and day, in secret and in public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

[Holy Quran 2:274]

L. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered men not to "inherit women against their will," and not to marry them accept by mutual consent and never to touch their wealth or inheritance in order to improve their own financial conditions.

O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good.

[Holy Quran 4:19]

67 We also notice from this verse, He forbid the common practice of wife-beating

and abuse, (his own wife said he never once hit her).

He never once engaged in sex outside of marriage, nor did he ever approve of it, even though it was very common at the time. His only relationships with women were in legitimate, contractual marriages with proper witnesses according to law. His relationship to Ayesha was only that of marriage. He did not marry her the first time her father offered her hand to him in marriage. He married her only after she reached the age of puberty and could decide for herself. Their relationship is described in every detail by Ayesha herself in the most loving and respectful manner as a match truly made in heaven. Ayesha is considered as one of the highest scholars of Islam and lived out her entire life only having been married to Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. She never desired any other man, nor did she ever utter a single negative statement against Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

M. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered men to "provide and protect" women, whether it was their own mother, sister, wife or daughter or even those of others, whether they were Muslims or not.

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support the women) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and to their husbands), and guard in the husband's absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband's property, etc.).

As to those women on whose part you see illconduct, admonish them, refuse to share their beds, startle them (set forth a clear example or parable for them, to make clear the point of what is going on before divorcing them) so if they return to proper obedience (to Allah and their husbands), do not annoy them any further. Surely, Allah is Ever Most High, Most Great."

[Holy Quran 4:34]

N. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, prohibited killing of children for fear of poverty and also forbade killing any innocent people.

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Say (O Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him): "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.

[Holy Quran 6:151]

O. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, never committed adultery, and he required his

68 followers to engage only in lawful marriage relationships with women, and

forbid sex outside of Almighty God's Ordinance.

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Satan (the devil) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins etc.); whereas Allah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.

[Holy Quran 2:268]

Say (O Muhammad SAW): "(But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawahish (great evil sins, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allah for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge."

[Holy Quran 7:33]

And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a Fahishah [i.e. anything that transgresses its limits (a great sin)], and an evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allah forgives him).

[Holy Quran 17:32]

The adulterer marries not but an adulteress or a Mushrikah and the adulteress none marries her except an adulterer or a Muskrik [and that means that the man who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a Mushrikah (female polytheist, pagan or idolatress) or a prostitute, then surely he is either an adulterer, or a Mushrik (polytheist, pagan or idolater, etc.) And the woman who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a Mushrik (polytheist, pagan or idolater) or an adulterer, then she is either a prostitute or a Mushrikah (female polytheist, pagan, or idolatress, etc.)]. Such a thing is forbidden to the believers (of Islamic Monotheism).

[Holy Quran 24:3]

Verily, those who like that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you know not.

[Holy Quran 24:19]

O Prophet! When believing women come to you to give you the pledge, that they will not associate anything in worship with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit illegal sexual intercourse, that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood (i.e. by making illegal children belonging to their husbands), and that they will not disobey you in any Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all that which Islam ordains) then accept their Bai'a (pledge), and ask Allah to forgive them, Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

[Holy Quran 60:12]

People committed fornication and adultery in most places around the word in Muhammad's time, yet he never once did so, and he forbade all of his followers from this evil practice.

P. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade usury and interest on money lending, as Jesus, peace and blessings be upon him, had done centuries before him. It can be easily shown how usury eats away at wealth and destroys the economic systems throughout history. Yet, just as in the teachings of the prophets of old, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, held that such practices were most evil and must be avoided in order to be at peace with the Creator (Allah).

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Those who eat usury (deal in interest) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Satan leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like usury, " whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden usury. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating usury shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns to dealing in usury, such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein.

Allah will destroy Riba (usury) and will give increase for charity, alms, etc. And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners.

Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform Salat, and give Zakat, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

You who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from usury, if you are believers.

And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.

[Holy Quran 2:275-279]

Q. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, never gambled and did not allow it. Like usury, gambling takes away wealth but at an even faster pace.

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"People ask you (Muhammad) about alcohol and gambling. Say, 'There is great sin in both of them and (some benefit) for humans, but the sin is greater than any benefit from them.' And they ask you what they should spend (for charity, etc.). Say, 'Whatever is above your basic needs.' So, Allah makes it clear to you His Laws in order for you to give thought."

[Holy Quran 2:219]

Gambling had not been viewed as so evil until the time of Muhammad, peace be upon. Today, it is well established the damage gambling causes to families and even mental health. The idea of getting something for nothing is not the proper way of life prescribed by the teachings of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

R. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, never drank alcohol or strong drink, even though it was a very normal thing for people of his time and place.

71 "O you believers! Intoxicating drinks, gambling, fortune telling, etc. is the

hated work of the devil. So stay away from all of that horrible stuff, that you will be successful."

"The devil only wants to create hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks, etc.) and gambling and to keep you from the remembrance of Allah and from your proper worship (prayers). So, why won't you away from them?"

[Holy Quran 5:90-91]

The Arabs, like most other cultures at his time, drank alcohol without concern for their health or for their altered behavior while intoxicated. Many of them were alcoholics.

In today's world there is little need to present long discussions on the evil and dangers of drinking alcohol. Besides causing diseases and ruining a person's health, alcohol is often attributed to be the cause of many traffic accidents resulting in property damage, injuries and deaths. The first order was for the followers of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, to leave off drinking while engaged in worship, then came stronger orders to leave drinking all together. Thus, offering a time for the early Muslims to break off from their addiction to strong drink.

S. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, did not engage in gossip or backbiting and he always turned away from hearing anything related to it.

+

O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done.

[Holy Quran 49:6]

+

O you who believe! Do not allow one group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one's brother after having Faith? And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed wrong-doers.

+0 you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting) . And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.

[Holy Quran 49:11-12]

Certainly, these teachings would be well appreciated in today's world where we find almost everyone engaging in the worst of gossiping and insulting of others, even the closest of relatives and loved ones.

T. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was most generous and encouraged others to be the same way in their dealings with others. He even asked them to forgive the debts of others with hope of receiving a better reward with their Lord (Allah).

+

And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.

And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.

[Holy Quran 2:280-281]

S. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded the payment of charity to the poor and he was the defender and protector of widows, orphans and the wayfarers.

+

"Therefore, do not oppress the orphan, nor repulse the beggar." [Holy Quran 93:9-10]

73 Charity is for the poor, who in Allah's Cause are restricted (from travel), and

cannot move about in the land (for trade or work). The one who knows them not, thinks that they are rich because of their modesty. You may know them by their mark, they do not beg of people at all. And whatever you spend in good, surely Allah knows it well.

[Holy Quran 2:273]

U. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, taught people how to deal with the most extreme difficulties and tests that occur to us throughout our lives. He held that only through patience and a humble attitude would we find true resolution and understanding of life's complications and disappointments. He the most patient of all and was exemplary in his own humbleness. All who knew him had to admit to these virtues.

O you who believe! Seek help in patience and the prayer. Truly! Allah is with the patient ones.

[Holy Quran 2:153]

He explained this life was a test from Allah:

And certainly, Allah shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones.

[Holy Quran 2:155]

Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return."

[Holy Quran 2:156]

V. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, fasted for days at a time to be closer to Almighty God and away from the narrowness of worldly attractions.

O you who believe! Observing the fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious.

[Holy Quran 2:183]

W. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, called for an end to racism and tribalism from the beginning to the end of his mission. He was truly the peacemaker for all times and all people.

+

O mankind! (Allah) has created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who is one of the pious. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware

[Holy Quran 49:13]

And in another verse of the Quran:

+

O mankind! Have piety and be most dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an AllWatcher over you.

[Holy Quran 4:1]

X. Regarding keeping up good relationships and bringing people back together after a falling out, the Quran says:

+

And if two parties or groups among the believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them both, but if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah; then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable.

The believers are nothing else than brothers to each other. So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.

[Holy Quran 49:9-10]

Y. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, taught that Jesus, peace and blessings be upon him, was the immaculate conception and miracle birth of Mary, and that she was the best creation of Almighty God. He insisted even to the Jews of Madinah, that Jesus, peace and blessings be upon him, was the Messiah, the Christ, the one predicted to come in their Torah (Old Testament). He also taught that Jesus, peace and blessings be upon him, did many miracles by the permission of Almighty God, curing the lepers, restoring sight to the blind and even bringing a dead man back to life, and he was not dead, rather Almighty God had raised him up. He also predicted Jesus, peace and blessings be upon him, is going to return again in the Last Days to lead the true believers in a victory over the evil and unrighteous people, and he will destroy the Anti-Christ.

Z. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade any killing, even when his followers were being killed, until the orders for retaliation came from Allah. Even then the limits were clearly spelled out and only those engaged in active combat against the Muslims or Islam were to be fought in combat. And even then, only according to very strict rules from Allah, fought in combat. And even then, only according to very strict rules from Allah.

What Did His Followers Say?

"His name was Muhammad" (peace and blessings be upon him)

To begin: You may be a Christian Protestant, Catholic, Jew, an atheist or an agnostic; or you may belong to any of many different religious denominations existing in today's world. You might even be a communist or believe in man's democracy as the rule on earth. Whoever you are and whatever ideological or political beliefs, social habits you may hold, there is no doubt - you should understand what others have to say about this man.

The world has had its share of great personalities. But these were one sided figures who distinguished themselves in but one or two fields, such as religious thought or military leadership. The lives and teachings of these great personalities of the earth are shrouded in the mist of time. There is so much speculation about the time and place their birth, the mode and style of their life, the nature and detail of their teachings and the degree and measure of their success or failure that is impossible for humanity to reconstruct, accurately the lives and teachings of these men and women.

But this is not the case of this man, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, who accomplished so much in such diverse fields of human thought and behavior in the fullest blaze of human history. Every detail of his private life and public utterances has been accurately documented and faithfully preserved up until our day. The authenticity of the records so preserved is vouched for not only by the faithful followers but even by his prejudiced critics.

Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was a religious teacher, a social reformer, a moral guide, an administrative colossus, a faithful friend, a wonderful companion, a devoted husband, a loving father - all in one. No other man in history ever excelled or equaled him in any of these different aspects of life - but it was only for the selfless personality of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, to achieve such incredible perfection.

He was by far, the most remarkable man that ever set foot on this earth. He preached a religion, founded a state, built a nation, laid down a moral code, initiated numerous social and political reforms, established a powerful and dynamic society to practice and represent his teachings and

76 completely revolutionized the worlds of human thought and behavior for all times to

come.

Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was born in what was then known as Felix Arabia, fourteen hundred years ago. He started his mission of preaching a religion of monotheism; a Way of Life based on the surrender, submission and obedience to the Commandments of Almighty God, in sincerity and peace.

The word "Islam" in Arabic means "the submission to God, in peace."

Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) mission began at the age of forty and departed from this world at the age of sixty-three. During this short period of 23 years of his prophethood, he changed the complete Arabian Peninsula from paganism and idolatry to worship of One God, from tribal quarrels and wars to national solidarity and cohesion, from drunkenness and debauchery to sobriety and piety, from lawlessness and anarchy to disciplined living, from utter bankruptcy to the highest standards of moral excellence.

Human history has never known such a complete transformation of a people or a place before or since - and IMAGINE all these unbelievable wonders in JUST OVER TWO DECADES.

Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was nothing more or less than a human being, but he was a man with a noble mission, which was to unite humanity on the worship of ONE and ONLY ONE GOD and to teach them the way to honest and upright living, based on the commands of God. He always described himself as, 'A Servant and Messenger of God' and so indeed every action of his proclaimed to be.

Today after a lapse of fourteen centuries, the life and teachings of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, have survived without the slightest loss, alteration or interpolation. They offer the same undying hope for treating mankind's many ills, which they did when he was alive. This is not a claim of Mohammed's(peace and blessings be upon him) followers, but the inescapable conclusion forced upon by a critical and unbiased history.

The least YOU can do as a thinking and concerned human being is to stop for a moment and ask your self: Could these statements sounding so extraordinary and revolutionary really be true? And supposing they really are true and you did not know this man Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, or hear about him, isn't it time you responded to this tremendous challenge and put in some effort to know him?

It will cost you nothing, but it may prove to be the beginning of a completely new era in your life.

We invite you to make a discovery of this wonderful man, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, the like of whom never walked on the face of this earth

What Do Others Say About Him?

Before We Begin our "A to Z of Muhammad" - Let's See What 12 Famous People Have Said About Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) Throughout the Centuries...

His complete biography has been authenticated and circulated amongst scholars around the world starting while he was still alive and continuing up until today. One of the first examples we quote from is from the Encyclopedia Britannica, as it confirms:

that he was an honest and upright man who had gained the respect and loyalty of others who were likewise honest and upright men."

[Vol. 12]

Another impressive tribute to Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him is in the very well written work of Michael H. Hart, "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History." He states that the most influential person in all history was Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, with Jesus second. Examine his actual words:

"My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level."

[Michael H. Hart, THE 100: A RANKING OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS IN HISTORY, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, page. 33.]

According to the Quran, Prophet Muhammad was the most excellent example for all of humanity. Even non-Muslim historians recognize him to be one of the most successful personalities in history. Read what the Reverend R. Bosworth-Smith wrote in "Mohammed & Mohammedanism" in 1946:

"Head of the state as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but, he was pope without the pope's claims, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue. If ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by a Right Divine, it was Mohammad, for he had all the power without instruments and without its support. He cared not for dressing of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life."

While we are reviewing statements from famous non-Muslims about Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, consider this:

"Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?"

[Lamartine, HISTOIRE DE LA TURQUIE, Paris, 1854, Vol. II, pp. 276-277.]

And then we read what George Bernard Shaw, a famous writer and non-Muslim says:

"He must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it much needed peace and happiness."

[The Genuine Islam, Singapore, Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936]

Then we found that K. S. Ramakrishna Rao, an Indian (Hindu) professor of Philosophy, in his booklet "Muhammad the Prophet of Islam" calls him the "perfect model for human life." Professor Ramakrishna Rao explains his point by saying:

"TAie personality of Muhammad, it is most difficult to get into the whole truth of it. Only a glimpse of it I can catch. What a dramatic succession of picturesque scenes. There is Muhammad the Prophet. There is Muhammad the Warrior; Muhammad the Businessman; Muhammad the Statesman; Muhammad the Orator; Muhammad the Reformer; Muhammad the Refuge of Orphans; Muhammad the Protector of Slaves; Muhammad the Emancipator of Women; Muhammad the Judge; Muhammad the Saint. All in all these magnificent roles, in all these departments of human activities, he is alike a hero."

What should we think about our prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, when someone with the worldly status such as Mahatma Gandhi, speaking on the character of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, says in 'Young India':

"I wanted to know the best of one who holds today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind... I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of the great life."

English author Thomas Carlyle in his 'Heroes and Hero Worship', was simply amazed:

"How one man single handedly, could weld warring tribes and wandering Bedouins into a most powerful and civilized nation in less than two decades."

79 And Diwan Chand Sharma wrote in "The Prophets of the East":

"Muhammad was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him"

[D.C. Sharma, The Prophets of the East, Calcutta, 1935, pp. 12]

Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was nothing more or less than a human being, but he was a man with a noble mission, which was to unite humanity on the worship of ONE and ONL Y ONE GOD and to teach them the way to honest and upright living based on the commands of God. He always described himself as, 'A Servant and Messenger of God' and so indeed every action of his proclaimed to be.

Speaking on the aspect of equality before God in Islam, the famous poetess of India, Sarojini Naidu says:

"If was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy; for, in the mosque, when the call for prayer is sounded and worshippers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and king kneel side by side and proclaim: 'God Alone is Great'... I have been struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes man instinctively a brother."

[S. Naidu, Ideals of Islam, vide Speeches & Writings, Madras, 1918, p. 169]

In the words of Professor Hurgronje:

"The league of nations founded by the prophet of Islam put the principle of international unity and human brotherhood on such universal foundations as to show candle to other nations." He continues, "the fact is that no nation of the world can show a parallel to what Islam has done towards the realization of the idea of the League of Nations."

Edward Gibbon and Simon Ockley, on the profession of ISLAM, writes in "History of the Saracen Empires":

"I BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, AND MAHOMET, AN APOSTLE OF GOD' is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honor of the Prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtues; and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his

disciples within the bounds of reason and religion."

[History of the Saracen Empires, London, 1870, p. 54]

EWolfgang Goethe, perhaps the greatest European poet ever, wrote about Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. He said:

"He is a prophet and not a poet and therefore his Koran is to be seen as Divine Law and not as a book of a human being, made for education or entertainment."

[Noten und Abhandlungen zum Weststlichen Dvan, WA I, 7, 32]

What Do Muslims Say?

Considering the qualities and teachings of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, testified to by some many people throughout history and even testified to by Allah Himself, we conclude the following to be only a partial list of the qualities, morals and virtures of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

A. Articulate - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, although unable to read or write throughout his entire life, was able to express himself in clear and decisive terms and in the best of classical Arabic language.

B. Brave - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was praised for his courage and bravery during and after his life by his followers and opponents alike. He has always been an inspiration to Muslims and even non-Muslims throughout the centuries.

C. Courteous - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, always put other people's feelings ahead of his own and was the most courteous of hosts and the best of guests wherever he went.

D. Dedicated - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was determined to carry out his mission and present the message with which he had been sent, to the entire world.

E. Eloquent - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, claimed he was not a poet, yet he could express himself in the most concise manner, using the least amount of words in a most classic manner. His words are still quoted by millions of Muslims and non-Muslims today everywhere.

F. Friendly - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was noted for being the most friendly and considerate of all who knew him.

81 G. Generous - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was most generous

with his possessions and never wanted to keep anything if there was anyone who was in need. This was true of gold, silver, animals and even food and drink.

H. Hospitable - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was indeed, noted to be the most gracious of hosts and taught his companions and followers to be the best of hosts to all their guests as a part of their religion.

I. Intelligent - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has been proclaimed by many commentators who have studied his life and actions, to be of the most intelligent of all men who ever lived.

J. Just - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was most fair and just in all of his dealings. Whether in business or in giving judgment in any matter, he practiced justice on all levels.

K. Kindness - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was kind and considerate to everyone he met. He tired his best to present the message of worship of the Creator instead of the creations to all he met in the kindest fashion and most considerate manner.

L. Loving - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was the most loving toward Allah and to his family members, friends, companions and even those who did not accept his message but remained peaceful to him and his followers.

M. Messenger of Mercy - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is proclaimed in the Quran by Allah, as being sent to the entire world as the "Mercy to all mankind and jinn."

N. Noble - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was the most noble and distinguished of all men. Everyone knew of his fine character and honorable background.

O. "Oneness" - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is most famous for his proclamation of the "Oneness of Allah" or monotheism (called "Tawheed" in Arabic).

P. Patient - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was the most steadfast and forbearing in all of the trials and tests he lived through.

Q. Quiet - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was often very quiet and never was heard to be boastful, loud or obnoxious on any occasion.

R. Resourceful - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was most clever and resourceful in handling even the most serious of difficulties and problems confronting him and his companions.

S. Straightforward - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was known by all to speak directly to a subject and not twist things around in his speech. He also used a minimal amount of verbiage and considered excessive talk to be vain and unproductive.

T. Tactful - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was the most delicate and tactful in his dealings with the people. He never scratched the dignity of someone, even though unbelievers often insulted him and maligned him.

U. Unmatched - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is known throughout the world today as the man who most influenced the lives of so many people during his own time and for all times to come.

82 V. Valiant - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, gave new meaning to

the word valiant and he was always most honorable in all of his affairs, whether defending the rights of orphans or preserving the honor of widows or fighting for those in distress. He was not intimidated when outnumbered in battle, nor did he turn away from his duties in protecting and defending the truth and freedom.

W. Wali - The Arabic word, "wali" (plural is owliya)is a bit difficult to bring into English without some explanation. For this reason I decided to leave it in Arabic and offer from my humble understanding one of the most important aspects of the character and personality of the prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Some say the word means; "protectors" and others have said "darlings" or "those in whom you put full trust and confide everything" like the Catholics might do with their priests. While still others simply offered the word "friends." While discussing this subject with one of my beloved teachers, Salim Morgan, he mentioned to me the meaning might be closer to the English word, "a//y."This is perhaps, a lot closer in meaning because when a person gives their pledge of allegiance to someone he or she is taking that person as a "wally" and this is called giving "bay'ah" in Arabic. Allah tells us the Quran not to take the Jews and Christians as "owliya" in place of Allah. While we understand the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) are the closest to us in faith, at the same time we are instructed here not to take anyone as our "confessor" or "intimate ally" or "one to whom we give our pledge of allegiance" in place of Allah or His messenger, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. The prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was the living example of the most trustworthy and loyal of all human beings who ever lived on this earth. Anything mentioned to him in confidence would never be divulged nor shared with others. And when he was put in place of authority or "wali" over the people, they found him to be the best of those to be trusted.

X. "X" - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, could neither read nor write, not even his own name. In today's world he would have to use an "X" to "sign" a document. He used a signet ring worn on the little finger of his right hand to seal any documents or letters sent to the leaders of other lands.

Y. Yielding - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, would yield his own desires and forego his own ideas in favor of whatever Allah directed him to do. While considering opinions from his followers, he often accepted their ideas over his own, preferring to yield in favor of others as much as possible.

Z. Zealous - Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was the most zealous of all the prophets of Allah, in carrying out his mission of "Peace through the submission to the Will of God." He truly was the most enthusiastic in regard to delivering the message with which he had been entrusted by Allah; the message of "Laa elaha illa-allah, Muhammadar-Rasoolulah"

(There is none worthy of worship, except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah).

Alief. "AJEEB" (AMAZING) - We couldn't resist the chance for one more letter - even if it is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet ("|" alief).

Muhammad was truly amazing in every respect. He delivered a message of a complete and total way of life, encompassing everything from the time a person wakes up until time to sleep and from the cradle to the grave. And if someone were to follow this Way of Life ("deen" in Arabic), they would achieve the greatest success here in this life and the greatest success in the Next Life as well.

Conclusion

Before concluding our review of Muhammad, A to Z, it must be mentioned, that although Muhammad is deeply loved, revered and emulated by Muslims as God's final

83 messenger, he is NOT the object of worship for Muslims.

Now it is up to you. You are a rational thinking, concerned human being. As such, you should already be asking yourself:

Could these extraordinary, revolutionary and amazing statements, all about this one man, really be true? What if this is true?

You have read what famous writers, thinkers, poets, philosophers, clergy and humanitarians have said about Muhammad. You have seen the recordings of those who knew him and knew of him and what others have said, about Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

So, the question now is, "What do you say about Muhammad?"

You be the judge, www.quideus.tv BY YUSUF ESTEZ

What do Muslims think of Jesus?

There are many questions that come to mind when the name Jesus is mentioned. Some people say he was a prophet, others call him a god, while others say he was a very wise man. But whatever your idea is, one thing remains certain: he was not your ordinary man. So if there is something special about him, why all the confusion?

Just who was Jesus anyway?

His Origin

Jesus lived about 2,000 years ago in ancient Palestine when the Roman Empire was at its zenith. He was not conceived in the usual way, but was implanted in the womb of a young woman named Mary. God simply commanded, "Be" and he was. In this sense, he was "a word" of God and a special sign for humanity. In fact, he was the last in a long line of religious guides sent to the Jews.

Mary, The Blessed

Mary was a righteous woman. Her mother dedicated her to God's service even before she was born. As a child, she lived a life marked by health and righteousness, which others pointed to in admiration. She was raised by the wise Zechariah, who instilled in her, a beautiful sense of faith in God. When she had become a young woman, Mary sought to purify herself further before her Lord. Knowing that the hustle of life in the towns was distracting, she withdrew from her people to a sanctuary in the East. There she could meditate in seclusion and peace. Suddenly, on a day that seemed no different from the rest, an angel of God visited her, disguised in the likeness of a human. Afraid of so strange a sight, Mary prayed for protection, but the strange being reassured her and declared that he was a messenger from the Lord to announce the glad-tidings of a faultless son. Mary, astounded, asked how this was possible seeing that no man had ever touched

84 her. But the angel replied, "Your Lord says, it is easy for Me ...". But when she felt

the little child within her, she fled her sanctuary out of fear of what her family would do or say when they heard the news. Mary, however, was not to face hardship. When in her despair she cried out to God for oblivion, a voice soothed her and she found shade and a cool spring. Under a date-palm in the warmth of late summer, she made her dwelling and there bore the child unlike any other in human history.

Shortly thereafter, Mary returned to her community carrying the child who was to be called Messiah, Jesus, and son of Mary. When her people saw her with the baby in her arms they couldn't believe their eyes, let alone accept her word. They refused to believe when she told of an angel who came and told her she was chosen above all other women to carry this burden. They accused her of infidelity and implied that she had ruined the family name. Mary, being overwhelmed, simply motioned towards the child meekly.

The Miracles

Now the child was the product of a miracle and consequently, miraculous things began to happen. In defense of his mother and of the truth, the infant Jesus spoke saying, "I am a servant of God. He has given me Scripture and has made me a Prophet. He has blessed me wherever I may be and has made prayer and charity my duty as long as I live." This put the detractors to rest.

Throughout his youth, Jesus remained dutiful to his mother and developed quickly in intelligence, wisdom, and piety. He dumfounded the learned and was greatly admired by those around him who appreciated his talents. He claimed to be a sign of God and a Messenger to the Israelites.

His people had strayed from the spirit of truth and placed their trust in legalism, thereby burying their sense of mercy beneath dusty scrolls and rituals. Finally, when he came of age, Jesus began to travel and preach throughout the land of Palestine about a return to the truth of the old revelations and a rejection of all that man had added. In his task he was supported by the spirit of truth, the angel Gabriel.

The Gospel, His Message

He taught that love and mercy overcome hate and anger and that only a true and sincere faith in the Creator and obedience to His will can bring a person salvation in this life as well as in the next. To reinforce his message, which was called "Injeel" (Good News), God granted him the performance of miracles. He healed the sick, uplifted the distressed and revived the dead. All these things he did with the permission of God, never taking credit for them himself.

He led a simple and pious life. Soon he attracted an inner-circle of devoted followers who listened to his teachings with fervor and humility. These disciples, among them Peter, Barnabas, and John helped him carry the message of Divine Love to the people. They helped him in his mission.

A Test Of Wills

But no righteous man of God is without trial and tribulation. As the message of Jesus began to gain wider acceptance, a small clique of hypocrites and evil men began to plot against him. They were the priests and leaders of the Jews whose position and wealth depended upon their place as the sole interpreters of religion to the masses. They pursued him and his followers and eventually captured him. Though they abused him, he never renounced his faith in the one God. So in their anger they plotted to crucify him on a Roman cross. But Jesus slipped from their grip at the last moment, and all the while they thought they had succeeded. They were sure they had killed him but God answered Jesus' prayer and saved him from their schemes. Confusion overtook the mob and they might have killed the man who betrayed Jesus instead. In any case, Jesus escaped from their grasp. Then God removed Jesus from this world into another dimension, to a place with Him, not to return until a later time.

With their teacher gone, the devoted followers of Jesus tried to maintain the purity and simplicity of his teachings. But they were soon besieged and overtaken by a flood of Roman and Greek influences, which eventually so buried and distorted the message of Jesus that only a little of its truth now remains. Strange doctrines of Jesus being a man-god, of God dying, of saint worship and of God being made up of different parts came into vogue and were accepted by many of those who took the name "Christians" centuries after Jesus.

Conclusion

The only records that have come down to us concerning Jesus are some sketchy biographical material, poorly researched and compiled, which can in no way be representative of the full and accurate Message of Jesus, the Son of Mary. The time of the final and incorruptible Message was not yet at hand. It would be left to the last prophet of God, Muhammad (peace be upon him), to clarify the truth from man's additions and deletions.

Jesus taught the same eternal message that was taught by all the Messengers of God, from Adam, on through Noah, Abraham, Moses and ending with the mission of God's last Guidepost to humanity, Muhammad (peace be on them all), whose coming was foretold by Jesus himself.

Every nation and every people, from the Aztecs to the Greeks, have received a Prophet or a Messenger from God. Jesus was the last of a series of Messengers sent to the Israelites, but they consistently strayed from the path of surrender to God. Each of the many Messengers spoke a different language and followed varied customs. Yet the core faith taught by each was the same: surrender your imperfect and fickle will to the perfect will of the Power that is greater than you. You will then find the peace and freedom that only the Creator of all things can provide. Then you must do what is right and good to your fellow creatures. This way of life is called Islam (surrender to God and find peace).

By Yahiya Emerick

Muslims respect and venerate Jesus Christ. They consider him to be one of God's greatest

86 messengers to humankind. The Qur'an re-affirms his miraculous birth and his

miraculous abilities. Furthermore, his mother Mary is regarded as one of the most pure and exalted women of all creation. As the Qur'an says:

"Behold! the angel said: 'God has chosen you and purified you and has chosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary! God gives you the good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the hereafter, and one of those brought near to God" (3:42).

Islam regards its teachings to be a re-affirmation and culmination of the teachings of previous monotheistic religions like Judaism and Christianity. Hence, all Muslims believe in Moses and Jesus as Prophets of God. Prophet Muhammad was commanded to recite in the Qur'an:

"Say, we believe in God and that which was revealed unto us, and that which was revealed unto Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob, and the tribes and that which was entrusted unto Moses and Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord We make no distinction between any of them and unto Him we have submitted" (3:84).

A Muslim never refers to him simply as "Jesus", but always adds the phrase "upon him be peace." The Qur'an confirms his virgin birth, and an entire surah (chapter) of the Qur'an is entitled "Mary." The Qur'an describes the Annunciation as follows:

"She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He said: 'Even so; God creates what He wills. When He decrees a thing, He says to it, "Be!" and it is.'" (Qur'an 3:42-7)

Jesus was born miraculously through the same power that had brought Adam into being without a father: "Truly the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust and then said to him, 'Be!' and he was." (Qur'an 3:59)

During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many miracles. The Qur'an tells us that he said: "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you out of clay, as it were, a figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and the lepers, and I raise the dead by God's leave." (Qur'an 3:49)

Neither Muhammad nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in One God, brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it. In the Qur'an, Jesus is reported as saying that he came: "To attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear God and obey me." (Qur'an 3:50)

Source: islamicity.com/JesusInlslam/Jesus.htm

ISA"Jesus", the prophet of Islam

• Introduction

. MARYAM, THEMOTHER OF A ISA(Jesus)

. THE BIRTH OF "ISA(Jesus)

. EARLY LIFE OF PROPHET A ISA(Jesus)

. THEREVELATION OF PROPHETHOOD

. THE INJIL(BIBLE)

. THEASCENSION OF PROPHET A ISA(Jesus)

. PROPHET "ISA'S!Jesus) DESCENT TO EARTH

. CONCLUSION

Introduction

Allah sent many messengers to the humans as a mercy from Him. Allah sent them all to teach the people what is the correct and acceptable worship of Allah-Vne\r Creator and the Creator of everything. All the prophets of Allah, the first of whom was Adam and the last of whom is Muhammad, came with one Religion-/s/am, one creed-the belief in the Oneness of Allah. They all taught that Allah is attributed with all the perfect attributes and that He does not resemble any of His creations. They taught what Allah ordered us to perform with and refrain from in this life. They taught there is the Judgment Day in which each one of us will be judged as to whether or not we fulfilled our obligations in this life. None of them taught their people what contradicts the belief in the Oneness of Allah. Each one of them ordered their followers to believe in the rest of the prophets. Imam al-Bukhariyy related that Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu "alayhi wa sallam, said:

which means:« The prophets are like brothers from the same father with different mothers. Their Religion is one although their Shar'fah (rules of the Religion) differed. I am the most deserving of Prophet A /sa. There was no other prophet between us.»

Allah revealed Prophet A /sa (Jesus) as the messenger before Prophet Muhammad. He was one of the five best messengers of Allah, called Ulul-*Azm, those with the highest status, who were the most patient. He was A /sa, the son of Maryam, the daughter of "Imran, from the sons of Israel. Prophet A /sa, as all the prophets, was truthful in what he conveyed from Allah, and although today we follow the SharPah of Prophet Muhammad, Muslims respect, love, and believe in A /sa and in his prophethood.

MARYAM, THEMOTHER OF "ISA(Jesus)

Maryam (Mary), the mother of A /sa, was a pious Muslim woman from the offspring of Israel during the time of Prophet Zakariyya. Prophet Zakariyya was a prophet of Allah revealed to convey to the people to follow the Shar'fah revealed to Prophet Musa. In the Qur'an there is a chapter named Maryam referring to Maryam (Mary), the mother of A /sa. This chapter talks about Maryam: her birth, her story, and the birth of Prophet A /sa, and other things.

Maryam's mother conceived and delivered Maryam when she was an old woman, at an age when women usually can no longer have babies. One day Maryam's mother saw a bird feeding its young and she longed for a baby herself. She made a supplication to Allah to bless her with a child and vowed that she would make him a servant for the Holy House in Jerusalem, dedicated for worship, because she thought the child would be male. Allah answered her supplication and Maryam's mother conceived and delivered a baby girl. She named her "Maryam" and asked Allah to protect her and her offspring from evil.

Since Maryam's father had died, Prophet Zakariyya (who was the husband of Maryam's sister) became Maryam's guardian. From him, Maryam learned the Religion. She grew up as a righteous, pure, and pious Muslim woman worshipping Allah and endeavoring greatly in performing obedience to Him. Before she turned fourteen (14) years old, Maryam was a waliyyah (a very pious woman with a special status). She became the best of the women in the world. It is mentioned in the Qur'an that the angels said Allah chose Maryam and preferred her to the other women of the world. (Al A lmran, 42-43).

THE BIRTH OF A ISA(Jesus)

Ibn Jar/rand others narrated that one day Maryam ran out of water. She asked her cousin, Yusuf, the son of Ya A gub to go with her to get some. He declined, saying he had his sufficiency for that day, so Maryam went to fetch water alone. There, she found Jibril, whom Allah had sent to her in the shape of a man. Thinking he was a human who might harm her, she asked refuge with Allah from him. Jibril told her, "I am the Messenger of your Lord to you. I was sent to give you a pious child who is pure from sins." Maryam told him, "How would I have a son? I have no husband, and I am not an adulterer or a fornicator." Jibril told her, "Creating a son without a father is an easy matter to Allah. Allah will make him a sign for the people and an indication of the Power of Allah. He will send him as a mercy from Him and an endowment to the one who follows him and believes in him. Creating him is a matter Allah willed and destined, so it will not be blocked or changed."

JibriJ blew the soul of A /sa into Maryam and A /sa's soul entered into her womb. Maryam became pregnant with A /sa, peace be upon him. There is a difference of opinion as to the term of her pregnancy, some said nine months, some said eight, and some said other than that. However, when the signs of pregnancy became apparent on her, her cousin, Yusuf the Carpenter, was disturbed and did not know how to interpret that matter. If he wanted to accuse her he would remember how pious she was. If he wanted to declare her innocence, he would see the signs of pregnancy. So he decided to open the subject with her. He asked her, "Tell me, would plants grow without seeds? Would trees grow without rainfall? Would there be a child without a male?" To all these questions Maryam said "Yes." Then she asked him, "Did you not know Allah made the plants emerge without seeds the day He created them? Did you not know Allah created the trees the first time without rain? Did you not know Allah created Adamand Hawwa' (Eve) without a father or a mother?" Yusuf knew all these things and when she responded in this way, he felt assured of her innocence and that this was something special given to her by Allah.

When the signs of her pregnancy became apparent, Maryam went away from her people. The pangs of birth led her to the trunk of a dead palm tree. Out of her shyness from the people, and fearing they would accuse her of having done something ugly, she wished she was dead and not a trace of her could be found. JibriJ called to her, comforting her. He told her Allah made a small river run under her from which she could drink, and should she shake the trunk of the dead palm tree next to her, it would turn green and moist dates would fall down from which she could eat and be nourished. JibriJ told her when she faces her people with her son to tell anyone who questions her about him that she had made a vow not to talk to any human for that day. That day, Maryam gave birth to her son, A _/sa, peace be upon him. Forty (40) days later she carried him back to her people. They accused her of having fornicated. In response, Maryam pointed to her son, meaning to tell them to talk to him. They were angered at this and thought she was mocking them by asking them to speak with a 40-day old baby lying in a small cradle. At this, Allah made A /sa speak. He said:

which are verses 30-33 of Surat Maryam and mean: [I am a slave of Allah. He will reveal the Book to me and make me a prophet. He blessed me wherever I am. In the rules revealed to me there will be a special attention given to Prayers and Zakat. Allah predestined that I will be kind to my mother and not a tyrant with a bad ending. Peace was on me the day I was born. Peace will be on me on the day I will die and on the day I am raised alive again.]

When Maryam's people heard that, they refrained from harming her or Prophet Zakariyya, about whom they had made ugly accusations. After Baby A /saspoke these words, he did not speak again

until he became at an age when children normally begin to speak. A /sa's speaking from the cradle was a preparation and a sign of his creed and coming prophethood, when he would call the people to believe in Allah, the One Who does not have a partner and to believe in the message of A /sa-that he was the slave and messenger of Allah. The first words he spoke were, "I am a slave of Allah."

EARLY LIFE OF PROPHET "ISA(Jesus)

Lady Maryam took A /sato Egypt where they stayed for a period of time. Then they returned to the countries of ash-Sham-to a city known as an-Nasirah. A /sa, peace be upon him, studied the Torah in the schools and memorized it. He spoke Syriac, the language of the people of Palestine at that time, and the language in which the Heavenly Book, called the InjiJ, was revealed to him. He was a pious worshipper of Allah, following the rules of the Torah revealed to Prophet Musa.

THE REVELATION OF PROPHETHOOD Allah sent the Revelation of Prophethood to A /sa when he was thirty years old. Allah revealed to him new laws which abrogated some of the laws revealed to Prophet Musa. Prophet A /saconveyed the revelation to the people and called them to believe in his message.

Prophet A /sa, like all the prophets of Allah, performed miracles. Allah sent all the prophets with miracles as a proof to their prophethood, so the people would witness, know about them, and believe in their prophethood. Many of Prophet A /sa's miracles were in curing illnesses, to be a stronger proof of his truthfulness, since the people at his time were famous for being knowledgeable in the field of medicine. Prophet A /sa cured those with seemingly incurable illnesses. Prophet A /sa cured a man inflicted with leprosy. He put his honorable hand on the face of a man who was born blind and cured his sight. Once Prophet A /sa supplicated to Allah to bring back to life one person who had died and was being carried to the burial place, and Allah brought this person back to life.

Prophet A lsa had other kinds of miracles also. He formed the shape of bats from clay and then they would fly away a distance. One of the miracles of A /sa is mentioned in the Qur'an in Surat al-Ma'idah, Verses 112-114, which tells about one time when Prophet A /saand the people who were with him reached to a place where there was not enough food for all the people with him. The students of A /saasked him to supplicate Allah for food which would come down on them from the sky. A /sa made supplication to Allah and the angels brought down the food on a piece of material before the eyes of the people. Hundreds and hundreds of people ate from that food, and there was no sign the food had diminished in quantity. This miracle increased the belief of the believers. The

91 blasphemers however, claimed A /sahad performer sorcery on their eyes.

After his revelation, Prophet A /salived on earth for about three years. He used to travel from place to place calling people to the proper worship of Allah. He was so detached from the worldly matters that he did not worry that he did not have a house to return to at night. He used to sleep wherever the night would fall on him, whether he was in an open land or in a sheltered place. He wore clothing made out of unwoven wool. He ate from the raw plants of the earth, without desiring to cook them. He did not marry or have children.

THE INJIL(BIBLE)

A /sareceived a Heavenly Book, the Inj'il, which contained the Shar'fah, (rules of the Religion) revealed to him. In it was the prohibition of associating partners with Allah. In it was the prohibition to consume the usurious gain (riba), pig meat, blood, and the meat of animals not slaughtered properly. It contained the order to perform the Prayer (with bowing and prostration) twice a day. It had the order to fast (but other than the month of Ramadan), and the order to perform taharah. Prophet A /sa came with a Shar'fah that contained making permissible some of the things which had been forbidden upon the children of Israel in the Torah. Although what is called "The Bible" today contains some true stories of Prophet A /sa, it does not contain the true InjiJ which was revealed to him.

THE ASCENSION OF PROPHET A ISA(Jesus)

When Prophet A /sawas 33 years old, the blasphemers among the offspring of Israel plotted to kill him, but Allah saved him from their harm. Ibn AbiHatim and an-Nasa'iyy narrated from the route of Ibn A Abbas that he said:

Prophet A /sawas in session with twelve of his elite companions in a house. He told them that among them would be who would blaspheme in the future. Then he asked them, "Who among you would want to be made to look like me, be killed in my place, and be my companion in Paradise." The youngest among them stood up and said, "Me." Prophet A /satold him to sit, then repeated his same question. Again, the same young man said, "Me." Again, Prophet A /sa told him to sit, then again asked the same question. After the same young man volunteered for the third time, Prophet A /sa received the Revelation that this young man would be the one who would be made to look like him and killed instead of him. Prophet A /sa was raised to the sky from an opening in the ceiling of the house. When the Jews came after Prophet A /sa, they saw that young man, whom Allah made to look like A /sa. They took him, thinking he was Prophet A /sa, and crucified him.

It should be noted here there are two widespread false stories about this matter. In one, it is claimed that one of A /sa's students was paid a great sum of money to lead those Jews to

A /sahowever Allah made him look like A /sa, so they though he was A lsa and they crucified him. In another, it is said that the person killed in place of A /sa was the leader of the Jews. Both of these stories are false.

After Prophet A /sawas raised to the sky, his nation lived following his guidance, teaching, and methodology for two hundred (200) years. However, the nation of Prophet A _/sadid not remain steadfast to Islam. Three hundred (300) years after Prophet A /sa was raised to the sky, those who were following the ones who had perverted the teachings of Prophet A /sabecame very numerous, and those who were truly following the Religion of Islam were few and weak. After some five hundred (500) years, none of the believing Muslims of A /sa's nation were left. When Prophet Muhammad was revealed, he was the only Muslim worshipping only Allah from among the people of the earth.

PROPHET "ISA'SUesus) DESCENT TO EARTH

Prophet A /sa, peace be upon him, is still alive—in the second sky-worshipping Allah. He will descend to earth before the Day of Judgment and his descent will be one of the great signs of the nearing of that Day. Prophet Muhammad informed us A /sawill descend to earth at a place on the eastern side of Damascus, with his hands on the wings of two angels. He will meet a group of Muslims getting ready to perform the Prayer, with the Mahdiyy as their Imam. The Mahdiyy will ask Prophet A /sato lead them in that prayer, however, A /sa will ask the Mahdiyy to stand imam for them--as a sign that Prophet A /sawill rule with the rules revealed to Prophet Muhammad. After this one time, A /sawill lead the people in prayers because he has a higher status than the Mahdiyy.

After he descends, Prophet A /sawill rule the earth with the Shari A ah of Prophet Muhammad, the Shar'fah Muslims are ordered to follow until the Judgment Day. He will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizyah (compulsory payment by the People of the Book to the Muslim state), because in the rules of Prophet Muhammad the jizyah is only applicable until the descent of A /sa. He will kill the Dajjal, an ugly, evil blasphemer who claims himself as God, and who misleads many people to blaspheme. Prophet A /sawill perform Hajj and travel to visit the grave of the Prophet to salute him, and to greet him by saying, "As-salamu "alaykum ya rasulAllah", as narrated by Abu Dawud at-Tayalisiyy and others.

During his time, the people of Ya'jyj and Ma'jujmW appear and cause great destruction to the earth and devastation to the Muslims. Prophet A /sawill take the believers to Mount af-J_yrto supplicate Allah there to relieve them from these people. Allah will answer their cfu A a'and destroy all the people of Ya'jyj and Ma'jyj. After that, Prophet A /sawill rule the Muslims and there will be a time

93 when peace, comfort, and safety will prevail. Prophet A /sawill live for forty (40) years on

earth after he descends. He will marry and have children. Then, he will die and be buried. A Adullah Ibn Salam said, "It is written in the original Torah that Prophet A /sawill be buried next to Prophet Muhammad" fin the chamber of Lady "A'ishah.)

CONCLUSION

Prophet A /sawas a messenger of Allah revealed to convey to the people the religion of Islam and to call them to worship Allah, their Creator. Muslims believe in his prophethood and in his truthfulness in conveying that message. Prophet A /sa is alive now, living in the second heaven, worshipping Allah. He will return to earth before the Day of Judgment and will rule the world. Peace be upon this respected, honored and beloved Messenger of Allah.

Praise be to Allah,and Allah knows best.

Verse #33 of SuratMaryam means:

[Peace was on me the day I was born. Peace will be on me on the day I will die and on

the day I am raised alive again.]

Jesus existed according to historians

The question of the existence of Jesus as a historical figure is distinct from the study of the historical Jesus which goes beyond the analysis of his historicity and attempts to reconstruct portraits of his life and teachings, based on methods such as biblical criticism of gospel texts and the history of first century Judea .

Virtually all modern scholars of antiquity agree that Jesus existed, and most biblical scholars and classical historians see the theories of his non-existence as effectively refuted. In antiquity, the existence of Jesus was never denied by those who opposed Christianity. Robert E. Van Voorst states that the idea of the non-historicity of the existence of Jesus has always been controversial, and has consistently failed to convince virtually all scholars of many disciplines. There is, however, widespread disagreement among scholars on the details of the life of Jesus mentioned in the gospel narratives, and the agreement on his existence does not include agreement on his divinity.

Although a very small number of modern scholars argue that Jesus never existed, that view is a distinct minority and virtually all scholars consider theories that Jesus' existence was a Christian

94 invention as implausible. Christopher Tuckett states that the existence of Jesus and

his crucifixion by Pontius Pilate seem to be part of the bedrock of historical tradition, based on the availability of non-Christian evidence. Graham Stanton states that "Today nearly all historians, whether Christians or not, accept that Jesus existed".

A number of ancient non-Christian documents, such as Jewish and Greco-Roman sources, have been used in historical analyses of the existence of Jesus. These include the works of 1st century Roman historians Josephus and Tacitus . Josephus scholar Louis H. Feldman has stated that "few have doubted the genuineness" of Josephus' reference to Jesus in Antiquities 20, 9, 1 and it is only disputed by a small number of scholars. Bart D. Ehrman states that the existence of Jesus and his crucifixion by the Romans is attested to by a wide range of sources, including Josephus and Tacitus.

The Mishnah (c. 200) may refer to Jesus and reflect the early Jewish traditions of portraying Jesus as a sorcerer or magician. Other possible references to Jesus and his execution may exist in the Talmud , but they also aim to discredit his actions, not deny his existence.

Scholars generally agree that Jesus was a Galilean Jew who was born between 7 and 2 BC and died 30-36 AD. However, in a review of the state of modern scholarship, Amy-Jill Levine stated: "Beyond recognizing that 'Jesus was Jewish' rarely does scholarship address what being 'Jewish' means."

Most scholars hold that Jesus lived in Galilee and Judea. The Talmud refers to "Jesus the Nazarene" several times and scholars such as Andreas Kostenberger and Robert Van Voorst hold that some of these references are to Jesus. Nazareth is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian gospels portray it as an insignificant village, John 1:46 asking "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Craig S. Keener states that it is rarely disputed that Jesus was from Nazareth, an obscure small village not worthy of invention. Gerd Theissen concurs with that conclusion.

The languages spoken in Galilee and Judea during the first century include the Semitic Aramaic and Hebrew languages as well as Greek , with Aramaic being the predominant language. Most scholars agree that during the early part of the first century, Aramaic was the mother tongue of virtually all women in Galilee and Judea. Most scholars support the theory that Jesus spoke Aramaic and that he may have also spoken Hebrew and Greek.

Most scholars reject that there is any evidence that an adult Jesus traveled or studied outside Galilee and Judea. Robert Van Voorst states that modern scholarship has "almost unanimously agreed" that claims of the travels of Jesus to Tibet , Kashmir or India contain "nothing of value". 1 -

A page from a 1466 copy of Antiquities of the Jews

The writings of the 1st century Romano Jewish historian Flavius Josephus include references to

around 93-94 AD, includes two references to Jesus in Books 18 and 20.

Of the two passages the James passage in Book 20 is used by scholars to support the existence of Jesus, the Testimonium Flavianum in Book 18 his crucifixion. Josephus' James passage not only attests to the existence of Jesus as a historical person but that some of his contemporaries considered him the Messiah.

The passage deals with the death of "James the brother of Jesus" in Jerusalem, and given that works of Josephus refer to at least twenty different people with the name Jesus , Josephus clarifies that this Jesus was the one "who was called Christ". Louis Feldman states that this passage, above others, indicates that Josephus did say something about Jesus.

Modern scholarship has almost universally acknowledged the authenticity of the reference in Book 20, Chapter 9, 1 of the Antiquities to "the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James" and considers it as having the highest level of authenticity among the references of Josephus to Christianity.

The Testimonium Flavianum (meaning the testimony of Flavius [Josephus]) is the name given to the passage found in Book 18, Chapter 3, 3 of the Antiquities in which Josephus describes the condemnation and crucifixion of Jesus at the hands of the Roman authorities. Scholars have differing opinions on the total or partial authenticity of the reference in Book 18, Chapter 3, 3 of the Antiquities to the execution of Jesus by Pontius Pilate , a passage usually called the Testimonium Flavianum. The general scholarly view is that while the Testimonium Flavianum is most likely not authentic in its entirety, it is broadly agreed upon that it originally consisted of an authentic nucleus with a reference to the execution of Jesus by Pilate which was then subject to Christian interpolation. Although the exact nature and extent of the Christian redaction remains unclear there is broad consensus as to what the original text of the Testimonium by Josephus would have looked like.

The references found in Antiquities have no parallel texts in the other work by Josephus such as the Jewish War , written 20 years earlier, but some scholars have provided explanations for their absence, e.g. that the Antiquities covers a longer time period and that during the 20 year gap between the writing of the Jewish Wars (c. 70 AD) and Antiquities (after 90 AD) Christians had become more important in Rome and were hence given attention in the Antiquities.

A number of variations exist between the statements by Josephus regarding the deaths of James and the New Testament accounts. Scholars generally view these variations as indications that the Josephus passages are not interpolations, for a Christian interpolator would have made them correspond to the Christian traditions, not differ from them.

Muhammad existed according to evidences

96 The main source on Muhammad's life are Muslim sources written in Arabic , which

include the Qur'an and accounts of Muhammad's life written down by later Muslims, based on oral traditions . These sources are known as sira and hadith .

There are also non-Muslim sources written in Greek , Syriac , Armenian , and Hebrew by the Jewish and Christian communities. These non-Muslim written sources go back to about 636 AD and many of the interesting ones date to within some decades later. One, attributed to a 7th-century Armenian scholar Sebeos, states that Muhammad was a merchant and that his preaching revolved around the figure of Abraham . There are also confirmations of Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in them. However, they also contain some essential differences with regard to Muslim sources and in particular about chronology and about Muhammad's attitude towards the Jews and Palestine.

It is notoriously difficult to know anything for sure about the founder of a world religion. Just as one shrine after the other obliterates the contours of the localities in which he was active, so one doctrine after another reshapes him as a figure for veneration and imitation for a vast number of people in times and places that he never knew.

In the case of Mohammed, Muslim literary sources for his life only begin around 750-800 CE (common era), some four to five generations after his death, and few Islamicists (specialists in the history and study of Islam) these days assume them to be straightforward historical accounts. For all that, we probably know more about Mohammed than we do about Jesus (let alone Moses or the Buddha), and we certainly have the potential to know a great deal more.

There is no doubt that Mohammed existed, occasional attempts to deny it notwithstanding. His neighbours in Byzantine Syria got to hear of him within two years of his death at the latest; a Greek text written during the Arab invasion of Syria between 632 and 634 mentions that "a false prophet has appeared among the Saracens" and dismisses him as an impostor on the ground that prophets do not come "with sword and chariot". It thus conveys the impression that he was actually leading the invasions.

Mohammed's death is normally placed in 632, but the possibility that it should be placed two or three years later cannot be completely excluded. The Muslim calendar was instituted after Mohammed's death, with a starting-point of his emigration {hijra) to Medina (then Yathrib) ten years earlier. Some Muslims, however, seem to have correlated this point of origin with the year which came to span 624-5 in the Gregorian calendar rather than the canonical year of 622.

If such a revised date is accurate, the evidence of the Greek text would mean that Mohammed is the founder of a world religion who is attested in a contemporary source. But in any case, this source gives us pretty irrefutable evidence that he was an historical figure. Moreover, an Armenian document probably written shortly after 661 identifies him by name and gives a recognizable account of his monotheist preaching.

Muhammad & science:

"If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place."

(Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

Also, he (peace be upon him) said: "He who runs away from the place of plague is like the one running away from fighting in the cause of Allah; and he who is patient and stays where he is, he will be rewarded with the reward of a martyr." (Reported by Ahmad.)

The Scientific Fact:

Modern science now understands the ways in which microorganisms multiply and the diseases they cause. Scientists affirm that healthy people who have no symptoms in the place of plague are already carrying the microbe and so they represent a real threat because they may transfer the plague to another place if they move to it.

Thus, this system of quarantine, in which all the people of the city that suffers from plague are prevented from leaving, and visitors are also prevented from entering, has now been established worldwide. In the 15th century, plague hit Europe causing the death of a quarter of its citizens. At that time, plagues and contagious diseases were much less in the Muslim world.

Facets of Scientific Inimitability:

At the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as well as before and after his time until Pasteur managed to discover the existence of microbes, people used to think that diseases were caused by devils, demons, and stars. That is they were not related to cleanliness or certain behaviors; thus, they resorted to sorcery and magic as a remedy.

In such an environment, the Prophet (peace be upon him) established the system of quarantine which is considered the basis of modern preventative medicine after the discovery of the microbes that cause diseases and plagues. The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered his Companions: "If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place." In order to make sure that his order would be carried out properly, he (peace be upon him) established a wall around the area of the plague and promised those who are patient and stay in the area of the plague with the reward of the martyrs, and those who run away from it were promised doom and perdition. Thus, he (peace be upon him) said: "He who runs away from the place of the plague is like the one running away from fighting in the cause of Allah and he who forbears it and stays where he is, he will be rewarded with the reward of a martyr."

If a healthy person was asked two hundred years ago to stay with the sick people in a plague area, he would have considered this some kind of nonsense and in response to his desire to live he would have run away to another place. Only Muslims did not run away and leave at the time of plague in compliance with the order of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Non-Muslims mocked them for this act until it was later discovered that those who appear to be healthy with no symptoms, are the germ carriers who might transfer the plague to another place if they moved to it. They would move freely and mingle with healthy people, so they might cause them to catch the disease.

Who told the Prophet (peace be upon him) this fact? Could a human being know something like this fourteen centuries ago, or is it revelation from the All-Knowing, the Almighty Allah. Allah, the Almighty, says:

[And say, O Muhammad, to these polytheists and pagans, 'All the praises and thanks be to Allah. He will show you His signs and you shall recognize them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do.'] (An-Naml: 93)

99 Sunnah & Science

By: admin

Abu Mas'ud (A.S.) narrated that Allah's Messenger said:

"The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone's death but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. Whenever you see these eclipses invoke Allah, pray, exclaim, (Allah is Most Great) and give charity."

'A'ishah (A.S.) narrated that, "There was a solar eclipse during the life-time of Allah's Messenger (PBUH). The Prophet (PBUH) led the people in prayer, and stood up and performed a lengthy recital during the prayer. Then bowed for a long while (made a long Ruku). He stood up again and performed another long recital of the Qur'an, but this time the period of standing (Q/yam) was shorter than the first one. He bowed again for a long time but shorter than the first one {Ruku), then he prostrated and prolonged the prostration. He did the same in the second Rak'ah as he did in the first and then finished the prayer. By then the sun (eclipse) had cleared. He delivered the Khutbah (sermon) and after praising and glorifying Allah, he said:

"The sun and the moon are two signs from amongst Allah's signs and they do not eclipse because of the death or life of anyone. Therefore, whenever you see an eclipse, remember Allah and say Takbir (exclaim, Allah is Most Great), pray and give Sadaqah (charity)."

Explanation of the Hadith

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, which causes a total or partial solar eclipse. A total eclipse takes place in a limited zone on that part of the earth directly facing the sun, at which the sunlight dims to resemble bright moonlight within a few minutes. To the north and south of this band or zone, a partial eclipse takes place. The part of the sun , which eclipses keep getting smaller as we get away from the total eclipse band towards the direction of the two poles .

The Prophet (PBUH) says in this Hadith:

"The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e. the birth) of someone but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah."

This means that they are two cosmic phenomena, which frequently occur, regardless of the death or life (i.e. birth) of anyone, contrary to what some people used to claim in the Arab Peninsula and other parts of the world. They used to relate the occurrence of these cosmic phenomena to the birth or death of a great person. The Prophet (PBUH) in this Hadith totally denies all of these superstitions, and assures that they are cosmic phenomena, which recur frequently.

Islam deals with ECLIPSE as cosmic phenomena

Science has proven that the moon is followed by a conical shadow, called the umbra, as it blocks the sunrays. In its movement around the earth, the moon's conical shadow passes along with it. At the time of conjunction, which occurs once every lunar month, the moon

101 falls exactly in the middle between the sun and the earth, thus blocking its

light totally or partially. Nevertheless, in most of the lunar months, the moon's shadow does not reach the earth, while passing between it and the sun and in such case the sunlight is not blocked. Hence, no eclipse takes place. That is why total solar eclipses are very rare. Sometimes during a solar eclipse the moon falls in the middle between the earth and the sun, and the visible sun narrows to a thin crescent, and the corona appears. At the moment before totality, brilliant points of light, called Baily's beads, flash out.

When the total eclipse takes place, the sky becomes completely dark and the stars become visible in the middle of the day. So in a few minutes, broad daylight turns into what looks like the night, which causes a feeling of panic and depression, not only for human beings, but for all creatures. Birds shelter in their nests, and animals hide in their dens, or get into a state of cautious stillness.

As for the lunar eclipse, it takes place when the earth, being between the sun and the moon, casts a long, conical shadow, called the umbra, with an area of partial shadow called the penumbra around it. This is a phenomenon, which can be observed from all parts of the earth. In most months, the moon passes above or under the umbra, the conical shadow of the earth, and does not enter it. Thus, the lunar eclipse does not take place. During the solar eclipse, the solar energy that reaches the earth decreases and hence the temperature of the earth drops. However, during the lunar eclipse, the solar energy, which reaches the earth increases, causing the temperature of the earth to relatively increase for a few minutes. Since these phenomena are very accurately calculated, the earth is exposed to extreme dangers that only Allah knows how grave they are. That is why the Prophet (PBUH) asked Muslims to invoke Allah, the Almighty, praise Him, exclaim, "Allah is Most Great", and glorify Him. Moreover, the Prophet asked Muslims to pray and pay charity, praying that Allah will protect the earth and its inhabitants from these dangers.

This is the reason why the Prophet (PBUH) said in other narrations of the same Hadith: "Rush to prayer" and in another narration he said:

"These signs sent by Allah do not occur because of the life or death of somebody, but Allah

102 frightens His worshippers with them. So when you see anything thereof, rush to

invoke Allah, pray to Him and ask for His forgiveness."

One cannot help wondering how the Prophet (PBUH) could attain such accurate scientific facts, more than fourteen hundred years ago, at a time when people were up to their ears in superstitions and myths. It really is an explicit proof of the Prophet's Divine Message.

Sunnah & Science

By: Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar

THE SUN: NEVER CEASE NOR DISAPPEAR

Ibn 'Abbas (R.A.) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) was asked: "Where does the sun set, and where does it rise from? The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) answered, "It is going in a (nonstop) regular motion; it does not cease or disappear. It sets in one place and rises in another, and sets in another place and rises elsewhere and so on. So, some people would say the sun has set and others would say it has just risen (at the same moment)."

Explanation of the Hadith

This hadith refers to the fact that there is a continuous alternate sunrise and sunset on earth. This could only take place if the earth is spherical or spheroid, and is, at the same

103 time, continuously rotating round its axis facing the sun. This motion pattern

leads to the continuous alternation of day and night on its surface, until life on earth comes to an end, i.e. until the Day of Resurrection.

One of the most prominent phenomena linked to this spherical shape of the earth, is that there are different places of sunrise and sunset for different zones of the globe. Each of the sun, the moon and other celestial bodies, sets somewhere in the globe and rises in another. They are all rotating, regularly, in fixed orbits, which they never leave or depart from. Truly, Allah says:

(...They all float, each in an orbit.) (Surat Ya-Sin: 40).

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) talked about all these cosmic facts in such accurate scientific style at a period of time when people thought that the earth was flat and stationary. This is definitely one of the signs, which testifies to the truthfulness of the message of Muhammad (PBUH). For sure, no one in the Arabian Peninsula at the time of revelation, and for centuries to follow realized the fact that the earth is spherical and that it rotates around its axis facing the sun. Needless to say that at that time, no one was able to perceive the real or the apparent motion of the moon, the sun and other celestial bodies, as Arabia was but a simple and primitive environment.

The Glorious Qur'an refers to the spherical shape of the earth and its axial rotating, and to its revolving in its orbit around the sun. The Qur'an refers to these issues in many verses but in a subtle implicit way which may not astound the Bedouins in the desert of the Arabian Peninsula at the time of revelation, but still keeps the scientific fact in context.

Sun does not cease or disappear

Among these verses are the following: Allah the Almighty says:

(He has created the heavens and the earth with truth. He makes the night to go in the day and makes the day to go in the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon. Each running (on a fixed course) for an appointed term. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the oft-Forgiving.) (Surat Az-Zumar (The Groups):5)

1. The Glorious Qur'an also confirms in more than one verse that the earth is "spread out" without ending at an edge. This could only be possible if the earth is spherical or spheroid, as the spherical shape is the only shape, which could endlessly be spread out or extended. For example, Allah the Almighty says:

(And it is He Who spread out the earth, and placed therein firm mountains and rivers...) (Surat Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder): 3)

105 2. The same fact is also assured when the Qur'an refers to the East and

the West in different forms. First in the singular, then in the dual form by indicating that there are "Two Easts and Two Wests", and in the plural form by referring to "Easts and Wests". This also emphasizes the fact that the earth is spherical and that it rotates round its axis while facing the sun. These verses also emphasize the fact that the Earth is tilted on its axis and that it does not orbit the sun in a perfect circle.

3. The fact that the earth is spherical in shape is also emphasized by the verses referring to the alternation of night and day. The Glorious Qur'an indicates how Allah makes the 'Night overlap (Kawwar) the Day and the Day overlap the Night' (Surat Az-Zumar: 5). Among the verses that indicate the spherical shape of the earth is the one referring to the passing away of the mountains in the same way the clouds do:

(And you will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds...) (Surat An-Naml (The Ants):88)

All of the above facts mentioned in the Qur'an have urged Muslims, at the time of the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma'mun, to measure the circumference of the earth very accurately. Their motive was the firm belief that the earth is spherical and that it rotates around its axis facing the sun. Moreover, the Muslim scholar and scientist "al-Bayyruni" divided the earth into lines of longitude and latitude, in his book:" Tahdid Nihayat al-Amakin li Tas-hih Masafat al-Masakin," which he wrote in 416 A.H (about 1040 A.C.).

The source of all this knowledge is the illuminating signs that are mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), and each of them testifies to the truthfulness and the Divine nature of the Message of the last of the Prophets and Messengers. This accurate scientific knowledge could not be obtained except for a Divine Revelation.

Sunnah & Science

By: Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar

THE MOON CLEFT ASUNDER

Anas ibn Malik (A.S.) narrated that the people of Makkah asked the Prophet (PBUH) to show them a miracle , so he showed them the splitting of the moon , into two distinct parts , that they even saw the mountain of Hira' between them.

Explanation of the Hadith

This incident was narrated by a number of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH), among them were: 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar, 'Abdullah ibn Abbas and others. The Indian and Chinese calendars have recorded the incident of the splitting of the moon.

Artistic impression of moon splitting by Prophet Muhammad (SAAS)

107 A few years ago while I was giving a lecture at the Faculty of Medicine

at Cardiff University, in Wales, a Muslim asked me a question about the verses at the beginning of Surat al-Qamar (the moon), about the splitting of the moon, and whether it is considered as one of the scientific signs which are mentioned in the Qur'an and whether there is any scientific evidence discovered to explain this incident.

My answer was that this incident is considered one of the most tangible miracles, which took place to support the Prophet (PBUH) when he was challenged by the polytheists and disbelievers of Quraish, showing them this miracle to prove that he is a Messenger of Allah. Anyway, miracles take place as unusual incidents that break all regular laws of nature. Therefore, conventional science is unable to explain how miracles take place, and if they were not mentioned in the Qur'an and in the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), we would not have been obliged to believe in them. Therefore, we believe that the incident of the splitting of the moon took place exactly as the words of Allah Glorified be Who says:

( The Hour has drawn near , and the moon has been cleft asunder . And if they see a sign, they turn away, and say: (This is continuous magic). They belied (this Qur'an), and followed their own lusts. And every matter will be settled [according to the kind of deeds (for the doer of good deeds, his deeds will take him to Paradise, and similarly evil deeds will take their doers to Hell)]. And indeed there has come to them news (in this Qur'an) wherein there is (enough warning) to check (them from evil), Perfect wisdom (this Qur'an), but (the preaching of) warners benefit them not. ) (Surat Al-Qamar (The Moon): 1-5)

When I finished my speech, a British man from the audience named Dawud Musa Pidcock, leader of the British Muslim Party, asked to add something to my answer. He said: "It is these verses, at the beginning of surat al-Qamar that made me embrace Islam in the late seventies." This occurred while he was doing extensive research in comparative religion, and one of the Muslims gave him a copy of translation of the meanings of the Qur'an. When he opened this copy for the first

108 time, he came across Surat al-Qamar, and he read the verses at the

beginning of the surah, and could not believe that the moon had split into two distinct parts and they were rejoined, so he closed the copy of the translation and kept it aside.

In 1978 Mr. Pidcock was destined by Allah's Will to watch a program about space journeys, in which the well-known British announcer Jamed Burke, received three of the American space scientists. During the debate, the announcer kept criticizing the immoderate spending by NASA (millions of Dollars) on space projects, while there are millions of people on earth suffering from starvation, diseases and ignorance. The answer of the space experts came to assert that it was these journeys that made it feasible to develop important technology applied in medical diagnosis and treatment, industry, agriculture, and many other fields. During this debate, they referred to the first time that a human being landed on the surface of the moon, and how this trip cost more than $100 million dollars. The scientists went on to say that this journey proved a scientific fact, that if they had spent several times as much as they did to convince people with it, no body would have believed them. This fact was that the moon had been split a long time ago and rejoined, and there is a lot of concrete evidence on the surface of the moon to prove this.

This oblique view of the Moon's surface was photographed by the Apollo 10 astronauts in May < 1969. Center point coordinates are located at 13 degrees, 3 minutes east longitude and 7 degrees, minute north latitude. One of the Apollo 10 astronauts attached a 250mm lens and aimed a handhel 70mm camera at the surface from lunar orbit for a series of pictures in this area.

Mr. Pidcock went on to say : " When I heard this , I jumped off my chair , and said this is a miracle which took place fourteen hundred years ago to support

110 Muhammad , and the Qur'an narrates it in such a detailed way . After

this long period and during the age of science and technology, Allah employs people (non-Muslims) who spent all this money for nothing but to prove that this miracle had actually happened. Then, I said to myself, this must be the true religion, and I went back to the translation of the meanings of the Qur'an, reading it eagerly. It was these verses at the opening of surat al-Qamar that lie behind my reversion to Islam."

Ill (The Hour has drawn near , and the moon has been cleft asunder) (surat Al-Qamar (The Moon): 1-2)

This happens at a time when some Muslims claim that the splitting of the moon has not yet taken place, and that it is one of the signs of the Hereafter as the opening of the surah says: ( The Hour has drawn near. ) They are oblivious to the fact that the Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim , on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa'd that Sahl said : "I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say :

"I and the Last Hour are (close to each other) like this (and he pointed by joining his forefinger, (one) next to the thumb and the middle finger (together)."

Those who deny the incident of the splitting of the moon, use incorrect evidence to support their opinion as they use the verse in surat al-Isra:

(And nothing stops Us from sending the evidences (proofs , signs) but that the people of old denied them. )

(Surat Al-Isra' (The Journey by Night): 59)

This verse is not used in the right context since many perceptible signs and miracles took place during the noble life of the Prophet (PBUH).

Peace and blessings of Allah be upon the seal of Prophets (PBUH) , for whom Allah made the moon split into two parts , twice , as an honor for him and to raise his rank and support his message (among his people) , and left for us a concrete evidence to prove that this splitting did actually take place .

Sunnah & Science

By: Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar

Grave of Muhammad

Muhammad is buried in the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi ("Mosque of the Prophet") in the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia . It should be noted that while non-Muslims regard Muhammad as the founder of Islam, Muslims see him as the final prophet of a pre-existing religion. 1 ^ 1

Muhammad's grave lies within the confines of what used to be his wife Aisha 's and his house. During his lifetime it adjoined the mosque, which was expanded during the reign of Caliph al-Walid I to include his tomb.^ Muhammad is buried next to the first two caliphs , Abu Bakr and Umar . Umar was gifted a spot next to Muhammad by his wife Aisha, which she had intended for herself.

Muhammad's grave itself cannot be seen as the area is cordoned off by a gold mesh and black curtains. As per Islamic tradition, the grave itself is not embellished or decorated and is two cubits high. The grave is marked by an austere green dome above it, built by the Ottoman Turks , and was earlier white in colour. This dome has become universally emblematic of both Muhammad himself, as well as the city of Medina .

Muhammad's grave is an important reason for the particularly high sanctity of the mosque. MUHAMMAD'S CHARACTER AND HIGH MORALITY PROVE HIS PROPHETHOOD Muhammad was the humblest at the zenith of his achievements

If a man's world-admired accomplishments or the wealth and fame he has gained do not change him, if he can remain as humble as he was at the beginning of his career, this shows that person's strength of character, morality and virtue. Despite his unparalleled achievements, which force even his enemies to place him at the top of the greatest men of human history, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, was poorer and more humble when he entered Makka victoriously than he was at the beginning of his mission.

Those who saw the Messenger would say: 'One with such a face cannot lie.'

One's face reveals one's inner world and character. Those who saw the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, could not help but admire his appearance and, if they were unprejudiced, acknowledge his truthfulness. For example, 'Adbullah ibn Salam, the most renowned Jewish scholar of the time, believed in him at his first sight of him, saying: 'One with such a face cannot lie.'

If a fire-fly claimed that it is the sun, its lie could last only until the sun rises. Turkish people say that a liar's candle only burns till bedtime, meaning that a lie has only a very short life. So, a deceitful one pretending Prophethood will soon be discovered and no one will accept him as a true Prophet.

113 Muhammad's utmost conviction of his cause, together with his sincerity and solemnity

prove his Prophethood

Even an insignificant man of small standing, in a small group in a disputed matter of little importance, cannot tell a small but shameful lie openly and comfortably without displaying such anxiety and uneasiness as will make his enemies aware of his deception. Since the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, challenged everybody to come until the Last Day and uttered many important speeches in a large community concerning a great cause, with great ease and freedom, without hesitation or anxiety, with pure sincerity and great solemnity, and in an intense and elevated manner that provoked his enemies, it means that he was certainly a Prophet speaking whatever God revealed to him.

Despite being unlettered, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, spoke on every issue and has not been contradicted ever since.

It is impossible for an unlettered one to speak on a matter requiring expert knowledge, especially before those with specialized knowledge of that matter. However, despite being unlettered, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, spoke on every issue from theology and metaphysics to medicine, history, physics and biology and has not been contradicted ever since. Besides, when he was raised up as a Prophet, the arts of literature, eloquence and oratory were at their peak and the Qur'an he received from God challenged all of its opponents to bring the like of a single chapter of its but no one has ever been able to do that. This, again, clearly shows that Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, is a Prophet of God.

Muhammad had to confront all kinds of hardships and persecutions after Prophethood and spent for his cause whatever he had.

For the sake of a deception no one risks his life, wealth and reputation and bears great hardships and persecutions unless he has great aspirations to more wealth and great worldly positions. Before claiming Prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, was well off and had a respected place among his community. However, he had to confront all kinds of hardships and persecutions after Prophethood and spent for his cause whatever he had. His enemies slandered him, mocked him, beat him, expelled him from his homeland and waged war on him. He bore all such cruel treatments and hostilities without complaint and asked God Almighty for the forgiveness of even his enemies. The only cause he pursued was to see everybody believing in and worshipping the One God exclusively and thereby prosperous in both worlds and saved from the torments of Hell.

Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, practiced with utmost sincerity and honesty what he communicated to others.

History has witnessed many leading persons who, since they themselves did not practice what they preached or propagated, did not have a large devoted following. Their ideas did not have an enduring effect on people and the systems they established did not last long. However, the Prophet Muhammad,

upon him be peace and blessings, practiced with utmost sincerity and honesty what he communicated to others and was always the first and foremost in obedience to the religion he brought, in worship to the Creator and in avoidance of the religious prohibitions. This shows his full conviction of his cause and that he is a Messenger of God, Who sent him to humanity to guide them to the True Path.

For what reason other than conveying God's Message to people must he have endured all kinds of hardships and persecutions, such as sleeping on earth, suffering hunger for several consecutive days, spending a considerable part of his life on battlefields and military campaigns, being expelled from his homeland, becoming subject to mockeries and insults, etc?

Man acquires an established character until he is thirty and especially after thirty a man's character does not change. Particularly, it is very difficult for one to change his temper and disposition after he is forty. If-God forbid such a thought!- there had been any imperfection and blemish in the character of Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, it would certainly have appeared before his Prophethood. Therefore, no one with a bit of intelligence and fairness, unless he is prejudiced, can accept that one who was never heard tell a lie and witnessed deceive until one was forty, would appear as the worst, meanest trickster of human history after forty.

A lying, deceitful one cannot have a large, dedicated following who are ready to sacrifice themselves for him. Despite being among the five greatest Prophets, Moses and Jesus did not have followers as devoted as Muhammad's Companions.

A lying, deceitful one cannot have a large, dedicated following who are ready to sacrifice themselves for him. Despite being among the five greatest Prophets, Moses and Jesus did not have followers as devoted as Muhammad's Companions. The followers of Moses, upon him be peace, betrayed him when he left them for forty days to receive the Torah on Mount Sinai, and began to worship a golden calf which Samiri made for them. Even after so many years of intellectual and spiritual training in the desert, except for two God-fearing men, they did not obey his order to fight against the Amalekites, the people of Goliath. As for Jesus, upon him be peace, one of his most devoted twelve followers betrayed him and attempted to submit him to his enemies. But the followers of Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, known as the Companions, were so devoted to him that they sacrificed for him their lives and properties and their families and tribes. Although brought up among a primitive people and in a climate of ignorance, devoid of any positive notions of social life and administration, without a Scripture and immersed in the darkness of the uncivilized era after the Prophets, in a very short period, they became in the footsteps of their exalted leader, the Prophet Muhammad, the masters, guides and just rulers of the most civilized and socially and politically advanced peoples and states, and ruled the world from east to west in a world-admired fashion.
Also, innumerable exacting and profound scholars and world-famous scientists and pure, spiritual masters were brought up among the succeeding generations following the Companions. The civilization they established was the most magnificent one history has ever known. Is it conceivable, then, that all

115 those most shining stars of human history followed a lying, deceitful one? God

forbid such a thought!

The Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, was the most famous of humanity for high moral conduct and virtue.

The Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, was the most famous of humanity for high moral conduct and virtue. He appeared in the heart of a desert which was almost the most uncivilized part of the then inhabited world and where people were immersed in the worst kinds of immorality. Then, who do you think brought him up as the most virtuous one with the highest morality and best conduct? He had lost his father while he was yet in the womb of his mother. When his mother died, he was only six years old. It was impossible for his grandfather and uncle to bring him up as the most virtuous of all times, as they themselves did not have all of the good moral qualities Muhammad had and in the same degree as he had. His teacher was God, as he himself said: My Lord educated me and taught me good manners, and how well he educated me and how beautifully He taught me good manners!

No one in human history has ever been able to combine in himself all of the virtues and good qualities as perfectly as the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings.

Human history has seen many virtuous persons. However, no one has ever been able to combine in himself all of the virtues and good qualities as perfectly as the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings. There have been many generous people but they have not been able to show enough courage when and where necessary. Likewise, there have been many courageous people, who have not been able to be lenient and generous at the same degree. But the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, combined in his person all the virtues and laudable qualities at the highest level.

Virtue and good morality also require balance. For example, if generosity exceeds its limits, it changes into extravagance. Similarly, if thrift cannot be kept within moderate limits, it changes into miserliness. Courage is usually confused with rashness and dialectics or demagogy is sometimes taken for being intelligent. In addition, virtue also requires knowing how to act in certain conditions. For instance, the self-respect which a weak man should wear before a powerful one becomes, if the powerful one assumes it, self-conceit. The humility which a powerful man should wear before a weak one becomes, if assumed by a weak man, self-abasement. Forbearance and sacrifice (of one's rights) on one's own account is good and a virtue; but when done on behalf of others, it is bad and a treason. An individual may bear patiently with whatever is done to him personally; but it is impermissible for him to, on behalf of the nation, bear patiently what is being done to the nation. Whereas pride and indignation on behalf of the nation are commendable, on one's own behalf they are not.

The Prophet Muhammad was perfectly balanced in his virtues and good moral qualities.

The Prophet Muhammad was perfectly balanced in his virtues and good moral qualities. He was perfectly courageous where to show courage was necessary, while he was perfectly mild, forgiving and

116 humble among people. He was perfectly dignified but also very gracious. There was no one

more generous than him but he was also thrifty and condemned extravagance. In short, all virtues and good qualities existed in him in a well-balanced combination.

Prophet Muhammad had all of the essential attributes pertaining to Prophets

According to theologians, there are six essentials of Prophethood common to all of the Prophets. They are truthfulness, trustworthiness, communication of God's commands, intelligence, infallibility and being free from all kinds of bodily and mental defects. History is a witness that the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, had all of these six essential attributes in a most perfect fashion.

Muhammad's achievements are unparalleled in history

A man encounters in his life many situations where he must make decisions with no delay and hesitation. Many decisions made in such situations may cause him great difficulties. The Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, made so great achievements in so short a time as 23 years that they are unparalleled in human history. He never faltered and all of his decisions proved to be true.

More than that, whatever he did and whatever he said did not concern only his own time but he addressed all times and places and all peoples and levels throughout the world to come until the Last Day. As none of his sayings have not been contradicted so far, no one has ever been able to criticize him for any of his actions, sayings and decisions. Is it possible for one who is not a Prophet taught by God, the All-Knowing, to have such intelligence, foresight, sagacity, insight, sound reasoning and prudence?

HIS ACHIEVEMENTS PROVE MUHAMMAD'S PROPHETHOOD

Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, was peerless in educating people

A man, whoever he is and whatever he does, may regard his own occupation as more important, more necessary, more beneficial to social life and more difficult than others. However, although every occupation has some difficulty of its own and is of some degree of use for social life, educating people must be much more difficult than others and more necessary for a healthy social life.

To bring up distinguished persons require distinguished educators. Only an educator who has established his aim in educating people and practices what he will teach and advise to his students, only one who knows the character, potentialities, desires, and ambitions of his students with the shortcomings and strong and weak spots and the level of learning and understanding of each, can be successful in educating people. Of course, this is not all that a good, successful educator must have. Furthermore, he must know how to treat his students in all circumstances, how to approach their problems and how to purify them of bad qualities and morals and, in place of them, inculcate laudable and good ones.

117 A man may have strong belief in what he must believe but he may not be

practicing his belief in his daily life. He may have some good moral qualities but they might have not been an ingrained part of his character. Moreover, he may have certain weak spots such as taking bribery and insensitivity to making use of common property or hoarding up wealth. Therefore, if an educator can change his students completely and, purifying them of all bad habits and morals and all bad qualities which have long been ingrained in them and, in their place, establishing laudable ones, can form a community which will be a good example for future generations in all fields of life and good moral qualities, if an educator can transform the 'rock, copper, iron and coal' in his hand into 'silver, gold, brilliant and diamond', without doubt, you will conclude that that educator is an extraordinary one. What the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, achieved in educating people within so short a time as 23 years is much more than what that educator does.

Prophet Muhammad was matchless in knowing people each with his character

It is another important dimension of a good education is not to resort to force. Penal sanctions, coercion and military and police forces can have some effect on directing people but only to a slight degree and for a short time only. Therefore, convincing people of the truth of what we teach to them and making it approved by them wholeheartedly is of vital importance in a good education.

No one in world history has so far been able to know man with all the dimensions of his character as well as the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, and there has never appeared a second one next to him who has made pitiless, crude, war-mongering, ignorant and unyielding individuals into a community which sets a perfect example for all the future generations in all aspects of life and good moral qualities.

Prophet Muhammad guided people in every aspect of life

No one can guide people in every field of life. It is very difficult for one, however able and clever, to be both an able statesman and commander and a brilliant scientist and successful educator at the same time. However, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, was the most perfect spiritual and intellectual master, the most able statesman and commander, the most efficient educator, and the greatest scholar history has ever seen.

Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, is the foremost in practicing all the forms of worship prescribed by his religion and the most God-fearing of people.

The Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, is the foremost in practicing all the forms of worship prescribed by his religion and the most God-fearing of people. He observed the duties of worship with the utmost care and attention down to their minutest details even in most perilous circumstances of his life which passed in constant struggle and activity. He never imitated anyone in his worship and combined in a perfect fashion the

beginning and the end of spiritual evolution.

He is also unparalleled in prayer and gnosis, for in his supplications and prayers he describes his Lord with such a degree of gnosis that all the gnostics and saints since his time have never been able, although those coming after have made use of the heritage of the preceding ones, to attain a similar degree of gnosis and description of God.

Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, was absolutely convinced of the truth of his message

He had in his faith so extraordinary a strength, so wonderful a certainty, so miraculous an evolution, and such elevated and world-enlightening conviction that none of the prevailing ideas and beliefs of that time, and none of the philosophies of the sages and teachings of the spiritual leaders, although they were all opposed and even hostile to him, was ever able to cause in him any doubt, hesitation or anxiety concerning his certainty, conviction, and assurance. Moreover, all saintly men of all times, his Companions primarily included, have all benefited from his faith which they admit to be of the highest degree. This fact proves that his faith too is matchless.

All the sacred attributes, miracles and functions that indicate the truthfulness and Messengership of the Prophets, peace be upon them all, were all to be found in Muhammad in the utmost degree.

Just as the consensus of the Prophets is a very strong proof of the existence and Oneness of God, soo, too, it is a firm testimony to the truthfulness and Messengership of Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings. For history confirms that all the sacred attributes, miracles and functions that indicate the truthfulness and Messengership of the Prophets, peace be upon them all, were all to be found in Muhammad in the utmost degree. The Prophets verbally predicted his coming, that is, they gave the good tidings of him in the Torah, the Gospels, the Psalms, and other Scriptures which are called 'Pages' in the Qur'an; likewise through their missions and miracles they affirmed and 'sealed' the mission of Muhammad, who is the foremost and most perfect in Prophethood.

Thousands of saints unanimously bear witness to the truthfulness and Messengership of Muhammad

Also, having attained the truth and perfection, and the rank of working wonders, and gained insight into the reality of things, and spiritual discovery through following the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, in all his deeds and principles, thousands of saints unanimously bear witness not only to the Oneness of God but also to the truthfulness and Messengership of that being, upon him be peace and blessings. It is as bright a proof as the sun for the truthfulness of Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, that, those saints believe in and affirm all of the truths that being proclaimed through the light of faith to

119 the degree of either certainty coming from knowledge or certainty by sight, or

of certainty by experience.

Thousands of exacting scholars of purity, meticulous scholars of truthfulness and believing sages have reached the highest station of learning through the teaching contained in the sacred truths brought by the Prophet Muhammad

Again, thousands of exacting scholars of purity, meticulous scholars of truthfulness and believing sages, who have reached the highest station of learning through the teaching contained in the sacred truths brought by the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, despite his being unlettered, the sublime sciences to which he gave birth, and the Divine knowledge he discovered, not only prove unanimously with their strongest proofs and affirm the Oneness of God, the foundation of his mission, but also bear unanimous witness to the truthfulness of that greatest teacher and supreme master, and to the veracity of his words.

First and foremost of all, the family and the Companions of the Prophet, upon him be peace and blessings, who with their insight, wisdom and spiritual accomplishments, are the most renowned, the most respected, the most celebrated, the most pious, the most keen-sighted of mankind after the Prophets, after having examined and scrutinized all the thoughts and states of that being, whether hidden or open, with the utmost attention and exactitude, unanimously concluded that he was the most truthful, the most elevated, and the most honest being in the world.

In his preaching of the message and calling people to the truth, Muhammad displayed extraordinary steadfastness, firmness and courage

In his preaching of the message and in his calling people to the truth, he displayed such steadfastness, firmness and courage that, in spite of the antagonism of big powers and great religions, and of his own people and tribe, even of his uncle, he never showed even the slightest trace of hesitation, anxiety or fear, and he successfully challenged the world, and, as a result, made Islam superior to all other religions and systems. This proves that there is not and cannot be anyone like him also in his preaching of and calling to the message of Truth.

Muhammad solved social, political and economic problems so easily and established such perfect rules in all these fields that they left permanent and unerasable imprints on all centuries and in the corners of the world.

Let us go to the Arabian peninsula in the Time of Happiness. That unlettered man who had not attended any military academy, nor a school for civil servants or a school of law, nor a school of sciences, presented such a religion and law that they contain all the principles to secure happiness in both worlds. His speech is so effective and penetrating that human beings in all times listen to him and his voice is echoed in every century. He solves all social, political

120 and economic problems so easily and establishes such perfect rules in all these

fields that they leave permanent and unerasable imprints on all centuries and in the corners of the world. He spends a considerable part of his life on battlefields and proves to be the most able commander of all times. He also shows himself as the best of husbands, the most eminent, yet most compassionate of fathers and the most amiable and loyal of friends. He does all this in so short a time as 23 years.

Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, is also beyond all compare in knowing his people and educating them to mould their characters in the crucible of his message

A leader must know his people very well in order to educate them and urge them to the realization of a cause. Alexis Carrel, a great French scientist and philosopher of this century, still describes man as unknown. Man is the most complex and intricate of creatures. However, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, is also beyond all compare in knowing his people and educating them to mould their characters in the crucible of his message. He knew everyone to whom he would convey his message with all the details of his character, with his abilities, shortcomings, feelings, disposition and level of understanding. Besides, he also knew very well how to act in certain conditions and was able to give the best decision in all crises. To every position he appointed the one most qualified for and deserving of it and did not have to change the appointment later. He succeeded in bringing the most refined, well-mannered and civilized society out of an extremely backward, uncivilized and rough people.

Muhammad equipped and adorned the desperate, wild and unyielding peoples of the seventh-century Arabian peninsula with all the praiseworthy virtues, and made them teachers of all the world and masters, especially, to the civilized nations

Consider how, eradicating their evil and savage customs and immoral qualities to which they were so fanatically attached, he equipped and adorned the desperate, wild and unyielding peoples of the seventh-century Arabian peninsula with all the praiseworthy virtues, and made them teachers of all the world and masters, especially, to the civilized nations. His was not an outward domination; rather, he conquered their minds, spirits, hearts, and souls. He became the beloved of hearts, the teacher of minds, the trainer of souls, and the ruler of spirits.

Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, removed numerous ingrained habits from large obsessed communities with a little effort over a very short period of time, and in their place implanted and inculcated exalted qualities in such a way that they became inherent in their being.

You know that despite all the advanced techniques and methods, modern communities are unable to remove permanently so small a vice as cigarette smoking. However, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, removed numerous ingrained habits from

121 large obsessed communities with a little effort over a very short period of

time, and in their place implanted and inculcated exalted qualities in such a way that they became inherent in their being. To those who refuse to see the testimony of the blessed age of the Prophet, upon him be peace and blessings, we present as a challenge any part of today's civilized world. Let them go there with hundreds of philosophers, sociologists, psychologists and pedagogues and educators, and strive for a hundred years, I wonder whether they will be able to achieve in that period a hundredth part of what the Prophet Muhammad achieved in a year.

When the Prophet began preaching his Message, he had to face severe opposition, but he confronted all the opposition with a smile on his lips.

When the Prophet began preaching his Message, he had to face severe opposition, but he confronted all the opposition with a smile on his lips. Once, the leaders of the Quraysh warned Abu Talib, the Prophet's uncle, to persuade his nephew to abandon preaching his mission. The Prophet answered:

O uncle! Should they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, so as to make me renounce this mission, I shall not do so. I will never give it up; either it will please God to make it triumph or I shall perish it the attempt.

The faith, perseverance and resolution, with which Prophet Muhammad carried his mission to ultimate success, is an eloquent proof of the supreme truth of his cause

On another occasion, a deputation of the leading Quraysh called on him and offered him all the worldly glory they could imagine in return for his abandoning his mission. They said:

\- If you want to possess wealth, we will amass for you as much as you wish; if you aspire to win honor and power, we are prepared to swear allegiance to you as our overlord and king; if you have a fancy for beauty, you shall have the hand of the most beautiful maiden of your own choice.

The terms were extremely tempting for any ordinary mortal, but they had no significance in the eyes of the Prophet, upon him be peace and blessings. He responded:

-1 want neither wealth nor power. God has commissioned me as a warner to humanity. I deliver His Message to you. Should you accept it, you shall have felicity in this life and eternal bliss in the life Hereafter. Should you reject the Word of God, surely God will decide between you and me.

The faith, perseverance and resolution, with which he carried his mission to ultimate success, is an eloquent proof of the supreme truth of his cause. Had there been the slightest doubt or uncertainty in his heart, he would never have been able to brave the storm that continued in

all its fury for twenty-one long years.

None of the world leaders have been able to bring about among the members of their followers so strong a unity of belief, thought and ideal as that which the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, realized among the desert men of the seventh-century Arabia

Great leaders have appeared on the horizon of humanity. They have changed the course of history through either the states or empires they have established or the revolutions they have made. Nevertheless, almost none of them have been able to bring about among the members of their followers so strong a unity of belief, thought and ideal as that which the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, realized among the desert men of the seventh-century Arabia. Although Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, had never given any indication of political interest or activity for full forty years until Prophethood, he appeared all of a sudden on the stage of the world as such a great political reformer and statesman that, without the aid of press or of any modern tele-communicative means, he brought together the scattered inhabitants of a desert of twelve hundred thousand square miles-a people who were warlike, ignorant, unruly, uncultured, and plunged in tribal warfare-under one banner, one law, one religion, one culture, one civilization and one form of government.

Prophet Muhammad conquered minds and hearts and promised his followers nothing other than God's approval and Paradise

A leader must know men very well in order to urge them to the realization of a cause. In order to gain a following, most leaders make alluring promises to people, like power, wealth, position or a bright future. However, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, made no such promises to his followers. Nor did he resort to any force to realize his aim. He conquered minds and hearts and promised his followers only God's good pleasure and Paradise. His followers sacrificed themselves in his way willingly and preferred to live a poor life in return for gaining God's good pleasure and Paradise. Especially his own family lived as the poorest of his community. He always sought to prepare them, as well as his Companions, for the eternal peace and permanent bliss while himself setting for them a good example of that peace and bliss. His daughter Fatima, the most beloved to him among his family, once came to him with a necklace around her neck or a bracelet around her wrist. The Prophet said to her:

\- Do you want people-inhabitants of the earth and the inhabitants of heavens-to say that the daughter of the Prophet is wearing a chain from Hell?

These words were enough for Fatima, for they were coming from the mouth of one whose throne was established in people's hearts and who had conquered their minds. Fatima

narrates the rest of the story as follows:

-1 immediately sold the necklace, bought a slave and emancipated him, and then went to the Messenger of God. When I told him what I had done, he rejoiced. He opened his hands and thanked God, saying: All thanks to God, Who protected (my daughter) Fatima from Hell.

Despite all the most pitiless cruelties, Prophet Muhammad used to pray: 'O God! Forgive them and guide them to truth, for they do not know.' Through his limitless love, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance, he made extremely cruel, war-mongering people into the best community in human history.

Supposing you are a teacher at a school or a director in an institution. In order to bring up your students or the people under your command according to the ideal you pursue, you are determined to bear all hardships that may appear before you. Now, if they spit in your face when they are passing by you, if they put an animal abdomen over your head while you are in prostration before God, if they sometimes slap you in face, if they sometimes throw stones at you and scatter thorny plants along the roads you pass, if they ambush you in corners with daggers in their hands, if they mock you in front of others, if they slander your wife, if they kill your relatives and cut their bodies into pieces, if they attack you many times and injure you, and if they expel you from your native land, still can you bear all such cruelties and continue your way without the least hesitation? More than that, can you forgive them, pity them and pray to God for them, saying: O God! Forgive them and guide them to truth, for they do not know. If you are taken to a Paradise-like place and left free to choose between living there and going back to serve your cause amid hardships, do you choose to go back among the people to continue your mission?

Is it not the worst form of 'blindness' and ignorance to reject the Prophethood of that pride of humanity who, through his limitless love, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance, made extremely cruel, war-mongering people into the best community in human history?

In human history there has been no one as much loved as his followers from the first day up to now love the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings.

The Prophet, upon him be peace and blessings, sent a group of envoys to the Adal and al-Qarah tribes to teach them Islam. However, a group from the Hudhayl tribe attacked the envoys half-way and, killing some of them, submitted the remaining three to the Quraysh. Zayd ibn Dasina was among the envoys. Before the Qurayshi polytheists executed Zayd, Abu Sufyan, who had not yet embraced Islam, said to him:

-1 adjure you by God, Zayd, don't you wish that Muhammad was with us now in your place so that we might cut off his head, and that you were with your family?

\- 'By God', said Zayd, 'let alone wishing that Muhammad were here in my place so that I were

124 with my family, I do not wish that even a thorn should hurt his feet in

Madina.'

Abu Sufyan had to remark: 'I swear by God that I have never seen a man who was so loved as Muhammad's Companions loved him.'

In human history there has been no one as much loved, as his followers from the first day up to now love the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings.

Prophet Muhammad answered all of the questions asked him without faltering and he has not been contradicted ever since

The Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, had to answer innumerable questions put to him by both the desert men of Arabia and the Jews and Christians of his time, concerning not only religion but also many other subjects such as history, metaphysics, astronomy, medicine and so on. He answered all of them without faltering and he has not been contradicted ever since.

Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, brought into history such a law, a religion, a way of life, a code of worship, a way of prayer, a message, and faith that the like of them has never existed, nor will or could exist.

The Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, brought into history such a law, a religion, a way of life, a code of worship, a way of prayer, a message, and faith that the like of them has never existed, nor will or could exist. For the law brought by that unlettered being is matchless in that it has administered one fifth of mankind for fourteen centuries, in a just and precise manner through its rules and injunctions. The religion of Islam, which originated in the Qur'an he received from God and his own sayings, precepts and example, is also peerless, for in each century it has been for hundreds of millions of people a guide and a competent authority or source for whatever matter is referred to it. It has also trained their minds, illumined and purified their hearts, trained and refined their souls, and perfected their spirits.

After the Companions, hundreds of thousands of saints and purified, meticulous scholars, thousands of scientists, and hundreds of thousands of literary geniuses, commanders and statesmen have been brought up in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad

After the Companions, who gave the lead to all mankind in all fields of life including the scientific, political, social, administrative and economic, hundreds of thousands of saints and purified, meticulous scholars such as Abu Hanifa, Shafi'i, Bayazid al-Bistami, 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, Imam Ghazali, Imam Rabbani, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi and many others, and thousands of scientists like al-Biruni, al-Zahrawi, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ibn Haytham and others, and hundreds of thousands of literary geniuses, commanders and statesmen, and other stars of mankind, have all followed in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace

125 and blessings. Besides those persons, many intellectuals and statesmen of

the West such as Lamartine, William Muir, Edward Gibbon, John Davenport, L. A. Sedillot, Goethe, P. Bayle, Stanley Lane-Poole, A. J. Arberry, Thomas Carlyle, Rosenthal, Elisee Reclus, Andrew Miller, Bismarck, Leopold Weis, Marmaduke Pickthall, Martin Lings and Roger Garaudy have had to confess his greatness, even that he is the greatest of mankind, and some of them have embraced Islam. This is another proof of his Prophethood.

Twelve Proofs that Muhammad is a True Prophet By Shaykh Abdul Rahman 'Abdul Khaliq

My brothers and sisters everywhere! With this essay, I am not singling out the adherents of Islam - to which I ascribe - but rather I am writing this essay to every man and woman throughout the whole world.

I ask Allah that He facilitates tat this essay reaches every ear, falls under the sight of every eye, and is understood by every heart...

Muhammad the son of "Abdullah is Allah's Prophet and the Final Messenger Sent by Allah to the Inhabitants of Earth.

My brothers and sisters everywhere! You should know that the Messenger, Muhammad the son of "Abdullah (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) is Allah's Messenger in reality and truth. The evidences that show his veracity are abundant. None but an infidel, who out of arrogance alone, could deny these signs.

Among these proofs:

1. Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained like that till his death. Among all his people, he was known as being truthful and trustworthy. Before receiving revelation, he had no prior knowledge of Religion or any previously sent Message. He remained like that for his first forty years. Revelation then came to Muhammad with the Koran that we now have between our hands. This Koran mentioned most of the accounts found in the previous scriptures, telling us about these events in the greatest detail as if he witnessed them. These accounts came precisely as they were found in the Torah sent down to Moses and in the Gospel sent down to Jesus. Neither the Jews or Christians were able to belie him regarding anything that he said.

2. Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) also foretold of everything that would occur to him and his community after him, pertaining to victory, the removal of the tyrannical kingdoms of Chosroes [the royal title for the Zoroastrian kings of Persia] and Caesar, and the establishment of the

126 religion of Islam throughout the earth. These events occurred exactly as Muhammad

foretold, as if he was reading the future from an open book.

3. Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) also brought an Arabic Koran that is the peak of eloquence and clarity. The Koran challenged those eloquent and fluent Arabs of his time, who initially belied him, to bring forth a single chapter like the Koran. The eloquent Arabs of his day were unable to contest this Koran.

Indeed, till our day, none has ever dared to claim that he has been able to compose words that equal-or even approach-the order, grace, beauty, and splendor of this Glorious Koran.

4. The life history of this Noble Prophet was a perfect example of being upright, merciful, compassionate, truthful, brave, generous, distant from all evil character, and ascetic in all worldly matters, while striving solely for the reward of the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of Allah.

5. Allah instilled great love for Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) in the hearts of all who believed in and met him. This love reached such a degree that any of his companions would willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, mother or father for him.

Till today, those who believe in Muhammad honor and love him. Anyone of those who believe in him would ransom his own family and wealth to see him, even if but once.

6. All of history has not preserved the biography of any person in the manner it has preserved the life of Muhammad, who is the most influential human in history.

Nor has the entire earth known of anyone whom every morning and evening, and many times thereafter throughout the day, is thought of by those who believe in him. Upon remembering Muhammad, the believers in him will greet him and ask Allah to bless him. They do such with full hearts and true love for him.

7. Nor has there every been a man on earth whom is still followed in all his doings by those who believe in him.

Those who believe in Muhammad, sleep in the manner he slept; purify themselves (through ablution and ritual washing) in the manner he purified himself; and adhere to his practice in the way they eat, drink, and clothe themselves.

Indeed in all aspects of their lives, the believers in Muhammad adhere to the teachings he spread among them and the path that he traveled upon during his life.

During every generation, from his day till our time, the believers in this Noble Prophet have fully adhered to his teachings. With some, this has reached the degree that they desire to follow and adhere to the Prophet's way in his personal matters regarding which Allah has not sought of them to adhere to in worship. For example, some will only eat those specific foods or only wear those specific garments

127 that the Messenger liked.

Let alone all that, all those who believe in Muhammad repeat those praises of Allah, special prayers, and invocations that he would say during each of his actions during day and night, like: what he would say when he greeted people, upon entering and leaving the house, entering and leaving the mosque, entering and leaving the bathroom, going to sleep and awaking from sleep, observing the new crescent, observing the new fruit on trees, eating, drinking, dressing, riding, traveling and returning from travel, etc.

Let alone all that, all those who believe in Muhammad fully perform-even to the minute detail-every act of worship-like prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage-as this Noble Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) taught and as he himself performed.

All of this allows those who believe in him, to live their lives in all aspects with this Noble Messenger as their example, as if he was standing before them, for them to follow in all their doings.

8. There has never been nor will there ever be a man anywhere upon this earth who has received such love, respect, honor, and obedience in all matters-small and large alike-as has this Noble Prophet.

9. Since his day, in every region of the earth and during every period, this Noble Prophet has been followed by individuals from all races, colors and peoples. Many of those who followed him were previously Christians, Jews, pagans, idolaters, or without any religion. Among those who chose to follow him, were those who were known for their sound judgment, wisdom, reflection, and foresight. They chose to follow this Noble Prophet after they witnessed the signs of his truthfulness and the evidences of his miracles. They did not choose to follow Muhammad out of compulsion or coercion or because they had adopted the ways of their fathers and mothers.

Indeed many of the followers of this Prophet (may Allah's blessings peace be upon him), chose to follow him during the time when Islam was weak, when there were few Muslims, and when there was severe persecution of his followers on earth. Most people who have followed this Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) have done so not to acquire some material benefits. Indeed many of his followers have suffered the greatest forms of harm and persecution as a result of following this Prophet. Despite all this harm and persecution, this did not turn them back from his religion.

My brethren! All of this clearly indicates to anyone possessing any sense, that this Prophet was truly and really Allah's messenger and that he was not just a man who claimed prophethood or spoke about Allah without knowledge.

10. With all this, Muhammad came with a great religion in its credal and legal make-up.

Muhammad described Allah with qualities of complete perfection, and at the same time in a manner that is free of ascribing to Him any imperfection. Neither the philosophers or the wise could ever describe Allah like such. Indeed it is impossible to imagine that any human mind could conceive of an existing being that possesses such complete ability, knowledge, and greatness; Who has subdued the

128 creation; Who has encompassed everything in the universe, small or large; and Who

possesses such perfect mercy.

Nor is it in the ability of any human being to place a perfect law based upon justice, equality, mercy and objectivity for all human activity on earth like the laws that Muhammad brought for all spheres of human activity - like buying and selling, marriage and divorce, renting, testimony, custody, and all other contracts that are necessary to uphold life and civilization on earth.

11. It is impossible that any person conceive wisdom,, morals, good manners, nobleness of characters as what this honorable Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) brought.

In a full and complete manner, Muhammad spread a teaching regarding character and manners toward one' parents, relatives, fiends, family, humanity, animals, plants and inanimate objects. It is impossible for the human mind alone to grasp all of that teaching or come with a similar teaching.

All of that unequivocally indicates that this Messenger did not bring an) of this religion from his own accord, but that it was rather a teaching and inspiration that he received from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens above and created this universe in its miraculous architecture and perfection.

12. The legal and credal make-up of the religion that the Messenger, Muhammad, (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) brought resembles the engineering of the heavens and the earth. All of that indicates that He who created the heavens and the earth is the One Who sent down this great law and upright religion.

The degree of inimitability of the Divine law that was sent down upon Muhammad is to the same degree of inimitability of the Divine creation of the heavens and earth. For just as humanity cannot create this universe, in the same manner humanity cannot bring forth a law like Allah's law that He sent down upon His servant and messenger Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him).

Conclusion:

Many people knew him since he was born but he wasn't too famous yet. And his famous two nick names

before becoming a prophet is "Al-sadek (the honest), and Al-Amien (the trust)".

His house is still there in Saudi Arabia& his Grave in Saudi Arabia. No doubt he existed

for someone to leave huge remarks like these he is for sure existed. For those who read the Quran in its

original language know that this book is a miracle and it's not a human language. Many nations during

Muhammad time have heard of Him, and heard of his prophecy message. He was sending letters and

messengers to many countries/trips calling them toward Islam. Some of his letters still exists. Physical evidence that I can think of his existence is his beard hair in turkey. Also he has a grave. There are plenty of historical records that indicate the prophet was a real person.In fact one of their sects only recognizes his descendants as persons of religious authority. Remember this is an illiterate man. And one of the proofs is that the moon was cut in half and science approves this. The people who didn't believe in Muhammad asked him to give them a miracle and they will believe and they asked him to cut the moon in the half and Muhammad asked god to do what they want and god did it but some people still didn't believe that he was a prophet of God but instead called him a magician. So, yes Muhammad did exist & he performed miracles with the help of God just like Jesus . And there are many evidences that not only prove Muhammad existed but also prove he was a prophet of God . So,Moses,Jesus & Muhammad were all prophets of IGod.

Part 2

Information arranged & organized by Mr.Faisal

"The mystery of God's evidence they don't want you to know of" is available on amazon,barnes&noble and www.createspace.com/4030107

"THE FORGOTTEN PROOF OF HEAVEN AND GOD IS FOR REAL" is available on www.createspace.com/4310613 & www.amazon.com

"The Ou'ran The Final Evidence Thev Don't Want You To Know"

This book is available on www.createspace.com/4318275 , & www.amazon.com

"DID MUHAMMAD AND JESUS EXIST" is available on www.amazon.com & www.createspace.com

Introduction of the author MR.FAISAL:

Can we discover God? What does science prove? Why we were never told the facts of science & world religions? These are some questions & thoughts the author had couple of years ago. So, he began his search.During his research he looked through many different kinds of books, scriptures, Torah, Bible, Quran, biological & scientific books, world religions, history, online searches, similarities & differences of various faiths & many more informations. In his search for revealing God's true religion he organized many informations & created this book.It's book of comparative religions + religion & science.

(UNLEASHING THE DISCOVERY OF GOD!!!)

Top 10 Informations you can learn in this book & why it's a must read book of knowledge for o//:l.God definitions of various religions.2.What does Islam say about terrorism? 3.women in various religions.4.Is evolution proven by logic & science? 5.what does science say of Quran,Bible & Torah 6.The similarities & differences of world's major religions.7.Discoveries of scientific miracles in a scripture.8.Both science with religion & science vs religion.9.Moses, Jesus & Mohammad in Islam & Christianity.10. A documentary book on Islam,Christianity,Judaism & science.

A RESEARCH PROJECT & A DOCUMENTARY BOOK ON SCIENCE & WORLD RELIGIONS & COMPARATIVE INTERFAITH DISCUSSIONS

Message from the author: My intention is not to criticize any one's beliefe.lt's okay to agree or disagree with my book.This entire book is not totally written by me.lt is based on a research project done by me.The book is as the title goes.The information is arranged & organized by me & all sources of all documents or information is mentioned inside the book.Purpose of my book is to share the knowledge which is available in many sources & I have mentioned them in the book. Hope you enjoy & share my book. "The greatest creation of god is us.The true race of us thel&only us,all of us the mankind simplylrace of humanity. Love is the only antidose of hate.so,love,peace&Godbless for all.knowledge is not only power but it is indeed freedom to speak out the truth of an existence and I will share it to set it free. Thank you for reading my work.God bless planet earth & America"

Information arranged & organized by Mr. Faisal

This book is available on www.createspace.com , & www, amazon. com

Allah (swt) Says : "Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided."[Quran 16:125] Allah also says '"Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, works

righteousness, and says: I am of those who bow in submission?" (Quran 41:33) Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "lf Allah guides a person through you, it is better for you than all that is on the earth." (Bukhari No. 2783 & Muslim No. 2406).Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence" (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith 667)

"Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur'an)". 25.52 Quran

Yet do they worship, besides Allah, things that can neither profit them nor harm them: and

the disbeliever is a helper (of Evil), against his own Lord! 25.55 Quran

And I have sent you only as a giver of good news and as a warner. 25.56

Say: "No reward do I ask of you for it but this: that each one who will may take a (straight)

Path to his Allah." 25.57 Al-Quran

"Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers."(Quran, al-Baqarah: 159) Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "For Allah to guide one man through you is better for you than all that the sun has shined over".

The Prophet ( PBUH) has said: "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim]

THE QURAN PROVES WATER CAME FROM ROCKS FROM THE

SPACE (by FAISAD Scientists don't know for sure. Perhaps the most popular theory says that, shortly after the Earth formed, millions of asteroids and comets, saturated in water, slammed into the planet, releasing their payloads to form Earth's oceans . Scientists are working hard to understand more about what our planet was like billions of years ago, and each new piece of information moves us closer to understanding how Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers came to exist.But the quran already has the answer because the quran is more superior than science & it's the only 100% true book of God's words. Thenceforth were your hearts hardened: They became like a rock and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; others there are which when split asunder send forth water; and others which sink for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do. 2:74 al-Baqarah Verse: 74 AL-QURAN.

On the authority of Abu Malik al-Harith bin Asim al-Asharee (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Purity is half of iman (faith). 'Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)' fills the scales, and 'subhan-Allah (how far is Allah from every imperfection) and 'Al-hamdulillah (praise be to Allah)' fill that which is between heaven and earth. And the salah (prayer) is a light, and charity is a proof, and patience is illumination, and the Qur'an is a proof either for you or against you. Every person starts his day as a vendor of his soul, either freeing it or causing its ruin." It was related by Muslim.

This is a all in 1 Rough,Peacefull,Honest & Open Minded book on God,Sciense,lslam,Christianity & Judaism.

1

The secrets of Muhammad,Bible and Quran Unleashed Introduction of the book:

Allah has promised to keep The Quran same until the Day of Judgment & challenged humans to create another accurate book like Quran & said if you can't, surrender to your lord (the only way of peace& heaven). Quran is word of god & it has the information of past, presents future. God reveled to Prophet Muhammad whatever god wanted to & kept some information only to god by reveling some & not reveling some. But still Quran is 1 great source of information from God.

Do Muslims worship the Mecca? No Muslims bow towards the direction of mecca & worship only 1 God Allah. While praying in a mosque if Muslims will not have a direction they will end up praying facing or towards each other .The Quran & Prophet Muhammad taught us to bow towards the direction of mecca while we only pray & worship Allah. And it's also important for the unity of Muslims.

Jesus preached in Aramaic, and parts of the Old Testament and much of the rabbinical literature were written in that language. "El-law" or "El-lawh" in Aramaic means "GOD", while "Eloi" in Aramaic means "My GOD" as Jesus used the word "Eloi" when he was put on

the cross and said "My GOD My GOD why have you forsaken me? (Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachtani?)....(Mark 15:34)"

In Arabic, "GOD" means "Allah", and "My GOD" means "llahi" or "Elahi" which is derived from the word "Allah". 1. "elahh" is the way the word "hhla" (spelled from right to left as it is Aramaic) is pronounced.

2. The words "Elahh", "hhla (read from right to left)" and "Allah" all have the "h" letter and pronunciation in them.

3- "Allah" in Arabic is pronounced as "Al-lawh" or "Al-lah" depending on the sentence that it is pi8 used in. In Arabic, the sound of the word "Allah" could be thicker (Allawh) or thinner (Allah) depending on the sentence.

4- The Aramaic word "hhla (read from right to left)", which is transliterated as "elahh" which means "GOD" is pronounced as "El-aw" as show above.

5- The Aramaic word "hla (read from right to left)", which is transliterated as "elah" which means "oak"

is pronounced as "Ay-law" also as shown above.

P2

6- "Allah" in Arabic is pronounced as "Al-lawh" or "Al-lah"

Word

Hebrew or Arabic

English Translation

depending on the sentence that it is used in. In Arabic, the sound of the word "Allah" could be thicker (Allawh) or thinner (Allah) depending on the sentence.

7- The Hebew word "Elohim" is the plural of "Elowah", which is derived from the Aramaic word "Alaha", or "Elahh"; the same as the Arabic word "Allah" or "Allawh" in pronunciation.

If we pronounce the words "Allah" in Arabic and "Elahh (pronounced as 'El-aw')" in Aramaic, then we would hear almost the same exact word.

1 -In the case of "Aalah" or "Aaloh" Aramaic slang pronounciation, it is almost the same as the "Allah" or "Allawh" Arabic slang pronounciation.

2- In the case of "Aalahaa" or "Aalohaa" Aramaic slang pronounciation, it is also almost the same as the "Allaha" or "Allawha" in the Arabic slang pronounciation. "Allah" would be pronounced as "Allaha" or "Allaha" in Arabic if it's used in the middle of the sentence. It can also be pronounced as "Allahi" or "Allahu" or "Allaho" depending on the grammar of the sentence.

3- The Hebew word "Elohim" is the plural of "Elowah", which is derived from the Aramaic word "Alaha", or "Elahh"; the same as the Arabic word "Allah" or "Allawh" in pronunciation.

"Son of God" means "Servant of God" in Hebrew. Bible agrees with Islam, not with pagan trinity: The sections of this article are: 1-Comparison between Hebrew and Arabic.2- "Son of God" is the same as "Servant of God" in Hebrew! 3- Articles with detailed proofs about "Son of God" means "Servant of God" in Hebrew. 4- Conclusion.

1- Comparison between Hebrew and Arabic:In this article, I will prove that the Bible's "Son of GOD" translation is wrong, because it literally means "Servant of GOD" as Islam clearly defines it. I have shown sample evidence from Hebrew below. The following definitions were taken from:

http://www.thebabvcorner.com/pregnancv/babynames/find.php?sex=bov&begin=a

Important Note: Since "Abd" means "Servant of in Arabic, and "Abel" means "Breath of in Hebrew, then this means "Abel" in Hebrew could also mean "Servant of or "Creation of, since it literally also means "Breath of.

The following Hebrew words and their definitions were taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son of God

Important Note: Since "Beni" in Arabic means "People of, then this means that "Benie" in Hebrew also means "People of or "Group of, or "Belongings of, which was falsely translated as "Sons of

Page3

throughout the entire Bible! "In the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha

This literature contain a few passages in which the title "son of God" is given to the Messiah (see Enoch, cv. 2; IV Esdras vii. 28-29; xiii. 32, 37, 52; xiv. 9); but the title belongs also to any one whose piety has placed him in a filial relation to God (see Wisdom ii. 13, 16, 18; v. 5, where "the sons of God" are identical with "the saints" ; comp. Ecclus. [Sirach] iv. 10).

In Judaism, it is through such personal relations that the individual becomes conscious of God's fatherhood, and gradually in Hellenistic and rabbinical literature "sonship to God" was ascribed first to every Israelite and then to every member of the human race (Abot iii. 15, v. 20; Ber. v. 1; see Abba). In one midrash , the Torah is said to be God's "daughter" (Leviticus Rabbah xx.)"

( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son of God)Important Note: "filial relation to God" means that a person or creation has a special place in GOD Almighty's Sight. Also, "sons of God" being identical with "the saints" means that the term "son of God" is not an accurate one in the sense of being physically or biologically "part of GOD" or "Son of GOD" respectively as the trinitarian Christians falsely claimAlso, "In one midrash, the Torah is said to be God's "daughter"', further proves my point that "Son of GOD" today in the English bibles don't mean more than a "Creation of GOD" or "Servant of GOD"; perhaps a very dear or special servant of GOD Almighty, as the Torah was also called "daughter of GOD".

2- "Son of God" is the same as "Servant of God" in Hebrew! "In modern English usage, the Son of God is almost always a reference to Jesus Christ , whom Christianity holds to be the son of the Christian God , eternally begotten of God the Father and coeternal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit . Human or part-human offspring of deities are very common in other religions and mythologies, however. For example in the Epic of Gilgamesh , one of the earliest recorded legends of humanity, Gilgamesh claimed to be of both human and divine descent. Another well-known son of a god and a human is Hercules .

A great many pantheons also included genealogies in which various gods were descended from other gods, and so the term "son of god" may be applied to many actual deities as

well."( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son of God)Important Note: So as we can see, the "Son of GOD" theory originally comes from pagan Greek origins. And since most of the Bible's New Testament was written in Greek, then it had been without a doubt negatively influenced by such pagan theology, where Jesus being called "Son of GOD" is literally interpreted today as "part of GOD" or the "Creator of the Universe".

P4 "In the Hebrew Bible Israel is both a man (Jacob, the son of Isaac) and the nation

that descended from him. Because of the shared name and organic identity, God speaks to the nation as though he were a single person. Israel is, in fact, God's son (Exod 4:22 — beni vechori yisrael; Deut 14:1 — banim atem l'Adonai; Jer 31:9 — ki hayiti le'yisrael le'av; Hosea 11:1 — mimitzrayim qarati livni). Israel's Father nurtures him to grow up and become a worshiping servant (Exod 4:23 — "Let my son go that he may serve me")."( http://www.hebrew-streams.org/works/hebrew/eved-adonai.html )

Important Note: Here we see when Israel became GOD Almighty's "son", he reached the point of being GOD Almighty's "servant". This means that "son of GOD" is nothing but a "Servant of GOD" as clearly defined in Islam. It doesn't at all mean that the individual is part of GOD Almighty, or he is GOD the

Father Himself.

This is further proven in this quote: "The Inner Son Rescues His People

Read together, these texts make clear that the Plan (etzah) is set in God's mind. He will use the anointed one — and his circle of faithful-to-God disciples — as his agent for bringing rebellious Israel back to his sonship calling.

YHVH formed me from the womb to be His Servant,

to bring Jacob back to him,

in order that Israel might be gathered to Him.

It is too small a thing that you should be my Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob,

and to restore the preserved ones [netzurim] of Israel . . . (Isa 49:5, 6)

It's worth noting that the apostles Paul and Barnabas quoted this passage in reference to themselves, as being members of the Messiah's Remnant Israel (Acts 13:46-48; cf. Luke 2:32).

Thus, within the writings of Isaiah we observe the tensions, paradoxes, and hopes for fixing what is broken — both within God's servant people and in the creation as a whole. To accomplish this there are two who serve the Lord , two with the title "Eved." "

( http://www.hebrew-streams.org/works/hebrew/eved-adonai.html)

Important Note: Again, we see that the Son of GOD's main responsibility is to Serve GOD Almighty and to Worship Him alone. So a Son of GOD is basically a Servant of GOD. Also, Jesus being called "Son of GOD" is also no different. Him being the "Son of GOD" means he is a Servant of GOD Almighty, or Abdallah, since "Abd" means "Servant of and "Allah" means "GOD" or "The Supreme GOD Almighty above all gods".

3- Articles with detailed proofs about "Son of God" means "Servant of God":

Below are a list of articles that clearly prove from Hebrew resources that "Son of God" also means "Servant of God".

Article #1:

p5 .(Emphasis below is mine) Is Jesus "God's Son" or "God's Servant?" Do you see a

difference between these two Bible versions?

New King James Version Acts 3:25 - You are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Acts 3:26 - To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning every one of you away from his iniquities.

In the KJV, we find that Jesus is God's Son. In the NKJV, we find that He is God's servant. These are clearly not the same! The Greek word found in the text here is "pais". It can be used in Greek for either "son" or "servant." So which one is correct here? The solution is simple: look at the context in which it is used. In English, we have many words that can have more than one meaning. If a translator, going from English to another language, came across the word "bear," he would have a choice of meanings. But it wouldn't take rocket science to figure out which one to use. If the passage described a man with a heavy burden, the translator would understand that the man is going to "bear," or "carry" the burden. If, on the other hand, the passage described a hairy beast climbing a tree, the translator would understand the correct meaning here applies to a forest-dwelling animal that will eat nearly anything it finds. It's not really very hard.

Now look at the Bible passage above. What is being discussed?

• "children of the prophets"

• "covenant which God made with our fathers"

• "in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed."

It's clear, isn't it? The passage is talking about "children," and "fathers" and "seed." The word "pais" means "son." But the New King James translators chose "servant." Why? They were not alone. The New World Translation, created by the Jehovah's Witnesses who deny the deity of Jesus, translated this word "servant" also. So do the NIV, ASV, NASB and other modern Bible translations. Could it be that these modern translators disagree that "pais" can be translated "son?" No, the NKJV committee translates this very word as "boy," "child" or "son" in Matthew 2:16; 17:18; 21:15; Luke 2:43; 9:42; and John 4:51. Yet they refused to translate the word as "son" in this powerful sermon where Peter presents Jesus as Messiah and Son of God. One has to ask, why were these translators so determined to deny the deity of Jesus in this passage? Is this a Bible you can trust with your eternal destiny?

King James Version Acts 3:25 - Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with

our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Acts 3:26 - Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus,

sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Article #2

P6 1.2.3.15 Jesus is God's servant All of mankind are the servants of God. If a man

were to own another man then that man would be his servant. Obviously this servant would be held in a lower regard than this man's own children (or himself).

We do not usually find people telling their sons (or themselves): "come here my servant, " or "Go over there my servant." Let us compare this with what God has to say about Jesus (pbuh):

1. Matthew 12:18: "Behold my servant, whom I have chosen."

2. Acts 3:13(RSV): "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac,.... hath glorified his servant Jesus."

3. Acts 4:27(RSV): "For of a truth against thy holy servant Jesus, whom thou hast anointed...."

The Actual Greek word used is "pias" or "paida" which mean; "servant, child, son, manservant." Some translations of the Bible, such as the popular King James Version, have translated this word as "Son" when it is attributed to Jesus (pbuh) and "servant" for most everyone else, while more recent translations of the Bible such as the Revised Standard Version (RSV) now honestly translate it as "servant." As we shall see in later chapters, the RSV was compiled by thirty two Biblical scholars of the highest eminence, backed by 50 cooperating Christian denominations from the "most" ancient Biblical manuscripts available to them today. Chances are that no matter what your church or denomination you are able to name, that church took part in the correction of the King James Version of the Bible which resulted in the RSV.

The exact same word "pias" is attributed to Jacob(Israel) in Luke 1:54 and translated as "servant":

"He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;. " It is also applied to King David in Luke 1:69, and once again, it is translated as "servant":

"....the house of his servant David;" (also see Acts 4:25).

However, when it is applied to Jesus (e.g. Acts 3:13, Acts 4:27), NOWit is translated as " Son ."

(notice that it is not only translated as "son" but as "Son".) Why the double standard? Why the dishonest translation techniques? "And verily, among them is a party who twist their tongues with the Scripture that you might think that it is from the Scripture but it is not from the Scripture; and they say, 'It is from Allah' but it is not from Allah; and they speak a lie against Allah while [well] they know it!" The noble Qur'an, A'al-Umran(3):78

"The Messiah will never scorn to be a servant ofAllah, nor will the favored angels. Whosoever scorns His service and is proud, all such will He assemble unto Him; Then as for those who believed and did good works, unto them will he pay their wages in full and shall increase them from His bounty. [But] as for those who were scornful and proud, He shall punish hem with a painful torment, nor will they find for themselves other than Allah any ally or champion" The noble Qur'an, Al-Nissa(4): 172-174

4- Conclusion:As we've seen above, in Hebrew, "Son of God" can also be translated as "Servant of God", which literally means "Abdallah" in Arabic. Abd = Servant, and allah = Allah, or the Supreme GOD Almighty that is above all gods. So, Jesus being called "Son of God" does not mean anything about him being part of GOD or GOD Almighty Himself. It simply means "Servant of God" since Jesus existed among Jews and preached the Gospel to themAllah Almighty said: "And they say: "(God) Most Gracious has begotten offspring." Glory to Him! they are (but) servants raised to honour. (The Noble Quran,

21:26)" page7 God definition By Faisal: God does not bom or die. Who has no beginning or end. Does not need to become human, animal or insect to understand his creation. He is the creator who knows what he has created. He is the most wise. So, he knows everything. He feeds everyone, but he doesn't need to eat or sleep or use toilet. True God is the creator who is not part of the creation. So, he has no father, mother, wife or children. He's above all & unique. There's none like him & he's only one, who has no partner & no gender. So, he's the creator of all creation & not part of his or any creation. That is the definition of one true God in Islam which is Allah. Allah has created the humans in a pair of male& female to worship him & in different colors, languages, countries to respect & recognize each other.Tv,watch,computer,phone everything has a purpose. Purpose of us is not just only to eat,poo,have sex&sleep .purpose of life is to obey & worship the creator because humans are the most superior of creation & our purpose is to serve god by praising & praying.Nol is superior whether you are black or white,arab or non arab,male or female .For god everyone is equel.lslam is the only religion that is against racism. Allah is the most just & God judges you by your heart only not by your looks. Islam is an accurate, just & peaceful religion of 1 god creator lord Allah.

In Quran, It says "If you kill one human being it's as If you have killed the entire of humanity. And if you save one human being. It's as you saved the entire

of humanity". So, for killing you go to hell, for saving you go to heaven. There was no suicide bombers in the time of prophet Mohammad. Islam believes God created the first humans were Adam & eve without any father & mother. The devil made them eat a fruit that was told by God to not to eat.

And they got poo, but, they were not allowed to poo in heaven. You can eat everything in heaven & you wont get poo & it's a unholy thing you get it when you eat foods on earth & the 1 forbidden fruit that was in heaven. So, as punishment God sent them to earth. Adam&Eve were married &having sex for married couples is not sin in islam. All humans are children of Adam & eve. In

Islam from Adam to Moses, to Jesus to Mohammad God sent all of them as messengers prophets & humans to spread the true religion. Because God created Adam & Eve without any father & mother. It means true creator can create everything in any way he wants to, for example If he says something to happen It'll just happen. The same way he made Adam & Eve without being their father & mother plus also having no father & mother. He has the wisdom & power of over everything. Similarity of creating Adam a slight differently he created prophet Jesus as one of the mightiest messengers of God with having just mother without any father. Because God can do anything God can create humans without father & mother as well as having a mother but no father. That's the true miracle & it can only be done by one true creator. And that's the believe of Islam that the

p8 true God is Allah who has no partner, no parents, no

children, no wife, doesn't born or die, has no image

because there's none like him, does not eat but feeds

everyone & does not sleep. In Islam the name of prophet

Jesus is Isa. And Jesus/Isa did everything with the

power of Allah (God). God gave him the power to

do it. Who created Jesus as a messenger of God.

Similarly he created Adam, Moses, Abraham, Noah, Isa as Jesus, Mohammad as messengers of peace & Islam towards humanity. And God can't be part of creation. If it's part of creation then it's not the creator or God or Allah. Even in Bible it says Jesus put his head on the floor as Muslims put their head on the floor for praying. 80% of Quran matches with Science & other 20% of Quran the Science does not have the answers because they haven't discovered or improved that much. For example Quran talks

about heaven, hell, & there are aliens. Science has no answer for everything but Quran has all the answers since last 1400 years even when Science had no answers. In the Bible it talks about Prophet Noah & the story goes something like this that the Prophet received a message from God that there would be a flood all over the world. So, he built a big boat & he took some people & a pair of every animals. According to Science there was not a flood which happened all over the world but it happened in a particular part of earth. Quran also tells it

happened in a particular part of the world. Quran also talks about humans are partly formed from father & partly formed from mother. And today Science agrees with it. So, if some one reads Quran & do a scientific research it'll help to understand

what the truth is & what is fiction. Bible says, the world is flat & circle. Scientifically it's not true. A coin is also flat & circle. Quran tells the original shape of earth. Science can't prove any error in Quran but tells errors on Bible. Don't believe it! Do your own research & believe what's logical. Don't ask people but do your own research so, you can believe in true God the creator of all creation but not a creation. Islam also teaches black cumin cures so many diseases without any side effects. The ultimate goal of saitan (Devil) is to take humans towards hell & shirk. Shirk means to associate or include someone with God. True God has no partner, can't compare him with any creation because he has

p9 created the creation, how can he be part of what he

created? Remember true religion should have all the

answers Of humanity & should not have any

missing links. Islam believes Quran is 100% words

of one creator God Allah. People might think there

are 2 types of Muslims Shia & Sunni. But they both

have same book Quran. And in Quran there is no

Sunni or Shia. Islam is one religion & Quran is the

only one book Of God in Islam. The followers of Islam & Quran are called Muslims. No Muslim is a Muslim unless he beliefs Adam, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, Noah, Mohammad were all messengers of

one God Allah. No Muslim is a good Muslim unless he's a good human being. Islam teaches to live peacefully with people of every religion, race, color, language & nationalities. So we should understand, respect& live peacefully with each other. In the last 100 years to now Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. That's why some governments & Medias create lies & misconceptions about Islam. Remember, true religion is the one that answers all the questions of humanity. Science can't prove any error in Quran. And true book of God can't have any errors. Muslims believe Torah & Bible were books of God but they have been changed by humans. So, Quran is the last & final book of God. Quran is only one book but you can find it in all languages. Any one who believes in God should do research on Science, Quran & Bible. Fact is stranger then fiction. The book of God should have all the answers for humanity with no errors & word of God can't have errors!

Question: Does Quran mention that Prophet Muhammad is the last prophet?

Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but [he is] the messenger of God and seal(last,finish,end,final) of the prophets and God has the knowledge of everything. (Quran 33:40)

Jesus in islam & quran

"And mention in the Book (the Quran), Mary, when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east. She placed a screen

P10 (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her a spirit

from Us, (the angel Gabriel), and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. She said: 'Verily, I seek refuge with the Most Gracious (God) from you, if you do fear God.' (The angel) said: 'I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.' She said: 'How can I have a son, when no man hath touched me, nor am I unchaste?' He said: 'So (it will be), your Lord said That is easy for Me (God): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (God), and it is a matter (already) decreed (by God).'" (Quran 19:16-21)

"Indeed, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said to him: 'Be!' and he was.'" (Quran 3:59)

Muslims, like Christians believe that Jesus performed miracles. These miracles were performed by the will and permission of God, Who has power and control over all things.

"Then will God say: 'O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favor to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit (the angel Gabriel) so that you did speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel. And behold: you make out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and you breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by My leave, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers by My leave. And behold! You bring forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to you) when you did show them the Clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: 'This is nothing but evident magic.'" (Quran 5:110)

God sent all prophets with miracles specific to the nation to whom they were sent to prove the veracity of their message. These miracles were not performed of their own accord; rather, they were only manifest in their hands by God's will. The miracles performed by Jesus were no different. The Jews

were well advanced in the field of medicine, and the miracles which Jesus brought were of this nature, proving the truth of His message and in order to convince the Jews.

"They have certainly disbelieved who say, 'God is the Messiah, the son of Mary' while the Messiah has said, 'O Children of Israel, worship God, my Lord and your Lord...'" (Quran 5:72)

God says about the belief that Jesus is part of a "Trinity":

"They have certainly disbelieved who say, 'God is the third of three.' (Rather) there is none worthy of worship except One (God). And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment. So will they not repent to God and seek His forgiveness? And God is Forgiving and Merciful. The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger before whom many Messengers have passed away; and his mother adhered wholly to truthfulness, and they both ate food (as other mortals do). See how We make Our signs clear to them; and see where they are turning away!" (Quran 5:73-75)

And also:

Pll "O People of the Book (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the

limits in your religion, and attribute to God nothing except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God, and His command that He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God and in His Messengers, and do not say: 'God is a Trinity.' Give up this assertion; it would be better for you. For God is indeed (the only) One God. Far be it from His glory that He should have a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth. And God is sufficient for a guardian." (Quran 4:171)

God deems this belief as an enormity against His Essence:

"And they say: 'The Most Merciful (God) has taken (for Himself) a son.' Assuredly you utter a hideous thing, whereby almost the heavens are torn, and the earth is split asunder and the mountains fall in ruins; That they ascribe unto the Most Merciful a son, when it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Merciful that He should take a son. There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Merciful as a slave." (Quran 19:88-93)

On the Day of Judgment, Jesus again will free himself from this false attribution. God gives us a glimpse of what he will say when he is asked about why people

worshipped him:

"And (beware the Day) when God will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, 'Take me and my mother as deities besides God?'" He will say, 'Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen. I said not to them except what you commanded me - to worship God, my Lord and your Lord...'" (Quran 5:116-117)

"I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:1-3)

Ascribing a son to God is in clear opposition to that principle for which He created the Creation and sent prophets. God says in the Quran:

"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Quran 51:56)

He also said:

"And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, (saying), 'Worship God and avoid all false objects of worship...'" (Quran 16:36)

"And (remember) when Jesus, son of Mary, said: 'O Children of Israel, I am the Messenger of God sent to you, confirming the Torah (which came) before me...'" (Quran 61:6)

Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus stated:

"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the (way of) the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them."

P12

another prophet to come after him. God says:

"And when Jesus, son of Mary, said: 'O Children of Israel! Indeed I am the messenger of God unto you, confirming that which was (revealed) before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger who will come after me, whose name is the Praised One.'" (Quran 61:6)

John 14:16-17:"And 1 will give you another Counselor to be with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth."

It was told by jesus so its none other then prophet Mohammad

Crucifixion

"...They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but (another) was made to resemble him to them..." (Quran 4:157)

"God lifted him up to His presence. God is Almighty, All-Wise."

(Quran 4:158) "No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another." (Quran 39:7)

"There is not one of the People of the Scripture but will believe in him (Jesus) before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them." (Quran 4: 159)

SURAT AL IKHLAS (MAKKAH)

1) Say he is Allah one & only

(2) Allah, the eternal, absolute

3) He begets not, nor is he begotten

(4) And there is none like unto him (Al-Quran)

Some References:

1) www.peacetv.tv 7) www.guideus.tv 8) www.whyislam.org

2) www.islamtomorrow.com

3) www.irf.net

4) Search in Google for free Quran.

5) www. irfny. com

6) Read sura Maryam in Quran

PROPHET MUHAMMAD (pbuh) IN THE BIBLE by Dr. Zakir Naik

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the Old Testament:

The Qur'an mentions in Surah Al-Araf chapter 7 verse 157:

"Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their

own (scriptures) in the law and the Gospel".

1. MUHAMMAD (PBUH) PROPHESISED IN THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY:

Almighty God speaks to Moses in Book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 18:

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."

The Christians say that this prophecy refers to Jesus (pbuh) because Jesus (pbuh) was like Moses (pbuh). Moses (pbuh) was a Jew, as well as Jesus (pbuh) was a Jew. Moses (pbuh) was a Prophet and Jesus (pbuh) was also a Prophet If these two are the only criteria for this prophecy to be fulfilled, then all the Prophets of the Bible who came after

Moses (pbuh) such as Solomon, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Malachi, John the Baptist, etc. (pbut) will

fulfill this prophecy since all were Jews as well as prophets. However, it is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who is like Moses (pbuh):

Both had a father and a mother, while Jesus (pbuh) was born miraculously without any male intervention.

[Mathew 1:18 and Luke 1:35 and also Al-Qur'an 3:42-47]

Both were married and had children. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not marry nor had children.

Both died natural deaths. Jesus (pbuh) has been raised up alive. (4:157-158)

Muhammad (pbuh) is from among the brethren of Moses (pbuh). Arabs are brethren of Jews. Abraham (pbuh) had two sons: Ishmail and Isaac (pbut). The Arabs are the descendants of Ishmail (pbuh) and the Jews are the descendants of Isaac (pbuh).

Words in the mouth:

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was unlettered and whatever revelations he received

from Almighty God he repeated them verbatim.

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."

[Deuteronomy 18:18]

iv) Both besides being Prophets were also kings i.e. they could inflict capital punishment. Jesus (pbuh) said, "My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36).

v) Both were accepted as Prophets by their people in their lifetime but Jesus (pbuh) was rejected by his

people. John chapter 1 verse 11 states, "He came unto his own, but his own received him not."

iv) Both brought new laws and new regulations for their people. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not bring any new laws. (Mathew 5:17-18).

112. Surah Al-lkhlaas or At-Tauhid (The Purity)

1. Say (O Muhammad (5^5)): "He is Allah, (the) One.

2. "Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks).

3. "He begets not, nor was He begotten;

4. "And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him." Quran

(according to historians original bible does not exist) search in google!!!

(The punishment of raping a women in islam is death penalty)!!!

if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.Quran.

2. It is Mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 18:19

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not harken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him."

3. Muhammad (pbuh) is prophesised in the book of Isaiah:

It is mentioned in the book of Isaiah chapter 29 verse 12:

"And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned."

When Archangel Gabrail commanded Muhammad (pbuh) by saying Iqra - "Read", he replied, "I am not learned".

4. prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mentioned by name in the old testament:

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:

prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mentioned by name in the old testament: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:"Hikko Mamittakim we kullo Muhammadim Zehdoodeh wa Zehraee Bayna Jerusalem.""His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."ln the Hebrew language im is added for respect. Similarely im is added after the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to make it Muhammadim. In English translation they have even translated the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as "altogether lovely", but in the Old Testament in Hebrew, the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is yet present.It's majestic plural noun like Elohim which refers to 1 God only.so Muhammadim also refers to 1 Muhammad even though im can refer also to be plural.(Edited by Faisal)

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the New Testament: Al-Qur'an Chapter 61 Verse 6:

"And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed.' But when he came to them with clear signs, they said, 'This is evident sorcery!'"

All the prophecies mentioned in the Old Testament regarding Muhammad (pbuh) besides applying to the Jews also hold good for the Christians.

1.

John chapter 14 verse 16:

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever."

2. Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26:

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit

of truth, which

proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me."

3. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7:

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not

come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you".

"Ahmed" or "Muhammad" meaning "the one who praises" or "the praised one" is almost the translation of the

Greek word Periclytos. In the Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7. The word 'Comforter' is used in the English translation for the Greek word Paracletos which means advocate or a kind friend rather than a comforter.

Paracletos is the warped reading for Periclytos. Jesus (pbuh) actually prophesised Ahmed by name. Even the

Greek word Paraclete refers to the Prophet (pbuh) who is a mercy for all creatures.

Some Christians say that the Comforter mentioned in these prophecies refers to the Holy Sprit. They fail to realise

that the prophecy clearly says that only if Jesus (pbuh) departs will the Comforter come. The Bible states that the

Holy Spirit was already present on earth before and during the time of Jesus (pbuh), in the womb of Elizabeth, and again when Jesus (pbuh) was being baptised, etc. Hence this prophecy refers to none other than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

4. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14:

"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak

page17 of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me".

The Sprit of Truth, spoken about in this prophecy referes to none other than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

NOTE : All quotations of the Bible are taken from the King James Version.

The Quran and Modern Science

On Faith , The Holy Quran | by Dr. Maurice Bucaille (Edited by Dr. A. A. Bilal Philips) EDITOR'S FOREWORD

This booklet by Dr. Maurice Bucaille has been in circulation for the past nineteen years and has been a very effective tool in presenting Islam to non-Muslims as well as introducing Muslims to aspects of the scientific miracle of the Qur'an. It is based on a transcription of a lecture given by Dr. Bucaille in French. In this reprint, I decided to improve its presentation by simplifying the language and editing the text from an oral format to a pamphlet format. There were also passing references made by the author to material in his book, The Bible, the Qur'an and Science, which needed explanation. I took the liberty of including explanatory portions from his book where more detail was necessary. A few footnotes were also added for clarity and a hadeeth which the author mentioned was replaced due to its inauthenticity. There were also some corrections made to the historical material on the compilation of the Qur'an.

It is my hope that these slight improvements will make this excellent work even more effective in presenting the final revelation of God to mankind.

Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

Director/Islamic Information Center Dubai

U.A.E.

May, 1995

INTRODUCTION . >

On the 9th of November, 1976, an unusual lecture was given at the French Academy of -Medicine. Its title was "Physiological and Embryological data in the Qur'an". I f presented the study based on the existence of certain statements concerning physiology and reproduction in the Qur'an. My reason for presenting this lecture was because it is impossible to explain how a text produced in the seventh century could have contained ideas that have only been discovered in modern times.

18 For the first time, I spoke to members of a learned medical society on subjects

whose basic concepts they all knew well, but 1 could, just as easily, have pointed out statements of a scientific nature contained in the Qur'an and other subjects to specialists from other disciplines. Astronomers, zoologists, geologists and specialists in the history of the earth would all have been struck, just as forcibly as medical doctors, by the presence in the Qur'an of highly accurate reflections on natural phenomena. These reflections are particularly astonishing when we consider the history of science, and can only lead us to the conclusion that they are a challenge to human explanation.

There is no human work in existence that contains statements as far beyond the level of knowledge of its time as the Qur'an. Scientific opinions comparable to those in the Qur'an are the result of modern knowledge. In the commentaries to translations of the Qur'an that have appeared in European languages, 1 have only been able to find scattered and vague references to them. Nor do commentators writing in Arabic provide a complete study of the aspects of the Qur'an that deal with scientific matters. This is why the idea of a comprehensive study of the problem appealed to me. In addition to this, a comparative study of similar data contained in the Bible (Old Testament and Gospels) seemed desirable. Thus, a research project was developed from the comparison of certain passages in the Holy Scriptures of each monotheistic religion with modern scientific knowledge. The project resulted in the publication of a book entitled, The Bible, the Qur'an and Science. The first French edition appeared in May 1976. English and Arabic editions have since been published.

RELIGION AND SCIENCE

There is, perhaps, no better illustration of the close links between Islam and science than the Prophet Muhammad's often-quoted statements:

"Seeking knowledge is compulsory on every Muslim."

"wisdom is the lost property of the believer."

"whoever follows a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make his path to paradise easy."

These statements and many others are veritable invitations to humanity to enrich their knowledge from all sources. It comes as no surprise, therefore, to learn that in Islam religion and science have always been considered as twin sisters and that today, at a time when science has taken such great strides, they still continue to be associated. Nor is it a surprise to learn that certain scientific data are used for the better understanding of the Qur'anic text. What is more, in a century where, for many people, scientific truth has dealt a deathblow to religious belief, it is precisely the discoveries of science that, in an objective examination of the Islamic scripture, have highlighted the supernatural nature of revelation and the authenticity of the religion which it taught.

When all is said and done, scientific knowledge seems, in spite of what many people may say or think, to be highly conducive to reflection on the existence of God. Once we begin to ask ourselves, in an unbiased or unprejudiced way, about the metaphysical lessons to be derived

from some of today's knowledge, (for example our evolving knowledge of the smallest components of matter or the questions surrounding the origin of life within inanimate matter), we indeed discover many reasons for thinking about God. When we think about the remarkable organization presiding over the birth and maintenance of life, it becomes clear that the likelihood of it being the result of chance lessens quite considerably.

19 As our knowledge of science in the various fields expands, certain concepts must seem

increasingly unacceptable. For example, the idea enthusiastically expressed by the recent French winner of the Nobel prize for medicine, that living matter was self-created from simple chemical elements due to chance circumstances. Then from this point it is claimed that living organisms evolved, leading to the remarkably complex being called man. To me, it would seem that the scientific advancements made in understand the fantastic complexity of higher beings provides stronger arguments in favor of the opposite theory: that the existence of an extraordinarily

methodical organization presiding over the remarkable arrangement of the phenomena of life necessitates the existence of a Creator.

In many parts of the Book, the Qur'an, encourages this kind of general reflection but also contains infinitely more precise data which are directly related to facts discovered by modern science. It is precisely this data which exercise a magnetic attraction for today's scientists.

The Qur'an and Science

For many centuries, humankind was unable to study certain data contained in the verses of the Qur'an because they did not possess sufficient scientific means. It is only today that numerous verses of the Qur'an dealing with natural phenomena have become comprehensible. A reading of old commentaries on the Qur'an, however knowledgeable their authors may have been in their day, bears solemn witness to a total inability to grasp the depth of meaning in such verses. I could even go so far as to say that, in the 20th century, with its compartmentalization of ever-increasing knowledge, it is still not easy for the average scientist to understand everything he reads in the Qur'an on such subjects, without having recourse to specialized research. This means that to understand all such verses of the Qur'an, one is nowadays required to have an absolutely encyclopedic knowledge embracing many scientific disciplines.

I should like to stress, that 1 use the word science to mean knowledge which has been soundly established. It does not include the theories which, for a time, help to explain a phenomenon or a series of phenomena, only to be abandoned later on in favor of other explanations. These newer explanations have become more plausible thanks to scientific progress. I only intend to deal with comparisons between statements in the Qur'an and scientific knowledge which are not likely to be subject to further discussion. Wherever I introduce scientific facts which are not yet 100% established, I will make it quite clear.

There are also some very rare examples of statements in the Qur'an which have not, as yet, been confirmed by modern science. I shall refer to these by pointing out that all the evidence available today leads scientists to regard them as being highly probable. An example of this is the

statement in the Qur'an that life has an aquatic origin ( "And I created every living thing out of water" Qur'an, 21:30).

These scientific considerations should not, however, make us forget that the Qur'an remains a religious book par excellence and that it cannot be expected to have a scientific purpose per se. In the Qur'an, whenever humans are invited to reflect upon the wonders of creation and the numerous natural phenomena, they can easily see that the obvious intention is to stress Divine Omnipotence. The fact that, in these reflections, we can find allusions to data connected with scientific knowledge is surely another of God's gifts whose value must shine out in an age where scientifically based atheism seeks to gain control of society at the expense of the belief in God. But the Qur'an does not need unusual characteristics like this to make its supernatural nature felt. Scientific statements such as these are only one specific aspect of the Islamic revelation which the Bible does not share.

20 Throughout my research I have constantly tried to remain totally objective. I

believe I have succeeded in approaching the study of the Qur'an with the same objectivity that a doctor has when opening a file on a patient. In other words, only by carefully analyzing all the symptoms can one arrive at an accurate diagnosis. 1 must admit that it was certainly not faith in Islam that first guided my steps, but simply a desire to search for the truth. This is how I see it today. It was mainly the facts which, by the time I had finished my study, led me to see the Qur'an as the divinely-revealed text it really is.

AUTHENTICITY OF QUR'AN

Before getting to the essence of the subject, there is a very important point which must be considered: the authenticity of the Qur'anic text.

It is known that the text of the Qur'an was both recited from memory, during the time it was revealed, by the Prophet and the believers who surrounded him, and written down by designated scribes among his followers. This process lasted for roughly twenty-three years during which many unofficial copies were made. An official copy was made within one year after the Prophet's death at the instruction of Caliph Abu Bakr.

Here we must note a highly important point. The present text of the Qur'an benefited in its original preparation from the advantage of having its authenticity cross-checked by the text recited from memory as well as the unofficial written texts. The memorized text was of paramount importance at a time when not everyone could read and write, but everybody could memorize. Moreover, the need for a written record was included in the text of the Qur'an itself. The first five verses of chapter al-'Alaq, which happen to constitute the first revelation made to the Prophet (S), express this quite clearly:

"Read: In the name of your Lord who created. Who created man from a clinging entity. Read! Your Lord is the most Noble, Who taught by the pen. Who taught man what he did not know." Qur'an, 96:1-5

These are surely words in "praise of the pen as a means of human knowledge", to use Professor Hamidullah's expression.

Then came the Caliphate of 'Uthman (which lasted from the twelfth to the twenty-fourth year following Muhammad's death). Within the first two years of Caliph 'Uthman's rule, seven official copies were reproduced from the official text and distributed throughout a large area of the world which had already come under Islamic rule. All unofficial copies existing at that time were destroyed and all future copies were made from the official seven copies.

In my book, The Bible, the Qur'an and Science, I have quoted passages from the Qur'an which came from the period prior to the Hijrah (the Prophet's emigration from Makkah to Madeenah in the year 622) and which allude to the writing of the Qur'an before the Prophet's departure from Makkah.

There were, moreover, many witnesses to the immediate transcription of the Qur'anic revelation.

Professor Jacques Berque has told me of the great importance he attaches to it in comparison p23 with the long gap separating the writing down of the Judeo-Christian revelation from the facts and events which it relates. Let us not forget that today we also have a number of manuscripts of the first written versions of the Qur'an which were from a time period very close to the time of revelation.

21 1 shall also mention another fact of great importance. We shall examine statements in

the Qur'an which today appear to merely record scientific truth, but of which men in former times were only able to grasp the apparent meaning. In some cases, these statements were totally incomprehensible. It is impossible to imagine that, if there were any alterations to the texts, these obscure passages scattered throughout the text of the Qur'an, were all able to escape human manipulation. The slightest alteration to the text would have automatically destroyed the remarkable coherence which is characteristic to them. Change in any text would have prevented us from establishing their total conformity with modern knowledge. The presence of these statements spread throughout the Qur'an looks (to the impartial observer) like an obvious hallmark of its authenticity.

The Qur'an is a revelation made known to humans in the course of twenty-three years. It spanned two periods of almost equal length on either side of the Hijrah. In view of this, it was natural for reflections having a scientific aspect to be scattered throughout the Book. In a study, such as the one we have made, we had to regroup the verses according to subject matter, collecting them chapter by chapter.

How should they be classified? 1 could not find any indications in the Qur'an suggesting any particular classification, so I decided present them according to my own personal one.

It would seem to me, that the first subject to deal with is Creation. Here it is possible to compare the verses referring to this topic with the general ideas prevalent today on the formation of the Universe. Next, I divided up verses under the following general headings: Astronomy, the Earth, the Animal and Vegetable Kingdoms, Humans, and Human Reproduction in particular. Furthermore, 1 thought it useful to make a comparison between Qur'anic and Biblical narrations on the same topics from the point of view of modern knowledge. This has been done in the cases of Creation, the Flood and the Exodus. The reason that these topics were chosen is that knowledge acquired today can be used in the interpretation of the texts.

CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE

From an examination of creation as described in the Qur'an, an extremely important general concept emerges: The Qur'anic narration is quite different from the Biblical narration. This idea contradicts the parallels which are often wrongly drawn by Western authors to emphasize the resemblance between the two texts. To stress only the similarities, while silently ignoring the obvious dissimilarities, is to distort reality. There is, perhaps, a reason for this.

• When talking about creation, there is a strong tendency in the West to claim that Muhammad copied the general outlines mentioned in the Qur'an from the Bible.

• Certainly it is possible to compare the six days of creation as described in the Bible, plus an extra day for rest on God's Sabbath, with this verse from chapter al-A'raaf.

"Your Lord is God who created the heavens and the earth in six days." Qur'an, 7:54

However, it must be pointed out that modern commentators stress the interpretation of the Arabic word ayyaam, (one translation of which is 'days'), as meaning 'long periods' or 'ages' rather than periods of twenty-four hours.

22 What appears to be of fundamental importance to me is that, in contrast to the

narration contained in the Bible, the Qur'an does not lay down a sequence for creation of the earth and heavens. It refers both to the heavens before the earth and the earth before the heavens, when it talks of creation in general, as in this verse of chapter Taa Haa:

"(God) who created the earth and heavens above." Qur'an, 20:4

In fact, the notion derived from the Qur'an is one of a parallelism in the celestial and terrestrial evolutions. There are also basic pieces of information concerning the existence of an initial gaseous mass ( dukhaan) which are unique to the Qur'an. As well as descriptions of the elements which, although at first were fused together (ratq), they subsequently became separated (fatq). These ideas are expressed in chapters Fussilat and al-Anbiyaa:

"God then rose turning towards the heaven when it was smoke" Qur'an, 41:11

"Do the disbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then I split them apart?" Qur'an, 21:30

According to modern science, the separation process resulted in the formation of multiple worlds, a concept which appears dozens of times in the Qur'an. For example, look at the first chapter of the Qur'an, al-Faatihah:( "Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds." Qur'an, 1:1 ). These Qur'anic references are al 1 in perfect agreement with modern ideas on the existence of primary nebula (galactic dust), followed by the separation of the elements which resulted in the formation of galaxies and then stars from which the planets were born. Reference is also made in the Qur'an to an intermediary creation between the heavens and the earth, as seen in chapter al-Furqaan:

"God is the one who created the heavens, the earth and what is between them..." Qur'an, 25:59

It would seem that this intermediary creation corresponds to the modern discovery of bridges of matter which are present outside organized astronomical systems.

This brief survey of Qur'anic references to creation clearly shows us how modern scientific data and statements in the Qur'an consistently agree on a large number of points. In contrast, the successive phases of creation mentioned in the Biblical text are totally unacceptable. For

example, in Genesis 1:9-19 the creation of the earth (on the 3rd day) is placed before that of the heavens (on the 4th day). It is a well known fact that our planet came from its own star, the sun. In such circumstances, how could anyone claim that Muhammad, the supposed author of the Qur'an, drew his inspiration from the Bible. Such a claim would mean that, of his own accord, he corrected the Biblical text to arrive at the correct concept concerning the formation of the Universe. Yet the correct concept was reached by scientists many centuries after his death.

ASTRONOMY

Whenever I describe to Westerners the details the Qur'an contains on certain points of astronomy, it is common for someone to reply that there is nothing unusual in this since the Arabs made important discoveries in the field of astronomy long before the Europeans. But, this is a mistaken idea resulting from an ignorance of history. In the first place, science developed in the Arab World at a considerable time after the Qur'anic revelation had occurred. Secondly, the scientific knowledge prevalent at the highpoint of Islamic civilization would have made it impossible for any human being to have written

page23 statements on the heavens comparable to those in the Qur'an. The material

on this subject is so vast that 1 can only provide a brief outline of it here.

The Sun and Moon.

Whereas the Bible talks of the sun and the moon as two lights differing only in size, the Qur'an distinguishes between them by the use of different terms: light (noor) for the moon, and lamp (siraaj) for the sun.

"Did you see how Allah created seven heavens, one above the other, and made in them the moon a light and the sun a lamp?" Qur'an, 78:12-13

The moon is an inert body which reflects light, whereas the sun is a celestial body in a state of permanent combustion producing both light and heat.

Stars and Planets

The word 'star' (najm) in the Qur'an ( 86:3 ) is accompanied by the adjective thaaqib which indicates that it burns and consumes itself as it pierces through the shadows of the night. It was much later discovered that stars are heavenly bodies producing their own light like the sun.

In the Qur'an, a different word, kawkab, is used to refer to the planets which are celestial bodies that reflect light and do not produce their own light like the sun.

"We have adorned the lowest heaven with ornaments, the planets." Qur'an, 37:6

Orbits Today, the laws governing the celestial systems are well known. Galaxies are balanced by the position of stars and planets in well-defined orbits, as well as the interplay of gravitational forces produced by their masses and the speed of their movements. But is this not what the Qur'an describes in terms which have only become comprehensible in modern times. In chapter al-Ambiyaa we find:

"(God is) the one who created the night, the day, the sun and the moon. Each one is traveling in an orbit with its own motion." Qur'an,21:33

The Arabic word which expresses this movement is the verb yasbahoon which implies the idea of motion produced by a moving body, whether it is the movement of one's legs running on the ground, or the action of swimming in water. In the case of a celestial body, one is forced to translate it, according to its original meaning, as 'to travel with its own motion.'

In my book, The Bible, The Qur'an and Science, I have given the precise scientific data corresponding to the motion of celestial bodies. They are well known for the moon, but less widely known for the sun.

The Day and Night

The Qur'anic description of the sequence of day and night would, in itself, be rather commonplace were it not for the fact that it is expressed in terms that are today highly appropriate. The Qur'an uses the verb kawwara in chapter az-Zumar to describe the way the night 'winds' or 'coils' itself around the day and the day around the night.

"He coils the night upon the day and the day upon the night." Qur'an, 39:5

The original meaning of the verb kis to coil a turban around the head. This is a totally valid comparison; yet at the time the Qur'an was revealed, the astronomical data necessary to make this comparison were unknown. It is not until man landed on the moon and observed the earth spinning on its axis, that the dark half of the globe appeared to wind itself around the light and the light half appeared to wind itself around the dark.

The Solar Apex

The notion of a settled place for the sun is vividly described in chapter Yaa Seen of the Qur'an:

"The sun runs its coarse to a settled place That is the decree of the Almighty, the All Knowing." Qur'an, 36:38

"Settled place" is the translation of the word mustaqarr which indicates an exact appointed place and time. Modern astronomy confirms that the solar system is indeed moving in space at a rate of 12 miles per second towards a point situated in the constellation of Hercules ( alpha lyrae ) whose exact location has been precisely calculated. Astronomers have even give it a name, the solar apex.

Expansion of the UniverseChapter ath-Thaariyaat of the Qur'an also seems to allude to one of the most imposing discoveries of modern science, the expansion of the Universe.

"1 built the heaven with power and it is I, who am expanding it." Qur'an,51:47

The expansion of the universe was first suggested by the general theory of relativity and is supported by the calculations of astrophysics. The regular movement of the galactic light towards the red section of the spectrum is explained by the distancing of one galaxy from another. Thus, the size of the universe appears to be progressively increasing.

Conquest of Space

Among the achievements of modern science is the "conquest" of space which has resulted in mans journey to the moon. The prediction of this event surely springs to mind when we read the chapter ar-Rahmaan in the Qur'an:

"O assembly of Jinns and men, if you can penetrate the regions of the heavens and the earth, then penetrate them! You will not penetrate them except with authority."

Qur'an,55:33

Authority to travel in space can only come from the Creator of the laws which govern movement and space. The whole of this Qur'anic chapter invites humankind to recognize God's beneficence.

GEOLOGY

Let us now return to earth to discover some of the many amazing statements contained in Qur'anic reflections about our own planet. They deal, not only with the physical phenomena observed here on earth, but also with details concerning the living organisms that inhabit it.

25 As in the case of everything we have discussed so far, we shall see that the Qur'an

also expresses concepts in the field of geology that were way ahead of those current at the time of its revelation.

At this point, we must ask ourselves the following question: How could an uneducated man in the middle of the desert accurately tackle so many and such varied subjects at a time when mythology and superstition reigned supreme? How could he so skillfully avoid every belief that was proven to be totally inaccurate many centuries later?

Water Cycle

The verses dealing with the earthly systems are a case in point. I have quoted a large number of them in my book, The Bible, The Qur'an and Science, and have paid special attention to those that deal with the water cycle in nature. This is a topic which is well known today. Consequently, 28 the verses

in the Qur'an that refer to the water cycle seem to express ideas that are now totally self-evident. But if we consider the ideas prevalent at that time, they appear to be based more on myth and philosophical speculation than on observed fact, even though useful practical knowledge on soil irrigation was current at that period.

Let us examine, for example, the following verse in chapter az-Zumar:

"Have you not seen that Allah sent rain down from the sky and caused it to penetrate the ground and come forth as springs, then He caused crops of different colors to grow..." Qur'an,39:21

Such notions seem quite natural to us today, but we should not forget that, not so long ago, they were not prevalent. It was not until the sixteenth century, with Bernard Palissy, that we gained the first coherent description of the water cycle. Prior to this, people believed that the waters of the oceans, under the effect of winds, were thrust towards the interior of the continents. They then returned to the oceans via the great abyss, which, since Plato's time was called the Tartarus .In the seventeenth century, great thinkers such as Descartes still believed in this myth. Even in the nineteenth century there were still those who believed in Aristotle's theory that water was condensed in cool mountain caverns and formed underground lakes that fed springs. Today, we know that it is the infiltration of rain water into the ground that is responsible for this. If one compares the facts of modern hydrology with the data found in numerous verses of the Qur'an on this subject, one cannot fail to notice the remarkable degree of agreement between the two.

Mountains

In geology, modern science has recently discovered the phenomenon of folding which formed the mountain ranges. The earth's crust is like a solid shell, while the deeper layers are hot and fluid, and thus inhospitable to any form of life. It has also been discovered that the stability of mountains is linked to the phenomenon of folding. The process of mountain formation by folding drove the earth's crust down into the lower layers and provided foundations for the mountains.

Let us now compare modern ideas with one verse among many in the Qur'an that deals with this subject. It is taken from chapter an-Naba':

"Have We not made the earth an expanse and the mountains stakes?"

Qur'an, 78:6-7

26 Stakes ( awtaad), which are driven into the ground like those used to anchor a tent, are the

deep foundations of geological folds.

Here, as in the case of all the other topics presented, the objective observer cannot fail to notice the absence of any contradiction to modern knowledge.

BIOLOGYMore than anything else, I was struck by statements in the Qur'an dealing with living things, both in the animal and vegetable kingdoms, especially with regard to reproduction. We should really devote much more time to this subject, but, due to the limited scope of this presentation, 1 can only give a few examples.

1 must once again stress the fact that it is only in modern times that scientific progress has made the hidden meaning of some Qur'anic verses comprehensible to us. Numerous translations and commentaries on the Qur'an have been made by learned men who had no access to modern scientific knowledge. It is for this reason that scientists find some of their interpretations unacceptable.

There are also other verses whose obvious meanings are easily understood, but which conceal

scientific meanings which are startling, to say the least. This is the case of a verse in chapter al-Ambiyaa, a part of which has already been quoted:

"Do the unbelievers not realize that the heavens and the earth were joined together,

then 1 clove them asunder and 1 made every living thing out of water. Will they still not believe?" Qur'an, 21:30

This is a dramatic affirmation of the modern idea that the origin of life is aquatic. Botany

Progress in botany at the time of Muhammad (S) was not advanced enough in any country for scientists to know that plants have both male and female parts. Nevertheless, we may read the following in the chapter Taa Haa:

"(God is the One who) sent down rain from the sky and with it brought forth a variety of plants in pairs." Qur'an, 20:53

Today we know that fruit comes from plants that have sexual characteristics even when they come from unfertilized flowers, like bananas. In the chapter ar-Ra'd we read the following:

"... and of all fruits (God) placed (on the earth) two pairs." Qur'an, 13:3

Physiology

In the field of physiology, there is one verse which appears extremely significant to me. One thousand years before the discovery of the blood circulatory system, and roughly thirteen centuries before it was determined that the internal organs were nourished by the process of digestive , a verse in the Qur'an described the source of the constituents of milk, in conformity with scientific facts.

27 To understand this verse, it must first be known that chemical reactions occur

between food and enzymes in the mouth, the stomach and the intestines releasing nutrients in molecular form which are then absorbed into the circulatory system through countless microscopic projections of the intestinal wall called villi. Blood in the circulatory system then transports the nutrients to all the organs of the body, among which are the milk-producing mammary glands.

This biological process must be basically understood, if we are to understand a verse in the Qur'an which has for many centuries given rise to commentaries that were totally incomprehensible.

Today it is not difficult to see why! This verse is taken from the chapter an-Nahl:

"Verily, in cattle there is a lesson for yon. I give you drink from their insides, coming from a conjunction between the digested contents ( of the intestines ) and the blood, milk pure and pleasant for those who drink it." Qur'an, 16:66

The constituents of milk are secreted by the mammary glands which are nourished by the product of food digestion brought to them by the bloodstream. The initial event which sets the whole process in motion is the conjunction of the contents of the intestine and blood at the level of the intestinal wall itself.

This very precise concept is the result of the discoveries made in the chemistry and physiology of the digestive system over one thousand years after the time of Prophet Muhammad (S).

EMBRYOLOGY

There are a multitude of statements in the Qur'an on the subject of human reproduction which constitute a challenge to the embryologist seeking a human explanation for them. It was only after the birth of the basic sciences which contributed to our knowledge of biology and the invention of the microscope, that humans were able to understand the depth of those Qur'anic statements. It was impossible for a human being living in the early seventh century to have accurately expressed such ideas. There is nothing to indicate that people in the Middle-East and Arabia knew anything more about this subject than people living in Europe or anywhere else. Today, there are many Muslims, possessing a thorough knowledge of the Qur'an and natural sciences, who have recognized the amazing similarity between the verses of the Qur'an dealing with reproduction and modern scientific knowledge.

I shall always remember the comment of an eighteen-year-old Muslim, brought up in Saudi Arabia, commenting on a reference to human reproduction as described in the Qur'an. He pointed to the Qur'an and said, "This book provides us with all the essential information on the subject. When I was at school, my teachers used the Qur'an to explain how children were born. Your books on sex-education are a bit late on the scene!"

If I were to spend as long on all the details of reproduction contained in the Qur'an, as the subject merits, this pamphlet would become a book. The detailed linguistic and scientific

explanations I have given in The Bible, The Qur'an and Science are sufficient for the person who does not speak Arabic nor know much about embryology to be able to understand the meaning of such verses in the light of modern science in more depth.

It is especially in the field of embryology that a comparison between the beliefs present at the time of the Qur'an's revelation and modern scientific data, leaves us amazed at the degree of agreement between the Qur'an's statements and modern scientific knowledge. Not to mention the total absence of any reference in the Qur'an to the mistaken ideas that were prevalent around the world at the time.

Fertilization

Let us now isolate, from all these verses, precise ideas concerning the complexity of the semen and the fact that an infinitely small quantity is required to ensure fertilization. In chapter al-lnsaan the Qur'an states:

"Verily, I created humankind from a small quantity of mingled fluids." Qur'an, 76:2

The Arabic word nutfah has been translated as "small quantity". It comes from the verb meaning 'to dribble, to trickle' and is used to describe what remains in the bottom of a bucket which has been emptied. The verse correctly implies that fertilization is performed by only a very small volume of liquid.

On the other hand, mingled fluids ( amshaaj) has been understood by early commentators to refer to the mixture of male and female discharges. Modern authors have corrected this view and note that the sperm is made up of various components.

When the Qur'an talks of a fertilizing fluid composed of different components, it also informs us that human progeny will be formed from something extracted from this liquid. This is the meaning of the following verse in chapter as-Sajdah:

"Then He made [ man's ] offspring from the essence of a despised fluid." Qur'an, 32:8

The Arabic word translated by the term 'essence' is sulaalah which means 'something extracted, the best part of a thing'. In whatever way it is translated, it refers to part of a whole. Under normal conditions, only one single cell, spermatozoon, out of over 50 million ejaculated by a man during sexual intercourse will actually penetrate the ovule.

Implantation

Once the egg has been fertilized in the fallopian tube, it descends to lodge itself inside the uterus. This process is called the 'implantation of the egg'. Implantation is a result of the development of villosities, which, like roots in the soil, draw nourishment from the wall of the uterus and make the egg literally cling to the womb. The process of implantation is appropriately described in several verses by the word 'alaq, which is also the title of the chapter in which one of the verses appears:

"God fashioned humans from a clinging entity." Qur'an, 96:2

I do not think there is any reasonable translation of the word 'alaq other than to use it in its original sense. It is a mistake to speak of a 'blood clot' here, which is the term Professor Hamidullah uses in his translation. It is a derivative meaning which is not as appropriate in this context.

Embryo

The evolution of the embryo inside the maternal uterus is only briefly described, but the description is accurate, because the simple words referring to it correspond exactly to fundamental stages in its growth. This is what we read in a verse from the chapter al-Mu'minoon:

29 "I fashioned the clinging entity into a chewed lump of flesh and 1 fashioned the chewed

flesh into bones and 1 clothed the bones with intact flesh." Qur'an, 23:14

The term 'chewed flesh' (mudghah) corresponds exactly to the appearance of the embryo at a certain stage in its development.

It is known that the bones develop inside this mass and that they are then covered with muscle. This is the meaning of the term 'intact flesh' (lahm).

The embryo passes through a stage where some parts are in proportion and others out of proportion with what is later to become the individual. This is the obvious meaning of a verse in the chapter al-Hajj, which reads as follows:

"1 fashioned (humans) a clinging entity, then into a lump of flesh in proportion and out of proportion." Qur'an, 22:5.

Next, we have a reference to the appearance of the senses and internal organs in the chapter as-Sajdah: "... and (God) gave you ears, eyes and hearts." Qur'an, 32:9

Nothing here contradicts today's data and, furthermore, none of the mistaken ideas of the time have crept into the Qur'an. Throughout the Middle Ages there were a variety of beliefs about human development based on myths and speculations which continued for several centuries after the period. The most fundamental stage in the history of embryology came in 1651 with Harvey's statement that "all life initially comes from an egg". At that time, when science had benefited greatly from the invention of the microscope, people were still arguing about the respective roles of the egg and spermatozoon. Buffon, the great naturalist, was one of those in favor of the egg theory.Bonnet, on

the other hand, supported the theory of 'the ovaries of Eve', which stated that Eve, the mother of the human race, was-supposed to have had inside her the seeds of all human beings packed together one inside the other.

BIBLE,QUR'AN AND SCIENCE

We have now come to the last subject 1 would like to present in this short pamphlet: it is the comparison between modern knowledge and passages in the Qur'an that are also referred to in the Bible. Creation

We have already come across some of the contradictions between scripture and science regarding the creation of the universe. When dealing with that topic, 1 stressed the perfect agreement between modern knowledge and verses in the Qur'an, and pointed out that the Biblical narration contained statements that were scientifically unacceptable. This is hardly surprising if we are aware that the narration of the creation contained in the Bible was the work of priests living in the sixth century BC, hence the term 'sacerdotal' ( priestly ) narration is officially used to refer to it. The narration seems to have been conceived as the theme of a sermon designed to exhort people to observe the Sabbath. The narration was constructed with a definite end in view, and as Father de Vaux (a former head of the Biblical School of Jerusalem) has noted, this end was essentially legalist in character.

30 The Bible also contains a much shorter and older narration of Creation, the so-called

'Yahvist' version, which approaches the subject from a completely different angle. They are both taken from Genesis, the first book of the Pentateuch or Torah. Moses is supposed to have been its author, but the text we have today has undergone many changes.

The sacerdotal narration of Genesis is famous for its whimsical genealogies, that go back to Adam, and which nobody takes very seriously. Nevertheless, such Gospel authors as Matthew and Luke have reproduced them, more or less word-for-word, in their genealogies of Jesus. Matthew goes back as far as Abraham, and Luke to Adam. These writings are scientifically unacceptable, because they set a date for the age of the world and the time humans appeared on Earth, which most definitely contradicts what modern science has firmly established. The Qur'an, on the other hand, is completely free of dates of this kind.

Earlier on, we noted how perfectly the Qur'an agrees with modern ideas on the formation of the Universe. On the other hand, the Biblical narration of primordial waters is hardly, nor is the creation of light on the first day before the creation of the stars which produce this light; the existence of an evening and a morning before the creation of the earth; the creation of the earth on the third day before that of the sun on the fourth; the appearance of beasts of the earth on the sixth day after the appearance of the birds of the air on the fifth day, although the former came first. All these statements are the result of beliefs prevalent at the time this text was written and do not have any other meaning.

Age of the Earth As for the Biblical genealogies which form the basis of the Jewish calendar and assert that today the world is 5738 years old, these are hardly admissible either. Our solar system may well be four and a quarter billion years old, and the appearance of human beings on earth, as we know him today, may be estimated in tens of thousands of years, if not more. It is absolutely essential, therefore, to note that the Qur'an does not contain any such indications as to the age of the world, and that these are specific to the Biblical text.

The Flood

There is a second highly significant subject of comparison between the Bible and the Qur'an; descriptions of the deluge. In actual fact, the Biblical narration is a fusion of two descriptions in which events are related differently. The Bible speaks of a universal flood and places it roughly 300 years before Abraham.

According to what we know of Abraham, this would imply a universal cataclysm around the twenty-first or twenty-second century BC This story would be untenable, in view of presently available historical data. How can we accept the idea that, in the twenty-first or twenty-second century BC, all civilization was wiped off the face of the earth by a universal cataclysm, when we know that this period corresponds, for example, to the one preceding the Middle Kingdom in Egypt, at roughly the date of the first Intermediary period before the eleventh dynasty? It is historically unacceptable to maintain that, at this time, humanity was totally wiped out. None of the preceding statements is acceptable according to modern knowledge. From this point of view, we can measure the enormous gap separating the Bible from the Qur'an.

In contrast to the Bible, the narration contained in the Qur'an deals with a cataclysm that is limited to Noah's people. They were punished for their sins, as were other ungodly peoples. The Qur'an does not fix the cataclysm in time. There are absolutely no historical or archaeological objections to the narration in the Qur'an.

The Pharaoh

31 A third point of comparison, which is extremely significant, is the story of Moses, and

especially the Exodus from Egypt of the Hebrews. Here 1 can only give a highly compressed account of a study on this subject that appears in my book. I have noted the points where the Biblical and Qur'anic narrations agree and disagree, and 1 have found points where the two texts complement each other in a very useful way.

Among the many hypotheses, concerning the historical time-frame occupied by the Exodus in the history of the pharaohs, 1 have concluded that the most likely is the theory which makes Merneptah, Ramesses IPs successor, the pharaoh of the Exodus. The comparison of the data contained in the Scriptures with archeological evidence strongly supports this hypothesis. 1 am pleased to be able to say that the Biblical narration contributes weighty evidence leading us to situate Moses in the history of the pharaohs. Moses was probably born during the reign of Ramesses II. Biblical data, are therefore of considerable historical value in the story of Moses. A medical study of the mummy of Merneptah has yielded further useful information on the p35 possible causes of this pharaoh's death. The fact that we possess the mummy of this pharaoh is one of paramount importance. The Bible records that pharaoh was engulfed in the sea, but does not give any details as to what subsequently became of his corpse. The Qur'an, in chapter Yoonus, notes that the body of the pharaoh would be saved from the waters:

"Today I will save your dead body so that you may be a sign for those who come after you." Qur'an, 10:92

A medical examination of this mummy, has, shown that the body could not have stayed in the water for long, because it does not show signs of deterioration due to prolonged submersion. Here again, the comparison between the narration in the Qur'an and the data provided by modern knowledge does not give rise to the slightest objection from a scientific point of view.

Such points of agreement are characteristic of the Qur'anic revelation. But, are we throwing the Judeo-Christian revelation into discredit and depriving it of all its intrinsic value by stressing the faults as seen from a scientific point of view? I think not because the criticism is not aimed at the text as a whole, but only at certain passages. There are parts of the Bible which have an undoubted historical value. I have shown that in my book, The Bible, The Qur'an and Science, where I discuss passages which enable us to locate Moses in time.

The main causes which brought about such differences as arise from the comparison between the Holy Scriptures and modern knowledge is known to modern scholars. The Old Testament constitutes a collection of literary works produced in the course of roughly nine centuries and which has undergone many alterations. The part played by men in the actual composition of the texts of the Bible is quite considerable.

The Qur'anic revelation, on the other hand, has a history which is radically different. As we have already seen, from the moment it was first commto humans, it was learnt by heart and written down during Muhammad's own lifetime. It is thanks to this fact that the Qur'an does not pose any problem of authenticity.

A totally objective examination of the Qur'an, in the light of modern knowledge, leads us to recognize the agreement between the two, as has already been noted on repeated occasions throughout this presentation.

It makes us deem it quite unthinkable for a man of Muhammad's time to have been the author of such statements, on account of the state of knowledge in his day. Such considerations are part of what gives the

32 Qur'anic revelation its unique place among religious and non-religious texts,

and forces the impartial scientist to admit his inability to provide an explanation based solely upon materialistic reasoning.Such facts as I have had the pleasure of exposing to you here, appear to represent a genuine challenge to human explanation leaving only one alternative: the Qur'an is undoubtedly a revelation from God.

killing innocent human is a major sin in Islam & Islam is against terrorismprophet Muhammad said no one has the right to burn anything only god has the right to burn someone which is in hell, love peace for all. may god bless &save us all. The basic belief of Islam:There is no god but allah. adam,abraham,moses,jesus& Mohammad were all messangers of one creater god allah.allah is uncomparable With no beganing& end.so allah is forever.he is 1 with no partner& no image & no gender.

What non Muslim scholars say about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

During the centuries of the crusades, all sorts of slanders were invented against the Prophet Muhammad (p)2. However, with the birth of the modern age, marked with religious tolerance and freedom of thought, there has been a great change in the approach of Western authors in their delineation of his life and character.

The West, however, has yet to go a step forward to

discover the greatest reality about Muhammad (p); that is his being the true and the last Prophet of God for all humanity.

Despite all its objectivity and enlightenment, there has been no sincere and objective attempt by the West to understand the Prophethood of Muhammad (p). It is so strange that very glowing tributes are paid to him for his integrity and achievement but his claim of being the Prophet of God is rejected explicitly or implicitly. It is here that a searching of the heart is required, and a review of the so-called objectivity is needed. The following glaring facts from the life of Muhammad (p) have been furnished to facilitate an unbiased, logical and objective decision regarding his Prophethood.

Up to the age of forty, Muhammad (p) was not known as a statesman, a preacher or an orator. He was never seen discussing the principles of metaphysics, ethics, law, politics, economics or sociology. No doubt he possessed an excellent character and charming manners and was known to be highly cultured. Yet there was nothing so deeply striking and so radically extraordinary in him that would make men expect something great and revolutionary from him in the future. But when he came out of the Cave of Hira, with a new message, he was completely transformed. .Is it possible for a person known to possess an upright and unblemished character, to suddenly turn an impostor, and claim to be the

33 Prophet of God?. It is well known that his claim invited the rage of

his people, and marked the beginning of a long, arduous struggle. One might ask: .for what reason did he suffer all those hardships?His people offered to accept him as their King and to lay all the riches of the land at his feet if only he would leave the preaching of his message. But he turned down their alluring offers and continued to preach in the face of insults, social boycott and even physical assault. Furthermore, had he come with a design of rivalry with the Christians and the Jews, why should he have believed in Jesus Christ and Moses and other Prophets of God (peace be upon them), which is a basic requirement of faith without which no one could be a Muslim?

It is well known that Muhammad (p) was unlettered and had led a very uneventful life before he announced his mission to the world at the age of forty. Is it not an incontrovertible proof of his Prophethood, that despite being unlettered, all of Arabia stood in awe and wonder when he began preaching his message, and was bewitched by the wonderful eloquence of his message? The whole legion of Arab poets, preachers and orators of the highest caliber failed to bring forth the equivalent of the Qur.an, which remains inimitable to this day. And above all, how could he then pronounce truths of scientific nature contained in the Qur.an that no human being could possibly have discovered at that time

Last, but not the least, why did he lead a hard life even after gaining power and authority? The words he uttered while dying were: .We the community of the Prophets are not inherited. Whatever we leave is for charity. As a matter of fact, Muhammad (p), is the last link of Prophets sent in different lands and times since the beginning of the human life on earth.

If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples and dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and souls... His forbearance in victory, his ambition, which was entirely devoted to one idea and in no manner striving for an empire; his endless prayers, his mystic conversations with God, his death and his triumph after death; all these attest not to an impostor but to a firm conviction which gave him the power to restore a dogma. This dogma was twofold, the unity of God and the immateriality of God; the former telling what God is, the latter telling what God is not; the one overthrowing false gods with the sword, the other starting an idea with the words.

Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man

34 greater than he?[Lamartine, Histoire de la Turquie, Paris 1854 Vol.

II, pp. 276-77.]

It is not the propagation but the permanency of his religion that deserves our wonder; the same pure and perfect impression that he engraved at Mecca and Medina is preserved, after the revolutions of twelve centuries by the Indian, the African and the Turkish proselytes of the Koran... The Mahometans have uniformly withstood the temptation of reducing the object of their faith and devotion to a level with the senses and imagination of man. I believe in One God and Mahomet the Apostle of God., is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honors of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue; and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion.[Edward Gibbon and Simon Ocklay, History of the Saracen Empire, London 1870, p. 54.]

He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Popes pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar: without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammad, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports.[Bosworth Smifu, Mohammad and Mohammadanism. London 1874, p. 92.]

.It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher.[Annie Besant, The Life and Teachings of Muhammad, Madras 1932, p.4]

His readiness to undergo persecutions for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad.[W. Montgomery, Mohammad at Mecca, Oxford, 1953, p. 52.]

Muhammad, the inspired man who founded Islam, was born about A.D. 570 into an Arabian tribe that worshipped idols. Orphaned at birth, he was always particularly solicitous of the poor and needy, the widow and the orphan, the slave and the downtrodden. At twenty he was already a successful businessman, and soon became director of camel caravans for a wealthy widow. When he reached twenty-five his employer, recognizing his merit, proposed marriage. Even though she was fifteen years older, he married her, and as long as she lived remained a devoted husband.

35 Like almost every major prophet before him, Muhammad fought

shy of serving as the transmitter of God.s word, sensing his own inadequacy. But the angel commanded Read.. So far as we know, Muhammad was unable to read or write, but he began to dictate those inspired words which would soon revolutionize a large segment of the earth; .There is one God.

In all things Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occurred, and rumors of God.s personal condolence quickly arose. Whereupon Muhammad is said to have announced, An eclipse is a phenomenon of nature. It is foolish to attribute such things to the death or birth of a human being..

At Muhammad.s own death an attempt was made to deify him, but the man who was to become his administrative successor killed the hysteria with one of the noblest speeches in religious history: If there are any among you who worshipped Muhammad, he is dead. But if it is God you worshipped, He lives forever.. [James A. Michener, Islam The Misunderstood Religion., In the Reader.s Digest (American Edition) for May 1955, pp. 68-70.]

[Source : WAMY3 Series on Islam]

1. The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, p. 33.

2. (p) here stands for .peace be upon him3. World Assembly of Muslim Youth

Was prophet Jesus punished for other peoples sins:No,it was his enemy whose look was turned into the look &face of jesus.jesus was taken alive to heaven by God.jesus will come back and will die on this earth as a human & messenger of allah.from Adam to Moses to Jesus to Mohammad god sent all of them as messengers & they were all muslims.God is the most just .He never does unjust.Every one will be punished for their own sins.God will never punish Jesus or anyone for the sins of others because that's unjust & common sence.God is the most merciful he will forgive whoever he wishes to. But the sinner will have to ask for forgiveness ,beg for it & promise god to not to repeat it again & god will forgive. Pray to god:god you love forgiveness,you are the forgiver I'm a sinner so please forgive me. people judge people .Allah judges you by your heart.

(Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening) al Quran)In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds,The Beneficent, the Merciful.Owner of the Day of Judgment,Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.Guide us on the

36 straight path,

The path of those whom Thou hast favored;Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger

nor of those who go astray.

(1 : 1-7)

What does Islam say about Terrorism?

One of the distinctive characteristics of the times we live in is the overwhelming presence of violence in our societies. Whether it is a bomb going off in a market place, or the hijacking of an aircraft where innocent people are held at ransom to achieve political ends, we live in an age, where the manipulation and loss of innocent lives has become commonplace. Such is the all-pervasive nature of indiscriminate violence, that "terrorism" is considered as one of the prime threats to peace and security in our societies.

The word terrorism came into wide usage only a few decades ago. One of the unfortunate results of this new terminology is that it limits the definition of terrorism to that perpetrated by small groups or individuals. Terrorism, in fact, spans the entire world, and manifests itself in various forms. Its perpetrators do not fit any stereotype. Those who hold human lives cheap, and have the power to expend human lives, appear at different levels in our societies. The frustrated employee who kills his colleagues in cold-blood or the oppressed citizen of an occupied land who vents his anger by blowing up a school bus are terrorists who provoke our anger and revulsion. Ironically however, the politician who uses age-old ethnic animosities between peoples to consolidate his position, the head of state who orders "carpet bombing" of entire cities, the exalted councils that choke millions of civilians to death by wielding the insidious weapon of sanctions, are rarely punished for their crimes against humanity.

It is this narrow definition of terrorism that implicates only individuals and groups, that has caused Muslims to be associated with acts of destruction and terror in the popular media. Often, the religion of Islam is held responsible for the acts of a

37 fringe minority among Muslims.

Could it be possible that Islam, whose light ended the Dark Ages in Europe, now propound the advent of an age of terror? Could a faith that has over 1.2 billion followers the world over, and over 7 million in America, actually advocate the killing and maiming of innocent people? Could Islam, whose name itself stands for "peace" and "submission to God", encourage its adherents to work for death and destruction?

For too long, have we relied on stereotypical images in the news media and in Hollywood films, for answers to these pertinent questions. It is time now to look at the sources of Islam, and its history, to determine whether Islam does indeed advocate violence.

Sanctity of human life

The Glorious Qur'an says:

"...take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom." [Al-Qur'an 6:151]

Islam considers all life forms as sacred. However, the sanctity of human life is accorded a special place. The first and the foremost basic right of a human being is the right to live. The Glorious Qur'an says:

"...if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people." [Al-Qur'an 5:32]

Such is the value of a single human life, that the Qur'an equates the taking of even one human life unjustly, with killing all of humanity. Thus, the Qur'an prohibits homicide in clear terms. The taking of a criminal's life by the state in order to administer justice is required to uphold the rule of law, and the peace and security of the society. Only a proper and competent court can decide whether an individual has forfeited his right to life by disregarding the right to life and peace of other human beings.

Ethics of WAR

Even in a state of war, Islam enjoins that one deals with the enemy nobly on the battlefield. Islam has drawn a clear line of distinction between the combatants and the non-combatants of the enemy country. As far as the non-combatant population is concerned such as women, children, the old and the infirm, etc., the instructions of the Prophet are as follows: "Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman" [!]■

"Do not kill the monks in monasteries" or "Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship." [2]

During a war, the Prophet saw the corpse of a woman lying on the ground and
38 observed:

"She was not fighting. How then she came to be killed?" Thus non-combatants are guaranteed security of life even if their state is at war with an Islamic state.

Jihad

JIHAD While Islam in general is misunderstood in the western world, perhaps no other Islamic term evokes such strong reactions as the word 'jihad'. The term 'jihad' has been much abused, to conjure up bizarre images of violent Muslims, forcing people to submit at the point of the sword. This myth was perpetuated throughout the centuries of mistrust during and after the Crusades. Unfortunately, it survives to this day.

The word Jihad comes from the root word jahada, which means to struggle. So jihad is literally an act of struggling, and this struggle can have various forms. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to the struggle against the insidious suggestions of one's own soul as a form of jihad. Thus the inner struggle of being a person of virtue and submission to God in all aspects of life, is part of the essence of Islam.

Jihad also refers to struggle against injustice. Islam, like many other religions, allows for armed self-defense, or retribution against tyranny, exploitation, and oppression. The Glorious Qur'an says:

"And why should ye not fight in the cause of God and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? - Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!" [Al-Qur'an 4:75]

Thus Islam enjoins upon its believers to strive utmost, in purifying themselves, as well as in establishing peace and justice in the society. A Muslim can never be at rest while there is injustice and oppression around her. Martin Luther King Jr., quite aptly said:

"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people."

Islam enjoins upon all Muslims to work actively to maintain the balance in which God created everything. However, regardless of how legitimate the cause may be, the Glorious Qur'an categorically denounces the killing of innocent people. Terrorizing the civilian population, whether by small groups or by states, can never be termed as jihad and can never be reconciled with the teachings of Islam.

History of Tolerance

Even Western scholars have repudiated the myth of Muslims coercing others to convert. The great historian De Lacy O'Leary wrote:

"History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping

through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated. "[3]

Muslims ruled Spain for roughly 800 years. During this time, and up until they were finally forced out, the non-Muslims there were alive and flourishing. Additionally, Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan all have significant Christian and/or Jewish populations. This is not surprising to a Muslim, for his faith prohibits him from forcing others to see his point of view. The Glorious Qur'an says:

"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And God heareth and knoweth all things." [Al-Qur'an 2:256]

Islam- The Great Unifier

Far from being a militant dogma, Islam is a way of life that transcends race and ethnicity. The Glorious Qur'an repeatedly reminds us of our common origin: "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." [Al-Qur'an 49:13]

Thus, it is the universality of its teachings that makes Islam the fastest growing religion in the world. In a world full of conflicts and deep schisms between human beings, a world that is threatened with terrorism, perpetrated by individuals and states, Islam is a beacon of light that offers hope for the future.

1 Narrated in the collection of traditions of Abu Dawud,

2. Narrated in the Musnad of Imam Ibn Hanbal,

3. Islam At Crossroads, London, 1923, pg. 8

Also visit http://www.islamtomorrow.com/women/rights.asp womens rights in islam check that website out its awsome www.whyislam.org

Women in Islam

877- WHY-ISLAM Brochure

Oppressed, inferior, and unequal -for many people, these are the first words that come to mind when thinking about women in Islam. These stereotypes confuse Islam with cultural practices and fail to

40 recognize that Islam has empowered women with the most progressive rights since

the 7 th century. In Islam, women are not inferior or unequal to men. This brochure presents the actual teachings of Islam regarding the rights, roles, and responsibilities of women, with a special focus on gender equality in Islam.

At a time when female children were buried alive inArabiaand women were considered transferable property, Islam honored women in society by elevating them and protecting them with unprecedented rights. Islam gave women the right to education, to marry someone of their choice, to retain their identity after marriage, to divorce, to work, to own and sell property, to seek protection by the law, to vote, and to participate in civic and political engagement.

In 610 C.E., God began to reveal the message of Islam to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (pbuh), inMecca. Muhammad (pbuh) called people towards the belief in one God and encouraged them to be just and merciful to one another. In reforming the pagan Arab society, he particularly transformed their mindset regarding the treatment of women. Islam abolished the practice of killing female children and raised the stature of women in society to one of dignity, esteem, and privilege.

God devotes an entire chapter of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, to women. In addition, God directly addresses women repeatedly throughout the Quran. Islam proclaims that all human beings, men and women, are born in a pure state. The goal of every Muslim is to preserve this purity by shunning evil tendencies and beautifying their inner being with virtuous traits.

Islam further confirms that both men and women are equal in the sight of God. In the Quran, God declares, " ...Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you... " (49:13) At another place in the Quran, God clearly states that all humans are equal: "To whoever, male or female, does good deeds and has faith, We shall give a good life and reward them according to the best of their actions. " (16:97)

While Islam clearly establishes that men and women are equal, it does recognize that they are not identical. God created men and women with unique physiological and psychological attributes. In Islam, these differences are embraced as vital components to a healthy family and community structure with each individual contributing their own distinctive talents to society.

Hence, God's rules apply to both genders, but in diverse ways. For example, God commanded women to cover certain parts of their body, including their hair, to preserve their modesty. Men are also required to cover parts of their body out of modesty, but not in the same way as women. Therefore, God commanded both men and women to be modest; yet, the manner in which they observe it is different.

Similarly, the rights, roles, and responsibilities of women are evenly balanced with those of men but are not necessarily the same. As Islam has granted individual identities to men and women, a constant comparison between the two is futile. Each plays a unique role to mutually uphold social morality and societal balance.

The following overview details a wide range of women's rights in Islam. It addresses some common misconceptions and provides insight into the diverse roles and responsibilities women fulfill in society. It must also be mentioned here that Muslims are not always representative of Islam and may follow their cultural influences or personal interests. In so doing, they not only disenfranchise women, they also go against the clear guidelines laid out in Islam regarding the treatment of women. Therefore, their practices go against the liberties and entitlements which Islam empowers women with, as shown below.

Education

Back in the 7 th century, Muhammad (pbuh) declared that the pursuit of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim - male and female. This declaration was very clear and was largely implemented by Muslims throughout history. One of the most influential scholars of Islam was Muhammad's wife, Aisha. After his death, men and women would travel to learn from her because she was considered a great scholar of Islam. The recognition of female scholarship and women's participation in academia has been encouraged and practiced throughout the majority of Islamic history. For instance, al-Qarawiyin Mosque and University, the oldest running university, was funded by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, inMorocco in 859 C.E.

Motherhood

In Islam, God clearly gives mothers a high status and elevates their position in the family. In the Quran, God mentions all the sacrifices mothers make in bearing children to remind people to treat their mothers with love, respect, and care. Emphasizing the importance of mothers, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, "Heaven lies under the feet of your mother."

On another occasion, a man repeatedly asked Muhammad (pbuh), "Who amongst the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?" Each time, the Prophet (pbuh) replied, "Your mother." When the man asked for the fourth time, he replied, "Your father."

Politics and Social Services

Among the early Muslims, women were active participants in the cohesive functioning of the society. Women expressed their opinions freely and their advice was actively sought. Women nursed the wounded during battles, and some even participated on the battlefield. Women traded openly in the marketplace, so much so that the second caliph, Umar, appointed a woman, Shaffa bint Abdullah, as the supervisor of the bazaar.

In Islamic history, women participated in government, public affairs, lawmaking, scholarship, and teaching. To continue to uphold this tradition, women are encouraged to actively participate in improving, serving, and leading the different aspects of the community.

Inheritance

Before Islam, women all across the globe were deprived of inheritance and were themselves considered property to be inherited by men. Islam gave women the right to own property and inherit from relatives, which was a revolutionary concept in the seventh century.

Whether a woman is a wife, mother, sister, or daughter, she receives a certain share of her deceased relative's property. This share depends on her degree of relationship to the deceased and the number of heirs. While many societies around the world denied women inheritance, Islam assured women this right, illustrating the universal justice of Islam's divine law.

Financial Responsibilities

42 In Islam, women are not obligated to earn or spend any money on housing, food,

or general expenses. If a woman is married, her husband must fully support her financially and if she's not married, that responsibility belongs to her closest male relative (father, brother, uncle, etc).

She also has the right to work and spend the money she earns as she wishes. She has no obligation to share her money with her husband or any other family members, although she may choose to do so out of good will. For instance, Khadija, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), was one of the most successful businesswomen ofMecca, and she freely spent from her wealth to support her husband and the cause of Islam.

At the time of marriage, a woman is entitled to a financial gift (dowry) from her husband.

This dowry is legally owned by her and cannot be used by anyone else. In the case of divorce, she has the right to keep whatever she owned before the divorce and anything she personally earned after marriage. The former husband has no right whatsoever to any of her belongings. This ensures a woman's financial security and independence, allowing her to support herself in the case of divorce.

Marriage

A woman has the right to accept or reject marriage proposals and her approval is required to complete the marriage contract. She cannot be forced to marry someone against her will and if this occurs for cultural reasons, it is in direct opposition of Islam. By the same principle, women also have the right to seek divorce if they are dissatisfied with their marriage.

In Islam, marriage is based on mutual peace, love, and compassion. God says about Himself, "And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy... " (Quran 30:21) Muhammad (pbuh) embodied the best character and is a role model for all Muslims. His example of being helpful around the household and treating his family with compassion and love is a tradition that Muslims strive to implement in their daily lives. Muhammad (pbuh) treated his wives with the utmost respect and honor and was never abusive towards them. One of his traditions clearly states, "The best of you are those who are best to their wives."

Dignity and Protection from Harm

Any form of emotional, physical, or psychological abuse is prohibited in Islam and the improper treatment of women is no exception to this rule. Indeed, there is no teaching in Islam, when studied in its complete context, which condones any kind of domestic violence. Islam clearly disallows any form of oppression or abuse, according to Dr. Zainab Alwani, a leading female Muslim scholar. It cannot be stated enough times that anyone who exercises unjust authority in the name of Islam is actually doing so to uphold their own cultural influences or personal interests. All of God's creation is dignified and protected under Islamic law.

Modesty

In an environment which constantly emphasizes the physical form through various media, women are constantly faced with an unattainable standard of beauty. Although Muslim women are falsely classified as oppressed based on their modest dress, they are in fact liberated from such objectification by the society around them. This modest appearance, which includes veiling, highlights a woman's personality and character instead of her physical figure and promotes a deeper appreciation for who she is as a

43 person. In this regard, Muslim women identify with Mary, the mother of Jesus (pbuh),

who is known for her piety and modesty.

***

In conclusion, Islam has an extensive tradition of protecting the civil liberties of women based on the guidelines set forth by God and His Prophet. Women are empowered with many rights and protections under Islamic law and are honored with a dignified stature in society.

Quran is not a copy of anything & there is no evidence to say such. Statements in Quran are against torah & bible.Torah & bible has so many errors. & according to science 80%of Quran matches with science &other 20%of Quran science doesn't have answers maybe it will take couple of hundred years to find out for sciense. Acording to historians original bible doesn't exist anymore. According to Islam torah&bible were books of Allah but humans have destroyed their originality. So Quran is the last &final word of god Allah &Muhammad is the last&final messenger of Allah. Quran is not copy of anything and its 100% word of god in Islam. According to science torah &bibles statements have errors &Qurans statements are accurate &word of god is accurate.

Question: why women can't have 4 husbands?

Answer: If a man has 4 wives &they have a child there would be lfather&that's the husband only. If a woman has 4 husbands &she gives birth it would be confusing to know who is father out of 4.But now with DNA test you can find out. And suddenly all 4 wives want to be a mom. They can go to 1 husband make love, wait couple of more months &finally give birth of their childs.ln the same time 4 husbands want to have their own baby with 1 wife & only she can give birth the husbands can't give birth &they don't want their baby in a test tube or other women to give birth except their own married wife. Now they will either kill each other to have 1 to make love with his wife or divorce her or leave her forever or even worst rape & kill her simply creating the most dangerous situation. A man is allowed to marry up to 4 only not 5 or 6.First the rule is to marry only 1 & then if he can do justice&treat all 4 100% equally and of course take her all responsibility meaning can effort her 100% only then he can marry upto 4.Prophet Muhammad said the best of man is the 1 who is the best to his wife. A man asked the prophet who should I do the most favor to 1 st he replied your mother the man asked 2 nd he replied your mother man asked 3 rd he replied your mother, man asked for 4 th time he replied your father. The mother has 3times more right then the father. He also said the heaven is in beneath the foot of your mother. A wife's heaven is beneath the foot of her husband. In Quran it says men are like the clothes to their wives &wives are like the clothes to their husbands. It means they are both equal to Allah god even their physical shapes & purpose are different. & clothes were very important things in that time &still are. It's a grace a mercy & a blessing of god Allah that women can give birth and be a mother which man can never do or earn that right & respect &position of a woman in Islam. But in Christianity and Judaism giving birth and having the monthly period or menses was seen as a punishment &a curse from god. In the past they even dared to ask if a woman had a soul? Again the maximum wives a man can have are 4 not anymore. The bible has no restrictions on how many wives or husbands can a person have it's the

church's decision to have lhusband&lwife.ln Islam a woman can have only 1 husband. For more information search in Google by your own self &believe in the evidence from god the holy Quran which provides peace &protection for humanity. May Allah guide&protect all.No hate only love peace&godbless for all.

1) www.answering-christianity.com

2) www.islamtomorrow.com 3) http://www.irf.net/irf/comparativereligion/index.htm

3) www.irfny.com 4) www.peacetv.tv 5) www.whyislam.org

Mistakes in the Torah proved by the discoveries of modern science

The Torah has many verses, which contradict modern scientific facts. These contradictions indicate that the Torah is not the word of Allah

(S.W.) who is far from errors and ignorance of science facts that man discovered later. Allah (S.W.), the Omniscient, would not tell in his book except the truth. He has a complete perfect knowledge of every thing in the universe.

\- The Torah mentions the story of the creation in Genesis, where it talks about the creation of the universe in six earthly days consisting of mornings and evenings.

According to the biblical order, on the first day, He created the earth, the light, the darkness, and the water. On the second day, He created the sky when He put a firmament between water and water, and on the third day, the water gathered under the firmament, the land appeared and the herbs and grass grew.

On the fourth day, He created the sun, the moon, and the stars that above the firmament (the sky), and on the fifth day, He created the marine animals and the birds. On the sixth day, He created Adam and the wild animals, and finished the creation on that day. (See Genesis 1: 1 - 31)

Scientists note that the order and the directing of the story of the beginning of the universe are rejected by modern science that Allah (S.W.) gave to humanity. If these books were from Allah (S.W.), they would not contain these continuous errors. Genesis talks about six earthly days consisting of days and nights (And there was evening and there was morning), and the seventh day was the Sabbath, on which the Creator rested (God Almighty is far above that). It is well known scientifically that the creation of the universal happened during periods of millions of years. Allah (S.W.) is right when He mentions in the Holy Quran the difference between His days and human days. "Verily, a Day in the

45 sight of thy Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning."

(Holy Quran, Surah 22, Al-Hajj - 47)

Scientists say that the Earth's surface took millions of years to cool down and became suitable for living. Genesis says that the water appeared on earth on its first day, then the appearance of the plants on its third, and the animals on the fourth and the fifth days. The biblical order of the appearance of the creations contradicts the findings of geologic history. The presence of water on the face of the earth on the first day contradicts the scientific theory that the earth and the universe were gas at the beginning of creation. In addition, the plants cannot appear before the existence of the sun, and the marine animals and birds were not before wild animals. Scientifically, saying that the creation of the earth was before the creation of the sun and the stars (on the fourth day) is wrong. Moreover, the appearance of the night and the day for three days, without the sun is surprising!

In addition, saying that the appearance of plants was three days before man is wrong. Scientific discoveries tell us that the presence of vegetations was millions of years before the presence of man. The majority of the objections about this story of creation are in father Devoux's criticism of Genesis.

\- Among the scientific observations on the Torah, is that it speaks at length about the age of the founding fathers from Adam to Abraham.

It makes the birth of Abraham in the twentieth century from the beginning of human existence on earth, specifically in the year1948 of the creation of the universe and the appearance of man on earth. There is no historical accurate information about the period between Abraham and Jesus, but historians estimated it to be eighteen centuries, depending on the biblical sources. Therefore, the appearance of Christ was thirty-eight centuries after the creation of Adam.

1 - The Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran and Science, Maurice Bocaille , pp 44 - 51, A study on the Torah

and the Gospel, Kamel Saafan, ppl79, Readings in the Holy Bible, Abderrahim Mohamad, Vol.2, pp 182 183

According to the Hebrew date, the year (2000) is equal to the year 5761 of the creation of the universe; therefore, the biblical information makes human life on earth no more than six thousand years. This contradicts the scientific data, which consider the biblical Informations are full of errors or written by men not God. Science has proved the

existence of civilizations five thousand years before the birth of Jesus.

Archaeologists believe that there was a bloody war between the north and the south of Egypt in 4042 BCE, and won by the people of the Egyptian Delta. However, their victory was not decisive, as the Egyptian civilization recorded history started with the first family, which ruled Egypt between 3400 to 3200 BCE, and there is much that that had not been recorded.

Archaeologists also found human-made things that belong to more

46 than five thousand years BCE, and the mission of Cairo University

found traces of humans in the Fayoum region belong to tens of thousands of earlier years.

Encyclopedia Britannica states that the human traces in Palestine belong to two hundred thousand years. Donald Jean said in 1979, "The human presence on earth was four million years ago". Allah (S.W.) is right when He affirms in the Holy Quran that humanity started long centuries ago. "(Pharaoh) said: "What then is the condition of previous generations?" He replied: "The knowledge of that is with my Lord, duly recorded: my Lord never errs, nor forgets." (Holy Quran, Surah 20, Ta Ha - 51 - 52) "As also 'Ad and Thamud, and the Companions of the Rass, and many a generation between them." (Holy Quran, Surah 25, Al Furqan - 38) "Has not the story reached you, (O people!), of those who (went) before you of the people of Noah, and 'Ad, and Thamud? - And of those who (came) after them? None knows them but Allah." (Holy Quran, Surah 14, Ibrahim - 38)

2 - The Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran and Science, Maurice Bocaille , pp 20, A study on the Torah and

the Gospel, Kamel Saafan, ppl79

\- In addition, there are many things the Torah mentions that are contrary to the scientifically well established facts. It mentions that the rabbit is one of the ruminant animals! It says, "Nevertheless these

ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them

that

have the hoof cloven: the camel, and the hare, and the coney; because they chew the cud but part not the hoof, they are unclean unto you" (Deuteronomy 14: 7)

\- It also mentions that the serpent was punished by eating or licking the soil, (See Genesis 3:14), as in the Book of Micah. "They shall lick the dust like a serpent; like crawling things of the earth" (Micah 7: 17) All types of snakes that scientifically classified eat insects and reptiles and others, they never eat or lick soil.

\- Leviticus speaks of legendary birds that have four legs - some leap, and some walk -, which do not exist except in legendary fiction. It says, "All winged creeping things that go upon all fours are an abomination unto you. Yet these may ye eat of all winged creeping things that go upon all fours, which have legs above their feet, wherewith to leap upon the earth. Even these of them ye may eat... But all winged creeping things, which have four feet, are an abomination unto you." (Leviticus 11: 20-23) No archaeological reports or other information states that something like this was on the face of earth one day.

\- Among the scientific errors also is what the Book of Genesis mentions (30: 37-43). It claims that Jacob's sheep produced, and the color of the production was different from the color of the parents. He prepared some rods of fresh poplar and almond and pealed white streaks on them. Seeing these peeled rods, the sheep craved, and brought forth ring streaked, speckled, and spotted sheep. If this was true, the sheep's production in spring would be green, but this

47 mistake is man made errors & is contrary to what scientists

know about genes and genetic codes.so, it can't be word of the lord.

\- The Book of Genesis mentions the strangest birth story, namely the story of Tamar, the adulterous, delivering the twins from Judas, her father-in-law and the father of her husbands. "And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. And it came to pass, when she travailed, that one put out a hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.

And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, Wherefore hast thou made a breach for thyself? Therefore his name was called Perez. And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zerah" (Genesis 38: 27-30) The first-born put his hand out of his mother's womb, which is unusual during the birth process. However, the baby wanted to affirm his right of being the first-born child, and the midwife understood him, and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread.

Then a stranger thing, which medical theories cannot explain, happened. The first-born gave a space so his twin brother so he could come out into the world, and then he (whom his hand had a scarlet thread) followed him. This story cannot be accepted

scientifically, and append it to the stories of the elderly better than append it to Allah's (S.W.) word and revelation.

\- The Book of Job gives a strange vision of the creation of the fetus. It is poured in a template as pouring milk, then clots in the middle of this template, as the clotting milk transformed into cheese. This has nothing to do whatsoever with what scientists know about the stages of the creation of the fetus.

Addressing Allah (S.W.), the Book of Job says, "Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast fashioned me as clay; And wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk, And curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, And knit me together with bones and sinews." (Job 10:9-11)

\- The Torah claims that the earth has pillars, has corners, and it is flat, approving the scientific mainstream during the time of the writing. It says, "The sun also arises, and the sun goes down, and haste to its place where it arises." (Ecclesiastes 1: 5) The writer did not know neither that the earth is spherical, nor that it spins on its axis to create the sunrise and sunset.

The author of that verse was not Allah (S.W.) the Omniscient, who says, "He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law)" (Holy Quran, Surah 39, Az-Zumar - 5) Describing Allah (S.W.), the Torah says that He is "Thatshaketh the earth out of its place, And the pillars thereof tremble". (Job 9: 6) The holy books' writers confirmed this misconception. They claimed that Allah (S.W.) said to Job, "Where were you when I

48 put the earth on its base? Say, if you have knowledge. By

whom were its measures fixed? Say, if you have wisdom;

or by whom was the line stretched out over it? On what

were its pillars based, or who laid its corner-stone" (Job 38:

4-6), and the Book of Samuel says. "For thepillars of the earth

are Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them." (1 Samuel

2: 8).

The New Testament confirms this naive and wrong perception of the earth; it is flat, with pillars, and with four corners, in some verses, which I will mention them in their place of this series. Ecclesiastes speaks about the water cycle on earth and why the sea would not be full, although much water is poured into it from rivers. It mentions that the seawater goes back again to the springs of the rivers, so the sea would not be full. It says, "All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea doth not overflow: unto the place from whence the rivers come, they return, to flow again ". (Ecclesiastes 1: 7)

Finally, the Torah ratifies that humans have the ability of bringing the souls of the dead, and tells that this actually happened. The sorcerer was able to bring Prophet Samuel's spirit to King Saul, and explained the talk between them. (Seel Samuel 28: 3-20) This is close to witchcraft and myth more than anything else. These errors and others testify that this book is not the word of Allah

(S.W.), if it is from Allah (S.W.) it would not contain these errors, which today's young students know, let alone the scientists. The word of Allah (S.W.) does not err, nor teach people lies or error.

Surah 19 - Maryam MARY

019.001 Kaf, Ha, Ya, 'Ain, Sad. 019.002 (This is) a recital of the Mercy of thy Lord to His servant Zakariya. 019.003 Behold! he cried to his Lord in secret, 019.004 Praying: "O my Lord! infirm indeed are my bones, and the hair of my head doth glisten with grey: but never am I unblest, O my Lord, in my prayer to Thee! 019.005 "Now I fear (what) my relatives (and colleagues) (will do) after me: but my wife is barren: so give me an heir as from Thyself,-

019.006 "(One that) will (truly) represent me, and represent the posterity of Jacob; and make him, O my Lord! one with whom Thou art well-pleased!" 019.007 (His prayer was answered): "O Zakariya! We give thee good news of a son: His name shall be Yahya: on none by that name have We conferred distinction before." 019.008 He said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?" 019.009 He said: "So (it will be) thy Lord saith, 'that is easy for Me: I did indeed create thee before, when thou hadst been nothing!'" 019.010 (Zakariya) said: "O my Lord! give me a Sign." "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three nights, although thou art not dumb." 019.011 So Zakariya came out to his people from his chamber: He told them by signs to celebrate God's praises in the

49 morning and in the evening. 019.012 (To his son came the

command): "O Yahya! take hold of the Book with might": and We gave him Wisdom even as a youth, 019.013 And pity (for all creatures) as from Us, and purity: He was devout, 019.014 And kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or rebellious. 019.015 So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)! 019.016 Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. 019.017 She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. 019.018 She said: "I seek refuge from thee to (God) Most Gracious: (come not near) if thou dost fear God." 019.019 He said: "Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son. 019.020 She said: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?" 019.021 He said: "So (it will be): Thy Lord saith, 'that is easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us':It is a matter (so) decreed." 019.022 So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place. 019.023 And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree: She cried (in her anguish): "Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!" 019.024 But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree): "Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee; 019.025 "And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: It will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee. 019.026 "So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye. And if thou dost see any man, say, 'I have vowed a fast to (God) Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into not talk with any human being'" 019.027 At length she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). They said: "O Mary! truly an amazing thing hast thou brought! 019.028 "O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!" 019.029 But she pointed to the babe. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?" 019.030 He said: "I am indeed a servant of God: He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet; 019.031 "And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live; 019.032 "(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable; 019.033 "So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)"! 019.034 Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. 019.035 It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be", and it is. 019.036 Verily God is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is straight. 019.037 But the sects differ among themselves: and woe to the unbelievers because of the (coming) Judgment of a Momentous Day! 019.038 How plainly will they see and hear, the Day that they will appear before Us! but the unjust today are in error manifest!

019.039 But warn them of the Day of Distress, when the matter will be determined: for (behold,) they are negligent and they do not believe!

019.040 It is We Who will inherit the earth, and all beings thereon: to Us

50 will they all be returned. 019.041 (Also) mention in the Book (the

story of) Abraham: He was a man of Truth, a prophet. 019.042 Behold, he said to his father: "O my father! why worship that which heareth not and seeth not, and can profit thee nothing? 019.043 "O my father! to me hath come knowledge which hath not reached thee: so follow me: I will guide thee to a way that is even and straight. 019.044 "O my father! serve not Satan: for Satan is a rebel against (God) Most Gracious. 019.045 "O my father! I fear lest a Penalty afflict thee from (God) Most Gracious, so that thou become to Satan a friend." 019.046 (The father) replied: "Dost thou hate my gods, O Abraham? If thou forbear not, I will indeed stone thee: Now get away from me for a good long while!" 019.047 Abraham said: "Peace be on thee: I will pray to my Lord for thy forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious. 019.048 "And I will turn away from you (all) and from those whom ye invoke besides God: I will call on my Lord: perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall be not unblest." 019.049 When he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides God, We bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a prophet. 019.050 And We bestowed of Our Mercy on them, and We granted them lofty honour on the tongue of truth. 019.051 Also mention in the Book (the story of) Moses: for he was specially chosen, and he was a messenger (and) a prophet. 019.052 And we called him from the right side of Mount (Sinai), and made him draw near to Us, for mystic (converse). 019.053 And, out of Our Mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, (also) a prophet. 019.054 Also mention in the Book (the story of) Isma'il: He was (strictly) true to what he promised, and he was a messenger (and) a prophet. 019.055 He used to enjoin on his people Prayer and Charity, and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord. 019.056 Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a prophet: 019.057 And We raised him to a lofty station. 019.058 Those were some of the prophets on whom God did bestow His Grace,- of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of (God) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears. 019.059 But after them there followed a posterity who missed prayers and followed after lusts soon, then, will they face Destruction,- 019.060 Except those who repent and believe, and work righteousness: for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least,- 019.061 Gardens of Eternity, those which (God) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the Unseen: for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass. 019.062 They will not there hear any vain discourse, but only salutations of Peace: And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening. 019.063 Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who guard against Evil. 019.064 (The angels say:) "We descend not but by command of thy Lord: to Him belongeth what is before us and what is behind us, and what is between: and thy Lord never doth forget,-019.065 "Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and of all that is between them; so worship Him, and be constant and patient in His worship:

51 knowest thou of any who is worthy of the same Name as

He?" 019.066 Man says: "What! When I am dead, shall I then be raised up alive?" 019.067 But does not man call to mind that We created him before out of nothing? 019.068 So, by thy Lord, without doubt, We shall gather them together, and (also) the Evil Ones (with them); then shall We bring them forth on their knees round about Hell; 019.069 Then shall We certainly drag out from every sect all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against (God) Most Gracious. 019.070 And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned therein. 019.071 Not one of you but will pass over it: this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished. 019.072 But We shall save those who guarded against evil, and We shall leave the wrong-doers therein, (humbled) to their knees. 019.073 When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, the Unbelievers say to those who believe, "Which of the two sides is best in point of position? Which makes the best show in council?" 019.074 But how many (countless) generations before them have we destroyed, who were even better in equipment and in glitter to the eye? 019.075 Say: "If any men go astray, (God) Most Gracious extends (the rope) to them, until, when they see the warning of God (being fulfilled) - either in punishment or in (the approach of) the Hour,- they will at length realise who is worst in position, and (who) weaker in forces! 019.076 "And God doth advance in guidance those who seek guidance: and the things that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best in respect of (their) eventual return." 019.077 Hast thou then seen the (sort of) man who rejects Our Signs, yet says: "I shall certainly be given wealth and children?" 019.078 Has he penetrated to the Unseen, or has he taken a contract with (God) Most Gracious? 019.079 Nay! We shall record what he says, and We shall add and add to his punishment. 019.080 To Us shall return all that he talks of and he shall appear before Us bare and alone. 019.081 And they have taken (for worship) gods other than God, to give them power and glory! 019.082 Instead, they shall reject their worship, and become adversaries against them. 019.083 Seest thou not that We have set the Evil Ones on against the unbelievers, to incite them with fury? 019.084 So make no haste against them, for We but count out to them a (limited) number (of days). 019.085 The day We shall gather the righteous to (God) Most Gracious, like a band presented before a king for honours, 019.086 And We shall drive the sinners to Hell, like thirsty cattle driven down to water,- 019.087 None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from (God) Most Gracious. 019.088 They say: "(God) Most Gracious has begotten a son!" 019.089 Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous! 019.090 As if the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin. 019.091 That they should invoke a son for (God) Most Gracious. 019.092 For it is not consonant with the majesty of (God) Most Gracious that He should beget a son. 019.093 Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (God) Most Gracious as a servant. 019.094 He does take an account of them (all), and hath numbered them (all) exactly. 019.095 And everyone of them will come to

52 Him singly on the Day of Judgment. 019.096 On those who

believe and work deeds of righteousness, will (God) Most Gracious bestow love. 019.097 So have We made the (Qur'an) easy in thine own tongue, that with it thou mayest give Glad Tidings to the righteous, and warnings to people given to contention. 019.098 But how many (countless) generations before them have We destroyed? Canst thou find a single one of them (now) or hear (so much as) a whisper of them?AI-Quran

Unleashing the Treasures of Islam

(Please review these questions, it might sound offensive but it's a way to reveal the truth if you really believe in God read the Quran and bible and ask these questions to the church, priests & your self so you can find out what is truth about God & what are against the truth from God.Dont get emotional or angry but think with cool brain what is really real & the only truth of God. Dare to explore, dare to ask & dare to know. God is truth & truth is above all.Faisal)

By Abdalla S. Alothman

101 Proofs that the Quran is Not Copied from the Bible

53 In the Name of Allah,

the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful

{Do they not then think deeply in the Qur'an, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?} [Quran 47:24]

{Nay, We fling (send down) the truth (this Qur'an) against the falsehood (disbelief), so it destroys it, and behold, it (falsehood) is vanished. And woe to you for that (lie) which you ascribe (to Us)}. [Quran 21:18]

Time and time again, we Muslims have to endure accusations that our Qur'an is copied from the Bible. Below are 101 proofs that makes it impossible for the Qur'an to be copied from the Bible.

1 - Who was created first, Adam or Satan? The Quran says Satan, the Bible doesn't say anything.

2 - Who was created first, Adam or the Angles? The Quran says the Angels, the Bible doesn't say anything.

3 - Why doesn't the Bible mention that Noah had two wives, one was disobedient, and she died. And another which was saved.

4 - Why does the Bible say that Noah's ark is in Ararat but it was discovered in Al-Judyy, as the Quran says so?

5 - Why does the Bible say that God afflicted women for Eve's sin, and the Quran doesn't tell us such thing.

6 - Where does the Bible tell us about the story of Aad and Thamood ? The town of Thamoud has been discovered in Saudi Arabia-it's located in a place called Mada-in Saleh. And recently, the town of Aad has been discovered with the help of NASA's satellites. Check the link

: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ubar/

7 - Where does the Bible mention Prophet Saleh ?

8 - Where does the Bible mention Prophet Huud ?

9 - Where does the Bible mention Prophet Shu'ayb ?

54 10 - Where does the Bible refer to Al-Khidr ?

11 - Where does the Bible mention Luqmaan ?

12 - Why doesn't the Bible mention the story of the Cow that happened between Moses and the Jews.

13 - Where do you find in the Quran any reference to Hosea, Malachi, Micha, Jude, Nahum, Nehemiah, Obadaiah, Esther, Joel, Ruth, etc ?

14 - Why doesn't the Bible mention the story of Thul-Qarnayn.

15 - Why doesn't the Bible mention the story of the People of the Cave?.

16 - Why doesn't the Bible mention the story of Antioch in Surat Yasin?.

17 - Why does the Bible say that Jesus was crucified, and the Quran says that he was saved?

18 - Why does the Bible say that Abraham sacrificed his only begotten son, Isaac, and forgets that he had another son called Ishamael, who is older than Isaac?.

19 - Regarding the dream Joseph had in Genesis 37, why is it fulfilled in the Quran and not fulfilled in the Bible? Could it be because that Joseph's mother died before Joseph had his dream? Bad prophecy.

20 - Why is it that the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit had sex with Mary, and the Quran tells us that the Angel who visited Mary told her that she will bear a son, and he is ONLY informing her of what God has decreed?

21 - Why is it that the Bible tells us that Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, and the Quran tells us it was Pharaoh's wife?.

22 - Why is it that the Quran tells us that Lut was a pious prophet, and the Bible tells us that he had sex with his daughters?

23 - Why is it that the Quran tells us in Sura 19 and 20 that Moses was a special chosen prophet who was raised under God's supervision, and the Bible tells us that he died because he didn't disobeyed God?

24 - Why is it that the Bible says that it is written with the false pen of the scribe in Jeremiah 8:8, and the Quran tells us that it has no discrepancies?

55 25 - Why is it that the Bible tells us that Pharaoh did not drown, and the Quran tells

us that he drowned, but Allah left his body as a sign to mankind. When they dissected Pharaoh's body, they found out that his body had too much salt inside it. You say the Quran is copied from the Bible? I say you are ignorant! Read the Quran 10:92.

26 - Why does the Bible tells us in Genesis that God had to take a walk to find Adam, and the Quran tells us that God's knowledge doesn't require that He walks?

27 - Why is it that the Quran tells us that Jesus spoke in the cradle, but the Bible knows nothing about the childhood of Jesus?

28 - Why is it that the Quran tells us that Jesus made miracles by giving life to statues made from clay?

29 - The Quran tells us that Aaron is innocent; he did not make the golden calf, but a man called Al-Samirri (A person who organizes songs and joy) made it, while the Bible tells us that Aaron made the Golden calf.

30 - why is it that the Quranic Laws state that the thief's hands should be chopped, and the laws of Moses say something else?

31 - Why does the Quran say lash the fornicators 100 times, and the Bible says stone them.

32 - Why does the Quran orders us to fast in Ramadhan and the Bible doesn't.

33 - Why does the Quran tells us that the inheritance share of the man is as twice as much as the woman, and the Bible has no such law?

34 - Why does the Quran tells us not to transgress in wars, and the Bible teaches us to kill every living thing including plants (Joshua 6).

35 - The Bible teaches us to kill unbelievers, and leave to ourselves YOUNG virgins who never knew a man (Numbers 31). Why isn't such thing present in the Quran?

36 - The Quran tells us to free slaves to enter heaven in Surat Al-Balad. Why doesn't the Bible say such thing?

37 - Why is Satan called a FALLEN ANGEL in the Bible, and not in the Quran?

38 - Why does the Quran tells us there are Jinn (Some are good and others are bad), but the Bible doesn't mention Jinn?

56 39 - Why is it that the Quran tells us to perform Hajj to Makkah, and the Bible doesn't tell us such thing?

40 - Why does the Quran tells us that Abraham and Ishmael built the Kaaba, while the Bible says no such thing?

41 - Why is it that the Bible condemns David as a murderer, and the Quran tells us that he was a pious sinless prophet?

42 - Why doesn't the Bible tell us the story of Solomon and Balqees?

43 - Why doesn't the Bible tell us that Solomon had Jinns who worked for him, and the Quran says so?

44 - Why is it that the Quran tells us that Solomon had soldiers from the Jinn and the Bible doesn't say so?

45 - Why is it that the Quran tells us that Solomon understood the speech of the birds and the Bible doesn't say so?

46 - Why is it that the Quran tells us that Solomon understood the speech of the ants and the Bible doesn't say so?

47 - Why is it that the Quran tells us that ONLY female bees get the honey, and the Bible doesn't say so?

48 - Why is it that the Quran tells us that the Quran mentions different levels in Paradise, and the Bible doesn't say so?

49 - Why is it that the Quran tells us that there is a tree in hell called Zaqquum, and the Bible doesn't say so?

50 - The Quran mentions Thal-Kifl as one of the prophets. Can you find his name in the Bible?

51 - Why is it that the Quran was finalized and approved by Prophet Mohammad (s), and the Bible was never approved by any prophet?

52 - Why didn't Mohammad make the Quran in chronological order just like the Bible? Why doesn't the Quran include the boring genealogies that are all over the Bible?

53 - Why is it that the Quran mentions Ishmael as an honorable prophet, and the Bible refers to him as the son of the slave woman (Galatians 4)?

57 54 - Why doesn't the Quran mention the story of the people of Tyre, while the

Bible does?

55 - Why doesn't the Quran mentions the story of David and how he killed one of his enemies to marry his wife as the Bible did in I Samuel 25?

56 - Why is it that the Bible does not mention the story of David and Solomon with the sheep, and the Quran does?

57 - Why does the Bible mention Abraham's father by name, and the Quran mentions him by his nick?

58 - Why doesn't the Bible mention the story when Abraham was put into a fire by his people and the Quran does?

59 - Why doesn't the Quran mention the interesting events that happened to Abraham in Egypt? (See BONUS #15 for one amazing example.)

60 - Why is it that the Bible tells us that John's mother was the daughter of Aaron, and the Quran doesn't say so?

61 - Why doesn't the Bible mention the story of how Mary was raised, and the Quran does?

62 - Why doesn't the Quran and the Bible have the same story about the birth of Jesus? The Quran says that he was born under the remnants of a palm tree, but the Bible says he was born in a stable.

63 - According to the Bible, who are the Sabians?

64 - Where does the Bible mention the Magians?

65 - In Genesis, the Bible tells us that Jacob had a fight with God, and the Quran tells us in Surat Al-Baqara that whoever takes the Angels as enemies, he becomes an enemy of God. Why do we see this contradiction? Moreover, why didn't Mohammad (s) tell us that Jacob wrestled with God?

66 - Why is it that the Quran tells us in Surat Taaha that the staff of Moses became a REAL snake, and the Bible tells us that it only appeared to be a snake?

67 - Why is it that Moses was the one who threw his staff during the contest with the magicians, and the Bible tells us that Aaron is the one who threw it?

58 68 - The story of Moses and the bronze snake in Numbers 21 is pretty interesting.

Why is it mentioned in the Bible and not in the Quran?

69 - The Quran tells us to follow a certain procedure to cleanse ourselves before prayers in 4:43. Why doesn't the Bible give us the same instructions?

70 - The Quran tells us that Earth is round, but the Bible tells us that the Earth is flat. Why?

71 - The Quran tells us about Haroot and Maroot in Surat Al-Baqara. Who are those characters according to the Bible?

72 - Why is the story of Gog and Magog different in the Quran and the Bible?

73 - The Bible tells us that Prophet Elijah was raised to God. Why doesn't the Quran say the same thing?

74 - The Bible tells us that Solomon had many wives. Why doesn't the Quran say the same thing?

75 - The Bible tells us that God RESTED after he created the world. The Quran says that nothing makes God tired. Why?

76 - The Quran details embryology, why doesn't the Bible?

77 - The Quran mentions the names of the Gods during Noah's time in Surat Nuuh, why aren't those names present in the Bible?

78 - The Bible tells us that the whole Earth was flooded, why doesn't the Quran say the same thing?

79 - The Quran tells us that hell has 7 doors in Surat Al-Hijr (Ch. 15), why doesn't the Bible mention such thing?

80 - Why does the Quran say that Lot's wife was a bad woman, but God punishes Lot's wife in the Bible just for accidentally turning back to see what was happening in Sodom?

81 - Why does the Bible accuse Noah for getting drunk in Genesis 9, and the Quran frees him from such accusation?

82 - Anyone who curses his mother shall be put to death, according to Leviticus 20, why don't we find such a law in the Quran?

59 83 - Why is it that apostates are killed according to the Bible, and not killed

according to the Quran? See http://www.systemoflife.com/answering-islamophobes/abul-kasem/235-refuting-muhammad-said-death-converting-to-other-religion

84 - Why is it that tattoos are forbidden in the Bible (Leviticus 19), and no tattoos are mentioned in the Quran?

85 - The Quran instructs us to treat those who are born from an illegal sexual intercourse as Brothers. But the Bible tells us in Leviticus 23 that they should NOT even enter the assembly of the Lord. Why didn't Mohammad (s) copy this beautiful law?

86 - The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 25, that if two men were beating up each other, and the wife of one of them interfered, she should have her hand chopped off. Why didn't Mohammad (s) copy this beautiful law?

87 - Why does the Bible encourage Bribery in Proverbs 17, and the Quran never encourages such thing?

88 - Why does the Bible say that wisdom is a source of sorrow in Ecclesiastes 1:18, and the Quran calls wisdom a gift in 2:269?

89 - Why does God in the Quran tells us to avoid bloodshed, and the Bible God curses the sword which doesn't do bloodshed (Jeremiah 48)?

90 - When God told Zachariah that he will have a son, Zachariah asked for a sign, and God gave him a sign in Sura 19. Does the Bible mention that sign? The Bible says that he could not speak, but it's detailed to us in the Sunnah that he was able to speak when he was praying. But, when it came to communicating with others, he did so by signs. Further more, the Bible says that Zakariyya was not able to speak because he was punished by Gabriel because he did not believe the angel, while the Quran tells us that it was a sign given to him-he asked God for a sign, and God gave him a sign, not a punishment.

91 - The Bible God in Leviticus 21 tells us that hunchbacks, dwarfs, cripples, blind people, people who are deformed or disfigured, or have damaged testicles-all those people cannot become priests. The Quran tells us that there is no difference between a man and another except in piety. Why didn't Mohammad (s) copy this BEAUTIFUL law from the Bible?

92 - Why does the Bible God in Leviticus 21 forbid priests from marrying divorced women, and the Quran doesn't say such thing?

60 93 - Why is it that the Bible tells the people to call a person who doesn't

listen to his father or mother "stubborn and a drunkard"? The Quran does not tell us that we should call a person who is disobedient to his parents as a drunkard. Furthermore, the Biblical law is that this person should be stoned to death, but the Quran approves no such thing. Why?

94 - The Quran tells us that we are not above the Law. We must adhere to the Laws of God. But the Bible God tells the Christians in Galatians 2 that they are under no LAW!! In other words, God made all these laws, so that Christians can see them and smile. Why didn't Mohammad tell his people that the Quranic laws are only for non-Muslims?

95 - The Bible God tells us that He will let us see the sex organs of the Jews, but the Quran mentions no such thing. Mohammad (s) had serious problems with the Jews, so why didn't he make fun of them with something similar with what we read in Nahum 3?

96 - In Romans 6, the Bible tells us that Jesus will never die again. But The Quran tells us that he will die and he will be raised at Judgment day. Why didn't Mohammad copy from Romans 6?

97 - The Bible teaches Christians to drink wine, the Quran forbids Muslims drinking. Why?

98 -1 Corinthians 6 tells us that our bodies are members of Christ. The Quran tells us that our bodies belong to Allah, Christ has nothing to do with our bodies. Why didn't Mohammad (s) copy that from the Bible?

99 - In Ezekiel 20, the Bible God tells us that he wanted to decimate all the Israelites, but He didn't do so because it would hurt his reputation. In the Quran God tells us that He does indeed take away all the people if they were wrongful (Like the people of Noah, Sodom, Aad, and Thamood) if He wills.

100 - The Bible God has a beautiful punishment in Malachi 2. He threatens an Israelite that He would fill his face with feces!! In the Quran, God never says such things.

101 - The Bible says that the Original Sin was committed by Adam and Eve when they ate from the forbidden tree. The Quran tells us that the Original Sin was Satan's arrogance when he didn't obey God, when God ordered him to do So.

BONUS:

61 1 - The Quran tells us about an argument in 2:258 about Abraham and the

King. Does the Bible have this story?

2 - The Quran handles divorce with care. A divorced woman stays in her house; a man should provide for her; a man should not return his wife to give her a hard time, etc. Does the Bible have the same laws regarding divorce as the Quran?

3 - The Quran tells us that Sins are not inherited. But, the Bible tells us that sins are inherited.

4 - The Quran tells us that God forgave Adam's sin after he ate from the forbidden tree. Does the Bible say that?

5 - The Quran tells us in Sura 36, that the sun and the moon are independent from one another. Does the Bible say such thing?

6 - In 25:53 and 55:19-20 the Quran tells us about how salty and pure water bodies mix. Does the Bible say such thing?

7 - In Islam we believe that there are signs to Judgment Day. Most of these signs are mentioned in the Sunnah, however, one interesting sign is a Beast/animal that would appear to the people and inform them of their status. We find this beast mentioned in the Quran in 27:82. Does the Bible say such thing?

8 - The Quran tells us that man and women are created from ONE SOUL. Does the Bible say that man and women are created from one soul? No, the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11:7 that man is the image and glory of God, while women are the glory of man.

9 - The Bible contains lots of contradictions. Why don't we find those contradictions copied in the Quran? For a list of few of the contradictions in the Bible

see: http://www.bibleislam.com/bible_contradictions.php

10 - The Quran says that one of Noah's sons was not saved from the flood because he was an unbeliever (Sura 11). Does the Bible say such thing?

11 - The Quran (10:90) tells us that Pharaoh tried to seek forgiveness from God. Does the Bible say the same thing?

12 - Ishmael, the son of Abraham, is considered a Prophet and a Messenger in the Quran. Does the Bible say that "Ishmael is a prophet"?

62 13 - We read in Surat Al-Nahl in the Quran, that the honey bee produces honey

with different hues which is healthy and beneficial for mankind. Just recently, Apitherapy came up with a fantastic cure for arthritist and other chronic diseases-this therapy is called bee sting therapy, where the bee stings the patient and the venom would cure the pain. In addition, the Quran also says that the female bee is responsible for building the hive and collecting the honey. All that is proved by science today. I wonder which book of the Bible says such thing! Search the web for "Bee Sting Therapy" or "Apitherapy" to find out more.

14 - In the 16th verse of Surat AI-'Alaq, we read: {A lying sinful forelock!} Psychologists and neurologists have confirmed that it is in this area of the brain where morals and behavior are processed. Therefore, when someone decides to lie, this decision comes from that front part of the brain, and the Quran refers to that specific part when it refers to lying. Now, I wonder from which Bible passage did Mohammad (s) copy that from.

15 - In the book of Genesis we read the story about what happened to Abraham when he went to Egypt. The Bible tells us that he sold his honor by allowing his wife to become Pharaoh's concubine, so that he could be treated well instead of being killed. Now there is nowhere in the Quran where such accusation is attributed to Prophet Abraham. I wonder why didn't Prophet Mohammad (s) copy such thing from the Bible.

Walhamdulilahi Rabbil Alameen http://www.islamictreasure.com/

Pg63 075.002 And I do call to witness

the self-reproaching spirit: (Eschew Evil).

075.003 Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones?

075.004 Nay, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.

075.005 But man wishes to do wrong (even) in the time in front of him.

075.006 He questions: "When is the Day of Resurrection?"

075.007 At length, when the sight is dazed,

075.008 And the moon is buried in darkness.

075.009 And the sun and moon are joined together,-

075.010 That Day will Man say: "Where is the refuge?"

075.011 By no means! No place of safety!

075.012 Before thy Lord (alone), that Day will be the place of rest.

075.013 That Day will Man be told (all) that he put forward, and all that he put back.

075.014 Nay, man will be evidence against himself,

075.015 Even though he were to put up his excuses.

075.016 Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an) to make haste therewith.

075.017 It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:

075.018 But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital (as promulgated):

075.019 Nay more, it is for Us to explain it (and

page64 make it clear):

075.020 Nay, (ye men!) but ye love the fleeting life,

075.021 And leave alone the Hereafter.

075.022 Some faces, that Day, will beam (in brightness and beauty);-

075.023 Looking towards their Lord;

075.024 And some faces, that Day, will be sad and dismal,

075.025 In the thought that some back-breaking calamity was about to be inflicted on them;

075.026 Yea, when (the soul) reaches to the collarbone (in its exit),

075.027 And there will be a cry, "Who is a magician (to restore him)?"

075.028 And he will conclude that it was (the Time) of Parting;

075.029 And one leg will be joined with another:

075.030 That Day the Drive will be (all) to thy Lord!

075.031 So he gave nothing in charity, nor did he pray!-

075.032 But on the contrary, he rejected Truth and turned away!

075.033 Then did he stalk to his family in full conceit!

075.034 Woe to thee, (O men!), yea, woe!

075.035 Again, Woe to thee, (O men!), yea, woe!

075.036 Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled, (without purpose)?

075.037 Was he not a drop of sperm emitted

112. Surah Al-lkhlaas or At-Tauhid (The Purity)

1. Say (O Muhammad : "He is Allah, (the) One.

2. "Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks).

3. "He begets not, nor was He begotten;

4. "And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him." Al-Quran

God does not born or die he is forever. Jesus, Moses, Mohammad & all other people of

Bible, Quran &Torah were great messengers prophets of god not sons of god they were

created by 1 true god, creator, Allah. So any creation can't be the 1 creator Allah. So

they were messengers, prophets of god. How can creator be part of what he has created

Himself!! !So he is not part of any creation again he is not a creation & has no partners

no father,mother, daughter ,son, brother, sister ,wife & no gender simply unique beyond

comparable & 1 & 1 only. From Adam to Jesus god sent his messages

for every generation or period of time but it was always destroyed by mankind & the

devils conspiracy to take mankind towards hell. Because all previous books were massed

up by humans Allah sent his last messenger not son or god, but messenger Mohammad & sent him

Quran & it's messages to guide humans towards Allah & heaven. Allah has promised to

Keep Quran same until the Day of Judgment & challenged humans to create another

accurate book like Quran & said if you can't then surrender to your lord (the only way of peace&heaven).Majority of things science has discovered until now 80% of Quran had all those undiscovered answers from the last 1400years when science didn't have any answers. The other 20% answer was & is in Quran. Maybe it will take science another 1400years to find it. All 100% answers are

in Quran. Science can't prove a single verse of Quran wrong. If you do a research on Quran, bible

and science you will find facts. Facts are stranger than fiction. In the bible it says Jesus bowed his

head on floor just like Muslims bow their head on floor while praying .You should do research

on bible, Quran &science if you believe in god so you can find facts on Islam. If I teach a parrot a

message & send it to someone & parrot tells the message to that person and leaves & that

person starts saying that parrot is my son that would make no sense, because that was my

messenger not son. Jesus was taken up alive &after that people started calling him son of god. He came

to establish Islam & was a messenger of 1 god. Christianity started after Jesus was gone, Jesus will

67 comeback & die as a human& Muslim. Quran is the only accurate 100% words of god

&word of god can't have errors then it would not be word of god & according to science bibles & Torahs has many errors but they can't prove a verse in Quran wrong. Muslims believe there is no god but Allah & Prophet Mohammad is the last & final prophet & messenger of Allah.

Killing innocent human is a major sin in Islam & Islam is against terrorism, prophet Muhammad said no one has the right to burn anything only god has the right to burn someone which is in hell. Love peace for all. May god bless &save us all.

Biography of Muhammad(pbuh) by a Non-Muslim

Muhammad I

by Prof. K. S. Ramakrishna Rao, Head of the Dept. of Philosophy, Govt. College for Women. University of Mysore, Mandya-571401 (Karnatika, India).

Re-printed from "Islam and Modern age", Hydrabad, March 1978.

In the desert of Arabia was Mohammad born, according to Muslim historians, on April 20, 571. The name means highly praised. He is to me the greatest mind among all the sons of Arabia. He means so much more than all the poets and kings that preceded him in that impenetrable desert of red sand.

When he appeared Arabia was a desert — a nothing. Out of nothing a new world was fashioned by the mighty spirit of Mohammad — a new life, a new culture, a new civilization, a new kingdom which extended from Morocco to Indies and influenced the thought and life of three continents — Asia, Africa and Europe.

When I thought of writing on Mohammad the prophet, I was a bit hesitant because it was to write about a religion I do not profess and it is a delicate matter to do so for there are many persons professing various religions and belonging to diverse school of thought and denominations even in same religion. Though it is sometimes, claimed that religion is entirely personal yet it can not be gain-said that it has a tendency to envelop the whole universe seen as well unseen. It somehow permeates something or other our hearts, our souls, our minds their conscious as well as subconscious and unconscious levels too. The problem assumes overwhelming importance when there is a deep conviction that our past, present and future all hang by the soft delicate, tender silked cord. If we further happen to be highly sensitive, the center of gravity is very likely to be always in a state of extreme tension. Looked at from this point of view, the less said about other religion the better. Let our religions be deeply hidden and embedded in the resistance of our innermost hearts fortified by unbroken seals on our lips.

But there is another aspect of this problem. Man lives in society. Our lives are bound with the lives of others willingly or unwillingly, directly or indirectly. We eat the food grown in the same soil, drink water,

68 from the same the same spring and breathe the same air. Even while staunchly

holding our own views, it would be helpful, if we try to adjust ourselves to our surroundings, if we also know to some extent, how the mind our neighbor moves and what the main springs of his actions are. From this angle of vision it is highly desirable that one should try to know all religions of the world, in the proper sprit, to promote mutual understanding and better appreciation of our neighborhood, immediate and remote.

Further, our thoughts are not scattered as appear to be on the surface. They have got themselves crystallized around a few nuclei in the form of great world religions and living faiths that guide and motivate the lives of millions that inhabit this earth of ours. It is our duty, in one sense if we have the ideal of ever becoming a citizen of the world before us, to make a little attempt to know the great religions and system of philosophy that have ruled mankind.

In spite of these preliminary remarks, the ground in these field of religion, where there is often a conflict between intellect and emotion is so slippery that one is constantly reminded of fools that rush in where angels fear to tread. It is also not so complex from another point of view. The subject of my writing is about the tenets of a religion which is historic and its prophet who is also a historic personality. Even a

hostile critic like Sir William Muir speaking about the holy Quran says that. "There is probably in the world no other book which has remained twelve centuries with so pure text." I may also add Prophet Mohammad is also a historic personality, every event of whose life has been most carefully recorded and even the minutest details preserved intact for the posterity. His life and works are not wrapped in mystery.

My work today is further lightened because those days are fast disappearing when Islam was highly misrepresented by some of its critics for reasons political and otherwise. Prof. Bevan writes in Cambridge Medieval History, "Those account of Mohammad and Islam which were published in Europe before the beginning of 19th century are now to be regarded as literary curiosities." My problem is to write this monograph is easier because we are now generally not fed on this kind of history and much time need be spent on pointing out our misrepresentation of Islam.

The theory of Islam and Sword for instance is not heard now frequently in any quarter worth the name. The principle of Islam that there is no compulsion in religion is well known. Gibbon, a historian of world repute says, "A pernicious tenet has been imputed to Mohammadans, the duty of extirpating all the religions by sword." This charge based on ignorance and bigotry, says the eminent historian, is refuted by Quran, by history of Musalman conquerors and by their public and legal toleration of Christian worship. The great success of Mohammad's life had been effected by sheer moral force, without a stroke of sword.

But in pure self-defense, after repeated efforts of conciliation had utterly failed, circumstances dragged him into the battlefield. But the prophet of Islam changed the whole strategy of the battlefield. The total number of casualties in all the wars that took place during his lifetime when the whole Arabian Peninsula came under his banner, does not exceed a few hundreds in all. But even on the battlefield he taught the Arab barbarians to pray, to pray not individually, but in congregation to God the Almighty. During the dust and storm of warfare whenever the time for prayer came, and it comes five times a every day, the congregation prayer had not to be postponed even on the battlefield. A party had to be engaged in bowing their heads before God while other was engaged with the enemy. After finishing the prayers, the two parties had to exchange their positions. To the Arabs, who would fight for forty years on the slight provocation that a camel belonging to the guest of one tribe had strayed into the grazing land belonging to other tribe and both sides had fought till they lost 70,000 lives in all; threatening the extinction of both the tribes to such furious Arabs, the Prophet of Islam taught self-control and discipline to the extent of

69 praying even on the battlefield. In an aged of barbarism, the Battlefield itself was

humanized and strict instructions were issued not to cheat, not to break trust, not to mutilate, not to kill a child or woman or an old man, not to hew down date palm nor burn it, not to cut a fruit tree, not to molest any person engaged in worship. His own treatment with his bitterest enemies is the noblest example for his followers. At the conquest of Mecca, he stood at the zenith of his power. The city which had refused to listen to his mission, which had tortured him and his followers, which had driven him and his people into exile and which had unrelentingly persecuted and boycotted him even when he had taken refuge in a place more than 200 miles away, that city now lay at his feet. By the laws of war he could have justly avenged all the cruelties inflicted on him and his people. But what treatment did he accord to them? Mohammad's heart flowed with affection and he declared, "This day, there is no REPROOF against you and you are all free." "This day" he proclaimed, "I trample under my feet all distinctions between man and man, all hatred between man and man."

This was one of the chief objects why he permitted war in self defense, that is to unite human beings. And when once this object was achieved, even his worst enemies were pardoned. Even those who killed his beloved uncle, Hamazah, mangled his body, ripped it open, even chewed a piece of his liver.

The principles of universal brotherhood and doctrine of the equality of mankind which he proclaimed represents one very great contribution of Mohammad to the social uplift of humanity. All great religions have preached the same doctrine but the prophet of Islam had put this theory into actual practice and its value will be fully recognized, perhaps centuries hence, when international consciousness being awakened, racial prejudices may disappear and greater brotherhood of humanity come into existence.

Miss. Sarojini Naidu speaking about this aspect of Islam says, "It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy; for in the mosque, when the minaret is sounded and the worshipers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and the king kneel side by side and proclaim, God alone is great." The great poetess of India continues, "I have been struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes a man instinctively a brother. When you meet an Egyptian, an Algerian and Indian and a Turk in London, it matters not that Egypt is the motherland of one and India is the motherland of another."

Mahatma Gandhi, in his inimitable style, says "Some one has said that Europeans in South Africa dread the advent Islam — Islam that civilized Spain, Islam that took the torch light to Morocco and preached to the world the Gospel of brotherhood. The Europeans of South Africa dread the Advent of Islam. They may claim equality with the white races. They may well dread it, if brotherhood is a sin. If it is equality of colored races then their dread is well founded."

Every year, during the Haj, the world witnesses the wonderful spectacle of this international Exhibition of Islam in leveling all distinctions of race, color and rank. Not only the Europeans, the African, the Arabian, the Persian, the Indians, the Chinese all meet together in Medina as members of one divine family, but they are clad in one dress every person in two simple pieces of white seamless cloth, one piece round the loin the other piece over the shoulders, bare head without pomp or ceremony, repeating "Here am I O God; at thy command; thou art one and alone; Here am I." Thus there remains nothing to differentiate the high from the low and every pilgrim carries home the impression of the international significance of Islam.

In the opinion of Prof. Hurgronje "the league of nations founded by prophet of Islam put the principle of international unity of human brotherhood on such Universal foundations as to show candle to other

70 nations." In the words of same Professor "the fact is that no nation of the world can

show a parallel to what Islam has done the realization of the idea of the League of Nations."

The prophet of Islam brought the reign of democracy in its best form. The Caliph Caliph Ali and the son in-law of the prophet, the Caliph Mansur, Abbas, the son of Caliph Mamun and many other caliphs and kings had to appear before the judge as ordinary men in Islamic courts. Even today we all know how the black Negroes were treated by the civilized white races. Consider the state of BILAL, a Negro Slave, in the days of the prophet of Islam nearly 14 centuries ago. The office of calling Muslims to prayer was considered to be of status in the early days of Islam and it was offered to this Negro slave. After the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet ordered him to call for prayer and the Negro slave, with his black color and his thick lips, stood over the roof of the holy mosque at Mecca called the Ka'ba the most historic and the holiest mosque in the Islamic world, when some proud Arabs painfully cried loud, "Oh, this black Negro Slave, woe be to him. He stands on the roof of holy Ka'ba to call for prayer." At that moment, the prophet announced to the world, this verse of the holy QURAN for the first time. "O mankind, surely we have created you, families and tribes, so you may know one another. Surely, the most honorable of you with God is MOST RIGHTEOUS AMONG you. Surely, God is Knowing, Aware."

And these words of the holy Quran created such a mighty transformation that the Caliph of Islam, the purest of Arabs by birth, offered their daughter in marriage to this Negro Slave, and whenever, the second Caliph of Islam, known to history as Umar the great, the commander of faithful, saw this Negro slave, he immediately stood in reverence and welcomed him by "Here come our master; Here come our lord." What a tremendous change was brought by Quran in the Arabs, the proudest people at that time on the earth. This is the reason why Goethe, the greatest of German poets, speaking about the Holy Quran declared that, "This book will go on exercising through all ages a most potent influence." This is also the reason why George Bernard Shaw says, "If any religion has a chance or ruling over England, say, Europe, within the next 100 years, it is Islam".

It is this same democratic spirit of Islam that emancipated women from the bondage of man. Sir Charles Edward Archibald Hamilton says "Islam teaches the inherent sinlessness of man. It teaches that man and woman and woman have come from the same essence, posses the same soul and have been equipped with equal capabilities for intellectual, spiritual and moral attainments."

The Arabs had a very strong tradition that one who can smite with the spear and can wield the sword would inherit. But Islam came as the defender of the weaker sex and entitled women to share the inheritance of their parents. It gave women, centuries ago right of owning property, yet it was only 12 centuries later , in 1881, that England, supposed to be the cradle of democracy adopted this institution of Islam and the act was called "the married woman act", but centuries earlier, the Prophet of Islam had proclaimed that "Woman are twin halves of men. The rights of women are sacred. See that women maintained rights granted to them."

Islam is not directly concerned with political and economic systems, but indirectly and in so far as political and economic affairs influence man's conduct, it does lay down some very important principles to govern economic life. According to Prof. Massignon, it maintains the balance between exaggerated opposites and has always in view the building of character which is the basis of civilization. This is secured by its law of inheritance, by an organized system of charity known as Zakat, and by regarding as illegal all anti-social practices in the economic field like monopoly, usury, securing of predetermined unearned income and increments, cornering markets, creating monopolies, creating an artificial scarcity of any commodity in order to force the prices to rise. Gambling is illegal. Contribution to schools, to places of worship, hospitals, digging of wells, opening of orphanages are highest acts of virtue.

71 Orphanages have sprung for the first time, it is said, under the teaching of the prophet of

Islam. The world owes its orphanages to this prophet born an orphan. "Good all this" says Carlyle about Mohammad. "The natural voice of humanity, of pity and equity, dwelling in the heart of this wild son of nature, speaks."

A historian once said a great man should be judged by three tests: Was he found to be of true metel by his contemporaries ? Was he great enough to raise above the standards of his age ? Did he leave anything as permanent legacy to the world at large ? This list may be further extended but all these three tests of greatness are eminently satisfied to the highest degree in case of prophet Mohammad. Some illustrations of the last two have already been mentioned.

The first is: Was the Prophet of Islam found to be of true metel by his contemporaries?

Historical records show that all the contemporaries of Mohammad both friends foes, acknowledged the sterling qualities, the spotless honesty, the noble virtues, the absolute sincerity and every trustworthiness of the apostle of Islam in all walks of life and in every sphere of human activity. Even the Jews and those who did not believe in his message, adopted him as the arbiter in their personal disputes by virtue of his perfect impartiality. Even those who did not believe in his message were forced to say "O Mohammad, we do not call you a liar, but we deny him who has given you a book and inspired you with a message." They thought he was one possessed. They tried violence to cure him. But the best of them saw that a new light had dawned on him and they hastened him to seek the enlightenment. It is a notable feature in the history of prophet of Islam that his nearest relation, his beloved cousin and his bosom friends, who know him most intimately, were not thoroughly imbued with the truth of his mission and were convinced of the genuineness of his divine inspiration. If these men and women, noble, intelligent, educated and intimately acquainted with his private life had perceived the slightest signs of deception, fraud, earthliness, or lack of faith in him, Mohammad's moral hope of regeneration, spiritual awakening, and social reform would all have been foredoomed to a failure and whole edifice would have crumbled to pieces in a moment. On the contrary, we find that devotion of his followers was such that he was voluntarily acknowledged as dictator of their lives. They braved for him persecutions and danger; they trusted, obeyed and honored him even in the most excruciating torture and severest mental agony caused by excommunication even unto death. Would this have been so, had they noticed the slightest backsliding in their master?

Read the history of the early converts to Islam, and every heart would melt at the sight of the brutal treatment of innocent Muslim men and women.

Sumayya, an innocent women, is cruelly torn into pieces with spears. An example is made of "Yassir whose legs are tied to two camels and the beast were are driven in opposite directions", Khabbab bin Arth is made lie down on the bed of burning coal with the brutal legs of their merciless tyrant on his breast so that he may not move and this makes even the fat beneath his skin melt. "Khabban bin Adi is put to death in a cruel manner by mutilation and cutting off his flesh piece-meal." In the midst of his tortures, being asked weather he did not wish Mohammad in his place while he was in his house with his family, the sufferer cried out that he was gladly prepared to sacrifice himself his family and children and why was it that these sons and daughters of Islam not only surrendered to their prophet their allegiance but also made a gift of their hearts and souls to their master? Is not the intense faith and conviction on part of immediate followers of Mohammad, the noblest testimony to his sincerity and to his utter self-absorption in his appointed task?

And these men were not of low station or inferior mental caliber. Around him in quite early days, gathered what was best and noblest in Mecca, its flower and cream, men of position, rank, wealth and

72 culture, and from his own kith and kin, those who knew all about his life. All the

first four Caliphs, with their towering personalities, were converts of this period.

The Encyclopedia Brittanica says that "Mohammad is the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities".

But the success was not the result of mere accident. It was not a hit of fortune. It was a recognition of fact that he was found to be true metal by his contemporaries. It was the result of his admirable and all compelling personality.

The personality of Mohammad! It is most difficult to get into the truth of it. Only a glimpse of it I can catch. What a dramatic succession of picturesque scenes. There is Mohammad the Prophet, there is Mohammad the General; Mohammad the King; Mohammad the Warrior; Mohammad the Businessman; Mohammad the Preacher; Mohammad the Philosopher; Mohammad the Statesman; Mohammad the Orator; Mohammad the reformer; Mohammad the Refuge of orphans; Mohammad the Protector of slaves; Mohammad the Emancipator of women; Mohammad the Law-giver; Mohammad the Judge; Mohammad the Saint.

And in all these magnificent roles, in all these departments of human activities, he is like, a hero..

Orphanhood is extreme of helplessness and his life upon this earth began with it; Kingship is the height of the material power and it ended with it. From an orphan boy to a persecuted refugee and then to an overlord, spiritual as well as temporal, of a whole nation and Arbiter of its destinies, with all its trials and temptations, with all its vicissitudes and changes, its lights and shades, its up and downs, its terror and splendor, he has stood the fire of the world and came out unscathed to serve as a model in every face of life. His achievements are not limited to one aspect of life, but cover the whole field of human conditions.

If for instance, greatness consist in the purification of a nation, steeped in barbarism and immersed in absolute moral darkness, that dynamic personality who has transformed, refined and uplifted an entire nation, sunk low as the Arabs were, and made them the torch-bearer of civilization and learning, has every claim to greatness. If greatness lies in unifying the discordant elements of society by ties of brotherhood and charity, the prophet of the desert has got every title to this distinction. If greatness consists in reforming those warped in degrading and blind superstition and pernicious practices of every kind, the prophet of Islam has wiped out superstitions and irrational fear from the hearts of millions. If it lies in displaying high morals, Mohammad has been admitted by friend and foe as Al Amin, or the faithful. If a conqueror is a great man, here is a person who rose from helpless orphan and an humble creature to be the ruler of Arabia, the equal to Chosroes and Caesars, one who founded great empire that has survived all these 14 centuries. If the devotion that a leader commands is the criterion of greatness, the prophet's name even today exerts a magic charm over millions of souls, spread all over the world.

He had not studied philosophy in the school of Athens of Rome, Persia, India, or China. Yet, He could proclaim the highest truths of eternal value to mankind. Illiterate himself, he could yet speak with an eloquence and fervor which moved men to tears, to tears of ecstasy. Born an orphan blessed with no worldly goods, he was loved by all. He had studied at no military academy; yet he could organize his forces against tremendous odds and gained victories through the moral forces which he marshaled. Gifted men with genius for preaching are rare. Descartes included the perfect preacher among the rarest kind in the world. Hitler in his Mein Kamp has expressed a similar view. He says "A great theorist is seldom a great leader. An Agitator is more likely to posses these qualities. He will always be a great leader. For leadership means ability to move masses of men. The talents to produce ideas has nothing in common

73 with capacity for leadership." "But", he says, "The Union of theorists, organizer

and leader in one man, is the rarest phenomenon on this earth; Therein consists greatness."

In the person of the Prophet of Islam the world has seen this rarest phenomenon walking on the earth, walking in flesh and blood.

And more wonderful still is what the reverend Bosworth Smith remarks, "Head of the state as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but, he was pope without the pope's claims, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without an standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue. If ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by a right divine It was Mohammad, for he had all the power without instruments and without its support. He cared not for dressing of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life."

After the fall of Mecca, more than one million square miles of land lay at his feet, Lord of Arabia, he mended his own shoes and coarse woolen garments, milked the goats, swept the hearth, kindled the fire and attended the other menial offices of the family. The entire town of Medina where he lived grew wealthy in the later days of his life. Everywhere there was gold and silver in plenty and yet in those days of prosperity many weeks would elapse without a fire being kindled in the hearth of the king of Arabia, His food being dates and water. His family would go hungry many nights successively because they could not get anything to eat in the evening. He slept on no soften bed but on a palm mat, after a long busy day to spend most of his night in prayer, often bursting with tears before his creator to grant him strength to discharge his duties. As the reports go, his voice would get choked with weeping and it would appear as if a cooking pot was on fire and boiling had commenced. On the very day of his death his only assets were few coins a part of which went to satisfy a debt and rest was given to a needy person who came to his house for charity. The clothes in which he breathed his last had many patches. The house from where light had spread to the world was in darkness because there was no oil in the lamp.

Circumstances changed, but the prophet of God did not. In victory or in defeat, in power or in adversity, in affluence or in indigence, he is the same man, disclosed the same character. Like all the ways and laws of God, Prophets of God are unchangeable.

An honest man, as the saying goes, is the noblest work of God, Mohammad was more than honest. He was human to the marrow of his bones. Human sympathy, human love was the music of his soul. To serve man, to elevate man, to purify man, to educate man, in a word to humanize man-this was the object of his mission, the be-all and end all of his life. In thought, in word, in action he had the good of humanity as his sole inspiration, his sole guiding principle.

He was most unostentatious and selfless to the core. What were the titles he assumed? Only true servant of God and His Messenger. Servant first, and then a messenger. A Messenger and prophet like many other prophets in every part of the world, some known to you, many not known you. If one does not believe in any of these truths one ceases to be a Muslim. It is an article of faith.

"Looking at the circumstances of the time and unbounded reverence of his followers" says a western writer "the most miraculous thing about Mohammad is, that he never claimed the power of working miracles." Miracles were performed but not to propagate his faith and were attributed entirely to God and his inscrutable ways. He would plainly say that he was a man like others. He had no treasures of earth or heaven. Nor did he claim to know the secrets of that lie in womb of future. All this was in an age when miracles were supposed to be ordinary occurrences, at the back and call of the commonest saint, when the whole atmosphere was surcharged with supernaturalism in Arabia and outside Arabia.

74 He turned the attention of his followers towards the study of nature and its

laws, to understand them and appreciate the Glory of God. The Quran says,

"God did not create the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in play. He did not create them all but with the truth. But most men do not know."

The world is not illusion, nor without purpose. It has been created with the truth. The number of verses inviting close observation of nature are several times more than those that relate to prayer, fasting, pilgrimage etc. all put together. The Muslim under its influence began to observe nature closely and this give birth to the scientific spirit of the observation and experiment which was unknown to the Greeks. While the Muslim Botanist Ibn Baitar wrote on Botany after collecting plants from all parts of the world, described by Myer in his Gesch. der Botanikaa-s, a monument of industry, while Al Byruni traveled for forty years to collect mineralogical specimens, and Muslim Astronomers made some observations extending even over twelve years. Aristotle wrote on Physics without performing a single experiment, wrote on natural history, carelessly stating without taking the trouble to ascertain the most verifiable fact that men have more teeth than animal. Galen, the greatest authority on classical anatomy informed that the lower jaw consists of two bones, a statement which is accepted unchallenged for centuries till Abdul Lateef takes the trouble to examine a human skeleton. After enumerating several such instances, Robert Priffault concludes in his well known book The making of humanity, "The debt of our science to the Arabs does not consist in starting discovers or revolutionary theories. Science owes a great more to Arabs culture; it owes is existence." The same writer says "The Greeks systematized, generalized and theorized but patient ways of investigation, the accumulation of positive knowledge, the minute methods of science, detailed and prolonged observation, experimental inquiry, were altogether alien to Greek temperament. What we call science arose in Europe as result of new methods of investigation, of the method of experiment, observation, measurement, of the development of Mathematics in form unknown to the Greeks. That spirit and these methods, concludes the same author, were introduced into the European world by Arabs."

It is the same practical character of the teaching of Prophet Mohammad that gave birth to the scientific spirit, that has also sanctified the daily labors and the so called mundane affairs. The Quran says that God has created man to worship him but the word worship has a connotation of its own. Gods worship is not confined to prayer alone, but every act that is done with the purpose of winning approval of God and is for the benefit of the humanity comes under its purview. Islam sanctifies life and all its pursuits provided they are performed with honesty, justice and pure intents. It obliterates the age-long distinction between the sacred and profane. The Quran says if you eat clean things and thank God for it, it is an act of worship. It is saying of the prophet of Islam that Morsel of food that one places in the mouth of his wife is an act of virtue to be rewarded by God. Another tradition of the Prophet says "He who is satisfying the desire of his heart will be rewarded by God provided the methods adopted are permissible." A person was listening to him exclaimed 'O Prophet of God, he is answering the calls of passions, is only satisfying the craving of his heart. Forthwith came the reply, "Had he adopted an awful method for the satisfaction of his urge, he would have been punished; then why should he not be rewarded for following the right course."

This new conception of religion that it should also devote itself to the betterment of this life rather than concern itself exclusively with super mundane affairs, has led to a new orientation of moral values. Its abiding influence on the common relations of mankind in the affairs of every day life, its deep power over the masses, its regulation of their conception of rights and duty, its suitability and adaptability to the ignorant savage and the wise philosopher are characteristic features of the teaching of the Prophet of Islam.

75 But it should be most carefully born in mind this stress on good actions is not the

sacrifice correctness of faith. While there are various school of thought, one praising faith at the expense of deeds, another exhausting various acts to the detriment of correct belief, Islam is based on correct faith and righteous actions. Means are important as the end and ends are as important as the means. It is an organic Unity. Together they live and thrive. Separate them and both decay and die. In Islam faith can not be divorced from the action. Right knowledge should be transferred into right action to produce the right results. How often the words came in Quran — Those who believe and do good thing, they alone shall enter paradise. Again and again, not less than fifty times these words are repeated as if too much stress can not be laid on them. Contemplation is encouraged but mere contemplation is not the goal. Those who believe and do nothing can not exist in Islam. These who believe and do wrong are inconceivable. Divine law is the law of effort and not of ideals. It chalks out for the men the path of eternal progress from knowledge to action and from action to satisfaction.

But what is the correct faith from which right action spontaneously proceeds resulting in complete satisfaction. Here the central doctrine of Islam is the Unity of God. There is no God but God is the pivot from which hangs the whole teaching and practice of Islam. He is unique not only as regards his divine being but also as regards his divine attributes.

As regards the attributes of God, Islam adopts here as in other things too, the law of golden mean. It avoids on the one hand, the view of God which divests the divine being of every attribute and rejects, on the other, the view which likens him to things material. The Quran says, On the one hand, there is nothing which is like him, on the other , it affirms that he is Seeing, Hearing, Knowing. He is the King who is without a stain of fault or deficiency, the mighty ship of His power floats upon the ocean of justice and equity. He is the Beneficent, the Merciful. He is the Guardian over all. Islam does not stop with this positive statement. It adds further which is its most special characteristic, the negative aspects of problem. There is also no one else who is guardian over everything. He is the meander of every breakage, and no one else is the meander of any breakage. He is the restorer of every loss and no one else is the restorer of any loss what-so-over. There is no God but one God, above any need, the maker of bodies, creator of souls, the Lord of the day of judgment, and in short, in the words of Quran, to him belong all excellent qualities.

Regarding the position of man in relation to the Universe, the Quran says:

"God has made subservient to you whatever is on the earth or in universe. You are destined to rule over the Universe."

But in relation to God, the Quran says:

"O man God has bestowed on you excellent faculties and has created life and death to put you to test in order to see whose actions are good and who has deviated from the right path."

In spite of free will which he enjoys, to some extent, every man is born under certain circumstances and continues to live under certain circumstances beyond his control. With regard to this God says, according to Islam, it is my will to create any man under condition that seem best to me. cosmic plans finite mortals can not fully comprehend. But I will certainly test you in prosperity as well in adversity, in health as well as in sickness, in heights as well as in depths. My ways of testing differ from man to man, from hour to hour. In adversity do not despair and do resort to unlawful means. It is but a passing phase. In prosperity do not forget God. God-gifts are given only as trusts. You are always on trial, every moment on test. In this sphere of life there is not to reason why, there is but to do and die. If you live in accordance with God; and if you die, die in the path of God. You may call it fatalism, but this type of fatalism is a

76 condition of vigorous increasing effort, keeping you ever on the alert. Do not

consider this temporal life on earth as the end of human existence. There is a life after death and it is eternal. Life after death is only a connection link, a door that opens up hidden reality of life. Every action in life however insignificant, produces a lasting effect. It is correctly recorded somehow. Some of the ways of God are known to you, but many of his ways are hidden from you. What is hidden in you and from you in this world will be unrolled and laid open before you in the next, the virtuous will enjoy the blessing of God which the eye has not seen, nor has the ear heard, nor has it entered into the hearts of men to conceive of they will march onward reaching higher and higher stages of evolution. Those who have wasted opportunity in this life shall under the inevitable law, which makes every man taste of what he has done, be subjugated to a course of treatment of the spiritual diseases which they have brought about with their own hands. Beware, it is terrible ordeal. Bodily pain is torture, you can bear somehow. Spiritual pain is hell, you will find it almost unbearable. Fight in this life itself the tendencies of the spirit prone to evil, tempting to lead you into iniquities ways. Reach the next stage when the self-accusing sprit in your conscience is awakened and the soul is anxious to attain moral excellence and revolt against disobedience. This will lead you to the final stage of the soul at rest, contented with God, finding its happiness and delight in him alone. The soul no more stumbles. The stage of struggle passes away. Truth is victorious and falsehood lays down its arms. All complexes will then be resolved. Your house will not be divided against itself. Your personality will get integrated round the central core of submission to the will of God and complete surrender to his divine purpose. All hidden energies will then be released. The soul then will have peace. God will then address you:

"O thou soul that art at rest, and restest fully contented with thy Lord return to thy Lord. He pleased with thee and thou pleased with him; So enter among my servants and enter into my paradise."

This is the final goal for man; to become, on the, one hand, the master of the universe and on the other, to see that his soul finds rest in his Lord, that not only his Lord will be pleased with him but that he is also pleased with his Lord. Contentment, complete contentment, satisfaction, complete satisfaction, peace, complete peace. The love of God is his food at this stage and he drinks deep at the fountain of life. Sorrow and defeat do not overwhelm him and success does not find him in vain and exulting.

The western nations are only trying to become the master of the Universe. But their souls have not found peace and rest.

Thomas Carlyle, struck by this philosophy of life writes "and then also Islam-that we must submit to God; that our whole strength lies in resigned submission to Him, whatsoever he does to us, the thing he sends to us, even if death and worse than death, shall be good, shall be best; we resign ourselves to God." The same author continues "If this be Islam, says Goethe, do we not all live in Islam?" Carlyle himself answers this question of Goethe and says "Yes, all of us that have any moral life, we all live so. This is yet the highest wisdom that heaven has revealed to our earth."

Evolution in the Holy Quran:

It is mentioned in the quran 1400 years ago even before scientists found the genetic similarities of monkeys ,apes & humans, what scientists have found is true but their opinion of the theory of evolution is wrong. Quran is word of god & it has the information of past,present& future.God reveled to prophet Muhammad whatever god wanted to & kept some information only to god by reveling some & not reveling some.But still quran is 1 great source of information from God. Because of their constant defiance and blasphemy of GOD Almighty's Divine and Holy Words,

77 some bad Jews were transformed into swines and apes during Prophet

Moses (peace be upon him) times:but not the good one's & definitely not all jews okay. "Say: "Shall I point out to you something much worse than this, (as judged) by the treatment it received from God? those who incurred the curse of God and His wrath, those of whom some He transformed into apes and swine, those who worshipped evil;- these are (many times) worse in rank, and far more astray from the even path!" (The Noble Quran, 5:60)" First 2 of the 10 Commandments

I am the Lord thy God,Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images. SURAT AL IKHLAS (MAKKAH)

1) Say he is Allah one & only

(2) Allah, the eternal, absolute

3) He begets not, nor is he begotten

(4) And there is none like unto him (Al-Quran)

The original quran is 100% accurate in the Arabic language & its 1 only.But in English there are couple of translations of the same 1 arabic quran.so if some 1 wants to understand the quran properly he should read it in couple of translations of the same 1 arabic quran & learn some Arabic to understand the quran more accurately.

Quran is not a copy of anything & there is no evidence to say such.statements in quran are against torah&bible.torah & bible has so many errors. & acording to sciense 80%of quran matches with sciense&other 20%of quran sciense doesn't have answers maybe it will take couple of hundred years to find out for sciense. acording to historians original bible doesn't exist anymore. Acording to islam torah&bible were books of allah but humans have destroyed their originality, so quran is the last &fmal word of god allah &Muhammad is the last&fmal messanger of allah. Quran is not copy of anything and its 100% word of god in islam. According to sciense torah &bibles statements have errors &Qurans statements are accurate &word of god is accurate.

Reasons why you should not blame religion for the acts of some people Can u

blame Christianity for the acts of crusades, holocaust,& because some priests rapes children inside the churches or because some Christian leaders dropped a nuclear bomb on japan. Or they did these horrible acts like these: George W. Bush Jr. - Christian, Turned Iraq war into a religious war by saying "god told him to invade Iraq", increase taxes on the middle class and poor, cut taxes for the rich.

Nazism - Christians Adolph Hitler - Christian/Catholic Newt Gingrich - Christian Inquisitions - Christian Ugandan Christians Salem Witch burnings - Christian Waco Texas - Christian Jones Town -ChristianSan Diego Heaven's Gate - Christian Serbians - Christian Skin Heads - Christians IRA (Irish Republican Army ) - Christian Iron Guard - Christian Westboro Baptist church -ChristiansChristian Tsarist Russia - Christian The Crusades - Christian & Catholic The Troubles -Catholic & Christian The Holocaust - Catholic & Christian The Book burnings - Catholic & Christian The heretic burnings - Christian Backing of the institution of slavery!!!! —

The answer is No no no and noooooo okay!!! its not the fault of Christianity but rather these are the faults of some bad people who did bad things & its as simple as that okay.Remember the good the bad the ugly exists in every thing or kind of people. Similarly blaming the religion islam for the acts of some few muslims who are evil terrorists is also wrong.Yes there are some bad bad bad people among muslims but again good people do good things & bad people do bad things.Im not denying or defending them because there are evil &good people among all religions & even atheists . It's as simple as that. 99% of muslims are not terrorists.&the bad muslims Or terrorists do not represent the true islam period, suppose some 1 has a very good expensive car or maybe it's the best car in the world.Now the owner starts driving the car

78 he starts drinking & he hits women children & starts killing innocent people.Now

is this is a fault of the car? No of course not it's the fault of the driver, over here im representing the driver as a bad muslim or u can say a terrorist & its not the cars fault that the driver misused it so here the expensive good car is islam.my point is don't blame Islam or Christianity or any other religion for the acts of some evil people. Remember the good the bad the ugly exists in every thing or kind of people.Islam is 1 of the most beautiful religion in the world but unfortunately its blamed for the actions of few evil terrorists.& also be aware that there are many rumors, lies & false information & accusations that exists in the western world & some European countries against islam & prophet mohammad.unfortunately some people believe in these false lies which has been spread by crusades, some media, some parts of governments & some bad rich anti Islam politicians to create misconceptions against islam & prophet mohammad only to stop spreading the truth about islam.

Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?[Lamartine, Histoire de la Turquie, Paris 1854 Vol. II, pp. 276-77.]He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Popes pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar: without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammad, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports.[Bosworth Smifu, Mohammad and Mohammadanism. London 1874, p. 92.] At Muhammad.s own death an attempt was made to deify him, but the man who was to become his administrative successor killed the hysteria with one of the noblest speeches in religious history: If there are any among you who worshipped Muhammad, he is dead. But if it is God you worshipped, He lives forever. [James A. Michener, Islam The Misunderstood Religion] And for atheists in the history the world wars didn't cause by religion.And good people do good things & bad people do bad things.The good the bad the ugly is part of human nature.

The Piercing Star and Black holes

The holy Quran is word of god. The Almighty revealed it to his final prophet to humanity. When prophets were inviting their people to the truth,

God endowed them with miracles to convince their people. Moses was given a miracle that excelled magic and dazzled magicians in ancient Egypt. Jesus was given a miracle that excelled medicine and he could cure people from incurable diseases. The only people who could see these miracles are the ones who were there. Because the prophet Muhammad was the final prophet his miracle had to be continuous and immortal, this immortal miracle is the holy Quran itself.

79 At the age of revealing the holy Quran Arabs were excelled in poetry and

prose, so the holy Quran challenged them by its eloquence. Now miracles of the holy Quran appeared in the scientific signs mentioned in a lot of verses, these verses indicate to scientific facts which have been discovered since only few decades, So humanity must know that the holy Quran is the word of Allah.One of the scientific signs mentioned in the holy Quran is the piercing star. (1) The Almighty says in the beginning of surat Al-Tarek: (By the heaven and the Tarik (The Knocker) * Ah, what will tell thee what the Tarik (The knocker) is! * The piercing Star!) (Quran 86:l-3)These verses speak about a star which has two significant features. The first one is that it is a piercing star the other is that it knocks something hard enough to make sound. Allah (SWT) in these verses coupled His oath by heaven regarding its greatness with the piercing star which means that there is a relationship between both. The question now is How do these verses indicate to black holes? Black holes are the most violent and mysterious phenomenon in the sky. Black holes are the evolutionary endpoints of stars at least 10 to 15 times as massive as the Sun. If a star that massive or larger undergoes a supernova explosion, it may leave behind a fairly massive burned out stellar remnant. With no outward forces to oppose gravitational forces, the remnant will collapse in on itself. The star eventually collapses to the point of zero volume and infinite density , creating what is known as a " singularity ". As the gravitational field is so powerful that nothing, including light, can escape its pull, the black hole has a one-way surface, called the event horizon , into which objects can fall, but out of which nothing can come out. At this we have to clarify very important point - which causes confusion to a lot of people- that we must distinguish between the event horizon of the black hole at which any matter or light can not escape and the point at which the matter of the exploded star is collapsed. If the sun become a black hole it will have an event horizon with radius about 3 km but all its matter will be condensed in a point at the center of the black hole.(General relativity describes a black hole as a region of empty space with a point like singularity at the center and an event horizon at the outer edge). (2)

iThe piercing star describes the matter of star

condensed in singularity and the hole of empty space caused by this condensed matter.

The verse indicates to the black hole The verse describes this phenomenon as the piercing star and this is more accurate description because the matter of the collapsed star which is condensed in singularity is the reason of forming the black hole. So the star itself still there condensed causing the existence of this empty space called black hole. When you describe this phenomenon as a black hole you actually are describing only the empty space but if

80 you describe it the piercing star, then you are describing the matter of star

condensed in singularity and the hole of empty space caused by this matter.

Types of black holes There are two main types of black holes the first one is the stellar black holes and the second is actually the biggest and greatest phenomenon in the sky, it is the supermassive black holes. This confirms to us why the oath of the piercing star in the holy Quran is great enough to be coupled with the oath of heaven regarding its greatness.

The properties of supermassive black holes The most significant feature of the supermassive black hole is its mass which exceed all limits of imagination if you know that the mass of stellar black holes can reach 30 times solar mass, the mass of a supermassive black hole can reach ten billion times solar mass. It is formed also as result of collapse of the matter of supermassive star at the beginning of formation of galaxies, so the piercing star which is condensed in a tiny volume causing this supermassive black hole is considered to be the most massive star in the universe. (3)

The story begins with Quasars It has got along time for scientists to discover the supermassive black holes and the beginning was the discovery of quasars. The QUASi-stellAR radio source (quasar) is a powerfully energetic and distant active galactic nucleus . The most luminous quasars radiate at a rate that can exceed the output of average galaxies , equivalent to one trillion (1012) suns . Scientist for along time have wondered how does a quasar produce such tremendous luminosity despite its distance from us which reaches billions of light years and the answer came from the most violent thing in sky it is the supermassive black hole. The huge luminosity of quasars results from the accretion discs of central supermassive black holes, which can convert on the order of 10% of the mass of an object into energy as compared to 0.7% for the p-p chain nuclear fusion process that dominates the energy production in sun-like stars. (4)

The huge luminosity of quasars results from

the accretion discs of central supermassive black holes

The cosmic knocks resulted from supermassive black holes The mentioned verses (By the heaven and the Tarik (The Knocker) * Ah, what will tell thee what the Tarik (The knocker) is! * The piercing Star!) (Quran 86:1-3) stated that the piercing star which we explained its relation to supermassive black hole has another significant feature as the verses called it Al-Tarik (The knocker) so how does the piercing star and the resulted supermassive black hole knock?Part of the matter of accretion disk rotating supermassive black hole which is

81 about to fall in the supermassive black hole is re-emitted as Relativistic jets

which are extremely powerful twin jets of plasma being shot along the axis of spin of the accretion disk having a velocity approaching the speed of light. This jet knocks hardly and strongly any thing in its way and for long distances.And due to the movement of this plasma jet it knocks the interstellar and the intergalactic medium producing real sound waves.

IA real jet of plasma produced by a

supermassive black hole in the galaxy (M87) recorded by Hubel space telescope. It knocks every thing in its way for a distance (5000 light years).

In Sept. 9, 2003: Astronomers using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have found, for the first time, sound waves from a supermassive black hole. This supermassive black hole resides in the Perseus cluster of galaxies located 250 million light years from Earth. The "note" is the deepest ever detected from any object in our Universe. (5)

[Real sound waves resulted from jets knocking

the intergalactic medium.Now imagine how great the miracle in the verses is. The piercing star and the resulted supermassive black hole knocks the intergalactic medium with relativistic jets and as result of this knocking real sound is produced.(By the heaven and the Tarik (The Knocker) * Ah, what will tell thee what the Tarik (The knocker) is! * The piercing Star!) (Quran 86:1-3) The piercing star and heaven Allah (SWT) in these verses coupled His oath by heaven regarding its greatness with the piercing star which means that there is a fundamental relationship between this type of stars and all what we see in the sky from stars and galaxies.

82 The piercing star is in the core of all galaxies Quasar and related

supermassive black holes have been associated to a type of galaxies called active galaxies, but the other type of galaxies called inactive galaxies which includes our galaxy the Milky way are thought for a long time to have no supermassive black holes in their cores, but from about two decades scientists have found a method to determine the existence of supermassive black hole by determining the velocities of stars close to the galactic nuclei and they were surprised when they found a supermassive black hole in all galaxies. What remained is to know is there a supermassive black hole in our galaxy the Milky way or not. In 2003 American astrophysicist Andrea Ghez and its teamwork (UCLA) and by using high spatial resolution imaging techniques have confirmed the existence of a supermassive black hole in our own galaxy. (6)The image is now complete each galaxy has its own supermassive black hole, but why there are active galaxies and inactive ones. The answer of this question related to the development of galaxies.

There is a supermassive black hole in each galaxy Supermassive black hole and the birth of galaxies Scientists have found a relationship between the velocity of stars at the edges of galaxies and the mass of the supermassive black holes in the core of these galaxies and because the distance between them are very large so this relation formed in a pervious time, the time of galaxy birth as it thought that the galaxies are formed when a huge cloud of gas is collapsed at its core forming supermassive black hole which start to feed on the neighboring gas forming a quasar. This quasar triggers the formation of new stars in the entire galaxy so a new active galaxy is formed, but with time the gas start to get far from the supermassive black hole so it has nothing to feed on and the active galaxy converts to inactive one.

So science today makes a relation between the piercing star and all what wee see in the sky from stars and galaxies. For this reason Allah (SWT) in these verses coupled His oath by heaven regarding its greatness with the piercing star which means that there is a fundamental relationship between this type of stars and all what we see in the sky from stars and galaxies.(By the heaven and the Tarik (The Knocker) * Ah, what will tell thee what the Tarik (The knocker) is! * The piercing Star!) (Quran 86:1-3)

References

83 (1) Dr. Zagloul El-Naggar 2001. Al-Ahram 12,14 (6, 20 /8 /2001).

(2) http://www.physics.hku.hk/~nature/CD/regular_e/lectures/chap 17.html

(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermassive black hole

(4) http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know U/active galaxies.html

(5) http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/09sep blackholesounds.htm

(6) http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~ghezgroup/gc/index.shtml

Universe By: Chem. Gamal Abdel-Nasser THE 7 EARTHS

The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad is the second revealed source of Islam. Like the Quran, it contains scientific information unavailable 1400 years ago. From these miracles is the "seven" earths, mentioned by the Prophet in several of his sayings. From them are the following two:Hadith 1 It was narrated on the authority of Abu Salamah that a dispute arose between him and some other people (about a piece of land). When he told Aisha (the Prophet's wife) about it, she said, 'O Abu Salamah! Avoid taking the land unjustly, for the Prophet said: "Whoever usurps even one span of land of somebody, its depth through the seven earths will be collared to his neck." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, 'Book of Oppression.')

Hadith 2 Salim narrated on the authority of his father that the Prophet said:"Whoever takes a piece of land of others unjustly, he will sink down the seven earths on the Day of Resurrection." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, 'Book of Oppression.')The aforementioned hadith prohibits oppression in general, especially the taking of a piece of land belonging to others unjustly. What might the seven earths refer to?Studies in geology have proven that the earth is composed of seven zones, identified from the inner to the outer layers as follows: (1) The Solid Inner Core of Earth: 1.7% of the Earth's mass; depth of 5,150 - 6,370 kilometers (3,219 - 3,981 miles) The inner core is solid and unattached to the mantle, suspended in the molten outer core. It is believed to have solidified as a result of pressure-freezing which occurs to most liquids when temperature decreases or pressure increases.

84 (2) The Liquid Outer core: 30.8% of Earth's mass; depth of 2,890 - 5,150

kilometers (1,806 - 3,219 miles)

The outer core is a hot, electrically conducting liquid within which convective motion occurs. This conductive layer combines with Earth's rotation to create a dynamo effect that maintains a system of electrical currents known as the Earth's magnetic field. It is also responsible for the subtle jerking of Earth's rotation. This layer is not as dense as pure molten iron, which indicates the presence of lighter elements. Scientists suspect that about 10% of the layer is composed of sulfur and/or oxygen because these elements are abundant in the cosmos and dissolve readily in molten iron.

(3) The "D" Layer: 3% of Earth's mass; depth of 2,700 - 2,890 kilometers (1,688 - 1,806 miles) This layer is 200 to 300 kilometers (125 to 188 miles) thick and represents about 4% of the mantle-crust mass. Although it is often identified as part of the lower mantle, seismic discontinuities suggest the "D" layer might differ chemically from the lower mantle lying above it. Scientists theorize that the material either dissolved in the core, or was able to sink through the mantle but not into the core because of its density.

(4) Lower Mantle: 49.2% of Earth's mass; depth of 650 - 2,890 kilometers (406 -1,806 miles)

The lower mantle contains 72.9% of the mantle-crust mass and is probably composed mainly of silicon, magnesium, and oxygen. It probably also contains some iron, calcium, and aluminum. Scientists make these deductions by assuming the Earth has a similar abundance and proportion of cosmic elements as found in the Sun and primitive meteorites.

(5) Middle Mantle (Transition region): 7.5% of Earth's mass; depth of 400 - 650 kilometers (250-406 miles)

The transition region or mesosphere (for middle mantle), sometimes called the fertile layer, contains 11.1% of the mantle-crust mass and is the source of basaltic magmas. It also contains calcium, aluminum, and garnet, which is a complex aluminum-bearing silicate mineral. This layer is dense when cold because of the garnet. It is buoyant when hot because these minerals melt easily to form basalt which can then rise through the upper layers as magma.

(6) Upper Mantle: 10.3% of Earth's mass; depth of 10 - 400 kilometers (6 - 250 miles)

The upper mantle contains 15.3% of the mantle-crust mass. Fragments have been excavated for our observation by eroded mountain belts and volcanic eruptions. Olivine (Mg,Fe)2Si04 and pyroxene (Mg,Fe)Si03 have been the primary minerals found in this way. These and other minerals are refractory and crystalline at high temperatures; therefore, most settle out of rising magma, either forming new material or never leaving the mantle. Part of the upper mantle called the asthenosphere might be partially molten.

85 (7) Lithosphere Oceanic crust: 0.099% of Earth's mass; depth of 0-10

kilometers (0-6 miles) The rigid, outermost layer of the Earth comprising the crust and upper mantle is called the lithosphere. The oceanic crust contains 0.147% of the mantle-crust mass. The majority of the Earth's crust was made through volcanic activity. The oceanic ridge system, a 40,000-kilometer (25,000 mile) network of volcanoes, generates new oceanic crust at the rate of 17 km3 per year, covering the ocean floor with basalt. Hawaii and Iceland are two examples of the accumulation of basalt piles.

The continental crust contains 0.554% of the mantle-crust mass. This is the outer part of the Earth composed essentially of crystalline rocks. These are low-density buoyant minerals dominated mostly by quartz (Si02) and feldspars (metal-poor silicates). The crust (both oceanic and continental) is the surface of the Earth; as such, it is the coldest part of our planet. Because cold rocks deform slowly, we refer to this rigid outer shell as the lithosphere (the rocky or strong layer).

Conclusion

The layers of the earth coincide with the above mentioned hadith of the Prophet. The miracle is in two matters:

(1) The expression of the hadith, 'He will sink down the seven earths on the Day of Resurrection,' indicates the stratification of these "earths" around one center.

(2) The accuracy with which the Prophet of Islam referred to the seven inner layers of earth. The only way for a desert dweller to have known these facts 1400 years ago is through revelation from God.

86 References Beatty, J. K. and A. Chaikin, eds. The New Solar

System. Massachusetts: Sky Publishing, 3rd Edition, 1990.Press, Frank and Raymond Siever. Earth. New York: W. H. Freeman and Company, 1986.Seeds, Michael A. Horizons. Belmont, California: Wadsworth, 1995.E1-Najjar, Zaghloul. Treasures In The Sunnah: A Scientific Approach: Cairo, Al-Falah Foundation, 2004. Sunnah & Science By: admin

Some hadiths (teachings of prophet Muhammad)( pbuh) Aisha reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say, "Gabriel continued to advise me to treat neighbors well until I thought he would make them my heirs."Source: Sahih Muslim 2624 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim

Abu Musa reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "The honest Muslim trustee who carries out the orders of those who trusted him and who pays in full with a good heart to the right person is regarded as one of the two who gave charity." Source: Sahih Bukhari 1371, Sahih Muslim [...] Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "There is no justification for envy except in two cases. First, a man whom Allah has given the Quran and he recites it during the night and day, so someone says: If I were to be given like this, I would do as he is doing. And second, a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in justice, so someone says: If I were to be given like this, I would do as he is doing." Source: Sahih Bukhari 6805 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Bukhari

Hadith on Zakat: The command to give 2.5% of surplus wealth as alms and charity

Abu Amina Elias | April 5, 2013 Ali ibn Abu Talib reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "If you have two hundred coins and a year has passed, then five coins is due for alms; and you will owe nothing until you own twenty coins, but when you own twenty coins and a year has passed, then half of a coin is due for alms and whatever exceeds that should be calculated likewise."Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 1572Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Abu Dawud (due to his silence) Abu Dharr reported: My dear friend the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, enjoined upon me three deeds, "Listen to and obey the ruler even if a slave is appointed over you. When you make soup, put some extra water in it and look to the people in the neighboring house and give them a reasonable portion of it, and pray your prayers on time, for if you find the Imam praying then pray with him and your prayer will be safeguarded, otherwise it will be voluntary for you."Source: Musnad Ahmad 20918 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

Juwairiya reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, came out from her apartment as she was performing the dawn prayer. He returned in the forenoon and found her sitting there. The Prophet said, "Are you in the same position as I left you?" She said yes. The Prophet said, "I recited four words three times after I left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since the morning, these words will be heavier. They are: Glory and praise to Allah as many as the numbers of His creation, in according with His pleasure, as the weight of the Throne, and as the ink for recording His words."Source: Sahih Muslim 2726 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim

Ubadah ibn As-Samit reported: We pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, pledging to listen and obey in hardship and in ease, in pleasure and displeasure even if someone is wrongly favored over us, and pledging not to dispute the rule of

87 those in authority and that we should speak the truth wherever we are and

not to fear those who blame us regarding Allah.Source: Sahih Muslim 1709 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim

Al-Qurtubi reported: Some scholars gave permission to initiate greetings of peace with the unbelievers. It was said to Sufyan bin Uyainah, "Do you give permission to greet an unbeliever with peace?" Sufyan said, "Yes, for Allah the Exalted said: Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you in religion nor expel you from your homes that you be righteous and fair to them. Verily, Allah loves those who are just." (60:8) Sufyan added, "Allah said: There has come to you the best example in Abraham, (60:4) and Abraham said to his father: Peace be upon you." (19:47)Source: Tafseer Al-Qurtubi, verse 19:41

Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported: He stood upon a platform and he grabbed his tongue and he said, "0 tongue! Speak goodness and be rewarded, or remain silent and be safe before you are regretful." Then he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say, "Most of the sins of the children of Adam are on their tongues." [At-Tabarani, Mu'jam Al-Kabeer, Number 10300, Sahih]

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said three times, "May Allah have mercy on a person who spoke rightly and was rewarded, or who was silent and remained safe."Source: Shu'b Al-Iman Al-Bayhaqi 4579

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "The basis of reasoning, after faith in Allah, is loving kindness toward the people."Source: At-Tabarani, Al-Mu'jam Al-Awsat, Number 6067

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not harm his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak goodness or remain silent."Source: Sahih Muslim 47

Ibn Mas'ud reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "During the night journey, I met with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus and they were discussing the matter of the Hour. Their matter was referred to Abraham, who said, "I have no knowledge about it." So the matter was referred to Moses, who said, "I have no knowledge about it." So the matter was referred to Jesus, who said, "As for the conditions of the Hour, no one knows them but Allah. My Lord the Exalted has entrusted me that the False Messiah will appear and I will have with me two rods. When he sees me, he will melt away just as lead is melted in fire. Allah will destroy him to the point that the rock and the tree will say: O Muslims, beneath me is an unbeliever, so come slay him. Thus, Allah will destroy them and the people will return to their lands and their countries. When that happens, the nations of Gog and Magog will appear, eating and drinking everything in their lands. They will not come upon anything but that they will devour it and they will not pass by any water but that they will consume it. The people will complain to me about them, so I will supplicate to Allah and He will destroy them until their stench fills the earth. Then Allah will send rain which will wash their bodies into the sea. My Lord the Exalted has entrusted me that when all of this happens, the Hour is indeed near just as a women is ready to give birth; her family does not know when she will give birth but it could be any day or night."[Musnad Ahmad, Number 3546, Sahih]

88 Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him,

said, "By Allah, the son of Mary will descend as a just ruler. He will abolish the cross, kill the swine, and annul the tribute, but he will leave the she-camel such that no one collects from it. He will cause rancor, hatred, and envy to disappear, and he will call people to give their wealth in charity but no one will need if'Source: Sahih Muslim 155

Prophet said, "By Allah, you must enjoin good and forbid evil and seize the hand of the oppressor and make him follow the truth and restrict him to what is just."Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 4336

"God is Kind and likes kindness in all things."Reporter: Hadhrat Ayeshah (r) Source: Bukhari/Muslim (reported in Riyadhus Saleheen,#633); Sunan Ibn Majah, #3684 The people will be resurrected

(and judged) according to their intentions."Reporter: Hadhrat Aishah (r) Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book of Fasting, Chapter 6, p. 69

"The best among you are those

who have the best manners and character.""Reporter: Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Amr (r) Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8: #56b

"A person who goes in search of knowledge, he is in the path of God and he remains so till he returns."Reporter: Hadhrat Anas (r) Source: Sunan at-Tirmizi, Vol. 4, #2656

"Hell lies hidden behind evil (worldly desires) and paradise is screened behind hard labor."Reporter: Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (r) Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #494

"Paradise is closer to you than your shoelace, and so is the (Hell) Fire."Reporter: Hadhrat Ibn Mas'ud Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #495

"The world is prison for the believers and paradise for the disbelievers."Reporter: Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (r) Source: Sahih Muslim, Vol. 4, #7058

"To spend one morning or evening in the cause of God is better than the world and whatever is in the world."Reporter: Hadhrat Anas bin Malik Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, #50

PROVING THE EXISTENCE OF ALLAH (SWT) TO AN ATHEIST by Dr. Zakir Naik

CONGRATULATING AN ATHEIST

Normally, when I meet an atheist, the first thing I like to do is to congratulate him and say, " My special congratulations to you", because most of the people who believe in God are doing blind belief - he is a Christian, because his father is a Christian; he is a Hindu, because his father is a Hindu; the majority of the people in the world are blindly following the religion of their fathers. An atheist, on the other hand, even though he may belong to a religious family, uses his intellect to deny the existence of God; what ever concept or qualities of God he may have learnt in his religion may not seem to be logical to him.

My Muslim brothers may question me, "Zakir, why are you congratulating an atheist?" The reason that I am congratulating an atheist is because he agrees with the first part of the Shahada i.e. the Islamic Creed, 'La ilaaha' -meaning 'there is no God'.

So half my job is already done; now the only part left is 'il lallah' i.e. 'BUT ALLAH' which I shall do Insha Allah. With others (who are not atheists) I have to first remove from their minds the wrong concept of God they may have and then put the correct concept of one true God.

LOGICAL CONCEPT OF GOD

My first question to the atheist will be: "What is the definition of God?" For a person to say there is no God, he should know what is the meaning of God. If I hold a book and say that 'this is a pen', for the opposite person to say, 'it is not a pen', he should know what is the definition of a pen, even if he does not know nor is able to recognise or identify the object I am holding in my hand. For him to say this is not a pen, he should at least know what a pen means. Similarly for an atheist to say 'there is no God', he should at least know the concept of God. His concept of God would be derived from the surroundings in which he lives. The god that a large number of people worship has got human qualities - therefore he does not believe in such a god. Similarly a Muslim too does not and should not believe in such false gods.

If a non-Muslim believes that Islam is a merciless religion with something to do with terrorism; a religion which does not give rights to women; a religion which contradicts science; in his limited sense that non-Muslim is correct to reject such Islam. The problem is he has a wrong picture of Islam. Even I reject such a false picture of Islam, but at the same time, it becomes my duty as a Muslim to present the correct picture of Islam to that non-Muslim i.e. Islam is a merciful religion, it gives equal rights to the women, it is not incompatible with logic, reason and science; if I present the correct facts about Islam, that non-Muslim may Inshallah accept Islam.

Similarly the atheist rejects the false gods and the duty of every Muslim is to present the correct concept of God which he shall Insha Allah not refuse.

(You may refer to my article, 'Concept of God in Islam', for more details)

QUR'AN AND MODERN SCIENCE

The methods of proving the existence of God with usage of the material provided in the 'Concept of God in Islam' to an atheist may satisfy some but not all.

Many atheists demand a scientific proof for the existence of God. I agree that today is the age of science and technology. Let us use scientific knowledge to kill two birds with one stone, i.e. to prove the existence of God and simultaneously prove that the Qur'an is a revelation of God.

If a new object or a machine, which no one in the world has ever seen or heard of before, is shown to an atheist or any person and then a question is asked, " Who is the first person who will be able to provide details of the mechanism of this unknown object? After little bit of thinking, he will reply, 'the creator of that object.' Some may say 'the producer' while others may say 'the manufacturer.' What ever answer the person gives, keep it in your mind, the answer will always be either the creator, the producer, the manufacturer or some what of the same meaning, i.e. the person who has made it or created it. Don't grapple with words, whatever answer he gives, the meaning will be same, therefore accept it.

SCIENTIFIC FACTS MENTIONED IN THE QUR'AN: for details on this subject please refer to my book, 'THE QUR'AN AND MODERN SCIENCE - COMPATIBLE OR INCOMPATIBLE?

THEORY OF PROBABILITY

In mathematics there is a theory known as 'Theory of Probability'. If you have two options, out of which one is right, and one is wrong, the chances that you will chose the right one is half, i.e. one out of the two will be correct. You have 50% chances of being correct. Similarly if you toss a coin the chances that your guess will be correct is 50% (1 out of 2) i.e. 1/2. If you toss a coin the second time, the chances that you will be correct in the second toss is again 50% i.e. half. But the chances that you will be correct in both the tosses is half multiplied by half (1/2 x 1/2) which is equal to 1/4 i.e. 50% of 50% which is equal to 25%. If you toss a coin the third time, chances that you will be correct all three times is (1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2) that is 1/8 or 50% of 50% of 50% that is 12'/ 2 %.

A dice has got six sides. If you throw a dice and guess any number between 1 to 6, the chances that your guess will be correct is 1/6. If you throw the dice the second time, the chances that your guess will be correct in both the throws is (1/6 x 1/6) which is equal to 1/36. If you throw the dice the third time, the chances that all your three guesses are correct is (1/6 x 1/6 x 1/6) is equal to 1/216 that is less than 0.5 %.

Let us apply this theory of probability to the Qur'an, and assume that a person has guessed all the information that is mentioned in the Qur'an which was unknown at that time. Let us discuss the probability of all the guesses being simultaneously correct.

At the time when the Qur'an was revealed, people thought the world was flat, there are several other options for the shape of the earth. It could be triangular, it could be quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, spherical, etc. Lets assume there are about 30 different options for the shape of the earth. The Qur'an rightly says it is spherical, if it was a guess the chances of the guess being correct is 1/30.

91 The light of the moon can be its own light or a reflected light. The Qur'an rightly says

it is a reflected light. If it is a guess, the chances that it will be correct is 1/2 and the probability that both the guesses i.e the earth is spherical and the light of the moon is reflected light is 1/30 x 1/2 = 1/60.

Further, the Qur'an also mentions every living thing is made of water. Every living thing can be made up of either wood, stone, copper, aluminum, steel, silver, gold, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, oil, water, cement, concrete, etc. The options are say about 10,000. The Qur'an rightly says that everything is made up of water. If it is a guess, the chances that it will be correct is 1/10,000 and the probability of all the three guesses i.e. the earth is spherical, light of moon is reflected light and everything is created from water being correct is 1/30 x 1/2 x 1/10,000 = 1/60,000 which is equal to about .0017%.

The Qur'an speaks about hundreds of things that were not known to men at the time of its revelation. Only in three options the result is .0017%. I leave it upto you, to work out the probability if all the hundreds of the unknown facts were guesses, the chances of all of them being correct guesses simultaneously and there being not a single wrong guess. It is beyond human capacity to make all correct guesses without a single mistake, which itself is sufficient to prove to a logical person that the origin of the Qur'an is Divine.

CREATOR IS THE AUTHOR OF THE QUR'AN

The only logical answer to the question as to who could have mentioned all these scientific facts 1400 years ago before they were discovered, is exactly the same answer initially given by the atheist or any person, to the question who will be the first person who will be able to tell the mechanism of the unknown object. It is the 'CREATOR', the producer, the Manufacturer of the whole universe and its contents. In the English language He is 'God', or more appropriate in the Arabic language, 'ALLAH'.

QUR'AN IS A BOOK OF SIGNS AND NOT SCIENCE

Let me remind you that the Qur'an is not a book of Science, 'S-C-I-E-N-C-E' but a book of Signs 'S-I-G-N-S' i.e. a book of ayaats. The Qur'an contains more than 6,000 ayaats, i.e. 'signs', out of which more than a thousand speak about Science. I am not trying to prove that the Qur'an is the word of God using scientific knowledge as a yard stick because any yardstick is supposed to be more superior than what is being checked or verified. For us Muslims the Qur'an is the Furqan i.e. criteria to judge right from wrong and the ultimate yardstick which is more superior to scientific knowledge.

But for an educated man who is an atheist, scientific knowledge is the ultimate test which he believes in. We do know that science many a times takes 'U' turns, therefore I have restricted the examples only to

scientific facts which have sufficient proof and evidence and not scientific theories based on assumptions. Using the ultimate yardstick of the atheist, I am trying to prove to him that the Qur'an is the word of God and it contains the scientific knowledge which is his yardstick which was discovered recently, while the Qur'an was revealed 1400 year ago. At the end of the discussion, we both come to the same conclusion that God though superior to science, is not incompatible with it.
SCIENCE IS ELIMINATING MODELS OF GOD BUT NOT GOD

92 Francis Bacon, the famous philosopher, has rightly said that a little knowledge of

science makes man an atheist, but an in-depth study of science makes him a believer in God. Scientists today are eliminating models of God, but they are not eliminating God. If you translate this into Arabic, it is La illaha illal la, There is no god, (god with a small 'g' that is fake god) but God (with a capital 'G').

Surah Fussilat:

"Soon We will show them our signs in the (farthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?"

[Al-Quran 41:53]

Apostates: Should they be killed or saved? 1- Who are the Apostates in Islam?

Apostates or Renegades are those who decide to leave the religion of Islam. There is a widely prevailing misconception about this issue. It is generally thought that the Holy Quran (The Muslims Holy Scripture) provides the death sentence for those who desert the religion of Islam. There is not the least ground for such a supposition. The Holy Quran speaks repeatedly of people going back to unbelief after believing, but never once does it say that they should be killed or punished. Although the Holy Quran does provide the death sentence for some situations such as putting a murderer to death, but it never provided death sentence or ordered the death of those who leave Islam. Let us look at Noble Verse 2:217 "They ask thee (Mohammed) Concerning fighting In the Prohibited Month. Say: Fighting therein Is a grave (offence); but graver is it In the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the sacred Mosque, and drive out its members. Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from their faith (Islam) and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the hereafter; they will be companions of the fire and will abide therein." Here in this Holy Verse we see that Allah Almighty talks about those who leave Islam, and promises them punishment in the day of judgment. Allah Almighty doesn't order the death of those people. Let also look at Noble Verse 5:54 "O ye who believe! If any from among you turn back from his faith , soon will Allah produce a people whom He (Allah) will love as they will love Him lowly with the believers, Mighty against the rejecters, fighting in the way of Allah, and never afraid of the reproachers of such as find fault. That is the Grace of Allah which He will bestow on whom He (Allah) pleaseth. And Allah encompasseth all, and He knoweth all things." Here in this Holy Verse we see again Allah Almighty strengthening the faith of the Muslims in Islam by assuring them that whenever they see Muslims leaving Islam they will also see those who join Islam with strong faith and love to Allah Almighty. "As most men are

rebellious." (5:49), it is inevitable that there should be apostates even from such a religion of reason and common-sense as Islam. In Verse 5:54 above there is a warning to the Muslims that

93 they should not repeat the history of the Jews, and become so self-satisfied or

arrogant as to depart from the spirit of Allah's teaching. If they do, the loss will be their own. Allah's bounty is not confined to one group or section of humanity. He can always raise up people who will follow the true spirit of Islam. That spirit is defined in two ways:

1- They will love Allah Almighty and Allah Almighty will love them.

2- Amongst the Brethren, their attitude will be that of humility, but to wrongdoers they will offer no compromises, and they will always strive and fight for the truth and right. They will know no fear, either physical, or that more insidious form. They are too great in mind to be haunted by any such thought. Let us look at Noble Verse 5:55 "(O Muslims) Your (real) friends are (No less than) Allah, His Messenger, and the (Fellowship Of) Believers, those who establish regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship)." Here we see

Allah Almighty telling Muslims after he warned them from apostates in (5:54) that their real friends are: Allah Almighty, Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him, and the good Muslims who keep up with their prayers and charity, and who humbly worship their God.

Let us look at Noble Verse 3:90 " But those who reject faith after they accepted it , and

then go on adding to their defiance of faith never will their repentance be accepted; for they are those who have (of set purpose) gone astray." Here in this holy verse we see Allah Almighty rejecting the faith of those who keep coming back and forth to Islam. In order for a human being to accept Islam as his religion, he must be certain about it first. Allah Almighty's path is wide open, and his mercy is greater than this universe. This Holy Verse also does not order the death of those who leave Islam. The path to Allah Almighty is always open and Allah Almighty will be your friend as in verse (5:55) above, and he will forgive your sins for you once you repent as in the following verse: "Except for those that repent (Even) after that, And make amends; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful." (3:89).

2- The absolute freedom of religion in Islam: Some group of Muslims believe in killing apostates because they follow a Hadith (Saying) from Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him regarding the apostates. While Islam was weak and still growing among Jews, Christians and Pagans, Muslims did not have the full and complete religion that they needed. Some Jews and Christians wanted to take advantage of such situation to destroy Islam. They had a plan to adopt Islam first and then desert it, thus creating the impression that Islam was not a religion worth adopting. Let us look at Noble Verse 3:72 "A section of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) say: Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers (Muslims), but reject it at the end of the day; perchance they may (themselves) turn back (from Islam)." To protect Islam from such Satanic attempts done by a group of the people of the book (Jews and Christians), Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him ordered the death of those who enter Islam and leave it. This temporary law that was put by our Prophet had stopped the hypocrites from the People of the Book who carried so much hatred toward Islam to enter Islam and desert it afterwards. Allah Almighty ordered the Muslims to kill the pagans who fought against the Muslims. The

94 following Noble Verse talks about all of the enemies who fought the Muslims

long and bloody battles: Let us look at Noble Verse 2:191 "And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith." The killing of the pagans who fought the Muslims during the time when Islam was not yet complete was essential.

Important Note: Noble Verse 2:191 above is not dedicated to the apostates as some Muslims use it to prove that the Noble Quran orders the killing of apostates. In fact, it doesn't even mention the apostates. It talks in general about slaying the pagans who declare wars on the Muslims. The pagans would obviously include the apostates who deserted Islam, but the Noble Verse certainly doesn't DIRECTLY order the killing of anyone who deserts Islam. Allah Almighty promised that He will protect the Noble Quran from any corruption:

"We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly Guard it (from corruption). (The Noble Quran, 15:9)" "Nay, this is a Glorious Quran, (inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved! (The Noble Quran, 85:21-22)"

Let us look at Noble Verse 5:3 " This day those who reject faith given up all hope of your

religion: Yet fear them not But fear Me (Allah). This day have I (Allah) perfected your religion for you , completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your (complete) religion....". So long as Islam was not organized, with its own community and its own laws, the unbelievers and the Hypocrites from the People of the Book and the Pagan Arabs had hoped to wean the believers from the new teaching. Now that hope is gone forever with the complete organization of Islam. Let us look at Noble Verses 15:2-3 "Again and again will those who disbelieve, wish that they had bowed (to God's will) in Islam. Leave them alone , to enjoy (the good things of this life) and to please themselves: let (false) hope amuse them: soon will knowledge (undeceive them)."Let us look at Noble Verses 10:99-100 "If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe! No soul can believe, except by the will of God , and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand."Let us look at Noble Verse 18:29 "Say, 'The truth is from your Lord': Let him who will believe, and let him who will, reject (it) : for the wrong doers We have prepared a Fire whose (smoke and flames), like the walls and roof of a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces, how dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on!"

Let us look at Noble Verse 27:92 "And to rehearse the Qur'an: and if any accept guidance, they do it for the good of their own souls, and if any stray, say: ' I am only a Warner. "' Let us look at Noble Verse 10:99 "If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!" Allah Almighty doesn't like us to compel people into belief. "No soul can believe, except by the will of God, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand. (The Noble Quran, 10:100)" Allah Almighty helps those whom He likes to be guided to His Straight Path. If anyone doesn't believe, or reverts back from Islam, it is then his loss and it is the Will of Allah Almighty. "Say: 'Behold all that is in the heavens and on earth'; but neither Signs nor Warners

95 profit those who believe not. Do they then expect (any thing) but (what

happened in) the days of the men who passed away before them? Say: 'Wait ye then: for I, too, will wait with you.' (The Noble Quran, 10:101-102)" Notice how Allah Almighty orders us to say "Wait" to those who reject Islam. This clearly says that we can't force anyone into Islam, or punish anyone for leaving Islam.

Let us look at Noble Verse 10:108 "Say: 'O ye men! Now Truth hath reached you from your Lord! those who receive guidance, do so for the good of their own souls; those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not (set) over you to arrange your affairs.'" Whoever believes benefits his soul and whoever doesn't, harms it, and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him is not in charge of people to arrange their affairs. Only Allah Almighty is. "Say: 'Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger: but if ye turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and ye for that placed on you. If ye obey him, ye shall be on right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear (Message). (The Noble Quran, 24:54)" Prophet Muhammad's duty was only to preach.

"Those who pervert the Truth in Our Signs are not hidden from Us. Which is better? he that is cast into the Fire, or he that comes safe through, on the Day of Judgement? Do what ye will: Verily He seeth (clearly) all that ye do. (The Noble Quran, 41:40)" Here we clearly see Allah Almighty giving a freedom of choice for people to choose or refuse Islam.

"And those who take as protectors others besides Him - Allah doth watch over them; and thou art not the disposer of their affairs. (The Noble Quran, 42:6)" Again, Allah Almighty here told Prophet Muhammad that he has no authority over those who reject Islam.

"It is true thou wilt not be able to guide every one whom thou lovest; but Allah Guides those whom He will and He Knows those who receive guidance. (The Noble Quran, 28:56)" Again, no authority to Prophet Muhammad over those who accept or reject Islam.

Let us look at Noble Verse 2:256 " Let there be no compulsion in religion : Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things." The Holy Quran prohibits Muslims to force any person into Islam. Muslims must not let people resent Islam and Muslims. They must leave people decide for themselves because the "Truth stands out clear from error" (2:256).

Compulsion is incompatible with religion: Because (1) religion depends upon faith and will, and these would be meaningless by force; (2) Truth and Error have been so clearly shown up by the mercy of Allah Almighty that there should be no doubt in the minds of any persons of good will as to the fundamentals of faith; (3) Allah Almighty's protection is continuous, and His Plan is always to lead us from the depths of darkness into the clearest light.

The following was sent to me from "Vipor Poison"; may Allah Almighty always be pleased with him:

"I found another verse in the Quran that dealt with apostates. Noble Verse 4:137 "Those who believe, then reject faith, then believe (again) and (again) reject faith, and go on increasing in unbelief - Allah will not forgive them nor guide them nor guide them on the way. "Notice that the

96 Quran says those who reject faith and then BELIEVE and again

DISBELIEVE, if a Muslim rejects faith and is then killed for doing so how will he live to again BELIEVE and then DISBELIEVE. The atmosphere of this verse is that of free will and freedom of choice to everyone. If Allah wanted he would have said something about the punishment, if there was any, of those who reject Islam after accepting it. but Allah takes this to be clearly a private matter between them and Allah. I found many verses in the Quran that teach us NO PUNISHMENT for an apostate BUT I found no verse that says the contrary.Here is another verse about the freedom of expression in the Quran, many translators translate this wrongly and kill the meaning of the word making it a bogus and strange statement. Noble Verse 39:18 "Those who listen to the word, then follow the best of it; those are they whom Allah has guided, and those it is who are the men of understanding. "The Quran tells the Muslims to listen to every thing and follow only the best of what is said, it does not tell them to kill people if they say something that is not according to the cultural norm."

The following two sets of Noble Verses were sent to me by brother Rached Blili ; may Allah Almighty always be pleased with him.Let us look at Noble Verses 109:1-6 "Say : O ye that reject Faith! I worship not that which ye worship, Nor will ye worship that which I worship. And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to worship, Nor will ye worship that which I worship. To you be your Way, and to me mine. "Let us look at Noble Verse 42:15 "Now then, for that (reason), call (them to the Faith), and stand steadfast as thou art commanded, nor follow thou their vain desires; but say: ' I believe in the Book which God has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you . God is our Lord and your Lord: for us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you . God will bring us together, and to Him is (our) Final Goal.'" The Noble Quran in all of the above Noble Verses is crystal clear about providing freedom of religion and choice to all people, Muslims and non-Muslims.

3- So how come Muslim Fundamentalists execute those who desert Islam then?

The interpretation of those who prohibit women from education, even though Islam clearly allows education for women , and prohibit them also from driving, and oppress men by forcing them to grow beards, even though beards are NOT mandatory in Islam , doesn't mean much to me.As we've seen above, it is quite clear, and beyond any questioning that Allah Almighty prohibited compulsion in religion and allowed the absolute freedom of religion to everyone. When Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him executed apostates, he did it because Muslims were at war time and because Islam was still partial, and Muslims needed protection from the hypocrites of the Jews and Christians who purposely entered Islam and deserted it later to create confusion among the Muslims as shown below in the Noble Verse.

The Sayings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, regarding killing the renegades came when Islam was partial and the Muslims were dealing with wars all the time. So if the person wasn't with the Muslims, then he was certainly with his people, the pagans and the other non-Muslims, and he would've then had to join the evil forces to fight the Muslims. So the case back then was different than today.

97 I have no sympathy for those hypocrites of the Jews and Christians who got

executed: "A section of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) say: Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers (Muslims), but reject it at the end of the day; perchance they may (themselves) turn back (from Islam). (The Noble Quran, 3:72)"

4- My rebuttal about the historical Muslims' battles with the Apostates:

According to the Islamic history, when Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him died, some of the Muslims had deserted Islam for several reasons. The biggest of those reasons was that they opposed paying the Zakah (2.5% of annual income of Islamic taxes for the poor). Keep in mind that Allah Almighty constantly Warning the Prophet and the Muslims from the hypocrites (false believers). The Arabs before Islam were used to exploiting each others. The strong ate the poor, and high interest rates were enforced on loans given to the poor to ultimately force them to sell of their cattle, sons, daughters and/or wives as slaves.

After the death of our Prophet, some of the rich hypocrites decided to join with the Pagan Arab tribes to fight the Muslims and end Islam. The leader of the apostates/renegades was Musylama Al-Kath-thab or Musylama the liar in English, started his army of infidels in what we call today the country of Oman, which is more than 1,000 miles away from Mecca and Medina where the Muslims resided.

After Musylama became strong and popular and was able to gather a big amount of pagans and hypocrites to form an army, he led them to march to Mecca and Medina to fight the Muslims. When his army finally reached the mountains near Mecca, the Muslims had fought them several battles until he ultimately was killed and his army was soundly defeated.

The objection that I have with some Muslims is for the following reasons: 1- It was the renegades or apostates that declared the war on the Muslims. The Muslims did not start the war.

2- We can't use the story of Musylama Al-Kath-thab to prove that it is ok today to kill any person who deserts Islam. Musylama was not a peaceful renegade. He wanted to destroy the Muslims through war. He had to be fought and killed. We can't use him as a standard and kill all renegades, especially those in the West for instance, who might embrace Islam and then desert it later due to the overwhelming anti-Islamic media and lies.

3- As I proved in this article, Allah Almighty in the Noble Quran talked about the apostates several times, and not a single command exists in the Noble Quran that orders the killing of any of them.

4- The Sayings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, regarding killing the renegades came when Islam was partial and the Muslims were dealing with wars all the time. As I said above, if the person wasn't with the Muslims, then he was certainly with his people, the pagans and the other non-Muslims, and he would've then had to join the evil forces to fight the Muslims. So the case back then was different than today.

5- Today, if a week-hearted and easily persuaded person for instance decides to embrace Islam and then gets easily persuaded to leave Islam, and then gets easily persuaded to embrace Islam again, and then gets easily persuaded to leave it and so on, then how is it right for us to apply the things that were applied to the hypocrites and Musylama Al-Kath-thab during and after our Prophet's time to this innocent individual? 6- We must never forget Allah Almighty's Command

98 that honors the freedom of religion and choice in Islam in Noble Verse 2:256

and the others as shown in this article. 7- Some Muslims claim that the Caliphs did not apply Noble Verse 2:256 and others to the renegades, because the Caliphs knew that these Noble Verses are not applicable to them. My response to this is that we:

1. Don't know if the Caliphs had any choice to apply them back in the hostile environment that they existed in back then.

2. The Caliphs are not the measuring stick that the Muslims today have to follow, especially after knowing that the Caliphs themselves did things different from each others several times before on very major Islamic issues: []_] [2].

5- Does Islam really mean to force someone to Islam or else kill him?Please visit Does Islam really mean to force someone to Islam or else kill him? 6- Renowned Muslim scholars agreeing with not all apostates to be killed:There are too orthodox scholars who agree with you, i don't mean just some scholars, but famous renowned orhodox scholars , like Ibn tamiyya and the maliki scholar Abul Walid al-Baji support our stance on apostacy, therefor your article is and stance is also a right orthodox view, where no one has the right to criticize you, since renowned scholars confirmed our stance. Check the article below, let me know what you think of it, and if you would add it to the article. Volume 4, Book 52, Number 260: Narrated Ikrima:

Ali burnt some people and this news reached Ibn 'Abbas, who said, "Had I been in his place I would not have burnt them, as the Prophet said, 'Don't punish (anybody) with Allah's Punishment.' No doubt, I would have killed them, for the Prophet said, 'If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him.' "

Many prominent scholars throughout the centuries have held the view that apostasy is not a hadd (singular for hudud = capital) offence. This view is founded on the fact that the Qur'an is completely silent on the death penalty for apostasy. In fact, freedom of religion is a fundamental tenet of Islam. In Surah al-Baqarah, 2:256, Allah explicitly states: "Let there be no compulsion in religion". This Medinan verse was revealed when some Companions asked the Prophet for permission to compel their relatives to profess Islam. It has been widely interpreted to mean that no one can be compelled to embrace Islam because religion depends upon faith and will, and this would be meaningless if induced by force. Islam itself means submission to the will of God; and the willing submission of the self to faith and

belief must be attained through conviction and reason, not through coercion and duress.

Islam began by inviting and persuading people to embrace it on the merit of its rationality and truth. In Surah Yunus, 10:99, a verse revealed in Mecca at the advent of Islam, Allah says: "Had your Lord willed, everyone on earth would have believed. Do you then force people to become believers?" This and verse 2:256, together with the norm of Shari'a which affirms freedom of religion, have led many Muslim countries today to include in its Constitution an article on freedom of religion as a fundamental right. In his book, The Punishment for Apostasy in

Islam, the former Chief Justice of Pakistan, SA Rahman, noted that even though the subject of apostasy occurred no less than 20 times in the Qur'an, the Holy Book remained silent on death as a punishment. Surah An-Nisa', 4:137-138, state that "Verily, those who believe, then disbelieve,

99 then believe again, then disbelieve, and then increase in their disbelief - Allah will

never forgive them nor guide them to the path. Give to the hypocrites the tidings that there is for them a painful torment." If indeed it was Allah's intention to impose the death penalty for apostasy, then such occasion of repeated apostasy could have provoked such a punishment. But neither the first instance of apostasy, nor repeated apostasy brought about capital punishment.

Those who advocate the death penalty for apostasy based their reasoning on a hadith which proclaims, "kill whoever changes his religion". But this hadith is open to varying interpretations on several grounds.

First, this hadith is considered a weak hadith with just a single isnad (this means there is only one chain of transmission or narration) and thus according to the rules of Islamic jurisprudence, it is not enough to validate the death penalty.

Second, this hadith is also considered a general (amm) hadith in that it is in need of specification (takhsis); for it would otherwise convey a meaning that is not within its purpose. The obvious reading of the hadith would, for example, make liable the death punishment on a Hindu or Christian who converts to Islam. This is obviously not the intention of the hadith. According to the rules of Islamic jurisprudence, when a text is interpreted once, it becomes open to further interpretation and specification. Therefore, many scholars interpret this hadith to apply only to cases of high treason (hirabah), which means declaring war against Islam, the Prophet, or God or the legitimate leadership of the ummah.

Third, and most importantly, there is no evidence to show that Prophet Muhammad saw or his Companions ever compelled anyone to embrace Islam, nor did they sentence anyone to death solely for renunciation of the faith.

Based on these three reasons and the Qur'anic principle of freedom of religion, prominent ulama (scholars) from the seventh to the twentieth centuries have come out with the position that there can be no death penalty for apostasy. According to Professor Hashim Kamali in his award-winning book, Freedom of Expression in Islam, two leading jurists of the generation succeeding the Companions, Ibrahim al-Naka'I and Sufyan al-Thawri, both held that the apostate should be re-invited to Islam, but should never be condemned to death. The renowned Hanafi jurist, Shams al-Din al-Sarakhsi wrote that even though renunciation of faith is the greatest of offences, it is a matter between man and his Creator, and its punishment is postponed to the Day of Judgement. The Maliki jurist Abul Walid al-Baji and the renowned Hanbali jurist Ibn Taymiyyah have both held that apostasy is a sin which carries no hadd punishment.In modern times, the celebrated Sheikh of al-Azhar University, the late Mahmud Shaltut who was esteemed for his vast knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and Qur'anic interpretation, wrote that many ulama are in agreement that hudud cannot be established by a solitary hadith and that unbelief by itself does not call for the death penalty. The current Sheikh of al-Azhar, who was Egypt's former Grand Mufti, Dr Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, also declared that apostasy is not a capital crime.Many scholars, including Ibn Taymiyyah, Shaltut and Tantawi, said that the death penalty was not meant to apply to a simple change of faith, but to hirabah, that is, when apostasy is accompanied by rebellion against the community and its legitimate leadership.

7- Conclusion: As we clearly see from the Noble Verses above, apostates are no longer to be

100 killed in Islam. I am not here promoting apostates, but there is no reason to kill

someone who doesn't deserve to be killed. Certainly if the apostate is hostile toward the Muslims and joins the enemy in a war against them, or tries to corrupt the Muslims in the Muslim lands by trying to convert them to his/her new deviant religion, then the matter becomes different. But if a Westerner today for instance embraces Islam for a while and then changes his position due to the overwhelming false anti-Islamic media, then certainly killing that person would be a grave sin and a big mistake, www.answering-christianity.com

EVOLUTION AN UNPROVEN THEORY :1s there a guarantee that there is 100% evidence of it? no as simple as that.Their stories of evidences Based on bone similarities has no evidence how truthful they are because its mostly based on opinions.Fruits &vegetables have vitamins on them does it mean we came from them?Dogs have calcium in their bones.we have vitamins & calcium in our body ,so does it mean we came from them. God created the entire world matchable,livable,sutable for all humans & creatures.And he made us with similarities.All humans & animals breath from air,drink water.all living things,even trees have water in them like all humans.If god wants to create a cockroach a tree a bird a fish with human blood in them of course he can he is the creater.Its a miracle of god that we have similarities with monkies.lt just proves god created the entire world with similarities with us.It does not prove we came from any animal or monkey.

THE QUR'AAN AND MODERN SCIENCE COMPATIBLE OR INCOMPATIBLE?

By Dr. ZAKIR NAIK ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful INTRODUCTION

Ever since the dawn of human life on this planet, Man has always sought to understand Nature, his own place in the scheme of Creation and the purpose of Life itself. In this quest for Truth, spanning many centuries and diverse civilizations, organized religion has shaped human life and determined to a large extent, the course of history. While some religions have been based on books, claimed by their adherents to be divinely inspired, others have relied solely on human experience.

Al-Qur'aan, the main source of the Islamic faith, is a book believed by Muslims, to be of completely Divine origin. Muslims also believe that it contains guidance for all mankind. Since the message of the Qur'aan is believed to be for all times, it should be relevant to every age. Does the Qur'aan pass this test? In this booklet, I intend to give an objective analysis of the Muslim belief regarding the Divine origin of the Qur'aan, in the light of established scientific discoveries.

There was a time, in the history of world civilization, when 'miracles', or what was perceived to be a miracle, took precedence over human reason and logic. But how do we define the term 'miracle'? A miracle is anything that takes place out of the normal course of life and for which humankind has no explanation. However, we must be careful before we accept something as a miracle. An article in 'The Times of India' Mumbai, in 1993 reported that 'a saint' by the name 'Baba Pilot' claimed to have stayed continuously submerged under water in a tank for three consecutive days and nights. However, when reporters wanted to examine the base of the tank of water

101 where he claimed to have performed this 'miraculous' feat, he refused to let

them do so. He argued by asking as to how one could examine the womb of a

mother that gives birth to a child. The 'Baba' was hiding something. It was a

gimmick simply to gain publicity. Surely, no modern man with even the

slightest inkling towards rational thinking would accept such a 'miracle'. If

such false miracles are the tests of divinity, then we would have to accept Mr.

P. C. Sorcar, the world famous magician known for his ingenious magical

tricks and illusions, as the best God-man.

A book, claiming Divine origin, is in effect, claiming to be a miracle. Such a claim should be easily verifiable in any age, according to the standards of that age. Muslims believe, that the Qur'aan is the last and final revelation of God, the miracle of miracles revealed as a mercy to mankind. Let us therefore investigate the veracity of this belief.

I would like to thank Brother Musaddique Thange for his editorial assistance.

May Allah (swt) reward him for his efforts, Aameen The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

THE CHALLENGE OF THE QUR'AAN

Literature and poetry have been instruments of human expression and creativity, in all cultures. The world also witnessed an age when literature and poetry occupied pride of position, similar to that now enjoyed by science and technology.Muslims as well as non-Muslims agree that Al-Qur'aan is Arabic literature par excellence - that it is the best Arabic literature on the face of the earth. The Qur'aan, challenges mankind in the following verses: "And if ye are in doubt As to what We have revealed From time to time to Our Servant, then produce a Soorah Like thereunto; And call your witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, If your (doubts) are true. But if ye cannot -And of a surety you cannot, hen fear the Fire Whose fuel is Men and Stones - Which is prepared for those Who reject Faith." [Al-Qur'aan 2:23-24] i

The same notation is followed throughout the book. References and

translation of the Qur'aan are from the translation of the Qur'aan by Abdullah

Yusuf Ali, new revised edition, 1989, published by Amana Corporation,

Maryland, USA.The challenge of the Qur'aan, is to produce a single Soorah (chapter) like the

Soorahs it contains. The same challenge is repeated in the Qur'aan several

times. The challenge to produce a Soorah, which, in beauty, eloquence, depth

and meaning is at least somewhat similar to a Qur'aanic Soorah remains

unmet to this day. A modern rational man, however, would never accept a

religious scripture, which says, in the best possible poetic language, that the

world is flat. This is because we live in an age, where human reason, logic

and science are given primacy. Not many would accept the Qur'aan's

extraordinarily beautiful language, as proof of its Divine origin. Any scripture

i Al-Qur'an 2:23-24 indicates Soorah or Chapter No. 2 and Ayaat or Verses 23 and 24.

The Qur'aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

claiming to be a divine revelation must also be acceptable on the strength of its own reason and logic.

According to the famous physicist and Nobel Prize winner, Albert Einstein, "Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind." Let us therefore study the Qur'aan, and analyze whether The Qur'aan and Modern Science are compatible or incompatible?

102 The Qur'aan is not a book of science but a book of 'signs', i.e. ayats. There

are more than six thousand 'signs' in the Qur'aan of which more than a

thousand deal with science. We all know that many a times Science takes a

'U-turn'. In this book I have considered only established scientific facts and

not mere hypotheses and theories that are based on assumptions and are not

backed by proof.

I. ASTRONOMY

CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE: 'THE BIG BANG'

The creation of the universe is explained by astrophysicists in a widely accepted phenomenon, popularly known as the 'Big Bang'. It is supported by observational and experimental data gathered by astronomers and astrophysicists for decades. According to the 'Big Bang', the whole universe was initially one big mass (Primary Nebula). Then there was a 'Big Bang' (Secondary Separation) which resulted in the formation of Galaxies. These then divided to form stars, planets, the sun, the moon, etc. The origin of the universe was unique and the probability of it occurring by 'chance' is zero. The Qur'aan contains the following verse, regarding the origin of the universe: "Do not the Unbelievers see That the heavens and the earth Were joined together (as one Unit of Creation), before We clove them asunder?" [Al-Qur'aan 21:30]

The striking congruence between the Qur'aanic verse and the 'Big Bang' is inescapable! How could a book, which first appeared in the deserts of Arabia 1400 years ago, contain this profound scientific truth? THERE WAS AN INITIAL GASEOUS MASS BEFORE THE CREATION OF GALAXIES

Scientists say that before the galaxies in the universe were formed, celestial matter was initially in the form of gaseous matter. In short, huge gaseous matter or clouds were present before the formation of the galaxies. To describe initial celestial matter, the word 'smoke' is more appropriate than gas. The following Qur'aanic verse refers to this state of the universe by the word dhukhan which means smoke.

"Moreover, He Comprehended In His design the sky, And it had been (as) smoke: He said to it And to the earth: 'Come ye together, Willingly

The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

or unwillingly.' They said: 'We do come (Together), in willing obedience.'" [Al-Qur'aan 41:11]

Again, this fact is a corollary to the 'Big Bang' and was not known to the

Arabs during the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). What then, could have been the source of this knowledge? THE SPHERICAL SHAPE OF THE EARTH

In early times, people believed that the earth is flat. For centuries, men were afraid to venture out too far, lest they should fall off the edge. Sir Francis Drake was the first person who proved that the earth is spherical when he sailed around it in 1597. Consider the following Qur'aanic verse regarding the alternation of day and night: "Seest thou not that Allah merges Night into Day And He merges Day into Night?" [Al-Qur'aan 31:29] Merging here means that the night slowly and gradually changes to day and vice versa. This phenomenon can only take place if the earth is spherical. If

103 the earth was flat, there would have been a sudden change from night to day

and from day to night.

The following verse also alludes to the spherical shape of the earth: "He created the heavens And the earth In true (proportions): He makes the Night Overlap the Day, and the Day Overlap the Night." [Al-Qur'aan 39:5]

The Arabic word used here is Kawwara meaning 'to overlap' or 'to coil'- the way a turban is wound around the head. The overlapping or coiling of the day and night can only take place if the earth is spherical.

The earth is not exactly round like a ball, but geo-spherical i.e. it is flattened

at the poles. The following verse contains a description of the earth's shape: The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

"And the earth, moreover, Hath He made egg shaped." 2 [Al-Qur'aan 79:30]

The Arabic word for egg here is dahaha, which means an ostrich-egg. The

shape of an ostrich-egg resembles the geo-spherical shape of the earth. Thus

the Qur'aan correctly describes the shape of the earth, though the prevalent

notion when the Qur'aan was revealed was that the earth is flat.

THE LIGHT OF THE MOON IS REFLECTED LIGHT

It was believed by earlier civilizations that the moon emanates its own light.

Science now tells us that the light of the moon is reflected light. However this

fact was mentioned in the Qur'aan 1,400 years ago in the following verse:.

"Blessed is He Who made Constellations in the skies, And placed therein

a Lamp And a Moon giving light." [Al-Qur'aan 25:61]

The Arabic word for the sun in the Qur'aan, is shams. It is referred to as

siraaj, which means a 'torch' or as wahhaaj which means 'a blazing lamp' or

as diya which means 'shining glory'. All three descriptions are appropriate to

the sun, since it generates intense heat and light by its internal combustion.

The Arabic word for the moon is qamar and it is described in the Qur'aan as

muneer, which is a body that gives nur i.e. light. Again, the Qur'aanic

description matches perfectly with the true nature of the moon, which does

not give off light itself and is an inert body that reflects the light of the sun.

Not once in the Qur'aan, is the moon mentioned as siraaj, wahhaaj or diya or

the sun as nur or muneer. This implies that the Qur'aan recognizes the

difference between the nature of sunlight and moonlight.

2 The Arabic word dahaha has been translated by A. Yusuf Ali as "vast

expanse", which also is correct. The word dahaha also means an ostrich-egg. The Qur'aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

Consider the following verses related to the nature of light from the sun and

the moon: "It is He who made the sun To be a shining glory And the

moon to be a light (Of beauty)." [Al-Qur'aan 10:5]

"See ye not How Allah has created The seven heavens One above

another, "And made the moon A light in their midst, and made the sun

As a (Glorious) Lamp?" [Al-Qur'aan 71:15-16]

THE SUN ROTATES

For a long time European philosophers and scientists believed that the earth stood still in the centre of the universe and every other body including the sun moved around it. In the West, this geocentric concept of the universe was prevalent right from the time of Ptolemy in the second century B.C. In 1512,

104 Nicholas Copernicus put forward his Heliocentric Theory of Planetary

Motion, which asserted that the sun is motionless at the centre of the solar system with the planets revolving around it.

In 1609, the German scientist Yohannus Keppler published the 'Astronomia Nova\ In this he concluded that not only do the planets move in elliptical orbits around the sun, they also rotate upon their axes at irregular speeds. With this knowledge it became possible for European scientists to explain correctly many of the mechanisms of the solar system including the sequence of night and day.

After these discoveries, it was thought that the Sun was stationary and did not rotate about its axis like the Earth. I remember having studied this fallacy from Geography books during my school days. Consider the following Qur'aanic verse: "It is He Who created The Night and the Day, And the sun and the moon: All (the celestial bodies) Swim along, each in its Rounded course." [Al-Qur'aan 21:33]

The Arabic word used in the above verse is yasbahun . The word yasbahun is

derived from the word sabaha. It carries with it the idea of motion that comes The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

from any moving body. If you use the word for a man on the ground, it would not mean that he is rolling but would mean he is walking or running. If you use the word for a man in water it would not mean that he is floating but would mean that he is swimming.

Similarly, if you use the word yasbah for a celestial body such as the sun it would not mean that it is only flying through space but would mean that it is also rotating as it goes through space. Most of the school textbooks have incorporated the fact that the sun rotates about its axis. The rotation of the sun about its own axis can be proved with the help of an equipment that projects the image of the sun on the table top so that one can examine the image of the sun without being blinded. It is noticed that the sun has spots which complete a circular motion once every 25 days i.e. the sun takes approximately 25 days to rotate around its axis.

In fact, the sun travels through space at roughly 150 miles per second, and takes about 200 million years to complete one revolution around the center of our Milky Way Galaxy.

"It is not permitted To the Sun to catch up The Moon, nor can The Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along In (its own) orbit (According to Law)." [Al-Qur'aan 36:40]

This verse mentions an essential fact discovered by modern astronomy, i.e. the existence of the individual orbits of the Sun and the Moon, and their journey through space with their own motion. The 'fixed place' towards, which the sun travels, carrying with it the solar system, has been located exactly by modern astronomy. It has been given a name, the Solar Apex. The solar system is indeed moving in space towards a point situated in the constellation of Hercules (alpha Layer) whose exact location is firmly established.

The moon rotates around its axis in the same duration that it takes to revolve around the earth. It takes approximately 29 l A days to complete one rotation. One cannot help but be amazed at the scientific accuracy of the Qur'aanic

105 The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

verses. Should we not ponder over the question: "What was the source of knowledge contained in the Qur'aan?"

THE SUN WILL EXTINGUISH AFTER A CERTAIN PERIOD

The light of the sun is due to a chemical process on its surface that has been taking place continuously for the past five billion years. It will come to an end at some point of time in the future when the sun will be totally extinguished leading to extinction of all life on earth. Regarding the impermanence of the sun's existence the Qur'aan says: "And the Sun Runs its course For a period determined For it; that is The decree of (Him) The exalted in Might, The All-Knowing." [Al-Qur'aan 36:38] 3

The Arabic word used here is mustaqan, which means a place or time that is determined. Thus the Qur'aan says that the sun runs towards a determined place, and will do so only up to a pre-determined period of time - meaning that it will end or extinguish.

THE PRESENCE OF INTERSTELLAR MATTER

Space outside organized astronomical systems was earlier assumed to be a

vacuum . Astrophysicists later discovered the presence of bridges of matter in

this interstellar space. These bridges of matter are called plasma, and consist

of completely ionized gas containing equal number of free electrons and

positive ions. Plasma is sometimes called the fourth state of matter (besides

the three known states viz. solid, liquid and gas). The Qur'aan mentions the

presence of this interstellar material in the following verse: "He Who created

the heavens And the earth and all That is between." [Al-Qur'aan 25:59]

It would be ridiculous, for anybody to even suggest that the presence of

interstellar galactic material was known 1400 years ago.

3 A similar message is conveyed in the Qur'an in 13:2, 35:13, 39:5 and 39:21. The Qur'aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE

In 1925, an American astronomer by the name of Edwin Hubble, provided observational evidence that all galaxies are receding from one another, which implies that the universe is expanding. The expansion of the universe is now an established scientific fact. This is what Al-Qur'aan says regarding the nature of the universe: "With the power and skill Did We construct The Firmament: For it is We Who create The vastness of Space." [Al-Qur'aan 51:47]

The Arabic word musi'un is correctly translated as 'expanding it', and it refers to the creation of the expanding vastness of the universe. Stephen Hawking, in his book, 'A Brief History of Time', says, "The discovery that the universe is expanding was one of the great intellectual revolutions of the 20th century."

The Qur'aan mentioned the expansion of the universe, before man even learnt to build a telescope! Some may say that the presence of astronomical facts in the Qur'aan is not surprising since the Arabs were advanced in the field of astronomy. They are correct in acknowledging the advancement of the Arabs in the field of astronomy. However they fail to realize that the Qur'aan was revealed centuries before the Arabs excelled in astronomy. Moreover many of the scientific facts mentioned above regarding astronomy, such as the origin

106 of the universe with a Big Bang, were not known to the Arabs even at the

peak of their scientific advancement. The scientific facts mentioned in the Qur'aan are therefore not due to the Arabs' advancement in astronomy. Indeed, the reverse is true. The Arabs advanced in astronomy, because astronomy occupies a place in the Qur'aan.

II. PHYSICS

THE EXISTENCE OF SUBATOMIC PARTICLES

In ancient times a well-known theory by the name of'Theory of Atomism' was widely accepted. This theory was originally proposed by the Greeks, in particular by a man called Democritus, who lived about 23 centuries ago. Democritus and the people that came after him, assumed that the smallest unit of matter was the atom. The Arabs used to believe the same. The Arabic word dharrah most commonly meant an atom. In recent times modern science has discovered that it is possible to split even an atom. That the atom can be split further is a development of the 20th century. Fourteen centuries ago this concept would have appeared unusual even to an Arab. For him the dharrah was the limit beyond which one could not go. The following Qur'aanic verse however, refuses to acknowledge this limit: "The Unbelievers say, 'Never to us will come The Hour': say, 'Nay! But most surely, By my Lord, it will come Upon you - by Him Who knows the unseen - From Whom is not hidden The least little atom In the Heavens or on earth: Nor is there anything less Than that, or greater, but Is in the Record Perspicuous.'" [Al-Qur'aan 34:3] 4

This verse refers to the Omniscience of God, His knowledge of all things,

hidden or apparent. It then goes further and says that God is aware of

everything, including what is smaller or bigger than the atom. Thus the verse

clearly shows that it is possible for something smaller than the atom to exist, a

fact discovered only recently by modern science.

4 A similar message is conveyed in the Qur'an in 10:61. The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

III. GEOGRAPHY THE WATER CYCLE

In 1580, Bernard Palissy was the first man to describe the present day concept of'water cycle'. He described how water evaporates from the oceans and cools to form clouds. The clouds move inland where they rise, condense and fall as rain. This water gathers as lakes and streams and flows back to the ocean in a continuous cycle. In the 7th century B.C., Thales of Miletus believed that surface spray of the oceans was picked up by the wind and carried inland to fall as rain. In earlier times people did not know the source of underground water. They thought the water of the oceans, under the effect of winds, was thrust towards the interior of the continents. They also believed that the water returned by a secret passage, or the Great Abyss. This passage is connected to the oceans and has been called the 'Tartarus', since Plato's time. Even Descartes, a great thinker of the eighteenth century, subscribed to this view. Till the nineteenth century, Aristotle's theory was prevalent. According to this theory, water was condensed in cool mountain caverns and formed underground lakes that fed springs. Today, we know that the

107 rainwater that seeps into the cracks of the ground is responsible for this.

The water cycle is described by the Qur'aan in the following verses: "Seest thou not that Allah Sends down rain from The sky, and leads it Through springs in the earth? Then He causes to grow, Therewith, produce of various Colours." [Al-Qur'aan 39:21]

"He sends down rain From the sky And with it gives life to The earth after it is dead: Verily in that are Signs For those who are wise." [Al-Qur'aan 30:24]

"And We send down water From the sky according to (Due) measure, and We cause it To soak in the soil; And We certainly are able To drain it off (with ease)." [Al-Qur'aan 23:18]

The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible? Distributed by AHYA Multi-Media http://www.ahya.org

No other text dating back 1400 years ago gives such an accurate description of the water cycle.

WINDS IMPREGNATE THE CLOUDS

"And We send the fecundating winds, Then cause the rain to descend From the sky, therewith providing You with water (in abundance)." [Al-Qur'aan 15:22]

The Arabic word used here is lawdqih, which is the plural of laqih from laqaha, which means to impregnate or fecundate. In this context, impregnate means that the wind pushes the clouds together increasing the condensation that causes lightning and thus rain. A similar description is found in the Qur'aan: "It is Allah Who sends The Winds, and they raise The Clouds: then does He Spread them in the sky As He wills, and break them Into fragments, until thou seest Raindrops issue from the midst Thereof: then when He has Made them reach such Of His servants as He wills, Behold, they do rejoice!" [Al-Qur'aan 30:48]

The Qur'aanic descriptions are absolutely accurate and agree perfectly with modern data on hydrology. The water cycle is described in several verses of the Glorious Qur'aan, including 3:9, 7:57, 13:17, 25:48- 49, 36:34, 50:9-11, 56:68-70, 67:30 and 86:11.

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IV. GEOLOGY

MOUNTAINS ARE LIKE PEGS (STAKES)

In Geology, the phenomenon of'folding' is a recently discovered fact. Folding is responsible for the formation of mountain ranges. The earth's crust, on which we live, is like a solid shell, while the deeper layers are hot and fluid, and thus inhospitable to any form of life. It is also known that the stability of the mountains is linked to the phenomenon of folding, for it was the folds that were to provide foundations for the reliefs that constitute the mountains. Geologists tell us that the radius of the Earth is about 3,750 miles and the crust on which we live is very thin, ranging between 1 to 30 miles. Since the crust is thin, it has a high possibility of shaking. Mountains act like stakes or tent pegs that hold the earth's crust and give it stability. The Qur'aan contains exactly such a description in the following verse: "Have We not made The earth as a wide Expanse, And the mountains as pegs?" [Al-Qur'aan 78:6-7]

108 The word awtad means stakes or pegs (like those used to anchor a tent); they

are the deep foundations of geological folds. A book named 'Earth' is

considered as a basic reference textbook on geology in many universities

around the world. One of the authors of this book is Frank Press, who was the

President of the Academy of Sciences in the USA for 12 years and was the

Science Advisor to former US President Jimmy Carter. In this book he

illustrates the mountain in a wedge-shape and the mountain itself as a small

part of the whole, whose root is deeply entrenched in the ground. 5 According

to Dr. Press, the mountains play an important role in stabilizing the crust of

the earth.

The Qur'aan clearly mentions the function of the mountains in preventing the earth from shaking: "And We have set on the earth Mountains standing firm, Lest it should shake with them." [Al-Qur'aan 21:31]

5 Earth, Press and Siever, p. 435. Also see Earth Science, Tarbuck and Lutgens,p. 157. The Qur'aanic descriptions are in perfect agreement with modern geological data.MOlINTAINS FIRMLY FIXED

The surface of the earth is broken into many rigid plates that are about 100 km in thickness. These plates float on a partially molten region called aesthenosphere. Mountain formations occur at the boundary of the plates. The earth's crust is 5 km thick below oceans, about 35 km thick below flat continental surfaces and almost 80 km thick below great mountain ranges. These are the strong foundations on which mountains stand. The Qur'aan also speaks about the strong mountain foundations in the following verse: "And the mountains Hath He firmly fixed." [Al-Qur'aan 79:32] 6

6 A similar message is contained in the Qur'an in 88:19, 31:10 and 16:15 The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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V. OCEANOLOGY

BARRIER BETWEEN SWEET AND SALT WATERS

Consider the following Qur'aanic verses: "He has let free the two bodies Of flowing water, Meeting together: Between them is a Barrier Which they do not transgress." [Al-Qur'aan 55:19-20]

In the Arabic text the word barzakh means a barrier or a partition. This barrier is not a physical partition. The Arabic word maraja literally means 'they both meet and mix with each other'. Early commentators of the Qur'aan were unable to explain the two opposite meanings for the two bodies of water, i.e. they meet and mix, and at the same time, there is a barrier between them. Modern Science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own temperature, salinity and density. 7 Oceanologists are now in a better position to explain this verse. There is slanted unseen water barrier between the two seas through which water from one sea passes to the other.But when the water from one sea enters the other sea, it loses its distinctive characteristic and becomes homogenized with the other water. In a way this barrier serves as a transitional homogenizing area for the two waters. This scientific phenomenon mentioned in the Qur'aan was also confirmed by Dr. William Hay who is a well-known marine scientist and Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado, U.S.A. The Qur'aan

109 mentions this phenomenon also in the following verse: "And made a

separating bar between the two bodies Of flowing water?" [Al-Qur'aan 27:61]

This phenomenon occurs in several places, including the divider between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean at Gibralter. But when the Qur'aan speaks about the divider between fresh and salt water, it mentions the

7 Principles of Oceanography, Davis, pp. 92-93. The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible? Distributed by AHYA Multi-Media http://www.ahya.org

existence of "a forbidding partition" with the barrier. "It is He Who has Let

free the two bodies Of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, And the

other salty and bitter; Yet has He Made a barrier between them, And a

partition that is forbidden To be passed." [Al-Qur'aan 25:53]

Modern science has discovered that in estuaries, where fresh (sweet) and saltwater

meet, the situation is somewhat different from that found in places

where two seas meet. It has been discovered that what distinguishes fresh

water from salt water in estuaries is a "pycnocline zone with a marked density

discontinuity separating the two layers." 8 This partition (zone of separation)

has salinity different from both the fresh water and the salt water. 9

This phenomenon occurs in several places, including Egypt, where the river

Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea.

DARKNESS IN THE DEPTHS OF THE OCEAN

Prof. Durga Rao is an expert in the field of Marine Geology and was a

professor at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah. He was asked to

comment on the following verse: "Or (the Unbelievers' state) Is like the

depths of darkness In a vast deep ocean, Overwhelmed with billow

Topped by billow, Topped by (dark) clouds: Depths of darkness, one

Above another: if a man Stretches out his hand, He can hardly see it! For

any to whom Allah Giveth not light, there is no light!" [Al-Qur'aan 24:40]

Prof. Rao said that scientists have only now been able to confirm, with the

help of modern equipment that there is darkness in the depths of the ocean.

Humans are unable to dive unaided underwater for more than 20 to 30 meters,

and cannot survive in the deep oceanic regions at a depth of more than 200

meters. This verse does not refer to all seas because not every sea can be

8 Oceanography, Gross, p. 242. Also see Introductory Oceanography, Thurman, pp. 300-301.

9 Oceanography, Gross, p. 244 and Introductory Oceanography, Thurman, pp. 300-301.

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described as having accumulated darkness layered one over another. It refers especially to a deep sea or deep ocean, as the Qur'aan says, "darkness in a vast deep ocean". This layered darkness in a deep ocean is the result of two causes:A light ray is composed of seven colours. These seven colours are Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red (VIBGYOR). The light ray undergoes refraction when it hits water. The upper 10 to 15 metres of water absorb the red colour. Therefore if a diver is 25 metres under water and gets wounded, he would not be able to see the red colour of his blood, because the red colour does not reach this depth. Similarly orange rays are

110 absorbed at 30 to 50 metres, yellow at 50 to 100 metres, green at 100 to 200

metres, and finally, blue beyond 200 metres and violet and indigo above 200

metres. Due to successive disappearance of colour, one layer after another,

the ocean progressively becomes darker, i.e. darkness takes place in layers of

light. Below a depth of 1000 meters there is complete darkness. 10

. The sun's rays are absorbed by clouds, which in turn scatter light rays

thus causing a layer of darkness under the clouds. This is the first layer

of darkness. When light rays reach the surface of the ocean they are

reflected by the wave surface giving it a shiny appearance. Therefore it is the

waves which reflect light and cause darkness. The unreflected light penetrates

into the depths of the ocean. Therefore the ocean has two parts. The surface

characterized by light and warmth and the depth characterized by darkness.

The surface is further separated from the deep part of the ocean by waves.

The internal waves cover the deep waters of seas and oceans because the deep

waters have a higher density than the waters above them. The darkness begins

below the internal waves. Even the fish in the depths of the ocean cannot see;

their only source of light is from their own bodies.

The Qur'aan rightly mentions: "Darkness in a vast deep ocean

overwhelmed with waves topped by waves".

io Oceans, Elder and Pernetta, p. 27.

In other words, above these waves there are more types of waves, i.e. those found on the surface of the ocean. The Qur'aanic verse continues, "topped by (dark) clouds; depths of darkness, one above another." These clouds as explained are barriers one over the other that further cause darkness by absorption of colours at different levels.

Prof. Durga Rao concluded by saying, "1400 years ago a normal human being could not explain this phenomenon in so much detail. Thus the information must have come from a supernatural source".

VI. BIOLOGY

EVERY LIVING THING IS MADE OF WATER

Consider the following Qur'aanic verse: "Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one Unit of Creation), before We clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?" [Al-Qur'aan 21:30] Only after advances have been made in science, do we now know that cytoplasm, the basic substance of the cell is made up of 80% water. Modern research has also revealed that most organisms consist of 50% to 90% water and that every living entity requires water for its existence. Was it possible 14 centuries ago for any human-being to guess that every living being was made of water? Moreover would such a guess be conceivable by a human being in the deserts of Arabia where there has always been scarcity of water? The following verse refers to the creation of animals from water: "And Allah has created Every animal from water." [Al-Qur'aan 24:45] The following verse refers to the creation of human beings from water: "It is He Who has Created man from water: Then has He established Relationships of lineage And marriage: for thy Lord Has power (over all things)." [Al-Qur'aan 25:54]

VII. BOTANY

PLANTS CREATED IN PAIRS, MALE AND FEMALE

Previously humans did not know that plants too have male and female gender distinctions. Botany states that every plant has a male and female gender. Even the plants that are unisexual have distinct elements of both male and female. '"And has sent Down water from the sky.' With it have We produced Diverse pairs of plants Each separate from the others." [Al-Qur'aan 20:53]

FRUITS CREATED IN PAIRS, MALE AND FEMALE

"And fruit Of every kind He made In pairs, two and two." [Al-Qur'aan

13:3]

Fruit is the end product of reproduction of the superior plants. The stage preceding fruit is the flower, which has male and female organs (stamens and ovules). Once pollen has been carried to the flower, they bear fruit, which in turn matures and frees its seed. All fruits therefore imply the existence of male and female organs; a fact that is mentioned in the Qur'aan. In certain species, fruit can come from non-fertilized flowers (parthenocarpic fruit) e.g. bananas, certain types of pineapple, fig, orange, vine, etc. They also have definite sexual characteristics. EVERYTHING MADE IN PAIRS

"And of everything We have created pairs." [Al-Qur'aan 51:49]

This refers to things other than humans, animals, plants and fruits. It may also

be referring to a phenomenon like electricity in which the atoms consist of

negatively - and positively - charged electrons and protons. The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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"Glory to Allah, Who created In pairs all things that The earth produces, as well as Their own (human) kind And (other) things of which They have no knowledge." [Al-Qur'aan 36:36]

The Qur'aan here says that everything is created in pairs, including things that

the humans do not know at present and may discover later. The Qur'aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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VIII. ZOOLOGY

ANIMALS AND BIRDS LIVE IN COMMUNITIES

"There is not an animal (That lives) on the earth, Nor a being that flies

On its wings, but (forms Part of) communities like you." [Al-Qur'aan

6:38]

Research has shown that animals and birds live in communities, i.e. they organize, and live and work together. THE FLIGHT OF BIRDS

Regarding the flight of birds the Qur'aan says: "Do they not look at The birds, held poised In the midst of (the air And) the sky? Nothing Holds them up but (the power Of) Allah. Verily in this Are Signs for those who believe." [Al-Qur'aan 16:79]

112 A similar message is repeated in the Qur'aan in the verse: "Do they not

observe The birds above them, Spreading their wings And folding them in? None can uphold them Except (Allah) Most Gracious: Truly it is He That watches over all things." [Al-Qur'aan 67:19]

The Arabic word amsaka literally means, 'to put one's hand on, seize, hold, hold someone back,' which expresses the idea that Allah holds the bird up in His power. These verses stress the extremely close dependence of the birds' behaviour on Divine order. Modern scientific data has shown the degree of perfection attained by certain species of birds with regard to the programming of their movements. It is only the existence of a migratory programme in the genetic code of the birds that can explain the long and complicated journey that very young birds, without any prior experience and without any guide, are able to accomplish. They are also able to return to the departure point on a definite date.

The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible? Distributed by AHYA Multi-Media http://www.ahya.org

Prof. Hamburger in his book 'Power and Fragility' gives the example of 'mutton-bird' that lives in the Pacific with its journey of over 15,000 miles in the shape of figure '8'. It makes this journey over a period of 6 months and comes back to its departure point with a maximum delay of one week. The highly complicated instructions for such a journey have to be contained in the birds' nervous cells. They are definitely programmed. Should we not reflect on the identity of this 'Programmer'? THE BEE

"And thy Lord taught the Bee To build its cells in hills, On trees, and in (men's) habitations; Then to eat of all The produce (of the earth), And find with skill the spacious Paths of its Lord." [Al-Qur'aan 16:68-69]

Von-Frisch received the Nobel Prize in 1973 for his research on the behaviour and communication of the bees. The bee, after discovering any new garden or flower, goes back and tells its fellow bees the exact direction and map to get there, which is known as 'bee dance'. The meanings of this insect's movements that are intended to transmit information between worker bees have been discovered scientifically using photography and other methods. The Qur'aan mentions in the above verse how the bee finds with skill the spacious paths of its Lord.

The worker bee or the soldier bee is a female bee. In Soorah Al-Nahl chapter

no. 16, verses 68 and 69 the gender used for the bee is the female gender

(fa 'sluM and hull), indicating that the bee that leaves its home for gathering

food is a female bee. In other words the soldier or worker bee is a female bee.

In fact, in Shakespeare's play, "Henry the Fourth", some of the characters

speak about bees and mention that the bees are soldiers and that they have a

king. That is what people thought in Shakespearean times. They thought that

the worker bees are male bees and they go home and are answerable to a king

bee. This, however, is not true. The worker bees are females and they do not

report to a king bee but to a queen bee. But it took modern investigations in

the last 300 years to discover this.

The Qur'aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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SPIDER'S WEB / HOME IS FRAGILE

The Qur'aan mentions in Soorah Al-'Ankabut, "The parable of those who Take protectors other than Allah Is that of the Spider, Who builds (to itself) A house; but truly The flimsiest of houses Is the Spider's house - If they but knew." [Al-Qur'aan 29:41]

Besides giving the physical description of the spider's web as being very flimsy, delicate and weak, the Qur'aan also stresses on the flimsiness of the relationship in the spider's house, where the female spider many a times kills its mate, the male spider.

LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNICATION OF ANTS Consider the following Qur'aanic verse: "And before Solomon were marshaled His hosts - of Jinns and men And birds, and they were all Kept in order and ranks. "At length, when they came To a (lowly) valley of ants, One of the ants said: 'O ye ants, get into Your habitations, lest Solomon And his hosts crush you (Under foot) without knowing it.'" [Al-Qur'aan 27:17-18]

In the past, some people would have probably mocked at the Qur'aan, taking it to be a fairy tale book in which ants talk to each other and communicate sophisticated messages. In recent times, research has shown us several facts about the lifestyle of ants, which were not known earlier to humankind. Research has shown that the animals or insects whose lifestyle is closest in resemblance to the lifestyle of human beings are the ants. This can be seen from the following findings regarding ants:

(a) The ants bury their dead in a manner similar to the humans.

(b) They have a sophisticated system of division of labour, whereby they have managers, supervisors, foremen, workers, etc.

(c) Once in a while they meet among themselves to have a 'chat'.

(d) They have an advanced method of communication among themselves. The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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(e) They hold regular markets wherein they exchange goods.

(f) They store grains for long periods in winter and if the grain begins to

bud, they cut the roots, as if they understand that if they leave it to

grow, it will rot. If the grains stored by them get wet due to rains, they

take these grains out into the sunlight to dry, and once these are dry,

they take them back inside as though they know that humidity will

cause development of root systems and thereafter rotting of the grain. The Qur'aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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HONEY HAS HEALING PROPERTIES

The bee assimilates juices of various kinds of flowers and fruit and forms within its body the honey, which it stores in its cells of wax. Only a couple of centuries ago man came to know that honey comes from the belly of the bee. This fact was mentioned in the Qur'aan 1,400 years ago in the following verse: "There issues From within their bodies A drink of varying colours,

114 Wherein is healing for men." [Al-Qur'aan 16:69]

We are now aware that honey has a healing property and also a mild antiseptic property. The Russians used honey to cover their wounds in World War II. The wound would retain moisture and would leave very little scar tissue. Due to the density of honey, no fungus or bacteria would grow in the wound. A person suffering from an allergy of a particular plant may be given honey from that plant so that the person develops resistance to that allergy. Honey is rich in fructose and vitamin K. Thus the knowledge contained in the Qur'aan regarding honey, its origin and properties, was far ahead of the time it was revealed.

The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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BLOOD CIRCULATION AND THE PRODUCTION OF MILK

The Qur'aan was revealed 600 years before the Muslim scientist Ibn Nafees described the circulation of the blood and 1,000 years before William Harwey brought this understanding to the Western world. Roughly thirteen centuries before it was known what happens in the intestines to ensure that organs are nourished by the process of digestive absorption, a verse in the Qur'aan described the source of the constituents of milk, in conformity with these notions.To understand the Qur'aanic verse concerning the above concepts, it is important to know that chemical reactions occur in the intestines and that, from there, substances extracted from food pass into the blood stream via a complex system; sometimes by way of the liver, depending on their chemical nature. The blood transports them to all the organs of the body, among which are the milk-producing mammary glands.

In simple terms, certain substances from the contents of the intestines enter into the vessels of the intestinal wall itself, and these substances are transported by the blood stream to the various organs.

This concept must be fully appreciated if we wish to understand the following

verse in the Qur'aan: "And verily in cattle there is A lesson for you. We

give you to drink Of what is inside their bodies, Coming from a

conjunction Between the contents of the Intestine and the blood, A milk

pure and pleasant for Those who drink it." [Al-Qur'aan 16:66] n

"And in cattle (too) ye Have an instructive example: From within their

bodies We produce (milk) for you To drink; there are, in them, (Besides),

ii Translation of this Qur'anic verse is from the book "The Bible, the Qur'an and

Science" by Dr. Maurice Bucaille.

The Qur'aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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numerous (other) Benefits for you; And of their (meat) ye eat." [Al-Qur'aan 23:21]

The Qur'aanic description of the production of milk in cattle is strikingly

similar to what modern physiology has discovered. The Qur'aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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115 MAN IS CREATED FROM ALAQ

A LEECH-LIKE SUBSTANCE

A few years ago a group of Arabs collected all information concerning embryology from the Qur'aan, and followed the instruction of the Qur'aan: "If ye realise this not, ask Of those who possess the Message." [Al-Qur'aan 16:43 & 21:7]

All the information from the Qur'aan so gathered, was translated into English

and presented to Prof. (Dr.) Keith Moore, who was the Professor of

Embryology and Chairman of the Department of Anatomy at the University

of Toronto, in Canada. At present he is one of the highest authorities in the

field of Embryology. He was asked to give his opinion regarding the

information present in the Qur'aan concerning the field of embryology. After

carefully examining the translation of the Qur'aanic verses presented to him,

Dr. Moore said that most of the information concerning embryology

mentioned in the Qur'aan is in perfect conformity with modern discoveries in

the field of embryology and does not conflict with them in any way. He added

that there were however a few verses, on whose scientific accuracy he could

not comment. He could not say whether the statements were true or false,

since he himself was not aware of the information contained therein.

There was also no mention of this information in modern writings and studies

on embryology. One such verse is: "Proclaim! (or Read!) In the name Of

thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created - Created man, out of A (mere)

clot Of congealed blood." [Al-Qur'aan 96:1-2]

The word alaq besides meaning a congealed clot of blood also means

something that clings, a leech-like substance. Dr. Keith Moore had no

knowledge whether an embryo in the initial stages appears like a leech. To

check this out he studied the initial stage of the embryo under a very powerful

microscope in his laboratory and compared what he observed with a diagram

of a leech and he was astonished at the striking resemblance between the two! The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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In the same manner, he acquired more information on embryology that was hitherto not known to him, from the Qur'aan. Dr. Keith Moore answered about eighty questions dealing with embryological data mentioned in the Qur'aan and Hadith. Noting that the information contained in the Qur'aan and Hadith was in full agreement with the latest discoveries in the field of embryology, Prof. Moore said, "If I was asked these questions thirty years ago, I would not have been able to answer half of them for lack of scientific information"

Dr. Keith Moore had earlier authored the book, 'The Developing Human'. After acquiring new knowledge from the Qur'aan, he wrote, in 1982, the 3rd edition of the same book, 'The Developing Human'. The book was the recipient of an award for the best medical book written by a single author. This book has been translated into several major languages of the world and is used as a textbook of embryology in the first year of medical studies. In 1981, during the Seventh Medical Conference in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Moore said, "It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Qur'aan about human development. It is clear to me that these

116 statements must have come to Muhammad from God or Allah, because

almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of God or Allah." 12

Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and

Gynaecology, at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, U.S.A.,

proclaims: "...these Hadiths, sayings of Muhammad (pbuh) could not have

been obtained on the basis of the scientific knowledge that was available at

the time of the writer (7th century). It follows that not only is there no conflict

between genetics and religion (Islam) but in fact religion (Islam) may guide

science by adding revelation to some of the traditional scientific

approaches... there exist statements in the Qur'aan shown centuries later to

12 The reference for this statment is the video tape titled 'This is the Truth'. For a

copy of this video tape contact the Islamic Research Foundation. The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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be valid which support knowledge in the Qur'aan having been derived from God." MAN CREATED FROM A DROP EMITTED FROM BETWEEN THE BACK BONE AND THE RIBS

"Now let man but think From what he is created! He is created from A drop emitted - Proceeding from between The back bone and the ribs."

[Al-Qur'aan 86:5-7]

In embryonic stages, the reproductive organs of the male and female, i.e. the testicles and the ovaries, begin their development near the kidney between the spinal column and the eleventh and twelfth ribs. Later they descend; the female gonads (ovaries) stop in the pelvis while the male gonads (testicles) continue their descent before birth to reach the scrotum through the inguinal canal. Even in the adult after the descent of the reproductive organ, these organs receive their nerve supply and blood supply from the Abdominal Aorta, which is in the area between the backbone (spinal column) and the ribs. Even the lymphatic drainage and the venous return goes to the same area.

HUMAN BEINGS CREATED FROM NUTFAH (Minute Quantity of Liquid)

The Glorious Qur'aan mentions no less than eleven times that the human being is created from nutfah, which means a minute quantity of liquid or a trickle of liquid which remains after emptying a cup. This is mentioned in several verses of the Qur'aan including 22:5 and 23:13. 13 Science has confirmed in recent times that only one out of an average of three million sperms is required for fertilising the ovum. This means that only a B The same is also mentioned in the Qur'an in 16:4, 18:37, 35:11, 36:77, 40:67, 53:46, 75:37, 76:2 and 80:19.

The Qur'aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible? Distributed by AHYA Multi-Media http://www.ahya.org

1/three millionth part or 0.00003% of the quantity of sperms that are emitted is required for fertilisation.

HUMAN BEINGS CREATED FROM SULALAH

117 (Quintessence of liquid)

"And made his progeny From a quintessence Of the nature of A fluid despised." [Al-Qur'aan 32:8]

The Arabic word suldlah means quintessence or the best part of a whole. We have come to know now that only one single spermatozoon that penetrates the ovum is required for fertilization, out of the several millions produced by man. That one spermatozoon out of several millions, is referred to in the Qur'aan as suldlah. Suldlah also means gentle extraction from a fluid. The fluid refers to both male and female germinal fluids containing gametes. Both ovum and sperm are gently extracted from their environments in the process of fertilization.

MAN CREATED FROM NUTFATUN AMSHAAJ (Mingled liquids)

Consider the following Qur'aanic verse: "Verily We created Man from a drop Of mingled sperm." [Al-Qur'aan 76:2]

The Arabic word nutfatin amshaajin means mingled liquids. According to some commentators of the Qur'aan, mingled liquids refers to the male or female agents or liquids. After mixture of male and female gamete, the zygote still remains nutfah. Mingled liquids can also refer to spermatic fluid that is formed of various secretions that come from various glands. Therefore nutfatin amsa], i.e. a minute quantity of mingled fluids refers to the male and female gametes (germinal fluids or cells) and part of the surrounding fluids.

The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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The sex of a fetus is determined by the nature of the sperm and not the ovum. The sex of the child, whether female or male, depends on whether the 23rd pair of chromosomes is XX or XY respectively. Primarily sex determination occurs at fertilization and depends upon the type of sex chromosome in the sperm that fertilizes an ovum. If it is an 'X' bearing sperm that fertilizes the ovum, the fetus is a female and if it is a 'Y' bearing sperm then the fetus is a male. "That He did create In pairs - male and female, From a seed when lodged (In its place)." [Al-Qur'aan 53:45-46]

The Arabic word nutfah means a minute quantity of liquid and tumnd means ejaculated or planted. Therefore nutfah specifically refers to sperm because it is ejaculated. The Qur'aan says: "Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (In lowly form)? "Then did he become A clinging clot; Then did (Allah) make And fashion (him) In due proportion. "And of him He made Two sexes, male And female." [Al-Qur'aan 75:37-39]

Here again it is mentioned that a small quantity (drop) of sperm (indicated by the word nutfatan min maniyyin) which comes from the man is responsible for the sex of the fetus.

Mothers-in-law in the Indian subcontinent, by and large prefer having male grandchildren and often blame their daughters-in-law if the child is not of the desired sex. If only they knew that the determining factor is the nature of the male sperm and not the female ovum! If they were to blame anybody, they

118 should blame their sons and not their daughters-in-law since both the Qur'aan

and Science hold that it is the male fluid that is responsible for the sex of the child!

FOETUS PROTECTED BY THREE VEILS OF DARKNESS

"He makes you, In the wombs of your mothers, In stages, one after

another, In three veils of darkness." [Al-Qur'aan 39:6]

According to Prof. Keith Moore these three veils of darkness in the Qur'aan

refer to:

(i) anterior abdominal wall of the mother

(ii) the uterine wall

(iii) the amnio-chorionic membrane. EMBRYONIC STAGES

"Man We did create From a quintessence (of clay); Then We placed him As (a drop of) sperm In a place of rest, firmly fixed; Then We made the sperm Into a clot of congealed blood; Then of that clot We made A (foetus) lump; then We Made out of that lump Bones and clothed the bones With flesh; then We developed Out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, The Best to create!" [Al-Qur'aan 23:12-14] In this verse Allah states that man is created from a small quantity of liquid which is placed in a place of rest, firmly fixed (well established or lodged) for which the Arabic word qardrin makin is used. The uterus is well protected from the posterior by the spinal column supported firmly by the back muscles. The embryo is further protected by the amniotic sac containing the amniotic fluid. Thus the foetus has a well protected dwelling place. This small quantity of fluid is made into alaqah, meaning something which clings. It also means a leech-like substance. Both descriptions are scientifically acceptable as in the very early stages the foetus clings to the wall and also appears to resemble the leech in shape. It also behaves like a

leech (blood sucker) and acquires its blood supply from the mother through

the placenta. The third meaning of the word alaqah is a blood clot. During The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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this alaqah stage, which spans the third and fourth week of pregnancy, the blood clots within closed vessels. Hence the embryo acquires the appearance of a blood clot in addition to acquiring the appearance of a leech. In 1677, Hamm and Leeuwenhoek were the first scientists to observe human sperm cells (spermatozoa) using a microscope. They thought that a sperm cell contained a miniature human being which grew in the uterus to form a newborn. This was known as the perforation theory. When scientists discovered that the ovum was bigger than the sperm, it was thought by De Graf and others that the foetus existed in a miniature form in the ovum. Later, in the 18th century Maupertuis propagated the theory of biparental inheritance. The alaqah is transformed into mudghah which means 'something that is chewed (having teeth marks)' and also something that is tacky and small which can be put in the mouth like gum. Both these explanations are scientifically correct. Prof. Keith Moore took a piece of plaster seal and made it into the size and shape of the early stage of foetus and chewed it between the teeth to make it into a 'Mudgha'. He compared this

119 with the photographs of the early stage of foetus. The teeth marks resembled

the 'somites' which is the early formation of the spinal column.

This mudghah is transformed into bones (izdm). The bones are clothed with

intact flesh or muscles (lahm). Then Allah makes it into another creature.

Prof. Marshall Johnson is one of the leading scientists in US, and is the head

of the Department of Anatomy and Director of the Daniel Institute at the

Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in US. He was asked to

comment on the verses of the Qur'aan dealing with embryology. He said that

the verses of the Qur'aan describing the embryological stages cannot be a

coincidence. He said it was probable that Muhammad (pbuh) had a powerful

microscope. On being reminded that the Qur'aan was revealed 1400 years

ago, and microscopes were invented centuries after the time of Prophet

Muhammad (pbuh), Prof. Johnson laughed and admitted that the first

microscope invented could not magnify more than 10 times and could not

show a clear picture. Later he said: "I see nothing here in conflict with the

concept that Divine intervention was involved when Muhammad (pbuh)

recited the Qur'aan."

The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible? Distributed by AHYA Multi-Media http://www.ahya.org

According to Dr. Keith Moore, the modern classification of embryonic development stages which is adopted throughout the world, is not easily comprehensible, since it identifies stages on a numerical basis i.e. stage I, stage II, etc. The divisions revealed in the Qur'aan are based on distinct and easily identifiable forms or shapes, which the embryo passes through. These are based on different phases of prenatal development and provide elegant scientific descriptions that are comprehensible and practical. Similar embryological stages of human development have been described in the following verses: "Was he not a drop Of sperm emitted (In lowly form)? Then did he become a clinging clot; Then did (Allah) make and fashion (him) In due proportion. And of him He made Two sexes, male and female." [Al-Qur'aan 75:37-39]

"Him Who created thee, fashioned thee in due proportion, And gave thee a just bias; In whatever Form He wills, Does He put thee together." [Al-Qur'aan 82:7-8]

EMBRYO PARTLY FORMED AND PARTLY UNFORMED

At the mugdhah stage, if an incision is made in the embryo and the internal organ is dissected, it will be seen that most of them are formed while the others are not yet completely formed.

According to Prof. Johnson, if we describe the embryo as a complete creation, then we are only describing that part which is already created. If we describe it as an incomplete creation, then we are only describing that part which is not yet created. So, is it a complete creation or an incomplete creation? There is no better description of this stage of embryogenesis than the Qur'aanic description, "partly formed and partly unformed", as in the following verse: "We created you Out of dust, then out of Sperm, then out of a leech-like Clot, then out of a morsel Of flesh, partly formed And partly unformed." [Al-Qur'aan 22:5]

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120 Scientifically we know that at this early stage of development there are some

cells which are differentiated and there are some cells that are undifferentiated - some organs are formed and yet others unformed. SENSE OF HEARING AND SIGHT

The first sense to develop in a developing human embryo is hearing. The foetus can hear sounds after the 24th week. Subsequently, the sense of sight is developed and by the 28th week, the retina becomes sensitive to light. Consider the following Qur'aanic verses related to the development of the senses in the embryo: "And He gave You (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (And understanding)." [Al-Qur'aan 32:9] "Verily We created Man from a drop Of mingled sperm, In order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), Of Hearing and Sight." [Al-Qur'aan 76:2]

"It is He Who has created For you (the faculties of) Hearing, sight, feeling And understanding: little thanks It is ye give!" [Al-Qur'aan 23:78] In all these verses the sense of hearing is mentioned before that of sight. Thus the Qur'aanic description matches with the discoveries in modern embryology.

The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

Distributed by AHYA Multi-Media http://www.ahya.org XII. GENERAL SCIENCE

FINGERPRINTS

"Does man think that We Cannot assemble his bones? Nay, We are able to put Together in perfect order The very tips of his fingers." [Al-Qur'aan 75:3-4]

Unbelievers argue regarding resurrection taking place after bones of dead people have disintegrated in the earth and how each individual would be identified on the Day of Judgement. Almighty Allah answers that He can not only assemble our bones but can also reconstruct perfectly our very fingertips.

Why does the Qur'aan, while speaking about determination of the identity of the individual, speak specifically about fingertips? In 1880, fingerprinting became the scientific method of identification, after research done by Sir Francis Golt. No two persons in the world can ever have exactly the same fingerprint pattern. That is the reason why police forces worldwide use fingerprints to identify the criminal. 1400 years ago, who could have known the uniqueness of each human's fingerprint? Surely it could have been none other than the Creator Himself! PAIN RECEPTORS PRESENT IN THE SKIN It was thought that the sense of feeling and pain was only dependent on the brain. Recent discoveries prove that there are pain receptors present in the skin without which a person would not be able to feel pain. When a doctor examines a patient suffering from burn injuries, he verifies the degree of burns by a pinprick. If the patient feels pain, the doctor is happy, because it indicates that the burns are superficial and the pain receptors are intact. On the other hand if the patient does not feel any pain, it indicates that it is a deep burn and the pain receptors have been destroyed. The Qur'aan gives an

121 indication of the existence of pain receptors in the following verse: "Those

who reject Our signs, We shall soon Cast into the Fire; As often as their skins Are roasted through, We shall change them For fresh skins, That they may taste The Penalty: for Allah Is Exalted in Power, Wise." [Al-

Qur'aan 4:56]

Prof. Tagatat Tejasen, Chairman of the Department of Anatomy at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, has spent a great amount of time on research of pain receptors. Initially he could not believe that the Qur'aan mentioned this scientific fact 1,400 years ago. He later verified the translation of this particular Qur'aanic verse. Prof. Tejasen was so impressed by the scientific accuracy of the Qur'aanic verse, that at the 8th Saudi Medical Conference held in Riyadh on the Scientific Signs of Qur'aan and Sunnah he proclaimed in public: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) is His Messenger."

The Qur'aan and Modem Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

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To attribute the presence of scientific facts in the Qur'aan to coincidence would be against common sense and a true scientific approach. The Qur'aan invites all humans to reflect on the Creation of this universe in the verse: "Behold! In the creation Of the heavens and the earth, And the alternation Of Night and Day - There are indeed Signs For men of understanding." [Al-Qur'aan 3:190]

The scientific evidences of the Qur'aan clearly prove its Divine Origin. No human could have produced a book, fourteen hundred years ago, that would contain profound scientific facts, to be discovered by humankind centuries later. The Qur'aan, however, is not a book of Science but a book of 'Signs'. These signs invite Man to realize the purpose of his existence on earth, and to live in harmony with Nature. The Qur'aan is truly a message from Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It contains the same message of the Oneness of God, that was preached by all prophets, right from Adam, Moses, Jesus to Muhammad (peace be upon them).

Several detailed tomes have been written on the subject of Qur'aan and modern science and further research in this field is on. Inshallah, this research will help mankind to come closer to the Word of the Almighty. This booklet contains only a few of the scientific facts present in the Qur'aan. I cannot claim to have done full justice to the subject. Prof.

Tejasen accepted Islam on the strength of just one scientific 'sign' mentioned in the Qu'ran. Some people may require ten signs while some may require hundred signs to be convinced about the Divine Origin of the Qur'aan. Some would be unwilling to accept the Truth even after being shown a thousand signs. The Qur'aan condemns such a closed mentality in the verse: "Deaf, dumb and blind, They will not return (To the path)." [Al-Qur'aan 2:18] The Qur'aan contains a complete code of life for the individual and society. Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), the Qur'aanic way of life is far superior to the 'isms' that modern man has invented out of sheer ignorance. Who can give better guidance than the Creator Himself?

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122 I pray that this humble effort is accepted by Allah, to whom I pray for

mercy

and guidance (Aameen).

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Did Islam Exist Before Muhammad (Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him)?

God does not born or die he is forever. Jesus, Moses, Mohammad & all other people of

Bible, Quran &Torah were great messengers prophets of god not sons of god they were

created by 1 true god, creator, Allah. So any creation can't be the 1 creator Allah. So

they were messengers, prophets of god. How can creator be part of what he has created

Himself!! !So he is not part of any creation again he is not a creation & has no partners

no father,mother, daughter ,son, brother, sister ,wife & no gender simply unique beyond

comparable & 1 & 1 only. From Adam to Jesus god sent his messages

for every generation or period of time but it was always destroyed by mankind & the

devils conspiracy to take mankind towards hell. Because all previous books were massed

up by humans Allah sent his last messenger not son or god, but messenger Mohammad & sent him

Quran & it's messages to guide humans towards Allah & heaven. Allah has promised to

Keep Quran same until the Day of Judgment & challenged humans to create another

accurate book like Quran & said if you can't then surrender to your lord (the only way of peace&heaven).Majority of things science has discovered until now 80% of Quran had all those undiscovered answers from the last 1400years when science didn't have any answers. The other 20% answer was & is in Quran. Maybe it will take science another 1400years to find it. All 100% answers are

in Quran. Science can't prove a single verse of Quran wrong. If you do a research on Quran, bible

and science you will find facts. Facts are stranger than fiction. In the bible it says Jesus bowed his

head on floor just like Muslims bow their head on floor while praying .You should do research

on bible, Quran &science if you believe in god so you can find facts on Islam. If I teach a parrot a

message & send it to someone & parrot tells the message to that person and leaves & that

person starts saying that parrot is my son that would make no sense, because that was my

123 messenger not son. Jesus was taken up alive &after that people started calling him

son of god. He came

to establish Islam & was a messenger of 1 god. Christianity started after Jesus was gone, Jesus will comeback & die as a human& Muslim. Quran is the only accurate 100% words of god &word of god can't have errors then it would not be word of god & according to science bibles & Torahs has many errors but they can't prove a verse in Quran wrong. Muslims believe there is no god but Allah & Prophet Mohammad is the last & final prophet & messenger of Allah.

God forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for God loveth those who are just (Qur'an, 60:8)

Adam, Abraham ,Noah, Moses ,Jesus, Muhammad were all messengers & prophets of 1 God Allah so Islam is the 1 st religion & it's the last religion because God is Allah & God is forever so is God's religion which is only Islam & it is also forever. Finally Islam always existed even before Adam, Abraham ,Noah, Moses Jesus & Muhammad because it's the only true religion from God Allah.

Conclusion of the entire book

He said: "I am indeed a servant of God: He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet; 019.031 "And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live; 019.032 "(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable; 019.033 "So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)"! 019.034 Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. 019.035 It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says to

it,"Be",and it is. Al-Quran.

Some references of the information of this book:

l)www.answering-christianity.com 2) www.islamtomorrow.com 3) http://www.irf.net/irf/comparativereligion/index.htm 4) www.peacetv.tv 5) www.whvislam.org 6) www.guideus.tv 7 ) www. irf.net 8) www.quranandscience.com

Information arranged & organized by Mr.Faisal

"The Ou'ran The Final Evidence Thev Don't Want You To Know"

This book is available on www.createspace.com/4318275 , & www.amazon.com

This book is an updated version of my previous book named "The mystery of God's evidence thev don't want vou to know of" But this book has much more information than my former book.So, I have given this book a new name.But the former book is also available on amazon,barnes&noble and www.createspace.com/4030107

More books by Mr.Faisal

"THE FORGOTTEN PROOF OF HEAVEN AND GOD IS FOR REAL" is available on www.createspace.com/4310613 & www.amazon.com

"DID MUHAMMAD AND JESUS EXIST ' is available on www.amazon.com & www.createspace.com

Final Conclusion of both books (Partl+Part2):

There is no God but Allah & Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad were all messengers & prophets of 1 God. The Quran is the final testament book of God's words only. The Quran proves God exists Jesus was born without a father. There is no doubt in the evidences of history that Muhammad & Jesus existed & they were prophets ofl true God Allah.

21. Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, verily, thou wouldst have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah. Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect.

22. Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god;- Who knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

23 .Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god;- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him.

24 .He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colours). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the

heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. {Al-Hashr- Al Quran}

1. Praise be to Allah, to Whom belong all things in the heavens and on earth: to Him be Praise in the Hereafter: and He is Full of Wisdom, acquainted with all things.

2. He knows all that goes into the earth, and all that comes out thereof; all that comes down from the sky and all that ascends thereto and He is the Most Merciful, the Oft-Forgiving.

3 .The Unbelievers say, "Never to us will come the Hour": Say, "Nay! but most surely, by my Lord, it will come upon you;- by Him Who knows the unseen,- from Whom is not hidden the least little atom in the heavens or on earth: Nor is there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the Record Perspicuous:

4 .That He may reward those who believe and work deeds of righteousness: for such is Forgiveness and a Sustenance Most Generous."

5 .But those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them,-for such will be a Penalty,- a Punishment most humiliating.

3 6 .And those to whom knowledge has come see

that the (Revelation) sent down to thee from thy Lord - that is the Truth, and that it guides to the Path of the Exalted (in might), Worthy of all praise. {Saba 34 Al-Quran)

Surah 3. The Family Of ? Imran, The House Of ? Imran(Quran)

1. A. L. M.

2. Allah. There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.

3. It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).

4. Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.

5. From Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.

6. He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

7. He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.

8. "Our Lord!" (they say), "Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thine own Presence; for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure.

9. "Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind Together against a day about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails in His promise."

10. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah. They are themselves but fuel for the Fire.

4 {Surah Baqarah Quran}

284. To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah Calleth you to account for it. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth, and punisheth whom He pleaseth, for Allah hath power over all things.

285. The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."

286. On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith."

INFORMATION ARRANGED AND ORGANIZED BY:

{FAISAL}{FAHIM}

NON-MUSLIM VIEWS ABOUT |

Muhammad 1

I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of

mankind I became more than ever

convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in Cod and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. 'When I closed the second volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of that great life.

Mahatma Gandhi

PART 3

This book is like a little dictionary. Please share the book and the knowledge of the book. If you read this book please pray for me to Allah to give me the best Jannah/heaven.Thank you and may Allah give you best Jannah/heaven too. Ameen.

Sincerely, (Faisal Fahim)

This book contains small texts so if you can't read them please wear glasses or use magnifying glasses. Thank you.

INFORMATION ARRANGED AND ORGANIZED BY MR.FAISAL FAHIM. This book contains no page numbers so you may write some numbers or mark a page if you need to use that as reference for later.

Allah (swt) Says : "Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided."[Quran 16:125] Allah also says '"Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, works righteousness, and says: I am of those who bow in submission?" (Quran 41:33)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "lf Allah guides a person through you, it is better for you than all that is on the earth." (Bukhari No. 2783 & Muslim No. 2406).Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence" (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith 667) "Therefore listen not

to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur'an)". 25.52 Quran Yet do they worship, besides Allah, things that can neither profit them nor harm them: and the disbeliever is a helper (of Evil), against his own Lord! 25.55 Quran And I have sent you only as a giver of good news and as a

warner. 25.56 Say: "No reward do I ask of you for it but this: that each one who will may take a

(straight) Path to his Allah." 25.57 Al-Quran

"Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers."(Quran, al-Baqarah: 159) Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "For Allah to guide one man through you is better for you than all that the sun has shined over".

The Prophet ( PBUH) has said: "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim]

ABOUT FAISAL FAHIM: FAISAL WAS BORN IN BANGLADESH. HE SPENT HIS CHILDHOOD WITH HIS GRANDPARENTS IN BANGLADESH & HE SAW THEM PRAYING 5 TIMES A DAY. HE CAME TO AMERICA AT A YOUNG AGE AND HE IS AN AMERICAN BANGLADESHI MUSLIM.IN AMERICA HE LIVED WITH HIS PARENTS.HE WENT TO SCHOOLS IN NY. HE WENT TO VISIT

BANGLADESH IN 2009 & HE SAW SOME VIDEOS OF DR.ZAKIR NAIK ON TV. THE VIDEOS WERE ABOUT SPREADING THE KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM WITH MUSLIMS AND NONMUSLIMS.HE WAS INSPIRED BY DR.ZAKIR NAIK.HE LOVES ISLAM & BELIEVES ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE & MERCY.SO HE LIKES TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM TO NONMUSLIMS AND MUSLIMS.

MESSAGE OF FAISAL FAHIM: SPREAD THE RELIGION OF ALLAH. SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD PBUH.SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM. SINCE IT WAS A DUTY OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM SO MUSLIMS SHOULD ALSO CONTINUE THIS GREATEST SUNNAH & EXPECT THE REWARD FROM ALLAH ONLY.ISLAM IS PEACE, LOVE, MERCY, KIND, HUMBLE, HONEST & THE ONLY FINAL TRUE RELIGION FROM GOD. I don't want any money or reward from anybody and my reward is from Allah only but I hope this book will help spread the message of Islam, the religion I love and I hope people will be benefitted from this book. So if you like my arranged & organized information of this unique book please pray for me. Thank you.

MAY ALLAH GUIDE US ALL .AMEEN.

The Qur'an is the Final Revelation from God to mankind through the last Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon Him. The Qur'an has a wealth of information-both worldly wisdom and intellectual concepts-providing a code of life for humankind generally and Muslims in particular. Indeed, the Qur'an's miracle lies in its ability to offer something to non-believers and everything to believers.

The original Quran is accurate in the Arabic language & it's 1 only. But in English there are couple of translations of the same 1 Arabic Quran. This book is about the true message of the Quran. If anyone wants to know what the holy Quran actually teaches this book will be the best guidance. But in order to know what it explains one must read several translations of the Quran .But in order to properly understand the Quran people must read this book which explains so many information's & it made the Quran easy to understand for both a non-Muslim and a Muslim . Even though to properly understand the Quran 1 must read several translations but still this 1 book is a great source of information and guidance for any 1 who has or hasn't read the Quran. This is an honest book of knowledge. Whether people like or hate Islam people should read this book of knowledge to at least properly understand the real Quran and Islam and the reason why 1.5 billion people of our world follow this unique religion and claim its holy book the Quran to be God's last & final revelation.

Message from Faisal Fahim : My intention is not to criticize any one's belief. This entire book is not totally written by me.lt is based on a research project done by me.The book is as the title goes.The information is arranged & organized by me & all sources of all documents or information is mentioned inside the book.Purpose of my book is to share the knowledge which is available in many sources & I have mentioned them in the book.Hope you enjoy & share my book. "The greatest creation of god is us.The true race of us thel&only us,all of us the mankind simplyl race of humanity. Love is the only antidose of hate.so,love,peace&Godbless for all.knowledge is not only power but it is indeed freedom to speak out the truth of an existence and I will share it to set it free.

This book contains some unnecessary numbers in some parts of the book but they do not mean anything so please don't be confused with the numbers in the middle of some verses. They mean nothing at all & they aren't page numbers.so simply ignore them & read the verses of the translations of the Quran. Thank you. Sincerely, MR.FAISAL FAHIM

The Quran translated by Yusuf Ali SURA 1. Fatiha, or the Opening Chapter

1. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

2. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;

3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful;

4. Master of the Day of Judgment.

5. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.

6. Show us the straight way,

7. The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose [portion] is not wrath, and who go not astray.

SURA 2. Baqara, or the Heifer

1. A. L. M.

2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;

3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We

have provided for them;

4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and [in their hearts] have the assurance of the Hereafter.

5. They are on [true] guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

6. As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.

7. Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil; great is the penalty they [incur].

8. Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not [really] believe.

9. Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realise [it] not!

10. In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they [incur], because they are false [to themselves].

11. When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "Why, we only Want to make peace!"

12. Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise [it] not.

13. When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe:" They say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know.

14. When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe;" but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: "We are really with you: We [were] only jesting."

15. Allah will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones [To and fro].

16. These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction,

17. Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see.

18. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return [to the path].

19. Or [another similitude] is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky: In it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!

20. The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light [Helps] them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things.

21. 0 ye people! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness;

22. Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith Fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know [the truth].

23. And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers [If there are any] besides Allah, if your [doubts] are true.

24. But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones,- which is prepared for those who reject Faith.

25. But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: "Why, this is what we were fed with before," for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure [and holy]; and they abide therein [for ever].

26. Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: "What means Allah by this similitude?" By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake [the path],-

27. Those who break Allah's Covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what Allah Has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth: These cause loss [only] to themselves.

28. How can ye reject the faith in Allah?- seeing that ye were without life, and He gave you life; then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to Him will ye return.

29. It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.

30. Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth."

They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy [name]?" He said: "I know what ye know not."

31. And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the names of these if ye are right."

32. They said: "Glory to Thee, of knowledge We have none, save what Thou Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom."

33. He said: "0 Adam! Tell them their names." When he had told them, Allah said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what ye reveal and what ye conceal?"

34. And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith.

35. We said: "0 Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as [where and when] ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression."

36. Then did Satan make them slip from the [garden], and get them out of the state [of felicity] in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all [ye people], with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time."

37. Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord Turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.

38. We said: "Get ye down all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

39. "But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abide therein."

40. O Children of Israel! call to mind the [special] favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfil your covenant with Me as I fulfil My Covenant with you, and fear none but Me.

41. And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Me alone.

42. And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know [what it is].

43. And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down [in worship].

44. Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget [To practise it] yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?

45. Nay, seek [Allah's] help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit,-

46. Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.

47. Children of Israel! call to mind the [special] favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other [for My Message].

48. Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped [from outside].

49. And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: They set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live; therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord.

50. And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people within your very sight.

51. And remember We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence ye took the calf [for worship], and ye did grievous wrong.

52. Even then We did forgive you; there was a chance for you to be grateful.

53. And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion [Between right and wrong]: There was a chance for you to be guided aright.

54. And remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: So turn [in repentance] to your Maker, and slay yourselves [the wrong-doers]; that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker." Then He turned towards you [in forgiveness]: For He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.

55. And remember ye said: "O Moses! We shall never believe in thee until we see Allah manifestly," but ye were dazed with thunder and lighting even as ye looked on.

56. Then We raised you up after your death: Ye had the chance to be grateful.

57. And We gave you the shade of clouds and sent down to you Manna and quails, saying: "Eat of the good things We have provided for you:" [But they rebelled]; to us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls.

58. And remember We said: "Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as ye wish; but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in words, and We shall forgive you your faults and increase [the portion of] those who do good."

59. But the transgressors changed the word from that which had been given them; so We sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, for that they infringed [Our command] repeatedly.

60. And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said: "Strike the rock with thy staff." Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah, and do no evil nor mischief on the [face of the] earth.

61. And remember ye said: "O Moses! we cannot endure one kind of food [always]; so beseech thy Lord for us to produce for us of what the earth groweth, -its pot-herbs, and cucumbers, Its garlic, lentils, and onions." He said: "Will ye exchange the better for the worse? Go ye down to any town, and ye shall find what ye want!" They were covered with humiliation and misery; they drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. This because they went on rejecting the Signs of Allah and slaying His Messengers without just cause. This because they rebelled and went on transgressing.

62. Those who believe [in the Qur'an], and those who follow the Jewish [scriptures], and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

63. And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you [The towering height] of Mount [Sinai] : [Saying]: "Hold firmly to what We have given you and bring [ever] to remembrance what is therein: Perchance ye may fear Allah."

64. But ye turned back thereafter: Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah to you, ye had surely been among the lost.

65. And well ye knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: We said to them: "Be ye apes, despised and rejected."

66. So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear Allah.

67. And remember Moses said to his people: "Allah commands that ye sacrifice a heifer." They said: "Makest thou a laughing-stock of us?" He said: "Allah save me from being an ignorant [fool]!"

68. They said: "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what [heifer] it is!" He said; "He says: The heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middling age. Now do what ye are commanded!"

69. They said: "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us Her colour." He said: "He says: A fawn-coloured heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders!"

70. They said: "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what she is: To us are all heifers alike: We wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills."

71. He said: "He says: A heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields; sound and without blemish." They said: "Now hast thou brought the truth." Then they offered her in sacrifice, but not with good-will.

72. Remember ye slew a man and fell into a dispute among yourselves as to the crime: But Allah was to bring forth what ye did hide.

73. So We said: "Strike the [body] with a piece of the [heifer]." Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His Signs: Perchance ye may understand.

74. Thenceforth were your hearts hardened: They became like a rock and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; others there are which when split asunder send forth water; and others which sink for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.

75. Can ye [o ye men of Faith] entertain the hope that they will believe in you?- Seeing that a party of them heard the Word of Allah, and perverted it knowingly after they understood it.

76. Behold! when they meet the men of Faith, they say: "We believe": But when they meet each other in private, they say: "Shall you tell them what Allah hath revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?"- Do ye not understand [their aim]?

77. Know they not that Allah knoweth what they conceal and what they reveal?

78. And there are among them illiterates, who know not the Book, but [see therein their own] desires, and they do nothing but conjecture.

79. Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say: "This is from Allah," to traffic with it for miserable price!- Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby.

80. And they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days:" Say: "Have ye taken a promise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? or is it that ye say of Allah what ye do not know?"

81. Nay, those who seek gain in evil, and are girt round by their sins,- they are companions of the Fire: Therein shall they abide [For ever].

82. But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide [For ever].

83. And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel [to this effect]: Worship none but Allah; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practise regular charity. Then did ye turn back, except a few among you, and ye backslide [even now].

84. And remember We took your covenant [to this effect]: Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out your own people from your homes: and this ye solemnly ratified, and to this ye can bear witness.

85. After this it is ye, the same people, who slay among yourselves, and banish a party of you from their homes; assist [Their enemies] against them, in guilt and rancour; and if they come to you as captives, ye ransom them, though it was not lawful for you to banish them. Then is it only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? but what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life?- and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.

86. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their penalty shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.

87. We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear [Signs] and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you a messenger with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!

88. They say, "Our hearts are the wrappings [which preserve Allah's Word: we need no more]." Nay, Allah's curse is on them for their blasphemy: Little is it they believe.

89. And when there comes to them a Book from Allah, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes to them that which they [should] have recognised, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of Allah is on those without Faith.

90. Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, in that they deny [the revelation] which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of His Grace should send it to any of His servants He pleases: Thus have they drawn on themselves Wrath upon Wrath. And humiliating is the punishment of those who reject Faith.

91. When it is said to them, "Believe in what Allah Hath sent down, "they say, "We believe in what was sent down to us:" yet they reject all besides, even if it be Truth confirming what is with them. Say: "Why then have ye slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?"

92. There came to you Moses with clear [Signs]; yet ye worshipped the calf [Even] after that, and ye did behave wrongfully.

93. And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you [the towering height] of Mount [Sinai]: [Saying]: "Hold firmly to what We have given you, and hearken [to the Law]": They said:" We hear, and we disobey:" And they had to drink into their hearts [of the taint] of the calf because of their Faithlessness. Say: "Vile indeed are the behests of your Faith if ye have any faith!"

94. Say: "If the last Home, with Allah, be for you specially, and not for anyone else, then seek ye for death, if ye are sincere."

95. But they will never seek for death, on account of the [sins] which their hands have sent on before them, and Allah is well-acquainted with the wrongdoers.

96. Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life,-even more than the idolaters: Each one of them wishes He could be given a life of a

thousand years: But the grant of such life will not save him from [due] punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do.

97. Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel-for he brings down the [revelation] to thy heart by Allah's will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe,-

98. Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and messengers, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith.

99. We have sent down to thee Manifest Signs [ayat]; and none reject them but those who are perverse.

100. Is it not [the case] that every time they make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside?- Nay, Most of them are faithless.

101. And when there came to them a messenger from Allah, confirming what was

with them, a party of the people of the Book threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if [it had been something] they did not know!

102. They followed what the evil ones gave out [falsely] against the power of Solomon: the blasphemers Were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching men Magic, and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these taught anyone [Such things] without saying: "We are only for trial; so do not blaspheme." They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah 1 s permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of [magic] would have no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell their souls, if they but knew!

103. If they had kept their Faith and guarded themselves from evil, far better had been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew!

104. 0 ye of Faith! Say not [to the Messenger] words of ambiguous import, but words of respect; and hearken [to him]: To those without Faith is a grievous punishment.

105. It is never the wish of those without Faith among the People of the Book, nor of the Pagans, that anything good should come down to you from your Lord. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He will - for Allah is Lord of grace abounding.

106. None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?

107. Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper.

108. Would ye question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? but whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hath strayed without doubt from the even way.

109. Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could Turn you [people] back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth hath become Manifest unto them: But forgive and overlook, Till Allah accomplish His purpose; for Allah Hath power over all things.

110. And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees Well all that ye do.

111. And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian." Those are their [vain] desires. Say: "Produce your proof if ye are truthful."

112. Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

113. The Jews say: "The Christians have naught [to stand] upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught [To stand] upon." Yet they [Profess to] study the [same] Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.

114. And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah's name should be celebrated?-whose zeal is [in fact] to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, an exceeding torment.

115. To Allah belong the east and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing.

116. They say: "Allah hath begotten a son" :Glory be to Him.-Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything renders worship to Him.

117. To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is.

118. Say those without knowledge: "Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith [in their hearts].

119. Verily We have sent thee in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner: But of thee no question shall be asked of the Companions of the Blazing Fire.

120. Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: "The Guidance of Allah,-that is the [only] Guidance." Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against Allah.

121. Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein,- the loss is their own.

122. O Children of Israel! call to mind the special favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others [for My Message].

123. Then guard yourselves against a-Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone be helped [from outside].

124. And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: "I will make thee an Imam to the Nations." He pleaded: "And also [Imams] from my offspring!" He answered: "But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers."

125. Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma'il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves [therein in prayer].

126. And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." He said: "[Yea], and such as reject Faith,-for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire,- an evil destination [indeed]!"

127. And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House [With this prayer]: "Our Lord! Accept [this service] from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.

128. "Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy [Will], and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy [will]; and show us our place for the celebration of [due] rites; and turn unto us [in Mercy]; for Thou art the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.

129. "Our Lord! send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them: For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

130. And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: And he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous.

131. Behold! his Lord said to him: "Bow [thy will to Me]:" He said: "I bow [my will] to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe."

132. And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; "Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the Faith of Islam."

133. Were ye witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons: "What will ye worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship Thy god and the god of thy fathers, of Abraham, Isma'il and Isaac,- the one [True] Allah: To Him we bow [in Islam]."

134. That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your case!

135. They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided [To salvation]." Say thou: "Nay! [I would rather] the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with Allah."

136. Say ye: "We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to [all] prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah [in Islam]."

137. So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice thee as against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

138. [Our religion is] the Baptism of Allah: And who can baptize better than Allah? And it is He Whom we worship.

139. Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that We are sincere [in our faith] in Him?

140. Or do ye say that Abraham, Isma'il Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah? Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah? but Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!

141. That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your case:

142. The fools among the people will say: "What hath turned them from the Qibla to which they were used?" Say: To Allah belong both east and West: He guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight.

143. Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels [From the Faith]. Indeed it was [A change] momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah Make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.

144. We see the turning of thy face [for guidance to the heavens: now Shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.

145. Even if thou wert to bring to the people of the Book all the Signs [together], they would not follow Thy Qibla; nor art thou going to follow their Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other's Qibla. If thou after the knowledge hath reached thee, Wert to follow their [vain] desires,-then wert thou Indeed [clearly] in the wrong.

146. The people of the Book know this as they know their own sons; but some of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.

147. The Truth is from thy Lord; so be not at all in doubt.

148. To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together [as in a race] Towards all that is good. Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you Together. For Allah Hath power over all things.

149. From whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from the Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.

150. So from whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; and wheresoever ye are, Turn your face thither: that there be no ground of dispute against you among the people, except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not, but fear Me; and that I may complete My favours on you, and ye May [consent to] be guided;

151. A similar [favour have ye already received] in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom, and in new knowledge.

152. Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.

153. O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.

154. And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah: "They are dead." Nay, they are living, though ye perceive [it] not.

155. Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits [of your toil], but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,

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156. Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return":-

157. They are those on whom [Descend] blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.

158. Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good,- be sure that Allah is He Who recogniseth and knoweth.

159. Those who conceal the clear [Signs] We have sent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book,-on them shall be Allah's curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse,-

160. Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare [the Truth]: To them I turn; for I am Oft-returning, Most Merciful.

161. Those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- on them is Allah's curse, and the curse of angels, and of all mankind;

162. They will abide therein: Their penalty will not be lightened, nor will respite be their [lot].

163. And your Allah is One Allah: There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

164. Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah Sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they Trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;- [Here] indeed are Signs for a people that are wise.

165. Yet there are men who take [for worship] others besides Allah, as equal

[with Allah]: They love them as they should love Allah. But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. If only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would see the penalty: that to Allah belongs all power, and Allah will strongly enforce the penalty.

166. Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow [them] : They would see the penalty, and all relations between them would be cut off.

167. And those who followed would say: "If only We had one more chance, We would clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us." Thus will Allah show them [The fruits of] their deeds as [nothing but] regrets. Nor will there be a way for them out of the Fire.

168. 0 ye people! Eat of what is on earth, Lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of the evil one, for he is to you an avowed enemy.

169. For he commands you what is evil and shameful, and that ye should say of Allah that of which ye have no knowledge.

170. When it is said to them: "Follow what Allah hath revealed:" They say: "Nay! we shall follow the ways of our fathers." What! even though their fathers Were void of wisdom and guidance?

171. The parable of those who reject Faith is as if one were to shout Like a goat-herd, to things that listen to nothing but calls and cries: Deaf, dumb, and blind, they are void of wisdom.

172. O ye who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him ye worship.

173. He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.

174. Those who conceal Allah's revelations in the Book, and purchase for them a miserable profit,- they swallow into themselves naught but Fire; Allah will not address them on the Day of Resurrection. Nor purify them: Grievous will be their penalty.

175. They are the ones who buy Error in place of Guidance and Torment in place of Forgiveness. Ah! what boldness [They show] for the Fire!

176. [Their doom is] because Allah sent down the Book in truth but those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism Far [from the purpose].
177. It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain [or suffering] and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.

178. O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.

179. In the Law of Equality there is [saving of] Life to you, o ye men of understanding; that ye may restrain yourselves.

180. It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if he leave any goods that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable usage; this is due from the Allah-fearing.

181. If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt shall be on those who make the change. For Allah hears and knows [All things].

182. But if anyone fears partiality or wrong-doing on the part of the testator, and makes peace between [The parties concerned], there is no wrong in him: For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

183. 0 ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may [learn] self-restraint,-

184. [Fasting] for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number [Should be made up] from days later. For those who can do it [With hardship], is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.

185. Ramadhan is the [month] in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear [Signs] for guidance and judgment [Between right and wrong]. So every one of you who is present [at his home] during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period

[Should be made up] by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does

not want to put to difficulties. [He wants you] to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

186. When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close [to them]: I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.

187. Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits [set by] Allah: Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self- restraint.

188. And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of [other] people's property.

189. They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in [the affairs of] men, and for Pilgrimage. It is no virtue if ye enter your houses from the back: It is virtue if ye fear Allah. Enter houses through the proper doors: And fear Allah: That ye may prosper.

190. Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.

191. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they [first] fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.

192. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

193. And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression.

194. The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.

195. And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to [your] destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.

196. And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented [From completing it], send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, [Necessitating shaving], [He should] in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions [again], if any one wishes to continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in [the precincts of] the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah Is strict in punishment.

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197. For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, [be sure] Allah knoweth it. And take a provision [With you] for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise.

198. It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord [during pilgrimage]. Then when ye pour down from [Mount] Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, even though, before this, ye went astray.

199. Then pass on at a quick pace from the place whence it is usual for the multitude so to do, and ask for Allah's forgiveness. For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

200. So when ye have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of Allah, as ye used to celebrate the praises of your fathers,- yea, with far more Heart and soul. There are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us [Thy bounties] in this world!" but they will have no portion in the Hereafter.

201. And there are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good

in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire!"

202. To these will be allotted what they have earned; and Allah is quick in account.

203. Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days. But if any one hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if any one stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah, and know that ye will surely be gathered unto Him.

204. There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life May dazzle thee, and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies.

205. When he turns his back, His aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loveth not mischief.

206. When it is said to him, "Fear Allah", He is led by arrogance to [more] crime. Enough for him is Hell;-An evil bed indeed [To lie on]!

207. And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of Allah: And Allah is full of kindness to [His] devotees.

208. O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.

209. If ye backslide after the clear [Signs] have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

210. Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels [in His train] and the question is [thus] settled? but to Allah do all questions go back [for decision].

211. Ask the Children of Israel how many clear [Signs] We have sent them. But if any one, after Allah's favour has come to him, substitutes [something else], Allah is strict in punishment.

212. The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for Allah bestows His abundance without measure on whom He will.

213. Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people

in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guided whom He will to a path that is straight.

214. Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden [of bliss] without such [trials] as came to those who passed away before you? they encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: "When [will come] the help of Allah?" Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is [always] near!

215. They ask thee what they should spend [In charity]. Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -Allah knoweth it well.

216. Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not.

217. They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say: "Fighting therein is a grave [offence]; but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members." Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you Turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the Hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire and will abide therein.

218. Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought [and strove and struggled] in the path of Allah,- they have the hope of the Mercy of Allah: And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

219. They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah Make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider-

220. [Their bearings] on this life and the Hereafter. They ask thee concerning orphans. Say: "The best thing to do is what is for their good; if ye mix their affairs with yours, they are your brethren; but Allah knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise."

221. Do not marry unbelieving women [idolaters], until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry [your girls] to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers

do [but] beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden [of bliss] and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise.

222. They ask thee concerning women's courses. Say: They are a hurt and a pollution: So keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, ye may approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by Allah. For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.

223. Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know 16

that ye are to meet Him [in the Hereafter], and give [these] good tidings to those who believe.

224. And make not Allah's [name] an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons; for Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth all things.

225. Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing.

226. For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained; if then they return, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

227. But if their intention is firm for divorce, Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

228. Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah Hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree [of advantage] over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

229. A divorce is only permissible twice: after that, the parties should either hold Together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you, [Men], to take back any of your gifts [from your wives], except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. If ye [judges] do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah; so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong [Themselves as well as others].

230. So if a husband divorces his wife [irrevocably], He cannot, after that, remarry her until after she has married another husband and He has divorced her.

In that case there is no blame on either of them if they re-unite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah. Such are the limits ordained by Allah, which He makes plain to those who understand.

231. When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their ['Iddat], either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them, [or] to take undue advantage; if any one does that; He wrongs his own soul. Do not treat Allah's Signs as a jest, but solemnly rehearse Allah's favours on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and Wisdom, for your instruction. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is well acquainted with all things.

232. When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their ['Iddat], do not prevent them from marrying their [former] husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is [the course Making for] most virtue and purity amongst you and Allah knows, and ye know not.

233. The mothers shall give such to their offspring for two whole years, if the father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be Treated unfairly on account of her child. Nor father on account of his child, an heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation,

there is no blame on them. If ye decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided ye pay [the mother] what ye offered, on equitable terms. But fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what ye do.

234. If any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten days: When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.

235. There is no blame on you if ye make an offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts. Allah knows that ye cherish them in your hearts: But do not make a secret contract with them except in terms Honourable, nor resolve on the tie of marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that Allah Knoweth what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him; and know that Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing.

236. There is no blame on you if ye divorce women before consummation or the fixation of their dower; but bestow on them [A suitable gift], the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means;- A gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do the right thing.

237. And if ye divorce them before consummation, but after the fixation of a dower for them, then the half of the dower [Is due to them], unless they remit it or [the man's half] is remitted by him in whose hands is the marriage tie; and the remission [of the man's half] is the nearest to righteousness. And do not forget Liberality between yourselves. For Allah sees well all that ye do.

238. Guard strictly your [habit of] prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout [frame of mind].

239. If ye fear [an enemy], pray on foot, or riding, [as may be most convenient], but when ye are in security, celebrate Allah's praises in the manner He has taught you, which ye knew not [before].

240. Those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows a year's maintenance and residence; but if they leave [The residence], there is no blame on you for what they do with themselves, provided it is reasonable. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

241. For divorced women Maintenance [should be provided] on a reasonable [scale]. This is a duty on the righteous.

242. Thus doth Allah Make clear His Signs to you: In order that ye may understand.

243. Didst thou not Turn by vision to those who abandoned their homes, though they were thousands [In number], for fear of death? Allah said to them: "Die": Then He restored them to life. For Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but Most of them are ungrateful.

244. Then fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah Heareth and knoweth all things.

245. Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply many times? It is Allah that giveth [you] Want or plenty, and to Him shall be your return.

246. Hast thou not Turned thy vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after [the time of] Moses? they said to a prophet [That was] among them: "Appoint for us a king, that we May fight in the cause of Allah." He said: "Is it not possible, if ye were commanded to fight, that that ye will not fight?" They said: "How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?" but when they were commanded to 18

fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah Has full knowledge of those who do wrong.

247. Their Prophet said to them: "Allah hath appointed Talut as king over you." They said: "How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted, with wealth in abundance?" He said: "Allah hath Chosen him above you, and hath gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: Allah Granteth His authority to whom He pleaseth. Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things."

248. And [further] their Prophet said to them: "A Sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of the covenant, with [an assurance] therein of security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels. In this is a symbol for you if ye indeed have faith."

249. When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: "Allah will test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, He goes not with my army: Only those who taste not of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused." but they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river,- He and the faithful ones with him,- they said: "This day We cannot cope with Goliath and his forces." but those who were convinced that they must meet Allah, said: "How oft, by Allah's will, Hath a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere."

250. When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed: "Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: Help us against those that reject faith."

251. By Allah's will they routed them; and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever [else] He willed. And did not Allah Check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of

mischief: But Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds.

252. These are the Signs of Allah: we rehearse them to thee in truth: verily Thou art one of the messengers.

253. Those messengers We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees [of honour]; to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear [Signs], and strengthened him with the holy spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear [Signs] had come to them, but they [chose] to wrangle, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have fought each other; but Allah Fulfilleth His plan.

254. 0 ye who believe! Spend out of [the bounties] We have provided for you, before the Day comes when no bargaining [Will avail], nor friendship nor intercession. Those who reject Faith they are the wrong-doers.

255. Allah! There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what [appeareth to His creatures as] before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme [in glory].

256. Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

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257. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein [For ever].

258. Hast thou not Turned thy vision to one who disputed with Abraham About his Lord, because Allah had granted him power? Abraham said: "My Lord is He Who Giveth life and death." He said: "I give life and death". Said Abraham: "But it is Allah that causeth the sun to rise from the east: Do thou then cause him to rise from the West." Thus was he confounded who [in arrogance] rejected faith. Nor doth Allah Give guidance to a people unjust.

259. Or [take] the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to its roofs. He said: "Oh! how shall Allah bring it [ever] to life, after [this] its death?" but Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up [again]. He said: "How long didst thou tarry [thus]?" He said: [Perhaps] a day or part of a day." He said: "Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years; but look at thy food and thy drink; they show no signs of age; and look at thy donkey: And that We may make of thee a sign unto the people, Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh." When this was shown clearly to him, he said: "I know that Allah hath power over all things."

260. When Abraham said: "Show me, Lord, how You will raise the dead," He replied: "Have you no faith?" He said "Yes, but just to reassure my heart." Allah said, "Take four birds, draw them to you, and cut their bodies to pieces. Scatter them over the mountain-tops, then call them back. They will come swiftly to you. Know that Allah is Mighty, Wise."

261. The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it groweth seven ears, and each ear Hath a hundred grains. Allah giveth manifold increase to whom He pleaseth: And Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things.

262. Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allah, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury,-for them their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

263. Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-Forbearing.

264. 0 ye who believe! cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury,- like those who spend their substance to be seen of men, but believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. They are in parable like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil: on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it [Just] a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned. And Allah guideth not those who reject faith.

265. And the likeness of those who spend their substance, seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls, is as a garden, high and fertile: heavy rain falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it receives not Heavy rain, light moisture sufficeth it. Allah seeth well whatever ye do.

266. Does any of you wish that he should have a garden with date-palms and vines and streams flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age, and his children are not strong [enough to look after themselves]-

that it should be caught in a whirlwind, with fire therein, and be burnt up? Thus doth Allah make clear to you [His] Signs; that ye may consider.

267. 0 ye who believe! Give of the good things which ye have [honourably] earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you, and do 20

not even aim at getting anything which is bad, in order that out of it ye may give away something, when ye yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of all wants, and worthy of all praise.

268. The Evil one threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct unseemly. Allah promiseth you His forgiveness and bounties. And Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things.

269. He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message but men of understanding.

270. And whatever ye spend in charity or devotion, be sure Allah knows it all. But the wrong-doers have no helpers.

271. If ye disclose [acts of] charity, even so it is well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those [really] in need, that is best for you: It will remove from you some of your [stains of] evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.

272. It is not required of thee [O Messenger], to set them on the right path, but Allah sets on the right path whom He pleaseth. Whatever of good ye give benefits your own souls, and ye shall only do so seeking the "Face" of Allah. Whatever good ye give, shall be rendered back to you, and ye shall not Be dealt with unjustly.

273. [Charity is] for those in need, who, in Allah's cause are restricted [from travel], and cannot move about in the land, seeking [For trade or work]: the ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want. Thou shalt know them by their [Unfailing] mark: They beg not importunately from all the sundry. And whatever of good ye give, be assured Allah knoweth it well.

274. Those who [in charity] spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

275. Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Evil one by his touch Hath driven to madness. That is because they say: "Trade is like usury," but Allah hath permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who after receiving direction from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allah [to judge]; but those who repeat [The offence] are companions of the Fire: They will abide therein [for ever].

276. Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked.

277. Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

278. O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers.

279. If ye do it not, Take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger: But if ye turn back, ye shall have your capital sums: Deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly.

280. If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time Till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only knew.

281. And fear the Day when ye shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly.

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282. 0 ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write: as Allah Has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear His Lord Allah, and not diminish aught of what he owes. If they party liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable Himself to dictate, Let his guardian dictate faithfully, and get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on [For evidence]. Disdain not to reduce to writing [your contract] for a future period, whether it be small or big: it is juster in the sight of Allah, More suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves but if it be a transaction which ye carry out on the spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you if ye reduce it not to writing. But take witness whenever ye make a commercial contract; and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm. If ye do

[such harm], it would be wickedness in you. So fear Allah; For it is Good that teaches you. And Allah is well acquainted with all things. If ye are on a journey, and cannot find a scribe, a pledge with possession [may serve the purpose]. And if one of you deposits a thing on trust with another, let the trustee [faithfully] discharge his trust, and let him Fear his Lord conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it, - his heart is tainted with sin. And Allah knoweth all that ye do.

283. If ye are on a journey, and cannot find a scribe, a pledge with possession [may serve the purpose]. And if one of you deposits a thing on trust with another, Let the trustee [Faithfully] discharge His trust, and let him fear his Lord. Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it,- His heart is tainted with sin. And Allah Knoweth all that ye do.

284. To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah Calleth you to account for it. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth, and punisheth whom He pleaseth, for Allah hath power over all things.

285. The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one [of them] believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers. "We make no distinction [they say] between one and another of His messengers." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: [We seek] Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."

286. On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. [Pray:] "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith."

SURA 3. Al-i-Imran, or The Family of Imran

1. Alif, Lam, Mim.

2. Allah! There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.

3. It is He Who sent down to thee [step by step], in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law [of Moses] and the Gospel [of Jesus] before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion [of judgment between right and wrong].

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4. Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.

5. From Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.

6. He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

7. He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental [of established meaning]; they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.

8. "Our Lord!" [they say], "Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thine own Presence; for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure.

9. "Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind Together against a day about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails in His promise."

10. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their [numerous] progeny will avail them aught against Allah: They are themselves but fuel for the Fire.

11. [Their plight will be] no better than that of the people of Pharaoh, and their predecessors: They denied our Signs, and Allah called them to account for their sins. For Allah is strict in punishment.

12. Say to those who reject Faith: "Soon will ye be vanquished and gathered together to Hell,-an evil bed indeed [to lie on]!

13. "There has already been for you a Sign in the two armies that met [in combat]: One was fighting in the cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah; these saw with their own eyes Twice their number. But Allah doth support with His aid whom He pleaseth. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see."

14. Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded [for blood and excellence]; and [wealth of] cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals [To return to].

15. Say: Shall I give you glad tidings of things Far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath;

therein is their eternal home; with companions pure [and holy]; and the good pleasure of Allah. For in Allah's sight are [all] His servants,-

16. [Namely], those who say: "Our Lord! we have indeed believed: forgive us, then, our sins, and save us from the agony of the Fire;"-

17. Those who show patience, Firmness and self-control; who are true [in word and deed]; who worship devoutly; who spend [in the way of Allah]; and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.

18. There is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.

19. The Religion before Allah is Islam [submission to His Will]: Nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account.

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20. So if they dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted My whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me." And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye [also] submit yourselves?" If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, Thy duty is to convey the Message; and in Allah's sight are [all] His servants.

21. As to those who deny the Signs of Allah and in defiance of right, slay the prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty.

22. They are those whose works will bear no fruit in this world and in the Hereafter nor will they have anyone to help.

23. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who have been given a portion of the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allah, to settle their dispute, but a party of them Turn back and decline [The arbitration].

24. This because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days": For their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.

25. But how [will they fare] when we gather them together against a day about which there is no doubt, and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned, without [favour or] injustice?

26. Say: "O Allah! Lord of Power [And Rule], Thou givest power to whom Thou pleasest, and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest: Thou enduest with honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest: In Thy hand is all good. Verily, over all things Thou hast power.

27. "Thou causest the night to gain on the day, and thou causest the day to gain on the night; Thou bringest the Living out of the dead, and Thou bringest the dead out of the Living; and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest, without measure."

28. Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you [To remember] Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.

29. Say: "Whether ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it all: He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth. And Allah has power over all things.

30. "On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done, and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you [To remember] Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him."

31. Say: "If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

32. Say: "Obey Allah and His Messenger": But if they turn back, Allah loveth not those who reject Faith.

33. Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people,-

34. Offspring, one of the other: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

35. Behold! a woman of 'Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest and knowest all things."

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36. When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!"- and Allah knew best what she brought forth- "And no wise is the male Like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected."

37. Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: To the care of Zakariya was she assigned. Every time that he entered [Her] chamber to see her, He found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence [comes] this to you?" She said: "From Allah: for Allah Provides

sustenance to whom He pleases without measure."

38. There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: "0 my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer!

39. While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him: "Allah doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a Word from Allah, and [be besides] noble, chaste, and a prophet,- of the [goodly] company of the righteous."

40. He said: "O my Lord! How shall I have son, seeing I am very old, and my wife is barren?" "Thus," was the answer, "Doth Allah accomplish what He willeth."

41. He said: "O my Lord! Give me a Sign!" "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three days but with signals. Then celebrate the praises of thy Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the evening and in the morning."

42. Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified theechosen thee above the women of all nations.

43. "O Mary! worship Thy Lord devoutly: Prostrate thyself, and bow down [in prayer] with those who bow down."

44. This is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee [O Messenger!] by inspiration: Thou wast not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary: Nor wast thou with them when they disputed [the point].

45. Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of [the company of] those nearest to Allah;

46. "He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be [of the company] of the righteous."

47. She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!

48. "And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel,

49. "And [appoint him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [with this message]: "'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave: And I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah's leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;

50. "'[I have come to you], to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was [Before] forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me.

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51. "'It is Allah Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a Way that is straight.'"

52. When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My helpers to [the work of] Allah?" Said the disciples: "We are Allah's helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.

53. "Our Lord! we believe in what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger; then write us down among those who bear witness."

54. And [the unbelievers] plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah.

55. Behold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee [of the falsehoods] of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.

56. "As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help."

57. "As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them [in full] their reward; but Allah loveth not those who do wrong."

58. "This is what we rehearse unto thee of the Signs and the Message of Wisdom."

59. The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was.

60. The Truth [comes] from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.

61. If any one disputes in this matter with thee, now after [full] knowledge Hath come to thee, say: "Come! let us gather together,- our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!"

62. This is the true account: There is no god except Allah; and Allah-He is indeed the Exalted in Power, the Wise.

63. But if they turn back, Allah hath full knowledge of those who do mischief.

64. Say: "O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That

we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah." If then they turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we [at least] are Muslims [bowing to Allah's Will].

65. Ye People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel Were not revealed Till after him? Have ye no understanding?

66. Ah! Ye are those who fell to disputing [Even] in matters of which ye had some knowledge! but why dispute ye in matters of which ye have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and ye who know not!

67. Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah's [Which is Islam], and he joined not gods with Allah.

68. Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Prophet and those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who have faith.

69. It is the wish of a section of the People of the Book to lead you astray. But they shall lead astray [Not you], but themselves, and they do not perceive! 26

70. Ye People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, of which ye are [Yourselves] witnesses?

71. Ye People of the Book! Why do ye clothe Truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth, while ye have knowledge?

72. A section of the People of the Book say: "Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers, but reject it at the end of the day; perchance they may [themselves] Turn back;

73. "And believe no one unless he follows your religion." Say: "True guidance is the Guidance of Allah: [Fear ye] Lest a revelation be sent to someone [else] Like unto that which was sent unto you? or that those [Receiving such revelation] should engage you in argument before your Lord?" Say: "All bounties are in the hand of Allah: He granteth them to whom He pleaseth: And Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things."

74. For His Mercy He specially chooseth whom He pleaseth; for Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.

75. Among the People of the Book are some who, if entrusted with a hoard of gold, will [readily] pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless thou constantly stoodest demanding, because, they say, "there is no call on us [to keep faith] with these ignorant [Pagans]." but they tell a lie against Allah, and [well] they know it.

76. Nay.- Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright,-verily Allah loves those who act aright.

77. As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter: Nor will Allah [Deign to] speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He cleans them [of sin]: They shall have a grievous penalty.

78. There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: [As they read] you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, "That is from Allah," but it is not from Allah: It is they who tell a lie against Allah, and [well] they know it!

79. It is not [possible] that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the prophetic office, should say to people: "Be ye my worshippers rather than Allah's": on the contrary [He would say] "Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all: For ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly."

80. Nor would he instruct you to take angels and prophets for Lords and patrons. What! would he bid you to unbelief after ye have bowed your will [To Allah in Islam]?

81. Behold! Allah took the covenant of the prophets, saying: "I give you a Book and Wisdom; then comes to you a messenger, confirming what is with you; do ye believe in him and render him help." Allah said: "Do ye agree, and take this my Covenant as binding on you?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses."

82. If any turn back after this, they are perverted transgressors.

83. Do they seek for other than the Religion of Allah?-while all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will [Accepted Islam], and to Him shall they all be brought back.

84. Say: "We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in [the Books] 27

given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will [in Islam]."

85. If anyone desires a religion other than Islam [submission to Allah], never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of

those who have lost [All spiritual good].

86. How shall Allah Guide those who reject Faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that Clear Signs had come unto them? but Allah guides not a people unjust.

87. Of such the reward is that on them [rests] the curse of Allah, of His angels, and of all mankind;-

88. In that will they dwell; nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be [their lot];-

89. Except for those that repent [Even] after that, and make amends; for verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

90. But those who reject Faith after they accepted it, and then go on adding to their defiance of Faith,- never will their repentance be accepted; for they are those who have [of set purpose] gone astray.

91. As to those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- never would be accepted from any such as much gold as the earth contains, though they should offer it for ransom. For such is [in store] a penalty grievous, and they will find no helpers.

92. By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give [freely] of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well.

93. All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel Made unlawful for itself, before the Law [of Moses] was revealed. Say: "Bring ye the Law and study it, if ye be men of truth."

94. If any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust wrong-doers.

95. Say: "Allah speaketh the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham, the sane in faith; he was not of the Pagans."

96. The first House [of worship] appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings:

97. In it are Signs Manifest; [for example], the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,-those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.

98. Say: "O People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, when Allah is Himself witness to all ye do?"

99. Say: "O ye People of the Book! Why obstruct ye those who believe, from the path of Allah, Seeking to make it crooked, while ye were yourselves witnesses [to Allah's Covenant]? but Allah is not unmindful of all that ye do."

100. 0 ye who believe! If ye listen to a faction among the People of the Book, they would [indeed] render you apostates after ye have believed!

101. And how would ye deny Faith while unto you are rehearsed the Signs of Allah, and among you Lives the Messenger? Whoever holds firmly to Allah will be shown a way that is straight.

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102. 0 ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam.

103. And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah [stretches out for you], and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided.

104. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.

105. Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty,-

106. On the Day when some faces will be [lit up with] white, and some faces will be [in the gloom of] black: To those whose faces will be black, [will be said]: "Did ye reject Faith after accepting it? Taste then the penalty for rejecting Faith."

107. But those whose faces will be [lit with] white,- they will be in [the light of] Allah's mercy: therein to dwell [for ever].

108. These are the Signs of Allah: We rehearse them to thee in Truth: And Allah means no injustice to any of His creatures.

109. To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: To Him do all questions go back [for decision].

110. Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.

111. They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; if they come out to

fight you, they will show you their backs, and no help shall they get.

112. Shame is pitched over them [Like a tent] wherever they are found, except when under a covenant [of protection] from Allah and from men; they draw on themselves wrath from Allah, and pitched over them is [the tent of] destitution. This because they rejected the Signs of Allah, and slew the prophets in defiance of right; this because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds.

113. Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand [For the right]: They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration.

114. They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten [in emulation] in [all] good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous.

115. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right.

116. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their [numerous] progeny will avail them aught against Allah: They will be companions of the Fire,-dwelling therein [for ever].

117. What they spend in the life of this [material] world May be likened to a wind which brings a nipping frost: It strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls: it is not Allah that hath wronged them, but they wrong themselves.

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118. 0 ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks: They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom.

119. Ah! ye are those who love them, but they love you not,- though ye believe in the whole of the Book. When they meet you, they say, "We believe": But when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say: "Perish in you rage; Allah knoweth well all the secrets of the heart."

120. If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you; for Allah Compasseth round about all that they do.

121. Remember that morning Thou didst leave Thy household [early] to post the faithful at their stations for battle: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things:

122. Remember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and in Allah should the faithful [Ever] put their trust.

123. Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus May ye show your gratitude.

124. Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: "Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels [Specially] sent down?

125. "Yea, - if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels Making a terrific onslaught.

126. Allah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: [in any case] there is no help except from Allah. The Exalted, the Wise:

127. That He might cut off a fringe of the Unbelievers or expose them to infamy, and they should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose.

128. Not for thee, [but for Allah], is the decision: Whether He turn in mercy to them, or punish them; for they are indeed wrong-doers.

129. To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth and punisheth whom He pleaseth; but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

130. O ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah; that ye may [really] prosper.

131. Fear the Fire, which is repaired for those who reject Faith:

132. And obey Allah and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy.

133. Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that [of the whole] of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,-

134. Those who spend [freely], whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon [all] men;- for Allah loves those who do good;-

135. And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,-and who can forgive sins except Allah?- and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in [the wrong] they have done.

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136. For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath,- an eternal dwelling: How excellent a recompense for those

who work [and strive]!

137. Many were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.

138. Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah!

139. So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith.

140. If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days [of varying fortunes] We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr-witnesses [to Truth]. And Allah loveth not those that do wrong.

141. Allah's object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of blessing Those that resist Faith.

142. Did ye think that ye would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard [In His Cause] and remained steadfast?

143. Ye did indeed wish for death before ye met him: Now ye have seen him with your own eyes, [And ye flinch!]

144. Muhammad is no more than a messenger: many Were the messenger that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then Turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah [on the other hand] will swiftly reward those who [serve Him] with gratitude.

145. Nor can a soul die except by Allah's leave, the term being fixed as by writing. If any do desire a reward in this life, We shall give it to him; and if any do desire a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those that [serve us with] gratitude.

146. How many of the prophets fought [in Allah's way], and with them [fought] Large bands of godly men? but they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah's way, nor did they weaken [in will] nor give in. And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast.

147. All that they said was: "Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything We may have done that transgressed our duty: Establish our feet firmly, and help us against those that resist Faith."

148. And Allah gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For Allah Loveth those who do good.

149. O ye who believe! If ye obey the Unbelievers, they will drive you back on your heels, and ye will turn back [from Faith] to your own loss.

150. Nay, Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.

151. Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: And evil is the home of the wrong-doers!

152. Allah did indeed fulfil His promise to you when ye with His permission Were about to annihilate your enemy,-until ye flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight [of the booty] which ye covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire 31

the Hereafter. Then did He divert you from your foes in order to test you but He forgave you: For Allah is full of grace to those who believe.

153. Behold! ye were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at any one, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There did Allah give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for [the booty] that had escaped you and for [the ill] that had befallen you. For Allah is well aware of all that ye do.

154. After [the excitement] of the distress, He sent down calm on a band of you overcome with slumber, while another band was stirred to anxiety by their own feelings, Moved by wrong suspicions of Allah-suspicions due to ignorance. They said: "What affair is this of ours?" Say thou: "Indeed, this affair is wholly Allah's." They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to thee. They say [to themselves]: "If we had had anything to do with this affair, We should not have been in the slaughter here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death"; but [all this was] that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge what is in your hearts. For Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.

155. Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts Met,-it was Satan who caused them to fail, because of some [evil] they had done. But Allah Has blotted out [their fault]: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

156. O ye who believe! Be not like the Unbelievers, who say of their brethren, when they are travelling through the Earth or engaged in fighting: "If they had stayed with us, they would not have died, or been slain." This that Allah may make it a cause of sighs and regrets in their hearts. It is Allah that gives

157. And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass.

158. And if ye die, or are slain, Lo! it is unto Allah that ye are brought together.

159. It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over [Their faults], and ask for [Allah's] forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs [of moment]. Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust [in Him].

160. If Allah helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? in Allah, then, Let believers put their trust.

161. No prophet could [ever] be false to his trust. If any person is so false, He shall, on the Day of Judgment, restore what he misappropriated; then shall every soul receive its due,- whatever it earned,- and none shall be dealt with unjustly.

162. Is the man who follows the good pleasure of Allah Like the man who draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and whose abode is in Hell?- A woeful refuge!

163. They are in varying gardens in the sight of Allah, and Allah sees well all that they do.

164. Allah did confer a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a messenger from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error.

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165. What! When a single disaster smites you, although ye smote [your enemies] with one twice as great, do ye say?- "Whence is this?" Say [to them]: "It is from yourselves: For Allah hath power over all things."

166. What ye suffered on the day the two armies Met, was with the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers,-

167. And the Hypocrites also. These were told: "Come, fight in the way of Allah, or [at least] drive [The foe from your city]." They said: "Had we known how to fight, we should certainly have followed you." They were that day nearer to Unbelief than to Faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts but Allah hath full knowledge of all they conceal.

168. [They are] the ones that say, [of their brethren slain], while they themselves sit [at ease]: "If only they had listened to us they would not have been slain." Say: "Avert death from your own selves, if ye speak the truth."

169. Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord;

170. They rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah: And with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them [in their bliss], the [Martyrs] glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they [cause to] grieve.

171. They glory in the Grace and the bounty from Allah, and in the fact that Allah suffereth not the reward of the Faithful to be lost [in the least].

172. Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward;-

173. Men said to them: "A great army is gathering against you": And frightened them: But it [only] increased their Faith: They said: "For us Allah sufficeth, and He is the best disposer of affairs."

174. And they returned with Grace and bounty from Allah: no harm ever touched them: For they followed the good pleasure of Allah: And Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.

175. It is only the Evil One that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: Be ye not afraid of them, but fear Me, if ye have Faith.

176. Let not those grieve thee who rush headlong into Unbelief: Not the least harm will they do to Allah: Allah's plan is that He will give them no portion in the Hereafter, but a severe punishment.

177. Those who purchase Unbelief at the price of faith,- not the least harm will they do to Allah, but they will have a grievous punishment.

178. Let not the Unbelievers think that our respite to them is good for themselves: We grant them respite that they may grow in their iniquity: But they will have a shameful punishment.

179. Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which ye are now, until He separates what is evil from what is good nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen. But He chooses of His Messengers [For the purpose] whom He pleases. So believe in Allah. And His messengers: And if ye believe and do right, ye have a reward without measure.

180. And let not those who covetously withhold of the gifts which Allah Hath given them of His Grace, think that it is good for them: Nay, it will be the

worse for them: soon shall the things which they covetously withheld be tied to their necks Like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgment. To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. 33

181. Allah hath heard the taunt of those who say: "Truly, Allah is indigent and we are rich!"- We shall certainly record their word and [their act] of slaying the prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say: "Taste ye the penalty of the Scorching Fire!

182. "This is because of the [unrighteous deeds] which your hands sent on before ye: For Allah never harms those who serve Him."

183. They [also] said: "Allah took our promise not to believe in an messenger unless He showed us a sacrifice consumed by Fire [From heaven]." Say: "There came to you messengers before me, with clear Signs and even with what ye ask for: why then did ye slay them, if ye speak the truth?"

184. Then if they reject thee, so were rejected messengers before thee, who came with Clear Signs, Books of dark prophecies, and the Book of Enlightenment.

185. Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object [of Life]: For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.

186. Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly Hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if ye persevere patiently, and guard against evil,-then that will be a determining factor in all affairs.

187. And remember Allah took a covenant from the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And vile was the bargain they made!

188. Think not that those who exult in what they have brought about, and love to be praised for what they have not done,- think escape the penalty. For them is a penalty Grievous indeed.

189. To Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and Allah hath power over all things.

190. Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding,-

191. Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the [wonders of] creation in the heavens and the earth, [With the thought]: "Our Lord! not for naught Hast Thou created [all] this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire.

192. "Our Lord! any whom Thou dost admit to the Fire, Truly Thou coverest with shame, and never will wrong-doers Find any helpers!

193. "Our Lord! we have heard the call of one calling [Us] to Faith, 'Believe ye in the Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous.

194. "Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through Thine messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: For Thou never breakest Thy promise."

195. And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: Ye are members, one of another: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain,- verily, I will blot out 34

from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath;- A reward from the presence of Allah, and from His presence is the best of rewards."

196. Let not the strutting about of the Unbelievers through the land deceive thee:

197. Little is it for enjoyment: Their ultimate abode is Hell: what an evil bed [To lie on]!

198. On the other hand, for those who fear their Lord, are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath; therein are they to dwell [for ever],- a gift from the presence of Allah; and that which is in the presence of Allah is the best [bliss] for the righteous.

199. And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to Allah: They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift in account.

200. O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such

perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may prosper. SURA 4. Nisaa, or The Woman

1. 0 mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered [like seeds] countless men and women;- reverence Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual [rights], and [reverence] the wombs [That bore you]: for Allah ever watches over you.

2. To orphans restore their property [When they reach their age], nor substitute [your] worthless things for [their] good ones; and devour not their substance [by mixing it up] with your won. For this is indeed a great sin.

3. If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly [with them], then only one, or [a captive] that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.

4. And give the women [on marriage] their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, Take it and enjoy it with right good cheer.

5. To those weak of understanding Make not over your property, which Allah hath made a means of support for you, but feed and clothe them therewith, and speak to them words of kindness and justice.

6. Make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if then ye find sound judgment in them, release their property to them; but consume it not wastefully, nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off, Let him claim no remuneration, but if he is poor, let him have for himself what is just and reasonable. When ye release their property to them, take witnesses in their presence: But all-sufficient is Allah in taking account.

7. From what is left by parents and those nearest related there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large,-a determinate share.

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8. But if at the time of division other relatives, or orphans or poor, are present, feed them out of the [property], and speak to them words of kindness and justice.

9. Let those [disposing of an estate] have the same fear in their minds as they would have for their own if they had left a helpless family behind: Let them fear Allah, and speak words of appropriate [comfort].

10. Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, eat up a Fire into their own bodies: They will soon be enduring a Blazing Fire!

11. Allah [thus] directs you as regards your Children's [Inheritance]: to the male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the [only] heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased Left brothers [or sisters] the mother has a sixth. [The distribution in all cases ['s] after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Al-wise.

12. In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child; but if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eighth; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused [to any one]. Thus is it ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Most Forbearing.

13. Those are limits set by Allah: those who obey Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to abide therein [for ever] and that will be the supreme achievement.

14. But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein: And they shall have a humiliating punishment.

15. If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four [Reliable] witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or Allah ordain for them some [other] way.

16. If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, Leave them alone; for Allah is Oft-returning, Most Merciful.

17. Allah accept the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards; to them will Allah turn in mercy: For Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

18. Of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil, until death faces one of them, and he says, "Now have I repented indeed;" nor of those who die rejecting Faith: for them have We prepared a punishment most grievous.

19. 0 ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may Take away part of the dower ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.

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20. But if ye decide to take one wife in place of another, even if ye had given the latter a whole treasure for dower, Take not the least bit of it back: Would ye take it by slander and manifest wrong?

21. And how could ye take it when ye have gone in unto each other, and they have Taken from you a solemn covenant?

22. And marry not women whom your fathers married,- except what is past: It was shameful and odious,- an abominable custom indeed.

23. Prohibited to you [For marriage] are:- Your mothers, daughters, sisters; father's sisters, Mother's sisters; brother's daughters, sister 1 s daughters; foster-mothers [Who gave you suck], foster-sisters; your wives' mothers; your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in,- no prohibition if ye have not gone in;- [Those who have been] wives of your sons proceeding from your loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, except for what is past; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful;-

24. Also [prohibited are] women already married, except those whom your right hands possess: Thus hath Allah ordained [Prohibitions] against you: Except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek [them in marriage] with gifts from your property,- desiring chastity, not lust, seeing that ye derive benefit from them, give them their dowers [at least] as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, agree Mutually [to vary it], there is no blame on you, and Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.

25. If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: And Allah hath full knowledge about your faith. Ye are one from another: Wed them with the leave of their owners, and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking paramours: when they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This [permission] is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practise self- restraint. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

26. Allah doth wish to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of those before you; and [He doth wish to] turn to you [In Mercy]: And Allah is Allknowing, All-wise.

27. Allah doth wish to Turn to you, but the wish of those who follow their lusts is that ye should turn away [from Him],- far, far away.

28. Allah doth wish to lighten your [difficulties]: For man was created Weak [in flesh].

29. O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you Traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill [or destroy] yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful!

30. If any do that in rancour and injustice,- soon shall We cast them into the Fire: And easy it is for Allah.

31. If ye [but] eschew the most heinous of the things which ye are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of you all the evil in you, and admit you to a gate of great honour.

32. And in no wise covet those things in which Allah Hath bestowed His gifts More freely on some of you than on others: To men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn: But ask Allah of His bounty. For Allah hath full knowledge of all things.

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33. To [benefit] every one, We have appointed shares and heirs to property left by parents and relatives. To those, also, to whom your right hand was pledged, give their due portion. For truly Allah is witness to all things.

34. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more [strength] than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them [first], [Next], refuse to share their beds, [And last] beat them [lightly]; but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means [of annoyance]: For Allah is Most High, great [above you all].

35. If ye fear a breach between them twain, appoint [two] arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation: For Allah hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things.

36. Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer [ye meet], and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;-

37. [Nor] those who are niggardly or enjoin niggardliness on others, or hide the bounties which Allah hath bestowed on them; for We have prepared, for those who resist Faith, a punishment that steeps them in contempt;-

38. Not those who spend of their substance, to be seen of men, but have no faith in Allah and the Last Day: If any take the Evil One for their intimate, what a dreadful intimate he is!

39. And what burden Were it on them if they had faith in Allah and in the Last Day, and they spent out of what Allah hath given them for sustenance? For Allah hath full knowledge of them.

40. Allah is never unjust in the least degree: If there is any good [done], He doubleth it, and giveth from His own presence a great reward.

41. How then if We brought from each people a witness, and We brought thee as a witness against these people!

42. On that day those who reject Faith and disobey the messenger will wish that the earth Were made one with them: But never will they hide a single fact from Allah!

43. O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say,- nor in a state of ceremonial impurity [Except when travelling on the road], until after washing your whole body. If ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands. For Allah doth blot out sins and forgive again and again.

44. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were given a portion of the Book? they traffic in error, and wish that ye should lose the right path.

45. But Allah hath full knowledge of your enemies: Allah is enough for a protector, and Allah is enough for a Helper.

46. Of the Jews there are those who displace words from their [right] places, and say: "We hear and we disobey"; and "Hear what is not Heard"; and "Ra'ina"; with a twist of their tongues and a slander to Faith. If only they had said: "What hear and we obey"; and "Do hear"; and "Do look at us"; it would have been 38

better for them, and more proper; but Allah hath cursed them for their Unbelief; and but few of them will believe.

47. O ye People of the Book! believe in what We have [now] revealed, confirming what was [already] with you, before We change the face and fame of some [of you] beyond all recognition, and turn them hindwards, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers, for the decision of Allah Must be carried out.

48. Allah forgiveth not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgiveth anything else, to whom He pleaseth; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin Most heinous indeed.

49. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who claim sanctity for themselves? Nay-but Allah Doth sanctify whom He pleaseth. But never will they fail to receive justice in the least little thing.

50. Behold! how they invent a lie against Allah! but that by itself is a manifest sin!

51. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were given a portion of the Book? they believe in sorcery and Evil, and say to the Unbelievers that they are better guided in the [right] way Than the believers!

52. They are [men] whom Allah hath cursed: And those whom Allah Hath cursed, thou wilt find, have no one to help.

53. Have they a share in dominion or power? Behold, they give not a farthing to their fellow-men?

54. Or do they envy mankind for what Allah hath given them of his bounty? but We had already given the people of Abraham the Book and Wisdom, and conferred upon them a great kingdom.

55. Some of them believed, and some of them averted their faces from him: And enough is Hell for a burning fire.

56. Those who reject our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

57. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their eternal home: Therein shall they

have companions pure and holy: We shall admit them to shades, cool and ever deepening.

58. Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; And when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice: Verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! For Allah is He Who heareth and seeth all things.

59. 0 ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.

60. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who declare that they believe in the revelations that have come to thee and to those before thee? Their [real] wish is to resort together for judgment [in their disputes] to the Evil One, though they were ordered to reject him. But Satan's wish is to lead them astray far away [from the right].

61. When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah hath revealed, and to the Messenger": Thou seest the Hypocrites avert their faces from thee in disgust. 39

62. How then, when they are seized by misfortune, because of the deeds which they hands have sent forth? Then their come to thee, swearing by Allah: "We meant no more than good-will and conciliation!"

63. Those men,-Allah knows what is in their hearts; so keep clear of them, but admonish them, and speak to them a word to reach their very souls.

64. We sent not a messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the will of Allah. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto thee and asked Allah's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah indeed Oft-returning, Most Merciful.

65. But no, by the Lord, they can have no [real] Faith, until they make thee judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against Thy decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.

66. If We had ordered them to sacrifice their lives or to leave their homes, very few of them would have done it: But if they had done what they were [actually] told, it would have been best for them, and would have gone farthest to strengthen their [faith];

67. And We should then have given them from our presence a great reward;

68. And We should have shown them the Straight Way.

69. All who obey Allah and the messenger are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah,- of the prophets [who teach], the sincere [lovers of Truth], the witnesses [who testify], and the Righteous [who do good]: Ah! what a beautiful fellowship!

70. Such is the bounty from Allah: And sufficient is it that Allah knoweth all.

71. O ye who believe! Take your precautions, and either go forth in parties or go forth all together.

72. There are certainly among you men who would tarry behind: If a misfortune befalls you, they say: "Allah did favour us in that we were not present among them."

73. But if good fortune comes to you from Allah, they would be sure to say - as if there had never been Ties of affection between you and them - "Oh! I wish I had been with them; a fine thing should I then have made of it!"

74. Let those fight in the cause of Allah Who sell the life of this world for the hereafter. To him who fighteth in the cause of Allah,- whether he is slain or gets victory - Soon shall We give him a reward of great [value].

75. And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated [and oppressed]?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!"

76. Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith Fight in the cause of Evil: So fight ye against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.

77. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were told to hold back their hands [from fight] but establish regular prayers and spend in regular charity? When [at length] the order for fighting was issued to them, behold! a section of them feared men as - or even more than - they should have feared Allah: They said: "Our Lord! Why hast Thou ordered us to fight? Wouldst Thou not Grant us respite to our [natural] term, near [enough]?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of 40

this world: the Hereafter is the best for those who do right: Never will ye be dealt with unjustly in the very least!

78. "Wherever ye are, death will find you out, even if ye are in towers built up strong and high!" If some good befalls them, they say, "This is from Allah"; but

if evil, they say, "This is from thee" [0 Prophet]. Say: "All things are from Allah." But what hath come to these people, that they fail to understand a single fact?

79. Whatever good, [0 man!] happens to thee, is from Allah; but whatever evil happens to thee, is from thy [own] soul, and We have sent thee as a messenger to [instruct] mankind. And enough is Allah for a witness.

80. He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah: But if any turn away, We have not sent thee to watch over their [evil deeds].

81. They have "Obedience" on their lips; but when they leave thee, a section of them Meditate all night on things very different from what thou tellest them. But Allah records their nightly [plots]: So keep clear of them, and put thy trust in Allah, and enough is Allah as a disposer of affairs.

82. Do they not consider the Qur'an [with care]? Had it been from other Than Allah, they would surely have found therein Much discrepancy.

83. When there comes to them some matter touching [Public] safety or fear, they divulge it. If they had only referred it to the Messenger, or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have Tested it from them [direct]. Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of Allah unto you, all but a few of you would have fallen into the clutches of Satan.

84. Then fight in Allah's cause - Thou art held responsible only for thyself -and rouse the believers. It may be that Allah will restrain the fury of the Unbelievers; for Allah is the strongest in might and in punishment.

85. Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein: And whoever recommends and helps an evil cause, shares in its burden: And Allah hath power over all things.

86. When a [courteous] greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or [at least] of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.

87. Allah! There is no god but He: of a surety He will gather you together against the Day of Judgment, about which there is no doubt. And whose word can be truer than Allah's?

88. Why should ye be divided into two parties about the Hypocrites? Allah hath upset them for their [evil] deeds. Would ye guide those whom Allah hath thrown out of the Way? For those whom Allah hath thrown out of the Way, never shalt thou find the Way.

89. They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing [as they]: But take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah [From what is forbidden]. But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and [in any case] take no friends or helpers from their ranks;-

90. Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty [of peace], or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and [instead] send you [Guarantees of] peace, then Allah Hath opened no way for you [to war against them].

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91. Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: Every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto: if they withdraw not from you nor give you [guarantees] of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever ye get them: In their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them.

92. Never should a believer kill a believer; but [If it so happens] by mistake, [Compensation is due]: If one [so] kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased's family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave [Is enough]. If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of Mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, [is prescribed] a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to Allah: for Allah hath all knowledge and all wisdom.

93. If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein [For ever]: And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.

94. O ye who believe! When ye go abroad in the cause of Allah, investigate carefully, and say not to any one who offers you a salutation: "Thou art none of a believer!" Coveting the perishable goods of this life: with Allah are profits and spoils abundant. Even thus were ye yourselves before, till Allah conferred on you His favours: Therefore carefully investigate. For Allah is well aware of all that ye do.

95. Not equal are those believers who sit [at home] and receive no hurt, and

those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit [at home]. Unto all [in Faith] Hath Allah promised good: But those who strive and fight Hath He distinguished above those who sit [at home] by a special reward,-

96. Ranks specially bestowed by Him, and Forgiveness and Mercy. For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

97. When angels take the souls of those who die in sin against their souls, they say: "In what [plight] Were ye?" They reply: "Weak and oppressed Were we in the earth." They say: "Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to move yourselves away [From evil]?" Such men will find their abode in Hell,- What an evil refuge! -

98. Except those who are [really] weak and oppressed - men, women, and children - who have no means in their power, nor [a guide-post] to their way.

99. For these, there is hope that Allah will forgive: For Allah doth blot out [sins] and forgive again and again.

100. He who forsakes his home in the cause of Allah, finds in the earth Many a refuge, wide and spacious: Should he die as a refugee from home for Allah and

His Messenger, His reward becomes due and sure with Allah: And Allah is Oftforgiving, Most Merciful.

101. When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if ye shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers May attack you: For the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.

102. When thou [O Messenger] art with them, and standest to lead them in prayer, Let one party of them stand up [in prayer] with thee, Taking their arms with them: When they finish their prostrations, let them Take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which hath not yet prayed - and let them 42

pray with thee, Taking all precaution, and bearing arms: the Unbelievers wish, if ye were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush. But there is no blame on you if ye put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because ye are ill; but take [every] precaution for yourselves. For the Unbelievers Allah hath prepared a humiliating punishment.

103. When ye pass [Congregational] prayers, celebrate Allah's praises, standing, sitting down, or lying down on your sides; but when ye are free from danger, set up Regular Prayers: For such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.

104. And slacken not in following up the enemy: If ye are suffering hardships, they are suffering similar hardships; but ye have Hope from Allah, while they have none. And Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

105. We have sent down to thee the Book in truth, that thou mightest judge between men, as guided by Allah: so be not [used] as an advocate by those who betray their trust;

106. But seek the forgiveness of Allah; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

107. Contend not on behalf of such as betray their own souls; for Allah loveth not one given to perfidy and crime:

108. They may hide [Their crimes] from men, but they cannot hide [Them] from Allah, seeing that He is in their midst when they plot by night, in words that He cannot approve: And Allah Doth compass round all that they do.

109. Ah! These are the sort of men on whose behalf ye may contend in this world; but who will contend with Allah on their behalf on the Day of Judgment, or who will carry their affairs through?

110. If any one does evil or wrongs his own soul but afterwards seeks Allah's forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

111. And if any one earns sin. he earns it against His own soul: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

112. But if any one earns a fault or a sin and throws it on to one that is innocent, He carries [on himself] [Both] a falsehood and a flagrant sin.

113. But for the Grace of Allah to thee and his Mercy, a party of them would certainly have plotted to lead thee astray. But [in fact] they will only Lead their own souls astray, and to thee they can do no harm in the least. For Allah hath sent down to thee the Book and wisdom and taught thee what thou Knewest not [before]: And great is the Grace of Allah unto thee.

114. In most of their secret talks there is no good: But if one exhorts to a deed of charity or justice or conciliation between men, [Secrecy is permissible]: To him who does this, seeking the good pleasure of Allah, We shall soon give a reward of the highest [value].

115. If anyone contends with the Messenger even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men of Faith, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell,- what an evil refuge!

116. Allah forgiveth not [The sin of] joining other gods with Him; but He forgiveth whom He pleaseth other sins than this: one who joins other gods with Allah, Hath strayed far, far away [from the right].

117. [The Pagans], leaving Him, call but upon female deities: They call but upon Satan the persistent rebel!

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118. Allah did curse him, but he said: "I will take of Thy servants a portion Marked off;

119. "I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires; I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and to deface the [fair] nature created by Allah." Whoever, forsaking Allah, takes Satan for a friend, hath of a surety suffered a loss that is manifest.

120. Satan makes them promises, and creates in them false desires; but Satan's promises are nothing but deception.

121. They [his dupes] will have their dwelling in Hell, and from it they will find no way of escape.

122. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness,- we shall soon admit them to gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,-to dwell therein for ever. Allah's promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah's?

123. Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book [can prevail]: whoever works evil, will be requited accordingly. Nor will he find, besides Allah, any protector or helper.

124. If any do deeds of righteousness,- be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.

125. Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For Allah did take Abraham for a friend.

126. But to Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth: And He it is that Encompasseth all things.

127. They ask thy instruction concerning the women say: Allah doth instruct you about them: And [remember] what hath been rehearsed unto you in the Book, concerning the orphans of women to whom ye give not the portions prescribed, and yet whom ye desire to marry, as also concerning the children who are weak and oppressed: that ye stand firm for justice to orphans. There is not a good deed which ye do, but Allah is well-acquainted therewith.

128. If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves; and such settlement is best; even though men's souls are swayed by greed. But if ye do good and practise self-restraint, Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.

129. Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women, even if it is your ardent desire: But turn not away [from a woman] altogether, so as to leave her [as it were] hanging [in the air]. If ye come to a friendly understanding, and practise self-restraint, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

130. But if they disagree [and must part], Allah will provide abundance for all from His all-reaching bounty: for Allah is He that careth for all and is Wise.

131. To Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth. Verily we have directed the People of the Book before you, and you [o Muslims] to fear Allah. But if ye deny Him, lo! unto Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth, and Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

132. Yea, unto Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth, and enough is Allah to carry through all affairs.

133. If it were His will, He could destroy you, o mankind, and create another race; for He hath power this to do.

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134. If any one desires a reward in this life, in Allah's [gift] is the reward [both] of this life and of the hereafter: for Allah is He that heareth and seeth [all things].

135. O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be [against] rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts [of your hearts], lest ye swerve, and if ye distort [justice] or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.

136. O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before [him]. Any who denieth Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far astray.

137. Those who believe, then reject faith, then believe [again] and [again] reject faith, and go on increasing in unbelief,- Allah will not forgive them nor guide them nor guide them on the way.

138. To the Hypocrites give the glad tidings that there is for them [but] a

grievous penalty;-

139. Yea, to those who take for friends unbelievers rather than believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay,- all honour is with Allah.

140. Already has He sent you Word in the Book, that when ye hear the signs of Allah held in defiance and ridicule, ye are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme: if ye did, ye would be like them. For Allah will collect the hypocrites and those who defy faith - all in Hell:-

141. [These are] the ones who wait and watch about you: if ye do gain a victory from Allah, they say: "Were we not with you?"- but if the unbelievers gain a success, they say [to them]: "Did we not gain an advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the believers?" but Allah will judge betwixt you on the Day of Judgment. And never will Allah grant to the unbelievers a way [to triumphs] over the believers.

142. The Hypocrites - they think they are over-reaching Allah, but He will overreach them: When they stand up to prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be

seen of men, but little do they hold Allah in remembrance;

143. [They are] distracted in mind even in the midst of it,- being [sincerely] for neither one group nor for another whom Allah leaves straying,- never wilt thou find for him the way.

144. O ye who believe! Take not for friends unbelievers rather than believers: Do ye wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?

145. The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them;-

146. Except for those who repent, mend [their lives] hold fast to Allah, and purify their religion as in Allah's sight: if so they will be [numbered] with the believers. And soon will Allah grant to the believers a reward of immense value.

147. What can Allah gain by your punishment, if ye are grateful and ye believe? Nay, it is Allah that recogniseth [all good], and knoweth all things.

148. Allah loveth not that evil should be noised abroad in public speech, except where injustice hath been done; for Allah is He who heareth and knoweth all things.

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149. Whether ye publish a good deed or conceal it or cover evil with pardon, verily Allah doth blot out [sins] and hath power [in the judgment of values].

150. Those who deny Allah and His messengers, and [those who] wish to separate Allah from His messengers, saying: "We believe in some but reject others": And [those who] wish to take a course midway,-

151. They are in truth [equally] unbelievers; and we have prepared for unbelievers a humiliating punishment.

152. To those who believe in Allah and His messengers and make no distinction between any of the messengers, we shall soon give their [due] rewards: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

153. The people of the Book ask thee to cause a book to descend to them from heaven: Indeed they asked Moses for an even greater [miracle], for they said: "Show us Allah in public," but they were dazed for their presumption, with thunder and lightning. Yet they worshipped the calf even after clear signs had come to them; even so we forgave them; and gave Moses manifest proofs of authority.

154. And for their covenant we raised over them [the towering height] of Mount [Sinai]; and [on another occasion] we said: "Enter the gate with humility"; and [once again] we commanded them: "Transgress not in the matter of the sabbath." And we took from them a solemn covenant.

155. [They have incurred divine displeasure]: In that they broke their covenant; that they rejected the signs of Allah; that they slew the Messengers in defiance of right; that they said, "Our hearts are the wrappings [which preserve Allah's Word; We need no more]";- Nay, Allah hath set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they believe;-

156. That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;

157. That they said [in boast], "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah";- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no [certain] knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:-

158. Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise;-

159. And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness against them;-

160. For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain [foods] good and wholesome which had been lawful for them;- in that they hindered many from

Allah's Way;-

161. That they took usury, though they were forbidden; and that they devoured men's substance wrongfully;- we have prepared for those among them who reject faith a grievous punishment.

162. But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what hath been revealed to thee and what was revealed before thee: And [especially] those who establish regular prayer and practise regular charity and believe in Allah and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a great reward.

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163. We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.

164. Of some messengers We have already told thee the story; of others We have not;- and to Moses Allah spoke direct;-

165. Messengers who gave good news as well as warning, that mankind, after [the coming] of the messengers, should have no plea against Allah: For Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

166. But Allah beareth witness that what He hath sent unto thee He hath sent from His [own] knowledge, and the angels bear witness: But enough is Allah for a witness.

167. Those who reject Faith and keep off [men] from the way of Allah, have verily strayed far, far away from the Path.

168. Those who reject Faith and do wrong,- Allah will not forgive them nor guide them to any way-

169. Except the way of Hell, to dwell therein for ever. And this to Allah is easy.

170. 0 Mankind! The Messenger hath come to you in truth from Allah: believe in him: It is best for you. But if ye reject Faith, to Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth: And Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.

171. 0 People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was [no more than] a messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His messengers. Say not "Trinity" : desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah: Glory be to Him: [far exalted is He] above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.

172. Christ disdaineth nor to serve and worship Allah, nor do the angels, those nearest [to Allah]: those who disdain His worship and are arrogant,-He will gather them all together unto Himself to [answer].

173. But to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will give their [due] rewards,- and more, out of His bounty: But those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will punish with a grievous penalty; Nor will they find, besides Allah, any to protect or help them.

174. O mankind! verily there hath come to you a convincing proof from your Lord: For We have sent unto you a light [that is] manifest.

175. Then those who believe in Allah, and hold fast to Him,- soon will He admit them to mercy and grace from Himself, and guide them to Himself by a straight way.

176. They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs [thus] about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance: If [such a deceased was] a woman, who left no child, Her brother takes her inheritance: If there are two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance [between them]: if there are brothers and sisters, [they share], the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth Allah make clear to you [His law], lest ye err. And Allah hath knowledge of all things.

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SURA 5. Maida, or the Table Spread

1. O ye who believe! Fulfill (all) obligations.

2. Lawful unto you (for food) are all four-footed animals with the exceptions named: But animals of the chase are forbidden while ye are in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb: For Allah doth command according to His Will and Plan.

3. O ye who believe! Violate not the sanctity of the Symbols of Allah, nor of the Sacred Month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people resorting to the Sacred House, seeking of the bounty and good pleasure of their Lord. But when ye are clear of the Sacred Precincts and of pilgrim garb, ye may hunt and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help ye one another in righteousness

and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancor: Fear Allah: For Allah is strict in punishment.

4. Forbidden to you (for food) are: Dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah; that which hath been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it (in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (alters); (forbidden) also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: That is impiety. This day have those who reject Faith given up all hope of your religion: Yet fear them not but fear Me. This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allah is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

5. They ask thee what is lawful to them (as food). Say: Lawful unto you are (all) things good and pure and what ye have taught your trained hunting animals (to catch) in the manner directed to you by Allah: Eat what they catch for you,

but pronounce the name of Allah over it: And fear Allah; for Allah is swift in

taking account.

6. This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time, -- when ye give them their due dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness, nor secret intrigues. If any one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good.

7 . 0 ye who believe! When ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete His favor to you, that ye may be grateful.

8. And call in remembrance the favor of Allah unto you, and his Covenant, which he ratified with you, when ye said: "We hear and we obey": And fear Allah, for Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.

9. 0 ye who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from 48

justice. Be just: That is next to Piety: And fear Allah. For Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do.

10. To those who believe and do deeds of righteousness hath Allah promised forgiveness and a great reward.

11. Those who reject faith and deny Our Signs will be Companions of Hellfire.

12. 0 ye who believe! Call in remembrance the favor of Allah unto you when certain men formed the design to stretch out their hands against you, but (Allah) held back their hands from you: So fear Allah. And on Allah let Believers put (all) their trust.

13. Allah did aforetime take a Covenant from the Children of Israel, and We appointed twelve captains among them. And Allah said: "I am with you: If ye (but) establish regular Prayers, practice regular Charity, believe in My apostles, honor and assist them, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan, verily I will wipe out from you your evils, and admit you to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath; but if any of you, after this, resisteth faith, he hath truly wandered from the path of rectitude."

14. But because of their breach of their Covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard: They change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the Message that was sent them, nor wilt thou cease to find them--barring a few--ever bent on (new) deceits: But forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds): For Allah loveth those who are kind.

15. From those, too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a Covenant, but they forgot a good part of the Message that was sent them: So We estranged them, with enmity and hatred between one and the other, to the Day of Judgment. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done.

16. O People of the Book! There hath come to you our Apostle, revealing to you much that ye used to hide in the Book, and passing over much (that is now unnecessary):

17. There hath come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book, --

18. Wherewith Allah guideth all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, and leadeth them out of darkness, by His Will, unto the light, --guideth them to a Path that is Straight.

19. In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary. Say "Who then hath the least power against Allah, if His Will were to destroy Christ the son of Mary, his mother, and all--every one that is on the earth? For to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between. He createth what He pleaseth. For Allah hath power over all things."

20. (Both) the Jews and the Christians say: "We are the sons of Allah, and His beloved." Say: "Why then doth He punish you for your sins? Nay, ye are but men, --of the men He hath created: He forgiveth whom He pleaseth. And He punisheth whom He pleaseth: And to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between: And unto Him is the final goal (of all)."

21. O People of the Book! Now hath come unto you, making (things) clear unto you, our Apostle, after the break in (the series of) our apostles, lest ye should say: "There came unto us no bringer of glad tidings and no warner (from evil)": But now hath come unto you a bringer of glad tidings and a warner (from evil). And Allah hath power over all things.

22. Remember Moses said to his people: "O my People! Call in remembrance the favor of Allah unto you, when He produced prophets among you, made you kings, and gave you what He had not given to any other among the peoples."

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23. "O my People! Enter the holy land which Allah hath assigned unto you, and turn not back ignominiously, for then will ye be overthrown, to your own ruin."

24. They said: "0 Moses! In this land are a people of exceeding strength: Never shall we enter it until they leave it: If (once) they leave, then shall we enter

25. (But) among (their) Allah-fearing men were two on whom Allah had bestowed His grace: They said: "Assault them at the (proper) Gate: When once ye are in, victory will be yours;

26. But on Allah put your trust if ye have faith."

27. They said: "0 Moses! While they remain there, never shall we be able to enter, to the end of time. Go thou, and thy Lord, and fight ye two, while we sit here (and watch)."

28. He said: "0 my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother: So separate us from this rebellious people!"

29. Allah said: "Therefore will the land be out of their reach for forty years: In distraction will they wander through the land: But sorrow thou not over these rebellious people.

30. Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! They each presented a sacrifice (to Allah): It was accepted from one, but not from the other. Said the latter: "Be sure I will slay thee." "Surely," Said the former, "Allah doth accept of the sacrifice of those who are righteous."

31. "If thou dost stretch thy hand against me, to slay me, it is not for me to stretch my hand against thee to slay thee: For I do fear Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds."

32. "For me, I intend to let thee draw on thyself my sin as well as thine, for thou wilt be among the Companions of the Fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong."

33. The (selfish) soul of the other led him to the murder of his brother: He murdered him, and became (himself) one of the lost ones.

34. Then Allah sent a raven, who scratched the ground, to show him how to hide the shame of his brother. "Woe is me!" said he; "Was I not even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?" Then he became full of regrets--

35. On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person—unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land- -it would be as if he slew the whole people: And if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our Apostles with Clear Signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.

36. The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Apostle, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: Execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: That is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter;

37. Except for those who repent before they fall into your power: In that case, know that Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

38. 0 ye who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in His cause: That ye may prosper.

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39. As to those who reject Faith, --if they had everything on earth, and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the Day of Judgment, it would never be accepted of them. Theirs would be a grievous Penalty.

40. Their wish will be to get out of the Fire, but never will they get out therefrom: Their Penalty will be one that endures.

41. As to the thief. Male or female, cut off his or her hands: A punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: And Allah is Exalted in Power.

42. But if the thief repent after his crime, and amend his conduct, Allah turneth to him in forgiveness; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

43. Knowest thou not that to Allah (alone) belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? He punisheth whom He pleaseth, and He forgiveth whom He pleaseth: And Allah hath power over all things.

44. 0 Apostle! Let not those grieve thee, who race each other into Unbelief: (Whether it be) among those who say "We believe" with their lips but whose hearts have no faith; or it be among the Jews, --men who will listen to any lie, --will listen even to others who have never so much as come to thee. They change the words from their (right) times and places: They say, "If ye are given this, take it, but if not, beware!" If any one's trial is intended by Allah, thou hast no authority in the least for him against Allah. For such--it is not Allah's will to purify their hearts. For them there is disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a heavy punishment.

45. (They are fond of) listening to falsehood, of devouring anything forbidden. If they do come to thee, either judge between them, or decline to interfere. If thou decline, they cannot hurt thee in the least. If thou judge, judge in equity between them. For Allah loveth those who judge in equity.

46. But why do they come to thee for decision, when they have (their own) law before them? --Therein is the (plain) command of Allah; yet even after that, they would turn away. For they are not (really) People of Faith.

47. It was We who revealed the Law (to Moses): Therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the Prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah's Will, by the Rabbis and the Doctors of Law: For to them was entrusted the protection of Allah's Book, and they were witnesses thereto: Therefore fear not men, but fear Me, and sell not My signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers.

48. We ordained therein for them: "Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal." But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) wrongdoers.

49. And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: Therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: A guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.

50. Let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel.

51. To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: So judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath 51

come to thee. To each among you have We prescribed a Law and an Open way. If Allah had so willed, he would have made you a single People, but (His Plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: So strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute;

52. And this (He commands): Judge thou between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest they beguile thee from any of that (teaching) which Allah hath sent down to thee. And if they turn away, be assured that for some of their crimes it is Allah's purpose to punish them. And truly most men are rebellious.

53. Do they then seek after a judgment of (the Days of) Ignorance? But who, for a people whose faith is assured, can give better judgment than Allah?

54. O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.

55. Those in whose hearts is a disease--thou seest how eagerly they run about amongst them, saying: "We do fear lest a change of fortune bring us disaster." Ah! Perhaps Allah will give (thee) victory, or a decision according to His Will. Then will they repent of the thoughts, which they secretly harbored in their hearts.

56. And those who believe will say: "Are these the men who swore their strongest oaths by Allah, that they were with you?" All that they do will be in vain, and

they will fall into (nothing but) ruin.

57. 0 ye who believe! If any from among you turn back from his Faith, soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love Him, --Lowly with the Believers, Mighty against the Rejecters, Fighting in the Way of Allah, and never afraid of the reproaches of such as find fault. That is the Grace of Allah, which He will bestow on whom He pleaseth. And Allah encompasseth all, and He knoweth all things.

58. Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Apostle, and the (Fellowship of) Believers, --those who establish regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship).

59. As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His Apostle, and the (Fellowship of) Believers, --it is the Fellowship of Allah that must certainly triumph.

60. 0 ye who believe! Take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport, --whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but fear ye Allah, if ye have Faith (indeed).

61. When ye proclaim your call to prayer, they take it (but) as mockery and sport; that is because they are a people without understanding.

62. Say: "O People of the Book! Do ye disapprove of us for no other reason than that we believe in Allah, and the revelation that hath come to us and that which came before (us), and (perhaps) that most of you are rebellious and disobedient?"

63. Say: "Shall I point out to you something much worse than this, (as judged) by the treatment it received from Allah? Those who incurred the curse of Allah and His wrath, those of whom some He transformed into apes and swine, those who 52

worshipped Evil; --these are (many times) worse in rank, and far more astray from the even Path!"

64. When they come to thee, they say: "We believe": But in fact they enter with a mind against Faith, and they go out with the same. But Allah knoweth fully all that they hide.

65. Many of them dost thou see, racing each other in sin and rancor, and their eating of things forbidden. Evil indeed are the things that they do.

66. Why do not the Rabbis and the doctors of law forbid them from their (habit of) uttering sinful words and eating things forbidden? Evil indeed are their works.

67. The Jews say: "Allah's hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them We have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief.

68. If only the People of the Book had believed and been righteous, We should indeed have blotted out their iniquities and admitted them to Gardens of Bliss.

69. If only they had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course: But many of them follow a course that is evil.

70. 0 Apostle! Proclaim the (Message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord. If thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled His Mission. And Allah will defend thee from men (who mean mischief). For Allah guideth not those who reject Faith.

71. Say: "O People of the Book! Ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord." It is the revelation that cometh to thee from thy Lord, that increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But sorrow thou not over (these) people without Faith.

72. Those who believe (in the Koran), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians, --any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, --on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

73. We took the Covenant of the Children of Israel and sent them apostles. Every time there came to them an apostle with what they themselves desired not--some (of these) they called impostors, and some they (go so far as to) slay.

74. They thought there would be no trial (or punishment); so they became blind and deaf; yet Allah (in mercy) turned to them; yet again many of them became blind and deaf. But Allah sees well all that they do.

75. They do blaspheme who say: "Allah is Christ the son of Mary." But said Christ: "O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord" Whoever

joins other gods with Allah, --Allah will forbid him the Garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrongdoers be no one to help.

76. They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: For there is no god except One God. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.

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77. Why turn they not to Allah, and seek His forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

78. Christ the son of Mary was no more than an Apostle; many were the apostles that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah doth make His Signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!

79. Say: "Will ye worship besides Allah, something which hath no power either to harm or benefit you? But Allah, --He it is that heareth and knoweth all things."

80. Say: "O People of the Book! Exceed not in your religion the bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by, --who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the even way.

81. Curses were pronounced on those among the Children of Israel who rejected Faith, by the tongue of David and of Jesus the son of Mary: Because they disobeyed and persisted in excesses.

82. Nor did they (usually) forbid one another the iniquities which they committed: Evil indeed were the deeds which they did.

83. Thou seest many of them turning in friendship to the Unbelievers. Evil indeed are (the works) which their souls have sent forward before them (with the result), that Allah's wrath is on them, and in torment will they abide.

84. If only they had believed in Allah, in the Apostle, and in what hath been revealed to him, never would they have taken them for friends and protectors, but most of them are rebellious wrongdoers.

85. Strongest among men in enmity to the Believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the Believers wilt thou find those who say, "We are Christians": Because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.

86. And when they listen to the revelation received by the Apostle, thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth: They pray: "Our Lord! We believe; write us down among the witnesses."

87. "What cause can we have not to believe in Allah and the truth which has come to us, seeing that we long for our Lord to admit us to the company of the righteous?"

88. And for this their prayer hath Allah rewarded them with Gardens, with rivers flowing underneath, --their eternal home. Such is the recompense of those who do good.

89. But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, --they shall be Companions of Hellfire.

90. O ye who Believe! Make not unlawful the good things which Allah hath made lawful for you, but commit no excess: For Allah loveth not those given to excess.

91. Eat of the things which Allah hath provided for you, lawful and good; but fear Allah, in Whom ye believe.

92. Allah will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: For expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn. But keep to your oaths. Thus doth Allah make clear to you His Signs, that ye may be grateful.

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93. O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination, --of Satan's handiwork: Eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper.

94. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: Will ye not then abstain?

95. Obey Allah, and obey the Apostle, and beware (of evil): If ye do turn back, know ye that it is Our Apostle's duty to proclaim (the Message) in the clearest manner.

96. On those who believe and do deeds of righteousness there is no blame for what they ate (in the past), when they guard themselves from evil, and believe, and do deeds of righteousness, --(or) again, guard themselves from evil and believe, --(or) again, guard themselves from evil and do good. For Allah loveth those who do good.

97. O ye who believe! Allah doth make a trial of you in a little matter of game

well within reach of your hands and your lances, that He may test who feareth Him unseen: Any who transgress thereafter, will have a grievous penalty.

98. 0 ye who believe! Kill not game while in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb. If any of you doth so intentionally, the compensation is an offering, brought to the Kaba, of a domestic animal equivalent to the one he killed, as adjudged by two just men among you; or by way of atonement, the feeding of the indigent; or its equivalent in fasts: That he may taste of the penalty of his deed. Allah forgives what is past: For repetition Allah will exact from him the penalty. For Allah is Exalted, and Lord of retribution.

99. Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for food, --for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel; but forbidden is the pursuit of land-game; --as long as ye are in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb. And fear Allah, to Whom ye shall be gathered back.

100. Allah made the Kaba, the Sacred House, as an asylum of security for men, as also the Sacred Months, the animals for offerings, and the garlands that mark them: That ye may know that Allah hath knowledge of what is in the heavens and on earth and that Allah is well acquainted with all things.

101. Know ye that Allah is strict in punishment and that Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

102. The Apostle's duty is but to proclaim (the Message). But Allah knoweth all that ye reveal and ye conceal.

103. Say: "Not equal are things that are bad and things that are good, even though the abundance of the bad may, dazzle thee; so fear Allah, O ye that understand; that (so) ye may prosper."

104. 0 ye who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble. But if ye ask about things when the Koran is being revealed, they will be made plain to you, Allah will forgive those: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

105. Some people before you did ask such questions, and on that account lost their faith.

106. It was not Allah who instituted (superstitions like those of) a slit- ear she-camel, or a she-camel let loose for free pasture, or idol sacrifices for twin-births in animals, or stallion-camels freed from work: It is blasphemers who invent a lie against Allah; but most of them lack wisdom.

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107. When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah hath revealed; come to the Apostle": They say: "Enough for us are the ways we found our fathers following." What! Even though their fathers were void of knowledge and guidance?

108. O ye who believe! Guard your own souls: If ye follow (right) guidance, no hurt can come to you from those who stray. The goal of you all is to Allah: It is He that will show you the truth of all that ye do.

109. O ye who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take) witnesses among yourselves when making bequests, --two just men of your own (brotherhood) or others from outside if ye are journeying through the earth, and the chance of death befalls you (thus). If ye doubt (their truth), detain them both after prayer, and let them both swear by Allah: "We wish not in this for any worldly gain, even though the (beneficiary) be our near relation: We shall hide not the evidence before Allah: If we do, then behold! The sin be upon us!"

110. But if it gets known that these two were guilty of the sin (of perjury), let two others stand forth in their places, --nearest in kin from among those who claim a lawful right: Let them swear by Allah: "We affirm that our witness is truer than that of those two, and that we have not trespassed (beyond the truth): If we did, Behold! The wrong be upon us!"

111. That is most suitable: That they may give the evidence in its true nature and shape, or else they would fear that other oaths would be taken after their oaths. But fear Allah, and listen (to His counsel): For Allah guideth not a rebellious people.

112. One day will Allah gather the apostles together, and ask: "What was the response ye received (from men to your teaching)?" They will say: "We have no knowledge: It is Thou Who knowest in full all that is hidden."

113. Then will Allah say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favor to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, and behold! Thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it, and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! Thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the Clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: 'This is nothing but evident

magic'."

114. "And behold! I inspired the Disciples to have faith in Me and Mine Apostle:

They said: 'We have faith, and do thou bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims'."

115. Behold! The Disciples said: "0 Jesus the son of Mary! Can

thy Lord send down to us a Table set (with viands) from heaven?" Said Jesus: "Fear Allah, if ye have faith."

116. They said: "We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts, and to know that thou hast indeed told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle."

117. Said Jesus the son of Mary: "0 Allah our Lord! Send us from heaven a Table set (with viands) , that there may be for us--for the first and last of us—a solemn festival and a Sign from Thee; and provide for our sustenance, for Thou art the best Sustainer (of our needs)."

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118. Allah said: "I will send it down unto you: But if any of you after that resisteth faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on any one among all the peoples."

119. And behold! Allah will say: "0 Jesus the son of Mary! Didst say unto men, 'Worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah'?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, Thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden."

120. "Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me to say, to wit, 'Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord'; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things."

121. "If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy servants: If Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise."

122. Allah will say: "This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: Theirs are the Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, --their eternal home": Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah: That is the great Salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires).

123. To Allah doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He who hath power over all things.

SURA 6. Anam, or Cattle

1. Praise be Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and made the darkness and the light. Yet those who reject Faith hold [others] as equal, with their Guardian-Lord.

2. He it is created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term [for you]. And there is in His presence another determined term; yet ye doubt within yourselves!

3. And He is Allah in the heavens and on earth. He knoweth what ye hide, and what ye reveal, and He knoweth the [recompense] which ye earn [by your deeds].

4. But never did a single one of the signs of their Lord reach them, but they turned away therefrom.

5. And now they reject the truth when it reaches them: but soon shall they learn the reality of what they used to mock at.

6. See they not how many of those before them We did destroy?- generations We had established on the earth, in strength such as We have not given to you - for whom We poured out rain from the skies in abundance, and gave [fertile] streams flowing beneath their [feet]: yet for their sins We destroyed them, and raised in their wake fresh generations [to succeed them].

7. If We had sent unto thee a written [message] on parchment, so that they could touch it with their hands, the Unbelievers would have been sure to say: "This is nothing but obvious magic!"

8. They say: "Why is not an angel sent down to him?" If we did send down an angel, the matter would be settled at once, and no respite would be granted them.

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9. If We had made it an angel, We should have sent him as a man, and We should certainly have caused them confusion in a matter which they have already covered with confusion.
10. Mocked were [many] messengers before thee; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.

11. Say: "Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth."

12. Say: "To whom belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth?" Say: "To Allah. He hath inscribed for Himself [the rule of] Mercy. That He will gather you together for the Day of Judgment, there is no doubt whatever. It is they who have lost their own souls, that will not believe.

13. To him belongeth all that dwelleth [or lurketh] in the night and the day.

For he is the one who heareth and knoweth all things."

14. Say: "Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth? And He it is that feedeth but is not fed." Say: "Nay! but I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah [in Islam], and be not thou of the company of those who join gods with Allah."

15. Say: "I would, if I disobeyed my Lord, indeed have fear of the penalty of a Mighty Day.

16. "On that day, if the penalty is averted from any, it is due to Allah's mercy; And that would be [Salvation], the obvious fulfilment of all desire.

17. "If Allah touch thee with affliction, none can remove it but He; if He touch thee with happiness, He hath power over all things.

18. "He is the irresistible, [watching] from above over His worshippers; and He is the Wise, acquainted with all things."

19. Say: "What thing is most weighty in evidence?" Say: "Allah is witness between me and you; This Qur'an hath been revealed to me by inspiration, that I may warn you and all whom it reaches. Can ye possibly bear witness that besides Allah there is another Allah?" Say: "Nay! I cannot bear witness!" Say: "But in truth He is the one Allah, and I truly am innocent of [your blasphemy of] joining others with Him."

20. Those to whom We have given the Book know this as they know their own sons. Those who have lost their own souls refuse therefore to believe.

21. Who doth more wrong than he who inventeth a lie against Allah or rejecteth His signs? But verily the wrong-doers never shall prosper.

22. One day shall We gather them all together: We shall say to those who ascribed partners [to Us]: "Where are the partners whom ye [invented and] talked about?"

23. There will then be [left] no subterfuge for them but to say: "By Allah our Lord, we were not those who joined gods with Allah."

24. Behold! how they lie against their own souls! But the [lie] which they invented will leave them in the lurch.

25. Of them there are some who [pretend to] listen to thee; but We have thrown veils on their hearts, So they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they saw every one of the signs, not they will believe in them; in so much that when they come to thee, they [but] dispute with thee; the Unbelievers say: "These are nothing but tales of the ancients."

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26. Others they keep away from it, and themselves they keep away; but they only destroy their own souls, and they perceive it not.

27. If thou couldst but see when they are confronted with the Fire! They will say: "Would that we were but sent back! Then would we not reject the signs of our Lord, but would be amongst those who believe!"

28. Yea, in their own [eyes] will become manifest what before they concealed. But if they were returned, they would certainly relapse to the things they were forbidden, for they are indeed liars.

29. And they [sometimes] say: "There is nothing except our life on this earth, and never shall we be raised up again."

30. If thou couldst but see when they are confronted with their Lord! He will say: "Is not this the truth?" They will say: "Yea, by our Lord!" He will say: "Taste ye then the penalty, because ye rejected Faith."

31. Lost indeed are they who treat it as a falsehood that they must meet Allah,-until on a sudden the hour is on them, and they say: "Ah! woe unto us that we took no thought of it"; for they bear their burdens on their backs, and evil indeed are the burdens that they bear?

32. What is the life of this world but play and amusement? But best is the home in the hereafter, for those who are righteous. Will ye not then understand?

33. We know indeed the grief which their words do cause thee: It is not thee they reject: it is the signs of Allah, which the wicked contemn.

34. Rejected were the messengers before thee: with patience and constancy they bore their rejection and their wrongs, until Our aid did reach them: there is none that can alter the words [and decrees] of Allah. Already hast thou received some account of those messengers.

35. If their spurning is hard on thy mind, yet if thou wert able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a sign,- [what good?]. If it were Allah's will, He could gather them together unto true guidance: so be not thou amongst those who are swayed by ignorance [and impatience]!

36. Those who listen [in truth], be sure, will accept: as to the dead, Allah will raise them up; then will they be turned unto Him.

37. They say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "Allah hath certainly power to send down a sign: but most of them understand not.

38. There is not an animal [that lives] on the earth, nor a being that flies on

its wings, but [forms part of] communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they [all] shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.

39. Those who reject our signs are deaf and dumb,- in the midst of darkness profound: whom Allah willeth, He leaveth to wander: whom He willeth, He placeth on the way that is straight.

40. Say: "Think ye to yourselves, if there come upon you the wrath of Allah, or the Hour [that ye dread], would ye then call upon other than Allah?- [reply] if ye are truthful!

41. "Nay,- On Him would ye call, and if it be His will, He would remove [the distress] which occasioned your call upon Him, and ye would forget [the false gods] which ye join with Him!"

42. Before thee We sent [messengers] to many nations, and We afflicted the nations with suffering and adversity, that they might learn humility.

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43. When the suffering reached them from us, why then did they not learn humility? On the contrary their hearts became hardened, and Satan made their [sinful] acts seem alluring to them.

44. But when they forgot the warning they had received, We opened to them the gates of all [good] things, until, in the midst of their enjoyment of Our gifts, on a sudden, We called them to account, when lo! they were plunged in despair!

45. Of the wrong-doers the last remnant was cut off. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher of the worlds.

46. Say: "Think ye, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who - a god other than Allah - could restore them to you?" See how We explain the signs by various [symbols]; yet they turn aside.

47. Say: "Think ye, if the punishment of Allah comes to you, whether suddenly or openly, will any be destroyed except those who do wrong?

48. We send the messengers only to give good news and to warn: so those who believe and mend [their lives],- upon them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

49. But those who reject our signs,- them shall punishment touch, for that they ceased not from transgressing.

50. Say: "I tell you not that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I tell you I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me." Say: "can the blind be held equal to the seeing?" Will ye then consider not?

51. Give this warning to those in whose [hearts] is the fear that they will be brought [to judgment] before their Lord: except for Him they will have no protector nor intercessor: that they may guard [against evil].

52. Send not away those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His face. In naught art thou accountable for them, and in naught are they accountable for thee, that thou shouldst turn them away, and thus be [one] of the unjust.

53. Thus did We try some of them by comparison with others, that they should say: "Is it these then that Allah hath favoured from amongst us?" Doth not Allah know best those who are grateful?

54. When those come to thee who believe in Our signs, Say: "Peace be on you: Your Lord hath inscribed for Himself [the rule of] mercy: verily, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented, and amend [his conduct], lo! He is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

55. Thus do We explain the signs in detail: that the way of the sinners may be shown up.

56. Say: "I am forbidden to worship those - others than Allah - whom ye call upon." Say: "I will not follow your wain desires: If I did, I would stray from the path, and be not of the company of those who receive guidance."

57. Say: "For me, I [work] on a clear sign from my Lord, but ye reject Him. What ye would see hastened, is not in my power. The command rests with none but Allah: He declares the truth, and He is the best of judges."

58. Say: "If what ye would see hastened were in my power, the matter would be settled at once between you and me. But Allah knoweth best those who do wrong."

59. With Him are the keys of the unseen, the treasures that none knoweth but He. He knoweth whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf doth fall 60

but with His knowledge: there is not a grain in the darkness [or depths] of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry [green or withered], but is [inscribed] in a record clear [to those who can read].

60. It is He who doth take your souls by night, and hath knowledge of all that ye have done by day: by day doth He raise you up again; that a term appointed be fulfilled; In the end unto Him will be your return; then will He show you the truth of all that ye did.

61. He is the irresistible, [watching] from above over His worshippers, and He

sets guardians over you. At length, when death approaches one of you, Our angels take his soul, and they never fail in their duty.

62. Then are men returned unto Allah, their protector, the [only] reality: Is not His the command? and He is the swiftest in taking account.

63. Say: "Who is it that delivereth you from the dark recesses of land and sea, when ye call upon Him in humility and silent terror: 'If He only delivers us from these [dangers], [we vow] we shall truly show our gratitude'?"

64. Say "It is Allah that delivereth you from these and all [other] distresses: and yet ye worship false gods!"

65. Say: "He hath power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance - each from the other." See how We explain the signs by various [symbols]; that they may understand.

66. But thy people reject this, though it is the truth. Say: "Not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs;

67. For every message is a limit of time, and soon shall ye know it."

68. When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of those who do wrong.

69. On their account no responsibility falls on the righteous, but [their duty] is to remind them, that they may [learn to] fear Allah.

70. Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim [to them] this [truth]: that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts: it will find for itself no protector or intercessor except Allah: if it offered every ransom, [or reparation], none will be accepted: such is [the end of] those who deliver themselves to ruin by their own acts: they will have for drink [only] boiling water, and for punishment, one most grievous: for they persisted in rejecting Allah.

71. Say: "Shall we indeed call on others besides Allah,- things that can do us neither good nor harm,- and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from Allah? - like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling, come to us', [vainly] guiding him to the path." Say: "Allah's guidance is the [only] guidance, and we have been directed to submit ourselves to the Lord of the worlds;-

72. "To establish regular prayers and to fear Allah: for it is to Him that we shall be gathered together."

73. It is He who created the heavens and the earth in true [proportions]: the day He saith, "Be," behold! it is. His word is the truth. His will be the

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dominion the day the trumpet will be blown. He knoweth the unseen as well as that which is open. For He is the Wise, well acquainted [with all things].

74. Lo! Abraham said to his father Azar: "Takest thou idols for gods? For I see thee and thy people in manifest error."

75. So also did We show Abraham the power and the laws of the heavens and the earth, that he might [with understanding] have certitude.

76. When the night covered him over, He saw a star: He said: "This is my Lord." But when it set, He said: "I love not those that set."

77. When he saw the moon rising in splendour, he said: "This is my Lord." But when the moon set, He said: "unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go astray."

78. When he saw the sun rising in splendour, he said: "This is my Lord; this is the greatest [of all]." But when the sun set, he said: "O my people! I am indeed free from your [guilt] of giving partners to Allah.

79. "For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah."

80. His people disputed with him. He said: "[Come] ye to dispute with me, about Allah, when He [Himself] hath guided me? I fear not [the beings] ye associate with Allah: Unless my Lord willeth, [nothing can happen]. My Lord comprehendeth in His knowledge all things. Will ye not [yourselves] be admonished?

81. "How should I fear [the beings] ye associate with Allah, when ye fear not to give partners to Allah without any warrant having been given to you? Which of [us] two parties hath more right to security? [tell me] if ye know.

82. "It is those who believe and confuse not their beliefs with wrong - that are [truly] in security, for they are on [right] guidance."

83. That was the reasoning about Us, which We gave to Abraham [to use] against his people: We raise whom We will, degree after degree: for thy Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge.

84. We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all [three] guided: and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron: thus

do We reward those who do good:

85. And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Ellas: all In the ranks of the righteous:

86. And Isma'il and Elisha, and Jonas, and Lot: and to all We gave favour above the nations:

87. [To them] and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and we guided them to a straight way.

88. This is the guidance of Allah: He giveth that guidance to whom He pleaseth, of His worshippers. If they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them.

89. These were the men to whom We gave the Book, and authority, and prophethood: if these [their descendants] reject them, Behold! We shall entrust their charge to a new people who reject them not.

90. Those were the [prophets] who received Allah's guidance: Copy the guidance they received; Say: "No reward for this do I ask of you: This is no less than a message for the nations."

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91. No just estimate of Allah do they make when they say: "Nothing doth Allah send down to man [by way of revelation]" Say: "Who then sent down the Book which Moses brought?- a light and guidance to man: But ye make it into [separate] sheets for show, while ye conceal much [of its contents]: therein were ye taught that which ye knew not- neither ye nor your fathers." Say: "Allah [sent it down]": Then leave them to plunge in vain discourse and trifling.

92. And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming [the revelations] which came before it: that thou mayest warn the mother of cities and all around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this [Book], and they are constant in guarding their prayers.

93. Who can be more wicked than one who inventeth a lie against Allah, or saith, "I have received inspiration," when he hath received none, or [again] who saith, "I can reveal the like of what Allah hath revealed"? If thou couldst but see how the wicked [do fare] in the flood of confusion at death! - the angels stretch forth their hands, [saying],"Yield up your souls: this day shall ye receive your reward,- a penalty of shame, for that ye used to tell lies against Allah, and scornfully to reject of His signs!"

94. "And behold! ye come to us bare and alone as We created you for the first time: ye have left behind you all [the favours] which We bestowed on you: We see not with you your intercessors whom ye thought to be partners in your affairs: so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your [pet] fancies have left you in the lurch!"

95. It is Allah Who causeth the seed-grain and the date-stone to split and sprout. He causeth the living to issue from the dead, and He is the one to cause the dead to issue from the living. That is Allah: then how are ye deluded away from the truth?

96. He it is that cleaveth the day-break [from the dark]: He makes the night for rest and tranquillity, and the sun and moon for the reckoning [of time]: Such is the judgment and ordering of [Him], the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient.

97. It is He Who maketh the stars [as beacons] for you, that ye may guide yourselves, with their help, through the dark spaces of land and sea: We detail Our signs for people who know.

98. It is He Who hath produced you from a single person: here is a place of sojourn and a place of departure: We detail Our signs for people who understand.

99. It is He Who sendeth down rain from the skies: with it We produce vegetation of all kinds: from some We produce green [crops], out of which We produce grain, heaped up [at harvest]; out of the date-palm and its sheaths [or spathes] [come] clusters of dates hanging low and near: and [then there are] gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each similar [in kind] yet different [in variety]: when they begin to bear fruit, feast your eyes with the fruit and the ripeness thereof. Behold! in these things there are signs for people who believe.

100. Yet they make the Jinns equals with Allah, though Allah did create the Jinns; and they falsely, having no knowledge, attribute to Him sons and daughters. Praise and glory be to Him! [for He is] above what they attribute to Him!

101. To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: How can He have a son when He hath no consort? He created all things, and He hath full knowledge of all things.

102. That is Allah, your Lord! there is no god but He, the Creator of all things: then worship ye Him: and He hath power to dispose of all affairs. 63

103. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.

104. "Now have come to you, from your Lord, proofs [to open your eyes]: if any

will see, it will be for [the good of] his own soul; if any will be blind, it will be to his own [harm]: I am not [here] to watch over your doings."

105. Thus do we explain the signs by various [symbols]: that they may say, "Thou hast taught [us] diligently," and that We may make the matter clear to those who know.

106. Follow what thou art taught by inspiration from thy Lord: there is no god but He: and turn aside from those who join gods with Allah.

107. If it had been Allah's plan, they would not have taken false gods: but We made thee not one to watch over their doings, nor art thou set over them to dispose of their affairs.

108. Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did.

109. They swear their strongest oaths by Allah, that if a [special] sign came to them, by it they would believe. Say: "Certainly [all] signs are in the power of Allah: but what will make you [Muslims] realise that [even] if [special] signs came, they will not believe."?

110. We [too] shall turn to [confusion] their hearts and their eyes, even as they refused to believe in this in the first instance: We shall leave them in their trespasses, to wander in distraction.

111. Even if We did send unto them angels, and the dead did speak unto them, and We gathered together all things before their very eyes, they are not the ones to believe, unless it is in Allah's plan. But most of them ignore [the truth].

112. Likewise did We make for every Messenger an enemy,- evil ones among men and jinns, inspiring each other with flowery discourses by way of deception. If thy Lord had so planned, they would not have done it: so leave them and their inventions alone.

113. To such [deceit] let the hearts of those incline, who have no faith in the hereafter: let them delight in it, and let them earn from it what they may.

114. Say: "Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail." They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it hath been sent down from thy Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt.

115. The word of thy Lord doth find its fulfilment in truth and in justice: None can change His words: for He is the one who heareth and knoweth all.

116. Wert thou to follow the common run of those on earth, they will lead thee away from the way of Allah. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but lie.

117. Thy Lord knoweth best who strayeth from His way: He knoweth best who they are that receive His guidance.

118. So eat of [meats] on which Allah's name hath been pronounced, if ye have faith in His signs.

119. Why should ye not eat of [meats] on which Allah's name hath been pronounced, when He hath explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you -64

except under compulsion of necessity? But many do mislead [men] by their appetites unchecked by knowledge. Thy Lord knoweth best those who transgress.

120. Eschew all sin, open or secret: those who earn sin will get due recompense for their "earnings."

121. Eat not of [meats] on which Allah's name hath not been pronounced: That would be impiety. But the evil ones ever inspire their friends to contend with you if ye were to obey them, ye would indeed be Pagans.

122. Can he who was dead, to whom We gave life, and a light whereby he can walk amongst men, be like him who is in the depths of darkness, from which he can never come out? Thus to those without faith their own deeds seem pleasing.

123. Thus have We placed leaders in every town, its wicked men, to plot [and burrow] therein: but they only plot against their own souls, and they perceive it not.

124. When there comes to them a sign [from Allah], They say: "We shall not believe until we receive one [exactly] like those received by Allah's messengers." Allah knoweth best where [and how] to carry out His mission. Soon will the wicked be overtaken by humiliation before Allah, and a severe punishment, for all their plots.

125. Those whom Allah [in His plan] willeth to guide,- He openeth their breast to Islam; those whom He willeth to leave straying,- He maketh their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the skies: thus doth Allah [heap] the penalty on those who refuse to believe.

126. This is the way of thy Lord, leading straight: We have detailed the signs for those who receive admonition.

127. For them will be a home of peace in the presence of their Lord: He will be

their friend, because they practised [righteousness].

128. One day will He gather them all together, [and say]: "0 ye assembly of Jinns! Much [toll] did ye take of men." Their friends amongst men will say: "Our Lord! we made profit from each other: but [alas!] we reached our term - which thou didst appoint for us." He will say: "The Fire be your dwelling-place: you will dwell therein for ever, except as Allah willeth." for thy Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge.

129. Thus do we make the wrong-doers turn to each other, because of what they earn.

130. "O ye assembly of Jinns and men! came there not unto you messengers from amongst you, setting forth unto you My signs, and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say: "We bear witness against ourselves." It was the life of this world that deceived them. So against themselves will they bear witness that they rejected Faith.

131. [The messengers were sent] thus, for thy Lord would not destroy for their wrong-doing men's habitations whilst their occupants were unwarned.

132. To all are degrees [or ranks] according to their deeds: for thy Lord is not unmindful of anything that they do.

133. Thy Lord is self-sufficient, full of Mercy: if it were His will, He could destroy you, and in your place appoint whom He will as your successors, even as He raised you up from the posterity of other people.

134. All that hath been promised unto you will come to pass: nor can ye frustrate it [in the least bit].

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135. Say: "O my people! Do whatever ye can: I will do [my part]: soon will ye know who it is whose end will be [best] in the Hereafter: certain it is that the wrong-doers will not prosper."

136. Out of what Allah hath produced in abundance in tilth and in cattle, they assigned Him a share: they say, according to their fancies: "This is for Allah, and this" - for our "partners"! but the share of their" partners "reacheth not Allah, whilst the share of Allah reacheth their "partners"! evil [and unjust] is their assignment!

137. Even so, in the eyes of most of the pagans, their "partners" made alluring the slaughter of their children, in order to lead them to their own destruction, and cause confusion in their religion. If Allah had willed, they would not have done so: But leave alone them and their inventions.

138. And they say that such and such cattle and crops are taboo, and none should eat of them except those whom - so they say - We wish; further, there are cattle forbidden to yoke or burden, and cattle on which, [at slaughter], the name of Allah is not pronounced; - inventions against Allah's name: soon will He requite them for their inventions.

139. They say: "What is in the wombs of such and such cattle is specially reserved [for food] for our men, and forbidden to our women; but if it is stillborn, then all have share therein. For their [false] attribution [of

superstitions to Allah], He will soon punish them: for He is full of wisdom and knowledge.

140. Lost are those who slay their children, from folly, without knowledge, and forbid food which Allah hath provided for them, inventing [lies] against Allah. They have indeed gone astray and heeded no guidance.

141. It is He Who produceth gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar [in kind] and different [in variety]: eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for Allah loveth not the wasters.

142. Of the cattle are some for burden and some for meat: eat what Allah hath provided for you, and follow not the footsteps of Satan: for he is to you and avowed enemy.

143. [Take] eight [head of cattle] in [four] pairs: of sheep a pair, and of goats a pair; say, hath He forbidden the two males, or the two females, or [the young] which the wombs of the two females enclose? Tell me with knowledge if ye are truthful:

144. Of camels a pair, and oxen a pair; say, hath He forbidden the two males, or the two females, or [the young] which the wombs of the two females enclose? -Were ye present when Allah ordered you such a thing? But who doth more wrong than one who invents a lie against Allah, to lead astray men without knowledge? For Allah guideth not people who do wrong.

145. Say: "I find not in the message received by me by inspiration any [meat] forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be dead meat, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine,- for it is an abomination - or, what is impious, [meat] on which a name has been invoked, other than Allah's". But [even so], if a person is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor

transgressing due limits,- thy Lord is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

146. For those who followed the Jewish Law, We forbade every [animal] with undivided hoof, and We forbade them that fat of the ox and the sheep, except what adheres to their backs or their entrails, or is mixed up with a bone: this 66

in recompense for their wilful disobedience: for We are true [in Our ordinances].

147. If they accuse thee of falsehood, say: "Your Lord is full of mercy allembracing; but from people in guilt never will His wrath be turned back.

148. Those who give partners [to Allah] will say: "If Allah had wished, we should not have given partners to Him nor would our fathers; nor should we have had any taboos." So did their ancestors argue falsely, until they tasted of Our wrath. Say: "Have ye any [certain] knowledge? If so, produce it before us. Ye follow nothing but conjecture: ye do nothing but lie."

149. Say: "With Allah is the argument that reaches home: if it had been His will, He could indeed have guided you all."

150. Say: "Bring forward your witnesses to prove that Allah did forbid so and so." If they bring such witnesses, be not thou amongst them: Nor follow thou the vain desires of such as treat our signs as falsehoods, and such as believe not in the Hereafter: for they hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord.

151. Say: "Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath [really] prohibited you from": Join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want;- We provide sustenance for you and for them;- come not nigh to shameful deeds. Whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom.

152. And come not nigh to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he attain the age of full strength; give measure and weight with [full] justice;-no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear;- whenever ye speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned; and fulfil the covenant of Allah: thus doth He command you, that ye may remember.

153. Verily, this is My way, leading straight: follow it: follow not [other] paths: they will scatter you about from His [great] path: thus doth He command you. that ye may be righteous.

154. Moreover, We gave Moses the Book, completing [Our favour] to those who would do right, and explaining all things in detail,- and a guide and a mercy, that they might believe in the meeting with their Lord.

155. And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy:

156. Lest ye should say: "The Book was sent down to two Peoples before us, and for our part, we remained unacquainted with all that they learned by assiduous study:"

157. Or lest ye should say: "If the Book had only been sent down to us, we should have followed its guidance better than they." Now then hath come unto you a clear [sign] from your Lord,- and a guide and a mercy: then who could do more wrong than one who rejecteth Allah's signs, and turneth away therefrom? In good time shall We requite those who turn away from Our signs, with a dreadful penalty, for their turning away.

158. Are they waiting to see if the angels come to them, or thy Lord [Himself], or certain of the signs of thy Lord! the day that certain of the signs of thy Lord do come, no good will it do to a soul to believe in them then if it believed not before nor earned righteousness through its faith. Say: "Wait ye: we too are waiting."

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159. As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.

160. He that doeth good shall have ten times as much to his credit: He that doeth evil shall only be recompensed according to his evil: no wrong shall be done unto [any of] them.

161. Say: "Verily, my Lord hath guided me to a way that is straight,- a religion of right,- the path [trod] by Abraham the true in Faith, and he [certainly] joined not gods with Allah."

162. Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are [all] for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds:

163. No partner hath He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who bow to His will.

164. Say: "Shall I seek for [my] Cherisher other than Allah, when He is the Cherisher of all things [that exist]? Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is towards Allah: He will tell you the truth of

the things wherein ye disputed."

165. It is He Who hath made you [His] agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you: for thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

SURA 7. Araf, or The Heights

1. Alif, Lam, Mim, Sad.

2. A Book revealed unto thee,- So let thy heart be oppressed no more by any difficulty on that account,- that with it thou mightest warn [the erring] and teach the Believers].

3. Follow [0 men!] the revelation given unto you from your Lord, and follow not, as friends or protectors, other than Him. Little it is ye remember of admonition.

4. How many towns have We destroyed [for their sins]? Our punishment took them on a sudden by night or while they slept for their afternoon rest.

5. When [thus] Our punishment took them, no cry did they utter but this: "Indeed we did wrong."

6. Then shall we question those to whom Our message was sent and those by whom We sent it.

7. And verily, We shall recount their whole story with knowledge, for We were never absent [at any time or place].

8. The balance that day will be true [to nicety]: those whose scale [of good] will be heavy, will prosper:

9. Those whose scale will be light, will be their souls in perdition, for that they wrongfully treated Our signs.

10. It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you therein with means for the fulfilment of your life: small are the thanks that ye give!

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11. It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels prostrate to Adam, and they prostrate; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who prostrate.

12. [Allah] said: "What prevented thee from prostrating when I commanded thee?" He said: "I am better than he: Thou didst create me from fire, and him from clay."

13. [Allah] said: "Get thee down from this: it is not for thee to be arrogant here: get out, for thou art of the meanest [of creatures]."

14. He said: "Give me respite till the day they are raised up."

15. [Allah] said: "Be thou among those who have respite."

16. He said: "Because thou hast thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on thy straight way:

17. "Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: Nor wilt thou find, in most of them, gratitude [for thy mercies]."

18. [Allah] said: "Get out from this, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow thee,- Hell will I fill with you all.

19. "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and enjoy [its good things] as ye wish: but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression."

20. Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them [before]: he said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest ye should become angels or such beings as live for ever."

21. And he swore to them both, that he was their sincere adviser.

22. So by deceit he brought about their fall: when they tasted of the tree, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: "Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?"

23. They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost."

24. [Allah] said: "Get ye down. With enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood,- for a time."

25. He said: "Therein shall ye live, and therein shall ye die; but from it shall ye be taken out [at last]."

26. O ye Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness,-that is the best. Such are among the Signs of Allah, that they may receive admonition!

27. O ye Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you, in the same manner as He got your parents out of the Garden, stripping them of their raiment, to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where ye cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends [only] to those without faith.

28. When they do aught that is shameful, they say: "We found our fathers doing so"; and "Allah commanded us thus": Say: "Nay, Allah never commands what is shameful: do ye say of Allah what ye know not?"

29. Say: "My Lord hath commanded justice; and that ye set your whole selves [to Him] at every time and place of prayer, and call upon Him, making your devotion 69

sincere as in His sight: such as He created you in the beginning, so shall ye return."

30. Some He hath guided: Others have [by their choice] deserved the loss of their way; in that they took the evil ones, in preference to Allah, for their friends and protectors, and think that they receive guidance.

31. O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters.

32. Say: Who hath forbidden the beautiful [gifts] of Allah, which He hath produced for His servants, and the things, clean and pure, [which He hath provided] for sustenance? Say: They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, [and] purely for them on the Day of Judgment. Thus do We explain the signs in detail for those who understand.

33. Say: the things that my Lord hath indeed forbidden are: shameful deeds, whether open or secret; sins and trespasses against truth or reason; assigning of partners to Allah, for which He hath given no authority; and saying things about Allah of which ye have no knowledge.

34. To every people is a term appointed: when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor [an hour] can they advance [it in anticipation].

35. O ye Children of Adam! whenever there come to you messengers from amongst you, rehearsing My signs unto you,- those who are righteous and mend [their lives],- on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.

36. But those who reject Our signs and treat them with arrogance,- they are companions of the Fire, to dwell therein [for ever].

37. Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects His Signs? For such, their portion appointed must reach them from the Book [of decrees]: until, when our messengers [of death] arrive and take their souls, they say: "Where are the things that ye used to invoke besides Allah?" They will reply, "They have left us in the lurch," And they will bear witness against themselves, that they had rejected Allah.

38. He will say: "Enter ye in the company of the peoples who passed away before you - men and jinns, - into the Fire." Every time a new people enters, it curses its sister-people [that went before], until they follow each other, all into the Fire. Saith the last about the first: "Our Lord! it is these that misled us: so give them a double penalty in the Fire." He will say: "Doubled for all" : but this ye do not understand.

39. Then the first will say to the last: "See then! No advantage have ye over us; so taste ye of the penalty for all that ye did!"

40. To those who reject Our signs and treat them with arrogance, no opening will there be of the gates of heaven, nor will they enter the garden, until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle: Such is Our reward for those in sin.

41. For them there is Hell, as a couch [below] and folds and folds of covering above: such is Our requital of those who do wrong.

42. But those who believe and work righteousness,- no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear,- they will be Companions of the Garden, therein to dwell [for ever].

43. And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury;- beneath them will be rivers flowing;- and they shall say: "Praise be to Allah, who hath guided us to this [felicity]: never could we have found guidance, had it not

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been for the guidance of Allah: indeed it was the truth, that the messengers of our Lord brought unto us." And they shall hear the cry: "Behold! the garden before you! Ye have been made its inheritors, for your deeds [of righteousness]."

44. The Companions of the Garden will call out to the Companions of the Fire: "We have indeed found the promises of our Lord to us true: Have you also found Your Lord's promises true?" They shall say, "Yes"; but a crier shall proclaim between them: "The curse of Allah is on the wrong- doers;-

45. "Those who would hinder [men] from the path of Allah and would seek in it something crooked: they were those who denied the Hereafter."

46. Between them shall be a veil, and on the heights will be men who would know every one by his marks: they will call out to the Companions of the Garden, "peace on you": they will not have entered, but they will have an assurance [thereof].

47. When their eyes shall be turned towards the Companions of the Fire, they

will say: "Our Lord! send us not to the company of the wrong-doers."

48. The men on the heights will call to certain men whom they will know from their marks, saying: "Of what profit to you were your hoards and your arrogant ways?

49. "Behold! are these not the men whom you swore that Allah with His Mercy would never bless? Enter ye the Garden: no fear shall be on you, nor shall ye grieve."

50. The Companions of the Fire will call to the Companions of the Garden: "Pour down to us water or anything that Allah doth provide for your sustenance." They will say: "Both these things hath Allah forbidden to those who rejected Him."

51. "Such as took their religion to be mere amusement and play, and were deceived by the life of the world." That day shall We forget them as they forgot the meeting of this day of theirs, and as they were wont to reject Our signs.

52. For We had certainly sent unto them a Book, based on knowledge, which We explained in detail,- a guide and a mercy to all who believe.

53. Do they just wait for the final fulfilment of the event? On the day the event is finally fulfilled, those who disregarded it before will say: "The messengers of our Lord did indeed bring true [tidings]. Have we no intercessors now to intercede on our behalf? Or could we be sent back? then should we behave differently from our behaviour in the past." In fact they will have lost their souls, and the things they invented will leave them in the lurch.

54. Your Guardian-Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne [of authority]: He draweth the night as a veil o'er the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession: He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, [all] governed by laws under His command. Is it not His to create and to govern? Blessed be Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds!

55. Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds.

56. Do no mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing [in your hearts]: for the Mercy of Allah is [always] near to those who do good.

57. It is He Who sendeth the winds like heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy: when they have carried the heavy-laden clouds, We drive them to a 71

land that is dead, make rain to descend thereon, and produce every kind of harvest therewith: thus shall We raise up the dead: perchance ye may remember.

58. From the land that is clean and good, by the will of its Cherisher, springs up produce, [rich] after its kind: but from the land that is bad, springs up nothing but that which is niggardly: thus do we explain the signs by various [symbols] to those who are grateful.

59. We sent Noah to his people. He said: "O my people! worship Allah! ye have no other god but Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful day!

60. The leaders of his people said: "Ah! we see thee evidently wandering [in mind]."

61. He said: "O my people! No wandering is there in my [mind]: on the contrary I am a messenger from the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds!

62. "I but fulfil towards you the duties of my Lord's mission: Sincere is my advice to you, and I know from Allah something that ye know not.

63. "Do ye wonder that there hath come to you a message from your Lord, through a man of your own people, to warn you,- so that ye may fear Allah and haply receive His Mercy?"

64. But they rejected him, and We delivered him, and those with him, in the Ark: but We overwhelmed in the flood those who rejected Our signs. They were indeed a blind people!

65. To the 'Ad people, [We sent] Hud, one of their [own] brethren: He said: O my people! worship Allah! ye have no other god but Him will ye not fear [Allah]?"

66. The leaders of the Unbelievers among his people said: "Ah! we see thou art an imbecile!" and "We think thou art a liar!"

67. He said: "O my people! I am no imbecile, but [I am] a messenger from the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds!

68. "I but fulfil towards you the duties of my Lord's mission: I am to you a sincere and trustworthy adviser.

69. "Do ye wonder that there hath come to you a message from your Lord through a man of your own people, to warn you? call in remembrance that He made you inheritors after the people of Noah, and gave you a stature tall among the nations. Call in remembrance the benefits [ye have received] from Allah: that so ye may prosper."

70. They said: "Comest thou to us, that we may worship Allah alone, and give up the cult of our fathers? bring us what thou threatenest us with, if so be that thou tellest the truth!"

71. He said: "Punishment and wrath have already come upon you from your Lord: dispute ye with me over names which ye have devised - ye and your fathers,-without authority from Allah? then wait: I am amongst you, also waiting."

72. We saved him and those who adhered to him. By Our mercy, and We cut off the roots of those who rejected Our signs and did not believe.

73. To the Thamud people [We sent] Salih, one of their own brethren: He said: "0 my people! worship Allah: ye have no other god but Him. Now hath come unto you a clear [Sign] from your Lord! This she-camel of Allah is a Sign unto you: So leave her to graze in Allah's earth, and let her come to no harm, or ye shall be seized with a grievous punishment.

74. "And remember how He made you inheritors after the 'Ad people and gave you habitations in the land: ye build for yourselves palaces and castles in [open] 72

plains, and care out homes in the mountains; so bring to remembrance the benefits [ye have received] from Allah, and refrain from evil and mischief on the earth."

75. The leaders of the arrogant party among his people said to those who were reckoned powerless - those among them who believed: "know ye indeed that Salih is a messenger from his Lord?" They said: "We do indeed believe in the revelation which hath been sent through him."

76. The Arrogant party said: "For our part, we reject what ye believe in."

77. Then they ham-strung the she-camel, and insolently defied the order of their Lord, saying: "0 Salih! bring about thy threats, if thou art a messenger [of Allah]!"

78. So the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes in the morning!

79. So Salih left them, saying: "0 my people! I did indeed convey to you the message for which I was sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but ye love not good counsellors!"

80. We also [sent] Lut: He said to his people: "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation [ever] committed before you?

81. "For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women : ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds."

82. And his people gave no answer but this: they said, "Drive them out of your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!"

83. But we saved him and his family, except his wife: she was of those who legged behind.

84. And we rained down on them a shower [of brimstone]: Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime!

85. To the Madyan people We sent Shu'aib, one of their own brethren: he said: "O my people! worship Allah; Ye have no other god but Him. Now hath come unto you a clear [Sign] from your Lord! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due; and do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order: that will be best for you, if ye have Faith.

86. "And squat not on every road, breathing threats, hindering from the path of Allah those who believe in Him, and seeking in it something crooked; But remember how ye were little, and He gave you increase. And hold in your mind's eye what was the end of those who did mischief.

87. "And if there is a party among you who believes in the message with which I have been sent, and a party which does not believe, hold yourselves in patience until Allah doth decide between us: for He is the best to decide.

88. The leaders, the arrogant party among his people, said: "O Shu'aib! we shall certainly drive thee out of our city - [thee] and those who believe with thee; or else ye [thou and they] shall have to return to our ways and religion." He said: "What! even though we do detest [them]?

89. "We should indeed invent a lie against Allah, if we returned to your ways after Allah hath rescued us therefrom; nor could we by any manner of means return thereto unless it be as in the will and plan of Allah, Our Lord. Our Lord can reach out to the utmost recesses of things by His knowledge. In the Allah is our trust, our Lord! decide Thou between us and our people in truth, for Thou art the best to decide."

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90. The leaders, the unbelievers among his people, said: "If ye follow Shu'aib, be sure then ye are ruined!"

91. But the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the morning!

92. The men who reject Shu'aib became as if they had never been in the homes where they had flourished: the men who rejected Shu'aib - it was they who were ruined!

93. So Shu'aib left them, saying: "O my people! I did indeed convey to you the messages for which I was sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but how shall

94. Whenever We sent a prophet to a town, We took up its people in suffering and adversity, in order that they might learn humility.

95. Then We changed their suffering into prosperity, until they grew and multiplied, and began to say: "Our fathers [too] were touched by suffering and affluence" ... Behold! We called them to account of a sudden, while they realised not [their peril].

96. If the people of the towns had but believed and feared Allah, We should indeed have opened out to them [All kinds of] blessings from heaven and earth; but they rejected [the truth], and We brought them to book for their misdeeds.

97. Did the people of the towns feel secure against the coming of Our wrath by night while they were asleep?

98. Or else did they feel secure against its coming in broad daylight while they played about [care-free]?

99. Did they then feel secure against the plan of Allah?- but no one can feel secure from the Plan of Allah, except those [doomed] to ruin!

100. To those who inherit the earth in succession to its [previous] possessors, is it not a guiding, [lesson] that, if We so willed, We could punish them [too] for their sins, and seal up their hearts so that they could not hear?

101. Such were the towns whose story We [thus] relate unto thee: There came indeed to them their messengers with clear [signs]: But they would not believe what they had rejected before. Thus doth Allah seal up the hearts of those who reject faith.

102. Most of them We found not men [true] to their covenant: but most of them We found rebellious and disobedient.

103. Then after them We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they wrongfully rejected them: So see what was the end of those who made mischief.

104. Moses said: "O Pharaoh! I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds,-

105. One for whom it is right to say nothing but truth about Allah. Now have I come unto you [people], from your Lord, with a clear [Sign]: So let the Children of Israel depart along with me."

106. [Pharaoh] said: "If indeed thou hast come with a Sign, show it forth,- if thou tellest the truth."

107. Then [Moses] threw his rod, and behold! it was a serpent, plain [for all to see] !

108. And he drew out his hand, and behold! it was white to all beholders! 74

109. Said the Chiefs of the people of Pharaoh: "This is indeed a sorcerer wellversed.

110. "His plan is to get you out of your land: then what is it ye counsel?"

111. They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense [for a while]; and send to the cities men to collect-

112. And bring up to thee all [our] sorcerers well-versed."

113. So there came the sorcerers to Pharaoh: They said, "of course we shall have a [suitable] reward if we win!"

114. He said: "Yea, [and more],- for ye shall in that case be [raised to posts] nearest [to my person]."

115. They said: "O Moses! wilt thou throw [first], or shall we have the [first] throw?"

116. Said Moses: "Throw ye [first]." So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them: for they showed a great [feat of] magic.

117. We put it into Moses's mind by inspiration: "Throw [now] thy rod": and behold! it swallows up straight away all the falsehoods which they fake!

118. Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect.

119. So the [great ones] were vanquished there and then, and were made to look small.

120. But the sorcerers fell down prostrate in adoration.

121. Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds,-

122. "The Lord of Moses and Aaron."

123. Said Pharaoh: "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? Surely this is a trick which ye have planned in the city to drive out its people: but soon shall ye know [the consequences].

124. "Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on apposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross."

125. They said: "For us, We are but sent back unto our Lord:

126. "But thou dost wreak thy vengeance on us simply because we believed in the Signs of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls unto thee as Muslims [who bow to thy will]!

127. Said the chiefs of Pharaoh's people: "Wilt thou leave Moses and his people, to spread mischief in the land, and to abandon thee and thy gods?" He said:

"Their male children will we slay; [only] their females will we save alive; and we have over them [power] irresistible."

128. Said Moses to his people: "Pray for help from Allah, and [wait] in patience and constancy: for the earth is Allah's, to give as a heritage to such of His servants as He pleaseth; and the end is [best] for the righteous.

129. They said: "We have had [nothing but] trouble, both before and after thou earnest to us." He said: "It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy and make you inheritors in the earth; that so He may try you by your deeds."

130. We punished the people of Pharaoh with years [of droughts] and shortness of crops; that they might receive admonition.

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131. But when good [times] came, they said, "This is due to us;" When gripped by calamity, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Moses and those with him! Behold! in truth the omens of evil are theirs in Allah's sight, but most of them do not understand!

132. They said [to Moses]: "Whatever be the Signs thou bringest, to work therewith thy sorcery on us, we shall never believe in thee.

133. So We sent [plagues] on them: Wholesale death, Locusts, Lice, Frogs, And Blood: Signs openly self-explained: but they were steeped in arrogance,- a people given to sin.

134. Every time the penalty fell on them, they said: "O Moses! on your behalf call on thy Lord in virtue of his promise to thee: If thou wilt remove the penalty from us, we shall truly believe in thee, and we shall send away the Children of Israel with thee."

135. But every time We removed the penalty from them according to a fixed term which they had to fulfil,- Behold! they broke their word!

136. So We exacted retribution from them: We drowned them in the sea, because they rejected Our Signs and failed to take warning from them.

137. And We made a people, considered weak [and of no account], inheritors of lands in both east and west, - lands whereon We sent down Our blessings. The fair promise of thy Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because they had patience and constancy, and We levelled to the ground the great works and fine buildings which Pharaoh and his people erected [with such pride].

138. We took the Children of Israel [with safety] across the sea. They came upon a people devoted entirely to some idols they had. They said: "O Moses! fashion for us a god like unto the gods they have." He said: "Surely ye are a people without knowledge.

139. "As to these folk,- the cult they are in is [but] a fragment of a ruin, and vain is the [worship] which they practise."

140. He said: "Shall I seek for you a god other than the [true] Allah, when it is Allah Who hath endowed you with gifts above the nations?"

141. And remember We rescued you from Pharaoh's people, who afflicted you with the worst of penalties, who slew your male children and saved alive your females: in that was a momentous trial from your Lord.

142. We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and completed [the period] with ten [more]: thus was completed the term [of communion] with his Lord, forty nights. And Moses had charged his brother Aaron [before he went up]: "Act for me amongst my people: Do right, and follow not the way of those who do mischief."

143. When Moses came to the place appointed by Us, and his Lord addressed him, He said: "O my Lord! show [Thyself] to me, that I may look upon thee." Allah said: "By no means canst thou see Me [direct]; But look upon the mount; if it abide in its place, then shalt thou see Me." When his Lord manifested His glory on the Mount, He made it as dust. And Moses fell down in a swoon. When he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to Thee! to Thee I turn in repentance, and I am the first to believe."

144. [Allah] said: "O Moses! I have chosen thee above [other] men, by the mission I [have given thee] and the words I [have spoken to thee]: take then the [revelation] which I give thee, and be of those who give thanks."

145. And We ordained laws for him in the tablets in all matters, both commanding and explaining all things, [and said]: "Take and hold these with firmness, and 76

enjoin thy people to hold fast by the best in the precepts: soon shall I show you the homes of the wicked,- [How they lie desolate]."

146. Those who behave arrogantly on the earth in defiance of right - them will I turn away from My signs: Even if they see all the signs, they will not believe in them; and if they see the way of right conduct, they will not adopt it as the way; but if they see the way of error, that is the way they will adopt. For they have rejected our signs, and failed to take warning from them.

147. Those who reject Our signs and the meeting in the Hereafter,- vain are their deeds: Can they expect to be rewarded except as they have wrought?

148. The people of Moses made, in his absence, out of their ornaments, the image

of calf, [for worship]: it seemed to low: did they not see that it could neither speak to them, nor show them the way? They took it for worship and they did wrong.

149. When they repented, and saw that they had erred, they said: "If our Lord have not mercy upon us and forgive us, we shall indeed be of those who perish."

150. When Moses came back to his people, angry and grieved, he said: "Evil it is that ye have done in my place in my absence: did ye make haste to bring on the judgment of your Lord?" He put down the tablets, seized his brother by [the hair of] his head, and dragged him to him. Aaron said: "Son of my mother! the people did indeed reckon me as naught, and went near to slaying me! Make not the enemies rejoice over my misfortune, nor count thou me amongst the people of

sin. "

151. Moses prayed: "O my Lord! forgive me and my brother! admit us to Thy mercy! for Thou art the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!"

152. Those who took the calf [for worship] will indeed be overwhelmed with wrath from their Lord, and with shame in this life: thus do We recompense those who invent [falsehoods].

153. But those who do wrong but repent thereafter and [truly] believe,- verily thy Lord is thereafter Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

154. When the anger of Moses was appeased, he took up the tablets: in the writing thereon was guidance and Mercy for such as fear their Lord.

155. And Moses chose seventy of his people for Our place of meeting: when they were seized with violent quaking, he prayed: "O my Lord! if it had been Thy will Thou couldst have destroyed, long before, both them and me: wouldst Thou destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? this is no more than Thy trial: by it Thou causest whom Thou wilt to stray, and Thou leadest whom Thou wilt into the right path. Thou art our Protector: so forgive us and give us Thy mercy; for Thou art the best of those who forgive.

156. "And ordain for us that which is good, in this life and in the Hereafter: for we have turned unto Thee." He said: "With My punishment I visit whom I will; but My mercy extendeth to all things. That [mercy] I shall ordain for those who do right, and practise regular charity, and those who believe in Our signs;-

157. "Those who follow the messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own [scriptures],- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good [and pure] and prohibits them from what is bad [and impure]; He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper."

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158. Say: "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that [so] ye may be guided."

159. Of the people of Moses there is a section who guide and do justice in the light of truth.

160. We divided them into twelve tribes or nations. We directed Moses by inspiration, when his [thirsty] people asked him for water: "Strike the rock with thy staff": out of it there gushed forth twelve springs: Each group knew its own place for water. We gave them the shade of clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails, [saying]: "Eat of the good things We have provided for you": [but they rebelled]; to Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls.

161. And remember it was said to them: "Dwell in this town and eat therein as ye wish, but say the word of humility and enter the gate in a posture of humility: We shall forgive you your faults; We shall increase [the portion of] those who do good."

162. But the transgressors among them changed the word from that which had been given them so we sent on them a plague from heaven. For that they repeatedly transgressed.

163. Ask them concerning the town standing close by the sea. Behold! they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath. For on the day of their Sabbath their fish did come to them, openly holding up their heads, but on the day they had no Sabbath, they came not: thus did We make a trial of them, for they were given to transgression.

164. When some of them said: "Why do ye preach to a people whom Allah will destroy or visit with a terrible punishment?"- said the preachers:" To discharge our duty to your Lord, and perchance they may fear Him."

165. When they disregarded the warnings that had been given them, We rescued those who forbade Evil; but We visited the wrong-doers with a grievous punishment because they were given to transgression.

166. When in their insolence they transgressed [all] prohibitions, We said to them: "Be ye apes, despised and rejected."

167. Behold! thy Lord did declare that He would send against them, to the Day of Judgment, those who would afflict them with grievous penalty. Thy Lord is quick in retribution, but He is also Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

168. We broke them up into sections on this earth. There are among them some that are the righteous, and some that are the opposite. We have tried them with both prosperity and adversity: In order that they might turn [to us].

169. After them succeeded an [evil] generation: They inherited the Book, but they chose [for themselves] the vanities of this world, saying [for excuse]:

"[Everything] will be forgiven us." [Even so], if similar vanities came their way, they would [again] seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not ascribe to Allah anything but the truth? and they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the home in the Hereafter. Will ye not understand?

170. As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular prayer,- never shall We suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.

171. When We shook the Mount over them, as if it had been a canopy, and they thought it was going to fall on them [We said]: "Hold firmly to what We have 78

given you, and bring [ever] to remembrance what is therein; perchance ye may fear Allah."

172. When thy Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam - from their loins -their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, [saying]: "Am I not your Lord [who cherishes and sustains you]?"- They said: "Yea! We do testify!" [This], lest ye should say on the Day of Judgment: "Of this we were never mindful":

173. Or lest ye should say: "Our fathers before us may have taken false gods, but we are [their] descendants after them: wilt Thou then destroy us because of the deeds of men who were futile?"

174. Thus do We explain the signs in detail; and perchance they may turn [unto Us] .

175. Relate to them the story of the man to whom We sent Our signs, but he passed them by: so Satan followed him up, and he went astray.

176. If it had been Our will, We should have elevated him with Our signs; but he inclined to the earth, and followed his own vain desires. His similitude is that of a dog: if you attack him, he lolls out his tongue, or if you leave him alone, he [still] lolls out his tongue. That is the similitude of those who reject Our signs; So relate the story; perchance they may reflect.

177. Evil as an example are people who reject Our signs and wrong their own souls.

178. Whom Allah doth guide,- he is on the right path: whom He rejects from His guidance,- such are the persons who perish.

179. Many are the Jinns and men we have made for Hell: They have hearts wherewith they understand not, eyes wherewith they see not, and ears wherewith they hear not. They are like cattle,- nay more misguided: for they are heedless [of warning].

180. The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call on him by them; but shun such men as use profanity in his names: for what they do, they will soon be requited.

181. Of those We have created are people who direct [others] with truth. And dispense justice therewith.

182. Those who reject Our signs, We shall gradually visit with punishment, in ways they perceive not;

183. Respite will I grant unto them: for My scheme is strong [and unfailing].

184. Do they not reflect? Their companion is not seized with madness: he is but a perspicuous warner.

185. Do they see nothing in the government of the heavens and the earth and all that Allah hath created? [Do they not see] that it may well be that their terms is nigh drawing to an end? In what message after this will they then believe?

186. To such as Allah rejects from His guidance, there can be no guide: He will leave them in their trespasses, wandering in distraction.

187. They ask thee about the [final] Hour - when will be its appointed time? Say: "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord [alone]: None but He can reveal as to when it will occur. Heavy were its burden through the heavens and the earth. Only, all of a sudden will it come to you." They ask thee as if thou Wert eager in search thereof: Say: "The knowledge thereof is with Allah [alone], but most men know not."

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188. Say: "I have no power over any good or harm to myself except as Allah willeth. If I had knowledge of the unseen, I should have multiplied all good,

and no evil should have touched me: I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings to those who have faith."

189. It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her [in love]. When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about [unnoticed]. When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah their Lord, [saying]: "If Thou givest us a goodly child, we vow we shall [ever] be grateful."

190. But when He giveth them a goodly child, they ascribe to others a share in the gift they have received: but Allah is exalted high above the partners they ascribe to Him.

191. Do they indeed ascribe to Him as partners things that can create nothing, but are themselves created?

192. No aid can they give them, nor can they aid themselves!

193. If ye call them to guidance, they will not obey: For you it is the same whether ye call them or ye hold your peace!

194. Verily those whom ye call upon besides Allah are servants like unto you: Call upon them, and let them listen to your prayer, if ye are [indeed] truthful!

195. Have they feet to walk with? Or hands to lay hold with? Or eyes to see with? Or ears to hear with? Say: "Call your 'god-partners', scheme [your worst] against me, and give me no respite!

196. "For my Protector is Allah, Who revealed the Book [from time to time], and He will choose and befriend the righteous.

197. "But those ye call upon besides Him, are unable to help you, and indeed to help themselves."

198. If thou callest them to guidance, they hear not. Thou wilt see them looking at thee, but they see not.

199. Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; But turn away from the ignorant.

200. If a suggestion from Satan assail thy [mind], seek refuge with Allah; for He heareth and knoweth [all things].

201. Those who fear Allah, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring Allah to remembrance, when lo! they see [aright]!

202. But their brethren [the evil ones] plunge them deeper into error, and never relax [their efforts].

203. If thou bring them not a revelation, they say: "Why hast thou not got it together?" Say: "I but follow what is revealed to me from my Lord: this is [nothing but] lights from your Lord, and Guidance, and mercy, for any who have faith."

204. When the Qur'an is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that ye may receive Mercy.

205. And do thou [O reader!] Bring thy Lord to remembrance in thy [very] soul, with humility and in reverence, without loudness in words, in the mornings and evenings; and be not thou of those who are unheedful.

206. Those who are near to thy Lord, disdain not to do Him worship: They celebrate His praises, and prostrate before Him.

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SURA 8. Anfal, or the Spoils of War

1. They ask thee concerning [things taken as] spoils of war. Say: "[such] spoils are at the disposal of Allah and the Messenger: So fear Allah, and keep straight the relations between yourselves: Obey Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe."

2. For, Believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put [all] their trust in their Lord;

3. Who establish regular prayers and spend [freely] out of the gifts We have given them for sustenance:

4. Such in truth are the believers: they have grades of dignity with their Lord, and forgiveness, and generous sustenance:

5. Just as thy Lord ordered thee out of thy house in truth, even though a party among the Believers disliked it,

6. Disputing with thee concerning the truth after it was made manifest, as if they were being driven to death and they [actually] saw it.

7. Behold! Allah promised you one of the two [enemy] parties, that it should be yours: Ye wished that the one unarmed should be yours, but Allah willed to justify the Truth according to His words and to cut off the roots of the Unbelievers;-

8. That He might justify Truth and prove Falsehood false, distasteful though it be to those in guilt.

9. Remember ye implored the assistance of your Lord, and He answered you: "I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, ranks on ranks."

10. Allah made it but a message of hope, and an assurance to your hearts: [in

any case] there is no help except from Allah: and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

11. Remember He covered you with a sort of drowsiness, to give you calm as from Himself, and he caused rain to descend on you from heaven, to clean you therewith, to remove from you the stain of Satan, to strengthen your hearts, and to plant your feet firmly therewith.

12. Remember thy Lord inspired the angels [with the message]: "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them."

13. This because they contended against Allah and His Messenger: If any contend against Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment.

14. Thus [will it be said]: "Taste ye then of the [punishment]: for those who resist Allah, is the penalty of the Fire."

15. 0 ye who believe! when ye meet the Unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them.

16. If any do turn his back to them on such a day - unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop [of his own]- he draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell,- an evil refuge [indeed]!

17. It is not ye who slew them; it was Allah: when thou threwest [a handful of dust], it was not thy act, but Allah's: in order that He might test the

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Believers by a gracious trial from Himself: for Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth [all things].

18. That, and also because Allah is He Who makes feeble the plans and stratagem of the Unbelievers.

19. [0 Unbelievers!] if ye prayed for victory and judgment, now hath the judgment come to you: if ye desist [from wrong], it will be best for you: if ye return [to the attack], so shall We. Not the least good will your forces be to you even if they were multiplied: for verily Allah is with those who believe!

20. O ye who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him when ye hear [him speak].

21. Nor be like those who say, "We hear," but listen not:

22. For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are the deaf and the dumb,-those who understand not.

23. If Allah had found in them any good. He would indeed have made them listen: [As it is], if He had made them listen, they would but have turned back and declined [Faith].

24. 0 ye who believe! give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that which will give you life; and know that Allah cometh in between a man and his heart, and that it is He to Whom ye shall [all] be gathered.

25. And fear tumult or oppression, which affecteth not in particular [only] those of you who do wrong: and know that Allah is strict in punishment.

26. Call to mind when ye were a small [band], despised through the land, and afraid that men might despoil and kidnap you; But He provided a safe asylum for you, strengthened you with His aid, and gave you Good things for sustenance: that ye might be grateful.

27. O ye that believe! betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger, nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you.

28. And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with Whom lies your highest reward.

29. O ye who believe! if ye fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion [to judge between right and wrong], remove from you [all] evil [that may afflict] you, and forgive you: for Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded.

30. Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, or get thee out [of thy home]. They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah.

31. When Our Signs are rehearsed to them, they say: "We have heard this [before]: if we wished, we could say [words] like these: these are nothing but tales of the ancients."

32. Remember how they said: "O Allah if this is indeed the Truth from Thee, rain down on us a shower of stones form the sky, or send us a grievous penalty."

33. But Allah was not going to send them a penalty whilst thou wast amongst them; nor was He going to send it whilst they could ask for pardon.

34. But what plea have they that Allah should not punish them, when they keep out [men] from the sacred Mosque - and they are not its guardians? No men can be its guardians except the righteous; but most of them do not understand.

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35. Their prayer at the House [of Allah] is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands: [Its only answer can be], "Taste ye the penalty because ye

blasphemed."

36. The Unbelievers spend their wealth to hinder [man] from the path of Allah, and so will they continue to spend; but in the end they will have [only] regrets and sighs; at length they will be overcome: and the Unbelievers will be gathered together to Hell;-

37. In order that Allah may separate the impure from the pure, put the impure, one on another, heap them together, and cast them into Hell. They will be the ones to have lost.

38. Say to the Unbelievers, if [now] they desist [from Unbelief], their past would be forgiven them; but if they persist, the punishment of those before them is already [a matter of warning for them].

39. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do.

40. If they refuse, be sure that Allah is your Protector - the best to protect and the best to help.

41. And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire [in war], a fifth share is assigned to Allah,- and to the Messenger, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in Allah and in the revelation We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing,- the Day of the meeting of the two forces. For Allah hath power over all things.

42. Remember ye were on the hither side of the valley, and they on the farther side, and the caravan on lower ground than ye. Even if ye had made a mutual appointment to meet, ye would certainly have failed in the appointment: But [thus ye met], that Allah might accomplish a matter already enacted; that those who died might die after a clear Sign [had been given], and those who lived might live after a Clear Sign [had been given]. And verily Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth [all things].

43. Remember in thy dream Allah showed them to thee as few: if He had shown them to thee as many, ye would surely have been discouraged, and ye would surely have disputed in [your] decision; but Allah saved [you]: for He knoweth well the [secrets] of [all] hearts.

44. And remember when ye met, He showed them to you as few in your eyes, and He made you appear as contemptible in their eyes: that Allah might accomplish a matter already enacted. For to Allah do all questions go back [for decision].

45. O ye who believe! When ye meet a force, be firm, and call Allah in remembrance much [and often]; that ye may prosper:

46. And obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: For Allah is with those who patiently persevere:

47. And be not like those who started from their homes insolently and to be seen of men, and to hinder [men] from the path of Allah: For Allah compasseth round about all that they do.

48. Remember Satan made their [sinful] acts seem alluring to them, and said: "No one among men can overcome you this day, while I am near to you": But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he turned on his heels, and said: "Lo! I am clear of you; lo! I see what ye see not; Lo! I fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment."

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49. Lo! the hypocrites say, and those in whose hearts is a disease: "These people,- their religion has misled them." But if any trust in Allah, behold! Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.

50. If thou couldst see, when the angels take the souls of the Unbelievers [at death], [How] they smite their faces and their backs, [saying]: "Taste the penalty of the blazing Fire-

51. "Because of [the deeds] which your [own] hands sent forth; for Allah is never unjust to His servants:

52. "[Deeds] after the manner of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them: They rejected the Signs of Allah, and Allah punished them for their crimes: for Allah is Strong, and Strict in punishment:

53. "Because Allah will never change the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their [own] souls: and verily Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth [all things]."

54. [Deeds] after the manner of the people of Pharaoh and those before them": They treated as false the Signs of their Lord: so We destroyed them for their crimes, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh: for they were all oppressors and wrong-doers.

55. For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are those who reject Him: They will not believe.

56. They are those with whom thou didst make a covenant, but they break their covenant every time, and they have not the fear [of Allah].

57. If ye gain the mastery over them in war, disperse, with them, those who follow them, that they may remember.

58. If thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back [their covenant] to them, [so as to be] on equal terms: for Allah loveth not the treacherous.

59. Let not the unbelievers think that they can get the better [of the godly]: they will never frustrate [them].

60. Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into [the hearts of] the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly.

61. But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou [also] incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is One that heareth and knoweth [all things].

62. Should they intend to deceive thee,- verily Allah sufficeth thee: He it is That hath strengthened thee with His aid and with [the company of] the Believers;

63. And [moreover] He hath put affection between their hearts: not if thou hadst spent all that is in the earth, couldst thou have produced that affection, but Allah hath done it: for He is Exalted in might, Wise.

64. O Prophet! sufficient unto thee is Allah,- [unto thee] and unto those who follow thee among the Believers.

65. O Prophet! rouse the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding.

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66. For the present, Allah hath lightened your [task], for He knoweth that there is a weak spot in you: But [even so], if there are a hundred of you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred, and if a thousand, they will vanquish two thousand, with the leave of Allah: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.

67. It is not fitting for a prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he hath thoroughly subdued the land. Ye look for the temporal goods of this world; but Allah looketh to the Hereafter: And Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.

68. Had it not been for a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe penalty would have reached you for the [ransom] that ye took.

69. But [now] enjoy what ye took in war, lawful and good: but fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

70. O Prophet! say to those who are captives in your hands: "If Allah findeth any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you: for Allah is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful."

71. But if they have treacherous designs against thee, [O Messenger!], they have already been in treason against Allah, and so hath He given [thee] power over them. And Allah so He Who hath [full] knowledge and wisdom.

72. Those who believed, and adopted exile, and fought for the Faith, with their property and their persons, in the cause of Allah, as well as those who gave [them] asylum and aid,- these are [all] friends and protectors, one of another. As to those who believed but came not into exile, ye owe no duty of protection to them until they come into exile; but if they seek your aid in religion, it is your duty to help them, except against a people with whom ye have a treaty of mutual alliance. And [remember] Allah seeth all that ye do.

73. The Unbelievers are protectors, one of another: Unless ye do this, [protect each other], there would be tumult and oppression on earth, and great mischief.

74. Those who believe, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith, in the cause of Allah as well as those who give [them] asylum and aid,- these are [all] in very truth the Believers: for them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous.

75. And those who accept Faith subsequently, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith in your company,- they are of you. But kindred by blood have prior rights against each other in the Book of Allah. Verily Allah is well-acquainted with all things.

SURA 9. Tauba (Repentance) or Baraat (Immunity)

1. A [declaration] of immunity from Allah and His Messenger, to those of the Pagans with whom ye have contracted mutual alliances:-

2. Go ye, then, for four months, backwards and forwards, [as ye will], throughout the land, but know ye that ye cannot frustrate Allah [by your falsehood] but that Allah will cover with shame those who reject Him.

3. And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger, to the people [assembled] on the day of the Great Pilgrimage,- that Allah and His Messenger dissolve [treaty] obligations with the Pagans. If then, ye repent, it were best for you;

but if ye turn away, know ye that ye cannot frustrate Allah. And proclaim a

grievous penalty to those who reject Faith.

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4. [But the treaties are] not dissolved with those Pagans with whom ye have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor aided any one against you. So fulfil your engagements with them to the end of their term: for Allah loveth the righteous.

5. But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem [of war]; but if they repent, and establish regular prayers

and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oftforgiving, Most Merciful.

6. If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.

7. How can there be a league, before Allah and His Messenger, with the Pagans, except those with whom ye made a treaty near the sacred Mosque? As long as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them: for Allah doth love the righteous.

8. How [can there be such a league], seeing that if they get an advantage over you, they respect not in you the ties either of kinship or of covenant? With [fair words from] their mouths they entice you, but their hearts are averse from you; and most of them are rebellious and wicked.

9. The Signs of Allah have they sold for a miserable price, and [many] have they hindered from His way: evil indeed are the deeds they have done.

10. In a Believer they respect not the ties either of kinship or of covenant! It is they who have transgressed all bounds.

11. But [even so], if they repent, establish regular prayers, and practise regular charity,- they are your brethren in Faith: [thus] do We explain the Signs in detail, for those who understand.

12. But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith,- fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may be restrained.

13. Will ye not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel the Messenger, and took the aggressive by being the first [to assault] you? Do ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah Whom ye should more justly fear, if ye believe!

14. Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you [to victory] over them, heal the breasts of Believers,

15. And still the indignation of their hearts. For Allah will turn [in mercy] to whom He will; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

16. Or think ye that ye shall be abandoned, as though Allah did not know those among you who strive with might and main, and take none for friends and protectors except Allah, His Messenger, and the [community of] Believers? But Allah is well-acquainted with [all] that ye do.

17. It is not for such as join gods with Allah, to visit or maintain the mosques of Allah while they witness against their own souls to infidelity. The works of such bear no fruit: In Fire shall they dwell.

18. The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, and practise regular charity, and fear none [at all] except Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.

19. Do ye make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the Sacred Mosque, equal to [the pious service of] those who believe in Allah and the Last 86

Day, and strive with might and main in the cause of Allah? They are not comparable in the sight of Allah: and Allah guides not those who do wrong.

20. Those who believe, and suffer exile and strive with might and main, in Allah's cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah: they are the people who will achieve [salvation].

21. Their Lord doth give them glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of gardens for them, wherein are delights that endure:

22. They will dwell therein for ever. Verily in Allah's presence is a reward, the greatest [of all].

23. O ye who believe! take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, they do wrong.

24. Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight - are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause;- then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious.

25. Assuredly Allah did help you in many battle-fields and on the day of Hunain: Behold! your great numbers elated you, but they availed you naught: the land,

for all that it is wide, did constrain you, and ye turned back in retreat.

26. But Allah did pour His calm on the Messenger and on the Believers, and sent down forces which ye saw not: He punished the Unbelievers; thus doth He reward those without Faith.

27. Again will Allah, after this, turn [in mercy] to whom He will: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

28. 0 ye who believe! Truly the Pagans are unclean; so let them not, after this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque. And if ye fear poverty, soon will Allah enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, for Allah is All-knowing, Allwise.

29. Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, [even if they are] of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.

30. The Jews call 'Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; [in this] they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth!

31. They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of Allah, and [they take as their Lord] Christ the son of Mary; yet they were commanded to worship but One Allah: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him: [Far is He] from having the partners they associate [with Him].

32. Fain would they extinguish Allah's light with their mouths, but Allah will not allow but that His light should be perfected, even though the Unbelievers may detest [it] .

33. It is He Who hath sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest [it].

34. O ye who believe! there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in Falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder [them] from the way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah: announce unto them a most grievous penalty87

35. On the Day when heat will be produced out of that [wealth] in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, their flanks, and their backs.- "This is the [treasure] which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the [treasures] ye buried!"

36. The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve [in a year]- so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein, and fight the Pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.

37. Verily the transposing [of a prohibited month] is an addition to Unbelief: the Unbelievers are led to wrong thereby: for they make it lawful one year, and forbidden another year, in order to adjust the number of months forbidden by Allah and make such forbidden ones lawful. The evil of their course seems pleasing to them. But Allah guideth not those who reject Faith.

38. O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that, when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter.

39. Unless ye go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and put others in your place; but Him ye would not harm in the least. For Allah hath power over all things.

40. If ye help not [your leader], [it is no matter]: for Allah did indeed help him, when the Unbelievers drove him out: he had no more than one companion; they two were in the cave, and he said to his companion, "Have no fear, for Allah is with us": then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which ye saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the word of Allah is exalted to the heights: for Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.

41. Go ye forth, [whether equipped] lightly or heavily, and strive and struggle, with your goods and your persons, in the cause of Allah. That is best for you, if ye [but] knew.

42. If there had been immediate gain [in sight], and the journey easy, they would [all] without doubt have followed thee, but the distance was long, [and weighed] on them. They would indeed swear by Allah, "If we only could, we should certainly have come out with you": They would destroy their own souls; for Allah doth know that they are certainly lying.

43. Allah give thee grace! why didst thou grant them until those who told the truth were seen by thee in a clear light, and thou hadst proved the liars?

44. Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask thee for no exemption from fighting with their goods and persons. And Allah knoweth well those who do their duty.

45. Only those ask thee for exemption who believe not in Allah and the Last Day, and whose hearts are in doubt, so that they are tossed in their doubts to and fro.

46. If they had intended to come out, they would certainly have made some preparation therefor; but Allah was averse to their being sent forth; so He made them lag behind, and they were told, "Sit ye among those who sit [inactive]."

47. If they had come out with you, they would not have added to your [strength] but only [made for] disorder, hurrying to and fro in your midst and sowing

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sedition among you, and there would have been some among you who would have listened to them. But Allah knoweth well those who do wrong.

48. Indeed they had plotted sedition before, and upset matters for thee, until,-the Truth arrived, and the Decree of Allah became manifest much to their disgust.

49. Among them is [many] a man who says: "Grant me exemption and draw me not into trial." Have they not fallen into trial already? and indeed Hell surrounds the Unbelievers [on all sides].

50. If good befalls thee, it grieves them; but if a misfortune befalls thee, they say, "We took indeed our precautions beforehand," and they turn away rejoicing.

51. Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector": and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.

52. Say: "Can you expect for us [any fate] other than one of two glorious things- [Martyrdom or victory]? But we can expect for you either that Allah will send his punishment from Himself, or by our hands. So wait [expectant]; we too will wait with you."

53. Say: "Spend [for the cause] willingly or unwillingly: not from you will it be accepted: for ye are indeed a people rebellious and wicked."

54. The only reasons why their contributions are not accepted are: that they reject Allah and His Messenger; that they come to prayer without earnestness; and that they offer contributions unwillingly.

55. Let not their wealth nor their [following in] sons dazzle thee: in reality Allah's plan is to punish them with these things in this life, and that their souls may perish in their [very] denial of Allah.

56. They swear by Allah that they are indeed of you; but they are not of you: yet they are afraid [to appear in their true colours].

57. If they could find a place to flee to, or caves, or a place of concealment, they would turn straightaway thereto, with an obstinate rush.

58. And among them are men who slander thee in the matter of [the distribution of] the alms: if they are given part thereof, they are pleased, but if not, behold! they are indignant!

59. If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gave them, and had said, "Sufficient unto us is Allah! Allah and His Messenger will soon give us of His bounty: to Allah do we turn our hopes!" [that would have been the right course].

60. Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the [funds]; for those whose hearts have been [recently] reconciled [to Truth]; for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: [thus is it] ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

61. Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say, "He is [all] ear." Say, "He listens to what is best for you: he believes in Allah, has faith in the Believers, and is a Mercy to those of you who believe." But those who molest the Messenger will have a grievous penalty.

62. To you they swear by Allah. In order to please you: But it is more fitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger, if they are Believers.

63. Know they not that for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, is the Fire of Hell?- wherein they shall dwell. That is the supreme disgrace.

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64. The Hypocrites are afraid lest a Sura should be sent down about them, showing them what is [really passing] in their hearts. Say: "Mock ye! But verily Allah will bring to light all that ye fear [should be revealed].

65. If thou dost question them, they declare [with emphasis]: "We were only talking idly and in play." Say: "Was it at Allah, and His Signs, and His Messenger, that ye were mocking?"

66. Make ye no excuses: ye have rejected Faith after ye had accepted it. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you, for that they are in sin.

67. The Hypocrites, men and women, [have an understanding] with each other: They enjoin evil, and forbid what is just, and are close with their hands. They have forgotten Allah; so He hath forgotten them. Verily the Hypocrites are rebellious and perverse.

68. Allah hath promised the Hypocrites men and women, and the rejecters, of

Faith, the fire of Hell: Therein shall they dwell: Sufficient is it for them: for them is the curse of Allah, and an enduring punishment,-

69. As in the case of those before you: they were mightier than you in power, and more flourishing in wealth and children. They had their enjoyment of their portion: and ye have of yours, as did those before you; and ye indulge in idle talk as they did. They!- their work are fruitless in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will lose [all spiritual good].

70. Hath not the story reached them of those before them?- the People of Noah, and 'Ad, and Thamud; the People of Abraham, the men of Midian, and the cities overthrown. To them came their messengers with clear signs. It is not Allah Who wrongs them, but they wrong their own souls.

71. The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.

72. Allah hath promised to Believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme felicity.

73. O Prophet! strive hard against the unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell,- an evil refuge indeed.

74. They swear by Allah that they said nothing [evil], but indeed they uttered blasphemy, and they did it after accepting Islam; and they meditated a plot which they were unable to carry out: this revenge of theirs was [their] only return for the bounty with which Allah and His Messenger had enriched them! If they repent, it will be best for them; but if they turn back [to their evil ways], Allah will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: They shall have none on earth to protect or help them.

75. Amongst them are men who made a covenant with Allah, that if He bestowed on them of His bounty, they would give [largely] in charity, and be truly amongst those who are righteous.

76. But when He did bestow of His bounty, they became covetous, and turned back [from their covenant], averse [from its fulfilment].

77. So He hath put as a consequence hypocrisy into their hearts, [to last] till the Day, whereon they shall meet Him: because they broke their covenant with Allah, and because they lied [again and again].

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78. Know they not that Allah doth know their secret [thoughts] and their secret counsels, and that Allah knoweth well all things unseen?

79. Those who slander such of the believers as give themselves freely to [deeds of] charity, as well as such as can find nothing to give except the fruits of their labour,- and throw ridicule on them,- Allah will throw back their ridicule on them: and they shall have a grievous penalty.

80. Whether thou ask for their forgiveness, or not, [their sin is unforgivable]: if thou ask seventy times for their forgiveness, Allah will not forgive them: because they have rejected Allah and His Messenger: and Allah guideth not those who are perversely rebellious.

81. Those who were left behind [in the Tabuk expedition] rejoiced in their inaction behind the back of the Messenger of Allah: they hated to strive and fight, with their goods and their persons, in the cause of Allah: they said, "Go not forth in the heat." Say, "The fire of Hell is fiercer in heat." If only they could understand!

82. Let them laugh a little: much will they weep: a recompense for the [evil] that they do.

83. If, then, Allah bring thee back to any of them, and they ask thy permission to come out [with thee], say: "Never shall ye come out with me, nor fight an enemy with me: for ye preferred to sit inactive on the first occasion: Then sit ye [now] with those who lag behind."

84. Nor do thou ever pray for any of them that dies, nor stand at his grave; for they rejected Allah and His Messenger, and died in a state of perverse rebellion.

85. Nor let their wealth nor their [following in] sons dazzle thee: Allah's plan is to punish them with these things in this world, and that their souls may perish in their [very] denial of Allah.

86. When a Sura comes down, enjoining them to believe in Allah and to strive and fight along with His Messenger, those with wealth and influence among them ask thee for exemption, and say: "Leave us [behind]: we would be with those who sit [at home]."

87. They prefer to be with [the women], who remain behind [at home]: their hearts are sealed and so they understand not.

88. But the Messenger, and those who believe with him, strive and fight with

their wealth and their persons: for them are [all] good things: and it is they who will prosper.

89. Allah hath prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein: that is the supreme felicity.

90. And there were, among the desert Arabs [also], men who made excuses and came to claim exemption; and those who were false to Allah and His Messenger [merely] sat inactive. Soon will a grievous penalty seize the Unbelievers among them.

91. There is no blame on those who are infirm, or ill, or who find no resources to spend [on the cause], if they are sincere [in duty] to Allah and His Messenger: no ground [of complaint] can there be against such as do right: and Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

92. Nor [is there blame] on those who came to thee to be provided with mounts, and when thou saidst, "I can find no mounts for you," they turned back, their eyes streaming with tears of grief that they had no resources wherewith to provide the expenses.

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93. The ground [of complaint] is against such as claim exemption while they are rich. They prefer to stay with the [women] who remain behind: Allah hath sealed their hearts; so they know not [What they miss].

94. They will present their excuses to you when ye return to them. Say thou: "Present no excuses: we shall not believe you: Allah hath already informed us of the true state of matters concerning you: It is your actions that Allah and His Messenger will observe: in the end will ye be brought back to Him Who knoweth what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you the truth of all that ye did."

95. They will swear to you by Allah, when ye return to them, that ye may leave them alone. So leave them alone: For they are an abomination, and Hell is their dwelling-place,-a fitting recompense for the [evil] that they did.

96. They will swear unto you, that ye may be pleased with them but if ye are pleased with them, Allah is not pleased with those who disobey.

97. The Arabs of the desert are the worst in Unbelief and hypocrisy, and most fitted to be in ignorance of the command which Allah hath sent down to His Messenger: But Allah is All-knowing, All-Wise.

98. Some of the desert Arabs look upon their payments as a fine, and watch for disasters for you: on them be the disaster of evil: for Allah is He That heareth and knoweth [all things].

99. But some of the desert Arabs believe in Allah and the Last Day, and look on their payments as pious gifts bringing them nearer to Allah and obtaining the prayers of the Messenger. Aye, indeed they bring them nearer [to Him]: soon will Allah admit them to His Mercy: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

100. The vanguard [of Islam]- the first of those who forsook [their homes] and of those who gave them aid, and [also] those who follow them in [all] good deeds,- well-pleased is Allah with them, as are they with Him: for them hath He prepared gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever: that is the supreme felicity.

101. Certain of the desert Arabs round about you are hypocrites, as well as [desert Arabs] among the Medina folk: they are obstinate in hypocrisy: thou knowest them not: We know them: twice shall We punish them: and in addition shall they be sent to a grievous penalty.

102. Others [there are who] have acknowledged their wrong-doings: they have mixed an act that was good with another that was evil. Perhaps Allah will turn unto them [in Mercy]: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

103. Of their goods, take alms, that so thou mightest purify and sanctify them; and pray on their behalf. Verily thy prayers are a source of security for them: And Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth.

104. Know they not that Allah doth accept repentance from His votaries and receives their gifts of charity, and that Allah is verily He, the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful?

105. And say: "Work [righteousness]: Soon will Allah observe your work, and His Messenger, and the Believers: Soon will ye be brought back to the knower of what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you the truth of all that ye did."

106. There are [yet] others, held in suspense for the command of Allah, whether He will punish them, or turn in mercy to them: and Allah is All- Knowing, Wise.

107. And there are those who put up a mosque by way of mischief and infidelity -to disunite the Believers - and in preparation for one who warred against Allah 92

and His Messenger aforetime. They will indeed swear that their intention is nothing but good; But Allah doth declare that they are certainly liars.

108. Never stand thou forth therein. There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standing forth [for prayer] therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those

who make themselves pure.

109. Which then is best? - he that layeth his foundation on piety to Allah and His good pleasure? - or he that layeth his foundation on an undermined sandcliff ready to crumble to pieces? and it doth crumble to pieces with him, into

the fire of Hell. And Allah guideth not people that do wrong.

110. The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion and shakiness in their hearts, until their hearts are cut to pieces. And Allah is All-Knowing, Wise.

111. Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs [in return] is the garden [of Paradise]: they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.

112. Those that turn [to Allah] in repentance; that serve Him, and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the cause of Allah,: that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limit set by Allah;- [These do rejoice]. So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers.

113. It is not fitting, for the Prophet and those who believe, that they should pray for forgiveness for Pagans, even though they be of kin, after it is clear to them that they are companions of the Fire.

114. And Abraham prayed for his father's forgiveness only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy to Allah, he dissociated himself from him: for Abraham was most tender-hearted, forbearing.

115. And Allah will not mislead a people after He hath guided them, in order that He may make clear to them what to fear [and avoid]- for Allah hath knowledge of all things.

116. Unto Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He giveth life and He taketh it. Except for Him ye have no protector nor helper.

117. Allah turned with favour to the Prophet, the Muhajirs, and the Ansar,- who followed him in a time of distress, after that the hearts of a part of them had nearly swerved [from duty]; but He turned to them [also]: for He is unto them Most Kind, Most Merciful.

118. [He turned in mercy also] to the three who were left behind; [they felt guilty] to such a degree that the earth seemed constrained to them, for all its spaciousness, and their [very] souls seemed straitened to them,- and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah [and no refuge] but to Himself. Then He turned to them, that they might repent: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.

119. O ye who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true [in word and deed].

120. It was not fitting for the people of Medina and the Bedouin Arabs of the neighbourhood, to refuse to follow Allah's Messenger, nor to prefer their own 93

lives to his: because nothing could they suffer or do, but was reckoned to their credit as a deed of righteousness,- whether they suffered thirst, or fatigue, or hunger, in the cause of Allah, or trod paths to raise the ire of the Unbelievers, or received any injury whatever from an enemy: for Allah suffereth not the reward to be lost of those who do good;-

121. Nor could they spend anything [for the cause] - small or great- nor cut across a valley, but the deed is inscribed to their credit: that Allah may requite their deed with the best [possible reward].

122. Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion, and admonish the people when they return to them,- that thus they [may learn] to guard themselves [against evil].

123. O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.

124. Whenever there cometh down a Sura, some of them say: "Which of you has had His faith increased by it?" Yea, those who believe,- their faith is increased and they do rejoice.

125. But those in whose hearts is a disease,- it will add doubt to their doubt, and they will die in a state of Unbelief.

126. See they not that they are tried every year once or twice? Yet they turn not in repentance, and they take no heed.

127. Whenever there cometh down a Sura, they look at each other, [saying], "Doth anyone see you?" Then they turn aside: Allah hath turned their hearts [from the light]; for they are a people that understand not.

128. Now hath come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves him

that ye should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the Believers is he most kind and merciful.

129. But if they turn away, Say: "Allah sufficeth me: there is no god but He: On Him is my trust,- He the Lord of the Throne [of Glory] Supreme!" SURA 10. Yunus, or Jonah

I. A. L. R. These are the Ayats of the Book of Wisdom.

2 . Is it a matter of wonderment to men that We have sent Our inspiration to a man from among themselves?- that he should warn mankind [of their danger], and give the good news to the Believers that they have before their Lord the lofty rank of truth. [But] say the Unbelievers: "This is indeed an evident sorcerer!"

3. Verily your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne [of authority], regulating and governing all things. No intercessor [can plead with Him] except after His leave [hath been obtained]. This is Allah your Lord; Him therefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition?

4. To Him will be your return- of all of you. The promise of Allah is true and sure. It is He Who beginneth the process of creation, and repeateth it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness; but those who reject Him will have draughts of boiling fluids, and a penalty grievous, because they did reject Him.

5. It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light [of beauty], and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of 94

years and the count [of time]. Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. [Thus] doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand.

6. Verily, in the alternation of the night and the day, and in all that Allah hath created, in the heavens and the earth, are signs for those who fear Him.

7. Those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present, and those who heed not Our Signs,-

8. Their abode is the Fire, because of the [evil] they earned.

9. Those who believe, and work righteousness,- their Lord will guide them because of their faith: beneath them will flow rivers in gardens of bliss.

10. [This will be] their cry therein: "Glory to Thee, O Allah!" And "Peace" will be their greeting therein! and the close of their cry will be: "Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds!"

II. If Allah were to hasten for men the ill [they have earned] as they would fain hasten on the good,- then would their respite be settled at once. But We leave those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, in their trespasses, wandering in distraction to and fro.

12. When trouble toucheth a man, He crieth unto Us [in all postures]- lying down on his side, or sitting, or standing. But when We have solved his trouble, he passeth on his way as if he had never cried to Us for a trouble that touched him! thus do the deeds of transgressors seem fair in their eyes!

13. Generations before you We destroyed when they did wrong: their messengers came to them with clear-signs, but they would not believe! thus do We requite those who sin!

14. Then We made you heirs in the land after them, to see how ye would behave!

15. But when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them, those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, Say: "Bring us a reading other than this, or change this," Say: "It is not for me, of my own accord, to change it: I follow naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were to disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a Great Day [to come]."

16. Say: "If Allah had so willed, I should not have rehearsed it to you, nor would He have made it known to you. A whole life-time before this have I tarried amongst you: will ye not then understand?"

17. Who doth more wrong than such as forge a lie against Allah, or deny His Signs? But never will prosper those who sin.

18. They serve, besides Allah, things that hurt them not nor profit them, and they say: "These are our intercessors with Allah." Say: "Do ye indeed inform Allah of something He knows not, in the heavens or on earth?- Glory to Him! and far is He above the partners they ascribe [to Him]!"

19. Mankind was but one nation, but differed [later]. Had it not been for a word that went forth before from thy Lord, their differences would have been settled between them.

20. They say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "The Unseen is only for Allah [to know], then wait ye: I too will wait with you."

21. When We make mankind taste of some mercy after adversity hath touched them, behold! they take to plotting against Our Signs! Say: "Swifter to plan is Allah!" Verily, Our messengers record all the plots that ye make!

22. He it is Who enableth you to traverse through land and sea; so that ye even board ships;- they sail with them with a favourable wind, and they rejoice thereat; then comes a stormy wind and the waves come to them from all sides, and they think they are being overwhelmed: they cry unto Allah, sincerely offering [their] duty unto Him saying, "If thou dost deliver us from this, we shall truly show our gratitude!"

23. But when he delivereth them, behold! they transgress insolently through the earth in defiance of right! 0 mankind! your insolence is against your own souls,- an enjoyment of the life of the present: in the end, to Us is your return, and We shall show you the truth of all that ye did.

24. The likeness of the life of the present is as the rain which We send down from the skies: by its mingling arises the produce of the earth- which provides food for men and animals: [It grows] till the earth is clad with its golden ornaments and is decked out [in beauty]: the people to whom it belongs think they have all powers of disposal over it: There reaches it Our command by night or by day, and We make it like a harvest clean-mown, as if it had not flourished only the day before! thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who reflect.

25. But Allah doth call to the Home of Peace: He doth guide whom He pleaseth to a way that is straight.

26. To those who do right is a goodly [reward]- Yea, more [than in measure]! No darkness nor shame shall cover their faces! they are companions of the garden; they will abide therein [for aye]!

27. But those who have earned evil will have a reward of like evil: ignominy will cover their [faces]: No defender will they have from [the wrath of] Allah: Their faces will be covered, as it were, with pieces from the depth of the darkness of night: they are companions of the Fire: they will abide therein [for aye] !

28. One day shall We gather them all together. Then shall We say to those who joined gods [with Us]: "To your place! ye and those ye joined as 'partners' We shall separate them, and their "Partners" shall say: "It was not us that ye worshipped!

29. "Enough is Allah for a witness between us and you: we certainly knew nothing of your worship of us!"

30. There will every soul prove [the fruits of] the deeds it sent before: they will be brought back to Allah their rightful Lord, and their invented falsehoods will leave them in the lurch.

31. Say: "Who is it that sustains you [in life] from the sky and from the earth? or who is it that has power over hearing and sight? And who is it that brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living? and who is it that rules and regulates all affairs?" They will soon say, "Allah". Say, "will ye not then show piety [to Him]?"

32. Such is Allah, your real Cherisher and Sustainer: apart from truth, what [remains] but error? How then are ye turned away?

33. Thus is the word of thy Lord proved true against those who rebel: Verily they will not believe.

34. Say: "Of your 'partners', can any originate creation and repeat it?" Say: "It is Allah Who originates creation and repeats it: then how are ye deluded away [from the truth]?"

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35. Say: "Of your 'partners' is there any that can give any guidance towards truth?" Say: "It is Allah Who gives guidance towards truth, is then He Who gives guidance to truth more worthy to be followed, or he who finds not guidance [himself] unless he is guided? what then is the matter with you? How judge ye?"

36. But most of them follow nothing but fancy: truly fancy can be of no avail against truth. Verily Allah is well aware of all that they do.

37. This Qur'an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah; on the contrary it is a confirmation of [revelations] that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the worlds.

38. Or do they say, "He forged it"? say: "Bring then a Sura like unto it, and call [to your aid] anyone you can besides Allah, if it be ye speak the truth!"

39. Nay, they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot compass, even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them: thus did those before them make charges of falsehood: but see what was the end of those who did wrong!

40. Of them there are some who believe therein, and some who do not: and thy Lord knoweth best those who are out for mischief.

41. If they charge thee with falsehood, say: "My work to me, and yours to you! ye are free from responsibility for what I do, and I for what ye do!"

42. Among them are some who [pretend to] listen to thee: But canst thou make the deaf to hear,- even though they are without understanding?

43. And among them are some who look at thee: but canst thou guide the blind,-even though they will not see?

44. Verily Allah will not deal unjustly with man in aught: It is man that wrongs his own soul.

45. One day He will gather them together: [It will be] as if they had tarried but an hour of a day: they will recognise each other: assuredly those will be lost who denied the meeting with Allah and refused to receive true guidance.

46. Whether We show thee [realised in thy life-time] some part of what We promise them,- or We take thy soul [to Our Mercy] [Before that],- in any case, to Us is their return: ultimately Allah is witness, to all that they do.

47. To every people [was sent] a messenger: when their messenger comes [before them], the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged.

48. They say: "When will this promise come to pass,- if ye speak the truth?"

49. Say: "I have no power over any harm or profit to myself except as Allah willeth. To every people is a term appointed: when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor [an hour] can they advance [it in anticipation]."

50. Say: "Do ye see,- if His punishment should come to you by night or by day,-what portion of it would the sinners wish to hasten?

51. "Would ye then believe in it at last, when it actually cometh to pass? [It will then be said]: 'Ah! now? and ye wanted [aforetime] to hasten it on!'

52. "At length will be said to the wrong-doers: 'Taste ye the enduring punishment! ye get but the recompense of what ye earned!'"

53. They seek to be informed by thee: "Is that true?" Say: "Aye! by my Lord! it is the very truth! and ye cannot frustrate it!"

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54. Every soul that hath sinned, if it possessed all that is on earth, would fain give it in ransom: They would declare [their] repentance when they see the penalty: but the judgment between them will be with justice, and no wrong will be done unto them.

55. Is it not [the case] that to Allah belongeth whatever is in the heavens and on earth? Is it not [the case] that Allah's promise is assuredly true? Yet most of them understand not.

56. It is He Who giveth life and who taketh it, and to Him shall ye all be brought back.

57. O mankind! there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the [diseases] in your hearts,- and for those who believe, a guidance and a Mercy.

58. Say: "In the bounty of Allah. And in His Mercy,- in that let them rejoice": that is better than the [wealth] they hoard.

59. Say: "See ye what things Allah hath sent down to you for sustenance? Yet ye hold forbidden some things thereof and [some things] lawful." Say: "Hath Allah indeed permitted you, or do ye invent [things] to attribute to Allah?"

60. And what think those who invent lies against Allah, of the Day of Judgment? Verily Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.

61. In whatever business thou mayest be, and whatever portion thou mayest be reciting from the Qur'an,- and whatever deed ye [mankind] may be doing,- We are witnesses thereof when ye are deeply engrossed therein. Nor is hidden from thy Lord [so much as] the weight of an atom on the earth or in heaven. And not the least and not the greatest of these things but are recorded in a clear record.

62. Behold! verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve;

63. Those who believe and [constantly] guard against evil;-

64. For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present and in the Hereafter; no change can there be in the words of Allah. This is indeed the supreme felicity.

65. Let not their speech grieve thee: for all power and honour belong to Allah: It is He Who heareth and knoweth [all things].

66. Behold! verily to Allah belong all creatures, in the heavens and on earth. What do they follow who worship as His "partners" other than Allah? They follow nothing but fancy, and they do nothing but lie.

67. He it is That hath made you the night that ye may rest therein, and the day to make things visible [to you]. Verily in this are signs for those who listen [to His Message].

68. They say: "Allah hath begotten a son!" - Glory be to Him! He is selfsufficient! His are all things in the heavens and on earth! No warrant have ye

for this! say ye about Allah what ye know not?

69. Say: "Those who invent a lie against Allah will never prosper."

70. A little enjoyment in this world!- and then, to Us will be their return, then shall We make them taste the severest penalty for their blasphemies.

71. Relate to them the story of Noah. Behold! he said to his people: "O my

people, if it be hard on your [mind] that I should stay [with you] and commemorate the signs of Allah,- yet I put my trust in Allah. Get ye then an

agreement about your plan and among your partners, so your plan be on to you dark and dubious. Then pass your sentence on me, and give me no respite.

72. "But if ye turn back, [consider]: no reward have I asked of you: my reward is only due from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of those who submit to Allah's will [in Islam]."

73. They rejected Him, but We delivered him, and those with him, in the Ark, and We made them inherit [the earth], while We overwhelmed in the flood those who rejected Our Signs. Then see what was the end of those who were warned [but heeded not]!

74. Then after him We sent [many] messengers to their peoples: they brought them Clear Signs, but they would not believe what they had already rejected beforehand. Thus do We seal the hearts of the transgressors.

75. Then after them sent We Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his chiefs with Our Signs. But they were arrogant: they were a people in sin.

76. When the Truth did come to them from Us, they said: "This is indeed evident sorcery!"

77. Said Moses: "Say ye [this] about the truth when it hath [actually] reached you? Is sorcery [like] this? But sorcerers will not prosper."

78. They said: "Hast thou come to us to turn us away from the ways we found our fathers following,- in order that thou and thy brother may have greatness in the land? But not we shall believe in you!"

79. Said Pharaoh: "Bring me every sorcerer well versed."

80. When the sorcerers came, Moses said to them: "Throw ye what ye [wish] to throw!"

81. When they had had their throw, Moses said: "What ye have brought is sorcery: Allah will surely make it of no effect: for Allah prospereth not the work of those who make mischief.

82. "And Allah by His words doth prove and establish His truth, however much the sinners may hate it!"

83. But none believed in Moses except some children of his people, because of the fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs, lest they should persecute them; and certainly Pharaoh was mighty on the earth and one who transgressed all bounds.

84. Moses said: "O my people! If ye do [really] believe in Allah, then in Him put your trust if ye submit [your will to His]."

85. They said: "In Allah do we put out trust. Our Lord! make us not a trial for those who practise oppression;

86. "And deliver us by Thy Mercy from those who reject [Thee]."

87. We inspired Moses and his brother with this Message: "Provide dwellings for your people in Egypt, make your dwellings into places of worship, and establish regular prayers: and give glad tidings to those who believe!"

88. Moses prayed: "Our Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on Pharaoh and his chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of the present, and so, Our Lord, they mislead [men] from Thy Path. Deface, our Lord, the features of their wealth, and send hardness to their hearts, so they will not believe until they see the grievous penalty."

89. Allah said: "Accepted is your prayer [O Moses and Aaron]! So stand ye straight, and follow not the path of those who know not."

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90. We took the Children of Israel across the sea: Pharaoh and his hosts followed them in insolence and spite. At length, when overwhelmed with the flood, he said: "I believe that there is no god except Him Whom the Children of Israel believe in: I am of those who submit [to Allah in Islam]."

91. [It was said to him]: "Ah now!- But a little while before, wast thou in rebellion!- and thou didst mischief [and violence]!

92. "This day shall We save thee in the body, that thou mayest be a sign to those who come after thee! but verily, many among mankind are heedless of Our Signs!"

93. We settled the Children of Israel in a beautiful dwelling-place, and provided for them sustenance of the best: it was after knowledge had been granted to them, that they fell into schisms. Verily Allah will judge between them as to the schisms amongst them, on the Day of Judgment.

94. If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth hath indeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt.

95. Nor be of those who reject the signs of Allah, or thou shalt be of those who perish.

96. Those against whom the word of thy Lord hath been verified would not believe-

97. Even if every Sign was brought unto them,- until they see [for themselves] the penalty grievous.

98. Why was there not a single township [among those We warned], which believed,- so its faith should have profited it,- except the people of Jonah? When they believed, We removed from them the penalty of ignominy in the life of the present, and permitted them to enjoy [their life] for a while.

99. If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!

100. No soul can believe, except by the will of Allah, and He will place doubt [or obscurity] on those who will not understand.

101. Say: "Behold all that is in the heavens and on earth"; but neither Signs nor Warners profit those who believe not.

102. Do they then expect [any thing] but [what happened in] the days of the men who passed away before them? Say: "Wait ye then: for I, too, will wait with you."

103. In the end We deliver Our messengers and those who believe: Thus is it fitting on Our part that We should deliver those who believe!

104. Say: "O ye men! If ye are in doubt as to my religion, [behold!] I worship not what ye worship, other than Allah! But I worship Allah - Who will take your souls [at death]: I am commanded to be [in the ranks] of the Believers,

105. "And further [thus]: 'set thy face towards religion with true piety, and never in any wise be of the Unbelievers;

106. "'Nor call on any, other than Allah;- Such will neither profit thee nor hurt thee: if thou dost, behold! thou shalt certainly be of those who do wrong.'"

107. If Allah do touch thee with hurt, there is none can remove it but He: if He do design some benefit for thee, there is none can keep back His favour: He

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causeth it to reach whomsoever of His servants He pleaseth. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

108. Say: "O ye men! Now Truth hath reached you from your Lord! those who receive guidance, do so for the good of their own souls; those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not [set] over you to arrange your affairs."

109. Follow thou the inspiration sent unto thee, and be patient and constant, till Allah do decide: for He is the best to decide.

SURA 11. Hud, or The Prophet Hud

1. A. L. R. [This is] a Book, with verses basic or fundamental [of established meaning], further explained in detail,- from One Who is Wise and Wellacquainted [with all things]:

2. [It teacheth] that ye should worship none but Allah. [Say]: "Verily I am [sent] unto you from Him to warn and to bring glad tidings:

3. "[And to preach thus], 'Seek ye the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance; that He may grant you enjoyment, good [and true], for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding grace on all who abound in merit! But if ye turn away, then I fear for you the penalty of a great day:

4. 'To Allah is your return, and He hath power over all things.'"

5. Behold! they fold up their hearts, that they may lie hid from Him! Ah even when they cover themselves with their garments, He knoweth what they conceal, and what they reveal: for He knoweth well the [inmost secrets] of the hearts.

6. There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependeth on Allah: He knoweth the time and place of its definite abode and its temporary deposit: All is in a clear Record.

7. He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days - and His Throne was over the waters - that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct. But if thou wert to say to them, "Ye shall indeed be raised up after death", the Unbelievers would be sure to say, "This is nothing but obvious sorcery!"

8. If We delay the penalty for them for a definite term, they are sure to say, "What keeps it back?" Ah! On the day it [actually] reaches them, nothing will turn it away from them, and they will be completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!

9. If We give man a taste of Mercy from Ourselves, and then withdraw it from him, behold! he is in despair and [falls into] blasphemy.

10. But if We give him a taste of [Our] favours after adversity hath touched him, he is sure to say, "All evil has departed from me:" Behold! he falls into exultation and pride.

11. Not so do those who show patience and constancy, and work righteousness; for them is forgiveness [of sins] and a great reward.

12. Perchance thou mayest [feel the inclination] to give up a part of what is revealed unto thee, and thy heart feeleth straitened lest they say, "Why is not a treasure sent down unto him, or why does not an angel come down with him?" But thou art there only to warn! It is Allah that arrangeth all affairs!

13. Or they may say, "He forged it," Say, "Bring ye then ten Suras forged, like unto it, and call [to your aid] whomsoever ye can, other than Allah!- If ye speak the truth!

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14. "If then they [your false gods] answer not your [call], know ye that this revelation is sent down [replete] with the knowledge of Allah, and that there is no god but He! will ye even then submit [to Islam]?"

15. Those who desire the life of the present and its glitter,- to them we shall pay [the price of] their deeds therein,- without diminution.

16. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire: vain are the designs they frame therein, and of no effect and the deeds that they do!

17. Can they be [like] those who accept a Clear [Sign] from their Lord, and whom a witness from Himself doth teach, as did the Book of Moses before it,- a guide and a mercy? They believe therein; but those of the Sects that reject it,- the Fire will be their promised meeting-place. Be not then in doubt thereon: for it is the truth from thy Lord: yet many among men do not believe!

18. Who doth more wrong than those who invent a life against Allah? They will be turned back to the presence of their Lord, and the witnesses will say, "These are the ones who lied against their Lord! Behold! the Curse of Allah is on those who do wrong!-

19. "Those who would hinder [men] from the path of Allah and would seek in it something crooked: these were they who denied the Hereafter!"

20. They will in no wise frustrate [His design] on earth, nor have they protectors besides Allah! Their penalty will be doubled! They lost the power to hear, and they did not see!

21. They are the ones who have lost their own souls: and the [fancies] they invented have left them in the lurch!

22. Without a doubt, these are the very ones who will lose most in the Hereafter!

23. But those who believe and work righteousness, and humble themselves before their Lord,- They will be companions of the gardens, to dwell therein for aye!

24. These two kinds [of men] may be compared to the blind and deaf, and those who can see and hear well. Are they equal when compared? Will ye not then take heed?

25. We sent Noah to his people [with a mission]: "I have come to you with a Clear Warning:

26. "That ye serve none but Allah: Verily I do fear for you the penalty of a grievous day."

27. But the chiefs of the Unbelievers among his people said: "We see [in] thee nothing but a man like ourselves: Nor do we see that any follow thee but the meanest among us, in judgment immature: Nor do we see in you [all] any merit above us: in fact we thing ye are liars!"

28. He said: "O my people! See ye if [it be that] I have a Clear Sign from my Lord, and that He hath sent Mercy unto me from His own presence, but that the Mercy hath been obscured from your sight? shall we compel you to accept it when ye are averse to it?

29. "And O my people! I ask you for no wealth in return: my reward is from none but Allah: But I will not drive away [in contempt] those who believe: for verily they are to meet their Lord, and ye I see are the ignorant ones!

30. "And O my people! who would help me against Allah if I drove them away? Will ye not then take heed?

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31. "I tell you not that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor claim I to be an angel. Nor yet do I say, of those whom your eyes do despise that Allah will not grant them [all] that is good: Allah knoweth best what is in their souls: I should, if I did, indeed be a wrong-doer."

32. They said: "O Noah! thou hast disputed with us, and [much] hast thou prolonged the dispute with us: now bring upon us what thou threatenest us with, if thou speakest the truth!?"

33. He said: "Truly, Allah will bring it on you if He wills,- and then, ye will not be able to frustrate it!

34. "Of no profit will be my counsel to you, much as I desire to give you [good] counsel, if it be that Allah willeth to leave you astray: He is your Lord! and to Him will ye return!"

35. Or do they say, "He has forged it"? Say: "If I had forged it, on me were my sin! and I am free of the sins of which ye are guilty!

36. It was revealed to Noah: "None of thy people will believe except those who have believed already! So grieve no longer over their [evil] deeds.

37. "But construct an Ark under Our eyes and Our inspiration, and address Me no [further] on behalf of those who are in sin: for they are about to be overwhelmed [in the Flood]."

38. Forthwith he [starts] constructing the Ark: Every time that the chiefs of his people passed by him, they threw ridicule on him. He said: "If ye ridicule us now, we [in our turn] can look down on you with ridicule likewise!

39. "But soon will ye know who it is on whom will descend a penalty that will cover them with shame,- on whom will be unloosed a penalty lasting:"

40. At length, behold! there came Our command, and the fountains of the earth gushed forth! We said: "Embark therein, of each kind two, male and female, and your family - except those against whom the word has already gone forth,- and the Believers." but only a few believed with him.

41. So he said: "Embark ye on the Ark, In the name of Allah, whether it move or be at rest! For my Lord is, be sure, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful!"

42. So the Ark floated with them on the waves [towering] like mountains, and Noah called out to his son, who had separated himself [from the rest]: "O my son! embark with us, and be not with the unbelievers!"

43. The son replied: "I will betake myself to some mountain: it will save me from the water." Noah said: "This day nothing can save, from the command of Allah, any but those on whom He hath mercy! "And the waves came between them, and the son was among those overwhelmed in the Flood.

44. Then the word went forth: "O earth! swallow up thy water, and O sky! Withhold [thy rain]!" and the water abated, and the matter was ended. The Ark rested on Mount Judi, and the word went forth: "Away with those who do wrong!"

45. And Noah called upon his Lord, and said: "O my Lord! surely my son is of my family! and Thy promise is true, and Thou art the justest of Judges!"

46. He said: "O Noah! He is not of thy family: For his conduct is unrighteous. So ask not of Me that of which thou hast no knowledge! I give thee counsel, lest thou act like the ignorant!"

47. Noah said: "O my Lord! I do seek refuge with Thee, lest I ask Thee for that of which I have no knowledge. And unless thou forgive me and have Mercy on me, I should indeed be lost!"

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48. The word came: "O Noah! Come down [from the Ark] with peace from Us, and blessing on thee and on some of the peoples [who will spring] from those with thee: but [there will be other] peoples to whom We shall grant their pleasures [for a time], but in the end will a grievous penalty reach them from Us."

49. Such are some of the stories of the unseen, which We have revealed unto thee: before this, neither thou nor thy people knew them. So persevere patiently: for the End is for those who are righteous.

50. To the 'Ad People [We sent] Hud, one of their own brethren. He said: "O my people! worship Allah! ye have no other god but Him. [Your other gods] ye do nothing but invent!

51. "O my people! I ask of you no reward for this [Message]. My reward is from none but Him who created me: Will ye not then understand?

52. "And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him [in repentance]: He will send you the skies pouring abundant rain, and add strength to your strength: so turn ye not back in sin!"

53. They said: "O Hud! No Clear [Sign] that hast thou brought us, and we are not the ones to desert our gods on thy word! Nor shall we believe in thee!

54. "We say nothing but that [perhaps] some of our gods may have seized thee with imbecility." He said: "I call Allah to witness, and do ye bear witness, that I am free from the sin of ascribing, to Him,

55. "Other gods as partners! so scheme [your worst] against me, all of you, and give me no respite.

56. "I put my trust in Allah, My Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving creature, but He hath grasp of its fore-lock. Verily, it is my Lord that is on a straight Path.

57. "If ye turn away,- I [at least] have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people to succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. For my Lord hath care and watch over all things."

58. So when Our decree issued, We saved Hud and those who believed with him, by [special] Grace from Ourselves: We saved them from a severe penalty.

59. Such were the 'Ad People: they rejected the Signs of their Lord and Cherisher; disobeyed His messengers; And followed the command of every powerful, obstinate transgressor.
60. And they were pursued by a Curse in this life,- and on the Day of Judgment. Ah! Behold! for the 'Ad rejected their Lord and Cherisher! Ah! Behold! removed [from sight] were 'Ad the people of Hud!

61. To the Thamud People [We sent] Salih, one of their own brethren. He said: "O my people! Worship Allah: ye have no other god but Him. It is He Who hath produced you from the earth and settled you therein: then ask forgiveness of Him, and turn to Him [in repentance]: for my Lord is [always] near, ready to answer."

62. They said: "O Salih! thou hast been of us! a centre of our hopes hitherto! dost thou [now] forbid us the worship of what our fathers worshipped? But we are really in suspicious [disquieting] doubt as to that to which thou invitest us."

63. He said: "0 my people! do ye see? if I have a Clear [Sign] from my Lord and He hath sent Mercy unto me from Himself,- who then can help me against Allah if I were to disobey Him? What then would ye add to my [portion] but perdition? 104

64. "And O my people! This she-camel of Allah is a symbol to you: leave her to feed on Allah's [free] earth, and inflict no harm on her, or a swift penalty will seize you!"

65. But they did ham-string her. So he said: "Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days: [Then will be your ruin]: [Behold] there a promise not to be belied!"

66. When Our Decree issued, We saved Salih and those who believed with him, by [special] Grace from Ourselves - and from the Ignominy of that day. For thy Lord - He is the Strong One, and able to enforce His Will.

67. The [mighty] Blast overtook the wrong-doers, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the morning,-

68. As if they had never dwelt and flourished there. Ah! Behold! for the Thamud rejected their Lord and Cherisher! Ah! Behold! removed [from sight] were the Thamud!

69. There came Our messengers to Abraham with glad tidings. They said, "Peace!" He answered, "Peace!" and hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf.

70. But when he saw their hands went not towards the [meal], he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of them. They said: "Fear not: We have been sent against the people of Lut."

71. And his wife was standing [there], and she laughed: But we gave her glad tidings of Isaac, and after him, of Jacob.

72. She said: "Alas for me! shall I bear a child, seeing I am an old woman, and my husband here is an old man? That would indeed be a wonderful thing!"

73. They said: "Dost thou wonder at Allah's decree? The grace of Allah and His blessings on you, o ye people of the house! for He is indeed worthy of all praise, full of all glory!"

74. When fear had passed from [the mind of] Abraham and the glad tidings had reached him, he began to plead with us for Lut's people.

75. For Abraham was, without doubt, forbearing [of faults], compassionate, and given to look to Allah.

76. 0 Abraham! Seek not this. The decree of thy Lord hath gone forth: for them there cometh a penalty that cannot be turned back!

77. When Our messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account and felt himself powerless [to protect] them. He said: "This is a distressful day."

78. And his people came rushing towards him, and they had been long in the habit of practising abominations. He said: "O my people! Here are my daughters: they are purer for you [if ye marry]! Now fear Allah, and cover me not with shame about my guests! Is there not among you a single right-minded man?"

79. They said: "Well dost thou know we have no need of thy daughters: indeed thou knowest quite well what we want!"

80. He said: "Would that I had power to suppress you or that I could betake myself to some powerful support."

81. [The Messengers] said: "O Lut! We are Messengers from thy Lord! By no means shall they reach thee! now travel with thy family while yet a part of the night remains, and let not any of you look back: but thy wife [will remain behind]: To her will happen what happens to the people. Morning is their time appointed: Is not the morning nigh?"

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82. When Our Decree issued, We turned [the cities] upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay, spread, layer on layer,-

83. Marked as from thy Lord: Nor are they ever far from those who do wrong!

84. To the Madyan People [We sent] Shu'aib, one of their own brethren: he said: "O my people! worship Allah: Ye have no other god but Him. And give not short measure or weight: I see you in prosperity, but I fear for you the penalty of a day that will compass [you] all round.

85. "And O my people! give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due: commit not evil in the land with intent to do mischief.

86. "That which is left you by Allah is best for you, if ye [but] believed! but I am not set over you to keep watch!"

87. They said: "O Shu'aib! Does thy [religion of] prayer command thee that we leave off the worship which our fathers practised, or that we leave off doing what we like with our property? truly, thou art the one that forbeareth with faults and is right-minded!"

88. He said: "O my people! see ye whether I have a Clear [Sign] from my Lord, and He hath given me sustenance [pure and] good as from Himself? I wish not, in opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you to do. I only desire [your] betterment to the best of my power; and my success [in my task] can only come from Allah. In Him I trust, and unto Him I look.

89. "And 0 my people! let not my dissent [from you] cause you to sin, lest ye suffer a fate similar to that of the people of Noah or of Hud or of Salih, nor are the people of Lut far off from you!

90. "But ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn unto Him [in repentance]: For my Lord is indeed full of mercy and loving-kindness."

91. They said: "O Shu'aib! much of what thou sayest we do not understand! In fact among us we see that thou hast no strength! Were it not for thy family, we should certainly have stoned thee! for thou hast among us no great position!"

92. He said: "O my people! is then my family of more consideration with you than Allah? For ye cast Him away behind your backs [with contempt]. But verily my Lord encompasseth on all sides all that ye do!

93. "And 0 my people! Do whatever ye can: I will do [my part]: Soon will ye know who it is on whom descends the penalty of ignominy; and who is a liar! and watch ye! for I too am watching with you!"

94. When Our decree issued, We saved Shu'aib and those who believed with him, by [special] mercy from Ourselves: But the [mighty] blast did seize the wrongdoers, and they lay prostrate in their homes by the morning,-

95. As if they had never dwelt and flourished there! Ah! Behold! How the Madyan were removed [from sight] as were removed the Thamud!

96. And we sent Moses, with Our Clear [Signs] and an authority manifest,

97. Unto Pharaoh and his chiefs: but they followed the command of Pharaoh and the command of Pharaoh was no right [guide].

98. He will go before his people on the Day of Judgment, and lead them into the Fire [as cattle are led to water]: But woeful indeed will be the place to which they are led!

99. And they are followed by a curse in this [life] and on the Day of Judgment: and woeful is the gift which shall be given [unto them]!

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100. These are some of the stories of communities which We relate unto thee: of them some are standing, and some have been mown down [by the sickle of time].

101. It was not We that wronged them: They wronged their own souls: the deities, other than Allah, whom they invoked, profited them no whit when there issued the decree of thy Lord: Nor did they add aught [to their lot] but perdition!

102. Such is the chastisement of thy Lord when He chastises communities in the midst of their wrong: grievous, indeed, and severe is His chastisement.

103. In that is a Sign for those who fear the penalty of the Hereafter: that is a Day for which mankind will be gathered together: that will be a Day of Testimony.

104. Nor shall We delay it but for a term appointed.

105. The day it arrives, no soul shall speak except by His leave: of those [gathered] some will be wretched and some will be blessed.

106. Those who are wretched shall be in the Fire: There will be for them therein [nothing but] the heaving of sighs and sobs:

107. They will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as thy Lord willeth: for thy Lord is the [sure] accomplisher of what He planneth.

108. And those who are blessed shall be in the Garden: They will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as thy Lord willeth: a gift without break.

109. Be not then in doubt as to what these men worship. They worship nothing but what their fathers worshipped before [them]: but verily We shall pay them back [in full] their portion without [the least] abatement.

110. We certainly gave the Book to Moses, but differences arose therein: had it not been that a word had gone forth before from thy Lord, the matter would have been decided between them, but they are in suspicious doubt concerning it.

111. And, of a surety, to all will your Lord pay back [in full the recompense] of their deeds: for He knoweth well all that they do.

112. Therefore stand firm [in the straight Path] as thou art commanded,- thou and those who with thee turn [unto Allah]; and transgress not [from the Path]: for He seeth well all that ye do.

113. And incline not to those who do wrong, or the Fire will seize you; and ye have no protectors other than Allah, nor shall ye be helped.

114. And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night: For those things, that are good remove those that are evil: Be that the word of remembrance to those who remember [their Lord]:

115. And be steadfast in patience; for verily Allah will not suffer the reward

of the righteous to perish.

116. Why were there not, among the generations before you, persons possessed of balanced good sense, prohibiting [men] from mischief in the earth - except a few among them whom We saved [from harm]? But the wrong-doers pursued the enjoyment of the good things of life which were given them, and persisted in sin.

117. Nor would thy Lord be the One to destroy communities for a single wrongdoing, if its members were likely to mend.

118. If thy Lord had so willed, He could have made mankind one people: but they will not cease to dispute.

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119. Except those on whom thy Lord hath bestowed His Mercy: and for this did He create them: and the Word of thy Lord shall be fulfilled: "I will fill Hell with jinns and men all together."

120. All that we relate to thee of the stories of the messengers,- with it We make firm thy heart: in them there cometh to thee the Truth, as well as an exhortation and a message of remembrance to those who believe.

121. Say to those who do not believe: "Do what ever ye can: We shall do our part ;

122. "And wait ye! We too shall wait."

123. To Allah do belong the unseen [secrets] of the heavens and the earth, and to Him goeth back every affair [for decision]: then worship Him, and put thy trust in Him: and thy Lord is not unmindful of aught that ye do.

SURA 12. YUSUF, or Joseph

1. A. L. R. These are the symbols [or Verses] of the perspicuous Book.

2. We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an, in order that ye may learn wisdom.

3. We do relate unto thee the most beautiful of stories, in that We reveal to thee this [portion of the] Qur'an: before this, thou too was among those who knew it not.

4. Behold! Joseph said to his father: "O my father! I did see eleven stars and the sun and the moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me!"

5. Said [the father]: "My [dear] little son! relate not thy vision to thy brothers, lest they concoct a plot against thee: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy!

6. "Thus will thy Lord choose thee and teach thee the interpretation of stories [and events] and perfect His favour to thee and to the posterity of Jacob - even as He perfected it to thy fathers Abraham and Isaac aforetime! for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom."

7. Verily in Joseph and his brethren are signs [or symbols] for seekers [after Truth].

8. They said: "Truly Joseph and his brother are loved more by our father than we: But we are a goodly body! really our father is obviously wandering [in his mind]!

9. "Slay ye Joseph or cast him out to some [unknown] land, that so the favour of your father may be given to you alone: [there will be time enough] for you to be righteous after that!"

10. Said one of them: "Slay not Joseph, but if ye must do something, throw him down to the bottom of the well: he will be picked up by some caravan of travellers."

11. They said: "O our father! why dost thou not trust us with Joseph,- seeing we are indeed his sincere well-wishers?

12. "Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and we shall take every care of him."

13. [Jacob] said: "Really it saddens me that ye should take him away: I fear lest the wolf should devour him while ye attend not to him."

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14. They said: "If the wolf were to devour him while we are [so large] a party, then should we indeed [first] have perished ourselves!"

15. So they did take him away, and they all agreed to throw him down to the bottom of the well: and We put into his heart [this Message]: 'Of a surety thou shalt [one day] tell them the truth of this their affair while they know [thee] not'

16. Then they came to their father in the early part of the night, weeping.

17. They said: "O our father! We went racing with one another, and left Joseph with our things; and the wolf devoured him ... But thou wilt never believe us even though we tell the truth."

18. They stained his shirt with false blood. He said: "Nay, but your minds have made up a tale [that may pass] with you, [for me] patience is most fitting: Against that which ye assert, it is Allah [alone] Whose help can be sought"..

19. Then there came a caravan of travellers: they sent their water-carrier [for water], and he let down his bucket [into the well] ... He said: "Ah there! Good news! Here is a [fine] young man!" So they concealed him as a treasure! But

Allah knoweth well all that they do!

20. The [Brethren] sold him for a miserable price, for a few dirhams counted out: in such low estimation did they hold him!

21. The man in Egypt who bought him, said to his wife: "Make his stay [among us] honourable: may be he will bring us much good, or we shall adopt him as a son." Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of stories [and events]. And Allah hath full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not.

22. When Joseph attained His full manhood, We gave him power and knowledge: thus do We reward those who do right.

23. But she in whose house he was, sought to seduce him from his [true] self: she fastened the doors, and said: "Now come, thou [dear one]!" He said: "Allah forbid! truly [thy husband] is my lord! he made my sojourn agreeable! truly to no good come those who do wrong!"

24. And [with passion] did she desire him, and he would have desired her, but that he saw the evidence of his Lord: thus [did We order] that We might turn away from him [all] evil and shameful deeds: for he was one of Our servants, sincere and purified.

25. So they both raced each other to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back: they both found her lord near the door. She said: "What is the [fitting] punishment for one who formed an evil design against thy wife, but prison or a grievous chastisement?"

26. He said: "It was she that sought to seduce me - from my [true] self." And one of her household saw [this] and bore witness, [thus]:- "If it be that his shirt is rent from the front, then is her tale true, and he is a liar!

27. "But if it be that his shirt is torn from the back, then is she the liar, and he is telling the truth!"

28. So when he saw his shirt,- that it was torn at the back,- [her husband] said: "Behold! It is a snare of you women! truly, mighty is your snare!

29. "O Joseph, pass this over! [O wife], ask forgiveness for thy sin, for truly thou hast been at fault!"

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30. Ladies said in the City: "The wife of the [great] 'Aziz is seeking to seduce her slave from his [true] self: Truly hath he inspired her with violent love: we see she is evidently going astray."

31. When she heard of their malicious talk, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them: she gave each of them a knife: and she said [to Joseph], "Come out before them." When they saw him, they did extol him, and [in their amazement] cut their hands: they said, "Allah preserve us! no mortal is this! this is none other than a noble angel!"

32. She said: "There before you is the man about whom ye did blame me! I did seek to seduce him from his [true] self but he did firmly save himself guiltless! ... and now, if he doth not my bidding, he shall certainly be cast into prison, and [what is more] be of the company of the vilest!"

33. He said: "O my Lord! the prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me: Unless Thou turn away their snare from me, I should [in my youthful folly] feel inclined towards them and join the ranks of the ignorant."

34. So his Lord hearkened to him [in his prayer], and turned away from him their snare: Verily He heareth and knoweth [all things].

35. Then it occurred to the men, after they had seen the signs, [that it was best] to imprison him for a time.

36. Now with him there came into the prison two young men. Said one of them: "I see myself [in a dream] pressing wine." said the other: "I see myself [in a dream] carrying bread on my head, and birds are eating, thereof." "Tell us" [they said] "The truth and meaning thereof: for we see thou art one that doth good [to all]

37. He said: "Before any food comes [in due course] to feed either of you, I will surely reveal to you the truth and meaning of this ere it befall you: that is part of the [duty] which my Lord hath taught me. I have [I assure you] abandoned the ways of a people that believe not in Allah and that [even] deny the Hereafter.

38. "And I follow the ways of my fathers,- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and never could we attribute any partners whatever to Allah: that [comes] of the grace of Allah to us and to mankind: yet most men are not grateful.

39. "O my two companions of the prison! [I ask you]: are many lords differing among themselves better, or the One Allah, Supreme and Irresistible?

40. "If not Him, ye worship nothing but names which ye have named,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah hath sent down no authority: the command is for none but Allah: He hath commanded that ye worship none but Him: that is the right religion, but most men understand not....

41. "O my two companions of the prison! As to one of you, he will pour out the

wine for his lord to drink: as for the other, he will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head, [so] hath been decreed that matter whereof ye twain do enquire"....

42. And of the two, to that one whom he consider about to be saved, he said: "Mention me to thy lord." But Satan made him forget to mention him to his lord: and [Joseph] lingered in prison a few [more] years.

43. The king [of Egypt] said: "I do see [in a vision] seven fat kine, whom seven lean ones devour, and seven green ears of corn, and seven [others] withered. 0 ye chiefs! Expound to me my vision if it be that ye can interpret visions."

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44. They said: "A confused medley of dreams: and we are not skilled in the interpretation of dreams."

45. But the man who had been released, one of the two [who had been in prison] and who now bethought him after [so long] a space of time, said: "I will tell you the truth of its interpretation: send ye me [therefore]."

46. "0 Joseph!" [he said] "0 man of truth! Expound to us [the dream] of seven fat kine whom seven lean ones devour, and of seven green ears of corn and [seven] others withered: that I may return to the people, and that they may understand."

47. [Joseph] said: "For seven years shall ye diligently sow as is your wont: and the harvests that ye reap, ye shall leave them in the ear,- except a little, of which ye shall eat.

48. "Then will come after that [period] seven dreadful [years], which will devour what ye shall have laid by in advance for them,- [all] except a little which ye shall have [specially] guarded.

49. "Then will come after that [period] a year in which the people will have abundant water, and in which they will press [wine and oil]."

50. So the king said: "Bring ye him unto me." But when the messenger came to him, [Joseph] said: "Go thou back to thy lord, and ask him, 'What is the state of mind of the ladies who cut their hands'? For my Lord is certainly well aware of their snare."

51. [The king] said [to the ladies]: "What was your affair when ye did seek to seduce Joseph from his [true] self?" The ladies said: "Allah preserve us! no evil know we against him!" Said the 'Aziz's wife: "Now is the truth manifest [to all]: it was I who sought to seduce him from his [true] self: He is indeed of those who are [ever] true [and virtuous].

52. "This [say I], in order that He may know that I have never been false to him in his absence, and that Allah will never guide the snare of the false ones.

53. "Nor do I absolve my own self [of blame]: the [human] soul is certainly

prone to evil, unless my Lord do bestow His Mercy: but surely my Lord is Oftforgiving, Most Merciful."

54. So the king said: "Bring him unto me; I will take him specially to serve about my own person." Therefore when he had spoken to him, he said: "Be assured this day, thou art, before our own presence, with rank firmly established, and fidelity fully proved!

55. [Joseph] said: "Set me over the store-houses of the land: I will indeed guard them, as one that knows [their importance]."

56. Thus did We give established power to Joseph in the land, to take possession therein as, when, or where he pleased. We bestow of our Mercy on whom We please, and We suffer not, to be lost, the reward of those who do good.

57. But verily the reward of the Hereafter is the best, for those who believe, and are constant in righteousness.

58. Then came Joseph's brethren: they entered his presence, and he knew them, but they knew him not.

59. And when he had furnished them forth with provisions [suitable] for them, he said: "Bring unto me a brother ye have, of the same father as yourselves, [but a different mother]: see ye not that I pay out full measure, and that I do provide the best hospitality?

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60. "Now if ye bring him not to me, ye shall have no measure [of corn] from me, nor shall ye [even] come near me."

61. They said: "We shall certainly seek to get our wish about him from his father: Indeed we shall do it."

62. And [Joseph] told his servants to put their stock-in-trade [with which they had bartered] into their saddle-bags, so they should know it only when they returned to their people, in order that they might come back.

63. Now when they returned to their father, they said: "O our father! No more measure of grain shall we get [unless we take our brother]: So send our brother with us, that we may get our measure; and we will indeed take every care of him. "

64. He said: "Shall I trust you with him with any result other than when I

trusted you with his brother aforetime? But Allah is the best to take care [of him], and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!"

65. Then when they opened their baggage, they found their stock-in-trade had been returned to them. They said: "0 our father! What [more] can we desire? this our stock-in-trade has been returned to us: so we shall get [more] food for our family; We shall take care of our brother; and add [at the same time] a full camel's load [of grain to our provisions]. This is but a small quantity.

66. [Jacob] said: "Never will I send him with you until ye swear a solemn oath to me, in Allah's name, that ye will be sure to bring him back to me unless ye are yourselves hemmed in [and made powerless]. And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: "Over all that we say, be Allah the witness and guardian!"

67. Further he said: "0 my sons! enter not all by one gate: enter ye by different gates. Not that I can profit you aught against Allah [with my advice]: None can command except Allah: On Him do I put my trust: and let all that trust put their trust on Him."

68. And when they entered in the manner their father had enjoined, it did not profit them in the least against [the plan of] Allah: It was but a necessity of Jacob's soul, which he discharged. For he was, by our instruction, full of knowledge [and experience]: but most men know not.

69. Now when they came into Joseph's presence, he received his [full] brother to stay with him. He said [to him]: "Behold! I am thy [own] brother; so grieve not at aught of their doings."

70. At length when he had furnished them forth with provisions [suitable] for them, he put the drinking cup into his brother's saddle-bag. Then shouted out a crier: "O ye [in] the caravan! behold! ye are thieves, without doubt!"

71. They said, turning towards them: "What is it that ye miss?"

72. They said: "We miss the great beaker of the king; for him who produces it, is [the reward of] a camel load; I will be bound by it."

73. [The brothers] said: "By Allah! well ye know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!"

74. [The Egyptians] said: "What then shall be the penalty of this, if ye are [proved] to have lied?"

75. They said: "The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it is found, should be held [as bondman] to atone for the [crime]. Thus it is we punish the wrong-doers!"

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76. So he began [the search] with their baggage, before [he came to] the baggage of his brother: at length he brought it out of his brother's baggage. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not take his brother by the law of the king except that Allah willed it [so]. We raise to degrees [of wisdom] whom We please: but over all endued with knowledge is one, the All-Knowing.

77. They said: "If he steals, there was a brother of his who did steal before [him]." But these things did Joseph keep locked in his heart, revealing not the secrets to them. He [simply] said [to himself]: "Ye are the worse situated; and Allah knoweth best the truth of what ye assert!"

78. They said: "O exalted one! Behold! he has a father, aged and venerable, [who will grieve for him]; so take one of us in his place; for we see that thou art [gracious] in doing good."

79. He said: "Allah forbid that we take other than him with whom we found our property: indeed [if we did so], we should be acting wrongfully.

80. Now when they saw no hope of his [yielding], they held a conference in private. The leader among them said: "Know ye not that your father did take an oath from you in Allah's name, and how, before this, ye did fail in your duty with Joseph? Therefore will I not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah commands me; and He is the best to command.

81. "Turn ye back to your father, and say, 'O our father! behold! thy son committed theft! we bear witness only to what we know, and we could not well guard against the unseen!

82. "'Ask at the town where we have been and the caravan in which we returned, and [you will find] we are indeed telling the truth.'"

83. Jacob said: "Nay, but ye have yourselves contrived a story [good enough] for you. So patience is most fitting [for me]. Maybe Allah will bring them [back] all to me [in the end]. For He is indeed full of knowledge and wisdom."

84. And he turned away from them, and said: "How great is my grief for Joseph!" And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silent melancholy.

85. They said: "By Allah! [never] wilt thou cease to remember Joseph until thou reach the last extremity of illness, or until thou die!"

86. He said: "I only complain of my distraction and anguish to Allah, and I know from Allah that which ye know not....

87. "O my sons! go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah's Soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah's Soothing

Mercy, except those who have no faith."

88. Then, when they came [back] into [Joseph's] presence they said: "0 exalted one! distress has seized us and our family: we have [now] brought but scanty capital: so pay us full measure, [we pray thee], and treat it as charity to us: for Allah doth reward the charitable."

89. He said: "Know ye how ye dealt with Joseph and his brother, not knowing [what ye were doing]?"

90. They said: "Art thou indeed Joseph?" He said, "I am Joseph, and this is my brother: Allah has indeed been gracious to us [all]: behold, he that is righteous and patient,- never will Allah suffer the reward to be lost, of those who do right."

91. They said: "By Allah! indeed has Allah preferred thee above us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!"

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92. He said: "This day let no reproach be [cast] on you: Allah will forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!

93. "Go with this my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father: he will come to see [clearly]. Then come ye [here] to me together with all your family."

94. When the caravan left [Egypt], their father said: "I do indeed scent the presence of Joseph: Nay, think me not a dotard."

95. They said: "By Allah! truly thou art in thine old wandering mind."

96. Then when the bearer of the good news came, He cast [the shirt] over his face, and he forthwith regained clear sight. He said: "Did I not say to you, 'I know from Allah that which ye know not?'"

97. They said: "O our father! ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we were truly at fault."

98. He said: "Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you: for he is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

99. Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his parents with himself, and said: "Enter ye Egypt [all] in safety if it please Allah."

100. And he raised his parents high on the throne [of dignity], and they fell down in prostration, [all] before him. He said: "O my father! this is the fulfilment of my vision of old! Allah hath made it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you [all here] out of the desert, [even] after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Verily my Lord understandeth best the mysteries of all that He planneth to do, for verily He is full of knowledge and wisdom.

101. "O my Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on me some power, and taught me something of the interpretation of dreams and events,- O Thou Creator of the heavens and the earth! Thou art my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Take Thou my soul [at death] as one submitting to Thy will [as a Muslim], and unite me with the righteous."

102. Such is one of the stories of what happened unseen, which We reveal by inspiration unto thee; nor wast thou [present] with them then when they concerted their plans together in the process of weaving their plots.

103. Yet no faith will the greater part of mankind have, however ardently thou dost desire it.

104. And no reward dost thou ask of them for this: it is no less than a message for all creatures.

105. And how many Signs in the heavens and the earth do they pass by? Yet they turn [their faces] away from them!

106. And most of them believe not in Allah without associating [other as partners] with Him!

107. Do they then feel secure from the coming against them of the covering veil of the wrath of Allah,- or of the coming against them of the [final] Hour all of a sudden while they perceive not?

108. Say thou: "This is my way: I do invite unto Allah,- on evidence clear as the seeing with one's eyes,- I and whoever follows me. Glory to Allah! and never will I join gods with Allah!"

109. Nor did We send before thee [as messengers] any but men, whom we did inspire,- [men] living in human habitations. Do they not travel through the 114

earth, and see what was the end of those before them? But the home of the hereafter is best, for those who do right. Will ye not then understand?

110. [Respite will be granted] until, when the messengers give up hope [of their people] and [come to] think that they were treated as liars, there reaches them Our help, and those whom We will are delivered into safety. But never will be warded off our punishment from those who are in sin.

111. There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it,- a

detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a mercy to any such as believe.

SURA 13. Rad, or Thunder

1. A. L. M. R. These are the signs [or verses] of the Book: that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth; but most men believe not.

2. Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; is firmly established on the throne [of authority]; He has subjected the sun and the moon [to his Law]! Each one runs [its course] for a term appointed. He doth regulate all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that ye may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.

3. And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and [flowing] rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draweth the night as a veil o'er the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider!

4. And in the earth are tracts [diverse though] neighbouring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees - growing out of single roots or otherwise: watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who understand!

5. If thou dost marvel [at their want of faith], strange is their saying: "When we are [actually] dust, shall we indeed then be in a creation renewed?" They are those who deny their Lord! They are those round whose necks will be yokes [of servitude]: they will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein [for aye]!

6. They ask thee to hasten on the evil in preference to the good: Yet have come to pass, before them, [many] exemplary punishments! But verily thy Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind for their wrong-doing, and verily thy Lord is [also] strict in punishment.

7. And the Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" But thou art truly a warner, and to every people a guide.

8. Allah doth know what every female [womb] doth bear, by how much the wombs fall short [of their time or number] or do exceed. Every single thing is before His sight, in [due] proportion.

9. He knoweth the unseen and that which is open: He is the Great, the Most High.

10. It is the same [to Him] whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly; whether he lie hid by night or walk forth freely by day.

11. For each [such person] there are [angels] in succession, before and behind him: They guard him by command of Allah. Allah does not change a people's lot unless they change what is in their hearts. But when [once] Allah willeth a 115

people's punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find, besides Him, any to protect.

12. It is He Who doth show you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope: It is He Who doth raise up the clouds, heavy with [fertilising] rain!

13. Nay, thunder repeateth His praises, and so do the angels, with awe: He flingeth the loud-voiced thunder-bolts, and therewith He striketh whomsoever He will ... yet these [are the men] who [dare to] dispute about Allah, with the strength of His power [supreme]!

14. For Him [alone] is prayer in Truth: any others that they call upon besides Him hear them no more than if they were to stretch forth their hands for water to reach their mouths but it reaches them not: for the prayer of those without Faith is nothing but [futile] wandering [in the mind].

15. Whatever beings there are in the heavens and the earth do prostrate themselves to Allah [Acknowledging subjection],- with good-will or in spite of themselves: so do their shadows in the morning and evenings.

16. Say: "Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?" Say: "[It is] Allah." Say: "Do ye then take [for worship] protectors other than Him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?" Say: "Are the blind equal with those who see? Or the depths of darkness equal with light?" Or do they assign to Allah partners who have created [anything] as He has created, so that the creation seemed to them similar? Say: "Allah is the Creator of all things: He is the One, the Supreme and Irresistible."

17. He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to its measure: But the torrent bears away to foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from that [ore] which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or utensils therewith, there is a scum likewise. Thus doth Allah [by parables] show forth Truth and Vanity. For the scum disappears like forth cast out; while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus doth Allah set forth parables.

18. For those who respond to their Lord, are [all] good things. But those who respond not to Him,- Even if they had all that is in the heavens and on earth, and as much more, [in vain] would they offer it for ransom. For them will the

reckoning be terrible: their abode will be Hell,- what a bed of misery!

19. Is then one who doth know that that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth, like one who is blind? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition;-

20. Those who fulfil the covenant of Allah and fail not in their plighted word;

21. Those who join together those things which Allah hath commanded to be joined, hold their Lord in awe, and fear the terrible reckoning;

22. Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; Establish regular prayers; spend, out of [the gifts] We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off Evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the [eternal] home,-

23. Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring: and angels shall enter unto them from every gate [with the salutation]:

24. "Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!"

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25. But those who break the Covenant of Allah, after having plighted their word thereto, and cut asunder those things which Allah has commanded to be joined, and work mischief in the land;- on them is the curse; for them is the terrible home!

26. Allah doth enlarge, or grant by [strict] measure, the sustenance [which He giveth] to whomso He pleaseth. [The worldly] rejoice in the life of this world: But the life of this world is but little comfort in the Hereafter.

27. The Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "Truly Allah leaveth, to stray, whom He will; But He guideth to Himself those who turn to Him in penitence,-

28. "Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.

29. "For those who believe and work righteousness, is [every] blessedness, and a beautiful place of [final] return."

30. Thus have we sent thee amongst a People before whom [long since] have [other] Peoples [gone and] passed away; in order that thou mightest rehearse unto them what We send down unto thee by inspiration; yet do they reject [Him], the Most Gracious! Say: "He is my Lord! There is no god but He! On Him is my trust, and to Him do I turn!"

31. If there were a Qur'an with which mountains were moved, or the earth were cloven asunder, or the dead were made to speak, [this would be the one!] But, truly, the command is with Allah in all things! Do not the Believers know, that, had Allah [so] willed, He could have guided all mankind [to the right]? But the Unbelievers,- never will disaster cease to seize them for their [ill] deeds, or to settle close to their homes, until the promise of Allah come to pass, for, verily, Allah will not fail in His promise.

32. Mocked were [many] messengers before thee: but I granted respite to the unbelievers, and finally I punished them: Then how [terrible] was my requital!

33. Is then He who standeth over every soul [and knoweth] all that it doth, [like any others]? And yet they ascribe partners to Allah. Say: "But name them! is it that ye will inform Him of something he knoweth not on earth, or is it [just] a show of words?" Nay! to those who believe not, their pretence seems pleasing, but they are kept back [thereby] from the path. And those whom Allah leaves to stray, no one can guide.

34. For them is a penalty in the life of this world, but harder, truly, is the penalty of the Hereafter: and defender have they none against Allah.

35. The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised!- beneath it flow rivers: perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein: such is the end of the Righteous; and the end of Unbelievers in the Fire.

36. Those to whom We have given the Book rejoice at what hath been revealed unto thee: but there are among the clans those who reject a part thereof. Say: "I am commanded to worship Allah, and not to join partners with Him. Unto Him do I call, and unto Him is my return."

37. Thus have We revealed it to be a judgment of authority in Arabic. Wert thou to follow their [vain] desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither protector nor defender against Allah.

38. We did send messengers before thee, and appointed for them wives and children: and it was never the part of a messenger to bring a sign except as Allah permitted [or commanded]. For each period is a Book [revealed].

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39. Allah doth blot out or confirm what He pleaseth: with Him is the Mother of the Book.

40. Whether We shall show thee [within thy life-time] part of what we promised

them or take to ourselves thy soul [before it is all accomplished],- thy duty is to make [the Message] reach them: it is our part to call them to account.

41. See they not that We gradually reduce the land [in their control] from its outlying borders? [Where] Allah commands, there is none to put back His Command: and He is swift in calling to account.

42. Those before them did [also] devise plots; but in all things the masterplanning is Allah's He knoweth the doings of every soul: and soon will the

Unbelievers know who gets home in the end.

43. The Unbelievers say: "No messenger art thou." Say: "Enough for a witness between me and you is Allah, and such as have knowledge of the Book."

SURA 14. Ibrahim, or Abraham

1. A. L. R. A Book which We have revealed unto thee, in order that thou mightest lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light - by the leave of their Lord - to the Way of [Him] the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!-

2. Of Allah, to Whom do belong all things in the heavens and on earth! But alas for the Unbelievers for a terrible penalty [their Unfaith will bring them]!-

3. Those who love the life of this world more than the Hereafter, who hinder [men] from the Path of Allah and seek therein something crooked: they are astray by a long distance.

4. We sent not a messenger except [to teach] in the language of his [own] people, in order to make [things] clear to them. Now Allah leaves straying those whom He pleases and guides whom He pleases: and He is Exalted in power, full of Wisdom.

5. We sent Moses with Our signs [and the command]. "Bring out thy people from the depths of darkness into light, and teach them to remember the Days of Allah." Verily in this there are Signs for such as are firmly patient and constant,- grateful and appreciative.

6. Remember! Moses said to his people: "Call to mind the favour of Allah to you when He delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: they set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons, and let your women-folk live: therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord."

7. And remember! your Lord caused to be declared [publicly]: "If ye are grateful, I will add more [favours] unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed."

8. And Moses said: "If ye show ingratitude, ye and all on earth together, yet is Allah free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

9. Has not the story reached you, [0 people!], of those who [went] before you? -of the people of Noah, and 'Ad, and Thamud? - And of those who [came] after them? None knows them but Allah. To them came messengers with Clear [Signs]; but they put their hands up to their mouths, and said: "We do deny [the mission] on which ye have been sent, and we are really in suspicious [disquieting] doubt as to that to which ye invite us."

10. Their messengers said: "Is there a doubt about Allah, The Creator of the heavens and the earth? It is He Who invites you, in order that He may forgive 118

you your sins and give you respite for a term appointed!" They said: "Ah! ye are no more than human, like ourselves! Ye wish to turn us away from the [gods] our fathers used to worship: then bring us some clear authority."

11. Their messengers said to them: "True, we are human like yourselves, but Allah doth grant His grace to such of his servants as He pleases. It is not for us to bring you an authority except as Allah permits. And on Allah let all men of faith put their trust.

12. "No reason have we why we should not put our trust on Allah. Indeed He Has guided us to the Ways we [follow]. We shall certainly bear with patience all the hurt you may cause us. For those who put their trust should put their trust on Allah."

13. And the Unbelievers said to their messengers: "Be sure we shall drive you out of our land, or ye shall return to our religion." But their Lord inspired [this Message] to them: "Verily We shall cause the wrong-doers to perish!

14. "And verily We shall cause you to abide in the land, and succeed them. This for such as fear the Time when they shall stand before My tribunal,- such as fear the punishment denounced."

15. But they sought victory and decision [there and then], and frustration was the lot of every powerful obstinate transgressor.

16. In front of such a one is Hell, and he is given, for drink, boiling fetid water.

17. In gulps will he sip it, but never will he be near swallowing it down his throat: death will come to him from every quarter, yet will he not die: and in front of him will be a chastisement unrelenting.

18. The parable of those who reject their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a tempestuous day: No power have they over

aught that they have earned: that is the straying far, far [from the goal].

19. Seest thou not that Allah created the heavens and the earth in Truth? If He so will, He can remove you and put [in your place] a new creation?

20. Nor is that for Allah any great matter.

21. They will all be marshalled before Allah together: then will the weak say to those who were arrogant, "For us, we but followed you; can ye then avail us to all against the wrath of Allah?" They will reply, "If we had received the Guidance of Allah, we should have given it to you: to us it makes no difference [now] whether we rage, or bear [these torments] with patience: for ourselves there is no way of escape."

22. And Satan will say when the matter is decided: "It was Allah Who gave you a promise of Truth: I too promised, but I failed in my promise to you. I had no authority over you except to call you but ye listened to me: then reproach not me, but reproach your own souls. I cannot listen to your cries, nor can ye listen to mine. I reject your former act in associating me with Allah. For wrong-doers there must be a grievous penalty."

23. But those who believe and work righteousness will be admitted to gardens beneath which rivers flow,- to dwell therein for aye with the leave of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be: "Peace!"

24. Seest thou not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches [reach] to the heavens,- of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they may receive admonition.

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25. It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they may receive admonition.

26. And the parable of an evil Word is that of an evil tree: It is torn up by the root from the surface of the earth: it has no stability.

27. Allah will establish in strength those who believe, with the word that stands firm, in this world and in the Hereafter; but Allah will leave, to stray, those who do wrong: Allah doeth what He willeth.

28. Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who have changed the favour of Allah. Into blasphemy and caused their people to descend to the House of Perdition?-

29. Into Hell? They will burn therein,- an evil place to stay in!

30. And they set up [idols] as equal to Allah, to mislead [men] from the Path! Say: "Enjoy [your brief power]! But verily ye are making straightway for Hell!"

31. Speak to my servants who have believed, that they may establish regular prayers, and spend [in charity] out of the sustenance we have given them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a Day in which there will be neither mutual bargaining nor befriending.

32. It is Allah Who hath created the heavens and the earth and sendeth down rain from the skies, and with it bringeth out fruits wherewith to feed you; it is He Who hath made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command; and the rivers [also] hath He made subject to you.

33. And He hath made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses; and the night and the day hath he [also] made subject to you.

34. And He giveth you of all that ye ask for. But if ye count the favours of Allah, never will ye be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude.

35. Remember Abraham said: "O my Lord! make this city one of peace and security: and preserve me and my sons from worshipping idols.

36. "O my Lord! they have indeed led astray many among mankind; He then who

follows my [ways] is of me, and he that disobeys me,- but Thou art indeed Oftforgiving, Most Merciful.

37. "O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give thanks.

38. "O our Lord! truly Thou dost know what we conceal and what we reveal: for nothing whatever is hidden from Allah, whether on earth or in heaven.

39. "Praise be to Allah, Who hath granted unto me in old age Isma'il and Isaac: for truly my Lord is He, the Hearer of Prayer!

40. O my Lord! make me one who establishes regular Prayer, and also [raise such] among my offspring O our Lord! and accept Thou my Prayer.

41. "O our Lord! cover [us] with Thy Forgiveness - me, my parents, and [all] Believers, on the Day that the Reckoning will be established!

42. Think not that Allah doth not heed the deeds of those who do wrong. He but giveth them respite against a Day when the eyes will fixedly stare in horror,-120

43. They running forward with necks outstretched, their heads uplifted, their gaze returning not towards them, and their hearts a [gaping] void!

44. So warn mankind of the Day when the Wrath will reach them: then will the wrong-doers say: "Our Lord! respite us [if only] for a short term: we will answer Thy call, and follow the messengers!" "What! were ye not wont to swear aforetime that ye should suffer no decline?

45. "And ye dwelt in the dwellings of men who wronged their own souls; ye were clearly shown how We dealt with them; and We put forth [many] parables in your behoof!"

46. Mighty indeed were the plots which they made, but their plots were [well] within the sight of Allah, even though they were such as to shake the hills!

47. Never think that Allah would fail his messengers in His promise: for Allah is Exalted in power, - the Lord of Retribution.

48. One day the earth will be changed to a different earth, and so will be the heavens, and [men] will be marshalled forth, before Allah, the One, the Irresistible;

49. And thou wilt see the sinners that day bound together in fetters;-

50. Their garments of liquid pitch, and their faces covered with Fire;

51. That Allah may requite each soul according to its deserts; and verily Allah is swift in calling to account.

52. Here is a Message for mankind: Let them take warning therefrom, and let them know that He is [no other than] One Allah: let men of understanding take heed. SURA 15. Al-Hijr, or The Rocky Tract

1. A. L. R. These are the Ayats of Revelation,- of a Qur'an that makes things clear.

2. Again and again will those who disbelieve, wish that they had bowed [to Allah's will] in Islam.

3. Leave them alone, to enjoy [the good things of this life] and to please themselves: let [false] hope amuse them: soon will knowledge [undeceive them].

4. Never did We destroy a population that had not a term decreed and assigned beforehand.

5. Neither can a people anticipate its term, nor delay it.

6. They say: "O thou to whom the Message is being revealed! truly thou art mad [or possessed]!

7. "Why bringest thou not angels to us if it be that thou hast the Truth?"

8. We send not the angels down except for just cause: if they came [to the ungodly], behold! no respite would they have!

9. We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it [from corruption].

10. We did send messengers before thee amongst the religious sects of old:

11. But never came a messenger to them but they mocked him.

12. Even so do we let it creep into the hearts of the sinners -121

13. That they should not believe in the [Message]; but the ways of the ancients have passed away.

14. Even if We opened out to them a gate from heaven, and they were to continue [all day] ascending therein,

15. They would only say: "Our eyes have been intoxicated: Nay, we have been bewitched by sorcery."

16. It is We Who have set out the zodiacal signs in the heavens, and made them fair-seeming to [all] beholders;

17. And [moreover] We have guarded them from every cursed devil:

18. But any that gains a hearing by stealth, is pursued by a flaming fire, bright [to see].

19. And the earth We have spread out [like a carpet]; set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance.

20. And We have provided therein means of subsistence,- for you and for those for whose sustenance ye are not responsible.

21. And there is not a thing but its [sources and] treasures [inexhaustible] are with Us; but We only send down thereof in due and ascertainable measures.

22. And We send the fecundating winds, then cause the rain to descend from the sky, therewith providing you with water [in abundance], though ye are not the guardians of its stores.

23. And verily, it is We Who give life, and Who give death: it is We Who remain inheritors [after all else passes away].

24. To Us are known those of you who hasten forward, and those who lag behind.

25. Assuredly it is thy Lord Who will gather them together: for He is perfect in Wisdom and Knowledge.

26. We created man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape;

27. And the Jinn race, We had created before, from the fire of a scorching wind.

28. Behold! thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man, from

sounding clay from mud moulded into shape;

29. "When I have fashioned him [in due proportion] and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him."

30. So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together:

31. Not so Iblis: he refused to be among those who prostrated themselves.

32. [Allah] said: "O Iblis! what is your reason for not being among those who prostrated themselves?"

33. [Iblis] said: "I am not one to prostrate myself to man, whom Thou didst create from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape."

34. [Allah] said: "Then get thee out from here; for thou art rejected, accursed.

35. "And the curse shall be on thee till the day of Judgment."

36. [Iblis] said: "O my Lord! give me then respite till the Day the [dead] are raised."

37. [Allah] said: "Respite is granted thee

38. "Till the Day of the Time appointed." 122

39. [Iblis] said: "O my Lord! because Thou hast put me in the wrong, I will make [wrong] fair-seeming to them on the earth, and I will put them all in the wrong,-

40. "Except Thy servants among them, sincere and purified [by Thy Grace]."

41. [Allah] said: "This [way of My sincere servants] is indeed a way that leads straight to Me.

42. "For over My servants no authority shalt thou have, except such as put themselves in the wrong and follow thee."

43. And verily, Hell is the promised abode for them all!

44. To it are seven gates: for each of those gates is a [special] class [of sinners] assigned.

45. The righteous [will be] amid gardens and fountains [of clear-flowing water].

46. [Their greeting will be]: "Enter ye here in peace and security."

47. And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury: [they will be] brothers [joyfully] facing each other on thrones [of dignity].

48. There no sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they [ever] be asked to leave.

49. Tell My servants that I am indeed the Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful;

50. And that My Penalty will be indeed the most grievous Penalty.

51. Tell them about the guests of Abraham.

52. When they entered his presence and said, "Peace!" He said, "We feel afraid of you!"

53. They said: "Fear not! We give thee glad tidings of a son endowed with wisdom."

54. He said: "Do ye give me glad tidings that old age has seized me? Of what, then, is your good news?"

55. They said: "We give thee glad tidings in truth: be not then in despair!"

56. He said: "And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord, but such as go astray?"

57. Abraham said: "What then is the business on which ye [have come], O ye messengers [of Allah]?"

58. They said: "We have been sent to a people [deep] in sin,

59. "Excepting the adherents of Lut: them we are certainly [charged] to save [from harm],- All -

60. "Except his wife, who, We have ascertained, will be among those who will lag behind."

61. At length when the messengers arrived among the adherents of Lut,

62. He said: "Ye appear to be uncommon folk."

63. They said: "Yea, we have come to thee to accomplish that of which they doubt.

64. "We have brought to thee that which is inevitably due, and assuredly we tell the truth.

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65. "Then travel by night with thy household, when a portion of the night [yet remains], and do thou bring up the rear: let no one amongst you look back, but pass on whither ye are ordered."

66. And We made known this decree to him, that the last remnants of those [sinners] should be cut off by the morning.

67. The inhabitants of the city came in [mad] joy [at news of the young men].

68. Lut said: "These are my guests: disgrace me not:

69. "But fear Allah, and shame me not."

70. They said: "Did we not forbid thee [to speak] for all and sundry?"

71. He said: "There are my daughters [to marry], if ye must act [so]."

72. Verily, by thy life [O Prophet], in their wild intoxication, they wander in distraction, to and fro.

73. But the [mighty] Blast overtook them before morning,

74. And We turned [the cities] upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay.

75. Behold! in this are Signs for those who by tokens do understand.

76. And the [cities were] right on the high-road.

77. Behold! in this is a sign for those who believed.

78. And the Companions of the Wood were also wrong-doers;

79. So We exacted retribution from them. They were both on an open highway, plain to see.

80. The Companions of the Rocky Tract also rejected the messengers:

81. We sent them Our Signs, but they persisted in turning away from them.

82. Out of the mountains did they hew [their] edifices, [feeling themselves] secure.

83. But the [mighty] Blast seized them of a morning,

84. And of no avail to them was all that they did [with such art and care]!

85. We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, but for just ends. And the Hour is surely coming [when this will be manifest]. So overlook [any human faults] with gracious forgiveness.

86. For verily it is thy Lord who is the Master-Creator, knowing all things.

87. And We have bestowed upon thee the Seven Oft-repeated [verses] and the Grand Qur'an.

88. Strain not thine eyes. [Wistfully] at what We have bestowed on certain classes of them, nor grieve over them: but lower thy wing [in gentleness] to the believers.

89. And say: "I am indeed he that warneth openly and without ambiguity,"-

90. [Of just such wrath] as We sent down on those who divided [Scripture into arbitrary parts],-

91. [So also on such] as have made Qur'an into shreds [as they please].

92. Therefore, by the Lord, We will, of a surety, call them to account,

93. For all their deeds. 124

94. Therefore expound openly what thou art commanded, and turn away from those who join false gods with Allah.

95. For sufficient are We unto thee against those who scoff,-

96. Those who adopt, with Allah, another god: but soon will they come to know.

97. We do indeed know how thy heart is distressed at what they say.

98. But celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and be of those who prostrate themselves in adoration.

99. And serve thy Lord until there come unto thee the Hour that is Certain. SURA 16. Nahl, or The Bee

1. [Inevitable] cometh [to pass] the Command of Allah: seek ye not then to hasten it: Glory to Him, and far is He above having the partners they ascribe unto Him!

2. He doth send down His angels with inspiration of His Command, to such of His servants as He pleaseth, [saying]: "Warn [Man] that there is no god but I: so do your duty unto Me."

3. He has created the heavens and the earth for just ends: Far is He above having the partners they ascribe to Him!

4. He has created man from a sperm-drop; and behold this same [man] becomes an open disputer!

5. And cattle He has created for you [men]: from them ye derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their [meat] ye eat.

6. And ye have a sense of pride and beauty in them as ye drive them home in the evening, and as ye lead them forth to pasture in the morning.

7. And they carry your heavy loads to lands that ye could not [otherwise] reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful,

8. And [He has created] horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show; and He has created [other] things of which ye have no knowledge.

9. And unto Allah leads straight the Way, but there are ways that turn aside: if Allah had willed, He could have guided all of you.

10. It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it [grows] the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.

11. With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought.

12. He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the sun and the moon; and the stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this are Signs for men who are wise.

13. And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colours [and qualities]: verily in this is a sign for men who celebrate the praises of Allah [in gratitude].

14. It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou

seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek [thus] of the

bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful.

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15. And He has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and rivers and roads; that ye may guide yourselves;

16. And marks and sign-posts; and by the stars [men] guide themselves.

17. Is then He Who creates like one that creates not? Will ye not receive admonition?

18. If ye would count up the favours of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

19. And Allah doth know what ye conceal, and what ye reveal.

20. Those whom they invoke besides Allah create nothing and are themselves created.

21. [They are things] dead, lifeless: nor do they know when they will be raised up.

22. Your Allah is one Allah: as to those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts refuse to know, and they are arrogant.

23. Undoubtedly Allah doth know what they conceal, and what they reveal: verily He loveth not the arrogant.

24. When it is said to them, "What is it that your Lord has revealed?" they say, "Tales of the ancients!"

25. Let them bear, on the Day of Judgment, their own burdens in full, and also [something] of the burdens of those without knowledge, whom they misled. Alas, how grievous the burdens they will bear!

26. Those before them did also plot [against Allah's Way]: but Allah took their structures from their foundations, and the roof fell down on them from above; and the Wrath seized them from directions they did not perceive.

27. Then, on the Day of Judgment, He will cover them with shame, and say: "Where are My 'partners' concerning whom ye used to dispute [with the godly]?" Those endued with knowledge will say: "This Day, indeed, are the Unbelievers covered with shame and misery,-

28. "[Namely] those whose lives the angels take in a state of wrong-doing to their own souls." Then would they offer submission [with the pretence], "We did no evil [knowingly]." [The angels will reply], "Nay, but verily Allah knoweth all that ye did;

29. "So enter the gates of Hell, to dwell therein. Thus evil indeed is the abode of the arrogant."

30. To the righteous [when] it is said, "What is it that your Lord has revealed?" they say, "All that is good." To those who do good, there is good in this world, and the Home of the Hereafter is even better and excellent indeed is the Home of the righteous,-

31. Gardens of Eternity which they will enter: beneath them flow [pleasant] rivers: they will have therein all that they wish: thus doth Allah reward the righteous,-

32. [Namely] those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying [to them], "Peace be on you; enter ye the Garden, because of [the good] which ye did [in the world]."

33. Do the [ungodly] wait until the angels come to them, or there comes the Command of thy Lord [for their doom]? So did those who went before them. But Allah wronged them not: nay, they wronged their own souls.

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34. But the evil results of their deeds overtook them, and that very [Wrath] at which they had scoffed hemmed them in.

35. The worshippers of false gods say: "If Allah had so willed, we should not have worshipped aught but Him - neither we nor our fathers,- nor should we have prescribed prohibitions other than His." So did those who went before them. But what is the mission of messengers but to preach the Clear Message?

36. For We assuredly sent amongst every People a messenger, [with the Command], "Serve Allah, and eschew Evil": of the People were some whom Allah guided, and some on whom error became inevitably [established]. So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied [the Truth].

37. If thou art anxious for their guidance, yet Allah guideth not such as He leaves to stray, and there is none to help them.

38. They swear their strongest oaths by Allah, that Allah will not raise up those who die: Nay, but it is a promise [binding] on Him in truth: but most among mankind realise it not.

39. [They must be raised up], in order that He may manifest to them the truth of that wherein they differ, and that the rejecters of Truth may realise that they had indeed [surrendered to] Falsehood.

40. For to anything which We have willed, We but say the word, "Be", and it is.

41. To those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, after suffering

oppression,- We will assuredly give a goodly home in this world; but truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater. If they only realised [this]!

42. [They are] those who persevere in patience, and put their trust on their Lord.

43. And before thee also the messengers We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if ye realise this not, ask of those who possess the Message.

44. [We sent them] with Clear Signs and Books of dark prophecies; and We have sent down unto thee [also] the Message; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought.

45. Do then those who devise evil [plots] feel secure that Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them up, or that the Wrath will not seize them from directions they little perceive?-

46. Or that He may not call them to account in the midst of their goings to and fro, without a chance of their frustrating Him?-

47. Or that He may not call them to account by a process of slow wastage - for thy Lord is indeed full of kindness and mercy.

48. Do they not look at Allah's creation, [even] among [inanimate] things,- How their [very] shadows turn round, from the right and the left, prostrating themselves to Allah, and that in the humblest manner?

49. And to Allah doth obeisance all that is in the heavens and on earth, whether moving [living] creatures or the angels: for none are arrogant [before their Lord].

50. They all revere their Lord, high above them, and they do all that they are commanded.

51. Allah has said: "Take not [for worship] two gods: for He is just One Allah: then fear Me [and Me alone]."

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52. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth, and to Him is duty due always: then will ye fear other than Allah?

53. And ye have no good thing but is from Allah: and moreover, when ye are touched by distress, unto Him ye cry with groans;

54. Yet, when He removes the distress from you, behold! some of you turn to other gods to join with their Lord-

55. [As if] to show their ingratitude for the favours we have bestowed on them! then enjoy [your brief day]: but soon will ye know [your folly]!

56. And they [even] assign, to things they do not know, a portion out of that which We have bestowed for their sustenance! By Allah, ye shall certainly be called to account for your false inventions.

57. And they assign daughters for Allah! - Glory be to Him! - and for themselves [sons,- the issue] they desire!

58. When news is brought to one of them, of [the birth of] a female [child], his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!

59. With shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on [sufferance and] contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! what an evil [choice] they decide on?

60. To those who believe not in the Hereafter, applies the similitude of evil: to Allah applies the highest similitude: for He is the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.

61. If Allah were to punish men for their wrong-doing, He would not leave, on the [earth], a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: When their Term expires, they would not be able to delay [the punishment] for a single hour, just as they would not be able to anticipate it [for a single hour].

62. They attribute to Allah what they hate [for themselves], and their tongues assert the falsehood that all good things are for themselves: without doubt for them is the Fire, and they will be the first to be hastened on into it!

63. By Allah, We [also] sent [Our messengers] to Peoples before thee; but Satan made, [to the wicked], their own acts seem alluring: He is also their patron today, but they shall have a most grievous penalty.

64. And We sent down the Book to thee for the express purpose, that thou shouldst make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe.

65. And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.

66. And verily in cattle [too] will ye find an instructive sign. From what is within their bodies between excretions and blood, We produce, for your drink, milk, pure and agreeable to those who drink it.

67. And from the fruit of the date-palm and the vine, ye get out wholesome drink and food: behold, in this also is a sign for those who are wise.

68. And thy Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in [men's] habitations;

69. Then to eat of all the produce [of the earth], and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.

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70. It is Allah who creates you and takes your souls at death; and of you there are some who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known [much]: for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful.

71. Allah has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others: those more favoured are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess, so as to be equal in that respect. Will they then deny the favours of Allah?

72. And Allah has made for you mates [and companions] of your own nature, and made for you, out of them, sons and daughters and grandchildren, and provided for you sustenance of the best: will they then believe in vain things, and be ungrateful for Allah's favours?-

73. And worship others than Allah,- such as have no power of providing them, for sustenance, with anything in heavens or earth, and cannot possibly have such power?

74. Invent not similitudes for Allah: for Allah knoweth, and ye know not.

75. Allah sets forth the Parable [of two men: one] a slave under the dominion of another; He has no power of any sort; and [the other] a man on whom We have bestowed goodly favours from Ourselves, and he spends thereof [freely], privately and publicly: are the two equal? [By no means;] praise be to Allah. But most of them understand not.

76. Allah sets forth [another] Parable of two men: one of them dumb, with no power of any sort; a wearisome burden is he to his master; whichever way be directs him, he brings no good: is such a man equal with one who commands Justice, and is on a Straight Way?

77. To Allah belongeth the Mystery of the heavens and the earth. And the Decision of the Hour [of Judgment] is as the twinkling of an eye, or even quicker: for Allah hath power over all things.

78. It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that ye may give thanks [to Allah].

79. Do they not look at the birds, held poised in the midst of [the air and] the sky? Nothing holds them up but [the power of] Allah. Verily in this are signs for those who believe.

80. It is Allah Who made your habitations homes of rest and quiet for you; and made for you, out of the skins of animals, [tents for] dwellings, which ye find so light [and handy] when ye travel and when ye stop [in your travels]; and out of their wool, and their soft fibres [between wool and hair], and their hair, rich stuff and articles of convenience [to serve you] for a time.

81. It is Allah Who made out of the things He created, some things to give you shade; of the hills He made some for your shelter; He made you garments to protect you from heat, and coats of mail to protect you from your [mutual] violence. Thus does He complete His favours on you, that ye may bow to His Will [in Islam].

82. But if they turn away, thy duty is only to preach the clear Message.

83. They recognise the favours of Allah; then they deny them; and most of them are [creatures] ungrateful.

84. One Day We shall raise from all Peoples a Witness: then will no excuse be accepted from Unbelievers, nor will they receive any favours.

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85. When the wrong-doers [actually] see the Penalty, then will it in no way be mitigated, nor will they then receive respite.

86. When those who gave partners to Allah will see their "partners", they will say: "Our Lord! these are our 'partners,' those whom we used to invoke besides Thee." But they will throw back their word at them [and say]: "Indeed ye are liars!"

87. That Day shall they [openly] show [their] submission to Allah; and all their inventions shall leave them in the lurch.

88. Those who reject Allah and hinder [men] from the Path of Allah - for them will We add Penalty to Penalty; for that they used to spread mischief.

89. One day We shall raise from all Peoples a witness against them, from amongst themselves: and We shall bring thee as a witness against these [thy people]: and We have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad Tidings to Muslims.

90. Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.

91. Fulfil the Covenant of Allah when ye have entered into it, and break not your oaths after ye have confirmed them; indeed ye have made Allah your surety; for Allah knoweth all that ye do.

92. And be not like a woman who breaks into untwisted strands the yarn which she has spun, after it has become strong. Nor take your oaths to practise deception between yourselves, lest one party should be more numerous than another: for Allah will test you by this; and on the Day of Judgment He will certainly make clear to you [the truth of] that wherein ye disagree.

93. If Allah so willed, He could make you all one people: But He leaves straying whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases: but ye shall certainly be called to account for all your actions.

94. And take not your oaths, to practise deception between yourselves, with the result that someone's foot may slip after it was firmly planted, and ye may have to taste the evil [consequences] of having hindered [men] from the Path of Allah, and a Mighty Wrath descend on you.

95. Nor sell the covenant of Allah for a miserable price: for with Allah is [a prize] far better for you, if ye only knew.

96. What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will endure. And We will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward according to the best of their actions.

97. Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.

98. When thou dost read the Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from Satan the rejected one.

99. No authority has he over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord.

100. His authority is over those only, who take him as patron and who join partners with Allah.

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101. When We substitute one revelation for another,- and Allah knows best what He reveals [in stages],- they say, "Thou art but a forger": but most of them understand not.

102. Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims.

103. We know indeed that they say, "It is a man that teaches him." The tongue of him they wickedly point to is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and clear.

104. Those who believe not in the Signs of Allah,- Allah will not guide them, and theirs will be a grievous Penalty.

105. It is those who believe not in the Signs of Allah, that forge falsehood: it is they who lie!

106. Any one who, after accepting faith in Allah, utters Unbelief,- except under compulsion, his heart remaining firm in Faith - but such as open their breast to Unbelief, on them is Wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a dreadful Penalty.

107. This because they love the life of this world better than the Hereafter: and Allah will not guide those who reject Faith.

108. Those are they whose hearts, ears, and eyes Allah has sealed up, and they take no heed.

109. Without doubt, in the Hereafter they will perish.

110. But verily thy Lord,- to those who leave their homes after trials and persecutions,- and who thereafter strive and fight for the faith and patiently persevere,- Thy Lord, after all this is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

111. One Day every soul will come up struggling for itself, and every soul will be recompensed [fully] for all its actions, and none will be unjustly dealt with.

112. Allah sets forth a Parable: a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: Yet was it ungrateful for the favours of Allah: so Allah made it taste of hunger and terror [in extremes] [closing in on it] like a garment [from every side], because of the [evil] which [its people] wrought.

113. And there came to them a Messenger from among themselves, but they falsely rejected him; so the Wrath seized them even in the midst of their iniquities.

114. So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favours of Allah, if it is He Whom ye serve.

115. He has only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and any [food] over which the name of other than Allah has been invoked. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

116. But say not - for any false thing that your tongues may put forth,- "This

is lawful, and this is forbidden," so as to ascribe false things to Allah. For those who ascribe false things to Allah, will never prosper.

117. [In such falsehood] is but a paltry profit; but they will have a most grievous Penalty.

118. To the Jews We prohibited such things as We have mentioned to thee before: We did them no wrong, but they were used to doing wrong to themselves.

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119. But verily thy Lord,- to those who do wrong in ignorance, but who thereafter repent and make amends,- thy Lord, after all this, is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

120. Abraham was indeed a model, devoutly obedient to Allah, [and] true in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah:

121. He showed his gratitude for the favours of Allah, who chose him, and guided him to a Straight Way.

122. And We gave him Good in this world, and he will be, in the Hereafter, in the ranks of the Righteous.

123. So We have taught thee the inspired [Message], "Follow the ways of Abraham the True in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah."

124. The Sabbath was only made [strict] for those who disagreed [as to its observance]; But Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment, as to their differences.

125. Invite [all] to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.

126. And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: But if ye show patience, that is indeed the best [course] for those who are patient.

127. And do thou be patient, for thy patience is but from Allah; nor grieve over them: and distress not thyself because of their plots.

128. For Allah is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good. SURA 17. Bani Israil, or the Children of Israel

1. Glory to [Allah] Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless,- in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth [all things].

2. We gave Moses the Book, and made it a Guide to the Children of Israel, [commanding]: "Take not other than Me as Disposer of [your] affairs."

3. O ye that are sprung from those whom We carried [in the Ark] with Noah! Verily he was a devotee most grateful.

4. And We gave [Clear] Warning to the Children of Israel in the Book, that twice would they do mischief on the earth and be elated with mighty arrogance [and twice would they be punished]!

5. When the first of the warnings came to pass, We sent against you Our servants given to terrible warfare: They entered the very inmost parts of your homes; and it was a warning [completely] fulfilled.

6. Then did We grant you the Return as against them: We gave you increase in resources and sons, and made you the more numerous in man-power.

7. If ye did well, ye did well for yourselves; if ye did evil, [ye did it] against yourselves. So when the second of the warnings came to pass, [We permitted your enemies] to disfigure your faces, and to enter your Temple as they had entered it before, and to visit with destruction all that fell into their power.

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8. It may be that your Lord may [yet] show Mercy unto you; but if ye revert [to your sins], We shall revert [to Our punishments]: And we have made Hell a prison for those who reject [all Faith].

9. Verily this Qur'an doth guide to that which is most right [or stable], and giveth the Glad Tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward;

10. And to those who believe not in the Hereafter, [it announceth] that We have prepared for them a Penalty Grievous [indeed].

11. The prayer that man should make for good, he maketh for evil; for man is given to hasty [deeds].

12. We have made the Night and the Day as two [of Our] Signs: the Sign of the Night have We obscured, while the Sign of the Day We have made to enlighten you; that ye may seek bounty from your Lord, and that ye may know the number and count of the years: all things have We explained in detail.

13. Every man's fate We have fastened on his own neck: On the Day of Judgment We shall bring out for him a scroll, which he will see spread open.

14. [It will be said to him:] "Read thine [own] record: Sufficient is thy soul this day to make out an account against thee."

15. Who receiveth guidance, receiveth it for his own benefit: who goeth astray doth so to his own loss: No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another: nor would We visit with Our Wrath until We had sent an messenger [to give warning].

16. When We decide to destroy a population, We [first] send a definite order to those among them who are given the good things of this life and yet transgress; so that the word is proved true against them: then [it is] We destroy them utterly.

17. How many generations have We destroyed after Noah? and enough is thy Lord to note and see the sins of His servants.

18. If any do wish for the transitory things [of this life], We readily grant them - such things as We will, to such person as We will: in the end have We provided Hell for them: they will burn therein, disgraced and rejected.

19. Those who do wish for the [things of] the Hereafter, and strive therefor with all due striving, and have Faith,- they are the ones whose striving is acceptable [to Allah].

20. Of the bounties of thy Lord We bestow freely on all- These as well as those: The bounties of thy Lord are not closed [to anyone].

21. See how We have bestowed more on some than on others; but verily the Hereafter is more in rank and gradation and more in excellence.

22. Take not with Allah another object of worship; or thou [O man!] wilt sit in disgrace and destitution.

23. Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.

24. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood."

25. Your Lord knoweth best what is in your hearts: If ye do deeds of righteousness, verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again [in true penitence].

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26. And render to the kindred their due rights, as [also] to those in want, and to the wayfarer: But squander not [your wealth] in the manner of a spendthrift.

27. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his Lord [himself] ungrateful.

28. And even if thou hast to turn away from them in pursuit of the Mercy from thy Lord which thou dost expect, yet speak to them a word of easy kindness.

29. Make not thy hand tied [like a niggard's] to thy neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach, so that thou become blameworthy and destitute.

30. Verily thy Lord doth provide sustenance in abundance for whom He pleaseth, and He provideth in a just measure. For He doth know and regard all His servants.

31. Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin.

32. Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful [deed] and an evil, opening the road [to other evils].

33. Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority [to demand qisas or to forgive]: but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped [by the Law].

34. Come not nigh to the orphan's property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength; and fulfil [every] engagement, for [every] engagement will be enquired into [on the Day of Reckoning].

35. Give full measure when ye measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight: that is the most fitting and the most advantageous in the final determination.

36. And pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing or of [feeling in] the heart will be enquired into [on the Day of Reckoning].

37. Nor walk on the earth with insolence: for thou canst not rend the earth asunder, nor reach the mountains in height.

38. Of all such things the evil is hateful in the sight of thy Lord.

39. These are among the [precepts of] wisdom, which thy Lord has revealed to thee. Take not, with Allah, another object of worship, lest thou shouldst be thrown into Hell, blameworthy and rejected.

40. Has then your Lord [O Pagans!] preferred for you sons, and taken for Himself daughters among the angels? Truly ye utter a most dreadful saying!

41. We have explained [things] in various [ways] in this Qur'an, in order that they may receive admonition, but it only increases their flight [from the Truth]!

42. Say: If there had been [other] gods with Him, as they say,- behold, they

would certainly have sought out a way to the Lord of the Throne!

43. Glory to Him! He is high above all that they say!- Exalted and Great [beyond measure]!

44. The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare His glory: there is not a thing but celebrates His praise; And yet ye understand not how they declare His glory! Verily He is Oft-Forbear, Most Forgiving!

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45. When thou dost recite the Qur'an, We put, between thee and those who believe not in the Hereafter, a veil invisible:

46. And We put coverings over their hearts [and minds] lest they should understand the Qur'an, and deafness into their ears: when thou dost commemorate thy Lord and Him alone in the Qur'an, they turn on their backs, fleeing [from the Truth].

47. We know best why it is they listen, when they listen to thee; and when they meet in private conference, behold, the wicked say, "Ye follow none other than a man bewitched!"

48. See what similes they strike for thee: but they have gone astray, and never can they find a way.

49. They say: "What! when we are reduced to bones and dust, should we really be raised up [to be] a new creation?"

50. Say: "[Nay!] be ye stones or iron,

51. "Or created matter which, in your minds, is hardest [to be raised up],- [Yet shall ye be raised up]!" then will they say: "Who will cause us to return?" Say: "He who created you first!" Then will they wag their heads towards thee, and say, "When will that be?" Say, "May be it will be quite soon!

52. "It will be on a Day when He will call you, and ye will answer [His call] with [words of] His praise, and ye will think that ye tarried but a little while!"

53. Say to My servants that they should [only] say those things that are best: for Satan doth sow dissensions among them: For Satan is to man an avowed enemy.

54. It is your Lord that knoweth you best: If He please, He granteth you mercy, or if He please, punishment: We have not sent thee to be a disposer of their affairs for them.

55. And it is your Lord that knoweth best all beings that are in the heavens and on earth: We did bestow on some prophets more [and other] gifts than on others: and We gave to David [the gift of] the Psalms.

56. Say: "Call on those - besides Him - whom ye fancy: they have neither the power to remove your troubles from you nor to change them."

57. Those whom they call upon do desire [for themselves] means of access to their Lord, - even those who are nearest: they hope for His Mercy and fear His Wrath: for the Wrath of thy Lord is something to take heed of.

58. There is not a population but We shall destroy it before the Day of Judgment or punish it with a dreadful Penalty: that is written in the [eternal] Record.

59. And We refrain from sending the signs, only because the men of former generations treated them as false: We sent the she-camel to the Thamud to open their eyes, but they treated her wrongfully: We only send the Signs by way of terror [and warning from evil].

60. Behold! We told thee that thy Lord doth encompass mankind round about: We granted the vision which We showed thee, but as a trial for men,- as also the Cursed Tree [mentioned] in the Qur'an: We put terror [and warning] into them, but it only increases their inordinate transgression!

61. Behold! We said to the angels: "Bow down unto Adam": They bowed down except Iblis: He said, "Shall I bow down to one whom Thou didst create from clay?"

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62. He said: "Seest Thou? this is the one whom Thou hast honoured above me! If Thou wilt but respite me to the Day of Judgment, I will surely bring his descendants under my sway - all but a few!"

63. [Allah] said: "Go thy way; if any of them follow thee, verily Hell will be the recompense of you [all]- an ample recompense.

64. "Lead to destruction those whom thou canst among them, with thy [seductive] voice; make assaults on them with thy cavalry and thy infantry; mutually share with them wealth and children; and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but deceit.

65. "As for My servants, no authority shalt thou have over them:" Enough is thy Lord for a Disposer of affairs.

66. Your Lord is He That maketh the Ship go smoothly for you through the sea, in order that ye may seek of his Bounty. For he is unto you most Merciful.

67. When distress seizes you at sea, those that ye call upon - besides Himself -leave you in the lurch! but when He brings you back safe to land, ye turn away [from Him]. Most ungrateful is man!

68. Do ye then feel secure that He will not cause you to be swallowed up beneath

the earth when ye are on land, or that He will not send against you a violent tornado [with showers of stones] so that ye shall find no one to carry out your affairs for you?

69. Or do ye feel secure that He will not send you back a second time to sea and send against you a heavy gale to drown you because of your ingratitude, so that ye find no helper. Therein against Us?

70. We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of our creation.

71. One day We shall call together all human beings with their [respective] Imams: those who are given their record in their right hand will read it [with pleasure], and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least.

72. But those who were blind in this world, will be blind in the hereafter, and most astray from the Path.

73. And their purpose was to tempt thee away from that which We had revealed unto thee, to substitute in our name something quite different; [in that case], behold! they would certainly have made thee [their] friend!

74. And had We not given thee strength, thou wouldst nearly have inclined to them a little.

75. In that case We should have made thee taste an equal portion [of punishment] in this life, and an equal portion in death: and moreover thou wouldst have found none to help thee against Us!

76. Their purpose was to scare thee off the land, in order to expel thee; but in that case they would not have stayed [therein] after thee, except for a little while.

77. [This was Our] way with the messengers We sent before thee: thou wilt find no change in Our ways.

78. Establish regular prayers - at the sun's decline till the darkness of the night, and the morning prayer and reading: for the prayer and reading in the morning carry their testimony.

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79. And pray in the small watches of the morning: [it would be] an additional prayer [or spiritual profit] for thee: soon will thy Lord raise thee to a Station of Praise and Glory!

80. Say: "O my Lord! Let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honour, and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honour; and grant me from Thy Presence an authority to aid [me]."

81. And say: "Truth has [now] arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is [by its nature] bound to perish."

82. We send down [stage by stage] in the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.

83. Yet when We bestow Our favours on man, he turns away and becomes remote on his side [instead of coming to Us], and when evil seizes him he gives himself up to despair!

84. Say: "Everyone acts according to his own disposition: But your Lord knows best who it is that is best guided on the Way."

85. They ask thee concerning the Spirit [of inspiration]. Say: "The Spirit [cometh] by command of my Lord: of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you, [O men!]"

86. If it were Our Will, We could take away that which We have sent thee by inspiration: then wouldst thou find none to plead thy affair in that matter as against Us,-

87. Except for Mercy from thy Lord: for his bounty is to thee [indeed] great.

88. Say: "If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur 1 an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support.

89. And We have explained to man, in this Qur'an, every kind of similitude: yet the greater part of men refuse [to receive it] except with ingratitude!

90. They say: "We shall not believe in thee, until thou cause a spring to gush forth for us from the earth,

91. "Or [until] thou have a garden of date trees and vines, and cause rivers to gush forth in their midst, carrying abundant water;

92. "Or thou cause the sky to fall in pieces, as thou sayest [will happen], against us; or thou bring Allah and the angels before [us] face to face:

93. "Or thou have a house adorned with gold, or thou mount a ladder right into the skies. No, we shall not even believe in thy mounting until thou send down to us a book that we could read." Say: "Glory to my Lord! Am I aught but a man,- a messenger?"

94. What kept men back from belief when Guidance came to them, was nothing but this: they said, "Has Allah sent a man [like us] to be [His] Messenger?"

95. Say, "If there were settled, on earth, angels walking about in peace and

quiet, We should certainly have sent them down from the heavens an angel for a messenger."

96. Say: "Enough is Allah for a witness between me and you: for He is well acquainted with His servants, and He sees [all things].

97. It is he whom Allah guides, that is on true Guidance; but he whom He leaves astray - for such wilt thou find no protector besides Him. On the Day of Judgment We shall gather, them together, prone on their faces, blind, dumb, and 137

deaf: their abode will be Hell: every time it shows abatement, We shall increase from them the fierceness of the Fire.

98. That is their recompense, because they rejected Our signs, and said, "When we are reduced to bones and broken dust, should we really be raised up [to be] a new Creation?"

99. See they not that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, has power to create the like of them [anew]? Only He has decreed a term appointed, of which there is no doubt. But the unjust refuse [to receive it] except with ingratitude.

100. Say: "If ye had control of the Treasures of the Mercy of my Lord, behold, ye would keep them back, for fear of spending them: for man is [every] niggardly!"

101. To Moses We did give Nine Clear Signs: As the Children of Israel: when he came to them, Pharaoh said to him: "O Moses! I consider thee, indeed, to have been worked upon by sorcery!

102. Moses said, "Thou knowest well that these things have been sent down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-opening evidence: and I consider thee indeed, O Pharaoh, to be one doomed to destruction!"

103. So he resolved to remove them from the face of the earth: but We did drown him and all who were with him.

104. And We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, "Dwell securely in the land [of promise]": but when the second of the warnings came to pass, We gathered you together in a mingled crowd.

105. We sent down the [Qur'an] in Truth, and in Truth has it descended: and We sent thee but to give Glad Tidings and to warn [sinners].

106. [It is] a Qur'an which We have divided [into parts from time to time], in order that thou mightest recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages.

107. Say: "Whether ye believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration,

108. "And they say: 'Glory to our Lord! Truly has the promise of our Lord been fulfilled!'"

109. They fall down on their faces in tears, and it increases their [earnest] humility.

110. Say: "Call upon Allah, or call upon Rahman: by whatever name ye call upon Him, [it is well]: for to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Neither speak thy Prayer aloud, nor speak it in a low tone, but seek a middle course between."

111. Say: "Praise be to Allah, who begets no son, and has no partner in [His] dominion: Nor [needs] He any to protect Him from humiliation: yea, magnify Him for His greatness and glory!"

SURA 18. Kahf, or the Cave.

1. Praise be to Allah, Who hath sent to His Servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no Crookedness:

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2. [He hath made it] Straight [and Clear] in order that He may warn [the godless] of a terrible Punishment from Him, and that He may give Glad Tidings to the Believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly Reward,

3. Wherein they shall remain for ever:

4. Further, that He may warn those [also] who say, "Allah hath begotten a son":

5. No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers. It is a grievous thing that issues from their mouths as a saying what they say is nothing but falsehood!

6. Thou wouldst only, perchance, fret thyself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message.

7. That which is on earth we have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them - as to which of them are best in conduct.

8. Verily what is on earth we shall make but as dust and dry soil [without growth or herbage].

9. Or dost thou reflect that the Companions of the Cave and of the Inscription were wonders among Our Sign?

10. Behold, the youths betook themselves to the Cave: they said, "Our Lord! bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and dispose of our affair for us in the right

way!"

11. Then We draw [a veil] over their ears, for a number of years, in the Cave, [so that they heard not]:

12. Then We roused them, in order to test which of the two parties was best at calculating the term of years they had tarried!

13. We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance:

14. We gave strength to their hearts: Behold, they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: never shall we call upon any god other than Him: if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity!

15. "These our people have taken for worship gods other than Him: why do they not bring forward an authority clear [and convincing] for what they do? Who doth more wrong than such as invent a falsehood against Allah?

16. "When ye turn away from them and the things they worship other than Allah, betake yourselves to the Cave: Your Lord will shower His mercies on you and disposes of your affair towards comfort and ease."

17. Thou wouldst have seen the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their Cave, and when it set, turning away from them to the left, while they lay in the open space in the midst of the Cave. Such are among the Signs of Allah: He whom Allah, guides is rightly guided; but he whom Allah leaves to stray,- for him wilt thou find no protector to lead him to the Right Way.

18. Thou wouldst have deemed them awake, whilst they were asleep, and We turned them on their right and on their left sides: their dog stretching forth his two fore-legs on the threshold: if thou hadst come up on to them, thou wouldst have certainly turned back from them in flight, and wouldst certainly have been filled with terror of them.

19. Such [being their state], we raised them up [from sleep], that they might question each other. Said one of them, "How long have ye stayed [here]?" They said, "We have stayed [perhaps] a day, or part of a day." [At length] they [all] said, "Allah [alone] knows best how long ye have stayed here ... Now send ye 139

then one of you with this money of yours to the town: let him find out which is the best food [to be had] and bring some to you, that [ye may] satisfy your hunger therewith: And let him behave with care and courtesy, and let him not inform any one about you.

20. "For if they should come upon you, they would stone you or force you to return to their cult, and in that case ye would never attain prosperity."

21. Thus did We make their case known to the people, that they might know that the promise of Allah is true, and that there can be no doubt about the Hour of Judgment. Behold, they dispute among themselves as to their affair. [Some] said, "Construct a building over them": Their Lord knows best about them: those who prevailed over their affair said, "Let us surely build a place of worship over them."

22. [Some] say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them; [others] say they were five, the dog being the sixth,- doubtfully guessing at the unknown; [yet others] say they were seven, the dog being the eighth. Say thou: "My Lord knoweth best their number; It is but few that know their [real case]." Enter not, therefore, into controversies concerning them, except on a matter that is clear, nor consult any of them about [the affair of] the Sleepers.

23. Nor say of anything, "I shall be sure to do so and so tomorrow"-

24. Without adding, "So please Allah!" and call thy Lord to mind when thou forgettest, and say, "I hope that my Lord will guide me ever closer [even] than this to the right road."

25. So they stayed in their Cave three hundred years, and [some] add nine [more]

26. Say: "Allah knows best how long they stayed: with Him is [the knowledge of] the secrets of the heavens and the earth: how clearly He sees, how finely He hears [everything]! They have no protector other than Him; nor does He share His Command with any person whatsoever.

27. And recite [and teach] what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change His Words, and none wilt thou find as a refuge other than Him.

28. And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; no obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.

29. Say, "The truth is from your Lord": Let him who will believe, and let him who will, reject [it]: for the wrong-doers We have prepared a Fire whose [smoke and flames], like the walls and roof of a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces, how dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on!

30. As to those who believe and work righteousness, verily We shall not suffer to perish the reward of any who do a [single] righteous deed.

31. For them will be Gardens of Eternity; beneath them rivers will flow; they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade: They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good the recompense! How beautiful a couch to recline on!

32. Set forth to them the parable of two men: for one of them We provided two gardens of grape-vines and surrounded them with date palms; in between the two We placed corn-fields.

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33. Each of those gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein: in the midst of them We caused a river to flow.

34. [Abundant] was the produce this man had : he said to his companion, in the course of a mutual argument: "more wealth have I than you, and more honour and power in [my following of] men."

35. He went into his garden in a state [of mind] unjust to his soul: He said, "I deem not that this will ever perish,

36. "Nor do I deem that the Hour [of Judgment] will [ever] come: Even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find [there] something better in exchange."

37. His companion said to him, in the course of the argument with him: "Dost thou deny Him Who created thee out of dust, then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned thee into a man?

38. "But [I think] for my part that He is Allah, My Lord, and none shall I associate with my Lord.

39. "Why didst thou not, as thou wentest into thy garden, say: 'Allah's will [be done]! There is no power but with Allah!' If thou dost see me less than thee in wealth and sons,

40. "It may be that my Lord will give me something better than thy garden, and that He will send on thy garden thunderbolts [by way of reckoning] from heaven, making it [but] slippery sand!-

41. "Or the water of the garden will run off underground so that thou wilt never be able to find it."

42. So his fruits [and enjoyment] were encompassed [with ruin], and he remained twisting and turning his hands over what he had spent on his property, which had [now] tumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only say, "Woe is me! Would I had never ascribed partners to my Lord and Cherisher!"

43. Nor had he numbers to help him against Allah, nor was he able to deliver himself.

44. There, the [only] protection comes from Allah, the True One. He is the Best to reward, and the Best to give success.

45. Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth's vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is [only] Allah who prevails over all things.

46. Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: But the things that endure, good deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as [the foundation for] hopes.

47. One Day We shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them, all together, nor shall We leave out any one of them.

48. And they will be marshalled before thy Lord in ranks, [with the announcement], "Now have ye come to Us [bare] as We created you first: aye, ye thought We shall not fulfil the appointment made to you to meet [Us]!":

49. And the Book [of Deeds] will be placed [before you]; and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is [recorded] therein; they will say, "Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great, but 141

takes account thereof!" They will find all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.

50. Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam": They bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrong- doers!

51. I called them not to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor [even] their own creation: nor is it for helpers such as Me to take as lead [men] astray!

52. One Day He will say, "Call on those whom ye thought to be My partners," and they will call on them, but they will not listen to them; and We shall make for them a place of common perdition.

53. And the Sinful shall see the fire and apprehend that they have to fall

therein: no means will they find to turn away therefrom.

54. We have explained in detail in this Qur'an, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude: but man is, in most things, contentious.

55. And what is there to keep back men from believing, now that Guidance has come to them, nor from praying for forgiveness from their Lord, but that [they ask that] the ways of the ancients be repeated with them, or the Wrath be brought to them face to face?

56. We only send the messengers to give Glad Tidings and to give warnings: But the unbelievers dispute with vain argument, in order therewith to weaken the truth, and they treat My Signs as a jest, as also the fact that they are warned!

57. And who doth more wrong than one who is reminded of the Signs of his Lord, but turns away from them, forgetting the [deeds] which his hands have sent forth? Verily We have set veils over their hearts lest they should understand this, and over their ears, deafness, if thou callest them to guidance, even then will they never accept guidance.

58. But your Lord is Most forgiving, full of Mercy. If He were to call them [at once] to account for what they have earned, then surely He would have hastened their punishment: but they have their appointed time, beyond which they will find no refuge.

59. Such were the populations we destroyed when they committed iniquities; but we fixed an appointed time for their destruction.

60. Behold, Moses said to his attendant, "I will not give up until I reach the junction of the two seas or [until] I spend years and years in travel."

61. But when they reached the Junction, they forgot [about] their Fish, which took its course through the sea [straight] as in a tunnel.

62. When they had passed on [some distance], Moses said to his attendant: "Bring us our early meal; truly we have suffered much fatigue at this [stage of] our journey."

63. He replied: "Sawest thou [what happened] when we betook ourselves to the rock? I did indeed forget [about] the Fish: none but Satan made me forget to tell [you] about it: it took its course through the sea in a marvellous way!"

64. Moses said: "That was what we were seeking after:" So they went back on their footsteps, following [the path they had come].

65. So they found one of Our servants, on whom We had bestowed Mercy from Ourselves and whom We had taught knowledge from Our own Presence.

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66. Moses said to him: "May I follow thee, on the footing that thou teach me something of the [Higher] Truth which thou hast been taught?"

67. [The other] said: "Verily thou wilt not be able to have patience with me!"

68. "And how canst thou have patience about things about which thy understanding is not complete?"

69. Moses said: "Thou wilt find me, if Allah so will, [truly] patient: nor shall I disobey thee in aught."

70. The other said: "If then thou wouldst follow me, ask me no questions about anything until I myself speak to thee concerning it."

71. So they both proceeded: until, when they were in the boat, he scuttled it. Said Moses: "Hast thou scuttled it in order to drown those in it? Truly a strange thing hast thou done!"

72. He answered: "Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with me?"

73. Moses said: "Rebuke me not for forgetting, nor grieve me by raising difficulties in my case."

74. Then they proceeded: until, when they met a young man, he slew him. Moses said: "Hast thou slain an innocent person who had slain none? Truly a foul [unheard of] thing hast thou done!"

75. He answered: "Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with me?"

76. [Moses] said: "If ever I ask thee about anything after this, keep me not in thy company: then wouldst thou have received [full] excuse from my side."

77. Then they proceeded: until, when they came to the inhabitants of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling down, but he set it up straight. [Moses] said: "If thou hadst wished, surely thou couldst have exacted some recompense for it!"

78. He answered: "This is the parting between me and thee: now will I tell thee the interpretation of [those things] over which thou wast unable to hold patience.

79. "As for the boat, it belonged to certain men in dire want: they plied on the water: I but wished to render it unserviceable, for there was after them a certain king who seized on every boat by force.

80. "As for the youth, his parents were people of Faith, and we feared that he would grieve them by obstinate rebellion and ingratitude [to Allah and man].

81. "So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange [a son] better in purity [of conduct] and closer in affection.

82. "As for the wall, it belonged to two youths, orphans, in the Town; there was, beneath it, a buried treasure, to which they were entitled: their father had been a righteous man: So thy Lord desired that they should attain their age of full strength and get out their treasure - a mercy [and favour] from thy Lord. I did it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation of [those things] over which thou wast unable to hold patience."

83. They ask thee concerning Zul-qarnain. Say, "I will rehearse to you something of his story."

84. Verily We established his power on earth, and We gave him the ways and the means to all ends.

85. One [such] way he followed, 143

86. Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it set in a spring of murky water: Near it he found a People: We said: "0 Zul-qarnain! [thou hast authority,] either to punish them, or to treat them with kindness."

87. He said: "Whoever doth wrong, him shall we punish; then shall he be sent back to his Lord; and He will punish him with a punishment unheard-of [before].

88. "But whoever believes, and works righteousness,- he shall have a goodly reward, and easy will be his task as We order it by our Command."

89. Then followed he [another] way,

90. Until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had provided no covering protection against the sun.

91. [He left them] as they were: We completely understood what was before him.

92. Then followed he [another] way,

93. Until, when he reached [a tract] between two mountains, he found, beneath them, a people who scarcely understood a word.

94. They said: "O Zul-qarnain! the Gog and Magog [People] do great mischief on earth: shall we then render thee tribute in order that thou mightest erect a barrier between us and them?

95. He said: "[The power] in which my Lord has established me is better [than tribute]: Help me therefore with strength [and labour]: I will erect a strong barrier between you and them:

96. "Bring me blocks of iron." At length, when he had filled up the space between the two steep mountain-sides, He said, "Blow [with your bellows]" Then, when he had made it [red] as fire, he said: "Bring me, that I may pour over it, molten lead."

97. Thus were they made powerless to scale it or to dig through it.

98. He said: "This is a mercy from my Lord: But when the promise of my Lord comes to pass, He will make it into dust; and the promise of my Lord is true."

99. On that day We shall leave them to surge like waves on one another: the trumpet will be blown, and We shall collect them all together.

100. And We shall present Hell that day for Unbelievers to see, all spread out,-

101. [Unbelievers] whose eyes had been under a veil from remembrance of Me, and who had been unable even to hear.

102. Do the Unbelievers think that they can take My servants as protectors besides Me? Verily We have prepared Hell for the Unbelievers for [their] entertainment.

103. Say: "Shall we tell you of those who lose most in respect of their deeds?-

104. "Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life, while they thought that they were acquiring good by their works?"

105. They are those who deny the Signs of their Lord and the fact of their having to meet Him [in the Hereafter]: vain will be their works, nor shall We, on the Day of Judgment, give them any weight.

106. That is their reward, Hell, because they rejected Faith, and took My Signs and My Messengers by way of jest.

107. As to those who believe and work righteous deeds, they have, for their entertainment, the Gardens of Paradise,

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108. Wherein they shall dwell [for aye]: no change will they wish for from them.

109. Say: "If the ocean were ink [wherewith to write out] the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid."

110. Say: "I am but a man like yourselves, [but] the inspiration has come to me, that your Allah is one Allah: whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.

SURA 19. Maryam, or Mary

1. Kaf. Ha. Ya. 'Ain. Sad.

2. [This is] a recital of the Mercy of thy Lord to His servant Zakariya.

3. Behold! he cried to his Lord in secret,

4. Praying: "O my Lord! infirm indeed are my bones, and the hair of my head doth glisten with grey: but never am I unblest, 0 my Lord, in my prayer to Thee!

5. "Now I fear [what] my relatives [and colleagues] [will do] after me: but my wife is barren: so give me an heir as from Thyself,-

6. "[One that] will [truly] represent me, and represent the posterity of Jacob; and make him, 0 my Lord! one with whom Thou art well-pleased!"

7. [His prayer was answered]: "0 Zakariya! We give thee good news of a son: His name shall be Yahya: on none by that name have We conferred distinction before."

8. He said: "0 my Lord! How shall I have a son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?"

9. He said: "So [it will be] thy Lord saith, 'that is easy for Me: I did indeed create thee before, when thou hadst been nothing!'"

10. [Zakariya] said: "O my Lord! give me a Sign." "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three nights, although thou art not dumb."

11. So Zakariya came out to his people from him chamber: He told them by signs to celebrate Allah's praises in the morning and in the evening.

12. [To his son came the command]: "O Yahya! take hold of the Book with might": and We gave him Wisdom even as a youth,

13. And piety [for all creatures] as from Us, and purity: He was devout,

14. And kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or rebellious.

15. So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life [again]!

16. Relate in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East.

17. She placed a screen [to screen herself] from them; then We sent her our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.

18. She said: "I seek refuge from thee to [Allah] Most Gracious: [come not near] if thou dost fear Allah."

19. He said: "Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, [to announce] to thee the gift of a holy son.

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20. She said: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?"

21. He said: "So [it will be]: Thy Lord saith, 'that is easy for Me: and [We wish] to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us': It is a matter [so] decreed."

22. So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place.

23. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree: She cried [in her anguish]: "Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!"

24. But [a voice] cried to her from beneath the [palm-tree]: "Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee;

25. "And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: It will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee.

26. "So eat and drink and cool [thine] eye. And if thou dost see any man, say, 'I have vowed a fast to [Allah] Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into not talk with any human being'"

27. At length she brought the [babe] to her people, carrying him [in her arms]. They said: "O Mary! truly an amazing thing hast thou brought!

28. "O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!"

29. But she pointed to the babe. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?"

30. He said: "I am indeed a servant of Allah: He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet;

31. "And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live;

32. "[He] hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable;

33. "So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life [again]"!

34. Such [was] Jesus the son of Mary: [it is] a statement of truth, about which they [vainly] dispute.

35. It is not befitting to [the majesty of] Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be", and it is.

36. Verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is straight.

37. But the sects differ among themselves: and woe to the unbelievers because of the [coming] Judgment of a Momentous Day!

38. How plainly will they see and hear, the Day that they will appear before Us! but the unjust today are in error manifest!

39. But warn them of the Day of Distress, when the matter will be determined:

for [behold,] they are negligent and they do not believe!

40. It is We Who will inherit the earth, and all beings thereon: to Us will they all be returned.

41. [Also mention in the Book [the story of] Abraham: He was a man of Truth, a prophet.

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42. Behold, he said to his father: "O my father! why worship that which heareth not and seeth not, and can profit thee nothing?

43. "O my father! to me hath come knowledge which hath not reached thee: so follow me: I will guide thee to a way that is even and straight.

44. "O my father! serve not Satan: for Satan is a rebel against [Allah] Most Gracious.

45. "O my father! I fear lest a Penalty afflict thee from [Allah] Most Gracious, so that thou become to Satan a friend."

46. [The father] replied: "Dost thou hate my gods, O Abraham? If thou forbear not, I will indeed stone thee: Now get away from me for a good long while!"

47. Abraham said: "Peace be on thee: I will pray to my Lord for thy forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious.

48. "And I will turn away from you [all] and from those whom ye invoke besides Allah: I will call on my Lord: perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall be not unblest."

4 9. When he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a prophet.

50. And We bestowed of Our Mercy on them, and We granted them lofty honour on the tongue of truth.

51. Also mention in the Book [the story of] Moses: for he was specially chosen, and he was a messenger [and] a prophet.

52. And we called him from the right side of Mount [Sinai], and made him draw near to Us, for mystic [converse].

53. And, out of Our Mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, [also] a prophet.

54. Also mention in the Book [the story of] Isma'il: He was [strictly] true to what he promised, and he was a messenger [and] a prophet.

55. He used to enjoin on his people Prayer and Charity, and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.

56. Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth [and sincerity], [and] a prophet:

57. And We raised him to a lofty station.

58. Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace,- of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried [in the Ark] with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of [Allah] Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.

59. But after them there followed a posterity who missed prayers and followed after lusts soon, then, will they face Destruction,-

60. Except those who repent and believe, and work righteousness: for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least,-

61. Gardens of Eternity, those which [Allah] Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the Unseen: for His promise must [necessarily] come to pass.

62. They will not there hear any vain discourse, but only salutations of Peace: And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening.

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63. Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who guard against Evil.

64. [The angels say:] "We descend not but by command of thy Lord: to Him belongeth what is before us and what is behind us, and what is between: and thy Lord never doth forget,-

65. "Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and of all that is between them; so worship Him, and be constant and patient in His worship: knowest thou of any who is worthy of the same Name as He?"

66. Man says: "What! When I am dead, shall I then be raised up alive?"

67. But does not man call to mind that We created him before out of nothing?

68. So, by thy Lord, without doubt, We shall gather them together, and [also] the Evil Ones [with them]; then shall We bring them forth on their knees round about Hell;

69. Then shall We certainly drag out from every sect all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against [Allah] Most Gracious.

70. And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned therein.

71. Not one of you but will pass over it: this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished.

72. But We shall save those who guarded against evil, and We shall leave the wrong-doers therein, [humbled] to their knees.

73. When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, the Unbelievers say to those who believe, "Which of the two sides is best in point of position? Which makes the best show in council?"

74. But how many [countless] generations before them have we destroyed, who were even better in equipment and in glitter to the eye?

75. Say: "If any men go astray, [Allah] Most Gracious extends [the rope] to them, until, when they see the warning of Allah [being fulfilled] - either in punishment or in [the approach of] the Hour,- they will at length realise who is worst in position, and [who] weakest in forces!

76. "And Allah doth advance in guidance those who seek guidance: and the things that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best in respect of [their] eventual return."

77. Hast thou then seen the [sort of] man who rejects Our Signs, yet says: "I shall certainly be given wealth and children?"

78. Has he penetrated to the Unseen, or has he taken a contract with [Allah] Most Gracious?

79. Nay! We shall record what he says, and We shall add and add to his punishment.

80. To Us shall return all that he talks of and he shall appear before Us bare and alone.

81. And they have taken [for worship] gods other than Allah, to give them power and glory!

82. Instead, they shall reject their worship, and become adversaries against them.

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83. Seest thou not that We have set the Evil Ones on against the unbelievers, to incite them with fury?

84. So make no haste against them, for We but count out to them a [limited] number [of days].

85. The day We shall gather the righteous to [Allah] Most Gracious, like a band presented before a king for honours,

86. And We shall drive the sinners to Hell, like thirsty cattle driven down to water,-

87. None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission [or promise] from [Allah] Most Gracious.

88. They say: "[Allah] Most Gracious has begotten a son!"

89. Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous!

90. At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin,

91. That they should invoke a son for [Allah] Most Gracious.

92. For it is not consonant with the majesty of [Allah] Most Gracious that He should beget a son.

93. Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to [Allah] Most Gracious as a servant.

94. He does take an account of them [all], and hath numbered them [all] exactly.

95. And everyone of them will come to Him singly on the Day of Judgment.

96. On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will [Allah] Most Gracious bestow love.

97. So have We made the [Qur'an] easy in thine own tongue, that with it thou mayest give Glad Tidings to the righteous, and warnings to people given to contention.

98. But how many [countless] generations before them have We destroyed? Canst thou find a single one of them [now] or hear [so much as] a whisper of them? SURA 20. Ta Ha

1. Ta-Ha.

2. We have not sent down the Qur'an to thee to be [an occasion] for thy distress,

3. But only as an admonition to those who fear [Allah],-

4. A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the heavens on high.

5. [Allah] Most Gracious is firmly established on the throne [of authority].

6. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and on earth, and all between them, and all beneath the soil.

7. If thou pronounce the word aloud, [it is no matter]: for verily He knoweth what is secret and what is yet more hidden.

8. Allah! there is no god but He! To Him belong the most Beautiful Names.

9. Has the story of Moses reached thee? 149

10. Behold, he saw a fire: So he said to his family, "Tarry ye; I perceive a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some

guidance at the fire."

11. But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard: "0 Moses!

12. "Verily I am thy Lord! therefore [in My presence] put off thy shoes: thou art in the sacred valley Tuwa.

13. "I have chosen thee: listen, then, to the inspiration [sent to thee].

14. "Verily, I am Allah: There is no god but I: So serve thou Me [only], and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.

15. "Verily the Hour is coming - My design is to keep it hidden - for every soul to receive its reward by the measure of its Endeavour.

16. "Therefore let not such as believe not therein but follow their own lusts, divert thee therefrom, lest thou perish!"..

17. "And what is that in the right hand, 0 Moses?"

18. He said, "It is my rod: on it I lean; with it I beat down fodder for my flocks; and in it I find other uses."

19. [Allah] said, "Throw it, 0 Moses!"

20. He threw it, and behold! It was a snake, active in motion.

21. [Allah] said, "Seize it, and fear not: We shall return it at once to its former condition"..

22. "Now draw thy hand close to thy side: It shall come forth white [and shining], without harm [or stain],- as another Sign,-

23. "In order that We may show thee [two] of our Greater Signs.

24. "Go thou to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds."

25. [Moses] said: "O my Lord! expand me my breast;

26. "Ease my task for me;

27. "And remove the impediment from my speech,

28. "So they may understand what I say:

29. "And give me a Minister from my family,

30. "Aaron, my brother;

31. "Add to my strength through him,

32. "And make him share my task:

33. "That we may celebrate Thy praise without stint,

34. "And remember Thee without stint:

35. "For Thou art He that [ever] regardeth us."

36. [Allah] said: "Granted is thy prayer, O Moses!"

37. "And indeed We conferred a favour on thee another time [before].

38. "Behold! We sent to thy mother, by inspiration, the message:

39. "'Throw [the child] into the chest, and throw [the chest] into the river: the river will cast him up on the bank, and he will be taken up by one who is an 150

enemy to Me and an enemy to him': But I cast [the garment of] love over thee from Me: and [this] in order that thou mayest be reared under Mine eye.

40. "Behold! thy sister goeth forth and saith, 'shall I show you one who will nurse and rear the [child]?' So We brought thee back to thy mother, that her eye might be cooled and she should not grieve. Then thou didst slay a man, but We saved thee from trouble, and We tried thee in various ways. Then didst thou tarry a number of years with the people of Midian. Then didst thou come hither as ordained, O Moses!

41. "And I have prepared thee for Myself [for service]"..

42. "Go, thou and thy brother, with My Signs, and slacken not, either of you, in keeping Me in remembrance.

43. "Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds;

44. "But speak to him mildly; perchance he may take warning or fear [Allah]."

45. They [Moses and Aaron] said: "Our Lord! We fear lest he hasten with insolence against us, or lest he transgress all bounds."

46. He said: "Fear not: for I am with you: I hear and see [everything].

47. "So go ye both to him, and say, 'Verily we are messengers sent by thy Lord: Send forth, therefore, the Children of Israel with us, and afflict them not: with a Sign, indeed, have we come from thy Lord! and peace to all who follow guidance!

48. "'Verily it has been revealed to us that the Penalty [awaits] those who reject and turn away.'"

49. [When this message was delivered], [Pharaoh] said: "Who, then, O Moses, is the Lord of you two?"

50. He said: "Our Lord is He Who gave to each [created] thing its form and nature, and further, gave [it] guidance."

51. [Pharaoh] said: "What then is the condition of previous generations?"

52. He replied: "The knowledge of that is with my Lord, duly recorded: my Lord never errs, nor forgets,-

53. "He Who has, made for you the earth like a carpet spread out; has enabled you to go about therein by roads [and channels]; and has sent down water from the sky." With it have We produced diverse pairs of plants each separate from

the others.

54. Eat [for yourselves] and pasture your cattle: verily, in this are Signs for men endued with understanding.

55. From the [earth] did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring you out once again.

56. And We showed Pharaoh all Our Signs, but he did reject and refuse.

57. He said: "Hast thou come to drive us out of our land with thy magic, 0 Moses?

58. "But we can surely produce magic to match thine! So make a tryst between us and thee, which we shall not fail to keep - neither we nor thou - in a place where both shall have even chances."

59. Moses said: "Your tryst is the Day of the Festival, and let the people be assembled when the sun is well up."

60. So Pharaoh withdrew: He concerted his plan, and then came [back]. 151

61. Moses said to him: Woe to you! Forge not ye a lie against Allah, lest He destroy you [at once] utterly by chastisement: the forger must suffer frustration!"

62. So they disputed, one with another, over their affair, but they kept their talk secret.

63. They said: "These two are certainly [expert] magicians: their object is to drive you out from your land with their magic, and to do away with your most cherished institutions.

64. "Therefore concert your plan, and then assemble in [serried] ranks: He wins [all along] today who gains the upper hand."

65. They said: "O Moses! whether wilt thou that thou throw [first] or that we be the first to throw?"

66. He said, "Nay, throw ye first!" Then behold their ropes and their rods-so it seemed to him on account of their magic - began to be in lively motion!

67. So Moses conceived in his mind a [sort of] fear.

68. We said: "Fear not! for thou hast indeed the upper hand:

69. "Throw that which is in thy right hand: Quickly will it swallow up that which they have faked what they have faked is but a magician 1 s trick: and the magician thrives not, [no matter] where he goes."

70. So the magicians were thrown down to prostration: they said, "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses".

71. [Pharaoh] said: "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? Surely this must be your leader, who has taught you magic! be sure I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified on trunks of palmtrees: so shall ye know for certain, which of us can give the more severe and

the more lasting punishment!"

72. They said: "Never shall we regard thee as more than the Clear Signs that have come to us, or than Him Who created us! so decree whatever thou desirest to decree: for thou canst only decree [touching] the life of this world.

73. "For us, we have believed in our Lord: may He forgive us our faults, and the magic to which thou didst compel us: for Allah is Best and Most Abiding."

74. Verily he who comes to his Lord as a sinner [at Judgment],- for him is Hell: therein shall he neither die nor live.

75. But such as come to Him as Believers who have worked righteous deeds,- for them are ranks exalted,-

76. Gardens of Eternity, beneath which flow rivers: they will dwell therein for aye: such is the reward of those who purify themselves [from evil].

77. We sent an inspiration to Moses: "Travel by night with My servants, and strike a dry path for them through the sea, without fear of being overtaken [by Pharaoh] and without [any other] fear."

78. Then Pharaoh pursued them with his forces, but the waters completely overwhelmed them and covered them up.

79. Pharaoh led his people astray instead of leading them aright.

80. O ye Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a Covenant with you on the right side of Mount [Sinai], and We sent down to you Manna and quails:

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81. [Saying]: "Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, lest My Wrath should justly descend on you: and those on whom descends My Wrath do perish indeed!

82. "But, without doubt, I am [also] He that forgives again and again, to those who repent, believe, and do right, who,- in fine, are ready to receive true guidance."

83. [When Moses was up on the Mount, Allah said:] "What made thee hasten in advance of thy people, O Moses?"

84. He replied: "Behold, they are close on my footsteps: I hastened to thee, O

my Lord, to please thee."

85. [Allah] said: "We have tested thy people in thy absence: the Samiri has led them astray."

86. So Moses returned to his people in a state of indignation and sorrow. He said: "0 my people! did not your Lord make a handsome promise to you? Did then the promise seem to you long [in coming]? Or did ye desire that Wrath should descend from your Lord on you, and so ye broke your promise to me?"

87. They said: "We broke not the promise to thee, as far as lay in our power: but we were made to carry the weight of the ornaments of the [whole] people, and we threw them [into the fire], and that was what the Samiri suggested.

88. "Then he brought out [of the fire] before the [people] the image of a calf: It seemed to low: so they said: This is your god, and the god of Moses, but [Moses] has forgotten!"

89. Could they not see that it could not return them a word [for answer], and that it had no power either to harm them or to do them good?

90. Aaron had already, before this said to them: "O my people! ye are being tested in this: for verily your Lord is [Allah] Most Gracious; so follow me and obey my command."

91. They had said: "We will not abandon this cult, but we will devote ourselves to it until Moses returns to us."

92. [Moses] said: "O Aaron! what kept thee back, when thou sawest them going wrong,

93. "From following me? Didst thou then disobey my order?"

94. [Aaron] replied: "O son of my mother! Seize [me] not by my beard nor by [the hair of] my head! Truly I feared lest thou shouldst say, 'Thou has caused a division among the children of Israel, and thou didst not respect my word!'"

95. [Moses] said: "What then is thy case, O Samiri?"

96. He replied: "I saw what they saw not: so I took a handful [of dust] from the footprint of the Messenger, and threw it [into the calf]: thus did my soul suggest to me."

97. [Moses] said: "Get thee gone! but thy [punishment] in this life will be that thou wilt say, 'touch me not'; and moreover [for a future penalty] thou hast a promise that will not fail: Now look at thy god, of whom thou hast become a devoted worshipper: We will certainly [melt] it in a blazing fire and scatter it broadcast in the sea!"

98. But the god of you all is the One Allah: there is no god but He: all things He comprehends in His knowledge.

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99. Thus do We relate to thee some stories of what happened before: for We have sent thee a Message from Our own Presence.

100. If any do turn away therefrom, verily they will bear a burden on the Day of j udgment;

101. They will abide in this [state]: and grievous will the burden be to them on that Day,-

102. The Day when the Trumpet will be sounded: that Day, We shall gather the sinful, blear-eyed [with terror].

103. In whispers will they consult each other: "Yet tarried not longer than ten [Days];

104. We know best what they will say, when their leader most eminent in conduct will say: "Ye tarried not longer than a day!"

105. They ask thee concerning the Mountains: say, "My Lord will uproot them and scatter them as dust;

106. "He will leave them as plains smooth and level;

107. "Nothing crooked or curved wilt thou see in their place."

108. On that Day will they follow the Caller [straight]: no crookedness [can they show] him: all sounds shall humble themselves in the Presence of [Allah] Most Gracious: nothing shalt thou hear but the tramp of their feet [as they march].

109. On that Day shall no intercession avail except for those for whom permission has been granted by [Allah] Most Gracious and whose word is acceptable to Him.

110. He knows what [appears to His creatures as] before or after or behind them: but they shall not compass it with their knowledge.

111. [All] faces shall be humbled before [Him] - the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal: hopeless indeed will be the man that carries iniquity [on his back].

112. But he who works deeds of righteousness, and has faith, will have no fear of harm nor of any curtailment [of what is his due].

113. Thus have We sent this down - an Arabic Qur'an - and explained therein in detail some of the warnings, in order that they may fear Allah, or that it may cause their remembrance [of Him].

114. High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, "0 my Lord! advance me in knowledge."

115. We had already, beforehand, taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot: and We found on his part no firm resolve.

116. When We said to the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam", they prostrated themselves, but not Iblis: he refused.

117. Then We said: "0 Adam! verily, this is an enemy to thee and thy wife: so let him not get you both out of the Garden, so that thou art landed in misery.

118. "There is therein [enough provision] for thee not to go hungry nor to go naked,

119. "Nor to suffer from thirst, nor from the sun's heat." 154

120. But Satan whispered evil to him: he said, "O Adam! shall I lead thee to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?"
121. In the result, they both ate of the tree, and so their nakedness appeared to them: they began to sew together, for their covering, leaves from the Garden: thus did Adam disobey his Lord, and allow himself to be seduced.

122. But his Lord chose him [for His Grace]: He turned to him, and gave him Guidance.

123. He said: "Get ye down, both of you,- all together, from the Garden, with enmity one to another: but if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me, whosoever follows My Guidance, will not lose his way, nor fall into misery.

124. "But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment."

125. He will say: "O my Lord! why hast Thou raised me up blind, while I had sight [before]?"

126. [Allah] will say: "Thus didst Thou, when Our Signs came unto thee, disregard them: so wilt thou, this day, be disregarded."

127. And thus do We recompense him who transgresses beyond bounds and believes not in the Signs of his Lord: and the Penalty of the Hereafter is far more grievous and more enduring.

128. Is it not a warning to such men [to call to mind] how many generations before them We destroyed, in whose haunts they [now] move? Verily, in this are Signs for men endued with understanding.

129. Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, [their punishment] must necessarily have come; but there is a Term appointed [for respite].

130. Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate [constantly] the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day: that thou mayest have [spiritual] joy.

131. Nor strain thine eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to parties of them, the splendour of the life of this world, through which We test them: but the provision of thy Lord is better and more enduring.

132. Enjoin prayer on thy people, and be constant therein. We ask thee not to provide sustenance: We provide it for thee. But the [fruit of] the Hereafter is for righteousness.

133. They say: "Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?" Has not a Clear Sign come to them of all that was in the former Books of revelation?

134. And if We had inflicted on them a penalty before this, they would have said: "Our Lord! If only Thou hadst sent us a messenger, we should certainly have followed Thy Signs before we were humbled and put to shame."

135. Say: "Each one [of us] is waiting: wait ye, therefore, and soon shall ye know who it is that is on the straight and even way, and who it is that has received Guidance."

SURA 21. Anbiyaa, or The Prophets

1. Closer and closer to mankind comes their Reckoning: yet they heed not and they turn away.

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2. Never comes [aught] to them of a renewed Message from their Lord, but they listen to it as in jest,-

3. Their hearts toying as with trifles. The wrong-doers conceal their private counsels, [saying], "Is this [one] more than a man like yourselves? Will ye go to witchcraft with your eyes open?"

4. Say: "My Lord knoweth [every] word [spoken] in the heavens and on earth: He is the One that heareth and knoweth [all things]."

5. "Nay," they say, "[these are] medleys of dream! - Nay, He forged it! - Nay, He is [but] a poet! Let him then bring us a Sign like the ones that were sent to [Prophets] of old!"

6. [As to those] before them, not one of the populations which We destroyed

believed: will these believe?

7. Before thee, also, the messengers We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: If ye realise this not, ask of those who possess the Message.

8. Nor did We give them bodies that ate no food, nor were they exempt from death.

9. In the end We fulfilled to them Our Promise, and We saved them and those whom We pleased, but We destroyed those who transgressed beyond bounds.

10. We have revealed for you [O men!] a book in which is a Message for you: will ye not then understand?

11. How many were the populations We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their places other peoples?

12. Yet, when they felt Our Punishment [coming], behold, they [tried to] flee from it.

13. Flee not, but return to the good things of this life which were given you, and to your homes in order that ye may be called to account.

14. They said: "Ah! woe to us! We were indeed wrong-doers!"

15. And that cry of theirs ceased not, till We made them as a field that is mown, as ashes silent and quenched.

16. Not for [idle] sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between!

17. If it had been Our wish to take [just] a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do [such a thing]!

18. Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the [false] things ye ascribe [to Us].

19. To Him belong all [creatures] in the heavens and on earth: Even those who are in His [very] Presence are not too proud to serve Him, nor are they [ever] weary [of His service]:

20. They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever flag or intermit.

21. Or have they taken [for worship] gods from the earth who can raise [the dead]?

22. If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allah, there would have been confusion in both! but glory to Allah, the Lord of the Throne: [High is He] above what they attribute to Him!

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23. He cannot be questioned for His acts, but they will be questioned [for theirs].

24. Or have they taken for worship [other] gods besides him? Say, "Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those with me and the Message of those before me." But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away.

25. Not a messenger did We send before thee without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me.

26. And they say: "[Allah] Most Gracious has begotten offspring." Glory to Him! they are [but] servants raised to honour.

27. They speak not before He speaks, and they act [in all things] by His Command.

28. He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His [Glory].

29. If any of them should say, "I am a god besides Him", such a one We should reward with Hell: thus do We reward those who do wrong.

30. Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together [as one unit of creation], before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?

31. And We have set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with them, and We have made therein broad highways [between mountains] for them to pass through: that they may receive Guidance.

32. And We have made the heavens as a canopy well guarded: yet do they turn away from the Signs which these things [point to]!

33. It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all [the celestial bodies] swim along, each in its rounded course.

34. We granted not to any man before thee permanent life [here]: if then thou shouldst die, would they live permanently?

35. Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial. to Us must ye return.

36. When the Unbelievers see thee, they treat thee not except with ridicule. "Is this," [they say], "the one who talks of your gods?" and they blaspheme at the mention of [Allah] Most Gracious!

37. Man is a creature of haste: soon [enough] will I show you My Signs; then ye will not ask Me to hasten them!

38. They say: "When will this promise come to pass, if ye are telling the

truth?"

39. If only the Unbelievers knew [the time] when they will not be able to ward off the fire from their faces, nor yet from their backs, and [when] no help can reach them!

40. Nay, it may come to them all of a sudden and confound them: no power will they have then to avert it, nor will they [then] get respite.

41. Mocked were [many] messenger before thee; But their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.

42. Say: "Who can keep you safe by night and by day from [the Wrath of] [Allah] Most Gracious?" Yet they turn away from the mention of their Lord.

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43. Or have they gods that can guard them from Us? They have no power to aid themselves, nor can they be defended from Us.

44. Nay, We gave the good things of this life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long for them; See they not that We gradually reduce the land [in their control] from its outlying borders? Is it then they who will win?

45. Say, "I do but warn you according to revelation": But the deaf will not hear the call, [even] when they are warned!

46. If but a breath of the Wrath of thy Lord do touch them, they will then say, "Woe to us! we did wrong indeed!"

47. We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least, and if there be [no more than] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it [to account]: and enough are We to take account.

48. In the past We granted to Moses and Aaron the criterion [for judgment], and a Light and a Message for those who would do right,-

49. Those who fear their Lord in their most secret thoughts, and who hold the Hour [of Judgment] in awe.

50. And this is a blessed Message which We have sent down: will ye then reject it?

51. We bestowed aforetime on Abraham his rectitude of conduct, and well were We acquainted with him.

52. Behold! he said to his father and his people, "What are these images, to which ye are [so assiduously] devoted?"

53. They said, "We found our fathers worshipping them."

54. He said, "Indeed ye have been in manifest error - ye and your fathers."

55. They said, "Have you brought us the Truth, or are you one of those who jest?"

56. He said, "Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, He Who created them [from nothing]: and I am a witness to this [Truth].

57. "And by Allah, I have a plan for your idols - after ye go away and turn your backs"..

58. So he broke them to pieces, [all] but the biggest of them, that they might turn [and address themselves] to it.

59. They said, "Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be some man of impiety!"

60. They said, "We heard a youth talk of them: He is called Abraham."

61. They said, "Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may bear witness."

62. They said, "Art thou the one that did this with our gods, O Abraham?"

63. He said: "Nay, this was done by - this is their biggest one! ask them, if they can speak intelligently!"

64. So they turned to themselves and said, "Surely ye are the ones in the wrong!"

65. Then were they confounded with shame: [they said], "Thou knowest full well that these [idols] do not speak!"

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66. [Abraham] said, "Do ye then worship, besides Allah, things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm?

67. "Fie upon you, and upon the things that ye worship besides Allah! Have ye no sense?" . .

68. They said, "Burn him and protect your gods, If ye do [anything at all]!"

69. We said, "O Fire! be thou cool, and [a means of] safety for Abraham!"

70. Then they sought a stratagem against him: but We made them the ones that lost most!

71. But We delivered him and [his nephew] Lut [and directed them] to the land which We have blessed for the nations.

72. And We bestowed on him Isaac and, as an additional gift, [a grandson], Jacob, and We made righteous men of every one [of them].

73. And We made them leaders, guiding [men] by Our Command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practise

regular charity; and they constantly served Us [and Us only].

74. And to Lut, too, We gave Judgment and Knowledge, and We saved him from the town which practised abominations: truly they were a people given to Evil, a rebellious people.

75. And We admitted him to Our Mercy: for he was one of the Righteous.

76. [Remember] Noah, when he cried [to Us] aforetime: We listened to his [prayer] and delivered him and his family from great distress.

77. We helped him against people who rejected Our Signs: truly they were a people given to Evil: so We drowned them [in the Flood] all together.

78. And remember David and Solomon, when they gave judgment in the matter of the field into which the sheep of certain people had strayed by night: We did witness their judgment.

79. To Solomon We inspired the [right] understanding of the matter: to each [of them] We gave Judgment and Knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David: it was We Who did [all these things].

80. It was We Who taught him the making of coats of mail for your benefit, to guard you from each other's violence: will ye then be grateful?

81. [It was Our power that made] the violent [unruly] wind flow [tamely] for Solomon, to his order, to the land which We had blessed: for We do know all things.

82. And of the evil ones, were some who dived for him, and did other work besides; and it was We Who guarded them.

83. And [remember] Job, when He cried to his Lord, "Truly distress has seized me, but Thou art the Most Merciful of those that are merciful."

84. So We listened to him: We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his people to him, and doubled their number,- as a Grace from Ourselves, and a thing for commemoration, for all who serve Us.

85. And [remember] Isma'il, Idris, and Zul-kifl, all [men] of constancy and patience;

86. We admitted them to Our mercy: for they were of the righteous ones. 159

87. And remember Zun-nun, when he departed in wrath: He imagined that We had no power over him! But he cried through the depths of darkness, "There is no god but thou: glory to thee: I was indeed wrong!"

88. So We listened to him: and delivered him from distress: and thus do We deliver those who have faith.

89. And [remember] Zakariya, when he cried to his Lord: "O my Lord! leave me not without offspring, though thou art the best of inheritors."

90. So We listened to him: and We granted him Yahya: We cured his wife's [Barrenness] for him. These [three] were ever quick in emulation in good works; they used to call on Us with love and reverence, and humble themselves before Us.

91. And [remember] her who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all peoples.

92. Verily, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me [and no other].

93. But [later generations] cut off their affair [of unity], one from another: [yet] will they all return to Us.

94. Whoever works any act of righteousness and has faith,- His endeavour will not be rejected: We shall record it in his favour.

95. But there is a ban on any population which We have destroyed: that they shall not return,

96. Until the Gog and Magog [people] are let through [their barrier], and they swiftly swarm from every hill.

97. Then will the true promise draw nigh [of fulfilment]: then behold! the eyes of the Unbelievers will fixedly stare in horror: "Ah! Woe to us! we were indeed heedless of this; nay, we truly did wrong!"

98. Verily ye, [unbelievers], and the [false] gods that ye worship besides Allah, are [but] fuel for Hell! to it will ye [surely] come!

99. If these had been gods, they would not have got there! but each one will abide therein.

100. There, sobbing will be their lot, nor will they there hear [aught else].

101. Those for whom the good [record] from Us has gone before, will be removed far therefrom.

102. Not the slightest sound will they hear of Hell: what their souls desired, in that will they dwell.

103. The Great Terror will bring them no grief: but the angels will meet them [with mutual greetings]: "This is your Day,- [the Day] that ye were promised."

104. The Day that We roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books [completed],- even as We produced the first creation, so shall We produce a new

one: a promise We have undertaken: truly shall We fulfil it.

105. Before this We wrote in the Psalms, after the Message [given to Moses]: My servants the righteous, shall inherit the earth."

106. Verily in this [Qur'an] is a Message for people who would [truly] worship Allah.

107. We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures. 160

108. Say: "What has come to me by inspiration is that your Allah is One Allah: will ye therefore bow to His Will [in Islam]?"

109. But if they turn back, Say: "I have proclaimed the Message to you all alike and in truth; but I know not whether that which ye are promised is near or far.

110. "It is He Who knows what is open in speech and what ye hide [in your hearts].

111. "I know not but that it may be a trial for you, and a grant of [worldly] livelihood [to you] for a time."

112. Say: "O my Lord! judge Thou in truth!" "Our Lord Most Gracious is the One Whose assistance should be sought against the blasphemies ye utter!"

SURA 22. Hajj, or The Pilgrimage

1. O mankind! fear your Lord! for the convulsion of the Hour [of Judgment] will be a thing terrible!

2. The Day ye shall see it, every mother giving suck shall forget her sucklingbabe, and every pregnant female shall drop her load [unformed]: thou shalt see

mankind as in a drunken riot, yet not drunk: but dreadful will be the Wrath of Allah.

3. And yet among men there are such as dispute about Allah, without knowledge, and follow every evil one obstinate in rebellion!

4. About the [Evil One] it is decreed that whoever turns to him for friendship, him will he lead astray, and he will guide him to the Penalty of the Fire.

5. O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, [consider] that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest [our power] to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes, then [foster you] that ye may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known [much], and [further], thou seest the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred [to life], it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth [in pairs].

6. This is so, because Allah is the Reality: it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who has power over all things.

7. And verily the Hour will come: there can be no doubt about it, or about [the fact] that Allah will raise up all who are in the graves.

8. Yet there is among men such a one as disputes about Allah, without Knowledge, without Guidance, and without a Book of Enlightenment,-

9. [Disdainfully] bending his side, in order to lead [men] astray from the Path of Allah: for him there is disgrace in this life, and on the Day of Judgment We shall make him taste the Penalty of burning [Fire].

10. [It will be said]: "This is because of the deeds which thy hands sent forth, for verily Allah is not unjust to His servants.

11. There are among men some who serve Allah, as it were, on the verge: if good befalls them, they are, therewith, well content; but if a trial comes to them, they turn on their faces: they lose both this world and the Hereafter: that is loss for all to see!

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12. They call on such deities, besides Allah, as can neither hurt nor profit them: that is straying far indeed [from the Way]!

13. [Perhaps] they call on one whose hurt is nearer than his profit: evil, indeed, is the patron, and evil the companion [or help]!

14. Verily Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens, beneath which rivers flow: for Allah carries out all that He plans.

15. If any think that Allah will not help him [His Messenger] in this world and the Hereafter, let him stretch out a rope to the ceiling and cut [himself] off: then let him see whether his plan will remove that which enrages [him]!

16. Thus have We sent down Clear Signs; and verily Allah doth guide whom He will!

17. Those who believe [in the Qur'an], those who follow the Jewish [scriptures], and the Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists,- Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment: for Allah is witness of all things.

18. Seest thou not that to Allah bow down in worship all things that are in the heavens and on earth,- the sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees, the animals; and a great number among mankind? But a great number are [also] such as

are fit for Punishment: and such as Allah shall disgrace,- None can raise to honour: for Allah carries out all that He wills.

19. These two antagonists dispute with each other about their Lord: But those who deny [their Lord],- for them will be cut out a garment of Fire: over their heads will be poured out boiling water.

20. With it will be scalded what is within their bodies, as well as [their] skins.

21. In addition there will be maces of iron [to punish] them.

22. Every time they wish to get away therefrom, from anguish, they will be forced back therein, and [it will be said], "Taste ye the Penalty of Burning!"

23. Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow: they shall be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of silk.

24. For they have been guided [in this life] to the purest of speeches; they have been guided to the Path of Him Who is Worthy of [all] Praise.

25. As to those who have rejected [Allah], and would keep back [men] from the Way of Allah, and from the Sacred Mosque, which We have made [open] to [all] men - equal is the dweller there and the visitor from the country - and any whose purpose therein is profanity or wrong-doing - them will We cause to taste of a most Grievous Penalty.

26. Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the [Sacred] House, [saying]: "Associate not anything [in worship] with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves [therein in prayer].

27. "And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and [mounted] on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;

28. "That they may witness the benefits [provided] for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them [for sacrifice]: then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.

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29. "Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and [again] circumambulate the Ancient House."

30. Such [is the Pilgrimage]: whoever honours the sacred rites of Allah, for him it is good in the Sight of his Lord. Lawful to you [for food in Pilgrimage] are cattle, except those mentioned to you [as exception]: but shun the abomination of idols, and shun the word that is false,-

31. Being true in faith to Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah, is as if he had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or the wind had swooped [like a bird on its prey] and thrown him into a far-distant place.

32. Such [is his state]: and whoever holds in honour the symbols of Allah, [in the sacrifice of animals], such [honour] should come truly from piety of heart.

33. In them ye have benefits for a term appointed: in the end their place of sacrifice is near the Ancient House.

34. To every people did We appoint rites [of sacrifice], that they might celebrate the name of Allah over the sustenance He gave them from animals [fit for food]. But your god is One God: submit then your wills to Him [in Islam]: and give thou the good news to those who humble themselves,-

35. To those whose hearts when Allah is mentioned, are filled with fear, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend [in charity] out of what We have bestowed upon them.

36. The sacrificial camels we have made for you as among the symbols from Allah: in them is [much] good for you: then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up [for sacrifice]: when they are down on their sides [after slaughter], eat ye thereof, and feed such as [beg not but] live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: thus have We made animals subject to you, that ye may be grateful.

37. It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you, that ye may glorify Allah for His Guidance to you and proclaim the good news to all who do right.

38. Verily Allah will defend [from ill] those who believe: verily, Allah loveth not any that is a traitor to faith, or show ingratitude.

39. To those against whom war is made, permission is given [to fight], because they are wronged;- and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid;-

40. [They are] those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right,- [for no cause] except that they say, "our Lord is Allah". Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid his

[cause];- for verily Allah is full of Strength, Exalted in Might, [able to enforce His Will].

41. [They are] those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end [and decision] of [all] affairs.

42. If they treat thy [mission] as false, so did the peoples before them [with their prophets],- the People of Noah, and 'Ad and Thamud;

43. Those of Abraham and Lut; 163

44. And the Companions of the Madyan People; and Moses was rejected [in the same way]. But I granted respite to the Unbelievers, and [only] after that did I punish them: but how [terrible] was my rejection [of them]!

45. How many populations have We destroyed, which were given to wrong-doing? They tumbled down on their roofs. And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, and castles lofty and well-built?

46. Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts [and minds] may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but their hearts which are in their breasts.

47. Yet they ask thee to hasten on the Punishment! But Allah will not fail in His Promise. Verily a Day in the sight of thy Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning.

48. And to how many populations did I give respite, which were given to wrongdoing? in the end I punished them. To me is the destination [of all].

49. Say: "0 men! I am [sent] to you only to give a Clear Warning:

50. "Those who believe and work righteousness, for them is forgiveness and a sustenance most generous.

51. "But those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them,- they will be Companions of the Fire."

52. Never did We send a messenger or a prophet before thee, but, when he framed a desire, Satan threw some [vanity] into his desire: but Allah will cancel anything [vain] that Satan throws in, and Allah will confirm [and establish] His Signs: for Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom:

53. That He may make the suggestions thrown in by Satan, but a trial for those

in whose hearts is a disease and who are hardened of heart: verily the wrongdoers are in a schism far [from the Truth]:

54. And that those on whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that the [Qur'an] is the Truth from thy Lord, and that they may believe therein, and their hearts may be made humbly [open] to it: for verily Allah is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Way.

55. Those who reject Faith will not cease to be in doubt concerning [Revelation] until the Hour [of Judgment] comes suddenly upon them, or there comes to them the Penalty of a Day of Disaster.

56. On that Day of Dominion will be that of Allah: He will judge between them: so those who believe and work righteous deeds will be in Gardens of Delight.

57. And for those who reject Faith and deny our Signs, there will be a humiliating Punishment.

58. Those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, and are then slain or die,- On them will Allah bestow verily a goodly Provision: Truly Allah is He Who bestows the best provision.

59. Verily He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well pleased: for Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.

60. That [is so]. And if one has retaliated to no greater extent than the injury he received, and is again set upon inordinately, Allah will help him: for Allah is One that blots out [sins] and forgives [again and again].

61. That is because Allah merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and verily it is Allah Who hears and sees [all things].

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62. That is because Allah - He is the Reality; and those besides Him whom they invoke,- they are but vain Falsehood: verily Allah is He, Most High, Most Great.

63. Seest thou not that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and forthwith the earth becomes clothed with green? for Allah is He Who understands the finest mysteries, and is well-acquainted [with them].

64. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: for verily Allah,-He is free of all wants, Worthy of all Praise.

65. Seest thou not that Allah has made subject to you [men] all that is on the earth, and the ships that sail through the sea by His Command? He withholds the sky [rain] from failing on the earth except by His leave: for Allah is Most Kind and Most Merciful to man.

66. It is He Who gave you life, will cause you to die, and will again give you life: Truly man is a most ungrateful creature!

67. To every People have We appointed rites and ceremonies which they must

follow: let them not then dispute with thee on the matter, but do thou invite [them] to thy Lord: for thou art assuredly on the Right Way.

68. If they do wrangle with thee, say, "Allah knows best what it is ye are doing."

69. "Allah will judge between you on the Day of Judgment concerning the matters in which ye differ."

70. Knowest thou not that Allah knows all that is in heaven and on earth? Indeed it is all in a Record, and that is easy for Allah.

71. Yet they worship, besides Allah, things for which no authority has been sent down to them, and of which they have [really] no knowledge: for those that do wrong there is no helper.

72. When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, thou wilt notice a denial on the faces of the Unbelievers! they nearly attack with violence those who rehearse Our Signs to them. Say, "Shall I tell you of something [far] worse than these Signs? It is the Fire [of Hell]! Allah has promised it to the Unbelievers! and evil is that destination!"

73. O men! Here is a parable set forth! listen to it! Those on whom, besides Allah, ye call, cannot create [even] a fly, if they all met together for the purpose! and if the fly should snatch away anything from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. Feeble are those who petition and those whom they petition!

74. No just estimate have they made of Allah: for Allah is He Who is strong and able to Carry out His Will.

75. Allah chooses messengers from angels and from men for Allah is He Who hears and sees [all things].

76. He knows what is before them and what is behind them: and to Allah go back all questions [for decision].

77. O ye who believe! bow down, prostrate yourselves, and adore your Lord; and do good; that ye may prosper.

78. And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, [with sincerity and under discipline]. He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this [Revelation]; that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer, 165

give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector - the Best to protect and the Best to help! SURA 23. Muminun, or The Believers

1. The believers must [eventually] win through,-

2. Those who humble themselves in their prayers;

3. Who avoid vain talk;

4. Who are active in deeds of charity;

5. Who abstain from sex,

6. Except with those joined to them in the marriage bond, or [the captives] whom their right hands possess,- for [in their case] they are free from blame,

7. But those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors;-

8. Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants;

9. And who [strictly] guard their prayers;-

10. These will be the heirs,

11. Who will inherit Paradise: they will dwell therein [for ever].

12. Man We did create from a quintessence [of clay];

13. Then We placed him as [a drop of] sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed;

14. Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a [foetus] lump; then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to create!

15. After that, at length ye will die

16. Again, on the Day of Judgment, will ye be raised up.

17. And We have made, above you, seven tracts; and We are never unmindful of [our] Creation.

18. And We send down water from the sky according to [due] measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil; and We certainly are able to drain it off [with ease].

19. With it We grow for you gardens of date-palms and vines: in them have ye abundant fruits: and of them ye eat [and have enjoyment],-

20. Also a tree springing out of Mount Sinai, which produces oil, and relish for those who use it for food.

21. And in cattle [too] ye have an instructive example: from within their bodies We produce [milk] for you to drink; there are, in them, [besides], numerous [other] benefits for you; and of their [meat] ye eat;

22. An on them, as well as in slips, ye side.

23. [Further, We sent a long line of prophets for your instruction]. We sent

Noah to his people: He said, "0 my people! worship Allah! Ye have no other god but Him. Will ye not fear [Him]?"

24. The chiefs of the Unbelievers among his people said: "He is no more than a man like yourselves: his wish is to assert his superiority over you: if Allah had wished [to send messengers], He could have sent down angels; never did we hear such a thing [as he says], among our ancestors of old."

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25. [And some said]: "He is only a man possessed: wait [and have patience] with him for a time."

26. [Noah] said: "0 my Lord! help me: for that they accuse me of falsehood!"

27. So We inspired him [with this message]: "Construct the Ark within Our sight and under Our guidance: then when comes Our Command, and the fountains of the earth gush forth, take thou on board pairs of every species, male and female, and thy family- except those of them against whom the Word has already gone forth: And address Me not in favour of the wrong-doers; for they shall be drowned [in the Flood].

28. And when thou hast embarked on the Ark - thou and those with thee,- say: "Praise be to Allah, Who has saved us from the people who do wrong."

29. And say: "0 my Lord! enable me to disembark with thy blessing: for Thou art the Best to enable [us] to disembark."

30. Verily in this there are Signs [for men to understand]; [thus] do We try [men].

31. Then We raised after them another generation.

32. And We sent to them a messenger from among themselves, [saying], "Worship Allah! ye have no other god but Him. Will ye not fear [Him]?"

33. And the chiefs of his people, who disbelieved and denied the Meeting in the Hereafter, and on whom We had bestowed the good things of this life, said: "He is no more than a man like yourselves: he eats of that of which ye eat, and drinks of what ye drink.

34. "If ye obey a man like yourselves, behold, it is certain ye will be lost.

35. "Does he promise that when ye die and become dust and bones, ye shall be brought forth [again]?

36. "Far, very far is that which ye are promised!

37. "There is nothing but our life in this world! We shall die and we live! But we shall never be raised up again!

38. "He is only a man who invents a lie against Allah, but we are not the ones to believe in him!"

39. [The prophet] said: "0 my Lord! help me: for that they accuse me of falsehood."

40. [Allah] said: "In but a little while, they are sure to be sorry!"

41. Then the Blast overtook them with justice, and We made them as rubbish of dead leaves [floating on the stream of Time]! So away with the people who do wrong!

42. Then We raised after them other generations.

43. No people can hasten their term, nor can they delay [it].

44. Then sent We our messengers in succession: every time there came to a people their messenger, they accused him of falsehood: so We made them follow each other [in punishment]: We made them as a tale [that is told]: So away with a people that will not believe!

45. Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron, with Our Signs and authority manifest,

46. To Pharaoh and his Chiefs: But these behaved insolently: they were an arrogant people.

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47. They said: "Shall we believe in two men like ourselves? And their people are subject to us!"

48. So they accused them of falsehood, and they became of those who were destroyed.

49. And We gave Moses the Book, in order that they might receive guidance.

50. And We made the son of Mary and his mother as a Sign: We gave them both shelter on high ground, affording rest and security and furnished with springs.

51. O ye messengers! enjoy [all] things good and pure, and work righteousness: for I am well-acquainted with [all] that ye do.

52. And verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me [and no other].

53. But people have cut off their affair [of unity], between them, into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself.

54. But leave them in their confused ignorance for a time.

55. Do they think that because We have granted them abundance of wealth and sons,

56. We would hasten them on in every good? Nay, they do not understand.

57. Verily those who live in awe for fear of their Lord;

58. Those who believe in the Signs of their Lord;

59. Those who join not [in worship] partners with their Lord;

60. And those who dispense their charity with their hearts full of fear, because they will return to their Lord;-

61. It is these who hasten in every good work, and these who are foremost in them.

62. On no soul do We place a burden greater than it can bear: before Us is a record which clearly shows the truth: they will never be wronged.

63. But their hearts are in confused ignorance of this; and there are, besides that, deeds of theirs, which they will [continue] to do,-

64. Until, when We seize in Punishment those of them who received the good things of this world, behold, they will groan in supplication!

65. [It will be said]: "Groan not in supplication this day: for ye shall certainly not be helped by Us.

66. "My Signs used to be rehearsed to you, but ye used to turn back on your heels-

67. "In arrogance: talking nonsense about the [Qur'an], like one telling fables by night."

68. Do they not ponder over the Word [of Allah], or has anything [new] come to them that did not come to their fathers of old?

69. Or do they not recognise their Messenger, that they deny him?

70. Or do they say, "He is possessed"? Nay, he has brought them the Truth, but most of them hate the Truth.

71. If the Truth had been in accord with their desires, truly the heavens and the earth, and all beings therein would have been in confusion and corruption! 168

Nay, We have sent them their admonition, but they turn away from their admonition.

72. Or is it that thou askest them for some recompense? But the recompense of thy Lord is best: He is the Best of those who give sustenance.

73. But verily thou callest them to the Straight Way;

74. And verily those who believe not in the Hereafter are deviating from that Way.

75. If We had mercy on them and removed the distress which is on them, they would obstinately persist in their transgression, wandering in distraction to and fro.

76. We inflicted Punishment on them, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor do they submissively entreat [Him]!-

77. Until We open on them a gate leading to a severe Punishment: then Lo! they will be plunged in despair therein!

78. It is He Who has created for you [the faculties of] hearing, sight, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is ye give!

79. And He has multiplied you through the earth, and to Him shall ye be gathered back.

80. It is He Who gives life and death, and to Him [is due] the alternation of Night and Day: will ye not then understand?

81. On the contrary they say things similar to what the ancients said.

82. They say: "What! when we die and become dust and bones, could we really be raised up again?

83. "Such things have been promised to us and to our fathers before! they are nothing but tales of the ancients!"

84. Say: "To whom belong the earth and all beings therein? [say] if ye know!"

85. They will say, "To Allah!" say: "Yet will ye not receive admonition?"

86. Say: "Who is the Lord of the seven heavens, and the Lord of the Throne [of Glory] Supreme?"

87. They will say, "[They belong] to Allah." Say: "Will ye not then be filled with awe?"

88. Say: "Who is it in whose hands is the governance of all things,- who protects [all], but is not protected [of any]? [say] if ye know."

89. They will say, "[It belongs] to Allah." Say: "Then how are ye deluded?"

90. We have sent them the Truth: but they indeed practise falsehood!

91. No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him: [if there were many gods], behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have lorded it over others! Glory to Allah! [He is free] from the [sort of] things they attribute to Him!

92. He knows what is hidden and what is open: too high is He for the partners they attribute to Him!

93. Say: "O my Lord! if Thou wilt show me [in my lifetime] that which they are warned against,-

94. "Then, O my Lord! put me not amongst the people who do wrong!"

95. And We are certainly able to show thee [in fulfilment] that against which they are warned.

96. Repel evil with that which is best: We are well acquainted with the things they say.

97. And say "0 my Lord! I seek refuge with Thee from the suggestions of the Evil Ones.

98. "And I seek refuge with Thee 0 my Lord! lest they should come near me."

99. [In Falsehood will they be] Until, when death comes to one of them, he says: "0 my Lord! send me back [to life],-

100. "In order that I may work righteousness in the things I neglected." - "By no means! It is but a word he says."- Before them is a Partition till the Day they are raised up.

101. Then when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no more relationships between them that Day, nor will one ask after another!

102. Then those whose balance [of good deeds] is heavy,- they will attain salvation:

103. But those whose balance is light, will be those who have lost their souls, in Hell will they abide.

104. The Fire will burn their faces, and they will therein grin, with their lips displaced.

105. "Were not My Signs rehearsed to you, and ye did but treat them as falsehood?"

106. They will say: "our Lord! Our misfortune overwhelmed us, and we became a people astray!

107. "Our Lord! bring us out of this: if ever we return [to Evil], then shall we be wrong-doers indeed!"

108. He will say: "Be ye driven into it [with ignominy]! And speak ye not to Me!

109. "A part of My servants there was, who used to pray 'our Lord! we believe; then do Thou forgive us, and have mercy upon us: For Thou art the Best of those who show mercy!"

110. "But ye treated them with ridicule, so much so that [ridicule of] them made you forget My Message while ye were laughing at them!

111. "I have rewarded them this Day for their patience and constancy: they are indeed the ones that have achieved Bliss..."

112. He will say: "What number of years did ye stay on earth?"

113. They will say: "We stayed a day or part of a day: but ask those who keep account."

114. He will say: "Ye stayed not but a little,- if ye had only known!

115. "Did ye then think that We had created you in jest, and that ye would not be brought back to Us [for account]?"

116. Therefore exalted be Allah, the King, the Reality: there is no god but He, the Lord of the Throne of Honour!

117. If anyone invokes, besides Allah, Any other god, he has no authority therefor; and his reckoning will be only with his Lord! and verily the Unbelievers will fail to win through!

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118. So say: "O my Lord! grant Thou forgiveness and mercy for Thou art the Best of those who show mercy!"

SURA 24. Nur, or Light

1. A Sura which We have sent down and which We have ordained in it have We sent down Clear Signs, in order that ye may receive admonition.

2. The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication,- flog each of them with a hundred stripes: Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment.

3. Let no man guilty of adultery or fornication marry and but a woman similarly guilty, or an Unbeliever: nor let any but such a man or an Unbeliever marry such a woman: to the Believers such a thing is forbidden.

4. And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses [to support their allegations],- flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors;-

5. Unless they repent thereafter and mend [their conduct]; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

6. And for those who launch a charge against their spouses, and have [in support] no evidence but their own,- their solitary evidence [can be received] if they bear witness four times [with an oath] by Allah that they are solemnly telling the truth;

7. And the fifth [oath] [should be] that they solemnly invoke the curse of Allah on themselves if they tell a lie.

8. But it would avert the punishment from the wife, if she bears witness four

times [with an oath] By Allah, that [her husband] is telling a lie;

9. And the fifth [oath] should be that she solemnly invokes the wrath of Allah on herself if [her accuser] is telling the truth.

10. If it were not for Allah's grace and mercy on you, and that Allah is Oft-Returning, full of Wisdom,- [Ye would be ruined indeed].

11. Those who brought forward the lie are a body among yourselves: think it not to be an evil to you; On the contrary it is good for you: to every man among them [will come the punishment] of the sin that he earned, and to him who took on himself the lead among them, will be a penalty grievous.

12. Why did not the believers - men and women - when ye heard of the affair,-put the best construction on it in their own minds and say, "This [charge] is an obvious lie"?

13. Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it? When they have not brought the witnesses, such men, in the sight of Allah, [stand forth] themselves as liars!

14. Were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you, in this world and the Hereafter, a grievous penalty would have seized you in that ye rushed glibly into this affair.

15. Behold, ye received it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths things of which ye had no knowledge; and ye thought it to be a light matter, while it was most serious in the sight of Allah.

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16. And why did ye not, when ye heard it, say? - "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to Allah! this is a most serious slander!"

17. Allah doth admonish you, that ye may never repeat such [conduct], if ye are [true] Believers.

18. And Allah makes the Signs plain to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

19. Those who love [to see] scandal published broadcast among the Believers, will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows, and ye know not.

20. Were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you, and that Allah is full of kindness and mercy, [ye would be ruined indeed].

21. O ye who believe! follow not Satan's footsteps: if any will follow the footsteps of Satan, he will [but] command what is shameful and wrong: and were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you, not one of you would ever have been pure: but Allah doth purify whom He pleases: and Allah is One Who hears and knows [all things].

22. Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want, and those who have left their homes in Allah's cause: let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

23. Those who slander chaste women, indiscreet but believing, are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter: for them is a grievous Penalty,-

24. On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions.

25. On that Day Allah will pay them back [all] their just dues, and they will realise that Allah is the [very] Truth, that makes all things manifest.

2 6. Women impure are for men impure, and men impure for women impure and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity: these are not affected by what people say: for them there is forgiveness, and a provision honourable.

27. O ye who believe! enter not houses other than your own, until ye have asked permission and saluted those in them: that is best for you, in order that ye may heed [what is seemly].

28. If ye find no one in the house, enter not until permission is given to you: if ye are asked to go back, go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves: and Allah knows well all that ye do.

29. It is no fault on your part to enter houses not used for living in, which serve some [other] use for you: And Allah has knowledge of what ye reveal and what ye conceal.

30. Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.

31. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what [must ordinarily] appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs,

or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And 0 ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye may attain Bliss.

32. Marry those among you who are single, or the virtuous ones among yourselves, male or female: if they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of His grace: for Allah encompasseth all, and he knoweth all things.

33. Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing [to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum], give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which Allah has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is Allah, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful [to them],

34. We have already sent down to you verses making things clear, an illustration from [the story of] people who passed away before you, and an admonition for those who fear [Allah].

35. Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star: Lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light: Allah doth set forth Parables for men: and Allah doth know all things.

36. [Lit is such a Light] in houses, which Allah hath permitted to be raised to honour; for the celebration, in them, of His name: In them is He glorified in the mornings and in the evenings, [again and again],-

37. By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: Their [only] fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed [in a world wholly new],-

38. That Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace: for Allah doth provide for those whom He will, without measure.

39. But the Unbelievers,- their deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts, which the man parched with thirst mistakes for water; until when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing: But he finds Allah [ever] with him, and Allah will pay him his account: and Allah is swift in taking account.

40. Or [the Unbelievers' state] is like the depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean, overwhelmed with billow topped by billow, topped by [dark] clouds: depths of darkness, one above another: if a man stretches out his hands, he can hardly see it! for any to whom Allah giveth not light, there is no light!

41. Seest thou not that it is Allah Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth do celebrate, and the birds [of the air] with wings outspread? Each one knows its own [mode of] prayer and praise. And Allah knows well all that they do.

42. Yea, to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and to Allah is the final goal [of all].

43. Seest thou not that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? - then wilt thou see rain issue forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses [of clouds] 173

wherein is hail: He strikes therewith whom He pleases and He turns it away from whom He pleases, the vivid flash of His lightning well-nigh blinds the sight.

44. It is Allah Who alternates the Night and the Day: verily in these things is an instructive example for those who have vision!

45. And Allah has created every animal from water: of them there are some that creep on their bellies; some that walk on two legs; and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills for verily Allah has power over all things.

46. We have indeed sent down signs that make things manifest: and Allah guides whom He wills to a way that is straight.

47. They say, "We believe in Allah and in the messenger, and we obey": but even after that, some of them turn away: they are not [really] Believers.

48. When they are summoned to Allah and His messenger, in order that He may judge between them, behold some of them decline [to come].

49. But if the right is on their side, they come to him with all submission.

50. Is it that there is a disease in their hearts? or do they doubt, or are they in fear, that Allah and His Messenger will deal unjustly with them? Nay, it is they themselves who do wrong.

51. The answer of the Believers, when summoned to Allah and His Messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, "We hear

and we obey": it is such as these that will attain felicity.

52. It is such as obey Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah and do right, that will win [in the end],

53. They swear their strongest oaths by Allah that, if only thou wouldst command them, they would leave [their homes]. Say: "Swear ye not; Obedience is [more] reasonable; verily, Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do."

54. Say: "Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger: but if ye turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and ye for that placed on you. If ye obey him, ye shall be on right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear [Message].

55. Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety, grant them in the land, inheritance [of power], as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion - the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change [their state], after the fear in which they [lived], to one of security and peace: 'They will worship Me [alone] and not associate aught with Me. 'If any do reject Faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked.

56. So establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; and obey the Messenger; that ye may receive mercy.

57. Never think thou that the Unbelievers are going to frustrate [Allah's Plan] on earth: their abode is the Fire,- and it is indeed an evil refuge!

58. 0 ye who believe! let those whom your right hands possess, and the [children] among you who have not come of age ask your permission [before they come to your presence], on three occasions: before morning prayer; the while ye doff your clothes for the noonday heat; and after the late-night prayer: these are your three times of undress: outside those times it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: Thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

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59. But when the children among you come of age, let them [also] ask for permission, as do those senior to them [in age]: Thus does Allah make clear His Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

60. Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage,- there is no blame on them if they lay aside their [outer] garments, provided they make not a wanton display of their beauty: but it is best for them to be modest: and Allah is One Who sees and knows all things.

61. It is no fault in the blind nor in one born lame, nor in one afflicted with illness, nor in yourselves, that ye should eat in your own houses, or those of your fathers, or your mothers, or your brothers, or your sisters, or your father's brothers or your father's sisters, or your mother's brothers, or your mother's sisters, or in houses of which the keys are in your possession, or in the house of a sincere friend of yours: there is no blame on you, whether ye eat in company or separately. But if ye enter houses, salute each other - a greeting of blessing and purity as from Allah. Thus does Allah make clear the signs to you: that ye may understand.

62. Only those are believers, who believe in Allah and His Messenger: when they are with him on a matter requiring collective action, they do not depart until they have asked for his leave; those who ask for thy leave are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger; so when they ask for thy leave, for some business of theirs, give leave to those of them whom thou wilt, and ask Allah for their forgiveness: for Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.

63. Deem not the summons of the Messenger among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another: Allah doth know those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse: then let those beware who withstand the Messenger's order, lest some trial befall them, or a grievous penalty be inflicted on them.

64. Be quite sure that to Allah doth belong whatever is in the heavens and on earth. Well doth He know what ye are intent upon: and one day they will be brought back to Him, and He will tell them the truth of what they did: for Allah doth know all things.

SURA 25. Furqan, or The Criterion

1. Blessed is He who sent down the criterion to His servant, that it may be an admonition to all creatures;-

2. He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: no son has He begotten, nor has He a partner in His dominion: it is He who created all things, and ordered them in due proportions.

3. Yet have they taken, besides him, gods that can create nothing but are themselves created; that have no control of hurt or good to themselves; nor can they control death nor life nor resurrection.

4. But the misbelievers say: "Naught is this but a lie which he has forged, and others have helped him at it." In truth it is they who have put forward an iniquity and a falsehood.

5. And they say: "Tales of the ancients, which he has caused to be written: and they are dictated before him morning and evening."

6. Say: "The [Qur'an] was sent down by Him who knows the mystery [that is] in the heavens and the earth: verily He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

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7. And they say: "What sort of a messenger is this, who eats food, and walks through the streets? Why has not an angel been sent down to him to give admonition with him?

8. "Or [Why] has not a treasure been bestowed on him, or why has he [not] a garden for enjoyment?" The wicked say: "Ye follow none other than a man bewitched."

9. See what kinds of comparisons they make for thee! But they have gone astray, and never a way will they be able to find!

10. Blessed is He who, if that were His will, could give thee better [things] than those,- Gardens beneath which rivers flow; and He could give thee palaces [secure to dwell in].

11. Nay they deny the hour [of the judgment to come]: but We have prepared a blazing fire for such as deny the hour:

12. When it sees them from a place far off, they will hear its fury and its ranging sigh.

13. And when they are cast, bound together into a constricted place therein, they will plead for destruction there and then!

14. "This day plead not for a single destruction: plead for destruction oftrepeated!"

15. Say: "Is that best, or the eternal garden, promised to the righteous? for them, that is a reward as well as a goal [of attainment].

16. "For them there will be therein all that they wish for: they will dwell [there] for aye: A promise to be prayed for from thy Lord."

17. The day He will gather them together as well as those whom they worship besides Allah, He will ask: "Was it ye who let these My servants astray, or did they stray from the Path themselves?"

18. They will say: "Glory to Thee! not meet was it for us that we should take for protectors others besides Thee: But Thou didst bestow, on them and their fathers, good things [in life], until they forgot the Message: for they were a people [worthless and] lost."

19. [Allah will say]: "Now have they proved you liars in what ye say: so ye cannot avert [your penalty] nor [get] help." And whoever among you does wrong, him shall We cause to taste of a grievous Penalty.

20. And the messengers whom We sent before thee were all [men] who ate food and walked through the streets: We have made some of you as a trial for others: will ye have patience? for Allah is One Who sees [all things].

21. Such as fear not the meeting with Us [for Judgment] say: "Why are not the angels sent down to us, or [why] do we not see our Lord?" Indeed they have an arrogant conceit of themselves, and mighty is the insolence of their impiety!

22. The Day they see the angels,- no joy will there be to the sinners that Day: The [angels] will say: "There is a barrier forbidden [to you] altogether!"

23. And We shall turn to whatever deeds they did [in this life], and We shall make such deeds as floating dust scattered about.

24. The Companions of the Garden will be well, that Day, in their abode, and have the fairest of places for repose.

25. The Day the heaven shall be rent asunder with clouds, and angels shall be sent down, descending [in ranks],-

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26. That Day, the dominion as of right and truth, shall be [wholly] for [Allah] Most Merciful: it will be a Day of dire difficulty for the Misbelievers.

27. The Day that the wrong-doer will bite at his hands, he will say, "Oh! would that I had taken a [straight] path with the Messenger!

28. "Ah! woe is me! Would that I had never taken such a one for a friend!

29. "He did lead me astray from the Message [of Allah] after it had come to me! Ah! the Evil One is but a traitor to man!"

30. Then the Messenger will say: "O my Lord! Truly my people took this Qur'an for just foolish nonsense."

31. Thus have We made for every prophet an enemy among the sinners: but enough is thy Lord to guide and to help.

32. Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Qur'an revealed to him all at once? Thus [is it revealed], that We may strengthen thy heart thereby, and We have rehearsed it to thee in slow, well-arranged stages, gradually.

33. And no question do they bring to thee but We reveal to thee the truth and the best explanation [thereof].

34. Those who will be gathered to Hell [prone] on their faces,- they will be in an evil plight, and, as to Path, most astray.

35. [Before this,] We sent Moses The Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with

him as minister;

36. And We command: "Go ye both, to the people who have rejected our Signs:" And those [people] We destroyed with utter destruction.

37. And the people of Noah,- when they rejected the messengers, We drowned them, and We made them as a Sign for mankind; and We have prepared for [all] wrongdoers a grievous Penalty;-

38. As also 'Ad and Thamud, and the Companions of the Rass, and many a generation between them.

39. To each one We set forth Parables and examples; and each one We broke to utter annihilation [for their sins].

40. And the [Unbelievers] must indeed have passed by the town on which was rained a shower of evil: did they not then see it [with their own eyes]? But they fear not the Resurrection.

41. When they see thee, they treat thee no otherwise than in mockery: "Is this the one whom Allah has sent as a messenger?"

42. "He indeed would well-nigh have misled us from our gods, had it not been that we were constant to them!" - Soon will they know, when they see the Penalty, who it is that is most misled in Path!

43. Seest thou such a one as taketh for his god his own passion [or impulse]? Couldst thou be a disposer of affairs for him?

44. Or thinkest thou that most of them listen or understand? They are only like cattle;- nay, they are worse astray in Path.

45. Hast thou not turned thy vision to thy Lord?- How He doth prolong the shadow! If He willed, He could make it stationary! then do We make the sun its guide;

46. Then We draw it in towards Ourselves,- a contraction by easy stages. 177

47. And He it is Who makes the Night as a Robe for you, and Sleep as Repose, and makes the Day [as it were] a Resurrection.

48. And He it is Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy, and We send down pure water from the sky,-

49. That with it We may give life to a dead land, and slake the thirst of things We have created,- cattle and men in great numbers.

50. And We have distributed the [water] amongst them, in order that they may celebrate [our] praises, but most men are averse [to aught] but [rank] ingratitude.

51. Had it been Our Will, We could have sent a warner to every centre of population.

52. Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the [Qur'an].

53. It is He Who has let free the two bodies of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter; yet has He made a barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be passed.

54. It is He Who has created man from water: then has He established relationships of lineage and marriage: for thy Lord has power [over all things].

55. Yet do they worship, besides Allah, things that can neither profit them nor harm them: and the Misbeliever is a helper [of Evil], against his own Lord!

56. But thee We only sent to give glad tidings and admonition.

57. Say: "No reward do I ask of you for it but this: that each one who will may take a [straight] Path to his Lord."

58. And put thy trust in Him Who lives and dies not; and celebrate his praise; and enough is He to be acquainted with the faults of His servants;-

59. He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between, in six days, and is firmly established on the Throne [of Authority]: Allah Most Gracious: ask thou, then, about Him of any acquainted [with such things].

60. When it is said to them, "Prostrate to [Allah] Most Gracious!", they say, "And what is [Allah] Most Gracious? Shall we prostrate to that which thou commandest us?" And it increases their flight [from the Truth].

61. Blessed is He Who made constellations in the skies, and placed therein a Lamp and a Moon giving light;

62. And it is He Who made the Night and the Day to follow each other: for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude.

63. And the servants of [Allah] Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!";

64. Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrate and standing;

65. Those who say, "Our Lord! avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is indeed an affliction grievous,-

66. "Evil indeed is it as an abode, and as a place to rest in";

67. Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just [balance] between those [extremes];

68. Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life as Allah

has made sacred except for just cause, nor commit fornication; - and any that

does this [not only] meets punishment.

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69. [But] the Penalty on the Day of Judgment will be doubled to him, and he will dwell therein in ignominy,-

70. Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful,

71. And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to Allah with an [acceptable] conversion;-

72. Those who witness no falsehood, and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable [avoidance];

73. Those who, when they are admonished with the Signs of their Lord, droop not down at them as if they were deaf or blind;

74. And those who pray, "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us [the grace] to lead the righteous."

75. Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven, because of their patient constancy: therein shall they be met with salutations and peace,

76. Dwelling therein;- how beautiful an abode and place of rest!

77. Say [to the Rejecters]: "My Lord is not uneasy because of you if ye call not on Him: But ye have indeed rejected [Him], and soon will come the inevitable [punishment]!"

SURA 26. Shuaraa, or The Poets

1. Ta. Sin. Mim.

2. These are verses of the Book that makes [things] clear.

3. It may be thou frettest thy soul with grief, that they do not become Believers.

4. If [such] were Our Will, We could send down to them from the sky a Sign, to which they would bend their necks in humility.

5. But there comes not to them a newly-revealed Message from [Allah] Most Gracious, but they turn away therefrom.

6. They have indeed rejected [the Message]: so they will know soon [enough] the truth of what they mocked at!

7. Do they not look at the earth,- how many noble things of all kinds We have produced therein?

8. Verily, in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.

9. And verily, thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

10. Behold, thy Lord called Moses: "Go to the people of iniquity,-

11. "The people of the Pharaoh: will they not fear Allah?"

12. He said: "O my Lord! I do fear that they will charge me with falsehood:

13. "My breast will be straitened. And my speech may not go [smoothly]: so send unto Aaron.

14. "And [further], they have a charge of crime against me; and I fear they may slay me."

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15. Allah said: "By no means! proceed then, both of you, with Our Signs; We are with you, and will listen [to your call].

16. "So go forth, both of you, to Pharaoh, and say: 'We have been sent by the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds;

17. "'Send thou with us the Children of Israel.'"

18. [Pharaoh] said: "Did we not cherish thee as a child among us, and didst thou not stay in our midst many years of thy life?

19. "And thou didst a deed of thine which [thou knowest] thou didst, and thou art an ungrateful [wretch]!"

20. Moses said: "I did it then, when I was in error.

21. "So I fled from you [all] when I feared you; but my Lord has [since] invested me with judgment [and wisdom] and appointed me as one of the messengers.

22. "And this is the favour with which thou dost reproach me,- that thou hast enslaved the Children of Israel!"

23. Pharaoh said: "And what is the 'Lord and Cherisher of the worlds'?"

24. [Moses] said: "The Lord and Cherisher of the heavens and the earth, and all between,- if ye want to be quite sure."

25. [Pharaoh] said to those around: "Did ye not listen [to what he says]?"

26. [Moses] said: "Your Lord and the Lord of your fathers from the beginning!"

27. [Pharaoh] said: "Truly your messenger who has been sent to you is a veritable madman!"

28. [Moses] said: "Lord of the East and the West, and all between! if ye only had sense!"

29. [Pharaoh] said: "If thou dost put forward any god other than me, I will

certainly put thee in prison!"

30. [Moses] said: "Even if I showed you something clear [and] convincing?"

31. [Pharaoh] said: "Show it then, if thou tellest the truth!"

32. So [Moses] threw his rod, and behold, it was a serpent, plain [for all to see] !

33. And he drew out his hand, and behold, it was white to all beholders!

34. [Pharaoh] said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer wellversed:

35. "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?"

36. They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense [for a while], and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect-

37. "And bring up to thee all [our] sorcerers well-versed."

38. So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well- known,

39. And the people were told: "Are ye [now] assembled?-

40. "That we may follow the sorcerers [in religion] if they win?"

41. So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a [suitable] reward if we win?

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42. He said: "Yea, [and more],- for ye shall in that case be [raised to posts] nearest [to my person]."

43. Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!"

44. So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!"

45. Then Moses threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake!

46. Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration,

47. Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds,

48. "The Lord of Moses and Aaron."

49. Said [Pharaoh]: "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!"

50. They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord!

51. "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!"

52. By inspiration we told Moses: "Travel by night with my servants; for surely ye shall be pursued."

53. Then Pharaoh sent heralds to [all] the Cities,

54. [Saying]: "These [Israelites] are but a small band,

55. "And they are raging furiously against us;

56. "But we are a multitude amply fore-warned."

57. So We expelled them from gardens, springs,

58. Treasures, and every kind of honourable position;

59. Thus it was, but We made the Children of Israel inheritors of such things.

60. So they pursued them at sunrise.

61. And when the two bodies saw each other, the people of Moses said: "We are sure to be overtaken."

62. [Moses] said: "By no means! my Lord is with me! Soon will He guide me!"

63. Then We told Moses by inspiration: "Strike the sea with thy rod." So it divided, and each separate part became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.

64. And We made the other party approach thither.

65. We delivered Moses and all who were with him;

66. But We drowned the others.

67. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.

68. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

69. And rehearse to them [something of] Abraham's story.

70. Behold, he said to his father and his people: "What worship ye?"

71. They said: "We worship idols, and we remain constantly in attendance on them."

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72. He said: "Do they listen to you when ye call [on them]?"

73. "Or do you good or harm?"

74. They said: "Nay, but we found our fathers doing thus [what we do]."

75. He said: "Do ye then see whom ye have been worshipping,-

76. "Ye and your fathers before you?-

77. "For they are enemies to me; not so the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds;

78. "Who created me, and it is He Who guides me;

79. "Who gives me food and drink,

80. "And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me;

81. "Who will cause me to die, and then to life [again];

82. "And who, I hope, will forgive me my faults on the day of Judgment.

83. "O my Lord! bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous;

84. "Grant me honourable mention on the tongue of truth among the latest [generations];

85. "Make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss;

86. "Forgive my father, for that he is among those astray;

87. "And let me not be in disgrace on the Day when [men] will be raised up;-

88. "The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail,

89. "But only he [will prosper] that brings to Allah a sound heart;

90. "To the righteous, the Garden will be brought near,

91. "And to those straying in Evil, the Fire will be placed in full view;

92. "And it shall be said to them: 'Where are the [gods] ye worshipped-

93. "'Besides Allah? Can they help you or help themselves?'

94. "Then they will be thrown headlong into the [Fire],- they and those straying in Evil,

95. "And the whole hosts of Iblis together.

96. "They will say there in their mutual bickerings:

97. "'By Allah, we were truly in an error manifest,

98. "'When we held you as equals with the Lord of the Worlds;

99. "'And our seducers were only those who were steeped in guilt.

100. "'Now, then, we have none to intercede [for us],

101. "'Nor a single friend to feel [for us].

102. "'Now if we only had a chance of return we shall truly be of those who believe! "'

103. Verily in this is a Sign but most of them do not believe.

104. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

105. The people of Noah rejected the messengers.

106. Behold, their brother Noah said to them: "Will ye not fear [Allah]? 182

107. "I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust:

108. "So fear Allah, and obey me.

109. "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds:

110. "So fear Allah, and obey me."

111. They said: "Shall we believe in thee when it is the meanest that follow thee?"

112. He said: "And what do I know as to what they do?

113. "Their account is only with my Lord, if ye could [but] understand.

114. "I am not one to drive away those who believe.

115. "I am sent only to warn plainly in public."

116. They said: "If thou desist not, O Noah! thou shalt be stoned [to death]."

117. He said: "O my Lord! truly my people have rejected me.

118. "Judge Thou, then, between me and them openly, and deliver me and those of the Believers who are with me."

119. So We delivered him and those with him, in the Ark filled [with all creatures].

120. Thereafter We drowned those who remained behind.

121. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.

122. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

123. The 'Ad [people] rejected the messengers.

124. Behold, their brother Hud said to them: "Will ye not fear [Allah]?

125. "I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust:

126. "So fear Allah and obey me.

127. "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds.

128. "Do ye build a landmark on every high place to amuse yourselves?

129. "And do ye get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living therein [for ever]?

130. "And when ye exert your strong hand, do ye do it like men of absolute power?

131. "Now fear Allah, and obey me.

132. "Yea, fear Him Who has bestowed on you freely all that ye know.

133. "Freely has He bestowed on you cattle and sons,-

134. "And Gardens and Springs.

135. "Truly I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day."

136. They said: "It is the same to us whether thou admonish us or be not among [our] admonishers!

137. "This is no other than a customary device of the ancients,

138. "And we are not the ones to receive Pains and Penalties!" 183

139. So they rejected him, and We destroyed them. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.

140. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

141. The Thamud [people] rejected the messengers.

142. Behold, their brother Salih said to them: "Will you not fear [Allah]?

143. "I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust.

144. "So fear Allah, and obey me.

145. "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds.

146. "Will ye be left secure, in [the enjoyment of] all that ye have here?-

147. "Gardens and Springs,

148. "And corn-fields and date-palms with spathes near breaking [with the weight of fruit]?

149. "And ye carve houses out of [rocky] mountains with great skill.

150. "But fear Allah and obey me;

151. "And follow not the bidding of those who are extravagant,-

152. "Who make mischief in the land, and mend not [their ways]."

153. They said: "Thou art only one of those bewitched!

154. "Thou art no more than a mortal like us: then bring us a Sign, if thou tellest the truth!"

155. He said: "Here is a she-camel: she has a right of watering, and ye have a right of watering, [severally] on a day appointed.

156. "Touch her not with harm, lest the Penalty of a Great Day seize you."

157. But they ham-strung her: then did they become full of regrets.

158. But the Penalty seized them. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.

159. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

160. The people of Lut rejected the messengers.

161. Behold, their brother Lut said to them: "Will ye not fear [Allah]?

162. "I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust.

163. "So fear Allah and obey me.

164. "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the lord of the Worlds.

165. "Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males,

166. "And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing [all limits]!"

167. They said: "If thou desist not, O Lut! thou wilt assuredly be cast out!"

168. He said: "I do detest your doings."

169. "O my Lord! deliver me and my family from such things as they do!"

170. So We delivered him and his family,- all 184

171. Except an old woman who lingered behind.

172. But the rest We destroyed utterly.

173. We rained down on them a shower [of brimstone]: and evil was the shower on those who were admonished [but heeded not]!

174. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.

175. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might Most Merciful.

176. The Companions of the Wood rejected the messengers.

177. Behold, Shu'aib said to them: "Will ye not fear [Allah]?

178. "I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust.

179. "So fear Allah and obey me.

180. "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds.

181. "Give just measure, and cause no loss [to others by fraud].

182. "And weigh with scales true and upright.

183. "And withhold not things justly due to men, nor do evil in the land, working mischief.

184. "And fear Him Who created you and [who created] the generations before [you]"

185. They said: "Thou art only one of those bewitched!

186. "Thou art no more than a mortal like us, and indeed we think thou art a liar!

187. "Now cause a piece of the sky to fall on us, if thou art truthful!"

188. He said: "My Lord knows best what ye do."

189. But they rejected him. Then the punishment of a day of overshadowing gloom seized them, and that was the Penalty of a Great Day.

190. Verily in that is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.

191. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

192. Verily this is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds:

193. With it came down the spirit of Faith and Truth-

194. To thy heart and mind, that thou mayest admonish.

195. In the perspicuous Arabic tongue.

196. Without doubt it is [announced] in the mystic Books of former peoples.

197. Is it not a Sign to them that the Learned of the Children of Israel knew it [as true]?

198. Had We revealed it to any of the non-Arabs,

199. And had he recited it to them, they would not have believed in it.

200. Thus have We caused it to enter the hearts of the sinners.

201. They will not believe in it until they see the grievous Penalty;

202. But the [Penalty] will come to them of a sudden, while they perceive it not;

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203. Then they will say: "Shall we be respited?"

204. Do they then ask for Our Penalty to be hastened on?

205. Seest thou? If We do let them enjoy [this life] for a few years,

206. Yet there comes to them at length the [Punishment] which they were promised!

207. It will profit them not that they enjoyed [this life]!

208. Never did We destroy a population, but had its warners -

209. By way of reminder; and We never are unjust.

210. No evil ones have brought down this [Revelation]:

211. It would neither suit them nor would they be able [to produce it].

212. Indeed they have been removed far from even [a chance of] hearing it.

213. So call not on any other god with Allah, or thou wilt be among those under the Penalty.

214. And admonish thy nearest kinsmen,

215. And lower thy wing to the Believers who follow thee.

216. Then if they disobey thee, say: "I am free [of responsibility] for what ye do!"

217. And put thy trust on the Exalted in Might, the Merciful,-

218. Who seeth thee standing forth [in prayer],

219. And thy movements among those who prostrate themselves,

220. For it is He Who heareth and knoweth all things.

221. Shall I inform you, [O people!], on whom it is that the evil ones descend?

222. They descend on every lying, wicked person,

223. [Into whose ears] they pour hearsay vanities, and most of them are liars.

224. And the Poets,- It is those straying in Evil, who follow them:

225. Seest thou not that they wander distracted in every valley?-

226. And that they say what they practise not?-

227. Except those who believe, work righteousness, engage much in the remembrance of Allah, and defend themselves only after they are unjustly attacked. And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!

SURA 27. Naml, or the Ants

1. These are verses of the Qur'an,-a book that makes [things] clear;

2. A guide: and glad tidings for the believers,-

3. Those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity, and also have [full] assurance of the hereafter.

4. As to those who believe not in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds pleasing in their eyes; and so they wander about in distraction.

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5. Such are they for whom a grievous Penalty is [waiting]; and in the Hereafter theirs will be the greatest loss.

6. As to thee, the Qur'an is bestowed upon thee from the presence of one who is wise and all-knowing.

7. Behold! Moses said to his family: "I perceive a fire; soon will I bring you from there some information, or I will bring you a burning brand to light our fuel, that ye may warn yourselves.

8. But when he came to the [fire], a voice was heard: "Blessed are those in the fire and those around: and glory to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

9. "O Moses! verily, I am Allah, the exalted in might, the wise!...

10. "Now do thou throw thy rod!" But when he saw it moving [of its own accord]as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: "O Moses!" [it was said], "Fear not: truly, in My presence, those called as messengers have no fear,-

11. "But if any have done wrong and have thereafter substituted good to take the place of evil, truly, I am Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

12. "Now put thy hand into thy bosom, and it will come forth white without stain [or harm]: [these are] among the nine Signs [thou wilt take] to Pharaoh and his people: for they are a people rebellious in transgression."

13. But when Our Signs came to them, that should have opened their eyes, they said: "This is sorcery manifest!"

14. And they rejected those Signs in iniquity and arrogance, though their souls were convinced thereof: so see what was the end of those who acted corruptly!

15. We gave [in the past] knowledge to David and Solomon: And they both said: "Praise be to Allah, Who has favoured us above many of his servants who believe!"

16. And Solomon was David's heir. He said: "0 ye people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and on us has been bestowed [a little] of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest [from Allah.]"

17. And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts,- of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.

18. At length, when they came to a [lowly] valley of ants, one of the ants said: "0 ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you [under foot] without knowing it."

19. So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "0 my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants."

20. And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?

21. "I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason [for absence]."

22. But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he [came up and] said: "I have compassed [territory] which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true.

23. "I found [there] a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne.

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24. "I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path,- so they receive no guidance,-

25. "[Kept them away from the Path], that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal.

26. "Allah!- there is no god but He!- Lord of the Throne Supreme!"

27. [Solomon] said: "Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied!

28. "Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and [wait to] see what answer they return"...

29. [The queen] said: "Ye chiefs! here is delivered to me - a letter worthy of respect.

30. "It is from Solomon, and is [as follows]: 'In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful:

31. "'Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission [to the true Religion].'"

32. She said: "Ye chiefs! advise me in [this] my affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."

33. They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt command."

34. She said: "Kings, when they enter a country, despoil it, and make the noblest of its people its meanest thus do they behave.

35. "But I am going to send him a present, and [wait] to see with what [answer] return [my] ambassadors."

36. Now when [the embassy] came to Solomon, he said: "Will ye give me abundance in wealth? But that which Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay it is ye who rejoice in your gift!

37. "Go back to them, and be sure we shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to meet: We shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled [indeed]."

38. He said [to his own men]: "Ye chiefs! which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?"

39. Said an 'Ifrit, of the Jinns: "I will bring it to thee before thou rise from thy council: indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted."

40. Said one who had knowledge of the Book: "I will bring it to thee within the twinkling of an eye!" Then when [Solomon] saw it placed firmly before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord!- to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! and if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is [a gain] for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honour!"

41. He said: "Transform her throne out of all recognition by her: let us see whether she is guided [to the truth] or is one of those who receive no guidance."

42. So when she arrived, she was asked, "Is this thy throne?" She said, "It was just like this; and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allah [in Islam]."

43. And he diverted her from the worship of others besides Allah: for she was [sprung] of a people that had no faith.

44. She was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she [tucked up her skirts], uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass." She said: "0 my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do [now] submit [in Islam], with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds."

45. We sent [aforetime], to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other.

46. He said: "0 my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy.

47. They said: "111 omen do we augur from thee and those that are with thee". He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; yea, ye are a people under trial."

48. There were in the city nine men of a family, who made mischief in the land, and would not reform.

49. They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir [when he seeks vengeance]: 'We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.'"

50. They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not.

51. Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We destroyed them and their people, all [of them].

52. Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrongdoing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge.

53. And We saved those who believed and practised righteousness.

54. [We also sent] Lut [as a messenger]: behold, He said to his people, "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see [its iniquity]?

55. Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people [grossly] ignorant!

56. But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, "Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!"

57. But We saved him and his family, except his wife; her We destined to be of those who lagged behind.

58. And We rained down on them a shower [of brimstone]: and evil was the shower on those who were admonished [but heeded not]!

59. Say: Praise be to Allah, and Peace on his servants whom He has chosen [for his Message]. [Who] is better?- Allah or the false gods they associate [with Him] ?

60. Or, Who has created the heavens and the earth, and Who sends you down rain from the sky? Yea, with it We cause to grow well-planted orchards full of beauty of delight: it is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. [Can there be another] god besides Allah? Nay, they are a people who swerve from justice.

61. Or, Who has made the earth firm to live in; made rivers in its midst; set thereon mountains immovable; and made a separating bar between the two bodies of 189

flowing water? [can there be another] god besides Allah? Nay, most of them know not.

62. Or, Who listens to the [soul] distressed when it calls on Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you [mankind] inheritors of the earth? [Can there be another] god besides Allah? Little it is that ye heed!

63. Or, Who guides you through the depths of darkness on land and sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy? [Can there be another] god besides Allah?- High is Allah above what they associate with Him!

64. Or, Who originates creation, then repeats it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? [Can there be another] god besides Allah? Say, "Bring forth your argument, if ye are telling the truth!"

65. Say: None in the heavens or on earth, except Allah, knows what is hidden: nor can they perceive when they shall be raised up [for Judgment].

66. Still less can their knowledge comprehend the Hereafter: Nay, they are in doubt and uncertainty thereanent; nay, they are blind thereunto!

67. The Unbelievers say: "What! when we become dust,- we and our fathers,- shall we really be raised [from the dead]?

68. "It is true we were promised this,- we and our fathers before [us]: these are nothing but tales of the ancients."

69. Say: "Go ye through the earth and see what has been the end of those guilty [of sin]."

70. But grieve not over them, nor distress thyself because of their plots.

71. They also say: "When will this promise [come to pass]? [Say] if ye are truthful."

72. Say: "It may be that some of the events which ye wish to hasten on may be [close] in your pursuit!"

73. But verily thy Lord is full of grace to mankind: Yet most of them are ungrateful.

74. And verily thy Lord knoweth all that their hearts do hide. As well as all that they reveal.

75. Nor is there aught of the unseen, in heaven or earth, but is [recorded] in a clear record.

76. Verily this Qur'an doth explain to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree.

77. And it certainly is a Guide and a Mercy to those who believe.

78. Verily thy Lord will decide between them by His Decree: and He is Exalted in Might, All-Knowing.

79. So put thy trust in Allah: for thou art on [the path of] manifest Truth.

80. Truly thou canst not cause the dead to listen, nor canst thou cause the deaf to hear the call, [especially] when they turn back in retreat.

81. Nor canst thou be a guide to the blind, [to prevent them] from straying: only those wilt thou get to listen who believe in Our Signs, and they will bow in Islam.

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82. And when the Word is fulfilled against them [the unjust], we shall produce from the earth a beast to [face] them: He will speak to them, for that mankind did not believe with assurance in Our Signs.

83. One day We shall gather together from every people a troop of those who reject our Signs, and they shall be kept in ranks,-

84. Until, when they come [before the Judgment-seat], [Allah] will say: "Did ye reject My Signs, though ye comprehended them not in knowledge, or what was it ye did?"

85. And the Word will be fulfilled against them, because of their wrong-doing, and they will be unable to speak [in plea].

86. See they not that We have made the Night for them to rest in and the Day to give them light? Verily in this are Signs for any people that believe!

87. And the Day that the Trumpet will be sounded - then will be smitten with terror those who are in the heavens, and those who are on earth, except such as Allah will please [to exempt]: and all shall come to His [Presence] as beings conscious of their lowliness.

88. Thou seest the mountains and thinkest them firmly fixed: but they shall pass away as the clouds pass away: [such is] the artistry of Allah, who disposes of all things in perfect order: for he is well acquainted with all that ye do.

89. If any do good, good will [accrue] to them therefrom; and they will be secure from terror that Day.

90. And if any do evil, their faces will be thrown headlong into the Fire: "Do ye receive a reward other than that which ye have earned by your deeds?"

91. For me, I have been commanded to serve the Lord of this city, Him Who has sanctified it and to Whom [belong] all things: and I am commanded to be of those who bow in Islam to Allah's Will,-

92. And to rehearse the Qur 1 an: and if any accept guidance, they do it for the good of their own souls, and if any stray, say: "I am only a Warner".

93. And say: "Praise be to Allah, Who will soon show you His Signs, so that ye shall know them"; and thy Lord is not unmindful of all that ye do.

SURA 28. Qasas, or Narration

1. Ta. Sin. Mim.

2. These are Verses of the Book that makes [things] clear.

3. We rehearse to thee some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Truth, for people who believe.

4. Truly Pharaoh elated himself in the land and broke up its people into sections, depressing a small group among them: their sons he slew, but he kept alive their females: for he was indeed a maker of mischief.

5. And We wished to be Gracious to those who were being depressed in the land, to make them leaders [in Faith] and make them heirs,

6. To establish a firm place for them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Hainan, and their hosts, at their hands, the very things against which they were taking precautions.

7. So We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses: "Suckle [thy child], but when thou hast fears about him, cast him into the river, but fear not nor

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grieve: for We shall restore him to thee, and We shall make him one of Our messengers."

8. Then the people of Pharaoh picked him up [from the river]: [It was intended] that [Moses] should be to them an adversary and a cause of sorrow: for Pharaoh and Hainan and [all] their hosts were men of sin.

9. The wife of Pharaoh said: "[Here is] joy of the eye, for me and for thee: slay him not. It may be that he will be use to us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not [what they were doing]!

10. But there came to be a void in the heart of the mother of Moses: She was going almost to disclose his [case], had We not strengthened her heart [with faith], so that she might remain a [firm] believer.

11. And she said to the sister of [Moses], "Follow him" so she [the sister] watched him in the character of a stranger. And they knew not.

12. And we ordained that he refused suck at first, until [His sister came up and] said: "Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?"...

13. Thus did We restore him to his mother, that her eye might be comforted, that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not understand.

14. When he reached full age, and was firmly established [in life], We bestowed on him wisdom and knowledge: for thus do We reward those who do good.

15. And he entered the city at a time when its people were not watching: and he found there two men fighting,- one of his own religion, and the other, of his foes. Now the man of his own religion appealed to him against his foe, and Moses struck him with his fist and made an end of him. He said: "This is a work of Evil [Satan]: for he is an enemy that manifestly misleads!"

16. He prayed: "0 my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul! Do Thou then forgive me!" So [Allah] forgave him: for He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

17. He said: "0 my Lord! For that Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace on me, never shall I be a help to those who sin!"

18. So he saw the morning in the city, looking about, in a state of fear, when behold, the man who had, the day before, sought his help called aloud for his help [again]. Moses said to him: "Thou art truly, it is clear, a quarrelsome fellow!"

19. Then, when he decided to lay hold of the man who was an enemy to both of them, that man said: "0 Moses! Is it thy intention to slay me as thou slewest a man yesterday? Thy intention is none other than to become a powerful violent man in the land, and not to be one who sets things right!"

20. And there came a man, running, from the furthest end of the City. He said: "O Moses! the Chiefs are taking counsel together about thee, to slay thee: so get thee away, for I do give thee sincere advice."

21. He therefore got away therefrom, looking about, in a state of fear. He prayed "O my Lord! save me from people given to wrong-doing."

22. Then, when he turned his face towards [the land of] Madyan, he said: "I do hope that my Lord will show me the smooth and straight Path."

23. And when he arrived at the watering [place] in Madyan, he found there a group of men watering [their flocks], and besides them he found two women who were keeping back [their flocks]. He said: "What is the matter with you?" They 192

said: "We cannot water [our flocks] until the shepherds take back [their flocks]: And our father is a very old man."

24. So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he turned back to the shade, and said: "O my Lord! truly am I in [desperate] need of any good that Thou dost send me! "

25. Afterwards one of the [damsels] came [back] to him, walking bashfully. She said: "My father invites thee that he may reward thee for having watered [our flocks] for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: "Fear thou not: [well] hast thou escaped from unjust people."

26. Said one of the [damsels]: "O my [dear] father! engage him on wages: truly the best of men for thee to employ is the [man] who is strong and trusty"....

27. He said: "I intend to wed one of these my daughters to thee, on condition that thou serve me for eight years; but if thou complete ten years, it will be [grace] from thee. But I intend not to place thee under a difficulty: thou wilt find me, indeed, if Allah wills, one of the righteous."

28. He said: "Be that [the agreement] between me and thee: whichever of the two terms I fulfil, let there be no ill-will to me. Be Allah a witness to what we say."

29. Now when Moses had fulfilled the term, and was travelling with his family, he perceived a fire in the direction of Mount Tur. He said to his family: "Tarry ye; I perceive a fire; I hope to bring you from there some information, or a burning firebrand, that ye may warm yourselves."

30. But when he came to the [fire], a voice was heard from the right bank of the valley, from a tree in hallowed ground: "O Moses! Verily I am Allah, the Lord of

the Worlds....

31. "Now do thou throw thy rod!" but when he saw it moving [of its own accord] as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: 0 Moses!" [It was said], "Draw near, and fear not: for thou art of those who are secure.

32. "Move thy hand into thy bosom, and it will come forth white without stain [or harm], and draw thy hand close to thy side [to guard] against fear. Those are the two credentials from thy Lord to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: for truly they are a people rebellious and wicked."

33. He said: "0 my Lord! I have slain a man among them, and I fear lest they slay me.

34. "And my brother Aaron - He is more eloquent in speech than I: so send him with me as a helper, to confirm [and strengthen] me: for I fear that they may accuse me of falsehood."

35. He said: "We will certainly strengthen thy arm through thy brother, and invest you both with authority, so they shall not be able to touch you: with Our Sign shall ye triumph,- you two as well as those who follow you."

36. When Moses came to them with Our clear signs, they said: "This is nothing but sorcery faked up: never did we head the like among our fathers of old!"

37. Moses said: "My Lord knows best who it is that comes with guidance from Him and whose end will be best in the Hereafter: certain it is that the wrong-doers will not prosper."

38. Pharaoh said: "0 Chiefs! no god do I know for you but myself: therefore, 0 Haitian! light me a [kiln to bake bricks] out of clay, and build me a lofty

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palace, that I may mount up to the god of Moses: but as far as I am concerned, I think [Moses] is a liar!"

39. And he was arrogant and insolent in the land, beyond reason,- He and his hosts: they thought that they would not have to return to Us!

40. So We seized him and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea: Now behold what was the end of those who did wrong!

41. And we made them [but] leaders inviting to the Fire; and on the Day of Judgment no help shall they find.

42. in this world We made a curse to follow them and on the Day of Judgment they will be among the loathed [and despised].

43. We did reveal to Moses the Book after We had destroyed the earlier generations, [to give] Insight to men, and guidance and Mercy, that they might receive admonition.

44. Thou wast not on the Western side when We decreed the Commission to Moses, nor wast thou a witness [of those events].

45. But We raised up [new] generations, and long were the ages that passed over them; but thou wast not a dweller among the people of Madyan, rehearsing Our Signs to them; but it is We Who send messengers [with inspiration].

46. Nor wast thou at the side of [the Mountain of] Tur when we called [to Moses]. Yet [art thou sent] as Mercy from thy Lord, to give warning to a people to whom no warner had come before thee: in order that they may receive admonition.

47. If [We had] not [sent thee to the Quraish],- in case a calamity should seize them for [the deeds] that their hands have sent forth, they might say: "Our Lord! why didst Thou not sent us a messenger? We should then have followed Thy Signs and been amongst those who believe!"

48. But [now], when the Truth has come to them from Ourselves, they say, "Why are not [Signs] sent to him, like those which were sent to Moses?" Do they not then reject [the Signs] which were formerly sent to Moses? They say: "Two kinds of sorcery, each assisting the other!" And they say: "For us, we reject all [such things]!"

49. Say: "Then bring ye a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than either of them, that I may follow it! [do], if ye are truthful!"

50. But if they hearken not to thee, know that they only follow their own lusts: and who is more astray than one who follow his own lusts, devoid of guidance from Allah? for Allah guides not people given to wrong-doing.

51. Now have We caused the Word to reach them themselves, in order that they may receive admonition.

52. Those to whom We sent the Book before this,- they do believe in this [revelation]:

53. And when it is recited to them, they say: "We believe therein, for it is the Truth from our Lord: indeed we have been Muslims [bowing to Allah's Will] from before this.

54. Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert Evil with Good, and that they spend [in charity] out of what We have given them.

55. And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: "To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant."

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56. It is true thou wilt not be able to guide every one, whom thou lovest; but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance.

57. They say: "If we were to follow the guidance with thee, we should be snatched away from our land." Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary, to which are brought as tribute fruits of all kinds,- a provision from Ourselves? but most of them understand not.

58. And how many populations We destroyed, which exulted in their life [of ease and plenty]! now those habitations of theirs, after them, are deserted,- All but a [miserable] few! and We are their heirs!

59. Nor was thy Lord the one to destroy a population until He had sent to its centre a messenger, rehearsing to them Our Signs; nor are We going to destroy a population except when its members practise iniquity.

60. The [material] things which ye are given are but the conveniences of this life and the glitter thereof; but that which is with Allah is better and more enduring: will ye not then be wise?

61. Are [these two] alike?- one to whom We have made a goodly promise, and who is going to reach its [fulfilment], and one to whom We have given the good things of this life, but who, on the Day of Judgment, is to be among those brought up [for punishment]?

62. That Day [Allah] will call to them, and say "Where are my 'partners'?- whom ye imagined [to be such]?"

63. Those against whom the charge will be proved, will say: "Our Lord! These are the ones whom we led astray: we led them astray, as we were astray ourselves: we free ourselves [from them] in Thy presence: it was not us they worshipped."

64. It will be said [to them]: "Call upon your 'partners' [for help]" :they will call upon them, but they will not listen to them; and they will see the Penalty [before them]; [how they will wish] 'if only they had been open to guidance!'

65. That Day [Allah] will call to them, and say: "What was the answer ye gave to the messengers?"

66. Then the [whole] story that Day will seem obscure to them [like light to the blind] and they will not be able [even] to question each other.

67. But any that [in this life] had repented, believed, and worked righteousness, will have hopes to be among those who achieve salvation.

68. Thy Lord does create and choose as He pleases: no choice have they [in the matter]: Glory to Allah! and far is He above the partners they ascribe [to Him]!

69. And thy Lord knows all that their hearts conceal and all that they reveal.

70. And He is Allah: There is no god but He. To Him be praise, at the first and at the last: for Him is the Command, and to Him shall ye [all] be brought back.

71. Say: See ye? If Allah were to make the night perpetual over you to the Day of Judgment, what god is there other than Allah, who can give you enlightenment? Will ye not then hearken?

72. Say: See ye? If Allah were to make the day perpetual over you to the Day of Judgment, what god is there other than Allah, who can give you a night in which ye can rest? Will ye not then see?

73. It is out of His Mercy that He has made for you Night and Day,- that ye may rest therein, and that ye may seek of his Grace;- and in order that ye may be grateful.

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74. The Day that He will call on them, He will say: "Where are my 'partners'? whom ye imagined [to be such]?"

75. And from each people shall We draw a witness, and We shall say: "Produce your Proof": then shall they know that the Truth is in Allah [alone], and the [lies] which they invented will leave them in lurch.

76. Qarun was doubtless, of the people of Moses; but he acted insolently towards them: such were the treasures We had bestowed on him that their very keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men, behold, his people said to him: "Exult not, for Allah loveth not those who exult [in riches].

77. "But seek, with the [wealth] which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not [occasions for] mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief."

78. He said: "This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge which I have." Did he not know that Allah had destroyed, before him, [whole] generations,- which were superior to him in strength and greater in the amount [of riches] they had collected? but the wicked are not called[immediately] to account for their sins.

79. So he went forth among his people in the [pride of his worldly] glitter. Said those whose aim is the Life of this World: "Oh! that we had the like of

what Qarun has got! for he is truly a lord of mighty good fortune!"

80. But those who had been granted [true] knowledge said: "Alas for you! The reward of Allah [in the Hereafter] is best for those who believe and work righteousness: but this none shall attain, save those who steadfastly persevere [in good]."

81. Then We caused the earth to swallow up him and his house; and he had not [the least little] party to help him against Allah, nor could he defend himself.

82. And those who had envied his position the day before began to say on the morrow: "Ah! it is indeed Allah Who enlarges the provision or restricts it, to any of His servants He pleases! had it not been that Allah was gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up! Ah! those who reject Allah will assuredly never prosper."

83. That Home of the Hereafter We shall give to those who intend not highhandedness or mischief on earth: and the end is [best] for the righteous.

84. If any does good, the reward to him is better than his deed; but if any does evil, the doers of evil are only punished [to the extent] of their deeds.

85. Verily He Who ordained the Qur'an for thee, will bring thee back to the Place of Return. Say: "My Lord knows best who it is that brings true guidance, and who is in manifest error."

86. And thou hadst not expected that the Book would be sent to thee except as a Mercy from thy Lord: Therefore lend not thou support in any way to those who reject [Allah's Message].

87. And let nothing keep thee back from the Signs of Allah after they have been revealed to thee: and invite [men] to thy Lord, and be not of the company of those who join gods with Allah.

88. And call not, besides Allah, on another god. There is no god but He. Everything [that exists] will perish except His own Face. To Him belongs the Command, and to Him will ye [all] be brought back.

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SURA 29. Ankabut, or the Spider

1. A. L. M.

2. Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, "We believe", and that they will not be tested?

3. We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.

4. Do those who practise evil think that they will get the better of Us? Evil is their judgment!

5. For those whose hopes are in the meeting with Allah [in the Hereafter, let them strive]; for the term [appointed] by Allah is surely coming and He hears and knows [all things].

6. And if any strive [with might and main], they do so for their own souls: for Allah is free of all needs from all creation.

7. Those who believe and work righteous deeds,- from them shall We blot out all evil [that may be] in them, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds.

8. We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they [either of them] strive [to force] thee to join with Me [in worship] anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not. Ye have [all] to return to me, and I will tell you [the truth] of all that ye did.

9. And those who believe and work righteous deeds,- them shall We admit to the company of the Righteous.

10. Then there are among men such as say, "We believe in Allah"; but when they suffer affliction in [the cause of] Allah, they treat men's oppression as if it were the Wrath of Allah! And if help comes [to thee] from thy Lord, they are sure to say, "We have [always] been with you!" Does not Allah know best all that is in the hearts of all creation?

11. And Allah most certainly knows those who believe, and as certainly those who are Hypocrites.

12. And the Unbelievers say to those who believe: "Follow our path, and we will bear [the consequences] of your faults." Never in the least will they bear their faults: in fact they are liars!

13. They will bear their own burdens, and [other] burdens along with their own, and on the Day of Judgments they will be called to account for their falsehoods.

14. We [once] sent Noah to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand years less fifty: but the Deluge overwhelmed them while they [persisted in] sin.

15. But We saved him and the companions of the Ark, and We made the [Ark] a Sign for all peoples!

16. And [We also saved] Abraham: behold, he said to his people, "Serve Allah and fear Him: that will be best for you- If ye understand!

17. "For ye do worship idols besides Allah, and ye invent falsehood. The things that ye worship besides Allah have no power to give you sustenance: then seek ye

sustenance from Allah, serve Him, and be grateful to Him: to Him will be your return.

18. "And if ye reject [the Message], so did generations before you: and the duty of the messenger is only to preach publicly [and clearly]."

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19. See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it: truly that is easy for Allah.

20. Say: "Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things.

21. "He punishes whom He pleases, and He grants Mercy to whom He pleases, and towards Him are ye turned.

22. "Not on earth nor in heaven will ye be able [fleeing] to frustrate [his Plan], nor have ye, besides Allah, any protector or helper."

23. Those who reject the Signs of Allah and the Meeting with Him [in the Hereafter],- it is they who shall despair of My Mercy: it is they who will [suffer] a most grievous Penalty.

24. So naught was the answer of [Abraham's] people except that they said: "Slay him or burn him." But Allah did save him from the Fire. Verily in this are Signs for people who believe.

25. And he said: "For you, ye have taken [for worship] idols besides Allah, out of mutual love and regard between yourselves in this life; but on the Day of Judgment ye shall disown each other and curse each other: and your abode will be the Fire, and ye shall have none to help."

26. But Lut had faith in Him: He said: "I will leave home for the sake of my Lord: for He is Exalted in Might, and Wise."

27. And We gave [Abraham] Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his progeny Prophethood and Revelation, and We granted him his reward in this life; and he was in the Hereafter [of the company] of the Righteous.

28. And [remember] Lut: behold, he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation [ever] committed before you.

29. "Do ye indeed approach men, and cut off the highway?- and practise wickedness [even] in your councils?" But his people gave no answer but this: they said: "Bring us the Wrath of Allah if thou tellest the truth."

30. He said: "O my Lord! help Thou me against people who do mischief!"

31. When Our Messengers came to Abraham with the good news, they said: "We are indeed going to destroy the people of this township: for truly they are [addicted to] crime."

32. He said: "But there is Lut there." They said: "Well do we know who is there : we will certainly save him and his following,- except his wife: she is of those who lag behind!"

33. And when Our Messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account, and felt himself powerless [to protect] them: but they said: "Fear thou not, nor grieve: we are [here] to save thee and thy following, except thy wife: she is of those who lag behind.

34. "For we are going to bring down on the people of this township a Punishment from heaven, because they have been wickedly rebellious."

35. And We have left thereof an evident Sign, for any people who [care to] understand.

36. To the Madyan [people] [We sent] their brother Shu'aib. Then he said: "O my people! serve Allah, and fear the Last Day: nor commit evil on the earth, with intent to do mischief."

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37. But they rejected him: Then the mighty Blast seized them, and they lay prostrate in their homes by the morning.

38. [Remember also] the 'Ad and the Thamud [people]: clearly will appear to you from [the traces] of their buildings [their fate]: the Evil One made their deeds alluring to them, and kept them back from the Path, though they were gifted with intelligence and skill.

39. [Remember also] Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haitian: there came to them Moses with Clear Signs, but they behaved with insolence on the earth; yet they could not overreach [Us].

40. Each one of them We seized for his crime: of them, against some We sent a violent tornado [with showers of stones]; some were caught by a [mighty] Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up; and some We drowned [in the waters]: It was not Allah Who injured [or oppressed] them:" They injured [and oppressed] their own souls.

41. The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the spider, who builds [to itself] a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses is the spider's house;- if they but knew.

42. Verily Allah doth know of [every thing] whatever that they call upon besides Him: and He is Exalted [in power], Wise.

43. And such are the Parables We set forth for mankind, but only those understand them who have knowledge.

44. Allah created the heavens and the earth in true [proportions]: verily in that is a Sign for those who believe.

45. Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest [thing in life] without doubt. And Allah knows the [deeds] that ye do.

46. And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better [than mere disputation], unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong [and injury]: but say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow [in Islam]."

47. And thus [it is] that We have sent down the Book to thee. So the People of the Book believe therein, as also do some of these [pagan Arabs]: and none but Unbelievers reject our signs.

48. And thou wast not [able] to recite a Book before this [Book came], nor art thou [able] to transcribe it with thy right hand: In that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted.

49. Nay, here are Signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: and none but the unjust reject Our Signs.

50. Ye they say: "Why are not Signs sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "The signs are indeed with Allah: and I am indeed a clear Warner."

51. And is it not enough for them that we have sent down to thee the Book which is rehearsed to them? Verily, in it is Mercy and a Reminder to those who believe.

52. Say: "Enough is Allah for a witness between me and you: He knows what is in the heavens and on earth. And it is those who believe in vanities and reject Allah, that will perish [in the end].

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53. They ask thee to hasten on the Punishment [for them]: had it not been for a term [of respite] appointed, the Punishment would certainly have come to them: and it will certainly reach them,- of a sudden, while they perceive not!

54. They ask thee to hasten on the Punishment: but, of a surety, Hell will encompass the Rejecters of Faith!-

55. On the Day that the Punishment shall cover them from above them and from below them, and [a Voice] shall say: "Taste ye [the fruits] of your deeds!"

56. O My servants who believe! truly, spacious is My Earth: therefore serve ye Me - [and Me alone]!

57. Every soul shall have a taste of death in the end to Us shall ye be brought back.

58. But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness - to them shall We give a Home in Heaven,- lofty mansions beneath which flow rivers,- to dwell therein for aye;- an excellent reward for those who do [good]!-

59. Those who persevere in patience, and put their trust, in their Lord and Cherisher.

60. How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah who feeds [both] them and you: for He hears and knows [all things].

61. If indeed thou ask them who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon [to his Law], they will certainly reply, "Allah". How are they then deluded away [from the truth]?

62. Allah enlarges the sustenance [which He gives] to whichever of His servants He pleases; and He [similarly] grants by [strict] measure, [as He pleases]: for Allah has full knowledge of all things.

63. And if indeed thou ask them who it is that sends down rain from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, "Allah!" Say, "Praise be to Allah!" But most of them understand not.

64. What is the life of this world but amusement and play? but verily the Home in the Hereafter,- that is life indeed, if they but knew.

65. Now, if they embark on a boat, they call on Allah, making their devotion sincerely [and exclusively] to Him; but when He has delivered them safely to [dry] land, behold, they give a share [of their worship to others]!-

66. Disdaining ungratefully Our gifts, and giving themselves up to [worldly] enjoyment! But soon will they know.

67. Do they not then see that We have made a sanctuary secure, and that men are being snatched away from all around them? Then, do they believe in that which is vain, and reject the Grace of Allah?

68. And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or rejects the Truth when it reaches him? Is there not a home in Hell for those who reject Faith?

69. And those who strive in Our [cause],- We will certainly guide them to our

Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right. SURA 30. Rum, or The Roman Empire

1. Alif, Lam, Mim.

2. The Roman Empire has been de£eated200

3. In a land close by; but they, [even] after [this] defeat of theirs, will soon be victorious-

4. Within a few years. With Allah is the Decision, in the past and in the Future: on that Day shall the Believers rejoice-

5. With the help of Allah. He helps whom He will, and He is exalted in might, most merciful.

6. [It is] the promise of Allah. Never does Allah depart from His promise: but most men understand not.

7. They know but the outer [things] in the life of this world: but of the End of things they are heedless.

8. Do they not reflect in their own minds? Not but for just ends and for a term appointed, did Allah create the heavens and the earth, and all between them: yet are there truly many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord [at the Resurrection]!

9. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before them? They were superior to them in strength: they tilled the soil and populated it in greater numbers than these have done: there came to them their messengers with Clear [Signs]. [Which they rejected, to their own destruction]: It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged their own souls.

10. In the long run evil in the extreme will be the End of those who do evil; for that they rejected the Signs of Allah, and held them up to ridicule.

11. It is Allah Who begins [the process of] creation; then repeats it; then shall ye be brought back to Him.

12. On the Day that the Hour will be established, the guilty will be struck dumb with despair.

13. No intercessor will they have among their "Partners" and they will [themselves] reject their "Partners".

14. On the Day that the Hour will be established,- that Day shall [all men] be sorted out.

15. Then those who have believed and worked righteous deeds, shall be made happy in a Mead of Delight.

16. And those who have rejected Faith and falsely denied our Signs and the meeting of the Hereafter,- such shall be brought forth to Punishment.

17. So [give] glory to Allah, when ye reach eventide and when ye rise in the morning;

18. Yea, to Him be praise, in the heavens and on earth; and in the late afternoon and when the day begins to decline.

19. It is He Who brings out the living from the dead, and brings out the dead from the living, and Who gives life to the earth after it is dead: and thus shall ye be brought out [from the dead].

20. Among His Signs in this, that He created you from dust; and then,- behold, ye are men scattered [far and wide]!

21. And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your [hearts]: verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.

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22. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know.

23. And among His Signs is the sleep that ye take by night and by day, and the quest that ye [make for livelihood] out of His Bounty: verily in that are signs for those who hearken.

24. And among His Signs, He shows you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead: verily in that are Signs for those who are wise.

25. And among His Signs is this, that heaven and earth stand by His Command: then when He calls you, by a single call, from the earth, behold, ye [straightway] come forth.

26. To Him belongs every being that is in the heavens and on earth: all are devoutly obedient to Him.

27. It is He Who begins [the process of] creation; then repeats it; and for Him it is most easy. To Him belongs the loftiest similitude [we can think of] in the heavens and the earth: for He is Exalted in Might, full of wisdom.

28. He does propound to you a similitude from your own [experience]: do ye have partners among those whom your right hands possess, to share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you? Do ye fear them as ye fear each other? Thus do we explain the Signs in detail to a people that understand.

29. Nay, the wrong-doers [merely] follow their own lusts, being devoid of knowledge. But who will guide those whom Allah leaves astray? To them there will be no helpers.

30. So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the Faith: [establish] Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change [let there be] in the work [wrought] by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not.

31. Turn ye back in repentance to Him, and fear Him: establish regular prayers, and be not ye among those who join gods with Allah,-

32. Those who split up their Religion, and become [mere] Sects,- each party rejoicing in that which is with itself!

33. When trouble touches men, they cry to their Lord, turning back to Him in repentance: but when He gives them a taste of Mercy as from Himself, behold, some of them pay part-worship to other god's besides their Lord,-

34. [As if] to show their ingratitude for the [favours] We have bestowed on them! Then enjoy [your brief day]; but soon will ye know [your folly].

35. Or have We sent down authority to them, which points out to them the things to which they pay part-worship?

36. When We give men a taste of Mercy, they exult thereat: and when some evil afflicts them because of what their [own] hands have sent forth, behold, they are in despair!

37. See they not that Allah enlarges the provision and restricts it, to whomsoever He pleases? Verily in that are Signs for those who believe.

38. So give what is due to kindred, the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek the Countenance, of Allah, and it is they who will prosper.

39. That which ye lay out for increase through the property of [other] people, will have no increase with Allah: but that which ye lay out for charity, seeking 202

the Countenance of Allah, [will increase]: it is these who will get a recompense multiplied.

40. It is Allah Who has created you: further, He has provided for your sustenance; then He will cause you to die; and again He will give you life. Are there any of your [false] "Partners" who can do any single one of these things? Glory to Him! and high is He above the partners they attribute [to him]!

41. Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of [the meed] that the hands of men have earned, that [Allah] may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back [from Evil].

42. Say: "Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those before [you]: Most of them worshipped others besides Allah."

43. But set thou thy face to the right Religion before there come from Allah the Day which there is no chance of averting: on that Day shall men be divided [in two] .

44. Those who reject Faith will suffer from that rejection: and those who work righteousness will spread their couch [of repose] for themselves [in heaven]:

45. That He may reward those who believe and work righteous deeds, out of his Bounty. For He loves not those who reject Faith.

46. Among His Signs is this, that He sends the Winds, as heralds of Glad Tidings, giving you a taste of His [Grace and] Mercy,- that the ships may sail [majestically] by His Command and that ye may seek of His Bounty: in order that ye may be grateful.

47. We did indeed send, before thee, messengers to their [respective] peoples, and they came to them with Clear Signs: then, to those who transgressed, We meted out Retribution: and it was due from Us to aid those who believed.

48. It is Allah Who sends the Winds, and they raise the Clouds: then does He spread them in the sky as He wills, and break them into fragments, until thou seest rain-drops issue from the midst thereof: then when He has made them reach such of his servants as He wills behold, they do rejoice!-

49. Even though, before they received [the rain] - just before this - they were dumb with despair!

50. Then contemplate [O man!] the memorials of Allah's Mercy!- how He gives life to the earth after its death: verily the same will give life to the men who are dead: for He has power over all things.

51. And if We [but] send a Wind from which they see [their tilth] turn yellow,-behold, they become, thereafter, Ungrateful [Unbelievers]!

52. So verily thou canst not make the dead to hear, nor canst thou make the deaf to hear the call, when they show their backs and turn away.

53. Nor canst thou lead back the blind from their straying: only those wilt thou make to hear, who believe in Our signs and submit [their wills in Islam].

54. It is Allah Who created you in a state of [helpless] weakness, then gave [you] strength after weakness, then, after strength, gave [you weakness and a hoary head: He creates as He wills, and it is He Who has all knowledge and

power.

55. On the Day that the Hour [of Reckoning] will be established, the transgressors will swear that they tarried not but an hour: thus were they used to being deluded!

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56. But those endued with knowledge and faith will say: "Indeed ye did tarry, within Allah 1 s Decree, to the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection: but ye - ye were not aware!"

57. So on that Day no excuse of theirs will avail the transgressors, nor will they be invited [then] to seek grace [by repentance].

58. verily We have propounded for men, in this Qur'an every kind of Parable: But if thou bring to them any Sign, the Unbelievers are sure to say, "Ye do nothing but talk vanities."

59. Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who understand not.

60. So patiently persevere: for verily the promise of Allah is true: nor let those shake thy firmness, who have [themselves] no certainty of faith.

SURA 31. Luqman (the Wise)

1. Alif, Lam, Mim.

2. These are Verses of the Wise Book,-

3. A Guide and a Mercy to the Doers of Good,-

4. Those who establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity, and have [in their hearts] the assurance of the Hereafter.

5. These are on [true] guidance from their Lord: and these are the ones who will prosper.

6. But there are, among men, those who purchase idle tales, without knowledge [or meaning], to mislead [men] from the Path of Allah and throw ridicule [on the Path]: for such there will be a Humiliating Penalty.

7. When Our Signs are rehearsed to such a one, he turns away in arrogance, as if he heard them not, as if there were deafness in both his ears: announce to him a grievous Penalty.

8. For those who believe and work righteous deeds, there will be Gardens of Bliss, -

9. To dwell therein. The promise of Allah is true: and He is Exalted in Power, Wise.

10. He created the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; He set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and He scattered through it beasts of all kinds. We send down rain from the sky, and produce on the earth every kind of noble creature, in pairs.

11. Such is the Creation of Allah: now show Me what is there that others besides Him have created: nay, but the Transgressors are in manifest error.

12. we bestowed [in the past] Wisdom on Luqman: "Show [thy] gratitude to Allah." Any who is [so] grateful does so to the profit of his own soul: but if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants, Worthy of all praise.

13. Behold, Luqman said to his son by way of instruction: "O my son! join not in worship [others] with Allah: for false worship is indeed the highest wrongdoing."

14. And We have enjoined on man [to be good] to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: [hear the command], "Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is [thy final] Goal. 204

15. "But if they strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice [and consideration], and follow the way of those who turn to me [in love]: in the end the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth [and meaning] of all that ye did."

16. "O my son!" [said Luqman], "If there be [but] the weight of a mustard-seed and it were [hidden] in a rock, or [anywhere] in the heavens or on earth, Allah

will bring it forth: for Allah understands the finest mysteries, [and] is wellacquainted [with them].

17. "O my son! establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong: and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firmness [of purpose] in [the conduct of] affairs.

18. "And swell not thy cheek [for pride] at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loveth not any arrogant boaster.

19. "And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass."

20. Do ye not see that Allah has subjected to your [use] all things in the heavens and on earth, and has made his bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, [both] seen and unseen? Yet there are among men those who dispute about Allah, without knowledge and without guidance, and without a Book to enlighten them!

21. When they are told to follow the [Revelation] that Allah has sent down, they

say: "Nay, we shall follow the ways that we found our fathers [following]. "What! even if it is Satan beckoning them to the Penalty of the [Blazing] Fire?

22. Whoever submits his whole self to Allah, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed the most trustworthy hand-hold: and with Allah rests the End and Decision of [all] affairs.

23. But if any reject Faith, let not his rejection grieve thee: to Us is their return, and We shall tell them the truth of their deeds: for Allah knows well all that is in [men's] hearts.

24. We grant them their pleasure for a little while: in the end shall We drive them to a chastisement unrelenting.

25. If thou ask them, who it is that created the heavens and the earth. They will certainly say, "Allah". Say: "Praise be to Allah!" But most of them understand not.

26. To Allah belong all things in heaven and earth: verily Allah is He [that is] free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

27. And if all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean [were ink], with seven oceans behind it to add to its [supply], yet would not the words of Allah be exhausted [in the writing]: for Allah is Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.

28. And your creation or your resurrection is in no wise but as an individual soul: for Allah is He Who hears and sees [all things].

29. Seest thou not that Allah merges Night into Day and he merges Day into Night; that He has subjected the sun, and the moon [to his Law], each running its course for a term appointed; and that Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do?

30. That is because Allah is the [only] Reality, and because whatever else they invoke besides Him is Falsehood; and because Allah,- He is the Most High, Most Great.

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31. Seest thou not that the ships sail through the ocean by the Grace of Allah?-that He may show you of His Signs? Verily in this are Signs for all who constantly persevere and give thanks.

32. When a wave covers them like the canopy [of clouds], they call to Allah, offering Him sincere devotion. But when He has delivered them safely to land, there are among them those that halt between [right and wrong]. But none reject Our Signs except only a perfidious ungrateful [wretch]!

33. 0 mankind! do your duty to your Lord, and fear [the coming of] a Day when no father can avail aught for his son, nor a son avail aught for his father. Verily, the promise of Allah is true: let not then this present life deceive you, nor let the chief Deceiver deceive you about Allah.

34. Verily the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah [alone]. It is He Who sends down rain, and He Who knows what is in the wombs. Nor does any one know what it is that he will earn on the morrow: Nor does any one know in what land he is to die. Verily with Allah is full knowledge and He is acquainted [with all things]. SURA 32. Sajda, or Adoration

1. Alif, Lam, Mim.

2. [This is] the Revelation of the Book in which there is no doubt,- from the Lord of the Worlds.

3. Or do they say, "He has forged it"? Nay, it is the Truth from thy Lord, that thou mayest admonish a people to whom no warner has come before thee: in order that they may receive guidance.

4. It is Allah Who has created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, in six Days, and is firmly established on the Throne [of Authority]: ye have none, besides Him, to protect or intercede [for you]: will ye not then receive admonition?

5. He rules [all] affairs from the heavens to the earth: in the end will [all affairs] go up to Him, on a Day, the space whereof will be [as] a thousand years of your reckoning.

6. Such is He, the Knower of all things, hidden and open, the Exalted [in power], the Merciful;-

7. He Who has made everything which He has created most good: He began the creation of man with [nothing more than] clay,

8. And made his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of a fluid despised:

9. But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you [the faculties of] hearing and sight and feeling [and understanding]: little thanks do ye give!

10. And they say: "What! when we lie, hidden and lost, in the earth, shall we indeed be in a Creation renewed? Nay, they deny the Meeting with their Lord.

11. Say: "The Angel of Death, put in charge of you, will [duly] take your souls: then shall ye be brought back to your Lord."

12. If only thou couldst see when the guilty ones will bend low their heads before their Lord, [saying:] "Our Lord! We have seen and we have heard: Now then

send us back [to the world]: we will work righteousness: for we do indeed [now]

believe."

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13. If We had so willed, We could certainly have brought every soul its true guidance: but the Word from Me will come true, "I will fill Hell with Jinns and men all together."

14. "Taste ye then - for ye forgot the Meeting of this Day of yours, and We too will forget you - taste ye the Penalty of Eternity for your [evil] deeds!"

15. Only those believe in Our Signs, who, when they are recited to them, fall down in prostration, and celebrate the praises of their Lord, nor are they [ever] puffed up with pride.

16. Their limbs do forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Lord, in Fear and Hope: and they spend [in charity] out of the sustenance which We have bestowed on them.

17. Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden [in reserve] for them - as a reward for their [good] deeds.

18. Is then the man who believes no better than the man who is rebellious and wicked? Not equal are they.
19. For those who believe and do righteous deeds are Gardens as hospitable homes, for their [good] deeds.

20. As to those who are rebellious and wicked, their abode will be the Fire: every time they wish to get away therefrom, they will be forced There into, and it will be said to them: "Taste ye the Penalty of the Fire, the which ye were wont to reject as false."

21. And indeed We will make them taste of the Penalty of this [life] prior to the supreme Penalty, in order that they may [repent and] return.

22. And who does more wrong than one to whom are recited the Signs of his Lord, and who then turns away therefrom? Verily from those who transgress We shall exact [due] Retribution.

23. We did indeed aforetime give the Book to Moses: be not then in doubt of its reaching [thee]: and We made it a guide to the Children of Israel.

24. And We appointed, from among them, leaders, giving guidance under Our command, so long as they persevered with patience and continued to have faith in Our Signs.

25. Verily thy Lord will judge between them on the Day of Judgment, in the matters wherein they differ [among themselves]

26. Does it not teach them a lesson, how many generations We destroyed before them, in whose dwellings they [now] go to and fro? Verily in that are Signs: Do they not then listen?

27. And do they not see that We do drive rain to parched soil [bare of herbage], and produce therewith crops, providing food for their cattle and themselves? Have they not the vision?

28. They say: "When will this decision be, if ye are telling the truth?"

29. Say: "On the Day of Decision, no profit will it be to Unbelievers if they [then] believe! nor will they be granted a respite."

30. So turn away from them, and wait: they too are waiting. 207

SURA 33. Ahzab, or The Confederates

1. O Prophet! Fear Allah, and hearken not to the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites: verily Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.

2. But follow that which comes to thee by inspiration from thy Lord: for Allah is well acquainted with [all] that ye do.

3. And put thy trust in Allah, and enough is Allah as a disposer of affairs.

4. Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his [one] body: nor has He made your wives whom ye divorce by Zihar your mothers: nor has He made your adopted sons your sons. Such is [only] your [manner of] speech by your mouths. But Allah tells [you] the Truth, and He shows the [right] Way.

5. Call them by [the names of] their fathers: that is juster in the sight of Allah. But if ye know not their father's [names, call them] your Brothers in faith, or your friends. But there is no blame on you if ye make a mistake therein: [what counts is] the intention of your hearts: and Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.

6. The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood-relations among each other have closer personal ties, in the Decree of Allah. Than [the Brotherhood of] Believers and Muhajirs: nevertheless do ye what is just to your closest friends: such is the writing in the Decree [of Allah].

7. And remember We took from the prophets their covenant: As [We did] from thee: from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn covenant:

8. That [Allah] may question the [custodians] of Truth concerning the Truth they

[were charged with]: And He has prepared for the Unbelievers a grievous Penalty.

9. 0 ye who believe! Remember the Grace of Allah, [bestowed] on you, when there came down on you hosts [to overwhelm you]: But We sent against them a hurricane and forces that ye saw not: but Allah sees [clearly] all that ye do.

10. Behold! they came on you from above you and from below you, and behold, the eyes became dim and the hearts gaped up to the throats, and ye imagined various [vain] thoughts about Allah!

11. In that situation were the Believers tried: they were shaken as by a tremendous shaking.

12. And behold! The Hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease [even] say: "Allah and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion!"

13. Behold! A party among them said: "Ye men of Yathrib! ye cannot stand [the attack]! therefore go back!" And a band of them ask for leave of the Prophet, saying, "Truly our houses are bare and exposed," though they were not exposed they intended nothing but to run away.

14. And if an entry had been effected to them from the sides of the [city], and they had been incited to sedition, they would certainly have brought it to pass, with none but a brief delay!

15. And yet they had already covenanted with Allah not to turn their backs, and a covenant with Allah must [surely] be answered for.

16. Say: "Running away will not profit you if ye are running away from death or slaughter; and even if [ye do escape], no more than a brief [respite] will ye be allowed to enjoy!"

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17. Say: "Who is it that can screen you from Allah if it be His wish to give you punishment or to give you Mercy?" Nor will they find for themselves, besides Allah, any protector or helper.

18. Verily Allah knows those among you who keep back [men] and those who say to their brethren, "Come along to us", but come not to the fight except for just a little while.

19. Covetous over you. Then when fear comes, thou wilt see them looking to thee, their eyes revolving, like [those of] one over whom hovers death: but when the fear is past, they will smite you with sharp tongues, covetous of goods. Such men have no faith, and so Allah has made their deeds of none effect: and that is easy for Allah.

20. They think that the Confederates have not withdrawn; and if the Confederates should come [again], they would wish they were in the deserts [wandering] among the Bedouins, and seeking news about you [from a safe distance]; and if they were in your midst, they would fight but little.

21. Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern [of conduct] for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.

22. When the Believers saw the Confederate forces, they said: "This is what Allah and his Messenger had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger told us what was true." And it only added to their faith and their zeal in obedience.

23. Among the Believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah: of them some have completed their vow [to the extreme], and some [still] wait: but they have never changed [their determination] in the least:

24. That Allah may reward the men of Truth for their Truth, and punish the Hypocrites if that be His Will, or turn to them in Mercy: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

25. And Allah turned back the Unbelievers for [all] their fury: no advantage did they gain; and enough is Allah for the believers in their fight. And Allah is full of Strength, able to enforce His Will.

26. And those of the People of the Book who aided them - Allah did take them down from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts. [So that] some ye slew, and some ye made prisoners.

27. And He made you heirs of their lands, their houses, and their goods, and of a land which ye had not frequented [before]. And Allah has power over all things.

28. O Prophet! Say to thy Consorts: "If it be that ye desire the life of this World, and its glitter,- then come! I will provide for your enjoyment and set you free in a handsome manner.

29. But if ye seek Allah and His Messenger, and the Home of the Hereafter, verily Allah has prepared for the well-doers amongst you a great reward.

30. O Consorts of the Prophet! If any of you were guilty of evident unseemly conduct, the Punishment would be doubled to her, and that is easy for Allah.

31. But any of you that is devout in the service of Allah and His Messenger, and works righteousness,- to her shall We grant her reward twice: and We have prepared for her a generous Sustenance.

32. O Consorts of the Prophet! Ye are not like any of the [other] women: if ye

do fear [Allah], be not too complacent of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak ye a speech [that is] just. 209

33. And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless.

34. And recite what is rehearsed to you in your homes, of the Signs of Allah and His Wisdom: for Allah understands the finest mysteries and is well-acquainted [with them].

35. For Muslim men and women, - for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast [and deny themselves], for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah 1 s praise,- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.

36. It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.

37. Behold! Thou didst say to one who had received the grace of Allah and thy favour: "Retain thou [in wedlock] thy wife, and fear Allah." But thou didst hide in thy heart that which Allah was about to make manifest: thou didst fear the people, but it is more fitting that thou shouldst fear Allah. Then when Zaid had dissolved [his marriage] with her, with the necessary [formality], We joined her in marriage to thee: in order that [in future] there may be no difficulty to the Believers in [the matter of] marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary [formality] [their marriage] with them. And Allah's command must be fulfilled.

38. There can be no difficulty to the Prophet in what Allah has indicated to him as a duty. It was the practice [approved] of Allah amongst those of old that have passed away. And the command of Allah is a decree determined.

39. [It is the practice of those] who preach the Messages of Allah, and fear Him, and fear none but Allah. And enough is Allah to call [men] to account.

40. Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.

41. O ye who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah, and do this often;

42. And glorify Him morning and evening.

43. He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full of Mercy to the Believers.

44. Their salutation on the Day they meet Him will be "Peace!"; and He has prepared for them a generous Reward.

45. 0 Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and Warner,-

46. And as one who invites to Allah's [grace] by His leave, and as a lamp spreading light.

47. Then give the Glad Tidings to the Believers, that they shall have from Allah a very great Bounty.

48. And obey not [the behests] of the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and heed not their annoyances, but put thy Trust in Allah. For enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.

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49. O ye who believe! When ye marry believing women, and then divorce them before ye have touched them, no period of 'Iddat have ye to count in respect of them: so give them a present. And set them free in a handsome manner.

50. 0 Prophet! We have made lawful to thee thy wives to whom thou hast paid their dowers; and those whom thy right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee; and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated [from Makka] with thee; and any believing woman who dedicates her soul to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her;- this only for thee, and not for the Believers [at large]; We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess;- in order that there should be no difficulty for thee. And Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.

51. Thou mayest defer [the turn of] any of them that thou pleasest, and thou mayest receive any thou pleasest: and there is no blame on thee if thou invite one whose [turn] thou hadst set aside. This were nigher to the cooling of their eyes, the prevention of their grief, and their satisfaction - that of all of them - with that which thou hast to give them: and Allah knows [all] that is in your hearts: and Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.

52. It is not lawful for thee [to marry more] women after this, nor to change them for [other] wives, even though their beauty attract thee, except any thy right hand should possess [as handmaidens]: and Allah doth watch over all things.

53. 0 ye who believe! Enter not the Prophet 1 s houses,- until leave is given you,- for a meal, [and then] not [so early as] to wait for its preparation: but when ye are invited, enter; and when ye have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such [behaviour] annoys the Prophet: he is ashamed to dismiss you, but Allah is not ashamed [to tell you] the truth. And when ye ask [his ladies] for anything ye want, ask them from before a screen: that makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs. Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy Allah 1 s Messenger, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in Allah 1 s sight an enormity.

54. Whether ye reveal anything or conceal it, verily Allah has full knowledge of all things.

55. There is no blame [on these ladies if they appear] before their fathers or their sons, their brothers, or their brother's sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the [slaves] whom their right hands possess. And, [ladies], fear Allah; for Allah is Witness to all things.

56. Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: 0 ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.

57. Those who annoy Allah and His Messenger - Allah has cursed them in this World and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating Punishment.

58. And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear [on themselves] a calumny and a glaring sin.

59. 0 Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons [when abroad]: that is most convenient, that they should be known [as such] and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

60. Truly, if the Hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir up sedition in the City, desist not, We shall certainly stir thee up against them: Then will they not be able to stay in it as thy neighbours for any length of time:

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61. They shall have a curse on them: whenever they are found, they shall be seized and slain [without mercy].

62. [Such was] the practice [approved] of Allah among those who lived aforetime: No change wilt thou find in the practice [approved] of Allah.

63. Men ask thee concerning the Hour: Say, "The knowledge thereof is with Allah [alone]": and what will make thee understand?- perchance the Hour is nigh!

64. Verily Allah has cursed the Unbelievers and prepared for them a Blazing Fire,-

65. To dwell therein for ever: no protector will they find, nor helper.

66. The Day that their faces will be turned upside down in the Fire, they will say: "Woe to us! Would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!"

67. And they would say: "Our Lord! We obeyed our chiefs and our great ones, and they misled us as to the [right] Path.

68. "Our Lord! Give them double Penalty and curse them with a very great Curse!"

69. O ye who believe! Be ye not like those who vexed and insulted Moses, but Allah cleared him of the [calumnies] they had uttered: and he was honourable in Allah's sight.

70. O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and [always] say a word directed to the Right:

71. That He may make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins: He that obeys Allah and His Messenger, has already attained the highest achievement.

72. We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it;- He was indeed unjust and foolish;-

73. [With the result] that Allah has to punish the Hypocrites, men and women, and the Unbelievers, men and women, and Allah turns in Mercy to the Believers, men and women: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

SURA 34. Saba, or the City of Saba

1. Praise be to Allah, to Whom belong all things in the heavens and on earth: to Him be Praise in the Hereafter: and He is Full of Wisdom, acquainted with all things.

2. He knows all that goes into the earth, and all that comes out thereof; all that comes down from the sky and all that ascends thereto and He is the Most Merciful, the Oft-Forgiving.

3. The Unbelievers say, "Never to us will come the Hour": Say, "Nay! but most surely, by my Lord, it will come upon you;- by Him Who knows the unseen,- from Whom is not hidden the least little atom in the heavens or on earth: Nor is

there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the Record Perspicuous:

4. That He may reward those who believe and work deeds of righteousness: for such is Forgiveness and a Sustenance Most Generous."

5. But those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them,- for such will be a Penalty,- a Punishment most humiliating.

6. And those to whom knowledge has come see that the [Revelation] sent down to thee from thy Lord - that is the Truth, and that it guides to the Path of the Exalted [in might], Worthy of all praise.

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7. The Unbelievers say [in ridicule]: "Shall we point out to you a man that will tell you, when ye are all scattered to pieces in disintegration, that ye shall [then be raised] in a New Creation?

8. "Has he invented a falsehood against Allah, or has a spirit [seized] him?"-Nay, it is those who believe not in the Hereafter, that are in [real] Penalty, and in farthest error.

9. See they not what is before them and behind them, of the sky and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Verily in this is a Sign for every devotee that turns to Allah [in repentance].

10. We bestowed Grace aforetime on David from ourselves: "O ye Mountains! Sing ye back the Praises of Allah with him! and ye birds [also]! And We made the iron soft for him;-

11. [Commanding], "Make thou coast of mail, balancing well the rings of chain armour, and work ye righteousness; for be sure I see [clearly] all that ye do."

12. And to Solomon [We made] the Wind [obedient]: Its early morning [stride] was a month's [journey], and its evening [stride] was a month's [journey]; and We made a Font of molten brass to flow for him; and there were Jinns that worked in front of him, by the leave of his Lord, and if any of them turned aside from our command, We made him taste of the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.

13. They worked for him as he desired, [making] arches, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and [cooking] cauldrons fixed [in their places]: "Work ye, sons of David, with thanks! but few of My servants are grateful!"

14. Then, when We decreed [Solomon's] death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept [slowly] gnawing away at his staff: so when he fell down, the Jinns saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in the humiliating Penalty [of their Task].

15. There was, for Saba, aforetime, a Sign in their home-land - two Gardens to the right and to the left. "Eat of the Sustenance [provided] by your Lord, and be grateful to Him: a territory fair and happy, and a Lord Oft-Forgiving!

16. But they turned away [from Allah], and We sent against them the Flood [released] from the dams, and We converted their two garden [rows] into "gardens" producing bitter fruit, and tamarisks, and some few [stunted] Lotetrees.

17. That was the Requital We gave them because they ungratefully rejected Faith: and never do We give [such] requital except to such as are ungrateful rejecters.

18. Between them and the Cities on which We had poured our blessings, We had placed Cities in prominent positions, and between them We had appointed stages of journey in due proportion: "Travel therein, secure, by night and by day."

19. But they said: "Our Lord! Place longer distances between our journeystages": but they wronged themselves [therein]. At length We made them as a tale

[that is told], and We dispersed them all in scattered fragments. Verily in this are Signs for every [soul that is] patiently constant and grateful.

20. And on them did Satan prove true his idea, and they followed him, all but a party that believed.

21. But he had no authority over them,- except that We might test the man who believes in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt concerning it: and thy Lord doth watch over all things.

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22. Say: "Call upon other [gods] whom ye fancy, besides Allah: They have no power,- not the weight of an atom,- in the heavens or on earth: No [sort of] share have they therein, nor is any of them a helper to Allah.

23. "No intercession can avail in His Presence, except for those for whom He has granted permission. So far [is this the case] that, when terror is removed from their hearts [at the Day of Judgment, then] will they say, 'what is it that your Lord commanded?' they will say, 'That which is true and just; and He is the Most High Most Great'."

24. Say: "Who gives you sustenance, from the heavens and the earth?" Say: "It is Allah; and certain it is that either we or ye are on right guidance or in manifest error!"

25. Say: "Ye shall not be questioned as to our sins, nor shall we be questioned as to what ye do."

26. Say: "Our Lord will gather us together and will in the end decide the matter

between us [and you] in truth and justice: and He is the one to decide, the One Who knows all."

27. Say: "Show me those whom ye have joined with Him as partners: by no means [can ye]. Nay, He is Allah, the Exalted in Power, the Wise."

28. We have not sent thee but as a universal [Messenger] to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them [against sin], but most men understand not.

29. They say: "When will this promise [come to pass] if ye are telling the truth?"

30. Say: "The appointment to you is for a Day, which ye cannot put back for an hour nor put forward."

31. The Unbelievers say: "We shall neither believe in this scripture nor in [any] that [came] before it." Couldst thou but see when the wrong-doers will be made to stand before their Lord, throwing back the word [of blame] on one another! Those who had been despised will say to the arrogant ones: "Had it not been for you, we should certainly have been believers!"

32. The arrogant ones will say to those who had been despised: "Was it we who kept you back from Guidance after it reached you? Nay, rather, it was ye who transgressed.

33. Those who had been despised will say to the arrogant ones: "Nay! it was a plot [of yours] by day and by night: Behold! Ye [constantly] ordered us to be ungrateful to Allah and to attribute equals to Him!" They will declare [their] repentance when they see the Penalty: We shall put yokes on the necks of the Unbelievers: It would only be a requital for their [ill] Deeds.

34. Never did We send a warner to a population, but the wealthy ones among them said: "We believe not in the [Message] with which ye have been sent."

35. They said: "We have more in wealth and in sons, and we cannot be punished."

36. Say: "Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the Provision to whom He pleases, but most men understand not."

37. It is not your wealth nor your sons, that will bring you nearer to Us in degree: but only those who believe and work righteousness - these are the ones for whom there is a multiplied Reward for their deeds, while secure they [reside] in the dwellings on high!

38. Those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them, will be given over into Punishment.

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39. Say: "Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the Sustenance to such of his servants as He pleases: and nothing do ye spend in the least [in His cause] but He replaces it: for He is the Best of those who grant Sustenance.

40. One Day He will gather them all together, and say to the angels, "Was it you that these men used to worship?"

341. They will say, "Glory to Thee! our [tie] is with Thee - as Protector - not with them. Nay, but they worshipped the Jinns: most of them believed in them."

42. So on that Day no power shall they have over each other, for profit or harm: and We shall say to the wrong-doers, "Taste ye the Penalty of the Fire,- the which ye were wont to deny!"

43. When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, they say, "This is only a man who wishes to hinder you from the [worship] which your fathers practised." And they say, "This is only a falsehood invented!" and the Unbelievers say of the Truth when it comes to them, "This is nothing but evident magic!"

44. But We had not given them Books which they could study, nor sent messengers to them before thee as Warners.

45. And their predecessors rejected [the Truth]; these have not received a tenth of what We had granted to those: yet when they rejected My messengers, how [terrible] was My rejection [of them]!

46. Say: "I do admonish you on one point: that ye do stand up before Allah,- [It may be] in pairs, or [it may be] singly,- and reflect [within yourselves]: your Companion is not possessed: he is no less than a warner to you, in face of a terrible Penalty."

47. Say: "No reward do I ask of you: it is [all] in your interest: my reward is only due from Allah: And He is witness to all things."

48. Say: "Verily my Lord doth cast the [mantle of] Truth [over His servants],-He that has full knowledge of [all] that is hidden."

49. Say: "The Truth has arrived, and Falsehood neither creates anything new, nor re s tore s anything."

50. Say: "If I am astray, I only stray to the loss of my own soul: but if I receive guidance, it is because of the inspiration of my Lord to me: it is He Who hears all things, and is [ever] near."

51. If thou couldst but see when they will quake with terror; but then there will be no escape [for them], and they will be seized from a position [quite] near.

52. And they will say, "We do believe [now] in the [Truth]"; but how could they

receive [Faith] from a position [so far off,-

53. Seeing that they did reject Faith [entirely] before, and that they [continually] cast [slanders] on the unseen from a position far off?

54. And between them and their desires, is placed a barrier, as was done in the past with their partisans: for they were indeed in suspicious [disquieting] doubt.

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SURA 35. Fatir, or The Originator of Creation; or Malaika, or The Angels

1. Praise be to Allah, Who created [out of nothing] the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels, messengers with wings,- two, or three, or four [pairs]: He adds to Creation as He pleases: for Allah has power over all things.

2. What Allah out of his Mercy doth bestow on mankind there is none can withhold: what He doth withhold, there is none can grant, apart from Him: and He is the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.

3. 0 men! Call to mind the grace of Allah unto you! is there a creator, other than Allah, to give you sustenance from heaven or earth? There is no god but He: how then are ye deluded away from the Truth?

4. And if they reject thee, so were messengers rejected before thee: to Allah back for decision all affairs.

5. 0 men! Certainly the promise of Allah is true. Let not then this present life deceive you, nor let the Chief Deceiver deceive you about Allah.

6. Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents, that they may become Companions of the Blazing Fire.

7. For those who reject Allah, is a terrible Penalty: but for those who believe and work righteous deeds, is Forgiveness, and a magnificent Reward.

8. Is he, then, to whom the evil of his conduct is made alluring, so that he looks upon it as good, [equal to one who is rightly guided]? For Allah leaves to stray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. So let not thy soul go out in [vainly] sighing after them: for Allah knows well all that they do!

9. It is Allah Who sends forth the Winds, so that they raise up the Clouds, and We drive them to a land that is dead, and revive the earth therewith after its death: even so [will be] the Resurrection!

10. If any do seek for glory and power,- to Allah belong all glory and power. To Him mount up [all] Words of Purity: It is He Who exalts each Deed of Righteousness. Those that lay Plots of Evil,- for them is a Penalty terrible; and the plotting of such will be void [of result].

11. And Allah did create you from dust; then from a sperm-drop; then He made you in pairs. And no female conceives, or lays down [her load], but with His knowledge. Nor is a man long-lived granted length of days, nor is a part cut off from his life, but is in a Decree [ordained]. All this is easy to Allah.

12. Nor are the two bodies of flowing water alike,- the one palatable, sweet, and pleasant to drink, and the other, salt and bitter. Yet from each [kind of water] do ye eat flesh fresh and tender, and ye extract ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek [thus] of the Bounty of Allah that ye may be grateful.

13. He merges Night into Day, and he merges Day into Night, and he has subjected the sun and the moon [to his Law]: each one runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah your Lord: to Him belongs all Dominion. And those whom ye invoke besides Him have not the least power.

14. If ye invoke them, they will not listen to your call, and if they were to listen, they cannot answer your [prayer]. On the Day of Judgment they will 216

reject your "Partnership", and none, [O man!] can tell thee [the Truth] like the One Who is acquainted with all things.

15. 0 ye men! It is ye that have need of Allah: but Allah is the One Free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

16. If He so pleased, He could blot you out and bring in a New Creation.

17. Nor is that [at all] difficult for Allah.

18. Nor can a bearer of burdens bear another's burdens if one heavily laden should call another to [bear] his load. Not the least portion of it can be carried [by the other]. Even though he be nearly related. Thou canst but admonish such as fear their Lord unseen and establish regular Prayer. And whoever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul; and the destination [of all] is to Allah.

19. The blind and the seeing are not alike;

20. Nor are the depths of Darkness and the Light;

21. Nor are the [chilly] shade and the [genial] heat of the sun:

22. Nor are alike those that are living and those that are dead. Allah can make any that He wills to hear; but thou canst not make those to hear who are [buried] in graves.

23. Thou art no other than a warner.

24. Verily We have sent thee in truth, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner: and there never was a people, without a warner having lived among them [in the past].

25. And if they reject thee, so did their predecessors, to whom came their messengers with Clear Signs, Books of dark prophecies, and the Book of Enlightenment.

26. In the end did I punish those who rejected Faith: and how [terrible] was My rejection [of them]!

27. Seest thou not that Allah sends down rain from the sky? With it We then bring out produce of various colours. And in the mountains are tracts white and red, of various shades of colour, and black intense in hue.

28. And so amongst men and crawling creatures and cattle, are they of various colours. Those truly fear Allah, among His Servants, who have knowledge: for Allah is Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.

29. Those who rehearse the Book of Allah, establish regular Prayer, and spend [in Charity] out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a commerce that will never fail:

30. For He will pay them their meed, nay, He will give them [even] more out of His Bounty: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate [service].

31. That which We have revealed to thee of the Book is the Truth,- confirming what was [revealed] before it: for Allah is assuredly- with respect to His Servants - well acquainted and Fully Observant.

32. Then We have given the Book for inheritance to such of Our Servants as We have chosen: but there are among them some who wrong their own souls; some who follow a middle course; and some who are, by Allah 1 s leave, foremost in good deeds; that is the highest Grace.

33. Gardens of Eternity will they enter: therein will they be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of silk. 217

34. And they will say: "Praise be to Allah, Who has removed from us [all] sorrow: for our Lord is indeed Oft-Forgiving Ready to appreciate [service]:

35. "Who has, out of His Bounty, settled us in a Home that will last: no toil nor sense of weariness shall touch us therein."

36. But those who reject [Allah] - for them will be the Fire of Hell: No term shall be determined for them, so they should die, nor shall its Penalty be lightened for them. Thus do We reward every ungrateful one!

37. Therein will they cry aloud [for assistance]: "Our Lord! Bring us out: we shall work righteousness, not the [deeds] we used to do!" - "Did We not give you long enough life so that he that would should receive admonition? and [moreover] the warner came to you. So taste ye [the fruits of your deeds]: for the wrongdoers there is no helper."

38. Verily Allah knows [all] the hidden things of the heavens and the earth: verily He has full knowledge of all that is in [men's] hearts.

39. He it is That has made you inheritors in the earth: if, then, any do reject [Allah], their rejection [works] against themselves: their rejection but adds to the odium for the Unbelievers in the sight of their Lord: their rejection but adds to [their own] undoing.

40. Say: "Have ye seen [these] 'Partners' of yours whom ye call upon besides Allah? Show Me what it is they have created in the [wide] earth. Or have they a share in the heavens? Or have We given them a Book from which they [can derive] clear [evidence]?- Nay, the wrong-doers promise each other nothing but delusions.

41. It is Allah Who sustains the heavens and the earth, lest they cease [to function]: and if they should fail, there is none - not one - can sustain them thereafter: Verily He is Most Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.

42. They swore their strongest oaths by Allah that if a warner came to them, they would follow his guidance better than any [other] of the Peoples: But when a warner came to them, it has only increased their flight [from righteousness],-

43. On account of their arrogance in the land and their plotting of Evil, but the plotting of Evil will hem in only the authors thereof. Now are they but looking for the way the ancients were dealt with? But no change wilt thou find in Allah's way [of dealing]: no turning off wilt thou find in Allah's way [of dealing].

44. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the End of those before them,- though they were superior to them in strength? Nor is Allah to be frustrated by anything whatever in the heavens or on earth: for He is All-Knowing. All-Powerful.

45. If Allah were to punish men according to what they deserve. He would not leave on the back of the [earth] a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: when their Term expires, verily Allah has in His

sight all His Servants. SURA 36. Ya-Sin

1. Ya Sin.

2. By the Qur'an, full of Wisdom,-

3. Thou art indeed one of the messengers, 218

4. On a Straight Way.

5. It is a Revelation sent down by [Him], the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

6. In order that thou mayest admonish a people, whose fathers had received no admonition, and who therefore remain heedless [of the Signs of Allah].

7. The Word is proved true against the greater part of them: for they do not believe.

8. We have put yokes round their necks right up to their chins, so that their heads are forced up [and they cannot see].

9. And We have put a bar in front of them and a bar behind them, and further, We have covered them up; so that they cannot see.

10. The same is it to them whether thou admonish them or thou do not admonish them: they will not believe.

11. Thou canst but admonish such a one as follows the Message and fears the [Lord] Most Gracious, unseen: give such a one, therefore, good tidings, of Forgiveness and a Reward most generous.

12. Verily We shall give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before and that which they leave behind, and of all things have We taken account in a clear Book [of evidence].

13. Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the [story of] the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it.

14. When We [first] sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you."

15. The [people] said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and [Allah] Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie."

16. They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you:

17. "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message."

18. The [people] said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us."

19. They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: [deem ye this an evil omen]. If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!"

20. Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers:

21. "Obey those who ask no reward of you [for themselves], and who have themselves received Guidance.

22. "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall [all] be brought back.

23. "Shall I take [other] gods besides Him? If [Allah] Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their intercession for me, nor can they deliver me.

24. "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error.

25. "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you [all]: listen, then, to me!"

26. It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew [what I know]!-

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27. "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled me among those held in honour!"

28. And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do.

29. It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were [like ashes] quenched and silent.

30. Ah! Alas for [My] Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him!

31. See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return:

32. But each one of them all - will be brought before Us [for judgment].

33. A Sign for them is the earth that is dead: We do give it life, and produce grain therefrom, of which ye do eat.

34. And We produce therein orchard with date-palms and vines, and We cause springs to gush forth therein:

35. That they may enjoy the fruits of this [artistry]: It was not their hands that made this: will they not then give thanks?

36. Glory to Allah, Who created in pairs all things that the earth produces, as well as their own [human] kind and [other] things of which they have no

knowledge.

37. And a Sign for them is the Night: We withdraw therefrom the Day, and behold they are plunged in darkness;

38. And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of [Him], the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing.

39. And the Moon,- We have measured for her mansions [to traverse] till she returns like the old [and withered] lower part of a date-stalk.

40. It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each [just] swims along in [its own] orbit [according to Law]. 341. And a Sign for them is that We bore their race [through the Flood] in the loaded Ark;

42. And We have created for them similar [vessels] on which they ride.

43. If it were Our Will, We could drown them: then would there be no helper [to hear their cry], nor could they be delivered,

44. Except by way of Mercy from Us, and by way of [world] convenience [to serve them] for a time.

45. When they are told, "Fear ye that which is before you and that which will be after you, in order that ye may receive Mercy," [they turn back].

46. Not a Sign comes to them from among the Signs of their Lord, but they turn away therefrom.

47. And when they are told, "Spend ye of [the bounties] with which Allah has provided you," the Unbelievers say to those who believe: "Shall we then feed those whom, if Allah had so willed, He would have fed, [Himself]?- Ye are in nothing but manifest error."

48. Further, they say, "When will this promise [come to pass], if what ye say is true?"

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49. They will not [have to] wait for aught but a single Blast: it will seize them while they are yet disputing among themselves!

50. No [chance] will they then have, by will, to dispose [of their affairs], nor to return to their own people!

51. The trumpet shall be sounded, when behold! from the sepulchres [men] will rush forth to their Lord!

52. They will say: "Ah! Woe unto us! Who hath raised us up from our beds of repose?"... [A voice will say:] "This is what [Allah] Most Gracious had promised. And true was the word of the messengers!"

53. It will be no more than a single Blast, when lo! they will all be brought up before Us!

54. Then, on that Day, not a soul will be wronged in the least, and ye shall but be repaid the meeds of your past Deeds.

55. Verily the Companions of the Garden shall that Day have joy in all that they do;

56. They and their associates will be in groves of [cool] shade, reclining on Thrones [of dignity];

57. [Every] fruit [enjoyment] will be there for them; they shall have whatever they call for;

58. "Peace!" - a word [of salutation] from a Lord Most Merciful!

59. "And O ye in sin! Get ye apart this Day!

60. "Did I not enjoin on you, O ye Children of Adam, that ye should not worship Satan; for that he was to you an enemy avowed?-

61. "And that ye should worship Me, [for that] this was the Straight Way?

62. "But he did lead astray a great multitude of you. Did ye not, then, understand?

63. "This is the Hell of which ye were [repeatedly] warned!

64. "Embrace ye the [fire] this Day, for that ye [persistently] rejected [Truth]."

65. That Day shall We set a seal on their mouths. But their hands will speak to us, and their feet bear witness, to all that they did.

66. If it had been our Will, We could surely have blotted out their eyes; then should they have run about groping for the Path, but how could they have seen?

67. And if it had been Our Will, We could have transformed them [to remain] in their places; then should they have been unable to move about, nor could they have returned [after error].

68. If We grant long life to any, We cause him to be reversed in nature: Will they not then understand?

69. We have not instructed the [Prophet] in Poetry, nor is it meet for him: this is no less than a Message and a Qur'an making things clear:

70. That it may give admonition to any [who are] alive, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject [Truth].

71. See they not that it is We Who have created for them - among the things which Our hands have fashioned - cattle, which are under their dominion?-

72. And that We have subjected them to their [use]? of them some do carry them and some they eat:

73. And they have [other] profits from them [besides], and they get [milk] to drink. Will they not then be grateful?

74. Yet they take [for worship] gods other than Allah, [hoping] that they might be helped!

75. They have not the power to help them: but they will be brought up [before Our Judgment-seat] as a troop [to be condemned].

76. Let not their speech, then, grieve thee. Verily We know what they hide as well as what they disclose.

77. Doth not man see that it is We Who created him from sperm? yet behold! he [stands forth] as an open adversary!

78. And he makes comparisons for Us, and forgets his own [origin and] Creation: He says, "Who can give life to [dry] bones and decomposed ones [at that]?"

79. Say, "He will give them life Who created them for the first time! for He is Well-versed in every kind of creation!-

80. "The same Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold! ye kindle therewith [your own fires]!

81. "Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like thereof?" - Yea, indeed! for He is the Creator Supreme, of skill and knowledge [infinite]!

82. Verily, when He intends a thing, His Command is, "be", and it is!

83. So glory to Him in Whose hands is the dominion of all things: and to Him will ye be all brought back.

SURA 37. Saffat, or Those Ranged in Ranks

1. By those who range themselves in ranks,

2. And so are strong in repelling [evil],

3. And thus proclaim the Message [of Allah]!

4. Verily, verily, your Allah is one!-

5. Lord of the heavens and of the earth and all between them, and Lord of every point at the rising of the sun!

6. We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty [in] the stars,-

7. [For beauty] and for guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits,

8. [So] they should not strain their ears in the direction of the Exalted Assembly but be cast away from every side,

9. Repulsed, for they are under a perpetual penalty,

10. Except such as snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire, of piercing brightness.

11. Just ask their opinion: are they the more difficult to create, or the [other] beings We have created? Them have We created out of a sticky clay!

12. Truly dost thou marvel, while they ridicule,

13. And, when they are admonished, pay no heed,-222

14. And, when they see a Sign, turn it to mockery,

15. And say, "This is nothing but evident sorcery!

16. "What! when we die, and become dust and bones, shall we [then] be raised up [again]

17. "And also our fathers of old?"

18. Say thou: "Yea, and ye shall then be humiliated [on account of your evil]."

19. Then it will be a single [compelling] cry; and behold, they will begin to see!

20. They will say, "Ah! Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgment!"

21. [A voice will say,] "This is the Day of Sorting Out, whose truth ye [once] denied!"

22. "Bring ye up", it shall be said, "The wrong-doers and their wives, and the things they worshipped-

23. "Besides Allah, and lead them to the Way to the [Fierce] Fire!

24. "But stop them, for they must be asked:

25. "'What is the matter with you that ye help not each other? 1 "

26. Nay, but that day they shall submit [to Judgment];

27. And they will turn to one another, and question one another.

28. They will say: "It was ye who used to come to us from the right hand [of power and authority]!"

29. They will reply: "Nay, ye yourselves had no Faith!

30. "Nor had we any authority over you. Nay, it was ye who were a people in obstinate rebellion!

31. "So now has been proved true, against us, the word of our Lord that we shall indeed [have to] taste [the punishment of our sins].

32. "We led you astray: for truly we were ourselves astray."

33. Truly, that Day, they will [all] share in the Penalty.

34. Verily that is how We shall deal with Sinners.

35. For they, when they were told that there is no god except Allah, would puff themselves up with Pride,

36. And say: "What! shall we give up our gods for the sake of a Poet possessed?"

37. Nay! he has come with the [very] Truth, and he confirms [the Message of] the messengers [before him].

38. Ye shall indeed taste of the Grievous Penalty;-

39. But it will be no more than the retribution of [the Evil] that ye have wrought;-

40. But the sincere [and devoted] Servants of Allah,-

41. For them is a Sustenance determined,

42. Fruits [Delights]; and they [shall enjoy] honour and dignity,

43. In Gardens of Felicity,

44. Facing each other on Thrones [of Dignity]: 223

45. Round will be passed to them a Cup from a clear-flowing fountain,

46. Crystal-white, of a taste delicious to those who drink [thereof],

47. Free from headiness; nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.

48. And besides them will be chaste women, restraining their glances, with big eyes [of wonder and beauty].

49. As if they were [delicate] eggs closely guarded.

50. Then they will turn to one another and question one another.

51. One of them will start the talk and say: "I had an intimate companion [on the earth],

52. "Who used to say, 'what! art thou amongst those who bear witness to the Truth [of the Message]?

53. "'When we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed receive rewards and punishments?'"

54. [A voice] said: "Would ye like to look down?"

55. He looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.

56. He said: "By Allah! thou wast little short of bringing me to perdition!

57. "Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I should certainly have been among those brought [there]!

58. "Is it [the case] that we shall not die,

59. "Except our first death, and that we shall not be punished?"

60. Verily this is the supreme achievement!

61. For the like of this let all strive, who wish to strive.

62. Is that the better entertainment or the Tree of Zaqqum?

63. For We have truly made it [as] a trial for the wrong-doers.

64. For it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-Fire:

65. The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of devils:

66. Truly they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith.

67. Then on top of that they will be given a mixture made of boiling water.

68. Then shall their return be to the [Blazing] Fire.

69. Truly they found their fathers on the wrong Path;

70. So they [too] were rushed down on their footsteps!

71. And truly before them, many of the ancients went astray;-

72. But We sent aforetime, among them, [messengers] to admonish them;-

73. Then see what was the end of those who were admonished [but heeded not],-

74. Except the sincere [and devoted] Servants of Allah.

75. [In the days of old], Noah cried to Us, and We are the best to hear prayer.

76. And We delivered him and his people from the Great Calamity,

77. And made his progeny to endure [on this earth]; 224

78. And We left [this blessing] for him among generations to come in later times:

79. "Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations!" 8 0. Thus indeed do we reward those who do right.

81. For he was one of our believing Servants.

82. Then the rest we overwhelmed in the Flood.

83. Verily among those who followed his Way was Abraham.

84. Behold! he approached his Lord with a sound heart.

85. Behold! he said to his father and to his people, "What is that which ye worship?

86. "Is it a falsehood- gods other than Allah- that ye desire?

87. "Then what is your idea about the Lord of the worlds?"

88. Then did he cast a glance at the Stars.

89. And he said, "I am indeed sick [at heart]!"

90. So they turned away from him, and departed.

91. Then did he turn to their gods and said, "will ye not eat [of the offerings before you]?...

92. "What is the matter with you that ye speak not [intelligently]?"

93. Then did he turn upon them, striking [them] with the right hand.

94. Then came [the worshippers] with hurried steps, and faced [him].

95. He said: "Worship ye that which ye have [yourselves] carved?

96. "But Allah has created you and your handwork!"

97. They said, "Build him a furnace, and throw him into the blazing fire!"

98. [This failing], they then sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated!

99. He said: "I will go to my Lord! He will surely guide me!

100. "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous [son]!"

101. So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear.

102. Then, when [the son] reached [the age of] [serious] work with him, he said: "O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!" [The son] said: "O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah so wills one practising Patience and Constancy!"

103. So when they had both submitted their wills [to Allah], and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead [for sacrifice],

104. We called out to him "O Abraham!

105. "Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!" - thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

106. For this was obviously a trial-

107. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:

108. And We left [this blessing] for him among generations [to come] in later times:

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109. "Peace and salutation to Abraham!"

110. Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

111. For he was one of our believing Servants.

112. And We gave him the good news of Isaac - a prophet,- one of the Righteous.

113. We blessed him and Isaac: but of their progeny are [some] that do right, and [some] that obviously do wrong, to their own souls.

114. Again [of old] We bestowed Our favour on Moses and Aaron,

115. And We delivered them and their people from [their] Great Calamity;

116. And We helped them, so they overcame [their troubles];

117. And We gave them the Book which helps to make things clear;

118. And We guided them to the Straight Way.

119. And We left [this blessing] for them among generations [to come] in later times:

120. "Peace and salutation to Moses and Aaron!"

121. Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

122. For they were two of our believing Servants.

123. So also was Elias among those sent [by Us].

124. Behold, he said to his people, "Will ye not fear [Allah]?

125. "Will ye call upon Baal and forsake the Best of Creators,-

126. "Allah, your Lord and Cherisher and the Lord and Cherisher of your fathers of old?"

127. But they rejected him, and they will certainly be called up [for punishment],-

128. Except the sincere and devoted Servants of Allah [among them].

129. And We left [this blessing] for him among generations [to come] in later times:

130. "Peace and salutation to such as Elias!"

131. Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

132. For he was one of our believing Servants.

133. So also was Lut among those sent [by Us].

134. Behold, We delivered him and his adherents, all

135. Except an old woman who was among those who lagged behind:

136. Then We destroyed the rest.

137. Verily, ye pass by their [sites], by day-

138. And by night: will ye not understand?

139. So also was Jonah among those sent [by Us].

140. When he ran away [like a slave from captivity] to the ship [fully] laden, 3141. He [agreed to] cast lots, and he was condemned:

142. Then the big Fish did swallow him, and he had done acts worthy of blame. 226

143. Had it not been that he [repented and] glorified Allah,

144. He would certainly have remained inside the Fish till the Day of Resurrection.

145. But We cast him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness,

146. And We caused to grow, over him, a spreading plant of the gourd kind.

147. And We sent him [on a mission] to a hundred thousand [men] or more.

148. And they believed; so We permitted them to enjoy [their life] for a while.

149. Now ask them their opinion: Is it that thy Lord has [only] daughters, and they have sons?-

150. Or that We created the angels female, and they are witnesses [thereto]?

151. Is it not that they say, from their own invention,

152. "Allah has begotten children"? but they are liars!

153. Did He [then] choose daughters rather than sons?

154. What is the matter with you? How judge ye?

155. Will ye not then receive admonition?

156. Or have ye an authority manifest?

157. Then bring ye your Book [of authority] if ye be truthful!

158. And they have invented a blood-relationship between Him and the Jinns: but the Jinns know [quite well] that they have indeed to appear [before his Judgment-Seat]!

159. Glory to Allah! [He is free] from the things they ascribe [to Him]!

160. Not [so do] the Servants of Allah, sincere and devoted.

161. For, verily, neither ye nor those ye worship-

162. Can lead [any] into temptation concerning Allah,

163. Except such as are [themselves] going to the blazing Fire!

164. [Those ranged in ranks say]: "Not one of us but has a place appointed;

165. "And we are verily ranged in ranks [for service];

166. "And we are verily those who declare [Allah's] glory!"

167. And there were those who said,

168. "If only we had had before us a Message from those of old,

169. "We should certainly have been Servants of Allah, sincere [and devoted]!"

170. But [now that the Qur'an has come], they reject it: But soon will they know!

171. Already has Our Word been passed before [this] to our Servants sent [by Us] ,

172. That they would certainly be assisted,

173. And that Our forces,- they surely must conquer.

174. So turn thou away from them for a little while,

175. And watch them [how they fare], and they soon shall see [how thou farest]! 227

176. Do they wish [indeed] to hurry on our Punishment?

177. But when it descends into the open space before them, evil will be the morning for those who were warned [and heeded not]!

178. So turn thou away from them for a little while,

179. And watch [how they fare] and they soon shall see [how thou farest]!

180. Glory to thy Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! [He is free] from what they ascribe [to Him]!

181. And Peace on the messengers!

182. And Praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds. SURA 38. Sad

1. Sad: By the Qur'an, Full of Admonition: [This is the Truth].

2. But the Unbelievers [are steeped] in self-glory and Separatism.

3. How many generations before them did We destroy? In the end they cried [for mercy]- when there was no longer time for being saved!

4. So they wonder that a Warner has come to them from among themselves! and the Unbelievers say, "This is a sorcerer telling lies!

5. "Has he made the gods [all] into one Allah? Truly this is a wonderful thing!"

6. And the leader among them go away [impatiently], [saying], "Walk ye away, and remain constant to your gods! For this is truly a thing designed [against you]!

7. "We never heard [the like] of this among the people of these latter days: this is nothing but a made-up tale!"

8. "What! has the Message been sent to him - [Of all persons] among us?" ... but they are in doubt concerning My [Own] Message! Nay, they have not yet tasted My Punishment!

9. Or have they the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord,- the Exalted in Power, the Grantor of Bounties without measure?

10. Or have they the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all between? If so, let them mount up with the ropes and means [to reach that end]!

11. But there - will be put to flight even a host of confederates.

12. Before them [were many who] rejected messengers,- the people of Noah, and 'Ad, and Pharaoh, the Lord of Stakes,

13. And Thamud, and the people of Lut, and the Companions of the Wood; - such were the Confederates.

14. Not one [of them] but rejected the messengers, but My punishment came justly and inevitably [on them].

15. These [today] only wait for a single mighty Blast, which [when it comes] will brook no delay.

16. They say: "Our Lord! hasten to us our sentence [even] before the Day of Account!"

17. Have patience at what they say, and remember our servant David, the man of strength: for he ever turned [to Allah].

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18. It was We that made the hills declare, in unison with him, Our Praises, at eventide and at break of day,

19. And the birds gathered [in assemblies]: all with him did turn [to Allah].

20. We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision.

21. Has the Story of the Disputants reached thee? Behold, they climbed over the wall of the private chamber;

22. When they entered the presence of David, and he was terrified of them, they said: "Fear not: we are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other: Decide now between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, but guide us to the even Path..

23. "This man is my brother: He has nine and ninety ewes, and I have [but] one: Yet he says, 'commit her to my care,' and is [moreover] harsh to me in speech."

24. [David] said: "He has undoubtedly wronged thee in demanding thy [single] ewe to be added to his [flock of] ewes: truly many are the partners [in business] who wrong each other: Not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are they?" ... and David gathered that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness of his Lord, fell down, bowing [in prostration], and turned [to Allah in repentance].

25. So We forgave him this [lapse]: he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful place of [Final] Return.

26. O David! We did indeed make thee a vicegerent on earth: so judge thou between men in truth [and justice]: Nor follow thou the lusts [of thy heart], for they will mislead thee from the Path of Allah: for those who wander astray from the Path of Allah, is a Penalty Grievous, for that they forget the Day of Account.

27. Not without purpose did We create heaven and earth and all between! that were the thought of Unbelievers! but woe to the Unbelievers because of the Fire [of Hell]!

28. Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same as those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the same as those who turn aside from the right?

29. [Here is] a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.

30. To David We gave Solomon [for a son],- How excellent in Our service! Ever did he turn [to Us]!

31. Behold, there were brought before him, at eventide coursers of the highest breeding, and swift of foot;

32. And he said, "Truly do I love the love of good, with a view to the glory of my Lord,"- until [the sun] was hidden in the veil [of night]:

33. "Bring them back to me." then began he to pass his hand over [their] legs and their necks.

34. And We did try Solomon: We placed on his throne a body [without life]; but he did turn [to Us in true devotion]:

35. He said, "O my Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a kingdom which, [it may be], suits not another after me: for Thou art the Grantor of Bounties [without measure].

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36. Then We subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, Whithersoever he willed,-

37. As also the evil ones, [including] every kind of builder and diver,-

38. As also others bound together in fetters.

39. "Such are Our Bounties: whether thou bestow them [on others] or withhold them, no account will be asked."

40. And he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful Place of [Final] Return.

41. Commemorate Our Servant Job. Behold he cried to his Lord: "The Evil One has afflicted me with distress and suffering!"

42. [The command was given:] "Strike with thy foot: here is [water] wherein to wash, cool and refreshing, and [water] to drink."

43. And We gave him [back] his people, and doubled their number,- as a Grace from Ourselves, and a thing for commemoration, for all who have Understanding.

44. "And take in thy hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and break not [thy oath]." Truly We found him full of patience and constancy. How excellent in Our service! ever did he turn [to Us]!

45. And commemorate Our Servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, possessors of Power and Vision.

46. Verily We did choose them for a special [purpose]- proclaiming the Message of the Hereafter.

47. They were, in Our sight, truly, of the company of the Elect and the Good.

48. And commemorate Isma'il, Elisha, and Zul-Kifl: Each of them was of the Company of the Good.

49. This is a Message [of admonition]: and verily, for the righteous, is a beautiful Place of [Final] Return,-

50. Gardens of Eternity, whose doors will [ever] be open to them;

51. Therein will they recline [at ease]: Therein can they call [at pleasure] for fruit in abundance, and [delicious] drink;

52. And beside them will be chaste women restraining their glances, [companions] of equal age.

53. Such is the Promise made, to you for the Day of Account!

54. Truly such will be Our Bounty [to you]; it will never fail;-

55. Yea, such! but - for the wrong-doers will be an evil place of [Final] Return!-

56. Hell!- they will burn therein, - an evil bed [indeed, to lie on]!-

57. Yea, such! - then shall they taste it,- a boiling fluid, and a fluid dark, murky, intensely cold!-

58. And other Penalties of a similar kind, to match them!

59. Here is a troop rushing headlong with you! No welcome for them! truly, they shall burn in the Fire!

60. [The followers shall cry to the misleaders:] "Nay, ye [too]! No welcome for you! It is ye who have brought this upon us! Now evil is [this] place to stay in! "

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61. They will say: "Our Lord! whoever brought this upon us,- Add to him a double Penalty in the Fire!"

62. And they will say: "What has happened to us that we see not men whom we used to number among the bad ones?

63. "Did we treat them [as such] in ridicule, or have [our] eyes failed to perceive them?"

64. Truly that is just and fitting,- the mutual recriminations of the People of the Fire!

65. Say: "Truly am I a Warner: no god is there but the one Allah, Supreme and Irresistible,-

66. "The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between,- Exalted in Might, able to enforce His Will, forgiving again and again."

67. Say: "That is a Message Supreme [above all],-

68. "From which ye do turn away!

69. "No knowledge have I of the Chiefs on high, when they discuss [matters] among themselves.

70. 'Only this has been revealed to me: that I am to give warning plainly and publicly."

71. Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man from clay:

72. "When I have fashioned him [in due proportion] and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him."

73. So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together:

74. Not so Iblis: he was haughty, and became one of those who reject Faith.

75. [Allah] said: "O Iblis! What prevents thee from prostrating thyself to one whom I have created with my hands? Art thou haughty? Or art thou one of the high [and mighty] ones?"

76. [Iblis] said: "I am better than he: thou createdst me from fire, and him thou createdst from clay."

77. [Allah] said: "Then get thee out from here: for thou art rejected, accursed.

78. "And My curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judgment."

79. [Iblis] said: "O my Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the [dead] are raised."

80. [Allah] said: "Respite then is granted thee-

81. "Till the Day of the Time Appointed."

82. [Iblis] said: "Then, by Thy power, I will put them all in the wrong,-

83. "Except Thy Servants amongst them, sincere and purified [by Thy Grace]."

84. [Allah] said: "Then it is just and fitting- and I say what is just and fitting-

85. "That I will certainly fill Hell with thee and those that follow thee,-every one."

86. Say: "No reward do I ask of you for this [Qur'an], nor am I a pretender.

87. "This is no less than a Message to [all] the Worlds. 231

88. "And ye shall certainly know the truth of it [all] after a while." SURA 39. Zumar, or the Crowds

1. The revelation of this Book is from Allah, the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.

2. Verily it is We Who have revealed the Book to thee in Truth: so serve Allah, offering Him sincere devotion.

3. Is it not to Allah that sincere devotion is due? But those who take for protectors other than Allah [say]: "We only serve them in order that they may bring us nearer to Allah." Truly Allah will judge between them in that wherein they differ. But Allah guides not such as are false and ungrateful.

4. Had Allah wished to take to Himself a son, He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those whom He doth create: but Glory be to Him! [He is above such things.] He is Allah, the One, the Irresistible.

5. He created the heavens and the earth in true [proportions]: He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon [to His law]: Each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power - He Who forgives again and again?

6. He created you [all] from a single person: then created, of like nature, his mate; and he sent down for you eight head of cattle in pairs: He makes you, in the wombs of your mothers, in stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness, such is Allah, your Lord and Cherisher: to Him belongs [all] dominion. There is no god but He: then how are ye turned away [from your true Centre]?

7. If ye reject [Allah], Truly Allah hath no need of you; but He liketh not ingratitude from His servants: if ye are grateful, He is pleased with you. No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. In the end, to your Lord is your Return, when He will tell you the truth of all that ye did [in this life]. for He knoweth well all that is in [men's] hearts.

8. When some trouble toucheth man, he crieth unto his Lord, turning to Him in repentance: but when He bestoweth a favour upon him as from Himself, [man] doth forget what he cried and prayed for before, and he doth set up rivals unto Allah, thus misleading others from Allah's Path. Say, "Enjoy thy blasphemy for a little while: verily thou art [one] of the Companions of the Fire!"

9. Is one who worships devoutly during the hour of the night prostrating himself or standing [in adoration], who takes heed of the Hereafter, and who places his hope in the Mercy of his Lord - [like one who does not]? Say: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.

10. Say: "O ye my servants who believe! Fear your Lord, good is [the reward] for those who do good in this world. Spacious is Allah's earth! those who patiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure!"

11. Say: "Verily, I am commanded to serve Allah with sincere devotion;

12. "And I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah in Islam."

13. Say: "I would, if I disobeyed my Lord, indeed have fear of the Penalty of a Mighty Day."

14. Say: "It is Allah I serve, with my sincere [and exclusive] devotion: 232

15. "Serve ye what ye will besides him." Say: "Truly, those in loss are those who lose their own souls and their People on the Day of Judgment: Ah! that is indeed the [real and] evident Loss!

16. They shall have Layers of Fire above them, and Layers [of Fire] below them: with this doth Allah warn off his servants: "O My Servants! then fear ye Me!"

17. Those who eschew Evil,- and fall not into its worship,- and turn to Allah [in repentance],- for them is Good News: so announce the Good News to My Servants,-

18. Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best [meaning] in it: those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones endued with understanding.

19. Is, then, one against whom the decree of Punishment is justly due [equal to one who eschews Evil]? Wouldst thou, then, deliver one [who is] in the Fire?

20. But it is for those who fear their Lord. That lofty mansions, one above another, have been built: beneath them flow rivers [of delight]: [such is] the Promise of Allah: never doth Allah fail in [His] promise.

21. Seest thou not that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and leads it through springs in the earth? Then He causes to grow, therewith, produce of various colours: then it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then He makes it dry up and crumble away. Truly, in this, is a Message of remembrance to men of understanding.

22. Is one whose heart Allah has opened to Islam, so that he has received Enlightenment from Allah, [no better than one hard-hearted]? Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against celebrating the praises of Allah! they are manifestly wandering [in error]!

23. Allah has revealed [from time to time] the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, [yet] repeating [its teaching in various aspects]: the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah 1 s praises. Such is the guidance of Allah: He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as Allah leaves to stray, can have none to guide.

24. Is, then, one who has to fear the brunt of the Penalty on the Day of Judgment [and receive it] on his face, [like one guarded therefrom]? It will be said to the wrong-doers: "Taste ye [the fruits of] what ye earned!"

25. Those before them [also] rejected [revelation], and so the Punishment came to them from directions they did not perceive.

26. So Allah gave them a taste of humiliation in the present life, but greater is the punishment of the Hereafter, if they only knew!

27. We have put forth for men, in this Qur'an every kind of Parable, in order that they may receive admonition.

28. [It is] a Qur'an in Arabic, without any crookedness [therein]: in order that they may guard against Evil.

29. Allah puts forth a Parable a man belonging to many partners at variance with each other, and a man belonging entirely to one master: are those two equal in comparison? Praise be to Allah! but most of them have no knowledge.

30. Truly thou wilt die [one day], and truly they [too] will die [one day].

31. In the end will ye [all], on the Day of Judgment, settle your disputes in the presence of your Lord.

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32. Who, then, doth more wrong than one who utters a lie concerning Allah, and rejects the Truth when it comes to him; is there not in Hell an abode for blasphemers?

33. And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms [and supports] it - such are the men who do right.

34. They shall have all that they wish for, in the presence of their Lord: such is the reward of those who do good:

35. So that Allah will turn off from them [even] the worst in their deeds and give them their reward according to the best of what they have done.

36. Is not Allah enough for his Servant? But they try to frighten thee with other [gods] besides Him! for such as Allah leaves to stray, there can be no guide.

37. And such as Allah doth guide there can be none to lead astray. Is not Allah Exalted in Power, [Able to enforce His Will], Lord of Retribution?

38. If indeed thou ask them who it is that created the heavens and the earth, they would be sure to say, "Allah". Say: "See ye then? the things that ye invoke besides Allah,- can they, if Allah wills some Penalty for me, remove His Penalty?- Or if He wills some Grace for me, can they keep back his Grace?" Say: "Sufficient is Allah for me! In Him trust those who put their trust."

39. Say: "0 my People! Do whatever ye can: I will do [my part]: but soon will ye know-

40. "Who it is to whom comes a Penalty of ignominy, and on whom descends a Penalty that abides."

41. Verily We have revealed the Book to thee in Truth, for [instructing] mankind. He, then, that receives guidance benefits his own soul: but he that strays injures his own soul. Nor art thou set over them to dispose of their affairs.

42. It is Allah that takes the souls [of men] at death; and those that die not [He takes] during their sleep: those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back [from returning to life], but the rest He sends [to their bodies] for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for those who reflect.

43. What! Do they take for intercessors others besides Allah? Say: "Even if they have no power whatever and no intelligence?"

44. Say: "To Allah belongs exclusively [the right to grant] intercession: to Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: In the End, it is to Him that ye shall be brought back."

45. When Allah, the One and Only, is mentioned, the hearts of those who believe not in the Hereafter are filled with disgust and horror; but when [gods] other than He are mentioned, behold, they are filled with joy!

46. Say: "O Allah! Creator of the heavens and the earth! Knower of all that is hidden and open! it is Thou that wilt judge between Thy Servants in those matters about which they have differed."

47. Even if the wrong-doers had all that there is on earth, and as much more, [in vain] would they offer it for ransom from the pain of the Penalty on the Day of Judgment: but something will confront them from Allah, which they could never have counted upon!

48. For the evils of their Deeds will confront them, and they will be

[completely] encircled by that which they used to mock at! 234

49. Now, when trouble touches man, he cries to Us: But when We bestow a favour upon him as from Ourselves, he says, "This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge [I have]!" Nay, but this is but a trial, but most of them understand not!

50. Thus did the [generations] before them say! But all that they did was of no profit to them.

51. Nay, the evil results of their Deeds overtook them. And the wrong-doers of this [generation]- the evil results of their Deeds will soon overtake them [too], and they will never be able to frustrate [Our Plan]!

52. Know they not that Allah enlarges the provision or restricts it, for any He pleases? Verily, in this are Signs for those who believe!

53. Say: "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.

54. "Turn ye to our Lord [in repentance] and bow to His [Will], before the Penalty comes on you: after that ye shall not be helped.

55. "And follow the best of [the courses] revealed to you from your Lord, before the Penalty comes on you - of a sudden while ye perceive not!-

56. "Lest the soul should [then] say: 'Ah! Woe is me!- In that I neglected [my duty] towards Allah, and was but among those who mocked!'-

57. "Or [lest] it should say: 'If only Allah had guided me, I should certainly have been among the righteous!'-

58. "Or [lest] it should say when it [actually] sees the penalty: 'If only I had another chance, I should certainly be among those who do good!'

59. "[The reply will be:] 'Nay, but there came to thee my Signs, and thou didst reject them: thou wast Haughty, and became one of those who reject faith!'"

60. On the Day of Judgment wilt thou see those who told lies against Allah;-their faces will be turned black; Is there not in Hell an abode for the Haughty?

61. But Allah will deliver the righteous to their place of salvation: no evil shall touch them, nor shall they grieve.

62. Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Guardian and Disposer of all affairs.

63. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth: and those who reject the Signs of Allah,- it is they who will be in loss.

64. Say: "Is it some one other than Allah that ye order me to worship, O ye ignorant ones?"

65. But it has already been revealed to thee,- as it was to those before thee,-"If thou wert to join [gods with Allah], truly fruitless will be thy work [in life], and thou wilt surely be in the ranks of those who lose [all spiritual good]".

66. Nay, but worship Allah, and be of those who give thanks.

67. No just estimate have they made of Allah, such as is due to Him: On the Day of Judgment the whole of the earth will be but His handful, and the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand: Glory to Him! High is He above the Partners they attribute to Him!

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68. The Trumpet will [just] be sounded, when all that are in the heavens and on earth will swoon, except such as it will please Allah [to exempt]. Then will a second one be sounded, when, behold, they will be standing and looking on!

69. And the Earth will shine with the Glory of its Lord: the Record [of Deeds] will be placed [open]; the prophets and the witnesses will be brought forward and a just decision pronounced between them; and they will not be wronged [in the least].

70. And to every soul will be paid in full [the fruit] of its Deeds; and [Allah] knoweth best all that they do.

71. The Unbelievers will be led to Hell in crowd: until, when they arrive, there, its gates will be opened. And its keepers will say, "Did not messengers come to you from among yourselves, rehearsing to you the Signs of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of This Day of yours?" The answer will be: "True: but the Decree of Punishment has been proved true against the Unbelievers!"

72. [To them] will be said: "Enter ye the gates of Hell, to dwell therein: and evil is [this] Abode of the Arrogant!"

73. And those who feared their Lord will be led to the Garden in crowds: until behold, they arrive there; its gates will be opened; and its keepers will say: "Peace be upon you! well have ye done! enter ye here, to dwell therein."

74. They will say: "Praise be to Allah, Who has truly fulfilled His Promise to us, and has given us [this] land in heritage: We can dwell in the Garden as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work [righteousness]!"

75. And thou wilt see the angels surrounding the Throne [Divine] on all sides,

singing Glory and Praise to their Lord. The Decision between them [at Judgment] will be in [perfect] justice, and the cry [on all sides] will be, "Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!" SURA 40. Mumin, or The Believer

1. Ha Mim

2. The revelation of this Book is from Allah, Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge,-

3. Who forgiveth sin, accepteth repentance, is strict in punishment, and hath a long reach [in all things]. there is no god but He: to Him is the final goal.

4. None can dispute about the Signs of Allah but the Unbelievers. Let not, then, their strutting about through the land deceive thee!

5. But [there were people] before them, who denied [the Signs],- the People of Noah, and the Confederates [of Evil] after them; and every People plotted against their prophet, to seize him, and disputed by means of vanities, therewith to condemn the Truth; but it was I that seized them! and how [terrible] was My Requital!

6. Thus was the Decree of thy Lord proved true against the Unbelievers; that truly they are Companions of the Fire!

7. Those who sustain the Throne [of Allah] and those around it Sing Glory and Praise to their Lord; believe in Him; and implore Forgiveness for those who believe: "Our Lord! Thy Reach is over all things, in Mercy and Knowledge. Forgive, then, those who turn in Repentance, and follow Thy Path; and preserve them from the Penalty of the Blazing Fire!

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8. "And grant, our Lord! that they enter the Gardens of Eternity, which Thou hast promised to them, and to the righteous among their fathers, their wives, and their posterity! For Thou art [He], the Exalted in Might, Full of Wisdom.

9. "And preserve them from [all] ills; and any whom Thou dost preserve from ills that Day,- on them wilt Thou have bestowed Mercy indeed: and that will be truly [for them] the highest Achievement".

10. The Unbelievers will be addressed: "Greater was the aversion of Allah to you than [is] your aversion to yourselves, seeing that ye were called to the Faith and ye used to refuse."

11. They will say: "Our Lord! twice hast Thou made us without life, and twice hast Thou given us Life! Now have we recognised our sins: Is there any way out [of this]?"

12. [The answer will be:] "This is because, when Allah was invoked as the Only [object of worship], ye did reject Faith, but when partners were joined to Him, ye believed! the Command is with Allah, Most High, Most Great!"

13. He it is Who showeth you his Signs, and sendeth down sustenance for you from the sky: but only those receive admonition who turn [to Allah].

14. Call ye, then, upon Allah with sincere devotion to Him, even though the Unbelievers may detest it.

15. Raised high above ranks [or degrees], [He is] the Lord of the Throne [of Authority]: by His Command doth He send the Spirit [of inspiration] to any of His servants he pleases, that it may warn [men] of the Day of Mutual Meeting,-

16. The Day whereon they will [all] come forth: not a single thing concerning them is hidden from Allah. Whose will be the dominion that Day?" That of Allah, the One the Irresistible!

17. That Day will every soul be requited for what it earned; no injustice will there be that Day, for Allah is Swift in taking account.

18. Warn them of the Day that is [ever] drawing near, when the hearts will [come] right up to the throats to choke [them]; No intimate friend nor intercessor will the wrong-doers have, who could be listened to.

19. [Allah] knows of [the tricks] that deceive with the eyes, and all that the hearts [of men] conceal.

20. And Allah will judge with [justice and] Truth: but those whom [men] invoke besides Him, will not [be in a position] to judge at all. Verily it is Allah [alone] Who hears and sees [all things].

21. Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the End of those before them? They were even superior to them in strength, and in the traces [they have left] in the land: but Allah did call them to account for their sins, and none had they to defend them against Allah.

22. That was because there came to them their messengers with Clear [Signs], but they rejected them: So Allah called them to account: for He is Full of Strength, Strict in Punishment.

23. Of old We sent Moses, with Our Signs and an authority manifest,

24. To Pharaoh, Haitian, and Qarun; but they called [him]" a sorcerer telling lies! " . . .

25. Now, when he came to them in Truth, from Us, they said, "Slay the sons of those who believe with him, and keep alive their females," but the plots of

Unbelievers [end] in nothing but errors [and delusions]!... 237

26. Said Pharaoh: "Leave me to slay Moses; and let him call on his Lord! What I fear is lest he should change your religion, or lest he should cause mischief to appear in the land!"

27. Moses said: "I have indeed called upon my Lord and your Lord [for protection] from every arrogant one who believes not in the Day of Account!"

28. A believer, a man from among the people of Pharaoh, who had concealed his faith, said: "Will ye slay a man because he says, 'My Lord is Allah'?- when he has indeed come to you with Clear [Signs] from your Lord? and if he be a liar, on him is [the sin of] his lie: but, if he is telling the Truth, then will fall on you something of the [calamity] of which he warns you: Truly Allah guides not one who transgresses and lies!

29. "0 my People! Yours is the dominion this day: Ye have the upper hand in the land: but who will help us from the Punishment of Allah, should it befall us?" Pharaoh said: "I but point out to you that which I see [myself]; Nor do I guide you but to the Path of Right!"

30. Then said the man who believed: "O my people! Truly I do fear for you something like the Day [of disaster] of the Confederates [in sin]!-

31. "Something like the fate of the People of Noah, the 'Ad, and the Thamud, and those who came after them: but Allah never wishes injustice to his Servants.

32. "And O my people! I fear for you a Day when there will be Mutual calling [and wailing], -

33. "A Day when ye shall turn your backs and flee: No defender shall ye have from Allah: Any whom Allah leaves to stray, there is none to guide....

34. "And to you there came Joseph in times gone by, with Clear Signs, but ye ceased not to doubt of the [Mission] for which he had come: At length, when he died, ye said: 'No messenger will Allah send after him.' thus doth Allah leave to stray such as transgress and live in doubt,-

35. "[Such] as dispute about the Signs of Allah, without any authority that hath reached them, grievous and odious [is such conduct] in the sight of Allah and of the Believers. Thus doth Allah, seal up every heart - of arrogant and obstinate Transgressors."

36. Pharaoh said: "O Hainan! Build me a lofty palace, that I may attain the ways and means-

37. "The ways and means of [reaching] the heavens, and that I may mount up to the god of Moses: But as far as I am concerned, I think [Moses] is a liar!" Thus was made alluring, in Pharaoh's eyes, the evil of his deeds, and he was hindered from the Path; and the plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but perdition [for him].

38. The man who believed said further: "O my people! Follow me: I will lead you to the Path of Right.

39. "O my people! This life of the present is nothing but [temporary] convenience: It is the Hereafter that is the Home that will last.

40. "He that works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof: and he that works a righteous deed - whether man or woman - and is a Believer- such will enter the Garden [of Bliss]: Therein will they have abundance without measure.

41. "And O my people! How [strange] it is for me to call you to Salvation while ye call me to the Fire!

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42. "Ye do call upon me to blaspheme against Allah, and to join with Him partners of whom I have no knowledge; and I call you to the Exalted in Power, Who forgives again and again!"

43. "Without doubt ye do call me to one who is not fit to be called to, whether in this world, or in the Hereafter; our return will be to Allah; and the Transgressors will be Companions of the Fire!

44. "Soon will ye remember what I say to you [now], My [own] affair I commit to Allah: for Allah [ever] watches over His Servants."

45. Then Allah saved him from [every] ill that they plotted [against him], but the burnt of the Penalty encompassed on all sides the People of Pharaoh.

46. In front of the Fire will they be brought, morning and evening: And [the sentence will be] on the Day that Judgment will be established: "Cast ye the People of Pharaoh into the severest Penalty!"

47. Behold, they will dispute with each other in the Fire! The weak ones [who followed] will say to those who had been arrogant, "We but followed you: Can ye then take [on yourselves] from us some share of the Fire?

48. Those who had been arrogant will say: "We are all in this [Fire]! Truly, Allah has judged between [his] Servants!"

49. Those in the Fire will say to the Keepers of Hell: "Pray to your Lord to lighten us the Penalty for a day [at least]!"

50. They will say: "Did there not come to you your messengers with Clear Signs?"

They will say, "Yes". They will reply, "Then pray [as ye like]! But the prayer of those without Faith is nothing but [futile wandering] in [mazes of] error!"

51. We will, without doubt, help our messengers and those who believe, [both] in this world's life and on the Day when the Witnesses will stand forth,-

52. The Day when no profit will it be to Wrong-doers to present their excuses, but they will [only] have the Curse and the Home of Misery.

53. We did aforetime give Moses the [Book of] Guidance, and We gave the book in inheritance to the Children of Israel,-

54. A Guide and a Message to men of Understanding.

55. Patiently, then, persevere: for the Promise of Allah is true: and ask forgiveness for thy fault, and celebrate the Praises of thy Lord in the evening and in the morning.

56. Those who dispute about the signs of Allah without any authority bestowed on them,- there is nothing in their breasts but [the quest of] greatness, which they shall never attain to: seek refuge, then, in Allah: It is He Who hears and sees [all things].

57. Assuredly the creation of the heavens and the earth is a greater [matter] than the creation of men: Yet most men understand not.

58. Not equal are the blind and those who [clearly] see: Nor are [equal] those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and those who do evil. Little do ye learn by admonition!

59. The Hour will certainly come: Therein is no doubt: Yet most men believe not.

60. And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your [Prayer]: but those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell - in humiliation!"

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61. It is Allah Who has made the Night for you, that ye may rest therein, and the days as that which helps [you] to see. Verily Allah is full of Grace and Bounty to men: yet most men give no thanks.

62. Such is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of all things, there is no god but He: Then how ye are deluded away from the Truth!

63. Thus are deluded those who are wont to reject the Signs of Allah.

64. It is Allah Who has made for you the earth as a resting place, and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape- and made your shapes beautiful,- and has provided for you Sustenance, of things pure and good;- such is Allah your Lord. So Glory to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!

65. He is the Living [One]: There is no god but He: Call upon Him, giving Him sincere devotion. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds!

66. Say: "I have been forbidden to invoke those whom ye invoke besides Allah,-seeing that the Clear Signs have come to me from my Lord; and I have been commanded to bow [in Islam] to the Lord of the Worlds."

67. It is He Who has created you from dust then from a sperm-drop, then from a leech-like clot; then does he get you out [into the light] as a child: then lets you [grow and] reach your age of full strength; then lets you become old,-though of you there are some who die before;- and lets you reach a Term appointed; in order that ye may learn wisdom.

68. It is He Who gives Life and Death; and when He decides upon an affair, He says to it, "Be", and it is.

69. Seest thou not those that dispute concerning the Signs of Allah? How are they turned away [from Reality]?-

70. Those who reject the Book and the [revelations] with which We sent our messengers: but soon shall they know,-

71. When the yokes [shall be] round their necks, and the chains; they shall be dragged along-

72. In the boiling fetid fluid: then in the Fire shall they be burned;

73. Then shall it be said to them: "Where are the [deities] to which ye gave part-worship-

74. "In derogation of Allah?" They will reply: "They have left us in the lurch: Nay, we invoked not, of old, anything [that had real existence]." Thus does Allah leave the Unbelievers to stray.

75. "That was because ye were wont to rejoice on the earth in things other than the Truth, and that ye were wont to be insolent.

76. "Enter ye the gates of Hell, to dwell therein: and evil is [this] abode of the arrogant!"

77. So persevere in patience; for the Promise of Allah is true: and whether We show thee [in this life] some part of what We promise them,- or We take thy soul [to Our Mercy] [before that],-[in any case] it is to Us that they shall [all] return.

78. We did aforetime send messengers before thee: of them there are some whose story We have related to thee, and some whose story We have not related to thee. It was not [possible] for any messenger to bring a sign except by the leave of

Allah: but when the Command of Allah issued, the matter was decided in truth and

justice, and there perished, there and then those who stood on Falsehoods.

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79. It is Allah Who made cattle for you, that ye may use some for riding and some for food;

80. And there are [other] advantages in them for you [besides]; that ye may through them attain to any need [there may be] in your hearts; and on them and on ships ye are carried.

81. And He shows you [always] His Signs: then which of the Signs of Allah will ye deny?

82. Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the End of those before them? They were more numerous than these and superior in strength and in the traces [they have left] in the land: Yet all that they accomplished was of no profit to them.

83. For when their messengers came to them with Clear Signs, they exulted in such knowledge [and skill] as they had; but that very [Wrath] at which they were wont to scoff hemmed them in.

84. But when they saw Our Punishment, they said: "We believe in Allah,- the one Allah - and we reject the partners we used to join with Him."

85. But their professing the Faith when they [actually] saw Our Punishment was not going to profit them. [Such has been] Allah's Way of dealing with His Servants [from the most ancient times]. And even thus did the Rejecters of Allah perish [utterly]!

SURA 41. Ha Mim

1. Ha Mim:

2. A Revelation from [Allah], Most Gracious, Most Merciful;-

3. A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur'an in Arabic, for people who understand;-

4. Giving good news and admonition: yet most of them turn away, and so they hear not.

5. They say: "Our hearts are under veils, [concealed] from that to which thou dost invite us, and in our ears in a deafness, and between us and thee is a screen: so do thou [what thou wilt]; for us, we shall do [what we will!]"

6. Say thou: "I am but a man like you: It is revealed to me by Inspiration, that your Allah is one Allah: so stand true to Him, and ask for His Forgiveness." And woe to those who join gods with Allah,-

7. Those who practise not regular Charity, and who even deny the Hereafter.

8. For those who believe and work deeds of righteousness is a reward that will never fail.

9. Say: Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in two Days? And do ye join equals with Him? He is the Lord of [all] the Worlds.

10. He set on the [earth], mountains standing firm, high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measure therein all things to give them nourishment in due proportion, in four Days, in accordance with [the needs of] those who seek [Sustenance].

11. Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been [as] smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come [together], in willing obedience."

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12. So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and [provided it] with guard. Such is the Decree of [Him] the Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge.

13. But if they turn away, say thou: "I have warned you of a stunning Punishment [as of thunder and lightning] like that which [overtook] the 'Ad and the Thamud!"

14. Behold, the messengers came to them, from before them and behind them, [preaching]: "Serve none but Allah." They said, "If our Lord had so pleased, He would certainly have sent down angels [to preach]. Now we reject your mission [altogether]."

15. Now the 'Ad behaved arrogantly through the land, against [all] truth and reason, and said: "Who is superior to us in strength?" What! did they not see that Allah, Who created them, was superior to them in strength? But they continued to reject Our Signs!

16. So We sent against them a furious Wind through days of disaster, that We might give them a taste of a Penalty of humiliation in this life; but the Penalty of a Hereafter will be more humiliating still: and they will find no help.

17. As to the Thamud, We gave them Guidance, but they preferred blindness [of heart] to Guidance: so the stunning Punishment of humiliation seized them, because of what they had earned.

18. But We delivered those who believed and practised righteousness.

19. On the Day that the enemies of Allah will be gathered together to the Fire, they will be marched in ranks.

20. At length, when they reach the [Fire], their hearing, their sight, and their skins will bear witness against them, as to [all] their deeds.

21. They will say to their skins: "Why bear ye witness against us?" They will say: "Allah hath given us speech,- [He] Who giveth speech to everything: He created you for the first time, and unto Him were ye to return.

22. "Ye did not seek to hide yourselves, lest your hearing, your sight, and your skins should bear witness against you! But ye did think that Allah knew not many of the things that ye used to do!

23. "But this thought of yours which ye did entertain concerning your Lord, hath brought you to destruction, and [now] have ye become of those utterly lost!"

24. If, then, they have patience, the Fire will be a home for them! and if they beg to be received into favour, into favour will they not [then] be received.

25. And We have destined for them intimate companions [of like nature], who made alluring to them what was before them and behind them; and the sentence among the previous generations of Jinns and men, who have passed away, is proved against them; for they are utterly lost.

26. The Unbelievers say: "Listen not to this Qur'an, but talk at random in the midst of its [reading], that ye may gain the upper hand!"

27. But We will certainly give the Unbelievers a taste of a severe Penalty, and We will requite them for the worst of their deeds.

28. Such is the requital of the enemies of Allah,- the Fire: therein will be for them the Eternal Home: a [fit] requital, for that they were wont to reject Our Signs.

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29. And the Unbelievers will say: "Our Lord! Show us those, among Jinns and men, who misled us: We shall crush them beneath our feet, so that they become the vilest [before all]."

30. In the case of those who say, "Our Lord is Allah", and, further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them [from time to time]: "Fear ye not!" [they suggest], "Nor grieve! but receive the Glad Tidings of the Garden [of Bliss], the which ye were promised!

31. "We are your protectors in this life and in the Hereafter: therein shall ye have all that your souls shall desire; therein shall ye have all that ye ask for!-

32. "A hospitable gift from one Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful!"

33. Who is better in speech than one who calls [men] to Allah, works righteousness, and says, "I am of those who bow in Islam"?

34. Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel [Evil] with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!

35. And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint,- none but persons of the greatest good fortune.

36. And if [at any time] an incitement to discord is made to thee by the Evil One, seek refuge in Allah. He is the One Who hears and knows all things.

37. Among His Signs are the Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. Do not prostrate to the sun and the moon, but prostrate to Allah, Who created them, if it is Him ye wish to serve.

38. But is the [Unbelievers] are arrogant, [no matter]: for in the presence of thy Lord are those who celebrate His praises by night and by day. And they never flag [nor feel themselves above it].

39. And among His Signs in this: thou seest the earth barren and desolate; but when We send down rain to it, it is stirred to life and yields increase. Truly, He Who gives life to the [dead] earth can surely give life to [men] who are dead. For He has power over all things.

40. Those who pervert the Truth in Our Signs are not hidden from Us. Which is better?- he that is cast into the Fire, or he that comes safe through, on the Day of Judgment? Do what ye will: verily He seeth [clearly] all that ye do.

41. Those who reject the Message when it comes to them [are not hidden from Us]. And indeed it is a Book of exalted power.

42. No falsehood can approach it from before or behind it: It is sent down by One Full of Wisdom, Worthy of all Praise.

43. Nothing is said to thee that was not said to the messengers before thee: that thy lord has at his Command [all] forgiveness as well as a most Grievous Penalty.

44. Had We sent this as a Qur'an [in the language] other than Arabic, they would have said: "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What! [a Book] not in Arabic and [a Messenger an Arab?" Say: "It is a Guide and a Healing to those who believe; and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and

it is blindness in their [eyes]: They are [as it were] being called from a place far distant!"

45. We certainly gave Moses the Book aforetime: but disputes arose therein. Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, [their differences] 243

would have been settled between them: but they remained in suspicious disquieting doubt thereon.

46. Whoever works righteousness benefits his own soul; whoever works evil, it is against his own soul: nor is thy Lord ever unjust [in the least] to His Servants.

47. To Him is referred the Knowledge of the Hour [of Judgment: He knows all]: No date-fruit comes out of its sheath, nor does a female conceive [within her womb] nor bring forth the Day that [Allah] will propound to them the [question], "Where are the partners [ye attributed to Me?" They will say, "We do assure thee not one of us can bear witness!"

48. The [deities] they used to invoke aforetime will leave them in the lurch, and they will perceive that they have no way of escape.

49. Man does not weary of asking for good [things], but if ill touches him, he gives up all hope [and] is lost in despair.

50. When we give him a taste of some Mercy from Ourselves, after some adversity has touched him, he is sure to say, "This is due to my [merit]: I think not that the Hour [of Judgment] will [ever] be established; but if I am brought back to my Lord, I have [much] good [stored] in His sight!" But We will show the Unbelievers the truth of all that they did, and We shall give them the taste of a severe Penalty.

51. When We bestow favours on man, he turns away, and gets himself remote on his side [instead of coming to Us]; and when evil seizes him, [he comes] full of prolonged prayer!

52. Say: "See ye if the [Revelation] is [really] from Allah, and yet do ye reject it? Who is more astray than one who is in a schism far [from any purpose]?"

53. Soon will We show them our Signs in the [furthest] regions [of the earth], and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?

54. Ah indeed! Are they in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? Ah indeed! It is He that doth encompass all things!

SURA 42. Shura, or Consultation

1. Ha-Mim

2. 'Ain. Sin. Qaf.

3. Thus doth [He] send inspiration to thee as [He did] to those before thee,-Allah, Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

4. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: and He is Most High, Most Great.

5. The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them [by Him Glory]: and the angels celebrate the Praises of their Lord, and pray for forgiveness for [all] beings on earth: Behold! Verily Allah is He, the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

6. And those who take as protectors others besides Him,- Allah doth watch over them; and thou art not the disposer of their affairs.

7. Thus have We sent by inspiration to thee an Arabic Qur'an: that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her,- and warn [them] of the Day of 244

Assembly, of which there is no doubt: [when] some will be in the Garden, and some in the Blazing Fire.

8. If Allah had so willed, He could have made them a single people; but He admits whom He will to His Mercy; and the Wrong-doers will have no protector nor helper.

9. What! Have they taken [for worship] protectors besides Him? But it is Allah,-He is the Protector, and it is He Who gives life to the dead: It is He Who has power over all things,

10. Whatever it be wherein ye differ, the decision thereof is with Allah: such is Allah my Lord: In Him I trust, and to Him I turn.

11. [He is] the Creator of the heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves, and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you: there is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the One that hears and sees [all things].

12. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth: He enlarges and restricts. The Sustenance to whom He will: for He knows full well all things.

13. The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah - the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things

than Allah, hard is the [way] to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn [to Him].

14. And they became divided only after Knowledge reached them,- through selfish envy as between themselves. Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, [tending] to a Term appointed, the matter would have been settled between them: But truly those who have inherited the Book after them are in suspicious [disquieting] doubt concerning it.

15. Now then, for that [reason], call [them to the Faith], and stand steadfast as thou art commanded, nor follow thou their vain desires; but say: "I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us [is the responsibility for] our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is [our] Final Goal.

16. But those who dispute concerning Allah after He has been accepted,- futile is their dispute in the Sight of their Lord: on them will be a Penalty terrible.

17. It is Allah Who has sent down the Book in Truth, and the Balance [by which to weigh conduct]. And what will make thee realise that perhaps the Hour is close at hand?

18. Only those wish to hasten it who believe not in it: those who believe hold it in awe, and know that it is the Truth. Behold, verily those that dispute concerning the Hour are far astray.

19. Gracious is Allah to His servants: He gives Sustenance to whom He pleases: and He has power and can carry out His Will.

20. To any that desires the tilth of the Hereafter, We give increase in his tilth, and to any that desires the tilth of this world, We grant somewhat thereof, but he has no share or lot in the Hereafter.

21. What! have they partners [in godhead], who have established for them some religion without the permission of Allah? Had it not been for the Decree of 245

Judgment, the matter would have been decided between them [at once]. But verily the Wrong-doers will have a grievous Penalty.

22. Thou wilt see the Wrong-doers in fear on account of what they have earned, and [the burden of] that must [necessarily] fall on them. But those who believe and work righteous deeds will be in the luxuriant meads of the Gardens: they shall have, before their Lord, all that they wish for. That will indeed be the magnificent Bounty [of Allah].

23. That is [the Bounty] whereof Allah gives Glad Tidings to His Servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say: "No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin." And if any one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate [service].

24. What! Do they say, "He has forged a falsehood against Allah"? But if Allah willed, He could seal up thy heart. And Allah blots out Vanity, and proves the Truth by His Words. For He knows well the secrets of all hearts.

25. He is the One that accepts repentance from His Servants and forgives sins: and He knows all that ye do.

26. And He listens to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, and gives them increase of His Bounty: but for the Unbelievers their is a terrible Penalty.

27. If Allah were to enlarge the provision for His Servants, they would indeed transgress beyond all bounds through the earth; but he sends [it] down in due measure as He pleases. For He is with His Servants Well-acquainted, Watchful.

28. He is the One that sends down rain [even] after [men] have given up all hope, and scatters His Mercy [far and wide]. And He is the Protector, Worthy of all Praise.

29. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through them: and He has power to gather them together when He wills.

30. Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because on the things your hands have wrought, and for many [of them] He grants forgiveness.

31. Nor can ye frustrate [aught], [fleeing] through the earth; nor have ye, besides Allah, any one to protect or to help.

32. And among His Signs are the ships, smooth-running through the ocean, [tall] as mountains.

33. If it be His Will He can still the Wind: then would they become motionless on the back of the [ocean]. Verily in this are Signs for everyone who patiently perseveres and is grateful.

34. Or He can cause them to perish because of the [evil] which [the men] have earned; but much doth He forgive.

35. But let those know, who dispute about Our Signs, that there is for them no way of escape.

36. Whatever ye are given [here] is [but] a convenience of this life: but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting: [it is] for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord:

37. Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive;

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38. Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who [conduct] their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance;

39. And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, [are not cowed but] help and defend themselves.

40. The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto [in degree]: but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for [Allah] loveth not those who do wrong.

41. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong [done] to them, against such there is no cause of blame.

42. The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous.

43. But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.

44. For any whom Allah leaves astray, there is no protector thereafter. And thou wilt see the Wrong-doers, when in sight of the Penalty, Say: "Is there any way [to effect] a return?"

45. And thou wilt see them brought forward to the [Penalty], in a humble frame of mind because of [their] disgrace, [and] looking with a stealthy glance. And the Believers will say: "Those are indeed in loss, who have given to perdition their own selves and those belonging to them on the Day of Judgment. Behold! Truly the Wrong-doers are in a lasting Penalty!"

46. And no protectors have they to help them, other than Allah. And for any whom Allah leaves to stray, there is no way [to the Goal].

47. Hearken ye to your Lord, before there come a Day which there will be no putting back, because of [the Ordainment of] Allah! that Day there will be for you no place of refuge nor will there be for you any room for denial [of your sins]!

48. If then they run away, We have not sent thee as a guard over them. Thy duty is but to convey [the Message]. And truly, when We give man a taste of a Mercy from Ourselves, he doth exult thereat, but when some ill happens to him, on account of the deeds which his hands have sent forth, truly then is man ungrateful!

49. To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills [and plans]. He bestows [children] male or female according to His Will [and Plan],

50. Or He bestows both males and females, and He leaves barren whom He will: for He is full of Knowledge and Power.

51. It is not fitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by the sending of a messenger to reveal, with Allah 1 s permission, what Allah wills: for He is Most High, Most Wise.

52. And thus have We, by Our Command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knewest not [before] what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the [Qur'an]

a Light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide [men] to the Straight Way,-

53. The Way of Allah, to Whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Behold [how] all affairs tend towards Allah!

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SURA 43. Zukhruf, or Gold Adornments

1. Ha-Mim

2. By the Book that makes things clear,-

3. We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand [and learn wisdom].

4. And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high [in dignity], full of wisdom.

5. Shall We then take away the Message from you and repel [you], for that ye are a people transgressing beyond bounds?

6. But how many were the prophets We sent amongst the peoples of old?

7. And never came there a prophet to them but they mocked him.

8. So We destroyed [them]- stronger in power than these;- and [thus] has passed on the Parable of the peoples of old.

9. If thou wert to question them, 'Who created the heavens and the earth?' They would be sure to reply, 'they were created by [Him], the Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge';-

10. [Yea, the same that] has made for you the earth [like a carpet] spread out, and has made for you roads [and channels] therein, in order that ye may find guidance [on the way];

11. That sends down [from time to time] rain from the sky in due measure;- and We raise to life therewith a land that is dead; even so will ye be raised [from the dead];-

12. That has created pairs in all things, and has made for you ships and cattle on which ye ride,

13. In order that ye may sit firm and square on their backs, and when so seated, ye may celebrate the [kind] favour of your Lord, and say, "Glory to Him Who has subjected these to our [use], for we could never have accomplished this [by ourselves],

14. "And to our Lord, surely, must we turn back!"

15. Yet they attribute to some of His servants a share with Him [in his godhead]! truly is man a blasphemous ingrate avowed!

16. What! has He taken daughters out of what He himself creates, and granted to you sons for choice?

17. When news is brought to one of them of [the birth of] what he sets up as a likeness to [Allah] Most Gracious, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!

18. Is then one brought up among trinkets, and unable to give a clear account in a dispute [to be associated with Allah]?

19. And they make into females angels who themselves serve Allah. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be called to account!

20. ["Ah!"] they say, "If it had been the will of [Allah] Most Gracious, we should not have worshipped such [deities]!" Of that they have no knowledge! they do nothing but lie!

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21. What! have We given them a Book before this, to which they are holding fast?

22. Nay! they say: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we do guide ourselves by their footsteps."

23. Just in the same way, whenever We sent a Warner before thee to any people, the wealthy ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps."

24. He said: "What! Even if I brought you better guidance than that which ye found your fathers following?" They said: "For us, we deny that ye [prophets] are sent [on a mission at all]."

25. So We exacted retribution from them: now see what was the end of those who rejected [Truth]!

26. Behold! Abraham said to his father and his people: "I do indeed clear myself of what ye worship:

27. "[I worship] only Him Who made me, and He will certainly guide me."

28. And he left it as a Word to endure among those who came after him, that they may turn back [to Allah].

29. Yea, I have given the good things of this life to these [men] and their fathers, until the Truth has come to them, and a messenger making things clear.

30. But when the Truth came to them, they said: "This is sorcery, and we do reject it."

31. Also, they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some leading man in either of the two [chief] cities?"

32. Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But the Mercy of thy Lord is better than the [wealth] which they amass.

33. And were it not that [all] men might become of one [evil] way of life, We would provide, for everyone that blasphemes against [Allah] Most Gracious, silver roofs for their houses and [silver] stair-ways on which to go up,

34. And [silver] doors to their houses, and thrones [of silver] on which they could recline,

35. And also adornments of gold. But all this were nothing but conveniences of the present life: The Hereafter, in the sight of thy Lord is for the Righteous.

36. If anyone withdraws himself from remembrance of [Allah] Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one, to be an intimate companion to him.

37. Such [evil ones] really hinder them from the Path, but they think that they are being guided aright!

38. At length, when [such a one] comes to Us, he says [to his evil companion]: "Would that between me and thee were the distance of East and West!" Ah! evil is the companion [indeed]!

39. When ye have done wrong, it will avail you nothing, that Day, that ye shall be partners in Punishment!

40. Canst thou then make the deaf to hear, or give direction to the blind or to such as [wander] in manifest error?

41. Even if We take thee away, We shall be sure to exact retribution from them, 249

42. Or We shall show thee that [accomplished] which We have promised them: for verily We shall prevail over them.

43. So hold thou fast to the Revelation sent down to thee; verily thou art on a Straight Way.

44. The [Qur'an] is indeed the message, for thee and for thy people; and soon shall ye [all] be brought to account.

45. And question thou our messengers whom We sent before thee; did We appoint any deities other than [Allah] Most Gracious, to be worshipped?

46. We did send Moses aforetime, with Our Signs, to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: He said, "I am a messenger of the Lord of the Worlds."

47. But when he came to them with Our Signs, behold they ridiculed them.

48. We showed them Sign after Sign, each greater than its fellow, and We seized them with Punishment, in order that they might turn [to Us].

49. And they said, "O thou sorcerer! Invoke thy Lord for us according to His covenant with thee; for we shall truly accept guidance."

50. But when We removed the Penalty from them, behold, they broke their word.

51. And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Does not the dominion of Egypt belong to me, [witness] these streams flowing underneath my [palace]? What! see ye not then?

52. "Am I not better than this [Moses], who is a contemptible wretch and can scarcely express himself clearly?

53. "Then why are not gold bracelets bestowed on him, or [why] come [not] with him angels accompanying him in procession?"

54. Thus did he make fools of his people, and they obeyed him: truly were they a people rebellious [against Allah].

55. When at length they provoked Us, We exacted retribution from them, and We drowned them all.

56. And We made them [a people] of the Past and an Example to later ages.

57. When [Jesus] the son of Mary is held up as an example, behold, thy people raise a clamour thereat [in ridicule]!

58. And they say, "Are our gods best, or he?" This they set forth to thee, only by way of disputation: yea, they are a contentious people.

59. He was no more than a servant: We granted Our favour to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel.

60. And if it were Our Will, We could make angels from amongst you, succeeding each other on the earth.

61. And [Jesus] shall be a Sign [for the coming of] the Hour [of Judgment]: therefore have no doubt about the [Hour], but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way.

62. Let not the Evil One hinder you: for he is to you an enemy avowed.

63. When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: "Now have I come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the [points] on which ye dispute: therefore fear Allah and obey me.

64. "For Allah, He is my Lord and your Lord: so worship ye Him: this is a Straight Way."

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65. But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement: then woe to the wrong-doers, from the Penalty of a Grievous Day!

66. Do they only wait for the Hour - that it should come on them all of a sudden, while they perceive not?

67. Friends on that day will be foes, one to another,- except the Righteous.

68. My devotees! no fear shall be on you that Day, nor shall ye grieve,-

69. [Being] those who have believed in Our Signs and bowed [their wills to Ours] in Islam.

70. Enter ye the Garden, ye and your wives, in [beauty and] rejoicing.

71. To them will be passed round, dishes and goblets of gold: there will be there all that the souls could desire, all that their ayes could delight in: and ye shall abide therein [for eye].

72. Such will be the Garden of which ye are made heirs for your [good] deeds [in life].

73. Ye shall have therein abundance of fruit, from which ye shall have satisfaction.

74. The sinners will be in the Punishment of Hell, to dwell therein [for aye]:

75. Nowise will the [Punishment] be lightened for them, and in despair will they be there overwhelmed.

76. Nowise shall We be unjust to them: but it is they who have been unjust themselves.

77. They will cry: "O Malik! would that thy Lord put an end to us!" He will say, "Nay, but ye shall abide!"

78. Verily We have brought the Truth to you: but most of you have a hatred for Truth.

79. What! have they settled some plan [among themselves]? But it is We Who settle things.

80. Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private counsels? Indeed [We do], and Our messengers are by them, to record.

81. Say: "If [Allah] Most Gracious had a son, I would be the first to worship."

82. Glory to the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the Throne [of Authority]! [He is free] from the things they attribute [to him]!

83. So leave them to babble and play [with vanities] until they meet that Day of theirs, which they have been promised.

84. It is He Who is Allah in heaven and Allah on earth; and He is full of Wisdom and Knowledge.

85. And blessed is He to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all between them: with Him is the Knowledge of the Hour [of Judgment]: and to Him shall ye be brought back.

86. And those whom they invoke besides Allah have no power of intercession;-only he who bears witness to the Truth, and they know [him].

87. If thou ask them, who created them, they will certainly say, Allah: How then are they deluded away [from the Truth]?

88. [Allah has knowledge] of the [Prophet's] cry, "O my Lord! Truly these are people who will not believe!"

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89. But turn away from them, and say "Peace!" But soon shall they know! SURA 44. Dukhan, or Smoke (or Mist)

1. Ha-Mim.

2. By the Book that makes things clear;-

3. We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We [ever] wish to warn [against Evil].

4. In the [Night] is made distinct every affair of wisdom,

5. By command, from Our Presence. For We [ever] send [revelations],

6. As Mercy from thy Lord: for He hears and knows [all things];

7. The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all between them, if ye [but] have an assured faith.

8. There is no god but He: It is He Who gives life and gives death,- The Lord and Cherisher to you and your earliest ancestors.

9. Yet they play about in doubt.

10. Then watch thou for the Day that the sky will bring forth a kind of smoke [or mist] plainly visible,

11. Enveloping the people: this will be a Penalty Grievous.

12. [They will say:] "Our Lord! remove the Penalty from us, for we do really believe!"

13. How shall the message be [effectual] for them, seeing that an Messenger explaining things clearly has [already] come to them,-

14. Yet they turn away from him and say: "Tutored [by others], a man possessed!"

15. We shall indeed remove the Penalty for a while, [but] truly ye will revert [to your ways].

16. One day We shall seize you with a mighty onslaught: We will indeed [then] exact Retribution!

17. We did, before them, try the people of Pharaoh: there came to them a messenger most honourable,

18. Saying: "Restore to me the Servants of Allah: I am to you an messenger worthy of all trust;

19. "And be not arrogant as against Allah: for I come to you with authority manifest.

20. "For me, I have sought safety with my Lord and your Lord, against your injuring me.

21. "If ye believe me not, at least keep yourselves away from me."

22. [But they were aggressive:] then he cried to his Lord: "These are indeed a people given to sin."

23. [The reply came:] "March forth with My Servants by night: for ye are sure to be pursued.

24. "And leave the sea as a furrow [divided]: for they are a host [destined] to be drowned."

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25. How many were the gardens and springs they left behind,

26. And corn-fields and noble buildings,

27. And wealth [and conveniences of life], wherein they had taken such delight!

28. Thus [was their end]! And We made other people inherit [those things]!

29. And neither heaven nor earth shed a tear over them: nor were they given a respite [again].

30. We did deliver aforetime the Children of Israel from humiliating Punishment,

31. Inflicted by Pharaoh, for he was arrogant [even] among inordinate transgressors.

32. And We chose them aforetime above the nations, knowingly,

33. And granted them Signs in which there was a manifest trial

34. As to these [Quraish], they say forsooth:

35. "There is nothing beyond our first death, and we shall not be raised again.

36. "Then bring [back] our forefathers, if what ye say is true!"

37. What! Are they better than the people of Tubba and those who were before them? We destroyed them because they were guilty of sin.

38. We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, merely in [idle] sport:

39. We created them not except for just ends: but most of them do not understand.

40. Verily the Day of sorting out is the time appointed for all of them,-

41. The Day when no protector can avail his client in aught, and no help can they receive,

42. Except such as receive Allah's Mercy: for He is Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

43. Verily the tree of Zaqqum

44. Will be the food of the Sinful,-

45. Like molten brass; it will boil in their insides.

46. Like the boiling of scalding water.

47. [A voice will cry: "Seize ye him and drag him into the midst of the Blazing Fire!

48. "Then pour over his head the Penalty of Boiling Water,

49. "Taste thou [this]! Truly wast thou mighty, full of honour!

50. "Truly this is what ye used to doubt!"

51. As to the Righteous [they will be] in a position of Security,

52. Among Gardens and Springs;

53. Dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, they will face each other;

54. So; and We shall join them to fair women with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes.

55. There can they call for every kind of fruit in peace and security; 253

56. Nor will they there taste Death, except the first death; and He will preserve them from the Penalty of the Blazing Fire,-

57. As a Bounty from thy Lord! that will be the supreme achievement!

58. Verily, We have made this [Qur'an] easy, in thy tongue, in order that they may give heed.

59. So wait thou and watch; for they [too] are waiting. SURA 45. Jathiya, or Bowing the Knee

1. Ha-Mim.

2. The revelation of the Book is from Allah the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

3. Verily in the heavens and the earth, are Signs for those who believe.

4. And in the creation of yourselves and the fact that animals are scattered [through the earth], are Signs for those of assured Faith.

5. And in the alternation of Night and Day, and the fact that Allah sends down Sustenance from the sky, and revives therewith the earth after its death, and in the change of the winds,- are Signs for those that are wise.

6. Such are the Signs of Allah, which We rehearse to thee in Truth; then in what exposition will they believe after [rejecting] Allah and His Signs?

7. Woe to each sinful dealer in Falsehoods:

8. He hears the Signs of Allah rehearsed to him, yet is obstinate and lofty, as if he had not heard them: then announce to him a Penalty Grievous!

9. And when he learns something of Our Signs, he takes them in jest: for such there will be a humiliating Penalty.

10. In front of them is Hell: and of no profit to them is anything they may have earned, nor any protectors they may have taken to themselves besides Allah: for them is a tremendous Penalty.

11. This is [true] Guidance and for those who reject the Signs of their Lord, is a grievous Penalty of abomination.

12. It is Allah Who has subjected the sea to you, that ships may sail through it by His command, that ye may seek of his Bounty, and that ye may be grateful.

13. And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: Behold, in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect.

14. Tell those who believe, to forgive those who do not look forward to the Days of Allah: It is for Him to recompense [for good or ill] each People according to

what they have earned.

15. If any one does a righteous deed, it ensures to the benefit of his own soul; if he does evil, it works against [his own soul]. In the end will ye [all] be brought back to your Lord.

16. We did aforetime grant to the Children of Israel the Book the Power of Command, and Prophethood; We gave them, for Sustenance, things good and pure; and We favoured them above the nations.

17. And We granted them Clear Signs in affairs [of Religion]: it was only after knowledge had been granted to them that they fell into schisms, through insolent 254

envy among themselves. Verily thy Lord will judge between them on the Day of Judgment as to those matters in which they set up differences.

18. Then We put thee on the [right] Way of Religion: so follow thou that [Way], and follow not the desires of those who know not.

19. They will be of no use to thee in the sight of Allah: it is only Wrong-doers [that stand as] protectors, one to another: but Allah is the Protector of the Righteous.

20. These are clear evidences to men and a Guidance and Mercy to those of assured Faith.

21. What! Do those who seek after evil ways think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe and do righteous deeds,- that equal will be their life and their death? Ill is the judgment that they make.

22. Allah created the heavens and the earth for just ends, and in order that each soul may find the recompense of what it has earned, and none of them be wronged.

23. Then seest thou such a one as takes as his god his own vain desire? Allah has, knowing [him as such], left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart [and understanding], and put a cover on his sight. Who, then, will guide him after Allah [has withdrawn Guidance]? Will ye not then receive admonition?

24. And they say: "What is there but our life in this world? We shall die and we live, and nothing but time can destroy us." But of that they have no knowledge: they merely conjecture:

25. And when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them their argument is nothing but this: They say, "Bring [back] our forefathers, if what ye say is true!"

26. Say: "It is Allah Who gives you life, then gives you death; then He will gather you together for the Day of Judgment about which there is no doubt": But most men do not understand.

27. To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and the Day that the Hour of Judgment is established,- that Day will the dealers in Falsehood perish!

28. And thou wilt see every sect bowing the knee: Every sect will be called to its Record: "This Day shall ye be recompensed for all that ye did!

29. "This Our Record speaks about you with truth: For We were wont to put on Record all that ye did."

30. Then, as to those who believed and did righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them to His Mercy that will be the achievement for all to see.

31. But as to those who rejected Allah, [to them will be said]: "Were not Our Signs rehearsed to you? But ye were arrogant, and were a people given to sin!

32. "And when it was said that the promise of Allah was true, and that the Hourthere was no doubt about its [coming], ye used to say, 'We know not what is the

hour: we only think it is an idea, and we have no firm assurance.'"

33. Then will appear to them the evil [fruits] of what they did, and they will be completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!

34. It will also be said: "This Day We will forget you as ye forgot the meeting of this Day of yours! and your abode is the Fire, and no helpers have ye!

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35. "This, because ye used to take the Signs of Allah in jest, and the life of the world deceived you:" [From] that Day, therefore, they shall not be taken out thence, nor shall they be received into Grace.

36. Then Praise be to Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth,- Lord and Cherisher of all the Worlds!

37. To Him be glory throughout the heavens and the earth: and He is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom!

SURA 46. Ahqaf, or Winding Sand tracts

1. Ha-Mim.

2. The Revelation of the Book is from Allah the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

3. We created not the heavens and the earth and all between them but for just ends, and for a Term Appointed: But those who reject Faith turn away from that whereof they are warned.

4. Say: "Do ye see what it is ye invoke besides Allah? Show me what it is they

have created on earth, or have they a share in the heavens bring me a book [revealed] before this, or any remnant of knowledge [ye may have], if ye are telling the truth!

5. And who is more astray than one who invokes besides Allah, such as will not answer him to the Day of Judgment, and who [in fact] are unconscious of their call [to them]?

6. And when mankind are gathered together [at the Resurrection], they will be hostile to them and reject their worship [altogether]!

7. When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, the Unbelievers say, of the Truth when it comes to them: "This is evident sorcery!"

8. Or do they say, "He has forged it"? Say: "Had I forged it, then can ye obtain no single [blessing] for me from Allah. He knows best of that whereof ye talk [so glibly]! Enough is He for a witness between me and you! And he is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

9. Say: "I am no bringer of new-fangled doctrine among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I follow but that which is revealed to me by inspiration; I am but a Warner open and clear."

10. Say: "See ye? If [this teaching] be from Allah, and ye reject it, and a witness from among the Children of Israel testifies to its similarity [with earlier scripture], and has believed while ye are arrogant, [how unjust ye are!] truly, Allah guides not a people unjust."

11. The Unbelievers say of those who believe: "If [this Message] were a good thing, [such men] would not have gone to it first, before us!" And seeing that they guide not themselves thereby, they will say, "this is an [old,] falsehood!"

12. And before this, was the Book of Moses as a guide and a mercy: And this Book confirms [it] in the Arabic tongue; to admonish the unjust, and as Glad Tidings to those who do right.

13. Verily those who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and remain firm [on that Path],-on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

14. Such shall be Companions of the Gardens, dwelling therein [for aye]: a recompense for their [good] deeds.

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15. We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the [child] to his weaning is [a period of] thirty months. At length, when he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he says, "O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favour which Thou has bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as Thou mayest approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to Thee and truly do I bow [to Thee] in Islam."

16. Such are they from whom We shall accept the best of their deeds and pass by their ill deeds: [They shall be] among the Companions of the Garden: a promise! of truth, which was made to them [in this life].

17. But [there is one] who says to his parents, "Fie on you! Do ye hold out the promise to me that I shall be raised up, even though generations have passed before me [without rising again]?" And they two seek Allah's aid, [and rebuke the son]: "Woe to thee! Have faith! for the promise of Allah is true." But he says, "This is nothing but tales of the ancients!"

18. Such are they against whom is proved the sentence among the previous generations of Jinns and men, that have passed away; for they will be [utterly] lost.

19. And to all are [assigned] degrees according to the deeds which they [have done], and in order that [Allah] may recompense their deeds, and no injustice be done to them.

20. And on the Day that the Unbelievers will be placed before the Fire, [It will be said to them]: "Ye received your good things in the life of the world, and ye took your pleasure out of them: but today shall ye be recompensed with a Penalty of humiliation: for that ye were arrogant on earth without just cause, and that ye [ever] transgressed."

21. Mention [Hud] one of 'Ad's [own] brethren: Behold, he warned his people about the winding Sand-tracts: but there have been warners before him and after him: "Worship ye none other than Allah: Truly I fear for you the Penalty of a Mighty Day."

22. They said: "Hast thou come in order to turn us aside from our gods? Then bring upon us the [calamity] with which thou dost threaten us, if thou art telling the truth?"

23. He said: "The Knowledge [of when it will come] is only with Allah: I proclaim to you the mission on which I have been sent: But I see that ye are a people in ignorance!"..

24. Then, when they saw the [Penalty in the shape of] a cloud traversing the sky, coming to meet their valleys, they said, "This cloud will give us rain!"

"Nay, it is the [Calamity] ye were asking to be hastened!- A wind wherein is a Grievous Penalty!

25. "Everything will it destroy by the command of its Lord!" Then by the morning they - nothing was to be seen but [the ruins of] their houses! thus do We recompense those given to sin!

26. And We had firmly established them in a [prosperity and] power which We have not given to you [ye Quraish!] and We had endowed them with [faculties of] hearing, seeing, heart and intellect: but of no profit to them were their [faculties of] hearing, sight, and heart and intellect, when they went on rejecting the Signs of Allah; and they were [completely] encircled by that which they used to mock at!

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27. We destroyed aforetime populations round about you; and We have shown the Signs in various ways, that they may turn [to Us].

28. Why then was no help forthcoming to them from those whom they worshipped as gods, besides Allah, as a means of access [to Allah]? Nay, they left them in the lurch: but that was their falsehood and their invention.

29. Behold, We turned towards thee a company of Jinns [quietly] listening to the Qur'an: when they stood in the presence thereof, they said, "Listen in silence!" When the [reading] was finished, they returned to their people, to warn [them of their sins].

30. They said, "O our people! We have heard a Book revealed after Moses, confirming what came before it: it guides [men] to the Truth and to a Straight Path.

31. "O our people, hearken to the one who invites [you] to Allah, and believe in him: He will forgive you your faults, and deliver you from a Penalty Grievous.

32. "If any does not hearken to the one who invites [us] to Allah, he cannot frustrate [Allah's Plan] on earth, and no protectors can he have besides Allah: such men [wander] in manifest error."

33. See they not that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and never wearied with their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yea, verily He has power over all things.

34. And on the Day that the Unbelievers will be placed before the Fire, [they will be asked,] "Is this not the Truth?" they will say, "Yea, by our Lord!" [One will say:] "Then taste ye the Penalty, for that ye were wont to deny [Truth]!"

35. Therefore patiently persevere, as did [all] messengers of inflexible purpose; and be in no haste about the [Unbelievers]. On the Day that they see the [Punishment] promised them, [it will be] as if they had not tarried more than an hour in a single day. [Thine but] to proclaim the Message: but shall any be destroyed except those who transgress?

SURA 47. Muhammad (the Prophet)

1. Those who reject Allah and hinder [men] from the Path of Allah,- their deeds will Allah render astray [from their mark].

2. But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and believe in the [Revelation] sent down to Muhammad - for it is the Truth from their Lord,- He will remove from them their ills and improve their condition.

3. This because those who reject Allah follow vanities, while those who believe follow the Truth from their Lord: Thus does Allah set forth for men their lessons by similitudes.

4. Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers [in fight], smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly [on them]: thereafter [is the time for] either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus [are ye commanded]: but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them [Himself]; but [He lets you fight] in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost.

5. Soon will He guide them and improve their condition,

6. And admit them to the Garden which He has announced for them. 258

7. O ye who believe! If ye will aid [the cause of] Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly.

8. But those who reject [Allah],- for them is destruction, and [Allah] will render their deeds astray [from their mark].

9. That is because they hate the Revelation of Allah; so He has made their deeds fruitless.

10. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the End of those before them [who did evil]? Allah brought utter destruction on them, and similar [fates await] those who reject Allah.

11. That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, but those who reject Allah have no protector.

12. Verily Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds, to Gardens

beneath which rivers flow; while those who reject Allah will enjoy [this world] and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire will be their abode.

13. And how many cities, with more power than thy city which has driven thee out, have We destroyed [for their sins]? and there was none to aid them.

14. Is then one who is on a clear [Path] from his Lord, no better than one to whom the evil of his conduct seems pleasing, and such as follow their own lusts?

15. [Here is] a Parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits; and Grace from their Lord. [Can those in such Bliss] be compared to such as shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels [to pieces]?

16. And among them are men who listen to thee, but in the end, when they go out from thee, they say to those who have received Knowledge, "What is it he said just then?" Such are men whose hearts Allah has sealed, and who follow their own lusts.

17. But to those who receive Guidance, He increases the [light of] Guidance, and bestows on them their Piety and Restraint [from evil].

18. Do they then only wait for the Hour,- that it should come on them of a sudden? But already have come some tokens thereof, and when it [actually] is on them, how can they benefit then by their admonition?
19. Know, therefore, that there is no god but Allah, and ask forgiveness for thy fault, and for the men and women who believe: for Allah knows how ye move about and how ye dwell in your homes.

20. Those who believe say, "Why is not a Sura sent down [for us]?" But when a Sura of basic or categorical meaning is revealed, and fighting is mentioned therein, thou wilt see those in whose hearts is a disease looking at thee with a look of one in swoon at the approach of death. But more fitting for them-

21. Were it to obey and say what is just, and when a matter is resolved on, it were best for them if they were true to Allah.

22. Then, is it to be expected of you, if ye were put in authority, that ye will do mischief in the land, and break your ties of kith and kin?

23. Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.

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24. Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur'an, or are their hearts locked up by them?

25. Those who turn back as apostates after Guidance was clearly shown to them,-the Evil One has instigated them and busied them up with false hopes.

26. This, because they said to those who hate what Allah has revealed, "We will obey you in part of [this] matter"; but Allah knows their [inner] secrets.

27. But how [will it be] when the angels take their souls at death, and smite their faces and their backs?

28. This because they followed that which called forth the Wrath of Allah, and they hated Allah's good pleasure; so He made their deeds of no effect.

29. Or do those in whose hearts is a disease, think that Allah will not bring to light all their rancour?

30. Had We so wiled, We could have shown them up to thee, and thou shouldst have known them by their marks: but surely thou wilt know them by the tone of their speech! And Allah knows all that ye do.

31. And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience; and We shall try your reported [mettle].

32. Those who reject Allah, hinder [men] from the Path of Allah, and resist the Messenger, after Guidance has been clearly shown to them, will not injure Allah in the least, but He will make their deeds of no effect.

33. 0 ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger, and make not vain your deeds!

34. Those who reject Allah, and hinder [men] from the Path of Allah, then die rejecting Allah,- Allah will not forgive them.

35. Be not weary and faint-hearted, crying for peace, when ye should be uppermost: for Allah is with you, and will never put you in loss for your [good] deeds.

36. The life of this world is but play and amusement: and if ye believe and guard against Evil, He will grant you your recompense, and will not ask you [to give up] your possessions.

37. If He were to ask you for all of them, and press you, ye would covetously withhold, and He would bring out all your ill-feeling.

38. Behold, ye are those invited to spend [of your substance] in the Way of Allah: But among you are some that are niggardly. But any who are niggardly are so at the expense of their own souls. But Allah is free of all wants, and it is

ye that are needy. If ye turn back [from the Path], He will substitute in your stead another people; then they would not be like you! SURA 48. Fath, or Victory

1. Verily We have granted thee a manifest Victory:

2. That Allah may forgive thee thy faults of the past and those to follow; fulfil His favour to thee; and guide thee on the Straight Way;

3. And that Allah may help thee with powerful help.

4. It is He Who sent down tranquillity into the hearts of the Believers, that they may add faith to their faith;- for to Allah belong the Forces of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom;-

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5. That He may admit the men and women who believe, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein for aye, and remove their ills from them;- and that is, in the sight of Allah, the highest achievement [for man],-

6. And that He may punish the Hypocrites, men and women, and the Polytheists men and women, who imagine an evil opinion of Allah. On them is a round of Evil: the Wrath of Allah is on them: He has cursed them and got Hell ready for them: and evil is it for a destination.

7. For to Allah belong the Forces of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

8. We have truly sent thee as a witness, as a bringer of Glad Tidings, and as a Warner:

9. In order that ye [O men] may believe in Allah and His Messenger, that ye may assist and honour Him, and celebrate His praise morning and evening.

10. Verily those who plight their fealty to thee do no less than plight their fealty to Allah: the Hand of Allah is over their hands: then any one who violates his oath, does so to the harm of his own soul, and any one who fulfils what he has covenanted with Allah,- Allah will soon grant him a great Reward.

11. The desert Arabs who lagged behind will say to thee: "We were engaged in [looking after] our flocks and herds, and our families: do thou then ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: "Who then has any power at all [to intervene] on your behalf with Allah, if His Will is to give you some loss or to give you some profit? But Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do.

12. "Nay, ye thought that the Messenger and the Believers would never return to their families; this seemed pleasing in your hearts, and ye conceived an evil thought, for ye are a people lost [in wickedness]."

13. And if any believe not in Allah and His Messenger, We have prepared, for those who reject Allah, a Blazing Fire!

14. To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills: but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

15. Those who lagged behind [will say], when ye [are free to] march and take booty [in war]: "Permit us to follow you." They wish to change Allah's decree: Say: "Not thus will ye follow us: Allah has already declared [this] beforehand": then they will say, "But ye are jealous of us." Nay, but little do they understand [such things].

16. Say to the desert Arabs who lagged behind: "Ye shall be summoned [to fight] against a people given to vehement war: then shall ye fight, or they shall submit. Then if ye show obedience, Allah will grant you a goodly reward, but if ye turn back as ye did before, He will punish you with a grievous Penalty."

17. No blame is there on the blind, nor is there blame on the lame, nor on one ill [if he joins not the war]: But he that obeys Allah and his Messenger,-[Allah] will admit him to Gardens beneath which rivers flow; and he who turns back, [Allah] will punish him with a grievous Penalty.

18. Allah's Good Pleasure was on the Believers when they swore Fealty to thee under the Tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down Tranquillity to them; and He rewarded them with a speedy Victory;

19. And many gains will they acquire [besides]: and Allah is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

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20. Allah has promised you many gains that ye shall acquire, and He has given you these beforehand; and He has restrained the hands of men from you; that it may be a Sign for the Believers, and that He may guide you to a Straight Path;

21. And other gains [there are], which are not within your power, but which Allah has compassed: and Allah has power over all things.

22. If the Unbelievers should fight you, they would certainly turn their backs; then would they find neither protector nor helper.

23. [Such has been] the practice [approved] of Allah already in the past: no change wilt thou find in the practice [approved] of Allah.

24. And it is He Who has restrained their hands from you and your hands from

them in the midst of Makka, after that He gave you the victory over them. And Allah sees well all that ye do.

25. They are the ones who denied Revelation and hindered you from the Sacred Mosque and the sacrificial animals, detained from reaching their place of sacrifice. Had there not been believing men and believing women whom ye did not know that ye were trampling down and on whose account a crime would have accrued to you without [your] knowledge, [Allah would have allowed you to force your way, but He held back your hands] that He may admit to His Mercy whom He will. If they had been apart, We should certainly have punished the Unbelievers among them with a grievous Punishment.

26. While the Unbelievers got up in their hearts heat and cant - the heat and cant of ignorance,- Allah sent down His Tranquillity to his Messenger and to the Believers, and made them stick close to the command of self-restraint; and well were they entitled to it and worthy of it. And Allah has full knowledge of all things.

27. Truly did Allah fulfil the vision for His Messenger: ye shall enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah wills, with minds secure, heads shaved, hair cut short, and without fear. For He knew what ye knew not, and He granted, besides this, a speedy victory.

28. It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion: and enough is Allah for a Witness.

29. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, [but] compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves [in prayer], seeking Grace from Allah and [His] Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, [being] the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, [filling] the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.

SURA 49. Hujurat, or the Inner Apartments

1. 0 Ye who believe! Put not yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger; but fear Allah: for Allah is He Who hears and knows all things.

2. 0 ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not.

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3. Those that lower their voices in the presence of Allah's Messenger,- their hearts has Allah tested for piety: for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward.

4. Those who shout out to thee from without the inner apartments - most of them lack understanding.

5. If only they had patience until thou couldst come out to them, it would be best for them: but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

6. 0 ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.

7. And know that among you is Allah 1 s Messenger: were he, in many matters, to follow your [wishes], ye would certainly fall into misfortune: But Allah has endeared the Faith to you, and has made it beautiful in your hearts, and He has made hateful to you Unbelief, wickedness, and rebellion: such indeed are those who walk in righteousness;-

8. A Grace and Favour from Allah; and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.

9. If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them: but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye [all] against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair [and just].

10. The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two [contending] brothers; and fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy.

11. O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the [latter] are better than the [former]: Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the [latter are better than the [former]: Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by [offensive] nicknames: Illseeming is a name connoting wickedness, [to be used of one] after he has

believed: And those who do not desist are [indeed] doing wrong.

12. 0 ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much [as possible]: for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it ... But fear Allah: For Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.

13. O mankind! We created you from a single [pair] of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other [not that ye may despise [each other]. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is [he who is] the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted [with all things].

14. The desert Arabs say, "We believe." Say, "Ye have no faith; but ye

[only]say, 'We have submitted our wills to Allah,' For not yet has Faith entered your hearts. But if ye obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not belittle aught of your deeds: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

15. Only those are Believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and have never since doubted, but have striven with their belongings and their persons in the Cause of Allah: Such are the sincere ones.

16. Say: "What! Will ye instruct Allah about your religion? But Allah knows all that is in the heavens and on earth: He has full knowledge of all things.

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17. They impress on thee as a favour that they have embraced Islam. Say, "Count not your Islam as a favour upon me: Nay, Allah has conferred a favour upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if ye be true and sincere.

18. "Verily Allah knows the secrets of the heavens and the earth: and Allah Sees well all that ye do."

SURA 50. Qaf

1. Qaf: By the Glorious Qur'an [Thou art Allah's Messenger].

2. But they wonder that there has come to them a Warner from among themselves. So the Unbelievers say: "This is a wonderful thing!

3. "What! When we die and become dust, [shall we live again?] That is a [sort of] return far [from our understanding]."

4. We already know how much of them the earth takes away: With Us is a record guarding [the full account].

5. But they deny the Truth when it comes to them: so they are in a confused state.

6. Do they not look at the sky above them?- How We have made it and adorned it, and there are no flaws in it?

7. And the earth- We have spread it out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and produced therein every kind of beautiful growth [in pairs]-

8. To be observed and commemorated by every devotee turning [to Allah].

9. And We send down from the sky rain charted with blessing, and We produce therewith gardens and Grain for harvests;

10. And tall [and stately] palm-trees, with shoots of fruit-stalks, piled one ove r ano the r;-

11. As sustenance for [Allah's] Servants;- and We give [new] life therewith to land that is dead: Thus will be the Resurrection.

12. Before them was denied [the Hereafter] by the People of Noah, the Companions of the Rass, the Thamud,

13. The 'Ad, Pharaoh, the brethren of Lut,

14. The Companions of the Wood, and the People of Tubba'; each one [of them] rejected the messengers, and My warning was duly fulfilled [in them].

15. Were We then weary with the first Creation, that they should be in confused doubt about a new Creation?

16. It was We Who created man, and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than [his] jugular vein.

17. Behold, two [guardian angels] appointed to learn [his doings] learn [and noted them], one sitting on the right and one on the left.

18. Not a word does he utter but there is a sentinel by him, ready [to note it].

19. And the stupor of death will bring Truth [before his eyes]: "This was the thing which thou wast trying to escape!"

20. And the Trumpet shall be blown: that will be the Day whereof Warning [had been given].

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21. And there will come forth every soul: with each will be an [angel] to drive, and an [angel] to bear witness.

22. [It will be said:] "Thou wast heedless of this; now have We removed thy veil, and sharp is thy sight this Day!"

23. And his Companion will say: "Here is [his Record] ready with me!"

24. [The sentence will be:] "Throw, throw into Hell every contumacious Rejecter [of Allah]!-

25. "Who forbade what was good, transgressed all bounds, cast doubts and suspicions;

26. "Who set up another god beside Allah: Throw him into a severe penalty."

27. His Companion will say: "Our Lord! I did not make him transgress, but he was [himself] far astray."

28. He will say: "Dispute not with each other in My Presence: I had already in

advance sent you Warning.

29. "The Word changes not before Me, and I do not the least injustice to My Servants."

30. One Day We will ask Hell, "Art thou filled to the full?" It will say, "Are there any more [to come]?"

31. And the Garden will be brought nigh to the Righteous,- no more a thing distant.

32. [A voice will say:] "This is what was promised for you,- for every one who turned [to Allah] in sincere repentance, who kept [His Law],

33. "Who feared [Allah] Most Gracious Unseen, and brought a heart turned in devotion [to Him]:

34. "Enter ye therein in Peace and Security; this is a Day of Eternal Life!"

35. There will be for them therein all that they wish,- and more besides in Our Presence.

36. But how many generations before them did We destroy [for their sins],-stronger in power than they? Then did they wander through the land: was there any place of escape [for them]?

37. Verily in this is a Message for any that has a heart and understanding or who gives ear and earnestly witnesses [the truth].

38. We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in Six Days, nor did any sense of weariness touch Us.

39. Bear, then, with patience, all that they say, and celebrate the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun and before [its] setting.

40. And during part of the night, [also,] celebrate His praises, and [so likewise] after the postures of adoration.

41. And listen for the Day when the Caller will call out from a place quiet near,-

42. The Day when they will hear a [mighty] Blast in [very] truth: that will be the Day of Resurrection.

43. Verily it is We Who give Life and Death; and to Us is the Final Goal-

44. The Day when the Earth will be rent asunder, from [men] hurrying out: that will be a gathering together,- quite easy for Us.

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45. We know best what they say; and thou art not one to overawe them by force. So admonish with the Qur'an such as fear My Warning!

SURA 51. Zariyat, or the Winds that Scatter

1. By the [Winds] that scatter broadcast;

2. And those that lift and bear away heavy weights;

3. And those that flow with ease and gentleness;

4. And those that distribute and apportion by Command;-

5. Verily that which ye are promised is true;

6. And verily Judgment and Justice must indeed come to pass.

7. By the Sky with [its] numerous Paths,

8. Truly ye are in a doctrine discordant,

9. Through which are deluded [away from the Truth] such as would be deluded.

10. Woe to the falsehood-mongers,-

11. Those who [flounder] heedless in a flood of confusion:

12. They ask, "When will be the Day of Judgment and Justice?"

13. [It will be] a Day when they will be tried [and tested] over the Fire!

14. "Taste ye your trial! This is what ye used to ask to be hastened!"

15. As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs,

16. Taking joy in the things which their Lord gives them, because, before then, they lived a good life.

17. They were in the habit of sleeping but little by night,

18. And in the hour of early dawn, they [were found] praying for Forgiveness;

19. And in their wealth and possessions [was remembered] the right of the [needy,] him who asked, and him who [for some reason] was prevented [from asking].

20. On the earth are signs for those of assured Faith,

21. As also in your own selves: Will ye not then see?

22. And in heaven is your Sustenance, as [also] that which ye are promised.

23. Then, by the Lord of heaven and earth, this is the very Truth, as much as the fact that ye can speak intelligently to each other.

24. Has the story reached thee, of the honoured guests of Abraham?

25. Behold, they entered his presence, and said: "Peace!" He said, "Peace!" [and thought, "These seem] unusual people."

26. Then he turned quickly to his household, brought out a fatted calf,

27. And placed it before them.. he said, "Will ye not eat?"

28. [When they did not eat], He conceived a fear of them. They said, "Fear not," and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge.

29. But his wife came forward [laughing] aloud: she smote her forehead and said:

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30. They said, "Even so has thy Lord spoken: and He is full of Wisdom and Knowledge."

31. [Abraham] said: "And what, O ye Messengers, is your errand [now]?"

32. They said, "We have been sent to a people [deep] in sin;-

33. "To bring on, on them, [a shower of] stones of clay [brimstone],

34. "Marked as from thy Lord for those who trespass beyond bounds."

35. Then We evacuated those of the Believers who were there,

36. But We found not there any just [Muslim] persons except in one house:

37. And We left there a Sign for such as fear the Grievous Penalty.

38. And in Moses [was another Sign]: Behold, We sent him to Pharaoh, with authority manifest.

39. But [Pharaoh] turned back with his Chiefs, and said, "A sorcerer, or one possessed!"

40. So We took him and his forces, and threw them into the sea; and his was the blame.

41. And in the 'Ad [people] [was another Sign]: Behold, We sent against them the devastating Wind:

42. It left nothing whatever that it came up against, but reduced it to ruin and rottenness.

43. And in the Thamud [was another Sign]: Behold, they were told, "Enjoy [your brief day] for a little while!"

44. But they insolently defied the Command of their Lord: So the stunning noise [of an earthquake] seized them, even while they were looking on.

45. Then they could not even stand [on their feet], nor could they help themselves.

46. So were the People of Noah before them for they wickedly transgressed.

47. With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the vastness of pace.

48. And We have spread out the [spacious] earth: How excellently We do spread out!

49. And of every thing We have created pairs: That ye may receive instruction.

50. Hasten ye then [at once] to Allah: I am from Him a Warner to you, clear and open!

51. And make not another an object of worship with Allah: I am from Him a Warner to you, clear and open!

52. Similarly, no messenger came to the Peoples before them, but they said [of him] in like manner, "A sorcerer, or one possessed"!

53. Is this the legacy they have transmitted, one to another? Nay, they are themselves a people transgressing beyond bounds!

54. So turn away from them: not thine is the blame.

55. But teach [thy Message] for teaching benefits the Believers.

56. I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me. 267

57. No Sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me.

58. For Allah is He Who gives [all] Sustenance,- Lord of Power,- Steadfast [for ever].

59. For the Wrong-doers, their portion is like unto the portion of their fellows [of earlier generations]: then let them not ask Me to hasten [that portion]!

60. Woe, then, to the Unbelievers, on account of that Day of theirs which they have been promised!

SURA 52. Tur, or the Mount

1. By the Mount [of Revelation];

2. By a Decree inscribed

3. In a Scroll unfolded;

4. By the much-frequented Fane;

5. By the Canopy Raised High;

6. And by the Ocean filled with Swell;-

7. Verily, the Doom of thy Lord will indeed come to pass;-

8. There is none can avert it;-

9. On the Day when the firmament will be in dreadful commotion.

10. And the mountains will fly hither and thither.

11. Then woe that Day to those that treat [Truth] as Falsehood;-

12. That play [and paddle] in shallow trifles.

13. That Day shall they be thrust down to the Fire of Hell, irresistibly.

14. "This:, it will be said, "Is the Fire,- which ye were wont to deny!

15. "Is this then a fake, or is it ye that do not see?

16. "Burn ye therein: the same is it to you whether ye bear it with patience, or not: Ye but receive the recompense of your [own] deeds."

17. As to the Righteous, they will be in Gardens, and in Happiness,-

18. Enjoying the [Bliss] which their Lord hath bestowed on them, and their Lord shall deliver them from the Penalty of the Fire.

19. [To them will be said:] "Eat and drink ye, with profit and health, because of your [good] deeds."

20. They will recline [with ease] on Thrones [of dignity] arranged in ranks; and We shall join them to Companions, with beautiful big and lustrous eyes.

21. And those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith,- to them shall We join their families: Nor shall We deprive them [of the fruit] of aught of their works: [Yet] is each individual in pledge for his deeds.

22. And We shall bestow on them, of fruit and meat, anything they shall desire.

23. They shall there exchange, one with another, a [loving] cup free of frivolity, free of all taint of ill.

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24. Round about them will serve, [devoted] to them, young male servants [handsome] as Pearls well-guarded.

25. They will advance to each other, engaging in mutual enquiry.

26. They will say: "Aforetime, we were not without fear for the sake of our people.

27. "But Allah has been good to us, and has delivered us from the Penalty of the Scorching Wind.

28. "Truly, we did call unto Him from of old: truly it is He, the Beneficent, the Merciful!"

29. Therefore proclaim thou the praises [of thy Lord]: for by the Grace of thy Lord, thou art no [vulgar] soothsayer, nor art thou one possessed.

30. Or do they say:- "A Poet! we await for him some calamity [hatched] by Time!"

31. Say thou: "Await ye!- I too will wait along with you!"

32. Is it that their faculties of understanding urge them to this, or are they but a people transgressing beyond bounds?

33. Or do they say, "He fabricated the [Message]"? Nay, they have no faith!

34. Let them then produce a recital like unto it,- If [it be] they speak the truth!

35. Were they created of nothing, or were they themselves the creators?

36. Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, they have no firm belief.

37. Or are the Treasures of thy Lord with them, or are they the managers [of affairs]?

38. Or have they a ladder, by which they can [climb up to heaven and] listen [to its secrets]? Then let [such a] listener of theirs produce a manifest proof.

39. Or has He only daughters and ye have sons?

40. Or is it that thou dost ask for a reward, so that they are burdened with a load of debt?-

41. Or that the Unseen in it their hands, and they write it down?

42. Or do they intend a plot [against thee]? But those who defy Allah are themselves involved in a Plot!

43. Or have they a god other than Allah? Exalted is Allah far above the things they associate with Him!

44. Were they to see a piece of the sky falling [on them], they would [only] say: "Clouds gathered in heaps!"

45. So leave them alone until they encounter that Day of theirs, wherein they shall [perforce] swoon [with terror],-

46. The Day when their plotting will avail them nothing and no help shall be given them.

47. And verily, for those who do wrong, there is another punishment besides this: But most of them understand not.

48. Now await in patience the command of thy Lord: for verily thou art in Our eyes: and celebrate the praises of thy Lord the while thou standest forth, 269

49. And for part of the night also praise thou Him,- and at the retreat of the stars!

SURA 53. Najm, or the Star

1. By the Star when it goes down,-

2. Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled.

3. Nor does he say [aught] of [his own] Desire.

4. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him:

5. He was taught by one Mighty in Power,

6. Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared [in stately form];

7. While he was in the highest part of the horizon:

8. Then he approached and came closer,

9. And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or [even] nearer;

10. So did [Allah] convey the inspiration to His Servant- [conveyed] what He [meant] to convey.

11. The [Prophet's] [mind and] heart in no way falsified that which he saw.

12. Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw?

13. For indeed he saw him at a second descent,

14. Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass:

15. Near it is the Garden of Abode.

16. Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded [in mystery unspeakable!]

17. [His] sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong!

18. For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest!

19. Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza,

20. And another, the third [goddess], Manat?

21. What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female?

22. Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair!

23. These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,-for which Allah has sent down no authority [whatever]. They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!

24. Nay, shall man have [just] anything he hankers after?

25. But it is to Allah that the End and the Beginning [of all things] belong.

26. How many-so-ever be the angels in the heavens, their intercession will avail nothing except after Allah has given leave for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him.

27. Those who believe not in the Hereafter, name the angels with female names.

28. But they have no knowledge therein. They follow nothing but conjecture; and conjecture avails nothing against Truth.

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29. Therefore shun those who turn away from Our Message and desire nothing but the life of this world.

30. That is as far as knowledge will reach them. Verily thy Lord knoweth best those who stray from His Path, and He knoweth best those who receive guidance.

31. Yea, to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: so that He rewards those who do evil, according to their deeds, and He rewards those who do good, with what is best.

32. Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, only [falling into] small faults,- verily thy Lord is ample in forgiveness. He knows you well when He brings you out of the earth, And when ye are hidden in your mothers' wombs. Therefore justify not yourselves: He knows best who it is that guards against evil.

33. Seest thou one who turns back,

34. Gives a little, then hardens [his heart]?

35. What! Has he knowledge of the Unseen so that he can see?

36. Nay, is he not acquainted with what is in the Books of Moses-

37. And of Abraham who fulfilled his engagements?-

38. Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another;

39. That man can have nothing but what he strives for;

40. That [the fruit of] his striving will soon come in sight:

41. Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete;

42. That to thy Lord is the final Goal;

43. That it is He Who granteth Laughter and Tears;

44. That it is He Who granteth Death and Life;

45. That He did create in pairs,- male and female,

46. From a seed when lodged [in its place];

47. That He hath promised a Second Creation [Raising of the Dead];

48. That it is He Who giveth wealth and satisfaction;

49. That He is the Lord of Sirius [the Mighty Star];

50. And that it is He Who destroyed the [powerful] ancient 'Ad [people],

51. And the Thamud nor gave them a lease of perpetual life.

52. And before them, the people of Noah, for that they were [all] most unjust and most insolent transgressors,

53. And He destroyed the Overthrown Cities [of Sodom and Gomorrah].

54. So that [ruins unknown] have covered them up.

55. Then which of the gifts of thy Lord, [O man,] wilt thou dispute about?

56. This is a Warner, of the [series of] Warners of old!

57. The [Judgment] ever approaching draws nigh:

58. No [soul] but Allah can lay it bare.

59. Do ye then wonder at this recital? 271

60. And will ye laugh and not weep,-

61. Wasting your time in vanities?

62. But fall ye down in prostration to Allah, and adore [Him]! SURA 54. Qamar, or the Moon

1. The Hour [of Judgment] is nigh, and the moon is cleft asunder.

2. But if they see a Sign, they turn away, and say, "This is [but] transient magic."

3. They reject [the warning] and follow their [own] lusts but every matter has its appointed time.

4. There have already come to them Recitals wherein there is [enough] to check [them],

5. Mature wisdom;- but [the preaching of] Warners profits them not.

6. Therefore, [0 Prophet,] turn away from them. The Day that the Caller will call [them] to a terrible affair,

7. They will come forth,- their eyes humbled - from [their] graves, [torpid] like locusts scattered abroad,

8. Hastening, with eyes transfixed, towards the Caller!- "Hard is this Day!", the Unbelievers will say.

9. Before them the People of Noah rejected [their messenger]: they rejected Our servant, and said, "Here is one possessed!", and he was driven out.

10. Then he called on his Lord: "I am one overcome: do Thou then help [me]!"

11. So We opened the gates of heaven, with water pouring forth.

12. And We caused the earth to gush forth with springs, so the waters met [and rose] to the extent decreed.

13. But We bore him on an [Ark] made of broad planks and caulked with palmfibre:

14. She floats under our eyes [and care]: a recompense to one who had been rejected [with scorn]!

15. And We have left this as a Sign [for all time]: then is there any that will receive admonition?

16. But how [terrible] was My Penalty and My Warning?

17. And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?

18. The 'Ad [people] [too] rejected [Truth]: then how terrible was My Penalty and My Warning?

19. For We sent against them a furious wind, on a Day of violent Disaster,

20. Plucking out men as if they were roots of palm-trees torn up [from the ground].

21. Yea, how [terrible] was My Penalty and My Warning!

22. But We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?

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23. The Thamud [also] rejected [their] Warners.

24. For they said: "What! a man! a Solitary one from among ourselves! shall we follow such a one? Truly should we then be straying in mind, and mad!

25. "Is it that the Message is sent to him, of all people amongst us? Nay, he is a liar, an insolent one!"

26. Ah! they will know on the morrow, which is the liar, the insolent one!

27. For We will send the she-camel by way of trial for them. So watch them, [O Salih], and possess thyself in patience!

28. And tell them that the water is to be divided between them: Each one's right to drink being brought forward [by suitable turns].

29. But they called to their companion, and he took a sword in hand, and hamstrung [her].

30. Ah! how [terrible] was My Penalty and My Warning!

31. For We sent against them a single Mighty Blast, and they became like the dry stubble used by one who pens cattle.

32. And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?

33. The people of Lut rejected [his] warning.

34. We sent against them a violent Tornado with showers of stones, [which destroyed them], except Lut's household: them We delivered by early Dawn,-

35. As a Grace from Us: thus do We reward those who give thanks.

36. And [Lut] did warn them of Our Punishment, but they disputed about the Warning.

37. And they even sought to snatch away his guests from him, but We blinded their eyes. [They heard:] "Now taste ye My Wrath and My Warning."

38. Early on the morrow an abiding Punishment seized them:

39. "So taste ye My Wrath and My Warning."

40. And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?

41. To the People of Pharaoh, too, aforetime, came Warners [from Allah].

42. The [people] rejected all Our Signs; but We seized them with such Penalty [as comes] from One Exalted in Power, able to carry out His Will.

43. Are your Unbelievers, [O Quraish], better than they? Or have ye an immunity in the Sacred Books?

44. Or do they say: "We acting together can defend ourselves"?

45. Soon will their multitude be put to flight, and they will show their backs.

46. Nay, the Hour [of Judgment] is the time promised them [for their full recompense]: And that Hour will be most grievous and most bitter.

47. Truly those in sin are the ones straying in mind, and mad.

48. The Day they will be dragged through the Fire on their faces, [they will hear:] "Taste ye the touch of Hell!"

49. Verily, all things have We created in proportion and measure. 273

50. And Our Command is but a single [Act],- like the twinkling of an eye.

51. And [oft] in the past, have We destroyed gangs like unto you: then is there any that will receive admonition?

52. All that they do is noted in [their] Books [of Deeds]:

53. Every matter, small and great, is on record.

54. As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers,

55. In an Assembly of Truth, in the Presence of a Sovereign Omnipotent. SURA 55. Rahman, or (Allah) Most Gracious

1. [Allah] Most Gracious!

2. It is He Who has taught the Qur'an.

3. He has created man:

4. He has taught him speech [and intelligence].

5. The sun and the moon follow courses [exactly] computed;

6. And the herbs and the trees - both [alike] prostrate in adoration.

7. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance [of Justice],

8. In order that ye may not transgress [due] balance.

9. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance.

10. It is He Who has spread out the earth for [His] creatures:

11. Therein is fruit and date-palms, producing spathes [enclosing dates];

12. Also corn, with [its] leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling plants.

13. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

14. He created man from sounding clay like unto pottery,

15. And He created Jinns from fire free of smoke:

16. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

17. [He is] Lord of the two Easts and Lord of the two Wests:

18. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

19. He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together:

20. Between them is a Barrier which they do not transgress:

21. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

22. Out of them come Pearls and Coral:

23. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

24. And His are the Ships sailing smoothly through the seas, lofty as mountains:

25. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

26. All that is on earth will perish: 274

27. But will abide [for ever] the Face of thy Lord,- full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour.

28. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

29. Of Him seeks [its need] every creature in the heavens and on earth: every day in [new] Splendour doth He [shine]!

30. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

31. Soon shall We settle your affairs, O both ye worlds!

32. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

33. O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass!

34. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

35. On you will be sent [O ye evil ones twain!] a flame of fire [to burn] and a smoke [to choke]: no defence will ye have:

36. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

37. When the sky is rent asunder, and it becomes red like ointment:

38. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

39. On that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin.

40. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

41. [For] the sinners will be known by their marks: and they will be seized by their forelocks and their feet.

42. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

43. This is the Hell which the Sinners deny:

44. In its midst and in the midst of boiling hot water will they wander round!

45. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

46. But for such as fear the time when they will stand before [the Judgment Seat of] their Lord, there will be two Gardens-

47. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

48. Containing all kinds [of trees and delights];-

49. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

50. In them [each] will be two Springs flowing [free];

51. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

52. In them will be Fruits of every kind, two and two.

53. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

54. They will recline on Carpets, whose inner linings will be of rich brocade: the Fruit of the Gardens will be near [and easy of reach].

55. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

56. In them will be [Maidens], chaste, restraining their glances, whom no man or Jinn before them has touched;-

57. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

58. Like unto Rubies and coral. 275

59. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

60. Is there any Reward for Good - other than Good?

61. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

62. And besides these two, there are two other Gardens,-

63. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

64. Dark-green in colour [from plentiful watering].

65. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

66. In them [each] will be two Springs pouring forth water in continuous abundance:

67. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

68. In them will be Fruits, and dates and pomegranates:

69. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

70. In them will be fair [Companions], good, beautiful;-

71. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

72. Companions restrained [as to their glances], in [goodly] pavilions;-

73. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

74. Whom no man or Jinn before them has touched;-

75. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

76. Reclining on green Cushions and rich Carpets of beauty.

77. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

78. Blessed be the name of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour. SURA 56. Waqia, or The Inevitable Event

1. When the Event inevitable cometh to pass,

2. Then will no [soul] entertain falsehood concerning its coming.

3. [Many] will it bring low; [many] will it exalt;

4. When the earth shall be shaken to its depths,

5. And the mountains shall be crumbled to atoms,

6. Becoming dust scattered abroad,

7. And ye shall be sorted out into three classes.

8. Then [there will be] the Companions of the Right Hand;- What will be the Companions of the Right Hand?

9. And the Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Left Hand?

10. And those Foremost [in Faith] will be Foremost [in the Hereafter].

11. These will be those Nearest to Allah:

12. In Gardens of Bliss:

13. A number of people from those of old, 276

14. And a few from those of later times.

15. [They will be] on Thrones encrusted [with gold and precious stones],

16. Reclining on them, facing each other.

17. Round about them will [serve] youths of perpetual [freshness],

18. With goblets, [shining] beakers, and cups [filled] out of clear-flowing fountains:

19. No after-ache will they receive therefrom, nor will they suffer intoxication:

20. And with fruits, any that they may select:

21. And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.

22. And [there will be] Companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes,-

23. Like unto Pearls well-guarded.

24. A Reward for the deeds of their past [life].

25. Not frivolity will they hear therein, nor any taint of ill,-

26. Only the saying, "Peace! Peace".

27. The Companions of the Right Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Right Hand?

28. [They will be] among Lote-trees without thorns,

29. Among Talh trees with flowers [or fruits] piled one above another,-

30. In shade long-extended,

31. By water flowing constantly,

32. And fruit in abundance.

33. Whose season is not limited, nor [supply] forbidden,

34. And on Thrones [of Dignity], raised high.

35. We have created [their Companions] of special creation.

36. And made them virgin - pure [and undefiled], -

37. Beloved [by nature], equal in age,-

38. For the Companions of the Right Hand.

39. A [goodly] number from those of old,

40. And a [goodly] number from those of later times.

41. The Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Left Hand?

42. [They will be] in the midst of a Fierce Blast of Fire and in Boiling Water,

43. And in the shades of Black Smoke:

44. Nothing [will there be] to refresh, nor to please:

45. For that they were wont to be indulged, before that, in wealth [and luxury],

46. And persisted obstinately in wickedness supreme!

47. And they used to say, "What! when we die and become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be raised up again?-

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48. "[We] and our fathers of old?"

49. Say: "Yea, those of old and those of later times,

50. "All will certainly be gathered together for the meeting appointed for a Day well-known.

51. "Then will ye truly,- O ye that go wrong, and treat [Truth] as Falsehood!-

52. "Ye will surely taste of the Tree of Zaqqum.

53. "Then will ye fill your insides therewith,

54. "And drink Boiling Water on top of it:

55. "Indeed ye shall drink like diseased camels raging with thirst!"

56. Such will be their entertainment on the Day of Requital!

57. It is We Who have created you: why will ye not witness the Truth?

58. Do ye then see?- The [human Seed] that ye throw out,-

59. Is it ye who create it, or are We the Creators?

60. We have decreed Death to be your common lot, and We are not to be frustrated

61. from changing your Forms and creating you [again] in [forms] that ye know not.

62. And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not celebrate His praises?

63. See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground?

64. Is it ye that cause it to grow, or are We the Cause?

65. Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry powder, and ye would be left in wonderment,

66. [Saying], "We are indeed left with debts [for nothing]:

67. "Indeed are we shut out [of the fruits of our labour]"

68. See ye the water which ye drink?

69. Do ye bring it down [in rain] from the cloud or do We?

70. Were it Our Will, We could make it salt [and unpalatable]: then why do ye not give thanks?

71. See ye the Fire which ye kindle?

72. Is it ye who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?

73. We have made it a memorial [of Our handiwork], and an article of comfort and convenience for the denizens of deserts.

74. Then celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme!

75. Furthermore I call to witness the setting of the Stars,-

76. And that is indeed a mighty adjuration if ye but knew,-

77. That this is indeed a qur'an Most Honourable,

78. In Book well-guarded,

79. Which none shall touch but those who are clean:

80. A Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds. 278

81. Is it such a Message that ye would hold in light esteem?

82. And have ye made it your livelihood that ye should declare it false?

83. Then why do ye not [intervene] when [the soul of the dying man] reaches the throat,-

84. And ye the while [sit] looking on,-

85. But We are nearer to him than ye, and yet see not,-

86. Then why do ye not,- If you are exempt from [future] account,-

87. Call back the soul, if ye are true [in the claim of independence]?

88. Thus, then, if he be of those Nearest to Allah,

89. [There is for him] Rest and Satisfaction, and a Garden of Delights.

90. And if he be of the Companions of the Right Hand,

91. [For him is the salutation], "Peace be unto thee", from the Companions of the Right Hand.

92. And if he be of those who treat [Truth] as Falsehood, who go wrong,

93. For him is Entertainment with Boiling Water.

94. And burning in Hell-Fire.

95. Verily, this is the Very Truth and Certainly.

96. So celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme. SURA 57. Hadid, or Iron

1. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth,- let it declare the Praises and Glory of Allah: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

2. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: It is He Who gives Life and Death; and He has Power over all things.

3. He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full knowledge of all things.

4 . He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and is moreover firmly established on the Throne [of Authority]. He knows what enters within the earth and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven and what mounts up to it. And He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And Allah sees well all that ye do.

5. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: and all affairs are referred back to Allah.

6. He merges Night into Day, and He merges Day into Night; and He has full knowledge of the secrets of [all] hearts.

7. Believe in Allah and His messenger, and spend [in charity] out of the [substance] whereof He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend [in charity],- for them is a great Reward.

8. What cause have ye why ye should not believe in Allah?- and the Messenger invites you to believe in your Lord, and has indeed taken your Covenant, if ye are men of Faith.

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9. He is the One Who sends to His Servant Manifest Signs, that He may lead you from the depths of Darkness into the Light and verily Allah is to you most kind and Merciful.

10. And what cause have ye why ye should not spend in the cause of Allah?- For to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who spent [freely] and fought, before the Victory, [with those who did so later]. Those are higher in rank than those who spent [freely] and fought afterwards. But to all has Allah promised a goodly [reward]. And Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do.

11. Who is he that will Loan to Allah a beautiful loan? for [Allah] will increase it manifold to his credit, and he will have [besides] a liberal Reward.

12. One Day shalt thou see the believing men and the believing women- how their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands: [their greeting will be]: "Good News for you this Day! Gardens beneath which flow rivers! to dwell therein for aye! This is indeed the highest Achievement!"

13. One Day will the Hypocrites- men and women - say to the Believers: "Wait for us! Let us borrow [a Light] from your Light!" It will be said: "Turn ye back to your rear! then seek a Light [where ye can]!" So a wall will be put up betwixt them, with a gate therein. Within it will be Mercy throughout, and without it, all alongside, will be [Wrath and] Punishment!

14. [Those without] will call out, "Were we not with you?" [The others] will reply, "True! but ye led yourselves into temptation; ye looked forward [to our ruin]; ye doubted [Allah's Promise]; and [your false] desires deceived you; until there issued the Command of Allah. And the Deceiver deceived you in respect of Allah.

15. "This Day shall no ransom be accepted of you, nor of those who rejected Allah." Your abode is the Fire: that is the proper place to claim you: and an evil refuge it is!"

16. Has not the Time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and of the Truth which has been revealed [to them], and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors.

17. Know ye [all] that Allah giveth life to the earth after its death! already have We shown the Signs plainly to you, that ye may learn wisdom.

18. For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold [to their credit], and they shall have [besides] a liberal reward.

19. And those who believe in Allah and His messengers- they are the Sincere

[lovers of Truth], and the witnesses [who testify], in the eyes of their Lord: They shall have their Reward and their Light. But those who reject Allah and deny Our Signs,- they are the Companions of Hell-Fire.

20. Know ye [all], that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, [in rivalry] among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight [the hearts of] the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe [for the devotees of wrong]. And Forgiveness from Allah and [His] Good Pleasure [for the devotees of Allah]. And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception?

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21. Be ye foremost [in seeking] Forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden [of Bliss], the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers: that is the Grace of Allah, which He bestows on whom he pleases: and Allah is the Lord of Grace abounding.

22. No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: That is truly easy for Allah:

23. In order that ye may not despair over matters that pass you by, nor exult over favours bestowed upon you. For Allah loveth not any vainglorious boaster,-

24. Such persons as are covetous and commend covetousness to men. And if any turn back [from Allah's Way], verily Allah is Free of all Needs, Worthy of all Praise.

25. We sent aforetime our messengers with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance [of Right and Wrong], that men may stand forth in justice; and We sent down Iron, in which is [material for] mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allah may test who it is that will help, Unseen, Him and His messengers: For Allah is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might [and able to enforce His Will].

26. And We sent Noah and Abraham, and established in their line Prophethood and Revelation: and some of them were on right guidance. But many of them became rebellious transgressors.

27. Then, in their wake, We followed them up with [others of] Our messengers: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: [We commanded] only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of Allah; but that they did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who believed, their [due] reward, but many of them are rebellious transgressors.

28. 0 ye that believe! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger, and He will bestow on you a double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a Light by which ye shall walk [straight in your path], and He will forgive you [your past]: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

29. That the People of the Book may know that they have no power whatever over the Grace of Allah, that [His] Grace is [entirely] in His Hand, to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. For Allah is the Lord of Grace abounding.

SURA 58. Mujadila, or The Woman who Pleads

1. Allah has indeed heard [and accepted] the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband and carries her complaint [in prayer] to Allah: and Allah [always] hears the arguments between both sides among you: for Allah hears and sees [all things].

2. If any men among you divorce their wives by Zihar [calling them mothers], they cannot be their mothers: None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And in fact they use words [both] iniquitous and false: but truly Allah is one that blots out [sins], and forgives [again and again].

3. But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they uttered,- [It is ordained that such a one] should free a slave before they touch each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and Allah is wellacquainted with [all] that ye do.

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4. And if any has not [the wherewithal], he should fast for two months consecutively before they touch each other. But if any is unable to do so, he should feed sixty indigent ones, this, that ye may show your faith in Allah and His Messenger. Those are limits [set by] Allah. For those who reject [Him], there is a grievous Penalty.

5. Those who resist Allah and His Messenger will be humbled to dust, as were those before them: for We have already sent down Clear Signs. And the Unbelievers [will have] a humiliating Penalty,-

6. On the Day that Allah will raise them all up [again] and show them the Truth [and meaning] of their conduct. Allah has reckoned its [value], though they may have forgotten it, for Allah is Witness to all things.

7. Seest thou not that Allah doth know [all] that is in the heavens and on earth? There is not a secret consultation between three, but He makes the fourth among them, - Nor between five but He makes the sixth,- nor between fewer nor more, but He is in their midst, wheresoever they be: In the end will He tell them the truth of their conduct, on the Day of Judgment. For Allah has full knowledge of all things.

8. Turnest thou not thy sight towards those who were forbidden secret counsels yet revert to that which they were forbidden [to do]? And they hold secret counsels among themselves for iniquity and hostility, and disobedience to the Messenger. And when they come to thee, they salute thee, not as Allah salutes thee, [but in crooked ways]: And they say to themselves, "Why does not Allah punish us for our words?" Enough for them is Hell: In it will they burn, and evil is that destination!

9. 0 ye who believe! When ye hold secret counsel, do it not for iniquity and hostility, and disobedience to the Prophet; but do it for righteousness and self-restraint; and fear Allah, to Whom ye shall be brought back.

10. Secret counsels are only [inspired] by the Evil One, in order that he may cause grief to the Believers; but he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allah permits; and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.

11. O ye who believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies, [spread out and] make room: [ample] room will Allah provide for you. And when ye are told to rise up, rise up Allah will rise up, to [suitable] ranks [and degrees], those of you who believe and who have been granted [mystic] Knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all ye do.

12. O ye who believe! When ye consult the Messenger in private, spend something in charity before your private consultation. That will be best for you, and most conducive to purity [of conduct]. But if ye find not [the wherewithal], Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

13. Is it that ye are afraid of spending sums in charity before your private consultation [with him]? If, then, ye do not so, and Allah forgives you, then [at least] establish regular prayer; practise regular charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.

14. Turnest thou not thy attention to those who turn [in friendship] to such as have the Wrath of Allah upon them? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear to falsehood knowingly.

15. Allah has prepared for them a severe Penalty: evil indeed are their deeds.

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17. Of no profit whatever to them, against Allah, will be their riches nor their sons: they will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein [for aye]!

18. One day will Allah raise them all up [for Judgment]: then will they swear to Him as they swear to you: And they think that they have something [to stand upon]. No, indeed! they are but liars!

19. The Evil One has got the better of them: so he has made them lose the remembrance of Allah. They are the Party of the Evil One. Truly, it is the Party of the Evil One that will perish!

20. Those who resist Allah and His Messenger will be among those most humiliated.

21. Allah has decreed: "It is I and My messengers who must prevail": For Allah is One full of strength, able to enforce His Will.

22. Thou wilt not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, loving those who resist Allah and His Messenger, even though they were their fathers or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred. For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein [for ever]. Allah will be well pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allah. Truly it is the Party of Allah that will achieve Felicity.

SURA 59. Hashr, or The Gathering (or Banishment)

1. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, let it declare the Praises and Glory of Allah: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

2. It is He Who got out the Unbelievers among the People of the Book from their homes at the first gathering [of the forces]. Little did ye think that they would get out: And they thought that their fortresses would defend them from Allah! But the [Wrath of] Allah came to them from quarters from which they little expected [it], and cast terror into their hearts, so that they destroyed their dwellings by their own hands and the hands of the Believers, take warning, then, O ye with eyes [to see]!

3. And had it not been that Allah had decreed banishment for them, He would certainly have punished them in this world: And in the Hereafter they shall [certainly] have the Punishment of the Fire.

4. That is because they resisted Allah and His Messenger: and if any one resists Allah, verily Allah is severe in Punishment.

5. Whether ye cut down [0 ye Muslim!] The tender palm-trees, or ye left them standing on their roots, it was by leave of Allah, and in order that He might cover with shame the rebellious transgresses.

6. What Allah has bestowed on His Messenger [and taken away] from them - for this ye made no expedition with either cavalry or camelry: but Allah gives power to His messengers over any He pleases: and Allah has power over all things.

7. What Allah has bestowed on His Messenger [and taken away] from the people of the townships,- belongs to Allah,- to His Messenger and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer; In order that it may not [merely] make a circuit between the wealthy among you. So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. And fear Allah; for Allah is strict in Punishment.

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8. [Some part is due] to the indigent Muhajirs, those who were expelled from their homes and their property, while seeking Grace from Allah and [His] Good Pleasure, and aiding Allah and His Messenger: such are indeed the sincere ones:-

9. But those who before them, had homes [in Medina] and had adopted the Faith,-show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the [latter], but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their [own lot]. And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls,- they are the ones that achieve prosperity.

10. And those who came after them say: "Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who came before us into the Faith, and leave not, in our hearts, rancour [or sense of injury] against those who have believed. Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful."

11. Hast thou not observed the Hypocrites say to their misbelieving brethren among the People of the Book? - "If ye are expelled, we too will go out with you, and we will never hearken to any one in your affair; and if ye are attacked [in fight] we will help you". But Allah is witness that they are indeed liars.

12. If they are expelled, never will they go out with them; and if they are attacked [in fight], they will never help them; and if they do help them, they will turn their backs; so they will receive no help.

13. Of a truth ye are stronger [than they] because of the terror in their hearts, [sent] by Allah. This is because they are men devoid of understanding.

14. They will not fight you [even] together, except in fortified townships, or from behind walls. Strong is their fighting [spirit] amongst themselves: thou wouldst think they were united, but their hearts are divided: that is because they are a people devoid of wisdom.

15. Like those who lately preceded them, they have tasted the evil result of their conduct; and [in the Hereafter there is] for them a grievous Penalty;-

16. [Their allies deceived them], like the Evil One, when he says to man, "Deny Allah": but when [man] denies Allah, [the Evil One] says, "I am free of thee: I do fear Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!"

17. The end of both will be that they will go into the Fire, dwelling therein for ever. Such is the reward of the wrong-doers.

18. O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul look to what [provision] He has sent forth for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with [all] that ye do.

19. And be ye not like those who forgot Allah; and He made them forget their own souls! Such are the rebellious transgressors!

20. Not equal are the Companions of the Fire and the Companions of the Garden: it is the Companions of the Garden, that will achieve Felicity.

21. Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, verily, thou wouldst have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah. Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect.

22. Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god;- Who knows [all things] both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

23. Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god;- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace [and Perfection], the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! [High is He] above the partners they attribute to Him.

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24. He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms [or Colours]. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. SURA 60. Mumtahana, or the Woman to be Examined

1. O ye who believe! Take not my enemies and yours as friends [or protectors], -offering them [your] love, even though they have rejected the Truth that has come to you, and have [on the contrary] driven out the Prophet and yourselves

[from your homes], [simply] because ye believe in Allah your Lord! If ye have come out to strive in My Way and to seek My Good Pleasure, [take them not as friends], holding secret converse of love [and friendship] with them: for I know full well all that ye conceal and all that ye reveal. And any of you that does this has strayed from the Straight Path.

2. If they were to get the better of you, they would behave to you as enemies, and stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you for evil: and they desire that ye should reject the Truth.

3. Of no profit to you will be your relatives and your children on the Day of Judgment: He will judge between you: for Allah sees well all that ye do.

4. There is for you an excellent example [to follow] in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: "We are clear of you and of whatever ye worship besides Allah: we have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred for ever,- unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone": But not when Abraham said to his father: "I will pray for forgiveness for thee, though I have no power [to get] aught on thy behalf from Allah." [They prayed]: "Our Lord! in Thee do we trust, and to Thee do we turn in repentance: to Thee is [our] Final Goal.

5. "Our Lord! Make us not a [test and] trial for the Unbelievers, but forgive us, our Lord! for Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

6. There was indeed in them an excellent example for you to follow,- for those whose hope is in Allah and in the Last Day. But if any turn away, truly Allah is Free of all Wants, Worthy of all Praise.

7. It may be that Allah will grant love [and friendship] between you and those whom ye [now] hold as enemies. For Allah has power [over all things]; And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

8. Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for [your] Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.

9. Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for [your] Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support [others] in driving you out, from turning to them [for friendship and protection]. It is such as turn to them [in these circumstances], that do wrong.

10. O ye who believe! When there come to you believing women refugees, examine [and test] them: Allah knows best as to their Faith: if ye ascertain that they are Believers, then send them not back to the Unbelievers. They are not lawful [wives] for the Unbelievers, nor are the [Unbelievers] lawful [husbands] for them. But pay the Unbelievers what they have spent [on their dower], and there will be no blame on you if ye marry them on payment of their dower to them. But hold not to the guardianship of unbelieving women: ask for what ye have spent on their dowers, and let the [Unbelievers] ask for what they have spent [on the 285

dowers of women who come over to you]. Such is the command of Allah: He judges [with justice] between you. And Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.

11. And if any of your wives deserts you to the Unbelievers, and ye have an accession [by the coming over of a woman from the other side], then pay to those whose wives have deserted the equivalent of what they had spent [on their dower]. And fear Allah, in Whom ye believe.

12. 0 Prophet! When believing women come to thee to take the oath of fealty to thee, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery [or fornication], that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood, and that they will not disobey thee in any just matter,- then do thou receive their fealty, and pray to Allah for the forgiveness [of their sins]: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

13. 0 ye who believe! Turn not [for friendship] to people on whom is the Wrath of Allah, of the Hereafter they are already in despair, just as the Unbelievers are in despair about those [buried] in graves.

SURA 61. Saff, or Battle Array

1. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, let it declare the Praises and Glory of Allah: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

2. O ye who believe! Why say ye that which ye do not?

3. Grievously odious is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not.

4. Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure.

5. And remember, Moses said to his people: "O my people! why do ye vex and insult me, though ye know that I am the messenger of Allah [sent] to you?" Then when they went wrong, Allah let their hearts go wrong. For Allah guides not those who are rebellious transgressors.

6. And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the

messenger of Allah [sent] to you, confirming the Law [which came] before me, and giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad." But when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said, "this is evident sorcery!"

7. Who doth greater wrong than one who invents falsehood against Allah, even as he is being invited to Islam? And Allah guides not those who do wrong.

8. Their intention is to extinguish Allah 1 s Light [by blowing] with their mouths: But Allah will complete [the revelation of] His Light, even though the Unbelievers may detest [it].

9. It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest [it] .

10. O ye who believe! Shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a grievous Penalty?-

11. That ye believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that ye strive [your utmost] in the Cause of Allah, with your property and your persons: That will be best for you, if ye but knew!

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12. He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the Supreme Achievement.

13. And another [favour will He bestow,] which ye do love,- help from Allah and a speedy victory. So give the Glad Tidings to the Believers.

14. O ye who believe! Be ye helpers of Allah: As said Jesus the son of Mary to the Disciples, "Who will be my helpers to [the work of] Allah?" Said the disciples, "We are Allah's helpers!" then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved: But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed.

SURA 62. Jumua, or the Assembly (Friday) Prayer.

1. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory of Allah,- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

2. It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered a messenger from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom,- although they had been, before, in manifest error;-

3. As well as [to confer all these benefits upon] others of them, who have not already joined them: And He is exalted in Might, Wise.

4. Such is the Bounty of Allah, which He bestows on whom He will: and Allah is the Lord of the highest bounty.

5. The similitude of those who were charged with the [obligations of the] Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those [obligations], is that of a donkey which carries huge tomes [but understands them not]. Evil is the similitude of people who falsify the Signs of Allah: and Allah guides not people who do wrong.

6. Say: "O ye that stand on Judaism! If ye think that ye are friends to Allah, to the exclusion of [other] men, then express your desire for Death, if ye are truthful!"

7. But never will they express their desire [for Death], because of the [deeds] their hands have sent on before them! and Allah knows well those that do wrong!

8. Say: "The Death from which ye flee will truly overtake you: then will ye be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you [the truth of] the things that ye did!"

9. O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday [the Day of Assembly], hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave off business [and traffic]: That is best for you if ye but knew!

10. And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: and celebrate the Praises of Allah often [and without stint]: that ye may prosper.

11. But when they see some bargain or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave thee standing. Say: "The [blessing] from the Presence of Allah is better than any amusement or bargain! and Allah is the Best to provide [for all needs]."

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SURA 63. Munafiqun, or the Hypocrites

1. When the Hypocrites come to thee, they say, "We bear witness that thou art indeed the Messenger of Allah." Yea, Allah knoweth that thou art indeed His Messenger, and Allah beareth witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars.

2. They have made their oaths a screen [for their misdeeds]: thus they obstruct [men] from the Path of Allah: truly evil are their deeds.

3. That is because they believed, then they rejected Faith: So a seal was set on their hearts: therefore they understand not.

4. When thou lookest at them, their exteriors please thee; and when they speak, thou listenest to their words. They are as [worthless as hollow] pieces of

timber propped up, [unable to stand on their own]. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies; so beware of them. The curse of Allah be on them! How are they deluded [away from the Truth]!

5. And when it is said to them, "Come, the Messenger of Allah will pray for your forgiveness", they turn aside their heads, and thou wouldst see them turning away their faces in arrogance.

6. It is equal to them whether thou pray for their forgiveness or not. Allah will not forgive them. Truly Allah guides not rebellious transgressors.

7. They are the ones who say, "Spend nothing on those who are with Allah's Messenger, to the end that they may disperse [and quit Medina]." But to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth; but the Hypocrites understand not.

8. They say, "If we return to Medina, surely the more honourable [element] will expel therefrom the meaner." But honour belongs to Allah and His Messenger, and to the Believers; but the Hypocrites know not.

9. 0 ye who believe! Let not your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any act thus, the loss is their own.

10. and spend something [in charity] out of the substance which We have bestowed on you, before Death should come to any of you and he should say, "O my Lord! why didst Thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given [largely] in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good".

11. But to no soul will Allah grant respite when the time appointed [for it] has come; and Allah is well acquainted with [all] that ye do.

SURA 64. Tagabun, or Mutual Loss and Gain

1. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory of Allah: to Him belongs dominion, and to Him belongs praise: and He has power over all things.

2. It is He Who has created you; and of you are some that are Unbelievers, and some that are Believers: and Allah sees well all that ye do.

3. He has created the heavens and the earth in just proportions, and has given you shape, and made your shapes beautiful: and to Him is the final Goal.

4. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth; and He knows what ye conceal and what ye reveal: yea, Allah knows well the [secrets] of [all] hearts.

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5. Has not the story reached you, of those who rejected Faith aforetime? So they tasted the evil result of their conduct; and they had a grievous Penalty.

6. That was because there came to them messengers with Clear Signs, but they said: "Shall [mere] human beings direct us?" So they rejected [the Message] and turned away. But Allah can do without [them]: and Allah is free of all needs, worthy of all praise.

7. The Unbelievers think that they will not be raised up [for Judgment]. Say: "Yea, By my Lord, Ye shall surely be raised up: then shall ye be told [the truth] of all that ye did. And that is easy for Allah."

8. Believe, therefore, in Allah and His Messenger, and in the Light which we have sent down. And Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do.

9. The Day that He assembles you [all] for a Day of Assembly,- that will be a Day of mutual loss and gain [among you], and those who believe in Allah and work righteousness,- He will remove from them their ills, and He will admit them to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever: that will be the Supreme Achievement.

10. But those who reject Faith and treat Our Signs as falsehoods, they will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein for aye: and evil is that Goal.

11. No kind of calamity can occur, except by the leave of Allah: and if any one believes in Allah, [Allah] guides his heart [aright]: for Allah knows all things.

12. So obey Allah, and obey His Messenger: but if ye turn back, the duty of Our Messenger is but to proclaim [the Message] clearly and openly.

13. Allah! There is no god but He: and on Allah, therefore, let the Believers put their trust.

14. 0 ye who believe! Truly, among your wives and your children are [some that are] enemies to yourselves: so beware of them! But if ye forgive and overlook, and cover up [their faults], verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

15. Your riches and your children may be but a trial: but in the Presence of Allah, is the highest, Reward.

16. So fear Allah as much as ye can; listen and obey and spend in charity for the benefit of your own soul and those saved from the covetousness of their own souls,- they are the ones that achieve prosperity.

17. If ye loan to Allah, a beautiful loan, He will double it to your [credit], and He will grant you Forgiveness: for Allah is most Ready to appreciate [service], Most Forbearing,-

18. Knower of what is open, Exalted in Might, Full of Wisdom.

SURA 65. Talaq, or Divorce

1. 0 Prophet! When ye do divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count [accurately], their prescribed periods: And fear Allah your Lord: and turn them not out of their houses, nor shall they [themselves] leave, except in case they are guilty of some open lewdness, those are limits set by Allah: and any who transgresses the limits of Allah, does verily wrong his [own] soul: thou knowest not if perchance Allah will bring about thereafter some new situation.

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2. Thus when they fulfil their term appointed, either take them back on equitable terms or part with them on equitable terms; and take for witness two persons from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence [as] before Allah. Such is the admonition given to him who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And for those who fear Allah, He [ever] prepares a way out,

3. And He provides for him from [sources] he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is [Allah] for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.

4. Such of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the prescribed period, if ye have any doubts, is three months, and for those who have no courses [it is the same]: for those who carry [life within their wombs], their period is until they deliver their burdens: and for those who fear Allah, He will make their path easy.

5. That is the Command of Allah, which He has sent down to you: and if any one fears Allah, He will remove his ills, from him, and will enlarge his reward.

6. Let the women live [in 'iddat] in the same style as ye live, according to your means: Annoy them not, so as to restrict them. And if they carry [life in their wombs], then spend [your substance] on them until they deliver their burden: and if they suckle your [offspring], give them their recompense: and take mutual counsel together, according to what is just and reasonable. And if ye find yourselves in difficulties, let another woman suckle [the child] on the [father's] behalf.

7. Let the man of means spend according to his means: and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. After a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief.

8. How many populations that insolently opposed the Command of their Lord and of His messengers, did We not then call to account,- to severe account?- and We imposed on them an exemplary Punishment.

9. Then did they taste the evil result of their conduct, and the End of their conduct was Perdition.

10. Allah has prepared for them a severe Punishment [in the Hereafter]. Therefore fear Allah, O ye men of understanding - who have believed!- for Allah hath indeed sent down to you a Message,-

11. An Messenger, who rehearses to you the Signs of Allah containing clear explanations, that he may lead forth those who believe and do righteous deeds from the depths of Darkness into Light. And those who believe in Allah and work righteousness, He will admit to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever: Allah has indeed granted for them a most excellent Provision.

12. Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar number. Through the midst of them [all] descends His Command: that ye may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends, all things in [His] Knowledge.

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SURA 66. Tahrim, or Holding (something) to be Forbidden

1. O Prophet! Why holdest thou to be forbidden that which Allah has made lawful to thee? Thou seekest to please thy consorts. But Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.

2. Allah has already ordained for you, [O men], the dissolution of your oaths [in some cases]: and Allah is your Protector, and He is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.

3. When the Prophet disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his consorts, and she then divulged it [to another], and Allah made it known to him, he confirmed part thereof and repudiated a part. Then when he told her thereof, she said, "Who told thee this? "He said, "He told me Who knows and is well-acquainted [with all things]."

4. If ye two turn in repentance to Him, your hearts are indeed so inclined; But if ye back up each other against him, truly Allah is his Protector, and Gabriel, and [every] righteous one among those who believe,- and furthermore, the angels - will back [him] up.

5. It may be, if he divorced you [all], that Allah will give him in exchange consorts better than you,- who submit [their wills], who believe, who are devout, who turn to Allah in repentance, who worship [in humility], who travel [for Faith] and fast,- previously married or virgins.

6. 0 ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones, over which are [appointed] angels stern [and] severe, who flinch not [from executing] the Commands they receive from Allah, but do [precisely] what they are commanded.

7. [They will say], "0 ye Unbelievers! Make no excuses this Day! Ye are being but requited for all that ye did!"

8. 0 ye who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance: In the hope that your Lord will remove from you your ills and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow,- the Day that Allah will not permit to be humiliated the Prophet and those who believe with him. Their Light will run forward before them and by their right hands, while they say, "Our Lord! Perfect our Light for us, and grant us Forgiveness: for Thou hast power over all things."

9. 0 Prophet! Strive hard against the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell,- an evil refuge [indeed].

10. Allah sets forth, for an example to the Unbelievers, the wife of Noah and the wife of Lut: they were [respectively] under two of our righteous servants, but they were false to their [husbands], and they profited nothing before Allah on their account, but were told: "Enter ye the Fire along with [others] that enter!"

11. And Allah sets forth, as an example to those who believe the wife of Pharaoh: Behold she said: "0 my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to Thee, a mansion in the Garden, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those that do wrong";

12. And Mary the daughter of 'Imran, who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into [her body] of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His Revelations, and was one of the devout [servants].

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SURA 67. Mulk, or Dominion

1. Blessed be He in Whose hands is Dominion; and He over all things hath Power;-

2. He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving;-

3. He Who created the seven heavens one above another: No want of proportion wilt thou see in the Creation of [Allah] Most Gracious. So turn thy vision again: seest thou any flaw?

4. Again turn thy vision a second time: [thy] vision will come back to thee dull and discomfited, in a state worn out.

5. And we have, [from of old], adorned the lowest heaven with Lamps, and We have made such [Lamps] [as] missiles to drive away the Evil Ones, and have prepared for them the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.

6. For those who reject their Lord [and Cherisher] is the Penalty of Hell: and evil is [such], Destination.

7. When they are cast therein, they will hear the [terrible] drawing in of its breath even as it blazes forth,

8. Almost bursting with fury: Every time a Group is cast therein, its Keepers will ask, "Did no Warner come to you?"

9. They will say: "Yes indeed; a Warner did come to us, but we rejected him and said, 'Allah never sent down any [Message]: ye are nothing but an egregious delusion!'"

10. They will further say: "Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we should not [now] be among the Companions of the Blazing Fire!"

11. They will then confess their sins: but far will be [Forgiveness] from the Companions of the Blazing Fire!

12. As for those who fear their Lord unseen, for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward.

13. And whether ye hide your word or publish it, He certainly has [full] knowledge, of the secrets of [all] hearts.

14. Should He not know,- He that created? and He is the One that understands the finest mysteries [and] is well-acquainted [with them].

15. It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but unto Him is the Resurrection.

16. Do ye feel secure that He Who is in heaven will not cause you to be swallowed up by the earth when it shakes [as in an earthquake]?

17. Or do ye feel secure that He Who is in Heaven will not send against you a violent tornado [with showers of stones], so that ye shall know how [terrible] was My warning?

18. But indeed men before them rejected [My warning]: then how [terrible] was My

rejection [of them]?

19. Do they not observe the birds above them, spreading their wings and folding them in? None can uphold them except [Allah] Most Gracious: Truly [Allah] Most Gracious: Truly it is He that watches over all things.

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20. Nay, who is there that can help you, [even as] an army, besides [Allah] Most Merciful? In nothing but delusion are the Unbelievers.

21. Or who is there that can provide you with Sustenance if He were to withhold His provision? Nay, they obstinately persist in insolent impiety and flight [from the Truth].

22. Is then one who walks headlong, with his face grovelling, better guided,- or one who walks evenly on a Straight Way?

23. Say: "It is He Who has created you [and made you grow], and made for you the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is ye give.

24. Say: "It is He Who has multiplied you through the earth, and to Him shall ye be gathered together."

25. They ask: When will this promise be [fulfilled]? - If ye are telling the truth.

26. Say: "As to the knowledge of the time, it is with Allah alone: I am [sent] only to warn plainly in public."

27. At length, when they see it close at hand, grieved will be the faces of the Unbelievers, and it will be said [to them]: "This is [the promise fulfilled], which ye were calling for!"

28. Say: "See ye?- If Allah were to destroy me, and those with me, or if He bestows His Mercy on us,- yet who can deliver the Unbelievers from a grievous Penalty?"

29. Say: "He is [Allah] Most Gracious: We have believed in Him, and on Him have we put our trust: So, soon will ye know which [of us] it is that is in manifest error."

30. Say: "See ye?- If your stream be some morning lost [in the underground earth], who then can supply you with clear-flowing water?"

SURA 68. Qalam, or the Pen, or Nun

1. Nun. By the Pen and the [Record] which [men] write,-

2. Thou art not, by the Grace of thy Lord, mad or possessed.

3. Nay, verily for thee is a Reward unfailing:

4. And thou [standest] on an exalted standard of character.

5. Soon wilt thou see, and they will see,

6. Which of you is afflicted with madness.

7. Verily it is thy Lord that knoweth best, which [among men] hath strayed from His Path: and He knoweth best those who receive [true] Guidance.

8. So hearken not to those who deny [the Truth].

9. Their desire is that thou shouldst be pliant: so would they be pliant.

10. Heed not the type of despicable men,- ready with oaths,

11. A slanderer, going about with calumnies,

12. [Habitually] hindering [all] good, transgressing beyond bounds, deep in sin,

13. Violent [and cruel],- with all that, base-born,-293

14. Because he possesses wealth and [numerous] sons.

15. When to him are rehearsed Our Signs, "Tales of the ancients", he cries!

16. Soon shall We brand [the beast] on the snout!

17. Verily We have tried them as We tried the People of the Garden, when they resolved to gather the fruits of the [garden] in the morning.

18. But made no reservation, ["If it be Allah's Will"].

19. Then there came on the [garden] a visitation from thy Lord, [which swept away] all around, while they were asleep.

20. So the [garden] became, by the morning, like a dark and desolate spot, [whose fruit had been gathered].

21. As the morning broke, they called out, one to another,-

22. "Go ye to your tilth [betimes] in the morning, if ye would gather the fruits."

23. So they departed, conversing in secret low tones, [saying]-

24. "Let not a single indigent person break in upon you into the [garden] this day."

25. And they opened the morning, strong in an [unjust] resolve.

26. But when they saw the [garden], they said: "We have surely lost our way:

27. "Indeed we are shut out [of the fruits of our labour]!"

28. Said one of them, more just [than the rest]: "Did I not say to you, 'Why not glorify [Allah]?'"

29. They said: "Glory to our Lord! Verily we have been doing wrong!"

30. Then they turned, one against another, in reproach.

31. They said: "Alas for us! We have indeed transgressed!

32. "It may be that our Lord will give us in exchange a better [garden] than this: for we do turn to Him [in repentance]!"

33. Such is the Punishment [in this life]; but greater is the Punishment in the Hereafter,- if only they knew!

34. Verily, for the Righteous, are Gardens of Delight, in the Presence of their Lord.

35. Shall We then treat the People of Faith like the People of Sin?

36. What is the matter with you? How judge ye?

37. Or have ye a book through which ye learn-

38. That ye shall have, through it whatever ye choose?

39. Or have ye Covenants with Us to oath, reaching to the Day of Judgment, [providing] that ye shall have whatever ye shall demand?

40. Ask thou of them, which of them will stand surety for that!

41. Or have they some "Partners" [in Allahhead]? Then let them produce their "partners", if they are truthful!

42. The Day that the shin shall be laid bare, and they shall be summoned to bow in adoration, but they shall not be able,-

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43. Their eyes will be cast down,- ignominy will cover them; seeing that they had been summoned aforetime to bow in adoration, while they were whole, [and had refused].

44. Then leave Me alone with such as reject this Message: by degrees shall We punish them from directions they perceive not.

45. A [long] respite will I grant them: truly powerful is My Plan.

46. Or is it that thou dost ask them for a reward, so that they are burdened with a load of debt?-

47. Or that the Unseen is in their hands, so that they can write it down?

48. So wait with patience for the Command of thy Lord, and be not like the Companion of the Fish,- when he cried out in agony.

49. Had not Grace from his Lord reached him, he would indeed have been cast off on the naked shore, in disgrace.

50. Thus did his Lord choose him and make him of the Company of the Righteous.

51. And the Unbelievers would almost trip thee up with their eyes when they hear the Message; and they say: "Surely he is possessed!"

52. But it is nothing less than a Message to all the worlds. SURA 69. Haqqa, or the Sure Reality

1. The Sure Reality!

2. What is the Sure Reality?

3. And what will make thee realise what the Sure Reality is?

4. The Thamud and the 'Ad People [branded] as false the Stunning Calamity!

5. But the Thamud,- they were destroyed by a terrible Storm of thunder and lightning!

6. And the 'Ad, they were destroyed by a furious Wind, exceedingly violent;

7. He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession: so that thou couldst see the [whole] people lying prostrate in its [path], as they had been roots of hollow palm-trees tumbled down!

8. Then seest thou any of them left surviving?

9. And Pharaoh, and those before him, and the Cities Overthrown, committed habitual Sin.

10. And disobeyed [each] the messenger of their Lord; so He punished them with an abundant Penalty.

11. We, when the water [of Noah's Flood] overflowed beyond its limits, carried you [mankind], in the floating [Ark],

12. That We might make it a Message unto you, and that ears [that should hear the tale and] retain its memory should bear its [lessons] in remembrance.

13. Then, when one blast is sounded on the Trumpet,

14. And the earth is moved, and its mountains, and they are crushed to powder at one stroke,-

15. On that Day shall the [Great] Event come to pass. 295

16. And the sky will be rent asunder, for it will that Day be flimsy,

17. And the angels will be on its sides, and eight will, that Day, bear the Throne of thy Lord above them.

18. That Day shall ye be brought to Judgment: not an act of yours that ye hide will be hidden.

19. Then he that will be given his Record in his right hand will say: "Ah here! Read ye my Record!

20. "I did really understand that my Account would [One Day] reach me!"

21. And he will be in a life of Bliss,

22. In a Garden on high,

23. The Fruits whereof [will hang in bunches] low and near.

24. "Eat ye and drink ye, with full satisfaction; because of the [good] that ye sent before you, in the days that are gone!"

25. And he that will be given his Record in his left hand, will say: "Ah! Would that my Record had not been given to me!

26. "And that I had never realised how my account [stood]!

27. "Ah! Would that [Death] had made an end of me!

28. "Of no profit to me has been my wealth!

29. "My power has perished from me!"...

30. [The stern command will say]: "Seize ye him, and bind ye him,

31. "And burn ye him in the Blazing Fire.

32. "Further, make him march in a chain, whereof the length is seventy cubits!

33. "This was he that would not believe in Allah Most High.

34. "And would not encourage the feeding of the indigent!

35. "So no friend hath he here this Day.

36. "Nor hath he any food except the corruption from the washing of wounds,

37. "Which none do eat but those in sin."

38. So I do call to witness what ye see,

39. And what ye see not,

40. That this is verily the word of an honoured messenger;

41. It is not the word of a poet: little it is ye believe!

42. Nor is it the word of a soothsayer: little admonition it is ye receive.

43. [This is] a Message sent down from the Lord of the Worlds.

44. And if the messenger were to invent any sayings in Our name,

45. We should certainly seize him by his right hand,

46. And We should certainly then cut off the artery of his heart:

47. Nor could any of you withhold him [from Our wrath].

48. But verily this is a Message for the Allah-fearing.

49. And We certainly know that there are amongst you those that reject [it]. 296

50. But truly [Revelation] is a cause of sorrow for the Unbelievers.

51. But verily it is Truth of assured certainty.

52. So glorify the name of thy Lord Most High. SURA 70. Maarij, or the Ways of Ascent

1. A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall-

2. The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,-

3. [A Penalty] from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent.

4. The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is [as] fifty thousand years:

5. Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful [contentment].

6. They see the [Day] indeed as a far-off [event]:

7. But We see it [quite] near.

8. The Day that the sky will be like molten brass,

9. And the mountains will be like wool,

10. And no friend will ask after a friend,

11. Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by [sacrificing] his children,

12. His wife and his brother,

13. His kindred who sheltered him,

14. And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him:

15. By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!-

16. Plucking out [his being] right to the skull!-

17. Inviting [all] such as turn their backs and turn away their faces [from the Right].

18. And collect [wealth] and hide it [from use]!

19. Truly man was created very impatient;-

20. Fretful when evil touches him;

21. And niggardly when good reaches him;-

22. Not so those devoted to Prayer;-

23. Those who remain steadfast to their prayer;

24. And those in whose wealth is a recognised right.

25. For the [needy] who asks and him who is prevented [for some reason from asking];

26. And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment;

27. And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,-

28. For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;-

29. And those who guard their chastity, 297

30. Except with their wives and the [captives] whom their right hands possess,-for [then] they are not to be blamed,

31. But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;-

32. And those who respect their trusts and covenants;

33. And those who stand firm in their testimonies;

34. And those who guard [the sacredness] of their worship;-

35. Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens [of Bliss].

36. Now what is the matter with the Unbelievers that they rush madly before thee-

37. From the right and from the left, in crowds?

38. Does every man of them long to enter the Garden of Bliss?

39. By no means! For We have created them out of the [base matter] they know!

40. Now I do call to witness the Lord of all points in the East and the West that We can certainly-

41. Substitute for them better [men] than they; And We are not to be defeated [in Our Plan].

42. So leave them to plunge in vain talk and play about, until they encounter that Day of theirs which they have been promised!-

43. The Day whereon they will issue from their sepulchres in sudden haste as if they were rushing to a goal-post [fixed for them],-

44. Their eyes lowered in dejection,- ignominy covering them [all over]! such is the Day the which they are promised!

SURA 71. Nuh, or Noah

1. We sent Noah to his People [with the Command]: "Do thou warn thy People before there comes to them a grievous Penalty."

2. He said: "O my People! I am to you a Warner, clear and open:

3. "That ye should worship Allah, fear Him and obey me:

4. "So He may forgive you your sins and give you respite for a stated Term: for when the Term given by Allah is accomplished, it cannot be put forward: if ye only knew."

5. He said: "O my Lord! I have called to my People night and day:

6. "But my call only increases [their] flight [from the Right].

7. "And every time I have called to them, that Thou mightest forgive them, they have [only] thrust their fingers into their ears, covered themselves up with their garments, grown obstinate, and given themselves up to arrogance.

8. "So I have called to them aloud;

9. "Further I have spoken to them in public and secretly in private,

10. "Saying, 'Ask forgiveness from your Lord; for He is Oft-Forgiving;

11. "'He will send rain to you in abundance; 298

12. "'Give you increase in wealth and sons; and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers [of flowing water].

13. "'What is the matter with you, that ye place not your hope for kindness and long-suffering in Allah,-

14. "'Seeing that it is He that has created you in diverse stages?

15. "'See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another,

16. "'And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun as a [Glorious] Lamp?

17. "'And Allah has produced you from the earth growing [gradually],

18. "'And in the End He will return you into the [earth], and raise you forth [again at the Resurrection]?

19. "'And Allah has made the earth for you as a carpet [spread out],

20. "'That ye may go about therein, in spacious roads.'"

21. Noah said: "O my Lord! They have disobeyed me, but they follow [men] whose wealth and children give them no increase but only Loss.

22. "And they have devised a tremendous Plot.

23. "And they have said [to each other], 'Abandon not your gods: Abandon neither Wadd nor Suwa', neither Yaguth nor Ya'uq, nor Nasr';-

24. "They have already misled many; and grant Thou no increase to the wrongdoers but in straying [from their mark]."

25. Because of their sins they were drowned [in the flood], and were made to enter the Fire [of Punishment]: and they found- in lieu of Allah- none to help them.

26. And Noah, said: "O my Lord! Leave not of the Unbelievers, a single one on earth!

27. "For, if Thou dost leave [any of] them, they will but mislead Thy devotees, and they will breed none but wicked ungrateful ones.

28. "O my Lord! Forgive me, my parents, all who enter my house in Faith, and [all] believing men and believing women: and to the wrong-doers grant Thou no increase but in perdition!"

SURA 72. Jinn, or the Spirits

1. Say: It has been revealed to me that a company of Jinns listened [to the Qur'an]. They said, 'We have really heard a wonderful Recital!

2. 'It gives guidance to the Right, and we have believed therein: we shall not join [in worship] any [gods] with our Lord.

3. 'And Exalted is the Majesty of our Lord: He has taken neither a wife nor a son.

4. 'There were some foolish ones among us, who used to utter extravagant lies against Allah;

5. 'But we do think that no man or spirit should say aught that untrue against Allah.

6. 'True, there were persons among mankind who took shelter with persons among the Jinns, but they increased them in folly.

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7. 'And they [came to] think as ye thought, that Allah would not raise up any one [to Judgment].

8. 'And we pried into the secrets of heaven; but we found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires.

9. 'We used, indeed, to sit there in [hidden] stations, to [steal] a hearing; but any who listen now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.

10. 'And we understand not whether ill is intended to those on earth, or whether their Lord [really] intends to guide them to right conduct.

11. 'There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary: we follow divergent paths.

12. 'But we think that we can by no means frustrate Allah throughout the earth, nor can we frustrate Him by flight.

13. 'And as for us, since we have listened to the Guidance, we have accepted it: and any who believes in his Lord has no fear, either of a short [account] or of any injustice.

14. 'Amongst us are some that submit their wills [to Allah], and some that swerve from justice. Now those who submit their wills - they have sought out [the path] of right conduct:

15. 'But those who swerve,- they are [but] fuel for Hell-fire'-

16. [And Allah's Message is]: "If they [the Pagans] had [only] remained on the [right] Way, We should certainly have bestowed on them Rain in abundance.

17. "That We might try them by that [means]. But if any turns away from the remembrance of his Lord, He will cause him to undergo a severe Penalty.

18. "And the places of worship are for Allah [alone]: So invoke not any one along with Allah;

19. "Yet when the Devotee of Allah stands forth to invoke Him, they just make round him a dense crowd."

20. Say: "I do no more than invoke my Lord, and I join not with Him any [false god] ."

21. Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to right conduct."

22. Say: "No one can deliver me from Allah [If I were to disobey Him], nor should I find refuge except in Him,

23. "Unless I proclaim what I receive from Allah and His Messages: for any that disobey Allah and His Messenger,- for them is Hell: they shall dwell therein for ever."

24. At length, when they see [with their own eyes] that which they are promised,- then will they know who it is that is weakest in [his] helper and least important in point of numbers.

25. Say: "I know not whether the [Punishment] which ye are promised is near, or whether my Lord will appoint for it a distant term.

26. "He [alone] knows the Unseen, nor does He make any one acquainted with His Mysteries,-

27. "Except a messenger whom He has chosen: and then He makes a band of watchers march before him and behind him,

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28. "That He may know that they have [truly] brought and delivered the Messages of their Lord: and He surrounds [all the mysteries] that are with them, and takes account of every single thing."

SURA 73. Muzzammil, or Folded in Garments

1. O thou folded in garments!

2. Stand [to prayer] by night, but not all night,-

3. Half of it,- or a little less,

4. Or a little more; and recite the Qur'an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.

5. Soon shall We send down to thee a weighty Message.

6. Truly the rising by night is most potent for governing [the soul], and most suitable for [framing] the Word [of Prayer and Praise].

7. True, there is for thee by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties:

8. But keep in remembrance the name of thy Lord and devote thyself to Him wholeheartedly.

9. [He is] Lord of the East and the West: there is no god but He: take Him

therefore for [thy] Disposer of Affairs.

10. And have patience with what they say, and leave them with noble [dignity].

11. And leave Me [alone to deal with] those in possession of the good things of life, who [yet] deny the Truth; and bear with them for a little while.

12. With Us are Fetters [to bind them], and a Fire [to burn them],

13. And a Food that chokes, and a Penalty Grievous.

14. One Day the earth and the mountains will be in violent commotion. And the mountains will be as a heap of sand poured out and flowing down.

15. We have sent to you, [O men!] a messenger, to be a witness concerning you, even as We sent a messenger to Pharaoh.

16. But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger; so We seized him with a heavy Punishment.

17. Then how shall ye, if ye deny [Allah], guard yourselves against a Day that will make children hoary-headed?-

18. Whereon the sky will be cleft asunder? His Promise needs must be accomplished.

19. Verily this is an Admonition: therefore, whoso will, let him take a [straight] path to his Lord!

20. Thy Lord doth know that thou standest forth [to prayer] nigh two-thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and so doth a party of those with thee. But Allah doth appoint night and day in due measure He knoweth that ye are unable to keep count thereof. So He hath turned to you [in mercy]: read ye, therefore, of the Qur 1 an as much as may be easy for you. He knoweth that there may be [some] among you in ill-health; others travelling through the land, seeking of Allah's bounty; yet others fighting in Allah's Cause, read ye, therefore, as much of the Qur'an as may be easy [for you]; and establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan. And whatever good ye send forth for your souls ye shall find it in Allah's

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Presence,- yea, better and greater, in Reward and seek ye the Grace of Allah: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. SURA 74. Muddaththir, or One Wrapped Up

1. O thou wrapped up [in the mantle]!

2. Arise and deliver thy warning!

3. And thy Lord do thou magnify!

4. And thy garments keep free from stain!

5. And all abomination shun!

6. Nor expect, in giving, any increase [for thyself]!

7. But, for thy Lord's [Cause], be patient and constant!

8. Finally, when the Trumpet is sounded,

9. That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,-

10. Far from easy for those without Faith.

11. Leave Me alone, [to deal] with the [creature] whom I created [bare and] alone!-

12. To whom I granted resources in abundance,

13. And sons to be by his side!-

14. To whom I made [life] smooth and comfortable!

15. Yet is he greedy-that I should add [yet more];-

16. By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory!

17. Soon will I visit him with a mount of calamities!

18. For he thought and he plotted;-

19. And woe to him! How he plotted!-

20. Yea, Woe to him; How he plotted!-

21. Then he looked round;

22. Then he frowned and he scowled;

23. Then he turned back and was haughty;

24. Then said he: "This is nothing but magic, derived from of old;

25. "This is nothing but the word of a mortal!"

26. Soon will I cast him into Hell-Fire!

27. And what will explain to thee what Hell-Fire is?

28. Naught doth it permit to endure, and naught doth it leave alone!-

29. Darkening and changing the colour of man!

30. Over it are Nineteen.

31. And We have set none but angels as Guardians of the Fire; and We have fixed their number only as a trial for Unbelievers,- in order that the People of the Book may arrive at certainty, and the Believers may increase in Faith,- and that no doubts may be left for the People of the Book and the Believers, and that 302

those in whose hearts is a disease and the Unbelievers may say, "What symbol doth Allah intend by this?" Thus doth Allah leave to stray whom He pleaseth, and guide whom He pleaseth: and none can know the forces of thy Lord, except He and

this is no other than a warning to mankind.

32. Nay, verily: By the Moon,

33. And by the Night as it retreateth,

34. And by the Dawn as it shineth forth,-

35. This is but one of the mighty [portents],

36. A warning to mankind,-

37. To any of you that chooses to press forward, or to follow behind;-

38. Every soul will be [held] in pledge for its deeds.

39. Except the Companions of the Right Hand.

40. [They will be] in Gardens [of Delight]: they will question each other,

41. And [ask] of the Sinners:

42. "What led you into Hell Fire?"

43. They will say: "We were not of those who prayed;

44. "Nor were we of those who fed the indigent;

45. "But we used to talk vanities with vain talkers; 4 6. "And we used to deny the Day of Judgment,

47. "Until there came to us [the Hour] that is certain."

48. Then will no intercession of [any] intercessors profit them.

49. Then what is the matter with them that they turn away from admonition?-

50. As if they were affrighted asses,

51. Fleeing from a lion!

52. Forsooth, each one of them wants to be given scrolls [of revelation] spread out!

53. By no means! But they fear not the Hereafter,

54. Nay, this surely is an admonition:

55. Let any who will, keep it in remembrance!

56. But none will keep it in remembrance except as Allah wills: He is the Lord of Righteousness, and the Lord of Forgiveness.

SURA 75. Qiyamat, or the Resurrection

1. I do call to witness the Resurrection Day;

2. And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit: [Eschew Evil].

3. Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones?

4. Nay, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.

5. But man wishes to do wrong [even] in the time in front of him. 303

6. He questions: "When is the Day of Resurrection?"

7. At length, when the sight is dazed,

8. And the moon is buried in darkness.

9. And the sun and moon are joined together,-

10. That Day will Man say: "Where is the refuge?"

11. By no means! No place of safety!

12. Before thy Lord [alone], that Day will be the place of rest.

13. That Day will Man be told [all] that he put forward, and all that he put back.

14. Nay, man will be evidence against himself,

15. Even though he were to put up his excuses.

16. Move not thy tongue concerning the [Qur'an] to make haste therewith.

17. It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:

18. But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital [as promulgated]:

19. Nay more, it is for Us to explain it [and make it clear]:

20. Nay, [ye men!] but ye love the fleeting life,

21. And leave alone the Hereafter.

22. Some faces, that Day, will beam [in brightness and beauty];-

23. Looking towards their Lord;

24. And some faces, that Day, will be sad and dismal,

25. In the thought that some back-breaking calamity was about to be inflicted on them ;

26. Yea, when [the soul] reaches to the collar-bone [in its exit],

27. And there will be a cry, "Who is a magician [to restore him]?"

28. And he will conclude that it was [the Time] of Parting;

29. And one leg will be joined with another:

30. That Day the Drive will be [all] to thy Lord!

31. So he gave nothing in charity, nor did he pray!-

32. But on the contrary, he rejected Truth and turned away!

33. Then did he stalk to his family in full conceit!

34. Woe to thee, [O men!], yea, woe!

35. Again, Woe to thee, [O men!], yea, woe!

36. Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled, [without purpose]?

37. Was he not a drop of sperm emitted [in lowly form]?

38. Then did he become a leech-like clot; then did [Allah] make and fashion

[him] in due proportion.

39. And of him He made two sexes, male and female.

40. Has not He, [the same], the power to give life to the dead? 304

SURA 76. Dahr, or Time: or Insan, or Man

1. Has there not been over Man a long period of Time, when he was nothing - [not even] mentioned?

2. Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: So We gave him [the gifts], of Hearing and Sight.

3. We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful [rests on his will].

4. For the Rejecters we have prepared chains, yokes, and a blazing Fire.

5. As to the Righteous, they shall drink of a Cup [of Wine] mixed with Kafur,-

6. A Fountain where the Devotees of Allah do drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance.

7. They perform [their] vows, and they fear a Day whose evil flies far and wide.

8. And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive,-

9. [Saying],"We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks.

10. "We only fear a Day of distressful Wrath from the side of our Lord."

11. But Allah will deliver them from the evil of that Day, and will shed over them a Light of Beauty and [blissful] Joy.

12. And because they were patient and constant, He will reward them with a Garden and [garments of] silk.

13. Reclining in the [Garden] on raised thrones, they will see there neither the sun's [excessive heat] nor [the moon's] excessive cold.

14. And the shades of the [Garden] will come low over them, and the bunches [of fruit], there, will hang low in humility.

15. And amongst them will be passed round vessels of silver and goblets of crystal,-

16. Crystal-clear, made of silver: they will determine the measure thereof [according to their wishes].

17. And they will be given to drink there of a Cup [of Wine] mixed with Zanjabil,-

18. A fountain there, called Salsabil.

19. And round about them will [serve] youths of perpetual [freshness]: If thou seest them, thou wouldst think them scattered Pearls.

20. And when thou lookest, it is there thou wilt see a Bliss and a Realm Magnificent.

21. Upon them will be green Garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with Bracelets of silver; and their Lord will give to them to drink of a Wine Pure and Holy.

22. "Verily this is a Reward for you, and your Endeavour is accepted and recognised."

23. It is We Who have sent down the Qur'an to thee by stages. 305

24. Therefore be patient with constancy to the Command of thy Lord, and hearken not to the sinner or the ingrate among them.

25. And celebrate the name or thy Lord morning and evening,

26. And part of the night, prostrate thyself to Him; and glorify Him a long night through.

27. As to these, they love the fleeting life, and put away behind them a Day [that will be] hard.

28. It is We Who created them, and We have made their joints strong; but, when We will, We can substitute the like of them by a complete change.

29. This is an admonition: Whosoever will, let him take a [straight] Path to his Lord.

30. But ye will not, except as Allah wills; for Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.

31. He will admit to His Mercy whom He will; But the wrong-doers,- for them has He prepared a grievous Penalty.

SURA 77. Mursalat, or Those Sent Forth

1. By the [Winds] sent forth one after another [to man's profit];

2. Which then blow violently in tempestuous Gusts,

3. And scatter [things] far and wide;

4. Then separate them, one from another,

5. Then spread abroad a Message,

6. Whether of Justification or of Warning;-

7. Assuredly, what ye are promised must come to pass.

8. Then when the stars become dim;

9. When the heaven is cleft asunder;

10. When the mountains are scattered [to the winds] as dust;

11. And when the messengers are [all] appointed a time [to collect];-

12. For what Day are these [portents] deferred?

13. For the Day of Sorting out.

14. And what will explain to thee what is the Day of Sorting out?

15. Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!

16. Did We not destroy the men of old [for their evil]?

17. So shall We make later [generations] follow them.

18. Thus do We deal with men of sin.

19. Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!

20. Have We not created you from a fluid [held] despicable?-

21. The which We placed in a place of rest, firmly fixed,

22. For a period [of gestation], determined [according to need]? 306

23. For We do determine [according to need]; for We are the best to determine [things].

24. Ah woe, that Day! to the Rejecters of Truth!

25. Have We not made the earth [as a place] to draw together.

26. The living and the dead,

27. And made therein mountains standing firm, lofty [in stature]; and provided for you water sweet [and wholesome]?

28. Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!

29. [It will be said:] "Depart ye to that which ye used to reject as false!

30. "Depart ye to a Shadow [of smoke ascending] in three columns,

31. "[Which yields] no shade of coolness, and is of no use against the fierce Blaze.

32. "Indeed it throws about sparks [huge] as Forts,

33. "As if there were [a string of] yellow camels [marching swiftly]."

34. Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!

35. That will be a Day when they shall not be able to speak.

36. Nor will it be open to them to put forth pleas.

37. Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!

38. That will be a Day of Sorting out! We shall gather you together and those before [you]!

39. Now, if ye have a trick [or plot], use it against Me!

40. Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!

41. As to the Righteous, they shall be amidst [cool] shades and springs [of water] .

42. And [they shall have] fruits,- all they desire.

43. "Eat ye and drink ye to your heart's content: for that ye worked [Righteousness].

44. Thus do We certainly reward the Doers of Good.

45. Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!

46. [O ye unjust!] Eat ye and enjoy yourselves [but] a little while, for that ye are Sinners.

47. Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!

48. And when it is said to them, "Prostrate yourselves!" they do not so.

49. Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!

50. Then what Message, after that, will they believe in? SURA 78. Nabaa, or The (Great) News

1. Concerning what are they disputing?

2. Concerning the Great News, 307

3. About which they cannot agree.

4. Verily, they shall soon [come to] know!

5. Verily, verily they shall soon [come to] know!

6. Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse,

7. And the mountains as pegs?

8. And [have We not] created you in pairs,

9. And made your sleep for rest,

10. And made the night as a covering,

11. And made the day as a means of subsistence?

12. And [have We not] built over you the seven firmaments,

13. And placed [therein] a Light of Splendour?

14. And do We not send down from the clouds water in abundance,

15. That We may produce therewith corn and vegetables,

16. And gardens of luxurious growth?

17. Verily the Day of Sorting out is a thing appointed,

18. The Day that the Trumpet shall be sounded, and ye shall come forth in crowds;

19. And the heavens shall be opened as if there were doors,

20. And the mountains shall vanish, as if they were a mirage.

21. Truly Hell is as a place of ambush,

22. For the transgressors a place of destination:

23. They will dwell therein for ages.

24. Nothing cool shall they taste therein, nor any drink,

25. Save a boiling fluid and a fluid, dark, murky, intensely cold,

26. A fitting recompense [for them].

27. For that they used not to fear any account [for their deeds],

28. But they [impudently] treated Our Signs as false.

29. And all things have We preserved on record.

30. "So taste ye [the fruits of your deeds]; for no increase shall We grant you, except in Punishment."

31. Verily for the Righteous there will be a fulfilment of [the heart's] desires;

32. Gardens enclosed, and grapevines;

33. And voluptuous women of equal age;

34. And a cup full [to the brim].

35. No vanity shall they hear therein, nor Untruth:-

36. Recompense from thy Lord, a gift, [amply] sufficient,

37. [From] the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between, [Allah] Most Gracious: None shall have power to argue with Him.

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38. The Day that the Spirit and the angels will stand forth in ranks, none shall speak except any who is permitted by [Allah] Most Gracious, and He will say what is right.

39. That Day will be the sure Reality: Therefore, whoso will, let him take a [straight] return to his Lord!

40. Verily, We have warned you of a Penalty near, the Day when man will see [the deeds] which his hands have sent forth, and the Unbeliever will say, "Woe unto me! Would that I were [metre] dust!"

SURA 79. Naziat, or Those Who Tear Out

1. By the [angels] who tear out [the souls of the wicked] with violence;

2. By those who gently draw out [the souls of the blessed];

3. And by those who glide along [on errands of mercy],

4. Then press forward as in a race,

5. Then arrange to do [the Commands of their Lord],

6. One Day everything that can be in commotion will be in violent commotion,

7. Followed by oft-repeated [commotions]:

8. Hearts that Day will be in agitation;

9. Cast down will be [their owners'] eyes.

10. They say [now]: "What! shall we indeed be returned to [our] former state?

11. "What! - when we shall have become rotten bones?"

12. They say: "It would, in that case, be a return with loss!"

13. But verily, it will be but a single [Compelling] Cry,

14. When, behold, they will be in the [full] awakening [to Judgment].

15. Has the story of Moses reached thee?

16. Behold, thy Lord did call to him in the sacred valley of Tuwa:-

17. "Go thou to Pharaoh for he has indeed transgressed all bounds:

18. "And say to him, 'Wouldst thou that thou shouldst be purified [from sin]?-

19. "'And that I guide thee to thy Lord, so thou shouldst fear Him?'"

20. Then did [Moses] show him the Great Sign.

21. But [Pharaoh] rejected it and disobeyed [guidance];

22. Further, he turned his back, striving hard [against Allah].

23. Then he collected [his men] and made a proclamation,

24. Saying, "I am your Lord, Most High".

25. But Allah did punish him, [and made an] example of him, - in the Hereafter, as in this life.

26. Verily in this is an instructive warning for whosoever feareth [Allah].

27. What! Are ye the more difficult to create or the heaven [above]? [Allah] hath constructed it:

309

28. On high hath He raised its canopy, and He hath given it order and perfection.

29. Its night doth He endow with darkness, and its splendour doth He bring out [with light].

30. And the earth, moreover, hath He extended [to a wide expanse];

31. He draweth out therefrom its moisture and its pasture;

32. And the mountains hath He firmly fixed;-

33. For use and convenience to you and your cattle.

34. Therefore, when there comes the great, overwhelming [Event],-

35. The Day when man shall remember [all] that he strove for,

36. And Hell-Fire shall be placed in full view for [all] to see,-

37. Then, for such as had transgressed all bounds,

38. And had preferred the life of this world,

39. The Abode will be Hell-Fire;

40. And for such as had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord's [tribunal] and had restrained [their] soul from lower desires,

41. Their abode will be the Garden.

42. They ask thee about the Hour,-'When will be its appointed time?

43. Wherein art thou [concerned] with the declaration thereof?

44. With thy Lord in the Limit fixed therefor.

45. Thou art but a Warner for such as fear it.

46. The Day they see it, [It will be] as if they had tarried but a single evening, or [at most till] the following morn!

SURA 80. Abasa, or He Frowned

1. [The Prophet] frowned and turned away,

2. Because there came to him the blind man [interrupting].

3. But what could tell thee but that perchance he might grow [in spiritual understanding]?-

4. Or that he might receive admonition, and the teaching might profit him?

5. As to one who regards Himself as self-sufficient,

6. To him dost thou attend;

7. Though it is no blame to thee if he grow not [in spiritual understanding].

8. But as to him who came to thee striving earnestly,

9. And with fear [in his heart],

10. Of him wast thou unmindful.

11. By no means [should it be so]! For it is indeed a Message of instruction:

12. Therefore let whoso will, keep it in remembrance.

13. [It is] in Books held [greatly] in honour, 310

14. Exalted [in dignity], kept pure and holy,

15. [Written] by the hands of scribes-

16. Honourable and Pious and Just.

17. Woe to man! What hath made him reject Allah;

18. From what stuff hath He created him?

19. From a sperm-drop: He hath created him, and then mouldeth him in due proportions;

20. Then doth He make His path smooth for him;

21. Then He causeth him to die, and putteth him in his grave;

22. Then, when it is His Will, He will raise him up [again].

23. By no means hath he fulfilled what Allah hath commanded him.

24. Then let man look at his food, [and how We provide it]:

25. For that We pour forth water in abundance,

26. And We split the earth in fragments,

27. And produce therein corn,

28. And Grapes and nutritious plants,

29. And Olives and Dates,

30. And enclosed Gardens, dense with lofty trees,

31. And fruits and fodder,-

32. For use and convenience to you and your cattle.

33. At length, when there comes the Deafening Noise,-

34. That Day shall a man flee from his own brother,

35. And from his mother and his father,

36. And from his wife and his children.

37. Each one of them, that Day, will have enough concern [of his own] to make him indifferent to the others.

38. Some faces that Day will be beaming,

39. Laughing, rejoicing.

40. And other faces that Day will be dust-stained,

41. Blackness will cover them:

42. Such will be the Rejecters of Allah, the doers of iniquity. SURA 81. Takwir, or the Folding Up

1. When the sun [with its spacious light] is folded up;

2. When the stars fall, losing their lustre;

3. When the mountains vanish [like a mirage];

4. When the she-camels, ten months with young, are left untended;

5. When the wild beasts are herded together [in the human habitations]; 311

6. When the oceans boil over with a swell;

7. When the souls are sorted out, [being joined, like with like];

8. When the female [infant], buried alive, is questioned -

9. For what crime she was killed;

10. When the scrolls are laid open;

11. When the world on High is unveiled;

12. When the Blazing Fire is kindled to fierce heat;

13. And when the Garden is brought near;-

14. [Then] shall each soul know what it has put forward.

15. So verily I call to witness the planets - that recede,

16. Go straight, or hide;

17. And the Night as it dissipates;

18. And the Dawn as it breathes away the darkness;-

19. Verily this is the word of a most honourable Messenger,

20. Endued with Power, with rank before the Lord of the Throne,

21. With authority there, [and] faithful to his trust.

22. And [O people!] your companion is not one possessed;

23. And without doubt he saw him in the clear horizon.

24. Neither doth he withhold grudgingly a knowledge of the Unseen.

25. Nor is it the word of an evil spirit accursed.

26. When whither go ye?

27. Verily this is no less than a Message to [all] the Worlds:

28. [With profit] to whoever among you wills to go straight:

29. But ye shall not will except as Allah wills,- the Cherisher of the Worlds. SURA 82. Infitar, or The Cleaving Asunder

1. When the Sky is cleft asunder;

2. When the Stars are scattered;

3. When the Oceans are suffered to burst forth;

4. And when the Graves are turned upside down;-

5. [Then] shall each soul know what it hath sent forward and [what it hath] kept back.

6. O man! What has seduced thee from thy Lord Most Beneficent?-

7. Him Who created thee. Fashioned thee in due proportion, and gave thee a just bias ;

8. In whatever Form He wills, does He put thee together.

9. Day! nit ye do reject Right and Judgment!

10. But verily over you [are appointed angels] to protect you,-312

11. Kind and honourable,- Writing down [your deeds]:

12. They know [and understand] all that ye do.

13. As for the Righteous, they will be in bliss;

14. And the Wicked - they will be in the Fire,

15. Which they will enter on the Day of Judgment,

16. And they will not be able to keep away therefrom.

17. And what will explain to thee what the Day of Judgment is?

18. Again, what will explain to thee what the Day of Judgment is?

19. [It will be] the Day when no soul shall have power [to do] aught for another: For the command, that Day, will be [wholly] with Allah.

SURA 83. Tatfif, or Dealing in Fraud

1. Woe to those that deal in fraud,-

2. Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure,

3. But when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due.

4. Do they not think that they will be called to account?-

5. On a Mighty Day,

6. A Day when [all] mankind will stand before the Lord of the Worlds?

7. Nay! Surely the record of the wicked is [preserved] in Sijjin.

8. And what will explain to thee what Sijjin is?

9. [There is] a Register [fully] inscribed.

10. Woe, that Day, to those that deny-

11. Those that deny the Day of Judgment.

12. And none can deny it but the Transgressor beyond bounds the Sinner!

13. When Our Signs are rehearsed to him, he says, "Tales of the ancients!"

14. By no means! but on their hearts is the stain of the [ill] which they do!

15. Verily, from [the Light of] their Lord, that Day, will they be veiled.

16. Further, they will enter the Fire of Hell.

17. Further, it will be said to them: "This is the [reality] which ye rejected as false!

18. Day, verily the record of the Righteous is [preserved] in 'Illiyin.

19. And what will explain to thee what 'Illiyun is?

20. [There is] a Register [fully] inscribed,

21. To which bear witness those Nearest [to Allah].

22. Truly the Righteous will be in Bliss:

23. On Thrones [of Dignity] will they command a sight [of all things]:

24. Thou wilt recognise in their faces the beaming brightness of Bliss.

25. Their thirst will be slaked with Pure Wine sealed: 313

26. The seal thereof will be Musk: And for this let those aspire, who have aspirations:

27. With it will be [given] a mixture of Tasnim:

28. A spring, from [the waters] whereof drink those Nearest to Allah.

29. Those in sin used to laugh at those who believed,

30. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink at each other [in mockery];

31. And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting;

32. And whenever they saw them, they would say, "Behold! These are the people truly astray!"

33. But they had not been sent as keepers over them!

34. But on this Day the Believers will laugh at the Unbelievers:

35. On Thrones [of Dignity] they will command [a sight] [of all things].

36. Will not the Unbelievers have been paid back for what they did? SURA 84. Inshiqaq, or The Rending Asunder

1. When the sky is rent asunder,

2. And hearkens to [the Command of] its Lord, and it must needs [do so];-

3. And when the earth is flattened out,

4. And casts forth what is within it and becomes [clean] empty,

5. And hearkens to [the Command of] its Lord,- and it must needs [do so];- [then will come Home the full reality].

6. O thou man! Verily thou art ever toiling on towards thy Lord- painfully toiling,- but thou shalt meet Him.

7. Then he who is given his Record in his right hand,

8. Soon will his account be taken by an easy reckoning,

9. And he will turn to his people, rejoicing!

10. But he who is given his Record behind his back,-

11. Soon will he cry for perdition,

12. And he will enter a Blazing Fire.

13. Truly, did he go about among his people, rejoicing!

14. Truly, did he think that he would not have to return [to Us]!

15. Nay, nay! for his Lord was [ever] watchful of him!

16. So I do call to witness the ruddy glow of Sunset;

17. The Night and its Homing;

18. And the Moon in her fullness:

19. Ye shall surely travel from stage to stage.

20. What then is the matter with them, that they believe not?-

21. And when the Qur'an is read to them, they fall not prostrate, 314

22. But on the contrary the Unbelievers reject [it].

23. But Allah has full knowledge of what they secrete [in their breasts]

24. So announce to them a Penalty Grievous,

25. Except to those who believe and work righteous deeds: For them is a Reward that will never fail.

SURA 85. Buruj, or The Zodiacal Signs

1. By the sky, [displaying] the Zodiacal Signs;

2. By the promised Day [of Judgment];

3. By one that witnesses, and the subject of the witness;-

4. Woe to the makers of the pit [of fire],

5. Fire supplied [abundantly] with fuel:

6. Behold! they sat over against the [fire],

7. And they witnessed [all] that they were doing against the Believers.

8. And they ill-treated them for no other reason than that they believed in Allah, Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise!-

9. Him to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth! And Allah is Witness to all things.

10. Those who persecute [or draw into temptation] the Believers, men and women, and do not turn in repentance, will have the Penalty of Hell: They will have the Penalty of the Burning Fire.

11. For those who believe and do righteous deeds, will be Gardens; beneath which rivers flow: That is the great Salvation, [the fulfilment of all desires],

12. Truly strong is the Grip [and Power] of thy Lord.

13. It is He Who creates from the very beginning, and He can restore [life].

14. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Full of Loving-Kindness,

15. Lord of the Throne of Glory,

16. Doer [without let] of all that He intends.

17. Has the story reached thee, of the forces-

18. Of Pharaoh and the Thamud?

19. And yet the Unbelievers [persist] in rejecting [the Truth]!

20. But Allah doth encompass them from behind!

21. Day, this is a Glorious Qur'an,

22. [Inscribed] in a Tablet Preserved! SURA 86. Tariq, or The Night Visitant

1. By the Sky and the Night-Visitant [therein];-

2. And what will explain to thee what the Night-Visitant is?-

3. [It is] the Star of piercing brightness;-

4. There is no soul but has a protector over it.

5. Now let man but think from what he is created!

6. He is created from a drop emitted-

7. Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs:

8. Surely [Allah] is able to bring him back [to life]!

9. The Day that [all] things secret will be tested,

10. [Man] will have no power, and no helper.

11. By the Firmament which returns [in its round],

12. And by the Earth which opens out [for the gushing of springs or the sprouting of vegetation],-

13. Behold this is the Word that distinguishes [Good from Evil]:

14. It is not a thing for amusement.

15. As for them, they are but plotting a scheme,

16. And I am planning a scheme.

17. Therefore grant a delay to the Unbelievers: Give respite to them gently [for awhile].

SURA 87. Ala, or The Most High

1. Glorify the name of thy Guardian-Lord Most High,

2. Who hath created, and further, given order and proportion;

3. Who hath ordained laws. And granted guidance;

4. And Who bringeth out the [green and luscious] pasture,

5. And then doth make it [but] swarthy stubble.

6. By degrees shall We teach thee to declare [the Message], so thou shalt not forget,

7. Except as Allah wills: For He knoweth what is manifest and what is hidden.

8. And We will make it easy for thee [to follow] the simple [Path].

9. Therefore give admonition in case the admonition profits [the hearer].

10. The admonition will be received by those who fear [Allah]:

11. But it will be avoided by those most unfortunate ones,

12. Who will enter the Great Fire,

13. In which they will then neither die nor live.

14. But those will prosper who purify themselves,

15. And glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and [lift their hearts] in prayer.

16. Day [behold], ye prefer the life of this world;

17. But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.

18. And this is in the Books of the earliest [Revelation],-316

19. The Books of Abraham and Moses.

SURA 88. Gashiya, or The Overwhelming Event

1. Has the story reached thee of the overwhelming [Event]?

2. Some faces, that Day, will be humiliated,

3. Labouring [hard], weary,-

4. The while they enter the Blazing Fire,-

5. The while they are given, to drink, of a boiling hot spring,

6. No food will there be for them but a bitter Dhari'

7. Which will neither nourish nor satisfy hunger.

8. [Other] faces that Day will be joyful,

9. Pleased with their striving,-

10. In a Garden on high,

11. Where they shall hear no [word] of vanity:

12. Therein will be a bubbling spring:

13. Therein will be Thrones [of dignity], raised on high,

14. Goblets placed [ready],

15. And cushions set in rows,

16. And rich carpets [all] spread out.

17. Do they not look at the Camels, how they are made?-

18. And at the Sky, how it is raised high?-

19. And at the Mountains, how they are fixed firm?-

20. And at the Earth, how it is spread out?

21. Therefore do thou give admonition, for thou art one to admonish.

22. Thou art not one to manage [men's] affairs.

23. But if any turn away and reject Allah,-

24. Allah will punish him with a mighty Punishment,

25. For to Us will be their return;

26. Then it will be for Us to call them to account. SURA 89. Fajr, or The Break of Day

1. By the break of Day

2. By the Nights twice five;

3. By the even and odd [contrasted];

4. And by the Night when it passeth away;-

5. Is there [not] in these an adjuration [or evidence] for those who understand?

6. Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the 'Ad [people],-

7. Of the [city of] Iram, with lofty pillars,

8. The like of which were not produced in [all] the land?

9. And with the Thamud [people], who cut out [huge] rocks in the valley?-

10. And with Pharaoh, lord of stakes?

11. [All] these transgressed beyond bounds in the lands,

12. And heaped therein mischief [on mischief].

13. Therefore did thy Lord pour on them a scourge of diverse chastisements:

14. For thy Lord is [as a Guardian] on a watch-tower.

15. Now, as for man, when his Lord trieth him, giving him honour and gifts, then saith he, [puffed up], "My Lord hath honoured me."

16. But when He trieth him, restricting his subsistence for him, then saith he [in despair], "My Lord hath humiliated me!"

17. Nay, nay! but ye honour not the orphans!

18. Nor do ye encourage one another to feed the poor!-

19. And ye devour inheritance - all with greed,

20. And ye love wealth with inordinate love!

21. Nay! When the earth is pounded to powder,

22. And thy Lord cometh, and His angels, rank upon rank,

23. And Hell, that Day, is brought [face to face],- on that Day will man remember, but how will that remembrance profit him?

24. He will say: "Ah! Would that I had sent forth [good deeds] for [this] my [Future] Life!"

25. For, that Day, His Chastisement will be such as none [else] can inflict,

26. And His bonds will be such as none [other] can bind.

27. [To the righteous soul will be said:] "O [thou] soul, in [complete] rest and satisfaction!

28. "Come back thou to thy Lord,- well pleased [thyself], and well-pleasing unto Him!

29. "Enter thou, then, among My devotees!

30. "Yea, enter thou My Heaven! SURA 90. Balad, or The City

1. I do call to witness this City;-

2. And thou art a freeman of this City;-

3. And [the mystic ties of] parent and child;-

4. Verily We have created man into toil and struggle.

5. Thinketh he, that none hath power over him?

6. He may say [boastfully]; Wealth have I squandered in abundance!

7. Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?

8. Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?-

9. And a tongue, and a pair of lips?-

10. And shown him the two highways?

11. But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep.

12. And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?-

13. [It is:] freeing the bondman;

14. Or the giving of food in a day of privation

15. To the orphan with claims of relationship,

16. Or to the indigent [down] in the dust.

17. Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, [constancy, and self-restraint], and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion.

18. Such are the Companions of the Right Hand.

19. But those who reject Our Signs, they are the [unhappy] Companions of the Left Hand.

20. On them will be Fire vaulted over [all round]. SURA 91. Shams, or The Sun

1. By the Sun and his [glorious] splendour;

2. By the Moon as she follows him;

3. By the Day as it shows up [the Sun's] glory;

4. By the Night as it conceals it;

5. By the Firmament and its [wonderful] structure;

6. By the Earth and its [wide] expanse:

7. By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it;

8. And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;-

9. Truly he succeeds that purifies it,

10. And he fails that corrupts it!

11. The Thamud [people] rejected [their prophet] through their inordinate wrongdoing,

12. Behold, the most wicked man among them was deputed [for impiety].

13. But the Messenger of Allah said to them: "It is a She-camel of Allah! And [bar her not from] having her drink!"

14. Then they rejected him [as a false prophet], and they hamstrung her. So their Lord, on account of their crime, obliterated their traces and made them equal [in destruction, high and low]!

15. And for Him is no fear of its consequences. SURA 92. Lail, or The Night

1. By the Night as it conceals [the light]; 319

2. By the Day as it appears in glory;

3. By [the mystery of] the creation of male and female;-

4. Verily, [the ends] ye strive for are diverse.

5. So he who gives [in charity] and fears [Allah],

6. And [in all sincerity] testifies to the best,-

7. We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Bliss.

8. But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient,

9. And gives the lie to the best,-

10. We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Misery;

11. Nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong [into the Pit].

12. Verily We take upon Ourselves to guide,

13. And verily unto Us [belong] the End and the Beginning.

14. Therefore do I warn you of a Fire blazing fiercely;

15. None shall reach it but those most unfortunate ones

16. Who give the lie to Truth and turn their backs.

17. But those most devoted to Allah shall be removed far from it,-

18. Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification,

19. And have in their minds no favour from anyone for which a reward is expected in return,

20. But only the desire to seek for the Countenance of their Lord Most High;

21. And soon will they attain [complete] satisfaction. SURA 93. Dhuha, or The Glorious Morning Light

1. By the Glorious Morning Light,

2. And by the Night when it is still,-

3. Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased.

4. And verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present.

5. And soon will thy Guardian-Lord give thee [that wherewith] thou shalt be well-pleased.

6. Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter [and care]?

7. And He found thee wandering, and He gave thee guidance.

8. And He found thee in need, and made thee independent.

9. Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness,

10. Nor repulse the petitioner [unheard];

11. But the bounty of the Lord - rehearse and proclaim!

SURA 94. Inshirah, or The Expansion

1. Have We not expanded thee thy breast?-

2. And removed from thee thy burden

3. The which did gall thy back?-
4. And raised high the esteem [in which] thou [art held]?

5. So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief:

6. Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.

7. Therefore, when thou art free [from thine immediate task], still labour hard,

8. And to thy Lord turn [all] thy attention. SURA 95. Tin, or The Fig

1. By the Fig and the Olive,

2. And the Mount of Sinai,

3. And this City of security,-

4. We have indeed created man in the best of moulds,

5. Then do We abase him [to be] the lowest of the low,-

6. Except such as believe and do righteous deeds: For they shall have a reward unfailing.

7. Then what can, after this, contradict thee, as to the judgment [to come]?

8. Is not Allah the wisest of judges?

SURA 96. Iqraa, or Read! or Proclaim! or Alaq, or The Clot of Blood

1. Proclaim! [or read!] in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created-

2. Created man, out of a [mere] clot of congealed blood:

3. Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,-

4. He Who taught [the use of] the pen,-

5. Taught man that which he knew not.

6. Day, but man doth transgress all bounds,

7. In that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient.

8. Verily, to thy Lord is the return [of all].

9. Seest thou one who forbids-

10. A votary when he [turns] to pray?

11. Seest thou if he is on [the road of] Guidance?-

12. Or enjoins Righteousness?

13. Seest thou if he denies [Truth] and turns away?

14. Knoweth he not that Allah doth see?

15. Let him beware! If he desist not, We will drag him by the forelock,-

16. A lying, sinful forelock!

17. Then, let him call [for help] to his council [of comrades]:

18. We will call on the angels of punishment [to deal with him]!

19. Day, heed him not: But bow down in adoration, and bring thyself the closer [to Allah]!

SURA 97. Qadr, or The Night of Power (or Honor)

1. We have indeed revealed this [Message] in the Night of Power:

2. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?

3. The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.

4. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand:

5. Peace! ... This until the rise of morn! SURA 98. Baiyina, or The Clear Evidence

1. Those who reject [Truth], among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, were not going to depart [from their ways] until there should come to them Clear Evidence,-

2. An messenger from Allah, rehearsing scriptures kept pure and holy:

3. Wherein are laws [or decrees] right and straight.

4. Nor did the People of the Book make schisms, until after there came to them Clear Evidence.

5. And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true [in faith]; to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.

6. Those who reject [Truth], among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, will be in Hell-Fire, to dwell therein [for aye]. They are the worst of creatures.

7. Those who have faith and do righteous deeds,- they are the best of creatures.

8. Their reward is with Allah: Gardens of Eternity, beneath which rivers flow; they will dwell therein for ever; Allah well pleased with them, and they with Him: all this for such as fear their Lord and Cherisher.

SURA 99. Zilzal, or The Convulsion

1. When the earth is shaken to her [utmost] convulsion,

2. And the earth throws up her burdens [from within],

3. And man cries [distressed]: 'What is the matter with her?'-

4. On that Day will she declare her tidings: 322

5. For that thy Lord will have given her inspiration.

6. On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they [had done].

7. Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!

8. And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it. SURA 100. Adiyat, or Those That Run

1. By the [Steeds] that run, with panting [breath],

2. And strike sparks of fire,

3. And push home the charge in the morning,

4. And raise the dust in clouds the while,

5. And penetrate forthwith into the midst [of the foe] en masse;-

6. Truly man is, to his Lord, ungrateful;

7. And to that [fact] he bears witness [by his deeds];

8. And violent is he in his love of wealth.

9. Does he not know,- when that which is in the graves is scattered abroad

10. And that which is [locked up] in [human] breasts is made manifest-

11. That their Lord had been Well-acquainted with them, [even to] that Day? SURA 101. Al Qaria, or The Day of Noise and Clamor

1. The [Day] of Noise and Clamour:

2. What is the [Day] of Noise and Clamour?

3. And what will explain to thee what the [Day] of Noise and Clamour is?

4. [It is] a Day whereon men will be like moths scattered about,

5. And the mountains will be like carded wool.

6. Then, he whose balance [of good deeds] will be [found] heavy,

7. Will be in a life of good pleasure and satisfaction.

8. But he whose balance [of good deeds] will be [found] light,-

9. Will have his home in a [bottomless] Pit.

10. And what will explain to thee what this is?

11. [It is] a Fire Blazing fiercely! SURA 102. Takathur, or Piling Up

1. The mutual rivalry for piling up [the good things of this world] diverts you [from the more serious things],

2. Until ye visit the graves.

3. But nay, ye soon shall know [the reality].

4. Again, ye soon shall know!

5. Nay, were ye to know with certainty of mind, [ye would beware!]

6. Ye shall certainly see Hell-Fire!

7. Again, ye shall see it with certainty of sight!

8. Then, shall ye be questioned that Day about the joy [ye indulged in!]. SURA 103. Asr, or Time through the Ages

1. By [the Token of] Time [through the ages],

2. Verily Man is in loss,

3. Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and [join together] in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.

SURA 104. Humaza, or the Scandal Monger

1. Woe to every [kind of] scandal-monger and-backbiter,

2. Who pileth up wealth and layeth it by,

3. Thinking that his wealth would make him last for ever!

4. By no means! He will be sure to be thrown into That which Breaks to Pieces,

5. And what will explain to thee That which Breaks to Pieces?

6. [It is] the Fire of [the Wrath of] Allah kindled [to a blaze],

7. The which doth mount [Right] to the Hearts:

8. It shall be made into a vault over them,

9. In columns outstretched. SURA 105. Fil, or The Elephant

1. Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Companions of the Elephant?

2. Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?

3. And He sent against them Flights of Birds,

4. Striking them with stones of baked clay.

5. Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, [of which the corn] has been eaten up.

SURA 106. Quraish or The Quraish, (Custodians of the Kaba)

1. For the covenants [of security and safeguard enjoyed] by the Quraish,

2. Their covenants [covering] journeys by winter and summer,-

3. Let them adore the Lord of this House,

4. Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear [of danger].

SURA 107. Maun, or Neighborly Needs

1. Seest thou one who denies the Judgment [to come]?

2. Then such is the [man] who repulses the orphan [with harshness],

3. And encourages not the feeding of the indigent.

4. So woe to the worshippers

5. Who are neglectful of their prayers,

6. Those who [want but] to be seen [of men],

7. But refuse [to supply] [even] neighbourly needs. SURA 108. Kauthar, or Abundance

1. To thee have We granted the Fount [of Abundance].

2. Therefore to thy Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice.

3. For he who hateth thee, he will be cut off [from Future Hope]. SURA 109. Kafirun, or Those who reject Faith

1. Say : O ye that reject Faith!

2. I worship not that which ye worship,

3. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.

4. And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to worship,

5. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.

6. To you be your Way, and to me mine. SURA 110. Nasr, or Help

1. When comes the Help of Allah, and Victory,

2. And thou dost see the people enter Allah's Religion in crowds,

3. Celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and pray for His Forgiveness: For He is Oft-Returning [in Grace and Mercy].

SURA 111. Lahab, or (the Father of) Flame

1. Perish the hands of the Father of Flame! Perish he!

2. No profit to him from all his wealth, and all his gains!

3. Burnt soon will he be in a Fire of Blazing Flame!

4. His wife shall carry the [crackling] wood - As fuel!-

5. A twisted rope of palm-leaf fibre round her [own] neck!

SURA 112. Ikhlas, or Purity (of Faith)

1. Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;

2. Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;

3. He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;

4. And there is none like unto Him. SURA 113. Falaq, or The Dawn

1. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the Dawn

2. From the mischief of created things;

3. From the mischief of Darkness as it overspreads;

4. From the mischief of those who practise secret arts;

5. And from the mischief of the envious one as he practises envy. SURA 114. Nas, or Mankind

1. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind,

2. The King [or Ruler] of Mankind,

3. The god [or judge] of Mankind,-

4. From the mischief of the Whisperer [of Evil], who withdraws [after his whisper],-

5. [The same] who whispers into the hearts of Mankind,-

6. Among Jinns and among men.

This book is like a little dictionary. Please share the book and the knowledge of the book. If you read this book please pray for me to Allah to give me the best Jannah/heaven.Thank you and may Allah give you best Jannah/heaven too. Ameen.

Sincerely, (Faisal Fahim)

BY MR.FAISAL FAHIM

A REQUEST FROM FAISAL: IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK PLEASE SHARE IT AND FEEL FREE TO WRITE AN HONEST REVIEW.THERE IS NO GOD EXCEPT ONE ALLAH ALONE .MAY GOD REWARD YOU FOR A GOOD INTENSION.AMEEN.

Allah (swt) Says : "Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided."[Quran 16:125] Allah also says '"Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, works righteousness, and says: I am of those who bow in submission?" (Quran 41:33)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:"If Allah guides a person through

you, it is better for you than all that is on the earth." (Bukhari No. 2783

& Muslim No. 2406).Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it

were a single sentence" (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith 667)

"Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the

utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur'an)". 25.52 Quran

Yet do they worship, besides Allah, things that can neither profit them

nor harm them: and the disbeliever is a helper (of Evil), against his own

Lord! 25.55 Quran And I have sent you only

as a giver of good news and as a warner. 25.56

Say: "No reward do I ask of you for it but this: that each one who will

may take a (straight) Path to his Allah." 25.57 Al-Quran

"Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance,

which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in

the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the

cursers."(Quran, al-Baqarah: 159) Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

said: "For Allah to guide one man through you is better for you than all

that the sun has shined over".

The Prophet (PBUH) has said: "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim]

ABOUT FAISAL FAHIM : FAISAL WAS BORN IN BANGLADESH. HE SPENT HIS CHILDHOOD WITH HIS GRANDPARENTS IN BANGLADESH & HE SAW THEM PRAYING 5 TIMES A DAY. HE CAME TO AMERICA AT A YOUNG AGE AND HE IS AN AMERICAN BANGLADESHI MUSLIM.IN AMERICA HE LIVED WITH HIS PARENTS.HE WENT TO SCHOOLS IN NY. HE WENT TO VISIT BANGLADESH IN 2009 & HE SAW SOME VIDEOS OF DR.ZAKIR NAIK ON TV. THE VIDEOS WERE ABOUT SPREADING THE KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM WITH MUSLIMS AND NONMUSLIMS.HE WAS INSPIRED BY DR.ZAKIR NAIK.HE LOVES ISLAM & BELIEVES ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE & MERCY.SO HE LIKES TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM TO NONMUSLIMS AND MUSLIMS. MESSAGE OF FAISAL FAHIM: SPREAD THE RELIGION OF ALLAH. SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD PBUH.SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM. SINCE IT WAS A DUTY OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM SO MUSLIMS SHOULD ALSO CONTINUE THIS GREATEST SUNNAH & EXPECT THE REWARD FROM ALLAH ONLY.ISLAM IS PEACE, LOVE, MERCY, KIND, HUMBLE, HONEST & THE ONLY FINAL TRUE RELIGION FROM GOD. MAY ALLAH GUIDE US ALL .AMEEN.

The most recommended book of MR.FAISAL IS ("The Bible, the Qu'ran and Science: The Holy Scriptures Examined in the Light of Modern Knowledge: 4 books in 1") Authored by Mr. Faisal Fahim, Dr. Maurice Bucaille, Dr. Zakir Naik.

AND IT'S AVAILABLE ON AMAZON, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.createspace.com/4459947

INFORMATION ARRANGED AND ORGANIZED BY MR.FAISAL FAHIM.

The most important and rewardful Prayers are the 5 times obligatory prayers & the 5 times 5 prayers rewards are equel to 50 prayers and this hadith proofs it: Narrated Malik bin Sasaa: The Prophet said, "While I was at the House in a state midway between sleep and wakefulness, (an angel recognized me) as the man lying between two men. A golden tray full of wisdom and belief was brought to me and my body was cut open from the throat to the lower part of the abdomen and then my abdomen was washed with Zam-zam water and (my heart was) filled with wisdom and belief. Al-Buraq, a white animal, smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me and I set out with Gabriel. When I reached the nearest heaven. Gabriel said to the heaven gate-keeper, 'Open the gate.' The gatekeeper asked, 'Who is it?' He said, 'Gabriel.' The gate-keeper asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' The gate-keeper said, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel said, 'Yes.' Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' Then I met Adam and greeted him and he said, 'You are welcomed 0 son and a Prophet.' Then we ascended to the second heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was said, 'Who is with you?' He said, 'Muhammad' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' He said, 'Yes.' It was said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!" Then I met Jesus and Yahya (John) who said, 'You are welcomed, 0 brother and a Prophet.' Then we ascended to the third heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is with you? Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' 'Yes,' said Gabriel. 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' - (The Prophet added:). -There I met Joseph and greeted him, and he replied, 'You are welcomed, 0 brother and a Prophet!' Then we ascended to the 4th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met Idris and greeted him. He said, 'You are welcomed 0 brother and Prophet.' Then we ascended to the 5th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in previous heavens. There I met and greeted Aaron who said, 'You are welcomed 0 brother and a Prophet". Then we ascended to the 6th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Moses who said, 'You are welcomed 0 brother and a Prophet.' When I proceeded on, he started weeping and on being asked why he was weeping, he said, '0 Lord! Followers of this youth who was sent after me will enter Paradise in greater number than my followers.' Then we ascended to the seventh heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Abraham who said, 'You are welcomed 0 son and a Prophet.' Then I was shown

AI-Bait-al-Ma'mur (i.e. Allah's House). I asked Gabriel about it and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma'mur where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).' Then I was shown Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. a tree in the seventh heaven) and I saw its Nabk fruits which resembled the clay jugs of Hajr (i.e. a town in Arabia), and its leaves were like the ears of elephants, and four rivers originated at its root, two of them were apparent and two were hidden. I asked Gabriel about those rivers and he said, 'The two hidden rivers are in Paradise, and the apparent ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.' Then fifty prayers were enjoined on me. I descended till I met Moses who asked me, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Fifty prayers have been enjoined on me.' He said, 'I know the people better than you, because I had the hardest experience to bring Bani Israel to obedience. Your followers cannot put up with such obligation. So, return to your Lord and request Him (to reduce the number of prayers.' I returned and requested Allah (for reduction) and He made it forty. I returned and (met Moses) and had a similar discussion, and then returned again to Allah for reduction and He made it thirty, then twenty, then ten, and then I came to Moses who repeated the same advice. Ultimately Allah reduced it to five. When I came to Moses again, he said, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Allah has made it five only.' He repeated the same advice but I said that I surrendered (to Allah's Final Order)'" Allah's Apostle was addressed by Allah, "I have decreed My obligation and have reduced the burden on My slaves, and I shall reward a single good deed as if it were ten good deeds." - Sahih Al-Bukhari 4:429

Narrated SalinrTs father: In the life-time of the Prophet(SAW) whosoever saw a dream would narrate it to AllahTs Apostle(SAW). I had a wish of seeing a dream to narrate it to AllahTs Apostle (p.b.u.h) I was a grown up boy and used to sleep in the Mosque in the life-time of the Prophet. I saw in the dream that two angels caught hold of me and took me to the Fire which was built all round like a built well and had two poles in it and the people in it were known to me. I started saying, "I seek refuge with Allah from the Fire." Then I met another angel who told me not to be afraid. I narrated the dream to Hafsa who told it to AllahTs Apostle(SAW). The Prophet(SAW) said, "Abdullah is a good man. I wish he prayed Tahajjud." After that "Abdullah (i.e. SalinrTs father) used to sleep but a little at night. [Bukhari]

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 688: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Martyrs are those who die because of drowning, plague, an abdominal disease, or of being buried alive by a falling building." And then he added, "If the people knew the Reward for the Zuhr prayer in its early time, they would race for it. If they knew the reward for the 'Isha' and the Fajr prayers in congregation, they would join them even if they had to crawl. If they knew the re- ward for the first row, they would draw lots for it." Saheeh bukhari

The Sunnah Prayer Of Fajr

1) 'A'isha (radiallahu anha) said, "The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) was not as regular in any supererogatory (nafl) prayer as he was in the two rak'ats before Fajr." (Sahih Muslim 1:251)

2) 'A'isha (radiallahu anha) said, "I did not observe the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) hasten towards any supererogatory (nafl) prayer as fast as he would to perform the two rak'ats before Fajr." (Sahih Muslim 1:251)

3) 'A'isha (radiallahu anha) reports that the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "The two (sunnah) rak'ats of Fajr are more superior than the world and everything within it." (Sahih Muslims 1:251)

4) 'A'isha (radiallahu anha) reports that the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said regarding the two (sunnah) rak'ats at the break of dawn, "They are more beloved to me than the enitre world." (Sahih Muslim 1:251)

5) Abu Hurayra (radiallahu anh) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "Do not abandon the sunnah rak'ats of Fajr, even if horses trample over you." (Sunan Abu Dawud 1:186, Athar al-Sunan 1:224)

Translation: Hadhrat Ka'ab Bin 'Ujrah (May Allah be well pleased with him) told Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan Bin Abu Laila: Should I not give you a beautiful gift, which I heard from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)? He said: Why not! You give me that gift. Then Hadhrat Ka'ab said: We asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam): How should we send Durood on your family? Allah Most High has taught us how to greet them with Salaam. Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Say this: Allahumma Salli 'Ala (Sayyidina) Muhammadin Wa 'Ala Aali (Sayyidina) Muhammadin Kama Sallayta 'Ala (Sayyidina) Ibraheema Wa 'Ala Aali Sayyidina Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed. Allahumma Barik 'Ala (Sayyidina) Muhammadin Wa 'Ala Aali (Sayyidina) Muhammadin Kama Barakta 'Ala (Sayyidina) Ibraheema Wa 'Ala Aali Sayyidina Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3370)

Hadith No. 1

Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas'ud (r.a) narrated:

I asked the Messenger of Allah (saaw) "Which practice is most preferred by Allah (swt)?" The Messenger of Allah (saaw) replied "Offering Prayer within the prescribed time". I asked again "what is the next most preferred practice by Allah (swt)?" The Messenger of Allah (saaw) replied "to do good deeds to and for your parents". I asked again "what is the next most preferred practice by Allah (swt)?" The

Messenger of Allah (saaw) replied " To struggle in the way of Allah (swt).

(Bukhari and Muslim)

Hadith No. 2

Hazrat Abu Umaamah (r.a) narrated:

"The Messenger of Allah (saaw) said "When a person stands up for prayer the doors of the Heavens will be opened for him and all the obstructions between Allah (swt) and him will be removed and the hoors (women of paradise) will be there to welcome him. However this will only last until the person praying begins to umeccessarWy dear the nose and throat."

(Tabaraw)

Hadith No. 3

Hazrat Abu Dhar (r.a) narrated:

"On one occassion the Messenger of Allah (saaw) went out on a winters day when leaves were falling from the trees, the Messenger of Allah (saaw) grabbed two branches of a tree and said: "Oh Abu Dhar." Abu Dhar answered "I am here Oh Messenger of Allah (saaw)" Then the messenger of Allah (saaw) said "When a person performs his prayer for the sake of Allah (swt), then his s'ms will fall, like the leaves fall from the branches of a tree"

(Musnad Imam Ahmad)

Hadith No. 4

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (r.a) narrated:

The Messenger of Allah (saaw) said " the person who has purified himself before attending the mosque to perform prayer, then on his first step towards the mosque, one of his s'ms will be deleted (from his list of deeds) and on his second step, he will be elevated to one grade higher. This deletion of sins and elevation to a higher grade will continue in sequence with each consecutive step taken."

Hadith No. 5

Hazrat Zaid bin Khalid Johani (r.a) narrated:

The Messenger of Allah (saaw) said: "Whoever offers two rakats of prayer and makes no mistakes, then whatever his previous s'ms, they will be forgiven (minor s'ms)" (Musnad Imam Ahmad)

Hadith No. 6

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (r.a) narrated the hadith whereby the Messenger of Allah (saaw):

"Between the five prayers and from one Jummah to another and from one month of Ramadan to another, all the s'ms committed between each period will be deleted if you avoid the graver sins" (Muslim)

Abdullah ibn Shaqiq said: "I asked Aisha about the prayer of the Prophet and she said, 'He would pray four rakat before zuhr and two after it." [Sahih Muslim]

In a hadith recorded by Imam Bukhari, Aisha (radi Allahu anha) said: "The Prophet never left praying four rakat before Zuhr and two rakat before Fajr under any

circumstances."

"O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles." (Al-Qur'an 5:6)

" The key to Paradise is the (stipulated) prayer. And key to prayer is cleanliness." (Ahmed)

"Purification is half offaith." (Muslim)

"Taking a bath on Friday is a must for every adult." (Bukhari)

"And establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt." (Al-Qur'an 29:45) 5:6)

"See you not that it is Allah Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth do celebrate, and the birds (of the air) with wings outspread? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise" (Al-Qur'an 24:41)

"Pray as you have seen me praying." (Bukhari)

(Our intention must always be to perform salah, to the best of our ability as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).)

"One of the best deeds is to offer salah (prayer) in its early time." (Tirmidhi)

"The key to Paradise is the (stipulated) prayer. And key to prayer is cleanliness." (Ahmed)

DIRECTION OF KA'BAHFROM VARIOUS CITIES CHAPTER 1 'IBADAH (WORSHIP)

LONDON

NEW YORK

MOSCOW

JIBRALTAR

LAGOS

TOKYO

JAKARTA

SANTIAGO

CAPE TOWN SYDNEY

The word Tbadah comes from the Arabic "Abd", which means slave or servant. Man is a born subject and servant of Allah. When he turns to Allah with humility and devotion, he performs an act of Tbadah. Tbadah is a means for purifying man's physical and spiritual life. In Islam, every good deed performed to seek the pleasure of Allah is an act of worship.

The obligatory rituals of Tbadah are prayers (Salah), fasting (Saum), (Zakah) charity, pilgrimage (Hajj), and struggling in the way of Allah (Jihad). These along with Iman are often called the pillars of Islam. Islam is an integral whole. It covers all aspects of man's life. The pillars unite all human activities, spiritual and material, individual and collective.

The obligatory rituals of Tbadah make "faith" (Iman) to play a practical and

effective role in the human life. Tbadah is therefore something positive. It is the

means by which the faithfuls can serve Allah as well as their fellow men.

The Salah, which is the subject of this booklet, is an essential part of Tbadah. The

Prophet (S.A.W) is reported to have said: "Salah is the pillar of Islam and

whosoever abandons it, demolishes the very pillar of religion".

Salah the Muslim prayer

CHAPTER 2

TAHARAH (PURIFICATION)

Before a person can say his prayer, he must be clean and pure. The Qur'an says: "Truly Allah loves those who turn to Him and those who care for cleanliness". Cleanliness of mind, of body, and of clothes is called Taharah or purification. It is only in such a condition of purification that a Muslim may perform the Salah.

Purification of the body is attained by partial or total washing with clean

water. The partial wash is known as Al-Wudu or the ablution, and the

total wash is called Al-Ghusl or the washing (bath of the whole body).

AL-WUDU (ABLUTION)

The process of performing Wudu is as follows:-

Mention the name of Allah by saying

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"BISMILLA HIR RAHMA NIR RAHEEM"

In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful.

Wash both hands up to the wrists together three times, ensuring that every part including between the fingers is wetted by water as shown in figures 1, (a) and (b). Figure 1(a) Figure 1(b)

Taking a handful of water into the mouth, rinse the mouth three times as shown in figure 2.

Snuff water contained in the right palm into the nose and then eject the water with the left hand (thrice) - as shown in figures 3 and 4. Wash the face, ear to ear, forehead to chin, three times as shown in figures 5, 6 and 7. Figure 2

Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Salah the Muslim prayer

Figure 7 Figure 9 Figure 8 Figure 10 Figure 11

Wash the right arm thoroughly from the wrist to the elbow three times. Repeat the same with the left hand - as shown in figures 8 and 9. Run moistened fingers through the ears, the first finger of each hand going across the outside (once) - as shown in figure 11.

If they are removed, it is necessary to re-wash the feet for Wudu. The process ends with the recitation of the Kalimatush-Shahadah:

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ASH-HADU AL-LAILAHAILLALLAHU WAH DAHU LA SHAREEKA LAHU WA-ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAN 'ABDUHU-WA-RASULUH

A fresh performance of Wudu is necessary if one breaks wind, touches genitals, or becomes sexually excited, or pays a visit to the lavatory, or

falls asleep lying down, or vomits violently, or incurs a flow of blood from

an injury, or a flow of impure fluid.

Wash both feet up to the ankles starting

from the right and ensuring that all

parts particularly between the toes are

wetted - as shown in figure 12. If you

had performed complete "Wudu" before

putting on your socks, it is not necessary

to remove them when you want to

repeat the performance of "Wudu". It is

enough to wipe over the stockinged feet

with wet hands. This may be done for a

period of one day, (and three days on

journey) on the condition that the socks

are not removed. Figure 12

Salah the Muslim prayer

AL-GHUSL (THE WASHING OR BATH)

The greater purification, Ghusl, is obligatory when one is defiled as a result of nocturnal emission (or a wet dream), marital intercourse, child birth, or when entering into the fold of Islam. The procedure is as follows:-

Begin with the name of Allah as for Wudu. Wash the hands and the affected parts of the body with water to remove any impurity. Perform Wudu as above. Then wash the whole body three times, using clean water for each wash.

AT~TAYAMMUM(DRY ABLUTION)

On certain occasions, it my become either impossible (e.g. when water cannot be found or just enough for drinking is available), or it is dangerous because of illness, to use water for Wudu or Ghusl. In such situations, Tayammum (dry ablution) is performed. The procedure:-

Begin with the name of Allah. Strike both palms on sand, or anything containing sand or dust, like a wall or a stone etc. Pass the palms of the hands over the face once. Strike the sand etc., again with the palms. Rub the right hand with the left palm from the wrist to the elbow and similarly for the left hand with the right palm. Finish with the Kalimatush-Shahadah as for Wudu.

DIAGRAM SHOWING

TIMINGS OF DAILY PRAYERS CHAPTER 3

THE CONDUCT OF SALAH

In this section, some guidelines for the correct performance of Salah are given.

The most important pre-requisite, Wudu (ablution), is explained in

the last chapter. Other important conditions are:-

noon

sunrise sunset

midnight

MAGHRIB

ASR

FAJR

ISHA

ZUHR

Salah the Muslim prayer

1. TIME

Each of the Salah must be offered at or during its proper time. No Salah

can be said before its time. There are five obligatory prayers in a day.

Fajr - the morning prayer.

Zuhr - the early afternoon prayer.

'Asr - the late afternoon prayer.

Maghrib - the sun-set prayer.

'Isha - the night prayer.

2. DRESS

Before offering your Salah make sure that you are properly dressed. For men and boys, the dress should be such that it covers their bodies from the navel to the knees at least.

Women are required to cover themselves from head to foot, leaving only the face and hands uncovered. The dress for Salah must be clean and free from all impurities. During the monthly period women are free from obligation of Salah.

3. PLACE

Wherever a man might be, he can turn towards Allah in Salah and in devotion. The Prophet (S.A.W) has said, "The (whole of the) earth has been rendered for me a mosque: pure and clean. " Preferably Salah is to be offered in Jama'at - congregation. Salah is to be offered facing the Qiblah, the Ka'bah in Makkah. (See illustration on page 2) FARD OR NAFILAH

Salah is composed of the Fard (obligatory) and the Nafilah (superogatory) prayers.

The Fard Salah are five in a day. Failure to perform any one of them is a blameable sin. The Nafilah includes the Sunnah, which the Prophet (S.A.W.) used to perform regularly before or after each Fard Salah.

PRAYERS IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

When in circumstances where it is not possible to pray, or when on a journey, you are permitted to shorten Salah. Such a shortened prayer is known as Salatul-Qasr.

When travelling one may offer two raka'ats in place of four raka'ats in Zuhr, Asr and 'Isha, but there is no change in the two raka'ats of Fajr and three raka'ats of Maghrib Salah. Besides this concession in Fard Salah, one may leave all the additional Sunnah except the two Sunnah raka'ats of Fajr and the Witr of Tsha prayer. In case the stay at any one place during the journey exceeds a fortnight, complete Salah, with all the Fard and Sunnah raka'ats must be offered.

If you are sick, you may offer your Salah in a sitting position or lying in bed, by making signs in place of the physical movements. In journey, in sickness and in other emergencies, one is allowed to offer two separate Salah jointly. Thus Zuhr and 'Asr can be said together in the last part of the period of Zuhr. Maghrib and 'Isha may also be offered similarly towards the end of Maghrib time (when it is almost dark).

THE CALL TO PRAYER - ADHAN

To assemble the Muslims for congregational prayer, "Adhan", or the call to prayer is given. The caller (Mu'adhin) stands facing Ka'bah (Qiblah), and raising, his hands to his ears calls in a loud voice :-

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ALLAHU AKBAR ALLAHU AKBAR Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest cull oL£\<&\ oLS\ ALLAHU AKBAR ALLAHU AKBAR Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Salah the Muslim prayer

J^JiitolU qJjCJjcUll j^JifolU qJiCJicUJl

ASH-HADU AL-LA ASH-HADU AL-LA

ILAHAILLALLAH ILAHAILLALLAH

I bear witness that there is I bear witness that there is

no deity but Allah no deity but Allah

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ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAR RASULULLAH

I bear witness that Muhammad (S.A.W) is the messenger of Allah

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ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAR RASULULLAH

I bear witness that Muhammad (S.A.W) is the messenger of Allah

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HAYYA 'ALAS SALAH HAYYA 'ALAS SALAH Come to prayer Come to prayer

HAYYA 'ALAL FALAH HAYYA 'ALAL FALAH Come to success Come to success

ALLAHU AKBAR ALLAHU AKBAR Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest

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LA ILAHAILLALLAH There is no diety but Allah

In Adhan for Fajr Salah, the following sentence is added after HAYYA 'ALAL FALAH:-

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ASSALATU KHAYRUM MINAN NAUM Salah is better than sleep.

ASSALATU KHAYRUM MINAN NAUM Salah is better than sleep.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) has commanded that we should repeat the

same words as mu'azzin (but not aloud) and when he says:

HAYYA 'ALAS-SALAH, HAYYA 'ALAL-FALAH we should say:

LA HAULA WA LA QUWWATAILLA BILLAH There is no might no power but from Allah DU"A AFTER ADHAN

On completion of the Adhan, Muslims are recommended to recite:-

ALLAHUMMA RABBA HADHI-HID DA'WA-TIT-TAMMATI O Allah! Lord of this complete call

WAS-SALATIL QA'E-MATI A'TI MUHAMMADAN and prayer of ours, by the blessing of it give to Muhammad

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AL-WASILATA WAL FADI LATA

his eternal rights of intercession, distinction

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WAB 'ATH-HU MAQAMAM-MAHMUDAN

AL LADHI WA 'AT-TAHU

and raise him to the highest rank You have promised him. IQAMAH

After Adhan when the Muslims are assembled at the place of worship, a second call (Iqamah) is recited by one of the group. This signals the start of the congregational Salah. It is similar to Adhan except that it is recited faster but in a lower tone and the following sentences are recited after HAYYA 'ALLAL FALAH:

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QAD QAMATIS SALAH QAD QAMATIS SALAH

The prayer has begun The prayer has begun

Narrated Anas bim Malik (RAA): Allah's

Messenger (PBUH) said, "SUPPLICATIONMADE BETWEEN

THE ADHAN AND IQAMA IS NOT REJECTED " (An-Nasa'i)

CHAPTER 4

THE CONTENTS OF SALAH

Salah in Islam is a unique institution. It brings man closer to Allah by harmonising his mental attitude with physical posture. In Salah, a Muslim submits himself completely to his Creator. When you are sure that you have fulfilled all necessary conditions for Salah, you are ready to offer Salah. A detailed account of how to say Salah is given below:-

Say to yourself that you intend to offer this Salah (Fajr, Zuhr, 'Asr,

Maghrib or 'Isha) Fard or Sunnah. Then raise your hands to your ears

(as in figure 1) saying:-

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ALLAHU AKBAR

Allah is the Greatest

NOTE:-

The hand is in line

with ear lobe

Figure 1 Figure 2

Salah the Muslim prayer

Figure 3 Figure 4

Now placing your right hand on the left, just below, above or on the navel (as shown in figure 3 & 4) recite the folio wing:-

SUBHANA-KALLA HUMMA WA BI-HAMDIKA

0 Allah, Glorified, Praiseworthy. iJ^llJs dJLoouul CJL^9 :>iJji

WA TABARAKAS-MUKA WA TA'ALA JADDUKA

and Blessed is Your Name and Exalted Your Majesty

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WA-LAILAHA GHAIRUKA

and_there is no deity worthy of worship except You.

qDU yjj} ulialliaJI /x«j>jJI A'U-DHU BIL-LA-HI MINASH SHAITANIR RAJEEM

1 seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan

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BISMILLA HIR RAHMA NIR RAHEEM

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful. After this recite the opening Surah Al-Fatihah:-jukSJI qJU t/j .Isv-oJLaJI

ALHAMDU LIL-LAHI RAB-BIL 'ALAMEEN

Praise be to Allah the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds;

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AR-RAHMA-NIR RAHEEM

Most Gracious, Most Merciful;

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MALIKI YAU-MID-DEEN

Master of the Day of Judgement.

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IYYA-KA N'ABUDU WA-IYYKA NASTA'EEN

You do we worship, and Your aid we seek, UJkjbJ Jol <j£>JI /x^ajLujuoJI IHDI-NAS-SIRA-TAL MUSTAQEEM

Show us the straight way,

Salah the Muslim prayer

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SIRA TAL-LADHINA AN-'AMTA 'ALAIHIM

The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace,

GHAIRIL MAGHDUBI 'ALAIHIM

those whose (portion) is not wrath, \Ji ccJlljl J ox .oil WALAD-DAL-LIN (AMEEN)

and who go not astray. (O' Allah accept our prayer)

Now recite the following or any other passage from the Holy Qur'an:

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BISMILLA HIR RAHMANIR RAHEEM

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful Ji ^ qjJI 1>I

QUL HU-WAL-LAHU AHAD

Say: He is Allah the One and Only; qUI Juo^aJI ALLA-HUS-SAMAD

Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;

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LAM YALID WA LAM YULAD

He begets not, nor is He begotten /J9 cj 19^5) Jc>l

WA LAM YAKUL-LAHU KUFU-WAN AHAD

and there is none like unto Him.

Now bow down saying: cOJl oCJl ALLAHU AKBAR Allah is the Greatest

Place your hands on your knees and in this inclined position (Ruku' as shown in figure 5 & 5A) recite these words three times:-

SUBHANA RAB-BI-YAL AZEEM Glory be to my Lord the Great

SUBHANA RAB-BI-YAL AZEEM

Glory be to my Lord the Great Ja^JI

SUBHANA RAB-BI-YAL AZEEM Glory be to my Lord the Great

Figure 5 Figure 5A Salah the Muslim prayer

Figure 6 Figure 7

Then come to the standing position (figure 6 & 7) saying :-

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SAMI 'ALLAHU LI MAN HAMIDAH Allah has heard all who praise Him.

RAB-BANAIAKAL HAMD Our Lord: Praise be to you

Now saying "Allahu Akbar" prostrate on the ground with your forehead, the knees, the nose and palms of both hands touching the ground. In this position (Sajdah - as in figure 8 & 9) repeat these words three times at least:-

SUBHANA RAB-BI-YAL A'ALA Glory to my Lord, the Most High.

SUBHANA RAB-BI-YAL A'ALA Glory to my Lord, the Most High.

SUBHANA RAB-BI-YAL A'ALA Glory to my Lord, the Most High. NOTE:- Your nose & forehead must be in line with the carpet.

Sit upright with knees still on the ground after a moments rest perform the second Sajdah saying:-cuJl oCJl ALLAHU AKBAR Allah is the Greatest Figure 8 Figure 9

In the second Sajdah as before recite the following words three times:-

SUBHANA RAB-BI-YAL A'ALA Glory to my Lord, the Most High.

Sit upright saying Allahu Akbar. This completes one raka'at of Salah. The second rak'at is said in the same way except that after the second Sajdah you sit back, with the left foot bent towards the right, which should be placed vertical to the mat with the toes touching the mat. The palms should be lifted from the mat and placed on the knees. In this position (Q'adah - as shown in figures 10 and 11 silently say these words (Tashahhud):-Figure 10 Figure 11

oL^tJI sUJ 0I9IZ1JI9 0LILJI9

AT-TAHI-YATU LIL-LAHI WAS-SALAWATU WAT-TAY-YIBATU

All prayers and worship through words, action and sanctity are for Allah only.

joJLIaJI iilic L^jI CsvjlLJI

AS-SALAMU 'ALAIKA AY-YUHAN-NABIY-YU Peace be on you, O Prophet.

WA RAHMATUL-LAHI WA BARAKATUH and Mercy of Allah and His blessings. /ALLlII lillc Jxs illc giJI Jl CsoJQ)

AS-SALAMU 'ALAINA WA 'ALA 'IBADIL-LAHIS-SALIHEEN Peace be on us and those who are righteous servants of Allah. Salah the Muslim prayer

ASH-SHADU AL-LAILAHA

IL-LAL-LAHU

I bear witness to the fact that

there, is no diety but Allah.

.9-0 |— 10 T f iS-J 1 J"^o' -S^oji

Jl^_juuI9 ul IJuojsjo OJllC c U9jujj9

WA ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAN 'ABDUHU WA RASULUH

I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.

In a three raka'at (i.e. Maghirb) or four raka'at (like Zuhr, 'Asr and 'Isha) Salah you stand up for the remaining raka'at after Tashahhud. On the other hand if it is a two rak'at (Fajr) Salah, keep sitting and after this recite Darud (blessing for the Prophet) in these words:-

AL-LAHUM-MA SAL-LI 'ALA MUHAMMADIN WA 'ALA ALI MUHAMMADIN

O Allah, exalt Muhammad and the followers of Muhammad.

~" — — o o — ~~ o o

KAMA SAL-LAITA 'ALA IBRAHIMA WA 'ALA ALI IBRAHIMA As You did exalt Ibrahim and his followers

— |5Ji is o — is o Gj

IN-NAKA HAMIDUM-MAJEED You are the Praised, the Glorious

AL-LAHUM-MA BARIK 'ALA MUHAMMADIN O Allah, bless Muhammad

UJ — I — IT UJ — Jl

9 Jl Juojsio

WA 'ALA ALI MUHUAMMADIN and his followers

KAMA BARAKTA 'ALA IBRAHIMA WA 'ALA ALI IBRAHIMA as You have blest Ibrahim and his followers.

— II 19 O ■— 19 O 05

IN-NAKA HAMIDUM-MAJEED You are the Praised, the Glorious

And continue silently:-

O — _ — Q

I — O I — O mm S> .. toJ 11° —" T

RAB-BIJ-'ALNI MUQEIMAS-SALATI WA MIN DHUR-RIY-YATI

0 Lord! Make me and my children steadfast in Prayer;

1 — o iS' —— I — s> I — Cj_ o °. 1 0 I

Luj (J+QJ9 Lei Luj >olcI OJ

RAB-BANA WA TAQAB-BAL DU'A. RABBA-NAGH-FIRLI Our Lord! Accept my prayer. Our Lord! forgive me. CsjJ I9J3 ^xo^jaJJ^ jo$j J°9^. V

Ua^JI

WA-LI WALIDAY-YA WA LIL-MU'MININA YAUMA YAQUM-UL HISAB

and my parents and believers on the Day of Judgement.

Now turn your face to the right (as in figure 13 on next page) saying:-

/jJLuuJI /xjxjJLc cux>j9 gill

AS-SALAMU 'ALAIKUM WA-RAHMATUL-LAH Peace be on you and Allah's blessings. Salah the Muslim prayer

Then turn your face to the left (as in figure 14) and repeat the above words (aloud).

This completes your two raka'at Salah. The four raka'at of Zuhr, 'Asr and 'Isha and the three raka'at of Maghrib are said in an identical manner. If you are performing a three raka'at (like Maghrib) or four raka'at (like Zuhr, 'Asr and 'Isha) Salah stand up after Tashahhud in the second Rak'ah saying ALLAHU AKBAR and recite Al-Fatihah. When you are offering Fard Salah do not recite any additional passage from the Holy Qur'an after Al-Fatihah in the last two raka'at. After the second Sajdah in the fourth raka'at say the Tashahhud, Darud and end with "AS-SALAMU 'ALAIKUM WA-RAHMATUL-LAH" to each side (first right, then left as shown in the above pictures). This marks the end of Salah. Figure 13 Figure 14

CHAPTER 5

SUNNAH AND NAFILAH OR ADDITIONAL PRAYER

As you can see in the chart below, each Salah is composed of (a) Fard, the prescribed prayers, (b) Sunnah and (c) Nafilah or additional prayers. Sunnah prayers are recommended by the Prophet. They are of two types; Sunnah Mu'akkadah & Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah. Sunnah Mu'akkadah are highly recommended and should not be missed without a good reason Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah, are recommended, however they can be prayed occasionally or missed.

Nafilah prayers are optional. It is very rewarding to offer them if one has the time. The sequence of these additional prayers in each Salah is given below:-

* These Sunnah are Ghair Mu'akkadah

Name of

Salah Period

Fajr 2 2 None

Zuhr 4 4 2 + 2

Asr 4 4* None

Maghrib 3 None 2 + 2

'Isha 4 4* 2 + 2 +3 + 2

Sunnah or Nafilah

Number

of Fard

Raka'at

Before

Fard

Between Dawn until Sunrise

Between just past noon and mid-afternoon Between mid afternoon until before sunset Between just after sunset until dark Between dark and shortly before dawn After Fard

Salah the Muslim prayer

SALAT-UL-WITR

The three raka'at prayers said after the Fard and Sunnah of the 'Isha is called Salat-ul-Witr. It is strongly recommended in the practice of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and is Wajib (necessary) according to one section of Muslims. Others regard it a mere Sunnah Salah. The first two raka'at of this Salat-ul-Witr are said like the first two raka'at of the Maghrib prayers. In the third raka'at after al-Fatihah, recite some additional Surah or verses of the Qur'an.

Then, saying ALLAHU AKBAR raise your hands above your shoulders, fold your hands, and recite the following or any other similar Du'a silently. This is called Du'a-al-Qunut or the prayer of submission:-

33 .9 ill |^p| — |.9o — o T— |J>.° — ° T —

/XpJUl 01 illjuSLLjuJJ ilJjS>SU-kjJJ§

ALLAHUM-MAIN-NA NASTA'EENUKA WA NAS TAGH FIRU KA

O Allah, we seek Your help, and ask Your forgiveness

WA NU'MINU BIKA WA NATAWAK-KALU 'ALAIKA and believe in You and trust in You,

v_SS*jLi9 «^J-C ils^eJI iJ>5Lliju9

WA NUTHNI 'ALAIKAL-KHAIRA WA NASHKURUKA and we praise You in the best manner and we thank You, CJ9 gliu^ dLi/9

WALA NAKFURUKA WA NAKHLA'U WA NATRUKU and we are not ungrateful and we cast off and forsake him

O — — ijiJ> O Gj Cj -Siii - I I Cu. Ji^o —

MAYN-YAF JURUKA 'ALLAHUM-MAIY-YAKA N'ABUDU who disobeys You. O Allah, You alone do we worship,

— I "J— WJ I - -2 J> J> o —— — |0~j| — o —

JJU9 J-£U Jl?«1juUU9 <il«Jl9 ^SL-kjlL)

WA LAKA NUSALLI WA NASJUDU WA ILAIKA NAS'A

and to You we pray, and before You do we prostrate,

to You do we turn to in haste

AajtJ9 <pr>i9 dLLoj>j ^pjo^J^ dlJI _xc

WA NAHFIDU WA NARJU RAHMATAKA WA

NAKHSHA ADHABAKA

and we submit, and hope for Your mercy,

and we fear Your punishment

uj iiJIii: jiliJU (j^eio

IN-NA 'ADHABAKA BIL-KUF-FARI MULHIQ Your punishment surely overtakes the unbelievers

After this saying ALLAHU AKBAR bow down in Ruk'u and then complete the rest of the prayers like the Maghrib prayers. PERSONAL PRAYER (DU'A) AFTER SAL AH

When you have completed your Fard or Sunnah prayers, you may pray to Allah in your own words offering him praise, thanksgiving or asking him for forgiveness for yourself, other Muslims, your own dear and near ones. For this Du'a keep sitting after the obligatory or Sunnah prayers, hold up your hands near each other with the palms up and fingers slightly bent (as shown in figure 15). In this position you may offer anyone of these or other personal prayers:-Figure 20

/x^JUl Cjjl jo JJjjJI JJLI09 jo JJjoJ I

ALLAHUM-MA ANTAS-SALAMU WA MINKAS-SALAM

O Allah, You are the Author of Peace and from You comes Peace.

TABARAKf A YA-DHALJALALI WAL-IKRAM Blessed are You, O Lord of Majesty and Honour.

ALLAHUM-MAGHFIRLI WA LIWALIDAYYA WA LI-ASATI-DHATI

O Allah, forgive me and my parents and teachers,

QjlOSzJs ^SOuO^joJI OLL09J0JI9 (Is^oJLuUUoJ^ CjuoJLIaJUoJ I9

WA LIJAMEE'IL MU'MINEENA WAL-MU'MINATI WAL MUSLIMEENA WAL MUSLIMAT and all the believing men and women and obedient men and women with Your mercy.

BIRAHMATIKA YA ARHAMAR-RAHIMEEN O Most Merciful of (all) those who show mercy.

CHAPTER 6

SALAH ON SPECIFIC OCCASIONS JUMU'AH PRAYER (Friday)

Beside the daily Salah, the Friday prayer is also obligatory upon Muslim men. For Muslim women it is not obligatory, but is desirable if they are able to do so without upsetting their household work. The Friday Salah is offered in congregation on Friday at Zuhr time. First the Imam delivers a sermon (Khutbah). Then he leads the congregation in a two rak'at Salah. After this two or more raka'at of Sunnah or Nafilah prayers are offered individually. TARAWEEH PRAYER ((Ramadan))

These prayers are offered during the month of Ramadan after 'Isha Salah. These consist of eight, twelve or twenty raka'at, and are offered two by two with a short rest between every four raka'at. They may be said alone but collective prayers are recommended. These are additional Sunnah prayers. THE EID PRAYER (Salatul-'Idayan)

There are two Eid or occasions of great festivity for Muslims. The first is called Eidul-Fitr or the festival of fast breaking. It is celebrated on the first day of the tenth Islamic month (Shawwal) following Ramadan, the month of fasting. It marks great thanksgiving for the Muslims all over the world.

The second Eid is the Eidul-Adha or the festival of great sacrifice, which

is observed on the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah, the last Islamic month. The animals are sacrificed to celebrate the great sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

On both these Eids, Eid prayers are offered in congregation any time after sunrise and before noon. There is no Adhan (call for prayer) or Iqamah Salah the Muslim prayer

(second call before congregation). The Eid prayer consists of two raka'at (offered just as the two raka'at of Jumu'ah prayer are said) with six to sixteen additional Takbirs' (ALLAHU AKBAR). You say three or more Takbirs in the first raka'at after 'Thana and three or more Takbirs' in the second raka'at before you bow down for Ruku'.

A sermon (Khutbah) is delivered by the Imam (leader of the prayer) after the two raka'at Eid prayer unlike the Jumu'ah prayer when it precedes the prayer.

The prescence of all Muslims, women and children included is strongly recommended.

FUNERAL PRAYERS (JANAZAH)

It is a prayer to Allah for a deceased Muslim, and is a common obligation on Muslims of the locality. The funeral Salah is offered in congregation but unlike other formal prayers, it has neither any Ruku' (bowing) nor any Sajdah (prostration). Following is the complete sequence of the funeral prayer.

Saying Takbir (Allahu Akbar) with the rest of the congregation raise your hands to your ears, then bring them down on, above or below the navel as in formal prayers with the right hand on the left. Then recite the following praise or Thana silently:-

SUBHANA-KALLA HUMMA WA BI-HAMDIKA O Allah, Glorified, Praiseworthy.

iTjllJs dioouul CJLsJ3 jJjc>

WA TABARAKAS-MUKA WA TA'ALA JADDUKA and Blessed is Your Name and Exalted Your Majesty

WA-LAILAHA GHAIRUK

and there is no deity worthy of worship except You.

After Thana (SUBHANAKA....) again raise hands to your ears saying

Allahu Akbar. Now silently recite the Darud:-

CC c - - - I -_z- — I — — — 55 .9

AL-LAHUM-MA SAL-LI 'ALA MUHAMMADIN O Allah, exalt Muhammad

WA 'ALA ALI MUHAMMADIN and the followers of Muhammad.

~" — o — o o

KAMA SAL-LAITA 'ALA IBRAHEEMA As You did exalt Ibrahim

WA 'ALA ALI IBRAHEEMA and the followers of Ibrahim

— ■ 33 I IS O — 19 O 03

IN-NAKA HAMEEDUM-MA JEED You are the Praised, the Glorious

33 Ji I 11 O ■ I — — ■ — 03 — S

AL-LAHUM-MA BARIK 'ALA MUHAMMADIN O Allah, bless Muhammad

( _|C9 JI JucxSejO

WA 'ALA A'ALI MUHUAMMADIN and his followers

KAMA BARAKTA 'ALA IBRAHEEMA as You have blest Ibrahim

'Jb's Jl /xl^ljji

WA 'ALA A'ALI IBRAHEEMA and the followers of Ibrahim

— |5J| 19 O ■— 19 O 03

IN-NAKA HAMEEDUM-MA JEED

You are the Praised, the Glorious

Now saying ALLAHU AKBAR recite the following:-

53 s °\ 11 ° ■ °- I I "~ OJ " I I ***"—

/x^JUl >acl Uj^*J

ALLAHUM-MAGHFIR LI-HAYYINA WA MAYYITINA O Allah forgive our living and our dead

UjL&Lju9 LLjLc9

WA SHAHIDINA WA GHA'IBINA the present and the absent.

WA SAGHIRINA WA KABIRINA

our young and the old,

U_>Si>3 Lj LiJ I3

WA DHAKARINA WA UNTHANA and the males and females.

C3 .5 °° o -2 o o C Cj o c — —■ D

/x^JJI ,jjo cUaI^-I Ho 5bJ>l9 J^: /aJLLuVII ALLAHUM-MA MAN AHYAYTAHU MIN-NA FA-AHYIHI 'ALAL ISLAM

O Allah, be to whom You accord life among us cause him to live in the observance of Islam

,jj09 cuIs^J ilo <*S$i3 Ol<XS\JI

WAMAN TAWAF-FAITAHU MIN-NA

FATAWAF-FAHU 'ALAL IMAN

and be to whom You give death, cause him to die

in the state of Iman (faith).

Oj ■ 9 ^|| -"I I — 0 o — .» o ?

/x^JUl J Uuo_pcJ toy>\

ALLAHUMMA LA TAHRIMNA AJRAHU O Allah! do not deprive us of reward for (supplicating for) him or her,

— I iCj O — .9 _ O

J3 LuLQJ 0 JlSZJ

WA LA TAFTINNA BA'DAHU nor put us to trial after him (or her)

If the deceased is a minor a boy or a girl then recite this Du'a:-

ALLAHUM-MA J'ALHU LANA FARATAN O Allah, Make him our fore-runner, Salah the Muslim prayer

WA J'ALHU LANA AJRAWN WA DHUKHRAWN and make him for us a reward and a treasure,

WAJ'ALHULANA SHAFI'AWN WA MUSHAF-FI'AN and make him for us a pleader, and accept his pleading. cujI oCJl ALLAHU AKBAR Allah is the Greatest

After this the Imam again says aloud "Allahu Akbar". The congregation repeats these words silently. Then the Imam and the congregation turn

their faces first to the right and then to the left side saying As-salamu-Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullah on either side.

/aJLuuJI joSIIlC cIjoj>j9 gJJl

AS-SALAMU 'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATUL-LAH

Peace be on you and Allah's blessings.

Narrated Abu Huraira (RAA)

The Prophet (PBUH) said:-

"WHEN YOU PRAY ON THE DEAD,

MAKE A SINCERE SUPPLICATION

FOR HIM."

(Abu Dau'd)

THE LAST TWO SURAHS FROM THE QUR'AN Surah Falaq: 113

"QUL A'UZUBI RAB-BIL FALAQ~ MIN SHAR-RIMA KHALAQ. WA MIN SHAR-RI GHASIQIN IZA WAQAB. WA MIN SHAR-RIN NAFFATHATI FIL 'UQAD. WA MIN SHAR-RI HASIDINI ZA HASAD.

"Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn, from the evil of all that He has

created, and from the evil of the darkness of night when it falls.

And from the evil of those (charmers) who blow into knots.

And from the evil of the envier when he envies."

Surah Nas: 114

/xjLuu qui l^joS-p /xl>>JI*

Ji ic^cl t/jj tjjullll* dLLo ^llll* cUj ^llll* ^x> gjjj ^juI^jLj^JI ^u5dl*

"QUL A'UZUBI RAB-BIN NAS MALIKIN NAS. ILA HIN-NAS. MIN SHAR-RIL WASWA SIL KHAN-NAS. ALLAZI YUWASWISU FEE SUDU RIN-NAS. MINAL JIN-NATI WAN-NAS."

"Say: I seek refuge in the Sustainer of Mankind, the Owner of Mankind, Lord of Mankind. From the evil of the sneaking whisperer. Who whispers in the hearts of mankind. (Whether he be) from among jinns or mankind."

Amounts of Rakah for each prayer

Fajr:

i) First two rakat Sunnat Mokadda

ii) Two rakat Fard Zuhr:

i) Four rakat Sunnat Mokadda

ii) Four rakat Fard

iii) Two rakat sunnat Mokadda

iv) Two rakat Nafl (Optional but spiritually beneficial) Asr:

i) Four rakat sunnat ghair mokadda (Optional but spiritually beneficial)

ii) Four rakat Fard Maghrib

i) Three rakat Fard

ii) Two rakat Sunnat Mokadda

iii) Two rakat nafl (Optional but spiritually beneficial) Isha:

i) Four rakat sunnat e Ghair Mokadda (Optional but spiritually beneficial)

ii) Four rakat Fard

iii) Two Rakat Sunnat Mokadda

iv) Two rakat Nafil (Optional but spiritually beneficial)

v) Three rakat Wajib

vi) Two rakat Nafil (Optional but spiritually beneficial) Must be with Wudu for all Salahs.

Salatul Ishraq : Saaiduna Anas Bin Malik Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said "Whosoever

offers his fajr prayer in congregation, then remains seated making zikr of Allah until the sun rises and thereafter offers two rakats, they will receive the reward of performing a Hajj and Umrah". (Sunan Tirmizi)

The Salah of the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him)

Hadrat Mughira (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) prayed for so long in the night in standing posture that his feet got swollen up. His companions said to him, "O Prophet of Allah! Why do you exert so much when Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) has forgiven you all sins." The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) replied, "Should I not be a grateful servant of Allah?" (Bukhari, Muslim)

Adhan and Iqama

Narrated Hadrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): The people mentioned the fire and the bell (they suggested those as signals to indicate the starting of prayers), and by that they mentioned the Jews and the Christians. Then Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) was ordered to pronounce the Adhan for the prayer by saying its wordings twice, and for the Iqama (the call for actual standing for the prayers in rows) by saying its wordings once (except for Qad - Qamatis-Salat which should be said twice). (Bukhari)

First Questioning will be about Salah

On the authority of Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said: The first of his actions for which a servant of Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded; and if they are wanting, then he will have failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory prayers, the Lord (The Glorified and the Exalted) will say: See if My servant has any optional prayers with which may be completed that which was defective in his obligatory prayers. Then the rest of his actions will be judged in like fashion. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, an-Nasai, Ibn Majah and Ahmad). (Hadith Qudsi)

Pray in All Circumstances

Narrated 'Imran bin Husain (may Allah be pleased with him): I had piles, so I asked the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) about the prayer. He said, "Pray while standing and if you can't, pray while sitting and if you cannot do even that, then pray lying on your side." (Bukhari)

Salah Erases Sins

Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Let anyone tell me; if a stream flows by the house of any person and he baths in it five times a day, whether any dirt will remain on his body." The companions replied that no dirt would remain in such a case. He said, "So is the case with prescribed prayers. Allah forgives men's sins (minor) on their account." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Salah is the Best Deed

Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) said that he enquired of the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) what was the best deed in the sight of Allah. The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) replied, "To say prescribed prayers at stated hours." I asked what was the next best. He said, "To be good to parents." I again asked what deed ranked next. He said, "To do Jihad in the way of Allah." Ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that if he had gone on asking, the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) would have told him more. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Salah Brings Salvation

Hadrat Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) said that one day the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) was talking about prescribed prayers and he said, "Whoso is regular in his prayers it will illumine his face, testify to the firmness of his faith and be the cause of his salvation on the Day of Judgement. And whoso neglects the prayers will neither acquire any glow nor staunchness of faith nor any means of salvation and he will join, on the Day of Resurrection, the company of Korah (Qarun), Pharoah, Haman and Ubay bin Khalaf." (Ahmad, Darimy, Baihaqi)

The Merit of Each Salah

Narrated by Hadrat Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Whoever misses the Asr prayer (intentionally) then it is as if he lost his family and property." (Bukhari)

Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "If people only knew the reward of giving the prayer-call or the merit of standing in the first row of the congregational prayers, they would insist on drawing lots for finding a place therein. And if they could know the merit of repairing to the mosque early for noon prayers, they would go there running and if they were to know the blessings of night and early morning prayers, they would go to the mosque dragging themselves on their buttocks if they had not the strength to walk upto it" (Bukhari, Muslim)

Say Prayers in Congregation

Hadrat Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said: They Holy Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "If they are three persons in a habitation or in a jungle and they do not say their prescribed prayers jointly, it would mean that the devil has gained ascendency over them. Therefore, make a rule for yourselves to say congregational prayers, for a goat which leaves the flock is devoured by the wolf." (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasai)

Merit of the Congregational Prayer

Hadrat Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said: Prayer of a man in his house is one prayer, and his prayer in the mosque of the tribes is prayer by 25 times, and his prayer in the congregational mosque is prayer by 500 times, and his prayer in the farthest mosque Masjid Aqsa (of Jerusalem) is prayer by 50,000 times and his prayer in my mosque is prayer by 50,000 times and his prayer in the sacred mosque (of Ka'ba) is prayer by 100,000 times. (Ibn Majah)

The Timing of the Five Prayers

Hadrat Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said: The time of Zuhr prayer remains till the sun declines and the shadow of a man becomes double his length and so long as the Asr prayer does not come, and the time of Asr prayer remains so long as the sun does not become yellow: and the time of Maghrib prayer remains so long as the red hue does not disappear; and the time for Isha prayers remains up to the midnight, and the time for Fajr prayer runs from the appearance of dawn till the sun does not rise, but when the sun rises, keep away from prayer because it rises between two horns of the devil. (Muslim)

How to Perform Salah

Hadrat Abu Hamid as Sayidi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated amongst ten of the companions of the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him): I know better than you about the prayer of Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him). They asked: Narrate. He said: When the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) stood for prayer, he raised his hands till he took them opposite his shoulders, then he recited takbir, then he read (the Qur'an), then he recited takbir and raised up his hands till he took them opposite his shoulders, then bowed placing his palms upon his knees, then making himself straight, neither lowering his head nor raising it up. Then he raised up his head saying, "Allah hears one who praises Him": then he raised up his hands till he took them opposite his shoulders by being straight: and he said: "Allah is the greatest." Then he lowered himself to the ground in prostration keeping his hands away from his two sides and bending the toes of his feet, he raised up his head and bent his left foot and sat on it, then he sat straight till every bone returned to its proper place. Next he

prostrated and said: "Allah is Most Great", raising himself, and bent on his left foot and sat on it. Then he sat straight till every bone returned to its proper place. Then he stood up and did the same thing in the second Rak'at. At the end of the two Rak'ats he stood and said takbir raising up his hands till he took them opposite his shoulders, just as he recited takbir when he opened the prayer, then he did the same in the remaining portion of his prayer till when the prostration in which there was Taslim, he put out his left foot and sat on his hip bone upon his left side. Then he uttered Taslim. They said: You have spoken the truth. He used to pray thus. (Abu Dawud)

Straight Rows in Salah

Hadrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said: make your rows straight, because the straightening of lines is part of the Aqamat of prayer. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Follow the Imam

Hadrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) led us in prayer one day, and when he finished his prayer he faced us and said, "O people, I am your Imam, so do not bow, prostrate yourselves, stand, or go away before I do, for I see you both in front of me and behind me." (Muslim)

Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah'a Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said: The Imam is appointed to be followed. So when he recites takbir, recite takbir: and when he recites (Qur'an), keep silent. (Abu Dawud, an-Nasai, Ibn Majah)

Dua After Salah

Hadrat Sawbhan (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that when Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) finished his prayer, he begged pardon thrice (Istighfaar) and said:

O Allah! Thou are Peace, and from Thee is peace. Thou are Blessed, O Lord of Glory and Honour. (Muslim)

Tasbih After Salah

Hadrat Ka'ab bin Uzrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said: There are some recitations after prayer, of which the reciters or the doers at the end of each obligatory prayer will not be disappointed -Tasbih for 33 times, Tahmid for 33 times and Takbir for 34 times. (Muslim)

Dua Qunut in Salah

Narrated Hadrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Qunut used to be recited in the

Maghrib and the Fajr prayers. (Bukhari)

Salatus-Safar

Narrated Hadrat Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) once stayed for nineteen days and prayed shortened prayers. So when we travelled (and stayed) for nineteen days, we used to shorten the prayer but if we travelled (and stayed) for a longer period we used to offer the full prayer. (Bukhari)

Narrated Hadrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) used to offer the Zuhr and Asr prayers together on journeys, and also used to offer the Maghrib and 'Isha' prayers together. (Bukhari)

Friday Prayers

Narrated Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "When it is a Friday, the angels stand at the gate of the mosque and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the mosque in succession according to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters the mosque in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice). The one coming next is like one offering a cow and then a ram and then a chicken and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out (for Jumu'a prayer) they (i.e. angels) fold their papers and listen to the Khutba." (Bukhari)

Hadrat Abdul Ja'ad az-Zumairi (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said: Whoso gives up three Friday prayers by way of neglecting them, Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) will seal up his heart. (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, an-Nasai, Ibn Majah)

Eid Prayers

Narrated Hadrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) used to offer the prayer of Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr and then deliver the khutba after the prayer. (Bukhari)

Salatul Witr

Narrated mother of faithful believers, Hadrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) offered Witr prayer at different nights at various hours extending (from the 'Isha prayer) up to the last hour of the night. (Bukhari)

Sunnah Muakkadah

Hadrat Umm Habiba (may Allah be pleased with her) reported Allah's Messenger (may

Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) as saying, "A house will be built in paradise for anyone who prays in a day and a night twelve rakas (Sunnah prayers), four before and two after the noon prayer, two after the sunset prayer, two after the night prayer and two before the dawn prayer." (Tirmidhi)

Tahajjud

Hadrat Abu Ummah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Make Tahajjud prayers obligatory for yourselves. This is the way of pious gone before you and it is a means of attaining nearness to Allah, it atones for your sins and prevents their commission." (Tirmidhi)

Taraweh

Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) used to encourage people to offer extra prayers (Taraweh) but would not give a positive direction for it. He used to say "Whoso offers Taraweh prayers devotedly and sincerely, all his former sins would be forgiven." The narrator says that this practice continued after the passing away of the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him), during the khilafat of Sayyidina Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and the early part of Sayyidina Umar's (may Allah be pleased with him) khilafat (then it became congregational) (Muslim)

Tahiyyatul Masjid

Narrated Hadrat Abu Qatada bin Rab'i Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "If anyone of you enters a Mosque, he should not sit until he has offered a two Rak'at prayer." (Bukhari)

Salatul Tasbih

Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said to Hadrat Abbas Ibn Abdul Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him): O Abbas, O my uncle! Should I not give you, should I not tell you something in lieu of performance of which Allah will forgive all your past and future sins, old and new, done wittingly or unwittingly, evident or concealed. You should offer four Rak'ah of prayers in a way that in each Rak'ah after reciting surah Fatiha and a verse of the Qur'an say fifteen times "SubhanAllah wal Hamdulillah wa la ilaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar" and then repeat it ten times before finishing the bow, ten times on standing erect and ten times before finishing each of the prostrations, ten times in between them and ten times after the second prostration before getting up. Thus in each Rak'ah this has to be repeated seventy-five times. If you can, offer this prayer every day, if not once in every week or once in every month or at least once in a year. If even this is not possible, at least once in a life time." (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Baihaqi)

Istikhara Prayer

Narrated Hadrat Jabir bin Abdullah As-Salami (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) used to teach his companions to perform the prayer of Istikhara for each and every matter just as he used to teach them the Suras from the Qur'an. He used to say, "If anyone of you intends to do something, he should offer a two-Rak'at prayer other than the compulsory prayers, and after finishing it, he should say: O Allah! I consult You, for You have all knowledge, and appeal to You to support me with Your Power, and ask for Your Bounty, for You are able to do things while I am not, and You Know while I do not, and You are the Knower of the Unseen. O Allah! If You know that this matter (name your matter) is good for me both at present and in the future, (or in my religion), in my present life and in the Hereafter, then fulfil it for me and make it easy for me, and then bestow Your Blessings on me in that matter. O Allah! If You Know that this matter is not good for me in my religion, in my present life and in my coming Hereafter (or at present or in the future), then divert me from it and choose for me what is good whenever it may be, and make me be pleased with it." (Bukhari)

Salatul Istisqa (for rain)

Narrated Abbad bin Tamim from his uncle, "I saw the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) on the day when he went out to offer the Istisqa' prayer. He turned his back towards the people and faced the Qibla and asked Allah for rain. Then he turned his cloak inside out and led us in a two-Rak'ah prayer and recited the Qur'an aloud in them." (Bukhari)

Sunnah Prayer on Sun Eclipse (salatul kusuf)

Narrated Hadrat Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba (may Allah be pleased with him): "The sun eclipsed in the life-time of Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) on the day when (his son) Ibrahim died. So the people said that the sun had eclipsed because of the death of Ibrahim. Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e. birth) of someone. When you see the eclipse, pray and invoke Allah." (Bukhari)

The Prophet (PBUH) has said: "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim]

If Allah guides a person through you, it is better for you than all that is on the earth." (Bukhari No. 2783 & Muslim No. 2406).Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence" (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith 667)

Dawah to non muslims

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Salat-Ut-Tasbih: Abu Rafi (R.A) narrated that Allah's Messenger (Peace be

upon him) said to Abbas (R.A), "O Uncle! Shall I not join ties with you? Shall I not give you? Shall I not benefit you?" He said, "Of course, O Messenger of Allah!" So, he said, "O Uncle! Pray four raka'at. recite in each raka'ah the Surah Fatiha and a Surah and when you have finished the recital, say (Allahu Akbar Wal Hamdulillah Wa Subhan Allah) fifteen times before making the ruku. Then go into the ruku and repeat them ten times. Then raise your head and say the words ten times. Then go into prostrations and repeat them ten times, and raise your head and say the words ten times. Then prostrate and say the words ten times, and (again) raise your head and repeat them ten times before you stand up. So, this is (in all) seventy five in each raka'ah and it three hundred in all four rak'at. Even if your sins are like the sand particles of Aalij, Allah will forgive them for you". He ( Abbas (R.A) said, "O Messenger of Allah! Who can stand up for it every day?" He said, "If you cannot establish it every day, then observe it on Friday. And if you cannot do that every Friday then observe it every month". And he did not cease to say that until he said, "Offer it once in a year".

Imam Tirmidhi (R.A) said: This hadith as narrated by Abu Rafi is Gharib.pami Tirmidhi (2/514)]

Salatul tahajjud : "Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed. And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station." (Surah Isra, 17:78-79).

Here are some hadiths about tahajjud:

Abu Hurairah reports that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "Our Lord Descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, inquiring: "Who will call on Me so that I may respond to him? Who is asking something of Me so I may give it to him? Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him?"[ Bukhari and Muslim.]

Abdullah ibn 'Amr reports that the Prophet (saws) said: "The most beloved fast to Allah is the fast of (Prophet) Dawood (a.s.). And the most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of (Prophet) Dawood (a.s.). He (Prophet Dawood (a.s.)) would sleep half of the night and then pray during the next third of the night and then sleep during the last sixth of the night.And he would fast one day and not fast the next."[ Bukhari and Muslim.]

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, "The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer. "[Muslim]

Abd Allah ibn Salam (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, "O people! Spread the salams, feed others, maintain family ties, and pray at night when others sleep and you will enter Heaven safely."[Tirmidhi, Hakim]

Narrated Al-Mughira: The Prophet(SAW) used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, "should I not be a thankful slave." [Bukahri]

Narrated Salim's father: In the life-time of the Prophet(SAW) whosoever saw a dream would narrate it to Allah's Apostle(SAW). I had a wish of seeing a dream to narrate it to Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) I was a grown up boy and used to sleep in the Mosque in the life-time of the Prophet. I saw in the dream that two angels caught hold of me and took me to the Fire which was built all round like a built well and had two poles in it and the people in it were known to me. I started saying, "I seek refuge with Allah from the Fire." Then I met another angel who told me not to be afraid. I narrated the dream to Hafsa who told it to Allah's Apostle(SAW). The Prophet(SAW) said, "Abdullah is a good man. I wish he prayed Tahajjud." After that 'Abdullah (i.e. Salim's father) used to sleep but a little at night. [Bukhari]

Narrated 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle(SAW) used to offer eleven Rakat and that was his prayer. He used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Quran) before he would lift his head. He used to pray two Rakat (Sunna) before the Fajr prayer and then used to lie down on his right side till the call-maker came and informed him about the prayer. [Bukhari]

'Praying at Night in Ramadaan (TaraweehV of Sahih Bukhari.

226 Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying regarding Ramadan, "Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."

227 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of 'Umar's Caliphate." 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night."

228 Narrated 'Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Apostle used to pray (at night) in Ramadan.

229 Narrated 'Urwa: That he was informed by 'Aisha, "Allah's Apostle went out in the middle of the night and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and prayed behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people. Allah's Apostle came out and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night the Mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet came out (only) for the morning prayer. When the morning prayer was finished he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, "Amma ba'du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qiyam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on." So, Allah's Apostle died and the situation remained like that (i.e. people prayed individually). "

230 Narrated Abu Salama bin 'Abdur Rahman: that he asked 'Aisha "How was the prayer of Allah's Apostle in Ramadan?" She replied, "He did not pray more than eleven Rakat in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to pray four Rakat — let alone their beauty and length—and then he would pray four —let alone their beauty and length —and then he would pray three Rakat (Witr)." She added, "I asked, 'O Allah's Apostle! Do you sleep before praying the Witr?' He replied, 'O 'Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep."

231 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven ."

232 Narrated Ibn 'Umar: Some men amongst the companions of the Prophet were shown in their dreams that the night of Qadr was in the last seven nights of Ramadan. Allah's Apostle said, "It seems that all your dreams agree that (the Night of Qadr) is in the last seven nights, and whoever wants to search for it (i.e. the Night of Qadr) should search in the last seven (nights of Ramadan)."

233 Narrated Abu Salama: I asked Abu Sa'id, and he was a friend of mine, (about the Night of Qadr) and he said, "We practiced Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque) in the middle third of the month of Ramadan with the Prophet. In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet came and addressed us and said, 'I was informed of (the date of the Night of Qadr) but I was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water (as a sign). So, whoever was in l'tikaf with me should return to it with me (for another 10-day's period)', and we returned. At that time there was no sign of clouds in the sky but suddenly a cloud came and it rained till rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque which was made of date-palm leafstalks. Then the prayer was established and I saw Allah's Apostle prostrating in mud and water and I saw the traces of mud on his forehead."

234 Narrated 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle said, "Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."

235 Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: Allah's Apostle used to practice Itikaf (in the mosque) in the middle third of Ramadan and after passing the twenty nights he used to go back to his house on the 21st, and the people who were in Itikaf with him also used to go back to their houses. Once in Ramadan, in which he practiced Itikaf, he established the night prayers at the night in which he used to return home, and then he addressed the people and ordered them whatever Allah wished him to order and said, "I used to practice Itikaf for these ten days (i.e. the middle 113rd but now I intend to stay in Itikaf for the last ten days (of the month); so whoever was in Itikaf with me should stay at his place of

seclusion. I have verily been shown (the date of) this Night (of Qadr) but I have forgotten it. So search for it in the odd nights of the last ten days (of this month). I also saw myself (in the dream) prostrating in mud and water." On the night of the 21st, the sky was covered with clouds and it rained, and the rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque at the praying place of the Prophet. I saw with my own eyes the Prophet at the completion of the morning prayer leaving with his face covered with mud and water.

235 Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: Allah's Apostle used to practice Itikaf (in the mosque) in the middle third of Ramadan and after passing the twenty nights he used to go back to his house on the 21st, and the people who were in Itikaf with him also used to go back to their houses. Once in Ramadan, in which he practiced Itikaf, he established the night prayers at the night in which he used to return home, and then he addressed the people and ordered them whatever Allah wished him to order and said, "I used to practice Itikaf for these ten days (i.e. the middle 113rd but now I intend to stay in Itikaf for the last ten days (of the month); so whoever was in Itikaf with me should stay at his place of seclusion. I have verily been shown (the date of) this Night (of Qadr) but I have forgotten it. So search for it in the odd nights of the last ten days (of this month). I also saw myself (in the dream) prostrating in mud and water." On the night of the 21st, the sky was covered with clouds and it rained, and the rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque at the praying place of the Prophet. I saw with my own eyes the Prophet at the completion of the morning prayer leaving with his face covered with mud and water.

236 Narrated 'Aisha: The Prophet said, "Look for (the Night of Qadr)."

237 Narrated 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan ,"

238 Narrated Ibn Abbas: The Prophet said, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,' on the night when nine or seven or

five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively)."

239 Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Allah's Apostle said, "The Night of Qadr is in the last ten nights of the month (Ramadan), either on the first nine or in the last (remaining) seven nights (of Ramadan)." Ibn 'Abbas added, "Search for it on the twenty-fourth (of Ramadan)."

240 Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit: The Prophet came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, "I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such-and-such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan).

241 Narrated Aisha: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.

Umrah in (that month) is equivalent to Hajj." Al-Bukhari (1782) and Muslim (1256) narrated that Ibn Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to a woman from among the Ansaar - Ibn Abbaas mentioned her name but I forgot it - "What kept you from performing Hajj with us?" She said: We only have two camels and the father of her son and her son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left us the other camel so that we could carry water on it. He said: "When Ramadan comes, go for Umrah, for Umrah in (that month) is equivalent to Hajj."

Narrated Abu Huraira: Some poor people came to the Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi Wassalam and said, "The wealthy people will get higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment, and they offer Salaah (prayer) like us and observe Sawm (fast) as we do. They have more money by which they perform the Hajj, and 'Umra; fight and struggle in Allah's Cause and give in charity." The Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi Wassalam said, "Shall I not tell you a thing upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? Nobody would overtake you and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live except those who would do the same. Say SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar thirty three times each after every (compulsory)

Salaah (prayer)." We differed and some of us said that we should say, SubhanAllah thirty three times Alhamdulillah thirty three times and Allahu Akbar thirty four times. I went to the Prophet Muhammad (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) who said, "Say, Subhan Allah and Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar all of them thirty three times." [Sahih Bukhari; Hadith No. 479] "All Glory be to Allaah" "All praise be to Allaah" "Allaah is greater" Du'a after Salaah

"None has the right to be worshiped but Allaah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. O Allaah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none may give what You have withheld; and the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against You"

Our Beloved SalAllahu Alaihi Wasallam, said:

1. The Prophet Muhammad said, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him: Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother (Ahmad, Nasai). Mu'awiyah ibn Jahima (RadhiAllahu 'anhu) reported,

Jahima (RadhiAllahu 'anhu) came to the Prophet SS and he said:

"O Messenger of Allah if, I intend to join the expedition and I seek your advice."

The Prophet 88 said, "Do you have a mother?" He said, "Yes."

The Prophet if said, "Stay with her, for verily Paradise is beneath her feet."

[Sunan An-Nasa'i, Book of Jihad, Number 3104] 2. A man came to the Prophet and said, '0 Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said,

Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim).

3. Abu Usaid Saidi said: We were once sitting with Rasulullah when a man from the tribe of Salmah came and said to him: 0 Messenger of Allah! do my parents have rights over me even after they have died? And Rasulullah said: Yes. You must pray to Allah to bless them with His Forgiveness and Mercy, fulfill the promises they made to anyone, and respect their relations and their friends (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).

4. Abdullah ibn Amr related that the Messenger of Allah said: The major sins are to believe that Allah has partners, to disobey one's parents, to commit murder, and to bear false witness (Bukhari, Muslim).

5. It is narrated by Asma bint Abu Bakr that during the treaty of Hudaibiyah, her mother, who was then pagan, came to see her from Makkah. Asma informed the Messenger of Allah of her arrival and also that she needed help. He said: Be good to your mother (Bukhari, Muslim).

Our Beloved SalAllahu Alaihi Wasallam, said:

1. "Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah." [Bukhari]

2. "Whoever believes (has Imaan) in Allah and His Messenger (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam), and establishes the prayer and fasts the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allah that He enters him in Jannah." [Bukhari]

3. " Whoever builds a masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah." [Bukhari]

4. "Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will enter Jannah." [Bukhari]

5. "Whoever goes to the masjid (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer), Allah will prepare for him an honorable place in Jannah with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings." [Bukhari]

6. "Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Jannah for him." [Bukhari]

7. "Whoever prays 12 rakaat in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him." [Muslim]

8. "Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah." [Bukhari]

9. "Whoever repeats after the muadhdhin from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah." [Abu Dawud]

10. "There is not one of you who perfects his wudu and prays two rakaat setting about them with his heart as well as his face except that Jannah would be mandatory for him." [Abu Dawud]

11. Whoever says: "I am pleased with Allah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) as my Prophet, Jannah would be mandatory for him." [Abu Dawud]

12. "Whosoever last words are: laa ilaaha il Allah, will enter Paradise." [Abu Dawud, Saheeh]

13. Whoever says "SubhanAllah al-Adheem wa biHamdihi, Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise", a date-palm will planted for him in Jannah."[Tirmidhi]

14. "Whoever dies and is free from three: arrogance, grudges and debt will enter Jannah." [Tirmidhi]

15. "Whoever raises two girls, he and I will enter Jannah." [Tirmidhi]

16. "Whoever calls the adhan for 12 years, Jannah will become mandatory for him."[ibn Maajah]

17. Whoever asks Allah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: "O Allah, enter him into Jannah." [Tirmidhi]

18. "Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah." [Tirmidhi]

19. "Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah.' [Bukhari]

20. "Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Jannah." [Bukhari]

21. "O people, spread the salaam (greetings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace." [Tirmidhi]

22. "(The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah." [Bukhari]

23. "Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah." [Bukhari]

24. "I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims." [Muslim]

25. "If somebody recites this invocation during the day, and if he should die then, he will be from the people of Jannah. And if he recites it in the night, and if he should die on the same day, he will be from the people of Jannah." [Bukhari]

"Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha ilia anta Khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa Wa'dika mastata'tu abu'u Laka bi ni 'matika wa abu'u Laka bidhanbi; faghfirli fa'innahu la yaghfiru-dh-dhunuba ill a anta. A'uidhu bika min sharri ma

sana'tu,abu'u Laka bini'matika 'alaiya, wa Abu Laka bidhanbi faghfirli innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba ilia anta"

Allah (swt) Says : "Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided."[Quran 16:125] Allah also says "'Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, works righteousness, and says: I am of those who bow in submission?" (Quran 41:33)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:"If Allah guides a person through

you, it is better for you than all that is on the earth." (Bukhari No. 2783

& Muslim No. 2406).Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it

were a single sentence" (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith 667)

"Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the

utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur'an)". 25.52 Quran

Yet do they worship, besides Allah, things that can neither profit them

nor harm them: and the disbeliever is a helper (of Evil), against his own

Lord! 25.55 Quran And I have sent you only

as a giver of good news and as a warner. 25.56

Say: "No reward do I ask of you for it but this: that each one who will

may take a (straight) Path to his Allah." 25.57 Al-Quran

"Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance,

which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in

the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the

cursers."(Quran, al-Baqarah: 159) Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

said: "For Allah to guide one man through you is better for you than all

that the sun has shined over".

The Prophet (PBUH) has said: "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim]

ABOUT FAISAL FAHIM : FAISAL WAS BORN IN BANGLADESH. HE SPENT HIS CHILDHOOD WITH HIS

GRANDPARENTS IN BANGLADESH & HE SAW THEM PRAYING 5 TIMES A DAY. HE CAME TO AMERICA AT A YOUNG AGE AND HE IS AN AMERICAN BANGLADESHI MUSLIM.IN AMERICA HE LIVED WITH HIS PARENTS.HE WENT TO SCHOOLS IN NY. HE WENT TO VISIT BANGLADESH IN 2009 & HE SAW SOME VIDEOS OF DR.ZAKIR NAIK ON TV. THE VIDEOS WERE ABOUT SPREADING THE KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM WITH MUSLIMS AND NONMUSLIMS.HE WAS INSPIRED BY DR.ZAKIR NAIK.HE LOVES ISLAM & BELIEVES ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE & MERCY.SO HE LIKES TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM TO NONMUSLIMS AND MUSLIMS. MESSAGE OF FAISAL FAHIM: SPREAD THE RELIGION OF ALLAH. SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD PBUH.SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM. SINCE IT WAS A DUTY OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM SO MUSLIMS SHOULD ALSO CONTINUE THIS GREATEST SUNNAH & EXPECT THE REWARD FROM ALLAH ONLY.ISLAM IS PEACE, LOVE, MERCY, KIND, HUMBLE, HONEST & THE ONLY FINAL TRUE RELIGION FROM GOD. MAY ALLAH GUIDE US ALL .AMEEN.

INFORMATION ARRANGED AND ORGANIZED BY MR.FAISAL FAHIM.

Introduction of the book:

Allah has promised to keep The Quran same until the Day of Judgment & challenged humans to create another accurate book like Quran & said if you can't, surrender to your lord (the only way of peace& heaven). Quran is word of god & it has the information of past, present& future. God reveled to Prophet Muhammad whatever god wanted to & kept some information only to god by reveling some & not reveling some. But still Quran is 1 great source of information from God.

Do Muslims worship the Mecca? No Muslims bow towards the direction of mecca & worship only 1 God Allah. While praying in a mosque if Muslims will not have a direction they will end up praying facing or towards each other .The Quran & Prophet Muhammad taught us to bow towards the direction of mecca while we only pray & worship Allah. And it's also important for the unity of Muslims. THE QURAN PROVES WATER CAME FROM ROCKS FROM THE SPACE (by FAISAL)Scientists don't know for sure. Perhaps the most popular theory says that, shortly after the Earth formed, millions of asteroids and comets, saturated in water, slammed into the planet, releasing their payloads to form Earth's oceans . Scientists are working hard to understand more about what our planet was like billions of years ago, and each new piece of information moves us closer to understanding how Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers came to exist.But the quran already has the answer because the quran is more superior than science & it's the only 100% true book of God's words. Thenceforth were your hearts hardened: They became like a rock and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; others there are which when split asunder send forth water; and others which sink for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do. 2:74 al-Baqarah Verse: 74 AL-QURAN.

On the authority of Abu Malik al-Harith bin Asim al-Asharee (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Purity is half of iman (faith). 'Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)' fills the scales, and 'subhan-Allah (how far is Allah from every imperfection) and ' Al-hamdulillah (praise be to Allah)' fill that which is between heaven and earth. And the salah (prayer) is a light, and charity is a proof, and patience is illumination, and the Qur'an is a proof either for you or against you. Every person starts his day as a vendor of his soul, either freeing it or causing its ruin." It was related by Muslim.

God definition By Faisal:God does not born or die. Who has no beginning or end. Does not need to become human, animal or insect to understand his creation. He is the creator who knows what he has created. He is the most wise. So, he knows everything. He feeds

everyone, but he doesn't need to eat or sleep or use toilet. True God is the creator who is not part of the creation. So, he has no father, mother, wife or children. He's above all & unique. There's none like him & he's only one, who has no partner & no gender. So, he's the creator of all creation & not part of his or any creation. That is the definition of one true God in Islam which is Allah. Allah has created the humans in a pair of male& female to worship him & in different colors, languages, countries to respect & recognize each other.Tv,watch,computer,phone everything has a purpose. Purpose of us is not just only to eat,poo,have sex&sleep .purpose of life is to obey & worship the creator because humans are the most superior of creation & our purpose is to serve god by praising & praying.Nol is superior whether you are black or white,arab or non arab,male or female .For god everyone is equel.Islam is the only religion that is against racism. Allah is the most just & God judges you by your heart only not by your looks. Islam is an accurate, just & peaceful religion of 1 god creator lord Allah. In Quran, It says "If you kill one human being it's as If you have killed the entire of humanity. And if you save one human being. It's as you saved the entire of humanity". So, for killing you go to hell, for saving you go to heaven. There was no suicide bombers in the time of prophet Mohammad. Islam believes God created the first humans were Adam & eve without any father & mother. The devil made them eat a fruit that was told by God to not to eat.

And they got poo, but, they were not allowed to poo in heaven. You can

eat everything in heaven & you wont get poo & it's a unholy thing you

get it when you eat foods on earth & the 1 forbidden fruit that was in

heaven. So, as punishment God sent them to earth. Adam&Eve were

married &having sex for married couples is not sin in islam. All humans

are children of Adam & eve. In

Islam from Adam to Moses, to Jesus to Mohammad

God sent all of them as messengers prophets & humans to

spread the true religion. Because God created Adam

& Eve without any father & mother. It means true

creator can create everything in any way he wants to, for example If he says something to happen It'll just happen. The same way he made Adam & Eve without being their father & mother plus also having no father & mother. He has the wisdom & power of over everything. Similarity of creating Adam a slight differently he created prophet Jesus as one of the mightiest messengers of God with having just mother without any father. Because God can do anything God can create humans without father & mother as well as having a mother but no father. That's the true miracle & it can only be done by one true creator. And that's the believe of Islam that the true God is Allah who has no partner, no parents, no children, no wife, doesn't born or die, has no image because there's none like him, does not eat but feeds everyone & does not sleep. In Islam the name of prophet Jesus is Isa. And Jesus/Isa did everything with the power of Allah (God). God gave him the power to do it. Who created Jesus as a messenger of God. Similarly he created Adam, Moses, Abraham, Noah, Isa as Jesus, Mohammad as messengers of peace & Islam towards humanity. And God can't be part of creation. If it's part of creation then it's not the creator or God or Allah. Even in Bible it says Jesus put his head on the floor as Muslims put their head on the floor for praying. 80% of Quran matches with Science & other 20% of Quran the Science does not have the answers because they haven't discovered or improved that much. For example Quran talks

about heaven, hell, & there are aliens. Science has no answer for everything but Quran has all the answers since last 1400 years even when Science had no answers. In the Bible it talks about Prophet

Noah & the story goes something like this that the Prophet received a message from God that there would be a flood all over the world. So, he built a big boat & he took some people & a pair of every animals. According to Science there was not a flood which happened all over the world but it happened in a particular part of earth. Quran also tells it

happened in a particular part of the world. Quran also talks about humans are partly formed from father & partly formed from mother. And today Science agrees with it. So, if some one reads Quran & do a scientific research it'll help to understand what the truth is & what is fiction. Bible says, the world is flat & circle. Scientifically it's not true. A coin is also flat & circle. Quran tells the original shape of earth. Science can't prove any error in Quran but tells errors on Bible. Don't believe it! Do your own research & believe what's logical. Don't ask people but do your own research so, you can believe in true God the creator of all creation but not a creation. Islam also teaches black cumin cures so many diseases without any side effects. The ultimate goal of saitan (Devil) is to take humans towards hell & shirk. Shirk means to associate or include someone with God. True God has no partner, can't compare him with any creation because he has created the creation, how can he be part of what he created? Remember true religion should have all the answers Of humanity & should not have any missing links. Islam believes Quran is 100% words of one creator God Allah. People might think there are 2 types of Muslims Shia & Sunni. But they both have same book Quran. And in Quran there is no Sunni or Shia. Islam is one religion & Quran is the

only one book Of God in Islam. The followers of Islam & Quran are called Muslims. No Muslim is a Muslim unless he beliefs Adam, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, Noah, Mohammad were all messengers of one God Allah. No Muslim is a good Muslim unless he's a good human being. Islam teaches to live peacefully with people of every religion, race, color, language & nationalities. So we should understand, respect& live peacefully with each other. In the last 100 years to now Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. That's why some governments & Medias create lies & misconceptions about Islam. Remember, true religion is the one that answers all the questions of humanity. Science can't prove any error in Quran. And true book of God can't have any errors. Muslims believe Torah & Bible were books of God but they have been changed by humans. So, Quran is the last & final book of God. Quran is only one book but you can find it in all languages. Any one who believes in God should do research on Science, Quran & Bible. Fact is stranger then fiction. The book of God should have all the answers for humanity with no errors & word of God can't have errors!

Question: Does Quran mention that Prophet Muhammad is the last prophet? Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but [he is] the messenger of God and seal(last,finish,end,final) of the prophets and God has the knowledge of everything. (Quran 33:40)

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:

prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mentioned by name in the old testament: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of

Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:"Hikko Mamittakim we kullo Muhammadim Zehdoodeh wa Zehraee Bayna Jerusalem.""His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. "In the Hebrew language im is added for respect. Similarely im is added after the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to make it Muhammadim. In English translation they have even translated the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as "altogether lovely", but in the Old Testament in Hebrew, the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is yet present.It's majestic plural noun like Elohim which refers to 1 God only, so Muhammadim also refers to 1 Muhammad even though im can refer also to be plural.(Edited by Faisal) Was prophet Jesus punished for other peoples sins:No,it was his enemy whose look was turned into the look & face of jesus.jesus was taken alive to heaven by God.jesus will come back and will die on this earth as a human & messenger of allah.from Adam to Moses to Jesus to Mohammad god sent all of them as messengers & they were all muslims.God is the most just .He never does unjust.Every one will be punished for their own sins.God will never punish Jesus or anyone for the sins of others because that's unjust & common sence.God is the most merciful he will forgive whoever he wishes to. But the sinner will have to ask for forgiveness ,beg for it & promise god to not to repeat it again & god will forgive. Pray to god:god you love forgiveness,you are the forgiver I'm a sinner so please forgive me. people judge people .Allah judges you by your heart.

Quran is not a copy of anything & there is no evidence to say such. Statements in Quran are against torah & bible.Torah & bible has so many errors. & according to science 80%of Quran matches with science &other 20%of Quran science doesn't have answers maybe it will take couple of hundred years to find out for sciense. Acording to historians original bible doesn't exist anymore. According to Islam torah&bible were books of Allah but humans have destroyed their originality. So Quran is the last &final word of god Allah &Muhammad is the last&final messenger of Allah. Quran is not copy of anything and its 100% word of god in Islam. According to science torah &bibles

statements have errors &Qurans statements are accurate &word of god is accurate.

Question: why women can't have 4 husbands? Answer: If a man has 4 wives &they have a child there would be 1 father&that's the husband only. If a woman has 4 husbands &she gives birth it would be confusing to know who is father out of 4.But now with DNA test you can find out. And suddenly all 4 wives want to be a mom. They can go to 1 husband make love, wait couple of more months &finally give birth of their childs.In the same time 4 husbands want to have their own baby with 1 wife & only she can give birth the husbands can't give birth &they don't want their baby in a test tube or other women to give birth except their own married wife. Now they will either kill each other to have 1 to make love with his wife or divorce her or leave her forever or even worst rape & kill her simply creating the most dangerous situation. A man is allowed to marry up to 4 only not 5 or 6.First the rule is to marry only 1 & then if he can do justice&treat all 4 100% equally and of course take her all responsibility meaning can effort her 100% only then he can marry upto 4.Prophet Muhammad said the best of man is the 1 who is the best to his wife. A man asked the prophet who should I do the most favor to 1 st he replied your mother the man asked 2nd he replied your mother man asked 3rd he replied your mother, man asked for 4th time he replied your father. The mother has 3times more right then the father. He also said the heaven is in beneath the foot of your mother. A wife's heaven is beneath the foot of her husband. In Quran it says men are like the clothes to their wives &wives are like the clothes to their husbands. It means they are both equal to Allah god even their physical shapes & purpose are different. & clothes were very important things in that time &still are. It's a grace a mercy & a blessing of god Allah that women can give birth and be a mother which man can never do or earn that right & respect &position of a woman in Islam. But in Christianity and Judaism giving birth and having the monthly period or menses was seen as a punishment &a curse from god. In the past they even dared to ask if a woman had a soul? Again the maximum wives a man can have are 4 not anymore. The bible has no restrictions on how many wives or husbands can a person have it's the

church's decision to have lhusband&lwife.In Islam a woman can have only 1 husband. For more information search in Google by your own self &believe in the evidence from god the holy Quran which provides peace &protection for humanity. May Allah guide&protect all.No hate only love peace&godbless for all.

Evolution in the Holy Quran:

It is mentioned in the quran 1400 years ago even before scientists found the genetic similarities of monkeys ,apes & humans, what scientists have found is true but their opinion of the theory of evolution is wrong. Quran is word of god & it has the information of past,present& future.God reveled to prophet Muhammad whatever god wanted to & kept some information only to god by reveling some & not reveling some.But still quran is 1 great source of information from God. Because of their constant defiance and blasphemy of GOD Almighty's Divine and Holy Words, some bad Jews were transformed into swines and apes during Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) times:but not the good one's & definitely not all jews okay.

"Say: "Shall I point out to you something much worse than this, (as judged) by the treatment it received from God? those who incurred the curse of God and His wrath, those of whom some He transformed into apes and swine, those who worshipped evil;- these are (many times) worse in rank, and far more astray from the even path!" (The Noble Quran, 5:60)"

Some hadiths (teachings of prophet Muhammad)( pbuh) Aisha reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say, "Gabriel continued to advise me to treat neighbors well until I thought he would make them my heirs."Source: Sahih Muslim 2624 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim Abu Musa reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "The honest Muslim trustee who carries out the orders of those who trusted him and who pays in full with a good heart to the right person is regarded as one of the two who gave charity." Source: Sahih Bukhari 1371, Sahih Muslim [...] Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah,

peace and blessings be upon him, said, "There is no justification for envy except in two cases. First, a man whom Allah has given the Quran and he recites it during the night and day, so someone says: If I were to be given like this, I would do as he is doing. And second, a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it injustice, so someone says: If I were to be given like this, I would do as he is doing." Source: Sahih Bukhari 6805 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Bukhari Hadith on Zakat: The command to give 2.5% of surplus wealth as alms and charity

Abu Amina Elias | April 5, 2013 Ali ibn Abu Talib reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "If you have two hundred coins and a year has passed, then five coins is due for alms; and you will owe nothing until you own twenty coins, but when you own twenty coins and a year has passed, then half of a coin is due for alms and whatever exceeds that should be calculated likewise."Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 1572Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Abu Dawud (due to his silence) Abu Dharr reported: My dear friend the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, enjoined upon me three deeds, "Listen to and obey the ruler even if a slave is appointed over you. When you make soup, put some extra water in it and look to the people in the neighboring house and give them a reasonable portion of it, and pray your prayers on time, for if you find the Imam praying then pray with him and your prayer will be safeguarded, otherwise it will be voluntary for you."Source: Musnad Ahmad 20918 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

Juwairiya reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, came out from her apartment as she was performing the dawn prayer. He returned in the forenoon and found her sitting there. The Prophet said, "Are you in the same position as I left you?" She said yes. The Prophet said, "I recited four words three times after I left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since the morning, these words will be heavier. They are: Glory and praise to Allah as many as the numbers of His creation, in according with His pleasure, as the weight of the Throne, and as the ink for recording His words."Source: Sahih Muslim 2726 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim

Ubadah ibn As-Samit reported: We pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, pledging to listen and obey in hardship and in ease, in pleasure and displeasure even if someone is wrongly favored over us, and pledging not to dispute the rule of those in authority and that we should speak the truth wherever we are and not to fear those who blame us regarding Allah.Source: Sahih Muslim 1709 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim Al-Qurtubi reported: Some scholars gave permission to initiate greetings of peace with the unbelievers. It was said to Sufyan bin Uyainah, "Do you give permission to greet an unbeliever with peace?" Sufyan said, "Yes, for Allah the Exalted said: Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you in religion nor expel you from your homes that you be righteous and fair to them. Verily, Allah loves those who are just." (60:8) Sufyan added, "Allah said: There has come to you the best example in Abraham, (60:4) and Abraham said to his father: Peace be upon you." (19:47)Source: Tafseer Al-Qurtubi, verse 19:41 Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported: He stood upon a platform and he grabbed his tongue and he said, "O tongue! Speak goodness and be rewarded, or remain silent and be safe before you are regretful." Then he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say, "Most of the sins of the children of Adam are on their tongues."[At-Tabarani, Mu'jam Al-Kabeer, Number 10300, Sahih]

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said three times, "May Allah have mercy on a person who spoke rightly and was rewarded, or who was silent and remained safe."Source: Shu'b Al-Iman Al-Bayhaqi 4579

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "The basis of reasoning, after faith in Allah, is loving kindness toward the people."Source: At-Tabarani, Al-Mu'jam Al-Awsat, Number 6067

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not harm his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak goodness or remain silent."Source: Sahih Muslim 47

Ibn Mas'ud reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "During the night journey, I met with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus and they were discussing the matter of the Hour. Their matter was referred to Abraham, who said, "I have no knowledge about it." So the matter was referred to Moses, who said, "I have no knowledge about it." So the matter was referred to Jesus, who said, "As for the conditions of the Hour, no one knows them but Allah. My Lord the Exalted has entrusted me that the False Messiah will appear and I will have with me two rods. When he sees me, he will melt away just as lead is melted in fire. Allah will destroy him to the point that the rock and the tree will say: O Muslims, beneath me is an unbeliever, so come slay him. Thus, Allah will destroy them and the people will return to their lands and their countries. When that happens, the nations of Gog and Magog will appear, eating and drinking everything in their lands. They will not come upon anything but that they will devour it and they will not pass by any water but that they will consume it. The people will complain to me about them, so I will supplicate to Allah and He will destroy them until their stench fills the earth. Then Allah will send rain which will wash their bodies into the sea. My Lord the Exalted has entrusted me that when all of this happens, the Hour is indeed near just as a women is ready to give birth; her family does not know when she will give birth but it could be any day or night."[Musnad Ahmad, Number 3546, Sahih] Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "By Allah, the son of Mary will descend as a just ruler. He will abolish the cross, kill the swine, and annul the tribute, but he will leave the she-camel such that no one collects from it. He will cause rancor, hatred, and envy to disappear, and he will call people to give their wealth in charity but no one will need it."Source: Sahih Muslim 155

Prophet said, "By Allah, you must enjoin good and forbid evil and seize the hand of the oppressor and make him follow the truth and restrict him to what is just."Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 4336 "God is Kind and likes kindness in all things."Reporter: Hadhrat Ayeshah (r) Source: Bukhari/Muslim (reported in Riyadhus Saleheen,#633); Sunan Ibn Majah, #3684 The people

will be resurrected

(and judged) according to their intentions."Reporter: Hadhrat Aishah (r) Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book of Fasting, Chapter 6, p. 69 "The best among you are those

who have the best manners and character.""Reporter: Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Amr (r) Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8: #56b "A person who goes in search of knowledge, he is in the path of God and he remains so till he returns."Reporter: Hadhrat Anas (r) Source: Sunan at-Tirmizi, Vol. 4, #2656

"Hell lies hidden behind evil (worldly desires) and paradise is screened behind hard labor."Reporter: Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (r) Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #494

"Paradise is closer to you than your shoelace, and so is the (Hell) Fire."Reporter: Hadhrat Ibn Mas'ud Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #495

"The world is prison for the believers and paradise for the

disbelievers."Reporter: Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (r) Source: Sahih Muslim,

Vol. 4, #7058

"To spend one morning or evening in the cause of God is better than the world and whatever is in the world. "Reporter: Hadhrat Anas bin Malik Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, #50

Surah Al-Baqarah is the longest surah of the Quran and the prophet (s.a.w.) highlighted many of its benefits in general and some of its specific benefits. For example, the prophet (s.a.w.) told us that its recitation in a house keeps the Satan away. Abu Hurayrah reports that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Do not make your houses like graves, for the Shaytan runs away from a house in which Surat al-Baqarah is recited" (narrated by Muslim, 780). As most of the spiritual ailments such as evil eye, jinn possession, and black magic are satanic in nature, keeping Satan away can also help both in the treatment of such conditions and as a preventive measure.

The Blessings of Aayat al-Kursiy

Ayat-ul-Kursi is verse 255 of Surah Al-Bqarah and is related to Allah's throne. This Quranic verse has many blessings and is used for ruqyah treatment, the treatment of evil eye, black magic, and also for general and comprehensive protection.

The blessings of this verse is apparent from this hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah. He said:

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) put me in charge of guarding the zakaah ofRamadaan. Someone came to me and started grabbing (taking illegally) handful of the food. I took hold of him and said, T will take you to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.).' He said, 'I will teach you some words by means of which Allah will benefit you.' I said, 'What are they?' He said, 'When you go to your bed, recite this aayah: "Allah! Laa ilaaha ilia Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyoom (the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists)... " [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:255]. Then Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no Shay tan (devil) will come near you until morning.' The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) asked me, 'What did your prisoner do last night?' I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, he taught me something, and claimed that Allah would benefit me by it.'

He said, 'What was it?' I said, 'He taught me to recite Aayat al-Kursiy when I go to bed, and said that no Shaytan would come near me until morning, and that Allah would appoint a guard for me who would stay with me.' The prophet (s.a.w.) said, 'He told you the truth, although he is an inveterate liar. That was the Shaytan' [narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3101; Muslim, 505].

The Blessings of Last Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah

The last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah are one of the most memorized and recited Quranic verses among Muslims and that is for a good reason. Consider the saying of the prophet (s.a.w.) about the last verses of the Surah.

"Whoever recites the last two verses of Surat al-Baqarah at night, it will suffice him "' (According to Abu Masood al-Ansaari and narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4723; Muslim, 807).

The Prophet (s.a.w.) also said the following:

"Allah inscribed a book two thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, from which the last two verses of Surat al-Baqarah were revealed. If they are recited for three nights, no Shaytan (devil) will remain in the house) (narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2882). This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami' (1799).

285. The Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers " - and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all). "

286. Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Patron, Supporter

and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people. " Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (185:186)

"Allah sends His Salaah (Graces, Blessings, Mercy) on the Prophet (Muhammad), and also His angels (Angels ask Allah to bless and forgive him). O you who believe! send your Salah on (ask Allaah to bless) him (Muhammad), and greet him with the Islamic way of greeting (salutation, i.e. As?Salaamu 'Alaykum)" [Quran: al-Ahzaab 33:56]

Sending blessings on the prophet is so vital that in one of the hadeeth, acceptance of our Dua is made dependant on it. According to a hadith by 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:

Dua is suspended between heaven and earth and none of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)." (Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi).

Sending blessings mean to read or say Darood Ibrahim :

ALLAHUMMA SALLI ALA MUHAMMADIW WA ALA AALI MUHAMMADIN KAMAA SALLAITA ALA IBRAHIMA WA ALA AALI IBRAHIMAINNAKA HAMIDUM MAJID. ALLAHUMMA BAARIK ALA MUHAMMADIW WA ALA AALI MUHAMMADIN KAMAA BAARAKTA ALA IBRAHIMA WA ALA AALI IBRAHIMA INNAKA HAMIDUM MAJID.

Allahumma! Send blessings upon (Holy Prophet) Muhammad and upon the followers of (Holy Prophet) Muhammad as You sent blessings upon Ibraheem and upon the followers of Ibraheem; indeed, You are praiseworthy and glorious. Allahumma! Bless (Holy Prophet) Muhammad and the follower of (Holy Prophet) Muhammad as You blessed Ibraheem and the follower of Ibraheem; indeed, You are praise worthy and glorious.

Note :

The famous companion of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim), Hazrat Ka'ab bin Ujrah (radi Allahu anhu), narrates that once it was enquired from Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) as to how blessings should be sent to him. The Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) replied that the blessings be said in the manner (it has been mentioned) above, that is, Durood-e-Ibrahimi.

Best Times to make Dua (Supplication) While Prostrating Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah's Messenger (SAW), said: 'The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (SWT) much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]

When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (SWT) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (SWT) so it is best to invoke Allah (SWT) at this time.

The Last Third Of The Night

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: Tn the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; "Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?."' [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]

Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet said: 'The closest any worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.'[at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i, al-Hakim - Sahih]

The Night Of 'Qadr' (Decree)

This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (SWT) said about it, "The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months." [Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3]

The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when he doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.

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Some Optional Prayers Sunnah Mu'akkadah with the five Obligatory Prayers of Islam

1097. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) the Mother of the Believers reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak/ah of optional Salat other than the obligatory Salat in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allah)." [Muslim].

Commentary: Tatawwu' means to offer more Nawafil (optional prayers) on one's own after performing the Faraid (obligatory prayers). Thus, this Hadith tells us the merits of optional prayers and holds promise of (Jannah)

for those who make it a practice.

1098. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed along with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) two Rak'ah of optional prayers before Zuhr and two after the Zuhr (noon prayer), and two after the Friday prayer, and two after the Maghrib (evening) prayer, and two after the Msha' (night) prayer." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: There are two kinds of Nawafil which are performed before or after the obligatory prayer. Firstly, the one which were performed by the Prophet (PBUH) more frequently. According to the present Hadith, their total comes to ten Rak'ah while in other Ahadith their total is twelve or fourteen Rak'ah. They are called Sunnah Mu'akkadah or As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib That is, the Rak'ah which are proved from the saying and practice of the Prophet (PBUH) and which were performed by him usually. These are said to be Compulsory prayers. Secondly, such Nawafil which were not performed by the Prophet (PBUH) regularly. These are called Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah and are said to be Optional prayers. In any case, Nawafil have great importance in creating a special link between the worshipper and Allah, and for this reason the believers do not neglect them. But their status in SharPah is of Nawafil the performing of which is rewarding and omission of which is not sinful. One thing that should be borne in mind in respect of As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib or Mu'akkadah is that it is better to perform them at home. This was the usual practice of the Prophet (PBUH), and this is what he ordained the Muslims.

1099/Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "There is a Salat (prayer) between every Adhan and Iqamah; there is a Salat between every Adhan and Iqamah." (While saying the same for the) third time (he (PBUH) added), "It is for him who desires (to perform it)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: The two Adhan here means Adhan and Iqamah, as has been elucidated by Imam An-Nawawi. That is, offering of two Rak'ah between Adhan and Iqamah is Mustahabb (desirable). It comes in the category of Ghair Ratiba or Ghair Mu'akkadah Nawafil. These Nawafil can be performed after the Adhan of every Salat before the congregation stands for the obligatory Salat.

Emphasis on Performing two Rak'ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer

1100. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) never omitted four Rak'ah prayer before the Zuhr prayer and two Rak'ah prayers before dawn (Fajr) prayer.

[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: This Hadith tells us the practice of the Prophet (PBUH) in respect of the four Rak'ah Sunnah of Zuhr prayers and the two of Fajr prayers. He (PBUH) used to perform both regularly. Such Rak'ah are called Sunnah Rawatib or Sunnah Mu'akkadah (compulsory prayers).

1101. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) did not attach more importance to any Nawafil prayer than the two Rak'ah of prayer before dawn (Fajr) prayer.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith tell us about the special preparation which the Prophet (PBUH) used to make for performing the two Rak'ah of Fajr prayers.

1102. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The two Rak'ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are better than this world and all it contains."

[Muslim]

Another narration goes: "The two Rak'ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are dearer to me than the whole world."

Commentary: This Hadith tells us the merits of the two Rak'ah of Fajr prayers.

All the Ahadith mentioned above prove that the two Rak'ah of Fajr are highly meritorious, and one should not show any slackness or negligence in offering them.

1103. Abu 'Abdullah Bilal bin Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him) the Mu'adhdhin of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) reported: I went to inform the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) about the time of the dawn (Fajr) prayer, and 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and began to ask me about something till the day grew bright. Then I got up and informed the

Messenger of Allah (PBUH) of the time of Salat. I informed him again but he did not came out immediately to lead As-Salat. When he came out, he led As-Salat. I said to him: 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and thus diverted my attention by asking about something and the morning grew bright. You also came out late. Upon that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "I was engaged in performing two Rak'ah of Fajr prayer." Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him)said: "O Messenger of Allah! You delayed As-Salat so long as the morning grew bright." He (PBUH) replied, "Even if the morning had become brighter than it had, I would have performed two Rak'ah of prayer in an excellent manner." [Abu Dawud].

Commentary: This Hadith also tells us about the importance of the two Rak'ah of Fajr prayers and stresses the need to perform them with full concentration.

Briefness to be Adopted in Performing the two Rak'ah Sunnah before Fajr Prayer, their time and the Surah to recite in them

1104. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to perform two Rak'ah short prayer between the Adhan (call to prayer) and the Iqamah of the dawn (Fajr) prayers. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration, 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to perform two supererogatory Rak'ah prayer of Fajr and make them so short in duration that I used to think whether he (PBUH) had recited Surat Al-Fatihah (in it) or not. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In the narration of Muslim, 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to hear the Adhan (of Fajr prayer) he would perform two supererogatory Rak'ah prayer and would make them short.

Commentary: "Takhfif" here means that the Prophet (PBUH) used to shorten the standing, recitation, bowing, prostration, etc., in the two Rak'ah of Fajr prayer because soon after performing them he had to lead the Fajr prayer in which he would prolong his recitation. He would also offer these two Sunnah soon after the daybreak or Adhan, which gives an idea of the

preparation he made for them.

1105. Hafsah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to perform two short Rak'ah prayer when it was dawn and the Mu'adhdhin had called Adhan (for the Fajr prayer). [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that the two Rak'ah of Fajr prayer should be performed after the daybreak not before it. One should also be brief in these two Rak'ah so that he is active and alert for performing the Fard (obligatory prayer).

1106. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to perform his optional night prayers at night, two Rak'ah followed by two Rak'ah, and at the end he would conclude with an odd Rak'ah (Witr). Then he would perform two Rak'ah prayer before the dawn (Fajr) prayer after hearing the Adhan, and he would make them so brief as if he could hear the Iqamah being called. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: "As if he could hear the Iqamah being called" here means that he would hasten the two Rak'ah of Fajr prayer to the point that one had the impression that he was hearing the voice of Iqamah and he was making haste for fear of missing of the Salat.

This Hadith also makes the following three points:

1 .The optional prayer of the night should be offered in a series of two Rak'ah.

2.One Rak'ah of Witr is also correct.

3.The Sunnah of Fajr prayer should be offered soon after the Adhan, and one should be brief in them.

1107. Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to recite during the two Rak'ah of Fajr prayer: "Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us..." (2:136) which is in Surat Al-Baqarah in the first Rak'ah and the Verse: "We believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e., we submit to Allah." (3:52) in the second Rak'ah.

According to another narration, he (PBUH) recited from Surat Al-Mmran the Verses: "Come to a word which is just between us and you..." (3:64). [Muslim].

Commentary: In the two Sunnah of Fajr prayer, the Prophet (PBUH) used to recite the two short Verses mentioned in this Hadith, after Surat Al-Fatihah.

1108. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) recited in the two supererogatory Rak'ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak'ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak'ah]. [Muslim].

1109.lbn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I observed the Prophet (PBUH) for one month reciting in the two supererogatory Rak'ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak'ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak^ah]. [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: One can recite any Surah or Ayah in the two Sunnah of Fajr prayer, but if one recites the Verses mentioned in this Hadith, he will have the benefit of following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). Every Muslim should strive to follow the practice of the Prophet (PBUH) for the enrichment of his mind, soul and actions.

Sunnah of Zuhr Prayer

1113. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) two Rak'ah before and two after Zuhr prayers.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned. See Commentary on Hadith No. 1098.

1114. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) never omitted four Rak'ah supererogatory prayer before Zuhr prayers.

[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: Some Ahadith state that he (PBUH) used to perform two Rak'ah before and two after Zuhr prayer. The present Hadith says that he used to perform four Rak'ah before Zuhr prayer. Both narrations are correct and can be followed according to conditions and circumstances.

1115. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) stayed in my house, he would perform four Rak'ah (supererogatory prayer) before Zuhr prayer. Then he would go out and lead Salat. He (PBUH) would then come back and perform two Rak'ah (supererogatory prayer). He would lead the Maghrib prayer and come back and perform two Rak'ah (supererogatory prayer). When he (PBUH) had led the 'Isha' prayer, he would enter the house and perform two Rak'ah (supererogatory prayer).

[Muslim]

1116. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Whoever observes the practice of performing four Rak'ah before Zuhr prayer and four after the Zuhr prayer, Allah will shield him against the Fire (of Hell).

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Ahadith mean that a person who follows this course of practice, will die as a Muslim and will not remain in Hell for ever like the Kuffar (infidels) unless Allah has forgiven all his sins for him and would, as a result, save him from Fire altogether. That is, Almighty Allah will not let him live in Hell for ever. According to some Ahadith, the fire of Hell will not touch him, which also amounts to saying that he will not be kept in Hell for all eternity. If a Muslim is liable to punishment, his stay in Hell - for a few days or weeks or months depending on the nature of his sins - is not a contravention of such Ahadith because he will ultimately be released from Hell and brought to Jannah. "Allah will shield him against the Fire" should not be taken to mean that a Muslim will not be sent to Hell no matter what he does. If Almighty Allah does not forgive him in the very first instance, he will have to suffer the torment of Hell as long as He would like and then he will be sent to Jannah.

1117. 'Abdullah bin As-Sa'ib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to perform four Rak'ah prayer after the

declining of the sun before Zuhr prayer and would say, "This is an hour at which the gates of heaven are opened, and I like that my good deeds should rise to heaven at that time." [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: The Prophet (PBUH) used to perform the four Rak'ah Sunnah of Zuhr prayer when the sun started declining. In fact, except for 'Isha' prayer, he would perform every Salat at its early hours.

The phrase "the gates of heaven are opened" to means that the good deeds that people do are lifted to heavens at that time.

1118. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Prophet (PBUH) could not perform four Rak'ah before Zuhr prayer, he would perform them after it (i.e., after the obligatory prayer). [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadith tells us about the preparation which the Prophet (PBUH) used to make for performing the Sunnah. Every Muslim should, therefore, make full preparation for performing Sunnah. If one is unable to perform it before the Fard prayer, then one must do it afterwards.

Sunnah of the 'Asr Prayer

1119. 'AN bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to perform four Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer, separating them with Taslim (i.e., offering blessings) on the favourite angels who are near Allah's proximity and the Muslims and the believers who come after them.

[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: The phrase "separating them with Taslim" means that he would perform four Rak'ah in two couplets.

1120. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "May Allah have mercy on a man who performs four Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer."

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: These four Rak'ah can be performed in two couplets also, as was the practice of the Prophet (PBUH), according to the preceding

Hadith. It can be performed with one Taslim also. Both forms are correct and permissible. Some scholars are of the opinion that the former method is better. 'Ulama' have stated that these four Sunnah of 'Asr prayer are Ghair Mu'akkadah (optional prayers). Its importance is however evident from the fact that the Prophet (PBUH) prayed for mercy on those who performed these Sunnah.

1121. 'AN bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to perform two Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer. [Abu Dawud].

Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that one can also perform two Sunnah before 'Asr prayer. But Sheikh Al-Albani has stated that the word "two Rak'ah" occurring in this Hadith is rare. Four Rak'ah are secure and should, therefore, be preferred.

Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

[In the previous chapter, the practice of the Prophet (PBUH) has been reported by 'Umar and 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) that he (PBUH) used to perform two Rak'ah Sunnah after the obligatory Maghrib prayer].

1122. 'Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Perform two Rak'ah before Maghrib prayer." He (PBUH) repeated it twice; when repeating it for the third time he added: "He who may so wish."

[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: This Salat means that the two Rak'ah are performed after the Adhan of Maghrib prayer but before the Fard Salat. This is elucidated by other Ahadith. Although this has the position of Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah, its importance is evident from the fact that the Prophet (PBUH) stressed it three times. Usually an order (Amr) signifies that the act is "essential" but here the decency embedded in the words "He who may so wish" has turned it to "desirable". In any case, inducement and stress of the Prophet (PBUH) on this Salat has left no room to doubt that it is desirable. Ahadith which follow lend further support to this contention.
1123. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the principal

Companions of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) rushing to the pillars (of the mosque) to perform two Rak'ah prayers behind them before the Maghrib prayer. [Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: "Rushing to the pillars" here refers to the haste which the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) usually showed in occupying the place near the pillars to perform the two Rak'ah before Maghrib prayer. Thus, this Hadith confirms the practice of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) in respect of the two Rak'ah performed before Maghrib prayer.

1124. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: In the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), we used to perform two Rak'ah (optional prayer) after sunset before the Maghrib prayer. It was asked: "Did Messenger of Allah (PBUH) perform them?" He replied: "He saw us performing it, but he neither ordered us to perform them nor did he forbid us from doing so."

[Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith mentions the practice of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) in respect of two Rak'ah performed before Maghrib prayer. They sometimes performed these Rak'ah in the presence of the Prophet (PBUH). Thus according to the narration of Anas (May Allah be pleased with ihm) their being in practice is proved. But this statement of Anas is according to his own knowledge, otherwise, we have already seen a Hadith in which the Prophet (PBUH) stressed the need to perform them by way of inducement. Thus, it is proved by his speech as well.

1125. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we were in Al-Madinah, the moment the Mu'adhdhin finished the Adhan of the Maghrib prayer, the people hastened to the pillars of the mosque and performed two Rak'ah prayer behind them. A stranger coming into the mosque would think that the obligatory prayer had already been performed because of the number of people performing them.

[Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith shows that it was usual with the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) to perform two Rak'ah before Maghrib in the Prophet's mosque. But in spite of this fact these are Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah while the two performed after the Salat are Sunnah Mu'akkadah.

Sunnah of the 'Isha' Prayer

[Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) has narrated that he performed two Rak'ah after the Fard prayer of 'Isha' with the Prophet (PBUH). 'Abdullah bin Maghaffal has narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has said, "There is a Salat between every Takbir and Adhan."

This proves that apart from the four Rak'ah Fard, there are also two Rak'ah Sunnah of the 'Isha' prayer). See Ahadith No. 1098 and 1099.

Sunnah of Friday Prayer

'Abdullah bin 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed along with the Prophet (PBUH) two Rak'ah (Sunnah prayer) after the Jumu'ah prayer. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1126. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "If anyone of you performs the Friday prayer, he should perform four Rak'ah (Sunnah) after it."

[Muslim].

1127. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) would not perform any Salat (in the mosque) after the Friday prayer till he had returned to his house. He would then perform two Rak'ah there.

[Muslim].

Commentary: In one Hadith, there is mention of four Rak'ah, while in the other it is mentioned as two Rak'ah. It can be deduced that both of these are acceptable. 'Ulama' are of the opinion that one who performs them in the mosque, should perform four Rak'ah; whereas the one performing them at home, should perform two Rak'ah with one Taslim. It is better to perform them in twos as the Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said, "Perform the Nawafil of the day and night in twos." (Al-Bukhari).

Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home

1128. Zaid bin Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "O people! perform your (voluntary) Salat (prayers) in

your homes because the best Salat of a man is the one he performs at home, except the obligatory Salat." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that the Nawafil and Sunnah prayers should be performed at home. It goes without saying that all the Fard constituents of every Salat are to be performed in the mosque (Masjid) in congregation. The order to perform the Nawafil prayers at home shows its merits. Firstly, it saves a person from showing off, and secondly, houses are blessed due to them.

1129. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Observe part of the [Nawafil (voluntary)] Salat (prayers) in your homes. Do not turn your homes into graves."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: "Observe part of the Salat (prayers) in your homes" here means Nawafil and Sunnah. The houses in which Nawafil are not performed are like graveyards. Such houses are like graves which have no scope for action and worship and are thus deprived of their reward, which is a great deprivation indeed.

1130. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When you have finished your (Fard) Salat (prayer) in the mosque, you should observe some of your (Sunnah and Nawafil) Salat at home; Allah will bless your homes because of your Salat (in your homes)."

[Muslim]

Commentary: This Hadith has the same message which is conveyed by the preceding Ahadith namely that the Fard Salat should be performed in the Masjid (mosque) while some of the supererogatory, optional and voluntary prayers should be performed at home.

1131. 'Umar bin 'Ata reported that Nafr bin Jubair sent him to Sa'ib bin Ukht Namir to ask him about something that Mu'awiyah had seen him doing in Salat (prayer). He said: "Yes, I performed the Friday prayer along with him in the enclosure (Maqsurah), and when the Imam concluded the Salat with Taslim, I stood up in my place and performed the Sunnah prayer. When Mu'awiyah went home, he sent for me (and when I came) he said:

"Never do again what you have done. When you have observed the Friday prayer, you must not start another Sunnah prayer till you have spoken to some one or have shifted your place; because the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ordered us not to follow up the congregational Salat with any other Salat until we have talked (to some one) or moved from the place." [Muslim].

Commentary: "Maqsurah" was an enclosure in a mosque or a place which was made there for the security of rulers. When Muslim caliphs and rulers used to perform their prayers in congregation, they would occupy this place. The word "Friday" (Jumu'ah) has been mentioned here because of the incident reported in it, otherwise, this order applies to every Salat and is not restricted to Jumu'ah alone. There is a standing order that one must separate the Fard and the Sunnah of a Salat by some means, like thikr, conversation, changing place of the Salat, going out of the Masjid, etc.

First Amendment: FREEDOM OF SPEECH!

The only reason Israel belongs to the Jews now is because the Torah or Old Testament says God gave Israel to the Jews. And both Christians and Jews believe in this bible and they also believe they are the chosen people.so they have driven the Muslims out of their homes & lands & gave it to the Jews. Which is the main reason why the terrorists attacked America on 9/11? The terrorist have said their reason for this was the American support for creating Israel and continuing their support even when the Jews were bombing the schools, hospitals, homes of Palestine.

Nothing justifies terrorism or revenge and Islam had nothing to do with 9/11. It was an act of the evil of the human nature which is to seek revenge. After 9/11 revenge was the cause of war on Afghanistan & greed for oil was the cause of war on Iraq so the weapons of master destruction / nuclear weapon whatever they said Iraq has before the war was never found because it was only a false accusation and propaganda only.

According to the Quran if someone suicide that person will go to hell forever. The Glorious Qur'an says:

"...take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom." [Al-Qur'an 6:151]

If the Torah/ Old Testament had never said that god gave Israel to the Jews then Christians & Jews have never formed Israel. And if Israel had not formed by the Jews and Christians then the Muslims of Israel didn't have to lose their homes and lands .If these had never happened the some group of Ignorant Muslim terrorists were not going to cause 9/11 ever! It's the most disgusting act of evil which has been done in the history of mankind. But it was an act of revenge & Islam is against revenge .Islam teaches to forgive because the prophet Muhammad said if people forgive others god will forgive the people who will forgive others. Some people were burning some birds but the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) told them not to burn them because only god has the right to burn someone & which is in hell. So Islam is completely a religion 100% against terrorism because it's a religion of peace & mercy.

So the bible is the only reason why Jews and Christians believe they are the chosen people & they created the current Israel for Jews and drove the Muslims out of their lands & homes because bible says God gave Israel to the Jews. And even the terrorist said this was the reason for 9/11.if the bible didn't have these crazy things the Israel would never had formed.so if the bible didn't have existed the 9/11 would never had happened .so the bottom line is the only reason 9/11 happened is because of the bible and Islam had nothing to do with it. 9/11 was an act of revenge and Islam is a religion of forgiveness so, revenge is not a part of Islam. Islam is the religion of peace and mercy.

Why Christianity and Judaism are corrupted and why their holy books are written by men? Proof that their books have changed because these can't be words of a loving God!

He got drunk and impregnated his virgin daughters. Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. Genesis 19:32-36

Religious tolerant:

Deuteronomy 13:6-10

If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy

bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die.

2 Chronicles 15:13

Whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive? ... Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves. - Numbers 31:15-18

APOSTASY: " . . neither shall thine eye pity him (the apostate), neither shalt thou spare him, neither shalt thou conceal him: "But thou shalt SURELY KILL HIM: thine hand shall be first upon him TO PUT HIM TO DEATH . . .DEUTERONOMY I 3 -8 9

I am not saying all Christians or Jews are bad because there are many good Jews and Christians who don't follow the words of the bible or torah and are very good people but I do believe the bible is the root of many evil actions done on earth.

Let me give some examples which I have arranged even though some people will deny but still facts remains facts whether they like it or not!

Crusades, holocaust, some priests rape children inside the churches; some Christian leaders dropped a nuclear bomb on japan. Or they did these horrible acts like these: George W. Bush Jr. - Christian, Turned Iraq war into a religious war by saying "god told him to invade Iraq", increase taxes on the middle class and poor, cut taxes for the rich

Nazism - Christians Adolph Hitler - Christian/Catholic Newt Gingrich - Christian Inquisitions - Christian

Ugandan Christians Salem Witch burnings - Christian Waco Texas - Christian Jones Town - Christian

San Diego Heaven's Gate - Christian Serbians - Christian Skin Heads - Christians

IRA (Irish Republican Army) - Christian Iron Guard - Christian Westboro Baptist church - Christians

Christian Tsarist Russia - Christian The Crusades - Christian & Catholic The Troubles - Catholic & Christian The Holocaust - Catholic & Christian The Book burnings - Catholic & Christian The heretic burnings - Christian Backing of the institution of slavery!!!!—

I don't blame Jews and Christians for what they have been doing from the past till now but I do blame it's the fault of their religions!

So the bible is responsible for many evil acts done in our world and creating Israel was just 1 of them which caused 9/11. The bottom line is the words of the bible are the main cause of 9/11 if the bible didn't have existed the current Israel never had formed and so as 9/11 would not have happened. 9/11 and the current Israel are both results of the words of the old testament /Torah/Bible.

BY MR.FAISAL FAHIM

1 of The most recommended book of MR.FAISAL IS ("The Bible, the Ou'ran and Science: The Holy Scriptures Examined in the Light of Modern Knowledge: 4 books in 1") Authored by Mr. Faisal Fahim, Dr. Maurice Bucaille, Dr. Zakir Naik.

AND IT'S AVAILABLE ON AMAZON, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.createspace.com/4459947

Message from the author: My intention is not to criticize any one's beliefe.lt's okay to agree or disagree with my bookThis entire book is not totally written by me.lt is based on a research project done by me.The book is as the title goes.The information is arranged & organized by me & all sources of all documents or information is mentioned inside the book.Purpose of my book is to share the knowledge which is available in many sources & I have mentioned them in the book.Hope you enjoy & share my book. "The greatest creation of god is us.The true race of us thel&only us,all of us the mankind simplyl race of humanity. Love

is the only antidose of hate.so,love,peace&Godbless for all.knowledge is not only power but it is indeed freedom to speak out the truth of an existence and I will share it to set it free. Thank you for reading.

DID ISLAM EXIST BEFORE MUHAMMAD?

God does not born or die he is forever. Jesus, Moses, Mohammad & all other people of Bible, Quran &Torah were great messengers prophets of god not sons of god they were created by 1 true god, creator, Allah. So any creation can't be the 1 creator Allah. So they were messengers, prophets of god. How can creator be part of what he has created Himself! !!So he is not part of any creation again he is not a creation & has no partners no father,mother, daughter ,son, brother, sister ,wife & no gender simply unique beyond comparable & 1 & 1 only. From Adam to Jesus god sent his messages for every generation or period of time but it was always destroyed by mankind & the devils conspiracy to take mankind towards hell. Because all previous books were massed up by humans Allah sent his last messenger not son or god, but messenger Mohammad & sent him Quran & it's messages to guide humans towards Allah & heaven. Allah has promised to Keep Quran same until the Day of Judgment & challenged humans to create another accurate book like Quran & said if you can't then surrender to your lord (the only way of peace&heaven).Majority of things science has discovered until now 80% of Quran had all those undiscovered answers from the last 1400years when science didn't have any answers. The other 20% answer was & is in Quran. Maybe it will take science another 1400years to find it. All 100% answers are in Quran. Science can't prove a single verse of Quran wrong. If you do a research on Quran, bible and science you will find facts. Facts are stranger than fiction. In the bible it says Jesus bowed his head on floor just like Muslims bow their head on floor while praying .You should do research on bible, Quran &science if you believe in god so you can find facts on Islam. If I teach a parrot a message & send it to someone & parrot tells the message to that person and leaves & that person starts saying that parrot is my son that would make no sense, because that was my messenger not son. Jesus was taken up alive &after that people started calling him son of god. He came to establish Islam & was a messenger of 1 god. Christianity started after Jesus was gone, Jesus will comeback & die as a human& Muslim. Quran is the only accurate 100% words of god &word of god can't have errors then it would not be word of god & according to science bibles & Torahs has many errors but they can't prove a verse in Quran wrong. Muslims believe there is no god but Allah & Prophet Mohammad is the last & final prophet & messenger of Allah.

Adam, Abraham ,Noah, Moses Jesus, Muhammad were all messengers & prophets of 1 God Allah so Islam is the 1 st religion & it's the last religion because God is Allah & God is forever so is God's religion which is only Islam & it is also forever. Finally Islam always existed even

before Adam, Abraham ,Noah, Moses Jesus & Muhammad because it's the only true religion from God Allah.

Islam is against Terrorism?

One of the distinctive characteristics of the times we live in is the overwhelming presence of violence in our societies. Whether it is a bomb going off in a market place, or the hijacking of an aircraft where innocent people are held at ransom to achieve political ends, we live in an age, where the manipulation and loss of innocent lives has become commonplace.

Such is the all-pervasive nature of indiscriminate violence, that "terrorism" is considered as one of the prime threats to peace and security in our societies.

The word terrorism came into wide usage only a few decades ago. One of the unfortunate results of this new terminology is that it limit the definition of terrorism to that perpetrated by small groups or individuals. Terrorism, in fact, spans the entire world, and manifests itself in various forms. Its perpetrators do not fit any stereotype. Those who hold human lives cheap, and have the power to expend human lives, appear at different levels in our societies. The frustrate employee who kills his colleagues in cold-blood or the oppressed citizen of an occupied land who vents his anger by blowing up a school bus are terrorists who provoke our anger and revulsion. Ironically however, the politician who uses age-old ethnic animosities between peoples to consolidate his position, the head of state who orders "carpet bombing" of entire cities, the exalted councils that choke millions of civilians to death by wielding the insidious weapon of sanctions, are rarely punished for their crimes against humanity.

It is this narrow definition of terrorism that implicates only individuals and groups, that has caused Muslims to be associated with acts of destruction and terror in the popular media. Often, the religion of Islam is held responsible for the acts of a

fringe minority among Muslims. Could it be possible that Islam, whose light ended the Dark Ages in Europe, now propound the advent of an age of terror? Could a faith that has over 1.2 billion followers the world over, and over 7 million in America, actually advocate the killing and maiming of innocent people? Could Islam, whose name itself stands for "peace" and "submission to God", encourage its adherents to work for death and

destruction?

For too long, have we relied on stereotypical images in the news media and in Hollywood films, for answers to these pertinent questions. It is time now to look at the sources of Islam, and its history, to determine whether Islam does indeed advocate violence. Sanctity of human life

The Glorious Qur'an says:

"...take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom." [Al-Qur'an 6:151]

Islam considers all life forms as sacred. However, the sanctity of human life is accorded a special place. The first and the foremost basic right of a human being is the right to live. The Glorious Qur'an says:

"...if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people." [Al-Qur'an 5:32]

Such is the value of a single human life, that the Qur'an equates the taking of even one human life unjustly, with killing all of humanity. Thus, the Qur'an prohibits homicide in clear terms. The taking of a criminal's life by the state in order to administer justice is required to uphold the rule of law, and the peace and security of the society. Only a proper and competent court can decide whether an individual has forfeited his right to life by disregarding the right to life and peace of other human beings. Ethics of WAR

Even in a state of war, Islam enjoins that one deals with the enemy nobly on the battlefield. Islam has drawn a clear line of distinction between the combatants and the non-combatants of the enemy country. As far as the non-combatant population is concerned such as women, children, the old and the infirm, etc., the instructions of the Prophet are as follows: "Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman" [1].

"Do not kill the monks in monasteries" or "Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship." [2]

During a war, the Prophet saw the corpse of a woman lying on the ground and

observed:

"She was not fighting. How then she came to be killed?" Thus non-combatants are guaranteed security of life even if their state is at war with an Islamic state. Jihad

JIHAD While Islam in general is misunderstood in the western world, perhaps no other Islamic term evokes such strong reactions as the word 'jihad'. The term 'jihad' has been much abused, to conjure up bizarre images of violent Muslims, forcing people to submit at the point of the sword. This myth was perpetuated throughout the centuries of mistrust during and after the Crusades. Unfortunately, it survives to this day.

The word Jihad comes from the root word jahada, which means to struggle. So jihad is literally an act of struggling, and this struggle can have various forms. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to the struggle against the insidious suggestions of one's own soul as a form of jihad. Thus the inner struggle of being a person of virtue and submission to God in all aspects of life, is part of the essence of Islam.

Jihad also refers to struggle against injustice. Islam, like many other religions, allows for armed self-defense, or retribution against tyranny, exploitation, and oppression. The Glorious Qur'an says: "And why should ye not fight in the cause of God and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? - Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!" [Al-Qur'an 4:75]

Thus Islam enjoins upon its believers to strive utmost, in purifying themselves, as well as in establishing peace and justice in the society. A Muslim can never be at rest while there is injustice and oppression around her. Martin Luther King Jr., quite aptly said: "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people."

Islam enjoins upon all Muslims to work actively to maintain the balance in which God created everything. However, regardless of how legitimate the cause may be, the Glorious Qur'an categorically denounces the killing of innocent people. Terrorizing the civilian

population, whether by small groups or by states, can never be termed as jihad and can never be reconciled with the teachings of Islam.

History of Tolerance

Even Western scholars have repudiated the myth of Muslims coercing others to convert. The great historian De Lacy O'Leary wrote: "History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping

through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated."[3]

Muslims ruled Spain for roughly 800 years. During this time, and up until they were finally forced out, the non-Muslims there were alive and flourishing. Additionally, Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan all have significant Christian and/or Jewish populations. This is not surprising to a Muslim, for his faith prohibits him from forcing others to see his point of view. The Glorious Qur'an says: "Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And God heareth and knoweth all things." [Al-Qur'an 2:256] Islam- The Great Unifier

Far from being a militant dogma, Islam is a way of life that transcends race and ethnicity. The Glorious Qur'an repeatedly reminds us of our common origin:

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye

may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." [Al-Qur'an 49:13]

Thus, it is the universality of its teachings that makes Islam the fastest growing religion in the world. In a world full of conflicts and deep schisms between human beings, a world that is threatened with terrorism, perpetrated by individuals and states, Islam is a beacon of light that offers hope for the future.

Conclusion of the entire book : He said: "I am indeed a servant of God: He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet; 019.031 "And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live; 019.032 "(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable; 019.033 "So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)"! 019.034 Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. 019.035 It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a

son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says to it,"Be",and it is. Al-Quran.

There is no God but Allah & Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad were all messengers & prophets of 1 God. The Quran is the final testament book of God's words only. The Quran proves God exists Jesus was born without a father. There is no doubt in the evidences of history that Muhammad & Jesus existed & they were prophets of 1 true God Allah.

21. Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, verily, thou wouldst have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah. Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect. 22. Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god;- Who knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 23 .Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god;- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him. 24 .He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colours). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. {Al-Hashr- Al Quranjl. Praise be to Allah, to Whom belong all things in the heavens and on earth: to Him be Praise in the Hereafter: and He is Full of Wisdom, acquainted with all things. 2. He knows all that goes into the earth, and all that comes out thereof; all that comes down from the sky and all that ascends thereto and He is the Most Merciful, the Oft-Forgiving. 3 .The Unbelievers say, "Never to us will come the Hour": Say, "Nay! but most surely, by my Lord, it will come upon you;- by Him Who knows the unseen,- from Whom is not hidden the least little atom in the heavens or on earth: Nor is there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the Record Perspicuous:

4 .That He may reward those who believe and work deeds of righteousness: for such is Forgiveness and a Sustenance Most Generous." 5 .But those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them,- for such will be a Penalty,- a Punishment most humiliating. 6 .And those to whom knowledge has come see that the (Revelation) sent down to thee from thy Lord - that is the Truth, and that it guides to the Path of the Exalted (in might), Worthy of all praise. (Saba 34 Al-Quran)

Surah 3. The Family Of Tmran, The House Of Tmran(Quran) 1. A. L. M. 2. Allah. There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal. 3. It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong). 4. Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution. 5. From Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens. 6. He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 7. He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding. 8. "Our Lord!" (they say), "Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thine own Presence; for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure. 9. "Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind Together against a day about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails in His promise." 10. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah. They are themselves but fuel for the Fire. {Surah Baqarah Quran}284. To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah Calleth you to account for it. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth, and punisheth whom He pleaseth, for Allah hath power over all things. 285. The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys." 286. On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith."

(ONLY GOD IS ALL KNOWN & SATAN,HUMANS,ANGELS,JINNS ARE NOT ALL KNOWN.THE QURAN'S INFORMATION IS ACCURATE BECAUSE IT'S THE FINAL,LAST BOOK OF THE TRUE1GOD LORD ALLAH.)

Allah (swt) Says : "Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided."[Quran 16:125] Allah also says '"Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, works righteousness, and says: I am of those who bow in submission?" (Quran 41:33) Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "lf Allah guides a person through you, it is better for you than all that is on the earth." (Bukhari No. 2783 & Muslim No. 2406).Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence" (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith 667)

"Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur'an)". 25.52 Quran

Yet do they worship, besides Allah, things that can neither profit them nor harm them: and

the disbeliever is a helper (of Evil), against his own Lord! 25.55 Quran

And I have sent you only as a giver of good news and as a warner. 25.56

Say: "No reward do I ask of you for it but this: that each one who will may take a (straight)

Path to his Allah." 25.57 Al-Quran

"Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers."(Quran, al-Baqarah: 159) Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "For Allah to guide one man through you is better for you than all that the sun has shined over".

The Prophet (PBUH) has said: "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim]

Information arranged and organized by MR.FAISAL FAHIM

Christianity teaches god is 3in1 and Jesus is son of god which makes it a polytheist religion similar to Hinduism since they believe god is 3million 33 thousand 300 in I.And Christianity worships a man called Jesus just like Buddhists worship a man called Buddha. Since Mariam is mother of Jesus and the father and son are 1 then Maryam is also the mother of god the father so Christianity is simply not logical and a false man made religion. Judaism believes in 1 god but you have to born from a Jew to be a Jew so it makes no sense because true religion of god should be for the whole of humanity not for just a group of people!. Some Jews don't even believe in heaven or hell. Torah teaches the earth has pillars corners which is false. True religion should teach it's for the whole of humanity so any race of people or any 1 can convert to it and it should

teach god is only 1in1 and has no partners and Islam is the only religion which is for everyl who wants to convert its not Judaism and Islam also teaches god is simply and only 1 not 3in1. The holy ghost was no god maybe peter and Paul were possessed by Satan and thought it was god and called it holy ghost.so following the false illogical religions is like following the Satan and the ultimate goal of Satan is to take humankind towards hell & make people associate false partners with god like holy spirit etc. Torah and Bible are full of errors and god never errors only Satan and humans errors. Arabic Quran has no errors but translations and printings can have errors. Muhammad received the Quran through angel Gabriel from god. Quran is the last final revelation from god to Prophet Muhammad the last final seal of prophets. He received the Quran which completed the religion of god and with Quran all other previous holy books were cancelled by god and Quran is the only book to be followed and Islam is the complete religion from god for the whole of humanity. Since Judaism teaches there is no heaven or hell it clears that their holy books have been changed they are corrupted & are full of errors so it is a man-made religion. Islam tells god created this world for humans & humans are created for akhirat which refers to heaven & hell. Sins lead us to hell and praying, worshipping leads us to rewards & heaven. Christianity teaches god is 3inl & their gods are lgod the father, 2 god Jesus the son of god, 3 the holy ghost or spirit so Christianity is simply a polytheist religion. All these makes it clear that Judaism & Christianity have been changed & are corrupted so they have errors & they are false man made religions. Islam is the only religion which is for whole of humanity & teaches in 1 god only & believes in hell & heaven in the same time & says to hope and pray for going to heaven. So Islam is the final & complete religion of God and all other religions such as Christianity & Judaism are incomplete false man made changed, corrupted religions with errors. The original torah and bible don't exist anymore & Allah will protect the Quran until the Day of Judgment. So there is no other god except 1 Allah alone and Moses, Jesus and Muhammad are only prophets and messengers of god.

TAKBEERAT

Posture t

Instructions:

Bring hands, palms open, up to ears, and place thumbs behind earlobes, and say

Altah-o-Akbar Allah is the Greatest

AL-QAYYAM

Posture 2

Recitatio

SUBHANA-KALLAH-HUM-MA WA BI-HAMDIKA, WATABARAKAS-MUKA WATA'ALA JADDUKA, WA-LA I LA HA GHAEKUK 0 Allah, Glorified, praise-worthy, and blessed is Thy Name and exalted Thy Majesty, and there is no deity worthy of worship except thee.

AL-QAYYAM

Recitation:

A'U-DHU-BIL-LA-HI MINASHAITANIR RAJiM

1 seek refuge in Allah for the rejected Satan

O^t^^l Alp*

BISMILAHIR RAHMANIR RAHIM

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

After this recite the opening Surah, Al-Fatihah:

Recitation:

ALHAMOU LIL-LAHI RAB-BIL 'ALAMIN

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds

AR-RAHMA-NIR RAHIM

The Beneficent, the Merciful

MALIK I YAU-MID-DIN

Master of the Day of Judgement

IYYA-KA N'ABUDU WA-IYYAKA NASTAlN l* * ^ * . ilt'l' : itt s l

Thee alone we worship an(J to thee alone we lurn tor help U^JJ i > % I UJ Lj|

IHDI-NAS-SIRA-TAL MUSTAQiM ^ , * "; * m r . *

Guide us In the straight path ^>^ i.,* ^J I W »*-^J! U-L^l

SIRA TAL-LADHiNA AN-'AMTA 'ALAlHIM The path of those whom You favored

GHAIR-IL MAGHDUBI 'ALAlHIM

and who did not deserve Thy anger.

WALAD-DAL-LIN (AMIN)

Or went astray

Recite any other surah now

Recitation:

Recite this Surah or Any other Surah

QUL HQWALLAHU A HAD- ALLAAH US-SAM AO

Say: He Is God, The One and The Only. God. the Eternal, Absolute;

LAM YALID; WA LAM YOOLAD

He begetteth not, Nor is He begotten;

WA LAM YAKULLAHOO KUFUWAN AH AO

And there is none Like unto Him.

RUKU

Posture 3

Instructions:

Bend down at waist, placing palms of hands with fingers spread over knees, Back is parallel to ground, such that if a glass of water were on the back, it would not spill. Eyes looking down, directly ahead.

As bending at the waist, recite

Allah ts the Greatest Then 3 Times

icite i

SUBHAN A RABBIYAL AZEEM Glory to my Lord, the reatest

Q AY YAM

Posture 4

Instructions:

While rising from the bending position of Ruku'. recite

SAMI ALL AHU LIMAN HAMIDAH C ^

Allah has heard all who praise Him

RAB-SANA LAKAL HAMD ilkil

Our Lord: Praise be to Thee

Then t*tiltn to standing poiiUvn, *tt»S Ml ndp

Recitation

ALLAH AKQAR

Allah is the greatest

and move to next position

SAJJDAH

Instructions:

Go down to a kneeing position by placing both hands on knees, lowering oneself slowly and easily onto knees, then touch the head upon the ground so thatthe following seven body parts are in contact: forehead, two palms, two knees, toes of both feet

Recitation

Recite 3 Times

SUBHANA RAB-BI-YAL A'ALA Glory to my Lord, the most high

TASHAHHUD

Posture 6

Reciting ALLAH AKBAR Allah is the greatest

Rise from [he SAJJDAH position, and assume the sitting poslure shown lo the left.

Recitation

ALLAAHUM MAGH-FIRLEE WAR HAM-NEE WAHDI-NEE WA AFI-NEE WARFA'NEE WAJ-BUR-NEE WAR-ZUG-NEE

Then recite

ALLAH AKBAR Allah is the greatest

And then assume SAJJDAH position once more

SAJJDAH

Posture 7

Instructions:

Go down to a kneeling position by placing both hands on knees, lowering oneself slowly and easily onto knees, then touch the head upon the ground so that the following seven body parts are in contact: forehead, two palms, two knees, toes of both feet

Recitation

Recite 3 Times

SUBHANA RAB-BI-YAL A'ALA Glory to my Lord, the most high

QUOOD Instructions:

Posture 8 lf the required number of Rakats is but two.

the Salat would proceed to the next recitation

Recitation

QUOOD

Posture 8 Recitation

attahiyAtu lillAhi was-salawAtu wat-tay-yibAtu

All prayers and worship through words, action and sanctity are for Allah only

AS-SALAMU ALAIKA AY-YUHAN-NAB1Y-YU Peace be on you, O Prophet

warahmatul-lAhi WABARAKATUH.

And Mercy of Allah and His blessings.

as-salAmu 'alainA wa'AlA ■ibAdil-lAhis-salihIn.

Peace be on us and on those who are righteous servants of Allah ASH-HADU AL-LA H_AHA IL-LAL-LAHU. I bear witness to the fact (hat these is no deity bul Allah

WA-ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAN 'ABDUHU WARASOLUH I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger

Instructions:

In ihe three raka'at(f e. Maghrib) or four raka'at {Like Zuhr, 'Asr and Isha) Sal'ah you stand up for the remaining raka'at after Tashahhud. On the other hand if it is two raka'at (Fajr) Salah, keep sitting and after this recite Darud (blessing for the Prophet) in Ihese words

QUOOD

Posture 8

Recitation

AL-LAHUM-MA SAL-LI 'ALA MUHAMMAD -I W WA 'ALA All MUHAMMADIN

O Allah, exalt Muhammad and the followers of Muhammad

KAMA SAL-LAITA 'ALA IBRAHlMA WA ALA ALI IBRAHiMA As Ihou did exall Ibrahim and his followers

IN-NAKA HAMIDUM-MAJEED Thou art the praised, the Glorious

QUOOD

PosturcS Recitation

z

AL-LAHUM-MA BARIK "ALA muhammad-iw O Allah, bless Muhammad

WA ALAALI MUHAMMADIN

and his followers

kamAbArakta alA ibrAhIma wa ala Ale ibrAhIma

as Thou has blest Ibrahim and his followers

IN-NAKA HAMlDUM-MAJEED Thou art Ihe Praised, The Glorious

Ol (KM)

Posture 8

Recitation

* * > * ■

^~**Ji *>*i*>i ^j+i+yJl

O Lord! Make me one who establishes regular Prayer, and also (raise such) among my offspring O our Lord! and accept thou my Prayer

O Lord! cover (us) with Thy forgiveness - me, my parents and all beSievers, on they Day that the Reckoning will be established

Posture 9

Instructions:

Now turn your face to the right saying

AS-SALAMU 'ALAIKUM WA-RAHMATUL-LAH

Peace be on you and Allah's blessings.

Now turn your face to the left saying

AS-SALAMU 'ALAIKUM WA-RAHMATUL-LAH

Peace be on you and Allah's blessings.

This book is like a little dictionary. Please share the book and the knowledge of the book. If you read this book please pray for me to Allah to give me the best Jannah/heaven.Thank you and may Allah give you best Jannah/heaven too. Ameen.

Sincerely, (Faisal Fahim)

THE TRESSURES OF ISLAM HAS BEEN UNLEASHED.ISLAM IS THE ONLY TRUE RELIGION AND THE ONLY SOLUTION FOR HUMANITY.
