And when ye have divorced women and they reach their term, place not difficulties in the way of their marrying their husbands if it is agreed between them in kindness. This is an admonition for him among you who believeth in Alláh and the Last Day. That is more virtuous for you, and cleaner. Alláh knoweth; ye know not.

Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father’s) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Alláh, and know that Alláh is Seer of what ye do.

Such of you as die and leave behind them wives, they (the wives) shall wait, keeping themselves apart, four months and ten days. And when they reach the term (prescribed for them) then there is no sin for you in aught that they may do with themselves in decency. Alláh is informed of what ye do.

There is no sin for you in that which ye proclaim or hide in your minds concerning your troth with women. Alláh knoweth that ye will remember them. But plight not your troth with women except by uttering a recognised form of words. And do not consummate the marriage until (the term) prescribed is run. Know that Alláh knoweth what is in your minds, so beware of Him; and know that Alláh is Forgiving, Clement.

It is no sin for you if ye divorce women while yet ye have not touched them, nor appointed unto them a portion. Provide for them, the rich according to his means, and the straitened according to his means, a fair provision. (This is) a bounden duty for those who do good.

If ye divorce them before ye have touched them and ye have appointed unto them a portion, then (pay the) half of that which ye appointed, unless they (the women) agree to forgo it, or he agreeth to forgo it in whose hand is the marriage tie. To forgo is nearer to piety. And forget not kindness among yourselves. Alláh is Seer of what ye do.

Be guardians of your prayers, and of the midmost prayer, and stand up with devotion to Alláh.

And if ye go in fear, then (pray) standing or on horseback. And when ye are again in safety, remember Alláh, as He hath taught you that which (heretofore) ye knew not.

(In the case of) those of you who are about to die and leave behind them wives, they should bequeath unto their wives a provision for the year without turning them out, but if they go out (of their own accord) there is no sin for you in that which they do of themselves within their rights. Alláh is Mighty, Wise.

For divorced women a provision in kindness: a duty for those who ward off (evil).

Thus Alláh expoundeth unto you His revelations so that ye may understand.

Bethink thee (O Muḥammad) of those of old, who went forth from their habitations in their thousands, fearing death, and Alláh said unto them: Die; and then He brought them back to life. Lo! Alláh is a Lord of Kindness to mankind, but most of mankind give not thanks.

Fight in the way of Alláh, and know that Alláh is Hearer, Knower.

Who is it that will lend unto Alláh a goodly loan, so that He may give it increase manifold? Alláh straiteneth and enlargeth. Unto Him ye will return.

Bethink thee of the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, how they said unto a prophet whom they had: Set up for us a king and we will fight in Alláh’s way. He said: Would ye then refrain from fighting if fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should we not fight in Alláh’s way when we have been driven from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few of them. Alláh is aware of evil-doers.

Their Prophet said unto them: Lo! Alláh hath raised up Saul to be a king for you. They said: How can he have kingdom over us when we are more deserving of the kingdom than he is, since he hath not been given wealth enough? He said: Lo! Alláh hath chosen him above you, and hath increased him abundantly in wisdom and stature. Alláh bestoweth His Sovereignty on whom He will. Alláh is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

And their Prophet said unto them: Lo! the token of his kingdom is that there shall come unto you the ark wherein is peace of reassurance from your Lord, and a remnant of that which the house of Moses and the house of Aaron left behind, the angels bearing it. Lo! herein shall be a token for you if (in truth) ye are believers.

And when Saul set out with the army, he said: Lo! Alláh will try you by (the ordeal of) a river. Whosoever therefore drinketh thereof he is not of me, and whosoever tasteth it not he is of me, save him who taketh (thereof) in the hollow of his hand. But they drank thereof, all save a few of them. And after he had crossed (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: We have no power this day against Goliath and his hosts. But those who knew that they would meet Alláh exclaimed: How many a little company hath overcome a mighty host by Alláh’s leave! Alláh is with the steadfast.

And when they went into the field against Goliath and his hosts they said: Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance, make our foothold sure, and give us help against the disbelieving folk.

So they routed them by Alláh’s leave and David slew Goliath; and Alláh gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him of that which He willeth. And if Alláh had not repelled some men by others the earth would have been corrupted. But Alláh is a Lord of Kindness to (His) creatures.

These are the portents of Alláh which We recite unto thee (Muḥammad) with truth, and lo! thou art of the number of (Our) messengers;

Of those messengers, some of whom We have caused to excel others, and of whom there are some unto whom Alláh spake, while some of them He exalted (above others) in degree; and We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Alláh’s Sovereignty) and We supported him with the holy Spirit. And if Alláh had so wiled it, those who followed after them would not have fought one with another after the clear proofs had come unto them. But they differed, some of them believing and some disbelieving. And if Alláh had so willed it, they would not have fought one with another; but Alláh doeth what He will.

O ye who believe! Spend of that wherewith We have provided you ere a day come when there will be no trafficking, nor friendship, nor intercession. The disbelievers, they are the wrong-doers.

Alláh! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.

There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Alláh hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Alláh is Hearer, Knower.

Alláh is the Protecting Friend of those who believe. He bringeth them out of darkness into light. As for those who disbelieve, their patrons are false deities. They bring them out of light into darkness. Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.

Bethink thee of him who had an argument with Abraham about his Lord, because Alláh had given him the kingdom; how, when Abraham said: My Lord is He Who giveth life and causeth death, he answered: I give life and cause death. Abraham said: Lo! Alláh causeth the sun to rise in the East, so do thou cause it to come up from the West. Thus was the disbeliever abashed. And Alláh guideth not wrongdoing folk.

Or (bethink thee of) the like of him who, passing by a township which had fallen into utter ruin, exclaimed: How shall Alláh give this township life after its death? And Alláh made him die a hundred years, then brought him back to life. He said: How long hast thou tarried? (The man) said: I have tarried a day or part of a day. (He) said: Nay, but thou hast tarried for a hundred years. Just look at thy food and drink which have not rotted! Look at thine ass! And, that We may make thee a token unto mankind, look at the bones, how We adjust them and then cover them with flesh! And when (the matter) became clear unto him, he said: I know now that Alláh is Able to do all things.

And when Abraham said (unto his Lord): My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the dead, He said: Dost thou not believe? Abraham said: Yea, but (I ask) in order that my heart may be at ease. (His Lord) said: Take four of the birds and cause them to incline unto thee, then place a part of them on each hill, then call them, they will come to thee in haste, and know that Alláh is Mighty, Wise.

The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Alláh’s way is as the likeness of a grain which groweth seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Alláh giveth increase manifold to whom He will. Alláh is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

Those who spend their wealth for the cause of Alláh and afterward make not reproach and injury to follow that which they have spent; their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them, neither shall they grieve.

A kind word with forgiveness is better than almsgiving followed by injury. Alláh is Absolute, Clement.

O ye who believe! Render not vain your almsgiving by reproach and injury, like him who spendeth his wealth only to be seen of men and believeth not in Alláh and the Last Day. His likeness is as the likeness of a rock whereon is dust of earth; a rainstorm smiteth it, leaving it smooth and bare. They have no control of aught of that which they have gained. Alláh guideth not the disbelieving folk.

And the likeness of those who spend their wealth in search of Alláh’s pleasure, and for the strengthening of their souls, is as the likeness of a garden on a height. The rainstorm smiteth it and it bringeth forth its fruit twofold. And if the rainstorm smite it not, then the shower. Alláh is Seer of what ye do.

Would any of you like to have a garden of palm-trees and vines, with rivers flowing underneath it, with all kinds of fruit for him therein; and old age hath stricken him and he hath feeble offspring; and a fiery whirlwind striketh it and it is (all) consumed by fire. Thus Alláh maketh plain His revelations unto you, in order that ye may give thought.

O ye who believe! Spend of the good things which ye have earned, and of that which We bring forth from the earth for you, and seek not the bad (with intent) to spend thereof (in charity) when ye would not take it for yourselves save with disdain; and know that Alláh is Absolute, Owner of Praise.

The devil promiseth you destitution and enjoineth on you lewdness. But Alláh promiseth you forgiveness from Himself with bounty. Alláh is All-Embracing, All-knowing.

He giveth wisdom unto whom He will, and he unto whom wisdom is given, he truly hath received abundant good. But none remember except men of understanding.

Whatever alms ye spend or vow ye vow, lo! Alláh knoweth it. Wrong-doers have no helpers.

If ye publish your almsgiving, it is well, but if ye hide it and give it to the poor, it will be better for you, and will atone for some of your ill-deeds. Alláh is Informed of what ye do.

The guiding of them is not thy duty (O Muḥammad), but Alláh guideth whom He will. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, it is for yourselves, when ye spend not save in search of Alláh’s Countenance; and whatsoever good thing ye spend, it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged.

(Alms are) for the poor who are straitened for the cause of Alláh, who cannot travel in the land (for trade). The unthinking man accounteth them wealthy because of their restraint. Thou shalt know them by their mark: They do not beg of men with importunity. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, lo! Alláh knoweth it.

Those who spend their wealth by night and day, by stealth and openly, verily their reward is with their Lord, and their shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.

Those who swallow usury cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Alláh permitteth trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh, and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Alláh. As for him who returneth (to usury)—Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.

Alláh hath blighted usury and made almsgiving fruitful. Alláh loveth not the impious and guilty.

Lo! those who believe and do good works and establish worship and pay the poor-due, their reward is with their Lord and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.

O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Alláh, and give up what remaineth (due to you) from usury, if ye are (in truth) believers.

And if ye do not, then be warned of war (against you) from Alláh and His messenger. And if ye repent, then ye have your principal (without interest). Wrong not, and ye shall not be wronged.

And if the debtor is in straitened circumstances, then (let there be) postponement to (the time of) ease; and that ye remit the debt as almsgiving would be better for you if ye did but know.

And guard yourselves against a day in which ye will be brought back to Alláh. Then every soul will be paid in full that which it hath earned, and they will not be wronged.

O ye who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term, record it in writing. Let a scribe record it in writing between you in (terms of) equity. No scribe should refuse to write as Alláh hath taught him, so let him write, and let him who incurreth the debt dictate, and let him observe his duty to Alláh his Lord, and diminish naught thereof. But if he who oweth the debt is of low understanding, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, then let the guardian of his interests dictate in (terms of) equity. And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand) then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the one erreth (through forgetfulness) the other will remember. And the witnesses must not refuse when they are summoned. Be not averse to writing down (the contract) whether it be small or great, with (record of) the term thereof. That is more equitable in the sight of Alláh and more sure for testimony, and the best way of avoiding doubt between you; save only in the case when it is actual merchandise which ye transfer among yourselves from hand to hand. In that case it is no sin for you if ye write it not. And have witnesses when ye sell one to another, and let no harm be done to scribe or witness. If ye do (harm to them) lo! it is a sin in you. Observe your duty to Alláh. Alláh is teaching you. And Alláh is knower of all things.

If ye be on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a pledge in hand (shall suffice). And if one of you entrusteth to another let him who is trusted deliver up that which is entrusted to him (according to the pact between them) and let him observe his duty to Alláh his Lord. Hide not testimony. He who hideth it, verily his heart is sinful. Alláh is Aware of what ye do.

Unto Alláh (belongeth) whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and whether ye make known what is in your minds or hide it, Alláh will bring you to account for it. He will forgive whom He will and He will punish whom He will. Alláh is Able to do all things.

The messenger believeth in that which hath been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) believers. Each one believeth in Alláh and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers—We make no distinction between any of His messengers—and they say: We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Thy forgiveness, our Lord. Unto Thee is the journeying.

Alláh tasketh not a soul beyond its scope. For it (is only) that which it hath earned, and against it (only) that which it hath deserved. Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget, or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as thou didst lay on those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us, Thou, our Protector, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk.

3.
Áli ‘Imrán: The Family of ‘Imrán

In the name of Alláh, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Alim. Lam. Mim.

Alláh! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal.

He hath revealed unto thee (Muḥammad) the Scripture with truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.

Aforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion (of right and wrong). Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Alláh, theirs will be a heavy doom. Alláh is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong).

Lo! nothing in the earth or in the heavens is hidden from Alláh.

He it is Who fashioneth you in the wombs as pleaseth Him. There is no God save Him, the Almighty, the Wise.

He it is Who hath revealed unto thee (Muḥammad) the Scripture wherein are clear revelations - they are the substance of the Book - and others (which are) allegorical. But those in whose hearts is doubt pursue, forsooth, that which is allegorical seeking (to cause) dissension by seeking to explain it. None knoweth its explanation save Alláh. And those who are of sound instruction say: We believe therein; the whole is from our Lord; but only men of understanding really heed.

Our Lord! Cause not our hearts to stray after Thou hast guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Thy Presence. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Bestower.

Our Lord! Lo! it is Thou Who gatherest mankind together to a Day of which there is no doubt. Lo! Alláh faileth not to keep the tryst.

(On that Day) neither the riches nor the progeny of those who disbelieve will aught avail them with Alláh. They will be fuel for Fire.

Like Pharaoh’s folk and those who were before them, they disbelieved Our revelations and so Alláh seized them for their sins. And Alláh is severe in punishment.

Say (O Muḥammad) unto those who disbelieve: Ye shall be overcome and gathered unto Hell, an evil resting-place.

There was a token for you in two hosts which met: one army fighting in the way of Alláh, and another disbelieving, whom they saw as twice their number, clearly, with their very eyes. Thus Alláh strengtheneth with His succour whom He will. Lo! herein verily is a lesson for those who have eyes.

Beautified for mankind is love of the joys (that come) from women and offspring; and stored-up heaps of gold and silver, and horses branded (with their mark), and cattle and land. That is comfort of the life of the world. Alláh! With Him is a more excellent abode.

Say: Shall I inform you of something better than that? For those who keep from evil, with their Lord, are Gardens underneath which rivers flow wherein they will abide, and pure companions, and contentment from Alláh. Alláh is Seer of His bondmen,

Those who say: Our Lord! Lo! we believe. So forgive us our sins and guard us from the punishment of Fire;

The steadfast, and the truthful, and the obedient, those who spend (and hoard not), those who pray for pardon in the watches of the night.

Alláh (Himself) is Witness that there is no God save Him. And the angels and the men of learning (too are witness). Maintaining His creation in justice, there is no God save Him the Almighty, the Wise.

Lo! religion with Alláh (is) the Surrender (to His Will and Guidance). Those who (formerly) received the Scripture differed only after knowledge came unto them, through transgression among themselves. Whoso disbelieveth the revelations of Alláh (will find that) lo! Alláh is swift at reckoning.

And if they argue with thee, (O Muḥammad), say: I have surrendered my purpose to Alláh and (so have) those who follow me. And say unto those who have received the Scripture and those who read not: Have ye (too) surrendered? If they surrender, then truly they are rightly guided, and if they turn away, then it is thy duty only to convey the message (unto them). Alláh is Seer of (His) bondmen.

Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Alláh, and slay the prophets wrongfully, and slay those of mankind who enjoin equity: promise them a painful doom.

Those are they whose works have failed in the world and the Hereafter; and they have no helpers.

Hast thou not seen how those who have received a portion of the Scripture invoke the Scripture of Alláh (in their disputes) that it may judge between them; then a faction of them turn away, being opposed (to it)?

That is because they say: The Fire will not touch us save for a certain number of days. That which they used to invent hath deceived them regarding their religion.

How (will it be with them) when We have brought them all together to a Day of which there is no doubt, when every soul will be paid in full what it hath earned, and they will not be wronged.

Say: O Alláh! Owner of Sovereignty! Thou givest sovereignty unto whom Thou wilt, and Thou withdrawest sovereignty from whom Thou wilt. Thou exaltest whom Thou wilt, and Thou abasest whom Thou wilt. In Thy hand is the good. Lo! Thou art Able to do all things.

Thou causest the night to pass into the day, and Thou causest the day to pass into the night. And Thou bringest forth the living from the dead, and Thou bringest forth the dead from the living. And Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou choosest, without stint.

Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Alláh unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Alláh biddeth you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Alláh is the journeying.

Say, (O Muḥammad): Whether ye hide that which is in your breasts or reveal it, Alláh knoweth it. He knoweth that which is in the heavens and that which is in the earth, and Alláh is Able to do all things.

On the Day when every soul will find itself confronted with all that it hath done of good and all that it hath done of evil (every soul) will long that there might be a mighty space of distance between it and that (evil). Alláh biddeth you beware of Him. And Alláh is Full of Pity for (His) bondmen.

Say, (O Muḥammad, to mankind): If ye love Alláh, follow me; Alláh will love you and forgive you your sins. Alláh is Forgiving, Merciful.

Say: Obey Alláh and the messenger. But if they turn away, lo! Alláh loveth not the disbelievers (in His guidance).

Lo! Alláh preferred Adam and Noah and the Family of Abraham and the Family of ‘Imran above (all His) creatures.

They were descendants one of another. Alláh is Hearer, Knower.

(Remember) when the wife of ‘Imran said: My Lord! I have vowed unto Thee that which is in my belly as a consecrated (offering). Accept it from me. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower!

And when she was delivered she said: My Lord! Lo! I am delivered of a female - Alláh knew best of what she was delivered - the male is not as the female; and lo! I have named her Mary, and lo! I crave Thy protection for her and for her offspring from Satan the outcast.

And her Lord accepted her with full acceptance and vouchsafed to her a goodly growth; and made Zachariah her guardian. Whenever Zachariah went into the sanctuary where she was, he found that she had food. He said: O Mary! Whence cometh unto thee this (food)? She answered: It is from Alláh. Alláh giveth without stint to whom He will.

Then Zachariah prayed unto his Lord and said: My Lord! Bestow upon me of Thy bounty goodly offspring. Lo! Thou art the Hearer of Prayer.

And the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: Alláh giveth thee glad tidings of (a son whose name is) John, (who cometh) to confirm a word from Alláh lordly, chaste, a prophet of the righteous.

He said: My Lord! How can I have a son when age hath overtaken me already and my wife is barren? (The angel) answered: So (it will be). Alláh doeth what He will.

He said: My Lord! Appoint a token for me. (The angel) said: The token unto thee (shall be) that thou shalt not speak unto mankind three days except by signs. Remember thy Lord much, and praise (Him) in the early hours of night and morning.

And when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Alláh hath chosen thee and made thee pure, and hath preferred thee above (all) the women of creation.

O Mary! Be obedient to thy Lord, prostrate thyself and bow with those who bow (in worship).

This is of the tidings of things hidden. We reveal it unto thee (Muḥammad). Thou wast not present with them when they threw their pens (to know) which of them should be the guardian of Mary, nor wast thou present with them when they quarrelled (thereupon).

(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Alláh giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Alláh).

He will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous.

She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said: So (it will be). Alláh createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.

And He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel,

And will make him a messenger unto the Children of Israel, (saying): Lo! I come unto you with a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Alláh’s leave. I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Alláh’s leave. And I announce unto you what ye eat and what ye store up in your houses. Lo! herein verily is a portent for you, if ye are to be believers.

And (I come) confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful some of that which was forbidden unto you. I come unto you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Alláh and obey me.

Lo! Alláh is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.

But when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Alláh? The disciples said: We will be Alláh’s helpers. We believe in Alláh, and bear thou witness that we have surrendered (unto Him).

Our Lord! We believe in that which Thou hast revealed and we follow him whom Thou hast sent. Enrol us among those who witness (to the truth).

And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Alláh schemed (against them): and Alláh is the best of schemers.

(And remember) when Alláh said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.

As for those who disbelieve I shall chastise them with a heavy chastisement in the world and the Hereafter; and they will have no helpers.

And as for those who believe and do good works, He will pay them their wages in full. Alláh loveth not wrong-doers.

This (which) We recite unto thee is a revelation and a wise reminder.

Lo! the likeness of Jesus with Alláh is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is.

(This is) the truth from thy Lord (O Muḥammad), so be not thou of those who waver.

And whoso disputeth with thee concerning him, after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, say (unto him): Come! We will summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then we will pray humbly (to our Lord) and (solemnly) invoke the curse of Alláh upon those who lie.

Lo! This verily is the true narrative. There is no God save Alláh, and lo! Alláh, He verily is, is the Mighty, the Wise.