The Koran (Al-Qur'an) Part 10

A sacred month for a sacred month, and the holy limits of Mecca, if they attack you therein, do ye also attack them therein in retaliation; and whoever transgresseth against you by so doing, do ye transgress against him in like manner as he hath transgressed against you, and fear G.o.d, and know that G.o.d is with those who fear him.

Contribute out of your substance toward the defence of the religion of G.o.d, and throw not yourselves with your own hands into perdition; and do good, for G.o.d loveth those who do good.

Perform the pilgrimage of Mecca, and the visitation of G.o.d; and, if ye be besieged, send that offering which shall be the easiest; and shave not your heads, until your offering reacheth the place of sacrifice. But, whoever among you is sick, or is troubled with any distemper of the head, must redeem the shaving his head, by fasting, or alms, or some offering. When ye are secure from enemies, he who tarrieth in the visitation of the temple of Mecca until the pilgrimage, shall bring that offering which shall be the easiest.

But he who findeth not anything to offer, shall fast three days in the pilgrimage, and seven when ye are returned: they shall be ten days complete.

This is inc.u.mbent on him whose family shall not be present at the holy temple.

And fear G.o.d, and know that G.o.d is severe in punis.h.i.+ng.

The pilgrimage must be performed in the known months: whosoever therefore purposeth to go on pilgrimage therein, let him not know a woman, nor transgress, nor quarrel in the pilgrimage. The good which ye do, G.o.d knoweth it. Make provision for your journey; but the best provision is piety and fear me, O ye of understanding.

It shall be no crime in you, if ye seek an increase from your LORD, by trading during the pilgrimage. And when ye go in procession from Arafat, remember G.o.d near the holy monument; and remember him for that he hath directed you, although ye were before this of the number of those who go astray.

Therefore go in procession from whence the people go in procession, and ask pardon of G.o.d, for G.o.d is gracious and merciful.

200 And when ye have finished your holy ceremonies, remember G.o.d, according as ye remember your fathers, or with a more reverent commemoration. There are some men who say, O LORD, give us our portion in this world; but such shall have no portion in the next life: and there are others who say, O LORD, give us good in this world and also good in the next world, and deliver us from the torment of h.e.l.l fire.

They shall have a portion of that which they have gained: G.o.d is swift in taking an account.

Remember G.o.d the appointed number of days: but if any haste to depart from the valley of Mina in two days, it shall be no crime in him. And if any tarry longer, it shall be no crime in him, in him who feareth G.o.d. Therefore fear G.o.d, and know that unto him ye shall be gathered.

There is a man who causeth thee to marvel by his speech concerning this present life, and calleth G.o.d to witness that which is in his heart, yet he is most intent in opposing thee; and when he turneth away from thee, he hasteth to act corruptly in the earth, and to destroy that which is sown, and springeth up: but G.o.d loveth not corrupt doing.

And if one say unto him, Fear G.o.d; pride seizeth him, together with wickedness; but h.e.l.l shall be his reward, and an unhappy couch shall it be.

There is also a man who selleth his soul for the sake of those things which are pleasing unto G.o.d; and G.o.d is gracious unto his servants.

O true believers, enter into the true religion wholly, and follow not the steps of Satan, for he is your open enemy.

If ye have slipped after the declarations of our will have come unto you, know that G.o.d is mighty and wise.

210 Do the infidels expect less than that G.o.d should come down to them overshadowed with clouds, and the angels also? but the thing is decreed, and to G.o.d shall all things return.

Ask the children of Israel how many evident signs we have showed them; and whoever shall change the grace of G.o.d after it shall have come unto him, verily G.o.d will be severe in punis.h.i.+ng him.

The present life was ordained for those who believe not, and they laugh the faithful to scorn; but they who fear G.o.d shall be above them, on the day of the resurrection: for G.o.d is bountiful unto whom he pleaseth without measure.

Mankind was of one faith, and G.o.d sent prophets bearing good tidings, and denouncing threats and sent down with them the scripture in truth, that it might judge between men of that concerning which they disagreed: and none disagreed concerning it, except those to whom the same scriptures were delivered, after the declarations of G.o.d'S will had come unto them, out of envy among themselves. And G.o.d directed those who believed, to that truth concerning which they disagreed, by his will: for G.o.d directeth whom he pleaseth into the right way.

Did ye think ye should enter paradise, when as yet no such thing had happened unto you, as hath happened unto those who have been before you?

They suffered calamity, and tribulation, and were afflicted; so that the apostle, and they who believed with him, said: When will the help of G.o.d come? Is not the help of G.o.d nigh?

They will ask thee what they shall bestow in alms: Answer, The good which ye bestow, let it be given to parents, and kindred, and orphans, and the poor and the stranger. Whatsoever good ye do, G.o.d knoweth it.

War is enjoined you against the Infidels; but this is hateful unto you: yet perchance ye hate a thing which is better for you, and perchance ye love a thing which is worse for you: but G.o.d knoweth and ye know not.

They will ask thee concerning the sacred month, whether they may war therein: Answer, To war therein is grievous; but to obstruct the way of G.o.d, and infidelity towards him, and to keep men from the holy temple, and to drive out his people from thence, is more grievous in the sight of G.o.d, and the temptation to idolatry is more grievous than to kill in the sacred months.

They will not cease to war against you, until they turn you from your religion, if they be able: but whoever among you shall turn back from his religion, and die an infidel, their works shall be vain in this world, and the next; they shall be the companions of h.e.l.l fire, they shall remain therein forever.

But they who believe, and who fly for the sake of religion, and fight in G.o.d's cause, they shall hope for the mercy of G.o.d; for G.o.d is gracious and merciful.

They will ask thee concerning wine and lots: Answer, In both there is great sin, and also some things of use unto men; but their sinfulness is greater than their use. They will ask thee also what they shall bestow in alms: Answer, What ye have to spare. Thus G.o.d showeth his signs unto you, that peradventure ye might seriously think 220 of this present world, and of the next. They will also ask thee concerning orphans: Answer, To deal righteously with them is best; and if ye intermeddle with the management of what belongs to them, do them no wrong; they are your brethren: G.o.d knoweth the corrupt dealer from the righteous; and if G.o.d please, he will surely distress you, for G.o.d is mighty and wise.

Marry not women who are idolaters, until they believe: verily a maid- servant who believeth, is better than an idolatress, although she please you more. And give not women who believe in marriage to the idolaters, until they believe: for verily a servant who is a true believer, is better than an idolater, though he please you more. They invite unto h.e.l.l fire, but G.o.d inviteth unto paradise and pardon through his will, and declareth his signs unto men, that they may remember.

They will ask thee also concerning the courses of women: Answer, They are a pollution: therefore separate yourselves from women in their courses, and go not near them, until they be cleansed. But when they are cleansed, go in unto them as G.o.d hath commanded you, for G.o.d loveth those who repent, and loveth those who are clean.

Your wives are your tillage, go in therefore unto your tillage in what manner soever ye will: and do first some act that may be profitable unto your souls; and fear G.o.d, and know that ye must meet him; and bear good tidings unto the faithful.

Make not G.o.d the object of your oaths, that ye will deal justly, and be devout, and make peace among men; for G.o.d is he who heareth and knoweth.

G.o.d will not punish you for an inconsiderate word in your oaths; but he will punish you for that which your hearts have a.s.sented unto: G.o.d is merciful and gracious.

They who vow to abstain from their wives, are allowed to wait four months: but if they go back from their vow, verily G.o.d is gracious and merciful; and if they resolve on a divorce, G.o.d is he who heareth and knoweth.

The women who are divorced shall wait concerning themselves until they have their courses thrice, and it shall not be lawful for them to conceal that which G.o.d hath created in their wombs, if they believe in G.o.d and the last day; and their husbands will act more justly to bring them back at this time, if they desire a reconciliation. The women ought also to behave towards their husbands in like manner as their husbands should behave towards them, according to what is just: but the men ought to have a superiority over them.

G.o.d is mighty and wise.

Ye may divorce your wives twice; and then either retain them with humanity, or dismiss them with kindness. But it is not lawful for you to take away anything of what ye have given them, unless both fear that they cannot observe the ordinances of G.o.d. And if ye fear that they cannot observe the ordinance of G.o.d, it shall be no crime in either of them on account of that for which the wife shall redeem herself. These are the ordinances of G.o.d; therefore transgress them not; for whoever transgresseth the ordinances of G.o.d, they are unjust doers.

230 But if the husband divorce her a third time, she shall not be lawful for him again, until she marry another husband. But if he also divorce her, it shall be no crime in them if they return to each other, if they think they can observe the ordinances of G.o.d, and these are the ordinances of G.o.d, he declareth them to people of understanding.

But when ye divorce women, and they have fulfilled their pre-scribed time, either retain them with humanity, or dismiss them with kindness; and retain them not by violence, so that ye transgress; for he who doth this surely injureth his own soul. And make not the signs of G.o.d a jest: but remember G.o.d'S favor towards you, and that he hath sent down unto you the book of the Koran, and wisdom admonis.h.i.+ng you thereby; and fear G.o.d, and know that G.o.d is omniscient.

But when ye have divorced your wives, and they have fulfilled their prescribed time, hinder them not from marrying their husbands, when they have agreed among themselves according to what is honourable. This is given in admonition unto him among you who believeth in G.o.d, and the last day. This is most righteous for you, and most pure. G.o.d knoweth, but ye know not.

Mothers after they are divorced shall give suck unto their children two full years, to him who desireth the time of giving suck to be completed; and the father shall be obliged to maintain them and clothe them in the mean time, according to that which shall be reasonable. No person shall be obliged beyond his ability. A mother shall not be compelled to what is unreasonable on account of her child nor a father on account of his child. And the heir of the father shall be obliged to do in like manner. But if they choose to wean the child before the end of two years, by common consent, and on mutual consideration, it shall be no crime in them. And if ye have a mind to provide a nurse for your children, it shall be no crime in you, in case ye fully pay what ye offer her, according to that which is just. And fear G.o.d, and know that G.o.d seeth whatsoever ye do.

Such of you as die, and leave wives, their wives must wait concerning themselves four months and ten days, and when they shall have fulfilled their term, it shall be no crime in you, for that which they shall do with themselves, according to what is reasonable. G.o.d well knoweth that which ye do.

And it shall be no crime in you, whether ye make public overtures of marriage unto such women, within the said four months and ten days, or whether ye conceal such your designs in your minds: G.o.d knoweth that ye will remember them. But make no promises unto them privately, unless ye speak honourable words; and resolve not on the knot of marriage until the prescribed time be accomplished; and know that G.o.d knoweth that which is in your minds, therefore beware of him and know that G.o.d is gracious and merciful.

It shall be no crime in you, if ye divorce your wives, so long as ye have not touched them, nor settled any dowry on them. And provide for them (he who is at his ease must provide according to his circ.u.mstances) necessaries, according to what shall be reasonable. This is a duty inc.u.mbent on the righteous.

But if ye divorce them before ye have touched them, and have already settled a dowry on them, ye shall give them half of what ye have settled, unless they release any part, or he release part in whose hand the knot of marriage is; and if ye release the whole, it will approach nearer unto piety.

And not forget liberality among you, for G.o.d seeth that which ye do.

Carefully observe the appointed prayers, and the middle prayer, and be a.s.siduous therein, with devotion towards G.o.d.

But if ye fear any danger, pray on foot or on horseback; and when ye are safe remember G.o.d, how he hath taught you what as yet ye knew not.

240 And such of you as shall die and leave wives ought to bequeath their wives a year's maintenance, without putting them out of their houses: but if they go out voluntarily, it shall be no crime in you, for that which they shall do with themselves, according to what shall be reasonable; G.o.d is mighty and wise.

And unto those who are divorced, a reasonable provision is also due; this is a duty inc.u.mbent on those who fear G.o.d.

Thus G.o.d declareth his signs unto you, that ye may understand.

Hast thou not considered those, who left their habitations, (and they were thousands,) for fear of death? And G.o.d said unto them, Die; then he restored them to life, for G.o.d is gracious towards mankind; but the greater part of men do not give thanks.

Fight for the religion of G.o.d, and know that G.o.d is he who heareth and knoweth.

Who is he that will lend unto G.o.d on good usury? verily he will double it unto him manifold; for G.o.d contracteth and extendeth his hand as he pleaseth, and to him shall ye return.

Hast thou not considered the a.s.sembly of the children of Israel, after the time of Moses; when they said unto their prophet Samuel, Set a king over us, that we may fight for the religion of G.o.d. The prophet answered, If ye are enjoined to go to war, will ye be near refusing to fight? They answered, And what should ail us that we should not fight for the religion of G.o.d, seeing we are dispossessed of our habitations, and deprived of our children?

But when they were enjoined to go to war, they turned back, except a few of them: and G.o.d knew the unG.o.dly.

And their prophet said unto them, Verily G.o.d hath set Talut, king over you: they answered, How shall he reign over us, seeing we are more worthy of the kingdom than he, neither is he possessed of great riches? Samuel said, Verily G.o.d hath chosen him before you, and hath caused him to increase in knowledge and stature, for G.o.d giveth his kingdom unto whom he pleaseth; G.o.d is bounteous and wise.

And their prophet said unto them, Verily the sign of his kingdom shall be, that the ark shall come unto you: therein shall be tranquility from your LORD, and the relics which have been left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron; the angels shall bring it. Verily this shall be a sign unto you, if ye believe.

And when Talut departed with his soldiers he said, Verily G.o.d will prove you by the river: for he who drinketh thereof, shall not be on my side (but he who shall not taste thereof he shall be on my side), except he who drinketh a draught out of his hand. And they drank thereof, except a few of them. And when they had pa.s.sed the river, he and those who believed with him, they said, We have no strength to-day, against Jalut and his forces. But they who considered that they should meet G.o.d at the resurrection, said, How often hath a small army discomfited a great one, by the will of G.o.d! and G.o.d is with those who patiently persevere.

250 And when they went forth to battle against Jalut and his forces, they said, O LORD, pour on us patience, and confirm our feet, and help us against the unbelieving people.

Therefore they discomfited them, by the will of G.o.d, and David slew Jalut. And G.o.d gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him his will; and if G.o.d had not prevented men, the one by the other, verily the earth had been corrupted: but G.o.d is beneficent towards his creatures.

These are the signs of G.o.d: we rehea.r.s.e them unto thee with truth, and thou art surely one of those who have been sent by G.o.d.

These are the apostles; we have preferred some of them before others; some of them hath G.o.d spoken unto, and hath exalted the degree of others of them. And we gave unto Jesus the son of Mary manifest signs, and strengthened him with the holy spirit. And if G.o.d had pleased, they who came after those apostles would not have contended among themselves, after manifest signs had been shown unto them. But they fell to variance; therefore some of them believed, and some of them believed not; and if G.o.d had so pleased, they would not have contended among themselves; but G.o.d doth what he will.

O true believers, give alms of that which we have bestowed unto you, before the day cometh wherein there shall be no merchandizing, nor friends.h.i.+p, nor intercession. The infidels are unjust doers.

G.o.d! there is no G.o.d but he; the living, the self--subsisting: neither slumber nor sleep seizeth him; to him belongeth whatsoever is in heaven, and on earth. Who is he than can intercede with him, but through his good pleasure? He knoweth that which is past, and that which is to come unto them, and they shall not comprehend anything of his knowledge, but so far as he pleaseth. His throne is extended over heaven and earth, and the preservation of both is no burden unto him. He is the high, the mighty.

Let there be no violence in religion. Now is right direction manifestly distinguished from deceit: whoever therefore shall deny Tagut, and believe in G.o.d, he shall surely take hold on a strong handle, which shall not be broken; G.o.d is he who heareth and seeth.

G.o.d is the patron of those who believe; he shall lead them out of darkness into light: but as to those who believe not, their patrons are Tagut; they shall lead them from the light into darkness; they shall be the companions of h.e.l.l fire, they shall remain therein forever.

Hast thou not considered him who disputed with Abraham concerning his LORD, because G.o.d had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said, My LORD is he who giveth life, and killeth: he answered, I give life, and I kill. Abraham said, Verily G.o.d bringeth the sun from the east, now do thou bring it from the west.

Whereupon the infidel was confounded; for G.o.d directeth not the unG.o.dly people.

Or hast thou not considered how he behaved who pa.s.sed by a city which had been destroyed, even to her foundations? He said, How shall G.o.d quicken this city, after she hath been dead? And G.o.d caused him to die for an hundred years, and afterwards raised him to life. And G.o.d said, how long hast thou tarried here? He answered, A day, or part of a day. G.o.d said, Nay, thou hast tarried here a hundred years. Now look on thy food and thy drink, they are not yet corrupted; and look on thine a.s.s: and this have we done that we might make thee a sign unto men. And look on the bones of thine a.s.s, how we raise them, and afterwards clothe them with flesh. And when this was shown unto him, he said, I know that G.o.d is able to do all things.

260 And when Abraham said, O LORD, show me how thou wilt raise the dead; G.o.d said, Dost thou not yet believe? He answered, Yea, but I ask this that my heart may rest at ease. G.o.d said, take therefore four birds, and divide them; then lay a part of them on every mountain; then call them, and they shall come swiftly unto thee: and know that G.o.d is mighty and wise.

The similitude of those who lay out their substance, for advancing the religion of G.o.d, is as a grain of corn which produceth seven ears, and in every ear an hundred grains; for G.o.d giveth twofold unto whom he pleaseth: G.o.d is bounteous and wise.

They who lay out their substance for the religion of G.o.d, and afterwards follow not what they have so laid out by reproaches or mischief, they shall have their reward with their LORD; upon them shall no fear come, neither shall they be grieved.

A fair speech and to forgive, is better than alms followed by mischief.

G.o.d is rich and merciful.

O true believers, make not your alms of none effect by reproaching, or mischief, as he who layeth out what he hath to appear unto men to give alms, and believeth not in G.o.d and the last day. The likeness of such a one is as a flint covered with earth, on which a violent rain falleth, and leaveth it hard. They cannot prosper in anything which they have gained, for G.o.d directeth not the unbelieving people.

And the likeness of those who lay out their substance from a desire to please G.o.d, and for an establishment for their souls, is as a garden on a hill, on which a violent rain falleth, and it bringeth forth its fruits twofold; and if a violent rain falleth not on it, yet the dew falleth thereon: and G.o.d seeth that which ye do.

Doth any of you desire to have a garden of palm-trees and vines, through which rivers flow, wherein ye may have all kinds of fruits, and that he may attain to old age, and have a weak offspring? then a violent fiery wind shall strike it, so that it shall be burned. Thus G.o.d declareth his signs unto you, that ye may consider.

O true believers, bestow alms of the good things which ye have gained, and of that which we have produced for you out of the earth, and choose not the bad thereof, to give it in alms, such as ye would not accept yourselves, otherwise than by connivance: and know that G.o.d is rich and worthy to be praised.

The devil threateneth you with poverty, and commandeth you filthy covetousness; but G.o.d promiseth you pardon from himself and abundance: G.o.d is bounteous and wise.

He giveth wisdom unto whom he pleaseth; and he unto whom wisdom is given hath received much good: but none will consider, except the wise of heart.

270 And whatever alms ye shall give, or whatever vow ye shall vow, verily G.o.d knoweth it; but the unG.o.dly shall have none to help them.

If ye make your alms to appear, it is well; but if ye conceal them, and give them unto the poor, this will be better for you, and will atone for your sins; and G.o.d is well informed of that which ye do.

The direction of them belongeth not unto thee; but G.o.d directeth whom he pleaseth. The good that ye shall give in alms shall redound unto yourselves; and ye shall not give unless out of desire of seeing the face of G.o.d. And what good thing ye shall give in alms, it shall be repaid you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly; unto the poor who are wholly employed in fighting for the religion of G.o.d, and cannot go to and fro on the earth; whom the ignorant man thinketh rich, because of their modesty: thou shalt know them by this mark, they ask not men with importunity; and what good ye shall give in alms, verily G.o.d knoweth it.

They who distribute alms of their substance night and day, in private and in public, shall have their reward with the LORD; on them shall no fear come, neither shall they be grieved.

They who devour usury shall not arise from the dead, but as he ariseth whom Satan hath infected by a touch: this shall happen to them because they say, Truly selling is but as usury: and yet G.o.d hath permitted selling and forbidden usury. He therefore who when there cometh unto him an admonition from his LORD abstaineth from usury for the future, shall have what is past forgiven him, and his affair belongeth unto G.o.d. But whoever returneth to usury, they shall be the companions of h.e.l.l fire, they shall continue therein forever.

G.o.d shall take his blessing from usury, and shall increase alms: for G.o.d loveth no infidel, or unG.o.dly person.

But they who believe and do that which is right, and observe the stated times of prayer, and pay their legal alms, they shall have their reward with their LORD: there shall come no fear on them, neither shall they be grieved.

O true believers, fear G.o.d, and remit that which remaineth of usury, if ye really believe; but if ye do it not, hearken unto war, which is declared against you from G.o.d and his apostle: yet if ye repent, ye shall have the capital of your money. Deal not unjustly with others, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly.

280 If there be any debtor under a difficulty of paying his debt, let his creditor wait till it be easy for him to do it; but if ye remit it as alms, it will be better for you, if ye knew it.

And fear the day wherein ye shall return unto G.o.d; then shall every soul be paid what it hath gained, and they shall not be treated unjustly.

O true believers, when ye bind yourselves one to the other in a debt for a certain time, write it down; and let a writer write between you according to justice, and let not the writer refuse writing according to what G.o.d hath taught him; but let him write, and let him who oweth the debt dictate, and let him fear G.o.d his LORD, and not diminish aught thereof. But if he who oweth the debt be foolish, or weak, or be not able to dictate himself, let his agent dictate according to equity; and call to witness two witnesses of your neighboring men; but if there be not two men, let there be a man and two women of those whom ye shall choose for witnesses: if one of those women should mistake, the other of them will cause her to recollect. And the witnesses shall not refuse, whensoever they shall be called. And disdain not to write it down, be it a large debt, or be it a small one, until its time of payment: this will be more just in the sight of G.o.d, and more right for bearing witness, and more easy, that ye may not doubt. But if it be a present bargain which ye transact between yourselves, it shall be no crime in you, if ye write it not down. And take witnesses when ye sell one to the other, and let no harm be done to the writer, nor to the witness; which if ye do, it will surely be injustice in you: and fear G.o.d, and G.o.d will instruct you, for G.o.d knoweth all things.

And if ye be on a journey, and find no writer, let pledges be taken: but if one of you trust the other, let him who is trusted return what he is trusted with, and fear G.o.d his LORD. And conceal not the testimony, for he who concealeth it hath surely a wicked heart: G.o.d knoweth that which ye do.

Whatever is in heaven and on earth is G.o.d'S: and whether ye manifest that which is in your minds, or conceal it, G.o.d will call you to account for it, and will forgive whom he pleaseth, and will punish whom he pleaseth, for G.o.d is almighty.

The apostle believeth in that which hath been sent down unto him from his LORD, and the faithful also. Every one of them believeth in G.o.d, and his angels, and his scriptures, and his apostles: we make no distinction at all between his apostles. And they say, We have heard, and do obey: we implore thy mercy, O LORD, for unto thee must we return.

G.o.d will not force any one beyond its capacity: it shall have the good which it gaineth, and it shall suffer the evil which it gaineth. O LORD, punish us not, if we forget, or act sinfully: O LORD, lay not on us a burden like that which thou hast laid on those who have been before us; neither make us, O LORD, to bear what we have not strength to bear, but be favorable unto us, and spare us, and be merciful unto us. Thou art our patron, help us therefore against the unbelieving nations.