AL.BAQARAH
(Revealed alter Hijra}
Has it not been that every time they make a covenant, a party of them throws it aside? In truth most of them have no faith. Now when there has come to them a Messenger from Allah, fulfilling the Book which is with them, a party of people to whom the Book was given have thrown this Book of Allah behind their backs, as if they knew it not. They pursue the course which the rebellious ones followed in the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved; it was the rebellious ones who disbelieved, teaching people falsehood and deception. They claim also to pursue that which was revealed to the two saintly ones in Babylon, Harut and Marut. But these two taught no one till they had warned: We are surely a trial from Allah, therefore, do not reject that which we set forth. So people learnt from them that by which they brought about discrimination between a man and his wife, but they harmed no one thereby except by the command of Allah. But these are seeking to learn that which shall do them harm and shall do them no good, and they have certainly known that he who trafficks therein, for him there is no share of good in the Hereafter. Surely, evil is that for which they have sold their souls; if they but knew. If they had believed and acted righteously, they would have found that Allah’s recompense is best, had they but known. (101-104)
O ye who believe, say not to the Prophet ra’ina but say unzurna, and listen to him with attention. For the disbelievers there is a painful punishment. (105)
Those ones from among the People of the Book and from among those who associate partners with Allah, who have disbelieved, desire not that any good may be sent down to you from your Lord. They forget that Allah chooses as the recipients of His mercy whomsoever He pleases. Allah is Lord of exceeding bounty. Whatever previous commandment We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We reveal in this Quran one better or the like thereof: Knowest thou not that Allah has full power to do all that He wills? Knowest thou not that to Allah belongs the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and that for you beside Allah there is no helper or protector? (106-108)
Would you question the Messenger sent to you as Moses was questioned before, forgetting that whoever takes disbelief in exchange for belief has undoubtedly gone astray from the right path? (109)
Many of the People of the Book, after the truth has become manifest to them, would desire out of sheer envy generated by their minds that, after you have believed, they could turn you into disbelievers. But do you forgive them and forbear, till Allah sends down His decree. Surely, Allah has full power to do all that He wills. Observe Prayer, and pay the Zakat, therefore, for whatever good you send on before you for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah. Surely Allah sees all that you do. (110- 111)
They claim that no one shall enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian. These are their vain desires. Ask them: Produce your proof, if you are truthful. The truth is that whoever submits himself completely to the will of Allah and acts righteously, shall have his reward with his Lord, No fear shall come upon such, nor shall they grieve. The Jews say the Christians base themselves on no firm truth, and the Christians say the Jews base themselves on no firm truth, yet both read the same Book. In like manner did those who had no knowledge say that which these say. Allah shall judge between them on the Day of Judgment concerning that wherein they disagree. (112-114)
Who can be guilty of a greater wrong than one who forbids Allah’s name being glorified in His mosques and seeks to bring about their ruin? It behoves not such to enter therein except in fear of Allah. For them is disgrace in this world and a great chastisement in the next. To Allah belong the East and the West; so whithersoever you turn, there is the countenance of Allah. Surely Allah is vastly Bountiful, All-Knowing. (115-116)
They allege Allah has taken unto Himself a son. Holy is He! On the contrary, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth; to Him are all obedient. Originator of the heavens and the earth, when He determines the coming into being of a thing, He says concerning it: Be! and it is. (117-118)
Those who have no knowledge of Allah’s purpose ask: Why does Allah not speak to us direct, or a Sign not come to us? Likewise said those before them, similar to their saying; their hearts are alike. Indeed have We made all varieties of Signs plain to the people who believe. (119)
Most surely have We sent thee with the Truth, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner; nor art thou answerable for the inmates of the Fire. The Jews will by no means be pleased with thee, nor the Christians, unless thou conform to their creed. Proclaim, therefore: Surely Allah’s guidance is the only true guidance. If thou follow their evil desires after the knowledge that has come to thee, thou shalt have neither friend nor helper from Allah. Those whom We have given this Book follow it as it should be followed; it is these who have firm faith therein. Whoso believes not therein, these are they who are the losers. (120-122)
Children of Israel, call to mind My favor which I bestowed upon you and that I exalted you above the peoples of the time; and fear the day when no one shall serve as a substitute for another at all, nor shall any ransom be accepted from him, nor any intercession avail him, nor shall they be helped. (123-124)
Call to mind also, when his Lord tried Abraham with certain commands which he fulfilled, and his Lord said: I shall make thee a leader of men. Abraham asked: And from among my offspring also? to which his Lord replied: Indeed, but My covenant will not embrace the transgressors. Call to mind also, when We made the House a resort for mankind and a place of security, and commanded: Take ye the station of Abraham as a place for Prayer. We laid a strict command upon Abraham and Ishmael: Purify My House for those who perform the circuits and those who go into retreat and those who bow down and fall prostrate in Prayer. Call to mind also, when Abraham prayed: My Lord, make this city inviolate, and provide such of its dwellers as believe in Allah and the Last Day with all varieties of fruit. His Lord responded: So shall it be, and on him too who believes not I shall bestow benefits for a short while; then will I drive him to the punishment of the Fire, and an evil destination it is. Call to mind also when Abraham raised the foundations of the House and also Ishmael, and they prayed: Our Lord, accept this offering from us, it is Thou Who art All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Our Lord, make us submissive to Thy will and pleasure and make of our offspring a people submissive to Thee. Teach us our appropriate ways of worship, and turn to us in mercy; for Thou art Oft Returning with compassion and Ever Merciful. Our Lord, raise up from among them a Messenger who may recite to them Thy Signs and teach them the Book and Wisdom and may purify them. Surely, Thou art the Mighty, the Wise. (125-130)
Thus who will turn away from the religion of Abraham but he who has ruined his soul? Of a surety, We exalted him in this world, and in the next also he will be among the righteous. When his Lord commanded him: Do thou submit thyself to Me, he responded: I submit myself to the Lord of the worlds. The same did Abraham enjoin upon his sons and also Jacob: Sons of mine, truly Allah has chosen this religion for you, so live every moment in submission to Allah, so that death whenever it comes should find you in a state of submission to Him. Were you present when Jacob faced the hour of death and he asked his sons: Who will you worship after I am gone? They answered: We will worship thy God and the God of thy fathers Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac, the One God, and to Him have we submitted ourselves. Those were a people that have passed away; for them was what they earned and for you is what you earn. You will not be answerable for what they did. (131-135)
The Jews and the Christians invite you: Be ye Jews, or be ye Christians, that you may be rightly guided. Tell them: Nay, not so, let us agree to follow the religion of Abraham, who was ever inclined towards Allah and was not one of those who set up partners with Him. Affirm, We believe in Allah and in that which has been sent down to us and that which was sent down to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and his children and that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and that which was given to all other Prophets from their LOrd. We make no distinction between any of them and to Him do we wholly submit ourselves. Then, if they believe as you have believed, they are rightly guided, but if they turn back, then know that they are determined to create a schism. In that event Allah will surely guard thee against their mischief. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (136- 138)
Proclaim: We adopt the Faith revealed by Allah, and who is better than Allah in teaching the Faith? Him alone do we worship. Ask them: Do you dispute with us concerning Allah, when He is our Lord and also your Lord? We are responsible for that which we do and you are responsible for that which you do. To Him alone are we devoted. (139-140)
People of the Book, do you say that Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and his children were Jews, or, that they were Christians? Do you know better or Allah? Who can be more unjust than one who conceals such testimony as he has from Allah? Allah is not unaware of that which you do. Those were a people that have passed away; for them was what they earned and for you is what you earn. You will not be answerable for what they did. (141-142) Part 2 AL.BAQARAH Chapter 2
Foolish people will say: What has caused the Muslims to turn away from the Qibla towards which they faced when in Prayer? Tell them: To Allah belong the East and the West. He guides whom He pleases to the right path. By guiding you along the right path have We made you an exalted people, that you may be guardians over mankind and the Messenger may be a guardian over you. We did not appoint the Qibla which thou didst follow, except that We might distinguish him who follows the Messenger from him who turns away upon his heels, though this is indeed hard, save for those whom Allah has guided. Allah is not the One to let your faith go in vain; surely, Allah is Compassionate and Merciful towards the people. Surely, We see thy mind turning frequently to heaven; We shall, therefore, certainly make thee turn to the Qibla thou likest. So, turn thy face now towards the Sacred Mosque; and wheresoever you be, turn your faces towards it. They to whom the Book has been given know that this is the truth from their Lord. Surely, Allah is not unmindful of that which they do. Even if thou shouldst produce every kind of Sign before those who have been given the Book, they would never follow thy Qibla, nor canst thou follow their Qibla; nor would some of them follow the Qibla of the others. If thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge that has been vouchsafed to thee, then thou shalt surely be of the transgressors. Those to whom We have given the Book recognize the truth of this even as they recognize their sons, but surely some of them conceal the truth deliberately. This truth is from thy Lord; be not, therefore, of those who doubt. (143-148)
Everyone has a goal which dominates him; do you, then, vie with one another in good works. Wherever you be, Allah will bring you all together. Surely, Allah has the power to do all that He wills. (149)
From wheresoever thou comest forth turn thy attention towards the Sacred Mosque; for that, indeed, is the truth from thy Lord. Allah is not unmindful of what you do. From wheresoever thou comest forth, turn thy attention towards the Sacred Mosque; and wheresoever you be, turn your full attention towards it, so that excepting such of your enemies who are bent upon transgression against you, the rest of the people be left with no valid cause of contention against you in this respect. So fear not the transgressors, but fear only Me. I have ordained this that I may perfect My favor unto you; and that you may be rightly guided. Even as We have sent to you a Messenger from among yourselves who recites Our Signs to you, and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and Wisdom, and teaches you that which you did not know. Keep Me, therefore, constantly in mind, I shall keep you in mind, and be grateful to Me and be not unmindful of the bounties that I have bestowed upon you. O ye who believe, seek the help of Allah through steadfastness and Prayer; surely Allah is with the steadfast. Say not of those who are killed in the cause of Allah that they are dead; they are not dead but alive; only you perceive it not. We will surely try you with somewhat of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits; then give glad tidings to the steadfast, who, when a misfortune overtakes them do not lose heart, but say: Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. It is these on whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy, and it is these who are rightly guided. (150-158)
Surely, Safa and Marwa are among the Signs of Allah; it is no sin for him who is on Pilgrimage to the House or performs ‘Umra to ambulate between the two. Whoso does good voluntarily, beyond that which is prescribed, should know that Allah is Appreciating, All-Knowing. (159)
Those who conceal that which We have sent down comprising Signs and guidance after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, it is these who are cursed by Allah and by those who curse; but those who repent and amend and openly declare that which Allah has revealed, to them I turn with forgiveness, for I am Oft Returning with compassion and Ever Merciful. (160-161)
As for those who have disbelieved and die while they are disbelievers, on them shall be the curse of Allah and of angels and of men all together; they shall continue under it. Their punishment shall not be lightened nor shall they be granted respite. Your God is One God; there is no god but He Ever Gracious, Most Merciful. (162:-164)
In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day, and in the vessels that sail in the sea carrying that which profits people, and in the water that Allah sends down from the clouds and quickens therewith the earth after its death and scatters therein all kinds of beasts, and in the courses of the winds, and the clouds pressed into service between the heaven and the earth, are indeed Signs for a people who understand. (165)
Some people adopt objects of worship other than Allah and love them as they should love Allah, but those who believe love Allah most. Those who are guilty of such transgression, if they could perceive now the hour when they shall find themselves face to face with the punishment, they would realize that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in punishment; in the hour in which they shall witness that, those who were followed shall disown their followers in the face of the punishment and all their avenues of escape shall be cut off. At that hour, those who followed will say: If we could only return to the world, we would disown them as they have disowned us. Thus will Allah apprise them that the end of all their striving is only a bundle of regrets and that they will not find a way of deliverance from the Fire. (166-168)
O mankind, eat of that which is lawful and wholesome in the earth; and do not follow in the footsteps of Satan; surely, he is your declared enemy. (169)
He enjoins upon you only that which is vicious and foul and that you should say concerning Allah falsely that which you know not. When it is said to them: Follow that which Allah has sent down; their response is: Indeed not. We shall follow in the way of our fathers. But what if their fathers had no sense and followed not the right path? The case of those who disbelieve is like that of one who calls out to an animal which pays heed only to the sound of the voice, without comprehending its import. They are deaf, dumb and blind and are not able to understand. (170- 172)
O ye who believe, eat of the lawful and wholesome things We have provided for you, and render thanks to Allah, if truly it is He Whom you worship. He has made unlawful for you only that which has died, and blood and the flesh of swine, and that on which the name of any other than Allah has been invoked. But he who is driven by extreme need to partake of any of them, not being defiant of the law nor exceeding the limit of his need, it shall be no sin for him. Surely, Allah is most Forgiving, Merciful. Those who conceal that which Allah has sent down of the Book and take in exchange for it a paltry price, only fill their bellies with fire. Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He purify them; and for them is a grievous punishment. These are they who have chosen error rather than guidance and punishment rather than forgiveness. How great is their endurance of the Fire ! They will find themselves in this predicament because Allah has sent down the Book comprising the Truth; and those who disagree concerning the Book are, surely, far gone in enmity. (173-177)
Righteousness is not that you turn your faces to the East or the West; but truly righteous are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets, and spend their wealth, for love of Him, on the kindred and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and those who ask, and for procuring the freedom of captives; and who observe Prayer and pay the Zakat; and whenever they make a promise carry it out, and are steadfast in adversity and under affliction and in battle. It is these who have proved faithful and it is these who are righteous. (178)
O ye who believe, equitable retribution in the matter of the slain is prescribed for you: exact it from the freeman if he is the offender, from the slave if he is the offender, from the woman if she is the offender. If the offender is granted some remission by the heir of the slain person, the agreed penalty should be equitably exacted and should be handsomely discharged. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. Whoso transgresses thereafter, for him there is a grievous chastisement. There is safeguarding of life for you in the law of retribution, O men of understanding, that you may have security. (179-180)
When death approaches any of you who is a person of substance it is incumbent on him, as an obligation laid on those who fear Allah, that he should leave directions for his parents and near relations to act with fairness. Those who vary these directions after having heard them, the sin thereof shall surely lie on such. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. But whoso apprehends partiality or wrong in consequence of such directions of the deceased it shall be no sin on him to bring about reconciliation between the parties affected thereby. Surely, Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful. (181-183)
O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you during a fixed number of days, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may safeguard yourselves against moral and spiritual ills. But whoso from among you should be ailing, not being permanently incapacitated, or should be on a journey, shall complete the reckoning by fasting on a corresponding number of other days; and for those who find fasting a strain hard to bear is an expiation, the feeding of a poor person, if they can afford it. Whoso carries through a good work with eager obedience, it is the better for him. If you had knowledge you would realize that it is better for you that you should fast. The month of Rarnadhan is the month in which the Quran began to be revealed, the Book which comprises guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and divine Signs which discriminate between truth and falsehood. Therefore, he who witnesses this month, being stationary and in health, should fast through it. But whoso is ailing, not being permanently incapacitated, or is on a journey, should complete the reckoning by fasting on a corresponding number of other days. Allah desires ease for you and desires not hardship for you; He has granted you this facility so that you should encounter no hardship in completing the reckoning, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful to Him. (184-186)
When My servants enquire from thee concerning Me, O Prophet, tell them I am close. I respond to the call of the supplicant when he calls on Me. So should they respond to Me and have firm faith in Me, that they may be rightly guided. (187)
It is made lawful for you to consort with your wives during the nights of the fast. They are as a garment for you and you are as a garment for them. Allah knows that you were being unjust to yourselves, wherefore He has turned to you with mercy and has corrected your error. So consort with them now without compunction and seek that which Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink till the break of dawn begins to manifest itself. From then on, complete the fast till nightfall. But do not consort with your wives during the period when you are in retreat in the mosques. These are the limits prescribed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus does Allah expound His commandments to the people, so that they may safeguard themselves against evil. (188)
Do not devour each other’s wealth among yourselves through deceit and falsehood, nor offer your wealth as a bribe to the authorities that you may deliberately devour a part of other people’s wealth through injustice. (189)
They ask thee, O Prophet, concerning the phases of the moon. Tell them: These alternations are a means of determining time for regulation of people’s affairs and for the Pilgrimage. Once you set forth for the Pilgrimage and then have occasion to revisit your homes, it is no part of righteousness that you should enter them from the backs thereof; indeed truly righteous is he who guards himself against evil out of fear of Allah. Enter your houses by the doors thereof, and be mindful of your duty to Allah that you may prosper. (190)
Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but transgress not. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors. Once they start the fighting, kill them wherever you meet them, and drive them out from where they have driven you out; for aggression is more heinous than killing. But fight them not in the proximity of the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you therein; should they fight you even there, then fight them: such is the requital of these disbelievers. Then if they desist, surely Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful. Fight them until all aggression ceases and religion is professed for the pleasure of Allah alone. If they desist, then be mindful that no retaliation is permissible except against the aggressors. (191-194)
The violation of a sacred month may be retaliated in a sacred month, for the law of retaliation applies in respect of all sacred things. Thus whoso transgresses against you, you may exact retribution from him in proportion to his transgression and be mindful of your obligations to Allah, and remember that Allah is with those who are mindful of their obligations to Him. (195)
Spend yourselves and your belongings in the cause of Allah and do not push yourselves into ruin with your own hands, and be benevolent, surely Allah loves the benevolent. (196)
Perform the Hajj and the Umra for winning the pleasure of Allah: but if you are hindered from doing so, then make whatever offering is easily available and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its appointed place. If any of you should have to shave his head before that time because of illness or of some ailment of the head, he should make an expiation by way of fasting or almsgiving or a sacrifice. When there is no longer any hindrance, then he who would avail himself of the Umra together with the Hajj should make whatever offering is easily available. Such of you whose families do not reside near the Sacred Mosque, and who cannot find an offering should fast three days during the Pilgrimage, and seven days when they return home; thus completing ten. Fear Allah and be mindful that Allah’s chastisement is severe. The months of Hajj are well known. For him who determines to perform the Pilgrimage therein, there is to be no loose talk, nor any transgression nor any contention during the Pilgrimage. Whatever of good you do, Allah will recognize its value. Furnish yourselves with necessary provisions; surely, the best provision is righteousness. Be ever mindful of your obligations to Me, O ye who possess understanding. It is no sin for you to seek any of the bounties of your Lord during the days of the Pilgrimage. When you return from Arafat, remember Allah at Mash’aral-Haram, and remember Him as He has guided you. Before this you were surely misguided. Thereafter, proceed as people have been proceeding, and seek forgiveness from Allah; surely Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful. On completing the acts of worship prescribed for you, celebrate the praises of Allah as eagerly as you used to celebrate the praises of your forefathers, or even with greater eagerness. There are some who keep supplicating: Lord, grant us of the bounties of this world; these have no portion in the Hereafter. (197-201)
For Christians, To be Born Again in Islam! 