2.

Sura Baqara (or The Heifer)

In In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The Sura starts with the assertion that Quran, without any doubt, is a
Divine Book for those who believe in Him, who fear Him and who are
righteous. That is to say, those people who have Faith (Iman) in the
unbseen and are steadfast in their prayers (Namaz) as well as in the
spending for the cause of Allah (Zakat). These people also believe in the
Qur-an along with the other Revelations before it and have faith in the
Hereafter. Kafirs (disbelievers) are those who reject the Faith and the other
Divine Commandments. Consequently their spiritual faculties become
dead or impervious to better influences. But hypocrites are the people who
are untrue to themselves. Although these people meet the Believers but
actually they are in league w ith the Unbelievers. As such it is necessary
for the people to know their Creator and obey Him. The One who has
made the earth and sky and has created for them abundant bounties. To
these Hypocrites God will throw back their mockery on them and wander
like blind ones to and fro. These people have bartered Guidance for error
and thus have lost true direction. They are deaf, dumb, blind, and are in
darkness.

Adore your Creator and Guardian, your faith produces works of

righteousness. It is a chance given to you: will you exercise your free will and
take it? If you do, your whole nature Will be transformed. It is He Who has
made earth as a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy; and causes
water to pour down from the sky thereby producing fruits as food for you. And
do not set up rivals to God when you know the truth. If you have any doubt in
the truth of the revelation, produce along with any of your helpers if you have
any, a Sura like thereof; if your doubts are true. If you cannot – and of sure
you cannot – then fear the Fire whose fuel is men who reject Faith; and stones.
For the Believers, who work righteousness, there are Gardens as their eternal
dwelling place, under which rivers flow, with companions pure and holy. God
has quoted these similies for contemplation by human beings. These similies
increase the faith of the believers; but on the other hand these aggravate
disbelief among the infidels. Those who reject the revelation, they put
themselves to loss due to their transgressions. Wherefore can you disbelieve
God? It is He Who gave you life and afterwards cause you to die and again to
Him you will return on the Day of Resurrection. It is He Who has created for
you all that is on the earth; then He turned to the skies and perfected them as
seven firmaments, and He is the Omniscient about all things.

Yet man! What wonderful destiny is yours! Privileged from his birth to
rule in this world as the vice-regent of God with knowledge that is gifted by
Him. While the assignment of free will to the man differentiates him from the
other creatures of God, its provision was considered necessary in his case.
Because, as vice-regent of God, he is expected to take initiative, though to a
restricted extent. But due to his emotionalism and likely misuse of free will by
him, it was apprehended that he might create predicaments for himself. Hence
he constantly needs guidance from God.

The Children of Israel are told to recollect God’s favours to them and
the covenant with God. They are now commanded to believe in the present
revelation (Qur-an) which also confirms the earlier revelations. They are
further told not to cover Truth with falsehood when they actually know well
the Truth. Be steadfast in prayer and parctise regular charity. You enjoin
righteousness upon mankind while you yourself forget to practice it and are
the readers of the Scripture! Will you not understand? Nay seek the help of
your Lord with patience perseverance and prayer; and that indeed is a hard
thing except for the humble who know that they shall indeed meet their Lord;
and that they shall return to Him.

Oh Children of Israel! Remember My favour with which God blessed

you, and indeed preferred you over all other people. Fear of the Day when you
all will be before your Lord without any intercession or compensation be
accepted. Your helplessness will be absolute indeed. And remember God
rescued you from the people of Pharaoh who set on you hard tasks and
punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live – a
tremendous trial from your Lord! And that He divided sea for you and saved
you and drowned Pharaoh’s people within your very sight. Further remember
God appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence you took the calf for
worship. Even then God forgave you and gave you a chance to be His
grateful! Gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion (between right and
wrong): there was a chance for you to be guided aright. Remember! You said
to Moses that you shall never believe in him unless you yourselves see God in
public. But you were dazzed with thunder and lightening even as you looked
on. Then God raised you up after your death: You had the chance to be
grateful. Sent down to you Manna and quils for your food from the heavens
(in the desert). But they rebelled to God and thus harmed their own selves.
Remember! You were told to enter the town in humility and eat therein the
things of your choice and that God would forgive you your faults and further
multiply your good deeds. But the transgressors changed the word from that
which had been given to them. So God sent on the transgressors a plague as
they did evil again and again.

Remember Moses prayed for water for his people. He was told to
strike the rock with his staff. There qushed twelve springs for his twelve
tribes. So they were told to eat and drink of the sustenance provided by God
and do no evil nor mischief on earth. Remember you said to Moses that you
cannot endure one kind of food always. So beseech your Lord to produce for
them different varity of food stuffs. That lead them to humiliation and misery
and drew the wrath of God. They went of rejecting the Signs of God and
slaying His Messengers and went on transgressing.

Those who believe in the Qur-an, or who follow the Jewish scriptures,
or the Christians and the Sabians; or any who believe in God; and the Last
Day; and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them
shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. The Covenant was taken from them
(Jews) under Mount Sinai saying: ‘Hold firmly to what you have been given
and remember what is therein’. But they turned back thereafter. Some of you
also transgressed in the matter of Sabbath. As a punishment they were
transformed as apes – despised and rejected. Thus God made it an example to
their own times and to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear God. And
remember Moses said to his people that God commanded them to slaughter a
cow. But they thought that Moses was just mocking. Moses said to them that
God might save him from being an ignorant person! Then they were asking
unnecessary and unwanted questions over questions, regarding the particulars
of the cow. However, all their queries were answered. Then they could hold of
such a cow and sacrified, but not with good will.

It was about the murder of a man. They were informed to place apiece
of the cow on the murdered man and the man would come in life and name his
murderer. This was a Sign from their Lord. But these people even became
more hardened and became just as a rock. Do you muslims still longingly
expect that they would believe you? And indeed a party of them have heard
the word of God, then they have perverted it after having understood it, and
they know it! When they are with the Believers they say that they believed in
Faith; but when among them, they turn away from the Faith. Do they not know
that God knows what they conceal and what they disclose? Woe to those who
forge the Book, and say that it was from the Lord; so that they may barter it
for a paltry price! And they say the Fire of Hell may only for a few days! Have
they taken a promise from God? Nay whoever does evil and his sins have
encompassed him – these then are the companions of the fire: Their in shall
they abide forever. But those who have Faith and are righteous they shall be
the companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide forever.

And remember God took a Covenant from the Children of Israel to this
effect that they worship none but God; treat with kindness their parents;
kindred; orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in
prayer; practice regular charity, shed no blood amongst you; nor turn out your
own people from their homes. Then, after that, they turned back except few
remained steadfast. But then you are the same people who fought and slew
each other and not only banished those who were obnoxious to you but
intrigued with their enemies and demanded ransom for the release of the
captives.

The people of Moses and the people of Jesus were given revelations,
but they played false with their own lights, and in their selfishness, made
narrow God’s universal message. To them that which they should have
recognized, they refused to believe in it. How can a race or a people set
bounds to God’s choice? God is the Creator and Cherisher of all races and all
worlds. Those who reject Faith have drawn God’s wrath over wrath and that
their punishment will be most humiliating in the Hereafter. There came to
them Moses with Clear Signs; yet they started worshipping Calf in his short
absence from them! God took their Covenent saying: to hold firmly to what
God had given you and listen to the Law. But they never meant to observe it.
Say to them (O Muhammad): If the home with God in the Hereafter is for you
alone, to the exclusion of all other people, them wish for death, if you are
truthful’. And never will they wish for it due to what their hands have sent
forth in advance; and God knows well the wrong-doers.

Whoever is an enemy to God and His angels and apostles, – to Gabriel

and Mechael, – Lo! God is an enemy to those who reject Faith. God has sent
Clear Signs; and none reject them but those who are perverse .The Message of
the Qur-an is similar to the Revelations which they had already received. If
they had looked into their own Books honestly and sincerely, they would have
found proofs in them to show that the new Message was true and from God.
But they ignored their own Books or twisted or distorted them according to
their own fancies. Worse, they followed something which was actually false
and mischievous and inspired by the evil one. Such was the belief in magic
and sorcery. Many tales of occult powers attributed the power of Solomon to
magic. But Solomon dealt in no arts of evil. It was the powers of evil that
pretended to force the laws of nature and the will of God; such a pretence is
plainly blasphemy. In Babylon, Harut and Marut (may be two angels in men’s
form), did not withhold knowledge, yet never taught any one without plainly
warning them of the trial and temptation of knowledge in the hands of evil
men. Being men of insight, they also saw the blasphemy that might rise to the
lips of the evil ones puffed up with science and warned them against it. The
believers are expressly warned against dabbling in magic or believing that
anything can hurt life except by God’s will, and God is just and righteous.
What the evil ones learnt from Harut and Marut they turned to evil.

Address not the Apostle words of disrespect or of doubtful import and

not to interrupt the Prophet or be impatient while he addressed them but to
listen to him with attention and respect. It is the inherent desire of the people
of the Book (more particularly the refractory Jews) and the Pagans that the
muslims may not receive any favour from God, little realizing that it entirely
rests with Him to favour any whom He wills. Varily God has unlimited grace.
None of the earlier revelations were abrogated nor forgotten. But consequently
subsituded with some thing better or similar. Do you not know to God belongs
the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and has power over all things?
Would you (Oh People!) question your Apostle as Moses was questioned of
old? Many of the people of the Book wish they could turn the believers to
infidelity after the Truth had become manifest to them. But forgive (O
Muhammad) and overlook, till God accomplish His purpose; for God has
power over all things. Be steadfast in prayer and regular charity. Whatever
good you send for your souls, is with God: for God sees all that you do. Out of
their fancy they say that except Jew or Christian, none will enter Paradise! Say
to them to produce any proof for that statement. Nay, – whoever submits his
whole self to God and is a righteous, will get his reward with his Lord; on
such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

The learned Jews and the Christians denounce each other over their
religious believes although the Gospel confirms The Law. They behave no
better than the illiterate (Pagan Arbs) people in their arguments. But God will
judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgement. Who could be
more unjust than the one who forbids use of the mosques of God for
remembrance of His name therein and strifes for their desolation? For such,
there is disgrace in this world, and an exceeding torment in the next. To Him
alone belong the East and the West: to which ever direction you turn the
Presence of the Lord is there. For God is All-pervading. They say ‘God has
begotten a son’ – Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth
and to Him is due the primal origin of all. When He decrees a a matter, He has
merely to say: “be” and it becomes (fait accomple). And that those who have
no knowledge say: ‘Why do not God speak to us, or send us some Sign? That
is what the people before them also said. Signs were made clear to any people
who hold firmly to Faith in their hearts. The Messenger has been sent to them
with glad tidings and the warning. But never will the Jews or the Christians be
satisfied unless you follow their religion. The Guidance of God is the only
Guidance for them to follow. Those to whom God has given the Book recite it
as it ought to be recited with an unbiased mind; they shall believe in the
revelation; and whosoever, disbelieve in it, they are the losers.

If the People of the Book rely upon Abraham, let them study His
history. His posterity included both Isaac and Ismail. Indeed Abraham and
Ismail together built the House of God in Mecca (long before the temple of
Jerusalem was built). They purified it and laid the foundation of the universal
religion, which is summond up in the word Islam, or complete submission to
the Will of God. Abraham and Ismail were true Muslims. Remember that
Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain Commands, which he fulfilled.
God said to him that he will be made the leader of mankind. Abraham said
blessingly that from his progeny also. Remember that Abraham requested his
Lord to make this city (Mecca) of Peace and feed its people with fruits. God
then said to Abraham that those who reject Faith, will, no doubt, will taste
pleasure of this world, for a short while. But then on the Day of Judgement,
they shall be driven to the torment of Fire, – an evil destination indeed.

Who would be disinclined to the faith of Abraham save one who

makes a fool of himself? And indeed God choose Abraham in this world; and
in the Here-after he shall surely be of the righteous – the one submitted to the
will of his Lord. The whole of the Children of Israel are called to witness one
of their slogans, that they worshipped “the God of their fathers” The idea in
their minds got narrowed down to that of a tribal god. But they are reminded
that their ancestors had the principle of Islam in them, – the worship of the
One True and Universal God. Such were the people who passed away. They
shall reap the fruit of what they did, and you of what you did! They say that
for salvation either be a Jew or a Christian. Say to them:’that your Religion is
that of Abraham the True, and that he joined no gods with God. That you
believe in God, His revelation given to us, Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and
the tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus and that given to other Apostles
from their Lord: That you make no difference between one another and that
you bow to God in Islam’. If they believe this, they are on the right path
otherwise not. God is sufficient to you (Oh Muhammad) against them: He is
the All-hearing, the All-knowing. Say to them ‘Do you dispute with us
although we worship the same God as you and claim ours is the same religion
as that of your ancestors? Or do you really assert that Abraham and his sons
and his sons’ sons, who founded the Tribes long before Moses, followed your
Jewish religion as you know it? Who is more unjust than those who conceal
the testimony they have from God? But God is not unmindful of what you do!

But those people have passed away, who promised to uphold the Law
of God. Their progeny having been found unworthy, their place was taken by
a new people looking towards Mecca, – a new people, with a new Messenger,
to bear witness to God’s Law, to project the Truth, maintain His Symbols, and
strive and fight for Unity in God’s Way. Even if you were to bring to the
people of the Book all the Signs together, they would not follow your Qibla;
nor you are going to follow their Qibla. The people of the Book know this as
they know their own sons; but some of them conceal the truth which they
themselves very well know.

For each community of people there is a direction (Kibla) towards they

turn; then strive together to excel in virtues. Wherever you are, God will bring
you together. Verily God has power over everything. And from wherever you
proceed, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque for the prayer; so that no
one should have any argument with you. And that you remain guided and
favoured by your Lord. A similar favour have already been bestowed on you
as God favoured you with an Apostle amongst you. He recites to you God’s
revelations, and purifies you, and instructs you in the Book and the Wisdom,
and teaches you what you did not know before. Then remember your Lord,
and He shall remember you, and offer your thanks to Him, and be not
ungrateful to Him.

Seek help through patience and prayer. Verily God is with the patient.
And say not of those who are slain in the way of God, that they are ‘dead’.
Nay, they are living, but you do not perceive it. Be sure your Lord will test
you with some what of fear (of the enemy), and of starvation, and of loss of
property and of lives and of fruits; and convey glad tidings to the patient –
who, when afflicted with calamity say: “Verily we belong to God and verily
we shall return to Him. These are those whom decend blessings from God, and
Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance. Behold! Safa and Marwa
are among the Symbols of God. Those who visit the Sacred Mosque, should
compass them (as per the direction). Those people of the Book who conceal
the Clear Signs of God, on them is the curse of God. But those who repent and
make amends, God is Oft-returning, Most Merciful. But those who reject Faith
and die in the state of mind, on them is God’s curse, curse of angels, and the
cure of entire mankind. Such people will have eternal abode in the blazing Fire
and that their penalty will never be lightened. And remember, your god is One
God: There is no God, but He alone.

Behold in the creation of the heavens, the earth, alternation of the night
and the day, in the ships that sail on the sea loaded with what the benefits the
mankind, and in the water (i.e. rain) which God sends down from the sky and
thereby gives life to the earth after its death, and spreads thereon all kinds of
animals, and in the veering of the winds, and in the clouds, subjected (to
service), between the sky and the earth, there are definite Signs for people who
possess understanding. Yet there are men who worship others besides their
Lord, as equal with Him and love them as they should have loved their Lord.
For such unrighteous there awaits a grievous Penalty: that to God belongs all
power, and He will strongly enforce the Penalty.

The society thus organized must live under divine laws that would
guide their every-day life, – based on eternal principles of righteous and fair
dealing. The Unbelievers say that they will only follow the ways and customs
of their fathers even if they were wrong. Such people are no better than deaf,
dumb and the blind ones; and are void of any wisdom, whatsoever. Oh you
who believe! Eat of the good things that are provided to you and be grateful to
God. He has only forbidden you carrion and the blood, and the flesh of swine,
and that on which any other name has been invoked besides that of God. But if
one is forced by the unavoidable circumstances, with no willful disobedience,
then there is no guilt on him: For God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

There is no virtue in your merely turning your faces towards the East
or the West; but truly virtuous is he who believes in God, and the Last Day,
and the angels, and the Book, and the prophets; who gives from his wealth out
of love for Him to the kindred, and the orphans, and the needy and the way
fares, and the beggers, and for the ransom of slaves; and who is steadfast in
prayer and who pays the obligatory charity; and those who fulfil the covenents
which they make; who are steadfast in adversity, and in affliction and in war.
Such are the truthful; and they are God-fearing. Oh you 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 (the term is perfectly general) of the slain, then grant any
reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude. This is a
concession and a Mercy from your Lord. These are the limits set by God. It is
prescribed that when near death and have property, he should make a bequest
in favour of his parents and kindred with fairness; this is incumbent on the
God-fearing. If someone then alters it after hearing it, it is sinful: Verily God
is Hearing, Knowing.

Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you for

a fixed number of days, that you may learn self-restraint. 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 (aged, people specially circumstanced,
women expecting a child, or nursing a baby, etc.), is a ransom, the feeding of
one that is indigent. But whoever does more good voluntarily, it will be better
for him. And if you fast, it would be better for you, if you only knew.
Ramadhan is the month in which the Qur-an was sent down for the guidance
and judgement between right and wrong. So everyone, present at home during
the month, should fast. But if anyone ill, or on journey, the prescribed period
should be made up by the days later. God intends every facility for His
servants and not to put them in difficulties. Your Lord is near to you all and
listen to the prayer of every suppliant. Glorify Him and be grateful to Him.
Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They
are your garments and you of their 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 be associated with your wives while you are in
retreat in the mosques (by night after the fast is broken specially recommended
towards the end of Ramadhan, so that all carnal temptations may be avoided).
Those are the limits set by God; do not get near to transgress them. You are
warned against – extravagance, fraudulent transactions, breach of trust and
misappropriation etc. of other persons’ property; further seduction of
authorities with intent to secure wrongful gain through them.

The New Moons are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in the
affairs of men, and for Pilgrimage. Fight in the cause of God those who fight
you. But do not transgress limits; for God loves not the transgressors. Slay
them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have
turned you out; and oppression in Faith is worse than bloodshed; and do not
fight against them in or near the Sacred Mosque, unless they first fight with
you there. But if the fight against you there, then slay them. Such is the
requital for the disbelievers. However, they desist, then surely God is the
Forgiving, the Merciful. And fight against them until there is no more
oppression and there prevail complete obedience to God and faith in Him. But
if they desist, let there be no hostility save against the wrongdoers. (Fighting is
prohibited in the sacred month Zul-hajj. To these are also added Zul-qa’d,
Muharram and Rajab), and the prohibitions are subject to reciprocity. Then if
anyone transgresses against you, you may also transgress likewise against him
and Spend in the cause of God and do not cause your ruin with your hands;
and do good; indeed God loves those who do good. And the Hajj or Umra are
to be performed for the sake of God. But in case you are prevented to
complete these, at any place on the way, then you should offer there an easily
available sacrificial animal (goat or a sheep), then shave your head and put off
the pilgrim garb (ahram). The ceremony will thus be wound up for the
occasion. But, the Hajj or Umra will have to be completed later in the
following years. But in case there is no any kind of prevention in your way,
observe all the prescribed rites and finally shave your head after your
sacrificial animal has reached the place of slaughter (sacrifice is not necessary
for Umra). If anyone of you is ill or has any kind of ailment in his scalp,
necessitating shaving earlier before completion, he should fast (for 3 days), or
feed the poor, or offer sacrifice (at least to be goat or a sheep). In normal
circumstances when you combine the Hajj with the Umra, you shall offer a
sacrificial animal which you can easily afford, and then shave your head. If
you cannot afford an animal, then you shall have to fast for 03 days during the
Hajj period before 9th Zulhajj and follow it up when seven additional days of
fast after your return home. This is mandatory.

For the Hajj the months are well known. Whoso undertakes the Hajj,
there shall be for him no sexual intercourse, nor transgression nor wrangling
during the period of the Hajj. And whatever of good you do, God knows it.
And take the provisions for the journey, but the best provision, indeed, is the
right conduct; and hence fear your Lord, There is no sin on you if you seek the
bounty of your Lord during pilgrimage. When you turn back from Arafat, then
remember God near the holy monument (Muzdalfa). And remember Him as
guided by Him. Then turn from whence the other people have returned, and
seek God’s forgiveness. Verily God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. So when
you have completed your observance of the rites of pilgrimage, celebrate the
praises of God. There are some persons who say: “Our Lord! Give us good in
this world”; – for such there shall be no portion in the Hereafter. And there are
some who say: “Our Lord! Give us good in this world, and good in the
Hereafter, and save us from the torment of the Fire!” They are those for whom
there is a share of good in accordance to what they have earned; and God is
swift at taking account. And celebrate the praises of God during the fixed
number of days (i.e. 10th to 13th Zulhajj). But if any one leaves in two days, it
is not sin for him; as any one stays longer it is no sin for him either. Fear God,
and know that you shall surely be gathered towards Him. And there is a one
amongst people whose discourse on the life of this world you admire and calls
God to witness about his heart’s matter. His aim is actually to spread mischief
through the earth: But God does not love mischief. When he is advised to fear
God, he is led by arrogance to more crime; – enough for him is Hell – a bed
of misery. And there is the one amongst people who would bargain his life for
seeking God’s pleasure; and God is full of kindness to His such bondmen.

The Israelites under Moses were shown God’s glory and many Clear
Signs and yet they went after their own ways and preferred their own fancies.
So do people in all ages. But let them not deceive themselves. God’s justice is
sure, and when it comes, it will be strict and unmistakable to those who reject
His grace. The life of this world has been made alluring to those who
disbelieve, and they scoff at those who believe: but the righteous will be above
them on the Day of Resurrection. Mankind formed a single nation. Then due
to their divergences God sent apostles to them as bearers of glad tidings and
warners, and with them He sent down the Book with truth to judge between
the people in matters wherein they differed. This was due to selfish motives
existing among them. Eventually God guided the believers to the truth wherein
the disbelievers had differed. For God guides whom He will to a path that is
straight. Do you think that you will enter the Garden of Bliss without being
affected by the like of what happened to those who passed away before you?
They experienced adversity and physical distress and were so shaken in spirit
that even the apostle and those who had believed with him exclaimed: “When
will the help of God come? Look! Verily the help of God is always near.
Whatever you spend for the parents, and the kindered, and the orphans, and
the needy, and the way farers, is good for you: And verily God knows well
whatever good you do. Fighting (in the Cause of Truth) is prescribed for you.
You may dislike a thing, but it is possible that it may be good for you; and it
may be that you like a thing which is actually bad for you. God knows it and
you do not know it.

Fighting in the prohibited month is a grave offence. And obstructing

people from the way of God and disbelieving in Him and preventing access to
the Sacred Mosque and turning out its dwellers therefrom are more heinous
with God; and oppression in faith is more heinous than homicide. And they
will not cease fighting against you until they turn you back from your Faith, if
they can. And if anyone of you turn back from their faith and die as such, his
good deeds will bear no use in the Hereafter. Blazing Fire will be his
permanent abode. Those of the believers, who migrated and struggled hard in
the way of God, they do hope for the mercy of God; and that God is Oft-
forgiving, Most Merciful. They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning liquor
and gambling. Say to them that in both there is a major sin and some profit for
people. But the sin exceeds profit therefrom. As regards charity – spend
whatever one could spare beyond your own needs – its bearing is on this world
and in the Hereafter. Concerning orphans, the best things to do is what is for
their good. If you mix their affairs with your, God knows who means mischief
and the man who means good. And that you should not marry polytheist
women until they believe. A believing bond women is better than a polytheist
free woman even though the latter pleases you; nor marry your women to
polytheist men until they believe. A believing man is better than a polytheist
free man even though the latter pleases you.

They ask you concerning women’s courses. Say to them that it is

pollution, so keep away from them during that period, until they are cleaned of
it: For God loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who
keep themselves pure and clean. Your wives are as a tilth to you; hence go to
your tilth as you please. And fear God, and know that you are to meet Him (in
the Hereafter); – give this good tidings to those who believe and Do not take
oaths on God’s name as an excuse against doing good or acting righteously or
effecting peace between people: For God is One Who hears and knows all
things. For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting
for four months is ordained and after that they may return. But if their
intention is firm for divorce, the divorced women shall wait for three monthly
periods and should not hide what God has created in their wombs; and their
husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for
reconciliation. The women have the similar rights as against them, according
to what is equitable. But men have a degree of advantage over them (w.r.t.
economic position), and God is Exalted and Wise.

Two divorces (with a conciliation between) are allowed. After that the
parties should either hold together on equitable terms, or separate with
kindness. It is not lawful for men to take back any of the gifts (or property,
whatso) from the wives. If there is any fear that in safeguarding her economic
rights, her very freedom of person may suffer, the husband refusing the
dissolution of marriage, and perhaps treating her with cruelty, then, in such
exceptional cases, it is permissible to give some material consideration to the
husband, but the need and equity of this should be submitted to the judgement
of impartial judges, i.e., properly constituted courts ( a divorce of this type is
called khula). So if he divorces her irrevocably, she is not lawful for him (in
marriage) until after she has married another husband; but if he also divorces
her, then alone they can remarry again, provided they believe that they can
keep within the limits prescribed by God. When you have divorced a women
(twice) and they have (almost) reached the prescribed period (of their iddat),
then retain them with fairness or leave them with kindness; and not retain
them (merely) to cause them trouble, resulting in your transgressing; and
whoso does it, he indeed wrongs his soul. And do not make a mockery of
Gods commandments, and remember God’s favour on you Who has given you
the Book and the wisdom. So fear your Lord, as He knows everything.

When you 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. The mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two
whole years if the father desires to complete the term. He has to 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. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, there
is no blame on them. If you decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there
is no blame on you, provided you pay (the mother) what you offered, on
equitable terms. But fear God and know that God sees well what you do. If
any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait concerning
themselves for four months and ten days: after this period they are allowed to
dispose themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And God is well
acquainted with what you do. There is no blame on you if you make an
indirect offer of marriage to such women or hold it secret in your minds; but
do not make a secret contract with them except in terms honourable; and
resolve not on the wedding knot until the prescribed term ( of iddat) is
completed; and know that God knows what you have in your minds, hence
beware of Him; and know that God is the Forgiving, the Forbearing.

There is no blame on you if you divorce women whom you have not
touched or for whom you have not settled the dower; and provide for them
some benefit – the wealthy according to his means and the poor according to
his; a fair gift; it is incumbent on all doers of good. If you divorce them before
you have touched them but (after) you have settled their dower, then due from
you is half of what you have settled, unless they (the divorsees) remit it, or he
(husband) remits it. If you remit it, it is piety. God sees well what you do.
Guard well your prayers, especially the middle (Asr) prayer; and stand truly
devouted before your Lord. If you fear enemy, then pray while on foot or
mounted; but when safe, then remember God in the manner He has taught you.
And those of you who die and leave behind widows, they shall make a bequest
for a year’s maintenance for their widows without being turned out. But if they
themselves leave (the residence), there is no blame on you for what they do
with themselves in a fair manner. For divorced women maintenance should be
provided on a reasonable scale. This is a duty on the righteous.

Fighting in defence of Truth and Right is not to be undertaken light-

heartedly. Life and Death are in the hands of God. Then fight in the cause of
God, and know that God hears and knows all things. Spend liberally in the
Cause of God and to make a rightful use of your wealth without fear of getting
poor on that account. God has assured that He will increase manifold, for
reimbursement to us. For some time after the death of Moses, the Children of
Israel went righteously, but later they started committing lapses. Consequently
they grew corrupt morally, spiritually and weak physically. They said to their
prophet (Shamail) to appoint for them a king that under him they may fight in
the Cause of God, and against their enemy who drove them out of their homes.
God appointed Talut as king over them. They objected to this appointment
saying that they were better fitted than Talut in wealth and authority. The
Prophet said to them that God had chosen him above them as he was gifted
with knowledge and bodily prowess: God grants His power to whom He
pleases. God cares for all, and knows all things. Their Prophet said to them
that a Sign of their king’s authority is that there would come to them the Ark
of Covenant, with (an assurance) therein of security from the Lord; and the
relics left by the families of Moses and Aaron, carried by angels. In that was a
Symbol for them if they indeed had faith.

So, when Talut set out with his forces against their enemies, Talut said
to them that God would test them of the stream. If any drank its water (but
only a sip out of the hand), he would be left out of the army. But they all drank
of it, except a few. Even in the small band that remained faithful, there were
some who were appalled by the number of enemy forces, under the command
of their strong-man, Jalut (Goliath). 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”. By God’s will they routed
them; and David (Daud) slew Goliath; and God gave him power and wisdom.
God checks one set of people with another, the earth would indeed be full of
mischief: but God is full of bounty to all the worlds. These are the Signs of
God, rehearsed to you in truth. God gave distinctions to some apostles over
others: God spoke; others He raised to degree of honour; to Jesus the son of
Mary gave Clear Signs and strengthened him with holy spirit. If God 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
others rejecting. If God had so willed, they would not have fought each other;
but God fulfilled His Plan.

Who can describe the Nature of God? The Living, the Eternal: His
Throne extends over worlds that no imagination can ever compass. Oh you
who believe! Spend out of what God has provided for you before there comes
the day when there shall be neither bargaining, nor friendship, nor
intercession. The infidels are the wrongdoers. His truth is clear as daylight.
His are all things in the heavens and on earth and feels no fatigue in guarding
and preserving them. For He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory). Let
there be no compulsion in religion. God 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 the Companious of the Fire, to
dwell therein for ever.

The king (Nimrood) disputed with Abraham about Abraham’s Lord.

Abraham said to him that his Lord is He Who gives life and death. The king
said that he also gave life and death to the people. Abraham then said to him
that his Lord causes the sun to rise from the East; – would the king cause it to
rise from the West? Thus, the king was confounded, who in arrogance rejected
Faith. Nor does God give guidance to a people unjust. Or the parable of him
who passed by a town which lay overturned. He thought how could God ever
enliven that. Then God caused him to remain dead for 100 years and thereafter
He enlivened him. Then God asked him as how long he remained tarried. His
answer was that perhaps it was a day or a fraction of it. Then God told him the
exact period that he remained tarried and that his food and drink were fresh
whereas the bones of his donkey were scattered on the ground. Then God
made the bones to join and put flesh on them and the donkey was alive! This
was a Sign of the Creator and He has power over all things. Behold! Abraham
said to his Lord to show him how He gives life to the dead as just to satisfy
himself. His Lord then said him to take four birds, tamed by you, slaughter
and put a portion of them on every hill, and then just call to them: Lo! The
birds came flying to him with speed. Then know that God is Exalted, Wise.

The simile of those who spend their substance in the cause of God is
that of a grain of corn which grows into seven ears, and each ear bears a
hundred grains. God multiplies it for whom He wills: For God cares for all and
He knows all things. Those who spend their substance in the Cause of God,
and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury,
– their reward is with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they
grieve. Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed
by injury. God is Free of all wants, and He is most Forbearing. Oh you who
believe! Render not void your charity by reminders of obligation and by
injury-like him who spends his wealth for public demonstration and he (who)
does not believe in God and in the Last Day. They shall have no lien over
whatever they may have earned. And the likeness of those who spend their
wealth seeking to please God and to strengthen their souls is that of a garden
situated on an eminence. A heavy rainfall thereon doubles its fruits; and in the
absence of a heavy rainfall, dew (or moisture) is enough for it; and God sees
whatever you do. Would any of you desire that his garden of date-palms and
vines, beneath which streams flow, and which bears every kind of fruit for
him, when he is overtaken by old age and his children are too weak to support
themselves, be smitten by a fiery storm and be consumed by it? Thus does
God make His signs clear to you, so that you may ponder over them.

Oh you who believe; expend out of the good things which you have
lawfully earned and out of what your Lord has produced for you from the
earth; and do not seek to give out of what is worthless, when you yourselves
would not take it except with connivance; and know that God is Free of all
wants, and Worthy of all praise. The Satan promises you poverty and therefore
bids you meaness (niggardliness); and God promises you His forgiveness, and
bounty. God cares for all and He knows all things. Lord grants wisdom to
whom He pleases; and he who receives it is a man of overflowing benefit. But
none will grasp the Message but only the men of understanding. And be sure
that whatever you spend in charity He knows it all. But the wrong-doers have
no helpers. If you publicly give charities, even then it is well; and if you
conceal them and give them to the needy, that would be better for you; and
that God will wipe off from you some of your misdeeds. And He is aware of
what you do. Oh Apostle! It is not required of you to set them on the right
path. But it is He who sets people on right path to whom He pleases. Whatever
good you do, it is benefit to your own souls. Whatever good you give, shall be
rendered back to you, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly. Indiscriminate
acts of charity are condemned as they may do more harm than good to the
receiver. The real beneficiaries of charity are: They must be in want and the
want must be due to some honourable cause. All real and sincere service to
humanity comes within the definition, as well as actual devotion to religion or
to the righteous. Such men do not beg from door to door. It is the duty of those
who are well-to-do, to find them out. Whatever of good you give, be assured
God knows it well.
 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. Those who subsist on usury shall not be able to
stand before God. God has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Anything of
the past it be forgotten. But those who repeat the sin, shall be companions of
the Fire, to abide therein permanently: For God loves not creatures ungrateful
and wicked. Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish
regular prayers and charity, will have their reward with their Lord: On them
shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Fear God, and give up what remains of
your demand for usury. If the debtor is in difficulties then allow him
deferment till he is relieved thereof. And if you forego it as charity, that is
better for you if you only knew its spiritual good. Fear the Day when you shall
be brought back to God; then shall each person be paid back in full what he
had earned, and they shall not be wronged.

When you make a transaction involving loan or credit for a fixed term,
reduce it to writing; and let a scribe write it down justly as between the parties;
and no scribe should refuse to write it, as God has, as a matter of fact, taught
him to write; and let him fear his Lord. But if he who owes, is mentally
deficient or infirm to dictate, let his guardian (or attorney) dictate justly. Have
attestation to it of two witnesses from amongst your men; but if two men are
not available, then mutually choose a man and two women as witnesses, so
that if one of them (women) errs, the other should remind her. And the
witnesses should not refuse (to serve as such) when they are called upon. Do
not disdain to write down (the contract involving the loan or credit), whether
small or large specifying therein the time for payment. This is more equitable
with God, and is more appropriate as evidence and is more handy as corrective
to dispel doubts among yourselves, except when it is about the hand to hand
(ready) goods, (a cash and not a credit-transaction and therefore is finalized at
once), which you deliver (on the spot) between yourselves, then there is no
blame on you if you do not write the transaction. Have witnesses whenever
you trade with one another; and let not the scribe or the witnesses be harmed;
and if you do it (harm either of them), that would indeed by wicked of you.
Fear God. It is God who imparts knowledge to you. And God knows every
thing. That if you are in a journey and a scribe is not available, then receive a
pledge with possession; then if one of you entrusts another with a deposit, the
trustee should honourably discharge the truth, and let him fear his Lord. And
do not conceal evidence; and whoever conceals it, his heart is certainly sinful:
God knows what you do.

To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. Your honesty
and upright conduct are not mere matters of policy or convenience: All our life
in this world must be lived as in the presence of God. He forgives whom He
pleases and punishes whom He pleases: For God has power over all things.
The finest example of Faith we have in the Apostle’s life. The Apostle
believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and so do the
believers too. All of them believe in God, and His angels, and His Books and
His apostles; and do not differentiate between them. They implore His
forgiveness and are sure of their final return before their Lord. Your Lord does
not burden anybody except according to his capacity to bear. For him be what
he earns and against him also what he earns. (Pray): Our Lord do not call us to
account if we forget to do our duty or if we commit a wrong. Our Lord! Do
not lay on us a burden as you laid on those before us. Our Lord! Do not burden
us with that for which we have no strength; and pardon us, forgive us and have
mercy on us. You are indeed our Protector. Then help us against the
disbelieving people.’