The Koran (Al-Qur'an) Part 21

And the faithful men, and the faithful women, are friends one to another: they command that which is just, and they forbid that which is evil; and they are constant at prayer, and pay their appointed alms; and they obey G.o.d and his apostle: unto these will G.o.d be merciful; for he is mighty and wise.

G.o.d promiseth unto the true believers, both men and women, gardens through which rivers flow, wherein they shall remain forever; and delicious dwellings in gardens of perpetual abode: but good-will from G.o.d shall be their most excellent reward. This will be great felicity.

O prophet, wage war against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be severe unto them: for their dwelling shall be h.e.l.l; an unhappy journey shall it be thither!

They swear by G.o.d that they said not what they are charged with: yet they spake the word of infidelity, and became unbelievers after they had embraced Islam. And they designed that which they could not effect; and they did not disapprove the design for any other reason than because G.o.d and his apostle had enriched them of his bounty. If they repent, it will be better for them; but if they relapse, G.o.d will punish them with a grievous torment, in this world and in the next; and they shall have no portion on earth, nor any protector.

There are some of them who made a covenant with G.o.d, saying, Verily if he give us of his abundance, we will give alms, and become righteous people.

Yet when they had given unto him of his abundance, they became covetous thereof, and turned back, and retired afar off.

Wherefore he hath caused hypocrisy to succeed in their hearts, until the day whereon they shall meet him; for that they failed to perform unto G.o.d that which they had promised him, and for that they prevaricated.

Do they not know that G.o.d knoweth whatever they conceal, and their private discourses; and that G.o.d is the knower of secrets?

They who traduce such of the believers as are liberal in giving alms beyond what they are obliged, and those who find nothing to give, but what they gain by their industry; and therefore scoff at them: G.o.d shall scoff at them, and they shall suffer a grievous punishment.

80 Ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them; it will be equal. If thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times, G.o.d will by no means forgive them. This is the divine pleasure, for that they believe not in G.o.d, and his apostle; and G.o.d directeth not the unG.o.dly people.

They who were left at home in the expedition of Tabuc, were glad of their staying behind the apostle of G.o.d, and were unwilling to employ their substance and their persons for the advancement of G.o.d's true religion; and they said, Go not forth in the heat. Say, the fire of h.e.l.l will be hotter; if they understood this.

Wherefore let them laugh little, and weep much, as a reward for that which they have done.

If G.o.d bring thee back unto some of them, and they ask thee leave to go forth to war with thee, say, Ye shall not go forth with me for the future, neither shall ye fight an enemy with me; ye were pleased with sitting at home the first time; sit ye at home therefore with those who stay behind.

Neither do thou ever pray over any of them who shall die, neither stand at his grave for that they believed not in G.o.d and his apostle, and die in their wickedness.

Let not their riches or their children cause thee to marvel: for G.o.d intendeth only to punish them therewith in this world, and that their souls may depart, while they are infidels.

When a Sura is sent down, wherein it is said, Believe in G.o.d, and go forth to war with his apostle; those who are in plentiful circ.u.mstances among them ask leave of thee to stay behind, and say, Suffer us to be of the number of those who sit at home.

They are well pleased to be with those who stay behind, and their hearts are sealed up; wherefore they do not understand.

But the apostle, and those who have believed with him, expose their fortunes and their lives for G.o.d's service; they shall enjoy the good things of either life, and they shall be happy.

G.o.d hath prepared for them gardens through which rivers flow; they shall remain therein forever. This will be great felicity.

90 And certain Arabs of the desert came to excuse themselves, praying that they might be permitted to stay behind; and they sat at home who had renounced G.o.d and his apostle. But a painful punishment shall be inflicted on such of them as believe not.

In those who are weak, or are afflicted with sickness, or in those who find not wherewith to contribute to the war, it shall be no crime if they stay at home; provided they behave themselves faithfully towards G.o.d and his apostle. There is no room to lay blame on the righteous; for G.o.d is gracious and merciful: nor on those, unto whom, when they came unto thee, requesting that thou wouldest supply them with necessaries for travelling, thou didst answer, I find not wherewith to supply you, returned, their eyes shedding tears for grief, that they found not wherewith to contribute to the expedition.

But there is reason to blame those who ask leave of thee to sit at home, when they are rich. They are pleased to be with those who stay behind, and G.o.d hath sealed up their hearts; wherefore they do not understand.

They will excuse themselves unto you, when ye are returned unto them.

Say, Excuse not yourselves; we will by no means believe you: G.o.d hath acquainted us with your behavior; and G.o.d will observe his actions, and his apostle also: and hereafter shall ye be brought before him who knoweth that which is hidden, and that which is manifest; and he will declare unto you that which ye have done.

They will swear unto you by G.o.d, which ye have done. They will swear unto you by G.o.d, when ye are returned unto them, that ye may let them alone.

Let them alone, therefore, for they are an abomination, and their dwelling shall be h.e.l.l, a reward for that which they have deserved.

They will swear unto you, that ye may be well pleased with them; but if ye be well pleased with them, verily G.o.d will not be well pleased with people who prevaricate.

The Arabs of the desert are more obstinate in their unbelief and hypocrisy; and it is easier for them to be ignorant of the ordinances of that which G.o.d hath sent down unto his apostle; and G.o.d is knowing and wise.

Of the Arabs of the desert there is who reckoneth that which he expendeth for the service of G.o.d, to be as tribute, and waiteth that some change of fortune may befall you. A change for evil shall happen unto them; for G.o.d both heareth and knoweth.

And of the Arabs of the desert there is who believeth in G.o.d, and in the last day; and esteemeth that which he layeth out for the service of G.o.d to be the means of bringing him near unto G.o.d, and the prayers of the apostle. Is it not unto them the means of a near approach? G.o.d shall lead them into his mercy; for G.o.d is gracious and merciful.

100 As for the leaders and the first of the Mohajerin, and the Ansars, and those who have followed them in well doing; G.o.d is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased in him: and he hath prepared for them gardens watered by rivers; they shall remain therein forever. This shall be great felicity.

And of the Arabs of the desert who dwell round about you, there are hypocritical persons: and of the inhabitants of Medina there are some who are obstinate in hypocrisy. Thou knowest them not, O prophet, but we know them: we will surely punish them twice: afterwards shall they be sent to a grievous torment.

And others have acknowledged their crimes. They have mixed a good action with another which is bad: peradventure G.o.d will be turned unto them; for G.o.d is gracious and merciful.

Take alms of their substance, that thou mayest cleanse them, and purify them thereby; and pray for them: for thy prayers shall be a security of mind unto them; and G.o.d both heareth and knoweth.

Do they not know that G.o.d accepteth repentance from his servants, and accepteth alms; and that G.o.d is easy to be reconciled, and merciful?

Say unto them, Work as ye will; but G.o.d will behold your work, and his apostle also, and the true believers: and ye shall be brought before him who knoweth that which is kept secret, and that which is made public: and he will declare unto you whatever ye have done.

And there are others who wait with suspense the decree of G.o.d: whether he will punish them, or whether he will be turned unto them: but G.o.d is knowing and wise, There are some who have built a temple to hurt the faithful, and to propagate infidelity, and to foment division among the true believers, and for a lurking place for him who hath fought against G.o.d and his apostle in time past; and they swear, saying, Verily we intended no other than to do for the best: but G.o.d is witness that they do certainly lie.

Stand not up to pray therein forever. There is a temple founded on piety, from the first day of its building. It is more just that thou stand up to pray therein: therein are men who love to be purified; for G.o.d loveth the clean.

Whether therefore is he better, who hath founded his building on the fear of G.o.d and his good will; or he who hath founded his building on the brink of a bank of earth which is washed away by waters, so that it falleth with him into the fire of h.e.l.l? G.o.d directeth not the unG.o.dly people.

110 Their building which they have built will not cease to be an occasion of doubting in their hearts, until their hearts be cut in pieces; and G.o.d is knowing and wise.

Verily G.o.d hath purchased of the true believers their souls, and their substance, promising them the enjoyment of paradise; on condition that they fight for the cause of G.o.d: whether they slay or be slain, the promise for the same is a.s.suredly due by the law, and the gospel, and the Koran. And who performeth his contract more faithfully than G.o.d? Rejoice therefore in the contract which ye have made. This shall be great happiness.

The penitent, and those who serve G.o.d, and praise him, and who fast, and bow down, and worship; and who command that which is just, and forbid that which is evil, and keep the ordinances of G.o.d, shall likewise be rewarded with paradise: wherefore bear good tidings unto the faithful.

It is not allowed unto the prophet, nor those who are true believers, that they pray for idolaters, although they be of kin, after it is become known unto them, that they are inhabitants of h.e.l.l.

Neither did Abraham ask forgiveness for his father, otherwise than in pursuance of a promise which he had promised unto him: but when it became known unto him, that he was an enemy unto G.o.d, he declared himself clear of him. Verily Abraham was pitiful and compa.s.sionate.

Nor is G.o.d disposed to lead people into error, after that he hath directed them, until that which they ought to avoid is become known unto them; for G.o.d knoweth all things.

Verily unto G.o.d belongeth the kingdom of heaven and of earth; he giveth life, and he causeth to die; and ye have no patron or helper besides G.o.d.

G.o.d is reconciled unto the prophet, and unto the Mohajerin and the Ansars, who followed him in the hour of distress, after that it had wanted little but that the hearts of a part of them had swerved from their duty: afterwards was he turned unto them: for he was compa.s.sionate and merciful towards them.

And he is also reconciled unto the three who were left behind, so that the earth became too straight for them, notwithstanding its s.p.a.ciousness, and their souls became straightened within them, and they considered that there was no refuge from G.o.d, otherwise than by having recourse unto him. Then was he turned unto them, that they might repent; for G.o.d is easy to be reconciled and merciful.

O true believers, fear G.o.d and be with the sincere.

120 There was no reason why the inhabitants of Medina, and the Arabs of the desert who dwell around them, should stay behind the apostle of G.o.d, or should prefer themselves before him. This is unreasonable: because they are not distressed either by thirst, or labor, or hunger, for the defence of G.o.d'S true religion; neither do they stir a step, which may irritate the unbelievers; neither do they receive from the enemy any damage, but a good work is written down unto them for the same; for G.o.d suffereth not the reward of the righteous to perish.

And they contribute not any sum either small or great, nor do they pa.s.s a valley; but it is written down unto them that G.o.d may reward them with a recompense exceeding that which they have wrought.

The believers are not obliged to go forth to war altogether: if a part of every band of them go not forth, it is that they may diligently instruct themselves in their religion; and may admonish their people, when they return unto them, that they may take heed to themselves.

O true believers, wage war against such of the infidels as are near you; and let them find severity in you: and know that G.o.d is with those who fear him.

Whenever a Sura is sent down, there are some of them who say, Which of you hath this caused to increase in faith? It will increase the faith of those who believe, and they shall rejoice: but unto those in whose hearts there is an infirmity, it will add further doubt unto their present doubt; and they shall die in their infidelity.

Do they not see that they are tried every year once or twice? yet they repent not, neither are they warned.

And whenever a Sura is sent down, they look at one another, saying, Doth any one see you? then do they turn aside. G.o.d shall turn aside their hearts from the truth; because they are a people who do not understand.

Now hath an apostle come unto you of our own nation, an excellent person: it is grievous unto him that ye commit wickedness; he is careful over you, and compa.s.sionate and merciful towards the believers.

If they turn back, say, G.o.d is my support: there is no G.o.d but he. On him do I trust; and he is the LORD of the magnificent throne.

CHAPTER X.

ENt.i.tLED, JONAS; REVEALED AT MECCA.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL G.o.d.

A.L.R. These are the signs of the wise book.

Is it a strange thing unto the men of Mecca, that we have revealed our will unto a man from among them, saying, Denounce threats unto men if they believe not; and bear good tidings unto those who believe, that on the merit of their sincerity they have an interest with their LORD? The unbelievers say, This is manifest sorcery.

Verily your LORD is G.o.d, who hath created the heavens and the earth in six days; and then ascended his throne, to take on himself the government of all things. There is no intercessor, but by his permission. This is G.o.d, your LORD; therefore serve him. Will ye not consider?

Unto him shall ye all return according to the certain promise of G.o.d; for he produceth a creature, and then causeth it to return again; that he may reward those who believe and do that which is right, with equity. But as for the unbelievers, they shall drink boiling water, and they shall suffer a grievous punishment, for that they have disbelieved.

It is he who hath ordained the sun to shine by day, and the moon for a light by night; and had appointed her stations, that ye might know the number of years, and the computation of time. G.o.d hath not created this, but with truth. He explaineth his signs unto people who understand.

Moreover in the vicissitudes of night and day, and whatever G.o.d hath created in heaven and earth, are surely signs unto men who fear him.

Verily they who hope not to meet us at the last day, and delight in this present life, and rest securely in the same, and who are negligent of our signs; their dwelling shall be h.e.l.l fire, for that which they have deserved.

But as to those who believe, and work righteousness, their LORD will direct them because of their faith; they shall have rivers flowing through gardens of pleasure.

10 Their prayer therein shall be Praise be unto thee O G.o.d! and their salutation therein shall be Peace! and the end of their prayer shall be, Praise be unto G.o.d, the LORD of all creatures!

If G.o.d should cause evil to hasten unto men, according to their desire of hastening good, verily their end had been decreed. Wherefore we suffer those who hope not to meet us at the resurrection, to wander amazedly in their error.

When evil befalleth a man, he prayeth unto us lying on his side, or sitting, or standing: but when we deliver him from his affliction, he continueth his former course of life, as though he had not called upon us to defend him against the evil which had befallen him. Thus was that which the transgressors committed prepared for them.

We have formerly destroyed the generations who were before you, O men of Mecca, when they had acted unjustly, and our apostles had come unto them with evident miracles and they would not believe. Thus do we reward the wicked people.

Afterwards did we cause you to succeed them in the earth; that we might see how ye would act.

When our evident signs are recited unto them, they who hope not to meet us at the resurrection, say, Bring a different Koran from this; or make some change therein. Answer, It is not fit for me, that I should change it at my pleasure: I follow that only which is revealed unto me. Verily I fear if I should be disobedient unto my LORD, the punishment of the great day.

Say, If G.o.d had so pleased, I had not read it unto you, neither had I taught you the same. I have already dwelt among you to the age of forty years, before I received it. Do ye not therefore understand?

And who is more unjust than he who deviseth a lie against G.o.d, or accuseth his signs of falsehood? Surely the wicked shall not prosper.

They worship besides G.o.d, that which can neither hurt them or profit them, and they say, These are our intercessors with G.o.d. Answer, Will ye tell G.o.d that which he knoweth not, neither in heaven nor in earth? Praise be unto him! and far be that from him, which they a.s.sociate with him!

Men were professors of one religion only, but they dissented therefrom; and if a decree had not previously issued from thy LORD, deferring their punishment, verily the matter had been decided between them, concerning which they disagreed.

20 They say, Unless a sign be sent down unto him from his LORD, we will not believe. Answer, Verily that which is hidden is known only unto G.o.d: wait, therefore, the pleasure of G.o.d; and I also will wait with you.

And when we caused the men of Mecca to taste mercy, after an affliction which had befallen them, behold, they devised a stratagem against our signs.

Say unto them, G.o.d is more swift in executing a stratagem, than ye. Verily our messengers write down that which ye deceitfully devise.

It is he who hath given you conveniences for travelling by land and by sea; so that ye be in ships, which sail with them, with a favorable wind, and they rejoice therein. And when a tempestuous wind overtaketh them, and waves come upon them from every side, and they think themselves encompa.s.sed with inevitable dangers; they call upon G.o.d, exhibiting the pure religion unto him, and saying, Verily if thou deliver us from this peril, we will be of those who give thanks.

But when he hath delivered them, behold, they behave themselves insolently in the earth, without justice. O men, verily the violence which ye commit against your own souls, is for the enjoyment of this present life only; afterwards unto us shall ye return, and we will declare unto you that which ye have done.

Verily the likeness of this present life is no other than as water, which we send down from heaven, and wherewith the productions of the earth are mixed, of which men eat, and cattle also, until the earth receive its vesture, and be adorned with various plants: the inhabitants thereof imagine that they have power over the same; but our command cometh unto it by night, or by day, and we render it as though it had been mowen, as though it had not yesterday abounded with fruits. Thus do we explain our signs unto people who consider.

G.o.d inviteth unto the dwelling of peace, and directeth whom he pleaseth into the right way.

They who do right shall receive a most excellent reward, and a superabundant addition; neither blackness nor shame shall cover their faces.

These shall be the inhabitants of paradise; they shall continue therein forever.

But they who commit evil shall receive the reward of evil, equal thereunto, and they shall be covered with shame, (for they shall have no protector against G.o.d); as though their faces were covered with the profound darkness of the night. These shall be the inhabitants of h.e.l.l fire: they shall remain therein forever.

On the day of the resurrection we will gather them altogether; then will we say unto the idolaters, Get ye to your place, ye and your companions: and we will separate them from one another; and their companions will say unto them, Ye do not worship us; and G.o.d is a sufficient witness between us and you; neither did we mind your worshipping of us.

30 There shall every soul experience that which it shall have sent before it; and they shall be brought before G.o.d their true LORD; and the false deities which they vainly imagined, shall disappear from before them.