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I t is the most important duty of a true believer to

understand the Qur'an and live by it. A believer has to


know the Qur'an very well in order to be guided to
the right way, to fulfil the commands of Allah completely, to
revere Him properly and to evaluate all issues from the Qur'an's
viewpoint.
In this index, similar subjects have been grouped together,
and the words in the verses have been catalogued alphabetically
to help the reader to learn the rulings of the Qur’an on a specific
subject and to make research easier.
It is hoped that this study also helps those who aim to attain
the good pleasure, mercy and Paradise of Allah by learning the
Qur'an and living by it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


The author, who writes under the pen-
name Harun Yahya, was born in Ankara in
1956. He studied arts at Istanbul's Mimar
Sinan University, and philosophy at
Istanbul University. Since the 1980s, the
author has published many books on
political, faith-related and scientific
issues. Greatly appreciated all around the
world, these works have been
instrumental in helping many to return their faith in Allah, and, in
many others, to gain a deeper insight into their faith. Harun
Yahya's books appeal to all kinds of readers, regardless of their
age, race, or nationality, for they focus on one objective: to
broaden the reader's perspective by encouraging him or her to
think about a number of critical issues, such as the existence of
Allah and His unity, and to live by the values He prescribed for
All translations from the Qur'an are from
The Noble Qur'an: a New Rendering of its Meaning in English
by Hajj Abdalhaqq and Aisha Bewley, published by Bookwork, Norwich,
UK. 1420 CE/1999 AH.

GLOBAL PUBLISHING
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Tel: (+90 212) 629 06 15

www.harunyahya.com
AN INDEX
TO THE
QUR'AN

HARUN YAHYA
October 2003
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Now writing under the pen-name of HARUN YAHYA, he was born in
Ankara in 1956. Having completed his primary and secondary educa-
tion in Ankara, he studied arts at Istanbul's Mimar Sinan University and
philosophy at Istanbul University. Since the 1980s, he has published
many books on political, scientific, and faith-related issues. Harun Yahya
is well-known as the author of important works disclosing the imposture
of evolutionists, their invalid claims, and the dark liaisons between
Darwinism and such bloody ideologies as fascism and communism.
His pen-name is a composite of the names Harun (Aaron) and Yahya
(John), in memory of the two esteemed Prophets who fought against their
people's lack of faith. The Prophet's seal on the his books' covers is sym-
bolic and is linked to the their contents. It represents the Qur'an (the final
scripture) and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), last of the
prophets. Under the guidance of the Qur'an and the Sunnah (teachings
of the Prophet), the author makes it his purpose to disprove each funda-
mental tenet of godless ideologies and to have the "last word," so as to
completely silence the objections raised against religion. He uses the
seal of the final Prophet, who attained ultimate wisdom and moral per-
fection, as a sign of his intention to offer the last word.
All of Harun Yahya's works share one single goal: to convey the
Qur'an's message, encourage readers to consider basic faith-related is-
sues such as Allah's Existence and Unity and the hereafter; and to expose
godless systems' feeble foundations and perverted ideologies.
Harun Yahya enjoys a wide readership in many countries, from India
to America, England to Indonesia, Poland to Bosnia, and Spain to Brazil.
Some of his books are available in English, French, German, Spanish,
Italian, Portuguese, Urdu, Arabic, Albanian, Russian, Serbo-Croat
(Bosnian), Polish, Malay, Uygur Turkish, and Indonesian.
Greatly appreciated all around the world, these works have been in-
strumental in many people recovering faith in Allah and gaining deeper
insights into their faith. His books' wisdom and sincerity, together with a
distinct style that's easy to understand, directly affect anyone who reads
them. Those who seriously consider these books, can no longer advo-
cate atheism or any other perverted ideology or materialistic philosophy,
since these books are characterized by rapid effectiveness, definite re-
sults, and irrefutability. Even if they continue to do so, it will be only a
sentimental insistence, since these books refute such ideologies from
their very foundations. All contemporary movements of denial are now
ideologically defeated, thanks to the books written by Harun Yahya.
This is no doubt a result of the Qur'an's wisdom and lucidity. The au-
thor modestly intends to serve as a means in humanity's search for
Allah's right path. No material gain is sought in the publication of these
works.
Those who encourage others to read these books, to open their minds
and hearts and guide them to become more devoted servants of Allah,
render an invaluable service.
Meanwhile, it would only be a waste of time and energy to propagate
other books that create confusion in people's minds, lead them into ide-
ological chaos, and that clearly have no strong and precise effects in re-
moving the doubts in people's hearts, as also verified from previous
experience. It is impossible for books devised to emphasize the author's
literary power rather than the noble goal of saving people from loss of
faith, to have such a great effect. Those who doubt this can readily see
that the sole aim of Harun Yahya's books is to overcome disbelief and to
disseminate the Qur'an's moral values. The success and impact of this
service are manifested in the readers' conviction.
One point should be kept in mind: The main reason for the continuing
cruelty, conflict, and other ordeals endured by the vast majority of peo-
ple is the ideological prevalence of disbelief. This can be ended only
with the ideological defeat of disbelief and by conveying the wonders of
creation and Qur'anic morality so that people can live by it. Considering
the state of the world today, leading into a downward spiral of violence,
corruption and conflict, clearly this service must be provided speedily
and effectively, or it may be too late.
In this effort, the books of Harun Yahya assume a leading role. By the
will of Allah, these books will be a means through which people in the
twentyfirst century will attain the peace, justice, and happiness promised
in the Qur'an.
TO THE READER

A special chapter is assigned to the collapse of the theory of evolution because this
theory constitutes the basis of all anti-spiritual philosophies. Since Darwinism re-
jects the fact of creation—and therefore, Allah's Existence—over the last 140 years
it has caused many people to abandon their faith or fall into doubt. It is therefore an
imperative service, a very important duty to show everyone that this theory is a de-
ception. Since some readers may find the chance to read only one of our book, we
think it appropriate to devote a chapter to summarize this subject.

All the author's books explain faith-related issues in light of Qur'anic verses, and
invite readers to learn Allah's words and to live by them. All the subjects concern-
ing Allah's verses are explained so as to leave no doubt or room for questions in
the reader's mind. The books' sincere, plain, and fluent style ensure that everyone
of every age and from every social group can easily understand them. Thanks to
their effective, lucid narrative, they can be read at a one sitting. Even those who
rigorously reject spirituality are influenced by the facts these books document and
cannot refute the truthfulness of their contents.

This and all the other books by the author can be read individually, or discussed in
a group. Readers eager to profit from the books will find discussion very useful, let-
ting them relate their reflections and experiences to one another.

In addition, it will be a great service to Islam to contribute to the publication and


reading of these books, written solely for the pleasure of Allah. The author's books
are all extremely convincing. For this reason, to communicate true religion to oth-
ers, one of the most effective methods is encouraging them to read these books.

We hope the reader will look through the reviews of his other books at the back of
this book. His rich source material on faith-related issues is very useful, and a pleas-
ure to read.

In these books, unlike some other books, you will not find the author's personal
views, explanations based on dubious sources, styles that are unobservant of the
respect and reverence due to sacred subjects, nor hopeless, pessimistic arguments
that create doubts in the mind and deviations in the heart.
CONTENTS
A AWE 59
AARON 16 AYYUB (AS) (JOB) 59
ABASEMENTABEL (HÂBIL) AND AZAR 60
CAIN (QÂBIL) 16 AZRAEL 60
ABLUTION 17
ABODE 17 B
ABRAHAM (IBRAHIM (AS)) 17 BABYLON 61
ABROGATE 17 BACK 61
ABU LAHAB 17 BACKBITING 61
ACT - ACTION 17 BADR (WAR OF BADR) 61
AD 27 BAKKA 62
ADEM (AS) (ADAM) 27 BALANCE 62
ADMONITION 28 BARRENNESS 63
ADOPTION (OF A CHILD) 29 BARRIER 63
ADORNMENT 29 BATTLE 63
ADVICE 30 BATTLE OF THE TRENCH 63
AFFECTION 30 BATTLE OF UHUD 64
AFFLUENT 30 BEAST 65
AGREEMENT 30 BEAST OF THE EARTH
AHL AL-KITAB 31 (DABBATUL ARDH) 65
AHMAD 31 BED 65
AKHIRAH 31 BEE 65
ALAQ 31 BELIEVERS (MU'MINUN) 65
AL-‘UZZA 31 BELLY 73
ALL THE WORLDS - ALL BEINGS 31 BETRAYAL 73
ALLEGIANCE 34 BEWITCHED 73
ALMS (ZAKAH) 34 BIRD 73
ALTAR 36 BLAME 74
AL-YASA‘ (AS) 36 BLAST 75
ANCESTORS 36 BLAZE 75
ANGEL OF DEATH (AZRAEL) 38 BLESSING 76
ANGELS 38 BLISS 80
ANGER 43 BOASTFULNESS 80
ANIMALS 44 BOAT 80
ANSAR (SUPPORTERS) 46 BOILING WATER 80
ANT 46 BONE 81
APE 46 BOOK OF ACTIONS 82
APPETITE 46 BOOKS 82
ARABIC 47 BOOTY 82
A’RAF 47 BOW 83
ARAFAT 47 BRACELET 84
ARGUMENT 47 BRASS 84
ARIM 49 BREAD 84
ARK (OF THE COVENANT) 49 BREAKING AN OATH 84
ARK (OF NUH (AS)) 49 BREAST-BONE 85
ARMY 50 BRINGING OUT 85
ARROGANCE 50 BROCADE 85
ARROWS 53 BROTHER - BROTHERHOOD 85
ASHAB AL-AYKA 53 BUILDING 89
ASHAB AL-FIL. 53 BURDEN 90
ASHAB AL-KAHF 53
ASHAB AL-MAIMANA
ASHAB AL-MASH'AMA
53
53
C
CALAMITIES 91
ASHAB AL-'UKHDUD 53 CALENDAR 92
ASHAB AL-YEMEEN 53 CALF (ADOPTED AS IDOL) 92
ASKING LORD (DU´A) 53 CALLING ON (DU´A) 93
ASSOCIATING PARTNERS CALLING WITH DEROGATORY
WITH ALLAH (SHIRK) 53 NICKNAMES 95
ASTRAY 58 CAMEL 95
ATTRACTIVE 58 CAPTIVE 96
AUTHORITY 59 CARAVAN 96
AVARICE 59
CARPET 96 COW 134
CARRION 96 COWARDICE 134
CARVING OUT 96 CRADLE 134
CASTLE 97 CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE 135
CATTLE 97 CREATURE 136
CAVE 97 CRIME 137
CERTAIN, THE 98 CROPS 137
CERTAINTY 98 CROW 138
CHARACTER 99 CRUSHING BLOW 138
CHARITY (SADAQA) 99 CUCUMBER 138
CHASTITY 100 CULTIVATION 138
CHILDREN 100 CUP 139
CHILDREN OF ADEM 106 CURSE 139
CHILDREN OF ISRAEL 107 CUSHION 141
CHRISTIANS 107 CUSTODIAN 141
CHURCH 108
(TO) CIRCLE 108 D
CISTERN 108 DABBATUL ARDH 142
CITY 108 DATE PALM 142
CLAY 111 DAUGHTER 143
CLOAK 112 DAVID 143
CLOTHING 112 DAWN 143
CLOTHING OF WOMEN 112 DAWUD (AS) (DAVID) 144
CLOUD 113 DAY OF HUNAYN 145
COAT OF MAIL 114 DAY OF JUDGEMENT 145
COIN 114 DAY OF RISING (THE HOUR) 145
COLLAPSE 114 DEAD 150
COLOUR 114 DEAF 153
COLUMNS 115 DEATH 153
COMMAND 115 DEEN 155
COMMUNITY 117 DEBASEMENT 155
COMPANION 118 DEBT - LOAN 156
COMPANIONS OF THE CAVE DECEIT 157
(ASHAB AL-KAHF) 122 DECIDING THINGS BY MEANS
COMPANIONS OF THE ELEPHANT OF DIVINING ARROWS 157
(ASHAB AL-FIL) 122 DEFEAT 157
COMPANIONS OF THE LEFT DELIGHT 157
(ASHAB AL-MASH'AMA) 123 DELUDER 158
COMPANIONS OF THE PIT DELUSION 158
(ASHAB AL-'UKHDUD) 123 DEMAND FOR GRATITUDE 159
COMPANIONS OF THE RASS 123 DEMON 160
COMPANIONS OF THE RIGHT DEPRAVITY 160
(ASHAB AL-MAIMANA) DESCENDANT 160
(ASHAB AL-YEMEEN) 123 DESERT 161
COMPANIONS OF THE THICKET DESERT ARABS 161
(ASHAB AL-AYKA) 123 DESPAIR 161
COMPASSION 123 DESTINATION 162
COMPETE 123 DESTINY 163
COMPULSION 124 DESTITUTION - DESTITUTE 163
CONJECTURE 124 DEVIANCE 163
CONSTELLATION 124 DEVIATORS 164
CONSTRAINT 124 DEVOUTNESS 166
CONSULTATION 125 DHIKR 167
CONSUMING 125 DHU’L-KIFL (AS) 167
CONTRACT 125 DHU’L-QARNAYN 167
COOLNESS 127 DIABOLIS (IBLIS) 167
CORAL 127 (CAUSING TO) DIE 168
CORPSE 127 DIFFERENCE 169
CORRECTNESS 127 DIRECTION, THE (QIBLAH) 170
CORRUPTION 129 DISASTER 171
COUCH 131 DISBELIEVERS (KUFFAR) 171
COUNSEL 131 DISCIPLES 176
COVENANT 132 DISCORD (FITNAH) 177
COVER ON HEART 133 DISCRIMINATION (FURQAN) 177
COVERING 133
DISH 177 FALSE HOPES 219
DISSOLUTE 177 FALSE PROPHETS 219
DISTANT PLACE 178 FALSEHOOD 219
DIVER 178 FAMILY 220
DIVERSION 178 FASTING 223
DIVINING ARROWS 178 FAT 224
DIVORCE 179 FATIGUE 224
DIVULGEMENT 180 (ALLAH'S) FAVOUR 224
DOG 182 FEAR 227
DOUBT 182 FEAR OF ALLAH 227
DOWNCAST 183 FEAR OF DEATH 232
DOWRY (MAHR) 183 FEMALE 232
DREAM 184 FIERCE WIND 234
DREAM OF WHEAT AND FIG 234
ITS INTERPRETATION 184 FIGHTING 234
DRINKS 184 FILTH 237
DROP 185 FINERY 237
DRUNKENNESS 186 FINGER 237
DU´A 186 FIRE 238
DUMB 186 FIREWOOD 245
DUNE 186 FISH 245
DUNYA 186 FITNAH 246
DUST 186 FITRAH 246
DUTY 187 FLAW 246
DWELLINGS 188 FLESH 246
DYING 188 FLOOD, THE 246
FLOODWATER 246
E FLY 246
EAR 191 FOOD 246
EARTH, THE 191 FOODSTUFFS 248
EARTH (SOIL) 198 FOOL 248
EAST – WEST 198 FOOTSTEP 248
EATING 199 FORBIDDEN (HARAM) 249
EDEN 200 FOREHEAD 252
EGYPT 201 FORELOCK 252
EMBRYO 201 FORGIVENESS 252
EMINENCE 201 FORGOING 263
ENEMY- ENMITY 201 FORM (OF A PERSON) 264
ENJOYMENT OF THIS WORLD 205 FORNICATION (ZINAH) 264
ENVY 206 FORTRESS 265
EQUATING ONE’S WIFE WITH FORTUNE-TELLER 265
ONE’S MOTHER (ZIHAR) 207 FOSTER MOTHER 265
ESTEEM 207 FOUNTAIN 265
EVENING GLOW 207 FREE (MAN) 266
EVERLASTING 207 FRIDAY (THE DAY OF JUMU‘A) 266
EVIL 208 FRIEND 266
EVIL CONSEQUENCE 209 FROG 269
EVIL OMEN 209 FROWN 269
EVILDOING - EVILDOERS 209 FRUIT 269
EXCESS 211 FUEL 270
EXCESSIVENESS 212 FULL MEASURE AND FULL WEIGHT 271
EXPEDITION TO TABUK 212 FURQAN 271
EXPELLING 212 FURTHER MOSQUE, THE
EXPIATION 213 (MASJID AL-AQSA) 271
EXPIATION FOR BREAKING OATHS 213
EXTRAVAGANCE 213 G
EXULTATION 213 GABRIEL (JIBRIL) 272
EYE 214 GAMBLING 272
GARDEN 273
F GARDEN, THE (I. E. PARADISE) 274
FACTION 218 GARMENT 281
FAINTING 218 GATHERING 282
FAITHFUL 218 AL-GAYB 284
FALSE GODS 218 GENERATION 284
GENTLENESS 285 HIKMAH 347
GIFT 285 HILL 347
GINGER 286 HOLY 347
GIRL 286 HOMOSEXUALITY 348
GIVING 286 HONEY 348
GLASS 287 HOOF 348
GLORIFICATION 287 HOOPOE 348
GOAT 288 HORIZON 349
GOBLET 288 HORSE 349
GOG AND MAGOG 288 HOSPITALITY 349
GOING BEYOND THE LIMITS 288 HOSTILITY 349
GOING TO WASTE 289 HOUR 350
GOLD 290 HOUR, THE 350
GOLIATH (JALUT) 290 HOUSE 350
GOOD 291 HUD (AS) AND ‘AD 352
GOOD-DOERS 292 HUDAYBIYYAH 354
GOODS 293 HUMBLE 354
GOOD WORDS 294 HUMILITY 355
GOSPEL, THE (INJIL) 294 HUNGER 355
GOVERNOR 295 HUNTING 356
GRAIN 295 HUSBAND 356
GRANDCHILDREN 296 HYPOCRITES (MUNAFIQUN) 357
GRAPE 296
GRAVE 296 I
GREAT ABUNDANCE 297 IBLIS 367
GREAT EVENT / OCCURRENCE 297 IBRAHIM (AS) (ABRAHAM) 367
GREED 297 IDDAH 372
GREEN 297 IDOL 372
GREETING - ‘PEACE’ 297 IDOLATERS (MUSHRIQUN) 373
GUARANTOR 299 IDRIS (AS) 375
GUARDIAN 299 "IF ALLAH WILLS" (INSHA'ALLAH) 375
GUARDING AGAINST EVIL (TAQWA) 300 IGNORANCE 376
GUARDS OF HELL 302 IGNORANT 377
GUIDANCE 302 IHRAM (STATE OF PILGRIMAGE) 378
GUT - BOWELS 306 IKHLAS 378
ILL FORTUNE 378
H ILLITERATE 378
HÂBIL AND QÂBIL 307 ILLNESS 378
HAJJ 307 ILYAS (AS) 379
HALAL 307 IMMORTAL 379
HAMAN 307 IMPUDENCE 379
HANDIWORK 307 IMPURITY 379
HAPPINESS 307 IMRAN 380
HARAM 307 INJIL 380
HARDSHIP 307 INCONSISTENCY 380
HARUN (AS) (AARON) 308 INDECENCY 380
HARUT AND MARUT 309 INFANT 380
HATRED 309 INHABITANT 381
HAYD 309 INHERIT - BEQUEATH 381
HEALING 310 INK 382
HEARING 310 INSHA'ALLAH 382
HEART 310 INSIGHT 382
HEAVEN 319 INSOLENCE 383
HEREAFTER, THE (AKHIRAH) 326 INSPIRATION 384
HEAVY RAIN 331 INTELLECT - INTELLIGENCE 384
HEED 331 INTENTION 387
HEEL 334 INTERCESSION 387
HEIGHTS, THE (A’RAF) 334 INTERPRETATION 388
HELL (JAHANNAM) 335 INTIMATE 388
HELP 340 IRAM 388
HERB 347 IRON 388
HERITAGE 347 IRRIGATION 389
AL-HIJR 347 ‘ISA (AS) (JESUS) 389
HIJRA 347 ISHAQ (AS) 392
ISLAM 393 LEFT 429
ISMA‘IL (AS) 394 LEGION 429
ISRAEL 394 LENTIL 430
ITIKAAF 394 LEPER 430
"IT IS AS ALLAH WILLS" LESSON 430
(MASHA'LLAH) 395 LIE 430
LIGHT 432
J LIGHTNING 434
JACOB 396 LIKENESS 434
JAHANNAM 396 LINING 435
JALUT 396 LION 435
JANNAH 396 LIP 435
JESUS 396 LITTLE BY LITTLE 435
JEW 396 LIVELIHOOD 435
JEWELLERY 397 LIVESTOCK 435
JIBRIL 397 LOCUST 436
JIHAD 397 LONGING 436
JINN 397 LOSS 436
JIZYA 399 LOT 439
JOB 399 LOTE TREE 439
JOHN 399 LOUSE 439
JONAH 399 LOVE 439
JOSEPH 399 LUQMAN (AS) 440
JOURNEY 399 LUT (AS) (LOT) 440
JOY 400
JUDGE 400 M
(TO) JUDGE 400 MADINA 443
JUDGEMENT 402 MADNESS 443
AL-JUDI 402 MADYAN 443
JUMU‘A 402 MAGIC - MAGICIAN 443
JUSTICE 402 MAHR 446
MAHRAM (UNMARRIAGEABLE)
K OF WOMEN 446
KAABA 406 MAIDEN 446
KEY 406 MAINTAIN 446
KHALIF 406 MAJORITY 446
KIBLA 406 MAKING CLEAR 447
(TO) KILL - KILLING 406 MAKKA (THE SAFE HAVEN) 447
KING - KINGSHIP 411 MAN - MEN 448
KINSHIP 411 MARK 449
KNIFE 412 MARKET-PLACE 449
KNOWLEDGE 412 MARRIAGE 449
KORAN 419 MARTYRDOM 452
KUFFAR 419 MARYAM (AS) (MARY) 453
MASHA'LLAH 455
MASJID 455
L MASJID AL-AQSA 455
LABOUR 420 MASTER 455
LADDER 420 MATE 455
LAILAT UL-QADR 420 MATURITY 455
LAME 420 MEADOW 456
LAMP 420 MEAL 456
LAND 420 MEANING 456
LANGUAGE 423 MEASURE 457
LASH 423 MEAT 458
LAST DAY, THE (QIYAMAH) 423 MENSTRUATION (HAYD) 458
LAUGHTER 425 MERCY 458
LAW 425 (LORD'S) MESSAGE 460
LAWH MAHFUZ 425 MESSENGER 460
LAWFUL 426 MESSIAH 464
LAWFUL (HALAL) PROVISIONS 427 METEOR 465
LAWS OF HERITAGE 427 MICHAEL (MIKA’IL) 465
LEADER 428 MIDDLE 465
LEAF 429 MIGHT 465
MIGRANTS (MUHAJIRUN) 465 OBSTRUCT 521
MIGRATION (HIJRA) 466 OFFSPRING 523
MIKA’IL 467 OIL 523
MILK 467 OLD AGE 523
MISERABLE 467 OLD WOMAN 524
MISGUIDANCE 467 OLIVE 524
MISTAKE 469 ON FOOT 525
MOCKERY 469 ONENESS OF ALLAH (TAWHID) 525
MOHAMMED 471 ONION 527
MONASTICISM 471 ORNAMENT 527
MONASTERY 471 ORPHAN 527
MONK 471 OVERCOMING 529
MOON 471
MORNING 473 P
MOSES 474 PAGES 530
MOSQUE (MASJID) 474 PAIR 530
MOSQUITO 475 PALACE 530
MOTHER OF THE BOOK, THE 475 PALTRY 530
MOUNT AL-JUDI 475 PARADISE 531
MOUNT, THE 475 (HIGHEST) PARADISE 531
MOUNT SINAI 475 PARTNER 531
MOUNTAIN 475 PATH OF ALLAH 532
MUHAJIRUN 478 PATIENCE 541
MUHAMMAD (SAAS) (PROPHETHOOD OF) 478 PATTERN (SUNNAH) 541
MUHKAM VERSES 479 PAYMENT 542
MULE 479 PEACE 542
MU'MINUN 479 PEACE OF HUDAYBIYYAH 542
MUNAFIQUN 479 PEARL 543
MUSA (AS) (MOSES) 479 PEN 543
MUSHRIQUN 494 PEOPLE OF AL-HIJR 543
MUTASHABIH VERSES 494 PEOPLE OF THE BOOK
MYTH 494 (AHL AL-KITAB) 543
PEOPLE OF TUBBA 545
N PERSECUTION 545
NAFS 495 PHARAOH 546
NAKEDNESS 495 PIG 550
NAME 495 PILGRIMAGE (HAJJ) 551
NAMES OF ALLAH 497 PIOUS VISIT (‘UMRA) 552
NASR 499 PLANK 552
NATION 499 PLANT 552
ALLAH'S NATURAL PATTERN (FITRAH) 500 PLEASURE OF ALLAH 553
NATURAL PURE BELIEF 500 PLOT 555
NEARNESS OF ALLAH TO PEOPLE 501 POET 555
NEIGHBOUR 501 POLL TAX (JIZYA) 556
NEWS 501 POMEGRANATE 556
NICHE 506 PONDER (TAFAKKUR) 556
NICKNAME 506 POOR 556
NIGHT 506 PORK 558
NIGHT OF POWER (LAILAT UL-QADR) 510 POVERTY 559
NIGHT-COMER 510 POWERLESSNESS 559
NOAH 510 PRAISE 560
NOON 510 PRAYER 562
NOT WASTING TIME 511 PRAYER DURING THE BATTLE 567
NUH (AS) (NOAH) 511 PRAYER OF NIGHT 567
NURSING 514 PRECAUTION 567
PREGNANCY 568
O PRE-ORDAINED DECREE
OATH 516 (I. E. DESTINY) 568
OBDURATE 517 PRESERVED TABLET, THE 571
OBEDIENCE / DISOBEDIENCE TO THE PREVIOUSLY MARRIED 571
MESSENGERS, AND THE OBLIGATION PRIEST 571
OF THE MESSENGERS 517 PRISON - PRISONER 571
OBEDIENCE TO ALLAH 520 PRIVATE ONES 572
OBSCENITY 521 PRIVATE PARTS 572
PROCLAIMING ALLAH'S GREATNESS 572 RETRIBUTION 638
PROFITLESS ACTIONS 572 REVELATION 639
PROFLIGATE 573 REVENGE 642
PROMISE 574 REVILED 642
(FULFILLING) PROMISES 575 REWARD 642
PROOF 576 RIBA 646
PROPERTY 576 RICH 646
PROPHETS 576 RIDING 647
PROPORTION 578 RIGHTEOUS (SALIHUN) 647
PROSTRATION 578 RIVER 649
PROTECTION 580 ROCK 652
PROTECTOR 581 ROLLING OF THE EYES 653
PROVIDE 583 ROMANS 653
PROVISION 586 ROOF 653
PSALMS 588 ROUT 653
PUBERTY 588 RUBY 653
PUNISHMENT 589 RUG 653
PURITY 603 RUH 653
PUS 604 RULING 653
PUTTING ONE'S TRUST
IN ALLAH (TAWAKKUL) 604 S
PUTTING THINGS RIGHT 606 SA’IBA 654
SABAEANS 654
Q SABBATH
AL-QADR 608 (THE BAN OF THE SABBATH) 654
QAALU BALAA (THEY SAID: YES) 608 SABR 654
QARUN 608 SACRED (FORBIDDEN) MONTHS 654
QIBLAH 608 SACRED LANDMARK 655
QIYAMAH 608 SACRED MOSQUE, THE
QUAIL 608 (MASJID AL-HARAM) 655
QUARREL 608 SACRED RITE 656
QUILT 609 SACRIFICIAL ANIMAL 656
QUR'AN, THE 609 SADAQA 657
QURAYSH 611 SAFA AND MARWA 657
SAFEGUARDER 657
R SAFETY 657
RABBI 612 SALAM 658
RACE 612 SALAT 658
RAGE 612 SALIH (AS) AND THAMUD 658
RAIN 613 SALIHUN 661
RAMADAN 614 SALSABIL 661
RAMPART 614 SALT 661
RANSOM 614 SAMARITAN 661
RASUL 615 SANCTUARY 662
RECOMPENSATION 615 SANDAL 662
RECONCILIATION 616 SATAN 662
RECORDING ANGELS 616 SCALE 667
REFLECT (TAFAKKUR) 616 SCANT YIELD 667
REGION 617 SCHEME 667
REGRET 617 SCORN 668
REJOICE 617 SCREEN 668
RELATIVE 618 SCRIBE 668
RELATIVITY OF TIME 620 SEA 668
RELIGION (DEEN) 620 SECRET 670
REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH 624 SECURITY 671
REMEMBRANCE OF MESSENGERS 627 SEED 672
REMINDER (DHIKR) 627 SELF (NAFS) 672
REMORSE 629 SELFISH 679
REPAYMENT 630 SELF-SUFFICIENT 679
REPENTANCE (TAWBAH) 632 SERENITY 679
RESTING PLACE 634 SEXUALLY PERVERTED 680
RESURRECTION 634 SHADE - SHADOW 680
RETALIATION 638 SHARE 681
RETREAT 638 SHATTERER 681
SHAVE 681 SUNNAH 718
SHAYTAN 682 SUPPORTERS 718
SHEBA 682 SUWA 718
SHEEP 682 SWEAR 718
SHEETS OF PAPER 683
SHIP 683 T
SHIRK 684 TABLE 720
SHIRT 684 TABLETS 720
SHOWING OFF 684 TABUK 720
SHU‘AYB (AS) AND MADYAN 685 TACTICS MADE AND PRECAUTIONS
SHUKR 686 TAKEN DURING THE BATTLE 720
SICKNESS 686 TAFAKKUR 721
SIGHT 687 TAQWA 721
SIGN - MIRACLE 687 TALUT 721
SIJJIN 687 TAWAKKUL 721
SILK 687 TAWBAH 721
SILVER 688 TAWHID 721
SIN 688 TEAR 721
SINAI 688 TEST - TRIAL 721
SINCERITY (IKHLAS) 688 TEXT 724
SISTER 689 THANKSGIVING 724
SKILL 690 THATCHER 727
SKIN 690 THIEF - STEALING 727
SLANDER 691 THING OF THE PAST 728
SLAUGHTER 691 THIRST 728
SLAVE 691 THOSE FIRMLY ROOTED
SLEEP 693 IN KNOWLEDGE 728
SLIPPING OF THE FOOT 693 THOSE IN COMMAND 728
SLOPE 694 THOSE WHO FLEE FROM BATTLE 728
SMOKE 694 THOSE WHO HAVE PERMISSION
SNAKE 694 NOT TO FIGHT 730
SNOUT 694 THROAT 731
SOIL 694 THRONE 731
SOLOMON 694 THRONE, THE 731
SONS 694 THUNDER 732
SOOTHSAYER 697 TIGHT-FISTED 732
SORCERY 697 TIME BEFORE DAWN 733
SOUND INTELLECT 697 TIREDNESS 733
SPARK 697 TONGUE 734
SPATHE 697 TORAH 735
SPECIFIED TERM 698 TOWN 737
SPECK 699 TRACE 737
SPENDING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH 699 TRADE 737
SPIDER 702 TRANSACTION 738
SPIRIT (RUH) 702 TRANSMISSION 738
SPOUSE 703 TRAVEL 739
SPRING 703 TRAVELLER 741
STAKE 703 TREACHERY 742
STAMP 703 TREASURE - TREASURY 742
STANDING UP 704 TREATY 743
STAR 704 TREE 744
STATE OF PILGRIMAGE 704 TRIBE OF ISRAEL
STATUE 704 (CHILDREN OF ISRAEL) 745
STEADFASTNESS 705 TRIBES 748
STEEP 708 TRIBUTE 748
STONE 708 TROOP 748
STORE 708 TRUNK 749
STRIVING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH 708 TRUST 750
STUDYING 710 (HONOURING) TRUSTS 750
SUCCESS 710 TUBBA 750
SUCCESSION - SUCCESSOR 712 TUNNEL 750
SUCKLING 713 TUWA 750
SULAYMAN (AS) (SOLOMON) 714 TYRANNY - TYRANT 751
SUMMONING 715
SUN 716
U WOMEN 795
UHUD 752 WOOL 807
UMMI 752 WORLD, THE (DUNYA) 807
UNAWARENESS 752 WORM 813
UNCLE 753 WORSHIP 813
UNCLEAN 753 WORTHLESS TALK 818
UNDERSTANDING 754 WRETCHED 818
UNGRATEFULNESS 755 WRITER 818
UNITY 756 (TO) WRONG 818
UNSEEN, THE (AL-GAYB) 756 WRONG - WRONGDOING -
USURY (RIBA) 759 WRONGDOER 821
UZAYR 759
Y
V YA‘QUB (AS) (JACOB) 833
VAINGLORY 760 YA‘UQ 833
VALLEY 760 YAGHUTH 833
VEGETABLES 760 YAHYA (AS) (JOHN) 833
VEIL 760 YAJUJ AND MAJUJ 834
VEIN 760 YATHRIB 834
VERSES THAT ARE THE CORE OF YOUTH 834
THE BOOK (MUHKAM VERSES) 760 YUNUS (AS) (JONAH) 834
VERSES THAT ARE OPEN TO INTERPRETATION YUSUF (AS) (JOSEPH) 835
(MUTASHABIH VERSES) 761
VICTORIOUS 761 Z
VICTORY 761 ZABUR (PSALMS) 840
VIRGIN 763 ZAKAH 840
VISION 763 ZAKARIYYA (AS) 840
VOICE 764 ZAQQUM 840
VOW 764 ZAYD 840
ZIHAR 841
W ZINAH 841
WADD 765 ZULM 841
WAGE 765
WAITING PERIOD (FOR WOMEN)
(IDDAH) 765 THE DECEPTION OF EVOLUTION 842
WALK LIGHTLY 767
WALL 767
WAR 767
WAR OF BADR 768
WARNING - WARNER 768
WASWAS 770
WAVE 770
WEAKNESS 770
WEALTH – WEALTHY 771
WEANING 775
WEARINESS 775
WEEP 776
WEIGHT 776
WELL 776
WET-NURSING 776
WHIMS AND DESIRES 777
WHIP 778
WHISPERING OF SATAN 778
WHISTLE 779
WHITE 779
WIFE 780
WIND 782
WINE 783
WING 784
WISDOM - WISE 784
WITNESS 789
WOLF 794
WOMB 794
A were two of them in the Cave. He said to his com-
panion, ‘Do not be despondent, Allah is with us.’
AARON (SEE HARUN (AS)) Then Allah sent down His serenity upon him and
reinforced him with troops you could not see. He
ABASEMENT made the word of those who disbelieved under-
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up with most. It is the word of Allah which is uppermost.
just one kind of food so ask your Lord to supply to Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (9:40)
us some of what the earth produces–its green veg- And say: ‘Praise be to Allah Who has had no son
etables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and onions,’ he and Who has no partner in His Kingdom and Who
said, ‘Do you want to replace what is better with needs no one to protect Him from abasement.’ And
what is inferior? Go back to Egypt, then you will proclaim His Greatness repeatedly! (17:111)
have what you are asking for.’ Abasement and des- She (Queen of Sheba) said, ‘When kings enter a
titution were stamped upon them. They brought city, they lay waste to it and make its mightiest in-
down anger from Allah upon themselves. That was habitants the most abased. That is what they too
because they rejected Allah’s Signs and killed the will do.’ (27:34)
Prophets without any right to do so. That was be- (Sulayman said,) ‘Return to them. We will come to
cause they rebelled and went beyond the limits. them with troops they cannot face and we will
(2:61) expel them from it abased and humiliated.’ (27:37)
Say, ‘O Allah! Master of the Kingdom! You give They tried to outwit him but We made them the
sovereignty to whoever You will You take sover- lowest. (37:98)
eignty from whoever You will. You exalt whoever You will see them as they are exposed to it, abject
You will You abase whoever You will. All good is in in their abasement, glancing around them furtively.
Your hands. You have power over all things.’ (3:26) Those who believe will say, ‘Truly the losers are
They will be plunged into abasement wherever those who lose themselves and their families on
they are found, unless they have a treaty with Allah the Day of Rising.’ The wrongdoers are in an ever-
and with the people. They have brought down lasting punishment. (42:45)
anger from Allah upon themselves, and they have Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger will
been plunged into destitution. That was because be subdued and overcome as those before them
they rejected Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets were also subdued and overcome.We have sent
without any right to do so. That was because they down Clear Signs. The disbelievers will have a hu-
disobeyed and went beyond the limits. (3:112) miliating punishment. (58:5)
He said, ‘Descend from Heaven. It is not for you to Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, such
be arrogant in it. So get out! You are one of the people will be among the most abased. (58:20)
abased.’ (7:13) Whatever palm-trees you cut down, or left stand-
As for those who adopted the Calf, anger from their ing upright on their roots, it was done by Allah’s
Lord will overtake them together with abasement permission in order to disgrace the deviators.
in the life of this world. That is how we repay the (59:5)
purveyors of falsehood. (7:152)
Fight those of the people who were given the Book ABEL (HÂBIL) AND CAIN (QÂBIL)
who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day and Recite to them the true report of Adam’s two sons
who do not make forbidden what Allah and His when they offered a sacrifice and it was accepted
Messenger have made forbidden and do not take from one of them but not accepted from the other.
as their religion the religion of Truth, until they pay The one said, ‘I shall kill you.’ The other said,
the poll tax with their own hands in a state of com- ‘Allah only accepts from people who guard against
plete abasement. (9:29) evil. Even if you do raise your hand against me to
If you do not help him, Allah did help him when kill me, I am not going to raise my hand against
those who disbelieved drove him out and there you to kill you. Truly I fear Allah, the Lord of all the
16
worlds. I want you to take on both my wrongdoing ABU LAHAB
and your wrongdoing and so become one of the Ruin to the hands of Abu Lahab and ruin to him!
Companions of the Fire. That is the repayment of His wealth has not helped him nor anything he
the wrongdoers.’ So his lower self persuaded him has earned. He will burn in a Flaming Fire. And
to kill his brother, and he killed him and became so will his wife, the firewood-carrier, with a rope
one of the lost. (5:27-30) of twisted fibre round her neck. (111:1-5)

ABLUTION ACT - ACTION


You who believe! Do not approach the prayer Give the good news to those who believe and do
when you are drunk, so that you will know what right actions that they will have Gardens with
you are saying, nor in a state of major rivers flowing under them. When they are given
impurity–unless you are travelling–until you have fruit there as provision, they will say, ‘This is
washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or on what we were given before.’ But they were only
a journey, or any of you have come from the lava- given a simulation of it. They will have there
tory or touched women, and you cannot find any spouses of perfect purity and will remain there
water, then take for yourselves clean earth, wiping timelessly, for ever. (2:25)
your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever- Those with faith, those who are Jews, and the
Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43) Christians and Sabaeans, all who believe in Allah
You who believe! When you get up to perform and the Last Day and act rightly, will have their
prayer, wash your faces and your hands and your reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and
arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads, will know no sorrow. (2:62)
and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a No indeed! Those who accumulate bad actions
state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. But and are surrounded by their mistakes, such peo-
if you are ill or on a journey, or have come from ple are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in
the lavatory, or have touched women, and cannot it timelessly, for ever; whereas those who believe
find any water, then take for yourselves clean and do right actions, such people are the
earth, and wipe your faces and your hands there- Companions of the Garden, remaining in it time-
with. Allah does not want to make things difficult lessly, for ever. (2:81-82)
for you, but He does want to purify you and to per- Say, ‘Do you argue with us about Allah when He
fect His blessing upon you so that hopefully you is our Lord and your Lord? We have our actions
will be thankful. (5:6) and you have your actions. We act for Him
alone.’ (2:139)
ABODE When those who were followed disown those
(The servants of the All-Merciful are) those who who followed them, and they see the punish-
say, ‘Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of ment, and the connection between them is cut,
Hell, its punishment is inescapable pain. It is in- those who followed will say, ‘If only we could
deed an evil lodging and abode’. (25:65-66) have another chance, we would disown them
They will remain in it timelessly, for ever. What an just as they have disowned us.’ In that way Allah
excellent lodging and abode! (25:76) will show them their actions as a cause of an-
guish and remorse for them. They will never
ABRAHAM (SEE IBRAHIM (AS)) emerge from the Fire. (2:166-167)
They will ask you about the Sacred Month and
ABROGATE fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat-
Whenever We abrogate a verse or cause it to be ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re-
forgotten, We bring one better than it or equal to it. jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred
Do you not know that Allah has power over all Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo-
things? (2:106) ple from it are far more serious in the sight of
17
Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will wrong actions and any excesses we went to in
not stop fighting you until they make you revert what we did and make our feet firm and help us
from your religion, if they are able. As for any of against these disbelieving people.’ (3:147)
you who revert from their religion and die disbe- (Believers say,) ‘Our Lord, we heard a caller call-
liever, their actions will come to nothing in this ing us to faith: "Believe in your Lord!" and we be-
world and the hereafter. They are the lieved. Our Lord, forgive us our wrong actions,
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- erase our bad actions from us and take us back to
lessly, for ever. (2:217) You with those who are truly good.’ (3:193)
If you make your charity public, that is good. But Their Lord responds to them: ‘I will not let the
if you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male
better for you, and We will erase some of your or female–you are both the same in that respect.
bad actions from you. Allah is aware of what you Those who migrated and were driven from their
do. (2:271) homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought
Those who believe and do right actions and per- and were killed, I will erase their bad actions
form prayer and give the alms, will have their re- from them and admit them into Gardens with
ward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and rivers flowing under them, as a reward from
will know no sorrow. (2:277) Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.’
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and (3:195)
children will not help them against Allah in any If you avoid the serious wrong actions you have
way. They are fuel for the Fire, as was the case been forbidden, We will erase your bad actions
with the people of Pharaoh and those before from you and admit you by a Gate of Honour.
them. They denied Our Signs so Allah seized (4:31)
them for their wrong actions. Allah is fierce in But as for those who believe and do right actions,
retribution. (3:10-11) We will admit them into Gardens with rivers
(His servants are) those who say, ‘Our Lord, we flowing under them, remaining in them time-
believe, so forgive us our wrong actions and safe- lessly, for ever and ever. In them they will have
guard us from the punishment of the Fire.’ (3:16) spouses of perfect purity and We will admit them
As for those who reject Allah’s Signs, and kill the into cool, refreshing shade. (4:57)
Prophets without any right to do so, and kill But as for those who believe and do right actions,
those who command justice, give them news of a We will admit them into Gardens with rivers
painful punishment. They are the ones whose ac- flowing under them, remaining in them time-
tions come to nothing in this world or the here- lessly, for ever and ever. Allah’s promise is true.
after. They will have no helpers. (3:21-22) Whose speech could be truer than Allah’s?
Say, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me and Allah (4:122)
will love you and forgive you for your wrong ac- Anyone, male or female, who does right actions
tions. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ and is a believer, will enter the Garden. They will
(3:31) not be wronged by so much as the tiniest speck.
As for those who believe and do right actions, (4:124)
We will pay them their wages in full. Allah does As for those who believe and do right actions, He
not love wrongdoers. (3:57) will pay them their wages in full and will give
... Allah loves the good-doers–those who, when them increase from His favour. As for those who
they act indecently or wrong themselves, re- show disdain and grow arrogant, He will punish
member Allah and ask forgiveness for their bad them with a painful punishment. They will not
actions (and who can forgive bad actions except find any protector or helper for themselves be-
Allah?) and do not knowingly persist in what they sides Allah. (4:173)
were doing. (3:134-135) Today all good things have been made lawful for
All they said was, ‘Our Lord, forgive us our you. And the food of those given the Book is also
18
lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. blame for anything they have eaten provided
So are chaste women from among the believers they guard against evil and have faith and do
and chaste women of those given the Book be- right actions, and then again guard against evil
fore you, once you have given them their and have faith, and then guard against evil and
dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking do good. Allah loves good-doers. (5:93)
them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects Have they not seen how many generations We
faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the destroyed before them which We had estab-
hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:5) lished on the earth far more firmly than We have
Allah has promised those who believe and do established you? We sent down heaven upon
right actions forgiveness and an immense re- them in abundant rain and made rivers flow
ward. (5:9) under them. But We destroyed them for their
Allah made a covenant with the tribe of Israel wrong actions and raised up further generations
and We raised up twelve leaders from among after them. (6:6)
them. Allah said, ‘I am with you. If you perform Do not curse those they call upon besides Allah,
prayer and give the alms, and believe in My in case that makes them curse Allah in animosity,
Messengers and respect and support them, and without knowledge. In this way We make the ac-
make a generous loan to Allah, I will erase your tions of every nation seem attractive to them.
wrong actions from you and admit you into Then they will return to their Lord, and He will
Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Any of inform them about what they did. (6:108)
you who disbelieve after that have gone astray As for those who believe and do right
from the right way.’ (5:12) actions–We impose on no self any more than it
The Jews and Christians say, ‘We are Allah’s chil- can bear–they are the Companions of the
dren and His loved ones.’ Say: ‘Why, then, does Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever.
He punish you for your wrong actions? No, you (7:42)
are merely human beings among those He has Is it not clear to those who have inherited the
created. He forgives whoever He wills and He earth after these people that, if We wanted to, We
punishes whoever He wills. The kingdom of the could strike them for their wrong actions, sealing
heavens and the earth and everything between up their hearts so that they cannot hear? (7:100)
them belongs to Allah. He is our final destina- As for those who denied Our Signs and the en-
tion.’ (5:18) counter of the hereafter, their actions will come to
Judge between them by what Allah has sent nothing. Will they be repaid except for what they
down and do not follow their whims and desires. did? (7:147)
And beware of them lest they lure you away from But as for those who do evil actions and then sub-
some of what Allah has sent down to you. If they sequently repent and believe, in that case your
turn their backs, then know that Allah wants to Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (7:153)
afflict them with some of their wrong actions. You who believe! If you have fear of Allah, He
Many of mankind are deviators. (5:49) will give you discrimination and erase your bad
Those who believe say, ‘Are these the people actions from you and forgive you. Allah’s favour
who swore by Allah, with their most earnest is indeed immense. (8:29)
oaths, that they were with you?’ Their actions Do not be like those who left their homes in arro-
have come to nothing and they now are losers. gance, showing off to people and barring them
(5:53) from the way of Allah–Allah encompasses what
Those who believe and those who are Jews and they do–when Satan made their actions appear
the Sabaeans and the Christians, all who believe good to them, saying, ‘No one will overcome
in Allah and the Last Day and act rightly will feel you today for I am at your side.’ But when the
no fear and will know no sorrow. (5:69) two parties came in sight of one another, he
Those who believe and do right actions are not to turned right round on his heels saying, ‘I wash
19
my hands of you. I see what you do not see. I fear Visible and He will inform you regarding what
Allah. Allah is severe in retribution.’ (8:47-48) you did.’ (9:105)
Such was the case with Pharaoh’s people and It was not for people of Madina, and the desert
those before them. They rejected Allah’s Signs so arabs around them, to remain behind the
Allah seized them for their wrong actions. Allah Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to
is Strong, Severe in Retribution. (8:52) him. That is because no thirst or weariness or
Such was the case with Pharaoh’s people and hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor
those before them. They denied their Lord’s Signs will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe-
so We destroyed them for their wrong actions. lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy,
We drowned Pharaoh’s people. All of them were without a right action being written down for
wrongdoers. (8:54) them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of
It is not for the idolaters to maintainthe mosques the good-doers go to waste. (9:120)
of Allah, bearing witness against themselves of Each and every one of you will return to Him.
their disbelief. They are the ones whose actions Allah’s promise is true. He brings creation out of
will come to nothing. They will be in the Fire nothing and then regenerates it so that he can
timelessly, for ever. (9:17) repay with justice those who believed and did
Deferring a sacred month is an increase in disbe- right actions. Those who disbelieved will have a
lief by which those who have disbelieved are led drink of scalding water and a painful punishment
astray. One year they make it profane and an- because of their disbelief. (10:4)
other sacred to tally with the number Allah has But as for those who believe and do right actions,
made sacred. In that way they profane what their Lord will guide them by their faith. Rivers
Allah has made sacred. Their bad actions are will flow under them in Gardens of Delight.
made to seem good to them. Allah does not (10:9)
guide disbelieving people. (9:37) But as for those who have earned bad actions–a
Like those before you who had greater strength bad action will be repaid with one the like of it.
than you and more wealth and children. They Debasement will darken them. They will have no
enjoyed their portion; so enjoy your portion as one to protect them from Allah. It is as if their
those before you enjoyed theirs. You have faces were covered by dark patches of the night.
plunged into defamation as they plunged into it. Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining
The actions of such people come to nothing in in it timelessly, for ever. (10:27)
this world or the hereafter. They are the lost. If they deny you, say, ‘I have my actions and you
(9:69) have your actions. You are not responsible for
They will make excuses to you when you return what I do and I am not responsible for what you
to them. Say: ‘Do not make excuses, we will not do.’ (10:41)
believe you. Allah has already informed us about When they had thrown, Musa said, ‘What you
you. Allah will see your actions, as will His have brought is magic. Allah will certainly prove
Messenger. Then you will be returned to the it false. Allah does not uphold the actions of cor-
Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, and He rupters.’ (10:81)
will inform you regarding what you did.’ (9:94) It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in
But others have acknowledged their wrong ac- six days when His Throne was on the water, in
tions and mixed a right action with another order to test which of you has the best actions. If
which is wrong. It may well be that Allah will you say, ‘You will be raised up after death,’ those
turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most who disbelieve will say, ‘This is nothing but
Merciful. (9:102) downright magic.’ (11:7)
Say: ‘Act, for Allah will see your actions, and so Except for those who are steadfast and do right
will His Messenger and the believers. You will be actions. They will receive forgiveness and a large
returned to the Knower of the Unseen and the reward. (11:11)
20
As for those who desire the life of this world and By Allah, We sent Messengers to communities
its finery, We will give them full payment in it for before your time, but Satan made their actions
their actions. They will not be deprived here of seem good to them. Therefore today he is their
their due. (11:15) protector. They will have a painful punishment.
As for those who believe and do right actions and (16:63)
humble themselves before their Lord, they are Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a
the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it believer, We will give them a good life and We
timelessly, for ever. (11:23) will recompense them according to the best of
Your Lord will pay each one of them in full for his what they did. (16:97)
actions. He is aware of what they do. (11:111) This Qur’an guides to the most upright Way and
Perform prayer at each end of the day and in the gives good news to the believers who do right ac-
first part of the night. Good actions eradicate bad tions that they will have a large reward. (17:9)
actions. This is a reminder for people who pay How many generations We destroyed after Nuh!
heed. (11:114) Your Lord is well able to be aware of and see the
Those who believe and do right actions, happi- wrong actions of His servants! (17:17)
ness will be theirs and a wonderful It is straight, to warn of violent force direct from
Homecoming. (13:29) Him, and to give the good news to the believers,
Their Messengers said, ‘Is there any doubt about those who do right actions, that for them there is
Allah, the Bringer into Being of the heavens and an excellent reward. (18:2)
the earth? He summons you to forgive you for We made everything on the earth adornment for
your wrong actions and to defer you until a spec- it so that We could test them to see whose ac-
ified time.’ They said, ‘You are nothing but tions are the best. (18:7)
human beings like ourselves who want to debar Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on
us from what our fathers worshipped; so bring us their Lord morning and evening, desiring His
a clear authority.’ (14:10) face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring
The metaphor of those who reject their Lord is the attractions of this world. And do not obey
that their actions are like ashes scattered by someone whose heart We have made neglectful
strong winds on a stormy day. They have no of Our remembrance and who follows his own
power at all over anything they have earned. whims and desires and whose life has trans-
That is extreme misguidance. (14:18) gressed all bounds. (18:28)
Those who believed and did right actions will be But as for those who believe and do right actions,
admitted into Gardens with rivers flowing under We will not let the wage of good-doers go to
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever by waste. (18:30)
the permission of their Lord. Their greeting there Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life
is ‘Peace!’ (14:23) of this world. But, in your Lord’s sight, right ac-
The evil actions they did assailed them. They tions which are lasting bring a better reward and
were engulfed by what they mocked. (16:34) are a better basis for hope. (18:46)
Do those who plot evil actions feel secure that (Dhu’l-Qarnayn said,) ‘But as for him who be-
Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them lieves and acts rightly, he will receive the best of
up or that a punishment will not come upon rewards and we will issue a command, making
them from where they least expect? (16:45) things easy for him.’ (18:88)
If Allah were to punish people for their wrong ac- Say: ‘Shall I inform you of the greatest losers in
tions, not a single creature would be left upon their actions?’ (18:103)
the earth, but He defers them till a predetermined Those are the people who reject their Lord’s
time. When their specified time arrives, they can- Signs and the meeting with Him. Their actions
not delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it will come to nothing and, on the Day of Rising,
forward. (16:61) We will not assign them any weight. (18:105)
21
Those who believe and do right actions will have As for those who believe and do right actions,
the Gardens of Firdaws as hospitality. (18:107) they will have forgiveness and generous provi-
Say: ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It sion. (22:50)
is revealed to me that your god is One God. So Sovereignty on that Day will be Allah’s. He will
let him who hopes to meet his Lord act rightly judge between them. Those who believe and do
and not associate anyone in the worship of his right actions will be in Gardens of Delight.
Lord.’ (18:110) (22:56)
Except for those who repent and believe and act Messengers, eat of the good things and act
rightly. They will enter the Garden and they will rightly. I most certainly know what you do.
not be wronged in any way. (19:60) (23:51)
Allah augments those who are guided by giving When death comes to one of them, he says, ‘My
them greater guidance. In your Lord’s sight, right Lord, send me back again so that perhaps I may
actions which are lasting are better both in re- act rightly regarding the things I failed to do!’ No
ward and end result. (19:76) indeed! It is just words he utters. Before them
As for those who believe and do right actions, the there is an interspace until the Day they are
All-Merciful will bestow His love on them. raised up. (23:99-100)
(19:96) But the actions of those who disbelieve are like a
But as for those who come to Him as believers, mirage in the desert. A thirsty man thinks it is
having done right actions, they will have the water but when he reaches it, he finds it to be
highest ranks. (20:75) nothing at all, but he finds Allah there. He will
But I am Ever-Forgiving to anyone who repents pay him his account in full. Allah is swift at reck-
and believes and acts rightly and then is guided. oning. (24:39)
(20:82) Or they (the actions of those who disbelieve) are
But anyone who does right actions, being a be- like the darkness of a fathomless sea which is
liever, need fear no wrong or any belittlement. covered by waves above which are waves above
(20:112) which are clouds, layers of darkness, one upon
We made them leaders, guiding by Our com- the other. If he puts out his hand, he can scarcely
mand, and revealed to them how to do good ac- see it. Those Allah gives no light to, they have no
tions and perform prayer and give the alms, and light. (24:40)
they worshipped Us. (21:73) Allah has promised those of you who believe and
We responded to him and gave him Yahya, do right actions that He will make them succes-
restoring for him his wife’s fertility. They outdid sors in the land as He made those before them
one another in good actions, calling out to Us in successors, and will firmly establish for them
yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves their religion with which He is pleased and give
to Us. (21:90) them, in place of their fear, security. ‘They wor-
As for anyone who does right actions and is a be- ship Me, not associating anything with Me.’ Any
liever, his striving certainly does not go un- who disbelieve after that, such people are devia-
thanked. We are writing it down on his behalf. tors. (24:55)
(21:94) We will advance on the actions they have done
Allah will admit those who believe and do right and make them scattered specks of dust. (25:23)
actions into Gardens with rivers flowing under Put your trust in the Living who does not die and
them. Allah does whatever He wishes. (22:14) glorify Him with praise. He is well aware of the
But Allah will admit those who believe and do wrong actions of His servants. (25:58)
right actions into Gardens with rivers flowing Except for those who repent and believe and act
under them where they will be adorned with rightly: Allah will transform the wrong actions of
gold bracelets and pearls, and where their cloth- such people into good–Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
ing will be of silk. (22:23) Most Merciful–for certainly all who repent and
22
act rightly have turned sincerely towards Allah. We will erase their bad actions from them, and
(25:70-71) recompense them for the best of what they did.
Do you not see how they ramble on in every (29:7)
style and say things which they do not do, except As for those who believe and do right actions,
those who believe and do right actions and re- We will admit them among the righteous. (29:9)
member Allah repeatedly and defend themselves And ‘Ad and Thamud–it must be clear to you
after they have been wronged? Those who do from their dwelling places! Satan made their ac-
wrong will soon know the kind of reversal they tions seem good to them and so debarred them
will receive! (26:225-227) from the Way, even though they were intelligent
As for those who do not believe in the hereafter, people. (29:38)
We have made their actions appear good to them We seized each one of them for their wrong ac-
and they wander about blindly. (27:4) tions. Against some We sent a sudden squall of
He (Sulayman) smiled, laughing at its words, and stones; some of them were seized by the Great
said, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up;
You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and some We drowned. Allah did not wrong
and keep me acting rightly, pleasing You, and them; rather they wronged themselves. (29:40)
admit me, by Your mercy, among Your servants As for those who believe and do right actions,
who are righteous.’ (27:19) We will lodge them in lofty chambers in the
(The hoopoe said,) ‘I found both her and her peo- Garden, with rivers flowing under them, remain-
ple prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. Satan ing in them timelessly, for ever. How excellent is
has made their actions seem good to them and the reward of those who act. (29:58)
debarred them from the Way so they are not As for those who believed and did right actions,
guided.’ (27:24) they will be made joyful in a verdant meadow.
Those who perform good actions will receive (30:15)
better than them and will be safe that Day from Those who disbelieved will find that their disbe-
terror. (27:89) lief was against themselves. Those who did right
Those who perform bad actions will be flung were making the way easy for themselves; so that
head first into the Fire: ‘Are you being repaid for He can repay with His bounty those who be-
anything other than what you did?’ (27:90) lieved and did right actions. He certainly does
When they hear worthless talk they turn away not love the disbelievers. (30:44-45)
from it and say, ‘We have our actions and you For those who believe and do right actions there
have your actions. Peace be upon you. We do are Gardens of Delight. (31:8)
not desire the company of the ignorant.’ (28:55) If only you could see the evildoers hanging their
But as for those who repent and act rightly, they heads in shame before their Lord: ‘Our Lord, we
will hopefully be successful. (28:67) have seen and we have heard, so send us back
But those who had been given knowledge said, again and we will act rightly. Truly we now have
‘Woe to you! Allah’s reward is better for those certainty.’ (32:12)
who believe and act rightly. But only the stead- As for those who believe and do right actions,
fast will obtain it.’ (28:80) they will have the Gardens of Safe Refuge as hos-
Anyone who does a good action will get some- pitality for what they used to do. (32:19)
thing better. As for anyone who does a bad ac- Allah knows the obstructers among you and
tion, those who have done bad actions will only those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and
be repaid for what they did. (28:84) who only come to fight a very little, and are be-
Or do those who do bad actions imagine they grudging towards you. Then when fear comes,
can outstrip Us? How bad their judgement is! you see them looking at you, their eyes rolling
(29:4) like people scared to death. But when fear de-
As for those who believe and do right actions, parts they flay you with sharp tongues, grasping
23
for wealth. Such people have no faith and Allah Would We make those who believe and do right
will make their actions come to nothing. That is actions the same as those who cause corruption
easy for Allah. (33:18-19) on the earth? Would We make those who guard
But those of you who are obedient to Allah and against evil the same as the dissolute? (38:28)
His Messenger and act rightly will be given their What confronts them will be the evil actions
reward twice over; and We have prepared gener- which they earned and what they used to mock
ous provision for them. (33:31) at will engulf them. (39:48)
He will put your actions right for you and forgive Say (from Me): ‘My servants, you who have trans-
you your wrong deeds. All who obey Allah and gressed against yourselves, do not despair of the
His Messenger have won a mighty victory. mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong ac-
(33:71) tions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most
This is so that He may recompense those who Merciful.’ (39:53)
believe and do right actions. They will have for- It has been revealed to you and those before you:
giveness and generous provision. (34:4) ‘If you associate others with Allah, your actions
‘Make full-length coats of mail, measuring the will come to nothing and you will be among the
links with care. And act rightly, all of you, for I losers.’ (39:65)
see what you do.’ (34:11) They will say, ‘Our Lord, twice You caused us to
It is not your wealth or your children that will die and twice You gave us life. We admit our
bring you near to Us–only in the case of people wrong actions. Is there no way out?’ (40:11)
who believe and act rightly; such people will Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the
have a double recompense for what they did. final fate of those before them? They were greater
They will be safe from all harm in the High Halls than them in strength and left far deeper traces
of Paradise. (34:37) on the earth, yet Allah seized them for their
Those who disbelieve will suffer a harsh punish- wrong actions and they had no one to protect
ment. But those who believe and do right actions them from Allah. (40:21)
will receive forgiveness and an immense reward. Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that
(35:7) perhaps I may gain means of access, access to
And what of him the evil of whose actions ap- the heavens, so that I can look on Musa’s God.
pears fine to him so that he sees them as good? Truly I think he is a liar.’ That is how Pharaoh’s
Allah misguides whoever He wills and guides evil actions were made attractive to him and he
whoever He wills. So do not let yourself waste debarred others from the Path. Pharaoh’s schem-
away out of regret for them. Allah knows what ing led to nothing but ruin. (40:36-37)
they do. (35:8) Whoever does an evil act will only be repaid
They will shout out in it, ‘Our Lord! Take us out! with its equivalent. But whoever acts rightly,
We will act rightly, differently from the way we male or female, being a believer, such a person
used to act!’ Did We not let you live long enough will enter the Garden, provided for in it without
for anyone who was going to pay heed to pay any reckoning. (40:40)
heed? And did not the warner come to you? Taste The blind and the seeing are not the same. Nor
it then! There is no helper for the wrongdoers. are those who believe and do right actions the
(35:37) same as evildoers. What little heed they pay!
He (Dawud) said, ‘He has wronged you by asking (40:58)
for your ewe to add to his ewes. Truly many part- Those who believe and do right actions will have
ners are unjust to one another–except those who a wage which never fails. (41:8)
believe and do right actions, and how few they Who could say anything better than someone
are!’ Dawud realised that We had put him to the who summons to Allah and acts rightly and says,
test. He begged forgiveness from his Lord and fell ‘I am one of the Muslims’? (41:33)
down prone, prostrating, and repented. (38:24) Whoever acts rightly, it is to his own good.
24
Whoever does evil, it is to his detriment. Your You bestowed on me and on my parents, and
Lord does not wrong His servants. (41:46) keep me acting rightly, pleasing You. And make
So call and go straight as you have been ordered my descendants righteous. I have repented to
to. Do not follow their whims and desires but You and I am truly one of the Muslims.’ (46:15)
say, ‘I believe in a Book sent down by Allah and I Everyone will be ranked according to what they
am ordered to be just between you. Allah is our did. We will pay them in full for their actions and
Lord and your Lord. We have our actions and they will not be wronged. (46:19)
you have your actions. There is no debate be- Our people, respond to Allah’s caller and believe
tween us and you. Allah will gather us all to- in Him. He will forgive you some of your wrong
gether. He is our final destination.’ (42:15) actions and save you from a painful punishment.
You will see the wrongdoers afraid of what they (46:31)
have earned, when it is about to land right on top As for those who disbelieve and bar others from
of them, whereas those who believe and do right the Way of Allah, Allah will make their actions
actions will be in the lush Meadows of the go astray. (47:1)
Gardens. They will have whatever they wish for But as for those who believe and do right actions
with their Lord. That is the great favour. (42:22) and believe in what has been sent down to
That is the good news which Allah gives to His Muhammad–and it is the truth from their
servants who believe and do right actions. Say: ‘I Lord–He will erase their bad actions from them
do not ask you for any wage for this–except for and better their condition. (47:2)
you to love your near of kin. If anyone does a Therefore when you meet those who disbelieve
good action, We will increase the good of it for strike their necks. Then when you have deci-
him. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Thankful.’ mated them,tie their bonds tightly and set them
(42:23) free or ransom them, until the war is finally over.
He responds to those who believe and do right That is how it is to be. If Allah willed, He could
actions and gives them increase from His favour. avenge Himself on them. But it is so that He can
But the disbelievers will have a harsh punish- test some of you by means of others. As for those
ment. (42:26) who fight in the Way of Allah, He will not let
(Believers are) those who avoid major wrong ac- their actions go astray. (47:4)
tions and indecencies and who, when they are But those who disbelieve will have utter ruin and
angered, then forgive. (42:37) He will make their actions go astray. (47:8)
Whoever acts rightly, it is to his own good. That is because they hate what Allah has sent
Whoever does evil, it is to his detriment. Then down, so He has made their actions come to
you will be returned to your Lord. (45:15) nothing. (47:9)
Or do those who perpetrate evil deeds suppose Allah will admit those who believe and act
that We will make them like those who believe rightly to Gardens with rivers flowing under
and do right actions, so that their lives and deaths them. Those who disbelieve have their enjoy-
will be the same? How bad their judgement is! ment, eating as cattle eat, but the Fire will be
(45:21) their final residence. (47:12)
As for those who believed and did right actions, Is someone on a clear path from his Lord like
their Lord will admit them into His mercy. That is those whose bad actions have been made to
the Clear Victory. (45:30) seem good to them and who follow their own de-
We have instructed man to be good to his par- sires? (47:14)
ents. His mother bore him with difficulty and That is because they followed what angers Allah
with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing and hated what is pleasing to Him. So He made
and weaning take thirty months. Then when he their actions come to nothing. (47:28)
achieves his full strength and reaches forty, he If We wished, We would show them to you and
says, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing you would know them by their mark and know
25
them by their ambivalent speech. Allah knows way. Every man is in pledge for what he earned.
your actions. (47:30) (52:21)
Those who disbelieve and obstruct the Way of To whoever avoids the major wrong actions and
Allah and are entrenched in hostility towards the indecencies–except for minor lapses–truly your
Messenger after the guidance has become clear Lord is vast in forgiveness. He has most knowl-
to them, do not harm Allah in any way and He edge of you when He first produced you from the
makes their actions come to nothing. (47:32) earth, and when you were embryos in your
You who believe! Obey Allah and obey the mothers’ wombs. So do not claim purity for your-
Messenger. Do not make your actions of no selves. He knows best those who guard against
worth. (47:33) evil. (53:32)
It is He Who sent down serenity into the hearts of He will forgive you your wrong actions and
the believers thereby increasing their faith with admit you into Gardens with rivers flow-
more faith–the legions of the heavens and the ing under them, and fine dwellings in the
earth belong to Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All- Gardens of Eden. That is the Great Victory.
Wise–so that He may admit the men and women (61:12)
of the believers into Gardens with rivers flowing On the Day He gathers you for the Day of
under them, remaining in them timelessly, for Gathering–that is the Day of Profit and Loss. As
ever, and erase their bad actions from them; and for those who believe in Allah and act rightly, We
in Allah’s sight that is a mighty victory. (48:4-5) will erase their bad actions from them and admit
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those them into Gardens with rivers flowing under
who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers, them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever and
merciful to one another. You see them bowing ever. That is the Great Victory! (64:9)
and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and That is Allah’s command which He has sent
His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the down to you. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will
traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the erase his bad actions from him and greatly in-
Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a crease his reward. (65:5)
seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong (Allah has sent down) a Messenger reciting
so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its Allah’s Clear Signs to you to bring those who be-
stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by lieve and do right actions out of the darkness into
them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has the Light. Whoever believes in Allah and acts
promised those of them who believe and do right rightly, We will admit him into Gardens with
actions forgiveness and an immense reward. rivers flowing under them remaining in them
(48:29) timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah has provided
You who believe! Do not raise your voices above for him excellently! (65:11)
the voice of the Prophet and do not be as loud You who believe! Repent to Allah. It may be that
when speaking to him as you are when speaking your Lord will erase your bad actions from you
to one another, lest your actions should come to and admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing
nothing without your realising it. (49:2) under them on the Day when Allah will not dis-
The desert Arabs say, ‘We believe.’ Say: ‘You do grace the Prophet and those who believed along
not believe. Say rather, "We have become with him. Their light will stream out ahead of
Muslim," for faith has not yet entered into your them and on their right. They will say, ‘Our Lord,
hearts. If you obey Allah and His Messenger, He perfect our light for us and forgive us! You have
will not undervalue your actions in any way. power over all things.’ (66:8)
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (49:14) He Who created death and life to test which of
And We will unite those who believed with their you is best in action. He is the Almighty, the Ever-
offspring, who followed them in faith, and We Forgiving. (67:2)
will not undervalue their own actions in any Then they will acknowledge their wrong actions.
26
Away with the Companions of the Blaze! (67:11) Then Adam received some words from his Lord
(Nuh said to his people,) ‘He will forgive you and He turned towards him. He is the Ever-
your wrong actions and defer you until a speci- Returning, the Most Merciful. (2:37)
fied time. When Allah’s time comes it cannot be Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of
deferred, if you only knew.’ (71:4) Ibrahim and the family of ‘Imran over all other
Except those who believe and do right actions: beings–descendants one of the other. Allah is All-
they will have a wage which never fails. (84:25) Hearing, All-Knowing. (3:33-34)
But those who believe and do right actions will The likeness of ‘Isa in Allah’s sight is the same as
have Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Adam. He created him from earth and then He
That is the Great Victory. (85:11) said to him, ‘Be!’ and he was. (3:59)
Except for those who believe and do right ac- Recite to them the true report of Adam’s two sons
tions: they will have a wage which never fails. when they offered a sacrifice and it was accepted
(95:6) from one of them but not accepted from the
But those who believe and do right actions–they other. The one said, ‘I shall kill you.’ The other
are the best of creatures. (98:7) said, ‘Allah only accepts from people who guard
That Day people will emerge segregated to see against evil.’ (5:27)
the results of their actions. (99:6) We created you and then formed you and then
Except for those who believe and do right actions We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam,’
and urge each other to the truth and urge each and they prostrated–except for Diabolis. He was
other to steadfastness. (103:3) not among those who prostrated. (7:11)
He said, ‘What prevented you from prostrating
AD (SEE HUD (AS) AND ‘AD) when I commanded you to?’ He replied, ‘I am
better than him. You created me from fire and
You created him from clay.’ (7:12)
ADEM (AS) (ADAM)
(Allah said,) ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and
When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am putting
your wife, and eat of it wherever you like. But do
an overlord on the earth,’ they said, ‘Why put on
not go near this tree lest you become wrongdo-
it one who will cause corruption on it and shed
ers.’ (7:19)
blood when we glorify You with praise and pro-
Children of Adam! We have sent down clothing to
claim Your purity?’ He said, ‘I know what you do
you to conceal your private parts, and fine ap-
not know.’ (2:30)
parel, but the garment of heedfulness–that is best!
He taught Adam the names of all things. Then He
That is one of Allah’s Signs, so that hopefully you
arrayed them before the angels and said, ‘Tell me
will pay heed. (7:26)
the names of these if you are telling the truth.’
Children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you into
(2:31)
trouble as He expelled your parents from the
He said, ‘Adam, tell them their names.’ When he
Garden, stripping them of their covering and dis-
had told them their names, He said, ‘Did I not tell
closing to them their private parts. He and his tribe
you that I know the Unseen of the heavens and
see you from where you do not see them. We have
the earth, and I know what you make known and
made the Satans friends of those who have no
what you hide?’ (2:33)
faith. (7:27)
We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam!’ and
Children of Adam! Wear fine clothing in every
they prostrated, with the exception of Diabolis.
mosque and eat and drink but do not be profli-
He refused and was arrogant and was one of the
gate. He does not love the profligate. (7:31)
disbelievers. (2:34)
Children of Adam! If Messengers come to you from
We said, ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and
among yourselves, recounting My Signs to you,
your wife, and eat freely from it wherever you
those who guard against evil and put things right,
will. But do not approach this tree and so be-
will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (7:35)
come wrongdoers.’ (2:35)
27
When your Lord took out all their descendants tion of Diabolis who disdained to do it. (20:116)
from the loins of the children of Adam and made We said, ‘Adam, this is an enemy for you and
them testify against themselves ‘Am I not your your wife, so do not let him expel you from the
Lord?’ they said, ‘We testify that indeed You are!’ Garden and thus make you miserable.’ (20:117)
Lest you say on the Day of Rising, ‘We knew But Satan whispered to him, saying, ‘Adam, shall
nothing of this.’ (7:172) I show you the way to the Tree of Everlasting Life
It is He Who created you from a single self and and to a kingdom which will never fade away?’
made from him his spouse so that he might find (20:120)
repose in her. Then when he covered her she So the two of them ate from it and their private
bore a light load and carried it around. Then parts were disclosed to them and they started
when it became heavy they called on Allah, their stitching together the leaves of the Garden to
Lord, ‘If You grant us a healthy child, we will be cover themselves. Adam disobeyed his Lord and
among the thankful!’ (7:189) became misled. (20:121)
We created mankind out of dried clay formed
from fetid black mud. (15:26) ADMONITION
When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am creating When you divorce women and they are near the
a human being out of dried clay formed from end of their waiting period, do not prevent them
fetid black mud. When I have formed him and from marrying their first husbands if they have
breathed My Spirit into him, fall down in prostra- mutually agreed to it with correctness and cour-
tion in front of him!’ (15:28-29) tesy. This is an admonition for those of you who
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better
selves to Adam!’ they prostrated, except for and purer for you. Allah knows and you do not
Diabolis. He said ‘What! Am I to prostrate to one know. (2:232)
You have created out of clay?’ (17:61) This is a clear explanation for all mankind, and
We have honoured the sons of Adam and con- guidance and admonition for those who guard
veyed them on land and sea and provided them against evil. (3:138)
with good things and favoured them greatly over Men have charge of women because Allah has
many We have created. (17:70) preferred the one above the other and because
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- they spend their wealth on them. Right-acting
selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep- women are obedient, guarding the unseen as
tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and Allah has guarded. If there are women whose
wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do disobedience you fear, you may admonish them,
you take him and his offspring as protectors apart refuse to sleep with them, and then beat them.
from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is But if they obey you, do not look for a way to
the exchange the wrongdoers make! (18:50) punish them. Allah is All-High, Most Great.
Those are some of the Prophets Allah has (4:34)
blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in
those We carried with Nuh, and from the descen- their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came
dants of Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We before him. We gave him the Gospel containing
guided and chose. When the Signs of the All- guidance and light, confirming the Torah that
Merciful were recited to them they fell on their came before it, and as guidance and admonition
faces, weeping, in prostration. (19:58) for those who guard against evil. (5:46)
We made a contract with Adam before, but he We wrote about everything for him on the
forgot. We did not find that he had a firm resolve. Tablets as an admonition and making all things
(20:115) clear. ‘Seize hold of it vigorously and command
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- your people to adopt the best in it. I will show
selves to Adam!’ they prostrated, with the excep- you the home of the deviators!’ (7:145)
28
Mankind! Admonition has come to you from Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:5)
your Lord and also healing for what is in the When you said to him whom Allah has blessed
breasts and guidance and mercy for the believ- and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep
ers. (10:57) your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’
He said, ‘Nuh, he is definitely not of your family. while concealing something in yourself which
He is someone whose action was not righteous. Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing
Do not, therefore, ask Me for something about people when Allah has more right to your fear.
which you have no knowledge. I admonish you Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to
lest you should be among the ignorant.’ (11:46) you so that there should be no restriction for the
We have given you all this news about the believers regarding the wives of their adopted
Messengers so We can make your heart firm by sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s
means of it. The truth has come to you in this and command is always carried out. (33:37)
an admonishment and reminder to the believers.
(11:120) ADORNMENT
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and And horses, mules and donkeys both to ride and
fair admonition, and argue with them in the kind- for adornment. And He creates other things you
est way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided do not know. (16:8)
from His way. And He knows best who are We made everything on the earth adornment for
guided. (16:125) it so that We could test them to see whose ac-
We have sent down Clear Signs to you and the tions are the best. (18:7)
example of those who passed away before you They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow-
and an admonition for those who guard against ing under them. They will be adorned in them
evil. (24:34) with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar-
Then when they have reached the end of their ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade,
waiting period either retain them with correct- reclining there on couches under canopies.
ness and courtesy or part from them with correct- What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re-
ness and courtesy. Call two upright men from pose! (18:31)
among yourselves as witnesses and they should Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life
carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admon- of this world. But, in your Lord’s sight, right ac-
ishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last tions which are lasting bring a better reward and
Day. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him are a better basis for hope. (18:46)
a way out. (65:2) But Allah will admit those who believe and do
right actions into Gardens with rivers flowing
ADOPTION (OF A CHILD) under them where they will be adorned with
Allah has not allotted to any man two hearts gold bracelets and pearls, and where their cloth-
within his breast, nor has He made those of your ing will be of silk. (22:23)
wives you equate with your mothers your actual Say to the believing women that they should
mothers, nor has He made your adopted sons lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not
your actual sons. These are just words coming display their adornments–except for what nor-
out of your mouths. But Allah speaks the truth mally shows–and draw their head-coverings
and He guides to the Way. (33:4) across their breasts. They should only display
Call them after their fathers. That is closer to jus- their adornments to their husbands or their fa-
tice in Allah’s sight. And if you do not know who thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or
their fathers were then they are your brothers in their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their
the religion and people under your patronage. brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their
You are not to blame for any honest mistake you women or those they own as slaves or their male
make but only for what your hearts premeditate. attendants who have no sexual desire or children
29
who still have no awareness of women’s private will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.’
parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that (29:25)
their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah Among His Signs is that He created spouses for
every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you you of your own kind so that you might find tran-
will have success. (24:31) quillity in them. And He has placed affection and
As for women who are past child-bearing age compassion between you. There are certainly
and no longer have any hope of getting married, Signs in that for people who reflect. (30:21)
there is nothing wrong in their removing their
outer clothes, provided they do not flaunt their AFFLUENT
adornments; but to refrain from doing so is better When We desire to destroy a city, We send a
for them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. command to the affluent in it and they become
(24:60) deviant in it and the Word is justly carried out
They will enter Gardens of Eden where they will against it and We annihilate it completely. (17:16)
be adorned with gold bracelets and pearls, and But then when We seize the affluent among them
where their clothing will be of silk. (35:33) with the punishment, they will suddenly start
We have adorned the lowest heaven with the praying fervently. (23:64)
beauty of the planets. (37:6) Those of you possessing affluence and ample
In two days He determined them as seven heav- wealth should not make oaths that they will not
ens and revealed, in every heaven, its own man- give to their relatives and the very poor and those
date. We adorned the lowest heaven with lamps who have migrated in the way of Allah. They
and guarded it. That is the decree of the Almighty, should rather pardon and overlook. Would you
the All-Knowing. (41:12) not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever-
We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:22)
and made some of them stones for the Satans for We never sent a warner into any city without the
whom We have prepared the punishment of the affluent people in it saying, ‘We reject what you
Blaze. (67:5) have been sent with.’ (34:34)
Similarly We never sent any warner before you to
ADVICE any city without the affluent among them saying,
He (Satan) swore to them, ‘I am one of those who ‘We found our fathers following a religion and we
give you good advice.’ (7:21) are simply following in their footsteps.’ (43:23)
A man came running from the furthest part of the
city, saying, ‘Musa, the Council are conspiring to AGREEMENT
kill you, so leave! I am someone who brings you Mothers should nurse their children for two full
good advice.’ (28:20) years–those who wish to complete the full term of
nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and
AFFECTION clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no
You will find that the people most hostile to those self is charged with more than it can bear. No
who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You mother should be put under pressure in respect of
will find the people most affectionate to those her child nor any father in respect of his child.
who believe are those who say, ‘We are The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the
Christians.’ That is because some of them are couple both wish weaning to take place after mu-
priests and monks and because they are not arro- tual agreement and consultation, there is nothing
gant. (5:82) wrong in their doing that. If you wish to find wet-
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You have adopted idols apart nurses for your children, there is nothing wrong in
from Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this your doing that provided you hand over to them
world. But then on the Day of Rising you will re- what you have agreed to give with correctness
ject one another and curse one another. The Fire and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and know that
30
Allah sees what you do. (2:233) from a drop of sperm then from an alaq then from
Nor is there anything wrong in any allusion to a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed, so We may
marriage you make to a woman, nor for any you make things clear to you. We make whatever We
keep to yourself. Allah knows that you will say want stay in the womb until a specified time and
things to them. But do not make secret arrange- then We bring you out as children so that you
ments with them, rather only speak with correct- can reach your full maturity. Some of you die and
ness and courtesy. Do not finally decide on the some of you revert to the lowest form of life so
marriage contract until the prescribed period has that, after having knowledge, they then know
come to its end. Know that Allah knows what is in nothing at all. And you see the earth dead and
your selves, so beware of Him! And know that barren; then when We send down water onto it it
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:235) quivers and swells and sprouts with luxuriant
And also (forbidden for you are) married women, plants of every kind. (22:5)
except for those you have taken in war as slaves. Then (We) formed the drop into an alaq and
This is what Allah has prescribed for you. Apart formed alaq into a lump and formed the lump
from that He has made all other women lawful for into bones and clothed the bones in flesh; and
you provided you seek them with your wealth in then brought him into being as another creature.
marriage and not in fornication. When you con- Blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators! (23:14)
summate your marriage with them give them It is He Who created you from earth, then from a
their prescribed dowry. There is nothing wrong in drop of sperm, then from an alaq, then He brings
any further agreement you might come to after you out as infants, then so you may achieve full
the dowry has been given. Allah is All-Knowing, strength, then so you may become old
All-Wise. (4:24) men–though some of you may die before that
Among them there were some who made an time–so that you may reach a predetermined age
agreement with Allah: ‘If He gives us of His and so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
bounty we will definitely give charity and be (40:67)
among the righteous.’ (9:75) Was he not a drop of ejaculated sperm, then an
(People of intelligence are) those who fulfil alaq which He created and shaped? (75:37-38)
Allah’s contract and do not break their agree- Recite: In the Name of your Lord Who created,
ment. (13:20) created man from alaq. (96:1-2)

AHL AL-KITAB (SEE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK) AL-‘UZZA


Have you really considered al-Lat and al-‘Uzza
AHMAD and Manat, the third (idol), the other one?
And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Tribe of (53:19-20)
Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, con-
firming the Torah which came before me and giv- ALL THE WORLDS - ALL BEINGS
ing you the good news of a Messenger after me Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. (1:1)
whose name is Ahmad.’ When he brought them Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I con-
the Clear Signs, they said, ‘This is downright ferred on you and that I preferred you over all
magic.’ (61:6) other beings. (2:47)
Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I con-
AKHIRAH (SEE THE HEREAFTER) ferred on you, and that I preferred you over all
other beings. (2:122)
When his Lord said to him, ‘Become a Muslim!’
ALAQ
he (Ibrahim) said, ‘I am a Muslim who has sub-
Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
mitted to the Lord of all the worlds.’ (2:131)
Rising, know that We created you from dust then
And with Allah's permission they routed them.
31
Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king- worlds.’ (6:162)
ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and
willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some peo- the earth in six days and then settled Himself
ple back by means of others, the earth would firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the
have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the
all the worlds. (2:251) sun and moon and stars are subservient to His
Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of command. Both creation and command belong
Ibrahim and the family of ‘Imran over all other to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the
beings. (3:33) worlds. (7:54)
And when the angels said, ‘Maryam, Allah has He (Nuh) said, ‘My people, I am not in error at all
chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of all
over all other women.’ (3:42) the worlds.’ (7:61)
Remember when Musa said to his people, ‘My He (Hud) said, ‘My people, I am by no means a
people! Remember Allah’s blessing to you when fool, but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of
He appointed Prophets among you and ap- all the worlds.’ (7:67)
pointed kings for you, and gave you what He had And Lut, when he said to his people, ‘Do you
not given to anyone else in all the worlds!’ (5:20) commit an obscenity not perpetrated before you
Even if you do raise your hand against me to kill by anyone in all the worlds?’ (7:80)
me, I am not going to raise my hand against you Musa said, ‘Pharaoh! I am truly a Messenger
to kill you. Truly I fear Allah, the Lord of all the from the Lord of all the worlds.’ (7:104)
worlds. (5:28) They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of all the
Allah said, ‘I will send it down to you but if any- worlds.’ (7:121)
one among you disbelieves after that, I will pun- He (Musa) said, ‘Should I seek something other
ish him with a punishment the like of which I will than Allah as a god for you when He has
not inflict on anyone else in all the worlds!’ favoured you over all other beings?’ (7:140)
(5:115) Their call there is: ‘Glory be to You, O Allah!’
So the last remnant of the people who did wrong Their greeting there is: ‘Peace!’ The end of their
was cut off. Praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of call is: ‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the
all the worlds! (6:45) worlds!’ (10:10)
Say: ‘Are we to call on something besides Allah This Qur’an could never have been devised by
which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn any besides Allah. Rather it is confirmation of
on our heels after Allah has guided us, like some- what came before it and an elucidation of the
one the Satans have lured away in the earth, Book which contains no doubt from the Lord of
leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the all the worlds. (10:37)
fact that he has companions calling him to guid- You do not ask them for any wage for it. It is only
ance, saying, "Come with us!"?’ Say: ‘Allah's a reminder to all beings. (12:104)
guidance, that is true guidance. We are com- We delivered both him and Lut to the land which
manded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all We had blessed for all beings. (21:71)
the worlds.’ (6:71) And she (Maryam) who protected her chastity.
And Isma‘il, al-Yasa‘, Yunus and Lut. All of them We breathed into her some of Our Spirit and
We favoured over all beings. (6:86) made her and her son a Sign for all the worlds.
They are the ones Allah has guided, so be guided (21:91)
by their guidance. Say, ‘I do not ask you for any We have only sent you as a mercy to all the
wage for it. It is simply a reminder to all beings.’ worlds. (21:107)
(6:90) Blessed be He Who has sent down the Furqan
Say: ‘My prayer and my rites, my living and my (Discrimination) to His servant so that he can be
dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the a warner to all beings. (25:1)
32
(He said to Musa,) ‘Go to Pharaoh and say, "We You will see the angels circling round the
are the Messenger of the Lord of all the worlds."’ Throne, glorifying their Lord with praise. It will
(26:16) be decided between them with truth. And it will
Pharaoh said, ‘What is the Lord of all the be said: ‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the
worlds?’ (26:23) worlds.’ (39:75)
They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of all the It is Allah Who made the earth a stable home for
worlds.’ (26:47) you and the sky a dome, and formed you, giving
(Ibrahim said,) ‘They are all my enemies–except you the best of forms, and provided you with
for the Lord of all the worlds.’ (26:77) good and wholesome things. That is Allah, your
(The misled will say,) ‘By Allah, we were plainly Lord. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.
misguided when We equated you with the Lord (40:64)
of all the worlds.’ (26:97-98) He is the Living–there is no god but Him–so call
(The Prophet said,) ‘I do not ask you for any wage on Him, making your religion sincerely His. Praise
for it. My wage is the responsibility of no one but be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. (40:65)
the Lord of all the worlds.’ (26:109, 26:127, Say: ‘I was forbidden to worship those you call
26:164, 26:180) upon besides Allah when the Clear Signs came to
Truly it is revelation sent down by the Lord of all me from my Lord and I was commanded to submit
the worlds. (26:192) to the Lord of all the worlds.’ (40:66)
But when he (Musa) reached it, a voice called Say: ‘Do you reject Him Who created the earth in
out to him, ‘Blessed be Him who is in the Fire two days, and make others equal to Him? That is
and all who are around it. Glory be to Allah, the the Lord of all the worlds.’ (41:9)
Lord of all the worlds!’ (27:8) We sent Musa with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his
She (Queen of Sheba) was told: ‘Enter the court- nobles. He said, ‘I am the Messenger of the Lord of
yard,’ but when she saw it she supposed it to be a the worlds.’ (43:46)
pool and bared her legs. He said, ‘It is a court- We chose them knowingly above all other people.
yard paved with glass.’ She said, ‘My Lord, I have (44:32)
wronged myself but I have submitted with We gave the Book and Judgement and
Sulayman to the Lord of all the worlds.’ (27:44) Prophethood to the tribe of Israel and provided
But when he reached it a voice called out to him them with good things and favoured them over all
from the right hand side of the valley in the part other people. (45:16)
which was full of blessing, from out of the bush: All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the heav-
‘Musa, I am Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.’ ens and the Lord of the earth, Lord of all the
(28:30) worlds. (45:36)
We rescued him and the occupants of the Ark and Revelation sent down from the Lord of all the
made that into a Sign for all the worlds. (29:15) worlds. (56:80)
When Lut said to his people, ‘You are committing They are like Satan when he says to a human
an obscenity not perpetrated before you by any- being, ‘Disbelieve,’ and then when he disbelieves,
one in all the worlds.’ (29:28) says, ‘I wash my hands of you. Truly I fear Allah,
The revelation of the Book, without any doubt of the Lord of all the worlds.’ (59:16)
it, is from the Lord of the worlds. (32:2) But it is nothing less than a Reminder to all the
‘Peace be upon Nuh among all beings!’ (37:79) worlds. (68:52)
(Ibrahim said to his father and his people,) ‘So It is a revelation from the Lord of all the worlds.
what are your thoughts about the Lord of all the (69:43)
worlds?’ (37:87) It is nothing but a Reminder to all the worlds.
And praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds! (81:27)
(37:182) But you will not will unless Allah wills, the Lord
It is simply a reminder to all the worlds. (38:87) of all the Worlds. (81:29)
33
Do such people not realise that they will be free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
raised up on a Terrible Day, the Day mankind those who honour their contracts when they
will stand before the Lord of all the worlds? make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
(83:4-6) ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
true. They are the people who guard against evil.
ALLEGIANCE (2:177)
Those who pledge you their allegiance pledge al- Those who believe and do right actions and per-
legiance to Allah. Allah’s hand is over their form prayer and give the alms, will have their re-
hands. He who breaks his pledge only breaks it ward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and
against himself. But as for him who fulfils the will know no sorrow. (2:277)
contract he has made with Allah, We will pay Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back
him an immense reward. (48:10) from fighting but perform prayer and give the
Allah was pleased with the believers when they alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them,
pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He a group of them fear people as Allah should be
knew what was in their hearts, and sent down feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our
serenity to them and has rewarded them with an Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If
imminent victory. (48:18) only You would give us just a little more time!’
O Prophet! When women who believe come to Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief.
you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds The hereafter is better for those who guard
that they will not associate anything with Allah against evil. You will not be wronged by so much
or steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a as the smallest speck.’ (4:77)
false ascription of paternity–making up lies about But those of them who are firmly rooted in
their bodies–or disobey you in respect of any- knowledge, and the believers, believe in what
thing right, then accept their pledge and ask for- has been sent down to you and what was sent
giveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most down before you: those who perform prayer and
Merciful. (60:12) give the alms, and believe in Allah and the Last
Day–We will pay such people an immense
ALMS (ZAKAH) wage. (4:162)
Perform prayer and give the alms and bow with Allah made a covenant with the tribe of Israel
those who bow. (2:43) and We raised up twelve leaders from among
Remember when We made a covenant with the them. Allah said, ‘I am with you. If you perform
tribe of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and be prayer and give the alms, and believe in My
good to your parents and to relatives and or- Messengers and respect and support them, and
phans and the very poor. And speak good words make a generous loan to Allah, I will erase your
to people. And perform prayer and give the wrong actions from you and admit you into
alms.’ But then you turned away–except a few of Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Any of
you–you turned aside. (2:83) you who disbelieve after that have gone astray
Perform prayer and give the alms. Any good you from the right way.’ (5:12)
send ahead for yourselves, you will find with Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and
Allah. Certainly Allah sees what you do. (2:110) those who believe: those who perform prayer
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East and give the alms, and bow. (5:55)
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness (Musa said,) ‘Prescribe good for us in this world
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the hereafter. We have truly turned to You.’
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, He said, ‘As for My punishment, I strike with it
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to anyone I will. My mercy extends to all things but
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, I will prescribe it for those who guard against evil
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves and give the alms, and those who believe in Our
34
Signs.’ (7:156) the alms, and command what is right and forbid
Then, when the sacred months are over, kill the what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with
idolaters wherever you find them, and seize Allah. (22:41)
them and besiege them and lie in wait for them Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He
on every road. If they repent and perform prayer has selected you and not placed any constraint
and give the alms, let them go on their way. Allah upon you in the religion–the religion of your
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:5) forefather Ibrahim. He named you Muslims be-
But if they repent and perform prayer and give fore and also in this, so that the Messenger could
the alms, they are your brothers in the religion. be witness against you and you could be wit-
We make the Signs clear for people who have nesses against all mankind. So perform prayer
knowledge. (9:11) and give the alms and hold fast to Allah. He is
The mosques of Allah should only be maintained your Protector–the Best Protector, the Best
by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day Helper. (22:78)
and perform prayer and give the alms, and fear (Believers are) those who give the alms. (23:4)
no one but Allah. They are the ones most likely ... there are men who proclaim His glory morn-
to be guided. (9:18) ing and evening, not distracted by trade or com-
Among them there are some who find fault with merce from the remembrance of Allah and the
you concerning the alms. If they are given some performance of prayer and the giving of the alms;
of it, they are pleased but if they are not given fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in
any, they are angry. (9:58) turmoil. (24:36-37)
The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those Perform prayer and give the alms and obey the
who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free- Messenger so that hopefully mercy will be
ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of shown to you. (24:56)
Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from (Believers are) those who perform prayer and
Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60) give the alms and are certain about the hereafter.
The men and women of the believers are friends of (27:3)
one another. They command what is right and for- What you give with usurious intent, aiming to get
bid what is wrong, and perform prayer and give the back a greater amount from people’s wealth,
alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. They are does not become greater with Allah. But any-
the people on whom Allah will have mercy. Allah thing you give as alms, seeking the Face of
is Almighty, All-Wise. (9:71) Allah–all who do that will get back twice as
Do they not know that Allah accepts repentance much. (30:39)
from His servants and acknowledges their alms, (Believers are) those who perform prayer and
and that Allah is the Ever-Returning, the Most give the alms and are certain of the hereafter.
Merciful? (9:104) (31:4)
‘Isa said, ‘He has made me blessed wherever I Remain in your houses and do not display your
am and directed me to perform prayer and give beauty as it was previously displayed in the Time
the alms as long as I live.’ (19:31) of Ignorance. Perform prayer and give the alms
He (Isma‘il) used to command his people to per- and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah desires
form prayer and give the alms and he was pleas- to remove all impurity from you, People of the
ing to his Lord. (19:55) House, and to purify you completely. (33:33)
We made them leaders, guiding by Our com- Say: ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It
mand, and revealed to them how to do good ac- is revealed to me that your god is One God. So
tions and perform prayer and give the alms, and be straight with Him and ask His forgiveness.’
they worshipped Us. (21:73) Woe to those who associate others with Him:
(Believers are) those who, if We establish them those who do not give the alms and reject the
firmly on the earth, will perform prayer and give hereafter. (41:6-7)
35
Are you afraid to give gifts of charity before your work of Satan. Avoid them completely so that
private consultation? If you do not and Allah hopefully you will be successful. (5:90)
turns to you, at least perform prayer and give the
alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah is AL-YASA‘ (AS)
aware of what you do. (58:13) And Isma‘il, al-Yasa‘, Yunus and Lut. All of them
Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two- We favoured over all beings. (6:86)
thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and Remember Our servants Isma‘il, Al-Yasa‘ and
a group of those with you. Allah determines the Dhu’l-Kifl; each of them was among the best of
night and day. He knows you will not keep count men. (38:48)
of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as
much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows
ANCESTORS
that some of you are ill and that others are travel-
Or were you present when death came to Ya‘qub
ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that
and he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship
others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite
when I have gone?’ They said, ‘We will worship
as much of it as is easy for you. And perform
your God, the God of your forefathers, Ibrahim,
prayer and give the alms and lend a generous
Isma‘il and Ishaq–one God. We are Muslims sub-
loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for
mitted to Him.’ (2:133)
yourselves you will find it with Allah as some-
When they are told, ‘Follow what Allah has sent
thing better and as a greater reward. And seek
down to you,’ They say, ‘We are following what
forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
we found our fathers doing.’ What, even though
Most Merciful. (73:20)
their fathers did not understand a thing and were
They were only ordered to worship Allah, mak-
not guided! (2:170)
ing their religion sincerely His as people of pure
When you have completed your rites, remember
natural belief, and to perform prayer and give the
Allah as you used to remember your forefa-
alms–that is the religion of the correct. (98:5)
thers–or even more. There are some people who
say, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world.’ They
ALTAR
will have no share in the hereafter. (2:200)
Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork,
When they are told, ‘Come to what Allah has
and what has been consecrated to other than
sent down and to the Messenger,’ they say, ‘What
Allah, and animals which have been strangled,
we found our fathers doing is enough for us.’
and animals which have been killed by a blow,
What! Even if their fathers did not know anything
and animals which have fallen to their death,
and were not guided! (5:104)
and animals which have been gored, and ani-
They do not measure Allah with His true meas-
mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those
ure when they say, ‘Allah would not send down
you are able to slaughter properly–and animals
anything to a mere human being.’ Say: ‘Who,
which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid-
then, sent down the Book which Musa brought
ing things by means of divining arrows–that is
as a Light and Guidance for the people?’ You put
deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de-
it down on sheets of paper to display it while
spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not
concealing much. You were taught things you
be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I
did not know, neither you nor your forefathers.
have perfected your religion for you and com-
Say: ‘Allah!’ Then leave them engrossed in play-
pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased
ing their games. (6:91)
with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is
Those who associate others with Allah will say,
forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing,
‘If Allah had willed we would not have associ-
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)
ated anything with Him, nor would our fathers;
You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al-
nor would we have made anything forbidden.’ In
tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi-
the same way the people before them also lied
36
until they felt Our violent force. Say: ‘Do you pick you out and teach you the true meaning of
have some knowledge you can produce for us? events and perfectly fulfil His blessing on you as
You are following nothing but conjecture. You well as on the family of Ya‘qub as He fulfilled it
are only guessing.’ (6:148) perfectly before upon your forebears, Ibrahim and
Whenever they commit an indecent act, they Ishaq. Most certainly your Lord is Knowing, Wise.’
say, ‘We found our fathers doing it and Allah (12:6)
commanded us to do it too.’ Say: ‘Allah does not (Yusuf said,) ‘I hold fast to the creed of my forebears
command indecency. Do you say things about Ibrahim and Ishaq and Ya‘qub. We don’t associate
Allah you do not know?’ (7:28) anything with Allah. And that is how Allah has
They said, ‘Have you come to us to make us wor- favoured us and all mankind, but most do not give
ship Allah alone and abandon what our fathers thanks.’ (12:38)
used to worship? Then bring us what you have (Yusuf said,) ‘What you serve apart from Him are
promised us if you are telling the truth.’ (7:70) only names which you and your forefathers have
He (Nuh) said, ‘Punishment and anger have come made up. There is no mandate for them from Allah.
down on you from your Lord. Do you argue with Allah alone is qualified to judge. His order is to
me regarding names which you and your forefa- worship none but Him. That is in truth the straight
thers invented and for which Allah has sent down and upright religion, but most of mankind simply
no authority? Wait, then; I am waiting with you.’ do not know.’ (12:40)
(7:71) The idolaters say, ‘If Allah had willed we would not
Then We gave them good in exchange for evil until have worshipped anything apart from Him, neither
they increased in number and said, ‘Our forefa- we nor our fathers, nor would we have forbidden
thers too underwent both hardship and ease.’ Then anything without His say.’ Those before them said
We seized them suddenly when they were not ex- the same. Are the Messengers responsible for any-
pecting it. (7:95) thing but clear transmission? (16:35)
Or lest you say, ‘Our forefathers associated others They have no knowledge of this, neither they nor
with Allah before our time, and we are merely de- their fathers. It is a monstrous utterance which has
scendants coming after them. So are You going to issued from their mouths. What they say is nothing
destroy us for what those purveyors of falsehood but a lie. (18:5)
did?’ (7:173) No indeed! We have given these people enjoy-
They said (to Musa), ‘Have you come to us to turn ment, as We did their fathers, until life seemed long
us from what we found our fathers doing, and to and good to them. Do they not see how We come
gain greatness in the land? We do not believe you.’ to the land eroding it from its extremities? Or are
(10:78) they the victors? (21:44)
They said, ‘Salih, we had great hopes in you before They said, ‘We found our fathers worshipping
this happened. Do you forbid us to worship what them.’ (21:53)
our fathers worshipped? We have grave doubts He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You and your fathers are clearly
about what you are calling us to.’ (11:62) misguided.’ (21:54)
They said, ‘Shu‘ayb, do your prayers instruct you Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has
that we should abandon what our fathers wor- selected you and not placed any constraint upon
shipped or stop doing whatever we want to with you in the religion–the religion of your forefather
our wealth? You are clearly the forbearing, the Ibrahim. He named you Muslims before and also
rightly-guided!’ (11:87) in this, so that the Messenger could be witness
So be in no doubt about what these people wor- against you and you could be witnesses against all
ship. They only worship as their forebears wor- mankind. So perform prayer and give the alms and
shipped previously. We will pay them their portion hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector–the Best
in full, with no rebate! (11:109) Protector, the Best Helper. (22:78)
(Yusuf's father said,) ‘Accordingly your Lord will The ruling circle of those of his people who disbe-
37
lieved said, ‘This is nothing but a human being Similarly We never sent any warner before you to
like yourselves who simply wants to gain ascen- any city without the affluent among them saying,
dancy over you. If Allah had wanted He would ‘We found our fathers following a religion and
have sent angels down. We never heard of any- we are simply following in their footsteps.’
thing like this among our ancestors, the earlier (43:23)
peoples.’ (23:24) Say: ‘What if I have come with better guidance
Do they not ponder these words? Has anything than what you found your fathers following?’
come to them that did not come to their ancestors, They say, ‘We reject what you have been sent
the previous peoples? (23:68) with.’ (43:24)
(They say,) ‘We and our forefathers were promised I let those people and their forefathers enjoy
this before. This is nothing but the myths of previ- themselves until the truth came to them and a
ous peoples!’ (23:83) Messenger to make it clear. (43:29)
They will say, ‘Glory be to You! It would not have There is no god but Him–He gives life and causes
been fitting for us to have taken any protectors to die–your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers,
apart from You. But You let them and their fathers the previous peoples. (44:8)
enjoy themselves so that they forgot the Reminder. (They say,) ‘Bring us our fathers if you are telling
They were people devoid of good.’ (25:18) the truth.’ (44:36)
He (Musa) said, ‘Your Lord and the Lord of your When Our Clear Signs are recited to them their
forefathers, the previous peoples.’ (26:26) only argument is to say, ‘Bring us our fathers if
They said, ‘No, but this is what we found our fa- you are telling the truth.’ (45:25)
thers doing.’ He said, ‘Have you really thought They are nothing but names which you your-
about what you worship, you and your fathers selves have given, you and your forefathers.
who came before?’ (26:74-76) Allah has sent down no authority for them. They
Those who disbelieve say, ‘When we and our fa- are following nothing but conjecture and what
thers are turned to dust will we then be brought their own selves desire. And that when guidance
forth again? We have been promised this before, has reached them from their Lord! (53:23)
we and our fathers. This is nothing but myths and And (before that the Companions of the Left
legends of previous peoples.’ (27:67-68) were) saying, ‘When we are dead and turned to
But when Musa brought them Our Clear Signs dust and bones, shall we then be raised again or
they said, ‘This is nothing but trumped-up magic. our forefathers, the earlier peoples?’ (56:47-48)
We never heard anything like this among our ear-
lier forefathers.’ (28:36) ANGEL OF DEATH (AZRAEL)
When they are told: ‘Follow what Allah has sent Say: ‘The Angel of Death, who has been given
down,’ they say, ‘No, we will follow what we charge of you, will take you back and then you
found our fathers doing.’ What! Even if Satan is will be sent back to your Lord.’ (32:11)
calling them to the punishment of the Blazing
Fire? (31:21) ANGELS
(They say,) ‘When we are dead and turned to dust When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am putting
and bones will we then be raised up again alive? an overlord on the earth,’ they said, ‘Why put on
And our earlier ancestors as well?’ (37:16-17) it one who will cause corruption on it and shed
They found their fathers misguided. (37:69) blood when we glorify You with praise and pro-
(Ilyas said to his people,) ‘Allah is your Lord and claim Your purity?’ He said, ‘I know what you do
Lord of your forefathers, the previous peoples.’ not know.’ (2:30)
(37:126) He taught Adam the names of all things. Then He
No, in fact they say, ‘We found our fathers fol- arrayed them before the angels and said, ‘Tell me
lowing a religion and we are simply guided in the names of these if you are telling the truth.’
their footsteps.’ (43:22) (2:31)
38
We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam!’ and the families of Musa and Harun. It will be borne
they prostrated, with the exception of Diabolis. by angels. There is a sign for you in that if you are
He refused and was arrogant and was one of the believers.’ (2:248)
disbelievers. (2:34) The Messenger believes in what has been sent
(Say,) ‘Anyone who is the enemy of Allah and of down to him from his Lord, and so do the believ-
His angels, and of His Messengers and of Gabriel ers. Each one believes in Allah and His angels
and Michael, should know that Allah is the and His Books and His Messengers. We do not
enemy of the disbelievers.’ (2:98) differentiate between any of His Messengers.
They follow what the Satans recited in the reign They say, ‘We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our
of Sulayman. Sulayman did not disbelieve, but Lord! You are our journey’s end.’ (2:285)
the Satans did, teaching people sorcery and what Allah bears witness that there is no god but Him,
had been sent down to Harut and Marut, the two as do the angels and the people of knowledge,
angels in Babylon, who taught no one without upholding justice. There is no god but Him, the
first saying to him, ‘We are merely a trial and Almighty, the All-Wise. (3:18)
temptation, so do not disbelieve.’ People learned The angels called out to him while he (Zakariyya)
from them how to separate a man and his wife was standing in prayer in the Upper Room:
but they cannot harm anyone by it, except with ‘Allah gives you the good news of Yahya, who
Allah's permission. They have learned what will will come to confirm a Word from Allah, and will
harm them and will not benefit them. They know be a leader and a celibate, a Prophet and one of
that any who deal in it will have no share in the the righteous.’ (3:39)
hereafter. What an evil thing they have sold And when the angels said, ‘Maryam, Allah has
themselves for if they only knew! (2:102) chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you
But as for those who disbelieve and die while over all other women.’ (3:42)
they are disbelievers, the curse of Allah is upon When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives
them and that of the angels and all mankind. you good news of a Word from Him. His name is
(2:161) the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East in this world and the hereafter, and one of those
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness brought near.’ (3:45)
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, He would never command you to take the angels
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, and Prophets as Lords. Would He command you
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to to disbelieve after being Muslim? (3:80)
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, The repayment of such people is that Allah’s
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves curse is on them and that of the angels and of all
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; mankind. (3:87)
those who honour their contracts when they And when you said to the believers, ‘Is it not
make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill- enough for you that your Lord reinforced you
ness and in battle. Those are the people who are with three thousand angels, sent down?’ (3:124)
true. They are the people who guard against evil. Yes indeed! But if you are steadfast and guard
(2:177) against evil and they come upon you suddenly,
What are they waiting for but for Allah to come your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand
to them in the shadows of the clouds, together angels, clearly identified. (3:125)
with the angels, in which case the matter will The angels ask those they take while they are
have been settled? All matters return to Allah. wronging themselves, ‘What were your circum-
(2:210) stances?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed on
Their Prophet said to them, ‘The sign of his king- earth.’ They say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not wide
ship is that the Ark will come to you, containing enough for you to have migrated elsewhere in it?’
serenity from your Lord and certain relics left by The shelter of such people will be Hell. What an
39
evil destination! (4:97) come to them or for your Lord Himself to come,
You who believe! Believe in Allah and His or for one of your Lord’s Signs to come? On the
Messenger and in the Book He sent down to His day that one of your Lord’s Signs does come, no
Messenger, and the Books He sent down before. faith which a self professes will be of any use to it
Anyone who rejects Allah and His angels and if it did not believe before and earn good in its
His Books and His Messengers and the Last Day faith. Say: ‘Wait, then; We too are waiting.’
has gone very far astray. (4:136) (6:158)
But Allah bears witness to what He has sent We created you and then formed you and then
down to you. He has sent it down with His We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam,’
knowledge. The angels bear witness as well. And and they prostrated–except for Diabolis. He was
Allah suffices as a Witness. (4:166) not among those who prostrated. (7:11)
The Messiah would never disdain to be a servant Then Satan whispered to them, disclosing to
to Allah nor would the angels near to Him. If any them their private parts that had been concealed
do disdain to worship Him, and grow arrogant, He from them. He said, ‘Your Lord has only forbid-
will in any case gather them all to Him. (4:172) den you this tree lest you become angels or
They say, ‘Why has an angel not been sent down among those who live for ever.’ (7:20)
to him?’ If We were to send down an angel, that Remember when you called on your Lord for
would be the end of the affair and they would help and He responded to you: ‘I will reinforce
have no reprieve. (6:8) you with a thousand angels riding rank after
And if We had made him an angel We would still rank.’ (8:9)
have made him a man, and further confused for And when your Lord revealed to the angels, ‘I am
them the very thing they are confused about! (6:9) with you so make those who believe firm. I will
Say: ‘I do not say to you that I possess the treas- cast terror into the hearts of those who disbe-
uries of Allah, nor do I know the Unseen, nor do lieve, so strike their necks and strike all their fin-
I say to you that I am an angel. I only follow what ger joints!’ (8:12)
has been revealed to me.’ Say: ‘Are the blind the If only you could see when the angels take back
same as those who can see? So will you not re- those who disbelieved at their death, beating
flect?’ (6:50) their faces and their backs: ‘Taste the punishment
Who could do greater wrong than someone who of the Burning!’ (8:50)
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs, or Perhaps you are leaving aside part of what has
who says, ‘It has been revealed to me,’ when been revealed to you and your breast is con-
nothing has been revealed to him, or someone stricted by this because they say, ‘Why has treas-
who says, ‘I will send down the same as Allah ure not been sent down to him or an angel not
has sent down’? If you could only see the wrong- accompanied him?’ You are only a warner and
doers in the throes of death when the angels are Allah is Guardian over all things. (11:12)
stretching out their hands, saying, ‘Disgorge your (Nuh said,) ‘I do not say to you that I possess the
own selves! Today you will be repaid with the treasuries of Allah; nor do I know the Unseen;
punishment of humiliation for saying something nor do I say that I am an angel; nor do I say to
other than the truth about Allah, and being arro- those who are vile in your eyes that Allah will not
gant about His Signs.’ (6:93) give them any good. Allah knows best what is in
Even if We sent down angels to them, and the their hearts. If I did, I would certainly be one of
dead spoke to them, and We gathered together the wrongdoers.’ (11:31)
everything in front of them right before their But when she heard of their malicious talk, she
eyes, they would still not believe unless Allah sent for them and made a sumptuous meal and
willed. The truth is that most of them are igno- then she gave a knife to each of them. She said,
rant. (6:111) ‘Go out to them.’ When they saw him (Yusuf),
What are they waiting for but for the angels to they were amazed by him and cut their hands.
40
They said, ‘Allah preserve us! This is no man. They say, ‘We will not believe you until you
What can this be but a noble angel here!’ (12:31) make a spring gush out from the earth for us; or
The thunder glorifies His praise, as do the angels, have a garden of dates and grapes which you
out of fear of Him. He discharges the thunder- make rivers come pouring through; or make the
bolts, striking with them anyone He wills. Yet still sky, as you claim, fall down on us in lumps; or
they argue about Allah when He is inexorable in bring Allah and the angels here as a guarantee.’
His power! (13:13) (17:90-92)
Gardens of Eden which they will enter, and all of Say: ‘If there had been angels on the earth going
their parents, wives and children who were right- about in peace, We would have sent down to
eous. Angels will enter in to welcome them from them an angel from heaven as Messenger.’
every gate. (13:23) (17:95)
(They say,) ‘Why do you not bring angels to us if When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your-
you are telling the truth?’ (15:7) selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep-
The angels only descend with the truth and then tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and
they would be granted no reprieve. (15:8) wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do
When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am creating you take him and his offspring as protectors apart
a human being out of dried clay formed from from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is
fetid black mud.’ (15:28) the exchange the wrongdoers make! (18.50)
Then the angels prostrated all together, every one When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your-
of them. (15:30) selves to Adam!’ they prostrated, with the excep-
He sends down angels with the Spirit of His com- tion of Diabolis who disdained to do it. (20:116)
mand to any of His servants He wills: ‘Give The greatest terror will not upset them and the
warning that there is no god but Me, so have fear angels will welcome them: ‘This is your Day, the
of Me!’ (16:2) one that you were promised.’ (21:103)
As for those the angels take in death while they Allah chooses Messengers from the angels and
are wronging themselves, they will offer their from mankind. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.
submission: ‘We did not do any evil.’ Oh yes you (22:75)
did! Allah knows what you were doing. (16:28) The ruling circle of those of his people who dis-
(Those who guard against evil are) those the an- believed said, ‘This is nothing but a human being
gels take in a virtuous state. They say, ‘Peace be like yourselves who simply wants to gain ascen-
upon you! Enter the Garden for what you dancy over you. If Allah had wanted He would
did.’(16:32) have sent angels down. We never heard of any-
What are they waiting for but the angels to come thing like this among our ancestors, the earlier
to them or your Lord's command to come? That peoples.’ (23:24)
is like what those before them did. Allah did not They say, ‘What is the matter with this
wrong them; rather they wronged themselves. Messenger, that he eats food and walks in the
(16:33) market-place? Why has an angel not been sent
Everything in the heavens and every creature on down to him so that it can be a warner along
the earth prostrates to Allah, as do the angels. with him?’ (25:7)
They are not puffed up with pride. (16:49) Those who do not expect to meet Us say, ‘Why
Has your Lord honoured you with sons and have angels not been sent down to us? Why do
Himself taken the angels as daughters? It is truly we not see our Lord?’ They have become arro-
something terrible that you say! (17:40) gant about themselves and are excessively inso-
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- lent. (25:21)
selves to Adam!’ they prostrated, except for On the Day they see the angels, there will be no
Diabolis. He said ‘What! Am I to prostrate to one good news that Day for the evildoers. They will
You have created out of clay?’ (17:61) say, ‘There is an absolute ban.’ (25:22)
41
The Day when Heaven is split apart in clouds, and ask forgiveness for those who are on the earth.
the angels are sent down rank upon rank. (25:25) Allah is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Say: ‘The Angel of Death, who has been given (42:5)
charge of you, will take you back and then you will They have designated the angels as female, those
be sent back to your Lord.’ (32:11) who are in the presence of the All-Merciful! Were
It is He Who calls down blessing on you, as do His they present to witness their creation? Their testi-
angels, to bring you out of the darkness into the mony will be recorded and they will be asked
light. He is Most Merciful to the believers. (33:43) about it! (43:19)
Allah and His angels call down blessings on the (Pharaoh said,) ‘Why have gold bracelets not been
Prophet. You who believe! Call down blessings on put upon his arms and why is there not a train of
him and ask for complete peace and safety for him. angels accompanying him?’ (43:53)
(33:56) If We wished We could appoint angels in ex-
On the Day We gather them all together and then change for you to succeed you on the earth.
say to the angels, ‘Was it you whom these people (43:60)
were worshipping?’ (34:40) How will it be when the angels take them in
Praise be to Allah, the Bringer into Being of the death, beating their faces and their backs?
heavens and earth, He Who made the angels mes- (47:27)
sengers, with wings–two, three or four. He adds to And how many angels there are in the heavens
creation in any way He wills. Allah has power over whose intercession is of no benefit at all until
all things. (35:1) Allah has authorised those He wills and is
They cannot eavesdrop on the Highest Assembly pleased with them! (53:26)
(of angels) and they are stoned from every side. Those who do not believe in the hereafter give
(37:8) the angels female names. (53:27)
Or did We create the angels female, with them as If the two of you would only turn to Allah, for
witnesses? (37:150) your hearts clearly deviated... But if you support
(Say:) ‘I knew nothing of the Highest Assembly (of one another against him, Allah is his Protector
angels) when they debated.’ (38:69) and so are Gabriel and every right-acting man of
Your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am going to create a the believers and, furthermore, the angels too
human being out of clay.’ (38:71) will come to his support. (66:4)
So the angels prostrated, all of them together. The angels will be gathered round its edge. On
(38:73) that Day, eight will bear the Throne of their Lord
You will see the angels circling round the Throne, above their heads. (69:17)
glorifying their Lord with praise. It will be decided The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a day
between them with truth. And it will be said: whose length is fifty thousand years. (70:4)
‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.’ We have only appointed angels as masters of the
(39:75) Fire and We have only specified their number as
When the Messengers came to them from in front a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who
and from behind, saying, ‘Do not worship anyone were given the Book might gain in certainty, and
but Allah,’ they said, ‘If our Lord had willed, He those who believe might increase in their faith,
could have sent angels down, so we reject the and both those who were given the Book and the
Message you have been sent with.’ (41:14) believers might have no doubt; and so that those
The angels descend on those who say, ‘Our Lord is with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers
Allah,’ and then go straight: ‘Do not fear and do not might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam-
grieve but rejoice in the Garden you have been ple?’ In this way Allah misguides those He wills
promised.’ (41:30) and guides those He wills. No one knows the le-
The heavens are all but rent asunder from above gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a
when the angels glorify their Lord with praise and reminder to all human beings. (74:31)
42
On the Day when the Spirit and the angels stand his repayment is Hell, remaining in it timelessly,
in ranks, no one will speak, except for him who for ever. Allah is angry with him and has cursed
is authorised by the All-Merciful and says what is him, and has prepared for him a terrible punish-
right. (78:38) ment. (4:93)
And your Lord arrives with the angels rank upon Say: ‘Shall I tell you of a reward with Allah far
rank. (89:22) worse than that: that of those whom Allah has
In it the angels and the Spirit descend by their cursed and with whom He is angry–turning some
Lord’s authority with every ordinance. (97:4) of them into monkeys and into pigs–and who
worshipped false gods? Such people are in a
ANGER worse situation and further from the right way.’
Guide us on the Straight Path, the Path of those (5:60)
You have blessed, not of those with anger on You see many of them taking those who disbe-
them, nor of the misguided. (1:5-7) lieve as their friends. What their lower selves
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up have advanced for them is evil indeed, bringing
with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to Allah’s anger down upon them. They will suffer
supply to us some of what the earth produces–its punishment timelessly, for ever. (5:80)
green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and He said, ‘Punishment and anger have come
onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is down on you from your Lord. Do you argue with
better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt, me regarding names which you and your forefa-
then you will have what you are asking for.’ thers invented and for which Allah has sent
Abasement and destitution were stamped upon down no authority? Wait, then; I am waiting with
them. They brought down anger from Allah upon you.’ (7:71)
themselves. That was because they rejected When Musa returned to his people in anger and
Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any great sorrow, he said, ‘What an evil thing you did
right to do so. That was because they rebelled in my absence after I left! Did you want to hasten
and went beyond the limits. (2:61) your Lord’s command?’ He threw down the
What an evil thing they have sold themselves for Tablets and seized hold of his brother’s head,
in rejecting what Allah has sent down, outraged dragging him towards him. Harun said, ‘Son of
that Allah should send down His favour on my mother, The people oppressed me and almost
whichever of His servants He wills. They have killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat
brought down anger upon anger on themselves. over me. Do not include me with the wrongdo-
The disbelievers will have a humiliating punish- ing people.’ (7:150)
ment. (2:90) As for those who adopted the Calf, anger from
They will be plunged into abasement wherever their Lord will overtake them together with
they are found, unless they have a treaty with abasement in the life of this world. That is how
Allah and with the people. They have brought we repay the purveyors of falsehood. (7:152)
down anger from Allah upon themselves, and When Musa’s anger abated he picked up the
they have been plunged into destitution. That Tablets and in their inscription was guidance and
was because they rejected Allah’s Signs and mercy for all of them who feared their Lord.
killed the Prophets without any right to do so. (7:154)
That was because they disobeyed and went be- Anyone who turns his back on them that day, un-
yond the limits. (3:112) less he is withdrawing to rejoin the fight or with-
Is someone who pursues the pleasure of Allah drawing to support another group, brings Allah’s
the same as someone who incurs displeasure anger down upon himself. His refuge is Hell.
from Allah and whose refuge is Hell? What an What an evil destination! (8:16)
evil destination! (3:162) Among them there are some who find fault with
As for anyone who kills a believer deliberately, you concerning the alms. If they are given some
43
of it, they are pleased but if they are not given thoughts about Allah. They will suffer an evil turn
any, they are angry. (9:58) of fate. Allah is angry with them, and has cursed
Those who reject Allah after having believed–ex- them and prepared Hell for them. What an evil
cept for someone forced to do it whose heart re- destination! (48:6)
mains at rest in its faith–but as for those whose Do you not see those who have turned to people
breasts become dilated with disbelief, anger from with whom Allah is angry? They belong neither
Allah will come down on them. They will have a to you nor to them. And they swear to falsehood
terrible punishment. (16:106) and do so knowingly. (58:14)
Eat of the good things We have provided for you You who believe! Do not make friends of people
but do not go to excess in it or My anger will be with whom Allah is angry, who have despaired
unleashed on you. Anyone who has My anger of the hereafter as the disbelievers have de-
unleashed on him has plunged to his ruin. spaired of the inhabitants of the graves. (60:13)
(20:81)
Musa returned to his people in anger and great ANIMALS
sorrow. He said, ‘My people, did not your Lord Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for
make you a handsome promise? Did the fulfil- Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what-
ment of the contract seem too long to you or did ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
you want to unleash your Lord’s anger upon heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the
yourselves, so you broke your promise to me?’ place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a
(20:86) head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or
And Dhu’n-Nun when he left in anger and sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And
thought We would not punish him. He called out if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of
in the pitch darkness: ‘There is no god but You! a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make
Glory be to You! Truly I have been one of the whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who
wrongdoers.’ (21:87) cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage
And the punishment is removed from her if she and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is
testifies four times by Allah that he (her husband) for anyone whose family does not live near the
is lying and a fifth time that Allah’s anger will be Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of
upon her if he is telling the truth. (24:8-9) Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution.
Those who disbelieved will be addressed: (2:196)
‘Allah’s hatred of you, when you were called to When he leaves you, he goes about the earth
faith but then chose disbelief, is even greater corrupting it, destroying crops and animals.
than your hatred of yourselves.’ (40:10) Allah does not love corruption. (2:205)
The argument of those who argue about Allah, You who believe! Fulfil your contracts. All live-
once He has been acknowledged, has no basis stock animals are lawful for you, except those
whatsoever with their Lord. There is anger upon that are recited to you now; but it is still not law-
them and they will have a harsh punishment. ful to hunt while you are in the state of pilgrim-
(42:16) age. Allah makes whatever judgements He wills.
(Believers are) those who avoid major wrong ac- (5:1)
tions and indecencies and who, when they are You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
angered, then forgive. (42:37) of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
That is because they followed what angers Allah animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
and hated what is pleasing to Him. So He made for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
their actions come to nothing. (47:28) pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
And so that He might punish the men and is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
women of the hypocrites and the men and a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
women of the idolaters–those who think bad (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
44
the limits. Help each other to goodness and Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a
heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo- special institution for mankind, and also the sa-
ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se- cred months and the sacrificial animals and the
vere in retribution. (5:2) ritual garlands. That is so you will know that
Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork, Allah knows what is in the heavens and in the
and what has been consecrated to other than earth and that Allah has knowledge of all things.
Allah, and animals which have been strangled, (5:97)
and animals which have been killed by a blow, They say, ‘These animals and crops are sacro-
and animals which have fallen to their death, sanct. No one may eat them except those we
and animals which have been gored, and ani- wish’,–as they allege–and animals on whose
mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those backs it is forbidden to ride, and animals over
you are able to slaughter properly–and animals which they do not mention Allah’s name, invent-
which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid- ing falsehood against Him. He will repay them
ing things by means of divining arrows–that is for the things they have invented. (6:138)
deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de- They say, ‘What is in the wombs of these animals
spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not is exclusively for our men and forbidden for our
be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I wives. But if it is stillborn, they can share in it.’
have perfected your religion for you and com- He will repay them for their false depiction. He is
pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6:139)
with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is And also animals for riding and for haulage and
forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing, animals for slaughtering and for wool. Eat what
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3) Allah has provided for you and do not follow in
They will ask you what is lawful for them. Say: the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to
‘All good things are lawful for you, and also what you. (6:142)
is caught for you by hunting animals which you We made forbidden for the Jews every animal
have trained as Allah has taught you. Eat what with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle
they catch for you, mentioning Allah’s name over and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them,
it.’ And have fear of Allah. Allah is swift at reck- except what is attached to their backs or guts or
oning. (5:4) mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid
You who believe! Allah will test you with game them for their insolence. And We certainly speak
animals which come within the reach of your the truth. (6:146)
hands and spears, so that Allah will know those The worst of animals in the sight of Allah are
who fear Him in the Unseen. Anyone who over- those who disbelieve and do not believe. (8:55)
steps the limits after this will have a painful pun- The metaphor of the life of this world is that of
ishment. (5:94) water which We send down from the sky, and
You who believe! Do not kill game while you are which then mingles with the plants of the earth to
in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any provide food for both people and animals. Then,
deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani- when the earth is at its loveliest and takes on its
mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by fairest guise and its people think they have it
two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the under their control, Our command comes upon
Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast- it by night or day and We reduce it to dried-out
ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste stubble, as though it had not been flourishing just
the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has the day before! In this way We make Our Signs
pardoned all that took place in the past; but if clear for people who reflect. (10:24)
anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on It is He Who sends down water from the sky.
him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. From it you drink and from it come the shrubs
(5:95) among which you graze your herds. (16:10)
45
Announce the Pilgrimage to mankind. They will those who followed him at the ‘time of difficulty’,
come to you on foot and on every sort of lean an- after the hearts of a group of them had almost de-
imal, coming by every distant road so that they viated. Then He turned towards them–He is All-
can be present at what will profit them and in- Gentle, Most Merciful to them. (9:117)
voke Allah’s name on specific days over live- Those who were already settled in the abode,
stock He has provided for them. Eat of them and and in faith, before they came, love those who
feed those who are poor and in need. (22:27-28) have migrated to them and do not find in their
You can make use of the sacrificial animals until hearts any need for what they have been given
a specified time, and then their place of sacrifice and prefer them to themselves even if they them-
is by the Ancient House. (22:33) selves are needy. It is the people who are safe-
We have appointed the sacrificial animals for guarded from the avarice of their own selves who
you as one of the sacred rites of Allah. There is are successful. (59:9)
good in them for you, so invoke Allah’s name
over them, as they stand in rows. And then when
ANT
they collapse on their sides, eat of them and feed
Then, when they reached the Valley of the Ants,
both those who ask and those who are too shy to
an ant said, ‘Ants! Enter your dwellings so that
ask. In this way We have subjected them to you
Sulayman and his troops do not crush you unwit-
so that hopefully you will be thankful. (22:36)
tingly.’ (27:18)
We revealed to him: ‘Build the Ship under Our
supervision and as We reveal. When Our com-
mand comes and water bubbles up from the APE
earth, load into it a pair of every (animal) species, You are well aware of those of you who broke
and your family–except for those among them the Sabbath. We said to them, ‘Be apes, de-
against whom the word has already gone ahead. spised, cast out.’ (2:65)
And do not address Me concerning those who do Say: ‘Shall I tell you of a reward with Allah far
wrong. They shall be drowned. (23:27) worse than that: that of those whom Allah has
Allah created every animal from water. Some of cursed and with whom He is angry–turning some
them go on their bellies, some of them on two of them into monkeys and into pigs–and who
legs, and some on four. Allah creates whatever worshipped false gods? Such people are in a
He wills. Allah has power over all things. (24:45) worse situation and further from the right way.’
It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad- (5:60)
vance news of His mercy. And We send down When they were insolent about what they had
from heaven pure water so that by it We can bring been forbidden to do, We said to them, ‘Be apes,
a dead land to life and give drink to many of the despised, cast out!’ (7:166)
animals and people We created. (25:48-49)
APPETITE
ANSAR (SUPPORTERS) To mankind the love of worldly appetites is
The forerunners–the first of the Migrants painted in glowing colours: women and chil-
(Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar)–and dren, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver,
those who have followed them in doing good: and horses with fine markings, and livestock and
Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment
with Him. He has prepared Gardens for them of the life of this world. The best homecoming is
with rivers flowing under them, remaining in in the presence of Allah. (3:14)
them timelessly, for ever and ever. That is the Allah desires to turn towards you, but those who
great victory. (9:100) pursue their lower appetites desire to make you
Allah has turned towards the Prophet, and the deviate completely. (4:27)
Migrants (Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar), An evil generation succeeded them who neg-
46
lected the prayer and followed their appetites. But before it there was the Book of Musa as a
They will plunge into the Valley of Evil– (19:59) model and a mercy. And this is a corroborating
But as for him who feared the Station of his Lord Book in the Arabic tongue so that you may warn
and forbade the lower self its appetites, the those who do wrong, and as good news for the
Garden will be his refuge. (79:40-41) good-doers. (46:12)
No indeed! You do not honour orphans nor do
you urge the feeding of the poor; you devour in- A’RAF (SEE THE HEIGHTS)
heritance with voracious appetites and you have
an insatiable love of wealth. (89:17-20)
ARAFAT
There is nothing wrong in seeking bounty from
ARABIC your Lord. When you pour down from Arafat, re-
We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an so member Allah at the Sacred Landmark.
that hopefully you will use your intellect. (12:2) Remember Him because He has guided you,
Accordingly We have sent it down as a judge- even though before this you were astray. Then
ment in Arabic. If you followed their whims and press on from where the people press on and ask
desires after the knowledge that has come to you, Allah’s forgiveness. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
you would have no protector or defender against Merciful. (2:198-199)
Allah. (13:37)
We know that they say, ‘It is only a human being
ARGUMENT
who is teaching him.’ The language of him they
Say, ‘Do you argue with us about Allah when He
allude to is a foreign one whereas this is in clear
is our Lord and your Lord? We have our actions
and lucid Arabic. (16:103)
and you have your actions. We act for Him
In this way We have sent it down as an Arabic
alone.’ (2:139)
Qur’an and We have made various threats in it
What about the one who argued with Ibrahim
so that hopefully they will guard against evil or it
about his Lord, on the basis that Allah had given
will spur them into remembrance. (20:113)
him sovereignty? Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord is He
The Faithful Spirit brought it down to your heart
Who gives life and causes to die.’ He said, ‘I too
so you would be one of the Warners in a clear
give life and cause to die.’ Ibrahim said, ‘Allah
Arabic tongue. (26:193-195)
makes the sun come from the East. Make it come
If We had sent it down to a non-Arab who had
from the West.’ And the one who was a disbe-
then recited it to them, they still would not be-
liever was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide
lieve in it. (26:198-199)
wrongdoing people. (2:258)
We have given all kinds of examples to people in
If they argue with you, say, ‘I have submitted my-
this Qur'an, so that hopefully they will pay
self completely to Allah, and so have all who fol-
heed–an Arabic Qur’an with no distortion in it,
low me.’ Say to those given the Book and those
so that hopefully they will guard against evil.
who have no Book, ‘Have you become Muslim?’
(39:27-28)
If they become Muslim, they have been guided.
A Book whose verses have been demarcated for
If they turn away, you are only responsible for
people who know as an Arabic Qur’an. (41:3)
transmission. Allah sees His servants. (3:20)
Accordingly We have revealed to you an Arabic
This is news from the Unseen which We reveal to
Qur’an so that you may warn the Mother of
you. You were not with them when they cast
Cities (Makka) and those around it, and give
their reeds to see which of them would be the
warning of the Day of Gathering about which
guardian of Maryam. You were not with them
there is no doubt: one group in the Garden,the
when they quarrelled. (3:44)
other in the Blazing Fire. (42:7)
If anyone argues with you about him after the
We have made it an Arabic Qur’an so that hope-
knowledge that has come to you, say, ‘Come
fully you will use your intellect. (43:3)
47
then! Let us summon our sons and your sons, our Those who argue about him are in doubt about
women and your women, ourselves and your- it. They have no real knowledge of it, just con-
selves. Then let us make earnest supplication and jecture. But they certainly did not kill him.
call down the curse of Allah upon the liars.’ (4:157)
(3:61) His people argued with him. He (Ibrahim) said,
(Say,) ‘People of the Book! Why do you argue ‘Are you arguing with me about Allah when He
concerning Ibrahim when the Torah and Gospel has guided me? I have no fear of any partner you
were only sent down after him? Why do you not ascribe to Him unless my Lord should will such a
use your intellect? You are people arguing about thing to happen. My Lord encompasses all things
something of which you have no knowledge. in His knowledge so will you not pay heed?’
Why do you argue about something of which (6:80)
you have no knowledge? Allah knows; you do He (Hud) said, ‘Punishment and anger have
not know.’ (3:65-66) come down on you from your Lord. Do you
(A group of the People of the Book say,) ‘Do not argue with me regarding names which you and
trust anyone except for those who follow your re- your forefathers invented and for which Allah
ligion.’ Say, ‘Allah’s guidance is true guidance. has sent down no authority? Wait, then; I am
But you think it is impossible for anyone to be waiting with you.’ (7:71)
given the same as you were given, or to argue Remember when Allah showed them to you in
with you before your Lord.’ Say, ‘All favour is in your dream as only a few. If He had shown you
Allah’s Hand and He gives it to whoever He them as many, you would have lost heart and
wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.’ quarrelled about the matter; but Allah saved you.
(3:73) He knows what your hearts contain. (8:43)
Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not quar-
slaughtering them by His permission. But then rel among yourselves lest you lose heart and your
you faltered, disputing the command, and dis- momentum disappear. And be steadfast. Allah is
obeyed after He showed you what you love. with the steadfast. (8:46)
Among you are those who want this world and They said, ‘Nuh, you have argued with us and ar-
among you are those who want the hereafter. gued much so bring us what you have promised
Then He turned you from them in order to test us if you are telling the truth.’ (11:32)
you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows When the feeling of fear left Ibrahim, and the
favour to the believers. (3:152) good news reached him, he disputed with Us
No, by your Lord, they are not believers until about the people of Lut. (11:74)
they make you their judge in the disputes that The thunder glorifies His praise, as do the angels,
break out between them, and then find no resist- out of fear of Him. He discharges the thunder-
ance within themselves to what you decide and bolts, striking with them anyone He wills. Yet still
submit themselves completely. (4:65) they argue about Allah when He is inexorable in
Do not argue on behalf of those who betray His power! (13:13)
themselves. Allah does not love any evildoing On that Day every self will come to argue for it-
traitors. (4:107) self and every self will be paid in full for what it
Here you are arguing on their behalf in this did. They will not be wronged. (16:111)
world, but who will argue with Allah on their be- Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and
half on the Day of Rising? Who will act as fair admonition, and argue with them in the kind-
guardian for them then? (4:109) est way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided
And (on account of) their saying, ‘We killed the from His way. And He knows best who are
Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of guided. (16:125)
Allah.’ They did not kill him and they did not cru- They argued among themselves about the matter
cify him but it was made to seem so to them. and had a secret conference. (20:62)
48
Among people there is one who argues about Do you not see those who argue about Allah’s
Allah without knowledge, and follows every re- Signs? How have they been turned around? (40:69)
bellious Satan. (22:3) The argument of those who argue about Allah,
Among people there is one who argues about once He has been acknowledged, has no basis
Allah without knowledge or guidance or any whatsoever with their Lord. There is anger upon
light-giving Book. (22:8) them and they will have a harsh punishment.
Here are two rival groups who disputed concern- (42:16)
ing their Lord. Those who disbelieve will have Those who argue about Our Signs should know
garments of fire cut out for them, and boiling that they have no way of escape. (42:35)
water poured over their heads. (22:19) He will say, ‘Do not argue in My presence when I
We have appointed for every nation a rite that gave you advance warning of the Threat.’ (50:28)
they observe, so let them not dispute with you
about the matter. Call the people to your Lord. You ARIM
are guided straight. (22:67) But they turned away so We unleashed against
If they do argue with you, say: ‘Allah knows best them the flood from the great dam and ex-
what you are doing.’ (22:68) changed their two gardens for two others con-
Arguing in it with one another, they will say, ‘By taining bitter-tasting plants and tamarisk and a
Allah, we were plainly misguided.’ (26:96-97) few lote trees. (34:16)
Only argue with the People of the Book in the
kindest way–except in the case of those of them
who do wrong–saying, ‘We believe in what has ARK (OF THE COVENANT)
been sent down to us and what was sent down to Their Prophet said to them, ‘The sign of his king-
you. Our God and your God are one and we sub- ship is that the Ark will come to you, containing
mit to Him.’ (29:46) serenity from your Lord and certain relics left by
Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you the families of Musa and Harun. It will be borne
everything in the heavens and earth and has show- by angels. There is a sign for you in that if you are
ered His blessings upon you, both outwardly and believers.’ (2:248)
inwardly? Yet there are people who argue about
Allah without knowledge or guidance or any illu- ARK (OF NUH (AS))
minating Book. (31:20) But they denied him (Nuh) so We rescued him
What are they waiting for but one Great Blast to and those with him in the Ark. And We drowned
seize them while they are quibbling? (36:49) the people who denied Our Signs. They were a
All this is certainly true–the bickering of the people blind people. (7:64)
of the Fire. (38:64) But they denied him (Nuh) so We rescued him,
Then on the Day of Rising you will argue in the and all those with him, in the Ark and We made
presence of your Lord. (39:31) them the successors and We drowned the people
Those who argue about the Signs of Allah without who denied Our Signs. See the final fate of those
any authority coming to them do something hate- who were warned! (10:73)
ful in the sight of Allah and in the sight of the peo- (It was revealed to Nuh:) ‘Build the Ark under Our
ple who believe. That is how Allah seals up the supervision and as We reveal and do not address
heart of every arrogant oppressor. (40:35) Me concerning the wrongdoers. They shall be
Certainly those who argue about the Signs of Allah drowned.’ (11:37)
without any authority having come to them have He (Nuh) began to build the Ark and every time
nothing in their breasts except for pride which they some nobles of his people passed him by, they
will never be able to vindicate. Therefore seek ridiculed him. He said, ‘Though you ridicule us
refuge with Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the All- now, we will certainly ridicule you as you do us.’
Seeing. (40:56) (11:38)

49
We rescued him (Nuh) and the occupants of the them increase from His favour. As for those who
Ark and made that into a Sign for all the worlds. show disdain and grow arrogant, He will punish
(29:15) them with a painful punishment. They will not
find any protector or helper for themselves be-
ARMY sides Allah. (4:173)
Those of you who turned their backs on the day You will find that the people most hostile to those
the two armies clashed–it was Satan who made who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You
them slip for what they had done. But Allah has will find the people most affectionate to those
pardoned them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All- who believe are those who say, ‘We are
Forbearing. (3:155) Christians.’ That is because some of them are
What assailed you on the day the two armies met priests and monks and because they are not arro-
was by Allah’s permission, so that He would gant. (5:82)
know the believers, (3:166) Who could do greater wrong than someone who
We did not send down to his people any army invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs, or
from heaven after him nor would We send one who says, ‘It has been revealed to me,’ when
down. (36:28) nothing has been revealed to him, or someone
They have taken gods besides Allah so that per- who says, ‘I will send down the same as Allah
haps they may be helped. They cannot help them has sent down’? If you could only see the wrong-
even though they are an army mobilised in their doers in the throes of death when the angels are
support. (36:74-75) stretching out their hands, saying, ‘Disgorge your
It is Our army which will be victorious. (37:173) own selves! Today you will be repaid with the
(He said,) ‘Leave the sea divided as it is. They are punishment of humiliation for saying something
an army who will be drowned.’ (44:24) other than the truth about Allah, and being arro-
So We seized him and his armies and hurled gant about His Signs.’ (6:93)
them into the sea, and he was to blame. (51:40) He said, ‘Descend from Heaven. It is not for you
to be arrogant in it. So get out! You are one of the
ARROGANCE abased.’ (7:13)
We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam!’ and But as for those who reject Our Signs and are ar-
they prostrated, with the exception of Diabolis. rogant regarding them, they are the Companions
He refused and was arrogant and was one of the of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, for ever.
disbelievers. (2:34) (7:36)
We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of As for those who deny Our Signs and are arro-
Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of gant regarding them, the Gates of Heaven will not
Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with be opened for them, and they will not enter the
the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a Garden until a camel goes through a needle’s eye.
Messenger came to you with something your That is how We repay the evildoers. (7:40)
lower selves did not desire, did you grow arrogant, The Companions of the Heights will call out to
and deny some of them and murder others? (2:87) men they recognise by their mark, saying, ‘What
What they call on apart from Him are female you amassed was of no use to you, nor was your
idols. What they call on is an arrogant Satan. arrogance.’ (7:48)
(4:117) The ruling circle of those of his people who were
The Messiah would never disdain to be a servant arrogant said to those who were oppressed–those
to Allah nor would the angels near to Him. If any among them who believed–‘Do you know that
do disdain to worship Him, and grow arrogant, He Salih has been sent from his Lord?’ They said, ‘We
will in any case gather them all to Him. (4:172) believe in what he has been sent with.’ (7:75)
As for those who believe and do right actions, He Those who were arrogant said, ‘We reject Him in
will pay them their wages in full and will give whom you believe.’ (7:76)
50
The ruling circle of those of his people who were Among people there is one who argues about
arrogant said, ‘We will drive you out of our city, Allah without knowledge or guidance or any
Shu‘ayb, you and those who believe along with light-giving Book, turning away arrogantly, to
you, unless you return to our religion.’ He said, misguide people from the Way of Allah. He will
‘What, even though we detest it?’ (7:88) be disgraced in this world and on the Day of
So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice, Rising We will make him taste the punishment of
frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but the Burning. (22:8-9)
they proved arrogant and were an evildoing peo- Then We sent Musa and his brother Harun with
ple. (7:133) Our Signs and clear authority to Pharaoh and his
I will divert from My Signs all those who are ar- ruling circle. But they were proud and were a
rogant in the earth without any right. If they see haughty people. (23:45-46)
every Sign, they will not believe in it. If they see (The affluent will be told,) ‘My Signs were recited
the way of right guidance, they will not take it as to you and you turned round on your heels, arro-
a way. But if they see the way of error, they will gant towards it, talking arrant nonsense all night
take that as a way. That is because they denied long.’ (23:66-67)
Our Signs and paid no attention to them. (7:146) Those who do not expect to meet Us say, ‘Why
Do not be like those who left their homes in arro- have angels not been sent down to us? Why do
gance, showing off to people and barring them we not see our Lord?’ They have become arro-
from the way of Allah–Allah encompasses what gant about themselves and are excessively inso-
they do. (8:47) lent. (25:21)
Then after them We sent Musa and Harun with And they repudiated them wrongly and haugh-
Our Signs to Pharaoh and his ruling circle, but tily, in spite of their own certainty about them.
they were arrogant and were a people of evildo- See the final fate of the corrupters. (27:14)
ers. (10:75) Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land
They will all parade before Allah and the weak and divided its people into camps, oppressing
will say to those who were arrogant, ‘We fol- one group of them by slaughtering their sons and
lowed you, so can you help us at all against the letting their women live. He was one of the cor-
punishment of Allah?’ They will say, ‘If Allah had rupters. (28:4)
guided us, we would have guided you. It makes He and his troops were arrogant in the land with-
no difference whether we cannot stand it or bear out any right. They thought that they would not
it patiently. We have no way of escape.’ (14:21) return to Us. (28:39)
Your God is One God. As for those who do not That abode of the hereafter–We grant it to those
believe in the hereafter, their hearts are in denial who do not seek to exalt themselves in the earth
and they are puffed up with pride. (16:22) or to cause corruption in it. The successful out-
(The evildoers will be told,) ‘Enter the gates of come is for those who guard against evil. (28:83)
Hell, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. How And Qarun and Pharaoh and Haman–Musa
evil is the abode of the arrogant!’ (16:29) came with the Clear Signs to them, but they were
Do not strut arrogantly about the earth. You will arrogant on the earth. They could not outstrip Us.
certainly never split the earth apart nor will you (29:39)
ever rival the mountains in height. (17:37) When Our Signs are recited to such a person, he
(‘Isa said,) ‘And (He directed me) to show devo- turns away arrogantly as if he had not heard, as if
tion to my mother. He has not made me insolent there was a great weight in his ears. So give him
or arrogant.’ (19:32) news of a painful punishment. (31:7)
Everyone in the heavens and the earth belongs to Do not avert your face from people out of haugh-
Him. Those in His presence do not consider tiness and do not strut about arrogantly on the
themselves too great to worship Him and do not earth. Allah does not love anyone who is vain or
grow tired of it. (21:19) boastful. (31:18)
51
The people who truly do believe in Our Signs are the heart of every arrogant oppressor. (40:35)
those who fall to the ground prostrating when When they are squabbling with one another in
they are reminded of them, and glorify their Lord the Fire, the weak will say to those deemed great,
with praise, and are not arrogant. (32:15) ‘We were your followers, so why do you not re-
Those who disbelieve say, ‘We will never believe lieve us of a portion of the Fire?’ (40:47)
in this Qur'an, nor in what came before it.’ If only Those deemed great will say, ‘All of us are in it.
you could see when the wrongdoers, standing in Allah has clearly judged between His servants.’
the presence of their Lord, cast accusations back (40:48)
and forth at one another! Those deemed weak Your Lord says, ‘Call on Me and I will answer
will say to those deemed great, ‘Were it not for you. Those who who are too proud to worship
you, we would have been believers!’ (34:31) Me will enter Hell abject.’ (40:60)
Those deemed great will say to those deemed (Disbelievers will be told,) ‘Enter the gates of
weak, ‘Did we debar you from the guidance when Hell, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. How
it came to you? No, it is you who were evildoers.’ evil is the abode of the arrogant!’ (40:76)
(34:32) ‘Ad were arrogant in the land, without any right,
They swore by Allah with their most earnest oaths saying, ‘Who has greater strength than us?’ Did
that if a warner came to them they would be better they not see that Allah, Who created them, had
guided than any other community. But then when greater strength than them? But they renounced
a warner did come to them, it only increased their Our Signs. (41:15)
aversion, shown by their arrogance in the land and If they grow arrogant, those who are with your
evil plotting. But evil plotting envelops only those Lord glorify Him night and day and never grow
who do it. Do they expect anything but the pattern tired. (41:38)
of previous peoples? You will not find any chang- And (Musa said:) ‘Do not exalt yourselves above
ing in the pattern of Allah. You will not find any al- Allah. I come to you with clear authority.’ (44:19)
teration in the pattern of Allah. (35:42-43) We rescued the tribe of Israel from the humiliat-
When they were told, ‘There is no god but Allah,’ ing punishment, from Pharaoh–he was haughty,
they were arrogant. (37:35) one of the profligate. (44:30-31)
So the angels prostrated (to Adam), all of them to- Woe to every wicked liar who hears the Signs of
gether, except for Diabolis who was arrogant and Allah recited to him and then persists in his arro-
was one of the disbelievers. (38:73-74) gance just as if he had never heard them. Give
‘No, the fact is that My Signs came to you but you him the news of a painful punishment. (45:7-8)
denied them and were arrogant and were one of But as for those who disbelieved: ‘Were My Signs
the disbelievers.’ (39:59) not recited to you and yet you proved arrogant;
On the Day of Rising you will see those who lied you were a people of evildoers?’ (45:31)
against Allah with their faces blackened. Do not Say: ‘What do you think? If it is from Allah and
the arrogant have a dwelling place in Hell? you reject it, when a witness from the tribe of
(39:60) Israel testifies to its similarity and believes while
They will be told, ‘Enter the gates of Hell and stay you are arrogant...! Allah certainly does not
there timelessly, for ever. How evil is the abode guide wrongdoing people.’ (46:10)
of the arrogant!’ (39:72) On the Day when those who disbelieved are ex-
Musa said, ‘I seek refuge in my Lord and your posed to the Fire: ‘You dissipated the good things
Lord from every proud man who does not be- you had in your worldly life and enjoyed yourself
lieve in the Day of Reckoning.’ (40:27) in it. So today you are being repaid with the pun-
Those who argue about the Signs of Allah with- ishment of humiliation for being arrogant in the
out any authority coming to them do something earth without any right and for being deviators.’
hateful in the sight of Allah and in the sight of the (46:20)
people who believe. That is how Allah seals up When they are told, ‘Come, and the Messenger of
52
Allah will ask forgiveness for you,’ they turn their ASHAB AL-MASH'AMA (SEE COMPANIONS
heads and you see them turn away in haughty ar- OF THE LEFT)
rogance. (63:5)
(Nuh said,) ‘Indeed, every time I called them to ASHAB AL-'UKHDUD (SEE COMPANIONS
Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their ears, OF THE PIT)
wrapped themselves up in their clothes and were
overweeningly arrogant.’ (71:7) ASHAB AL-YEMEEN (SEE COMPANIONS
Then he (who was obdurate about Our Signs) drew OF THE RIGHT)
back and was proud. (74:23)
ASKING LORD (DU´A)
ARROWS And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up
Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork, and with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to
what has been consecrated to other than Allah, supply to us some of what the earth produces–its
and animals which have been strangled, and ani- green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
mals which have been killed by a blow, and ani- onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
mals which have fallen to their death, and animals better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
which have been gored, and animals which wild then you will have what you are asking for.’
beasts have eaten–except those you are able to Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
slaughter properly–and animals which have been them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
sacrificed on altars, and deciding things by means themselves. That was because they rejected
of divining arrows–that is deviance. Today those Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any
who disbelieve have despaired of overcoming right to do so. That was because they rebelled
your religion. So do not be afraid of them but be and went beyond the limits. (2:61)
afraid of Me. Today I have perfected your religion They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear to us
for you and completed My blessing upon you and I what it should be like.’ He said, ‘He says it
am pleased with Islam as a religion for you. But if should be a cow, not old or virgin, but some-
anyone is forced by hunger, not intending any where between the two. So do as you have been
wrongdoing, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most told.’ (2:68)
Merciful. (5:3) They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear to us
You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone altars what colour it should be.’ He said, ‘He says it
and divining arrows are filth from the handiwork of should be a yellow cow, a pleasure to all who
Satan. Avoid them completely so that hopefully look.’ (2:69)
you will be successful. (5:90) They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear to us
what it should be like. Cows are all much the
ASHAB AL-AYKA (SEE COMPANIONS same to us. Then, if Allah wills, we will be
OF THE THICKET) guided.’ (2:70)

ASHAB AL-FIL (SEE COMPANIONS ASSOCIATING PARTNERS


OF THE ELEPHANT) WITH ALLAH (SHIRK)
Some people set up equals to Allah, loving them
ASHAB AL-KAHF (SEE COMPANIONS as they should love Allah. But those who believe
OF THE CAVE) have greater love for Allah. If only you could see
those who do wrong at the time when they see
the punishment, and that truly all strength be-
ASHAB AL-MAIMANA (SEE COMPANIONS longs to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punish-
OF THE RIGHT) ment. (2:165)
Say, ‘People of the Book! Come to a proposition
53
which is the same for us and you–that we should plight. Then you associate others with Him.’
worship none but Allah and not associate any (6:64)
partners with Him and not take one another as Then when he saw the sun come up he (Ibrahim)
lords besides Allah.’ If they turn away, say, ‘Bear said, ‘This is my Lord! This is greater!’ Then when
witness that we are Muslims.’ (3:64) it set he said, ‘My people, I am free of what you
We will cast terror into the hearts of those who associate with Allah!’ (6:78)
disbelieve because they have associated others (Ibrahim said,) ‘Why should I fear what you have
with Allah for which He has not sent down any associated with Him when you yourselves appar-
authority. Their shelter will be the Fire. How evil ently have no fear of associating partners with
is the abode of the wrongdoers! (3:151) Allah for which He has sent down no authority to
Worship Allah and do not associate anything you? Which of the two parties is more entitled to
with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives feel safe, if you have any knowledge?’ (6:81)
and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh- That is Allah’s guidance. He guides by it those of
bours who are related to you and neighbours His servants He wills. If they had associated oth-
who are not related to you, and to companions ers with Him, nothing they did would have been
and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not of any use. (6:88)
love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36) You have come to Us all alone just as We created
Allah does not forgive anything being associated you at first, leaving behind you everything We
with Him but He forgives whoever He wills for bestowed on you. We do not see your interces-
anything other than that. Anyone who associates sors accompanying you, those you claimed were
something with Allah has committed a terrible your partners with Allah. The link between you is
crime. (4:48) cut. Those you made such claims for have for-
Allah does not forgive anything being associated saken you. (6:94)
with Him but He forgives whoever He wills for Yet they make the jinn co-partners with Allah
anything other than that. Anyone who associates when He created them! And they attribute sons
something with Allah has gone very far astray. and daughters to Him without any knowledge.
(4:116) Glory be to Him! He is far above what they de-
Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam, scribe! (6:100)
is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe If Allah had willed, they would not have associ-
of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. ated anything with Him. We did not appoint you
If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah over them as their keeper and you are not set
has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will over them as their guardian. (6:107)
be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no They assign to Allah a share of the crops and
helpers. (5:72) livestock He has created, saying, ‘This is for
Say: ‘What thing is greatest as a witness?’ Say: Allah,’–as they allege–‘and this is for our idols.’
‘Allah. He is Witness between me and you. This Their idols’ share does not reach Allah whereas
Qur’an has been revealed to me so that I may Allah’s share reaches their idols! What an evil
warn you by it, and anyone else it reaches. Do judgement they make! (6:136)
you then bear witness that there are other gods In the same way their idols have made killing
together with Allah?’ Say: ‘I do not bear witness.’ their children appear good to many of the idol-
Say: ‘He is only One God, and I am free of all aters, in order to destroy them and confuse them
you associate with Him.’ (6:19) in their religion. If Allah had willed, they would
It is Him you call on and, if He wills, He will de- not have done it; so abandon them and what
liver you from whatever it was that made you call they fabricate. (6:137)
on Him; and you will forget what you associated Those who associate others with Allah will say,
with Him. (6:41) ‘If Allah had willed we would not have associ-
Say: ‘Allah rescues you from it, and from every ated anything with Him, nor would our fathers;
54
nor would we have made anything forbidden.’ In besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of
the same way the people before them also lied Maryam. Yet they were commanded to worship
until they felt Our violent force. Say: ‘Do you only one God. There is no god but Him! Glory be
have some knowledge you can produce for us? to Him above anything they associate with Him!
You are following nothing but conjecture. You (9:31)
are only guessing.’ (6:148) They worship, instead of Allah, what can neither
Say: ‘Come and I will recite to you what your harm them nor help them, saying, ‘These are our
Lord has made forbidden for you’: that you do intercessors with Allah.’ Say: ‘Would you inform
not associate anything with Him; that you are Allah of something about which He does not
good to your parents; that you do not kill your know either in the heavens or on the earth?’ May
children because of poverty–We will provide for He be glorified and exalted above what they as-
you and them; that you do not approach inde- sociate with Him! (10:18)
cency–outward or inward; that you do not kill Recite to them the story of Nuh when he said to
any person Allah has made inviolate–except with his people, ‘My people, if my standing here and
the right to do so. That is what He instructs you to reminding you of Allah’s Signs has become too
do so that hopefully you will use your intellect. much for you to bear, know that I have put my
(6:151) trust in Allah. So decide, you and your gods, on
Say: ‘My prayer and my rites, my living and my what you want to do and be open about it. Do
dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the with me whatever you decide and do not keep
worlds, Who has no partner. I am commanded to me waiting.’ (10:71)
be like that and I am the first of the Muslims.’ (Yusuf said,) ‘I hold fast to the creed of my fore-
(6:162-163) bears Ibrahim and Ishaq and Ya‘qub. We don’t
Say: ‘My Lord has forbidden indecency, both associate anything with Allah. And that is how
open and hidden, and wrong action, and un- Allah has favoured us and all mankind, but most
rightful tyranny, and associating anything with do not give thanks.’ (12:38)
Allah for which He has sent down no authority, Most of them do not believe in Allah without as-
and saying things about Allah you do not know.’ sociating others with Him. (12:106)
(7:33) Say: ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the
Or lest you say, ‘Our forefathers associated oth- earth?’ Say: ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘So why have you taken
ers with Allah before our time, and we are protectors apart from Him who possess no power
merely descendants coming after them. So are to help or harm themselves?’ Say: ‘Are the blind
You going to destroy us for what those purveyors and seeing equal? Or are darkness and light the
of falsehood did?’ (7:173) same? Or have they assigned partners to Allah
Then when He granted them a healthy, upright who create as He creates, so that all creating
child, they associated what He had given them seems the same to them?’ Say: ‘Allah is the
with Him. But Allah is far above what they asso- Creator of everything. He is the One, the All-
ciate with Him! (7:190) Conquering.’ (13:16)
Do they make things into partner-gods which What then of Him Who is standing over every
cannot create anything and are themselves cre- self seeing everything it does? Yet still they asso-
ated? (7:191) ciate others with Allah! Say: ‘Name them! Or
Do they have legs they can walk with? Do they would you inform Him of something in the earth
have hands they can grasp with? Do they have He does not know, or are they words which are
eyes they can see with? Do they have ears they simply guesswork on your part?’ However, the
can hear with? Say: ‘Call on your partner-gods plotting of those who disbelieve seems good to
and try all your wiles against me and grant me no them and they bar the way. Anyone misguided
reprieve.’ (7:195) by Allah has no guide. (13:33)
They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords Those to whom We gave the Book rejoice at
55
what has been sent down to you but some of the On the Day He says, ‘Call My partner-gods,
parties refuse to acknowledge part of it. Say: ‘I those for whom you made such claims,’ they will
have only been ordered to worship Allah and not call on them but they will not respond to them.
to associate anything with Him. I summon to We will place between them an unbridgeable
Him and to Him I will return.’ (13:36) gulf. (18:52)
When the affair is decided Satan will say, ‘Allah Say: ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It
made you a promise, a promise of truth, and I is revealed to me that your god is One God. So
made you a promise but broke my promise. I had let him who hopes to meet his Lord act rightly
no authority over you, except that I called you and not associate anyone in the worship of his
and you responded to me. Do not, therefore, Lord.’ (18:110)
blame me but blame yourselves. I cannot come And We located the position of the House for
to your aid nor you to mine. I reject the way you Ibrahim: ‘Do not associate anything with Me and
associated me with Allah before.’ The wrongdo- purify My House for those who circle it, and
ers will have a painful punishment. (14:22) those who stand and bow and prostrate.’ (22:26)
Allah’s command is coming, so do not try to has- Be people of pure natural belief in Allah, not as-
ten it. Glory be to Him! He is exalted above any- sociating anything else with Him. As for anyone
thing they associate with Him. He sends down who associates others with Allah, it is as though
angels with the Spirit of His command to any of he had fallen from the sky and the birds had
His servants He wills: ‘Give warning that there is seized him and carried him away or the wind
no god but Me, so have fear of Me!’ He created had dropped him in a distant place. (22:31)
the heavens and the earth with truth. He is ex- those who do not associate anything with their
alted above anything they associate with Him. Lord, (23:59)
(16:1-3) Knower of the Unseen and the Visible! May He
Then on the Day of Rising He will disgrace them, be exalted above all they associate with Him!
and say, ‘Where are My partner gods for whose (23:92)
sake you became so hostile?’ Those given knowl- Allah has promised those of you who believe and
edge will say, ‘Today there is disgrace and evil for do right actions that He will make them succes-
the disbelievers.’ (16:27) sors in the land as He made those before them
But when He removes the harm from you, a successors, and will firmly establish for them
group of you associate others with their Lord. their religion with which He is pleased and give
(16:54) them, in place of their fear, security. ‘They wor-
He (Satan) only has authority over those who ship Me, not associating anything with Me.’ Any
take him as a friend and associate others with who disbelieve after that, such people are devia-
Allah. (16:100) tors. (24:55)
Say: ‘Allah knows best how long they stayed. The Say: ‘Praise be to Allah and peace be upon His
Unseen of the heavens and the earth belongs to servants whom He has chosen.’ Is Allah better, or
Him. How perfectly He sees, how well He hears! what you associate with Him? (27:59)
They have no protector apart from Him. Nor He Who guides you in the darkness of land and
does He share His rule with anyone.’ (18:26) sea and sends out the winds bringing advance
‘He is, however, Allah, my Lord, and I will not news of His mercy. Is there another god besides
associate anyone with my Lord.’ (18:38) Allah? May Allah be exalted above what they as-
The fruits of his labour were completely de- sociate with Him! (27:63)
stroyed and he woke up wringing his hands in On the Day when He summons them He will
grief, rueing everything that he had spent on it. It say, ‘Where are they, those you claimed were My
was a ruin with all its trellises fallen in. He said, associates?’ (28:62)
‘Oh, if only I had not associated anyone with my They will be told, ‘Call on your partner-gods!’
Lord!’ (18:42) They will call on them but they will not respond
56
to them. They will see the punishment. Oh if thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final
only they had been guided! (28:64) destination. But if they try to make you associate
Your Lord creates and chooses whatever He something with Me about which you have no
wills. The choice is not theirs. Glory be to Allah! knowledge, do not obey them. Keep company
He is exalted above anything they associate with with them correctly and courteously in this world
Him! (28:68) but follow the Way of him who turns to Me. Then
On the Day when He summons them He will you will return to Me and I will inform you about
say, ‘Where are they, those you claimed to be My the things you did.’ (31:14-15)
associates?’ (28:74) Say: ‘Call on those you make claims for besides
We have instructed man to honour his parents, Allah. They have no power over even the small-
but if they endeavour to make you associate with est particle, either in the heavens or in the earth.
Me something about which you have no knowl- They have no share in them. He has no need of
edge, do not obey them. It is to Me you will re- their support.’ (34:22)
turn and I will inform you about the things you Say: ‘Show me those you have joined to Him as
did. (29:8) associates. No indeed! He is Allah, the Almighty,
When they embark in ships, they call on Allah, the All-Wise.’ (34:27)
making their religion sincerely His, but then when If you call on them they will not hear your call,
He delivers them safely to the land, they associate and were they to hear, they would not respond to
others with Him. (29:65) you. On the Day of Rising they will reject your
None of their partner-gods will intercede for them. making associates of them. No one can inform
They will reject their partner-gods. (30:13) you like One who is All-aware. (35:14)
He has made an example for you from among Say: ‘Have you thought about your partner gods,
yourselves. Are any of the slaves you own partners those you call upon besides Allah? Show me
with you in what We have provided for you so that what they have created of the earth; or do they
you are equal in respect of it, you fearing them the have a partnership in the heavens?’ Have We
same as one another? In that way We make Our given them a Book whose Clear Signs they fol-
Signs clear for people who use their intellect. low? No indeed! The wrongdoers promise each
(30:28) other nothing but delusion. (35:40)
When harm touches people they call on their Lord, Allah has made a metaphor for them of a man
repenting to Him. But then, when He gives them a owned by several partners in dispute with one
taste of mercy from Him, a group of them immedi- another and another man wholly owned by a sin-
ately associate others with their Lord. (30:33) gle man. Are they the same? Praise be to Allah!
Or have We sent down some authority to them, The fact is that most of them do not know.
which advocates associating others with Him? (39:29)
(30:35) It has been revealed to you and those before you:
Allah is He Who created you, then provides for ‘If you associate others with Allah, your actions
you, then will cause you to die and then bring you will come to nothing and you will be among the
back to life. Can any of your partner-gods do any of losers.’ (39:65)
that? Glory be to Him and may He be exalted That is because when Allah alone is called upon
above anything they associate with Him! (30:40) you disbelieve, but if others are associated with
When Luqman said to his son, counselling him, Him, you believe. Judgement belongs to Allah,
‘My son, do not associate anything with Allah. the All-High, the All-Great. (40:12)
Associating others with Him is a terrible wrong.’ You call me to reject Allah and to associate
(31:13) something with Him about which I have no
We have instructed man concerning his parents. knowledge, while I call you to the Almighty, the
Bearing him caused his mother great debility and Endlessly Forgiving. (40:42)
the period of his weaning was two years: ‘Give Then they will be asked, ‘Where are those be-
57
sides Allah you associated with Him?’ (40:73) ASTRAY
When they saw Our violent force, they said, ‘We Allah does not forgive anything being associated
believe in Allah alone and reject what we associ- with Him but He forgives whoever He wills for
ated with Him.’ (40:84) anything other than that. Anyone who associates
Knowledge of the Hour is referred to Him. And something with Allah has gone very far astray.
no fruit emerges from its husk, nor does any female (4:116)
get pregnant or give birth, without His knowledge. You who believe! Believe in Allah and His
On the Day He calls out to them: ‘Where are My Messenger and in the Book He sent down to His
associates?’ they will say, ‘We declare to you that Messenger, and the Books He sent down before.
none of us is a witness.’ (41:47) Anyone who rejects Allah and His angels and
Or do they have partners who have laid down a re- His Books and His Messengers and the Last Day
ligion for them for which Allah has not given any has gone very far astray. (4:136)
authority? Were it not for the prior Word of Those who disbelieve and bar access to the Way
Decision, the judgement between them would al- of Allah have gone very far astray. (4:167)
ready have been made. The wrongdoers will have The call of truth is made to Him alone. Those
a painful punishment. (42:21) they call upon apart from Him do not respond to
Say: ‘Have you thought about those you call upon them at all. It is like someone stretching out his
apart from Allah? Show me what they have created cupped hands towards water to convey it to his
on the earth. Or do they have a partnership in the mouth: it will never get there. The call of the dis-
heavens? Produce a Book for me before this one or believers only goes astray. (13:14)
a shred of knowledge if you are telling the truth.’ Say: ‘As for those who are astray, let the All-
(46:4) Merciful prolong their term until they see what
Do not set up another god together with Allah. they were promised, whether it be the punishment
Truly I bring you a clear warning from Him. (51:51) or the Hour. Then they will know who is in the
He is Allah–there is no god but Him. He is the worse position and has the weaker troops.’ (19:75)
King, the Most Pure, the Perfect Peace, the If they do not respond to you then know that they
Trustworthy, the Safeguarder, the Almighty, the are merely following their whims and desires. And
Compeller, the Supremely Great. Glory be to Allah who could be further astray than someone who
above all they associate with Him. (59:23) follows his whims and desires without any guid-
O Prophet! When women who believe come to ance from Allah? Allah does not guide the people
you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds that of the wrongdoers. (28:50)
they will not associate anything with Allah or steal Say: ‘Who provides for you from the heavens and
or fornicate or kill their children or give a false as- earth?’ Say: ‘Allah. It is certain that one or the other
cription of paternity–making up lies about their of us, either we or you, is following guidance or
bodies–or disobey you in respect of anything right, else clearly astray.’ (34:24)
then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness for His inseparable comrade will say, ‘Our Lord, I did
them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. not make him overstep the limits. He was, in any
(60:12) case, far astray.’ (50:27)
Or do they have Divine partners? Then let them
produce their partners if they are telling the truth! ATTRACTIVE
(68:41) Say: ‘Bad things and good things are not the
(Say,) ‘It leads to right guidance so we believe in it same, even though the abundance of the bad
and will not associate anyone with our Lord.’ things may seem attractive to you.’ Have fear of
(72:2) Allah, people of intelligence, so that hopefully
Say: ‘I call only upon my Lord and do not associ- you will be successful. (5:100)
ate anyone else with Him.’ (72:20) If only they had humbled themselves when Our
violent force came upon them! However, their
58
hearts were hard and Satan made what they were AVARICE
doing seem attractive to them. (6:43) Satan promises you poverty and commands you
Do not curse those they call upon besides Allah, to avarice. Allah promises you forgiveness from
in case that makes them curse Allah in animosity, Him and abundance. Allah is All-Encompassing,
without knowledge. In this way We make the ac- All-Knowing. (2:268)
tions of every nation seem attractive to them. Then Those who were already settled in the abode,
they will return to their Lord, and He will inform and in faith, before they came, love those who
them about what they did. (6:108) have migrated to them and do not find in their
Is someone who was dead and whom We brought hearts any need for what they have been given
to life, supplying him with a light by which to walk and prefer them to themselves even if they them-
among people, the same as someone who is in selves are needy. It is the people who are safe-
utter darkness, unable to emerge from it? That is guarded from the avarice of their own selves who
how what they were doing is made to seem attrac- are successful. (59:9)
tive to the disbelievers. (6:122) So have fear of Allah, as much as you are able to,
Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on and listen and obey and spend for your own ben-
their Lord morning and evening, desiring His face. efit. It is the people who are safe-guarded from
Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring the at- the avarice of their own selves who are success-
tractions of this world. And do not obey someone ful. (64:16)
whose heart We have made neglectful of Our re-
membrance and who follows his own whims and AWE
desires and whose life has transgressed all bounds. We responded to him (Zakariyya) and gave him
(18:28) Yahya, restoring for him his wife’s fertility. They
Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that outdid one another in good actions, calling out
perhaps I may gain means of access, access to the to Us in yearning and in awe, and humbling
heavens, so that I can look on Musa’s God. Truly I themselves to Us. (21:90)
think he is a liar.’ That is how Pharaoh’s evil actions All who obey Allah and His Messenger and have
were made attractive to him and he debarred oth- awe of Allah and fear of Him, they are the ones
ers from the Path. Pharaoh’s scheming led to noth- who are victorious. (24:52)
ing but ruin. (40:36-37)
AYYUB (AS) (JOB)
AUTHORITY We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh
The People of the Book will ask you to bring down and the Prophets who came after him. And We
a Book from heaven to them. They asked Musa for revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and
even more than that. They said, ‘Let us see Allah Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and
with our own eyes.’ So the lightning-bolt struck Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave
them down for their wrongdoing. Then they Dawud the Zabur. (4:163)
adopted the Calf after the Clear Signs had come to We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom
them, but We pardoned them for that and gave We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh.
Musa clear authority. (4:153) And among his descendants were Dawud and
Say: ‘My Lord has forbidden indecency, both open Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun.
and hidden, and wrong action, and unrightful That is how We recompense the good-doers.
tyranny, and associating anything with Allah for (6:84)
which He has sent down no authority, and saying And Ayyub when he called out to his Lord,
things about Allah you do not know.’ (7:33) ‘Great harm has afflicted me and You are the
Or have We sent down some authority to them, Most Merciful of the merciful.’ (21:83)
which advocates associating others with Him? Remember Our servant Ayyub when he called
(30:35) on his Lord: ‘Satan has afflicted me with exhaus-
59
tion and suffering.’ ‘Stamp your foot! Here is a
cool bath and water to drink.’ We gave him back
his family and the same again with them as a
mercy from Us and a reminder for people of in-
tellect. ‘Take a bundle of rushes in your hand and
strike with that but do not break your oath.’ We
found him steadfast. What an excellent servant!
He truly turned to his Lord. (38:41-44)

AZAR
Remember when Ibrahim said to his father, Azar,
‘Do you take idols as gods? I see that you and
your people are clearly misguided.’ (6:74)

AZRAEL (SEE ANGEL OF DEATH)

60
B It is He Who created all the species and gave you
ships and livestock for you to ride, so that you
BABYLON might sit firmly on their backs and remember
They follow what the Satans recited in the reign your Lord’s blessing while you are seated on
of Sulayman. Sulayman did not disbelieve, but them, saying, ‘Glory be to Him Who has sub-
the Satans did, teaching people sorcery and what jected this to us. We could never have done it by
had been sent down to Harut and Marut, the two ourselves.’ (43:12-13)
angels in Babylon, who taught no one without Say to the Arabs who remained behind: ‘You will
first saying to him, ‘We are merely a trial and be called up against a people who possess great
temptation, so do not disbelieve.’ People learned force whom you must fight unless they submit. If
from them how to separate a man and his wife you obey, Allah will give you an excellent re-
but they cannot harm anyone by it, except with ward. But if you turn your backs as you did be-
Allah's permission. They have learned what will fore, He will punish you with a painful
harm them and will not benefit them. They know punishment.’ (48:16)
that any who deal in it will have no share in the There is no constraint on the blind, nor on the
hereafter. What an evil thing they have sold lame, nor on the sick. We will admit all who
themselves for if they only knew! (2:102) obey Allah and His Messenger into Gardens with
rivers flowing under them. But We will punish
BACK with a painful punishment anyone who turns his
Those who deny the meeting with Allah have back. (48:17)
lost, so that, when the Hour comes upon them Then he drew back and was proud. (74:23)
suddenly, they will say, ‘Alas for what we neg- But he denied it and disobeyed, and then he
lected there!’ They will bear their burdens on hastily backed away. (79:21-22)
their backs. How evil is what they bear! (6:31)
They say, ‘These animals and crops are sacro- BACKBITING
sanct. No one may eat them except those we You who believe! Avoid most suspicion. Indeed
wish’,– as they allege–and animals on whose some suspicion is a crime. And do not spy and
backs it is forbidden to ride, and animals over do not backbite one another. Would any of you
which they do not mention Allah’s name, invent- like to eat his brother’s dead flesh? No, you
ing falsehood against Him. He will repay them would hate it. And have fear of Allah. Allah is
for the things they have invented. (6:138) Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (49:12)
We made forbidden for the Jews every animal (Do not obey) any backbiter, slandermonger.
with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle (68:11)
and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them, Woe to every faultfinding backbiter. (104:1)
except what is attached to their backs or guts or
mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid BADR (WAR OF BADR)
them for their insolence. And We certainly speak There was a sign for you in the two parties which
the truth. (6:146) met face to face, one party fighting in the Way of
On the Day it is heated up in the fire of Hell and Allah and the other disbelievers. You saw them
their foreheads, sides and backs are branded as twice their number with your own eyes. Allah
with it (and they are told): ‘This is what you reinforces with His help whoever He wills. There
hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you were is instruction in that for people of insight. (3:13)
hoarding!’ (9:35) Remember when you left your family early in the
If those who disbelieve only knew of the time day to instal the believers in their battle stations.
when they will not be able to keep the Fire away Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. And remem-
from their faces or their backs! And they will re- ber when two of your clans were on the point of
ceive no help! (21:39) losing heart and Allah was their Protector. Let the
61
believers put their trust in Allah. Allah helped If it was a decisive victory you were seeking, that
you at Badr when you were weak so have fear of victory has clearly been won. If you desist, it will
Allah, so that hopefully you will be thankful. And be better for you; but if you return, We also will
when you said to the believers, ‘Is it not enough return. Your troops will not help you at all, how-
for you that your Lord reinforced you with three ever many they are. Allah is with the believers.
thousand angels, sent down?’ Yes indeed! But if (8:19)
you are steadfast and guard against evil and they When you were on the nearer slope, and they
come upon you suddenly, your Lord will rein- were on the further slope and the caravan was
force you with five thousand angels, clearly iden- lower down than you. If you had made an ap-
tified. Allah only did this for it to be good news pointment with them you would have broken the
for you and so that your hearts might be set at rest appointment. However, it happened so that
by it (help comes from no one but Allah, the Allah could settle a matter whose result was pre-
Almighty, the All-Wise) and so that He might cut ordained: so that those who died would die with
off a group of those who disbelieve or crush them clear proof, and those who lived would live with
and they might be turned back in defeat. (3:121- clear proof. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
127) Remember when Allah showed them to you in
(Believers are) those to whom people said, ‘The your dream as only a few. If He had shown you
people have gathered against you, so fear them.’ them as many, you would have lost heart and
But that merely increased their faith and they quarrelled about the matter; but Allah saved you.
said, ‘Allah is enough for us and the Best of He knows what your hearts contain. Remember
Guardians.’ (3:173) when Allah made you see them as few when you
So they returned with blessings and bounty from met them, and also made you seem few in their
Allah and no evil touched them. They pursued eyes. This was so that Allah could settle a matter
the pleasure of Allah. Allah’s favour is indeed im- whose result was preordained. All matters return
mense. (3:174) to Allah. (8:42-44)
When Allah promised you that one of the two It is not fitting for a Prophet to take captives until
parties would be yours and you would have liked he has thoroughly subdued the land. You desire
it to have been the unarmed one, whereas Allah the goods of this world, whereas Allah desires
desired to verify the Truth by His words and to the hereafter. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:67)
cut off the last remnant of the disbelievers. This But if they mean to betray you, they have already
was so that He might verify the Truth and nullify previously betrayed Allah, so He has given you
the false, even though the evildoers hate that. power over them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
Remember when you called on your Lord for Wise. (8:71)
help and He responded to you: ‘I will reinforce
you with a thousand angels riding rank after BAKKA
rank.’ Allah only did this to give you good news The first House established for mankind was that
and that so your hearts would be at rest. Victory at Bakka, a place of blessing and a guidance for
comes from no one but Allah. Allah is Almighty, all beings. (3:96)
All-Wise. And when He overcame you with
sleep, making you feel secure, and sent you down BALANCE
water from heaven to purify you and remove the We will set up the Just Balance on the Day of
taint of Satan from you, and to fortify your hearts Rising and no self will be wronged in any way.
and make your feet firm. And when your Lord re- Even if it is no more than the weight of a grain of
vealed to the angels, ‘I am with you so make mustard-seed, We will produce it. We are suffi-
those who believe firm. I will cast terror into the cient as a Reckoner. (21:47)
hearts of those who disbelieve, so strike their Weigh with a level balance. (26:182)
necks and strike all their finger joints!’ (8:7-12) As for him whose balance is heavy, he will have
62
a most pleasant life. But as for him whose bal- He has let loose the two seas, converging to-
ance is light, his motherland is Hawiya. (101:6-9) gether, with a barrier between them they do not
break through. (55:19-20)
BARRENNESS
He (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord, how can I possi- BATTLE
bly have a son when I have reached old age and It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East
my wife is barren?’ He said, ‘It will be so. Allah or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
does whatever He wills.’ (3:40) are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
(Zakariyya said,) ‘I fear my relatives when I am the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
gone and my wife is barren, so give me an heir despite their love for it, give away their wealth to
from You.’ (19:5) their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
He (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord! How can I have a and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves
boy when my wife is barren and I have reached free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
advanced old age?’ (19:8) those who honour their contracts when they
Or He gives them both sons and daughters; and make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
He makes whoever He wishes barren. Truly He is ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
All-Knowing, All-Powerful. (42:50) true. They are the people who guard against evil.
His (Ibrahim's) wife came up with a shriek and (2:177)
struck her face and said, ‘What, and me a barren Remember when you left your family early in the
old woman!’ (51:29) day to instal the believers in their battle stations.
Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (3:121)
BARRIER You who believe, be steadfast; be supreme in
They said, ‘Dhu’l-Qarnayn! Yajuj and Majuj are steadfastness; be firm on the battlefield; and have
causing corruption in the land. Can we, there- fear of Allah; so that hopefully you will be suc-
fore, pay tribute to you in return for your con- cessful. (3:200)
structing a barrier between us and them?’ (18:94) You who believe! When you encounter those
He (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) said, ‘The power my Lord who disbelieve advancing in massed ranks into
has granted me is better than that. Just give me a battle, do not turn your backs on them. (8:15)
strong helping hand and I will build a solid bar- So do not obey the disbelievers but use this (the
rier between you and them.’ (18:95) Qur’an) to battle against them with all your
It is He Who has unloosed both seas–the one might. (25:52)
sweet and refreshing, the other salty and
bitter–and put a dividing line between them, an BATTLE OF THE TRENCH
uncrossable barrier. (25:53) You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to
He Who made the earth a stable dwelling place you when forces came against you and We sent a
and appointed rivers flowing through its midst wind against them and other forces you could
and placed firmly embedded mountains on it not see. Allah sees what you do. (33:9)
and set a barrier between the two seas. Is there When they came at you from above you and
another god besides Allah? No indeed, but most below you, when your eyes rolled and your
of them do not know it! (27:61) hearts rose to your throats, and you thought un-
A barrier will be set up between them and the worthy thoughts about Allah, at that point the be-
thing that they desire, just as was done with their lievers were tested and severely shaken.
kind before. They too were in a state of crippling (33:10-11)
doubt. (34:54) When the hypocrites and people with sickness in
We have placed a barrier in front of them and a their hearts said, ‘What Allah and His Messenger
barrier behind them, blindfolding them so that promised us was mere delusion.’ (33:12)
they cannot see. (36:9) And a group of them said, ‘People of Yathrib,
63
Your position is untenable so return!’ some of and some are still waiting to do so, not having
them asked the Prophet to excuse them, saying, changed in any way at all. (33:23)
‘Our houses are exposed,’ when they were not So that Allah might recompense the truthful for
exposed; it was merely that they wanted to run their truth and punish the hypocrites, if He wills,
away. (33:13) or turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
If they had been overrun from every side, and Most Merciful. (33:24)
had then been asked to revert to disbelief, they Allah sent back those who disbelieved in their
would have done so and hesitated very little rage without their achieving any good at all.
about it. (33:14) Allah made it unnecessary for the believers to
Yet they had previously made a contract with fight. Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (33:25)
Allah that they would never turn their backs.
Contracts made with Allah will be asked about. BATTLE OF UHUD
(33:15) Remember when you left your family early in the
Say: ‘Flight will not benefit you if you try to run day to instal the believers in their battle stations.
away from death or being killed. Then you will Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. And remem-
only enjoy a short respite.’ (33:16) ber when two of your clans were on the point of
Say: ‘Who is going to shield you from Allah if He losing heart and Allah was their Protector. Let the
desires evil for you or desires mercy for you?’ believers put their trust in Allah. (3:121-122)
They will find no one to protect or help them be- If you have received a wound, they have already
sides Allah. (33:17) received a similar wound. We deal out such days
Allah knows the obstructers among you and to people turn by turn, so that Allah will know
those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and those who believe and can gather martyrs from
who only come to fight a very little, and are be- among you–Allah does not love wrongdoers–and
grudging towards you. Then when fear comes, so that Allah can purge those who believe and
you see them looking at you, their eyes rolling wipe out the disbelievers. Or did you imagine
like people scared to death. But when fear de- that you were going to enter the Garden without
parts they flay you with sharp tongues, grasping Allah knowing those among you who had strug-
for wealth. Such people have no faith and Allah gled and knowing the steadfast? You were long-
will make their actions come to nothing. That is ing for death before you met it. Now you have
easy for Allah. (33:18-19) seen it with your own eyes. Muhammad is only a
They think that the Confederates have not de- Messenger and he has been preceded by other
parted and if the Confederates did appear then Messengers. If he were to die or be killed, would
they would wish they were out in the desert with you turn on your heels? Those who turn on their
the Arabs, asking for news of you. If they were heels do not harm Allah in any way. Allah will
with you they would only fight a very little. recompense the thankful. (3:140-144)
(33:20) Those of you who turned their backs on the day
You have an excellent model in the Messenger of the two armies clashed–it was Satan who made
Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the them slip for what they had done. But Allah has
Last Day and remember Allah much. (33:21) pardoned them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-
When the believers saw the Confederates they Forbearing. (3:155)
said: ‘This is what Allah and His Messenger If you are killed in the Way of Allah or if you die,
promised us. Allah and His Messenger told us the forgiveness and mercy from Allah are better than
truth.’ It only increased them in faith and in sub- anything you can acquire. (3:157)
mission. (33:22) Why is it that when a calamity happens to you,
Among the believers there are men who have when you have already inflicted twice as much,
been true to the contract they made with Allah. you say, ‘How could this possibly happen?’ Say,
Some of them have fulfilled their pact by death ‘It has come from your own selves.’ Allah has
64
power over all things. (3:165) structures which men erect. Then eat from every
What assailed you on the day the two armies met kind of fruit and travel the paths of your Lord,
was by Allah’s permission, so that He would which have been made easy for you to follow.’
know the believers, and so that He would know From inside them comes a drink of varying
the hypocrites. They were told, ‘Come and fight colours, containing healing for mankind. There is
in the Way of Allah or at least help defend us.’ certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect.
They said, ‘If we knew how to fight, we would (16:68-69)
certainly follow you.’ They were closer to disbe-
lief that day than to faith, saying with their BELIEVERS (MU'MINUN)
mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah (Believers are) those who are aware that they will
knows best what they are hiding. They are those meet their Lord and that they will return to Him.
who said of their brothers, when they themselves (2:46)
had stayed behind, ‘If they had only obeyed us, Say, ‘Anyone who is the enemy of Gabriel should
they would not have been killed.’ Say, ‘Then know that it was he who brought it down upon
ward off death from yourselves if you are telling your heart, by Allah’s authority, confirming what
the truth.’ (3:166-168) came before, and as guidance and good news for
the believers.’ (2:97)
BEAST Or did you suppose that you would enter the
The likeness of those who disbelieve is that of the Garden without facing the same as those who
beast which, call out to it as one may, can hear came before you? Poverty and illness afflicted
nothing but a shout and a cry. Deaf–dumb–blind. them and they were shaken o the point that the
They do not use their intellect. (2:171) Messenger and those who believed with him said,
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and ‘When is Allah’s help coming?’ Be assured that
everyone on the earth prostrates to Allah, and the Allah’s help is very near. (2:214)
sun and moon and stars and the mountains, trees The Messenger believes in what has been sent
and beasts and many of mankind? But many of down to him from his Lord, and so do the believ-
them inevitably merit punishment. Those Allah ers. Each one believes in Allah and His angels
humiliates will have no one to honour them. and His Books and His Messengers. We do not
Allah does whatever He wills. (22:18) differentiate between any of His Messengers.
When the wild beasts are all herded together... They say, ‘We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our
(81:5) Lord! You are our journey’s end.’ (2:285)
The believers should not take disbelievers as
BEAST OF THE EARTH friends rather than believers. Anyone who does
(DABBATUL ARDH) that has nothing to do with Allah at all–unless it
When the Word is justly carried out against is because you are afraid of them. Allah advises
them, We will produce a Beast from the earth you to be afraid of Him. Allah is the final destina-
which will speak to them. Truly mankind had no tion. (3:28)
certainty about Our Signs. (27:82) The people with the strongest claim to Ibrahim
are those who followed him and this Prophet and
BED those who believe. Allah is the Protector of the
Their sides eschew their beds as they call on their believers. (3:68)
Lord in fear and ardent hope. And they give of Remember when you left your family early in the
what We have provided for them. (32:16) day to instal the believers in their battle stations.
Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (3:121)
BEE And remember when two of your clans were on
Your Lord revealed to the bees: ‘Build dwellings the point of losing heart and Allah was their
in the mountains and the trees, and also in the Protector. Let the believers put their trust in
65
Allah. (3:122) a charity. If he is from a people who are your en-
Allah showed great kindness to the believers emies and is a believer, you should free a believ-
when He sent a Messenger to them from among ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty
themselves to recite His Signs to them and purify with, blood money should be paid to his family
them and teach them the Book and Wisdom, and you should free a believing slave. Anyone
even though before that they were clearly mis- who cannot find the means should fast two con-
guided. (3:164) secutive months. This is a concession from Allah.
What assailed you on the day the two armies met Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92)
was by Allah’s permission, so that He would As for anyone who kills a believer deliberately,
know the believers. (3:166) his repayment is Hell, remaining in it timelessly,
(Those killed in the way of Allah are) rejoicing in for ever. Allah is angry with him and has cursed
blessings and favour from Allah and that Allah him, and has prepared for him a terrible punish-
does not let the wage of the believers go to ment. (4:93)
waste. (3:171) You who believe! When you go out to fight in the
That was only Satan who intimidated his adher- Way of Allah verify things carefully. Do not say,
ents. But do not fear them–fear Me if you are be- ‘You are not a believer’, to someone who greets
lievers. (3:175) you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the
Allah will only leave the believers in the position goods of this world. With Allah there is booty in
you now are in so that He can sift out the rotten abundance. That is the way you were before but
from the good. Allah has not given you access to Allah has been kind to you. So verify things care-
the Unseen. But Allah chooses those of His fully. Allah is aware of what you do. (4:94)
Messengers whom He wills. So believe in Allah Those believers who stay behind–other than
and His Messengers. If you believe and guard those forced to by necessity–are not the same as
against evil you will have an immense reward. those who strive in the Way of Allah, sacrificing
(3:179) their wealth and themselves. Allah has given
If any of you do not have the means to marry free those who strive with their wealth and them-
women who are believers, you may marry slave- selves a higher rank than those who stay behind.
girls who are believers. Allah knows best about Allah has promised the Best to both, but Allah
your faith; you are all the same in that respect. has preferred those who strive over those who
Marry them with their owners’ permission and stay behind by an immense reward. (4:95)
give them their dowries correctly and courte- When you have finished prayer remember Allah
ously as married women, not in fornication or standing, sitting and lying on your sides. When
taking them as lovers. When they are married, if you are safe again perform prayer in the normal
they commit fornication they should receive half way. The prayer is prescribed for the believers at
the punishment of free women. This is for those specific times. (4:103)
of you who are afraid of committing fornication. But if anyone opposes the Messenger after the
But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever- guidance has become clear to him, and follows
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25) other than the path of the believers, We will hand
So fight in the way of Allah–you are only answer- him over to whatever he has turned to, and We
able for yourself–and spur on the believers. It will roast him in Hell. What an evil destination!
may well be that Allah will curb the force of (4:115)
those who disbelieve. Allah has greater force and Do those who take the disbelievers as protectors,
greater power to punish. (4:84) rather than the believers, hope to find power and
A believer should never kill another believer un- strength with them? Power and strength belong
less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer entirely to Allah. (4:139)
by mistake should free a believing slave and pay Those who anticipate the worst for you say,
blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as ‘Were we not with you?’ whenever you gain a
66
victory from Allah, but if the disbelievers have a who believe are those who say, ‘We are
success they say, ‘Did we not have the upper Christians.’ That is because some of them are
hand over you and yet in spite of that keep the priests and monks and because they are not arro-
believers away from you?’ Allah will judge be- gant. (5:82)
tween you on the Day of Rising. Allah will not It is a Book sent down to you–so let there be no
give the disbelievers any way against the believ- constriction in your breast because of it–so that
ers. (4:141) you can give warning by it and as a reminder to
You who believe! Do not take the disbelievers as the believers. (7:2)
friends rather than the believers. Do you want to They will ask you about booty. Say: ‘Booty be-
give Allah clear proof against you? (4:144) longs to Allah and the Messenger. So have fear of
The hypocrites are in the lowest level of the Fire. Allah and put things right between you. Obey
You will not find any one to help them, except Allah and His Messenger if you are believers.’
those who repent and put things right and hold (8:1)
fast to Allah and dedicate their religion to Allah The believers are those whose hearts tremble
alone; they are with the believers. Allah will give when Allah is mentioned, whose faith is in-
the believers an immense reward. (4:145-146) creased when His Signs are recited to them, and
But those of them who are firmly rooted in who put their trust in their Lord; those who per-
knowledge, and the believers, believe in what form prayer and give of what We have provided
has been sent down to you and what was sent for them. (8:2-3)
down before you: those who perform prayer and They are in truth the believers. They have high
give the alms, and believe in Allah and the Last ranks with their Lord and forgiveness and gener-
Day–We will pay such people an immense ous provision. (8:4)
wage. (4:162) Just as your Lord brought you out from your
Today all good things have been made lawful for house with truth, even though a group of the be-
you. And the food of those given the Book is also lievers disliked it. (8:5)
lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. You did not kill them; it was Allah Who killed
So are chaste women from among the believers them; and you did not throw, when you threw; it
and chaste women of those given the Book be- was Allah Who threw: so He might test the be-
fore you, once you have given them their lievers with this excellent trial from Him. Allah is
dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (8:17)
them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects If it was a decisive victory you were seeking, that
faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the victory has clearly been won. If you desist, it will
hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:5) be better for you; but if you return, We also will
You who believe! If any of you renounce your re- return. Your troops will not help you at all, how-
ligion, Allah will bring forward a people whom ever many they are. Allah is with the believers.
He loves and who love Him, humble to the be- (8:19)
lievers, fierce to the disbelievers, who strive in If they intend to deceive you, Allah is enough for
the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of you. It is He Who supported you with His help
any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of and with the believers. (8:62)
Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah O Prophet! Allah is enough for you, and for the
is Boundless, All-Knowing. (5:54) believers who follow you. (8:64)
Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and O Prophet! Spur on the believers to fight. If there
those who believe: those who perform prayer are twenty of you who are steadfast, they will
and give the alms, and bow. (5:55) overcome two hundred; and if there are a hun-
You will find that the people most hostile to those dred of you, they will overcome a thousand of
who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You those who disbelieve, because they are people
will find the people most affectionate to those who do not understand. (8:65)
67
Those who believe and have migrated and lievers who give charity spontaneously, and with
strived in the Way of Allah and those who have those who can find nothing to give but their own
given refuge and help, they are the true believers. effort, and deride them, Allah derides them. They
They will have forgiveness and generous provi- will have a painful punishment. (9:79)
sion. (8:74) But the Messenger and those who believe along
They respect neither kinship nor treaty where a with him have strived with their wealth and with
believer is concerned. They are the people who themselves. They are the people who will have
overstep the limits. (9:10) the good things. They are the ones who are suc-
Or did you suppose that you would be left with- cessful. (9:88)
out Allah knowing those of you who have strived Say: ‘Act, for Allah will see your actions, and so
and who have not taken anyone as their intimate will His Messenger and the believers. You will be
friends besides Allah and His Messenger and the returned to the Knower of the Unseen and the
believers? Allah is aware of what you do. (9:16) Visible and He will inform you regarding what
Then Allah sent down His serenity on His you did.’ (9:105)
Messenger and on the believers, and sent down As for those who have set up a mosque, causing
troops you could not see, and punished those harm and out of disbelief, to create division be-
who disbelieved. That is how the disbelievers are tween the believers, and in readiness for those
repaid. (9:26) who previously made war on Allah and His
Say: ‘Nothing can happen to us except what Messenger, they will swear, ‘We only desired the
Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is best.’ But Allah bears witness that they are truly
in Allah that the believers should put their trust.’ liars. (9:107)
(9:51) Allah has bought from the believers their selves
Among them are some who insult the Prophet, and their wealth in return for the Garden. They
saying he is only an ear. Say, ‘An ear of good for fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are
you, believing in Allah and believing in the be- killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the
lievers, and a mercy for those among you who Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is
believe.’ As for those who insult the Messenger of truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in
Allah, they will have a painful punishment. the bargain you have made. That is the great vic-
(9:61) tory. (9:111)
They swear to you by Allah in order to please Those who repent, those who worship, those
you, but it would be more fitting for them to who praise, those who fast, those who bow,
please Allah and His Messenger if they are be- those who prostrate, those who command the
lievers. (9:62) right, those who forbid the wrong, those who
The men and women of the believers are friends preserve the limits of Allah: give good news to
of one another. They command what is right and the believers. (9:112)
forbid what is wrong, and perform prayer and It is not necessary for the believers to go out all
give the alms, and obey Allah and His together. If a party from each group of them were
Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah to go out so they could increase their knowledge
will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. of the religion they would be able to notify their
(9:71) people when they returned to them so that hope-
Allah has promised the men and women of the fully they would take warning! (9:122)
believers Gardens with rivers flowing under A Messenger has come to you from among your-
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever, and selves. Your suffering is distressing to him; he is
fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And deeply concerned for you; he is gentle and mer-
Allah’s good pleasure is even greater. That is the ciful to the believers. (9:128)
great victory. (9:72) Mankind! Admonition has come to you from
As for the people who find fault with those be- your Lord and also healing for what is in the
68
breasts and guidance and mercy for the believ- believer, the striving of such people will be grate-
ers. (10:57) fully acknowledged. (17:19)
We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your We send down in the Qur’an that which is a
people in houses in Egypt and make your houses healing and a mercy to the believers, but it only
places of worship and perform prayer and give increases the wrongdoers in loss. (17:82)
good news to the believers.’ (10:87) It is straight, to warn of violent force direct from
If your Lord had willed, all the people on the Him, and to give the good news to the believers,
earth would have believed. Do you think you those who do right actions, that for them there is
can force people to be believers? (10:99) an excellent reward. (18:2)
Then We will rescue Our Messengers and those (He said to Musa,) ‘As for the boy, his parents
who believe as well. It is incumbent upon Us to were believers and we feared that he would
rescue the believers. (10:103) darken their days with excessive insolence and
Say: ‘Mankind! If you are in any doubt about my disbelief.’ (18:80)
religion, I do not worship those you worship be- But anyone who does right actions, being a be-
sides Allah. Rather I worship Allah Who will take liever, need fear no wrong or any belittlement.
you back to Him and I am commanded to be one (20:112)
of the believers.’ (10:104) As for anyone who does right actions and is a be-
(Shu‘ayb said,) ‘What endures with Allah is better liever, his striving certainly does not go un-
for you if you are believers. I am not set over you thanked. We are writing it down on his behalf.
as your keeper.’ (11:86) (21:94)
We have given you all this news about the It is the believers who are successful. (23:1)
Messengers so We can make your heart firm by A woman and a man who commit fornication:
means of it. The truth has come to you in this and flog both of them with one hundred lashes and
an admonishment and reminder to the believers. do not let compassion for either of them possess
(11:120) you where Allah’s religion is concerned, if you
Their Messengers said to them, ‘We are nothing believe in Allah and the Last Day. A number of
but human beings like yourselves. But Allah believers should witness their punishment. (24:2)
shows favour to any of His servants He wills. It is A man who has fornicated may only marry a
not for us to bring you an authority except by woman who has fornicated or a woman of the
Allah’s permission. So let the believers put their idolaters. A woman who has fornicated may only
trust in Allah.’ (14:11) marry a man who has fornicated or a man of the
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! Forgive me and my idolaters. Doing such a thing is forbidden for the
parents and the believers on the Day the believers. (24:3)
Reckoning takes place.’ (14:41) Why, when you heard it, did you not, as men and
Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We women of the believers, instinctively think good
have given certain of them to enjoy. Do not feel thoughts and say, ‘This is obviously a lie’? (24:12)
sad concerning them. And take the believers Those who accuse chaste believing women, un-
under your wing. (15:88) aware (of the evil), are cursed both in this world
Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a and the hereafter, and they will have a terrible
believer, We will give them a good life and We punishment. (24:23)
will recompense them according to the best of Say to the believers that they should lower their
what they did. (16:97) eyes and guard their chastity. That is purer for
This Qur’an guides to the most upright Way and them. Allah is aware of what they do. (24:30)
gives good news to the believers who do right ac- Say to the believing women that they should
tions that they will have a large reward. (17:9) lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not
But as for anyone who desires the hereafter, and display their adornments–except for what nor-
strives for it with the striving it deserves, being a mally shows–and draw their head-coverings
69
across their breasts. They should only display Allah’s from beginning to end. On that day, the
their adornments to their husbands or their fa- believers will rejoice in Allah’s help. He grants
thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or victory to whoever He wills. He is the Almighty,
their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their the Most Merciful. (30:2-5)
brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their The Prophet is closer to the believers than their
women or those they own as slaves or their male own selves, and his wives are their mothers. But
attendants who have no sexual desire or children blood-relations have closer ties to one another in
who still have no awareness of women’s private the Book of Allah than other believers and the
parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that emigrants, except that you should act in a proper
their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah manner towards your close associates. That is in-
every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you scribed in the Book. (33:6)
will have success. (24:31) When the believers saw the Confederates they
The reply of the believers when they are sum- said: ‘This is what Allah and His Messenger
moned to Allah and His Messenger so that he promised us. Allah and His Messenger told us the
can judge between them, is to say, ‘We hear and truth.’ It only increased them in faith and in sub-
we obey.’ They are ones who are successful. mission. (33:22)
(24:51) Among the believers there are men who have
The believers are those who believe in Allah and been true to the contract they made with Allah.
His Messenger and who, when they are with him Some of them have fulfilled their pact by death
on a matter of common concern, do not leave and some are still waiting to do so, not having
until they have asked him for permission. Those changed in any way at all. (33:23)
people who ask you for permission are the ones Allah sent back those who disbelieved in their
who truly believe in Allah and His Messenger. If rage without their achieving any good at all.
they ask your permission to attend to their own Allah made it unnecessary for the believers to
affairs, give permission to any of them you fight. Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (33:25)
please; and ask Allah’s forgiveness for them. Men and women who are Muslims, men and
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:62) women who are believers, men and women who
(Nuh said,) ‘I am not going to chase away the be- are obedient, men and women who are truthful,
lievers.’ (26:114) men and women who are steadfast, men and
Warn your near relatives and take the believers women who are humble, men and women who
who follow you under your wing. (26:214-215) give charity, men and women who fast, men and
It is guidance and good news for the believers. women who guard their chastity, men and
(27:2) women who remember Allah much: Allah has
Certainly it is guidance and a mercy for the be- prepared forgiveness for them and an immense
lievers. (27:77) reward. (33:35)
Musa’s mother felt a great emptiness in her heart When Allah and His Messenger have decided
and she almost gave him away; only We fortified something it is not for any man or woman of the
her heart so that she would be one of the believ- believers to have a choice about it. Anyone who
ers. (28:10) disobeys Allah and His Messenger is clearly mis-
If a disaster had struck them because of what guided. (33:36)
they had already done, they would have said, When you said to him whom Allah has blessed
‘Our Lord, why did You not send us a Messenger and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep
so that we could have followed Your Signs and your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’
been believers?’ (28:47) while concealing something in yourself which
The Romans have been defeated in the land Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing
nearby, but after their defeat they will themselves people when Allah has more right to your fear.
be victorious in a few years’ time. The affair is Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to
70
you so that there should be no restriction for the for the believers. (45:3)
believers regarding the wives of their adopted Know then that there is no god except Allah and
sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s ask forgiveness for your wrongdoing, and for the
command is always carried out. (33:37) men and women who believe. Allah knows both
It is He Who calls down blessing on you, as do your activity and your repose. (47:19)
His angels, to bring you out of the darkness into It is He Who sent down serenity into the hearts of
the light. He is Most Merciful to the believers. the believers thereby increasing their faith with
(33:43) more faith–the legions of the heavens and the
Give good news to the believers that they will re- earth belong to Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
ceive immense favour from Allah. (33:47) Wise–so that He may admit the men and women
You who believe! When you marry believing of the believers into Gardens with rivers flowing
women and then divorce them before you have under them, remaining in them timelessly, for
touched them, there is no waiting period for you ever, and erase their bad actions from them; and
to calculate for them, so give them a gift and let in Allah’s sight that is a mighty victory. (48:4-5)
them go with kindness. (33:49) Allah was pleased with the believers when they
And those who abuse men and women who are pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He
believers, when they have not merited it, bear knew what was in their hearts, and sent down
the weight of slander and clear wrongdoing. serenity to them and has rewarded them with an
(33:58) imminent victory. (48:18)
O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and Allah has promised you much booty which you
the women of the believers to draw their outer will take, and has hastened this for you and held
garments closely round themselves. This makes it people’s hands back from you, so that it might be
more likely that they will be recognised and not a Sign to the believers, and so that He might
be harmed. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most guide you to a straight path. (48:20)
Merciful. (33:59) They are those who disbelieved and debarred
This was so that Allah might punish the men and you from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)
women of the hypocrites, and the men and and prevented the sacrifice from reaching its
women of the idolaters, and turn towards the proper place, and had it not been for some men
men and women of the believers. Allah is Ever- and women who are believers, whom you did
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:73) not know and might trample underfoot, and so
He (Ilyas) truly was one of Our servants who are unknowingly incur blame on their account–so
believers. (37:132) that Allah might admit into His mercy those He
A man among Pharaoh’s people who believed, wills–and had those among them who disbelieve
but kept his faith concealed, said, ‘Are you going been clearly distinguishable, We would have
to kill a man for saying "My Lord is Allah" when punished them with a painful punishment.
he has brought you Clear Signs from your Lord? If (48:25)
he is telling a lie, be it on his own head. But if he Those who disbelieve filled their hearts with fa-
is telling the truth, then some of what he is prom- natical rage–the fanatical rage of the Time of
ising you will certainly happen to you. Allah Ignorance–and Allah sent down serenity to His
does not guide any unbridled inveterate liar.’ Messenger and to the believers, and bound them
(40:28) to the expression of heedfulness which they had
Whoever does an evil act will only be repaid most right to and were most entitled to. Allah has
with its equivalent. But whoever acts rightly, knowledge of all things. (48:26)
male or female, being a believer, such a person If two parties of the believers fight, make peace
will enter the Garden, provided for in it without between them. But if one of them attacks the
any reckoning. (40:40) other unjustly, fight the attackers until they revert
In the heavens and earth there are certainly Signs to Allah’s command. If they revert, make peace
71
between them with justice, and be even-handed. them provided you pay them their due. Do not
Allah loves those who are even-handed. (49:9) hold to any marriage ties with women who dis-
The believers are brothers, so make peace be- believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask
tween your brothers and have fear of Allah so for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement.
that hopefully you will gain mercy. (49:10) Allah will judge between them. Allah is All-
The believers are only those who have believed Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10)
in Allah and His Messenger and then have had O Prophet! When women who believe come to
no doubt and have strived with their wealth and you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds
themselves in the Way of Allah. They are the that they will not associate anything with Allah
ones who are true to their word. (49:15) or steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a
We brought out all the believers who were there. false ascription of paternity–making up lies about
(51:35) their bodies–or disobey you in respect of any-
And remind them, for truly the believers benefit thing right, then accept their pledge and ask for-
from being reminded. (51:55) giveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
On the Day you see the men and women of the Merciful. (60:12)
believers, with their light streaming out in front of And (He will give you) other things you love:
them, and to their right: ‘Good news for you support from Allah and imminent victory. Give
today of Gardens with rivers flowing under them, good news to the believers! (61:13)
remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the They say, ‘If we return to Madina, the mightier
Great Victory.’ (57:12) will drive out the inferior.’ But all might belongs
Conferring in secret is from Satan, to cause grief to Allah and to His Messenger and the believers.
to those who believe; but it cannot harm them at But the hypocrites do not know this. (63:8)
all, unless by Allah’s permission. So let the be- Allah–there is no god but Him. So let the believ-
lievers put their trust in Allah. (58:10) ers put their trust in Allah. (64:13)
It is He Who expelled those who disbelieved If the two of you would only turn to Allah, for
among the People of the Book from their homes your hearts clearly deviated... But if you support
to the first gathering-place. You did not think that one another against him, Allah is his Protector
they would leave and they thought that their and so are Gabriel and every right-acting man of
fortresses would protect them from Allah. Then the believers and, furthermore, the angels too
Allah came upon them from where they least ex- will come to his support. (66:4)
pected it and cast terror into their hearts. Their It may be that if he does divorce you, his Lord
houses were pulled down by their own hands will give him in exchange better wives than you:
and by the hands of the believers. People of in- Muslim women, believing women, obedient
sight, take note! (59:2) women, penitent women, women who worship,
He is Allah–there is no god but Him. He is the women who fast much–previously married
King, the Most Pure, the Perfect Peace, the women as well as virgins. (66:5)
Trustworthy, the Safeguarder, the Almighty, the (Nuh said,) ‘My Lord! Forgive me and my parents
Compeller, the Supremely Great. Glory be to and all who enter my house as believers, and all
Allah above all they associate with Him. (59:23) the men and women of the believers. But do not
You who believe! When women who believe increase the wrongdoers except in ruin!’ (71:28)
come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test. Cursed be the Companions of the Pit–the fire
Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you well stocked with fuel–when they were seated
know they are believers, do not return them to right beside it witnessing what they did to the be-
the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis- lievers. The only reason they punished them was
believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them. because they believed in Allah, the Almighty, the
Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid. All-Praiseworthy–Him to Whom the Kingdom of
And there is nothing wrong in your marrying the heavens and the earth belongs. Allah is
72
Witness of all things. (85:4-9) previously betrayed Allah, so He has given you
Those who persecute men and women of the be- power over them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
lievers, and then do not repent, will have the Wise. (8:71)
punishment of Hell, will have the punishment of (Yusuf said,) ‘In this way he may know at last that
the Burning. (85:10) I did not dishonour him behind his back and that
Allah most surely does not guide the deviousness
BELLY of the dishonourable.’ (12:52)
Those who conceal what Allah has sent down of Allah has made an example for those who disbe-
the Book and sell it cheap, take nothing into their lieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They
bellies but the Fire. On the Day of Rising Allah were married to two of Our servants who were
will not speak to them or purify them. They will righteous but they betrayed them and were not
have a painful punishment. (2:174) helped at all against Allah. They were told, ‘Enter
There is instruction for you in cattle. From the the Fire along with all who enter it.’ (66:10)
contents of their bellies, from between the dung
and blood, We give you pure milk to drink, easy BEWITCHED
for drinkers to swallow. (16:66) We know how they listen when they listen to
Allah created every animal from water. Some of you, and when they confer together secretly, and
them go on their bellies, some of them on two when the wrongdoers say, ‘You are only follow-
legs, and some on four. Allah creates whatever ing a man who is bewitched!’ (17:47)
He wills. Allah has power over all things. (24:45) We gave Musa nine Clear Signs. Ask the tribe of
Had it not been that he was a man who glorified Israel about when he came to them and Pharaoh
Allah, he would have remained inside its belly said to him, ‘Musa, I think you are bewitched.’
until the Day they are raised again. (37:143-144) (17:101)
(They say,) ‘Why has treasure not been showered
BETRAYAL down on him? Why does he not have a garden to
On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have give him food?’ The wrongdoers say, ‘You are
sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth- merely following a man who is bewitched.’
ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that (25:8)
you have been betraying yourselves and He has They said, ‘You are merely someone bewitched.’
turned towards you and excused you. Now you (26:153)
may have sexual intercourse with them and seek
what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink BIRD
until you can clearly discern the white thread When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, show me how You
from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the bring the dead to life.’ He asked, ‘Do you not
fast until the night appears. But do not have sex- then believe?’ He replied, ‘Indeed I do! But so
ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat that my heart may be at peace.’ He said, ‘Take
in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do four birds and train them to yourself. Then put a
not go near them. In this way does Allah make part of them on each mountain and call to them;
His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they they will come rushing to you. Know that Allah is
will guard against evil. (2:187) Almighty, All-Wise.’ (2:260)
Do not argue on behalf of those who betray He (‘Isa) will teach him the Book and Wisdom,
themselves. Allah does not love any evildoing and the Torah and the Gospel, as a Messenger to
traitors. (4:107) the tribe of Israel, saying: ‘I have brought you a
You who believe! Do not betray Allah and His Sign from your Lord. I will create the shape of a
Messenger, and do not knowingly betray your bird out of clay for you and then breathe into it
trusts. (8:27) and it will be a bird by Allah’s permission. I will
But if they mean to betray you, they have already heal the blind and the leper, and bring the dead
73
to life, by Allah’s permission. I will tell you what he had fallen from the sky and the birds had
you eat and what you store up in your homes. seized him and carried him away or the wind
There is a Sign for you in that if you are believers. had dropped him in a distant place. (22:31)
(3:48-49) Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of earth glorifies Allah, as do the birds with their
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to outspread wings? Each one knows its prayer and
your mother when I reinforced you with the glorification. Allah knows what they do. (24:41)
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in Sulayman was Dawud’s heir. He said, ‘Mankind!
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and We have been taught the speech of birds and we
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and have been given everything. This is indeed clear
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created favour.’ (27:16)
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and Sulayman’s troops, made up of jinn and men and
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My birds, were assembled for him, paraded in tight
permission; and healed the blind and the leper ranks. (27:17)
by My permission; and when you brought forth He (Sulayman) inspected the birds and said,
the dead by My permission; and when I held ‘How is it that I do not see the hoopoe? Or is it
back the tribe of Israel from you, when you absent without leave?’ (27:20)
brought them the Clear Signs and those of them We gave Dawud great favour from Us: ‘O moun-
who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down- tains and birds! Echo with him in his praise!’ And
right magic";’ (5:110) We made iron malleable for him. (34:10)
There is no creature crawling on the earth or fly- And also the birds, flocking together, all of them
ing creature, flying on its wings, who are not turned to Him. (38:19)
communities just like yourselves–We have not Have they not looked at the birds above them,
omitted anything from the Book–then they will with wings outspread and folded back? Nothing
be gathered to their Lord. (6:38) holds them up but the All-Merciful. He sees all
Two servants entered prison along with him things. (67:19)
(Yusuf). One said, ‘I dreamt that I was pressing Did He not bring all their schemes to nothing,
grapes.’ The other said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread unleashing upon them flock after flock of birds,
upon my head and birds were eating it. Tell us bombarding them with stones of hard-baked
the true meaning of these dreams. We see that clay, making them like stripped wheat-stalks
you’re one of the righteous.’ (12:36) eaten bare? (105:2-5)
(Yusuf said,) ‘My fellow-captives, one of you will
serve his lord with wine, the other of you will be BLAME
crucified and birds will eat his head. The thing You who believe! If any of you renounce your re-
you asked about is foreordained.’ (12:41) ligion, Allah will bring forward a people whom
Do they not see the birds suspended in mid-air He loves and who love Him, humble to the be-
up in the sky? Nothing holds them there except lievers, fierce to the disbelievers, who strive in
Allah. There are certainly Signs in that for people the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of
who believe. (16:79) any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of
We gave Sulayman understanding of it. We gave Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah
each of them judgement and knowledge. We is Boundless, All-Knowing. (5:54)
subjected the mountains to Dawud, glorifying, She said, ‘You see! It’s him you blamed me for. I
and the birds as well. This is something We are tried seducing him but he refused. If he (Yusuf)
well able to do. (21:79) does not do what I order him, he will be put in
Be people of pure natural belief in Allah, not as- prison and brought low.’ (12:32)
sociating anything else with Him. As for anyone He said, ‘No blame at all will fall on you. Today
who associates others with Allah, it is as though you have forgiveness from Allah. He is the Most
74
Merciful of the merciful.’ (12:92) The Great Blast seized hold of them inexorably
When the affair is decided Satan will say, ‘Allah and We turned them into dirty scum. Away with
made you a promise, a promise of truth, and I the people of the wrongdoers! (23:41)
made you a promise but broke my promise. I had We seized each one of them for their wrong ac-
no authority over you, except that I called you tions. Against some We sent a sudden squall of
and you responded to me. Do not, therefore, stones; some of them were seized by the Great
blame me but blame yourselves. I cannot come Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up;
to your aid nor you to mine. I reject the way you and some We drowned. Allah did not wrong
associated me with Allah before.’ The wrongdo- them; rather they wronged themselves. (29:40)
ers will have a painful punishment. (14:22) It was but one Great Blast and they were extinct.
Do not keep your hand chained to your neck but (36:29)
do not extend it either to its full extent so that you What are they waiting for but one Great Blast to
sit there blamed and destitute. (17:29) seize them while they are quibbling? (36:49)
That is part of the wisdom your Lord has revealed It will be but one Great Blast, and they will all be
to you. Do not set up another god together with summoned to Our presence. (36:53)
Allah and so be thrown into Hell, blamed and There will be but one Great Blast and then their
driven out. (17:39) eyes will open. (37:19)
(The believers are) those who guard their These people too are only awaiting a single Blast
chastity–except from their wives or those they and it will not be repeated. (38:15)
own as slaves, in which case they are not blame- The Day they hear the Blast in truth, that is the
worthy. (23:5-6) Day of Emergence. (50:42)
Then the fish devoured him and he (Yunus) was But they spurned their Lord’s command, so the
to blame. (37:142) Blast seized them as they looked. (51:44)
So We seized him and his armies and hurled Leave them then until they meet their Day when
them into the sea, and he (Pharaoh) was to they will be struck down by the Blast. (52:45)
blame. (51:40) We sent a single Blast against them and they
So turn away from them, for you are not to were just like a thatcher’s reeds. (54:31)
blame. (51:54) Thamud were destroyed by the Deafening Blast.
(The believers are) those who guard their private (69:5)
parts except from their wives and any slaves they So when the Trumpet is blown with a single blast,
own, in which case they incur no blame. (70:29- (69:13)
30) On the Day the first blast shudders, and the sec-
ond blast follows it, hearts that Day will be
BLAST pounding and eyes will be cast down. (79:6-9)
The Great Blast seized hold of those who did There will be but one Great Blast, and at once
wrong and morning found them lying flattened in they will be on the surface, wide awake! (79:13-
their homes. (11:67) 14)
When Our command came, We rescued Shu‘ayb When the Deafening Blast comes, (80:33)
and those who believed along with him by a
mercy from Us. The Great Blast seized hold of BLAZE
those who did wrong and morning found them People who consume the property of orphans
lying flattened in their homes. (11:94) wrongfully consume nothing in their bellies ex-
So the Great Blast seized hold of them at the cept fire. They will roast in a Searing Blaze.
break of day. (15:73) (4:10)
They carved out houses from the mountains, Some of them believe in him, and some bar ac-
feeling safe, but the Great Blast seized hold of cess to him. Hell will suffice as a Searing Blaze!
them in the morning. (15:82-83) (4:55)
75
But those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs, But (he) will be roasted in a Searing Blaze.
are the Companions of the Blazing Fire. (5:10) (84:12)
Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But as for
those He leads astray, you will not find any pro- BLESSING
tectors for them apart from Him. We will gather Guide us on the Straight Path, the Path of those
them on the Day of Rising, flat on their faces, You have blessed, (1:5-6)
blind, dumb and deaf. Their shelter will be Hell. Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I con-
Whenever the Blaze dies down, We will increase ferred on you. Honour My contract and I will ho-
it for them. (17:97) nour your contract. Have dread of Me alone.
It is written of him that if anyone takes him as a (2:40)
friend, he will mislead him and guide him to the Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I con-
punishment of the Searing Blaze. (22:4) ferred on you and that I preferred you over all
But as for those who strive against My Signs and other beings. (2:47)
try to thwart them, they will be the Companions Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I con-
of the Blazing Fire. (22:51) ferred on you, and that I preferred you over all
But instead, they deny the Hour; and We have other beings. (2:122)
prepared a Searing Blaze for those who deny the Wherever you come from, turn your face to the
Hour. (25:11) Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Wherever
Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared a you are, turn your faces towards it so that people
Searing Blaze for them. (33:64) will have no argument against you–except for
And We gave Sulayman power over the wind–a those among them who do wrong and then you
month’s journey in the morning and a month in should not fear them but rather fear Me–and so
the afternoon. And We made a fount of molten that I can complete My blessing to you so that
brass flow out for him. And some of the jinn hopefully you will be guided. (2:150)
worked in front of him by his Lord’s permission. Ask the tribe of Israel how many Clear Signs We
And if a single one of them deviates at all from gave to them. If anyone alters Allah’s blessing
Our command, We let him taste the punishment after it has come to him, Allah is fierce in retribu-
of the Searing Blaze. (34:12) tion. (2:211)
Satan is your enemy so treat him as an enemy. When you divorce women and they are near the
He summons his party so they will be among the end of their waiting period, then either retain
people of the Searing Blaze. (35:6) them with correctness and courtesy or release
They said, ‘Build a pyre for him and fling him them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re-
into the blaze!’ (37:97) tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits.
We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do
and made some of them stones for the Satans for not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember
whom We have prepared the punishment of the Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and
Blaze. (67:5) Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish
They will say, ‘If only we had really listened and you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has
used our intellect, we would not have been knowledge of all things. (2:231)
Companions of the Blaze.’ (67:10) Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do
Then they will acknowledge their wrong actions. not separate. Remember Allah’s blessing to you
Away with the Companions of the Blaze! (67:11) when you were enemies and He joined your
Then roast him in the Blazing Fire. (69:31) hearts together so that you became brothers by
But no! It is a Raging Blaze. (70:15) His blessing. You were on the very brink of a pit
We have made ready for the disbelievers shack- of the Fire and He rescued you from it. In this
les and chains and a Searing Blaze. (76:4) way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so that
When the Fire is set ablaze. (81:12) hopefully you will be guided. (3:103)
76
(Those killed in the way of Allah are) rejoicing in hopefully you will be thankful. (5:6)
blessings and favour from Allah and that Allah Remember Allah’s blessing to you and the
does not let the wage of the believers go to covenant He made with you when you said, ‘We
waste. (3:171) hear and we obey.’ Have fear of Allah. Allah
So they returned with blessings and bounty from knows what the heart contains. (5:7)
Allah and no evil touched them. They pursued You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to
the pleasure of Allah. Allah’s favour is indeed im- you when certain people were on the verge of
mense. (3:174) raising their hands against you and He held their
Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be hands back from you. Have fear of Allah. The be-
with those whom Allah has blessed: the lievers should put their trust in Allah. (5:11)
Prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the mar- Remember when Musa said to his people, ‘My
tyrs and the righteous. What excellent company people! Remember Allah’s blessing to you when
such people are! (4:69) He appointed Prophets among you and ap-
Among you there are people who hang back and pointed kings for you, and gave you what He had
if you encounter a setback then they say, ‘Allah not given to anyone else in all the worlds!’ (5:20)
has blessed me in that I was not there with them.’ Two men among those who were afraid, but
(4:72) whom Allah had blessed, said, ‘Enter the gate
Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork, against them! Once you have entered it, you will
and what has been consecrated to other than be victorious. Put your trust in Allah if you are
Allah, and animals which have been strangled, believers.’ (5:23)
and animals which have been killed by a blow, Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of
and animals which have fallen to their death, Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to
and animals which have been gored, and ani- your mother when I reinforced you with the
mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in
you are able to slaughter properly–and animals the cradle and when you were fully grown; and
which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid- when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and
ing things by means of divining arrows–that is the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created
deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de- a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and
spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not then breathed into it and it became a bird by My
be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I permission; and healed the blind and the leper
have perfected your religion for you and com- by My permission; and when you brought forth
pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased the dead by My permission; and when I held
with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is back the tribe of Israel from you, when you
forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing, brought them the Clear Signs and those of them
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3) who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down-
You who believe! When you get up to perform right magic". (5:110)
prayer, wash your faces and your hands and your (Hud said,) ‘Or are you astonished that a re-
arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads, minder should come to you from your Lord by
and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a way of a man among you in order to warn you?
state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. Remember when He appointed you successors to
But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come the people of Nuh, and increased you greatly in
from the lavatory, or have touched women, and stature. Remember Allah’s blessings, so that hope-
cannot find any water, then take for yourselves fully you will be successful.’ (7:69)
clean earth, and wipe your faces and your hands (Salih said,) ‘Remember when He appointed you
therewith. Allah does not want to make things successors to ‘Ad and settled you in the land. You
difficult for you, but He does want to purify you built palaces on its plains and carved out houses
and to perfect His blessing upon you so that from the mountains. Remember Allah’s blessings
77
and do not go about the earth, corrupting it.’ you could never count them. Man is indeed
(7:74) wrongdoing, ungrateful. (14:34)
And We bequeathed to the people who had been If you tried to number Allah’s blessings, you
oppressed the easternmost part of the land We could never count them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
had blessed, and its westernmost part as well. Most Merciful. (16:18)
The most excellent Word of your Lord was ful- Any blessing you have is from Allah. Then when
filled for the tribe of Israel on account of their harm touches you, it is to Him you cry for help.
steadfastness. And We utterly destroyed what (16:53)
Pharaoh and his people made and the buildings Allah has favoured some of you over others in
they constructed. (7:137) provision, but those who have been favoured do
That is because Allah would never change a not give their provision to their slaves so they be-
blessing He has conferred on a people until they come the same in respect of it. So why do they
had changed what was in themselves. Allah is renounce the blessings of Allah? (16:71)
All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (8:53) Allah has given you wives from among your-
But if We let him taste blessings after hardship selves, and given you children and grandchil-
has afflicted him, he says, ‘My troubles have dren from your wives, and provided good things
gone away,’ and he is overjoyed, boastful. for you. So why do they believe in falsehood and
(11:10) reject the blessings of Allah? (16:72)
It was said, ‘Nuh, descend with peace from Us Allah has made shaded places for you in what
and with blessings on you and on the nations He has created and He has made shelters for you
which will issue from those who are with you. in the mountains and He has made shirts for you
But there are nations to whom we will give en- to protect you from the heat and shirts to protect
joyment and then a painful punishment from Us you from each other’s violence. In that way He
will afflict them.’ (11:48) perfects His blessing on you so that hopefully
They said, ‘Are you astonished at Allah’s com- you will become Muslims. (16:81)
mand? May Allah’s mercy and His blessings be They acknowledge Allah’s blessing and then
upon you, People of the House! He is deny it. Most of them are disbelievers. (16:83)
Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.’ (11:73) Allah makes an example of a city which was safe
(Ya‘qub said,) ‘Accordingly your Lord will pick and at peace, its provision coming to it plenti-
you out and teach you the true meaning of events fully from every side. Then it showed ingratitude
and perfectly fulfil His blessing on you as well as for Allah’s blessings so Allah made it wear the
on the family of Ya‘qub as He fulfilled it perfectly robes of hunger and fear for what it did. (16:112)
before upon your forebears, Ibrahim and Ishaq. So eat from what Allah has provided for you,
Most certainly your Lord is Knowing, Wise.’ lawful and good, and be thankful for the blessing
(12:6) of Allah if it is Him you worship. (16:114)
Remember when Musa said to his people, He was thankful for His blessings. Allah chose
‘Remember Allah’s blessing to you when He res- him and guided him to a straight path. (16:121)
cued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were Glory be to Him Who took His servant on a jour-
inflicting an evil punishment on you, slaughter- ney by night from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-
ing your sons and letting your women live. In Haram) to the Further Mosque (Masjid al-Aqsa),
that there was a terrible trial from your Lord.’ whose surroundings We have blessed, in order to
(14:6) show him some of Our Signs. He is the All-
Do you not see those who have exchanged Hearing, the All-Seeing. (17:1)
Allah’s blessing for disbelief, and moved their When We bless man, he turns away and draws
people to the abode of ruin. (14:28) aside. When evil touches him, he despairs.
He has given you everything you have asked (17:83)
Him for. If you tried to number Allah’s blessings, Those are some of the Prophets Allah has
78
blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from you so that there should be no restriction for the
those We carried with Nuh, and from the descen- believers regarding the wives of their adopted
dants of Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s
guided and chose. When the Signs of the All- command is always carried out. (33:37)
Merciful were recited to them they fell on their We placed between them and the cities We had
faces, weeping, in prostration. (19:58) blessed other clearly conspicuous cities, making
We delivered both him and Lut to the land which them measured stages on the way: ‘Travel be-
We had blessed for all beings. (21:71) tween them in safety by night and day.’ (34:18)
And to Sulayman We gave the fiercely blowing Mankind! Remember Allah’s blessing to you. Is
wind, speeding at his command towards the land there any creator other than Allah providing for
which We had blessed. And We had full knowl- you from heaven and earth? There is no god but
edge of everything. (21:81) Him. So how have you been perverted? (35:3)
He (Sulayman) smiled, laughing at its words, and So he will look down and see him in the midst of
said, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing the Blazing Fire and say, ‘By Allah, you almost
You have bestowed on me and on my parents, ruined me! If it were not for the blessing of my
and keep me acting rightly, pleasing You, and Lord, I would have been among those arraigned.’
admit me, by Your mercy, among Your servants (37:55-57)
who are righteous.’ (27:19) We showered blessings upon him (Ibrahim) and
He said, ‘My Lord, because of Your blessing to upon Ishaq. Among their descendants are good-
me, I will never be a supporter of evildoers.’ doers and also people who clearly wrong them-
(28:17) selves. (37:113)
Do they not see that We have established a safe When harm touches man he calls upon his Lord,
haven while people all round them are violently repenting to Him. Then when He grants him a
dispossessed? So why do they believe in false- blessing from Him, he forgets what he was call-
hood and reject the blessing of Allah? (29:67) ing for before and ascribes rivals to Allah, so as to
Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you misguide others from His Way. Say: ‘Enjoy your
everything in the heavens and earth and has disbelief for a little while. You are among the
showered His blessings upon you, both out- Companions of the Fire.’ (39:8)
wardly and inwardly? Yet there are people who When harm touches man he calls on Us. Then
argue about Allah without knowledge or guid- when We grant him a blessing from Us he says, ‘I
ance or any illuminating Book. (31:20) have only been given this because of my knowl-
Do you not see that ships sail on the sea by edge.’ In fact it is a trial but most of them do not
Allah’s blessing so that He can show you some- know it. (39:49)
thing of His Signs? There are certainly Signs in He placed firmly embedded mountains on it,
that for everyone who is steadfast and thankful. towering over it, and blessed it and measured out
(31:31) its nourishment in it, laid out for those who seek
You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to it–all in four days. (41:10)
you when forces came against you and We sent a When We grant blessing to a man, he turns away
wind against them and other forces you could and draws aside but when any evil touches him,
not see. Allah sees what you do. (33:9) he is full of endless prayers! (41:51)
When you said to him whom Allah has blessed It is He Who created all the species and gave you
and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep ships and livestock for you to ride, so that you
your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’ might sit firmly on their backs and remember
while concealing something in yourself which your Lord’s blessing while you are seated on
Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing them, saying, ‘Glory be to Him Who has sub-
people when Allah has more right to your fear. jected this to us. We could never have done it by
Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to ourselves.’ (43:12-13)
79
He is only a servant on whom We bestowed Our bours who are related to you and neighbours
blessing and whom We made an example for the who are not related to you, and to companions
tribe of Israel. (43:59) and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not
We have instructed man to be good to his par- love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36)
ents. His mother bore him with difficulty and But if We let him taste blessings after hardship
with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing has afflicted him, he says, ‘My troubles have
and weaning take thirty months. Then when he gone away,’ and he is overjoyed, boastful.
achieves his full strength and reaches forty, he (11:10)
says, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing Do not avert your face from people out of haugh-
You bestowed on me and on my parents, and tiness and do not strut about arrogantly on the
keep me acting rightly, pleasing You. And make earth. Allah does not love anyone who is vain or
my descendants righteous. I have repented to boastful. (31:18)
You and I am truly one of the Muslims.’ (46:15) That is so that you will not be grieved about the
Truly We have granted you a clear victory, so that things that pass you by or exult about the things
Allah may forgive you your earlier errors and any that come to you. Allah does not love any vain or
later ones and complete His blessing upon you, boastful man. (57:23)
and guide you on a Straight Path. (48:1-2)
It is a great favour from Allah and a blessing. BOAT
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (49:8) It is He Who conveys you on both land and sea
Remind them then! For, by the blessing of your so that when some of you are on a boat, running
Lord, you are neither a soothsayer nor a mad- before a fair wind, rejoicing at it, and then a vio-
man. (52:29) lent squall comes upon them and the waves
Which one of your Lord’s blessings do you then come at them from every side and they realise
dispute? (53:55) there is no way of escape, they call on Allah,
It was a blessing direct from Our presence. That making their religion sincerely His: ‘If You rescue
is how We recompense those who give thanks. us from this, we will truly be among the thank-
(54:35) ful.’ (10:22)
So which of your Lord’s blessings do you both They continued until they boarded a boat and he
then deny? (55: 13, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, scuppered it. Then Musa said, ‘Did you scupper
32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, it so that its owners would be drowned? This is
59, 61, 63, 65, 67,69, 71, 73, 75, 77) truly a dreadful thing that you have done!’
By the blessing of your Lord, you are not mad. (18:71)
(68:2) (He said to Musa,) ‘As for the boat, it belonged to
Had a blessing from his Lord not overtaken him, some poor people who worked on the sea. I
he would have been thrown up on the naked wanted to damage it because a king was coming
shore, for he was at fault. (68:49) behind them, commandeering every boat.’
And as for the blessing of your Lord, speak out! (18:79)
(93:11)
BOILING WATER
BLISS Here are two rival groups who disputed concern-
The truly good will be in perfect Bliss. (82:13) ing their Lord. Those who disbelieve will have
The truly good will be in perfect Bliss. (83:22) garments of fire cut out for them, and boiling
water poured over their heads, which will melt
BOASTFULNESS the contents of their bellies as well as their skin.
Worship Allah and do not associate anything (22:19-20)
with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives This! So let them taste it–boiling water and scald-
and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh- ing pus and other such torments. (38:57-58)
80
Those who deny the Book and that with which mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid
We sent Our Messengers will certainly come to them for their insolence. And We certainly speak
know when they have shackles and chains the truth. (6:146)
around their necks and are dragged along the They say, ‘What! When we are bones and crum-
ground into the boiling water and then are bled dust, will we then be raised up as a new cre-
thrown into the Fire! (40:70-72) ation!’ (17:49)
The Tree of az-Zaqqum is the food of the wicked, That is their repayment for rejecting Our Signs
seething in the belly like molten brass, as boiling and saying, ‘What, when we are bones and
water bubbles and seethes. (44:43-45) crumbled dust, will we then be raised up as a
(The custodians of Hell will be told,) ‘Then pour new creation?’ (17:98)
the punishment of boiling water on his head.’ And (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord, my bones have
(44:48) lost their strength and my head is crowned with
An image of the Garden which is promised to white, but in calling on You, My Lord, I have
those who guard against evil: in it there are never been disappointed.’ (19:4)
rivers of water which will never spoil and rivers Then (We) formed the drop into a clot and
of milk whose taste will never change and rivers formed the clot into a lump and formed the lump
of wine, delightful to all who drink it, and rivers into bones and clothed the bones in flesh; and
of honey of undiluted purity; in it they will then brought him into being as another creature.
have fruit of every kind and forgiveness from Blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators! (23:14)
their Lord. Is that like those who will be in the Does he promise you that when you have died
Fire timelessly, for ever, with boiling water to and become dust and bones you will be brought
drink which lacerates their bowels? (47:15) forth again? (23:35)
Hell lies in wait–a homecoming for the profligate They say, ‘When we are dead and turned to dust
remaining in it for countless aeons, not tasting and bones, shall we then be raised again?’
any coolness there or any drink, except for boil- (23:82)
ing water and scalding pus–a fitting recompense. He makes likenesses of Us and forgets his own
(78:21-26) creation, saying, ‘Who will give life to bones
when they are decayed?’ (36:78)
BONE They say, ‘This is just downright magic. When
Or the one who passed by a town which had we are dead and turned to dust and bones will
fallen into ruin? He asked, ‘How can Allah re- we then be raised up again alive?’ (37:15-16)
store this to life when it has died?’ Allah caused One of them will say, ‘I used to have a friend
him to die a hundred years then brought him who would say to me, "Are you one of those who
back to life. Then He asked, ‘How long have you say that it is true: that when we have died and are
been here?’ He replied, ‘I have been here a day turned to dust and bones, we will face a
or part of a day.’ He said, ‘Not so! You have been Reckoning?"’ (37:51-53)
here a hundred years. Look at your food and And (they were) saying, ‘When we are dead and
drink–it has not gone bad–and look at your don- turned to dust and bones, shall we then be raised
key so We can make you a Sign for all mankind. again?’ (56:47)
Look at the bones–how We raise them up and Does man imagine We will not reassemble his
clothe them in flesh.’ When it had become clear bones? (75:3)
to him, he said, ‘Now I know that Allah has They will say, ‘Are we to be restored to how we
power over all things.’ (2:259) were? When we have become perished, worm-
We made forbidden for the Jews every animal eaten bones?’ (79:10-11)
with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle He was created from a spurting fluid, emerging
and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them, from between the back-bone and the breast-
except what is attached to their backs or guts or bone. (86:6-7)
81
BOOK OF ACTIONS The Messenger believes in what has been sent
We have fastened the destiny of every man about down to him from his Lord, and so do the believ-
his neck and on the Day of Rising We will bring ers. Each one believes in Allah and His angels
out a Book for him which he will find spread and His Books and His Messengers. We do not
open in front of him. (17:13) differentiate between any of His Messengers.
And the earth will shine with the Pure Light of its They say, ‘We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our
Lord; the Book will be put in place; the Prophets Lord! You are our journey’s end.’ (2:285)
and witnesses will be brought; it will be decided Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent
between them with the truth; and they will not be down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim,
wronged. (39:69) Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and
In fact each one of them wants to be given an un- what Musa and ‘Isa and all the Prophets were
furled scroll. (74:52) given by their Lord. We do not differentiate be-
When the Pages are opened up, (81:10) tween any of them. We are Muslims submitted to
No indeed! The book of the dissolute is in Sijjin. Him.’ (3:84)
And what will convey to you what Sijjin is? A You who believe! Believe in Allah and His
clearly written Book. (83:7-9) Messenger and in the Book He sent down to His
As for him who is given his Book in his right Messenger, and the Books He sent down before.
hand, he will be given an easy reckoning and re- Anyone who rejects Allah and His angels and His
turn to his family joyfully. But as for him who is Books and His Messengers and the Last Day has
given his Book behind his back, he will cry out gone very far astray. (4:136)
for destruction but will be roasted in a Searing Those to whom We gave the Book rejoice at what
Blaze. (84:7-12) has been sent down to you but some of the parties
refuse to acknowledge part of it. Say: ‘I have only
BOOKS been ordered to worship Allah and not to associate
(Those who guard against evil are) those who be- anything with Him. I summon to Him and to Him I
lieve in what has been sent down to you and will return.’ (13:36)
what was sent down before you, and are certain Only argue with the People of the Book in the
about the hereafter. (2:4) kindest way–except in the case of those of them
Believe in what I have sent down, confirming who do wrong–saying, ‘We believe in what has
what is with you. Do not be the first to reject it been sent down to us and what was sent down to
and do not sell My Signs for a paltry price. Have you. Our God and your God are one and we sub-
fear of Me alone. (2:41) mit to Him.’ (29:46)
Some of them are illiterate, knowing nothing of Accordingly We have sent down the Book to you,
the Book but wishful thinking. They only specu- and those to whom We gave the Book believe in it,
late. (2:78) and some of these people believe in it as well.
Woe to those who write the Book with their own Only the disbelievers deny Our Signs. (29:47)
hands and then say ‘This is from Allah’ to sell it If they deny you, those before them also denied the
for a paltry price. Woe to them for what their truth. Their Messengers came to them with Clear
hands have written! Woe to them for what they Signs, and psalms and the Illuminating Book.
earn! (2:79) (35:25)
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent We sent Nuh and Ibrahim and placed
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim Prophethood and the Book among their descen-
and Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, dants. Some of them are guided but many of them
and what Musa and ‘Isa were given, and what all are deviators. (57:26)
the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not
differentiate between any of them. We are BOOTY
Muslims submitted to Him.’ (2:136) You who believe! When you go out to fight in the
82
Way of Allah verify things carefully. Do not say, will take, and has hastened this for you and held
‘You are not a believer’, to someone who greets people’s hands back from you, so that it might be
you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the a Sign to the believers, and so that He might
goods of this world. With Allah there is booty in guide you to a straight path. (48:20)
abundance. That is the way you were before but And other booty you do not yet have the power
Allah has been kind to you. So verify things care- to take–Allah has already encompassed it. Allah
fully. Allah is aware of what you do. (4:94) has power over all things. (48:21)
They will ask you about booty. Say: ‘Booty be- Whatever booty from them Allah has given to
longs to Allah and the Messenger. So have fear of His Messenger–and you spurred on neither horse
Allah and put things right between you. Obey nor camel in its acquisition, but Allah gives
Allah and His Messenger if you are believers.’ power to His Messengers over anyone He wills,
(8:1) Allah has power over all things. (59:6)
Know that when you take any booty a fifth of it Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger
belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to from city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the
close relatives, orphans, the very poor and trav- Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and
ellers, if you believe in Allah and in what We the very poor and travellers, so that it does not
sent down to Our servant on the Day of become something which merely revolves be-
Discrimination, the day the two groups tween the rich among you. Whatever the
met–Allah has power over all things. (8:41) Messenger gives you you should accept and
So make full use of any booty you have taken whatever he forbids you you should forgo. Have
which is lawful and good; and have fear of Allah. fear of Allah–Allah is severe in retribution. (59:7)
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (8:69) (Booty is also) for the poor of the emigrants who
O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your were driven from their homes and wealth desir-
wives to whom you have given dowries and any ing the favour and the pleasure of Allah and sup-
slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al- porting Allah and His Messenger. Such people
lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un- are the truly sincere. (59:8)
cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and
the daughters of your maternal uncles and the BOW
daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi- Perform prayer and give the alms and bow with
grated with you and any believing woman who those who bow. (2:43)
gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place
to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the
the rest of the believers–We know very well what place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of
We have prescribed for them regarding their prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il:
wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order ‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and
that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever- those who stay there, and those who bow and
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50) who prostrate.’ (2:125)
When you go out to get the booty, those who re- (The angels said,) ‘Maryam, obey your Lord and
mained behind will say, ‘Allow us to follow you,’ prostrate and bow with those who bow.’ (3:43)
desiring to alter Allah’s words. Say: ‘You may not Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and
follow us. That is what Allah said before.’ They those who believe: those who perform prayer
will say, ‘It is only because you envy us.’ No in- and give the alms, and bow. (5:55)
deed! How little they have understood! (48:15) And We located the position of the House for
And (He rewarded believers) with much booty Ibrahim: ‘Do not associate anything with Me and
which they will take. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. purify My House for those who circle it, and
(48:19) those who stand and bow and prostrate.’ (22:26)
Allah has promised you much booty which you You who believe! Bow and prostrate and wor-
83
ship your Lord, and do good, so that hopefully BRASS
you will be successful. (22:77) Say: ‘It is the truth from your Lord; so let whoever
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those wishes believe and whoever wishes disbelieve.’
who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers, We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire
merciful to one another. You see them bowing whose billowing walls of smoke will hem them
and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and in. If they call for help, they will be helped with
His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the water like seething molten brass, frying their
traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the faces. What a noxious drink! What an evil re-
Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a pose! (18:29)
seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong (Dhu’l-Qarnayn said,) ‘Bring me ingots of iron!’
so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its Then, when he had made it level between the
stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by two high mountain-sides, he said, ‘Blow!’ and
them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has when he had made it a red hot fire, he said,
promised those of them who believe and do right ‘Bring me molten brass to pour over it.’ (18:96)
actions forgiveness and an immense reward. And We gave Sulayman power over the wind–a
(48:29) month’s journey in the morning and a month in
When they are told to bow, they do not bow. the afternoon. And We made a fount of molten
(77:48) brass flow out for him. And some of the jinn
worked in front of him by his Lord’s permission.
BRACELET And if a single one of them deviates at all from
They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow- Our command, We let him taste the punishment
ing under them. They will be adorned in them of the Searing Blaze. (34:12)
with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar- The Tree of az-Zaqqum is the food of the wicked,
ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade, seething in the belly like molten brass. (44:43-
reclining there on couches under canopies. 45)
What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re- On the Day the sky is like molten brass. (70:8)
pose! (18:31)
But Allah will admit those who believe and do BREAD
right actions into Gardens with rivers flowing Two servants entered prison along with Yusuf.
under them where they will be adorned with One said, ‘I dreamt that I was pressing grapes.’
gold bracelets and pearls, and where their cloth- The other said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread upon my
ing will be of silk. (22:23) head and birds were eating it. Tell us the true
They will enter Gardens of Eden where they will meaning of these dreams. We see that you’re one
be adorned with gold bracelets and pearls, and of the righteous.’ (12:36)
where their clothing will be of silk. (35:33)
(Pharaoh said,) ‘Why have gold bracelets not BREAKING AN OATH
been put upon his arms and why is there not a Be true to Allah’s contract when you have agreed
train of angels accompanying him?’ (43:53) to it, and do not break your oaths once they are
They will wear green garments of fine silk and confirmed and you have made Allah your guar-
rich brocade. They will be adorned with silver antee. Allah knows what you do. (16:91)
bracelets. And their Lord will give them a pure Do not be like a woman who spoils the thread
draught to drink. (76:21) she has spun by unravelling it after it is strong, by
BRAIN making your oaths a means of deceiving one an-
Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it other, merely because one community is bigger
cuts right through its brain and it vanishes clean than another. Allah is only testing you by this. He
away! Woe without end for you for what you will make clear to you on the Day of Rising the
portray! (21:18) things about which you differed. (16:92)
84
BREAST-BONE rich brocade. They will be adorned with silver
(Man) was created from a spurting fluid, emerg- bracelets. And their Lord will give them a pure
ing from between the back-bone and the breast- draught to drink. (76:21)
bone. (86:6-7)
BROTHER - BROTHERHOOD
BRINGING OUT You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for
Remember when you killed someone and vio- you in the case of people killed: free man for free
lently accused each other of it, and Allah brought man, slave for slave, female for female. But if
out what you were hiding. (2:72) someone is absolved by his brother, blood-
Then Satan whispered to them, disclosing to money should be claimed with correctness and
them their private parts that had been concealed paid with good will. That is an easement and a
from them. He said, ‘Your Lord has only forbid- mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond
den you this tree lest you become angels or the limits after this will receive a painful punish-
among those who live for ever.’ (7:20) ment. (2:178)
The hypocrites are afraid that a sura may be sent ... They will ask you about the property of or-
down about them, informing them of what is in phans. Say, ‘Managing it in their best interests is
their hearts. Say: ‘Go on mocking! Allah will ex- best.’ If you mix your property with theirs, they
pose everything you are afraid of.’ (9:64) are your brothers. Allah knows a squanderer
(The hoopoe said,) ‘I found both her and her peo- from a good manager. If Allah had wanted, He
ple prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. Satan could have been hard on you. Allah is Almighty,
has made their actions seem good to them and All-Wise. (2:220)
debarred them from the Way so they are not Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do
guided and do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings not separate. Remember Allah’s blessing to you
out what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, when you were enemies and He joined your
and knows what you conceal and what you di- hearts together so that you became brothers by
vulge.’ (27:24-25) His blessing. You were on the very brink of a pit
The evil deeds they did will appear before them of the Fire and He rescued you from it. In this
and the things they mocked at will engulf them. way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so that
(45:33) hopefully you will be guided. (3:103)
He darkened its night and brought forth its morn- You who believe! Do not be like those who dis-
ing light. (79:29) believe and say of their brothers, when they are
going on journeys or military expeditions, ‘If they
BROCADE had only been with us, they would not have died
They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow- or been killed,’ so that Allah can make that an-
ing under them. They will be adorned in them guish for them in their hearts. It is Allah Who
with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar- gives life and causes to die. Allah sees what you
ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade, do. (3:156)
reclining there on couches under canopies. They are those who said of their brothers, when
What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re- they themselves had stayed behind, ‘If they had
pose! (18:31) only obeyed us, they would not have been
(In the Gardens, believers will be) wearing fine killed.’ Say, ‘Then ward off death from yourselves
silk and rich brocade, face to face with one an- if you are telling the truth.’ (3:168)
other. (44:53) Allah instructs you regarding your children: A
They will be reclining on couches lined with rich male receives the same as the share of two fe-
brocade, the fruits of the Gardens hanging close males. If there are more than two daughters they
to hand. (55:54) receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one
They will wear green garments of fine silk and on her own she receives a half. Each of your par-
85
ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you things.’ (4:176)
have children. If you are childless and your heirs He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I have no control over
are your parents your mother receives a third. If anyone but myself and my brother, so make a
you have brothers or sisters your mother receives clear distinction between us and this deviant
a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts. people.’ (5:25)
With regard to your fathers and your sons, you So his lower self persuaded him to kill his
do not know which of them is going to benefit brother, and he killed him and became one of the
you more. These are obligatory shares from lost. (5:30)
Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11) Then Allah sent a crow which scratched at the
You receive half of what your wives leave if they earth to show him how to conceal his brother’s
are childless. If they have children you receive a corpse. He said, ‘Woe is me! Can I not even be
quarter of what they leave after any bequest they like this crow and conceal my brother’s corpse?’
make or any debts. They receive a quarter of And he became one of those who suffer bitter re-
what you leave if you are childless. If you have morse. (5:31)
children they receive an eighth of what you leave And some of their forebears, descendants and
after any bequest you make or any debts. If a brothers; We chose them and guided them to a
man or woman has no direct heirs, but has a straight path. (6:87)
brother or sister, each of them receives a sixth. If And to ‘Ad We sent their brother Hud, who said,
there are more than that they share in a third after ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no other
any bequest you make or any debts, making sure god than Him. So will you not guard against
that no one’s rights are prejudiced. This is an in- evil?’ (7:65)
struction from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All- And to Thamud We sent their brother Salih, who
Forbearing. (4:12) said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no
Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to
daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts you from your Lord. This is the She-Camel of
and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters Allah as a Sign for you. Leave her alone to eat on
and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers Allah’s earth and do not harm her in any way or a
who have suckled you, your foster sisters by painful punishment will afflict you.’ (7:73)
suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh- And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb
ters who are under your protection: the daugh- who said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have
ters of your wives whom you have had sexual no other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to
relations with (though if you have not had sexual you from your Lord. Give full measure and full
relations with them there is nothing blameworthy weight. Do not diminish people’s goods. Do not
for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom cause corruption in the land after it has been put
you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at right. That is better for you if you are believers.’
the same time–except for what may have already (7:85)
taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most They said, ‘Detain him and his brother and send
Merciful. (4:23) out marshals to the cities.’ (7:111)
They request from you a ruling. Say: ‘Allah gives We set aside thirty nights for Musa and then
you a ruling about people who die without direct completed them with ten, so the appointed time
heirs: If a man dies childless but has a sister she of his Lord was forty nights in all. Musa said to
receives half of what he leaves, and he is her heir his brother Harun, ‘Take my place among my
if she dies childless. If there are two sisters they people. Keep order and do not follow the way of
receive two-thirds of what he leaves. If there are the corrupters.’ (7:142)
brothers and sisters the males receive the share of When Musa returned to his people in anger and
two females. Allah makes things clear to you so great sorrow, he said, ‘What an evil thing you did
you will not go astray. Allah has knowledge of all in my absence after I left! Did you want to hasten
86
your Lord’s command?’ He threw down the you the punishment of an all-encompassing
Tablets and seized hold of his brother’s head, Day.’ (11:84)
dragging him towards him. Harun said, ‘Son of He (Yusuf’s father) said, ‘My son, don’t tell your
my mother, The people oppressed me and almost brothers your dream lest they devise some
killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat scheme to injure you, Satan is a clear-cut enemy
over me. Do not include me with the wrongdo- to man.’ (12:5)
ing people.’ (7:150) In Yusuf and his brothers there are Signs for every
He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and my one of those who wants to ask. (12:7)
brother and admit us into Your mercy. You are When they (the brothers of Yusuf) declared,
the Most Merciful of the merciful.’ (7:151) ‘Why! Yusuf and his brother are dearer to our fa-
But as for their brothers, the visitors lead them ther than we are although we constitute a power-
further into error. And they do not stop at that! ful group. Our father is clearly making a
(7:202) mistake.’ (12:8)
But if they repent and perform prayer and give The brothers of Yusuf came into his presence and
the alms, they are your brothers in the religion. he knew them but they did not know him.
We make the Signs clear for people who have (12:58)
knowledge. (9:11) Then, having supplied their needs, he (Yusuf)
You who believe, do not befriend your fathers said to them, ‘Bring me your brother, your fa-
and brothers if they prefer disbelief to faith. ther’s youngest son. Do you not see that I dis-
Those among you who do befriend them are pense full measure and am the most hospitable
wrongdoers. (9:23) of hosts?’ (12:59)
Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers Then when they got back to their father’s house,
or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you they said, ‘Father! Our measure has been denied.
have acquired, or any business you fear may Please send our brother with us so we may ob-
slump, or any house which pleases you, are tain our measure. We will take care of him.’
dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and (12:63)
striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings He said, ‘How will my trusting him to your care
about His command. Allah does not guide peo- be different from entrusting his brother before?
ple who are deviators.’ (9:24) The Best of Guardians, however, is Allah. He is
We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your the Most Merciful of the merciful.’ (12:64)
people in houses in Egypt and make your houses Then when they opened up their saddlebags and
places of worship and perform prayer and give found their merchandise returned to them, they
good news to the believers.’ (10:87) said, ‘Our father! What more could we ask! Here
And to ‘Ad We sent their brother Hud. He said, is our merchandise returned to us. We can pro-
‘My people! Worship Allah. You have no god vide our families with food, and guard our
apart from Him. You are merely fabricators.’ brother and get an extra load. That is an easy
(11:50) measure to obtain.’ (12:65)
To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, Then when they entered into Yusuf’s presence,
‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god he drew his brother close to him and said, ‘I am
apart from Him. He brought you into being from your brother. Do not be distressed concerning all
the earth and made you its inhabitants. So ask the things they used to do.’ (12:69)
His forgiveness and then repent to Him. My Lord Then when he had supplied them with their
is Close and Quick to Respond.’ (11:61) needs, he put the goblet in his brother’s bag. A
And to Madyan their brother Shu‘ayb. He said, herald called out, ‘Caravan! You are thieves!’
‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god (12:70)
apart from Him. Do not give short measure and He started with their bags before his brother’s
short weight. I see you prospering and I fear for and then produced it from his brother’s bag. In
87
that way We devised a cunning scheme for lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not
Yusuf. He could not have held his brother ac- display their adornments–except for what nor-
cording to the statutes of the King–only because mally shows–and draw their head-coverings
Allah had willed it so. We raise the rank of any- across their breasts. They should only display
one We will. Over everyone with knowledge is a their adornments to their husbands or their fa-
Knower. (12:76) thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or
They said, ‘If he steals now, his brother stole be- their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their
fore.’ But Yusuf kept it to himself and still did not brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their
disclose it to them, saying, ‘The plight that you women or those they own as slaves or their male
are in is worse than that. Allah knows best the attendants who have no sexual desire or children
matter you describe.’ (12:77) who still have no awareness of women’s private
(Yusuf’s father said,) ‘My sons! Seek news of parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that
Yusuf and his brother. Do not despair of solace their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah
from Allah. No one despairs of solace from Allah every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you
except for people who are disbelievers.’ (12:87) will have success. (24:31)
He (Yusuf) said, ‘Are you aware of what you did There is no objection to the blind, no objection
to Yusuf and his brother in ignorance?’ (12:89) to the lame, no objection to the sick nor to your-
They said, ‘Are you Yusuf?’ He said, ‘I am indeed selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa-
Yusuf, and this here is my brother. Allah has thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your
acted graciously to us. As for those who fear brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the
Allah and are steadfast, Allah does not allow to houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts
go to waste the wage of any people who do or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater-
good.’ (12:90) nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or
He raised his parents up onto the throne. The those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in
others fell prostrate in front of him. He said, ‘My your eating together or eating separately. And
father, truly this is now the interpretation of the when you enter houses greet one another with a
dream I had. My Lord has made it all come true; greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this
and He was kind to me by letting me out of way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that
prison and brought you from the desert when hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61)
Satan had caused dissent between me and my We gave Musa the Book and appointed his
brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He brother Harun with him as a helper. (25:35)
is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise. (12:100) They said, ‘Detain him and his brother and send
We will strip away any rancour in their out marshals to the cities.’ (26:36)
hearts–brothers, resting on couches face-to-face. When their brother Nuh said to them, ‘Will you
(15:47) not guard against evil?’ (26:106)
Squanderers are brothers to the Satans, and Satan When their brother Hud said to them, ‘Will you
was ungrateful to his Lord. (17:27) not guard against evil?’ (26:124)
We endowed him with Our mercy, making his When their brother Salih said to them, ‘Will you
brother Harun a Prophet. (19:53) not guard against evil?’ (26:142)
(Musa said,) ‘Assign me a helper from my family, When their brother Lut said to them, ‘Will you
my brother Harun.’ (20:29-30) not guard against evil?’ (26:161)
(Allah said to Musa,) ‘Go, you and your brother, To Thamud We sent their brother Salih telling
with My Signs and do not slacken in remember- them to worship Allah, and straightaway they di-
ing Me.’ (20:42) vided in two, arguing with one another. (27:45)
Then We sent Musa and his brother Harun with (Musa said,) ‘and my brother Harun is more elo-
Our Signs and clear authority. (23:45) quent than me so send him with me to support
Say to the believing women that they should me and back me up. I am afraid they will call me
88
a liar.’ (28:34) poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be
He said, ‘We will reinforce you with your brother their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their
and by Our Signs will give you both authority, so clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo-
that they will not be able to lay a hand on you. ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit
You and those who follow you will be the vic- from Him and admit them into Gardens with
tors.’ (28:35) rivers flowing under them, remaining in them
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb, timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them
he said, ‘My people, worship Allah and look to and they are pleased with Him. Such people are
the Last Day and do not act unjustly on earth, the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah
corrupting it.’ (29:36) who are successful. (58:22)
Call them after their fathers. That is closer to jus- Those who have come after them say, ‘Our Lord,
tice in Allah’s sight. And if you do not know who forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in
their fathers were then they are your brothers in faith and do not put any rancour in our hearts to-
the religion and people under your patronage. wards those who believe. Our Lord, You are All-
You are not to blame for any honest mistake you Gentle, Most Merciful.’ (59:10)
make but only for what your hearts premeditate. Did you not see the hypocrites saying to their
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:5) brothers, those among the People of the Book
Allah knows the obstructers among you and who disbelieve, ‘If you are driven out we will
those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and leave with you, we will never obey anyone to
who only come to fight a very little. (33:18) your detriment. And if you are fought against we
They incur no blame in respect of their fathers or will help you’? Allah bears witness that they are
their sons or their brothers or their brothers’ or truly liars. (59:11)
sisters’ sons, or their women or any slaves they ... An evildoer will wish he could ransom himself
own. Have fear of Allah. Allah is witness of all from the punishment of that Day, by means of his
things. (33:55) sons, or his wife or his brother or his family who
(One of the two litigants said to Dawud,) ‘This sheltered him or everyone else on earth, if that
brother of mine has ninety-nine ewes and I have only meant that he could save himself. (70:11-
only one. He said, "Let me have charge of it," and 14)
got the better of me with his words.’ (38:23) (On) the Day a man will flee from his brother.
Remember the brother of ‘Ad when he warned (80:34)
his people by the sand-dunes–and warners
passed away before and after him–‘Worship no BUILDING
one but Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a And We bequeathed to the people who had been
terrible Day.’ (46:21) oppressed the easternmost part of the land We
The believers are brothers, so make peace be- had blessed, and its westernmost part as well.
tween your brothers and have fear of Allah so The most excellent Word of your Lord was ful-
that hopefully you will gain mercy. (49:10) filled for the tribe of Israel on account of their
You who believe! Avoid most suspicion. Indeed steadfastness. And We utterly destroyed what
some suspicion is a crime. And do not spy and Pharaoh and his people made and the buildings
do not backbite one another. Would any of you they constructed. (7:137)
like to eat his brother’s dead flesh? No, you Who is better: someone who founds his building
would hate it. And have fear of Allah. Allah is on fear of Allah and His good pleasure, or some-
Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (49:12) one who founds his building on the brink of a
And ‘Ad and Pharaoh and the brothers of Lut crumbling precipice so that it collapses with him
(also denied the truth). (50:13) into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not love wrong-
You will not find people who believe in Allah doers. (9:109)
and the Last Day having love for anyone who op- The buildings they have built will not cease to be
89
a bone of contention in their hearts, until their burden on the Day of Rising. (20:100)
hearts are cut to shreds. Allah is All-Knowing, No burden-bearer can bear another’s burden. If
All-Wise. (9:110) someone weighed down calls for help to bear his
Those before them also plotted, and Allah came load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his
at their building from the foundations and the next of kin. You can only warn those who fear
roof caved in on top of them. The punishment their Lord in the Unseen and perform prayer.
came at them from where they did not expect. Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone.
(16:26) Allah is your final destination. (35:18)
Accordingly We made them chance upon them If you are ungrateful, Allah is rich beyond need
unexpectedly so they might know that Allah’s of any of you and He is not pleased with ingrati-
promise is true and that there is no doubt about tude in His servants. But if you are grateful, He is
the Hour. When they were arguing among them- pleased with you for that. No burden-bearer can
selves about the matter, they said, ‘Wall up their bear another’s burden. Then you will return to
cave, their Lord knows best about them.’ But your Lord and He will inform you of what you
those who got the better of the argument con- did. He knows what the heart contains. (39:7)
cerning them said, ‘We will build a place of wor- (Has he not been informed) that no burden-
ship over them.’ (18:21) bearer can bear another’s burden? (53:38)
They said, ‘Build a pyre for him and fling him
into the blaze!’ (37:97)
And (We subjected) the Satans, every builder and
diver (to Sulayman). (38:37)
But those who have fear of their Lord will have
high-ceilinged Halls, and more such Halls built
one above the other, and rivers flowing under
them. That is Allah’s promise. Allah does not
break His promise. (39:20)
Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that
perhaps I may gain means of access,’ (40:36)
As for heaven–We built it with great power and
gave it its vast expanse. (51:47)
Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks
like well-built walls. (61:4)
We built seven firm layers above you. (78:12)
Are you stronger in structure or is heaven? He
built it. (79:27)

BURDEN
So on the Day of Rising they will carry the full
weight of their own burdens and some of the bur-
dens of those they misguided without knowl-
edge. What an evil load they bear! (16:25)
Whoever is guided is only guided to his own
good. Whoever is misguided is only misguided
to his detriment. No burden-bearer can bear an-
other’s burden. We never punish until We have
sent a Messenger. (17:15)
Those who turn away from it will bear a heavy
90
C fate of the evildoers! (7:84)
So the earthquake seized them and morning
CALAMITIES found them lying flattened in their homes. (7:91)
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not believe We have never sent a Prophet to any city with-
in you until we see Allah with our own eyes.’ So out seizing its people with hardship and distress
the thunder-bolt struck you dead while you were so that hopefully they would be humble. (7:94)
looking. (2:55) We seized Pharaoh’s people with years of
What are they waiting for but for Allah to come drought and scarcity of fruits so that hopefully
to them in the shadows of the clouds, together they would pay heed. (7:130)
with the angels, in which case the matter will So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice,
have been settled? All matters return to Allah. frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but
(2:210) they proved arrogant and were an evildoing
They will be plunged into abasement wherever people. (7:133)
they are found, unless they have a treaty with Then We took revenge on them and drowned
Allah and with the people. They have brought them in the sea because they denied Our Signs
down anger from Allah upon themselves, and and paid no attention to them. (7:136)
they have been plunged into destitution. That And We bequeathed to the people who had
was because they rejected Allah’s Signs and been oppressed the easternmost part of the land
killed the Prophets without any right to do so. We had blessed, and its westernmost part as
That was because they disobeyed and went be- well. The most excellent Word of your Lord was
yond the limits. (3:112) fulfilled for the tribe of Israel on account of their
The People of the Book will ask you to bring steadfastness. And We utterly destroyed what
down a Book from heaven to them. They asked Pharaoh and his people made and the buildings
Musa for even more than that. They said, ‘Let us they constructed. (7:137)
see Allah with our own eyes.’ So the lightning- Let them (those who were left behind) laugh lit-
bolt struck them down for their wrongdoing. tle and weep much, in repayment for what they
Then they adopted the Calf after the Clear Signs have earned. (9:82)
had come to them, but We pardoned them for Do they not see that they are tried once or twice
that and gave Musa clear authority. (4:153) in every year? But still they do not turn back.
Children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you They do not pay heed. (9:126)
into trouble as He expelled your parents from But they denied him (Nuh) so We rescued him,
the Garden, stripping them of their covering and and all those with him, in the Ark and We made
disclosing to them their private parts. He and his them the successors and We drowned the peo-
tribe see you from where you do not see them. ple who denied Our Signs. See the final fate of
We have made the Satans friends of those who those who were warned! (10:73)
have no faith. (7:27) No one believed in Musa except for a few of his
But they denied him (Nuh) so We rescued him people out of fear that Pharaoh, and the elders,
and those with him in the Ark. And We drowned would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and
the people who denied Our Signs. They were a mighty in the land. He was one of the profligate.
blind people. (7:64) (10:83)
So We rescued him and those with him by The Great Blast seized hold of those who did
mercy from Us, and We cut off the last remnant wrong and morning found them lying flattened
of those who denied Our Signs and were not be- in their homes. (11:67)
lievers. (7:72) When Our command came, We turned their
So the earthquake seized them and morning cities upside down and rained down on them
found them lying flattened in their homes. (7:78) stones of hard baked clay, piled on top of one an-
We rained down a rain upon them. See the final other in layers, each one earmarked by your
91
Lord. And they are never far from the wrongdo- to them. They denied My Messengers. And how
ers. (11:82-83) complete was My denial! ( 34:45)
When Our command came, We rescued Shu‘ayb And they say, ‘When will this promise come
and those who believed along with him by a about if you are telling the truth?’(36:48)
mercy from Us. The Great Blast seized hold of How many generations We have destroyed be-
those who did wrong and morning found them fore them! And they cried out when it was too
lying flattened in their homes. (11:94) late to escape. (38:3)
Even if there was a Qur’an which moved moun- The assembly will be routed and will turn their
tains, or split the earth open or spoke to the backs in flight. In fact the Hour is their promised
dead...! On the contrary! The affair is Allah’s al- appointment and the Hour is more disastrous
together. Do those who believe not know that if and bitter! (54:45-46)
Allah had wanted to He could have guided all
mankind? Those who disbelieve will not cease to CALENDAR
be struck by disaster for what they have done–or There have been twelve months with Allah in the
a disaster will happen close to their homes–until Book of Allah, from the day He first created the
Allah’s promise is fulfilled. Allah will not fail to heavens and earth. Four of them are forbidden.
keep His promise. (13:31) That is the True Religion. So do not wrong one an-
So the Great Blast seized hold of them at the other during them. However, fight the idolaters to-
break of day. (15:73) tally just as they fight you totally, and know that
We turned the place completely upside down Allah is with those who guard against evil. (9:36)
and rained down on them stones of hard-baked
clay. (15:74) CALF (ADOPTED AS IDOL)
But the Great Blast seized hold of them in the And when We allotted to Musa forty nights. Then
morning, (15:83) you adopted the Calf when he had gone and you
How many cities We have destroyed which lived were wrongdoers. (2:51)
in insolent ingratitude! There are their houses, And when Musa said to his people, ‘My people,
never again inhabited after them, except a little. You wronged yourselves by adopting the Calf so
It was We who were their Heir. Your Lord would turn towards your Maker and kill yourselves. That
never destroy any cities without first sending to is the best thing for you in your Maker’s sight.’ And
the chief of them a Messenger to recite Our Signs He turned towards you. He is the Ever-Returning,
to them. We would never destroy any cities un- the Most Merciful. (2:54)
less their inhabitants were wrongdoers. (28:58- Musa brought you the Clear Signs; then, after he
59) left, you adopted the Calf and were wrongdoers.
They (the inhabitants of the city) said (to Our (2:92)
Messengers), ‘We see an evil omen in you. If you Remember when We made a covenant with you
do not stop we will stone you and you will suffer and lifted up the Mount above your heads: ‘Take
a painful punishment at our hands.’ ( 36:18) hold vigorously of what We have given you and
In fact the Hour is their promised appointment listen.’ They said, ‘We hear and disobey.’ They
and the Hour is more disastrous and bitter! were made to drink the Calf into their hearts be-
(54:46) cause of their disbelief. Say, ‘If you are believers,
We have tried them as We tried the owners of the what an evil thing your faith has made you do.’
garden when they swore that they would harvest (2:93)
in the morning. (68:17) The People of the Book will ask you to bring
So a visitation from your Lord came upon it while down a Book from heaven to them. They asked
they slept. (68:19) Musa for even more than that. They said, ‘Let us
Those before them also denied the truth but these see Allah with our own eyes.’ So the lightning-
people do not have even a tenth of what We gave bolt struck them down for their wrongdoing.
92
Then they adopted the Calf after the Clear Signs among the thankful."’ (6:63)
had come to them, but We pardoned them for Say: ‘Are we to call on something besides Allah
that and gave Musa clear authority. (4:153) which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn
After he left, Musa’s people adopted a calf made on our heels after Allah has guided us, like some-
from their ornaments, a form which made a low- one the Satans have lured away in the earth,
ing sound. Did they not see that it could not leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the
speak to them or guide them to any way? They fact that he has companions calling him to guid-
adopted it and so they were wrongdoers. (7:148) ance, saying, "Come with us!"?’ Say: ‘Allah's
As for those who adopted the Calf, anger from guidance, that is true guidance. We are com-
their Lord will overtake them together with manded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all
abasement in the life of this world. That is how the worlds.’ (6:71)
we repay the purveyors of falsehood. (7:152) Do not curse those they call upon besides Allah,
Then he (Samaritan) produced a calf for them, a in case that makes them curse Allah in animosity,
physical form which made a lowing sound. So without knowledge. In this way We make the ac-
they said, ‘This is your god–and Musa’s god as tions of every nation seem attractive to them.
well, but he forgot.’ (20:88) Then they will return to their Lord, and He will
Could they not see that it did not reply to them inform them about what they did. (6:108)
and that it possessed no power to either harm or Say: ‘My Lord has commanded justice. Stand and
benefit them? (20:89) face Him in every mosque and call on Him, mak-
Harun had earlier said to them, ‘My people! It is ing your religion sincerely His. As He originated
just a trial for you. Your Lord is the All-Merciful, you, so you will return.’ (7:29)
so follow me and obey my command!’ (20:90) Call on your Lord humbly and secretly. He does
They said, ‘We will not stop devoting ourselves not love those who overstep the limits. (7:55)
to it until Musa returns to us.’ (20:91) Do not corrupt the earth after it has been put
right. Call on Him fearfully and eagerly. Allah’s
CALLING ON (DU´A) mercy is close to the good-doers. (7:56)
And when Ibrahim built the foundations of the To Allah belong the Most Beautiful Names, so
House with Isma‘il: ‘Our Lord, accept this from call on Him by them and abandon those who
us! You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’ desecrate His Names. They will be repaid for
(2:127) what they did. (7:180)
If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I an- It is He Who created you from a single self and
swer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. made from him his spouse so that he might find
They should therefore respond to Me and believe repose in her. Then when he covered her she
in Me so that hopefully they will be rightly bore a light load and carried it around. Then
guided. (2:186) when it became heavy they called on Allah, their
Then and there Zakariyya called on his Lord and Lord, ‘If You grant us a healthy child, we will be
said, ‘O Lord, grant me by Your favour an upright among the thankful!’ (7:189)
child. You are the Hearer of Prayer.’ (3:38) Their call there is: ‘Glory be to You, O Allah!’
Do not chase away those who call on their Lord Their greeting there is: ‘Peace!’ The end of their
morning and evening, seeking His Face. Their call is: ‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the
reckoning is in no way your responsibility and worlds!’ (10:10)
your reckoning is in no way their responsibility. When harm touches man, he calls on Us, lying
Indeed if you did chase them away, you would on his side or sitting down or standing up. Then
be among the wrongdoers. (6:52) when We remove the harm from him he carries
Say: ‘Who rescues you from the darkness of the on as if he had never called on Us when the
land and sea? You call on Him humbly and se- harm first touched him. In that way We make
cretly: "If you rescue us from this, we will truly be what they have done appear good to the profli-
93
gate. (10:12) appointed you as inheritors of the earth. Is there
It is He Who conveys you on both land and sea another god besides Allah? How little you pay
so that when some of you are on a boat, running heed! (27:62)
before a fair wind, rejoicing at it, and then a vio- When they embark in ships, they call on Allah,
lent squall comes upon them and the waves making their religion sincerely His, but then
come at them from every side and they realise when He delivers them safely to the land, they
there is no way of escape, they call on Allah, associate others with Him. (29:65)
making their religion sincerely His: ‘If You rescue When harm touches people they call on their
us from this, we will truly be among the thank- Lord, repenting to Him. But then, when He gives
ful.’ (10:22) them a taste of mercy from Him, a group of them
The call of truth is made to Him alone. Those immediately associate others with their Lord.
they call upon apart from Him do not respond to (30:33)
them at all. It is like someone stretching out his When the waves hang over them like canopies,
cupped hands towards water to convey it to his they call on Allah, making their religion sincerely
mouth: it will never get there. The call of the dis- His. But then when He delivers them safely to the
believers only goes astray. (13:14) land, some of them are ambivalent. None but a
Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on treacherous, thankless man denies Our Signs.
their Lord morning and evening, desiring His (31:32)
face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring Their sides eschew their beds as they call on their
the attractions of this world. And do not obey Lord in fear and ardent hope. And they give of
someone whose heart We have made neglectful what We have provided for them. (32:16)
of Our remembrance and who follows his own When harm touches man he calls upon his Lord,
whims and desires and whose life has trans- repenting to Him. Then when He grants him a
gressed all bounds. (18:28) blessing from Him, he forgets what he was call-
And (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord, my bones have ing for before and ascribes rivals to Allah, so as to
lost their strength and my head is crowned with misguide others from His Way. Say: ‘Enjoy your
white, but in calling on You, My Lord, I have disbelief for a little while. You are among the
never been disappointed.’ (19:4) Companions of the Fire.’ (39:8)
(Ibrahim said,) ‘I will separate myself from you So call upon Allah, making your religion sin-
and all you call upon besides Allah and I will call cerely His, even though the disbelievers detest it.
upon my Lord. It may well be that, in calling on (40:14)
my Lord, I will not be disappointed.’ (19:48) Pharaoh said, ‘Let me kill Musa and let him call
We responded to him and gave him Yahya, upon his Lord! I am afraid that he may change
restoring for him his wife’s fertility. They outdid your religion and bring about corruption in the
one another in good actions, calling out to Us in land.’ (40:26)
yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves Those in the Fire will say to the custodians of
to Us. (21:90) Hell, ‘Call on your Lord to make the punishment
Say: ‘What has My Lord to do with you if you do less for us for just one day.’ (40:49)
not call on Him? But you have denied the truth, They will ask, ‘Did your Messengers not bring
so punishment is bound to come.’ (25:77) you the Clear Signs?’They will answer, ‘Yes.’
So do not call on any other god along with Allah They will say, ‘Then you call!’ But the calling of
or you will be among those who will be pun- the disbelievers only goes astray. (40:50)
ished. (26:213) Your Lord says, ‘Call on Me and I will answer
Ibrahim said, ‘Do they hear you when you call or you. Those who who are too proud to worship
do they help you or do you harm?’ (26:72-73) Me will enter Hell abject.’ (40:60)
He Who responds to the oppressed when they He is the Living–there is no god but Him–so call
call on Him and removes their distress, and has on Him, making your religion sincerely His.
94
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. you from your Lord. This is the She-Camel of
(40:65) Allah as a Sign for you. Leave her alone to eat on
They said, ‘Magician, invoke your Lord for us by Allah’s earth and do not harm her in any way or a
the contract He has made with you and we shall painful punishment will afflict you.’ (7:73)
certainly follow the guidance.’ (43:49) And they hamstrung the She-Camel, spurning
He (Musa) called out to his Lord, ‘These are evil- their Lord’s command, and said, ‘Salih! Bring us
doing people.’ (44:22) what you have promised us if you are one of the
(Believers will say,) ‘Beforehand we certainly Messengers.’ (7:77)
used to call on Him because He is the All-Good, (Salih said,) ‘My people! Here is the she-camel of
the Most Merciful.’ (52:28) Allah as a Sign for you. So leave her alone to eat
Nuh called upon his Lord: ‘I am overwhelmed, on Allah’s earth and do not inflict any harm on
so help me!’ (54:10) her or you will be overcome by an imminent
When the servant of Allah stands calling on Him, punishment.’ (11:64)
they almost swarm all over him. (72:19) They said, ‘We’re missing the goblet of the king.
Say: ‘I call only upon my Lord and do not associ- The man who brings it will get a camel’s load.
ate anyone else with Him.’ (72:20) Regarding that I stand as guarantor.’ (12:72)
Nothing has prevented Us sending you Signs ex-
CALLING WITH cept the fact that the previous peoples denied
DEROGATORY NICKNAMES them. We gave Thamud the she-camel as a visi-
You who believe! People should not ridicule oth- ble Sign, and then they mistreated her. We do not
ers who may be better than themselves; nor send Signs except to frighten people. (17:59)
should any women ridicule other women who Salih said, ‘Here is a she-camel. She has a time
may be better than themselves. And do not find for drinking and you have a time for drinking–on
fault with one another or insult each other with specified days.’ (26:155)
derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a We will send the she-camel as a trial for them.
name for evil conduct after coming to faith! Just keep a watchful eye on them and be stead-
Those people who do not turn from it are wrong- fast. (54:27)
doers. (49:11) Then you, you misguided, you deniers will eat
from the tree of Zaqqum, filling your stomachs
CAMEL with it and drink scalding water on top of it,
And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is slurping like thirst-crazed camels. (56:51-55)
it the two males He has made forbidden, or the Whatever booty from them Allah has given to
two females, or what the wombs of the two fe- His Messenger–and you spurred on neither horse
males contain? Were you then witnesses when nor camel in its acquisition, but Allah gives
Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do power to His Messengers over anyone He wills,
greater wrong than someone who invents lies Allah has power over all things. (59:6)
against Allah thus leading people astray without Proceed to a shadow which forks into three but
any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people gives no shade or protection from the flames,
of the wrongdoers. (6:144) shooting up great sparks the size of castles, like a
As for those who deny Our Signs and are arro- herd of yellow camels. (77:30-33)
gant regarding them, the Gates of Heaven will When the camels in foal are neglected, (81:4)
not be opened for them, and they will not enter Have they not looked at the camel–how it was
the Garden until a camel goes through a needle’s created? (88:17)
eye. That is how We repay the evildoers. (7:40) And the Messenger of Allah had said to
And to Thamud We sent their brother Salih, who them,‘This is the she-camel of Allah, so let her
said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no drink!’ (91:13)
other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to
95
CAPTIVE Allah has spread the earth out as a carpet for you.
Then you are the people who are killing one an- (71:19)
other and expelling a group among you from Have We not made the earth a flat carpet? (78:6)
their homes, ganging up against them in wrong-
doing and enmity. Yet if they are brought to you CARRION
as captives, you ransom them, when it was for- He has only forbidden you carrion, blood and
bidden for you to expel them in the first place! pork and what has been consecrated to other
Do you, then, believe in one part of the Book and than Allah. But anyone who is forced to eat
reject the other? What repayment will there be it–without desiring it or going to excess in
for any of you who do that except disgrace in this it–commits no crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
world? And on the Day of Rising, they will be re- Most Merciful. (2:173)
turned to the harshest of punishments. Allah is Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork,
not unaware of what you do. (2:85) and what has been consecrated to other than
It is not fitting for a Prophet to take captives until Allah, and animals which have been strangled,
he has thoroughly subdued the land. You desire and animals which have been killed by a blow,
the goods of this world, whereas Allah desires and animals which have fallen to their death,
the hereafter. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:67) and animals which have been gored, and ani-
They (the believers) give food, despite their love mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those
for it, to the poor and orphans and captives. you are able to slaughter properly–and animals
(76:8) which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid-
ing things by means of divining arrows–that is
CARAVAN deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de-
One of them said, ‘Do not take Yusuf’s life but spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not
throw him to the bottom of the well, so that some be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I
(caravan of) travellers may discover him, if this is have perfected your religion for you and com-
something that you have to do.’ (12:10) pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased
Then when he had supplied them with their with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is
needs, he put the goblet in his brother’s bag. A forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing,
herald called out, ‘Caravan! You are thieves!’ Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)
(12:70) Say: ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to
And when the caravan went on its way, their fa- me, any food it is forbidden to eat except for car-
ther said, ‘I can smell Yusuf’s scent! You probably rion, flowing blood, and pork–for that is un-
think I have become senile.’ (12:94) clean–or some deviance consecrated to other
In acknowledgment of the established tradition than Allah. But if anyone is forced to eat it, with-
of Quraysh, their tradition of the winter and sum- out desiring to or going to excess in it, your Lord
mer caravans. (106:1-2) is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (6:145)

CARPET CARVING OUT


Allah has made your houses places of rest for you (Salih said, ‘My people,) remember when He ap-
and made houses for you out of cattle hides pointed you successors to ‘Ad and settled you in
which are light for you to carry both when you the land. You built palaces on its plains and
are travelling and when you are staying in one carved out houses from the mountains.
place. And from their wool and fur and hair you Remember Allah’s blessings and do not go about
obtain clothing and carpets and household uten- the earth, corrupting it.’ (7:74)
sils for a time. (16:80) They (The people of al-Hijr) carved out houses
And the earth–We spread it like a carpet and how from the mountains, feeling safe. (15:82)
well We smoothed it out! (51:48) He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Do you worship something
96
you have carved when Allah created both you obtain clothing and carpets and household uten-
and what you do?’ (37:95-96) sils for a time. (16:80)
But We will drive the evildoers to Hell, like cattle
CASTLE to a watering hole. (19:86)
Proceed to a shadow which forks into three but Eat and pasture your cattle. Certainly there are
gives no shade or protection from the flames, Signs in that for people of sound intellect. (20:54)
shooting up great sparks the size of castles, like a Do you suppose that most of them hear or under-
herd of yellow camels. (77:30-33) stand? They are just like cattle. Indeed they are
even more astray! (25:44)
CATTLE Allah will admit those who believe to Gardens
(Satan said,) ‘I will lead them astray and fill them with rivers flowing under them. Those who dis-
with false hopes. I will command them and they believe have their enjoyment, eating as cattle
will cut off cattle’s ears. I will command them eat, but the Fire will be their final residence.
and they will change Allah’s creation.’ Anyone (47:12)
who takes Satan as his protector in place of Allah
has clearly lost everything. (4:119) CAVE
And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is If you do not help him, Allah did help him when
it the two males He has made forbidden, or the those who disbelieved drove him out and there
two females, or what the wombs of the two fe- were two of them in the Cave. He said to his
males contain? Were you then witnesses when companion, ‘Do not be despondent, Allah is
Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do with us.’ Then Allah sent down His serenity upon
greater wrong than someone who invents lies him and reinforced him with troops you could
against Allah thus leading people astray without not see. He made the word of those who disbe-
any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people lieved undermost. It is the word of Allah which is
of the wrongdoers. (6:144) uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (9:40)
We made forbidden for the Jews every animal If they could find a bolt-hole, cave or burrow,
with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle they would turn and scurry away into it. (9:57)
and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them, When the young men took refuge in the cave and
except what is attached to their backs or guts or said, ‘Our Lord, give us mercy directly from You
mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid and open the way for us to right guidance in our
them for their insolence. And We certainly speak situation.’ (18:10)
the truth. (6:146) So We sealed their ears with sleep in the cave for
We created many of the jinn and mankind for a number of years. (18:11)
Hell. They have hearts they do not understand (One of them said,) ‘When you have separated
with. They have eyes they do not see with. They yourselves from them and everything they wor-
have ears they do not hear with. Such people are ship except Allah, take refuge in the cave and
like cattle. No, they are even further astray! They your Lord will unfold His mercy to you and open
are the unaware. (7:179) the way to the best for you in your situation.’
There is instruction for you in cattle. From the (18:16)
contents of their bellies, from between the dung You would have seen the sun, when it rose, in-
and blood, We give you pure milk to drink, easy clining away from their cave towards the right,
for drinkers to swallow. (16:66) and, when it set, leaving them behind on the left,
Allah has made your houses places of rest for you while they were lying in an open part of it. That
and made houses for you out of cattle hides was one of Allah’s Signs. Whoever Allah guides
which are light for you to carry both when you is truly guided. But if He misguides someone,
are travelling and when you are staying in one you will find no protector for them to guide them
place. And from their wool and fur and hair you rightly. (18:17)
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They stayed in their Cave for three hundred years If only you could see the evildoers hanging their
and added nine. (18:25) heads in shame before their Lord: ‘Our Lord, we
have seen and we have heard, so send us back
CERTAIN, THE again and we will act rightly. Truly we now have
And worship your Lord until what is Certain certainty.’ (32:12)
comes to you. (15:99) We appointed leaders from among them, guiding
(The evildoers will say,) ‘We plunged with those by Our command when they were steadfast and
who plunged and denied the Day of Judgment when they had certainty about Our Signs. (32:24)
until the Certain came to us.’ (74:45-47) (He is) the Lord of the heavens and the earth and
everything in between them, if you are people
CERTAINTY with certainty. (44:7)
(The Qur’an contains guidance for) those who And in your creation and all the creatures He has
believe in what has been sent down to you and spread about there are Signs for people with cer-
what was sent down before you, and are certain tainty. (45:4)
about the hereafter. (2:4) This is clear insight for mankind and guidance
Those who do not know say, ‘If only Allah would and mercy for people with certainty. (45:20)
speak to us, or some sign come to us!’ just like But as for those who disbelieved, (they will be
those before them who said the same as they say. told): ‘Were My Signs not recited to you and yet
Their hearts are much the same. We have made the you proved arrogant; you were a people of evil-
Signs clear for people who have certainty. (2:118) doers? When you were told, "Allah’s promise is
Do they then seek the judgement of the Time of true and so is the Hour, of which there is no
Ignorance? Who could be better at giving judge- doubt," you said, "We have no idea what the
ment than Allah for people with certainty? (5:50) Hour is. We have only been conjecturing. We
Because of that We showed Ibrahim the domin- are by no means certain."’ (45:31-32)
ions of the heavens and the earth so that he might There are certainly Signs in the earth for people
be one of the people of certainty. (6:75) with certainty. (51:20)
Allah is He Who raised up the heavens without Or did they create the heavens and the earth?
any support–you can see that–and then estab- No, in truth they have no certainty. (52:36)
lished Himself firmly on the Throne. He made the This is indeed the Truth of Certainty. (56:95)
sun and moon subservient, each running for a We have only appointed angels as masters of the
specified term. He directs the whole affair. He Fire and We have only specified their number as
makes the Signs clear so that hopefully you will a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who
be certain about the meeting with your Lord. were given the Book might gain in certainty, and
(13:2) those who believe might increase in their faith,
(Believers are) those who perform prayer and give and both those who were given the Book and the
the alms and are certain about the hereafter. believers might have no doubt; and so that those
(27:3) with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers
When the Word is justly carried out against them, might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam-
We will produce a Beast from the earth which ple?’ In this way Allah misguides those He wills
will speak to them. Truly mankind had no cer- and guides those He wills. No one knows the le-
tainty about Our Signs. (27:82) gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a
So be steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Do not let reminder to all human beings. (74:31)
those who have no certainty make you impatient No indeed, if you only knew with the Knowledge
and shake your firmness. (30:60) of Certainty, you will certainly see the Blazing
(Good-doers are) those who perform prayer and Fire! Then you will certainly see it with the Eye of
give the alms and are certain of the hereafter. Certainty. (102:5-7)
(31:4)
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CHARACTER ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty
Indeed you are truly vast in character. (68:4) with, blood money should be paid to his family
and you should free a believing slave. Anyone
CHARITY (SADAQA) who cannot find the means should fast two con-
Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for secutive months. This is a concession from Allah.
Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what- Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92)
ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your There is no good in much of their secret talk, ex-
heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the cept in the case of those who enjoin charity, or
place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a what is right, or putting things right between peo-
head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or ple. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of
sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And Allah, We will give him an immense reward.
if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of (4:114)
a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make We prescribed for them in it: a life for a life, an
whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an
cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage ear, a tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for
and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is wounds. But if anyone forgoes that as a charity, it
for anyone whose family does not live near the will act as expiation for him. Those who do not
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of judge by what Allah has sent down, such people
Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution. are wrongdoers. (5:45)
(2:196) Among them there were some who made an
Correct and courteous words accompanied by agreement with Allah: ‘If He gives us of His
forgiveness are better than charity followed by bounty we will definitely give charity and be
insulting words. Allah is Rich Beyond Need, All- among the righteous.’ (9:75)
Forbearing. (2:263) As for the people who find fault with those be-
You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by lievers who give charity spontaneously, and with
demands for gratitude or insulting words, like those who can find nothing to give but their own
him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo- effort, and deride them, Allah derides them. They
ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day. will have a painful punishment. (9:79)
His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with Take charity from their wealth to purify and
soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left cleanse them and pray for them. Your prayers
stripped bare. They have no power over anything bring relief to them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-
they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe- Knowing. (9:103)
lieving people. (2:264) Men and women who are Muslims, men and
If you make your charity public, that is good. But women who are believers, men and women who
if you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is are obedient, men and women who are truthful,
better for you, and We will erase some of your men and women who are steadfast, men and
bad actions from you. Allah is aware of what you women who are humble, men and women who
do. (2:271) give charity, men and women who fast, men and
Allah obliterates usury but makes charity grow in women who guard their chastity, men and
value! Allah does not love any persistently un- women who remember Allah much: Allah has
grateful wrongdoer. (2:276) prepared forgiveness for them and an immense
A believer should never kill another believer un- reward. (33:35)
less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer The men and women who give charity and make
by mistake should free a believing slave and pay a good loan to Allah will have it increased for
blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as them and they will have a generous reward.
a charity. If he is from a people who are your en- (57:18)
emies and is a believer, you should free a believ- You who believe! When you consult the
99
Messenger privately precede your private con- made her and her son a Sign for all the worlds.
sultation by giving charity–that is better for you (21:91)
and purer. But if you cannot find the means, (Believers are) those who guard their chastity.
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (58:12) (23:5)
Are you afraid to give gifts of charity before your Say to the believers that they should lower their
private consultation? If you do not and Allah eyes and guard their chastity. That is purer for
turns to you, at least perform prayer and give the them. Allah is aware of what they do. (24:30)
alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah is Say to the believing women that they should
aware of what you do. (58:13) lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not
Give from what We have provided for you before display their adornments–except for what nor-
death comes to one of you and he says, ‘My mally shows–and draw their head-coverings
Lord, if only you would give me a little more time across their breasts. They should only display
so that I can give charity and be one of the right- their adornments to their husbands or their fa-
eous!’ (63:10) thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or
their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their
CHASTITY brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or other
If any of you do not have the means to marry free women or those they own as slaves or their male
women who are believers, you may marry slave- attendants who have no sexual desire or children
girls who are believers. Allah knows best about who still have no awareness of women’s private
your faith; you are all the same in that respect. parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that
Marry them with their owners’ permission and their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah
give them their dowries correctly and courte- every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you
ously as married women, not in fornication or will have success. (24:31)
taking them as lovers. When they are married, if Men and women who are Muslims, men and
they commit fornication they should receive half women who are believers, men and women who
the punishment of free women. This is for those are obedient, men and women who are truthful,
of you who are afraid of committing fornication. men and women who are steadfast, men and
But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever- women who are humble, men and women who
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25) give charity, men and women who fast, men and
Today all good things have been made lawful for women who guard their chastity, men and
you. And the food of those given the Book is also women who remember Allah much: Allah has
lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. prepared forgiveness for them and an immense
So are chaste women from among the believers reward. (33:35)
and chaste women of those given the Book be- And Maryam, the daughter of ‘Imran, who
fore you, once you have given them their guarded her chastity–We breathed Our Spirit into
dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking her and she confirmed the Words of her Lord and
them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects His Book and was one of the obedient. (66:12)
faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the (Belivers are) those who guard their chastity ex-
hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:5) cept from their wives and any slaves they own, in
She (Maryam) said, ‘How can I have a boy when which case they incur no blame, (70:29-30)
no man has touched me and I am not an un-
chaste woman?’ (19:20) CHILDREN
(Her people said to Maryam,) ‘Sister of Harun, Remember when We rescued you from the peo-
your father was not an evil man nor was your ple of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil pun-
mother an unchaste woman!’ (19:28) ishment on you–slaughtering your sons and
And she (Maryam) who protected her chastity. letting your women live. In that there was a terri-
We breathed into her some of Our Spirit and ble trial for you from your Lord. (2:49)
100
Those We have given the Book recognise it as in the presence of Allah. (3:14)
they recognise their own sons. Yet a group of When she gave birth, she said, ‘My Lord! I have
them knowingly conceal the truth. (2:146) given birth to a girl’–and Allah knew very well
Mothers should nurse their children for two full what she had given birth to, male and female are
years–those who wish to complete the full term not the same–‘and I have named her Maryam
of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and and placed her and her children in Your safe-
clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no keeping from the accursed Satan.’ (3:36)
self is charged with more than it can bear. No Then and there Zakariyya called on his Lord and
mother should be put under pressure in respect said, ‘O Lord, grant me by Your favour an upright
of her child nor any father in respect of his child. child. You are the Hearer of Prayer.’ (3:38)
The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the She (Maryam) said, ‘My Lord! How can I have a
couple both wish weaning to take place after son when no man has ever touched me?’ He
mutual agreement and consultation, there is said, ‘It will be so.’ Allah creates whatever He
nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to wills. When He decides on something, He just
find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth- says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is. (3:47)
ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and
over to them what you have agreed to give with children will not help them against Allah in any
correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and way. They are the Companions of the Fire. re-
know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233) maining in it timelessly, for ever. (3:116)
What do you think about the council of the tribe People should show concern in the same way
of Israel after Musa’s time when they said to one that they would fear for small children if they
of their Prophets, ‘Give us a king and we will were to die leaving them behind. They should
fight in the Way of Allah!’? He said, ‘Is it not pos- have fear of Allah and say words that are appro-
sible that if fighting were prescribed for you, you priate. (4:9)
would not fight?’ They said, ‘How could we not Allah instructs you regarding your children: A
fight in the way of Allah when we have been male receives the same as the share of two fe-
driven from our homes and children?’ But then males. If there are more than two daughters they
when fighting was prescribed for them, they receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one
turned their backs–except for a few of them. on her own she receives a half. Each of your par-
Allah knows the wrongdoers. (2:246) ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you
Would any of you like to have a garden of dates have children. If you are childless and your heirs
and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and are your parents your mother receives a third. If
containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken you have brothers or sisters your mother receives
with old age and have children who are weak, a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts.
and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to With regard to your fathers and your sons, you
come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In do not know which of them is going to benefit
this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so you more. These are obligatory shares from
that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266) Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11)
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and You receive half of what your wives leave if they
children will not help them against Allah in any are childless. If they have children you receive a
way. They are fuel for the Fire. (3:10) quarter of what they leave after any bequest they
To mankind the love of worldly appetites is make or any debts. They receive a quarter of
painted in glowing colours: women and chil- what you leave if you are childless. If you have
dren, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver, children they receive an eighth of what you leave
and horses with fine markings, and livestock and after any bequest you make or any debts. If a
fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment man or woman has no direct heirs, but has a
of the life of this world. The best homecoming is brother or sister, each of them receives a sixth. If
101
there are more than that they share in a third after created. He forgives whoever He wills and He
any bequest you make or any debts, making sure punishes whoever He wills. The kingdom of the
that no one’s rights are prejudiced. This is an in- heavens and the earth and everything between
struction from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All- them belongs to Allah. He is our final destina-
Forbearing. (4:12) tion.’ (5:18)
What reason could you have for not fighting in Those We have given the Book recognise it as
the Way of Allah–for those men, women and they recognise their own children. As for those
children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord, who have lost their own selves, they have no
take us out of this city whose inhabitants are faith. (6:20)
wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth.
us a helper from You!’? (4:75) How could He have a son when He has no wife?
Except for those men, women and children who He created all things and He has knowledge of
really are oppressed and do not have any other all things. (6:101)
possibility and are not guided to any way. (4:98) In the same way their idols have made killing
They request from you a ruling concerning their children appear good to many of the idol-
women. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling about aters, in order to destroy them and confuse them
them; and also what is recited to you in the Book in their religion. If Allah had willed, they would
about orphan girls to whom you do not give the not have done it; so abandon them and what
inheritance they are owed, while at the same they fabricate. (6:137)
time desiring to marry them; and also about Those who kill their children foolishly without
young children who are denied their rights: that any knowledge and make what Allah has pro-
you should act justly with respect to orphans.’ vided for them forbidden, inventing lies against
Whatever good you do, Allah knows it. (4:127) Allah, such people are lost. They are misguided.
People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your They are not guided. (6:140)
religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah. Say: ‘Come and I will recite to you what your
The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the Lord has made forbidden for you’: that you do
Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast not associate anything with Him; that you are
into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe good to your parents; that you do not kill your
in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’ children because of poverty–We will provide for
It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God. you and them; that you do not approach inde-
He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in cency–outward or inward; that you do not kill
the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him. any person Allah has made inviolate–except with
Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:171) the right to do so. That is what He instructs you to
They request from you a ruling. Say: ‘Allah gives do so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
you a ruling about people who die without direct (6:151)
heirs: If a man dies childless but has a sister she The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘Are
receives half of what he leaves, and he is her heir you going to leave Musa and his people to cause
if she dies childless. If there are two sisters they corruption in the earth and abandon you and
receive two-thirds of what he leaves. If there are your gods?’ He said, ‘We will kill their sons and
brothers and sisters the males receive the share of let their women live. We have absolute power
two females. Allah makes things clear to you so over them!’ (7:127)
you will not go astray. Allah has knowledge of all It is He Who created you from a single self and
things.’ (4:176) made from him his spouse so that he might find
The Jews and Christians say, ‘We are Allah’s chil- repose in her. Then when he covered her she
dren and His loved ones.’ Say: ‘Why, then, does bore a light load and carried it around. Then
He punish you for your wrong actions? No, you when it became heavy they called on Allah, their
are merely human beings among those He has Lord, ‘If You grant us a healthy child, we will be
102
among the thankful!’ (7:189) to bring a Sign except by Allah’s permission.
Then when He granted them a healthy, upright There is a prescribed limit to every term. (13:38)
child, they associated what He had given them Remember when Musa said to his people,
with Him. But Allah is far above what they asso- ‘Remember Allah’s blessing to you when He res-
ciate with Him! (7:190) cued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were
Know that your wealth and children are a trial inflicting an evil punishment on you, slaughter-
and that there is an immense reward with Allah. ing your sons and letting your women live. In
(8:28) that there was a terrible trial from your Lord.’
Do not let their wealth and children impress you. (14:6)
Allah merely wants to punish them by them dur- When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord! Make this land a
ing their life in this world and for them to expire place of safety and keep me and my sons from
while they are disbelievers. (9:55) worshipping idols.’ (14:35)
Like those before you who had greater strength (Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of
than you and more wealth and children. They my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti-
enjoyed their portion; so enjoy your portion as vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer!
those before you enjoyed theirs. You have Make the hearts of mankind incline towards
plunged into defamation as they plunged into it. them and provide them with fruits, so that hope-
The actions of such people come to nothing in fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37)
this world or the hereafter. They are the lost. They (the guests of Ibrahim) said, ‘Do not be
(9:69) afraid. We bring you the good news of a boy of
Do not let their wealth and their children impress great knowledge.’ (15:53)
you. Allah merely wants to punish them by them They allot daughters to Allah–glory be to
in this world, and for them to expire while they Him!–while they have (sons) what they want!
are disbelievers. (9:85) (16:57)
They say, ‘Allah has a son.’ Glory be to Him! He Allah has given you wives from among your-
is the Rich Beyond Need. Everything in the heav- selves, and given you children and grandchil-
ens and everything on the earth belongs to Him. dren from your wives, and provided good things
Have you authority to say this or are you saying for you. So why do they believe in falsehood and
about Allah what you do not know? (10:68) reject the blessings of Allah? (16:72)
Some travellers came that way and then dis- Then once again We gave you the upper hand
patched their water-drawer who let his bucket over them and supplied you with more wealth
down. He said, ‘Good news for me, I’ve found a and children and made you the most numerous
boy!’ They then hid him away among their group. (17:6)
goods. Allah knew very well what they were Do not kill your children out of fear of being
doing. (12:19) poor. We will provide for them and you. Killing
He (Ya‘qub) said, ‘My sons! You must not enter them is a terrible mistake. (17:31)
through a single gate. Go in through different (Allah said to Satan,) ‘Stir up any of them you can
gates. But I cannot save you from Allah at all, for with your voice and rally against them your cav-
judgement comes from no one but Allah. In Him alry and your infantry and share with them in
I put my trust, and let all those who put their their children and their wealth and make them
trust, put it in Him alone.’ (12:67) promises!’ The promise of Satan is nothing but
Gardens of Eden which they will enter, and all of delusion. (17:64)
their parents, wives and children who were right- And say: ‘Praise be to Allah Who has had no son
eous. Angels will enter in to welcome them from and Who has no partner in His Kingdom and
every gate. (13:23) Who needs no one to protect Him from abase-
We sent Messengers before you and gave them ment.’ And proclaim His Greatness repeatedly!
wives and children. Nor was any Messenger able (17:111)
103
And (the Book is) to warn those who say ‘Allah chaste woman?’ (19:20)
has a son.’ (18:4) She pointed towards him. They said, ‘How can a
(His companion said to the garden owner,) ‘Why, baby in the cradle speak?’ (19:29)
when you entered your garden, did you not say, It is not fitting for Allah to have a son. Glory be to
"It is as Allah wills, there is no strength but in Him! When He decides on something, He just
Allah"? Though you see me with less wealth and says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is. (19:35)
children than you possess, it may well be that my Have you seen him who rejects Our Signs and
Lord will give me something better than your gar- says, ‘I will certainly be given wealth and chil-
den and send down on it a fireball from the sky dren there.’? (19:77)
so that morning finds it a shifting heap of dust.’ They say, ‘The All-Merciful has a son.’ (19:88)
(18:39-40) The heavens are all but rent apart and the earth
Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life split open and the mountains brought crashing
of this world. But, in your Lord’s sight, right ac- down, at their ascription of a son to the All-
tions which are lasting bring a better reward and Merciful! (19:90-91)
are a better basis for hope. (18:46) It is not fitting for the All-Merciful to have a son.
So they went on until they met a youngster (19:92)
whom he killed. Musa said, ‘Have you killed a They say, ‘The All-Merciful has a son.’ Glory be
boy who has done no wrong, without it being in to Him! No, they (the angels) are honoured ser-
retaliation for someone else? This is truly an ap- vants! (21:26)
palling thing that you have done!’ (18:74) And she (Maryam) who protected her chastity.
(He whom We had granted mercy from Us and We breathed into her some of Our Spirit and
whom We had also given knowledge direct from made her and her son a Sign for all the worlds.
Us said to Musa,) ‘As for the boy, his parents (21:91)
were believers and we feared that he would Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
darken their days with excessive insolence and Rising, know that We created you from dust then
disbelief. ’ (18:80) from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood
(He whom We had granted mercy from Us and then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed,
whom We had also given knowledge direct from so We may make things clear to you. We make
Us said to Musa,) ‘As for the wall, it belonged to whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec-
two young orphans in the town and there was a ified time and then We bring you out as children
treasure underneath it, belonging to them. Their so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of
father was one of the righteous and your Lord you die and some of you revert to the lowest
wanted them to come of age and then to unearth form of life so that, after having knowledge, they
their treasure as a mercy from Him. I did not do it then know nothing at all. And you see the earth
of my own volition. That is the explanation of the dead and barren; then when We send down
things about which you were not able to restrain water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts
yourself.’ (18:82) with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5)
(His Lord said,) ‘Zakariyya! We give you the Do they imagine that, in the wealth and children
good news of a boy named Yahya, a name we We are hastening to them with good things? No
have given to no one else before.’ (19:7) indeed, but they have no awareness! (23:55-56)
‘Yahya, take hold of the Book with vigour.’ We Allah has no son and there is no other god ac-
gave him judgement while still a child. (19:12) companying Him, for then each god would have
He said (to Maryam), ‘I am only your Lord’s mes- gone off with what he created and one of them
senger so that He can give you a pure boy.’ would have been exalted above the other. Glory
(19:19) be to Allah above what they describe. (23:91)
She (Maryam) said, ‘How can I have a boy when Say to the believing women that they should
no man has touched me and I am not an un- lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not
104
display their adornments–except for what nor- Mankind! Have fear of your Lord and fear a day
mally shows–and draw their head-coverings when no father will be able to atone for his son,
across their breasts. They should only display or son for his father, in any way. Allah’s promise
their adornments to their husbands or their fa- is true. So do not let the life of this world delude
thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or you and do not let the Deluder delude you con-
their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their cerning Allah. (31:33)
brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their Allah has not allotted to any man two hearts
women or those they own as slaves or their male within his breast, nor has He made those of your
attendants who have no sexual desire or children wives you equate with your mothers your actual
who still have no awareness of women’s private mothers, nor has He made your adopted sons
parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that your actual sons. These are just words coming
their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah out of your mouths. But Allah speaks the truth
every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you and He guides to the Way. (33:4)
will have success. (24:31) They also said, ‘We have more wealth and chil-
Once your children have reached puberty, they dren. We are not going to be punished.’ (34:35)
should ask your permission to enter as those be- It is not your wealth or your children that will
fore them also asked permission. In this way bring you near to Us–only in the case of people
Allah makes His Signs clear to you. Allah is All- who believe and act rightly; such people will
Knowing, All-Wise. (24:59) have a double recompense for what they did.
As for women who are past child-bearing age They will be safe from all harm in the High Halls
and no longer have any hope of getting married, of Paradise. (34:37)
there is nothing wrong in their removing their (Ibrahim said,) ‘My Lord, bestow on me a right-
outer clothes, provided they do not flaunt their acting child!’ And We gave him the good news of
adornments; but to refrain from doing so is better a forbearing boy. (37:100-101)
for them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. So inquire of them: does your Lord have daugh-
(24:60) ters while they themselves have sons? (37:149)
He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and the Has He chosen daughters over sons? (37:153)
earth belongs. He does not have a son and He If Allah had desired to have a son He would have
has no partner in the Kingdom. He created every- chosen whatever He wished from what He has
thing and determined it most exactly. (25:2) created. Glory be to Him! He is Allah, the One,
(Believers are) those who say, ‘Our Lord, give us the All-Conquering. (39:4)
joy in our wives and children and make us a Our Lord, admit them to the Gardens of Eden
good example for those who guard against evil’. You have promised them, and all of their parents,
(25:74) wives and children who acted rightly. Truly You
He (Pharaoh) said, ‘Did we not bring you up are the Almighty, the All-Wise. (40:8)
among us as a child and did you not spend many When he brought them the truth from Us they
years of your life among us?’ (26:18) said, ‘Slaughter the sons of those who believe
The Day when neither wealth nor sons will be of with him but let their women live.’ The strata-
any use. (26:88) gems of the disbelievers are nothing but errors.
Have fear of Him Who has supplied you with (40:25)
what you know, supplied you with livestock and Say: ‘If the All-Merciful had a son, I would be the
children. (26:132-133) first to worship him.’ (43:81)
Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land He (Ibrahim) felt afraid of them but they said, ‘Do
and divided its people into camps, oppressing not be afraid!’ and gave him the good news of a
one group of them by slaughtering their sons and son imbued with knowledge. (51:28)
letting their women live. He was one of the cor- Know that the life of this world is merely a game
rupters. (28:4) and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of
105
boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo But do not obey any vile swearer of oaths, any
one another in wealth and children: like the backbiter, slandermonger, impeder of good, evil
plant-growth after rain which delights the culti- aggressor, gross, coarse and furthermore, despi-
vators, but then it withers and you see it turning cable, simply because he possesses wealth and
yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In sons. (68:10-14)
the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also He will send heaven down on you in abundant
forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. rain and reinforce you with more wealth and
The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy- sons, and grant you gardens and grant you water-
ment of delusion. (57:20) ways. (71:11-12)
Neither their wealth nor their children will help Nuh said, ‘My Lord, they have disobeyed me and
them at all against Allah. Such people are the followed those whose wealth and children have
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- only increased them in loss.’ (71:21)
lessly, for ever. (58:17) He–exalted be the Majesty of our Lord!–has nei-
You will not find people who believe in Allah ther wife nor son. (72:3)
and the Last Day having love for anyone who op- How will you safeguard yourselves, if you disbe-
poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be lieve, against a Day which will turn children
their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their grey? (73:17)
clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo- Leave the person I created on his own to Me
ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit alone, him to whom I have given great wealth
from Him and admit them into Gardens with and sons who stay with him. (74:11-13)
rivers flowing under them, remaining in them When the Deafening Blast comes, the Day a man
timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them will flee from his brother and his mother and his
and they are pleased with Him. Such people are father, and his wife and his children. (80:33-36)
the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah
who are successful. (58:22) CHILDREN OF ADEM
Neither your blood relations nor your children Children of Adam! We have sent down clothing
will be of any use to you. On the Day of Rising to you to conceal your private parts, and fine ap-
He will differentiate between you. Allah sees parel, but the garment of heedfulness–that is
what you do. (60:3) best! That is one of Allah’s Signs, so that hope-
O Prophet! When women who believe come to fully you will pay heed. (7:26)
you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds Children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you
that they will not associate anything with Allah into trouble as He expelled your parents from the
or steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a Garden, stripping them of their covering and dis-
false ascription of paternity–making up lies about closing to them their private parts. He and his
their bodies–or disobey you in respect of any- tribe see you from where you do not see them.
thing right, then accept their pledge and ask for- We have made the Satans friends of those who
giveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most have no faith. (7:27)
Merciful. (60:12) Children of Adam! Wear fine clothing in every
You who believe! Do not let your wealth or chil- mosque and eat and drink but do not be profli-
dren divert you from the remembrance of Allah. gate. He does not love the profligate. (7:31)
Whoever does that is lost. (63:9) Children of Adam! If Messengers come to you
You who believe! Some of your wives and chil- from among yourselves, recounting My Signs to
dren are an enemy to you, so be wary of them. you, those who guard against evil and put things
But if you pardon and exonerate and forgive, right, will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (64:14) (7:35)
Your wealth and children are a trial. But with When your Lord took out all their descendants
Allah there is an immense reward. (64:15) from the loins of the children of Adam and made
106
them testify against themselves ‘Am I not your by Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do.
Lord?’ they said, ‘We testify that indeed You are!’ (2:140)
Lest you say on the Day of Rising, ‘We knew When Allah said, ‘‘Isa, I will take you back and
nothing of this.’ (7:172) raise you up to Me and purify you of those who
We have honoured the sons of Adam and con- disbelieve. And I will place the people who fol-
veyed them on land and sea and provided them low you above those who disbelieve until the
with good things and favoured them greatly over Day of Rising. Then you will all return to Me, and
many We have created. (17:70) I will judge between you regarding the things
about which you differed.’ (3:55)
CHILDREN OF ISRAEL Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but a
(SEE TRIBE OF ISRAEL) man of pure natural belief–a Muslim. He was not
one of the idolaters. (3:67)
CHRISTIANS We also made a covenant with those who say,
Those with faith, those who are Jews, and the ‘We are Christians,’ and they too forgot a good
Christians and Sabaeans, all who believe in Allah portion of what they were reminded of. So We
and the Last Day and act rightly, will have their stirred up enmity and hatred between them until
reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and the Day of Rising when Allah will inform them
will know no sorrow. (2:62) about what they did. (5:14)
They say, ‘No one will enter the Garden except Those who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, son of
for Jews and Christians.’ Such is their vain hope. Maryam,’ are disbelievers. Say: ‘Who possesses
Say, ‘Produce your evidence if you are telling the any power at all over Allah if He desires to de-
truth.’ (2:111) stroy the Messiah, son of Maryam, and his
The Jews say, ‘The Christians have nothing to mother, and everyone else on earth?’ The king-
stand on,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Jews have dom of the heavens and the earth and everything
nothing to stand on,’ yet they both recite the between them belongs to Allah. He creates what-
Book. Those who do not know say the same as ever He wills. Allah has power over all things.
they say. Allah will judge between them on the (5:17)
Day of Rising regarding the things about which The Jews and Christians say, ‘We are Allah’s chil-
they differ. (2:113) dren and His loved ones.’ Say: ‘Why, then, does
They say, ‘Allah has a son.’ Glory be to Him! No, He punish you for your wrong actions? No, you
everything in the heavens and earth belongs to are merely human beings among those He has
Him. Everything is obedient to Him. (2:116) created. He forgives whoever He wills and He
The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased punishes whoever He wills. The kingdom of the
with you until you follow their religion. Say, heavens and the earth and everything between
‘Allah’s guidance is the true guidance.’ If you them belongs to Allah. He is our final destina-
were to follow their whims and desires, after the tion.’ (5:18)
knowledge that has come to you, you would find The people of the Gospel should judge by what
no protector or helper against Allah. (2:120) Allah sent down in it. Those who do not judge by
They say, ‘Be Jews or Christians and you will be what Allah has sent down, such people are devi-
guided.’ Say, ‘Rather adopt the religion of ators. (5:47)
Ibrahim, a man of natural pure belief. He was not You who believe! Do not take the Jews and
one of the idolaters.’ (2:135) Christians as your friends; they are the friends of
Or do they say that Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq one another. Any of you who takes them as
and Ya‘qub and the Tribes were Jews or friends is one of them. Allah does not guide
Christians? Say, ‘Do you know better or does wrongdoing people. (5:51)
Allah?’ Who could do greater wrong than some- Those who believe and those who are Jews and
one who hides the evidence he has been given the Sabaeans and the Christians, all who believe
107
in Allah and the Last Day and act rightly will feel gogues and mosques, where Allah’s name is
no fear and will know no sorrow. (5:69) mentioned much, would have been pulled down
Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam, and destroyed. Allah will certainly help those
is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe who help Him–Allah is All-Strong, Almighty.
of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. (22:40)
If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah
has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will (TO) CIRCLE
be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place
helpers. (5:72) of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the
You will find that the people most hostile to those place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of
who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il:
will find the people most affectionate to those ‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and
who believe are those who say, ‘We are those who stay there, and those who bow and
Christians.’ That is because some of them are who prostrate.’ (2:125)
priests and monks and because they are not arro- And We located the position of the House for
gant. (5:82) Ibrahim: ‘Do not associate anything with Me and
The Jews say, ‘Uzayr is the son of Allah,’ and the purify My House for those who circle it, and
Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’ those who stand and bow and prostrate.’ (22:26)
That is what they say with their mouths, copying (We said to Ibrahim,) ‘Then they should end their
the words of those who disbelieved before. May state of self-neglect and fulfil their vows and cir-
Allah destroy them! How perverted they are! cle the Ancient House.’ (22:29)
(9:30)
They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords CISTERN
besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of They made for him anything he (Sulayman)
Maryam. Yet they were commanded to worship wished: high arches and statues, huge dishes like
only one God. There is no god but Him! Glory be cisterns, great built-in cooking vats. ‘Work, fam-
to Him above anything they associate with Him! ily of Dawud, in thankfulness!’ But very few of
(9:31) My servants are thankful. (34:13)
As for those who believe and those who are Jews
and the Sabaeans and the Christians, Magians CITY
and idolaters, Allah will distinguish between What reason could you have for not fighting in
them on the Day of Rising. Allah is witness of all the Way of Allah–for those men, women and
things. (22:17) children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord,
Then We sent Our Messengers following in their take us out of this city whose inhabitants are
footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them, wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give
giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and us a helper from You!’? (4:75)
mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. This is a Book We have sent down and blessed,
They invented monasticism–We did not pre- confirming what came before it, so that you can
scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the warn the Mother of Cities (Makka) and the peo-
pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob- ple around it. Those who believe in the hereafter
serve it as it should have been observed. To those believe in it and safeguard their prayer. (6:92)
of them who believed We gave their reward but And likewise in every city We set up its greatest
many of them are deviators. (57:27) wrongdoers to plot in it. They plot against them-
selves alone, but they are not aware of it. (6:123)
CHURCH That was because their Lord would never have
... if Allah had not driven some people back by destroyed the cities unjustly while their people
means of others, monasteries, churches, syna- were unaware. (6:131)
108
How many cities We have destroyed! Our vio- the cities which do wrong. His grip is painful, vi-
lent force came down on them during the night, olent. (11:102)
or while they were asleep during the day. (7:4) Your Lord would never have destroyed the cities
The ruling circle of those of his people who were wrongfully as long as their inhabitants were put-
arrogant said, ‘We will drive you out of our city, ting things right. (11:117)
Shu‘ayb, you and those who believe along with Some city women said, ‘The governor’s wife so-
you, unless you return to our religion.’ He said, licited her slave. He’s fired her heart with love.
‘What, even though we detest it?’ (7:88) We see that she’s the one to blame.’ (12:30)
If only the people of the cities had believed and We sent none before you but men inspired with
guarded against evil, We would have opened up revelation from among the people of the cities.
to them blessings from heaven and earth. But Have they not travelled in the land and seen the
they denied the truth so We seized them for what final fate of those before them? The abode of the
they earned. (7:96) hereafter is better for those who guard against
Do the people of the cities feel secure against evil. So will you not use your intellect? (12:109)
Our violent force coming down on them in the We did not destroy any city without it having a
night while they are asleep? (7:97) set time. (15:4)
Or do the people of the cities feel secure against The people of the city came, exulting at the
Our violent force coming down on them in the news. (15:67)
day while they are playing games? (7:98) When We desire to destroy a city, We send a
These cities–We have given you news of them. command to the affluent in it and they become
Their Messengers came to them with Clear Signs, deviant in it and the Word is justly carried out
but they were never going to believe in what they against it and We annihilate it completely.
had previously rejected. That is how Allah seals (17:16)
up the hearts of the disbelievers. (7:101) There is no city We will not destroy before the
They said, ‘Detain him and his brother and send Day of Rising, or punish with a terrible punish-
out marshals to the cities,’ (7:111) ment. That is inscribed in the Book. (17:58)
Pharaoh said, ‘Have you believed in him before I Those cities: We destroyed them when they did
authorised you to do so? This is just some plot wrong and fixed a promised time for their de-
you have concocted in the city to drive its people struction. (18:59)
from it.’ (7:123) None of the cities which We destroyed before
Has the news of those who came before them not them believed. So will they? (21:6)
reached them, the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and How many cities which did wrong have We ut-
Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in- terly destroyed, raising up other people after
habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities? them! (21:11)
Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs. We gave right judgement and knowledge to Lut
Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged and rescued him from the city which committed
themselves. (9:70) disgusting acts. They were evil people who were
How is it that there has never been a city that be- deviators. (21:74)
lieved, whose faith then brought it benefit, ex- There is a ban on any city We have destroyed;
cept the people of Yunus? When they believed they will not return. (21:95)
We removed from them the punishment of dis- How many wrongdoing cities We destroyed, and
grace in the life of this world and We let them now all their roofs and walls are fallen in; how
have enjoyment for a time. (10:98) many abandoned wells and stuccoed palaces!
That is some of the news of the cities which We (22:45)
relate to you. Some of them are still standing, How many wrongdoing cities I allowed time to
while others are now just stubble. (11:100) and then I seized them. I am their final destina-
Such is the iron grip of your Lord when He seizes tion! (22:48)
109
They themselves have come across the city other in the Blazing Fire. (42:7)
which was rained on by an evil rain. Did they not They say, ‘Why was this Qur’an not sent down to
then see it? But they do not expect to rise again. one of the great men of the two cities?’ (43:31)
(25:40) We destroyed the cities round about you and
They said, ‘Detain him and his brother and send have variegated the Signs so that hopefully they
out marshals to the cities.’ (26:36) will turn back. (46:27)
Pharaoh sent marshals into the cities. (26:53) And the Overturned City which He turned up-
We have never destroyed a city without giving it side down, (53:53)
prior warning. (26:208) Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger
She (the Queen of Sheba) said, ‘When kings from city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the
enter a city, they lay waste to it and make its Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and
mightiest inhabitants the most abased. That is the very poor and travellers, so that it does not
what they too will do.’ (27:34) become something which merely revolves be-
There was a group of nine men in the city caus- tween the rich among you. Whatever the
ing corruption in the land and not putting things Messenger gives you you should accept and
right. (27:48) whatever he forbids you you should forgo. Have
Morning found him in the city, fearful and on his fear of Allah–Allah is severe in retribution. (59:7)
guard. Then suddenly the man who had sought How many cities spurned their Lord’s command
his help the day before, shouted for help from and His Messengers! And so We called them
him again. Musa said to him, ‘You are clearly a harshly to account and punished them with a ter-
misguided man.’ (28:18) rible punishment. (65:8)
Your Lord would never destroy any cities without Pharaoh and those before him and the
first sending to the chief of them a Messenger to Overturned Cities made a great mistake. (69:9)
recite Our Signs to them. We would never de- I swear by this city–and you are resident in this
stroy any cities unless their inhabitants were city– (90:1-2)
wrongdoers. (28:59) Allah makes an example of a city which was safe
When Our messengers came with the good news and at peace, its provision coming to it plenti-
to Ibrahim, they said, ‘We are going to destroy fully from every side. Then it showed ingratitude
the people of this city. Truly its inhabitants are for Allah’s blessings so Allah made it wear the
wrongdoers.’ (29:31) robes of hunger and fear for what it did. (16:112)
(Messengers said,) ‘We will bring down on the That was the situation when we woke them up so
inhabitants of this city a devastating punishment they could question one another. One of them
from heaven because of their deviance.’ (29:34) asked, ‘How long have you been here?’ They
We placed between them and the cities We had replied, ‘We have been here for a day or part of a
blessed other clearly conspicuous cities, making day.’ They said, ‘Your Lord knows best how long
them measured stages on the way: ‘Travel be- you have been here. Send one of your number
tween them in safety by night and day.’ (34:18) into the city with this silver you have, so he can
We never sent a warner into any city without the see which food is purest and bring you some of it
affluent people in it saying, ‘We reject what you to eat. But he should go about with caution so
have been sent with.’ (34:34) that no one is aware of you,’ (18:19)
Make an example for them of the inhabitants of The only response of his people was to say:
the city when the Messengers came to it. (36:13) ‘Drive the family of Lut out of your city! They are
Accordingly We have revealed to you an Arabic people who keep themselves pure!’ (27:56)
Qur’an so that you may warn the Mother of He (Musa) entered the city at a time when its in-
Cities (Makka) and those around it, and give habitants were unaware and found two men
warning of the Day of Gathering about which fighting there–one from his party and the other
there is no doubt: one group in the Garden, the from his enemy. The one from his party asked for
110
his support against the other from his enemy. So He said, ‘What prevented you from prostrating
Musa hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said, when I commanded you to?’ He (Satan) replied,
‘This is part of Satan’s handiwork. He truly is an ‘I am better than him. You created me from fire
outright and misleading enemy.’ (28:15) and You created him from clay.’ (7:12)
A man came running from the furthest part of the When Our command came, We turned their
city, saying, ‘Musa, the Council are conspiring to cities upside down and rained down on them
kill you, so leave! I am someone who brings you stones of hard baked clay. (11:82)
good advice.’ (28:20) We created mankind out of dried clay formed
How many cities We have destroyed which lived from fetid black mud. (15:26)
in insolent ingratitude! There are their houses, When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am creating
never again inhabited after them, except a little. a human being out of dried clay formed from
It was We who were their Heir. (28:58) fetid black mud,’ (15:28)
A man came running from the far side of the city, He (Satan) said, ‘I will not prostrate to a human
saying, ‘My people! Follow the Messengers!’ being whom You have created out of dried clay
(36:20) formed from fetid black mud.’ (15:33)
We turned the place completely upside down
CLAY and rained down on them stones of hard-baked
He will teach him (Isa) the Book and Wisdom, clay. (15:74)
and the Torah and the Gospel, as a Messenger to When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your-
the tribe of Israel, saying: ‘I have brought you a selves to Adam!’ they prostrated, except for
Sign from your Lord. I will create the shape of a Diabolis. He said ‘What! Am I to prostrate to one
bird out of clay for you and then breathe into it You have created out of clay?’ (17:61)
and it will be a bird by Allah’s permission. I will We created man from the purest kind of clay.
heal the blind and the leper, and bring the dead (23:12)
to life, by Allah’s permission. I will tell you what Pharaoh said, ‘Council, I do not know of any
you eat and what you store up in your homes. other god for you apart from Me. Haman, kindle a
There is a Sign for you in that if you are believers. fire for me over the clay and build me a lofty
(3:48-49) tower so that perhaps I may be able to climb up to
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of Musa’s god! I consider him a blatant liar.’ (28:38)
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to He Who has created all things in the best possible
your mother when I reinforced you with the way. He commenced the creation of man from
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in clay. (32:7)
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and Then inquire of them: is it they who are stronger
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and in structure or other things We have created? We
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created created them from sticky clay. (37:11)
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and Your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am going to create
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My a human being out of clay.’ (38:71)
permission; and healed the blind and the leper He (Satan) said, ‘I am better than him. You created
by My permission; and when you brought forth me from fire but You created him from clay.’
the dead by My permission; and when I held (38:76)
back the tribe of Israel from you, when you They said, ‘We have been sent to a people of
brought them the Clear Signs and those of them evildoers to unleash upon them lumps of clay.’
who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down- (51:32-33)
right magic";’ (5:110) He created man from dry earth like baked clay.
It is He Who created you from clay and then de- (55:14)
creed a fixed term, and another fixed term is spec- Do you not see what your Lord did with the
ified with Him. Yet you still have doubts! (6:2) Companions of the Elephant? Did He not bring
111
all their schemes to nothing, unleashing upon Allah has made your houses places of rest for you
them flock after flock of birds, bombarding them and made houses for you out of cattle hides
with stones of hard-baked clay? (105:1-4) which are light for you to carry both when you
are travelling and when you are staying in one
CLOAK place. And from their wool and fur and hair you
It is He Who made the night a cloak for you and obtain clothing and carpets and household uten-
sleep a rest, and He made the day a time for ris- sils for a time. (16:80)
ing. (25:47) Allah has made shaded places for you in what
They made their oaths into a cloak and barred He has created and He has made shelters for you
the Way of Allah, so they will have a humiliating in the mountains and He has made shirts for you
punishment. (58:16) to protect you from the heat and shirts to protect
They have made their oaths into a cloak and you from each other’s violence. In that way He
barred the Way of Allah. What they have done is perfects His blessing on you so that hopefully
truly evil. (63:2) you will become Muslims. (16:81)
You who are enveloped in your cloak! (74:1) Allah makes an example of a city which was safe
We made the night a cloak. (78:10) and at peace, its provision coming to it plenti-
fully from every side. Then it showed ingratitude
CLOTHING for Allah’s blessings so Allah made it wear the
On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have robes of hunger and fear for what it did. (16:112)
sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth- But Allah will admit those who believe and do
ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that right actions into Gardens with rivers flowing
you have been betraying yourselves and He has under them where they will be adorned with
turned towards you and excused you. Now you gold bracelets and pearls, and where their cloth-
may have sexual intercourse with them and seek ing will be of silk. (22:23)
what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink As for women who are past child-bearing age
until you can clearly discern the white thread and no longer have any hope of getting married,
from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the there is nothing wrong in their removing their
fast until the night appears. But do not have sex- outer clothes, provided they do not flaunt their
ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat adornments; but to refrain from doing so is better
in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do for them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
not go near them. In this way does Allah make (24:60)
His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they They will enter Gardens of Eden where they will
will guard against evil. (2:187) be adorned with gold bracelets and pearls, and
Children of Adam! We have sent down clothing where their clothing will be of silk. (35:33)
to you to conceal your private parts, and fine ap- The people who guard against evil will be in a
parel, but the garment of heedfulness–that is safe place amid gardens and fountains, wearing
best! That is one of Allah’s Signs, so that hope- fine silk and rich brocade, face to face with one
fully you will pay heed. (7:26) another. (44:51-53)
Children of Adam! Wear fine clothing in every (Nuh said,) ‘Indeed, every time I called them to
mosque and eat and drink but do not be profli- Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their
gate. He does not love the profligate. (7:31) ears, wrapped themselves up in their clothes and
Say: ‘Who has forbidden the fine clothing Allah were overweeningly arrogant.’ (71:7)
has produced for His servants and the good kinds You who are enwrapped in your clothing! (73:1)
of provision?’ Say: ‘On the Day of Rising such Purify your clothes. (74:4)
things will be exclusively for those who believed
during their life in this world.’ In this way We CLOTHING OF WOMEN
make the Signs clear for people who know. (7:32) Say to the believing women that they should
112
lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not earth, there are Signs for people who use their in-
display their adornments–except for what nor- tellect. (2:164)
mally shows–and draw their head-coverings What are they waiting for but for Allah to come
across their breasts. They should only display to them in the shadows of the clouds, together
their adornments to their husbands or their fa- with the angels, in which case the matter will
thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or have been settled? All matters return to Allah.
their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their (2:210)
brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad-
women or those they own as slaves or their male vance news of His mercy, so that when they have
attendants who have no sexual desire or children lifted up the heavy clouds, We dispatch them to a
who still have no awareness of women’s private dead land and send down water to it, by means
parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that of which We bring forth all kinds of fruit. In the
their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah same way We will bring forth the dead, so that
every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you hopefully you will pay heed. (7:57)
will have success. (24:31) We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu-
As for women who are past child-bearing age and nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people
no longer have any hope of getting married, there asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
is nothing wrong in their removing their outer staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
clothes, provided they do not flaunt their adorn- the people knew their drinking place. And We
ments; but to refrain from doing so is better for shaded them with clouds and sent down manna
them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (24:60) and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We
O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and the have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us;
women of the believers to draw their outer gar- rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160)
ments closely round themselves. This makes it It is He Who shows you the lightning, striking
more likely that they will be recognised and not be fear and bringing hope; it is He Who heaps up
harmed. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. the heavy clouds. (13:12)
(33:59) Or they are like the darkness of a fathomless sea
which is covered by waves above which are
CLOUD waves above which are clouds, layers of dark-
Or (their likeness is) that of a storm-cloud in the ness, one upon the other. If he puts out his hand,
sky, full of darkness, thunder and lightning. They he can scarcely see it. Those Allah gives no light
put their fingers in their ears against the thunder- to, they have no light. (24:40)
claps, fearful of death. Allah encompasses the Do you not see that Allah propels the clouds then
disbelievers. (2:19) makes them coalesce then heaps them up, and
And We shaded you with clouds and sent down then you see the rain come pouring out of the
manna and quails to you: ‘Eat of the good things middle of them? And He sends down mountains
We have provided for you.’ They did not wrong from the sky with hail inside them, striking with it
Us; rather it was themselves they were wronging. anyone He wills and averting it from anyone He
(2:57) wills. The brightness of His lightning almost
In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the blinds the sight. (24:43)
alternation of the night and day, and the ships The Day when Heaven is split apart in clouds,
which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the and the angels are sent down rank upon rank.
water which Allah sends down from the sky–by (25:25)
which He brings the earth to life when it was You will see the mountains you reckoned to be
dead and scatters about in it creatures of every solid going past like clouds–the handiwork of
kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and Allah Who gives to everything its solidity. He is
the clouds subservient between heaven and aware of what you do. (27:88)
113
It is Allah Who sends the winds which stir up ask. In this way We have subjected them to you
clouds which He spreads about the sky however so that hopefully you will be thankful. (22:36)
He wills. He forms them into dark clumps and
you see the rain come pouring out from the mid- COLOUR
dle of them. When He makes it fall on those of They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear to us
His servants He wills, they rejoice. (30:48) what colour it should be.’ He said, ‘He says it
It is Allah Who sends the winds which raise the should be a a yellow cow, a pleasure to all who
clouds which We then drive to a dead land and look.’ (2:69)
by them bring the earth to life after it was dead. To those who disbelieve, the life of this world is
That is how the Resurrection will be. (35:9) painted in glowing colours and they laugh at
When they saw it as a storm cloud advancing on those who believe. But on the Day of Rising
their valleys they said, ‘This is a storm cloud those who fear Allah will be over them. Allah
which will give us rain.’ No, rather it is what you provides for whoever He wills without any reck-
desired to hasten–a wind containing painful pun- oning. (2:212)
ishment. (46:24) To mankind the love of worldly appetites is
If they saw a lump of heaven falling down, they painted in glowing colours: women and chil-
would just say, ‘Banked-up clouds!’ (52:44) dren, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver,
Is it you who sent it (the water) down from the and horses with fine markings, and livestock and
clouds or are We the Sender? (56:69) fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment
We sent down cascading water from the clouds. of the life of this world. The best homecoming is
(78:14) in the presence of Allah. (3:14)
(I swear by the horses) leaving a trailing dust- And also the things of varying colours He has
cloud in their wake. (100:4) created for you in the earth. There is certainly a
Sign in that for people who pay heed. (16:13)
COAT OF MAIL (Your Lord revealed to the bees:) ‘Then eat from
(We revealed to Dawud,) ‘Make full-length coats every kind of fruit and travel the paths of your
of mail, measuring the links with care. And act Lord, which have been made easy for you to fol-
rightly, all of you, for I see what you do.’ (34:11) low.’ From inside them comes a drink of varying
colours, containing healing for mankind. There is
COIN certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect.
They sold him (Yusuf) for a pittance, a few small (16:69)
coins, considering him to be of little worth. Among His Signs is the creation of the heavens
(12:20) and earth and the variety of your languages and
colours. There are certainly Signs in that for
COLLAPSE every being. (30:22)
Who is better: someone who founds his building Do you not see that Allah sends down water from
on fear of Allah and His good pleasure, or some- the sky and by it We bring forth fruits of varying
one who founds his building on the brink of a colours? And in the mountains there are streaks
crumbling precipice so that it collapses with him of white and red, of varying shades, and rocks of
into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not love wrong- deep jet black. (35:27)
doers. (9:109) And mankind and beasts and livestock are like-
We have appointed the sacrificial animals for wise of varying colours. Only those of His ser-
you as one of the sacred rites of Allah. There is vants with knowledge have fear of Allah. Allah is
good in them for you, so invoke Allah’s name Almighty, Ever-Forgiving. (35:28)
over them, as they stand in rows. And then when Do you not see that Allah sends down water from
they collapse on their sides, eat of them and feed the sky and threads it through the earth to emerge
both those who ask and those who are too shy to as springs and then by it brings forth crops of
114
varying colours, which then wither and you see their Lord’s command, and said, ‘Salih! Bring us
them turning yellow and then He makes them what you have promised us if you are one of the
into broken stubble? There is a reminder in that Messengers.’ (7:77)
for people of intelligence. (39:21) When Musa returned to his people in anger and
On the Day the sky is like molten brass and the great sorrow, he said, ‘What an evil thing you did
mountains like tufts of coloured wool. (70:8-9) in my absence after I left! Did you want to hasten
It is the Day when mankind will be like scattered your Lord’s command?’ He threw down the
moths and the mountains like tufts of coloured Tablets and seized hold of his brother’s head,
wool. (101:4-5) dragging him towards him. Harun said, ‘Son of
my mother, The people oppressed me and almost
COLUMNS killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat
Iram of the Columns. (89:7) over me. Do not include me with the wrongdo-
It (the kindled fire of Allah) is sealed in above ing people.’ (7:150)
them in towering columns. (104:8-9) Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers
or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you
COMMAND have acquired, or any business you fear may
Many of the People of the Book would love it if slump, or any house which pleases you, are
they could turn you back to disbelief after you dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and
have become believers, showing their innate striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings
envy now that the truth is clear to them. But you about His command. Allah does not guide peo-
should pardon and overlook until Allah gives His ple who are deviators.’ (9:24)
command. Truly Allah has power over all things. They have already tried to cause conflict before,
(2:109) and turned things completely upside down for
Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were you, until the truth came and Allah’s command
slaughtering them by His permission. But then prevailed even though they detested it. (9:48)
you faltered, disputing the command, and dis- And others are left awaiting Allah’s command as
obeyed after He showed you what you love. to whether He will punish them or turn to them.
Among you are those who want this world and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:106)
among you are those who want the hereafter. The metaphor of the life of this world is that of
Then He turned you from them in order to test water which We send down from the sky, and
you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows which then mingles with the plants of the earth to
favour to the believers. (3:152) provide food for both people and animals. Then,
You who have been given the Book! Believe in when the earth is at its loveliest and takes on its
what We have sent down confirming what is fairest guise and its people think they have it
with you, before We obliterate faces, turning under their control, Our command comes upon
them inside out, or We curse you as We cursed it by night or day and We reduce it to dried-out
the Companions of the Sabbath. Allah’s com- stubble, as though it had not been flourishing just
mand is always carried out. (4:47) the day before! In this way We make Our Signs
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and clear for people who reflect. (10:24)
the earth in six days and then settled Himself So when Our command came, and water bub-
firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the bled up from the earth, We said (to Nuh), ‘Load
night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the into it a pair of every species, and your
sun and moon and stars are subservient to His family–except for those against whom the Word
command. Both creation and command belong was preordained–and all who believe.’ But those
to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the who believed with him were only few. (11:40)
worlds. (7:54) He (Nuh's son) said, ‘I will take refuge on a
And they hamstrung the She-Camel, spurning mountain; It will protect me from the flood.’ He
115
said, ‘There is no protection from Allah’s com- mand to any of His servants He wills: ‘Give
mand today except for those He has mercy on.’ warning that there is no god but Me, so have fear
The waves surged in between them and he was of Me!’ (16:2)
among the drowned. (11:43) He has made night and day subservient to you,
When Our command came, We rescued Hud and the sun and moon and stars, all subject to
and those who believed along with him by a His command. There are certainly Signs in that
mercy from Us. We rescued them from a harsh for people who use their intellect. (16:12)
punishment. (11:58) What are they waiting for but the angels to come
That was ‘Ad. They denied the Signs of their Lord to them or your Lord's command to come? That
and disobeyed His Messengers and followed the is like what those before them did. Allah did not
command of every obdurate tyrant. (11:59) wrong them; rather they wronged themselves.
Then when Our command came We rescued (16:33)
Salih and those who believed along with him by When We desire to destroy a city, We send a
a mercy from Us from the disgrace of that day. command to the affluent in it and they become
Your Lord is the All-Strong, the Almighty. (11:66) deviant in it and the Word is justly carried out
They said, ‘Are you astonished at Allah’s com- against it and We annihilate it completely.
mand? May Allah’s mercy and His blessings be (17:16)
upon you, People of the House! He is (Dhu’l-Qarnayn said,) ‘But as for him who be-
Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.’ (11:73) lieves and acts rightly, he will receive the best of
‘Ibrahim, turn away from this! Your Lord’s com- rewards and we will issue a command, making
mand has come. A punishment is coming to things easy for him.’ (18:88)
them which cannot be repelled.’ (11:76) We revealed to him (Nuh): ‘Build the Ship under
When Our command came, We turned their Our supervision and as We reveal. When Our
cities upside down and rained down on them command comes and water bubbles up from the
stones of hard baked clay. (11:82) earth, load into it a pair of every species, and
When Our command came, We rescued Shu‘ayb your family–except for those among them against
and those who believed along with him by a whom the word has already gone ahead. And do
mercy from Us. The Great Blast seized hold of not address Me concerning those who do wrong.
those who did wrong and morning found them They shall be drowned.’ (23:27)
lying flattened in their homes. (11:94) You were not on the western side when We gave
We sent Musa with Our Signs and clear authority Musa the command. You were not a witness.
to Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They followed (28:44)
Pharaoh’s command but Pharaoh’s command Among His Signs is that He sends the winds bear-
was not rightly guided. (11:96-97) ing good news, to give you a taste of His mercy,
We did not wrong them; rather they wronged and to make the ships run by His command, and
themselves. The gods they called upon besides to enable you to seek His bounty so that hope-
Allah did not help them at all when Allah’s com- fully you will be thankful. (30:46)
mand came upon them. They did nothing but in- We appointed leaders from among them, guiding
crease their ruin. (11:101) by Our command when they were steadfast and
We revealed to him (Lut) the command We had when they had certainty about Our Signs. (32:24)
decreed: that on the following morning the last When you said to him whom Allah has blessed
remnant of those people would be cut off. and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep
(15:66) your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’
Allah’s command is coming, so do not try to has- while concealing something in yourself which
ten it. Glory be to Him! He is exalted above any- Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing
thing they associate with Him. (16:1) people when Allah has more right to your fear.
He sends down angels with the Spirit of His com- Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to
116
you so that there should be no restriction for the between them. But if one of them attacks the
believers regarding the wives of their adopted other unjustly, fight the attackers until they revert
sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s to Allah’s command. If they revert, make peace
command is always carried out. (33:37) between them with justice, and be even-handed.
There is no restriction on the Prophet regarding Allah loves those who are even-handed. (49:9)
anything Allah allots to him. This was Allah’s pat- But they spurned their Lord’s command, so the
tern with those who passed away before–and Blast seized them as they looked. (51:44)
Allah’s command is a pre-ordained decree. Our command is only one word, like the blink-
(33:38) ing of an eye. (54:50)
And We gave Sulayman power over the wind–a They will call out to them, ‘Were we not with
month’s journey in the morning and a month in you?’ They will reply, ‘Indeed you were. But you
the afternoon. And We made a fount of molten made trouble for yourselves and hung back and
brass flow out for him. And some of the jinn doubted and false hopes deluded you until
worked in front of him by his Lord’s permission. Allah’s command arrived. The Deluder deluded
And if a single one of them deviates at all from you about Allah.’ (57:14)
Our command, We let him taste the punishment That is Allah’s command which He has sent
of the Searing Blaze. (34:12) down to you. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will
His command when He desires a thing is just to erase his bad actions from him and greatly in-
say to it, ‘Be!’ and it is. (36:82) crease his reward. (65:5)
So We subjected the wind to him to blow at his How many cities spurned their Lord’s command
command, softly, wherever he directed. (38:36) and His Messengers! And so We called them
He is the Raiser of ranks, the Possessor of the harshly to account and punished them with a ter-
Throne, He sends the Spirit by His command to rible punishment. (65:8)
whichever of His servants He wills so that he It is Allah Who created the seven heavens and of
may warn mankind about the Day of Meeting. the earth the same number, the Command de-
(40:15) scending down through all of them, so that you
We sent Messengers before you. Some of them We might know that Allah has power over all things
have told you about and others We have not told and that Allah encompasses all things in His
you about. No Messenger can bring a Sign except knowledge. (65:12)
with Allah’s permission. But when Allah’s com- It is the Day when a self will have no power to
mand comes the matter will be decided with truth help any other self in any way. The command
and then and there the liars will be lost. (40:78) that Day will be Allah’s alone. (82:19)
Accordingly We have revealed to you a Spirit by
Our command. You had no idea of what the COMMUNITY
Book was, nor faith. Nonetheless We have made (Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord, make us both Muslims
it a Light by which We guide those of Our ser- submitted to You, and our descendants a Muslim
vants We will. Truly you are guiding to a Straight community submitted to You. Show us our rites
Path. (42:52) of worship and turn towards us. You are the Ever-
We made the Commandments very clear to them Returning, the Most Merciful.’ (2:128)
and they only differed after knowledge came to That was a community which has long since
them, tyrannising one other. Your Lord will de- passed away. It has what it earned. You have
cide between them on the Day of Rising regard- what you have earned. You will not be ques-
ing the things they differed about. (45:17) tioned about what they did. (2:134, 2:141)
Then We placed you on the right road of Our In this way We have made you a middlemost
Command so follow it. Do not follow the whims community, so that you may act as witnesses
and desires of those who do not know. (45:18) against mankind and the Messenger as a witness
If two parties of the believers fight, make peace against you. We only appointed the direction
117
you used to face in order to know those who fol- fore your time, but Satan made their actions seem
low the Messenger from those who turn round on good to them. Therefore today he is their protec-
their heels. Though in truth it is a very hard tor. They will have a painful punishment. (16:63)
thing–except for those Allah has guided. Allah On that Day We will raise up among every com-
would never let your faith go to waste. Allah is munity a witness against them from amongst
All-Gentle, Most Merciful to mankind. (2:143) themselves, and bring you as a witness against
Mankind was a single community. Then Allah them. We have sent down the Book to you mak-
sent out Prophets bringing good news and giving ing all things clear and as guidance and mercy
warning, and with them He sent down the Book and good news for the Muslims. (16:89)
with truth to decide between people regarding Do not be like a woman who spoils the thread
their differences. Only those who were given it she has spun by unravelling it after it is strong, by
differed about it, after the Clear Signs had come to making your oaths a means of deceiving one an-
them, envying one another. Then, by His permis- other, merely because one community is bigger
sion, Allah guided those who believed to the truth than another. Allah is only testing you by this. He
of that about which they had differed. Allah will make clear to you on the Day of Rising the
guides whoever He wills to a straight path. things about which you differed. (16:92)
(2:213) If Allah had willed He would have made you one
And We have sent down the Book to you with community. However, He misguides anyone He
truth, confirming and conserving the previous wills and guides anyone He wills. You will be
Books. So judge between them by what Allah has questioned about what you did. (16:93)
sent down and do not follow their whims and de- Ibrahim was a community in himself, exemplary,
sires deviating from the Truth that has come to obedient to Allah, a man of pure natural belief.
you. We have appointed a law and a practice for He was not one of the idolaters. (16:120)
every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would Then We sent Our Messengers one after another,
have made you a single community, but He at intervals. Each time its Messenger came to a
wanted to test you regarding what has come to community they called him a liar so We made
you. So compete with each other in doing good. them follow one another too and turned them
Every one of you will return to Allah and He will into myths and legends. Away with the people
inform you regarding the things about which you who have no faith! (23:44)
differed. (5:48) On that Day We will collect from every commu-
There is no creature crawling on the earth or fly- nity a crowd of those who denied Our Signs, pa-
ing creature, flying on its wings, who are not raded in tight ranks. (27:83)
communities just like yourselves–We have not We have sent you with the truth bringing good
omitted anything from the Book–then they will be news and giving warning. There is no community
gathered to their Lord. (6:38) to which a warner has not come. (35:24)
Among those We have created there is a commu- They swore by Allah with their most earnest oaths
nity who guide by the Truth and act justly accord- that if a warner came to them they would be bet-
ing to it. (7:181) ter guided than any other community. But then
Mankind was only one community but then they when a warner did come to them, it only in-
differed, and had it not been for a prior Word creased their aversion. (35:42)
from your Lord, they would already have been Were it not that mankind might all become one
judged in respect of the differences between community, We would have given those who re-
them. (10:19) ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses
If your Lord had wanted to, He would have made and silver stairways to ascend. (43:33)
mankind into one community but they persist in
their differences, (11:118) COMPANION
By Allah, We sent Messengers to communities be- But those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs are
118
the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- who are not related to you, and to companions
lessly, for ever. (2:39) and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not
No indeed! Those who accumulate bad actions love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36)
and are surrounded by their mistakes, such peo- You who have been given the Book! Believe in
ple are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in what We have sent down confirming what is
it timelessly, for ever; whereas those who believe with you, before We obliterate faces, turning
and do right actions, such people are the them inside out, or We curse you as We cursed
Companions of the Garden, remaining in it time- the Companions of the Sabbath. Allah’s com-
lessly, for ever. (2:81-82) mand is always carried out. (4:47)
They will ask you about the Sacred Month and But those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs,
fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat- are the Companions of the Blazing Fire. (5:10)
ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re- (One of Adam's two sons said to the other,) ‘I
jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred want you to take on both my wrongdoing and
Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo- your wrongdoing and so become one of the
ple from it are far more serious in the sight of Companions of the Fire. That is the repayment of
Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will the wrongdoers.’ (5:29)
not stop fighting you until they make you revert As for those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs,
from your religion, if they are able. As for any of they are the Companions of the Blazing Fire.
you who revert from their religion and die disbe- (5:86)
liever, their actions will come to nothing in this Say: ‘Are we to call on something besides Allah
world and the hereafter. They are the which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- on our heels after Allah has guided us, like some-
lessly, for ever. (2:217) one the Satans have lured away in the earth,
Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the
brings them out of the darkness into the light. But fact that he has companions calling him to guid-
those who disbelieve have false gods as protec- ance, saying, "Come with us!"?’ Say: ‘Allah's
tors. They take them from the light into the dark- guidance, that is true guidance. We are com-
ness. Those are the Companions of the Fire manded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all
remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (2:257) the worlds.’ (6:71)
Those who practise usury will not rise from the But as for those who reject Our Signs and are ar-
grave except as someone driven mad by Satan's rogant regarding them, they are the Companions
touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade is the of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, for ever.
same as usury.’ But Allah has permitted trade and (7:36)
He has forbidden usury. Whoever is given a As for those who believe and do right
warning by his Lord and then desists, can keep actions–We impose on no self any more than it
what he received in the past and his affair is can bear–they are the Companions of the
Allah’s concern. But all who return to it will be Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever.
the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- (7:42)
lessly, for ever. (2:275) The Companions of the Garden will call out to
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and the Companions of the Fire, ‘We have found that
children will not help them against Allah in any what our Lord promised us is true. Have you
way. They are the Companions of the Fire, re- found that what your Lord promised you is true?’
maining in it timelessly, for ever. (3:116) They will say, ‘Yes, we have!’ Between them a
Worship Allah and do not associate anything herald will proclaim: ‘May the curse of Allah be
with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives on the wrongdoers.’ (7:44)
and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh- When they turn their eyes towards the
bours who are related to you and neighbours Companions of the Fire, they will say, ‘Our Lord,
119
do not place us with the people of the wrongdo- you will be crucified and birds will eat his head.
ers!’ (7:47) The thing you asked about is foreordained.’
The Companions of the Ramparts will call out to (12:41)
men they recognise by their mark, saying, ‘What If you are surprised at their blindness, what could
you amassed was of no use to you, nor was your be more surprising than their words: ‘What, when
arrogance.’ (7:48) we are turned to dust, shall we then be created all
The Companions of the Fire will call out to the anew?’ These are the people who reject their Lord.
Companions of the Garden, ‘Throw down some Such people have iron collars round their necks.
water to us or some of what Allah has given you Such people are the Companions of the Fire, re-
as provision.’ They will say, ‘Allah has forbidden maining in it timelessly, for ever. (13:5)
them to the disbelievers. (7:50) Do you consider that the Companions of the Cave
Have they not reflected? Their companion is not and Ar-Raqim were one of the most remarkable of
mad. He is only a clear warner. (7:184) Our Signs? (18:9)
If you do not help him, Allah did help him when He was a man of wealth and property and he said
those who disbelieved drove him out and there to his companion, debating with him, ‘I have
were two of them in the Cave. He said to his more wealth than you and more people under
companion, ‘Do not be despondent, Allah is me.’ (18:34)
with us.’ Then Allah sent down His serenity upon His companion, with whom he was debating, said
him and reinforced him with troops you could to him, ‘Do you then disbelieve in Him Who cre-
not see. He made the word of those who disbe- ated you from dust, then from a drop of sperm,
lieved undermost. It is the word of Allah which is and then formed you as a man?’ (18:37)
uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (9:40) Musa said, ‘If I ask you about anything after this,
It is not right for the Prophet and those who be- then you should no longer keep me company. I
lieve to ask forgiveness for the idolaters–even if will have given you excuse enough.’ (18:76)
they are close relatives–after it has become clear Say: ‘Everyone is waiting expectantly so wait ex-
to them that they are the Companions of the pectantly. You will soon know who are the
Blazing Fire. (9:113) Companions of the Right Path and who is is
Those who do good will have the best and more! guided.’ (20:135)
Neither dust nor debasement will darken their And the companions of Madyan (denied); and
faces. They are the Companions of the Garden, Musa was denied as well. I allowed time to the
remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (10:26) disbelievers but then I seized them. How terrible
But as for those who have earned bad actions–a was My denial! (22:44)
bad action will be repaid with one the like of it. But as for those who strive against My Signs and
Debasement will darken them. They will have no try to thwart them, they will be the Companions of
one to protect them from Allah. It is as if their the Blazing Fire. (22:51)
faces were covered by dark patches of the night. The Companions of the Garden on that Day will
Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining have better lodging and a better resting-place.
in it timelessly, for ever. (10:27) (25:24)
As for those who believe and do right actions and The same goes for ‘Ad and Thamud and the
humble themselves before their Lord, they are Companions of the Rass and many generations in
the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it between. (25:38)
timelessly, for ever. (11:23) And when the two hosts came into sight of one
(Yusuf said,) ‘My companions of the prison, are another Musa’s companions said, ‘We will surely
many lords better, or Allah, the only One, the be overtaken!’ (26:61)
Conqueror?’ (12:39) The Companions of the Thicket denied the
(Yusuf said,) ‘My companions of the prison, one Messengers. (26:176)
of you will serve his lord with wine, the other of Say: ‘I exhort you to do one thing alone: to stand
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before Allah in pairs and on your own and then and hamstrung her (the she-camel). (54:29)
reflect. Your companion is not possessed. He is The Companions of the Right: how happy are the
only a warner come to you ahead of a terrible Companions of the Right? (56:8)
punishment.’ (34:46) The Companions of the Left: how wretched are
The Companions of the Garden are busy enjoy- the Companions of the Left? (56:9)
ing themselves today. (36:55) And the Companions of the Right: how happy
And Thamud and the people of Lut and the are the Companions of the Right? (56:27)
Companions of the Thicket. Those too were We have brought maidens into being and made
Confederates. (38:13) them purest virgins, devoted, passionate, of like
When harm touches man he calls upon his Lord, age, for the Companions of the Right. (56:35-38)
repenting to Him. Then when He grants him a And the Companions of the Left: how wretched
blessing from Him, he forgets what he was call- are the Companions of the Left? (56:41)
ing for before and ascribes rivals to Allah, so as to And if he is one of the Companions of the Right,
misguide others from His Way. Say: ‘Enjoy your ‘Peace be upon you!’ from the Companions of
disbelief for a little while. You are among the the Right. (56:90-91)
Companions of the Fire.’ (39:8) Those who believe in Allah and His
So your Lord’s Words about those who disbelieve Messengers–such people are the truly
proved true, that they are indeed the sincere–and the martyrs who are with their Lord
Companions of the Fire. (40:6) will receive their wages and their light. But those
There is no question that what you call me to has who disbelieve and deny Our Signs, will be
no foundation either in this world or the here- Companions of the Blazing Fire. (57:19)
after, that our return is to Allah, and that the prof- Neither their wealth nor their children will help
ligate will be Companions of the Fire. (40:43) them at all against Allah. Such people are the
If someone shuts his eyes to the remembrance of Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
the All-Merciful, We assign him a Satan who be- lessly, for ever. (58:17)
comes his bosom friend-they debar them from The Companions of the Fire and the Companions
the path, yet they still think they are guided–so of the Garden are not the same. It is the
that, when he reaches Us, he says, ‘If only there Companions of the Garden who are the victors.
was the distance of the two Easts between you (59:20)
and me!’ What an evil companion! (43:36-38) But as for those who disbelieve and deny Our
Such people are the Companions of the Garden, Signs they are the Companions of the Fire, re-
remaining in it timelessly, for ever, as repayment maining in it timelessly, for ever. What an evil
for what they did. (46:14) destination! (64:10)
Those are people whose best deeds will be ac- They will say, ‘If only we had really listened and
cepted and whose wrong deeds will be over- used our intellect, we would not have been
looked. They are among the Companions of the Companions of the Blaze.’ (67:10)
Garden, in fulfilment of the true promise made to Then they will acknowledge their wrong actions.
them. (46:16) Away with the Companions of the Blaze! (67:11)
Before them the people of Nuh also denied the So wait steadfastly for the judgement of your
truth and the Companions of Rass and Thamud. Lord. Do not be like the Companion of the Fish
(50:12) when he called out in absolute despair. (68:48)
And the Companions of the Thicket and the peo- Except for the companions of the Right. (74:39)
ple of Tubba‘. Each one denied the Messengers Your companion is not mad. (81:22)
and My promise proved true. (50:14) Cursed be the Companions of the Pit. (85:4)
Your companion is not misguided or misled. Those are the Companions of the Right. (90:18)
(53:2) Those who reject Our signs, they are the
They called on their companion and he set to it Companions of the Left. (90:19)
121
Do you not see what your Lord did with the here?’ They replied, ‘We have been here for a
Companions of the Elephant? (105:1) day or part of a day.’ They said, ‘Your Lord knows
best how long you have been here. Send one of
COMPANIONS OF THE CAVE your number into the city with this silver you
(ASHAB AL-KAHF) have, so he can see which food is purest and
Do you consider that the Companions of the bring you some of it to eat. But he should go
Cave and Ar-Raqim were one of the most re- about with caution so that no one is aware of
markable of Our Signs? When the young men you, for if they find out about you they will stone
took refuge in the cave and said, ‘Our Lord, give you or make you revert to their religion and then
us mercy directly from You and open the way for you will never have success.’ Accordingly We
us to right guidance in our situation.’ So We made them chance upon them unexpectedly so
sealed their ears with sleep in the cave for a num- they might know that Allah’s promise is true and
ber of years. Then We woke them up again so that there is no doubt about the Hour. When they
that we might see which of the two groups would were arguing among themselves about the mat-
better calculate the time they had stayed there. ter, they said, ‘Wall up their cave, their Lord
We will relate their story to you with truth. They knows best about them.’ But those who got the
were young men who believed in their Lord and better of the argument concerning them said,
We increased them in guidance. We fortified ‘We will build a place of worship over them.’
their hearts when they stood up and said, ‘Our They will say, ‘There were three of them, their
Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and dog being the fourth.’ They will say, ‘There were
We will not call on any god apart from Him. We five of them, their dog being the sixth,’ guessing
would in that case have uttered an abomination. at the Unseen. And they will say, ‘There were
These people of ours have taken gods apart from seven of them, their dog being the eighth.’ Say:
Him. Why do they not produce a clear authority ‘My Lord knows best their number. Those who
concerning them? Who could do greater wrong know about them are very few.’ So do not enter
than someone who invents a lie against Allah? into any argument concerning them, except in
When you have separated yourselves from them relation to what is clearly known. And do not
and everything they worship except Allah, take seek the opinion of any of them regarding them.
refuge in the cave and your Lord will unfold His Never say about anything, ‘I am doing that to-
mercy to you and open the way to the best for morrow,’ without adding ‘If Allah wills.’
you in your situation.’ You would have seen the Remember your Lord when you forget, and say,
sun, when it rose, inclining away from their cave ‘Hopefully my Lord will guide me to something
towards the right, and, when it set, leaving them closer to right guidance than this.’ They stayed in
behind on the left, while they were lying in an their Cave for three hundred years and added
open part of it. That was one of Allah’s Signs. nine. Say: ‘Allah knows best how long they
Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But if He stayed. The Unseen of the heavens and the earth
misguides someone, you will find no protector belongs to Him. How perfectly He sees, how
for them to guide them rightly. You would have well He hears! They have no protector apart from
supposed them to be awake whereas in fact they Him. Nor does He share His rule with anyone.’
were asleep. We moved them to the right and to (18:9-26)
the left, and, at the entrance, their dog stretched
out its paws. If you had looked down and seen COMPANIONS OF THE ELEPHANT
them, you would have turned from them and run (ASHAB AL-FIL)
and have been filled with terror at the sight of Do you not see what your Lord did with the
them. That was the situation when we woke Companions of the Elephant? Did He not bring
them up so they could question one another. all their schemes to nothing, unleashing upon
One of them asked, ‘How long have you been them flock after flock of birds? (105:1-3)
122
COMPANIONS OF THE LEFT that He will not seize them little by little? For
(ASHAB AL-MASH'AMA) your Lord is All-Compassionate, Most Merciful.
The Companions of the Left: how wretched are (16:47)
the Companions of the Left? (56:9) (He said to Musa,) ‘We wanted their Lord to give
them in exchange a purer son than him, one
COMPANIONS OF THE PIT more compassionate.’ (18:81)
(ASHAB AL-'UKHDUD) Do you not see that Allah has made everything
Cursed be the Companions of the Pit–the fire on the earth subservient to you and the ships run-
well stocked with fuel–when they were seated ning upon the sea by His command? He holds
right beside it witnessing what they did to the be- back the heaven, preventing it from falling to the
lievers. The only reason they punished them was earth–except by His permission. Allah is All-
because they believed in Allah, the Almighty, the Compassionate to mankind, Most Merciful.
All-Praiseworthy. (85:4-8) (22:65)
Among His Signs is that He created spouses for
COMPANIONS OF THE RASS you of your own kind so that you might find tran-
The same goes for ‘Ad and Thamud and the quillity in them. And He has placed affection and
Companions of the Rass and many generations in compassion between you. There are certainly
between. (25:38) Signs in that for people who reflect. (30:21)
Before them the people of Nuh also denied the Then We sent Our Messengers following in their
truth and the Companions of the Rass and footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them,
Thamud, (50:12) giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and
mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.
COMPANIONS OF THE RIGHT (ASHAB AL- They invented monasticism–We did not pre-
MAIMANA) (ASHAB AL-YEMEEN) scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the
The Companions of the Right: how happy are the pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob-
Companions of the Right? (56:8) serve it as it should have been observed. To those
And the Companions of the Right: how happy of them who believed We gave their reward but
are the Companions of the Right? (56:27) many of them are deviators. (57:27)
We have brought maidens into being and made (The steep ascent is) then to be one of those who
them purest virgins, devoted, passionate, of like believe and urge each other to steadfastness and
age, for the Companions of the Right. (56:35-38) urge each other to compassion. (90:17)

COMPANIONS OF THE THICKET COMPETE


(ASHAB AL-AYKA) They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and en-
The people of the Thicket were also wrongdoers. join the right and forbid the wrong, and compete
(15:78) in doing good. They are among the righteous.
The Companions of the Thicket denied the (3:114)
Messengers, (26:176) And We have sent down the Book to you with
And Thamud and the people of Lut and the truth, confirming and conserving the previous
Companions of the Thicket. Those too were Books. So judge between them by what Allah has
Confederates. (38:13) sent down and do not follow their whims and de-
And the Companions of the Thicket and the peo- sires deviating from the Truth that has come to
ple of Tubba‘. Each one denied the Messengers you. We have appointed a law and a practice for
and My promise proved true. (50:14) every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would
have made you a single community, but He
COMPASSION wanted to test you regarding what has come to
Or (do those who plot evil actions feel secure) you. So compete with each other in doing good.
123
Every one of you will return to Allah and He will knowledge of that. They are only conjecturing.
inform you regarding the things about which you (43:20)
differed. (5:48) They say, ‘There is nothing but our existence in
this world. We die and we live and nothing de-
COMPULSION stroys us except for time.’ They have no knowledge
There is no compulsion where the religion is con- of that. They are only conjecturing. (45:24)
cerned. Right guidance has become clearly dis- But as for those who disbelieved: ‘Were My Signs
tinct from error. Anyone who rejects false gods not recited to you and yet you proved arrogant;
and believes in Allah has grasped the Firmest you were a people of evildoers? When you were
Handhold, which will never give way. Allah is All- told, "Allah’s promise is true and so is the Hour, of
Hearing, All-Knowing. (2:256) which there is no doubt," you said, "We have no
idea what the Hour is. We have only been conjec-
CONJECTURE turing. We are by no means certain."’ (45:31-32)
And (We punished them) on account of their dis- Death to the conjecturers. (51:10)
belief, and their utterance of a monstrous slander They are nothing but names which you yourselves
against Maryam, and their saying, ‘We killed the have given, you and your forefathers. Allah has
Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of sent down no authority for them. They are follow-
Allah.’ They did not kill him and they did not cru- ing nothing but conjecture and what their own
cify him but it was made to seem so to them. selves desire. And that when guidance has reached
Those who argue about him are in doubt about it. them from their Lord! (53:23)
They have no real knowledge of it, just conjec- They have no knowledge of this. They are only fol-
ture. But they certainly did not kill him. (4:156- lowing conjecture. Conjecture is of no avail what-
157) ever against the truth. (53:28)
If you obeyed most of those on earth, they would
misguide you from Allah’s Way. They follow CONSTELLATION
nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing. We have placed constellations in heaven and
(6:116) made them beautiful for those who look. (15:16)
Those who associate others with Allah will say, ‘If Blessed be He Who placed constellations in the
Allah had willed we would not have associated sky and put a blazing lamp and shining moon
anything with Him, nor would our fathers; nor among them. (25:61)
would we have made anything forbidden.’ In the
same way the people before them also lied until CONSTRAINT
they felt Our violent force. Say: ‘Do you have Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He
some knowledge you can produce for us? You are has selected you and not placed any constraint
following nothing but conjecture. You are only upon you in the religion–the religion of your fore-
guessing.’ (6:148) father Ibrahim. He named you Muslims before and
Most of them follow nothing but conjecture. also in this, so that the Messenger could be witness
Conjecture is of no use whatsoever against the against you and you could be witnesses against all
truth. Allah most certainly knows what they are mankind. So perform prayer and give the alms and
doing. (10:36) hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector–the Best
Yes, indeed! Everyone in the heavens and every- Protector, the Best Helper. (22:78)
one on the earth belongs to Allah. Those who call There is no constraint on the blind, nor on the
on something other than Allah are not really fol- lame, nor on the sick. We will admit all who obey
lowing their partner-gods. They are only follow- Allah and His Messenger into Gardens with rivers
ing conjecture. They are only guessing. (10:66) flowing under them. But We will punish with a
They say, ‘If the All-Merciful had so willed, we painful punishment anyone who turns his back.
would not have worshipped them.’ They have no (48:17)
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CONSULTATION People who consume the property of orphans
Mothers should nurse their children for two full wrongfully consume nothing in their bellies ex-
years–those who wish to complete the full term of cept fire. They will roast in a Searing Blaze.
nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and (4:10)
clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no self You who believe! Do not consume one another’s
is charged with more than it can bear. No mother property by false means, but only by means of
should be put under pressure in respect of her child mutually agreed trade. And do not kill your-
nor any father in respect of his child. The same selves. Allah is Most Merciful to you. (4:29)
duty is incumbent on the heir. If the couple both Because of wrongdoing on the part of the Jews,
wish weaning to take place after mutual agreement We made forbidden for them some good things
and consultation, there is nothing wrong in their which had previously been lawful for them; and
doing that. If you wish to find wet-nurses for your because of their obstructing many people from
children, there is nothing wrong in your doing that the Way of Allah, and because of their practising
provided you hand over to them what you have usury when they were forbidden to do it, and be-
agreed to give with correctness and courtesy. Have cause of their consuming people’s wealth by
fear of Allah and know that Allah sees what you wrongful means, We have prepared for the dis-
do. (2:233) believers among them a painful punishment.
It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with (4:160-161)
them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, they They are people who listen to lies and consume
would have scattered from around you. So pardon ill-gotten gains. If they come to you, you can ei-
them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult ther judge between them or turn away from
with them about the matter. Then when you have them. If you turn away from them, they cannot
reached a firm decision, put your trust in Allah. harm you in any way. But if you do judge, judge
Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. between them justly. Allah loves the just. (5:42)
(3:159) He says, ‘I have consumed vast quantities of
(Believers are) those who respond to their Lord and wealth.’ (90:6)
perform prayer, and manage their affairs by mutual
consultation and give of what We have provided CONTRACT
for them. (42:38) Those who break Allah’s contract after it has been
agreed, and sever what Allah has commanded to
CONSUMING be joined, and cause corruption on the earth, it is
Those who say, ‘Allah has made a contract with they who are the lost. (2:27)
us that we should not believe in any Messenger Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I conferred
until he brings us a sacrifice consumed by fire.’ on you. Honour My contract and I will honour
Say, ‘Messengers came to you before me with the your contract. Have dread of Me alone. (2:40)
Clear Signs and with what you say. So why did They say, ‘The Fire will only touch us for a num-
you kill them if you are telling the truth?’ (3:183) ber of days.’ Say, ‘Have you made a contract with
Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a Allah–then Allah will not break His contract–or
marriageable age, then if you perceive that they are you rather saying about Allah what you do
have sound judgement hand over their property not know?’ (2:80)
to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and Why is it that, whenever they make a contract, a
precipitately before they come of age. Those group of them disdainfully tosses it aside? No in-
who are wealthy should abstain from it alto- deed! Most of them have no faith. (2:100)
gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly Remember when Ibrahim was tested by his Lord
and correctly. When you hand over their prop- with certain words which he carried out com-
erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on pletely. He said, ‘I will make you a model for
their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6) mankind.’ He asked, ‘And what of my descen-
125
dants?’ He said, ‘My contract does not include binding contract with you? (4:21)
the wrongdoers.’ (2:124) You who believe! Fulfil your contracts. All live-
And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place stock animals are lawful for you, except those
of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the that are recited to you now; but it is still not law-
place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of ful to hunt while you are in the state of pilgrim-
prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il: age. Allah makes whatever judgements He wills.
‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and (5:1)
those who stay there, and those who bow and And that you do not go near the property of or-
who prostrate.’ (2:125) phans before they reach maturity–except in a
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East good way; that you give full measure and full
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness weight with justice–We impose on no self any
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, more than it can bear; that you are equitable
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, when you speak–even if a near relative is con-
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to cerned; and that you fulfil Allah’s contract. That
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, is what He instructs you to do, so that hopefully
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves you will pay heed. (6:152)
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; We did not find many of them worthy of their
those who honour their contracts when they contract. We found most of them deviators.
make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill- (7:102)
ness and in battle. Those are the people who are Whenever the plague came down on them they
true. They are the people who guard against evil. said, ‘Musa, pray to your Lord for us by the con-
(2:177) tract He has with you. If you remove the plague
If you divorce them before you have touched from us, we will definitely believe in you and
them but have already allotted them a dowry, send the tribe of Israel away with you.’ (7:134)
they should have half the amount which you al- Allah has bought from the believers their selves
lotted, unless they forgo it or the one in charge of and their wealth in return for the Garden. They
the marriage contract forgoes it. To forgo it is fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are
closer to heedfulness. Do not forget to show gen- killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the
erosity to one another. Allah sees what you do. Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is
(2:237) truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in
No, the truth is, if people honour their contracts the bargain you have made. That is the great vic-
and have fear of Him, Allah loves those who tory. (9:111)
guard against evil. (3:76) (People of intelligence are) those who fulfil
Those who sell Allah’s contract and their own Allah’s contract and do not break their agree-
oaths for a paltry price, such people will have no ment. (13:20)
portion in the hereafter and on the Day of Rising But as for those who break Allah’s contract after
Allah will not speak to them or look at them or it has been agreed and sever what Allah has
purify them. They will have a painful punish- commanded to be joined, and cause corruption
ment. (3:77) in the earth, the curse will be upon them. They
Those who say, ‘Allah has made a contract with will have the Evil Abode. (13:25)
us that we should not believe in any Messenger Be true to Allah’s contract when you have agreed
until he brings us a sacrifice consumed by fire.’ to it, and do not break your oaths once they are
Say, ‘Messengers came to you before me with the confirmed and you have made Allah your guar-
Clear Signs and with what you say. So why did antee. Allah knows what you do. (16:91)
you kill them if you are telling the truth?’ (3:183) Do not sell Allah’s contract for a paltry price.
How could you take it when you have been inti- What is with Allah is better for you if you only
mate with one another and they have made a knew. (16:95)
126
Do not go near the property of orphans before legiance to Allah. Allah’s hand is over their hands.
they reach maturity, except in a good way. Fulfil He who breaks his pledge only breaks it against
your contracts. Contracts will be asked about. himself. But as for him who fulfils the contract he
(17:34) has made with Allah, We will pay him an im-
Has he surveyed the Unseen or has he a contract mense reward. (48:10)
with the All-Merciful? (19:78) (Believers are) those who honour their trusts and
They have no right of intercession. None do but contracts. (70:32)
those who have a contract with the All-Merciful.
(19:87) COOLNESS
Musa returned to his people in anger and great But as for those who believe and do right actions,
sorrow. He said, ‘My people, did not your Lord We will admit them into Gardens with rivers
make you a handsome promise? Did the fulfilment flowing under them, remaining in them time-
of the contract seem too long to you or did you lessly, for ever and ever. In them they will have
want to unleash your Lord’s anger upon your- spouses of perfect purity and We will admit them
selves, so you broke your promise to me?’ (20:86) into cool, refreshing shade. (4:57)
We made a contract with Adam before, but he for- We said, ‘Fire, be coolness and peace for
got. We did not find that he had a firm resolve. Ibrahim!’ (21:69)
(20:115) (His Lord said to Ayyub,) ‘Stamp your foot! Here
(Believers are) those who honour their trusts and is a cool bath and water to drink.’ (38:42)
their contracts. (23:8) Reclining in it on couches, they will experience
Those who cannot find the means to marry should there neither burning sun nor bitter cold. (76:13)
be abstinent until Allah enriches them from His
bounty. If any slaves you own want to make a con- CORAL
tract to free themselves, write it for them if you From out of them come glistening pearls and
know of good in them and give them some of the coral. (55:22)
wealth Allah has given you. Do not force your
slavegirls to prostitute themselves if they desire to CORPSE
be virtuous women out of your desire for the Then Allah sent a crow which scratched at the
goods of this world. If anyone forces them, then earth to show him how to conceal his brother’s
after they have been forced, Allah is Ever- corpse. He said, ‘Woe is me! Can I not even be
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33) like this crow and conceal my brother’s corpse?’
Yet they had previously made a contract with And he became one of those who suffer bitter re-
Allah that they would never turn their backs. morse. (5:31)
Contracts made with Allah will be asked about. ‘Today We will preserve your body so you
(33:15) (Pharaoh) can be a Sign for people who come
Among the believers there are men who have after you. Surely many people are heedless of
been true to the contract they made with Allah. Our Signs.’ (10:92)
Some of them have fulfilled their pact by death We tested Sulayman and placed a lifeless body
and some are still waiting to do so, not having on his throne. Then he repented. (38:34)
changed in any way at all. (33:23)
Did I not make a contract with you, tribe of Adam, CORRECTNESS
not to worship Satan, who truly is an outright You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for
enemy to you? (36:60) you in the case of people killed: free man for free
They said, ‘Magician, invoke your Lord for us by man, slave for slave, female for female. But if
the contract He has made with you and we shall someone is absolved by his brother, blood-
certainly follow the guidance.’ (43:49) money should be claimed with correctness and
Those who pledge you their allegiance pledge al- paid with good will. That is an easement and a
127
mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond mutual agreement and consultation, there is
the limits after this will receive a painful punish- nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to
ment. (2:178) find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth-
It is prescribed for you, when death approaches ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand
one of you and if he has some goods to leave, to over to them what you have agreed to give with
make a will in favour of his parents and relatives, correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and
correctly and fairly: a duty for all those who know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233)
guard against evil. (2:180) Those of you who die leaving wives behind: they
Divorce can be pronounced two times; in which should wait by themselves for four months and
case wives may be retained with correctness and ten nights. When their waiting period comes to
courtesy or released with good will. It is not law- an end, you are not to blame for anything they do
ful for you to keep anything you have given them with themselves with correctness and courtesy.
unless a couple fear that they will not remain Allah is aware of what you do. (2:234)
within Allah’s limits. If you fear that they will not Nor is there anything wrong in any allusion to
remain within Allah’s limits, there is nothing marriage you make to a woman, nor for any you
wrong in the wife ransoming herself with some of keep to yourself. Allah knows that you will say
what she received. These are Allah’s limits, so do things to them. But do not make secret arrange-
not overstep them. Those who overstep Allah’s ments with them, rather only speak with correct-
limits are wrongdoers. (2:229) ness and courtesy. Do not finally decide on the
When you divorce women and they are near the marriage contract until the prescribed period has
end of their waiting period, then either retain come to its end. Know that Allah knows what is
them with correctness and courtesy or release in your selves, so beware of Him! And know that
them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re- Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:235)
tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits. There is nothing wrong in your divorcing women
Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do before you have touched them or allotted a
not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember dowry to them. But give them a gift–he who is
Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and wealthy according to his means and he who is
Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish less well off according to his means–a gift to be
you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
knowledge of all things. (2:231) all good-doers. (2:236)
When you divorce women and they are near the Those of you who die leaving wives behind
end of their waiting period, do not prevent them should make a bequest to their wives of mainte-
from marrying their first husbands if they have nance for a year without them having to leave
mutually agreed to it with correctness and cour- their homes. But if they do leave you are not to
tesy. This is an admonition for those of you who blame for anything they do with themselves with
believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better correctness and courtesy. Allah is Almighty, All-
and purer for you. Allah knows and you do not Wise. (2:240)
know. (2:232) Divorced women should receive maintenance
Mothers should nurse their children for two full given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
years–those who wish to complete the full term all who guard against evil. (2:241)
of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and Do not hand over to the simple-minded any
clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no property of theirs for which Allah has made you
self is charged with more than it can bear. No responsible, but provide for them and clothe
mother should be put under pressure in respect them out of it, and speak to them correctly and
of her child nor any father in respect of his child. courteously. (4:5)
The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a
couple both wish weaning to take place after marriageable age, then if you perceive that they
128
have sound judgement hand over their property the Book of Allah than other believers and the
to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and emigrants, except that you should act in a proper
precipitately before they come of age. Those manner towards your close associates. That is in-
who are wealthy should abstain from it alto- scribed in the Book. (33:6)
gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly Then when they have reached the end of their
and correctly. When you hand over their prop- waiting period either retain them with correct-
erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on ness and courtesy or part from them with correct-
their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6) ness and courtesy. Call two upright men from
If other relatives or orphans or poor people at- among yourselves as witnesses and they should
tend the sharing-out, provide for them out of it carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admon-
and speak to them correctly and courteously. ishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last
(4:8) Day. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him
You who believe! It is not lawful for you to in- a way out. (65:2)
herit women by force. Nor may you treat them Let them live where you live, according to your
harshly so that you can make off with part of means. Do not put pressure on them, so as to ha-
what you have given them, unless they commit rass them. If they are pregnant, maintain them
an act of flagrant indecency. Live together with until they give birth. If they are suckling for you,
them correctly and courteously. If you dislike give them their wages and consult together with
them, it may well be that you dislike something correctness and courtesy. But if you make things
in which Allah has placed a lot of good. (4:19) difficult for one another, another woman should
If any of you do not have the means to marry free do the suckling for you. (65:6)
women who are believers, you may marry slave-
girls who are believers. Allah knows best about CORRUPTION
your faith; you are all the same in that respect. hen they are told, ‘Do not cause corruption on
Marry them with their owners’ permission and the earth,’ they say, ‘We are only putting things
give them their dowries correctly and courte- right.’ No indeed! They are the corrupters, but
ously as married women, not in fornication or they are not aware of it. (2:11-12)
taking them as lovers. When they are married, if Those who break Allah’s contract after it has
they commit fornication they should receive half been agreed, and sever what Allah has com-
the punishment of free women. This is for those manded to be joined, and cause corruption on
of you who are afraid of committing fornication. the earth, it is they who are the lost. (2:27)
But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever- When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am putting
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25) an overlord on the earth,’ they said, ‘Why put on
We have instructed man concerning his parents. it one who will cause corruption on it and shed
Bearing him caused his mother great debility and blood when we glorify You with praise and pro-
the period of his weaning was two years: ‘Give claim Your purity?’ He said, ‘I know what you do
thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final not know.’ (2:30)
destination. But if they try to make you associate And when Musa was looking for water for his
something with Me about which you have no people, We said, ‘Strike the rock with your staff.’
knowledge, do not obey them. Keep company Then twelve fountains gushed out from it and all
with them correctly and courteously in this world the people knew their drinking place. ‘Eat and
but follow the Way of him who turns to Me. Then drink of Allah's provision and do not go about
you will return to Me and I will inform you about the earth corrupting it.’ (2:60)
the things you did.’ (31:14-15) When he leaves you, he goes about the earth
The Prophet is closer to the believers than their corrupting it, destroying crops and animals.
own selves, and his wives are their mothers. But Allah does not love corruption. (2:205)
blood-relations have closer ties to one another in ... So We decreed for the tribe of Israel that if
129
someone kills another person–unless it is in retal- corrupters!’ (7:85-86)
iation for someone else or for causing corruption And then, after them, We sent Musa with Our
in the earth–it is as if he had murdered all Signs to Pharaoh and his ruling circle but they
mankind. And if anyone gives life to another per- wrongfully rejected them. See the final fate of the
son, it is as if he had given life to all mankind. corrupters! (7:103)
Our Messengers came to them with Clear Signs The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘Are
but even after that many of them committed out- you going to leave Musa and his people to cause
rages in the earth. (5:32) corruption in the earth and abandon you and
The reprisal against those who wage war on your gods?’ He said, ‘We will kill their sons and
Allah and His Messenger, and go about the earth let their women live. We have absolute power
corrupting it, is that they should be killed or cru- over them!’ (7:127)
cified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut We set aside thirty nights for Musa and then com-
off, or be banished from the land. That will be pleted them with ten, so the appointed time of
their degradation in this world and in the here- his Lord was forty nights in all. Musa said to his
after they will have a terrible punishment. (5:33) brother Harun, ‘Take my place among my peo-
The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their ple. Keep order and do not follow the way of the
hands are chained and they are cursed for what corrupters.’ (7:142)
they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and Those who disbelieve are the friends and protec-
He gives however He wills. What has been sent tors of one another. If you do not act in this way
down to you from your Lord increases many of there will be turmoil in the land and great cor-
them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited ruption. (8:73)
enmity and hatred between them until the Day of Among them there are some who believe in it
Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war, and some who do not. Your Lord best knows the
Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth corrupters. (10:40)
corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. When they had thrown, Musa said, ‘What you
(5:64) have brought is magic. Allah will certainly prove
Do not corrupt the earth after it has been put it false. Allah does not uphold the actions of cor-
right. Call on Him fearfully and eagerly. Allah’s rupters.’ (10:81)
mercy is close to the good-doers. (7:56) (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘My people! Give full measure
(Salih said to his people,) ‘Remember when He and full weight with justice; do not diminish peo-
appointed you successors to ‘Ad and settled you ple's goods; and do not go about the earth, cor-
in the land. You built palaces on its plains and rupting it.’ (11:85)
carved out houses from the mountains. Would that there had been more people with a
Remember Allah’s blessings and do not go about vestige of good among the generations of those
the earth, corrupting it.’ (7:74) who came before you, who forbade corruption
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb in the earth, other than the few among them
who said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have whom We saved. Those who did wrong gladly
no other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to pursued the life of luxury that they were given
you from your Lord. Give full measure and full and were evildoers. (11:116)
weight. Do not diminish people’s goods. Do not They said, ‘By Allah, you know we did not come
cause corruption in the land after it has been put to corrupt the land and that we are not thieves.’
right. That is better for you if you are believers. (12:73)
Do not lie in wait on every pathway, threatening But as for those who break Allah’s contract after
people, barring those who believe from the Way it has been agreed and sever what Allah has
of Allah, seeking in it something crooked. commanded to be joined, and cause corruption
Remember when you were few and He in- in the earth, the curse will be upon them. They
creased your number: see the final fate of the will have the Evil Abode. (13:25)
130
As for those who disbelieved and barred access Stakes, all of whom were tyrants in their lands
to the way of Allah, We will heap punishment on and caused much corruption in them? (89:6-12)
top of their punishment because of the corrup-
tion they brought about. (16:88) COUCH
We decreed in the Book for the tribe of Israel: We will strip away any rancour in their
‘You will twice cause corruption on the earth and hearts–brothers, resting on couches face-to-face.
you will rise to a great height.’ (17:4) (15:47)
They said, ‘Dhu’l-Qarnayn! Yajuj and Majuj are They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow-
causing corruption in the land. Can we, there- ing under them. They will be adorned in them
fore, pay tribute to you in return for your con- with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar-
structing a barrier between us and them?’ (18:94) ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade,
(Salih said to his people,) ‘Do not obey the orders reclining there on couches under canopies.
of the profligate, those who corrupt the earth and What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re-
do not put things right.’ (26:151-152) pose! (18:31)
Do not diminish people’s goods and do not go The Companions of the Garden are busy enjoy-
about the earth, corrupting it. (26:183) ing themselves today, they and their wives reclin-
(His people said to Qarun,) ‘Seek the abode of ing on couches in the shade. (36:55-56)
the hereafter with what Allah has given you, They will have preordained provision: sweet
without forgetting your portion of this world. And fruits and high honour in Gardens of Delight on
do good as Allah has been good to you. And do couches face to face; (37:41-44)
not seek to cause corruption in the earth. Allah We tested Sulayman and placed a lifeless body
does not love corrupters.’ (28:77) on his throne. Then he repented. (38:34)
That abode of the hereafter–We grant it to those They will recline on couches ranged in rows and
who do not seek to exalt themselves in the earth We will marry them to dark-eyed maidens.
or to cause corruption in it. The successful out- (52:20)
come is for those who guard against evil. (28:83) They will be reclining on couches lined with rich
He (Lut) said, ‘My Lord, help me against the peo- brocade, the fruits of the Gardens hanging close
ple of corruption!’ (29:30) to hand. (55:54)
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb, On sumptuous woven couches, reclining on
he said, ‘My people, worship Allah and look to them face to face. (56:15-16)
the Last Day and do not act unjustly on earth, Reclining in it on couches, they will experience
corrupting it.’ (29:36) there neither burning sun nor bitter cold. (76:13)
Would We make those who believe and do right The truly good will be in perfect Bliss on couches
actions the same as those who cause corruption gazing in wonder. (83:22-23)
on the earth? Would We make those who guard So today those who believe are laughing at the
against evil the same as the dissolute? (38:28) disbelievers, on couches, gazing in wonder.
Pharaoh said, ‘Let me kill Musa and let him call (83:34-35)
upon his Lord! I am afraid that he may change In it is a gushing spring and raised-up couches,
your religion and bring about corruption in the (88:12-13)
land.’ (40:26)
Is it not likely that, if you did turn away, you COUNSEL
would cause corruption in the earth and sever He (Nuh) said, ‘My people, I am not in error at all
your ties of kinship? (47:22) but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of all
Do you not see what your Lord did with the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s Message to
‘Ad–Iram of the Columns whose like was not cre- you and giving you good counsel, and I know
ated in any land–and Thamud who carved out from Allah what you do not know.’ (7:61-62)
rocks in the valley-side, and Pharaoh of the He (Hud) said, ‘My people, I am by no means a
131
fool, but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of asked, ‘Do you agree and undertake my commis-
all the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s Message to sion on that condition?’ They replied, ‘We agree.’
you, and I am a faithful counsellor to you. (7:67- He said, ‘Bear witness, then. I am with you as
68) one of the witnesses.’ (3:81)
He turned away from them and said, ‘My people, Allah made a covenant with those given the
I transmitted my Lord’s message to you and gave Book: ‘You must make it clear to people and not
you good counsel. However, you do not like conceal it.’ But they toss it in disdain behind their
good counsellors!’ (7:79) backs and sell it for a paltry price. What an evil
So he turned away from them and said, ‘My peo- sale they make! (3:187)
ple, I transmitted My Lord’s message to you and Remember Allah’s blessing to you and the
gave you good counsel. Why should I grieve for covenant He made with you when you said, ‘We
a disbelieving people?’ (7:93) hear and we obey.’ Have fear of Allah. Allah
(Nuh said,) ‘My counsel will not benefit you, for knows what the heart contains. (5:7)
all my desire to counsel you, if Allah desires to Allah made a covenant with the tribe of Israel
lead you into error. He is your Lord and you will and We raised up twelve leaders from among
return to Him.’ (11:34) them. Allah said, ‘I am with you. If you perform
prayer and give the alms, and believe in My
COVENANT Messengers and respect and support them, and
Remember when We made the covenant with make a generous loan to Allah, I will erase your
you and lifted up the Mount above your heads: wrong actions from you and admit you into
‘Take hold vigorously of what We have given you Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Any of
and pay heed to what is in it, so that hopefully you who disbelieve after that have gone astray
you will guard against evil.’ (2:63) from the right way.’ (5:12)
Remember when We made a covenant with the But because of their breaking of their covenant,
tribe of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and be We have cursed them and made their hearts
good to your parents and to relatives and or- hard. They distort the true meaning of words and
phans and the very poor. And speak good words have forgotten a good portion of what they were
to people. And perform prayer and give the reminded of. You will never cease to come upon
alms.’ But then you turned away–except a few of some act of treachery on their part, except for a
you–you turned aside. (2:83) few of them. Yet pardon them, and overlook.
And when We made a covenant with you not to Allah loves good-doers. (5:13)
shed your blood and not to expel one another We also made a covenant with those who say,
from your homes, you agreed and were all wit- ‘We are Christians,’ and they too forgot a good
nesses. (2:84) portion of what they were reminded of. So We
Remember when We made a covenant with you stirred up enmity and hatred between them until
and lifted up the Mount above your heads: ‘Take the Day of Rising when Allah will inform them
hold vigorously of what We have given you and about what they did. (5:14)
listen.’ They said, ‘We hear and disobey.’ They We made a covenant with the tribe of Israel and
were made to drink the Calf into their hearts be- We sent Messengers to them. Each time a
cause of their disbelief. Say, ‘If you are believers, Messenger came to them with something their
what an evil thing your faith has made you do.’ lower selves did not desire, they denied some
(2:93) and they murdered others. (5:70)
Remember when Allah made a covenant with An evil generation has succeeded them, inherit-
the Prophets: ‘Now that We have given you a ing the Book, taking the goods of this lower
share of the Book and Wisdom, and then a mes- world, and saying, ‘We will be forgiven.’ But if
senger comes to you confirming what is with similar goods come to them again they still take
you, you must believe in him and help him.’ He them. Has not a covenant been made with them
132
in the Book, that they should only say the truth tribe see you from where you do not see them.
about Allah and have they not studied what is in We have made the Satans friends of those who
it? The Final Abode is better for those who guard have no faith. (7:27)
against evil. Will you not use your intellect? They will have Hell as a resting-place and cover-
(7:169) ing layers on top of them. That is how We repay
wrongdoers. (7:41)
COVER ON HEART It is He Who created you from a single self and
Some of them listen to you but We have placed made from him his spouse so that he might find
covers on their hearts, preventing them from un- repose in her. Then when he covered her she
derstanding it, and heaviness in their ears. bore a light load and carried it around. Then
Though they see every Sign, they still have no when it became heavy they called on Allah, their
faith, so that when they come to you, disputing Lord, ‘If You grant us a healthy child, we will be
with you, those who disbelieve say, ‘This is noth- among the thankful!’ (7:189)
ing but the myths of previous peoples!’ (6:25) Who could do greater wrong than someone who
We have placed covers on their hearts, prevent- is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then
ing them from understanding it, and heaviness in turns away from them, forgetting all that he has
their ears. When you mention your Lord alone in done before? We have placed covers on their
the Qur'an, they turn their backs and run away. hearts, preventing them from understanding it,
(17:46) and heaviness in their ears. Though you call
Who could do greater wrong than someone who them to guidance, they will nonetheless never be
is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then guided. (18:57)
turns away from them, forgetting all that he has Say to the believing women that they should
done before? We have placed covers on their lower their eyes and guard their private parts and
hearts, preventing them from understanding it, not display their adornments–except for what
and heaviness in their ears. Though you call normally shows–and draw their head-coverings
them to guidance, they will nonetheless never be across their breasts. They should only display
guided. (18:57) their adornments to their husbands or their fa-
They say, ‘Our hearts are covered up against thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or
what you call us to and there is a heaviness in their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their
our ears. There is a screen between us and you. brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or other
So act–we are certainly acting.’ (41:5) women or those they own as slaves or their male
attendants who have no sexual desire or children
COVERING who still have no awareness of women’s private
Some of them listen to you but We have placed parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that
covers on their hearts, preventing them from un- their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah
derstanding it, and heaviness in their ears. every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you
Though they see every Sign, they still have no will have success. (24:31)
faith, so that when they come to you, disputing They say, ‘Our hearts are covered up against
with you, those who disbelieve say, ‘This is noth- what you call us to and there is a heaviness in
ing but the myths of previous peoples!’ (6:25) our ears. There is a screen between us and you.
When night covered him he (Ibrahim) saw a star So act–we are certainly acting.’ (41:5)
and said, ‘This is my Lord!’ Then when it set he (On the Day of Threat, they will be told,) ‘You
said, ‘I do not love what sets.’ (6:76) were heedless of this so We have stripped you of
Children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you your covering and today your sight is sharp.’
into trouble as He expelled your parents from the (50:22)
Garden, stripping them of their covering and dis- And (I swear by) the self and what proportioned it
closing to them their private parts. He and his and inspired it with depravity or sense of duty, he
133
who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it do. (3:156)
up has failed. (91:7-10) Among you there are people who hang back and
if you encounter a setback then they say, ‘Allah
COW has blessed me in that I was not there with them.’
And when Musa said to his people, ‘Allah com- (4:72)
mands you to sacrifice a cow,’ they said, ‘What! But if you meet with favour from Allah they
Are you making a mockery of us?’ He said, ‘I seek say–as if there were no friendship between you
refuge with Allah from being one of the igno- and them–‘Oh! If only I had been with them so
rant!’ They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear that I too might have won a great victory.’ (4:73)
to us what it should be like.’ He said, ‘He says it You who believe! When you encounter those
should be a cow, not old or virgin, but some- who disbelieve advancing in massed ranks into
where between the two. So do as you have been battle, do not turn your backs on them. (8:15)
told.’ They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear Anyone who turns his back on them that day, un-
to us what colour it should be.’ He said, ‘He says less he is withdrawing to rejoin the fight or with-
it should be a yellow cow, a pleasure to all who drawing to support another group, brings Allah’s
look.’ They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear anger down upon himself. His refuge is Hell.
to us what it should be like. Cows are all much What an evil destination! (8:16)
the same to us. Then, if Allah wills, we will be Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day do
guided.’ He said, ‘He says it should be a cow not not ask you to excuse them from striving with
trained to plough or irrigate the fields–com- their wealth and themselves. Allah knows the
pletely sound, without a blemish on it.’ They people who guard against evil. (9:44)
said, ‘Now you have brought the truth.’ So they Among them are there some who say, ‘Give me
sacrificed it–but they almost did not do it. (2:67- permission to stay. Do not put temptation in my
71) way.’ Have they not fallen into that very tempta-
The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat cows tion? Hell hems in the disbelievers. (9:49)
which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears They swear by Allah that they are of your num-
of wheat and seven others which were dry. O ber, but they are not of your number. Rather, they
counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you are are people who are scared. (9:56)
those who can interpret visions!’ They said, ‘A If they could find a bolt-hole, cave or burrow,
jumbled mass of mixed-up dreams! We do not they would turn and scurry away into it. (9:57)
know the meaning of such things.’ The one of
them who had been saved then said, remember- CRADLE
ing after a period, ‘I will tell you what it signifies, (The angels said to Maryam,) ‘He (‘Isa) will speak
so send me out.’ ‘O truthful Yusuf, tell us of seven to people in the cradle, and also when fully
fat cows which seven thin ones ate and seven grown, and will be one of the righteous.’ (3:46)
green ears of wheat and seven others which were Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of
dry so that I can return to them and let them Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to
know.’ (12:43-46) your mother when I reinforced you with the
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in
COWARDICE the cradle and when you were fully grown; and
You who believe! Do not be like those who dis- when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and
believe and say of their brothers, when they are the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created
going on journeys or military expeditions, ‘If they a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and
had only been with us, they would not have died then breathed into it and it became a bird by My
or been killed,’ so that Allah can make that an- permission; and healed the blind and the leper
guish for them in their hearts. It is Allah Who by My permission; and when you brought forth
gives life and causes to die. Allah sees what you the dead by My permission; and when I held
134
back the tribe of Israel from you, when you ens and the earth with truth? If He wished He
brought them the Clear Signs and those of them could eliminate you and bring about a new cre-
who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down- ation. (14:19)
right magic";’ (5:110) We did not create the heavens and earth and
She pointed towards him. They said, ‘How can a everything between them, except with truth. The
baby in the cradle speak?’ (19:29) Hour is certainly coming, so turn away gra-
It is He Who made the earth a cradle for you and ciously. (15:85)
threaded pathways for you through it and sent He created the heavens and the earth with truth.
down water from the sky by which We have He is exalted above anything they associate with
brought forth various different types of plants. Him. (16:3)
(20:53) Do those who disbelieve not see that the heavens
It is He Who made the earth a cradle for you and and the earth were sewn together and then We
made pathways for you in it so that hopefully you unstitched them and that We made from water
would be guided. (43:10) every living thing? So will they not believe?
(21:30)
CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE He Who created the heavens and the earth and
He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. everything in between them in six days, and then
How could He have a son when He has no wife? established Himself firmly on the Throne; the All-
He created all things and He has knowledge of Merciful–ask anyone who is informed about
all things. (6:101) Him. (25:59)
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and Allah created the heavens and the earth with
the earth in six days and then settled Himself truth. There is certainly a Sign in that for the be-
firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the lievers. (29:44)
night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the Have they not reflected within themselves? Allah
sun and moon and stars are subservient to His did not create the heavens and the earth and
command. Both creation and command belong everything between them except with truth and
to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the for a fixed term. Yet many people reject the meet-
worlds. (7:54) ing with their Lord. (30:8)
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and Allah is He Who created the heavens and the
the earth in six days and then established Himself earth and everything between them in six days
firmly on the Throne. He directs the whole affair. and then established Himself firmly upon the
No one can intercede except with His permis- Throne. You have no protector or intercessor
sion. That is Allah your Lord, so worship Him. apart from Him. So will you not pay heed? (32:4)
Will you not pay heed? (10:3) He created the heavens and the earth with truth.
It is He Who appointed the sun to give radiance, He wraps the night around the day and wraps the
and the moon to give light, assigning it phases so day around the night, and has made the sun and
you would know the number of years and the moon subservient, each one running for a speci-
reckoning of time. Allah did not create these fied term. Is He not indeed the Almighty, the
things except with truth. We make the Signs clear Endlessly Forgiving? (39:5)
for people who know. (10:5) Then He turned to heaven when it was smoke
It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in and said to it and to the earth, ‘Come willingly or
six days when His Throne was on the water, in unwillingly.’ They both said, ‘We come will-
order to test which of you has the best actions. If ingly.’ (41:11)
you say, ‘You will be raised up after death,’ those In two days He determined them as seven heav-
who disbelieve will say, ‘This is nothing but ens and revealed, in every heaven, its own man-
downright magic.’ (11:7) date. We adorned the lowest heaven with lamps
Do you not see that Allah has created the heav- and guarded it. That is the decree of the
135
Almighty, the All-Knowing. (41:12) Path.’ (11:56)
We did not create them except with truth but Everything in the heavens and every creature on
most of them do not know it. (44:39) the earth prostrates to Allah, as do the angels.
We have not created the heavens and earth and They are not puffed up with pride. (16:49)
everything between them except with truth and If Allah were to punish people for their wrong ac-
for a set term. But those who disbelieve turn tions, not a single creature would be left upon
away from what they have been warned about. the earth, but He defers them till a predetermined
(46:3) time. When their specified time arrives, they can-
We created the heavens and the earth, and not delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it
everything between them, in six days and We forward. (16:61)
were not affected by fatigue. (50:38) He (Satan) said, ‘Do you see this creature you
It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in have honoured over me? If You reprieve me till
six days, then established Himself firmly on the the Day of Rising, I will be the master of his de-
Throne. He knows what goes into the earth and scendants except for a very few.’ (17:62)
what comes out of it, what comes down from Then (He) formed the drop into a clot and formed
heaven and what goes up into it. He is with you the clot into a lump and formed the lump into
wherever you are–Allah sees what you do. (57:4) bones and clothed the bones in flesh; and then
It is Allah Who created the seven heavens and of brought him into being as another creature.
the earth the same number, the Command de- Blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators! (23:14)
scending down through all of them, so that you (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘Have fear of Him Who created
might know that Allah has power over all things you and the earlier creatures.’ (26:184)
and that Allah encompasses all things in His How many creatures do not carry their provision
knowledge. (65:12) with them! Allah provides for them and He will
for you. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
CREATURE (29:60)
In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the It is Allah Who created the heavens with no sup-
alternation of the night and day, and the ships port–you can see them–and cast firmly embed-
which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the ded mountains on the earth so that it would not
water which Allah sends down from the sky–by move under you, and scattered about in it crea-
which He brings the earth to life when it was tures of every kind. And We send down water
dead and scatters about in it creatures of every from the sky and make every generous species
kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and grow in it. (31:10)
the clouds subservient between heaven and If Allah were to take mankind to task for what
earth, there are Signs for people who use their in- they have earned, He would not leave a single
tellect. (2:164) creature crawling on it, but He is deferring them
There is no creature crawling on the earth or fly- until a specified time. Then, when their time
ing creature, flying on its wings, who are not comes, Allah sees His servants! (35:45)
communities just like yourselves–We have not Among His Signs is the creation of the heavens
omitted anything from the Book–then they will and earth and all the creatures He has spread
be gathered to their Lord. (6:38) about in them. And He has the power to gather
There is no creature on the earth which is not de- them together whenever He wills. (42:29)
pendent upon Allah for its provision. He knows They have assigned to Him a portion of His crea-
where it lives and where it dies. They are all in a tures! Truly man is openly ungrateful. (43:15)
Clear Book. (11:6) And in your creation and all the creatures He has
(Hud said,) ‘I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord spread about there are Signs for people with cer-
and your Lord. There is no creature He does not tainty. (45:4)
hold by the forelock. My Lord is on a Straight He laid out the earth for all living creatures. (55:10)
136
The People of the Book who disbelieve and the have invented it the crime will be laid at my
idolaters will be in the Fire of Hell, remaining in door, but I am innocent of the crimes which you
it timelessly, for ever. They are the worst of crea- commit.’ (11:35)
tures. (98:6) You who believe! Avoid most suspicion. Indeed
But those who believe and do right actions–they some suspicion is a crime. And do not spy and
are the best of creatures. (98:7) do not backbite one another. Would any of you
like to eat his brother’s dead flesh? No, you
CRIME would hate it. And have fear of Allah. Allah is
He has only forbidden you carrion, blood and Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (49:12)
pork and what has been consecrated to other when the baby girl buried alive is asked for what
than Allah. But anyone who is forced to eat crime she was killed, (81:8-9)
it–without desiring it or going to excess in
it–commits no crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, CROPS
Most Merciful. (2:173) When he leaves you, he goes about the earth
Then if anyone alters it after hearing it, the crime corrupting it, destroying crops and animals.
is on the part of those who alter it. Allah is All- Allah does not love corruption. (2:205)
Hearing, All-Knowing. (2:181) The metaphor of what they spend in their life in
But if someone fears bias or wrongdoing on the this world is that of a wind with an icy bite to it
part of the person making the will, and puts which strikes the crops of a people who have
things right between the people involved, in that wronged themselves and destroys them. Allah
case he has not committed any crime. Allah is did not wrong them; rather it was themselves
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:182) they were wronging. (3:117)
Do not devour one another’s property by false They assign to Allah a share of the crops and live-
means nor offer it to the judges as a bribe, trying stock He has created, saying, ‘This is for
through crime to knowingly usurp a portion of Allah,’–as they allege–‘and this is for our idols.’
other people’s property. (2:188) Their idols’ share does not reach Allah whereas
If you are on a journey and cannot find a writer, Allah’s share reaches their idols! What an evil
something can be left as a security. If you leave judgement they make! (6:136)
things on trust with one another the one who is They say, ‘These animals and crops are sacro-
trusted must deliver up his trust and have fear of sanct. No one may eat them except those we
Allah, his Lord. Do not conceal testimony. If wish’,–as they allege–and animals on whose
someone does conceal it, his heart commits a backs it is forbidden to ride, and animals over
crime. Allah knows what you do. (2:283) which they do not mention Allah’s name, invent-
Give orphans their property, and do not substi- ing falsehood against Him. He will repay them
tute bad things for good. Do not assimilate their for the things they have invented. (6:138)
property into your own. Doing that is a serious It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated
crime. (4:2) and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse
If you desire to exchange one wife for another kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar
and have given your original wife a large and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear
amount, do not take any of it. Would you take it fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest,
by means of slander and outright crime? (4:20) and do not be profligate. He does not love the
Allah does not forgive anything being associated profligate. (6:141)
with Him but He forgives whoever He wills for And by it He makes crops grow for you and
anything other than that. Anyone who associates olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every
something with Allah has committed a terrible kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people
crime. (4:48) who reflect. (16:11)
Or do they say, ‘He has invented it’? Say: ‘If I Make an example for them of two men. To one of
137
them We gave two gardens of grape-vines and Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
surrounded them with date-palms, putting be- them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
tween them some cultivated land. Both gardens themselves. That was because they rejected
yielded their crops and did not suffer any loss, Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any
and We made a river flow right through the mid- right to do so. That was because they rebelled
dle of them. (18:32-33) and went beyond the limits. (2:61)
But if We send a wind, and they see it (the crop)
turning yellow, still they persist after that in dis- CULTIVATION
believing. (30:51) It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated
Do they not see how We drive water to barren and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse
land and bring forth crops by it which their live- kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar
stock and they themselves both eat? So will they and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear
not see? (32:27) fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest,
Do you not see that Allah sends down water from and do not be profligate. He does not love the
the sky and threads it through the earth to emerge profligate. (6:141)
as springs and then by it brings forth crops of In the earth there are diverse regions side by side
varying colours, which then wither and you see and gardens of grapes and cultivated fields, and
them turning yellow and then He makes them palm-trees sharing one root and others with indi-
into broken stubble? There is a reminder in that vidual roots, all watered with the same water.
for people of intelligence. (39:21) And We make some things better to eat than oth-
How many gardens and fountains they (Pharaoh ers. There are Signs in that for people who use
and his troops) left behind, and ripe crops and their intellect. (13:4)
noble residences. (44:25-26) (Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of
If We wished We could have made it broken my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti-
stubble. You would then be left devoid of crops, vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer!
distraught. (56:65) Make the hearts of mankind incline towards
them and provide them with fruits, so that hope-
CROW fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37)
Then Allah sent a crow which scratched at the Make an example for them of two men. To one of
earth to show him how to conceal his brother’s them We gave two gardens of grape-vines and
corpse. He said, ‘Woe is me! Can I not even be surrounded them with date-palms, putting be-
like this crow and conceal my brother’s corpse?’ tween them some cultivated land. (18:32)
And he became one of those who suffer bitter re- Are you going to be left secure amid what is here,
morse. (5:31) amid gardens and clear springs, and cultivated
fields and palms with supple spathes? (26:146-
CRUSHING BLOW 148)
Thamud and ‘Ad denied the Crushing Blow. Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the
(69:4) final fate of those before them? They had greater
strength than them and cultivated the land and
CUCUMBER inhabited it in far greater numbers than they do.
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up Their Messengers also came to them with the
with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to Clear Signs. Allah would never have wronged
supply to us some of what the earth produces–its them; but they wronged themselves. (30:9)
green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and If anyone desires to cultivate the hereafter, We
onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is will increase him in his cultivation. If anyone de-
better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt, sires to cultivate this world, We will give him
then you will have what you are asking for.’ some of it but he will have no share in the here-
138
after. (42:20) But as for those who disbelieve and die while they
Have you thought about what you cultivate? are disbelievers, the curse of Allah is upon them
(56:63) and that of the angels and all mankind. (2:161)
Know that the life of this world is merely a game If anyone argues with you about him after the
and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of knowledge that has come to you, say, ‘Come
boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo then! Let us summon our sons and your sons, our
one another in wealth and children: like the women and your women, ourselves and your-
plant-growth after rain which delights the culti- selves. Then let us make earnest supplication and
vators, but then it withers and you see it turning call down the curse of Allah upon the liars.’
yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In (3:61)
the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also The repayment of such people is that Allah’s
forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. curse is on them and that of the angels and of all
The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy- mankind. (3:87)
ment of delusion. (57:20) Some of the Jews distort the true meaning of
words, saying, ‘We hear and disobey,’ and ‘Listen
CUP without listening,’ and ‘Listen to us!’ twisting
(In Gardens of Delight, believers will have) a them with their tongues, disparaging the religion.
cup from a flowing spring passing round among If they had said, ‘We hear and we obey,’ and
them. (37:45) ‘Listen,’ and, ‘Look at us!’ that would have been
They will pass round there a drinking cup to one better for them and more upright. But Allah has
another with no foolish talk and no wrong action cursed them for their disbelief. Very few of them
in it. (52:23) believe. (4:46)
There will circulate among them, ageless youths, You who have been given the Book! Believe in
carrying goblets and decanters and a cup from a what We have sent down confirming what is
flowing spring. (56:17-18) with you (Torah and Gospel), before We obliter-
The truly good will drink from a cup mixed with ate faces, turning them inside out, or We curse
the coolness of camphor. (76:5) you as We cursed the Companions of the
They will be given there a cup to drink mixed Sabbath. Allah’s command is always carried out.
with the warmth of ginger. (76:17) (4:47)
For those who guard against evil there is triumph: Those are the ones Allah has cursed. And if
Gardens and grape vines, and nubile maidens of someone is cursed by Allah you will not find any
similar age, and an overflowing cup. (78:31-34) one to help him. (4:52)
As for anyone who kills a believer deliberately,
CURSE his repayment is Hell, remaining in it timelessly,
They say, ‘Our hearts are uncircumcised.’ Rather, for ever. Allah is angry with him and has cursed
Allah has cursed them for their disbelief. Very him, and has prepared for him a terrible punish-
few of them believe! (2:88) ment. (4:93)
When a Book does come to them from Allah, What they call on apart from Him are female
confirming what is with them (Torah)–even idols. What they call on is an arrogant Satan
though before that they were praying for victory whom Allah has cursed. He said, ‘I will take a
over the disbelievers–yet when what they recog- certain fixed proportion of Your servants.’ (4:117-
nise does come to them, they reject it. Allah’s 118)
curse is on the disbelievers. (2:89) But because of their breaking of their covenant,
Those who hide the Clear Signs and Guidance We have cursed them and made their hearts
We have sent down, after We have made it clear hard. They distort the true meaning of words and
to people in the Book, Allah curses them, and the have forgotten a good portion of what they were
cursers curse them. (2:159) reminded of. You will never cease to come upon
139
some act of treachery on their part, except for a vent lies against Allah? Such people will be ar-
few of them. Yet pardon them, and overlook. rayed before their Lord and the witnesses will
Allah loves good-doers. (5:13) say, ‘Those are the ones who lied against their
Say: ‘Shall I tell you of a reward with Allah far Lord.’ Yes indeed! Allah’s curse is on the wrong-
worse than that: that of those whom Allah has doers. (11:18)
cursed and with whom He is angry–turning some They were pursued by a curse in this world and
of them into monkeys and into pigs–and who on the Day of Rising. Yes indeed! ‘Ad rejected
worshipped false gods? Such people are in a their Lord, so away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud!
worse situation and further from the right way.’ (11:60)
(5:60) They are pursued by a curse in this world and on
The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their the Day of Rising. What an evil gift to be given!
hands are chained and they are cursed for what (11:99)
they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and But as for those who break Allah’s contract after
He gives however He wills. What has been sent it has been agreed and sever what Allah has
down to you from your Lord increases many of commanded to be joined, and cause corruption
them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited in the earth, the curse will be upon them. They
enmity and hatred between them until the Day of will have the Evil Abode. (13:25)
Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war, (Allah said to Satan,) ‘The curse will be on you
Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth till the Day of Reckoning.’ (15:35)
corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. When We said to you, ‘Surely your Lord encom-
(5:64) passes the people with His knowledge.’ We only
Those among the tribe of Israel who disbelieved appointed the vision We showed you and the
were cursed on the tongue of Dawud and that of Accursed Tree in the Qur’an as a trial and temp-
‘Isa, son of Maryam. That is because they re- tation for the people. We frighten them, but it
belled and overstepped the limits. (5:78) only increases them in their excessive insolence.
He will say, ‘Enter the Fire together with the na- (17:60)
tions of jinn and men who have passed away be- Those who make an accusation against their
fore you.’ Each time a nation enters, it will curse wives and have no witnesses except themselves,
its sister nation, until, when they are all gathered such people should testify four times by Allah
together in it, the last of them will say to the first, that they are telling the truth and a fifth time that
‘Our Lord, those are the ones who misguided us, Allah’s curse will be upon them if they are lying.
so give them a double punishment in the Fire.’ (24:6-7)
He will say, ‘Each will receive double. But you Those who accuse chaste believing women, un-
do not know it.’ (7:38) aware (of the evil), are cursed both in this world
The Companions of the Garden will call out to and the hereafter, and they will have a terrible
the Companions of the Fire, ‘We have found that punishment. (24:23)
what our Lord promised us is true. Have you We pursued them with a curse in this world and
found that what your Lord promised you is true?’ on the Day of Rising they will be hideous and
They will say, ‘Yes, we have!’ Between them a spurned. (28:42)
herald will proclaim: ‘May the curse of Allah be He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You have adopted idols apart
on the wrongdoers.’ (7:44) from Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this
Allah has promised the men and women of the world. But then on the Day of Rising you will re-
hypocrites and disbelievers the Fire of Hell, re- ject one another and curse one another. The Fire
maining in it timelessly, for ever. It will suffice will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.’
them. Allah has cursed them. They will have (29:25)
everlasting punishment. (9:68) As for those who abuse Allah and His Messenger,
Who could do greater wrong than those who in- Allah’s curse is on them in this world and the
140
hereafter. He has prepared a humiliating punish- And those who have fear of their Lord will be
ment for them. (33:57) driven to the Garden in companies and when they
They are an accursed people. Wherever they are arrive there, finding its gates open, its custodians
found they should be seized and mercilessly put will say to them, ‘Peace be upon you! You have
to death. (33:61) done well so enter it timelessly, for ever.’ (39:73)
Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared a Those in the Fire will say to the custodians of Hell,
Searing Blaze for them. (33:64) ‘Call on your Lord to make the punishment less for
And they (the disbelievers) will say, ‘Our Lord, us for just one day.’ (40:49)
we obeyed our masters and great men and they It all but bursts with rage. Each time a group is
misguided us from the Way. Our Lord, give them flung into it its custodians will question them: ‘Did
double the punishment and curse them many no warner come to you?’ (67:8)
times over!’ (33:67-68)
(Allah said to Satan,) ‘My curse is upon you until
the Day of Reckoning.’ (38:78)
(On) the Day when the excuses of the wrongdo-
ers will not help them. The curse will be on them
and they will have the most evil Home. (40:52)
Such are the people Allah has cursed, making
them deaf and blinding their eyes. (47:23)
And so that He might punish the men and
women of the hypocrites and the men and
women of the idolaters–those who think bad
thoughts about Allah. They will suffer an evil turn
of fate. Allah is angry with them, and has cursed
them and prepared Hell for them. What an evil
destination! (48:6)

CUSHION
(In the Garden are) lined-up cushions... (88:15)
It is He Who created you from earth, then from a
drop of sperm, then from a clot of blood, then He
brings you out as infants, then so you may
achieve full strength, then so you may become
old men–though some of you may die before that
time–so that you may reach a predetermined age
and so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
(40:67)

CUSTODIAN
Those who disbelieve will be driven to Hell in
companies and when they arrive there and its gates
are opened its custodians will say to them, ‘Did
Messengers from yourselves not come to you,
reciting your Lord’s Signs to you and warning you
of the meeting on this Day of yours?’ They will say,
‘Indeed they did, but the decree of punishment is
justly carried out against the disbelievers.’ (39:71)
141
D make a spring gush out from the earth for us; or
have a garden of dates and grapes which you
DABBATUL ARDH (SEE BEAST make rivers come pouring through.’ (17:90-91)
OF THE EARTH) Make an example for them of two men. To one of
them We gave two gardens of grape-vines and
DATE PALM surrounded them with date-palms, putting be-
Would any of you like to have a garden of dates tween them some cultivated land. (18:32)
and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a
containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken date-palm. She (Maryam) said, ‘Oh if only I had
with old age and have children who are weak, died before this time and was something dis-
and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to carded and forgotten!’ (19:23)
come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In (A voice called out to Maryam,) ‘Shake the trunk
this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe dates will
that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266) drop down onto you.’ (19:25)
It is He Who sends down water from the sky from Pharaoh said, ‘Do you believe in him before I
which We bring forth growth of every kind, and have authorised you? He is your chief, the one
from that We bring forth the green shoots and who taught you magic. I will cut off your hands
from them We bring forth close-packed seeds, and feet alternately and have you crucified on
and from the spathes of the date palm date clus- palm trunks. Then you will know for certain
ters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and which of us has the harsher and longer lasting
olives and pomegranates, both similar and dis- punishment.’ (20:71)
similar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and By means of it We produce gardens of dates and
ripen. There are Signs in that for people who be- grapes for you, in which there are many fruits for
lieve. (6:99) you and from which you eat. (23:19)
It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated Are you going to be left secure amid what is here,
and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse amid gardens and clear springs, and cultivated
kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar fields and palms with supple spathes? (26:146-
and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear 148)
fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest, We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and
and do not be profligate. He does not love the cause springs to gush out in it. (36:34)
profligate. (6:141) And We have decreed set phases for the moon,
In the earth there are diverse regions side by side until it ends up looking like an old palm spathe.
and gardens of grapes and cultivated fields, and (36:39)
palm-trees sharing one root and others with indi- And We sent down blessed water from the sky
vidual roots, all watered with the same water. and made gardens grow by it and grain for har-
And We make some things better to eat than oth- vesting and soaring date-palms with layered
ers. There are Signs in that for people who use spathes, as provision for Our servants; by it We
their intellect. (13:4) brought a dead land to life. That is how the
And by it He makes crops grow for you and Emergence will take place. (50:9-11)
olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every In it are fruits and date-palms with covered
kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people spathes. (55:11)
who reflect. (16:11) In them are fruits and date-palms and pomegran-
And from the fruit of the date-palm and the ates. (55:68)
grape-vine you derive both intoxicants and Whatever palm-trees you cut down, or left stand-
wholesome provision. There is certainly a Sign in ing upright on their roots, it was done by Allah’s
that for people who use their intellect. (16:67) permission in order to disgrace the deviators.
They say, ‘We will not believe you until you (59: 5)
142
Allah subjected them to it for seven whole nights to be one of the righteous.’ (28:27)
and eight whole days without a break. You could O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your
see the people flattened in their homes just like wives to whom you have given dowries and any
the hollow stumps of uprooted palms. (69:7) slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al-
And (We make) olives and dates grow. (80:29) lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un-
In it are fruits and date-palms with covered cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and
spathes. (55:11) the daughters of your maternal uncles and the
daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi-
DAUGHTER grated with you and any believing woman who
Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires
daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to
and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters the rest of the believers–We know very well what
and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers We have prescribed for them regarding their
who have suckled you, your foster sisters by wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order
suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh- that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever-
ters who are under your protection: the daugh- Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50)
ters of your wives whom you have had sexual O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and
relations with (though if you have not had sexual the women of the believers to draw their outer
relations with them there is nothing blameworthy garments closely round themselves. This makes it
for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom more likely that they will be recognised and not
you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at be harmed. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
the same time–except for what may have already Merciful. (33:59)
taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Has He chosen daughters over sons? (37:153)
Merciful. (4:23) Has He then taken daughters from what He has
Yet they make the jinn co-partners with Allah created and chosen sons for you? (43:16)
when He created them! And they attribute sons Or does He have daughters whereas they have
and daughters to Him without any knowledge. sons? (52:39)
Glory be to Him! He is far above what they de- And Maryam, the daughter of ‘Imran, who
scribe! (6:100) guarded her chastity–We breathed Our Spirit into
His people came running to him excitedly–they her and she confirmed the Words of her Lord and
were long used to committing evil acts. He (Lut) His Book and was one of the obedient. (66:12)
said, ‘My people, here are my daughters. They
are purer for you. So have fear of Allah and do DAVID (SEE DAWUD (AS))
not shame me with my guests. Is there not one
rightly-guided man among you?’ (11:78) DAWN
They said, ‘You know we have no claim on your On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have
daughters. You know very well what it is we sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth-
want.’ (11:79) ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that
He (Lut) said, ‘Here are my daughters if you are you have been betraying yourselves and He has
determined to do something.’ (15:71) turned towards you and excused you. Now you
They allot daughters to Allah–glory be to may have sexual intercourse with them and seek
Him!–while they have what they want! (16:57) what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink
He said (to Musa), ‘I would like to marry you to until you can clearly discern the white thread
one of these two daughters of mine on condition from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the
that you work for me for eight full years. If you fast until the night appears. But do not have sex-
complete ten, that is up to you. I do not want to ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat
be hard on you. You will find me, Allah willing, in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do
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not go near them. In this way does Allah make ‘Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who
His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who
will guard against evil. (2:187) does not taste it is with me–except for him who
(His servants are) the steadfast, the truthful, the merely scoops up a little in his hand.’ But they
obedient, the givers, and those who seek forgive- drank from it–except for a few of them. Then
ness before dawn. (3:17) when he and those who believed with him had
He (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord, appoint a Sign for crossed it, they said, ‘We do not have the
me.’ He said, ‘Your Sign is that you will not speak strength to face Goliath and his troops today.’ But
to people for three days, except by gesture. those who were sure that they were going to
Remember your Lord much and glorify Him in meet Allah said, ‘How many a small force has tri-
the evening and after dawn.’ (3:41) umphed over a much greater one by Allah’s per-
It is He Who splits the sky at dawn, and appoints mission! Allah is with the steadfast.’ (2:249)
the night as a time of stillness and the sun and When they came out against Goliath and his
moon as a means of reckoning. That is what the troops, they said, ‘Our Lord, pour down stead-
Almighty, the All-Knowing has ordained. (6:96) fastness upon us, and make our feet firm, and
Perform prayer from the time the sun declines help us against this disbelieving people.’ (2:250)
until the darkening of the night, and also the And with Allah's permission they routed them.
recitation at dawn. The dawn recitation is cer- Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king-
tainly witnessed. (17:78) ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He
You who believe! Those you own as slaves and willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some
those of you who have not yet reached puberty people back by means of others, the earth would
should ask your permission to enter at three have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to
times: before the Dawn Prayer, when you have all the worlds. (2:251)
undressed at noon, and after the Prayer of We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh
Night–three times of nakedness for you. There is and the Prophets who came after him. And We
nothing wrong for you or them at other times in revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and
moving around among yourselves from one to Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and
another. In this way Allah makes the Signs clear Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave
to you. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (24:58) Dawud the Zabur. (4:163)
And they (the people who guard against evil) Those among the tribe of Israel who disbelieved
would seek forgiveness before the dawn. (51:18) were cursed on the tongue of Dawud and that of
We unleashed a sudden squall of stones against ‘Isa, son of Maryam. That is because they re-
all of them, except the family of Lut, who We res- belled and overstepped the limits. (5:78)
cued before dawn. (54:34) We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom
And (I swear by) the dawn when it grows bright. We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh.
(74:34) And among his descendants were Dawud and
And (I swear) by the dawn when it exhales. Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun.
(81:18) That is how We recompense the good-doers.
By the dawn. (89:1) (6:84)
It (the Night of Power) is Peace–until the coming My Lord knows best everyone in the heavens and
of the dawn. (97:5) earth. We favoured some of the Prophets over
By the charging horses panting hard, striking others. And We gave Dawud the Zabur. (17:55)
sparks from their flashing hooves, raiding at full And Dawud and Sulayman when they gave
gallop in the early dawn. (100:1-3) judgement about the field, when the people’s
sheep strayed into it at night. We were Witness to
DAWUD (AS) (DAVID) their judgement. (21:78)
When Talut marched out with the army, he said, We gave Sulayman understanding of it. We gave
144
each of them judgement and knowledge. We own desires, letting them misguide you from the
subjected the mountains to Dawud, glorifying, Way of Allah. Those who are misguided from the
and the birds as well. This is something We are Way of Allah will receive a harsh punishment be-
well able to do. (21:79) cause they forgot the Day of Reckoning.’ (38:21-
We wrote down in the Zabur, after the Reminder 26)
came: ‘It is My servants who are righteous who
will inherit the earth.’ (21:105) DAY OF HUNAYN
We gave knowledge to Dawud and Sulayman Allah has helped you on many occasions, in-
who said, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has favoured cluding the Day of Hunayn when your great
us over many of His servants who are believers.’ numbers delighted you but did not help you in
(27:15) any way, and the earth seemed narrow to you for
Sulayman was Dawud’s heir. He said, ‘Mankind! all its great breadth, and you turned your backs.
We have been taught the speech of birds and we Then Allah sent down His serenity on His
have been given everything. This is indeed clear Messenger and on the believers, and sent down
favour.’ (27:16) troops you could not see, and punished those
We gave Dawud great favour from Us: ‘O moun- who disbelieved. That is how the disbelievers are
tains and birds! Echo with him in his praise!’ And repaid. (9:25-26)
We made iron malleable for him. (34:10)
They made for him (Sulayman) anything he DAY OF JUDGEMENT
wished: high arches and statues, huge dishes like Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, the
cisterns, great built-in cooking vats. ‘Work, fam- All-Merciful, the Most Merciful, the King of the
ily of Dawud, in thankfulness!’ But very few of Day of Judgement. You alone we worship. (1:1-3)
My servants are thankful. (34:13) Death to the conjecturers: those who flounder in
Be steadfast in the face of what they say and re- a glut of ignorance, asking, ‘When is the Day of
member Our servant Dawud, who possessed Judgement?’ (51:10-12)
true strength. He truly turned to his Lord. (38:17) This will be their hospitality on the Day of
Has the story of the litigants reached you? How Judgement!’ (56:56)
they climbed up to the Upper Room and came in (Believers are) those who affirm the Day of
on Dawud who was alarmed by them. They said, Judgement. (70:26)
‘Do not be afraid. We are two litigants, one of What will convey to you what the Day of
whom has acted unjustly towards the other, so Judgement is? (82:17)
judge between us with truth and do not be unjust Again! What will convey to you what the Day of
and guide us to the Right Path. This brother of Judgement is? (82:18)
mine has ninety-nine ewes and I have only one.
He said, "Let me have charge of it," and got the DAY OF RISING (THE HOUR)
better of me with his words.’ He said, ‘He has Then you are the people who are killing one an-
wronged you by asking for your ewe to add to his other and expelling a group among you from
ewes. Truly many partners are unjust to one an- their homes, ganging up against them in wrong-
other–except those who believe and do right ac- doing and enmity. Yet if they are brought to you
tions, and how few they are!’ Dawud realised as captives, you ransom them, when it was for-
that We had put him to the test. He begged for- bidden for you to expel them in the first place!
giveness from his Lord and fell down prone, Do you, then, believe in one part of the Book and
prostrating, and repented. So We forgave him for reject the other? What repayment will there be
that and he has nearness to Us and a good for any of you who do that except disgrace in this
Homecoming. (We said), ‘Dawud! We have world? And on the Day of Rising, they will be re-
made you a successor on the earth, so judge be- turned to the harshest of punishments. Allah is
tween people with truth and do not follow your not unaware of what you do. (2:85)
145
The Jews say, ‘The Christians have nothing to just the enjoyment of delusion. (3:185)
stand on,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Jews have (Believers say,) ‘Our Lord, give us what You
nothing to stand on,’ yet they both recite the promised us through Your Messengers, and do
Book. Those who do not know say the same as not disgrace us on the Day of Rising. You do not
they say. Allah will judge between them on the break Your promise.’ (3:194)
Day of Rising regarding the things about which Allah, there is no god but Him. He will gather
they differ. (2:113) you to the Day of Rising about which there is no
Those who conceal what Allah has sent down of doubt. And whose speech could be truer than
the Book and sell it cheap, take nothing into their Allah’s? (4:87)
bellies but the Fire. On the Day of Rising Allah Here you are arguing on their behalf in this
will not speak to them or purify them. They will world, but who will argue with Allah on their be-
have a painful punishment. (2:174) half on the Day of Rising? Who will act as
To those who disbelieve, the life of this world is guardian for them then? (4:109)
painted in glowing colours and they laugh at Those who anticipate the worst for you say,
those who believe. But on the Day of Rising ‘Were we not with you?’ whenever you gain a
those who fear Allah will be over them. Allah victory from Allah, but if the disbelievers have a
provides for whoever He wills without any reck- success they say, ‘Did we not have the upper
oning. (2:212) hand over you and yet in spite of that keep the
When Allah said, ‘‘Isa, I will take you back and believers away from you?’ Allah will judge be-
raise you up to Me and purify you of those who tween you on the Day of Rising. Allah will not
disbelieve. And I will place the people who fol- give the disbelievers any way against the believ-
low you above those who disbelieve until the ers. (4:141)
Day of Rising. Then you will all return to Me, and There is not one of the People of the Book who
I will judge between you regarding the things will not believe in him before he dies; and on the
about which you differed.’ (3:55) Day of Rising he (‘Isa) will be a witness against
Those who sell Allah’s contract and their own them. (4:159)
oaths for a paltry price, such people will have no We also made a covenant with those who say,
portion in the hereafter and on the Day of Rising ‘We are Christians,’ and they too forgot a good
Allah will not speak to them or look at them or portion of what they were reminded of. So We
purify them. They will have a painful punish- stirred up enmity and hatred between them until
ment. (3:77) the Day of Rising when Allah will inform them
It is not for any prophet to be false to his trust. about what they did. (5:14)
Those who are false will arrive on the Day of As for those who disbelieve, if they had every-
Rising with what they have misappropriated. thing on the earth and the same again with it to
Then every self will be paid in full for what it ransom themselves from the punishment of the
earned. They will not be wronged. (3:161) Day of Rising, it would not be accepted from
Those who are tight-fisted with the bounty Allah them. They will have a painful punishment.
has given them should not suppose that that is (5:36)
better for them. No indeed, it is worse for them! The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their
What they were tight-fisted with will be hung hands are chained and they are cursed for what
around their necks on the Day of Rising. Allah is they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and
the inheritor of the heavens and the earth and He gives however He wills. What has been sent
Allah is aware of what you do. (3:180) down to you from your Lord increases many of
Every self will taste death. You will be paid your them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited
wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who enmity and hatred between them until the Day of
is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war,
Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth
146
corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. They were pursued by a curse in this world and
(5:64) on the Day of Rising. Yes indeed! ‘Ad rejected
Say: ‘To whom does everything in the heavens their Lord, so away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud!
and earth belong?’ Say: ‘To Allah.’ He has made (11:60)
mercy incumbent on Himself. He will gather you He (Pharaoh) will go ahead of his people on the
to the Day of Rising about which there is no Day of Rising and lead them down into the Fire.
doubt. As for those who have lost their own What an evil watering-hole to be led to! (11:98)
selves, they have no faith. (6:12) They are pursued by a curse in this world and on
Those who deny the meeting with Allah have the Day of Rising. What an evil gift to be given!
lost, so that, when the Hour comes upon them (11:99)
suddenly, they will say, ‘Alas for what we neg- Do they feel secure that the all-enveloping pun-
lected there!’ They will bear their burdens on ishment of Allah will not come upon them, or
their backs. How evil is what they bear! (6:31) that the Last Hour will not come upon them all of
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah's punishment a sudden when they least expect it? (12:107)
were to come upon you or the Hour, would you We did not create the heavens and earth and
call on other than Allah if you are being truthful?’ everything between them, except with truth. The
(6:40) Hour is certainly coming, so turn away gra-
Say: ‘Who has forbidden the fine clothing Allah ciously. (15:85)
has produced for His servants and the good kinds So on the Day of Rising they will carry the full
of provision?’ Say: ‘On the Day of Rising such weight of their own burdens and some of the bur-
things will be exclusively for those who believed dens of those they misguided without knowl-
during their life in this world.’ In this way We edge. What an evil load they bear! (16:25)
make the Signs clear for people who know. Then on the Day of Rising He will disgrace them,
(7:32) and say, ‘Where are My partner gods for whose
Then your Lord announced that He would send sake you became so hostile?’ Those given knowl-
against them until the Day of Rising people who edge will say, ‘Today there is disgrace and evil for
would inflict an evil punishment on them. Your the disbelievers.’ (16:27)
Lord is Swift in Retribution. And He is Ever- The Unseen of the heavens and earth belongs to
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (7:167) Allah. The matter of the Hour is only the blink of
When your Lord took out all their descendants an eye away, or even nearer. Allah has power
from the loins of the children of Adam and made over all things. (16:77)
them testify against themselves ‘Am I not your The Sabbath was only enjoined on those who
Lord?’ they said, ‘We testify that indeed You are!’ differed about it. Your Lord will judge between
Lest you say on the Day of Rising, ‘We knew them on the Day of Rising regarding the things
nothing of this.’ (7:172) about which they differed. (16:124)
They will ask you about the Hour: When is it We have fastened the destiny of every man about
due? Say: ‘Knowledge of it rests with my Lord his neck and on the Day of Rising We will bring
alone. He alone will reveal it at its proper time. It out a Book for him which he will find spread
hangs heavy in the heavens and the earth. It will open in front of him. (17:13)
not come upon you except suddenly.’ They will There is no city We will not destroy before the
ask you as if you had full knowledge of it. Say: Day of Rising, or punish with a terrible punish-
‘Knowledge of it rests with Allah alone. But most ment. That is inscribed in the Book. (17:58)
people do not know that.’ (7:187) He (Diabolis) said, ‘Do you see this creature you
What will those who invent lies against Allah have honoured over me? If You reprieve me till
think on the Day of Rising? Allah shows favour to the Day of Rising, I will be the master of his de-
mankind but most of them are not thankful. scendants except for a very few.’ (17:62)
(10:60) Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But as for
147
those He leads astray, you will not find any pro- the Unseen and are apprehensive about the
tectors for them apart from Him. We will gather Hour. (21:48-49)
them on the Day of Rising, flat on their faces, Mankind, have fear of your Lord! The quaking of
blind, dumb and deaf. Their shelter will be Hell. the Hour is a terrible thing. (22:1)
Whenever the Blaze dies down, We will increase And the Hour is coming without any doubt and
it for them. (17:97) Allah will raise up all those in the graves. (22:7)
Accordingly We made them chance upon them Among people there is one who argues about
unexpectedly so they might know that Allah’s Allah without knowledge or guidance or any
promise is true and that there is no doubt about light-giving Book, turning away arrogantly, to
the Hour. When they were arguing among them- misguide people from the Way of Allah. He will
selves about the matter, they said, ‘Wall up their be disgraced in this world and on the Day of
cave, their Lord knows best about them.’ But Rising We will make him taste the punishment of
those who got the better of the argument con- the Burning. (22:8-9)
cerning them said, ‘We will build a place of wor- As for those who believe and those who are Jews
ship over them.’ (18:21) and the Sabaeans and the Christians, Magians
(He said,) ‘I do not think the Hour will ever and idolaters, Allah will distinguish between
come. But if I should be sent back to my Lord, I them on the Day of Rising. Allah is witness of all
will definitely get something better in return.’ things. (22:17)
(18:36) But those who disbelieve will not cease to be in
Those are the people who reject their Lord’s doubt of it until the Hour comes on them sud-
Signs and the meeting with Him. Their actions denly or the punishment of a desolate Day ar-
will come to nothing and, on the Day of Rising, rives. (22:55)
We will not assign them any weight. (18:105) Allah will judge between you on the Day of
Say: ‘As for those who are astray, let the All- Rising regarding everything about which you dif-
Merciful prolong their term until they see what fered. (22:69)
they were promised, whether it be the punish- Then on the Day of Rising you will be raised
ment or the Hour. Then they will know who is in again. (23:16)
the worse position and has the weaker troops.’ But instead, they deny the Hour; and We have
(19:75) prepared a Searing Blaze for those who deny the
Each of them will come to Him on the Day of Hour. (25:11)
Rising all alone. (19:95) And on the Day of Rising his punishment will be
The Hour is coming but I have concealed it so doubled and he will be humiliated in it time-
that every self can be repaid for its efforts. (20:15) lessly, for ever. (25:69)
Those who turn away from it will bear a heavy We made them leaders, summoning to the Fire,
burden on the Day of Rising, remaining in it and on the Day of Rising they will not be helped.
timelessly, for ever. What an evil load they will (28:41)
bear on the Day of Rising! (20:100-101) We pursued them with a curse in this world and
(He said,) ‘But if anyone turns away from My re- on the Day of Rising they will be hideous and
minder, his life will be a dark and narrow one spurned. (28:42)
and on the Day of Rising We will gather him Is someone whom We have promised good and
blind.’ (20:124) who then obtains it, the same as someone whom
We will set up the Just Balance on the Day of We have given enjoyment in the life of this world
Rising and no self will be wronged in any way. and who then, on the Day of Rising, is one of
Even if it is no more than the weight of a grain of those brought to punishment? (28:61)
mustard-seed, We will produce it. We are suffi- Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah made it perma-
cient as a Reckoner. (21:47) nent night for you till the Day of Rising, what god
... for the heedful: those who fear their Lord in is there other than Allah to bring you light? Do
148
you not then hear?’ (28:71) Say: ‘It is Allah I worship, making my religion
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah made it perma- sincerely His, so worship anything you will apart
nent day for you till the Day of Rising, what god from Him!’ Say: ‘The real losers are those who
is there other than Allah to bring you night to rest lose themselves and their families on the Day of
in? Do you not then see?’ (28:72) Rising.’ Is not that clear loss? (39:14-15)
They will bear their own burdens and other bur- Is someone who tries to shield himself with his
dens together with their own. On the Day of face from the worst of the torment on the Day of
Rising they will be questioned about what they Rising ...? The wrongdoers will be told, ‘Taste
invented. (29:13) what you have earned.’ (39:24)
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You have adopted idols apart Then on the Day of Rising you will argue in the
from Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this presence of your Lord. (39:31)
world. But then on the Day of Rising you will re- If those who did wrong owned everything on
ject one another and curse one another. The Fire earth, and the same again with it, they would
will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.’ offer it as a ransom to save themselves from the
(29:25) evil of the punishment on the Day of Rising.
On the Day the Hour arrives the evildoers will be What confronts them from Allah will be some-
in despair. (30:12) thing they did not reckon with. (39:47)
On the Day the Hour arrives, that Day they will On the Day of Rising you will see those who lied
be split up. (30:14) against Allah with their faces blackened. Do not
On the Day the Last Hour arrives, the evildoers the arrogant have a dwelling place in Hell?
will swear they have not even tarried for an hour. (39:60)
That is the extent to which they are deceived. They do not measure Allah with His true meas-
(30:55) ure. The whole earth will be a mere handful for
Truly Allah has knowledge of the Hour and sends Him on the Day of Rising the heavens folded up
down abundant rain and knows what is in the in His right hand. Glory be to Him! He is exalted
womb. And no self knows what it will earn to- above the partners they ascribe! (39:67)
morrow and no self knows in what land it will The Fire, morning and night, to which they are
die. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (31:34) exposed; and on the Day the Hour takes place:
On the Day of Rising your Lord will decide be- ‘Admit Pharaoh’s people to the harshest punish-
tween them regarding everything about which ment!’ (40:46)
they differed. (32:25) The Hour is coming–there is no doubt about it.
People will ask you about the Last Hour. Say: But most of mankind have no faith. (40:59)
‘Only Allah has knowledge of it. What will make Those who adulterate Our Signs are not con-
you understand? It may be that the Last Hour is cealed from Us. Who is better–someone who
very near.’ (33:63) will be thrown into the fire or someone who will
Those who disbelieve say, ‘The Hour will never arrive in safety on the Day of Rising? Do what
come.’ Say: ‘Yes, by my Lord, it certainly will you like. He sees whatever you do. (41:40)
come!’ He is the Knower of the Unseen, Whom Knowledge of the Hour is referred to Him. And
not even the weight of the smallest particle no fruit emerges from its husk, nor does any fe-
eludes, either in the heavens or in the earth; nor male get pregnant or give birth, without His
is there anything smaller or larger than that knowledge. On the Day He calls out to them:
which is not in a Clear Book. (34:3) ‘Where are My associates?’ they will say, ‘We de-
If you call on them they will not hear your call, clare to you that none of us is a witness.’ (41:47)
and were they to hear, they would not respond to But if We let him taste mercy from Us after he has
you. On the Day of Rising they will reject your suffered hardship, then he says, ‘This is my due. I
making associates of them. No one can inform do not think that the Hour is going to come. And
you like One Who is All-aware. (35:14) if I am returned to my Lord, I will definitely find
149
the best reward with Him.’ But We will inform spond to them until the Day of Rising and which
those who disbelieve of what they did and make are unaware of their prayers? (46:5)
them suffer a ruthless punishment. (41:50) What are they awaiting but for the Hour to come
It is Allah Who has sent down the Book with upon them suddenly? Its Signs have already
truth and with the Just Balance. What will make come. What good will their Reminder be to them
you realise? Perhaps the Hour is close. (42:17) when it does arrive? (47:18)
Those who do not believe in it try to hasten it. The Hour has drawn near and the moon has split.
But those who believe in it are afraid of it. They (54:1)
know it is the truth. Those who doubt the Hour In fact the Hour is their promised appointment
are greatly misguided. (42:18) and the Hour is more disastrous and bitter!
You will see them as they are exposed to it, ab- (54:46)
ject in their abasement, glancing around them Do you not see that Allah knows what is in the
furtively. Those who believe will say, ‘Truly the heavens and on the earth? Three men cannot
losers are those who lose themselves and their confer together secretly without Him being the
families on the Day of Rising.’ The wrongdoers fourth of them, or five without Him being the
are in an everlasting punishment. (42:45) sixth of them, or fewer than that or more without
He (‘Isa) is a Sign of the Hour. Have no doubt Him being with them wherever they are. Then
about it. But follow me. This is a straight path. He will inform them on the Day of Rising of what
(43:61) they did. Allah has knowledge of all things.
What are they waiting for, but the Hour to come (58:7)
upon them suddenly when they are not expect- Neither your blood relations nor your children
ing it? (43:66) will be of any use to you. On the Day of Rising
Blessed be Him to Whom belongs the sover- He will differentiate between you. Allah sees
eignty of the heavens and the earth and every- what you do. (60:3)
thing in between them. The knowledge of the Or do you have oaths which bind Us, extending
Hour is with Him. You will be returned to Him. to the Day of Rising, that you will have whatever
(43:85) you decide? (68:39)
We made the Commandments very clear to them On that Day, the Occurrence will occur. (69:15)
and they only differed after knowledge came to Yet man still wants to deny what is ahead of him,
them, tyrannising one other. Your Lord will de- asking, ‘So when is the Day of Rising?’ (75:5-6)
cide between them on the Day of Rising regard- They ask you about the Hour: ‘When will it
ing the things they differed about. (45:17) come?’ (79:42)
Say: ‘Allah gives you life, then causes you to die, Has news of the Overwhelmer reached you?
and then will gather you together for the Day of (88:1)
Rising about which there is no doubt. But most
people do not know it.’ (45:26) DEAD
The kingdom of the heavens and earth belongs to How can you reject Allah, when you were dead
Allah and, on the Day that the Hour arrives, that and then He gave you life, then He will make
Day the liars will be lost. (45:27) you die and then give you life again, then you
(The disbelievers will be told,) ‘When you were will be returned to Him? (2:28)
told, "Allah’s promise is true and so is the Hour, We said, ‘Hit him with part of it!’ In that way
of which there is no doubt," you said, "We have Allah gives life to the dead and He shows you
no idea what the Hour is. We have only been His Signs so that hopefully you will understand.
conjecturing. We are by no means certain."’ (2:73)
(45:32) Do not say that those who are killed in the Way
Who could be further astray than those who call of Allah are dead. On the contrary, they are alive
on other things besides Allah, which will not re- but you are not aware of it. (2:154)
150
In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the permission; and healed the blind and the leper
alternation of the night and day, and the ships by My permission; and when you brought forth
which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the the dead by My permission; and when I held
water which Allah sends down from the sky–by back the tribe of Israel from you, when you
which He brings the earth to life when it was brought them the Clear Signs and those of them
dead and scatters about in it creatures of every who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down-
kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and right magic";’ (5:110)
the clouds subservient between heaven and Only those who can hear respond. As for the
earth, there are Signs for people who use their in- dead, Allah will raise them up, then to Him they
tellect. (2:164) will be returned. (6:36)
When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, show me how You Allah is He Who splits the seed and kernel. He
bring the dead to life.’ He asked, ‘Do you not brings forth the living from the dead, and pro-
then believe?’ He replied, ‘Indeed I do! But so duces the dead out of the living. That is Allah, so
that my heart may be at peace.’ He said, ‘Take how are you perverted? (6:95)
four birds and train them to yourself. Then put a Even if We sent down angels to them, and the
part of them on each mountain and call to them; dead spoke to them, and We gathered together
they will come rushing to you. Know that Allah is everything in front of them right before their eyes,
Almighty, All-Wise.’ (2:260) they would still not believe unless Allah willed.
(Say, ‘O Allah!) You merge the night into the day. The truth is that most of them are ignorant. (6:111)
You merge the day into the night. You bring out Is someone who was dead and whom We brought
the living from the dead. You bring out the dead to life, supplying him with a light by which to walk
from the living. You provide for whoever You will among people, the same as someone who is in
without any reckoning.’ (3:27) utter darkness, unable to emerge from it? That is
He will teach him (‘Isa) the Book and Wisdom, how what they were doing is made to seem attrac-
and the Torah and the Gospel, as a Messenger to tive to the disbelievers. (6:122)
the tribe of Israel, saying: ‘I have brought you a It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad-
Sign from your Lord. I will create the shape of a vance news of His mercy, so that when they have
bird out of clay for you and then breathe into it lifted up the heavy clouds, We dispatch them to a
and it will be a bird by Allah’s permission. I will dead land and send down water to it, by means
heal the blind and the leper, and bring the dead of which We bring forth all kinds of fruit. In the
to life, by Allah’s permission. I will tell you what same way We will bring forth the dead, so that
you eat and what you store up in your homes. hopefully you will pay heed. (7:57)
There is a Sign for you in that if you are believ- Say: ‘Who provides for you out of heaven and
ers.’ (3:48-49) earth? Who controls hearing and sight? Who
Do not suppose that those killed in the Way of brings forth the living from the dead and the dead
Allah are dead. No indeed! They are alive and from the living? Who directs the whole affair?’
well provided for in the very presence of their They will say, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘So will you not guard
Lord. (3:169) against evil?’ (10:31)
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of Even if there was a Qur’an which moved moun-
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to tains, or split the earth open or spoke to the
your mother when I reinforced you with the dead...! On the contrary! The affair is Allah’s al-
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in together. Do those who believe not know that if
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and Allah had wanted to He could have guided all
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and mankind? Those who disbelieve will not cease to
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created be struck by disaster for what they have done–or
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and a disaster will happen close to their homes–until
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My Allah’s promise is fulfilled. Allah will not fail to
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keep His promise. (13:31) the One Who brings the dead to life. He has
They are dead, not alive, and they are not aware power over all things. (30:50)
of when they will be raised. (16:21) You will not make dead men hear; you will not
Allah sends down water from the sky and by it make deaf men hear the call, when they turn
brings the dead earth back to life. There is cer- their backs in flight. (30:52)
tainly a Sign in that for people who hear. (16:65) It is Allah Who sends the winds which raise the
Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the clouds which We then drive to a dead land and
Rising, know that We created you from dust then by them bring the earth to life after it was dead.
from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood That is how the Resurrection will be. (35:9)
then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed, The living and dead are not the same. Allah
so We may make things clear to you. We make makes anyone He wills hear but you cannot
whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec- make those in the grave hear. (35:22)
ified time and then We bring you out as children We bring the dead to life and We record what
so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of they send ahead and what they leave behind. We
you die and some of you revert to the lowest have listed everything in a clear register. (36:12)
form of life so that, after having knowledge, they A Sign for them is the dead land which We bring
then know nothing at all. And you see the earth to life and from which We bring forth grain of
dead and barren; then when We send down which they eat. (36:33)
water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts Among His Signs is that you see the earth laid
with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5) bare and then when We send down water on it, it
That is because Allah is the Real and gives life to quivers and swells. He Who gives it life is He
the dead and has power over all things. (22:6) Who gives life to the dead. Certainly He has
It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad- power over all things. (41:39)
vance news of His mercy. And We send down Have they then taken others besides Him as pro-
from heaven pure water so that by it We can tectors? But Allah is the Protector. He gives life to
bring a dead land to life and give drink to many the dead. He has power over all things. (42:9)
of the animals and people We created. (25:48- It is He Who sends down water in due measure
49) from the sky by which We bring a dead land
You will not make dead men hear and you will back to life. That is how you too will be brought
not make deaf men hear the call when they turn forth. (43:11)
their backs in flight. (27:80) Do they not see that Allah–He Who created the
If you ask them, ‘Who sends down water from heavens and the earth and was not wearied by
the sky, bringing the earth back to life again after creating them–has the power to bring the dead to
it was dead?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘Praise be life? Yes indeed! He has power over all things.
to Allah.’ But most of them do not use their intel- (46:33)
lect. (29:63) You who believe! Avoid most suspicion. Indeed
He brings forth the living from the dead and some suspicion is a crime. And do not spy and
brings forth the dead from the living and brings do not backbite one another. Would any of you
the earth to life after it was dead. In the same way like to eat his brother’s dead flesh? No, you
you too will be brought forth. (30:19) would hate it. And have fear of Allah. Allah is
Among His Signs is that He shows you lightning, Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (49:12)
a source of fear and eager hope, and sends down And We sent down blessed water from the sky
water from the sky, bringing the dead earth back and made gardens grow by it and grain for har-
to life by it. There are certainly Signs in that for vesting and soaring date-palms with layered
people who use their intellect. (30:24) spathes, as provision for Our servants; by it We
So look at the effect of the mercy of Allah, how brought a dead land to life. That is how the
He brings the dead earth back to life. Truly He is Emergence will take place. (50:9-11)
152
Know that Allah brings the earth to life after it their backs in flight. (30:52)
was dead. We have made the Signs clear to you Such are the people Allah has cursed, making
so that hopefully you will use your intellect. them deaf and blinding their eyes. (47:23)
(57:17)
Is He Who does this not able to bring the dead to DEATH
life? (75:40) Or (their likeness is) that of a storm-cloud in the
Did We not make the earth a receptacle for the sky, full of darkness, thunder and lightning. They
living and the dead? (77:25-26) put their fingers in their ears against the thunder-
claps, fearful of death. Allah encompasses the
DEAF disbelievers. (2:19)
Deaf, dumb, blind. They will not return. (2:18) Then We brought you back to life after your
The likeness of those who disbelieve is that of the death, so that perhaps you would show thanks.
beast which, call out to it as one may, can hear (2:56)
nothing but a shout and a cry. Deaf–dumb–blind. Say, ‘If the abode of the hereafter with Allah is for
They do not use their intellect. (2:171) you alone, to the exclusion of all others, then
They thought there would be no testing. They long for death if you are telling the truth.’ But
were blind and deaf. Then Allah turned towards they will never ever long for it because of what
them. Then many of them went blind and deaf they have done. Allah knows the wrongdoers.
again. Allah sees what they do. (5:71) (2:94-95)
Those who deny Our Signs are deaf and dumb in Or were you present when death came to Ya‘qub
utter darkness. Allah misguides whoever He and he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship
wills, and puts whoever He wills on a straight when I have gone?’ They said, ‘We will worship
path. (6:39) your God, the God of your forefathers, Ibrahim,
The worst of beasts in Allah’s sight are the deaf Isma‘il and Ishaq–one God. We are Muslims sub-
and dumb who have no intellect. (8:22) mitted to Him.’ (2:133)
The likeness of the two groups is that of the blind It is prescribed for you, when death approaches
and deaf and the seeing and hearing. Are they one of you and if he has some goods to leave, to
the same as one another? So will you not pay make a will in favour of his parents and relatives,
heed? (11:24) correctly and fairly: a duty for all those who
Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But as for guard against evil. (2:180)
those He leads astray, you will not find any pro- What do you think about those who left their
tectors for them apart from Him. We will gather homes in thousands in fear of death? Allah said
them on the Day of Rising, flat on their faces, to them, ‘Die!’ and then brought them back to
blind, dumb and deaf. Their shelter will be Hell. life. Allah shows great favour to mankind, but
Whenever the Blaze dies down, We will increase most people are not grateful. (2:243)
it for them. (17:97) You were longing for death before you met it.
Say: ‘I can only warn you through the Now you have seen it with your own eyes.
Revelation.’ But the deaf cannot hear the call (3:143)
when they are warned. (21:45) They are those who said of their brothers, when
(Believers are) those who, when they are re- they themselves had stayed behind, ‘If they had
minded of the Signs of their Lord, do not turn only obeyed us, they would not have been
their backs, deaf and blind to them; (25:73) killed.’ Say, ‘Then ward off death from yourselves
You will not make dead men hear and you will if you are telling the truth.’ (3:168)
not make deaf men hear the call when they turn Every self will taste death. You will be paid your
their backs in flight. (27:80) wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who
You will not make dead men hear; you will not is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the
make deaf men hear the call, when they turn Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is
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just the enjoyment of delusion. (3:185) own selves! Today you will be repaid with the
If any of your women commit fornication, four of punishment of humiliation for saying something
you must be witnesses against them. If they bear other than the truth about Allah, and being arro-
witness, detain them in their homes until death gant about His Signs.’ (6:93)
releases them or Allah ordains another proce- Just as your Lord brought you out from your house
dure for their case. (4:15) with truth, even though a group of the believers
There is no repentance for people who persist in disliked it, arguing with you about the Truth after it
doing evil until death comes to them and who had been made clear as though they were being
then say, ‘Now I repent,’ nor for people who die driven to their death with open eyes. (8:5-6)
disbelievers. We have prepared for them a It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in
painful punishment. (4:18) six days when His Throne was on the water, in
Wherever you are, death will catch up with you, order to test which of you has the best actions. If
even if you are in impregnable fortresses. If a you say, ‘You will be raised up after death,’ those
good thing happens to them, they say, ‘This has who disbelieve will say, ‘This is nothing but down-
come from Allah.’ But if a bad thing happens to right magic.’ (11:7)
them, they say, ‘This has come from you.’ Say, He gulps at it but can hardly swallow it down.
‘Everything comes from Allah.’ What is the mat- Death comes at him from every side but he does
ter with these people that they scarcely under- not die. And beyond him is relentless punishment.
stand a single word? (4:78) (14:17)
Those who migrate in the Way of Allah will find Then We would have let you taste a double pun-
many places of refuge on the earth and ample ishment in life and a double punishment in death.
sustenance. If anyone leaves his home, migrating You would not have found any helper against Us.
to Allah and His Messenger, and death catches (17:75)
up with him, it is Allah Who will reward him. Every self will taste death. We test you with both
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:100) good and evil as a trial. And you will be returned to
You who believe! When one of you is near to Us. (21:35)
death and makes a will, two just men from When death comes to one of them, he says, ‘My
among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are Lord, send me back again.’ (23:99)
travelling when the misfortune of death occurs, But they have adopted gods apart from Him
two men who are strangers to you. You should which do not create anything but are themselves
detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful, created. They have no power to harm or help
they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it themselves. They have no power over death or
for any price, even to a near relative, and we will life or resurrection. (25:3)
not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we (Ibrahim said, ‘It is) He Who will cause my death,
would indeed be wrongdoers.’ (5:106) then give me life.’ (26:81)
He is the Absolute Master over His servants. He Every self will taste death. Then you will be re-
sends angels to watch over you. Then when turned to Us. (29:57)
death comes to one of you, Our messengers take Say: ‘The Angel of Death, who has been given
him, and they do not fail in their task. (6:61) charge of you, will take you back and then you
Who could do greater wrong than someone who will be sent back to your Lord.’ (32:11)
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs, or Say: ‘Flight will not benefit you if you try to run
who says, ‘It has been revealed to me,’ when away from death or being killed. Then you will
nothing has been revealed to him, or someone only enjoy a short respite.’ (33:16)
who says, ‘I will send down the same as Allah Allah knows the obstructers among you and
has sent down’? If you could only see the wrong- those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and
doers in the throes of death when the angels are who only come to fight a very little, and are be-
stretching out their hands, saying, ‘Disgorge your grudging towards you. Then when fear comes,
154
you see them looking at you, their eyes rolling (Has he not been informed) that it is He Who
like people scared to death. But when fear de- brings about both death and life? (53:44)
parts they flay you with sharp tongues, grasping We have decreed death for you and We will not
for wealth. Such people have no faith and Allah be forestalled. (56:60)
will make their actions come to nothing. That is Say: ‘You Jews, if you claim to be the friends of
easy for Allah. (33:18-19) Allah to the exclusion of all other people, then
They are an accursed people. Wherever they are wish for death if you are telling the truth.’ But
found they should be seized and mercilessly put they will never ever wish for it because of what
to death. (33:61) they have done. Allah knows the wrongdoers.
Then when We decreed that he (Sulayman) (62:6-7)
should die, nothing divulged his death to them Say: ‘Death, from which you are fleeing, will cer-
except the worm which ate his staff; so that when tainly catch up with you. Then you will be re-
he fell down it was made clear to the jinn that if turned to the Knower of the Unseen and the
they had truly had knowledge of the Unseen they Visible and He will inform you about what you
need not have stayed there suffering humiliating did.’ (62:8)
punishment. (34:14) Give from what We have provided for you before
(Say,) ‘Are we not going to die, except for our first death comes to one of you and he says, ‘My
death? Are we not going to be punished?’ (37:58- Lord, if only you would give me a little more time
59) so that I can give charity and be one of the right-
Allah takes back people’s selves when their eous!’ (63:10)
death arrives and those who have not yet died, He Who created death and life to test which of
while they are asleep. He keeps hold of those you is best in action. He is the Almighty, the Ever-
whose death has been decreed and sends the Forgiving. (67:2)
others back for a specified term. There are cer- (He who is given his Book in his left hand will
tainly Signs in that for people who reflect. (39:42) say,) ‘If only death had really been the end!’
(These people say,) ‘There is nothing more than (69:27)
our first death. We will not be raised up a second
time.’ (44:35) DEEN (SEE RELIGION)
They will not taste any death there–except for the
first one. He will safeguard them from the pun- DEBASEMENT
ishment of the Blazing Fire. (44:56) Those who do good will have the best and more!
Or do those who perpetrate evil deeds suppose Neither dust nor debasement will darken their
that We will make them like those who believe faces. They are the Companions of the Garden,
and do right actions, so that their lives and deaths remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (10:26)
will be the same? How bad their judgement is! But as for those who have earned bad actions–a
(45:21) bad action will be repaid with one the like of it.
Those who believe say, ‘If only a sura could be Debasement will darken them. They will have no
sent down.’ But when a straightforward sura is one to protect them from Allah. It is as if their
sent down and fighting is mentioned in it, you faces were covered by dark patches of the night.
see those with sickness in their hearts looking at Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining
you with the look of someone about to faint from in it timelessly, for ever. (10:27)
fear of death. More fitting for them would be Their eyes will be downcast, darkened by de-
obedience and honourable words. Once the basement; for they were called on to prostrate
matter is resolved upon, being true to Allah when they were in full possession of their facul-
would be better for them. (47:20-21) ties. (68:43)
The throes of death come revealing the truth. The Day they will emerge swiftly from their
That is what you were trying to evade! (50:19) graves as if rushing to rally to the flag, eyes
155
downcast, darkened by debasement, that will be ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you
the Day which they were promised. (70:43-44) have children. If you are childless and your heirs
are your parents your mother receives a third. If
DEBT - LOAN you have brothers or sisters your mother receives
If someone is in difficult circumstances, there a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts.
should be a deferral until things are easier. But With regard to your fathers and your sons, you
making a free gift of it would be better for you if do not know which of them is going to benefit
you only knew. (2:280) you more. These are obligatory shares from
You who believe! When you take on a debt for a Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11)
specified period, write it down. A writer should You receive half of what your wives leave if they
write it down between you justly. No writer are childless. If they have children you receive a
should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him, quarter of what they leave after any bequest they
so he should write. The one incurring the debt make or any debts. They receive a quarter of
should dictate and should have fear of Allah his what you leave if you are childless. If you have
Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person children they receive an eighth of what you leave
incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or un- after any bequest you make or any debts. If a
able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate man or woman has no direct heirs, but has a
for him justly. Two men among you should act as brother or sister, each of them receives a sixth. If
witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a there are more than that they share in a third after
man and two women with whom you are satis- any bequest you make or any debts, making sure
fied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the that no one’s rights are prejudiced. This is an in-
other can remind her. Witnesses should not re- struction from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
fuse when they are called upon. Do not think it Forbearing. (4:12)
too trivial to write down, whether small or large, Allah made a covenant with the tribe of Israel
with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more and We raised up twelve leaders from among
just in Allah’s sight and more helpful when bear- them. Allah said, ‘I am with you. If you perform
ing witness and more likely to eliminate any prayer and give the alms, and believe in My
doubt–unless it is an immediate transaction hand Messengers and respect and support them, and
to hand, taken and given without delay. There is make a generous loan to Allah, I will erase your
nothing wrong in your not writing that down. wrong actions from you and admit you into
Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Any of
nor witness should be put under pressure. If you you who disbelieve after that have gone astray
do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of from the right way.’ (5:12)
Allah and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those
has knowledge of all things. (2:282) who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free-
If you are on a journey and cannot find a writer, ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of
something can be left as a security. If you leave Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from
things on trust with one another the one who is Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60)
trusted must deliver up his trust and have fear of Or do you ask them for a wage so they are
Allah his Lord. Do not conceal testimony. If weighed down with debt? (52:40)
someone does conceal it, his heart commits a Who will make a good loan to Allah so that He
crime. Allah knows what you do. (2:283) may multiply it for him? He will have a generous
Allah instructs you regarding your children: A reward. (57:11)
male receives the same as the share of two fe- If you make a generous loan to Allah He will
males. If there are more than two daughters they multiply it for you and forgive you. Allah is All-
receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one Thankful, Most Forbearing. (64:17)
on her own she receives a half. Each of your par- Or do you ask them for a wage so they are
156
weighed down with debt? (68:46) mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those
Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two- you are able to slaughter properly–and animals
thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid-
a group of those with you. Allah determines the ing things by means of divining arrows–that is
night and day. He knows you will not keep count deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de-
of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not
much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I
that some of you are ill and that others are travel- have perfected your religion for you and com-
ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased
others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is
as much of it as is easy for you. And perform forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing,
prayer and give the alms and lend a generous Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)
loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for
yourselves you will find it with Allah as some- DEFEAT
thing better and as a greater reward. And seek Allah only did this for it to be good news for you
forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, and so that your hearts might be set at rest by it
Most Merciful. (73:20) (help comes from no one but Allah, the Almighty,
the All-Wise) and so that He might cut off a group
DECEIT of those who disbelieve or crush them and they
They think they deceive Allah and those who be- might be turned back in defeat. (3:126-127)
lieve. They deceive no one but themselves but They were defeated then and there, transformed
they are not aware of it. (2:9) into humbled men. (7:119)
Do not be deceived by the fact that those who The Romans have been defeated in the land
disbelieve move freely about the earth. (3:196) nearby, but after their defeat they will themselves
The hypocrites think they deceive Allah, but He be victorious (30:2-3)
is deceiving them. When they get up to pray,
they get up lazily, showing off to people, and DELIGHT
only remembering Allah a very little. (4:142) If only the People of the Book had believed and
If they intend to deceive you, Allah is enough for guarded against evil, We would have erased their
you. It is He Who supported you with His help evil deeds from them and admitted them into
and with the believers. (8:62) Gardens of Delight. (5:65)
On the Day the Last Hour arrives, the evildoers Their Lord gives them the good news of His
will swear they have not even tarried for an hour. mercy and good pleasure and Gardens where
That is the extent to which they are deceived. they will enjoy everlasting delight. (9:21)
(30:55) But as for those who believe and do right actions,
No one disputes Allah’s Signs except those who their Lord will guide them by their faith. Rivers
disbelieve. Do not let their free movement about will flow under them in Gardens of Delight.
the earth deceive you. (40:4) (10:9)
(A voice called out to Maryam,) ‘Eat and drink
DECIDING THINGS BY MEANS and delight your eyes. If you should see anyone
OF DIVINING ARROWS at all, just say, "I have made a vow of abstinence
Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork, to the All-Merciful and today I will not speak to
and what has been consecrated to other than any human being."’ (19:26)
Allah, and animals which have been strangled, (Allah said to Musa,) ‘When your sister went and
and animals which have been killed by a blow, said, "Shall I direct you to someone who will take
and animals which have fallen to their death, care of him?" that was how We returned you to
and animals which have been gored, and ani- your mother so that she might delight her eyes
157
and not be grieved. You killed a man and We res- you and do not let the Deluder delude you con-
cued you from trouble and tested you with many cerning Allah. (31:33)
trials. You stayed some years among the people Mankind! Allah’s promise is true. Do not let the
of Madyan. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained life of this world delude you and do not let the
time, Musa!’ (20:40) Deluder delude you about Allah. (35:5)
Sovereignty on that Day will be Allah’s. He will They (hypocrites) will call out to them (the be-
judge between them. Those who believe and do lievers), ‘Were we not with you?’ They will reply,
right actions will be in Gardens of Delight. ‘Indeed you were. But you made trouble for
(22:56) yourselves and hung back and doubted and false
(Ibrahim said,) ‘And make me one of the inheri- hopes deluded you until Allah’s command ar-
tors of the Garden of Delight;’ (26:85) rived. The Deluder deluded you about Allah.’
For those who believe and do right actions there (57:14)
are Gardens of Delight. (31:8)
No self knows the delight that is hidden away for DELUSION
it in recompense for what it used to do. (32:17) That is because they say, ‘The Fire will only
They will have preordained provision: sweet touch us for a number of days.’ Their inventions
fruits and high honour in Gardens of Delight. have deluded them in their religion. (3:24)
(37:41-43) Every self will taste death. You will be paid your
(Believers will be told,) ‘Enter the Garden, you wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who
and your wives, delighting in your joy.’ (43:70) is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the
Platters and cups of gold will be passed around Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is
among them and they will have there all that just the enjoyment of delusion. (3:185)
their hearts desire and their eyes find delight in. He (Satan) makes promises to them and fills them
You will remain in it timelessly, for ever. (43:71) with false hopes. But what Satan promises them
What comfort and ease they had delighted in! is nothing but delusion. (4:120)
(44:27) Abandon those who have turned their religion
The people who guard against evil will be in into a game and a diversion and who have been
Gardens of Delight. (52:17) deluded by the life of this world. Remind by it
Those are the Ones Brought Near in Gardens of lest a person is delivered up to destruction for
Delight. (56:11-12) what he has earned with no protector or interces-
But the truth is that if he is one of Those Brought sor besides Allah. Were he to offer every kind of
Near, there is solace and sweetness and a compensation, it would not be accepted from
Garden of Delight. (56:88-89) him. Such people are delivered up to destruction
The people who guard against evil will have for what they have earned. They will have scald-
Gardens of Delight with their Lord. (68:34) ing water to drink and a painful punishment be-
Does each one of them aspire to be admitted into cause they disbelieved. (6:70)
a Garden of Delight? (70:38) In this way We have appointed as enemies to
Seeing them, you see delight and a great king- every Prophet Satans from both mankind and
dom. (76:20) from the jinn, who inspire each other with delu-
You will recognise in their faces the radiance of sions by means of specious words–if your Lord
delight. (83:24) had willed, they would not have done it, so
abandon them and all they fabricate. (6:112)
DELUDER Company of jinn and men! Did not Messengers
Mankind! Have fear of your Lord and fear a day come to you from among yourselves relating My
when no father will be able to atone for his son, Signs to you and warning you of the encounter of
or son for his father, in any way. Allah’s promise this Day of yours? They will say, ‘We testify
is true. So do not let the life of this world delude against ourselves.’ The life of this world deluded
158
them and they will testify against themselves that They will not be able to appease Allah. (45:34-35)
they were disbelievers. (6:130) They (hypocrites) will call out to them (the believ-
(Companions of the Garden will say, ers), ‘Were we not with you?’ They will reply,
‘Disbelievers are) those who took their religion ‘Indeed you were. But you made trouble for your-
as a diversion and a game, and were deluded by selves and hung back and doubted and false hopes
the life of this world.’ Today We will forget them deluded you until Allah’s command arrived. The
just as they forgot the encounter of this Day and Deluder deluded you about Allah.’ (57:14)
denied Our Signs. (7:51) Know that the life of this world is merely a game
And when the hypocrites and those with sickness and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of
in their hearts said, ‘These people have been de- boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo one
luded by their religion.’ But those who put their another in wealth and children: like the plant-
trust in Allah will find Allah to be Almighty, All- growth after rain which delights the cultivators, but
Wise. (8:49) then it withers and you see it turning yellow, and
(Allah said to Satan,) ‘Stir up any of them you can then it becomes broken stubble. In the hereafter
with your voice and rally against them your cav- there is terrible punishment but also forgiveness
alry and your infantry and share with them in from Allah and His good pleasure. The life of this
their children and their wealth and make them world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion.
promises! The promise of Satan is nothing but (57:20)
delusion.’ (17:64) Who is there who could be a force for you, to
Mankind! Have fear of your Lord and fear a day come to your support, apart from the All-Merciful?
when no father will be able to atone for his son, The disbelievers are only living in delusion. (67:20)
or son for his father, in any way. Allah’s promise O man! What has deluded you in respect of your
is true. So do not let the life of this world delude Noble Lord? (82:6)
you and do not let the Deluder delude you con-
cerning Allah. (31:33) DEMAND FOR GRATITUDE
When the hypocrites and people with sickness in Those who spend their wealth in the Way of
their hearts said, ‘What Allah and His Messenger Allah, and then do not follow what they have
promised us was mere delusion.’ (33:12) spent by demands for gratitude or insulting
Mankind! Allah’s promise is true. Do not let the words will have their reward with their Lord.
life of this world delude you and do not let the They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.
Deluder delude you about Allah. (35:5) (2:262)
Say: ‘Have you thought about your partner gods, You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by
those you call upon besides Allah? Show me demands for gratitude or insulting words, like
what they have created of the earth; or do they him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo-
have a partnership in the heavens?’ Have We ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day.
given them a Book whose Clear Signs they fol- His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with
low? No indeed! The wrongdoers promise each soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left
other nothing but delusion. (35:40) stripped bare. They have no power over anything
No one disputes Allah’s Signs except those who they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe-
disbelieve. Do not let their free movement about lieving people. (2:264)
the earth deceive you. (40:4) He (Pharaoh) said (to Musa), ‘Did we not bring
They (disbelievers) will be told, ‘Today We have you up among us as a child and did you not spend
forgotten you as you forgot the meeting of this many years of your life among us? Yet you did the
your Day. Your refuge is the Fire and you have no deed you did and were ungrateful.’ (26:18-19)
helpers. That is because you made a mockery of (Musa said to Pharaoh,) ‘And anyway you can only
Allah’s Signs and the life of this world deluded reproach me with this favour because you made
you.’ Therefore, today they will not get out of it. the tribe of Israel into slaves!’ (26:22)
159
They think they have done you a favour by becom- other people. (6:133)
ing Muslims! Say: ‘Do not consider your Islam a When your Lord took out all their descendants
favour to me. No indeed! It is Allah Who has from the loins of the children of Adam and made
favoured you by guiding you to faith if you are them testify against themselves ‘Am I not your
telling the truth.’ (49:17) Lord?’ they said, ‘We testify that indeed You are!’
Lest you say on the Day of Rising, ‘We knew noth-
DEMON ing of this.’ (7:172)
A demon of the jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you (Ibrahim said,) ‘My Lord! Make me and my descen-
before you get up from your seat. I am strong and dants people who perform prayer. My Lord!
trustworthy enough to do it.’ (27:39) Accept my prayer. ’ (14:40)
Descendants of those We carried with Nuh. He
DEPRAVITY was a grateful servant. (17:3)
And when Lut he said to his people: ‘Do you ap- He (Diabolis) said, ‘Do you see this creature you
proach depravity with open eyes? (27:54) have honoured over me? If You reprieve me till the
And (I swear by) the self and what proportioned it Day of Rising, I will be the master of his descen-
and inspired it with depravity or sense of duty, he dants except for a very few.’ (17:62)
who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it up Those are some of the Prophets Allah has blessed,
has failed. (91:7-10) from the descendants of Adam and from those We
carried with Nuh, and from the descendants of
DESCENDANT Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We guided and
Remember when Ibrahim was tested by his Lord chose. When the Signs of the All-Merciful were re-
with certain words which he carried out com- cited to them they fell on their faces, weeping, in
pletely. He said, ‘I will make you a model for prostration. (19:58)
mankind.’ He asked, ‘And what of my descen- We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub and placed
dants?’ He said, ‘My contract does not include the Prophethood and the Book among his progeny.
wrongdoers.’ (2:124) We gave him his reward in this world and in the
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord, make us both Muslims hereafter he will be among the righteous. (29:27)
submitted to You, and our descendants a Muslim We rescued him (Nuh) and his family from the ter-
community submitted to You. Show us our rites of rible plight and made his descendants the sur-
worship and turn towards us. You are the Ever- vivors; (37:76-77)
Returning, the Most Merciful.’ (2:128) We showered blessings upon him and upon Ishaq.
Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of Among their descendants are good-doers and also
Ibrahim and the family of ‘Imran over all other be- people who clearly wrong themselves. (37:113)
ings–descendants one of the other. Allah is All- We have instructed man to be good to his parents.
Hearing, All-Knowing. (3:33-34) His mother bore him with difficulty and with diffi-
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom We culty gave birth to him; and his bearing and wean-
guided. And before him We had guided Nuh. And ing take thirty months. Then when he achieves his
among his descendants were Dawud and full strength and reaches forty, he says, ‘My Lord,
Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun. keep me thankful for the blessing You bestowed on
That is how We recompense the good-doers. (6:84) me and on my parents, and keep me acting rightly,
And some of their forebears, descendants and pleasing You. And make my descendants right-
brothers; We chose them and guided them to a eous. I have repented to You and I am truly one of
straight path. (6:87) the Muslims.’ (46:15)
Your Lord is the Rich Beyond Need, the Possessor We sent Nuh and Ibrahim and placed
of Mercy. If He wanted, He could remove you and Prophethood and the Book among their descen-
replace you with anything else He wanted to, just dants. Some of them are guided but many of them
as He produced you from the descendants of an- are deviators. (57:26)
160
DESERT ocrites and some of the people of Madina are ob-
He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne. durate in their hypocrisy. You do not know them
The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said, but We know them. We will punish them twice
‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of over and then they will be returned to a terrible
the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come punishment. (9:101)
true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of It was not for people of Madina, and the desert
prison and brought you from the desert when arabs around them, to remain behind the
Satan had caused dissent between me and my Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to
brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He him. That is because no thirst or weariness or
is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:100) hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor
But the actions of those who disbelieve are like a will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe-
mirage in the desert. A thirsty man thinks it is lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy,
water but when he reaches it, he finds it to be without a right action being written down for
nothing at all, but he finds Allah there. He will them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of
pay him his account in full. Allah is swift at reck- the good-doers go to waste. (9:120)
oning. (24:39) They think that the Confederates have not de-
They think that the Confederates have not de- parted and if the Confederates did appear then
parted and if the Confederates did appear then they would wish they were out in the desert with
they would wish they were out in the desert with the Arabs, asking for news of you. If they were
the Arabs, asking for news of you. If they were with you they would only fight a very little.
with you they would only fight a very little. (33:20)
(33:20) Those (desert) Arabs who remained behind will
say to you, ‘Our wealth and families kept us oc-
DESERT ARABS cupied, so ask forgiveness for us.’ They say with
The desert arabs came with their excuses asking their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say:
for permission to stay, and those who lied to ‘Who can control Allah for you in any way
Allah and His Messenger stayed behind. A whether He wants harm for you or wants benefit
painful punishment will afflict those among them for you?’ Allah is aware of what you do. (48:11)
who disbelieve. (9:90) Say to the (desert) Arabs who remained behind:
The desert arabs are more obdurate in disbelief ‘You will be called up against a people who pos-
and hypocrisy and more likely not to know the sess great force whom you must fight unless they
limits which Allah has sent down to His submit. If you obey, Allah will give you an excel-
Messenger. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. lent reward. But if you turn your backs as you did
(9:97) before, He will punish you with a painful punish-
Among the desert arabs there are some who re- ment.’ (48:16)
gard what they give as an imposition and are The desert Arabs say, ‘We believe.’ Say: ‘You do
waiting for your fortunes to change. The evil turn not believe. Say rather, "We have become
of fortune will be theirs! Allah is All-Hearing, All- Muslim," for faith has not yet entered into your
Knowing. (9:98) hearts. If you obey Allah and His Messenger, He
And among the desert arabs there are some who will not undervalue your actions in any way.
believe in Allah and the Last Day and regard Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (49:14)
what they give as something which will bring
them nearer to Allah and to the prayers of the DESPAIR
Messenger. It does indeed bring them near. Allah (Ya‘qub said,) ‘My sons! Seek news of Yusuf and
will admit them into His mercy. Allah is Ever- his brother. Do not despair of solace from Allah.
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:99) No one despairs of solace from Allah except for
Some of the desert Arabs around you are hyp- people who are disbelievers.’ (12:87)
161
They (messengers) said (to Ibrahim), ‘We bring created. He forgives whoever He wills and He
you good news of the truth, so do not be among punishes whoever He wills. The kingdom of the
those who despair.’ (15:55) heavens and the earth and everything between
When We bless man, he turns away and draws them belongs to Allah. He is our final destina-
aside. When evil touches him, he despairs. tion.’ (5:18)
(17:83) Anyone who turns his back on them that day, un-
Say (from Me): ‘My servants, you who have trans- less he is withdrawing to rejoin the fight or with-
gressed against yourselves, do not despair of the drawing to support another group, brings Allah’s
mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong ac- anger down upon himself. His refuge is Hell.
tions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most What an evil destination! (8:16)
Merciful.’ (39:53) O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and
hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their shelter
DESTINATION will be Hell. What an evil destination! (9:73)
And when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, make this a They have made others equal to Allah to mis-
place of safety and provide its inhabitants with guide people from His Way. Say: ‘Enjoy your-
fruits–all of them who believe in Allah and the selves! Your destination is the Fire!’ (14:30)
Last Day,’ He said, ‘I will let anyone who be- How many wrongdoing cities I allowed time to
comes a disbeliever enjoy himself a little but and then I seized them. I am their final destina-
then I will drive him to the punishment of the tion! (22:48)
Fire. What an evil destination!’ (2:126) When Our Signs are recited to them–Clear
The believers should not take disbelievers as Signs–you can detect denial in the faces of those
friends rather than believers. Anyone who does who disbelieve. They all but assault those who
that has nothing to do with Allah at all–unless it recite Our Signs to them! Say: ‘Shall I inform you
is because you are afraid of them. Allah advises of something worse than that? The Fire which
you to be afraid of Him. Allah is the final destina- Allah has promised those who disbelieve. What
tion. (3:28) an evil destination!’ (22:72)
Is someone who pursues the pleasure of Allah The kingdom of the heavens and earth belongs to
the same as someone who incurs displeasure Allah and Allah is the final destination. (24:42)
from Allah and whose refuge is Hell? What an Do not imagine that those who disbelieve are
evil destination! (3:162) able to escape Allah on earth. Their shelter will
The angels ask those they take while they are be the Fire. What an evil destination! (24:57)
wronging themselves, ‘What were your circum- Say: ‘Is that better, or the Garden of Eternal Life
stances?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed on which has been promised to those who guard
earth.’ They say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not wide against evil? That is their recompense and desti-
enough for you to have migrated elsewhere in it?’ nation.’ (25:15)
The shelter of such people will be Hell. What an We have instructed man concerning his parents.
evil destination! (4:97) Bearing him caused his mother great debility and
But if anyone opposes the Messenger after the the period of his weaning was two years: ‘Give
guidance has become clear to him, and follows thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final
other than the path of the believers, We will hand destination.’ (31:14)
him over to whatever he has turned to, and We No burden-bearer can bear another’s burden. If
will roast him in Hell. What an evil destination! someone weighed down calls for help to bear his
(4:115) load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his
The Jews and Christians say, ‘We are Allah’s chil- next of kin. You can only warn those who fear
dren and His loved ones.’ Say: ‘Why, then, does their Lord in the Unseen and perform prayer.
He punish you for your wrong actions? No, you Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone.
are merely human beings among those He has Allah is your final destination. (35:18)
162
Then their destination will be the Blazing Fire. to You. You are our final destination.’ (60:4)
(37:68) He created the heavens and the earth with truth
The Forgiver of wrong action, the Accepter of re- and formed you, giving you the best of forms.
pentance, the Severe in retribution, the Possessor And He is your final destination. (64:3)
of abundance. There is no god but Him. He is the But as for those who disbelieve and deny Our
final destination. (40:3) Signs they are the Companions of the Fire, re-
So call and go straight as you have been ordered maining in it timelessly, for ever. What an evil
to. Do not follow their whims and desires but destination! (64:10)
say, ‘I believe in a Book sent down by Allah and I O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and
am ordered to be just between you. Allah is our hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their refuge
Lord and your Lord. We have our actions and is Hell. What an evil destination! (66:9)
you have your actions. There is no debate be- Those who reject their Lord will have the punish-
tween us and you. Allah will gather us all to- ment of Hell. What an evil destination! (67:6)
gether. He is our final destination.’ (42:15)
And so that He might punish the men and DESTINY (SEE PRE-ORDAINED DECREE)
women of the hypocrites and the men and
women of the idolaters–those who think bad DESTITUTION - DESTITUTE
thoughts about Allah. They will suffer an evil turn And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up
of fate. Allah is angry with them, and has cursed with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to
them and prepared Hell for them. What an evil supply to us some of what the earth produces–its
destination! (48:6) green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
It is We Who give life and cause to die and We onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
are their final destination. (50:43) better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
(Believers will say to the hypocrites,) ‘So today then you will have what you are asking for.’
no ransom will be accepted from you or from Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
those who disbelieved. Your refuge is the Fire. It them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
is your master. What an evil destination!’ (57:15) themselves. That was because they rejected
Do you not see those who were forbidden to Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any
confer together secretly returning to the very right to do so. That was because they rebelled
thing they were forbidden to do, and conferring and went beyond the limits. (2:61)
together secretly in wrongdoing and enmity and The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those
disobedience to the Messenger? And when they who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free-
come to you they greet you with words Allah has ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of
never used in greeting you, and say to them- Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from
selves ‘Why does Allah not punish us for what Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60)
we say?’ Hell will be enough for them! They will And beggars and the destitute received a due
roast in it. What an evil destination! (58:8) share of their wealth. (51:19)
You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and They (owners of the garden) left early, intent on
those with him, when they said to their people, carrying out their scheme. But when they saw it
‘We wash our hands of you and all that you wor- (the garden), they said, ‘We must have lost our
ship apart from Allah, and we reject you. way. No, the truth is we are destitute!’ (68:25-27)
Between us and you there will be enmity and ha- (Believers are) those in whose wealth there is a
tred for ever unless and until you believe in Allah known share for beggars and the destitute.
alone.’ Except for Ibrahim’s words to his father: ‘I (70:24-25)
will ask forgiveness for you but I have no power
to help you in any way against Allah.’ ‘Our Lord, DEVIANCE
we have put our trust in You and have repented You who believe! When you take on a debt for a
163
specified period, write it down. A writer should with you. If you obeyed them you would then be
write it down between you justly. No writer should idolaters. (6:121)
refuse to write; as Allah has taught him, so he Say: ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to
should write. The one incurring the debt should me, any food it is forbidden to eat except for car-
dictate and should have fear of Allah his Lord and rion, flowing blood, and pork–for that is un-
not reduce it in any way. If the person incurring the clean–or some deviance consecrated to other
debt is incompetent or weak or unable to dictate, than Allah. But if anyone is forced to eat it, with-
then his guardian should dictate for him justly. Two out desiring to or going to excess in it, your Lord
men among you should act as witnesses. But if is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (6:145)
there are not two men, then a man and two (Our Messengers said to Lut,) ‘We will bring
women with whom you are satisfied as witnesses; down on the inhabitants of this city a devastating
then if one of them forgets, the other can remind punishment from heaven because of their de-
her. Witnesses should not refuse when they are viance.’ (29:34)
called upon. Do not think it too trivial to write Know that the Messenger of Allah is among you. If
down, whether small or large, with the date that it he were to obey you in many things, you would
falls due. Doing that is more just in Allah’s sight suffer for it. However, Allah has given you love of
and more helpful when bearing witness and more faith and made it pleasing to your hearts, a n d
likely to eliminate any doubt–unless it is an imme- has made disbelief, deviance and disobedience
diate transaction hand to hand, taken and given hateful to you. People such as these are rightly
without delay. There is nothing wrong in your not guided. (49:7)
writing that down. Call witnesses when you trade.
Neither writer nor witness should be put under DEVIATORS
pressure. If you do that, it is deviancy on your Allah is not ashamed to make an example of a
part. Have fear of Allah and Allah will give you gnat or of an even smaller thing. As for those who
knowledge. Allah has knowledge of all things. believe, they know it is the truth from their Lord.
(2:282) But as for those who disbelieve, they say, ‘What
Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork, does Allah mean by this example?’ He misguides
and what has been consecrated to other than many by it and guides many by it. But He only
Allah, and animals which have been strangled, misguides the deviators. (2:26)
and animals which have been killed by a blow, But those who did wrong substituted words other
and animals which have fallen to their death, than those they had been given. So We sent
and animals which have been gored, and ani- down a plague from heaven on those who did
mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those wrong because they were deviators. (2:59)
you are able to slaughter properly–and animals We have sent down Clear Signs to you and no
which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid- one rejects them except the deviators. (2:99)
ing things by means of divining arrows–that is Any who turn away after that are deviators.
deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de- (3:82)
spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not You are the best nation ever to be produced be-
be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I fore mankind. You enjoin the right, forbid the
have perfected your religion for you and com- wrong and believe in Allah. If the People of the
pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased Book were to believe, it would be better for
with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is them. Some of them are believers but most of
forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing, them are deviators. (3:110)
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3) He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I have no control over
Do not eat anything over which the name of Allah anyone but myself and my brother, so make a
has not been mentioned. To do so is sheer de- clear distinction between us and this deviant
viance. The Satans inspire their friends to dispute people.’ (5:25)
164
The people of the Gospel should judge by what you, they will respect neither kinship nor treaty.
Allah sent down in it. Those who do not judge by They please you with their mouths but their
what Allah has sent down, such people are devi- hearts belie their words. Most of them are devia-
ators. (5:47) tors. (9:8)
Judge between them by what Allah has sent Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers
down and do not follow their whims and desires. or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you
And beware of them lest they lure you away from have acquired, or any business you fear may
some of what Allah has sent down to you. If they slump, or any house which pleases you, are
turn their backs, then know that Allah wants to dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and
afflict them with some of their wrong actions. striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings
Many of mankind are deviators. (5:49) about His command. Allah does not guide peo-
Say: ‘People of the Book! Do you resent us for ple who are deviators.’ (9:24)
any other reason than that we believe in Allah Say: ‘Whether you give readily or reluctantly, it
and what was sent down to us, and what was will not be accepted from you. You are people
sent down before, and because most of you are who are deviators.’ (9:53)
deviators?’ (5:59) The men and women of the hypocrites are as bad
If they had believed in Allah and the Prophet and as one another. They command what is wrong
what has been sent down to him, they would not and forbid what is right and keep their fists tightly
have taken them as friends. But most of them are closed. They have forgotten Allah, so He has for-
deviators. (5:81) gotten them. The hypocrites are deviators. (9:67)
That makes it more likely that they will give their You can ask forgiveness for them, or not ask for-
evidence properly or be afraid that their oaths giveness for them. Even if you asked forgiveness
will be refuted by subsequent oaths. Have fear of for them seventy times, Allah still would not for-
Allah and listen carefully. Allah does not guide give them. That is because they have rejected
deviant people. (5:108) Allah and His Messenger. Allah does not guide
The punishment will fall on those who deny Our deviant people. (9:80)
Signs because they were deviators. (6:49) Never pray over any of them who die or stand at
We did not find many of them worthy of their their graves. They rejected Allah and His
contract. We found most of them deviators. Messenger and died as deviators. (9:84)
(7:102) They will swear to you to make you pleased with
We wrote about everything for him on the them, but even if you are pleased with them,
Tablets as an admonition and making all things Allah is certainly not pleased with deviant peo-
clear. ‘Seize hold of it vigorously and command ple. (9:96)
your people to adopt the best in it. I will show In that way the Word of your Lord is realised
you the home of the deviators!’ (7:145) against those who are deviators, in that they do
Ask them about the town which was by the sea not believe. (10:33)
when they broke the Sabbath–when their fish We gave right judgement and knowledge to Lut
came to them near the surface on their Sabbath and rescued him from the city which committed
day but did not come on the days which they did disgusting acts. They were evil people who were
not keep the Sabbath. In this way We put them to deviators. (21:74)
the test because they were deviators. (7:163) But those who make accusations against chaste
Then when they forgot what they had been re- women and then do not produce four witnesses:
minded of, We rescued those who had forbidden flog them with eighty lashes and never again ac-
the evil and seized those who did wrong with a cept them as witnesses. Such people are deviators.
harsh punishment because they were deviators. (24:4)
(7:165) Allah has promised those of you who believe and
How indeed! For if they get the upper hand over do right actions that He will make them succes-
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sors in the land as He made those before them who believe to yield to the remembrance of
successors, and will firmly establish for them their Allah and to the truth He has sent down, so they
religion with which He is pleased and give them, are not like those who were given the Book be-
in place of their fear, security. ‘They worship Me, fore for whom the time seemed over long so that
not associating anything with Me.’ Any who disbe- their hearts became hard? Many of them are de-
lieve after that, such people are deviators. (24:55) viators. (57:16)
(A voice called out to Musa,) ‘Put your hand inside We sent Nuh and Ibrahim and placed
your shirt front. It will emerge pure white, yet quite Prophethood and the Book among their descen-
unharmed–one of nine Signs to Pharaoh and his dants. Some of them are guided but many of
people. They are a people of deviators.’ (27:12) them are deviators. (57:26)
(A voice called out to Musa,) ‘Put your hand in- Then We sent Our Messengers following in their
side your shirt front. It will emerge pure white yet footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them,
quite unharmed. And hug your arms to your giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and
sides to still your fear. These are two proofs from mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.
your Lord for Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They They invented monasticism–We did not pre-
are a deviant people.’ (28:32) scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the
Is someone who believes like someone who is a pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob-
deviator? They are not the same! (32:18) serve it as it should have been observed. To those
But as for those who are deviators, their refuge is of them who believed We gave their reward but
the Fire. Every time that they want to get out, they many of them are deviators. (57:27)
are put straight back into it again and they are Whatever palm-trees you cut down, or left stand-
told, ‘Taste the punishment of the Fire, which ing upright on their roots, it was done by Allah’s
you denied.’ (32:20) permission in order to disgrace the deviators.
In that way he (Pharaoh) swayed his people and (59:5)
they succumbed to him. They were a people of Do not be like those who forgot Allah so He
deviators. (43:54) made them forget themselves. Such people are
On the Day when those who disbelieved are ex- the deviators. (59:19)
posed to the Fire: ‘You dissipated the good things Remember when Musa said to his people, ‘My
you had in your worldly life and enjoyed yourself people, why do you mistreat me when you know
in it. So today you are being repaid with the pun- that I am the Messenger of Allah to you?’ So
ishment of humiliation for being arrogant in the when they deviated, Allah made their hearts de-
earth without any right and for being deviators.’ viate. Allah does not guide people who are devi-
(46:20) ators. (61:5)
So be steadfast as the Messengers with firm re- In their case it makes no difference whether you
solve were also steadfast. And do not seek to has- ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness
ten it for them. On the Day they see what they for them. Allah will never forgive them. Allah
were promised, it will be as if they had only tar- does not guide deviant people. (63:6)
ried for just one hour of a single day. It has been (Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of
transmitted! Will any be destroyed except for de- the jinn listened and said,) "Some of us are
viant people? (46:35) Muslims and some are deviators. Those who
You who believe! If a deviator brings you a re- have become Muslim are those who sought right
port, scrutinize it carefully in case you attack guidance; the deviators will be firewood for
people in ignorance and so come to greatly re- Hellfire."’ (72:14-15)
gret what you have done. (49:6)
And the people of Nuh before, they were a peo- DEVOUTNESS
ple of deviators. (51:46) Do you order people to devoutness and forget
Has the time not arrived for the hearts of those yourselves, when you recite the Book? Will you
166
not use your intellect? (2:44) edge encompasses all that happened to him. Then
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East he followed a path until he arrived between the
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness two mountains where he found a people scarcely
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, able to understand speech. They said, ‘Dhu’l-
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, Qarnayn! Yajuj and Majuj are causing corruption
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to in the land. Can we, therefore, pay tribute to you in
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, return for your constructing a barrier between us
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves and them?’ He said, ‘The power my Lord has
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; granted me is better than that. Just give me a strong
those who honour their contracts when they helping hand and I will build a solid barrier be-
make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill- tween you and them. Bring me ingots of iron!’
ness and in battle. Those are the people who are Then, when he had made it level between the two
true. They are the people who guard against evil. high mountain-sides, he said, ‘Blow!’ and when he
(2:177) had made it a red hot fire, he said, ‘Bring me
They will ask you about the crescent moons. Say, molten brass to pour over it.’ They were, therefore,
‘They are set times for mankind and for the pil- unable to climb over it nor were they able to make
grimage.’ It is not devoutness for you to enter a breach in it. He said, ‘This is a mercy from my
houses by the back. Rather devoutness is pos- Lord. But when my Lord’s promise comes about,
sessed by those who guard against evil. So come He will crush it flat. The promise of my Lord is
to houses by their doors and have fear of Allah, surely true.’ (18:83-98)
so that hopefully you will be successful. (2:189)
DIABOLIS (IBLIS)
DHIKR (SEE REMINDER) We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam!’ and
they prostrated, with the exception of Diabolis.
DHU’L-KIFL (AS) He refused and was arrogant and was one of the
Remember Our servants Isma‘il, Al-Yasa‘ and disbelievers. (2:34)
Dhu’l-Kifl; each of them was among the best of We created you and then formed you and then
men. (38:48) We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam,’
and they prostrated–except for Diabolis. He was
DHU’L-QARNAYN not among those who prostrated. (7:11)
They will ask you about Dhu’l-Qarnayn. Say: ‘I Then the angels prostrated all together, every one
will tell you something about him.’ We gave him of them–except Diabolis. He disdained to be one
power and authority on the earth and granted of the prostrators. He said, ‘Diabolis, what is it
him a way to everything. So he followed a way that prevents you being among the prostrators?’
until he reached the setting of the sun and found it He said, ‘I will not prostrate to a human being
setting in a muddy spring and found a people by it. whom You have created out of dried clay formed
We said, ‘Dhu’l-Qarnayn! You can either punish from fetid black mud.’ He said, ‘Get out from
them or else you can treat them with gentleness.’ here, you are accursed. The curse will be on you
He said, ‘As for those who do wrong, we will pun- till the Day of Reckoning.’ He said, ‘My Lord,
ish them and then they will be returned to their grant me a reprieve until the Day they are raised
Lord and He will punish them with a dreadful pun- again.’ He said, ‘You are among the reprieved
ishment. But as for him who believes and acts until the Day whose time is known.’ He said, ‘My
rightly, he will receive the best of rewards and we Lord, because You misled me, I will make things
will issue a command, making things easy for him.’ on the earth seem good to them and I will mis-
Then he followed a way until he reached the rising lead them all, every one of them, except Your
of the sun and found it rising on a people to whom servants among them who are sincere.’ He said,
We had not given any shelter from it. Our knowl- ‘This is a Straight Path to Me. You have no au-
167
thority over any of My servants except for the Those who turn on their heels do not harm Allah
misled who follow you.’ (15:30-42) in any way. Allah will recompense the thankful.
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- (3:144)
selves to Adam!’ they prostrated, except for You who believe! Do not be like those who dis-
Diabolis. He said ‘What! Am I to prostrate to one believe and say of their brothers, when they are
You have created out of clay?’ (17:61) going on journeys or military expeditions, ‘If they
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- had only been with us, they would not have died
selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep- or been killed,’ so that Allah can make that an-
tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and guish for them in their hearts. It is Allah Who
wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do gives life and causes to die. Allah sees what you
you take him and his offspring as protectors apart do. (3:156)
from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is If you are killed in the Way of Allah or if you die,
the exchange the wrongdoers make! (18:50) forgiveness and mercy from Allah are better than
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- anything you can acquire. (3:157)
selves to Adam!’ they prostrated, with the excep- If you die or you are killed, it is to Allah that you
tion of Diabolis who disdained to do it. (20:116) will be gathered. (3:158)
They will be bundled into it head first, they and Say: ‘Mankind! I am the Messenger of Allah to
the misled, and every one of Diabolis’s regi- you all, of Him to Whom the kingdom of the
ments. (26:94-95) heavens and earth belongs. There is no god but
Diabolis was correct in his assessment of them Him. He gives life and causes to die.’ So believe
and they followed him, except for a group of the in Allah and His Messenger, the Ummi, who be-
believers. (34:20) lieves in Allah and His words, and follow him so
So the angels prostrated, all of them together, ex- that hopefully you will be guided.' (7:158)
cept for Diabolis who was arrogant and was one Allah is He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens
of the disbelievers. (38:73-74) and earth belongs. He gives life and causes to
He said, ‘Diabolis, what prevented you prostrat- die. You have no protector or helper besides
ing to what I created with My own Hands? Were Allah. (9:116)
you overcome by arrogance or are you one of the He gives life and causes to die and you will be
exalted?’ (38:75) returned to Him. (10:56)
It is We Who give life and cause to die and We
(CAUSING TO) DIE are the Inheritor. (15:23)
How can you reject Allah, when you were dead Those who migrate in the Way of Allah and then
and then He gave you life, then He will make are killed or die, Allah will provide for them
you die and then give you life again, then you handsomely. Truly Allah is the best Provider.
will be returned to Him? (2:28) (22:58)
What about the one who argued with Ibrahim It is He Who gave you life and then will cause
about his Lord, on the basis that Allah had given you to die and then will give you life again. Man
him sovereignty? Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord is He is truly ungrateful. (22:66)
Who gives life and causes to die.’ He said, ‘I too It is He Who gives life and causes to die and His
give life and cause to die.’ Ibrahim said, ‘Allah is the alternation of the night and day. So will you
makes the sun come from the East. Make it come not use your intellect? (23:80)
from the West.’ And the one who was a disbe- Allah is He Who created you, then provides for
liever was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide you, then will cause you to die and then bring
wrongdoing people. (2:258) you back to life. Can any of your partner-gods do
Muhammad is only a Messenger and he has been any of that? Glory be to Him and may He be ex-
preceded by other Messengers. If he were to die alted above anything they associate with Him!
or be killed, would you turn on your heels? (30:40)
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They will say, ‘Our Lord, twice You caused us to Day of Rising. Then you will all return to Me, and
die and twice You gave us life. We admit our I will judge between you regarding the things
wrong actions. Is there no way out?’ (40:11) about which you differed.’ (3:55)
It is He Who gives life and causes to die. When Do not be like those who split up and differed
He decides on something, He just says to it, ‘Be!’ after the Clear Signs came to them. They will
and it is. (40:68) have a terrible punishment. (3:105)
There is no god but Him–He gives life and causes And We have sent down the Book to you with
to die–your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers, truth, confirming and conserving the previous
the previous peoples. (44:8) Books. So judge between them by what Allah has
Say: ‘Allah gives you life, then causes you to die, sent down and do not follow their whims and de-
and then will gather you together for the Day of sires deviating from the Truth that has come to
Rising about which there is no doubt. But most you. We have appointed a law and a practice for
people do not know it.’ (45:26) every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would
It is We Who give life and cause to die and We have made you a single community, but He
are their final destination. (50:43) wanted to test you regarding what has come to
The kingdom of the heavens and the earth be- you. So compete with each other in doing good.
longs to Him. He gives life and causes to die. He Every one of you will return to Allah and He will
has power over all things. (57:2) inform you regarding the things about which you
Then He causes him to die and buries him. differed. (5:48)
(80:21) Say: ‘Am I to desire other than Allah as Lord
when He is the Lord of all things?’ What each self
DIFFERENCE earns is for itself alone. No burden-bearer can
The Jews say, ‘The Christians have nothing to bear another’s burden. Then you will return to
stand on,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Jews have your Lord, and He will inform you regarding the
nothing to stand on,’ yet they both recite the things about which you differed. (6:164)
Book. Those who do not know say the same as Mankind was only one community but then they
they say. Allah will judge between them on the differed, and had it not been for a prior Word
Day of Rising regarding the things about which from your Lord, they would already have been
they differ. (2:113) judged in respect of the differences between
That is because Allah has sent down the Book them. (10:19)
with truth and those who differ from the Book are We settled the tribe of Israel in a noble place and
entrenched in hostility. (2:176) gave them good things as provision. They did not
Mankind was a single community. Then Allah differ until knowledge came to them. Your Lord
sent out Prophets bringing good news and giving will decide between them on the Day of Rising
warning, and with them He sent down the Book regarding the things about which they differed.
with truth to decide between people regarding (10:93)
their differences. Only those who were given it We gave Musa the Book and people differed
differed about it, after the Clear Signs had come concerning it and had it not been for a prior
to them, envying one another. Then, by His per- Word from your Lord, it would already have
mission, Allah guided those who believed to the been decided between them. They are indeed in
truth of that about which they had differed. Allah grave doubt about it. (11:110, 41:45)
guides whoever He wills to a straight path. If your Lord had wanted to, He would have made
(2:213) mankind into one community but they persist in
When Allah said, ‘‘Isa, I will take you back and their differences. (11:118)
raise you up to Me and purify you of those who It is so that He can make clear to them the things
disbelieve. And I will place the people who fol- they differed about and so that those who disbe-
low you above those who disbelieve until the lieved will know that they were liars. (16:39)
169
We have only sent down the Book to you so that The various factions among them differed. Woe
you can make clear to them the things about then to those who did wrong on account of the
which they differ, and as a guidance and a mercy punishment of a painful Day! (43:65)
to people who believe. (16:64) We made the Commandments very clear to them
Do not be like a woman who spoils the thread and they only differed after knowledge came to
she has spun by unravelling it after it is strong, by them, tyrannising one other. Your Lord will de-
making your oaths a means of deceiving one an- cide between them on the Day of Rising regard-
other, merely because one community is bigger ing the things they differed about. (45:17)
than another. Allah is only testing you by this. He About what are they asking one another? About
will make clear to you on the Day of Rising the the momentous news: the thing about which
things about which you differed. (16:92) they differ. (78:1-3)
The Sabbath was only enjoined on those who
differed about it. Your Lord will judge between DIRECTION, THE (QIBLAH)
them on the Day of Rising regarding the things The fools among the people will ask, ‘What has
about which they differed. (16:124) made them turn round from the direction they
The parties differed among themselves. Woe to used to face?’ Say, ‘Both East and West belong to
those who disbelieve when they are present on a Allah. He guides whoever He wills to a straight
terrible Day! (19:37) path.’ (2:142)
Allah will judge between you on the Day of In this way We have made you a middlemost
Rising regarding everything about which you dif- community, so that you may act as witnesses
fered. (22:69) against mankind and the Messenger as a witness
Certainly this Qur’an narrates to the tribe of against you. We only appointed the direction
Israel most of the things about which they differ. you used to face in order to know those who fol-
(27:76) low the Messenger from those who turn round on
On the Day of Rising your Lord will decide be- their heels. Though in truth it is a very hard
tween them regarding everything about which thing–except for those Allah has guided. Allah
they differed. (32:25) would never let your faith go to waste. Allah is
Indeed is the sincere religion not Allah’s alone? All-Gentle, Most Merciful to mankind. (2:143)
People who take protectors besides Him (say), We have seen you looking up into heaven, turn-
‘We only worship them so that they may bring us ing this way and that, so We will turn you to-
nearer to Allah’. Allah will judge between them wards a direction which will please you. Turn
regarding the things about which they differed. your face, therefore, towards the Sacred Mosque
Allah does not guide anyone who is an ungrate- (Masjid al-Haram). Wherever you all are, turn
ful liar. (39:3) your faces towards it. Those given the Book
Say: ‘O Allah, Originator of the heavens and the know it is the truth from their Lord. Allah is not
earth, Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, You unaware of what they do. (2:144)
will judge between Your servants regarding what If you were to bring every Sign to those given the
they differed about.’ (39:46) Book, they still would not follow your direction.
The judgement concerning anything you differ You do not follow their direction. They do not
about is Allah’s concern. That is Allah, my Lord–I follow each other’s direction. If you followed
have put my trust in Him and to Him I turn. their whims and desires, after the knowledge that
(42:10) has come to you, you would then be one of the
And when ‘Isa came with the Clear Signs, he wrongdoers. (2:145)
said, ‘I have come to you with Wisdom and to Wherever you come from, turn your face to the
clarify for you some of the things about which Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Wherever
you have differed. Therefore have fear of Allah you are, turn your faces towards it so that people
and obey me.’ (43:63) will have no argument against you–except for
170
those among them who do wrong and then you DISBELIEVERS (KUFFAR)
should not fear them but rather fear Me–and so Or (their likeness is) that of a storm-cloud in the
that I can complete My blessing to you so that sky, full of darkness, thunder and lightning. They
hopefully you will be guided. (2:150) put their fingers in their ears against the thunder-
claps, fearful of death. Allah encompasses the
DISASTER disbelievers. (2:19)
Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘We If you do not do that–and you will not do it–then
belong to Allah and to Him we will return.’ fear the Fire whose fuel is people and stones,
(2:156) made ready for the disbelievers. (2:24)
Why is it that when a calamity happens to you, We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam!’ and
when you have already inflicted twice as much, they prostrated, with the exception of Diabolis.
you say, ‘How could this possibly happen?’ Say, He refused and was arrogant and was one of the
‘It has come from your own selves.’ Allah has disbelievers. (2:34)
power over all things. (3:165) When a Book does come to them from Allah,
How will it be when a disaster strikes them be- confirming what is with them–even though be-
cause of what they have done, and then they fore that they were praying for victory over the
come to you swearing by Allah: ‘We desired disbelievers–yet when what they recognise does
nothing but good and reconciliation’? (4:62) come to them, they reject it. Allah’s curse is on
Among you there are people who hang back and the disbelievers. (2:89)
if you encounter a setback then they say, ‘Allah What an evil thing they have sold themselves for
has blessed me in that I was not there with them.’ in rejecting what Allah has sent down, outraged
(4:72) that Allah should send down His favour on
You who believe! When one of you is near to whichever of His servants He wills. They have
death and makes a will, two just men from brought down anger upon anger on themselves.
among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are The disbelievers will have a humiliating punish-
travelling when the misfortune of death occurs, ment. (2:90)
two men who are strangers to you. You should Anyone who is the enemy of Allah and of His an-
detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful, gels, and of His Messengers and of Gabriel and
they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it Michael, should know that Allah is the enemy of
for any price, even to a near relative, and we will the disbelievers.’ (2:98)
not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we You who believe! Do not say, ‘Listen to us,’ say,
would indeed be wrongdoers.’ (5:106) ‘Look at us,’ and listen well. The disbelievers will
If good happens to you it galls them. If a mishap have a painful punishment. (2:104)
occurs to you, they say, ‘We made our prepara- Those of the People of the Book who disbelieve
tions in advance,’ and they turn away rejoicing. and the idolaters do not like anything good to be
(9:50) sent down to you from your Lord. But Allah se-
If a disaster had struck them because of what lects for His mercy whomever He wills. Allah’s
they had already done, they would have said, favour is truly vast. (2:105)
‘Our Lord, why did You not send us a Messenger But as for those who disbelieve and die while
so that we could have followed Your Signs and they are disbelievers, the curse of Allah is upon
been believers?’ (28:47) them and that of the angels and all mankind.
Any disaster that strikes you is through what your (2:161)
own hands have earned and He pardons much. Kill them wherever you come across them and
(42:30) expel them from where they expelled you.
No misfortune occurs except by Allah’s permis- Corruption is worse than killing. Do not fight
sion. Whoever believes in Allah–He will guide his them in the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)
heart. Allah has knowledge of all things. (64:11) until they fight you there. But if they do fight you,
171
then kill them. That is how the disbelievers as twice their number with your own eyes. Allah
should be repaid. (2:191) reinforces with His help whoever He wills. There
They will ask you about the Sacred Month and is instruction in that for people of insight. (3:13)
fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat- The believers should not take disbelievers as
ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re- friends rather than believers. Anyone who does
jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred that has nothing to do with Allah at all–unless it
Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo- is because you are afraid of them. Allah advises
ple from it are far more serious in the sight of you to be afraid of Him. Allah is the final destina-
Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will tion. (3:28)
not stop fighting you until they make you revert Say, ‘Obey Allah and the Messenger.’ Then if
from your religion, if they are able. As for any of they turn away, Allah does not love the disbeliev-
you who revert from their religion and die disbe- ers. (3:32)
liever, their actions will come to nothing in this As for those who disbelieve and die while they
world and the hereafter. They are the are disbelievers, the whole earth filled with gold
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- would not be accepted from any of them if they
lessly, for ever. (2:217) were to offer it as a ransom. They will have a
When they came out against Goliath and his painful punishment. They will have no helpers.
troops, they said, ‘Our Lord, pour down stead- (3:91)
fastness upon us, and make our feet firm, and Have fear of the Fire which has been prepared
help us against this disbelieving people.’ (2:250) for the disbelievers. (3:131)
You who believe! Give away some of what We All they said was, ‘Our Lord, forgive us our
have provided for you before a Day arrives on wrong actions and any excesses we went to in
which there is no trading, no close friendship what we did and make our feet firm and help us
and no intercession. It is the disbelievers who are against these disbelieving people.’ (3:147)
the wrongdoers. (2:254) As for those who are tight-fisted and direct others
You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by to be tight-fisted, and hide the bounty Allah has
demands for gratitude or insulting words, like given them, We have prepared a humiliating
him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo- punishment for those who disbelieve. (4:37)
ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day. When you are travelling in the land, there is
His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with nothing wrong in your shortening your prayer if
soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left you fear that those who disbelieve may harass
stripped bare. They have no power over anything you. The disbelievers are your clear-cut enemies.
they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe- (4:101)
lieving people. (2:264) When you are with them and leading them in
Allah does not impose on any self any more than prayer, a group of them should stand with you,
it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against keeping hold of their weapons. When they pros-
it, what it has brought upon itself. ‘Our Lord, do trate, the others should guard your backs. Then
not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! the other group who have not yet prayed should
Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one come and pray with you. They too should be
You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those
place on us a load we have not the strength to who disbelieve would like you to be negligent of
bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have your arms and equipment so that they can swoop
mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us down on you once and for all. There is nothing
against the people of the disbelievers.’ (2:286) wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill,
There was a sign for you in the two parties which in laying your weapons down; but take every
met face to face, one party fighting in the Way of precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating
Allah and the other disbelievers. You saw them punishment for the disbelievers. (4:102)
172
Do those who take the disbelievers as protectors, is Boundless, All-Knowing. (5:54)
rather than the believers, hope to find power and You who believe! Do not take as friends any of
strength with them? Power and strength belong those who who make a mockery and a game out
entirely to Allah. (4:139) of your religion among the ones who were given
It has been sent down to you in the Book that the Book before you or the disbelievers. Have
when you hear Allah’s Signs being rejected and fear of Allah if you are believers. (5:57)
mocked at by people, you must not sit with them O Messenger! Transmit what has been sent down
till they start talking of other things. If you do you to you from your Lord. If you do not do it you will
are just the same as them. Allah will gather all not have transmitted His Message. Allah will pro-
the hypocrites and disbelievers into Hell. (4:140) tect you from people. Allah does not guide the
Those who anticipate the worst for you say, people of the disbelievers. (5:67)
‘Were we not with you?’ whenever you gain a Say: ‘People of the Book! You have nothing to
victory from Allah, but if the disbelievers have a stand on until you implement the Torah and the
success they say, ‘Did we not have the upper Gospel and what has been sent down to you
hand over you and yet in spite of that keep the from your Lord.’ What has been sent down to
believers away from you?’ Allah will judge be- you from your Lord increases many of them in in-
tween you on the Day of Rising. Allah will not solence and disbelief. So do not waste your grief
give the disbelievers any way against the believ- on the people of the disbelievers. (5:68)
ers. (4:141) Is someone who was dead and whom We
You who believe! Do not take the disbelievers as brought to life, supplying him with a light by
friends rather than the believers. Do you want to which to walk among people, the same as some-
give Allah clear proof against you? (4:144) one who is in utter darkness, unable to emerge
Such people are the true disbelievers. We have from it? That is how what they were doing is made
prepared a humiliating punishment for the disbe- to seem attractive to the disbelievers. (6:122)
lievers. (4:151) Who could do greater wrong than someone who
And because of their taking usury when they invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs? Such
were forbidden to do it, and because of their people’s portion of the Book will catch up with
consuming people’s wealth by wrongful means, them so that when Our messengers come to them
We have prepared for the disbelievers among to take them in death, saying, ‘Where are those
them a painful punishment. (4:161) you called upon besides Allah?’ they will say,
We sent down the Torah containing guidance ‘They have forsaken us,’ testifying against them-
and light, and the Prophets who had submitted selves that they were disbelievers. (7:37)
themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as You who believe! When you encounter those who
did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they disbelieve advancing in massed ranks into battle,
had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to do not turn your backs on them. (8:15)
which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of That is your reward. Allah always confounds the
people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs schemes of the disbelievers. (8:18)
for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by O Prophet! Spur on the believers to fight. If there
what Allah has sent down, such people are dis- are twenty of you who are steadfast, they will
believers. (5:44) overcome two hundred; and if there are a hundred
You who believe! If any of you renounce your re- of you, they will overcome a thousand of those
ligion, Allah will bring forward a people whom who disbelieve, because they are people who do
He loves and who love Him, humble to the be- not understand. (8:65)
lievers, fierce to the disbelievers, who strive in They desire to extinguish Allah’s Light with their
the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of mouths. But Allah refuses to do other than perfect
any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of His Light, even though the disbelievers detest it.
Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah (9:32)
173
Deferring a sacred month is an increase in disbe- take My servants as protectors instead of Me? We
lief by which those who have disbelieved are led have prepared Hell as hospitality for the disbe-
astray. One year they make it profane and an- lievers! (18:102)
other sacred to tally with the number Allah has Do you not see that We send the Satans against
made sacred. In that way they profane what those who disbelieve to goad them on? (19:83)
Allah has made sacred. Their bad actions are So do not obey the disbelievers but use this to
made to seem good to them. Allah does not battle against them with all your might. (25:52)
guide disbelieving people. (9:37) Yet they worship instead of Allah what can nei-
Allah has promised the men and women of the ther help nor harm them. The disbeliever is ever,
hypocrites and disbelievers the Fire of Hell, re- against his Lord, an assistant (to Satan). (25:55)
maining in it timelessly, for ever. It will suffice You did not expect to be given the Book. It is
them. Allah has cursed them. They will have nothing but a mercy from your Lord. So do not
everlasting punishment. (9:68) lend support to the disbelievers. (28:86)
O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and Those who disbelieved will find that their disbe-
hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their shelter lief was against themselves. Those who did right
will be Hell. What an evil destination! (9:73) were making the way easy for themselves; so that
It was not for people of Madina, and the desert He can repay with His bounty those who be-
arabs around them, to remain behind the lieved and did right actions. He certainly does
Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to not love the disbelievers. (30:44-45)
him. That is because no thirst or weariness or O Prophet! Have fear of Allah and do not obey
hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor the disbelievers and hypocrites. Allah is All-
will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe- Knowing, All-Wise. (33:1)
lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy, with- ... We made a binding covenant with them (the
out a right action being written down for them Prophets), so that He would be able to question
because of it. Allah does not let the wage of the the truthful about their truth; and He has pre-
good-doers go to waste. (9:120) pared a painful punishment for the disbelievers.
(People of Musa said, ‘Our Lord,) rescue us, by (33:7-8)
Your mercy, from this disbelieving people!’ (10:86) Do not obey the disbelievers and hypocrites and
It sailed with them through mountainous waves, disregard their abuse of you. Put your trust in
and Nuh called out to his son, who had kept him- Allah. Allah suffices as a Protector. (33:48)
self apart, ‘My son! Come on board with us. Do Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared a
not stay with the disbelievers!’ (11:42) Searing Blaze for them. (33:64)
(Yusuf's father said,) ‘My sons! Seek news of Yusuf It is He Who made you His representatives on
and his brother. Do not despair of solace from the earth. So whoever disbelieves, his disbelief is
Allah. No one despairs of solace from Allah ex- against himself. In Allah’s sight, the disbelief of
cept for people who are disbelievers.’ (12:87) the disbelievers only increases their loathsome-
Then on the Day of Rising He will disgrace them, ness; the disbelief of the disbelievers only in-
and say, ‘Where are My partner gods for whose creases their loss. (35:39)
sake you became so hostile?’ Those given knowl- We did not teach him poetry nor would it be
edge will say, ‘Today there is disgrace and evil for right for him. It is simply a reminder and a clear
the disbelievers.’ (16:27) Qur’an so that you may warn those who are truly
(We decreed for the tribe of Israel,) ‘It may well be alive and so that the Word may be carried out
that your Lord will have mercy on you. But if you against the disbelievers. (36:69-70)
revert to what you did, We also will revert. We They are surprised that a warner should come to
have made Hell a prison for the disbelievers.’ them from among themselves. The disbelievers
(17:8) say, ‘This is a lying magician.’ (38:4)
Do those who disbelieve imagine that they can So the angels prostrated, all of them together, ex-
174
cept for Diabolis who was arrogant and was one ment. (42:26)
of the disbelievers. (38:73-74) Have they not travelled about the earth and seen
Who could do greater wrong than those who lie the final fate of those before them? Allah de-
about Allah and deny the truth when it comes to stroyed them utterly. And those who disbelieve
them? Do the disbelievers not have a dwelling will suffer the same fate. (47:10)
place in Hell? (39:32) That is because Allah is the Protector of those
‘No, the fact is that My Signs came to you but who believe and because those who disbelieve
you denied them and were arrogant and were have no protector. (47:11)
one of the disbelievers.’ (39:59) Whoever does not believe in Allah and His
Those who disbelieve will be driven to Hell in Messenger–We have prepared a Blazing Fire for
companies and when they arrive there and its the disbelievers. (48:13)
gates are opened its custodians will say to them, If those who disbelieve should fight you, they
‘Did Messengers from yourselves not come to would turn their backs and then find no one to
you, reciting your Lord’s Signs to you and warn- protect or help them. (48:22)
ing you of the meeting on this Day of yours?’ Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
They will say, ‘Indeed they did, but the decree of who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
punishment is justly carried out against the dis- merciful to one another. You see them bowing
believers.’ (39:71) and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and
So your Lord’s Words about those who disbelieve His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
proved true, that they are indeed the traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the
Companions of the Fire. (40:6) Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
So call upon Allah, making your religion sin- seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong
cerely His, even though the disbelievers detest it. so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its
(40:14) stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by
When he (Musa) brought them the truth from Us them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has
they said, ‘Slaughter the sons of those who be- promised those of them who believe and do right
lieve with him but let their women live.’ The actions forgiveness and an immense reward.
stratagems of the disbelievers are nothing but er- (48:29)
rors. (40:25) Nonetheless they are amazed that a warner
They will ask, ‘Did your Messengers not bring should have come to them from among them-
you the Clear Signs?’ They will answer, ‘Yes.’ selves and those who disbelieve say, ‘What an
They will say, ‘Then you call!’ But the calling of extraordinary thing!’ (50:2)
the disbelievers only goes astray. (40:50) They will emerge from their graves with down-
But when they saw Our violent force their faith cast eyes, like swarming locusts, necks out-
was of no use to them. That is the pattern Allah stretched, eyes transfixed, rushing headlong to
has always followed with His servants. Then and the Summoner. The disbelievers will say, ‘This is
there the disbelievers were lost. (40:85) a pitiless day!’ (54:7-8)
But if We let him taste mercy from Us after he has Are your disbelievers better than those peoples’?
suffered hardship, then he says, ‘This is my due. I Or have you been given exemption in the Books?
do not think that the Hour is going to come. And (54:43)
if am returned to my Lord, I will definitely find Anyone who cannot find the means must fast for
the best reward with Him.’ But We will inform two consecutive months before the two of them
those who disbelieve of what they did and make may touch one another again. And anyone who
them suffer a ruthless punishment. (41:50) is unable to do that must feed sixty poor people.
He responds to those who believe and do right That is to affirm your faith in Allah and His
actions and gives them increase from His favour. Messenger. These are Allah’s limits. The disbe-
But the disbelievers will have a harsh punish- lievers will have a painful punishment. (58:4)
175
Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger will It (the punishment) is for the disbelievers and
be subdued and overcome as those before them cannot be averted. (70:2)
were also subdued and overcome. We have sent Nuh said, ‘My Lord! Do not leave a single one of
down Clear Signs. The disbelievers will have a the disbelievers on earth! If You leave any they
humiliating punishment. (58:5) will misguide Your servants and spawn nothing
You who believe! When women who believe but more dissolute disbelievers.’ (71:26-27)
come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test. That Day will be a difficult day, not easy for the
Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you disbelievers. (74:9-10)
know they are believers, do not return them to We have only appointed angels as masters of the
the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis- Fire and We have only specified their number as
believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them. a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who
Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid. were given the Book might gain in certainty, and
And there is nothing wrong in your marrying those who believe might increase in their faith,
them provided you pay them their due. Do not and both those who were given the Book and the
hold to any marriage ties with women who dis- believers might have no doubt; and so that those
believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers
for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement. might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam-
Allah will judge between them. Allah is All- ple?’ In this way Allah misguides those He wills
Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10) and guides those He wills. No one knows the le-
If any of your wives rejoin the disbelievers, you gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a
should have compensation. So repay to those reminder to all human beings. (74:31)
whose wives have gone the dowry they paid out. We have made ready for the disbelievers shack-
Have fear of Allah–Him in Whom you believe. les and chains and a Searing Blaze. (76:4)
(60:11) We have warned you of an imminent punish-
You who believe! Do not make friends of people ment on the Day when a man will see what he
with whom Allah is angry, who have despaired has done, and the disbeliever will say, ‘Oh, if
of the hereafter as the disbelievers have de- only I were dust!’ (78:40)
spaired of the inhabitants of the graves. (60:13) That Day some faces will be dust-covered, over-
They desire to extinguish Allah’s Light with their cast with gloom. Those are the dissolute disbe-
mouths but Allah will perfect His Light, though lievers. (80:40-42)
the disbelievers hate it. (61:8) So today those who believe are laughing at the
It is He Who created you. Yet among you are disbelievers. (83:34)
those who disbelieve and those who believe. Have the disbelievers been rewarded for what
Allah sees what you do. (64:2) they did? (83:36)
O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and So bear with the disbelievers–bear with them for
hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their refuge a while. (86:17)
is Hell. What an evil destination! (66:9) Say: ‘Disbelievers! I do not worship what you
Who is there who could be a force for you, to worship and you do not worship what I worship.
come to your support, apart from the All- Nor will I worship what you worship nor will you
Merciful? The disbelievers are only living in worship what I worship. You have your religion
delusion. (67:20) and I have my religion.’ (109:1-6)
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah destroys me
and those with me, or if He has mercy on us, DISCIPLES
who can shelter the disbelievers from a painful When ‘Isa sensed disbelief on their part, he said,
punishment?’ (67:28) ‘Who will be my helpers to Allah?’ The disciples
It (the Qur'an) is a cause of great distress to those said, ‘We are Allah's helpers. We believe in
who disbelieve. (69:50) Allah. Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ (3:52)
176
(Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of You will find others who desire to be safe from
Maryam,) when I inspired the Disciples to be- you and safe from their own people. Each time
lieve in Me and in My Messenger, they said, "We they are returned to dissension they are over-
believe. Bear witness that we are Muslims."’ whelmed by it. If they do not keep away from
(5:111) you or submit to you or refrain from fighting,
And when the Disciples said, ‘‘Isa son of seize them and kill them wherever you find
Maryam! Can your Lord send down a table to us them. Over such people We have given you
out of heaven?’ He said, ‘Have fear of Allah if clear authority. (Qur’an, 4:91)
you are believers!’ (5:112) They thought there would be no testing. They
They said, ‘We want to eat from it and for our were blind and deaf. Then Allah turned towards
hearts to be at peace and to know that you have them. Then many of them went blind and deaf
told us the truth and to be among those who wit- again. Allah sees what they do. (Qur’an, 5:71)
ness it.’ (5:113) Fight them until there is no more discord and the
You who believe! Be helpers of Allah as ‘Isa son religion is Allah’s alone. If they stop, Allah sees
of Maryam said to the Disciples, ‘Who will be what they do. (Qur’an, 8:39)
my helpers to Allah?’ The Disciples said, ‘We will
be the helpers of Allah.’ One faction of the tribe DISCRIMINATION (FURQAN)
of Israel believed and the other disbelieved. So Remember when We gave Musa the Book and
We supported those who believed against their discrimination so that perhaps you would be
enemy and they became victorious. (61:14) guided. (2:53)
... And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel,
DISCORD (FITNAH) previously, as guidance for mankind, and He has
Kill them wherever you come across them and sent down the Furqan (Discrimination). Those
expel them from where they expelled you. who reject Allah’s Signs will have a terrible pun-
Corruption is worse than killing. Do not fight ishment. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge.
them in the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) (3:3-4)
until they fight you there. But if they do fight you, You who believe! If you have fear of Allah, He
then kill them. That is how the disbelievers will give you discrimination and erase your bad
should be repaid. (2:191) actions from you and forgive you. Allah’s favour
Fight them until there is no more discord and the is indeed immense. (8:29)
religion belongs to Allah alone. If they cease, We gave to Musa and Harun the Discrimination
there should be no enmity towards any but and a Shining Light and a Reminder for the heed-
wrongdoers. (2:193) ful. (21:48)
They will ask you about the Sacred Month and Blessed be He Who has sent down the Furqan
fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat- (Discrimination) to His servant so that he can be
ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re- a warner to all beings. (25:1)
jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred
Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo- DISH
ple from it are far more serious in the sight of They made for him anything he (Sulayman)
Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will wished: high arches and statues, huge dishes like
not stop fighting you until they make you revert cisterns, great built-in cooking vats. ‘Work, fam-
from your religion, if they are able. As for any of ily of Dawud, in thankfulness!’ But very few of
you who revert from their religion and die disbe- My servants are thankful. (34:13)
liever, their actions will come to nothing in this
world and the hereafter. They are the DISSOLUTE
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- Would We make those who believe and do right
lessly, for ever. (2:217) actions the same as those who cause corruption
177
on the earth? Would We make those who guard compensation, it would not be accepted from
against evil the same as the dissolute? (38:28) him. Such people are delivered up to destruction
Nuh said, ‘My Lord! Do not leave a single one of for what they have earned. They will have scald-
the disbelievers on earth! If You leave any they ing water to drink and a painful punishment be-
will misguide Your servants and spawn nothing cause they disbelieved. (6:70)
but more dissolute disbelievers.’ (71:26-27) The Companions of the Fire will call out to the
Those are the dissolute disbelievers. (80:42) Companions of the Garden, ‘Throw down some
The dissolute will be in a Blazing Fire. (82:14) water to us or some of what Allah has given you
No indeed! The book of the dissolute is in Sijjin. as provision.’ They will say, ‘Allah has forbidden
(83:7) them to the disbelievers: those who took their re-
ligion as a diversion and a game, and were de-
DISTANT PLACE luded by the life of this world.’ Today We will
So she (Maryam) conceived him and withdrew forget them just as they forgot the encounter of
with him to a distant place. (19:22) this Day and denied Our Signs. (7:50-51)
Be people of pure natural belief in Allah, not as- The life of this world is nothing but a game and a
sociating anything else with Him. As for anyone diversion. The abode of the hereafter–that is truly
who associates others with Allah, it is as though Life if they only knew. (29:64)
he had fallen from the sky and the birds had The life of this world is merely a game and a di-
seized him and carried him away or the wind version. If you believe and guard against evil, He
had dropped him in a distant place. (22:31) will pay you your wages and not ask you for all
They will say, ‘We believe in it,’ but how can your wealth. (47:36)
they reach out for it from a distant place when Know that the life of this world is merely a game
beforehand they had rejected it, shooting forth and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of
about the Unseen from a distant place? (34:52- boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo
53) one another in wealth and children: like the
plant-growth after rain which delights the culti-
DIVER vators, but then it withers and you see it turning
And some of the Satans dived for him (Sulayman) yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In
and did other things apart from that. And We the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also
were watching over them. (21:82) forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure.
So We subjected the wind to him (Sulayman) to The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy-
blow at his command, softly, wherever he di- ment of delusion. (57:20)
rected. And the Satans, every builder and diver,
and others of them, yoked together in chains. DIVINING ARROWS
(38:36-38) Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork,
and what has been consecrated to other than
DIVERSION Allah, and animals which have been strangled,
The life of this world is nothing but a game and a and animals which have been killed by a blow,
diversion. The hereafter is better for those who and animals which have fallen to their death,
guard against evil. So will you not use your intel- and animals which have been gored, and ani-
lect? (6:32) mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those
Abandon those who have turned their religion you are able to slaughter properly–and animals
into a game and a diversion and who have been which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid-
deluded by the life of this world. Remind by it ing things by means of divining arrows–that is
lest a person is delivered up to destruction for deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de-
what he has earned with no protector or interces- spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not
sor besides Allah. Were he to offer every kind of be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I
178
have perfected your religion for you and com- Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do
pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember
with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and
forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing, Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3) you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has
You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al- knowledge of all things. (2:231)
tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi- When you divorce women and they are near the
work of Satan. Avoid them completely so that end of their waiting period, do not prevent them
hopefully you will be successful. (5:90) from marrying their first husbands if they have
mutually agreed to it with correctness and cour-
DIVORCE tesy. This is an admonition for those of you who
If they are determined to divorce, Allah is All- believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better
Hearing, All-Knowing. (2:227) and purer for you. Allah knows and you do not
Divorced women should wait by themselves for know. (2:232)
three menstrual cycles; and it is not lawful for There is nothing wrong in your divorcing women
them to conceal what Allah has created in their before you have touched them or allotted a
wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. dowry to them. But give them a gift–he who is
Their husbands have the right to take them back wealthy according to his means and he who is
within that time, if they desire to be reconciled. less well off according to his means–a gift to be
Women possess rights similar to those held over given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
them to be honoured with fairness; but men have all good-doers. (2:236)
a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All- If you divorce them before you have touched
Wise. (2:228) them but have already allotted them a dowry,
Divorce can be pronounced two times; in which they should have half the amount which you al-
case wives may be retained with correctness and lotted, unless they forgo it or the one in charge of
courtesy or released with good will. It is not law- the marriage contract forgoes it. To forgo it is
ful for you to keep anything you have given them closer to heedfulness. Do not forget to show gen-
unless a couple fear that they will not remain erosity to one another. Allah sees what you do.
within Allah’s limits. If you fear that they will not (2:237)
remain within Allah’s limits, there is nothing Divorced women should receive maintenance
wrong in the wife ransoming herself with some of given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
what she received. These are Allah’s limits, so do all who guard against evil. (2:241)
not overstep them. Those who overstep Allah’s If you desire to exchange one wife for another
limits are wrongdoers. (2:229) and have given your original wife a large
But if a man divorces his wife a third time, she is amount, do not take any of it. Would you take it
not lawful for him after that until she has married by means of slander and outright crime? (4:20)
another husband. Then if he divorces her, there is How could you take it when you have been inti-
nothing wrong in the original couple getting mate with one another and they have made a
back together provided they think they will re- binding contract with you? (4:21)
main within Allah’s limits. These are Allah’s lim- If you fear a breach between a couple, send an
its which he has made clear to people who arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her
know. (2:230) people. If the couple desire to put things right,
When you divorce women and they are near the Allah will bring about a reconciliation between
end of their waiting period, then either retain them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (4:35)
them with correctness and courtesy or release O Prophet, tell your wives: ‘If you desire the life
them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re- of this world and its finery, come and I will give
tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits. you all you need and release you with kindness.
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But if you desire Allah and His Messenger and Then when they have reached the end of their
the abode of the hereafter, Allah has prepared an waiting period either retain them with correct-
immense reward for those among you who are ness and courtesy or part from them with correct-
good-doers.’ (33:28-29) ness and courtesy. Call two upright men from
When you said to him whom Allah has blessed among yourselves as witnesses and they should
and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admon-
your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’ ishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last
while concealing something in yourself which Day. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him
Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing a way out. (65:2)
people when Allah has more right to your fear. In the case of those of your wives who are past
Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to the age of menstruation, if you have any doubt,
you so that there should be no restriction for the their waiting period should be three months, and
believers regarding the wives of their adopted that also applies to those who have not yet men-
sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s struated. The time for women who are pregnant
command is always carried out. (33:37) is when they give birth. Whoever has fear of
You who believe! When you marry believing Allah–He will make matters easy for him. (65:4)
women and then divorce them before you have Let them live where you live, according to your
touched them, there is no waiting period for you means. Do not put pressure on them, so as to ha-
to calculate for them, so give them a gift and let rass them. If they are pregnant, maintain them
them go with kindness. (33:49) until they give birth. If they are suckling for you,
After that no other women are lawful for you nor give them their wages and consult together with
may you exchange them for other wives, even correctness and courtesy. But if you make things
though their beauty might be pleasing to you, difficult for one another, another woman should
with the exception of any you own as slaves. do the suckling for you. (65:6)
Allah is watchful over all things. (33:52) It may be that if he does divorce you, his Lord
Those of you who divorce your wives by equat- will give him in exchange better wives than you:
ing them with your mothers, they are not your Muslim women, believing women, obedient
mothers. Your mothers are only those who gave women, penitent women, women who worship,
birth to you. What you are saying is wrong and a women who fast much–previously married
slanderous lie. But Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Ever- women as well as virgins. (66:5)
Forgiving. (58:2)
Those who divorce their wives by equating them DIVULGEMENT
with their mothers, and then wish to go back on He said, ‘Adam, tell them their names.’ When he
what they said, must set free a slave before the had told them their names, He said, ‘Did I not tell
two of them may touch one another. This is what you that I know the Unseen of the heavens and
you are enjoined to do. Allah is aware of what the earth, and I know what you make known and
you do. (58:3) what you hide?’ (2:33)
O Prophet! When any of you divorce women, di- You who believe! Do not take My enemy and
vorce them during their period of purity and cal- your enemy as friends, showing love for them
culate their waiting period carefully. And have when they have rejected the truth that has come
fear of Allah, your Lord. Do not evict them from to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves
their homes, nor should they leave, unless they simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If
commit an outright indecency. Those are Allah’s you go out to strive in My Way and seeking My
limits, and anyone who oversteps Allah’s limits pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for
has wronged himself. You never know, it may them, I know best what you conceal and what
well be that after that Allah will cause a new sit- you make known. Any of you who do that have
uation to develop. (65:1) strayed from the right way. (60:1)
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Do they not know that Allah knows what they brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their
keep secret and what they make public? (2:77) women or those they own as slaves or their male
Everything in the heavens and everything in the attendants who have no sexual desire or children
earth belongs to Allah. Whether you divulge who still have no awareness of women’s private
what is in yourselves or keep it hidden, Allah will parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that
still call you to account for it. He forgives who- their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah
ever He wills and He punishes whoever He wills. every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you
Allah has power over all things. (2:284) will have success. (24:31)
Say, ‘Whether you conceal what is in your (The hoopoe said,) ‘I found both her (Queen of
breasts or make it known, Allah knows it. He Sheba) and her people prostrating to the sun in-
knows what is in the heavens and what is on stead of Allah. Satan has made their actions seem
earth. Allah has power over all things.’ (3:29) good to them and debarred them from the Way
The Messenger is only responsible for transmis- so they are not guided and do not prostrate to
sion. Allah knows what you divulge and what Allah, Who brings out what is hidden in the
you hide. (5:99) heavens and the earth, and knows what you con-
See how they wrap themselves round trying to ceal and what you divulge.’ (27:24-25)
conceal their feelings from Him! No, indeed! Certainly your Lord knows what their hearts keep
When they wrap their garments round them- hidden and what they divulge. (27:74)
selves, He knows what they keep secret and Your Lord knows what their hearts conceal and
what they make public. He knows what their what they divulge. (28:69)
hearts contain. (11:5) When you said to him whom Allah has blessed
It makes no difference whether you keep secret and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep
what you say or voice it out loud, whether you your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’
hide in the night or go out in the day. (13:10) while concealing something in yourself which
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! You know what we Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing
keep hidden and what we divulge. Nothing is people when Allah has more right to your fear.
hidden from Allah either on the earth or in Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to
heaven.’ (14:38) you so that there should be no restriction for the
Allah knows what you keep secret and what you believers regarding the wives of their adopted
make public. (16:19) sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s
There is no doubt that Allah knows what they command is always carried out. (33:37)
keep secret and what they make public. He does So do not let their words distress you. We know
not love people puffed up with pride. (16:23) what they keep secret and what they divulge.
Though you speak out loud, He knows your se- (36:76)
crets and what is even more concealed. (20:7) He knows everything in the heavens and earth.
There is nothing wrong in your entering houses He knows what you keep secret and what you
where no one lives and where there is some serv- divulge. Allah knows what the heart contains.
ice for you. Allah knows what you divulge and (64:4)
what you conceal. (24:29) The Prophet confided a certain matter to one of his
Say to the believing women that they should wives, then when she divulged it Allah disclosed
lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not that to him, and he communicated part of it and
display their adornments–except for what nor- withheld part of it. When he told her of it, she said,
mally shows–and draw their head-coverings ‘Who told you of this?’ He said, ‘The All-Knowing
across their breasts. They should only display and All-Aware informed me of it.’ (66:3)
their adornments to their husbands or their fa- Whether you keep your words secret or say them
thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or out loud He knows what the heart contains.
their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their (67:13)
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DOG If you are in any doubt about what We have sent
If We had wanted to, We would have raised him down to you, then ask those who were reciting
up by them. But he gravitated towards the earth the Book before you. The truth has come to you
and pursued his whims and base desires. His from your Lord, so on no account be one of the
metaphor is that of a dog: if you chase it away, it doubters. (10:94)
lolls out its tongue and pants, and if you leave it Say: ‘Mankind! If you are in any doubt about my
alone, it lolls out its tongue and pants. That is the religion, I do not worship those you worship be-
metaphor of those who deny Our Signs. So tell sides Allah. Rather I worship Allah Who will take
the story so that hopefully they will reflect. you back to Him and I am commanded to be one
(7:176) of the believers.’ (10:104)
You would have supposed them to be awake They (the Messengers) said, ‘We have come to
whereas in fact they were asleep. We moved you with what they had doubts about.’ (15:63)
them to the right and to the left, and, at the en- Is there a sickness in their hearts or do they have
trance, their dog stretched out its paws. If you misgivings or do they fear that Allah and His
had looked down and seen them, you would Messenger will be unjust to them? No, it is sim-
have turned from them and run and have been ply that they are wrongdoers. (24:50)
filled with terror at the sight of them. (18:18) You never recited any Book before it nor did you
They will say, ‘There were three of them, their write one down with your right hand. If you had,
dog being the fourth.’ They will say, ‘There were the purveyors of falsehood would have voiced
five of them, their dog being the sixth,’ guessing their doubts. (29:48)
at the Unseen. And they will say, ‘There were If you could only see when they are terrified, and
seven of them, their dog being the eighth.’ Say: there is no way out, and they are seized from a
‘My Lord knows best their number. Those who nearby place. They will say, ‘We believe in it,’
know about them are very few.’ So do not enter but how can they reach out for it from a distant
into any argument concerning them, except in place when beforehand they had rejected it,
relation to what is clearly known. And do not shooting forth about the Unseen from a distant
seek the opinion of any of them regarding them. place? A barrier will be set up between them and
(18:22) the thing that they desire, just as was done with
their kind before. They too were in a state of crip-
DOUBT pling doubt. (34:51-54)
The truth is from your Lord, so on no account be (The man who believed said to his people,)
among the doubters. (2:147) ‘Yusuf brought you the Clear Signs before, but
It is the truth from your Lord so do not be among you never stopped doubting what he brought to
the doubters. (3:60) you to the extent that when he died, you said,
It is He Who created you from clay and then de- "Allah will never send another Messenger after
creed a fixed term, and another fixed term is spec- him." That is how Allah misguides those who are
ified with Him. Yet you still have doubts! (6:2) unbridled and full of doubt.’ (40:34)
‘Am I to desire someone other than Allah as a He (‘Isa) is a Sign of the Hour. Have no doubt
judge when it is He Who has sent down the Book about it. But follow me. This is a straight path.
to you clarifying everything?’ Those We have (43:61)
given the Book know it has been sent down from (The wicked will be told,) ‘This is the very thing
your Lord with truth, so on no account be among you used to doubt.’ (44:50)
the doubters. (6:114) The believers are only those who have believed
Only those who do not believe in Allah and the in Allah and His Messenger and then have had
Last Day ask you to excuse them. Their hearts are no doubt and have strived with their wealth and
full of doubt and in their doubt they waver to and themselves in the Way of Allah. They are the
fro. (9:45) ones who are true to their word. (49:15)
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They (hypocrites) will call out to them, ‘Were we your faith; you are all the same in that respect.
not with you?’ They will reply, ‘Indeed you were. Marry them with their owners’ permission and
But you made trouble for yourselves and hung give them their dowries correctly and courte-
back and doubted and false hopes deluded you ously as married women, not in fornication or
until Allah’s command arrived. The Deluder de- taking them as lovers. When they are married, if
luded you about Allah.’ (57:14) they commit fornication they should receive half
We have only appointed angels as masters of the the punishment of free women. This is for those
Fire and We have only specified their number as of you who are afraid of committing fornication.
a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever-
were given the Book might gain in certainty, and Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25)
those who believe might increase in their faith, Today all good things have been made lawful for
and both those who were given the Book and the you. And the food of those given the Book is also
believers might have no doubt; and so that those lawful for you and your food is lawful for them.
with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers So are chaste women from among the believers
might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam- and chaste women of those given the Book be-
ple?’ In this way Allah misguides those He wills fore you, once you have given them their
and guides those He wills. No one knows the le- dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking
gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects
reminder to all human beings. (74:31) faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the
hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:5)
DOWNCAST O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your
They will emerge from their graves with down- wives to whom you have given dowries and any
cast eyes, like swarming locusts. (54:7) slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al-
Their eyes will be downcast, darkened by de- lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un-
basement; for they were called on to prostrate cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and
when they were in full possession of their facul- the daughters of your maternal uncles and the
ties. (68:43) daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi-
Eyes downcast, darkened by debasement, that grated with you and any believing woman who
will be the Day which they were promised. gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires
(70:44) to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to
Some faces on that Day will be downcast. (88:2) the rest of the believers–We know very well what
We have prescribed for them regarding their
DOWRY (MAHR) wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order
And also (forbidden for you are) married women, that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever-
except for those you have taken in war as slaves. Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50)
This is what Allah has prescribed for you. Apart You who believe! When women who believe
from that He has made all other women lawful come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test.
for you provided you seek them with your wealth Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you
in marriage and not in fornication. When you know they are believers, do not return them to
consummate your marriage with them give them the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis-
their prescribed dowry. There is nothing wrong believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them.
in any further agreement you might come to after Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid.
the dowry has been given. Allah is All-Knowing, And there is nothing wrong in your marrying
All-Wise. (4:24) them provided you pay them their due. Do not
If any of you do not have the means to marry free hold to any marriage ties with women who dis-
women who are believers, you may marry slave- believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask
girls who are believers. Allah knows best about for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement.
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Allah will judge between them. Allah is All- The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said,
Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10) ‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of
the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come
DREAM true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of
Remember when Allah showed them to you in prison and brought you from the desert when
your dream as only a few. If He had shown you Satan had caused dissent between me and my
them as many, you would have lost heart and brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He
quarrelled about the matter; but Allah saved you. is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:100)
He knows what your hearts contain. (8:43)
When Yusuf told his father, ‘Father! I saw eleven DREAM OF WHEAT AND
bright stars, and the sun and moon as well. I saw ITS INTERPRETATION
them all prostrate in front of me.’ He (his father) The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat cows
said, ‘My son, don’t tell your brothers your which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears
dream lest they devise some scheme to injure of wheat and seven others which were dry. O
you, Satan is a clear-cut enemy to man.’ (12:4-5) counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you are
Two servants entered prison along with him. One those who can interpret visions!’ They said, ‘A
said, ‘I dreamt that I was pressing grapes.’ The jumbled mass of mixed-up dreams! We do not
other said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread upon my know the meaning of such things.’ The one of
head and birds were eating it. Tell us the true them who had been saved then said, remember-
meaning of these dreams. We see that you’re one ing after a period, ‘I will tell you what it signifies,
of the righteous.’ (12:36) so send me out.’ ‘O truthful Yusuf, tell us of seven
The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat cows fat cows which seven thin ones ate and seven
which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears green ears of wheat and seven others which were
of wheat and seven others which were dry. O dry so that I can return to them and let them
counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you are know.’ He said, ‘Sow for seven years in the nor-
those who can interpret visions!’ (12:43) mal way and leave that which you harvest in the
They said, ‘A jumbled mass of mixed-up dreams! ear except for a small amount from which you
We do not know the meaning of such things.’ eat. Then after that seven hard years will arrive in
(12:44) which you can eat from what you set aside for
The one of them who had been saved then said, them, except for a little which you store. Then
remembering after a period, ‘I will tell you what after that another year will come in which the
it signifies, so send me out.’ (12:45) people will be helped by rain in plenty and when
(One of Yusuf’s fellow-prisoners said,) ‘O truthful they once more will press.’ (12:43-49)
Yusuf, tell us of seven fat cows which seven thin
ones ate and seven green ears of wheat and DRINKS
seven others which were dry so that I can return They will ask you about alcoholic drinks and
to them and let them know.’ (12:46) gambling. Say, ‘There is great wrong in both of
He said, ‘Sow for seven years in the normal way them and also certain benefits for mankind. But
and leave that which you harvest in the ear ex- the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.’
cept for a small amount from which you eat. They will ask you what they should give away.
Then after that seven hard years will arrive in Say, ‘Whatever is surplus to your needs.’ In this
which you can eat from what you set aside for way Allah makes the Signs clear to you, so that
them, except for a little which you store. Then hopefully you will reflect. (2:219)
after that another year will come in which the You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al-
people will be helped by rain in plenty and when tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi-
they once more will press.’ (12:47-49) work of Satan. Avoid them completely so that
He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne. hopefully you will be successful. (5:90)
184
Satan wants to stir up enmity and hatred between said to him, ‘Do you then disbelieve in Him Who
you by means of wine and gambling, and to created you from dust, then from a drop of
debar you from remembrance of Allah and from sperm, and then formed you as a man?’ (18:37)
prayer. Will you not then give them up? (5:91) Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
Abandon those who have turned their religion Rising, know that We created you from dust then
into a game and a diversion and who have been from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood
deluded by the life of this world. Remind by it then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed,
lest a person is delivered up to destruction for so We may make things clear to you. We make
what he has earned with no protector or interces- whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec-
sor besides Allah. Were he to offer every kind of ified time and then We bring you out as children
compensation, it would not be accepted from so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of
him. Such people are delivered up to destruction you die and some of you revert to the lowest
for what they have earned. They will have scald- form of life so that, after having knowledge, they
ing water to drink and a painful punishment be- then know nothing at all. And you see the earth
cause they disbelieved. (6:70) dead and barren; then when We send down
Each and every one of you will return to Him. water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts
Allah’s promise is true. He brings creation out of with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5)
nothing and then regenerates it so that he can We created man from the purest kind of clay;
repay with justice those who believed and did then made him a drop in a secure receptacle;
right actions. Those who disbelieved will have a then formed the drop into a clot and formed the
drink of scalding water and a painful punishment clot into a lump and formed the lump into bones
because of their disbelief. (10:4) and clothed the bones in flesh; and then brought
And beyond him is Hell where he will be given him into being as another creature. Blessed be
pus to drink. (14:16) Allah, the Best of Creators! (23:12-14)
There is instruction for you in cattle. From the Allah created you from dust and then from a drop
contents of their bellies, from between the dung of sperm and then made you into pairs. No fe-
and blood, We give you pure milk to drink, easy male becomes pregnant or gives birth except
for drinkers to swallow. (16:66) with His knowledge. And no living thing lives
And from the fruit of the date-palm and the long or has its life cut short without that being in
grape-vine you derive both intoxicants and a Book. That is easy for Allah. (35:11)
wholesome provision. There is certainly a Sign in Does not man see that We created him from a
that for people who use their intellect. (16:67) drop yet there he is, an open antagonist! (36:77)
Say: ‘It is the truth from your Lord; so let whoever It is He Who created you from earth, then from a
wishes believe and whoever wishes disbelieve.’ drop of sperm, then from a clot of blood, then He
We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire brings you out as infants, then so you may
whose billowing walls of smoke will hem them achieve full strength, then so you may become
in. If they call for help, they will be helped with old men–though some of you may die before that
water like seething molten brass, frying their time–so that you may reach a predetermined age
faces. What a noxious drink! What an evil re- and so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
pose! (18:29) (40:67)
Then they will have a boiling brew to drink on (Has he not been informed) that He created the
top of it. (37:67) two sexes–male and female–out of a sperm-drop
when it spurted forth? (53:45-46)
DROP Was he not a drop of ejaculated sperm, then a
He created man from a drop of sperm and yet he blood-clot which He created and shaped, mak-
is an open challenger! (16:4) ing from it both sexes, male and female? (75:37-
His companion, with whom he was debating, 39)
185
We created man from a mingled drop to test him, him he brings no good, is he the same as some-
and We made him hearing and seeing. (76:2) one who commands justice and is on a straight
From a drop of sperm He created him and pro- path? (16:76)
portioned him. (80:19) Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But as for
those He leads astray, you will not find any pro-
DRUNKENNESS tectors for them apart from Him. We will gather
You who believe! Do not approach the prayer them on the Day of Rising, flat on their faces,
when you are drunk, so that you will know what blind, dumb and deaf. Their shelter will be Hell.
you are saying, nor in a state of major impu- Whenever the Blaze dies down, We will increase
rity–unless you are travelling–until you have it for them. (17:97)
washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or
on a journey, or any of you have come from the DUNE
lavatory or touched women, and you cannot find On the Day the earth and mountains shake and
any water, then take for yourselves clean earth, the mountains become like shifting dunes.
wiping your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever- (73:14)
Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43)
By your life! They were wandering blindly in DUNYA (SEE THE WORLD)
their drunkenness! (15:72)
And from the fruit of the date-palm and the DUST
grape-vine you derive both intoxicants and If you are surprised at their blindness, what could
wholesome provision. There is certainly a Sign in be more surprising than their words: ‘What, when
that for people who use their intellect. (16:67) we are turned to dust, shall we then be created all
On the day they see it, every nursing woman will anew?’ These are the people who reject their Lord.
be oblivious of the baby at her breast, and every Such people have iron collars round their necks.
pregnant woman will abort the contents of her Such people are the Companions of the Fire, re-
womb, and you will think people drunk when maining in it timelessly, for ever. (13:5)
they are not drunk; it is just that the punishment They say, ‘What! When we are bones and crum-
of Allah is so severe. (22:2) bled dust, will we then be raised up as a new cre-
ation!’ (17:49)
DU´A (SEE CALLING ON; SEE ASKING That is their repayment for rejecting Our Signs and
LORD) saying, ‘What, when we are bones and crumbled
dust, will we then be raised up as a new creation?’
DUMB (17:98)
Deaf, dumb, blind. They will not return. (2:18) His companion, with whom he was debating, said
The likeness of those who disbelieve is that of the to him, ‘Do you then disbelieve in Him Who cre-
beast which, call out to it as one may, can hear ated you from dust, then from a drop of sperm, and
nothing but a shout and a cry. Deaf–dumb–blind. then formed you as a man?’ (18:37)
They do not use their intellect. (2:171) (His companion said to the garden owner,) ‘Why,
Those who deny Our Signs are deaf and dumb in when you entered your garden, did you not say, "It
utter darkness. Allah misguides whoever He is as Allah wills, there is no strength but in Allah"?
wills, and puts whoever He wills on a straight Though you see me with less wealth and children
path. (6:39) than you possess, it may well be that my Lord will
The worst of beasts in Allah’s sight are the deaf give me something better than your garden and
and dumb who have no intellect. (8:22) send down on it a fireball from the sky so that
Allah makes another metaphor: two men, one of morning finds it a shifting heap of dust,’ (18:39-40)
them deaf and dumb, unable to do anything, a Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
burden on his master, no matter where he directs Rising, know that We created you from dust then
186
from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood When the earth is convulsed and the mountains
then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed, are crushed and become scattered dust in the air.
so We may make things clear to you. We make (56:4-6)
whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec- Before that they were living in luxury, persisting
ified time and then We bring you out as children in immense wrongdoing and saying, ‘When we
so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of are dead and turned to dust and bones, shall we
you die and some of you revert to the lowest then be raised again or our forefathers, the earlier
form of life so that, after having knowledge, they peoples?’ (56:45-48)
then know nothing at all. And you see the earth We have warned you of an imminent punish-
dead and barren; then when We send down ment on the Day when a man will see what he
water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts has done, and the disbeliever will say, ‘Oh, if
with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5) only I were dust!’ (78:40)
(The ruling circle of his people said,) ‘Does he That Day some faces will be dust-covered,
promise you that when you have died and be- (80:40)
come dust and bones you will be brought forth By the charging horses panting hard, striking
again?’ (23:35) sparks from their flashing hooves, raiding at full
They say, ‘When we are dead and turned to dust gallop in the early dawn, leaving a trailing dust-
and bones, shall we then be raised again?’ cloud in their wake, (100:1-4)
(23:82)
We will advance on the actions they have done DUTY
and make them scattered specks of dust. (25:23) It is prescribed for you, when death approaches
Those who disbelieve say, ‘When we and our fa- one of you and if he has some goods to leave, to
thers are turned to dust will we then be brought make a will in favour of his parents and relatives,
forth again?’ (27:67) correctly and fairly: a duty for all those who
Among His Signs is that He created you from guard against evil. (2:180)
dust and here you are now, widespread human Mothers should nurse their children for two full
beings! (30:20) years–those who wish to complete the full term
Allah created you from dust and then from a drop of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and
of sperm and then made you into pairs. No fe- clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no
male becomes pregnant or gives birth except self is charged with more than it can bear. No
with His knowledge. And no living thing lives mother should be put under pressure in respect
long or has its life cut short without that being in of her child nor any father in respect of his child.
a Book. That is easy for Allah. (35:11) The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the
(They say,) ‘When we are dead and turned to couple both wish weaning to take place after
dust and bones will we then be raised up again mutual agreement and consultation, there is
alive?’ (37:16) nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to
One of them will say, ‘I used to have a friend find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth-
who would say to me, "Are you one of those who ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand
say that it is true: that when we have died and are over to them what you have agreed to give with
turned to dust and bones, we will face a correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and
Reckoning?"’ (37:51-53) know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233)
Nonetheless they are amazed that a warner There is nothing wrong in your divorcing women
should have come to them from among them- before you have touched them or allotted a
selves and those who disbelieve say, ‘What an dowry to them. But give them a gift–he who is
extraordinary thing! When we are dead and wealthy according to his means and he who is
turned to dust...? That would be a most unlikely less well off according to his means–a gift to be
return!’ (50:2-3) given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
187
all good-doers. (2:236) who best performs his duty. Allah is All-Knowing,
Divorced women should receive maintenance All-Aware. (49:13)
given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
all who guard against evil. (2:241) DWELLINGS
In it are Clear Signs–the place where Ibrahim Allah has promised the men and women of the
stood (to pray). All who enter it are safe. believers Gardens with rivers flowing under
Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever, and
by all mankind–those who can find a way to do fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And
it. But if anyone disbelieves, Allah is Rich Allah’s good pleasure is even greater. That is the
Beyond Need of any being. (3:97) great victory. (9:72)
Musa said, ‘Pharaoh! I am truly a Messenger Then, when they reached the Valley of the Ants,
from the Lord of all the worlds, duty bound to say an ant said, ‘Ants! Enter your dwellings so that
nothing about Allah except the truth. I have Sulayman and his troops do not crush you unwit-
come to you with a Clear Sign from your Lord. So tingly.’ (27:18)
send the tribe of Israel away with me.’ (7:104- (A wind) destroying everything at its Lord’s com-
105) mand! When morning came you could see noth-
Those who believe and have migrated and ing but their dwellings. That is how We repay the
strived with their wealth and themselves in the people of the evildoers. (46:25)
Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge
and help, they are the friends and protectors of DYING
one another. But as for those who believe but Those of you who die leaving wives behind
have not migrated, you are not in any way re- should make a bequest to their wives of mainte-
sponsible for their protection until they migrate. nance for a year without them having to leave
But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli- their homes. But if they do leave you are not to
gion, it is your duty to help them, except against blame for anything they do with themselves with
people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what correctness and courtesy. Allah is Almighty, All-
you do. (8:72) Wise. (2:240)
Do not ever stand in it (a mosque set up to create What do you think about those who left their
division among the believers). A mosque homes in thousands in fear of death? Allah said
founded on performing one’s duty from the first to them, ‘Die!’ and then brought them back to
day has a greater right for you to stand in it. In it life. Allah shows great favour to mankind, but
there are men who love to purify themselves. most people are not grateful. (2:243)
Allah loves those who purify themselves. (9:108) Or the one who passed by a town which had
Instruct your family to perform prayer, and be fallen into ruin? He asked, ‘How can Allah re-
constant in it. We do not ask you for provision. store this to life when it has died?’ Allah caused
We provide for you. And the outcome rests on him to die a hundred years then brought him
doing your duty. (20:132) back to life. Then He asked, ‘How long have you
Before you We sent other Messengers to their peo- been here?’ He replied, ‘I have been here a day
ple, and they too brought them the Clear Signs. or part of a day.’ He said, ‘Not so! You have been
We took revenge on those who did evil; and it is here a hundred years. Look at your food and
Our duty to help the believers. (30:47) drink–it has not gone bad–and look at your don-
He increases in guidance those who are already key so We can make you a Sign for all mankind.
guided and gives them their sense of duty. (47:17) Look at the bones–how We raise them up and
Mankind! We created you from a male and fe- clothe them in flesh.’ When it had become clear
male, and made you into peoples and tribes so to him, he said, ‘Now I know that Allah has
that you might come to know each other. The no- power over all things.’ (2:259)
blest among you in Allah’s sight is the one of you You who believe! Have fear of Allah the way He
188
should be feared and do not die except as carded and forgotten!’ (19:23)
Muslims. (3:102) Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
There you are, loving them when they do not Rising, know that We created you from dust then
love you, even though you believe in all the from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood
Books. When they meet you, they say, ‘We be- then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed,
lieve.’ But when they leave they bite their fingers so We may make things clear to you. We make
out of rage against you. Say, ‘Die in your rage.’ whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec-
Allah knows what your hearts contain. (3:119) ified time and then We bring you out as children
Muhammad is only a Messenger and he has been so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of
preceded by other Messengers. If he were to die you die and some of you revert to the lowest
or be killed, would you turn on your heels? form of life so that, after having knowledge, they
Those who turn on their heels do not harm Allah then know nothing at all. And you see the earth
in any way. Allah will recompense the thankful. dead and barren; then when We send down
(3:144) water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts
No self can die except with Allah’s permission, at with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5)
a predetermined time. If anyone desires the re- (The ruling circle said,) ‘What is there but our life
ward of this world, We will give him some of it. If in this world? We die and we live and we will not
anyone desires the reward of the hereafter, We be raised again.’ (23:37)
will give him some of it. We will recompense the Put your trust in the Living Who does not die and
thankful. (3:145) glorify Him with praise. He is well aware of the
You who believe! Do not be like those who dis- wrong actions of His servants: (25:58)
believe and say of their brothers, when they are Then when We decreed that he (Sulayman)
going on journeys or military expeditions, ‘If they should die, nothing divulged his death to them
had only been with us, they would not have died except the worm which ate his staff; so that when
or been killed,’ so that Allah can make that an- he fell down it was made clear to the jinn that if
guish for them in their hearts. It is Allah Who they had truly had knowledge of the Unseen they
gives life and causes to die. Allah sees what you need not have stayed there suffering humiliating
do. (3:156) punishment. (34:14)
If you are killed in the Way of Allah or if you die, Whereas for those who disbelieve there will be
forgiveness and mercy from Allah are better than the Fire of Hell. They will not be killed off so that
anything you can acquire. (3:157) they die and its punishment will not be lightened
If you die or you are killed, it is to Allah that you for them. That is how We repay every thankless
will be gathered. (3:158) man. (35:36)
There is not one of the People of the Book who You will die and they too will die. (39:30)
will not believe in him before he dies; and on the Allah takes back people’s selves when their
Day of Rising he will be a witness against them. death arrives and those who have not yet died,
(4:159) while they are asleep. He keeps hold of those
Say: ‘My prayer and my rites, my living and my whose death has been decreed and sends the
dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the others back for a specified term. There are cer-
worlds.’ (6:162) tainly Signs in that for people who reflect.
He gulps at it but can hardly swallow it down. (39:42)
Death comes at him from every side but he does (The man who believed said,) ‘Yusuf brought you
not die. And beyond him is relentless punish- the Clear Signs before, but you never stopped
ment. (14:17) doubting what he brought to you to the extent
The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a that when he died, you said, "Allah will never
date-palm. She (Maryam) said, ‘Oh if only I had send another Messenger after him." That is how
died before this time and was something dis- Allah misguides those who are unbridled and full
189
of doubt.’ (40:34)
And in the alternation of night and day and the
provision Allah sends down from the sky, bring-
ing the earth to life by it after it has died, and the
varying direction of the winds, there are Signs for
people who use their intellect. (45:5)
They say, ‘There is nothing but our existence in
this world. We die and we live and nothing de-
stroys us except for time.’ They have no knowl-
edge of that. They are only conjecturing. (45:24)
He who has fear will be reminded; but the most
miserable will shun it, those who will roast in the
Greatest Fire and then neither die nor live in it.
(87:10-13)

190
E ing them from understanding it, and heaviness in
their ears. When you mention your Lord alone in
EAR the Qur'an, they turn their backs and run away.
Or that of a storm-cloud in the sky, full of dark- (17:46)
ness, thunder and lightning. They put their fin- So We sealed their ears with sleep in the cave for
gers in their ears against the thunderclaps, fearful a number of years. (18:11)
of death. Allah encompasses the disbelievers. Who could do greater wrong than someone who
(2:19) is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then
(Satan said,) ‘I will lead them astray and fill them turns away from them, forgetting all that he has
with false hopes. I will command them and they done before? We have placed covers on their
will cut off cattle’s ears. I will command them hearts, preventing them from understanding it,
and they will change Allah’s creation.’ Anyone and heaviness in their ears. Though you call
who takes Satan as his protector in place of Allah them to guidance, they will nonetheless never be
has clearly lost everything. (4:119) guided. (18:57)
We prescribed for them in it: a life for a life, an Have they not travelled about the earth and do
eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an they not have hearts to understand with or ears to
ear, a tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for hear with? It is not their eyes which are blind but
wounds. But if anyone forgoes that as a charity, it the hearts in their breasts which are blind.
will act as expiation for him. Those who do not (22:46)
judge by what Allah has sent down, such people When Our Signs are recited to such a person, he
are wrongdoers. (5:45) turns away arrogantly as if he had not heard, as if
Some of them listen to you but We have placed there was a great weight in his ears. So give him
covers on their hearts, preventing them from un- news of a painful punishment. (31:7)
derstanding it, and heaviness in their ears. They say, ‘Our hearts are covered up against
Though they see every Sign, they still have no what you call us to and there is a heaviness in
faith, so that when they come to you, disputing our ears. There is a screen between us and you.
with you, those who disbelieve say, ‘This is noth- So act–we are certainly acting.’ (41:5)
ing but the myths of previous peoples!’ (6:25) If We had made it a Qur’an in a foreign tongue
We created many of the jinn and mankind for they would have said, ‘Why have its Signs not
Hell. They have hearts they do not understand been made plain? What! A foreign language for
with. They have eyes they do not see with. They an Arab?’ Say: ‘It is guidance and healing for peo-
have ears they do not hear with. Such people are ple who believe. Those who do not believe have
like cattle. No, they are even further astray! They heaviness in their ears and for them it is blind-
are the unaware. (7:179) ness. Such people are being called from a very
Do they have legs they can walk with? Do they distant place.’ (41:44)
have hands they can grasp with? Do they have And We diverted a group of jinn towards you to
eyes they can see with? Do they have ears they can listen to the Qur’an. When they were in earshot
hear with? Say: ‘Call on your partner-gods and try of it they said, ‘Be quiet and listen.’ When it was
all your wiles against me and grant me no reprieve. over they went back to their people, warning
(7:195) them. (46:29)
Among them are some who insult the Prophet, say- Indeed, every time I called them to Your forgive-
ing he is only an ear. Say, ‘An ear of good for you, ness, they put their fingers in their ears, wrapped
believing in Allah and believing in the believers, themselves up in their clothes and were over-
and a mercy for those among you who believe.’ As weeningly arrogant. (71:7)
for those who insult the Messenger of Allah, they
will have a painful punishment. (9:61) EARTH, THE
We have placed covers on their hearts, prevent- When they are told, ‘Do not cause corruption on
191
the earth,’ they say, ‘We are only putting things willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some peo-
right.’ (2:11) ple back by means of others, the earth would
It is He Who made the earth a couch for you, and have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to
the sky a dome. He sends down water from the all the worlds. (2:251)
sky and by it brings forth fruits for your provision. As for those who disbelieve and die while they
Do not, then, knowingly make others equal to are disbelievers, the whole earth filled with gold
Allah. (2:22) would not be accepted from any of them if they
Those who break Allah’s contract after it has were to offer it as a ransom. They will have a
been agreed, and sever what Allah has com- painful punishment. They will have no helpers.
manded to be joined, and cause corruption on (3:91)
the earth, it is they who are the lost. (2:27) Whole societies have passed away before your
When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am putting time, so travel about the earth and see the final
an overlord on the earth,’ they said, ‘Why put on fate of the deniers. (3:137)
it one who will cause corruption on it and shed The angels ask those they take while they are
blood when we glorify You with praise and pro- wronging themselves, ‘What were your circum-
claim Your purity?’ He said, ‘I know what you do stances?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed on
not know.’ (2:30) earth.’ They say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not wide
But Satan made them slip up by means of it, ex- enough for you to have migrated elsewhere in it?’
pelling them from where they were. We said, ‘Go The shelter of such people will be Hell. What an
down from here as enemies to each other! You evil destination! (4:97)
will have residence on the earth and enjoyment Those who migrate in the Way of Allah will find
for a time.’ (2:36) many places of refuge on the earth and ample
And when Musa was looking for water for his sustenance. If anyone leaves his home, migrating
people, We said, ‘Strike the rock with your staff.’ to Allah and His Messenger, and death catches
Then twelve fountains gushed out from it and all up with him, it is Allah Who will reward him.
the people knew their drinking place. ‘Eat and Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:100)
drink of Allah's provision and do not go about Those who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, son of
the earth corrupting it.’ (2:60) Maryam,’ are disbelivers. Say: ‘Who possesses
In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the any power at all over Allah if He desires to de-
alternation of the night and day, and the ships stroy the Messiah, son of Maryam, and his
which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the mother, and everyone else on earth?’ The king-
water which Allah sends down from the sky–by dom of the heavens and the earth and everything
which He brings the earth to life when it was between them belongs to Allah. He creates what-
dead and scatters about in it creatures of every ever He wills. Allah has power over all things.
kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and (5:17)
the clouds subservient between heaven and He said, ‘The land will be forbidden to them for
earth, there are Signs for people who use their in- forty years during which they will wander aim-
tellect. (2:164) lessly about the earth. Do not waste grief on this
Mankind! Eat what is good and lawful on the deviant people.’ (5:26)
earth. And do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. ... So We decreed for the tribe of Israel that if
He truly is an outright enemy to you. (2:168) someone kills another person–unless it is in retal-
When he leaves you, he goes about the earth iation for someone else or for causing corruption
corrupting it, destroying crops and animals. in the earth–it is as if he had murdered all
Allah does not love corruption. (2:205) mankind. And if anyone gives life to another per-
And with Allah's permission they routed them. son, it is as if he had given life to all mankind.
Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king- Our Messengers came to them with Clear Signs
ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He but even after that many of them committed out-
192
rages in the earth. (5:32) given you. Your Lord is Swift in Retribution; and
The reprisal against those who wage war on He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:165)
Allah and His Messenger, and go about the earth We have established you firmly on the earth and
corrupting it, is that they should be killed or cru- granted you your livelihood in it. What little
cified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut thanks you show! (7:10)
off, or be banished from the land. That will be He said, ‘Go down from here as enemies to each
their degradation in this world and in the here- other! You will have residence on the earth and
after they will have a terrible punishment. (5:33) enjoyment for a time.’ (7:24)
As for those who disbelieve, if they had every- Do not corrupt the earth after it has been put
thing on the earth and the same again with it to right. Call on Him fearfully and eagerly. Allah’s
ransom themselves from the punishment of the mercy is close to the good-doers. (7:56)
Day of Rising, it would not be accepted from (Salih said to his people,) ‘Remember when He
them. They will have a painful punishment. appointed you successors to ‘Ad and settled you
(5:36) in the land. You built palaces on its plains and
The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their carved out houses from the mountains.
hands are chained and they are cursed for what Remember Allah’s blessings and do not go about
they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and the earth, corrupting it.’ (7:74)
He gives however He wills. What has been sent Is it not clear to those who have inherited the
down to you from your Lord increases many of earth after these people that, if We wanted to, We
them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited could strike them for their wrong actions, sealing
enmity and hatred between them until the Day of up their hearts so that they cannot hear? (7:100)
Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war, The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘Are
Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth you going to leave Musa and his people to cause
corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. corruption in the earth and abandon you and
(5:64) your gods?’ He said, ‘We will kill their sons and
Have they not seen how many generations We let their women live. We have absolute power
destroyed before them which We had estab- over them!’ (7:127)
lished on the earth far more firmly than We have Musa said to his people, ‘Seek help in Allah and
established you? We sent down heaven upon be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He be-
them in abundant rain and made rivers flow queathes it to any of His servants He wills. The
under them. But We destroyed them for their successful outcome is for those who guard
wrong actions and raised up further generations against evil.’ (7:128)
after them. (6:6) I will divert from My Signs all those who are ar-
Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see the final fate rogant in the earth without any right. If they see
of the deniers.’ (6:11) every Sign, they will not believe in it. If they see
There is no creature crawling on the earth or fly- the way of right guidance, they will not take it as
ing creature, flying on its wings, who are not a way. But if they see the way of error, they will
communities just like yourselves–We have not take that as a way. That is because they denied
omitted anything from the Book–then they will Our Signs and paid no attention to them. (7:146)
be gathered to their Lord. (6:38) And We divided them into nations in the earth.
If you obeyed most of those on earth, they would Some of them are righteous and some are other
misguide you from Allah’s Way. They follow than that. We tried them with good and evil so
nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing. that hopefully they would return. (7:168)
(6:116) And (it is He Who) unified their hearts. Even if
It is He Who appointed you successors on the you had spent everything on the earth, you could
earth and raised some of you above others in not have unified their hearts. But Allah has uni-
rank so He could test you regarding what He has fied them. He is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:63)
193
They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but can force people to be believers? (10:99)
they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and There is no creature on the earth which is not de-
returned to disbelief after their Islam. They pendent upon Allah for its provision. He knows
planned something which they did not achieve where it lives and where it dies. They are all in a
and they were vindictive for no other cause than Clear Book. (11:6)
that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them They were not able to thwart Allah on earth, and
from His bounty. If they were to repent, it would had no protectors besides Allah. The punishment
be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah will be doubled for them. They were unable to
will punish them with a painful punishment in hear and could not see. (11:20)
this world and the hereafter, and they will not (Salih said,) ‘My people! Here is the she-camel of
find any protector or helper on the earth. (9:74) Allah as a Sign for you. So leave her alone to eat
And (He turned) also towards the three who were on Allah’s earth and do not inflict any harm on
left behind, so that when the earth became nar- her or you will be overcome by an imminent
row for them, for all its great breadth, and their punishment.’ (11:64)
own selves became constricted for them and (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘My people! Give full measure
they realised that there was no refuge from Allah and full weight with justice; do not diminish peo-
except in Him, He turned to them so that they ple's goods; and do not go about the earth, cor-
might turn to Him. Allah is the Ever-Returning, rupting it.’ (11:85)
the Most Merciful. (9:118) Would that there had been more people with a
Then We appointed you after them to be succes- vestige of good among the generations of those
sors on the earth so We might observe how you who came before you, who forbade corruption
would act. (10:14) in the earth, other than the few among them
But then, when He does rescue them, they be- whom We saved. Those who did wrong gladly
come rebellious in the earth without any right to pursued the life of luxury that they were given
do so. Mankind, your rebelliousness is only and were evildoers. (11:116)
against yourselves. There is the enjoyment of the In the earth there are diverse regions side by side
life of this world and then you will return to Us and gardens of grapes and cultivated fields, and
and We will inform you about what you did. palm-trees sharing one root and others with indi-
(10:23) vidual roots, all watered with the same water.
The metaphor of the life of this world is that of And We make some things better to eat than oth-
water which We send down from the sky, and ers. There are Signs in that for people who use
which then mingles with the plants of the earth to their intellect. (13:4)
provide food for both people and animals. Then, Those who respond to their Lord will receive the
when the earth is at its loveliest and takes on its best. But as for those who do not respond to Him,
fairest guise and its people think they have it even if they owned everything on the earth and
under their control, Our command comes upon the same again with it, they would offer it as a
it by night or day and We reduce it to dried-out ransom. They will receive an evil Reckoning.
stubble, as though it had not been flourishing just Their shelter will be Hell. What an evil resting-
the day before! In this way We make Our Signs place! (13:18)
clear for people who reflect. (10:24) But as for those who break Allah’s contract after
If every self that did wrong possessed everything it has been agreed and sever what Allah has
on earth, it would offer it as a ransom. They will commanded to be joined, and cause corruption
show remorse when they see the punishment. in the earth, the curse will be upon them. They
Everything will be decided between them justly. will have the Evil Abode. (13:25)
They will not be wronged. (10:54) What then of Him Who is standing over every
If your Lord had willed, all the people on the self seeing everything it does? Yet still they asso-
earth would have believed. Do you think you ciate others with Allah! Say: ‘Name them! Or
194
would you inform Him of something in the earth on it. They will be returned to Us. (19:40)
He does not know, or are they words which are It is He Who made the earth a cradle for you and
simply guesswork on your part?’ However, the threaded pathways for you through it and sent
plotting of those who disbelieve seems good to down water from the sky by which We have
them and they bar the way. Anyone misguided brought forth various different types of plants.
by Allah has no guide. (13:33) (20:53)
Musa said, ‘If you were to be ungrateful, you and We placed firmly embedded mountains on the
everyone on the earth, Allah is Rich Beyond earth, so it would not move under them, and We
Need, Praiseworthy.’ (14:8) put broad valleys as roadways in it, so that per-
He (Satan) said, ‘My Lord, because You misled haps they might be guided. (21:31)
me, I will make things on the earth seem good to We wrote down in the Zabur, after the Reminder
them and I will mislead them all, every one of came: ‘It is My servants who are righteous who
them.’ (15:39) will inherit the earth.’ (21:105)
We sent a Messenger among every people say- Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
ing: ‘Worship Allah and keep clear of all false Rising, know that We created you from dust then
gods.’ Among them were some whom Allah from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood
guided but others received the misguidance they then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed,
deserved. Travel about the earth and see the final so We may make things clear to you. We make
fate of the deniers. (16:36) whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec-
He hides away from people because of the evil of ified time and then We bring you out as children
the good news he has been given. Should he so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of
keep her ignominiously or bury her in the earth? you die and some of you revert to the lowest
What an evil judgement they make! (16:59) form of life so that, after having knowledge, they
Do not strut arrogantly about the earth. You will then know nothing at all. And you see the earth
certainly never split the earth apart nor will you dead and barren; then when We send down
ever rival the mountains in height. (17:37) water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts
Say: ‘If there had been angels on the earth going with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5)
about in peace, We would have sent down to (Believers are) those who, if We establish them
them an angel from heaven as Messenger.’ firmly on the earth, will perform prayer and give
(17:95) the alms, and command what is right and forbid
We made everything on the earth adornment for what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with
it so that We could test them to see whose ac- Allah. (22:41)
tions are the best. (18:7) Do you not see that Allah sends down water from
Make a metaphor for them of the life of this the sky and then in the morning the earth is cov-
world. It is like water which We send down from ered in green? Allah is All-Subtle, All-Aware.
the sky and the plants of the earth combine with (22:63)
it but then become dry chaff scattered by the We sent down a measured amount of water from
winds. Allah has absolute power over every- heaven and lodged it firmly in the earth; and We
thing. (18:45) are well able to remove it. (23:18)
On the Day We make the mountains move and It is He Who dispersed you about the earth and
you see the earth laid bare and We gather them you will be gathered to Him. (23:79)
together, not leaving out a single one of them. Say: ‘To whom does the earth belong, and every-
(18:47) one in it, if you have any knowledge?’ (23:84)
We gave him (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) power and au- He will say, ‘How many years did you tarry on
thority on the earth and granted him a way to the earth?’ (23:112)
everything. (18:84) Do not imagine that those who disbelieve are
It is We Who will inherit the earth and all those able to escape Allah on earth. Their shelter will
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be the Fire. What an evil destination! (24:57) My servants, you who believe, My earth is wide,
The servants of the All-Merciful are those who so worship Me alone! (29:56)
walk lightly on the earth and, who, when the ig- If you ask them, ‘Who sends down water from
norant speak to them, say, ‘Peace’. (25:63) the sky, bringing the earth back to life again after
Have they not looked at the earth and seen how it was dead?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘Praise be
We have made every sort of beneficial species to Allah.’ But most of them do not use their intel-
grow in it? (26:7) lect. (29:63)
(Salih said to his people,) ‘Do not obey the orders Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the
of the profligate, those who corrupt the earth and final fate of those before them? They had greater
do not put things right.’ (26:151-152) strength than them and cultivated the land and
Do not diminish people’s goods and do not go inhabited it in far greater numbers than they do.
about the earth, corrupting it. (26:183) Their Messengers also came to them with the
He Who made the earth a stable dwelling place Clear Signs. Allah would never have wronged
and appointed rivers flowing through its midst them; but they wronged themselves. (30:9)
and placed firmly embedded mountains on it Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see the final fate
and set a barrier between the two seas. Is there of those before. Most of them were idolaters.’
another god besides Allah? No indeed, but most (30:42)
of them do not know it! (27:61) So look at the effect of the mercy of Allah, how
He Who responds to the oppressed when they He brings the dead earth back to life. Truly He is
call on Him and removes their distress, and has the One Who brings the dead to life. He has
appointed you as inheritors of the earth. Is there power over all things. (30:50)
another god besides Allah? How little you pay It is Allah Who created the heavens with no sup-
heed! (27:62) port–you can see them–and cast firmly embed-
Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see the final fate ded mountains on the earth so that it would not
of the evildoers.’ (27:69) move under you, and scattered about in it crea-
(His people said to Qarun,) ‘Seek the abode of tures of every kind. And We send down water
the hereafter with what Allah has given you, from the sky and make every generous species
without forgetting your portion of this world. And grow in it. (31:10)
do good as Allah has been good to you. And do Do not avert your face from people out of haugh-
not seek to cause corruption in the earth. Allah tiness and do not strut about arrogantly on the
does not love corrupters.’ (28:77) earth. Allah does not love anyone who is vain or
That abode of the hereafter–We grant it to those boastful. (31:18)
who do not seek to exalt themselves in the earth If all the trees on earth were pens and all the sea,
or to cause corruption in it. The successful out- with seven more seas besides, was ink Allah’s
come is for those who guard against evil. (28:83) words still would not run dry. Allah is Almighty,
Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see how He All-Wise. (31:27)
brought creation out of nothing. Then later Allah It is He Who made you representatives on the
will bring about the next existence. Allah has earth. So whoever disbelieves, his disbelief is
power over all things. ’ (29:20) against himself. In Allah’s sight, the disbelief of
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb, the disbelievers only increases their loathsome-
he said, ‘My people, worship Allah and look to ness; the disbelief of the disbelievers only in-
the Last Day and do not act unjustly on earth, creases their loss. (35:39)
corrupting it.’ (29:36) Have they not travelled in the land and seen the
And Qarun and Pharaoh and Haman–Musa final fate of those before them? They were far
came with the Clear Signs to them, but they were greater than them in strength. Allah cannot be
arrogant on the earth. They could not outstrip Us. withstood in any way, either in the heavens or on
(29:39) earth. He is All-Knowing, All-Powerful. (35:44)
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(We said), ‘Dawud! We have made you a succes- vants, they would act as tyrants on the earth. But
sor on the earth, so judge between people with He sends down whatever He wills in a measured
truth and do not follow your own desires, letting way. He is aware of and He sees His servants.
them misguide you from the Way of Allah. Those (42:27)
who are misguided from the Way of Allah will re- You will not be able to thwart Him on the earth
ceive a harsh punishment because they forgot and you have no protector or helper besides
the Day of Reckoning.’ (38:26) Allah. (42:31)
We did not create heaven and earth and every- There are only grounds against those who wrong
thing between them to no purpose. That is the people and act as tyrants in the earth without any
opinion of those who disbelieve. Woe to those right to do so. Such people will have a painful
who disbelieve, because of the Fire! (38:27) punishment. (42:42)
Would We make those who believe and do right If We wished We could appoint angels in ex-
actions the same as those who cause corruption change for you to succeed you on the earth.
on the earth? Would We make those who guard (43:60)
against evil the same as the dissolute? (38:28) And in the alternation of night and day and the
If those who did wrong owned everything on provision Allah sends down from the sky, bring-
earth, and the same again with it, they would ing the earth to life by it after it has died, and the
offer it as a ransom to save themselves from the varying direction of the winds, there are Signs for
evil of the punishment on the Day of Rising. people who use their intellect. (45:5)
What confronts them from Allah will be some- On the Day when those who disbelieved are ex-
thing they did not reckon with. (39:47) posed to the Fire: ‘You dissipated the good things
Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the you had in your worldly life and enjoyed yourself
final fate of those before them? They were greater in it. So today you are being repaid with the pun-
than them in strength and left far deeper traces ishment of humiliation for being arrogant in the
on the earth, yet Allah seized them for their earth without any right and for being deviators.’
wrong actions and they had no one to protect (46:20)
them from Allah. (40:21) (A group of jinn said to their people,) ‘Those who
It is Allah Who made the earth a stable home for do not respond to Allah’s caller cannot thwart
you and the sky a dome, and formed you, giving Allah on earth and have no protectors apart from
you the best of forms, and provided you with Him. Such people are clearly misguided.’ (46:32)
good and wholesome things. That is Allah, your Have they not travelled about the earth and seen
Lord. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. the final fate of those before them? Allah de-
(40:64) stroyed them utterly. And those who disbelieve
(Disbelievers will be told,) ‘That is because you will suffer the same fate. (47:10)
exulted on the earth, without any right to do so; Is it not likely that, if you did turn away, you
and strutted about.’ (40:75) would cause corruption in the earth and sever
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the your ties of kinship? (47:22)
final fate of those before them? They were more There are certainly Signs in the earth for people
numerous than them and greater in strength and with certainty. (51:20)
left more and deeper traces on earth, but what Know that Allah brings the earth to life after it
they earned was of no use to them. (40:82) was dead. We have made the Signs clear to you
Among His Signs is that you see the earth laid so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
bare and then when We send down water on it, it (57:17)
quivers and swells. He Who gives it life is He Nothing occurs, either in the earth or in your-
Who gives life to the dead. Certainly He has selves, without its being in a Book before We
power over all things. (41:39) make it happen. That is something easy for Allah.
Were Allah to expand the provision of His ser- (57:22)
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Then when the prayer is finished spread through they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe-
the earth and seek Allah’s bounty and remember lieving people. (2:264)
Allah much so that hopefully you will be suc- The likeness of ‘Isa in Allah’s sight is the same as
cessful. (62:10) Adam. He created him from earth and then He
It is He Who made the earth submissive to you, said to him, ‘Be!’ and he was. (3:59)
so walk its broad trails and eat what it provides. You who believe! Do not approach the prayer
The Resurrection is to Him. (67:15) when you are drunk, so that you will know what
Say: ‘It is He Who scattered you about the earth you are saying, nor in a state of major impu-
and you will be gathered to Him.’ (67:24) rity–unless you are travelling–until you have
So when the Trumpet is blown with a single blast, washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or
and the earth and the mountains are lifted and on a journey, or any of you have come from the
crushed with a single blow, (69:13-14) lavatory or touched women, and you cannot find
On the Day the sky is like molten brass and the any water, then take for yourselves clean earth,
mountains like tufts of coloured wool. no good wiping your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever-
friend will ask about his friend even though they Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43)
can see each other. An evildoer will wish he You who believe! When you get up to perform
could ransom himself from the punishment of prayer, wash your faces and your hands and your
that Day, by means of his sons, or his wife or his arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads,
brother or his family who sheltered him or every- and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a
one else on earth, if that only meant that he state of major impurity, then purify yourselves.
could save himself. (70:8-14) But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come
Nuh said, ‘My Lord! Do not leave a single one of from the lavatory, or have touched women, and
the disbelievers on earth!’ (71:26) cannot find any water, then take for yourselves
(Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of clean earth, and wipe your faces and your hands
the jinn listened and said,) "We have no idea therewith. Allah does not want to make things
whether evil is intended for those on the earth, or difficult for you, but He does want to purify you
whether their Lord intends them to be rightly and to perfect His blessing upon you so that
guided."’ (72:10) hopefully you will be thankful. (5:6)
(Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of It is He Who created you from earth, then from a
the jinn listened and said,) "We realised we drop of sperm, then from a clot of blood, then He
would never thwart Allah on earth and would brings you out as infants, then so you may
never thwart Him by flight."’ (72:12) achieve full strength, then so you may become
On the Day the earth and mountains shake and old men–though some of you may die before that
the mountains become like shifting dunes. time–so that you may reach a predetermined age
(73:14) and so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
Did We not make the earth a receptacle? (77:25) (40:67)
Have We not made the earth a flat carpet? (78:6) To whoever avoids the major wrong actions and
After that He smoothed out the earth. (79:30) indecencies–except for minor lapses–truly your
Lord is vast in forgiveness. He has most knowl-
EARTH (SOIL) edge of you when He first produced you from the
You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by earth, and when you were embryos in your
demands for gratitude or insulting words, like mothers’ wombs. So do not claim purity for your-
him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo- selves. He knows best those who guard against
ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day. evil. (53:32)
His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with
soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left EAST – WEST
stripped bare. They have no power over anything Both East and West belong to Allah, so wherever
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you turn, the Face of Allah is there. Allah is All- and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35)
Encompassing, All-Knowing. (2:115) He said, ‘The Lord of the East and the West and
The fools among the people will ask, ‘What has everything between them if you used your intel-
made them turn round from the direction they lect.’ (26:28)
used to face?’ Say, ‘Both East and West belong to So they pursued them towards the east. (26:60)
Allah. He guides whoever He wills to a straight Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything
path.’ (2:142) between them; Lord of the Easts. (37:5)
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East If someone shuts his eyes to the remembrance of
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness the All-Merciful, We assign him a Satan who be-
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, comes his bosom friend. They debar them from
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, the path, yet they still think they are guided–so
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to that, when he reaches Us, he says, ‘If only there
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, was the distance of the two Easts between you
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves and me!’ What an evil companion! (43:36-38)
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; The Lord of the two Easts and the Lord of the two
those who honour their contracts when they Wests. (55:17)
make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill- No! I swear by the Lord of the Easts and Wests
ness and in battle. Those are the people who are that We have the power. (70:40)
true. They are the people who guard against evil. Lord of the East and West–there is no god but
(2:177) Him–so take Him as your Guardian. (73:9)
What about the one who argued with Ibrahim
about his Lord, on the basis that Allah had given EATING
him sovereignty? Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord is He They (the Disciples) said, ‘We want to eat from
Who gives life and causes to die.’ He said, ‘I too it and for our hearts to be at peace and to know
give life and cause to die.’ Ibrahim said, ‘Allah that you have told us the truth and to be among
makes the sun come from the East. Make it come those who witness it.’ (5:113)
from the West.’ And the one who was a disbe- Do not eat anything over which the name of
liever was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide Allah has not been mentioned. To do so is
wrongdoing people. (2:258) sheer deviance. The Satans inspire their friends
And We bequeathed to the people who had been to dispute with you. If you obeyed them you
oppressed the easternmost part of the land We would then be idolaters. (6:121)
had blessed, and its westernmost part as well. He (Yusuf's father) said, ‘It grieves me to let him
The most excellent Word of your Lord was ful- go with you I fear a wolf might come and eat
filled for the tribe of Israel on account of their him up while you are heedless, not attending
steadfastness. And We utterly destroyed what him.’ (12:13)
Pharaoh and his people made and the buildings Two servants entered prison along with him.
they constructed. (7:137) One said, ‘I dreamt that I was pressing grapes.’
Mention Maryam in the Book, how she withdrew The other said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread upon
from her people to an eastern place. (19:16) my head and birds were eating it. Tell us the
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. true meaning of these dreams. We see that
The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in you’re one of the righteous.’ (12:36)
which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass (Yusuf said,) ‘My fellow-captives, one of you
like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an will serve his lord with wine, the other of you
olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all will be crucified and birds will eat his head. The
but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light thing you asked about is foreordained.’ (12:41)
upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He And He created livestock. There is warmth for
wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind you in them, and various uses and some you
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eat. (16:5) A Sign for them is the dead land which We bring
It is He Who made the sea subservient to you so to life and from which We bring forth grain of
that you can eat fresh flesh from it and bring out which they eat. (36:33)
from it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and
cleaving through it so that you can seek His cause springs to gush out in it, so they may eat its
bounty, and so that hopefully you will show fruits–they did not do it themselves. So will they
thanks. (16:14) not be thankful? (36:34-35)
They say, ‘What is the matter with this They will eat from it and fill their bellies with it.
Messenger, that he eats food and walks in the (37:66)
market-place? Why has an angel not been sent He (Ibrahim) turned surreptitiously to their gods
down to him so that it can be a warner along and said, ‘Do you not eat?’ (37:91)
with him? Why has treasure not been showered It is Allah Who has given you livestock, some for
down on him? Why does he not have a garden to you to ride and some to eat. (40:79)
give him food?’ The wrongdoers say, ‘You are There will be many fruits in it for you to eat.
merely following a man who is bewitched.’ (43:73)
(25:7-8) Allah will admit those who believe to Gardens
We never sent any Messengers before you who with rivers flowing under them. Those who dis-
did not eat food and walk in the market-place. believe have their enjoyment, eating as cattle
But We have made some of you a trial for others eat, but the Fire will be their final residence.
to see if you will be steadfast. Your Lord sees (47:12)
everything. (25:20) You who believe! Avoid most suspicion. Indeed
Do they not see how We drive water to barren some suspicion is a crime. And do not spy and
land and bring forth crops by it which their live- do not backbite one another. Would any of you
stock and they themselves both eat? So will they like to eat his brother’s dead flesh? No, you
not see? (32:27) would hate it. And have fear of Allah. Allah is
You who believe! Do not go into the Prophet’s Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (49:12)
rooms except when you are invited to come and He (Ibrahim) offered it to them and then ex-
eat. Do not wait there while the food is being claimed, ‘Do you not then eat?’ (51:27)
cooked. However, when you are called, go in, Then you, you misguided, you deniers will eat
and when you have eaten, disperse, not remain- from the tree of Zaqqum. (56:51-52)
ing there to chat with one another. Doing that ‘Therefore here today he has no friend nor any
causes annoyance to the Prophet though he is food except exuding pus which no one will eat
too reticent to tell you so. But Allah is not reticent except those who were in error.’ (69:35-37)
with the truth. When you ask his wives for some-
thing, ask them from behind a screen. That is EDEN
purer for your hearts and their hearts. It is not Allah has promised the men and women of the
right for you to cause annoyance to the believers Gardens with rivers flowing under
Messenger of Allah or ever to marry his wives them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever, and
after him. To do that would be a dreadful thing in fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And
Allah’s sight. (33:53) Allah’s good pleasure is even greater. That is the
Then when We decreed that he (Sulayman) great victory. (9:72)
should die, nothing divulged his death to them Gardens of Eden which they will enter, and all of
except the worm which ate his staff; so that when their parents, wives and children who were right-
he fell down it was made clear to the jinn that if eous. Angels will enter in to welcome them from
they had truly had knowledge of the Unseen they every gate. (13:23)
need not have stayed there suffering humiliating Gardens of Eden which they enter, with rivers
punishment. (34:14) flowing under them, where they have whatever
200
they desire. That is how Allah repays those who right to do so. That was because they rebelled
guard against evil. (16:31) and went beyond the limits. (2:61)
They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow- We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your
ing under them. They will be adorned in them people in houses in Egypt and make your houses
with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar- places of worship and perform prayer and give
ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade, good news to the believers.’ (10:87)
reclining there on couches under canopies. The Egyptian who had bought him told his wife,
What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re- ‘Look after him with honour and respect. It’s pos-
pose! (18:31) sible he will be of use to us or perhaps we might
Gardens of Eden which the All-Merciful has adopt him as a son.’ And thus We established
promised to His servants in the Unseen. His Yusuf in the land to teach him the true meaning
promise is always kept. (19:61) of events. Allah is in control of His affair.
Gardens of Eden with rivers flowing under them, However, most of mankind do not know. (12:21)
remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the Then when they entered into Yusuf’s presence,
reward of those who purify themselves. (20:76) he drew his parents close to him and said, ‘Enter
They will enter Gardens of Eden where they will Egypt safe and sound, if Allah wills.’ (12:99)
be adorned with gold bracelets and pearls, and Pharaoh called to his people, saying, ‘My peo-
where their clothing will be of silk. (35:33) ple, does the kingdom of Egypt not belong to me?
Gardens of Eden, whose gates will be open to Do not all these rivers flow under my control? Do
them. (38:50) you not then see?’ (43:51)
(Angels ask forgiveness for the believers,) ‘Our
Lord, admit them to the Gardens of Eden You EMBRYO
have promised them, and all of their parents, To whoever avoids the major wrong actions and
wives and children who acted rightly. Truly You indecencies–except for minor lapses–truly your
are the Almighty, the All-Wise.’ (40:8) Lord is vast in forgiveness. He has most knowl-
He will forgive you your wrong actions and edge of you when He first produced you from the
admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing under earth, and when you were embryos in your
them, and fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. mothers’ wombs. So do not claim purity for your-
That is the Great Victory. (61:12) selves. He knows best those who guard against
Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden evil. (53:32)
with rivers flowing under them, remaining in
them timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah is EMINENCE
pleased with them and they are pleased with They said, ‘Your Eminence! He has an old and
Him. That is for those who fear their Lord. (98:8) venerable father, so take one of us instead of him.
We see without a doubt that you are of the peo-
EGYPT ple who do good.’ (12:78)
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up So when they came into his presence, they said,
with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to ‘Your Eminence! Hardship has hit us and our
supply to us some of what the earth produces–its families. We bring scant merchandise, but fill the
green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and measure for us generously. Allah always rewards
onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is a generous giver.’ (12:88)
better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
then you will have what you are asking for.’ ENEMY – ENMITY
Abasement and destitution were stamped upon But Satan made them slip up by means of it, ex-
them. They brought down anger from Allah upon pelling them from where they were. We said, ‘Go
themselves. That was because they rejected down from here as enemies to each other! You
Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any will have residence on the earth and enjoyment
201
for a time.’ (2:36) less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer
Then you are the people who are killing one an- by mistake should free a believing slave and pay
other and expelling a group among you from blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as
their homes, ganging up against them in wrong- a charity. If he is from a people who are your en-
doing and enmity. Yet if they are brought to you emies and is a believer, you should free a believ-
as captives, you ransom them, when it was for- ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty
bidden for you to expel them in the first place! with, blood money should be paid to his family
Do you, then, believe in one part of the Book and and you should free a believing slave. Anyone
reject the other? What repayment will there be who cannot find the means should fast two con-
for any of you who do that except disgrace in this secutive months. This is a concession from Allah.
world? And on the Day of Rising, they will be re- Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92)
turned to the harshest of punishments. Allah is When you are travelling in the land, there is
not unaware of what you do. (2:85) nothing wrong in your shortening your prayer if
Say, ‘Anyone who is the enemy of Gabriel should you fear that those who disbelieve may harass
know that it was he who brought it down upon you. The disbelievers are your clear-cut enemies.
your heart, by Allah’s authority, confirming what (4:101)
came before, and as guidance and good news for Do not relax in pursuit of the enemy. If you feel
the believers.’ (2:97) pain, they too are feeling it just as you are, but
Anyone who is the enemy of Allah and of His an- you hope for something from Allah which they
gels, and of His Messengers and of Gabriel and cannot hope for. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Michael, should know that Allah is the enemy of (4:104)
the disbelievers. (2:98) You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
Mankind! Eat what is good and lawful on the of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
earth. And do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
He truly is an outright enemy to you. (2:168) for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
Fight them until there is no more discord and the pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
religion belongs to Allah alone. If they cease, is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
there should be no enmity towards any but a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
wrongdoers. (2:193) (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
You who believe! Enter Islam totally. Do not fol- the limits. Help each other to goodness and
low in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
enemy to you. (2:208) ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se-
Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do vere in retribution. (5:2)
not separate. Remember Allah’s blessing to you We also made a covenant with those who say,
when you were enemies and He joined your ‘We are Christians,’ and they too forgot a good
hearts together so that you became brothers by portion of what they were reminded of. So We
His blessing. You were on the very brink of a pit stirred up enmity and hatred between them until
of the Fire and He rescued you from it. In this the Day of Rising when Allah will inform them
way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so that about what they did. (5:14)
hopefully you will be guided. (3:103) You see many of them rushing to wrongdoing
As for anyone who does that out of enmity and and enmity and acquiring ill-gotten gains. What
wrongdoing, We will roast him in a Fire. That is an evil thing they do! (5:62)
an easy matter for Allah. (4:30) The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their
Allah knows best who your enemies are. Allah hands are chained and they are cursed for what
suffices as a Protector; Allah suffices as a Helper. they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and
(4:45) He gives however He wills. What has been sent
A believer should never kill another believer un- down to you from your Lord increases many of
202
them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited power and cavalry you can muster, to terrify the
enmity and hatred between them until the Day of enemies of Allah and your enemies, and others
Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war, besides them whom you do not know. Allah
Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth knows them. Anything you spend in the Way of
corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. Allah will be repaid to you in full. You will not be
(5:64) wronged. (8:60)
Satan wants to stir up enmity and hatred between If Allah returns you to a group of them, and they
you by means of wine and gambling, and to ask you for permission to go out, say, ‘You will
debar you from remembrance of Allah and from never go out with me, nor will you ever fight an
prayer. Will you not then give them up? (5:91) enemy with me. You were happy to stay behind
In this way We have appointed as enemies to the first time, so stay behind with those who are
every Prophet Satans from both mankind and left behind.’ (9:83)
from the jinn, who inspire each other with delu- Ibrahim would not have asked forgiveness for his
sions by means of specious words–if your Lord father but for a promise he made to him, and
had willed, they would not have done it, so when it became clear to him that he was an
abandon them and all they fabricate. (6:112) enemy of Allah, he renounced him. Ibrahim was
And also (He provides) animals for riding and for tender-hearted and forbearing. (9:114)
haulage and animals for slaughtering and for It was not for people of Madina, and the desert
wool. Eat what Allah has provided for you and arabs around them, to remain behind the
do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to
outright enemy to you. (6:142) him. That is because no thirst or weariness or
So he enticed them to do it by means of trickery. hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor
Then when they tasted the tree, their private parts will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe-
were disclosed to them and they started stitching lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy,
together the leaves of the Garden in order to without a right action being written down for
cover themselves. Their Lord called out to them, them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of
‘Did I not forbid you this tree and say to you, the good-doers go to waste. (9:120)
"Satan is an outright enemy to you"?’ (7:22) We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and
He said, ‘Go down from here as enemies to each Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of
other! You will have residence on the earth and tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the
enjoyment for a time.’ (7:24) point of drowning, he said, ‘I believe that there is
They said, ‘We suffered harm before you came to no god but Him in whom the tribe of Israel be-
us and after you came to us.’ He (Musa) said, ‘It lieve. I am one of the Muslims.’ (10:90)
may well be that your Lord is going to destroy He (Yusuf's father) said, ‘My son, don’t tell your
your enemy and make you the successors in the brothers your dream lest they devise some
land so that He can see how you behave.’ (7:129) scheme to injure you, Satan is a clear-cut enemy
When Musa returned to his people in anger and to man.’ (12:5)
great sorrow, he said, ‘What an evil thing you did Say to My servants that they should only say the
in my absence after I left! Did you want to hasten best. Satan wants to stir up trouble between
your Lord’s command?’ He threw down the them. Satan is an outright enemy to man. (17:53)
Tablets and seized hold of his brother’s head, When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your-
dragging him towards him. Harun said, ‘Son of selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep-
my mother, The people oppressed me and almost tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and
killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do
over me. Do not include me with the wrongdo- you take him and his offspring as protectors apart
ing people.’ (7:150) from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is
Arm yourselves against them with all the fire- the exchange the wrongdoers make! (18:50)
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(Allah said to Musa,) ‘When We revealed to your the Fire and they are driven in close-packed
mother: "Place him into the box and throw it into ranks. (41:19)
the sea and the sea will wash it up on the shore, That is the repayment of the enemies of
where an enemy of Mine and his will pick it up." Allah–the Fire. They will have it for their Eternal
I showered you with love from Me so that you Home as repayment for their renunciation of Our
would be brought up under My supervision.’ Signs. (41:28)
(20:38-39) A good action and a bad action are not the same.
Tribe of Israel! We rescued you from your enemy Repel the bad with something better and, if there
and made an appointment with you on the right is enmity between you and someone else, he will
hand side of the Mount and sent down manna be like a bosom friend. (41:34)
and quails for you. (20:80) Do not let Satan bar your way. He truly is an out-
We said, ‘Adam, this is an enemy for you and right enemy to you. (43:62)
your wife, so do not let him expel you from the On that Day the closest friends will be enemies
Garden and thus make you miserable.’ (20:117) to one another–except for those who guard
He said, ‘Go down from it, all of you, as enemies against evil. (43:67)
to one another! But when guidance comes to you When mankind is gathered together, they will be
from Me, all those who follow My guidance will their enemies and will reject their worship. (46:6)
not go astray and will not be miserable.’ (20:123) Do you not see those who were forbidden to
In this way We have assigned to every Prophet an confer together secretly returning to the very
enemy from among the evildoers. But your Lord thing they were forbidden to do, and conferring
is a sufficient guide and helper. (25:31) together secretly in wrongdoing and enmity and
(Ibrahim said,) ‘They are all my enemies–except disobedience to the Messenger? And when they
for the Lord of all the worlds.’ (26:77) come to you they greet you with words Allah has
The family of Pharaoh picked him up so that he never used in greeting you, and say to them-
might be an enemy and a source of grief to them. selves ‘Why does Allah not punish us for what
Certainly Pharaoh and Haman and their troops we say?’ Hell will be enough for them! They will
were in the wrong. (28:8) roast in it. What an evil destination! (58:8)
He entered the city at a time when its inhabitants You who believe! When you confer together se-
were unaware and found two men fighting cretly, do not do so in wrongdoing and enmity
there–one from his party and the other from his and disobedience to the Messenger; rather con-
enemy. The one from his party asked for his sup- fer together in goodness and fear of Allah. Have
port against the other from his enemy. So Musa fear of Allah–Him to Whom you will be gath-
hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said, ‘This is ered. (58:9)
part of Satan’s handiwork. He truly is an outright You who believe! Do not take My enemy and
and misleading enemy.’ (28:15) your enemy as friends, showing love for them
But when he was about to grab the man who was when they have rejected the truth that has come
their common enemy, he said, ‘Musa! Do you to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves
want to kill me just as you killed a person yester- simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If
day? You only want to be a tyrant in the land; you you go out to strive in My Way and seeking My
do not want to be a reformer.’ (28:19) pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for
Satan is your enemy so treat him as an enemy. them, I know best what you conceal and what
He summons his party so they will be among the you make known. Any of you who do that have
people of the Searing Blaze. (35:6) strayed from the right way. (60:1)
Did I not make a contract with you, tribe of If they come upon you, they will be your ene-
Adam, not to worship Satan, who truly is an out- mies and stretch out their hands and tongues
right enemy to you? (36:60) against you with evil intent, and they would
On the Day We crowd the enemies of Allah into dearly love you to become disbelievers. (60:2)
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You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and Every self will taste death. You will be paid your
those with him, when they said to their people, wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who
‘We wash our hands of you and all that you wor- is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the
ship apart from Allah, and we reject you. Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is
Between us and you there will be enmity and ha- just the enjoyment of delusion. (3:185)
tred for ever unless and until you believe in Allah Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back
alone.’ Except for Ibrahim’s words to his father: ‘I from fighting but perform prayer and give the
will ask forgiveness for you but I have no power alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them,
to help you in any way against Allah.’ ‘Our Lord, a group of them fear people as Allah should be
we have put our trust in You and have repented feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our
to You. You are our final destination. ’ (60:4) Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If
It may well be that Allah will restore the love be- only You would give us just a little more time!’
tween you and those of them who are now your Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief.
enemies. Allah is All-Powerful. Allah is Ever- The hereafter is better for those who guard
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (60:7) against evil. You will not be wronged by so much
You who believe! Be helpers of Allah as ‘Isa son as the smallest speck.’ (4:77)
of Maryam said to the Disciples, ‘Who will be He said, ‘Go down from here as enemies to each
my helpers to Allah?’ The Disciples said, ‘We will other! You will have residence on the earth and
be the helpers of Allah.’ One faction of the tribe enjoyment for a time.’ (7:24)
of Israel believed and the other disbelieved. So But then, when He does rescue them, they be-
We supported those who believed against their come rebellious in the earth without any right to
enemy and they became victorious. (61:14) do so. Mankind, your rebelliousness is only
When you see them, their outward form appeals against yourselves. There is the enjoyment of the
to you, and if they speak you listen to what they life of this world and then you will return to Us
say. But they are like propped-up planks of and We will inform you about what you did.
wood. They imagine every cry to be against (10:23)
them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. There is the enjoyment of this world. Then they
May Allah destroy them! How they are per- will return to Us. Then We will let them taste the
verted! (63:4) terrible punishment because they disbelieved.
You who believe! Some of your wives and chil- (10:70)
dren are an enemy to you, so be wary of them. ‘Ask your Lord for forgiveness and then repent to
But if you pardon and exonerate and forgive, Him. He will let you enjoy a good life until a
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (64:14) specified time, and will give His favour to all
who merit it. But if you turn your backs, I fear for
ENJOYMENT OF THIS WORLD you the punishment of a Mighty Day.’ (11:3)
But Satan made them slip up by means of it, ex- He sends down water from the sky and river-beds
pelling them from where they were. We said, ‘Go fill up and flow according to their size, and the
down from here as enemies to each other! You floodwater carries with it an increasing layer of
will have residence on the earth and enjoyment scum; a similar kind of scum comes from what
for a time.’ (2:36) you heat up in the fire, when you desire to make
To mankind the love of worldly appetites is jewellery or other things. That is how Allah de-
painted in glowing colours: women and chil- picts the true and the false. As for the scum, it is
dren, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver, quickly swept away. But as for that which is of
and horses with fine markings, and livestock and use to people, it remains behind in the ground.
fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment That is a metaphor which Allah has made.
of the life of this world. The best homecoming is (13:17)
in the presence of Allah. (3:14) Allah expands provision to anyone He wills and
205
restricts it. They rejoice in the life of this world. life of this world is only fleeting enjoyment. It is
Yet the life of this world, compared to the here- the hereafter which is the abode of permanence.’
after, is only fleeting enjoyment. (13:26) (40:39)
A brief enjoyment (will be theirs), then they will Whatever you have been given is only the enjoy-
have a painful punishment. (16:117) ment of the life of this world. What is with Allah
Those who cannot find the means to marry is better and longer lasting for those who believe
should be abstinent until Allah enriches them and trust in their Lord. (42:36)
from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to I let those people and their forefathers enjoy
make a contract to free themselves, write it for themselves until the truth came to them and a
them if you know of good in them and give them Messenger to make it clear. (43:29)
some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not Were it not that mankind might all become one
force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if community, We would have given those who re-
they desire to be virtuous women out of your de- ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses
sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces and silver stairways to ascend and silver doors to
them, then after they have been forced, Allah is their houses and silver couches on which to re-
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33) cline, and gold ornaments. All that is merely the
They will say, ‘Glory be to You! It would not have trappings of the life of this world. But the here-
been fitting for us to have taken any protectors after with your Lord is for those who guard
apart from You. But You let them and their fathers against evil. (43:33-35)
enjoy themselves so that they forgot the Allah will admit those who believe to Gardens
Reminder. They were people devoid of good.’ with rivers flowing under them. Those who dis-
(25:18) believe have their enjoyment, eating as cattle
Do you think, if We let them enjoy themselves eat, but the Fire will be their final residence.
for years and then what they were promised (47:12)
comes to them, that what they enjoyed will be of Know that the life of this world is merely a game
any use to them? (26:205-207) and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of
Anything you have been given is only the enjoy- boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo
ment of the life of this world and its finery. What one another in wealth and children: like the
is with Allah is better and longer lasting. So will plant-growth after rain which delights the cultiva-
you not use your intellect? (28:60) tors, but then it withers and you see it turning yel-
Is someone whom We have promised good and low, and then it becomes broken stubble. In the
who then obtains it, the same as someone whom hereafter there is terrible punishment but also for-
We have given enjoyment in the life of this world giveness from Allah and His good pleasure. The
and who then, on the Day of Rising, is one of those life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of
brought to punishment? (28:61) delusion. (57:20)
When harm touches people they call on their Lord,
repenting to Him. But then, when He gives them a ENVY
taste of mercy from Him, a group of them immedi- Many of the People of the Book would love it if
ately associate others with their Lord to show in- they could turn you back to disbelief after you
gratitude for what We have given them. ‘Enjoy have become believers, showing their innate envy
yourselves–you will soon know.’ (30:33-34) now that the truth is clear to them. But you should
We will let them enjoy themselves a little, then pardon and overlook until Allah gives His com-
drive them to a harsh punishment. (31:24) mand. Truly Allah has power over all things.
Say: ‘Flight will not benefit you if you try to run (2:109)
away from death or being killed. Then you will Mankind was a single community. Then Allah
only enjoy a short respite.’ (33:16) sent out Prophets bringing good news and giving
(The man who believed said,) ‘My people! The warning, and with them He sent down the Book
206
with truth to decide between people regarding the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem in
their differences. Only those who were given it this world and the hereafter, and one of those
differed about it, after the Clear Signs had come brought near.’ (3:45)
to them, envying one another. Then, by His per- They said, ‘Shu‘ayb, We do not understand much
mission, Allah guided those who believed to the of what you say and we see you are weak among
truth of that about which they had differed. Allah us. Were it not for your clan, we would have
guides whoever He wills to a straight path. (2:213) stoned you. We do not hold you in high esteem!’
The religion with Allah is Islam. Those given the (11:91)
Book only differed after knowledge had come to He said, ‘My people! Do you esteem my clan more
them, envying one another. As for those who reject than you do Allah? You have made Him into some-
Allah’s Signs, Allah is swift at reckoning. (3:19) thing to cast disdainfully behind your backs! But
Or do they in fact envy other people for the bounty my Lord encompasses everything that you do!’
Allah has granted them? We gave the family of (11:92)
Ibrahim the Book and Wisdom, and We gave them (Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord,) make me highly es-
an immense kingdom. (4:54) teemed among the later peoples.’ (26:84)
When you go out to get the booty, those who re-
mained behind will say, ‘Allow us to follow you,’ EVENING GLOW
desiring to alter Allah’s words. Say: ‘You may not No, I swear by the evening glow, (84:16)
follow us. That is what Allah said before.’ They will
say, ‘It is only because you envy us.’ No indeed! EVERLASTING
How little they have understood! (48:15) They will want to get out of the Fire but they will
not be able to. They will have an everlasting pun-
EQUATING ONE’S WIFE ishment. (5:37)
WITH ONE’S MOTHER (ZIHAR) Their Lord gives them the good news of His mercy
Allah has not allotted to any man two hearts and good pleasure and Gardens where they will
within his breast, nor has He made those of your enjoy everlasting delight, remaining in them time-
wives you equate with your mothers your actual lessly, for ever and ever. Truly there is an immense
mothers, nor has He made your adopted sons reward with Allah. (9:21-22)
your actual sons. These are just words coming Allah has promised the men and women of the
out of your mouths. But Allah speaks the truth hypocrites and disbelievers the Fire of Hell, re-
and He guides to the Way. (33:4) maining in it timelessly, for ever. It will suffice
Those of you who divorce your wives by equat- them. Allah has cursed them. They will have ever-
ing them with your mothers, they are not your lasting punishment. (9:68)
mothers. Your mothers are only those who gave (Nuh said,) ‘You will soon know who will receive a
birth to you. What you are saying is wrong and a punishment which disgraces him and find un-
slanderous lie. But Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Ever- leashed against himself an everlasting punish-
Forgiving. (58:2) ment.’ (11:39)
Those who divorce their wives by equating them But Satan whispered to him, saying, ‘Adam, shall I
with their mothers, and then wish to go back on show you the way to the Tree of Everlasting Life
what they said, must set free a slave before the and to a kingdom which will never fade away?’
two of them may touch one another. This is what (20:120)
you are enjoined to do. Allah is aware of what Say: ‘My people, do as you think best; that is
you do. (58:3) what I am doing. You will soon know who will
receive a punishment which disgraces him and
ESTEEM will unleash against himself an everlasting pun-
When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives ishment.’ (39:39-40)
you good news of a Word from Him. His name is You will see them as they are exposed to it (the
207
punishment), abject in their abasement, glancing ing to relatives. And He forbids indecency and
around them furtively. Those who believe will doing wrong and tyranny. He warns you so that
say, ‘Truly the losers are those who lose them- hopefully you will pay heed. (16:90)
selves and their families on the Day of Rising.’ Whoever acts rightly, it is to his own good.
The wrongdoers are in an everlasting punish- Whoever does evil, it is to his detriment. Your
ment. (42:45) Lord does not wrong His servants. (41:46)
Allah, the Everlasting Sustainer of all. (112:2) Whoever acts rightly, it is to his own good.
Whoever does evil, it is to his detriment. Then
EVIL you will be returned to your Lord. (45:15)
He (Satan) only commands you to do evil and in- (Believers are) those who avoid major wrong ac-
decent acts and to say about Allah what you do tions and indecencies and who, when they are
not know. (2:169) angered, then forgive. (42:37)
What they call on apart from Him are female The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent
idols. What they call on is an arrogant Satan to it. But if someone pardons and puts things
whom Allah has cursed. He said, ‘I will take a right, his reward is with Allah. Certainly He does
certain fixed proportion of Your servants. I will not love wrongdoers. But if people do defend
lead them astray and fill them with false hopes. I themselves when they are wronged, nothing can
will command them and they will cut off cattle’s be held against them for doing that. There are
ears. I will command them and they will change only grounds against those who wrong people
Allah’s creation.’ Anyone who takes Satan as his and act as tyrants in the earth without any right to
protector in place of Allah has clearly lost every- do so. Such people will have a painful punish-
thing. (4:117-119) ment. (42:40-42)
On the Day We gather them all together: Any good thing that happens to you comes from
‘Company of jinn, you gained many followers Allah. Any bad thing that happens to you comes
among mankind.’ And their friends among from yourself. We have sent you to mankind as a
mankind will say, ‘Our Lord, we benefited from Messenger. Allah suffices as a Witness. (4:79)
one another, and now we have reached the term Those who join forces for good will receive a re-
which You determined for us.’ He will say, ‘The ward for it. Those who join forces for evil will be
Fire is your home. You will be in it timelessly, for answerable for it. Allah oversees all things. (4:85)
ever, except as Allah wills. Your Lord is All-Wise, You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
All-Knowing.’ (6:128) of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
You who believe! Do not follow in the footsteps animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
of Satan. Anyone who follows in Satan’s foot- for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
steps should know that he commands indecency pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
and wrongdoing. Were it not for Allah’s favour to is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
you and His mercy, not one of you would ever a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
have been purified. But Allah purifies whoever (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
He wills. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. the limits. Help each other to goodness and
(24:21) heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
(Yusuf said,) ‘I do not say my self was free from ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se-
blame. The self indeed commands to evil vere in retribution. (5:2)
acts–except for those my Lord has mercy on. My But as for those who have earned bad actions–a
Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful.’ (12:53) bad action will be repaid with one the like of it.
We created man and We know what his own self Debasement will darken them. They will have no
whispers to him. We are nearer to him than his one to protect them from Allah. It is as if their
jugular vein. (50:16) faces were covered by dark patches of the night.
Allah commands justice and doing good and giv- Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining
208
in it timelessly, for ever. (10:27) If anyone commits an evil action the responsibil-
Whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see ity for it is his alone. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
it. (99:8) Wise. (4:111)
Those who produce a good action will receive Why do their scholars and rabbis not prohibit
ten like it. But those who produce a bad action them from evil speech and acquiring ill-gotten
will only be repaid with its equivalent and they gains? What an evil thing they invent! (5:63)
will not be wronged. (6:160) In that way We make the Signs plain so that you
Or do those who do bad actions imagine they may clearly see the path of the evildoers. (6:55)
can outstrip Us? How bad their judgement is! If they call you a liar, say: ‘Your Lord possesses
(29:4) boundless mercy, but His violent force cannot be
averted from the people of the evildoers.’ (6:147)
EVIL CONSEQUENCE As for those who deny Our Signs and are arro-
You who believe! Do not kill game while you are gant regarding them, the Gates of Heaven will
in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any not be opened for them, and they will not enter
deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani- the Garden until a camel goes through a needle’s
mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by eye. That is how We repay the evildoers. (7:40)
two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the We rained down a rain upon them. See the final
Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast- fate of the evildoers! (7:84)
ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice,
the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but
pardoned all that took place in the past; but if they proved arrogant and were an evildoing peo-
anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on ple. (7:133)
him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. This was so that He might verify the Truth and
(5:95) nullify the false, even though the evildoers hate
Has the news not reached you of those who dis- that. (8:8)
believed before and tasted the evil consequences (Say,) ‘Do not try to excuse yourselves. You have
of what they did? They will have a painful pun- disbelieved after believing. If one group of you is
ishment. (64:5) pardoned, another group will be punished for
being evildoers.’ (9:66)
EVIL OMEN We destroyed generations before you when they
They (his people) said (to Salih), ‘We see you, did wrong. Their Messengers brought them the
and those with you, as an evil omen.’ He said, Clear Signs, but they were never going to be-
‘No, your evil omen is with Allah; you are merely lieve. That is how We repay evildoers. (10:13)
a people undergoing a trial.’ (27:47) Who could do greater wrong than someone who
They (the inhabitants of the city) said, ‘We see an invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs?
evil omen in you. If you do not stop we will stone Evildoers are certainly not successful. (10:17)
you and you will suffer a painful punishment at Say: ‘What do you think? If His punishment came
our hands.’ (36:18) upon you by night or day, what part of it would
They (messengers) said, ‘Your evil omen is in the evildoers then try to hasten?' (10:50)
yourselves. Is it not just that you have been re- Then after them We sent Musa and Harun with
minded? No, you are an unbridled people!’ Our Signs to Pharaoh and his ruling circle, but
(36:19) they were arrogant and were a people of evildo-
ers. (10:75)
EVILDOING - EVILDOERS Allah confirms the Truth by His words, even
Do not argue on behalf of those who betray though the evildoers hate it. (10:82)
themselves. Allah does not love any evildoing (Hud said,) ‘My people! Ask forgiveness of your
traitors. (4:107) Lord and then repent to Him. He will send
209
heaven down to you in abundant rain, and in- himself to amplify it will receive a terrible pun-
crease you with strength upon strength. Do not ishment. (24:11)
turn away as evildoers.’ (11:52) On the Day they see the angels, there will be no
Would that there had been more people with a good news that Day for the evildoers. They will
vestige of good among the generations of those say, ‘There is an absolute ban.’ (25:22)
who came before you, who forbade corruption In this way We have assigned to every Prophet an
in the earth, other than the few among them enemy from among the evildoers. But your Lord
whom We saved. Those who did wrong gladly is a sufficient guide and helper. (25:31)
pursued the life of luxury that they were given (They will say,) ‘It was only the evildoers who
and were evildoers. (11:116) misguided us.’ (26:99)
Then when the Messengers despaired and That is how We thread it into the hearts of the
thought themselves denied, Our help came to evildoers. (26:200)
them, and those We willed were saved. Our vio- Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see the final fate
lent force cannot be averted from people who of the evildoers.’ (27:69)
are evildoers. (12:110) He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, because of Your bless-
That Day you will see the evildoers yoked to- ing to me, I will never be a supporter of evildo-
gether in chains, (14:49) ers.’ (28:17)
In that way We insert it (mockery) into the evil- He (Qarun) said, ‘I have only been given it be-
doers’ hearts. (15:12) cause of knowledge I have.’ Did he not know
They (messengers) said, ‘We have been sent to a that before him Allah had destroyed generations
people who are evildoers.’ (15:58) with far greater strength than his and far more
As for those the angels take in death while they possessions? The evildoers will not be ques-
are wronging themselves, they will offer their tioned about their sins. (28:78)
submission: ‘We did not do any evil.’ Oh yes you On the Day the Hour arrives the evildoers will be
did! Allah knows what you were doing. (16:28) in despair. (30:12)
The Book will be set in place and you will see the Before you We sent other Messengers to their
evildoers fearful of what is in it. They will say, people, and they too brought them the Clear
‘Alas for us! What is this Book which does not Signs. We took revenge on those who did evil;
pass over any action, small or great, without and it is Our duty to help the believers. (30:47)
recording it?’ They will find there everything they On the Day the Last Hour arrives, the evildoers
did and your Lord will not wrong anyone at all. will swear they have not even tarried for an hour.
(18:49) That is the extent to which they are deceived.
The evildoers will see the Fire and realise they (30:55)
are going to fall into it and find no way of escap- If only you could see the evildoers hanging their
ing from it. (18:53) heads in shame before their Lord: ‘Our Lord, we
But We will drive the evildoers to Hell, like cattle have seen and we have heard, so send us back
to a watering hole. (19:86) again and we will act rightly. Truly we now have
As for those who come to their Lord as evildoers, certainty.’ (32:12)
they will have Hell where they will neither die Who could do greater wrong than someone who
nor stay alive. (20:74) is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then
On the Day the Trumpet is blown–and We will turns away from them? We will take revenge on
gather the evildoers sightless on that Day. the evildoers. (32:22)
(20:102) Say: ‘You will not be asked about any evil we
There is a group of you who propagated the lie. committed and we will not be asked about what
Do not suppose it to be bad for you; rather it is you did.’ (34:25)
good for you. Every one of them will incur the Those deemed great will say to those deemed
evil he has earned and the one who took it on weak, ‘Did we debar you from the guidance
210
when it came to you? No, it is you who were EXCESS
evildoers.’ (34:32) He has only forbidden you carrion, blood and
‘Keep yourselves apart today, you evildoers!’ pork and what has been consecrated to other
(36:59) than Allah. But anyone who is forced to eat
That is how We deal with evildoers. (37:34) it–without desiring it or going to excess in
The evildoers will remain timelessly, for ever, in it–commits no crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
the punishment of Hell. (43:74) Most Merciful. (2:173)
He (Musa) called out to his Lord, ‘These are evil- All they said was, ‘Our Lord, forgive us our
doing people.’ (44:22) wrong actions and any excesses we went to in
Are they better or the people of Tubba‘ and those what we did and make our feet firm and help us
before them whom We destroyed? They were against these disbelieving people.’ (3:147)
certainly evildoers. (44:37) People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your
But as for those who disbelieved: ‘Were My Signs religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah.
not recited to you and yet you proved arrogant; The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the
you were a people of evildoers?’ (45:31) Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast
... a wind containing painful punishment, de- into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe
stroying everything at its Lord’s command! When in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’
morning came you could see nothing but their It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God.
dwellings. That is how We repay the people of He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in
the evildoers. (46:24-25) the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him.
They said, ‘We have been sent to a people of Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:171)
evildoers, ’ (51:32) Say: ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to
The evildoers are indeed misguided and insane. me, any food it is forbidden to eat except for car-
(54:47) rion, flowing blood, and pork–for that is un-
The evildoers will be recognised by their mark clean–or some deviance consecrated to other
and seized by their forelocks and their feet. than Allah. But if anyone is forced to eat it, with-
(55:41) out desiring to or going to excess in it, your Lord
This is Hell which the evildoers deny. (55:43) is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (6:145)
Would We make the Muslims the same as the They allot to Allah what they themselves dislike
evildoers? (68:35) and their tongues frame the lie that they will re-
(On the Day) no good friend will ask about his ceive the Best. There is no doubt at all that they
friend even though they can see each other. An will receive the Fire and that they are people
evildoer will wish he could ransom himself from who go to excess. (16:62)
the punishment of that Day, by means of his sons, He has forbidden you carrion, blood and pork
or his wife or his brother or his family who shel- and anything consecrated to other than Allah.
tered him or everyone else on earth, if that only But if someone is forced to eat it, without desir-
meant that he could save himself. (70:10-14) ing to or going to excess in it, your Lord is Ever-
In Gardens they (believers) will ask the evildoers: Forgiving, Most Merciful. (16:115)
‘What caused you to enter Saqar?’ (74:40-42) Do not kill any person Allah has made inviolate,
Therefore wait patiently for the judgement of your except with the right to do so. If someone is
Lord. Do not obey any evildoer or thankless man wrongly killed We have given authority to his next
among them. (76:24) of kin. But he should not be excessive in taking
That is how We deal with evildoers. (77:18) life. He will be helped. (17:33)
‘Eat and enjoy yourselves for a little while. You are Eat of the good things We have provided for you
evildoers.’ (77:46) but do not go to excess in it or My anger will be
Those who did evil used to laugh at those who be- unleashed on you. Anyone who has My anger un-
lieved. (83:29) leashed on him has plunged to his ruin. (20:81)
211
EXCESSIVENESS If Allah returns you to a group of them, and they
But Allah is mocking them, and drawing them ask you for permission to go out, say, ‘You will
on, as they wander blindly in their excessive in- never go out with me, nor will you ever fight an
solence. (2:15) enemy with me. You were happy to stay behind
He has only forbidden you carrion, blood and the first time, so stay behind with those who are
pork and what has been consecrated to other left behind.’ (9:83)
than Allah. But anyone who is forced to eat The desert arabs came with their excuses asking
it–without desiring it or going to excess in for permission to stay, and those who lied to Allah
it–commits no crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, and His Messenger stayed behind. A painful pun-
Most Merciful. (2:173) ishment will afflict those among them who disbe-
People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your lieve. (9:90)
religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah. Nothing is held against the weak and sick nor
The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the against those who find nothing to spend, provided
Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast they are true to Allah and His Messenger–there is
into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe no way open against good-doers, Allah is Ever-
in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’ Forgiving, Most Merciful–nor is anything held
It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God. against those who, when they came to you for you
He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in to provide them with mounts and you said, ‘I can-
the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him. not find anything on which to mount you,’ turned
Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:171) away with their eyes overflowing with tears, over-
If Allah were to hasten evil for people the way come by grief at having nothing to give. (9:91-92)
they try to hasten good, their term would already There are only grounds against those who ask you
have been completed for them. We abandon for permission to stay when they are rich. They
those who do not expect to meet Us to wander were pleased to be among those who were left be-
blindly in their excessive insolence. (10:11) hind. Allah has sealed up their hearts so they do
If We did have mercy on them and removed the not know. (9:93)
harm afflicting them, they would still obstinately But others have acknowledged their wrong ac-
persist in wandering blindly in their excessive in- tions and mixed a right action with another which
solence. (23:75) is wrong. It may well be that Allah will turn to-
wards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
EXPEDITION TO TABUK Merciful. (9:102)
You who believe! What is the matter with you Allah has turned towards the Prophet, and the
that when you are told, ‘Go out and fight in the Migrants (Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar),
way of Allah,’ you sink down heavily to the those who followed him at the ‘time of difficulty’,
earth? Are you happier with this world than the after the hearts of a group of them had almost de-
hereafter? Yet the enjoyment of this world is very viated. Then He turned towards them–He is All-
small compared to that of the hereafter. (9:38) Gentle, Most Merciful to them–and also towards
If you do not go out to fight, He will punish you the three who were left behind, so that when the
with a painful punishment and substitute another earth became narrow for them, for all its great
people in your place. You will not harm Him in breadth, and their own selves became constricted
any way. Allah has power over all things. (9:39) for them and they realised that there was no refuge
Those who were left behind were glad to stay be- from Allah except in Him, He turned to them so
hind the Messenger of Allah. They did not want that they might turn to Him. Allah is the Ever-
to strive with their wealth and themselves in the Returning, the Most Merciful. (9:117-118)
Way of Allah. They said, ‘Do not go out to fight
in the heat.’ Say: ‘The Fire of Hell is much hotter, EXPELLING
if they only understood.’ (9:81) When those who disbelieve were plotting against
212
you to imprison you or kill you or expel you: they Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast-
were plotting and Allah was plotting, but Allah is ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste
the Best of Plotters. (8:30) the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has
Those who were expelled from their homes with- pardoned all that took place in the past; but if
out any right, merely for saying, ‘Our Lord is anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on
Allah’ (if Allah had not driven some people back him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge.
by means of others, monasteries, churches, syna- (5:95)
gogues and mosques, where Allah’s name is
mentioned much, would have been pulled down EXPIATION FOR BREAKING OATHS
and destroyed. Allah will certainly help those Allah does not take you to task for your inadver-
who help Him–Allah is All-Strong, Almighty), tent oaths, but He will take you to task for oaths
(22:40) you make intentionally. The expiation in that
It is He Who expelled those who disbelieved case is to feed ten poor people with the average
among the People of the Book from their homes amount you feed your family, or clothe them, or
to the first gathering-place. You did not think that free a slave. Anyone without the means to do so
they would leave and they thought that their should fast three days. That is the expiation for
fortresses would protect them from Allah. Then breaking oaths when you have sworn them. Keep
Allah came upon them from where they least ex- your oaths. In this way Allah makes His Signs
pected it and cast terror into their hearts. Their clear to you, so that hopefully you will be thank-
houses were pulled down by their own hands ful. (5:89)
and by the hands of the believers. People of in-
sight, take note! (59:2) EXTRAVAGANCE
Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a
EXPIATION marriageable age, then if you perceive that they
We prescribed for them in it: a life for a life, an have sound judgement hand over their property
eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and
ear, a tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for precipitately before they come of age. Those
wounds. But if anyone forgoes that as a charity, it who are wealthy should abstain from it alto-
will act as expiation for him. Those who do not gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly
judge by what Allah has sent down, such people and correctly. When you hand over their prop-
are wrongdoers. (5:45) erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on
Allah does not take you to task for your inadver- their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6)
tent oaths, but He will take you to task for oaths Give your relatives their due, and the very poor
you make intentionally. The expiation in that and travellers but do not squander what you
case is to feed ten poor people with the average have. Squanderers are brothers to the Satans, and
amount you feed your family, or clothe them, or Satan was ungrateful to his Lord. (17:26-27)
free a slave. Anyone without the means to do so (Believers are) those who, when they spend, are
should fast three days. That is the expiation for neither extravagant nor mean, but take a stance
breaking oaths when you have sworn them. Keep mid way between the two; (25:67)
your oaths. In this way Allah makes His Signs
clear to you, so that hopefully you will be thank- EXULTATION
ful. (5:89) Those who exult in what they have done and
You who believe! Do not kill game while you are love to be praised for what they have not done
in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any should not suppose that they have escaped the
deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani- punishment. They will have a painful punish-
mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by ment. (3:188)
two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the When they forgot what they had been reminded
213
of, We opened up for them the doors to every- is instruction in that for people of insight. (3:13)
thing, until, when they were exulting in what You were longing for death before you met it.
they had been given, We suddenly seized them Now you have seen it with your own eyes.
and at once they were in despair. (6:44) (3:143)
The people of the city came, exulting at the The People of the Book will ask you to bring
news. (15:67) down a Book from heaven to them. They asked
But they disagreed and split up, dividing into Musa for even more than that. They said, ‘Let us
sects, each party exulting in what it had. (23:53) see Allah with our own eyes.’ So the lightning-
(Idolaters are) those who split up their religion, bolt struck them down for their wrongdoing.
and form into sects, each faction exulting in what Then they adopted the Calf after the Clear Signs
they have. (30:32) had come to them, but We pardoned them for
(The deniers will be told,) ‘That is because you that and gave Musa clear authority. (4:153)
exulted on the earth, without any right to do so; We prescribed for them in it: a life for a life, an
and strutted about.’ (40:75) eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an
When their Messengers brought them the Clear ear, a tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for
Signs, they exulted in the knowledge they had wounds. But if anyone forgoes that as a charity, it
and then were engulfed by the very things they will act as expiation for him. Those who do not
mocked. (40:83) judge by what Allah has sent down, such people
But if they turn away, We have not sent you to be are wrongdoers. (5:45)
their guardian. You are only responsible for trans- When they listen to what has been sent down to
mission. When We let a man taste mercy from Us the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing
he exults in it. But if something bad strikes him with tears because of what they recognise of the
for what he has done he is ungrateful. (42:48) truth. They say, ‘Our Lord, we believe! So write
That is so that you will not be grieved about the us down among the witnesses.’ (5:83)
things that pass you by or exult about the things Eyesight cannot perceive Him but He perceives
that come to you. Allah does not love any vain or eyesight. He is the All-Penetrating, the All-
boastful man. (57:23) Aware. (6:103)
Even if We sent down angels to them, and the
EYE dead spoke to them, and We gathered together
Allah has sealed up their hearts and hearing and everything in front of them right before their
over their eyes is a blindfold. They will have a eyes, they would still not believe unless Allah
terrible punishment. (2:7) willed. The truth is that most of them are igno-
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not believe rant. (6:111)
in you until we see Allah with our own eyes.’ So As for those who deny Our Signs and are arro-
the thunder-bolt struck you dead while you were gant regarding them, the Gates of Heaven will
looking. (2:55) not be opened for them, and they will not enter
You who believe! Give away some of the good the Garden until a camel goes through a needle’s
things you have earned and some of what the eye. That is how We repay the evildoers. (7:40)
earth produces for you. Do not have recourse to When they turn their eyes towards the
bad things when you give, things you would only Companions of the Fire, they will say, ‘Our Lord,
take with your eyes tight shut! Know that Allah is do not place us with the people of the wrongdo-
Rich Beyond Need, Praiseworthy. (2:267) ers!’ (7:47)
There was a sign for you in the two parties which He (Musa) said (to the magicians), ‘You throw.’
met face to face, one party fighting in the Way of And when they threw, they cast a spell on the
Allah and the other disbelievers. You saw them people's eyes and caused them to feel great fear
as twice their number with your own eyes. Allah of them. They produced an extremely powerful
reinforces with His help whoever He wills. There magic. (7:116)
214
We created many of the jinn and mankind for under your wing. (15:88)
Hell. They have hearts they do not understand The Unseen of the heavens and earth belongs to
with. They have eyes they do not see with. They Allah. The matter of the Hour is only the blink of
have ears they do not hear with. Such people are an eye away, or even nearer. Allah has power
like cattle. No, they are even further astray! They over all things. (16:77)
are the unaware. (7:179) Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on
Do they have legs they can walk with? Do they their Lord morning and evening, desiring His
have hands they can grasp with? Do they have face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring
eyes they can see with? Do they have ears they the attractions of this world. And do not obey
can hear with? Say: ‘Call on your partner-gods someone whose heart We have made neglectful
and try all your wiles against me and grant me no of Our remembrance and who follows his own
reprieve.’ (7:195) When guidance came to the people nothing pre-
Remember when Allah made you see them as vented them from believing and asking for for-
few when you met them, and also made you giveness from their Lord but the fact that the
seem few in their eyes. This was so that Allah pattern of previous peoples did not happen to
could settle a matter whose result was preor- them or that the punishment did not appear be-
dained. All matters return to Allah. (8:44) fore their eyes. (18:55)
Nor is anything held against those who, when That Day We will display Hell in its totality to the
they came to you for you to provide them with disbelievers, those whose eyes were blind to My
mounts and you said, ‘I cannot find anything on remembrance and whose ears were unable to
which to mount you,’ turned away with their hear. (18:100-101)
eyes overflowing with tears, overcome by grief at (A voice called out to Maryam,) ‘Eat and drink
having nothing to give. (9:92) and delight your eyes. If you should see anyone
(Nuh said to his people,) ‘I do not say to you that at all, just say, "I have made a vow of abstinence
I possess the treasuries of Allah; nor do I know to the All-Merciful and today I will not speak to
the Unseen; nor do I say that I am an angel; nor any human being."’ (19:26)
do I say to those who are vile in your eyes that (Allah said to Musa,) ‘When your sister went and
Allah will not give them any good. Allah knows said, "Shall I direct you to someone who will take
best what is in their hearts. If I did, I would cer- care of him?" that was how We returned you to
tainly be one of the wrongdoers.’ (11:31) your mother so that she might delight her eyes
He (Ya'qub) turned himself away from them and and not be grieved. You killed a man and We res-
said, ‘What anguish is my sorrow for Yusuf!’ And cued you from trouble and tested you with many
then his eyes turned white from hidden grief. trials. You stayed some years among the people
(12:84) of Madyan. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained
Do not consider Allah to be unaware of what the time, Musa!’ (20:40)
wrongdoers perpetrate. He is merely deferring Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We
them to a Day on which their sight will be trans- have given certain of them to enjoy, the flower of
fixed, rushing headlong–heads back, eyes va- the life of this world, so that We can test them by
cant, hearts hollow. (14:42-43) it. Your Lord’s provision is better and longer last-
Even if We opened up to them a door into ing. (20:131)
heaven, and they spent the day ascending Their hearts are distracted. Those who do wrong
through it, they would only say, ‘Our eyesight is confer together secretly, saying, ‘Is this man any-
befuddled! Or rather we have been put under a thing but a human being like yourselves? Do you
spell!’ (15:14-15) succumb to magic with your eyes wide open?’
Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We (21:3)
have given certain of them to enjoy. Do not feel They said, ‘Bring him before the people’s eyes so
sad concerning them. And take the believers they can be witnesses.’ (21:61)
215
And (when) the True Promise is very close, the worthy thoughts about Allah. (33:10)
eyes of those who disbelieved will be transfixed: Allah knows the obstructers among you and
‘Alas for us! We were unmindful of this! No, those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and
rather we were definitely wrongdoers.’ (21:97) who only come to fight a very little, and are be-
Have they not travelled about the earth and do grudging towards you. Then when fear comes,
they not have hearts to understand with or ears to you see them looking at you, their eyes rolling
hear with? It is not their eyes which are blind but like people scared to death. But when fear de-
the hearts in their breasts which are blind. parts they flay you with sharp tongues, grasping
(22:46) for wealth. Such people have no faith and Allah
Say to the believers that they should lower their will make their actions come to nothing. That is
eyes and guard their chastity. That is purer for easy for Allah. (33:18-19)
them. Allah is aware of what they do. (24:30) If We wished, We could put out their eyes. Then,
Say to the believing women that they should though they might race for the path, how would
lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not they see? (36:66)
display their adornments–except for what nor- There will be but one Great Blast and then their
mally shows–and draw their head-coverings eyes will open. (37:19)
across their breasts. They should only display There will be dark-eyed maidens with them, with
their adornments to their husbands or their fa- eyes reserved for them alone. (37:48)
thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or They (the profligate) will say, ‘How is it that we
their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their do not see some men whom we used to count
brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their among the worst of people? Did we turn them
women or those they own as slaves or their male into figures of fun? Did our eyes disdain to look
attendants who have no sexual desire or children at them?’ (38:62-63)
who still have no awareness of women’s private He knows the eyes’ deceit and what people’s
parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that breasts conceal. (40:19)
their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah If someone shuts his eyes to the remembrance of
every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you the All-Merciful, We assign him a Satan who be-
will have success. (24:31) comes his bosom friend. (43:36)
... there are men who proclaim His glory morn- Platters and cups of gold will be passed around
ing and evening, not distracted by trade or com- among them and they will have there all that
merce from the remembrance of Allah and the their hearts desire and their eyes find delight in.
performance of prayer and the giving of the alms; You will remain in it timelessly, for ever. (43:71)
fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in Have you seen him who takes his whims and de-
turmoil. (24:36-37) sires to be his god–whom Allah has misguided
And when Lut he said to his people: ‘Do you ap- knowingly, sealing up his hearing and his heart
proach depravity with open eyes? (27:54) and placing a blindfold over his eyes? Who then
She said to his sister, ‘Go after him.’ And she kept will guide him after Allah? So will you not pay
an eye on him from afar and they were not heed? (45:23)
aware. (28:11) Such are the people Allah has cursed, making
That is how We returned him to his mother so them deaf and blinding their eyes. (47:23)
that she might delight her eyes and feel no grief So wait steadfastly for the judgement of your
and so that she would know that Allah’s promise Lord–you are certainly before Our eyes. And glo-
is true. But most of them do not know this. rify and praise your Lord when you get up.
(28:13) (52:48)
When they came at you from above you and His eye did not waver nor did he look away.
below you, when your eyes rolled and your (53:17)
hearts rose to your throats, and you thought un- They will emerge from their graves with down-
216
cast eyes, like swarming locusts, necks out-
stretched, eyes transfixed, rushing headlong to
the Summoner. The disbelievers will say, ‘This is
a pitiless day!’ (54:7-8)
They even wanted to seduce his guests! So We
put out their eyes: ‘Taste My punishment and
warnings!’ (54:37)
Our command is only one word, like the blink-
ing of an eye. (54:50)
Their eyes will be downcast, darkened by de-
basement; for they were called on to prostrate
when they were in full possession of their facul-
ties. (68:43)
The Day they will emerge swiftly from their
graves as if rushing to rally to the flag, eyes
downcast, darkened by debasement, that will be
the Day which they were promised. (70:43-44)
But when the eyesight is dazzled, (75:7)
And (on that Day) eyes will be cast down. (79:9)
Have We not given him two eyes? (90:8)

217
F into sectsuntil after the Clear Sign came to them.
(98:4)
FACTION
Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land FAINTING
and divided its people into camps, oppressing Those who believe say, ‘If only a sura could be
one group of them by slaughtering their sons and sent down.’ But when a straightforward sura is
letting their women live. He was one of the cor- sent down and fighting is mentioned in it, you
rupters. (28:4) see those with sickness in their hearts looking at
(Idolaters are) those who split up their religion, you with the look of someone about to faint from
and form into sects, each faction exulting in what fear of death. More fitting for them would be
they have. (30:32) obedience and honourable words. Once the
Even a whole army of Confederates will be matter is resolved upon, being true to Allah
routed there! (38:11) would be better for them. (47:20-21)
And Thamud and the people of Lut and the
Companions of the Thicket.Those too were FAITHFUL
Confederates. (38:13) He (Hud) said, ‘My people, I am by no means a
The people of Nuh denied the truth before them, fool, but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of
and the Confederates after them. Every nation all the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s Message to
planned to seize its Messenger and used false ar- you, and I am a faithful counsellor to you.’ (7:67-
guments to rebut the truth. So I seized them, and 68)
how was My retribution! (40:5) (Nuh said,) ‘I am a faithful Messenger to you.’
The man who believed said, ‘My people! I fear (26:107)
for you a day like that of the Confederates. (Hud said,) ‘I am a faithful Messenger to you.’
(40:30) (26:125)
The various factions among them differed. Woe (Salih said,) ‘I am a faithful Messenger to you.’
then to those who did wrong on account of the (26:143)
punishment of a painful Day! (43:65) (Lut said,) ‘I am a faithful Messenger to you.’
Satan has gained mastery over them and made (26:162)
them forget the remembrance of Allah. Such (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘I am a faithful Messenger to you.’
people are the party of Satan. No indeed! It is the (26:178)
party of Satan who are the losers. (58:19) The Faithful Spirit brought it (the Qur’an) down
You will not find people who believe in Allah to your heart so you would be one of the Warners
and the Last Day having love for anyone who op- in a clear Arabic tongue. (26:193-195)
poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be
their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their FALSE GODS
clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo- There is no compulsion where the religion is
ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit concerned. Right guidance has become clearly
from Him and admit them into Gardens with distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false
rivers flowing under them, remaining in them gods and believes in Allah has grasped the
timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them Firmest Handhold, which will never give way.
and they are pleased with Him. Such people are Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (2:256)
the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He
who are successful. (58:22) brings them out of the darkness into the light. But
We have no idea whether evil is intended for those who disbelieve have false gods as protec-
those on the earth, or whether their Lord intends tors. They take them from the light into the dark-
them to be rightly guided. (72:11) ness. Those are the Companions of the Fire
Those who were given the Book did not divide remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (2:257)
218
Do you not see those who were given a portion you?’ They will reply, ‘Indeed you were. But you
of the Book believing in idols and false gods and made trouble for yourselves and hung back and
saying of those who disbelieve, ‘These people doubted and false hopes deluded you until
are better guided on their path than the believ- Allah’s command arrived. The Deluder deluded
ers’? (4:51) you about Allah.’ (57:14)
Those who believe fight in the Way of Allah.
Those who disbelieve fight in the way of false FALSE PROPHETS
gods. So fight the friends of Satan! Satan’s schem- Who could do greater wrong than someone who
ing is always feeble. (4:76) invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs, or
Say: ‘Shall I tell you of a reward with Allah far who says, ‘It has been revealed to me,’ when
worse than that: that of those whom Allah has nothing has been revealed to him, or someone
cursed and with whom He is angry–turning some who says, ‘I will send down the same as Allah
of them into monkeys and into pigs–and who has sent down’? If you could only see the wrong-
worshipped false gods? Such people are in a doers in the throes of death when the angels are
worse situation and further from the right way.’ stretching out their hands, saying, ‘Disgorge your
(5:60) own selves! Today you will be repaid with the
We sent a Messenger among every people say- punishment of humiliation for saying something
ing: ‘Worship Allah and keep clear of all false other than the truth about Allah, and being arro-
gods.’ Among them were some whom Allah gant about His Signs.’ (6:93)
guided but others received the misguidance they
deserved. Travel about the earth and see the final FALSEHOOD
fate of the deniers. (16:36) Do not mix up truth with falsehood and know-
Those who shun the worship of false gods and ingly hide the truth. (2:42)
turn towards Allah will have good news. So give People of the Book! Why do you mix truth with
good news to My servants. (39:17) falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth?
(3:71)
FALSE HOPES They say, ‘These animals and crops are sacro-
They say, ‘No one will enter the Garden except sanct. No one may eat them except those we
for Jews and Christians.’ Such is their vain hope. wish’,–as they allege–and animals on whose
Say, ‘Produce your evidence if you are telling the backs it is forbidden to ride, and animals over
truth.’ (2:111) which they do not mention Allah’s name, invent-
(Satan said,) ‘I will lead them astray and fill them ing falsehood against Him. He will repay them
with false hopes. I will command them and they for the things they have invented. (6:138)
will cut off cattle’s ears. I will command them As for those who adopted the Calf, anger from
and they will change Allah’s creation.’ Anyone their Lord will overtake them together with
who takes Satan as his protector in place of Allah abasement in the life of this world. That is how
has clearly lost everything. (4:119) we repay the purveyors of falsehood. (7:152)
He makes promises to them and fills them with Or lest you say, ‘Our forefathers associated oth-
false hopes. But what Satan promises them is ers with Allah before our time, and we are
nothing but delusion. (4:120) merely descendants coming after them. So are
Leave them to eat and enjoy themselves. Let false You going to destroy us for what those purveyors
hope divert them. They will soon know. (15:3) of falsehood did?’ (7:173)
Those who have turned back in their tracks after This was so that He might verify the Truth and
the guidance became clear to them, it was Satan nullify the false, even though the evildoers hate
who talked them into it and filled them with false that. (8:8)
hopes. (47:25) He sends down water from the sky and river-beds
They will call out to them, ‘Were we not with fill up and flow according to their size, and the
219
floodwater carries with it an increasing layer of dispossessed? So why do they believe in false-
scum; a similar kind of scum comes from what hood and reject the blessing of Allah? (29:67)
you heat up in the fire, when you desire to make We have made all kinds of examples for people
jewellery or other things. That is how Allah de- in this Qur’an. If you bring them a Sign those
picts the true and the false. As for the scum, it is who disbelieve will say, ‘You are just purveyors
quickly swept away. But as for that which is of of falsehood!’ (30:58)
use to people, it remains behind in the ground. That is because Allah–He is the Truth, and what
That is a metaphor which Allah has made. you call upon besides Him is falsehood. Allah is
(13:17) the All-High, the Most Great. (31:30)
Allah has given you wives from among your- Say: ‘The Truth has come. Falsehood cannot orig-
selves, and given you children and grandchil- inate or regenerate.’ (34:49)
dren from your wives, and provided good things Is it falsehood–gods besides Allah–that you de-
for you. So why do they believe in falsehood and sire? (37:86)
reject the blessings of Allah, and worship, in- The people of Nuh denied the truth before them,
stead of Allah, things that have no control over and the Confederates after them. Every nation
their provision from the heavens or earth in any planned to seize its Messenger and used false ar-
way, and are themselves completely impotent? guments to rebut the truth. So I seized them, and
(16:72-73) how was My retribution! (40:5)
Say: ‘Truth has come and falsehood has van- Falsehood cannot reach it (the Qur’an) from be-
ished. Falsehood is always bound to vanish.’ fore it or behind it–it is a revelation from One
(17:81) Who is All-Wise, Praiseworthy. (41:42)
We only send the Messengers to bring good news Or do they ask, ‘Has he invented a lie about
and to give warning. Those who disbelieve use Allah?’ If Allah willed, He could seal up your
fallacious arguments to deny the truth. They heart. By His Words Allah wipes out the false and
make a mockery of My Signs and also of the confirms the truth. He knows what the heart con-
warning they were given. (18:56) tains. (42:24)
Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it Those who disbelieve say of those who believe,
cuts right through it and it vanishes clean away! ‘If there was any good in it, they would not have
Woe without end for you for what you portray! beaten us to it.’ And since they have not been
(21:18) guided by it, they are bound to say, ‘This is an an-
That is because Allah is the Real and what you tiquated falsehood.’ (46:11)
call on apart from Him is false. Allah is the All- That is because those who disbelieve follow
High, the Most Great. (22:62) falsehood whereas those who believe follow the
Those who disbelieve say, ‘This is nothing but a truth from their Lord. In that way Allah makes
lie he has invented and other people have helped comparisons for mankind. (47:3)
him to do it. They have brought injustice and Do you not see those who have turned to people
falsehood.’ (25:4) with whom Allah is angry? They belong neither
You never recited any Book before it nor did you to you nor to them. And they swear to falsehood
write one down with your right hand. If you had, and do so knowingly. (58:14)
the purveyors of falsehood would have voiced
their doubts. (29:48) FAMILY
Say: ‘Allah is a sufficient witness between me Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for
and you.’ He knows everything in the heavens Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what-
and the earth. Those who believe in falsehood ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
and reject Allah, they are the losers. (29:52) heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the
Do they not see that We have established a safe place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a
haven while people all round them are violently head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or
220
sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And clear to you, so that hopefully you will be thank-
if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of ful. (5:89)
a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make So We rescued him and his family–except for his
whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who wife. She was one of those who stayed behind.
cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage (7:83)
and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is So when Our command came, and water bub-
for anyone whose family does not live near the bled up from the earth, We said, ‘Load into it a
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of pair of every species, and your family–except for
Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution. those against whom the Word was preor-
(2:196) dained–and all who believe.’ But those who be-
Their Prophet said to them, ‘The sign of his king- lieved with him were only few. (11:40)
ship is that the Ark will come to you, containing Nuh called out to his Lord and said, ‘My Lord,
serenity from your Lord and certain relics left by my son is one of my family and Your promise is
the families of Musa and Harun. It will be borne surely the truth and You are the Justest of Judges.’
by angels. There is a sign for you in that if you are (11:45)
believers.’ (2:248) He said, ‘Nuh, he is definitely not of your family.
Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of He is someone whose action was not righteous.
Ibrahim and the family of ‘Imran over all other Do not, therefore, ask Me for something about
beings. (3:33) which you have no knowledge. I admonish you
Remember when you left your family early in the lest you should be among the ignorant.’ (11:46)
day to instal the believers in their battle stations. They said, ‘Lut, we are messengers from your
Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (3:121) Lord. They will not be able to get at you. Set out
Or do they in fact envy other people for the with your family–except for your wife–in the
bounty Allah has granted them? We gave the middle of the night and none of you should look
family of Ibrahim the Book and Wisdom, and We back. What strikes them will strike her as well.
gave them an immense kingdom. (4:54) Their promised appointment is the morning. Is
A believer should never kill another believer un- the morning not close at hand?’ (11:81)
less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer (Yusuf's father said,) ‘Accordingly your Lord will
by mistake should free a believing slave and pay pick you out and teach you the true meaning of
blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as events and perfectly fulfil His blessing on you as
a charity. If he is from a people who are your en- well as on the family of Ya‘qub as He fulfilled it
emies and is a believer, you should free a believ- perfectly before upon your forebears, Ibrahim
ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty and Ishaq. Most certainly your Lord is Knowing,
with, blood money should be paid to his family Wise.’ (12:6)
and you should free a believing slave. Anyone They raced to the door. She tore his (Yusuf's) shirt
who cannot find the means should fast two con- at the back. They met her husband by the door.
secutive months. This is a concession from Allah. She said, ‘How should a man whose intention
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92) was to harm your family be punished for what he
Allah does not take you to task for your inadver- did except with prison or painful punishment?’
tent oaths, but He will take you to task for oaths (12:25)
you make intentionally. The expiation in that He (Yusuf) told his serving men, ‘Put back their
case is to feed ten poor people with the average goods into their saddlebags for them to find
amount you feed your family, or clothe them, or when they arrive back to their families so that
free a slave. Anyone without the means to do so perhaps they will return again.’ (12:62)
should fast three days. That is the expiation for Then when they opened up their saddlebags and
breaking oaths when you have sworn them. Keep found their merchandise returned to them, they
your oaths. In this way Allah makes His Signs said, ‘Our father! What more could we ask! Here
221
is our merchandise returned to us. We can pro- We revealed to him (Nuh): ‘Build the Ship under
vide our families with food, and guard our Our supervision and as We reveal. When Our
brother and get an extra load. That is an easy command comes and water bubbles up from the
measure to obtain.’ (12:65) earth, load into it a pair of every species, and
So when they came into his presence, they said, your family–except for those among them against
‘Your Eminence! Hardship has hit us and our whom the word has already gone ahead. And do
families. We bring scant merchandise, but fill the not address Me concerning those who do wrong.
measure for us generously. Allah always rewards They shall be drowned.’ (23:27)
a generous giver.’ (12:88) Then when the Trumpet is blown, that Day there
(Yusuf said,) ‘Go with this shirt of mine and cast it will be no family ties between them; they will not
on my father’s face and he will see again. Then be able to question one another. (23:101)
come to me with all your families.’ (12:93) (Lut said,) ‘My Lord, rescue me and my family
They (the Messengers) said, ‘We have been sent from what they are doing.’ (26:169)
to a people who are evildoers–with the excep- Therefore We rescued him (Lut) and all his fam-
tion of the family of Lut, all of whom We will ily. (26:170)
save, except for his wife. We have decreed her to When Musa said to his people, ‘I can make out a
be one of those who stay behind.’ (15:58-60) fire. I will bring you news from it or at least a
When the Messengers came to the family of Lut, burning brand so that hopefully you will be able
he said, ‘You are people we do not know.’ to warm yourselves.’ (27:7)
(15:61-62) There was a group of nine men in the city caus-
(The Messengers said,) ‘Travel with your family in ing corruption in the land and not putting things
the dead of night, following behind with them in right. They said, ‘Let us make an oath to one an-
front of you. None of you must look back. Go other by Allah that we will fall on him and his
where you are ordered to.’ (15:65) family in the night and then say to his protector,
(Zakariyya called on his Lord and said,) ‘I fear my "We did not witness the destruction of his family
relatives when I am gone and my wife is barren, and we are telling the truth."’ (27:48-49)
so give me an heir from You to be my inheritor The only response of his people was to say:
and the inheritor of the family of Ya‘qub, and ‘Drive the the family of Lut out of your city! They
make him, my Lord, pleasing to You.’ (19:5-6) are people who keep themselves pure!’ (27:56)
When he (Musa) saw a fire and said to his family, So We rescued him (Lut) and his family–except
‘Wait here. I can make out a fire. Maybe I will for his wife. We ordained her to be one of those
bring you a brand from it, or will find guidance who stayed behind. (27:57)
there.’ (20:10) The family of Pharaoh picked him up so that he
(Musa said, ‘O Lord,) Assign me a helper from might be an enemy and a source of grief to them.
my family,’ (20:29) Certainly Pharaoh and Haman and their troops
Instruct your family to perform prayer, and be were in the wrong. (28:8)
constant in it. We do not ask you for provision. When Musa had fulfilled the appointed term and
We provide for you. And the outcome rests on had set off with his family, he noticed a fire from
doing your duty. (20:132) one side of the Mount. He said to his family, ‘Stay
And Nuh, when he called out before and We re- here, I can see a fire. Hopefully I will bring you
sponded to him and rescued him and his family back some news from it or a burning branch from
from the terrible plight. (21:76) the fire so that you will be able to warm your-
We responded to him (Ayyub) and removed from selves.’ (28:29)
him the harm which was afflicting him and re- He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Lut is in it.’ They (the
stored his family to him, and the same again with Messengers) said, ‘We know very well who is in
them, as a mercy direct from Us and a Reminder it. We are going to rescue him and his family–ex-
to all worshippers. (21:84) cept for his wife. She will be one of those who
222
stay behind.’ (29:32) prayer, but rather denied the truth and turned
When Our Messengers came to Lut, he was dis- away. And then went off to his family, swagger-
tressed on their account, feeling incapable of ing. (75:31-33)
protecting them. They said, ‘Do not fear and do As for him who is given his Book in his right
not grieve. We are going to rescue you and your hand, he will be given an easy reckoning and re-
family–except for your wife; she will be one of turn to his family joyfully. (84:7-9)
those who stay behind.’ (29:33) But as for him who is given his Book behind his
They made for him (Sulayman) anything he back, he will cry out for destruction but will be
wished: high arches and statues, huge dishes like roasted in a Searing Blaze. He used to be joyful
cisterns, great built-in cooking vats. ‘Work, fam- in his family. (84:10-13)
ily of Dawud, in thankfulness!’ But very few of
My servants are thankful. (34:13) FASTING
They will not be able to make a will or return to You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you,
their families. (36:50) as it was prescribed for those before you–so that
We rescued him (Nuh) and his family from the hopefully you will guard against evil–for a speci-
terrible plight. (37:76) fied number of days. But any of you who are ill or
‘Peace be upon the family of Ilyas!’ (37:130) on a journey should fast a number of other days.
When We rescued him (Lut) and all his For those who can (scarcely) afford it, making up
family–except an old woman among those who for it means feeding a poor man. And if someone
stayed behind. (37:134-135) does good of his own accord, it is better for him.
We gave him (Ayyub) back his family and the But that you should fast is better for you, if you
same again with them as a mercy from Us and a only knew. (2:183-184)
reminder for people of intellect. (38:43) On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have
Those Arabs who remained behind will say to sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth-
you, ‘Our wealth and families kept us occupied, ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that
so ask forgiveness for us.’ They say with their you have been betraying yourselves and He has
tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: ‘Who can turned towards you and excused you. Now you
control Allah for you in any way whether He may have sexual intercourse with them and seek
wants harm for you or wants benefit for you?’ what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink
Allah is aware of what you do. (48:11) until you can clearly discern the white thread
No, you thought that the Messenger and the be- from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the
lievers were not going to return to their families, fast until the night appears. But do not have sex-
and that seemed pleasing to your hearts and you ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat
thought evil thoughts and you were a blighted in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do
people. (48:12) not go near them. In this way does Allah make
They (believers) will say, ‘Beforehand we used to His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they
live in fear among our families.’ (52:26) will guard against evil. (2:187)
We unleashed a sudden squall of stones against Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for
all of them, except the family of Lut, who We res- Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what-
cued before dawn. (54:34) ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
(On that Day) no good friend will ask about his heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the
friend even though they can see each other. An place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a
evildoer will wish he could ransom himself from head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or
the punishment of that Day, by means of his sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And
sons, or his wife or his brother or his family who if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of
sheltered him. (70:10-13) a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make
He neither affirmed the truth nor did he perform whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who
223
cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage women who guard their chastity, men and
and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is women who remember Allah much: Allah has
for anyone whose family does not live near the prepared forgiveness for them and an immense
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of reward. (33:35)
Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution. Anyone who cannot find the means must fast for
(2:196) two consecutive months before the two of them
A believer should never kill another believer un- may touch one another again. And anyone who
less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer is unable to do that must feed sixty poor people.
by mistake should free a believing slave and pay That is to affirm your faith in Allah and His
blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as Messenger. These are Allah’s limits. The disbe-
a charity. If he is from a people who are your en- lievers will have a painful punishment. (58:4)
emies and is a believer, you should free a believ- It may be that if he does divorce you, his Lord
ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty will give him in exchange better wives than you:
with, blood money should be paid to his family Muslim women, believing women, obedient
and you should free a believing slave. Anyone women, penitent women, women who worship,
who cannot find the means should fast two con- women who fast much–previously married
secutive months. This is a concession from Allah. women as well as virgins. (66:5)
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92)
Allah does not take you to task for your inadver- FAT
tent oaths, but He will take you to task for oaths We made forbidden for the Jews every animal
you make intentionally. The expiation in that with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle
case is to feed ten poor people with the average and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them,
amount you feed your family, or clothe them, or except what is attached to their backs or guts or
free a slave. Anyone without the means to do so mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid
should fast three days. That is the expiation for them for their insolence. And We certainly speak
breaking oaths when you have sworn them. Keep the truth. (6:146)
your oaths. In this way Allah makes His Signs
clear to you, so that hopefully you will be thank- FATIGUE
ful. (5:89) They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has re-
You who believe! Do not kill game while you are moved all sadness from us. Truly our Lord is Ever-
in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any Forgiving, Ever-Thankful: He Who has lodged us,
deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani- out of His favour, in the Abode of Permanence
mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by where no weariness or fatigue affects us.’ (35:34-
two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the 35)
Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast- We created the heavens and the earth, and
ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste everything between them, in six days and We
the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has were not affected by fatigue. (50:38)
pardoned all that took place in the past; but if
anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on (ALLAH'S) FAVOUR
him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. Then after that you turned away, and were it not
(5:95) for Allah's favour to you and His mercy, you
Men and women who are Muslims, men and would have been among the lost. (2:64)
women who are believers, men and women who What an evil thing they have sold themselves for
are obedient, men and women who are truthful, in rejecting what Allah has sent down, outraged
men and women who are steadfast, men and that Allah should send down His favour on
women who are humble, men and women who whichever of His servants He wills. They have
give charity, men and women who fast, men and brought down anger upon anger on themselves.
224
The disbelievers will have a humiliating punish- and favour from Allah and that Allah does not let
ment. (2:90) the wage of the believers go to waste. (3:169-
Those of the People of the Book who disbelieve 171)
and the idolaters do not like anything good to be So they returned with blessings and bounty from
sent down to you from your Lord. But Allah se- Allah and no evil touched them. They pursued
lects for His mercy whomever He wills. Allah’s the pleasure of Allah. Allah’s favour is indeed im-
favour is truly vast. (2:105) mense. (3:174)
What do you think about those who left their That is favour from Allah. Allah suffices as a
homes in thousands in fear of death? Allah said Knower. (4:70)
to them, ‘Die!’ and then brought them back to But if you meet with favour from Allah they
life. Allah shows great favour to mankind, but say–as if there were no friendship between you
most people are not grateful. (2:243) and them–‘Oh! If only I had been with them so
And with Allah's permission they routed them. that I too might have won a great victory.’ (4:73)
Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king- When news of any matter reaches them they
ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or
willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some peo- disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to
ple back by means of others, the earth would the Messenger and those in command among
have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to them, those among them able to discern the truth
all the worlds. (2:251) about it would have had proper knowledge of it.
Then and there Zakariyya called on his Lord and If it were not for Allah’s favour to you and His
said, ‘O Lord, grant me by Your favour an upright mercy, all but a very few of you would have fol-
child. You are the Hearer of Prayer.’ (3:38) lowed Satan. (4:83)
Do not trust anyone except for those who follow Were it not for Allah’s favour to you and His
your religion.’ Say, ‘Allah’s guidance is true guid- mercy, a group of them would almost have man-
ance. But you think it is impossible for anyone to aged to mislead you. But they mislead no one but
be given the same as you were given, or to argue themselves and do not harm you in any way.
with you before your Lord.’ Say, ‘All favour is in Allah has sent down the Book and Wisdom to
Allah’s Hand and He gives it to whoever He you and taught you what you did not know be-
wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. fore. Allah’s favour to you is indeed immense.
He picks out for His mercy whoever He wills. (4:113)
Allah’s favour is indeed immense.’ (3:73-74) As for those who believe and do right actions, He
Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were will pay them their wages in full and will give
slaughtering them by His permission. But then them increase from His favour. As for those who
you faltered, disputing the command, and dis- show disdain and grow arrogant, He will punish
obeyed after He showed you what you love. them with a painful punishment. They will not
Among you are those who want this world and find any protector or helper for themselves be-
among you are those who want the hereafter. sides Allah. (4:173)
Then He turned you from them in order to test As for those who believe in Allah and hold fast to
you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows Him, He will admit them into mercy and favour
favour to the believers. (3:152) from Him and will guide them to Him on a
Do not suppose that those killed in the Way of straight path. (4:175)
Allah are dead. No indeed! They are alive and You who believe! If any of you renounce your re-
well provided for in the very presence of their ligion, Allah will bring forward a people whom
Lord, delighting in the favour Allah has bestowed He loves and who love Him, humble to the be-
on them, rejoicing over those they left behind lievers, fierce to the disbelievers, who strive in
who have not yet joined them, feeling no fear the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of
and knowing no sorrow, rejoicing in blessings any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of
225
Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah mercy, both in this world and the hereafter, a ter-
is Boundless, All-Knowing. (5:54) rible punishment would have afflicted you for
In this way We try some of them by means of oth- your plunging headlong into it. (24:14)
ers so that they say, ‘Are these the people among You who believe! Do not follow in the footsteps
us to whom Allah has shown His favour?’ Does of Satan. Anyone who follows in Satan’s foot-
not Allah know best those who are thankful? steps should know that he commands indecency
(6:53) and wrongdoing. Were it not for Allah’s favour to
You who believe! If you have fear of Allah, He you and His mercy, not one of you would ever
will give you discrimination and erase your bad have been purified. But Allah purifies whoever
actions from you and forgive you. Allah’s favour He wills. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
is indeed immense. (8:29) (24:21)
Say: ‘It is the favour of Allah and His mercy that (It is) so that Allah can reward them for the best of
should be the cause of their rejoicing. That is bet- what they did and give them more from His un-
ter than anything they accumulate.’ (10:58) bounded favour. Allah provides for anyone He
What will those who invent lies against Allah wills without reckoning. (24:38)
think on the Day of Rising? Allah shows favour to Sulayman was Dawud’s heir. He said, ‘Mankind!
mankind but most of them are not thankful. We have been taught the speech of birds and we
(10:60) have been given everything. This is indeed clear
If Allah afflicts you with harm, no one can re- favour.’ (27:16)
move it except Him. If He desires good for you, He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, ‘I
no one can avert His favour. He bestows it on will bring it to you before your glance returns to
whichever of His servants He wills. He is Ever- you.’ And when he saw it standing firmly in his
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (10:107) presence, he said, ‘This is part of my Lord's
‘Ask your Lord for forgiveness and then repent to favour to test me to see if I will give thanks or
Him. He will let you enjoy a good life until a show ingratitude. Whoever gives thanks only
specified time, and will give His favour to all does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful,
who merit it. But if you turn your backs, I fear for my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous.’
you the punishment of a Mighty Day.’ (11:3) (27:40)
Their Messengers said to them, ‘We are nothing Allah shows favour to mankind but most of them
but human beings like yourselves. But Allah are not thankful. (27:73)
shows favour to any of His servants He wills. It is Give good news to the believers that they will re-
not for us to bring you an authority except by ceive immense favour from Allah. (33:47)
Allah’s permission. So let the believers put their We gave Dawud great favour from Us: ‘O moun-
trust in Allah.’ (14:11) tains and birds! Echo with him in his praise!’ And
We made the night and day two Signs. We blot- We made iron malleable for him. (34:10)
ted out the Sign of the night and made the Sign of (Believers hope) that He will pay them their
the day a time for seeing so that you can seek wages in full and give them more from His un-
favour from your Lord and will know the number bounded favour. He is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-
of years and the reckoning of time. We have Thankful. (35:30)
made all things very clear. (17:12) Then We made Our chosen servants inherit the
Look how We favour some of them over others. Book. But some of them wrong themselves; some
But the hereafter has higher ranks and greater are ambivalent; and some outdo each other in
favours. (17:21) good by Allah’s permission. That is the great
Were it not for Allah's favour to you and His favour. (35:32)
mercy... and that Allah is Ever-Returning, All- They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has re-
Wise. (24:10) moved all sadness from us. Truly our Lord is Ever-
Were it not for Allah’s favour to you and His Forgiving, Ever-Thankful: He Who has lodged us,
226
out of His favour, in the Abode of Permanence they have no power at all over any of Allah’s
where no weariness or fatigue affects us.’ (35:34- favour and that all favour is in the Hand of Allah.
35) He gives it to anyone He wills. Allah’s favour is
Allah is He Who appointed the night for you so indeed immense. (57:29)
that you might rest in it, and the day for seeing. It (booty) is for the poor of the emigrants who
Allah pours out His favour on mankind but most were driven from their homes and wealth desir-
people do not show thanks. (40:61) ing the favour and the pleasure of Allah and sup-
You will see the wrongdoers afraid of what they porting Allah and His Messenger. Such people
have earned, when it is about to land right on top are the truly sincere. (59:8)
of them, whereas those who believe and do right That is Allah’s favour which He gives to whoever
actions will be in the lush Meadows of the He wills. Allah’s favour is indeed immense.
Gardens. They will have whatever they wish for (62:4)
with their Lord. That is the great favour. (42:22)
He responds to those who believe and do right FEAR
actions and gives them increase from His favour. Or (their likeness is) that of a storm-cloud in the
But the disbelievers will have a harsh punish- sky, full of darkness, thunder and lightning. They
ment. (42:26) put their fingers in their ears against the thunder-
A favour from your Lord. That is the Great claps, fearful of death. Allah encompasses the
Victory. (44:57) disbelievers. (2:19)
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those He (Musa) said, ‘You throw.’ And when they
who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers, threw, they cast a spell on the people's eyes and
merciful to one another. You see them bowing caused them to feel great fear of them. They pro-
and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and duced an extremely powerful magic. (7:116)
His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the The Book will be set in place and you will see the
traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the evildoers fearful of what is in it. They will say,
Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a ‘Alas for us! What is this Book which does not
seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong pass over any action, small or great, without
so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its recording it?’ They will find there everything they
stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by did and your Lord will not wrong anyone at all.
them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has (18:49)
promised those of them who believe and do right (A voice called out to Musa,) ‘Put your hand in-
actions forgiveness and an immense reward. side your shirt front. It will emerge pure white yet
(48:29) quite unharmed. And hug your arms to your
It is a great favour from Allah and a blessing. sides to still your fear. These are two proofs from
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (49:8) your Lord for Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They
They think they have done you a favour by be- are a deviant people.’ (28:32)
coming Muslims! Say: ‘Do not consider your You are a greater cause of terror in their breasts
Islam a favour to me. No indeed! It is Allah Who than Allah! That is because they (the hypocrites)
has favoured you by guiding you to faith if you are people who do not understand. (59:13)
are telling the truth.’ (49:17)
Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord FEAR OF ALLAH
and to a Garden, whose breadth is like that of Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I con-
heaven and earth combined, made ready for ferred on you. Honour My contract and I will ho-
those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. nour your contract. Have dread of Me alone.
That is Allah’s favour which He gives to those He (2:40)
wills. Allah’s favour is indeed immense. (57:21) Believe in what I have sent down, confirming
So that the People of the Book may know that what is with you. Do not be the first to reject it
227
and do not sell My Signs for a paltry price. Have who hurry on in two days have done no wrong,
fear of Me alone. (2:41) and those who stay another day have done no
Then your hearts became hardened after that, so wrong–those of them who guard against evil. So
they were like rocks or even harder still. There have fear of Allah. And know that you will be
are some rocks from which rivers gush out, and gathered back to Him. (2:203)
others which split open and water pours out, and To those who disbelieve, the life of this world is
others which crash down from fear of Allah. painted in glowing colours and they laugh at
Allah is not unaware of what you do. (2:74) those who believe. But on the Day of Rising
Wherever you come from, turn your face to the those who fear Allah will be over them. Allah
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Wherever provides for whoever He wills without any reck-
you are, turn your faces towards it so that people oning. (2:212)
will have no argument against you–except for Your women are fertile fields for you, so come to
those among them who do wrong and then you your fertile fields however you like. Send good
should not fear them but rather fear Me–and so ahead for yourselves and have fear of Allah.
that I can complete My blessing to you so that Know that you are going to meet Him. And give
hopefully you will be guided. (2:150) good news to the believers. (2:223)
Sacred month in return for sacred month–sacred When you divorce women and they are near the
things are subject to retaliation. So if anyone end of their waiting period, then either retain
oversteps the limits against you, overstep against them with correctness and courtesy or release
him the same as he did to you. But have fear of them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re-
Allah. Know that Allah is with those who guard tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits.
against evil. (2:194) Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do
Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember
Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what- Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and
ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish
heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has
place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a knowledge of all things. (2:231)
head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or Mothers should nurse their children for two full
sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And years–those who wish to complete the full term
if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and
a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no
whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who self is charged with more than it can bear. No
cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage mother should be put under pressure in respect
and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is of her child nor any father in respect of his child.
for anyone whose family does not live near the The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of couple both wish weaning to take place after
Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution. mutual agreement and consultation, there is
(2:196) nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to
The pilgrimage takes place during certain well- find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth-
known months. If anyone undertakes the obliga- ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand
tion of pilgrimage in them, there must be no over to them what you have agreed to give with
sexual intercourse, no wrongdoing, nor any correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and
quarrelling during pilgrimage. Whatever good know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233)
you do, Allah knows it. Take provision; but the You who believe! Have fear of Allah the way He
best provision is fear of Allah. So have fear of Me, should be feared and do not die except as
people of intelligence! (2:197) Muslims. (3:102)
Remember Allah on the designated days. Those That was only Satan who intimidated his adher-
228
ents. But do not fear them–fear Me if you are be- ‘Even if you do raise your hand against me to kill
lievers. (3:175) me, I am not going to raise my hand against you
You who believe, be steadfast; be supreme in to kill you. Truly I fear Allah, the Lord of all the
steadfastness; be firm on the battlefield; and have worlds.’ (5:28)
fear of Allah; so that hopefully you will be suc- You who believe! Have fear of Allah and seek the
cessful. (3:200) means of drawing near to Him, and strive in His
O mankind! Have fear of your Lord Who created Way, so that hopefully you will be successful.
you from a single self and created its mate from it (5:35)
and then disseminated many men and women We sent down the Torah containing guidance
from the two of them. Have fear of Allah in and light, and the Prophets who had submitted
whose name you make demands on one another themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as
and also in respect of your families. Allah did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they
watches over you continually. (4:1) had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to
Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of
from fighting but perform prayer and give the people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs
alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them, for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by
a group of them fear people as Allah should be what Allah has sent down, such people are dis-
feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our believers. (5:44)
Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If You who believe! Do not take as friends any of
only You would give us just a little more time!’ those who who make a mockery and a game out
Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief. of your religion among the ones who were given
The hereafter is better for those who guard the Book before you or the disbelievers. Have
against evil. You will not be wronged by so much fear of Allah if you are believers. (5:57)
as the smallest speck.’ (4:77) Eat the lawful and good things Allah has pro-
You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites vided for you, and have fear of Allah, Him in
of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial Whom you believe. (5:88)
animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading You who believe! Allah will test you with game
for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good animals which come within the reach of your
pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage hands and spears, so that Allah will know those
is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for who fear Him in the Unseen. Anyone who over-
a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque steps the limits after this will have a painful pun-
(Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond ishment. (5:94)
the limits. Help each other to goodness and Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you,
heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo- and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that
ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se- of travellers, but land game is forbidden for you
vere in retribution. (5:2) while you are in the state of pilgrimage. So have
You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of fear of Allah, Him to Whom you will be gath-
Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let ha- ered. (5:96)
tred for a people incite you into not being just. Be That makes it more likely that they will give their
just. That is closer to heedfulness. Have fear of evidence properly or be afraid that their oaths
Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. (5:8) will be refuted by subsequent oaths. Have fear of
You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to Allah and listen carefully. Allah does not guide
you when certain people were on the verge of deviant people. (5:108)
raising their hands against you and He held their Warn by it (the Qur'an) those who fear they will
hands back from you. Have fear of Allah. The be- be gathered to their Lord, having no protector or
lievers should put their trust in Allah. (5:11) intercessor apart from Him, so that hopefully
(One of the Adam's two sons said to the other,) they will guard against evil. (6:51)
229
(Say:) ‘And (we are commanded) to perform Everything in the heavens and earth belongs to
prayer and have fear of Him. It is He to Whom Him, and the religion belongs to Him, firmly and
you will be gathered.’ (6:72) for ever. So why do you fear anyone other than
You who believe! If you have fear of Allah, He Allah? (16:52)
will give you discrimination and erase your bad Allah is with those who have fear of Him and
actions from you and forgive you. Allah’s favour with those who are good-doers. (16:128)
is indeed immense. (8:29) He knows what is in front of them and what is
So make full use of any booty you have taken behind them. They only intercede on behalf of
which is lawful and good; and have fear of Allah. those with whom He is pleased, and even they
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (8:69) are apprehensive out of fear of Him. (21:28)
Will you not fight a people who have broken ... for the heedful: those who fear their Lord in
their oaths and resolved to expel the Messenger, the Unseen and are apprehensive about the
and who initiated hostilities against you in the Hour. (21:48-49)
first place? Is it them you fear? Allah has more Mankind, have fear of your Lord! The quaking of
right to your fear if you are believers. (9:13) the Hour is a terrible thing. (22:1)
The mosques of Allah should only be maintained This faith of yours is a single faith and I am your
by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day Lord, so have fear of Me. (23:52)
and perform prayer and give the alms, and fear (Believers are) those who are filled with the fear
no one but Allah. They are the ones most likely of their Lord. (23:57)
to be guided. (9:18) So set your face firmly towards the Religion, as a
But the wages of the hereafter are the best for pure natural believer, Allah’s natural pattern on
people who believe and fear their Lord. (12:57) which He made mankind. There is no changing
They said, ‘Are you Yusuf?’ He said, ‘I am indeed Allah’s creation. That is the true Religion–but
Yusuf, and this here is my brother. Allah has most people do not know it–turning towards
acted graciously to us. As for those who fear Him. Have fear of Him and perform prayer. Do
Allah and are steadfast, Allah does not allow to not be among the idolaters. (30:30-31)
go to waste the wage of any people who do Mankind! Have fear of your Lord and fear a day
good.’ (12:90) when no father will be able to atone for his son,
The thunder glorifies His praise, as do the angels, or son for his father, in any way. Allah’s promise
out of fear of Him. He discharges the thunder- is true. So do not let the life of this world delude
bolts, striking with them anyone He wills. Yet still you and do not let the Deluder delude you con-
they argue about Allah when He is inexorable in cerning Allah. (31:33)
His power! (13:13) Their sides eschew their beds as they call on their
(People of intelligence are) those who join what Lord in fear and ardent hope. And they give of
Allah has commanded to be joined and are what We have provided for them. (32:16)
afraid of their Lord and fear an evil Reckoning. There is no restriction on the Prophet regarding
(13:21) anything Allah allots to him. This was Allah’s pat-
When those who have fear of Allah are asked, tern with those who passed away before–and
‘What has your Lord sent down?’ their reply is, Allah’s command is a pre-ordained decree–those
‘Good!’ There is good in this world for those who who conveyed Allah’s Message and had fear of
do good, and the abode of the hereafter is even Him, fearing no one except Allah. Allah suffices
better. How wonderful is the abode of those who as a Reckoner. (33:38-39)
guard against evil. (16:30) No burden-bearer can bear another’s burden. If
They fear their Lord above them and do every- someone weighed down calls for help to bear his
thing they are ordered to do. (16:50) load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his
Allah says, ‘Do not take two gods. He is only next of kin. You can only warn those who fear
One God. So dread Me alone.’ (16:51) their Lord in the Unseen and perform prayer.
230
Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone. tween the rich among you. Whatever the
Allah is your final destination. (35:18) Messenger gives you you should accept and
And mankind and beasts and livestock are like- whatever he forbids you you should forgo. Have
wise of varying colours. Only those of His ser- fear of Allah–Allah is severe in retribution. (59:7)
vants with knowledge have fear of Allah. Allah is They are like Satan when he says to a human
Almighty, Ever-Forgiving. (35:28) being, ‘Disbelieve,’ and then when he disbe-
You can only warn those who act on the lieves, says, ‘I wash my hands of you. Truly I fear
Reminder and fear the All-Merciful in the Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.’ (59:16)
Unseen. Give them the good news of forgiveness You who believe! Have fear of Allah and let each
and a generous reward. (36:11) self look to what it has sent forward for
They will have awnings of Fire above them and Tomorrow. Have fear of Allah. Allah is aware of
awnings below them. By that Allah strikes fear what you do. (59:18)
into His servants: ‘So have fear, My servants, of If We Had sent down this Qur’an onto a moun-
Me!’ (39:16) tain, you would have seen it humbled, crushed
But those who have fear of their Lord will have to pieces out of fear of Allah. We make such ex-
high-ceilinged Halls, and more such Halls built amples for people so that hopefully they will re-
one above the other, and rivers flowing under flect. (59:21)
them. That is Allah’s promise. Allah does not So have fear of Allah, as much as you are able to,
break His promise. (39:20) and listen and obey and spend for your own ben-
Allah has sent down the Supreme Discourse, a efit. It is the people who are safe-guarded from
Book consistent in its frequent repetitions. The the avarice of their own selves who are success-
skins of those who fear their Lord tremble at it ful. (64:16)
and then their skins and hearts yield softly to the O Prophet! When any of you divorce women, di-
remembrance of Allah. That is Allah’s guidance vorce them during their period of purity and cal-
by which He guides whoever He wills. And no culate their waiting period carefully. And have
one can guide those whom Allah misguides. fear of Allah, your Lord. Do not evict them from
(39:23) their homes, nor should they leave, unless they
And those who have fear of their Lord will be commit an outright indecency. Those are Allah’s
driven to the Garden in companies and when limits, and anyone who oversteps Allah’s limits
they arrive there, finding its gates open, its custo- has wronged himself. You never know, it may
dians will say to them, ‘Peace be upon you! You well be that after that Allah will cause a new sit-
have done well so enter it timelessly, for ever.’ uation to develop. (65:1)
(39:73) Then when they have reached the end of their
(The Garden is for) those who fear the All- waiting period either retain them with correct-
Merciful in the Unseen and come with a contrite ness and courtesy or part from them with correct-
heart. (50:33) ness and courtesy. Call two upright men from
You who believe! When you confer together se- among yourselves as witnesses and they should
cretly, do not do so in wrongdoing and enmity carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admon-
and disobedience to the Messenger; rather con- ishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last
fer together in goodness and fear of Allah. Have Day. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him
fear of Allah–Him to Whom you will be gath- a way out. (65:2)
ered. (58:9) In the case of those of your wives who are past
Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger the age of menstruation, if you have any doubt,
from city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the their waiting period should be three months,
Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and and that also applies to those who have not yet
the very poor and travellers, so that it does not menstruated. The time for women who are preg-
become something which merely revolves be- nant is when they give birth. Whoever has fear of
231
Allah–He will make matters easy for him. (65:4) would be better for them. (47:20-21)
Allah has prepared a terrible punishment for
them. So have fear of Allah, people of intelli- FEMALE
gence–those who believe–Allah has sent down a You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for
reminder to you. (65:10) you in the case of people killed: free man for free
Those who fear their Lord in the Unseen will man, slave for slave, female for female. But if
have forgiveness and an immense reward. someone is absolved by his brother, blood-
(67:12) money should be claimed with correctness and
But they will only pay heed if Allah wills. He is paid with good will. That is an easement and a
entitled to be feared and entitled to forgive. mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond
(74:56) the limits after this will receive a painful punish-
There is certainly instruction in that for those ment. (2:178)
who fear. (79:26) When she (the wife of 'Imran) gave birth, she
But as for him who feared the Station of his Lord said, ‘My Lord! I have given birth to a girl’–and
and forbade the lower self its appetites, the Allah knew very well what she had given birth
Garden will be his refuge. (79:40-41) to, male and female are not the same–‘and I have
He who has fear will be reminded. (87:10) named her Maryam and placed her and her chil-
Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden dren in Your safekeeping from the accursed
with rivers flowing under them, remaining in Satan.’ (3:36)
them timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah is Their Lord responds to them: ‘I will not let the
pleased with them and they are pleased with deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male
Him. That is for those who fear their Lord. (98:8) or female– you are both the same in that respect.
Those who migrated and were driven from their
FEAR OF DEATH homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought
What do you think about those who left their and were killed, I will erase their bad actions
homes in thousands in fear of death? Allah said from them and admit them into Gardens with
to them, ‘Die!’ and then brought them back to rivers flowing under them, as a reward from
life. Allah shows great favour to mankind, but Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.’
most people are not grateful. (2:243) (3:195)
Allah knows the obstructers among you and Allah instructs you regarding your children: A
those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and male receives the same as the share of two fe-
who only come to fight a very little, and are be- males. If there are more than two daughters they
grudging towards you. Then when fear comes, receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one
you see them looking at you, their eyes rolling on her own she receives a half. Each of your par-
like people scared to death. But when fear de- ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you
parts they flay you with sharp tongues, grasping have children. If you are childless and your heirs
for wealth. Such people have no faith and Allah are your parents your mother receives a third. If
will make their actions come to nothing. That is you have brothers or sisters your mother receives
easy for Allah. (33:18-19) a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts.
Those who believe say, ‘If only a sura could be With regard to your fathers and your sons, you
sent down.’ But when a straightforward sura is do not know which of them is going to benefit
sent down and fighting is mentioned in it, you you more. These are obligatory shares from
see those with sickness in their hearts looking at Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11)
you with the look of someone about to faint from What they call on apart from Him are female
fear of death. More fitting for them would be idols. What they call on is an arrogant Satan.
obedience and honourable words. Once the (4:117)
matter is resolved upon, being true to Allah Anyone, male or female, who does right actions
232
and is a believer, will enter the Garden. They will shrinking of the womb and every swelling.
not be wronged by so much as the tiniest speck. Everything has its measure with Him. (13:8)
(4:124) Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a
They request from you a ruling. Say: ‘Allah gives believer, We will give them a good life and We
you a ruling about people who die without direct will recompense them according to the best of
heirs: If a man dies childless but has a sister she what they did. (16:97)
receives half of what he leaves, and he is her heir Nothing has prevented Us sending you Signs ex-
if she dies childless. If there are two sisters they cept the fact that the previous peoples denied
receive two-thirds of what he leaves. If there are them. We gave Thamud the she-camel as a visi-
brothers and sisters the males receive the share of ble Sign, and then they mistreated her. We do not
two females. Allah makes things clear to you so send Signs except to frighten people. (17:59)
you will not go astray. Allah has knowledge of all He (Salih) said, ‘Here is a she-camel. She has a
things.’ (4:176) time for drinking and you have a time for drink-
As for thieves, both male and female, cut off their ing–on specified days.’ (26:155)
hands in reprisal for what they have done: an ob- Allah created you from dust and then from a drop
ject lesson from Allah. Allah is Almighty, All- of sperm and then made you into pairs. No fe-
Wise. (5:38) male becomes pregnant or gives birth except
There are eight in pairs: A pair of sheep and a with His knowledge. And no living thing lives
pair of goats–Say: ‘Is it the two males He has long or has its life cut short without that being in
made forbidden, or the two females, or what the a Book. That is easy for Allah. (35:11)
wombs of the two females contain? Tell me with Or did We create the angels female, with them as
knowledge if you are being truthful.’ (6:143) witnesses? (37:150)
And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is Whoever does an evil act will only be repaid
it the two males He has made forbidden, or the with its equivalent. But whoever acts rightly,
two females, or what the wombs of the two fe- male or female, being a believer, such a person
males contain? Were you then witnesses when will enter the Garden, provided for in it without
Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do any reckoning. (40:40)
greater wrong than someone who invents lies Knowledge of the Hour is referred to Him. And
against Allah thus leading people astray without no fruit emerges from its husk, nor does any fe-
any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people male get pregnant or give birth, without His
of the wrongdoers. (6:144) knowledge. On the Day He calls out to them:
And to Thamud We sent their brother Salih, who ‘Where are My associates?’ they will say, ‘We de-
said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no clare to you that none of us is a witness.’ (41:47)
other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to They have designated the angels as female, those
you from your Lord. This is the She-Camel of who are in the presence of the All-Merciful!
Allah as a Sign for you. Leave her alone to eat on Were they present to witness their creation? Their
Allah’s earth and do not harm her in any way or a testimony will be recorded and they will be
painful punishment will afflict you.’ (7:73) asked about it! (43:19)
And they hamstrung the She-Camel, spurning Mankind! We created you from a male and fe-
their Lord’s command, and said, ‘Salih! Bring us male, and made you into peoples and tribes so
what you have promised us if you are one of the that you might come to know each other. The
Messengers.’ (7:77) noblest among you in Allah’s sight is the one of
His Lord replied to him (Yusuf) and turned away you who best performs his duty. Allah is All-
from him their female guile and deviousness. He Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13)
is the One Who Hears, the One Who Knows. Do you have males and He females? (53:21)
(12:34) Those who do not believe in the hereafter give
Allah knows what every female bears and every the angels female names. (53:27)
233
(Has he not been informed) that He created the Corruption is worse than killing. Do not fight
two sexes–male and female? (53:45) them in the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)
We will send the she-camel as a trial for them. until they fight you there. But if they do fight you,
Just keep a watchful eye on them and be stead- then kill them. That is how the disbelievers
fast. (54:27) should be repaid. (2:191)
Was he not a drop of ejaculated sperm, then a Fight them until there is no more discord and the
blood-clot which He created and shaped, mak- religion belongs to Allah alone. If they cease,
ing from it both sexes, male and female? (75:37- there should be no enmity towards any but
39) wrongdoers. (2:193)
And (I swear by) the creation of male and female. Fighting is prescribed for you even if it is hateful
(92:3) to you. It may be that you hate something when it
is good for you and it may be that you love some-
FIERCE WIND thing when it is bad for you. Allah knows and
Would any of you like to have a garden of dates you do not know. (2:216)
and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and They will ask you about the Sacred Month and
containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat-
with old age and have children who are weak, ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re-
and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred
come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo-
this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so ple from it are far more serious in the sight of Allah.
that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266) Discord is worse than killing.’ They will not stop
Do you feel secure against Him causing the fighting you until they make you revert from your
shore to swallow you up or sending against you a religion, if they are able. As for any of you who re-
sudden squall of stones? Then you will find no vert from their religion and die disbelievers, their
one to be your guardian. (17:68) actions will come to nothing in this world and the
So We sent a howling wind against them on dis- hereafter. They are the Companions of the Fire, re-
astrous ill-fated days to make them taste the pun- maining in it timelessly, for ever. (2:217)
ishment of degradation in this world. And the Fight in the Way of Allah. Know that Allah is All-
punishment of the hereafter is even more degrad- Hearing, All-Knowing. (2:244)
ing. And they will not be helped. (41:16) What do you think about the council of the tribe of
We unleashed a howling wind against them on a Israel after Musa’s time when they said to one of
day of unremitting horror. (54:19) their Prophets, ‘Give us a king and we will fight in
We unleashed a sudden squall of stones against the Way of Allah!’? He said, ‘Is it not possible that if
all of them, except the family of Lut, who We res- fighting were prescribed for you, you would not
cued before dawn. (54:34) fight?’ They said, ‘How could we not fight in the
‘Ad were destroyed by a savage howling wind. way of Allah when we have been driven from our
(69:6) homes and children?’ But then when fighting was
prescribed for them, they turned their backs–ex-
FIG cept for a few of them. Allah knows the wrongdo-
(I swear) by the fig and the olive. (95:1) ers. (2:246)
They will not harm you except with abusive words.
FIGHTING If they fight you, they will turn their backs on you.
Fight in the Way of Allah against those who fight Then they will not be helped. (3:111)
you, but do not go beyond the limits. Allah does Many a Prophet has been fought, when there were
not love those who go beyond the limits. (2:190) many thousands with him! They did not give up in
Kill them wherever you come across them and the face of what assailed them in the Way of Allah,
expel them from where they expelled you. nor did they weaken, nor did they yield. Allah
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loves the steadfast. (3:146) fighting either you or their own people. If Allah
And (it is) so that He would know the hypocrites. had willed, He could have given them the upper
They were told, ‘Come and fight in the Way of hand over you and then they would have fought
Allah or at least help defend us.’ They said, ‘If we you. If they keep away from you and do not fight
knew how to fight, we would certainly follow you.’ you and submit to you, Allah has not given you
They were closer to disbelief that day than to faith, any way against such people. (4:89-90)
saying with their mouths what was not in their They said, ‘We will never enter it, Musa, as long
hearts. And Allah knows best what they are hiding. as they are there. So you and your Lord go and
(3:167) fight. We will stay sitting here.’ (5:24)
You who believe! Take all necessary precautions, Anyone who turns his back on them that day, un-
then go out to fight in separate groups or go out as less he is withdrawing to rejoin the fight or with-
one body. (4:71) drawing to support another group, brings Allah’s
So let those who sell the life of this world for the anger down upon himself. His refuge is Hell.
hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone What an evil destination! (8:16)
fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or is Fight them until there is no more discord and the
victorious, We will pay him an immense reward. religion is Allah’s alone. If they stop, Allah sees
(4:74) what they do. (8:39)
What reason could you have for not fighting in O Prophet! Spur on the believers to fight. If there
the Way of Allah–for those men, women and are twenty of you who are steadfast, they will
children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord, overcome two hundred; and if there are a hun-
take us out of this city whose inhabitants are dred of you, they will overcome a thousand of
wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give those who disbelieve, because they are people
us a helper from You!’? (4:75) who do not understand. (8:65)
Those who believe fight in the Way of Allah. Will you not fight a people who have broken
Those who disbelieve fight in the way of false their oaths and resolved to expel the Messenger,
gods. So fight the friends of Satan! Satan’s schem- and who initiated hostilities against you in the
ing is always feeble. (4:76) first place? Is it them you fear? Allah has more
Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back right to your fear if you are believers. (9:13)
from fighting but perform prayer and give the Fight them! Allah will punish them at your
alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them, hands, and disgrace them and help you against
a group of them fear people as Allah should be them, and heal the hearts of those who believe.
feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our (9:14)
Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If Fight those of the people who were given the
only You would give us just a little more time!’ Book who do not believe in Allah and the Last
Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief. Day and who do not make forbidden what Allah
The hereafter is better for those who guard and His Messenger have made forbidden and do
against evil. You will not be wronged by so much not take as their religion the religion of Truth,
as the smallest speck.’ (4:77) until they pay the poll tax with their own hands
So fight in the way of Allah–you are only answer- in a state of complete abasement. (9:29)
able for yourself–and spur on the believers. It There have been twelve months with Allah in the
may well be that Allah will curb the force of Book of Allah, from the day He first created the
those who disbelieve. Allah has greater force and heavens and earth. Four of them are forbidden.
greater power to punish. (4:84) That is the True Religion. So do not wrong one
... Do not take any of them as either a friend or another during them. However, fight the idol-
helper–except for those who seek shelter with aters totally just as they fight you totally, and
people with whom you have a treaty, or who know that Allah is with those who guard against
come to you greatly perturbed at the prospect of evil. (9:36)
235
You who believe! What is the matter with you the Arabs, asking for news of you. If they were
that when you are told, ‘Go out and fight in the with you they would only fight a very little.
way of Allah,’ you sink down heavily to the (33:20)
earth? Are you happier with this world than the Allah sent back those who disbelieved in their
hereafter? Yet the enjoyment of this world is very rage without their achieving any good at all.
small compared to that of the hereafter. (9:38) Allah made it unnecessary for the believers to
If you do not go out to fight, He will punish you fight. Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (33:25)
with a painful punishment and substitute another Therefore when you meet those who disbelieve
people in your place. You will not harm Him in strike their necks. Then when you have deci-
any way. Allah has power over all things. (9:39) mated them, tie their bonds tightly and set them
Go out to fight, light-armed and heavy-armed, free or ransom them, until the war is finally over.
and strive with your wealth and yourselves in the That is how it is to be. If Allah willed, He could
Way of Allah. That is better for you if you only avenge Himself on them. But it is so that He can
knew. (9:41) test some of you by means of others. As for those
If Allah returns you to a group of them, and they who fight in the Way of Allah, He will not let
ask you for permission to go out, say, ‘You will their actions go astray. (47:4)
never go out with me, nor will you ever fight an Those who believe say, ‘If only a sura could be
enemy with me. You were happy to stay behind sent down.’ But when a straightforward sura is
the first time, so stay behind with those who are sent down and fighting is mentioned in it, you
left behind.’ (9:83) see those with sickness in their hearts looking at
Allah has bought from the believers their selves you with the look of someone about to faint from
and their wealth in return for the Garden. They fear of death. More fitting for them would be
fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are obedience and honourable words. Once the
killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the matter is resolved upon, being true to Allah
Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is would be better for them. (47:20-21)
truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in Say to the Arabs who remained behind: ‘You will
the bargain you have made. That is the great vic- be called up against a people who possess great
tory. (9:111) force whom you must fight unless they submit. If
You who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers you obey, Allah will give you an excellent re-
who are near to you and let them find you im- ward. But if you turn your backs as you did be-
placable. Know that Allah is with those who fore, He will punish you with a painful
guard against evil. (9:123) punishment.’ (48:16)
Permission to fight is given to those who are If those who disbelieve should fight you, they
fought against because they have been would turn their backs and then find no one to
wronged–truly Allah has the power to come to protect or help them. (48:22)
their support–those who were expelled from If two parties of the believers fight, make peace
their homes without any right, merely for saying, between them. But if one of them attacks the
‘Our Lord is Allah’ (if Allah had not driven some other unjustly, fight the attackers until they revert
people back by means of others, monasteries, to Allah’s command. If they revert, make peace
churches, synagogues and mosques, where between them with justice, and be even-handed.
Allah’s name is mentioned much, would have Allah loves those who are even-handed. (49:9)
been pulled down and destroyed. Allah will cer- And how is it with you that you do not give in the
tainly help those who help Him–Allah is All- Way of Allah, when the inheritance of the heav-
Strong, Almighty), (22:39-40) ens and the earth belongs to Allah? Those of you
They think that the Confederates have not de- who gave and fought before the Victory are not
parted and if the Confederates did appear then the same as those who gave and fought after-
they would wish they were out in the desert with wards. They are higher in rank. But to each of
236
them Allah has promised the Best. Allah is aware FINERY
of what you do. (57:10) Musa said, ‘Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh
Did you not see the hypocrites saying to their and his ruling circle finery and wealth in the life
brothers, those among the People of the Book of this world, Our Lord, so that they may be mis-
who disbelieve, ‘If you are driven out we will guided from Your Way. Our Lord, obliterate their
leave with you, we will never obey anyone to wealth and harden their hearts so that they do
your detriment. And if you are fought against we not believe until they see the painful punish-
will help you’? Allah bears witness that they are ment.’ (10:88)
truly liars. (59:11) As for those who desire the life of this world and
If they are driven out they will not leave with its finery, We will give them full payment in it for
them. If they are fought against they will not help their actions. They will not be deprived here of
them. And if they did help them they would turn their due. (11:15)
their backs, and then they would not be helped. Anything you have been given is only the enjoy-
(59:12) ment of the life of this world and its finery. What
They will not fight against you all together as a is with Allah is better and longer lasting. So will
group except in fortified towns or behind high you not use your intellect? (28:60)
walls. Their hostility towards each other is in- He (Qarun) went out among his people in his fin-
tense. They are full of bravado in each other’s ery. Those who desired the life of this world said,
company. You consider them united but their ‘Oh! If only we had the same as Qarun has been
hearts are scattered wide. That is because they given! What immense good fortune he pos-
are people who do not use their intellect. (59:14) sesses.’ (28:79)
Allah does not forbid you from being good to O Prophet, tell your wives: ‘If you desire the life
those who have not fought you in the religion or of this world and its finery, come and I will give
driven you from your homes, or from being just you all you need and release you with kindness.’
towards them. Allah loves those who are just. (33:28)
(60:8)
Allah merely forbids you from taking as friends FINGER
those who have fought you in the religion and Or (their likeness is) that of a storm-cloud in the
driven you from your homes and who supported sky, full of darkness, thunder and lightning. They
your expulsion. Any who take them as friends are put their fingers in their ears against the thunder-
wrongdoers. (60:9) claps, fearful of death. Allah encompasses the
disbelievers. (2:19)
FILTH There you are, loving them when they do not
You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al- love you, even though you believe in all the
tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi- Books. When they meet you, they say, ‘We be-
work of Satan. Avoid them completely so that lieve.’ But when they leave they bite their fingers
hopefully you will be successful. (5:90) out of rage against you. Say, ‘Die in your rage.’
They will swear to you by Allah when you return Allah knows what your hearts contain. (3:119)
to them, so that you leave them alone. Leave And when your Lord revealed to the angels, ‘I am
them alone, then! They are filth. Their shelter with you so make those who believe firm. I will
will be Hell as repayment for what they did. cast terror into the hearts of those who disbe-
(9:95) lieve, so strike their necks and strike all their fin-
People who love to see filth being spread about ger joints!’ (8:12)
concerning those who believe will have a painful (Nuh said,) ‘Indeed, every time I called them to
punishment both in this world and the hereafter. Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their
Allah knows and you do not know. (24:19) ears, wrapped themselves up in their clothes and
Shun all filth. (74:5) were overweeningly arrogant.’ (71:7)
237
On the contrary! We are well able to reshape his And there are others who say, ‘Our Lord, give us
fingers. (75:4) good in this world, and good in the hereafter, and
safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire.’
FIRE (2:201)
Their likeness is that of people who light a fire, They will ask you about the Sacred Month and
and then when it has lit up all around them, fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat-
Allah removes their light and leaves them in ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re-
darkness, unable to see. (2:17) jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred
If you do not do that–and you will not do it–then Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo-
fear the Fire whose fuel is people and stones, ple from it are far more serious in the sight of
made ready for the disbelievers. (2:24) Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will
But those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs are not stop fighting you until they make you revert
the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- from your religion, if they are able. As for any of
lessly, for ever. (2:39) you who revert from their religion and die disbe-
They say, ‘The Fire will only touch us for a num- liever, their actions will come to nothing in this
ber of days.’ Say, ‘Have you made a contract with world and the hereafter. They are the
Allah–then Allah will not break His contract–or Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
are you rather saying about Allah what you do lessly, for ever. (2:217)
not know?’ (2:80) Do not marry women of the idolaters until they
No indeed! Those who accumulate bad actions believe. A slavegirl who is one of the believers is
and are surrounded by their mistakes, such peo- better for you than a woman of the idolaters,
ple are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in even though she may attract you. And do not
it timelessly, for ever. (2:81) marry men of the idolaters until they believe. A
We have sent you with the Truth, bringing good slave who is one of the believers is better for you
news and giving warning. Do not ask about the than a man of the idolaters, even though he may
inhabitants of the Blazing Fire. (2:119) attract you. Such people call you to the Fire
And when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, make this a whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to
place of safety and provide its inhabitants with the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs
fruits–all of them who believe in Allah and the clear to people so that hopefully they will pay
Last Day,’ He said, ‘I will let anyone who be- heed. (2:221)
comes a disbeliever enjoy himself a little but Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He
then I will drive him to the punishment of the brings them out of the darkness into the light. But
Fire. What an evil destination!’ (2:126) those who disbelieve have false gods as protec-
Those who followed will say, ‘If only we could tors. They take them from the light into the dark-
have another chance, we would disown them just ness. Those are the Companions of the Fire
as they have disowned us.’ In that way Allah will remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (2:257)
show them their actions as a cause of anguish and Would any of you like to have a garden of dates
remorse for them. They will never emerge from and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and
the Fire. (2:167) containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken
Those who conceal what Allah has sent down of with old age and have children who are weak,
the Book and sell it cheap, take nothing into their and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to
bellies but the Fire. On the Day of Rising Allah come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In
will not speak to them or purify them. They will this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so
have a painful punishment. (2:174) that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266)
Those are the ones who have sold guidance for Those who practise usury will not rise from the
misguidance and forgiveness for punishment. grave except as someone driven mad by Satan's
How steadfastly they will endure the Fire! (2:175) touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade is the
238
same as usury.’ But Allah has permitted trade and ... there are Signs for people with intelligence:
He has forbidden usury. Whoever is given a those who remember Allah, standing, sitting and
warning by his Lord and then desists, can keep lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of
what he received in the past and his affair is the heavens and the earth: ‘Our Lord, You have
Allah’s concern. But all who return to it will be not created this for nothing. Glory be to You! So
the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire.
lessly, for ever. (2:275) Our Lord, those You cast into the Fire, You have
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and indeed disgraced. The wrongdoers will have no
children will not help them against Allah in any helpers.’ (3:190-192)
way. They are fuel for the Fire. (3:10) People who consume the property of orphans
(Allah sees His servants:) those who say, ‘Our wrongfully consume nothing in their bellies ex-
Lord, we believe, so forgive us our wrong actions cept fire. They will roast in a Searing Blaze.
and safeguard us from the punishment of the (4:10)
Fire.’ (3:16) As for those who disobey Allah and His
That is because they say, ‘The Fire will only Messenger and overstep His limits, We will
touch us for a number of days.’ Their inventions admit them into a Fire, remaining in it timelessly,
have deluded them in their religion. (3:24) for ever. They will have a humiliating punish-
Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do ment. (4:14)
not separate. Remember Allah’s blessing to you As for anyone who does that out of enmity and
when you were enemies and He joined your wrongdoing, We will roast him in a Fire. That is
hearts together so that you became brothers by an easy matter for Allah. (4:30)
His blessing. You were on the very brink of a pit As for those who reject Our Signs, We will roast
of the Fire and He rescued you from it. In this them in a Fire. Every time their skins are burned
way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so that off, We will replace them with new skins so that
hopefully you will be guided. (3:103) they can taste the punishment. Allah is Almighty,
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and All-Wise. (4:56)
children will not help them against Allah in any The hypocrites are in the lowest level of the Fire.
way. They are the Companions of the Fire. re- You will not find any one to help them. (4:145)
maining in it timelessly, for ever. (3:116) But those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs,
Have fear of the Fire which has been prepared are the Companions of the Blazing Fire. (5:10)
for the disbelievers. (3:131) (One of the two sons of Adam said to the other,) ‘I
We will cast terror into the hearts of those who want you to take on both my wrongdoing and
disbelieve because they have associated others your wrongdoing and so become one of the
with Allah for which He has not sent down any Companions of the Fire. That is the repayment of
authority. Their shelter will be the Fire. How evil the wrongdoers.’ (5:29)
is the abode of the wrongdoers! (3:151) They will want to get out of the Fire but they will
Those who say, ‘Allah has made a contract with not be able to. They will have an everlasting pun-
us that we should not believe in any Messenger ishment. (5:37)
until he brings us a sacrifice consumed by fire.’ The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their
Say, ‘Messengers came to you before me with the hands are chained and they are cursed for what
Clear Signs and with what you say. So why did they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and
you kill them if you are telling the truth?’ (3:183) He gives however He wills. What has been sent
Every self will taste death. You will be paid your down to you from your Lord increases many of
wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited
is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the enmity and hatred between them until the Day of
Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war,
just the enjoyment of delusion. (3:185) Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth
239
corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. They will say, ‘Yes, we have!’ Between them a
(5:64) herald will proclaim: ‘May the curse of Allah be
Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam, on the wrongdoers.’ (7:44)
is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe When they turn their eyes towards the
of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Companions of the Fire, they will say, ‘Our Lord,
If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah do not place us with the people of the wrongdo-
has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will ers!’ (7:47)
be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no The Companions of the Fire will call out to the
helpers. (5:72) Companions of the Garden, ‘Throw down some
As for those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs, water to us or some of what Allah has given you
they are the Companions of the Blazing Fire. as provision.’ They will say, ‘Allah has forbidden
(5:86) them to the disbelievers.’ (7:50)
If only you could see when they are standing be- That is your reward, so taste it. The disbelievers
fore the Fire and saying, ‘Oh! If only we could be will also have the punishment of the Fire. (8:14)
sent back again, we would not deny the Signs of It is not for the idolaters to maintain the mosques
our Lord and we would be among the believers.’ of Allah, bearing witness against themselves of
(6:27) their disbelief. They are the ones whose actions
On the Day We gather them all together: will come to nothing. They will be in the Fire
‘Company of jinn, you gained many followers timelessly, for ever. (9:17)
among mankind.’ And their friends among On the Day it is heated up in the fire of Hell and
mankind will say, ‘Our Lord, we benefited from their foreheads, sides and backs are branded
one another, and now we have reached the term with it: ‘This is what you hoarded for yourselves,
which You determined for us.’ He will say, ‘The so taste what you were hoarding!’ (9:35)
Fire is your home. You will be in it timelessly, for Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah
ever, except as Allah wills. Your Lord is All-Wise, and His Messenger, will have the Fire of Hell, re-
All-Knowing.’ (6:128) maining in it timelessly, for ever? That is the great
He said, ‘What prevented you from prostrating disgrace. (9:63)
when I commanded you to?’ He (Satan) replied, Allah has promised the men and women of the
‘I am better than him. You created me from fire hypocrites and disbelievers the Fire of Hell, re-
and You created him from clay.’ (7:12) maining in it timelessly, for ever. It will suffice
But as for those who reject Our Signs and are ar- them. Allah has cursed them. They will have
rogant regarding them, they are the Companions everlasting punishment. (9:68)
of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. Those who were left behind were glad to stay be-
(7:36) hind the Messenger of Allah. They did not want
He will say, ‘Enter the Fire together with the na- to strive with their wealth and themselves in the
tions of jinn and men who have passed away be- Way of Allah. They said, ‘Do not go out to fight
fore you.’ Each time a nation enters, it will curse in the heat.’ Say: ‘The Fire of Hell is much hotter,
its sister nation, until, when they are all gathered if they only understood.’ (9:81)
together in it, the last of them will say to the first, Who is better: someone who founds his building
‘Our Lord, those are the ones who misguided us, on fear of Allah and His good pleasure, or some-
so give them a double punishment in the Fire.’ one who founds his building on the brink of a
He will say, ‘Each will receive double. But you crumbling precipice so that it collapses with him
do not know it.’ (7:38) into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not love wrong-
The Companions of the Garden will call out to doers. (9:109)
the Companions of the Fire, ‘We have found that It is not right for the Prophet and those who be-
what our Lord promised us is true. Have you lieve to ask forgiveness for the idolaters–even if
found that what your Lord promised you is true?’ they are close relatives–after it has become clear
240
to them that they are the Companions of the use to people, it remains behind in the ground.
Blazing Fire. (9:113) That is a metaphor which Allah has made.
Their shelter will be the Fire because of what (13:17)
they earned. (10:8) What is the Garden promised to those who guard
But as for those who have earned bad actions–a against evil like? It has rivers flowing under it and
bad action will be repaid with one the like of it. its foodstuffs and cool shade never fail. That is
Debasement will darken them. They will have no the final fate of those who guard against evil. But
one to protect them from Allah. It is as if their the final fate of the disbelievers is the Fire.
faces were covered by dark patches of the night. (13:35)
Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining They have made others equal to Allah to mis-
in it timelessly, for ever. (10:27) guide people from His Way. Say: ‘Enjoy your-
But such people will have nothing in the hereafter selves! Your destination is the Fire!’ (14:30)
but the Fire. What they achieved here will come to That Day you will see the evildoers yoked to-
nothing. What they did will prove to be null and gether in chains, wearing shirts of tar, their faces
void. (11:16) enveloped in the Fire. (14:49-50)
But as for those who have clear evidence from their We created the jinn before out of the fire of a
Lord followed up by a witness from Him–and be- searing wind. (15:27)
fore it the Book of Musa came as a model and a They allot to Allah what they themselves dislike
mercy–such people believe in it. Any faction and their tongues frame the lie that they will re-
which rejects it is promised the Fire. Be in no doubt ceive the Best. There is no doubt at all that they
about it. It is the Truth from your Lord. But most will receive the Fire and that they are people
people have no faith. (11:17) who go to excess. (16:62)
He will go ahead of his people on the Day of Say: ‘It is the truth from your Lord; so let whoever
Rising and lead them down into the Fire. What wishes believe and whoever wishes disbelieve.’
an evil watering-hole to be led to! (11:98) We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire
As for those who are wretched, they will be in whose billowing walls of smoke will hem them
the Fire, where they will sigh and gasp. (11:106) in. If they call for help, they will be helped with
Do not rely on those who do wrong thus causing water like seething molten brass, frying their
the Fire to afflict you, for you have no protector faces. What a noxious drink! What an evil re-
besides Allah; then you will not be helped. pose! (18:29)
(11:113) The evildoers will see the Fire and realise they
If you are surprised at their blindness, what could are going to fall into it and find no way of escap-
be more surprising than their words: ‘What, ing from it. (18:53)
when we are turned to dust, shall we then be (Dhu’l-Qarnayn said,) ‘Bring me ingots of iron!’
created all anew?’ These are the people who re- Then, when he had made it level between the
ject their Lord. Such people have iron collars two high mountain-sides, he said,‘Blow!’ and
round their necks. Such people are the when he had made it a red hot fire, he said,
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- ‘Bring me molten brass to pour over it.’ (18:96)
lessly, for ever. (13:5) When he (Musa) saw a fire and said to his family,
He sends down water from the sky and river-beds ‘Wait here. I can make out a fire. Maybe I will
fill up and flow according to their size, and the bring you a brand from it, or will find guidance
floodwater carries with it an increasing layer of there.’ (20:10)
scum; a similar kind of scum comes from what If those who disbelieve only knew of the time
you heat up in the fire, when you desire to make when they will not be able to keep the Fire away
jewellery or other things. That is how Allah de- from their faces or their backs! And they will re-
picts the true and the false. As for the scum, it is ceive no help! (21:39)
quickly swept away. But as for that which is of We said, ‘Fire, be coolness and peace for
241
Ibrahim!’ (21:69) back some news from it or a burning branch from
Here are two rival groups who disputed concern- the fire so that you will be able to warm your-
ing their Lord. Those who disbelieve will have selves.’ (28:29)
garments of fire cut out for them, and boiling Pharaoh said, ‘Council, I do not know of any
water poured over their heads. (22:19) other god for you apart from Me. Haman, kindle
But as for those who strive against My Signs and a fire for me over the clay and build me a lofty
try to thwart them, they will be the Companions tower so that perhaps I may be able to climb up
of the Blazing Fire. (22:51) to Musa’s god! I consider him a blatant liar.’
When Our Signs are recited to them–Clear (28:38)
Signs–you can detect denial in the faces of those We made them leaders, summoning to the Fire,
who disbelieve. They all but assault those who and on the Day of Rising they will not be helped.
recite Our Signs to them! Say: ‘Shall I inform you (28:41)
of something worse than that? The Fire which The only answer of his people was to say: ‘Kill
Allah has promised those who disbelieve. What him or burn him!’ But Allah rescued him
an evil destination!’ (22:72) (Ibrahim) from the fire. There are certainly Signs
The Fire will sear their faces, making them gri- in that for people who are believers. (29:24)
mace horribly in it, their lips drawn back from He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You have adopted idols apart
their teeth. (23:104) from Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. world. But then on the Day of Rising you will re-
The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in ject one another and curse one another. The Fire
which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.’
like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an (29:25)
olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all When they are told: ‘Follow what Allah has sent
but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light down,’ they say, ‘No, we will follow what we
upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He found our fathers doing.’ What! Even if Satan is
wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind calling them to the punishment of the Blazing
and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35) Fire? (31:21)
Do not imagine that those who disbelieve are But as for those who are deviators, their refuge is
able to escape Allah on earth. Their shelter will the Fire. Every time that they want to get out, they
be the Fire. What an evil destination! (24:57) are put straight back into it again and they are
The Blazing Fire will be displayed to the misled. told, ‘Taste the punishment of the Fire, which
(26:91) you denied.’ (32:20)
When Musa said to his people, ‘I can make out a They will say on the Day their faces are rolled
fire. I will bring you news from it or at least a over in the Fire, ‘If only we had obeyed Allah and
burning brand so that hopefully you will be able obeyed the Messenger!’ (33:66)
to warm yourselves.’ (27:7) ‘Today you possess no power to help or harm
But when he reached it, a voice called out to one another.’ And We will say to those who did
him, ‘Blessed be Him who is in the Fire and all wrong, ‘Taste the punishment of the Fire which
who are around it. Glory be to Allah, the Lord of you denied.’ (34:42)
all the worlds!’ (27:8) Whereas for those who disbelieve there will be
Those who perform bad actions will be flung the Fire of Hell. They will not be killed off so that
head first into the Fire: ‘Are you being repaid for they die and its punishment will not be lightened
anything other than what you did?’ (27:90) for them. That is how We repay every thankless
When Musa had fulfilled the appointed term and man. (35:36)
had set off with his family, he noticed a fire from Say ‘He Who made them in the first place will
one side of the Mount. He said to his family, ‘Stay bring them back to life. He has total knowledge
here, I can see a fire. Hopefully I will bring you of each created thing; He Who produces fire for
242
you from green trees so that you use them to light it, glorify their Lord with praise and believe in
your fires.’ (36:79-80) Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe:
Assemble those who did wrong together with ‘Our Lord, You encompass everything in mercy
their associates and what they worshipped be- and knowledge! Forgive those who turn to You
sides Allah, and guide them to the Path of the and who follow Your Way and safeguard them
Blazing Fire! (37:22-23) from the punishment of the Blazing Fire.’ (40:7)
So he will look down and see him in the midst of (The man who believed said,) ‘My people! How
the Blazing Fire. (37:55) is it that I call you to salvation while you call me
It (the tree of Zaqqum) is a tree that emerges in to the Fire?’ (40:41)
the depths of the Blazing Fire. (37:64) There is no question that what you call me to has
Then their destination will be the Blazing Fire. no foundation either in this world or the here-
(37:68) after, that our return is to Allah, and that the prof-
You will entice no one to them except for him ligate will be Companions of the Fire. (40:43)
who is to roast in the Blazing Fire. (37:162-163) So Allah safeguarded him from the evil things
We did not create heaven and earth and every- they plotted and a most evil torment engulfed
thing between them to no purpose. That is the Pharaoh’s people–the Fire, morning and night, to
opinion of those who disbelieve. Woe to those which they are exposed; and on the Day the
who disbelieve, because of the Fire! (38:27) Hour takes place: ‘Admit Pharaoh’s people to the
This! A crowd hurtling in with you. There is no harshest punishment!’ (40:45-46)
welcome for them. They will certainly roast in When they are squabbling with one another in
the Fire. (38:59) the Fire, the weak will say to those deemed great,
They will say, ‘Our Lord, give him who brought ‘We were your followers, so why do you not re-
this on us double the punishment in the Fire!’ lieve us of a portion of the Fire?’ (40:47)
(38:61) Those in the Fire will say to the custodians of
All this is certainly true–the bickering of the peo- Hell, ‘Call on your Lord to make the punishment
ple of the Fire. (38:64) less for us for just one day.’ (40:49)
He (Satan) said, ‘I am better than him. You cre- Those who deny the Book and that with which
ated me from fire but You created him from clay.’ We sent Our Messengers will certainly come to
(38:76) know when they have shackles and chains
When harm touches man he calls upon his Lord, around their necks and are dragged along the
repenting to Him. Then when He grants him a ground into the boiling water and then are
blessing from Him, he forgets what he was call- thrown into the Fire! (40:70-72)
ing for before and ascribes rivals to Allah, so as to On the Day We crowd the enemies of Allah into
misguide others from His Way. Say: ‘Enjoy your the Fire and they are driven in close-packed
disbelief for a little while. You are among the ranks. (41:19)
Companions of the Fire.’ (39:8) If they are steadfast, the Fire will still be their res-
They will have awnings of Fire above them and idence! If they ask for favour, no favour will be
awnings below them. By that Allah strikes fear given. (41:24)
into His servants: ‘So have fear, My servants, of That is the repayment of the enemies of
Me!’ (39:16) Allah–the Fire. They will have it for their Eternal
But as for those against whom the decree of Home as repayment for their renunciation of Our
Punishment is justly carried out, can you rescue Signs. (41:28)
those who are in the Fire? (39:19) Those who adulterate Our Signs are not con-
So your Lord’s Words about those who disbelieve cealed from Us. Who is better–someone who
proved true, that they are indeed the will be thrown into the fire or someone who will
Companions of the Fire. (40:6) arrive in safety on the Day of Rising? Do what
Those who bear the Throne, and all those around you like. He sees whatever you do. (41:40)
243
Accordingly We have revealed to you an Arabic The Day they are shoved roughly into the Fire of
Qur’an so that you may warn the Mother of Hell: (the deniers will be told,) ‘This is the Fire
Cities and those around it, and give warning of which you denied!’ (52:13-14)
the Day of Gathering about which there is no The people who guard against evil will be in
doubt: one group in the Garden, the other in the Gardens of Delight, savouring what their Lord has
Blazing Fire. (42:7) given them. Their Lord will safeguard them from
(The Guard of Hell will be told,) ‘Seize him and the punishment of the Blazing Fire. (52:17-18)
drag him bodily into the middle of the Blazing On the Day that they are dragged face-first into the
Fire.’ (44:47) Fire: ‘Taste the scorching touch of Saqar!’ (54:48)
They will not taste any death there–except for the And He created the jinn from a fusion of fire.
first one. He will safeguard them from the pun- (55:15)
ishment of the Blazing Fire. (44:56) They will go back and forth between fire and
They will be told, ‘Today We have forgotten you scalding water. (55:44)
as you forgot the meeting of this your Day. Your Have you thought about the fire that you light? Is
refuge is the Fire and you have no helpers.’ it you who make the trees that fuel it grow or are
(45:34) We the Grower? (56:71-72)
On the Day when those who disbelieved are ex- And if he is one of the misguided deniers, there is
posed to the Fire: ‘You dissipated the good things hospitality of scalding water and roasting in the
you had in your worldly life and enjoyed yourself Blazing Fire. (56:92-94)
in it. So today you are being repaid with the pun- (Believers will say to the hypocrites,) ‘So today
ishment of humiliation for being arrogant in the no ransom will be accepted from you or from
earth without any right and for being deviators.’ those who disbelieved. Your refuge is the Fire. It
(46:20) is your master. What an evil destination!’ (57:15)
On the Day when those who disbelieved are ex- Those who believe in Allah and His
posed to the Fire, they will be asked, ‘Is this not Messengers–such people are the truly
the truth?’ They will say, ‘Yes, by our Lord.’ He sincere–and the martyrs who are with their Lord
will say, ‘Then taste the punishment for having will receive their wages and their light. But those
disbelieved.’ (46:34) who disbelieve and deny Our Signs, will be
Allah will admit those who believe to Gardens Companions of the Blazing Fire. (57:19)
with rivers flowing under them. Those who dis- Neither their wealth nor their children will help
believe have their enjoyment, eating as cattle them at all against Allah. Such people are the
eat, but the Fire will be their final residence. Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
(47:12) lessly, for ever. (58:17)
An image of the Garden which is promised to If Allah had not prescribed banishment for them,
those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers of He would have punished them in this world. But
water which will never spoil and rivers of milk in the hereafter they will have the punishment of
whose taste will never change and rivers of wine, the Fire. (59:3)
delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey of The final fate of both of them is that they will be
undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of every timelessly, for ever in the Fire. That is the repay-
kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that like ment of the wrongdoers. (59:17)
those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for ever, The Companions of the Fire and the Companions
with boiling water to drink which lacerates their of the Garden are not the same. It is the
bowels? (47:15) Companions of the Garden who are the victors.
Whoever does not believe in Allah and His (59:20)
Messenger–We have prepared a Blazing Fire for But as for those who disbelieve and deny Our
the disbelievers. (48:13) Signs they are the Companions of the Fire, re-
On the Day they are tormented by the Fire. (51:13) maining in it timelessly, for ever. What an evil
244
destination! (64:10) Then they will roast in the Blazing Fire. (83:16)
You who believe! Safeguard yourselves and your Cursed be the Companions of the Pit–the fire well
families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stocked with fuel–when they were seated right be-
stones. Harsh, terrible angels are in charge of it side it witnessing what they did to the believers.
who do not disobey Allah in respect of any order (85:4-7)
He gives them and carry out what they are But the most miserable will shun it (the re-
ordered to do. (66:6) minder), those who will roast in the Greatest Fire.
Allah has made an example for those who disbe- (87:11-12)
lieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They Some faces on that Day will be downcast,
were married to two of Our servants who were labouring, toiling endlessly, roasting in a red-hot
righteous but they betrayed them and were not Fire. (88:2-4)
helped at all against Allah. They were told, ‘Enter Above them is a sealed vault of Fire. (90:20)
the Fire along with all who enter it.’ (66:10) I have warned you of a Fire which rages. (92:14)
(The Guards of Hell will be told,) ‘Then roast him The People of the Book who disbelieve and the
in the Blazing Fire.’ (69:31) idolaters will be in the Fire of Hell, remaining in
Because of their errors they were drowned and it timelessly, for ever. They are the worst of crea-
put into the Fire. They found no one to help them tures. (98:6)
besides Allah. (71:25) A raging Fire! (101:11)
(Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of You will certainly see the Blazing Fire! (102:6)
the jinn listened and said,) "The deviators will be The kindled Fire of Allah reaching right into the
firewood for Hellfire."’ (72:15) heart. It is sealed in above them in towering
Say: ‘No one can protect me from Allah and I columns. (104:6-9)
will never find any refuge apart from Him–only He (Abu Lahab) will burn in a Flaming Fire. And
in transmitting from Allah and His Messages. As so will his wife, the firewood-carrier. (111:3-4)
for him who disobeys Allah and His Messenger,
he will have the Fire of Hell, remaining in it time- FIREWOOD
lessly, for ever and ever.’ (72:22-23) (Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of
With Us there are shackles and a Blazing Fire. the jinn listened and said,) "the deviators will be
(73:12) firewood for Hellfire."’ (72:15)
We have only appointed angels as masters of the Ruin to the hands of Abu Lahab and ruin to him!
Fire and We have only specified their number as His wealth has not helped him nor anything he
a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who has earned. He will burn in a Flaming Fire. And
were given the Book might gain in certainty, and so will his wife, the firewood-carrier, with a rope
those who believe might increase in their faith, of twisted fibre round her neck. (111:1-5)
and both those who were given the Book and the
believers might have no doubt; and so that those FISH
with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers Ask them about the town which was by the sea
might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam- when they broke the Sabbath–when their fish
ple?’ In this way Allah misguides those He wills came to them near the surface on their Sabbath
and guides those He wills. No one knows the le- day but did not come on the days which they did
gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a not keep the Sabbath. In this way We put them to
reminder to all human beings. (74:31) the test because they were deviators. (7:163)
And the Blazing Fire will be displayed for all who But when they reached their meeting-place, they
can see. (79:36) forgot their fish which quickly burrowed its way
The Blazing Fire will be his refuge. (79:39) into the sea. (18:61)
When the Fire is set ablaze. (81:12) He (Musa's servant) said, ‘Do you see what has
The dissolute will be in a Blazing Fire. (82:14) happened? When we went to find shelter at the
245
rock, I forgot the fish. No one made me forget to But they turned away so We unleashed against
remember it except Satan. It found its way into them the flood from the great dam and ex-
the sea in an amazing way.’ (18:63) changed their two gardens for two others con-
Then the fish devoured him (Yunus) and he was taining bitter-tasting plants and tamarisk and a
to blame. (37:142) few lote trees. (34:16)
So wait steadfastly for the judgement of your
Lord. Do not be like the Companion of the Fish FLY
when he called out in absolute despair. (68:48) Mankind! An example has been made, so listen
to it carefully. Those whom you call upon be-
FITNAH (SEE DISCORD) sides Allah are not even able to create a single
fly, even if they were to join together to do it. And
FITRAH (SEE ALLAH'S NATURAL PATTERN) if a fly steals something from them, they cannot
get it back. How feeble are both the seeker and
FLAW the sought! (22:73)
He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You
will not find any flaw in the creation of the All- FOOD
Merciful. Look again–do you see any gaps? And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up
(67:3) with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to
supply to us some of what the earth produces–its
FLESH green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
Their flesh and blood does not reach Allah but onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
your heedfulness does reach Him. In this way He better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
has subjected them to you so that you might pro- then you will have what you are asking for.’
claim Allah’s greatness for the way that He has Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
guided you. Give good news to the good-doers. them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
(22:37) themselves. That was because they rejected
You who believe! Avoid most suspicion. Indeed Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any
some suspicion is a crime. And do not spy and right to do so. That was because they rebelled
do not backbite one another. Would any of you and went beyond the limits. (2:61)
like to eat his brother’s dead flesh? No, you Or (what about) the one who passed by a town
would hate it. And have fear of Allah. Allah is which had fallen into ruin? He asked, ‘How can
Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (49:12) Allah restore this to life when it has died?’ Allah
caused him to die a hundred years then brought
FLOOD, THE (SEE NUH (AS)) him back to life. Then He asked, ‘How long have
you been here?’ He replied, ‘I have been here a
FLOODWATER day or part of a day.’ He said, ‘Not so! You have
He sends down water from the sky and river-beds been here a hundred years. Look at your food
fill up and flow according to their size, and the and drink–it has not gone bad–and look at your
floodwater carries with it an increasing layer of donkey so We can make you a Sign for all
scum; a similar kind of scum comes from what mankind. Look at the bones–how We raise them
you heat up in the fire, when you desire to make up and clothe them in flesh.’ When it had be-
jewellery or other things. That is how Allah de- come clear to him, he said, ‘Now I know that
picts the true and the false. As for the scum, it is Allah has power over all things.’ (2:259)
quickly swept away. But as for that which is of Her Lord accepted her with approval and made
use to people, it remains behind in the ground. her grow in health and beauty. And Zakariyya
That is a metaphor which Allah has made. became her guardian. Every time Zakariyya vis-
(13:17) ited her in the Upper Room, he found food with
246
her. He said, ‘Maryam, how did you come by day.’ They said, ‘Your Lord knows best how long
this?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. Allah provides for you have been here. Send one of your number
whoever He wills without any reckoning.’ (3:37) into the city with this silver you have, so he can
All food was lawful for the tribe of Israel except see which food is purest and bring you some of it
what Israel made unlawful for himself before the to eat. But he should go about with caution so
Torah was sent down. Say, ‘Bring the Torah and that no one is aware of you.’ (18:19)
read it out if you are telling the truth.’ (3:93) So they went on until they reached the inhabi-
Today all good things have been made lawful for tants of a town. They asked them for food but
you. And the food of those given the Book is also they refused them hospitality. They found there a
lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. wall about to fall down and he built it up. Musa
So are chaste women from among the believers said, ‘If you had wanted, you could have taken a
and chaste women of those given the Book be- wage for doing that.’ (18:77)
fore you, once you have given them their We did not give them bodies which did not eat
dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking food, nor were they immortal. (21:8)
them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects They say, ‘What is the matter with this
faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the Messenger, that he eats food and walks in the
hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:5) market-place? Why has an angel not been sent
The Messiah, the son of Maryam, was only a down to him so that it can be a warner along
Messenger, before whom other Messengers came with him? Why has treasure not been showered
and went. His mother was a woman of truth. down on him? Why does he not have a garden to
Both of them ate food. See how We make the give him food?’ The wrongdoers say, ‘You are
Signs clear to them! Then see how they are per- merely following a man who is bewitched.’
verted! (5:75) (25:7-8)
Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you, We never sent any Messengers before you who
and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that did not eat food and walk in the market-place.
of travellers, but land game is forbidden for you But We have made some of you a trial for others
while you are in the state of pilgrimage. So have to see if you will be steadfast. Your Lord sees
fear of Allah, Him to Whom you will be gath- everything. (25:20)
ered. (5:96) You who believe! Do not go into the Prophet’s
Say: ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to rooms except when you are invited to come and
me, any food it is forbidden to eat except for car- eat. Do not wait there while the food is being
rion, flowing blood, and pork–for that is un- cooked. However, when you are called, go in,
clean–or some deviance consecrated to other and when you have eaten, disperse, not remain-
than Allah. But if anyone is forced to eat it, with- ing there to chat with one another. Doing that
out desiring to or going to excess in it, your Lord causes annoyance to the Prophet though he is
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (6:145) too reticent to tell you so. But Allah is not reticent
Then when they (Yusuf's brothers) opened up with the truth. When you ask his wives for some-
their saddlebags and found their merchandise re- thing, ask them from behind a screen. That is
turned to them, they said, ‘Our father! What purer for your hearts and their hearts. It is not
more could we ask! Here is our merchandise re- right for you to cause annoyance to the
turned to us. We can provide our families with Messenger of Allah or ever to marry his wives
food, and guard our brother and get an extra after him. To do that would be a dreadful thing in
load. That is an easy measure to obtain.’ (12:65) Allah’s sight. (33:53)
That was the situation when we woke them up so The Tree of az-Zaqqum is the food of the wicked.
they could question one another. One of them (44:43-44)
asked, ‘How long have you been here?’ They ‘Therefore here today he has no friend nor any
replied, ‘We have been here for a day or part of a food except exuding pus which no one will eat
247
except those who were in error.’ (69:35-37) the jinn listened and said,) "The fools among us
With Us there are shackles and a Blazing Fire have uttered a vile slander against Allah."’ (72:4)
and food that chokes and a painful punishment.
(73:12-13) FOOTSTEP
They give food, despite their love for it, to the Mankind! Eat what is good and lawful on the
poor and orphans and captives. (76:8) earth. And do not follow in the footsteps of Satan.
They have no food but a bitter thorny bush which He truly is an outright enemy to you. (2:168)
neither nourishes nor satisfies. (88:6-7) You who believe! Enter Islam totally. Do not fol-
low in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright
FOODSTUFFS enemy to you. (2:208)
What is the Garden promised to those who guard And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in
against evil like? It has rivers flowing under it and their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came
its foodstuffs and cool shade never fail. That is before him. We gave him the Gospel containing
the final fate of those who guard against evil. But guidance and light, confirming the Torah that
the final fate of the disbelievers is the Fire. came before it, and as guidance and admonition
(13:35) for those who guard against evil. (5:46)
And also animals for riding and for haulage and
FOOL animals for slaughtering and for wool. Eat what
When they are told, ‘Believe in the way that the Allah has provided for you and do not follow in
people believe,’ they say, ‘What! Are we to be- the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to
lieve in the way that fools believe?’ No indeed! you. (6:142)
They are the fools, but they do not know it. (2:13) He (Musa) said, ‘That is the very thing that we
Who would deliberately renounce the religion of were looking for!’ So, following their footsteps,
Ibrahim except someone who reveals himself to they retraced their route. (18:64)
be a fool? We chose him in this world and in the You who believe! Do not follow in the footsteps
hereafter he will be one of the righteous. (2:130) of Satan. Anyone who follows in Satan’s foot-
The fools among the people will ask, ‘What has steps should know that he commands indecency
made them turn round from the direction they and wrongdoing. Were it not for Allah’s favour to
used to face?’ Say, ‘Both East and West belong to you and His mercy, not one of you would ever
Allah. He guides whoever He wills to a straight have been purified. But Allah purifies whoever
path.’ (2:142) He wills. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
The ruling circle of those of his people who dis- (24:21)
believed said, ‘We consider you a fool and think No, in fact they say, ‘We found our fathers fol-
you are a liar.’ He (Hud) said, ‘My people, I am lowing a religion and we are simply guided in
by no means a fool, but rather am a Messenger their footsteps.’ (43:22)
from the Lord of all the worlds.’ (7:66-67) Similarly We never sent any warner before you to
Musa chose seventy men from his people for Our any city without the affluent among them saying,
appointed time and when the earthquake seized ‘We found our fathers following a religion and
them he said, ‘My Lord, if You had willed, You we are simply following in their footsteps.’
could have destroyed them previously and me as (43:23)
well. Would you destroy us for what the fools Then We sent Our Messengers following in their
among us did? It was only a trial from You by footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them,
which You misguided those You willed and giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and
guided those You willed. You are our Protector so mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.
forgive us and have mercy on us. You are the Best They invented monasticism–We did not pre-
of Forgivers.’ (7:155) scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the
(Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob-
248
serve it as it should have been observed. To those relations with them there is nothing blameworthy
of them who believed We gave their reward but for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom
many of them are deviators. (57:27) you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at
the same time–except for what may have already
FORBIDDEN (HARAM) taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
Then you are the people who are killing one an- Merciful. (4:23)
other and expelling a group among you from If you avoid the serious wrong actions you have
their homes, ganging up against them in wrong- been forbidden, We will erase your bad actions
doing and enmity. Yet if they are brought to you from you and admit you by a Gate of Honour.
as captives, you ransom them, when it was for- (4:31)
bidden for you to expel them in the first place! Because of wrongdoing on the part of the Jews,
Do you, then, believe in one part of the Book and We made forbidden for them some good things
reject the other? What repayment will there be which had previously been lawful for them; and
for any of you who do that except disgrace in this because of their obstructing many people from
world? And on the Day of Rising, they will be re- the Way of Allah, and because of their practising
turned to the harshest of punishments. Allah is usury when they were forbidden to do it, and be-
not unaware of what you do. (2:85) cause of their consuming people’s wealth by
He has only forbidden you carrion, blood and wrongful means, We have prepared for the dis-
pork and what has been consecrated to other believers among them a painful punishment.
than Allah. But anyone who is forced to eat (4:160-161)
it–without desiring it or going to excess in Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork,
it–commits no crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, and what has been consecrated to other than
Most Merciful. (2:173) Allah, and animals which have been strangled,
Those who practise usury will not rise from the and animals which have been killed by a blow,
grave except as someone driven mad by Satan's and animals which have fallen to their death,
touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade is the and animals which have been gored, and ani-
same as usury.’ But Allah has permitted trade and mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those
He has forbidden usury. Whoever is given a you are able to slaughter properly–and animals
warning by his Lord and then desists, can keep which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid-
what he received in the past and his affair is ing things by means of divining arrows–that is
Allah’s concern. But all who return to it will be deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de-
the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not
lessly, for ever. (2:275) be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I
(‘Isa will say,) ‘I come confirming the Torah I find have perfected your religion for you and com-
already there, and to make lawful for you some pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased
of what was previously forbidden to you. I have with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is
brought you a Sign from your Lord. So have fear forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing,
of Allah and obey me.’ (3:50) Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)
Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your He said (to Musa), ‘The land will be forbidden to
daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts them (the Tribe of Israel) for forty years during
and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters which they will wander aimlessly about the
and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers earth. Do not waste grief on this deviant people.’
who have suckled you, your foster sisters by (5:26)
suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh- Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam,
ters who are under your protection: the daugh- is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe
ters of your wives whom you have had sexual of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.
relations with (though if you have not had sexual If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah
249
has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will pair of goats–Say: ‘Is it the two males He has
be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no made forbidden, or the two females, or what the
helpers. (5:72) wombs of the two females contain? Tell me with
You who believe! Do not make forbidden the knowledge if you are being truthful.’ (6.143)
good things Allah has made lawful for you, and And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is
do not overstep the limits. Allah does not love it the two males He has made forbidden, or the
people who overstep the limits.(5:87) two females, or what the wombs of the two fe-
Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you, males contain? Were you then witnesses when
and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do
of travellers, but land game is forbidden for you greater wrong than someone who invents lies
while you are in the state of pilgrimage. So have against Allah thus leading people astray without
fear of Allah, Him to Whom you will be gath- any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people
ered. (5:96) of the wrongdoers. (6:144)
No, it is simply that what they were concealing Say: ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to
before has been shown to them; and if they were me, any food it is forbidden to eat except for car-
sent back they would merely return to what they rion, flowing blood, and pork–for that is un-
were forbidden to do. Truly they are liars. (6:28) clean–or some deviance consecrated to other
Say: ‘I am forbidden to worship those you call than Allah. But if anyone is forced to eat it, with-
upon besides Allah.’ Say: ‘I do not follow your out desiring to or going to excess in it, your Lord
whims and desires. If I did I would go astray and is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (6:145)
not be among the guided.’ (6:56) We made forbidden for the Jews every animal
What is the matter with you that you do not eat with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle
that over which the name of Allah has been men- and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them,
tioned, when He has made clear to you what He except what is attached to their backs or guts or
has made forbidden for you except when you are mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid
forced to eat it? Many people lead others astray them for their insolence. And We certainly speak
through their whims and desires without having the truth. (6:146)
any knowledge. Your Lord knows best those who Those who associate others with Allah will say,
overstep the limits. (6;119) ‘If Allah had willed we would not have associ-
They say, ‘These animals and crops are sacro- ated anything with Him, nor would our fathers;
sanct. No one may eat them except those we nor would we have made anything forbidden.’ In
wish’,–as they allege–and animals on whose the same way the people before them also lied
backs it is forbidden to ride, and animals over until they felt Our violent force. Say: ‘Do you
which they do not mention Allah’s name, invent- have some knowledge you can produce for us?
ing falsehood against Him. He will repay them You are following nothing but conjecture. You
for the things they have invented. (6:138) are only guessing.’ (6:148)
They say, ‘What is in the wombs of these animals Say: ‘Produce your witnesses to testify that Allah
is exclusively for our men and forbidden for our made this forbidden.’ If they do testify, do not tes-
wives. But if it is stillborn, they can share in it.’ tify with them and do not follow the whims and
He will repay them for their false depiction. He is desires of people who deny Our Signs, and who
All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6.139) do not believe in the hereafter and make others
Those who kill their children foolishly without equal to their Lord. (6:150)
any knowledge and make what Allah has pro- Say: ‘Come and I will recite to you what your
vided for them forbidden, inventing lies against Lord has made forbidden for you’: that you do
Allah, such people are lost. They are misguided. not associate anything with Him; that you are
They are not guided. (6:140) good to your parents; that you do not kill your
There are eight in pairs: A pair of sheep and a children because of poverty–We will provide for
250
you and them; that you do not approach inde- despised, cast out!’ (7:166)
cency–outward or inward; that you do not kill Fight those of the people who were given the
any person Allah has made inviolate–except with Book who do not believe in Allah and the Last
the right to do so. That is what He instructs you to Day and who do not make forbidden what Allah
do so that hopefully you will use your intellect. and His Messenger have made forbidden and do
(6:151) not take as their religion the religion of Truth,
Then Satan whispered to them, disclosing to until they pay the poll tax with their own hands
them their private parts that had been concealed in a state of complete abasement. (9:29)
from them. He said, ‘Your Lord has only forbid- There have been twelve months with Allah in the
den you this tree lest you become angels or Book of Allah, from the day He first created the
among those who live for ever.’ (7:20) heavens and earth. Four of them are forbidden.
Say: ‘Who has forbidden the fine clothing Allah That is the True Religion. So do not wrong one
has produced for His servants and the good kinds another during them. However, fight the idol-
of provision?’ Say: ‘On the Day of Rising such aters totally just as they fight you totally, and
things will be exclusively for those who believed know that Allah is with those who guard against
during their life in this world.’ In this way We evil. (9:36)
make the Signs clear for people who know. Say: ‘What do you think about the things Allah
(7:32) has sent down to you as provision which you
Say: ‘My Lord has forbidden indecency, both have then designated as lawful and forbidden?’
open and hidden, and wrong action, and un- Say: ‘Has Allah given you authority to do this or
rightful tyranny, and associating anything with are you inventing lies against Allah?’ (10:59)
Allah for which He has sent down no authority, He (Shu‘ayb) said, ‘My people! What do you
and saying things about Allah you do not know.’ think? If I do possess a Clear Sign from my Lord
(7:33) and He has given me His good provision, I
The Companions of the Fire will call out to the would clearly not want to go behind your backs
Companions of the Garden, ‘Throw down some and do something I have forbidden you to do. I
water to us or some of what Allah has given you only want to put things right as far as I can. My
as provision.’ They will say, ‘Allah has forbidden success is with Allah alone. I have put my trust in
them to the disbelievers.’ (7:50) Him and I turn to Him.’ (11:88)
(Allah said,) ‘Those who follow the Messenger, The idolaters say, ‘If Allah had willed we would
the Ummi, whom they find written down with not have worshipped anything apart from Him,
them in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding neither we nor our fathers, nor would we have
them to do right and forbidding them to do forbidden anything without His say.’ Those be-
wrong, making good things lawful for them and fore them said the same. Are the Messengers re-
bad things forbidden for them, relieving them of sponsible for anything but clear transmission?
their heavy loads and the chains which were (16:35)
around them. Those who believe in him and ho- He has forbidden you carrion, blood and pork
nour him and help him, and follow the Light that and anything consecrated to other than Allah.
has been sent down with him, they are the ones But if someone is forced to eat it, without desir-
who are successful.’ (7:157) ing to or going to excess in it, your Lord is Ever-
Then when they forgot what they had been re- Forgiving, Most Merciful. (16:115)
minded of, We rescued those who had forbidden Do not say about what your lying tongues de-
the evil and seized those who did wrong with a scribe: ‘This is lawful and this is forbidden,’ in-
harsh punishment because they were deviators. venting lies against Allah. Those who invent lies
(7:165) against Allah are not successful. (16:116)
When they were insolent about what they had A man who has fornicated may only marry a
been forbidden to do, We said to them, ‘Be apes, woman who has fornicated or a woman of the
251
idolaters. A woman who has fornicated may only FORGIVENESS
marry a man who has fornicated or a man of the Then We pardoned you after that so that perhaps
idolaters. Doing such a thing is forbidden for the you would show thanks. (2:52)
believers. (24:3) Remember when We said, ‘Go into this town and
‘I was forbidden to worship those you call upon eat from it wherever you like, freely. Enter the
besides Allah when the Clear Signs came to me gate prostrating and say, "Relieve us of our bur-
from my Lord and I was commanded to submit to dens!" Your mistakes will be forgiven. We will
the Lord of all the worlds.’ (40:66) grant increase to all good-doers.’ (2:58)
Do you not see those who were forbidden to Many of the People of the Book would love it if
confer together secretly returning to the very they could turn you back to disbelief after you
thing they were forbidden to do, and conferring have become believers, showing their innate
together secretly in wrongdoing and enmity and envy now that the truth is clear to them. But you
disobedience to the Messenger? And when they should pardon and overlook until Allah gives His
come to you they greet you with words Allah has command. Truly Allah has power over all things.
never used in greeting you, and say to them- (2:109)
selves ‘Why does Allah not punish us for what Those are the ones who have sold guidance for
we say?’ Hell will be enough for them! They will misguidance and forgiveness for punishment.
roast in it. What an evil destination! (58:8) How steadfastly they will endure the Fire!
O Prophet! Why do you make forbidden what (2:175)
Allah has made lawful for you, seeking to please On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have
your wives? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth-
Merciful. (66:1) ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that
you have been betraying yourselves and He has
FOREHEAD turned towards you and excused you. Now you
You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks may have sexual intercourse with them and seek
devour people’s property under false pretences what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink
and bar people from access to the Way of Allah. until you can clearly discern the white thread
As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the
not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the fast until the night appears. But do not have sex-
news of a painful punishment on the Day it is ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat
heated up in the fire of Hell and their foreheads, in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do
sides and backs are branded with it: ‘This is what not go near them. In this way does Allah make
you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they
were hoarding!’ (9:34-35) will guard against evil. (2:187)
Then press on from where the people press on
FORELOCK and ask Allah’s forgiveness. Allah is Ever-
(Hud said,) ‘I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:199)
and your Lord. There is no creature He does not Those who believe and migrate and strive in the
hold by the forelock. My Lord is on a Straight Way of Allah can expect Allah’s mercy. Allah is
Path.’ (11:56) Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:218)
The evildoers will be recognised by their mark Do not marry women of the idolaters until they
and seized by their forelocks and their feet. believe. A slavegirl who is one of the believers is
(55:41) better for you than a woman of the idolaters,
No indeed! If he does not desist, We will grab even though she may attract you. And do not
him by the forelock, a lying, sinful forelock. marry men of the idolaters until they believe. A
(96:15-16) slave who is one of the believers is better for you
than a man of the idolaters, even though he may
252
attract you. Such people call you to the Fire not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake!
whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one
the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not
clear to people so that hopefully they will pay place on us a load we have not the strength to
heed. (2:221) bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have
Allah will not take you to task for inadvertent mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us
statements in your oaths, but He will take you to against the people of the disbelievers.’ (2:286)
task for the intention your hearts have made. (His servants are) those who say, ‘Our Lord, we
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:225) believe, so forgive us our wrong actions and safe-
Those who swear to abstain from sexual relations guard us from the punishment of the Fire.’ (3:16)
with their wives can wait for a period of up to The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, the
four months. If they then retract their oath, Allah givers, and those who seek forgiveness before
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:226) dawn. (3:17)
Nor is there anything wrong in any allusion to Say, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me and Allah
marriage you make to a woman, nor for any you will love you and forgive you for your wrong ac-
keep to yourself. Allah knows that you will say tions. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’
things to them. But do not make secret arrange- (3:31)
ments with them, rather only speak with correct- Except for those who, after that, repent and put
ness and courtesy. Do not finally decide on the things right. Truly Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
marriage contract until the prescribed period has Merciful. (3:89)
come to its end. Know that Allah knows what is Everything in the heavens and everything in the
in your selves, so beware of Him! And know that earth belongs to Allah. He forgives whoever He
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:235) wills and punishes whoever He wills. Allah is
Correct and courteous words accompanied by Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (3:129)
forgiveness are better than charity followed by Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord
insulting words. Allah is Rich Beyond Need, All- and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the
Forbearing. (2:263) earth, prepared for the people who guard against
Satan promises you poverty and commands you evil. (3:133)
to avarice. Allah promises you forgiveness from (Believers are) those who give in times of both
Him and abundance. Allah is All-Encompassing, ease and hardship, those who control their rage
All-Knowing. (2:268) and pardon other people–Allah loves the good-
Everything in the heavens and everything in the doers–those who, when they act indecently or
earth belongs to Allah. Whether you divulge wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask for-
what is in yourselves or keep it hidden, Allah will giveness for their bad actions (and who can for-
still call you to account for it. He forgives who- give bad actions except Allah?) and do not
ever He wills and He punishes whoever He wills. knowingly persist in what they were doing.
Allah has power over all things. (2:284) (3:134-135)
The Messenger believes in what has been sent Their recompense is forgiveness from their Lord,
down to him from his Lord, and so do the believ- and Gardens with rivers flowing under them, re-
ers. Each one believes in Allah and His angels maining in them timelessly, for ever. How excel-
and His Books and His Messengers. We do not lent is the reward of those who act! (3:136)
differentiate between any of His Messengers. All they said was, ‘Our Lord, forgive us our
They say, ‘We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our wrong actions and any excesses we went to in
Lord! You are our journey’s end.’ (2:285) what we did and make our feet firm and help us
Allah does not impose on any self any more than against these disbelieving people.’ (3:147)
it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were
it, what it has brought upon itself. ‘Our Lord, do slaughtering them by His permission. But then
253
you faltered, disputing the command, and dis- Marry them with their owners’ permission and
obeyed after He showed you what you love. give them their dowries correctly and courte-
Among you are those who want this world and ously as married women, not in fornication or
among you are those who want the hereafter. taking them as lovers. When they are married, if
Then He turned you from them in order to test they commit fornication they should receive half
you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows the punishment of free women. This is for those
favour to the believers. (3:152) of you who are afraid of committing fornication.
Those of you who turned their backs on the day But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever-
the two armies clashed–it was Satan who made Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25)
them slip for what they had done. But Allah has You who believe! Do not approach the prayer
pardoned them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All- when you are drunk, so that you will know what
Forbearing. (3:155) you are saying, nor in a state of major impu-
If you are killed in the Way of Allah or if you die, rity–unless you are travelling–until you have
forgiveness and mercy from Allah are better than washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or
anything you can acquire. (3:157) on a journey, or any of you have come from the
It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with lavatory or touched women, and you cannot find
them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, any water, then take for yourselves clean earth,
they would have scattered from around you. So wiping your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever-
pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43)
consult with them about the matter. Then when Allah does not forgive anything being associated
you have reached a firm decision, put your trust with Him but He forgives whoever He wills for
in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in anything other than that. Anyone who associates
Him. (3:159) something with Allah has committed a terrible
(Believers say,) ‘Our Lord, we heard a caller call- crime. (4:48)
ing us to faith: "Believe in your Lord!" and we be- We sent no Messenger except to be obeyed by
lieved. Our Lord, forgive us our wrong actions, Allah’s permission. If only when they wronged
erase our bad actions from us and take us back to themselves they had come to you and asked
You with those who are truly good.’ (3:193) Allah’s forgiveness and the Messenger had asked
Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your forgiveness for them they would have found
daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts Allah Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (4:64)
and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters (Allah has preferred those who strive over those
and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers who stay behind by an immense reward:) high
who have suckled you, your foster sisters by ranks conferred by Him as well as forgiveness
suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh- and mercy. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
ters who are under your protection: the daugh- Merciful. (4:96)
ters of your wives whom you have had sexual It may well be that Allah will pardon them. Allah
relations with (though if you have not had sexual is Ever-Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:99)
relations with them there is nothing blameworthy Those who migrate in the Way of Allah will find
for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom many places of refuge on the earth and ample
you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at sustenance. If anyone leaves his home, migrating
the same time–except for what may have already to Allah and His Messenger, and death catches
taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most up with him, it is Allah Who will reward him.
Merciful. (4:23) Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:100)
If any of you do not have the means to marry free And ask Allah’s forgiveness. Allah is Ever-
women who are believers, you may marry slave- Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:106)
girls who are believers. Allah knows best about Anyone who does evil or wrongs himself and
your faith; you are all the same in that respect. then asks Allah’s forgiveness will find Allah Ever-
254
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:110) have perfected your religion for you and com-
Allah does not forgive anything being associated pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased
with Him but He forgives whoever He wills for with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is
anything other than that. Anyone who associates forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing,
something with Allah has gone very far astray. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)
(4:116) Allah has promised those who believe and do
You will not be able to be completely fair be- right actions forgiveness and an immense re-
tween your wives, however hard you try. But do ward. (5:9)
not be completely partial so as to leave a wife, as But because of their breaking of their covenant,
it were, suspended in mid-air. And if you make We have cursed them and made their hearts
amends and guard against evil, Allah is Ever- hard. They distort the true meaning of words and
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:129) have forgotten a good portion of what they were
As for those who believe and then return to dis- reminded of. You will never cease to come upon
belief, and then again believe and then return to some act of treachery on their part, except for a
disbelief, and then increase in disbelief, Allah few of them. Yet pardon them, and overlook.
will not forgive them or guide them on any path. Allah loves good-doers. (5:13)
(4:137) The Jews and Christians say, ‘We are Allah’s chil-
Whether you reveal a good act or keep it hidden, dren and His loved ones.’ Say: ‘Why, then, does
or pardon an evil act, Allah is Ever-Pardoning, He punish you for your wrong actions? No, you
All-Powerful. (4:149) are merely human beings among those He has
Those who believe in Allah and His Messengers created. He forgives whoever He wills and He
and do not differentiate between any of them, punishes whoever He wills. The kingdom of the
We will pay them their wages. Allah is Ever- heavens and the earth and everything between
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:152) them belongs to Allah. He is our final destina-
The People of the Book will ask you to bring tion.’ (5:18)
down a Book from heaven to them. They asked But if anyone repents after his wrongdoing and
Musa for even more than that. They said, ‘Let us puts things right, Allah will turn towards him.
see Allah with our own eyes.’ So the lightning- Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:39)
bolt struck them down for their wrongdoing. Do you not know that the kingdom of the heav-
Then they adopted the Calf after the Clear Signs ens and earth belongs to Allah? He punishes
had come to them, but We pardoned them for whoever He wills and forgives whoever He wills.
that and gave Musa clear authority. (4:153) Allah has power over all things. (5:40)
Allah will not forgive those who disbelieve and Why do they not turn to Allah and ask for His for-
do wrong or guide them on any path. (4:168) giveness? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork, (5:74)
and what has been consecrated to other than You who believe! Do not kill game while you are
Allah, and animals which have been strangled, in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any
and animals which have been killed by a blow, deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani-
and animals which have fallen to their death, mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by
and animals which have been gored, and ani- two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the
mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast-
you are able to slaughter properly–and animals ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste
which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid- the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has
ing things by means of divining arrows–that is pardoned all that took place in the past; but if
deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de- anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on
spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge.
be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I (5:95)
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Know that Allah is fierce in retribution and that those You willed. You are our Protector so forgive
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:98) us and have mercy on us. You are the Best of
You who believe! Do not ask about matters Forgivers.’ (7:155)
which, if they were made known to you, would When they were told: ‘Live in this town and eat of
make things difficult for you. If you do ask about it wherever you like and say, "Relieve us of our
them when the Qur’an is being sent down, they burdens!" and enter the gate prostrating. Your mis-
will be made known to you. Allah has ignored takes will be forgiven you. We will grant increase
them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. to good-doers.’ (7:161)
(5:101) Then your Lord announced that He would send
(Isa said,) ‘If You punish them, they are Your ser- against them until the Day of Rising people who
vants. If you forgive them, You are the Almighty, would inflict an evil punishment on them. Your
the All-Wise.’ (5:118) Lord is Swift in Retribution. And He is Ever-
When those who believe in Our Signs come to Forgiving, Most Merciful. (7:167)
you, say, ‘Peace be upon you!’ Allah has made An evil generation has succeeded them, inheriting
mercy incumbent on Himself. If anyone among the Book, taking the goods of this lower world, and
you does evil out of ignorance and then after- saying, ‘We will be forgiven.’ But if similar goods
wards repents and puts things right, He is Ever- come to them again they still take them. Has not a
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:54) covenant been made with them in the Book, that
Say: ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to they should only say the truth about Allah and
me, any food it is forbidden to eat except for car- have they not studied what is in it? The Final
rion, flowing blood, and pork–for that is un- Abode is better for those who guard against evil.
clean–or some deviance consecrated to other than Will you not use your intellect? (7:169)
Allah. But if anyone is forced to eat it, without de- They are in truth the believers. They have high
siring to or going to excess in it, your Lord is Ever- ranks with their Lord and forgiveness and generous
Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (6:145) provision. (8:4)
It is He Who appointed you successors on the You who believe! If you have fear of Allah, He will
earth and raised some of you above others in rank give you discrimination and erase your bad actions
so He could test you regarding what He has given from you and forgive you. Allah’s favour is indeed
you. Your Lord is Swift in Retribution; and He is immense. (8:29)
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:165) Allah would not punish them while you were
They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. among them. Allah would not punish them as long
If you do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we as they sought forgiveness. (8:33)
will be among the lost.’ (7:23) Say to those who disbelieve that if they stop, they
When they took full stock of what they had done will be forgiven what is past; but if they return to it,
and saw they had been misled, they said, ‘If our they have the pattern of previous peoples in the
Lord does not have mercy on us and forgive us, we past. (8:38)
will certainly be among the lost.’ (7:149) So make full use of any booty you have taken
But as for those who do evil actions and then sub- which is lawful and good; and have fear of Allah.
sequently repent and believe, in that case your Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (8:69)
Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (7:153) O Prophet! Say to those you are holding prisoner,
Musa chose seventy men from his people for Our ‘If Allah knows of any good in your hearts, He will
appointed time and when the earthquake seized give you something better than what has been
them he said, ‘My Lord, if You had willed, You taken from you and forgive you.’ Allah is Ever-
could have destroyed them previously and me as Forgiving, Most Merciful. (8:70)
well. Would you destroy us for what the fools Those who believe and have migrated and strived
among us did? It was only a trial from You by in the Way of Allah and those who have given
which You misguided those You willed and guided refuge and help, they are the true believers. They
256
will have forgiveness and generous provision. no one can avert His favour. He bestows it on
(8:74) whichever of His servants He wills. He is Ever-
Then, when the sacred months are over, kill the Forgiving, Most Merciful. (10:107)
idolaters wherever you find them, and seize ‘Ask your Lord for forgiveness and then repent to
them and besiege them and lie in wait for them Him. He will let you enjoy a good life until a
on every road. If they repent and perform prayer specified time, and will give His favour to all
and give the alms, let them go on their way. Allah who merit it. But if you turn your backs, I fear for
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:5) you the punishment of a Mighty Day.’ (11:3)
Then after that Allah will turn to anyone He wills. Except for those who are steadfast and do right
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:27) actions. They will receive forgiveness and a large
Allah pardon you! Why did you excuse them reward. (11:11)
until it was clear to you which of them were He (Nuh) said, ‘Embark in it. In the name of Allah
telling the truth and until you knew the liars? be its voyage and its landing! Truly my Lord is
(9:43) Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (11:41)
(Say to the hypocrites:) ‘Do not try to excuse (Hud said,) ‘My people! Ask forgiveness of your
yourselves. You have disbelieved after believing. Lord and then repent to Him. He will send
If one group of you is pardoned, another group heaven down to you in abundant rain, and in-
will be punished for being evildoers.’ (9:66) crease you with strength upon strength. Do not
You can ask forgiveness for them, or not ask for- turn away as evildoers.’ (11:52)
giveness for them. Even if you asked forgiveness To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said,
for them seventy times, Allah still would not for- ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god
give them. That is because they have rejected apart from Him. He brought you into being from
Allah and His Messenger. Allah does not guide the earth and made you its inhabitants. So ask
deviant people. (9:80) His forgiveness and then repent to Him. My Lord
Nothing is held against the weak and sick nor is Close and Quick to Respond.’ (11:61)
against those who find nothing to spend, pro- (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘Ask your Lord for forgiveness and
vided they are true to Allah and His then repent to Him. My Lord is Most Merciful,
Messenger–there is no way open against good- Most Loving.’ (11:90)
doers, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (The governor said,) ‘Yusuf, ignore all this, and
(9:91) you, my wife, should ask forgiveness for your evil
But others have acknowledged their wrong ac- act. There is no doubt that you are in the wrong.’
tions and mixed a right action with another (12:29)
which is wrong. It may well be that Allah will He (Yusuf) said (to his brothers), ‘No blame at all
turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most will fall on you. Today you have forgiveness from
Merciful. (9:102) Allah. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.’
It is not right for the Prophet and those who be- (12:92)
lieve to ask forgiveness for the idolaters–even if They (Yusuf's brothers) said, ‘Our father, may we
they are close relatives–after it has become clear be forgiven for all the many wrongs that we have
to them that they are the Companions of the done. We were indeed greatly mistaken men.’
Blazing Fire. (9:113) (12:97)
Ibrahim would not have asked forgiveness for his He (Ya'qub) said, ‘I will ask my Lord to pardon
father but for a promise he made to him, and you. He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (12:98)
when it became clear to him that he was an They want you to hasten the bad rather than the
enemy of Allah, he renounced him. Ibrahim was good when examples of punishment are there
tender-hearted and forbearing. (9:114) before them in the past. Your Lord has forgive-
If Allah afflicts you with harm, no one can re- ness for people for their wrongdoing; but your
move it except Him. If He desires good for you, Lord is also severe in retribution. (13:6)
257
Their Messengers said, ‘Is there any doubt about us to perform. Allah is better and longer lasting.’
Allah, the Bringer into Being of the heavens and (20:73)
the earth? He summons you to forgive you for But I am Ever-Forgiving to anyone who repents
your wrong actions and to defer you until a spec- and believes and acts rightly and then is guided.
ified time.’ They said, ‘You are nothing but (20:82)
human beings like ourselves who want to debar As for those who believe and do right actions,
us from what our fathers worshipped; so bring us they will have forgiveness and generous provi-
a clear authority.’ (14:10) sion. (22:50)
(Ibrahim said,) ‘My Lord! They have misguided That is so. And if anyone inflicts an injury the
many of mankind. If anyone follows me, he is same as the one done to him and then is again
with me but if anyone disobeys me, You are Ever- oppressed, Allah will come to his aid. Allah is
Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (14:36) All-Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (22:60)
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! Forgive me and my There was a group of My servants who said, "Our
parents and the believers on the Day the Lord, we believe, so forgive us and have mercy
Reckoning takes place.’ (14:41) on us. You are the Best of the Merciful." (23:109)
If you tried to number Allah’s blessings, you Say: ‘My Lord, forgive and be merciful! You are
could never count them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, the Best of the Merciful.’ (23:118)
Most Merciful. (16:18) Except for those who after that repent and put
He has forbidden you carrion, blood and pork things right. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
and anything consecrated to other than Allah. Merciful. (24:5)
But if someone is forced to eat it, without desir- Those of you possessing affluence and ample
ing to or going to excess in it, your Lord is Ever- wealth should not make oaths that they will not
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (16:115) give to their relatives and the very poor and those
But to those who do evil in ignorance and then who have migrated in the way of Allah. They
after that repent and put things right, to them should rather pardon and overlook. Would you
your Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever-
(16:119) Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:22)
Your Lord knows best what is in your selves. If Corrupt women are for corrupt men and corrupt
you are righteous, He is Ever-Forgiving to the re- men are for corrupt women, Good women are
morseful. (17:25) for good men and good men are for good
The seven heavens and the earth and everyone in women. The latter are innocent of what they say.
them glorify Him. There is nothing which does They will have forgiveness and generous provi-
not glorify Him with praise but you do not under- sion. (24:26)
stand their glorification. He is All-Forbearing, Those who cannot find the means to marry
Ever-Forgiving. (17:44) should be abstinent until Allah enriches them
When guidance came to the people nothing pre- from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to
vented them from believing and asking for for- make a contract to free themselves, write it for
giveness from their Lord but the fact that the them if you know of good in them and give them
pattern of previous peoples did not happen to some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not
them or that the punishment did not appear be- force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if
fore their eyes. (18:55) they desire to be virtuous women out of your de-
He (Ibrahim) said (to his father), ‘Peace be upon sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces
you. I will ask my Lord to forgive you. He has al- them, then after they have been forced, Allah is
ways honoured me.’ (19:47) Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33)
(The magicians said to Pharaoh,) ‘We have be- The believers are those who believe in Allah and
lieved in our Lord so that He may forgive us for His Messenger and who, when they are with him
our mistakes and for the magic which you forced on a matter of common concern, do not leave
258
until they have asked him for permission. Those women who are humble, men and women who
people who ask you for permission are the ones give charity, men and women who fast, men and
who truly believe in Allah and His Messenger. If women who guard their chastity, men and
they ask your permission to attend to their own women who remember Allah much: Allah has
affairs, give permission to any of them you prepared forgiveness for them and an immense
please; and ask Allah’s forgiveness for them. reward. (33:35)
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:62) O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your
Say: ‘The One Who sent it down is He Who wives to whom you have given dowries and any
knows all hidden secrets in the heavens and slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al-
earth. He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (25:6) lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un-
Except for those who repent and believe and act cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and
rightly: Allah will transform the wrong actions of the daughters of your maternal uncles and the
such people into good–Allah is Ever-Forgiving, daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi-
Most Merciful. (25:70) grated with you and any believing woman who
(The magicians said,) ‘We remain hopeful that gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires
our Lord will forgive us our mistakes for being to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to
the first of the believers.’ (26:51) the rest of the believers–We know very well what
(Ibrahim said, ‘It is) He Who I sincerely hope will We have prescribed for them regarding their
forgive my mistakes on the Day of Reckoning.’ wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order
(26:82) that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever-
(Ibrahim said,) ‘And forgive my father–he was Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50)
one of the misguided;’ (26:86) O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and the
Except for one who did wrong and then changed women of the believers to draw their outer gar-
evil into good–for I am Ever-Forgiving, Most ments closely round themselves. This makes it
Merciful. (27:11) more likely that they will be recognised and not be
He (Salih) said, ‘My people, why are you so anx- harmed. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
ious to hasten the bad before the good? If only (33:59)
you would ask for forgiveness from Allah, so that He will put your actions right for you and forgive
mercy might perhaps be shown to you.’ (27:46) you your wrong deeds. All who obey Allah and
He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I have wronged my- His Messenger have won a mighty victory. (33:71)
self. Forgive me.’ So He forgave him. He is the This was so that Allah might punish the men and
Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. (28:16) women of the hypocrites, and the men and
Call them after their fathers. That is closer to jus- women of the idolaters, and turn towards the men
tice in Allah’s sight. And if you do not know who and women of the believers. Allah is Ever-
their fathers were then they are your brothers in Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:73)
the religion and people under your patronage. He knows what goes into the earth and what
You are not to blame for any honest mistake you comes out of it, and what comes down from
make but only for what your hearts premeditate. heaven and what goes up into it. And He is the
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:5) Most Merciful, the Ever-Forgiving. (34:2)
So that Allah might recompense the truthful for This is so that He may recompense those who be-
their truth and punish the hypocrites, if He wills, lieve and do right actions. They will have forgive-
or turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, ness and generous provision. (34:4)
Most Merciful. (33:24) There was also a sign for Saba in their dwelling
Men and women who are Muslims, men and place: two gardens–one to the right and one to the
women who are believers, men and women who left. ‘Eat of your Lord’s provision and give thanks to
are obedient, men and women who are truthful, Him: a bountiful land and a forgiving Lord.’
men and women who are steadfast, men and (34:15)
259
Those who disbelieve will suffer a harsh punish- day around the night, and has made the sun and
ment. But those who believe and do right actions moon subservient, each one running for a speci-
will receive forgiveness and an immense reward. fied term. Is He not indeed the Almighty, the
(35:7) Endlessly Forgiving? (39:5)
And mankind and beasts and livestock are like- Say (from Me): ‘My servants, you who have trans-
wise of varying colours. Only those of His ser- gressed against yourselves, do not despair of the
vants with knowledge have fear of Allah. Allah is mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong ac-
Almighty, Ever-Forgiving. (35:28) tions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most
(Believers hope) that He will pay them their Merciful.’ (39:53)
wages in full and give them more from His un- The Forgiver of wrong action, the Accepter of re-
bounded favour. He is Ever-Forgiving, Ever- pentance, the Severe in retribution, the Possessor
Thankful. (35:30) of abundance. There is no god but Him. He is the
They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has re- final destination. (40:3)
moved all sadness from us. Truly our Lord is Ever- Those who bear the Throne, and all those around
Forgiving, Ever-Thankful.’ (35:34) it, glorify their Lord with praise and believe in
Allah keeps a firm hold on the heavens and Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe:
earth, preventing them from vanishing away. ‘Our Lord, You encompass everything in mercy
And if they vanished no one could then keep and knowledge! Forgive those who turn to You
hold of them. Certainly He is Most Forbearing, and who follow Your Way and safeguard them
Ever-Forgiving. (35:41) from the punishment of the Blazing Fire.’ (40:7)
You can only warn those who act on the (The man who believed said to his people,) ‘You
Reminder and fear the All-Merciful in the call me to reject Allah and to associate some-
Unseen. Give them the good news of forgiveness thing with Him about which I have no knowl-
and a generous reward. (36:11) edge, while I call you to the Almighty, the
He was told, ‘Enter the Garden!’ He said, ‘If my Endlessly Forgiving.’ (40:42)
people only knew how my Lord has forgiven me So remain steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Ask
and placed me among the honoured ones!’ forgiveness for your wrong action and glorify
(36:26-27) your Lord with praise in the evening and the
He (Dawud) said, ‘He has wronged you by ask- early morning. (40:55)
ing for your ewe to add to his ewes. Truly many Say: ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It
partners are unjust to one another–except those is revealed to me that your god is One God. So
who believe and do right actions, and how few be straight with Him and ask His forgiveness.’
they are!’ Dawud realised that We had put him to Woe to those who associate others with Him.
the test. He begged forgiveness from his Lord and (41:6)
fell down prone, prostrating, and repented. (The angels say to the believers,) ‘Hospitality
(38:24) from One who is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’
He (Sulayman) said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and (41:32)
give me a kingdom the like of which will never Nothing has been said to you that was not said to
be granted to anyone after me. Truly You are the the Messengers before you. Your Lord is the
Ever-Giving.’ (38:35) Possessor of forgiveness but also of painful retri-
Say: ‘I am only a warner. There is no god except bution. (41:43)
Allah, the One, the All-Conquering, Lord of the The heavens are all but rent asunder from above
heavens and the earth and everything between when the angels glorify their Lord with praise
them, the Almighty, the Endlessly Forgiving.’ and ask forgiveness for those who are on the
(38:65-66) earth. Allah is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most
He created the heavens and the earth with truth. Merciful. (42:5)
He wraps the night around the day and wraps the That is the good news which Allah gives to His
260
servants who believe and do right actions. Say: ‘I Know then that there is no god except Allah and
do not ask you for any wage for this–except for ask forgiveness for your wrongdoing, and for the
you to love your near of kin. If anyone does a men and women who believe. Allah knows both
good action, We will increase the good of it for your activity and your repose. (47:19)
him. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Thankful.’ Those who disbelieve and obstruct the Way of
(42:23) Allah, and then die disbeliever, Allah will not for-
It is He Who accepts repentance from His ser- give them. (47:34)
vants and pardons evil acts and knows what they Truly We have granted you a clear victory, so that
do. (42:25) Allah may forgive you your earlier errors and any
Any disaster that strikes you is through what your later ones and complete His blessing upon you,
own hands have earned and He pardons much. and guide you on a Straight Path. (48:1-2)
(42:30) Those Arabs who remained behind will say to
Or He wrecks them for what they have earned you, ‘Our wealth and families kept us occupied,
though He pardons much. (42:34) so ask forgiveness for us.’ They say with their
(Believers are) those who avoid major wrong ac- tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: ‘Who can
tions and indecencies and who, when they are control Allah for you in any way whether He
angered, then forgive. (42:37) wants harm for you or wants benefit for you?’
The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent Allah is aware of what you do. (48:11)
to it. But if someone pardons and puts things The kingdom of the heavens and the earth be-
right, his reward is with Allah. Certainly He does longs to Allah. He forgives those He wills and
not love wrongdoers. (42:40) punishes those He wills. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
But if someone is steadfast and forgives, that is Most Merciful. (48:14)
the most resolute course to follow. (42:43) Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
Tell those who believe that they should forgive who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
those who feel no fear about the Days of Allah, merciful to one another. You see them bowing
when He will repay people according to what and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and
they earned. (45:14) His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
Or do they say, ‘He has invented it’? Say: ‘If I traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the
have invented it, then you possess no power to Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
help me against Allah in any way. He knows best seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong
what you hold forth about. He is witness enough so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its
between me and you. He is the Ever-Forgiving, stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by
the Most Merciful.’ (46:8) them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has
(A group of jinn said,) ‘Our people, respond to promised those of them who believe and do right
Allah’s caller and believe in Him. He will forgive actions forgiveness and an immense reward.
you some of your wrong actions and save you (48:29)
from a painful punishment.’ (46:31) Those who lower their voices when they are with
An image of the Garden which is promised to the Messenger of Allah are people whose hearts
those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers Allah has tested for heedfulness. They will have
of water which will never spoil and rivers of milk forgiveness and an immense reward. (49:3)
whose taste will never change and rivers of wine, If they had only been patient until you came out
delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey to them, it would have been better for them. But
of undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (49:5)
every kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that The desert Arabs say, ‘We believe.’ Say: ‘You do
like those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for not believe. Say rather, "We have become
ever, with boiling water to drink which lacerates Muslim," for faith has not yet entered into your
their bowels? (47:15) hearts. If you obey Allah and His Messenger, He
261
will not undervalue your actions in any way. faith and do not put any rancour in our hearts to-
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (49:14) wards those who believe. Our Lord, You are All-
And they (those who guard against evil) would Gentle, Most Merciful.’ (59:10)
seek forgiveness before the dawn. (51:18) You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and
To whoever avoids the major wrong actions and those with him, when they said to their people,
indecencies–except for minor lapses–truly your ‘We wash our hands of you and all that you wor-
Lord is vast in forgiveness. He has most knowl- ship apart from Allah, and we reject you.
edge of you when He first produced you from the Between us and you there will be enmity and ha-
earth, and when you were embryos in your tred for ever unless and until you believe in Allah
mothers’ wombs. So do not claim purity for your- alone.’ Except for Ibrahim’s words to his father: ‘I
selves. He knows best those who guard against will ask forgiveness for you but I have no power
evil. (53:32) to help you in any way against Allah.’ ‘Our Lord,
Know that the life of this world is merely a game we have put our trust in You and have repented
and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of to You. You are our final destination. Our Lord,
boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo do not make us a target for those who disbelieve
one another in wealth and children: like the and forgive us. Our Lord, You are the Almighty,
plant-growth after rain which delights the culti- the All-Wise.’ (60:4-5)
vators, but then it withers and you see it turning It may well be that Allah will restore the love be-
yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In tween you and those of them who are now your
the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also enemies. Allah is All-Powerful. Allah is Ever-
forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. Forgiving, Most Merciful. (60:7)
The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy- O Prophet! When women who believe come to
ment of delusion. (57:20) you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds
Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord that they will not associate anything with Allah
and to a Garden, whose breadth is like that of or steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a
heaven and earth combined, made ready for false ascription of paternity–making up lies about
those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. their bodies–or disobey you in respect of any-
That is Allah’s favour which He gives to those He thing right, then accept their pledge and ask for-
wills. Allah’s favour is indeed immense. (57:21) giveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
You who believe! Have fear of Allah and believe Merciful. (60:12)
in His Messenger. He will give you a double por- He will forgive you your wrong actions and
tion of His mercy and grant you a Light by which admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing under
to walk and forgive you. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, them, and fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden.
Most Merciful. (57:28) That is the Great Victory. (61:12)
Those of you who divorce your wives by equat- When they are told, ‘Come, and the Messenger
ing them with your mothers, they are not your of Allah will ask forgiveness for you,’ they turn
mothers. Your mothers are only those who gave their heads and you see them turn away in
birth to you. What you are saying is wrong and a haughty arrogance. (63:5)
slanderous lie. But Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Ever- In their case it makes no difference whether you
Forgiving. (58:2) ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness
You who believe! When you consult the for them. Allah will never forgive them. Allah
Messenger privately precede your private con- does not guide deviant people. (63:6)
sultation by giving charity–that is better for you You who believe! Some of your wives and chil-
and purer. But if you cannot find the means, dren are an enemy to you, so be wary of them.
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (58:12) But if you pardon and exonerate and forgive,
Those who have come after them say, ‘Our Lord, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (64:14)
forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in If you make a generous loan to Allah He will
262
multiply it for you and forgive you. Allah is All- thing better and as a greater reward. And seek
Thankful, Most Forbearing. (64:17) forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
O Prophet! Why do you make forbidden what Most Merciful. (73:20)
Allah has made lawful for you, seeking to please But they will only pay heed if Allah wills. He is
your wives? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most entitled to be feared and entitled to forgive.
Merciful. (66:1) (74:56)
You who believe! Repent to Allah. It may be that He is the Ever-Forgiving, the All-Loving. (85:14)
your Lord will erase your bad actions from you Then glorify your Lord’s praise and ask His for-
and admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing giveness. He is the Ever-Returning. (110:3)
under them on the Day when Allah will not dis-
grace the Prophet and those who believed along FORGOING
with him. Their light will stream out ahead of If you divorce them before you have touched
them and on their right. They will say, ‘Our Lord, them but have already allotted them a dowry,
perfect our light for us and forgive us! You have they should have half the amount which you al-
power over all things.’ (66:8) lotted, unless they forgo it or the one in charge of
He Who created death and life to test which of the marriage contract forgoes it. To forgo it is
you is best in action. He is the Almighty, the Ever- closer to heedfulness. Do not forget to show gen-
Forgiving. (67:2) erosity to one another. Allah sees what you do.
Those who fear their Lord in the Unseen will have (2:237)
forgiveness and an immense reward. (67:12) You who believe! Have fear of Allah and forgo
(Nuh said to his people,) ‘He will forgive you your any remaining usury if you are believers. (2:278)
wrong actions and defer you until a specified A believer should never kill another believer un-
time. When Allah’s time comes it cannot be de- less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer
ferred, if you only knew.’ (71:4) by mistake should free a believing slave and pay
(Nuh said, ‘My Lord,) indeed, every time I called blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as
them to Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in a charity. If he is from a people who are your en-
their ears, wrapped themselves up in their emies and is a believer, you should free a believ-
clothes and were overweeningly arrogant.’ (71:7) ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty
(Nuh said, ‘My Lord,) I said, "Ask forgiveness of with, blood money should be paid to his family
your Lord.Truly He is Endlessly Forgiving."’ and you should free a believing slave. Anyone
(71:10) who cannot find the means should fast two con-
(Nuh said,) ‘My Lord! Forgive me and my parents secutive months. This is a concession from Allah.
and all who enter my house as believers, and all Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92)
the men and women of the believers.’ (71:28) We prescribed for them in it: a life for a life, an eye
Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two- for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a
thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for wounds. But if
a group of those with you. Allah determines the anyone forgoes that as a charity, it will act as expi-
night and day. He knows you will not keep count ation for him. Those who do not judge by what
of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as Allah has sent down, such people are wrongdoers.
much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows (5:45)
that some of you are ill and that others are travel- Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger from
ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the
others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and
as much of it as is easy for you. And perform the very poor and travellers, so that it does not be-
prayer and give the alms and lend a generous come something which merely revolves between
loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for the rich among you. Whatever the Messenger gives
yourselves you will find it with Allah as some- you you should accept and whatever he forbids
263
you you should forgo. Have fear of Allah–Allah is girls who are believers. Allah knows best about
severe in retribution. (59:7) your faith; you are all the same in that respect.
Marry them with their owners’ permission and give
FORM (OF A PERSON) them their dowries correctly and courteously as
It is He Who forms you in the womb however He married women, not in fornication or taking them
wills. There is no god but Him, the Almighty, the as lovers. When they are married, if they commit
All-Wise. (3:6) fornication they should receive half the punish-
We created you and then formed you and then ment of free women. This is for those of you who
We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam,’ are afraid of committing fornication. But being pa-
and they prostrated–except for Diabolis. He was tient is better for you. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
not among those who prostrated. (7:11) Merciful. (4:25)
It is Allah Who made the earth a stable home for Today all good things have been made lawful for
you and the sky a dome, and formed you, giving you. And the food of those given the Book is also
you the best of forms, and provided you with lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. So
good and wholesome things. That is Allah, your are chaste women from among the believers and
Lord. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. chaste women of those given the Book before you,
(40:64) once you have given them their dowries in mar-
He is Allah–the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of riage, not in fornication or taking them as lovers.
Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. But as for anyone who rejects faith, his actions will
Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies come to nothing and in the hereafter he will be
Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (59:24) among the losers. (5:5)
He created the heavens and the earth with truth And do not go near to fornication. It is an indecent
and formed you, giving you the best of forms. act, an evil way. (17:32)
And He is your final destination. (64:3) A woman and a man who commit fornication: flog
both of them with one hundred lashes and do not
FORNICATION (ZINAH) let compassion for either of them possess you
If any of your women commit fornication, four of where Allah’s religion is concerned, if you believe
you must be witnesses against them. If they bear in Allah and the Last Day. A number of believers
witness, detain them in their homes until death re- should witness their punishment. (24:2)
leases them or Allah ordains another procedure for A man who has fornicated may only marry a
their case. If two of you commit a like abomina- woman who has fornicated or a woman of the
tion, punish them. If they repent and reform, leave idolaters. A woman who has fornicated may only
them alone. Allah is Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. marry a man who has fornicated or a man of the
(4:15-16) idolaters. Doing such a thing is forbidden for the
And also (forbidden for you are) married women, believers. (24:3)
except for those you have taken in war as slaves. But those who make accusations against chaste
This is what Allah has prescribed for you. Apart women and then do not produce four witnesses:
from that He has made all other women lawful for flog them with eighty lashes and never again ac-
you provided you seek them with your wealth in cept them as witnesses. Such people are devia-
marriage and not in fornication. When you con- tors–except for those who after that repent and put
summate your marriage with them give them their things right. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
prescribed dowry. There is nothing wrong in any (24:4-5)
further agreement you might come to after the Those who make an accusation against their wives
dowry has been given. Allah is All-Knowing, All- and have no witnesses except themselves, such
Wise. (4:24) people should testify four times by Allah that they
If any of you do not have the means to marry free are telling the truth and a fifth time that Allah’s
women who are believers, you may marry slave- curse will be upon them if they are lying. (24:6-7)
264
And the punishment is removed from her if she cast terror into their hearts. You killed some of
testifies four times by Allah that he is lying and a them and some you took prisoner. (33:26)
fifth time that Allah’s anger will be upon her if he is It is He Who expelled those who disbelieved
telling the truth. (24:8-9) among the People of the Book from their homes
Those who cannot find the means to marry should to the first gathering-place. You did not think that
be abstinent until Allah enriches them from His they would leave and they thought that their
bounty. If any slaves you own want to make a con- fortresses would protect them from Allah. Then
tract to free themselves, write it for them if you Allah came upon them from where they least ex-
know of good in them and give them some of the pected it and cast terror into their hearts. Their
wealth Allah has given you. Do not force your houses were pulled down by their own hands
slavegirls to prostitute themselves if they desire to and by the hands of the believers. People of in-
be virtuous women out of your desire for the sight, take note! (59:2)
goods of this world. If anyone forces them, then
after they have been forced, Allah is Ever- FORTUNE-TELLER
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33) It is not the word of a poet–how little faith you
(Believers are) those who do not call on any other have! Nor the word of a fortune-teller–how little
god together with Allah and do not kill anyone heed you pay! (69:41-42)
Allah has made inviolate, except with the right to
do so, and do not fornicate; anyone who does that FOSTER MOTHER
will receive an evil punishment. (25:68) Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your
Wives of the Prophet! If any of you commits an daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts
obvious act of indecency she will receive double and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters
the punishment. That is an easy matter for Allah. and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers
(33:30) who have suckled you, your foster sisters by
O Prophet! When women who believe come to suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh-
you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds ters who are under your protection: the daugh-
that they will not associate anything with Allah or ters of your wives whom you have had sexual
steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a relations with (though if you have not had sexual
false ascription of paternity–making up lies about relations with them there is nothing blameworthy
their bodies–or disobey you in respect of anything for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom
right, then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at
for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. the same time–except for what may have already
(60:12) taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
O Prophet! When any of you divorce women, di- Merciful. (4:23)
vorce them during their period of purity and cal-
culate their waiting period carefully. And have fear FOUNTAIN
of Allah, your Lord. Do not evict them from their And when Musa was looking for water for his
homes, nor should they leave, unless they commit people, We said, ‘Strike the rock with your staff.’
an outright indecency. Those are Allah’s limits, Then twelve fountains gushed out from it and all
and anyone who oversteps Allah’s limits has the people knew their drinking place. ‘Eat and
wronged himself. You never know, it may well be drink of Allah's provision and do not go about
that after that Allah will cause a new situation to the earth corrupting it.’ (2:60)
develop. (65:1) We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu-
nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people
FORTRESS asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
He brought down from their fortresses those of staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
the People of the Book who supported them and the people knew their drinking place. And We
265
shaded them with clouds and sent down manna and you should free a believing slave. Anyone
and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We who cannot find the means should fast two con-
have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us; secutive months. This is a concession from Allah.
rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160) Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92)
How many gardens and fountains they left be- Allah does not take you to task for your inadver-
hind. (44:25) tent oaths, but He will take you to task for oaths
The people who guard against people will be in a you make intentionally. The expiation in that
safe place amid gardens and fountains, (44:51- case is to feed ten poor people with the average
52) amount you feed your family, or clothe them, or
The heedful will be among Gardens and free a slave. Anyone without the means to do so
Fountains, (51:15) should fast three days. That is the expiation for
The heedful will be amid shade and fountains. breaking oaths when you have sworn them. Keep
(77:41) your oaths. In this way Allah makes His Signs
A fountain at which Those Brought Near will clear to you, so that hopefully you will be thank-
drink. (83:28) ful. (5:89)
Those who divorce their wives by equating them
FREE (MAN) with their mothers, and then wish to go back on
You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for what they said, must set free a slave before the
you in the case of people killed: free man for free two of them may touch one another. This is what
man, slave for slave, female for female. But if you are enjoined to do. Allah is aware of what
someone is absolved by his brother, blood- you do. (58:3)
money should be claimed with correctness and It (the steep ascent) is freeing a slave... (90:13)
paid with good will. That is an easement and a
mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond FRIDAY (THE DAY OF JUMU‘A)
the limits after this will receive a painful punish- You who believe! When you are called to prayer
ment. (2:178) on the Day of Friday, hasten to the remembrance
If any of you do not have the means to marry free of Allah and abandon trade. That is better for you
women who are believers, you may marry slave- if you only knew. (62:9)
girls who are believers. Allah knows best about Then when the prayer is finished spread through
your faith; you are all the same in that respect. the earth and seek Allah’s bounty and remember
Marry them with their owners’ permission and Allah much so that hopefully you will be suc-
give them their dowries correctly and courte- cessful. (62:10)
ously as married women, not in fornication or But when they see a chance of trade or entertain-
taking them as lovers. When they are married, if ment they scatter off to it and leave you standing
they commit fornication they should receive half there. Say: ‘What is with Allah is better than trade
the punishment of free women. This is for those or entertainment. Allah is the Best of Providers.’
of you who are afraid of committing fornication. (62:11)
But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever-
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25) FRIEND
A believer should never kill another believer un- You who believe! Give away some of what We
less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer have provided for you before a Day arrives on
by mistake should free a believing slave and pay which there is no trading, no close friendship
blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as and no intercession. It is the disbelievers who are
a charity. If he is from a people who are your en- the wrongdoers. (2:254)
emies and is a believer, you should free a believ- The believers should not take disbelievers as
ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty friends rather than believers. Anyone who does
with, blood money should be paid to his family that has nothing to do with Allah at all–unless it
266
is because you guard yourselves against them, have advanced for them is evil indeed, bringing
taking security. Allah advises you to be afraid of Allah’s anger down upon them. They will suffer
Him. Allah is the final destination. (3:28) punishment timelessly, for ever. (5:80)
That was only Satan who intimidated his adher- If they had believed in Allah and the Prophet and
ents. But do not fear them–fear Me if you are be- what has been sent down to him, they would not
lievers. (3:175) have taken them as friends. But most of them are
But if you meet with favour from Allah they deviators. (5:81)
say–as if there were no friendship between you Do not eat anything over which the name of
and them–‘Oh! If only I had been with them so Allah has not been mentioned. To do so is sheer
that I too might have won a great victory.’ (4:73) deviance. The Satans inspire their friends to dis-
Those who believe fight in the Way of Allah. pute with you. If you obeyed them you would
Those who disbelieve fight in the way of false then be idolaters. (6:121)
gods. So fight the friends of Satan! Satan’s schem- On the Day We gather them all together:
ing is always feeble. (4:76) ‘Company of jinn, you gained many followers
They would like you to disbelieve as they disbe- among mankind.’ And their friends among
lieve so that you will all be the same. Do not take mankind will say, ‘Our Lord, we benefited from
any of them as friends until they have migrated in one another, and now we have reached the term
the Way of Allah. But if they run away then seize which You determined for us.’ He will say, ‘The
them and kill them wherever you find them. Do Fire is your home. You will be in it timelessly, for
not take any of them as either a friend or helper. ever, except as Allah wills. Your Lord is All-Wise,
(4:89) All-Knowing.’ (6:128)
Who could have a better religion than someone In that way We make the wrongdoers friends of
who submits himself completely to Allah and is a one another because of what they have done.
good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrahim, a (6:129)
man of pure natural belief? Allah took Ibrahim as Children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you
an intimate friend. (4:125) into trouble as He expelled your parents from the
You who believe! Do not take the disbelievers as Garden, stripping them of their covering and dis-
friends rather than the believers. Do you want to closing to them their private parts. He and his
give Allah clear proof against you? (4:144) tribe see you from where you do not see them.
You who believe! Do not take the Jews and We have made the Satans friends of those who
Christians as your friends; they are the friends of have no faith. (7:27)
one another. Any of you who takes them as One group He guided; but another group got the
friends is one of them. Allah does not guide misguidance they deserved. They took the Satans
wrongdoing people. (5:51) as friends instead of Allah and thought that they
Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and were guided. (7:30)
those who believe: those who perform prayer Those who believe and have migrated and
and give the alms, and bow. (5:55) strived with their wealth and themselves in the
As for those who make Allah their friend, and His Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge
Messenger and those who believe: it is the party and help, they are the friends and protectors of
of Allah who are victorious! (5:56) one another. But as for those who believe but
You who believe! Do not take as friends any of have not migrated, you are not in any way re-
those who who make a mockery and a game out sponsible for their protection until they migrate.
of your religion among the ones who were given But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli-
the Book before you or the disbelievers. Have gion, it is your duty to help them, except against
fear of Allah if you are believers. (5:57) people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what
You see many of them taking those who disbe- you do. (8:72)
lieve as their friends. What their lower selves Those who disbelieve are the friends and protec-
267
tors of one another. If you do not act in this way your eating together or eating separately. And
there will be turmoil in the land and great cor- when you enter houses greet one another with a
ruption. (8:73) greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this
Or did you suppose that you would be left with- way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that
out Allah knowing those of you who have strived hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61)
and who have not taken anyone as their intimate (On that Day a wrongdoer will say,) ‘Alas for me!
friends besides Allah and His Messenger and the If only I had not taken so-and-so for a friend!’
believers? Allah is aware of what you do. (9:16) (25:28)
You who believe, do not befriend your fathers (Companions of the Fire will say,) ‘We do not
and brothers if they prefer disbelief to faith. have a single loyal friend.’ (26:101)
Those among you who do befriend them are The Prophet is closer to the believers than their
wrongdoers. (9:23) own selves, and his wives are their mothers. But
The men and women of the believers are friends blood-relations have closer ties to one another in
of one another. They command what is right and the Book of Allah than other believers and the
forbid what is wrong, and perform prayer and emigrants, except that you should act in a proper
give the alms, and obey Allah and His manner towards your close associates. That is in-
Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah scribed in the Book. (33:6)
will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. One of them will say, ‘I used to have a friend,’
(9:71) who would say to me, "Are you one of those who
Yes, the friends of Allah will feel no fear and will say that it is true: that when we have died and are
know no sorrow. (10:62) turned to dust and bones, we will face a
(Yusuf said,) ‘My Lord, You have granted power Reckoning?"’ (37:51-53)
to me on earth and taught me the true meaning of And warn them of the Day of Immediacy when
events. Originator of the heavens and earth, You hearts rise choking to the throat. The wrongdoers
are my Friend in this world and the Next. So take will have no close friend nor any intercessor who
me as a Muslim at my death and join me to the might be heard. (40:18)
people who are righteous.’ (12:101) A good action and a bad action are not the same.
Tell My servants who believe that they should Repel the bad with something better and, if there
perform prayer and give from what We have pro- is enmity between you and someone else, he will
vided for them, secretly and openly, before a Day be like a bosom friend. (41:34)
arrives on which there will be no trading and no If someone shuts his eyes to the remembrance of
friendship. (14:31) the All-Merciful, We assign him a Satan who be-
He (Satan) only has authority over those who comes his bosom friend. (43:36)
take him as a friend and associate others with On that Day the closest friends will be enemies
Allah. (16:100) to one another–except for those who guard
It is written of him that if anyone takes him as a against evil. (43:67)
friend, he will mislead him and guide him to the The Day when friends will be of no use at all to
punishment of the Searing Blaze. (22:4) one another, and they will not be helped. (44:41)
There is no objection to the blind, no objection Those who do wrong will have their due, the
to the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your- same as that of their friends. So they should not
selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa- hurry Me! (51:59)
thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your You who believe! Do not take My enemy and
brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the your enemy as friends, showing love for them
houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts when they have rejected the truth that has come
or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater- to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves
nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If
those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in you go out to strive in My Way and seeking My
268
pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for comes a disbeliever enjoy himself a little but
them, I know best what you conceal and what then I will drive him to the punishment of the
you make known. Any of you who do that have Fire. What an evil destination!’ (2:126)
strayed from the right way. (60:1) We will test you with a certain amount of fear
Allah merely forbids you from taking as friends and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits.
those who have fought you in the religion and But give good news to the steadfast. (2:155)
driven you from your homes and who supported Would any of you like to have a garden of dates
your expulsion. Any who take them as friends are and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and
wrongdoers. (60:9) containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken
You who believe! Do not make friends of people with old age and have children who are weak,
with whom Allah is angry, who have despaired and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to
of the hereafter as the disbelievers have de- come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In
spaired of the inhabitants of the graves. (60:13) this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so
Say: ‘You Jews, if you claim to be the friends of that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266)
Allah to the exclusion of all other people, then It is He Who sends down water from the sky from
wish for death if you are telling the truth.’ (62:6) which We bring forth growth of every kind, and
Therefore here today he has no friend. (69:35) from that We bring forth the green shoots and
(On the Day) no good friend will ask about his from them We bring forth close-packed seeds,
friend. (70:10) and from the spathes of the date palm date clus-
ters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and
FROG olives and pomegranates, both similar and dis-
So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice, similar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and
frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but ripen. There are Signs in that for people who be-
they proved arrogant and were an evildoing peo- lieve. (6:99)
ple. (7:133) It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated
and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse
FROWN kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar
Then he frowned and glowered. (74:22) and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear
fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest,
FRUIT and do not be profligate. He does not love the
It is He Who made the earth a couch for you, and profligate. (6:141)
the sky a dome. He sends down water from the It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad-
sky and by it brings forth fruits for your provision. vance news of His mercy, so that when they have
Do not, then, knowingly make others equal to lifted up the heavy clouds, We dispatch them to a
Allah. (2:22) dead land and send down water to it, by means
Give the good news to those who believe and do of which We bring forth all kinds of fruit. In the
right actions that they will have Gardens with same way We will bring forth the dead, so that
rivers flowing under them. When they are given hopefully you will pay heed. (7:57)
fruit there as provision, they will say, ‘This is We seized Pharaoh’s people with years of
what we were given before.’ But they were only drought and scarcity of fruits so that hopefully
given a simulation of it. They will have there they would pay heed. (7:130)
spouses of perfect purity and will remain there It is He Who stretched out the earth and placed
timelessly, for ever. (2:25) firmly embedded mountains and rivers in it and
And when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, make this a made two types of every kind of fruit. He covers
place of safety and provide its inhabitants with over day with night. There are Signs in that for
fruits–all of them who believe in Allah and the people who reflect. (13:3)
Last Day,’ He said, ‘I will let anyone who be- It bears fruit regularly by its Lord’s permission.
269
Allah makes metaphors for people so that hope- Gardens of Eden, whose gates will be open to
fully they will pay heed. (14:25) them, where they will recline, calling for plenti-
Allah is He Who created the heavens and the ful fruit and drink. (38:50-51)
earth and sends down water from the sky and by Knowledge of the Hour is referred to Him. And
it brings forth fruits as provision for you. He has no fruit emerges from its husk, nor does any fe-
made the ships subservient to you to run upon male get pregnant or give birth, without His
the sea by His command, and He has made the knowledge. On the Day He calls out to them:
rivers subservient to you. (14:32) ‘Where are My associates?’ they will say, ‘We de-
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of clare to you that none of us is a witness.’ (41:47)
my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti- There will be many fruits in it for you to eat.
vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer! (43:73)
Make the hearts of mankind incline towards They will call there for fruit of every kind, in
them and provide them with fruits, so that hope- complete security. (44:55)
fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37) An image of the Garden which is promised to
And by it He makes crops grow for you and those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers
olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every of water which will never spoil and rivers of milk
kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people whose taste will never change and rivers of wine,
who reflect. (16:11) delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey
And from the fruit of the date-palm and the of undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of
grape-vine you derive both intoxicants and every kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that
wholesome provision. There is certainly a Sign in like those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for
that for people who use their intellect. (16:67) ever, with boiling water to drink which lacerates
(Your Lord revealed to the bees:) ‘Then eat from their bowels? (47:15)
every kind of fruit and travel the paths of your We will supply them with any kind of fruit and
Lord, which have been made easy for you to fol- meat that they desire. (52:22)
low.’ From inside them comes a drink of varying In it are fruits and date-palms with covered
colours, containing healing for mankind. There is spathes. (55:11)
certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect. In them are two kinds of every fruit. (55:52)
(16:69) They will be reclining on couches lined with rich
The fruits of his labour were completely de- brocade, the fruits of the Gardens hanging close
stroyed and he woke up wringing his hands in to hand. (55:54)
grief, rueing everything that he had spent on it. It In them are fruits and date-palms and pomegran-
was a ruin with all its trellises fallen in. He said, ates. (55:68)
‘Oh, if only I had not associated anyone with my And any fruit they specify, (56:20)
Lord!’ (18:42) and fruit-laden acacias, (56:29)
By means of it We produce gardens of dates and and fruits in abundance, (56:32)
grapes for you, in which there are many fruits for In the morning they called out to one another,
you and from which you eat. (23:19) ‘Leave early for your land if you want to pick the
Do you not see that Allah sends down water from fruit.’ (68:21-22)
the sky and by it We bring forth fruits of varying He will have a very pleasant life in an elevated
colours? And in the mountains there are streaks Garden, its ripe fruit hanging close to hand.
of white and red, of varying shades, and rocks of (69:21-23)
deep jet black. (35:27) And (the heedful will) have any fruits that they
We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and desire. (77:42)
cause springs to gush out in it, so they may eat its
fruits–they did not do it themselves. So will they FUEL
not be thankful? (36:34-35) If you have doubts about what We have sent
270
down to Our servant, produce another sura Weigh with a level balance. (26:182)
equal to it, and call your witnesses, besides He erected heaven and established the balance, so
Allah, if you are telling the truth. If you do not do that you would not transgress the balance. (55:7-8)
that–and you will not do it–then fear the Fire Give just weight–do not skimp in the balance.
whose fuel is people and stones, made ready for (55:9)
the disbelievers. (2:23-24) Woe to the stinters! Those who, when they take a
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and measure from people, exact full measure, but
children will not help them against Allah in any when they give them a measure or weight, hand
way. They are fuel for the Fire. (3:10) over less than is due. (83:1-3)
You and what you worship besides Allah are fuel
for Hell. You will go down into it. (21:98) FURQAN (SEE DISCRIMINATION)
You who believe! Safeguard yourselves and your
families from a Fire whose fuel is people and FURTHER MOSQUE, THE
stones. Harsh, terrible angels are in charge of it (MASJID AL-AQSA)
who do not disobey Allah in respect of any order Glory be to Him Who took His servant on a jour-
He gives them and carry out what they are or- ney by night from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-
dered to do. (66:6) Haram) to the Further Mosque (Masjid al-Aqsa),
whose surroundings We have blessed, in order to
FULL MEASURE AND FULL WEIGHT show him some of Our Signs. He is the All-
And that you do not go near the property of or- Hearing, the All-Seeing. (17:1)
phans before they reach maturity–except in a
good way; that you give full measure and full
weight with justice–We impose on no self any
more than it can bear; that you are equitable when
you speak–even if a near relative is concerned; and
that you fulfil Allah’s contract. That is what He in-
structs you to do, so that hopefully you will pay
heed. (6:152)
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb who
said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no
other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to you
from your Lord. Give full measure and full weight.
Do not diminish people’s goods. Do not cause cor-
ruption in the land after it has been put right. That
is better for you if you are believers.’ (7:85)
And to Madyan their brother Shu‘ayb. He said, ‘My
people, worship Allah! You have no god apart from
Him. Do not give short measure and short weight.
I see you prospering and I fear for you the punish-
ment of an all-encompassing Day. My people!
Give full measure and full weight with justice; do
not diminish people's goods; and do not go about
the earth, corrupting it.’ (11:84-85)
Give full measure when you measure and weigh
with a level balance. That is better and gives the
best result. (17:35)
Give full measure. Do not skimp. (26:181)
271
G He sends down angels with the Spirit of His com-
mand to any of His servants He wills: ‘Give
GABRIEL (JIBRIL) warning that there is no god but Me, so have fear
We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of of Me!’ (16:2)
Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a day
Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with whose length is fifty thousand years. (70:4)
the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a On the Day when the Spirit and the angels stand
Messenger came to you with something your in ranks, no one will speak, except for him who
lower selves did not desire, did you grow arro- is authorised by the All-Merciful and says what is
gant, and deny some of them and murder others? right. (78:38)
(2:87) Truly it (the Qur’an) is the speech of a noble
Say, ‘Anyone who is the enemy of Gabriel should Messenger. (81:19)
know that it was he who brought it down upon In it the angels and the Spirit descend by their
your heart, by Allah’s authority, confirming what Lord’s authority with every ordinance. (97:4)
came before, and as guidance and good news for Say: ‘The Purest Spirit has brought it down from
the believers. Anyone who is the enemy of Allah your Lord with truth, to make those who believe
and of His angels, and of His Messengers and of firm, and as guidance and good news for the
Gabriel and Michael, should know that Allah is Muslims.’ (16:102)
the enemy of the disbelievers.’ (2:97-98) And (Maryam) veiled herself from them. Then
These Messengers: We favoured some of them We sent Our Spirit to her and it took on for her
over others. Allah spoke directly to some of them the form of a handsome, well-built man. (19:17)
and raised up some of them in rank. We gave He said, ‘I am only your Lord’s messenger so that
Clear Signs to ‘Isa, son of Maryam, and rein- He can give you a pure boy.’ (19:19)
forced him with the Purest Spirit. If Allah had The Faithful Spirit brought it down. (26:193)
willed, those who came after them would not He is the Raiser of ranks, the Possessor of the
have fought each other after the Clear Signs Throne, He sends the Spirit by His command to
came to them, but they differed. Among them whichever of His servants He wills so that he
there are those who believe and among them may warn mankind about the Day of Meeting.
there are those who disbelieve. If Allah had (40:15)
willed, they would not have fought each other. It is nothing but Revelation revealed, taught him
But Allah does whatever He desires. (2:253) by one immensely strong, possessing power and
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of splendour. He stood there stationary–there on
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to the highest horizon. (53:4-7)
your mother when I reinforced you with the If the two of you would only turn to Allah, for
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in your hearts clearly deviated... But if you support
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and one another against him, Allah is his Protector
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and and so are Gabriel and every right-acting man of
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created the believers and, furthermore, the angels too
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and will come to his support. (66:4)
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My
permission; and healed the blind and the leper GAMBLING
by My permission; and when you brought forth They will ask you about alcoholic drinks and
the dead by My permission; and when I held gambling. Say, ‘There is great wrong in both of
back the tribe of Israel from you, when you them and also certain benefits for mankind. But
brought them the Clear Signs and those of them the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.’
who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down- They will ask you what they should give away.
right magic";’ (5:110) Say, ‘Whatever is surplus to your needs.’ In this
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way Allah makes the Signs clear to you, so that And We make some things better to eat than oth-
hopefully you will reflect. (2:219) ers. There are Signs in that for people who use
You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al- their intellect. (13:4)
tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi- They say, ‘We will not believe you until you
work of Satan. Avoid them completely so that make a spring gush out from the earth for us; or
hopefully you will be successful. (5:90) have a garden of dates and grapes which you
Satan wants to stir up enmity and hatred between make rivers come pouring through; or make the
you by means of wine and gambling, and to sky, as you claim, fall down on us in lumps; or
debar you from remembrance of Allah and from bring Allah and the angels here as a guarantee; or
prayer. Will you not then give them up? (5:91) possess a house built out of gleaming gold; or as-
cend up into heaven–and even then we will not
GARDEN believe in your ascent unless you bring us down
The metaphor of those who spend their wealth, a book to read!’ Say: ‘Glory be to my Lord! Am I
desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for anything but a human messenger?’ (17:90-93)
themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside. Make an example for them of two men. To one of
When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its pro- them We gave two gardens of grape-vines and
duce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is surrounded them with date-palms, putting be-
dew. Allah sees what you do. (2:265) tween them some cultivated land. Both gardens
Would any of you like to have a garden of dates yielded their crops and did not suffer any loss,
and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and and We made a river flow right through the mid-
containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken dle of them. He was a man of wealth and prop-
with old age and have children who are weak, erty and he said to his companion, debating with
and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to him, ‘I have more wealth than you and more
come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In people under me.’ He entered his garden and
this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so wronged himself by saying, ‘I do not think that
that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266) this will ever end. I do not think the Hour will
It is He Who sends down water from the sky from ever come. But if I should be sent back to my
which We bring forth growth of every kind, and Lord, I will definitely get something better in re-
from that We bring forth the green shoots and turn.’ His companion, with whom he was debat-
from them We bring forth close-packed seeds, ing, said to him, ‘Do you then disbelieve in Him
and from the spathes of the date palm date clus- Who created you from dust, then from a drop of
ters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and sperm, and then formed you as a man? He is,
olives and pomegranates, both similar and dis- however, Allah, my Lord, and I will not associate
similar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and anyone with my Lord. Why, when you entered
ripen. There are Signs in that for people who be- your garden, did you not say, "It is as Allah wills,
lieve. (6:99) there is no strength but in Allah"? Though you see
It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated me with less wealth and children than you pos-
and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse sess, it may well be that my Lord will give me
kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar something better than your garden and send
and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear down on it a fireball from the sky so that morning
fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest, finds it a shifting heap of dust, or morning finds
and do not be profligate. He does not love the its water drained into the earth so that you can-
profligate. (6:141) not get at it.’ The fruits of his labour were com-
In the earth there are diverse regions side by side pletely destroyed and he woke up wringing his
and gardens of grapes and cultivated fields, and hands in grief, rueing everything that he had
palm-trees sharing one root and others with indi- spent on it. It was a ruin with all its trellises fallen
vidual roots, all watered with the same water. in. He said, ‘Oh, if only I had not associated any-
273
one with my Lord!’ (18:32-42) sons, and grant you gardens and grant you water-
By means of it We produce gardens of dates and ways. (71:11-12)
grapes for you, in which there are many fruits for We sent down cascading water from the clouds
you and from which you eat. (23:19) so that by it We might bring forth grains and
Why has treasure not been showered down on plants and luxuriant gardens. (78:14-16)
him? Why does he not have a garden to give him We pour down plentiful water, then split the
food?’ The wrongdoers say, ‘You are merely fol- earth into furrows. Then We make grain grow in
lowing a man who is bewitched.’ (25:8) it, and grapes and herbs and olives and dates and
We expelled them (Pharaoh and his people) from luxuriant gardens and orchards and meadows,
gardens and springs, from treasures and a splen- for you and your livestock to enjoy. (80:25-32)
did situation. (26:57-58)
Have fear of Him Who has supplied you with GARDEN, THE (I. E. PARADISE)
what you know, supplied you with livestock and Give the good news to those who believe and do
children and gardens and clear springs. (26:132- right actions that they will have Gardens with
134) rivers flowing under them. When they are given
(Salih said to them) ‘Are you going to be left se- fruit there as provision, they will say, ‘This is
cure amid what is here, amid gardens and clear what we were given before.’ But they were only
springs, and cultivated fields and palms with sup- given a simulation of it. They will have there
ple spathes?’ (26:146-148) spouses of perfect purity and will remain there
He Who created the heavens and the earth and timelessly, for ever. (2:25)
sends down water for you from the sky by which We said, ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and
We make luxuriant gardens grow–you could your wife, and eat freely from it wherever you
never make their trees grow. Is there another god will. But do not approach this tree and so be-
besides Allah? No indeed, but they are people come wrongdoers.’ (2:35)
who equate others with Him! (27:60) Whereas those who believe and do right actions,
There was also a sign for Saba in their dwelling such people are the Companions of the Garden,
place: two gardens–one to the right and one to remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (2:82)
the left. ‘Eat of your Lord’s provision and give They say, ‘No one will enter the Garden except
thanks to Him: a bountiful land and a forgiving for Jews and Christians.’ Such is their vain hope.
Lord.’ (34:15) Say, ‘Produce your evidence if you are telling the
But they turned away so We unleashed against truth.’ (2:111)
them the flood from the great dam and ex- Or did you suppose that you would enter the
changed their two gardens for two others con- Garden without facing the same as those who
taining bitter-tasting plants and tamarisk and a came before you? Poverty and illness afflicted
few lote trees. (34:16) them and they were shaken to the point that the
We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and Messenger and those who believed with him
cause springs to gush out in it. (36:34) said, ‘When is Allah’s help coming?’ Be assured
How many gardens and fountains they left be- that Allah’s help is very near. (2:214)
hind. (44:25) Do not marry women of the idolaters until they
And We sent down blessed water from the sky believe. A slavegirl who is one of the believers is
and made gardens grow by it and grain for har- better for you than a woman of the idolaters,
vesting. (50:9) even though she may attract you. And do not
We have tried them as We tried the owners of the marry men of the idolaters until they believe. A
garden when they swore that they would harvest slave who is one of the believers is better for you
in the morning. (68:17) than a man of the idolaters, even though he may
He will send heaven down on you in abundant attract you. Such people call you to the Fire
rain and reinforce you with more wealth and whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to
274
the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs We will admit them into Gardens with rivers
clear to people so that hopefully they will pay flowing under them, remaining in them time-
heed. (2:221) lessly, for ever and ever. In them they will have
Say, ‘Shall I tell you of something better than spouses of perfect purity and We will admit them
that?’ Those who guard against evil will have into cool, refreshing shade. (4:57)
Gardens with their Lord, with rivers flowing But as for those who believe and do right actions,
under them, remaining in them timelessly, for We will admit them into Gardens with rivers
ever, and purified wives, and the Pleasure of flowing under them, remaining in them time-
Allah. Allah sees His servants. (3:15) lessly, for ever and ever. Allah’s promise is true.
Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord Whose speech could be truer than Allah’s?
and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the (4:122)
earth, prepared for the people who guard against Anyone, male or female, who does right actions
evil. (3:133) and is a believer, will enter the Garden. They will
Their recompense is forgiveness from their Lord, not be wronged by so much as the tiniest speck.
and Gardens with rivers flowing under them, re- (4:124)
maining in them timelessly, for ever. How excel- Allah made a covenant with the tribe of Israel
lent is the reward of those who act! (3:136) and We raised up twelve leaders from among
Or did you imagine that you were going to enter them. Allah said, ‘I am with you. If you perform
the Garden without Allah knowing those among prayer and give the alms, and believe in My
you who had struggled and knowing the stead- Messengers and respect and support them, and
fast? (3:142) make a generous loan to Allah, I will erase your
Every self will taste death. You will be paid your wrong actions from you and admit you into
wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Any of
is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the you who disbelieve after that have gone astray
Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is from the right way.’ (5:12)
just the enjoyment of delusion. (3:185) If only the People of the Book had believed and
Their Lord responds to them: ‘I will not let the guarded against evil, We would have erased their
deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male evil deeds from them and admitted them into
or female–you are both the same in that respect. Gardens of Delight. (5:65)
Those who migrated and were driven from their Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam,
homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe
and were killed, I will erase their bad actions of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.
from them and admit them into Gardens with If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah
rivers flowing under them, as a reward from has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will
Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.’ be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no
(3:195) helpers. (5:72)
But those who have fear of their Lord will have Allah will reward them for what they say with
Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain- Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain-
ing in them timelessly, for ever: hospitality from ing in them timelessly, for ever. That is the rec-
Allah. What is with Allah is better for those who ompense of the good-doers. (5:85)
are truly good. (3:198) Allah will say, ‘This is the Day when the sincerity
These are Allah’s limits. As for those who obey of the sincere will benefit them. They will have
Allah and His Messenger, We will admit them Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain-
into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, re- ing in them timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah is
maining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the pleased with them and they are pleased with
Great Victory. (4:13) Him. That is the Great Victory.’ (5:119)
But as for those who believe and do right actions, (Allah said,) ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and
275
your wife, and eat of it wherever you like. But do will not have yet entered it, though they hope.
not go near this tree lest you become wrongdo- (7:46)
ers.’ (7:19) The Companions of the Ramparts will call out to
So he (Satan) enticed them to do it by means of men they recognise by their mark, saying, ‘What
trickery. Then when they tasted the tree, their pri- you amassed was of no use to you, nor was your
vate parts were disclosed to them and they arrogance. Are these the people you swore that
started stitching together the leaves of the Allah’s mercy would never reach?’ ‘Enter the
Garden in order to cover themselves. Their Lord Garden. You will feel no fear and know no sor-
called out to them, ‘Did I not forbid you this tree row.’ (7:48-49)
and say to you, "Satan is an outright enemy to The Companions of the Fire will call out to the
you"?’ (7:22) Companions of the Garden, ‘Throw down some
Children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you water to us or some of what Allah has given you
into trouble as He expelled your parents from the as provision.’ They will say, ‘Allah has forbidden
Garden, stripping them of their covering and dis- them to the disbelievers.’ (7:50)
closing to them their private parts. He and his Their Lord gives them the good news of His
tribe see you from where you do not see them. mercy and good pleasure and Gardens where
We have made the Satans friends of those who they will enjoy everlasting delight. (9:21)
have no faith. (7:27) Allah has promised the men and women of the
As for those who deny Our Signs and are arro- believers Gardens with rivers flowing under
gant regarding them, the Gates of Heaven will them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever, and
not be opened for them, and they will not enter fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And
the Garden until a camel goes through a needle’s Allah’s good pleasure is even greater. That is the
eye. That is how We repay the evildoers. (7:40) great victory. (9:72)
As for those who believe and do right Allah has prepared Gardens for them with rivers
actions–We impose on no self any more than it flowing under them, remaining in them time-
can bear–they are the Companions of the lessly, for ever. That is the great victory. (9:89)
Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. The forerunners–the first of the Migrants
(7:42) (Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar)–and
We will strip away any rancour in their hearts. those who have followed them in doing good:
Rivers will flow under them and they will say, Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased
‘Praise be to Allah Who has guided us to this! We with Him. He has prepared Gardens for them
would not have been guided, had Allah not with rivers flowing under them, remaining in
guided us. The Messengers of our Lord came them timelessly, for ever and ever. That is the
with the Truth.’ It will be proclaimed to them: great victory. (9:100)
‘This is your Garden which you have inherited Allah has bought from the believers their selves
for what you did.’ (7:43) and their wealth in return for the Garden. They
The Companions of the Garden will call out to fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are
the Companions of the Fire, ‘We have found that killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the
what our Lord promised us is true. Have you Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is
found that what your Lord promised you is true?’ truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in
They will say, ‘Yes, we have!’ Between them a the bargain you have made. That is the great vic-
herald will proclaim: ‘May the curse of Allah be tory. (9:111)
on the wrongdoers.’ (7:44) But as for those who believe and do right actions,
There will be a dividing wall between them and their Lord will guide them by their faith. Rivers
on the ramparts there will be men who recognise will flow under them in Gardens of Delight.
everyone by their mark. They will call out to the (10:9)
people of the Garden: ‘Peace be upon you!’ They Those who do good will have the best and more!
276
Neither dust nor debasement will darken their the Gardens of Firdaws as hospitality, remaining
faces. They are the Companions of the Garden, in them timelessly, for ever, with no desire to
remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (10:26) move away from them. (18:107-108)
As for those who believe and do right actions and Except for those who repent and believe and act
humble themselves before their Lord, they are rightly. They will enter the Garden and they will
the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it not be wronged in any way: Gardens of Eden
timelessly, for ever. (11:23) which the All-Merciful has promised to His ser-
As for those who are glad, they will be in the vants in the Unseen. His promise is always kept.
Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever, as They will not hear any prattling there–nothing
long as the heavens and earth endure, except as but ‘Peace’. They will receive their provision
your Lord wills: an uninterrupted gift. (11:108) there morning and night. That is the Garden
Gardens of Eden which they will enter, and all of which We will bequeath to those of Our servants
their parents, wives and children who were right- who guard against evil. (19:60-63)
eous. Angels will enter in to welcome them from Gardens of Eden with rivers flowing under them,
every gate. (13:23) remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the
What is the Garden promised to those who guard reward of those who purify themselves. (20:76)
against evil like? It has rivers flowing under it and We said, ‘Adam, this is an enemy for you and
its foodstuffs and cool shade never fail. That is your wife, so do not let him expel you from the
the final fate of those who guard against evil. But Garden and thus make you miserable.’ (20:117)
the final fate of the disbelievers is the Fire. So the two of them ate from it and their private
(13:35) parts were disclosed to them and they started
Those who believed and did right actions will be stitching together the leaves of the Garden to
admitted into Gardens with rivers flowing under cover themselves. Adam disobeyed his Lord and
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever by became misled. (20:121)
the permission of their Lord. Their greeting there Allah will admit those who believe and do right
is ‘Peace!’ (14:23) actions into Gardens with rivers flowing under
Those who guard against evil will be amid them. Allah does whatever He wishes. (22:14)
Gardens and Springs: ‘Enter them in peace, in But Allah will admit those who believe and do
complete security!’ We will strip away any ran- right actions into Gardens with rivers flowing
cour in their hearts–brothers, resting on couches under them where they will be adorned with
face-to-face. They will not be affected by any gold bracelets and pearls, and where their cloth-
tiredness there and they will never be made to ing will be of silk. (22:23)
leave. (15:45-48) Sovereignty on that Day will be Allah’s. He will
Gardens of Eden which they enter, with rivers judge between them. Those who believe and do
flowing under them, where they have whatever right actions will be in Gardens of Delight.
they desire. That is how Allah repays those who (22:56)
guard against evil: those the angels take in a vir- Blessed be He Who, if He wishes, will grant you
tuous state. They say, ‘Peace be upon you! Enter better than that: Gardens with rivers flowing
the Garden for what you did.’ (16:31-32) under them; and He will grant you Palaces.
They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow- (25:10)
ing under them. They will be adorned in them Say: ‘Is that better, or the Garden of Eternal Life
with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar- which has been promised to those who guard
ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade, against evil? That is their recompense and desti-
reclining there on couches under canopies. nation.’ They will have in it whatever they want
What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re- timelessly, for ever. It is a binding promise of
pose! (18:31) your Lord. (25:15-16)
Those who believe and do right actions will have The Companions of the Garden on that Day will
277
have better lodging and a better resting-place. and say, ‘By Allah, you almost ruined me! If it
(25:24) were not for the blessing of my Lord, I would
The Garden will be brought near to those who have been among those arraigned.’ (37:41-57)
guard against evil. (26:90) (A believer will say,) ‘Truly this is the Great
As for those who believe and do right actions, Victory! It is for the like of this that all workers
We will lodge them in lofty chambers in the should work!’ (37:60-61)
Garden, with rivers flowing under them, remain- Gardens of Eden, whose gates will be open to
ing in them timelessly, for ever. How excellent is them, where they will recline, calling for plenti-
the reward of those who act. (29:58) ful fruit and drink; and there will be dark-eyed
For those who believe and do right actions there maidens with them with eyes reserved for them
are Gardens of Delight, to remain in them time- alone. This is what you are promised on the Day
lessly, for ever. Allah’s promise is true. He is the of Reckoning. This is Our provision which will
Almighty, the All-Wise. (31:8-9) never run out. (38:50-54)
As for those who believe and do right actions, And those who have fear of their Lord will be
they will have the Gardens of Safe Refuge as hos- driven to the Garden in companies and when
pitality for what they used to do. (32:19) they arrive there, finding its gates open, its custo-
They will enter Gardens of Eden where they will dians will say to them, ‘Peace be upon you! You
be adorned with gold bracelets and pearls, and have done well so enter it timelessly, for ever.’
where their clothing will be of silk. They will say, (39:73)
‘Praise be to Allah Who has removed all sadness They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has ful-
from us. Truly our Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Ever- filled His promise to us and made us the inheri-
Thankful: He Who has lodged us, out of His tors of this land, letting us settle in the Garden
favour, in the Abode of Permanence where no wherever we want. How excellent is the wage of
weariness or fatigue affects us.’ (35:33-35) those who work!’ (39:74)
He was told, ‘Enter the Garden!’ He said, ‘If my (Angels ask forgiveness for the believers,) ‘Our
people only knew.’ (36:26) Lord, admit them to the Gardens of Eden You
The Companions of the Garden are busy enjoy- have promised them, and all of their parents,
ing themselves today, they and their wives reclin- wives and children who acted rightly. Truly You
ing on couches in the shade. They will have fruits are the Almighty, the All-Wise.’ (40:8)
there and whatever they request. ‘Peace!’ A word Whoever does an evil act will only be repaid
from a Merciful Lord. (36:55-58) with its equivalent. But whoever acts rightly,
They will have preordained provision: sweet male or female, being a believer, such a person
fruits and high honour in Gardens of Delight on will enter the Garden, provided for in it without
couches face to face; a cup from a flowing spring any reckoning. (40:40)
passing round among them, as white as driven The angels descend on those who say, ‘Our Lord
snow, delicious to those who drink, which has is Allah,’ and then go straight: ‘Do not fear and
no headache in it and does not leave them stupe- do not grieve but rejoice in the Garden you have
fied. There will be dark-eyed maidens with them, been promised.’ (41:30)
with eyes reserved for them alone, just like Accordingly We have revealed to you an Arabic
closely guarded pearls. They will confront each Qur’an so that you may warn the Mother of
other, questioning one another. One of them will Cities and those around it, and give warning of
say, ‘I used to have a friend who would say to the Day of Gathering about which there is no
me, "Are you one of those who say that it is true: doubt: one group in the Garden, the other in the
that when we have died and are turned to dust Blazing Fire. (42:7)
and bones, we will face a Reckoning?"’ He will You will see the wrongdoers afraid of what they
say, ‘Are you looking down?’ So he will look have earned, when it is about to land right on top
down and see him in the midst of the Blazing Fire of them, whereas those who believe and do right
278
actions will be in the lush Meadows of the of the believers into Gardens with rivers flowing
Gardens. They will have whatever they wish for under them, remaining in them timelessly, for
with their Lord. That is the great favour. (42:22) ever, and erase their bad actions from them; and
(Believers will be told,) ‘Enter the Garden, you in Allah’s sight that is a mighty victory. (48:5)
and your wives, delighting in your joy.’ Platters There is no constraint on the blind, nor on the
and cups of gold will be passed around among lame, nor on the sick. We will admit all who
them and they will have there all that their hearts obey Allah and His Messenger into Gardens with
desire and their eyes find delight in. You will re- rivers flowing under them. But We will punish
main in it timelessly, for ever. That is the Garden with a painful punishment anyone who turns his
you will inherit for what you did. There will be back. (48:17)
many fruits in it for you to eat. (43:70-73) And the Garden will be brought up close to the
The people who guard against evil will be in a heedful, not far away: ‘This is what you were
safe place amid gardens and fountains, wearing promised. It is for every careful penitent: those
fine silk and rich brocade, face to face with one who fear the All-Merciful in the Unseen and
another. So it will be. We will marry them to come with a contrite heart. Enter it in peace. This
dark-eyed maidens. They will call there for fruit is the Day of Timeless Eternity.’ They will have
of every kind, in complete security. They will not there everything they want and with Us there is
taste any death there–except for the first one. He still more. (50:31-35)
will safeguard them from the punishment of the The heedful will be among Gardens and
Blazing Fire. A favour from your Lord. That is the Fountains, receiving what their Lord has given
Great Victory. (44:51-57) them. Certainly before that they were good-
Such people are the Companions of the Garden, doers. (51:15-16)
remaining in it timelessly, for ever, as repayment The people who guard against evil will be in
for what they did. (46:14) Gardens of Delight, savouring what their Lord
Those are people whose best deeds will be ac- has given them. Their Lord will safeguard them
cepted and whose wrong deeds will be over- from the punishment of the Blazing Fire: ‘Eat and
looked. They are among the Companions of the drink with relish for what you did.’ They will re-
Garden, in fulfilment of the true promise made to cline on couches ranged in rows and We will
them. (46:16) marry them to dark-eyed maidens. (52:17-20)
And He will admit them into the Garden which We will supply them with any kind of fruit and
He has made known to them. (47: 6) meat that they desire. They will pass round there
Allah will admit those who believe to Gardens a drinking cup to one another with no foolish talk
with rivers flowing under them. Those who dis- and no wrong action in it. Circulating among
believe have their enjoyment, eating as cattle them there will be youths like hidden pearls.
eat, but the Fire will be their final residence. Some of them will come up to others and they
(47:12) will question one another. They will say,
An image of the Garden which is promised to ‘Beforehand we used live in fear among our fam-
those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers ilies. But Allah was gracious to us and safe-
of water which will never spoil and rivers of milk guarded us from the punishment of the searing
whose taste will never change and rivers of wine, wind.’ (52:22-27)
delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey He saw him again another time by the Lote-tree
of undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of of the Final Limit, beside which is the Garden of
every kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that Refuge. (53:13-15)
like those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for The people who guard against evil will be amid
ever, with boiling water to drink which lacerates Gardens and Rivers. (54:54)
their bowels? (47:15) For those who fear the Station of their Lord there
(It is) so that He may admit the men and women are two Gardens. (55:46)
279
Shaded by spreading branches. (55:48) But the truth is that if he is one of Those Brought
In them are two clear flowing springs. (55:50) Near, there is solace and sweetness and a
In them are two kinds of every fruit. (55:52) Garden of Delight. And if he is one of the
They will be reclining on couches lined with rich Companions of the Right, ‘Peace be upon you!’
brocade, the fruits of the Gardens hanging close from the Companions of the Right. (56:88-91)
to hand. (55:54) On the Day you see the men and women of the
In them are maidens with eyes for them believers, with their light streaming out in front of
alone,untouched before them by either man or them, and to their right: ‘Good news for you
jinn. (55:56) today of Gardens with rivers flowing under them,
Like precious gems of ruby and pearl. (55:58) remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the
Will the reward for doing good be anything other Great Victory.’ (57:12)
than good? (55:60) Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord
As well as those two there will be two other and to a Garden, whose breadth is like that of
Gardens. (55:62) heaven and earth combined, made ready for
Of deep viridian green. (55:64) those who believe in Allah and His Messengers.
In them are two gushing springs. (55:66) That is Allah’s favour which He gives to those He
In them are fruits and date-palms and pomegran- wills. Allah’s favour is indeed immense. (57:21)
ates. (55:68) You will not find people who believe in Allah
In them are sweet, lovely maidens. (55:70) and the Last Day having love for anyone who op-
Dark-eyed, secluded in cool pavilions. (55:72) poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be
Untouched before them by either man or jinn. their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their
(55:74) clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo-
Reclining on green quilts and exquisite rugs. ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit
(55:76) from Him and admit them into Gardens with
And the Forerunners, the Forerunners. Those are rivers flowing under them, remaining in them
the Ones Brought Near in Gardens of Delight. A timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them
large group of the earlier people but few of the and they are pleased with Him. Such people are
later ones. On sumptuous woven couches, re- the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah
clining on them face to face. There will circulate who are successful. (58:22)
among them, ageless youths, carrying goblets The Companions of the Fire and the Companions
and decanters and a cup from a flowing spring–it of the Garden are not the same. It is the
does not give them any headache nor does it Companions of the Garden who are the victors.
leave them stupefied. And any fruit they specify (59:20)
and any bird-meat they desire. And dark-eyed He will forgive you your wrong actions and
maidens like hidden pearls. As recompense for admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing under
what they did. They will hear no prattling in it them, and fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden.
nor any word of wrong. All that is said is, ‘Peace! That is the Great Victory. (61:12)
Peace!’ And the Companions of the Right: what On the Day He gathers you for the Day of
of the Companions of the Right? Amid thornless Gathering–that is the Day of Profit and Loss. As
lote-trees and fruit-laden acacias and wide- for those who believe in Allah and act rightly, We
spreading shade and outpouring water and fruits will erase their bad actions from them and admit
in abundance never failing, unrestricted. And on them into Gardens with rivers flowing under
elevated couches We have brought maidens into them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever and
being and made them purest virgins, devoted, ever. That is the Great Victory! (64:9)
passionate, of like age, for the Companions of the (Allah has sent down) a Messenger reciting
Right. A large group of the earlier people and a Allah’s Clear Signs to you to bring those who be-
large group of the later ones. (56:10-40) lieve and do right actions out of the darkness into
280
the Light. Whoever believes in Allah and acts ginger. In it there is a flowing spring called
rightly, We will admit him into Gardens with Salsabil. Ageless youths will circulate among
rivers flowing under them remaining in them them, serving them. Seeing them, you would
timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah has provided think them scattered pearls. Seeing them, you see
for him excellently! (65:11) delight and a great kingdom. They will wear
You who believe! Repent to Allah. It may be that green garments of fine silk and rich brocade.
your Lord will erase your bad actions from you They will be adorned with silver bracelets. And
and admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing their Lord will give them a pure draught to drink.
under them on the Day when Allah will not dis- ‘This is your reward. Your striving is fully ac-
grace the Prophet and those who believed along knowledged.’ (76:11-22)
with him. Their light will stream out ahead of For those who guard against evil there is triumph:
them and on their right. They will say, ‘Our Lord, Gardens and grape vines, and nubile maidens of
perfect our light for us and forgive us! You have similar age, and an overflowing cup, where they
power over all things.’ (66:8) will hear no prattle and no denial, a recompense
Allah has made an example for those who be- from your Lord, a commensurate gift. (78:31-36)
lieve: the wife of Pharaoh when she said, ‘My But as for him who feared the Station of his Lord
Lord, build a house in the Garden for me in Your and forbade the lower self its appetites, the
presence and rescue me from Pharaoh and his Garden will be his refuge. (79:40-41)
deeds and rescue me from this wrongdoing peo- When the Fire is set ablaze, when the Garden is
ple.’ (66:11) brought up close: then each self will know what
The people who guard against evil will have it has done. (81:12-14)
Gardens of Delight with their Lord. (68:34) But those who believe and do right actions will
As for him who is given his Book in his right have Gardens with rivers flowing under them.
hand, he will say, ‘Here, come and read my That is the Great Victory. (85:11)
Book! I counted on meeting my Reckoning.’ He Some faces on that Day will be radiant, well-
will have a very pleasant life in an elevated pleased with their efforts in an elevated Garden
Garden, its ripe fruit hanging close to hand. ‘Eat where no prattle is ever heard. In it is a gushing
and drink with relish for what you did before in spring and raised-up couches, and set-out gob-
days gone by!’ (69:19-24) lets, and lined-up cushions, and spread-out rugs.
Those who honour their trusts and contracts; (88:8-16)
those who stand by their testimony; those who ‘O self at rest and at peace, return to your Lord,
safeguard their prayer; such people will be in well-pleasing and well-pleased! Enter among My
Gardens, highly honoured. (70:32-35) servants! Enter My Garden.’ (89:27-30)
Does each one of them aspire to be admitted into But those who believe and do right actions–they
a Garden of Delight? (70:38) are the best of creatures. Their reward is with
So Allah has safeguarded them from the evil of their Lord: Gardens of Eden with rivers flowing
that Day and has made them meet with radiance under them, remaining in them timelessly, for
and pure joy. and will reward them for their ever and ever. Allah is pleased with them and
steadfastness with a Garden and with silk. they are pleased with Him. That is for those who
Reclining in it on couches, they will experience fear their Lord. (98:7-8)
there neither burning sun nor bitter cold. Its
shading branches will droop down over them, its GARMENT
ripe fruit hanging ready to be picked. Vessels of Children of Adam! We have sent down clothing
silver and goblets of pure crystal will be passed to you to conceal your private parts, and fine ap-
round among them, crystalline silver–they have parel, but the garment of heedfulness–that is
measured them very exactly. They will be given best! That is one of Allah’s Signs, so that hope-
there a cup to drink mixed with the warmth of fully you will pay heed. (7:26)
281
See how they wrap themselves round trying to (People of intelligence say,) ‘Our Lord, You are
conceal their feelings from Him! No, indeed! the Gatherer of mankind to a Day of which there
When they wrap their garments round them- is no doubt. Allah will not break His promise.’
selves, He knows what they keep secret and (3:9)
what they make public. He knows what their But how will it be when We gather them all to-
hearts contain. (11:5) gether for a Day about which there is no doubt?
That Day you will see the evildoers yoked to- Every self will be paid in full for what it earned.
gether in chains, wearing shirts of tar, their faces They will not be wronged. (3:25)
enveloped in the Fire. (14:49-50) If you have received a wound, they have already
It is He Who made the sea subservient to you so received a similar wound. We deal out such days
that you can eat fresh flesh from it and bring out to people turn by turn, so that Allah will know
from it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships those who believe and can gather martyrs from
cleaving through it so that you can seek His among you–Allah does not love wrongdoers.
bounty, and so that hopefully you will show (3:140)
thanks. (16:14) If you die or you are killed, it is to Allah that you
They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow- will be gathered. (3:158)
ing under them. They will be adorned in them Allah, there is no god but Him. He will gather
with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar- you to the Day of Rising about which there is no
ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade, doubt. And whose speech could be truer than
reclining there on couches under canopies. Allah’s? (4:87)
What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re- It has been sent down to you in the Book that
pose! (18:31) when you hear Allah’s Signs being rejected and
We taught him (Dawud) the art of making gar- mocked at by people, you must not sit with them
ments for you to protect you against each others’ till they start talking of other things. If you do you
violence, but do you show any thanks? (21:80) are just the same as them. Allah will gather all
Here are two rival groups who disputed concern- the hypocrites and disbelievers into Hell. (4:140)
ing their Lord. Those who disbelieve will have The Messiah would never disdain to be a servant
garments of fire cut out for them, and boiling to Allah nor would the angels near to Him. If any
water poured over their heads. (22:19) do disdain to worship Him, and grow arrogant,
O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and He will in any case gather them all to Him.
the women of the believers to draw their outer (4:172)
garments closely round themselves. This makes it Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you,
more likely that they will be recognised and not and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that
be harmed. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most of travellers, but land game is forbidden for you
Merciful. (33:59) while you are in the state of pilgrimage. So have
They will wear green garments of fine silk and fear of Allah, Him to Whom you will be gath-
rich brocade. They will be adorned with silver ered. (5:96)
bracelets. And their Lord will give them a pure On the day Allah gathers the Messengers to-
draught to drink. (76:21) gether and says, ‘What response did you re-
ceive?’ they will say, ‘We do not know. You are
GATHERING the Knower of unseen things.’ (5:109)
Remember Allah on the designated days. Those Say: ‘To whom does everything in the heavens
who hurry on in two days have done no wrong, and earth belong?’ Say: ‘To Allah.’ He has made
and those who stay another day have done no mercy incumbent on Himself. He will gather you
wrong–those of them who guard against evil. So to the Day of Rising about which there is no
have fear of Allah. And know that you will be doubt. As for those who have lost their own
gathered back to Him. (2:203) selves, they have no faith. (6:12)
282
On the Day We gather them all together, We will fears the punishment of the hereafter. That is a
say to those who associated others with Allah, Day to which mankind will all be gathered. That
‘Where are the partner-gods, for whom you is a Day which will be witnessed by everyone.
made such claims?’ (6:22) (11:103)
There is no creature crawling on the earth or fly- It is your Lord Who will gather them. He is All-
ing creature, flying on its wings, who are not Wise, All-Knowing. (15:25)
communities just like yourselves–We have not Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But as for
omitted anything from the Book–then they will those He leads astray, you will not find any pro-
be gathered to their Lord. (6:38) tectors for them apart from Him. We will gather
Warn by it those who fear they will be gathered them on the Day of Rising, flat on their faces,
to their Lord, having no protector or intercessor blind, dumb and deaf. Their shelter will be Hell.
apart from Him, so that hopefully they will guard Whenever the Blaze dies down, We will increase
against evil. (6:51) it for them. (17:97)
(Say:) ‘And (we are commanded) to perform On the Day We make the mountains move and
prayer and have fear of Him. It is He to Whom you see the earth laid bare and We gather them
you will be gathered.’ (6:72) together, not leaving out a single one of them.
On the Day We gather them all together: (18:47)
‘Company of jinn, you gained many followers We will abandon them, that Day, to pound
among mankind.’ And their friends among against each other in surging waves and the
mankind will say, ‘Our Lord, we benefited from Trumpet will be blown and We will gather them
one another, and now we have reached the term all together. (18:99)
which You determined for us.’ He will say, ‘The By your Lord, We will collect them and the
Fire is your home. You will be in it timelessly, for Satans together. Then We will assemble them
ever, except as Allah wills. Your Lord is All-Wise, around Hell on their knees. (19:68)
All-Knowing.’ (6:128) When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, those
You who believe! Respond to Allah and to the who disbelieve say to those who believe, ‘Which
Messenger when He calls you to what will bring of the two parties has the better position and the
you to life! Know that Allah intervenes between a more illustrious gathering?’ (19:73)
man and his heart and that you will be gathered On that Day We will gather those who guard
to Him. (8:24) against evil to the All-Merciful with due cere-
Those who disbelieve spend their wealth barring mony. (19:85)
access to the Way of Allah. They will spend it; On the Day the Trumpet is blown–and We will
then they will regret it; then they will be over- gather the evildoers sightless on that Day.
thrown. Those who disbelieve will be gathered (20:102)
into Hell. (8:36) (Allah said to Adam,) ‘But if anyone turns away
On the Day We gather them all together, We will from My reminder, his life will be a dark and nar-
say then to those who associated others with row one and on the Day of Rising We will gather
Allah, ‘To your place, you and your partner- him blind.’ (20:124)
gods!’ Then We will sift them out, and their part- He will say, ‘My Lord, why have you gathered
ner-gods will say, ‘It was not us you worshipped.’ me blind when before I was able to see?’
(10:28) (20:125)
On the day We gather them together–when it It is He Who dispersed you about the earth and
will seem if they had tarried no more than an you will be gathered to Him. (23:79)
hour of a single day–they will recognise one an- On the Day We gather them together, and those
other. Those who denied the meeting with Allah they worship besides Allah, and say, ‘Did you
will have lost. They were not guided. (10:45) misguide these servants of Mine or did they stray
There is certainly a Sign in that for anyone who from the way of their own accord?’ (25:17)
283
On the Day We gather them all together and then ‘This is the Day of Decision. We have gathered
say to the angels, ‘Was it you whom these people you and the earlier peoples.’ (77:38)
were worshipping?’ (34:40)
Accordingly We have revealed to you an Arabic AL-GAYB (SEE THE UNSEEN)
Qur’an so that you may warn the Mother of
Cities and those around it, and give warning of GENERATION
the Day of Gathering about which there is no Have they not seen how many generations We
doubt: one group in the Garden, the other in the destroyed before them which We had estab-
Blazing Fire. (42:7) lished on the earth far more firmly than We have
So call and go straight as you have been ordered established you? We sent down heaven upon
to. Do not follow their whims and desires but them in abundant rain and made rivers flow
say, ‘I believe in a Book sent down by Allah and I under them. But We destroyed them for their
am ordered to be just between you. Allah is our wrong actions and raised up further generations
Lord and your Lord. We have our actions and after them. (6:6)
you have your actions. There is no debate be- We destroyed generations before you when they
tween us and you. Allah will gather us all to- did wrong. Their Messengers brought them the
gether. He is our final destination.’ (42:15) Clear Signs, but they were never going to be-
Among His Signs is the creation of the heavens lieve. That is how We repay evildoers. (10:13)
and earth and all the creatures He has spread Would that there had been more people with a
about in them. And He has the power to vestige of good among the generations of those
gather them together whenever He wills. (42:29) who came before you, who forbade corruption
Say: ‘Allah gives you life, then causes you to die, in the earth, other than the few among them
and then will gather you together for the Day of whom We saved. Those who did wrong gladly
Rising about which there is no doubt. But most pursued the life of luxury that they were given
people do not know it.’ (45:26) and were evildoers. (11:116)
When mankind is gathered together, they will be An evil generation succeeded them who neg-
their enemies and will reject their worship. (46:6) lected the prayer and followed their appetites.
The Day the earth splits open all around them as They will plunge into the Valley of Evil. (19:59)
they come rushing forth, that is a gathering, easy How many generations We have destroyed be-
for Us to accomplish. (50:44) fore them who had finer furnishings and a better
Say: ‘The earlier and the later peoples will cer- outward show! (19:74)
tainly all be gathered.’ (56:49) How many generations We have destroyed be-
You who believe! When you confer together se- fore them! Do you see a trace of any one of them
cretly, do not do so in wrongdoing and enmity or hear even a whisper of them? (19:98)
and disobedience to the Messenger; rather con- He (Pharaoh) said, ‘What about the previous
fer together in goodness and fear of Allah. Have generations?’ (20:51)
fear of Allah–Him to Whom you will be gath- Are they not guided by the many generations We
ered. (58:9) have destroyed before them, among whose
On the Day He gathers you for the Day of dwelling places they walk about? There are Signs
Gathering–that is the Day of Profit and Loss. As in that for people of sound intellect. (20:128)
for those who believe in Allah and act rightly, We Then We raised up other generations after them.
will erase their bad actions from them and admit (23:42)
them into Gardens with rivers flowing under The same goes for ‘Ad and Thamud and the
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever and Companions of the Rass and many generations in
ever. That is the Great Victory! (64:9) between. (25:38)
Say: ‘It is He Who scattered you about the earth Yet We produced further generations and ages
and you will be gathered to Him.’ (67:24) passed. Nor did you live among the people of
284
Madyan and recite Our Signs to them, yet We A Messenger has come to you from among your-
have sent you news of them. (28:45) selves. Your suffering is distressing to him; he is
He (Qarun) said, ‘I have only been given it be- deeply concerned for you; he is gentle and mer-
cause of knowledge I have.’ Did he not know ciful to the believers. (9:128)
that before him Allah had destroyed generations They carry your loads to lands you would never
with far greater strength than his and far more reach except with great difficulty. Your Lord is
possessions? The evildoers will not be ques- All-Gentle, Most Merciful. (16:7)
tioned about their sins. (28:78) It is He Who sends down Clear Signs to His ser-
Are they not guided by the many generations We vant to bring you out of the darkness to the light.
destroyed before them, among whose ruined Allah is All-Gentle with you, Most Merciful.
homes they walk around? There are certainly (57:9)
Signs in that. So will they not listen? (32:26) Those who have come after them say, ‘Our Lord,
Do they not see how many generations before forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in
them We have destroyed and that they will not faith and do not put any rancour in our hearts to-
return to them? (36:31) wards those who believe. Our Lord, You are All-
But what of him who says to his parents, ‘Fie on Gentle, Most Merciful.’ (59:10)
you! Do you promise me that I will be resur-
rected when generations before me have passed GIFT
away?’ They both call on Allah for help: ‘Woe to There is nothing wrong in your divorcing women
you! Believe! Allah’s promise is true.’ But he before you have touched them or allotted a
says, ‘This is nothing but the myths of previous dowry to them. But give them a gift–he who is
peoples.’ (46:17) wealthy according to his means and he who is
How many generations before them We de- less well off according to his means–a gift to be
stroyed who had greater force than them and given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
scoured many lands! Did they find any way of all good-doers. (2:236)
escape? (50:36) If someone is in difficult circumstances, there
should be a deferral until things are easier. But
GENTLENESS making a free gift of it would be better for you if
In this way We have made you a middlemost you only knew. (2:280)
community, so that you may act as witnesses Give women their dowry as an outright gift. But if
against mankind and the Messenger as a witness they are happy to give you some of it, make use
against you. We only appointed the direction of it with pleasure and goodwill. (4:4)
you used to face in order to know those who fol- They are pursued by a curse in this world and on
low the Messenger from those who turn round on the Day of Rising. What an evil gift to be given!
their heels. Though in truth it is a very hard (11:99)
thing–except for those Allah has guided. Allah As for those who are glad, they will be in the
would never let your faith go to waste. Allah is Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever, as
All-Gentle, Most Merciful to mankind. (2:143) long as the heavens and earth endure, except as
And among the people there are some who give your Lord wills: an uninterrupted gift. (11:108)
up everything, desiring the good pleasure of (Queen of Sheba said,) ‘I will send them a gift
Allah. Allah is Ever-Gentle with His servants. and then wait and see what the messengers bring
(2:207) back.’ When it reached Sulayman he said,
On the Day that each self finds the good it did, ‘Would you give me wealth when what Allah has
and the evil it did, present there in front of it, it given me is better than what He has given you?
will wish there were an age between it and then. No, rather it is you who delight in your gift.’
Allah advises you to beware of Him. Allah is (27:35-36)
Ever-Gentle with His servants. (3:30) You who believe! When you marry believing
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women and then divorce them before you have what crime she was killed. (81:8-9)
touched them, there is no waiting period for you
to calculate for them, so give them a gift and let GIVING
them go with kindness. (33:49) Give women their dowry as an outright gift. But if
(We said to Sulayman,) ‘This is Our gift: so be- they are happy to give you some of it, make use
stow it or withhold it without reckoning.’ (38:39) of it with pleasure and goodwill. (4:4)
Are you afraid to give gifts of charity before your (Ibrahim said,) ‘Praise be to Allah Who, despite
private consultation? If you do not and Allah my old age, has given me Isma‘il and Ishaq. My
turns to you, at least perform prayer and give the Lord is the Hearer of Prayer.’ (14:39)
alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah is (Zakariyya said,) ‘I fear my relatives when I am
aware of what you do. (58:13) gone and my wife is barren, so give me an heir
Gardens and grape vines, and nubile maidens of from You.’ (19:5)
similar age, and an overflowing cup, where they He (Our Spirit) said (to Maryam), ‘I am only your
will hear no prattle and no denial, a recompense Lord’s messenger so that He can give you a pure
from your Lord, a commensurate gift. (78:32-36) boy.’ (19:19)
When he (Ibrahim) had separated himself from
GINGER them, and what they worshipped besides Allah,
(In the Gardens of Paradise) they will be given We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, making each of
there a cup to drink mixed with the warmth of them a Prophet. (19:49)
ginger. (76:17) And in addition to that We gave him Ishaq and
Ya‘qub and made both of them righteous. (21:72)
GIRL We responded to him and gave him Yahya,
When she gave birth, she said, ‘My Lord! I have restoring for him his wife’s fertility. They outdid
given birth to a girl’–and Allah knew very well one another in good actions, calling out to Us in
what she had given birth to, male and female are yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves
not the same–‘and I have named her Maryam to Us. (21:90)
and placed her and her children in Your safe- (Believers are) those who say, ‘Our Lord, give us
keeping from the accursed Satan.’ (3:36) joy in our wives and children and make us a
When one of them is given the good news of a good example for those who guard against evil’.
baby girl, his face darkens and he is furious. (25:74)
(16:58) (Ibrahim said,) ‘My Lord, give me right judge-
O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your ment and unite me with the righteous.’ (26:83)
wives to whom you have given dowries and any (Queen of Sheba said,) ‘I will send them a gift
slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al- and then wait and see what the messengers bring
lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un- back.’ When it reached Sulayman he said,
cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and ‘Would you give me wealth when what Allah has
the daughters of your maternal uncles and the given me is better than what He has given you?
daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi- No, rather it is you who delight in your gift.’
grated with you and any believing woman who (27:35-36)
gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub and placed
to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to Prophethood and the Book among his progeny.
the rest of the believers–We know very well what We gave him his reward in this world and in the
We have prescribed for them regarding their hereafter he will be among the righteous. (29:27)
wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order Or do they possess the treasuries of your Lord’s
that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever- mercy, the Almighty, the Ever-Giving? (38:9)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50) We gave Dawud Sulayman.What an excellent
When the baby girl buried alive is asked, for servant! He truly turned to his Lord. (38:30)
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He (Sulayman) said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and them glorify Him. There is nothing which does
give me a kingdom the like of which will never not glorify Him with praise but you do not under-
be granted to anyone after me. Truly You are the stand their glorification. He is All-Forbearing,
Ever-Giving.’ (38:35) Ever-Forgiving. (17:44)
We gave him (Ayyub) back his family and the He (Zakariyya) came out to his people from the
same again with them as a mercy from Us and a Upper Room and gestured to them to glorify
reminder for people of intellect. (38:43) Allah in the morning and the evening. (19:11)
The kingdom of the heavens and earth belongs to (Musa said,) ‘Assign me a helper from my family,
Allah. He creates whatever He wills. He gives my brother Harun. Strengthen my back by him
daughters to whoever He wishes; and He gives and let him share in my task, so that we can glo-
sons to whoever He wishes. (42:49) rify You much.’ (20:29-33)
So be steadfast in the face of what they say and
GLASS glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. the sun and before its setting. And glorify Him
The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in during part of the night and at both ends of the
which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass day, so that hopefully you will be pleased.
like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an (20:130)
olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all They glorify Him by night and day, without ever
but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light flagging. (21:20)
upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He We gave Sulayman understanding of it. We gave
wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind each of them judgement and knowledge. We
and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35) subjected the mountains to Dawud, glorifying,
She was told: ‘Enter the courtyard,’ but when she and the birds as well. This is something We are
saw it she supposed it to be a pool and bared her well able to do. (21:79)
legs. He (Sulayman) said, ‘It is a courtyard paved In houses which Allah has permitted to be built
with glass.’ She said, ‘My Lord, I have wronged and in which His name is remembered, there are
myself but I have submitted with Sulayman to the men who proclaim His glory morning and
Lord of all the worlds.’ (27:44) evening, (24:36)
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and
GLORIFICATION earth glorifies Allah, as do the birds with their
He (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord, appoint a Sign for outspread wings? Each one knows its prayer and
me.’ He said, ‘Your Sign is that you will not speak glorification. Allah knows what they do. (24:41)
to people for three days, except by gesture. Put your trust in the Living Who does not die and
Remember your Lord much and glorify Him in glorify Him with praise. He is well aware of the
the evening and after dawn.’ (3:41) wrong actions of His servants. (25:58)
Those who are in the presence of your Lord do The people who truly do believe in Our Signs are
not consider themselves too great to worship those who fall to the ground prostrating when
Him. They glorify His praise and they prostrate to they are reminded of them, and glorify their Lord
Him. (7:206) with praise, and are not arrogant. (32:15)
The thunder glorifies His praise, as do the angels, You who believe! Remember Allah much, and
out of fear of Him. He discharges the thunder- glorify Him in the morning and the evening.
bolts, striking with them anyone He wills. Yet still (33:41-42)
they argue about Allah when He is inexorable in Had it not been that he was a man who glorified
His power! (13:13) Allah, he (Yunus) would have remained inside its
So glorify your Lord with praise and be one of the belly until the Day they are raised again.
prostrators. (15:98) (37:143-144)
The seven heavens and the earth and everyone in (Angels say,) ‘We are those who glorify.’ (37:166)
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We subjected the mountains to glorify with him Everything in the heavens and everything in the
in the evening and at sunrise. (38:18) earth glorifies Allah. He is the Almighty, the All-
You will see the angels circling round the Wise. (59:1)
Throne, glorifying their Lord with praise. It will He is Allah–the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of
be decided between them with truth. And it will Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names.
be said: ‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies
worlds.’ (39:75) Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (59:24)
Those who bear the Throne, and all those around Everything in the heavens and everything in the
it, glorify their Lord with praise and believe in earth glorifies Allah. He is the Almighty, the All-
Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe: Wise. (61:1)
‘Our Lord, You encompass everything in mercy Everything in the heavens and everything in the
and knowledge! Forgive those who turn to You earth glorifies Allah, the King, the All-Pure, the
and who follow Your Way and safeguard them Almighty, the All-Wise. (62:1)
from the punishment of the Blazing Fire.’ (40:7) Everything in the heavens and everything on
So remain steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Ask earth glorifies Allah. Sovereignty and praise be-
forgiveness for your wrong action and glorify long to Him. He has power over all things. (64:1)
your Lord with praise in the evening and the The best of them said, ‘Did I not say to you, "Why
early morning. (40:55) do you not glorify Allah?"’ (68:28)
If they grow arrogant, those who are with your Glorify then the name of your Lord, the
Lord glorify Him night and day and never grow Magnificent. (69:52)
tired. (41:38) Prostrate to Him during the night and glorify Him
The heavens are all but rent asunder from above throughout the long night. (76:26)
when the angels glorify their Lord with praise Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High.
and ask forgiveness for those who are on the (87:1)
earth. Allah is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Then glorify your Lord’s praise and ask His for-
Merciful. (42:5) giveness. He is the Ever-Returning. (110:3)
(It is) so that you might all believe in Allah and
His Messenger and honour Him and respect Him GOAT
and glorify Him in the morning and the evening. There are eight in pairs: A pair of sheep and a
(48:9) pair of goats–Say: ‘Is it the two males He has
So be patient in the face of what they say and made forbidden, or the two females, or what the
glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of wombs of the two females contain? Tell me with
the sun and before it sets. (50:39) knowledge if you are being truthful.’ (6:143)
And glorify Him during the night and after you
have prostrated. (50:40) GOBLET
So wait steadfastly for the judgement of your Vessels of silver and goblets of pure crystal will
Lord–you are certainly before Our eyes. And glo- be passed round among them. (76:15)
rify and praise your Lord when you get up.
(52:48) GOG AND MAGOG
And glorify Him in the night and when the stars (SEE YAJUJ AND MAJUJ)
fade out. (52:49)
So glorify the name of your Lord, the GOING BEYOND THE LIMITS
Magnificent! (56:74) And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up
So glorify the Name of your Lord, the with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to
Magnificent! (56:96) supply to us some of what the earth produces–its
Everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
Allah. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (57:1) onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
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better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt, (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
then you will have what you are asking for.’ the limits. Help each other to goodness and
Abasement and destitution were stamped upon heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
them. They brought down anger from Allah upon ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se-
themselves. That was because they rejected vere in retribution. (5:2)
Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any
right to do so. That was because they rebelled GOING TO WASTE
and went beyond the limits. (2:61) In this way We have made you a middlemost
You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for community, so that you may act as witnesses
you in the case of people killed: free man for free against mankind and the Messenger as a witness
man, slave for slave, female for female. But if against you. We only appointed the direction
someone is absolved by his brother, blood- you used to face in order to know those who fol-
money should be claimed with correctness and low the Messenger from those who turn round on
paid with good will. That is an easement and a their heels. Though in truth it is a very hard
mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond thing–except for those Allah has guided. Allah
the limits after this will receive a painful punish- would never let your faith go to waste. Allah is
ment. (2:178) All-Gentle, Most Merciful to mankind. (2:143)
Fight in the Way of Allah against those who fight (Those killed in the way of Allah are) rejoicing in
you, but do not go beyond the limits. Allah does blessings and favour from Allah and that Allah
not love those who go beyond the limits. (2:190) does not let the wage of the believers go to
Divorce can be pronounced two times; in which waste. (3:171)
case wives may be retained with correctness and Their Lord responds to them: ‘I will not let the
courtesy or released with good will. It is not law- deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male
ful for you to keep anything you have given them or female–you are both the same in that respect.
unless a couple fear that they will not remain Those who migrated and were driven from their
within Allah’s limits. If you fear that they will not homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought
remain within Allah’s limits, there is nothing and were killed, I will erase their bad actions
wrong in the wife ransoming herself with some of from them and admit them into Gardens with
what she received. These are Allah’s limits, so do rivers flowing under them, as a reward from
not overstep them. Those who overstep Allah’s Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.’
limits are wrongdoers. (2:229) (3:195)
They will be plunged into abasement wherever As for those who hold fast to the Book and per-
they are found, unless they have a treaty with form prayer, We will not let the wage of the right-
Allah and with the people. They have brought eous be wasted. (7:170)
down anger from Allah upon themselves, and It was not for people of Madina, and the desert
they have been plunged into destitution. That arabs around them, to remain behind the
was because they rejected Allah’s Signs and Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to
killed the Prophets without any right to do so. him. That is because no thirst or weariness or
That was because they disobeyed and went be- hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor
yond the limits. (3:112) will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe-
You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy, with-
of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial out a right action being written down for them
animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading because of it. Allah does not let the wage of the
for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good good-doers go to waste. (9:120)
pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage And be steadfast. Allah does not let the wage of
is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for good-doers go to waste. (11:115)
a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque And thus We established Yusuf in the land so he
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could live in any place he pleased. We grant Our bring Allah and the angels here as a guarantee; or
grace to anyone We will and We do not allow to possess a house built out of gleaming gold; or as-
go to waste the wage of any people who do good. cend up into heaven–and even then we will not
(12:56) believe in your ascent unless you bring us down
They said, ‘Are you Yusuf?’ He said, ‘I am indeed a book to read!’ Say: ‘Glory be to my Lord! Am I
Yusuf, and this here is my brother. Allah has acted anything but a human messenger?’ (17:90-93)
graciously to us. As for those who fear Allah and They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow-
are steadfast, Allah does not allow to go to waste ing under them. They will be adorned in them
the wage of any people who do good.’ (12:90) with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar-
But as for those who believe and do right actions, ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade,
We will not let the wage of good-doers go to waste. reclining there on couches under canopies.
(18:30) What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re-
pose! (18:31)
GOLD But Allah will admit those who believe and do
To mankind the love of worldly appetites is right actions into Gardens with rivers flowing
painted in glowing colours: women and children, under them where they will be adorned with
and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver, and gold bracelets and pearls, and where their cloth-
horses with fine markings, and livestock and fertile ing will be of silk. (22:23)
farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment of the They will enter Gardens of Eden where they will
life of this world. The best homecoming is in the be adorned with gold bracelets and pearls, and
presence of Allah. (3:14) where their clothing will be of silk. (35:33)
Among the People of the Book there are some Were it not that mankind might all become one
who, if you entrust them with a pile of gold, will re- community, We would have given those who re-
turn it to you. But there are others among them ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses
who, if you entrust them with just a single dinar, and silver stairways to ascend and silver doors to
will not return it to you, unless you stay standing their houses and silver couches on which to re-
over them. That is because they say, ‘We are under cline, and gold ornaments. All that is merely the
no obligation where the gentiles are concerned.’ trappings of the life of this world. But the here-
They tell a lie against Allah and they know it. after with your Lord is for those who guard
(3:75) against evil. (43:33-35)
As for those who disbelieve and die while they are (Pharaoh said to his people,) ‘Why have gold
disbelievers, the whole earth filled with gold bracelets not been put upon his arms and why is
would not be accepted from any of them if they there not a train of angels accompanying him?’
were to offer it as a ransom. They will have a (43:53)
painful punishment. They will have no helpers. Platters and cups of gold will be passed around
(3:91) among them and they will have there all that
You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks their hearts desire and their eyes find delight in.
devour people’s property under false pretences You will remain in it timelessly, for ever. (43:71)
and bar people from access to the Way of Allah.
As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do GOLIATH (JALUT)
not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the When Talut marched out with the army, he said,
news of a painful punishment. (9:34) ‘Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who
They say, ‘We will not believe you until you drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who
make a spring gush out from the earth for us; or does not taste it is with me–except for him who
have a garden of dates and grapes which you merely scoops up a little in his hand.’ But they
make rivers come pouring through; or make the drank from it–except for a few of them. Then
sky, as you claim, fall down on us in lumps; or when he and those who believed with him had
290
crossed it, they said, ‘We do not have the They will ask you what they should give away.
strength to face Goliath and his troops today.’ But Say, ‘Any wealth you give away should go to
those who were sure that they were going to your parents and relatives and to orphans and the
meet Allah said, ‘How many a small force has tri- very poor and travellers.’ Whatever good you do,
umphed over a much greater one by Allah’s per- Allah knows it. (2:215)
mission! Allah is with the steadfast.’ (2:249) Fighting is prescribed for you even if it is hateful
When they came out against Goliath and his to you. It may be that you hate something when it
troops, they said, ‘Our Lord, pour down stead- is good for you and it may be that you love some-
fastness upon us, and make our feet firm, and thing when it is bad for you. Allah knows and
help us against this disbelieving people.’ (2:250) you do not know. (2:216)
And with Allah's permission they routed them. If you make your charity public, that is good. But
Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king- if you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is
ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He better for you, and We will erase some of your
willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some peo- bad actions from you. Allah is aware of what you
ple back by means of others, the earth would do. (2:271)
have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to Say, ‘O Allah! Master of the Kingdom! You give
all the worlds. (2:251) sovereignty to whoever You will, You take sover-
eignty from whoever You will. You exalt whoever
GOOD You will, You abase whoever You will. All good is
Perform prayer and give the alms. Any good you in Your hands. You have power over all things.’
send ahead for yourselves, you will find with (3:26)
Allah. Certainly Allah sees what you do. (2:110) (People who guard against evil are) those who
Each person faces a particular direction so race give in times of both ease and hardship, those
each other to the good. Wherever you are, Allah who control their rage and pardon other peo-
will bring you all together. Truly Allah has power ple–Allah loves the good-doers. (3:134)
over all things. (2:148) Any good thing that happens to you comes from
Spend in the Way of Allah. Do not cast your- Allah. Any bad thing that happens to you comes
selves into destruction. And do good: Allah loves from yourself. We have sent you to mankind as a
good-doers. (2:195) Messenger. Allah suffices as a Witness. (4:79)
The pilgrimage takes place during certain well- There is no good in much of their secret talk, ex-
known months. If anyone undertakes the obliga- cept in the case of those who enjoin charity, or
tion of pilgrimage in them, there must be no what is right, or putting things right between peo-
sexual intercourse, no wrongdoing, nor any ple. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of
quarrelling during pilgrimage. Whatever good Allah, We will give him an immense reward.
you do, Allah knows it. Take provision; but the (4:114)
best provision is fear of Allah. So have fear of Me, Who could have a better religion than someone
people of intelligence! (2:197) who submits himself completely to Allah and is a
When you have completed your rites, remember good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrahim, a
Allah as you used to remember your forefa- man of pure natural belief? Allah took Ibrahim as
thers–or even more. There are some people who an intimate friend. (4:125)
say, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world.’ They Whether you reveal a good act or keep it hidden,
will have no share in the hereafter. And there are or pardon an evil act, Allah is Ever-Pardoning,
others who say, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this All-Powerful. (4:149)
world, and good in the hereafter, and safeguard And We have sent down the Book to you with
us from the punishment of the Fire.’ They will truth, confirming and conserving the previous
have a good share from what they have earned. Books. So judge between them by what Allah has
Allah is swift at reckoning. (2:200-202) sent down and do not follow their whims and de-
291
sires deviating from the Truth that has come to selves into destruction. And do good: Allah loves
you. We have appointed a law and a practice for good-doers. (2:195)
every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would There is nothing wrong in your divorcing women
have made you a single community, but He before you have touched them or allotted a
wanted to test you regarding what has come to dowry to them. But give them a gift–he who is
you. So compete with each other in doing good. wealthy according to his means and he who is
Every one of you will return to Allah and He will less well off according to his means–a gift to be
inform you regarding the things about which you given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
differed. (5:48) all good-doers. (2:236)
If Allah afflicts you with harm, no one can re- Those who give in times of both ease and hard-
move it except Him. If He desires good for you, ship, those who control their rage and pardon
no one can avert His favour. He bestows it on other people–Allah loves the good-doers. (3:134)
whichever of His servants He wills. He is Ever- So Allah gave them the reward of this world and
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (10:107) the best reward of the hereafter. Allah loves
Perform prayer at each end of the day and in the good-doers. (3:148)
first part of the night. Good actions eradicate bad Who could have a better religion than someone
actions. This is a reminder for people who pay who submits himself completely to Allah and is a
heed. (11:114) good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrahim, a
Allah is with those who have fear of Him and man of pure natural belief? Allah took Ibrahim as
with those who are good-doers. (16:128) an intimate friend. (4:125)
Every self will taste death. We test you with both But because of their breaking of their covenant,
good and evil as a trial. And you will be returned We have cursed them and made their hearts
to Us. (21:35) hard. They distort the true meaning of words and
You who believe! Bow and prostrate and wor- have forgotten a good portion of what they were
ship your Lord, and do good, so that hopefully reminded of. You will never cease to come upon
you will be successful. (22:77) some act of treachery on their part, except for a
Such people are truly racing towards good few of them. Yet pardon them, and overlook.
things, and they are the first to reach them. Allah loves good-doers. (5:13)
(23:61) Allah will reward them for what they say with
The truly good will drink from a cup mixed with Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain-
the coolness of camphor. (76:5) ing in them timelessly, for ever. That is the rec-
The truly good will be in perfect Bliss. (82:13) ompense of the good-doers. (5:85)
No indeed! The book of the truly good is in Those who believe and do right actions are not to
‘Illiyun. (83:18) blame for anything they have eaten provided
The truly good will be in perfect Bliss. (83:22) they guard against evil and believe and do right
actions, and then again guard against evil and
GOOD-DOERS believe, and then guard against evil and do good.
Remember when We said, ‘Go into this town and Allah loves good-doers. (5:93)
eat from it wherever you like, freely. Enter the We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom
gate prostrating and say, "Relieve us of our bur- We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh.
dens!" Your mistakes will be forgiven. We will And among his descendants were Dawud and
grant increase to all good-doers.’ (2:58) Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun.
Not so! All who submit themselves completely to That is how We recompense the good-doers.
Allah and are good-doers will find their reward (6:84)
with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will Do not corrupt the earth after it has been put
know no sorrow. (2:112) right. Call on Him fearfully and eagerly. Allah’s
Spend in the Way of Allah. Do not cast your- mercy is close to the good-doers. (7:56)
292
When they were told: ‘Live in this town and eat We showered blessings upon him and upon
of it wherever you like and say, "Relieve us of our Ishaq. Among their descendants are good-doers
burdens!" and enter the gate prostrating. Your and also people who clearly wrong themselves.
mistakes will be forgiven you. We will grant in- (37:113)
crease to good-doers.’ (7:161) They will have anything they wish for with their
Nothing is held against the weak and sick nor Lord. That is the recompense of the good-doers.
against those who find nothing to spend, pro- (39:34)
vided they are true to Allah and His Follow the best that has been sent down to you
Messenger–there is no way open against good- from your Lord before the punishment comes
doers, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. upon you suddenly when you are not expecting
(9:91) it; lest anyone should say, ‘Alas for me for ne-
It was not for people of Madina, and the desert glecting what Allah was due, and being one of
arabs around them, to remain behind the the scoffers!’ or lest they should say, ‘If only Allah
Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to had guided me, I would have guarded against
him. That is because no thirst or weariness or evil,’ or lest he should say, when he sees the pun-
hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor ishment, ‘If only I could have another chance so
will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe- that I could be a good-doer!’ (39:55-58)
lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy, But before it there was the Book of Musa as a
without a right action being written down for model and a mercy. And this is a corroborating
them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of Book in the Arabic tongue so that you may warn
the good-doers go to waste. (9:120) those who do wrong, and as good news for the
And be steadfast. Allah does not let the wage of good-doers. (46:12)
good-doers go to waste. (11:115)
Allah is with those who have fear of Him and GOODS
with those who are good-doers. (16:128) It is prescribed for you, when death approaches
But as for those who believe and do right actions, one of you and if he has some goods to leave, to
We will not let the wage of good-doers go to make a will in favour of his parents and relatives,
waste. (18:30) correctly and fairly: a duty for all those who
Their flesh and blood does not reach Allah but guard against evil. (2:180)
your heedfulness does reach Him. In this way He You who believe! When you go out to fight in the
has subjected them to you so that you might pro- Way of Allah verify things carefully. Do not say,
claim Allah’s greatness for the way that He has ‘You are not a believer’, to someone who greets
guided you. Give good news to the good-doers. you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the
(22:37) goods of this world. With Allah there is booty in
And when he reached his full strength and matu- abundance. That is the way you were before but
rity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. Allah has been kind to you. So verify things care-
That is how We recompense good-doers. (28:14) fully. Allah is aware of what you do. (4:94)
As for those who strive in Our Way, We will And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb
guide them to Our Paths. Truly Allah is with the who said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have
good-doers. (29:69) no other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to
Those are the Signs of the Wise Book–guidance you from your Lord. Give full measure and full
and mercy for the good-doers. (31:2-3) weight. Do not diminish people’s goods. Do not
(O Prophet, tell your wives,) ‘But if you desire cause corruption in the land after it has been put
Allah and His Messenger and the abode of the right. That is better for you if you are believers.
hereafter, Allah has prepared an immense reward (7:85)
for those among you who are good-doers.’ An evil generation has succeeded them, inherit-
(33:29) ing the Book, taking the goods of this lower
293
world, and saying, ‘We will be forgiven.’ But if phans and the very poor. And speak good words
similar goods come to them again they still take to people. And perform prayer and pay the wel-
them. Has not a covenant been made with them fare tax.’ But then you turned away–except a few
in the Book, that they should only say the truth of you–you turned aside. (2:83)
about Allah and have they not studied what is in Do you not see how Allah makes a metaphor of a
it? The Final Abode is better for those who guard good word: a good tree whose roots are firm and
against evil. Will you not use your intellect? whose branches are in heaven? (14:24)
(7:169) They have been guided to speak good words and
It is not fitting for a Prophet to take captives until guided to the praiseworthy path. (22:24)
he has thoroughly subdued the land. You desire If anyone wants power, all power belongs to
the goods of this world, whereas Allah desires Allah. All good words rise to Him and He raises
the hereafter. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:67) up all virtuous deeds. But people who plot evil
My people! Give full measure and full weight deeds will suffer a harsh punishment. The plot-
with justice; do not diminish people's goods; and ting of such people is profitless. (35:10)
do not go about the earth, corrupting it. (11:85)
Some travellers came that way and then dis- GOSPEL, THE (INJIL)
patched their water-drawer who let his bucket He has sent down the Book to you with truth,
down. He said, ‘Good news for me, I’ve found a confirming what was there before it. And He sent
boy!’ They then hid him (Yusuf) away among down the Torah and the Gospel. (3:3)
their goods. Allah knew very well what they He will teach him the Book and Wisdom, and
were doing. (12:19) the Torah and the Gospel. (3:48)
He (Yusuf) told his serving men, ‘Put back their (Say,) ‘People of the Book! Why do you argue
goods into their saddlebags for them to find concerning Ibrahim when the Torah and Gospel
when they arrive back to their families so that were only sent down after him? Why do you not
perhaps they will return again.’ (12:62) use your intellect?’ (3:65)
He said, ‘Allah forbid that we should take any- You who have been given the Book! Believe in
one but him with whom our goods were found. what We have sent down confirming what is
In that case we would clearly be wrongdoers.’ with you, before We obliterate faces, turning
(12:79) them inside out, or We curse you as We cursed
Those who cannot find the means to marry the Companions of the Sabbath. Allah’s com-
should be abstinent until Allah enriches them mand is always carried out. (4:47)
from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in
make a contract to free themselves, write it for their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came
them if you know of good in them and give them before him. We gave him the Gospel containing
some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not guidance and light, confirming the Torah that
force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if came before it, and as guidance and admonition
they desire to be virtuous women out of your de- for those who guard against evil. (5:46)
sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces The people of the Gospel should judge by what
them, then after they have been forced, Allah is Allah sent down in it. Those who do not judge by
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33) what Allah has sent down, such people are devi-
Do not diminish people’s goods and do not go ators. (5:47)
about the earth, corrupting it. (26:183) If only they had implemented the Torah and the
Gospel and what was sent down to them from
GOOD WORDS their Lord, they would have been fed from above
Remember when We made a covenant with the their heads and beneath their feet. Among them
tribe of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and be there is a moderate group but what most of them
good to your parents and to relatives and or- do is evil. (5:66)
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Say: ‘People of the Book! You have nothing to His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
stand on until you implement the Torah and the traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the
Gospel and what has been sent down to you Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
from your Lord.’ What has been sent down to seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong
you from your Lord increases many of them in in- so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its
solence and disbelief. So do not waste your grief stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by
on the people of the disbelievers. (5:68) them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of promised those of them who believe and do right
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to actions forgiveness and an immense reward.
your mother when I reinforced you with the (48:29)
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in Then We sent Our Messengers following in their
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them,
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and They invented monasticism–We did not pre-
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the
permission; and healed the blind and the leper pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob-
by My permission; and when you brought forth serve it as it should have been observed. To those
the dead by My permission; and when I held of them who believed We gave their reward but
back the tribe of Israel from you, when you many of them are deviators. (57:27)
brought them the Clear Signs and those of them
who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down- GOVERNOR
right magic";’ (5:110) Some city women said, ‘The governor’s wife so-
(Allah said, ‘I will prescribe My mercy for) those licited her slave. He’s fired her heart with love.
who follow the Messenger, the Ummi, whom We see that she’s the one to blame.’ (12:30)
they find written down with them in the Torah He said, ‘What was this past affair of yours when
and the Gospel, commanding them to do right you solicited Yusuf?’ Then they said ‘Allah forbid!
and forbidding them to do wrong, making good We know no bad of him.’ The governor’s wife
things lawful for them and bad things forbidden then said, ‘The truth has now emerged. Indeed I
for them, relieving them of their heavy loads and tried to seduce him then and he has simply told
the chains which were around them. Those who the honest truth.’ (12:51)
believe in him and honour him and help him, (Yusuf said,) ‘In this way he (the governor) may
and follow the Light that has been sent down know at last that I did not dishonour him behind
with him, they are the ones who are successful.’ his back and that Allah most surely does not
(7:157) guide the deviousness of the dishonourable.’
Allah has bought from the believers their selves (12:52)
and their wealth in return for the Garden. They
fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are GRAIN
killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up
Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to
truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in supply to us some of what the earth produces–its
the bargain you have made. That is the great vic- green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
tory. (9:111) onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers, then you will have what you are asking for.’
merciful to one another. You see them bowing Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
295
themselves. That was because they rejected from that We bring forth the green shoots and
Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any from them We bring forth close-packed seeds,
right to do so. That was because they rebelled and from the spathes of the date palm date clus-
and went beyond the limits. (2:61) ters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and
The metaphor of those who spend their wealth in olives and pomegranates, both similar and dis-
the Way of Allah is that of a grain which pro- similar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and
duces seven ears; in every ear there are a hun- ripen. There are Signs in that for people who be-
dred grains. Allah gives such multiplied increase lieve. (6:99)
to whoever He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, In the earth there are diverse regions side by side
All-Knowing. (2:261) and gardens of grapes and cultivated fields, and
We will set up the Just Balance on the Day of palm-trees sharing one root and others with indi-
Rising and no self will be wronged in any way. vidual roots, all watered with the same water.
Even if it is no more than the weight of a grain of And We make some things better to eat than oth-
mustard-seed, We will produce it. We are suffi- ers. There are Signs in that for people who use
cient as a Reckoner. (21:47) their intellect. (13:4)
A Sign for them is the dead land which We bring And by it (water) He makes crops grow for you
to life and from which We bring forth grain of and olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every
which they eat. (36:33) kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people
And We sent down blessed water from the sky who reflect. (16:11)
and made gardens grow by it and grain for har- And from the fruit of the date-palm and the
vesting. (50:9) grape-vine you derive both intoxicants and
In it (the earth) are fruits and date-palms with wholesome provision. There is certainly a Sign in
covered spathes, and grains on leafy stems and that for people who use their intellect. (16:67)
fragrant herbs. (55:11-12) They say, ‘We will not believe you until you
We sent down cascading water from the clouds make a spring gush out from the earth for us; or
so that by it We might bring forth grains and have a garden of dates and grapes which you
plants. (78:14-15) make rivers come pouring through;’ (17:90-91)
Then We make grain grow in it. (80:27) Make an example for them of two men. To one of
them We gave two gardens of grape-vines and
GRANDCHILDREN surrounded them with date-palms, putting be-
Allah has given you wives from among your- tween them some cultivated land. (18:32)
selves, and given you children and grandchil- By means of it (water) We produce gardens of
dren from your wives, and provided good things dates and grapes for you, in which there are
for you. So why do they believe in falsehood and many fruits for you and from which you eat.
reject the blessings of Allah? (16:72) (23:19)
We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and
GRAPE cause springs to gush out in it. (36:34)
Would any of you like to have a garden of dates Gardens and grape vines, (78:32)
and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and and grapes and herbs. (80:28)
containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken
with old age and have children who are weak, GRAVE
and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to And the Hour is coming without any doubt and
come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In Allah will raise up all those in the graves. (22:7)
this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so The living and dead are not the same. Allah
that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266) makes anyone He wills hear but you cannot
It is He Who sends down water from the sky from make those in the grave hear. (35:22)
which We bring forth growth of every kind, and The Trumpet will be blown and at once they will
296
be sliding from their graves towards their Lord. The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat cows
(36:51) which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears
They will emerge from their graves with down- of wheat and seven others which were dry. O
cast eyes, like swarming locusts. (54:7) counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you are
The Day they will emerge swiftly from their those who can interpret visions!’ (12:43)
graves as if rushing to rally to the flag. (70:43) (One of Yusuf’s fellow-prisoners said,) ‘O truthful
When the graves are emptied out, each self will Yusuf, tell us of seven fat cows which seven thin
know what it has sent ahead and left behind. ones ate and seven green ears of wheat and
(82:4-5) seven others which were dry so that I can return
Does he not know that when the graves are emp- to them and let them know.’ (12:46)
tied out, and the heart’s contents are brought into They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow-
the open, that Day their Lord will certainly be ing under them. They will be adorned in them
aware of them. (100:9-11) with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar-
ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade,
GREAT ABUNDANCE reclining there on couches under canopies.
Truly We have given you the Great Abundance. What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re-
(108:1) pose! (18:31)
Say ‘He Who made them in the first place will
GREAT EVENT / OCCURRENCE bring them back to life. He has total knowledge
When the Great Event occurs, (56:1) of each created thing; He Who produces fire for
On that Day, the Occurrence will occur. (69:15) you from green trees so that you use them to light
your fires.’ (36:79-80)
GREED (Believers will be) reclining on green quilts and
Rather you will find them (the Tribe of Israel) the exquisite rugs. (55:76)
people greediest for life, along with the idolaters. They will wear green garments of fine silk and
One of them would love to be allowed to live a rich brocade. They will be adorned with silver
thousand years. But being allowed to live would bracelets. And their Lord will give them a pure
not save him from the punishment. Allah sees draught to drink. (76:21)
what they do. (2:96)
If a woman fears cruelty or aversion on her hus- GREETING - ‘PEACE’
band’s part, there is nothing wrong in the couple When you are greeted with a greeting, return the
becoming reconciled. Reconciliation is better. greeting or improve on it. Allah takes account of
But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do everything. (4:86)
good and guard against evil, Allah is aware of You who believe! When you go out to fight in the
what you do. (4:128) Way of Allah verify things carefully. Do not say,
‘You are not a believer’, to someone who greets
GREEN you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the
It is He Who sends down water from the sky from goods of this world. With Allah there is booty in
which We bring forth growth of every kind, and abundance. That is the way you were before but
from that We bring forth the green shoots and Allah has been kind to you. So verify things care-
from them We bring forth close-packed seeds, fully. Allah is aware of what you do. (4:94)
and from the spathes of the date palm date clus- When those who believe in Our Signs come to
ters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and you, say, ‘Peace be upon you!’ Allah has made
olives and pomegranates, both similar and dis- mercy incumbent on Himself. If anyone among
similar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and you does evil out of ignorance and then after-
ripen. There are Signs in that for people who be- wards repents and puts things right, He is Ever-
lieve. (6:99) Forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:54)
297
There will be a dividing wall between them and They will not hear any prattling there–nothing
on the ramparts there will be men who recognise but ‘Peace’. They will receive their provision
everyone by their mark. They will call out to the there morning and night. (19:62)
people of the Garden: ‘Peace be upon you!’ They Go to him and say, "We are your Lord’s
will not have yet entered it, though they hope. Messengers so send the tribe of Israel away with
(7:46) us and do not punish them. We have brought you
Their call there is: ‘Glory be to You, O Allah!’ a Sign from your Lord. Peace be upon those who
Their greeting there is: ‘Peace!’ The end of their follow the guidance.’ (20:47)
call is: ‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the You who believe! Do not enter houses other than
worlds!’ (10:10) your own until you have asked permission and
It was said, ‘Nuh, descend with peace from Us greeted their inhabitants. That is better for you,
and with blessings on you and on the nations so that hopefully you will pay heed. (24:27)
which will issue from those who are with you. There is no objection to the blind, no objection
But there are nations to whom we will give en- to the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your-
joyment and then a painful punishment from Us selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa-
will afflict them.’ (11:48) thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your
Our messengers brought the good news to brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the
Ibrahim. They said, ‘Peace!’ and he too said, houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts
‘Peace!’ and brought in a roasted calf without or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater-
delay. (11:69) nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or
... Angels will enter in to welcome them from those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in
every gate: ‘Peace be upon you because of your your eating together or eating separately. And
steadfastness! How wonderful is the Ultimate when you enter houses greet one another with a
Abode!’ (13:23-24) greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this
Those who believed and did right actions will be way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that
admitted into Gardens with rivers flowing under hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61)
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever by The servants of the All-Merciful are those who
the permission of their Lord. Their greeting there walk lightly on the earth and, who, when the ig-
is ‘Peace!’ (14:23) norant speak to them, say, ‘Peace’; (25:63)
When they came in to him, they said, ‘Peace!’ Such people will be repaid for their steadfastness
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Truly we are afraid of you.’ with the Highest Paradise, where they will meet
(15:52) with welcome and with ‘Peace’. (25:75)
Gardens of Eden which they enter, with rivers Say: ‘Praise be to Allah and peace be upon His
flowing under them, where they have whatever servants whom He has chosen.’ Is Allah better, or
they desire. That is how Allah repays those who what you associate with Him? (27:59)
guard against evil: those the angels take in a vir- When they hear worthless talk they turn away
tuous state. They say, ‘Peace be upon you! Enter from it and say, ‘We have our actions and you
the Garden for what you did.’ (16:31-32) have your actions. Peace be upon you. We do
Peace be upon him the day he (Yahya) was born, not desire the company of the ignorant.’ (28:55)
and the day he dies, and the day he is raised up Their greeting on the Day they meet Him will be
again alive. (19:15) ‘Peace!’ and He has prepared a generous reward
(‘Isa said,) ‘Peace be upon me the day I was born, for them. (33:44)
and the day I die and the day I am raised up ‘Peace!’ A word from a Merciful Lord. (36:58)
again alive.’ (19:33) ‘Peace be upon Nuh among all beings!’ (37:79)
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Peace be upon you. I will ask ‘Peace be upon Ibrahim.’ (37:109)
my Lord to forgive you. He has always honoured ‘Peace be upon Musa and Harun!’ (37:120)
me. (19:47) ‘Peace be upon the family of Ilyas!’ (37:130)
298
And peace be upon the Messengers. (37:181) man and two women with whom you are satis-
And those who guard against evil of their Lord fied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the
will be driven to the Garden in companies and other can remind her. Witnesses should not re-
when they arrive there, finding its gates open, its fuse when they are called upon. Do not think it
custodians will say to them, ‘Peace be upon you! too trivial to write down, whether small or large,
You have done well so enter it timelessly, for with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more
ever.’ (39:73) just in Allah’s sight and more helpful when bear-
Turn from them and say, ‘Peace! You will soon ing witness and more likely to eliminate any
come to know.’ (43:89) doubt–unless it is an immediate transaction hand
When they entered his dwelling and said, to hand, taken and given without delay. There is
‘Peace!’, he (Ibrahim) said, ‘Peace, to people we nothing wrong in your not writing that down.
do not know.’ (51:25) Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer
All that is said is, ‘Peace! Peace!’ (56:26) nor witness should be put under pressure. If you
‘Peace be upon you!’ from the Companions of do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of
the Right. (56:91) Allah and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah
Do you not see those who were forbidden to has knowledge of all things. (2:282)
confer together secretly returning to the very (Believers are) those to whom people said, ‘The
thing they were forbidden to do, and conferring people have gathered against you, so fear them.’
together secretly in wrongdoing and enmity and But that merely increased their faith and they
disobedience to the Messenger? And when they said, ‘Allah is enough for us and the Best of
come to you they greet you with words Allah has Guardians.’ (3:173)
never used in greeting you, and say to them- They have the word, ‘Obedience!’ on their
selves ‘Why does Allah not punish us for what tongues but when they leave your presence, a
we say?’ Hell will be enough for them! They will group of them spend the night plotting to do
roast in it. What an evil destination! (58:8) other than what you say. Allah is recording their
nocturnal plotting. So let them be and put your
GUARANTOR trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:81)
They said, ‘We’re missing the goblet of the king. Here you are arguing on their behalf in this
The man who brings it will get a camel’s load. world, but who will argue with Allah on their be-
Regarding that I stand as guarantor.’ (12:72) half on the Day of Rising? Who will act as
Be true to Allah’s contract when you have agreed guardian for them then? (4:109)
to it, and do not break your oaths once they are What is in the heavens and in the earth belongs
confirmed and you have made Allah your guar- to Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian (4:132)
antee. Allah knows what you do. (16:91) People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your
religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah.
GUARDIAN The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the
You who believe! When you take on a debt for a Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast
specified period, write it down. A writer should into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe
write it down between you justly. No writer in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’
should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him, It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God.
so he should write. The one incurring the debt He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in
should dictate and should have fear of Allah his the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him.
Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:171)
incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or un- Your people deny it and yet it is the Truth. Say: ‘I
able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate am not here as your guardian.’ (6:66)
for him justly. Two men among you should act as If Allah had willed, they would not have associ-
witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a ated anything with Him. We did not appoint you
299
over them as their keeper and you are not set detriment. You are not set over them as a
over them as their guardian. (6:107) guardian. (39:41)
Say: ‘Mankind! The truth has come to you from Allah is the Creator of everything and He is
your Lord. Whoever is guided is only guided for Guardian over everything. (39:62)
his own good. Whoever is misguided is only mis- As for those who take others besides Him as pro-
guided to his detriment. I have not been set over tectors, Allah takes care of them. You are not set
you as a guardian.’ (10:108) over them as a guardian. (42:6)
Perhaps you are leaving aside part of what has Lord of the East and West–there is no god but
been revealed to you and your breast is con- Him–so take Him as your Guardian. (73:9)
stricted by this because they say, ‘Why has treas-
ure not been sent down to him or an angel not GUARDING AGAINST EVIL (TAQWA)
accompanied him?’ You are only a warner and That is the Book, without any doubt. It contains
Allah is Guardian over all things. (11:12) guidance for those who guard against evil. (2:2)
He said, ‘I will not send him out with you until We made it an exemplary punishment for those
you make a covenant with Allah to bring him there then, and those coming afterwards, and a
home unless you are overwhelmed.’ When they warning to those who guard against evil. (2:66)
had made their covenant, he said, ‘Allah is It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East
Guardian over what we say.’ (12:66) or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
We gave Musa the Book and made it guidance are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
for the tribe of Israel: ‘Do not take anyone be- the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
sides Me as a guardian.’ (17:2) despite their love for it, give away their wealth to
Your Lord knows you best. If He wills, He will their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
have mercy on you, and, if He wills, He will pun- and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves
ish you. We did not send you to be their free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
guardian. (17:54) those who honour their contracts when they
(Allah said to Satan,) ‘But as for My servants, you make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
will not have any authority over them.’ Your Lord ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
suffices as a guardian. (17:65) true. They are the people who guard against evil.
Do you feel secure against Him causing the (2:177)
shore to swallow you up or sending against you a You will not be denied the reward for any good
sudden squall of stones? Then you will find no thing you do. Allah knows those who guard
one to be your guardian. (17:68) against evil. (3:115)
Have you seen him who has taken his whims and Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord
desires to be his god? Will you then be his and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the
guardian? (25:43) earth, prepared for the people who guard against
He (Musa) said, ‘That is agreed between me and evil. (3:133)
you. Whichever of the two terms I fulfil, there Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back
should be no bad feeling towards me. Allah is from fighting but perform prayer and give the
Guardian over what we say.’ (28:28) alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them,
And put your trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a a group of them fear people as Allah should be
Guardian. (33:3) feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our
Do not obey the disbelievers and hypocrites and Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If
disregard their abuse of you. Put your trust in only You would give us just a little more time!’
Allah. Allah suffices as a Protector. (33:48) Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief.
We have sent down to you the Book for mankind The hereafter is better for those who guard
with truth. So whoever is guided is guided to his against evil. You will not be wronged by so much
own good and whoever is misguided, it is to his as the smallest speck.’ (4:77)
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And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in its foodstuffs and cool shade never fail. That is
their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came the final fate of those who guard against evil. But
before him. We gave him the Gospel containing the final fate of the disbelievers is the Fire.
guidance and light, confirming the Torah that (13:35)
came before it, and as guidance and admonition Those who guard against evil will be amid
for those who guard against evil. (5:46) Gardens and Springs. (15:45)
Musa said to his people, ‘Seek help in Allah and When those who have fear of Allah are asked,
be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He be- ‘What has your Lord sent down?’ their reply is,
queathes it to any of His servants He wills. The ‘Good!’ There is good in this world for those who
successful outcome is for those who guard do good, and the abode of the hereafter is even
against evil.’ (7:128) better. How wonderful is the abode of those who
... Give those who disbelieve the news of a guard against evil: Gardens of Eden which they
painful punishment–except those among the enter, with rivers flowing under them, where they
idolaters you have treaties with, who have not have whatever they desire. That is how Allah re-
then broken their treaties with you in any way, pays those who guard against evil. (16:30-31)
nor granted assistance to anyone against you. And (We gave Yahya) tenderness and purity from
Honour their treaties until their time runs out. Us–he guarded against evil. (19:13)
Allah loves those who guard against evil. (9:3-4) She (Maryam) said, ‘I seek refuge from you with
How could any of the idolaters possibly have a the All-Merciful if you guard against evil.’ (19:18)
treaty with Allah and with His Messenger, except That is the Garden which We will bequeath to
for those you made a treaty with at the Sacred those of Our servants who guard against evil.
Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)? As long as they are (19:63)
straight with you, be straight with them. Allah Then We will rescue those who guarded against
loves those who guard against evil. (9:7) evil and We will leave the wrongdoers in it on
There have been twelve months with Allah in the their knees. (19:72)
Book of Allah, from the day He first created the On that Day We will gather those who guard
heavens and earth. Four of them are forbidden. against evil to the All-Merciful with due cere-
That is the True Religion. So do not wrong one mony. (19:85)
another during them. However, fight the idol- We have made it (the Qur'an) easy on your
aters totally just as they fight you totally, and tongue so that you can give good news to those
know that Allah is with those who guard against who guard against evil and warn stubbornly hos-
evil. (9:36) tile people by it. (19:97)
Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day do We have sent down Clear Signs to you and the
not ask you to excuse them from striving with example of those who passed away before you
their wealth and themselves. Allah knows the and an admonition for those who guard against
people who guard against evil. (9:44) evil. (24:34)
You who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers Say: ‘Is that better, or the Garden of Eternal Life
who are near to you and let them find you im- which has been promised to those who guard
placable. Know that Allah is with those who against evil? That is their recompense and desti-
guard against evil. (9:123) nation.’ (25:15)
That is some of the news of the Unseen which (Believers are) those who say, ‘Our Lord, give us
We reveal to you. Neither you nor your people joy in our wives and children and make us a
knew it before this time. So be steadfast. The best good example for those who guard against evil’.
end result is for those who guard against evil. (25:74)
(11:49) (On the Day) the Garden will be brought near to
What is the Garden promised to those who guard those who guard against evil. (26:90)
against evil like? It has rivers flowing under it and That abode of the hereafter–We grant it to those
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who do not seek to exalt themselves in the earth with boiling water to drink which lacerates their
or to cause corruption in it. The successful out- bowels? (47:15)
come is for those who guard against evil. (28:83) The people who guard against evil will be in
Would We make those who believe and do right Gardens of Delight. (52:17)
actions the same as those who cause corruption The people who guard against evil will be amid
on the earth? Would We make those who guard Gardens and Rivers. (54:54)
against evil the same as the dissolute? (38:28) The people who guard against evil will have
This is a Reminder. Those who guard against evil Gardens of Delight with their Lord. (68:34)
will have a good Homecoming. (38:49) For those who guard against evil there is triumph.
He who brings the truth and he who confirms (78:31)
it–those are the people who guard against evil.
(39:33) GUARDS OF HELL
Follow the best that has been sent down to you (The guard of Hell will be told,) ‘Seize him and
from your Lord before the punishment comes upon drag him bodily into the middle of the Blazing
you suddenly when you are not expecting it; lest Fire. Then pour the punishment of boiling water
anyone should say, ‘Alas for me for neglecting on his head.’ ‘Taste that! You are the mighty one,
what Allah was due, and being one of the scoffers!’ the noble one!’ (44:47-49)
or lest they should say, ‘If only Allah had guided We have only appointed angels as masters of the
me, I would have guarded against evil.’ (39:55-57) Fire and We have only specified their number as
Allah will give security those who guarded against a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who
evil in their victorious Safe Haven. No evil will were given the Book might gain in certainty, and
touch them and they will know no sorrow. (39:61) those who believe might increase in their faith,
Were it not that mankind might all become one and both those who were given the Book and the
community, We would have given those who re- believers might have no doubt; and so that those
ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses and with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers
silver stairways to ascend and silver doors to their might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam-
houses and silver couches on which to recline, and ple?’ In this way Allah misguides those He wills
gold ornaments. All that is merely the trappings of and guides those He wills. No one knows the le-
the life of this world. But the hereafter with your gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a
Lord is for those who guard against evil. (43:33-35) reminder to all human beings. (74:31)
On that Day the closest friends will be enemies to We will call the Guards of Hell! (96:18)
one another–except for those who guard against
evil. (43:67) GUIDANCE
The people who guard against evil will be in a safe That is the Book, without any doubt. It contains
place. (44:51) guidance for those who guard against evil. (2:2)
They will not help you in any way against Allah. The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased
The wrongdoers are protectors of one another but with you until you follow their religion. Say,
Allah is the Protector of those who guard against ‘Allah’s guidance is the true guidance.’ If you
evil. (45:19) were to follow their whims and desires, after the
An image of the Garden which is promised to knowledge that has come to you, you would find
those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers of no protector or helper against Allah. (2:120)
water which will never spoil and rivers of milk They say, ‘Be Jews or Christians and you will be
whose taste will never change and rivers of wine, guided.’ Say, ‘Rather adopt the religion of
delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey of Ibrahim, a man of natural pure belief. He was not
undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of every one of the idolaters.’ (2:135)
kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that like If their faith is the same as yours then they are
those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for ever, guided. But if they turn away, they are en-
302
trenched in hostility. Allah will be enough for came before it, and as guidance and admonition
you against them. He is the All-Hearing, the All- for those who guard against evil. (5:46)
Knowing. (2:137) You who believe! You are only responsible for
When they are told, ‘Follow what Allah has sent yourselves. The misguided cannot harm you as
down to you,’ They say, ‘We are following what long as you are guided. All of you will return to
we found our fathers doing.’ What, even though Allah and He will inform you about what you
their fathers did not understand a thing and were were doing. (5:105)
not guided! (2:170) Say: ‘I am forbidden to worship those you call
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the upon besides Allah.’ Say: ‘I do not follow your
Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind, whims and desires. If I did I would go astray and
with Clear Signs containing guidance and dis- not be among the guided.’ (6:56)
crimination. Any of you who are resident for the Say: ‘Are we to call on something besides Allah
month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn
on a journey should fast a number of other days. on our heels after Allah has guided us, like some-
Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire dif- one the Satans have lured away in the earth,
ficulty for you. You should complete the number leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the
of days and proclaim Allah’s greatness for the fact that he has companions calling him to guid-
guidance He has given you so that hopefully you ance, saying, "Come with us!"?’ Say: ‘Allah's
will be thankful. (2:185) guidance, that is true guidance. We are com-
If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I an- manded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all
swer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. the worlds.’ (6:71)
They should therefore respond to Me and believe Then when he (Ibrahim) saw the moon come up
in Me so that hopefully they will be rightly he said, ‘This is my Lord!’ Then when it set he
guided. (2:186) said, ‘If my Lord does not guide me, I will be one
There is nothing wrong in seeking bounty from of the misguided people.’ (6:77)
your Lord. When you pour down from Arafat, re- His people argued with him. He (Ibrahim) said,
member Allah at the Sacred Landmark. ‘Are you arguing with me about Allah when He
Remember Him because He has guided you, has guided me? I have no fear of any partner you
even though before this you were astray. (2:198) ascribe to Him unless my Lord should will such a
Do not trust anyone except for those who follow thing to happen. My Lord encompasses all things
your religion.’ Say, ‘Allah’s guidance is true guid- in His knowledge so will you not pay heed?’
ance. But you think it is impossible for anyone to (6:80)
be given the same as you were given, or to argue It is He Who has appointed the stars for you so
with you before your Lord.’ Say, ‘All favour is in you might be guided by them in the darkness of
Allah’s Hand and He gives it to whoever He the land and sea. We have made the Signs clear
wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.’ for people who have knowledge. (6:97)
(3:73) Those who kill their children foolishly without
But if anyone opposes the Messenger after the any knowledge and make what Allah has pro-
guidance has become clear to him, and follows vided for them forbidden, inventing lies against
other than the path of the believers, We will hand Allah, such people are lost. They are misguided.
him over to whatever he has turned to, and We They are not guided. (6:140)
will roast him in Hell. What an evil destination! Nor can you say: ‘If the Book had been sent
(4:115) down to us, We would have been better guided
And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in than they were.’ For a Clear Sign has come to you
their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came from your Lord, and guidance and mercy. Who
before him. We gave him the Gospel containing could do greater wrong than someone who de-
guidance and light, confirming the Torah that nies Allah’s Signs and turns away from them? We
303
will repay those who turn away from Our Signs simply guesswork on your part?’ However, the
with the worst kind of punishment because they plotting of those who disbelieve seems good to
turned away. (6:157) them and they bar the way. Anyone misguided
One group He guided; but another group got the by Allah has no guide. (13:33)
misguidance they deserved. They took the Satans They will all parade before Allah and the weak
as friends instead of Allah and thought that they will say to those who were arrogant, ‘We fol-
were guided. (7:30) lowed you, so can you help us at all against the
I will divert from My Signs all those who are ar- punishment of Allah?’ They will say, ‘If Allah had
rogant in the earth without any right. If they see guided us, we would have guided you. It makes
every Sign, they will not believe in it. If they see no difference whether we cannot stand it or bear
the way of right guidance, they will not take it as it patiently. We have no way of escape.’ (14:21)
a way. But if they see the way of error, they will He cast firmly embedded mountains on the earth
take that as a way. That is because they denied so it would not move under you, and rivers and
Our Signs and paid no attention to them. (7:146) pathways so that hopefully you would be guided.
If you call them to guidance, they do not hear. (16:15)
You see them looking at you, yet they do not see. You would have seen the sun, when it rose, in-
(7:198) clining away from their cave towards the right,
Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers and, when it set, leaving them behind on the left,
or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you while they were lying in an open part of it. That
have acquired, or any business you fear may was one of Allah’s Signs. Whoever Allah guides
slump, or any house which pleases you, are is truly guided. But if He misguides someone,
dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and you will find no protector for them to guide them
striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings rightly. (18:17)
about His command. Allah does not guide peo- Musa said to him, ‘May I follow you on condition
ple who are deviators.’ (9:24) that you teach me some of the right guidance you
Say: ‘Can any of your partner-gods guide to the have been taught?’ (18:66)
truth?’ Say: ‘Allah guides to the truth. Who has Those are some of the Prophets Allah has
more right to be followed–He Who guides to the blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from
truth, or he who cannot guide unless he is those We carried with Nuh, and from the descen-
guided? What is the matter with you? How do dants of Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We
you reach your judgement?’ (10:35) guided and chose. When the Signs of the All-
Among them there are some who look at you. Merciful were recited to them they fell on their
But can you guide the blind, even though they faces, weeping, in prostration. (19:58)
cannot see? (10:43) When he (Musa) saw a fire and said to his family,
(We sent Musa) to Pharaoh and his ruling circle. ‘Wait here. I can make out a fire. Maybe I will
They followed Pharaoh’s command but bring you a brand from it, or will find guidance
Pharaoh’s command was not rightly guided. there.’ (20:10)
(11:97) He (Musa) said, ‘Our Lord is He Who gives each
Those who disbelieve say, ‘Why has a Sign not thing its created form and then guides it.’ (20:50)
been sent down to him from his Lord?’ Say: But then his Lord chose him (Adam) and turned
‘Allah misguides whoever He wills and guides to to him and guided him. (20:122)
Himself all who turn to Him.’ (13:27) He said, ‘Go down from it, all of you, as enemies
What then of Him Who is standing over every to one another! But when guidance comes to you
self seeing everything it does? Yet still they asso- from Me, all those who follow My guidance will
ciate others with Allah! Say: ‘Name them! Or not go astray and will not be miserable.’ (20:123)
would you inform Him of something in the earth We gave Ibrahim his right guidance early on, and
He does not know, or are they words which are We had complete knowledge of him. (21:51)
304
Among people there is one who argues about to scare you with others apart from Him. If Allah
Allah without knowledge or guidance or any misguides someone, he has no guide. (39:36)
light-giving Book, turning away arrogantly, to We gave Musa the guidance and bequeathed the
misguide people from the Way of Allah. He will Book to the tribe of Israel, as guidance and a re-
be disgraced in this world and on the Day of minder for people of intelligence. (40:53-54)
Rising We will make him taste the punishment of As for Thamud, We guided them, but they pre-
the Burning. (22:8-9) ferred blindness to guidance. So the lightning-
In this way We have assigned to every Prophet an bolt of the punishment of humiliation seized
enemy from among the evildoers. But your Lord them on account of what they earned. (41:17)
is a sufficient guide and helper. (25:31) It is He Who made the earth a cradle for you and
He (Musa) said, ‘Never! My Lord is with me and made pathways for you in it so that hopefully you
He will guide me.’ (26:62) would be guided. (43:10)
We gave Musa the Book after destroying the ear- Have you seen him who takes his whims and de-
lier nations, to awaken people’s hearts and as a sires to be his god–whom Allah has misguided
guidance and a mercy so that hopefully they knowingly, sealing up his hearing and his heart
would pay heed. (28:43) and placing a blindfold over his eyes? Who then
If they do not respond to you then know that they will guide him after Allah? So will you not pay
are merely following their whims and desires. heed? (45:23)
And who could be further astray than someone Know that the Messenger of Allah is among you.
who follows his whims and desires without any If he were to obey you in many things, you
guidance from Allah? Allah does not guide the would suffer for it. However, Allah has given you
people of the wrongdoers. (28:50) love of faith and made it pleasing to your hearts,
Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you and has made disbelief, deviance and disobedi-
everything in the heavens and earth and has ence hateful to you. People such as these are
showered His blessings upon you, both out- rightly guided. (49:7)
wardly and inwardly? Yet there are people who They are nothing but names which you your-
argue about Allah without knowledge or guid- selves have given, you and your forefathers.
ance or any illuminating Book. (31:20) Allah has sent down no authority for them. They
We gave Musa the Book–be in no doubt about are following nothing but conjecture and what
the meeting with him–and made it a guidance for their own selves desire. And that when guidance
the tribe of Israel. (32:23) has reached them from their Lord! (53:23)
We appointed leaders from among them, guiding That is as far as their knowledge extends. Your
by Our command when they were steadfast and Lord knows best those who are misguided from
when they had certainty about Our Signs. (32:24) His Way and He knows best those who are
Are they not guided by the many generations We guided. (53:30)
destroyed before them, among whose ruined The metaphor of those who were charged with
homes they walk around? There are certainly the Torah but then have not upheld it, is that of a
Signs in that. So will they not listen? (32:26) donkey loaded with weighty tomes. How evil is
Allah has sent down the Supreme Discourse, a the metaphor of those who deny Allah’s Signs!
Book consistent in its frequent repetitions. The Allah does not guide wrongdoing people. (62:5)
skins of those who fear their Lord tremble at it (Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of
and then their skins and hearts yield softly to the the jinn listened and said,) "And when we heard
remembrance of Allah. That is Allah’s guidance the guidance, we believed in it. Anyone who be-
by which He guides whoever He wills. And no lieves in his Lord need fear neither belittlement
one can guide those whom Allah misguides. nor tyranny."’ (72:13)
(39:23) Say: ‘I possess no power to do you harm or to
Is Allah not enough for His servant? Yet they try guide you right.’ (72:21)
305
Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High:
He Who created and moulded; He Who deter-
mined and guided. (87:1-3)
Assuredly guidance is up to Us. (92:12)
Did He not find you wandering and guide you?
(93:7)
Do you think he (who prevents a servant when
he goes to pray) is rightly guided? (96:11)

GUT - BOWELS
We made forbidden for the Jews every animal
with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle
and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them,
except what is attached to their backs or guts or
mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid
them for their insolence. And We certainly speak
the truth. (6:146)
An image of the Garden which is promised to
those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers
of water which will never spoil and rivers of milk
whose taste will never change and rivers of wine,
delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey
of undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of
every kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that
like those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for
ever, with boiling water to drink which lacerates
their bowels? (47:15)

306
H Their handiwork is just a magician’s trick.
Magicians do not prosper wherever they go.’
HÂBIL AND QÂBIL (SEE ABEL AND CAIN) (20:69)
You will see the mountains you reckoned to be
HAJJ (SEE PILGRIMAGE) solid going past like clouds–the handiwork of
Allah Who gives to everything its solidity. He is
HALAL (SEE LAWFUL) aware of what you do. (27:88)
He entered the city at a time when its inhabitants
HAMAN were unaware and found two men fighting
We desired to show kindness to those who were there–one from his party and the other from his
oppressed in the land and to make them leaders enemy. The one from his party asked for his sup-
and make them inheritors and establish them port against the other from his enemy. So Musa
firmly in the land and to show Pharaoh and hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said, ‘This is
Haman and their troops the very thing that they part of Satan’s handiwork. He truly is an outright
were fearing from them. (28:5-6) and misleading enemy.’ (28:15)
The family of Pharaoh picked him (Musa) up so Have they not seen how We created for them, by
that he might be an enemy and a source of grief Our own handiwork, livestock which are under
to them. Certainly Pharaoh and Haman and their their control? (36:71)
troops were in the wrong. (28:8)
Pharaoh said, ‘Council, I do not know of any HAPPINESS
other god for you apart from Me. Haman, kindle On the Day it comes, no self will speak except by
a fire for me over the clay and build me a lofty His permission. Some of them will be wretched
tower so that perhaps I may be able to climb up and others glad. (11:105)
to Musa’s god! I consider him a blatant liar.’ As for those who are glad, they will be in the
(28:38) Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever, as
And Qarun and Pharaoh and Haman–Musa long as the heavens and earth endure, except as
came with the Clear Signs to them, but they were your Lord wills: an uninterrupted gift. (11:108)
arrogant on the earth. They could not outstrip Us. Those who believe and do right actions, happi-
(29:39) ness will be theirs and a wonderful
We sent Musa with Our Signs and clear authority Homecoming. (13:29)
to Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun. But they said, ‘A Some faces on that Day will be radiant. (88:8)
lying magician.’ (40:23-24)
Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that HARAM (SEE FORBIDDEN)
perhaps I may gain means of access, access to
the heavens, so that I can look on Musa’s God. HARDSHIP
Truly I think he is a liar.’ That is how Pharaoh’s (Believers are) those who give in times of both
evil actions were made attractive to him and he ease and hardship, those who control their rage
debarred others from the Path. Pharaoh’s schem- and pardon other people– Allah loves the good-
ing led to nothing but ruin. (40:36-37) doers. (3:134)
We sent Messengers to nations before you, and
HANDIWORK afflicted those nations with hardship and distress
You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al- so that hopefully they would humble themselves.
tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi- (6:42)
work of Shaytan. Avoid them completely so that We have never sent a Prophet to any city without
hopefully you will be successful. (5:90) seizing its people with hardship and distress so
(We said to Musa,) ‘Throw down what is in your that hopefully they would be humble. (7:94)
right hand. It will swallow up their handiwork. Then We gave them good in exchange for evil
307
until they increased in number and said, ‘Our Lord of all the worlds, the Lord of Musa and
forefathers too underwent both hardship and Harun.’ (7:121-122)
ease.’ Then We seized them suddenly when they We set aside thirty nights for Musa and then com-
were not expecting it. (7:95) pleted them with ten, so the appointed time of
When We let people taste mercy after hardship his Lord was forty nights in all. Musa said to his
has afflicted them, immediately they plot against brother Harun, ‘Take my place among my peo-
Our Signs. Say: ‘Allah is swifter at plotting.’ Your ple. Keep order and do not follow the way of the
plotting is recorded by Our Messengers. (10:21) corrupters.’ (7:142)
But if We let him taste blessings after hardship When Musa returned to his people in anger and
has afflicted him, he says, ‘My troubles have great sorrow, he said, ‘What an evil thing you did
gone away,’ and he is overjoyed, boastful. in my absence after I left! Did you want to hasten
(11:10) your Lord’s command?’ He threw down the
So when they came into his presence, they said, Tablets and seized hold of his brother’s head,
‘Your Eminence! Hardship has hit us and our dragging him towards him. Harun said, ‘Son of
families. We bring scant merchandise, but fill the my mother, The people oppressed me and almost
measure for us generously. Allah always rewards killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat
a generous giver.’ (12:88) over me. Do not include me with the wrongdo-
But if We let him taste mercy from Us after he has ing people.’ (7:150)
suffered hardship, then he says, ‘This is my due. I Then after them We sent Musa and Harun with
do not think that the Hour is going to come. And Our Signs to Pharaoh and his ruling circle, but
if I am returned to my Lord, I will definitely find they were arrogant and were a people of evildo-
the best reward with Him.’ But We will inform ers. (10:75)
those who disbelieve of what they did and make (Her people said to Maryam,) ‘Sister of Harun,
them suffer a ruthless punishment. (41:50) your father was not an evil man nor was your
For truly with hardship comes ease; truly with mother an unchaste woman!’ (19:28)
hardship comes ease. (94:5-6) We endowed him with Our mercy, making his
brother Harun a Prophet. (19:53)
HARUN (AS) (AARON) (Musa said,) ‘Assign me a helper from my family,
Their Prophet said to them, ‘The sign of his king- my brother Harun. Strengthen my back by him
ship is that the Ark will come to you, containing and let him share in my task, so that we can glo-
serenity from your Lord and certain relics left by rify You much and remember You much, for You
the families of Musa and Harun. It will be borne are watching us.’ (20:29-35)
by angels. There is a sign for you in that if you are The magicians threw themselves down in pros-
believers.’ (2:248) tration. They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh Harun and Musa.’ (20:70)
and the Prophets who came after him. And We Harun had earlier said to them, ‘My people! It is
revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and just a trial for you. Your Lord is the All-Merciful,
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and so follow me and obey my command!’ (20:90)
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave He (Musa) said, ‘What prevented you following
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) me, Harun, when you saw that they had gone
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom astray? (20:92)
We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh. We gave to Musa and Harun the Discrimination
And among his descendants were Dawud and and a Shining Light and a Reminder for the heed-
Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun. ful. (21:48)
That is how We recompense the good-doers. Then We sent Musa and his brother Harun with
(6:84) Our Signs and clear authority. (23:45)
They (the magicians) said, ‘We believe in the We gave Musa the Book and appointed his
308
brother Harun with him as a helper. (25:35) portion of what they were reminded of. So We
He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I fear they will deny stirred up enmity and hatred between them until
me and that my breast will be constricted and the Day of Rising when Allah will inform them
that my tongue will not be free, so send Harun as about what they did. (5:14)
a Messenger as well.’ (26:12-13) The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their
They (the magicians) said, ‘We believe in the hands are chained and they are cursed for what
Lord of all the worlds, the Lord of Musa and they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and
Harun.’ (26:47-48) He gives however He wills. What has been sent
He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I killed one of them down to you from your Lord increases many of
and I am afraid they will kill me; and my brother them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited
Harun is more eloquent than me so send him enmity and hatred between them until the Day of
with me to support me and back me up. I am Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war,
afraid they will call me a liar.’ (28:33-34) Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth
We showed great kindness to Musa and Harun. corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters.
We rescued them and their people from their ter- (5:64)
rible plight. We supported them and so they were We will strip away any rancour in their (the be-
the victors. We gave them the clarifying Book lievers’) hearts. Rivers will flow under them and
and guided them on the Straight Path, and left the they will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has guided
later people saying of them, ‘Peace be upon us to this! We would not have been guided, had
Musa and Harun!’ (37:114-120) Allah not guided us. The Messengers of our Lord
came with the Truth.’ It will be proclaimed to
HARUT AND MARUT them: ‘This is your Garden which you have in-
They follow what the Satans recited in the reign herited for what you did.’ (7:43)
of Sulayman. Sulayman did not disbelieve, but We will strip away any rancour in their (the
the Satans did, teaching people sorcery and what heedful’s) hearts–brothers, resting on couches
had been sent down to Harut and Marut, the two face-to-face (amid Gardens and Springs). (15:47)
angels in Babylon, who taught no one without Those who have come after them say, ‘Our Lord,
first saying to him, ‘We are merely a trial and forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in
temptation, so do not disbelieve.’ People learned faith and do not put any rancour in our hearts to-
from them how to separate a man and his wife wards those who believe. Our Lord, You are All-
but they cannot harm anyone by it, except with Gentle, Most Merciful.’ (59:10)
Allah's permission. They have learned what will You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and
harm them and will not benefit them. They know those with him, when they said to their people,
that any who deal in it will have no share in the ‘We wash our hands of you and all that you wor-
hereafter. What an evil thing they have sold ship apart from Allah, and we reject you.
themselves for if they only knew! (2:102) Between us and you there will be enmity and ha-
tred for ever unless and until you believe in Allah
HATRED alone.’ Except for Ibrahim’s words to his father: ‘I
You who believe! Do not take any outside your- will ask forgiveness for you but I have no power
selves as intimates. They will do anything to to help you in any way against Allah.’ ‘Our Lord,
harm you. They love what causes you distress. we have put our trust in You and have repented
Hatred has appeared out of their mouths, but to You. You are our final destination.’ (60:4)
what their breasts hide is far worse. We have It is the one who hates you who is cut off without
made the Signs clear to you if you use your intel- an heir. (108:3)
lect. (3:118)
We also made a covenant with those who say, HAYD (SEE MENSTRUATION)
‘We are Christians,’ and they too forgot a good
309
HEALING hearts for you. What little thanks you show!
Fight them! Allah will punish them at your (23:78)
hands, and disgrace them and help you against They give them (Satans) a hearing and most of
them, and heal the hearts of those who believe. them are liars. (26:223)
(9:14) Then (He) formed him and breathed His Spirit
Mankind! Admonition has come to you from into him and gave you hearing, sight and hearts.
your Lord and also healing for what is in the What little thanks you show! (32:9)
breasts and guidance and mercy for the believ- Say: ‘It is He Who brought you into being and
ers. (10:57) gave you hearing, sight and hearts. What little
(Your Lord revealed to the bees:) ‘Then eat from thanks you show!’ (67:23)
every kind of fruit and travel the paths of your
Lord, which have been made easy for you to fol- HEART
low.’ From inside them comes a drink of varying Allah has sealed up their hearts and hearing and
colours, containing healing for mankind. There is over their eyes is a blindfold. They will have a
certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect. terrible punishment. (2:7)
(16:69) There is a sickness in their hearts and Allah has
We send down in the Qur’an that which is a increased their sickness. They will have a painful
healing and a mercy to the believers, but it only punishment on account of their denial. (2:10)
increases the wrongdoers in loss. (17:82) Then your hearts became hardened after that, so
(Ibrahim said,) ‘and when I am ill, it is He Who they were like rocks or even harder still. There
heals me;’ (26:80) are some rocks from which rivers gush out, and
If We had made it a Qur’an in a foreign tongue others which split open and water pours out, and
they would have said, ‘Why have its Signs not others which crash down from fear of Allah.
been made plain? What! A foreign language for Allah is not unaware of what you do. (2:74)
an Arab?’ Say: ‘It is guidance and healing for peo- They say, ‘Our hearts are uncircumcised.’ Rather,
ple who believe. Those who do not believe have Allah has cursed them for their disbelief. What
heaviness in their ears and for them it is blind- little faith they have! (2:88)
ness. Such people are being called from a very Remember when We made a covenant with you
distant place.’ (41:44) and lifted up the Mount above your heads: ‘Take
hold vigorously of what We have given you and
HEARING listen.’ They said, ‘We hear and disobey.’ They
Allah has sealed up their hearts and hearing and were made to drink the Calf into their hearts be-
over their eyes is a blindfold. They will have a cause of their disbelief. Say, ‘If you are believers,
terrible punishment. (2:7) what an evil thing your faith has made you do.’
Say: ‘Who provides for you out of heaven and (2:93)
earth? Who controls hearing and sight? Who Say, ‘Anyone who is the enemy of Gabriel should
brings forth the living from the dead and the dead know that it was he who brought it down upon
from the living? Who directs the whole affair?’ your heart, by Allah’s authority, confirming what
They will say, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘So will you not guard came before, and as guidance and good news for
against evil?’. (10:31) the believers. (2:97)
Those are the people whose hearts, hearing and Those who do not know say, ‘If only Allah would
sight Allah has sealed up. They are the unaware. speak to us, or some sign come to us!’ just like
(16:108) those before them who said the same as they say.
Do not pursue what you have no knowledge of. Their hearts are much the same. We have made
Hearing, sight and hearts will all be questioned. the Signs clear for people who have certainty.
(17:36) (2:118)
It is He Who has created hearing, sight and Among the people there is someone whose
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words about the life of this world excite your ad- lieve.’ But when they leave they bite their fingers
miration, and he calls Allah to witness what is in out of rage against you. Say, ‘Die in your rage.’
his heart, while he is in fact the most hostile of Allah knows what your hearts contain. (3:119)
adversaries. (2:204) Allah only did this for it to be good news for you
Allah will not take you to task for inadvertent and so that your hearts might be set at rest by it
statements in your oaths, but He will take you to (help comes from no one but Allah, the Almighty,
task for the intention your hearts have made. the All-Wise). (3:126)
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:225) Then He sent down to you, after the distress, se-
When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, show me how You curity, restful sleep overtaking a group of you,
bring the dead to life.’ He asked, ‘Do you not whereas another group became prey to anxious
then believe?’ He replied, ‘Indeed I do! But so thoughts, thinking other than the truth about
that my heart may be at peace.’ He said, ‘Take Allah–thoughts belonging to the Time of
four birds and train them to yourself. Then put a Ignorance– saying, ‘Do we have any say in the
part of them on each mountain and call to them; affair at all?’ Say, ‘The affair belongs entirely to
they will come rushing to you. Know that Allah is Allah.’ They are concealing things inside them-
Almighty, All-Wise.’ (2:260) selves which they do not disclose to you, saying,
If you are on a journey and cannot find a writer, ‘If we had only had a say in the affair, none of us
something can be left as a security. If you leave would have been killed here in this place.’ Say,
things on trust with one another the one who is ‘Even if you had been inside your homes, those
trusted must deliver up his trust and have fear of people for whom killing was decreed would
Allah his Lord. Do not conceal testimony. If have gone out to their place of death.’ So that
someone does conceal it, his heart commits a Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge
crime. Allah knows what you do. (2:283) what is in your hearts. Allah knows the contents
It is He Who sent down the Book to you from of your hearts. (3:154)
Him: verses containing clear judgements–they You who believe! Do not be like those who dis-
are the core of the Book–and others which are believe and say of their brothers, when they are
open to interpretation. Those with deviation in going on journeys or military expeditions, ‘If they
their hearts follow what is open to interpretation had only been with us, they would not have died
in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning. or been killed,’ so that Allah can make that an-
No one knows its inner meaning but Allah. guish for them in their hearts. It is Allah Who
Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be- gives life and causes to die. Allah sees what you
lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only peo- do. (3:156)
ple of intelligence pay heed. ‘Our Lord, do not It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with
make our hearts swerve aside after You have them. If you had been rough or hard of heart,
guided us. And give us mercy from You. You are they would have scattered from around you. So
the Ever-Giving. (3:7-8) pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and
Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do consult with them about the matter. Then when
not separate. Remember Allah’s blessing to you you have reached a firm decision, put your trust
when you were enemies and He joined your in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in
hearts together so that you became brothers by Him. (3:159)
His blessing. You were on the very brink of a pit What assailed you on the day the two armies met
of the Fire and He rescued you from it. In this was by Allah’s permission, so that He would
way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so that know the believers, and so that He would know
hopefully you will be guided. (3:103) the hypocrites. They were told, ‘Come and fight
There you are, loving them when they do not in the Way of Allah or at least help defend us.’
love you, even though you believe in all the They said, ‘If we knew how to fight, we would
Books. When they meet you, they say, ‘We be- certainly follow you.’ They were closer to disbe-
311
lief that day than to faith, saying with their ness it.’ (5:113)
mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah Some of them listen to you but We have placed
knows best what they are hiding. (3:166-167) covers on their hearts, preventing them from un-
Allah knows what is in such people’s hearts so derstanding it, and heaviness in their ears.
turn away from them and warn them and speak Though they see every Sign, they still have no
to them with words that take effect. (4:63) faith, so that when they come to you, disputing
Because of the fact that they broke their with you, those who disbelieve say, ‘This is noth-
covenant, and rejected Allah’s Signs, and killed ing but the myths of previous peoples!’ (6:25)
the Prophets without any right to do so and said, If only they had humbled themselves when Our
‘Our hearts are uncircumcised,’ Allah has violent force came upon them! However, their
stamped them with disbelief, so they do not be- hearts were hard and Satan made what they were
lieve except for very few. (4:155) doing seem attractive to them. (6:43)
Remember Allah’s blessing to you and the Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah took away your
covenant He made with you when you said, ‘We hearing and your sight and sealed up your hearts,
hear and we obey.’ Have fear of Allah. Allah what god is there, other than Allah, who could
knows what the heart contains. (5:7) give them back to you?’ Look how We vary the
But because of their breaking of their covenant, Signs, yet still they turn away! (6:46)
We have cursed them and made their hearts We will overturn their hearts and sight, just as
hard. They distort the true meaning of words and when they did not believe in it at first, and We
have forgotten a good portion of what they were will abandon them to wander blindly in their ex-
reminded of. You will never cease to come upon cessive insolence. (6:110)
some act of treachery on their part, except for a In this way We have appointed as enemies to
few of them. Yet pardon them, and overlook. every Prophet Satans from both mankind and
Allah loves good-doers. (5:13) from the jinn, who inspire each other with delu-
O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who sions by means of specious words–if your Lord
rush headlong into disbelief among those who had willed, they would not have done it, so
say ‘We believe’ with their tongues when their abandon them and all they fabricate–so that the
hearts contain no faith. And among the Jews are hearts of those who do not believe in the here-
those who listen to lies, listening to other people after incline towards them and are pleased with
who have not come to you, distorting words from them and perpetrate whatever they perpetrate.
their proper meanings, saying, ‘If you are given (6:112-113)
this, then take it. If you are not given it, then be- We will strip away any rancour in their hearts.
ware!’ If Allah desires misguidance for someone, Rivers will flow under them and they will say,
you cannot help him against Allah in any way. ‘Praise be to Allah Who has guided us to this! We
Those are the people whose hearts Allah does would not have been guided, had Allah not
not want to purify. They will have disgrace in this guided us. The Messengers of our Lord came
world and in the hereafter they will have a terri- with the Truth.’ It will be proclaimed to them:
ble punishment. (5:41) ‘This is your Garden which you have inherited
Yet you see those with sickness in their hearts for what you did.’ (7:43)
rushing to them, saying, ‘We fear the wheel of Is it not clear to those who have inherited the
fate may turn against us.’ But it may well be that earth after these people that, if We wanted to, We
Allah will bring about victory or some other con- could strike them for their wrong actions, sealing
tingency from Him. Then they will deeply regret up their hearts so that they cannot hear? (7:100)
their secret thoughts. (5:52) These cities–We have given you news of them.
They said, ‘We want to eat from it and for our Their Messengers came to them with Clear Signs,
hearts to be at peace and to know that you have but they were never going to believe in what they
told us the truth and to be among those who wit- had previously rejected. That is how Allah seals
312
up the hearts of the disbelievers. (7:101) been taken from you and forgive you.’ Allah is
We created many of the jinn and mankind for Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (8:70)
Hell. They have hearts they do not understand How indeed! For if they get the upper hand over
with. They have eyes they do not see with. They you, they will respect neither kinship nor treaty.
have ears they do not hear with. Such people are They please you with their mouths but their
like cattle. No, they are even further astray! They hearts belie their words. Most of them are devia-
are the unaware. (7:179) tors. (9:8)
The believers are those whose hearts tremble He will remove the rage from their hearts. Allah
when Allah is mentioned, whose faith is in- turns to anyone He wills. Allah is All-Knowing,
creased when His Signs are recited to them, and All-Wise. (9:15)
who put their trust in their Lord; (8:2) Only those who do not believe in Allah and the
Allah only did this to give you good news and Last Day ask you to excuse them. Their hearts are
that so your hearts would be at rest. Victory full of doubt and in their doubt they waver to and
comes from no one but Allah. Allah is Almighty, fro. (9:45)
All-Wise. (8:10) The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those
And when He overcame you with sleep, making who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free-
you feel secure, and sent you down water from ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of
heaven to purify you and remove the taint of Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from
Satan from you, and to fortify your hearts and Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60)
make your feet firm. (8:11) The hypocrites are afraid that a sura may be sent
And when your Lord revealed to the angels, ‘I am down about them, informing them of what is in
with you so make those who believe firm. I will their hearts. Say: ‘Go on mocking! Allah will ex-
cast terror into the hearts of those who disbe- pose everything you are afraid of. (9:64)
lieve, so strike their necks and strike all their fin- So He has punished them by putting hypocrisy in
ger joints!’ (8:12) their hearts until the day they meet Him because
You who believe! Respond to Allah and to the they failed Allah in what they promised Him and
Messenger when He calls you to what will bring because they lied. (9:77)
you to life! Know that Allah intervenes between a They are pleased to be with those who stay be-
man and his heart and that you will be gathered hind. Their hearts have been stamped so they do
to Him. (8:24) not understand. (9:87)
Remember when Allah showed them to you in There are only grounds against those who ask
your dream as only a few. If He had shown you you for permission to stay when they are rich.
them as many, you would have lost heart and They were pleased to be among those who were
quarrelled about the matter; but Allah saved you. left behind. Allah has sealed up their hearts so
He knows what your hearts contain. (8:43) they do not know. (9:93)
And when the hypocrites and those with sickness The buildings they have built will not cease to be
in their hearts said, ‘These people have been de- a bone of contention in their hearts, until their
luded by their religion.’ But those who put their hearts are cut to shreds. Allah is All-Knowing,
trust in Allah will find Allah to be Almighty, All- All-Wise. (9:110)
Wise. (8:49) Allah has turned towards the Prophet, and the
And (it is He Who) unified their hearts. Even if Migrants (Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar),
you had spent everything on the earth, you could those who followed him at the ‘time of difficulty’,
not have unified their hearts. But Allah has uni- after the hearts of a group of them had almost de-
fied them. He is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:63) viated. Then He turned towards them–He is All-
O Prophet! Say to those you are holding prisoner, Gentle, Most Merciful to them. (9:117)
‘If Allah knows of any good in your hearts, He But as for those with sickness in their hearts, it
will give you something better than what has adds defilement to their defilement, and they die
313
while they are disbelievers. (9:125) fixed, rushing headlong–heads back, eyes va-
Each time a sura is sent down, they look at one cant, hearts hollow. (14:42-43)
another, implying, ‘Can anyone see you?’ Then In that way We insert it into the evildoers’ hearts.
they turn away. Allah has turned their hearts (15:12)
away because they are people who do not un- We will strip away any rancour in their
derstand. (9:127) hearts–brothers, resting on couches face-to-face.
Mankind! Admonition has come to you from (15:47)
your Lord and also healing for what is in the Your God is One God. As for those who do not
breasts and guidance and mercy for the believ- believe in the hereafter, their hearts are in denial
ers. (10:57) and they are puffed up with pride. (16:22)
Then after him We sent Messengers to their peo- Allah brought you out of your mothers’ wombs
ple, and they brought them the Clear Signs, but knowing nothing at all, and gave you hearing,
they were never going to believe in something sight and hearts so that perhaps you would show
which they had previously denied. That is how thanks. (16:78)
We seal up the hearts of those who overstep the Those are the people whose hearts, hearing and
limits. (10:74) sight Allah has sealed up. They are the unaware.
Musa said, ‘Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh (16:108)
and his ruling circle finery and wealth in the life Do not pursue what you have no knowledge of.
of this world, Our Lord, so that they may be mis- Hearing, sight and hearts will all be questioned.
guided from Your Way. Our Lord, obliterate their (17:36)
wealth and harden their hearts so that they do We have placed covers on their hearts, preventing
not believe until they see the painful punish- them from understanding it, and heaviness in their
ment.’ (10:88) ears. When you mention your Lord alone in the
See how they wrap themselves round trying to Qur'an, they turn their backs and run away. (17:46)
conceal their feelings from Him! No, indeed! We fortified their hearts when they stood up and
When they wrap their garments round them- said, ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the
selves, He knows what they keep secret and earth and We will not call on any god apart from
what they make public. He knows what their Him. We would in that case have uttered an abom-
hearts contain. (11:5) ination.’ (18:14)
As for those who believe and do right actions and Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on
humble themselves before their Lord, they are their Lord morning and evening, desiring His face.
the Companions of the Garden. remaining in it Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring the at-
timelessly, for ever. (11:23) tractions of this world. And do not obey someone
... Say: ‘Allah misguides whoever He wills and whose heart We have made neglectful of Our re-
guides to Himself all who turn to Him: those who membrance and who follows his own whims and
believe and whose hearts find peace in the re- desires and whose life has transgressed all bounds.
membrance of Allah. Only in the remembrance (18:28)
of Allah can the heart find peace.’ (13:27-28) Both gardens yielded their crops and did not suffer
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of any loss, and We made a river flow right through
my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti- the middle of them. (18:33)
vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer! Who could do greater wrong than someone who is
Make the hearts of mankind incline towards reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then turns
them and provide them with fruits, so that hope- away from them, forgetting all that he has done be-
fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37) fore? We have placed covers on their hearts, pre-
Do not consider Allah to be unaware of what the venting them from understanding it, and heaviness
wrongdoers perpetrate. He is merely deferring in their ears. Though you call them to guidance,
them to a Day on which their sight will be trans- they will nonetheless never be guided. (18:57)
314
Their hearts are distracted. Those who do wrong ply that they are wrongdoers. (24:50)
confer together secretly, saying, ‘Is this man any- Those who disbelieve say, ‘Why was the Qur’an
thing but a human being like yourselves? Do you not sent down to him all in one go?’ It is so that
succumb to magic with your eyes wide open?’ We can fortify your heart by it. We have recited it
(21:3) distinctly, little by little. (25:32)
That is it. As for those who honour Allah’s sacred (Ibrahim said,) ‘The Day when neither wealth nor
rites should do so from heartfelt heeding. (22:32) sons will be of any use–except to those who
... Give good news to the humble-hearted, whose come to Allah with sound and flawless hearts.’
hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and who are (26:88-89)
steadfast in the face of all that happens to them, The Faithful Spirit brought it down to your heart
those who perform prayer and give of what We so you would be one of the Warners. (26:193-
have provided for them. (22:34-35) 194)
Have they not travelled about the earth and do That is how We thread it into the hearts of the
they not have hearts to understand with or ears to evildoers. (26:200)
hear with? It is not their eyes which are blind but Certainly your Lord knows what their hearts keep
the hearts in their breasts which are blind. (22:46) hidden and what they divulge. (27:74)
We did not send any Messenger or any Prophet be- Musa’s mother felt a great emptiness in her heart
fore you without Satan insinuating something into and she almost gave him away; only We fortified
his recitation while he was reciting. But Allah re- her heart so that she would be one of the believ-
vokes whatever Satan insinuates and then Allah ers. (28:10)
confirms His Signs–Allah is All-Knowing, All- Your Lord knows what their hearts conceal and
Wise–so that He can make what Satan insinuates a what they divulge. (28:69)
trial for those with sickness in their hearts and for There are some people who say, ‘We believe in
those whose hearts are hard–the wrongdoers are Allah,’ and then, when they suffer harm in Allah’s
entrenched in hostility–and so that those who cause, they take people’s persecution for Allah’s
have been given knowledge will know it is the punishment; but if help comes from your Lord
truth from their Lord and believe in it and their they say, ‘We were with you.’ Does Allah not
hearts will be humbled to Him. Allah guides know best what is in every person’s heart?
those who believe to a straight path. (22:52-54) (29:10)
(The believers are) those who give what they No, it is Clear Signs reposited in the hearts of
have given, their hearts fearful of their return to those who have been given knowledge. Only
their Lord. (23:60) wrongdoers deny Our Signs. (29:49)
However, their hearts are overwhelmed by igno- In that way Allah seals up the hearts of those who
rance about this matter and they do other things do not know. (30:59)
as well. (23:63) And do not let the disbelief of those who disbe-
It is He Who has created hearing, sight and lieve sadden you. They will return to Us and We
hearts for you. What little thanks you show! will inform them about the things they did. Allah
(23:78) knows what the heart contains. (31:23)
... there are men who proclaim His glory morn- Then (He) formed him and breathed His Spirit
ing and evening, not distracted by trade or com- into him and gave you hearing, sight and hearts.
merce from the remembrance of Allah and the What little thanks you show! (32:9)
performance of prayer and the giving of the alms; Allah has not allotted to any man two hearts
fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in within his breast, nor has He made those of your
turmoil. (24:36-37) wives you equate with your mothers your actual
Is there a sickness in their hearts or do they have mothers, nor has He made your adopted sons
misgivings or do they fear that Allah and His your actual sons. These are just words coming
Messenger will be unjust to them? No, it is sim- out of your mouths. But Allah speaks the truth
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and He guides to the Way. (33:4) If the hypocrites and those with sickness in their
Call them after their fathers. That is closer to jus- hearts and the rumour-mongers in Madina do not
tice in Allah’s sight. And if you do not know who desist, We will set you onto them. Then they will
their fathers were then they are your brothers in only be your neighbours there a very short time.
the religion and people under your patronage. (33:60)
You are not to blame for any honest mistake you Intercession with Him will be of no benefit except
make but only for what your hearts premeditate. from someone who has His permission. So that
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:5) when the terror has left their hearts they will say,
When they came at you from above you and ‘What did your Lord say?’ They will say, ‘The truth.
below you, when your eyes rolled and your He is the All-High, the Most Great.’ (34:23)
hearts rose to your throats, and you thought un- Allah knows the Unseen of the heavens and earth.
worthy thoughts about Allah. (33:10) Allah knows what the heart contains. (35:38)
When the hypocrites and people with sickness in One of his followers in faith was Ibrahim when he
their hearts said, ‘What Allah and His Messenger came to his Lord with an unblemished heart.
promised us was mere delusion.’ (33:12) (37:83-84)
He brought down from their fortresses those of If you are ungrateful, Allah is rich beyond need
the People of the Book who supported them and of any of you and He is not pleased with ingrati-
cast terror into their hearts. You killed some of tude in His servants. But if you are grateful, He is
them and some you took prisoner. (33:26) pleased with you for that. No burden-bearer can
Wives of the Prophet! You are not like other bear another’s burden. Then you will return to your
women provided you guard against evil. Do not Lord and He will inform you of what you did. He
be too soft-spoken in your speech lest someone knows what the heart contains. (39:7)
with sickness in his heart becomes desirous. Is he whose breast is opened to Islam, and who is
Speak correct and courteous words. (33:32) therefore illuminated by his Lord...? Woe to those
You may refrain from any of them you will and whose hearts are hardened against the remem-
keep close to you any of them you will. And if brance of Allah! Such people are clearly mis-
you desire any you have left alone, there is noth- guided. (39:22)
ing wrong in that. This makes it more likely they Allah has sent down the Supreme Discourse, a
will be comforted and not be grieved, and all of Book consistent in its frequent repetitions. The
them will be content with what you give them. skins of those who fear their Lord tremble at it and
Allah knows what is in your hearts. Allah is All- then their skins and hearts yield softly to the re-
Knowing, All-Forbearing. (33:51) membrance of Allah. That is Allah’s guidance by
You who believe! Do not go into the Prophet’s which He guides whoever He wills. And no one
rooms except when you are invited to come and can guide those whom Allah misguides. (39:23)
eat. Do not wait there while the food is being When Allah is mentioned on His own, the hearts
cooked. However, when you are called, go in, of those who do not believe in the hereafter
and when you have eaten, disperse, not remain- shrink back shuddering, but when others apart
ing there to chat with one another. Doing that from Him are mentioned, they jump for joy.
gives the prophet trouble though he is ashamed (39:45)
to dismiss you, but Allah is not ashamed (to tell And warn them of the Day of Immediacy when
you) the truth. When you ask his wives for some- hearts rise choking to the throat. The wrongdoers
thing, ask them from behind a screen. That is will have no close friend nor any intercessor who
purer for your hearts and their hearts. It is not might be heard. (40:18)
right for you to give trouble to the Messenger of Those who argue about the Signs of Allah with-
Allah or ever to marry his wives after him. To do out any authority coming to them do something
that would be a dreadful thing in Allah’s sight. hateful in the sight of Allah and in the sight of the
(33:53) people who believe. That is how Allah seals up
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the heart of every arrogant oppressor. (40:35) so ask forgiveness for us.’ They say with their
They say, ‘Our hearts are covered up against tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: ‘Who can
what you call us to and there is a heaviness in control Allah for you in any way whether He
our ears. There is a screen between us and you. wants harm for you or wants benefit for you?’
So act–we are certainly acting.’ (41:5) Allah is aware of what you do. (48:11)
Or do they ask, ‘Has he invented a lie about No, you thought that the Messenger and the be-
Allah?’ If Allah willed, He could seal up your lievers were not going to return to their families,
heart. By His Words Allah wipes out the false and and that seemed pleasing to your hearts and you
confirms the truth. He knows what the heart con- thought evil thoughts and you were a blighted
tains. (42:24) people. (48:12)
Have you seen him who takes his whims and de- Allah was pleased with the believers when they
sires to be his god–whom Allah has misguided pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He
knowingly, sealing up his hearing and his heart knew what was in their hearts, and sent down
and placing a blindfold over his eyes? Who then serenity to them and has rewarded them with an
will guide him after Allah? So will you not pay imminent victory. (48:18)
heed? (45:23) Those who disbelieve filled their hearts with fa-
We established them far more firmly than We natical rage–the fanatical rage of the Time of
have established you and gave them hearing, Ignorance–and Allah sent down serenity to His
sight and hearts. But their hearing, sight and Messenger and to the believers, and bound them
hearts were of no use to them at all when they re- to the expression of heedfulness which they had
nounced Allah’s Signs and what they mocked at most right to and were most entitled to. Allah has
engulfed them. (46:26) knowledge of all things. (48:26)
Among them are those who listen to you and Those who lower their voices when they are with
then, when they leave your presence, say to the Messenger of Allah are people whose hearts
those who have been given knowledge, ‘What Allah has tested for heedfulness. They will have
was that he just said?’ They are those whose forgiveness and an immense reward. (49:3)
hearts Allah has sealed up and who follow their Know that the Messenger of Allah is among you.
own desires. (47:16) If he were to obey you in many things, you
Those who believe say, ‘If only a sura could be would suffer for it. However, Allah has given you
sent down.’ But when a straightforward sura is love of faith and made it pleasing to your hearts,
sent down and fighting is mentioned in it, you and has made disbelief, deviance and disobedi-
see those with sickness in their hearts looking at ence hateful to you. People such as these are
you with the look of someone about to faint from rightly guided. (49:7)
fear of death. More fitting for them would be The desert Arabs say, ‘We believe.’ Say: ‘You do
obedience and honourable words... (47:20-21) not believe. Say rather, "We have become
Will they not then ponder the Qur’an or are there Muslim," for faith has not yet entered into your
locks upon their hearts? (47:24) hearts. If you obey Allah and His Messenger, He
Or did those with sickness in their hearts imagine will not undervalue your actions in any way.
that Allah would not expose their malevolence? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (49:14)
(47:29) ... It (the Garden) is for every careful penitent:
It is He Who sent down serenity into the hearts of those who fear the All-Merciful in the Unseen
the believers thereby increasing their faith with and come with a contrite heart. (50:32-33)
more faith–the legions of the heavens and the There is a reminder in that for anyone who has a
earth belong to Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All- heart, or who listens well, having seen the evi-
Wise. (48:4) dence. (50:37)
Those Arabs who remained behind will say to Has the time not arrived for the hearts of those
you, ‘Our wealth and families kept us occupied, who believe to yield to the remembrance of
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Allah and to the truth He has sent down, so they hearts are scattered wide. That is because they
are not like those who were given the Book be- are people who do not use their intellect. (59:14)
fore for whom the time seemed over long so that Remember when Musa said to his people, ‘My
their hearts became hard? Many of them are de- people, why do you mistreat me when you know
viators. (57:16) that I am the Messenger of Allah to you?’ So
Then We sent Our Messengers following in their when they deviated, Allah made their hearts de-
footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them, viate. Allah does not guide people who are devi-
giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and ators. (61:5)
mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. That is because they have believed and then re-
They invented monasticism–We did not pre- turned to disbelief. So their hearts have been
scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the sealed up and they cannot understand. (63:3)
pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob- No misfortune occurs except by Allah’s permis-
serve it as it should have been observed. To those sion. Whoever believes in Allah–He will guide
of them who believed We gave their reward but his heart. Allah has knowledge of all things.
many of them are deviators. (57:27) (64:11)
You will not find people who believe in Allah If the two of you would only turn to Allah, for
and the Last Day having love for anyone who op- your hearts clearly deviated... But if you support
poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be one another against him, Allah is his Protector
their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their and so are Gabriel and every right-acting man of
clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo- the believers and, furthermore, the angels too
ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit will come to his support. (66:4)
from Him and admit them into Gardens with Whether you keep your words secret or say them
rivers flowing under them, remaining in them out loud He knows what the heart contains.
timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them (67:13)
and they are pleased with Him. Such people are Say: ‘It is He Who brought you into being and
the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah gave you hearing, sight and hearts. What little
who are successful. (58:22) thanks you show!’ (67:23)
It is He Who expelled those who disbelieved We have only appointed angels as masters of the
among the People of the Book from their homes Fire and We have only specified their number as
to the first gathering-place.You did not think that a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who
they would leave and they thought that their were given the Book might gain in certainty, and
fortresses would protect them from Allah. Then those who believe might increase in their faith,
Allah came upon them from where they least ex- and both those who were given the Book and the
pected it and cast terror into their hearts. Their believers might have no doubt; and so that those
houses were pulled down by their own hands with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers
and by the hands of the believers. People of in- might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam-
sight, take note! (59:2) ple?’In this way Allah misguides those He wills
Those who have come after them say, ‘Our Lord, and guides those He wills. No one knows the le-
forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a
faith and do not put any rancour in our hearts to- reminder to all human beings. (74:31)
wards those who believe. Our Lord, You are All- On the Day the first blast shudders, and the sec-
Gentle, Most Merciful.’ (59:10) ond blast follows it, hearts that Day will be
They will not fight against you all together as a pounding and eyes will be cast down. (79:6-9)
group except in fortified towns or behind high No indeed! Rather what they have earned has
walls. Their hostility towards each other is in- rusted up their hearts. (83:14)
tense. They are full of bravado in each other’s The kindled Fire of Allah reaching right into the
company. You consider them united but their heart. (104:6-7)
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Say: ‘I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, the Everything in the heavens and everything in the
King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the earth belongs to Allah. Whether you divulge
evil of the insidious whisperer who whispers in what is in yourselves or keep it hidden, Allah will
people’s breasts and comes from the jinn and still call you to account for it. He forgives who-
from mankind.’ (114:1-6) ever He wills and He punishes whoever He wills.
Allah has power over all things. (2:284)
HEAVEN Say, ‘Whether you conceal what is in your
It is He Who created everything on the earth for breasts or make it known, Allah knows it. He
you and then directed His attention up to heaven knows what is in the heavens and what is on
and arranged it into seven regular heavens. He earth. Allah has power over all things.’ (3:29)
has knowledge of all things. (2:29) Is it other than the religion of Allah that you de-
He said, ‘Adam, tell them their names.’ When he sire, when everything in the heavens and earth,
had told them their names, He said, ‘Did I not tell willingly or unwillingly, submits to Him and to
you that I know the Unseen of the heavens and Him you will be returned? (3:83)
the earth, and I know what you make known and Everything in the heavens and everything in the
what you hide?’ (2:33) earth belongs to Allah. All matters return to
Do you not know that Allah is He to Whom the Allah. (3:109)
kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord
and that, besides Allah, you have no protector and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the
and no helper? (2:107) earth, prepared for the people who guard against
They say, ‘Allah has a son.’ Glory be to Him! No, evil. (3:133)
everything in the heavens and earth belongs to Those who are tight-fisted with the bounty Allah
Him. Everything is obedient to Him. (2:116) has given them should not suppose that that is
The Originator of the heavens and earth. When better for them. No indeed, it is worse for them!
He decides on something, He just says to it, ‘Be!’ What they were tight-fisted with will be hung
and it is. (2:117) around their necks on the Day of Rising. Allah is
In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the the inheritor of the heavens and the earth and
alternation of the night and day, and the ships Allah is aware of what you do. (3:180)
which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the The kingdom of the heavens and earth belongs to
water which Allah sends down from the sky–by Allah. Allah has power over all things. (3:189)
which He brings the earth to life when it was In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and
dead and scatters about in it creatures of every the alternation of night and day, there are Signs
kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and for people with intelligence: those who remem-
the clouds subservient between heaven and ber Allah, standing, sitting and lying on their
earth, there are Signs for people who use their in- sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens
tellect. (2:164) and the earth: ‘Our Lord, You have not created
Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the this for nothing. Glory be to You! So safeguard us
Self-Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness from the punishment of the Fire.’ (3:190-191)
or sleep. Everything in the heavens and the earth What is in the heavens and in the earth belongs
belongs to Him. Who can intercede with Him to Allah. Allah encompasses all things. (4:126)
except by His permission? He knows what is be- What is in the heavens and in the earth belongs
fore them and what is behind them but they can- to Allah. We have instructed those given the
not grasp any of His knowledge save what He Book before you and you yourselves, to have fear
wills. His Footstool encompasses the heavens of Allah, but if you disbelieve, what is in the
and the earth and their preservation does not tire heavens and in the earth belongs to Allah. Allah
Him. He is the Most High, the Magnificent. is Rich Beyond Need, Praiseworthy. (4:131)
(2:255) What is in the heavens and in the earth belongs
319
to Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:132) power over all things. (5:120)
Mankind! The Messenger has brought you the Praise belongs to Allah Who created the heavens
truth from your Lord, so it is better for you to be- and the earth and appointed darkness and light.
lieve. But if you disbelieve, everything in the Then those who disbelieve make others equal to
heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. Allah is their Lord! (6:1)
All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:170) He is Allah in the heavens and in the earth. He
People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your knows what you keep secret and what you make
religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah. public and He knows what you earn. (6:3)
The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the Say: ‘To whom does everything in the heavens
Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast and earth belong?’ Say: ‘To Allah.’ He has made
into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe mercy incumbent on Himself. He will gather you
in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’ to the Day of Rising about which there is no
It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God. doubt. As for those who have lost their own
He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in selves, they have no faith. (6:12)
the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him. Say: ‘Am I to take anyone other than Allah as my
Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:171) protector, the Bringer into Being of the heavens
Those who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, son of and the earth, He Who feeds and is not fed?’ Say:
Maryam,’ are disbelievers. Say: ‘Who possesses ‘I am commanded to be the first of the Muslims,’
any power at all over Allah if He desires to de- and, ‘Do not be among the idolaters.’ (6:14)
stroy the Messiah, son of Maryam, and his It is He Who created the heavens and the earth
mother, and everyone else on earth?’ The king- with truth. The day He says ‘Be!’ it is. His speech
dom of the heavens and the earth and everything is Truth. The Kingdom will be His on the Day the
between them belongs to Allah. He creates what- Trumpet is blown, the Knower of the Unseen and
ever He wills. Allah has power over all things. the Visible. He is the All-Wise, the All-Aware.
(5:17) (6:73)
The Jews and Christians say, ‘We are Allah’s chil- Because of that We showed Ibrahim the domin-
dren and His loved ones.’ Say: ‘Why, then, does ions of the heavens and the earth so that he might
He punish you for your wrong actions? No, you be one of the people of certainty. (6:75)
are merely human beings among those He has (Ibrahim said,) ‘I have turned my face to Him
created. He forgives whoever He wills and He Who brought the heavens and earth into being, a
punishes whoever He wills. The kingdom of the pure natural believer. I am not one of the idol-
heavens and the earth and everything between aters.’ (6:79)
them belongs to Allah. He is our final destina- He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth.
tion.’ (5:18) How could He have a son when He has no wife?
Do you not know that the kingdom of the heav- He created all things and He has knowledge of
ens and earth belongs to Allah? He punishes all things. (6:101)
whoever He wills and forgives whoever He wills. Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and
Allah has power over all things. (5:40) the earth in six days and then settled Himself
Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the
special institution for mankind, and also the sa- night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the
cred months and the sacrificial animals and the sun and moon and stars are subservient to His
ritual garlands. That is so you will know that command. Both creation and command belong
Allah knows what is in the heavens and in the to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the
earth and that Allah has knowledge of all things. worlds. (7:54)
(5:97) Say: ‘Mankind! I am the Messenger of Allah to
The kingdom of the heavens and the earth and you all, of Him to Whom the kingdom of the
everything in them belongs to Allah. He has heavens and earth belongs. There is no god but
320
Him. He gives life and causes to die.’ So believe to Allah. Yes, Allah’s promise is true but most of
in Allah and His Messenger, the Ummi, who be- them do not know it. (10:55)
lieves in Allah and His words, and follow him so Yes, indeed! Everyone in the heavens and every-
that hopefully you will be guided. (7:158) one on the earth belongs to Allah. Those who
Have they not looked into the dominions of the call on something other than Allah are not really
heavens and the earth and what Allah has cre- following their partner-gods. They are only fol-
ated, and seen that it may well be that their ap- lowing conjecture. They are only guessing.
pointed time is near? In what discourse after this (10:66)
will they believe? (7:185) They say, ‘Allah has a son.’ Glory be to Him! He
They will ask you about the Hour: when is it due? is the Rich Beyond Need. Everything in the heav-
Say: ‘Knowledge of it rests with my Lord alone. ens and everything on the earth belongs to Him.
He alone will reveal it at its proper time. It hangs Have you authority to say this or are you saying
heavy in the heavens and the earth. It will not about Allah what you do not know? (10:68)
come upon you except suddenly.’ They will ask Say: ‘Look at what there is in the heavens and on
you as if you had full knowledge of it. Say: the earth.’ But Signs and warnings are of no avail
‘Knowledge of it rests with Allah alone. But most to people who have no faith. (10:101)
people do not know that.’ (7:187) It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in
There have been twelve months with Allah in the six days when His Throne was on the water, in
Book of Allah, from the day He first created the order to test which of you has the best actions. If
heavens and earth. Four of them are forbidden. you say, ‘You will be raised up after death,’ those
That is the True Religion. So do not wrong one who disbelieve will say, ‘This is nothing but
another during them. However, fight the idol- downright magic.’ (11:7)
aters totally just as they fight you totally, and As for those who are wretched, they will be in
know that Allah is with those who guard against the Fire, where they will sigh and gasp, remain-
evil. (9:36) ing in it timelessly, for ever, as long as the heav-
Allah is He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens ens and earth endure, except as your Lord wills.
and earth belongs. He gives life and causes to Your Lord is the Doer of what He wills. (11:106-
die. You have no protector or helper besides 107)
Allah. (9:116) As for those who are glad, they will be in the
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever, as
the earth in six days and then established Himself long as the heavens and earth endure, except as
firmly on the Throne. He directs the whole affair. your Lord wills: an uninterrupted gift. (11:108)
No one can intercede except with His permis- The Unseen of the heavens and the earth belongs
sion. That is Allah your Lord, so worship Him. to Allah and the whole affair will be returned to
Will you not pay heed? (10:3) Him. So worship Him and put your trust in Him.
In the alternation of night and day and what Your Lord is not unaware of what you do.
Allah has created in the heavens and the earth (11:123)
there are Signs for people who guard against evil. (Yusuf said,) ‘My Lord, You have granted power
(10:6) to me on earth and taught me the true meaning of
They worship, instead of Allah, what can neither events. Originator of the heavens and earth, You
harm them nor help them, saying, ‘These are our are my Friend in this world and the Next. So take
intercessors with Allah.’ Say: ‘Would you inform me as a Muslim at my death and join me to the
Allah of something about which He does not people who are righteous.’ (12:101)
know either in the heavens or on the earth?’ May How many Signs there are in the heavens and
He be glorified and exalted above what they as- earth! Yet they pass them by, turning away from
sociate with Him! (10:18) them. (12:105)
Yes, everything in the heavens and earth belongs Allah is He Who raised up the heavens without
321
any support–you can see that–and then estab- ciously. (15:85)
lished Himself firmly on the Throne. He made He created the heavens and the earth with truth.
the sun and moon subservient, each running for He is exalted above anything they associate with
a specified term. He directs the whole affair. He Him. (16:3)
makes the Signs clear so that hopefully you will Everything in the heavens and every creature on
be certain about the meeting with your Lord. the earth prostrates to Allah, as do the angels.
(13:2) They are not puffed up with pride. (16:49)
Say: ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the Everything in the heavens and earth belongs to
earth?’ Say: ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘So why have you taken Him, and the religion belongs to Him, firmly and
protectors apart from Him who possess no power for ever. So why do you fear anyone other than
to help or harm themselves?’ Say: ‘Are the blind Allah? (16:52)
and seeing equal? Or are darkness and light the Allah has given you wives from among your-
same? Or have they assigned partners to Allah selves, and given you children and grandchil-
who create as He creates, so that all creating dren from your wives, and provided good things
seems the same to them?’ Say: ‘Allah is the for you. So why do they believe in falsehood and
Creator of everything. He is the One, the All- reject the blessings of Allah, and worship, in-
Conquering.’ (13:16) stead of Allah, things that have no control over
Allah is He to Whom everything in the heavens their provision from the heavens or earth in any
and everything in the earth belongs. Woe to the way, and are themselves completely impotent?
disbelievers because of a terrible punishment. (16:72-73)
(14:2) The Unseen of the heavens and earth belongs to
Their Messengers said, ‘Is there any doubt about Allah. The matter of the Hour is only the blink of
Allah, the Bringer into Being of the heavens and an eye away, or even nearer. Allah has power
the earth? He summons you to forgive you for over all things. (16:77)
your wrong actions and to defer you until a spec- The seven heavens and the earth and everyone in
ified time.’ They said, ‘You are nothing but them glorify Him. There is nothing which does
human beings like ourselves who want to debar not glorify Him with praise but you do not under-
us from what our fathers worshipped; so bring us stand their glorification. He is All-Forbearing,
a clear authority.’ (14:10) Ever-Forgiving. (17:44)
Do you not see that Allah has created the heav- My Lord knows best everyone in the heavens and
ens and the earth with truth? If He wished He earth. We favoured some of the Prophets over
could eliminate you and bring about a new cre- others. And We gave Dawud the Zabur. (17:55)
ation. (14:19) Do they not see that Allah, Who created the
Allah is He Who created the heavens and the heavens and earth, has the power to create the
earth and sends down water from the sky and by like of them, and has appointed fixed terms for
it brings forth fruits as provision for you. He has them of which there is no doubt? But the wrong-
made the ships subservient to you to run upon doers still spurn anything but disbelief. (17:99)
the sea by His command, and He has made the He (Musa) said, ‘You know that no one sent these
rivers subservient to you. (14:32) down but the Lord of the heavens and earth to be
On the Day the earth is changed to other than the clear proofs. Pharaoh, I think you are destroyed.’
earth, and the heavens likewise, and they parade (17:102)
before Allah, the One, the All-Conquering, that We fortified their hearts when they stood up and
Day you will see the evildoers yoked together in said, ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the
chains. (14:48-49) earth and We will not call on any god apart from
We did not create the heavens and earth and Him. We would in that case have uttered an
everything between them, except with truth. The abomination.’ (18:14)
Hour is certainly coming, so turn away gra- Say: ‘Allah knows best how long they stayed. The
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Unseen of the heavens and the earth belongs to If the truth were to follow their whims and de-
Him. How perfectly He sees, how well He hears! sires, the heavens and the earth and everyone in
They have no protector apart from Him. Nor them would have been brought to ruin. No in-
does He share His rule with anyone.’ (18:26) deed! We have given them their Reminder, but
I did not make them witnesses of the creation of they have turned away from it. (23:71)
the heavens and the earth nor of their own cre- Say: ‘Who is the Lord of the Seven Heavens and
ation. I would not take as assistants those who the Lord of the Mighty Throne?’ (23:86)
lead astray! (18:51) Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.
He is Lord of the heavens and the earth and The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in
everything in between them, so worship Him which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass
and persevere in His worship. Do you know of like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an
any other with His Name? (19:65) olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all
The heavens are all but rent apart and the earth but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light
split open and the mountains brought crashing upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He
down, at their ascription of a son to the All- wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind
Merciful! (19:90-91) and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35)
There is no one in the heavens and earth who Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and
will not come to the All-Merciful as a servant. earth glorifies Allah, as do the birds with their
(19:93) outspread wings? Each one knows its prayer and
(The Qur’an is) a Revelation from Him Who cre- glorification. Allah knows what they do. (24:41)
ated the earth and the high heavens. (20:4) Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs
Everything in the heavens and everything on the to Allah. He knows what you are engaged upon.
earth and everything in between them and every- On the Day when they are returned to Him, He
thing under the ground belongs to Him. (20:6) will inform them of what they did. Allah has
Everyone in the heavens and the earth belongs to knowledge of all things. (24:64)
Him. Those in His presence do not consider He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and the
themselves too great to worship Him and do not earth belongs. He does not have a son and He
grow tired of it. (21:19) has no partner in the Kingdom. He created every-
Do those who disbelieve not see that the heavens thing and determined it most exactly. (25:2)
and the earth were sewn together and then We Say: ‘The One Who sent it down is He Who
unstitched them and that We made from water knows all hidden secrets in the heavens and
every living thing? So will they not believe? earth. He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (25:6)
(21:30) He Who created the heavens and the earth and
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Far from it! Your Lord is the everything in between them in six days, and then
Lord of the heavens and the earth, He Who established Himself firmly on the Throne; the All-
brought them into being. I am one of those who Merciful–ask anyone who is informed about
bear witness to that.’ (21:56) Him. (25:59)
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and He (Musa) said, ‘The Lord of the heavens and the
everyone on the earth prostrates to Allah, and the earth and everything between them if you knew
sun and moon and stars and the mountains, trees for sure.’ (26:24)
and beasts and many of mankind? But many of (The hoopoe said,) ‘I found both her (Queen of
them inevitably merit punishment. Those Allah Sheba) and her people prostrating to the sun in-
humiliates will have no one to honour them. stead of Allah. Satan has made their actions seem
Allah does whatever He wills. (22:18) good to them and debarred them from the Way
Everything in the heavens and everything in the so they are not guided and do not prostrate to
earth belongs to Him. Allah is the Rich Beyond Allah, Who brings out what is hidden in the
Need, the Praiseworthy. (22:64) heavens and the earth, and knows what you con-
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ceal and what you divulge.’ (27:24-25) tures of every kind. And We send down water
He Who created the heavens and the earth and from the sky and make every generous species
sends down water for you from the sky by which grow in it. (31:10)
We make luxuriant gardens grow–you could (Luqman said,) ‘My son, even if something
never make their trees grow. Is there another god weighs as little as a mustard-seed and is inside a
besides Allah? No indeed, but they are people rock or anywhere else in the heavens or earth,
who equate others with Him! (27:60) Allah will bring it out. Allah is All-Pervading, All-
Say: ‘No one in the heavens and the earth knows Aware.’ (31:16)
the Unseen except Allah.’ They are not aware of Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you
when they will be raised. (27:65) everything in the heavens and earth and has
On the Day the Trumpet is blown and everyone showered His blessings upon you, both out-
in the heavens and everyone on the earth is terri- wardly and inwardly? Yet there are people who
fied–except those Allah wills, everyone will argue about Allah without knowledge or guid-
come to Him abject. (27:87) ance or any illuminating Book. (31:20)
Allah created the heavens and the earth with If you asked them, ‘Who created the heavens and
truth. There is certainly a Sign in that for the be- the earth?’ they would say, ‘Allah!’ Say: ‘Praise be
lievers. (29:44) to Allah!’ But most of them do not know. (31:25)
Say: ‘Allah is a sufficient witness between me Everything in the heavens and earth belongs to
and you.’ He knows everything in the heavens Allah. Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the
and the earth. Those who believe in falsehood Praiseworthy. (31:26)
and reject Allah, they are the losers. (29:52) Allah is He Who created the heavens and the
If you ask them, ‘Who created the heavens and earth and everything between them in six days
the earth and made the sun and moon sub- and then established Himself firmly upon the
servient?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ So how have they Throne. You have no protector or intercessor
been perverted? (29:61) apart from Him. So will you not pay heed? (32:4)
Have they not reflected within themselves? Allah We offered the Trust to the heavens, the earth and
did not create the heavens and the earth and the mountains but they refused to take it on and
everything between them except with truth and shrank from it. But man took it on. He is indeed
for a fixed term. Yet many people reject the meet- wrongdoing and ignorant. (33:72)
ing with their Lord. (30:8) Praise be to Allah, to Whom everything in the
Praise be to Him in the heavens and the earth, in heavens and everything in the earth belongs, and
the afternoon and when you reach midday. praise be to Him in the hereafter. He is the All-
(30:18) Wise, the All-Aware. (34:1)
Among His Signs is the creation of the heavens Those who disbelieve say, ‘The Hour will never
and earth and the variety of your languages and come.’ Say: ‘Yes, by my Lord, it certainly will
colours. There are certainly Signs in that for come!’ He is the Knower of the Unseen, Whom
every being. (30:22) not even the weight of the smallest particle
Everyone in the heavens and earth belongs to eludes, either in the heavens or in the earth; nor
Him. All are submissive to Him. (30:26) is there anything smaller or larger than that
It is He Who originated creation and then regen- which is not in a Clear Book. (34:3)
erates it. That is very easy for Him. His is the Say: ‘Call on those you make claims for besides
most exalted designation in the heavens and the Allah. They have no power over even the small-
earth. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (30:27) est particle, either in the heavens or in the earth.
It is Allah Who created the heavens with no sup- They have no share in them. He has no need of
port–you can see them–and cast firmly embed- their support.’ (34:22)
ded mountains on the earth so that it would not Say: ‘Who provides for you from the heavens and
move under you, and scattered about in it crea- earth?’ Say: ‘Allah. It is certain that one or the
324
other of us, either we or you, is following guid- If you ask them, ‘Who created the heavens and
ance or else clearly astray.’ (34:24) the earth?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘So what do
Praise be to Allah, the Bringer into Being of the you think? If Allah desires harm for me, can those
heavens and earth, He Who made the angels you call upon besides Allah remove His harm?
messengers, with wings–two, three or four. He Or if He desires mercy for me, can they withhold
adds to creation in any way He wills. Allah has His mercy?’ Say: ‘Allah is enough for me. All
power over all things. (35:1) those who truly trust put their trust in Him.’
Allah knows the Unseen of the heavens and (39:38)
earth. Allah knows what the heart contains. Say: ‘Intercession is entirely Allah’s affair. The
(35:38) kingdom of the heavens and earth is His. Then
Say: ‘Have you thought about your partner gods, you will be returned to Him.’ (39:44)
those you call upon besides Allah? Show me Say: ‘O Allah, Originator of the heavens and the
what they have created of the earth; or do they earth, Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, You
have a partnership in the heavens?’ Have We will judge between Your servants regarding what
given them a Book whose Clear Signs they fol- they differed about.’ (39:46)
low? No indeed! The wrongdoers promise each The keys of the heavens and earth belong to
other nothing but delusion. (35:40) Him. It is those who reject Allah’s Signs who are
Allah keeps a firm hold on the heavens and the losers. (39:63)
earth, preventing them from vanishing away. They do not measure Allah with His true meas-
And if they vanished no one could then keep ure. The whole earth will be a mere handful for
hold of them. Certainly He is Most Forbearing, Him on the Day of Rising the heavens folded up
Ever-Forgiving. (35:41) in His right hand. Glory be to Him! He is exalted
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the above the partners they ascribe! (39:67)
final fate of those before them? They were far The Trumpet will be blown and those in the
greater than them in strength. Allah cannot be heavens and those in the earth will all lose con-
withstood in any way, either in the heavens or on sciousness, except those Allah wills. Then it will
earth. He is All-Knowing, All-Powerful. (35:44) be blown a second time and at once they will be
Does He Who created the heavens and earth not standing upright, looking on. (39:68)
have the power to create the same again? Yes in- Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that
deed! He is the Creator, the All-Knowing. (36:81) perhaps I may gain means of access, access to
Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything the heavens, so that I can look on Musa’s God.
between them; Lord of the Easts. (37:5) Truly I think he is a liar.’ That is how Pharaoh’s
Or does the kingdom of the heavens and earth evil actions were made attractive to him and he
and everything between them belong to them? debarred others from the Path. Pharaoh’s schem-
Let them, in that case, climb the ropes to heaven! ing led to nothing but ruin. (40:36-37)
(38:10) The creation of the heavens and earth is far
Say: ‘I am only a warner. There is no god except greater than the creation of mankind. But most of
Allah, the One, the All-Conquering, Lord of the mankind do not know it. (40:57)
heavens and the earth and everything between In two days He determined them as seven heav-
them, the Almighty, the Endlessly Forgiving.’ ens and revealed, in every heaven, its own man-
(38:65-66) date. We adorned the lowest heaven with lamps
He created the heavens and the earth with truth. and guarded it. That is the decree of the
He wraps the night around the day and wraps the Almighty, the All-Knowing. (41:12)
day around the night, and has made the sun and Everything in the heavens and everything in the
moon subservient, each one running for a speci- earth belongs to Him. He is the Most High, the
fied term. Is He not indeed the Almighty, the Magnificent. (42:4)
Endlessly Forgiving? (39:5) The heavens are all but rent asunder from above
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when the angels glorify their Lord with praise When you have completed your rites, remember
and ask forgiveness for those who are on the Allah as you used to remember your forefa-
earth. Allah is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most thers–or even more. There are some people who
Merciful. (42:5) say, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world.’ They
(He is) the Bringer into Being of the heavens and will have no share in the hereafter. (2:200)
the earth: He has given you mates from among And there are others who say, ‘Our Lord, give us
yourselves, and given mates to the livestock, in good in this world, and good in the hereafter, and
that way multiplying you. Nothing is like Him. safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire.’
He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. (42:11) (2:201)
The Keys of the heavens and earth belong to They will ask you about the Sacred Month and
Him. He expands the provision of anyone He fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat-
wills or restricts it. He has knowledge of all ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re-
things. (42:12) jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred
Among His Signs is the creation of the heavens Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo-
and earth and all the creatures He has spread ple from it are far more serious in the sight of
about in them. And He has the power to gather Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will
them together whenever He wills. (42:29) not stop fighting you until they make you revert
The kingdom of the heavens and earth belongs to from your religion, if they are able. As for any of
Allah. He creates whatever He wills. He gives you who revert from their religion and die disbe-
daughters to whoever He wishes; and He gives liever, their actions will come to nothing in this
sons to whoever He wishes. (42:49) world and the hereafter. They are the
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
HEREAFTER, THE (AKHIRAH) lessly, for ever. (2:217)
(Those who guard against evil are) those who be- ... Allah makes the Signs clear to you, so that
lieve in what has been sent down to you and hopefully you will reflect on this world and the
what was sent down before you, and are certain hereafter. They will ask you about the property of
about the hereafter. (2:4) orphans. Say, ‘Managing it in their best interests
Those are the people who trade the hereafter for is best.’ If you mix your property with theirs, they
this world. The punishment will not be lightened are your brothers. Allah knows a squanderer
for them. They will not be helped. (2:86) from a good manager. If Allah had wanted, He
Say, ‘If the abode of the hereafter with Allah is for could have been hard on you. Allah is Almighty,
you alone, to the exclusion of all others, then All-Wise. (2:219-220)
long for death if you are telling the truth.’ (2:94) They are the ones whose actions come to noth-
They follow what the Satans recited in the reign ing in this world or the hereafter. They will have
of Sulayman. Sulayman did not disbelieve, but no helpers. (3:22)
the Satans did, teaching people sorcery and what When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives
had been sent down to Harut and Marut, the two you good news of a Word from Him. His name is
angels in Babylon, who taught no one without the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem
first saying to him, ‘We are merely a trial and in this world and the hereafter, and one of those
temptation, so do not disbelieve.’ People learned brought near. (3:45)
from them how to separate a man and his wife As for those who disbelieve, I will punish them
but they cannot harm anyone by it, except with with a harsh punishment in this world and the
Allah's permission. They have learned what will hereafter. They will have no helpers.’ (3:56)
harm them and will not benefit them. They know Those who sell Allah’s contract and their own
that any who deal in it will have no share in the oaths for a paltry price, such people will have no
hereafter. What an evil thing they have sold portion in the hereafter and on the Day of Rising
themselves for if they only knew! (2:102) Allah will not speak to them or look at them or
326
purify them. They will have a painful punish- as the smallest speck.’ (4:77)
ment. (3:77) If anyone desires the reward of this world, the re-
If anyone desires anything other than Islam as a ward of both this world and hereafter is with
religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in Allah. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (4:134)
the hereafter he will be among the losers. (3:85) Today all good things have been made lawful for
They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and en- you. And the food of those given the Book is also
join the right and forbid the wrong, and compete lawful for you and your food is lawful for them.
in doing good. They are among the righteous. So are chaste women from among the believers
(3:114) and chaste women of those given the Book be-
No self can die except with Allah’s permission, at fore you, once you have given them their
a predetermined time. If anyone desires the re- dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking
ward of this world, We will give him some of it. If them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects
anyone desires the reward of the hereafter, We faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the
will give him some of it. We will recompense the hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:5)
thankful. (3:145) The reprisal against those who wage war on
So Allah gave them the reward of this world and Allah and His Messenger, and go about the earth
the best reward of the hereafter. Allah loves corrupting it, is that they should be killed or cru-
good-doers. (3:148) cified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut
Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were off, or be banished from the land. That will be
slaughtering them by His permission. But then their degradation in this world and in the here-
you faltered, disputing the command, and dis- after they will have a terrible punishment, (5:33)
obeyed after He showed you what you love. O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who
Among you are those who want this world and rush headlong into disbelief among those who
among you are those who want the hereafter. say ‘We believe’ with their tongues when their
Then He turned you from them in order to test hearts contain no faith. And among the Jews are
you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows those who listen to lies, listening to other people
favour to the believers. (3:152) who have not come to you, distorting words from
Do not let those who rush headlong into disbelief their proper meanings, saying, ‘If you are given
sadden you. They do not harm Allah in any way. this, then take it. If you are not given it, then be-
Allah desires to assign no portion to them in the ware!’ If Allah desires misguidance for someone,
hereafter. They will have a terrible punishment. you cannot help him against Allah in any way.
(3:176) Those are the people whose hearts Allah does
So let those who sell the life of this world for the not want to purify. They will have disgrace in this
hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone world and in the hereafter they will have a terri-
fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or ble punishment. (5:41)
is victorious, We will pay him an immense re- The life of this world is nothing but a game and a
ward. (4:74) diversion. The hereafter is better for those who
Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back guard against evil. So will you not use your intel-
from fighting but perform prayer and give the lect? (6:32)
alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them, This is a Book We have sent down and blessed,
a group of them fear people as Allah should be confirming what came before it, so that you can
feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our warn the Mother of Cities (Makka) and the peo-
Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If ple around it. Those who believe in the hereafter
only You would give us just a little more time!’ believe in it and safeguard their prayer. (6:92)
Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief. In this way We have appointed as enemies to
The hereafter is better for those who guard every Prophet Satans from both mankind and
against evil. You will not be wronged by so much from the jinn, who inspire each other with delu-
327
sions by means of specious words–if your Lord You who believe! What is the matter with you
had willed, they would not have done it, so that when you are told, ‘Go out and fight in the
abandon them and all they fabricate–so that the way of Allah,’ you sink down heavily to the
hearts of those who do not believe in the here- earth? Are you happier with this world than the
after incline towards them and are pleased with hereafter? Yet the enjoyment of this world is very
them and perpetrate whatever they perpetrate. small compared to that of the hereafter. (9:38)
(6:112-113) Like those before you who had greater strength
Say: ‘Produce your witnesses to testify that Allah than you and more wealth and children. They
made this forbidden.’ If they do testify, do not tes- enjoyed their portion; so enjoy your portion as
tify with them and do not follow the whims and those before you enjoyed theirs. You have
desires of people who deny Our Signs, and who plunged into defamation as they plunged into it.
do not believe in the hereafter and make others The actions of such people come to nothing in
equal to their Lord. (6:150) this world or the hereafter. They are the lost.
The Companions of the Garden will call out to (9:69)
the Companions of the Fire, ‘We have found that They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but
what our Lord promised us is true. Have you they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and
found that what your Lord promised you is true?’ returned to disbelief after their Islam.They
They will say, ‘Yes, we have!’ Between them a planned something which they did not achieve
herald will proclaim: ‘May the curse of Allah be and they were vindictive for no other cause than
on the wrongdoers those who bar access to the that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them
Way of Allah, seeking in it something crooked, from His bounty. If they were to repent, it would
and reject the hereafter.’ (7:44-45) be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah
As for those who denied Our Signs and the en- will punish them with a painful punishment in
counter of the hereafter, their actions will come this world and the hereafter, and they will not
to nothing. Will they be repaid except for what find any protector or helper on the earth. (9:74)
they did? (7:147) There is good news for them (the believers) in the
(Musa said,) ‘Prescribe good for us in this world life of this world and in the hereafter. There is no
and the hereafter. We have truly turned to You.’ changing the words of Allah. That is the great
He said, ‘As for My punishment, I strike with it victory! (10:64)
anyone I will. My mercy extends to all things but But such people will have nothing in the here-
I will prescribe it for those who guard against evil after but the Fire. What they achieved here will
and give the alms, and those who believe in Our come to nothing. What they did will prove to be
Signs.’ (7:156) null and void. (11:16)
An evil generation has succeeded them, inherit- (Allah's curse is on) those who bar access to the
ing the Book, taking the goods of this lower way of Allah and seek in it something crooked
world, and saying, ‘We will be forgiven.’ But if and reject the hereafter. (11:19)
similar goods come to them again they still take Without question they will be the greatest losers
them. Has not a covenant been made with them in the hereafter. (11:22)
in the Book, that they should only say the truth There is certainly a Sign in that for anyone who
about Allah and have they not studied what is in fears the punishment of the hereafter. That is a
it? The Abode of the Hereafter is better for those Day to which mankind will all be gathered. That
who guard against evil. Will you not use your in- is a Day which will be witnessed by everyone.
tellect? (7:169) (11:103)
It is not fitting for a Prophet to take captives until He (Yusuf) said, ‘No meal to feed you will arrive
he has thoroughly subdued the land. You desire before I have informed you what they mean. That
the goods of this world, whereas Allah desires is part of what my Lord taught me. For I have left
the hereafter. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:67) the religion of a people who clearly have no faith
328
in Allah and who refuse to acknowledge the truth He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (16:60)
of the world to come.’ (12:37) That is because they prefer the life of this world
But the wages of the hereafter are the best for to the hereafter and because Allah does not
people who believe and fear their Lord. (12:57) guide disbelieving people. (16:107)
(Yusuf said,) ‘My Lord, You have granted power There is no doubt that in the hereafter they will
to me on earth and taught me the true meaning of be the losers. (16:109)
events. Originator of the heavens and earth, You We gave him good in this world and in the here-
are my Friend in this world and the hereafter. So after he will be one of the righteous. (16:122)
take me as a Muslim at my death and join me to But as for those who do not believe in the here-
the people who are righteous.’ (12:101) after, We have prepared for them a painful pun-
We sent none before you but men inspired with ishment. (17:10)
revelation from among the people of the cities. But as for anyone who desires the hereafter, and
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the strives for it with the striving it deserves, being a
final fate of those before them? The abode of the believer, the striving of such people will be grate-
hereafter is better for those who guard against fully acknowledged. (17:19)
evil. So will you not use your intellect? (12:109) Look how We favour some of them over others.
Allah expands provision to anyone He wills and But the hereafter has higher ranks and greater
restricts it. They rejoice in the life of this world. favours. (17:21)
Yet the life of this world, compared to the here- When you recite the Qur'an, We place an ob-
after, is only fleeting enjoyment. (13:26) scuring veil between you and those who do not
They will receive punishment in the life of this believe in the hereafter. (17:45)
world and the punishment of the hereafter is Those who are blind in this world will be blind in
harsher still. They have no defender against the hereafter and even further off the Path.
Allah. (13:34) (17:72)
Those who prefer the life of this world to the We said to the tribe of Israel after that, ‘Inhabit
hereafter, and bar access to the way of Allah, the land and, when the promise of the hereafter
seeking in it something crooked; they are greatly comes, We will produce you as a motley crowd.’
misguided. (14:3) (17:104)
Allah makes those who believe firm with the That is how We repay anyone who is profligate
Firm Word in the life of this world and the here- and does not believe in the Signs of his Lord. And
after. But Allah misguides the wrongdoers. Allah the punishment of the hereafter is much harsher
does whatever He wills. (14:27) and longer lasting. (20:127)
Your God is One God. As for those who do not Among the people there is one who worships
believe in the hereafter, their hearts are in denial Allah right on the edge. If good befalls him, he is
and they are puffed up with pride. (16:22) content with it, but if a trial befalls him, he re-
When those who have fear of Allah are asked, verts to his former ways, losing both this world
‘What has your Lord sent down?’ their reply is, and the hereafter. That is indeed sheer loss.
‘Good!’ There is good in this world for those who (22:11)
do good, and the abode of the hereafter is even Anyone who thinks that Allah will not help him
better. How wonderful is the abode of those who in this world and the hereafter should stretch a
guard against evil. (16:30) rope up to the ceiling and then cut (it) off. Let him
As for those who migrate for Allah’s sake after see whether his stratagem gets rid of what en-
being wronged, We shall give them good lodging rages him! (22:15)
in this world, and the reward of the hereafter is The ruling circle of his people–those who disbe-
greater still if they only knew. (16:41) lieved and denied the encounter of the hereafter
Those who do not believe in the hereafter have and whom We had given opulence in this
an evil likeness. Allah’s is the Highest Likeness. world–said, ‘This is nothing but a human being
329
like yourselves who eats what you eat and drinks hereafter he will be among the righteous. (29:27)
what you drink.’ (23:33) The life of this world is nothing but a game and a
But those who do not believe in the hereafter re- diversion. The abode of the hereafter–that is truly
coil from the path. (23:74) Life if they only knew. (29:64)
Were it not for Allah’s favour to you and His They know an outward aspect of the life of this
mercy, both in this world and the hereafter, a ter- world but are heedless of the hereafter. (30:7)
rible punishment would have afflicted you for But as for those who disbelieved and denied Our
your plunging headlong into it. (24:14) Signs and the meeting of the hereafter, they will be
People who love to see filth being spread about summoned to the punishment. (30:16)
concerning those who believe will have a painful (The good-doers are) those who perform prayer
punishment both in this world and the hereafter. and give the alms and are certain of the hereafter.
Allah knows and you do not know. (24:19) (31:4)
Those who accuse chaste believing women, un- (O Prophet, tell your wives:) ‘But if you desire
aware (of the evil), are cursed both in this world Allah and His Messenger and the abode of the
and the hereafter, and they will have a terrible hereafter, Allah has prepared an immense reward
punishment. (24:23) for those among you who are good-doers.’
(Believers are) those who perform prayer and (33:29)
give the alms and are certain about the hereafter. As for those who abuse Allah and His Messenger,
(27:3) Allah’s curse is on them in this world and the
As for those who do not believe in the hereafter, hereafter. He has prepared a humiliating punish-
We have made their actions appear good to them ment for them. (33:57)
and they wander about blindly. (27:4) Praise be to Allah, to Whom everything in the
Such people will receive an evil punishment and heavens and everything in the earth belongs, and
will be the greatest losers in the hereafter. (27:5) praise be to Him in the hereafter. He is the All-
No, their knowledge stops short of the hereafter. Wise, the All-Aware. (34:1)
In fact they have doubts about it. In fact they are Has he invented a lie against Allah or is he pos-
blind to it. (27:66) sessed?’ No indeed! Those who do not believe in
He is Allah. There is no god but Him. Praise be to the hereafter are in punishment and deeply mis-
Him in this world and the hereafter. Judgement be- guided. (34:8)
longs to Him. You will be returned to Him. (28:70) He (Satan) had no authority over them except to
(His people said to Qarun,) ‘Seek the abode of the enable Us to know those who believe in the
hereafter with what Allah has given you, without hereafter from those who are in doubt about it.
forgetting your portion of this world. And do good Your Lord is the Preserver of all things. (34:21)
as Allah has been good to you. And do not seek to What of him who spends the night hours in
cause corruption in the earth. Allah does not love prayer, prostrating and standing up, mindful of
corrupters.’ (28:77) the hereafter, hoping for the mercy of his Lord?
That abode of the hereafter–We grant it to those Say: ‘Are they the same–those who know and
who do not seek to exalt themselves in the earth or those who do not know?’ It is only people of in-
to cause corruption in it. The successful outcome is telligence who pay heed. (39:9)
for those who guard against evil. (28:83) So Allah made them taste disgrace in the life of
Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see how He this world and the punishment of the hereafter is
brought creation out of nothing. Then later Allah far worse if they only knew. (39:26)
will bring about the next existence (of the here- When Allah is mentioned on His own, the hearts
after). Allah has power over all things. (29:20) of those who do not believe in the hereafter
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub and placed shrink back shuddering, but when others apart
Prophethood and the Book among his progeny. from Him are mentioned, they jump for joy.
We gave him his reward in this world and in the (39:45)
330
(The man who believed said,) ‘My people! The He would have punished them in this world. But
life of this world is only fleeting enjoyment. It is in the hereafter they will have the punishment of
the hereafter which is the abode of permanence.’ the Fire. (59:3)
(40:39) You who believe! Do not make friends of people
There is no question that what you call me to has with whom Allah is angry, who have despaired
no foundation either in this world or the here- of the hereafter as the disbelievers have de-
after, that our return is to Allah, and that the prof- spaired of the inhabitants of the graves. (60:13)
ligate will be Companions of the Fire. (40:43) Such is the punishment. And the punishment of
(Woe to) those who do not give the alms and re- the hereafter is much greater if they only knew.
ject the hereafter. (41:7) (68:33)
So We sent a howling wind against them on dis- No indeed! The truth is they do not fear the here-
astrous ill-fated days to make them taste the pun- after. (74:53)
ishment of degradation in this world. And the No indeed! But you love this fleeting world and
punishment of the hereafter is even more degrad- you disregard the hereafter. (75:20-21)
ing. And they will not be helped. (41:16) So Allah made an example of him seizing him
We are your protectors in the life of this world with punishment in this world and the hereafter.
and the hereafter.You will have there all that your (79:25)
selves could wish for. You will have there every- Yet still you prefer the life of this world, when the
thing you demand. (41:31) hereafter is better and longer lasting. (87:16-17)
If anyone desires to cultivate the hereafter, We
will increase him in his cultivation. If anyone de- HEAVY RAIN
sires to cultivate this world, We will give him You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by
some of it but he will have no share in the here- demands for gratitude or insulting words, like
after. (42:20) him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo-
Were it not that mankind might all become one ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day.
community, We would have given those who re- His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with
ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left
and silver stairways to ascend and silver doors to stripped bare. They have no power over anything
their houses and silver couches on which to re- they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe-
cline, and gold ornaments. All that is merely the lieving people. (2:264)
trappings of the life of this world. But the here- The metaphor of those who spend their wealth,
after with your Lord is for those who guard desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for
against evil. (43:33-35) themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside.
Those who do not believe in the hereafter give When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its pro-
the angels female names. (53:27) duce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is
Know that the life of this world is merely a game dew. Allah sees what you do. (2:265)
and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of
boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo HEED
one another in wealth and children: like the Do not marry women of the idolaters until they
plant-growth after rain which delights the culti- believe. A slavegirl who is one of the believers is
vators, but then it withers and you see it turning better for you than a woman of the idolaters,
yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In even though she may attract you. And do not
the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also marry men of the idolaters until they believe. A
forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. slave who is one of the believers is better for you
The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy- than a man of the idolaters, even though he may
ment of delusion. (57:20) attract you. Such people call you to the Fire
If Allah had not prescribed banishment for them, whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to
331
the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs in His knowledge so will you not pay heed?
clear to people so that hopefully they will pay (6:80)
heed. (2:221) And that you do not go near the property of or-
If you divorce them before you have touched phans before they reach maturity–except in a
them but have already allotted them a dowry, good way; that you give full measure and full
they should have half the amount which you al- weight with justice–We impose on no self any
lotted, unless they forgo it or the one in charge of more than it can bear; that you are equitable
the marriage contract forgoes it. To forgo it is when you speak–even if a near relative is con-
closer to heedfulness. Do not forget to show gen- cerned; and that you fulfil Allah’s contract. That
erosity to one another. Allah sees what you do. is what He instructs you to do, so that hopefully
(2:237) you will pay heed. (6:152)
He gives wisdom to whoever He wills and he Children of Adam! We have sent down clothing
who has been given wisdom has been given to you to conceal your private parts, and fine ap-
great good. But no one pays heed but people of parel, but the garment of heedfulness–that is
intelligence. (2:269) best! That is one of Allah’s Signs, so that hope-
It is He Who sent down the Book to you from fully you will pay heed. (7:26)
Him: verses containing clear judgements–they We seized Pharaoh’s people with years of
are the core of the Book–and others which are drought and scarcity of fruits so that hopefully
open to interpretation. Those with deviation in they would pay heed. (7:130)
their hearts follow what is open to interpretation Do they not see that they are tried once or twice
in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning. in every year? But still they do not turn back.
No one knows its inner meaning but Allah. They do not pay heed. (9:126)
Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be- Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and
lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only peo- the earth in six days and then established Himself
ple of intelligence pay heed. (3:7) firmly on the Throne. He directs the whole affair.
You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites No one can intercede except with His permis-
of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial sion. That is Allah your Lord, so worship Him.
animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading Will you not pay heed? (10:3)
for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good The likeness of the two groups is that of the blind
pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage and deaf and the seeing and hearing. Are they
is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for the same as one another? So will you not pay
a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque heed? (11:24)
(Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond Perform prayer at each end of the day and in the
the limits. Help each other to goodness and first part of the night. Good actions eradicate bad
heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo- actions. This is a reminder for people who pay
ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se- heed. (11:114)
vere in retribution. (5:2) Is he who knows that what has been sent down
You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of to you from your Lord is the truth like him who is
Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let ha- blind? It is only people of intelligence who pay
tred for a people incite you into not being just. Be heed: (13:19)
just. That is closer to heedfulness. Have fear of It bears fruit regularly by its Lord’s permission.
Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. (5:8) Allah makes metaphors for people so that hope-
His people argued with him. He said, ‘Are you fully they will pay heed. (14:25)
arguing with me about Allah when He has This is a communication to be transmitted to
guided me? I have no fear of any partner you as- mankind so that they may be warned by it and so
cribe to Him unless my Lord should will such a that they will know that He is One God and so
thing to happen. My Lord encompasses all things that people of intelligence will pay heed. (14:52)
332
And also the things of varying colours He has heed! (27:62)
created for you in the earth. There is certainly a We gave Musa the Book after destroying the ear-
Sign in that for people who pay heed. (16:13) lier nations, to awaken people’s hearts and as a
Is He Who creates like him who does not create? guidance and a mercy so that hopefully they
So will you not pay heed? (16:17) would pay heed. (28:43)
Allah commands justice and doing good and giv- Nor were you on the side of the Mount when We
ing to relatives. And He forbids indecency and called, yet it is a mercy from your Lord so that
doing wrong and tyranny. He warns you so that you can warn a people to whom no warner came
hopefully you will pay heed. (16:90) before, so that hopefully they will pay heed.
We have made things clear in this Qur’an so that (28:46)
they might pay heed, but it only makes them run We have conveyed the Word to them so that
away the more! (17:41) hopefully they will pay heed. (28:51)
(He said to Musa,) ‘But speak to him with gentle Allah is He Who created the heavens and the
words so that hopefully he will pay heed or show earth and everything between them in six days
some fear.’ (20:44) and then established Himself firmly upon the
We gave to Musa and Harun the Discrimination Throne. You have no protector or intercessor
and a Shining Light and a Reminder for the heed- apart from Him. So will you not pay heed?
ful. (21:48) (32:34)
That is it. As for those who honour Allah’s sacred They will shout out in it, ‘Our Lord! Take us out!
rites should do so from heartfelt heeding. (22:32) We will act rightly, differently from the way we
Their flesh and blood does not reach Allah but used to act!’ Did We not let you live long enough
your heedfulness does reach Him. In this way He for anyone who was going to pay heed to pay
has subjected them to you so that you might pro- heed? And did not the warner come to you? Taste
claim Allah’s greatness for the way that He has it then! There is no helper for the wrongdoers.
guided you. Give good news to the good-doers. (35:37)
(22:37) When they are reminded they do not pay heed.
Say: ‘To whom does the earth belong, and every- (37:13)
one in it, if you have any knowledge?’ They will Will you not pay heed? (37:155)
say: ‘To Allah.’ Say: ‘So will you not pay heed?’ It is a Book We have sent down to you, full of
(23:84-85) blessing, so let people of intelligence ponder its
A sura We have sent down and imposed. We Signs and take heed. (38:29)
have sent down Clear Signs in it so that hopefully What of him who spends the night hours in
you will pay heed. (24:1) prayer, prostrating and standing up, mindful of
You who believe! Do not enter houses other than the hereafter, hoping for the mercy of his Lord?
your own until you have asked permission and Say: ‘Are they the same–those who know and
greeted their inhabitants. That is better for you, those who do not know?’ It is only people of in-
so that hopefully you will pay heed. (24:27) telligence who pay heed. (39:9)
We have variegated it for them so they might pay We have given all kinds of examples to people in
heed but most people spurn anything else but this Qur'an, so that hopefully they will pay heed.
disbelief. (25:50) (39:27)
It is He Who made night and day succeed each It is He Who shows you His Signs and sends
other for those who want to pay heed or to give down provision to you out of heaven. But none
thanks. (25:62) pay heed save those who repent. (40:13)
He Who responds to the oppressed when they The blind and the seeing are not the same. Nor
call on Him and removes their distress, and has are those who believe and do right actions the
appointed you as inheritors of the earth. Is there same as evildoers. What little heed they pay!
another god besides Allah? How little you pay (40:58)
333
We have made it easy in your own tongue so that you used to face in order to know those who fol-
hopefully they will pay heed. (44:58) low the Messenger from those who turn round on
Have you seen him who takes his whims and de- their heels. Though in truth it is a very hard
sires to be his god–whom Allah has misguided thing–except for those Allah has guided. Allah
knowingly, sealing up his hearing and his heart would never let your faith go to waste. Allah is
and placing a blindfold over his eyes? Who then All-Gentle, Most Merciful to mankind. (2:143)
will guide him after Allah? So will you not pay Muhammad is only a Messenger and he has been
heed? (45:23) preceded by other Messengers. If he were to die
Those who disbelieve filled their hearts with fa- or be killed, would you turn on your heels?
natical rage–the fanatical rage of the Time of Those who turn on their heels do not harm Allah
Ignorance–and Allah sent down serenity to His in any way. Allah will recompense the thankful.
Messenger and to the believers, and bound them (3:144)
to the expression of heedfulness which they had You who believe! If you obey those who disbe-
most right to and were most entitled to. Allah has lieve, they will turn you round on your heels and
knowledge of all things. (48:26) you will be transformed into losers. (3:149)
Those who lower their voices when they are with Say: ‘Are we to call on something besides Allah
the Messenger of Allah are people whose hearts which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn
Allah has tested for heedfulness. They will have on our heels after Allah has guided us, like some-
forgiveness and an immense reward. (49:3) one the Satans have lured away in the earth,
And the Garden will be brought up close to the leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the
heedful, not far away. (50:31) fact that he has companions calling him to guid-
The heedful will be among Gardens and ance, saying, "Come with us!"?’ Say: ‘Allah's
Fountains. (51:15) guidance, that is true guidance. We are com-
And We created all things in pairs so that hope- manded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all
fully you would pay heed. (51:49) the worlds,’ (6:71)
You have known the first formation, so will you When Satan made their actions appear good to
not pay heed? (56:62) them, saying, ‘No one will overcome you today
It is not the word of a poet–how little faith you for I am at your side.’ But when the two parties
have! Nor the word of a fortune-teller–how little came in sight of one another, he turned right
heed you pay! (69:41-42) round on his heels saying, ‘I wash my hands of
It (the Qur'an) is a reminder for the heedful. you. I see what you do not see. I fear Allah. Allah
(69:48) is severe in retribution.’ (8:48)
No indeed! It is truly a reminder to which anyone My Signs were recited to you and you turned
who wills may pay heed. (74:54-55) round on your heels, (23:66)
But they will only pay heed if Allah wills. He is
entitled to be feared and entitled to forgive. HEIGHTS, THE (A’RAF)
(74:56) There will be a dividing wall between them and on
The heedful will be amid shade and fountains. the heights there will be men who recognise every-
(77:41) one by their mark. They will call out to the people
Do you think he is rightly guided or commands of the Garden: ‘Peace be upon you!’ They will not
heedfulness? (96:11-12) enter it for all their ardent desire to do so. When
they turn their eyes towards the Companions of the
HEEL Fire, they will say, ‘Our Lord, do not place us with
In this way We have made you a middlemost the people of the wrongdoers!’ The Companions of
community, so that you may act as witnesses the Heights will call out to men they recognise by
against mankind and the Messenger as a witness their mark, saying, ‘What you amassed was of no
against you. We only appointed the direction use to you, nor was your arrogance.’ (7:46-48)
334
HELL (JAHANNAM) when you hear Allah’s Signs being rejected and
When he is told to have fear of Allah, he is seized mocked at by people, you must not sit with them
by pride which drives him to wrongdoing. Hell till they start talking of other things. If you do you
will be enough for him! What an evil resting- are just the same as them. Allah will gather all
place! (2:206) the hypocrites and disbelievers into Hell. (4:140)
Say to those who disbelieve: ‘You will be over- Allah will not forgive those who disbelieve and
whelmed and crowded into Hell. What an evil do wrong or guide them on any path, except the
resting-place!’ (3:12) path of Hell, remaining in it timelessly, for ever
On the Day when faces are whitened and faces and ever. That is easy for Allah. (4:168-169)
are blackened. As for those whose faces are If only you could see when they are standing be-
blackened: ‘What! Did you disbelieve after hav- fore the Fire and saying, ‘Oh! If only we could be
ing believed? Taste the punishment for your dis- sent back again, we would not deny the Signs of
belief!’ (3:106) our Lord and we would be among the believers.’
Is someone who pursues the pleasure of Allah (6:27)
the same as someone who incurs displeasure If only you could see when they are standing be-
from Allah and whose refuge is Hell? What an fore their Lord. He will say, ‘Is this not the Truth?’
evil destination! (3:162) They will say, ‘Yes indeed, by our Lord!’ He will
A brief enjoyment; then their shelter will be Hell. say, ‘Then taste the punishment for your disbe-
What an evil resting-place! (3:197) lief.’ (6:30)
Some of them believe in him, and some bar ac- On the Day We gather them all together:
cess to him. Hell will suffice as a Searing Blaze! ‘Company of jinn, you gained many followers
(4:55) among mankind.’ And their friends among
As for those who reject Our Signs, We will roast mankind will say, ‘Our Lord, we benefited from
them in a Fire. Every time their skins are burned one another, and now we have reached the term
off, We will replace them with new skins so that which You determined for us.’ He will say, ‘The
they can taste the punishment. Allah is Almighty, Fire is your home. You will be in it timelessly, for
All-Wise. (4:56) ever, except as Allah wills. Your Lord is All-Wise,
As for anyone who kills a believer deliberately, All-Knowing.’ (6:128)
his repayment is Hell, remaining in it timelessly, He said, ‘Get out of it, reviled and driven out. As
for ever. Allah is angry with him and has cursed for those of them who follow you, I will fill up
him, and has prepared for him a terrible punish- Hell with every one of you.’ (7:18)
ment. (4:93) He will say, ‘Enter the Fire together with the na-
The angels ask those they take while they are tions of jinn and men who have passed away be-
wronging themselves, ‘What were your circum- fore you.’ Each time a nation enters, it will curse
stances?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed on its sister nation, until, when they are all gathered
earth.’ They say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not wide together in it, the last of them will say to the first,
enough for you to have migrated elsewhere in it?’ ‘Our Lord, those are the ones who misguided us,
The shelter of such people will be Hell. What an so give them a double punishment in the Fire.’
evil destination! (4:97) He will say, ‘Each will receive double. But you
But if anyone opposes the Messenger after the do not know it.’ (7:38)
guidance has become clear to him, and follows The first of them will say to the last, ‘You are in
other than the path of the believers, We will hand no way superior to us so taste the punishment for
him over to whatever he has turned to, and We will what you earned.’ (7:39)
roast him in Hell. What an evil destination! (4:115) As for those who deny Our Signs and are arro-
The shelter of such people will be Hell. They will gant regarding them, the Gates of Heaven will
find no way to escape from it. (4:121) not be opened for them, and they will not enter
It has been sent down to you in the Book that the Garden until a camel goes through a needle’s
335
eye. That is how We repay the evildoers. (7:40) tion? Hell hems in the disbelievers. (9:49)
They will have Hell as a resting-place and cover- Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah
ing layers on top of them. That is how We repay and His Messenger, will have the Fire of Hell, re-
wrongdoers. (7:41) maining in it timelessly, for ever? That is the great
When they turn their eyes towards the disgrace. (9:63)
Companions of the Fire, they will say, ‘Our Lord, Allah has promised the men and women of the
do not place us with the people of the wrongdo- hypocrites and disbelievers the Fire of Hell, re-
ers!’ (7:47) maining in it timelessly, for ever. It will suffice
The Companions of the Ramparts will call out to them. Allah has cursed them. They will have
men they recognise by their mark, saying, ‘What everlasting punishment. (9:68)
you amassed was of no use to you, nor was your O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and
arrogance.’ (7:48) hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their shelter
The Companions of the Fire will call out to the will be Hell. What an evil destination! (9:73)
Companions of the Garden, ‘Throw down some Those who were left behind were glad to stay be-
water to us or some of what Allah has given you hind the Messenger of Allah. They did not want
as provision.’ They will say, ‘Allah has forbidden to strive with their wealth and themselves in the
them to the disbelievers: those who took their re- Way of Allah. They said, ‘Do not go out to fight
ligion as a diversion and a game, and were de- in the heat.’ Say: ‘The Fire of Hell is much hotter,
luded by the life of this world.’ Today We will if they only understood.’ (9:81)
forget them just as they forgot the encounter of They will swear to you by Allah when you return
this Day and denied Our Signs. (7:50-51) to them, so that you leave them alone. Leave
We created many of the jinn and mankind for them alone, then! They are filth. Their shelter
Hell. They have hearts they do not understand will be Hell as repayment for what they did.
with. They have eyes they do not see with. They (9:95)
have ears they do not hear with. Such people are Who is better: someone who founds his building
like cattle. No, they are even further astray! They on fear of Allah and His good pleasure, or some-
are the unaware. (7:179) one who founds his building on the brink of a
Anyone who turns his back on them that day, un- crumbling precipice so that it collapses with him
less he is withdrawing to rejoin the fight or with- into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not love wrong-
drawing to support another group, brings Allah’s doers. (9:109)
anger down upon himself. His refuge is Hell. If your Lord had wanted to, He would have made
What an evil destination! (8:16) mankind into one community but they persist in
Those who disbelieve spend their wealth barring their differences, except for those your Lord has
access to the Way of Allah. They will spend it; mercy on. That is what He created them for–so
then they will regret it; then they will be over- that the Word of your Lord would be fulfilled: ‘I
thrown. Those who disbelieve will be gathered will fill up Hell with the jinn and mankind all to-
into Hell, so that Allah can sift the bad out from gether.’ (11:118-119)
the good, and pile the bad on top of one another, Those who respond to their Lord will receive the
heaping them all together, and tip them into Hell. best. But as for those who do not respond to Him,
They are the lost. (8:36-37) even if they owned everything on the earth and
On the Day it is heated up in the fire of Hell and the same again with it, they would offer it as a
their foreheads, sides and backs are branded ransom. They will receive an evil Reckoning.
with it: ‘This is what you hoarded for yourselves, Their shelter will be Hell. What an evil resting-
so taste what you were hoarding!’ (9:35) place! (13:18)
Among them are there some who say, ‘Give me And beyond him is Hell where he will be given
permission to stay. Do not put temptation in my pus to drink. He gulps at it but can hardly swal-
way.’ Have they not fallen into that very tempta- low it down. Death comes at him from every side
336
but he does not die. And beyond him is relentless billowing walls of smoke will hem them in. If they
punishment. (14:16-17) call for help, they will be helped with water like
Hell, where they will roast? What an evil place to seething molten brass, frying their faces. What a
stay! (14:29) noxious drink! What an evil repose! (18:29)
Warn mankind of the Day when the punishment We will abandon them, that Day, to pound against
will reach them. Those who did wrong will say, each other in surging waves and the Trumpet will
‘Our Lord, reprieve us for a short time. We will be blown and We will gather them all together.
respond to Your call and follow the Messengers.’ (18:99)
‘But did you not swear to Me before that you That Day We will display Hell in its totality to the
would never meet your downfall?’ (14:44) disbelievers. (18:100)
Hell is the promised meeting-place for all of Do those who disbelieve imagine that they can
them. (15:43) take My servants as protectors instead of Me? We
It has seven gates and each gate has its allotted have prepared Hell as hospitality for the disbeliev-
share. (15:44) ers! (18:102)
As for those the angels take in death while they That is their repayment–Hell–because they disbe-
are wronging themselves, they will offer their lieved and made a mockery of My Signs and of My
submission: ‘We did not do any evil.’ Oh yes you Messengers. (18:106)
did! Allah knows what you were doing. (16:28) By your Lord, We will collect them and the Satans
(Wrongdoers will be told:) ‘Enter the gates of together. Then We will assemble them around Hell
Hell, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. How on their knees. (19:68)
evil is the abode of the arrogant!’ (16:29) Say: ‘As for those who are astray, let the All-
(We decreed in the Book for the tribe of Israel:) ‘It Merciful prolong their term until they see what
may well be that your Lord will have mercy on they were promised, whether it be the punishment
you. But if you revert to what you did, We also or the Hour. Then they will know who is in the
will revert. We have made Hell a prison for the worse position and has the weaker troops.’
disbelievers.’ (17:8) (19:75)
As for anyone who desires this fleeting existence, But We will drive the evildoers to Hell, like cattle
We hasten in it whatever We will to whoever We to a watering hole. (19:86)
want. Then We will consign him to Hell where As for those who come to their Lord as evildoers,
he will roast, reviled and driven out. (17:18) they will have Hell where they will neither die
That is part of the wisdom your Lord has revealed nor stay alive. (20:74)
to you. Do not set up another god together with Were any of them to say, ‘I am a god apart from
Allah and so be thrown into Hell, blamed and Him,’ We would repay him with Hell. That is
driven out. (17:39) how We repay wrongdoers. (21:29)
He said, ‘Go! And as for any who follow you, You and what you worship besides Allah are fuel
your repayment is Hell, repayment in full!’ for Hell. You will go down into it. (21:98)
(17:63) There will be sighing for them in it and they will
Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But as for not be able to hear. (21:100)
those He leads astray, you will not find any protec- Here are two rival groups who disputed concern-
tors for them apart from Him. We will gather them ing their Lord. Those who disbelieve will have
on the Day of Rising, flat on their faces, blind, garments of fire cut out for them, and boiling
dumb and deaf. Their shelter will be Hell. water poured over their heads. (22:19)
Whenever the Blaze dies down, We will increase it Every time they want to come out of it, because
for them. (17:97) of their suffering, they will be driven back into it:
Say: ‘It is the truth from your Lord; so let whoever ‘Taste the punishment of the Burning!’ (22:22)
wishes believe and whoever wishes disbelieve.’ Those whose scales are heavy, they are the suc-
We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire whose cessful. Those whose scales are light, they are the
337
losers of their selves, remaining in Hell time- comes to him? Is there not shelter in Hell for the
lessly, for ever. The Fire will sear their faces, disbelievers? (29:68)
making them grimace horribly in it, their lips But as for those who disbelieved and denied Our
drawn back from their teeth. Were My Signs not Signs and the meeting of the hereafter, they will be
recited to you and did you not deny them?’ They summoned to the punishment. (30:16)
will say, ‘Our Lord, our miserable destiny over- (Evildoers will be told,) ‘Had We so willed We
powered us. We were misguided people. Our could have given guidance to everyone, but now
Lord, remove us from it! Then if we revert again, My Words are shown to be true: that I shall fill up
we will definitely be wrongdoers.’ He will say, Hell entirely with jinn and human beings.’ (32:13)
‘Slink away into it and do not speak to Me.’ But as for those who are deviators, their refuge is
(23:102-108) the Fire. Every time that they want to get out, they
But instead, they deny the Hour; and We have are put straight back into it again and they are told,
prepared a Searing Blaze for those who deny the ‘Taste the punishment of the Fire, which you de-
Hour. (25:11) nied.’ (32:20)
When they are flung into a narrow place in it, Whereas for those who disbelieve there will be the
shackled together in chains, they will cry out Fire of Hell. They will not be killed off so that they
there for destruction. ‘Do not cry out today for die and its punishment will not be lightened for
just one destruction, cry out for many destruc- them. That is how We repay every thankless man.
tions!’ Say: ‘Is that better, or the Garden of Eternal (35:36)
Life which has been promised to those who They will shout out in it, ‘Our Lord! Take us out!
guard against evil? That is their recompense and We will act rightly, differently from the way we
destination.’ (25:13-15) used to act!’ Did We not let you live long enough
So now they have disowned you for what you for anyone who was going to pay heed to pay
said, and they cannot avert it or give you any heed? And did not the warner come to you? Taste it
help. As for anyone among you who has done then! There is no helper for the wrongdoers.
wrong, We will make him suffer great punish- (35:37)
ment. (25:19) This is the Hell that you were promised. (36:63)
On the Day they see the angels, there will be no Hell, where they will roast. What an evil resting-
good news that Day for the evildoers. They will place! (38:56)
say, ‘There is an absolute ban.’ (25:22) (He said,) ‘I will fill up Hell with you and every one
We will advance on the actions they have done of them who follows you.’ (38:85)
and make them scattered specks of dust. (25:23). Is someone who tries to shield himself with his face
Those who are herded headlong into Hell, such from the worst of the torment on the Day of
people are in the worst position. They are the Rising...? The wrongdoers will be told, ‘Taste what
most misguided from the way. (25:34) you have earned.’ (39:24)
(The servants of the All-Merciful are) those who Who could do greater wrong than those who lie
say, ‘Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of about Allah and deny the truth when it comes to
Hell, its punishment is inescapable pain.’ (25:65) them? Do the disbelievers not have a dwelling
He said, ‘You have adopted idols apart from place in Hell? (39:32)
Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this world. On the Day of Rising you will see those who lied
But then on the Day of Rising you will reject one against Allah with their faces blackened. Do not
another and curse one another. The Fire will be the arrogant have a dwelling place in Hell?
your shelter. You will have no helpers.’ (29:25) (39:60)
They ask you to hasten the punishment but Hell Those who disbelieve will be driven to Hell in
already encircles the disbelievers. (29:54) companies and when they arrive there and its
Who could do greater wrong than someone who gates are opened, its custodians will say to them,
invents lies against Allah or denies the truth when it ‘Did Messengers from yourselves not come to
338
you, reciting your Lord’s Signs to you and warn- (Say:) ‘This will be their hospitality on the Day of
ing you of the meeting on this Day of yours?’ Judgment!’ (56:56)
They will say, ‘Indeed they did, but the decree of That Day the men and women of the hypocrites
punishment is justly carried out against the dis- will say to those who believe, ‘Wait for us so that
believers.’ (39:71) we can borrow some of your light.’ They will be
They will be told, ‘Enter the gates of Hell and stay told, ‘Go back and look for light!’ And a wall will
there timelessly, for ever. How evil is the abode be erected between them with a gate in it, on the
of the arrogant!’ (39:72) inside of which there will be mercy but before
Those in the Fire will say to the custodians of whose exterior lies the punishment. (57:13)
Hell, ‘Call on your Lord to make the punishment Do you not see those who were forbidden to
less for us for just one day.’ (40:49) confer together secretly returning to the very
Your Lord says, ‘Call on Me and I will answer thing they were forbidden to do, and conferring
you. Those who who are too proud to worship together secretly in wrongdoing and enmity and
Me will enter Hell abject.’ (40:60) disobedience to the Messenger? And when they
(Deniers will be told,) ‘Enter the gates of Hell, re- come to you they greet you with words Allah has
maining in it timelessly, for ever. How evil is the never used in greeting you, and say to them-
abode of the arrogant!’ (40:76) selves ‘Why does Allah not punish us for what
The evildoers will remain timelessly, for ever, in we say?’ Hell will be enough for them! They will
the punishment of Hell. (43:74) roast in it. What an evil destination! (58:8)
Hell is right at their heels. Nothing they have ‘You who disbelieve! Do not try to excuse your-
earned will be of any use to them, nor will those selves today. You are merely being repaid for
they took as protectors besides Allah. They will what you did.’ (66:7)
have a terrible punishment. (45:10) O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and
And so that He might punish the men and hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their refuge
women of the hypocrites and the men and is Hell. What an evil destination! (66:9)
women of the idolaters–those who think bad Those who reject their Lord will have the punish-
thoughts about Allah. They will suffer an evil turn ment of Hell. What an evil destination! (67:6)
of fate. Allah is angry with them, and has cursed It all but bursts with rage. Each time a group is
them and prepared Hell for them. What an evil flung into it its custodians will question them:
destination! (48:6) ‘Did no warner come to you?’ They will say, ‘Yes
(Custodians of Hell will be told,) ‘Hurl into Hell indeed, a warner did come to us but we denied
every obdurate disbeliever, impeder of good, him and said, "Allah has sent nothing down. You
doubt-causing aggressor, who set up another god are just greatly misguided."’ They will say, ‘If only
together with Allah. Hurl him into the terrible we had really listened and used our intellect, we
punishment.’ (50:24-26) would not have been Companions of the Blaze.’
On the Day He says to Hell, ‘Are you full?’ it will Then they will acknowledge their wrong actions.
ask, ‘Are there no more to come?’ (50:30) Away with the Companions of the Blaze! (67:8-
The Day they are shoved roughly into the Fire of 11)
Hell: (deniers will be told,) ‘This is the Fire which (Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of
you denied! So is this magic? Or is it that you do the jinn listened and said,) "Some of us are
not see? Roast in it! And bear it patiently or do Muslims and some are deviators. Those who
not bear it patiently. It makes no difference either have become Muslim are those who sought right
way. You are simply being repaid for what you guidance; the deviators will be firewood for
did.’ (52:13-16) Hellfire."’ (72:14-15)
This is Hell which the evildoers deny. (55:43) Say: ‘No one can protect me from Allah and I
They will go back and forth between fire and will never find any refuge apart from Him–only
scalding water. (55:44) in transmitting from Allah and His Messages. As
339
for him who disobeys Allah and His Messenger, Ruin to the hands of Abu Lahab and ruin to him!
he will have the Fire of Hell, remaining in it time- His wealth has not helped him nor anything he
lessly, for ever and ever.’ (72:22-23) has earned. He will burn in a Flaming Fire. And
I will roast him in Saqar. (74:26) so will his wife, the firewood-carrier, with a rope
They (the companions of the Right) will ask the of twisted fibre round her neck. (111:1-5)
evildoers: ‘What caused you to enter Saqar?’
(74:41-42) HELP
We have made ready for the disbelievers shack- Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. But that is a
les and chains and a Searing Blaze. (76:4) very hard thing, except for the humble. (2:45)
Hell lies in wait. (78:21) Have fear of a Day when no self will be able to
So taste! We will increase you only in punish- compensate for another in any way. No interces-
ment. (78:30) sion will be accepted from it, no ransom taken
Those who persecute men and women of the be- from it, and they will not be helped. (2:48)
lievers, and then do not repent, will have the Those are the people who trade the hereafter for
punishment of Hell, will have the punishment of this world. The punishment will not be lightened
the Burning. (85:10) for them. They will not be helped. (2:86)
Some faces on that Day will be downcast, labour- Do you not know that Allah is He to Whom the
ing, toiling endlessly, roasting in a red-hot Fire, kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs and
drinking from a boiling spring. They have no food that, besides Allah, you have no protector and no
but a bitter thorny bus which neither nourishes helper? (2:107)
nor satisfies. (88:2-7) The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased
And that Day Hell is produced, that Day man will with you until you follow their religion. Say,
remember; but how will the remembrance help ‘Allah’s guidance is the true guidance.’ If you were
him? (89:23) to follow their whims and desires, after the knowl-
Those who reject Our signs, they are the edge that has come to you, you would find no pro-
Companions of the Left. (90:19) tector or helper against Allah. (2:120)
I have warned you of a Fire which rages, in which Have fear of a Day when no self will be able to
only the most wretched will roast. (92:14-15) compensate for another in any way, and no ran-
We will call the Guards of Hell! (96:18) som will be accepted from it, and no intercession
The People of the Book who disbelieve and the benefit it, and they will not be helped. (2:123)
idolaters will be in the Fire of Hell, remaining in it You who believe! Seek help in steadfastness and
timelessly, for ever. They are the worst of crea- prayer. Allah is with the steadfast. (2:153)
tures. (98:6) Or did you suppose that you would enter the
But as for him whose balance is light, his mother- Garden without facing the same as those who
land is Hawiya. And what will convey to you came before you? Poverty and illness afflicted
what that is? A raging Fire! (101:8-11) them and they were shaken to the point that the
No indeed, if you only knew with the Knowledge Messenger and those who believed with him said,
of Certainty, you will certainly see the Blazing ‘When is Allah’s help coming?’ Be assured that
Fire! Then you will certainly see it with the Eye of Allah’s help is very near. (2:214)
Certainty. (102:5-7) When they came out against Goliath and his
Woe to every faultfinding backbiter who has troops, they said, ‘Our Lord, pour down steadfast-
amassed wealth and hoarded it! He thinks his ness upon us, and make our feet firm, and help us
wealth will make him live for ever. No indeed! He against this disbelieving people.’ (2:250)
will be flung into the Shatterer. And what will con- Whatever amount you spend or vow you make,
vey to you what the Shatterer is? The kindled Fire Allah knows it. The wrongdoers have no helpers.
of Allah reaching right into the heart. It is sealed in (2:270)
above them in towering columns. (104:1-9) Allah does not impose on any self any more than
340
it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against wrong actions and any excesses we went to in
it, what it has brought upon itself. ‘Our Lord, do what we did and make our feet firm and help us
not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! against these disbelieving people.’ (3:147)
Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one If Allah helps you, no one can vanquish you. If
You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not He forsakes you, who can help you after that? So
place on us a load we have not the strength to the believers should put their trust in Allah.
bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have (3:160)
mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us What assailed you on the day the two armies met
against the people of the disbelievers.’ (2:286) was by Allah’s permission, so that He would
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and know the believers, and so that He would know
children will not help them against Allah in any the hypocrites. They were told, ‘Come and fight
way. They are fuel for the Fire. (3:10) in the Way of Allah or at least help defend us.’
There was a sign for you in the two parties which They said, ‘If we knew how to fight, we would
met face to face, one party fighting in the Way of certainly follow you.’ They were closer to disbe-
Allah and the other disbelievers. You saw them lief that day than to faith, saying with their
as twice their number with your own eyes. Allah mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah
reinforces with His help whoever He wills. There knows best what they are hiding. (3:166-167)
is instruction in that for people of insight. (3:13) (People with intelligence remember Allah:) ‘Our
They are the ones whose actions come to noth- Lord, those You cast into the Fire, You have in-
ing in this world or the hereafter. They will have deed disgraced. The wrongdoers will have no
no helpers. (3:22) helpers.’ (3:192)
When ‘Isa sensed disbelief on their part, he said, Allah knows best who your enemies are. Allah
‘Who will be my helpers to Allah?’ The disciples suffices as a Protector; Allah suffices as a Helper.
said, ‘We are Allah's helpers. We believe in (4:45)
Allah. Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ (3:52) Those are the ones Allah has cursed. And if
Remember when Allah made a covenant with someone is cursed by Allah you will not find any
the Prophets: ‘Now that We have given you a one to help him. (4:52)
share of the Book and Wisdom, and then a mes- What reason could you have for not fighting in
senger comes to you confirming what is with the Way of Allah–for those men, women and
you, you must believe in him and help him.’ He children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord,
asked, ‘Do you agree and undertake my commis- take us out of this city whose inhabitants are
sion on that condition?’ They replied, ‘We agree.’ wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give
He said, ‘Bear witness, then. I am with you as us a helper from You!’? (4:75)
one of the witnesses.’ (3:81) They would like you to disbelieve as they disbe-
As for those who disbelieve and die while they lieve so that you will all be the same. Do not take
are disbelievers, the whole earth filled with gold any of them as friends until they have migrated in
would not be accepted from any of them if they the Way of Allah. But if they run away then seize
were to offer it as a ransom. They will have a them and kill them wherever you find them. Do
painful punishment. They will have no helpers. not take any of them as either a friend or helper.
(3:91) (4:89)
They will not harm you except with abusive It is not a matter of wishful thinking on your part
words. If they fight you, they will turn their backs nor of the wishful thinking of the People of the
on you. Then they will not be helped. (3:111) Book. Anyone who does evil will be repaid for it.
Allah helped you at Badr when you were weak He will not find any protector or helper besides
so have fear of Allah, so that hopefully you will Allah. (4:123)
be thankful. (3:123) The hypocrites are in the lowest level of the Fire.
All they said was, ‘Our Lord, forgive us our You will not find any one to help them. (4:145)
341
As for those who believe and do right actions, He on our heels after Allah has guided us, like some-
will pay them their wages in full and will give one the Satans have lured away in the earth,
them increase from His favour. As for those who leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the
show disdain and grow arrogant, He will punish fact that he has companions calling him to guid-
them with a painful punishment. They will not ance, saying, "Come with us!"?’ Say: ‘Allah's
find any protector or helper for themselves be- guidance, that is true guidance. We are com-
sides Allah. (4:173) manded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all
You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites the worlds.’ (6:71)
of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial Musa said to his people, ‘Seek help in Allah and
animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He be-
for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good queathes it to any of His servants He wills. The
pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage successful outcome is for those who guard
is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for against evil.’ (7:128)
a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque (Allah said, ‘I will prescribe My mercy for) those
(Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond who follow the Messenger, the Ummi, whom
the limits. Help each other to goodness and they find written down with them in the Torah
heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo- and the Gospel, commanding them to do right
ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se- and forbidding them to do wrong, making good
vere in retribution. (5:2) things lawful for them and bad things forbidden
O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who for them, relieving them of their heavy loads and
rush headlong into disbelief among those who the chains which were around them. Those who
say ‘We believe’ with their tongues when their believe in him and honour him and help him,
hearts contain no faith. And among the Jews are and follow the Light that has been sent down
those who listen to lies, listening to other people with him, they are the ones who are successful.’
who have not come to you, distorting words from (7:157)
their proper meanings, saying, ‘If you are given Say: ‘I possess no power to help or harm myself,
this, then take it. If you are not given it, then be- except as Allah wills. If I had had knowledge of
ware!’ If Allah desires misguidance for someone, the Unseen, I would have sought to gain much
you cannot help him against Allah in any way. good and no evil would have touched me. I am
Those are the people whose hearts Allah does only a warner and a bringer of good news to peo-
not want to purify. They will have disgrace in this ple who believe.’ (7:188)
world and in the hereafter they will have a terri- Those you call on besides Him are not capable of
ble punishment. (5:41) helping you. They cannot even help themselves.
Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam, (7:197)
is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe Remember when you called on your Lord for
of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. help and He responded to you: ‘I will reinforce
If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah you with a thousand angels riding rank after
has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will rank.’ (8:9)
be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no If it was a decisive victory you were seeking, that
helpers. (5:72) victory has clearly been won. If you desist, it will
Messengers before you were also denied but they be better for you; but if you return, We also will
were steadfast in the face of the denial and injury return. Your troops will not help you at all, how-
they suffered until Our help arrived. There is no ever many they are. Allah is with the believers.
changing the Words of Allah. And news of other (8:19)
Messengers has come to you. (6:34) But if they turn away, know that Allah is your
Say: ‘Are we to call on something besides Allah Master, the Best of Masters, and the Best of
which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn Helpers! (8:40)
342
If they intend to deceive you, Allah is enough for Allah. (9:116)
you. It is He Who supported you with His help Say: ‘I possess no power to harm or help myself
and with the believers. (8:62) except as Allah wills. Every nation has an ap-
Those who believe and have migrated and pointed time. When their appointed time comes,
strived with their wealth and themselves in the they cannot delay it a single hour or bring it for-
Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge ward.’ (10:49)
and help, they are the friends and protectors of (Say:) ‘Do not call on something besides Allah
one another. But as for those who believe but which can neither help nor harm you. If you do,
have not migrated, you are not in any way re- you will then be wrongdoers.’ (10:106)
sponsible for their protection until they migrate. (Nuh said,) ‘My people! Who would help me
But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli- against Allah if I did drive them away? So will
gion, it is your duty to help them, except against you not pay heed?’ (11:30)
people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what He (Salih) said, ‘My people! What do you think?
you do. (8:72) If I were to possess a Clear Sign from my Lord
Fight them! Allah will punish them at your and He had given me mercy from Him: who
hands, and disgrace them and help you against would help me against Allah if I disobeyed Him?
them, and heal the hearts of those who believe. You would not increase me in anything but loss.’
(9:14) (11:63)
Allah has helped you on many occasions, in- We did not wrong them; rather they wronged
cluding the Day of Hunayn when your great themselves. The gods they called upon besides
numbers delighted you but did not help you in Allah did not help them at all when Allah’s com-
any way, and the earth seemed narrow to you for mand came upon them. They did nothing but in-
all its great breadth, and you turned your backs. crease their ruin. (11:101)
(9:25) Do not rely on those who do wrong thus causing
If you do not help him, Allah did help him when the Fire to afflict you, for you have no protector
those who disbelieved drove him out and there besides Allah; then you will not be helped.
were two of them in the Cave. He said to his (11:113)
companion, ‘Do not be despondent, Allah is They then produced his shirt with false blood on
with us.’ Then Allah sent down His serenity upon it. He (Yusuf's father) said, ‘It is merely that your
him and reinforced him with troops you could lower selves have suggested something to you
not see. He made the word of those who disbe- which you did; but beauty lies in showing stead-
lieved undermost. It is the word of Allah which is fastness. It is Allah alone Who is my Help in face
uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (9:40) of the event that you describe.’ (12:18)
They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but Then when the Messengers despaired and
they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and thought themselves denied, Our help came to
returned to disbelief after their Islam. They them, and those We willed were saved. Our vio-
planned something which they did not achieve lent force cannot be averted from people who
and they were vindictive for no other cause than are evildoers. (12:110)
that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them Say: ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the
from His bounty. If they were to repent, it would earth?’ Say: ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘So why have you taken
be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah protectors apart from Him who possess no power
will punish them with a painful punishment in to help or harm themselves?’ Say: ‘Are the blind
this world and the hereafter, and they will not and seeing equal? Or are darkness and light the
find any protector or helper on the earth. (9:74) same? Or have they assigned partners to Allah
Allah is He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens who create as He creates, so that all creating
and earth belongs. He gives life and causes to seems the same to them?’ Say: ‘Allah is the
die. You have no protector or helper besides Creator of everything. He is the One, the All-
343
Conquering.’ (13:16) of Allah, what cannot help or harm you in any
They will all parade before Allah and the weak way?’ (21:66)
will say to those who were arrogant, ‘We fol- We helped him against the people who rejected
lowed you, so can you help us at all against the Our Signs. They were an evil people and We
punishment of Allah?’ They will say, ‘If Allah had drowned them, every one. (21:77)
guided us, we would have guided you. It makes Say: ‘Lord, judge with truth! Our Lord is the All-
no difference whether we cannot stand it or bear Merciful, the One whose help is sought in the
it patiently. We have no way of escape.’ (14:21) face of what you describe.’ (21:112)
However eager you are for them to be guided, Instead of Allah, he calls on something which
Allah will not guide those whom He misguides. cannot harm him or help him. That is extreme
They will have no helpers. (16:37) misguidance. (22:12)
Any blessing you have is from Allah. Then when Those who were expelled from their homes with-
harm touches you, it is to Him you cry for help. out any right, merely for saying, ‘Our Lord is
(16:53) Allah’ (if Allah had not driven some people back
Do not kill any person Allah has made inviolate, by means of others, monasteries, churches, syna-
except with the right to do so. If someone is gogues and mosques, where Allah’s name is
wrongly killed We have given authority to his mentioned much, would have been pulled down
next of kin. But he should not be excessive in tak- and destroyed. Allah will certainly help those
ing life. He will be helped. (17:33) who help Him–Allah is All-Strong, Almighty).
Then We would have let you taste a double pun- (22:40)
ishment in life and a double punishment in They worship besides Allah something for which
death. You would not have found any helper no authority has come down, something about
against Us. (17:75) which they have no knowledge. There is no
Say: ‘It is the truth from your Lord; so let whoever helper for the wrongdoers. (22:71)
wishes believe and whoever wishes disbelieve.’ Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He
We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire has selected you and not placed any constraint
whose billowing walls of smoke will hem them upon you in the religion–the religion of your
in. If they call for help, they will be helped with forefather Ibrahim. He named you Muslims be-
water like seething molten brass, frying their fore and also in this, so that the Messenger could
faces. What a noxious drink! What an evil re- be witness against you and you could be wit-
pose! (18:29) nesses against all mankind. So perform prayer
There was no group to come to his aid, besides and give the alms and hold fast to Allah. He is
Allah, and he was not given any help. (18:43) your Protector–the Best Protector, the Best
He (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) said, ‘The power my Lord Helper. (22:78)
has granted me is better than that. Just give me a He (Nuh) said, ‘My Lord, help me because of
strong helping hand and I will build a solid bar- their calling me a liar!’ (23:26)
rier between you and them.’ (18:95) But then when We seize the affluent among them
(Musa said,) ‘Assign me a helper from my family.’ with the punishment, they will suddenly start
(20:29) praying fervently. ‘Do not pray fervently today.
If those who disbelieve only knew of the time You will not get any help from Us.’ (23:64-65)
when they will not be able to keep the Fire away But they have adopted gods apart from Him
from their faces or their backs! And they will re- which do not create anything but are themselves
ceive no help! (21:39) created. They have no power to harm or help
Or do they have gods besides Us who will pro- themselves. They have no power over death or life
tect them? They cannot even help themselves! or resurrection. (25:3)
They will not be safe from Us. (21:43) So now they have disowned you for what you said,
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Do you then worship, instead and they cannot avert it or give you any help. As for
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anyone among you who has done wrong, We will nearby, but after their defeat they will themselves
make him suffer great punishment. (25:19) be victorious in a few years’ time. The affair is
In this way We have assigned to every Prophet an Allah’s from beginning to end. On that day, the
enemy from among the evildoers. But your Lord is believers will rejoice in Allah’s help. He grants
a sufficient guide and helper. (25:31) victory to whoever He wills. He is the Almighty,
We gave Musa the Book and appointed his brother the Most Merciful. (30:2-5)
Harun with him as a helper. (25:35) However, those who do wrong pursue their
Yet they worship instead of Allah what can neither whims and desires without any knowledge. Who
help nor harm them. The disbeliever is ever, can guide those whom Allah has led astray? They
against his Lord, an assistant (to Satan). (25:55) will have no helpers. (30:29)
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Do they (the idols) hear you Before you We sent other Messengers to their
when you call or do they help you or do you people, and they too brought them the Clear
harm?’ (26:72-73) Signs. We took revenge on those who did evil;
They will be asked, ‘Where are those you used to and it is Our duty to help the believers. (30:47)
worship besides Allah? Can they help you or even On that Day the excuses of those who did wrong
help themselves?’ (26:92-93) will not help them nor will they be able to ap-
Morning found him in the city, fearful and on his pease Allah. (30:57)
guard. Then suddenly the man who had sought his Say: ‘Who is going to shield you from Allah if He
help the day before, shouted for help from him desires evil for you or desires mercy for you?’
again. Musa said to him, ‘You are clearly a mis- They will find no one to protect or help them be-
guided man.’ (28:18) sides Allah. (33:17)
We made them leaders, summoning to the Fire, (A Searing Blaze) where they will remain time-
and on the Day of Rising they will not be helped. lessly, for ever and ever, not finding any protector
(28:41) or any helper. (33:65)
We caused the earth to swallow up both him and ‘Today you possess no power to help or harm
his house. There was no group to come to his one another.’ And We will say to those who did
aid, besides Allah, and he was not someone who wrong, ‘Taste the punishment of the Fire which
is helped. (28:81) you denied.’ (34:42)
There are some people who say, ‘We believe in No burden-bearer can bear another’s burden. If
Allah,’ and then, when they suffer harm in Allah’s someone weighed down calls for help to bear his
cause, they take people’s persecution for Allah’s load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his
punishment; but if help comes from your Lord next of kin. You can only warn those who fear
they say, ‘We were with you.’ Does Allah not their Lord in the Unseen and perform prayer.
know best what is in every person’s heart? Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone.
(29:10) Allah is your final destination. (35:18)
(Say:) ‘There is no way out for you in earth or They will shout out in it, ‘Our Lord! Take us out!
heaven. You have no protector or helper besides We will act rightly, differently from the way we
Allah.’ (29:22) used to act!’ Did We not let you live long enough
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You have adopted idols apart for anyone who was going to pay heed to pay
from Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this heed? And did not the warner come to you? Taste
world. But then on the Day of Rising you will re- it then! There is no helper for the wrongdoers.
ject one another and curse one another. The Fire (35:37)
will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.’ (The man from the far side of the city said,) ‘Am I to
(29:25) take as gods instead of Him those whose interces-
He (Lut) said, ‘My Lord, help me against the peo- sion, if the All-Merciful desires harm for me, will
ple of corruption!’ (29:30) not help me at all and cannot save me?’ (36:23)
The Romans have been defeated in the land They have taken gods besides Allah so that per-
345
haps they may be helped. (36:74) have invented it, then you possess no power to
They cannot help them even though they are an help me against Allah in any way. He knows best
army mobilised in their support. (36:75) what you hold forth about. He is witness enough
Our Word was given before to Our servants, the between me and you. He is the Ever-Forgiving,
Messengers, that they would certainly be helped. the Most Merciful.’ (46:8)
(37:171-172) But what of him who says to his parents, ‘Fie on
Turn to your Lord and submit to Him before pun- you! Do you promise me that I will be resur-
ishment comes upon you, for then you cannot be rected when generations before me have passed
helped. (39:54) away?’ They both call on Allah for help: ‘Woe to
(A man among Pharaoh’s people who believed, you! Believe! Allah’s promise is true.’ But he
but kept his faith concealed, said,) ‘My people! says, ‘This is nothing but the myths of previous
The kingdom is yours today, as masters in the peoples.’ (46:17)
land, but who will help us against Allah’s violent You who believe! If you help Allah, He will help
force, if it comes upon us?’ Pharaoh said, ‘I only you and make your feet firm. (47:7)
show you what I see myself and I only guide you How many cities We have destroyed, greater in
to the path of rectitude.’ (40:29) strength than your city which has driven you out,
We will certainly help Our Messengers and those and there was no one to help them. (47:13)
who believe both in the life of this world and on Truly We have granted you a clear victory, so that
the Day the witnesses appear, the Day when the Allah may forgive you your earlier errors and any
excuses of the wrongdoers will not help them. later ones and complete His blessing upon you,
The curse will be on them and they will have the and guide you on a Straight Path and so that
most evil Home. (40:51-52) Allah may help you with a mighty help. (48:1-3)
So We sent a howling wind against them on dis- If those who disbelieve should fight you, they
astrous ill-fated days to make them taste the pun- would turn their backs and then find no one to
ishment of degradation in this world. And the protect or help them. (48:22)
punishment of the hereafter is even more degrad- They (Thamud) could not stand upright and they
ing. And they will not be helped. (41:16) were not helped. (51:45)
If Allah had willed, He would have made them a The Day their ploys will not profit them at all and
single nation. But He admits whoever He wills they will not be helped. (52:46)
into His mercy and the wrongdoers have no pro- He (Nuh) called upon his Lord: ‘I am over-
tector and no helper. (42:8) whelmed, so help me!’ (54:10)
You will not be able to thwart Him on the earth He will pursue you with a piercing flame and
and you have no protector or helper besides fiery smoke, and you will not be helped. (55:35)
Allah. (42:31) We sent Our Messengers with the Clear Signs
They have no one to protect or help them apart and sent down the Book and the Balance with
from Allah. There is no way out for anyone Allah them so that mankind might establish justice.
misguides. (42:46) And We sent down iron in which there lies great
The Day when friends will be of no use at all to force and which has many uses for mankind, so
one another, and they will not be helped. (44:41) that Allah might know those who help Him and
They will not help you in any way against Allah. His Messengers in the Unseen. Allah is All-
The wrongdoers are protectors of one another but Strong, Almighty. (57:25)
Allah is the Protector of those who guard against Neither their wealth nor their children will help
evil. (45:19) them at all against Allah. Such people are the
They will be told, ‘Today We have forgotten you as Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
you forgot the meeting of this your Day. Your lessly, for ever. (58:17)
refuge is the Fire and you have no helpers.’ (45:34) Did you not see the hypocrites saying to their
Or do they say, ‘He has invented it’? Say: ‘If I brothers, those among the People of the Book
346
who disbelieve, ‘If you are driven out we will His wealth will not help him when he plummets
leave with you, we will never obey anyone to to the depths. (92:11)
your detriment. And if you are fought against we So woe to those who perform prayer, and are for-
will help you’? Allah bears witness that they are getful of their prayer, those who show off and
truly liars. (59:11) deny help to others. (107:4-7)
If they are driven out they will not leave with When Allah’s help and victory have arrived and
them. If they are fought against they will not help you have seen people entering Allah’s religion in
them. And if they did help them they would turn droves, then glorify your Lord’s praise and ask His
their backs, and then they would not be helped. forgiveness. He is the Ever-Returning. (110:1-3)
(59:12) His (Abu Lahab's) wealth has not helped him nor
You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and anything he has earned. (111:2)
those with him, when they said to their people,
‘We wash our hands of you and all that you wor- HERB
ship apart from Allah, and we reject you. He laid out the earth for all living creatures. In it
Between us and you there will be enmity and ha- are fruits and date-palms with covered spathes,
tred for ever unless and until you believe in Allah and grains on leafy stems and fragrant herbs.
alone.’ Except for Ibrahim’s words to his father: ‘I (55:10-12)
will ask forgiveness for you but I have no power Then We make grain grow in it, and grapes and
to help you in any way against Allah.’ ‘Our Lord, herbs. (80:27-28)
we have put our trust in You and have repented
to You. You are our final destination.’ (60:4) HERITAGE (SEE LAWS OF HERITAGE)
You who believe! Be helpers of Allah as ‘Isa son
of Maryam said to the Disciples, ‘Who will be AL-HIJR (SEE PEOPLE OF AL-HIJR)
my helpers to Allah?’ The Disciples said, ‘We will
be the helpers of Allah.’ One faction of the tribe HIJRA (SEE MIGRATION)
of Israel believed and the other disbelieved. So
We supported those who believed against their HIKMAH (SEE WISDOM - WISE)
enemy and they became victorious. (61:14)
Allah has made an example for those who disbe- HILL
lieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They The metaphor of those who spend their wealth, de-
were married to two of Our servants who were siring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for them-
righteous but they betrayed them and were not selves, is that of a garden on a hillside. When
helped at all against Allah. They were told, ‘Enter heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its produce; and if
the Fire along with all who enter it.’ (66:10) heavy rain does not fall, there is dew. Allah sees
Because of their errors they were drowned and what you do. (2:265)
put into the Fire. They found no one to help them (Hud said to his people,) ‘Do you build a tower on
besides Allah. (71:25) every hilltop, just to amuse yourselves?’ (26:128)
The intercession of the interceders will not help
them. (74:48) HOLY
It is the Day when a self will have no power to (Musa said,) ‘My people! Enter the Holy Land
help any other self in any way. The command which Allah has ordained for you. Do not turn
that Day will be Allah’s alone. (82:19) back in your tracks and so become transformed
And (that Day) man will have no strength or into losers.’ (5:21)
helper. (86:10) (Allah said to Musa,) ‘I am your Lord. Take off
And that Day Hell is produced, that Day man your sandals. You are in the holy valley of Tuwa.’
will remember; but how will the remembrance (20:12)
help him? (89:23) Has the story of Musa reached you: when his
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Lord called out to him in the holy valley of Tuwa? road and commit depravities within your gather-
(79:15-16) ings?’ the only answer of his people was to say,
‘Bring us Allah’s punishment if you are telling the
HOMOSEXUALITY truth.’ (29:29)
And Lut, when he said to his people, ‘Do you
commit an obscenity not perpetrated before you HONEY
by anyone in all the worlds? (7:80) Your Lord revealed to the bees: ‘Build dwellings
(Lut said to his people,) ‘You come with lust to in the mountains and the trees, and also in the
men instead of women. You are indeed a de- structures which men erect. Then eat from every
praved people.’ (Qur’an, 7:81) kind of fruit and travel the paths of your Lord,
The only answer of his people was to say, ‘Expel which have been made easy for you to follow.’
them from your city! They are people who keep From inside them comes a drink of varying
themselves pure!’ (Qur’an, 7:82) colours, containing healing for mankind. There is
His people came running to him excitedly–they certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect.
were long used to committing evil acts. He (Lut) (16:68-69)
said, ‘My people, here are my daughters. They An image of the Garden which is promised to
are purer for you. So have fear of Allah and do those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers
not shame me with my guests. Is there not one of water which will never spoil and rivers of milk
rightly-guided man among you?’ (Qur’an, 11:78) whose taste will never change and rivers of wine,
They said, ‘You know we have no claim on your delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey
daughters. You know very well what it is we of undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of
want.’ (11:79) every kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that
The people of the city came, exulting at the like those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for
news. (15:67) ever, with boiling water to drink which lacerates
He (Lut) said, ‘These are my guests so do not put their bowels? (47:15)
me to shame.’ (15:68)
(Lut said,) ‘Have fear of Allah and do not dishon- HOOF
our me.’ (15:69) We made forbidden for the Jews every animal
They said, ‘Did we not forbid you to play host to with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle
anyone at all?’ (15:70) and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them,
He said, ‘Here are my daughters if you are deter- except what is attached to their backs or guts or
mined to do something.’ (15:71) mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid
By your life! They were wandering blindly in them for their insolence. And We certainly speak
their drunkenness! (15:72) the truth. (6:146)
(Lut said to his people,) ‘Of all beings, do you lie By the charging horses panting hard, striking
with males. (26:165) sparks from their flashing hooves, (100:1-2)
‘Leaving the wives Allah has created for you? You
are a people who have overstepped the limits.’ HOOPOE
(26:166) He (Sulayman) inspected the birds and said,
They said, ‘Lut, if you do not desist you will be ‘How is it that I do not see the hoopoe? Or is it
expelled.’ (26:167) absent without leave? I will certainly punish it
He said, ‘I am someone who detests the deed most severely or slaughter it if it does not bring
you perpetrate. (26:168) me clear authority.’ (27:20-21)
(Lut said to his people,) ‘Do you come with lust However, it was not long delayed, and then it
to men instead of women? You are a people who said, ‘I have comprehended something you have
are deeply ignorant.’ (27:55) not and bring you accurate intelligence from
Do you lie with men and waylay them on the Sheba. I found a woman ruling over them who

348
has been given everything. She possesses a cloud in their wake, cleaving through the middle
mighty throne. I found both her and her people of the foe, truly man is ungrateful to his Lord and
prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. Satan has indeed he bears witness to that. (100:1-7)
made their actions seem good to them and de-
barred them from the Way so they are not guided HOSPITALITY
and do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings out But those who have fear of their Lord will have
what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain-
knows what you conceal and what you divulge. ing in them timelessly, for ever: hospitality from
Allah–there is no god but Him–the Lord of the Allah. What is with Allah is better for those who
Mighty Throne.’ (27:22-26) are truly good. (3:198)
(Sulayman said,) ‘Take this letter of mine and de- (Say:) ‘Then you, you misguided, you deniers
liver it to them and then withdraw from them a will eat from the tree of Zaqqum, filling your
little and see how they respond.’ (27:28) stomachs with it and drink scalding water on top
of it, slurping like thirst-crazed camels. This will
HORIZON be their hospitality on the Day of Judgment!’
It is nothing but Revelation revealed, taught him (56:51-56)
by one immensely strong, possessing power and And if he is one of the misguided deniers, there is
splendour. He stood there stationary–there on hospitality of scalding water. (56:92-93)
the highest horizon. (53:4-7)
He saw him on the clear horizon. (81:23) HOSTILITY
If their faith is the same as yours then they are
HORSE guided. But if they turn away, they are en-
To mankind the love of worldly appetites is trenched in hostility. Allah will be enough for
painted in glowing colours: women and chil- you against them. He is the All-Hearing, the All-
dren, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver, Knowing. (2:137)
and horses with fine markings, and livestock and That is because Allah has sent down the Book
fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment with truth and those who differ from the Book are
of the life of this world. The best homecoming is entrenched in hostility. (2:176)
in the presence of Allah. (3:14) Among the people there is someone whose
And horses, mules and donkeys both to ride and words about the life of this world excite your ad-
for adornment. And He creates other things you miration, and he calls Allah to witness what is in
do not know. (16:8) his heart, while he is in fact the most hostile of
When swift horses, champing at the bit, were dis- adversaries. (2:204)
played before him in the afternoon, he You will find that the people most hostile to those
(Sulayman) said, ‘Truly do I love the love of good, who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You
with a view to the glory of my Lord until the sun will find the people most affectionate to those
disappeared behind its veil. Return them to me!’ who believe are those who say, ‘We are
And he set about slashing through their shanks Christians.’ That is because some of them are
and necks. (38:31-33) priests and monks and because they are not arro-
Whatever booty from them Allah has given to gant. (5:82)
His Messenger–and you spurred on neither horse This was because they (the disbelievers) were
nor camel in its acquisition, but Allah gives hostile to Allah and His Messenger. If anyone is
power to His Messengers over anyone He wills, hostile to Allah and His Messenger, Allah is se-
Allah has power over all things. (59:6) vere in retribution. (8:13)
By the charging horses panting hard, striking Will you not fight a people who have broken
sparks from their flashing hooves, raiding at full their oaths and resolved to expel the Messenger,
gallop in the early dawn, leaving a trailing dust- and who initiated hostilities against you in the first
349
place? Is it them you fear? Allah has more right to On the day We gather them together–when it
your fear if you are believers. (9:13) will seem if they had tarried no more than an
Then on the Day of Rising He will disgrace them, hour of a single day–they will recognise one an-
and say, ‘Where are My partner gods for whose other. Those who denied the meeting with Allah
sake you became so hostile?’ Those given knowl- will have lost. They were not guided. (10:45)
edge will say, ‘Today there is disgrace and evil for Say: ‘I possess no power to harm or help myself
the disbelievers.’ (16:27) except as Allah wills. Every nation has an ap-
We have made it easy on your tongue so that you pointed time. When their appointed time comes,
can give good news to those who guard against they cannot delay it a single hour or bring it for-
evil and warn stubbornly hostile people by it. ward.’ (10:49)
(19:97) If Allah were to punish people for their wrong ac-
We did not send any Messenger or any Prophet tions, not a single creature would be left upon
before you without Satan insinuating something the earth, but He defers them till a predetermined
into his recitation while he was reciting. But Allah time. When their specified time arrives, they can-
revokes whatever Satan insinuates and then Allah not delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it
confirms His Signs–Allah is All-Knowing, All- forward. (16:61)
Wise–so that He can make what Satan insinuates a What of him who spends the night hours in
trial for those with sickness in their hearts and for prayer, prostrating and standing up, mindful of
those whose hearts are hard–the wrongdoers are the hereafter, hoping for the mercy of his Lord?
entrenched in hostility. (22:52-53) Say: ‘Are they the same–those who know and
But those who disbelieve are full of vainglory and those who do not know?’ It is only people of in-
entrenched in hostility. (38:2) telligence who pay heed. (39:9)
Say: ‘What do you think? If it is from Allah and you So be steadfast as the Messengers with firm re-
reject it, who could be more misguided than solve were also steadfast. And do not seek to has-
someone entrenched in hostility to it?’ (41:52) ten it for them. On the Day they see what they
Those who disbelieve and obstruct the Way of were promised, it will be as if they had only tar-
Allah and are entrenched in hostility towards the ried for just one hour of a single day. It has been
Messenger after the guidance has become clear to transmitted! Will any be destroyed except for de-
them, do not harm Allah in any way and He viant people? (46:35)
makes their actions come to nothing. (47:32)
That is because they (those who disbelieved HOUR, THE (SEE THE DAY OF RISING)
among the People of the Book) were entrenched
in hostility towards Allah and His Messenger. If HOUSE
anyone is hostile towards Allah, Allah is Severe in And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place
Retribution. (59:4) of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the
They (the hypocrites) will not fight against you all place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of
together as a group except in fortified towns or be- prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il:
hind high walls.Their hostility towards each other ‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and
is intense. They are full of bravado in each other’s those who stay there, and those who bow and
company. You consider them united but their who prostrate.’ (2:125)
hearts are scattered wide. That is because they are And when Ibrahim built the foundations of the
people who do not use their intellect. (59:14) House with Isma‘il: ‘Our Lord, accept this from
us! You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’
HOUR (2:127)
Every nation has an appointed time. When their Safa and Marwa are among the Landmarks of
time comes, they cannot delay it a single hour or Allah, so anyone who goes on pilgrimage to the
bring it forward. (7:34) House or does the pious visit incurs no wrong in
350
going back and forth between them. If anyone or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you
spontaneously does good, Allah is All-Thankful, have acquired, or any business you fear may
All-Knowing. (2:158) slump, or any house which pleases you, are
They will ask you about the crescent moons. Say, dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and
‘They are set times for mankind and for the pil- striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings
grimage.’ It is not devoutness for you to enter about His command. Allah does not guide peo-
houses by the back. Rather devoutness is pos- ple who are deviators.’ (9:24)
sessed by those who guard against evil. So come We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your
to houses by their doors and have fear of Allah, people in houses in Egypt and make your houses
so that hopefully you will be successful. (2:189) places of worship and perform prayer and give
The first House established for mankind was that good news to the believers.’ (10:87)
at Bakka, a place of blessing and a guidance for They said, ‘Are you astonished at Allah’s com-
all beings. In it are Clear Signs–the place where mand? May Allah’s mercy and His blessings be
Ibrahim stood (to pray). All who enter it are safe. upon you, People of the House! He is
Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.’ (11:73)
by all mankind–those who can find a way to do (Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of
it. But if anyone disbelieves, Allah is Rich my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti-
Beyond Need of any being. (3:96-97) vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer!
You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites Make the hearts of mankind incline towards
of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial them and provide them with fruits, so that hope-
animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37)
for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good Allah has made your houses places of rest for you
pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage and made houses for you out of cattle hides
is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for which are light for you to carry both when you
a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque are travelling and when you are staying in one
(Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond place. And from their wool and fur and hair you
the limits. Help each other to goodness and obtain clothing and carpets and household uten-
heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo- sils for a time. (16:80)
ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se- And We located the position of the House for
vere in retribution. (5:2) Ibrahim: ‘Do not associate anything with Me and
Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a purify My House for those who circle it, and
special institution for mankind, and also the sa- those who stand and bow and prostrate.’ (22:26)
cred months and the sacrificial animals and the (We revealed to Ibrahim:) ‘Then they should end
ritual garlands. That is so you will know that their state of self-neglect and fulfil their vows and
Allah knows what is in the heavens and in the circle the Ancient House.’ (22:29)
earth and that Allah has knowledge of all things. You can make use of the sacrificial animals until
(5:97) a specified time, and then their place of sacrifice
Just as your Lord brought you out from your is by the Ancient House. (22:33)
house with truth, even though a group of the be- You who believe! Do not enter houses other than
lievers disliked it, arguing with you about the your own until you have asked permission and
Truth after it had been made clear as though they greeted their inhabitants. That is better for you,
were being driven to their death with open eyes. so that hopefully you will pay heed. (24:27)
(8:5-6) There is nothing wrong in your entering houses
Their prayer at the House is nothing but whistling where no one lives and where there is some serv-
and clapping. So taste the punishment because ice for you. Allah knows what you divulge and
you disbelieved! (8:35) what you conceal. (24:29)
Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers In houses which Allah has permitted to be built
351
and in which His name is remembered, there are Lord, build a house in the Garden for me in Your
men who proclaim His glory morning and presence and rescue me from Pharaoh and his
evening. (24:36) deeds and rescue me from this wrongdoing peo-
There is no objection to the blind, no objection ple.’ (66:11)
to the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your- So let them worship the Lord of this House.
selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa- (106:3)
thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your
brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the HUD (AS) AND ‘AD
houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts And to ‘Ad We sent their brother Hud, who said,
or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater- ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no other
nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or god than Him. So will you not guard against
those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in evil?’ (7:65)
your eating together or eating separately. And The ruling circle of those of his people who dis-
when you enter houses greet one another with a believed said, ‘We consider you a fool and think
greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this you are a liar.’ (7:66)
way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that He said, ‘My people, I am by no means a fool,
hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61) but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of all
These are the ruins of their houses because of the the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s Message to
wrong they did. There is certainly a Sign in that you, and I am a faithful counsellor to you. Or are
for people with knowledge. (27:52) you astonished that a reminder should come to
How many cities We have destroyed which lived you from your Lord by way of a man among you
in insolent ingratitude! There are their houses, in order to warn you? Remember when He ap-
never again inhabited after them, except a little. pointed you successors to the people of Nuh,
It was We Who were their Heir. (28:58) and increased you greatly in stature. Remember
The metaphor of those who take protectors be- Allah’s blessings, so that hopefully you will be
sides Allah is that of a spider which builds itself a successful.’ (7:67-69)
house; but no house is flimsier than a spider’s They said, ‘Have you come to us to make us wor-
house, if they only knew. (29:41) ship Allah alone and abandon what our fathers
And a group of them said, ‘People of Yathrib, used to worship? Then bring us what you have
Your position is untenable so return!’ some of promised us if you are telling the truth.’ (7:70)
them asked the Prophet to excuse them, saying, He said, ‘Punishment and anger have come
‘Our houses are exposed,’ when they were not down on you from your Lord. Do you argue with
exposed; it was merely that they wanted to run me regarding names which you and your forefa-
away. (33:13) thers invented and for which Allah has sent
He bequeathed their land, their houses and their down no authority? Wait, then; I am waiting with
wealth to you, and another land you had not yet you.’ (7:71)
trodden on. Allah has power over all things. So We rescued him and those with him by mercy
(33:27) from Us, and We cut off the last remnant of those
Remain in your houses and do not display your who denied Our Signs and were not believers.
beauty as it was previously displayed in the Time (7:72)
of Ignorance. Perform prayer and give the alms And to ‘Ad We sent their brother Hud. He said,
and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah desires ‘My people! Worship Allah. You have no god
to remove all impurity from you, People of the apart from Him. You are merely fabricators. My
House, and to purify you completely. (33:33) people! I do not ask you for any wage for it. My
(I swear) by the Visited House. (52:4) wage is the responsibility of Him Who brought
Allah has made an example for those who be- me into being. So will you not use your intellect?
lieve: the wife of Pharaoh when she said, ‘My My people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and
352
then repent to Him. He will send heaven down yourselves, and construct great fortresses, hoping
to you in abundant rain, and increase you with to live for ever, and when you attack, attack as
strength upon strength. Do not turn away as evil- tyrants do? So have fear of Allah and obey me.
doers.’ (11:50-52) Have fear of Him Who has supplied you with
They said, ‘Hud, you have not brought us any what you know, supplied you with livestock and
clear sign. We will not forsake our gods for what children and gardens and clear springs. I fear for
you say. We do not believe you. We only say that you the punishment of a terrible Day.’ They said,
one of our gods has driven you mad.’ He said, ‘I ‘It makes no difference to us whether you preach
call on Allah to be my witness, and you also bear or do not preach. This is only what the previous
witness, that I am free of all the gods you have peoples did. We are not going to be punished.’
apart from Him. So scheme against me, all of you So they denied him and We destroyed them.
together, and then grant me no respite. I have put There is certainly a Sign in that, yet most of them
my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord. There are not believers. Truly your Lord is the Almighty,
is no creature He does not hold by the forelock. the Most Merciful. (26:123-140)
My Lord is on a Straight Path. If you turn your And ‘Ad and Thamud–it must be clear to you
backs, I have transmitted to you what I was sent from their dwelling places! Satan made their ac-
to you with, and my Lord will replace you with tions seem good to them and so debarred them
another people, and you will not harm Him at from the Way, even though they were intelligent
all. My Lord is the Preserver of everything.’ people. (29:38)
(11:53-57) If they turn away, then say, ‘I warn you of a light-
When Our command came, We rescued Hud ning-bolt like the lightning-bolt of ‘Ad and of
and those who believed along with him by a Thamud.’ (41:13)
mercy from Us. We rescued them from a harsh ‘Ad were arrogant in the land, without any right,
punishment. (11:58) saying, ‘Who has greater strength than us?’ Did
That was ‘Ad. They denied the Signs of their Lord they not see that Allah, Who created them, had
and disobeyed His Messengers and followed the greater strength than them? But they renounced
command of every obdurate tyrant. (11:59) Our Signs. (41:15)
They were pursued by a curse in this world and Remember the brother of ‘Ad when he warned
on the Day of Rising. Yes indeed! ‘Ad rejected his people by the sand-dunes–and warners
their Lord, so away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud! passed away before and after him–‘Worship no
(11:60) one but Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a
(Shu‘ayb said,) ‘My people! Do not let your terrible Day.’ They said, ‘Have you come to us to
breach with me provoke you into doing wrong so divert us from our gods? Bring us what you have
that the same thing happens to you as happened promised us if you are telling the truth.’ He said,
to the people of Nuh and the people of Hud and ‘All knowledge is with Allah. I only transmit to
the people of Salih; and the people of Lut are not you what I have been sent with. But I see that you
far distant from you.’ (11:89) are a people who are ignorant.’ When they saw it
The same goes for ‘Ad and Thamud and the as a storm cloud advancing on their valleys they
Companions of the Rass and many generations in said, ‘This is a storm cloud which will give us
between. (25:38) rain.’ No, rather it is what you desired to has-
‘Ad denied the Messengers when their brother ten–a wind containing painful punishment, de-
Hud said to them, ‘Will you not guard against stroying everything at its Lord’s command! When
evil? I am a faithful Messenger to you so have morning came you could see nothing but their
fear of Allah and obey me. I do not ask you for dwellings. That is how We repay the people of
any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of the evildoers. We established them far more
no one but the Lord of all the worlds. Do you firmly than We have established you and gave
build a tower on every hilltop, just to amuse them hearing, sight and hearts. But their hearing,
353
sight and hearts were of no use to them at all when so that hopefully they would humble themselves.
they renounced Allah’s Signs and what they (6:42)
mocked at engulfed them. (46:21-26) If only they had humbled themselves when Our vi-
And also in ‘Ad when We unleashed against olent force came upon them! However, their hearts
them the barren wind, which left nothing it were hard and Satan made what they were doing
touched without turning it to dust. (51:41-42) seem attractive to them. (6:43)
(Or has he not been informed) that He destroyed Say: ‘Who rescues you from the darkness of the
‘Ad, the earlier people? (53:50) land and sea? You call on Him humbly and se-
‘Ad denied the truth. How terrible were My pun- cretly: "If you rescue us from this, we will truly be
ishment and warnings! (54:18) among the thankful."’ (6:63)
We unleashed a howling wind against them on a Call on your Lord humbly and secretly. He does
day of unremitting horror. It plucked up men like not love those who overstep the limits. (7:55)
uprooted stumps. (54:19-20) We have never sent a Prophet to any city without
Thamud and ‘Ad denied the Crushing Blow. seizing its people with hardship and distress so that
(69:4) hopefully they would be humble. (7:94)
‘Ad were destroyed by a savage howling wind. They were defeated then and there, transformed
(69:6) into humbled men. (7:119)
Allah subjected them to it for seven whole nights Remember your Lord in yourself humbly and fear-
and eight whole days without a break. You could fully, without loudness of voice, morning and
see the people flattened in their homes just like evening. Do not be one of the unaware. (7:205)
the hollow stumps of uprooted palms. (69:7) As for those who believe and do right actions and
Do you not see what your Lord did with ‘Ad? humble themselves before their Lord, they are the
(89:6) Companions of the Garden remaining in it time-
lessly, for ever. (11:23)
HUDAYBIYYAH On that day they will follow the Summoner who
(SEE PEACE OF HUDAYBIYYAH) has no crookedness in him at all. Voices will be
humbled before the All-Merciful and nothing but a
HUMBLE whisper will be heard. (20:108)
Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. But that is Faces will be humbled to the Living, the All-
a very hard thing, except for the humble. (2:45) Sustaining and anyone weighed down with wrong-
Among the people of the Book there are some doing will have failed. (20:111)
who believe in Allah and in what has been sent If We had destroyed them with a punishment be-
down to you and what was sent down to them, fore this, they would have said, ‘Our Lord, why did
and who are humble before Allah. They do not You not send us a Messenger, so we could follow
sell Allah’s Signs for a paltry price. Such people Your Signs before we were humbled and dis-
will have their reward with their Lord. And Allah graced?’ (20:134)
is swift at reckoning. (3:199) We responded to him and gave him Yahya, restor-
You who believe! If any of you renounce your re- ing for him his wife’s fertility. They outdid one an-
ligion, Allah will bring forward a people whom other in good actions, calling out to Us in yearning
He loves and who love Him, humble to the be- and in awe, and humbling themselves to Us.
lievers, fierce to the disbelievers, who strive in (21:90)
the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of We have appointed a rite of sacrifice for every na-
any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of tion so that they may invoke Allah’s name over the
Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah livestock He has given them. Your God is One God
is Boundless, All-Knowing. (5:54) so submit to Him. Give good news to the humble-
We sent Messengers to nations before you, and hearted, whose hearts quake at the mention of
afflicted those nations with hardship and distress Allah, and who are steadfast in the face of all that
354
happens to them, those who perform prayer and gives to whoever He wills. Allah is Boundless, All-
give of what We have provided for them. (22:34- Knowing. (5:54)
35) Take them (your parents) under your wing, out of
And (it is) so that those who have been given mercy, with due humility and say: ‘Lord, show
knowledge will know it is the truth from their Lord mercy to them as they did in looking after me when
and believe in it and their hearts will be humbled I was small.’ (17:24)
to Him. Allah guides those who believe to a Say: ‘Believe in it (the Qur'an) or do not believe in
straight path. (22:54) it.’ Certainly, when it is recited to them, those who
It is the believers who are successful: those who were given knowledge before it fall on their faces
are humble in their prayer. (23:1-2) in prostration, saying, ‘Glory be to our Lord! The
We seized them with the punishment, but they did promise of our Lord is truly fulfilled!’ Weeping,
not go low before their Lord; nor will they humble they fall to the ground in prostration, and it in-
themselves until We open to them a gate to a harsh creases them in humility. (17:107-109)
punishment in which they will at once be crushed We have appointed a rite of sacrifice for every na-
by despair. (23:76-77) tion so that they may invoke Allah’s name over the
Men and women who are Muslims, men and livestock He has given them. Your God is One God
women who are believers, men and women who so submit to Him. Give good news to the humble-
are obedient, men and women who are truthful, hearted. (22:34)
men and women who are steadfast, men and And (it is) so that those who have been given
women who are humble, men and women who knowledge will know it is the truth from their Lord
give charity, men and women who fast, men and and believe in it and their hearts will be humbled
women who guard their chastity, men and women to Him. Allah guides those who believe to a
who remember Allah much: Allah has prepared straight path. (22:54)
forgiveness for them and an immense reward. The servants of the All-Merciful are those who
(33:35) walk on the earth in humility and, who, when the
If We Had sent down this Qur’an onto a mountain, ignorant speak to them, say, ‘Peace’. (25:63)
you would have seen it humbled, crushed to Men and women who are Muslims, men and
pieces out of fear of Allah. We make such exam- women who are believers, men and women who
ples for people so that hopefully they will reflect. are obedient, men and women who are truthful,
(59:21) men and women who are steadfast, men and
women who are humble, men and women who
HUMILITY give charity, men and women who fast, men and
Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. But that is a women who guard their chastity, men and women
very hard thing, except for the humble. (2:45) who remember Allah much: Allah has prepared
Among the people of the Book there are some who forgiveness for them and an immense reward.
believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to (33:35)
you and what was sent down to them, and who are
humble before Allah. They do not sell Allah’s Signs HUNGER
for a paltry price. Such people will have their re- We will test you with a certain amount of fear
ward with their Lord. And Allah is swift at reckon- and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits.
ing. (3:199) But give good news to the steadfast. (2:155)
You who believe! If any of you renounce your reli- Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork,
gion, Allah will bring forward a people whom He and what has been consecrated to other than
loves and who love Him, humble to the believers, Allah, and animals which have been strangled,
fierce to the disbelievers, who strive in the Way of and animals which have been killed by a blow,
Allah and do not fear the blame of any censurer. and animals which have fallen to their death,
That is the unbounded favour of Allah which He and animals which have been gored, and ani-
355
mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those who debar you from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid
you are able to slaughter properly–and animals al-Haram) incite you into going beyond the limits.
which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid- Help each other to goodness and heedfulness. Do
ing things by means of divining arrows–that is not help each other to wrongdoing and enmity.
deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de- Have fear of Allah. Allah is severe in retribution.
spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not (5:2)
be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I They will ask you what is lawful for them. Say: ‘All
have perfected your religion for you and com- good things are lawful for you, and also what is
pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased caught for you by hunting animals which you
with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is have trained as Allah has taught you. Eat what
forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing, they catch for you, mentioning Allah’s name over
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3) it.’ And have fear of Allah. Allah is swift at reckon-
It was not for people of Madina, and the desert ing. (5:4)
arabs around them, to remain behind the You who believe! Allah will test you with game
Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to animals which come within the reach of your
him. That is because no thirst or weariness or hands and spears, so that Allah will know those
hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor who fear Him in the Unseen. Anyone who over-
will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe- steps the limits after this will have a painful pun-
lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy, ishment. You who believe! Do not kill game while
without a right action being written down for you are in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you
them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of kills any deliberately, the reprisal for it is a live-
the good-doers go to waste. (9:120) stock animal equivalent to what he killed, as
Allah makes an example of a city which was safe judged by two just men among you, a sacrifice to
and at peace, its provision coming to it plenti- reach the Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor,
fully from every side. Then it showed ingratitude or fasting commensurate with that, so that he may
for Allah’s blessings so Allah made it wear the taste the evil consequences of what he did. Allah
robes of hunger and fear for what it did. (16:112) has pardoned all that took place in the past; but if
What will convey to you what the steep ascent anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on
is? It is freeing a slave or feeding on a day of him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge.
hunger an orphaned relative or a poor man in the Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you,
dust. (90:12-16) and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that of
So let them worship the Lord of this House Who travellers, but land game is forbidden for you
has preserved them from hunger and secured while you are in the state of pilgrimage. So have
them from fear. (106: 3-4) fear of Allah, Him to whom you will be gathered.
(5:94-96)
HUNTING
You who believe! Fulfil your contracts. All live- HUSBAND
stock animals are lawful for you, except those that Divorced women should wait by themselves for
are recited to you now; but it is still not lawful to three menstrual cycles; and it is not lawful for
hunt while you are in the state of pilgrimage. Allah them to conceal what Allah has created in their
makes whatever judgements He wills. (5:1) wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day.
You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites Their husbands have the right to take them back
of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial an- within that time, if they desire to be reconciled.
imals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading for Women possess rights similar to those held over
the Sacred House, desiring profit and good pleas- them to be honoured with fairness; but men have
ure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage is over, a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All-
then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for a people Wise. (2:228)
356
But if a man divorces his wife a third time, she is Allah has heard the words of the woman who
not lawful for him after that until she has married disputes with you about her husband and lays
another husband. Then if he divorces her, there is her complaint before Allah. Allah hears the two
nothing wrong in the original couple getting of you talking together. Allah is All-Hearing, All-
back together provided they think they will re- Seeing. (58:1)
main within Allah’s limits. These are Allah’s lim-
its which he has made clear to people who HYPOCRITES (MUNAFIQUN)
know. (2:230) Among the people there are some who say, ‘We
When you divorce women and they are near the believe in Allah and the Last Day,’ when they are
end of their waiting period, do not prevent them not believers. (2:8)
from marrying their first husbands if they have They think they deceive Allah and those who be-
mutually agreed to it with correctness and cour- lieve. They deceive no one but themselves but
tesy. This is an admonition for those of you who they are not aware of it. (2:9)
believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better There is a sickness in their hearts and Allah has
and purer for you. Allah knows and you do not increased their sickness. They will have a painful
know. (2:232) punishment on account of their denial. (2:10)
If you fear a breach between a couple, send an When they are told, ‘Do not cause corruption on
arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her the earth,’ they say, ‘We are only putting things
people. If the couple desire to put things right, right.’ (2:11)
Allah will bring about a reconciliation between No indeed! They are the corrupters, but they are
them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (4:35) not aware of it. (2:12)
If a woman fears cruelty or aversion on her hus- When they are told, ‘Believe in the way that the
band’s part, there is nothing wrong in the couple people believe,’ they say, ‘What! Are we to be-
becoming reconciled. Reconciliation is better. lieve in the way that fools believe?’ No indeed!
But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do They are the fools, but they do not know it. (2:13)
good and guard against evil, Allah is aware of When they meet those who believe, they say,
what you do. (4:128) ‘We believe.’ But then when they go apart with
She (Ibrahim’s wife) said, ‘Woe is me! How can I their Satans, they say, ‘We are really with you.
give birth when I am an old woman and my hus- We were only mocking.’ (2:14)
band here is an aged man? This is indeed an as- But Allah is mocking them, and drawing them
tonishing thing!’ (11:72) on, as they wander blindly in their excessive in-
Say to the believing women that they should solence. (2:15)
lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not Those are the people who have sold guidance for
display their adornments–except for what nor- misguidance. Their trade has brought no profit;
mally shows–and draw their head-coverings they are not guided. (2:16)
across their breasts. They should only display Their likeness is that of people who light a fire,
their adornments to their husbands or their fa- and then when it has lit up all around them,
thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or Allah removes their light and leaves them in
their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their darkness, unable to see. (2:17)
brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their Deaf, dumb, blind. They will not return. (2:18)
women or those they own as slaves or their male Or that of a storm-cloud in the sky, full of dark-
attendants who have no sexual desire or children ness, thunder and lightning. They put their fin-
who still have no awareness of women’s private gers in their ears against the thunderclaps, fearful
parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that of death. Allah encompasses the disbelievers.
their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah (2:19)
every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you The lightning all but takes away their sight.
will have success. (24:31) Whenever they have light, they walk in it but
357
whenever darkness covers them, they halt. If had only been with us, they would not have died
Allah wished, He could take away their hearing or been killed,’ so that Allah can make that an-
and their sight. Allah has power over all things. guish for them in their hearts. It is Allah Who
(2:20) gives life and causes to die. Allah sees what you
Those who break Allah’s contract after it has do. (3:156)
been agreed, and sever what Allah has com- What assailed you on the day the two armies met
manded to be joined, and cause corruption on was by Allah’s permission, so that He would
the earth, it is they who are the lost. (2:27) know the believers, and so that He would know
Among the people there is someone whose the hypocrites. They were told, ‘Come and fight
words about the life of this world excite your ad- in the Way of Allah or at least help defend us.’
miration, and he calls Allah to witness what is in They said, ‘If we knew how to fight, we would
his heart, while he is in fact the most hostile of certainly follow you.’ They were closer to disbe-
adversaries. (2:204) lief that day than to faith, saying with their
When he is told to have fear of Allah, he is seized mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah
by pride which drives him to wrongdoing. Hell knows best what they are hiding. (3:166-167)
will be enough for him! What an evil resting- They are those who said of their brothers, when
place! (2:206) they themselves had stayed behind, ‘If they had
It is He Who sent down the Book to you from only obeyed us, they would not have been
Him: verses containing clear judgements–they killed.’ Say, ‘Then ward off death from yourselves
are the core of the Book–and others which are if you are telling the truth.’ (3:168)
open to interpretation. Those with deviation in Do you not see those who claim that they believe
their hearts follow what is open to interpretation in what has been sent down to you and what was
in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning. sent down before you, still desiring to turn to a
No one knows its inner meaning but Allah. satanic source for judgement in spite of being or-
Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be- dered to reject it? Satan wants to misguide them
lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only peo- far away. (4:60)
ple of intelligence pay heed. (3:7) When they are told, ‘Come to what Allah has
Then He sent down to you, after the distress, se- sent down and to the Messenger,’ you see the
curity, restful sleep overtaking a group of you, hypocrites turning away from you completely.
whereas another group became prey to anxious (4:61)
thoughts, thinking other than the truth about How will it be when a disaster strikes them be-
Allah–thoughts belonging to the Time of cause of what they have done, and then they
Ignorance–saying, ‘Do we have any say in the af- come to you swearing by Allah: ‘We desired
fair at all?’ Say, ‘The affair belongs entirely to nothing but good and reconciliation’? (4:62)
Allah.’ They are concealing things inside them- Allah knows what is in such people’s hearts so
selves which they do not disclose to you, saying, turn away from them and warn them and speak
‘If we had only had a say in the affair, none of us to them with words that take effect. (4:63)
would have been killed here in this place.’ Say, We sent no Messenger except to be obeyed by
‘Even if you had been inside your homes, those Allah’s permission. If only when they wronged
people for whom killing was decreed would themselves they had come to you and asked
have gone out to their place of death.’ So that Allah’s forgiveness and the Messenger had asked
Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge forgiveness for them they would have found
what is in your hearts. Allah knows the contents Allah Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (4:64)
of your hearts. (3:154) No, by your Lord, they are not believers until
You who believe! Do not be like those who dis- they make you their judge in the disputes that
believe and say of their brothers, when they are break out between them, and then find no resist-
going on journeys or military expeditions, ‘If they ance within themselves to what you decide and
358
submit themselves completely. (4:65) disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to
If We had directed them to kill themselves or the Messenger and those in command among
leave their homes, they would not have done so, them, those among them able to discern the truth
except for a very few. But if they had done what about it would have had proper knowledge of it.
they were urged to do, it would have been better If it were not for Allah’s favour to you and His
for them and far more strengthening. (4:66) mercy, all but a very few of you would have fol-
Among you there are people who hang back and lowed Satan. (4:83)
if you encounter a setback then they say, ‘Allah How is it that you have become two parties re-
has blessed me in that I was not there with them.’ garding the hypocrites, when Allah has returned
(4:72) them to disbelief for what they did? Do you de-
But if you meet with favour from Allah they sire to guide people Allah has misguided? When
say–as if there were no friendship between you Allah misguides someone, you will find no way
and them–‘Oh! If only I had been with them so for him. (4:88)
that I too might have won a great victory.’ (4:73) They would like you to disbelieve as they disbe-
Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back lieve so that you will all be the same. Do not take
from fighting but perform prayer and give the any of them as friends until they have migrated in
alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them, the Way of Allah. But if they run away then seize
a group of them fear people as Allah should be them and kill them wherever you find them. Do
feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our not take any of them as either a friend or
Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If helper–except for those who seek shelter with
only You would give us just a little more time!’ people with whom you have a treaty, or who
Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief. come to you greatly perturbed at the prospect of
The hereafter is better for those who guard fighting either you or their own people. If Allah
against evil. You will not be wronged by so much had willed, He could have given them the upper
as the smallest speck.’ (4:77) hand over you and then they would have fought
Wherever you are, death will catch up with you, you. If they keep away from you and do not fight
even if you are in impregnable fortresses. If a you and submit to you, Allah has not given you
good thing happens to them, they say, ‘This has any way against such people. (4:89-90)
come from Allah.’ But if a bad thing happens to You will find others who desire to be safe from
them, they say, ‘This has come from you.’ Say, you and safe from their own people. Each time
‘Everything comes from Allah.’ What is the mat- they are returned to dissension they are over-
ter with these people that they scarcely under- whelmed by it. If they do not keep away from
stand a single word? (4:78) you or submit to you or refrain from fighting,
Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah. seize them and kill them wherever you find
If anyone turns away, we did not send you to them. Over such people We have given you
them as their keeper. (4:80) clear authority. (4:91)
They have the word, ‘Obedience!’ on their They try to conceal themselves from people, but
tongues but when they leave your presence, a they cannot conceal themselves from Allah. He
group of them spend the night plotting to do is with them when they spend the night saying
other than what you say. Allah is recording their things which are not pleasing to Him. Allah en-
nocturnal plotting. So let them be and put your compasses everything they do. (4:108)
trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:81) Were it not for Allah’s favour to you and His
Will they not ponder the Qur’an? If it had been mercy, a group of them would almost have man-
from other than Allah, they would have found aged to mislead you. But they mislead no one but
many inconsistencies in it. (4:82) themselves and do not harm you in any way.
When news of any matter reaches them they Allah has sent down the Book and Wisdom to
spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or you and taught you what you did not know be-
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fore. Allah’s favour to you is indeed immense. You who believe! Do not take the disbelievers as
(4:113) friends rather than the believers. Do you want to
There is no good in much of their secret talk, ex- give Allah clear proof against you? (4:144)
cept in the case of those who enjoin charity, or The hypocrites are in the lowest level of the Fire.
what is right, or putting things right between peo- You will not find any one to help them, except
ple. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of those who repent and put things right and hold
Allah, We will give him an immense reward. fast to Allah and dedicate their religion to Allah
(4:114) alone; they are with the believers. Allah will give
But if anyone opposes the Messenger after the the believers an immense reward. (4:145-146)
guidance has become clear to him, and follows O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who
other than the path of the believers, We will hand rush headlong into disbelief among those who
him over to whatever he has turned to, and We say ‘We believe’ with their tongues when their
will roast him in Hell. What an evil destination! hearts contain no faith. And among the Jews are
(4:115) those who listen to lies, listening to other people
As for those who believe and then return to dis- who have not come to you, distorting words from
belief, and then again believe and then return to their proper meanings, saying, ‘If you are given
disbelief, and then increase in disbelief, Allah this, then take it. If you are not given it, then be-
will not forgive them or guide them on any path. ware!’ If Allah desires misguidance for someone,
(4:137) you cannot help him against Allah in any way.
Give news to the hypocrites that they will have a Those are the people whose hearts Allah does
painful punishment. (4:138) not want to purify. They will have disgrace in this
Do those who take the disbelievers as protectors, world and in the hereafter they will have a terri-
rather than the believers, hope to find power and ble punishment. (5:41)
strength with them? Power and strength belong Yet you see those with sickness in their hearts
entirely to Allah. (4:139) rushing to them, saying, ‘We fear the wheel of
It has been sent down to you in the Book that fate may turn against us.’ But it may well be that
when you hear Allah’s Signs being rejected and Allah will bring about victory or some other con-
mocked at by people, you must not sit with them tingency from Him. Then they will deeply regret
till they start talking of other things. If you do you their secret thoughts. (5:52)
are just the same as them. Allah will gather all Those who believe say, ‘Are these the people
the hypocrites and disbelievers into Hell. (4:140) who swore by Allah, with their most earnest
Those who anticipate the worst for you say, oaths, that they were with you?’ Their actions
‘Were we not with you?’ whenever you gain a have come to nothing and they now are losers.
victory from Allah, but if the disbelievers have a (5:53)
success they say, ‘Did we not have the upper Do they then seek the judgement of the Time of
hand over you and yet in spite of that keep the Ignorance? Who could be better at giving judge-
believers away from you?’ Allah will judge be- ment than Allah for people with certainty? (5:50)
tween you on the Day of Rising. Allah will not If it had been a case of easy gains and a short
give the disbelievers any way against the believ- journey, they would have followed you, but the
ers. (4:141) distance was too great for them. They will swear
The hypocrites think they deceive Allah, but He by Allah: ‘Had we been able to, we would have
is deceiving them. When they get up to pray, gone out with you.’ They are destroying their
they get up lazily, showing off to people, and own selves. Allah knows that they are lying.
only remembering Allah a very little. (4:142) (9:42)
They vacillate between the two–not joining these Allah pardon you! Why did you excuse them until
or joining those. If Allah misguides someone, it was clear to you which of them were telling the
you will not find any way for him to go. (4:143) truth and until you knew the liars? (9:43)
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Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day do only give reluctantly. (9:54)
not ask you to excuse them from striving with Do not let their wealth and children impress you.
their wealth and themselves. Allah knows the Allah merely wants to punish them by them dur-
people who guard against evil. (9:44) ing their life in this world and for them to expire
Only those who do not believe in Allah and the while they are disbelievers. (9:55)
Last Day ask you to excuse them. Their hearts are They swear by Allah that they are of your num-
full of doubt and in their doubt they waver to and ber, but they are not of your number. Rather, they
fro. (9:45) are people who are scared. (9:56)
If they had really desired to go out, they would If they could find a bolt-hole, cave or burrow,
have made proper preparations for it, but Allah they would turn and scurry away into it. (9:57)
was averse to their setting out so He held them Among them there are some who find fault with
back and they were told: ‘Stay behind with those you concerning the alms. If they are given some
who stay behind.’ (9:46) of it, they are pleased but if they are not given
If they had gone out among you, they would any, they are angry. (9:58)
have added nothing to you but confusion. They If only they had been pleased with what Allah
would have scurried about amongst you seeking and His Messenger had given them and had said,
to cause conflict between you, and among you ‘Allah is enough for us. Allah will give us of His
there are some who would have listened to them. bounty as will His Messenger. It is to Allah that
Allah knows the wrongdoers. (9:47) we make our plea.’ (9:59)
They have already tried to cause conflict before, Among them are some who insult the Prophet,
and turned things completely upside down for saying he is only an ear. Say, ‘An ear of good for
you, until the truth came and Allah’s command you, believing in Allah and believing in the be-
prevailed even though they detested it. (9:48) lievers, and a mercy for those among you who
Among them are there some who say, ‘Give me believe.’ As for those who insult the Messenger of
permission to stay. Do not put temptation in my Allah, they will have a painful punishment.
way.’ Have they not fallen into that very tempta- (9:61)
tion? Hell hems in the disbelievers. (9:49) Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah
If good happens to you it galls them. If a mishap and His Messenger, will have the Fire of Hell, re-
occurs to you, they say, ‘We made our prepara- maining in it timelessly, for ever? That is the great
tions in advance,’ and they turn away rejoicing. disgrace. (9:63)
(9:50) The hypocrites are afraid that a sura may be sent
Say: ‘Nothing can happen to us except what down about them, informing them of what is in
Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is their hearts. Say: ‘Go on mocking! Allah will ex-
in Allah that the believers should put their trust.’ pose everything you are afraid of.’ (9:64)
(9:51) If you ask them they will say, ‘We were only jok-
Say: ‘What do you await for us except for one of ing and playing around.’ Say: ‘Would you make a
the two best things? But what we await for you is mockery of Allah and of His Signs and of His
for Allah to inflict a punishment on you either di- Messenger? Do not try to excuse yourselves. You
rectly from Himself or at our hands. So wait, we have disbelieved after believing. If one group of
are waiting with you!’ (9:52) you is pardoned, another group will be punished
Say: ‘Whether you give readily or reluctantly, it for being evildoers.’ (9:65-66)
will not be accepted from you. You are people The men and women of the hypocrites are as bad
who are deviators.’ (9:53) as one another. They command what is wrong
Nothing prevents what they give from being ac- and forbid what is right and keep their fists tightly
cepted from them but the fact that they have re- closed. They have forgotten Allah, so He has for-
jected Allah and His Messenger, and that they gotten them. The hypocrites are deviators. (9:67)
only come to prayer lethargically, and that they Allah has promised the men and women of the
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hypocrites and disbelievers the Fire of Hell, re- Allah and His Messenger. Allah does not guide
maining in it timelessly, for ever. It will suffice deviant people. (9:80)
them. Allah has cursed them. They will have Those who were left behind were glad to stay be-
everlasting punishment. (9:68) hind the Messenger of Allah. They did not want
Like those (hypocrites and disbelievers) before to strive with their wealth and themselves in the
you who had greater strength than you and more Way of Allah. They said, ‘Do not go out to fight
wealth and children. They enjoyed their portion; in the heat.’ Say: ‘The Fire of Hell is much hotter,
so enjoy your portion as those before you en- if they only understood.’ (9:81)
joyed theirs. You have plunged into defamation Let them laugh little and weep much, in repay-
as they plunged into it. The actions of such peo- ment for what they have earned. (9:82)
ple come to nothing in this world or the here- If Allah returns you to a group of them, and they
after. They are the lost. (9:69) ask you for permission to go out, say, ‘You will
O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and never go out with me, nor will you ever fight an
hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their shelter enemy with me. You were happy to stay behind
will be Hell. What an evil destination! (9:73) the first time, so stay behind with those who are
They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but left behind.’ (9:83)
they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and Never pray over any of them who die or stand at
returned to disbelief after their Islam. They their graves. They rejected Allah and His
planned something which they did not achieve Messenger and died as deviators. (9:84)
and they were vindictive for no other cause than Do not let their wealth and their children impress
that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them you. Allah merely wants to punish them by them
from His bounty. If they were to repent, it would in this world, and for them to expire while they
be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah are disbelievers. (9:85)
will punish them with a painful punishment in When a sura is sent down saying: ‘Believe in
this world and the hereafter, and they will not Allah and strive together with His Messenger,’
find any protector or helper on the earth. (9:74) those among them with wealth will ask you to
Among them there were some who made an excuse them, saying, ‘Let us remain with those
agreement with Allah: ‘If He gives us of His who stay behind.’ (9:86)
bounty we will definitely give charity and be They are pleased to be with those who stay be-
among the righteous.’ But when He does give hind. Their hearts have been stamped so they do
them of His bounty they are tight-fisted with it not understand. (9:87)
and turn away, so He has punished them by put- The desert arabs came with their excuses asking
ting hypocrisy in their hearts until the day they for permission to stay, and those who lied to
meet Him because they failed Allah in what they Allah and His Messenger stayed behind. A
promised Him and because they lied. (9:75-77) painful punishment will afflict those among them
Do they not know that Allah knows their secrets who disbelieve. (9:90)
and their private talk, and that Allah is the There are only grounds against those who ask
Knower of all unseen things? (9:78) you for permission to stay when they are rich.
As for the people who find fault with those be- They were pleased to be among those who were
lievers who give charity spontaneously, and with left behind. Allah has sealed up their hearts so
those who can find nothing to give but their own they do not know. (9:93)
effort, and deride them, Allah derides them. They They will make excuses to you when you return
will have a painful punishment. (9:79) to them. Say: ‘Do not make excuses, we will not
You can ask forgiveness for them, or not ask for- believe you. Allah has already informed us about
giveness for them. Even if you asked forgiveness you. Allah will see your actions, as will His
for them seventy times, Allah still would not for- Messenger. Then you will be returned to the
give them. That is because they have rejected Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, and He
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will inform you regarding what you did.’ (9:94) returned to the Knower of the Unseen and the
They will swear to you by Allah when you return to Visible and He will inform you regarding what
them, so that you leave them alone. Leave them you did.’ (9:105)
alone, then! They are filth. Their shelter will be And others are left awaiting Allah’s command as
Hell as repayment for what they did. (9:95) to whether He will punish them or turn to them.
They will swear to you to make you pleased with Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:106)
them, but even if you are pleased with them, As for those who have set up a mosque, causing
Allah is certainly not pleased with deviant peo- harm and out of disbelief, to create division be-
ple. (9:96) tween the believers, and in readiness for those
The desert arabs are more obdurate in disbelief who previously made war on Allah and His
and hypocrisy and more likely not to know the Messenger, they will swear, ‘We only desired the
limits which Allah has sent down to His best.’ But Allah bears witness that they are truly
Messenger. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. liars. (9:107)
(9:97) The buildings they have built will not cease to be
Among the desert arabs there are some who re- a bone of contention in their hearts, until their
gard what they give as an imposition and are hearts are cut to shreds. Allah is All-Knowing,
waiting for your fortunes to change. The evil turn All-Wise. (9:110)
of fortune will be theirs! Allah is All-Hearing, All- Each time a sura is sent down there are some
Knowing.(9:98) among them who say, ‘Which of you has this in-
And among the desert arabs there are some who creased in faith?’ As for those who believe, it in-
believe in Allah and the Last Day and regard creases them in faith and they rejoice at it.
what they give as something which will bring (9:124)
them nearer to Allah and to the prayers of the But as for those with sickness in their hearts, it
Messenger. It does indeed bring them near. Allah adds defilement to their defilement, and they die
will admit them into His mercy. Allah is Ever- while they are disbelievers. (9:125)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:99) Do they not see that they are tried once or twice
Some of the desert Arabs around you are hyp- in every year? But still they do not turn back.
ocrites and some of the people of Madina are ob- They do not pay heed. (9:126)
durate in their hypocrisy. You do not know them Each time a sura is sent down, they look at one
but We know them. We will punish them twice another, implying, ‘Can anyone see you?’ Then
over and then they will be returned to a terrible they turn away. Allah has turned their hearts
punishment. (9:101) away because they are people who do not un-
But others have acknowledged their wrong ac- derstand. (9:127)
tions and mixed a right action with another Among the people there is one who worships
which is wrong. It may well be that Allah will Allah right on the edge. If good befalls him, he is
turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most content with it, but if a trial befalls him, he re-
Merciful. (9:102) verts to his former ways, losing both this world
Take charity from their wealth to purify and and the hereafter. That is indeed sheer loss.
cleanse them and pray for them. Your prayers (22:11)
bring relief to them. Allah is All-Hearing, All- He calls on what is far more likely to harm than
Knowing. (9:103) help. What an evil protector! What an evil asso-
Do they not know that Allah accepts repentance ciate! (22:13)
from His servants and acknowledges their alms, There is a group of you who propagated the lie.
and that Allah is the Ever-Returning, the Most Do not suppose it to be bad for you; rather it is
Merciful? (9:104) good for you. Every one of them will incur the
Say: ‘Act, for Allah will see your actions, and so evil he has earned and the one who took it on
will His Messenger and the believers. You will be himself to amplify it will receive a terrible pun-
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ishment. (24:11) Most Merciful. (33:24)
When the hypocrites and people with sickness in Do not obey the disbelievers and hypocrites and
their hearts said, ‘What Allah and His Messenger disregard their abuse of you. Put your trust in
promised us was mere delusion.’ (33:12) Allah. Allah suffices as a Protector. (33:48)
And a group of them said, ‘People of Yathrib, If the hypocrites and those with sickness in their
Your position is untenable so return!’ some of hearts and the rumour-mongers in Madina do not
them asked the Prophet to excuse them, saying, desist, We will set you onto them. Then they will
‘Our houses are exposed,’ when they were not only be your neighbours there a very short time.
exposed; it was merely that they wanted to run (33:60)
away. (33:13) They are an accursed people. Wherever they are
If they had been overrun from every side, and found they should be seized and mercilessly put
had then been asked to revert to disbelief, they to death. (33:61)
would have done so and hesitated very little This is Allah’s pattern with those who passed
about it. (33:14) away before. You will not find any alteration in
Yet they had previously made a contract with Allah’s pattern. (33:62)
Allah that they would never turn their backs. Those who believe say, ‘If only a sura could be
Contracts made with Allah will be asked about. sent down.’ But when a straightforward sura is
(33:15) sent down and fighting is mentioned in it, you
Say: ‘Flight will not benefit you if you try to run see those with sickness in their hearts looking at
away from death or being killed. Then you will you with the look of someone about to faint from
only enjoy a short respite.’ (33:16) fear of death. More fitting for them would be
Say: ‘Who is going to shield you from Allah if He obedience and honourable words. Once the
desires evil for you or desires mercy for you?’ matter is resolved upon, being true to Allah
They will find no one to protect or help them be- would be better for them. (47:20-21)
sides Allah. (33:17) Is it not likely that, if you did turn away, you
Allah knows the obstructers among you and would cause corruption in the earth and sever
those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and your ties of kinship? (47:22)
who only come to fight a very little, and are be- Such are the people Allah has cursed, making
grudging towards you. Then when fear comes, them deaf and blinding their eyes. (47:23)
you see them looking at you, their eyes rolling Will they not then ponder the Qur’an or are there
like people scared to death. But when fear de- locks upon their hearts? (47:24)
parts they flay you with sharp tongues, grasping Those who have turned back in their tracks after
for wealth. Such people have no faith and Allah the guidance became clear to them, it was Satan
will make their actions come to nothing. That is who talked them into it and filled them with false
easy for Allah. (33:18-19) hopes. (47:25)
They think that the Confederates have not de- That is because they said to those who hate what
parted and if the Confederates did appear then Allah has sent down, ‘We will obey you in part of
they would wish they were out in the desert with the affair.’ But Allah knows their secrets. (47:26)
the Arabs, asking for news of you. If they were How will it be when the angels take them in
with you they would only fight a very little. death, beating their faces and their backs?
(33:20) (47:27)
You have an excellent model in the Messenger of That is because they followed what angers Allah
Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the and hated what is pleasing to Him. So He made
Last Day and remember Allah much. (33:21) their actions come to nothing. (47:28)
So that Allah might recompense the truthful for Or did those with sickness in their hearts imagine
their truth and punish the hypocrites, if He wills, that Allah would not expose their malevolence?
or turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, (47:29)
364
If We wished, We would show them to you and back and doubted and false hopes deluded you
you would know them by their mark and know until Allah’s command arrived. The Deluder de-
them by their ambivalent speech. Allah knows luded you about Allah. So today no ransom will
your actions. (47:30) be accepted from you or from those who disbe-
We will test you until We know the true fighters lieved. Your refuge is the Fire. It is your master.
among you and those who are steadfast and test What an evil destination!’ (57:14-15)
what is reported of you. (47:31) Do you not see those who were forbidden to
Those who disbelieve and obstruct the Way of confer together secretly returning to the very
Allah and are entrenched in hostility towards the thing they were forbidden to do, and conferring
Messenger after the guidance has become clear together secretly in wrongdoing and enmity and
to them, do not harm Allah in any way and He disobedience to the Messenger? And when they
makes their actions come to nothing. (47:32) come to you they greet you with words Allah has
Those Arabs who remained behind will say to never used in greeting you, and say to them-
you, ‘Our wealth and families kept us occupied, selves ‘Why does Allah not punish us for what
so ask forgiveness for us.’ They say with their we say?’ Hell will be enough for them! They will
tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: ‘Who can roast in it. What an evil destination! (58:8)
control Allah for you in any way whether He You who believe! When you confer together se-
wants harm for you or wants benefit for you?’ cretly, do not do so in wrongdoing and enmity
Allah is aware of what you do. (48:11) and disobedience to the Messenger; rather con-
No, you thought that the Messenger and the be- fer together in goodness and fear of Allah. Have
lievers were not going to return to their families, fear of Allah–Him to Whom you will be gath-
and that seemed pleasing to your hearts and you ered. (58:9)
thought evil thoughts and you were a blighted Conferring in secret is from Satan, to cause grief
people. (48:12) to those who believe; but it cannot harm them at
When you go out to get the booty, those who re- all, unless by Allah’s permission. So let the be-
mained behind will say, ‘Allow us to follow you,’ lievers put their trust in Allah. (58:10)
desiring to alter Allah’s words. Say: ‘You may not Do you not see those who have turned to people
follow us. That is what Allah said before.’ They with whom Allah is angry? They belong neither
will say, ‘It is only because you envy us.’ No in- to you nor to them. And they swear to falsehood
deed! How little they have understood! (48:15) and do so knowingly. (58:14)
Say to the Arabs who remained behind: ‘You will Allah has prepared a terrible punishment for
be called up against a people who possess great them. How evil is what they have been doing!
force whom you must fight unless they submit. If (58:15)
you obey, Allah will give you an excellent re- They made their oaths into a cloak and barred
ward. But if you turn your backs as you did be- the Way of Allah, so they will have a humiliating
fore, He will punish you with a painful punishment. (58:16)
punishment.’ (48:16) Neither their wealth nor their children will help
That Day the men and women of the hypocrites them at all against Allah. Such people are the
will say to those who believe, ‘Wait for us so that Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
we can borrow some of your light.’ They will be lessly, for ever. (58:17)
told, ‘Go back and look for light!’ And a wall will On the Day Allah raises up all of them together
be erected between them with a gate in it, on the they will swear to Him just as they have sworn to
inside of which there will be mercy but before you and imagine they have something to stand
whose exterior lies the punishment. (57:13) upon. No indeed! It is they who are the liars.
They (hypocrites) will call out to them, ‘Were we (58:18)
not with you?’ They will reply, ‘Indeed you were. Satan has gained mastery over them and made
But you made trouble for yourselves and hung them forget the remembrance of Allah. Such
365
people are the party of Satan. No indeed! It is the ocrites are certainly liars. (63:1)
party of Satan who are the losers. (58:19) They have made their oaths into a cloak and
Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, barred the Way of Allah. What they have done is
such people will be among the most abased. truly evil. (63:2)
(58:20) That is because they have believed and then re-
You will not find people who believe in Allah turned to disbelief. So their hearts have been
and the Last Day having love for anyone who op- sealed up and they cannot understand. (63:3)
poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be When you see them, their outward form appeals
their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their to you, and if they speak you listen to what they
clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo- say. But they are like propped-up planks of
ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit wood. They imagine every cry to be against
from Him and admit them into Gardens with them. They are the enemy, so beware of them.
rivers flowing under them, remaining in them Allah fight them! How they are perverted! (63:4)
timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them When they are told, ‘Come, and the Messenger
and they are pleased with Him. Such people are of Allah will ask forgiveness for you,’ they turn
the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah their heads and you see them turn away in
who are successful. (58:22) haughty arrogance. (63:5)
Did you not see the hypocrites saying to their In their case it makes no difference whether you
brothers, those among the People of the Book ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness
who disbelieve, ‘If you are driven out we will for them. Allah will never forgive them. Allah
leave with you, we will never obey anyone to does not guide deviant people. (63:6)
your detriment. And if you are fought against we They are the people who say, ‘Do not spend on
will help you’? Allah bears witness that they are those who are with the Messenger of Allah, so
truly liars. (59:11) that they may go away.’ The treasuries of the
If they are driven out they will not leave with heavens and earth belong to Allah. But the hyp-
them. If they are fought against they will not help ocrites do not understand this. (63:7)
them. And if they did help them they would turn They say, ‘If we return to Madina, the mightier
their backs, and then they would not be helped. will drive out the inferior.’ But all might belongs
(59:12) to Allah and to His Messenger and the believers.
You are a greater cause of terror in their breasts But the hypocrites do not know this. (63:8)
than Allah! That is because they are people who
do not understand. (59:13)
They will not fight against you all together as a
group except in fortified towns or behind high
walls. Their hostility towards each other is in-
tense. They are full of bravado in each other’s
company. You consider them united but their
hearts are scattered wide. That is because they
are people who do not use their intellect. (59:14)
They are like Satan when he says to a human
being, ‘Disbelieve,’ and then when he disbe-
lieves, says, ‘I wash my hands of you. Truly I fear
Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.’ (59:16)
When the hypocrites come to you they say, ‘We
bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger
of Allah.’ Allah knows that you are indeed His
Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hyp-
366
I Isma‘il and Ishaq– one God. We are Muslims
submitted to Him.’ (2:133)
IBLIS (SEE DIABOLIS) They say, ‘Be Jews or Christians and you will be
guided.’ Say, ‘Rather adopt the religion of
IBRAHIM (AS) (ABRAHAM) Ibrahim, a man of natural pure belief. He was not
Remember when Ibrahim was tested by his Lord one of the idolaters.’ (2:135)
with certain words which he carried out com- Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent
pletely. He said, ‘I will make you a model for down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim
mankind.’ He asked, ‘And what of my descen- and Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes,
dants?’ He said, ‘My contract does not include and what Musa and ‘Isa were given, and what all
the wrongdoers.’ (2:124) the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not
And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place differentiate between any of them. We are
of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the Muslims submitted to Him.’ (2:136)
place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of Or do they say that Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq
prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il: and Ya‘qub and the Tribes were Jews or
‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and Christians? Say, ‘Do you know better or does
those who stay there, and those who bow and Allah?’ Who could do greater wrong than some-
who prostrate.’ (2:125) one who hides the evidence he has been given
And when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, make this a by Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do.
place of safety and provide its inhabitants with (2:140)
fruits–all of them who believe in Allah and the What about the one who argued with Ibrahim
Last Day,’ He said, ‘I will let anyone who be- about his Lord, on the basis that Allah had given
comes a disbeliever enjoy himself a little but him sovereignty? Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord is He
then I will drive him to the punishment of the Who gives life and causes to die.’ He said, ‘I too
Fire. What an evil destination!’ (2:126) give life and cause to die.’ Ibrahim said, ‘Allah
And when Ibrahim built the foundations of the makes the sun come from the East. Make it come
House with Isma‘il: ‘Our Lord, accept this from from the West.’ And the one who was a disbe-
us! You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. liever was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide
Our Lord, make us both Muslims submitted to wrongdoing people. (2:258)
You, and our descendants a Muslim community When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, show me how You
submitted to You. Show us our rites of worship bring the dead to life.’ He asked, ‘Do you not
and turn towards us. You are the Ever-Returning, then believe?’ He replied, ‘Indeed I do! But so
the Most Merciful.’ (2:127-128) that my heart may be at peace.’ He said, ‘Take
Who would deliberately renounce the religion of four birds and train them to yourself. Then put a
Ibrahim except someone who reveals himself to part of them on each mountain and call to them;
be a fool? We chose him in this world and in the they will come rushing to you. Know that Allah is
hereafter he will be one of the righteous. (2:130) Almighty, All-Wise.’ (2:260)
When his Lord said to him, ‘Become a Muslim!’ Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of
he said, ‘I am a Muslim who has submitted to the Ibrahim and the family of ‘Imran over all other
Lord of all the worlds.’ (2:131) beings. (3:33)
Ibrahim directed his sons to this, as did Ya‘qub: (Say,) ‘People of the Book! Why do you argue
‘My sons! Allah has chosen this religion for you, concerning Ibrahim when the Torah and Gospel
so do not die except as Muslims.’ (2:132) were only sent down after him? Why do you not
Or were you present when death came to Ya‘qub use your intellect?’ (3:65)
and he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian. but a
when I have gone?’ They said, ‘We will worship man of pure natural belief–a Muslim. He was not
your God, the God of your forefathers, Ibrahim, one of the idolaters. (3:67)
367
The people with the strongest claim to Ibrahim guided people.’ (6:77)
are those who followed him and this Prophet and Then when he saw the sun come up he said,
those who believe. Allah is the Protector of the ‘This is my Lord! This is greater!’ Then when it set
believers. (3:68) he said, ‘My people, I am free of what you asso-
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent ciate with Allah! I have turned my face to Him
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim, Who brought the heavens and earth into being, a
Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and pure natural believer. I am not one of the idol-
what Musa and ‘Isa and all the Prophets were aters.’ (6:78-79)
given by their Lord. We do not differentiate be- His people argued with him. He said, ‘Are you
tween any of them. We are Muslims submitted to arguing with me about Allah when He has
Him.’ (3:84) guided me? I have no fear of any partner you as-
Say, ‘Allah speaks the truth, so follow the religion cribe to Him unless my Lord should will such a
of Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was thing to happen. My Lord encompasses all things
not one of the idolaters.’ (3:95) in His knowledge so will you not pay heed? Why
In it are Clear Signs–the place where Ibrahim should I fear what you have associated with Him
stood (to pray). All who enter it are safe. when you yourselves apparently have no fear of
Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah associating partners with Allah for which He has
by all mankind–those who can find a way to do sent down no authority to you? Which of the two
it. But if anyone disbelieves, Allah is Rich parties is more entitled to feel safe, if you have
Beyond Need of any being. (3:97) any knowledge?’ (6:80-81)
Or do they in fact envy other people for the This is the argument We gave to Ibrahim against
bounty Allah has granted them? We gave the his people. We raise in rank anyone We will.
family of Ibrahim the Book and Wisdom, and We Your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6:83)
gave them an immense kingdom. (4:54) We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom
Who could have a better religion than someone We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh.
who submits himself completely to Allah and is a And among his descendants were Dawud and
good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrahim, a Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun.
man of pure natural belief? Allah took Ibrahim as That is how We recompense the good-doers.
an intimate friend. (4:125) (6:84)
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh Say: ‘My Lord has guided me to a straight path, a
and the Prophets who came after him. And We well-founded religion, the religion of Ibrahim, a
revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and idolaters.’ (6:161)
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave Has the news of those who came before them not
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) reached them the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and
Remember when Ibrahim said to his father, Azar, Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in-
‘Do you take idols as gods? I see that you and habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities?
your people are clearly misguided.’ (6:74) Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs.
Because of that We showed Ibrahim the domin- Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged
ions of the heavens and the earth so that he might themselves. (9:70)
be one of the people of certainty. (6:75) Ibrahim would not have asked forgiveness for his
When night covered him he saw a star and said, father but for a promise he made to him, and
‘This is my Lord!’ Then when it set he said, ‘I do when it became clear to him that he was an
not love what sets.’ (6:76) enemy of Allah, he renounced him. Ibrahim was
Then when he saw the moon come up he said, tender-hearted and forbearing. (9:114)
‘This is my Lord!’ Then when it set he said, ‘If my Our messengers brought the good news to
Lord does not guide me, I will be one of the mis- Ibrahim. They said, ‘Peace!’ and he too said,
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‘Peace!’ and brought in a roasted calf without with fruits, so that hopefully they will be thank-
delay. (11:69) ful. Our Lord! You know what we keep hidden
When he saw that their hands were not reaching and what we divulge. Nothing is hidden from
for it, he suspected them and felt afraid of them. Allah either on the earth or in heaven. Praise be
They said, ‘Have no fear! We have been sent to to Allah Who, despite my old age, has given me
the people of Lut.’ (11:70) Isma‘il and Ishaq. My Lord is the Hearer of
His wife was standing there and she laughed out Prayer. My Lord! Make me and my descendants
loud. So We gave her the good news of Ishaq, people who perform prayer. My Lord! Accept my
and beyond Ishaq, Ya‘qub. (11:71) prayer. Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents
She said, ‘Woe is me! How can I give birth when and the believers on the Day the Reckoning takes
I am an old woman and my husband here is an place.’ (14:35-41)
aged man? This is indeed an astonishing thing!’ And tell them about the guests of Ibrahim.
(11:72) (15:51)
They said, ‘Are you astonished at Allah’s com- When they came in to him, they said, ‘Peace!’
mand? May Allah’s mercy and His blessings be He said, ‘Truly we are afraid of you.’ (15:52)
upon you, People of the House! He is They said, ‘Do not be afraid. We bring you the
Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.’ (11:73) good news of a boy of great knowledge.’ (15:53)
When the feeling of fear left Ibrahim, and the He said, ‘Do you bring me this good news de-
good news reached him, he disputed with Us spite the fact of old age having reached me?
about the people of Lut. (11:74) What kind of good news are you bringing me?’
Ibrahim was forbearing, compassionate, peni- (15:54)
tent. (11:75) They said, ‘We bring you good news of the truth,
‘Ibrahim, turn away from this! Your Lord’s com- so do not be among those who despair.’ (15:55)
mand has come. A punishment is coming to He said, ‘Who despairs of the mercy of his Lord
them which cannot be repelled.’ (11:76) except for misguided people?’ (15:56)
(Ya‘qub said to Yusuf,) ‘Accordingly your Lord He added, ‘What is your business, messengers?’
will pick you out and teach you the true meaning (15:57)
of events and perfectly fulfil His blessing on you They said, ‘We have been sent to a people who
as well as on the family of Ya‘qub as He fulfilled are evildoers–with the exception of the family of
it perfectly before upon your forebears, Ibrahim Lut, all of whom We will save, except for his
and Ishaq. Most certainly your Lord is Knowing, wife. We have decreed her to be one of those
Wise.’ (12:6) who stay behind.’ (15:58-60)
(Yusuf said,) ‘I hold fast to the creed of my fore- Ibrahim was a community in himself, exemplary,
bears Ibrahim and Ishaq and Ya‘qub. We don’t obedient to Allah, a man of pure natural belief.
associate anything with Allah. And that is how He was not one of the idolaters. (16:120)
Allah has favoured us and all mankind, but most He was thankful for His blessings. Allah chose
do not give thanks.’ (12:38) him and guided him to a straight path. (16:121)
When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord! Make this land a We gave him good in this world and in the here-
place of safety and keep me and my sons from after he will be one of the righteous. (16:122)
worshipping idols. My Lord! They have mis- Then We revealed to you: ‘Follow the religion of
guided many of mankind. If anyone follows me, Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was not
he is with me but if anyone disobeys me, You are one of the idolaters.’ (16:123)
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Our Lord! I have Mention Ibrahim in the Book. He was a true man
settled some of my offspring by Your Sacred and a Prophet. (19:41)
House in an uncultivated valley. Our Lord! Let Remember when he said to his father, ‘Father,
them perform prayer! Make the hearts of why do you worship what can neither hear nor
mankind incline towards them and provide them see and is not of any use to you at all? Father,
369
knowledge which never reached you has come definitely one of the wrongdoers!’ (21:59)
to me, so follow me and I will guide you to the They said, ‘We heard a young man mentioning
right path. Father, do not worship Satan. Satan them. They call him Ibrahim.’ (21:60)
was disobedient to the All-Merciful. Father, I am They said, ‘Bring him before the people’s eyes so
afraid that a punishment from the All-Merciful they can be witnesses.’ (21:61)
will afflict you, and turn you into a comrade of They said, ‘Did you do this to our gods, Ibrahim?’
Satan.’ (19:42-45) (21:62)
He said, ‘Do you forsake my gods, Ibrahim? If He said, ‘No, this one, the biggest of them, did it.
you do not stop, I will stone you. Keep away Ask them if they are able to speak!’ (21:63)
from me for a good long time.’ (19:46) They consulted among themselves and said, ‘It is
He said, ‘Peace be upon you. I will ask my Lord you yourselves who are wrongdoers.’ (21:64)
to forgive you. He has always honoured me. I But then they relapsed back into their disbelief:
will separate myself from you and all you call ‘You know full well these idols cannot talk.’ (21:
upon besides Allah and I will call upon my Lord. 65)
It may well be that, in calling on my Lord, I will He said, ‘Do you then worship, instead of Allah,
not be disappointed.’ (19:47-48) what cannot help or harm you in any way? Shame
When he had separated himself from them, and on you and what you worship besides Allah! Will
what they worshipped besides Allah, We gave you not use your intellect?’ (21:66-67)
him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, making each of them a They said, ‘Burn him and support your gods if you
Prophet. (19:49) are resolved to do something.’ (21:68)
We endowed them with Our mercy and made We said, ‘Fire, be coolness and peace for
them highly honoured. (19:50) Ibrahim!’ (21:69)
Those are some of the Prophets Allah has blessed, They desired to trap him but We made them the
from the descendants of Adam and from those We losers. (21:70)
carried with Nuh, and from the descendants of We delivered both him and Lut to the land which
Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We guided and We had blessed for all beings. (21:71)
chose. When the Signs of the All-Merciful were re- And in addition to that We gave him Ishaq and
cited to them they fell on their faces, weeping, in Ya‘qub and made both of them righteous. (21:72)
prostration. (19:58) We made them leaders, guiding by Our com-
We gave Ibrahim his right guidance early on, and mand, and revealed to them how to do good ac-
We had complete knowledge of him. (21:51) tions and perform prayer and give the alms, and
When he said to his father and his people, ‘What they worshipped Us. (21:73)
are these statues you are clinging to?’ (21:52) And We located the position of the House for
They said, ‘We found our fathers worshipping Ibrahim: ‘Do not associate anything with Me and
them.’ (21:53) purify My House for those who circle it, and those
He said, ‘You and your fathers are clearly mis- who stand and bow and prostrate. (22:26)
guided.’ (21:54) Announce the Pilgrimage to mankind. They will
They said, ‘Have you brought us the truth or are come to you on foot and on every sort of lean ani-
you playing games?’ (21:55) mal, coming by every distant road. (22:27)
He said, ‘Far from it! Your Lord is the Lord of the If they deny you, the people of Nuh before them
heavens and the earth, He Who brought them into denied him and those of ‘Ad and of Thamud and
being. I am one of those who bear witness to that. the people of Ibrahim and the people of Lut.
By Allah, I will devise some scheme against your (22:42-43)
idols when your backs are turned.’ (21:56-57) Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He
He broke them in pieces, except for the biggest has selected you and not placed any constraint
one, so that they would have it to consult! (21:58) upon you in the religion–the religion of your
They said, ‘Who has done this to our gods? He is forefather Ibrahim. He named you Muslims be-
370
fore and also in this, so that the Messenger could your shelter. You will have no helpers.’ (29:25)
be witness against you and you could be wit- And Lut believed in him. He said, ‘I am leaving
nesses against all mankind. So perform prayer this place to follow the pleasure of my Lord. He
and give the alms and hold fast to Allah. He is is the Almighty, the All Wise.’ (29:26)
your Protector–the Best Protector, the Best We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub and placed
Helper. (22:78) Prophethood and the Book among his progeny.
Recite to them the story of Ibrahim (26:69) We gave him his reward in this world and in the
When he said to his father and his people, ‘What hereafter he will be among the righteous. (29:27)
do you worship?’ (26:70) When Our messengers came with the good news
They said, ‘We worship idols and will continue to Ibrahim, they said, ‘We are going to destroy
to cling to them.’ (26:71) the people of this city. Truly its inhabitants are
He said, ‘Do they hear you when you call or do wrongdoers.’ (29:31)
they help you or do you harm?’ (26:72-73) He said, ‘Lut is in it.’ They said, ‘We know very
They said, ‘No, but this is what we found our fa- well who is in it. We are going to rescue him and
thers doing.’ (26:74) his family–except for his wife. She will be one of
He said, ‘Have you really thought about what those who stay behind.’ (29:32)
you worship, you and your fathers who came be- When We made a covenant with all the
fore? They are all my enemies–except for the Prophets–with you and with Nuh and Ibrahim
Lord of all the worlds: He Who created me and and Musa and ‘Isa son of Maryam–We made a
guides me; He Who gives me food and gives me binding covenant with them. (33:7)
drink; and when I am ill, it is He Who heals me; One of his followers in faith was Ibrahim when
He Who will cause my death, then give me life; he came to his Lord with an unblemished heart,
He Who I sincerely hope will forgive my mis- and said to his father and his people, ‘What are
takes on the Day of Reckoning. My Lord, give me you worshipping? Is it falsehood–gods besides
right judgement and unite me with the righteous; Allah–that you desire? So what are your thoughts
and make me highly esteemed among the later about the Lord of all the worlds?’ (37:83-87)
peoples; and make me one of the inheritors of He took a look at the stars and said, ‘I am sick.’
the Garden of Delight; and forgive my father–he (37:88-89)
was one of the misguided; and do not disgrace So they turned their backs on him. (37:90)
me on the Day they are raised up, the Day when He turned surreptitiously to their gods and said,
neither wealth nor sons will be of any use–except ‘Do you not eat? What is the matter with you that
to those who come to Allah with sound and flaw- you do not speak?’ (37:91-92)
less hearts.’ (26:75-89) He turned on them, striking out with his right
And Ibrahim, when he said to his people, hand. (37:93)
‘Worship Allah and have fear of Him. That is bet- They came rushing back to him. (37:94)
ter for you if you only knew.’ (29:16) He said, ‘Do you worship something you have
And if you deny it, nations before you also de- carved when Allah created both you and what
nied the truth. The Messenger is only responsible you do?’ (37:95-96)
for clear transmission. (29:18) They said, ‘Build a pyre for him and fling him
The only answer of his people was to say: ‘Kill into the blaze!’ (37:97)
him or burn him!’ But Allah rescued him from the They tried to outwit him but We made them the
fire. There are certainly Signs in that for people lowest. (37:98)
who are believers. (29:24) He said, ‘I am going towards my Lord; He will be
He said, ‘You have adopted idols apart from my guide. My Lord, bestow on me a right-acting
Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this world. child!’ (37:99-100)
But then on the Day of Rising you will reject one And We gave him the good news of a forbearing
another and curse one another. The Fire will be boy. (37:101)
371
When he was of an age to work with him, he know.’ (51:25)
said, ‘My son, I saw in a dream that I must sacri- So he slipped off to his household and brought a
fice you. What do you think about this?’ He said, fattened calf. (51:26)
‘Do as you are ordered, father. Allah willing, you He offered it to them and then exclaimed, ‘Do
will find me resolute.’ (37:102) you not then eat?’ (51:27)
Then when they had both submitted and he had He felt afraid of them but they said, ‘Do not be
lain him face down on the ground, We called out afraid!’ and gave him the good news of a son im-
to him, ‘Ibrahim! you have discharged your vi- bued with knowledge. (51:28)
sion.’ That is how We recompense good-doers. His wife came up with a shriek and struck her face
(37:103-105) and said, ‘What, and me a barren old woman!’
This was indeed a most manifest trial. (37:106) (51:29)
We ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice and They said, ‘That is what your Lord says. He is the
left the later people saying of him: ‘Peace be All-Wise, the All-Knowing.’ (51:30)
upon Ibrahim.’ (37:107-109) He inquired, ‘What, then, is your business, mes-
That is how We recompense good-doers. sengers?’ (51:31)
(37:110) They said, ‘We have been sent to a people of evil-
He truly was one of Our believing servants. doers to unleash upon them lumps of clay ear-
(37:111) marked by your Lord for the profligate.’ (51:32-34)
We gave him the good news of Ishaq, a Prophet, We brought out all the believers who were there
one of the righteous. (37:112) but found in it only one house of Muslims. (51:35-
We showered blessings upon him and upon 36)
Ishaq. Among their descendants are good-doers Or has he not been informed what is in the texts of
and also people who clearly wrong themselves. Musa and of Ibrahim, who paid his dues in full?
(37:7113) (53:36-37)
And remember Our servants Ibrahim, Ishaq and We sent Nuh and Ibrahim and placed
Ya‘qub, men of true strength and inner sight. Prophethood and the Book among their descen-
(38:45) dants. Some of them are guided but many of them
We purified their sincerity through sincere re- are deviators. (57:26)
membrance of the Abode. (38:46) You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and
In Our eyes they are among the best of chosen those with him, when they said to their people,
men. (38:47) ‘We wash our hands of you and all that you wor-
He has laid down the same religion for you as He ship apart from Allah, and we reject you. Between
enjoined on Nuh: that which We have revealed us and you there will be enmity and hatred for
to you and which We enjoined on Ibrahim, Musa ever unless and until you believe in Allah alone.’
and ‘Isa: ‘Establish the religion and do not make Except for Ibrahim’s words to his father: ‘I will ask
divisions in it.’ What you call the idolaters to fol- forgiveness for you but I have no power to help
low is very hard for them. Allah chooses for you in any way against Allah.’ ‘Our Lord, we have
Himself anyone He wills and guides to Himself put our trust in You and have repented to You. You
those who turn to Him. (42:13) are our final destination.’ (60:4)
When Ibrahim said to his father and his people, ‘I This is certainly in the earlier texts, the texts of
am free of everything you worship, except for Ibrahim and Musa. (87:18-19)
Him Who brought me into being, Who will cer-
tainly guide me,’ (43:26-27) IDDAH (SEE WAITING PERIOD
Has the story reached you of the honoured guests (FOR WOMEN))
of Ibrahim? (51:24)
When they entered his dwelling and said, IDOL
‘Peace!’ he said, ‘Peace, to people we do not Remember when Ibrahim said to his father, Azar,
372
‘Do you take idols as gods? I see that you and sent down to you from your Lord. But Allah se-
your people are clearly misguided.’ (6:74) lects for His mercy whomever He wills. Allah’s
We conveyed the tribe of Israel across the sea favour is truly vast. (2:105)
and they came upon some people who were de- They say, ‘Be Jews or Christians and you will be
voting themselves to some idols which they had. guided.’ Say, ‘Rather adopt the religion of
They said, ‘Musa, give us a god just as these peo- Ibrahim, a man of natural pure belief. He was not
ple have gods.’ He said, ‘You are indeed an igno- one of the idolaters.’ (2:135)
rant people.’ (7:138) Do not marry women of the idolaters until they
When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord! Make this land a believe. A slavegirl who is one of the believers is
place of safety and keep me and my sons from better for you than a woman of the idolaters,
worshipping idols.’ (14:35) even though she may attract you. And do not
(Ibrahim said,) ‘By Allah, I will devise some marry men of the idolaters until they believe. A
scheme against your idols when your backs are slave who is one of the believers is better for you
turned.’ (21:57) than a man of the idolaters, even though he may
That is it. If someone honours Allah’s sacred attract you. Such people call you to the Fire
things, that is better for him in his Lord’s sight. All whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to
livestock are permitted to you except what has the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs
already been recited to you. Have done with the clear to people so that hopefully they will pay
defilement of idols and have done with telling heed. (2:221)
lies. (22:30) Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian but a
They said, ‘We worship idols and will continue man of pure natural belief–a Muslim. He was not
to cling to them.’ (26:71) one of the idolaters. (3:67)
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Instead of Allah you worship only Say, ‘Allah speaks the truth, so follow the religion
idols. You are inventing a lie. Those you worship of Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was
besides Allah have no power to provide for you. not one of the idolaters.’ (3:95)
So seek your provision from Allah and worship You will be tested in your wealth and in your-
Him and give thanks to Him. It is to Him you will selves and you will hear many abusive words
be returned.’ (29:17) from those given the Book before you and from
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You have adopted idols apart those who are idolaters. But if you are steadfast
from Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this and guard against evil, that is the most resolute
world. But then on the Day of Rising you will re- course to take. (3:186)
ject one another and curse one another. The Fire You will find that the people most hostile to those
will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.’ who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You
(29:25) will find the people most affectionate to those
Or do they have some god other than Allah? who believe are those who say, ‘We are
Glory be to Allah above any idol they propose! Christians.’ That is because some of them are
(52:43) priests and monks and because they are not arro-
gant. (5:82)
IDOLATERS (MUSHRIQUN) Say: ‘Am I to take anyone other than Allah as my
Rather you will find them the people greediest protector, the Bringer into Being of the heavens
for life, along with the idolaters. One of them and the earth, He Who feeds and is not fed?’ Say:
would love to be allowed to live a thousand ‘I am commanded to be the first of the Muslims,’
years. But being allowed to live would not save and, ‘Do not be among the idolaters.’ (6:14)
him from the punishment. Allah sees what they Then they will have no recourse except to say,
do. (2:96) ‘By Allah, our Lord, We were not idolaters.’
Those of the People of the Book who disbelieve (6:23)
and the idolaters do not like anything good to be (Ibrahim said,) ‘I have turned my face to Him
373
Who brought the heavens and earth into being, a How could any of the idolaters possibly have a
pure natural believer. I am not one of the idol- treaty with Allah and with His Messenger, except
aters.’ (6:79) for those you made a treaty with at the Sacred
Follow what has been revealed to you from your Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)? As long as they are
Lord–there is no god but Him–and turn away straight with you, be straight with them. Allah
from the idolaters. (6:106) loves those who guard against evil. (9:7)
Do not eat anything over which the name of It is not for the idolaters to maintain the mosques
Allah has not been mentioned. To do so is sheer of Allah, bearing witness against themselves of
deviance. The Satans inspire their friends to dis- their disbelief. They are the ones whose actions
pute with you. If you obeyed them you would will come to nothing. They will be in the Fire
then be idolaters. (6:121) timelessly, for ever. (9:17)
In the same way their idols have made killing You who believe! The idolaters are unclean, so
their children appear good to many of the idol- after this year they should not come near the
aters, in order to destroy them and confuse them Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). If you fear
in their religion. If Allah had willed, they would impoverishment, Allah will enrich you from His
not have done it; so abandon them and what bounty if He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
they fabricate. (6:137) Wise. (9:28)
Say: ‘My Lord has guided me to a straight path, a It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance
well-founded religion, the religion of Ibrahim, a and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every
man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the other religion, even though the idolaters detest it.
idolaters.’ (6:161) (Quran, 9:33)
An announcement to those idolaters you have a There have been twelve months with Allah in the
general treaty with that Allah and His Messenger Book of Allah, from the day He first created the
are free of them. (9:1) heavens and earth. Four of them are forbidden.
A proclamation from Allah and His Messenger to That is the True Religion. So do not wrong one
mankind on the day of the greater pilgrimage: another during them. However, fight the idol-
‘Allah is free of the idolaters, as is His Messenger. aters totally just as they fight you totally, and
If you repent, it will be better for you. But if you know that Allah is with those who guard against
turn your backs, know that you cannot thwart evil. (9:36)
Allah.’ Give those who disbelieve the news of a It is not right for the Prophet and those who be-
painful punishment–except those among the lieve to ask forgiveness for the idolaters–even if
idolaters you have treaties with, who have not they are close relatives–after it has become clear
then broken their treaties with you in any way, to them that they are the Companions of the
nor granted assistance to anyone against you. Blazing Fire. (9:113)
Honour their treaties until their time runs out. Turn your face towards the religion in pure natu-
Allah loves those who guard against evil. (9:3-4) ral faith, and on no account be among the idol-
Then, when the sacred months are over, kill the aters. (10:105)
idolaters wherever you find them, and seize Say: ‘This is my way. I call to Allah with inner
them and besiege them and lie in wait for them sight, I and all who follow me. Glory be to Allah!
on every road. If they repent and perform prayer I am not one of the idolaters!’ (12:108)
and give the alms, let them go on their way. Allah Proclaim what you have been ordered to and
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:5) turn away from the idolaters. (15:94)
If any of the idolaters ask you for protection, give The idolaters say, ‘If Allah had willed we would
them protection until they have heard the words not have worshipped anything apart from Him,
of Allah. Then convey them to a place where neither we nor our fathers, nor would we have
they are safe. That is because they are a people forbidden anything without His say.’ Those be-
who do not know. (9:6) fore them said the same. Are the Messengers re-
374
sponsible for anything but clear transmission? to you and which We enjoined on Ibrahim, Musa
(16:35) and ‘Isa: ‘Establish the religion and do not make
Ibrahim was a community in himself, exemplary, divisions in it.’ What you call the idolaters to fol-
obedient to Allah, a man of pure natural belief. low is very hard for them. Allah chooses for
He was not one of the idolaters. (16:120) Himself anyone He wills and guides to Himself
Then We revealed to you: ‘Follow the religion of those who turn to Him. (42:13)
Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was not And so that He might punish the men and
one of the idolaters.’ (16:123) women of the hypocrites and the men and
As for those who believe and those who are Jews women of the idolaters–those who think bad
and the Sabaeans and the Christians, Magians thoughts about Allah. They will suffer an evil turn
and idolaters, Allah will distinguish between of fate. Allah is angry with them, and has cursed
them on the Day of Rising. Allah is witness of all them and prepared Hell for them. What an evil
things. (22:17) destination! (48:6)
A man who has fornicated may only marry a It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance
woman who has fornicated or a woman of the and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every
idolaters. A woman who has fornicated may only other religion, though the idolaters hate it. (61:9)
marry a man who has fornicated or a man of the The People of the Book who disbelieve and the
idolaters. Doing such a thing is forbidden for the idolaters would not be cut off until the Clear Sign
believers. (24:3) came to them. (98:1)
Do not let them debar you from Allah’s Signs The People of the Book who disbelieve and the
after they have been sent down to you. Call peo- idolaters will be in the Fire of Hell, remaining in
ple to your Lord and on no account be one of the it timelessly, for ever. They are the worst of crea-
idolaters. (28:87) tures. (98:6)
So set your face firmly towards the Religion, as a
pure natural believer, Allah’s natural pattern on IDRIS (AS)
which He made mankind. There is no changing Mention Idris in the Book. He was a true man
Allah’s creation. That is the true Religion–but and a Prophet. (19:56)
most people do not know it–turning towards We raised him up to a high place. (19:57)
Him. Have fear of Him and perform prayer. Do And Isma‘il and Idris and Dhu’l-Kifl–each one
not be among the idolaters: those who split up was among the steadfast. (21:85)
their religion, and form into sects, each faction We admitted them into Our mercy. They were
exulting in what they have. (30:30-32) among the righteous. (21:86)
Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see the final fate
of those before. Most of them were idolaters.’ "IF ALLAH WILLS" (INSHA'ALLAH)
(30:42) They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear to us
This was so that Allah might punish the men and what it should be like. Cows are all much the
women of the hypocrites, and the men and same to us. Then, if Allah wills, we will be
women of the idolaters, and turn towards the guided.’ (2:70)
men and women of the believers. Allah is Ever- On the Day We gather them all together:
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:73) ‘Company of jinn, you gained many followers
Say: ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It among mankind.’ And their friends among
is revealed to me that your god is One God. So mankind will say, ‘Our Lord, we benefited from
be straight with Him and ask His forgiveness.’ one another, and now we have reached the term
Woe to those who associate others with Him. which You determined for us.’ He will say, ‘The
(41:6) Fire is your home. You will be in it timelessly, for
He has laid down the same religion for you as He ever, except as Allah wills. Your Lord is All-Wise,
enjoined on Nuh: that which We have revealed All-Knowing.’ (6:128)
375
Say: ‘I possess no power to help or harm myself, The Trumpet will be blown and those in the
except as Allah wills. If I had had knowledge of heavens and those in the earth will all lose con-
the Unseen, I would have sought to gain much sciousness, except those Allah wills. Then it will
good and no evil would have touched me. I am be blown a second time and at once they will be
only a warner and a bringer of good news to peo- standing upright, looking on. (39:68)
ple who believe.’ (7:188) We have tried them as We tried the owners of the
Say: ‘I possess no power to harm or help myself garden when they swore that they would harvest
except as Allah wills. Every nation has an ap- in the morning but did not say the redeeming
pointed time. When their appointed time comes, words, ‘If Allah wills’. (68:17-18)
they cannot delay it a single hour or bring it for- But they will only pay heed if Allah wills. He is
ward.’ (10:49) entitled to be feared and entitled to forgive.
Then when they entered into Yusuf’s presence, (74:56)
he drew his parents close to him and said, ‘Enter But you will not will unless Allah wills. Allah is
Egypt safe and sound, if Allah wills.’ (12:99) All-Knowing, All-Wise. (76:30)
Never say about anything, ‘I am doing that to- But you will not will unless Allah wills, the Lord
morrow,’ without adding ‘If Allah wills.’ of all the Worlds. (81:29)
Remember your Lord when you forget, and say, We will cause you to recite so that you do not
‘Hopefully my Lord will guide me to something forget–except what Allah wills. He knows what is
closer to right guidance than this.’ (18:23-24) voiced out loud and what is hidden. (87:6-7)
(His companion said to the garden owner,) ‘Why,
when you entered your garden, did you not say, IGNORANCE
"It is as Allah wills, there is no strength but in Then He sent down to you, after the distress, se-
Allah"? Though you see me with less wealth and curity, restful sleep overtaking a group of you,
children than you possess, it may well be that my whereas another group became prey to anxious
Lord will give me something better than your gar- thoughts, thinking other than the truth about
den and send down on it a fireball from the sky Allah–thoughts belonging to the Time of
so that morning finds it a shifting heap of dust, or Ignorance– saying, ‘Do we have any say in the
morning finds its water drained into the earth so affair at all?’ Say, ‘The affair belongs entirely to
that you cannot get at it.’ (18:39-41) Allah.’ They are concealing things inside them-
Musa said, ‘You will find me patient, if Allah selves which they do not disclose to you, saying,
wills, and I will not disobey you in any matter.’ ‘If we had only had a say in the affair, none of us
(18:69) would have been killed here in this place.’ Say,
On the Day the Trumpet is blown and everyone ‘Even if you had been inside your homes, those
in the heavens and everyone on the earth is terri- people for whom killing was decreed would
fied–except those Allah wills, everyone will have gone out to their place of death.’ So that
come to Him abject. (27:87) Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge
He said, ‘I would like to marry you to one of what is in your hearts. Allah knows the contents
these two daughters of mine on condition that of your hearts. (3:154)
you work for me for eight full years. If you com- Allah only accepts the repentance of those who
plete ten, that is up to you. I do not want to be do evil in ignorance and then quickly repent after
hard on you. You will find me, Allah willing, to doing it. Allah turns towards such people. Allah
be one of the righteous.’ (28:27) is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:17)
When he was of an age to work with him, he Do they then seek the judgement of the Time of
(Ibrahim) said, ‘My son, I saw in a dream that I Ignorance? Who could be better at giving judge-
must sacrifice you. What do you think about ment than Allah for people with certainty? (5:50)
this?’ He said, ‘Do as you are ordered, father. When those who believe in Our Signs come to
Allah willing, you will find me resolute.’ (37:102) you, say, ‘Peace be upon you!’ Allah has made
376
mercy incumbent on Himself. If anyone among Allah, unable to travel in the land. The ignorant
you does evil out of ignorance and then after- consider them rich because of their reticence.
wards repents and puts things right, He is Ever- You will know them by their mark. They do not
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:54) ask from people insistently. Whatever good you
He (Yusuf) said, ‘My Lord, the prison is preferable give away, Allah knows it. (2:273)
to me than what they call on me to do. Unless If their turning away is hard on you, then go
You turn their guile away from me, it may well be down a tunnel deep into the earth, if you can, or
that I will fall for them and so become a man of climb up a ladder into heaven, and bring them a
ignorance.’ (12:33) Sign. If Allah had wanted to He would have gath-
He (Yusuf) said, ‘Are you aware of what you did ered them all to guidance. So do not be among
to Yusuf and his brother in ignorance?’ (12:89) the ignorant. (6:35)
But to those who do evil in ignorance and then Even if We sent down angels to them, and the
after that repent and put things right, to them dead spoke to them, and We gathered together
your Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. everything in front of them right before their
(16:119) eyes, they would still not believe unless Allah
So leave them in their glut of ignorance for a willed. The truth is that most of them are igno-
while. (23:54) rant. (6:111)
However, their hearts are overwhelmed by igno- So you cannot say: ‘The Book was only sent
rance about this matter and they do other things down to the two groups before us and we were
as well. (23:63) ignorant of their studies.’ (6:156)
Remain in your houses and do not display your We conveyed the tribe of Israel across the sea
beauty as it was previously displayed in the Time and they came upon some people who were de-
of Ignorance. Perform prayer and give the alms voting themselves to some idols which they had.
and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah desires They said, ‘Musa, give us a god just as these peo-
to remove all impurity from you, People of the ple have gods.’ He said, ‘You are indeed an igno-
House, and to purify you completely. (33:33) rant people.’ (7:138)
Those who disbelieve filled their hearts with fa- Make allowances for people, command what is
natical rage–the fanatical rage of the Time of right, and turn away from the ignorant. (7:199)
Ignorance–and Allah sent down serenity to His (Nuh said,) ‘My people! I do not ask you for any
Messenger and to the believers, and bound them wealth for it. My wage is the responsibility of
to the expression of heedfulness which they had Allah alone. I will not chase away those who be-
most right to and were most entitled to. Allah has lieve. They are surely going to meet their Lord.
knowledge of all things. (48:26) However, I see you as ignorant people.’ (11:29)
You who believe! If a deviator brings you a re- He said, ‘Nuh, he is definitely not of your family.
port, scrutinize it carefully in case you attack He is someone whose action was not righteous.
people in ignorance and so come to greatly re- Do not, therefore, ask Me for something about
gret what you have done. (49:6) which you have no knowledge. I admonish you
(Conjecturers are) those who flounder in a glut of lest you should be among the ignorant.’ (11:46)
ignorance. (51:11) The servants of the All-Merciful are those who
walk lightly on the earth and, who, when the igno-
IGNORANT rant speak to them, say, ‘Peace’. (25:63)
And when Musa said to his people, ‘Allah com- (Lut said to his people,) ‘Do you come with lust to
mands you to sacrifice a cow,’ they said, ‘What! men instead of women? You are a people who are
Are you making a mockery of us?’ He said, ‘I seek deeply ignorant.’ (27:55)
refuge with Allah from being one of the igno- When they (believers) hear worthless talk they turn
rant!’ (2:67) away from it and say, ‘We have our actions and
It is for the poor who are held back in the Way of you have your actions. Peace be upon you. We do
377
not desire the company of the ignorant.’ (28:55) or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
We offered the Trust to the heavens, the earth and are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
the mountains but they refused to take it on and the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
shrank from it. But man took it on. He is indeed despite their love for it, give away their wealth to
wrongdoing and ignorant. (33:72) their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
Say: ‘Do you order me to worship something other and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves
than Allah, you ignorant people?’ (39:64) free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
He (Hud) said, ‘All knowledge is with Allah. I only those who honour their contracts when they
transmit to you what I have been sent with. But I make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
see that you are a people who are ignorant.’ ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
(46:23) true. They are the people who guard against evil.
(2:177)
IHRAM (STATE OF PILGRIMAGE) (Fasting is prescribed) for a specified number of
You who believe! Do not kill game while you are days. But any of you who are ill or on a journey
in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any should fast a number of other days. For those
deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock animal who can (scarcely) afford it, making up for it
equivalent to what he killed, as judged by two just means feeding a poor man. And if someone does
men among you, a sacrifice to reach the Kaaba, or good of his own accord, it is better for him. But
expiation by feeding the poor, or fasting commen- that you should fast is better for you, if you only
surate with that, so that he may taste the evil con- knew. (2:184)
sequences of what he did. Allah has pardoned all The month of Ramadan is the one in which the
that took place in the past; but if anyone does it Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind,
again Allah will take revenge on him. Allah is with Clear Signs containing guidance and dis-
Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. (5:95) crimination. Any of you who are resident for the
month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or
IKHLAS (SEE SINCERITY) on a journey should fast a number of other days.
Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire dif-
ILL FORTUNE ficulty for you. You should complete the number
Whenever a good thing came to them, they said, of days and proclaim Allah’s greatness for the
‘This is our due.’ But if anything bad happened to guidance He has given you so that hopefully you
them, they would blame their ill fortune on Musa will be thankful. (2:185)
and those with him. No indeed! The ill fortune is Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for
theirs in Allah's sight. But most of them did not Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what-
know. (7:131) ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
So We sent a howling wind against them on disas- heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the
trous ill-fated days to make them taste the punish- place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a
ment of degradation in this world. And the head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or
punishment of the hereafter is even more degrad- sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And
ing. And they will not be helped. (41:16) if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of
a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make
ILLITERATE whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who
Some of them are illiterate, knowing nothing of cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage
the Book but wishful thinking. They only specu- and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is
late. (2:78) for anyone whose family does not live near the
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of
ILLNESS Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution.
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East (2:196)
378
You who believe! Do not approach the prayer others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite
when you are drunk, so that you will know what as much of it as is easy for you. And perform
you are saying, nor in a state of major impu- prayer and give the alms and lend a generous
rity–unless you are travelling–until you have loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for
washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or yourselves you will find it with Allah as some-
on a journey, or any of you have come from the thing better and as a greater reward. And seek
lavatory or touched women, and you cannot find forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
any water, then take for yourselves clean earth, Most Merciful. (73:20)
wiping your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever-
Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43) ILYAS (AS)
When you are with them and leading them in And Zakariyya, Yahya, ‘Isa and Ilyas. All of them
prayer, a group of them should stand with you, were among the righteous. (6:85)
keeping hold of their weapons. When they pros- Ilyas was one of the Messengers. (37:123)
trate, the others should guard your backs. Then ‘Peace be upon Ilyas!’ (37:130)
the other group who have not yet prayed should
come and pray with you. They too should be IMMORTAL
careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those We did not give them (Messengers) bodies which
who disbelieve would like you to be negligent of did not eat food, nor were they immortal. (21:8)
your arms and equipment so that they can swoop We did not give any human being before you im-
down on you once and for all. There is nothing mortality. And if you die, will they then be im-
wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill, mortal? (21:34)
in laying your weapons down; but take every (Hud said to his people,) ‘Do you build a tower
precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating on every hilltop, just to amuse yourselves, and
punishment for the disbelievers. (4:102) construct great fortresses, hoping to live for
You who believe! When you get up to perform ever?’ (26:128-129)
prayer, wash your faces and your hands and your
arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads, IMPUDENCE
and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a (They said,) ‘Has the Reminder been given to him
state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. of all of us? No indeed! He is an impudent liar.’
But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come (54:25)
from the lavatory, or have touched women, and ‘They will know tomorrow who the impudent
cannot find any water, then take for yourselves liar is.’ (54:26)
clean earth, and wipe your faces and your hands
therewith. Allah does not want to make things IMPURITY
difficult for you, but He does want to purify you They will ask you about menstruation. Say, ‘It is an
and to perfect His blessing upon you so that impurity, so keep apart from women during men-
hopefully you will be thankful. (5:6) struation and do not approach them until they
(Ibrahim said,) ‘and when I am ill, it is He Who have purified themselves. But once they have pu-
heals me.’ (26:80) rified themselves, then go to them in the way that
Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two- Allah has enjoined on you.’ Allah loves those who
thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and turn back from wrongdoing and He loves those
a group of those with you. Allah determines the who purify themselves. (2:222)
night and day. He knows you will not keep count You who believe! Do not approach the prayer
of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as when you are drunk, so that you will know what
much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows you are saying, nor in a state of major
that some of you are ill and that others are travel- impurity–unless you are travelling–until you have
ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or on
379
a journey, or any of you have come from the lava- ing to relatives. And He forbids indecency and
tory or touched women, and you cannot find any doing wrong and tyranny. He warns you so that
water, then take for yourselves clean earth, wiping hopefully you will pay heed. (16:90)
your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever- You who believe! Do not follow in the footsteps
Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43) of Satan. Anyone who follows in Satan’s foot-
You who believe! When you get up to perform steps should know that he commands indecency
prayer, wash your faces and your hands and your and wrongdoing. Were it not for Allah’s favour to
arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads, and you and His mercy, not one of you would ever
(wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a state of have been purified. But Allah purifies whoever
major impurity, then purify yourselves. But if you He wills. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
are ill or on a journey, or have come from the lava- (24:21)
tory, or have touched women, and cannot find any Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book
water, then take for yourselves clean earth, and and perform prayer. Prayer precludes indecency
wipe your faces and your hands therewith. Allah and wrongdoing. And remembrance of Allah is
does not want to make things difficult for you, but greater still. Allah knows what you do. (29:45)
He does want to purify you and to perfect His To whoever avoids the major wrong actions and
blessing upon you so that hopefully you will be indecencies–except for minor lapses–truly your
thankful. (5:6) Lord is vast in forgiveness. He has most knowl-
Remain in your houses and do not display your edge of you when He first produced you from the
beauty as it was previously displayed in the Time of earth, and when you were embryos in your
Ignorance. Perform prayer and give the alms and mothers’ wombs. So do not claim purity for your-
obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah desires to re- selves. He knows best those who guard against
move all impurity from you, People of the House, evil. (53:32)
and to purify you completely. (33:33)
INFANT
IMRAN Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of Rising, know that We created you from dust then
Ibrahim and the family of ‘Imran over all other be- from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood
ings. (3:33) then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed,
Remember when the wife of ‘Imran said, ‘My Lord, so We may make things clear to you. We make
I have pledged to You what is in my womb, devot- watever We want stay in the womb until a speci-
ing it to Your service. Please accept my prayer. You fied time and then We bring you out as children
are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’ (3:35) so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of
And Maryam, the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded you die and some of you revert to the lowest
her chastity–We breathed Our Spirit into her and form of life so that, after having knowledge, they
she confirmed the Words of her Lord and His Book then know nothing at all. And you see the earth
and was one of the obedient. (66:12) dead and barren; then when We send down
water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts
INJIL (SEE THE GOSPEL) with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5)
It is He Who created you from earth, then from a
INCONSISTENCY drop of sperm, then from a clot of blood, then He
Will they not ponder the Qur’an? If it had been brings you out as infants, then so you may
from other than Allah, they would have found achieve full strength, then so you may become
many inconsistencies in it. (4:82) old men–though some of you may die before that
time–so that you may reach a predetermined age
INDECENCY and so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
Allah commands justice and doing good and giv- (40:67)
380
INHABITANT He (Musa) entered the city at a time when its in-
We have sent you with the Truth, bringing good habitants were unaware and found two men
news and giving warning. Do not ask about the fighting there–one from his party and the other
inhabitants of the Blazing Fire. (2:119) from his enemy. The one from his party asked for
And when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, make this a his support against the other from his enemy. So
place of safety and provide its inhabitants with Musa hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said,
fruits–all of them who believe in Allah and the ‘This is part of Satan’s handiwork. He truly is an
Last Day,’ He said, ‘I will let anyone who be- outright and misleading enemy.’ (28:15)
comes a disbeliever enjoy himself a little but Your Lord would never destroy any cities without
then I will drive him to the punishment of the first sending to the chief of them a Messenger to
Fire. What an evil destination!’ (2:126) recite Our Signs to them. We would never de-
What reason could you have for not fighting in stroy any cities unless their inhabitants were
the Way of Allah–for those men, women and wrongdoers. (28:59)
children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord, When Our messengers came with the good news
take us out of this city whose inhabitants are to Ibrahim, they said, ‘We are going to destroy
wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give the people of this city. Truly its inhabitants are
us a helper from You!’? (4:75) wrongdoers.’ (29:31)
Has the news of those who came before them not (Our Messengers said to Lut,) ‘We will bring
reached them the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and down on the inhabitants of this city a devastating
Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in- punishment from heaven because of their de-
habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities? viance.’ (29:34)
Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs. Make an example for them of the inhabitants of
Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged the city when the Messengers came to it. (36:13)
themselves. (9:70) You who believe! Do not make friends of people
To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, with whom Allah is angry, who have despaired
‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god of the hereafter as the disbelievers have de-
apart from Him. He brought you into being from spaired of the inhabitants of the graves. (60:13)
the earth and made you its inhabitants. So ask
His forgiveness and then repent to Him. My Lord INHERIT - BEQUEATH
is Close and Quick to Respond.’ (11:61) It is prescribed for you, when death approaches
Your Lord would never have destroyed the cities one of you and if he has some goods to leave, to
wrongfully as long as their inhabitants were put- make a will in favour of his parents and relatives,
ting things right. (11:117) correctly and fairly: a duty for all those who
So they went on until they reached the inhabi- guard against evil. (2:180)
tants of a town. They asked them for food but But if someone fears bias or wrongdoing on the
they refused them hospitality. They found there a part of the person making the will, and puts
wall about to fall down and he built it up. Musa things right between the people involved, in that
said, ‘If you had wanted, you could have taken a case he has not committed any crime. Allah is
wage for doing that.’ (18:77) Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:182)
You who believe! Do not enter houses other than Those of you who die leaving wives behind
your own until you have asked permission and should make a bequest to their wives of mainte-
greeted their inhabitants. That is better for you, nance for a year without them having to leave
so that hopefully you will pay heed. (24:27) their homes. But if they do leave you are not to
She (Queen of Sheba) said, ‘When kings enter a blame for anything they do with themselves with
city, they lay waste to it and make its mightiest correctness and courtesy. Allah is Almighty, All-
inhabitants the most abased. That is what they Wise. (2:240)
too will do.’ (27:34) Allah instructs you regarding your children: A
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male receives the same as the share of two fe- Such people are the inheritors who will inherit
males. If there are more than two daughters they Firdaws, remaining in it timelessly, for ever.
receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one (23:10-11)
on her own she receives a half. Each of your par- How many cities We have destroyed which lived
ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you in insolent ingratitude! There are their houses,
have children. If you are childless and your heirs never again inhabited after them, except a little.
are your parents your mother receives a third. If It was We Who were their Heir. (28:58)
you have brothers or sisters your mother receives Did they bequeath this to each other? Indeed
a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts. they are an unbridled people. (51:53)
With regard to your fathers and your sons, you
do not know which of them is going to benefit INK
you more. These are obligatory shares from Say: ‘If all the sea was ink to write down the
Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11) Words of my Lord, it would run out long before
You receive half of what your wives leave if they the Words of my Lord ran out,’ even if We were
are childless. If they have children you receive a to bring the same amount of ink again. (18:109)
quarter of what they leave after any bequest they
make or any debts. They receive a quarter of INSHA'ALLAH
what you leave if you are childless. If you have (SEE "IF ALLAH WILLS")
children they receive an eighth of what you leave
after any bequest you make or any debts. If a INSIGHT
man or woman has no direct heirs, but has a When Talut marched out with the army, he said,
brother or sister, each of them receives a sixth. If ‘Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who
there are more than that they share in a third after drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who
any bequest you make or any debts, making sure does not taste it is with me–except for him who
that no one’s rights are prejudiced. This is an in- merely scoops up a little in his hand.’ But they
struction from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All- drank from it–except for a few of them. Then
Forbearing. (4:12) when he and those who believed with him had
You who believe! When one of you is near to crossed it, they said, ‘We do not have the
death and makes a will, two just men from strength to face Goliath and his troops today.’ But
among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are those who were sure that they were going to
travelling when the misfortune of death occurs, meet Allah said, ‘How many a small force has tri-
two men who are strangers to you. You should umphed over a much greater one by Allah’s per-
detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful, mission! Allah is with the steadfast.’ (2:249)
they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it There was a sign for you in the two parties which
for any price, even to a near relative, and we will met face to face, one party fighting in the Way of
not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we Allah and the other disbelievers. You saw them
would indeed be wrongdoers.’ (5:106) as twice their number with your own eyes. Allah
It is We Who give life and cause to die and We reinforces with His help whoever He wills. There
are the Inheritor. (15:23) is instruction in that for people of insight. (3:13)
It is We Who will inherit the earth and all those When news of any matter reaches them they
on it. They will be returned to Us. (19:40) spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or
That is the Garden which We will bequeath to disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to
those of Our servants who guard against evil. the Messenger and those in command among
(19:63) them, those among them able to discern the truth
We wrote down in the Zabur, after the Reminder about it would have had proper knowledge of it.
came: ‘It is My servants who are righteous who If it were not for Allah’s favour to you and His
will inherit the earth.’ (21:105) mercy, all but a very few of you would have fol-
382
lowed Satan. (4:83) Say: ‘People of the Book! You have nothing to
‘Clear insights have come to you from your Lord. stand on until you implement the Torah and the
Whoever sees clearly, does so to his own benefit. Gospel and what has been sent down to you
Whoever is blind, it is to his own detriment. I am from your Lord.’ What has been sent down to
not here as your keeper.’ (6:104) you from your Lord increases many of them in in-
If you do not bring them a Sign, they say, ‘Why solence and disbelief. So do not waste your grief
have you not come up with one?’ Say, ‘I follow on the people of the disbelievers. (5:68)
only what has been revealed to me from my We will overturn their hearts and sight, just as
Lord.’ This is clear insight from your Lord, and when they did not believe in it at first, and We
guidance and mercy, for people who believe. will abandon them to wander blindly in their ex-
(7:203) cessive insolence. (6:110)
Say: ‘This is my way. I call to Allah with inner We made forbidden for the Jews every animal
sight, I and all who follow me. Glory be to Allah! with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle
I am not one of the idolaters!’ (12:108) and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them,
Allah revolves night and day. There is surely a except what is attached to their backs or guts or
lesson in that for people with inner sight. (24:44) mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid
And remember Our servants Ibrahim, Ishaq and them for their insolence. And We certainly speak
Ya‘qub, men of true strength and inner sight. the truth. (6:146)
(38:45) If Allah misguides people, no one can guide
This is clear insight for mankind and guidance them. We will abandon them to wander blindly
and mercy for people with certainty. (45:20) in their excessive insolence. (7:186)
It is He Who expelled those who disbelieved If Allah were to hasten evil for people the way
among the People of the Book from their homes they try to hasten good, their term would already
to the first gathering-place. You did not think that have been completed for them. We abandon
they would leave and they thought that their those who do not expect to meet Us to wander
fortresses would protect them from Allah. Then blindly in their excessive insolence. (10:11)
Allah came upon them from where they least ex- When We said to you, ‘Surely your Lord encom-
pected it and cast terror into their hearts. Their passes the people with His knowledge.’ We only
houses were pulled down by their own hands appointed the vision We showed you and the
and by the hands of the believers. People of in- Accursed Tree in the Qur’an as a trial and temp-
sight, take note! (59:2) tation for the people. We frighten them, but it
only increases them in their excessive insolence.
INSOLENCE (17:60)
But Allah is mocking them, and drawing them (He said to Musa,) ‘As for the boy, his parents
on, as they wander blindly in their excessive in- were believers and we feared that he would
solence. (2:15) darken their days with excessive insolence and
The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their disbelief.’ (18:80)
hands are chained and they are cursed for what Then We will drag out from every sect the one
they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and among them most insolent towards the All-
He gives however He wills. What has been sent Merciful. (19:69)
down to you from your Lord increases many of If We did have mercy on them and removed the
them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited harm afflicting them, they would still obstinately
enmity and hatred between them until the Day of persist in wandering blindly in their excessive in-
Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war, solence. (23:75)
Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth Those who do not expect to meet Us say, ‘Why
corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. have angels not been sent down to us? Why do
(5:64) we not see our Lord?’ They have become arro-
383
gant about themselves and are excessively inso- you do, Allah knows it. Take provision; but the
lent. (25:21) best provision is fear of Allah. So have fear of Me,
Who is there who could provide for you if He people of intelligence! (2:197)
withholds His provision? Yet still they obstinately In this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so
persist in insolence and evasion. (67:21) that hopefully you will use your intellect. (2:242)
He gives wisdom to whoever He wills and he
INSPIRATION who has been given wisdom has been given
(Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of great good. But no one pays heed but people of
Maryam,) when I inspired the Disciples to be- intelligence. (2:269)
lieve in Me and in My Messenger, they said, "We It is He Who sent down the Book to you from
believe. Bear witness that we are Muslims."’ Him: verses containing clear judgements–they
(5:111) are the core of the Book–and others which are
On that Day it (the earth) will impart all its news open to interpretation. Those with deviation in
because your Lord has inspired it. (99:4-5) their hearts follow what is open to interpretation
in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning.
INTELLECT - INTELLIGENCE No one knows its inner meaning but Allah.
Do you order people to devoutness and forget Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be-
yourselves, when you recite the Book? Will you lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only peo-
not use your intellect? (2:44) ple of intelligence pay heed. (3:7)
When they meet those who believe, they say, (Say,) ‘People of the Book! Why do you argue
‘We believe.’ But when they go apart with one concerning Ibrahim when the Torah and Gospel
another, they say, ‘Why do you speak to them were only sent down after him? Why do you not
about what Allah has disclosed to you, so they use your intellect?’ (3:65)
can use it as an argument against you before your You who believe! Do not take any outside your-
Lord? Will you not use your intellect?’ (2:76) selves as intimates. They will do anything to
In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the harm you. They love what causes you distress.
alternation of the night and day, and the ships Hatred has appeared out of their mouths, but
which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the what their breasts hide is far worse. We have
water which Allah sends down from the sky–by made the Signs clear to you if you use your intel-
which He brings the earth to life when it was lect. (3:118)
dead and scatters about in it creatures of every When you call to prayer they make a mockery
kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and and a game of it. That is because they are people
the clouds subservient between heaven and who do not use their intellect. (5:58)
earth, there are Signs for people who use their in- Say: ‘Bad things and good things are not the
tellect. (2:164) same, even though the abundance of the bad
The likeness of those who disbelieve is that of the things may seem attractive to you.’ Have fear of
beast which, call out to it as one may, can hear Allah, people of intelligence, so that hopefully
nothing but a shout and a cry. Deaf–dumb–blind. you will be successful. (5:100)
They do not use their intellect. (2:171) Allah did not institute any such thing as bahira or
There is life for you in retaliation, people of intel- sa’iba or wasila or hami. Those who disbelieved
ligence, so that hopefully you will guard against invented lies against Allah. Most of them do not
evil. (2:179) use their intellect. (5:103)
The pilgrimage takes place during certain well- The life of this world is nothing but a game and a
known months. If anyone undertakes the obliga- diversion. The hereafter is better for those who
tion of pilgrimage in them, there must be no guard against evil. So will you not use your intel-
sexual intercourse, no wrongdoing, nor any lect? (6:32)
quarrelling during pilgrimage. Whatever good Say: ‘Come and I will recite to you what your Lord
384
has made forbidden for you’: that you do not asso- and gardens of grapes and cultivated fields, and
ciate anything with Him; that you are good to your palm-trees sharing one root and others with indi-
parents; that you do not kill your children because vidual roots, all watered with the same water.
of poverty–We will provide for you and them; that And We make some things better to eat than oth-
you do not approach indecency–outward or in- ers. There are Signs in that for people who use
ward; that you do not kill any person Allah has their intellect. (13:4)
made inviolate–except with the right to do so. Is he who knows that what has been sent down
That is what He instructs you to do so that hope- to you from your Lord is the truth like him who is
fully you will use your intellect. (6:151) blind? It is only people of intelligence who pay
An evil generation has succeeded them, inherit- heed. (13:19)
ing the Book, taking the goods of this lower This is a communication to be transmitted to
world, and saying, ‘We will be forgiven.’ But if mankind so that they may be warned by it and so
similar goods come to them again they still take that they will know that He is One God and so
them. Has not a covenant been made with them that people of intelligence will pay heed. (14:52)
in the Book, that they should only say the truth He has made night and day subservient to you,
about Allah and have they not studied what is in and the sun and moon and stars, all subject to
it? The Final Abode is better for those who guard His command. There are certainly Signs in that
against evil. Will you not use your intellect? for people who use their intellect. (16:12)
(7:169) And from the fruit of the date-palm and the
The worst of beasts in Allah’s sight are the deaf grape-vine you derive both intoxicants and
and dumb who have no intellect. (8:22) wholesome provision. There is certainly a Sign in
Say: ‘Had Allah so wished, I would not have re- that for people who use their intellect. (16:67)
cited it to you nor would He have made it known Eat and pasture your cattle. Certainly there are
to you. I lived among you for many years before Signs in that for people of sound intellect. (20:54)
it came. Will you not use your intellect?’ (10:16) Are they not guided by the many generations We
No self can believe except with Allah’s permis- have destroyed before them, among whose
sion. He places a blight on those who do not use dwelling places they walk about? There are Signs
their intellect. (10:100) in that for people of sound intellect. (20:128)
(Hud said,) ‘My people! I do not ask you for any We have sent down to you a Book containing
wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of Him your Reminder. So will you not use your intel-
Who brought me into being. So will you not use lect? (21:10)
your intellect?’ (11:51) Shame on you and what you worship besides
We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an so Allah! Will you not use your intellect?’ (21:67)
that hopefully you will use your intellect. (12:2) It is He Who gives life and causes to die and His
We sent none before you but men inspired with is the alternation of the night and day. So will you
revelation from among the people of the cities. not use your intellect? (23:80)
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the There is no objection to the blind, no objection
final fate of those before them? The abode of the to the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your-
hereafter is better for those who guard against selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa-
evil. So will you not use your intellect? (12:109) thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your
There is instruction in their stories for people of brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the
intelligence. This is not a narration which has houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts
been invented but confirmation of all that came or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater-
before, a clarification of everything, and a guid- nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or
ance and a mercy for people who believe. those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in
(12:111) your eating together or eating separately. And
In the earth there are diverse regions side by side when you enter houses greet one another with a
385
greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this those who do not know?’ It is only people of in-
way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that telligence who pay heed. (39:9)
hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61) Those who listen well to what is said and follow
He (Musa) said, ‘The Lord of the East and the the best of it, they are the ones whom Allah has
West and everything between them if you used guided, they are the people of intelligence.
your intellect.’ (26:28) (39:18)
Anything you have been given is only the enjoy- Do you not see that Allah sends down water from
ment of the life of this world and its finery. What the sky and threads it through the earth to emerge
is with Allah is better and longer lasting. So will as springs and then by it brings forth crops of
you not use your intellect? (28:60) varying colours, which then wither and you see
We have left a Clear Sign of them behind for peo- them turning yellow and then He makes them
ple who use their intellect. (29:35) into broken stubble? There is a reminder in that
If you ask them, ‘Who sends down water from for people of intelligence. (39:21)
the sky, bringing the earth back to life again after We gave Musa the guidance and bequeathed the
it was dead?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘Praise be Book to the tribe of Israel, as guidance and a re-
to Allah.’ But most of them do not use their intel- minder for people of intelligence. (40:53-54)
lect. (29:63) It is He Who created you from earth, then from a
Among His Signs is that He shows you lightning, drop of sperm, then from a clot of blood, then He
a source of fear and eager hope, and sends down brings you out as infants, then so you may
water from the sky, bringing the dead earth back achieve full strength, then so you may become
to life by it. There are certainly Signs in that for old men–though some of you may die before that
people who use their intellect. (30:24) time–so that you may reach a predetermined age
He has made an example for you from among and so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
yourselves. Are any of the slaves you own part- (40:67)
ners with you in what We have provided for you We have made it an Arabic Qur’an so that hope-
so that you are equal in respect of it, you fearing fully you will use your intellect. (43:3)
them the same as one another? In that way We And in the alternation of night and day and the
make Our Signs clear for people who use their provision Allah sends down from the sky, bring-
intellect. (30:28) ing the earth to life by it after it has died, and the
He has led huge numbers of you into error. Why varying direction of the winds, there are Signs for
did you not use your intellect? (36:62) people who use their intellect. (45:5)
When We grant long life to people, We return As for those who call out to you from outside
them to their primal state. So will you not use your private quarters, most of them do not use
your intellect? (36:68) their intellect. (49:4)
And you pass by them in the daytime and at Is it their intellects that direct them to say this or
night. So will you not use your intellect? (37:137- is it that they are an unbridled people? (52:32)
138) Know that Allah brings the earth to life after it
It is a Book We have sent down to you, full of was dead. We have made the Signs clear to you
blessing, so let people of intelligence ponder its so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
Signs and take heed. (38:29) (57:17)
We gave him back his family and the same again They will not fight against you all together as a
with them as a mercy from Us and a reminder for group except in fortified towns or behind high
people of intellect. (38:43) walls. Their hostility towards each other is in-
What of him who spends the night hours in tense. They are full of bravado in each other’s
prayer, prostrating and standing up, mindful of company. You consider them united but their
the hereafter, hoping for the mercy of his Lord? hearts are scattered wide. That is because they
Say: ‘Are they the same–those who know and are people who do not use their intellect. (59:14)
386
Allah has prepared a terrible punishment for sor besides Allah. Were he to offer every kind of
them. So have fear of Allah, people of intelli- compensation, it would not be accepted from
gence–those who believe–Allah has sent down a him. Such people are delivered up to destruction
reminder to you. (65:10) for what they have earned. They will have scald-
They will say, ‘If only we had really listened and ing water to drink and a painful punishment be-
used our intellect, we would not have been cause they disbelieved. (6:70)
Companions of the Blaze.’ (67:10) ‘You have come to Us all alone just as We cre-
By the dawn and ten nights, and the even and ated you at first, leaving behind you everything
odd, and the night when it travels on, is there not We bestowed on you. We do not see your inter-
in that an oath for the intelligent? (89:1-5) cessors accompanying you, those you claimed
were your partners with Allah. The link between
INTENTION you is cut. Those you made such claims for have
Allah will not take you to task for inadvertent forsaken you.’ (6:94)
statements in your oaths, but He will take you to What are they waiting for but its fulfilment? The
task for the intention your hearts have made. Day its fulfilment occurs, those who forgot it be-
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:225) fore will say, ‘The Messengers of our Lord came
with the Truth. Are there any intercessors to inter-
INTERCESSION cede for us, or can we be sent back so that we
Have fear of a Day when no self will be able to can do something other than what we did?’ They
compensate for another in any way. No interces- have lost their own selves and what they in-
sion will be accepted from it, no ransom taken vented has forsaken them. (7:53)
from it, and they will not be helped. (2:48, 2:123) Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and
You who believe! Give away some of what We the earth in six days and then established Himself
have provided for you before a Day arrives on firmly on the Throne. He directs the whole affair.
which there is no trading, no close friendship No one can intercede except with His permis-
and no intercession. It is the disbelievers who are sion. That is Allah your Lord, so worship Him.
the wrongdoers. (2:254) Will you not pay heed? (10:3)
Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the They worship, instead of Allah, what can neither
Self-Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness harm them nor help them, saying, ‘These are our
or sleep. Everything in the heavens and the earth intercessors with Allah.’ Say: ‘Would you inform
belongs to Him. Who can intercede with Him Allah of something about which He does not
except by His permission? He knows what is be- know either in the heavens or on the earth?’ May
fore them and what is behind them but they can- He be glorified and exalted above what they as-
not grasp any of His knowledge save what He sociate with Him! (10:18)
wills. His Footstool encompasses the heavens They have no right of intercession. None do but
and the earth and their preservation does not tire those who have a contract with the All-Merciful.
Him. He is the Most High, the Magnificent. (19:87)
(2:255) On that Day intercession will not be of any use
Warn by it those who fear they will be gathered except for him whom the All-Merciful has autho-
to their Lord, having no protector or intercessor rised and with whose speech He is well-pleased.
apart from Him, so that hopefully they will guard (20:109)
against evil. (6:51) He knows what is in front of them and what is
Abandon those who have turned their religion behind them. They only intercede on behalf of
into a game and a diversion and who have been those with whom He is pleased, and even they
deluded by the life of this world. Remind by it are apprehensive out of fear of Him. (21:28)
lest a person is delivered up to destruction for (They will say,) ‘And now we have no one to in-
what he has earned with no protector or interces- tercede for us.’ (26:100)
387
None of their partner-gods will intercede for lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only peo-
them. They will reject their partner-gods. (30:13) ple of intelligence pay heed. (3:7)
Allah is He Who created the heavens and the The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat cows
earth and everything between them in six days which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears
and then established Himself firmly upon the of wheat and seven others which were dry. O
Throne. You have no protector or intercessor counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you are
apart from Him. So will you not pay heed? (32:4) those who can interpret visions!’ (12:43)
Intercession with Him will be of no benefit ex- He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne.
cept from someone who has His permission. So The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said,
that when the terror has left their hearts they will ‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of
say, ‘What did your Lord say?’ They will say, ‘The the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come
truth. He is the All-High, the Most Great.’ (34:23) true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of
(A man from the far side of the city said,) ‘Am I to prison and brought you from the desert when
take as gods instead of Him those whose inter- Satan had caused dissent between me and my
cession, if the All-Merciful desires harm for me, brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He
will not help me at all and cannot save me?’ is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:100)
(36:23)
Or have they adopted intercessors besides Allah? INTIMATE
Say: ‘Even though they do not control a thing and You who believe! Do not take any outside your-
have no awareness?’ Say: ‘Intercession is entirely selves as intimates. They will do anything to
Allah’s affair. The kingdom of the heavens and harm you. They love what causes you distress.
earth is His. Then you will be returned to Him.’ Hatred has appeared out of their mouths, but
(39:43-44) what their breasts hide is far worse. We have
And warn them of the Day of Immediacy when made the Signs clear to you if you use your intel-
hearts rise choking to the throat. The wrongdoers lect. (3:118)
will have no close friend nor any intercessor who Or did you suppose that you would be left with-
might be heard. (40:18) out Allah knowing those of you who have strived
Those you call upon apart from Him possess no and who have not taken anyone as their intimate
power of intercession–only those who bore wit- friends besides Allah and His Messenger and the
ness to the truth and have full knowledge. believers? Allah is aware of what you do. (9:16)
(43:86)
And how many angels there are in the heavens IRAM
whose intercession is of no benefit at all until (Do you not see what your Lord did with) Iram of
Allah has authorised those He wills and is the Columns? (89:7)
pleased with them! (53:26)
The intercession of the interceders will not help IRON
them. (74:48) Such is the iron grip of your Lord when He seizes
the cities which do wrong. His grip is painful, vio-
INTERPRETATION lent. (11:102)
It is He Who sent down the Book to you from If you are surprised at their blindness, what could
Him: verses containing clear judgements–they be more surprising than their words: ‘What, when
are the core of the Book–and others which are we are turned to dust, shall we then be created all
open to interpretation. Those with deviation in anew?’ These are the people who reject their Lord.
their hearts follow what is open to interpretation Such people have iron collars round their necks.
in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning. Such people are the Companions of the Fire, re-
No one knows its inner meaning but Allah. maining in it timelessly, for ever. (13:5)
Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be- Say: ‘It would not matter if you were rock or iron
388
or indeed any created thing that you think is the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a
harder still!’ They will say, ‘Who will bring us Messenger came to you with something your
back again?’ Say: ‘He Who brought you into lower selves did not desire, did you grow arro-
being in the first place.’ They will shake their gant, and deny some of them and murder others?
heads at you and ask, ‘When will it happen?’ Say: (2:87)
‘It may well be that it is very near.’ (17:50-51) Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent
(Dhu’l-Qarnayn said,) ‘Bring me ingots of iron!’ down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim
Then, when he had made it level between the and Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes,
two high mountain-sides, he said, ‘Blow!’ and and what Musa and ‘Isa were given, and what all
when he had made it a red hot fire, he said, the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not
‘Bring me molten brass to pour over it.’ (18:96) differentiate between any of them. We are
And (in hell) they will be beaten with cudgels Muslims submitted to Him.’ (2:136)
made of iron. (22:21) These Messengers: We favoured some of them
We gave Dawud great favour from Us: ‘O moun- over others. Allah spoke directly to some of them
tains and birds! Echo with him in his praise!’ And and raised up some of them in rank. We gave
We made iron malleable for him. (34:10) Clear Signs to ‘Isa, son of Maryam, and rein-
Those deemed weak will say to those deemed forced him with the Purest Spirit. If Allah had
great, ‘No, it was your scheming night and day willed, those who came after them would not
when you commanded us to reject Allah and as- have fought each other after the Clear Signs
sign equals to Him.’ But they will show their re- came to them, but they differed. Among them
morse when they see the punishment. We will there are those who believe and among them
put iron collars round the necks of those who dis- there are those who disbelieve. If Allah had
believe. Will they be repaid for anything but willed, they would not have fought each other.
what they did? (34:33) But Allah does whatever He desires. (2:253)
We have put iron collars round their necks When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives
reaching up to the chin, so that their heads are you good news of a Word from Him. His name is
forced back. (36:8) the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem
We sent Our Messengers with the Clear Signs in this world and the hereafter, and one of those
and sent down the Book and the Balance with brought near. He will speak to people in the cra-
them so that mankind might establish justice. dle, and also when fully grown, and will be one
And We sent down iron in which there lies great of the righteous,’ she said, ‘My Lord! How can I
force and which has many uses for mankind, so have a son when no man has ever touched me?’
that Allah might know those who help Him and He said, ‘It will be so.’ Allah creates whatever He
His Messengers in the Unseen. Allah is All- wills. When He decides on something, He just
Strong, Almighty. (57:25) says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is. He will teach him the
Book and Wisdom, and the Torah and the
IRRIGATION Gospel, as a Messenger to the tribe of Israel, say-
He (Musa) said, ‘He says it should be a cow not ing: ‘I have brought you a Sign from your Lord. I
trained to plough or irrigate the fields–com- will create the shape of a bird out of clay for you
pletely sound, without a blemish on it.’ They and then breathe into it and it will be a bird by
said, ‘Now you have brought the truth.’ So they Allah’s permission. I will heal the blind and the
sacrificed it–but they almost did not do it. (2:71) leper, and bring the dead to life, by Allah’s per-
mission. I will tell you what you eat and what
‘ISA (AS) (JESUS) you store up in your homes. There is a Sign for
We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of you in that if you are believers. I come confirm-
Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of ing the Torah I find already there, and to make
Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with lawful for you some of what was previously for-
389
bidden to you. I have brought you a Sign from who will not believe in him before he dies; and
your Lord. So have fear of Allah and obey me. on the Day of Rising he will be a witness against
Allah is my Lord and your Lord so worship Him. them. (4:155-159)
That is a straight path.’ When ‘Isa sensed disbe- We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh
lief on their part, he said, ‘Who will be my and the Prophets who came after him. And We
helpers to Allah?’ The disciples said, ‘We are revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and
Allah's helpers. We believe in Allah. Bear wit- Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and
ness that we are Muslims. Our Lord, we believe Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave
in what You have sent down and have followed Dawud the Zabur. (4:163)
the Messenger, so write us down among the wit- People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your
nesses.’ They plotted and Allah plotted. But Allah religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah.
is the best of plotters. When Allah said, ‘‘Isa, I The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the
will take you back and raise you up to Me and Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast
purify you of those who disbelieve. And I will into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe
place the people who follow you above those in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’
who disbelieve until the Day of Rising. Then you It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God.
will all return to Me, and I will judge between He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in
you regarding the things about which you dif- the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him.
fered.’ (3:45-55) Allah suffices as a Guardian. The Messiah would
The likeness of ‘Isa in Allah’s sight is the same as never disdain to be a servant to Allah nor would
Adam. He created him from earth and then He the angels near to Him. If any do disdain to wor-
said to him, ‘Be!’ and he was. It is the truth from ship Him, and grow arrogant, He will in any case
your Lord so do not be among the doubters. gather them all to Him. (4:171-172)
(3:59-60) Those who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, son of
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent Maryam,’ are disbelievers. Say: ‘Who possesses
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim, any power at all over Allah if He desires to de-
Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and stroy the Messiah, son of Maryam, and his
what Musa and ‘Isa and all the Prophets were mother, and everyone else on earth?’ The king-
given by their Lord. We do not differentiate be- dom of the heavens and the earth and everything
tween any of them. We are Muslims submitted to between them belongs to Allah. He creates what-
Him.’ (3:84) ever He wills. Allah has power over all things.
Because of the fact that they broke their (5:17)
covenant, and rejected Allah’s Signs, and killed And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in
the Prophets without any right to do so and said, their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came
‘Our hearts are uncircumcised,’ Allah has before him. We gave him the Gospel containing
stamped them with disbelief, so they do not be- guidance and light, confirming the Torah that
lieve except for very few. And on account of their came before it, and as guidance and admonition
disbelief, and their utterance of a monstrous slan- for those who guard against evil. (5:46)
der against Maryam, and their saying, ‘We killed Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam,
the Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe
Allah.’ They did not kill him and they did not cru- of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.
cify him but it was made to seem so to them. If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah
Those who argue about him are in doubt about has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will
it. They have no real knowledge of it, just con- be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no
jecture. But they certainly did not kill him. Allah helpers. Those who say that Allah is the third of
raised him up to Himself. Allah is Almighty, All- three are disbelievers. There is no god but One
Wise. There is not one of the People of the Book God. If they do not stop saying what they say, a
390
painful punishment will afflict those among them "Take me and my mother as gods besides Allah?"’
who disbelieve. Why do they not turn to Allah he will say, ‘Glory be to You! It is not for me to
and ask for His forgiveness? Allah is Ever- say what I have no right to say! If I had said it,
Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah, the son then You would have known it. You know what is
of Maryam, was only a Messenger, before whom in my self but I do not know what is in Your Self.
other Messengers came and went. His mother You are the Knower of all unseen things. I said to
was a woman of truth. Both of them ate food. See them nothing but what You ordered me to say:
how We make the Signs clear to them! Then see "Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." I was a
how they are perverted! (5:72-75) witness against them as long as I remained
Those among the tribe of Israel who disbelieved among them, but when You took me back to You,
were cursed on the tongue of Dawud and that of You were the One watching over them. You are
‘Isa, son of Maryam. That is because they re- Witness of all things. If You punish them, they are
belled and overstepped the limits. (5:78) Your servants. If you forgive them, You are the
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of Almighty, the All-Wise.’ (5:110-118)
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to And Zakariyya, Yahya, ‘Isa and Ilyas. All of them
your mother when I reinforced you with the were among the righteous. (6:85)
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in The Jews say, ‘‘Uzayr is the son of Allah,’ and the
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and That is what they say with their mouths, copying
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created the words of those who disbelieved before. Allah
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and fight them! How perverted they are! They have
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My taken their rabbis and monks as lords besides
permission; and healed the blind and the leper Allah, and also the Messiah, son of Maryam. Yet
by My permission; and when you brought forth they were commanded to worship only one God.
the dead by My permission; and when I held There is no god but Him! Glory be to Him above
back the tribe of Israel from you, when you anything they associate with Him! (9:30-31)
brought them the Clear Signs and those of them Mention Maryam in the Book, how she withdrew
who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down- from her people to an eastern place, and veiled
right magic"; and when I inspired the Disciples to herself from them. Then We sent Our Spirit to her
believe in Me and in My Messenger, they said, and it took on for her the form of a handsome,
"We believe. Bear witness that we are Muslims."’ well-built man. She said, ‘I seek refuge from you
And when the Disciples said, ‘‘Isa son of with the All-Merciful if you guard against evil.’
Maryam! Can your Lord send down a table to us He said, ‘I am only your Lord’s messenger so that
out of heaven?’ He said, ‘Have fear of Allah if He can give you a pure boy.’ She said, ‘How can
you are believers!’ They said, ‘We want to eat I have a boy when no man has touched me and I
from it and for our hearts to be at peace and to am not an unchaste woman?’ He said, ‘It will be
know that you have told us the truth and to be so! Your Lord says, "That is easy for Me. It is so
among those who witness it.’ ‘Isa son of Maryam that We can make him a Sign for mankind and a
said, ‘Allah, our Lord, send down a table to us mercy from Us." It is a matter already decreed.’
out of heaven to be a feast for us, for the first and So she conceived him and withdrew with him to
last of us, and as a Sign from You. Provide for us! a distant place. The pains of labour drove her to
You are the Best of Providers!’ Allah said, ‘I will the trunk of a date-palm. She said, ‘Oh if only I
send it down to you but if anyone among you had died before this time and was something dis-
disbelieves after that, I will punish him with a carded and forgotten!’ A voice called out to her
punishment the like of which I will not inflict on from under her, ‘Do not grieve! Your Lord has
anyone else in all the worlds!’ And when Allah placed a small stream at your feet. Shake the
says, ‘‘Isa son of Maryam! Did you say to people, trunk of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe
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dates will drop down onto you. Eat and drink and the Hour. Have no doubt about it. But follow me.
delight your eyes. If you should see anyone at all, This is a straight path. Do not let Satan bar your
just say, "I have made a vow of abstinence to the way. He truly is an outright enemy to you. And
All-Merciful and today I will not speak to any when ‘Isa came with the Clear Signs, he said, ‘I
human being."’ She brought him to her people, have come to you with Wisdom and to clarify for
carrying him. They said, ‘Maryam! You have you some of the things about which you have dif-
done an unthinkable thing! Sister of Harun, your fered. Therefore have fear of Allah and obey me.
father was not an evil man nor was your mother Allah is my Lord and your Lord so worship Him.
an unchaste woman!’ She pointed towards him. This is a straight path.’ The various factions
They said, ‘How can a baby in the cradle speak?’ among them differed. Woe then to those who did
He said, ‘I am the servant of Allah, He has given wrong on account of the punishment of a painful
me the Book and made me a Prophet. He has Day! (43:57-65)
made me blessed wherever I am and directed me Then We sent Our Messengers following in their
to perform prayer and give the alms as long as I footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them,
live, and to show devotion to my mother. He has giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and
not made me insolent or arrogant. Peace be upon mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.
me the day I was born, and the day I die and the They invented monasticism–We did not pre-
day I am raised up again alive.’ That is ‘Isa, son of scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the
Maryam, the word of truth about which they are pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob-
in doubt. It is not fitting for Allah to have a son. serve it as it should have been observed. To those
Glory be to Him! When He decides on some- of them who believed We gave their reward but
thing, He just says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is. (19:16-35) many of them are deviators. (57:27)
And We made the son of Maryam and his mother And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Tribe of
a Sign and gave them shelter on a mountainside Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, con-
where there was a meadow and a flowing spring. firming the Torah which came before me and giv-
(23:50) ing you the good news of a Messenger after me
When We made a covenant with all the whose name is Ahmad.’ When he brought them
Prophets–with you and with Nuh and Ibrahim the Clear Signs, they said, ‘This is downright
and Musa and ‘Isa son of Maryam–We made a magic.’ (61:6)
binding covenant with them. (33:7) You who believe! Be helpers of Allah as ‘Isa son
He has laid down the same religion for you as He of Maryam said to the Disciples, ‘Who will be
enjoined on Nuh: that which We have revealed my helpers to Allah?’ The Disciples said, ‘We will
to you and which We enjoined on Ibrahim, Musa be the helpers of Allah.’ One faction of the tribe
and ‘Isa: ‘Establish the religion and do not make of Israel believed and the other disbelieved. So
divisions in it.’ What you call the idolaters to fol- We supported those who believed against their
low is very hard for them. Allah chooses for enemy and they became victorious. (61:14)
Himself anyone He wills and guides to Himself
those who turn to Him. (42:13) ISHAQ (AS)
When an example is made of the son of Maryam Or were you present when death came to Ya‘qub
your people laugh uproariously. They retort, and he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship
‘Who is better then, our gods or him?’ They only when I have gone?’ They said, ‘We will worship
say this to you for argument’s sake. They are in- your God, the God of your forefathers, Ibrahim,
deed a disputatious people. He is only a servant Isma‘il and Ishaq–one God. We are Muslims sub-
on whom We bestowed Our blessing and whom mitted to Him.’ (2:133)
We made an example for the tribe of Israel. If We Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent
wished We could appoint angels in exchange for down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim
you to succeed you on the earth. He is a Sign of and Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes,
392
and what Musa and ‘Isa were given, and what all ject Allah’s Signs, Allah is swift at reckoning.
the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not (3:19)
differentiate between any of them. We are If anyone desires anything other than Islam as a
Muslims submitted to Him.’ (2:136) religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent the hereafter he will be among the losers. (3:85)
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim, Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork,
Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and and what has been consecrated to other than
what Musa and ‘Isa and all the Prophets were Allah, and animals which have been strangled,
given by their Lord. We do not differentiate be- and animals which have been killed by a blow,
tween any of them. We are Muslims submitted to and animals which have fallen to their death,
Him.’ (3:84) and animals which have been gored, and ani-
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those
and the Prophets who came after him. And We you are able to slaughter properly–and animals
revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and which have been sacrificed on altars, and deciding
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and things by means of divining arrows–that is de-
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave viance. Today those who disbelieve have de-
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not be
His wife was standing there and she laughed out afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I have
loud. So We gave her the good news of Ishaq, perfected your religion for you and completed My
and beyond Ishaq, Ya‘qub. (11:71) blessing upon you and I am pleased with Islam as a
(Ya‘qub said to Yusuf,) ‘Accordingly your Lord religion for you. But if anyone is forced by hunger,
will pick you out and teach you the true meaning not intending any wrongdoing, Allah is Ever-
of events and perfectly fulfil His blessing on you Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)
as well as on the family of Ya‘qub as He fulfilled When Allah desires to guide someone, He expands
it perfectly before upon your forebears, Ibrahim his breast to Islam. When He desires to misguide
and Ishaq. Most certainly your Lord is Knowing, someone, He makes his breast narrow and con-
Wise.’ (12:6) stricted as if he were climbing up into the sky. That
(Yusuf said,) ‘I hold fast to the creed of my fore- is how Allah defiles those who have no faith.
bears Ibrahim and Ishaq and Ya‘qub. We don’t (6:125)
associate anything with Allah. And that is how They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but
Allah has favoured us and all mankind, but most they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and re-
do not give thanks.’ (12:38) turned to disbelief after their Islam. They planned
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Praise be to Allah Who, despite something which they did not achieve and they
my old age, has given me Isma‘il and Ishaq. My were vindictive for no other cause than that Allah
Lord is the Hearer of Prayer.’ (14:39) and His Messenger had enriched them from His
And in addition to that We gave him Ishaq and bounty. If they were to repent, it would be better for
Ya‘qub and made both of them righteous. (21:72) them. But if they turn away, Allah will punish them
We gave him the good news of Ishaq, a Prophet, with a painful punishment in this world and the
one of the righteous. (37:112) hereafter, and they will not find any protector or
helper on the earth. (9:74)
ISLAM Is he whose breast is opened to Islam, and who is
You who believe! Enter Islam totally. Do not fol- therefore illuminated by his Lord...? Woe to those
low in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright whose hearts are hardened against the remem-
enemy to you. (2:208) brance of Allah! Such people are clearly mis-
The religion with Allah is Islam. Those given the guided. (39:22)
Book only differed after knowledge had come to Who could do greater wrong than someone who
them, envying one another. As for those who re- invents a lie against Allah when he has been called
393
to Islam? Allah does not guide wrongdoing people. We favoured over all beings. (6:86)
(61:7) (Ibrahim said,) ‘Praise be to Allah Who, despite my
old age, has given me Isma‘il and Ishaq. My Lord is
ISMA‘IL (AS) the Hearer of Prayer.’ (14:39)
And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place of Mention Isma‘il in the Book. He was true to his
return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the promise and was a Messenger and a Prophet. He
place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of used to command his people to perform prayer
prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il: and give the alms and he was pleasing to his Lord.
‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and those (19:54-55)
who stay there, and those who bow and who pros- And Isma‘il and Idris and Dhu’l-Kifl–each one was
trate.’ (2:125) among the steadfast. (21:85)
And when Ibrahim built the foundations of the Remember Our servants Isma‘il, Al-Yasa‘ and
House with Isma‘il: ‘Our Lord, accept this from us! Dhu’l-Kifl; each of them was among the best of
You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’ (2:127) men. (38:48)
Or were you present when death came to Ya‘qub
and he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship ISRAEL
when I have gone?’ They said, ‘We will worship All food was lawful for the tribe of Israel except
your God, the God of your forefathers, Ibrahim, what Israel made unlawful for himself before the
Isma‘il and Ishaq–one God. We are Muslims sub- Torah was sent down. Say, ‘Bring the Torah and
mitted to Him.’ (2:133) read it out if you are telling the truth.’ (3:93)
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent Those are some of the Prophets Allah has blessed,
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim from the descendants of Adam and from those We
and Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, carried with Nuh, and from the descendants of
and what Musa and ‘Isa were given, and what all Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We guided and
the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not chose. When the Signs of the All-Merciful were re-
differentiate between any of them. We are Muslims cited to them they fell on their faces, weeping, in
submitted to Him.’ (2:136) prostration. (19:58)
Or do they say that Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq
and Ya‘qub and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? ITIKAAF
Say, ‘Do you know better or does Allah?’ Who On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have
could do greater wrong than someone who hides sexual relations with your wives. They are clothing
the evidence he has been given by Allah? Allah is for you and you for them. Allah knows that you
not unaware of what you do. (2:140) have been betraying yourselves and He has turned
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent towards you and excused you. Now you may have
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim, sexual intercourse with them and seek what Allah
Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and has written for you. Eat and drink until you can
what Musa and ‘Isa and all the Prophets were clearly discern the white thread from the black
given by their Lord. We do not differentiate be- thread of the dawn, then fulfil the fast until the
tween any of them. We are Muslims submitted to night appears. But do not have sexual intercourse
Him.’ (3:84) with them while you are in retreat in the mosques.
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh These are Allah’s limits, so do not go near them. In
and the Prophets who came after him. And We re- this way does Allah make His Signs clear to people
vealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and so that hopefully they will guard against evil.
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and (Qur’an, 2:187)
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave The angels called out to him while he (Zakariyya)
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) was standing in prayer in the Upper Room: ‘Allah
And Isma‘il, al-Yasa‘, Yunus and Lut. All of them gives you the good news of Yahya, who will come
394
to confirm a Word from Allah, and will be a leader
and a celibate, a Prophet and one of the righteous.’
(Qur’an, 3:39)
They are not all the same. There is a community
among the People of the Book who are upright.
They recite Allah’s Signs throughout the night, and
they prostrate. (Qur’an, 3:113)

"IT IS AS ALLAH WILLS"


(MASHA'LLAH)
(His companion said to him,) ‘Why, when you en-
tered your garden, did you not say, "It is as Allah
wills, there is no strength but in Allah"? Though you
see me with less wealth and children than you pos-
sess,’ (18:39)

395
J man of pure natural belief–a Muslim. He was not
one of the idolaters. (3:67)
JACOB (SEE YA'QUB (AS)) Some of the Jews distort the true meaning of
words, saying, ‘We hear and disobey,’ and ‘Listen
JAHANNAM (SEE HELL) without listening,’ and ‘Listen to us!’ twisting
them with their tongues, disparaging the religion.
JALUT (SEE GOLIATH) If they had said, ‘We hear and we obey,’ and
‘Listen,’ and, ‘Look at us!’ that would have been
JANNAH (SEE THE GARDEN) better for them and more upright. But Allah has
cursed them for their disbelief. Very few of them
JESUS (SEE 'ISA (AS)) believe. (4:46)
Because of wrongdoing on the part of the Jews,
JEW We made forbidden for them some good things
Those with faith, those who are Jews, and the which had previously been lawful for them; and
Christians and Sabaeans, all who believe in Allah because of their obstructing many people from
and the Last Day and act rightly, will have their the Way of Allah, and because of their practising
reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and usury when they were forbidden to do it, and be-
will know no sorrow. (2:62) cause of their consuming people’s wealth by
They say, ‘No one will enter the Garden except wrongful means, We have prepared for the dis-
for Jews and Christians.’ Such is their vain hope. believers among them a painful punishment.
Say, ‘Produce your evidence if you are telling the (4:160-161)
truth.’ (2:111) The Jews and Christians say, ‘We are Allah’s chil-
The Jews say, ‘The Christians have nothing to dren and His loved ones.’ Say: ‘Why, then, does
stand on,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Jews have He punish you for your wrong actions? No, you
nothing to stand on,’ yet they both recite the are merely human beings among those He has
Book. Those who do not know say the same as created. He forgives whoever He wills and He
they say. Allah will judge between them on the punishes whoever He wills. The kingdom of the
Day of Rising regarding the things about which heavens and the earth and everything between
they differ. (2:113) them belongs to Allah. He is our final destina-
The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased tion.’ (5:18)
with you until you follow their religion. Say, O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who
‘Allah’s guidance is the true guidance.’ If you rush headlong into disbelief among those who
were to follow their whims and desires, after the say ‘We believe’ with their tongues when their
knowledge that has come to you, you would find hearts contain no faith. And among the Jews are
no protector or helper against Allah. (2:120) those who listen to lies, listening to other people
They say, ‘Be Jews or Christians and you will be who have not come to you, distorting words from
guided.’ Say, ‘Rather adopt the religion of their proper meanings, saying, ‘If you are given
Ibrahim, a man of natural pure belief. He was not this, then take it. If you are not given it, then be-
one of the idolaters.’ (2:135) ware!’ If Allah desires misguidance for someone,
Or do they say that Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq you cannot help him against Allah in any way.
and Ya‘qub and the Tribes were Jews or Those are the people whose hearts Allah does
Christians? Say, ‘Do you know better or does not want to purify. They will have disgrace in this
Allah?’ Who could do greater wrong than some- world and in the hereafter they will have a terri-
one who hides the evidence he has been given ble punishment. (5:41)
by Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do. We sent down the Torah containing guidance
(2:140) and light, and the Prophets who had submitted
Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian but a themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as
396
did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they about before. We did not wrong them; rather
had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to they wronged themselves. (16:118)
which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of As for those who believe and those who are Jews
people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs and the Sabaeans and the Christians, Magians
for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by and idolaters, Allah will distinguish between
what Allah has sent down, such people are dis- them on the Day of Rising. Allah is witness of all
believers. (5:44) things. (22:17)
You who believe! Do not take the Jews and Say: ‘You Jews, if you claim to be the friends of
Christians as your friends; they are the friends of Allah to the exclusion of all other people, then
one another. Any of you who takes them as wish for death if you are telling the truth.’ (62:6)
friends is one of them. Allah does not guide
wrongdoing people. (5:51) JEWELLERY
The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their He sends down water from the sky and river-beds
hands are chained and they are cursed for what fill up and flow according to their size, and the
they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and floodwater carries with it an increasing layer of
He gives however He wills. What has been sent scum; a similar kind of scum comes from what
down to you from your Lord increases many of you heat up in the fire, when you desire to make
them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited jewellery or other things. That is how Allah de-
enmity and hatred between them until the Day of picts the true and the false. As for the scum, it is
Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war, quickly swept away. But as for that which is of
Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth use to people, it remains behind in the ground.
corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. That is a metaphor which Allah has made.
(5:64) (13:17)
Those who believe and those who are Jews and They said, ‘We did not break our promise to you
the Sabaeans and the Christians, all who believe of our own volition. But we were weighed down
in Allah and the Last Day and act rightly will feel with the heavy loads of the people’s jewelry and
no fear and will know no sorrow. (5:69) we threw them in, for that is what the Samaritan
You will find that the people most hostile to those did.’ (20:87)
who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You
will find the people most affectionate to those JIBRIL (SEE GABRIEL)
who believe are those who say, ‘We are
Christians.’ That is because some of them are JIHAD (SEE STRIVING IN THE WAY OF
priests and monks and because they are not arro- ALLAH; SEE FIGHTING)
gant. (5:82)
We made forbidden for the Jews every animal JINN
with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle Yet they make the jinn co-partners with Allah
and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them, when He created them! And they attribute sons
except what is attached to their backs or guts or and daughters to Him without any knowledge.
mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid Glory be to Him! He is far above what they de-
them for their insolence. And We certainly speak scribe! (6:100)
the truth. (6:146) In this way We have appointed as enemies to
The Jews say, ‘‘Uzayr is the son of Allah,’ and the every Prophet Satans from both mankind and
Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’ from the jinn, who inspire each other with delu-
That is what they say with their mouths, copying sions by means of specious words–if your Lord
the words of those who disbelieved before. Allah had willed, they would not have done it, so
fight them! How perverted they are! (9:30) abandon them and all they fabricate. (6:112)
We forbade the Jews those things We told you On the Day We gather them all together:
397
‘Company of jinn, you gained many followers you take him and his offspring as protectors apart
among mankind.’ And their friends among from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is
mankind will say, ‘Our Lord, we benefited from the exchange the wrongdoers make! (18:50)
one another, and now we have reached the term Sulayman’s troops, made up of jinn and men and
which You determined for us.’ He will say, ‘The birds, were assembled for him, paraded in tight
Fire is your home. You will be in it timelessly, for ranks. (27:17)
ever, except as Allah wills. Your Lord is All-Wise, A demon of the jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you
All-Knowing.’ (6:128) before you get up from your seat. I am strong and
Company of jinn and men! Did not Messengers trustworthy enough to do it.’ (27:39)
come to you from among yourselves relating My ‘Had We so willed We could have given guid-
Signs to you and warning you of the encounter of ance to everyone, but now My Words are shown
this Day of yours? They will say, ‘We testify to be true: that I shall fill up Hell entirely with
against ourselves.’ The life of this world deluded jinn and human beings.’ (32:13)
them and they will testify against themselves that And We gave Sulayman power over the wind–a
they were disbelievers. (6:130) month’s journey in the morning and a month in
He will say, ‘Enter the Fire together with the na- the afternoon. And We made a fount of molten
tions of jinn and men who have passed away be- brass flow out for him. And some of the jinn
fore you.’ Each time a nation enters, it will curse worked in front of him by his Lord’s permission.
its sister nation, until, when they are all gathered And if a single one of them deviates at all from
together in it, the last of them will say to the first, Our command, We let him taste the punishment
‘Our Lord, those are the ones who misguided us, of the Searing Blaze. (34:12)
so give them a double punishment in the Fire.’ Then when We decreed that he (Sulayman)
He will say, ‘Each will receive double. But you should die, nothing divulged his death to them
do not know it.’ (7:38) except the worm which ate his staff; so that when
We created many of the jinn and mankind for he fell down it was made clear to the jinn that if
Hell. They have hearts they do not understand they had truly had knowledge of the Unseen they
with. They have eyes they do not see with. They need not have stayed there suffering humiliating
have ears they do not hear with. Such people are punishment. (34:14)
like cattle. No, they are even further astray! They They will say, ‘Glory be to You! You are our
are the unaware. (7:179) Protector, not them. No, they were worshipping
If your Lord had wanted to, He would have made the jinn. They mostly had faith in them.’ (34:41)
mankind into one community but they persist in They claim there is a blood-tie between Him and
their differences, except for those your Lord has the jinn but the jinn know very well that they will
mercy on. That is what He created them for–so be arraigned. (37:158)
that the Word of your Lord would be fulfilled: ‘I We have assigned close comrades to them who
will fill up Hell with the jinn and mankind all to- have made what is before them and behind them
gether.’ (11:118-119) seem good to them. And the statement about the
We created the jinn before out of the fire of a nations, both of jinn and men, who passed away
searing wind. (15:27) before them has proved true of them as well.
Say: ‘If both men and jinn banded together to Certainly they were lost. (41:25)
produce the like of this Qur'an, they could never Those who disbelieve say, ‘Our Lord, show us
produce anything like it, even if they backed those jinn and men who misguided us and we
each other up.’ (17:88) will place them beneath our feet so that they will
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- be among the lowest of the low.’ (41:29)
selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep- Those are people of whom the statement about
tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and the nations, both of jinn and men, who passed
wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do away before them, has also proved true; truly
398
they were the lost. (46:18) Allah on earth and would never thwart Him by
And We diverted a group of jinn towards you to flight, and when we heard the guidance, we be-
listen to the Qur’an. When they were in earshot lieved in it. Anyone who believes in his Lord
of it they said, ‘Be quiet and listen.’ When it was need fear neither belittlement nor tyranny. Some
over they went back to their people, warning of us are Muslims and some are deviators. Those
them. They said, ‘Our people, we have heard a who have become Muslim are those who sought
Book which was sent down after Musa, confirm- right guidance; the deviators will be firewood for
ing what came before it, guiding to the truth and Hellfire."’ (72:1-15)
to a straight path.’ (46:29-30) Say: ‘I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, the
I only created jinn and man to worship Me. King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the
(51:56) evil of the insidious whisperer who whispers in
And He created the jinn from a fusion of fire. people’s breasts and comes from the jinn and
(55:15) from mankind.’ (114:1-6)
Company of jinn and men, if you are able to
pierce through the confines of the heavens and JIZYA (SEE POLL TAX)
earth, pierce through them. You will not pierce
through except with a clear authority. (55:33) JOB (SEE AYYUB (AS))
That Day no man or jinn will be asked about his
sin. (55:39) JOHN (SEE YAHYA (AS))
In them are maidens with eyes for them alone,
untouched before them by either man or jinn. JONAH (SEE YUNUS (AS))
(55:56)
(Maidens) untouched before them by either man JOSEPH (SEE YUSUF (AS))
or jinn. (55:74)
Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of JOURNEY
the jinn listened and said, "We have heard a most (Fasting is prescribed) for a specified number of
amazing Recitation. It leads to right guidance so days. But any of you who are ill or on a journey
we believe in it and will not associate anyone should fast a number of other days. For those
with our Lord. He–exalted be the Majesty of our who can (scarcely) afford it, making up for it
Lord!–has neither wife nor son. The fools among means feeding a poor man. And if someone does
us have uttered a vile slander against Allah. We good of his own accord, it is better for him. But
did not think it possible for either man or jinn to that you should fast is better for you, if you only
tell a lie against Allah. Certain men from among knew. (2:184)
mankind used to seek refuge with certain men If you are on a journey and cannot find a writer,
from among the jinn but they increased them in something can be left as a security. If you leave
wickedness. They thought–as you also think–that things on trust with one another the one who is
Allah would never raise up anyone. We tried, as trusted must deliver up his trust and have fear of
usual, to travel to heaven in search of news but Allah his Lord. Do not conceal testimony. If
found it filled with fierce guards and meteors. We someone does conceal it, his heart commits a
used to sit there on special seats to listen in. But crime. Allah knows what you do. (2:283)
anyone listening now finds a fiery meteor in wait You who believe! Do not approach the prayer
for him. We have no idea whether evil is in- when you are drunk, so that you will know what
tended for those on the earth, or whether their you are saying, nor in a state of major impu-
Lord intends them to be rightly guided. Among rity–unless you are travelling–until you have
us there are some who are righteous and some washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or
who are other than that. We follow many differ- on a journey, or any of you have come from the
ent paths. We realised we would never thwart lavatory or touched women, and you cannot find
399
any water, then take for yourselves clean earth, they make you their judge in the disputes that
wiping your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever- break out between them, and then find no resist-
Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43) ance within themselves to what you decide and
You who believe! When you get up to perform submit themselves completely. (4:65)
prayer, wash your faces and your hands and your How can they make you their judge when they
arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads, have the Torah with them which contains the
and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a judgement of Allah? Then even after that they turn
state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. their backs! Such people are certainly not believ-
But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come ers. (5:43)
from the lavatory, or have touched women, and ‘Am I to desire someone other than Allah as a
cannot find any water, then take for yourselves judge when it is He Who has sent down the Book
clean earth, and wipe your faces and your hands to you clarifying everything?’ Those We have
therewith. Allah does not want to make things given the Book know it has been sent down from
difficult for you, but He does want to purify you your Lord with truth, so on no account be among
and to perfect His blessing upon you so that the doubters. (6:114)
hopefully you will be thankful. (5:6) (Shu‘ayb said to his people,) ‘There is a group of
you who believe in what I have been sent with
JOY and a group who do not, so be steadfast until Allah
(Believers are) those who say, ‘Our Lord, give us judges between us. He is the best of judges.’ (7:87)
joy in our wives and children and make us a (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘We would be inventing lies
good example for those who guard against evil’; against Allah if we returned to your religion after
(25:74) Allah has saved us from it. We could never return
As for those who believed and did right actions, to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Lord en-
they will be made joyful in a verdant meadow. compasses everything in His knowledge. We have
(30:15) put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge between us
The Companions of the Garden are busy enjoy- and our people with truth. You are the best of
ing themselves today, (36:55) judges.’ (7:89)
‘Enter the Garden, you and your wives, delight- Follow what has been revealed to you and be
ing in your joy.’ (43:70) steadfast until Allah’s judgement comes. He is the
So Allah has safeguarded them from the evil of Best of Judges. (10:109)
that Day and has made them meet with radiance Nuh called out to his Lord and said, ‘My Lord, my
and pure joy. (76:11) son is one of my family and Your promise is surely
As for him who is given his Book in his right the truth and You are the Justest of Judges.’ (11:45)
hand, he will be given an easy reckoning and re- When they despaired of him, they went apart to
turn to his family joyfully. (84:7-9) talk alone. The eldest of them (Yusuf’s brothers)
He used to be joyful in his family. (84:13) said, ‘You know full well your father had you
make a covenant with Allah concerning this, and
JUDGE how before you failed him with Yusuf. I will not
Do not devour one another’s property by false leave this land until I have permission from my fa-
means nor offer it to the judges as a bribe, trying ther, or Allah decides about the case on my behalf.
through crime to knowingly usurp a portion of Truly He is the justest Judge of all.’ (12:80)
other people’s property. (2:188) Is Allah not the Justest of Judges? (95:8)
Do you not see those who have been given a
portion of the Book being invited to let Allah's TO JUDGE
Book be the judge between them? But then a The Jews say, ‘The Christians have nothing to
group of them turn away. (3:23) stand on,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Jews have
No, by your Lord, they are not believers until nothing to stand on,’ yet they both recite the
400
Book. Those who do not know say the same as ear, a tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for
they say. Allah will judge between them on the wounds. But if anyone forgoes that as a charity, it
Day of Rising regarding the things about which will act as expiation for him. Those who do not
they differ. (2:113) judge by what Allah has sent down, such people
When Allah said, ‘‘Isa, I will take you back and are wrongdoers. (5:45)
raise you up to Me and purify you of those who The people of the Gospel should judge by what
disbelieve. And I will place the people who fol- Allah sent down in it. Those who do not judge by
low you above those who disbelieve until the what Allah has sent down, such people are devi-
Day of Rising. Then you will all return to Me, and ators. (5:47)
I will judge between you regarding the things And We have sent down the Book to you with
about which you differed.’ (3:55) truth, confirming and conserving the previous
Allah commands you to return to their owners Books. So judge between them by what Allah has
the things you hold on trust and, when you judge sent down and do not follow their whims and de-
between people, to judge with justice. How ex- sires deviating from the Truth that has come to
cellent is what Allah exhorts you to do! Allah is you. We have appointed a law and a practice for
All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (4:58) every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would
We have sent down the Book to you with the have made you a single community, but He
truth so that you can judge between people ac- wanted to test you regarding what has come to
cording to what Allah has shown to you. But do you. So compete with each other in doing good.
not be an advocate for the treacherous. (4:105) Every one of you will return to Allah and He will
Those who anticipate the worst for you say, inform you regarding the things about which you
‘Were we not with you?’ whenever you gain a differed. ( 5:48)
victory from Allah, but if the disbelievers have a (Shu‘ayb said to his people,) ‘There is a group of
success they say, ‘Did we not have the upper you who believe in what I have been sent with
hand over you and yet in spite of that keep the and a group who do not, so be steadfast until
believers away from you?’ Allah will judge be- Allah judges between us. He is the best of
tween you on the Day of Rising. Allah will not judges.’ (7:87)
give the disbelievers any way against the believ- (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘We would be inventing lies
ers. (4:141) against Allah if we returned to your religion after
They are people who listen to lies and consume Allah has saved us from it. We could never return
ill-gotten gains. If they come to you, you can ei- to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Lord
ther judge between them or turn away from encompasses everything in His knowledge. We
them. If you turn away from them, they cannot have put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge be-
harm you in any way. But if you do judge, judge tween us and our people with truth. You are the
between them justly. Allah loves the just. (5:42) best of judges.’ ( 7:89)
We sent down the Torah containing guidance Do they not see how We come to the land erod-
and light, and the Prophets who had submitted ing it at its extremities? Allah judges and there is
themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as no reversing His judgement. He is swift at reck-
did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they oning. (13:41)
had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to The Sabbath was only enjoined on those who
which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of differed about it. Your Lord will judge between
people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs them on the Day of Rising regarding the things
for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by about which they differed. (16:124)
what Allah has sent down, such people are dis- Say: ‘Lord, judge with truth! Our Lord is the All-
believers. (5:44) Merciful, the One Whose help is sought in the
We prescribed for them in it: a life for a life, an face of what you describe.’ (21:112)
eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an Sovereignty on that Day will be Allah’s. He will
401
judge between them. Those who believe and do know they are believers, do not return them to
right actions will be in Gardens of Delight. the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis-
(22:56) believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them.
Allah will judge between you on the Day of Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid.
Rising regarding everything about which you dif- And there is nothing wrong in your marrying
fered. (22:69) them provided you pay them their due. Do not
When they are summoned to Allah and His hold to any marriage ties with women who dis-
Messenger, so that he can judge between them, a believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask
group of them immediately turn away. (24:48) for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement.
The reply of the believers when they are sum- Allah will judge between them. Allah is All-
moned to Allah and His Messenger so that he Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10)
can judge between them, is to say, ‘We hear and
we obey.’ They are ones who are successful. JUDGEMENT
(24:51) They are the ones to whom We gave the Book,
Say: ‘Our Lord will bring us all together and then Judgement and Prophethood. If these people reject
will judge between us with the truth. He is the it We have already entrusted it to a people who did
Just Decider, the All-Knowing.’ (34:26) not. (6:89)
And (litigants) came in on Dawud who was ‘Yahya, take hold of the Book with vigour.’ We
alarmed by them. They said, ‘Do not be afraid. gave him judgement while still a child. (19:12)
We are two litigants, one of whom has acted un- (Musa said to Pharaoh,) ‘And so I fled from you
justly towards the other, so judge between us when I was in fear of you but my Lord gave me
with truth and do not be unjust and guide us to right judgement and made me one of the
the Right Path.’ (38:22) Messengers.’ (26:21)
(We said), ‘Dawud! We have made you a succes- (Ibrahim said,) ‘My Lord, give me right judgement
sor on the earth, so judge between people with and unite me with the righteous.’ (26:83)
truth and do not follow your own desires, letting And when he (Musa) reached his full strength and
them misguide you from the Way of Allah. Those maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge.
who are misguided from the Way of Allah will re- That is how We recompense good-doers. (28:14)
ceive a harsh punishment because they forgot
the Day of Reckoning.’ (38:26) AL-JUDI (SEE MOUNT AL-JUDI)
Indeed is the sincere religion not Allah’s alone? If
people take protectors besides Him–‘We only JUMU‘A (SEE FRIDAY)
worship them so that they may bring us nearer to
Allah’–Allah will judge between them regarding JUSTICE
the things about which they differed. Allah does It is prescribed for you, when death approaches
not guide anyone who is an ungrateful liar. (39:3) one of you and if he has some goods to leave, to
Say: ‘O Allah, Originator of the heavens and the make a will in favour of his parents and relatives,
earth, Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, You correctly and fairly: a duty for all those who
will judge between Your servants regarding what guard against evil. (2:180)
they differed about.’ (39:46) You who believe! When you take on a debt for a
Allah will judge with truth; and those you call specified period, write it down. A writer should
upon apart from Him will not judge with any- write it down between you justly. No writer
thing at all. It is Allah Who is the All-Hearing, the should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him,
All-Seeing. (40:20) so he should write. The one incurring the debt
You who believe! When women who believe should dictate and should have fear of Allah his
come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test. Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person
Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or un-

402
able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate You will not be able to be completely fair be-
for him justly. Two men among you should act as tween your wives, however hard you try. But do
witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a not be completely partial so as to leave a wife, as
man and two women with whom you are satis- it were, suspended in mid-air. And if you make
fied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the amends and guard against evil, Allah is Ever-
other can remind her. Witnesses should not re- Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:129)
fuse when they are called upon. Do not think it You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bear-
too trivial to write down, whether small or large, ing witness for Allah alone, even against your-
with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more selves or your parents and relatives. Whether
just in Allah’s sight and more helpful when bear- they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look
ing witness and more likely to eliminate any after them. Do not follow your own desires and
doubt–unless it is an immediate transaction hand deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away,
to hand, taken and given without delay. There is Allah is aware of what you do. (4:135)
nothing wrong in your not writing that down. You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of
Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let ha-
nor witness should be put under pressure. If you tred for a people incite you into not being just. Be
do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of just. That is closer to heedfulness. Have fear of
Allah and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. (5:8)
has knowledge of all things. (2:282) They are people who listen to lies and consume
Allah bears witness that there is no god but Him, ill-gotten gains. If they come to you, you can ei-
as do the angels and the people of knowledge, ther judge between them or turn away from
upholding justice. There is no god but Him, the them. If you turn away from them, they cannot
Almighty, the All-Wise. (3:18) harm you in any way. But if you do judge, judge
As for those who reject Allah’s Signs, and kill the between them justly. Allah loves the just. (5:42)
Prophets without any right to do so, and kill You who believe! Do not kill game while you are
those who command justice, give them news of a in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any
painful punishment. (3:21) deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani-
If you are afraid of not behaving justly towards mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by
orphans, then marry other permissible women, two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the
two, three or four. But if you are afraid of not Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast-
treating them equally, then only one, or those ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste
you own as slaves. That makes it more likely that the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has
you will not be unfair. (4:3) pardoned all that took place in the past; but if
Allah commands you to return to their owners anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on
the things you hold on trust and, when you judge him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge.
between people, to judge with justice. How ex- (5:95)
cellent is what Allah exhorts you to do! Allah is You who believe! When one of you is near to
All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (4:58) death and makes a will, two just men from
They request from you a ruling concerning among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are
women. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling about travelling when the misfortune of death occurs,
them; and also what is recited to you in the Book two men who are strangers to you. You should
about orphan girls to whom you do not give the detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful,
inheritance they are owed, while at the same they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it
time desiring to marry them; and also about for any price, even to a near relative, and we will
young children who are denied their rights: that not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we
you should act justly with respect to orphans.’ would indeed be wrongdoers.’ (5:106)
Whatever good you do, Allah knows it. (4:127) The Words of your Lord are perfect in truthful-
403
ness and justice. No one can change His Words. doing wrong and tyranny. He warns you so that
He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (6:115) hopefully you will pay heed. (16:90)
And that you do not go near the property of or- Those who disbelieve say, ‘This is nothing but a
phans before they reach maturity–except in a lie he has invented and other people have helped
good way; that you give full measure and full him to do it. They have brought injustice and
weight with justice–We impose on no self any falsehood.’ (25:4)
more than it can bear; that you are equitable Call them after their fathers. That is closer to jus-
when you speak–even if a near relative is con- tice in Allah’s sight. And if you do not know who
cerned; and that you fulfil Allah’s contract. That their fathers were then they are your brothers in
is what He instructs you to do, so that hopefully the religion and people under your patronage.
you will pay heed. (6:152) You are not to blame for any honest mistake you
Say: ‘My Lord has commanded justice. Stand and make but only for what your hearts premeditate.
face Him in every mosque and call on Him, mak- Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:5)
ing your religion sincerely His. As He originated Every self will be repaid today for what it earned.
you, so you will return.’ (7:29) Today there will be no injustice. Allah is swift at
Among the people of Musa there is a group who reckoning. (40:17)
guide by the truth and act justly in accordance The man who believed said, ‘My people! I fear
with it. (7:159) for you a day like that of the Confederates, the
Among those We have created there is a commu- same as happened to the people of Nuh and ‘Ad
nity who guide by the Truth and act justly ac- and Thamud and those who followed after them.
cording to it. (7:181) Allah does not want any injustice for His ser-
Each and every one of you will return to Him. vants.’ (40:30-31)
Allah’s promise is true. He brings creation out of So call and go straight as you have been ordered
nothing and then regenerates it so that he can to. Do not follow their whims and desires but
repay with justice those who believed and did say, ‘I believe in a Book sent down by Allah and I
right actions. Those who disbelieved will have a am ordered to be just between you. Allah is our
drink of scalding water and a painful punishment Lord and your Lord. We have our actions and
because of their disbelief. (10:4) you have your actions. There is no debate be-
Every nation has a Messenger and when their tween us and you. Allah will gather us all to-
Messenger comes everything is decided between gether. He is our final destination.’ (42:15)
them justly. They are not wronged. (10:47) If two parties of the believers fight, make peace
If every self that did wrong possessed everything between them. But if one of them attacks the
on earth, it would offer it as a ransom. They will other unjustly, fight the attackers until they revert
show remorse when they see the punishment. to Allah’s command. If they revert, make peace
Everything will be decided between them justly. between them with justice, and be even-handed.
They will not be wronged. (10:54) Allah loves those who are even-handed. (49:9)
My people! Give full measure and full weight Give just weight–do not skimp in the balance.
with justice; do not diminish people's goods; and (55:9)
do not go about the earth, corrupting it. (11:85) We sent Our Messengers with the Clear Signs
Allah makes another metaphor: two men, one of and sent down the Book and the Balance with
them deaf and dumb, unable to do anything, a them so that mankind might establish justice.
burden on his master, no matter where he directs And We sent down iron in which there lies great
him he brings no good, is he the same as some- force and which has many uses for mankind, so
one who commands justice and is on a straight that Allah might know those who help Him and
path? (16:76) His Messengers in the Unseen. Allah is All-
Allah commands justice and doing good and giv- Strong, Almighty. (57:25)
ing to relatives. And He forbids indecency and Allah does not forbid you from being good to
404
those who have not fought you in the religion or
driven you from your homes, or from being just
towards them. Allah loves those who are just.
(60:8)

405
K your eating together or eating separately. And
when you enter houses greet one another with a
KAABA greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this
And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that
of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61)
place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of Qarun was one of the people of Musa but he
prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il: lorded it over them. We gave him treasures, the
‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and keys alone to which were a heavy weight for a
those who stay there, and those who bow and party of strong men. When his people said to
who prostrate.’ (2:125) him, ‘Do not gloat. Allah does not love people
The first House established for mankind was that who gloat.’ (28:76)
at Bakka, a place of blessing and a guidance for The keys of the heavens and earth belong to
all beings. (3:96) Him. It is those who reject Allah’s Signs who are
In it are Clear Signs–the place where Ibrahim the losers. (39:63)
stood (to pray). All who enter it are safe. The Keys of the heavens and earth belong to
Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah Him. He expands the provision of anyone He
by all mankind–those who can find a way to do wills or restricts it. He has knowledge of all
it. But if anyone disbelieves, Allah is Rich things. (42:12)
Beyond Need of any being. (3:97)
Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a KHALIF
special institution for mankind, and also the sa- (SEE SUCCESSION - SUCCESSOR)
cred months and the sacrificial animals and the
ritual garlands. That is so you will know that KIBLA (SEE THE DIRECTION)
Allah knows what is in the heavens and in the
earth and that Allah has knowledge of all things. (TO) KILL - KILLING
(5:97) And when Musa said to his people, ‘My people,
And We located the position of the House for You wronged yourselves by adopting the Calf so
Ibrahim: ‘Do not associate anything with Me and turn towards your Maker and kill yourselves.
purify My House for those who circle it, and That is the best thing for you in your Maker’s
those who stand and bow and prostrate.’ (22:26) sight.’ And He turned towards you. He is the
Ever-Returning, the Most Merciful. (2:54)
KEY And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up
The keys of the Unseen are in His possession. No with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to
one knows them but Him. He knows everything supply to us some of what the earth produces–its
in the land and sea. No leaf falls without His green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
knowing it. There is no seed in the darkness of onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
the earth, and nothing moist or dry which is not better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
in a Clear Book. (6:59) then you will have what you are asking for.’
There is no objection to the blind, no objection Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
to the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your- them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa- themselves. That was because they rejected
thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any
brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the right to do so. That was because they rebelled
houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts and went beyond the limits. (2:61)
or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater- Remember when you killed someone and vio-
nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or lently accused each other of it, and Allah brought
those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in out what you were hiding. (2:72)
406
Then you are the people who are killing one an- ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He
other and expelling a group among you from willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some peo-
their homes, ganging up against them in wrong- ple back by means of others, the earth would
doing and enmity. Yet if they are brought to you have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to
as captives, you ransom them, when it was for- all the worlds. (2:251)
bidden for you to expel them in the first place! As for those who reject Allah’s Signs, and kill the
Do you, then, believe in one part of the Book and Prophets without any right to do so, and kill
reject the other? What repayment will there be those who command justice, give them news of a
for any of you who do that except disgrace in this painful punishment. (3:21)
world? And on the Day of Rising, they will be re- They will be plunged into abasement wherever
turned to the harshest of punishments. Allah is they are found, unless they have a treaty with
not unaware of what you do. (2:85) Allah and with the people. They have brought
We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of down anger from Allah upon themselves, and
Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of they have been plunged into destitution. That
Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with was because they rejected Allah’s Signs and
the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a Messenger killed the Prophets without any right to do so.
came to you with something your lower selves did That was because they disobeyed and went be-
not desire, did you grow arrogant, and deny some yond the limits. (3:112)
of them and murder others? (2:87) Then He sent down to you, after the distress, se-
When they are told, ‘Believe in what Allah has curity, restful sleep overtaking a group of you,
sent down,’ they say, ‘Our faith is in what was whereas another group became prey to anxious
sent down to us,’ and they reject anything be- thoughts, thinking other than the truth about
yond that, even though it is the truth, confirming Allah–thoughts belonging to the Time of
what they have. Say, ‘Why then, if you are be- Ignorance– saying, ‘Do we have any say in the
lievers, did you previously kill the Prophets of affair at all?’ Say, ‘The affair belongs entirely to
Allah?’ (2:91) Allah.’ They are concealing things inside them-
Do not say that those who are killed in the Way selves which they do not disclose to you, saying,
of Allah are dead. On the contrary, they are alive ‘If we had only had a say in the affair, none of us
but you are not aware of it. (2:154) would have been killed here in this place.’ Say,
You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for ‘Even if you had been inside your homes, those
you in the case of people killed: free man for free people for whom killing was decreed would
man, slave for slave, female for female. But if have gone out to their place of death.’ So that
someone is absolved by his brother, blood- Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge
money should be claimed with correctness and what is in your hearts. Allah knows the contents
paid with good will. That is an easement and a of your hearts. (3:154)
mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond They are those who said of their brothers, when
the limits after this will receive a painful punish- they themselves had stayed behind, ‘If they had
ment. (2:178) only obeyed us, they would not have been
Kill them wherever you come across them and killed.’ Say, ‘Then ward off death from yourselves
expel them from where they expelled you. if you are telling the truth.’ (3:168)
Corruption is worse than killing. Do not fight Do not suppose that those killed in the Way of
them in the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) Allah are dead. No indeed! They are alive and
until they fight you there. But if they do fight you, well provided for in the very presence of their
then kill them. That is how the disbelievers Lord, (3:169)
should be repaid. (2:191) Allah has heard the words of those who say,
And with Allah's permission they routed them. ‘Allah is poor and we are rich.’ We will write
Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king- down what they said and their killing of the
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Prophets without any right to do so and We will emies and is a believer, you should free a believ-
say, ‘Taste the punishment of the Burning.’ ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty
(3:181) with, blood money should be paid to his family
Their Lord responds to them: ‘I will not let the and you should free a believing slave. Anyone
deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male who cannot find the means should fast two con-
or female–you are both the same in that respect. secutive months. This is a concession from Allah.
Those who migrated and were driven from their Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92)
homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought As for anyone who kills a believer deliberately,
and were killed, I will erase their bad actions his repayment is Hell, remaining in it timelessly,
from them and admit them into Gardens with for ever. Allah is angry with him and has cursed
rivers flowing under them, as a reward from him, and has prepared for him a terrible punish-
Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.’ ment. (4:93)
(3:195) Because of the fact that they broke their
You who believe! Do not consume one another’s covenant, and rejected Allah’s Signs, and killed
property by false means, but only by means of the Prophets without any right to do so and said,
mutually agreed trade. And do not kill your- ‘Our hearts are uncircumcised,’ Allah has
selves. Allah is Most Merciful to you. (4:29) stamped them with disbelief, so they do not be-
If We had directed them to kill themselves or lieve except for very few. (4:155)
leave their homes, they would not have done so, And (We punished them) on account of their dis-
except for a very few. But if they had done what belief, and their utterance of a monstrous slander
they were urged to do, it would have been better against Maryam, and their saying, ‘We killed the
for them and far more strengthening. (4:66) Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of
So let those who sell the life of this world for the Allah.’ They did not kill him and they did not cru-
hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone cify him but it was made to seem so to them.
fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or Those who argue about him are in doubt about
is victorious, We will pay him an immense re- it. They have no real knowledge of it, just con-
ward. (4:74) jecture. But they certainly did not kill him.
They would like you to disbelieve as they disbe- (4:156-157)
lieve so that you will all be the same. Do not take Recite to them the true report of Adam’s two sons
any of them as friends until they have migrated in when they offered a sacrifice and it was accepted
the Way of Allah. But if they run away then seize from one of them but not accepted from the
them and kill them wherever you find them. Do other. The one said, ‘I shall kill you.’ The other
not take any of them as either a friend or helper. said, ‘Allah only accepts from people who guard
(4:89) against evil. Even if you do raise your hand
You will find others who desire to be safe from against me to kill me, I am not going to raise my
you and safe from their own people. Each time hand against you to kill you. Truly I fear Allah,
they are returned to dissension they are over- the Lord of all the worlds.’ (5:27-28)
whelmed by it. If they do not keep away from So his lower self persuaded him to kill his
you or submit to you or refrain from fighting, brother, and he killed him and became one of the
seize them and kill them wherever you find lost. (5:30)
them. Over such people We have given you Then Allah sent a crow which scratched at the
clear authority. (4:91) earth to show him how to conceal his brother’s
A believer should never kill another believer un- corpse. He said, ‘Woe is me! Can I not even be
less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer like this crow and conceal my brother’s corpse?’
by mistake should free a believing slave and pay And he became one of those who suffer bitter re-
blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as morse on account of that. So We decreed for the
a charity. If he is from a people who are your en- tribe of Israel that if someone kills another per-
408
son–unless it is in retaliation for someone else or you and them; that you do not approach inde-
for causing corruption in the earth–it is as if he cency–outward or inward; that you do not kill
had murdered all mankind. And if anyone gives any person Allah has made inviolate–except with
life to another person, it is as if he had given life the right to do so. That is what He instructs you to
to all mankind. Our Messengers came to them do so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
with Clear Signs but even after that many of them (6:151)
committed outrages in the earth. (5:31-32) The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘Are
The reprisal against those who wage war on you going to leave Musa and his people to cause
Allah and His Messenger, and go about the earth corruption in the earth and abandon you and
corrupting it, is that they should be killed or cru- your gods?’ He said, ‘We will kill their sons and
cified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut let their women live. We have absolute power
off, or be banished from the land. That will be over them!’ (7:127)
their degradation in this world and in the here- Remember when We rescued you from
after they will have a terrible punishment, (5:33) Pharaoh’s people who were inflicting an evil
We made a covenant with the tribe of Israel and punishment on you, killing your sons and letting
We sent Messengers to them. Each time a your women live. In that there was a terrible trial
Messenger came to them with something their from your Lord. (7:141)
lower selves did not desire, they denied some When Musa returned to his people in anger and
and they murdered others. (5:70) great sorrow, he said, ‘What an evil thing you did
You who believe! Do not kill game while you are in my absence after I left! Did you want to hasten
in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any your Lord’s command?’ He threw down the
deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani- Tablets and seized hold of his brother’s head,
mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by dragging him towards him. Harun said, ‘Son of
two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the my mother, The people oppressed me and almost
Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast- killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat
ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste over me. Do not include me with the wrongdo-
the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has ing people.’ (7:150)
pardoned all that took place in the past; but if You did not kill them; it was Allah Who killed
anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on them; and you did not throw, when you threw; it
him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. was Allah Who threw: so He might test the be-
(5:95) lievers with this excellent trial from Him. Allah is
In the same way their idols have made killing All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (8:17)
their children appear good to many of the idol- When those who disbelieve were plotting against
aters, in order to destroy them and confuse them you to imprison you or kill you or expel you: they
in their religion. If Allah had willed, they would were plotting and Allah was plotting, but Allah is
not have done it; so abandon them and what the Best of Plotters. (8:30)
they fabricate. (6:137) Then, when the sacred months are over, kill the
Those who kill their children foolishly without idolaters wherever you find them, and seize
any knowledge and make what Allah has pro- them and besiege them and lie in wait for them
vided for them forbidden, inventing lies against on every road. If they repent and perform prayer
Allah, such people are lost. They are misguided. and give the alms, let them go on their way. Allah
They are not guided. (6:140) is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:5)
Say: ‘Come and I will recite to you what your Allah has bought from the believers their selves
Lord has made forbidden for you’: that you do and their wealth in return for the Garden. They
not associate anything with Him; that you are fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are
good to your parents; that you do not kill your killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the
children because of poverty–We will provide for Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is
409
truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in want to kill me just as you killed a person yester-
the bargain you have made. That is the great vic- day? You only want to be a tyrant in the land; you
tory. (9:111) do not want to be a reformer.’ (28:19)
(Yusuf's brothers said,) ‘Kill Yusuf or expel him to A man came running from the furthest part of the
some land so that your father will look to you city, saying, ‘Musa, the Council are conspiring to
alone and then you can be people who do right.’ kill you, so leave! I am someone who brings you
(12:9) good advice.’ (28:20)
One of them said, ‘Do not take Yusuf’s life but He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I killed one of them and
throw him to the bottom of the well, so that some I am afraid they will kill me;’ (28:33)
travellers may discover him, if this is something The only answer of his people was to say: ‘Kill him
that you have to do.’ (12:10) or burn him!’ But Allah rescued him from the fire.
Do not kill your children out of fear of being There are certainly Signs in that for people who
poor. We will provide for them and you. Killing are believers. (29:24)
them is a terrible mistake. (17:31) Say: ‘Flight will not benefit you if you try to run
Do not kill any person Allah has made inviolate, away from death or being killed. Then you will
except with the right to do so. If someone is only enjoy a short respite.’ (33:16)
wrongly killed We have given authority to his He brought down from their fortresses those of the
next of kin. But he should not be excessive in tak- People of the Book who supported them and cast
ing life. He will be helped. (17:33) terror into their hearts. You killed some of them
So they went on until they met a youngster and some you took prisoner. (33:26)
whom he killed. Musa said, ‘Have you killed a When he brought them the truth from Us they
boy who has done no wrong, without it being in said, ‘Slaughter the sons of those who believe with
retaliation for someone else? This is truly an ap- him but let their women live.’ The stratagems of
palling thing that you have done!’ (18:74) the disbelievers are nothing but errors. (40:25)
(Allah said,) ‘When your sister went and said, Pharaoh said, ‘Let me kill Musa and let him call
"Shall I direct you to someone who will take care upon his Lord! I am afraid that he may change
of him?" that was how We returned you to your your religion and bring about corruption in the
mother so that she might delight her eyes and not land.’ (40:26)
be grieved. You killed a man and We rescued A man among Pharaoh’s people who believed,
you from trouble and tested you with many trials. but kept his faith concealed, said, ‘Are you going
You stayed some years among the people of to kill a man for saying "My Lord is Allah" when he
Madyan. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained has brought you Clear Signs from your Lord? If he
time, Musa!’ (20:40) is telling a lie, be it on his own head. But if he is
(Believers are) those who do not call on any telling the truth, then some of what he is promising
other god together with Allah and do not kill you will certainly happen to you. Allah does not
anyone Allah has made inviolate, except with guide any unbridled inveterate liar.’ (40:28)
the right to do so, and do not fornicate; anyone O Prophet! When women who believe come to
who does that will receive an evil punishment. you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds
(25:68) that they will not associate anything with Allah or
(Musa said,) ‘They hold a wrong action against steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a
me and I fear that they may kill me.’ (26:14) false ascription of paternity–making up lies about
The wife of Pharaoh said, ‘A source of delight for their bodies–or disobey you in respect of anything
me and for you; do not kill him. It may well be right, then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness
that he will be of use to us or perhaps we could for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
adopt him as a son.’ They were not aware. (28:9) (60:12)
But when he was about to grab the man who was When the baby girl buried alive is asked for what
their common enemy, he said, ‘Musa! Do you crime she was killed. (81:8-9)
410
KING - KINGSHIP spoken with him, he declared, ‘Today you are
What do you think about the council of the tribe of trusted, established in our sight.’ (12:54)
Israel after Musa’s time when they said to one of They said, ‘We’re missing the goblet of the king.
their Prophets, ‘Give us a king and we will fight The man who brings it will get a camel’s load.
in the Way of Allah!’? He said, ‘Is it not possible Regarding that I stand as guarantor.’ (12:72)
that if fighting were prescribed for you, you He started with their bags before his brother’s
would not fight?’ They said, ‘How could we not and then produced it from his brother’s bag. In
fight in the way of Allah when we have been that way We devised a cunning scheme for
driven from our homes and children?’ But then Yusuf. He could not have held his brother ac-
when fighting was prescribed for them, they cording to the statutes of the King–only because
turned their backs–except for a few of them. Allah had willed it so. We raise the rank of any-
Allah knows the wrongdoers. (2:246) one We will. Over everyone with knowledge is a
Their Prophet said to them, ‘Allah has appointed Knower. (12:76)
Talut to be your king.’ They said, ‘How can he High exalted be Allah, the King, the Real! Do not
have kingship over us when we have much more rush ahead with the Qur’an before its revelation
right to kingship than he does? He has not even to you is complete, and say: ‘My Lord, increase
got much wealth!’ He said, ‘Allah has chosen me in knowledge.’ (20:114)
him over you and favoured him greatly in knowl- Exalted be Allah, the King, the Real. There is no
edge and physical strength. Allah gives kingship god but Him, Lord of the Noble Throne. (23:116)
to anyone He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and the
All-Knowing.’ (2:247) earth belongs. He does not have a son and He
Their Prophet said to them, ‘The sign of his king- has no partner in the Kingdom. He created every-
ship is that the Ark will come to you, containing thing and determined it most exactly. (25:2)
serenity from your Lord and certain relics left by She (Queen of Sheba) said, ‘When kings enter a
the families of Musa and Harun. It will be borne city, they lay waste to it and make its mightiest
by angels. There is a sign for you in that if you are inhabitants the most abased. That is what they
believers.’ (2:248) too will do.’ (27:34)
And with Allah's permission they routed them. He is Allah–there is no god but Him. He is the
Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king- King, the Most Pure, the Perfect Peace, the
ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He Trustworthy, the Safeguarder, the Almighty, the
willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some peo- Compeller, the Supremely Great. Glory be to
ple back by means of others, the earth would Allah above all they associate with Him. (59:23)
have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to Everything in the heavens and everything in the
all the worlds. (2:251) earth glorifies Allah, the King, the All-Pure, the
The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat cows Almighty, the All-Wise. (62:1)
which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears
of wheat and seven others which were dry. O KINSHIP
counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you are How indeed! For if they get the upper hand over
those who can interpret visions!’ (12:43) you, they will respect neither kinship nor treaty.
The King said, ‘Bring him to me straight away!’ They please you with their mouths but their
but when the envoy came to him, he (Yusuf) said, hearts belie their words. Most of them are devia-
‘Go back to your master and enquire of him what tors. (9:8)
happened about the women who cut their hands. They respect neither kinship nor treaty where a
My Lord has knowledge of their cunning guile.’ believer is concerned. They are the people who
(12:50) overstep the limits. (9:10)
The King said, ‘Bring him to me straight away! So No burden-bearer can bear another’s burden. If
I may draw him very close to me.’ When he had someone weighed down calls for help to bear his
411
load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his to anyone He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing,
next of kin. You can only warn those who fear All-Knowing.’ (2:247)
their Lord in the Unseen and perform prayer. It is He Who sent down the Book to you from
Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone. Him: verses containing clear judgements–they
Allah is your final destination. (35:18) are the core of the Book–and others which are
Is it not likely that, if you did turn away, you open to interpretation. Those with deviation in
would cause corruption in the earth and sever their hearts follow what is open to interpretation
your ties of kinship? (47:22) in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning.
No one knows its inner meaning but Allah.
KNIFE Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be-
But when she (the governor's wife) heard of their lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only peo-
malicious talk, she sent for them and made a ple of intelligence pay heed. (3:7)
sumptuous meal and then she gave a knife to Allah bears witness that there is no god but Him,
each of them. She said (to Yusuf), ‘Go out to as do the angels and the people of knowledge,
them.’ When they saw him, they were amazed upholding justice. There is no god but Him, the
by him and cut their hands. They said, ‘Allah pre- Almighty, the All-Wise. (3:18)
serve us! This is no man. What can this be but a The religion with Allah is Islam. Those given the
noble angel here!’ (12:31) Book only differed after knowledge had come to
them, envying one another. As for those who re-
KNOWLEDGE ject Allah’s Signs, Allah is swift at reckoning.
It is He Who created everything on the earth for (3:19)
you and then directed His attention up to heaven If anyone argues with you about him after the
and arranged it into seven regular heavens. He knowledge that has come to you, say, ‘Come
has knowledge of all things. (2:29) then! Let us summon our sons and your sons, our
They said, ‘Glory be to You! We have no knowl- women and your women, ourselves and your-
edge except what You have taught us. You are the selves. Then let us make earnest supplication and
All-Knowing, the All-Wise.’ (2:32) call down the curse of Allah upon the liars.’
The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased (3:61)
with you until you follow their religion. Say, (Say,) ‘You are people arguing about something
‘Allah’s guidance is the true guidance.’ If you of which you have no knowledge. Why do you
were to follow their whims and desires, after the argue about something of which you have no
knowledge that has come to you, you would find knowledge? Allah knows; you do not know.’
no protector or helper against Allah. (2:120) (3:66)
If you were to bring every Sign to those given the When news of any matter reaches them they
Book, they still would not follow your direction. spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or
You do not follow their direction. They do not disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to
follow each other’s direction. If you followed the Messenger and those in command among
their whims and desires, after the knowledge that them, those among them able to discern the truth
has come to you, you would then be one of the about it would have had proper knowledge of it.
wrongdoers. (2:145) If it were not for Allah’s favour to you and His
Their Prophet said to them, ‘Allah has appointed mercy, all but a very few of you would have fol-
Talut to be your king.’ They said, ‘How can he lowed Satan. (4:83)
have kingship over us when we have much more And on account of their disbelief, and their utter-
right to kingship than he does? He has not even ance of a monstrous slander against Maryam,
got much wealth!’ He said, ‘Allah has chosen and their saying, ‘We killed the Messiah, ‘Isa son
him over you and favoured him greatly in knowl- of Maryam, Messenger of Allah.’ They did not kill
edge and physical strength. Allah gives kingship him and they did not crucify him but it was made
412
to seem so to them. Those who argue about him overstep the limits. (6:119)
are in doubt about it. They have no real knowl- Those who kill their children foolishly without
edge of it, just conjecture. But they certainly did any knowledge and make what Allah has pro-
not kill him. (4:156-157) vided for them forbidden, inventing lies against
But those of them who are firmly rooted in Allah, such people are lost. They are misguided.
knowledge, and the believers, believe in what They are not guided. (6:140)
has been sent down to you and what was sent There are eight in pairs: A pair of sheep and a
down before you: those who perform prayer and pair of goats–Say: ‘Is it the two males He has
give the alms, and believe in Allah and the Last made forbidden, or the two females, or what the
Day–We will pay such people an immense wombs of the two females contain? Tell me with
wage. (4:162) knowledge if you are being truthful.’ (6:143)
But Allah bears witness to what He has sent And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is
down to you. He has sent it down with His it the two males He has made forbidden, or the
knowledge. The angels bear witness as well. And two females, or what the wombs of the two fe-
Allah suffices as a Witness. (4:166) males contain? Were you then witnesses when
His people argued with him. He (Ibrahim) said, Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do
‘Are you arguing with me about Allah when He greater wrong than someone who invents lies
has guided me? I have no fear of any partner you against Allah thus leading people astray without
ascribe to Him unless my Lord should will such a any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people
thing to happen. My Lord encompasses all things of the wrongdoers. (6:144)
in His knowledge so will you not pay heed? Why Those who associate others with Allah will say,
should I fear what you have associated with Him ‘If Allah had willed we would not have associ-
when you yourselves apparently have no fear of ated anything with Him, nor would our fathers;
associating partners with Allah for which He has nor would we have made anything forbidden.’ In
sent down no authority to you? Which of the two the same way the people before them also lied
parties is more entitled to feel safe, if you have until they felt Our violent force. Say: ‘Do you
any knowledge?’ (6:80-81) have some knowledge you can produce for us?
It is He Who has appointed the stars for you so You are following nothing but conjecture. You
you might be guided by them in the darkness of are only guessing.’ (6:148)
the land and sea. We have made the Signs clear We will tell them about it with knowledge. We
for people who have knowledge. (6:97) are never absent. (7:7)
Yet they make the jinn co-partners with Allah We have brought them a Book elucidating every-
when He created them! And they attribute sons thing with knowledge, as guidance and a mercy
and daughters to Him without any knowledge. for people who believe. (7:52)
Glory be to Him! He is far above what they de- (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘We would be inventing lies
scribe! (6:100) against Allah if we returned to your religion after
He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. Allah has saved us from it. We could never return
How could He have a son when He has no wife? to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Lord
He created all things and He has knowledge of encompasses everything in His knowledge. We
all things. (6:101) have put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge be-
What is the matter with you that you do not eat tween us and our people with truth. You are the
that over which the name of Allah has been men- best of judges.’ (7:89)
tioned, when He has made clear to you what He They will ask you about the Hour: when is it due?
has made forbidden for you except when you are Say: ‘Knowledge of it rests with my Lord alone.
forced to eat it? Many people lead others astray He alone will reveal it at its proper time. It hangs
through their whims and desires without having heavy in the heavens and the earth. It will not
any knowledge. Your Lord knows best those who come upon you except suddenly.’ They will ask
413
you as if you had full knowledge of it. Say: And then when he (Yusuf) became a full-grown
‘Knowledge of it rests with Allah alone. But most man, We gave him knowledge and right judge-
people do not know that.’ (7:187) ment too. That is how We reward all doers of
Say: ‘I possess no power to help or harm myself, good. (12:22)
except as Allah wills. If I had had knowledge of The King said, ‘Bring him to me straight away!’
the Unseen, I would have sought to gain much but when the envoy came to him, he (Yusuf) said,
good and no evil would have touched me. I am ‘Go back to your master and enquire of him what
only a warner and a bringer of good news to peo- happened about the women who cut their hands.
ple who believe.’ (7:188) My Lord has knowledge of their cunning guile.’
But if they repent and perform prayer and give (12:50)
the alms, they are your brothers in the religion. But when they entered as their father said, it did
We make the Signs clear for people who have not save them from Allah at all, yet a need in
knowledge. (9:11) Ya‘qub’s soul was satisfied. He had knowledge
It is not necessary for the believers to go out all which We had taught him, but most of mankind
together. If a party from each group of them were simply do not know. (12:68)
to go out so they could increase their knowledge He started with their bags before his brother’s
of the religion they would be able to notify their and then produced it from his brother’s bag. In
people when they returned to them so that hope- that way We devised a cunning scheme for
fully they would take warning! (9:122) Yusuf. He could not have held his brother ac-
No, the fact is that they have denied something cording to the statutes of the King–only because
which their knowledge does not embrace and Allah had willed it so. We raise the rank of any-
the meaning of which has not yet reached them. one We will. Over everyone with knowledge is a
In the same way those before them also denied Knower. (12:76)
the truth. See the final fate of the wrongdoers! Accordingly We have sent it down as a judge-
(10:39) ment in Arabic. If you followed their whims and
He said, ‘Your request is answered, so go straight desires after the knowledge that has come to you,
and do not follow the way of those who have no you would have no protector or defender against
knowledge.’ (10:89) Allah. (13:37)
We settled the tribe of Israel in a noble place and Those who disbelieve say, ‘You are not a
gave them good things as provision. They did not Messenger.’ Say: ‘Allah is a sufficient witness be-
differ until knowledge came to them. Your Lord tween you and me, and anyone else who has
will decide between them on the Day of Rising knowledge of the Book.’ (13:43)
regarding the things about which they differed. They (Our Messengers) said, ‘Do not be afraid.
(10:93) We bring you the good news of a boy of great
If they do not respond to you then know that it knowledge.’ (15:53)
has been sent down with Allah’s knowledge and Then on the Day of Rising He will disgrace them,
that there is no god but Him. So will you not be- and say, ‘Where are My partner gods for whose
come Muslims? (11:14) sake you became so hostile?’ Those given knowl-
He said, ‘Nuh, he is definitely not of your family. edge will say, ‘Today there is disgrace and evil for
He is someone whose action was not righteous. the disbelievers.’ (16:27)
Do not, therefore, ask Me for something about They allot a portion of the provision We have
which you have no knowledge. I admonish you given them to things they have no knowledge of
lest you should be among the ignorant.’ (11:46) at all. By Allah, you will be asked about what
He (Nuh) said, ‘My Lord, I seek refuge with You you invented! (16:56)
from asking You for anything about which I have Allah created you and then will take you back
no knowledge. If You do not forgive me and have again. And some of you revert to the lowest form
mercy on me, I will be among the lost.’ (11:47) of life so that after having knowledge, you know
414
nothing at all. Allah is All-Knowing, All- Him. (20:110)
Powerful. (16:70) High exalted be Allah, the King, the Real! Do not
If we replace one verse with another one–and rush ahead with the Qur’an before its revelation
Allah knows best what He is sending down–they to you is complete, and say: ‘My Lord, increase
say, ‘You are just inventing this!’ No indeed! me in knowledge.’ (20:114)
Most of them have no knowledge. (16:101) We gave Ibrahim his right guidance early on, and
Do not pursue what you have no knowledge of. We had complete knowledge of him. (21:51)
Hearing, sight and hearts will all be questioned. We gave right judgement and knowledge to Lut
(17:36) and rescued him from the city which committed
When We said to you, ‘Surely your Lord encom- disgusting acts. They were evil people who were
passes the people with His knowledge.’ We only deviators. (21:74)
appointed the vision We showed you and the We gave Sulayman understanding of it. We gave
Accursed Tree in the Qur’an as a trial and temp- each of them judgement and knowledge. We
tation for the people. We frighten them, but it subjected the mountains to Dawud, glorifying,
only increases them in their excessive insolence. and the birds as well. This is something We are
(17:60) well able to do. (21:79)
They will ask you about the Spirit. Say: ‘The And to Sulayman We gave the fiercely blowing
Spirit is my Lord’s concern. You have only been wind, speeding at his command towards the land
given a little knowledge.’ (17:85) which We had blessed. And We had full knowl-
Say: ‘Believe in it or do not believe in it.’ edge of everything. (21:81)
Certainly, when it is recited to them, those who Among people there is one who argues about
were given knowledge before it fall on their faces Allah without knowledge, and follows every re-
in prostration. (17:107) bellious Satan. (22:3)
They have no knowledge of this, neither they nor Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
their fathers. It is a monstrous utterance which Rising, know that We created you from dust then
has issued from their mouths. What they say is from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood
nothing but a lie. (18:5) then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed,
They found a servant of Ours whom We had so We may make things clear to you. We make
granted mercy from Us and whom We had also whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec-
given knowledge direct from Us. (18:65) ified time and then We bring you out as children
(He said to Musa,) ‘How indeed could you bear so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of
with patience something you have not encom- you die and some of you revert to the lowest
passed in your knowledge?’ (18:68) form of life so that, after having knowledge, they
Our knowledge encompasses all that happened then know nothing at all. And you see the earth
to him. (18:91) dead and barren; then when We send down
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Father, knowledge which never water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts
reached you has come to me, so follow me and I with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5)
will guide you to the right path.’ (19:43) Among people there is one who argues about
He (Pharaoh) said, ‘What about the previous Allah without knowledge or guidance or any
generations?’ He (Musa) said, ‘Knowledge of light-giving Book. (22:8)
them is with my Lord in a Book. My Lord does And (it is) so that those who have been given
not misplace nor does He forget.’ (20:51-52) knowledge will know it is the truth from their Lord
(Musa said,) ‘Your god is Allah alone, there is no and believe in it and their hearts will be humbled
god but Him. He encompasses all things in His to Him. Allah guides those who believe to a
knowledge.’ (20:98) straight path. (22:54)
He knows what is in front of them and behind They worship besides Allah something for which
them. But their knowledge does not encompass no authority has come down, something about
415
which they have no knowledge. There is no helper In fact they have doubts about it. In fact they are
for the wrongdoers. (22:71) blind to it. (27:66)
Say: ‘To whom does the earth belong, and every- Then when they arrive He will say, ‘Did you
one in it, if you have any knowledge?’ (23:84) deny My Signs even though you did not have
Say: ‘In whose hand is the dominion over every- proper knowledge of them. What were you
thing, He Who gives protection and from whom doing?’ (27:84)
no protection can be given, if you have any knowl- And when he (Musa) reached his full strength
edge?’ (23:88) and maturity, We gave him judgement and
You were bandying it about on your tongues, your knowledge. That is how We recompense good-
mouths uttering something about which you had doers. (28:14)
no knowledge. You considered it to be a trivial You cannot guide those you would like to but
matter, but, in Allah’s sight, it is immense. (24:15) Allah guides those He wills. He has best knowl-
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. edge of the guided. (28:56)
The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in He (Qarun) said, ‘I have only been given it be-
which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass cause of knowledge I have.’ Did he not know
like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an that before him Allah had destroyed generations
olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all with far greater strength than his and far more
but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light possessions? The evildoers will not be ques-
upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He tioned about their sins. (28:78)
wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind But those who had been given knowledge said,
and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35) ‘Woe to you! Allah’s reward is better for those
Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs who believe and act rightly. But only the stead-
to Allah. He knows what you are engaged upon. fast will obtain it.’ (28:80)
On the Day when they are returned to Him, He We have instructed man to honour his parents,
will inform them of what they did. Allah has but if they endeavour to make you associate with
knowledge of all things. (24:64) Me something about which you have no knowl-
We gave knowledge to Dawud and Sulayman edge, do not obey them. It is to Me you will re-
who said, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has favoured turn and I will inform you about the things you
us over many of His servants who are believers.’ did. (29:8)
(27:15) Such metaphors–We devise them for mankind;
He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, ‘I but only those with knowledge understand them.
will bring it to you before your glance returns to (29:43)
you.’ And when he saw it standing firmly in his No, it is Clear Signs reposited in the hearts of
presence, he said, ‘This is part of my Lord's those who have been given knowledge. Only
favour to test me to see if I will give thanks or wrongdoers deny Our Signs. (29:49)
show ingratitude. Whoever gives thanks only Allah expands the provision of any of His ser-
does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful, vants He wills and restricts it. Allah has knowl-
my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous.’ edge of all things. (29:62)
(27:40) However, those who do wrong pursue their
Then when she (Queen of Sheba) came, she was whims and desires without any knowledge. Who
asked, ‘Is your throne like this?’ She said, ‘It is ex- can guide those whom Allah has led astray? They
actly like it.’ ‘We were given knowledge before will have no helpers. (30:29)
her and were already Muslims.’ (27:42) Those who have been given knowledge and faith
These are the ruins of their houses because of the will say, ‘You tarried in accordance with Allah’s
wrong they did. There is certainly a Sign in that Decree until the Day of Rising. And this is the
for people with knowledge. (27:52) Day of Rising, but you did not know it.’ (30:56)
No, their knowledge stops short of the hereafter. (We have instructed man concerning his par-
416
ents:) ‘But if they try to make you associate some- vants with knowledge have fear of Allah. Allah is
thing with Me about which you have no knowl- Almighty, Ever-Forgiving. (35:28)
edge, do not obey them. Keep company with Say ‘He Who made them in the first place will
them correctly and courteously in this world but bring them back to life. He has total knowledge
follow the Way of him who turns to Me. Then of each created thing.’ (36:79)
you will return to Me and I will inform you about When harm touches man he calls on Us. Then
the things you did.’ (31:15) when We grant him a blessing from Us he says, ‘I
Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you have only been given this because of my knowl-
everything in the heavens and earth and has edge.’ In fact it is a trial but most of them do not
showered His blessings upon you, both out- know it. (39:49)
wardly and inwardly? Yet there are people who Those who bear the Throne, and all those around
argue about Allah without knowledge or guid- it, glorify their Lord with praise and believe in
ance or any illuminating Book. (31:20) Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe:
Truly Allah has knowledge of the Hour and sends ‘Our Lord, You encompass everything in mercy
down abundant rain and knows what is in the and knowledge! Forgive those who turn to You
womb. And no self knows what it will earn to- and who follow Your Way and safeguard them
morrow and no self knows in what land it will from the punishment of the Blazing Fire.’ (40:7)
die. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (31:34) (The man who believed said to his people,) ‘You
Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, call me to reject Allah and to associate some-
but the Messenger of Allah and the Final Seal of thing with Him about which I have no knowl-
the Prophets. Allah has knowledge of all things. edge, while I call you to the Almighty, the
(33:40) Endlessly Forgiving.’ (40:42)
Whether you divulge a thing or conceal it, Allah When their Messengers brought them the Clear
has knowledge of all things. (33:54) Signs, they exulted in the knowledge they had
People will ask you about the Last Hour. Say: and then were engulfed by the very things they
‘Only Allah has knowledge of it. What will make mocked. (40:83)
you understand? It may be that the Last Hour is Knowledge of the Hour is referred to Him. And
very near.’ (33:63) no fruit emerges from its husk, nor does any fe-
Those who have been given knowledge see that male get pregnant or give birth, without His
what has been sent down to you from your Lord knowledge. On the Day He calls out to them:
is the truth and that it guides to the Path of the ‘Where are My associates?’ they will say, ‘We de-
Almighty, the Praiseworthy. (34:6) clare to you that none of us is a witness.’ (41:47)
Then when We decreed that he (Sulayman) The Keys of the heavens and earth belong to
should die, nothing divulged his death to them Him. He expands the provision of anyone He
except the worm which ate his staff; so that when wills or restricts it. He has knowledge of all
he fell down it was made clear to the jinn that if things. (42:12)
they had truly had knowledge of the Unseen they They only split up after knowledge came to
need not have stayed there suffering humiliating them, tyrannising one another. And were it not
punishment. (34:14) for a prior decree from your Lord for a specified
Allah created you from dust and then from a drop term, the judgement between them would al-
of sperm and then made you into pairs. No fe- ready have been made. Those who inherited the
male becomes pregnant or gives birth except Book after them are indeed in grave doubt about
with His knowledge. And no living thing lives it. (42:14)
long or has its life cut short without that being in They say, ‘If the All-Merciful had so willed, we
a Book. That is easy for Allah. (35:11) would not have worshipped them.’ They have no
And mankind and beasts and livestock are like- knowledge of that. They are only conjecturing.
wise of varying colours. Only those of His ser- (43:20)
417
Blessed be Him to Whom belongs the sover- most right to and were most entitled to. Allah has
eignty of the heavens and the earth and every- knowledge of all things. (48:26)
thing in between them. The knowledge of the Say: ‘Do you presume to teach Allah your reli-
Hour is with Him. You will be returned to Him. gion when Allah knows everything in the heav-
(43:85) ens and everything in the earth? Allah has
We made the Commandments very clear to them knowledge of all things.’ (49:16)
and they only differed after knowledge came to He (Ibrahim) felt afraid of them but they said, ‘Do
them, tyrannising one other. Your Lord will de- not be afraid!’ and gave him the good news of a
cide between them on the Day of Rising regard- son imbued with knowledge. (51:28)
ing the things they differed about. (45:17) They have no knowledge of this. They are only
They say, ‘There is nothing but our existence in following conjecture. (53:28)
this world. We die and we live and nothing de- That is as far as their knowledge extends. Your
stroys us except for time.’ They have no knowl- Lord knows best those who are misguided from
edge of that. They are only conjecturing. (45:24) His Way and He knows best those who are
Say: ‘Have you thought about those you call guided. (53:30)
upon apart from Allah? Show me what they have To whoever avoids the major wrong actions and
created on the earth. Or do they have a partner- indecencies–except for minor lapses–truly your
ship in the heavens? Produce a Book for me be- Lord is vast in forgiveness. He has most knowl-
fore this one or a shred of knowledge if you are edge of you when He first produced you from the
telling the truth.’ (46:4) earth, and when you were embryos in your
He (Hud) said, ‘All knowledge is with Allah. I mothers’ wombs. So do not claim purity for your-
only transmit to you what I have been sent with. selves. He knows best those who guard against
But I see that you are a people who are ignorant.’ evil. (53:32)
(46:23) Does he have knowledge of the Unseen, en-
Among them are those who listen to you and abling him to see? (53:35)
then, when they leave your presence, say to He is the First and the Last, the Outward and the
those who have been given knowledge, ‘What Inward. He has knowledge of all things. (57:3)
was that he just said?’ They are those whose Do you not see that Allah knows what is in the
hearts Allah has sealed up and who follow their heavens and on the earth? Three men cannot
own desires. (47:16) confer together secretly without Him being the
They are those who disbelieved and debarred fourth of them, or five without Him being the
you from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) sixth of them, or fewer than that or more without
and prevented the sacrifice from reaching its Him being with them wherever they are. Then
proper place, and had it not been for some men He will inform them on the Day of Rising of what
and women who are believers, whom you did they did. Allah has knowledge of all things.
not know and might trample underfoot, and so (58:7)
unknowingly incur blame on their account–so You who believe! When you are told: ‘Make
that Allah might admit into His mercy those He room in the gathering,’ then make room and
wills–and had those among them who disbelieve Allah will make room for you! And when it is
been clearly distinguishable, We would have said, ‘Get up’, get up. Allah will raise in rank
punished them with a painful punishment. those of you who believe and those who have
(48:25) been given knowledge. Allah is aware of what
Those who disbelieve filled their hearts with fa- you do. (58:11)
natical rage–the fanatical rage of the Time of You who believe! When women who believe
Ignorance–and Allah sent down serenity to His come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test.
Messenger and to the believers, and bound them Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you
to the expression of heedfulness which they had know they are believers, do not return them to
418
the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis-
believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them.
Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid.
And there is nothing wrong in your marrying
them provided you pay them their due. Do not
hold to any marriage ties with women who dis-
believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask
for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement.
Allah will judge between them. Allah is All-
Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10)
No misfortune occurs except by Allah’s permis-
sion. Whoever believes in Allah–He will guide
his heart. Allah has knowledge of all things.
(64:11)
It is Allah Who created the seven heavens and of
the earth the same number, the Command de-
scending down through all of them, so that you
might know that Allah has power over all things
and that Allah encompasses all things in His
knowledge. (65:12)
Say: ‘The knowledge is with Allah alone and I am
only a clear warner.’ (67:26)
No indeed, if you only knew with the Knowledge
of Certainty, you will certainly see the Blazing
Fire! (102:5-6)

KORAN (SEE THE QUR'AN)

KUFFAR (SEE DISBELIEVERS)

419
L LAMP
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.
LABOUR The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in
The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass
date-palm. She (Maryam) said, ‘Oh if only I had like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an
died before this time and was something dis- olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all
carded and forgotten!’ (19:23) but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light
upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He
LADDER wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind
If their turning away is hard on you, then go and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35)
down a tunnel deep into the earth, if you can, or Blessed be He Who placed constellations in the
climb up a ladder into heaven, and bring them a sky and put a blazing lamp and shining moon
Sign. If Allah had wanted to He would have gath- among them. (25:61)
ered them all to guidance. So do not be among O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, and a
the ignorant. ( 6:35) bringer of good news and a warner, and a caller
Were it not that mankind might all become one to Allah by His permission and a light-giving
community, We would have given those who re- lamp. (33:45-46)
ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses In two days He determined them as seven heav-
and silver stairways to ascend. ( 43:33) ens and revealed, in every heaven, its own man-
Or do they have a ladder on which they listen? date. We adorned the lowest heaven with lamps
Then let their listener bring clear evidence. ( and guarded it. That is the decree of the
52:38) Almighty, the All-Knowing. (41:12)
We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps
LAILAT UL-QADR (SEE NIGHT OF POWER) and made some of them stones for the Satans for
whom We have prepared the punishment of the
LAME Blaze. (67:5)
There is no objection to the blind, no objection Do you not see how He created seven heavens in
to the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your- layers, and placed the moon as a light in them
selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa- and made the sun a blazing lamp? (71:15-16)
thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your We built seven firm layers above you. We in-
brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the stalled a blazing lamp. (78:12-13)
houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts
or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater- LAND
nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or It (the charity) is for the poor who are held back
those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in in the Way of Allah, unable to travel in the land.
your eating together or eating separately. And The ignorant consider them rich because of their
when you enter houses greet one another with a reticence. You will know them by their mark.
greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this They do not ask from people insistently.
way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that Whatever good you give away, Allah knows it.
hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61) (2:273)
There is no constraint on the blind, nor on the When you are travelling in the land, there is
lame, nor on the sick. We will admit all who nothing wrong in your shortening your prayer if
obey Allah and His Messenger into Gardens with you fear that those who disbelieve may harass
rivers flowing under them. But We will punish you. The disbelievers are your clear-cut enemies.
with a painful punishment anyone who turns his (4:101)
back. (48:17) He said, ‘The land will be forbidden to them for
forty years during which they will wander aim-
420
lessly about the earth. Do not waste grief on this No one believed in Musa except for a few of his
deviant people.’ (5:26) people out of fear that Pharaoh, and the elders,
(Salih said, ‘My people,) remember when He ap- would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and
pointed you successors to ‘Ad and settled you in mighty in the land. He was one of the profligate.
the land. You built palaces on its plains and (10:83)
carved out houses from the mountains. The Egyptian who had bought him told his wife,
Remember Allah’s blessings and do not go about ‘Look after him with honour and respect. It’s pos-
the earth, corrupting it.’ (7:74) sible he will be of use to us or perhaps we might
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb adopt him as a son.’ And thus We established
who said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have Yusuf in the land to teach him the true meaning
no other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to of events. Allah is in control of His affair.
you from your Lord. Give full measure and full However, most of mankind do not know. (12:21)
weight. Do not diminish people’s goods. Do not And thus We established Yusuf in the land so he
cause corruption in the land after it has been put could live in any place he pleased. We grant Our
right. That is better for you if you are believers. grace to anyone We will and We do not allow to
(7:85) go to waste the wage of any people who do
The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘This good. (12:56)
is certainly a skilled magician who desires to We sent none before you but men inspired with
expel you from your land, so what do you rec- revelation from among the people of the cities.
ommend?’ (7:109-110) Have they not travelled in the land and seen the
They said, ‘We suffered harm before you came to final fate of those before them? The abode of the
us and after you came to us.’ He (Musa) said, ‘It hereafter is better for those who guard against
may well be that your Lord is going to destroy evil. So will you not use your intellect? (12:109)
your enemy and make you the successors in the Do they not see how We come to the land erod-
land so that He can see how you behave.’ (7:129) ing it at its extremities? Allah judges and there is
When you were few and oppressed in the land, no reversing His judgement. He is swift at reck-
afraid that the people would snatch you away, oning. (13:41)
He gave you refuge and supported you with His Those who disbelieved said to their Messengers,
help and provided you with good things so that ‘We will drive you from our land unless you re-
hopefully you would be thankful. (8:26) turn to our religion.’ Their Lord revealed to them,
It is not fitting for a Prophet to take captives until ‘We will destroy those who do wrong. We will
he has thoroughly subdued the land. You desire leave you the land to live in after them. That is
the goods of this world, whereas Allah desires the reward of those who fear My station and fear
the hereafter. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:67) My threat.’ (14:13-14)
Those who disbelieve are the friends and protec- We said to the tribe of Israel after that, ‘Inhabit
tors of one another. If you do not act in this way the land and, when the promise of the hereafter
there will be turmoil in the land and great cor- comes, We will produce you as a motley crowd.’
ruption. (8:73) (17:104)
An announcement to those idolaters you have a We will certainly make everything on it a barren
general treaty with that Allah and His Messenger wasteland. (18:8)
are free of them: ‘You may travel about in the land They said, ‘Dhu’l-Qarnayn! Yajuj and Majuj are
for four months and know that you cannot thwart causing corruption in the land. Can we, there-
Allah and that Allah will humiliate the disbeliev- fore, pay tribute to you in return for your con-
ers.’ (9:1-2) structing a barrier between us and them?’ (18:94)
They said, ‘Have you come to us to turn us from Allah has promised those of you who believe and
what we found our fathers doing, and to gain great- do right actions that He will make them succes-
ness in the land? We do not believe you.’ (10:78) sors in the land as He made those before them
421
successors, and will firmly establish for them will not find any changing in the pattern of Allah.
their religion with which He is pleased and give You will not find any alteration in the pattern of
them, in place of their fear, security. ‘They wor- Allah. (35:42-43)
ship Me, not associating anything with Me.’ Any Have they not travelled in the land and seen the
who disbelieve after that, such people are devia- final fate of those before them? They were far
tors. (24:55) greater than them in strength. Allah cannot be
There was a group of nine men in the city caus- withstood in any way, either in the heavens or on
ing corruption in the land and not putting things earth. He is All-Knowing, All-Powerful. (35:44)
right. (27:48) A Sign for them is the dead land which We bring
Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land to life and from which We bring forth grain of
and divided its people into camps, oppressing which they eat. (36:33)
one group of them by slaughtering their sons and Pharaoh said, ‘Let me kill Musa and let him call
letting their women live. He was one of the cor- upon his Lord! I am afraid that he may change
rupters. (28:4) your religion and bring about corruption in the
We desired to show kindness to those who were land.’ (40:26)
oppressed in the land and to make them leaders (A man among Pharaoh’s people who believed,
and make them inheritors and establish them but kept his faith concealed, said,) ‘My people!
firmly in the land and to show Pharaoh and The kingdom is yours today, as masters in the
Haman and their troops the very thing that they land, but who will help us against Allah’s violent
were fearing from them. (28:5-6) force, if it comes upon us?’ Pharaoh said, ‘I only
But when he was about to grab the man who was show you what I see myself and I only guide you
their common enemy, he said, ‘Musa! Do you to the path of rectitude.’ (40:29)
want to kill me just as you killed a person yester- Have they not travelled in the land and seen the
day? You only want to be a tyrant in the land; you final fate of those before them? They were more
do not want to be a reformer.’ (28:19) numerous than them and greater in strength and
He (Pharaoh) and his troops were arrogant in the left more and deeper traces on earth, but what
land without any right. They thought that they they earned was of no use to them. (40:82)
would not return to Us. (28:39) ‘Ad were arrogant in the land, without any right,
Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the saying, ‘Who has greater strength than us?’ Did
final fate of those before them? They had greater they not see that Allah, Who created them, had
strength than them and cultivated the land and greater strength than them? But they renounced
inhabited it in far greater numbers than they do. Our Signs. (41:15)
Their Messengers also came to them with the Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two-
Clear Signs. Allah would never have wronged thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and a
them; but they wronged themselves. (30:9) group of those with you. Allah determines the night
Do they not see how We drive water to barren and day. He knows you will not keep count of it, so
land and bring forth crops by it which their live- He has turned towards you. Recite as much of the
stock and they themselves both eat? So will they Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows that some of
not see? (32:27) you are ill and that others are travelling in the land
They swore by Allah with their most earnest seeking Allah’s bounty, and that others are fighting
oaths that if a warner came to them they would in the Way of Allah. So recite as much of it as is
be better guided than any other community. But easy for you. And perform prayer and give the alms
then when a warner did come to them, it only in- and lend a generous loan to Allah. Whatever good
creased their aversion, shown by their arrogance you send ahead for yourselves you will find it with
in the land and evil plotting. But evil plotting en- Allah as something better and as a greater reward.
velops only those who do it. Do they expect any- And seek forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-
thing but the pattern of previous peoples? You Forgiving, Most Merciful. (73:20)
422
LANGUAGE His name from being remembered in them, and
We have not sent any Messenger except with the goes about destroying them? Such people will
language of his people so he can make things never be able to enter them–except in fear. They
clear to them. Allah misguides anyone He wills will have disgrace in this world and in the here-
and guides anyone He wills. He is the Almighty, after they will have a terrible punishment. (2:114)
the All-Wise. (14:4) And when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, make this a
We know that they say, ‘It is only a human being place of safety and provide its inhabitants with
who is teaching him.’ The language of him they al- fruits–all of them who believe in Allah and the
lude to is a foreign one whereas this is in clear and Last Day,’ He said, ‘I will let anyone who disbe-
lucid Arabic. (16:103) lieves enjoy himself a little but then I will drive
Among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and him to the punishment of the Fire. What an evil
earth and the variety of your languages and destination!’ (2:126)
colours. There are certainly Signs in that for every Who would deliberately renounce the religion of
being. (30:22) Ibrahim except someone who reveals himself to
If We had made it a Qur’an in a foreign tongue be a fool? We chose him in this world and in the
they would have said, ‘Why have its Signs not hereafter he will be one of the righteous. (2:130)
been made plain? What! A foreign language for an It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East
Arab? ’Say: ‘It is guidance and healing for people or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
who believe. Those who do not believe have heav- are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
iness in their ears and for them it is blindness. Such the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
people are being called from a very distant place.’ despite their love for it, give away their wealth to
(41:44) their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves
LASH free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
A woman and a man who commit fornication: flog those who honour their contracts when they
both of them with one hundred lashes and do not make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
let compassion for either of them possess you ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
where Allah’s religion is concerned, if you believe true. They are the people who guard against evil.
in Allah and the Last Day. A number of believers (2:177)
should witness their punishment. (24:2) Divorced women should wait by themselves for
But those who make accusations against chaste three menstrual cycles; and it is not lawful for
women and then do not produce four witnesses: them to conceal what Allah has created in their
flog them with eighty lashes and never again ac- wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day.
cept them as witnesses. Such people are deviators. Their husbands have the right to take them back
(24:4) within that time, if they desire to be reconciled.
Women possess rights similar to those held over
LAST DAY, THE (QIYAMAH) them to be honoured with fairness; but men have
Among the people there are some who say, ‘We a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All-
believe in Allah and the Last Day,’ when they are Wise. (2:228)
not believers. (2:8) When you divorce women and they are near the
Those with faith, those who are Jews, and the end of their waiting period, do not prevent them
Christians and Sabaeans, all who believe in Allah from marrying their first husbands if they have
and the Last Day and act rightly, will have their mutually agreed to it with correctness and cour-
reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and tesy. This is an admonition for those of you who
will know no sorrow. (2:62) believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better
Who could do greater wrong than someone who and purer for you. Allah knows and you do not
bars access to the mosques of Allah, preventing know. (2:232)
423
You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by and perform prayer and give the alms, and fear
demands for gratitude or insulting words, like no one but Allah. They are the ones most likely
him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo- to be guided. (9:18)
ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day. Do you make the giving of water to the pilgrims
His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with and looking after the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-
soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left Haram) the same as believing in Allah and the
stripped bare. They have no power over anything Last Day and striving in the Way of Allah? They
they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe- are not equal in the sight of Allah. Allah does not
lieving people. (2:264) guide wrongdoing people. (9:19)
They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and en- Fight those of the people who were given the
join the right and forbid the wrong, and compete Book who do not believe in Allah and the Last
in doing good. They are among the righteous. Day and who do not make forbidden what Allah
(3:114) and His Messenger have made forbidden and do
And (We have prepared a humiliating punish- not take as their religion the religion of Truth,
ment) also for those who spend their wealth to until they pay the poll tax with their own hands
show off to people, not believing in Allah and the in a state of complete abasement. (9:29)
Last Day. Anyone who has made Satan his com- Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day do
rade, what an evil comrade he is! (4:38) not ask you to excuse them from striving with
What harm would it have done them to have be- their wealth and themselves. Allah knows the
lieved in Allah and the Last Day and to have people who guard against evil. (9:44)
given of what Allah has provided for them? Allah Only those who do not believe in Allah and the
knows everything about them. (4:39) Last Day ask you to excuse them. Their hearts are
You who believe! Obey Allah and obey the full of doubt and in their doubt they waver to and
Messenger and those in command among you. If fro. (9:45)
you have a dispute about something, refer it back And among the desert arabs there are some who
to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in believe in Allah and the Last Day and regard
Allah and the Last Day. That is the best thing to what they give as something which will bring
do and gives the best result. (4:59) them nearer to Allah and to the prayers of the
You who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger. It does indeed bring them near. Allah
Messenger and in the Book He sent down to His will admit them into His mercy. Allah is Ever-
Messenger, and the Books He sent down before. Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:99)
Anyone who rejects Allah and His angels and A woman and a man who commit fornication:
His Books and His Messengers and the Last Day flog both of them with one hundred lashes and
has gone very far astray. (4:136) do not let compassion for either of them possess
But those of them who are firmly rooted in you where Allah’s religion is concerned, if you
knowledge, and the believers, believe in what believe in Allah and the Last Day. A number of
has been sent down to you and what was sent believers should witness their punishment. (24:2)
down before you: those who perform prayer and And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb, he
give the alms, and believe in Allah and the Last said, ‘My people, worship Allah and look to the
Day–We will pay such people an immense Last Day and do not act unjustly on earth, corrupt-
wage. (4:162) ing it.’ (29:36)
Those who believe and those who are Jews and You have an excellent model in the Messenger of
the Sabaeans and the Christians, all who believe Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the
in Allah and the Last Day and act rightly will feel Last Day and remember Allah much. (33:21)
no fear and will know no sorrow. (5:69) You will not find people who believe in Allah
The mosques of Allah should only be maintained and the Last Day having love for anyone who op-
by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be
424
their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their But when he came to them with Our Signs, they
clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such people’s merely laughed at them. (43:57)
hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit from When an example is made of the son of Maryam
Him and admit them into Gardens with rivers your people laugh uproariously. (43:57)
flowing under them, remaining in them timelessly, (Has he not been informed) that it is He Who
for ever. Allah is pleased with them and they are brings about both laughter and tears? (53:43)
pleased with Him. Such people are the party of Are you then amazed at this discourse and laugh
Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah who are suc- and do not cry, treating life as a game? (53:59-61)
cessful. (58:22) That Day some faces will be radiant, laughing, re-
There is an excellent example in them for you to joicing. (80:38-39)
follow, that is for those whose hope is in Allah and Those who did evil used to laugh at those who be-
the Last Day. But if anyone turns away, Allah is the lieved. (83:29)
Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy. (60:6) So today those who believe are laughing at the dis-
Then when they have reached the end of their believers. (83:34)
waiting period either retain them with correctness
and courtesy or part from them with correctness LAW
and courtesy. Call two upright men from among And We have sent down the Book to you with
yourselves as witnesses and they should carry out truth, confirming and conserving the previous
the witnessing for Allah. This is admonishment for Books. So judge between them by what Allah has
all who believe in Allah and the Last Day. sent down and do not follow their whims and de-
Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him a way sires deviating from the Truth that has come to
out. (65:2) you. We have appointed a law and a practice for
every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would
LAUGHTER have made you a single community, but He
To those who disbelieve, the life of this world is wanted to test you regarding what has come to
painted in glowing colours and they laugh at those you. So compete with each other in doing good.
who believe. But on the Day of Rising those who Every one of you will return to Allah and He will
fear Allah will be over them. Allah provides for inform you regarding the things about which you
whoever He wills without any reckoning. (2:212) differed. (5:48)
Let them laugh little and weep much, in repayment
for what they have earned. (9:82) LAWH MAHFUZ (THE PRESERVED TABLET)
His wife was standing there and she laughed out Allah erases whatever He wills or endorses it.
loud. So We gave her the good news of Ishaq, and The Master Copy of the Book is in His Hands.
beyond Ishaq, Ya‘qub. (11:71) (13:39)
But you made a mockery of them so that they It is in the Source Book with Us, high-exalted,
made you forget to remember Me while you were full of wisdom. (43:4)
laughing at them. (23:110) We know exactly how the earth eats them away.
He (Sulayman) smiled, laughing at its words, and We possess an all-preserving Book. (50:4)
said, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing Nothing occurs, either in the earth or in your-
You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and selves, without its being in a Book before We
keep me acting rightly, pleasing You, and admit make it happen. That is something easy for Allah.
me, by Your mercy, among Your servants who are (57:22)
righteous.’ (27:19) No indeed! Truly it is a reminder, and whoever
No wonder you are surprised as they laugh with wills pays heed to it. Inscribed on Honoured
scorn! (37:12) Pages, inscribed on Honoured Pages, exalted,
When they see a Sign they only laugh with scorn. purified by the hands of scribes, noble, virtuous.
(37:14) (80:11-16)
425
It is indeed a Glorious Qur’an preserved on a You who believe! Fulfil your contracts. All live-
Tablet. (85:21-22) stock animals are lawful for you, except those
that are recited to you now; but it is still not law-
LAWFUL ful to hunt while you are in the state of pilgrimage.
Mankind! Eat what is good and lawful on the Allah makes whatever judgements He wills. (5:1)
earth. And do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. They will ask you what is lawful for them. Say: ‘All
He truly is an outright enemy to you. (2:168) good things are lawful for you, and also what is
On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have caught for you by hunting animals which you
sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth- have trained as Allah has taught you. Eat what
ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that they catch for you, mentioning Allah’s name over
you have been betraying yourselves and He has it.’ And have fear of Allah. Allah is swift at reckon-
turned towards you and excused you. Now you ing. (5:4)
may have sexual intercourse with them and seek Today all good things have been made lawful for
what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink you. And the food of those given the Book is also
until you can clearly discern the white thread lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. So
from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the are chaste women from among the believers and
fast until the night appears. But do not have sex- chaste women of those given the Book before you,
ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat once you have given them their dowries in mar-
in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do riage, not in fornication or taking them as lovers.
not go near them. In this way does Allah make But as for anyone who rejects faith, his actions will
His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they come to nothing and in the hereafter he will be
will guard against evil. (2:187) among the losers. (5:5)
(‘Isa said,) ‘I come confirming the Torah I find al- You who believe! Do not make forbidden the
ready there, and to make lawful for you some of good things Allah has made lawful for you, and do
what was previously forbidden to you. I have not overstep the limits. Allah does not love people
brought you a Sign from your Lord. So have fear who overstep the limits.(5:87)
of Allah and obey me.’ (3:50) (Allah said, ‘I will prescribe My mercy for) those
All food was lawful for the tribe of Israel except who follow the Messenger, the Ummi, whom they
what Israel made unlawful for himself before the find written down with them in the Torah and the
Torah was sent down. Say, ‘Bring the Torah and Gospel, commanding them to do right and forbid-
read it out if you are telling the truth.’ (3:93) ding them to do wrong, making good things lawful
And also married women, except for those you for them and bad things forbidden for them, re-
have taken in war as slaves. This is what Allah lieving them of their heavy loads and the chains
has prescribed for you. Apart from that He has which were around them. Those who believe in
made all other women lawful for you provided him and honour him and help him, and follow the
you seek them with your wealth in marriage and Light that has been sent down with him, they are
not in fornication. When you consummate your the ones who are successful.’ (7:157)
marriage with them give them their prescribed So make full use of any booty you have taken
dowry. There is nothing wrong in any further which is lawful and good; and have fear of Allah.
agreement you might come to after the dowry Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (8:69)
has been given. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. Say: ‘What do you think about the things Allah has
(4:24) sent down to you as provision which you have
Because of wrongdoing on the part of the Jews, then designated as lawful and forbidden?’ Say:
We made forbidden for them some good things ‘Has Allah given you authority to do this or are
which had previously been lawful for them; and you inventing lies against Allah?’ (10:59)
because of their obstructing many people from So eat from what Allah has provided for you, law-
the Way of Allah. (4:160) ful and good, and be thankful for the blessing of
426
Allah if it is Him you worship. (16:114) He truly is an outright enemy to you. (2:168)
Do not say about what your lying tongues de- You who believe! Fulfil your contracts. All live-
scribe: ‘This is lawful and this is forbidden,’ invent- stock animals are lawful for you, except those
ing lies against Allah. Those who invent lies that are recited to you now; but it is still not law-
against Allah are not successful. (16:116) ful to hunt while you are in the state of pilgrim-
O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your age. Allah makes whatever judgements He wills.
wives to whom you have given dowries and any (5:1)
slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has allot- Today all good things have been made lawful for
ted you and the daughters of your paternal uncles you. And the food of those given the Book is also
and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the lawful for you and your food is lawful for them.
daughters of your maternal uncles and the daugh- So are chaste women from among the believers
ters of your maternal aunts who have migrated and chaste women of those given the Book be-
with you and any believing woman who gives fore you, once you have given them their
herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires to dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking
marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to the them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects
rest of the believers–We know very well what We faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the
have prescribed for them regarding their wives hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:5)
and any slavegirls they possess–in order that Eat the lawful and good things Allah has pro-
there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever- vided for you, and have fear of Allah, Him in
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50) Whom you believe. (5:88)
After that no other women are lawful for you nor Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you,
may you exchange them for other wives, even and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that
though their beauty might be pleasing to you, of travellers, but land game is forbidden for you
with the exception of any you own as slaves. while you are in the state of pilgrimage. So have
Allah is watchful over all things. (33:52) fear of Allah, Him to Whom you will be gath-
You who believe! When women who believe ered. (5:96)
come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test. So make full use of any booty you have taken
Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you which is lawful and good; and have fear of Allah.
know they are believers, do not return them to Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (8:69)
the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis- Say: ‘What do you think about the things Allah
believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them. has sent down to you as provision which you
Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid. have then designated as lawful and forbidden?’
And there is nothing wrong in your marrying Say: ‘Has Allah given you authority to do this or
them provided you pay them their due. Do not are you inventing lies against Allah?’ (10:59)
hold to any marriage ties with women who dis- So eat from what Allah has provided for you,
believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask lawful and good, and be thankful for the blessing
for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement. of Allah if it is Him you worship. (16:114)
Allah will judge between them. Allah is All-
Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10) LAWS OF HERITAGE
O Prophet! Why do you make forbidden what Give orphans their property, and do not substi-
Allah has made lawful for you, seeking to please tute bad things for good. Do not assimilate their
your wives? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most property into your own. Doing that is a serious
Merciful. (66:1) crime. (4:2)
Men receive a share of what their parents and
LAWFUL (HALAL) PROVISIONS relatives leave and women receive a share of
Mankind! Eat what is good and lawful on the what their parents and relatives leave, a fixed
earth. And do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. share, no matter whether it is a little or a lot. (4:7)
427
If other relatives or orphans or poor people at- We have appointed heirs for everything that par-
tend the sharing-out, provide for them out of it ents and relatives leave. If you have a bond with
and speak to them correctly and courteously. people, give them their share. Allah is a witness of
(4:8) all things. (4:33)
People should show concern in the same way They request from you a ruling. Say: ‘Allah gives
that they would fear for small children if they you a ruling about people who die without direct
were to die leaving them behind. They should heirs: If a man dies childless but has a sister she
have fear of Allah and say words that are appro- receives half of what he leaves, and he is her heir
priate. (4:9) if she dies childless. If there are two sisters they
People who consume the property of orphans receive two-thirds of what he leaves. If there are
wrongfully consume nothing in their bellies ex- brothers and sisters the males receive the share of
cept fire. They will roast in a Searing Blaze.(4:10) two females. Allah makes things clear to you so
Allah instructs you regarding your children: A you will not go astray. Allah has knowledge of all
male receives the same as the share of two fe- things.’ (4:176)
males. If there are more than two daughters they You who believe! When one of you is near to death
receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one and makes a will, two just men from among you
on her own she receives a half. Each of your par- should act as witnesses; or, if you are travelling
ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you when the misfortune of death occurs, two men
have children. If you are childless and your heirs who are strangers to you. You should detain them
are your parents your mother receives a third. If after prayer and, if you are doubtful, they should
you have brothers or sisters your mother receives swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it for any price,
a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts. even to a near relative, and we will not conceal the
With regard to your fathers and your sons, you do testimony of Allah. If we did we would indeed be
not know which of them is going to benefit you wrongdoers.’ (5:106)
more. These are obligatory shares from Allah. If it then comes to light that the two of them have
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11) merited the allegation of wrongdoing, two others
You receive half of what your wives leave if they who have the most right to do so should take their
are childless. If they have children you receive a place and swear by Allah: ‘Our testimony is truer
quarter of what they leave after any bequest they than their testimony. We have not committed per-
make or any debts. They receive a quarter of what jury. If we had we would indeed be wrongdoers.’
you leave if you are childless. If you have children (5:107)
they receive an eighth of what you leave after any That makes it more likely that they will give their
bequest you make or any debts. If a man or woman evidence properly or be afraid that their oaths will
has no direct heirs, but has a brother or sister, each be refuted by subsequent oaths. Have fear of Allah
of them receives a sixth. If there are more than that and listen carefully. Allah does not guide deviant
they share in a third after any bequest you make or people. 5:108)
any debts, making sure that no one’s rights are prej-
udiced. This is an instruction from Allah. Allah is LEADER
All-Knowing, All-Forbearing. (4:12) If they break their oaths after making their treaty
You who believe! It is not lawful for you to inherit and defame your religion, then fight the leaders of
women by force. Nor may you treat them harshly disbelief–they have no binding oaths–so that hope-
so that you can make off with part of what you fully they will stop. (9:12)
have given them, unless they commit an act of fla- He (Pharaoh) will go ahead of his people on the
grant indecency. Live together with them correctly Day of Rising and lead them down into the Fire.
and courteously. If you dislike them, it may well be What an evil watering-hole to be led to! (11:98)
that you dislike something in which Allah has We made them leaders, guiding by Our command,
placed a lot of good. (4:19) and revealed to them how to do good actions and
428
perform prayer and give the alms, and they wor- humility? (16:48)
shipped Us. (21:73) You would have seen the sun, when it rose, in-
We desired to show kindness to those who were clining away from their cave towards the right,
oppressed in the land and to make them leaders and, when it set, leaving them behind on the left,
and make them inheritors. (28:5) while they were lying in an open part of it. That
We made them leaders, summoning to the Fire, was one of Allah’s Signs. Whoever Allah guides
and on the Day of Rising they will not be helped. is truly guided. But if He misguides someone,
(28:41) you will find no protector for them to guide them
We appointed leaders from among them, guiding rightly. (18:17)
by Our command when they were steadfast and You would have supposed them to be awake
when they had certainty about Our Signs. (32:24) whereas in fact they were asleep. We moved
them to the right and to the left, and, at the en-
LEAF trance, their dog stretched out its paws. If you
The keys of the Unseen are in His possession. No had looked down and seen them, you would
one knows them but Him. He knows everything in have turned from them and run and have been
the land and sea. No leaf falls without His know- filled with terror at the sight of them. (18:18)
ing it. There is no seed in the darkness of the earth, There was also a sign for Saba in their dwelling
and nothing moist or dry which is not in a Clear place: two gardens–one to the right and one to
Book. (6:59) the left. ‘Eat of your Lord’s provision and give
So he (Satan) enticed them to do it by means of thanks to Him: a bountiful land and a forgiving
trickery. Then when they tasted the tree, their pri- Lord.’ (34:15)
vate parts were disclosed to them and they started And the two recording angels are recording, sit-
stitching together the leaves of the Garden in order ting on the right and on the left. (50:17)
to cover themselves. Their Lord called out to But as for him who is given his Book in his left
them, ‘Did I not forbid you this tree and say to hand, he will say, ‘If only I had not been given
you, "Satan is an outright enemy to you"?’ (7:22) my Book.’ (69:25)
He (Musa) said, ‘It is my staff. I lean on it and beat What is the matter with those who disbelieve?
down leaves for my sheep with it and have other They run about in front of you, with outstretched
uses for it.’ (20:18) necks and staring eyes, on the right and on the
So the two of them ate from it and their private left in scattered groups! (70:36-37)
parts were disclosed to them and they started Those who reject Our signs, they are the
stitching together the leaves of the Garden to Companions of the Left. (90:19)
cover themselves. Adam disobeyed his Lord and
became misled. (20:121) LEGION
He laid out the earth for all living creatures. In it It is He Who sent down serenity into the hearts of
are fruits and date-palms with covered spathes, the believers thereby increasing their faith with
and grains on leafy stems and fragrant herbs. more faith–the legions of the heavens and the
(55:10-12) earth belong to Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
Wise. (48:4)
LEFT The legions of the heavens and the earth belong
(Satan said,) ‘Then I will come at them, from in to Allah. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (48:7)
front of them and behind them, from their right We have only appointed angels as masters of the
and from their left. You will not find most of them Fire and We have only specified their number as
thankful.’ (7:17) a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who
Do they not see the things Allah has created, were given the Book might gain in certainty, and
casting their shadows to the right and to the left, those who believe might increase in their faith,
prostrating themselves before Allah in complete and both those who were given the Book and the
429
believers might have no doubt; and so that those the dead by My permission; and when I held
with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers back the tribe of Israel from you, when you
might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam- brought them the Clear Signs and those of them
ple?’ In this way Allah misguides those He wills who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down-
and guides those He wills. No one knows the le- right magic";’ (5:110)
gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a
reminder to all human beings. (74:31) LESSON
Has the story reached you of the legions? (85:17) As for thieves, both male and female, cut off their
hands in reprisal for what they have done: an ob-
LENTIL ject lesson from Allah. Allah is Almighty, All-
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up Wise. (5:38)
with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to And there is certainly a lesson for you in your
supply to us some of what the earth produces–its livestock. We give you to drink from what is in
green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and their bellies and there are many ways in which
onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is you benefit from them, and some of them you
better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt, eat. (23:21)
then you will have what you are asking for.’ Allah revolves night and day. There is surely a
Abasement and destitution were stamped upon lesson in that for people with inner sight. (24:44)
them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
themselves. That was because they rejected LIE
Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any Among them is a group who distort the Book
right to do so. That was because they rebelled with their tongues so that you think it is from the
and went beyond the limits. (2:61) Book when it is not from the Book. They say, ‘It is
from Allah,’ but it is not from Allah. They tell a lie
LEPER against Allah and they know it. (3:78)
He will teach him (‘Isa) the Book and Wisdom, So any who, after this, invent a lie against Allah
and the Torah and the Gospel, as a Messenger to are indeed wrongdoers. (3:94)
the tribe of Israel, saying: ‘I have brought you a Who could do greater wrong than someone who
Sign from your Lord. I will create the shape of a invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs?
bird out of clay for you and then breathe into it The wrongdoers are certainly not successful.
and it will be a bird by Allah’s permission. I will (6:21)
heal the blind and the leper, and bring the dead Who could do greater wrong than someone who
to life, by Allah’s permission. I will tell you what invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs, or
you eat and what you store up in your homes. who says, ‘It has been revealed to me,’ when
There is a Sign for you in that if you are believ- nothing has been revealed to him, or someone
ers.’ (3:48-49) who says, ‘I will send down the same as Allah
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of has sent down’? If you could only see the wrong-
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to doers in the throes of death when the angels are
your mother when I reinforced you with the stretching out their hands, saying, ‘Disgorge your
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in own selves! Today you will be repaid with the
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and punishment of humiliation for saying something
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and other than the truth about Allah, and being arro-
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created gant about His Signs.’ (6:93)
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and Those who kill their children foolishly without
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My any knowledge and make what Allah has pro-
permission; and healed the blind and the leper vided for them forbidden, inventing lies against
by My permission; and when you brought forth Allah, such people are lost. They are misguided.
430
They are not guided. (6:140) merely inventing lies. It is they who are the liars.
And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is (16:105)
it the two males He has made forbidden, or the Do not say about what your lying tongues de-
two females, or what the wombs of the two fe- scribe: ‘This is lawful and this is forbidden,’ in-
males contain? Were you then witnesses when venting lies against Allah. Those who invent lies
Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do against Allah are not successful. (16:116)
greater wrong than someone who invents lies (The Companions of the Cave said,) ‘These peo-
against Allah thus leading people astray without ple of ours have taken gods apart from Him. Why
any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people do they not produce a clear authority concerning
of the wrongdoers. (6:144) them? Who could do greater wrong than some-
Who could do greater wrong than someone who one who invents a lie against Allah?’ (18:15)
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs? That is it. If someone honours Allah’s sacred
Such people’s portion of the Book will catch up things, that is better for him in his Lord’s sight. All
with them so that when Our messengers come to livestock are permitted to you except what has
them to take them in death, saying, ‘Where are already been recited to you. Have done with the
those you called upon besides Allah?’ they will defilement of idols and have done with telling
say, ‘They have forsaken us,’ testifying against lies. (22:30)
themselves that they were disbelievers. (7:37) (The ruling circle of his people said,) ‘What is he
(Shu‘ayb said,) ‘We would be inventing lies but a man who has invented a lie against Allah?
against Allah if we returned to your religion after We do not believe in him.’ (23:38)
Allah has saved us from it. We could never return There is a group of you who propagated the lie.
to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Lord Do not suppose it to be bad for you; rather it is
encompasses everything in His knowledge. We good for you. Every one of them will incur the
have put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge be- evil he has earned and the one who took it on
tween us and our people with truth. You are the himself to amplify it will receive a terrible pun-
best of judges.’ (7:89) ishment. (24:11)
Who could do greater wrong than someone who Why, when you heard it, did you not, as men and
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs? women of the believers, instinctively think good
Evildoers are certainly not successful. (10:17) thoughts and say, ‘This is obviously a lie’? (24:12)
Say: ‘What do you think about the things Allah Those who disbelieve say, ‘This is nothing but a
has sent down to you as provision which you lie he has invented and other people have helped
have then designated as lawful and forbidden?’ him to do it. They have brought injustice and
Say: ‘Has Allah given you authority to do this or falsehood.’ (25:4)
are you inventing lies against Allah?’ (10:59) (Ibrahim said to his people,) ‘Instead of Allah you
What will those who invent lies against Allah worship only idols. You are inventing a lie. Those
think on the Day of Rising? Allah shows favour to you worship besides Allah have no power to pro-
mankind but most of them are not thankful. vide for you. So seek your provision from Allah
(10:60) and worship Him and give thanks to Him. It is to
Say: ‘People who invent lies against Allah will Him you will be returned.’ (29:17)
not be successful.’ (10:69) Who could do greater wrong than someone who
Who could do greater wrong than those who in- invents lies against Allah or denies the truth
vent lies against Allah? Such people will be ar- when it comes to him? Is there not shelter in Hell
rayed before their Lord and the witnesses will for the disbelievers? (29:68)
say, ‘Those are the ones who lied against their (Those who disbelieve say,) ‘Has he invented a
Lord.’ Yes indeed! Allah’s curse is on the wrong- lie against Allah or is he possessed?’ No indeed!
doers. (11:18) Those who do not believe in the hereafter are in
Those who do not believe in Allah’s Signs are punishment and deeply misguided. (34:8)
431
When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, they and light, and the Prophets who had submitted
say, ‘This is nothing but a man who wants to themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as
debar you from what your fathers used to wor- did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they
ship.’ They say, ‘This is nothing but an invented had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to
lie.’ Those who disbelieve say to the truth when it which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of
comes to them, ‘This is nothing but downright people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs
magic.’ (34:43) for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by
Or do they ask, ‘Has he invented a lie about what Allah has sent down, such people are dis-
Allah?’ If Allah willed, He could seal up your believers. (5:44)
heart. By His Words Allah wipes out the false and And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in
confirms the truth. He knows what the heart con- their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came
tains. (42:24) before him. We gave him the Gospel containing
Woe to every wicked liar. (45:7) guidance and light, confirming the Torah that
O Prophet! When women who believe come to came before it, and as guidance and admonition
you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds for those who guard against evil. (5:46)
that they will not associate anything with Allah Praise belongs to Allah Who created the heavens
or steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a and the earth and appointed darkness and light.
false ascription of paternity–making up lies about Then those who disbelieve make others equal to
their bodies–or disobey you in respect of any- their Lord! (6:1)
thing right, then accept their pledge and ask for- They do not measure Allah with His true meas-
giveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most ure when they say, ‘Allah would not send down
Merciful. (60:12) anything to a mere human being.’ Say: ‘Who,
Who could do greater wrong than someone who then, sent down the Book which Musa brought
invents a lie against Allah when he has been as a Light and Guidance for the people?’ You put
called to Islam? Allah does not guide wrongdo- it down on sheets of paper to display it while
ing people. (61:7) concealing much. You were taught things you
did not know, neither you nor your forefathers.
LIGHT Say: ‘Allah!’ Then leave them engrossed in play-
Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He ing their games. (6:91)
brings them out of the darkness into the light. But Is someone who was dead and whom We
those who disbelieve have false gods as protec- brought to life, supplying him with a light by
tors. They take them from the light into the dark- which to walk among people, the same as some-
ness. Those are the Companions of the Fire one who is in utter darkness, unable to emerge
remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (2:257) from it? That is how what they were doing is
Mankind! A clear proof has come to you from made to seem attractive to the disbelievers.
your Lord. We have sent down a Clear Light to (6:122)
you. (4:174) (Allah said, ‘Believers are) those who follow the
People of the Book! Our Messenger has come to Messenger, the Ummi, whom they find written
you, making clear to you much of the Book that down with them in the Torah and the Gospel,
you have kept concealed, and passing over a lot. commanding them to do right and forbidding
A Light has come to you from Allah and a Clear them to do wrong, making good things lawful for
Book. (5:15) them and bad things forbidden for them, reliev-
By it, Allah guides those who follow what ing them of their heavy loads and the chains
pleases Him to the ways of Peace. He will bring which were around them. Those who believe in
them from the darkness to the light by His per- him and honour him and help him, and follow
mission, and guide them to a straight path. (5:16) the Light that has been sent down with him, they
We sent down the Torah containing guidance are the ones who are successful.’ (7:157)
432
They desire to extinguish Allah’s Light with their lamp. (33:45-46)
mouths. But Allah refuses to do other than per- And the earth will shine with the Pure Light of its
fect His Light, even though the disbelievers de- Lord; the Book will be put in place; the Prophets
test it. (9:32) and witnesses will be brought; it will be decided
It is He Who appointed the sun to give radiance, between them with the truth; and they will not be
and the moon to give light, assigning it phases so wronged. (39:69)
you would know the number of years and the Accordingly We have revealed to you a Spirit by
reckoning of time. Allah did not create these Our command. You had no idea of what the
things except with truth. We make the Signs clear Book was, nor faith. Nonetheless We have made
for people who know. (10:5) it a Light by which We guide those of Our ser-
They want you to hasten the bad rather than the vants We will. Truly you are guiding to a Straight
good when examples of punishment are there Path. (42:52)
before them in the past. Your Lord has forgive- It is He Who sends down Clear Signs to His ser-
ness for people for their wrongdoing; but your vant to bring you out of the darkness to the light.
Lord is also severe in retribution. (13:6) Allah is All-Gentle with you, Most Merciful.
Alif Lam Ra. This is a Book We have sent down to (57:9)
you so that you can bring mankind from the On the Day you see the men and women of the
darkness to the light, by the permission of their believers, with their light streaming out in front of
Lord, to the Path of the Almighty, the them, and to their right: ‘Good news for you
Praiseworthy. (14:1) today of Gardens with rivers flowing under them,
We sent Musa with Our Signs: ‘Bring your people remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the
from the darkness to the light and remind them of Great Victory.’ (57:12)
the Days of Allah.’ There are certainly Signs in That Day the men and women of the hypocrites
that for everyone who is steadfast, thankful. will say to those who believe, ‘Wait for us so that
(14:5) we can borrow some of your light.’ They will be
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. told, ‘Go back and look for light!’ And a wall will
The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in be erected between them with a gate in it, on the
which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass inside of which there will be mercy but before
like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an whose exterior lies the punishment. (57:13)
olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all Those who believe in Allah and His
but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light Messengers–such people are the truly
upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He sincere–and the martyrs who are with their Lord
wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind will receive their wages and their light. But those
and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35) who disbelieve and deny Our Signs, will be
Or they are like the darkness of a fathomless sea Companions of the Blazing Fire. (57:19)
which is covered by waves above which are You who believe! Have fear of Allah and believe
waves above which are clouds, layers of dark- in His Messenger. He will give you a double por-
ness, one upon the other. If he puts out his hand, tion of His mercy and grant you a Light by which
he can scarcely see it. Those Allah gives no light to walk and forgive you. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
to, they have no light. (24:40) Most Merciful. (57:28)
It is He Who calls down blessing on you, as do So believe in Allah and His Messenger and in the
His angels, to bring you out of the darkness into Light We have sent down. Allah is aware of what
the light. He is Most Merciful to the believers. you do. (64:8)
(33:43) (Allah has sent down) a Messenger reciting
O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, and a Allah’s Clear Signs to you to bring those who be-
bringer of good news and a warner, and a caller lieve and do right actions out of the darkness into
to Allah by His permission and a light-giving the Light. Whoever believes in Allah and acts
433
rightly, We will admit him into Gardens with blinds the sight. (24:43)
rivers flowing under them remaining in them Among His Signs is that He shows you lightning,
timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah has provided a source of fear and eager hope, and sends down
for him excellently! (65:11) water from the sky, bringing the dead earth back
You who believe! Repent to Allah. It may be that to life by it. There are certainly Signs in that for
your Lord will erase your bad actions from you people who use their intellect. (30:24)
and admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing If they turn away, then say, ‘I warn you of a light-
under them on the Day when Allah will not dis- ning-bolt like the lightning-bolt of ‘Ad and of
grace the Prophet and those who believed along Thamud.’ (41:13)
with him. Their light will stream out ahead of As for Thamud, We guided them, but they pre-
them and on their right. They will say, ‘Our Lord, ferred blindness to guidance. So the lightning-
perfect our light for us and forgive us! You have bolt of the punishment of humiliation seized
power over all things.’ (66:8) them on account of what they earned. (41:17)
Do you not see how He created seven heavens in
layers, and placed the moon as a light in them LIKENESS
and made the sun a blazing lamp? (71:15-16) Their likeness is that of people who light a fire,
and then when it has lit up all around them,
LIGHTNING Allah removes their light. (2:17)
Or (their likeness is) that of a storm-cloud in the The likeness of those who disbelieve is that of the
sky, full of darkness, thunder and lightning. They beast which, call out to it as one may, can hear
put their fingers in their ears against the thunder- nothing but a shout and a cry. Deaf–dumb–blind.
claps, fearful of death. Allah encompasses the They do not use their intellect. (2:171)
disbelievers. (2:19) You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by
The lightning all but takes away their sight. demands for gratitude or insulting words, like
Whenever they have light, they walk in it but him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo-
whenever darkness covers them, they halt. If ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day.
Allah wished, He could take away their hearing His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with
and their sight. Allah has power over all things. soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left
(2:20) stripped bare. They have no power over anything
The People of the Book will ask you to bring they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe-
down a Book from heaven to them. They asked lieving people. (2:264)
Musa for even more than that. They said, ‘Let us The likeness of ‘Isa in Allah’s sight is the same as
see Allah with our own eyes.’ So the lightning- Adam. He created him from earth and then He
bolt struck them down for their wrongdoing. said to him,‘Be!’ and he was. (3:59)
Then they adopted the Calf after the Clear Signs The likeness of the two groups is that of the blind
had come to them, but We pardoned them for and deaf and the seeing and hearing. Are they
that and gave Musa clear authority. (4:153) the same as one another? So will you not pay
It is He Who shows you the lightning, striking heed? (11:24)
fear and bringing hope; it is He Who heaps up Those who do not believe in the akhira have an
the heavy clouds. (13:12) evil likeness. Allah’s is the Highest Likeness. He
Do you not see that Allah propels the clouds then is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (16:60)
makes them coalesce then heaps them up, and Look how they make likenesses of you and go
then you see the rain come pouring out of the astray. They are unable to find their way. (17:48)
middle of them? And He sends down mountains They bring you no similitude but We bring you
from the sky with hail inside them, striking with it the truth and the best of explanations (as against
anyone He wills and averting it from anyone He it). (25:33)
wills. The brightness of His lightning almost He makes likenesses of Us and forgets his own
434
creation, saying, ‘Who will give life to bones those you do not provide for. (15:20)
when they are decayed?’ (36:78) Is it, then, they who allocate the mercy of your
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those Lord? We have allocated their livelihood among
who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers, them in the life of this world and raised some of
merciful to one another. You see them bowing them above others in rank so that some of them
and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and are subservient to others. But the mercy of your
His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the Lord is better than anything they amass. (43:32)
traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the We made the day for earning a living. (78:11)
Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong LIVESTOCK
so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its To mankind the love of worldly appetites is
stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by painted in glowing colours: women and chil-
them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has dren, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver,
promised those of them who believe and do right and horses with fine markings, and livestock and
actions forgiveness and an immense reward. fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment
(48:29) of the life of this world. The best homecoming is
in the presence of Allah. (3:14)
LINING You who believe! Fulfil your contracts. All live-
They will be reclining on couches lined with rich stock animals are lawful for you, except those
brocade, the fruits of the Gardens hanging close that are recited to you now; but it is still not law-
to hand. (55:54) ful to hunt while you are in the state of pilgrim-
age. Allah makes whatever judgements He wills.
LION (5:1)
What is the matter with them that they run from You who believe! Do not kill game while you are
the Reminder like panicked donkeys, fleeing in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any
from a lion? (74:49-51) deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani-
mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by
LIP two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the
The Fire will sear their faces, making them gri- Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast-
mace horribly in it, their lips drawn back from ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste
their teeth. (23:104) the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has
Have We not given him two eyes, and a tongue pardoned all that took place in the past; but if
and two lips and shown him the two highways? anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on
(90:8-10) him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge.
(5:95)
LITTLE BY LITTLE They assign to Allah a share of the crops and live-
We have divided up the Qur'an, so you can re- stock He has created, saying, ‘This is for
cite it to mankind at intervals, and We have sent Allah,’–as they allege–‘and this is for our idols.’
it down little by little. (17:106) Their idols’ share does not reach Allah whereas
It is We Who have sent the Qur’an down to you Allah’s share reaches their idols! What an evil
little by little. (76:23) judgement they make! (6:136)
And He created livestock. There is warmth for
LIVELIHOOD you in them, and various uses and some you eat.
We have established you firmly on the earth and (16:5)
granted you your livelihood in it. What little Announce the Pilgrimage to mankind. They will
thanks you show! (7:10) come to you on foot and on every sort of lean an-
And We put livelihoods in it both for you and for imal, coming by every distant road so that they
435
can be present at what will profit them and in- He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. (42:11)
voke Allah’s name on specific days over live- It is He Who created all the species and gave you
stock He has provided for them. Eat of them and ships and livestock for you to ride. (43:12)
feed those who are poor and in need. (22:27-28) And (He) made the mountains firm, for you and
That is it. If someone honours Allah’s sacred for your livestock to enjoy. (79:32-33)
things, that is better for him in his Lord’s sight. All Then We make grain grow in it, and grapes and
livestock are permitted to you except what has herbs and olives and dates and luxuriant gardens
already been recited to you. Have done with the and orchards and meadows, for you and your
defilement of idols and have done with telling livestock to enjoy. (80:27-32)
lies. (22:30)
We have appointed a rite of sacrifice for every LOCUST
nation so that they may invoke Allah’s name over So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice,
the livestock He has given them. Your God is frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but
One God so submit to Him. Give good news to they proved arrogant and were an evildoing peo-
the humble-hearted. (22:34) ple. (7:133)
And there is certainly a lesson for you in your They will emerge from their graves with down-
livestock. We give you to drink from what is in cast eyes, like swarming locusts. (54:7)
their bellies and there are many ways in which
you benefit from them, and some of them you LONGING
eat. (23:21) You were longing for death before you met it.
Have fear of Him Who has supplied you with Now you have seen it with your own eyes.
what you know, supplied you with livestock and (3:143)
children. (26:132-133) Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We
Do they not see how We drive water to barren have given certain of them to enjoy. Do not feel
land and bring forth crops by it which their live- sad concerning them. And take the believers
stock and they themselves both eat? So will they under your wing. (15:88)
not see? (32:27) Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We
And mankind and beasts and livestock are like- have given certain of them to enjoy, the flower of
wise of varying colours. Only those of His ser- the life of this world, so that We can test them by
vants with knowledge have fear of Allah. Allah is it. Your Lord’s provision is better and longer last-
Almighty, Ever-Forgiving. (35:28) ing. (20:131)
Have they not seen how We created for them, by
Our own handiwork, livestock which are under LOSS
their control? (36:71) Those who break Allah’s contract after it has
He created you from a single self, then produced been agreed, and sever what Allah has com-
its mate from it, and sent down livestock to manded to be joined, and cause corruption on
you–eight kinds in pairs. He creates you stage by the earth, it is they who are the lost. (2:27)
stage in your mothers’ wombs in a threefold Then after that you turned away, and were it not
darkness. That is Allah, your Lord. Sovereignty is for Allah's favour to you and His mercy, you
His. There is no god but Him. So what has made would have been among the lost. (2:64)
you deviate? (39:6) Those to whom We have given the Book, who
It is Allah Who has given you livestock, some for recite it in the way it should be recited, such peo-
you to ride and some to eat. (40:79) ple believe in it. As for those who reject it, they
(He is) the Bringer into Being of the heavens and are the losers. (2:121)
the earth: He has given you mates from among We will test you with a certain amount of fear
yourselves, and given mates to the livestock, and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits.
in that way multiplying you. Nothing is like Him. But give good news to the steadfast. (2:155)
436
You who believe! If you obey those who disbe- As for those whose scales are light, they are the
lieve, they will turn you round on your heels and ones who have lost their own selves because
you will be transformed into losers. (3:149) they wrongfully rejected Our Signs. (7:9)
(Satan said,) ‘I will lead them astray and fill them They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged our-
with false hopes. I will command them and they selves. If you do not forgive us and have mercy
will cut off cattle’s ears. I will command them on us, we will be among the lost.’ (7:23)
and they will change Allah’s creation.’ Anyone What are they waiting for but its fulfilment? The
who takes Satan as his protector in place of Allah Day its fulfilment occurs, those who forgot it be-
has clearly lost everything. (4:119) fore will say, ‘The Messengers of our Lord came
Today all good things have been made lawful for with the Truth. Are there any intercessors to inter-
you. And the food of those given the Book is also cede for us, or can we be sent back so that we
lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. can do something other than what we did?’ They
So are chaste women from among the believers have lost their own selves and what they in-
and chaste women of those given the Book be- vented has forsaken them. (7:53)
fore you, once you have given them their The ruling circle of those of his people who dis-
dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking believed said, ‘If you follow Shu‘ayb, you will
them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects definitely be lost.’ (7:90)
faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the As for those who denied Shu‘ayb, it was as if they
hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:5) had never lived there. It was the people who de-
So his lower self persuaded him to kill his nied Shu‘ayb who were the lost. (7:92)
brother, and he killed him and became one of the Do they feel secure against Allah’s devising? No
lost. (5:30) one feels secure against Allah’s devising except
Those who believe say, ‘Are these the people for those who are lost. (7:99)
who swore by Allah, with their most earnest When they took full stock of what they had done
oaths, that they were with you?’ Their actions and saw they had been misled, they said, ‘If our
have come to nothing and they now are losers. Lord does not have mercy on us and forgive us,
(5:53) we will certainly be among the lost.’ (7:149)
Say: ‘To whom does everything in the heavens Whoever Allah guides is truly guided; but those
and earth belong?’ Say: ‘To Allah.’ He has made He misguides are the lost. (7:178)
mercy incumbent on Himself. He will gather you (It is) so that Allah can sift the bad out from the
to the Day of Rising about which there is no good, and pile the bad on top of one another,
doubt. As for those who have lost their own heaping them all together, and tip them into Hell.
selves, they have no faith. (6:12) They are the lost. (8:37)
Those We have given the Book recognise it as Like those before you who had greater strength
they recognise their own children. As for those than you and more wealth and children. They
who have lost their own selves, they have no enjoyed their portion; so enjoy your portion as
faith. (6:20) those before you enjoyed theirs. You have
Those who deny the meeting with Allah have plunged into defamation as they plunged into it.
lost, so that, when the Hour comes upon them The actions of such people come to nothing in
suddenly, they will say, ‘Alas for what we neg- this world or the hereafter. They are the lost.
lected there!’ They will bear their burdens on (9:69)
their backs. How evil is what they bear! (6:31) On the day We gather them together–when it
Those who kill their children foolishly without will seem if they had tarried no more than an
any knowledge and make what Allah has pro- hour of a single day–they will recognise one an-
vided for them forbidden, inventing lies against other. Those who denied the meeting with Allah
Allah, such people are lost. They are misguided. will have lost. They were not guided. (10:45)
They are not guided. (6:140) And on no account be among those who deny
437
Allah’s Signs and so become one of the lost. creases their loss. (35:39)
(10:95) Say: ‘It is Allah I worship, making my religion
Those are the people who have lost their own sincerely His, so worship anything you will apart
selves. What they invented has abandoned them. from Him!’ Say: ‘The real losers are those who
(11:21) lose themselves and their families on the Day of
Without question they will be the greatest losers Rising.’ Is not that clear loss? (39:14-15)
in the hereafter. (11:22) The keys of the heavens and earth belong to
He (Nuh) said, ‘My Lord, I seek refuge with You Him. It is those who reject Allah’s Signs who are
from asking You for anything about which I have the losers. (39:63)
no knowledge. If You do not forgive me and have It has been revealed to you and those before you:
mercy on me, I will be among the lost.’ (11:47) ‘If you associate others with Allah, your actions
He (Salih) said, ‘My people! What do you think? will come to nothing and you will be among the
If I were to possess a Clear Sign from my Lord losers.’ (39:65)
and He had given me mercy from Him: who We sent Messengers before you. Some of them
would help me against Allah if I disobeyed Him? We have told you about and others We have not
You would not increase me in anything but loss.’ told you about. No Messenger can bring a Sign
(11:63) except with Allah’s permission. But when Allah’s
We send down in the Qur’an that which is a heal- command comes the matter will be decided with
ing and a mercy to the believers, but it only in- truth and then and there the liars will be lost.
creases the wrongdoers in loss. (17:82) (40:78)
Both gardens yielded their crops and did not suffer But when they saw Our violent force their faith
any loss, and We made a river flow right through was of no use to them. That is the pattern Allah
the middle of them. (18:33) has always followed with His servants. Then and
Say: ‘Shall I inform you of the greatest losers in there the disbelievers were lost. (40:85)
their actions?’ (18:103) (Skins of the enemies of Allah will say,) ‘It is that
They desired to trap him but We made them the thought you had about your Lord that has de-
losers. (21:70) stroyed you so now you find yourselves among
Among the people there is one who worships Allah the lost.’ (41:23)
right on the edge. If good befalls him, he is content We have assigned close comrades to them who
with it, but if a trial befalls him, he reverts to his for- have made what is before them and behind them
mer ways, losing both this world and the hereafter. seem good to them. And the statement about the
That is indeed sheer loss. (22:11) nations, both of jinn and men, who passed away
If you were to obey a human being like your- before them has proved true of them as well.
selves, you would, in that case, definitely be the Certainly they were lost. (41:25)
losers. (23:34) You will see them as they are exposed to it, ab-
Those whose scales are light, they are the losers ject in their abasement, glancing around them
of their selves, remaining in Hell timelessly, for furtively. Those who believe will say, ‘Truly the
ever. (23:103) losers are those who lose themselves and their
Say: ‘Allah is a sufficient witness between me families on the Day of Rising.’ The wrongdoers
and you.’ He knows everything in the heavens are in an everlasting punishment. (42:45)
and the earth. Those who believe in falsehood The kingdom of the heavens and earth belongs to
and reject Allah, they are the losers. (29:52) Allah and, on the Day that the Hour arrives, that
It is He Who made you representatives on the Day the liars will be lost. (45:27)
earth. So whoever disbelieves, his disbelief is Those are people of whom the statement about
against himself. In Allah’s sight, the disbelief of the nations, both of jinn and men, who passed
the disbelievers only increases their loathsome- away before them, has also proved true; truly
ness; the disbelief of the disbelievers only in- they were the lost. (46:18)
438
Satan has gained mastery over them and made those who do wrong at the time when they see
them forget the remembrance of Allah. Such the punishment, and that truly all strength be-
people are the party of Satan. No indeed! It is the longs to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punish-
party of Satan who are the losers. (58:19) ment. (2:165)
You who believe! Do not let your wealth or chil- It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East
dren divert you from the remembrance of Allah. or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
Whoever does that is lost. (63:9) are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
On the Day He gathers you for the Day of the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
Gathering–that is the Day of Profit and Loss. As despite their love for it, give away their wealth to
for those who believe in Allah and act rightly, We their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
will erase their bad actions from them and admit and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves
them into Gardens with rivers flowing under free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever and those who honour their contracts when they
ever. That is the Great Victory! (64:9) make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
They tasted the evil consequences of what they ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
did and the end of their affair was total loss. (65:9) true. They are the people who guard against evil.
Nuh said, ‘My Lord, they have disobeyed me and (2:177)
followed those whose wealth and children have Some city women said, ‘The governor’s wife so-
only increased them in loss.’ (71:21) licited her slave. He’s fired her heart with love.
By the Late Afternoon, truly man is in loss–except We see that she’s the one to blame.’ (12:30)
for those who believe and do right actions and As for those who believe and do right actions, the
urge each other to the truth and urge each other to All-Merciful will bestow His love on them.
steadfastness. (103:1-3) (19:96)
He said, ‘Your request has been granted, Musa.
LOT (SEE LUT (AS)) We were gracious to you another time when We
revealed to your mother: "Place him into the box
LOTE TREE and throw it into the sea and the sea will wash it
But they turned away so We unleashed against up on the shore, where an enemy of Mine and
them the flood from the great dam and ex- his will pick it up." I showered you with love
changed their two gardens for two others con- from Me so that you would be brought up under
taining bitter-tasting plants and tamarisk and a My supervision.’ (20:36-39)
few lote trees. (34:16) He (Sulayman) said, ‘Truly do I love the love of
He saw him again another time by the Lote-tree good, with a view to the glory of my Lord until
of the Final Limit, beside which is the Garden of the sun disappeared behind its veil.’ (38:32)
Refuge, when that which covered the Lote-tree That is the good news which Allah gives to His
covered it. (53:13-16) servants who believe and do right actions. Say: ‘I
do not ask you for any wage for this–except for
LOUSE you to love your near of kin. If anyone does a
So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice, good action, We will increase the good of it for
frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but him. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Thankful.’
they proved arrogant and were an evildoing peo- (42:23)
ple. (7:133) You will not find people who believe in Allah
and the Last Day having love for anyone who op-
LOVE poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be
Some people set up equals to Allah, loving them their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their
as they should love Allah. But those who believe clan .Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo-
have greater love for Allah. If only you could see ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit
439
from Him and admit them into Gardens with LUT (AS) (LOT)
rivers flowing under them, remaining in them And Isma‘il, al-Yasa‘, Yunus and Lut. All of them
timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them We favoured over all beings. (6:86)
and they are pleased with Him. Such people are And Lut, when he said to his people, ‘Do you
the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah commit an obscenity not perpetrated before you
who are successful. (58:22) by anyone in all the worlds? You come with lust
You who believe! Do not take My enemy and to men instead of women. You are indeed a de-
your enemy as friends, showing love for them praved people.’ The only answer of his people
when they have rejected the truth that has come was to say, ‘Expel them from your city! They are
to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves people who keep themselves pure!’ So We res-
simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If cued him and his family–except for his wife. She
you go out to strive in My Way and seeking My was one of those who stayed behind. We rained
pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for down a rain upon them. See the final fate of the
them, I know best what you conceal and what evildoers! (7:80-84)
you make known. Any of you who do that have When he (Ibrahim) saw that their hands were not
strayed from the right way. (60:1) reaching for it, he suspected them and felt afraid
It may well be that Allah will restore the love be- of them. They said, ‘Have no fear! We have been
tween you and those of them who are now your sent to the people of Lut.’ (11:70)
enemies. Allah is All-Powerful. Allah is Ever- When the feeling of fear left Ibrahim, and the
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (60:7) good news reached him, he disputed with Us
They give food, despite their love for it, to the about the people of Lut. (11:74)
poor and orphans and captives: (76:8) When Our messengers came to Lut, he was dis-
Truly he is fierce in his love of wealth. (100:8) tressed for them, and very concerned for them,
and said, ‘This is a dreadful day.’ His people
LUQMAN (AS) came running to him excitedly–they were long
We gave Luqman wisdom: ‘Give thanks to Allah. used to committing evil acts. He said, ‘My peo-
Whoever gives thanks only does so to his own ple, here are my daughters. They are purer for
good. Whoever is ungrateful, Allah is Rich you. So have fear of Allah and do not shame me
Beyond Need, Praiseworthy.’ When Luqman said with my guests. Is there not one rightly-guided
to his son, counselling him, ‘My son, do not as- man among you?’ They said, ‘You know we have
sociate anything with Allah. Associating others no claim on your daughters. You know very well
with Him is a terrible wrong.’ (31:12-13) what it is we want.’ He said, ‘If only I had the
(Luqman said,) ‘My son, even if something strength to combat you or could take refuge in
weighs as little as a mustard-seed and is inside a some powerful support!’ They said, ‘Lut, we are
rock or anywhere else in the heavens or earth, messengers from your Lord. They will not be able
Allah will bring it out. Allah is All-Pervading, All- to get at you. Set out with your family–except for
Aware. My son, perform prayer and command your wife–in the middle of the night and none of
what is right and forbid what is wrong and be you should look back. What strikes them will
steadfast in the face of all that happens to you. strike her as well. Their promised appointment is
That is certainly the most resolute course to fol- the morning. Is the morning not close at hand?’
low. Do not avert your face from people out of When Our command came, We turned their
haughtiness and do not strut about arrogantly on cities upside down and rained down on them
the earth. Allah does not love anyone who is vain stones of hard baked clay, piled on top of one an-
or boastful. Be moderate in your tread and lower other in layers, each one earmarked by your
your voice. The most hateful of voices is the don- Lord. And they are never far from the wrongdo-
key’s bray.’ (31:16-19) ers. (11:77-83)
(Shu‘ayb said,) ‘My people! Do not let your
440
breach with me provoke you into doing wrong so proach depravity with open eyes? Do you come
that the same thing happens to you as happened with lust to men instead of women? You are a
to the people of Nuh and the people of Hud and people who are deeply ignorant.’ The only re-
the people of Salih; and the people of Lut are not sponse of his people was to say: ‘Drive the the
far distant from you.’ (11:89) family of Lut out of your city! They are people
(Lut said,) ‘Have fear of Allah and do not dishon- who keep themselves pure!’ So We rescued him
our me.’ They said, ‘Did we not forbid you to and his family–except for his wife. We ordained
play host to anyone at all?’ He said, ‘Here are my her to be one of those who stayed behind. We
daughters if you are determined to do some- rained down a rain upon them. How evil is the
thing.’ By your life! They were wandering blindly rain of those who are warned! Say: ‘Praise be to
in their drunkenness! So the Great Blast seized Allah and peace be upon His servants whom He
hold of them at the break of day. We turned the has chosen.’ Is Allah better, or what you associate
place completely upside down and rained down with Him? (27:54-59)
on them stones of hard-baked clay. There are He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You have adopted idols apart
certainly Signs in that for the discerning. They from Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this
were beside a road which still exists. There is world. But then on the Day of Rising you will re-
certainly a Sign in that for the believers. (15:69- ject one another and curse one another. The Fire
77) will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.’
We gave right judgement and knowledge to Lut And Lut believed in him. He said, ‘I am leaving
and rescued him from the city which committed this place to follow the pleasure of my Lord. He
disgusting acts. They were evil people who were is the Almighty, the All Wise.’ We gave him Ishaq
deviators. We admitted him into Our mercy. He and Ya‘qub and placed Prophethood and the
was one of the righteous. (21:74-75) Book among his progeny. We gave him his re-
He (Lut) said, ‘These are my guests so do not put ward in this world and in the hereafter he will be
me to shame.’ (15:68) among the righteous. When Lut said to his peo-
The people of Lut denied the Messengers, when ple, ‘You are committing an obscenity not perpe-
their brother Lut said to them, ‘Will you not trated before you by anyone in all the worlds. Do
guard against evil? I am a faithful Messenger to you lie with men and waylay them on the road
you. So have fear of Allah and obey me. I do not and commit depravities within your gatherings?’.
ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the re- The only answer of his people was to say, ‘Bring
sponsibility of no one but the Lord of all the us Allah’s punishment if you are telling the truth.’
worlds. Of all beings, do you lie with males, He said, ‘My Lord, help me against the people of
leaving the wives Allah has created for you? You corruption!’ When Our messengers came with
are a people who have overstepped the limits.’ the good news to Ibrahim, they said, ‘We are
They said, ‘Lut, if you do not desist you will be going to destroy the people of this city. Truly its
expelled.’ He said, ‘I am someone who detests inhabitants are wrongdoers.’ He said, ‘Lut is in
the deed you perpetrate. My Lord, rescue me and it.’ They said, ‘We know very well who is in it.
my family from what they are doing.’ Therefore We are going to rescue him and his family–ex-
We rescued him and all his family–except for an cept for his wife. She will be one of those who
old woman who remained behind. Then We ut- stay behind.’ When Our Messengers came to Lut,
terly destroyed the rest and made a Rain come he was distressed on their account, feeling inca-
pouring down upon them. How evil is the rain of pable of protecting them. They said, ‘Do not fear
those who are warned! There is certainly a Sign and do not grieve. We are going to rescue you
in that, yet most of them are not believers. Truly and your family–except for your wife; she will be
your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. one of those who stay behind. We will bring
(26:160-175) down on the inhabitants of this city a devastating
And when Lut said to his people: ‘Do you ap- punishment from heaven because of their de-
441
viance.’ We have left a Clear Sign of them behind
for people who use their intellect. (29:25-35)
And Lut was one of the Messengers. When We
rescued him and all his family–except an old
woman among those who stayed behind. Then
We utterly destroyed the rest. And you pass by
them in the daytime and at night. So will you not
use your intellect? (37:133-138)
And Thamud and the people of Lut and the
Companions of the Thicket. Those too were
Confederates. (38:13)
And ‘Ad and Pharaoh and the brothers of Lut.
(50:13)
The people of Lut denied the warnings. We un-
leashed a sudden squall of stones against all of
them, except the family of Lut, who We rescued
before dawn. It was a blessing direct from Our
presence. That is how We recompense those
who give thanks. He warned them of Our on-
slaught but they dismissed the warnings. They
even wanted to seduce his guests! So We put out
their eyes: ‘Taste My punishment and warnings!’
Early morning brought them enduring punish-
ment: ‘Taste My punishment and warnings!’
(54:33-39)

442
M as usury.’ But Allah has permitted trade and He
has forbidden usury. Whoever is given a warning
MADINA by his Lord and then desists, can keep what he re-
Some of the desert Arabs around you are hyp- ceived in the past and his affair is Allah’s concern.
ocrites and some of the people of Madina are ob- But all who return to it will be the Companions of
durate in their hypocrisy. You do not know them the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (2:275)
but We know them. We will punish them twice Have they not reflected? Their companion is not
over and then they will be returned to a terrible mad. He is only a clear warner. (7:184)
punishment. (9:101) (They said, ‘Hud,) we only say that one of our gods
It was not for people of Madina, and the desert has driven you mad.’ He said, ‘I call on Allah to be
arabs around them, to remain behind the my witness, and you also bear witness, that I am
Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to free of all the gods you have apart from Him.’
him. That is because no thirst or weariness or (11:54)
hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor They say, ‘You, to whom the Reminder has been
will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe- sent down, are clearly mad.’ (15:6)
lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy, with- He (Pharaoh) said, ‘This Messenger, who has been
out a right action being written down for them sent to you, is mad.’ (26:27)
because of it. Allah does not let the wage of the They said, ‘Are we to forsake our gods for a mad
good-doers go to waste. (9:120) poet?’ (37:36)
And a group of them said, ‘People of Yathrib But then they turned away from him and said, ‘He
(Madina), Your position is untenable so return!’ is an instructed madman!’ (44:14)’
some of them asked the Prophet to excuse them, But he turned away with his forces, saying, ‘A ma-
saying, ‘Our houses are exposed,’ when they were gician or a madman!’ (51:39)
not exposed; it was merely that they wanted to run Equally, no Messenger came to those before them
away. (33:13) without their saying, ‘A magician or a madman!’
If the hypocrites and those with sickness in their (51:52)
hearts and the rumour-mongers in Madina do not Remind them then! For, by the blessing of your
desist, We will set you onto them. Then they will Lord, you are neither a soothsayer nor a madman.
only be your neighbours there a very short time. (52:29)
(33:60) Before them the people of Nuh denied the truth.
Those who were already settled in the abode They denied Our servant, saying, ‘He is madman,’
(Madina), and in faith, before they came, love and he was driven away with jeers. (54:9)
those who have migrated to them and do not find By the blessing of your Lord, you are not mad.
in their hearts any need for what they have been (68:2)
given and prefer them to themselves even if they So you will see and they will see which of you is
themselves are needy. It is the people who are mad. (68:5-6)
safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves Those who disbelieve all but strike you down with
who are successful. (59:9) their evil looks when they hear the Reminder and
They say, ‘If we return to Madina, the mightier will say, ‘He is quite mad.’ (68:51)
drive out the inferior.’ But all might belongs to Your companion is not mad. (81:22)
Allah and to His Messenger and the believers. But
the hypocrites do not know this. (63:8) MADYAN (SEE SHU‘AYB (AS)
AND MADYAN)
MADNESS
Those who practise usury will not rise from the MAGIC - MAGICIAN
grave except as someone driven mad by Satan's Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of
touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade is the same Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to
443
your mother when I reinforced you with the only avenging yourself on us because we be-
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in lieved in our Lord’s Signs when they came to us.
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and Our Lord, pour down steadfastness upon us and
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and take us back to You as Muslims.’ (7:109-126)
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created Do people find it so surprising that We should re-
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and veal to a man among them: ‘Warn mankind and
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My give good news to those who believe that they
permission; and healed the blind and the leper are on a sure footing with their Lord’? The disbe-
by My permission; and when you brought forth lievers say, ‘This is downright magic!’ (10:2)
the dead by My permission; and when I held When the truth came to them from Us, they said,
back the tribe of Israel from you, when you ‘This is downright magic!’ Musa said, ‘Do you
brought them the Clear Signs and those of them say to the truth when it comes to you, "This is
who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down- magic"? Magicians are not successful.’ They said,
right magic"’ (5:110) ‘Have you come to us to turn us from what we
Even if We were to send down a book to you on found our fathers doing, and to gain greatness in
parchment pages and they were actually to touch the land? We do not believe you.’ Pharaoh said,
it with their own hands, those who disbelieve ‘Bring me every knowledgeable magician.’
would still say, ‘This is nothing but downright When the magicians came, Musa said to them,
magic.’ (6:7) ‘Throw whatever you have to throw!’ When they
The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘This had thrown, Musa said, ‘What you have brought
is certainly a skilled magician who desires to is magic. Allah will certainly prove it false. Allah
expel you from your land, so what do you rec- does not uphold the actions of corrupters.’
ommend?’ They said, ‘Detain him and his (10:76-81)
brother and send out marshals to the cities, to It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in
bring you all the skilled magicians.’ The magi- six days when His Throne was on the water, in
cians came to Pharaoh and they asked, ‘Will we order to test which of you has the best actions. If
receive a reward if we are the winners?’ He said, you say, ‘You will be raised up after death,’ those
‘Yes, and you will be among those brought near.’ who disbelieve will say, ‘This is nothing but
They said, ‘Musa, will you throw first or shall we downright magic.’ (11:7)
be the ones to throw?’ He said, ‘You throw.’ And He said, ‘Have you come to us to expel us from
when they threw, they cast a spell on the peo- our land by means of your magic, Musa? We will
ple's eyes and caused them to feel great fear of bring you magic to match it. So fix a time be-
them. They produced an extremely powerful tween us and you which neither we nor you will
magic. We revealed to Musa, ‘Throw down your fail to keep at a place where we can meet
staff.’ And it immediately swallowed up what halfway.’ He said, ‘Your time is the day of the
they had forged. So the Truth took place and Festival. The people should gather in the morn-
what they did was shown to be false. They were ing.’ So Pharaoh went away and concocted his
defeated then and there, transformed into hum- scheme and then he arrived. Musa said to them,
bled men. The magicians threw themselves ‘Woe to you! Do not fabricate lies against Allah
down in prostration. They said, ‘We believe in or He will annihilate you with His punishment.
the Lord of all the worlds, the Lord of Musa and Fabricators of lies are bound to fail.’ They argued
Harun.’ Pharaoh said, ‘Have you believed in him among themselves about the matter and had a
before I authorised you to do so? This is just some secret conference. They said, ‘These two magi-
plot you have concocted in the city to drive its cians desire by their magic to expel you from
people from it. I will cut off your alternate hands your land and abolish your most excellent way of
and feet and then I will crucify every one of you.’ life, so decide on your scheme and then arrive
They said, ‘We are returning to our Lord. You are together in force. He who gains the upper hand
444
today will definitely prosper.’ They said, ‘Musa, down their ropes and staffs and said, ‘By the
will you throw or shall we be the first to throw?’ might of Pharaoh we are the winners.’ But Musa
He said, ‘No, you throw!’ And suddenly their threw down his staff and at once it swallowed up
ropes and staffs appeared to him, by their magic, what they had fabricated. The magicians threw
to be slithering about. Musa experienced in him- themselves down, prostrating. They said, ‘We be-
self a feeling of alarm. We said, ‘Have no fear. lieve in the Lord of all the worlds, the Lord of
You will have the upper hand. Throw down what Musa and Harun.’ He said, ‘Have you believed
is in your right hand. It will swallow up their in him before I authorised you? He is your chief
handiwork. Their handiwork is just a magician’s who taught you magic. But you will soon know!
trick. Magicians do not prosper wherever they I will cut off your alternate hands and feet and I
go.’ The magicians threw themselves down in will crucify every one of you.’ They said, ‘We do
prostration. They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of not care! We are returning to our Lord. We re-
Harun and Musa.’ Pharaoh said, ‘Do you believe main hopeful that our Lord will forgive us our
in him before I have authorised you? He is your mistakes for being the first of the believers.’
chief, the one who taught you magic. I will cut (26:34-51)
off your hands and feet alternately and have you When Our Signs came to them in all their clarity,
crucified on palm trunks. Then you will know for they said, ‘This is downright magic.’ (27:13)
certain which of us has the harsher and longer But when Musa brought them Our Clear Signs
lasting punishment.’ They said, ‘We will never they said, ‘This is nothing but trumped-up magic.
prefer you to the Clear Signs which have come to We never heard anything like this among our
us nor to Him Who brought us into being. earlier forefathers.’ (28:36)
Decide on any judgment you like. Your jurisdic- But when the truth did come to them from Us
tion only covers the life of this world. We have they said, ‘Why has he not been given the same
believed in our Lord so that He may forgive us for as Musa was given?’ But did they not previously
our mistakes and for the magic which you forced reject what Musa was given? They say, ‘Two ma-
us to perform. Allah is better and longer lasting.’ gicians who back each other up.’ And they say,
(20:57-73) ‘We reject both of them.’ (28:48)
Their hearts are distracted. Those who do wrong When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, they
confer together secretly, saying, ‘Is this man any- say, ‘This is nothing but a man who wants to
thing but a human being like yourselves? Do you debar you from what your fathers used to wor-
succumb to magic with your eyes wide open?’ ship.’ They say, ‘This is nothing but an invented
(21:3) lie.’ Those who disbelieve say to the truth when it
He (Pharaoh) said to the High Council round comes to them, ‘This is nothing but downright
about him, ‘This certainly is a skilled magician magic.’ (34:43)
who desires by his magic to expel you from your They say, ‘This is just downright magic.’ (37:15)
land, so what do you recommend?’ They said, They are surprised that a warner should come to
‘Detain him and his brother and send out mar- them from among themselves. The disbelievers
shals to the cities, to bring you all the skilled ma- say, ‘This is a lying magician.’ (38:4)
gicians.’ So the magicians were assembled for a We sent Musa with Our Signs and clear authority
meeting on a specified day. The people were to Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun. But they said, ‘A
asked, ‘Are you all assembled so we can follow lying magician.’ (40:23-24)
the magicians if they are the winners?’ When the But when the truth came to them they said, ‘This
magicians came, they said to Pharaoh, ‘Will we is magic and we reject it.’ (43:30)
be rewarded if we are the winners?’ He said, They said (to Musa), ‘Magician, invoke your Lord
‘Yes, and in that case you will be among those for us by the contract He has made with you and
brought near.’ Musa said to them, ‘Throw what- we shall certainly follow the guidance.’ (43:49)
ever it is you are going to throw!’ They threw When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, those
445
who reject say to the truth when it comes to And there will be dark-eyed maidens with them
them, ‘This is downright magic.’ (46:7) with eyes reserved for them alone. (38:52)
But he (Pharaoh) turned away with his forces, say- So it will be. We will marry them to dark-eyed
ing, ‘A magician or a madman!’ (51:39) maidens. (44:54)
Equally, no Messenger came to those before them They will recline on couches ranged in rows and
without their saying, ‘A magician or a madman!’ We will marry them to dark-eyed maidens.
(51:52) (52:20)
So is this magic? Or is it that you do not see? In them are maidens with eyes for them alone,
(52:15) untouched before them by either man or jinn.
And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Tribe of Israel, (55:56)
I am the Messenger of Allah to you, confirming the In them are sweet, lovely maidens. (55:70)
Torah which came before me and giving you the Dark-eyed, secluded in cool pavilions. (55:72)
good news of a Messenger after me whose name is And dark-eyed maidens like hidden pearls.
Ahmad.’ When he brought them the Clear Signs, (56:22-23)
they said, ‘This is downright magic.’ (61:6) We have brought maidens into being. (56:35)
He said, ‘This is nothing but magic from the past.’ And (there are) nubile maidens of similar age (for
(74:24) those who guard against evil). (78:33)

MAHR (SEE DOWRY) MAINTAIN


It is not for the idolaters to maintain the mosques
MAHRAM (UNMARRIAGEABLE) of Allah, bearing witness against themselves of
OF WOMEN their disbelief. They are the ones whose actions
Say to the believing women that they should will come to nothing. They will be in the Fire
lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not timelessly, for ever. (9:17)
display their adornments–except for what nor- The mosques of Allah should only be maintained
mally shows–and draw their head-coverings by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day
across their breasts. They should only display and perform prayer and give the alms, and fear
their adornments to their husbands or their fathers no one but Allah. They are the ones most likely
or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or their to be guided. (9:18)
husbands’ sons or their brothers or their brothers’ Do you make the giving of water to the pilgrims
sons or their sisters’ sons or their women or those and looking after the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-
they own as slaves or their male attendants who Haram) the same as believing in Allah and the
have no sexual desire or children who still have Last Day and striving in the Way of Allah? They
no awareness of women’s private parts. Nor are not equal in the sight of Allah. Allah does not
should they stamp their feet so that their hidden guide wrongdoing people. (9:19)
ornaments are known. Turn to Allah every one of
you, believers, so that hopefully you will have MAJORITY
success. (24:31) What do you think about those who left their
They incur no blame in respect of their fathers or homes in thousands in fear of death? Allah said
their sons or their brothers or their brothers’ or sis- to them, ‘Die!’ and then brought them back to
ters’ sons, or their women or any slaves they own. life. Allah shows great favour to mankind, but
Have fear of Allah. Allah is witness of all things. most people are not grateful. (2:243)
(33:55) You are the best nation ever to be produced be-
fore mankind. You enjoin the right, forbid the
MAIDEN wrong and believe in Allah. If the People of the
There will be dark-eyed maidens with them, with Book were to believe, it would be better for
eyes reserved for them alone. (37:48) them. Some of them are believers but most of
446
them are deviators. (3:110) they differed about and so that those who disbe-
They thought there would be no testing. They lieved will know that they were liars. (16:39)
were blind and deaf. Then Allah turned towards We have only ever sent before you men who
them. Then many of them went blind and deaf were given Revelation–ask the People of the
again. Allah sees what they do. (5:71) Reminder if you do not know–who brought Clear
If you obeyed most of those on earth, they would Signs and Revealed Books. And We have sent
misguide you from Allah’s Way. They follow down the Reminder to you so that you can make
nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing. clear to mankind what has been sent down to
(6:116) them so that hopefully they will reflect. (16:43-
Most of them follow nothing but conjecture. 44)
Conjecture is of no use whatsoever against the We have only sent down the Book to you so that
truth. Allah most certainly knows what they are you can make clear to them the things about
doing. (10:36) which they differ, and as a guidance and a mercy
But as for those who have clear evidence from to people who believe. (16:64)
their Lord followed up by a witness from Do not be like a woman who spoils the thread
Him–and before it the Book of Musa came as a she has spun by unravelling it after it is strong, by
model and a mercy–such people believe in it. making your oaths a means of deceiving one an-
Any faction which rejects it is promised the Fire. other, merely because one community is bigger
Be in no doubt about it. It is the Truth from your than another. Allah is only testing you by this. He
Lord. But most people have no faith. (11:17) will make clear to you on the Day of Rising the
They also said, ‘We have more wealth and chil- things about which you differed. (16:92)
dren. We are not going to be punished.’ (34:35) Then when We decreed that he should die, noth-
ing divulged his death to them except the worm
MAKING CLEAR which ate his staff; so that when he fell down it
But if a man divorces his wife a third time, she is was made clear to the jinn that if they had truly
not lawful for him after that until she has married had knowledge of the Unseen they need not
another husband. Then if he divorces her, there is have stayed there suffering humiliating punish-
nothing wrong in the original couple getting ment. (34:14)
back together provided they think they will re- If He did ask you for it and put you under pres-
main within Allah’s limits. These are Allah’s lim- sure, you would be tight-fisted and it would bring
its which he has made clear to people who out your malevolence. (47:37)
know. (2:230)
What is the matter with you that you do not eat MAKKA (THE SAFE HAVEN)
that over which the name of Allah has been men- If you do not help him, Allah did help him when
tioned, when He has made clear to you what He those who disbelieved drove him out (of Makka)
has made forbidden for you except when you are and there were two of them in the Cave. He said
forced to eat it? Many people lead others astray to his companion, ‘Do not be despondent, Allah
through their whims and desires without having is with us.’ Then Allah sent down His serenity
any knowledge. Your Lord knows best those who upon him and reinforced him with troops you
overstep the limits. (6:119) could not see. He made the word of those who
Just as your Lord brought you out from your disbelieved undermost. It is the word of Allah
house with truth, even though a group of the be- which is uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
lievers disliked it, arguing with you about the (9:40)
Truth after it had been made clear as though they Do they not see that We have established a safe
were being driven to their death with open eyes. haven (Makka) while people all round them are vi-
(8:5-6) olently dispossessed? So why do they believe in
It is so that He can make clear to them the things falsehood and reject the blessing of Allah? (29:67)
447
And (I swear by) this safe land, We created man are on a sure footing with their Lord’? The disbe-
in the finest mould. (95:3-4) lievers say, ‘This is downright magic!’ (10:2)
This is a Book We have sent down and blessed, His people came running to him excitedly–they
confirming what came before it, so that you can were long used to committing evil acts. He (Lut)
warn the Mother of Cities (Makka) and the peo- said, ‘My people, here are my daughters. They
ple around it. Those who believe in the hereafter are purer for you. So have fear of Allah and do
believe in it and safeguard their prayer. (6:92) not shame me with my guests. Is there not one
It is He Who held their hands back from you, and rightly-guided man among you?’ (11:78)
your hands from them in the valley of Makka, We know how they listen when they listen to
after giving you the upper hand over them. Allah you, and when they confer together secretly, and
sees what you do. (48:24) when the wrongdoers say, ‘You are only follow-
ing a man who is bewitched!’ (17:47)
MAN - MEN When the young men took refuge in the cave and
The Companions of the Ramparts will call out to said, ‘Our Lord, give us mercy directly from You
men they recognise by their mark, saying, ‘What and open the way for us to right guidance in our
you amassed was of no use to you, nor was your situation.’ (18:10)
arrogance.’ (7:48) We will relate their story to you with truth. They
(Nuh said to his people,) ‘Or are you astonished were young men who believed in their Lord and
that a reminder should come to you from your We increased them in guidance. (18:13)
Lord by way of a man among you, to warn you Make an example for them of two men. To one of
and make you guard against evil so that hope- them We gave two gardens of grape-vines and
fully you will gain mercy?’ (7:63) surrounded them with date-palms, putting be-
(Hud said,) ‘Or are you astonished that a re- tween them some cultivated land. (18:32)
minder should come to you from your Lord by His companion, with whom he was debating,
way of a man among you in order to warn you? said to him, ‘Do you then disbelieve in Him Who
Remember when He appointed you successors created you from dust, then from a drop of
to the people of Nuh, and increased you greatly sperm, and then formed you as a man?’ (18:37)
in stature. Remember Allah’s blessings, so that They said, ‘We heard a young man mentioning
hopefully you will be successful.’ (7:69) them. They call him Ibrahim.’ (21:60)
Musa chose seventy men from his people for Our (The ruling circle of Nuh’s people said,) ‘He is
appointed time and when the earthquake seized nothing but a man possessed so wait a while and
them he said, ‘My Lord, if You had willed, You see what happens to him.’ (23:25)
could have destroyed them previously and me as (The ruling circle of his people said,) ‘What is he
well. Would you destroy us for what the fools but a man who has invented a lie against Allah?
among us did? It was only a trial from You by We do not believe in him.’ (23:38)
which You misguided those You willed and In houses which Allah has permitted to be built
guided those You willed. You are our Protector so and in which His name is remembered, there are
forgive us and have mercy on us. You are the Best men who proclaim His glory morning and
of Forgivers.’ (7:155) evening, not distracted by trade or commerce
Do not ever stand in it. A mosque founded on from the remembrance of Allah and the perform-
performing one’s duty from the first day has a ance of prayer and the giving of the alms; fearing
greater right for you to stand in it. In it there are a day when all hearts and eyes will be in turmoil.
men who love to purify themselves. Allah loves (24:36-37)
those who purify themselves. (9:108) (The disbelievers say,) ‘Why has treasure not
Do people find it so surprising that We should re- been showered down on him? Why does he not
veal to a man among them: ‘Warn mankind and have a garden to give him food?’ The wrongdoers
give good news to those who believe that they say, ‘You are merely following a man who is be-
448
witched.’ (25:8) A man among Pharaoh’s people who believed,
He (Musa) entered the city at a time when its in- but kept his faith concealed, said, ‘Are you going
habitants were unaware and found two men to kill a man for saying "My Lord is Allah" when
fighting there–one from his party and the other he has brought you Clear Signs from your Lord? If
from his enemy. The one from his party asked for he is telling a lie, be it on his own head. But if he
his support against the other from his enemy. So is telling the truth, then some of what he is prom-
Musa hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said, ising you will certainly happen to you. Allah
‘This is part of Satan’s handiwork. He truly is an does not guide any unbridled inveterate liar.’
outright and misleading enemy.’ (28:15) (40:28)
A man came running from the furthest part of the They say, ‘Why was this Qur’an not sent down to
city, saying, ‘Musa, the Council are conspiring to one of the great men of the two cities?’ (43:31)
kill you, so leave! I am someone who brings you Certain men from among mankind used to seek
good advice.’ (28:20) refuge with certain men from among the jinn but
Allah has not allotted to any man two hearts they increased them in wickedness. (72:6)
within his breast, nor has He made those of your
wives you equate with your mothers your actual MARK
mothers, nor has He made your adopted sons If We wished, We would show them to you and
your actual sons. These are just words coming you would know them by their mark and know
out of your mouths. But Allah speaks the truth them by their ambivalent speech. Allah knows
and He guides to the Way. (33:4) your actions. (47:30)
Among the believers there are men who have The evildoers will be recognised by their mark
been true to the contract they made with Allah. and seized by their forelocks and their feet.
Some of them have fulfilled their pact by death (55:41)
and some are still waiting to do so, not having
changed in any way at all. (33:23) MARKET-PLACE
Those who disbelieve say, ‘Shall we show you to They say, ‘What is the matter with this
a man who will tell you that when you have Messenger, that he eats food and walks in the
completely disintegrated, you will then be recre- market-place? Why has an angel not been sent
ated all anew? (34:7) down to him so that it can be a warner along
When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, they with him?’ (25:7)
say, ‘This is nothing but a man who wants to We never sent any Messengers before you who
debar you from what your fathers used to wor- did not eat food and walk in the market-place.
ship.’ They say, ‘This is nothing but an invented But We have made some of you a trial for others
lie.’ Those who disbelieve say to the truth when it to see if you will be steadfast? Your Lord sees
comes to them, ‘This is nothing but downright everything. (25:20)
magic.’ (34:43)
A man came running from the far side of the city, MARRIAGE
saying, ‘My people! Follow the Messengers!’ Do not marry women of the idolaters until they
(36:20) believe. A slavegirl who is one of the believers is
They will say, ‘How is it that we do not see some better for you than a woman of the idolaters,
men whom we used to count among the worst of even though she may attract you. And do not
people?’ (38:62) marry men of the idolaters until they believe. A
Allah has made a metaphor for them of a man slave who is one of the believers is better for you
owned by several partners in dispute with one an- than a man of the idolaters, even though he may
other and another man wholly owned by a single attract you. Such people call you to the Fire
man. Are they the same? Praise be to Allah! The whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to
fact is that most of them do not know. (39:29) the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs
449
clear to people so that hopefully they will pay who are wealthy should abstain from it alto-
heed. (2:221) gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly
But if a man divorces his wife a third time, she is and correctly. When you hand over their prop-
not lawful for him after that until she has married erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on
another husband. Then if he divorces her, there is their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6)
nothing wrong in the original couple getting You who believe! It is not lawful for you to in-
back together provided they think they will re- herit women by force. Nor may you treat them
main within Allah’s limits. These are Allah’s lim- harshly so that you can make off with part of
its which he has made clear to people who what you have given them, unless they commit
know. (2:230) an act of flagrant indecency. Live together with
When you divorce women and they are near the them correctly and courteously. If you dislike
end of their waiting period, do not prevent them them, it may well be that you dislike something
from marrying their first husbands if they have in which Allah has placed a lot of good. (4:19)
mutually agreed to it with correctness and cour- Do not marry any women your fathers mar-
tesy. This is an admonition for those of you who ried–except for what may have already taken
believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better place. That is an indecent act, a loathsome thing
and purer for you. Allah knows and you do not and an evil path. (4:22)
know. (2:232) Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your
Nor is there anything wrong in any allusion to daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts
marriage you make to a woman, nor for any you and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters
keep to yourself. Allah knows that you will say and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers
things to them. But do not make secret arrange- who have suckled you, your foster sisters by
ments with them, rather only speak with correct- suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh-
ness and courtesy. Do not finally decide on the ters who are under your protection: the daugh-
marriage contract until the prescribed period has ters of your wives whom you have had sexual
come to its end. Know that Allah knows what is relations with (though if you have not had sexual
in your selves, so beware of Him! And know that relations with them there is nothing blameworthy
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:235) for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom
If you divorce them before you have touched you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at
them but have already allotted them a dowry, the same time–except for what may have already
they should have half the amount which you al- taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
lotted, unless they forgo it or the one in charge of Merciful. (4:23)
the marriage contract forgoes it. To forgo it is And also married women, except for those you
closer to heedfulness. Do not forget to show gen- have taken in war as slaves. This is what Allah has
erosity to one another. Allah sees what you do. prescribed for you. Apart from that He has made
(2:237) all other women lawful for you provided you seek
If you are afraid of not behaving justly towards them with your wealth in marriage and not in for-
orphans, then marry other permissible women, nication. When you consummate your marriage
two, three or four. But if you are afraid of not with them give them their prescribed dowry. There
treating them equally, then only one, or those is nothing wrong in any further agreement you
you own as slaves. That makes it more likely that might come to after the dowry has been given.
you will not be unfair. (4:3) Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:24)
Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a If any of you do not have the means to marry free
marriageable age, then if you perceive that they women who are believers, you may marry slave-
have sound judgement hand over their property girls who are believers. Allah knows best about
to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and your faith; you are all the same in that respect.
precipitately before they come of age. Those Marry them with their owners’ permission and
450
give them their dowries correctly and courte- So are chaste women from among the believers
ously as married women, not in fornication or and chaste women of those given the Book be-
taking them as lovers. When they are married, if fore you, once you have given them their
they commit fornication they should receive half dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking
the punishment of free women. This is for those them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects
of you who are afraid of committing fornication. faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the
But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever- hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:15)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25) A man who has fornicated may only marry a
Men have charge of women because Allah has woman who has fornicated or a woman of the
preferred the one above the other and because idolaters. A woman who has fornicated may only
they spend their wealth on them. Right-acting marry a man who has fornicated or a man of the
women are obedient (to Allah), guarding the un- idolaters. Doing such a thing is forbidden for the
seen as Allah has guarded. If there are women believers. (24:3)
whose disobedience you fear, you may admon- Marry off those among you who are unmarried
ish them, refuse to sleep with them, and then and those of your slaves and slavegirls who are
beat them. But if they obey you, do not look for a righteous. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them
way to punish them. Allah is All-High, Most from His bounty. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-
Great. (4:34) Knowing. (24:32)
If you fear a breach between a couple, send an Those who cannot find the means to marry
arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her should be abstinent until Allah enriches them
people. If the couple desire to put things right, from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to
Allah will bring about a reconciliation between make a contract to free themselves, write it for
them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (4:35) them if you know of good in them and give them
They request from you a ruling concerning some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not
women. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling about force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if
them; and also what is recited to you in the Book they desire to be virtuous women out of your de-
about orphan girls to whom you do not give the sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces
inheritance they are owed, while at the same them, then after they have been forced, Allah is
time desiring to marry them; and also about Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33)
young children who are denied their rights: that As for women who are past child-bearing age
you should act justly with respect to orphans.’ and no longer have any hope of getting married,
Whatever good you do, Allah knows it. (4:127) there is nothing wrong in their removing their
If a woman fears cruelty or aversion on her hus- outer clothes, provided they do not flaunt their
band’s part, there is nothing wrong in the couple adornments; but to refrain from doing so is better
becoming reconciled. Reconciliation is better. for them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do (24:60)
good and guard against evil, Allah is aware of And it is He Who created human beings from
what you do. (4:128) water and then gave them relations by blood and
You will not be able to be completely fair be- marriage. Your Lord is All-Powerful. (25:54)
tween your wives, however hard you try. But do He said, ‘I would like to marry you to one of
not be completely partial so as to leave a wife, as these two daughters of mine on condition that
it were, suspended in mid-air. And if you make you work for me for eight full years. If you com-
amends and guard against evil, Allah is Ever- plete ten, that is up to you. I do not want to be
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:129) hard on you. You will find me, Allah willing, to
Today all good things have been made lawful for be one of the righteous.’ (28:27)
you. And the food of those given the Book is also When you said to him whom Allah has blessed
lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep
451
your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’ after him. To do that would be a dreadful thing in
while concealing something in yourself which Allah’s sight. (33: 53)
Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing So it will be. We will marry them to dark-eyed
people when Allah has more right to your fear. maidens. (44:54)
Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to They will recline on couches ranged in rows and
you so that there should be no restriction for the We will marry them to dark-eyed maidens.
believers regarding the wives of their adopted (52:20)
sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s You who believe! When women who believe
command is always carried out. (33:37) come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test.
You who believe! When you marry believing Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you
women and then divorce them before you have know they are believers, do not return them to
touched them, there is no waiting period for you the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis-
to calculate for them, so give them a gift and let believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them.
them go with kindness. (33:49) Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid.
O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your And there is nothing wrong in your marrying
wives to whom you have given dowries and any them provided you pay them their due. Do not
slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al- hold to any marriage ties with women who dis-
lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un- believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask
cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement.
the daughters of your maternal uncles and the Allah will judge between them. Allah is All-
daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi- Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10)
grated with you and any believing woman who Allah has made an example for those who disbe-
gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires lieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They
to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to were married to two of Our servants who were
the rest of the believers–We know very well what righteous but they betrayed them and were not
We have prescribed for them regarding their helped at all against Allah. They were told, ‘Enter
wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order the Fire along with all who enter it.’ (66:10)
that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever-
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50) MARTYRDOM
After that no other women are lawful for you nor Do not say that those who are killed in the Way
may you exchange them for other wives, even of Allah are dead. On the contrary, they are alive
though their beauty might be pleasing to you, but you are not aware of it. (2:154)
with the exception of any you own as slaves. If you are killed in the Way of Allah or if you die,
Allah is watchful over all things. (33:52) forgiveness and mercy from Allah are better than
You who believe! Do not go into the Prophet’s anything you can acquire. (3:157)
rooms except when you are invited to come and Do not suppose that those killed in the Way of
eat. Do not wait there while the food is being Allah are dead. No indeed! They are alive and
cooked. However, when you are called, go in, well provided for in the very presence of their
and when you have eaten, disperse, not remain- Lord, delighting in the favour Allah has bestowed
ing there to chat with one another. Doing that on them, rejoicing over those they left behind
causes annoyance to the Prophet though he is who have not yet joined them, feeling no fear
too reticent to tell you so. But Allah is not reticent and knowing no sorrow, rejoicing in blessings
with the truth. When you ask his wives for some- and favour from Allah and that Allah does not let
thing, ask them from behind a screen. That is the wage of the believers go to waste. (169-171)
purer for your hearts and their hearts. It is not Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be
right for you to cause annoyance to the with those whom Allah has blessed: the
Messenger of Allah or ever to marry his wives Prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the mar-
452
tyrs and the righteous. What excellent company when they quarrelled. When the angels said,
such people are! (4:69) ‘Maryam, your Lord gives you good news of a
So let those who sell the life of this world for the Word from Him. His name is the Messiah, ‘Isa,
hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone son of Maryam, of high esteem in this world and
fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or the hereafter, and one of those brought near.’
is victorious, We will pay him an immense re- (3:42-45)
ward. (4:74) And (We punished them) on account of their dis-
Say: ‘What do you await for us except for one of belief, and their utterance of a monstrous slander
the two best things (martyrdom or victory)? But against Maryam, and their saying, ‘We killed the
what we await for you is for Allah to inflict a pun- Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of
ishment on you either directly from Himself or at Allah.’ They did not kill him and they did not cru-
our hands. So wait, we are waiting with you!’ cify him but it was made to seem so to them.
(9:52) Those who argue about him are in doubt about
Those who migrate in the Way of Allah and then it. They have no real knowledge of it, just con-
are killed or die, Allah will provide for them jecture. But they certainly did not kill him.
handsomely. Truly Allah is the best Provider. (4:156-157)
(22:58) People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your
religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah.
MARYAM (AS) (MARY) The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the
We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast
Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe
Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’
the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God.
Messenger came to you with something your He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in
lower selves did not desire, did you grow arro- the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him.
gant, and deny some of them and murder others? Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:171)
(2:87) Those who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, son of
These Messengers: We favoured some of them Maryam,’ disbelieve. Say: ‘Who possesses any
over others. Allah spoke directly to some of them power at all over Allah if He desires to destroy
and raised up some of them in rank. We gave the Messiah, son of Maryam, and his mother, and
Clear Signs to ‘Isa, son of Maryam, and rein- everyone else on earth?’ The kingdom of the
forced him with the Purest Spirit. If Allah had heavens and the earth and everything between
willed, those who came after them would not them belongs to Allah. He creates whatever He
have fought each other after the Clear Signs wills. Allah has power over all things. (5:17)
came to them, but they differed. Among them And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in
there are those who believe and among them their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came
there are those who disbelieve. If Allah had before him. We gave him the Gospel containing
willed, they would not have fought each other. guidance and light, confirming the Torah that
But Allah does whatever He desires. (2:253) came before it, and as guidance and admonition
And when the angels said, ‘Maryam, Allah has for those who guard against evil. (5:46)
chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam,
over all other women. Maryam, obey your Lord is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe
and prostrate and bow with those who bow.’ This of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.
is news from the Unseen which We reveal to If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah
you. You were not with them when they cast has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will
their reeds to see which of them would be the be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no
guardian of Maryam. You were not with them helpers. (5:72)
453
The Messiah, the son of Maryam, was only a to Him above anything they associate with Him!
Messenger, before whom other Messengers came (9:31)
and went. His mother was a woman of truth. Mention Maryam in the Book, how she withdrew
Both of them ate food. See how We make the from her people to an eastern place. (19:16)
Signs clear to them! Then see how they are per- She brought him to her people, carrying him.
verted! (5:75) They said, ‘Maryam! You have done an unthink-
Those among the tribe of Israel who disbelieved able thing! ’ (19:27)
were cursed on the tongue of Dawud and that of That is ‘Isa, son of Maryam, the word of truth
‘Isa, son of Maryam. That is because they re- about which they are in doubt. (19:34)
belled and overstepped the limits. (5:78) And We made the son of Maryam and his mother
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of a Sign and gave them shelter on a mountainside
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to where there was a meadow and a flowing spring.
your mother when I reinforced you with the (23:50)
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in When We made a covenant with all the
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and Prophets–with you and with Nuh and Ibrahim
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and and Musa and ‘Isa son of Maryam–We made a
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created binding covenant with them. (33:7)
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and When an example is made of the son of
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My Maryamyour people laugh uproariously. (43:57)
permission; and healed the blind and the leper Then We sent Our Messengers following in their
by My permission; and when you brought forth footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them,
the dead by My permission; and when I held giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and
back the tribe of Israel from you, when you mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.
brought them the Clear Signs and those of them They invented monasticism–We did not pre-
who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down- scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the
right magic";’ (5:110) pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob-
And when the Disciples said, ‘‘Isa son of serve it as it should have been observed. To those
Maryam! Can your Lord send down a table to us of them who believed We gave their reward but
out of heaven?’ He said, ‘Have fear of Allah if many of them are deviators. (57:27)
you are believers!’ (5:112) And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Tribe of
‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Allah, our Lord, send Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, con-
down a table to us out of heaven to be a feast for firming the Torah which came before me and giv-
us, for the first and last of us, and as a Sign from ing you the good news of a Messenger after me
You. Provide for us! You are the Best of whose name is Ahmad.’ When he brought them
Providers!’ (5:114) the Clear Signs, they said, ‘This is downright
And when Allah says, ‘‘Isa son of Maryam! Did magic.’ (61:6)
you say to people, "Take me and my mother as You who believe! Be helpers of Allah as ‘Isa son
gods besides Allah?"’ he will say, ‘Glory be to of Maryam said to the Disciples, ‘Who will be
You! It is not for me to say what I have no right to my helpers to Allah?’ The Disciples said, ‘We will
say! If I had said it, then You would have known be the helpers of Allah.’ One faction of the tribe
it. You know what is in my self but I do not know of Israel believed and the other disbelieved. So
what is in Your Self. You are the Knower of all un- We supported those who believed against their
seen things.’ (5:116) enemy and they became victorious. ( 61:14)
They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords And Maryam, the daughter of ‘Imran, who
besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of guarded her chastity–We breathed Our Spirit into
Maryam. Yet they were commanded to worship her and she confirmed the Words of her Lord and
only one God. There is no god but Him! Glory be His Book and was one of the obedient. (66:12)
454
Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of Helpers! (8:40)
Ibrahim and the family of ‘Imran over all other Say: ‘Nothing can happen to us except what
beings–descendants one of the other. Allah is All- Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is
Hearing, All-Knowing. (3:33-34) in Allah that the believers should put their trust.’
Remember when the wife of ‘Imran said, ‘My (9:51)
Lord, I have pledged to You what is in my womb, Then and there every self will be tried for what it
devoting it to Your service. Please accept my did before. They will be returned to Allah, their
prayer. You are the All-Hearing, the All- Master, the Real, and what they invented will
Knowing.’ ( 3:35) abandon them. (10:30)
When she gave birth, she said, ‘My Lord! I have Allah has made the expiation of your oaths oblig-
given birth to a girl’–and Allah knew very well atory for you. Allah is your Master–He is the All-
what she had given birth to, male and female are Knowing, the All-Wise. (66:2)
not the same–‘and I have named her Maryam
and placed her and her children in Your safe- MATE
keeping from the accursed Satan.’ ( 3:36) O mankind! Have fear of your Lord Who created
Her Lord accepted her with approval and made you from a single self and created its mate from it
her grow in health and beauty. And Zakariyya and then disseminated many men and women
became her guardian. Every time Zakariyya vis- from the two of them. Have fear of Allah in
ited her in the Upper Room, he found food with Whose name you make demands on one another
her. He said, ‘Maryam, how did you come by and also in respect of your families. Allah
this?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. Allah provides for watches over you continually. (4:1)
whoever He wills without any reckoning.’ (3: 37) He created you from a single self, then produced
its mate from it, and sent down livestock to
MASHA'LLAH you–eight kinds in pairs. He creates you stage by
(SEE "IT IS AS ALLAH WILLS") stage in your mothers’ wombs in a threefold
darkness. That is Allah, your Lord. Sovereignty is
MASJID (SEE MOSQUE) His. There is no god but Him. So what has made
you deviate? (39:6)
MASJID AL-AQSA The Bringer into Being of the heavens and the
(SEE THE FURTHER MOSQUE) earth: He has given you mates from among your-
selves, and given mates to the livestock, in that
MASTER way multiplying you. Nothing is like Him. He is
Allah does not impose on any self any more than the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. (42:11)
it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against
it, what it has brought upon itself. ‘Our Lord, do MATURITY
not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! And that you do not go near the property of or-
Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one phans before they reach maturity–except in a
You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not good way; that you give full measure and full
place on us a load we have not the strength to weight with justice–We impose on no self any
bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have more than it can bear; that you are equitable when
mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us you speak–even if a near relative is concerned; and
against the people of the disbelievers.’ (2:286) that you fulfil Allah’s contract. That is what He in-
Then they are returned to Allah, their Master, the structs you to do, so that hopefully you will pay
Real. Jurisdiction belongs to Him alone and He is heed. (6:152)
the Swiftest of Reckoners. (6:62) Do not go near the property of orphans before they
But if they turn away, know that Allah is your reach maturity, except in a good way. Fulfil your
Master, the Best of Masters, and the Best of contracts. Contracts will be asked about. (17:34)
455
Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the Rising, the religion of a people who clearly have no faith
know that We created you from dust then from a in Allah and who refuse to acknowledge the truth
drop of sperm then from a clot of blood then from of the world to come.’ (12:37)
a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed, so We may When they had gone a distance further on, he
make things clear to you. We make whatever We (Musa) said to his servant, ‘Bring us our morning
want stay in the womb until a specified time and meal. Truly this journey of ours has made us
then We bring you out as children so that you can tired.’ (18:62)
reach your full maturity. Some of you die and some
of you revert to the lowest form of life so that, after MEANING
having knowledge, they then know nothing at all. It is He Who sent down the Book to you from
And you see the earth dead and barren; then when Him: verses containing clear judgements–they
We send down water onto it it quivers and swells are the core of the Book–and others which are
and sprouts with luxuriant plants of every kind. open to interpretation. Those with deviation in
(22:5) their hearts follow what is open to interpretation
And when he (Musa) reached his full strength and in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning.
maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. No one knows its inner meaning but Allah.
That is how We recompense good-doers. (28:14) Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be-
lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only
MEADOW people of intelligence pay heed. (3:7)
And We made the son of Maryam and his mother Some of the Jews distort the true meaning of
a Sign and gave them shelter on a mountainside words, saying, ‘We hear and disobey,’ and ‘Listen
where there was a meadow and a flowing spring. without listening,’ and ‘Listen to us!’ twisting
(23:50) them with their tongues, disparaging the religion.
As for those who believed and did right actions, If they had said, ‘We hear and we obey,’ and
they will be made joyful in a verdant meadow. ‘Listen,’ and, ‘Look at us!’ that would have been
(30:15) better for them and more upright. But Allah has
You will see the wrongdoers afraid of what they cursed them for their disbelief. Very few of them
have earned, when it is about to land right on top believe. (4:46)
of them, whereas those who believe and do right But because of their breaking of their covenant,
actions will be in the lush Meadows of the We have cursed them and made their hearts
Gardens. They will have whatever they wish for hard. They distort the true meaning of words and
with their Lord. That is the great favour. (42:22) have forgotten a good portion of what they were
And (then We make) orchards and meadows reminded of. You will never cease to come upon
(grow in it), for you and your livestock to enjoy. some act of treachery on their part, except for a
(80:31-32) few of them. Yet pardon them, and overlook.
Allah loves good-doers. (5:13)
MEAL O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who
But when she heard of their malicious talk, she rush headlong into disbelief among those who
sent for them and made a sumptuous meal and say ‘We believe’ with their tongues when their
then she gave a knife to each of them. She said hearts contain no faith. And among the Jews are
(to Yusuf), ‘Go out to them.’ When they saw him, those who listen to lies, listening to other people
they were amazed by him and cut their hands. who have not come to you, distorting words from
They said, ‘Allah preserve us! This is no man. their proper meanings, saying, ‘If you are given
What can this be but a noble angel here!’ (12:31) this, then take it. If you are not given it, then be-
He (Yusuf) said, ‘No meal to feed you will arrive ware!’ If Allah desires misguidance for someone,
before I have informed you what they mean. That you cannot help him against Allah in any way.
is part of what my Lord taught me. For I have left Those are the people whose hearts Allah does
456
not want to purify. They will have disgrace in this is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise. My Lord,
world and in the hereafter they will have a terri- You have granted power to me on earth and
ble punishment. (5:41) taught me the true meaning of events. Originator
No, the fact is that they have denied something of the heavens and earth, You are my Friend in
which their knowledge does not embrace and this world and the Next. So take me as a Muslim
the meaning of which has not yet reached them. at my death and join me to the people who are
In the same way those before them also denied righteous.’ (12:100-101)
the truth. See the final fate of the wrongdoers!
(10:39) MEASURE
(Yusuf's father said,) ‘Accordingly your Lord will And that you do not go near the property of or-
pick you out and teach you the true meaning of phans before they reach maturity–except in a
events and perfectly fulfil His blessing on you as good way; that you give full measure and full
well as on the family of Ya‘qub as He fulfilled it weight with justice–We impose on no self any
perfectly before upon your forebears, Ibrahim more than it can bear; that you are equitable
and Ishaq. Most certainly your Lord is Knowing, when you speak–even if a near relative is con-
Wise.’ (12:6) cerned; and that you fulfil Allah’s contract. That
The Egyptian who had bought him told his wife, is what He instructs you to do, so that hopefully
‘Look after him with honour and respect. It’s pos- you will pay heed. (6:152)
sible he will be of use to us or perhaps we might And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb
adopt him as a son.’ And thus We established who said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have
Yusuf in the land to teach him the true meaning no other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to
of events. Allah is in control of His affair. you from your Lord. Give full measure and full
However, most of mankind do not know. (12:21) weight. Do not diminish people’s goods. Do not
Two servants entered prison along with him. One cause corruption in the land after it has been put
said (to Yusuf), ‘I dreamt that I was pressing right. That is better for you if you are believers.’
grapes.’ The other said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread (7:85)
upon my head and birds were eating it. Tell us And to Madyan their brother Shu‘ayb. He said,
the true meaning of these dreams. We see that ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god
you’re one of the righteous.’ (12:36) apart from Him. Do not give short measure and
The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat cows short weight. I see you prospering and I fear for
which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears you the punishment of an all-encompassing Day.
of wheat and seven others which were dry. O My people! Give full measure and full weight
counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you are with justice; do not diminish people's goods; and
those who can interpret visions!’ They said, ‘A do not go about the earth, corrupting it.’ (11:84-
jumbled mass of mixed-up dreams! We do not 85)
know the meaning of such things.’ The one of Then, having supplied their needs, he (Yusuf)
them who had been saved then said, remember- said to them, ‘Bring me your brother, your fa-
ing after a period, ‘I will tell you what it signifies, ther’s youngest son. Do you not see that I dis-
so send me out.’ (12:43-45) pense full measure and am the most hospitable
He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne. of hosts? (12:59)
The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said, (Yusuf said,) ‘But if you do not bring him here to
‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of me, your measure from me then will be denied
the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come and you will not come near to me at all.’ (12:60)
true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of Then when they got back to their father’s house,
prison and brought you from the desert when they said, ‘Father! Our measure has been denied.
Satan had caused dissent between me and my Please send our brother with us so we may obtain
brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He our measure. We will take care of him.’ (12:63)
457
Then when they opened up their saddlebags and Allah–He will make matters easy for him. (65:4)
found their merchandise returned to them, they
said, ‘Our father! What more could we ask! Here MERCY
is our merchandise returned to us. We can pro- Those are the people who will have blessings
vide our families with food, and guard our and mercy from their Lord; they are the ones who
brother and get an extra load. That is an easy are guided. (2:157)
measure to obtain.’ (12:65) Your God is One God. There is no god but Him,
So when they came into his presence, they said, the All-Merciful, the Most Merciful. (2:163)
‘Your Eminence! Hardship has hit us and our He has only forbidden you carrion, blood and
families. We bring scant merchandise, but fill the pork and what has been consecrated to other
measure for us generously. Allah always rewards a than Allah. But anyone who is forced to eat
generous giver.’ (12:88) it–without desiring it or going to excess in
Give full measure when you measure and weigh it–commits no crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
with a level balance. That is better and gives the Most Merciful. (2:173)
best result. (17:35) You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for
(Shu‘ayb said,) ‘Give full measure. Do not skimp.’ you in the case of people killed: free man for free
(26:181) man, slave for slave, female for female. But if
And (He will) provide for him from where he does someone is absolved by his brother, blood-
not expect. Whoever puts his trust in Allah–He money should be claimed with correctness and
will be enough for him. Allah always achieves His paid with good will. That is an easement and a
aim. Allah has appointed a measure for all things. mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond
(65:3) the limits after this will receive a painful punish-
Vessels of silver and goblets of pure crystal will be ment. (2:178)
passed round among them, crystalline silver–they But if someone fears bias or wrongdoing on the
have measured them very exactly. (76:15-16) part of the person making the will, and puts
things right between the people involved, in that
MEAT case he has not committed any crime. Allah is
We will supply them with any kind of fruit and Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:182)
meat that they desire. (52:22) But if they cease, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
And (believers will have in Gardens of Delight) Merciful. (2:192)
any bird-meat they desire. (56:21) Obey Allah and the Messenger so that hopefully
you will gain mercy. ( 3:132)
MENSTRUATION (HAYD) Anyone who does evil or wrongs himself and
They will ask you about menstruation. Say, ‘It is then asks Allah’s forgiveness will find Allah Ever-
an impurity, so keep apart from women during Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:110)
menstruation and do not approach them until When they took full stock of what they had done
they have purified themselves. But once they and saw they had been misled, they said, ‘If our
have purified themselves, then go to them in the Lord does not have mercy on us and forgive us,
way that Allah has enjoined on you.’ Allah loves we will certainly be among the lost.’ ( 7:149)
those who turn back from wrongdoing and He He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and my
loves those who purify themselves. (2:222) brother and admit us into Your mercy. You are
In the case of those of your wives who are past the Most Merciful of the merciful.’ ( 7:151)
the age of menstruation, if you have any doubt, And among the desert arabs there are some who
their waiting period should be three months, and believe in Allah and the Last Day and regard
that also applies to those who have not yet men- what they give as something which will bring
struated. The time for women who are pregnant them nearer to Allah and to the prayers of the
is when they give birth. Whoever has fear of Messenger. It does indeed bring them near. Allah
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will admit them into His mercy. Allah is Ever- Most Merciful of the merciful,’ (21:83)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:99) Do you not see that Allah has made everything
He (Nuh) said, ‘My Lord, I seek refuge with You on the earth subservient to you and the ships run-
from asking You for anything about which I have ning upon the sea by His command? He holds
no knowledge. If You do not forgive me and have back the heaven, preventing it from falling to the
mercy on me, I will be among the lost.’ (11:47) earth–except by His permission. Allah is All-
(Yusuf said,) ‘I do not say my self was free from Compassionate to mankind, Most Merciful.
blame. The self indeed commands to evil (22:65)
acts–except for those my Lord has mercy on. My If We did have mercy on them and removed the
Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful.’ (12:53) harm afflicting them, they would still obstinately
He (Yusuf) said, ‘No blame at all will fall on you. persist in wandering blindly in their excessive in-
Today you have forgiveness from Allah. He is the solence. (23:75)
Most Merciful of the merciful.’ (12:92) There was a group of My servants who said, "Our
They carry your loads to lands you would never Lord, we believe, so forgive us and have mercy
reach except with great difficulty. Your Lord is on us. You are the Best of the Merciful." (23:109)
All-Gentle, Most Merciful. (16:7) Say: ‘My Lord, forgive and be merciful! You are
Or (do they feel secure) that He will not seize the Best of the Merciful.’ (23:118)
them little by little? For your Lord is All- Truly your Lord is the Almighty, the Most
Compassionate, Most Merciful. (16:47) Merciful. (26:9)
But to those who migrated after they were perse- He punishes anyone He wills and has mercy on
cuted and then strived and remained steadfast, to anyone He wills. You will be returned to Him.
them your Lord is All-Compassionate, Most (29:21)
Merciful. (16:110) Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
(We decreed in the Book for the tribe of Israel:) ‘It who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
may well be that your Lord will have mercy on merciful to one another. You see them bowing
you. But if you revert to what you did, We also and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and
will revert. We have made Hell a prison for the His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
disbelievers.’ (17:8) traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the
Your Lord knows you best. If He wills, He will Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
have mercy on you, and, if He wills, He will pun- seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong
ish you. We did not send you to be their so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its
guardian. (17:54) stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by
Your Lord is He Who propels the ships on the sea them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has
for you so that you may seek His bounty. He is promised those of them who believe and do right
indeed Most Merciful to you. (17:66) actions forgiveness and an immense reward.
Your Lord is the Ever-Forgiving, the Possessor of (48:29)
Mercy. If He had taken them to task for what they Then We sent Our Messengers following in their
have earned, He would have hastened their pun- footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them,
ishment. Instead, they have a promised appoint- giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and
ment and they will not find any refuge from it. mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.
(18:58) They invented monasticism–We did not pre-
We endowed them with Our mercy and made scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the
them highly honoured. (19:50) pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob-
We endowed him (Musa) with Our mercy, mak- serve it as it should have been observed. To those
ing his brother Harun a Prophet. (19:53) of them who believed We gave their reward but
And Ayyub when he called out to his Lord, many of them are deviators. (57:27)
‘Great harm has afflicted me and You are the
459
(LORD’S) MESSAGE came to them, but they differed. Among them
He (Nuh) said, ‘My people, I am not in error at all there are those who believe and among them
but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of all there are those who disbelieve. If Allah had
the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s Message to willed, they would not have fought each other.
you and giving you good counsel, and I know But Allah does whatever He desires. (2:253)
from Allah what you do not know.’ (7:61-62) The Messenger believes in what has been sent
He (Hud) said, ‘My people, I am by no means a down to him from his Lord, and so do the believ-
fool, but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of ers. Each one believes in Allah and His angels
all the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s Message to and His Books and His Messengers. We do not
you, and I am a faithful counsellor to you.’ (7:67- differentiate between any of His Messengers.
68) They say, ‘We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our
He (Salih) turned away from them and said, ‘My Lord! You are our journey’s end.’ (2:285)
people, I transmitted my Lord’s message to you Muhammad is only a Messenger and he has been
and gave you good counsel. However, you do preceded by other Messengers. If he were to die
not like good counsellors!’ (7:79) or be killed, would you turn on your heels?
So he (Shu‘ayb) turned away from them and said, Those who turn on their heels do not harm Allah
‘My people, I transmitted My Lord’s message to in any way. Allah will recompense the thankful.
you and gave you good counsel. Why should I (3:144)
grieve for a disbelieving people?’ (7:93) Allah will only leave the believers in the position
He said, ‘Musa, I have chosen you over all you now are in so that He can sift out the rotten
mankind for My Message and My Word. Take from the good. Allah has not given you access to
what I have given you and be among the thank- the Unseen. But Allah chooses those of His
ful.’ (7:144) Messengers whom He wills. So believe in Allah
(Prophets are) those who conveyed Allah’s and His Messengers. If you believe and guard
Message and had fear of Him, fearing no one ex- against evil you will have an immense reward.
cept Allah. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (33:39) (3:179)
(It is) so that He may know that they have indeed Those who say, ‘Allah has made a contract with
transmitted the Messages of their Lord. He en- us that we should not believe in any Messenger
compasses what is in their hands and has until he brings us a sacrifice consumed by fire.’
counted the exact number of everything. (72:28) Say, ‘Messengers came to you before me with the
Clear Signs and with what you say. So why did
MESSENGER you kill them if you are telling the truth?’ (3:183)
We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of If they deny you, Messengers before you were
Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of also denied, who brought the Clear Signs and
Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with written texts and the illuminating Book. (3:184)
the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a (Those who remember Allah say,) ‘Our Lord, give
Messenger came to you with something your us what You promised us through Your
lower selves did not desire, did you grow arro- Messengers, and do not disgrace us on the Day
gant, and deny some of them and murder others? of Rising. You do not break Your promise.’
(2:87) (3:194)
These Messengers: We favoured some of them You who believe! Believe in Allah and His
over others. Allah spoke directly to some of them Messenger and in the Book He sent down to His
and raised up some of them in rank. We gave Messenger, and the Books He sent down before.
Clear Signs to ‘Isa, son of Maryam, and rein- Anyone who rejects Allah and His angels and
forced him with the Purest Spirit. If Allah had His Books and His Messengers and the Last Day
willed, those who came after them would not has gone very far astray. (4:136)
have fought each other after the Clear Signs Those who believe in Allah and His Messengers
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and do not differentiate between any of them, changing the Words of Allah. And news of other
We will pay them their wages. Allah is Ever- Messengers has come to you. (6:34)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:152) When a Sign comes to them, they say, ‘We will
There are Messengers We have already told you not believe until we have been given the same as
about and Messengers We have not told you the Messengers of Allah were given.’ Allah
about; and Allah spoke directly to Musa. (4:164) knows best where to place His Message.
Messengers bringing good news and giving Debasement in the sight of Allah and a severe
warning, so that people will have no argument punishment will strike those who did wrong for
against Allah after the coming of the Messengers. the plots that they concocted. (6:124)
Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (4:165) Company of jinn and men! Did not Messengers
People of the Book! Our Messenger has come to come to you from among yourselves relating My
you, making things clear to you, after a period Signs to you and warning you of the encounter of
with no Messengers, lest you should say, ‘No one this Day of yours? They will say, ‘We testify
came to us bringing good news or warning.’ against ourselves.’ The life of this world deluded
Someone has come to you bringing good news them and they will testify against themselves that
and a warning. Allah has power over all things. they were disbelievers. (6:130)
(5:19) Children of Adam! If Messengers come to you
Then Allah sent a crow which scratched at the from among yourselves, recounting My Signs to
earth to show him how to conceal his brother’s you, those who guard against evil and put things
corpse. He said, ‘Woe is me! Can I not even be right, will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.
like this crow and conceal my brother’s corpse?’ (7:35)
And he became one of those who suffer bitter re- We will strip away any rancour in their hearts.
morse on account of that. So We decreed for the Rivers will flow under them and they will say,
tribe of Israel that if someone kills another per- ‘Praise be to Allah Who has guided us to this! We
son–unless it is in retaliation for someone else or would not have been guided, had Allah not
for causing corruption in the earth–it is as if he guided us. The Messengers of our Lord came
had murdered all mankind. And if anyone gives with the Truth.’ It will be proclaimed to them:
life to another person, it is as if he had given life ‘This is your Garden which you have inherited
to all mankind. Our Messengers came to them for what you did.’ (7:43)
with Clear Signs but even after that many of them What are they waiting for but its fulfilment? The
committed outrages in the earth. (5:31-32) Day its fulfilment occurs, those who forgot it be-
The Messiah, the son of Maryam, was only a fore will say, ‘The Messengers of our Lord came
Messenger, before whom other Messengers came with the Truth. Are there any intercessors to inter-
and went. His mother was a woman of truth. cede for us, or can we be sent back so that we
Both of them ate food. See how We make the can do something other than what we did?’ They
Signs clear to them! Then see how they are per- have lost their own selves and what they in-
verted! (5:75) vented has forsaken them. (7:53)
On the day Allah gathers the Messengers to- These cities–We have given you news of them.
gether and says, ‘What response did you re- Their Messengers came to them with Clear Signs,
ceive?’ they will say, ‘We do not know. You are but they were never going to believe in what they
the Knower of unseen things.’ (5:109) had previously rejected. That is how Allah seals
Messengers before you were also mocked, but up the hearts of the disbelievers. (7:101)
those who jeered were engulfed by what they Has the news of those who came before them not
mocked. (6:10) reached them the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and
Messengers before you were also denied but they Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in-
were steadfast in the face of the denial and injury habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities?
they suffered until Our help arrived. There is no Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs.
461
Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged your wrong actions and to defer you until a spec-
themselves. (9:70) ified time.’ They said, ‘You are nothing but
We destroyed generations before you when they human beings like ourselves who want to debar
did wrong. Their Messengers brought them the us from what our fathers worshipped; so bring us
Clear Signs, but they were never going to be- a clear authority.’ (14:10)
lieve. That is how We repay evildoers. (10:13) Their Messengers said to them, ‘We are nothing
Then after him We sent Messengers to their peo- but human beings like yourselves. But Allah
ple, and they brought them the Clear Signs, but shows favour to any of His servants He wills. It is
they were never going to believe in something not for us to bring you an authority except by
which they had previously denied. That is how Allah’s permission. So let the believers put their
We seal up the hearts of those who overstep the trust in Allah.’ (14:11)
limits. (10:74) Those who disbelieved said to their Messengers,
Then We will rescue Our Messengers and those ‘We will drive you from our land unless you re-
who believe as well. It is incumbent upon Us to turn to our religion.’ Their Lord revealed to them,
rescue the believers. (10:103) ‘We will destroy those who do wrong.’ (14:13)
That was ‘Ad. They denied the Signs of their Lord Warn mankind of the Day when the punishment
and disobeyed His Messengers and followed the will reach them. Those who did wrong will say,
command of every obdurate tyrant. (11:59) ‘Our Lord, reprieve us for a short time. We will
We have given you all this news about the respond to Your call and follow the Messengers.’
Messengers so We can make your heart firm by ‘But did you not swear to Me before that you
means of it. The truth has come to you in this and would never meet your downfall?’ (14:44)
an admonishment and reminder to the believers. Do not imagine that Allah will break His promise
(11:120) to His Messengers. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of
Then when the Messengers despaired and Revenge. (14:47)
thought themselves denied, Our help came to The idolaters say, ‘If Allah had willed we would
them, and those We willed were saved. Our vio- not have worshipped anything apart from Him,
lent force cannot be averted from people who neither we nor our fathers, nor would we have for-
are evildoers. (12:110) bidden anything without His say.’ Those before
Messengers before you were mocked. I gave them said the same. Are the Messengers responsi-
those who disbelieved a little more time and then ble for anything but clear transmission? (16:35)
I seized them. How terrible was My retribution! That was the pattern with those We sent before
(13:32) you as Our Messengers. You will not find any
We sent Messengers before you and gave them changing of Our pattern. (17:77)
wives and children. Nor was any Messenger able That is their repayment–Hell–because they disbe-
to bring a Sign except by Allah’s permission. lieved and made a mockery of My Signs and of My
There is a prescribed limit to every term. (13:38) Messengers. (18:106)
Has news not reached you of those who came Messengers before you were also mocked, but
before you, the peoples of Nuh and ‘Ad and those who jeered were engulfed by what they
Thamud, and those who came after them who mocked. (21:41)
are known to no one but Allah? Their Messengers Allah chooses Messengers from the angels and
came to them with Clear Signs, but they put their from mankind. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.
hands to their mouths, saying, ‘We reject what (22:75)
you have been sent with. We have grave doubts Then We sent Our Messengers one after another,
about what you are calling us to.’ (14:9) at intervals. Each time its Messenger came to a
Their Messengers said, ‘Is there any doubt about community they called him a liar so We made
Allah, the Bringer into Being of the heavens and them follow one another too and turned them
the earth? He summons you to forgive you for into myths and legends. Away with the people
462
who have no faith! (23:44) companies and when they arrive there and its
Messengers, eat of the good things and act gates are opened its custodians will say to them,
rightly. I most certainly know what you do. ‘Did Messengers from yourselves not come to
(23:51) you, reciting your Lord’s Signs to you and warn-
And when the people of Nuh denied the ing you of the meeting on this Day of yours?’
Messengers, We drowned them and made them They will say, ‘Indeed they did, but the decree of
a Sign for all mankind. We have prepared a punishment is justly carried out against the dis-
painful punishment for the wrongdoers. (25:37) believers.’ (39:71)
When Our messengers came with the good news That was because their Messengers brought them
to Ibrahim, they said, ‘We are going to destroy the Clear Signs but they remained disbelievers.
the people of this city. Truly its inhabitants are So Allah seized them. He is Most Strong, Severe
wrongdoers.’ (29:31) in Retribution. (40:22)
When Our Messengers came to Lut, he was dis- They (custodians of Hell) will ask, ‘Did your
tressed on their account, feeling incapable of Messengers not bring you the Clear Signs?’ They
protecting them. They said, ‘Do not fear and do will answer, ‘Yes.’ They will say, ‘Then you call!’
not grieve. We are going to rescue you and your But the calling of the disbelievers only goes
family–except for your wife; she will be one of astray. (40:50)
those who stay behind.’ (29:33) We will certainly help Our Messengers and those
Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the who believe both in the life of this world and on
final fate of those before them? They had greater the Day the witnesses appear. (40:51)
strength than them and cultivated the land and Those who deny the Book and that with which
inhabited it in far greater numbers than they do. We sent Our Messengers will certainly come to
Their Messengers also came to them with the know. (40:70)
Clear Signs. Allah would never have wronged We sent Messengers before you. Some of them
them; but they wronged themselves. (30:9) We have told you about and others We have not
Before you We sent other Messengers to their told you about. No Messenger can bring a Sign
people, and they too brought them the Clear except with Allah’s permission. But when Allah’s
Signs. We took revenge on those who did evil; command comes the matter will be decided with
and it is Our duty to help the believers. (30:47) truth and then and there the liars will be lost.
Those before them also denied the truth but these (40:78)
people do not have even a tenth of what We gave When their Messengers brought them the Clear
to them. They denied My Messengers. And how Signs, they exulted in the knowledge they had
complete was My denial! (34:45) and then were engulfed by the very things they
Praise be to Allah, the Bringer into Being of the mocked. (40:83)
heavens and earth, He Who made the angels When the Messengers came to them from in front
messengers, with wings–two, three or four. He and from behind, saying, ‘Do not worship any-
adds to creation in any way He wills. Allah has one but Allah’, they said, ‘If our Lord had willed,
power over all things. (35:1) He could have sent angels down, so we reject
If they deny you, Messengers before you were the Message you have been sent with.’ (41:14)
also denied. All matters return to Allah. (35:4) Nothing has been said to you that was not said to
If they deny you, those before them also denied the Messengers before you. Your Lord is the
the truth. Their Messengers came to them with Possessor of forgiveness but also of painful retri-
Clear Signs, and psalms and the Illuminating bution. (41:43)
Book. (35:25) Ask those We sent before you as Our
Each one of them denied the Messengers and so Messengers: Have We ever designated any gods
My punishment was justly carried out. (38:14) to be worshipped besides the All-Merciful?
Those who disbelieve will be driven to Hell in (43:45)
463
Say: ‘I am nothing new among the Messengers. I power to His Messengers over anyone He wills,
have no idea what will be done with me or you. Allah has power over all things. (59:6)
I only follow what has been revealed to me. I am How many cities spurned their Lord’s command
only a clear warner.’ (46:9) and His Messengers! And so We called them
So be steadfast as the Messengers with firm re- harshly to account and punished them with a ter-
solve were also steadfast. And do not seek to has- rible punishment. (65:8)
ten it for them. On the Day they see what they
were promised, it will be as if they had only tar- MESSIAH
ried for just one hour of a single day. It has been When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives
transmitted! Will any be destroyed except for de- you good news of a Word from Him. His name is
viant people? (46:35) the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem
Those who believe in Allah and His in this world and the hereafter, and one of those
Messengers–such people are the truly brought near.’ (3:45)
sincere–and the martyrs who are with their Lord And (We punished them) on account of their dis-
will receive their wages and their light. But those belief, and their utterance of a monstrous slander
who disbelieve and deny Our Signs, will be against Maryam, and their saying, ‘We killed the
Companions of the Blazing Fire. (57:19) Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of Allah.’
Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord They did not kill him and they did not crucify him
and to a Garden, whose breadth is like that of but it was made to seem so to them. Those who
heaven and earth combined, made ready for argue about him are in doubt about it. They have
those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. no real knowledge of it, just conjecture. But they
That is Allah’s favour which He gives to those He certainly did not kill him. (4:156-157)
wills. Allah’s favour is indeed immense. (57:21) People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your
We sent Our Messengers with the Clear Signs religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah.
and sent down the Book and the Balance with The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the
them so that mankind might establish justice. Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast
And We sent down iron in which there lies great into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe in
force and which has many uses for mankind, so Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’ It is
that Allah might know those who help Him and better that you stop. Allah is only One God. He is
His Messengers in the Unseen. Allah is All- too Glorious to have a son! Everything in the heav-
Strong, Almighty. (57:25) ens and in the earth belongs to Him. Allah suffices
Then We sent Our Messengers following in their as a Guardian. (4:171)
footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them, The Messiah would never disdain to be a servant
giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and to Allah nor would the angels near to Him. If any
mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. do disdain to worship Him, and grow arrogant, He
They invented monasticism–We did not pre- will in any case gather them all to Him. (4:172)
scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the Those who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, son of
pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob- Maryam,’ disbelieve. Say: ‘Who possesses any
serve it as it should have been observed. To those power at all over Allah if He desires to destroy the
of them who believed We gave their reward but Messiah, son of Maryam, and his mother, and
many of them are deviators. (57:27) everyone else on earth?’ The kingdom of the heav-
Allah has written, ‘I will be victorious, I and My ens and the earth and everything between them
Messengers.’ Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. belongs to Allah. He creates whatever He wills.
(58:21) Allah has power over all things. (5:17)
Whatever booty from them Allah has given to Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam,
His Messenger–and you spurred on neither horse is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe
nor camel in its acquisition, but Allah gives of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. If
464
anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah has All-Gentle, Most Merciful to mankind. (2:143)
forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will be So he will look down and see him in the midst of
the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no helpers. the Blazing Fire. (37:55)
(5:72) By the charging horses panting hard, striking
The Messiah, the son of Maryam, was only a sparks from their flashing hooves, raiding at full
Messenger, before whom other Messengers came gallop in the early dawn, leaving a trailing dust-
and went. His mother was a woman of truth. Both cloud in their wake, cleaving through the middle
of them ate food. See how We make the Signs of the foe, truly man is ungrateful to his Lord.
clear to them! Then see how they are perverted! (100:1-6)
(5:75) (Believers are) those who, when they spend, are
The Jews say, ‘‘Uzayr is the son of Allah,’ and the neither extravagant nor mean, but take a stance
Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’ mid way between the two. (25:67)
That is what they say with their mouths, copying
the words of those who disbelieved before. Allah MIGHT
fight them! How perverted they are! (9:30) Do not be grieved by what they say. All might be-
They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords longs to Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the All-
besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of Knowing. (10:65)
Maryam. Yet they were commanded to worship They (the magicians) threw down their ropes and
only one God. There is no god but Him! Glory be staffs and said, ‘By the might of Pharaoh we are
to Him above anything they associate with Him! the winners.’ (26:44)
(9:31) He (Satan) said, ‘By Your might, I will mislead all
of them.’ (38:82)
METEOR They say, ‘If we return to Madina, the mightier
(Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of will drive out the inferior.’ But all might belongs
the jinn listened and said,) "We tried, as usual, to to Allah and to His Messenger and the believers.
travel to heaven in search of news but found it But the hypocrites do not know this. (63:8)
filled with fierce guards and meteors. We used to
sit there on special seats to listen in. But anyone MIGRANTS (MUHAJIRUN)
listening now finds a fiery meteor in wait for The forerunners–the first of the Migrants
him." (72:8-9) (Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar)–and
those who have followed them in doing good:
MICHAEL (MIKA’IL) Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased
(Say,) ‘Anyone who is the enemy of Allah and of with Him. He has prepared Gardens for them
His angels, and of His Messengers and of Gabriel with rivers flowing under them, remaining in
and Michael, should know that Allah is the them timelessly, for ever and ever. That is the
enemy of the disbelievers.’ (2:98) great victory. (9:100)
Allah has turned towards the Prophet, and the
MIDDLE Migrants (Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar),
In this way We have made you a middlemost those who followed him at the ‘time of difficulty’,
community, so that you may act as witnesses after the hearts of a group of them had almost de-
against mankind and the Messenger as a witness viated. Then He turned towards them–He is All-
against you. We only appointed the direction Gentle, Most Merciful to them. (9:117)
you used to face in order to know those who fol- The Prophet is closer to the believers than their
low the Messenger from those who turn round on own selves, and his wives are their mothers. But
their heels. Though in truth it is a very hard blood-relations have closer ties to one another in
thing–except for those Allah has guided. Allah the Book of Allah than other believers and the
would never let your faith go to waste. Allah is emigrants, except that you should act in a proper
465
manner towards your close associates. That is in- you do. (8:72)
scribed in the Book. (33:6) Those who believe and have migrated and
strived in the Way of Allah and those who have
MIGRATION (HIJRA) given refuge and help, they are the true believers.
Those who believe and migrate and strive in the They will have forgiveness and generous provi-
Way of Allah can expect Allah’s mercy. Allah is sion. (8:74)
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:218) Those who believe and migrate later on and ac-
Their Lord responds to them: ‘I will not let the company you in striving, they also are of your
deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male number. But blood relations are closer to one an-
or female–you are both the same in that respect. other in the Book of Allah. Allah has knowledge
Those who migrated and were driven from their of all things. (8:75)
homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought Those who believe and migrate and strive in the
and were killed, I will erase their bad actions Way of Allah with their wealth and themselves
from them and admit them into Gardens with have a higher rank with Allah. They are the ones
rivers flowing under them, as a reward from who are victorious. (9:20)
Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.’ As for those who migrate for Allah’s sake after
(3:195) being wronged, We shall give them good lodging
They would like you to disbelieve as they disbe- in this world, and the reward of the hereafter is
lieve so that you will all be the same. Do not take greater still if they only knew. (16:41)
any of them as friends until they have migrated in But to those who migrated after they were perse-
the Way of Allah. But if they run away then seize cuted and then strived and remained steadfast, to
them and kill them wherever you find them. Do them your Lord is All-Compassionate, Most
not take any of them as either a friend or helper. Merciful. (16:110)
(4:89) Those who migrate in the Way of Allah and then
The angels ask those they take while they are are killed or die, Allah will provide for them hand-
wronging themselves, ‘What were your circum- somely. Truly Allah is the best Provider. (22:58)
stances?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed on Those of you possessing affluence and ample
earth.’ They say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not wide wealth should not make oaths that they will not
enough for you to have migrated elsewhere in it?’ give to their relatives and the very poor and those
The shelter of such people will be Hell. What an who have migrated in the way of Allah. They
evil destination! (4:97) should rather pardon and overlook. Would you not
Those who migrate in the Way of Allah will find love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
many places of refuge on the earth and ample Most Merciful. (24:22)
sustenance. If anyone leaves his home, migrating And Lut believed in him. He said, ‘I am leaving this
to Allah and His Messenger, and death catches place to follow the pleasure of my Lord. He is the
up with him, it is Allah Who will reward him. Almighty, the All Wise.’ (29:26)
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:100) O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your
Those who believe and have migrated and wives to whom you have given dowries and any
strived with their wealth and themselves in the slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has allot-
Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge ted you and the daughters of your paternal uncles
and help, they are the friends and protectors of and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the
one another. But as for those who believe but daughters of your maternal uncles and the daugh-
have not migrated, you are not in any way re- ters of your maternal aunts who have migrated
sponsible for their protection until they migrate. with you and any believing woman who gives her-
But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli- self to the Prophet if the Prophet desires to marry
gion, it is your duty to help them, except against her: exclusively for you as opposed to the rest of
people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what the believers–We know very well what We have
466
prescribed for them regarding their wives and any make you miserable. (20:2)
slavegirls they possess–in order that there be no re- We said, ‘Adam, this is an enemy for you and your
striction on you. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most wife, so do not let him expel you from the Garden
Merciful. (33:50) and thus make you miserable.’ (20:117)
Those who were already settled in the abode, and He said, ‘Go down from it, all of you, as enemies to
in faith, before they came, love those who have mi- one another! But when guidance comes to you
grated to them and do not find in their hearts any from Me, all those who follow My guidance will
need for what they have been given and prefer not go astray and will not be miserable.’ (20:123)
them to themselves even if they themselves are They will say, ‘Our Lord, our miserable destiny
needy. It is the people who are safe-guarded from overpowered us. We were misguided people.’
the avarice of their own selves who are success- (23:106)
ful. (59:9) He who has fear will be reminded; but the most
You who believe! When women who believe miserable will shun it. (87:10-11)
come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test.
Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you MISGUIDANCE
know they are believers, do not return them to Those are the people who have sold guidance for
the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis- misguidance. Their trade has brought no profit;
believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them. they are not guided. (2:16)
Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid. Those are the ones who have sold guidance for
And there is nothing wrong in your marrying misguidance and forgiveness for punishment.
them provided you pay them their due. Do not How steadfastly they will endure the Fire!
hold to any marriage ties with women who dis- (2:175)
believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask Those who disbelieve after believing and then in-
for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement. crease in their disbelief, their repentance will not
Allah will judge between them. Allah is All- be accepted. They are the misguided. (3:90)
Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10) Allah showed great kindness to the believers
when He sent a Messenger to them from among
MIKA’IL (SEE MICHAEL) themselves to recite His Signs to them and purify
them and teach them the Book and Wisdom,
MILK even though before that they were clearly mis-
There is instruction for you in cattle. From the guided. (3:164)
contents of their bellies, from between the dung Do you not see those who were given a portion
and blood, We give you pure milk to drink, easy for of the Book trading in misguidance and wanting
drinkers to swallow. (16:66) you to be misguided from the way? (4:44)
An image of the Garden which is promised to Do you not see those who claim that they believe
those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers of in what has been sent down to you and what was
water which will never spoil and rivers of milk sent down before you, still desiring to turn to a
whose taste will never change and rivers of wine, satanic source for judgement in spite of being or-
delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey of dered to reject it? Satan wants to misguide them
undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of every far away. (4:60)
kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that like Remember when Ibrahim said to his father, Azar,
those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for ever, ‘Do you take idols as gods? I see that you and
with boiling water to drink which lacerates their your people are clearly misguided.’ (6:74)
bowels? (47:15) One group He guided; but another group got the
misguidance they deserved. They took the Satans
MISERABLE as friends instead of Allah and thought that they
We did not send down the Qur’an to you to were guided. (7:30)
467
Allah would never misguide a people after guid- those who believe in Our Signs and so are
ing them until He had made it clear to them how Muslims. (30:53)
to guard against evil. Allah has knowledge of all This is Allah’s creation. Show me then what
things. (9:115) those besides Him have created! The wrongdo-
That is Allah, your Lord, the Truth, and what is ers are clearly misguided. (31:11)
there after truth except misguidance? So how When Allah and His Messenger have decided
have you been distracted? (10:32) something it is not for any man or woman of the
Those who prefer the life of this world to the believers to have a choice about it. Anyone who
hereafter, and bar access to the way of Allah, disobeys Allah and His Messenger is clearly mis-
wanting to make it crooked; they are greatly mis- guided. (33:36)
guided. (14:3) Has he invented a lie against Allah or is he pos-
The metaphor of those who reject their Lord is sessed?’ No indeed! Those who do not believe in
that their actions are like ashes scattered by the hereafter are in punishment and deeply mis-
strong winds on a stormy day. They have no guided. (34:8)
power at all over anything they have earned. (A man from far side of the city said,) ‘Am I to
That is extreme misguidance. (14:18) take as gods instead of Him those whose inter-
We sent a Messenger among every people say- cession, if the All-Merciful desires harm for me,
ing: ‘Worship Allah and keep clear of all false will not help me at all and cannot save me? In
gods.’ Among them were some whom Allah that case I would clearly be misguided.’ (36:23-
guided but others received the misguidance they 24)
deserved. Travel about the earth and see the final They found their fathers misguided. (37:69)
fate of the deniers. (16:36) Is he whose breast is opened to Islam, and who is
How clear will be their hearing, how perfect therefore illuminated by his Lord...? Woe to those
their sight, on the Day they come to Us; whereas whose hearts are hardened against the remem-
today the wrongdoers are clearly misguided. brance of Allah! Such people are clearly mis-
(19:38) guided. (39:22)
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You and your fathers are Say: ‘What do you think? If it is from Allah and
clearly misguided.’ (21:54) you reject it, who could be more misguided than
Instead of Allah, he calls on something which someone entrenched in hostility to it?’ (41:52)
cannot harm him or help him. That is extreme Those who do not believe in it try to hasten it.
misguidance. (22:12) But those who believe in it are afraid of it. They
When they see you they only make a mockery of know it is the truth. Those who doubt the Hour
you: ‘Is this the one Allah has sent as a are greatly misguided. (42:18)
Messenger? He might almost have misled us Can you make the deaf hear or guide the blind
from our gods had we not stuck to them stead- and those who are patently misguided? (43:40)
fastly!’ They will soon know, when they see the (A group of jinn said,) ‘Those who do not re-
punishment, whose way is the most misguided. spond to Allah’s caller cannot thwart Allah on
(25:41-42) earth and have no protectors apart from Him.
(They will say,) ‘By Allah, we were plainly mis- Such people are clearly misguided.’ (46:32)
guided when We equated you with the Lord of They said, ‘Are we to follow a human being, one
all the worlds.’ (26:97-98) of us? Then we would truly be misguided, quite
He Who has imposed the Qur’an upon you will insane!’ (54:24)
most certainly bring you back home again. Say: Then you, you misguided, you deniers will eat
‘My Lord knows best who has brought true guid- from the tree of Zaqqum, (56:51-52)
ance and who is plainly misguided.’ (28:85) And if he is one of the misguided deniers, there is
You will not guide blind men from their misguid- hospitality of scalding water. (56:92-93)
ance. You will not make anyone hear except for It is He Who raised up among the unlettered peo-
468
ple a Messenger from them to recite His Signs to though we constitute a powerful group. Our fa-
them and purify them and teach them the Book ther is clearly making a mistake.’ (12:8)
and Wisdom, even though before that they were They said, ‘Our father, may we be forgiven for all
clearly misguided. (62:2) the many wrongs that we have done. We were
(Nuh said, ‘My Lord!) They have misguided indeed greatly mistaken men.’ (12:97)
many people. Do not increase the wrongdoers in Do not kill your children out of fear of being
anything but misguidance!’ (71:24) poor. We will provide for them and you. Killing
them is a terrible mistake. (17:31)
MISTAKE (Magicians said to Pharaoh,) ‘We have believed
Remember when We said, ‘Go into this town and in our Lord so that He may forgive us for our mis-
eat from it wherever you like, freely. Enter the takes and for the magic which you forced us to
gate prostrating and say, "Relieve us of our bur- perform. Allah is better and longer lasting.’
dens!" Your mistakes will be forgiven. We will (20:73)
grant increase to all good-doers.’ (2:58) (Magicians said,) ‘We remain hopeful that our
No indeed! Those who accumulate bad actions Lord will forgive us our mistakes for being the
and are surrounded by their mistakes, such peo- first of the believers.’ (26:51)
ple are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in (Ibrahim said,) ‘He Who I sincerely hope will for-
it timelessly, for ever. (2:81) give my mistakes on the Day of Reckoning.’
Allah does not impose on any self any more than (26:82)
it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against Those who disbelieve say to those who believe,
it, what it has brought upon itself. ‘Our Lord, do ‘Follow our way and we will bear the weight of
not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! your mistakes.’ They will not bear the weight of a
Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one single one of their mistakes. Truly they are liars.
You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not (29:12)
place on us a load we have not the strength to Call them after their fathers. That is closer to jus-
bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have tice in Allah’s sight. And if you do not know who
mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us their fathers were then they are your brothers in
against the people of the disbelievers.’ (2:286) the religion and people under your patronage.
A believer should never kill another believer un- You are not to blame for any honest mistake you
less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer make but only for what your hearts premeditate.
by mistake should free a believing slave and pay Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:5)
blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as Pharaoh and those before him and the
a charity. If he is from a people who are your en- Overturned Cities made a great mistake. (69:9)
emies and is a believer, you should free a believ-
ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty MOCKERY
with, blood money should be paid to his family When they meet those who believe, they say,
and you should free a believing slave. Anyone ‘We believe.’ But then when they go apart with
who cannot find the means should fast two con- their Satans, they say, ‘We are really with you.
secutive months. This is a concession from Allah. We were only mocking.’ (2:14)
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4: 92) But Allah is mocking them, and drawing them
When they were told: ‘Live in this town and eat on, as they wander blindly in their excessive in-
of it wherever you like and say, "Relieve us of our solence. (2:15)
burdens!" and enter the gate prostrating. Your And when Musa said to his people, ‘Allah com-
mistakes will be forgiven you. We will grant in- mands you to sacrifice a cow,’ they said, ‘What!
crease to good-doers.’ (7:161) Are you making a mockery of us?’ He said, ‘I seek
When they declared, ‘Why! Yusuf and his refuge with Allah from being one of the igno-
brother are dearer to our father than we are al- rant!’ (2:67)
469
When you divorce women and they are near the effort, and deride them, Allah derides them. They
end of their waiting period, then either retain will have a painful punishment. (9:79)
them with correctness and courtesy or release If We postpone the punishment for them for a
them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re- limited time, they will say, ‘What is holding it
tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits. back?’ No, indeed! The day it reaches them it
Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do will not be averted from them and the things they
not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember mocked at will encompass them. (11:8)
Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and Messengers before you were mocked. I gave
Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish those who disbelieved a little more time and then
you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has I seized them. How terrible was My retribution!
knowledge of all things. (2:231) (13:32)
It has been sent down to you in the Book that No Messenger came to them without their mock-
when you hear Allah’s Signs being rejected and ing him. (15:11)
mocked at by people, you must not sit with them We are enough for you against the mockers.
till they start talking of other things. If you do you (15:95)
are just the same as them. Allah will gather all The evil actions they did assailed them. They
the hypocrites and disbelievers into Hell. (4:140) were engulfed by what they mocked. (16:34)
You who believe! Do not take as friends any of We only send the Messengers to bring good news
those who who make a mockery and a game out and to give warning. Those who disbelieve use
of your religion among the ones who were given fallacious arguments to deny the truth. They
the Book before you or the disbelievers. Have make a mockery of My Signs and also of the
fear of Allah if you are believers. (5:57) warning they were given. (18:56)
When you call to prayer they make a mockery That is their repayment–Hell–because they dis-
and a game of it. That is because they are people believed and made a mockery of My Signs and of
who do not use their intellect. (5:58) My Messengers. (18:106)
They deny the truth each time it comes to them When those who disbelieve see you, they only
but news of what they were mocking will cer- make a mockery out of you: ‘Is this the one who
tainly reach them. (6:5) makes mention of your gods?’ Yet they disown
Messengers before you were also mocked, but any mention of the All-Merciful. (21:36)
those who jeered were engulfed by what they Messengers before you were also mocked, but
mocked. (6:10) those who jeered were engulfed by what they
When you see people engrossed in mockery of mocked. (21:41)
Our Signs, turn from them until they start to talk (Their Lord will say,) ‘But you made a mockery of
of other things. And if Satan should ever cause them so that they made you forget to remember
you to forget, once you remember, do not stay Me while you were laughing at them.’ (23:110)
sitting with the wrongdoers. (6:68) When they see you they only make a mockery of
The hypocrites are afraid that a sura may be sent you: ‘Is this the one Allah has sent as a
down about them, informing them of what is in Messenger?’ (25:41)
their hearts. Say: ‘Go on mocking! Allah will ex- They have denied the truth, but the news of what
pose everything you are afraid of.’ (9:64) they mocked will certainly come to them. (26:6)
If you ask them they will say, ‘We were only jok- Then the final fate of those who did evil will be
ing and playing around.’ Say: ‘Would you make a the Worst because they denied Allah’s Signs and
mockery of Allah and of His Signs and of His mocked at them. (30:10)
Messenger?’ (9:65) But there are some people who trade in distract-
As for the people who find fault with those be- ing tales to misguide people from Allah’s Way
lievers who give charity spontaneously, and with knowing nothing about it and to make a mockery
those who can find nothing to give but their own of it. Such people will have a humiliating punish-
470
ment. (31:6) pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob-
Alas for My servants! No Messenger comes to serve it as it should have been observed. To those
them without their mocking him. (36:30) of them who believed We gave their reward but
What confronts them will be the evil actions many of them are deviators. (57:27)
which they earned and what they used to mock
at will engulf them. (39:48) MONASTERY
When their Messengers brought them the Clear If Allah had not driven some people back by
Signs, they exulted in the knowledge they had means of others, monasteries, churches, syna-
and then were engulfed by the very things they gogues and mosques, where Allah’s name is
mocked. (40:83) mentioned much, would have been pulled down
But no Prophet came to them without their and destroyed. Allah will certainly help those
mocking him. (43:7) who help Him–Allah is All-Strong, Almighty.
When he does learn something of Our Signs, he (22:39-40)
makes a mockery of them. Such people will have a
humiliating punishment. (45:9) MONK
The evil deeds they did will appear before them You will find that the people most hostile to those
and the things they mocked at will engulf them. who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You
(45:33) will find the people most affectionate to those
(Disbelievers will be told,) ‘That is because you who believe are those who say, ‘We are
made a mockery of Allah’s Signs and the life of this Christians.’ That is because some of them are
world deluded you.’ Therefore, today they will not priests and monks and because they are not arro-
get out of it. They will not be able to appease Allah. gant. (5:82)
(45:35) They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords
We established them far more firmly than We have besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of
established you and gave them hearing, sight and Maryam. Yet they were commanded to worship
hearts. But their hearing, sight and hearts were of only one God. There is no god but Him! Glory be
no use to them at all when they renounced Allah’s to Him above anything they associate with Him!
Signs and what they mocked at engulfed them. (9:31)
(46:26) You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks
You who believe! People should not ridicule others devour people’s property under false pretences
who may be better than themselves; nor should and bar people from access to the Way of Allah.
any women ridicule other women who may be As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do
better than themselves. And do not find fault with not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the
one another or insult each other with derogatory news of a painful punishment (9:34)
nicknames. How evil it is to have a name for evil
conduct after coming to faith! Those people who MOON
do not turn from it are wrongdoers. (49:11) They will ask you about the crescent moons. Say,
‘They are set times for mankind and for the pil-
MOHAMMED (SEE MUHAMMAD (SAAS)) grimage.’ It is not devoutness for you to enter
houses by the back. Rather devoutness is pos-
MONASTICISM sessed by those who guard against evil. So come
Then We sent Our Messengers following in their to houses by their doors and have fear of Allah,
footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them, so that hopefully you will be successful. (2:189)
giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and Then when he (Ibrahim) saw the moon come up
mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. he said, ‘This is my Lord!’ Then when it set he
They invented monasticism–We did not pre- said, ‘If my Lord does not guide me, I will be one
scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the of the misguided people.’ (6:77)
471
It is He Who splits the sky at dawn, and appoints Blessed be He Who placed constellations in the
the night as a time of stillness and the sun and sky and put a blazing lamp and shining moon
moon as a means of reckoning. That is what the among them. (25:61)
Almighty, the All-Knowing has ordained. (6:96) If you ask them, ‘Who created the heavens and
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth and made the sun and moon sub-
the earth in six days and then settled Himself servient?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ So how have they
firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the been perverted? (29:61)
night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the Do you not see that Allah makes night merge into
sun and moon and stars are subservient to His day and day merge into night, and that He has
command. Both creation and command belong made the sun and moon subservient, each one
to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the running for a specified time, and that Allah is
worlds. (7:54) aware of what you do? That is because Allah–He
It is He Who appointed the sun to give radiance, is the Truth, and what you call upon besides Him
and the moon to give light, assigning it phases so is falsehood. Allah is the All-High, the Most
you would know the number of years and the Great. (31:29-30)
reckoning of time. Allah did not create these He makes night merge into day and day merge
things except with truth. We make the Signs clear into night, and He has made the sun and moon
for people who know. (10:5) subservient, each one running until a specified
When Yusuf told his father, ‘Father! I saw eleven time. That is Allah, your Lord. The Kingdom is
bright stars, and the sun and moon as well. I saw His. Those you call on besides Him have no
them all prostrate in front of me.’ (12:4) power over even the smallest speck. (35:13)
Allah is He Who raised up the heavens without And We have decreed set phases for the moon,
any support–you can see that–and then estab- until it ends up looking like an old palm spathe. It
lished Himself firmly on the Throne. He made is not for the sun to overtake the moon nor for the
the sun and moon subservient, each running for night to outstrip the day; each one is swimming
a specified term. He directs the whole affair. He in a sphere. (36:39-40)
makes the Signs clear so that hopefully you will He created the heavens and the earth with truth.
be certain about the meeting with your Lord. He wraps the night around the day and wraps the
(13:2) day around the night, and has made the sun and
And He has made the sun and moon subservient moon subservient, each one running for a speci-
to you holding steady to their courses, and He fied term. Is He not indeed the Almighty, the
has made the night and day subservient to you. Endlessly Forgiving? (39:5)
(14:33) Among His Signs are the night and day and the
He has made night and day subservient to you, sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun nor to
and the sun and moon and stars, all subject to the moon. Prostrate to Allah Who created them,
His command. There are certainly Signs in that if you worship Him. (41:37)
for people who use their intellect. (16:12) The Hour has drawn near and the moon has split.
It is He Who created night and day and the sun (54:1)
and moon, each one swimming in a sphere. The sun and the moon both run with precision.
(21:33) (55:5)
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and Do you not see how He created seven heavens in
everyone on the earth prostrates to Allah, and the layers, and placed the moon as a light in them
sun and moon and stars and the mountains, trees and made the sun a blazing lamp? (71:15-16)
and beasts and many of mankind? But many of No indeed! (I swear) by the moon. (74:32)
them inevitably merit punishment. Those Allah But when the eyesight is dazzled, and the moon
humiliates will have no one to honour them. is eclipsed, and the sun and moon are fused to-
Allah does whatever He wills. (22:18) gether, on that Day man will say, ‘Where can I
472
run?’ (75:7-10) face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring
And (I swear by) the moon when it is full. (84:18) the attractions of this world. And do not obey
(I swear) by the sun and its morning brightness, someone whose heart We have made neglectful
and the moon when it follows it. (91:1-2) of Our remembrance and who follows his own
whims and desires and whose life has trans-
MORNING gressed all bounds. (18:28)
Do not chase away those who call on their Lord He (Zakariyya) came out to his people from the
morning and evening, seeking His Face. Their Upper Room and gestured to them to glorify
reckoning is in no way your responsibility and Allah in the morning and the evening. (19:11)
your reckoning is in no way their responsibility. They will not hear any prattling there–nothing
Indeed if you did chase them away, you would but ‘Peace’. They will receive their provision
be among the wrongdoers. (6:52) there morning and night. (19:62)
So the earthquake seized them and morning He (Musa) said, ‘Your time is the day of the
found them lying flattened in their homes. (7:91) Festival. The people should gather in the morn-
Remember your Lord in yourself humbly and ing.’ (20:59)
fearfully, without loudness of voice, morning and In houses which Allah has permitted to be built
evening. Do not be one of the unaware. (7:205) and in which His name is remembered, there are
The Great Blast seized hold of those who did men who proclaim His glory morning and
wrong and morning found them lying flattened in evening. (24:36)
their homes. (11:67) They say, ‘It is myths of previous peoples which
They said, ‘Lut, we are messengers from your he has had transcribed and which are read out to
Lord. They will not be able to get at you. Set out him in the morning and the evening.’ (25:5)
with your family–except for your wife–in the Morning found him in the city, fearful and on his
middle of the night and none of you should look guard. Then suddenly the man who had sought
back. What strikes them will strike her as well. his help the day before, shouted for help from
Their promised appointment is the morning. Is him again. Musa said to him, ‘You are clearly a
the morning not close at hand?’ (11:81) misguided man.’ (28:18)
When Our command came, We rescued Shu‘ayb But they denied him so the earthquake seized
and those who believed along with him by a them and morning found them lying flattened in
mercy from Us. The Great Blast seized hold of their homes. (29:37)
those who did wrong and morning found them So glory be to Allah when you start the night and
lying flattened in their homes. (11:94) when you greet the day. (30:17)
Everyone in heaven and earth prostrates to Allah And glorify Him in the morning and the evening.
willingly or unwillingly, as do their shadows in (33:42)
the morning and the evening. (13:15) And We gave Sulayman power over the wind–a
We revealed to him the command We had de- month’s journey in the morning and a month in
creed: that on the following morning the last the afternoon. And We made a fount of molten
remnant of those people would be cut off. brass flow out for him. And some of the jinn
(15:66) worked in front of him by his Lord’s permission.
But the Great Blast seized hold of them in the And if a single one of them deviates at all from
morning, (15:83) Our command, We let him taste the punishment
And there is beauty in them (livestock) for you in of the Searing Blaze. (34:12)
the evening when you bring them home and in When it descends in their courtyard–how evil
the morning when you drive them out to graze. will be the morning of those who were warned!
(16:6) (37:177)
Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on We subjected the mountains to glorify with him
their Lord morning and evening, desiring His in the evening and at sunrise. (38:18)
473
The Fire, morning and night, to which they are not go near them. In this way does Allah make
exposed; and on the Day the Hour takes place: His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they
‘Admit Pharaoh’s people to the harshest punish- will guard against evil. (2:187)
ment!’ (40:46) Say: ‘My Lord has commanded justice. Stand and
So remain steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Ask face Him in every mosque and call on Him, mak-
forgiveness for your wrong action and glorify ing your religion sincerely His. As He originated
your Lord with praise in the evening and the you, so you will return.’ (7:29)
early morning. (40:55) Children of Adam! Wear fine clothing in every
(It is) so that you might all believe in Allah and mosque and eat and drink but do not be profli-
His Messenger and honour Him and respect Him gate. He does not love the profligate. (7:31)
and glorify Him in the morning and the evening. It is not for the idolaters to maintain the mosques
(48:9) of Allah, bearing witness against themselves of
Early morning brought them enduring punish- their disbelief. They are the ones whose actions
ment: (54:38) will come to nothing. They will be in the Fire
We have tried them as We tried the owners of the timelessly, for ever. (9:17)
garden when they swore that they would harvest The mosques of Allah should only be maintained
in the morning. (68:17) by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day
In the morning they called out to one another, and perform prayer and give the alms, and fear
‘Leave early for your land if you want to pick the no one but Allah. They are the ones most likely
fruit.’ (68:21-22) to be guided. (9:18)
Remember the Name of your Lord in the morn- As for those who have set up a mosque, causing
ing and the evening. (76:25) harm and out of disbelief, to create division be-
On the Day they see it, it will be as if they had tween the believers, and in readiness for those
only lingered for the evening or the morning of a who previously made war on Allah and His
single day. (79:46) Messenger, they will swear, ‘We only desired the
(I swear) by the morning brightness... (93:1) best.’ But Allah bears witness that they are truly
Say: ‘I seek refuge with the Lord of Daybreak, liars. (9:107)
from the evil of what He has created and from Do not ever stand in it. A mosque founded on
the evil of the darkness when it gathers and from performing one’s duty from the first day has a
the evil of women who blow on knots and from greater right for you to stand in it. In it there are
the evil of an envier when he envies.’ (113:1-5) men who love to purify themselves. Allah loves
those who purify themselves. (9:108)
MOSES (SEE MUSA (AS)) Glory be to Him Who took His servant on a jour-
ney by night from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-
MOSQUE (MASJID) Haram) to the Further Mosque (Masjid al-Aqsa),
On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have whose surroundings We have blessed, in order to
sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth- show him some of Our Signs. He is the All-
ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that Hearing, the All-Seeing. (17:1)
you have been betraying yourselves and He has If you do good, you do it to yourselves. If you do
turned towards you and excused you. Now you evil, you do it to your detriment. When the next
may have sexual intercourse with them and seek promised time arrived, it was so that they could
what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink injure you and enter the Temple as they had en-
until you can clearly discern the white thread tered it the first time, and in order to completely
from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the destroy what they had conquered. (17:7)
fast until the night appears. But do not have sex- Accordingly We made them chance upon them
ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat unexpectedly so they might know that Allah’s
in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do promise is true and that there is no doubt about
474
the Hour. When they were arguing among them- what an evil thing your faith has made you do.’
selves about the matter, they said, ‘Wall up their (2:93)
cave, their Lord knows best about them.’ But those We lifted up the Mount above their heads in accor-
who got the better of the argument concerning dance with the covenant they had made, and We
them said, ‘We will build a place of worship over said to them, ‘Enter the gate prostrating,’ and We
them.’ (18:21) said to them, ‘Do not break the Sabbath,’ and We
... if Allah had not driven some people back by made a binding covenant with them. (4:154)
means of others, monasteries, churches, syna- We called out to him from the right hand side of
gogues and mosques, where Allah’s name is men- the Mount and We brought him near in close com-
tioned much, would have been pulled down and munication. (19:52)
destroyed. Allah will certainly help those who Tribe of Israel! We rescued you from your enemy
help Him–Allah is All-Strong, Almighty. (22:40) and made an appointment with you on the right
All mosques belong to Allah so do not call on any- hand side of the Mount and sent down manna and
one else besides Allah. (72:18) quails for you. (20:80)
By means of it (water) We produce gardens of dates
MOSQUITO and grapes for you, in which there are many fruits
Allah is not ashamed to make an example of a for you and from which you eat, and a tree spring-
mosquito or of an even smaller thing. As for ing forth from Mount Sinai yielding oil and a sea-
those who believe, they know it is the truth from soning to those who eat. (23:19-20)
their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they When Musa had fulfilled the appointed term and
say, ‘What does Allah mean by this example?’ He had set off with his family, he noticed a fire from
misguides many by it and guides many by it. But one side of the Mount. He said to his family, ‘Stay
He only misguides the deviators. (2:26) here, I can see a fire. Hopefully I will bring you
back some news from it or a burning branch from
MOTHER OF THE BOOK, THE the fire so that you will be able to warm your-
(SEE LAWH MAHFUZ) selves.’ (28:29)
You were not on the western side (of the Mount)
MOUNT AL-JUDI when We gave Musa the command. You were not
It was said, ‘Earth, swallow up your water!’ and, a witness. (28:44)
‘Heaven, hold back your rain!’ And the water Nor were you on the side of the Mount when We
subsided and the affair was concluded and the called, yet it is a mercy from your Lord so that you
Ark came to land on al-Judi. And it was said, can warn a people to whom no warner came be-
‘Away with the people of the wrongdoers!’ fore, so that hopefully they will pay heed. (28:46)
(11:44) By the Mount (52:1)

MOUNT, THE MOUNT SINAI


Remember when We made the covenant with you By the fig and the olive and Mount Sinai and this
and lifted up the Mount above your heads: ‘Take safe land, We created man in the finest mould.
hold vigorously of what We have given you and (95:1-4)
pay heed to what is in it, so that hopefully you will
guard against evil.’ (2:63) MOUNTAIN
Remember when We made a covenant with you When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, show me how You
and lifted up the Mount above your heads: ‘Take bring the dead to life.’ He asked, ‘Do you not
hold vigorously of what We have given you and then believe?’ He replied, ‘Indeed I do! But so
listen.’ They said, ‘We hear and disobey.’ They that my heart may be at peace.’ He said, ‘Take
were made to drink the Calf into their hearts be- four birds and train them to yourself. Then put a
cause of their disbelief. Say, ‘If you are believers, part of them on each mountain and call to them;
475
they will come rushing to you. Know that Allah is Allah’s promise is fulfilled. Allah will not fail to
Almighty, All-Wise.’ (2:260) keep His promise. (13:31)
(Salih said to his people,) ‘Remember when He They concocted their plots, but their plots were
appointed you successors to ‘Ad and settled you with Allah, even if they were such as to make the
in the land. You built palaces on its plains and mountains vanish. (14:46)
carved out houses from the mountains. As for the earth, We stretched it out and cast
Remember Allah’s blessings and do not go about firmly embedded mountains in it and made
the earth, corrupting it.’ (7:74) everything grow in due proportion on it. (15:19)
When Musa came to Our appointed time and his They carved out houses from the mountains,
Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘My Lord, show me feeling safe. (15:82)
Yourself so that I may look at You!’ He said, ‘You He cast firmly embedded mountains on the earth
will not see Me, but look at the mountain. If it re- so it would not move under you, and rivers and
mains firm in its place, then you will see Me.’ But pathways so that hopefully you would be guided.
when His Lord manifested Himself to the moun- (16:15)
tain, He crushed it flat and Musa fell uncon- Your Lord revealed to the bees: ‘Build dwellings
scious to the ground. When he regained in the mountains and the trees, and also in the
consciousness he said, ‘Glory be to You! I repent structures which men erect.’ (16:68)
to You and I am the first of the believers!’ (7:143) Allah has made shaded places for you in what
When We uprooted the mountain, lifting it above He has created and He has made shelters for you
them like a canopy, and they thought it was in the mountains and He has made shirts for you
about to fall on them: ‘Seize hold vigorously of to protect you from the heat and shirts to protect
what We have given you and remember what is you from each other’s violence. In that way He
in it, so that hopefully you will guard against perfects His blessing on you so that hopefully
evil.’ (7:171) you will become Muslims. (16:81)
It sailed with them through mountainous waves, Do not strut arrogantly about the earth. You will
and Nuh called out to his son, who had kept certainly never split the earth apart nor will you
himself apart, ‘My son! Come on board with us. ever rival the mountains in height. (17:37)
Do not stay with the disbelievers!’ He said, ‘I will On the Day We make the mountains move and
take refuge on a mountain; it will protect me you see the earth laid bare and We gather them
from the flood.’ He said, ‘There is no protection together, not leaving out a single one of them.
from Allah’s command today except for those He (18:47)
has mercy on.’ The waves surged in between Then he (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) followed a path until
them and he was among the drowned. (11:42- he arrived between the two mountains where he
43) found a people scarcely able to understand
It is He Who stretched out the earth and placed speech. (18:92-93)
firmly embedded mountains and rivers in it and (Dhu’l-Qarnayn said,) ‘Bring me ingots of iron!’
made two types of every kind of fruit. He covers Then, when he had made it level between the
over day with night. There are Signs in that for two high mountain-sides, he said, ‘Blow!’ and
people who reflect. (13:3) when he had made it a red hot fire, he said,
Even if there was a Qur’an which moved moun- ‘Bring me molten brass to pour over it.’ (18:96)
tains, or split the earth open or spoke to the The heavens are all but rent apart and the earth
dead...! On the contrary! The affair is Allah’s al- split open and the mountains brought crashing
together. Do those who believe not know that if down. (19:90)
Allah had wanted to He could have guided all They will ask you about the mountains. Say: ‘My
mankind? Those who disbelieve will not cease to Lord will scatter them as dust.’ (20:105)
be struck by disaster for what they have done–or We placed firmly embedded mountains on the
a disaster will happen close to their homes–until earth, so it would not move under them, and We
476
put broad valleys as roadways in it, so that per- shrank from it. But man took it on. He is indeed
haps they might be guided. (21:31) wrongdoing and ignorant. (33:72)
We gave Sulayman understanding of it. We gave We gave Dawud great favour from Us: ‘O moun-
each of them judgement and knowledge. We tains and birds! Echo with him in his praise!’ And
subjected the mountains to Dawud, glorifying, We made iron malleable for him. (34:10)
and the birds as well. This is something We are Do you not see that Allah sends down water from
well able to do. (21:79) the sky and by it We bring forth fruits of varying
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and colours? And in the mountains there are streaks
everyone on the earth prostrates to Allah, and the of white and red, of varying shades, and rocks of
sun and moon and stars and the mountains, trees deep jet black. (35:27)
and beasts and many of mankind? But many of We subjected the mountains to glorify with him
them inevitably merit punishment. Those Allah in the evening and at sunrise. (38:18)
humiliates will have no one to honour them. He placed firmly embedded mountains on it,
Allah does whatever He wills. (22:18) towering over it, and blessed it and measured out
And We made the son of Maryam and his mother its nourishment in it, laid out for those who seek
a Sign and gave them shelter on a mountainside it–all in four days. (41:10)
where there was a meadow and a flowing spring. Among His Signs are the tall ships sailing like
(23:50) mountains through the sea. (42:32)
Do you not see that Allah propels the clouds then And the earth: how We stretched it out and cast
makes them coalesce then heaps them up, and firmly embedded mountains onto it and caused
then you see the rain come pouring out of the luxuriant plants of every kind to grow in it. (50:7)
middle of them? And He sends down mountains On the Day when heaven sways to and fro and
from the sky with hail inside them, striking with it the mountains shift about. (52:9-10)
anyone He wills and averting it from anyone He His, too, are the ships sailing like mountain
wills. The brightness of His lightning almost peaks on the sea. (55:24)
blinds the sight. (24:43) When the earth is convulsed and the mountains
Will you continue hewing houses from the are crushed. (56:4-5)
mountains with exultant skill? (26:149) If We Had sent down this Qur’an onto a moun-
He Who made the earth a stable dwelling place tain, you would have seen it humbled, crushed
and appointed rivers flowing through its midst to pieces out of fear of Allah. We make such ex-
and placed firmly embedded mountains on it amples for people so that hopefully they will re-
and set a barrier between the two seas. Is there flect. (59:21)
another god besides Allah? No indeed, but most So when the Trumpet is blown with a single blast,
of them do not know it! (27:61) and the earth and the mountains are lifted and
You will see the mountains you reckoned to be crushed with a single blow. (69:13-14)
solid going past like clouds–the handiwork of On the Day the sky is like molten brass and the
Allah Who gives to everything its solidity. He is mountains like tufts of coloured wool. (70:8-9)
aware of what you do. (27:88) On the Day the earth and mountains shake and
It is Allah Who created the heavens with no sup- the mountains become like shifting dunes.
port–you can see them–and cast firmly embed- (73:14)
ded mountains on the earth so that it would not When the mountains are pulverised. (77:10)
move under you, and scattered about in it crea- Did We not place firmly embedded mountains in
tures of every kind. And We send down water it, soaring high into the air, and give you sweet
from the sky and make every generous species fresh water to drink? (77:27)
grow in it. (31:10) Have We not made the earth a flat carpet and the
We offered the Trust to the heavens, the earth and mountains its pegs? (78:6-7)
the mountains but they refused to take it on and The Day the Trumpet is blown and you come in
477
droves, and heaven is opened and becomes and bringer of good news to you from Him.’
doorways, and the mountains are shifted and be- (11:2)
come a mirage. (78:18-20) Those who disbelieve say, ‘If only a Sign could
And (He) made the mountains firm. (79:32) be sent down to him from his Lord!’ You are only
When the mountains are set in motion. (81:3) a warner and to every people a guide. (13:7)
And (have they not looked) at the On that Day We will raise up among every com-
mountains–how they were embedded? (88:19) munity a witness against them from amongst
It is the Day when mankind will be like scattered themselves, and bring you as a witness against
moths and the mountains like tufts of coloured them. We have sent down the Book to you mak-
wool. (101:4-5) ing all things clear and as guidance and mercy
and good news for the Muslims. (16:89)
MUHAJIRUN (SEE MIGRANTS) Your Lord knows you best. If He wills, He will
have mercy on you, and, if He wills, He will pun-
MUHAMMAD (SAAS) (PROPHETHOOD OF) ish you. We did not send you to be their
We have sent you with the Truth (the Qur'an), guardian. (17:54)
bringing good news and giving warning. Do not Say: ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It
ask about the inhabitants of the Blazing Fire. is revealed to me that your god is One God. So
(2:119) let him who hopes to meet his Lord act rightly
Those are Allah’s Signs which We recite to you and not associate anyone in the worship of his
with truth. You are indeed one of the Messengers. Lord.’ (18:110)
(2:252) We have only sent you as a mercy to all the
We have sent down the Book to you with the worlds. (21:107)
truth so that you can judge between people ac- Say: ‘Mankind, I am only a clear warner to you.’
cording to what Allah has shown to you. But do (22:49)
not be an advocate for the treacherous. (4:105) We sent you only to bring good news and to give
O Messenger! Transmit what has been sent down warning. (25:56)
to you from your Lord. If you do not do it you will (Say:) ‘I have simply been ordered to worship the
not have transmitted His Message. Allah will pro- Lord of this land which He has declared sa-
tect you from people. Allah does not guide the cred–everything belongs to Him–and I have been
people of the disbelievers. (5:67) ordered to be one of the Muslims and to recite
Say: ‘Mankind! I am the Messenger of Allah to the Qur’an.’ Whoever is guided is only guided to
you all, of Him to Whom the kingdom of the his own good; if someone is misguided just say, ‘I
heavens and earth belongs. There is no god but am only a warner.’ (27:91-92)
Him. He gives life and causes to die.’ So believe Muhammad is not the father of any of your men,
in Allah and His Messenger, the Ummi, who be- but the Messenger of Allah and the Final Seal of
lieves in Allah and His words, and follow him so the Prophets. Allah has knowledge of all things.
that hopefully you will be guided. (7:158) (33:40)
We do not send the Messengers except to bring O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, and a
good news and to give warning. As for those who bringer of good news and a warner, and a caller to
believe and put things right, they will feel no fear Allah by His permission and a light-giving lamp.
and will know no sorrow. (6:48) Give good news to the believers that they will re-
Say: ‘Am I to take anyone other than Allah as my ceive immense favour from Allah. (33:45-47)
protector, the Bringer into Being of the heavens We only sent you for the whole of mankind,
and the earth, He Who feeds and is not fed?’ Say: bringing good news and giving warning. But
‘I am commanded to be the first of the Muslims,’ most of mankind do not know it. (34:28)
and, ‘Do not be among the idolaters.’ (6:14) We have sent you with the truth bringing good
‘Do not worship anyone but Allah! I am a warner news and giving warning. There is no commu-
478
nity to which a warner has not come. (35:24) you would show thanks. (2:52)
(I swear) by the Wise Qur’an. Truly you are one Remember when We gave Musa the Book and
of the Messengers on a Straight Path. The revela- discrimination so that perhaps you would be
tion of the Almighty, the Most Merciful so that guided. (2:53)
you may warn a people whose fathers were not And when Musa said to his people, ‘My people,
warned and who are therefore unaware. (36:2-6) You wronged yourselves by adopting the Calf so
We did not teach him poetry nor would it be turn towards your Maker and kill yourselves.
right for him. It is simply a reminder and a clear That is the best thing for you in your Maker’s
Qur’an. (36:69) sight.’ And He turned towards you. He is the
Say: ‘I am only a warner. There is no god except Ever-Returning, the Most Merciful. (2:54)
Allah, the One, the All-Conquering, Lord of the And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not believe
heavens and the earth and everything between in you until we see Allah with our own eyes.’ So
them, the Almighty, the Endlessly Forgiving.’ Say: the thunder-bolt struck you dead while you were
‘This is momentous news yet you ignore it! I looking. (2:55)
knew nothing of the Highest Assembly when Then We brought you back to life after your
they debated. It is only revealed to me that I am a death, so that perhaps you would show thanks.
clear warner.’ (38:65-70) (2:56)
As for those who take others besides Him as pro- And We shaded you with clouds and sent down
tectors, Allah takes care of them. You are not set manna and quails to you: ‘Eat of the good things
over them as a guardian. (42:6) We have provided for you.’ They did not wrong
Say: ‘I am nothing new among the Messengers. I Us; rather it was themselves they were wronging.
have no idea what will be done with me or you. (2:57)
I only follow what has been revealed to me. I am Remember when We said, ‘Go into this town and
only a clear warner.’ (46:9) eat from it wherever you like, freely. Enter the
We have sent you bearing witness, bringing good gate prostrating and say, "Relieve us of our bur-
news and giving warning so that you might all dens!" Your mistakes will be forgiven. We will
believe in Allah and His Messenger and honour grant increase to all good-doers.’ (2:58)
Him and respect Him and glorify Him in the But those who did wrong substituted words other
morning and the evening. (48:8-9) than those they had been given. So We sent
down a plague from heaven on those who did
MUHKAM VERSES (SEE VERSES THAT ARE wrong because they were deviators. (2:59)
THE CORE OF THE BOOK) And when Musa was looking for water for his
people, We said, ‘Strike the rock with your staff.’
MULE Then twelve fountains gushed out from it and all
And horses, mules and donkeys both to ride and the people knew their drinking place. ‘Eat and
for adornment. And He creates other things you drink of Allah's provision and do not go about
do not know. (16:8) the earth corrupting it.’ (2:60)
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up
MU'MINUN (SEE BELIEVERS) with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to
supply to us some of what the earth produces–its
MUNAFIQUN (SEE HYPOCRITES) green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
MUSA (AS) (MOSES) better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
And when We allotted to Musa forty nights. Then then you will have what you are asking for.’
you adopted the Calf when he had gone and you Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
were wrongdoers. (2:51) them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
Then We pardoned you after that so that perhaps themselves. That was because they rejected
479
Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any Remember when We made a covenant with you
right to do so. That was because they rebelled and lifted up the Mount above your heads: ‘Take
and went beyond the limits. (2:61) hold vigorously of what We have given you and
Remember when We made the covenant with listen.’ They said, ‘We hear and disobey.’ They
you and lifted up the Mount above your heads: were made to drink the Calf into their hearts be-
‘Take hold vigorously of what We have given you cause of their disbelief. Say, ‘If you are believers,
and pay heed to what is in it, so that hopefully what an evil thing your faith has made you do.’
you will guard against evil.’ (2:63) (2:93)
Then after that you turned away, and were it not Or do you want to question your Messenger as
for Allah's favour to you and His mercy, you Musa was questioned before? Anyone who ex-
would have been among the lost. (2:64) changes faith for disbelief has definitely gone
And when Musa said to his people, ‘Allah com- astray from the level way. (2:108)
mands you to sacrifice a cow,’ they said, ‘What! Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent
Are you making a mockery of us?’ He said, ‘I seek down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim
refuge with Allah from being one of the igno- and Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes,
rant!’ (2:67) and what Musa and ‘Isa were given, and what all
They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear to us the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not
what it should be like.’ He said, ‘He says it differentiate between any of them. We are
should be a cow, not old or virgin, but some- Muslims submitted to Him.’ (2:136)
where between the two. So do as you have been What do you think about the council of the tribe
told.’ (2:68) of Israel after Musa’s time when they said to one
They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear to us of their Prophets, ‘Give us a king and we will
what colour it should be.’ He said, ‘He says it fight in the Way of Allah!’? He said, ‘Is it not pos-
should be a yellow cow, a pleasure to all who sible that if fighting were prescribed for you, you
look.’ (2:69) would not fight?’ They said, ‘How could we not
They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear to us fight in the way of Allah when we have been
what it should be like. Cows are all much the driven from our homes and children?’ But then
same to us. Then, if Allah wills, we will be when fighting was prescribed for them, they
guided.’ (2:70) turned their backs–except for a few of them.
He said, ‘He says it should be a cow not trained to Allah knows the wrongdoers. (2:246)
plough or irrigate the fields–completely sound, The People of the Book will ask you to bring
without a blemish on it.’ They said, ‘Now you down a Book from heaven to them. They asked
have brought the truth.’ So they sacrificed it–but Musa for even more than that. They said, ‘Let us
they almost did not do it. (2:71) see Allah with our own eyes.’ So the lightning-
We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of bolt struck them down for their wrongdoing.
Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of Then they adopted the Calf after the Clear Signs
Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with had come to them, but We pardoned them for
the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a that and gave Musa clear authority. (4:153)
Messenger came to you with something your There are Messengers We have already told you
lower selves did not desire, did you grow arrogant, about and Messengers We have not told you
and deny some of them and murder others? (2:87) about; and Allah spoke directly to Musa. (4:164)
They say, ‘Our hearts are uncircumcised.’ Rather, Remember when Musa said to his people, ‘My
Allah has cursed them for their disbelief. Very few people! Remember Allah’s blessing to you when
of them believe! (2:88) He appointed Prophets among you and appointed
Musa brought you the Clear Signs; then, after he kings for you, and gave you what He had not
left, you adopted the Calf and were wrongdoers. given to anyone else in all the worlds! My people!
(2:92) Enter the Holy Land which Allah has ordained for
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you. Do not turn back in your tracks and so be- from the Lord of all the worlds, duty bound to say
come transformed into losers.’ (5:20-21) nothing about Allah except the truth. I have
They said, ‘There are tyrants in it, Musa. We will come to you with a Clear Sign from your Lord. So
not enter it until they leave. If they leave it, then send the tribe of Israel away with me.’ (7:104-
we will go in.’ (5:22) 105)
Two men among those who were afraid, but He (Pharaoh) said, ‘If you have come with a
whom Allah had blessed, said, ‘Enter the gate Clear Sign produce it if you are telling the truth.’
against them! Once you have entered it, you will (7:106)
be victorious. Put your trust in Allah if you are So He threw down his staff and there it was, un-
believers.’ (5:23) mistakably a snake. (7:107)
They said, ‘We will never enter it, Musa, as long The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘This
as they are there. So you and your Lord go and is certainly a skilled magician who desires to
fight. We will stay sitting here.’ (5:24) expel you from your land, so what do you rec-
He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I have no control over ommend?’ (7:109-110)
anyone but myself and my brother, so make a They said, ‘Detain him and his brother and send
clear distinction between us and this deviant out marshals to the cities, to bring you all the
people.’ (5:25) skilled magicians.’ (7:111-112)
He said, ‘The land will be forbidden to them for The magicians came to Pharaoh and they asked,
forty years during which they will wander aim- ‘Will we receive a reward if we are the winners?’
lessly about the earth. Do not waste grief on this (7:113)
deviant people.’ (5:26) He said, ‘Yes, and you will be among those
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom brought near.’ (7:114)
We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh. They said, ‘Musa, will you throw first or shall we
And among his descendants were Dawud and be the ones to throw?’ (7:115)
Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun. He (Musa) said, ‘You throw.’ And when they
That is how We recompense the good-doers. threw, they cast a spell on the people's eyes and
(6:84) caused them to feel great fear of them. They pro-
They do not measure Allah with His true meas- duced an extremely powerful magic. (7:116)
ure when they say, ‘Allah would not send down We revealed to Musa, ‘Throw down your staff.’
anything to a mere human being.’ Say: ‘Who, And it immediately swallowed up what they had
then, sent down the Book which Musa brought forged. (7:117)
as a Light and Guidance for the people?’ You put So the Truth took place and what they did was
it down on sheets of paper to display it while shown to be false. (7:118)
concealing much. You were taught things you They were defeated then and there, transformed
did not know, neither you nor your forefathers. into humbled men. (7:119)
Say: ‘Allah!’ Then leave them engrossed in play- The magicians threw themselves down in prostra-
ing their games. (6:91) tion. (7:120)
Then We gave Musa the Book, complete and They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of all the
perfect for him who does good, elucidating worlds, the Lord of Musa and Harun.’ (7:121-122)
everything, and a guidance and a mercy, so that Pharaoh said, ‘Have you believed in him before I
hopefully they will believe in their encounter authorised you to do so? This is just some plot
with their Lord. (6:154) you have concocted in the city to drive its people
And then, after them, We sent Musa with Our from it. I will cut off your alternate hands and feet
Signs to Pharaoh and his ruling circle but they and then I will crucify every one of you.’ (7:123-
wrongfully rejected them. See the final fate of the 124)
corrupters! (7:103) They said, ‘We are returning to our Lord. You are
Musa said, ‘Pharaoh! I am truly a Messenger only avenging yourself on us because we be-
481
lieved in our Lord’s Signs when they came to us. oppressed the easternmost part of the land We
Our Lord, pour down steadfastness upon us and had blessed, and its westernmost part as well.
take us back to You as Muslims.’ (7:125-126) The most excellent Word of your Lord was ful-
The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘Are filled for the tribe of Israel on account of their
you going to leave Musa and his people to cause steadfastness. And We utterly destroyed what
corruption in the earth and abandon you and Pharaoh and his people made and the buildings
your gods?’ He said, ‘We will kill their sons and they constructed. (7:137)
let their women live. We have absolute power We conveyed the tribe of Israel across the sea
over them!’ (7:127) and they came upon some people who were de-
Musa said to his people, ‘Seek help in Allah and voting themselves to some idols which they had.
be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He be- They said, ‘Musa, give us a god just as these peo-
queathes it to any of His servants He wills. The ple have gods.’ He said, ‘You are indeed an igno-
successful outcome is for those who guard rant people. What these people are doing is
against evil.’ (7:128) destined for destruction. What they are doing is
They said, ‘We suffered harm before you came to purposeless.’ (7:138-139)
us and after you came to us.’ He said, ‘It may He said, ‘Should I seek something other than
well be that your Lord is going to destroy your Allah as a god for you when He has favoured you
enemy and make you the successors in the land over all other beings?’ (7:140)
so that He can see how you behave.’ (7:129) Remember when We rescued you from
We seized Pharaoh’s people with years of Pharaoh’s people who were inflicting an evil
drought and scarcity of fruits so that hopefully punishment on you, killing your sons and letting
they would pay heed. (7:130) your women live. In that there was a terrible trial
Whenever a good thing came to them, they said, from your Lord. (7:141)
‘This is our due.’ But if anything bad happened to We set aside thirty nights for Musa and then com-
them, they would blame their ill fortune on Musa pleted them with ten, so the appointed time of
and those with him. No indeed! The ill fortune is his Lord was forty nights in all. Musa said to his
theirs in Allah's sight. But most of them did not brother Harun, ‘Take my place among my peo-
know. (7:131) ple. Keep order and do not follow the way of the
They said, ‘No matter what kind of Sign you corrupters.’ (7:142)
bring us to bewitch us, we will not believe in When Musa came to Our appointed time and his
you.’ (7:132) Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘My Lord, show me
So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice, Yourself so that I may look at You!’ He said, ‘You
frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but will not see Me, but look at the mountain. If it re-
they proved arrogant and were an evildoing peo- mains firm in its place, then you will see Me.’ But
ple. (7:133) when His Lord manifested Himself to the moun-
Whenever the plague came down on them they tain, He crushed it flat and Musa fell uncon-
said, ‘Musa, pray to your Lord for us by the con- scious to the ground. When he regained
tract He has with you. If you remove the plague consciousness he said, ‘Glory be to You! I repent
from us, we will definitely believe in you and to You and I am the first of the believers!’ (7:143)
send the tribe of Israel away with you.’ (7:134) He said, ‘Musa, I have chosen you over all
But when We removed the plague from them–for mankind for My Message and My Word. Take
a fixed term which they fulfilled–they broke their what I have given you and be among the thank-
word. (7:135) ful.’ (7:144)
Then We took revenge on them and drowned We wrote about everything for him on the
them in the sea because they denied Our Signs Tablets as an admonition and making all things
and paid no attention to them. (7:136) clear. ‘Seize hold of it vigorously and command
And We bequeathed to the people who had been your people to adopt the best in it. I will show
482
you the home of the deviators!’ (7:145) anyone I will. My mercy extends to all things but
After he left, Musa’s people adopted a calf made I will prescribe it for those who guard against evil
from their ornaments, a form which made a low- and give the alms, and those who believe in Our
ing sound. Did they not see that it could not Signs: those who follow the Messenger, the
speak to them or guide them to any way? They Ummi, whom they find written down with them
adopted it and so they were wrongdoers. (7:148) in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding them
When they took full stock of what they had done to do right and forbidding them to do wrong,
and saw they had been misled, they said, ‘If our making good things lawful for them and bad
Lord does not have mercy on us and forgive us, things forbidden for them, relieving them of their
we will certainly be among the lost.’ (7:149) heavy loads and the chains which were around
When Musa returned to his people in anger and them. Those who believe in him and honour him
great sorrow, he said, ‘What an evil thing you did and help him, and follow the Light that has been
in my absence after I left! Did you want to hasten sent down with him, they are the ones who are
your Lord’s command?’ He threw down the successful.’ (7:155-157)
Tablets and seized hold of his brother’s head, Say: ‘Mankind! I am the Messenger of Allah to
dragging him towards him. Harun said, ‘Son of you all, of Him to Whom the kingdom of the
my mother, The people oppressed me and almost heavens and earth belongs. There is no god but
killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat Him. He gives life and causes to die.’ So believe
over me. Do not include me with the wrongdo- in Allah and His Messenger, the Ummi, who be-
ing people.’ (7:150) lieves in Allah and His words, and follow him so
He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and my that hopefully you will be guided. (7:158)
brother and admit us into Your mercy. You are Among the people of Musa there is a group who
the Most Merciful of the merciful.’ (7:151) guide by the truth and act justly in accordance
As for those who adopted the Calf, anger from with it. (7:159)
their Lord will overtake them together with We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu-
abasement in the life of this world. That is how nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people
We repay the purveyors of falsehood. (7:152) asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
But as for those who do evil actions and then staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
subsequently repent and believe, in that case the people knew their drinking place. And We
your Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. shaded them with clouds and sent down manna
(7:153) and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We
When Musa’s anger abated he picked up the have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us;
Tablets and in their inscription was guidance and rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160)
mercy for all of them who feared their Lord. When they were told: ‘Live in this town and eat
(7:154) of it wherever you like and say, "Relieve us of our
Musa chose seventy men from his people for Our burdens!" and enter the gate prostrating. Your
appointed time and when the earthquake seized mistakes will be forgiven you. We will grant in-
them he said, ‘My Lord, if You had willed, You crease to good-doers.’ (7:161)
could have destroyed them previously and me as But those of them who did wrong substituted
well. Would you destroy us for what the fools words other than those they had been given. So
among us did? It was only a trial from You by We sent a plague on them from heaven for their
which You misguided those You willed and wrongdoing. (7:162)
guided those You willed. You are our Protector so Then after them We sent Musa and Harun with
forgive us and have mercy on us. You are the Best Our Signs to Pharaoh and his ruling circle, but
of Forgivers. Prescribe good for us in this world they were arrogant and were a people of evildo-
and the hereafter. We have truly turned to You.’ ers. (10:75)
He said, ‘As for My punishment, I strike with it When the truth came to them from Us, they said,
483
‘This is downright magic!’ (10:76) point of drowning, he said, ‘I believe that there is
Musa said, ‘Do you say to the truth when it no god but Him in Whom the tribe of Israel be-
comes to you, "This is magic"? Magicians are not lieve. I am one of the Muslims.’ (10:90)
successful.’ (10:77) ‘What, now! When previously you rebelled and
They said, ‘Have you come to us to turn us from were one of the corrupters? Today We will pre-
what we found our fathers doing, and to gain serve your body so you can be a Sign for people
greatness in the land? We do not believe you.’ who come after you. Surely many people are
(10:78) heedless of Our Signs.’ (10:91-92)
Pharaoh said, ‘Bring me every knowledgeable We settled the tribe of Israel in a noble place and
magician.’ (10:79) gave them good things as provision. They did not
When the magicians came, Musa said to them, differ until knowledge came to them. Your Lord
‘Throw whatever you have to throw!’ (10:80) will decide between them on the Day of Rising
When they had thrown, Musa said, ‘What you regarding the things about which they differed.
have brought is magic. Allah will certainly prove (10:93)
it false. Allah does not uphold the actions of cor- We sent Musa with Our Signs and clear author-
rupters.’ (10:81) ity. (11:96)
Allah confirms the Truth by His words, even We gave Musa the Book and people differed
though the evildoers hate it. (10:82) concerning it and had it not been for a prior
No one believed in Musa except for a few of his Word from your Lord, it would already have
people out of fear that Pharaoh, and the elders, been decided between them. They are indeed in
would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and grave doubt about it. (11:110)
mighty in the land. He was one of the profligate. We sent Musa with Our Signs: ‘Bring your people
(10:83) from the darkness to the light and remind them of
Musa said, ‘My people! If you believe in Allah, the Days of Allah.’ There are certainly Signs in
then put your trust in Him, if you are Muslims.’ that for everyone who is steadfast, thankful.
(10:84) (14:5)
They said, ‘We have put our trust in Allah. Our Remember when Musa said to his people,
Lord, Do not make us a target for this wrongdo- ‘Remember Allah’s blessing to you when He res-
ing people, and rescue us, by Your mercy, from cued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were
this disbelieving people!’ (10:85-86) inflicting an evil punishment on you, slaughter-
We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your ing your sons and letting your women live. In
people in houses in Egypt and make your houses that there was a terrible trial from your Lord. And
places of worship and perform prayer and give when your Lord announced: "If you are grateful, I
good news to the believers.’ (10:87) will certainly give you increase, but if you are
Musa said, ‘Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh ungrateful, My punishment is severe."’ (14:6-7)
and his ruling circle finery and wealth in the life Musa said, ‘If you were to be ungrateful, you and
of this world, Our Lord, so that they may be mis- everyone on the earth, Allah is Rich Beyond
guided from Your Way. Our Lord, obliterate their Need, Praiseworthy.’ (14:8)
wealth and harden their hearts so that they do We gave Musa the Book and made it guidance
not believe until they see the painful punish- for the tribe of Israel: ‘Do not take anyone be-
ment.’ (10:88) sides Me as a guardian.’ (17:2)
He said, ‘Your request is answered, so go straight We gave Musa nine Clear Signs. Ask the tribe of
and do not follow the way of those who have no Israel about when he came to them and Pharaoh
knowledge.’ (10:89) said to him, ‘Musa, I think you are bewitched.’
We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and (17:101)
Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of He said, ‘You know that no one sent these down
tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the but the Lord of the heavens and earth to be clear
484
proofs. Pharaoh, I think you are destroyed.’ truly a dreadful thing that you have done!’
(17:102) (18:71)
He wanted to scare them from the land but We He said, ‘Did I not say that you would not be
drowned him and every one of those with him. able to bear with me?’ (18:72)
(17:103) Musa said, ‘Do not take me to task because I for-
We said to the tribe of Israel after that, ‘Inhabit got. Do not demand of me something which is
the land and, when the promise of the hereafter too difficult.’ (18:73)
comes, We will produce you as a motley crowd.’ So they went on until they met a youngster
(17:104) whom he killed. Musa said, ‘Have you killed a
Remember when Musa said to his servant, ‘I will boy who has done no wrong, without it being in
not give up until I reach the meeting-place of the retaliation for someone else? This is truly an ap-
two seas, even if I must press on for many years.’ palling thing that you have done!’ (18:74)
(18:60) He said, ‘Did I not tell you that you would not be
But when they reached their meeting-place, they able to bear with me?’ (18:75)
forgot their fish which quickly burrowed its way Musa said, ‘If I ask you about anything after this,
into the sea. (18:61) then you should no longer keep me company. I
When they had gone a distance further on, he will have given you excuse enough.’ (18:76)
said to his servant, ‘Bring us our morning meal. So they went on until they reached the inhabi-
Truly this journey of ours has made us tired.’ tants of a town. They asked them for food but
(18:62) they refused them hospitality. They found there a
He said, ‘Do you see what has happened? When wall about to fall down and he built it up. Musa
we went to find shelter at the rock, I forgot the said, ‘If you had wanted, you could have taken a
fish. No one made me forget to remember it ex- wage for doing that.’ (18:77)
cept Satan. It found its way into the sea in an He said, ‘This is where you and I part company. I
amazing way.’ (18:63) will let you know the explanation of those things
He said, ‘That is the very thing that we were about which you were not able to restrain your-
looking for!’ So, following their footsteps, they self. As for the boat, it belonged to some poor
retraced their route. (18:64) people who worked on the sea. I wanted to dam-
They found a servant of Ours whom We had age it because a king was coming behind them,
granted mercy from Us and whom We had also commandeering every boat. As for the boy, his
given knowledge direct from Us. (18:65) parents were believers and we feared that he
Musa said to him, ‘May I follow you on condition would darken their days with excessive inso-
that you teach me some of the right guidance you lence and disbelief. We wanted their Lord to give
have been taught?’ (18:66) them in exchange a purer son than him, one
He said, ‘You will not be able to bear with me. more compassionate. As for the wall, it belonged
How indeed could you bear with patience some- to two young orphans in the town and there was
thing you have not encompassed in your knowl- a treasure underneath it, belonging to them.
edge?’ (18:67-68) Their father was one of the righteous and your
Musa said, ‘You will find me patient, if Allah Lord wanted them to come of age and then to un-
wills, and I will not disobey you in any matter.’ earth their treasure as a mercy from Him. I did
(18:69) not do it of my own volition. That is the explana-
He said, ‘Then if you follow me, do not question tion of the things about which you were not able
me about anything until I myself make mention to restrain yourself.’ (18:78-82)
of it to you.’ (18:70) Mention Musa in the Book. He was truly sincere
They continued until they boarded a boat and he and was a Messenger and a Prophet. (19:51)
scuppered it. Then Musa said, ‘Did you scupper Has the story of Musa not reached you? (20:9)
it so that its owners would be drowned? This is When he saw a fire and said to his family, ‘Wait
485
here. I can make out a fire. Maybe I will bring be grieved. You killed a man and We rescued
you a brand from it, or will find guidance there.’ you from trouble and tested you with many trials.
(20:10) You stayed some years among the people of
Then when he reached it, a voice called out, Madyan. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained
‘Musa! I am your Lord. Take off your sandals. You time, Musa! I have chosen you for Myself. Go,
are in the holy valley of Tuwa. I have chosen you, you and your brother, with My Signs and do not
so listen well to what is revealed. I am Allah. slacken in remembering Me. Go to Pharaoh; he
There is no god but Me, so worship Me and per- has overstepped the bounds. But speak to him
form prayer to remember Me. The Hour is com- with gentle words so that hopefully he will pay
ing but I have concealed it so that every self can heed or show some fear.’ (20:36-44)
be repaid for its efforts. Do not let those who They said, ‘Our Lord, we are afraid that he might
have no faith in it and follow their whims and de- persecute us or overstep the bounds.’ (20:45)
sires debar you from it or you will be destroyed. He said, ‘Have no fear. I will be with you, All-
What is that in your right hand, Musa?’ (20:11- Hearing and All-Seeing. Go to him and say, "We
17) are your Lord’s Messengers so send the tribe of
He said, ‘It is my staff. I lean on it and beat down Israel away with us and do not punish them. We
leaves for my sheep with it and have other uses have brought you a Sign from your Lord. Peace
for it.’ (20:18) be upon those who follow the guidance. It has
He said, ‘Throw it down, Musa.’ (20:19) been revealed to us that punishment is for him
He threw it down and suddenly it was a slither- who denies the truth and turns away."’ (20:46-48)
ing snake. (20:20) Pharaoh said, ‘Who then is your Lord, Musa?’
He said, ‘Take hold of it and have no fear. We (20:49)
will return it to its original form. Put your hand He said, ‘Our Lord is He Who gives each thing its
under your arm and press it to your side. It will created form and then guides it.’ (20:50)
emerge pure white yet quite unharmed, another He (Pharaoh) said, ‘What about the previous
Sign. In this way We show you some of Our generations?’ (20:51)
greatest Signs. Go to Pharaoh. He has over- He said, ‘Knowledge of them is with my Lord in a
stepped the bounds.’ (20:21-24) Book. My Lord does not misplace nor does He
He said, ‘O Lord, expand my breast for me and forget.’ (20:52)
make my task easy for me. Loosen the knot in my It is He Who made the earth a cradle for you and
tongue so that they will understand my words. threaded pathways for you through it and sent
Assign me a helper from my family, my brother down water from the sky by which We have
Harun. Strengthen my back by him and let him brought forth various different types of plants.
share in my task, so that we can glorify You much (20:53)
and remember You much, for You are watching Eat and pasture your cattle. Certainly there are
us.’ (20:25-35) Signs in that for people of sound intellect. (20:54)
He said, ‘Your request has been granted, Musa. From it We created you, to it We will return you,
We were gracious to you another time when We and from it We will bring you forth a second
revealed to your mother: "Place him into the box time. (20:55)
and throw it into the sea and the sea will wash it We showed him all of Our Signs, but he denied
up on the shore, where an enemy of Mine and and spurned them. (20:56)
his will pick it up." I showered you with love He said, ‘Have you come to us to expel us from
from Me so that you would be brought up under our land by means of your magic, Musa? We will
My supervision. When your sister went and said, bring you magic to match it. So fix a time be-
"Shall I direct you to someone who will take care tween us and you which neither we nor you will
of him?", that was how We returned you to your fail to keep at a place where we can meet
mother so that she might delight her eyes and not halfway.’ (20:57-58)
486
He (Musa) said, ‘Your time is the day of the As for those who come to their Lord as evildoers,
Festival. The people should gather in the morn- they will have Hell where they will neither die
ing.’ (20:59) nor stay alive. (20:74)
So Pharaoh went away and concocted his But as for those who come to Him as believers,
scheme and then he arrived. (20:60) having done right actions, they will have the
Musa said to them, ‘Woe to you! Do not fabricate highest ranks: Gardens of Eden with rivers flow-
lies against Allah or He will annihilate you with ing under them, remaining in them timelessly, for
His punishment. Fabricators of lies are bound to ever. That is the reward of those who purify
fail.’ (20:61) themselves. (20:75-76)
They argued among themselves about the matter We revealed to Musa, ‘Travel with My servants
and had a secret conference. (20:62) by night. Strike a dry path for them through the
They said, ‘These two magicians desire by their sea. Have no fear of being overtaken and do not
magic to expel you from your land and abolish be afraid.’ (20:77)
your most excellent way of life, so decide on Pharaoh pursued them with his troops and the
your scheme and then arrive together in force. sea overwhelmed them utterly. (20:78)
He who gains the upper hand today will defi- Pharaoh misguided his people. He was no guide.
nitely prosper.’ (20:63-64) (20:79)
They said, ‘Musa, will you throw or shall we be Tribe of Israel! We rescued you from your enemy
the first to throw?’ (20:65) and made an appointment with you on the right
He (Musa) said, ‘No, you throw!’ And suddenly hand side of the Mount and sent down manna
their ropes and staffs appeared to him, by their and quails for you. (20:80)
magic, to be slithering about. (20:66) Eat of the good things We have provided for you
Musa experienced in himself a feeling of alarm. but do not go to excess in it or My anger will be
(20:67) unleashed on you. Anyone who has My anger
We said, ‘Have no fear. You will have the upper unleashed on him has plunged to his ruin.
hand. Throw down what is in your right hand. It (20:81)
will swallow up their handiwork. Their handi- But I am Ever-Forgiving to anyone who repents
work is just a magician’s trick. Magicians do not and believes and acts rightly and then is guided.
prosper wherever they go.’ (20:68-69) (20:82)
The magicians threw themselves down in pros- ‘Why have you hurried on ahead of your people,
tration. They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of Musa?’ (20:83)
Harun and Musa.’ (20:70) He (Musa) said, ‘They are following in my tracks.
Pharaoh said, ‘Do you believe in him before I I have hurried on ahead to you, My Lord, to gain
have authorised you? He is your chief, the one Your good pleasure.’ (20:84)
who taught you magic. I will cut off your hands He said, ‘We tried your people after you left and
and feet alternately and have you crucified on the Samaritan has misguided them.’ (20:85)
palm trunks. Then you will know for certain Musa returned to his people in anger and great
which of us has the harsher and longer lasting sorrow. He said, ‘My people, did not your Lord
punishment.’ (20:71) make you a handsome promise? Did the fulfil-
They said, ‘We will never prefer you to the Clear ment of the contract seem too long to you or did
Signs which have come to us nor to Him Who you want to unleash your Lord’s anger upon
brought us into being. Decide on any judgment yourselves, so you broke your promise to me?’
you like. Your jurisdiction only covers the life of (20:86)
this world. We have believed in our Lord so that They said, ‘We did not break our promise to you
He may forgive us for our mistakes and for the of our own volition. But we were weighed down
magic which you forced us to perform. Allah is with the heavy loads of the people’s jewelry and
better and longer lasting.’ (20:72-73) we threw them in, for that is what the Samaritan
487
did.’ (20:87) We gave Musa the Book so that perhaps they
Then he produced a calf for them, a physical would be guided. (23:49)
form which made a lowing sound. So they said, We said, ‘Go to the people who have denied Our
‘This is your god–and Musa’s god as well, but he Signs,’ and We annihilated them completely.
forgot.’ (20:88) (25:36)
Could they not see that it did not reply to them When your Lord called out to Musa: ‘Go to the
and that it possessed no power to either harm or wrongdoing people, the people of Pharaoh. Will
benefit them? (20:89) they not guard against evil?’ (26:10-11)
Harun had earlier said to them, ‘My people! It is He said, ‘My Lord, I fear they will deny me and that
just a trial for you. Your Lord is the All-Merciful, my breast will be constricted and that my tongue
so follow me and obey my command!’ (20:90) will not be free, so send Harun as a Messenger as
They said, ‘We will not stop devoting ourselves well. They hold a wrong action against me and I
to it until Musa returns to us.’ (20:91) fear that they may kill me.’ (26:12-14)
He (Musa) said, ‘What prevented you following He said, ‘By no means! Go, both of you, with Our
me, Harun, when you saw that they had gone Signs. We will certainly be together with you, lis-
astray? Did you too, then, disobey my com- tening. Go to Pharaoh and say, "We are the
mand?’ (20:92-93) Messenger of the Lord of all the worlds to tell you
He (Harun) said, ‘Son of my mother! Do not to send the tribe of Israel away with us."’ (26:15-17)
seize me by the beard or by the hair. I was afraid He (Pharaoh) said, ‘Did we not bring you up
that you would say, "You have caused division in among us as a child and did you not spend many
the tribe of Israel and taken no notice to anything years of your life among us? Yet you did the deed
I said."’ (20:94) you did and were ungrateful.’ (26:18-19)
He (Musa) said, ‘What do you think you were He (Musa) said, ‘At the time I did it I was one of the
doing, Samaritan?’ (20:95) misguided and so I fled from you when I was in
He (Samaritan) said, ‘I saw what they did not see. fear of you but my Lord gave me right judgement
So I gathered up a handful from the Messenger’s and made me one of the Messengers. And anyway
footprints and threw it in. That is what my inner you can only reproach me with this favour because
self urged me to do.’ (20:96) you made the tribe of Israel into slaves!’ (26:20-22)
He (Musa) said, ‘Go! In this world you will have to Pharaoh said, ‘What is the Lord of all the worlds?’
say, "Untouchable!" And you have an appointment (26:23)
which you will not fail to keep. Look at your god to He said, ‘The Lord of the heavens and the earth
which you devoted so much time. We will burn it and everything between them if you knew for
up and then scatter it as dust into the sea. Your god sure.’ (26:24)
is Allah alone, there is no god but Him. He encom- He said to those around him, ‘Are you listening?’
passes all things in His knowledge.’ (20:97-98) (26:25)
We gave to Musa and Harun the Discrimination He (Musa) said, ‘Your Lord and the Lord of your
and a Shining Light and a Reminder for the heed- forefathers, the previous peoples.’ (26:26)
ful. (21:48) He (Pharaoh) said, ‘This Messenger, who has been
Then We sent Musa and his brother Harun with sent to you, is mad.’ (26:27)
Our Signs and clear authority to Pharaoh and his He (Musa) said, ‘The Lord of the East and the West
ruling circle. But they were proud and were a and everything between them if you used your in-
haughty people. (23:45-46) tellect.’ (26:28)
They said, ‘What! Should we believe in two He (Pharaoh) said, ‘If you take any god other than
human beings like ourselves when their people are me, I will certainly throw you into prison.’ (26:29)
our slaves?’ (23:47) He (Musa) said, ‘Even if I were to bring you
They denied them and so they were destroyed. something undeniable?’ (26:30)
(23:48) He (Pharaoh) said, ‘Produce it then if you are
488
someone telling the truth.’ (26:31) majority.’ (26:53-56)
So He threw down his staff and there it was, un- We expelled them from gardens and springs,
mistakably a snake. (26:32) from treasures and a splendid situation. (26:57-
And he drew out his hand and there it was, pure 58)
white to those who looked. (26:33) So it was! And We bequeathed them to the tribe
He (Pharaoh) said to the High Council round of Israel. (26:59)
about him, ‘This certainly is a skilled magician So they (Pharaoh and his troops) pursued them
who desires by his magic to expel you from your towards the east. (26:60)
land, so what do you recommend?’ (26:34-35) And when the two hosts came into sight of one
They said, ‘Detain him and his brother and send another, Musa’s companions said, ‘We will
out marshals to the cities, to bring you all the surely be overtaken!’ (26:61)
skilled magicians.’ (26:36-37) He (Musa) said, ‘Never! My Lord is with me and
So the magicians were assembled for a meeting He will guide me.’ (26:62)
on a specified day. (26:38) So We revealed to Musa, ‘Strike the sea with your
The people were asked, ‘Are you all assembled staff.’ And it split in two, each part like a towering
so we can follow the magicians if they are the cliff. (26:63)
winners?’ (26:39-40) And We brought the others right up to it. (26:64)
When the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh, We rescued Musa and all those who were with
‘Will we be rewarded if we are the winners?’ him. (26:65)
(26:41) Then We drowned the rest. (26:66)
He said, ‘Yes, and in that case you will be among There is certainly a Sign in that yet most of them
those brought near.’ (26:42) are not believers. (26:67)
Musa said to them, ‘Throw whatever it is you are When Musa said to his people, ‘I can make out a
going to throw!’ (26:43) fire. I will bring you news from it or at least a
They threw down their ropes and staffs and said, burning brand so that hopefully you will be able
‘By the might of Pharaoh we are the winners.’ to warm yourselves.’ (27:7)
(26:44) But when he reached it, a voice called out to
But Musa threw down his staff and at once it him, ‘Blessed be Him who is in the Fire and all
swallowed up what they had fabricated. (26:45) who are around it. Glory be to Allah, the Lord of
The magicians threw themselves down, prostrat- all the worlds! Musa, I am Allah, the Almighty,
ing. (26:46) the All-Wise. Throw down your staff.’ Then when
They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of all the he saw it slithering like a snake he turned and
worlds, the Lord of Musa and Harun.’ (26:47-48) fled and did not turn back again. ‘Have no fear,
He (Pharaoh) said, ‘Have you believed in him Musa. In My Presence the Messengers have no
before I authorised you? He is your chief who fear–except for one who did wrong; and if he
taught you magic. But you will soon know! I will then changes evil into good, I am Ever-Forgiving,
cut off your alternate hands and feet and I will Most Merciful. Put your hand inside your shirt
crucify every one of you.’ (26:49) front. It will emerge pure white, yet quite un-
They said, ‘We do not care! We are returning to harmed–one of nine Signs to Pharaoh and his
our Lord. We remain hopeful that our Lord will people. They are a people of deviators.’ (27:8-12)
forgive us our mistakes for being the first of the When Our Signs came to them in all their clarity,
believers.’ (26:50-51) they said, ‘This is downright magic,’ and they re-
We revealed to Musa: ‘Travel with Our servants pudiated them wrongly and haughtily, in spite of
by night. You will certainly be pursued.’ (26:52) their own certainty about them. See the final fate
Pharaoh sent marshals into the cities: ‘These peo- of the corrupters. (27:13-14)
ple are a small group and they are raging furi- We recite to you with truth some news of Musa
ously against us and we constitute a vigilant and Pharaoh for people who believe. (28:3)
489
Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land Musa hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said,
and divided its people into camps, oppressing ‘This is part of Satan’s handiwork. He truly is an
one group of them by slaughtering their sons and outright and misleading enemy.’ (28:15)
letting their women live. He was one of the cor- He said, ‘My Lord, I have wronged myself.
rupters. (28:4) Forgive me.’ So He forgave him. He is the Ever-
We desired to show kindness to those who were Forgiving, the Most Merciful. (28:16)
oppressed in the land and to make them leaders He said, ‘My Lord, because of Your blessing to
and make them inheritors and establish them me, I will never be a supporter of evildoers.’
firmly in the land and to show Pharaoh and (28:17)
Haman and their troops the very thing that they Morning found him in the city, fearful and on his
were fearing from them. (28:5-6) guard. Then suddenly the man who had sought
We revealed to Musa’s mother, ‘Suckle him and his help the day before, shouted for help from
then when you fear for him cast him into the sea. him again. Musa said to him, ‘You are clearly a
Do not fear or grieve; We will return him to you misguided man.’ (28:18)
and make him one of the Messengers.’ (28:7) But when he was about to grab the man who was
The family of Pharaoh picked him up so that he their common enemy, he said, ‘Musa! Do you
might be an enemy and a source of grief to them. want to kill me just as you killed a person yester-
Certainly Pharaoh and Haman and their troops day? You only want to be a tyrant in the land; you
were in the wrong. (28:8) do not want to be a reformer.’ (28:19)
The wife of Pharaoh said, ‘A source of delight for A man came running from the furthest part of the
me and for you; do not kill him. It may well be city, saying, ‘Musa, the Council are conspiring to
that he will be of use to us or perhaps we could kill you, so leave! I am someone who brings you
adopt him as a son.’ They were not aware. (28:9) good advice.’ (28:20)
Musa’s mother felt a great emptiness in her heart So he left there fearful and on his guard, saying,
and she almost gave him away; only We fortified ‘My Lord, rescue me from the people of the
her heart so that she would be one of the believ- wrongdoers!’ (28:21)
ers. (28:10) When turned his face in the direction of Madyan,
She said to his sister, ‘Go after him.’ And she kept he said, ‘Hopefully my Lord will guide me to the
an eye on him from afar and they were not right way.’ (28:22)
aware. (28:11) When he arrived at the water of Madyan, he
We first made wet-nurses forbidden for him, so found a crowd of people drawing water there.
she said, ‘Shall I show you to a household who Standing apart from them, he found two women,
will feed him for you and be good to him?’ holding back their sheep. He said, ‘What are you
(28:12) two doing here?’ They said, ‘We cannot draw
That is how We returned him to his mother so water until the shepherds have driven off their
that she might delight her eyes and feel no grief sheep. You see our father is a very old man.’
and so that she would know that Allah’s promise (28:23)
is true. But most of them do not know this. So he drew water for them and then withdrew
(28:13) into the shade and said, ‘My Lord, I am truly in
And when he reached his full strength and matu- need of any good You have in store for me.’
rity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. (28:24)
That is how We recompense good-doers. (28:14) One of them came walking shyly up to him and
He (Musa) entered the city at a time when its in- said, ‘My father invites you so that he can pay
habitants were unaware and found two men you your wage for drawing water for us.’ When
fighting there–one from his party and the other he came to him and told him the whole story he
from his enemy. The one from his party asked for said, ‘Have no fear, you have escaped from
his support against the other from his enemy. So wrongdoing people.’ (28:25)
490
One of them said, ‘Hire him, father. The best per- Musa said, ‘My Lord knows best who has come
son to hire is someone strong and trustworthy.’ with guidance from Him and who will have the
(28:26) best Home in the end. The wrongdoers will cer-
He (their father) said, ‘I would like to marry you tainly not be successful.’ (28:37)
to one of these two daughters of mine on condi- Pharaoh said, ‘Council, I do not know of any
tion that you work for me for eight full years. If other god for you apart from Me. Haman, kindle
you complete ten, that is up to you. I do not want a fire for me over the clay and build me a lofty
to be hard on you. You will find me, Allah will- tower so that perhaps I may be able to climb up
ing, to be one of the righteous.’ (28:27) to Musa’s god! I consider him a blatant liar.’
He (Musa) said, ‘That is agreed between me and (28:38)
you. Whichever of the two terms I fulfil, there He and his troops were arrogant in the land with-
should be no bad feeling towards me. Allah is out any right. They thought that they would not
Guardian over what we say.’ (28:28) return to Us. (28:39)
When Musa had fulfilled the appointed term and So We seized him and his troops and flung them
had set off with his family, he noticed a fire from into the sea. See the final fate of the wrongdoers!
one side of the Mount. He said to his family, ‘Stay (28:40)
here, I can see a fire. Hopefully I will bring you We made them leaders, summoning to the Fire,
back some news from it or a burning branch from and on the Day of Rising they will not be helped.
the fire so that you will be able to warm your- (28:41)
selves.’ (28:29) We pursued them with a curse in this world and
But when he reached it a voice called out to him on the Day of Rising they will be hideous and
from the right hand side of the valley in the part spurned. (28:42)
which was full of blessing, from out of the bush: We gave Musa the Book after destroying the ear-
‘Musa, I am Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. lier nations, to awaken people’s hearts and as a
Throw down your staff!’ Then when he saw it guidance and a mercy so that hopefully they
slithering like a snake he turned and fled and did would pay heed. (28:43)
not turn back again. ‘Musa, approach and have You were not on the western side when We gave
no fear! You are one of those who are secure. Put Musa the command. You were not a witness.
your hand inside your shirt front. It will emerge (28:44)
pure white yet quite unharmed. And hug your Yet We produced further generations and ages
arms to your sides to still your fear. These are two passed. Nor did you live among the people of
proofs from your Lord for Pharaoh and his ruling Madyan and recite Our Signs to them, yet We
circle. They are a deviant people.’ (28:30-32) have sent you news of them. (28:45)
He said, ‘My Lord, I killed one of them and I am Nor were you on the side of the Mount when We
afraid they will kill me; and my brother Harun is called, yet it is a mercy from your Lord so that
more eloquent than me so send him with me to you can warn a people to whom no warner came
support me and back me up. I am afraid they will before, so that hopefully they will pay heed.
call me a liar.’ (28:33-34) (28:46)
He said, ‘We will reinforce you with your brother If a disaster had struck them because of what
and by Our Signs will give you both authority, so they had already done, they would have said,
that they will not be able to lay a hand on you. ‘Our Lord, why did You not send us a Messenger
You and those who follow you will be the vic- so that we could have followed Your Signs and
tors.’ (28:35) been believers?’ (28:47)
But when Musa brought them Our Clear Signs But when the truth did come to them from Us
they said, ‘This is nothing but trumped-up magic. they said, ‘Why has he not been given the same
We never heard anything like this among our as Musa was given?’ But did they not previously
earlier forefathers.’ (28:36) reject what Musa was given? They say, ‘Two ma-
491
gicians who back each other up.’ And they say, your religion and bring about corruption in the
‘We reject both of them.’ (28:48) land.’ (40:26)
Qarun was one of the people of Musa but he Musa said, ‘I seek refuge in my Lord and your
lorded it over them. We gave him treasures, the Lord from every proud man who does not be-
keys alone to which were a heavy weight for a lieve in the Day of Reckoning.’ (40:27)
party of strong men. When his people said to A man among Pharaoh’s people who believed,
him, ‘Do not gloat. Allah does not love people but kept his faith concealed, said, ‘Are you going
who gloat.’ (28:76) to kill a man for saying "My Lord is Allah" when
And Qarun and Pharaoh and Haman–Musa he has brought you Clear Signs from your Lord? If
came with the Clear Signs to them, but they were he is telling a lie, be it on his own head. But if he
arrogant on the earth. They could not outstrip Us. is telling the truth, then some of what he is prom-
(29:39) ising you will certainly happen to you. Allah
We gave Musa the Book–be in no doubt about does not guide any unbridled inveterate liar. My
the meeting with him–and made it a guidance for people! The kingdom is yours today, as masters
the tribe of Israel. (32:23) in the land, but who will help us against Allah’s
When We made a covenant with all the violent force, if it comes upon us?’ Pharaoh said,
Prophets–with you and with Nuh and Ibrahim ‘I only show you what I see myself and I only
and Musa and ‘Isa son of Maryam–We made a guide you to the path of rectitude.’ (40:28-29)
binding covenant with them. (33:7) The man who believed said, ‘My people! I fear
You who believe! Do not be like those who for you a day like that of the Confederates, the
abused Musa. Allah absolved him of what they same as happened to the people of Nuh and ‘Ad
said and he was highly honoured with Allah. and Thamud and those who followed after them.
(33:69) Allah does not want any injustice for His ser-
We showed great kindness to Musa and Harun. vants. My people! I fear for you the Day of
(37:114) Calling Out, the Day when you will turn your
We rescued them and their people from their ter- backs in flight, having no one to protect you from
rible plight. (37:115) Allah. Whoever Allah misguides will have no
We supported them and so they were the victors. guide. Yusuf brought you the Clear Signs before,
(37:116) but you never stopped doubting what he brought
We gave them the clarifying Book and guided to you to the extent that when he died, you said,
them on the Straight Path, and left the later peo- "Allah will never send another Messenger after
ple saying of them, ‘Peace be upon Musa and him." That is how Allah misguides those who are
Harun!’ (37:117-120) unbridled and full of doubt.’ (40:30-34)
That is how We recompense good-doers. Those who argue about the Signs of Allah with-
(37:121) out any authority coming to them do something
They truly were among Our servants who are be- hateful in the sight of Allah and in the sight of the
lievers. (37:122) people who believe. That is how Allah seals up
We sent Musa with Our Signs and clear authority the heart of every arrogant oppressor. (40:35)
to Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun. But they said, ‘A Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that
lying magician.’ (40:23-24) perhaps I may gain means of access, access to
When he brought them the truth from Us they the heavens, so that I can look on Musa’s God.
said, ‘Slaughter the sons of those who believe Truly I think he is a liar.’ That is how Pharaoh’s
with him but let their women live.’ The strata- evil actions were made attractive to him and he
gems of the disbelievers are nothing but errors. debarred others from the Path. Pharaoh’s schem-
(40:25) ing led to nothing but ruin. (40:36-37)
Pharaoh said, ‘Let me kill Musa and let him call The man who believed said, ‘My people! Follow
upon his Lord! I am afraid that he may change me and I will guide you to the path of rectitude.
492
My people! The life of this world is only fleeting the contract He has made with you and we shall
enjoyment. It is the hereafter which is the abode certainly follow the guidance.’ But when We re-
of permanence. Whoever does an evil act will moved the punishment from them, they immedi-
only be repaid with its equivalent. But whoever ately broke their word. Pharaoh called to his
acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, people, saying, ‘My people, does the kingdom of
such a person will enter the Garden, provided for Egypt not belong to me? Do not all these rivers
in it without any reckoning. My people! How is it flow under my control? Do you not then see? Am
that I call you to salvation while you call me to I not better than this man who is contemptible
the Fire? You call me to reject Allah and to asso- and can scarcely make anything clear? Why
ciate something with Him about which I have no have gold bracelets not been put upon his arms
knowledge, while I call you to the Almighty, the and why is there not a train of angels accompa-
Endlessly Forgiving. There is no question that nying him?’ In that way he swayed his people
what you call me to has no foundation either in and they succumbed to him. They were a people
this world or the hereafter, that our return is to of deviators. Then when they had provoked Our
Allah, and that the profligate will be Companions wrath, We took revenge on them and drowned
of the Fire. You will remember what I say to you. every one of them. We made them a thing of the
I consign my affair completely to Allah. Truly past, an example for later peoples. (43:46-56)
Allah sees His servants.’ (40:38-44) But before it there was the Book of Musa as a
So Allah safeguarded him from the evil things model and a mercy. And this is a corroborating
they plotted and a most evil torment engulfed Book in the Arabic tongue so that you may warn
Pharaoh’s people–the Fire, morning and night, to those who do wrong, and as good news for the
which they are exposed; and on the Day the good-doers. (46:12)
Hour takes place: ‘Admit Pharaoh’s people to the They said, ‘Our people, we have heard a Book
harshest punishment!’ (40:45-46) which was sent down after Musa, confirming
We gave Musa the guidance and bequeathed the what came before it, guiding to the truth and to a
Book to the tribe of Israel. (40:53) straight path.’ (46:30)
We gave Musa the Book but there was disagree- And also in Musa when We sent him to Pharaoh
ment about it. And had it not been for a prior with clear authority. But he turned away with his
Word from your Lord, the judgement between forces, saying, ‘A magician or a madman!’ So We
them would already have been made. They are seized him and his armies and hurled them into
indeed in grave doubt about it. (41:45) the sea, and he was to blame. (51:38-40)
He has laid down the same religion for you as He Or has he not been informed what is in the texts
enjoined on Nuh: that which We have revealed of Musa? (53:36)
to you and which We enjoined on Ibrahim, Musa Remember when Musa said to his people, ‘My
and ‘Isa: ‘Establish the religion and do not make people, why do you mistreat me when you know
divisions in it.’ What you call the idolaters to fol- that I am the Messenger of Allah to you?’ So
low is very hard for them. Allah chooses for when they deviated, Allah made their hearts de-
Himself anyone He wills and guides to Himself viate. Allah does not guide people who are devi-
those who turn to Him. (42:13) ators. (61:5)
We sent Musa with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his Has the story of Musa reached you: when his
nobles. He said, ‘I am the Messenger of the Lord Lord called out to him in the holy valley of Tuwa?
of the worlds.’ But when he came to them with ‘Go to Pharaoh–he has overstepped the
Our Signs, they merely laughed at them. We limits–and say: "Do you resolve to purify your-
showed them no Sign which was not greater than self. I will guide you to your Lord so that you may
the one before it. We seized them with punish- fear Him?"’ Then he showed him the Great Sign.
ment so that hopefully they would turn back. But he denied it and disobeyed, and then he
They said, ‘Magician, invoke your Lord for us by hastily backed away. But then he rallied and
493
called out, saying, ‘I am your Lord Most High!’
So Allah made an example of him seizing him
with punishment in this world and the hereafter.
There is certainly instruction in that for those
who fear. (79:15-26)
This is certainly in the earlier texts, the texts of
Ibrahim and Musa. (87:18-19)

MUSHRIQUN (SEE IDOLATERS)


MUTASHABIH VERSES (SEE VERSES THAT
ARE OPEN TO INTERPRETATION)

MYTH
When Our Signs are recited to them, they say, ‘We
have already heard all this. If we wanted, we could
say the same thing. This is nothing but the myths of
previous peoples.’ (8:31)
When they are asked, ‘What has your Lord sent
down?’ they say, ‘Myths and legends of previous
peoples.’ (16:24)
Then We sent Our Messengers one after another, at
intervals. Each time its Messenger came to a com-
munity they called him a liar so We made them fol-
low one another too and turned them into myths
and legends. Away with the people who have no
faith! (23:44)
Those who disbelieve say, ‘When we and our fa-
thers are turned to dust will we then be brought
forth again? We have been promised this before,
we and our fathers. This is nothing but myths and
legends of previous peoples.’ (27:67-68)
They said, ‘Our Lord, put more distance between
our staging posts.’ They wronged themselves so
We made legends of them and scattered them
without a trace. There are certainly Signs in that for
everyone who is steadfast and thankful. (34:19)
When Our Signs are recited to him, he says, ‘Just
myths and legends of the previous peoples!’
(83:13)

494
N in this world and the hereafter, and one of those
brought near.’ (3:45)
NAFS (SEE SELF) O mankind! Have fear of your Lord Who created
you from a single self and created its mate from it
NAKEDNESS and then disseminated many men and women
You will not go hungry in it or suffer from naked- from the two of them. Have fear of Allah in
ness. (20:118) whose name you make demands on one another
You who believe! Those you own as slaves and and also in respect of your families. Allah
those of you who have not yet reached puberty watches over you continually. (4:1)
should ask your permission to enter at three They will ask you what is lawful for them. Say:
times: before the Dawn Prayer, when you have ‘All good things are lawful for you, and also what
undressed at noon, and after the Prayer of is caught for you by hunting animals which you
Night–three times of nakedness for you. There is have trained as Allah has taught you. Eat what
nothing wrong for you or them at other times in they catch for you, mentioning Allah’s name over
moving around among yourselves from one to it.’ And have fear of Allah. Allah is swift at reck-
another. In this way Allah makes the Signs clear oning. (5:4)
to you. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (24:58) Eat that over which the name of Allah has been
Had a blessing from his Lord not overtaken him, mentioned, if you believe in His Signs. (6:118)
he (Yunus) would have been thrown up on the What is the matter with you that you do not eat
naked shore, for he was at fault. (68:49) that over which the name of Allah has been men-
tioned, when He has made clear to you what He
NAME has made forbidden for you except when you are
He taught Adam the names of all things. Then He forced to eat it? Many people lead others astray
arrayed them before the angels and said, ‘Tell me through their whims and desires without having
the names of these if you are telling the truth.’ any knowledge. Your Lord knows best those who
(2:31) overstep the limits. (6:119)
He said, ‘Adam, tell them their names.’ When he Do not eat anything over which the name of
had told them their names, He said, ‘Did I not tell Allah has not been mentioned. To do so is sheer
you that I know the Unseen of the heavens and deviance. The Satans inspire their friends to dis-
the earth, and I know what you make known and pute with you. If you obeyed them you would
what you hide?’ (2:33) then be idolaters. (6:121)
Who could do greater wrong than someone who They say, ‘These animals and crops are sacro-
bars access to the mosques of Allah, preventing sanct. No one may eat them except those we
His name from being remembered in them, and wish’,–as they allege–and animals on whose
goes about destroying them? Such people will backs it is forbidden to ride, and animals over
never be able to enter them–except in fear. They which they do not mention Allah’s name, invent-
will have disgrace in this world and in the here- ing falsehood against Him. He will repay them
after they will have a terrible punishment. (2:114) for the things they have invented. (6:138)
When she gave birth, she said, ‘My Lord! I have He (Hud) said, ‘Punishment and anger have
given birth to a girl’–and Allah knew very well come down on you from your Lord. Do you
what she had given birth to, male and female are argue with me regarding names which you and
not the same–‘and I have named her Maryam your forefathers invented and for which Allah
and placed her and her children in Your safe- has sent down no authority? Wait, then; I am
keeping from the accursed Satan.’ (3:36) waiting with you.’ (7:71)
When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives To Allah belong the Most Beautiful Names, so
you good news of a Word from Him. His name is call on Him by them and abandon those who
the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem desecrate His Names. They will be repaid for
495
what they did. (7:180) you as one of the sacred rites of Allah. There is
He (Nuh) said, ‘Embark in it. In the name of Allah good in them for you, so invoke Allah’s name
be its voyage and its landing! Truly my Lord is over them, as they stand in rows. And then when
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (11:41) they collapse on their sides, eat of them and feed
What you serve apart from Him are only names both those who ask and those who are too shy to
which you and your forefathers have made up ask. In this way We have subjected them to you
There is no mandate for them from Allah. Allah so that hopefully you will be thankful. (22:36)
alone is qualified to judge. His order is to wor- Those who were expelled from their homes with-
ship none but Him. That is in truth the straight out any right, merely for saying, ‘Our Lord is
and upright religion, but most of mankind simply Allah’ (if Allah had not driven some people back
do not know. (12:40) by means of others, monasteries, churches, syna-
What then of Him Who is standing over every gogues and mosques, where Allah’s name is
self seeing everything it does? Yet still they asso- mentioned much, would have been pulled down
ciate others with Allah! Say: ‘Name them! Or and destroyed. Allah will certainly help those
would you inform Him of something in the earth who help Him–Allah is All-Strong, Almighty).
He does not know, or are they words which are (22:40)
simply guesswork on your part?’ However, the Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He
plotting of those who disbelieve seems good to has selected you and not placed any constraint
them and they bar the way. Anyone misguided upon you in the religion–the religion of your
by Allah has no guide. (13:33) forefather Ibrahim. He named you Muslims be-
Say: ‘Call on Allah or call on the All-Merciful, fore and also in this, so that the Messenger could
whichever you call upon, the Most Beautiful be witness against you and you could be wit-
Names are His.’ Do not be too loud in your nesses against all mankind. So perform prayer
prayer or too quiet in it, but try to find a way be- and give the alms and hold fast to Allah. He is
tween the two. (17:110) your Protector–the Best Protector, the Best
(His Lord said,) ‘Zakariyya! We give you the Helper. (22:78)
good news of a boy named Yahya, a name we In houses which Allah has permitted to be built
have given to no one else before.’ (19:7) and in which His name is remembered, there are
He is Lord of the heavens and the earth and men who proclaim His glory morning and
everything in between them, so worship Him evening. (24:36)
and persevere in His worship. Do you know of You who believe! People should not ridicule oth-
any other with His Name? (19:65) ers who may be better than themselves; nor
Allah, there is no god but Him. The Most should any women ridicule other women who
Beautiful Names are His. (20:8) may be better than themselves. And do not find
Announce the Pilgrimage to mankind. They will fault with one another or insult each other with
come to you on foot and on every sort of lean an- derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a
imal, coming by every distant road so that they name for evil conduct after coming to faith! Those
can be present at what will profit them and in- people who do not turn from it are wrongdoers.
voke Allah’s name on specific days over live- (49:11)
stock He has provided for them. Eat of them and They (the idols) are nothing but names which you
feed those who are poor and in need. (22:27-28) yourselves have given, you and your forefathers.
We have appointed a rite of sacrifice for every Allah has sent down no authority for them. They
nation so that they may invoke Allah’s name over are following nothing but conjecture and what
the livestock He has given them. Your God is their own selves desire. And that when guidance
One God so submit to Him. Give good news to has reached them from their Lord! (53:23)
the humble-hearted. (22:34) Those who do not believe in the hereafter give
We have appointed the sacrificial animals for the angels female names. (53:27)
496
Blessed be the name of your Lord, Master of up everything, desiring the good pleasure of Allah.
Majesty and Generosity. (55:78) Allah is Ever-Gentle with His servants. (2: 207)
So glorify the name of your Lord, the Divorced women should wait by themselves for
Magnificent! (56:74) three menstrual cycles; and it is not lawful for
So glorify the Name of your Lord, the them to conceal what Allah has created in their
Magnificent! (56:96) wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day.
He is Allah–the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of Their husbands have the right to take them back
Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. within that time, if they desire to be reconciled.
Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Women possess rights similar to those held over
Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (59:24) them to be honoured with fairness; but men have
And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Tribe of a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, con- (2:228)
firming the Torah which came before me and giv- Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the Self-
ing you the good news of a Messenger after me Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness or
whose name is Ahmad.’ When he brought them sleep. Everything in the heavens and the earth be-
the Clear Signs, they said, ‘This is downright longs to Him. Who can intercede with Him except
magic.’ (61:6) by His permission? He knows what is before them
Glorify then the name of your Lord, the and what is behind them but they cannot grasp
Magnificent. (69:52) any of His knowledge save what He wills. His
Remember the Name of your Lord, and devote Footstool encompasses the heavens and the earth
yourself to Him completely. (73:8) and their preservation does not tire Him. He is the
Remember the Name of your Lord in the morn- Most High, the Magnificent. (2:255)
ing and the evening. (76:25) Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the Self-
Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High. Sustaining. (3:2)
(87:1) Allah bears witness that there is no god but Him,
He who invokes the Name of his Lord and prays. as do the angels and the people of knowledge, up-
(87:15) holding justice. There is no god but Him, the
Recite: In the Name of your Lord Who created. Almighty, the All-Wise. (3:18)
(96:1) Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of
Ibrahim and the family of ‘Imran over all other be-
NAMES OF ALLAH ings–descendants one of the other. Allah is All-
(Allah is) the All-Merciful, the Most Merciful. Hearing, All-Knowing. (3:33-34)
(1:2) Allah knows best who your enemies are. Allah suf-
They say, ‘Allah has a son.’ Glory be to Him! No, fices as a Protector; Allah suffices as a Helper.
everything in the heavens and earth belongs to (4:45)
Him. Everything is obedient to Him, the If anyone desires the reward of this world, the re-
Originator of the heavens and earth. When He ward of both this world and hereafter is with
decides on something, He just says to it, ‘Be!’ Allah. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (4:134)
and it is. (2:116-117) (Isa said,) ‘If You punish them, they are Your ser-
If their faith is the same as yours then they are vants. If you forgive them, You are the Almighty,
guided. But if they turn away, they are en- the All-Wise.’ (5:118)
trenched in hostility. Allah will be enough for Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and
you against them. He is the All-Hearing, the All- the earth in six days and then settled Himself
Knowing. (2:137) firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the
Your God is One God. There is no god but Him, night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the
the All-Merciful, the Most Merciful. (2:163) sun and moon and stars are subservient to His
And among the people there are some who give command. Both creation and command belong to
497
Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. earth belongs to Him. Allah is the Rich Beyond
(7:54) Need, the Praiseworthy. (22:64)
Allah only did this to give you good news and that Exalted be Allah, the King, the Real. There is no
so your hearts would be at rest. Victory comes god but Him, Lord of the Noble Throne. (23:116)
from no one but Allah. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. Put your trust in the Living Who does not die and
(8:10) glorify Him with praise. He is well aware of the
And (He turned) also towards the three who were wrong actions of His servants. (25:58)
left behind, so that when the earth became narrow He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, ‘I
for them, for all its great breadth, and their own will bring it to you before your glance returns to
selves became constricted for them and they re- you.’ And when he saw it standing firmly in his
alised that there was no refuge from Allah except presence, he said, ‘This is part of my Lord's favour
in Him, He turned to them so that they might turn to test me to see if I will give thanks or show ingrat-
to Him. Allah is the Ever-Returning, the Most itude. Whoever gives thanks only does so to his
Merciful. (9:118) own gain. Whoever is ungrateful, my Lord is Rich
That is Allah, your Lord, the Truth, and what is Beyond Need, Generous.’ (27:40)
there after truth except misguidance? So how have Your Lord creates and chooses whatever He wills.
you been distracted? (10:32) The choice is not theirs. Glory be to Allah! He is
Then when Our command came We rescued exalted above anything they associate with Him!
Salih and those who believed along with him by a (28:68)
mercy from Us from the disgrace of that day. Your Everything in the heavens and earth belongs to
Lord is the All-Strong, the Almighty. (11:66) Allah. Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the
They said, ‘Are you astonished at Allah’s com- Praiseworthy. (31:26)
mand? May Allah’s mercy and His blessings be That is the Knower of the Unseen and the Visible,
upon you, People of the House! He is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. (32:6)
Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.’ (11:73) And remember the Signs of Allah and the wise
He said, ‘No blame at all will fall on you. Today words which are recited in your rooms. Allah is
you have forgiveness from Allah. He is the Most All-Pervading, All-Aware. (33:34)
Merciful of the merciful.’ (12: 92) He had no authority over them except to enable Us
Do not imagine that Allah will break His promise to know those who believe in the hereafter from
to His Messengers. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of those who are in doubt about it. Your Lord is the
Revenge. (14:47) Preserver of all things. (34: 21)
It is We Who give life and cause to die and We are Say: ‘Our Lord will bring us all together and then
the Inheritor. (15: 23) will judge between us with the truth. He is the Just
Your Lord expands the provision of anyone He Decider, the All-Knowing.’ (34:26)
wills and restricts it. He is aware of and sees His Say: ‘Show me those you have joined to Him as
servants. (17:30) associates. No indeed! He is Allah, the Almighty,
Glory be to Him! He is exalted above what they the All-Wise.’ (34:27)
say in Greatness and Sublimity! (Qur’an, 17:43) Mankind! You are the poor in need of Allah
Say: ‘Call on Allah or call on the All-Merciful, whereas Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the
whichever you call upon, the Most Beautiful Praiseworthy. (35:15)
Names are His.’ Do not be too loud in your prayer Allah keeps a firm hold on the heavens and earth,
or too quiet in it, but try to find a way between the preventing them from vanishing away. And if they
two. (17:110) vanished no one could then keep hold of them.
Faces will be humbled to the Living, the All- Certainly He is Most Forbearing, Ever-Forgiving.
Sustaining and anyone weighed down with wrong- (35:41)
doing will have failed. (20:111) Allah is the Creator of everything and He is
Everything in the heavens and everything in the Guardian over everything. (39: 62)
498
He is the Living–there is no god but Him–so call Thankful, Most Forbearing. The Knower of the
on Him, making your religion sincerely His. Praise Unseen and the Visible, the Almighty, the All-
be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. (40: 65) Wise. (64:17-18)
It is He Who sends down abundant rain, after they (He is) the Possessor of the Throne, the All-
have lost all hope, and unfolds His mercy. He is the Glorious. (85:15)
Protector, the Praiseworthy. (42:28) Say: ‘He is Allah, Absolute Oneness, Allah, the
The legions of the heavens and the earth belong to Everlasting Sustainer of all. He has not given
Allah. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (48:7) birth and was not born. And no one is compara-
(Has he not been informed) that it is He Who ble to Him.’ (112: 1-4)
brings about both laughter and tears; that it is He
Who brings about both death and life; that He cre- NASR
ated the two sexes–male and female? (53:43-45) They have hatched a mighty plot saying, "Do not
Everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies abandon your gods. Do not abandon Wadd or
Allah. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. The king- Suwa‘ or Yaghuth or Ya‘uq or Nasr." (71:22-23)
dom of the heavens and the earth belongs to Him.
He gives life and causes to die. He has power over NATION
all things. He is the First and the Last, the Outward You are the best nation ever to be produced be-
and the Inward. He has knowledge of all things. fore mankind. You enjoin the right, forbid the
(57:1-3) wrong and believe in Allah. If the People of the
(Allah does not love) those who are tight-fisted and Book were to believe, it would be better for them.
tell others to be tight-fisted. If anyone turns away, Some of them are believers but most of them are
Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy. deviators. (3:110)
(57:24) How will it be when We bring a witness from every
He is Allah–there is no god but Him. He is the nation and bring you as a witness against them?
Knower of the Unseen and the Visible. He is the (4:41)
All-Merciful, the Most Merciful. (59:22) We sent Messengers to nations before you, and af-
He is Allah–there is no god but Him. He is the flicted those nations with hardship and distress so
King, the Most Pure, the Perfect Peace, the that hopefully they would humble themselves.
Trustworthy, the Safeguarder, the Almighty, the (6:42)
Compeller, the Supremely Great. Glory be to Allah Do not curse those they call upon besides Allah, in
above all they associate with Him. (59:23) case that makes them curse Allah in animosity,
He is Allah–the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of without knowledge. In this way We make the ac-
Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. tions of every nation seem attractive to them. Then
Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Him. they will return to their Lord, and He will inform
He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (59:24) them about what they did. (6:108)
There is an excellent example in them for you to Every nation has an appointed time. When their
follow, that is for those whose hope is in Allah and time comes, they cannot delay it a single hour or
the Last Day. But if anyone turns away, Allah is the bring it forward. (7:34)
Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy. (60:6) He will say, ‘Enter the Fire together with the nations
That is because their Messengers brought them the of jinn and men who have passed away before
Clear Signs but they said, ‘Are human beings you.’ Each time a nation enters, it will curse its sis-
going to guide us?’ So they disbelieved and turned ter nation, until, when they are all gathered to-
away. But Allah is completely independent of gether in it, the last of them will say to the first, ‘Our
them. Allah is Rich Beyond Need, Praiseworthy. Lord, those are the ones who misguided us, so
(64:6) give them a double punishment in the Fire.’ He
If you make a generous loan to Allah He will mul- will say, ‘Each will receive double. But you do
tiply it for you and forgive you. Allah is All- not know it.’ (7:38)
499
Every nation has a Messenger and when their planned to seize its Messenger and used false ar-
Messenger comes everything is decided between guments to rebut the truth. So I seized them, and
them justly. They are not wronged. (10:47) how was My retribution! (40:5)
Say: ‘I possess no power to harm or help myself We have assigned close comrades to them who
except as Allah wills. Every nation has an ap- have made what is before them and behind them
pointed time. When their appointed time comes, seem good to them. And the statement about the
they cannot delay it a single hour or bring it for- nations, both of jinn and men, who passed away
ward.’ (10:49) before them has proved true of them as well.
It was said, ‘Nuh, descend with peace from Us Certainly they were lost. (41:25)
and with blessings on you and on the nations If Allah had willed, He would have made them a
which will issue from those who are with you. single nation. But He admits whoever He wills
But there are nations to whom we will give en- into His mercy and the wrongdoers have no pro-
joyment and then a painful punishment from Us tector and no helper. (42:8)
will afflict them.’ (11:48) You will see every nation on its knees, every na-
In the same way We have sent you among a na- tion summoned to its Book: ‘Today you will be
tion before which other nations passed away, to repaid for what you did.’ (45:28)
recite to them what We have revealed to you. Yet Those are people of whom the statement about
they still reject the All-Merciful. Say: ‘He is my the nations, both of jinn and men, who passed
Lord; there is no god but Him. I put my trust in away before them, has also proved true; truly
Him and I turn to Him.’ (13:30) they were the lost. (46:18)
No nation can advance its appointed time nor
can they delay it. (15:5) ALLAH'S NATURAL PATTERN
On the Day We raise up a witness from every na- (FITRAH)
tion, those who disbelieved will not be excused So set your face firmly towards the Religion, as a
nor will they be able to appease Allah. (16:84) pure natural believer, Allah’s natural pattern on
This nation of yours is one nation and I am your which He made mankind. There is no changing
Lord, so worship Me. (21:92) Allah’s creation. That is the true Religion–but
We have appointed a rite of sacrifice for every most people do not know it. (30:30)
nation so that they may invoke Allah’s name over
the livestock He has given them. Your God is NATURAL PURE BELIEF
One God so submit to Him. Give good news to They say, ‘Be Jews or Christians and you will be
the humble-hearted. (22:34) guided.’ Say, ‘Rather adopt the religion of
We have appointed for every nation a rite that Ibrahim, a man of natural pure belief. He was not
they observe, so let them not dispute with you one of the idolaters.’ (2:135)
about the matter. Call the people to your Lord. Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian but a
You are guided straight. (22:67) man of pure natural belief–a Muslim. He was not
No nation can advance its appointed time nor one of the idolaters. (3:67)
can they delay it. (23:43) Say, ‘Allah speaks the truth, so follow the religion
We will drag out a witness from each nation and of Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was
will say, ‘Produce your evidence!’ They will not one of the idolaters.’ (3:95)
know then that the truth is with Allah and that Who could have a better religion than someone
what they invented has forsaken them. (28:75) who submits himself completely to Allah and is a
And if you deny it, nations before you also de- good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrahim, a
nied the truth. The Messenger is only responsible man of pure natural belief? Allah took Ibrahim as
for clear transmission. (29:18) an intimate friend. (4:125)
The people of Nuh denied the truth before them, (Ibrahim said,) ‘I have turned my face to Him
and the Confederates after them. Every nation Who brought the heavens and earth into being, a
500
pure natural believer. I am not one of the idol- eyesight. He is the All-Penetrating, the All-
aters.’ (6:79) Aware. (6:103)
Say: ‘My Lord has guided me to a straight path, a Do not be like those who left their homes in arro-
well-founded religion, the religion of Ibrahim, a gance, showing off to people and barring them
man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the from the way of Allah–Allah encompasses what
idolaters.’ (6:161) they do. (8:47)
Turn your face towards the religion in pure natu- We created man and We know what his own self
ral faith, and on no account be among the idol- whispers to him. We are nearer to him than his
aters. (10:105) jugular vein. (50:16)
Ibrahim was a community in himself, exemplary, Why then, when death reaches his throat and
obedient to Allah, a man of pure natural belief. you are at that moment looking on–and We are
He was not one of the idolaters. (16:120) nearer him than you but you cannot see. (56:83-
Then We revealed to you: ‘Follow the religion of 85)
Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was not Do you not see that Allah knows what is in the
one of the idolaters.’ (16:123) heavens and on the earth? Three men cannot
Be people of pure natural belief in Allah, not as- confer together secretly without Him being the
sociating anything else with Him. As for anyone fourth of them, or five without Him being the
who associates others with Allah, it is as though sixth of them, or fewer than that or more without
he had fallen from the sky and the birds had Him being with them wherever they are. Then
seized him and carried him away or the wind He will inform them on the Day of Rising of what
had dropped him in a distant place. (22:31) they did. Allah has knowledge of all things.
So set your face firmly towards the Religion, as a (58:7)
pure natural believer, Allah’s natural pattern on
which He made mankind. There is no changing NEIGHBOUR
Allah’s creation. That is the true Religion–but Worship Allah and do not associate anything
most people do not know it. (30:30) with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives
They were only ordered to worship Allah, mak- and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh-
ing their religion sincerely His as people of pure bours who are related to you and neighbours
natural belief, and to perform prayer and give the who are not related to you, and to companions
alms–that is the religion of the correct. (98:5) and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not
love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36)
NEARNESS OF ALLAH TO PEOPLE
Or did you suppose that you would enter the NEWS
Garden without facing the same as those who Give the good news to those who believe and do
came before you? Poverty and illness afflicted right actions that they will have Gardens with
them and they were shaken to the point that the rivers flowing under them. When they are given
Messenger and those who believed with him fruit there as provision, they will say, ‘This is
said, ‘When is Allah’s help coming?’ Be assured what we were given before.’ But they were only
that Allah’s help is very near. (2:214) given a simulation of it. They will have there
If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I an- spouses of perfect purity and will remain there
swer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. timelessly, for ever. (2:25)
They should therefore respond to Me and believe Say, ‘Anyone who is the enemy of Gabriel should
in Me so that hopefully they will be rightly know that it was He Who brought it down upon
guided. (2:186) your heart, by Allah’s authority, confirming what
What is in the heavens and in the earth belongs came before, and as guidance and good news for
to Allah. Allah encompasses all things. (4:126) the believers.’ (2:97)
Eyesight cannot perceive Him but He perceives We have sent you with the Truth, bringing good
501
news and giving warning. Do not ask about the disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to
inhabitants of the Blazing Fire. (2:119) the Messenger and those in command among
We will test you with a certain amount of fear them, those among them able to discern the truth
and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. about it would have had proper knowledge of it.
But give good news to the steadfast. (2:155) If it were not for Allah’s favour to you and His
Mankind was a single community. Then Allah mercy, all but a very few of you would have fol-
sent out Prophets bringing good news and giving lowed Satan. (4:83)
warning, and with them He sent down the Book Give news to the hypocrites that they will have a
with truth to decide between people regarding painful punishment. (4:138)
their differences. Only those who were given it Messengers bringing good news and giving
differed about it, after the Clear Signs had come warning, so that people will have no argument
to them, envying one another. Then, by His per- against Allah after the coming of the Messengers.
mission, Allah guided those who believed to the Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (4:165)
truth of that about which they had differed. Allah People of the Book! Our Messenger has come to
guides whoever He wills to a straight path. you, making things clear to you, after a period
(2:213) with no Messengers, lest you should say, ‘No one
Your women are fertile fields for you, so come to came to us bringing good news or warning.’
your fertile fields however you like. Send good Someone has come to you bringing good news
ahead for yourselves and have fear of Allah. and a warning. Allah has power over all things.
Know that you are going to meet Him. And give (5:19)
good news to the believers. (2:223) They deny the truth each time it comes to them
As for those who reject Allah’s Signs, and kill the but news of what they were mocking will cer-
Prophets without any right to do so, and kill tainly reach them. (6:5)
those who command justice, give them news of a Messengers before you were also denied but they
painful punishment. (3:21) were steadfast in the face of the denial and injury
The angels called out to him while he (Zakariyya) they suffered until Our help arrived. There is no
was standing in prayer in the Upper Room: changing the Words of Allah. And news of other
‘Allah gives you the good news of Yahya, who Messengers has come to you. (6:34)
will come to confirm a Word from Allah, and will We do not send the Messengers except to bring
be a leader and a celibate, a Prophet and one of good news and to give warning. As for those who
the righteous.’ (3:39) believe and put things right, they will feel no fear
This is news from the Unseen which We reveal to and will know no sorrow. (6:48)
you. You were not with them when they cast It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad-
their reeds to see which of them would be the vance news of His mercy, so that when they have
guardian of Maryam. You were not with them lifted up the heavy clouds, We dispatch them to a
when they quarrelled. (3:44) dead land and send down water to it, by means
When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives of which We bring forth all kinds of fruit. In the
you good news of a Word from Him. His name is same way We will bring forth the dead, so that
the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem hopefully you will pay heed. (7:57)
in this world and the hereafter, and one of those These cities–We have given you news of them.
brought near. (3:45) Their Messengers came to them with Clear Signs,
Allah only did this for it to be good news for you but they were never going to believe in what they
and so that your hearts might be set at rest by it had previously rejected. That is how Allah seals
(help comes from no one but Allah, the Almighty, up the hearts of the disbelievers. (7:101)
the All-Wise). (3:126) Say: ‘I possess no power to help or harm myself,
When news of any matter reaches them they except as Allah wills. If I had had knowledge of
spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or the Unseen, I would have sought to gain much
502
good and no evil would have touched me. I am places of worship and perform prayer and give
only a warner and a bringer of good news to peo- good news to the believers.’ (10:87)
ple who believe.’ (7:188) ‘Do not worship anyone but Allah! I am a warner
Allah only did this to give you good news and and bringer of good news to you from Him.’
that so your hearts would be at rest. Victory (11:2)
comes from no one but Allah. Allah is Almighty, That is some of the news of the Unseen which
All-Wise. (8:10) We reveal to you. Neither you nor your people
A proclamation from Allah and His Messenger to knew it before this time. So be steadfast. The best
mankind on the day of the greater pilgrimage: end result is for those who guard against evil.
‘Allah is free of the idolaters, as is His Messenger. (11:49)
If you repent, it will be better for you. But if you Our messengers brought the good news to
turn your backs, know that you cannot thwart Ibrahim. They said, ‘Peace!’ and he too said,
Allah.’ Give those who disbelieve the news of a ‘Peace!’ and brought in a roasted calf without
painful punishment. (9:3) delay. (11:69)
Their Lord gives them the good news of His His wife was standing there and she laughed out
mercy and good pleasure and Gardens where loud. So We gave her the good news of Ishaq,
they will enjoy everlasting delight. (9:21) and beyond Ishaq, Ya‘qub. (11:71)
You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks When the feeling of fear left Ibrahim, and the
devour people’s property under false pretences good news reached him, he disputed with Us
and bar people from access to the Way of Allah. about the people of Lut. (11:74)
As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do That is some of the news of the cities which We
not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the relate to you. Some of them are still standing,
news of a painful punishment. (9:34) while others are now just stubble. (11:100)
Has the news of those who came before them not We have given you all this news about the
reached them, the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and Messengers so We can make your heart firm by
Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in- means of it. The truth has come to you in this and
habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities? an admonishment and reminder to the believers.
Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs. (11:120)
Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged Some travellers came that way and then dis-
themselves. (9:70) patched their water-drawer who let his bucket
Those who repent, those who worship, those down. He said, ‘Good news for me, I’ve found a
who praise, those who fast, those who bow, boy!’ They then hid him (Yusuf) away among
those who prostrate, those who command the their goods. Allah knew very well what they
right, those who forbid the wrong, those who were doing. (12:19)
preserve the limits of Allah: give good news to (Yusuf's father said,) ‘My sons! Seek news of
the believers. (9:112) Yusuf and his brother. Do not despair of solace
Do people find it so surprising that We should re- from Allah. No one despairs of solace from Allah
veal to a man among them: ‘Warn mankind and except for people who are disbelievers.’ (12:87)
give good news to those who believe that they But when the bringer of the good news came, he
are on a sure footing with their Lord’? The disbe- cast it (Yusuf's shirt) on his face and sight re-
lievers say, ‘This is downright magic!’ (10:2) turned. He (Yusuf's father) said, ‘Did I not say to
There is good news for them (the believers) in the you before, I know things from Allah you do not
life of this world and in the hereafter. There is no know?’ (12:96)
changing the words of Allah. That is the great This is news of the Unseen which We reveal to
victory! (10:64) you. You were not with them when they decided
We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your what to do and devised their scheme. (12:102)
people in houses in Egypt and make your houses Has news not reached you of those who came
503
before you, the peoples of Nuh and ‘Ad and make a mockery of My Signs and also of the
Thamud, and those who came after them who warning they were given. (18:56)
are known to no one but Allah? Their Messengers (His Lord said,) ‘Zakariyya! We give you the
came to them with Clear Signs, but they put their good news of a boy named Yahya, a name we
hands to their mouths, saying, ‘We reject what have given to no one else before.’ (19:7)
you have been sent with. We have grave doubts We have made it easy on your tongue so that you
about what you are calling us to.’ (14:9) can give good news to those who guard against
They said, ‘Do not be afraid. We bring you the evil and warn stubbornly hostile people by it.
good news of a boy of great knowledge.’ (15:53) (19:97)
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Do you bring me this good In this way We give you news of what has gone
news despite the fact of old age having reached before and We have given you a reminder direct
me? What kind of good news are you bringing from Us. (20:99)
me?’ (15:54) We have appointed a rite of sacrifice for every
They said, ‘We bring you good news of the truth, nation so that they may invoke Allah’s name over
so do not be among those who despair.’ (15:55) the livestock He has given them. Your God is
The people of the city came, exulting at the One God so submit to Him. Give good news to
news. (15:67) the humble-hearted. (22:34)
When one of them is given the good news of a Their flesh and blood does not reach Allah but
baby girl, his face darkens and he is furious. your heedfulness does reach Him. In this way He
(16:58) has subjected them to you so that you might pro-
He hides away from people because of the evil of claim Allah’s greatness for the way that He has
the good news he has been given. Should he guided you. Give good news to the good-doers.
keep her ignominiously or bury her in the earth? (22:37)
What an evil judgement they make! (16:59) On the Day they see the angels, there will be no
On that Day We will raise up among every com- good news that Day for the evildoers. They will
munity a witness against them from amongst say, ‘There is an absolute ban.’ (25:22)
themselves, and bring you as a witness against It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad-
them. We have sent down the Book to you mak- vance news of His mercy. And We send down
ing all things clear and as guidance and mercy from heaven pure water. (25:48)
and good news for the Muslims. (16:89) We sent you only to bring good news and to give
Say: ‘The Purest Spirit has brought it down from warning. (25:56)
your Lord with truth, to make those who believe They have denied the truth, but the news of what
firm, and as guidance and good news for the they mocked will certainly come to them. (26:6)
Muslims.’ (16:102) It (the Qur’an) is guidance and good news for the
This Qur’an guides to the most upright Way and believers. (27:2)
gives good news to the believers who do right ac- When Musa said to his people, ‘I can make out a
tions that they will have a large reward. (17:9) fire. I will bring you news from it or at least a
We have sent it down with truth and with truth it burning brand so that hopefully you will be able
has come down. We only sent you to bring good to warm yourselves.’ (27:7)
news and to give warning. (17:105) He Who guides you in the darkness of land and
It is straight, to warn of violent force direct from sea and sends out the winds bringing advance
Him, and to give the good news to the believers, news of His mercy. Is there another god besides
those who do right actions, that for them there is Allah? May Allah be exalted above what they as-
an excellent reward. (18:2) sociate with Him! (27:63)
We only send the Messengers to bring good news We recite to you with truth some news of Musa
and to give warning. Those who disbelieve use and Pharaoh for people who believe. (28:3)
fallacious arguments to deny the truth. They When Musa had fulfilled the appointed term and
504
had set off with his family, he noticed a fire from Say: ‘This (the Qur’an) is momentous news.’
one side of the Mount. He said to his family, ‘Stay (38:67)
here, I can see a fire. Hopefully I will bring you Those who shun the worship of false gods and
back some news from it or a burning branch from turn towards Allah will have good news. So give
the fire so that you will be able to warm your- good news to My servants. (39:17)
selves.’ (28:29) A Book whose verses have been demarcated for
Yet We produced further generations and ages people who know as an Arabic Qur'an, bringing
passed. Nor did you live among the people of good news and giving warning; but most of them
Madyan and recite Our Signs to them, yet We have turned away and do not hear. (41:3-4)
have sent you news of them. (28:45) That is the good news which Allah gives to His
When Our messengers came with the good news servants who believe and do right actions. Say: ‘I
to Ibrahim, they said, ‘We are going to destroy do not ask you for any wage for this–except for
the people of this city. Truly its inhabitants are you to love your near of kin. If anyone does a
wrongdoers.’ (29:31) good action, We will increase the good of it for
Among His Signs is that He sends the winds bear- him. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Thankful.’
ing good news, to give you a taste of His mercy, (42:23)
and to make the ships run by His command, and When any of them is given the good news of the
to enable you to seek His bounty so that hope- very thing which he himself has ascribed to the
fully you will be thankful. (30:46) All-Merciful his face darkens and he is furious.
When Our Signs are recited to such a person, he (43:17)
turns away arrogantly as if he had not heard, as if Woe to every wicked liar who hears the Signs of
there was a great weight in his ears. So give him Allah recited to him and then persists in his arro-
news of a painful punishment. (31:7) gance just as if he had never heard them. Give
They think that the Confederates have not de- him the news of a painful punishment. (45:7-8)
parted and if the Confederates did appear then But before it there was the Book of Musa as a
they would wish they were out in the desert with model and a mercy. And this is a corroborating
the Arabs, asking for news of you. If they were Book in the Arabic tongue so that you may warn
with you they would only fight a very little. those who do wrong, and as good news for the
(33:20) good-doers. (46:12)
O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, and a We will test you until We know the true fighters
bringer of good news and a warner. (33:45) among you and those who are steadfast and test
Give good news to the believers that they will re- what is reported of you. (47:31)
ceive immense favour from Allah. (33:47) We have sent you bearing witness, bringing good
We only sent you for the whole of mankind, news and giving warning. (48:8)
bringing good news and giving warning. But You who believe! If a deviator brings you a re-
most of mankind do not know it. (34:28) port, scrutinize it carefully in case you attack
We have sent you with the truth bringing good people in ignorance and so come to greatly re-
news and giving warning. There is no commu- gret what you have done. (49:6)
nity to which a warner has not come. (35:24) He (Ibrahim) felt afraid of them but they said, ‘Do
You can only warn those who act on the not be afraid!’ and gave him the good news of a
Reminder and fear the All-Merciful in the son imbued with knowledge. (51:28)
Unseen. Give them the good news of forgiveness News has come to them which contains a threat.
and a generous reward. (36:11) (54:4)
And We gave him the good news of a forbearing On the Day you see the men and women of the
boy. (37:101) believers, with their light streaming out in front of
We gave him the good news of Ishaq, a Prophet, them, and to their right: ‘Good news for you
one of the righteous. (37:112) today of Gardens with rivers flowing under them,
505
remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the name for evil conduct after coming to faith!
Great Victory.’ (57:12) Those people who do not turn from it are wrong-
And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Tribe of doers. (49:11)
Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, con-
firming the Torah which came before me and giv- NIGHT
ing you the good news of a Messenger after me And when We allotted to Musa forty nights. Then
whose name is Ahmad.’ When he brought them you adopted the Calf when he had gone and you
the Clear Signs, they said, ‘This is downright were wrongdoers. (2:51)
magic.’ (61:6) In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the
And other things you love: support from Allah alternation of the night and day, and the ships
and imminent victory. Give good news to the be- which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the
lievers! (61:13) water which Allah sends down from the sky–by
Has the news not reached you of those who dis- which He brings the earth to life when it was
believed before and tasted the evil consequences dead and scatters about in it creatures of every
of what they did? They will have a painful pun- kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and
ishment. (64:5) the clouds subservient between heaven and
(A band of the jinn said,) "We tried, as usual, to earth, there are Signs for people who use their in-
travel to heaven in search of news but found it tellect. (2:164)
filled with fierce guards and meteors." (72:8) On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have
About what are they asking one another? About sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth-
the momentous news: the thing about which ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that
they differ. (78:1-3) you have been betraying yourselves and He has
Give them the news of a painful punishment. turned towards you and excused you. Now you
(84:24) may have sexual intercourse with them and seek
Has news of the Overwhelmer reached you? what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink
(88:1) until you can clearly discern the white thread
On that Day it (the earth) will impart all its news. from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the
(99:4) fast until the night appears. But do not have sex-
ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat
NICHE in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. not go near them. In this way does Allah make
The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they
which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass will guard against evil. (2:187)
like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an Those of you who die leaving wives behind: they
olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all should wait by themselves for four months and
but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light ten nights. When their waiting period comes to
upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He an end, you are not to blame for anything they do
wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind with themselves with correctness and courtesy.
and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35) Allah is aware of what you do. (2:234)
Those who give away their wealth by night and
NICKNAME day, secretly and openly, will have their reward
You who believe! People should not ridicule oth- with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will
ers who may be better than themselves; nor know no sorrow. (2:274)
should any women ridicule other women who (Say, ‘O Allah!) You merge the night into the day.
may be better than themselves. And do not find You merge the day into the night. You bring out
fault with one another or insult each other with the living from the dead. You bring out the dead
derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a from the living. You provide for whoever You will

506
without any reckoning.’ (3:27) command. Both creation and command belong
They are not all the same. There is a community to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the
among the People of the Book who are upright. worlds. (7:54)
They recite Allah’s Signs throughout the night, Do the people of the cities feel secure against
and they prostrate. (3:113) Our violent force coming down on them in the
In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and night while they are asleep? (7:97)
the alternation of night and day, there are Signs We set aside thirty nights for Musa and then com-
for people with intelligence. (3:190) pleted them with ten, so the appointed time of
They have the word, ‘Obedience!’ on their his Lord was forty nights in all. Musa said to his
tongues but when they leave your presence, a brother Harun, ‘Take my place among my peo-
group of them spend the night plotting to do ple. Keep order and do not follow the way of the
other than what you say. Allah is recording their corrupters.’ (7:142)
nocturnal plotting. So let them be and put your In the alternation of night and day and what
trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:81) Allah has created in the heavens and the earth
They try to conceal themselves from people, but there are Signs for people who guard against evil.
they cannot conceal themselves from Allah. He (10:6)
is with them when they spend the night saying The metaphor of the life of this world is that of
things which are not pleasing to Him. Allah en- water which We send down from the sky, and
compasses everything they do. (4:108) which then mingles with the plants of the earth to
All that inhabits the night and the day belongs to provide food for both people and animals. Then,
Him. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. when the earth is at its loveliest and takes on its
(6:13) fairest guise and its people think they have it
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah’s punishment under their control, Our command comes upon
were to come upon you suddenly by night or it by night or day and We reduce it to dried-out
openly by day, would any but the wrongdoing stubble, as though it had not been flourishing just
people be destroyed?’ (6:47) the day before! In this way We make Our Signs
It is He Who takes you back to Himself at night, clear for people who reflect. (10:24)
while knowing the things you perpetrate by day, But as for those who have earned bad actions–a
and then wakes you up again, so that a specified bad action will be repaid with one the like of it.
term may be fulfilled. Then you will return to Debasement will darken them. They will have no
Him. Then He will inform you about what you one to protect them from Allah. It is as if their
did. (6:60) faces were covered by dark patches of the night.
When night covered him he (Ibrahim) saw a star Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining
and said, ‘This is my Lord!’ Then when it set he in it timelessly, for ever. (10:27)
said, ‘I do not love what sets.’ (6:76) Say: ‘What do you think? If His punishment came
It is He Who splits the sky at dawn, and appoints upon you by night or day, what part of it would
the night as a time of stillness and the sun and the evildoers then try to hasten?’ (10:50)
moon as a means of reckoning. That is what the It is He Who appointed the night for you, so that
Almighty, the All-Knowing has ordained. (6:96) you could rest in it, and the day for seeing. There
How many cities We have destroyed! Our vio- are certainly Signs in that for people who listen.
lent force came down on them during the night, (10:67)
or while they were asleep during the day. (7:4) They said, ‘Lut, we are messengers from your
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and Lord. They will not be able to get at you. Set out
the earth in six days and then settled Himself with your family–except for your wife–in the
firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the middle of the night and none of you should look
night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the back. What strikes them will strike her as well.
sun and moon and stars are subservient to His Their promised appointment is the morning. Is
507
the morning not close at hand?’ (11:81) three nights despite the fact that you are perfectly
Perform prayer at each end of the day and in the able to.’ (19:10)
first part of the night. Good actions eradicate bad They will not hear any prattling there–nothing
actions. This is a reminder for people who pay but ‘Peace’. They will receive their provision
heed. (11:114) there morning and night. (19:62)
It is He Who stretched out the earth and placed We revealed to Musa, ‘Travel with My servants
firmly embedded mountains and rivers in it and by night. Strike a dry path for them through the
made two types of every kind of fruit. He covers sea. Have no fear of being overtaken and do not
over day with night. There are Signs in that for be afraid.’ (20:77)
people who reflect. (13:3) So be steadfast in the face of what they say and
It makes no difference whether you keep secret glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of
what you say or voice it out loud, whether you the sun and before its setting. And glorify Him
hide in the night or go out in the day. (13:10) during part of the night and at both ends of the
And He has made the sun and moon subservient day, so that hopefully you will be pleased.
to you holding steady to their courses, and He (20:130)
has made the night and day subservient to you. They glorify Him by night and day, without ever
(14:33) flagging. (21:20)
(Messengers said to Lut,) ‘Travel with your family It is He Who created night and day and the sun
in the dead of night, following behind with them and moon, each one swimming in a sphere.
in front of you. None of you must look back. Go (21:33)
where you are ordered to.’ (15:65) Say: ‘Who will protect you night and day from
He has made night and day subservient to you, the All-Merciful?’ Yet they turn away from the re-
and the sun and moon and stars, all subject to membrance of their Lord. (21:42)
His command. There are certainly Signs in that And Dawud and Sulayman when they gave
for people who use their intellect. (16:12) judgement about the field, when the people’s
Glory be to Him Who took His servant on a jour- sheep strayed into it at night. We were Witness to
ney by night from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- their judgement. (21:78)
Haram) to the Further Mosque (Masjid al-Aqsa), That is because Allah merges night into day and
whose surroundings We have blessed, in order to merges day into night and because Allah is All-
show him some of Our Signs. He is the All- Hearing, All-Seeing. (22:61)
Hearing, the All-Seeing. (17:1) (The affluent will be told,) ‘My Signs were recited
We made the night and day two Signs. We blot- to you and you turned round on your heels, arro-
ted out the Sign of the night and made the Sign of gant towards it, talking arrant nonsense all night
the day a time for seeing so that you can seek long.’ (23:66-67)
favour from your Lord and will know the number It is He Who gives life and causes to die and His
of years and the reckoning of time. We have is the alternation of the night and day. So will you
made all things very clear. (17:12) not use your intellect? (23:80)
Perform prayer from the time the sun declines Allah revolves night and day. There is surely a
until the darkening of the night, and also the lesson in that for people with inner sight. (24:44)
recitation at dawn. The dawn recitation is cer- It is He Who made the night a cloak for you and
tainly witnessed. (17:78) sleep a rest, and He made the day a time for ris-
And stay awake for prayer during part of the ing. (25:47)
night as a supererogatory action for yourself. It It is He Who made night and day succeed each
may well be that your Lord will raise you to a other for those who want to pay heed or to give
Praiseworthy Station. (17:79) thanks. (25:62)
He (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord, give me a Sign.’ (The servants of the All-Merciful are) those who
He said, ‘Your Sign is not to speak to people for pass the night prostrating and standing before
508
their Lord; (25:64) into night, and He has made the sun and moon
We revealed to Musa: ‘Travel with Our servants subservient, each one running until a specified
by night. You will certainly be pursued.’ (26:52) time. That is Allah, your Lord. The Kingdom is
They said, ‘Let us make an oath to one another His. Those you call on besides Him have no
by Allah that we will fall on him and his family in power over even the smallest speck. (35:13)
the night and then say to his protector, "We did A Sign for them is the night: We peel the day
not witness the destruction of his family and we away from it and there they are in darkness.
are telling the truth."’ (27:49) (36:37)
Do they not see that We have made the night for It is not for the sun to overtake the moon nor for
them to rest in and the day for seeing? There are the night to outstrip the day; each one is swim-
certainly Signs in that for people who believe. ming in a sphere. (36:40)
(27:86) And you pass by them in the daytime and at
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah made it perma- night. So will you not use your intellect? (37:137-
nent night for you till the Day of Rising, what god 138)
is there other than Allah to bring you light? Do He created the heavens and the earth with truth.
you not then hear?’ (28:71) He wraps the night around the day and wraps the
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah made it perma- day around the night, and has made the sun and
nent day for you till the Day of Rising, what god moon subservient, each one running for a speci-
is there other than Allah to bring you night to rest fied term. Is He not indeed the Almighty, the
in? Do you not then see?’ (28:72) Endlessly Forgiving? (39:5)
But part of His mercy is that He has made both What of him who spends the night hours in
night and day for you so that you can have your prayer, prostrating and standing up, mindful of
rest and seek His bounty, and so that hopefully the hereafter, hoping for the mercy of his Lord?
you will be thankful. (28:73) Say: ‘Are they the same–those who know and
So glory be to Allah when you start the night and those who do not know?’ It is only people of in-
when you greet the day. (30:17) telligence who pay heed. (39:9)
Among His Signs is your sleep by night and day The Fire, morning and night, to which they are
and your seeking after His bounty. There are cer- exposed; and on the Day the Hour takes place:
tainly Signs in that for people who hear. (30:23) ‘Admit Pharaoh’s people to the harshest punish-
Do you not see that Allah makes night merge into ment!’ (40:46)
day and day merge into night, and that He has Allah is He Who appointed the night for you so
made the sun and moon subservient, each one that you might rest in it, and the day for seeing.
running for a specified time, and that Allah is Allah pours out His favour on mankind but most
aware of what you do? (31:29) people do not show thanks. (40:61)
We placed between them and the cities We had Among His Signs are the night and day and the
blessed other clearly conspicuous cities, making sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun nor to
them measured stages on the way: ‘Travel be- the moon. Prostrate to Allah Who created them,
tween them in safety by night and day.’ (34:18) if you worship Him. (41:37)
Those deemed weak will say to those deemed If they grow arrogant, those who are with your
great, ‘No, it was your scheming night and day Lord glorify Him night and day and never grow
when you commanded us to reject Allah and as- tired. (41:38)
sign equals to Him.’ But they will show their re- We sent it down on a blessed night; We are con-
morse when they see the punishment. We will stantly giving warning. (44:3)
put iron collars round the necks of those who dis- (We said to Musa,) ‘Set out with My servants by
believe. Will they be repaid for anything but night. You will certainly be pursued.’ (44:23)
what they did? (34:33) And in the alternation of night and day and the
He makes night merge into day and day merge provision Allah sends down from the sky, bring-
509
ing the earth to life by it after it has died, and the and by the night when it draws in, (81:17)
varying direction of the winds, there are Signs for and the night and all it shrouds, (84:17)
people who use their intellect. (45:5) By Heaven and the Night-Comer! (86:1)
And glorify Him during the night and after you And what will convey to you what the Night-
have prostrated. (50:40) Comer is? (86:2)
The part of the night they spent asleep was small. And (I swear by) ten nights. (89:2)
(51:17) And (I swear by) the night when it travels on.
And glorify Him in the night and when the stars (89:4)
fade out. (52:49) And (I swear by) the night when it conceals it.
He makes night merge into day and day merge (91:4)
into night. He knows what the heart contains. (I swear) by the night when it conceals. (92:1)
(57:6) And (I swear by) the night when it is still... (93:2)
Allah subjected them to it for seven whole nights Truly We sent it down on the Night of Power.
and eight whole days without a break. You could And what will convey to you what the Night of
see the people flattened in their homes just like Power is? The Night of Power is better than a
the hollow stumps of uprooted palms. (69:7) thousand months. (97:1-3)
He (Nuh) said, ‘My Lord, I have called my people
night and day.’ (71:5) NIGHT OF POWER
You who are enwrapped in your clothing! Stay (LAILAT UL-QADR)
up at night, except a little, half of it, or a little Truly We sent it down on the Night of Power.
less, or a little more, and recite the Qur’an dis- (97:1)
tinctly. (73:1-4) And what will convey to you what the Night of
Certainly rising at night has a stronger effect and Power is? (97:2)
is more conducive to concentration. (73:6) The Night of Power is better than a thousand
Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two- months. (97:3)
thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and In it the angels and the Spirit descend by their
a group of those with you. Allah determines the Lord’s authority with every ordinance. (97:4)
night and day. He knows you will not keep count It is Peace–until the coming of the dawn. (97:5)
of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as
much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows NIGHT-COMER
that some of you are ill and that others are travel- By Heaven and the Night-Comer! And what will
ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that convey to you what the Night-Comer is? (86:1-2)
others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite
as much of it as is easy for you. And perform NOAH (SEE NUH (AS))
prayer and give the alms and lend a generous
loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for NOON
yourselves you will find it with Allah as some- You who believe! Those you own as slaves and
thing better and as a greater reward. And seek those of you who have not yet reached puberty
forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, should ask your permission to enter at three
Most Merciful. (73:20) times: before the Dawn Prayer, when you have
And (I swear by) the night when it withdraws. undressed at noon, and after the Prayer of
(74:33) Night–three times of nakedness for you. There is
Prostrate to Him during the night and glorify Him nothing wrong for you or them at other times in
throughout the long night. (76:26) moving around among yourselves from one to
We made the night a cloak. (78:10) another. In this way Allah makes the Signs clear
He darkened its night and brought forth its morn- to you. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (24:58)
ing light. (79:29) Praise be to Him in the heavens and the earth, in
510
the afternoon and when you reach midday. Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs.
(30:18) Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged
themselves. (9:70)
NOT WASTING TIME Recite to them the story of Nuh when he said to
So when you have finished, work on. (94:7) his people, ‘My people, if my standing here and
reminding you of Allah’s Signs has become too
NUH (AS) (NOAH) much for you to bear, know that I have put my
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh trust in Allah. So decide, you and your gods, on
and the Prophets who came after him. And We what you want to do and be open about it. Do
revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and with me whatever you decide and do not keep me
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and waiting. If you turn your backs, I have not asked
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave you for any wage. My wage is the responsibility of
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) Allah alone. I am commanded to be one of the
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom Muslims.’ But they denied him so We rescued
We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh. him, and all those with him, in the Ark and We
And among his descendants were Dawud and made them the successors and We drowned the
Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun. people who denied Our Signs. See the final fate of
That is how We recompense the good-doers. those who were warned! (10:71-73)
(6:84) We sent Nuh to his people: ‘I am a clear warner
We sent Nuh to his people and he said, ‘My peo- to you. Worship none but Allah. I fear for you the
ple, worship Allah! You have no other god than punishment of a painful day.’ The ruling circle of
Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful those of his people who disbelieved said, ‘We do
Day.’ The ruling circle of his people said, ‘We see not see you as anything but a human being like
you in flagrant error.’ He said, ‘My people, I am ourselves. We do not see anyone following you
not in error at all but rather am a Messenger from but the lowest of us, unthinkingly. We do not see
the Lord of all the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s you as superior to us. On the contrary, we con-
Message to you and giving you good counsel, sider you to be liars.’ He said, ‘My people! What
and I know from Allah what you do not know. Or do you think? If I were to have clear evidence
are you astonished that a reminder should come from my Lord and He had given me a mercy di-
to you from your Lord by way of a man among rect from Him, but you were blind to it, could we
you, to warn you and make you guard against force it on you if you were unwilling? My people!
evil so that hopefully you will gain mercy?’ But I do not ask you for any wealth for it. My wage is
they denied him so We rescued him and those the responsibility of Allah alone. I will not chase
with him in the Ark. And We drowned the people away those who believe. They are surely going to
who denied Our Signs. They were a blind peo- meet their Lord. However, I see you as ignorant
ple. (7:59-64) people. My people! Who would help me against
(Hud said,) ‘Or are you astonished that a re- Allah if I did drive them away? So will you not
minder should come to you from your Lord by pay heed? I do not say to you that I possess the
way of a man among you in order to warn you? treasuries of Allah; nor do I know the Unseen;
Remember when He appointed you successors nor do I say that I am an angel; nor do I say to
to the people of Nuh, and increased you greatly those who are vile in your eyes that Allah will not
in stature. Remember Allah’s blessings, so that give them any good. Allah knows best what is in
hopefully you will be successful.’ (7:69) their hearts. If I did, I would certainly be one of
Has the news of those who came before them not the wrongdoers.’ They said, ‘Nuh, you have ar-
reached them, the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and gued with us and argued much so bring us what
Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in- you have promised us if you are telling the truth.’
habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities? He said, ‘Allah will bring it to you if He wills and
511
you will not be able to prevent it. My counsel something about which you have no knowledge.
will not benefit you, for all my desire to counsel I admonish you lest you should be among the ig-
you, if Allah desires to lead you into error. He is norant.’ He said, ‘My Lord, I seek refuge with You
your Lord and you will return to Him.’ Or do they from asking You for anything about which I have
say, ‘He has invented it’? Say: ‘If I have invented no knowledge. If You do not forgive me and have
it the crime will be laid at my door, but I am in- mercy on me, I will be among the lost.’ It was
nocent of the crimes which you commit.’ It was said, ‘Nuh, descend with peace from Us and
revealed to Nuh: ‘None of your people are going with blessings on you and on the nations which
to believe except for those who already believe, will issue from those who are with you. But there
so do not be distressed at what they do. Build the are nations to whom we will give enjoyment and
Ark under Our supervision and as We reveal and then a painful punishment from Us will afflict
do not address Me concerning the wrongdoers. them.’ That is some of the news of the Unseen
They shall be drowned.’ He began to build the which We reveal to you. Neither you nor your
Ark and every time some nobles of his people people knew it before this time. So be steadfast.
passed him by, they ridiculed him. He said, The best end result is for those who guard against
‘Though you ridicule us now, we will certainly evil. (11:25-49)
ridicule you as you do us. You will soon know (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘My people! Do not let your
who will receive a punishment which disgraces breach with me provoke you into doing wrong so
him and find unleashed against himself an ever- that the same thing happens to you as happened
lasting punishment.’ So when Our command to the people of Nuh and the people of Hud and
came, and water bubbled up from the earth, We the people of Salih; and the people of Lut are not
said, ‘Load into it a pair of every species, and far distant from you.’ (11:89)
your family–except for those against whom the Has news not reached you of those who came
Word was preordained–and all who believe.’ But before you, the peoples of Nuh and ‘Ad and
those who believed with him were only few. He Thamud, and those who came after them who
said, ‘Embark in it. In the name of Allah be its are known to no one but Allah? Their Messengers
voyage and its landing! Truly my Lord is Ever- came to them with Clear Signs, but they put their
Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ It sailed with them hands to their mouths, saying, ‘We reject what
through mountainous waves, and Nuh called out you have been sent with. We have grave doubts
to his son, who had kept himself apart, ‘My son! about what you are calling us to.’ (14:9)
Come on board with us. Do not stay with the dis- Descendants of those We carried with Nuh. He
believers!’ He said, ‘I will take refuge on a moun- was a grateful servant. (17:3)
tain; It will protect me from the flood.’ He said, How many generations We destroyed after Nuh!
‘There is no protection from Allah’s command Your Lord is well able to be aware of and see the
today except for those He has mercy on.’ The wrong actions of His servants! (17:17)
waves surged in between them and he was Those are some of the Prophets Allah has
among the drowned. It was said, ‘Earth, swallow blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from
up your water!’ and, ‘Heaven, hold back your those We carried with Nuh, and from the descen-
rain!’ And the water subsided and the affair was dants of Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We
concluded and the Ark came to land on al-Judi. guided and chose. When the Signs of the All-
And it was said, ‘Away with the people of the Merciful were recited to them they fell on their
wrongdoers!’ Nuh called out to his Lord and faces, weeping, in prostration. (19:58)
said, ‘My Lord, my son is one of my family and And Nuh, when he called out before and We re-
Your promise is surely the truth and You are the sponded to him and rescued him and his family
Justest of Judges.’ He said, ‘Nuh, he is definitely from the terrible plight. We helped him against
not of your family. He is someone whose action the people who rejected Our Signs. They were
was not righteous. Do not, therefore, ask Me for an evil people and We drowned them, every
512
one. (21:76-77) said, ‘Nuh, if you do not desist you will be
If they deny you, the people of Nuh before them stoned.’ He said, ‘My Lord, my people have de-
denied him and those of ‘Ad and of Thamud. nied me so make a clear judgement between me
(22:42) and them and rescue me and the believers who
We sent Nuh to his people and he said, ‘My peo- are with me.’ So We rescued him and those with
ple, worship Allah. You have no god other than him in the loaded ship. Then afterwards We
Him. So will you not guard against evil?’ The rul- drowned the rest. There is certainly a Sign in that,
ing circle of those of his people who disbelieved yet most of them are not believers. (26:105-121)
said, ‘This is nothing but a human being like We sent Nuh to his people and he remained
yourselves who simply wants to gain ascendancy among them for fifty short of a thousand years;
over you. If Allah had wanted He would have yet the Flood engulfed them while they were
sent angels down. We never heard of anything wrongdoers. We rescued him and the occupants
like this among our ancestors, the earlier peo- of the Ark and made that into a Sign for all the
ples. He is nothing but a man possessed so wait a worlds. (29:14-15)
while and see what happens to him.’ He said, When We made a covenant with all the
‘My Lord, help me because of their calling me a Prophets–with you and with Nuh and Ibrahim
liar!’ We revealed to him: ‘Build the Ship under and Musa and ‘Isa son of Maryam–We made a
Our supervision and as We reveal. When Our binding covenant with them. (33:7)
command comes and water bubbles up from the Nuh called out to Us and what an excellent
earth, load into it a pair of every species, and Responder We are! We rescued him and his fam-
your family–except for those among them against ily from the terrible plight and made his descen-
whom the word has already gone ahead. And do dants the survivors; and We left the later people
not address Me concerning those who do wrong. to say of him: ‘Peace be upon Nuh among all be-
They shall be drowned. When you and those ings!’ That is how we recompense the good-
with you are settled in the Ship, then say: "Praise doers. He truly was one of Our servants who are
be to Allah Who has rescued us from the people believers. Then We drowned the rest. One of his
of the wrongdoers!" And say: "My Lord, land me followers in faith was Ibrahim. (37:75-83)
in a blessed landing-place. You are the best The people of Nuh denied the truth before them,
Bringer to Land."’ There are Signs in that. We are and the Confederates after them. Every nation
always putting people to the test. (23:23-30) planned to seize its Messenger and used false ar-
And when the people of Nuh denied the guments to rebut the truth. So I seized them, and
Messengers, We drowned them and made them how was My retribution! (40:5)
a Sign for all mankind. We have prepared a The man who believed said, ‘My people! I fear
painful punishment for the wrongdoers. (25:37) for you a day like that of the Confederates, the
The people of Nuh denied the Messengers. same as happened to the people of Nuh and ‘Ad
When their brother Nuh said to them, ‘Will you and Thamud and those who followed after them.
not guard against evil? I am a faithful Messenger Allah does not want any injustice for His ser-
to you so have fear of Allah and obey me. I do vants.’ (40:30-31)
not ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the He has laid down the same religion for you as He
responsibility of no one but the Lord of all the enjoined on Nuh: that which We have revealed
worlds. So have fear of Allah and obey me’, they to you and which We enjoined on Ibrahim, Musa
said, ‘Why should we believe you when the and ‘Isa: ‘Establish the religion and do not make
vilest people follow you?’ He said, ‘What do I divisions in it.’ What you call the idolaters to fol-
know about what they have been doing? Their low is very hard for them. Allah chooses for
reckoning is the concern of my Lord alone if you Himself anyone He willsa nd guides to Himself
were but aware. I am not going to chase away those who turn to Him. (42:13)
the believers, I am only a clear warner.’ They Before them the people of Nuh also denied the
513
truth and the Companions of Rass and Thamud. and grant you gardens and grant you waterways.
(50:12) What is the matter with you that you do not hope
And the people of Nuh before, they were a peo- for honour from Allah, when He created you by
ple of deviators. (51:46) successive stages? Do you not see how He cre-
And the people of Nuh before–they were most ated seven heavens in layers, and placed the
unjust and exorbitant. (53:52) moon as a light in them and made the sun a blaz-
Before them the people of Nuh denied the truth. ing lamp? Allah caused you to grow from the
They denied Our servant, saying, ‘He is mad- earth then will return you to it and bring you out
man,’ and he was driven away with jeers. He again. Allah has spread the earth out as a carpet
called upon his Lord: ‘I am overwhelmed, so for you so that you could use its wide valleys as
help me!’ So We opened the gates of heaven with roadways."’ Nuh said, ‘My Lord, they have dis-
torrential water and made the earth burst forth obeyed me and followed those whose wealth
with gushing springs. And the waters met to- and children have only increased them in loss.
gether in a way which was decreed. We bore They have hatched a mighty plot saying, "Do not
him on a planked and well-caulked ship, which abandon your gods. Do not abandon Wadd or
ran before Our eyes–a reward for him who had Suwa‘ or Yaghuth or Ya‘uq or Nasr. They have
been rejected. We left it as a Sign. But is there misguided many people. Do not increase the
any rememberer there? How terrible were My wrongdoers in anything but misguidance!’
punishment and warnings! (54:9-16) Because of their errors they were drowned and
We sent Nuh and Ibrahim and placed put into the Fire. They found no one to help them
Prophethood and the Book among their descen- besides Allah. Nuh said, ‘My Lord! Do not leave
dants. Some of them are guided but many of a single one of the disbelievers on earth! If You
them are deviators. (57:26) leave any they will misguide Your servants and
Allah has made an example for those who disbe- spawn nothing but more dissolute disbelievers.
lieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and all who
were married to two of Our servants who were enter my house as believers, and all the men and
righteous but they betrayed them and were not women of the believers. But do not increase the
helped at all against Allah. They were told, ‘Enter wrongdoers except in ruin!’ (71:1-28)
the Fire along with all who enter it.’ (66:10)
We sent Nuh to his people: ‘Warn your people NURSING
before a painful punishment comes to them.’ He Mothers should nurse their children for two full
said, ‘My people, I am a clear warner to you. years–those who wish to complete the full term
Worship Allah, have fear of Him and obey me. of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and
He will forgive you your wrong actions and defer clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no
you until a specified time. When Allah’s time self is charged with more than it can bear. No
comes it cannot be deferred, if you only knew.’ mother should be put under pressure in respect
He said, ‘My Lord, I have called my people night of her child nor any father in respect of his child.
and day but my calling has only made them The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the
more evasive. Indeed, every time I called them to couple both wish weaning to take place after
Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their mutual agreement and consultation, there is
ears, wrapped themselves up in their clothes and nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to
were overweeningly arrogant. Then I called them find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth-
openly. Then I addressed them publicly and ad- ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand
dressed them privately. I said, "Ask forgiveness of over to them what you have agreed to give with
your Lord. Truly He is Endlessly Forgiving. He correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and
will send heaven down on you in abundant rain know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233)
and reinforce you with more wealth and sons, On the day they see it, every nursing woman will
514
be oblivious of the baby at her breast, and every
pregnant woman will abort the contents of her
womb, and you will think people drunk when
they are not drunk; it is just that the punishment
of Allah is so severe. (22:2)

515
O light that the two of them have merited the alle-
gation of wrongdoing, two others who have the
OATH most right to do so should take their place and
Do not, by your oaths, make Allah a pretext to swear by Allah: ‘Our testimony is truer than their
avoid good action and guarding against evil and testimony. We have not committed perjury. If we
putting things right between people. Allah is All- had we would indeed be wrongdoers.’ That
Hearing, All-Knowing. (2:224) makes it more likely that they will give their evi-
Allah will not take you to task for inadvertent dence properly or be afraid that their oaths will
statements in your oaths, but He will take you to be refuted by subsequent oaths. Have fear of
task for the intention your hearts have made. Allah and listen carefully. Allah does not guide
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:225) deviant people. (5:106-108)
Those who swear to abstain from sexual relations They have sworn by Allah with their most earnest
with their wives can wait for a period of up to oaths that if a Sign comes to them they will be-
four months. If they then retract their oath, Allah lieve in it. Say: ‘The Signs are in Allah’s control
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:226) alone.’ What will make you realise that even if a
Those who sell Allah’s contract and their own Sign did come, they would still not believe?
oaths for a paltry price, such people will have no (6:109)
portion in the hereafter and on the Day of Rising If they break their oaths after making their treaty
Allah will not speak to them or look at them or and defame your religion, then fight the leaders
purify them. They will have a painful punish- of disbelief–they have no binding oaths–so that
ment. (3:77) hopefully they will stop. (9:12)
Those who believe say, ‘Are these the people Will you not fight a people who have broken
who swore by Allah, with their most earnest their oaths and resolved to expel the Messenger,
oaths, that they were with you?’ Their actions and who initiated hostilities against you in the
have come to nothing and they now are losers. first place? Is it them you fear? Allah has more
(5:53) right to your fear if you are believers. (9:13)
Allah does not take you to task for your inadver- They swear by Allah with their most earnest
tent oaths, but He will take you to task for oaths oaths that Allah will not raise up those who die,
you make intentionally. The expiation in that when, on the contrary, it is a binding promise on
case is to feed ten poor people with the average Him; but most people do not know it. (16:38)
amount you feed your family, or clothe them, or Be true to Allah’s contract when you have agreed
free a slave. Anyone without the means to do so to it, and do not break your oaths once they are
should fast three days. That is the expiation for confirmed and you have made Allah your guar-
breaking oaths when you have sworn them. Keep antee. Allah knows what you do. (16:91)
your oaths. In this way Allah makes His Signs Do not be like a woman who spoils the thread
clear to you, so that hopefully you will be thank- she has spun by unravelling it after it is strong, by
ful. (5:89) making your oaths a means of deceiving one an-
You who believe! When one of you is near to other, merely because one community is bigger
death and makes a will, two just men from than another. Allah is only testing you by this. He
among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are will make clear to you on the Day of Rising the
travelling when the misfortune of death occurs, things about which you differed. (16:92)
two men who are strangers to you. You should Do not make your oaths a means of deceiving
detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful, one another or your foot will slip after it was
they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it firmly placed and you will taste evil for barring
for any price, even to a near relative, and we will access to the Way of Allah and you will have a
not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we terrible punishment. (16:94)
would indeed be wrongdoers.’ If it then comes to They have sworn by Allah with their most earnest
516
oaths that if you give them the command, they No indeed! He is obdurate about Our Signs.
will go out. Say: ‘Do not swear. Honourable obe- (74:16)
dience is enough. Allah is aware of what you do.’
(24:53) OBEDIENCE / DISOBEDIENCE
They swore by Allah with their most earnest TO THE MESSENGERS, AND THE
oaths that if a warner came to them they would OBLIGATION OF THE MESSENGERS
be better guided than any other community. But Say, ‘Obey Allah and the Messenger.’ Then if
then when a warner did come to them, it only in- they turn away, Allah does not love the disbeliev-
creased their aversion. (35:42) ers. (3:32)
And I swear by the falling of the stars–and that is Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were
a mighty oath if you only knew. (56:75-76) slaughtering them by His permission. But then
They made their oaths into a cloak and barred you faltered, disputing the command, and dis-
the Way of Allah, so they will have a humiliating obeyed after He showed you what you love.
punishment. (58:16) Among you are those who want this world and
They have made their oaths into a cloak and among you are those who want the hereafter.
barred the Way of Allah. What they have done is Then He turned you from them in order to test
truly evil. (63:2) you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows
Allah has made the expiation of your oaths oblig- favour to the believers. (3:152)
atory for you. Allah is your Master–He is the All- Allah showed great kindness to the believers
Knowing, the All-Wise. (66:2) when He sent a Messenger to them from among
But do not obey any vile swearer of oaths, themselves to recite His Signs to them and purify
(68:10) them and teach them the Book and Wisdom,
Or do you have oaths which bind Us, extending even though before that they were clearly mis-
to the Day of Rising, that you will have whatever guided. (3:164)
you decide? (68:39) These are Allah’s limits. As for those who obey
Is there not in that an oath for the intelligent? Allah and His Messenger, We will admit them
(89:5) into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, re-
maining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the
OBDURATE Great Victory. (4:13)
The desert arabs are more obdurate in disbelief As for those who disobey Allah and His
and hypocrisy and more likely not to know the Messenger and overstep His limits, We will
limits which Allah has sent down to His admit them into a Fire, remaining in it timelessly,
Messenger. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. for ever. They will have a humiliating punish-
(9:97) ment. (4:14)
Some of the desert Arabs around you are hyp- Some of the Jews distort the true meaning of
ocrites and some of the people of Madina are ob- words, saying, ‘We hear and disobey,’ and ‘Listen
durate in their hypocrisy. You do not know them without listening,’ and ‘Listen to us!’ twisting
but We know them. We will punish them twice them with their tongues, disparaging the religion.
over and then they will be returned to a terrible If they had said, ‘We hear and we obey,’ and
punishment. (9:101) ‘Listen,’ and, ‘Look at us!’ that would have been
That was ‘Ad. They denied the Signs of their Lord better for them and more upright. But Allah has
and disobeyed His Messengers and followed the cursed them for their disbelief. Very few of them
command of every obdurate tyrant. (11:59) believe. (4:46)
They asked for Allah’s victory, and every obdu- You who believe! Obey Allah and obey the
rate tyrant failed. (14:15) Messenger and those in command among you. If
(The Guards of Hell will be told,) ‘Hurl into Hell you have a dispute about something, refer it back
every obdurate disbeliever.’ (50:24) to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in
517
Allah and the Last Day. That is the best thing to which were around them. Those who believe in
do and gives the best result. (4:59) him and honour him and help him, and follow
We sent no Messenger except to be obeyed by the Light that has been sent down with him, they
Allah’s permission. If only when they wronged are the ones who are successful.’ (7:157)
themselves they had come to you and asked They will ask you about booty. Say: ‘Booty be-
Allah’s forgiveness and the Messenger had asked longs to Allah and the Messenger. So have fear of
forgiveness for them they would have found Allah and put things right between you. Obey
Allah Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (4:64) Allah and His Messenger if you are believers.’
No, by your Lord, they are not believers until (8:1)
they make you their judge in the disputes that You who believe! Obey Allah and His
break out between them, and then find no resist- Messenger. And do not turn away from him
ance within themselves to what you decide and when you are able to hear. (8:20)
submit themselves completely. (4:65) Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not quar-
Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah. rel among yourselves lest you lose heart and your
If anyone turns away, we did not send you to momentum disappear. And be steadfast. Allah is
them as their keeper. (4:80) with the steadfast. (8:46)
When news of any matter reaches them they Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah
spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or and His Messenger, will have the Fire of Hell, re-
disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to maining in it timelessly, for ever? That is the great
the Messenger and those in command among disgrace. (9:63)
them, those among them able to discern the truth The men and women of the believers are friends
about it would have had proper knowledge of it. of one another. They command what is right and
If it were not for Allah’s favour to you and His forbid what is wrong, and perform prayer and
mercy, all but a very few of you would have fol- give the alms, and obey Allah and His
lowed Satan. (4:83) Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah
But if anyone opposes the Messenger after the will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
guidance has become clear to him, and follows (9:71)
other than the path of the believers, We will hand It was not for people of Madina, and the desert
him over to whatever he has turned to, and We arabs around them, to remain behind the
will roast him in Hell. What an evil destination! Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to
(4:115) him. That is because no thirst or weariness or
Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and be- hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor
ware! If you turn your backs, know that Our will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe-
Messenger is only responsible for clear transmis- lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy,
sion. (5:92) without a right action being written down for
Children of Adam! If Messengers come to you them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of
from among yourselves, recounting My Signs to the good-doers go to waste. (9:120)
you, those who guard against evil and put things Harun had earlier said to them, ‘My people! It is
right, will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. just a trial for you. Your Lord is the All-Merciful,
(7:35) so follow me and obey my command!’ (20:90)
(Allah said, ‘Believers are) those who follow the They say, ‘We believe in Allah and in the
Messenger, the Ummi, whom they find written Messenger and we obey.’ Then after that a group
down with them in the Torah and the Gospel, of them turn away. Such people are not believ-
commanding them to do right and forbidding ers. (24:47)
them to do wrong, making good things lawful for The reply of the believers when they are sum-
them and bad things forbidden for them, reliev- moned to Allah and His Messenger so that he
ing them of their heavy loads and the chains can judge between them, is to say, ‘We hear and
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we obey.’ They are ones who are successful. me.’ (26:179)
(24:51) You have an excellent model in the Messenger of
All who obey Allah and His Messenger and have Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the
awe of Allah and fear of Him, they are the ones Last Day and remember Allah much. (33:21)
who are victorious. (24:52) When Allah and His Messenger have decided
They have sworn by Allah with their most earnest something it is not for any man or woman of the
oaths that if you give them the command, they believers to have a choice about it. Anyone who
will go out. Say: ‘Do not swear. Honourable obe- disobeys Allah and His Messenger is clearly mis-
dience is enough. Allah is aware of what you do.’ guided. (33:36)
(24:53) They will say on the Day their faces are rolled
Say: ‘Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. Then over in the Fire, ‘If only we had obeyed Allah and
if they turn away he is only responsible for what obeyed the Messenger!’ (33:66)
he is charged with and you are responsible for He will put your actions right for you and forgive
what you are charged with. If you obey him, you you your wrong deeds. All who obey Allah and
will be guided.’ The Messenger is only responsi- His Messenger have won a mighty victory.
ble for clear transmission. (24:54) (33:71)
Perform prayer and give the alms and obey the You who believe! Obey Allah and obey the
Messenger so that hopefully mercy will be Messenger. Do not make your actions of no
shown to you. (24:56) worth. (47:33)
The believers are those who believe in Allah and Those who pledge you their allegiance pledge al-
His Messenger and who, when they are with him legiance to Allah. Allah’s hand is over their
on a matter of common concern, do not leave hands. He who breaks his pledge only breaks it
until they have asked him for permission. Those against himself. But as for him who fulfils the
people who ask you for permission are the ones contract he has made with Allah, We will pay
who truly believe in Allah and His Messenger. If him an immense reward. (48:10)
they ask your permission to attend to their own The desert Arabs say, ‘We believe.’ Say: ‘You do
affairs, give permission to any of them you not believe. Say rather, "We have become
please; and ask Allah’s forgiveness for them. Muslim," for faith has not yet entered into your
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:62) hearts. If you obey Allah and His Messenger, He
Do not make the Messenger’s summoning of you will not undervalue your actions in any way.
the same as your summoning of one another. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (49:14)
Allah knows those of you who sneak away. Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger will
Those who oppose his command should beware be subdued and overcome as those before them
of a testing trial coming to them or a painful pun- were also subdued and overcome. We have sent
ishment striking them. (24:63) down Clear Signs. The disbelievers will have a
(Nuh said,) ‘So have fear of Allah and obey me.’ humiliating punishment. (58:5)
(26:108, 26:110) Do you not see those who were forbidden to
(Hud said,) ‘So have fear of Allah and obey me.’ confer together secretly returning to the very
(26:126, 26:131) thing they were forbidden to do, and conferring
(Salih said,) ‘So have fear of Allah and obey me.’ together secretly in wrongdoing and enmity and
(26:144) disobedience to the Messenger? And when they
(Salih said,) ‘So have fear of Allah and obey me. come to you they greet you with words Allah has
Do not obey the orders of the profligate.’ never used in greeting you, and say to them-
(26:150-151) selves ‘Why does Allah not punish us for what
(Lut said,) ‘So have fear of Allah and obey me.’ we say?’ Hell will be enough for them! They will
(26:163) roast in it. What an evil destination! (58:8)
(Shu‘ayb said,) ‘So have fear of Allah and obey Are you afraid to give gifts of charity before your
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private consultation? If you do not and Allah everything in the heavens and earth belongs to
turns to you, at least perform prayer and give the Him. Everything is obedient to Him. (2:116)
alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah is Say, ‘Do you argue with us about Allah when He
aware of what you do. (58:13) is our Lord and your Lord? We have our actions
Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, and you have your actions. We act for Him
such people will be among the most abased. alone.’ (2:139)
(58:20) Safeguard the prayer–especially the middle one.
You will not find people who believe in Allah Stand in obedience to Allah. (2:238)
and the Last Day having love for anyone who op- The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, the
poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be givers, and those who seek forgiveness before
their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their dawn. (3:17)
clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo- (The angels said,) ‘Maryam, obey your Lord and
ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit prostrate and bow with those who bow.’ (3:43)
from Him and admit them into Gardens with Men have charge of women because Allah has
rivers flowing under them, remaining in them preferred the one above the other and because
timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them they spend their wealth on them. Right-acting
and they are pleased with Him. Such people are women are obedient (to Allah), guarding the un-
the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah seen as Allah has guarded. If there are women
who are successful. (58:22) whose disobedience you fear, you may admon-
That is because they were entrenched in hostility ish them, refuse to sleep with them, and then
towards Allah and His Messenger. If anyone is beat them. But if they obey you, do not look for a
hostile towards Allah, Allah is Severe in way to punish them. Allah is All-High, Most
Retribution. (59:4) Great. (4:34)
It is He Who raised up among the unlettered peo- Everyone in the heavens and earth belongs to
ple a Messenger from them to recite His Signs to Him. All are submissive to Him. (30:26)
them and purify them and teach them the Book But those of you who are obedient to Allah and
and Wisdom, even though before that they were His Messenger and act rightly will be given their
clearly misguided. (62:2) reward twice over; and We have prepared gener-
Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. But if you ous provision for them. (33:31)
turn your backs, the Messenger is only responsi- Men and women who are Muslims, men and
ble for clear transmission. (64:12) women who are believers, men and women who
So have fear of Allah, as much as you are able to, are obedient, men and women who are truthful,
and listen and obey and spend for your own ben- men and women who are steadfast, men and
efit. It is the people who are safe-guarded from women who are humble, men and women who
the avarice of their own selves who are success- give charity, men and women who fast, men and
ful. (64:16) women who guard their chastity, men and
(Allah has sent down) a Messenger reciting women who remember Allah much: Allah has
Allah’s Clear Signs to you to bring those who be- prepared forgiveness for them and an immense
lieve and do right actions out of the darkness into reward. (33:35)
the Light. Whoever believes in Allah and acts It may be that if he does divorce you, his Lord
rightly, We will admit him into Gardens with will give him in exchange better wives than you:
rivers flowing under them remaining in them Muslim women, believing women, obedient
timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah has provided women, penitent women, women who worship,
for him excellently! (65:11) women who fast much–previously married
women as well as virgins. (66:5)
OBEDIENCE TO ALLAH And Maryam, the daughter of ‘Imran, who
They say, ‘Allah has a son.’ Glory be to Him! No, guarded her chastity–We breathed Our Spirit into
520
her and she confirmed the Words of her Lord and of Allah have gone very far astray. (4:167)
His Book and was one of the obedient. (66:12) You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
OBSCENITY animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
And Lut, when he said to his people, ‘Do you for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
commit an obscenity not perpetrated before you pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
by anyone in all the worlds? (7:80) is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
When Lut said to his people, ‘You are commit- a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
ting an obscenity not perpetrated before you by (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
anyone in all the worlds.’ (29:28) the limits. Help each other to goodness and
heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
OBSTRUCT ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se-
Who could do greater wrong than someone who vere in retribution. (5:2)
bars access to the mosques of Allah, preventing Satan wants to stir up enmity and hatred between
His name from being remembered in them, and you by means of wine and gambling, and to
goes about destroying them? Such people will debar you from remembrance of Allah and from
never be able to enter them–except in fear. They prayer. Will you not then give them up? (5:91)
will have disgrace in this world and in the here- The Companions of the Garden will call out to
after they will have a terrible punishment. (2:114) the Companions of the Fire, ‘We have found that
They will ask you about the Sacred Month and what our Lord promised us is true. Have you
fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat- found that what your Lord promised you is true?’
ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re- They will say, ‘Yes, we have!’ Between them a
jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred herald will proclaim: ‘May the curse of Allah be
Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo- on the wrongdoers, those who bar access to the
ple from it are far more serious in the sight of Way of Allah, seeking in it something crooked,
Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will and reject the hereafter.’ (7:44-45)
not stop fighting you until they make you revert Do not lie in wait on every pathway, threatening
from your religion, if they are able. As for any of people, barring those who believe from the Way
you who revert from their religion and die disbe- of Allah, seeking in it something crooked.
liever, their actions will come to nothing in this Remember when you were few and He in-
world and the hereafter. They are the creased your number: see the final fate of the
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- corrupters! (7:86)
lessly, for ever. (2:217) But why should Allah not punish them now
Say, ‘People of the Book, why do you bar those when they bar access to the Sacred Mosque
who believe from the Way of Allah, seeking in it (Masjid al-Haram)? They are not its guardians.
something crooked, when you yourselves are Only people who guard against evil can be its
witnesses to it? Allah is not unaware of what you guardians. But most of them do not know that.
do.’ (3:99) (8:34)
Some of them believe in him, and some bar ac- Those who disbelieve spend their wealth barring
cess to him. Hell will suffice as a Searing Blaze! access to the Way of Allah. They will spend it;
(4:55) then they will regret it; then they will be over-
Because of wrongdoing on the part of the Jews, thrown. Those who disbelieve will be gathered
We made forbidden for them some good things into Hell. (8:36)
which had previously been lawful for them; and Do not be like those who left their homes in arro-
because of their obstructing many people from gance, showing off to people and barring them
the Way of Allah. (4:160) from the way of Allah–Allah encompasses what
Those who disbelieve and bar access to the Way they do. (8:47)
521
They have sold Allah’s Signs for a paltry price, terrible punishment. (16:94)
and they have barred access to His Way. What Do not let those who have no faith in it and fol-
they have done is truly evil. (9:9) low their whims and desires debar you from it or
You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks you will be destroyed. (20:16)
devour people’s property under false pretences Those who disbelieve and bar access to the Way
and bar people from access to the Way of Allah. of Allah and to the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-
As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do Haram) which We have appointed for all
not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the mankind–equally for those who live near it and
news of a painful punishment. (9:34) those who come from far away–those who desire
... Allah’s curse is on the wrongdoers, those who to profane it with wrongdoing, We will let them
bar access to the way of Allah seeking in it some- taste a painful punishment. (22:25)
thing crooked and reject the hereafter. (11:18-19) They are debarred from hearing it. (26:212)
The woman whose house it was solicited him (The hoopoe said,) ‘I found both her and her peo-
(Yusuf). She barred the doors and said, ‘Come ple prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. Satan
over here!’ He said, ‘Allah is my refuge! He is My has made their actions seem good to them and
lord and has been good to me with where I live. debarred them from the Way so they are not
Those who do wrong will surely not succeed.’ guided.’ (27:24)
(12:23) Do not let them debar you from Allah’s Signs
What then of Him Who is standing over every after they have been sent down to you. Call peo-
self seeing everything it does? Yet still they asso- ple to your Lord and on no account be one of the
ciate others with Allah! Say: ‘Name them! Or idolaters. (28:87)
would you inform Him of something in the earth And ‘Ad and Thamud–it must be clear to you
He does not know, or are they words which are from their dwelling places! Satan made their ac-
simply guesswork on your part?’ However, the tions seem good to them and so debarred them
plotting of those who disbelieve seems good to from the Way, even though they were intelligent
them and they bar the way. Anyone misguided people. (29:38)
by Allah has no guide. (13:33) Allah knows the obstructers among you and
(Woe to) those who prefer the life of this world to those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and
the hereafter, and bar access to the way of Allah, who only come to fight a very little, (33:18)
seeking in it something crooked; they are greatly Those deemed great will say to those deemed
misguided. (14:3) weak, ‘Did we debar you from the guidance
Their Messengers said, ‘Is there any doubt about when it came to you? No, it is you who were
Allah, the Bringer into Being of the heavens and evildoers.’ (34:32)
the earth? He summons you to forgive you for When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, they
your wrong actions and to defer you until a spec- say, ‘This is nothing but a man who wants to
ified time.’ They said, ‘You are nothing but debar you from what your fathers used to wor-
human beings like ourselves who want to debar ship.’ They say, ‘This is nothing but an invented
us from what our fathers worshipped; so bring us lie.’ Those who disbelieve say to the truth when it
a clear authority.’ (14:10) comes to them, ‘This is nothing but downright
As for those who disbelieved and barred access magic.’ (34:43)
to the way of Allah, We will heap punishment on Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that
top of their punishment because of the corrup- perhaps I may gain means of access, access to
tion they brought about. (16:88) the heavens, so that I can look on Musa’s God.
Do not make your oaths a means of deceiving Truly I think he is a liar.’ That is how Pharaoh’s
one another or your foot will slip after it was evil actions were made attractive to him and he
firmly placed and you will taste evil for barring debarred others from the Path. Pharaoh’s schem-
access to the Way of Allah and you will have a ing led to nothing but ruin. (40:36-37)
522
They debar them from the path, yet they still the exchange the wrongdoers make! (18:50)
think they are guided. (43:37) And We will unite those who believed with their
Do not let Satan bar your way. He truly is an out- offspring, who followed them in faith, and We
right enemy to you. (43:62) will not undervalue their own actions in any
As for those who disbelieve and bar others from way. Every man is in pledge for what he earned.
the Way of Allah, Allah will make their actions (52:21)
go astray. (47:1)
Those who disbelieve and obstruct the Way of OIL
Allah and are entrenched in hostility towards the By means of it (water) We produce gardens of
Messenger after the guidance has become clear dates and grapes for you, in which there are
to them, do not harm Allah in any way and He many fruits for you and from which you eat, and
makes their actions come to nothing. (47:32) a tree springing forth from Mount Sinai yielding
Those who disbelieve and obstruct the Way of oil and a seasoning to those who eat. (23:19-20)
Allah, and then die disbeliever, Allah will not for- Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.
give them. (47:34) The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in
They are those who disbelieved and debarred which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass
you from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an
and prevented the sacrifice from reaching its olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all
proper place, and had it not been for some men but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light
and women who are believers, whom you did upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He
not know and might trample underfoot, and so wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind
unknowingly incur blame on their account–so and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35)
that Allah might admit into His mercy those He When heaven is split apart and goes red like
wills–and had those among them who disbelieve dregs of oil. (55:37)
been clearly distinguishable, We would have
punished them with a painful punishment. OLD AGE
(48:25) Would any of you like to have a garden of dates
They made their oaths into a cloak and barred and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and
the Way of Allah, so they will have a humiliating containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken
punishment. (58:16) with old age and have children who are weak,
They have made their oaths into a cloak and and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to
barred the Way of Allah. What they have done is come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In
truly evil. (63:2) this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so
that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266)
OFFSPRING He said, ‘My Lord, how can I possibly have a son
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of when I have reached old age and my wife is bar-
my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti- ren?’ He said, ‘It will be so. Allah does whatever
vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer! He wills.’ (3:40)
Make the hearts of mankind incline towards She said, ‘Woe is me! How can I give birth when
them and provide them with fruits, so that hope- I am an old woman and my husband here is an
fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37) aged man? This is indeed an astonishing thing!’
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- (11:72)
selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep- They said, ‘Your Eminence! He has an old and
tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and venerable father, so take one of us instead of him.
wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do We see without a doubt that you are of the peo-
you take him and his offspring as protectors apart ple who do good.’ (12:78)
from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is (Ibrahim said,) ‘Praise be to Allah Who, despite
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my old age, has given me Isma‘il and Ishaq. My sheep. You see our father is a very old man.’
Lord is the Hearer of Prayer.’ (14:39) (28:23)
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Do you bring me this good It is Allah Who created you from a weak begin-
news despite the fact of old age having reached ning then after weakness gave you strength then
me? What kind of good news are you bringing after strength ordained weakness and grey hair.
me?’ (15:54) He creates whatever He wills. He is All-
Allah created you and then will take you back Knowing, All-Powerful. (30:54)
again. And some of you revert to the lowest form When We rescued him (Lut) and all his
of life so that after having knowledge, you know family–except an old woman among those who
nothing at all. Allah is All-Knowing, All- stayed behind. (37:134-135)
Powerful. (16:70) It is He Who created you from earth, then from a
Your Lord has decreed that you should worship drop of sperm, then from a clot of blood, then He
none but Him, and that you should show kind- brings you out as infants, then so you may
ness to your parents. Whether one or both of achieve full strength, then so you may become
them reach old age with you, do not say ‘Ugh!’ to old men–though some of you may die before that
them out of irritation and do not be harsh with time–so that you may reach a predetermined age
them but speak to them with gentleness and gen- and so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
erosity. (17:23) (40:67)
Remembering your Lord’s mercy to His servant His wife came up with a shriek and struck her
Zakariyya, when he called on his Lord in secret face and said, ‘What, and me a barren old
and said, ‘My Lord, my bones have lost their woman!’ (51:29)
strength and my head is crowned with white, but
in calling on You, My Lord, I have never been OLD WOMAN
disappointed.’ (19:2-4) She (Ibrahim’s wife) said, ‘Woe is me! How can I
He (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord! How can I have a give birth when I am an old woman and my hus-
boy when my wife is barren and I have reached band here is an aged man? This is indeed an as-
advanced old age?’ (19:8) tonishing thing!’ (11:72)
Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the Therefore We rescued him (Lut) and all his fam-
Rising, know that We created you from dust then ily–except for an old woman who remained be-
from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood hind. (26:170-171)
then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed,
so We may make things clear to you. We make OLIVE
whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec- It is He Who sends down water from the sky from
ified time and then We bring you out as children which We bring forth growth of every kind, and
so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of from that We bring forth the green shoots and from
you die and some of you revert to the lowest them We bring forth close-packed seeds, and from
form of life so that, after having knowledge, they the spathes of the date palm date clusters hanging
then know nothing at all. And you see the earth down, and gardens of grapes and olives and pome-
dead and barren; then when We send down granates, both similar and dissimilar. Look at their
water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts fruits as they bear fruit and ripen. There are Signs
with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5) in that for people who believe. (6:99)
When he (Musa) arrived at the water of Madyan, It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated
he found a crowd of people drawing water there. and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse
Standing apart from them, he found two women, kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar
holding back their sheep. He said, ‘What are you and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear
two doing here?’ They said, ‘We cannot draw fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest,
water until the shepherds have driven off their and do not be profligate. He does not love the
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profligate. (6:141) upholding justice. There is no god but Him, the
And by it He makes crops grow for you and Almighty, the All-Wise. (3:18)
olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every Allah, there is no god but Him. He will gather
kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people you to the Day of Rising about which there is no
who reflect. (16:11) doubt. And whose speech could be truer than
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. Allah’s? (4:87)
The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in Those who say that Allah is the third of three are
which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass disbelievers. There is no god but One God. If
like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an they do not stop saying what they say, a painful
olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all punishment will afflict those among them who
but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light disbelieve. (5:73)
upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He That is Allah, your Lord. There is no god but
wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind Him, the Creator of everything. So worship Him.
and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35) He is responsible for everything. (6:102)
Then We make grain grow in it, and grapes and Follow what has been revealed to you from your
herbs and olives and dates, (80:27-29) Lord–there is no god but Him–and turn away
By the fig and the olive. (95:1) from the idolaters. (6:106)
Say: ‘Mankind! I am the Messenger of Allah to
ON FOOT you all, of Him to Whom the kingdom of the
If you are afraid, then perform prayer on foot or heavens and earth belongs. There is no god but
mounted. But when you are safe, remember Him. He gives life and causes to die.’ So believe
Allah in the way He taught you when previously in Allah and His Messenger, the Ummi, who be-
you did not know. (2:239) lieves in Allah and His words, and follow him so
Announce the Pilgrimage to mankind. They will that hopefully you will be guided.’ (7:158)
come to you on foot and on every sort of lean an- They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords
imal, coming by every distant road. (22:27) besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of
Maryam. Yet they were commanded to worship
ONENESS OF ALLAH (TAWHID) only one God. There is no god but Him! Glory be
Your God is One God. There is no god but Him, to Him above anything they associate with Him!
the All-Merciful, the Most Merciful. (2:163) (9:31)
Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the Self- But if they turn away, say, ‘Allah is enough for
Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness or me. There is no god but Him. I have put my trust
sleep. Everything in the heavens and the earth be- in Him. He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’
longs to Him. Who can intercede with Him except (9:129)
by His permission? He knows what is before them We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and
and what is behind them but they cannot grasp any Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of
of His knowledge save what He wills. His tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the
Footstool encompasses the heavens and the earth point of drowning, he said, ‘I believe that there is
and their preservation does not tire Him. He is no god but Him in whom the tribe of Israel be-
the Most High, the Magnificent. (2:255) lieve. I am one of the Muslims.’ (10:90)
Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the If they do not respond to you then know that it
Self-Sustaining. (3:2) has been sent down with Allah’s knowledge and
It is He Who forms you in the womb however He that there is no god but Him. So will you not be-
wills. There is no god but Him, the Almighty, the come Muslims? (11:14)
All-Wise. (3:6) And to ‘Ad We sent their brother Hud. He said,
Allah bears witness that there is no god but Him, ‘My people! Worship Allah. You have no god apart
as do the angels and the people of knowledge, from Him. You are merely fabricators.’ (11:50)
525
To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, Allah has no son and there is no other god ac-
‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god companying Him, for then each god would have
apart from Him. He brought you into being from gone off with what he created and one of them
the earth and made you its inhabitants. So ask would have been exalted above the other. Glory
His forgiveness and then repent to Him. My Lord be to Allah above what they describe. (23:91)
is Close and Quick to Respond.’ (11:61) Exalted be Allah, the King, the Real. There is no
And to Madyan their brother Shu‘ayb. He said, god but Him, Lord of the Noble Throne. (23:116)
‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god (The hoopoe said,) ‘Allah–there is no god but
apart from Him. Do not give short measure and Him–the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’ (27:26)
short weight. I see you prospering and I fear for He is Allah. There is no god but Him. Praise be to
you the punishment of an all-encompassing Him in this world and the hereafter. Judgement
Day.’ (11:84) belongs to Him. You will be returned to Him.
In the same way We have sent you among a na- (28:70)
tion before which other nations passed away, to Do not call on any other god along with Allah.
recite to them what We have revealed to you. Yet There is no god but Him. All things are passing
they still reject the All-Merciful. Say: ‘He is my except His Face. Judgement belongs to Him. You
Lord; there is no god but Him. I put my trust in will be returned to Him. (28:88)
Him and I turn to Him.’ (13:30) Mankind! Remember Allah’s blessing to you. Is
He sends down angels with the Spirit of His com- there any creator other than Allah providing for
mand to any of His servants He wills: ‘Give you from heaven and earth? There is no god but
warning that there is no god but Me, so have fear Him. So how have you been perverted? (35:3)
of Me!’ (16:2) Your God is One: Lord of the heavens and the
Say: ‘If there had, as you say, been other gods to- earth and everything between them; Lord of the
gether with Him, they would have sought a way Easts. (37:4-5)
to the Master of the Throne.’ (17:42) When they were told, ‘There is no god but Allah,’
Allah, there is no god but Him. The Most they were arrogant. (37:35)
Beautiful Names are His. (20:8) Say: ‘I am only a warner. There is no god except
(A voice called out to Musa,) ‘I am Allah. There is Allah, the One, the All-Conquering.’ (38:65)
no god but Me, so worship Me and perform He created you from a single self, then produced
prayer to remember Me.’ (20:14) its mate from it, and sent down livestock to
(Musa said,) ‘Your god is Allah alone, there is no you–eight kinds in pairs. He creates you stage by
god but Him. He encompasses all things in His stage in your mothers’ wombs in a threefold
knowledge.’ (20:98) darkness. That is Allah, your Lord. Sovereignty is
We sent no Messenger before you without re- His. There is no god but Him. So what has made
vealing to him: ‘There is no god but Me, so wor- you deviate? (39:6)
ship Me.’ (21:25) The Forgiver of wrong action, the Accepter of re-
And Dhu’n-Nun when he left in anger and pentance, the Severe in retribution, the Possessor
thought We would not punish him. He called out of abundance. There is no god but Him. He is the
in the pitch darkness: ‘There is no god but You! final destination. (40:3)
Glory be to You! Truly I have been one of the That is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of every-
wrongdoers.’ (21:87) thing. There is no god but Him–so how have you
We sent Nuh to his people and he said, ‘My peo- been perverted? (40:62)
ple, worship Allah. You have no god other than He is the Living–there is no god but Him–so call
Him. So will you not guard against evil?’ (23:23) on Him, making your religion sincerely His.
And (We) sent a Messenger to them from them- Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.
selves: ‘Worship Allah. You have no god other than (40:65)
Him! So will you not guard against evil?’ (23:32) It is He Who is God in heaven and God on earth.
526
He is the All-Wise, the All-Knowing. (43:84) bounty, and so that hopefully you will show
There is no god but Him–He gives life and causes thanks. (16:14)
to die–your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers, The two seas are not the same: the one is sweet,
the previous peoples. (44:8) refreshing, delicious to drink, the other salty, bit-
Know then that there is no god except Allah and ter to the taste. Yet from both of them you eat
ask forgiveness for your wrongdoing, and for the fresh flesh and extract ornaments for yourselves
men and women who believe. Allah knows both to wear; and you see ships on them, cleaving
your activity and your repose. (47:19) through the waves so that you can seek His
He is Allah–there is no god but Him. He is the bounty and so that hopefully you will be thank-
Knower of the Unseen and the Visible. He is the ful. (35:12)
All-Merciful, the Most Merciful. (59:22) Were it not that mankind might all become one
He is Allah–there is no god but Him. He is the community, We would have given those who re-
King, the Most Pure, the Perfect Peace, the ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses
Trustworthy, the Safeguarder, the Almighty, the and silver stairways to ascend and silver doors to
Compeller, the Supremely Great. Glory be to their houses and silver couches on which to re-
Allah above all they associate with Him. (59:23) cline, and gold ornaments. All that is merely the
Allah–there is no god but Him. So let the believ- trappings of the life of this world. But the here-
ers put their trust in Allah. (64:13) after with your Lord is for those who guard
Lord of the East and West–there is no god but against evil. (43:33-35)
Him–so take Him as your Guardian. (73:9)
Say: ‘He is Allah, Absolute Oneness.’ (112:1) ORPHAN
Remember when We made a covenant with the
ONION tribe of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and be
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up good to your parents and to relatives and or-
with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to phans and the very poor. And speak good words
supply to us some of what the earth produces–its to people. And perform prayer and give the
green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and alms.’ But then you turned away–except a few of
onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is you–you turned aside. (2:83)
better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt, It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East
then you will have what you are asking for.’ or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
Abasement and destitution were stamped upon are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
them. They brought down anger from Allah upon the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
themselves. That was because they rejected despite their love for it, give away their wealth to
Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
right to do so. That was because they rebelled and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves
and went beyond the limits. (2:61) free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
those who honour their contracts when they
ORNAMENT make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
After he left, Musa’s people adopted a calf made ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
from their ornaments, a form which made a low- true. They are the people who guard against evil.
ing sound. Did they not see that it could not (2:177)
speak to them or guide them to any way? They They will ask you what they should give away.
adopted it and so they were wrongdoers. (7:148) Say, ‘Any wealth you give away should go to
It is He Who made the sea subservient to you so your parents and relatives and to orphans and the
that you can eat fresh flesh from it and bring out very poor and travellers.’ Whatever good you do,
from it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships Allah knows it. (2:215)
cleaving through it so that you can seek His ... In this way Allah makes the Signs clear to you,
527
so that hopefully you will reflect on this world inheritance they are owed, while at the same
and the hereafter. They will ask you about the time desiring to marry them; and also about
property of orphans. Say, ‘Managing it in their young children who are denied their rights: that
best interests is best.’ If you mix your property you should act justly with respect to orphans.’
with theirs, they are your brothers. Allah knows a Whatever good you do, Allah knows it. (4:127)
squanderer from a good manager. If Allah had And (He instructs) that you do not go near the
wanted, He could have been hard on you. Allah property of orphans before they reach matu-
is Almighty, All-Wise. (2:219-220) rity–except in a good way; that you give full
Give orphans their property, and do not substi- measure and full weight with justice–We impose
tute bad things for good. Do not assimilate their on no self any more than it can bear; that you are
property into your own. Doing that is a serious equitable when you speak–even if a near relative
crime. (4:2) is concerned; and that you fulfil Allah’s contract.
If you are afraid of not behaving justly towards That is what He instructs you to do, so that hope-
orphans, then marry other permissible women, fully you will pay heed. (6:152)
two, three or four. But if you are afraid of not Know that when you take any booty a fifth of it
treating them equally, then only one, or those belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to
you own as slaves. That makes it more likely that close relatives, orphans, the very poor and trav-
you will not be unfair. (4:3) ellers, if you believe in Allah and in what We
Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a sent down to Our servant on the Day of
marriageable age, then if you perceive that they Discrimination, the day the two groups
have sound judgement hand over their property met–Allah has power over all things. (8:41)
to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and Do not go near the property of orphans before
precipitately before they come of age. Those they reach maturity, except in a good way. Fulfil
who are wealthy should abstain from it alto- your contracts. Contracts will be asked about.
gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly (17:34)
and correctly. When you hand over their prop- (He said to Musa,) ‘As for the wall, it belonged to
erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on two young orphans in the town and there was a
their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6) treasure underneath it, belonging to them. Their
If other relatives or orphans or poor people at- father was one of the righteous and your Lord
tend the sharing-out, provide for them out of it wanted them to come of age and then to unearth
and speak to them correctly and courteously. their treasure as a mercy from Him. I did not do it
(4:8) of my own volition. That is the explanation of the
People who consume the property of orphans things about which you were not able to restrain
wrongfully consume nothing in their bellies ex- yourself.’ (18:82)
cept fire. They will roast in a Searing Blaze. Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger
(4:10) from city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the
Worship Allah and do not associate anything Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and
with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives the very poor and travellers, so that it does not
and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh- become something which merely revolves be-
bours who are related to you and neighbours tween the rich among you. Whatever the
who are not related to you, and to companions Messenger gives you you should accept and
and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not whatever he forbids you you should forgo. Have
love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36) fear of Allah–Allah is severe in retribution. (59:7)
They request from you a ruling concerning They give food, despite their love for it, to the
women. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling about poor and orphans and captives. (76:8)
them; and also what is recited to you in the Book No indeed! You do not honour orphans. (89:17)
about orphan girls to whom you do not give the What will convey to you what the steep ascent
528
is? It is freeing a slave or feeding on a day of
hunger an orphaned relative or a poor man in the
dust; (90:12-16)
Did He not find you orphaned and shelter you?
(93:6)
So as for orphans, do not oppress them. (93:9)
He is the one who harshly rebuffs the orphan.
(107:2)

OVERCOMING
When Satan made their actions appear good to
them, saying, ‘No one will overcome you today
for I am at your side.’ But when the two parties
came in sight of one another, he turned right
round on his heels saying, ‘I wash my hands of
you. I see what you do not see. I fear Allah. Allah
is severe in retribution.’ (8:48)
O Prophet! Spur on the believers to fight. If there
are twenty of you who are steadfast, they will
overcome two hundred; and if there are a hun-
dred of you, they will overcome a thousand of
those who disbelieve, because they are people
who do not understand. (8:65)
Now Allah has made it lighter on you, knowing
there is weakness in you. If there are a hundred
of you who are steadfast, they will overcome two
hundred; and if there are a thousand of you, they
will overcome two thousand with Allah’s permis-
sion. Allah is with the steadfast. (8:66)
(Salih said,) ‘My people! Here is the she-camel of
Allah as a Sign for you. So leave her alone to eat
on Allah’s earth and do not inflict any harm on
her or you will be overcome by an imminent
punishment.’ (11:64)
Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger will
be subdued and overcome as those before them
were also subdued and overcome. We have sent
down Clear Signs. The disbelievers will have a
humiliating punishment. (58:5)

529
P reflect. Your companion is not possessed. He is
only a warner come to you ahead of a terrible
PAGES punishment.’ (34:46)
Even if We were to send down a book to you on Allah created you from dust and then from a drop
parchment pages and they were actually to touch of sperm and then made you into pairs. No fe-
it with their own hands, those who disbelieve male becomes pregnant or gives birth except
would still say, ‘This is nothing but downright with His knowledge. And no living thing lives
magic.’ (6:7) long or has its life cut short without that being in
That Day We will fold up heaven like folding up a Book. That is easy for Allah. (35:11)
the pages of a book. As We originated the first Glory be to Him Who created all the pairs: from
creation so We will regenerate it. It is a promise what the earth produces and from themselves
binding on Us. That is what We will do. (21:104) and from things unknown to them. (36:36)
(The Qur’an is) inscribed on Honoured Pages, He created you from a single self, then produced
(80:13) its mate from it, and sent down livestock to
When the Pages are opened up. (81:10) you–eight kinds in pairs. He creates you stage by
stage in your mothers’ wombs in a threefold
PAIR darkness. That is Allah, your Lord. Sovereignty is
There are eight in pairs: A pair of sheep and a His. There is no god but Him. So what has made
pair of goats–Say: ‘Is it the two males He has you deviate? (39:6)
made forbidden, or the two females, or what the And We created all things in pairs so that hope-
wombs of the two females contain? Tell me with fully you would pay heed. (51:49)
knowledge if you are being truthful.’ (6:143) We have created you in pairs. (78:8)
And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is
it the two males He has made forbidden, or the PALACE
two females, or what the wombs of the two fe- (Salih said to his people,) ‘Remember when He
males contain? Were you then witnesses when appointed you successors to ‘Ad and settled you
Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do in the land. You built palaces on its plains and
greater wrong than someone who invents lies carved out houses from the mountains.
against Allah thus leading people astray without Remember Allah’s blessings and do not go about
any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people the earth, corrupting it.’ (7:74)
of the wrongdoers. (6:144) How many wrongdoing cities We destroyed, and
So when Our command came, and water bub- now all their roofs and walls are fallen in; how
bled up from the earth, We said (to Nuh), ‘Load many abandoned wells and stuccoed palaces!
into it a pair of every species, and your (22:45)
family–except for those against whom the Word Blessed be He Who, if He wishes, will grant you
was preordained–and all who believe.’ But those better than that: Gardens with rivers flowing
who believed with him were only few. (11:40) under them; and He will grant you Palaces.
We revealed to him (Nuh): ‘Build the Ship under (25:10)
Our supervision and as We reveal. When Our
command comes and water bubbles up from the PALTRY
earth, load into it a pair of every species, and Believe in what I have sent down, confirming
your family–except for those among them against what is with you. Do not be the first to reject it
whom the word has already gone ahead. And do and do not sell My Signs for a paltry price. Have
not address Me concerning those who do wrong. fear of Me alone. (2:41)
They shall be drowned.’ (23:27) Woe to those who write the Book with their own
Say: ‘I exhort you to do one thing alone: to stand hands and then say ‘This is from Allah’ to sell it
before Allah in pairs and on your own and then for a paltry price. Woe to them for what their
530
hands have written! Woe to them for what they ‘Where are the partner-gods, for whom you
earn! (2:79) made such claims?’ (6:22)
Those who sell Allah’s contract and their own His people argued with him. He (Ibrahim) said,
oaths for a paltry price, such people will have no ‘Are you arguing with me about Allah when He
portion in the hereafter and on the Day of Rising has guided me? I have no fear of any partner you
Allah will not speak to them or look at them or ascribe to Him unless my Lord should will such a
purify them. They will have a painful punish- thing to happen. My Lord encompasses all things
ment. (3:77) in His knowledge so will you not pay heed? Why
Allah made a covenant with those given the should I fear what you have associated with Him
Book: ‘You must make it clear to people and not when you yourselves apparently have no fear of
conceal it.’ But they toss it in disdain behind their associating partners with Allah for which He has
backs and sell it for a paltry price. What an evil sent down no authority to you? Which of the two
sale they make! (3:187) parties is more entitled to feel safe, if you have
Among the people of the Book there are some any knowledge?’ (6:80-81)
who believe in Allah and in what has been sent Say: ‘My prayer and my rites, my living and my
down to you and what was sent down to them, dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the
and who are humble before Allah. They do not worlds, Who has no partner. I am commanded to
sell Allah’s Signs for a paltry price. Such people be like that and I am the first of the Muslims.’
will have their reward with their Lord. And Allah (6:162-163)
is swift at reckoning. (3:199) Do they make things into partner-gods which
We sent down the Torah containing guidance cannot create anything and are themselves cre-
and light, and the Prophets who had submitted ated; which are not capable of helping them and
themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as cannot even help themselves? (7:191-192)
did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they On the Day We gather them all together, We will
had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to say then to those who associated others with
which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of Allah, ‘To your place, you and your partner-
people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs gods!’ Then We will sift them out, and their part-
for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by ner-gods will say, ‘It was not us you worshipped.’
what Allah has sent down, such people are dis- (10:28)
believers. (5:44) Say: ‘Can any of your partner-gods bring creation
They have sold Allah’s Signs for a paltry price, out of nothing and then regenerate it?’ Say: ‘Allah
and they have barred access to His Way. What brings creation out of nothing and then regener-
they have done is truly evil. (9:9) ates it. So how have you been perverted?’ Say:
Do not sell Allah’s contract for a paltry price. ‘Can any of your partner-gods guide to the truth?’
What is with Allah is better for you if you only Say: ‘Allah guides to the truth. Who has more
knew. (16:95) right to be followed–He Who guides to the truth,
or he who cannot guide unless he is guided?
PARADISE (SEE THE GARDEN) What is the matter with you? How do you reach
your judgement?’ (10:34-35)
(HIGHEST) PARADISE Yes, indeed! Everyone in the heavens and every-
Such people will be repaid for their steadfastness one on the earth belongs to Allah. Those who
with the Highest Paradise, where they will meet call on something other than Allah are not really
with welcome and with ‘Peace’. (25:75) following their partner-gods. They are only fol-
lowing conjecture. They are only guessing.
PARTNER (10:66)
On the Day We gather them all together, We will Say: ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the
say to those who associated others with Allah, earth?’ Say: ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘So why have you taken
531
protectors apart from Him who possess no power ners with you in what We have provided for you
to help or harm themselves?’ Say: ‘Are the blind so that you are equal in respect of it, you fearing
and seeing equal? Or are darkness and light the them the same as one another? In that way We
same? Or have they assigned partners to Allah make Our Signs clear for people who use their
who create as He creates, so that all creating intellect. (30:28)
seems the same to them?’ Say: ‘Allah is the Allah is He Who created you, then provides for
Creator of everything. He is the One, the All- you, then will cause you to die and then bring
Conquering.’ (13:16) you back to life. Can any of your partner-gods do
Then on the Day of Rising He will disgrace them, any of that? Glory be to Him and may He be ex-
and say, ‘Where are My partner gods for whose alted above anything they associate with Him!
sake you became so hostile?’ Those given knowl- (30:40)
edge will say, ‘Today there is disgrace and evil for Say: ‘Have you thought about your partner gods,
the disbelievers.’ (16:27) those you call upon besides Allah? Show me
When those who associated others with Allah what they have created of the earth; or do they
see those they associated, they will say, ‘Our have a partnership in the heavens?’ Have We
Lord, these are our partner gods, the ones we given them a Book whose Clear Signs they fol-
called upon apart from You.’ But they will fling low? No indeed! The wrongdoers promise each
their words back in their faces: ‘You are truly other nothing but delusion. (35:40)
liars!’ (16:86) On that Day they will be partners in the punish-
And say: ‘Praise be to Allah Who has had no son ment. (37:33)
and Who has no partner in His Kingdom and They do not measure Allah with His true meas-
Who needs no one to protect Him from abase- ure. The whole earth will be a mere handful for
ment.’ And proclaim His Greatness repeatedly! Him on the Day of Rising the heavens folded up
(17:111) in His right hand. Glory be to Him! He is exalted
The fruits of his labour were completely de- above the partners they ascribe! (39:67)
stroyed and he woke up wringing his hands in Say: ‘Have you thought about those you call
grief, rueing everything that he had spent on it. It upon apart from Allah? Show me what they have
was a ruin with all its trellises fallen in. He said, created on the earth. Or do they have a partner-
‘Oh, if only I had not associated anyone with my ship in the heavens? Produce a Book for me be-
Lord!’ (18:42) fore this one or a shred of knowledge if you are
On the Day He says, ‘Call My partner-gods, telling the truth.’ (46:4)
those for whom you made such claims,’ they will Or do they have Divine partners? Then let them
call on them but they will not respond to them. produce their partners if they are telling the truth!
We will place between them an unbridgeable (68:41)
gulf. (18:52)
He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and the PATH OF ALLAH
earth belongs. He does not have a son and He Guide us on the Straight Path, the Path of those
has no partner in the Kingdom. He created every- You have blessed. (1:5-6)
thing and determined it most exactly. (25:2) Or do you want to question your Messenger as
They will be told, ‘Call on your partner-gods!’ Musa was questioned before? Anyone who ex-
They will call on them but they will not respond changes faith for disbelief has definitely gone
to them. They will see the punishment. Oh if astray from the level way. (2:108)
only they had been guided! (28:64) The fools among the people will ask, ‘What has
None of their partner-gods will intercede for made them turn round from the direction they
them. They will reject their partner-gods. (30:13) used to face?’ Say, ‘Both East and West belong to
He has made an example for you from among Allah. He guides whoever He wills to a straight
yourselves. Are any of the slaves you own part- path.’ (2:142)
532
Fight in the Way of Allah against those who fight It (the charity) is for the poor who are held back
you, but do not go beyond the limits. Allah does in the Way of Allah, unable to travel in the land.
not love those who go beyond the limits. (2:190) The ignorant consider them rich because of their
Spend in the Way of Allah. Do not cast your- reticence. You will know them by their mark.
selves into destruction. And do good: Allah loves They do not ask from people insistently.
good-doers. (2:195) Whatever good you give away, Allah knows it.
They will ask you about the Sacred Month and (2:273)
fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat- There was a sign for you in the two parties which
ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re- met face to face, one party fighting in the Way of
jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred Allah and the other disbelievers. You saw them
Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo- as twice their number with your own eyes. Allah
ple from it are far more serious in the sight of reinforces with His help whoever He wills. There
Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will is instruction in that for people of insight. (3:13)
not stop fighting you until they make you revert (‘Isa will say,) ‘Allah is my Lord and your Lord so
from your religion, if they are able. As for any of worship Him. That is a straight path.’ (3:51)
you who revert from their religion and die disbe- Say, ‘People of the Book, why do you bar those
liever, their actions will come to nothing in this who believe from the Way of Allah, seeking in it
world and the hereafter. They are the something crooked, when you yourselves are
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- witnesses to it? Allah is not unaware of what you
lessly, for ever. (2:217) do.’ (3:99)
Those who believe and migrate and strive in the How can you disbelieve, when Allah’s Signs are
Way of Allah can expect Allah’s mercy. Allah is recited to you and the Messenger is there among
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:218) you? Whoever holds fast to Allah has been
Fight in the Way of Allah. Know that Allah is All- guided to a straight path. (3:101)
Hearing, All-Knowing. (2:244) Many a Prophet has fought, when there were
What do you think about the council of the tribe many thousands with him! They did not give up
of Israel after Musa’s time when they said to one in the face of what assailed them in the Way of
of their Prophets, ‘Give us a king and we will Allah, nor did they weaken, nor did they yield.
fight in the Way of Allah!’? He said, ‘Is it not pos- Allah loves the steadfast. (3:146)
sible that if fighting were prescribed for you, you If you are killed in the Way of Allah or if you die,
would not fight?’ They said, ‘How could we not forgiveness and mercy from Allah are better than
fight in the way of Allah when we have been anything you can acquire. (3:157)
driven from our homes and children?’ But then And (it is) so that He would know the hypocrites.
when fighting was prescribed for them, they They were told, ‘Come and fight in the Way of
turned their backs–except for a few of them. Allah or at least help defend us.’ They said, ‘If we
Allah knows the wrongdoers. (2:246) knew how to fight, we would certainly follow
The metaphor of those who spend their wealth in you.’ They were closer to disbelief that day than
the Way of Allah is that of a grain which pro- to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in
duces seven ears; in every ear there are a hun- their hearts. And Allah knows best what they are
dred grains. Allah gives such multiplied increase hiding. (3:167)
to whoever He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, Do not suppose that those killed in the Way of
All-Knowing. (2:261) Allah are dead. No indeed! They are alive and
Those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, well provided for in the very presence of their
and then do not follow what they have spent by Lord. (3:169)
demands for gratitude or insulting words will have Their Lord responds to them: ‘I will not let the
their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male
and will know no sorrow. (2:262) or female–you are both the same in that respect.
533
Those who migrated and were driven from their fighting either you or their own people. If Allah
homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought had willed, He could have given them the upper
and were killed, I will erase their bad actions hand over you and then they would have fought
from them and admit them into Gardens with you. If they keep away from you and do not fight
rivers flowing under them, as a reward from you and submit to you, Allah has not given you
Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.’ any way against such people. (4:89-90)
(3:195) You who believe! When you go out to fight in the
Do you not see those who were given a portion Way of Allah verify things carefully. Do not say,
of the Book trading in misguidance and wanting ‘You are not a believer’, to someone who greets
you to be misguided from the way? (4:44) you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the
Do you not see those who were given a portion goods of this world. With Allah there is booty in
of the Book believing in idols and false gods and abundance. That is the way you were before but
saying of those who disbelieve, ‘These people Allah has been kind to you. So verify things care-
are better guided on their path than the believ- fully. Allah is aware of what you do. (4:94)
ers’? (4:51) Those believers who stay behind–other than
In that case We would have given them an im- those forced to by necessity–are not the same as
mense reward from Us and We would have those who strive in the Way of Allah, sacrificing
guided them on a straight path. (4:67-68) their wealth and themselves. Allah has given
So let those who sell the life of this world for the those who strive with their wealth and them-
hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone selves a higher rank than those who stay behind.
fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or Allah has promised the Best to both, but Allah
is victorious, We will pay him an immense re- has preferred those who strive over those who
ward. (4:74) stay behind by an immense reward. (4:95)
What reason could you have for not fighting in Those who migrate in the Way of Allah will find
the Way of Allah–for those men, women and many places of refuge on the earth and ample
children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord, sustenance. If anyone leaves his home, migrating
take us out of this city whose inhabitants are to Allah and His Messenger, and death catches
wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give up with him, it is Allah Who will reward him.
us a helper from You!’? (4:75) Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:100)
Those who believe fight in the Way of Allah. But if anyone opposes the Messenger after the
Those who disbelieve fight in the way of false guidance has become clear to him, and follows
gods. So fight the friends of Satan! Satan’s schem- other than the path of the believers, We will hand
ing is always feeble. (4:76) him over to whatever he has turned to, and We
So fight in the way of Allah–you are only answer- will roast him in Hell. What an evil destination!
able for yourself–and spur on the believers. It (4:115)
may well be that Allah will curb the force of As for those who believe and then return to dis-
those who disbelieve. Allah has greater force and belief, and then again believe and then return to
greater power to punish. (4:84) disbelief, and then increase in disbelief, Allah
They would like you to disbelieve as they disbe- will not forgive them or guide them on any path.
lieve so that you will all be the same. Do not take (4:137)
any of them as friends until they have migrated in Because of wrongdoing on the part of the Jews,
the Way of Allah. But if they run away then seize We made forbidden for them some good things
them and kill them wherever you find them. Do which had previously been lawful for them; and
not take any of them as either a friend or because of their obstructing many people from
helper–except for those who seek shelter with the Way of Allah. (4:160)
people with whom you have a treaty, or who Those who disbelieve and bar access to the Way
come to you greatly perturbed at the prospect of of Allah have gone very far astray. (4:167)
534
Allah will not forgive those who disbelieve and wills, and puts whoever He wills on a straight
do wrong or guide them on any path. (4:168) path. (6:39)
As for those who believe in Allah and hold fast to And some of their forebears, descendants and
Him, He will admit them into mercy and favour brothers; We chose them and guided them to a
from Him and will guide them to Him on a straight path. (6:87)
straight path. (4:175) If you obeyed most of those on earth, they would
Allah made a covenant with the tribe of Israel misguide you from Allah’s Way. They follow
and We raised up twelve leaders from among nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing.
them. Allah said, ‘I am with you. If you perform (6:116)
prayer and give the alms, and believe in My Your Lord knows best who is misguided from His
Messengers and respect and support them, and Way and He knows best those who are guided.
make a generous loan to Allah, I will erase your (6:117)
wrong actions from you and admit you into This is the path of your Lord–straight. We have
Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Any of made the Signs clear for people who remember.
you who disbelieve after that have gone astray (6:126)
from the right way.’ (5:12) This is My Path and it is straight, so follow it. Do
By it, Allah guides those who follow what not follow other ways or you will become cut off
pleases Him to the ways of Peace. He will bring from His Way. That is what He instructs you to
them from the darkness to the light by His per- do, so that hopefully you will guard against evil.
mission, and guide them to a straight path. (5:16) (6:153)
You who believe! Have fear of Allah and seek the Say: ‘My Lord has guided me to a straight path, a
means of drawing near to Him, and strive in His well-founded religion, the religion of Ibrahim, a
Way, so that hopefully you will be successful. man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the
(5:35) idolaters.’ (6:161)
You who believe! If any of you renounce your re- He (Satan) said, ‘By Your misguidance of me, I
ligion, Allah will bring forward a people whom will lie in ambush for them on your straight path.’
He loves and who love Him, humble to the be- (7:16)
lievers, fierce to the disbelievers, who strive in (Between them a herald will proclaim: ‘May the
the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of curse of Allah be on the wrongdoers,) those who
any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of bar access to the Way of Allah, seeking in it
Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah something crooked, and reject the hereafter.’
is Boundless, All-Knowing. (5:54) (7:45)
Say: ‘Shall I tell you of a reward with Allah far Do not lie in wait on every pathway, threatening
worse than that: that of those whom Allah has people, barring those who believe from the Way
cursed and with whom He is angry–turning some of Allah, seeking in it something crooked.
of them into monkeys and into pigs–and who Remember when you were few and He in-
worshipped false gods? Such people are in a creased your number: see the final fate of the
worse situation and further from the right way.’ corrupters! (7:86)
(5:60) We set aside thirty nights for Musa and then com-
Say: ‘People of the Book! Do not go to extremes pleted them with ten, so the appointed time of
in your religion, asserting other than the truth, his Lord was forty nights in all. Musa said to his
and do not follow the whims and desires of peo- brother Harun, ‘Take my place among my peo-
ple who were misguided previously and have ple. Keep order and do not follow the way of the
misguided many others, and are far from the right corrupters.’ (7:142)
way.’ (5:77) I will divert from My Signs all those who are ar-
Those who deny Our Signs are deaf and dumb in rogant in the earth without any right. If they see
utter darkness. Allah misguides whoever He every Sign, they will not believe in it. If they see
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the way of right guidance, they will not take it as have a higher rank with Allah. They are the ones
a way. But if they see the way of error, they will who are victorious. (9:20)
take that as a way. That is because they denied Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers
Our Signs and paid no attention to them. (7:146) or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you
Those who disbelieve spend their wealth barring have acquired, or any business you fear may
access to the Way of Allah. They will spend it; slump, or any house which pleases you, are
then they will regret it; then they will be over- dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and
thrown. Those who disbelieve will be gathered striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings
into Hell. (8:36) about His command. Allah does not guide peo-
Do not be like those who left their homes in arro- ple who are deviators.’ (9:24)
gance, showing off to people and barring them You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks
from the way of Allah–Allah encompasses what devour people’s property under false pretences
they do. (8:47) and bar people from access to the Way of Allah.
Arm yourselves against them with all the fire- As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do
power and cavalry you can muster, to terrify the not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the
enemies of Allah and your enemies, and others news of a painful punishment. (9:34)
besides them whom you do not know. Allah You who believe! What is the matter with you
knows them. Anything you spend in the Way of that when you are told, ‘Go out and fight in the
Allah will be repaid to you in full. You will not be way of Allah,’ you sink down heavily to the
wronged. (8:60) earth? Are you happier with this world than the
Those who believe and have migrated and hereafter? Yet the enjoyment of this world is very
strived with their wealth and themselves in the small compared to that of the hereafter. (9:38)
Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge Go out to fight, light-armed and heavy-armed,
and help, they are the friends and protectors of and strive with your wealth and yourselves in the
one another. But as for those who believe but Way of Allah. That is better for you if you only
have not migrated, you are not in any way re- knew. (9:41)
sponsible for their protection until they migrate. The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those
But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli- who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free-
gion, it is your duty to help them, except against ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of
people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from
you do. (8:72) Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60)
Those who believe and have migrated and Those who were left behind were glad to stay be-
strived in the Way of Allah and those who have hind the Messenger of Allah. They did not want
given refuge and help, they are the true believers. to strive with their wealth and themselves in the
They will have forgiveness and generous provi- Way of Allah. They said, ‘Do not go out to fight
sion. (8:74) in the heat.’ Say: ‘The Fire of Hell is much hotter,
They have sold Allah’s Signs for a paltry price, if they only understood.’ (9:81)
and they have barred access to His Way. What Allah has bought from the believers their selves
they have done is truly evil. (9:9) and their wealth in return for the Garden. They
Do you make the giving of water to the pilgrims fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are
and looking after the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the
Haram) the same as believing in Allah and the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is
Last Day and striving in the Way of Allah? They truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in
are not equal in the sight of Allah. Allah does not the bargain you have made. That is the great vic-
guide wrongdoing people. (9:19) tory. (9:111)
Those who believe and migrate and strive in the It was not for people of Madina, and the desert
Way of Allah with their wealth and themselves arabs around them, to remain behind the
536
Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to The Way should lead to Allah, but there are those
him. That is because no thirst or weariness or who deviate from it. If He had wished He could
hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor have guided every one of you. (16:9)
will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe- Allah makes another metaphor: two men, one of
lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy, them deaf and dumb, unable to do anything, a
without a right action being written down for burden on his master, no matter where he directs
them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of him he brings no good, is he the same as some-
the good-doers go to waste. (9:120) one who commands justice and is on a straight
Allah calls to the Abode of Peace and He guides path? (16:76)
whom He wills to a straight path. (10:25) As for those who disbelieved and barred access
Musa said, ‘Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh to the way of Allah, We will heap punishment on
and his ruling circle finery and wealth in the life top of their punishment because of the corrup-
of this world, Our Lord, so that they may be mis- tion they brought about. (16:88)
guided from Your Way. Our Lord, obliterate their Do not make your oaths a means of deceiving
wealth and harden their hearts so that they do one another or your foot will slip after it was
not believe until they see the painful punish- firmly placed and you will taste evil for barring
ment.’ He said, ‘Your request is answered, so go access to the Way of Allah and you will have a
straight and do not follow the way of those who terrible punishment. (16:94)
have no knowledge.’ (10:88-89) He was thankful for His blessings. Allah chose
(Wrongdoers are) those who bar access to the him and guided him to a straight path. (16:121)
way of Allah seeking in it something crooked and Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and
reject the hereafter. (11:19) fair admonition, and argue with them in the kind-
(Hud said,) ‘I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord est way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided
and your Lord. There is no creature He does not from His way. And He knows best who are
hold by the forelock. My Lord is on a Straight guided. (16:125)
Path.’ (11:56) This Qur’an guides to the most upright Way and
Say: ‘This is my way. I call to Allah with inner gives good news to the believers who do right ac-
sight, I and all who follow me. Glory be to Allah! tions that they will have a large reward. (17:9)
I am not one of the idolaters!’ (12:108) Those who are blind in this world will be blind in
Alif Lam Ra. This is a Book We have sent down to the hereafter and even further off the Path.
you so that you can bring mankind from the (17:72)
darkness to the light, by the permission of their Say: ‘Each man acts according to his nature, but
Lord, to the Path of the Almighty, the your Lord knows best who is best guided on the
Praiseworthy. (14:1) Path.’ (17:84)
Those who prefer the life of this world to the Say: ‘Call on Allah or call on the All-Merciful,
hereafter, and bar access to the way of Allah, whichever you call upon, the Most Beautiful
seeking in it something crooked; they are greatly Names are His.’ Do not be too loud in your
misguided. (14:3) prayer or too quiet in it, but try to find a way be-
(Their Messengers said,) ‘And why indeed should tween the two. (17:110)
we not put our trust in Allah when He has guided ‘Allah is my Lord and your Lord so worship Him.
us to our ways? We will be steadfast however This is a straight path.’ (19:36)
much you harm us. Those who trust put their (Ibrahim said to his father,) ‘Father, knowledge
trust in Allah.’ (14:12) which never reached you has come to me, so fol-
They have made others equal to Allah to mis- low me and I will guide you to the right path.’
guide people from His Way. Say: ‘Enjoy your- (19:43)
selves! Your destination is the Fire!’ (14:30) Say: ‘Everyone is waiting expectantly so wait ex-
He said, ‘This is a Straight Path to Me.’ (15:41) pectantly. You will soon know who are the
537
Companions of the Right Path and who is is that anyone who wants to should make his way
guided.’ (20:135) towards his Lord.’ (25:57)
Among people there is one who argues about (The hoopoe said,) ‘I found both her and her peo-
Allah without knowledge or guidance or any ple prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. Satan
light-giving Book, turning away arrogantly, to has made their actions seem good to them and
misguide people from the Way of Allah. He will debarred them from the Way so they are not
be disgraced in this world and on the Day of guided.’ (27:24)
Rising We will make him taste the punishment of When turned his face in the direction of Madyan,
the Burning. (22:8-9) he (Musa) said, ‘Hopefully my Lord will guide
They have been guided to speak good words and me to the right way.’ (28:22)
guided to the praiseworthy path. (22:24) And ‘Ad and Thamud–it must be clear to you
Those who disbelieve and bar access to the Way from their dwelling places! Satan made their ac-
of Allah and to the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- tions seem good to them and so debarred them
Haram) which We have appointed for all from the Way, even though they were intelligent
mankind–equally for those who live near it and people. (29:38)
those who come from far away–those who desire As for those who strive in Our Way, We will
to profane it with wrongdoing, We will let them guide them to Our Paths. Truly Allah is with the
taste a painful punishment. (22:25) good-doers. (29:69)
And (it is) so that those who have been given But there are some people who trade in distract-
knowledge will know it is the truth from their ing tales to misguide people from Allah’s Way
Lord and believe in it and their hearts will be knowing nothing about it and to make a mockery
humbled to Him. Allah guides those who believe of it. Such people will have a humiliating punish-
to a straight path. (22:54) ment. (31:6)
You are calling them to a straight path. (23:73) (We have instructed man concerning his par-
But those who do not believe in the hereafter re- ents:) ‘But if they try to make you associate some-
coil from the path. (23:74) thing with Me about which you have no
Those of you possessing affluence and ample knowledge, do not obey them. Keep company
wealth should not make oaths that they will not with them correctly and courteously in this world
give to their relatives and the very poor and those but follow the Way of him who turns to Me. Then
who have migrated in the way of Allah. They you will return to Me and I will inform you about
should rather pardon and overlook. Would you the things you did.’ (31:15)
not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever- Allah has not allotted to any man two hearts
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:22) within his breast, nor has He made those of your
We have sent down Signs making things clear. wives you equate with your mothers your actual
Allah guides whoever He wills to a straight path. mothers, nor has He made your adopted sons
(24:46) your actual sons. These are just words coming
On the Day We gather them together, and those out of your mouths. But Allah speaks the truth
they worship besides Allah, and say, ‘Did you and He guides to the Way. (33:4)
misguide these servants of Mine or did they stray And they will say, ‘Our Lord, we obeyed our
from the way of their own accord?’ (25:17) masters and great men and they misguided us
The Day when a wrongdoer will bite his hands from the Way.’ (33:67)
and say, ‘Alas for me! If only I had gone the way Those who have been given knowledge see that
of the Messenger!’ (25:27) what has been sent down to you from your Lord
Those who are herded headlong into Hell, such is the truth and that it guides to the Path of the
people are in the worst position. They are the Almighty, the Praiseworthy. (34:6)
most misguided from the way. (25:34) Truly you are one of the Messengers on a Straight
Say: ‘I do not ask you for any wage for it–only Path. 36:3-4)
538
Did I not make a contract with you, tribe of The man who believed said, ‘My people! Follow
Adam, not to worship Satan, who truly is an out- me and I will guide you to the path of rectitude.’
right enemy to you, but to worship Me? That is a (40:38)
straight path. (36:60-61) Accordingly We have revealed to you a Spirit by
We gave them the clarifying Book and guided Our command. You had no idea of what the
them on the Straight Path. (37:117-118) Book was, nor faith. Nonetheless We have made
And (litigants) came in on Dawud who was it a Light by which We guide those of Our ser-
alarmed by them. They said, ‘Do not be afraid. vants We will. Truly you are guiding to a Straight
We are two litigants, one of whom has acted un- Path: the Path of Allah to Whom everything in
justly towards the other, so judge between us the heavens and everything on the earth belongs.
with truth and do not be unjust and guide us to Indeed all matters return eventually to Allah.
the Right Path.’ (38:22) (42:52-53)
(We said), ‘Dawud! We have made you a succes- They (Satans) debar them from the path, yet they
sor on the earth, so judge between people with still think they are guided. (43:37)
truth and do not follow your own desires, letting So hold fast to what has been revealed to you.
them misguide you from the Way of Allah. Those You are on a straight path. (43:43)
who are misguided from the Way of Allah will He is a Sign of the Hour. Have no doubt about it.
receive a harsh punishment because they forgot But follow me. This is a straight path. (43:61)
the Day of Reckoning.’ (38:26) Do not let Satan bar your way. He truly is an out-
When harm touches man he calls upon his Lord, right enemy to you. (43:62)
repenting to Him. Then when He grants him a (‘Isa said,) ‘Allah is my Lord and your Lord so
blessing from Him, he forgets what he was call- worship Him. This is a straight path.’ (43:64)
ing for before and ascribes rivals to Allah, so as to They (a group of jinn) said, ‘Our people, we have
misguide others from His Way. Say: ‘Enjoy your heard a Book which was sent down after Musa,
disbelief for a little while. You are among the confirming what came before it, guiding to the
Companions of the Fire.’ (39:8) truth and to a straight path.’ (46:30)
Those who bear the Throne, and all those around As for those who disbelieve and bar others from
it, glorify their Lord with praise and believe in the Way of Allah, Allah will make their actions
Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe: go astray. (47:1)
‘Our Lord, You encompass everything in mercy Therefore when you meet those who disbelieve
and knowledge! Forgive those who turn to You strike their necks. Then when you have deci-
and who follow Your Way and safeguard them mated them, tie their bonds tightly and set them
from the punishment of the Blazing Fire.’ (40:7) free or ransom them, until the war is finally over.
(A man among Pharaoh’s people who believed, That is how it is to be. If Allah willed, He could
but kept his faith concealed, said,) ‘My people! avenge Himself on them. But it is so that He can
The kingdom is yours today, as masters in the test some of you by means of others. As for those
land, but who will help us against Allah’s violent who fight in the Way of Allah, He will not let
force, if it comes upon us?’ Pharaoh said, ‘I only their actions go astray. (47:4)
show you what I see myself and I only guide you Those who disbelieve and obstruct the Way of
to the path of rectitude.’ (40:29) Allah and are entrenched in hostility towards the
Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that Messenger after the guidance has become clear
perhaps I may gain means of access, access to to them, do not harm Allah in any way and He
the heavens, so that I can look on Musa’s God. makes their actions come to nothing. (47:32)
Truly I think he is a liar.’ That is how Pharaoh’s Those who disbelieve and obstruct the Way of
evil actions were made attractive to him and he Allah, and then die disbelievers, Allah will not
debarred others from the Path. Pharaoh’s schem- forgive them. (47:34)
ing led to nothing but ruin. (40:36-37) Here you are then: people who are called upon
539
to spend in the Way of Allah and then some of you go out to strive in My Way and seeking My
you are tight-fisted! But whoever is tight-fisted is pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for
only tight-fisted to himself. Allah is Rich and you them, I know best what you conceal and what
are poor. If you turn away, He will replace you you make known. Any of you who do that have
with a people other than yourselves and they will strayed from the right way. (60:1)
not be like you. (47:38) Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks
Truly We have granted you a clear victory, so that like well-built walls. (61:4)
Allah may forgive you your earlier errors and any It (the transaction which will save you from a
later ones and complete His blessing upon you, painful punishment) is to believe in Allah and
and guide you on a Straight Path. (48:1-2) His Messenger and strive in the Way of Allah
Allah has promised you much booty which you with your wealth and your selves. That is better
will take, and has hastened this for you and held for you if you only knew. (61:11)
people’s hands back from you, so that it might be They have made their oaths into a cloak and
a Sign to the believers, and so that He might barred the Way of Allah. What they have done is
guide you to a straight path. (48:20) truly evil. (63:2)
Know that the Messenger of Allah is among you. Then when they have reached the end of their
If he were to obey you in many things, you waiting period either retain them with correct-
would suffer for it. However, Allah has given you ness and courtesy or part from them with correct-
love of faith and made it pleasing to your hearts, ness and courtesy. Call two upright men from
and has made disbelief, deviance and disobedi- among yourselves as witnesses and they should
ence hateful to you. People such as these are carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admon-
rightly guided. (49:7) ishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last
The believers are only those who have believed Day. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him
in Allah and His Messenger and then have had a way out. (65:2)
no doubt and have strived with their wealth and Who is better guided: he who goes grovelling on
themselves in the Way of Allah. They are the his face or he who walks upright on a straight
ones who are true to their word. (49:15) path? (67:22)
That is as far as their knowledge extends. Your Your Lord knows best who is misguided from His
Lord knows best those who are misguided from Way and He knows best those who are guided.
His Way and He knows best those who are (68:7)
guided. (53:30) If only they were to go straight on the Path, We
And how is it with you that you do not give in the would give them abundant water to drink.
Way of Allah, when the inheritance of the heav- (72:16)
ens and the earth belongs to Allah? Those of you This truly is a reminder, so let anyone who wills
who gave and fought before the Victory are not take the Way towards his Lord. (73:19)
the same as those who gave and fought after- Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two-
wards. They are higher in rank. But to each of thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and
them Allah has promised the Best. Allah is aware a group of those with you. Allah determines the
of what you do. (57:10) night and day. He knows you will not keep count
They made their oaths into a cloak and barred of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as
the Way of Allah, so they will have a humiliating much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows
punishment. (58:16) that some of you are ill and that others are travel-
You who believe! Do not take My enemy and ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that
your enemy as friends, showing love for them others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite
when they have rejected the truth that has come as much of it as is easy for you. And perform
to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves prayer and give the alms and lend a generous
simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for
540
yourselves you will find it with Allah as some- of Our remembrance and who follows his own
thing better and as a greater reward. And seek whims and desires and whose life has trans-
forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, gressed all bounds. (18:28)
Most Merciful. (73:20) (He said to Musa,) ‘How indeed could you bear
We guided him on the Way, whether he is thank- with patience something you have not encom-
ful or unthankful. (76:3) passed in your knowledge?’ (18:68)
This truly is a Reminder, so whoever wills should Musa said, ‘You will find me patient, if Allah
take the Way towards his Lord. (76:29) wills, and I will not disobey you in any matter.’
Then He eases the way for him. (80:20) (18:69)
If they had only been patient until you came out
PATIENCE to them, it would have been better for them. But
Therefore be patient with a patience which is Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (49:5)
beautiful. (70:5) So be patient in the face of what they say and
Therefore wait patiently for the judgement of glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of
your Lord. Do not obey any evildoer or thankless the sun and before it sets. (50:39)
man among them. (76:24) (The Day they are shoved roughly into the Fire of
If any of you do not have the means to marry free Hell, they will be told,) ‘Roast in it! And bear it
women who are believers, you may marry slave- patiently or do not bear it patiently. It makes no
girls who are believers. Allah knows best about difference either way. You are simply being re-
your faith; you are all the same in that respect. paid for what you did.’ (52:16)
Marry them with their owners’ permission and
give them their dowries correctly and courte- PATTERN (SUNNAH)
ously as married women, not in fornication or Say to those who disbelieve that if they stop, they
taking them as lovers. When they are married, if will be forgiven what is past; but if they return to
they commit fornication they should receive half it, they have the pattern of previous peoples in
the punishment of free women. This is for those the past. (8:38)
of you who are afraid of committing fornication. That was the pattern with those We sent before
But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever- you as Our Messengers. You will not find any
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25) changing of Our pattern. (17:77)
They will all parade before Allah and the weak When guidance came to the people nothing pre-
will say to those who were arrogant, ‘We fol- vented them from believing and asking for for-
lowed you, so can you help us at all against the giveness from their Lord but the fact that the
punishment of Allah?’ They will say, ‘If Allah had pattern of previous peoples did not happen to
guided us, we would have guided you. It makes them or that the punishment did not appear be-
no difference whether we cannot stand it or bear fore their eyes. (18:55)
it patiently. We have no way of escape.’ (14:21) There is no restriction on the Prophet regarding
If you want to retaliate, retaliate to the same de- anything Allah allots to him. This was Allah’s pat-
gree as the injury done to you. But if you are pa- tern with those who passed away before–and
tient, it is better to be patient. (16:126) Allah’s command is a pre-ordained decree.
Be patient. But your patience is only by Allah. (33:38)
Do not be grieved by them and do not be con- This is Allah’s pattern with those who passed
stricted by the plots they hatch. (16:127) away before. You will not find any alteration in
Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on Allah’s pattern. (33:62)
their Lord morning and evening, desiring His They swore by Allah with their most earnest
face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring oaths that if a warner came to them they would
the attractions of this world. And do not obey be better guided than any other community. But
someone whose heart We have made neglectful then when a warner did come to them, it only in-
541
creased their aversion, shown by their arrogance (Those who guarded against evil will be told,)
in the land and evil plotting. But evil plotting en- ‘Enter it in peace. This is the Day of Timeless
velops only those who do it. Do they expect any- Eternity.’ (50:34)
thing but the pattern of previous peoples? You
will not find any changing in the pattern of Allah. PEACE OF HUDAYBIYYAH
You will not find any alteration in the pattern of Truly We have granted you a clear victory, so that
Allah. (35:42-43) Allah may forgive you your earlier errors and any
But when they saw Our violent force their faith later ones and complete His blessing upon you,
was of no use to them. That is the pattern Allah and guide you on a Straight Path and so that
has always followed with His servants. Then and Allah may help you with a mighty help. (48:1-3)
there the disbelievers were lost. (40:85) No, you thought that the Messenger and the be-
That is Allah’s pattern which has passed away lievers were not going to return to their families,
before. You will not find any changing in the pat- and that seemed pleasing to your hearts and you
tern of Allah. (48:23) thought evil thoughts and you were a blighted
people. (48:12)
PAYMENT When you go out to get the booty, those who re-
As for those who desire the life of this world and mained behind will say, ‘Allow us to follow you,’
its finery, We will give them full payment in it for desiring to alter Allah’s words. Say: ‘You may not
their actions. They will not be deprived here of follow us. That is what Allah said before.’ They
their due. (11:15) will say, ‘It is only because you envy us.’ No in-
Are you asking them for payment? Your Lord’s deed! How little they have understood! (48:15)
payment is better. He is the Best of Providers. Say to the Arabs who remained behind: ‘You will
(23:72) be called up against a people who possess great
force whom you must fight unless they submit. If
PEACE you obey, Allah will give you an excellent re-
They will have the Abode of Peace with their ward. But if you turn your backs as you did be-
Lord. He is their Protector because of what they fore, He will punish you with a painful
have done. (6:127) punishment.’ (48:16)
If they (enemies) incline to peace, you too incline Allah was pleased with the believers when they
to it, and put your trust in Allah. He is the All- pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He
Hearing, the All-Knowing. (8:61) knew what was in their hearts, and sent down
Allah calls to the Abode of Peace and He guides serenity to them and has rewarded them with an
whom He wills to a straight path. (10:25) imminent victory, and with much booty which
Do not become faint-hearted and call for peace they will take. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
when you are uppermost and Allah is with (48:18-19)
you–He would never cheat you of your deeds. Allah has promised you much booty which you
(47:35) will take, and has hastened this for you and held
If two parties of the believers fight, make peace people’s hands back from you, so that it might be
between them. But if one of them attacks the a Sign to the believers, and so that He might
other unjustly, fight the attackers until they guide you to a straight path. (48:20)
revert to Allah’s command. If they revert, make And other booty you do not yet have the power
peace between them with justice, and be even- to take–Allah has already encompassed it. Allah
handed. Allah loves those who are even-handed. has power over all things. (48:21)
(49:9) If those who disbelieve should fight you, they
The believers are brothers, so make peace be- would turn their backs and then find no one to
tween your brothers and have fear of Allah so protect or help them. (48:22)
that hopefully you will gain mercy. (49:10) It is He Who held their hands back from you, and
542
your hands from them in the valley of Makka, where their clothing will be of silk. (35:33)
after giving you the upper hand over them. Allah There will be dark-eyed maidens with them, with
sees what you do. (48:24) eyes reserved for them alone, just like closely
They are those who disbelieved and debarred guarded pearls. (37:48-49)
you from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) Circulating among them there will be youths like
and prevented the sacrifice from reaching its hidden pearls. (52:24)
proper place, and had it not been for some men From out of them (the seas) come glistening
and women who are believers, whom you did pearls and coral. (55:22)
not know and might trample underfoot, and so (In the Gardens there are maidens) like precious
unknowingly incur blame on their account–so gems of ruby and pearl. (55:58)
that Allah might admit into His mercy those He And dark-eyed maidens like hidden pearls.
wills–and had those among them who disbelieve (56:22-23)
been clearly distinguishable, We would have Ageless youths will circulate among them, serv-
punished them with a painful punishment. ing them. Seeing them, you would think them
(48:25) scattered pearls. (76:19)
Those who disbelieve filled their hearts with fa-
natical rage–the fanatical rage of the Time of PEN
Ignorance–and Allah sent down serenity to His If all the trees on earth were pens and all the sea,
Messenger and to the believers, and bound them with seven more seas besides, was ink Allah’s
to the expression of heedfulness which they had words still would not run dry. Allah is Almighty,
most right to and were most entitled to. Allah has All-Wise. (31:27)
knowledge of all things. (48:26) Nun. By the Pen and what they write down! (68:
Allah has confirmed His Messenger’s vision with 1)
truth: ‘You will enter the Sacred Mosque (Masjid He Who taught by the pen, taught man what he
al-Haram) in safety, Allah willing, shaving your did not know. (96:4-5)
heads and cutting your hair without any fear.’ He
knew what you did not know and ordained, in PEOPLE OF AL-HIJR
place of this, an imminent victory. (48:27) The people of al-Hijr denied the Messengers.
It is He Who sent His Messenger with the (15:80)
Guidance and the Religion of Truth to exalt it
over every other religion and Allah suffices as a PEOPLE OF THE BOOK
witness. (48:28) (AHL AL-KITAB)
Those of the People of the Book who disbelieve
PEARL and the idolaters do not like anything good to be
It is He Who made the sea subservient to you so sent down to you from your Lord. But Allah se-
that you can eat fresh flesh from it and bring out lects for His mercy whomever He wills. Allah’s
from it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships favour is truly vast. (2:105)
cleaving through it so that you can seek His Many of the People of the Book would love it if
bounty, and so that hopefully you will show they could turn you back to disbelief after you
thanks. (16:14) have become believers, showing their innate
But Allah will admit those who believe and do envy now that the truth is clear to them. But you
right actions into Gardens with rivers flowing should pardon and overlook until Allah gives His
under them where they will be adorned with command. Truly Allah has power over all things.
gold bracelets and pearls, and where their cloth- (2:109)
ing will be of silk. (22:23) Say, ‘People of the Book! Come to a proposition
They will enter Gardens of Eden where they will which is the same for us and you–that we should
be adorned with gold bracelets and pearls, and worship none but Allah.’ ‘People of the Book!
543
Why do you argue concerning Ibrahim when the down to you and what was sent down to them,
Torah and Gospel were only sent down after and who are humble before Allah. They do not
him? Why do you not use your intellect?’ (3:64- sell Allah’s Signs for a paltry price. Such people
65) will have their reward with their Lord. And Allah
A group of the People of the Book would love to is swift at reckoning. (3:199)
misguide you. They only misguide themselves It is not a matter of wishful thinking on your part
but they are not aware of it. (3:69) nor of the wishful thinking of the People of the
People of the Book! Why do you reject Allah’s Book. Anyone who does evil will be repaid for it.
Signs when you yourselves are there as wit- He will not find any protector or helper besides
nesses? (3:70) Allah. (4:123)
People of the Book! Why do you mix truth with The People of the Book will ask you to bring
falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth? down a Book from heaven to them. They asked
(3:71) Musa for even more than that. They said, ‘Let us
A group of the People of the Book say, ‘At the be- see Allah with our own eyes.’ So the lightning-
ginning of the day, you should claim to believe in bolt struck them down for their wrongdoing.
what was sent down to those who believe, and Then they adopted the Calf after the Clear Signs
then at the end of the day, you should reject it, so had come to them, but We pardoned them for
that hopefully they will revert.’ (3:72) that and gave Musa clear authority. (4:153)
Among the People of the Book there are some There is not one of the People of the Book who
who, if you entrust them with a pile of gold, will will not believe in him (‘Isa son of Maryam) be-
return it to you. But there are others among them fore he dies; and on the Day of Rising he will be
who, if you entrust them with just a single dinar, a witness against them. (4:159)
will not return it to you, unless you stay standing People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your
over them. That is because they say, ‘We are religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah.
under no obligation where the gentiles are con- The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the
cerned.’ They tell a lie against Allah and they Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast
know it. (3:75) into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe
Say, ‘People of the Book, why do you reject in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’
Allah’s Signs when Allah is witness of everything It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God.
you do?’ (3:98) He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in
Say, ‘People of the Book, why do you bar those the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him.
who believe from the Way of Allah, seeking in it Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:171)
something crooked, when you yourselves are People of the Book! Our Messenger has come to
witnesses to it? Allah is not unaware of what you you, making clear to you much of the Book that
do.’ (3:99) you have kept concealed, and passing over a lot.
You are the best nation ever to be produced be- A Light has come to you from Allah and a Clear
fore mankind. You enjoin the right, forbid the Book. (5:15)
wrong and believe in Allah. If the People of the People of the Book! Our Messenger has come to
Book were to believe, it would be better for you, making things clear to you, after a period
them. Some of them are believers but most of with no Messengers, lest you should say, ‘No one
them are deviators. (3:110) came to us bringing good news or warning.’
They are not all the same. There is a community Someone has come to you bringing good news
among the People of the Book who are upright. and a warning. Allah has power over all things.
They recite Allah’s Signs throughout the night, (5:19)
and they prostrate. (3:113) Say: ‘People of the Book! Do you resent us for
Among the people of the Book there are some any other reason than that we believe in Allah
who believe in Allah and in what has been sent and what was sent down to us, and what was
544
sent down before, and because most of you are leave with you, we will never obey anyone to
deviators?’ (5:59) your detriment. And if you are fought against we
If only the People of the Book had believed and will help you’? Allah bears witness that they are
guarded against evil, We would have erased their truly liars. (59:11)
evil deeds from them and admitted them into The People of the Book who disbelieve and are
Gardens of Delight. (5:65) the idolaters would not be cut off until the Clear
Say: ‘People of the Book! You have nothing to Sign came to them. (98:1)
stand on until you implement the Torah and the The People of the Book who disbelieve and the
Gospel and what has been sent down to you idolaters will be in the Fire of Hell, remaining in
from your Lord.’ What has been sent down to it timelessly, for ever. They are the worst of crea-
you from your Lord increases many of them in in- tures. (98:6)
solence and disbelief. So do not waste your grief
on the people of the disbelievers. (5:68) PEOPLE OF TUBBA
Say: ‘People of the Book! Do not go to extremes Are they better or the people of Tubba‘ and those
in your religion, asserting other than the truth, before them whom We destroyed? They were
and do not follow the whims and desires of peo- certainly evildoers. (44:37)
ple who were misguided previously and have And the Companions of the Thicket and the peo-
misguided many others, and are far from the right ple of Tubba‘ (also denied the truth). Each one
way.’ (5:77) denied the Messengers and My promise proved
Only argue with the People of the Book in the true. (50:14)
kindest way–except in the case of those of them
who do wrong–saying, ‘We believe in what has PERSECUTION
been sent down to us and what was sent down to Remember when We rescued you from the peo-
you. Our God and your God are one and we sub- ple of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil pun-
mit to Him.’ (29:46) ishment on you–slaughtering your sons and
He brought down from their fortresses those of letting your women live. In that there was a terri-
the People of the Book who supported them and ble trial for you from your Lord. (2:49)
cast terror into their hearts. You killed some of Remember when We rescued you from
them and some you took prisoner. (33:26) Pharaoh’s people who were inflicting an evil
So that the People of the Book may know that punishment on you, killing your sons and letting
they have no power at all over any of Allah’s your women live. In that there was a terrible trial
favour and that all favour is in the Hand of Allah. from your Lord. (7:141)
He gives it to anyone He wills. Allah’s favour is Remember when Musa said to his people,
indeed immense. (57:29) ‘Remember Allah’s blessing to you when He res-
It is He Who expelled those who disbelieved cued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were
among the People of the Book from their homes inflicting an evil punishment on you, slaughter-
to the first gathering-place. You did not think that ing your sons and letting your women live. In
they would leave and they thought that their that there was a terrible trial from your Lord.’
fortresses would protect them from Allah. Then (14:6)
Allah came upon them from where they least ex- (Their Messengers said,) ‘And why indeed should
pected it and cast terror into their hearts. Their we not put our trust in Allah when He has guided
houses were pulled down by their own hands us to our ways? We will be steadfast however
and by the hands of the believers. People of in- much you harm us. Those who trust put their
sight, take note! (59:2) trust in Allah.’ (14:12)
Did you not see the hypocrites saying to their But to those who migrated after they were perse-
brothers, those among the People of the Book cuted and then strived and remained steadfast, to
who disbelieve, ‘If you are driven out we will them your Lord is All-Compassionate, Most
545
Merciful. (16:110) The magicians came to Pharaoh and they asked,
There are some people who say, ‘We believe in ‘Will we receive a reward if we are the winners?’
Allah,’ and then, when they suffer harm in Allah’s (7:113)
cause, they take people’s persecution for Allah’s He said, ‘Yes, and you will be among those
punishment; but if help comes from your Lord brought near.’ (7:114)
they say, ‘We were with you.’ Does Allah not They said, ‘Musa, will you throw first or shall we
know best what is in every person’s heart? be the ones to throw?’ (7:115)
(29:10) He said, ‘You throw.’ And when they threw, they
Those who persecute men and women of the be- cast a spell on the people's eyes and caused
lievers, and then do not repent, will have the them to feel great fear of them. They produced an
punishment of Hell, will have the punishment of extremely powerful magic. (7:116)
the Burning. (85:10) We revealed to Musa, ‘Throw down your staff.’
And it immediately swallowed up what they had
PHARAOH forged. (7:117)
Remember when We rescued you from the peo- So the Truth took place and what they did was
ple of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil pun- shown to be false. (7:118)
ishment on you–slaughtering your sons and They were defeated then and there, transformed
letting your women live. In that there was a terri- into humbled men. (7:119)
ble trial for you from your Lord. (2:49) The magicians threw themselves down in pros-
And when We parted the sea for you and rescued tration. (7:120)
you, and drowned the people of Pharaoh while They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of all the
you watched. (2:50) worlds, the Lord of Musa and Harun.’ (7:121-
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and 122)
children will not help them against Allah in any Pharaoh said, ‘Have you believed in him before I
way. They are fuel for the Fire, as was the case authorised you to do so? This is just some plot
with the people of Pharaoh and those before them. you have concocted in the city to drive its people
They denied Our Signs so Allah seized them for from it. I will cut off your alternate hands and feet
their wrong actions. Allah is fierce in retribution. and then I will crucify every one of you.’ (7:123-
(3:10-11) 124)
And then, after them, We sent Musa with Our Signs They said, ‘We are returning to our Lord. You are
to Pharaoh and his ruling circle but they wrong- only avenging yourself on us because we be-
fully rejected them. See the final fate of the cor- lieved in our Lord’s Signs when they came to us.
rupters! (7:103) Our Lord, pour down steadfastness upon us and
Musa said, ‘Pharaoh! I am truly a Messenger from take us back to You as Muslims.’ (7:125-126)
the Lord of all the worlds, duty bound to say noth- The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘Are
ing about Allah except the truth. I have come to you going to leave Musa and his people to cause
you with a Clear Sign from your Lord. So send the corruption in the earth and abandon you and
tribe of Israel away with me.’ (7:104-105) your gods?’ He said, ‘We will kill their sons and
He (Pharaoh) said, ‘If you have come with a Clear let their women live. We have absolute power
Sign produce it if you are telling the truth.’ (7:106) over them!’ (7:127)
The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘This is Musa said to his people, ‘Seek help in Allah and
certainly a skilled magician who desires to expel be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He be-
you from your land, so what do you recommend?’ queathes it to any of His servants He wills. The
(7:109-110) successful outcome is for those who guard
They said, ‘Detain him and his brother and send against evil.’ (7:128)
out marshals to the cities, to bring you all the They said, ‘We suffered harm before you came to
skilled magicians.’ (7:111-112) us and after you came to us.’ He said, ‘It may
546
well be that your Lord is going to destroy your That is because Allah would never change a
enemy and make you the successors in the land blessing He has conferred on a people until they
so that He can see how you behave.’ (7:129) had changed what was in themselves. Allah is
We seized Pharaoh’s people with years of All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (8:53)
drought and scarcity of fruits so that hopefully Such was the case with Pharaoh’s people and
they would pay heed. (7:130) those before them. They denied their Lord’s Signs
Whenever a good thing came to them, they said, so We destroyed them for their wrong actions.
‘This is our due.’ But if anything bad happened to We drowned Pharaoh’s people. All of them were
them, they would blame their ill fortune on Musa wrongdoers. (8:54)
and those with him. No indeed! The ill fortune is Then after them We sent Musa and Harun with
theirs in Allah's sight. But most of them did not Our Signs to Pharaoh and his ruling circle, but
know. (7:131) they were arrogant and were a people of evildo-
They said, ‘No matter what kind of Sign you ers. (10:75)
bring us to bewitch us, we will not believe in Musa said, ‘Do you say to the truth when it
you.’ (7:132) comes to you, "This is magic"? Magicians are not
So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice, successful.’ (10:77)
frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but Pharaoh said, ‘Bring me every knowledgeable
they proved arrogant and were an evildoing peo- magician.’ (10:79)
ple. (7:133) When the magicians came, Musa said to them,
Whenever the plague came down on them they ‘Throw whatever you have to throw!’ (10:80)
said, ‘Musa, pray to your Lord for us by the con- When they had thrown, Musa said, ‘What you
tract He has with you. If you remove the plague have brought is magic. Allah will certainly prove
from us, we will definitely believe in you and it false. Allah does not uphold the actions of cor-
send the tribe of Israel away with you.’ (7:134) rupters.’ (10:81)
But when We removed the plague from them–for Allah confirms the Truth by His words, even
a fixed term which they fulfilled–they broke their though the evildoers hate it. (10:82)
word. (7:135) No one believed in Musa except for a few of his
Then We took revenge on them and drowned people out of fear that Pharaoh, and the elders,
them in the sea because they denied Our Signs would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and
and paid no attention to them. (7:136) mighty in the land. He was one of the profligate.
And We bequeathed to the people who had been (10:83)
oppressed the easternmost part of the land We Musa said, ‘My people! If you believe in Allah,
had blessed, and its westernmost part as well. then put your trust in Him, if you are Muslims.’
The most excellent Word of your Lord was ful- (10:84)
filled for the tribe of Israel on account of their They said, ‘We have put our trust in Allah. Our
steadfastness. And We utterly destroyed what Lord, Do not make us a target for this wrongdo-
Pharaoh and his people made and the buildings ing people, and rescue us, by Your mercy, from
they constructed. (7:137) this disbelieving people!’ (10:85-86)
Remember when We rescued you from We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your
Pharaoh’s people who were inflicting an evil people in houses in Egypt and make your houses
punishment on you, killing your sons and letting places of worship and perform prayer and give
your women live. In that there was a terrible trial good news to the believers.’ (10:87)
from your Lord. (7:141) Musa said, ‘Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh
Such was the case with Pharaoh’s people and and his ruling circle finery and wealth in the life
those before them. They rejected Allah’s Signs so of this world, Our Lord, so that they may be mis-
Allah seized them for their wrong actions. Allah guided from Your Way. Our Lord, obliterate their
is Strong, Severe in Retribution. (8:52) wealth and harden their hearts so that they do
547
not believe until they see the painful punish- overstepped the bounds.’ (20:43)
ment.’ (10:88) Pharaoh said, ‘Who then is your Lord, Musa?’
He said, ‘Your request is answered, so go straight (20:49)
and do not follow the way of those who have no So Pharaoh went away and concocted his scheme
knowledge.’ (10:89) and then he arrived. (20:60)
We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and Pharaoh said, ‘Do you believe in him before I have
Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of authorised you? He is your chief, the one who
tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the taught you magic. I will cut off your hands and feet
point of drowning, he said, ‘I believe that there is alternately and have you crucified on palm trunks.
no god but Him in whom the tribe of Israel be- Then you will know for certain which of us has the
lieve. I am one of the Muslims.’ (10:90) harsher and longer lasting punishment.’ (20:71)
‘What, now! When previously you rebelled and Pharaoh pursued them with his troops and the sea
were one of the corrupters? Today We will pre- overwhelmed them utterly. (20:78)
serve your body so you can be a Sign for people Pharaoh misguided his people. He was no guide.
who come after you. Surely many people are (20:79)
heedless of Our Signs.’ (10:91-92) Then We sent Musa and his brother Harun with
We sent Musa with Our Signs and clear authority Our Signs and clear authority to Pharaoh and his
to Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They followed ruling circle. But they were proud and were a
Pharaoh’s command but Pharaoh’s command haughty people. (23:45-46)
was not rightly guided. (11:96-97) When your Lord called out to Musa: ‘Go to the
He will go ahead of his people on the Day of wrongdoing people, the people of Pharaoh. Will
Rising and lead them down into the Fire. What they not guard against evil?’ (26:10-11)
an evil watering-hole to be led to! (11:98) (Allah said to Musa,) ‘Go to Pharaoh and say, "We
They are pursued by a curse in this world and on are the Messenger of the Lord of all the worlds to
the Day of Rising. What an evil gift to be given! tell you to send the tribe of Israel away with us."’
(11:99) (26:16-17)
Remember when Musa said to his people, He (Pharaoh) said, ‘Did we not bring you up
‘Remember Allah’s blessing to you when He res- among us as a child and did you not spend many
cued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were years of your life among us? Yet you did the deed
inflicting an evil punishment on you, slaughter- you did and were ungrateful.’ (26:18-19)
ing your sons and letting your women live. In Pharaoh said, ‘What is the Lord of all the
that there was a terrible trial from your Lord.’ worlds?’ (26:23)
(14:6) He said to the High Council round about him,
We gave Musa nine Clear Signs. Ask the tribe of ‘This certainly is a skilled magician who desires
Israel about when he came to them and Pharaoh by his magic to expel you from your land, so
said to him, ‘Musa, I think you are bewitched.’ what do you recommend?’ (26:34-35)
(17:101) They said, ‘Detain him and his brother and send
He said, ‘You know that no one sent these down out marshals to the cities, to bring you all the
but the Lord of the heavens and earth to be clear skilled magicians.’ (26:36-37)
proofs. Pharaoh, I think you are destroyed.’ So the magicians were assembled for a meeting
(17:102) on a specified day. (26:38)
He wanted to scare them from the land but We The people were asked, ‘Are you all assembled
drowned him and every one of those with him. so we can follow the magicians if they are the
(17:103) winners?’ (26:39-40)
(Allah said to Musa,) ‘Go to Pharaoh. He has When the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh,
overstepped the bounds.’ (20:24) ‘Will we be rewarded if we are the winners?’
(Allah said to Musa,) ‘Go to Pharaoh; he has (26:41)
548
He said, ‘Yes, and in that case you will be among Pharaoh said, ‘Council, I do not know of any
those brought near.’ (26:42) other god for you apart from Me. Haman, kindle
They threw down their ropes and staffs and said, a fire for me over the clay and build me a lofty
‘By the might of Pharaoh we are the winners.’ tower so that perhaps I may be able to climb up
(26:44) to Musa’s god! I consider him a blatant liar.’
He (Pharaoh) said, ‘Have you believed in him (28:38)
before I authorised you? He is your chief who He and his troops were arrogant in the land with-
taught you magic. But you will soon know! I will out any right. They thought that they would not
cut off your alternate hands and feet and I will return to Us. (28:39)
crucify every one of you.’ (26:49) So We seized him and his troops and flung them
Pharaoh sent marshals into the cities: ‘These peo- into the sea. See the final fate of the wrongdoers!
ple are a small group and we find them irritating (28:40)
and we constitute a vigilant majority.’ (26:53-56) And Qarun and Pharaoh and Haman–Musa
We expelled them from gardens and springs, came with the Clear Signs to them, but they were
from treasures and a splendid situation. (26:57- arrogant on the earth. They could not outstrip Us.
58) (29:39)
(Allah said to Musa,) ‘Put your hand inside your Before them the people of Nuh denied the truth,
shirt front. It will emerge pure white, yet quite as did ‘Ad and Pharaoh of the Stakes. (38:12)
unharmed–one of nine Signs to Pharaoh and his We sent Musa with Our Signs and clear authority
people. They are a people of deviators.’ (27:12) to Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun. But they said, ‘A
We recite to you with truth some news of Musa lying magician.’ (40:23-24)
and Pharaoh for people who believe. (28:3) When he brought them the truth from Us they
Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land said, ‘Slaughter the sons of those who believe
and divided its people into camps, oppressing with him but let their women live.’ The strata-
one group of them by slaughtering their sons and gems of the disbelievers are nothing but errors.
letting their women live. He was one of the cor- (40:25)
rupters. (28:4) Pharaoh said, ‘Let me kill Musa and let him call
We desired to show kindness to those who were upon his Lord! I am afraid that he may change
oppressed in the land and to make them leaders your religion and bring about corruption in the
and make them inheritors and establish them land.’ (40:26)
firmly in the land and to show Pharaoh and Musa said, ‘I seek refuge in my Lord and your
Haman and their troops the very thing that they Lord from every proud man who does not be-
were fearing from them. (28:5-6) lieve in the Day of Reckoning.’ (40:27)
The family of Pharaoh picked him (Musa) up so A man among Pharaoh’s people who believed,
that he might be an enemy and a source of grief but kept his faith concealed, said, ‘Are you going
to them. Certainly Pharaoh and Haman and their to kill a man for saying "My Lord is Allah" when
troops were in the wrong. (28:8) he has brought you Clear Signs from your Lord? If
The wife of Pharaoh said, ‘A source of delight for he is telling a lie, be it on his own head. But if he
me and for you; do not kill him. It may well be is telling the truth, then some of what he is prom-
that he will be of use to us or perhaps we could ising you will certainly happen to you. Allah
adopt him as a son.’ They were not aware. (28:9) does not guide any unbridled inveterate liar. My
(Allah said to Musa,) ‘Put your hand inside your people! The kingdom is yours today, as masters
shirt front. It will emerge pure white yet quite un- in the land, but who will help us against Allah’s
harmed. And hug your arms to your sides to still violent force, if it comes upon us?’ Pharaoh said,
your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord ‘I only show you what I see myself and I only
for Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They are a de- guide you to the path of rectitude.’ (40:28-29)
viant people.’ (28:32) Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that
549
perhaps I may gain means of access, access to Yet We bequeathed these things to another peo-
the heavens, so that I can look on Musa’s God. ple. (44:25-28)
Truly I think he is a liar.’ That is how Pharaoh’s Neither heaven nor earth shed any tears for them
evil actions were made attractive to him and he and they were granted no reprieve. (44:29)
debarred others from the Path. Pharaoh’s schem- We rescued the tribe of Israel from the humiliat-
ing led to nothing but ruin. (40:36-37) ing punishment, from Pharaoh–he was haughty,
So Allah safeguarded him from the evil things one of the profligate. (44:30-31)
they plotted and a most evil torment engulfed Before them the people of Nuh also denied the
Pharaoh’s people–the Fire, morning and night, to truth and the Companions of Rass and Thamud,
which they are exposed; and on the Day the and ‘Ad and Pharaoh and the brothers of Lut.
Hour takes place: ‘Admit Pharaoh’s people to the (50:12-13)
harshest punishment!’ (40:45-46) And also in Musa when We sent him to Pharaoh
We sent Musa with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his with clear authority. (51:38)
nobles. He said, ‘I am the Messenger of the Lord But he turned away with his forces, saying, ‘A ma-
of the worlds.’ (43:46) gician or a madman!’ (51:39)
But when he came to them with Our Signs, they So We seized him and his armies and hurled
merely laughed at them. (43:47) them into the sea, and he was to blame. (51:40)
We showed them no Sign which was not greater Warnings came to Pharaoh’s people. (54:41)
than the one before it. We seized them with pun- Allah has made an example for those who be-
ishment so that hopefully they would turn back. lieve: the wife of Pharaoh when she said, ‘My
(43:48) Lord, build a house in the Garden for me in Your
They said, ‘Magician, invoke your Lord for us by presence and rescue me from Pharaoh and his
the contract He has made with you and we shall deeds and rescue me from this wrongdoing peo-
certainly follow the guidance.’ (43:49) ple.’ (66:11)
But when We removed the punishment from Pharaoh and those before him and the
them, they immediately broke their word. (43:50) Overturned Cities made a great mistake. (69:9)
Pharaoh called to his people, saying, ‘My people, We have sent you a Messenger to bear witness
does the kingdom of Egypt not belong to me? Do against you just as We sent Pharaoh a Messenger.
not all these rivers flow under my control? Do you (73:15)
not then see? Am I not better than this man who is But Pharaoh disobeyed the Messenger, so We
contemptible and can scarcely make anything seized him with terrible severity. (73:16)
clear? Why have gold bracelets not been put (Allah said to Musa,) ‘Go to Pharaoh–he has over-
upon his arms and why is there not a train of an- stepped the limits.’ (79:17)
gels accompanying him?’ (43:51-53) So Allah made an example of him seizing him
In that way he swayed his people and they suc- with punishment in this world and the hereafter.
cumbed to him. They were a people of deviators. (79:25)
(43:54) Has the story reached you of the legions of
Then when they had provoked Our wrath, We Pharaoh and Thamud? (85:17-18)
took revenge on them and drowned every one of Do you not see what your Lord did with ‘Ad–Iram
them. (43:55) of the Columns whose like was not created in any
Before them We put Pharaoh’s people to the test land–and Thamud who carved out rocks in the
when a noble Messenger came to them, saying valley-side, and Pharaoh of the Stakes, all of
‘Hand over to me the servants of Allah. I am a whom were tyrants in their lands and caused
trustworthy Messenger to you.’ (44:17-18) much corruption in them? (89:6-12)
How many gardens and fountains they left be-
hind, and ripe crops and noble residences. What PIG
comfort and ease they had delighted in! So it was. Say: ‘Shall I tell you of a reward with Allah far
550
worse than that: that of those whom Allah has member Allah at the Sacred Landmark.
cursed and with whom He is angry–turning some Remember Him because He has guided you,
of them into monkeys and into pigs–and who even though before this you were astray. (2:198)
worshipped false gods? Such people are in a When you have completed your rites, remember
worse situation and further from the right way.’ Allah as you used to remember your forefa-
(5:60) thers–or even more. There are some people who
say, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world.’ They
PILGRIMAGE (HAJJ) will have no share in the hereafter. (2:200)
Safa and Marwa are among the Landmarks of Remember Allah on the designated days. Those
Allah, so anyone who goes on pilgrimage to the who hurry on in two days have done no wrong,
House or does the pious visit incurs no wrong in and those who stay another day have done no
going back and forth between them. If anyone wrong–those of them who guard against evil. So
spontaneously does good, Allah is All-Thankful, have fear of Allah. And know that you will be
All-Knowing. (2:158) gathered back to Him. (2:203)
They will ask you about the crescent moons. Say, In it are Clear Signs–the place where Ibrahim
‘They are set times for mankind and for the pil- stood (to pray). All who enter it are safe.
grimage.’ It is not devoutness for you to enter Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah
houses by the back. Rather devoutness is pos- by all mankind–those who can find a way to do
sessed by those who guard against evil. So come it. But if anyone disbelieves, Allah is Rich
to houses by their doors and have fear of Allah, Beyond Need of any being. (3:97)
so that hopefully you will be successful. (2:189) You who believe! Fulfil your contracts. All live-
Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for stock animals are lawful for you, except those
Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what- that are recited to you now; but it is still not law-
ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your ful to hunt while you are in the state of pilgrim-
heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the age. Allah makes whatever judgements He wills.
place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a (5:1)
head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
for anyone whose family does not live near the (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of the limits. Help each other to goodness and
Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution. heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
(2:196) ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is severe
The pilgrimage takes place during certain well- in retribution. (5:2)
known months. If anyone undertakes the obliga- You who believe! Do not kill game while you are
tion of pilgrimage in them, there must be no in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any de-
sexual intercourse, no wrongdoing, nor any liberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock animal
quarrelling during pilgrimage. Whatever good equivalent to what he killed, as judged by two just
you do, Allah knows it. Take provision; but the men among you, a sacrifice to reach the Kaaba, or
best provision is fear of Allah. So have fear of Me, expiation by feeding the poor, or fasting commen-
people of intelligence! (2:197) surate with that, so that he may taste the evil con-
There is nothing wrong in seeking bounty from sequences of what he did. Allah has pardoned all
your Lord. When you pour down from Arafat, re- that took place in the past; but if anyone does it
551
again Allah will take revenge on him. Allah is PLANT
Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. (5:95) Good land yields up its plants by its Lord’s per-
Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you, mission, but that which is bad only yields up
and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that scantily. In this way We vary the Signs for people
of travellers, but land game is forbidden for you who are thankful. (7:58)
while you are in the state of pilgrimage. So have The metaphor of the life of this world is that of
fear of Allah, Him to Whom you will be gath- water which We send down from the sky, and
ered. (5:96) which then mingles with the plants of the earth to
Those who disbelieve and bar access to the Way provide food for both people and animals. Then,
of Allah and to the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- when the earth is at its loveliest and takes on its
Haram) which We have appointed for all fairest guise and its people think they have it
mankind–equally for those who live near it and under their control, Our command comes upon
those who come from far away–those who desire it by night or day and We reduce it to dried-out
to profane it with wrongdoing, We will let them stubble, as though it had not been flourishing just
taste a painful punishment. (22:25) the day before! In this way We make Our Signs
Announce the Pilgrimage to mankind. They will clear for people who reflect. (10:24)
come to you on foot and on every sort of lean an- Make a metaphor for them of the life of this
imal, coming by every distant road.(22:27) world. It is like water which We send down from
the sky and the plants of the earth combine with
PIOUS VISIT (‘UMRA) it but then become dry chaff scattered by the
Safa and Marwa are among the Landmarks of winds. Allah has absolute power over every-
Allah, so anyone who goes on pilgrimage to the thing. (18:45)
House or does the pious visit incurs no wrong in It is He Who made the earth a cradle for you and
going back and forth between them. If anyone threaded pathways for you through it and sent
spontaneously does good, Allah is All-Thankful, down water from the sky by which We have
All-Knowing. (2:158) brought forth various different types of plants.
Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for (20:53)
Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what- Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your Rising, know that We created you from dust then
heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood
place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed,
head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or so We may make things clear to you. We make
sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And if whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec-
you are secure, then he who takes advantage of a ified time and then We bring you out as children
pious visit before the pilgrimage should make so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of
whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who you die and some of you revert to the lowest
cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage and form of life so that, after having knowledge, they
seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is for then know nothing at all. And you see the earth
anyone whose family does not live near the dead and barren; then when We send down
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts
Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution. with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5)
(2:196) But they turned away so We unleashed against
them the flood from the great dam and ex-
PLANK changed their two gardens for two others con-
We bore him (Nuh) on a planked and well- taining bitter-tasting plants and tamarisk and a
caulked ship. (54:13) few lote trees. (34:16)
And (have they not looked at) the earth: how We
552
stretched it out and cast firmly embedded moun- the pleasure of Allah. Allah’s favour is indeed im-
tains onto it and caused luxuriant plants of every mense. (3:174)
kind to grow in it. (50:7) There is no good in much of their secret talk, ex-
Know that the life of this world is merely a game cept in the case of those who enjoin charity, or
and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of what is right, or putting things right between peo-
boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo ple. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of
one another in wealth and children: like the Allah, We will give him an immense reward.
plant-growth after rain which delights the culti- (4:114)
vators, but then it withers and you see it turning You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy- pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
ment of delusion. (57:20) is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
We sent down cascading water from the clouds a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
so that by it We might bring forth grains and (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
plants. (78:14-15) the limits. Help each other to goodness and
heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
PLEASURE OF ALLAH ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se-
And among the people there are some who give vere in retribution. (5:2)
up everything, desiring the good pleasure of By it, Allah guides those who follow what
Allah. Allah is Ever-Gentle with His servants. pleases Him to the ways of Peace. He will bring
(2:207) them from the darkness to the light by His per-
The metaphor of those who spend their wealth, mission, and guide them to a straight path. (5:16)
desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for Allah has promised the men and women of the
themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside. believers Gardens with rivers flowing under
When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its pro- them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever, and
duce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And
dew. Allah sees what you do. (2:265) Allah’s good pleasure is even greater. That is the
You are not responsible for their guidance, but great victory. (9:72)
Allah guides whoever He wills. Whatever good The forerunners–the first of the Migrants
you give away is to your own benefit, when you (Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar)–and
give desiring only the Face of Allah. Whatever those who have followed them in doing good:
good you give away will be repaid to you in full. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased
You will not be wronged. (2:272) with Him. He has prepared Gardens for them
Say, ‘Shall I tell you of something better than with rivers flowing under them, remaining in
that?’ Those who guard against evil will have them timelessly, for ever and ever. That is the
Gardens with their Lord, with rivers flowing great victory. (9:100)
under them, remaining in them timelessly, for Who is better: someone who founds his building
ever, and purified wives, and the Pleasure of on fear of Allah and His good pleasure, or some-
Allah. Allah sees His servants. (3:15) one who founds his building on the brink of a
Is someone who pursues the pleasure of Allah crumbling precipice so that it collapses with him
the same as someone who incurs displeasure into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not love wrong-
from Allah and whose refuge is Hell? What an doers. (9:109)
evil destination! (3:162) (People of intelligence are) those who are stead-
So they returned with blessings and bounty from fast in seeking the face of their Lord, and perform
Allah and no evil touched them. They pursued prayer and give from the provision We have
553
given them, secretly and openly, and stave off did. He knows what the heart contains. (39:7)
evil with good, it is they who will have the Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
Ultimate Abode. (13:22) who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on merciful to one another. You see them bowing
their Lord morning and evening, desiring His and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and
face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
the attractions of this world. And do not obey traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the
someone whose heart We have made neglectful Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
of Our remembrance and who follows his own seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong
whims and desires and whose life has trans- so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its
gressed all bounds. (18:28) stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by
He (Musa) said, ‘They are following in my tracks. them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has
I have hurried on ahead to you, My Lord, to gain promised those of them who believe and do right
Your good pleasure.’ (20:84) actions forgiveness and an immense reward.
On that Day intercession will not be of any use (48:29)
except for him whom the All-Merciful has autho- Know that the life of this world is merely a game
rised and with whose speech He is well-pleased. and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of
(20:109) boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo
He knows what is in front of them and what is one another in wealth and children: like the
behind them. They (angels) only intercede on be- plant-growth after rain which delights the culti-
half of those with whom He is pleased, and even vators, but then it withers and you see it turning
they are apprehensive out of fear of Him. (21:28) yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In
He (Sulayman) smiled, laughing at its words, and the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also
said, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure.
You have bestowed on me and on my parents, The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy-
and keep me acting rightly, pleasing You, and ment of delusion. (57:20)
admit me, by Your mercy, among Your servants Then We sent Our Messengers following in their
who are righteous.’ (27:19) footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them,
And Lut believed in him. He said, ‘I am leaving giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and
this place to follow the pleasure of my Lord. He mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.
is the Almighty, the All Wise.’ (29:26) They invented monasticism–We did not pre-
Give relatives their due, and the poor and trav- scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the
ellers. That is best for those who seek the pleas- pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob-
ure of Allah. They are the ones who are serve it as it should have been observed. To those
successful. (30:38) of them who believed We gave their reward but
What you give with usurious intent, aiming to get many of them are deviators. (57:27)
back a greater amount from people’s wealth, It (the booty) is for the poor of the emigrants who
does not become greater with Allah. But any- were driven from their homes and wealth desir-
thing you give as alms, seeking the Face of ing the favour and the pleasure of Allah and sup-
Allah–all who do that will get back twice as porting Allah and His Messenger. Such people
much. (30:39) are the truly sincere. (59:8)
If you are ungrateful, Allah is rich beyond need You who believe! Do not take My enemy and
of any of you and He is not pleased with ingrati- your enemy as friends, showing love for them
tude in His servants. But if you are grateful, He is when they have rejected the truth that has come
pleased with you for that. No burden-bearer can to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves
bear another’s burden. Then you will return to simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If
your Lord and He will inform you of what you you go out to strive in My Way and seeking My
554
pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for by Allah has no guide. (13:33)
them, I know best what you conceal and what Those before them plotted but all plotting be-
you make known. Any of you who do that have longs to Allah. He knows what each self earns,
strayed from the right way. (60:1) and the disbelievers will soon know who has the
(Believers say,) ‘We feed you only out of desire Ultimate Abode. (13:42)
for the Face of Allah. We do not want any repay- They concocted their plots, but their plots were
ment from you or any thanks.’ (76:9) with Allah, even if they were such as to make the
‘O self at rest and at peace, return to your Lord, mountains vanish. (14:46)
well-pleasing and well-pleased! (89:27-28) Those before them also plotted, and Allah came
(Those who guard against evil are) those who at their building from the foundations and the
give their wealth to purify themselves–not to roof caved in on top of them. The punishment
repay someone else for a favour done–desiring came at them from where they did not expect.
only the Face of their Lord Most High. (92:18-20) (16:26)
Be patient. But your patience is only by Allah.
PLOT Do not be grieved by them and do not be con-
They plotted and Allah plotted. But Allah is the stricted by the plots they hatch. (16:127)
best of plotters. (3:54) They hatched a plot and We hatched a plot while
And likewise in every city We set up its greatest they were not aware. (27:50)
wrongdoers to plot in it. They plot against them- So look at the end result of all their plotting; We
selves alone, but they are not aware of it. (6:123) utterly destroyed them and their whole people!
When a Sign comes to them, they say, We will (27:51)
not believe until we have been given the same as Do not grieve over them and do not let the plots
the Messengers of Allah were given.’ Allah they make distress you. (27:70)
knows best where to place His Message. They swore by Allah with their most earnest
Debasement in the sight of Allah and a severe oaths that if a warner came to them they would
punishment will strike those who did wrong for be better guided than any other community. But
the plots that they concocted. (6:124) then when a warner did come to them, it only in-
Pharaoh said, ‘Have you believed in him before I creased their aversion, shown by their arrogance
authorised you to do so? This is just some plot in the land and evil plotting. But evil plotting en-
you have concocted in the city to drive its people velops only those who do it. Do they expect any-
from it.’ (7:123) thing but the pattern of previous peoples? You
When those who disbelieve were plotting against will not find any changing in the pattern of Allah.
you to imprison you or kill you or expel you: they You will not find any alteration in the pattern of
were plotting and Allah was plotting, but Allah is Allah. (35:42-43)
the Best of Plotters. (8:30) So Allah safeguarded him (Musa) from the evil
When We let people taste mercy after hardship things they plotted and a most evil torment en-
has afflicted them, immediately they plot against gulfed Pharaoh’s people. (40:45)
Our Signs. Say: ‘Allah is swifter at plotting.’ Your They have hatched a mighty plot. (71:22)
plotting is recorded by Our Messengers. (10:21) They are hatching a plot. (86:15)
What then of Him Who is standing over every
self seeing everything it does? Yet still they asso- POET
ciate others with Allah! Say: ‘Name them! Or Furthermore they say, ‘A muddled jumble of
would you inform Him of something in the earth dreams!’ and, ‘He has invented it!’ and, ‘He is a
He does not know, or are they words which are poet!’ and, ‘Let him bring us a Sign like those sent
simply guesswork on your part?’ However, the to previous peoples.’ (21:5)
plotting of those who disbelieve seems good to And as for poets, it is the misled who follow
them and they bar the way. Anyone misguided them. (26:224)
555
They said, ‘Are we to forsake our gods for a mad POOR
poet?’ (37:36) Remember when We made a covenant with the
Or do they say, ‘He is a poet and We are waiting tribe of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and be
for something bad to happen to him’? (52:30) good to your parents and to relatives and or-
It is not the word of a poet–how little faith you phans and the very poor. And speak good words
have! (69:41) to people. And perform prayer and give the
alms.’ But then you turned away–except a few of
POLL TAX (JIZYA) you–you turned aside. (2:83)
Fight those of the people who were given the It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East
Book who do not believe in Allah and the Last or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
Day and who do not make forbidden what Allah are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
and His Messenger have made forbidden and do the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
not take as their religion the religion of Truth, despite their love for it, give away their wealth to
until they pay the poll tax with their own hands their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
in a state of complete abasement. (9:29) and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
POMEGRANATE those who honour their contracts when they
It is He Who sends down water from the sky from make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
which We bring forth growth of every kind, and ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
from that We bring forth the green shoots and true. They are the people who guard against evil.
from them We bring forth close-packed seeds, (2:177)
and from the spathes of the date palm date clus- (Fasting is prescribed) for a specified number of
ters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and days. But any of you who are ill or on a journey
olives and pomegranates, both similar and dis- should fast a number of other days. For those
similar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and who can (scarcely) afford it, making up for it
ripen. There are Signs in that for people who be- means feeding a poor man. And if someone does
lieve. (6:99) good of his own accord, it is better for him. But
It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated that you should fast is better for you, if you only
and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse knew. (2:184)
kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar They will ask you what they should give away.
and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear Say, ‘Any wealth you give away should go to
fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest, your parents and relatives and to orphans and the
and do not be profligate. He does not love the very poor and travellers.’ Whatever good you do,
profligate. (6:141) Allah knows it. (2:215)
If you make your charity public, that is good. But
PONDER (TAFAKKUR) if you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is
Will they not ponder the Qur’an? If it had been better for you, and We will erase some of your
from other than Allah, they would have found bad actions from you. Allah is aware of what you
many inconsistencies in it. (4:82) do. (2:271)
Do they not ponder these words? Has anything It (charity) is for the poor who are held back in
come to them that did not come to their ances- the Way of Allah, unable to travel in the land.
tors, the previous peoples? (23:68) The ignorant consider them rich because of their
It is a Book We have sent down to you, full of reticence. You will know them by their mark.
blessing, so let people of intelligence ponder its They do not ask from people insistently.
Signs and take heed. (38:29) Whatever good you give away, Allah knows it.
Will they not then ponder the Qur’an or are there (2:273)
locks upon their hearts? (47:24) Allah has heard the words of those who say,
556
‘Allah is poor and we are rich.’ We will write mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by
down what they said and their killing of the two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the
Prophets without any right to do so and We will Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast-
say, ‘Taste the punishment of the Burning.’ ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste
(3:181) the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has
Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a pardoned all that took place in the past; but if
marriageable age, then if you perceive that they anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on
have sound judgement hand over their property him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge.
to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and (5:95)
precipitately before they come of age. Those Know that when you take any booty a fifth of it
who are wealthy should abstain from it alto- belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to
gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly close relatives, orphans, the very poor and trav-
and correctly. When you hand over their prop- ellers, if you believe in Allah and in what We
erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on sent down to Our servant on the Day of
their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6) Discrimination, the day the two groups
If other relatives or orphans or poor people at- met–Allah has power over all things. (8:41)
tend the sharing-out (of what one leaves), pro- The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those
vide for them out of it and speak to them who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free-
correctly and courteously. (4:8) ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of
Worship Allah and do not associate anything Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from
with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60)
and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh- Give your relatives their due, and the very poor
bours who are related to you and neighbours and travellers but do not squander what you
who are not related to you, and to companions have. (17:26)
and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not Do not kill your children out of fear of being
love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36) poor. We will provide for them and you. Killing
You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bear- them is a terrible mistake. (17:31)
ing witness for Allah alone, even against your- (He said to Musa,) ‘As for the boat, it belonged to
selves or your parents and relatives. Whether some poor people who worked on the sea. I
they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look wanted to damage it because a king was coming
after them. Do not follow your own desires and behind them, commandeering every boat.’
deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, (18:79)
Allah is aware of what you do. (4:135) Announce the Pilgrimage to mankind. They will
Allah does not take you to task for your inadver- come to you on foot and on every sort of lean an-
tent oaths, but He will take you to task for oaths imal, coming by every distant road so that they
you make intentionally. The expiation in that can be present at what will profit them and in-
case is to feed ten poor people with the average voke Allah’s name on specific days over live-
amount you feed your family, or clothe them, or stock He has provided for them. Eat of them and
free a slave. Anyone without the means to do so feed those who are poor and in need. (22:27-28)
should fast three days. That is the expiation for We have appointed the sacrificial animals for
breaking oaths when you have sworn them. Keep you as one of the sacred rites of Allah. There is
your oaths. In this way Allah makes His Signs good in them for you, so invoke Allah’s name
clear to you, so that hopefully you will be thank- over them, as they stand in rows. And then when
ful. (5:89) they collapse on their sides, eat of them and feed
You who believe! Do not kill game while you are both those who ask and those who are too shy to
in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any ask. In this way We have subjected them to you
deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani- so that hopefully you will be thankful. (22:36)
557
Those of you possessing affluence and ample So they set off, quietly saying to one another, ‘Do
wealth should not make oaths that they will not not let any poor man into it today while you are
give to their relatives and the very poor and those there.’ (68:23-24)
who have migrated in the way of Allah. They He used not to believe in Allah the Magnificent,
should rather pardon and overlook. Would you nor did he urge the feeding of the poor. (69:33-
not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever- 34)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:22) They will say, ‘We were not among those who
Marry off those among you who are unmarried performed prayer and we did not feed the poor.’
and those of your slaves and slavegirls who are (74:43-44)
righteous. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them They give food, despite their love for it, to the
from His bounty. Allah is All-Encompassing, All- poor and orphans and captives. (76:8)
Knowing. (24:32) No indeed! You do not honour orphans nor do
Give relatives their due, and the poor and trav- you urge the feeding of the poor; (89:17-18)
ellers. That is best for those who seek the pleas- What will convey to you what the steep ascent
ure of Allah. They are the ones who are is? It is freeing a slave or feeding on a day of
successful. (30:38) hunger an orphaned relative or a poor man in the
Mankind! You are the poor in need of Allah dust; (90:12-16)
whereas Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the He is the one who harshly rebuffs the orphan and
Praiseworthy. (35:15) does not urge the feeding of the poor. (107:2-3)
Here you are then: people who are called upon
to spend in the Way of Allah and then some of PORK
you are tight-fisted! But whoever is tight-fisted is He has only forbidden you carrion, blood and
only tight-fisted to himself. Allah is Rich and you pork and what has been consecrated to other
are poor. If you turn away, He will replace you than Allah. But anyone who is forced to eat
with a people other than yourselves and they will it–without desiring it or going to excess in
not be like you. (47:38) it–commits no crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
Anyone who cannot find the means must fast for Most Merciful. (2:173)
two consecutive months before the two of them Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork,
may touch one another again. And anyone who and what has been consecrated to other than
is unable to do that must feed sixty poor people. Allah, and animals which have been strangled,
That is to affirm your faith in Allah and His and animals which have been killed by a blow,
Messenger. These are Allah’s limits. The disbe- and animals which have fallen to their death,
lievers will have a painful punishment. (58:4) and animals which have been gored, and ani-
Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those
from city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the you are able to slaughter properly–and animals
Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid-
the very poor and travellers, so that it does not ing things by means of divining arrows–that is
become something which merely revolves be- deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de-
tween the rich among you. Whatever the spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not
Messenger gives you you should accept and be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I
whatever he forbids you you should forgo. Have have perfected your religion for you and com-
fear of Allah–Allah is severe in retribution. (59:7) pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased
It (the booty) is for the poor of the emigrants who with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is
were driven from their homes and wealth desir- forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing,
ing the favour and the pleasure of Allah and sup- Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)
porting Allah and His Messenger. Such people Say: ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to
are the truly sincere. (59:8) me, any food it is forbidden to eat except for car-
558
rion, flowing blood, and pork–for that is un- POWERLESSNESS
clean–or some deviance consecrated to other What you are promised will come about and you
than Allah. But if anyone is forced to eat it, with- can do nothing to prevent it. (6:134)
out desiring to or going to excess in it, your Lord Do not imagine that those who disbelieve have
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (6:145) got ahead. They are quite powerless. (8:59)
He has forbidden you carrion, blood and pork An announcement to those idolaters you have a
and anything consecrated to other than Allah. general treaty with that Allah and His Messenger
But if someone is forced to eat it, without desir- are free of them: ‘You may travel about in the
ing to or going to excess in it, your Lord is Ever- land for four months and know that you cannot
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (16:115) thwart Allah and that Allah will humiliate the dis-
believers.’(9:1-2)
POVERTY A proclamation from Allah and His Messenger to
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East mankind on the day of the greater pilgrimage:
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness ‘Allah is free of the idolaters, as is His Messenger.
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, If you repent, it will be better for you. But if you
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, turn your backs, know that you cannot thwart
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to Allah.’ Give those who disbelieve the news of a
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, painful punishment. (9:3)
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves They will ask you to tell them if this is true. Say:
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; ‘Yes indeed, by my Lord, it certainly is true and
those who honour their contracts when they you can do nothing to prevent it.’(10:53)
make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill- They were not able to thwart Allah on earth, and
ness and in battle. Those are the people who are had no protectors besides Allah. The punishment
true. They are the people who guard against evil. will be doubled for them. They were unable to
(2:177) hear and could not see. (11:20)
Or did you suppose that you would enter the He (Nuh) said, ‘Allah will bring it to you if He
Garden without facing the same as those who wills and you will not be able to prevent it.’
came before you? Poverty and illness afflicted (11:33)
them and they were shaken to the point that the Or that He will not seize them on their travels,
Messenger and those who believed with him something they are powerless to prevent. (16:46)
said, ‘When is Allah’s help coming?’ Be assured Do not imagine that those who disbelieve are
that Allah’s help is very near. (2:214) able to escape Allah on earth. Their shelter will
Satan promises you poverty and commands you be the Fire. What an evil destination! (24:57)
to avarice. Allah promises you forgiveness from Have they not travelled in the land and seen the
Him and abundance. Allah is All-Encompassing, final fate of those before them? They were far
All-Knowing. (2:268) greater than them in strength. Allah cannot be
Say: ‘Come and I will recite to you what your withstood in any way, either in the heavens or on
Lord has made forbidden for you’: that you do earth. He is All-Knowing, All-Powerful. (35:44)
not associate anything with Him; that you are The evil deeds they earned caught up with them.
good to your parents; that you do not kill your And the evil deeds which the wrongdoers among
children because of poverty–We will provide for these people earn will also catch up with them
you and them; that you do not approach inde- and they can do nothing to prevent it. (39:51)
cency–outward or inward; that you do not kill You will not be able to thwart Him on the earth
any person Allah has made inviolate–except with and you have no protector or helper besides
the right to do so. That is what He instructs you to Allah. (42:31)
do so that hopefully you will use your intellect. (A group of jinn said to their people,) ‘Those who
(6:151) do not respond to Allah’s caller cannot thwart
559
Allah on earth and have no protectors apart from Those who are in the presence of your Lord do
Him. Such people are clearly misguided.’ (46:32) not consider themselves too great to worship
(Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of Him. They glorify His praise and they prostrate to
the jinn listened and said,) "We realised we Him. (7:206)
would never thwart Allah on earth and would Those who repent, those who worship, those
never thwart Him by flight."’ (72:12) who praise, those who fast, those who bow,
those who prostrate, those who command the
PRAISE right, those who forbid the wrong, those who
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. (1:1) preserve the limits of Allah: give good news to
When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am putting the believers. (9:112)
an overlord on the earth,’ they said, ‘Why put on Their call there is: ‘Glory be to You, O Allah!’
it one who will cause corruption on it and shed Their greeting there is: ‘Peace!’ The end of their
blood when we glorify You with praise and pro- call is: ‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the
claim Your purity?’ He said, ‘I know what you do worlds!’ (10:10)
not know.’ (2:30) They said, ‘Are you astonished at Allah’s com-
You who believe! Give away some of the good mand? May Allah’s mercy and His blessings be
things you have earned and some of what the upon you, People of the House! He is
earth produces for you. Do not have recourse to Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.’ (11:73)
bad things when you give, things you would only The thunder glorifies His praise, as do the angels,
take with your eyes tight shut! Know that Allah is out of fear of Him. He discharges the thunder-
Rich Beyond Need, Praiseworthy. (2:267) bolts, striking with them anyone He wills. Yet still
Those who exult in what they have done and they argue about Allah when He is inexorable in
love to be praised for what they have not done His power! (13:13)
should not suppose that they have escaped the Alif Lam Ra. This is a Book We have sent down to
punishment. They will have a painful punish- you so that you can bring mankind from the
ment. (3:188) darkness to the light, by the permission of their
What is in the heavens and in the earth belongs Lord, to the Path of the Almighty, the
to Allah. We have instructed those given the Praiseworthy. (14:1)
Book before you and you yourselves, to have fear Musa said, ‘If you were to be ungrateful, you and
of Allah, but if you disbelieve, what is in the everyone on the earth, Allah is Rich Beyond
heavens and in the earth belongs to Allah. Allah Need, Praiseworthy.’ (14:8)
is Rich Beyond Need, Praiseworthy. (4:131) (Ibrahim said,) ‘Praise be to Allah Who, despite
Praise belongs to Allah Who created the heavens my old age, has given me Isma‘il and Ishaq. My
and the earth and appointed darkness and light. Lord is the Hearer of Prayer.’ (14:39)
Then those who disbelieve make others equal to So glorify your Lord with praise and be one of the
their Lord! (6:1) prostrators. (15:98)
So the last remnant of the people who did wrong Allah does make a metaphor: an owned slave
was cut off. Praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of possessing no power over anything, and some-
all the worlds! (6:45) one We have given plentiful provision who gives
We will strip away any rancour in their hearts. out from it secretly and openly. Are they the
Rivers will flow under them and they will say, same? Praise be to Allah! They are not! But most
‘Praise be to Allah Who has guided us to this! We people do not know it. (16:75)
would not have been guided, had Allah not The seven heavens and the earth and everyone in
guided us. The Messengers of our Lord came them glorify Him. There is nothing which does
with the Truth.’ It will be proclaimed to them: not glorify Him with praise but you do not under-
‘This is your Garden which you have inherited stand their glorification. He is All-Forbearing,
for what you did.’ (7:43) Ever-Forgiving. (17:44)
560
On the Day He calls you, you will respond by If you ask them, ‘Who sends down water from
praising Him and think that you have only tarried the sky, bringing the earth back to life again after
a very short time. (17:52) it was dead?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘Praise be
And stay awake for prayer during part of the to Allah.’ But most of them do not use their intel-
night as a supererogatory action for yourself. It lect. (29:63)
may well be that your Lord will raise you to a Praise be to Him in the heavens and the earth, in
Praiseworthy Station. (17:79) the afternoon and when you reach midday.
And say: ‘Praise be to Allah Who has had no son (30:18)
and Who has no partner in His Kingdom and We gave Luqman wisdom: ‘Give thanks to Allah.
Who needs no one to protect Him from abase- Whoever gives thanks only does so to his own
ment.’ And proclaim His Greatness repeatedly! good. Whoever is ungrateful, Allah is Rich
(17:111) Beyond Need, Praiseworthy.’ (31:12)
Praise belongs to Allah Who has sent down the If you asked them, ‘Who created the heavens and
Book to His servant and has put no crookedness the earth?’ they would say, ‘Allah!’ Say: ‘Praise be
in it. (18:1) to Allah!’ But most of them do not know. (31:25)
So be steadfast in the face of what they say and Everything in the heavens and earth belongs to
glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of Allah. Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the
the sun and before its setting. And glorify Him Praiseworthy. (31:26)
during part of the night and at both ends of the The people who truly do believe in Our Signs are
day, so that hopefully you will be pleased. those who fall to the ground prostrating when
(20:130) they are reminded of them, and glorify their Lord
They have been guided to speak good words and with praise, and are not arrogant. (32:15)
guided to the praiseworthy path. (22:24) Praise be to Allah, to Whom everything in the
Everything in the heavens and everything in the heavens and everything in the earth belongs, and
earth belongs to Him. Allah is the Rich Beyond praise be to Him in the hereafter. He is the All-
Need, the Praiseworthy. (22:64) Wise, the All-Aware. (34:1)
When you and those with you are settled in the Those who have been given knowledge see that
Ship, then say: "Praise be to Allah Who has res- what has been sent down to you from your Lord
cued us from the people of the wrongdoers!" is the truth and that it guides to the Path of the
(23:28) Almighty, the Praiseworthy. (34:6)
Put your trust in the Living Who does not die and We gave Dawud great favour from Us: ‘O moun-
glorify Him with praise. He is well aware of the tains and birds! Echo with him in his praise!’ And
wrong actions of His servants. (25:58) We made iron malleable for him. (34:10)
We gave knowledge to Dawud and Sulayman Praise be to Allah, the Bringer into Being of the
who said, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has favoured heavens and earth, He Who made the angels
us over many of His servants who are believers.’ messengers, with wings–two, three or four. He
(27:15) adds to creation in any way He wills. Allah has
Say: ‘Praise be to Allah and peace be upon His power over all things. (35:1)
servants whom He has chosen.’ Is Allah better, or Mankind! You are the poor in need of Allah
what you associate with Him? (27:59) whereas Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the
Say: ‘Praise be to Allah. He will show you His Praiseworthy. (35:15)
Signs and you will recognise them. Your Lord is They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has re-
not unaware of what you do.’ (27:93) moved all sadness from us. Truly our Lord is Ever-
He is Allah. There is no god but Him. Praise be to Forgiving, Ever-Thankful.’ (35:34)
Him in this world and the hereafter. Judgement And praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds!
belongs to Him. You will be returned to Him. (37:182)
(28:70) Allah has made a metaphor for them of a man
561
owned by several partners in dispute with one an- Lord–you are certainly before Our eyes. And glo-
other and another man wholly owned by a single rify and praise your Lord when you get up.
man. Are they the same? Praise be to Allah! The (52:48)
fact is that most of them do not know. (39:29) (Allah does not love) those who are tight-fisted
They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has ful- and tell others to be tight-fisted. If anyone turns
filled His promise to us and made us the inheri- away, Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the
tors of this land, letting us settle in the Garden Praiseworthy. (57:24)
wherever we want. How excellent is the wage of There is an excellent example in them for you to
those who work!’ (39:74) follow, that is for those whose hope is in Allah
You will see the angels circling round the and the Last Day. But if anyone turns away, Allah
Throne, glorifying their Lord with praise. It will is the Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy.
be decided between them with truth. And it will (60:6)
be said: ‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the Everything in the heavens and everything on
worlds.’ (39:75) earth glorifies Allah. Sovereignty and praise be-
Those who bear the Throne, and all those around long to Him. He has power over all things. (64:1)
it, glorify their Lord with praise and believe in That is because their Messengers brought them
Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe: the Clear Signs but they said, ‘Are human beings
‘Our Lord, You encompass everything in mercy going to guide us?’ So they disbelieved and
and knowledge! Forgive those who turn to You turned away. But Allah is completely independ-
and who follow Your Way and safeguard them ent of them. Allah is Rich Beyond Need,
from the punishment of the Blazing Fire.’ (40:7) Praiseworthy. (64:6)
So remain steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Ask The only reason they punished them was be-
forgiveness for your wrong action and glorify cause they believed in Allah, the Almighty, the
your Lord with praise in the evening and the All-Praiseworthy. (85:8)
early morning. (40:55) When Allah’s help and victory have arrived and
He is the Living–there is no god but Him–so call you have seen people entering Allah’s religion in
on Him, making your religion sincerely His. droves, then glorify your Lord’s praise and ask His
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. forgiveness. He is the Ever-Returning. (110:1-3)
(40:65)
Falsehood cannot reach it from before it or be- PRAYER
hind it–it (the Qur'an) is a revelation from One (Those who guard against evil are) those who be-
who is All-Wise, Praiseworthy. (41:42) lieve in the Unseen and perform prayer and
The heavens are all but rent asunder from above spend from what We have provided for them.
when the angels glorify their Lord with praise (2:3)
and ask forgiveness for those who are on the Perform prayer and give the alms and bow with
earth. Allah is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most those who bow. (2:43)
Merciful. (42:5) Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. But that is
It is He Who sends down abundant rain, after a very hard thing, except for the humble. (2:45)
they have lost all hope, and unfolds His mercy. Remember when We made a covenant with the
He is the Protector, the Praiseworthy. (42:28) tribe of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and be
All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the heav- good to your parents and to relatives and or-
ens and the Lord of the earth, Lord of all the phans and the very poor. And speak good words
worlds. (45:36) to people. And perform prayer and give the
So be patient in the face of what they say and alms.’ But then you turned away–except a few of
glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of you–you turned aside. (2:83)
the sun and before it sets. (50:39) Perform prayer and give the alms. Any good you
So wait steadfastly for the judgement of your send ahead for yourselves, you will find with
562
Allah. Certainly Allah sees what you do. (2:110) alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them,
And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place a group of them fear people as Allah should be
of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our
place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If
prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il: only You would give us just a little more time!’
‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief.
those who stay there, and those who bow and The hereafter is better for those who guard
who prostrate.’ (2:125) against evil. You will not be wronged by so much
You who believe! Seek help in steadfastness and as the smallest speck.’ (4:77)
prayer. Allah is with the steadfast. (2:153) When you are travelling in the land, there is
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East nothing wrong in your shortening your prayer if
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness you fear that those who disbelieve may harass
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, you. The disbelievers are your clear-cut enemies.
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, (4:101)
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to When you are with them and leading them in
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, prayer, a group of them should stand with you,
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves keeping hold of their weapons. When they pros-
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; trate, the others should guard your backs. Then
those who honour their contracts when they the other group who have not yet prayed should
make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill- come and pray with you. They too should be
ness and in battle. Those are the people who are careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those
true. They are the people who guard against evil. who disbelieve would like you to be negligent of
(2:177) your arms and equipment so that they can swoop
Safeguard the prayer–especially the middle one. down on you once and for all. There is nothing
Stand in obedience to Allah. (2:238) wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill,
Those who believe and do right actions and per- in laying your weapons down; but take every
form prayer and give the alms, will have their re- precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating
ward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and punishment for the disbelievers. (4:102)
will know no sorrow. (2:277) When you have finished prayer remember Allah
The angels called out to him while he (Zakariyya) standing, sitting and lying on your sides. When
was standing in prayer in the Upper Room: you are safe again perform prayer in the normal
‘Allah gives you the good news of Yahya, who way. The prayer is prescribed for the believers at
will come to confirm a Word from Allah, and will specific times. (4:103)
be a leader and a celibate, a Prophet and one of The hypocrites think they deceive Allah, but He
the righteous.’ (3:39) is deceiving them. When they get up to pray,
You who believe! Do not approach the prayer they get up lazily, showing off to people, and
when you are drunk, so that you will know what only remembering Allah a very little. (4:142)
you are saying, nor in a state of major impu- But those of them who are firmly rooted in
rity–unless you are travelling–until you have knowledge, and the believers, believe in what
washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or has been sent down to you and what was sent
on a journey, or any of you have come from the down before you: those who perform prayer and
lavatory or touched women, and you cannot find give the alms, and believe in Allah and the Last
any water then take for yourselves clean earth, Day–We will pay such people an immense
wiping your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever- wage. (4:162)
Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43) You who believe! When you get up to perform
Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back prayer, wash your faces and your hands and your
from fighting but perform prayer and give the arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads,
563
and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a and safeguard their prayer. (6:92)
state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. Say: ‘My prayer and my rites, my living and my
But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the
from the lavatory, or have touched women, and worlds.’ (6:162)
cannot find any water, then then take for your- Whenever the plague came down on them they
selves clean earth, and wipe your faces and your said, ‘Musa, pray to your Lord for us by the con-
hands therewith. Allah does not want to make tract He has with you. If you remove the plague
things difficult for you, but He does want to pu- from us, we will definitely believe in you and
rify you and to perfect His blessing upon you so send the tribe of Israel away with you.’ (7:134)
that hopefully you will be thankful. (5:6) As for those who hold fast to the Book and per-
Allah made a covenant with the tribe of Israel form prayer, We will not let the wage of the right-
and We raised up twelve leaders from among eous be wasted. (7:170)
them. Allah said, ‘I am with you. If you perform (Believers are) those who perform prayer and
prayer and give the alms, and believe in My give of what We have provided for them. (8:3)
Messengers and respect and support them, and Their prayer at the House is nothing but whistling
make a generous loan to Allah, I will erase your and clapping. So taste the punishment because
wrong actions from you and admit you into you disbelieved! (8:35)
Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Any of Then, when the sacred months are over, kill the
you who disbelieve after that have gone astray idolaters wherever you find them, and seize
from the right way.’ (5:12) them and besiege them and lie in wait for them
Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and on every road. If they repent and perform prayer
those who believe: those who perform prayer and give the alms, let them go on their way. Allah
and give the alms, and bow. (5:55) is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:5)
When you call to prayer they make a mockery But if they repent and perform prayer and give
and a game of it. That is because they are people the alms, they are your brothers in the religion.
who do not use their intellect. (5:58) We make the Signs clear for people who have
Satan wants to stir up enmity and hatred between knowledge. (9:11)
you by means of wine and gambling, and to The mosques of Allah should only be maintained
debar you from remembrance of Allah and from by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day
prayer. Will you not then give them up? (5:91) and perform prayer and give the alms, and fear
You who believe! When one of you is near to no one but Allah. They are the ones most likely
death and makes a will, two just men from to be guided. (9:18)
among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are Nothing prevents what they give from being ac-
travelling when the misfortune of death occurs, cepted from them but the fact that they have re-
two men who are strangers to you. You should jected Allah and His Messenger, and that they
detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful, only come to prayer lethargically, and that they
they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it only give reluctantly. (9:54)
for any price, even to a near relative, and we will The men and women of the believers are friends
not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we of one another. They command what is right and
would indeed be wrongdoers.’ (5:106) forbid what is wrong, and perform prayer and
(Say:) ‘And (We are commanded) to perform give the alms, and obey Allah and His
prayer and guard against evil of Him. It is He to Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah
Whom you will be gathered.’ (6:72) will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
This is a Book We have sent down and blessed, (9:71)
confirming what came before it, so that you can Never pray over any of them who die or stand at
warn the Mother of Cities and the people around their graves. They rejected Allah and His
it. Those who believe in the hereafter believe in it Messenger and died as deviators. (9:84)
564
And among the desert arabs there are some who recitation at dawn. The dawn recitation is cer-
believe in Allah and the Last Day and regard tainly witnessed. (17:78)
what they give as something which will bring And stay awake for prayer during part of the
them nearer to Allah and to the prayers of the night as a supererogatory action for yourself. It
Messenger. It does indeed bring them near. Allah may well be that your Lord will raise you to a
will admit them into His mercy. Allah is Ever- Praiseworthy Station. (17:79)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:99) Say: ‘Call on Allah or call on the All-Merciful,
Take charity from their wealth to purify and whichever you call upon, the Most Beautiful
cleanse them and pray for them. Your prayers Names are His.’ Do not be too loud in your
bring relief to them. Allah is All-Hearing, All- prayer or too quiet in it, but try to find a way be-
Knowing. (9:103) tween the two. (17:110)
We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your (‘Isa said,) ‘He has made me blessed wherever I
people in houses in Egypt and make your houses am and directed me to perform prayer and give
places of worship and perform prayer and give the alms as long as I live.’ (19:31)
good news to the believers.’ (10:87) He used to command his people to perform
They said, ‘Shu‘ayb, do your prayers instruct you prayer and give the alms and he was pleasing to
that we should abandon what our fathers wor- his Lord. (19:55)
shipped or stop doing whatever we want to with An evil generation succeeded them who neg-
our wealth? You are clearly the forbearing, the lected the prayer and followed their appetites.
rightly-guided!’ (11:87) They will plunge into the Valley of Evil. (19:59)
Perform prayer at each end of the day and in the (Allah said,) ‘I am Allah. There is no god but Me,
first part of the night. Good actions eradicate bad so worship Me and perform prayer to remember
actions. This is a reminder for people who pay Me.’ (20:14)
heed. (11:114) Instruct your family to perform prayer, and be
Those who are steadfast in seeking the face of constant in it. We do not ask you for provision.
their Lord, and perform prayer and give from the We provide for you. And the outcome rests on
provision We have given them, secretly and doing your duty. (20:132)
openly, and stave off evil with good, it is they We made them leaders, guiding by Our com-
who will have the Ultimate Abode. (13:22) mand, and revealed to them how to do good ac-
Tell My servants who believe that they should tions and perform prayer and give the alms, and
perform prayer and give from what We have pro- they worshipped Us. (21:73)
vided for them, secretly and openly, before a Day ... Give good news to the humble-hearted, whose
arrives on which there will be no trading and no hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and who are
friendship. (14:31) steadfast in the face of all that happens to them,
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of those who perform prayer and give of what We
my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti- have provided for them. (22:34-35)
vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer! ... Allah will certainly help those who help
Make the hearts of mankind incline towards Him–Allah is All-Strong, Almighty–those who, if
them and provide them with fruits, so that hope- We establish them firmly on the earth, will per-
fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37) form prayer and give the alms, and command
(Ibrahim said,) ‘My Lord! Make me and my de- what is right and forbid what is wrong. The end re-
scendants people who perform prayer. My Lord! sult of all affairs is with Allah. (22:40-41)
Accept my prayer.’ (14:40) Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He
Man prays for evil just as he prays for good. Man has selected you and not placed any constraint
is prone to be impetuous. (17:11) upon you in the religion–the religion of your fore-
Perform prayer from the time the sun declines father Ibrahim. He named you Muslims before
until the darkening of the night, and also the and also in this, so that the Messenger could be
565
witness against you and you could be witnesses and give the alms and are certain of the hereafter.
against all mankind. So perform prayer and give (31:4)
the alms and hold fast to Allah. He is your (Luqman said,) ‘My son, perform prayer and
Protector–the Best Protector, the Best Helper. command what is right and forbid what is wrong
(22:78) and be steadfast in the face of all that happens to
(Believers are) those who are humble in their you. That is certainly the most resolute course to
prayer. (23:2) follow.’ (31:17)
(Believers are) those who safeguard their prayer. Remain in your houses and do not display your
(23:9) beauty as it was previously displayed in the Time
... there are men who proclaim His glory morn- of Ignorance. Perform prayer and give the alms
ing and evening, not distracted by trade or com- and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah desires
merce from the remembrance of Allah and the to remove all impurity from you, People of the
performance of prayer and the giving of the alms; House, and to purify you completely. (33:33)
fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in No burden-bearer can bear another’s burden. If
turmoil. (24:36-37) someone weighed down calls for help to bear his
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his
earth glorifies Allah, as do the birds with their next of kin. You can only warn those who fear
outspread wings? Each one knows its prayer and their Lord in the Unseen and perform prayer.
glorification. Allah knows what they do. (24:41) Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone.
Perform prayer and give the alms and obey the Allah is your final destination. (35:18)
Messenger so that hopefully mercy will be Those who recite the Book of Allah and perform
shown to you. (24:56) prayer and give of what We have provided for
You who believe! Those you own as slaves and them, secretly and openly, hope for a transaction
those of you who have not yet reached puberty which will not prove profitless. (35:29)
should ask your permission to enter at three When We grant blessing to a man, he turns away
times: before the Dawn Prayer, when you have and draws aside but when any evil touches him,
undressed at noon, and after the Prayer of he is full of endless prayers! (41:51)
Night–three times of nakedness for you. There is (What is with Allah is better for) those who re-
nothing wrong for you or them at other times in spond to their Lord and perform prayer, and
moving around among yourselves from one to manage their affairs by mutual consultation and
another. In this way Allah makes the Signs clear give of what We have provided for them. (42:38)
to you. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (24:58) Are you afraid to give gifts of charity before your
It is guidance and good news for the believers, private consultation? If you do not and Allah
those who perform prayer and give the alms and turns to you, at least perform prayer and give the
are certain about the hereafter. (27:2-3) alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah is
Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book aware of what you do. (58:13)
and perform prayer. Prayer precludes indecency You who believe! When you are called to prayer
and wrongdoing. And remembrance of Allah is on the Day of Friday, hasten to the remembrance
greater still. Allah knows what you do. (29:45) of Allah and abandon trade. That is better for you
So set your face firmly towards the Religion, as a if you only knew. (62:9)
pure natural believer, Allah’s natural pattern on Then when the prayer is finished spread through
which He made mankind. There is no changing the earth and seek Allah’s bounty and remember
Allah’s creation. That is the true Religion–but Allah much so that hopefully you will be suc-
most people do not know it–turning towards cessful. (62:10)
Him. Have fear of Him and perform prayer. Do Truly man was created headstrong–desperate
not be among the idolaters. (30:30-31) when bad things happen, begrudging when good
(The good-doers are) those who perform prayer things come–except for those who perform
566
prayer and are constant in it. (70:20-23) you. The disbelievers are your clear-cut enemies.
Those who safeguard their prayer; such people (4:101)
will be in Gardens, highly honoured. (70:34-35) When you are with them and leading them in
Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two- prayer, a group of them should stand with you,
thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and keeping hold of their weapons. When they pros-
a group of those with you. Allah determines the trate, the others should guard your backs. Then
night and day. He knows you will not keep count the other group who have not yet prayed should
of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as come and pray with you. They too should be
much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those
that some of you are ill and that others are travel- who disbelieve would like you to be negligent of
ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that your arms and equipment so that they can swoop
others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite down on you once and for all. There is nothing
as much of it as is easy for you. And perform wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill,
prayer and give the alms and lend a generous in laying your weapons down; but take every
loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating
yourselves you will find it with Allah as some- punishment for the disbelievers. (4:102)
thing better and as a greater reward. And seek When you have finished prayer remember Allah
forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, standing, sitting and lying on your sides. When
Most Merciful. (73:20) you are safe again perform prayer in the normal
They will say, ‘We were not among those who way. The prayer is prescribed for the believers at
performed prayer.’ (74:43) specific times. (4:103)
He neither affirmed the truth nor did he perform
prayer. (75:31) PRAYER OF NIGHT
He who has purified himself will have success, You who believe! Those you own as slaves and
he who invokes the Name of his Lord and prays. those of you who have not yet reached puberty
(87:14-15) should ask your permission to enter at three
Have you seen him who prevents a servant when times: before the Dawn Prayer, when you have
he goes to pray? (96:9-10) undressed at noon, and after the Prayer of
They were only ordered to worship Allah, mak- Night–three times of nakedness for you. There is
ing their religion sincerely His as people of pure nothing wrong for you or them at other times in
natural belief, and to perform prayer and give the moving around among yourselves from one to
alms–that is the religion of the correct. (98:5) another. In this way Allah makes the Signs clear
So woe to those who perform prayer, and are for- to you. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (24:58)
getful of their prayer. (107:4-5)
So pray to your Lord and sacrifice. (108:2) PRECAUTION
If you are afraid, then perform prayer on foot or You who believe! Take all necessary precautions,
mounted. But when you are safe, remember then go out to fight in separate groups or go out
Allah in the way He taught you when previously as one body. (4:71)
you did not know. (2:239) When you are with them and leading them in
(The servants of the All-Merciful are) those who prayer, a group of them should stand with you,
pass the night prostrating and standing before keeping hold of their weapons. When they pros-
their Lord; (25:64) trate, the others should guard your backs. Then
the other group who have not yet prayed should
PRAYER DURING THE BATTLE come and pray with you. They too should be
When you are travelling in the land, there is careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those
nothing wrong in your shortening your prayer if who disbelieve would like you to be negligent of
you fear that those who disbelieve may harass your arms and equipment so that they can swoop
567
down on you once and for all. There is nothing says, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing
wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill, You bestowed on me and on my parents, and
in laying your weapons down; but take every keep me acting rightly, pleasing You. And make
precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating my descendants righteous. I have repented to
punishment for the disbelievers. (4:102) You and I am truly one of the Muslims.’ (46:15)
In the case of those of your wives who are past
PREGNANCY the age of menstruation, if you have any doubt,
It is He Who created you from a single self and their waiting period should be three months, and
made from him his spouse so that he might find that also applies to those who have not yet men-
repose in her. Then when he covered her she struated. The time for women who are pregnant
bore a light load and carried it around. Then is when they give birth. Whoever has fear of
when it became heavy they called on Allah, their Allah–He will make matters easy for him. (65:4)
Lord, ‘If You grant us a healthy child, we will be Let them (the women you divorce) live where
among the thankful!’ (7:189) you live, according to your means. Do not put
Allah knows what every female bears and every pressure on them, so as to harass them. If they are
shrinking of the womb and every swelling. pregnant, maintain them until they give birth. If
Everything has its measure with Him. (13:8) they are suckling for you, give them their wages
So she (Maryam) conceived him and withdrew and consult together with correctness and cour-
with him to a distant place. (19:22) tesy. But if you make things difficult for one an-
On the day they see it, every nursing woman will other, another woman should do the suckling for
be oblivious of the baby at her breast, and every you. (65:6)
pregnant woman will abort the contents of her
womb, and you will think people drunk when PRE-ORDAINED DECREE
they are not drunk; it is just that the punishment (I. E. DESTINY)
of Allah is so severe. (22:2) No self can die except with Allah’s permission, at
We have instructed man concerning his parents. a predetermined time. If anyone desires the re-
Bearing him caused his mother great debility and ward of this world, We will give him some of it. If
the period of his weaning was two years: ‘Give anyone desires the reward of the hereafter, We
thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final will give him some of it. We will recompense the
destination.’ (31:14) thankful. (3:145)
Allah created you from dust and then from a drop Then He sent down to you, after the distress, se-
of sperm and then made you into pairs. No fe- curity, restful sleep overtaking a group of you,
male becomes pregnant or gives birth except whereas another group became prey to anxious
with His knowledge. And no living thing lives thoughts, thinking other than the truth about
long or has its life cut short without that being in Allah–thoughts belonging to the Time of
a Book. That is easy for Allah. (35:11) Ignorance– saying, ‘Do we have any say in the
Knowledge of the Hour is referred to Him. And affair at all?’ Say, ‘The affair belongs entirely to
no fruit emerges from its husk, nor does any fe- Allah.’ They are concealing things inside them-
male get pregnant or give birth, without His selves which they do not disclose to you, saying,
knowledge. On the Day He calls out to them: ‘If we had only had a say in the affair, none of us
‘Where are My associates?’ they will say, ‘We de- would have been killed here in this place.’ Say,
clare to you that none of us is a witness.’ (41:47) ‘Even if you had been inside your homes, those
We have instructed man to be good to his par- people for whom killing was decreed would
ents. His mother bore him with difficulty and have gone out to their place of death.’ So that
with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge
and weaning take thirty months. Then when he what is in your hearts. Allah knows the contents
achieves his full strength and reaches forty, he of your hearts. (3:154)
568
It is He Who created you from clay and then de- Path.’ (11:56)
creed a fixed term, and another fixed term is As for those who are wretched, they will be in
specified with Him. Yet you still have doubts! the Fire, where they will sigh and gasp, remain-
(6:2) ing in it timelessly, for ever, as long as the heav-
If their turning away is hard on you, then go ens and earth endure, except as your Lord wills.
down a tunnel deep into the earth, if you can, or Your Lord is the Doer of what He wills. As for
climb up a ladder into heaven, and bring them a those who are glad, they will be in the Garden,
Sign. If Allah had wanted to He would have gath- remaining in it timelessly, for ever, as long as the
ered them all to guidance. So do not be among heavens and earth endure, except as your Lord
the ignorant. (6:35) wills: an uninterrupted gift. (11:106-108)
Every nation has an appointed time. When their We gave Musa the Book and people differed
time comes, they cannot delay it a single hour or concerning it and had it not been for a prior
bring it forward. (7:34) Word from your Lord, it would already have
Were it not for a prior decree which had already been decided between them. They are indeed in
proceeded from Allah, a terrible punishment grave doubt about it. (11:110)
would have afflicted you on account of what you Everyone has a succession of angels in front of
took. (8:68) him and behind him, guarding him by Allah’s
Say: ‘Nothing can happen to us except what command. Allah never changes a people’s state
Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is until they change what is in themselves. When
in Allah that the believers should put their trust.’ Allah desires evil for a people, there is no avert-
(9:51) ing it. They have no protector apart from Him.
Mankind was only one community but then they (13:11)
differed, and had it not been for a prior Word Even if there was a Qur’an which moved moun-
from your Lord, they would already have been tains, or split the earth open or spoke to the
judged in respect of the differences between dead...! On the contrary! The affair is Allah’s al-
them. (10:19) together. Do those who believe not know that if
Say: ‘I possess no power to harm or help myself Allah had wanted to He could have guided all
except as Allah wills. Every nation has an ap- mankind? Those who disbelieve will not cease to
pointed time. When their appointed time comes, be struck by disaster for what they have done–or
they cannot delay it a single hour or bring it for- a disaster will happen close to their homes–until
ward.’ (10:49) Allah’s promise is fulfilled. Allah will not fail to
There is no creature on the earth which is not de- keep His promise. Messengers before you were
pendent upon Allah for its provision. He knows mocked. I gave those who disbelieved a little
where it lives and where it dies. They are all in a more time and then I seized them. How terrible
Clear Book. (11:6) was My retribution! (13:31-32)
If We postpone the punishment for them for a We sent Messengers before you and gave them
limited time, they will say, ‘What is holding it wives and children. Nor was any Messenger able
back?’ No, indeed! The day it reaches them it to bring a Sign except by Allah’s permission.
will not be averted from them and the things they There is a prescribed limit to every term. (13:38)
mocked at will encompass them. (11:8) Allah erases whatever He wills or endorses it.
(It was revealed to Nuh:) ‘Build the Ark under The Master Copy of the Book is in His Hands.
Our supervision and as We reveal and do not ad- (13:39)
dress Me concerning the wrongdoers. They shall We did not destroy any city without it having a
be drowned.’ (11:37) set time. (15:4)
(Hud said,) ‘I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord If Allah were to punish people for their wrong ac-
and your Lord. There is no creature He does not tions, not a single creature would be left upon
hold by the forelock. My Lord is on a Straight the earth, but He defers them till a predetermined
569
time. When their specified time arrives, they can- There is no restriction on the Prophet regarding
not delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it anything Allah allots to him. This was Allah’s pat-
forward. (16:61) tern with those who passed away before–and
There is no city We will not destroy before the Allah’s command is a pre-ordained decree.
Day of Rising, or punish with a terrible punish- (33:38)
ment. That is inscribed in the Book. (17:58) Those who disbelieve say, ‘The Hour will never
(Allah said,) ‘When your sister went and said, come.’ Say: ‘Yes, by my Lord, it certainly will
"Shall I direct you to someone who will take care come!’ He is the Knower of the Unseen, Whom
of him?" that was how We returned you to your not even the weight of the smallest particle
mother so that she might delight her eyes and not eludes, either in the heavens or in the earth; nor
be grieved. You killed a man and We rescued is there anything smaller or larger than that
you from trouble and tested you with many trials. which is not in a Clear Book. (34:3)
You stayed some years among the people of Say: ‘You have a promised appointment on a
Madyan. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained Day which you cannot delay or advance a single
time, Musa!’ (20:40) hour.’ (34:30)
And were it not for a prior word from your Lord, Allah created you from dust and then from a drop
and a specified term, it would inevitably have al- of sperm and then made you into pairs. No fe-
ready taken place. (20:129) male becomes pregnant or gives birth except
No nation can advance its appointed time nor with His knowledge. And no living thing lives
can they delay it. (23:43) long or has its life cut short without that being in
Do you not see that Allah propels the clouds then a Book. That is easy for Allah. (35:11)
makes them coalesce then heaps them up, and If Allah were to take mankind to task for what
then you see the rain come pouring out of the they have earned, He would not leave a single
middle of them? And He sends down mountains creature crawling on it, but He is deferring them
from the sky with hail inside them, striking with it until a specified time. Then, when their time
anyone He wills and averting it from anyone He comes, Allah sees His servants! (35:45)
wills. The brightness of His lightning almost We gave Musa the Book but there was disagree-
blinds the sight. (24:43) ment about it. And had it not been for a prior
Certainly your Lord knows what their hearts keep Word from your Lord, the judgement between
hidden and what they divulge. (27:74) them would already have been made. They are
Certainly there is no hidden thing in either indeed in grave doubt about it. (41:45)
heaven or earth which is not in a Clear Book. Knowledge of the Hour is referred to Him. And
(27:75) no fruit emerges from its husk, nor does any fe-
They ask you to hasten the punishment. If it were male get pregnant or give birth, without His
not for a stipulated term, the punishment would knowledge. On the Day He calls out to them:
have come to them already. It will come upon ‘Where are My associates?’ they will say, ‘We de-
them suddenly when they are not expecting it. clare to you that none of us is a witness.’ (41:47)
(29:53) They only split up after knowledge came to
Truly Allah has knowledge of the Hour and sends them, tyrannising one another. And were it not
down abundant rain and knows what is in the for a prior decree from your Lord for a specified
womb. And no self knows what it will earn to- term, the judgement between them would al-
morrow and no self knows in what land it will ready have been made. Those who inherited the
die. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (31:34) Book after them are indeed in grave doubt about
He directs the whole affair from heaven to earth. it. (42:14)
Then it will again ascend to Him on a Day whose Know then that there is no god except Allah and
length is a thousand years by the way you meas- ask forgiveness for your wrongdoing, and for the
ure. (32:5) men and women who believe. Allah knows both
570
your activity and your repose. (47:19) women who fast much–previously married
We destroyed those of your kind in the past. But women as well as virgins. (66:5)
is there any rememberer there? Everything they
did is in the Books. Everything is recorded, big or PRIEST
small. (54:51-53) You will find that the people most hostile to those
Nothing occurs, either in the earth or in your- who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You
selves, without its being in a Book before We will find the people most affectionate to those
make it happen. That is something easy for Allah. who believe are those who say, ‘We are
(57:22) Christians.’ That is because some of them are
If Allah had not prescribed banishment for them, priests and monks and because they are not arro-
He would have punished them in this world. But gant. (5:82)
in the hereafter they will have the punishment of
the Fire. (59:3) PRISON - PRISONER
No misfortune occurs except by Allah’s permis- O Prophet! Say to those you are holding prisoner,
sion. Whoever believes in Allah–He will guide ‘If Allah knows of any good in your hearts, He
his heart. Allah has knowledge of all things. will give you something better than what has
(64:11) been taken from you and forgive you.’ Allah is
... Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him a Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. But if they mean
way out and provide for him from where he does to betray you, they have already previously be-
not expect. Whoever puts his trust in Allah–He trayed Allah, so He has given you power over
will be enough for him. Allah always achieves them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (8:70-71)
His aim. Allah has appointed a measure for all They raced to the door. She tore his (Yusuf's) shirt
things. (65:2-3) at the back. They met her husband by the door. She
(Nuh said to his people:) ‘He will forgive you said, ‘How should a man whose intention was to
your wrong actions and defer you until a speci- harm your family be punished for what he did ex-
fied time. When Allah’s time comes it cannot be cept with prison or painful punishment?’ (12:25)
deferred, if you only knew.’ (71:4) She (the governor’s wife) said, ‘You see! It’s him
Say: ‘I do not know whether what you are prom- you blamed me for. I tried seducing him but he re-
ised is close or whether my Lord will appoint a fused. If he does not do what I order him, he will be
longer time before it.’ (72:25) put in prison and brought low.’ (12:32)
He is the Knower of the Unseen, and does not di- He (Yusuf) said, ‘My Lord, the prison is preferable
vulge His Unseen to anyone–except a Messenger to me than what they call on me to do. Unless You
with whom He is well pleased, and then He turn their guile away from me, it may well be that I
posts sentinels before him and behind him, so will fall for them and so become a man of igno-
that He may know that they have indeed trans- rance.’ (12:33)
mitted the Messages of their Lord. He encom- Then, after they had seen the Signs, they thought
passes what is in their hands and has counted the that they should still imprison him for a time.
exact number of everything. (72:26-28) (12:35)
Two servants entered prison along with him
PRESERVED TABLET, THE (Yusuf). One said, ‘I dreamt that I was pressing
(SEE LAWH MAHFUZ) grapes.’ The other said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread
upon my head and birds were eating it. Tell us the
PREVIOUSLY MARRIED true meaning of these dreams. We see that you’re
It may be that if he does divorce you, his Lord one of the righteous.’ (12:36)
will give him in exchange better wives than you: (Yusuf said,) ‘My fellow-prisoners, are many lords
Muslim women, believing women, obedient better, or Allah, the only One, the Conqueror?’
women, penitent women, women who worship, (12:39)
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He said to the one of them he knew was saved, across their breasts. They should only display
‘Please mention me when you are with your lord,’ their adornments to their husbands or their fa-
but Satan made him forget to remind his lord, and thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or
so he stayed in prison for several years. (12:42) their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their
He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne. brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or other
The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said, women or those they own as slaves or their male
‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of attendants who have no sexual desire or children
the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come who still have no awareness of women’s private
true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that
prison and brought you from the desert when their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah
Satan had caused dissent between me and my every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you
brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He will have success. (24:31)
is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:100)
PROCLAIMING ALLAH'S GREATNESS
PRIVATE ONES The month of Ramadan is the one in which the
Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind,
daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts with Clear Signs containing guidance and dis-
and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters crimination. Any of you who are resident for the
and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or
who have suckled you, your foster sisters by on a journey should fast a number of other days.
suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh- Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire dif-
ters who are under your protection: the daugh- ficulty for you. You should complete the number
ters of your wives whom you have had sexual of days and proclaim Allah’s greatness for the
relations with (though if you have not had sexual guidance He has given you so that hopefully you
relations with them there is nothing blameworthy will be thankful. (2:185)
for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom And say: ‘Praise be to Allah Who has had no son
you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at and Who has no partner in His Kingdom and
the same time–except for what may have already Who needs no one to protect Him from abase-
taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most ment.’ And proclaim His Greatness repeatedly!
Merciful. (4:23) (17:111)
And also married women, except for those you Their flesh and blood does not reach Allah but
have taken in war as slaves. This is what Allah your heedfulness does reach Him. In this way He
has prescribed for you. Apart from that He has has subjected them to you so that you might pro-
made all other women lawful for you provided claim Allah’s greatness for the way that He has
you seek them with your wealth in marriage and guided you. Give good news to the good-doers.
not in fornication. When you consummate your (22:37)
marriage with them give them their prescribed In houses which Allah has permitted to be built
dowry. There is nothing wrong in any further and in which His name is remembered, there are
agreement you might come to after the dowry men who proclaim His glory morning and
has been given. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. evening. (24:36)
(4:24)
PROFITLESS ACTIONS
PRIVATE PARTS They will ask you about the Sacred Month and
Say to the believing women that they should fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat-
lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re-
display their adornments–except for what nor- jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred
mally shows–and draw their head-coverings Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo-
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ple from it are far more serious in the sight of but the Fire. What they achieved here will come
Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will to nothing. What they did will prove to be null and
not stop fighting you until they make you revert void. (11:16)
from your religion, if they are able. As for any of Those are the people who reject their Lord’s Signs
you who revert from their religion and die disbe- and the meeting with Him. Their actions will
lievers, their actions will come to nothing in this come to nothing and, on the Day of Rising, We
world and the hereafter. They are the will not assign them any weight. (18:105)
Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- Allah knows the obstructers among you and those
lessly, for ever. (2:217) who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and who
They are the ones whose actions come to noth- only come to fight a very little, and are begrudging
ing in this world or the hereafter. They will have towards you. Then when fear comes, you see
no helpers. (3:22) them looking at you, their eyes rolling like people
Today all good things have been made lawful for scared to death. But when fear departs they flay
you. And the food of those given the Book is also you with sharp tongues, grasping for wealth. Such
lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. people have no faith and Allah will make their ac-
So are chaste women from among the believers tions come to nothing. That is easy for Allah.
and chaste women of those given the Book be- (33:18-19)
fore you, once you have given them their If anyone wants power, all power belongs to
dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking Allah. All good words rise to Him and He raises up
them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects all virtuous deeds. But people who plot evil deeds
faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the will suffer a harsh punishment. The plotting of
hereafter he will be among the losers. (5:5) such people is profitless. (35:10)
Those who believe say, ‘Are these the people who It has been revealed to you and those before you:
swore by Allah, with their most earnest oaths, that ‘If you associate others with Allah, your actions
they were with you?’ Their actions have come to will come to nothing and you will be among the
nothing and they now are losers. (5:53) losers.’ (39:65)
That is Allah’s guidance. He guides by it those of That is because they hate what Allah has sent
His servants He wills. If they had associated others down, so He has made their actions come to noth-
with Him, nothing they did would have been of ing. (47:9)
any use. (6:88) That is because they followed what angers Allah
As for those who denied Our Signs and the en- and hated what is pleasing to Him. So He made
counter of the hereafter, their actions will come to their actions come to nothing. (47:28)
nothing. Will they be repaid except for what they Those who disbelieve and obstruct the Way of
did? (7:147) Allah and are entrenched in hostility towards the
It is not for the idolaters to maintain the mosques Messenger after the guidance has become clear to
of Allah, bearing witness against themselves of them, do not harm Allah in any way and He
their disbelief. They are the ones whose actions makes their actions come to nothing. (47:32)
will come to nothing. They will be in the Fire time- You who believe! Do not raise your voices above
lessly, for ever. (9:17) the voice of the Prophet and do not be as loud
Like those before you who had greater strength when speaking to him as you are when speaking
than you and more wealth and children. They en- to one another, lest your actions should come to
joyed their portion; so enjoy your portion as those nothing without your realising it. (49:2)
before you enjoyed theirs. You have plunged into Did He not bring all their schemes to nothing?
defamation as they plunged into it. The actions of (105:2)
such people come to nothing in this world or the
hereafter. They are the lost. (9:69) PROFLIGATE
But such people will have nothing in the hereafter It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated
573
and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse PROMISE
kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar (Those firmly rooted in knowledge say,) ‘Our
and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear Lord, You are the Gatherer of mankind to a Day
fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest, of which there is no doubt. Allah will not break
and do not be profligate. He does not love the His promise.’ (3:9)
profligate. (6:141) (People with intelligence say,) ‘Our Lord, give us
Children of Adam! Wear fine clothing in every what You promised us through Your Messengers,
mosque and eat and drink but do not be profli- and do not disgrace us on the Day of Rising. You
gate. He does not love the profligate. (7:31) do not break Your promise.’ (3:194)
When harm touches man, he calls on Us, lying But as for those who believe and do right actions,
on his side or sitting down or standing up. Then We will admit them into Gardens with rivers
when We remove the harm from him he carries flowing under them, remaining in them time-
on as if he had never called on Us when the lessly, for ever and ever. Allah’s promise is true.
harm first touched him. In that way We make Whose speech could be truer than Allah’s?
what they have done appear good to the profli- (4:122)
gate. (10:12) Each and every one of you will return to Him.
No one believed in Musa except for a few of his Allah’s promise is true. He brings creation out of
people out of fear that Pharaoh, and the elders, nothing and then regenerates it so that he can
would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and repay with justice those who believed and did
mighty in the land. He was one of the profligate. right actions. Those who disbelieved will have a
(10:83) drink of scalding water and a painful punishment
That is how We repay anyone who is profligate because of their disbelief. (10:4)
and does not believe in the Signs of his Lord. And Yes, everything in the heavens and earth belongs
the punishment of the hereafter is much harsher to Allah. Yes, Allah’s promise is true but most of
and longer lasting. (20:127) them do not know it. (10:55)
But We kept Our promise to them and rescued Nuh called out to his Lord and said, ‘My Lord,
them and those We willed, and destroyed the my son is one of my family and Your promise is
profligate. (21:9) surely the truth and You are the Justest of Judges.’
Do not obey the orders of the profligate. (26:151) (11:45)
This! Whereas for the profligate there is an evil Even if there was a Qur’an which moved moun-
Homecoming. (38:55) tains, or split the earth open or spoke to the
(The man who believed said,) ‘There is no ques- dead...! On the contrary! The affair is Allah’s al-
tion that what you call me to has no foundation together. Do those who believe not know that if
either in this world or the hereafter, that our re- Allah had wanted to He could have guided all
turn is to Allah, and that the profligate will be mankind? Those who disbelieve will not cease to
Companions of the Fire.’ (40:43) be struck by disaster for what they have done–or
Shall We then deprive you of the Reminder for a disaster will happen close to their homes–until
being a profligate people? (43:5) Allah’s promise is fulfilled. Allah will not fail to
We rescued the tribe of Israel from the humiliat- keep His promise. (13:31)
ing punishment, from Pharaoh–he was haughty, When the affair is decided Satan will say, ‘Allah
one of the profligate. (44:30-31) made you a promise, a promise of truth, and I
They (guests of Ibrahim) said, ‘We have been sent made you a promise but broke my promise. I had
to a people of evildoers to unleash upon them no authority over you, except that I called you
lumps of clay earmarked by your Lord for the and you responded to me. Do not, therefore,
profligate.’ (51:32-34) blame me but blame yourselves. I cannot come
Hell lies in wait–a homecoming for the profli- to your aid nor you to mine. I reject the way you
gate. (78:21-22) associated me with Allah before.’ The wrongdo-
574
ers will have a painful punishment. (14:22) Almighty, the All-Wise. (31:8-9)
We said to the tribe of Israel after that, ‘Inhabit Mankind! Have fear of your Lord and fear a day
the land and, when the promise of the hereafter when no father will be able to atone for his son,
comes, We will produce you as a motley crowd.’ or son for his father, in any way. Allah’s promise is
(17:104) true. So do not let the life of this world delude you
Say: ‘Believe in it or do not believe in it.’ and do not let the Deluder delude you concern-
Certainly, when it is recited to them, those who ing Allah. (31:33)
were given knowledge before it fall on their faces Mankind! Allah’s promise is true. Do not let the
in prostration, saying, ‘Glory be to our Lord! The life of this world delude you and do not let the
promise of our Lord is truly fulfilled!’ (17:107- Deluder delude you about Allah. (35:5)
108) But those who have fear of their Lord will have
Accordingly We made them chance upon them high-ceilinged Halls, and more such Halls built
unexpectedly so they might know that Allah’s one above the other, and rivers flowing under
promise is true and that there is no doubt about them. That is Allah’s promise. Allah does not
the Hour. When they were arguing among them- break His promise. (39:20)
selves about the matter, they said, ‘Wall up their They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has ful-
cave, their Lord knows best about them.’ But filled His promise to us and made us the inheri-
those who got the better of the argument concern- tors of this land, letting us settle in the Garden
ing them said, ‘We will build a place of worship wherever we want. How excellent is the wage of
over them.’ (18:21) those who work!’ (39:74)
He (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) said, ‘This is a mercy from So remain steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Ask
my Lord. But when my Lord’s promise comes forgiveness for your wrong action and glorify your
about, He will crush it (the barrier) flat. The prom- Lord with praise in the evening and the early
ise of my Lord is surely true.’ (18:98) morning. (40:55)
Mention Isma‘il in the Book. He was true to his So be steadfast, Allah’s promise is true. Whether
promise and was a Messenger and a Prophet. We show you some of what We have promised
(19:54) them, or take you back to Us, they will in any
Gardens of Eden which the All-Merciful has case be returned to Us. (40:77)
promised to His servants in the Unseen. His (Allah will say to disbelievers,) ‘When you were
promise is always kept. (19:61) told, "Allah’s promise is true and so is the Hour, of
They ask you to hasten the punishment. Allah will which there is no doubt," you said, "We have no
not break His promise. A day with your Lord is idea what the Hour is. We have only been con-
equivalent to a thousand years in the way you jecturing. We are by no means certain."’ (45:32)
count. (22:47) But what of him who says to his parents, ‘Fie on
That is how We returned him (Musa) to his you! Do you promise me that I will be resurrected
mother so that she might delight her eyes and feel when generations before me have passed away?’
no grief and so that she would know that Allah’s They both call on Allah for help: ‘Woe to you!
promise is true. But most of them do not know Believe! Allah’s promise is true.’ But he says, ‘This
this. (28:13) is nothing but the myths of previous peoples.’
That is Allah’s promise. Allah does not break His (46:17)
promise. But most people do not know it. (30:6) How will you safeguard yourselves, if you disbe-
So be steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Do not let lieve, against a Day which will turn children grey,
those who have no certainty make you impatient by which heaven will be split apart? His promise
and shake your firmness. (30:60) will be fulfilled. (73:17-18)
For those who believe and do right actions there
are Gardens of Delight, to remain in them time- (FULFILLING) PROMISES
lessly, for ever. Allah’s promise is true. He is the Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were
575
slaughtering them by His permission. But then and correctly. When you hand over their prop-
you faltered, disputing the command, and dis- erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on
obeyed after He showed you what you love. their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6)
Among you are those who want this world and People who consume the property of orphans
among you are those who want the hereafter. wrongfully consume nothing in their bellies ex-
Then He turned you from them in order to test cept fire. They will roast in a Searing Blaze.
you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows (4:10)
favour to the believers. (3:152) You who believe! Do not consume one another’s
But We kept Our promise to them and rescued property by false means, but only by means of
them and those We willed, and destroyed the mutually agreed trade. And do not kill your-
profligate. (21:9) selves. Allah is Most Merciful to you. (4:29)
They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has ful- And that you do not go near the property of or-
filled His promise to us and made us the inheri- phans before they reach maturity–except in a
tors of this land, letting us settle in the Garden good way; that you give full measure and full
wherever we want. How excellent is the wage of weight with justice–We impose on no self any
those who work!’ (39:74) more than it can bear; that you are equitable
when you speak–even if a near relative is con-
PROOF cerned; and that you fulfil Allah’s contract. That
Mankind! A clear proof has come to you from is what He instructs you to do, so that hopefully
your Lord. We have sent down a Clear Light to you will pay heed. (6:152)
you. (4:174) You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks
She wanted him and he would have wanted her, devour people’s property under false pretences
had he not seen the Clear Proof of his Lord. That and bar people from access to the Way of Allah.
happened so We might avert from him all evil As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do
and lust. He was Our chosen servant. (12:24) not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the
news of a painful punishment. (9:34)
PROPERTY Do not go near the property of orphans before
Do not devour one another’s property by false they reach maturity, except in a good way. Fulfil
means nor offer it to the judges as a bribe, trying your contracts. Contracts will be asked about.
through crime to knowingly usurp a portion of (17:34)
other people’s property. (2:188) He was a man of wealth and property and he
Give orphans their property, and do not substi- said to his companion, debating with him, ‘I
tute bad things for good. Do not assimilate their have more wealth than you and more people
property into your own. Doing that is a serious under me.’ (18:34)
crime. (4:2)
Do not hand over to the simple-minded any PROPHETS
property of theirs for which Allah has made you And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up
responsible, but provide for them and clothe with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to
them out of it, and speak to them correctly and supply to us some of what the earth produces–its
courteously. (4:5) green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
marriageable age, then if you perceive that they better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
have sound judgement hand over their property then you will have what you are asking for.’
to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
precipitately before they come of age. Those them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
who are wealthy should abstain from it alto- themselves. That was because they rejected
gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any
576
right to do so. That was because they rebelled Remember when Allah made a covenant with
and went beyond the limits. (2:61) the Prophets: ‘Now that We have given you a
When they are told, ‘Believe in what Allah has share of the Book and Wisdom, and then a mes-
sent down,’ they say, ‘Our faith is in what was senger comes to you confirming what is with
sent down to us,’ and they reject anything be- you, you must believe in him and help him.’ He
yond that, even though it is the truth, confirming asked, ‘Do you agree and undertake my commis-
what they have. Say, ‘Why then, if you are be- sion on that condition?’ They replied, ‘We agree.’
lievers, did you previously kill the Prophets of He said, ‘Bear witness, then. I am with you as
Allah?’ (2:91) one of the witnesses.’ (3:81)
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim,
and Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and
and what Musa and ‘Isa were given, and what all what Musa and ‘Isa and all the Prophets were
the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not given by their Lord. We do not differentiate be-
differentiate between any of them. We are tween any of them. We are Muslims submitted to
Muslims submitted to Him.’ (2:136) Him.’ (3:84)
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East They will be plunged into abasement wherever
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness they are found, unless they have a treaty with
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, Allah and with the people. They have brought
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, down anger from Allah upon themselves, and
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to they have been plunged into destitution. That
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, was because they rejected Allah’s Signs and
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves killed the Prophets without any right to do so.
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; That was because they disobeyed and went be-
those who honour their contracts when they yond the limits. (3:112)
make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill- Allah has heard the words of those who say,
ness and in battle. Those are the people who are ‘Allah is poor and we are rich.’ We will write
true. They are the people who guard against evil. down what they said and their killing of the
(2:177) Prophets without any right to do so and We will
Mankind was a single community. Then Allah say, ‘Taste the punishment of the Burning.’
sent out Prophets bringing good news and giving (3:181)
warning, and with them He sent down the Book Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be
with truth to decide between people regarding with those whom Allah has blessed: the
their differences. Only those who were given it Prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the mar-
differed about it, after the Clear Signs had come tyrs and the righteous. What excellent company
to them, envying one another. Then, by His per- such people are! (4:69)
mission, Allah guided those who believed to the Because of the fact that they (the Tribe of Israel)
truth of that about which they had differed. Allah broke their covenant, and rejected Allah’s Signs,
guides whoever He wills to a straight path. and killed the Prophets without any right to do so
(2:213) and said, ‘Our hearts are uncircumcised,’ Allah
As for those who reject Allah’s Signs, and kill the has stamped them with disbelief, so they do not
Prophets without any right to do so, and kill believe except for very few. (4:155)
those who command justice, give them news of a We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh
painful punishment. (3:21) and the Prophets who came after him. And We
He would never command you to take the angels revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and
and Prophets as Lords. Would He command you Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and
to disbelieve after being Muslim? (3:80) Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave
577
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) As for the earth, We stretched it out and cast
Remember when Musa said to his people, ‘My firmly embedded mountains in it and made
people! Remember Allah’s blessing to you when everything grow in due proportion on it. (15:19)
He appointed Prophets among you and ap- From a drop of sperm He created him and pro-
pointed kings for you, and gave you what He had portioned him. (80:19)
not given to anyone else in all the worlds! (5:20) He Who created you and formed you and pro-
We sent down the Torah containing guidance portioned you. (82:7)
and light, and the Prophets who had submitted And (I swear by) the self and what proportioned it
themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as and inspired it with depravity or sense of duty, he
did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it
had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to up has failed. (91:7-10)
which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of
people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs PROSTRATION
for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam!’ and
what Allah has sent down, such people are dis- they prostrated, with the exception of Diabolis.
believers. (5:44) He refused and was arrogant and was one of the
My Lord knows best everyone in the heavens and disbelievers. (2:34)
earth. We favoured some of the Prophets over Remember when We said, ‘Go into this town and
others. And We gave Dawud the Zabur. (17:55) eat from it wherever you like, freely. Enter the
Those are some of the Prophets Allah has gate prostrating and say, "Relieve us of our bur-
blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from dens!" Your mistakes will be forgiven. We will
those We carried with Nuh, and from the descen- grant increase to all good-doers.’ (2:58)
dants of Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place
guided and chose. When the Signs of the All- of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the
Merciful were recited to them they fell on their place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of
faces, weeping, in prostration. (19:58) prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il:
When We made a covenant with all the ‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and
Prophets–with you and with Nuh and Ibrahim those who stay there, and those who bow and
and Musa and ‘Isa son of Maryam–We made a who prostrate.’ (2:125)
binding covenant with them. (33:7) (The angels said,) ‘Maryam, obey your Lord and
Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, prostrate and bow with those who bow.’ (3:43)
but the Messenger of Allah and the Final Seal of They are not all the same. There is a community
the Prophets. Allah has knowledge of all things. among the People of the Book who are upright.
(33:40) They recite Allah’s Signs throughout the night,
And the earth will shine with the Pure Light of its and they prostrate. (3:113)
Lord; the Book will be put in place; the Prophets When you are with them and leading them in
and witnesses will be brought; it will be decided prayer, a group of them should stand with you,
between them with the truth; and they will not be keeping hold of their weapons. When they pros-
wronged. (39:69) trate, the others should guard your backs. Then
How many Prophets We sent to the previous the other group who have not yet prayed should
peoples! (43:6) come and pray with you. They too should be
careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those
PROPORTION who disbelieve would like you to be negligent of
What they call on apart from Him are female your arms and equipment so that they can swoop
idols. What they call on is an arrogant Satan whom down on you once and for all. There is nothing
Allah has cursed. He said, ‘I will take a certain wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill,
fixed proportion of Your servants.’ (4:117-118) in laying your weapons down; but take every
578
precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating (Your Lord said to the angels,) ‘When I have
punishment for the disbelievers. (4:102) formed him and breathed My Spirit into him, fall
We lifted up the Mount above their heads in ac- down in prostration in front of him!’ (15:29)
cordance with the covenant they had made, and Then the angels prostrated all together, every one
We said to them, ‘Enter the gate prostrating,’ and of them–except Diabolis. He disdained to be one
We said to them, ‘Do not break the Sabbath,’ and of the prostrators. (15:30-31)
We made a binding covenant with them. (4:154) He said, ‘Diabolis, what is it that prevents you
We created you and then formed you and then being among the prostrators?’ (15:32)
We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam,’ He said, ‘I will not prostrate to a human being
and they prostrated–except for Diabolis. He was whom You have created out of dried clay formed
not among those who prostrated. (7:11) from fetid black mud.’ (15:33)
He said, ‘What prevented you from prostrating So glorify your Lord with praise and be one of the
when I commanded you to?’ He (Diabolis) prostrators. (15:98)
replied, ‘I am better than him. You created me Do they not see the things Allah has created,
from fire and You created him from clay.’ (7:12) casting their shadows to the right and to the left,
The magicians threw themselves down in pros- prostrating themselves before Allah in complete
tration. (7:120) humility? (16:48)
When they were told: ‘Live in this town and eat Everything in the heavens and every creature on
of it wherever you like and say, "Relieve us of our the earth prostrates to Allah, as do the angels.
burdens!" and enter the gate prostrating. Your They are not puffed up with pride. (16:49)
mistakes will be forgiven you. We will grant in- When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your-
crease to good-doers.’ (7:161) selves to Adam!’ they prostrated, except for
Those who are in the presence of your Lord do Diabolis. He said ‘What! Am I to prostrate to one
not consider themselves too great to worship You have created out of clay?’ (17:61)
Him. They glorify His praise and they prostrate to Say: ‘Believe in it or do not believe in it.’
Him. (7:206) Certainly, when it is recited to them, those who
Those who repent, those who worship, those were given knowledge before it fall on their faces
who praise, those who fast, those who bow, in prostration,’ (17:107)
those who prostrate, those who command the When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your-
right, those who forbid the wrong, those who selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep-
preserve the limits of Allah: give good news to tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and
the believers. (9:112) wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do
When Yusuf told his father, ‘Father! I saw eleven you take him and his offspring as protectors apart
bright stars, and the sun and moon as well. I saw from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is
them all prostrate in front of me.’ (12:4) the exchange the wrongdoers make! (18:50)
He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne. Those are some of the Prophets Allah has
The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said, blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from
‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of those We carried with Nuh, and from the descen-
the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come dants of Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We
true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of guided and chose. When the Signs of the All-
prison and brought you from the desert when Merciful were recited to them they fell on their
Satan had caused dissent between me and my faces, weeping, in prostration. (19:58)
brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He The magicians threw themselves down in pros-
is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:100) tration. They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of
Everyone in heaven and earth prostrates to Allah Harun and Musa.’ (20:70)
willingly or unwillingly, as do their shadows in When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your-
the morning and the evening. (13:15) selves to Adam!’ they prostrated, with the excep-
579
tion of Diabolis who disdained to do it. (20:116) prayer, prostrating and standing up, mindful of
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and the hereafter, hoping for the mercy of his Lord?
everyone on the earth prostrates to Allah, and the Say: ‘Are they the same–those who know and
sun and moon and stars and the mountains, trees those who do not know?’ It is only people of in-
and beasts and many of mankind? But many of telligence who pay heed. (39:9)
them inevitably merit punishment. Those Allah Among His Signs are the night and day and the
humiliates will have no one to honour them. sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun nor to
Allah does whatever He wills. (22:18) the moon. Prostrate to Allah Who created them,
You who believe! Bow and prostrate and wor- if you worship Him. (41:37)
ship your Lord, and do good, so that hopefully Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
you will be successful. (22:77) who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
When they are told to prostrate to the All- merciful to one another. You see them bowing
Merciful, they say, ‘And what is the All-Merciful? and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and
Are we to prostrate to something you command His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
us to?’ And it merely makes them run away all traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the
the more. (25:60) Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
(The servants of the All-Merciful are) those who seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong
pass the night prostrating and standing before so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its
their Lord; (25:64) stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by
The magicians threw themselves down, prostrat- them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has
ing. (26:46) promised those of them who believe and do right
He Who sees you when you stand up to pray and actions forgiveness and an immense reward.
your movements with those who prostrate. (48:29)
(26:218-219) And glorify Him during the night and after you
(The hoopoe said,) ‘I found both her and her peo- have prostrated. (50:40)
ple prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. Satan Prostrate before Allah and worship Him! (53:62)
has made their actions seem good to them and The herbs and the trees all bow down in prostra-
debarred them from the Way so they are not tion. (55:6)
guided and do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings On the Day when legs are bared and they are
out what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, called on to prostrate, they will not be able to do
and knows what you conceal and what you di- so. (68:42)
vulge.’ (27:24-25) Their eyes will be downcast, darkened by de-
The people who truly do believe in Our Signs are basement; for they were called on to prostrate
those who fall to the ground prostrating when when they were in full possession of their facul-
they are reminded of them, and glorify their Lord ties. (68:43)
with praise, and are not arrogant. (32:15) Prostrate to Him during the night and glorify Him
(Your Lord said to the angels,) ‘When I have throughout the long night. (76:26)
formed him and breathed My Spirit into him, fall What is the matter with them that they have no
down in prostration to him!’ (38:72) faith and, when the Qur’an is recited to them, do
So the angels prostrated, all of them together, not prostrate? (84:20-21)
except for Diabolis who was arrogant and was No indeed! Do not obey him, but prostrate and
one of the disbelievers. (38:73-74) draw near. (96:19)
He said, ‘Diabolis, what prevented you prostrat-
ing to what I created with My own Hands? Were PROTECTION
you overcome by arrogance or are you one of the Those who believe and have migrated and
exalted?’ (38:75) strived with their wealth and themselves in the
What of him who spends the night hours in Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge
580
and help, they are the friends and protectors of to their Lord, having no protector or intercessor
one another. But as for those who believe but apart from Him, so that hopefully they will guard
have not migrated, you are not in any way re- against evil. (6:51)
sponsible for their protection until they migrate. Abandon those who have turned their religion
But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli- into a game and a diversion and who have been
gion, it is your duty to help them, except against deluded by the life of this world. Remind by it
people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what lest a person is delivered up to destruction for
you do. (8:72) what he has earned with no protector or interces-
In that situation the only protection is from Allah, sor besides Allah. Were he to offer every kind of
the Real. He gives the best reward and the best compensation, it would not be accepted from
outcome. (18:44) him. Such people are delivered up to destruction
for what they have earned. They will have scald-
PROTECTOR ing water to drink and a painful punishment be-
Do you not know that Allah is He to Whom the cause they disbelieved. (6:70)
kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs They will have the Abode of Peace with their
and that, besides Allah, you have no protector Lord. He is their Protector because of what they
and no helper? (2:107) have done. (6:127)
Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He Follow what has been sent down to you from
brings them out of the darkness into the light. But your Lord and do not follow any protectors apart
those who disbelieve have false gods as protec- from Him. How little you remember! (7:3)
tors. They take them from the light into the dark- Musa chose seventy men from his people for Our
ness. Those are the Companions of the Fire appointed time and when the earthquake seized
remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (2:257) them he said, ‘My Lord, if You had willed, You
The people with the strongest claim to Ibrahim could have destroyed them previously and me as
are those who followed him and this Prophet and well. Would you destroy us for what the fools
those who believe. Allah is the Protector of the among us did? It was only a trial from You by
believers. (3:68) which You misguided those You willed and
Allah knows best who your enemies are. Allah guided those You willed. You are our Protector so
suffices as a Protector; Allah suffices as a Helper. forgive us and have mercy on us. You are the Best
(4:45) of Forgivers.’ (7:155)
What reason could you have for not fighting in (Say:) ‘My Protector is Allah Who sent down the
the Way of Allah–for those men, women and Book. He takes care of the righteous.’ (7:196)
children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord, Those who believe and have migrated and
take us out of this city whose inhabitants are strived with their wealth and themselves in the
wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge
us a helper from You!’? (4:75) and help, they are the friends and protectors of
It is not a matter of wishful thinking on your part one another. But as for those who believe but
nor of the wishful thinking of the People of the have not migrated, you are not in any way re-
Book. Anyone who does evil will be repaid for it. sponsible for their protection until they migrate.
He will not find any protector or helper besides But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli-
Allah. (4:123) gion, it is your duty to help them, except against
Say: ‘Am I to take anyone other than Allah as my people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what
protector, the Bringer into Being of the heavens you do. (8:72)
and the earth, He Who feeds and is not fed?’ Say: Those who disbelieve are the friends and protec-
‘I am commanded to be the first of the Muslims,’ tors of one another. If you do not act in this way
and, ‘Do not be among the idolaters.’ (6:14) there will be turmoil in the land and great cor-
Warn by it those who fear they will be gathered ruption. (8:73)
581
Allah is He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens you will find no protector for them to guide them
and earth belongs. He gives life and causes to rightly. (18:17)
die. You have no protector or helper besides Say: ‘Allah knows best how long they stayed. The
Allah. (9:116) Unseen of the heavens and the earth belongs to
They were not able to thwart Allah on earth, and Him. How perfectly He sees, how well He hears!
had no protectors besides Allah. The punishment They have no protector apart from Him. Nor
will be doubled for them. They were unable to does He share His rule with anyone.’ (18:26)
hear and could not see. (11:20) When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your-
Do not rely on those who do wrong thus causing selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep-
the Fire to afflict you, for you have no protector tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and
besides Allah; then you will not be helped. wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do
(11:113) you take him and his offspring as protectors apart
Everyone has a succession of angels in front of from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is
him and behind him, guarding him by Allah’s the exchange the wrongdoers make! (18:50)
command. Allah never changes a people’s state Do those who disbelieve imagine that they can
until they change what is in themselves. When take My servants as protectors instead of Me? We
Allah desires evil for a people, there is no avert- have prepared Hell as hospitality for the disbe-
ing it. They have no protector apart from Him. lievers! (18:102)
(13:11) They will say, ‘Glory be to You! It would not have
Say: ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the been fitting for us to have taken any protectors
earth?’ Say: ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘So why have you taken apart from You. But You let them and their fathers
protectors apart from Him who possess no power enjoy themselves so that they forgot the Reminder.
to help or harm themselves?’ Say: ‘Are the blind They were people devoid of good.’ (25:18)
and seeing equal? Or are darkness and light the They said, ‘Let us make an oath to one another by
same? Or have they assigned partners to Allah Allah that we will fall on him and his family in the
Who create as He creates, so that all creating night and then say to his protector, "We did not wit-
seems the same to them?’ Say: ‘Allah is the ness the destruction of his family and we are telling
Creator of everything. He is the One, the All- the truth."’ (27:49)
Conquering.’ (13:16) (Say:) ‘There is no way out for you in earth or
By Allah, We sent Messengers to communities heaven. You have no protector or helper besides
before your time, but Satan made their actions Allah.’ (29:22)
seem good to them. Therefore today he is their The metaphor of those who take protectors besides
protector. They will have a painful punishment. Allah is that of a spider which builds itself a house;
(16:63) but no house is flimsier than a spider’s house, if
Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But as for they only knew. (29:41)
those He leads astray, you will not find any pro- Say: ‘Who is going to shield you from Allah if He
tectors for them apart from Him. We will gather desires evil for you or desires mercy for you?’ They
them on the Day of Rising, flat on their faces, will find no one to protect or help them besides
blind, dumb and deaf. Their shelter will be Hell. Allah. (33:17)
Whenever the Blaze dies down, We will increase Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared a
it for them. (17:97) Searing Blaze for them where they will remain
You would have seen the sun, when it rose, in- timelessly, for ever and ever, not finding any pro-
clining away from their cave towards the right, tector or any helper. (33:64-65)
and, when it set, leaving them behind on the left, They (angels) will say, ‘Glory be to You! You are
while they were lying in an open part of it. That our Protector, not them. No, they were worship-
was one of Allah’s Signs. Whoever Allah guides ping the jinn. They mostly had faith in them.’
is truly guided. But if He misguides someone, (34:41)
582
Indeed is the sincere religion not Allah’s alone? If have no protector. (47:11)
people take protectors besides Him–‘We only If those who disbelieve should fight you, they
worship them so that they may bring us nearer to would turn their backs and then find no one to
Allah’–Allah will judge between them regarding protect or help them. (48:22)
the things about which they differed. Allah does
not guide anyone who is an ungrateful liar. (39:3) PROVIDE
We are your protectors in the life of this world That is the Book, without any doubt. It contains
and the hereafter. You will have there all that guidance for those who guard against evil: those
your selves could wish for. You will have there who believe in the Unseen and perform prayer
everything you demand. (41:31) and spend from what We have provided for
As for those who take others besides Him as pro- them; (2:2-3)
tectors, Allah takes care of them. You are not set And We shaded you with clouds and sent down
over them as a guardian. (42:6) manna and quails to you: ‘Eat of the good things
If Allah had willed, He would have made them a We have provided for you.’ They did not wrong
single nation. But He admits whoever He wills Us; rather it was themselves they were wronging.
into His mercy and the wrongdoers have no pro- (2:57)
tector and no helper. (42:8) And when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, make this a
Have they then taken others besides Him as pro- place of safety and provide its inhabitants with
tectors? But Allah is the Protector. He gives life to fruits–all of them who believe in Allah and the
the dead. He has power over all things. (42:9) Last Day,’ He said, ‘I will let anyone who be-
It is He Who sends down abundant rain, after comes a disbeliever enjoy himself a little but
they have lost all hope, and unfolds His mercy. then I will drive him to the punishment of the
He is the Protector, the Praiseworthy. (42:28) Fire. What an evil destination!’ (2:126)
You will not be able to thwart Him on the earth You who believe! Eat of the good things We have
and you have no protector or helper besides provided for you and give thanks to Allah if you
Allah. (42:31) worship Him alone. (2:172)
Whoever Allah misguides has no one to protect To those who disbelieve, the life of this world is
them after that. You will see the wrongdoers say- painted in glowing colours and they laugh at
ing, when they see the punishment, ‘Is there no those who believe. But on the Day of Rising
way back?’ (42:44) those who fear Allah will be over them. Allah
They have no one to protect or help them apart provides for whoever He wills without any reck-
from Allah. There is no way out for anyone Allah oning. (2:212)
misguides. (42:46) You who believe! Give away some of what We
Hell is right at their heels. Nothing they have have provided for you before a Day arrives on
earned will be of any use to them, nor will those which there is no trading, no close friendship
they took as protectors besides Allah. They will and no intercession. It is the disbelievers who are
have a terrible punishment. (45:10) the wrongdoers. (2:254)
They will not help you in any way against Allah. (Say, ‘O Allah!) You merge the night into the day.
The wrongdoers are protectors of one another You merge the day into the night. You bring out
but Allah is the Protector of those who guard the living from the dead. You bring out the dead
against evil. (45:19) from the living. You provide for whoever You will
(A group of jinn said to their people,) ‘Those who without any reckoning.’ (3:27)
do not respond to Allah’s caller cannot thwart Her Lord accepted her with approval and made
Allah on earth and have no protectors apart from her grow in health and beauty. And Zakariyya
Him. Such people are clearly misguided.’ (46:32) became her guardian. Every time Zakariyya vis-
That is because Allah is the Protector of those ited her in the Upper Room, he found food with
who believe and because those who disbelieve her. He said, ‘Maryam, how did you come by
583
this?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. Allah provides for We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu-
whoever He wills without any reckoning.’ (3:37) nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people
Do not suppose that those killed in the Way of asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
Allah are dead. No indeed! They are alive and staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
well provided for in the very presence of their the people knew their drinking place. And We
Lord, (3:169) shaded them with clouds and sent down manna
Do not hand over to the simple-minded any and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We
property of theirs for which Allah has made you have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us;
responsible, but provide for them and clothe rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160)
them out of it, and speak to them correctly and (Believers are) those who perform prayer and
courteously. (4:5) give of what We have provided for them. (8:3)
If other relatives or orphans or poor people at- When you were few and oppressed in the land,
tend the sharing-out, provide for them out of it afraid that the people would snatch you away,
and speak to them correctly and courteously. He gave you refuge and supported you with His
(4:8) help and provided you with good things so that
What harm would it have done them to have be- hopefully you would be thankful. (8:26)
lieved in Allah and the Last Day and to have Say: ‘Who provides for you out of heaven and
given of what Allah has provided for them? Allah earth? Who controls hearing and sight? Who
knows everything about them. (4:39) brings forth the living from the dead and the dead
Eat the lawful and good things Allah has pro- from the living? Who directs the whole affair?’
vided for you, and have fear of Allah, Him in They will say, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘So will you not guard
Whom you believe. (5:88) against evil?’ (10:31)
Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Allah, our Lord, send Tell My servants who believe that they should
down a table to us out of heaven to be a feast for perform prayer and give from what We have pro-
us, for the first and last of us, and as a Sign from vided for them, secretly and openly, before a Day
You. Provide for us! You are the Best of arrives on which there will be no trading and no
Providers!’ (5:114) friendship. (14:31)
Those who kill their children foolishly without (Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of
any knowledge and make what Allah has pro- my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti-
vided for them forbidden, inventing lies against vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer!
Allah, such people are lost. They are misguided. Make the hearts of mankind incline towards
They are not guided. (6:140) them and provide them with fruits, so that hope-
And also animals for riding and for haulage and an- fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37)
imals for slaughtering and for wool. Eat what Allah And We put livelihoods in it both for you and for
has provided for you and do not follow in the foot- those you do not provide for. (15:20)
steps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you. So eat from what Allah has provided for you,
(6:142) lawful and good, and be thankful for the blessing
Say: ‘Come and I will recite to you what your Lord of Allah if it is Him you worship. (16:114)
has made forbidden for you’: that you do not asso- Do not kill your children out of fear of being
ciate anything with Him; that you are good to your poor. We will provide for them and you. Killing
parents; that you do not kill your children because them is a terrible mistake. (17:31)
of poverty–We will provide for you and them; that We have honoured the sons of Adam and con-
you do not approach indecency–outward or in- veyed them on land and sea and provided them
ward; that you do not kill any person Allah has with good things and favoured them greatly over
made inviolate–except with the right to do so. That many We have created. (17:70)
is what He instructs you to do so that hopefully Eat of the good things We have provided for you
you will use your intellect. (6:151) but do not go to excess in it or My anger will be
584
unleashed on you. Anyone who has My anger Lord in fear and ardent hope. And they give of
unleashed on him has plunged to his ruin. what We have provided for them. (32:16)
(20:81) Say: ‘Who provides for you from the heavens and
Announce the Pilgrimage to mankind. They will earth?’ Say: ‘Allah. It is certain that one or the
come to you on foot and on every sort of lean an- other of us, either we or you, is following guid-
imal, coming by every distant road so that they ance or else clearly astray.’ (34:24)
can be present at what will profit them and in- Mankind! Remember Allah’s blessing to you. Is
voke Allah’s name on specific days over live- there any creator other than Allah providing for
stock He has provided for them. Eat of them and you from heaven and earth? There is no god but
feed those who are poor and in need. (22:27-28) Him. So how have you been perverted? (35:3)
... Give good news to the humble-hearted, Those who recite the Book of Allah and perform
whose hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and prayer and give of what We have provided for
who are steadfast in the face of all that happens them, secretly and openly, hope for a transaction
to them, those who perform prayer and give of which will not prove profitless. (35:29)
what We have provided for them. (22:34-35) Whoever does an evil act will only be repaid
Those who migrate in the Way of Allah and then with its equivalent. But whoever acts rightly,
are killed or die, Allah will provide for them male or female, being a believer, such a person
handsomely. Truly Allah is the best Provider. will enter the Garden, provided for in it without
(22:58) any reckoning. (40:40)
Are you asking them for payment? Your Lord’s It is Allah Who made the earth a stable home for
payment is better. He is the Best of Providers. you and the sky a dome, and formed you, giving
(23:72) you the best of forms, and provided you with
(This is) so that Allah can reward them for the good and wholesome things. That is Allah, your
best of what they did and give them more from Lord. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.
His unbounded favour. Allah provides for any- (40:64)
one He wills without reckoning. (24:38) Allah is very gentle with His servants. He pro-
He Who originates creation and then regenerates vides for anyone He wills. He is the Most Strong,
it and provides for you from out of heaven and the Almighty. (42:19)
earth. Is there another god besides Allah? Say: (Believers are) those who respond to their Lord
‘Bring your proof if you are being truthful.’ (27:64) and perform prayer, and manage their affairs by
They will be given their reward twice over because mutual consultation and give of what We have
they have been steadfast and because they ward provided for them. (42:38)
off the bad with the good and give from what we We gave the Book and Judgement and
have provided for them. (28:54) Prophethood to the tribe of Israel and provided
He has made an example for you from among them with good things and favoured them over
yourselves. Are any of the slaves you own partners all other people. (45:16)
with you in what We have provided for you so that Truly Allah, He is the Provider, the Possessor of
you are equal in respect of it, you fearing them the Strength, the Sure. (51:58)
same as one another? In that way We make Our But when they see a chance of trade or entertain-
Signs clear for people who use their intellect. ment they scatter off to it and leave you standing
(30:28) there. Say: ‘What is with Allah is better than trade
Allah is He Who created you, then provides for or entertainment. Allah is the Best of Providers.’
you, then will cause you to die and then bring you (62:11)
back to life. Can any of your partner-gods do any of Give from what We have provided for you before
that? Glory be to Him and may He be exalted death comes to one of you and he says, ‘My
above anything they associate with Him! (30:40) Lord, if only you would give me a little more time
Their sides eschew their beds as they call on their so that I can give charity and be one of the right-
585
eous!’ (63:10) Say: ‘Who has forbidden the fine clothing Allah
... Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him a has produced for His servants and the good kinds
way out and provide for him from where he does of provision?’ Say: ‘On the Day of Rising such
not expect. Whoever puts his trust in Allah–He things will be exclusively for those who believed
will be enough for him. Allah always achieves during their life in this world.’ In this way We
His aim. Allah has appointed a measure for all make the Signs clear for people who know.
things. (65:2-3) (7:32)
(Allah has sent down) a Messenger reciting The Companions of the Fire will call out to the
Allah’s Clear Signs to you to bring those who be- Companions of the Garden, ‘Throw down some
lieve and do right actions out of the darkness into water to us or some of what Allah has given you
the Light. Whoever believes in Allah and acts as provision.’ They will say, ‘Allah has forbidden
rightly, We will admit him into Gardens with them to the disbelievers:’ (7:50)
rivers flowing under them remaining in them They are in truth the believers. They have high
timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah has provided ranks with their Lord and forgiveness and gener-
for him excellently! (65:11) ous provision. (8:4)
It is He Who made the earth submissive to you, Those who believe and have migrated and
so walk its broad trails and eat what it provides. strived in the Way of Allah and those who have
The Resurrection is to Him. (67:15) given refuge and help, they are the true believers.
They will have forgiveness and generous provi-
PROVISION sion. (8:74)
It is He Who made the earth a couch for you, and Say: ‘What do you think about the things Allah
the sky a dome. He sends down water from the has sent down to you as provision which you
sky and by it brings forth fruits for your provision. have then designated as lawful and forbidden?’
Do not, then, knowingly make others equal to Say: ‘Has Allah given you authority to do this or
Allah. (2:22) are you inventing lies against Allah?’ (10:59)
Give the good news to those who believe and do We settled the tribe of Israel in a noble place and
right actions that they will have Gardens with gave them good things as provision. They did not
rivers flowing under them. When they are given differ until knowledge came to them. Your Lord
fruit there as provision, they will say, ‘This is will decide between them on the Day of Rising
what we were given before.’ But they were only regarding the things about which they differed.
given a simulation of it. They will have there (10:93)
spouses of perfect purity and will remain there There is no creature on the earth which is not de-
timelessly, for ever. (2:25) pendent upon Allah for its provision. He knows
And when Musa was looking for water for his where it lives and where it dies. They are all in a
people, We said, ‘Strike the rock with your staff.’ Clear Book. (11:6)
Then twelve fountains gushed out from it and all He (Shu‘ayb) said, ‘My people! What do you
the people knew their drinking place. ‘Eat and think? If I do possess a Clear Sign from my Lord
drink of Allah's provision and do not go about and He has given me His good provision, I
the earth corrupting it.’ (2:60) would clearly not want to go behind your backs
The pilgrimage takes place during certain well- and do something I have forbidden you to do. I
known months. If anyone undertakes the obliga- only want to put things right as far as I can. My
tion of pilgrimage in them, there must be no success is with Allah alone. I have put my trust in
sexual intercourse, no wrongdoing, nor any Him and I turn to Him.’ (11:88)
quarrelling during pilgrimage. Whatever good (The people of intelligence are) those who are
you do, Allah knows it. Take provision; but the steadfast in seeking the face of their Lord, and
best provision is fear of Allah. So have fear of Me, perform prayer and give from the provision We
people of intelligence! (2:197) have given them, secretly and openly, and stave
586
off evil with good, it is they who will have the servants. (17:30)
Ultimate Abode. (13:22) They will not hear any prattling there–nothing
Allah expands provision to anyone He wills and but ‘Peace’. They will receive their provision
restricts it. They rejoice in the life of this world. there morning and night. (19:62)
Yet the life of this world, compared to the here- Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We
after, is only fleeting enjoyment. (13:26) have given certain of them to enjoy, the flower of
Allah is He Who created the heavens and the the life of this world, so that We can test them by
earth and sends down water from the sky and by it. Your Lord’s provision is better and longer last-
it brings forth fruits as provision for you. He has ing. (20:131)
made the ships subservient to you to run upon Instruct your family to perform prayer, and be
the sea by His command, and He has made the constant in it. We do not ask you for provision.
rivers subservient to you. (14:32) We provide for you. And the outcome rests on
They allot a portion of the provision We have doing your duty. (20:132)
given them to things they have no knowledge of As for those who believe and do right actions,
at all. By Allah, you will be asked about what they will have forgiveness and generous provi-
you invented! (16:56) sion. (22:50)
And from the fruit of the date-palm and the Corrupt women are for corrupt men and corrupt
grape-vine you derive both intoxicants and men are for corrupt women, Good women are
wholesome provision. There is certainly a Sign in for good men and good men are for good
that for people who use their intellect. (16:67) women. The latter are innocent of what they say.
Allah has favoured some of you over others in They will have forgiveness and generous provi-
provision, but those who have been favoured do sion. (24:26)
not give their provision to their slaves so they be- They say, ‘If we follow the guidance with you,
come the same in respect of it. So why do they we shall be forcibly uprooted from our land.’
renounce the blessings of Allah? (16:71) Have We not established a safe haven for them to
Allah has given you wives from among your- which produce of every kind is brought, provi-
selves, and given you children and grandchil- sion direct from Us? But most of them do not
dren from your wives, and provided good things know it. (28:57)
for you. So why do they believe in falsehood and Those who had longed to take his place the day
reject the blessings of Allah, and worship, in- before woke up saying, ‘Allah expands the provi-
stead of Allah, things that have no control over sion of any of His servants He wills or restricts it.
their provision from the heavens or earth in any If Allah had not shown great kindness to us, we
way, and are themselves completely impotent? would have been swallowed up as well. Ah!
(16:72-73) Truly the disbelievers are not successful.’ (28:82)
Allah does make a metaphor: an owned slave (Ibrahim said,) ‘Instead of Allah you worship only
possessing no power over anything, and some- idols. You are inventing a lie. Those you worship
one We have given plentiful provision who gives besides Allah have no power to provide for you.
out from it secretly and openly. Are they the So seek your provision from Allah and worship
same? Praise be to Allah! They are not! But most Him and give thanks to Him. It is to Him you will
people do not know it. (16:75) be returned.’ (29:17)
Allah makes an example of a city which was safe How many creatures do not carry their provision
and at peace, its provision coming to it plenti- with them! Allah provides for them and He will
fully from every side. Then it showed ingratitude for you. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
for Allah’s blessings so Allah made it wear the (29:60)
robes of hunger and fear for what it did. (16:112) Allah expands the provision of any of His ser-
Your Lord expands the provision of anyone He vants He wills and restricts it. Allah has knowl-
wills and restricts it. He is aware of and sees His edge of all things. (29:62)
587
Do they not see that Allah expands provision for And in the alternation of night and day and the
whoever He wills and also restricts it? There are provision Allah sends down from the sky, bring-
certainly Signs in that for people who believe. ing the earth to life by it after it has died, and the
(30:37) varying direction of the winds, there are Signs for
But those of you who are obedient to Allah and people who use their intellect. (45:5)
His Messenger and act rightly will be given their (And We sent down blessed water from the sky)
reward twice over; and We have prepared gener- as provision for Our servants; by it We brought a
ous provision for them. (33:31) dead land to life. That is how the Emergence will
This is so that He may recompense those who take place. (50:11)
believe and do right actions. They will have for- Your provision is in heaven–and what you are
giveness and generous provision. (34:4) promised. (51:22)
There was also a sign for Saba in their dwelling I do not require any provision from them and I do
place: two gardens–one to the right and one to not require them to nourish Me. (51:57)
the left. ‘Eat of your Lord’s provision and give Do you nonetheless regard this discourse with
thanks to Him: a bountiful land and a forgiving scorn and think your provision depends on your
Lord.’ (34:15) denial of the truth? (56:81-82)
Say: ‘My Lord expands the provision of anyone He who has plenty should spend out from his
He wills or restricts it. But the majority of plenty, but he whose provision is restricted
mankind do not know it.’ (34:36) should spend from what Allah has given him.
Say: ‘My Lord expands the provision of any of Allah does not demand from any self more than
His servants He wills or restricts it. But anything He has given it. Allah will appoint after difficulty,
you expend will be replaced by Him. He is the ease. (65:7)
Best of Providers.’ (34:39) Who is there who could provide for you if He
And when they are told, ‘Spend from the provi- withholds His provision? Yet still they obstinately
sion Allah has given you,’ those who disbelieve persist in insolence and evasion. (67:21)
say to those who believe, ‘Why should we feed But then when He tests him by restricting his pro-
someone whom, if He wished, Allah would feed vision, he says, ‘My Lord has humiliated me!’
Himself? You are clearly in error.’ (36:47) (89:16)
They (believers) will have preordained provision
(in Gardens of Delight). (37:41) PSALMS (SEE ZABUR)
This is Our provision which will never run out.
(38:54) PUBERTY
Do they not know that Allah expands the provi- You who believe! Those you own as slaves and
sion of anyone He wills and restricts it? There are those of you who have not yet reached puberty
certainly Signs in that for people who believe. should ask your permission to enter at three
(39:52) times: before the Dawn Prayer, when you have
It is He Who shows you His Signs and sends undressed at noon, and after the Prayer of
down provision to you out of heaven. But none Night–three times of nakedness for you. There is
pay heed save those who repent. (40:13) nothing wrong for you or them at other times in
The Keys of the heavens and earth belong to Him. moving around among yourselves from one to
He expands the provision of anyone He wills or another. In this way Allah makes the Signs clear
restricts it. He has knowledge of all things. (42:12) to you. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (24:58)
Were Allah to expand the provision of His ser- Once your children have reached puberty, they
vants, they would act as tyrants on the earth. But should ask your permission to enter as those be-
He sends down whatever He wills in a measured fore them also asked permission. In this way
way. He is aware of and He sees His servants. Allah makes His Signs clear to you. Allah is All-
(42:27) Knowing, All-Wise. (24:59)
588
PUNISHMENT bars access to the mosques of Allah, preventing
Allah has sealed up their hearts and hearing and His name from being remembered in them, and
over their eyes is a blindfold. They will have a goes about destroying them? Such people will
terrible punishment. (2:7) never be able to enter them–except in fear. They
There is a sickness in their hearts and Allah has will have disgrace in this world and in the here-
increased their sickness. They will have a painful after they will have a terrible punishment. (2:114)
punishment on account of their denial. (2:10) And when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, make this a
Remember when We rescued you from the peo- place of safety and provide its inhabitants with
ple of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil pun- fruits–all of them who believe in Allah and the
ishment on you–slaughtering your sons and Last Day,’ He said, ‘I will let anyone who be-
letting your women live. In that there was a terri- comes a disbeliever enjoy himself a little but
ble trial for you from your Lord. (2:49) then I will drive him to the punishment of the
We made it an exemplary punishment for those Fire. What an evil destination!’ (2:126)
there then, and those coming afterwards, and a But as for those who disbelieve and die while
warning to those who guard against evil. (2:66) they are disbelievers, the curse of Allah is upon
Then you are the people who are killing one an- them and that of the angels and all mankind.
other and expelling a group among you from They will be under it for ever. The punishment
their homes, ganging up against them in wrong- will not be lightened for them. They will be
doing and enmity. Yet if they are brought to you granted no reprieve. (2:161-162)
as captives, you ransom them, when it was for- Some people set up equals to Allah, loving them
bidden for you to expel them in the first place! as they should love Allah. But those who believe
Do you, then, believe in one part of the Book and have greater love for Allah. If only you could see
reject the other? What repayment will there be those who do wrong at the time when they see
for any of you who do that except disgrace in this the punishment, and that truly all strength be-
world? And on the Day of Rising, they will be re- longs to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punish-
turned to the harshest of punishments. Allah is ment. (2:165)
not unaware of what you do. (2:85) When those who were followed disown those
Those are the people who trade the hereafter for who followed them, and they see the punish-
this world. The punishment will not be lightened ment, and the connection between them is cut,
for them. They will not be helped. (2:86) (2:166)
What an evil thing they have sold themselves for Those who conceal what Allah has sent down of
in rejecting what Allah has sent down, outraged the Book and sell it cheap, take nothing into their
that Allah should send down His favour on bellies but the Fire. On the Day of Rising Allah
whichever of His servants He wills. They have will not speak to them or purify them. They will
brought down anger upon anger on themselves. have a painful punishment. (2:174)
The disbelievers will have a humiliating punish- Those are the ones who have sold guidance for
ment. (2:90) misguidance and forgiveness for punishment.
Rather you will find them the people greediest How steadfastly they will endure the Fire!
for life, along with the idolaters. One of them (2:175)
would love to be allowed to live a thousand You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for
years. But being allowed to live would not save you in the case of people killed: free man for free
him from the punishment. Allah sees what they man, slave for slave, female for female. But if
do. (2:96) someone is absolved by his brother, blood-
You who believe! Do not say, ‘Listen to us,’ say, money should be claimed with correctness and
‘Look at us,’ and listen well. The disbelievers will paid with good will. That is an easement and a
have a painful punishment. (2:104) mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond
Who could do greater wrong than someone who the limits after this will receive a painful punish-
589
ment. (2:178) sadden you. They do not harm Allah in any way.
And there are others who say, ‘Our Lord, give us Allah desires to assign no portion to them in the
good in this world, and good in the hereafter, and hereafter. They will have a terrible punishment.
safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire.’ (3:176)
(2:201) Those who sell faith for disbelief do not harm
He has sent down the Book to you with truth, Allah in any way. They will have a painful pun-
confirming what was there before it. And He sent ishment. (3:177)
down the Torah and the Gospel, previously, as Those who disbelieve should not imagine that
guidance for mankind, and He has sent down the the extra time We grant to them is good for them.
Furqan (Discrimination). Those who reject We only allow them more time so they will in-
Allah’s Signs will have a terrible punishment. crease in evildoing. They will have a humiliating
Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. (3:3-4) punishment. (3:178)
(His servants are) those who say, ‘Our Lord, we Allah has heard the words of those who say,
believe, so forgive us our wrong actions and safe- ‘Allah is poor and we are rich.’ We will write
guard us from the punishment of the Fire.’ (3:16) down what they said and their killing of the
As for those who reject Allah’s Signs, and kill the Prophets without any right to do so and We will
Prophets without any right to do so, and kill say, ‘Taste the punishment of the Burning.’
those who command justice, give them news of a (3:181)
painful punishment. (3:21) Those who exult in what they have done and
(Allah said,) ‘As for those who disbelieve, I will love to be praised for what they have not done
punish them with a harsh punishment in this should not suppose that they have escaped the
world and the hereafter. They will have no punishment. They will have a painful punish-
helpers.’ (3:56) ment. (3:188)
Those who sell Allah’s contract and their own (People with intelligence are) those who remem-
oaths for a paltry price, such people will have no ber Allah, standing, sitting and lying on their
portion in the hereafter and on the Day of Rising sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens
Allah will not speak to them or look at them or and the earth: ‘Our Lord, You have not created
purify them. They will have a painful punish- this for nothing. Glory be to You! So safeguard us
ment. (3:77) from the punishment of the Fire.’ (3:191)
They will be under it for ever. Their punishment As for those who disobey Allah and His
will not be lightened. They will be granted no re- Messenger and overstep His limits, We will
prieve. (3:88) admit them into a Fire, remaining in it timelessly,
As for those who disbelieve and die while they for ever. They will have a humiliating punish-
are disbelievers, the whole earth filled with gold ment. (4:14)
would not be accepted from any of them if they There is no repentance for people who persist in
were to offer it as a ransom. They will have a doing evil until death comes to them and who
painful punishment. They will have no helpers. then say, ‘Now I repent,’ nor for people who die
(3:91) disbelievers. We have prepared for them a
Do not be like those who split up and differed painful punishment. (4:18)
after the Clear Signs came to them. They will If any of you do not have the means to marry free
have a terrible punishment. (3:105) women who are believers, you may marry slave-
On the Day when faces are whitened and faces girls who are believers. Allah knows best about
are blackened. As for those whose faces are your faith; you are all the same in that respect.
blackened: ‘What! Did you disbelieve after hav- Marry them with their owners’ permission and
ing believed? Taste the punishment for your dis- give them their dowries correctly and courte-
belief!’ (3:106) ously as married women, not in fornication or
Do not let those who rush headlong into disbelief taking them as lovers. When they are married, if
590
they commit fornication they should receive half them with a painful punishment. They will not
the punishment of free women. This is for those find any protector or helper for themselves be-
of you who are afraid of committing fornication. sides Allah. (4:173)
But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever- The reprisal against those who wage war on
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25) Allah and His Messenger, and go about the earth
As for those who are tight-fisted and direct others corrupting it, is that they should be killed or cru-
to be tight-fisted, and hide the bounty Allah has cified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut
given them, We have prepared a humiliating off, or be banished from the land. That will be
punishment for those who disbelieve. (4:37) their degradation in this world and in the here-
As for those who reject Our Signs, We will roast after they will have a terrible punishment. (5:33)
them in a Fire. Every time their skins are burned They will want to get out of the Fire but they will
off, We will replace them with new skins so that not be able to. They will have an everlasting pun-
they can taste the punishment. Allah is Almighty, ishment. (5:37)
All-Wise. (4:56) O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who
As for anyone who kills a believer deliberately, rush headlong into disbelief among those who
his repayment is Hell, remaining in it timelessly, say ‘We believe’ with their tongues when their
for ever. Allah is angry with him and has cursed hearts contain no faith. And among the Jews are
him, and has prepared for him a terrible punish- those who listen to lies, listening to other people
ment. (4:93) who have not come to you, distorting words from
When you are with them and leading them in their proper meanings, saying, ‘If you are given
prayer, a group of them should stand with you, this, then take it. If you are not given it, then be-
keeping hold of their weapons. When they pros- ware!’ If Allah desires misguidance for someone,
trate, the others should guard your backs. Then you cannot help him against Allah in any way.
the other group who have not yet prayed should Those are the people whose hearts Allah does
come and pray with you. They too should be not want to purify. They will have disgrace in this
careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those world and in the hereafter they will have a terri-
who disbelieve would like you to be negligent of ble punishment. (5:41)
your arms and equipment so that they can swoop Those who say that Allah is the third of three are
down on you once and for all. There is nothing disbelievers. There is no god but One God. If
wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill, they do not stop saying what they say, a painful
in laying your weapons down; but take every punishment will afflict those among them who
precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating disbelieve. (5:73)
punishment for the disbelievers. (4:102) You see many of them taking those who disbe-
Give news to the hypocrites that they will have a lieve as their friends. What their lower selves
painful punishment. (4:138) have advanced for them is evil indeed, bringing
Such people are the true disbelievers. We have Allah’s anger down upon them. They will suffer
prepared a humiliating punishment for the disbe- punishment timelessly, for ever. (5:80)
lievers. (4:151) You who believe! Allah will test you with game
And because of their practising usury when they animals which come within the reach of your
were forbidden to do it, and because of their hands and spears, so that Allah will know those
consuming people’s wealth by wrongful means, who fear Him in the Unseen. Anyone who over-
We have prepared for the disbelievers among steps the limits after this will have a painful punish-
them a painful punishment. (4:161) ment. (5:94)
As for those who believe and do right actions, He Allah said, ‘I will send it down to you but if anyone
will pay them their wages in full and will give among you disbelieves after that, I will punish him
them increase from His favour. As for those who with a punishment the like of which I will not in-
show disdain and grow arrogant, He will punish flict on anyone else in all the worlds!’ (5:115)
591
Say: ‘I fear, were I to disobey my Lord, the pun- other than the truth about Allah, and being arro-
ishment of a dreadful Day.’ (6:15) gant about His Signs.’ (6:93)
Anyone from whom punishment is averted on When a Sign comes to them, they say, ‘We will
that Day has been shown great mercy by Allah. not believe until we have been given the same as
That is the Clear Victory. (6:16) the Messengers of Allah were given.’ Allah
If only you could see when they are standing be- knows best where to place His Message.
fore their Lord. He will say, ‘Is this not the Truth?’ Debasement in the sight of Allah and a severe
They will say, ‘Yes indeed, by our Lord!’ He will punishment will strike those who did wrong for
say, ‘Then taste the punishment for your disbe- the plots that they concocted. (6:124)
lief.’ (6:30) Nor can you say: ‘If the Book had been sent
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah's punishment down to us, We would have been better guided
were to come upon you or the Hour, would you than they were.’ For a Clear Sign has come to you
call on other than Allah if you are being truthful?’ from your Lord, and guidance and mercy. Who
(6:40) could do greater wrong than someone who de-
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah’s punishment nies Allah’s Signs and turns away from them? We
were to come upon you suddenly by night or will repay those who turn away from Our Signs
openly by day, would any but the wrongdoing with the worst kind of punishment because they
people be destroyed?’ (6:47) turned away. (6:157)
The punishment will fall on those who deny Our He will say, ‘Enter the Fire together with the na-
Signs because they were deviators. (6:49) tions of jinn and men who have passed away be-
Say: ‘He possesses the power to send you pun- fore you.’ Each time a nation enters, it will curse
ishment from above your heads or from beneath its sister nation, until, when they are all gathered
your feet, or to confuse you in sects and make together in it, the last of them will say to the first,
you taste one another’s violence.’ Look how We ‘Our Lord, those are the ones who misguided us,
vary the Signs so that hopefully they will under- so give them a double punishment in the Fire.’
stand. (6:65) He will say, ‘Each will receive double. But you
Abandon those who have turned their religion do not know it.’ (7:38)
into a game and a diversion and who have been The first of them will say to the last, ‘You are in
deluded by the life of this world. Remind by it no way superior to us so taste the punishment for
lest a person is delivered up to destruction for what you earned.’ (7:39)
what he has earned with no protector or interces- We sent Nuh to his people and he said, ‘My peo-
sor besides Allah. Were he to offer every kind of ple, worship Allah! You have no other god than
compensation, it would not be accepted from Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful
him. Such people are delivered up to destruction Day.’ (7:59)
for what they have earned. They will have scald- He (Hud) said, ‘Punishment and anger have
ing water to drink and a painful punishment be- come down on you from your Lord. Do you
cause they disbelieved. (6:70) argue with me regarding names which you and
Who could do greater wrong than someone who your forefathers invented and for which Allah
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs, or has sent down no authority? Wait, then; I am
who says, ‘It has been revealed to me,’ when waiting with you.’ (7:71)
nothing has been revealed to him, or someone And to Thamud We sent their brother Salih, who
who says, ‘I will send down the same as Allah said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no
has sent down’? If you could only see the wrong- other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to
doers in the throes of death when the angels are you from your Lord. This is the She-Camel of
stretching out their hands, saying, ‘Disgorge your Allah as a Sign for you. Leave her alone to eat on
own selves! Today you will be repaid with the Allah’s earth and do not harm her in any way or a
punishment of humiliation for saying something painful punishment will afflict you.’ (7:73)
592
Remember when We rescued you from devour people’s property under false pretences
Pharaoh’s people who were inflicting an evil and bar people from access to the Way of Allah.
punishment on you, killing your sons and letting As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do
your women live. In that there was a terrible trial not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the
from your Lord. (7:141) news of a painful punishment. (9:34)
(Musa said,) ‘Prescribe good for us in this world If you do not go out to fight, He will punish you
and the hereafter. We have truly turned to You.’ with a painful punishment and substitute another
He said, ‘As for My punishment, I strike with it people in your place. You will not harm Him in
anyone I will. My mercy extends to all things but any way. Allah has power over all things. (9:39)
I will prescribe it for those who guard against evil Say: ‘What do you await for us except for one of
and give the alms, and those who believe in Our the two best things? But what we await for you is
Signs.’ (7:156) for Allah to inflict a punishment on you either di-
Then when they forgot what they had been re- rectly from Himself or at our hands. So wait, we
minded of, We rescued those who had forbidden are waiting with you!’ (9:52)
the evil and seized those who did wrong with a Among them are some who insult the Prophet,
harsh punishment because they were deviators. saying he is only an ear. Say, ‘An ear of good for
(7:165) you, believing in Allah and believing in the be-
Then your Lord announced that He would send lievers, and a mercy for those among you who
against them until the Day of Rising people who believe.’ As for those who insult the Messenger of
would inflict an evil punishment on them. Your Allah, they will have a painful punishment.
Lord is Swift in Retribution. And He is Ever- (9:61)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (7:167) Allah has promised the men and women of the
That is your reward, so taste it. The disbelievers hypocrites and disbelievers the Fire of Hell, re-
will also have the punishment of the Fire. (8:14) maining in it timelessly, for ever. It will suffice
And they (disbelievers) say, ‘Allah, if this is really them. Allah has cursed them. They will have
the truth from You, rain down stones on us out of everlasting punishment. (9:68)
heaven or send a painful punishment down on They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but
us.’ (8:32) they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and
Their prayer at the House is nothing but whistling returned to disbelief after their Islam. They
and clapping. So taste the punishment because planned something which they did not achieve
you disbelieved! (8:35) and they were vindictive for no other cause than
If only you could see when the angels take back that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them
those who disbelieved at their death, beating from His bounty. If they were to repent, it would
their faces and their backs: ‘Taste the punishment be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah
of the Burning!’ (8:50) will punish them with a painful punishment in
Were it not for a prior decree which had already this world and the hereafter, and they will not
proceeded from Allah, a terrible punishment find any protector or helper on the earth. (9:74)
would have afflicted you on account of what you As for the people who find fault with those be-
took. (8:68) lievers who give charity spontaneously, and with
A proclamation from Allah and His Messenger to those who can find nothing to give but their own
mankind on the day of the greater pilgrimage: effort, and deride them, Allah derides them. They
‘Allah is free of the idolaters, as is His Messenger. will have a painful punishment. (9:79)
If you repent, it will be better for you. But if you The desert arabs came with their excuses asking
turn your backs, know that you cannot thwart for permission to stay, and those who lied to
Allah.’ Give those who disbelieve the news of a Allah and His Messenger stayed behind. A
painful punishment. (9:3) painful punishment will afflict those among them
You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks who disbelieve. (9:90)
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Some of the desert Arabs around you are hyp- How is it that there has never been a city that be-
ocrites and some of the people of Madina are ob- lieved, whose faith then brought it benefit, ex-
durate in their hypocrisy. You do not know them cept the people of Yunus? When they believed
but We know them. We will punish them twice We removed from them the punishment of dis-
over and then they will be returned to a terrible grace in the life of this world and We let them
punishment. (9:101) have enjoyment for a time. (10:98)
Each and every one of you will return to Him. Ask your Lord for forgiveness and then repent to
Allah’s promise is true. He brings creation out of Him. He will let you enjoy a good life until a
nothing and then regenerates it so that he can specified time, and will give His favour to all
repay with justice those who believed and did who merit it. But if you turn your backs, I fear for
right actions. Those who disbelieved will have a you the punishment of a Mighty Day. (11:3)
drink of scalding water and a painful punishment If We postpone the punishment for them for a
because of their disbelief. (10:4) limited time, they will say, ‘What is holding it
When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, those back?’ No, indeed! The day it reaches them it
who do not expect to meet Us say, ‘Bring a will not be averted from them and the things they
Qur’an other than this one or change it.’ Say: ‘It mocked at will encompass them. (11:8)
is not for me to change it of my own accord. I fol- They were not able to thwart Allah on earth, and
low nothing except what is revealed to me. I fear, had no protectors besides Allah. The punishment
were I to disobey my Lord, the punishment of a will be doubled for them. They were unable to
Dreadful Day.’ (10:15) hear and could not see. (11:20)
Say: ‘What do you think? If His punishment came (Nuh said to his people,) ‘Worship none but
upon you by night or day, what part of it would Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a painful
the evildoers then try to hasten?’ (10:50) day.’ (11:26)
Then it will be said to those who did wrong, (Nuh said,) ‘You will soon know who will receive
‘Taste the punishment of eternity! Have you been a punishment which disgraces him and find un-
repaid for anything other than what you earned?’ leashed against himself an everlasting punish-
(10:52) ment.’ (11:39)
If every self that did wrong possessed everything It was said, ‘Nuh, descend with peace from Us
on earth, it would offer it as a ransom. They will and with blessings on you and on the nations
show remorse when they see the punishment. which will issue from those who are with you.
Everything will be decided between them justly. But there are nations to whom we will give en-
They will not be wronged. (10:54) joyment and then a painful punishment from Us
There is the enjoyment of this world. Then they will afflict them.’ (11:48)
will return to Us. Then We will let them taste the When Our command came, We rescued Hud
terrible punishment because they disbelieved. and those who believed along with him by a
(10:70) mercy from Us. We rescued them from a harsh
Musa said, ‘Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh punishment. (11:58)
and his ruling circle finery and wealth in the life (Salih said,) ‘My people! Here is the she-camel of
of this world, Our Lord, so that they may be mis- Allah as a Sign for you. So leave her alone to eat
guided from Your Way. Our Lord, obliterate their on Allah’s earth and do not inflict any harm on
wealth and harden their hearts so that they do her or you will be overcome by an imminent
not believe until they see the painful punish- punishment.’ (11:64)
ment.’ (10:88) ‘Ibrahim, turn away from this! Your Lord’s com-
Those against whom the words of your Lord are mand has come. A punishment is coming to
justly carried out will never believe–not even if them which cannot be repelled.’ (11:76)
every Sign were to come to them–until they see And (We sent) to Madyan their brother Shu‘ayb.
the painful punishment. (10:96-97) He said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no
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god apart from Him. Do not give short measure Death comes at him from every side but he does
and short weight. I see you prospering and I fear not die. And beyond him is relentless punish-
for you the punishment of an all-encompassing ment. (14:17)
Day.’ (11:84) They will all parade before Allah and the weak
(Shu‘ayb said,) ‘My people! Do as you think best. will say to those who were arrogant, ‘We fol-
That is what I am doing. You will certainly come lowed you, so can you help us at all against the
to know who will receive a punishment to dis- punishment of Allah?’ They will say, ‘If Allah had
grace him, and who is a liar. So look out. I will be guided us, we would have guided you. It makes
on the lookout with you.’ (11:93) no difference whether we cannot stand it or bear
There is certainly a Sign in that for anyone who it patiently. We have no way of escape.’ (14:21)
fears the punishment of the hereafter. That is a When the affair is decided Satan will say, ‘Allah
Day to which mankind will all be gathered. That made you a promise, a promise of truth, and I
is a Day which will be witnessed by everyone. made you a promise but broke my promise. I had
(11:103) no authority over you, except that I called you
They raced to the door. She tore his (Yusuf's) shirt and you responded to me. Do not, therefore,
at the back. They met her husband by the door. blame me but blame yourselves. I cannot come
She said, ‘How should a man whose intention to your aid nor you to mine. I reject the way you
was to harm your family be punished for what he associated me with Allah before.’ The wrongdo-
did except with prison or painful punishment?’ ers will have a painful punishment. (14:22)
(12:25) Warn mankind of the Day when the punishment
Do they feel secure that the all-enveloping pun- will reach them. Those who did wrong will say,
ishment of Allah will not come upon them, or ‘Our Lord, reprieve us for a short time. We will
that the Last Hour will not come upon them all of respond to Your call and follow the Messengers.’
a sudden when they least expect it? (12:107) ‘But did you not swear to Me before that you
They want you to hasten the bad rather than the would never meet your downfall?’ (14:44)
good when examples of punishment are there Tell My servants that I am the Ever-Forgiving, the
before them in the past. Your Lord has forgive- Most Merciful, but also that My punishment is
ness for people for their wrongdoing; but your the Painful Punishment. (15:49-50)
Lord is also severe in retribution. (13:6) Those before them also plotted, and Allah came
They will receive punishment in the life of this at their building from the foundations and the
world and the punishment of the hereafter is roof caved in on top of them. The punishment
harsher still. They have no defender against came at them from where they did not expect.
Allah. (13:34) (16:26)
Allah is He to Whom everything in the heavens Do those who plot evil actions feel secure that
and everything in the earth belongs. Woe to the Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them
disbelievers because of a terrible punishment. up or that a punishment will not come upon
(14:2) them from where they least expect? (16:45)
Remember when Musa said to his people, By Allah, We sent Messengers to communities
‘Remember Allah’s blessing to you when He res- before your time, but Satan made their actions
cued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were seem good to them. Therefore today he is their
inflicting an evil punishment on you, slaughter- protector. They will have a painful punishment.
ing your sons and letting your women live. In (16:63)
that there was a terrible trial from your Lord. And When those who did wrong see the punishment,
when your Lord announced: "If you are grateful, I it will not be lightened for them. They will be
will certainly give you increase, but if you are granted no reprieve. (16:85)
ungrateful, My punishment is severe."’ (14:6-7) As for those who disbelieved and barred access
He gulps at it but can hardly swallow it down. to the way of Allah, We will heap punishment on
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top of their punishment because of the corrup- Your Lord is the Ever-Forgiving, the Possessor of
tion they brought about. (16:88) Mercy. If He had taken them to task for what they
Do not make your oaths a means of deceiving have earned, He would have hastened their pun-
one another or your foot will slip after it was ishment. Instead, they have a promised appoint-
firmly placed and you will taste evil for barring ment and they will not find any refuge from it.
access to the Way of Allah and you will have a (18:58)
terrible punishment. (16:94) He (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) said, ‘As for those who do
As for those who do not believe in Allah’s Signs, wrong, we will punish them and then they will
Allah will not guide them and they will have a be returned to their Lord and He will punish
painful punishment. (16:104) them with a dreadful punishment.’ (18:87)
Those who reject Allah after having believed–ex- (Ibrahim said,) ‘Father, I am afraid that a punish-
cept for someone forced to do it whose heart re- ment from the All-Merciful will afflict you, and
mains at rest in its faith–but as for those whose turn you into a comrade of Satan.’ (19:45)
breasts become dilated with disbelief, anger from Say: ‘As for those who are astray, let the All-
Allah will come down on them. They will have a Merciful prolong their term until they see what
terrible punishment. (16:106) they were promised, whether it be the punish-
A Messenger from among them came to them but ment or the Hour. Then they will know who is in
they denied him. So the punishment seized them the worse position and has the weaker troops.’
and they were wrongdoers. (16:113) (19:75)
Do not say about what your lying tongues de- No indeed! We will write down what he says and
scribe: ‘This is lawful and this is forbidden,’ in- prolong the punishment for him. (19:79)
venting lies against Allah. Those who invent lies So do not try to hasten their punishment. We are
against Allah are not successful–a brief enjoy- simply counting out the number of their days.
ment, then they will have a painful punishment. (19:84)
(16:116-117) (Allah said to Musa, ‘Go to him and say,) "It has
But as for those who do not believe in the here- been revealed to us that punishment is for him
after, We have prepared for them a painful pun- who denies the truth and turns away."’ (20:48)
ishment. (17:10) Musa said to them, ‘Woe to you! Do not fabricate
Those they call on are themselves seeking the lies against Allah or He will annihilate you with
means by which they might approach their His punishment. Fabricators of lies are bound to
Lord–even those who are the closest to Him–and fail.’ (20:61)
are hoping for His mercy and fearing his punish- Pharaoh said, ‘Do you believe in him before I
ment. The punishment of your Lord is truly some- have authorised you? He is your chief, the one
thing to be feared. (17:57) who taught you magic. I will cut off your hands
There is no city We will not destroy before the and feet alternately and have you crucified on
Day of Rising, or punish with a terrible punish- palm trunks. Then you will know for certain
ment. That is inscribed in the Book. (17:58) which of us has the harsher and longer lasting
Then We would have let you taste a double pun- punishment.’ (20:71)
ishment in life and a double punishment in That is how We repay anyone who is profligate
death. You would not have found any helper and does not believe in the Signs of his Lord. And
against Us. (17:75) the punishment of the hereafter is much harsher
When guidance came to the people nothing pre- and longer lasting. (20:127)
vented them from believing and asking for for- If We had destroyed them with a punishment be-
giveness from their Lord but the fact that the fore this, they would have said, ‘Our Lord, why
pattern of previous peoples did not happen to did You not send us a Messenger, so we could
them or that the punishment did not appear be- follow Your Signs before we were humbled and
fore their eyes. (18:55) disgraced?’ (20:134)
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If even a single waft of the punishment were to But then when We seize the affluent among them
touch them, they would say, ‘Alas for us! We with the punishment, they will suddenly start
were indeed wrongdoers.’ (21:46) praying fervently. (23:64)
On the day they see it, every nursing woman will We seized them with the punishment, but they
be oblivious of the baby at her breast, and every did not go low before their Lord; nor will they
pregnant woman will abort the contents of her humble themselves until We open to them a gate
womb, and you will think people drunk when to a harsh punishment in which they will at once
they are not drunk; it is just that the punishment be crushed by despair. (23:76-77)
of Allah is so severe. (22:2) A woman and a man who commit fornication:
It is written of him that if anyone takes him flog both of them with one hundred lashes and
(Satan) as a friend, he will mislead him and guide do not let compassion for either of them possess
him to the punishment of the Searing Blaze. you where Allah’s religion is concerned, if you
(22:4) believe in Allah and the Last Day. A number of
Among people there is one who argues about believers should witness their punishment. (24:2)
Allah without knowledge or guidance or any And the punishment is removed from her if she
light-giving Book, turning away arrogantly, to testifies four times by Allah that he (her husband)
misguide people from the Way of Allah. He will is lying. (24:8)
be disgraced in this world and on the Day of There is a group of you who propagated the lie.
Rising We will make him taste the punishment of Do not suppose it to be bad for you; rather it is
the Burning. (22:8-9) good for you. Every one of them will incur the
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and evil he has earned and the one who took it on
everyone on the earth prostrates to Allah, and the himself to amplify it will receive a terrible pun-
sun and moon and stars and the mountains, trees ishment. (24:11)
and beasts and many of mankind? But many of Were it not for Allah’s favour to you and His
them inevitably merit punishment. Those Allah mercy, both in this world and the hereafter, a ter-
humiliates will have no one to honour them. rible punishment would have afflicted you for
Allah does whatever He wills. (22:18) your plunging headlong into it. (24:14)
Every time they want to come out of it, because People who love to see filth being spread about
of their suffering, they will be driven back into it: concerning those who believe will have a painful
‘Taste the punishment of the Burning!’ (22:22) punishment both in this world and the hereafter.
Those who disbelieve and bar access to the Way Allah knows and you do not know. (24:19)
of Allah and to the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- Those who accuse chaste believing women, un-
Haram) which We have appointed for all aware (of the evil), are cursed both in this world
mankind–equally for those who live near it and and the hereafter, and they will have a terrible
those who come from far away–those who desire punishment. (24:23)
to profane it with wrongdoing, We will let them Do not make the Messenger’s summoning of you
taste a painful punishment. (22:25) the same as your summoning of one another.
They ask you to hasten the punishment. Allah Allah knows those of you who sneak away.
will not break His promise. A day with your Lord Those who oppose his command should beware
is equivalent to a thousand years in the way you of a testing trial coming to them or a painful pun-
count. (22:47) ishment striking them. (24:63)
But those who disbelieve will not cease to be in So now they have disowned you for what you
doubt of it until the Hour comes on them sud- said, and they cannot avert it or give you any
denly or the punishment of a desolate Day ar- help. As for anyone among you who has done
rives. (22:55) wrong, We will make him suffer great punish-
But those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs ment. (25:19)
will have a humiliating punishment. (22:57) And when the people of Nuh denied the
597
Messengers, We drowned them and made them They will call on them but they will not respond
a Sign for all mankind. We have prepared a to them. They will see the punishment. Oh if
painful punishment for the wrongdoers. (25:37) only they had been guided! (28:64)
When they see you they only make a mockery of There are some people who say, ‘We believe in
you: ‘Is this the one Allah has sent as a Allah,’ and then, when they suffer harm in Allah’s
Messenger? He might almost have misled us cause, they take people’s persecution for Allah’s
from our gods had we not stuck to them stead- punishment; but if help comes from your Lord
fastly!’ They will soon know, when they see the they say, ‘We were with you.’ Does Allah not
punishment, whose way is the most misguided. know best what is in every person’s heart?
(25:41-42) (29:10)
(The servants of the All-Merciful are) those who Those who reject Allah’s Signs and the meeting
say, ‘Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of with Him, such people can despair of My mercy,
Hell, its punishment is inescapable pain.’ (25:65) such people will have a painful punishment.
Those who do not call on any other god together (29:23)
with Allah and do not kill anyone Allah has When Lut said to his people, ‘You are commit-
made inviolate, except with the right to do so, ting an obscenity not perpetrated before you by
and do not fornicate; anyone who does that will anyone in all the worlds. Do you lie with men
receive an evil punishment and on the Day of and waylay them on the road and commit de-
Rising his punishment will be doubled and he pravities within your gatherings?’ the only an-
will be humiliated in it timelessly, for ever. swer of his people was to say, ‘Bring us Allah’s
(25:68-69) punishment if you are telling the truth.’ (29:28-
Say: ‘What has My Lord to do with you if you do 29)
not call on Him? But you have denied the truth, (Our Messengers said to Lut,) ‘We will bring
so punishment is bound to come.’ (25:77) down on the inhabitants of this city a devastating
(Hud said to his people,) ‘I fear for you the pun- punishment from heaven because of their de-
ishment of a terrible Day.’ (26:135) viance.’ (29:34)
(Salih said,) ‘Do not do anything to harm her (the They ask you to hasten the punishment. If it were
she-camel) or the punishment of a terrible day not for a stipulated term, the punishment would
will come down on you.’ (26:156) have come to them already. It will come upon
But they hamstrung her and woke up full of re- them suddenly when they are not expecting it.
morse, for the punishment did come down them. (29:53)
There is certainly a Sign in that, yet most of them They ask you to hasten the punishment but Hell
are not believers. (26:157-158) already encircles the disbelievers. (29:54)
They denied him and the punishment of the Day On the Day the punishment envelops them from
of Shadow came down on them. It was indeed the above them and from underneath their feet, He
punishment of a terrible Day. (26:189) will say, ‘Taste what you were doing!’ (29:55)
They will not believe in it until they see the painful But as for those who disbelieved and denied Our
punishment. (26:201) Signs and the meeting of the hereafter, they will
Do they want to hasten Our punishment? (26:204) be summoned to the punishment. (30:16)
Such people will receive an evil punishment and But there are some people who trade in distract-
will be the greatest losers in the hereafter. (27:5) ing tales to misguide people from Allah’s Way
Is someone whom We have promised good and knowing nothing about it and to make a mockery
who then obtains it, the same as someone whom of it. Such people will have a humiliating punish-
We have given enjoyment in the life of this world ment. (31:6)
and who then, on the Day of Rising, is one of When Our Signs are recited to such a person, he
those brought to punishment? (28:61) turns away arrogantly as if he had not heard, as if
They will be told, ‘Call on your partner-gods!’ there was a great weight in his ears. So give him
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news of a painful punishment. (31:7) worked in front of him by his Lord’s permission.
When they are told: ‘Follow what Allah has sent And if a single one of them deviates at all from
down,’ they say, ‘No, we will follow what we Our command, We let him taste the punishment
found our fathers doing.’ What! Even if Satan is of the Searing Blaze. (34:12)
calling them to the punishment of the Blazing Then when We decreed that he (Sulayman)
Fire? (31:21) should die, nothing divulged his death to them
We will let them enjoy themselves a little, then except the worm which ate his staff; so that when
drive them to a harsh punishment. (31:24) he fell down it was made clear to the jinn that if
(They are told,) ‘So taste it. Because you forgot they had truly had knowledge of the Unseen they
the meeting of this Day, We have forgotten you. need not have stayed there suffering humiliating
Taste the punishment of eternal timelessness for punishment. (34:14)
what you did.’ (32:14) Those deemed weak will say to those deemed
But as for those who are deviators, their refuge is great, ‘No, it was your scheming night and day
the Fire. Every time that they want to get out, they when you commanded us to reject Allah and as-
are put straight back into it again and they are sign equals to Him.’ But they will show their re-
told, ‘Taste the punishment of the Fire, which morse when they see the punishment. We will
you denied.’ (32:20) put iron collars round the necks of those who
We will give them a taste of lesser punishment disbelieve. Will they be repaid for anything but
before the greater punishment, so that hopefully what they did? (34:33)
they will turn back. (32:21) But people who strive against Our Signs, trying to
(It is) so that He would be able to question the nullify them, such people will be summoned to
truthful about their truth; and He has prepared a the punishment. (34:38)
painful punishment for the disbelievers. (33:8) ‘Today you possess no power to help or harm
Wives of the Prophet! If any of you commits an one another.’ And We will say to those who did
obvious act of indecency she will receive double wrong, ‘Taste the punishment of the Fire which
the punishment. That is an easy matter for Allah. you denied.’ (34:42)
(33:30) Say: ‘I exhort you to do one thing alone: to stand
As for those who abuse Allah and His Messenger, before Allah in pairs and on your own and then
Allah’s curse is on them in this world and the reflect. Your companion is not possessed. He is
hereafter. He has prepared a humiliating punish- only a warner come to you ahead of a terrible
ment for them. (33:57) punishment.’ (34:46)
And they (disbelievers) will say, ‘Our Lord, we Those who disbelieve will suffer a harsh punish-
obeyed our masters and great men and they mis- ment. But those who believe and do right actions
guided us from the Way. Our Lord, give them will receive forgiveness and an immense reward.
double the punishment and curse them many (35:7)
times over!’ (33:67-68) If anyone wants power, all power belongs to
But those who strive against Our Signs, trying to Allah. All good words rise to Him and He raises
nullify them, will have a punishment of agonis- up all virtuous deeds. But people who plot evil
ing pain. (34: 5) deeds will suffer a harsh punishment. The plot-
Has he invented a lie against Allah or is he pos- ting of such people is profitless. (35:10)
sessed?’ No indeed! Those who do not believe in Whereas for those who disbelieve there will be
the hereafter are in punishment and deeply mis- the Fire of Hell. They will not be killed off so that
guided. (34:8) they die and its punishment will not be lightened
And We gave Sulayman power over the wind–a for them. That is how We repay every thankless
month’s journey in the morning and a month in man. (35:36)
the afternoon. And We made a fount of molten They (the inhabitants of the city) said (to Our
brass flow out for him. And some of the jinn Messengers), ‘We see an evil omen in you. If you
599
do not stop we will stone you and you will suffer offer it as a ransom to save themselves from the
a painful punishment at our hands.’ (36:18) evil of the punishment on the Day of Rising.
They (Satans) cannot eavesdrop on the Highest What confronts them from Allah will be some-
Assembly and they are stoned from every side, thing they did not reckon with. (39:47)
repelled with harshness–they will suffer eternal Turn to your Lord and submit to Him before pun-
punishment. (37:8-9) ishment comes upon you, for then you cannot be
On that Day they will be partners in the punish- helped. (39:54)
ment. (37:33) Follow the best that has been sent down to you
You will definitely taste the painful punishment from your Lord before the punishment comes
and you will only be repaid for what you did–ex- upon you suddenly when you are not expecting
cept for Allah’s chosen servants. (37:38-40) it; lest anyone should say, ‘Alas for me for ne-
Are they trying to hasten Our punishment? glecting what Allah was due, and being one of
(37:176) the scoffers!’ or lest they should say, ‘If only Allah
(Their leaders went off saying,) ‘Has the had guided me, I would have guarded against
Reminder been sent down to him out of all of evil,’ or lest he should say, when he sees the pun-
us?’ They are in doubt about My Reminder. They ishment, ‘If only I could have another chance so
have yet to taste My punishment. (38:8) that I could be a good-doer!’ (39:55-58)
Each one of them denied the Messengers and so Those who disbelieve will be driven to Hell in
My punishment was justly carried out. (38:14) companies and when they arrive there and its
(We said), ‘Dawud! We have made you a succes- gates are opened its custodians will say to them,
sor on the earth, so judge between people with ‘Did Messengers from yourselves not come to
truth and do not follow your own desires, letting you, reciting your Lord’s Signs to you and warn-
them misguide you from the Way of Allah. Those ing you of the meeting on this Day of yours?’
who are misguided from the Way of Allah will re- They will say, ‘Indeed they did, but the decree of
ceive a harsh punishment because they forgot punishment is justly carried out against the dis-
the Day of Reckoning.’ (38:26) believers.’ (39:71)
They will say, ‘Our Lord, give him who brought Those who bear the Throne, and all those around
this on us double the punishment in the Fire!’ it, glorify their Lord with praise and believe in
(38:61) Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe:
Say: ‘I fear, were I to disobey my Lord, the pun- ‘Our Lord, You encompass everything in mercy
ishment of a Terrible Day.’ (39:13) and knowledge! Forgive those who turn to You
But as for those against whom the decree of and who follow Your Way and safeguard them
Punishment is justly carried out, can you rescue from the punishment of the Blazing Fire.’ (40:7)
those who are in the Fire? (39:19) The Fire, morning and night, to which they are
Those before them also denied the truth and the exposed; and on the Day the Hour takes place:
punishment came upon them from where they ‘Admit Pharaoh’s people to the harshest punish-
did not expect. (39:25) ment!’ (40:46)
So Allah made them taste disgrace in the life of Those in the Fire will say to the custodians of
this world and the punishment of the hereafter is Hell, ‘Call on your Lord to make the punishment
far worse if they only knew. (39:26) less for us for just one day.’ (40:49)
Say: ‘My people, do as you think best; that is So We sent a howling wind against them on dis-
what I am doing. You will soon know who will astrous ill-fated days to make them taste the pun-
receive a punishment which disgraces him and ishment of degradation in this world. And the
will unleash against himself an everlasting pun- punishment of the hereafter is even more degrad-
ishment.’ (39:39-40) ing. And they will not be helped. (41:16)
If those who did wrong owned everything on As for Thamud, We guided them, but they pre-
earth, and the same again with it, they would ferred blindness to guidance. So the lightning-
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bolt of the punishment of humiliation seized But when We removed the punishment from
them on account of what they earned. (41:17) them, they immediately broke their word.
We will make those who disbelieve suffer a se- (43:50)
vere punishment and repay them for the worst of The various factions among them differed. Woe
what they did. (41:27) then to those who did wrong on account of the
But if We let him taste mercy from Us after he has punishment of a painful Day! (43:65)
suffered hardship, then he says, ‘This is my due. I The evildoers will remain timelessly, for ever, in
do not think that the Hour is going to come. And the punishment of Hell. (43:74)
if am returned to my Lord, I will definitely find So be on the watch for a day when heaven brings
the best reward with Him.’ But We will inform forth a distinctive smoke, which enshrouds
those who disbelieve of what they did and make mankind. ‘This is a painful punishment! Our
them suffer a ruthless punishment. (41:50) Lord, remove the punishment from us. We are re-
The argument of those who argue about Allah, ally believers.’ (44:10-12)
once He has been acknowledged, has no basis We remove the punishment a little, and you re-
whatsoever with their Lord. There is anger upon vert! (44:15)
them and they will have a harsh punishment. We rescued the tribe of Israel from the humiliat-
(42:16) ing punishment. (44:30)
Or do they have partners who have laid down a (Custodians of Hell will be told,) ‘Then pour the
religion for them for which Allah has not given punishment of boiling water on his head.’ (44:48)
any authority? Were it not for the prior Word of They will not taste any death there–except for the
Decision, the judgement between them would first one. He will safeguard them from the pun-
already have been made. The wrongdoers will ishment of the Blazing Fire. (44:56)
have a painful punishment. (42:21) Woe to every wicked liar who hears the Signs of
He responds to those who believe and do right Allah recited to him and then persists in his arro-
actions and gives them increase from His favour. gance just as if he had never heard them. Give
But the disbelievers will have a harsh punish- him the news of a painful punishment. (45:7-8)
ment. (42:26) When he does learn something of Our Signs, he
There are only grounds against those who wrong makes a mockery of them. Such people will have
people and act as tyrants in the earth without any a humiliating punishment. (45:9)
right to do so. Such people will have a painful Hell is right at their heels. Nothing they have
punishment. (42:42) earned will be of any use to them, nor will those
Whoever Allah misguides has no one to protect they took as protectors besides Allah. They will
them after that. You will see the wrongdoers say- have a terrible punishment. (45:10)
ing, when they see the punishment, ‘Is there no This is guidance. And those who reject the Signs
way back?’ (42:44) of their Lord will have a punishment of agonising
You will see them as they are exposed to it, ab- pain. (45:11)
ject in their abasement, glancing around them Remember the brother of ‘Ad when he warned
furtively. Those who believe will say, ‘Truly the his people by the sand-dunes–and warners
losers are those who lose themselves and their passed away before and after him–‘Worship no
families on the Day of Rising.’ The wrongdoers are one but Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a
in an everlasting punishment. (42:45) terrible Day.’ (46:21)
It will not benefit you today, since you did wrong, When they saw it as a storm cloud advancing on
that you share equally in the punishment. (43:39) their valleys they said, ‘This is a storm cloud
We showed them no Sign which was not greater which will give us rain.’ No, rather it is what you
than the one before it. We seized them with pun- desired to hasten–a wind containing painful pun-
ishment so that hopefully they would turn back. ishment, destroying everything at its Lord’s com-
(43:48) mand! When morning came you could see
601
nothing but their dwellings. That is how We has given them. Their Lord will safeguard them
repay the people of the evildoers. (46:24-25) from the punishment of the Blazing Fire. (52:17-
Our people, respond to Allah’s caller and believe 18)
in Him. He will forgive you some of your wrong But Allah was gracious to us and safeguarded us
actions and save you from a painful punish- from the punishment of the searing wind. (52:27)
ment. (46:31) And those who do wrong will have a punishment
On the Day when those who disbelieved are ex- besides that but most of them do not know it.
posed to the Fire, they will be asked, ‘Is this not (52:47)
the truth?’ They will say, ‘Yes, by our Lord.’ He How terrible were My punishment and warn-
will say, ‘Then taste the punishment for having ings! (54:16, 54:18, 54:30)
disbelieved.’ (46:34) ‘Ad denied the truth. How terrible were My pun-
Say to the Arabs who remained behind: ‘You will ishment and warnings! (54:18)
be called up against a people who possess great They even wanted to seduce his guests! So We
force whom you must fight unless they submit. If put out their eyes: ‘Taste My punishment and
you obey, Allah will give you an excellent re- warnings!’ (54:37)
ward. But if you turn your backs as you did Early morning brought them enduring punish-
before, He will punish you with a painful punish- ment: ‘Taste My punishment and warnings!’
ment.’ (48:16) (54:38-39)
There is no constraint on the blind, nor on the That Day the men and women of the hypocrites
lame, nor on the sick. We will admit all who will say to those who believe, ‘Wait for us so that
obey Allah and His Messenger into Gardens with we can borrow some of your light.’ They will be
rivers flowing under them. But We will punish told, ‘Go back and look for light!’ And a wall will
with a painful punishment anyone who turns his be erected between them with a gate in it, on the
back. (48:17) inside of which there will be mercy but before
They are those who disbelieved and debarred whose exterior lies the punishment. (57:13)
you from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) Know that the life of this world is merely a game
and prevented the sacrifice from reaching its and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of
proper place, and had it not been for some men boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo
and women who are believers, whom you did one another in wealth and children: like the
not know and might trample underfoot, and so plant-growth after rain which delights the culti-
unknowingly incur blame on their account–so vators, but then it withers and you see it turning
that Allah might admit into His mercy those He yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In
wills–and had those among them who disbelieve the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also
been clearly distinguishable, We would have forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure.
punished them with a painful punishment. The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy-
(48:25) ment of delusion. (57:20)
(The Custodians of Hell will be told,) ‘Hurl into Anyone who cannot find the means must fast for
Hell every obdurate disbeliever, impeder of two consecutive months before the two of them
good, doubt-causing aggressor, who set up an- may touch one another again. And anyone who
other god together with Allah. Hurl him into the is unable to do that must feed sixty poor people.
terrible punishment.’ (50:24-26) That is to affirm your faith in Allah and His
And We left a Sign in it for those who fear the Messenger. These are Allah’s limits. The disbe-
painful punishment. (51:37) lievers will have a painful punishment. (58:4)
Your Lord’s punishment will certainly take place. Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger will
(52:7) be subdued and overcome as those before them
The people who guard against evil will be in were also subdued and overcome. We have sent
Gardens of Delight, savouring what their Lord down Clear Signs. The disbelievers will have a hu-
602
miliating punishment. (58:5) (On the Day) no good friend will ask about his
Allah has prepared a terrible punishment for them. friend even though they can see each other. An
How evil is what they have been doing! (58:15) evildoer will wish he could ransom himself from
They made their oaths into a cloak and barred the the punishment of that Day, by means of his
Way of Allah, so they will have a humiliating pun- sons, or his wife or his brother or his family who
ishment. (58:16) sheltered him or everyone else on earth, if that
If Allah had not prescribed banishment for them, only meant that he could save himself. (70:10-
He would have punished them in this world. But in 14)
the hereafter they will have the punishment of the (Believers are) those who are fearful of the pun-
Fire. (59:3) ishment of their Lord (no one is safe from the
They are the same as those a short time before punishment of his Lord). (70:27-28)
them who tasted the evil consequences of what We sent Nuh to his people: ‘Warn your people
they did. They will have a painful punishment. before a painful punishment comes to them.’
(59:15) (71:1)
You who believe! Shall I direct you to a transaction If only they were to go straight on the Path, We
which will save you from a painful punishment? would give them abundant water to drink so that
(61:10) We could test them by it. Whoever turns aside
Has the news not reached you of those who disbe- from the remembrance of his Lord, He will intro-
lieved before and tasted the evil consequences of duce him to an arduous punishment. (72:16-17)
what they did? They will have a painful punish- With Us there are shackles and a Blazing Fire
ment. (64:5) and food that chokes and a painful punishment.
How many cities spurned their Lord’s command (73:12-13)
and His Messengers! And so We called them He admits whoever He wills into His mercy. But
harshly to account and punished them with a terri- He has prepared a painful punishment for the
ble punishment. (65:8) wrongdoers. (76:31)
Allah has prepared a terrible punishment for them. So taste! We will increase you only in punish-
So have fear of Allah, people of intelligence–those ment. (78:30)
who believe–Allah has sent down a reminder to We have warned you of an imminent punish-
you. (65:10) ment on the Day when a man will see what he
We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps has done, and the disbeliever will say, ‘Oh, if
and made some of them stones for the Satans for only I were dust!’ (78:40)
whom We have prepared the punishment of the So Allah made an example of him seizing him
Blaze. (67:5) with punishment in this world and the hereafter.
Those who reject their Lord will have the punish- (79:25)
ment of Hell. What an evil destination! (67:6) Give them the news of a painful punishment.
‘You who disbelieve! Do not try to excuse your- (84:24)
selves today. You are merely being repaid for what Those who persecute men and women of the be-
you did.’ (66:7) lievers, and then do not repent, will have the
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah destroys me and punishment of Hell, will have the punishment of
those with me, or if He has mercy on us, who can the Burning. (85:10)
shelter the disbelievers from a painful punish- Allah will punish him with the Greatest
ment?’ (67:28) Punishment. (88:24)
Such is the punishment. And the punishment of the So your Lord unleashed on them a scourging
hereafter is much greater if they only knew. punishment. (89:13)
(68:33)
An inquirer asked about an impending punish- PURITY
ment. (70:1) You who believe! When you get up to perform
603
prayer, wash your faces and your hands and your He forsakes you, who can help you after that? So
arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads, the believers should put their trust in Allah.
and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a (3:160)
state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. They have the word, ‘Obedience!’ on their
But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come tongues but when they leave your presence, a
from the lavatory, or have touched women, and group of them spend the night plotting to do
cannot find any water, then take for yourselves other than what you say. Allah is recording their
clean earth, and wipe your faces and your hands nocturnal plotting. So let them be and put your
therewith. Allah does not want to make things trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:81)
difficult for you, but He does want to purify you You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to
and to perfect His blessing upon you so that you when certain people were on the verge of
hopefully you will be thankful. (5:6) raising their hands against you and He held their
And when He overcame you with sleep, making hands back from you. Have fear of Allah. The be-
you feel secure, and sent you down water from lievers should put their trust in Allah. (5:11)
heaven to purify you and remove the taint of Two men among those who were afraid, but
Satan from you, and to fortify your hearts and whom Allah had blessed, said, ‘Enter the gate
make your feet firm. (8:11) against them! Once you have entered it, you will
Purify your clothes. (74:4) be victorious. Put your trust in Allah if you are
believers.’ (5:23)
PUS (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘We would be inventing lies
And beyond him is Hell where he will be given against Allah if we returned to your religion after
pus to drink. (14:16) Allah has saved us from it. We could never return
This! So let them taste it–boiling water and scald- to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Lord
ing pus. (38:57) encompasses everything in His knowledge. We
Therefore here today he has no friend nor any have put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge be-
food except exuding pus. (69:35-36) tween us and our people with truth. You are the
Hell lies in wait–a homecoming for the profligate best of judges.’ (7:89)
remaining in it for countless aeons, not tasting The believers are those whose hearts tremble
any coolness there or any drink, except for boil- when Allah is mentioned, whose faith is in-
ing water and scalding pus–a fitting recompense. creased when His Signs are recited to them, and
(78:21-26) who put their trust in their Lord. (8:2)
And when the hypocrites and those with sickness
PUTTING ONE'S TRUST IN ALLAH in their hearts said, ‘These people have been de-
(TAWAKKUL) luded by their religion.’ But those who put their
And remember when two of your clans were on trust in Allah will find Allah to be Almighty, All-
the point of losing heart and Allah was their Wise. (8:49)
Protector. Let the believers put their trust in If they incline to peace, you too incline to it, and
Allah. (3:122) put your trust in Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the
It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with All-Knowing. (8:61)
them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, Say: ‘Nothing can happen to us except what
they would have scattered from around you. So Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is
pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and in Allah that the believers should put their trust.’
consult with them about the matter. Then when (9:51)
you have reached a firm decision, put your trust But if they turn away, say, ‘Allah is enough for
in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in me. There is no god but Him. I have put my trust
Him. (3:159) in Him. He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’
If Allah helps you, no one can vanquish you. If (9:129)
604
Recite to them the story of Nuh when he said to Allah’s permission. So let the believers put their
his people, ‘My people, if my standing here and trust in Allah. And why indeed should we not put
reminding you of Allah’s Signs has become too our trust in Allah when He has guided us to our
much for you to bear, know that I have put my ways? We will be steadfast however much you
trust in Allah. So decide, you and your gods, on harm us. Those who trust put their trust in Allah.’
what you want to do and be open about it. Do (14:11-12)
with me whatever you decide and do not keep (Believers are) those who are steadfast and put
me waiting.’ (10:71) their trust in their Lord. (16:42)
Musa said, ‘My people! If you believe in Allah, He (Satan) has no authority over those who be-
then put your trust in Him, if you are Muslims.’ lieve and put their trust in their Lord. (16:99)
(10:84) Put your trust in the Living Who does not die and
They said, ‘We have put our trust in Allah. Our glorify Him with praise. He is well aware of the
Lord, do not make us a target for this wrongdoing wrong actions of His servants. (25:58)
people,’ (10:85) Put your trust in the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
(Hud said,) ‘I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord (26:217)
and your Lord. There is no creature He does not So put your trust in Allah. You are clearly on a
hold by the forelock. My Lord is on a Straight path of truth. (27:79)
Path.’ (11:56) (Believers are) those who are steadfast and put
He (Shu‘ayb) said, ‘My people! What do you their trust in their Lord. (29:59)
think? If I do possess a Clear Sign from my Lord And put your trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a
and He has given me His good provision, I Guardian. (33:3)
would clearly not want to go behind your backs Do not obey the disbelievers and hypocrites and
and do something I have forbidden you to do. I disregard their abuse of you. Put your trust in
only want to put things right as far as I can. My Allah. Allah suffices as a Protector. (33:48)
success is with Allah alone. I have put my trust in If you ask them, ‘Who created the heavens and
Him and I turn to Him.’ (11:88) the earth?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘So what do
The Unseen of the heavens and the earth belongs you think? If Allah desires harm for me, can those
to Allah and the whole affair will be returned to you call upon besides Allah remove His harm?
Him. So worship Him and put your trust in Him. Or if He desires mercy for me, can they withhold
Your Lord is not unaware of what you do. His mercy?’ Say: ‘Allah is enough for me. All
(11:123) those who truly trust put their trust in Him.’
He (Ya‘qub) said, ‘My sons! You must not enter (39:38)
through a single gate. Go in through different The judgement concerning anything you differ
gates. But I cannot save you from Allah at all, for about is Allah’s concern. That is Allah, my Lord–I
judgement comes from no one but Allah. In Him have put my trust in Him and to Him I turn.
I put my trust, and let all those who put their (42:10)
trust, put it in Him alone.’ (12:67) Whatever you have been given is only the enjoy-
In the same way We have sent you among a na- ment of the life of this world. What is with Allah
tion before which other nations passed away, to is better and longer lasting for those who believe
recite to them what We have revealed to you. Yet and trust in their Lord. (42:36)
they still reject the All-Merciful. Say: ‘He is my You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and
Lord; there is no god but Him. I put my trust in those with him, when they said to their people,
Him and I turn to Him.’ (13:30) ‘We wash our hands of you and all that you wor-
Their Messengers said to them, ‘We are nothing ship apart from Allah, and we reject you.
but human beings like yourselves. But Allah Between us and you there will be enmity and ha-
shows favour to any of His servants He wills. It is tred for ever unless and until you believe in Allah
not for us to bring you an authority except by alone.’ Except for Ibrahim’s words to his father: ‘I
605
will ask forgiveness for you but I have no power those who repent and put things right and hold
to help you in any way against Allah.’ ‘Our Lord, fast to Allah and dedicate their religion to Allah
we have put our trust in You and have repented alone; they are with the believers. Allah will give
to You. You are our final destination.’ (60:4) the believers an immense reward. (4:145-146)
Allah–there is no god but Him. So let the believ- But if anyone repents after his wrongdoing and
ers put their trust in Allah. (64:13) puts things right, Allah will turn towards him.
And (He will) provide for him from where he Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:39)
does not expect. Whoever puts his trust in We do not send the Messengers except to bring
Allah–He will be enough for him. Allah always good news and to give warning. As for those who
achieves His aim. Allah has appointed a measure believe and put things right, they will feel no fear
for all things. (65:3) and will know no sorrow. (6:48)
Say: ‘He is the All-Merciful. We believe in Him When those who believe in Our Signs come to
and trust in Him. You will soon know who is you, say, ‘Peace be upon you!’ Allah has made
clearly misguided.’ (67:29) mercy incumbent on Himself. If anyone among
you does evil out of ignorance and then after-
PUTTING THINGS RIGHT wards repents and puts things right, He is Ever-
When they (hypocrites) are told, ‘Do not cause Forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:54)
corruption on the earth,’ they say, ‘We are only Children of Adam! If Messengers come to you
putting things right.’ (2:11) from among yourselves, recounting My Signs to
Those who hide the Clear Signs and Guidance you, those who guard against evil and put things
We have sent down, after We have made it clear right, will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.
to people in the Book, Allah curses them, and the (7:35)
cursers curse them–except for those who repent They will ask you about booty. Say: ‘Booty be-
and put things right and make things clear. I turn longs to Allah and the Messenger. So have fear of
towards them. I am the Ever-Returning, the Most Allah and put things right between you. Obey
Merciful. (2:159-160) Allah and His Messenger if you are believers.’
But if someone fears bias or wrongdoing on the (8:1)
part of the person making the will, and puts He (Shu‘ayb) said, ‘My people! What do you
things right between the people involved, in that think? If I do possess a Clear Sign from my Lord
case he has not committed any crime. Allah is and He has given me His good provision, I
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:182) would clearly not want to go behind your backs
Do not, by your oaths, make Allah a pretext to and do something I have forbidden you to do. I
avoid good action and guarding against evil and only want to put things right as far as I can. My
putting things right between people. Allah is All- success is with Allah alone. I have put my trust in
Hearing, All-Knowing. (2:224) Him and I turn to Him.’ (11:88)
They will be under it for ever. Their punishment Your Lord would never have destroyed the cities
will not be lightened. They will be granted no re- wrongfully as long as their inhabitants were put-
prieve. Except for those who, after that, repent ting things right. (11:117)
and put things right. Truly Allah is Ever-Forgiving, But to those who do evil in ignorance and then
Most Merciful. (3:88-89) after that repent and put things right, to them
If you fear a breach between a couple, send an your Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her (16:119)
people. If the couple desire to put things right, But those who make accusations against chaste
Allah will bring about a reconciliation between women and then do not produce four witnesses:
them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (4:35) flog them with eighty lashes and never again ac-
The hypocrites are in the lowest level of the Fire. cept them as witnesses. Such people are devia-
You will not find any one to help them, except tors–except for those who after that repent and
606
put things right. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
Merciful. (24:4-5)
(Salih said to his people,) ‘Do not obey the orders
of the profligate, those who corrupt the earth and
do not put things right.’ (26:151-152)
The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent
to it. But if someone pardons and puts things
right, his reward is with Allah. Certainly He does
not love wrongdoers. (42:40)

607
Q restricts it. If Allah had not shown great kindness
to us, we would have been swallowed up as
AL-QADR (SEE PRE-ORDAINED well. Ah! Truly the disbelievers are not success-
DECREE) ful.’ That abode of the hereafter–We grant it to
those who do not seek to exalt themselves in the
QAALU BALAA (THEY SAID: YES) earth or to cause corruption in it. The successful
When your Lord took out all their descendants outcome is for those who guard against evil.
from the loins of the children of Adam and made (28:76-83)
them testify against themselves ‘Am I not your And Qarun and Pharaoh and Haman–Musa
Lord?’ they said, ‘We testify that indeed You are!’ came with the Clear Signs to them, but they were
Lest you say on the Day of Rising, ‘We knew arrogant on the earth. They could not outstrip Us.
nothing of this.’ Or lest you say, ‘Our forefathers (29:39)
associated others with Allah before our time, and We sent Musa with Our Signs and clear authority
we are merely descendants coming after them. to Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun. But they said, ‘A
So are You going to destroy us for what those pur- lying magician.’ (40:23-24)
veyors of falsehood did?’ (7:172-173)
QIBLAH (SEE THE DIRECTION)
QARUN
Qarun was one of the people of Musa but he QIYAMAH (SEE THE LAST DAY)
lorded it over them. We gave him treasures, the
keys alone to which were a heavy weight for a QUAIL
party of strong men. When his people said to And We shaded you with clouds and sent down
him, ‘Do not gloat. Allah does not love people manna and quails to you: ‘Eat of the good things
who gloat. Seek the abode of the hereafter with We have provided for you.’ They did not wrong
what Allah has given you, without forgetting Us; rather it was themselves they were wronging.
your portion of this world. And do good as Allah (2:57)
has been good to you. And do not seek to cause We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu-
corruption in the earth. Allah does not love cor- nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people
rupters.’ he said, ‘I have only been given it be- asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
cause of knowledge I have.’ Did he not know staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
that before him Allah had destroyed generations the people knew their drinking place. And We
with far greater strength than his and far more shaded them with clouds and sent down manna
possessions? The evildoers will not be ques- and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We
tioned about their sins. He went out among his have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us;
people in his finery. Those who desired the life of rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160)
this world said, ‘Oh! If only we had the same as Tribe of Israel! We rescued you from your enemy
Qarun has been given! What immense good for- and made an appointment with you on the right
tune he possesses.’ But those who had been hand side of the Mount and sent down manna
given knowledge said, ‘Woe to you! Allah’s re- and quails for you. (20:80)
ward is better for those who believe and act
rightly. But only the steadfast will obtain it.’ We QUARREL
caused the earth to swallow up both him and his The pilgrimage takes place during certain well-
house. There was no group to come to his aid, known months. If anyone undertakes the obliga-
besides Allah, and he was not someone who is tion of pilgrimage in them, there must be no
helped. Those who had longed to take his place sexual intercourse, no wrongdoing, nor any
the day before woke up saying, ‘Allah expands quarrelling during pilgrimage. Whatever good
the provision of any of His servants He wills or you do, Allah knows it. Take provision; but the
608
best provision is fear of Allah. So have fear of Me, fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are
people of intelligence! (2:197) killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the
He (Musa) entered the city at a time when its in- Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is
habitants were unaware and found two men truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in
fighting there–one from his party and the other the bargain you have made. That is the great vic-
from his enemy. The one from his party asked for tory. (9:111)
his support against the other from his enemy. So When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, those
Musa hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said, who do not expect to meet Us say, ‘Bring a
‘This is part of Satan’s handiwork. He truly is an Qur’an other than this one or change it.’ Say: ‘It
outright and misleading enemy.’ (28:15) is not for me to change it of my own accord. I fol-
low nothing except what is revealed to me. I fear,
QUILT were I to disobey my Lord, the punishment of a
(Believers will be) reclining on green quilts and Dreadful Day.’ (10:15)
exquisite rugs. (55:76) This Qur’an could never have been devised by
any besides Allah. Rather it is confirmation of
QUR'AN, THE what came before it and an elucidation of the
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Book which contains no doubt from the Lord of
Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind, all the worlds. (10:37)
with Clear Signs containing guidance and dis- You do not engage in any matter or recite any of
crimination. Any of you who are resident for the the Qur’an or do any action without Our wit-
month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or nessing you while you are occupied with it. Not
on a journey should fast a number of other days. even the smallest speck eludes your Lord, either
Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire dif- on earth or in heaven. Nor is there anything
ficulty for you. You should complete the number smaller than that, or larger, which is not in a
of days and proclaim Allah’s greatness for the Clear Book. (10:61)
guidance He has given you so that hopefully you We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an so
will be thankful. (2:185) that hopefully you will use your intellect. (12:2)
You who believe! Do not ask about matters We tell you the best of stories in revealing this
which, if they were made known to you, would Qur’an to you, even though you were unaware
make things difficult for you. If you do ask about of it before it came. (12:3)
them when the Qur’an is being sent down, they Even if there was a Qur’an which moved moun-
will be made known to you. Allah has ignored tains, or split the earth open or spoke to the
them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. dead...! On the contrary! The affair is Allah’s al-
(5:101) together. Do those who believe not know that if
Say: ‘What thing is greatest as a witness?’ Say: Allah had wanted to He could have guided all
‘Allah. He is Witness between me and you. This mankind? Those who disbelieve will not cease to
Qur’an has been revealed to me so that I may be struck by disaster for what they have done–or
warn you by it, and anyone else it reaches. Do a disaster will happen close to their homes–until
you then bear witness that there are other gods Allah’s promise is fulfilled. Allah will not fail to
together with Allah?’ Say: ‘I do not bear witness.’ keep His promise. (13:31)
Say: ‘He is only One God, and I am free of all Alif Lam Ra. Those are the Signs of the Book and
you associate with Him.’ (6:19) a clear Qur’an. (15:1)
When the Qur’an is recited listen to it and be We have given you the Seven Oft-repeated and
quiet so that hopefully you will gain mercy. the Magnificent Qur’an. (15:87)
(7:20-4) Just as We sent down punishment on the dissec-
Allah has bought from the believers their selves tors, those who divide the Qur’an into little
and their wealth in return for the Garden. They pieces. (15:90-91)
609
Whenever you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge to you is complete, and say: ‘My Lord, increase
with Allah from the accursed Satan. (16:98) me in knowledge.’ (20:114)
This Qur’an guides to the most upright Way and The Messenger says, ‘My Lord, my people treat
gives good news to the believers who do right ac- this Qur’an as something to be ignored.’ (25:30)
tions that they will have a large reward. (17:9) Those who disbelieve say, ‘Why was the Qur’an
We have made things clear in this Qur’an so that not sent down to him all in one go?’ It is so that
they might pay heed, but it only makes them run We can fortify your heart by it. We have recited it
away the more! (17:41) distinctly, little by little. (25:32)
When you recite the Qur'an, We place an ob- Ta Sin. Those are the Signs of the Qur’an and a
scuring veil between you and those who do not Clear Book. (27:1)
believe in the hereafter. (17:45) You receive the Qur’an directly from One who is
We have placed covers on their hearts, prevent- All-Wise, All-Knowing. (27:6)
ing them from understanding it, and heaviness in Certainly this Qur’an narrates to the tribe of
their ears. When you mention your Lord alone in Israel most of the things about which they differ.
the Qur'an, they turn their backs and run away. (27:76)
(17:46) ‘... and (I have been ordered to) to recite the
When We said to you, ‘Surely your Lord encom- Qur’an.’ Whoever is guided is only guided to his
passes the people with His knowledge.’ We only own good; if someone is misguided just say, ‘I
appointed the vision We showed you and the am only a warner.’ (27:92)
Accursed Tree in the Qur’an as a trial and temp- He Who has imposed the Qur’an upon you will
tation for the people. We frighten them, but it most certainly bring you back home again. Say:
only increases them in their excessive insolence. ‘My Lord knows best who has brought true guid-
(17:60) ance and who is plainly misguided.’ (28:85)
We send down in the Qur’an that which is a We have made all kinds of examples for people
healing and a mercy to the believers, but it only in this Qur’an. If you bring them a Sign those
increases the wrongdoers in loss. (17:82) who disbelieve will say, ‘You are just purveyors
Say: ‘If both men and jinn banded together to of falsehood!’ (30:58)
produce the like of this Qur'an, they could never Those who disbelieve say, ‘We will never believe
produce anything like it, even if they backed in this Qur'an, nor in what came before it.’ If only
each other up.’ (17:88) you could see when the wrongdoers, standing in
We have variegated throughout this Qur’an all the presence of their Lord, cast accusations back
kinds of examples for people, but most people and forth at one another! Those deemed weak
spurn anything but disbelief. (17:89) will say to those deemed great, ‘Were it not for
We have divided up the Qur'an, so you can re- you, we would have been believers!’ (34:31)
cite it to mankind at intervals, and We have sent (I swear) by the Wise Qur’an. (36:2)
it down little by little. (17:106) We did not teach him poetry nor would it be
We have variegated throughout this Qur’an all right for him. It is simply a reminder and a clear
kinds of examples for people, but, more than Qur’an. (36:69)
anything else, man is argumentative! (18:54) Sâd. (I swear) by the Qur’an holding the
We did not send down the Qur’an to you to Remembrance. (38:1)
make you miserable. (20:2) We have given all kinds of examples to people in
In this way We have sent it down as an Arabic this Qur'an, so that hopefully they will pay heed.
Qur’an and We have made various threats in it (39:27)
so that hopefully they will guard against evil or it (This is) an Arabic Qur’an with no distortion in it,
will spur them into remembrance. (20:113) so that hopefully they will guard against evil.
High exalted be Allah, the King, the Real! Do not (39:28)
rush ahead with the Qur’an before its revelation A Book whose verses have been demarcated for
610
people who know as an Arabic Qur’an. (41:3) that some of you are ill and that others are travel-
Those who disbelieve say, ‘Do not listen to this ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that
Qur’an. Drown it out so that hopefully you will others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite
gain the upper hand.’ (41:26) as much of it as is easy for you. And perform
If We had made it a Qur’an in a foreign tongue prayer and give the alms and lend a generous
they would have said, ‘Why have its Signs not loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for
been made plain? What! A foreign language for yourselves you will find it with Allah as some-
an Arab?’ Say: ‘It is guidance and healing for peo- thing better and as a greater reward. And seek
ple who believe. Those who do not believe have forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
heaviness in their ears and for them it is blind- Most Merciful. (73:20)
ness. Such people are being called from a very Its collection and recitation are Our affair.
distant place.’ (41:44) (75:17)
Accordingly We have revealed to you an Arabic So when We recite it, follow its recitation.
Qur’an so that you may warn the Mother of (75:18)
Cities and those around it, and give warning of It is We Who have sent the Qur’an down to you
the Day of Gathering about which there is no little by little. (76:23)
doubt: one group in the Garden, the other in the What is the matter with them that they have no
Blazing Fire. (42:7) faith and, when the Qur’an is recited to them, do
We have made it an Arabic Qur’an so that hope- not prostrate? (84:20-21)
fully you will use your intellect. (43:3) It is indeed a Glorious Qur’an. (85:21)
And We diverted a group of jinn towards you to
listen to the Qur’an. When they were in earshot QURAYSH
of it they said, ‘Be quiet and listen.’ When it was In acknowledgment of the established tradition
over they went back to their people, warning of Quraysh, their tradition of the winter and sum-
them. (46:29) mer caravans: so let them worship the Lord of
Will they not then ponder the Qur’an or are there this House Who has preserved them from hunger
locks upon their hearts? (47:24) and secured them from fear. (106:1-4)
Qaf. (I swear) by the Glorious Qur’an! (50:1)
We know best what they say. You are not a dicta-
tor over them. So remind, with the Qur'an, who-
ever fears My Threat. (50:45)
We have made the Qur’an easy to remember.
But is there any rememberer there? (54:17)
The All-Merciful taught the Qur’an. (55:1-2)
It truly is a Noble Qur’an. (56:77)
If We Had sent down this Qur’an onto a moun-
tain, you would have seen it humbled, crushed
to pieces out of fear of Allah. We make such ex-
amples for people so that hopefully they will re-
flect. (59:21)
... and recite the Qur’an distinctly. (73:4)
Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two-
thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and
a group of those with you. Allah determines the
night and day. He knows you will not keep count
of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as
much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows
611
R was to harm your family be punished for what he
did except with prison or painful punishment?’
RABBI (12:25)
We sent down the Torah containing guidance Such people are truly racing towards good
and light, and the Prophets who had submitted things, and they are the first to reach them.
themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as (23:61)
did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they If We wished, We could put out their eyes. Then,
had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to though they might race for the path, how would
which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of they see? (36:66)
people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs
for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by RAGE
what Allah has sent down, such people are dis- Those who give in times of both ease and hard-
believers. (5:44) ship, those who control their rage and pardon
Why do their scholars and rabbis not prohibit other people–Allah loves the good-doers. (3:134)
them from evil speech and acquiring ill-gotten He will remove the rage from their hearts. Allah
gains? What an evil thing they invent! (5:63) turns to anyone He wills. Allah is All-Knowing,
They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords All-Wise. (9:15)
besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of Anyone who thinks that Allah will not help him
Maryam. Yet they were commanded to worship in this world and the hereafter should stretch a
only one God. There is no god but Him! Glory be rope up to the ceiling and then cut (it) off. Let him
to Him above anything they associate with Him! see whether his stratagem gets rid of what en-
(9:31) rages him! (22:15)
You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks Allah sent back those who disbelieved in their
devour people’s property under false pretences rage without their achieving any good at all.
and bar people from access to the Way of Allah. Allah made it unnecessary for the believers to
As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do fight. Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (33:25)
not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
news of a painful punishment (9:34) who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
merciful to one another. You see them bowing
RACE and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and
Each person faces a particular direction so race His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
each other to the good. Wherever you are, Allah traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the
will bring you all together. Truly Allah has power Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
over all things. (2:148) seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong
Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its
and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by
earth, prepared for the people who guard against them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has
evil. (3:133) promised those of them who believe and do right
That night they (Yusuf's brothers) came back to actions forgiveness and an immense reward.
their father in tears, saying, ‘Father, we went out (48:29)
to run a race and left Yusuf together with our There you are, loving them when they do not
things and then a wolf appeared and ate him up love you, even though you believe in all the
but you are never going to believe us now, not Books. When they meet you, they say, ‘We be-
even though we really tell the truth.’ (12:16-17) lieve.’ But when they leave they bite their fingers
They raced to the door. She tore his (Yusuf's) shirt out of rage against you. Say, ‘Die in your rage.’
at the back. They met her husband by the door. Allah knows what your hearts contain. (3:119)
She said, ‘How should a man whose intention It was not for people of Madina, and the desert
612
arabs around them, to remain behind the trate, the others should guard your backs. Then
Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to the other group who have not yet prayed should
him. That is because no thirst or weariness or come and pray with you. They too should be
hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those
will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe- who disbelieve would like you to be negligent of
lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy, your arms and equipment so that they can swoop
without a right action being written down for down on you once and for all. There is nothing
them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill,
the good-doers go to waste. (9:120) in laying your weapons down; but take every
When one of them is given the good news of a precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating
baby girl, his face darkens and he is furious. punishment for the disbelievers. (4:102)
(16:58) Have they not seen how many generations We
Those who disbelieve filled their hearts with fa- destroyed before them which We had estab-
natical rage–the fanatical rage of the Time of lished on the earth far more firmly than We have
Ignorance–and Allah sent down serenity to His established you? We sent down heaven upon
Messenger and to the believers, and bound them them in abundant rain and made rivers flow
to the expression of heedfulness which they had under them. But We destroyed them for their
most right to and were most entitled to. Allah has wrong actions and raised up further generations
knowledge of all things. (48:26) after them. (6:6)
It all but bursts with rage. Each time a group is (Yusuf said,) ‘Then after that another year will
flung into it its custodians will question them: come in which the people will be helped by rain
‘Did no warner come to you?’ (67:8) in plenty and when they once more will press.’
(12:49)
RAIN Do you not see that Allah propels the clouds then
It is He Who made the earth a couch for you, and makes them coalesce then heaps them up, and
the sky a dome. He sends down water from the then you see the rain come pouring out of the
sky and by it brings forth fruits for your provision. middle of them? And He sends down mountains
Do not, then, knowingly make others equal to from the sky with hail inside them, striking with it
Allah. (2:22) anyone He wills and averting it from anyone He
You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by wills. The brightness of His lightning almost
demands for gratitude or insulting words, like blinds the sight. (24:43)
him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo- They themselves have come across the city
ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day. which was rained on by an evil rain. Did they not
His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with then see it? But they do not expect to rise again.
soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left (25:40)
stripped bare. They have no power over anything Then We utterly destroyed the rest and made a
they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe- Rain come pouring down upon them. How evil
lieving people. (2:264) is the rain of those who are warned! (26:172-
The metaphor of those who spend their wealth, 173)
desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for We rained down a rain upon them. How evil is
themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside. the rain of those who are warned! (27:58)
When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its pro- It is Allah Who sends the winds which stir up
duce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is clouds which He spreads about the sky however
dew. Allah sees what you do. (2:265) He wills. He forms them into dark clumps and
When you are with them and leading them in you see the rain come pouring out from the mid-
prayer, a group of them should stand with you, dle of them. When He makes it fall on those of
keeping hold of their weapons. When they pros- His servants He wills, they rejoice. (30:48)
613
Truly Allah has knowledge of the Hour and sends The Companions of the Ramparts will call out to
down abundant rain and knows what is in the men they recognise by their mark, saying, ‘What
womb. And no self knows what it will earn to- you amassed was of no use to you, nor was your
morrow and no self knows in what land it will arrogance. (7:48)
die. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (31:34)
It is He Who sends down abundant rain, after RANSOM
they have lost all hope, and unfolds His mercy. Have fear of a Day when no self will be able to
He is the Protector, the Praiseworthy. (42:28) compensate for another in any way. No interces-
When they saw it as a storm cloud advancing on sion will be accepted from it, no ransom taken
their valleys they said, ‘This is a storm cloud from it, and they will not be helped. (2:48)
which will give us rain.’ No, rather it is what you Then you are the people who are killing one an-
desired to hasten–a wind containing painful pun- other and expelling a group among you from
ishment. (46:24) their homes, ganging up against them in wrong-
Know that the life of this world is merely a game doing and enmity. Yet if they are brought to you
and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of as captives, you ransom them, when it was for-
boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo bidden for you to expel them in the first place!
one another in wealth and children: like the Do you, then, believe in one part of the Book and
plant-growth after rain which delights the culti- reject the other? What repayment will there be
vators, but then it withers and you see it turning for any of you who do that except disgrace in this
yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In world? And on the Day of Rising, they will be re-
the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also turned to the harshest of punishments. Allah is
forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. not unaware of what you do. (2:85)
The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy- Have fear of a Day when no self will be able to
ment of delusion. (57:20) compensate for another in any way, and no ran-
He will send heaven down on you in abundant som will be accepted from it, and no intercession
rain. (71:11) benefit it, and they will not be helped. (2:123)
Divorce can be pronounced two times; in which
RAMADAN case wives may be retained with correctness and
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the courtesy or released with good will. It is not law-
Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind, ful for you to keep anything you have given them
with Clear Signs containing guidance and dis- unless a couple fear that they will not remain
crimination. Any of you who are resident for the within Allah’s limits. If you fear that they will not
month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or remain within Allah’s limits, there is nothing
on a journey should fast a number of other days. wrong in the wife ransoming herself with some of
Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire dif- what she received. These are Allah’s limits, so do
ficulty for you. You should complete the number not overstep them. Those who overstep Allah’s
of days and proclaim Allah’s greatness for the limits are wrongdoers. (2:229)
guidance He has given you so that hopefully you As for those who disbelieve and die while they
will be thankful. (2:185) are disbelievers, the whole earth filled with gold
would not be accepted from any of them if they
RAMPART were to offer it as a ransom. They will have a
There will be a dividing wall between them and painful punishment. They will have no helpers.
on the ramparts there will be men who recognise (3:91)
everyone by their mark. They will call out to the As for those who disbelieve, if they had every-
people of the Garden: ‘Peace be upon you!’ They thing on the earth and the same again with it to
will not enter it for all their ardent desire to do so. ransom themselves from the punishment of the
(7:46) Day of Rising, it would not be accepted from
614
them. They will have a painful punishment. preceded by other Messengers. If he were to die
(5:36) or be killed, would you turn on your heels?
If every self that did wrong possessed everything Those who turn on their heels do not harm Allah
on earth, it would offer it as a ransom. They will in any way. Allah will recompense the thankful.
show remorse when they see the punishment. (3:144)
Everything will be decided between them justly. No self can die except with Allah’s permission, at
They will not be wronged. (10:54) a predetermined time. If anyone desires the re-
Those who respond to their Lord will receive the ward of this world, We will give him some of it. If
best. But as for those who do not respond to Him, anyone desires the reward of the hereafter, We
even if they owned everything on the earth and will give him some of it. We will recompense the
the same again with it, they would offer it as a thankful. (3:145)
ransom. They will receive an evil Reckoning. We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom
Their shelter will be Hell. What an evil resting- We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh.
place! (13:18) And among his descendants were Dawud and
We ransomed him (Ibrahim) with a mighty sacri- Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun.
fice. (37:107) That is how We recompense the good-doers.
If those who did wrong owned everything on (6:84)
earth, and the same again with it, they would Say: ‘Is that better, or the Garden of Eternal Life
offer it as a ransom to save themselves from the which has been promised to those who guard
evil of the punishment on the Day of Rising. against evil? That is their recompense and desti-
What confronts them from Allah will be some- nation.’ (25:15)
thing they did not reckon with. (39:47) And when he reached his full strength and matu-
Therefore when you meet those who disbelieve rity, We gave him judgement and knowledge.
strike their necks. Then when you have deci- That is how We recompense good-doers. (28:14)
mated them, tie their bonds tightly and set them So that Allah might recompense the truthful for
free or ransom them, until the war is finally over. their truth and punish the hypocrites, if He wills,
That is how it is to be. If Allah willed, He could or turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
avenge Himself on them. But it is so that He can Most Merciful. (33:24)
test some of you by means of others. As for those This is so that He may recompense those who
who fight in the Way of Allah, He will not let believe and do right actions. They will have for-
their actions go astray. (47:4) giveness and generous provision. (34:4)
So today no ransom will be accepted from you or It is not your wealth or your children that will
from those who disbelieved. Your refuge is the bring you near to Us–only in the case of people
Fire. It is your master. What an evil destination!’ who believe and act rightly; such people will
(57:15 ) have a double recompense for what they did.
(On that Day) no good friend will ask about his They will be safe from all harm in the High Halls
friend even though they can see each other. An of Paradise. (34:37)
evildoer will wish he could ransom himself from That is how we recompense the good-doers.
the punishment of that Day, by means of his sons, (37:80)
or his wife or his brother or his family who shel- We called out to him, ‘Ibrahim! You have dis-
tered him or everyone else on earth, if that only charged your vision.’ That is how We recom-
meant that he could save himself. (70:10-14) pense good-doers. (37:104-105)
That is how We recompense good-doers.
RASUL (SEE MESSENGER) (37:110)
That is how We recompense good-doers.
RECOMPENSATION (37:121,131)
Muhammad is only a Messenger and he has been They will have anything they wish for with their
615
Lord. That is the recompense of the good-doers. REFLECT (TAFAKKUR)
(39:34) They will ask you about alcoholic drinks and
It was a blessing direct from Our presence. That gambling. Say, ‘There is great wrong in both of
is how We recompense those who give thanks. them and also certain benefits for mankind. But
(54:35) the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.’
Gardens and grape vines, and nubile maidens of They will ask you what they should give away.
similar age, and an overflowing cup, where they Say, ‘Whatever is surplus to your needs.’ In this
will hear no prattle and no denial, a recompense way Allah makes the Signs clear to you, so that
from your Lord, a commensurate gift. (78:32-36) hopefully you will reflect. (2:219)
Would any of you like to have a garden of dates
RECONCILIATION and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and
Divorced women should wait by themselves for containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken
three menstrual cycles; and it is not lawful for with old age and have children who are weak,
them to conceal what Allah has created in their and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to
wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In
Their husbands have the right to take them back this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so
within that time, if they desire to be reconciled. that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266)
Women possess rights similar to those held over (People with intelligence are) those who remem-
them to be honoured with fairness; but men have ber Allah, standing, sitting and lying on their
a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All- sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens
Wise. (2:228) and the earth: ‘Our Lord, You have not created
If you fear a breach between a couple, send an this for nothing. Glory be to You! So safeguard us
arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her from the punishment of the Fire.’ (3:191)
people. If the couple desire to put things right, Say: ‘I do not say to you that I possess the treas-
Allah will bring about a reconciliation between uries of Allah, nor do I know the Unseen, nor do
them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (4:35) I say to you that I am an angel. I only follow what
How will it be when a disaster strikes them be- has been revealed to me.’ Say: ‘Are the blind the
cause of what they have done, and then they same as those who can see? So will you not re-
come to you swearing by Allah: ‘We desired flect?’ (6:50)
nothing but good and reconciliation’? (4:62) If We had wanted to, We would have raised him
If a woman fears cruelty or aversion on her hus- up by them. But he gravitated towards the earth
band’s part, there is nothing wrong in the couple and pursued his whims and base desires. His
becoming reconciled. Reconciliation is better. metaphor is that of a dog: if you chase it away, it
But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do lolls out its tongue and pants, and if you leave it
good and guard against evil, Allah is aware of alone, it lolls out its tongue and pants. That is the
what you do. (4:128) metaphor of those who deny Our Signs. So tell
The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those the story so that hopefully they will reflect.
who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free- (7:176)
ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of Have they not reflected? Their companion is not
Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from mad. He is only a clear warner. (7:184)
Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60) The metaphor of the life of this world is that of
water which We send down from the sky, and
RECORDING ANGELS which then mingles with the plants of the earth to
And the two recording angels are recording, sit- provide food for both people and animals. Then,
ting on the right and on the left. (50:17) when the earth is at its loveliest and takes on its
Standing over you are guardians, noble, record- fairest guise and its people think they have it
ing, who know what you do. (82:10-12) under their control, Our command comes upon
616
it by night or day and We reduce it to dried-out others back for a specified term. There are cer-
stubble, as though it had not been flourishing just tainly Signs in that for people who reflect. (39:42)
the day before! In this way We make Our Signs And He has made everything in the heavens and
clear for people who reflect. (10:24) everything on the earth subservient to you. It is
It is He Who stretched out the earth and placed all from Him. There are certainly Signs in that for
firmly embedded mountains and rivers in it and people who reflect. (45:13)
made two types of every kind of fruit. He covers If We Had sent down this Qur’an onto a moun-
over day with night. There are Signs in that for tain, you would have seen it humbled, crushed
people who reflect. (13:3) to pieces out of fear of Allah. We make such ex-
And by it He makes crops grow for you and amples for people so that hopefully they will re-
olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every flect. (59:21)
kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people
who reflect. (16:11) REGION
We have only ever sent before you men who In the earth there are diverse regions side by side
were given Revelation–ask the People of the and gardens of grapes and cultivated fields, and
Reminder if you do not know–who brought Clear palm-trees sharing one root and others with indi-
Signs and Revealed Books. And We have sent vidual roots, all watered with the same water.
down the Reminder to you so that you can make And We make some things better to eat than oth-
clear to mankind what has been sent down to ers. There are Signs in that for people who use
them so that hopefully they will reflect. (16:43- their intellect. (13:4)
44)
(Your Lord revealed to the bees:) ‘Then eat from REGRET
every kind of fruit and travel the paths of your Yet you see those with sickness in their hearts
Lord, which have been made easy for you to fol- rushing to them, saying, ‘We fear the wheel of
low.’ From inside them comes a drink of varying fate may turn against us.’ But it may well be that
colours, containing healing for mankind. There is Allah will bring about victory or some other con-
certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect. tingency from Him. Then they will deeply regret
(16:69) their secret thoughts. (5:52)
Have they not reflected within themselves? Allah Those who disbelieve spend their wealth barring
did not create the heavens and the earth and access to the Way of Allah. They will spend it;
everything between them except with truth and then they will regret it; then they will be over-
for a fixed term. Yet many people reject the meet- thrown. Those who disbelieve will be gathered
ing with their Lord. (30:8) into Hell. (8:36)
Among His Signs is that He created spouses for He said, ‘In a short while they will be full of re-
you of your own kind so that you might find tran- gret.’ (23:40)
quillity in them. And He has placed affection and You who believe! If a deviator brings you a re-
compassion between you. There are certainly port, scrutinize it carefully in case you attack
Signs in that for people who reflect. (30:21) people in ignorance and so come to greatly re-
Say: ‘I exhort you to do one thing alone: to stand gret what you have done. (49:6)
before Allah in pairs and on your own and then
reflect. Your companion is not possessed. He is REJOICE
only a warner come to you ahead of a terrible Do not suppose that those killed in the Way of
punishment.’ (34:46) Allah are dead. No indeed! They are alive and
Allah takes back people’s selves when their well provided for in the very presence of their
death arrives and those who have not yet died, Lord, delighting in the favour Allah has bestowed
while they are asleep. He keeps hold of those on them, rejoicing over those they left behind
whose death has been decreed and sends the who have not yet joined them, feeling no fear
617
and knowing no sorrow. (3:169-170) tribe of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and be
If good happens to you it galls them. If a mishap good to your parents and to relatives and or-
occurs to you, they say, ‘We made our prepara- phans and the very poor. And speak good words
tions in advance,’ and they turn away rejoicing. to people. And perform prayer and give the
(9:50) alms.’ But then you turned away–except a few of
Each time a sura is sent down there are some you–you turned aside. (2:83)
among them who say, ‘Which of you has this in- It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East
creased in faith?’ As for those who believe, it in- or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
creases them in faith and they rejoice at it. (9:124) are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
Allah expands provision to anyone He wills and the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
restricts it. They rejoice in the life of this world. despite their love for it, give away their wealth to
Yet the life of this world, compared to the here- their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
after, is only fleeting enjoyment. (13:26) and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves
Those to whom We gave the Book rejoice at free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
what has been sent down to you but some of the those who honour their contracts when they
parties refuse to acknowledge part of it. Say: ‘I make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
have only been ordered to worship Allah and not ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
to associate anything with Him. I summon to true. They are the people who guard against evil.
Him and to Him I will return.’ (13:36) (2:177)
The Romans have been defeated in the land It is prescribed for you, when death approaches
nearby, but after their defeat they will themselves one of you and if he has some goods to leave, to
be victorious in a few years’ time. The affair is make a will in favour of his parents and relatives,
Allah’s from beginning to end. On that day, the correctly and fairly: a duty for all those who
believers will rejoice in Allah’s help. He grants guard against evil. (2:180)
victory to whoever He wills. He is the Almighty, They will ask you what they should give away.
the Most Merciful. (30:2-5) Say, ‘Any wealth you give away should go to
When We give people a taste of mercy, they re- your parents and relatives and to orphans and the
joice in it, but when something bad happens to very poor and travellers.’ Whatever good you do,
them because of what they themselves have Allah knows it.’ (2:215)
done, they immediately lose all hope. (30:36) Men receive a share of what their parents and
It is Allah Who sends the winds which stir up relatives leave and women receive a share of
clouds which He spreads about the sky however what their parents and relatives leave, a fixed
He wills. He forms them into dark clumps and share, no matter whether it is a little or a lot. (4:7)
you see the rain come pouring out from the mid- If other relatives or orphans or poor people at-
dle of them. When He makes it fall on those of tend the sharing-out, provide for them out of it
His servants He wills, they rejoice, even though and speak to them correctly and courteously.
before He sent it down on them they were in de- (4:8)
spair. (30:48-49) Allah instructs you regarding your children: A
The angels descend on those who say, ‘Our Lord male receives the same as the share of two fe-
is Allah,’ and then go straight: ‘Do not fear and males. If there are more than two daughters they
do not grieve but rejoice in the Garden you have receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one
been promised. (41:30) on her own she receives a half. Each of your par-
That Day some faces will be radiant, laughing, ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you
rejoicing. (80:38-39) have children. If you are childless and your heirs
are your parents your mother receives a third. If
RELATIVE you have brothers or sisters your mother receives
Remember when We made a covenant with the a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts.
618
With regard to your fathers and your sons, you when you speak–even if a near relative is con-
do not know which of them is going to benefit cerned; and that you fulfil Allah’s contract. That
you more. These are obligatory shares from is what He instructs you to do, so that hopefully
Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11) you will pay heed. (6:151-152)
We have appointed heirs for everything that par- Know that when you take any booty a fifth of it
ents and relatives leave. If you have a bond with belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to
people, give them their share. Allah is a witness close relatives, orphans, the very poor and trav-
of all things. (4:33) ellers, if you believe in Allah and in what We
Worship Allah and do not associate anything sent down to Our servant on the Day of
with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives Discrimination, the day the two groups
and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh- met–Allah has power over all things. (8:41)
bours who are related to you and neighbours Those who believe and migrate later on and ac-
who are not related to you, and to companions company you in striving, they also are of your
and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not number. But blood relations are closer to one an-
love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36) other in the Book of Allah. Allah has knowledge
You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bear- of all things. (8:75)
ing witness for Allah alone, even against your- It is not right for the Prophet and those who be-
selves or your parents and relatives. Whether lieve to ask forgiveness for the idolaters–even if
they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look they are close relatives–after it has become clear
after them. Do not follow your own desires and to them that they are the Companions of the
deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, Blazing Fire. (9:113)
Allah is aware of what you do. (4:135) We sent Messengers before you and gave them
You who believe! When one of you is near to wives and children. Nor was any Messenger able
death and makes a will, two just men from to bring a Sign except by Allah’s permission.
among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are There is a prescribed limit to every term. (13:38)
travelling when the misfortune of death occurs, Allah commands justice and doing good and giv-
two men who are strangers to you. You should ing to relatives. And He forbids indecency and
detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful, doing wrong and tyranny. He warns you so that
they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it hopefully you will pay heed. (16:90)
for any price, even to a near relative, and we will Your Lord has decreed that you should worship
not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we none but Him, and that you should show kind-
would indeed be wrongdoers.’ (5:106) ness to your parents. Whether one or both of
Say: ‘Come and I will recite to you what your them reach old age with you, do not say ‘Ugh!’ to
Lord has made forbidden for you’: that you do them out of irritation and do not be harsh with
not associate anything with Him; that you are them but speak to them with gentleness and gen-
good to your parents; that you do not kill your erosity. Take them under your wing, out of
children because of poverty–We will provide for mercy, with due humility and say: ‘Lord, show
you and them; that you do not approach inde- mercy to them as they did in looking after me
cency–outward or inward; that you do not kill when I was small.’ Your Lord knows best what is
any person Allah has made inviolate–except with in your selves. If you are righteous, He is Ever-
the right to do so. That is what He instructs you to Forgiving to the remorseful. Give your relatives
do so that hopefully you will use your intellect. their due, and the very poor and travellers but do
And that you do not go near the property of or- not squander what you have. (17:23 - 26)
phans before they reach maturity–except in a (Zakariyya said,) ‘My Lord, I fear my relatives
good way; that you give full measure and full when I am gone and my wife is barren, so give
weight with justice–We impose on no self any me an heir from You.’ (19:5)
more than it can bear; that you are equitable Those of you possessing affluence and ample
619
wealth should not make oaths that they will not RELATIVITY OF TIME
give to their relatives and the very poor and those The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a day
who have migrated in the way of Allah. They whose length is fifty thousand years. (70:4)
should rather pardon and overlook. Would you He directs the whole affair from heaven to earth.
not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever- Then it will again ascend to Him on a Day whose
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:22) length is a thousand years by the way you meas-
Warn your near relatives. (26:214) ure. (32:5)
When Our Messengers came to Lut, he was dis- They ask you to hasten the punishment. Allah
tressed on their account, feeling incapable of will not break His promise. A day with your Lord
protecting them. They said, ‘Do not fear and do is equivalent to a thousand years in the way you
not grieve. We are going to rescue you and your count. (22:47)
family–except for your wife; she will be one of
those who stay behind.’ (29:33) RELIGION (DEEN)
Give relatives their due, and the poor and trav- The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased
ellers. That is best for those who seek the pleas- with you until you follow their religion. Say,
ure of Allah. They are the ones who are ‘Allah’s guidance is the true guidance.’ If you
successful. (30:38) were to follow their whims and desires, after the
The Prophet is closer to the believers than their knowledge that has come to you, you would find
own selves, and his wives are their mothers. But no protector or helper against Allah. (2:120)
blood-relations have closer ties to one another in Who would deliberately renounce the religion of
the Book of Allah than the believers and the emi- Ibrahim except someone who reveals himself to
grants, except that you should act in a proper be a fool? We chose him in this world and in the
manner towards your close associates. That is in- hereafter he will be one of the righteous. (2:130)
scribed in the Book. (33:6) They say, ‘Be Jews or Christians and you will be
Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger guided.’ Say, ‘Rather adopt the religion of
from city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the Ibrahim, a man of natural pure belief. He was not
Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and one of the idolaters.’ (2:135)
the very poor and travellers, so that it does not There is no compulsion where the religion is
become something which merely revolves be- concerned. Right guidance has become clearly
tween the rich among you. Whatever the distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false
Messenger gives you you should accept and gods and believes in Allah has grasped the
whatever he forbids you you should forgo. Have Firmest Handhold, which will never give way.
fear of Allah–Allah is severe in retribution. (59:7) Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (2:256)
Neither your blood relations nor your children The religion with Allah is Islam. Those given the
will be of any use to you. On the Day of Rising Book only differed after knowledge had come to
He will differentiate between you. Allah sees them, envying one another. As for those who re-
what you do. (60:3) ject Allah’s Signs, Allah is swift at reckoning.
You who believe! Some of your wives and chil- (3:19)
dren are an enemy to you, so be wary of them. Is it other than the religion of Allah that you de-
But if you pardon and exonerate and forgive, sire, when everything in the heavens and earth,
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (64:14) willingly or unwillingly, submits to Him and to
Your wealth and children are a trial. But with Him you will be returned? (3:83)
Allah there is an immense reward. (64:15) If anyone desires anything other than Islam as a
It (the steep ascent) is freeing a slave or feeding religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in
on a day of hunger an orphaned relative. (90:13- the hereafter he will be among the losers. (3:85)
15) Say, ‘Allah speaks the truth, so follow the religion
of Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was
620
not one of the idolaters.’ (3:95) the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of
Some of the Jews distort the true meaning of any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of
words, saying, ‘We hear and disobey,’ and ‘Listen Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah
without listening,’ and ‘Listen to us!’ twisting is Boundless, All-Knowing. (5:54)
them with their tongues, disparaging the religion. You who believe! Do not take as friends any of
If they had said, ‘We hear and we obey,’ and those who who make a mockery and a game out
‘Listen,’ and, ‘Look at us!’ that would have been of your religion among the ones who were given
better for them and more upright. But Allah has the Book before you or the disbelievers. Have
cursed them for their disbelief. Very few of them fear of Allah if you are believers. (5:57)
believe. (4:46) Abandon those who have turned their religion
Who could have a better religion than someone into a game and a diversion and who have been
who submits himself completely to Allah and is a deluded by the life of this world. Remind by it
good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrahim, a lest a person is delivered up to destruction for
man of pure natural belief? Allah took Ibrahim as what he has earned with no protector or interces-
an intimate friend. (4:125) sor besides Allah. Were he to offer every kind of
People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your compensation, it would not be accepted from
religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah. him. Such people are delivered up to destruction
The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the for what they have earned. They will have scald-
Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast ing water to drink and a painful punishment be-
into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe cause they disbelieved. (6:70)
in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’ Say: ‘My Lord has guided me to a straight path, a
It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God. well-founded religion, the religion of Ibrahim, a
He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the
the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him. idolaters.’ (6:161)
Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:171) In the same way their idols have made killing
Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork, their children appear good to many of the idol-
and what has been consecrated to other than aters, in order to destroy them and confuse them
Allah, and animals which have been strangled, in their religion. If Allah had willed, they would
and animals which have been killed by a blow, not have done it; so abandon them and what
and animals which have fallen to their death, they fabricate. (6:137)
and animals which have been gored, and ani- As for those who divide up their religion and
mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those form into sects, you have nothing whatsoever to
you are able to slaughter properly–and animals do with them. Their affair will go back to Allah
which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid- and then He will inform them about what they
ing things by means of divining arrows–that is did. (6:159)
deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de- (Believers will say, ‘Disbelievers are) those who
spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not took their religion as a diversion and a game, and
be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I were deluded by the life of this world.’ Today We
have perfected your religion for you and com- will forget them just as they forgot the encounter
pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased of this Day and denied Our Signs. (7:51)
with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is The ruling circle of those of his people who were
forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing, arrogant said, ‘We will drive you out of our city,
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3) Shu‘ayb, you and those who believe along with
You who believe! If any of you renounce your re- you, unless you return to our religion.’ He said,
ligion, Allah will bring forward a people whom ‘What, even though we detest it? We would be
He loves and who love Him, humble to the be- inventing lies against Allah if we returned to your
lievers, fierce to the disbelievers, who strive in religion after Allah has saved us from it. We
621
could never return to it unless Allah our Lord so another during them. However, fight the idol-
willed. Our Lord encompasses everything in His aters totally just as they fight you totally, and
knowledge. We have put our trust in Allah. Our know that Allah is with those who guard against
Lord, judge between us and our people with evil. (9:36)
truth. You are the best of judges.’ (7:88-89) It is not necessary for the believers to go out all
Fight them until there is no more discord and the together. If a party from each group of them were
religion is Allah’s alone. If they stop, Allah sees to go out so they could increase their knowledge
what they do. (8:39) of the religion they would be able to notify their
And when the hypocrites and those with sickness people when they returned to them so that hope-
in their hearts said, ‘These people have been de- fully they would take warning! (9:122)
luded by their religion.’ But those who put their It is He Who conveys you on both land and sea
trust in Allah will find Allah to be Almighty, All- so that when some of you are on a boat, running
Wise. (8:49) before a fair wind, rejoicing at it, and then a vio-
Those who believe and have migrated and lent squall comes upon them and the waves
strived with their wealth and themselves in the come at them from every side and they realise
Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge there is no way of escape, they call on Allah,
and help, they are the friends and protectors of making their religion sincerely His: ‘If You rescue
one another. But as for those who believe but us from this, we will truly be among the thank-
have not migrated, you are not in any way re- ful.’ (10:22)
sponsible for their protection until they migrate. Say: ‘Mankind! If you are in any doubt about my
But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli- religion, I do not worship those you worship be-
gion, it is your duty to help them, except against sides Allah. Rather I worship Allah Who will take
people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what you back to Him and I am commanded to be one
you do. (8:72) of the believers: Turn your face towards the reli-
But if they repent and perform prayer and give gion in pure natural faith, and on no account be
the alms, they are your brothers in the religion. among the idolaters.’ (10:104-105)
We make the Signs clear for people who have He (Yusuf) said, ‘No meal to feed you will arrive
knowledge. (9:11) before I have informed you what they mean. That
If they break their oaths after making their treaty is part of what my Lord taught me. For I have left
and defame your religion, then fight the leaders the religion of a people who clearly have no faith
of disbelief–they have no binding oaths–so that in Allah and who refuse to acknowledge the truth
hopefully they will stop. (9:12) of the world to come.’ (12:37)
Fight those of the people who were given the (Yusuf said,) ‘What you serve apart from Him are
Book who do not believe in Allah and the Last only names which you and your forefathers have
Day and who do not make forbidden what Allah made up. There is no mandate for them from
and His Messenger have made forbidden and do Allah. Allah alone is qualified to judge. His order
not take as their religion the religion of Truth, is to worship none but Him. That is in truth the
until they pay the poll tax with their own hands straight and upright religion, but most of
in a state of complete abasement. (9:29) mankind simply do not know.’ (12:40)
It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance Those who disbelieved said to their Messengers,
and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every ‘We will drive you from our land unless you re-
other religion, even though the idolaters detest it. turn to our religion.’ Their Lord revealed to them,
(9:33) ‘We will destroy those who do wrong.’ (14:13)
There have been twelve months with Allah in the Everything in the heavens and earth belongs to
Book of Allah, from the day He first created the Him, and the religion belongs to Him, firmly and
heavens and earth. Four of them are forbidden. for ever. So why do you fear anyone other than
That is the True Religion. So do not wrong one Allah? (16:52)
622
Then We revealed to you: ‘Follow the religion of which He made mankind. There is no changing
Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was not Allah’s creation. That is the true Religion–but
one of the idolaters.’ (16:123) most people do not know it–turning towards
That was the situation when we woke them up so Him. Have fear of Him and perform prayer. Do
they could question one another. One of them not be among the idolaters: those who split up
asked, ‘How long have you been here?’ They their religion, and form into sects, each faction
replied, ‘We have been here for a day or part of a exulting in what they have. (30:30-32)
day.’ They said, ‘Your Lord knows best how long So set your face firmly towards the True Religion,
you have been here. Send one of your number before a Day comes from Allah which cannot be
into the city with this silver you have, so he can turned back. On that Day they will be split up.
see which food is purest and bring you some of it (30:43)
to eat. But he should go about with caution so When the waves hang over them like canopies,
that no one is aware of you, for if they find out they call on Allah, making their religion sincerely
about you they will stone you or make you revert His. But then when He delivers them safely to the
to their religion and then you will never have land, some of them are ambivalent. None but a
success.’ (18:19-20) treacherous, thankless man denies Our Signs.
Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He (31:32)
has selected you and not placed any constraint Call them after their fathers. That is closer to jus-
upon you in the religion–the religion of your tice in Allah’s sight. And if you do not know who
forefather Ibrahim. He named you Muslims be- their fathers were then they are your brothers in
fore and also in this, so that the Messenger could the religion and people under your patronage.
be witness against you and you could be wit- You are not to blame for any honest mistake you
nesses against all mankind. So perform prayer make but only for what your hearts premeditate.
and give the alms and hold fast to Allah. He is Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:5)
your Protector–the Best Protector, the Best (Their leaders went off saying,) ‘We have not
Helper. (22:78) heard of this in the old religion. This is merely
A woman and a man who commit fornication: something contrived.’ (38:7)
flog both of them with one hundred lashes and We have sent down the Book to you with truth.
do not let compassion for either of them possess So worship Allah, making your religion sincerely
you where Allah’s religion is concerned, if you His. (39:2)
believe in Allah and the Last Day. A number of Indeed is the sincere religion not Allah’s alone? If
believers should witness their punishment. (24:2) people take protectors besides Him–‘We only
Allah has promised those of you who believe and worship them so that they may bring us nearer to
do right actions that He will make them succes- Allah’–Allah will judge between them regarding
sors in the land as He made those before them the things about which they differed. Allah does
successors, and will firmly establish for them not guide anyone who is an ungrateful liar. (39:3)
their religion with which He is pleased and give Say: ‘I am commanded to worship Allah, making
them, in place of their fear, security. ‘They wor- my religion sincerely His.’ (39:11)
ship Me, not associating anything with Me.’ Any Say: ‘It is Allah I worship, making my religion
who disbelieve after that, such people are devia- sincerely His.’ (39:14)
tors. (24:55) So call upon Allah, making your religion sin-
When they embark in ships, they call on Allah, cerely His, even though the disbelievers detest it.
making their religion sincerely His, but then (40:14)
when He delivers them safely to the land, they Pharaoh said, ‘Let me kill Musa and let him call
associate others with Him. (29:65) upon his Lord! I am afraid that he may change
So set your face firmly towards the Religion, as a your religion and bring about corruption in the
pure natural believer, Allah’s natural pattern on land.’ (40:26)
623
He is the Living–there is no god but Him–so call They were only ordered to worship Allah, mak-
on Him, making your religion sincerely His. ing their religion sincerely His as people of pure
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. natural belief, and to perform prayer and give the
(40:65) alms–that is the religion of the correct. (98:5)
He has laid down the same religion for you as He Have you seen him who denies the religion?
enjoined on Nuh: that which We have revealed (107:1)
to you and which We enjoined on Ibrahim, Musa (Say: ‘Disbelievers!) You have your religion and I
and ‘Isa: ‘Establish the religion and do not make have my religion.’ (109:6)
divisions in it.’ What you call the idolaters to fol- When Allah’s help and victory have arrived and
low is very hard for them. Allah chooses for you have seen people entering Allah’s religion in
Himself anyone He wills and guides to Himself droves, then glorify your Lord’s praise and ask His
those who turn to Him. (42:13) forgiveness. He is the Ever-Returning. (110:1-3)
Or do they have partners who have laid down a
religion for them for which Allah has not given REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH
any authority? Were it not for the prior Word of Remember Me–I will remember you. Give
Decision, the judgement between them would thanks to Me and do not be ungrateful. (2:152)
already have been made. The wrongdoers will There is nothing wrong in seeking bounty from
have a painful punishment. (42:21) your Lord. When you pour down from Arafat, re-
No, in fact they say, ‘We found our fathers fol- member Allah at the Sacred Landmark.
lowing a religion and we are simply guided in Remember Him because He has guided you,
their footsteps.’ (43:22) even though before this you were astray. (2:198)
Similarly We never sent any warner before you to When you have completed your rites, remember
any city without the affluent among them saying, Allah as you used to remember your forefa-
‘We found our fathers following a religion and thers–or even more. There are some people who
we are simply following in their footsteps.’ say, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world.’ They
(43:23) will have no share in the hereafter. (2:200)
It is He Who sent His Messenger with the Remember Allah on the designated days. Those
Guidance and the Religion of Truth to exalt it who hurry on in two days have done no wrong,
over every other religion and Allah suffices as a and those who stay another day have done no
witness. (48:28) wrong–those of them who guard against evil. So
Say: ‘Do you presume to teach Allah your reli- have fear of Allah. And know that you will be
gion when Allah knows everything in the heav- gathered back to Him. (2:203)
ens and everything in the earth? Allah has When you divorce women and they are near the
knowledge of all things.’ (49:16) end of their waiting period, then either retain
Allah does not forbid you from being good to them with correctness and courtesy or release
those who have not fought you in the religion or them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re-
driven you from your homes, or from being just tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits.
towards them. Allah loves those who are just. Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do
(60:8) not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember
Allah merely forbids you from taking as friends Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and
those who have fought you in the religion and Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish
driven you from your homes and who supported you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has
your expulsion. Any who take them as friends are knowledge of all things. (2:231)
wrongdoers. (60:9) If you are afraid, then perform prayer on foot or
It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance mounted. But when you are safe, remember
and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every Allah in the way He taught you when previously
other religion, though the idolaters hate it. (61:9) you did not know. (2:239)
624
He (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord, appoint a Sign for not given to anyone else in all the worlds! (5:20)
me.’ He said, ‘Your Sign is that you will not speak Satan wants to stir up enmity and hatred between
to people for three days, except by gesture. you by means of wine and gambling, and to
Remember your Lord much and glorify Him in debar you from remembrance of Allah and from
the evening and after dawn.’ (3:41) prayer. Will you not then give them up? (5:91)
Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of
not separate. Remember Allah’s blessing to you Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to
when you were enemies and He joined your your mother when I reinforced you with the
hearts together so that you became brothers by Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in
His blessing. You were on the very brink of a pit the cradle and when you were fully grown; and
of the Fire and He rescued you from it. In this when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and
way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so that the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created
hopefully you will be guided. (3:103) a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and
(People who guard against evil are) those who, then breathed into it and it became a bird by My
when they act indecently or wrong themselves, permission; and healed the blind and the leper
remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their bad by My permission; and when you brought forth
actions (and who can forgive bad actions except the dead by My permission; and when I held
Allah?) and do not knowingly persist in what they back the tribe of Israel from you, when you
were doing. (3:135) brought them the Clear Signs and those of them
(Believers are) those who remember Allah, stand- who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down-
ing, sitting and lying on their sides, and reflect on right magic";’ (5:110)
the creation of the heavens and the earth: ‘Our Follow what has been sent down to you from
Lord, You have not created this for nothing. your Lord and do not follow any protectors apart
Glory be to You! So safeguard us from the pun- from Him. How little you remember! (7:3)
ishment of the Fire.’ (3:191) (Hud said to his people,) ‘Or are you astonished
When you have finished prayer remember Allah that a reminder should come to you from your
standing, sitting and lying on your sides. When Lord by way of a man among you in order to
you are safe again perform prayer in the normal warn you? Remember when He appointed you
way. The prayer is prescribed for the believers at successors to the people of Nuh, and increased
specific times. (4:103) you greatly in stature. Remember Allah’s bless-
The hypocrites think they deceive Allah, but He ings, so that hopefully you will be successful.’
is deceiving them. When they get up to pray, (7:69)
they get up lazily, showing off to people, and (Salih said,) ‘Remember when He appointed you
only remembering Allah a very little. (4:142) successors to ‘Ad and settled you in the land. You
Remember Allah’s blessing to you and the built palaces on its plains and carved out houses
covenant He made with you when you said, ‘We from the mountains. Remember Allah’s blessings
hear and we obey.’ Have fear of Allah. Allah and do not go about the earth, corrupting it.’
knows what the heart contains. (5:7) (7:74)
You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to As for those who guard against evil, when they
you when certain people were on the verge of are bothered by visitors from Satan, they remem-
raising their hands against you and He held their ber and immediately see clearly. (7:201)
hands back from you. Have fear of Allah. The be- Remember your Lord in yourself humbly and
lievers should put their trust in Allah. (5:11) fearfully, without loudness of voice, morning and
Remember when Musa said to his people, ‘My evening. Do not be one of the unaware. (7:205)
people! Remember Allah’s blessing to you when You who believe! When you meet a troop, stand
He appointed Prophets among you and ap- firm and remember Allah repeatedly so that
pointed kings for you, and gave you what He had hopefully you will be successful. (8:45)
625
Those who disbelieve say, ‘Why has a Sign not In houses which Allah has permitted to be built
been sent down to him from his Lord?’ Say: and in which His name is remembered, there are
‘Allah misguides whoever He wills and guides to men who proclaim His glory morning and
Himself all who turn to Him: those who believe evening, not distracted by trade or commerce
and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance from the remembrance of Allah and the perform-
of Allah. Only in the remembrance of Allah can ance of prayer and the giving of the alms; fearing
the heart find peace.’ (13:27-28) a day when all hearts and eyes will be in turmoil.
Remember when Musa said to his people, (24:36-37)
‘Remember Allah’s blessing to you when He res- Do you not see how they ramble on in every
cued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were style and say things which they do not do, except
inflicting an evil punishment on you, slaughter- those who believe and do right actions and re-
ing your sons and letting your women live. In member Allah repeatedly and defend themselves
that there was a terrible trial from your Lord.’ after they have been wronged? Those who do
(14:6) wrong will soon know the kind of reversal they
Never say about anything, ‘I am doing that to- will receive! (26:225-227)
morrow,’ without adding ‘If Allah wills.’ Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book
Remember your Lord when you forget, and say, and perform prayer. Prayer precludes indecency
‘Hopefully my Lord will guide me to something and wrongdoing. And remembrance of Allah is
closer to right guidance than this.’ (18:23-24) greater still. Allah knows what you do. (29:45)
Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to
their Lord morning and evening, desiring His you when forces came against you and We sent a
face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring wind against them and other forces you could
the attractions of this world. And do not obey not see. Allah sees what you do. (33:9)
someone whose heart We have made neglectful You have an excellent model in the Messenger of
of Our remembrance and who follows his own Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the
whims and desires and whose life has trans- Last Day and remember Allah much. (33:21)
gressed all bounds. (18:28) And remember the Signs of Allah and the wise
(Disbelievers are) those whose eyes were blind to words which are recited in your rooms. Allah is
My remembrance and whose ears were unable All-Pervading, All-Aware. (33:34)
to hear. (18:101) Men and women who are Muslims, men and
Remembering your Lord’s mercy to His servant women who are believers, men and women who
Zakariyya, (19:2) are obedient, men and women who are truthful,
(A voice called out to Musa,) ‘I am Allah. There is men and women who are steadfast, men and
no god but Me, so worship Me and perform women who are humble, men and women who
prayer to remember Me.’ (20:14) give charity, men and women who fast, men and
(Musa said,) ‘Strengthen my back by him and let women who guard their chastity, men and
him share in my task, so that we can glorify You women who remember Allah much: Allah has
much and remember You much,’ (20:31-34) prepared forgiveness for them and an immense
(He said,) ‘Go, you and your brother, with My reward. (33:35)
Signs and do not slacken in remembering Me.’ You who believe! Remember Allah much.
(20:42) (33:41)
Say: ‘Who will protect you night and day from Mankind! Remember Allah’s blessing to you. Is
the All-Merciful?’ Yet they turn away from the re- there any creator other than Allah providing for
membrance of their Lord. (21:42) you from heaven and earth? There is no god but
But you made a mockery of them so that they Him. So how have you been perverted? (35:3)
made you forget to remember Me while you Sâd. By the Qur’an holding the Remembrance.
were laughing at them. (23:110) (38:1)
626
Is he whose breast is opened to Islam, and who is on the Day of Friday, hasten to the remembrance
therefore illuminated by his Lord...? Woe to those of Allah and abandon trade. That is better for you
whose hearts are hardened against the remem- if you only knew. (62:9)
brance of Allah! Such people are clearly mis- Then when the prayer is finished spread through
guided. (39:22) the earth and seek Allah’s bounty and remember
Allah has sent down the Supreme Discourse, a Allah much so that hopefully you will be suc-
Book consistent in its frequent repetitions. The cessful. (62:10)
skins of those who fear their Lord tremble at it You who believe! Do not let your wealth or chil-
and then their skins and hearts yield softly to the dren divert you from the remembrance of Allah.
remembrance of Allah. That is Allah’s guidance Whoever does that is lost. (63:9)
by which He guides whoever He wills. And no If only they were to go straight on the Path, We
one can guide those whom Allah misguides. would give them abundant water to drink so that
(39:23) We could test them by it. Whoever turns aside
Those who reject the Remembrance when it from the remembrance of his Lord, He will intro-
comes to them–truly it is a Mighty Book; (41:41) duce him to an arduous punishment. (72:16-17)
It is He Who created all the species and gave you Remember the Name of your Lord, and devote
ships and livestock for you to ride, so that you yourself to Him completely. (73:8)
might sit firmly on their backs and remember Remember the Name of your Lord in the morn-
your Lord’s blessing while you are seated on ing and the evening. (76:25)
them, saying, ‘Glory be to Him Who has sub-
jected this to us. We could never have done it by REMEMBRANCE OF MESSENGERS
ourselves.’ (43:12-13) Be steadfast in the face of what they say and re-
If someone shuts his eyes to the remembrance of member Our servant Dawud, who possessed
the All-Merciful, We assign him a Satan who be- true strength. He truly turned to his Lord. (38:17)
comes his bosom friend. (43:36) And remember Our servants Ibrahim, Ishaq and
So turn away from him who turns away from Our Ya‘qub, men of true strength and inner sight.
remembrance and desires nothing but the life of (38:45)
this world. (53:29) Remember Our servants Isma‘il, Al-Yasa‘ and
We left it as a Sign. But is there any rememberer Dhu’l-Kifl; each of them was among the best of
there? (54:15) men. (38:48)
We have made the Qur’an easy to remember.
But is there any rememberer there? (54:17, REMINDER (DHIKR)
54:22, 54:32, 54:40) That is what We recite to you of the Signs and the
We destroyed those of your kind in the past. But wise Reminder. (3:58)
is there any rememberer there? (54:51) They are the ones Allah has guided, so be guided
Has the time not arrived for the hearts of those by their guidance. Say, ‘I do not ask you for any
who believe to yield to the remembrance of wage for it. It is simply a reminder to all beings.’
Allah and to the truth He has sent down, so they (6:90)
are not like those who were given the Book be- (Nuh said,) ‘Or are you astonished that a re-
fore for whom the time seemed over long so that minder should come to you from your Lord by
their hearts became hard? Many of them are de- way of a man among you, to warn you and make
viators. (57:16) you guard against evil so that hopefully you will
Satan has gained mastery over them and made gain mercy?’ (7:63)
them forget the remembrance of Allah. Such You do not ask them for any wage for it. It is only
people are the party of Satan. No indeed! It is the a reminder to all beings. (12:104)
party of Satan who are the losers. (58:19) It is We Who have sent down the Reminder and
You who believe! When you are called to prayer We Who will preserve it. (15:9)
627
We have only ever sent before you men who for us to have taken any protectors apart from
were given Revelation–ask the People of the You. But You let them and their fathers enjoy
Reminder if you do not know–who brought Clear themselves so that they forgot the Reminder.
Signs and Revealed Books. And We have sent They were people devoid of good.’ (25:18)
down the Reminder to you so that you can make (A wrongdoer will say,) ‘He led me astray from
clear to mankind what has been sent down to the Reminder after it came to me.’ Satan always
them so that hopefully they will reflect. (16:43- leaves man in the lurch. (25:29)
44) Is it not enough for them that We have sent down
Who could do greater wrong than someone who to you the Book which is recited to them? There
is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then is certainly a mercy and reminder in that for peo-
turns away from them, forgetting all that he has ple who believe. (29:51)
done before? We have placed covers on their You can only warn those who act on the
hearts, preventing them from understanding it, Reminder and fear the All-Merciful in the
and heaviness in their ears. Though you call Unseen. Give them the good news of forgiveness
them to guidance, they will nonetheless never be and a generous reward. (36:11)
guided. (18:57) They said, ‘Your evil omen is in yourselves. Is it
We did not send down the Qur’an to you to not just that you have been reminded? No, you
make you miserable, but only as a reminder for are an unbridled people!’ (36:19)
those who have fear. (20:2-3) We did not teach him poetry nor would it be
In this way We give you news of what has gone right for him. It is simply a reminder and a clear
before and We have given you a reminder direct Qur’an. (36:69)
from Us. (20:99) and by the reciters of the Reminder: (37:3)
(He said,) ‘But if anyone turns away from My re- When they are reminded they do not pay heed.
minder, his life will be a dark and narrow one (37:13)
and on the Day of Rising We will gather him They used to say, ‘If we had only had a Reminder
blind.’ (20:124) from the previous peoples, we would certainly
We have only ever sent before you men who have been sincere servants of Allah!’ (37:167-
were given Revelation. Ask the People of the 169)
Reminder if you do not know. (21:7) (The leaders of the disbelievers said,) ‘Has the
We have sent down to you a Book containing Reminder been sent down to him out of all of
your Reminder. So will you not use your intel- us?’ They are in doubt about My Reminder. They
lect? (21:10) have yet to taste My punishment. (38:8)
We gave to Musa and Harun the Discrimination We gave him back his family and the same again
and a Shining Light and a Reminder for the heed- with them as a mercy from Us and a reminder for
ful. (21:48) people of intellect. (38:43)
This is a blessed Reminder which We have sent This is a Reminder. Those who guard against evil
down. So are you going to ignore it? (21:50) will have a good Homecoming. (38:49)
We responded to him and removed from him the It is simply a reminder to all the worlds. (38:87)
harm which was afflicting him and restored his Do you not see that Allah sends down water from
family to him, and the same again with them, as the sky and threads it through the earth to emerge
a mercy direct from Us and a Reminder to all as springs and then by it brings forth crops of
worshippers. (21:84) varying colours, which then wither and you see
We wrote down in the Zabur, after the Reminder them turning yellow and then He makes them
came: ‘It is My servants who are righteous who into broken stubble? There is a reminder in that
will inherit the earth.’ (21:105) for people of intelligence. (39:21)
They (those they worship besides Allah) will say, We gave Musa the guidance and bequeathed the
‘Glory be to You! It would not have been fitting Book to the tribe of Israel, as guidance and a re-
628
minder for people of intelligence. (40:53-54) take the Way towards his Lord. (73:19)
Shall We then deprive you of the Reminder for We have only appointed angels as masters of the
being a profligate people? (43:5) Fire and We have only specified their number as
It is certainly a reminder to you and to your peo- a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who
ple and you will be questioned. (43:44) were given the Book might gain in certainty, and
How shall they be reminded when a clear those who believe might increase in their faith,
Messenger has already come to them? (44:13) and both those who were given the Book and the
What are they awaiting but for the Hour to come believers might have no doubt; and so that those
upon them suddenly? Its Signs have already with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers
come. What good will their Reminder be to them might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam-
when it does arrive? (47:18) ple?’ In this way Allah misguides those He wills
And the earth: how We stretched it out and cast and guides those He wills. No one knows the le-
firmly embedded mountains onto it and caused gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a
luxuriant plants of every kind to grow in it, an in- reminder to all human beings. (74:31)
struction and a reminder for every penitent What is the matter with them that they run from
human being. (50:7-8) the Reminder? (74:49)
There is a reminder in that for anyone who has a No indeed! It is truly a reminder to which anyone
heart, or who listens well, having seen the evi- who wills may pay heed. (74:54-55)
dence. (50:37) This truly is a Reminder, so whoever wills should
We know best what they say. You are not a dicta- take the Way towards his Lord. (76:29)
tor over them. So remind, with the Qur'an, who- by those hurling a reminder, (77:5)
ever fears My Threat. (50:45) But how do you know? Perhaps he would be pu-
And remind them, for truly the believers benefit rified or reminded, and the reminder benefit him.
from being reminded. (51:55) (80:3-4)
Remind them then! For, by the blessing of your No indeed! Truly it is a reminder, (80:11)
Lord, you are neither a soothsayer nor a mad- It is nothing but a Reminder to all the worlds.
man. (52:29) (81:27)
(They said,) ‘Has the Reminder been given to him Remind, then, if the reminder benefits. He who
of all of us? No indeed! He is an impudent liar.’ has fear will be reminded. (87:9-10)
(54:25) So remind them! You are only a reminder.
We have made it to be a reminder and a comfort (88:21)
for travellers in the wild. (56:73)
Allah has prepared a terrible punishment for REMORSE
them. So have fear of Allah, people of intelli- Then Allah sent a crow which scratched at the
gence–those who believe–Allah has sent down a earth to show him how to conceal his brother’s
reminder to you. (65:10) corpse. He said, ‘Woe is me! Can I not even be
Those who disbelieve all but strike you down like this crow and conceal my brother’s corpse?’
with their evil looks when they hear the And he became one of those who suffer bitter re-
Reminder and say, ‘He is quite mad.’ (68:51) morse. (5:31)
But it is nothing less than a Reminder to all the If every self that did wrong possessed everything
worlds. (68:52) on earth, it would offer it as a ransom. They will
When the waters rose We carried you in the ship show remorse when they see the punishment.
to make it a reminder for you and something to Everything will be decided between them justly.
be retained by retentive ears. (69:11-12) They will not be wronged. (10:54)
It (the Qur'an) is a reminder for the heedful. But they hamstrung her (the she-camel) and
(69:48) woke up full of remorse. (26:157)
This truly is a reminder, so let anyone who wills Those deemed weak will say to those deemed
629
great, ‘No, it was your scheming night and day own selves! Today you will be repaid with the
when you commanded us to reject Allah and as- punishment of humiliation for saying something
sign equals to Him.’ But they will show their re- other than the truth about Allah, and being arro-
morse when they see the punishment. We will gant about His Signs.’ (6:93)
put iron collars round the necks of those who dis- They say, ‘These animals and crops are sacro-
believe. Will they be repaid for anything but sanct. No one may eat them except those we
what they did? (34:33) wish’,–as they allege–and animals on whose
backs it is forbidden to ride, and animals over
REPAYMENT which they do not mention Allah’s name, invent-
Kill them wherever you come across them and ing falsehood against Him. He will repay them
expel them from where they expelled you. for the things they have invented. (6:138)
Corruption is worse than killing. Do not fight They say, ‘What is in the wombs of these animals
them in the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) is exclusively for our men and forbidden for our
until they fight you there. But if they do fight you, wives. But if it is stillborn, they can share in it.’
then kill them. That is how the disbelievers He will repay them for their false depiction. He is
should be repaid. (2:191) All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6:139)
The repayment of such people is that Allah’s We made forbidden for the Jews every animal
curse is on them and that of the angels and of all with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle
mankind. (3:87) and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them,
As for anyone who kills a believer deliberately, except what is attached to their backs or guts or
his repayment is Hell, remaining in it timelessly, mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid
for ever. Allah is angry with him and has cursed them for their insolence. And We certainly speak
him, and has prepared for him a terrible punish- the truth. (6:146)
ment. (4:93) Nor can you say: ‘If the Book had been sent
But as for those who believe and do right actions, down to us, We would have been better guided
We will admit them into Gardens with rivers than they were.’ For a Clear Sign has come to you
flowing under them, remaining in them time- from your Lord, and guidance and mercy. Who
lessly, for ever and ever. Allah’s promise is true. could do greater wrong than someone who de-
Whose speech could be truer than Allah’s? It is nies Allah’s Signs and turns away from them? We
not a matter of wishful thinking on your part nor will repay those who turn away from Our Signs
of the wishful thinking of the People of the Book. with the worst kind of punishment because they
Anyone who does evil will be repaid for it. He turned away. (6:157)
will not find any protector or helper besides Those who produce a good action will receive
Allah. (4:122-123) ten like it. But those who produce a bad action
(One of Adam's two sons said to the other,) ‘I will only be repaid with its equivalent and they
want you to take on both my wrongdoing and will not be wronged. (6:160)
your wrongdoing and so become one of the As for those who deny Our Signs and are arro-
Companions of the Fire. That is the repayment of gant regarding them, the Gates of Heaven will
the wrongdoers.’ (5:29) not be opened for them, and they will not enter
Who could do greater wrong than someone who the Garden until a camel goes through a needle’s
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs, or eye. That is how We repay the evildoers. (7:40)
who says, ‘It has been revealed to me,’ when They will have Hell as a resting-place and cover-
nothing has been revealed to him, or someone ing layers on top of them. That is how We repay
who says, ‘I will send down the same as Allah wrongdoers. (7:41)
has sent down’? If you could only see the wrong- As for those who denied Our Signs and the en-
doers in the throes of death when the angels are counter of the hereafter, their actions will come
stretching out their hands, saying, ‘Disgorge your to nothing. Will they be repaid except for what
630
they did? (7:147) That is their repayment–Hell–because they dis-
As for those who adopted the Calf, anger from believed and made a mockery of My Signs and of
their Lord will overtake them together with My Messengers. (18:106)
abasement in the life of this world. That is how That is how We repay anyone who is profligate
we repay the purveyors of falsehood. (7:152) and does not believe in the Signs of his Lord. And
To Allah belong the Most Beautiful Names, so the punishment of the hereafter is much harsher
call on Him by them and abandon those who and longer lasting. (20:127)
desecrate His Names. They will be repaid for Were any of them to say, ‘I am a god apart from
what they did. (7:180) Him,’ We would repay him with Hell. That is
Let them laugh little and weep much, in repay- how We repay wrongdoers. (21:29)
ment for what they have earned. (9:82) Such people will be repaid for their steadfastness
They will swear to you by Allah when you return with the Highest Paradise, where they will meet
to them, so that you leave them alone. Leave with welcome and with ‘Peace’. (25:75)
them alone, then! They are filth. Their shelter Those who perform bad actions will be flung
will be Hell as repayment for what they did. head first into the Fire: ‘Are you being repaid for
(9:95) anything other than what you did?’ (27:90)
Each and every one of you will return to Him. Those who disbelieved will find that their disbe-
Allah’s promise is true. He brings creation out of lief was against themselves. Those who did right
nothing and then regenerates it so that he can were making the way easy for themselves; so that
repay with justice those who believed and did He can repay with His bounty those who be-
right actions. Those who disbelieved will have a lieved and did right actions. He certainly does
drink of scalding water and a painful punishment not love the disbelievers. (30:44-45)
because of their disbelief. (10:4) Those deemed weak will say to those deemed
We destroyed generations before you when they great, ‘No, it was your scheming night and day
did wrong. Their Messengers brought them the when you commanded us to reject Allah and as-
Clear Signs, but they were never going to be- sign equals to Him.’ But they will show their re-
lieve. That is how We repay evildoers. (10:13) morse when they see the punishment. We will
Then it will be said to those who did wrong, put iron collars round the necks of those who dis-
‘Taste the punishment of eternity! Have you been believe. Will they be repaid for anything but
repaid for anything other than what you earned?’ what they did? (34:33)
(10:52) Whereas for those who disbelieve there will be
They said, ‘Its reparation shall be him in the sad- the Fire of Hell. They will not be killed off so that
dlebags of whom it is discovered. With us that is they die and its punishment will not be lightened
how wrongdoers are repaid.’ (12:75) for them. That is how We repay every thankless
So that Allah may repay every self for what it man. (35:36)
earned. Allah is swift at reckoning. (14:51) You will definitely taste the painful punishment
Gardens of Eden which they enter, with rivers and you will only be repaid for what you did–ex-
flowing under them, where they have whatever cept for Allah’s chosen servants. (37:38-40)
they desire. That is how Allah repays those who Whoever does an evil act will only be repaid
guard against evil. (16:31) with its equivalent. But whoever acts rightly,
He said (to Satan), ‘Go! And as for any who fol- male or female, being a believer, such a person
low you, your repayment is Hell, repayment in will enter the Garden, provided for in it without
full!’ (17:63) any reckoning. (40:40)
That is their repayment for rejecting Our Signs We will make those who disbelieve suffer a se-
and saying, ‘What, when we are bones and vere punishment and repay them for the worst of
crumbled dust, will we then be raised up as a what they did. (41:27)
new creation?’ (17:98) That is the repayment of the enemies of
631
Allah–the Fire. They will have it for their Eternal being wronged. (2:278-279)
Home as repayment for their renunciation of Our Except for those who, after that, repent and put
Signs. (41:28) things right. Truly Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
Tell those who believe that they should forgive Merciful. (3:89)
those who feel no fear about the Days of Allah, Those who disbelieve after believing and then in-
when He will repay people according to what crease in their disbelief, their repentance will not
they earned. (45:14) be accepted. They are the misguided. (3:90)
On the Day when those who disbelieved are ex- If two of you commit a like abomination, punish
posed to the Fire: ‘You dissipated the good things them. If they repent and reform, leave them
you had in your worldly life and enjoyed yourself alone. Allah is Ever-Returning, Most Merciful.
in it. So today you are being repaid with the pun- (4:16)
ishment of humiliation for being arrogant in the Allah only accepts the repentance of those who
earth without any right and for being deviators.’ do evil in ignorance and then quickly repent after
(46:20) doing it. Allah turns towards such people. Allah
When they saw it as a storm cloud advancing on is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:17)
their valleys they said, ‘This is a storm cloud There is no repentance for people who persist in
which will give us rain.’ No, rather it is what you doing evil until death comes to them and who
desired to hasten–a wind containing painful pun- then say, ‘Now I repent,’ nor for people who die
ishment, destroying everything at its Lord’s com- disbeliever. We have prepared for them a painful
mand! When morning came you could see punishment. (4:18)
nothing but their dwellings. That is how We The hypocrites are in the lowest level of the Fire.
repay the people of the evildoers. (46:24-25) You will not find any one to help them, except
(They will be told,) ‘Roast in it! And bear it pa- those who repent and put things right and hold
tiently or do not bear it patiently. It makes no dif- fast to Allah and dedicate their religion to Allah
ference either way. You are simply being repaid alone; they are with the believers. Allah will give
for what you did.’ (52:16) the believers an immense reward. (4:145-146)
Everything in the heavens and everything in the The reprisal against those who wage war on
earth belongs to Allah so that He can repay those Allah and His Messenger, and go about the earth
who do evil for what they did and repay those corrupting it, is that they should be killed or cru-
who do good with the Very Best. (53:31) cified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut
The final fate of both of them is that they will be off, or be banished from the land. That will be
timelessly, for ever in the Fire. That is the repay- their degradation in this world and in the here-
ment of the wrongdoers. (59:17) after they will have a terrible punishment, except
for those who repent before you gain power over
REPENTANCE (TAWBAH) them. Know that Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
Those who hide the Clear Signs and Guidance Merciful. (5:33-34)
We have sent down, after We have made it clear But if anyone repents after his wrongdoing and
to people in the Book, Allah curses them, and the puts things right, Allah will turn towards him.
cursers curse them–except for those who repent Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:39)
and put things right and make things clear. I turn When those who believe in Our Signs come to
towards them. I am the Ever-Returning, the Most you, say, ‘Peace be upon you!’ Allah has made
Merciful. (2:159-160) mercy incumbent on Himself. If anyone among
You who believe! Have fear of Allah and forgo you does evil out of ignorance and then after-
any remaining usury if you are believers. If you wards repents and puts things right, He is Ever-
do not, know that it means war from Allah and Forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:54)
His Messenger. But if you repent you may have When Musa came to Our appointed time and his
your capital, without wronging and without Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘My Lord, show me
632
Yourself so that I may look at You!’ He said, ‘You right, those who forbid the wrong, those who
will not see Me, but look at the mountain. If it re- preserve the limits of Allah: give good news to
mains firm in its place, then you will see Me.’ But the believers. (9:112)
when His Lord manifested Himself to the moun- ‘Ask your Lord for forgiveness and then repent to
tain, He crushed it flat and Musa fell uncon- Him. He will let you enjoy a good life until a
scious to the ground. When he regained specified time, and will give His favour to all
consciousness he said, ‘Glory be to You! I repent who merit it. But if you turn your backs, I fear for
to You and I am the first of the believers!’ (7:143) you the punishment of a Mighty Day.’ (11:3)
But as for those who do evil actions and then (Hud said,) ‘My people! Ask forgiveness of your
subsequently repent and believe, in that case Lord and then repent to Him. He will send
your Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. heaven down to you in abundant rain, and in-
(7:153) crease you with strength upon strength. Do not
A proclamation from Allah and His Messenger to turn away as evildoers.’ (11:52)
mankind on the day of the greater pilgrimage: To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said,
‘Allah is free of the idolaters, as is His Messenger. ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god
If you repent, it will be better for you. But if you apart from Him. He brought you into being from
turn your backs, know that you cannot thwart the earth and made you its inhabitants. So ask
Allah.’ Give those who disbelieve the news of a His forgiveness and then repent to Him. My Lord
painful punishment. (9:3) is Close and Quick to Respond.’ (11:61)
Then, when the sacred months are over, kill the (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘Ask your Lord for forgiveness and
idolaters wherever you find them, and seize then repent to Him. My Lord is Most Merciful,
them and besiege them and lie in wait for them Most Loving.’ (11:90)
on every road. If they repent and perform prayer But to those who do evil in ignorance and then
and give the alms, let them go on their way. Allah after that repent and put things right, to them
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:5) your Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
But if they repent and perform prayer and give (16:119)
the alms, they are your brothers in the religion. An evil generation succeeded them who neg-
We make the Signs clear for people who have lected the prayer and followed their appetites.
knowledge. (9:11) They will plunge into the Valley of Evil–except
They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but for those who repent and believe and act rightly.
they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and They will enter the Garden and they will not be
returned to disbelief after their Islam. They wronged in any way: (19:59-60)
planned something which they did not achieve But I am Ever-Forgiving to anyone who repents
and they were vindictive for no other cause than and believes and acts rightly and then is guided.
that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them (20:82)
from His bounty. If they were to repent, it would But those who make accusations against chaste
be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah women and then do not produce four witnesses:
will punish them with a painful punishment in flog them with eighty lashes and never again ac-
this world and the hereafter, and they will not cept them as witnesses. Such people are devia-
find any protector or helper on the earth. (9:74) tors–except for those who after that repent and
Do they not know that Allah accepts repentance put things right. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
from His servants and acknowledges their alms, Merciful. (24:4-5)
and that Allah is the Ever-Returning, the Most And on the Day of Rising his punishment will be
Merciful? (9:104) doubled and he will be humiliated in it time-
Those who repent, those who worship, those lessly, for ever, except for those who repent and
who praise, those who fast, those who bow, believe and act rightly: Allah will transform the
those who prostrate, those who command the wrong actions of such people into good–Allah is
633
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (25:69-70) ing layers on top of them. That is how We repay
For certainly all who repent and act rightly have wrongdoers. (7:41)
turned sincerely towards Allah; (25:71) Hell, where they will roast. What an evil resting-
But as for those who repent and act rightly, they place! (38:56)
will hopefully be successful. (28:67)
The Forgiver of wrong action, the Accepter of re- RESURRECTION
pentance, the Severe in retribution, the Possessor How can you reject Allah, when you were dead
of abundance. There is no god but Him. He is the and then He gave you life, then He will make
final destination. (40:3) you die and then give you life again, then you
It is He Who accepts repentance from His ser- will be returned to Him? (2:28)
vants and pardons evil acts and knows what they Then We brought you back to life after your
do. (42:25) death, so that perhaps you would show thanks.
We have instructed man to be good to his par- (2:56)
ents. His mother bore him with difficulty and We said, ‘Hit (the dead body) with part of the
with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing (sacrificed cow)!’ In that way Allah gives life to
and weaning take thirty months. Then when he the dead and He shows you His Signs so that
achieves his full strength and reaches forty, he hopefully you will understand. (2:73)
says, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the
You bestowed on me and on my parents, and alternation of the night and day, and the ships
keep me acting rightly, pleasing You. And make which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the
my descendants righteous. I have repented to water which Allah sends down from the sky–by
You and I am truly one of the Muslims.’ (46:15) which He brings the earth to life when it was
You who believe! Repent to Allah. It may be that dead and scatters about in it creatures of every
your Lord will erase your bad actions from you kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and
and admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing the clouds subservient between heaven and
under them on the Day when Allah will not dis- earth, there are Signs for people who use their in-
grace the Prophet and those who believed along tellect. (2:164)
with him. Their light will stream out ahead of What do you think about those who left their
them and on their right. They will say, ‘Our Lord, homes in thousands in fear of death? Allah said
perfect our light for us and forgive us! You have to them, ‘Die!’ and then brought them back to
power over all things.’ (66:8) life. Allah shows great favour to mankind, but
Those who persecute men and women of the be- most people are not grateful. (2:243)
lievers, and then do not repent, will have the Or the one who passed by a town which had
punishment of Hell, will have the punishment of fallen into ruin? He asked, ‘How can Allah re-
the Burning. (85:10) store this to life when it has died?’ Allah caused
him to die a hundred years then brought him
RESTING PLACE back to life. Then He asked, ‘How long have you
When he is told to have fear of Allah, he is seized been here?’ He replied, ‘I have been here a day
by pride which drives him to wrongdoing. Hell or part of a day.’ He said, ‘Not so! You have been
will be enough for him! What an evil resting- here a hundred years. Look at your food and
place! (2:206) drink–it has not gone bad–and look at your don-
Say to those who disbelieve: ‘You will be over- key so We can make you a Sign for all mankind.
whelmed and crowded into Hell. What an evil Look at the bones–how We raise them up and
resting-place!’ (3:12) clothe them in flesh.’ When it had become clear
A brief enjoyment; then their shelter will be Hell. to him, he said, ‘Now I know that Allah has
What an evil resting-place! (3:197) power over all things.’ (2:259)
They will have Hell as a resting-place and cover- When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, show me how You
634
bring the dead to life.’ He asked, ‘Do you not oaths that Allah will not raise up those who die,
then believe?’ He replied, ‘Indeed I do! But so when, on the contrary, it is a binding promise on
that my heart may be at peace.’ He said, ‘Take Him; but most people do not know it. (16:38)
four birds and train them to yourself. Then put a (They will be raised up), so that He can make
part of them on each mountain and call to them; clear to them the things they differed about and
they will come rushing to you. Know that Allah is so that those who disbelieved will know that they
Almighty, All-Wise.’ (2:260) were liars. (16:39)
They say, ‘There is nothing but this life and we Allah sends down water from the sky and by it
will not be raised again.’ (6:29) brings the dead earth back to life. There is cer-
Only those who can hear respond. As for the tainly a Sign in that for people who hear. (16:65)
dead, Allah will raise them up, then to Him they They say, ‘What! When we are bones and crum-
will be returned. (6:36) bled dust, will we then be raised up as a new cre-
It is He Who takes you back to Himself at night, ation!’ (17:49)
while knowing the things you perpetrate by day, That is their repayment for rejecting Our Signs
and then raises you again to life, so that a speci- and saying, ‘What, when we are bones and
fied term may be fulfilled. Then you will return to crumbled dust, will we then be raised up as a
Him. Then He will inform you about what you new creation?’ (17:98)
did. (6:60) That was the situation when we raised them up
Is someone who was dead and whom We (from sleep) so they could question one another.
brought to life, supplying him with a light by One of them asked, ‘How long have you been
which to walk among people, the same as some- here?’ They replied, ‘We have been here for a
one who is in utter darkness, unable to emerge day or part of a day.’ They said, ‘Your Lord knows
from it? That is how what they were doing is best how long you have been here. Send one of
made to seem attractive to the disbelievers. your number into the city with this silver you
(6:122) have, so he can see which food is purest and
He (Satan) said, ‘Grant me a reprieve until the bring you some of it to eat. But he should go
day they are raised up.’ (7:14) about with caution so that no one is aware of
It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad- you.’ (18:19)
vance news of His mercy, so that when they have Or have they taken gods out of the earth who can
lifted up the heavy clouds, We dispatch them to a bring the dead to life? (21:21)
dead land and send down water to it, by means Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
of which We bring forth all kinds of fruit. In the Rising, know that We created you from dust then
same way We will bring forth the dead, so that from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood
hopefully you will pay heed. (7:57) then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed,
He gives life and causes to die and you will be so We may make things clear to you. We make
returned to Him. (10:56) whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec-
It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in ified time and then We bring you out as children
six days when His Throne was on the water, in so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of
order to test which of you has the best actions. If you die and some of you revert to the lowest
you say, ‘You will be raised up after death,’ those form of life so that, after having knowledge, they
who disbelieve will say, ‘This is nothing but then know nothing at all. And you see the earth
downright magic.’ (11:7) dead and barren; then when We send down
He (Satan) said, ‘My Lord, grant me a reprieve water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts
until the Day they are raised again.’ (15:36) with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5)
They are dead, not alive, and they are not aware That is because Allah is the Real and gives life to
of when they will be raised. (16:21) the dead and has power over all things and the
They swear by Allah with their most earnest Hour is coming without any doubt and Allah will
635
raise up all those in the graves. (22:6-7) lect. (29:63)
It is He Who gave you life and then will cause He brings forth the living from the dead and
you to die and then will give you life again. Man brings forth the dead from the living and brings
is truly ungrateful. (22:66) the earth to life after it was dead. In the same way
Then on the Day of Rising you will be raised you too will be brought forth. (30:19)
again. (23:16) Among His Signs is that He shows you lightning,
Does he promise you that when you have died a source of fear and eager hope, and sends down
and become dust and bones you will be brought water from the sky, bringing the dead earth back
forth again? (23:35) to life by it. There are certainly Signs in that for
What is there but our life in this world? We die people who use their intellect. (30:24)
and we live and we will not be raised again. Allah is He Who created you, then provides for
(23:37) you, then will cause you to die and then bring
They say, ‘When we are dead and turned to dust you back to life. Can any of your partner-gods do
and bones, shall we then be raised again?’ any of that? Glory be to Him and may He be ex-
(23:82) alted above anything they associate with Him!
When death comes to one of them, he says, ‘My (30:40)
Lord, send me back again so that perhaps I may So look at the effect of the mercy of Allah, how
act rightly regarding the things I failed to do!’ No He brings the dead earth back to life. Truly He is
indeed! It is just words he utters. Before them the One Who brings the dead to life. He has
there is an interspace until the Day they are power over all things. (30:50)
raised up. (23:99-100) Those who have been given knowledge and faith
But they have adopted gods apart from Him will say, ‘You tarried in accordance with Allah’s
which do not create anything but are themselves Decree until the Day of Rising. And this is the
created. They have no power to harm or help Day of Rising, but you did not know it.’ (30:56)
themselves. They have no power over death or Your creation and rising is only like that of a sin-
life or resurrection. (25:3) gle self. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (31:28)
They themselves have come across the city It is Allah Who sends the winds which raise the
which was rained on by an evil rain. Did they not clouds which We then drive to a dead land and
then see it? But they do not expect to rise again. by them bring the earth to life after it was dead.
(25:40) That is how the Resurrection will be. (35:9)
(Ibrahim said, ‘It is) He Who will cause my death, We bring the dead to life and We record what
then give me life.’ (26:81) they send ahead and what they leave behind. We
(Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord,) do not disgrace me on have listed everything in a clear register. (36:12)
the Day they are raised up.’ (26:87) A Sign for them is the dead land which We bring
Say: ‘No one in the heavens and the earth knows to life and from which We bring forth grain of
the Unseen except Allah.’ They are not aware of which they eat. (36:33)
when they will be raised. (27:65) The Trumpet will be blown and at once they will
Those who disbelieve say, ‘When we and our fa- be sliding from their graves towards their Lord.
thers are turned to dust will we then be brought (36:51)
forth again? We have been promised (to be They will say, ‘Alas for us! Who has raised us
brought forth again) before, we and our fathers. from our resting-place? This is what the All-
This is nothing but myths and legends of previous Merciful promised us. The Messengers were
peoples.’ (27:67-68) telling the truth.’ (36:52)
If you ask them, ‘Who sends down water from He makes likenesses of Us and forgets his own
the sky, bringing the earth back to life again after creation, saying, ‘Who will give life to bones
it was dead?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘Praise be when they are decayed?’ (36:78)
to Allah.’ But most of them do not use their intel- Say: ‘He Who made them in the first place will
636
bring them back to life. He has total knowledge edge of that. They are only conjecturing. (45:24)
of each created thing.’ (36:79) When Our Clear Signs are recited to them their
(They say,) ‘When we are dead and turned to only argument is to say, ‘Bring us our fathers
dust and bones will we then be raised up again (back) if you are telling the truth.’ (45:25)
alive? And our earlier ancestors as well?’ Say: Say: ‘Allah gives you life, then causes you to die,
‘Yes, and you will be in a despicable state.’ There and then will gather you together for the Day of
will be but one Great Blast and then their eyes Rising about which there is no doubt. But most
will open. (37:16-19) people do not know it.’ (45:26)
One of them will say, ‘I used to have a friend But what of him who says to his parents, ‘Fie on
who would say to me, "Are you one of those who you! Do you promise me that I will be resur-
say that it is true: that when we have died and are rected when generations before me have passed
turned to dust and bones, we will face a away?’ They both call on Allah for help: ‘Woe to
Reckoning?"’ (37:51-53) you! Believe! Allah’s promise is true.’ But he
Had it not been that he was a man who glorified says, ‘This is nothing but the myths of previous
Allah, he would have remained inside its belly peoples.’ (46:17)
until the Day they are raised again. (37:143-144) Do they not see that Allah–He Who created the
Say ‘He Who made them in the first place will heavens and the earth and was not wearied by
bring them back to life. He has total knowledge creating them–has the power to bring the dead to
of each created thing.’ (36:79) life? Yes indeed! He has power over all things.
He (Satan) said, ‘My Lord, grant me a reprieve (46:33)
until the Day they are raised again.’ (38:79) (Disbelievers say,) ‘When we are dead and
They will say, ‘Our Lord, twice You caused us to turned to dust...? That would be a most unlikely
die and twice You gave us life. We admit our return!’ (50:3)
wrong actions. Is there no way out?’ (40:11) (We sent down water) as provision for Our ser-
Among His Signs is that you see the earth laid vants; by it We brought a dead land to life. That is
bare and then when We send down water on it, it how the Emergence will take place. (50:11)
quivers and swells. He Who gives it life is He The Day they hear the Blast in truth, that is the
Who gives life to the dead. Certainly He has Day of Emergence. (50:42)
power over all things. (41:39) It is We Who give life and cause to die and We
Have they then taken others besides Him as pro- are their final destination. (50:43)
tectors? But Allah is the Protector. He gives life to (Has he not been informed) that He is responsi-
the dead. He has power over all things. (42:9) ble for the second existence? (53:47)
It is He Who sends down water in due measure On the Day Allah raises up all of them together,
from the sky by which We bring a dead land He will inform them of what they did. Allah has
back to life. That is how you too will be brought recorded it while they have forgotten it. Allah is a
forth. (43:11) Witness of all things. (58:6)
These people say, ‘There is nothing more than On the Day Allah raises up all of them together
our first death. We will not be raised up a second they will swear to Him just as they have sworn to
time.’ (44:34-35) you and imagine they have something to stand
And in the alternation of night and day and the upon. No indeed! It is they who are the liars.
provision Allah sends down from the sky, bring- (58:18)
ing the earth to life by it after it has died, and the Those who disbelieve claim that they will never
varying direction of the winds, there are Signs for be raised again. Say: ‘Oh yes, by my Lord, you
people who use their intellect. (45:5) certainly will be raised again! And then you will
They say, ‘There is nothing but our existence in be informed about what you did. That is easy for
this world. We die and we live and nothing de- Allah.’ (64:7)
stroys us except for time.’ They have no knowl- Allah caused you to grow from the earth then
637
will return you to it and bring you out again. The angels called out to him while he (Zakariyya)
(71:17-18) was standing in prayer in the Upper Room:
They thought–as you also think–that Allah would ‘Allah gives you the good news of Yahya, who
never raise up anyone. (72:7) will come to confirm a Word from Allah, and will
Is He Who does this not able to bring the dead to be a leader and a celibate, a Prophet and one of
life? (75:40) the righteous.’ (3:39)
They will say, ‘Are we to be restored to how we They are not all the same. There is a community
were?’ (79:10) among the People of the Book who are upright.
Then, when He wills, He raises him from the They recite Allah’s Signs throughout the night,
dead. (80:22) and they prostrate. (3:113)
Do such people not realise that they will be
raised up? (83:4) RETRIBUTION
He originates and regenerates. (85:13) Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for
Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what-
RETALIATION ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the
you in the case of people killed: free man for free place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a
man, slave for slave, female for female. But if head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or
someone is absolved by his brother, blood- sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And
money should be claimed with correctness and if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of
paid with good will. That is an easement and a a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make
mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who
the limits after this will receive a painful punish- cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage
ment. (2:178) and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is
There is life for you in retaliation, people of intel- for anyone whose family does not live near the
ligence, so that hopefully you will guard against Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of
evil. (2:179) Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution.
If you want to retaliate, retaliate to the same de- (2:196)
gree as the injury done to you. But if you are pa- Ask the tribe of Israel how many Clear Signs We
tient, it is better to be patient. (16:126) gave to them. If anyone alters Allah’s blessing
after it has come to him, Allah is fierce in retribu-
RETREAT tion. (2:211)
On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have Know that Allah is fierce in retribution and that
sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth- Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:98)
ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that They want you to hasten the bad rather than the
you have been betraying yourselves and He has good when examples of punishment are there
turned towards you and excused you. Now you before them in the past. Your Lord has forgive-
may have sexual intercourse with them and seek ness for people for their wrongdoing; but your
what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink Lord is also severe in retribution. (13:6)
until you can clearly discern the white thread The Forgiver of wrong action, the Accepter of re-
from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the pentance, the Severe in retribution, the Possessor
fast until the night appears. But do not have sex- of abundance. There is no god but Him. He is the
ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat final destination. (40:3)
in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do The people of Nuh denied the truth before them,
not go near them. In this way does Allah make and the Confederates after them. Every nation
His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they planned to seize its Messenger and used false ar-
will guard against evil. (2:187) guments to rebut the truth. So I seized them, and
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how was My retribution! (40:5) who says, ‘It has been revealed to me,’ when
That was because their Messengers brought them nothing has been revealed to him, or someone
the Clear Signs but they remained disbelievers. who says, ‘I will send down the same as Allah
So Allah seized them. He is Most Strong, Severe has sent down’? If you could only see the wrong-
in Retribution. (40:22) doers in the throes of death when the angels are
That is because they were entrenched in hostility stretching out their hands, saying, ‘Disgorge your
towards Allah and His Messenger. If anyone is own selves! Today you will be repaid with the
hostile towards Allah, Allah is Severe in punishment of humiliation for saying something
Retribution. (59:04) other than the truth about Allah, and being arro-
Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger gant about His Signs.’ (6:93)
from city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the Follow what has been revealed to you from your
Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and Lord–there is no god but Him–and turn away
the very poor and travellers, so that it does not from the idolaters. (6:106)
become something which merely revolves be- Say: ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to
tween the rich among you. Whatever the me, any food it is forbidden to eat except for car-
Messenger gives you you should accept and rion, flowing blood, and pork–for that is un-
whatever he forbids you you should forgo. Have clean–or some deviance consecrated to other
fear of Allah–Allah is severe in retribution. (59:7) than Allah. But if anyone is forced to eat it, with-
out desiring to or going to excess in it, your Lord
REVELATION is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (6:145)
This is news from the Unseen which We reveal to We revealed to Musa, ‘Throw down your staff.’
you. You were not with them when they cast And it immediately swallowed up what they had
their reeds to see which of them would be the forged. (7:117)
guardian of Maryam. You were not with them We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu-
when they quarrelled. (3:44) nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
and the Prophets who came after him. And We staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and the people knew their drinking place. And We
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and shaded them with clouds and sent down manna
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us;
Say: ‘What thing is greatest as a witness?’ Say: rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160)
‘Allah. He is Witness between me and you. This If you do not bring them a Sign, they say, ‘Why
Qur’an has been revealed to me so that I may have you not come up with one?’ Say, ‘I follow
warn you by it, and anyone else it reaches. Do only what has been revealed to me from my
you then bear witness that there are other gods Lord.’ This is clear insight from your Lord, and
together with Allah?’ Say: ‘I do not bear witness.’ guidance and mercy, for people who believe.
Say: ‘He is only One God, and I am free of all (7:203)
you associate with Him.’ (6:19) And when your Lord revealed to the angels, ‘I am
Say: ‘I do not say to you that I possess the treas- with you so make those who believe firm. I will
uries of Allah, nor do I know the Unseen, nor do cast terror into the hearts of those who disbe-
I say to you that I am an angel. I only follow what lieve, so strike their necks and strike all their fin-
has been revealed to me.’ Say: ‘Are the blind the ger joints!’ (8:12)
same as those who can see? So will you not re- Do people find it so surprising that We should re-
flect?’ (6:50) veal to a man among them: ‘Warn mankind and
Who could do greater wrong than someone who give good news to those who believe that they
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs, or are on a sure footing with their Lord’? The disbe-

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lievers say, ‘This is downright magic!’ (10:2) final fate of those before them? The abode of the
When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, those hereafter is better for those who guard against
who do not expect to meet Us say, ‘Bring a evil. So will you not use your intellect? (12:109)
Qur’an other than this one or change it.’ Say: ‘It In the same way We have sent you among a na-
is not for me to change it of my own accord. I fol- tion before which other nations passed away, to
low nothing except what is revealed to me. I fear, recite to them what We have revealed to you. Yet
were I to disobey my Lord, the punishment of a they still reject the All-Merciful. Say: ‘He is my
Dreadful Day.’ (10:15) Lord; there is no god but Him. I put my trust in
We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your Him and I turn to Him.’ (13:30)
people in houses in Egypt and make your houses Those who disbelieved said to their Messengers,
places of worship and perform prayer and give ‘We will drive you from our land unless you re-
good news to the believers.’ (10:87) turn to our religion.’ Their Lord revealed to them,
Follow what has been revealed to you and be ‘We will destroy those who do wrong.’ (14:13)
steadfast until Allah’s judgement comes. He is We have only ever sent before you men who
the Best of Judges. (10:109) were given Revelation–ask the People of the
Perhaps you are leaving aside part of what has Reminder if you do not know. (16:43)
been revealed to you and your breast is con- Your Lord revealed to the bees: ‘Build dwellings
stricted by this because they say, ‘Why has treas- in the mountains and the trees, and also in the
ure not been sent down to him or an angel not structures which men erect.’ (16:68)
accompanied him?’ You are only a warner and Then We revealed to you: ‘Follow the religion of
Allah is Guardian over all things. (11:12) Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief. He was not
It was revealed to Nuh: ‘None of your people are one of the idolaters.’ (16:123)
going to believe except for those who already be- That is part of the wisdom your Lord has revealed
lieve, so do not be distressed at what they do.’ to you. Do not set up another god together with
Build the Ark under Our supervision and as We Allah and so be thrown into Hell, blamed and
reveal and do not address Me concerning the driven out. (17:39)
wrongdoers. They shall be drowned.’ (11:36-37) They were very near to enticing you away from
That is some of the news of the Unseen which some of what We have revealed to you, hoping
We reveal to you. Neither you nor your people that you would invent something against Us.
knew it before this time. So be steadfast. The best Then they would have taken you as their inti-
end result is for those who guard against evil. mate. (17:73)
(11:49) If We wished We could take away what We have
We tell you the best of stories in revealing this revealed to you and then you would not find any
Qur’an to you, even though you were unaware to guard you from Us. (17:86)
of it before it came. (12:3) Recite what has been revealed to you of your
But when, in fact, they did go out with him Lord’s Book. No one can change His Words. You
(Yusuf) and gathered all together and agreed to will never find any safe haven apart from Him.
put him at the bottom of the well, We then re- (18:27)
vealed to him that: ‘You will inform them of this Say: ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It
deed they perpetrate at a time when they are to- is revealed to me that your god is One God. So
tally unaware.’ (12:15) let him who hopes to meet his Lord act rightly
This is news of the Unseen which We reveal to and not associate anyone in the worship of his
you. You were not with them when they decided Lord.’ (18:110)
what to do and devised their scheme.’ (12:102) (A voice called out, ‘Musa!) I have chosen you,
We sent none before you but men inspired with so listen well to what is revealed.’ (20:13)
revelation from among the people of the cities. He said, ‘Your request has been granted, Musa.
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the We were gracious to you another time when We
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revealed to your mother: "Place him into the box Do not fear or grieve; We will return him to you
and throw it into the sea and the sea will wash it and make him one of the Messengers.’ (28:7)
up on the shore, where an enemy of Mine and Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book
his will pick it up." I showered you with love and perform prayer. Prayer precludes indecency
from Me so that you would be brought up under and wrongdoing. And remembrance of Allah is
My supervision.’ (20:36-39) greater still. Allah knows what you do. (29:45)
(He said to Musa ‘Go to Pharaoh and say,) "It has Follow what has been revealed to you from your
been revealed to us that punishment is for him Lord. Allah is aware of what you do. (33:2)
who denies the truth and turns away."’ (20:48) Say: ‘If I am misguided, it is only to my detriment.
We revealed to Musa, ‘Travel with My servants But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals
by night. Strike a dry path for them through the to me. He is All-Hearing, Close-at-hand.’ (34:50)
sea. Have no fear of being overtaken and do not What We have revealed to you of the Book is the
be afraid.’ (20:77) truth, confirming what came before it. Allah is
High exalted be Allah, the King, the Real! Do not aware of and sees His servants. (35:31)
rush ahead with the Qur’an before its revelation Say: ‘It is only revealed to me that I am a clear
to you is complete, and say: ‘My Lord, increase warner.’ (38:70)
me in knowledge.’ (20:114) It has been revealed to you and those before you:
We have only ever sent before you men who ‘If you associate others with Allah, your actions
were given Revelation. Ask the People of the will come to nothing and you will be among the
Reminder if you do not know. (21:7) losers.’ (39:65)
We sent no Messenger before you without re- Say: ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It
vealing to him: ‘There is no god but Me, so wor- is revealed to me that your god is One God. So
ship Me.’ (21:25) be straight with Him and ask His forgiveness.’
Say: ‘I can only warn you through the Woe to those who associate others with Him.
Revelation.’ But the deaf cannot hear the call (41:6)
when they are warned. (21:45) In two days He determined them as seven heav-
We made them leaders, guiding by Our com- ens and revealed, in every heaven, its own man-
mand, and revealed to them how to do good ac- date. We adorned the lowest heaven with lamps
tions and perform prayer and give the alms, and and guarded it. That is the decree of the
they worshipped Us. (21:73) Almighty, the All-Knowing. (41:12)
Say: ‘It is revealed to me that your god is One That is how He sends revelation to you and those
God. So are you Muslims?’ (21:108) before you. Allah is the Almighty, the All-Wise.
We revealed to him (Nuh): ‘Build the Ship under (42:3)
Our supervision and as We reveal. When Our Accordingly We have revealed to you an Arabic
command comes and water bubbles up from the Qur’an so that you may warn the Mother of
earth, load into it a pair of every species, and Cities and those around it, and give warning of
your family–except for those among them against the Day of Gathering about which there is no
whom the word has already gone ahead. And do doubt: one group in the Garden, the other in the
not address Me concerning those who do wrong. Blazing Fire. (42:7)
They shall be drowned.’ (23:27) He has laid down the same religion for you as He
We revealed to Musa: ‘Travel with Our servants enjoined on Nuh: that which We have revealed
by night. You will certainly be pursued.’ (26:52) to you and which We enjoined on Ibrahim, Musa
So We revealed to Musa, ‘Strike the sea with your and ‘Isa: ‘Establish the religion and do not make
staff.’ And it split in two, each part like a towering divisions in it.’ What you call the idolaters to fol-
cliff. (26:63) low is very hard for them. Allah chooses for
We revealed to Musa’s mother, ‘Suckle him and Himself anyone He wills and guides to Himself
then when you fear for him cast him into the sea. those who turn to Him. (42:13)
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It does not befit Allah to address any human Do not imagine that Allah will break His promise
being except by inspiration, or from behind a to His Messengers. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of
veil, or He sends a messenger who then reveals Revenge. (14:47)
by His permission whatever He wills. He is in- We took revenge on them as well. They are both
deed Most High, All-Wise. (42:51) beside a well-beaten track. (15:79)
Accordingly We have revealed to you a Spirit by Before you We sent other Messengers to their
Our command. You had no idea of what the people, and they too brought them the Clear
Book was, nor faith. Nonetheless We have made Signs. We took revenge on those who did evil;
it a Light by which We guide those of Our ser- and it is Our duty to help the believers. (30:47)
vants We will. Truly you are guiding to a Straight Who could do greater wrong than someone who
Path. (42:52) is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then
So hold fast to what has been revealed to you. turns away from them? We will take revenge on
You are on a straight path. (43:43) the evildoers. (32:22)
Say: ‘I am nothing new among the Messengers. I Is Allah not enough for His servant? Yet they try
have no idea what will be done with me or you. to scare you with others apart from Him. If Allah
I only follow what has been revealed to me. I am misguides someone, he has no guide and if Allah
only a clear warner.’ (46:9) guides someone, he cannot be misguided. Is
It is nothing but Revelation revealed, (53:4) Allah not Almighty, Exactor of Revenge? (39:36-
Then He revealed to His servant what He re- 37)
vealed. (53:10) So We took revenge on them. And see the final
Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a band of fate of the deniers! (43:25)
the jinn listened and said, "We have heard a most Either We will extricate you and take revenge on
amazing Recitation."’ (72:1) them or let you see what We have promised
them. They are completely in Our power. (43:41-
REVENGE 42)
He has sent down the Book to you with truth, Then when they had provoked Our wrath, We
confirming what was there before it. And He sent took revenge on them and drowned every one of
down the Torah and the Gospel, previously, as them. (43:55)
guidance for mankind, and He has sent down the On the day We launch the Great Assault We will
Furqan (Discrimination). Those who reject certainly take Our revenge. (44:16)
Allah’s Signs will have a terrible punishment.
Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. (3:3-4) REVILED
You who believe! Do not kill game while you are He said (to Satan), ‘Get out of it, reviled and
in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any driven out. As for those of them who follow you,
deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani- I will fill up Hell with every one of you.’ (7:18)
mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by As for anyone who desires this fleeting existence,
two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the We hasten in it whatever We will to whoever We
Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast- want. Then We will consign him to Hell where
ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste he will roast, reviled and driven out. (17:18)
the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has Do not set up any other god together with Allah
pardoned all that took place in the past; but if and so sit there reviled and forsaken. (17:22)
anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on
him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. REWARD
(5:95) Those with faith, those who are Jews, and the
Then We took revenge on them and drowned Christians and Sabaeans, all who believe in Allah
them in the sea because they denied Our Signs and the Last Day and act rightly, will have their
and paid no attention to them. (7:136) reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and
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will know no sorrow. (2:62) and His Messengers. If you believe and guard
If only they had believed and done their duty! A against evil you will have an immense reward.
reward from Allah is better, if they only knew. (3:179)
(2:103) Their Lord responds to them: ‘I will not let the
Not so! All who submit themselves completely to deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male
Allah and are good-doers will find their reward or female–you are both the same in that respect.
with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will Those who migrated and were driven from their
know no sorrow. (2:112) homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought
Those who spend their wealth in the Way of and were killed, I will erase their bad actions
Allah, and then do not follow what they have from them and admit them into Gardens with
spent by demands for gratitude or insulting rivers flowing under them, as a reward from
words will have their reward with their Lord. Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.’
They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (3:195)
(2:262) Among the people of the Book there are some
Those who give away their wealth by night and who believe in Allah and in what has been sent
day, secretly and openly, will have their reward down to you and what was sent down to them,
with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will and who are humble before Allah. They do not
know no sorrow. (2:274) sell Allah’s Signs for a paltry price. Such people
Those who believe and do right actions and per- will have their reward with their Lord. And Allah
form prayer and give the alms, will have their re- is swift at reckoning. (3:199)
ward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and Allah does not wrong anyone by so much as the
will know no sorrow. (2:277) smallest speck. And if there is a good deed Allah
You will not be denied the reward for any good will multiply it and pay out an immense reward
thing you do. Allah knows those who guard direct from Him. (4:40)
against evil. (3:115) In that case (if they had done what they were
Their recompense is forgiveness from their Lord, urged to do) We would have given them an im-
and Gardens with rivers flowing under them, re- mense reward from Us. (4:67)
maining in them timelessly, for ever. How excel- So let those who sell the life of this world for the
lent is the reward of those who act! (3:136) hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone
No self can die except with Allah’s permission, at fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or
a predetermined time. If anyone desires the re- is victorious, We will pay him an immense re-
ward of this world, We will give him some of it. If ward. (4:74)
anyone desires the reward of the hereafter, We Those who join forces for good will receive a re-
will give him some of it. We will recompense the ward for it. Those who join forces for evil will be
thankful. (3:145) answerable for it. Allah gives all things what they
So Allah gave them the reward of this world and deserve. (4:85)
the best reward of the hereafter. Allah loves Those believers who stay behind–other than
good-doers. (3:148) those forced to by necessity–are not the same as
Those who who did good and guarded against those who strive in the Way of Allah, sacrificing
evil among those who responded to Allah and their wealth and themselves. Allah has given
the Messenger after the wound had been in- those who strive with their wealth and them-
flicted will have an immense reward. (3:172) selves a higher rank than those who stay behind.
Allah will only leave the believers in the position Allah has promised the Best to both, but Allah
you now are in so that He can sift out the rotten has preferred those who strive over those who
from the good. Allah has not given you access to stay behind by an immense reward. (4:95)
the Unseen. But Allah chooses those of His Those who migrate in the Way of Allah will find
Messengers whom He wills. So believe in Allah many places of refuge on the earth and ample
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sustenance. If anyone leaves his home, migrating So when they came into his (Yusuf's) presence,
to Allah and His Messenger, and death catches they said, ‘Your Eminence! Hardship has hit us
up with him, it is Allah Who will reward him. and our families. We bring scant merchandise,
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:100) but fill the measure for us generously. Allah al-
There is no good in much of their secret talk, ex- ways rewards a generous giver.’ (12:88)
cept in the case of those who enjoin charity, or (Their Lord revealed to them,) ‘We will leave you
what is right, or putting things right between peo- the land to live in after them. That is the reward
ple. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of of those who fear My station and fear My threat.’
Allah, We will give him an immense reward. (14:14)
(4:114) As for those who migrate for Allah’s sake after
If anyone desires the reward of this world, the re- being wronged, We shall give them good lodging
ward of both this world and hereafter is with in this world, and the reward of the hereafter is
Allah. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (4:134) greater still if they only knew. (16:41)
The hypocrites are in the lowest level of the Fire. This Qur’an guides to the most upright Way and
You will not find any one to help them, except gives good news to the believers who do right ac-
those who repent and put things right and hold tions that they will have a large reward. (17:9)
fast to Allah and dedicate their religion to Allah It is straight, to warn of violent force direct from
alone; they are with the believers. Allah will give Him, and to give the good news to the believers,
the believers an immense reward. (4:145-146) those who do right actions, that for them there is
Allah has promised those who believe and do an excellent reward. (18:2)
right actions forgiveness and an immense re- They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow-
ward. (5:9) ing under them. They will be adorned in them
Allah will reward them for what they say with with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar-
Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain- ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade,
ing in them timelessly, for ever. That is the rec- reclining there on couches under canopies.
ompense of the good-doers. (5:85) What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re-
The magicians came to Pharaoh and they asked, pose! (18:31)
‘Will we receive a reward if we are the winners?’ In that situation the only protection is from Allah,
(7:113) the Real. He gives the best reward and the best
That is your reward, so taste it. The disbelievers outcome. (18:44)
will also have the punishment of the Fire. (8:14) Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life
That is your reward. Allah always confounds the of this world. But, in your Lord’s sight, right ac-
schemes of the disbelievers. (8:18) tions which are lasting bring a better reward and
Know that your wealth and children are a trial are a better basis for hope. (18:46)
and that there is an immense reward with Allah. (Dhu’l-Qarnayn said,) ‘But as for him who be-
(8:28) lieves and acts rightly, he will receive the best of
Their Lord gives them the good news of His rewards and we will issue a command, making
mercy and good pleasure and Gardens where things easy for him.’ (18:88)
they will enjoy everlasting delight, remaining in Allah augments those who are guided by giving
them timelessly, for ever and ever. Truly there is them greater guidance. In your Lord’s sight, right
an immense reward with Allah. (9:21-22) actions which are lasting are better both in re-
Except for those who are steadfast and do right ward and end result. (19:76)
actions. They will receive forgiveness and a large Gardens of Eden with rivers flowing under them,
reward. (11:11) remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the
And then when he became a full-grown man, We reward of those who purify themselves. (20:76)
gave him knowledge and right judgement too. (Allah will say,) ‘Today I have rewarded them for
That is how We reward all doers of good. (12:22) being steadfast. They are the ones who are victo-
644
rious.’ (23:111) prepared forgiveness for them and an immense
... there are men who proclaim His glory morn- reward. (33:35)
ing and evening, not distracted by trade or com- Their greeting on the Day they meet Him will be
merce from the remembrance of Allah and the ‘Peace!’ and He has prepared a generous reward
performance of prayer and the giving of the alms; for them. (33:44)
fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in Those who disbelieve will suffer a harsh punish-
turmoil–so that Allah can reward them for the ment. But those who believe and do right actions
best of what they did and give them more from will receive forgiveness and an immense reward.
His unbounded favour. Allah provides for any- (35:7)
one He wills without reckoning. (24:36-38) You can only warn those who act on the
When the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh, Reminder and fear the All-Merciful in the
‘Will we be rewarded if we are the winners?’ Unseen. Give them the good news of forgiveness
(26:41) and a generous reward. (36:11)
They will be given their reward twice over be- But if We let him taste mercy from Us after he has
cause they have been steadfast and because they suffered hardship, then he says, ‘This is my due. I
ward off the bad with the good and give from do not think that the Hour is going to come. And
what we have provided for them. (28:54) if am returned to my Lord, I will definitely find
But those who had been given knowledge said, the best reward with Him.’ But We will inform
‘Woe to you! Allah’s reward is better for those those who disbelieve of what they did and make
who believe and act rightly. But only the stead- them suffer a ruthless punishment. (41:50)
fast will obtain it.’ (28:80) The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub and placed to it. But if someone pardons and puts things
Prophethood and the Book among his progeny. right, his reward is with Allah. Certainly He does
We gave him his reward in this world and in the not love wrongdoers. (42:40)
hereafter he will be among the righteous. (29:27) Those who pledge you their allegiance pledge al-
As for those who believe and do right actions, legiance to Allah. Allah’s hand is over their
We will lodge them in lofty chambers in the hands. He who breaks his pledge only breaks it
Garden, with rivers flowing under them, remain- against himself. But as for him who fulfils the
ing in them timelessly, for ever. How excellent is contract he has made with Allah, We will pay
the reward of those who act. (29:58) him an immense reward. (48:10)
(O Prophet, tell your wives:) ‘But if you desire Say to the Arabs who remained behind: ‘You will
Allah and His Messenger and the abode of the be called up against a people who possess great
hereafter, Allah has prepared an immense reward force whom you must fight unless they submit. If
for those among you who are good-doers.’ you obey, Allah will give you an excellent re-
(33:29) ward. But if you turn your backs as you did be-
But those of you who are obedient to Allah and fore, He will punish you with a painful
His Messenger and act rightly will be given their punishment.’ (48:16)
reward twice over; and We have prepared gener- Allah was pleased with the believers when they
ous provision for them. (33:31) pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He
Men and women who are Muslims, men and knew what was in their hearts, and sent down
women who are believers, men and women who serenity to them and has rewarded them with an
are obedient, men and women who are truthful, imminent victory. (48:18)
men and women who are steadfast, men and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
women who are humble, men and women who who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
give charity, men and women who fast, men and merciful to one another. You see them bowing
women who guard their chastity, men and and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and
women who remember Allah much: Allah has His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
645
traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two-
Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and
seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong a group of those with you. Allah determines the
so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its night and day. He knows you will not keep count
stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as
them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows
promised those of them who believe and do right that some of you are ill and that others are travel-
actions forgiveness and an immense reward. ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that
(48:29) others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite
Those who lower their voices when they are with as much of it as is easy for you. And perform
the Messenger of Allah are people whose hearts prayer and give the alms and lend a generous
Allah has tested for heedfulness. They will have loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for
forgiveness and an immense reward. (49:3) yourselves you will find it with Allah as some-
We bore him (Nuh) on a planked and well- thing better and as a greater reward. And seek
caulked ship, which ran before Our eyes–a re- forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
ward for him who had been rejected. (54:13-14) Most Merciful. (73:20)
Will the reward for doing good be anything other So Allah has safeguarded them from the evil of
than good? (55:60) that Day and has made them meet with radiance
Believe in Allah and His Messenger and give of and pure joy and will reward them for their
that to which He has made you successors. steadfastness with a Garden and with silk.
Those of you who believe and give will have an (76:11-12)
immense reward. (57:7) ‘This is your reward. Your striving is fully ac-
Who will make a good loan to Allah so that He knowledged.’ (76:22)
may multiply it for him? He will have a generous ‘This is the way We reward good-doers.’ (77:44)
reward. (57:11) Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden
The men and women who give charity and make with rivers flowing under them, remaining in
a good loan to Allah will have it increased for them timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah is
them and they will have a generous reward. pleased with them and they are pleased with
(57:18) Him. That is for those who fear their Lord. (98:8)
Then We sent Our Messengers following in their
footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them, RIBA (SEE USURY)
giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and
mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. RICH
They invented monasticism–We did not pre- It (the charity) is for the poor who are held back
scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the in the Way of Allah, unable to travel in the land.
pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob- The ignorant consider them rich because of their
serve it as it should have been observed. To those reticence. You will know them by their mark.
of them who believed We gave their reward but They do not ask from people insistently.
many of them are deviators. (57:27) Whatever good you give away, Allah knows it.
Your wealth and children are a trial. But with Allah (2:273)
there is an immense reward. (64:15) Allah has heard the words of those who say,
That is Allah’s command which He has sent down ‘Allah is poor and we are rich.’ We will write
to you. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will erase down what they said and their killing of the
his bad actions from him and greatly increase his Prophets without any right to do so and We will
reward. (65:5) say, ‘Taste the punishment of the Burning.’
Those who fear their Lord in the Unseen will have (3:181)
forgiveness and an immense reward. (67:12) You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bear-
646
ing witness for Allah alone, even against your- the very poor and travellers, so that it does not
selves or your parents and relatives. Whether become something which merely revolves be-
they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look tween the rich among you. Whatever the
after them. Do not follow your own desires and Messenger gives you you should accept and
deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, whatever he forbids you you should forgo. Have
Allah is aware of what you do. (4:135) fear of Allah–Allah is severe in retribution. (59:7)
You who believe! The idolaters are unclean, so Did He not find you impoverished and enrich
after this year they should not come near the you? (93:8)
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). If you fear
impoverishment, Allah will enrich you from His RIDING
bounty if He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All- They say, ‘These animals and crops are sacro-
Wise. (9:28) sanct. No one may eat them except those we
They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but wish’,–as they allege–and animals on whose
they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and backs it is forbidden to ride, and animals over
returned to disbelief after their Islam. They which they do not mention Allah’s name, invent-
planned something which they did not achieve ing falsehood against Him. He will repay them
and they were vindictive for no other cause than for the things they have invented. (6:138)
that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them And also (He provides) animals for riding and for
from His bounty. If they were to repent, it would haulage and animals for slaughtering and for
be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah wool. Eat what Allah has provided for you and
will punish them with a painful punishment in do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an
this world and the hereafter, and they will not outright enemy to you. (6:142)
find any protector or helper on the earth. (9:74) Remember when you called on your Lord for
There are only grounds against those who ask help and He responded to you: ‘I will reinforce
you for permission to stay when they are rich. you with a thousand angels riding rank after
They were pleased to be among those who were rank.’ (8:9)
left behind. Allah has sealed up their hearts so And horses, mules and donkeys both to ride and
they do not know. (9:93) for adornment. And He creates other things you
Marry off those among you who are unmarried do not know. (16:8)
and those of your slaves and slavegirls who are We have made them tame for them and some
righteous. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them they ride and some they eat. (36:72)
from His bounty. Allah is All-Encompassing, All- It is Allah Who has given you livestock, some for
Knowing. (24:32) you to ride and some to eat. (40:79)
Those who cannot find the means to marry It is He Who created all the species and gave you
should be abstinent until Allah enriches them ships and livestock for you to ride. (43:12)
from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to
make a contract to free themselves, write it for RIGHTEOUS (SALIHUN)
them if you know of good in them and give them Who would deliberately renounce the religion of
some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not Ibrahim except someone who reveals himself to
force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if be a fool? We chose him in this world and in the
they desire to be virtuous women out of your de- hereafter he will be one of the righteous. (2:130)
sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces The angels called out to him while he (Zakariyya)
them, then after they have been forced, Allah is was standing in prayer in the Upper Room:
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33) ‘Allah gives you the good news of Yahya, who
Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger will come to confirm a Word from Allah, and will
from city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the be a leader and a celibate, a Prophet and one of
Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and the righteous.’ (3:39)
647
When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives every gate. (13:23)
you good news of a Word from Him. His name is We gave him good in this world and in the here-
the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem after he will be one of the righteous. (16:122)
in this world and the hereafter, and one of those Your Lord knows best what is in your selves. If
brought near.’ (3:45) you are righteous, He is Ever-Forgiving to the re-
They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and en- morseful. (17:25)
join the right and forbid the wrong, and compete (He whom We had granted mercy from Us and
in doing good. They are among the righteous. whom We had also given knowledge direct from
(3:114) Us said to Musa,) ‘As for the wall, it belonged to
Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be two young orphans in the town and there was a
with those whom Allah has blessed: the treasure underneath it, belonging to them. Their
Prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the mar- father was one of the righteous and your Lord
tyrs and the righteous. What excellent company wanted them to come of age and then to unearth
such people are! (4:69) their treasure as a mercy from Him. I did not do it
How could we not believe in Allah, and the truth of my own volition. That is the explanation of the
that has come to us, when we long for our Lord things about which you were not able to restrain
to include us among the righteous?’ (5:84) yourself.’ (18:82)
And Zakariyya, Yahya, ‘Isa and Ilyas. All of them And in addition to that We gave him Ishaq and
were among the righteous. (6:85) Ya‘qub and made both of them righteous. (21:72)
And We divided them into nations in the earth. We admitted him into Our mercy. He was one of
Some of them are righteous and some are other the righteous. (21:75)
than that. We tried them with good and evil so We admitted them into Our mercy. They were
that hopefully they would return. (7:168) among the righteous. (21:86)
As for those who hold fast to the Book and per- We wrote down in the Zabur, after the Reminder
form prayer, We will not let the wage of the right- came: ‘It is My servants who are righteous who
eous be wasted. (7:170) will inherit the earth.’ (21:105)
(Say:) ‘My Protector is Allah Who sent down the Marry off those among you who are unmarried
Book. He takes care of the righteous.’ (7:196) and those of your slaves and slavegirls who are
Among them there were some who made an righteous. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them
agreement with Allah: ‘If He gives us of His from His bounty. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-
bounty we will definitely give charity and be Knowing. (24:32)
among the righteous.’ (9:75) (Ibrahim said,) ‘My Lord, give me right judge-
Two servants entered prison along with him ment and unite me with the righteous.’ (26:83)
(Yusuf). One said, ‘I dreamt that I was pressing He (Sulayman) smiled, laughing at its words, and
grapes.’ The other said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread said, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing
upon my head and birds were eating it. Tell us You have bestowed on me and on my parents,
the true meaning of these dreams. We see that and keep me acting rightly, pleasing You, and
you’re one of the righteous.’ (12:36) admit me, by Your mercy, among Your servants
(Yusuf said,) ‘My Lord, You have granted power who are righteous.’ (27:19)
to me on earth and taught me the true meaning of He said (to Musa), ‘I would like to marry you to
events. Originator of the heavens and earth, You one of these two daughters of mine on condition
are my Friend in this world and the Next. So take that you work for me for eight full years. If you
me as a Muslim at my death and join me to the complete ten, that is up to you. I do not want to
people who are righteous.’ (12:101) be hard on you. You will find me, Allah willing,
Gardens of Eden which they will enter, and all of to be one of the righteous.’ (28:27)
their parents, wives and children who were right- As for those who believe and do right actions,
eous. Angels will enter in to welcome them from We will admit them among the righteous. (29:9)
648
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub and placed Allah is not unaware of what you do. (2:74)
Prophethood and the Book among his progeny. When Talut marched out with the army, he said,
We gave him his reward in this world and in the ‘Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who
hereafter he will be among the righteous. (29:27) drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who
We gave him the good news of Ishaq, a Prophet, does not taste it is with me–except for him who
one of the righteous. (37:112) merely scoops up a little in his hand.’ But they
We have instructed man to be good to his par- drank from it–except for a few of them. Then
ents. His mother bore him with difficulty and when he and those who believed with him had
with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing crossed it, they said, ‘We do not have the
and weaning take thirty months. Then when he strength to face Goliath and his troops today.’ But
achieves his full strength and reaches forty, he those who were sure that they were going to
says, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing meet Allah said, ‘How many a small force has tri-
You bestowed on me and on my parents, and umphed over a much greater one by Allah’s per-
keep me acting rightly, pleasing You. And make mission! Allah is with the steadfast.’ (2:249)
my descendants righteous. I have repented to Would any of you like to have a garden of dates
You and I am truly one of the Muslims.’ (46:15) and grapes, with rivers flowing underneath and
Give from what We have provided for you before containing all kinds of fruits, then to be stricken
death comes to one of you and he says, ‘My with old age and have children who are weak,
Lord, if only you would give me a little more time and then for a fierce whirlwind containing fire to
so that I can give charity and be one of the right- come and strike it so that it goes up in flames? In
eous!’ (63:10) this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so
Allah has made an example for those who disbe- that hopefully you will reflect. (2:266)
lieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They Say, ‘Shall I tell you of something better than
were married to two of Our servants who were that?’ Those who guard against evil will have
righteous but they betrayed them and were not Gardens with their Lord, with rivers flowing
helped at all against Allah. They were told, ‘Enter under them, remaining in them timelessly, for
the Fire along with all who enter it.’ (66:10) ever, and purified wives, and the Pleasure of
But his Lord chose him and made him one of the Allah. Allah sees His servants. (3:15)
righteous. (68:50) Their recompense is forgiveness from their Lord,
Among us there are some who are righteous and and Gardens with rivers flowing under them, re-
some who are other than that. We follow many maining in them timelessly, for ever. How excel-
different paths. (72:11) lent is the reward of those who act! (3:136)
Their Lord responds to them: ‘I will not let the
RIVER deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male
Give the good news to those who believe and do or female–you are both the same in that respect.
right actions that they will have Gardens with Those who migrated and were driven from their
rivers flowing under them. When they are given homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought
fruit there as provision, they will say, ‘This is and were killed, I will erase their bad actions
what we were given before.’ But they were only from them and admit them into Gardens with
given a simulation of it. They will have there rivers flowing under them, as a reward from
spouses of perfect purity and will remain there Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.’
timelessly, for ever. (2:25) (3:195)
Then your hearts became hardened after that, so But those who have fear of their Lord will have
they were like rocks or even harder still. There Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain-
are some rocks from which rivers gush out, and ing in them timelessly, for ever: hospitality from
others which split open and water pours out, and Allah. What is with Allah is better for those who
others which crash down from fear of Allah. are truly good. (3:198)
649
These are Allah’s limits. As for those who obey ‘Praise be to Allah Who has guided us to this! We
Allah and His Messenger, We will admit them would not have been guided, had Allah not
into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, re- guided us. The Messengers of our Lord came
maining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the with the Truth.’ It will be proclaimed to them:
Great Victory. (4:13) ‘This is your Garden which you have inherited
But as for those who believe and do right actions, for what you did.’ (7:43)
We will admit them into Gardens with rivers Allah has promised the men and women of the
flowing under them, remaining in them time- believers Gardens with rivers flowing under
lessly, for ever and ever. In them they will have them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever, and
spouses of perfect purity and We will admit them fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And
into cool, refreshing shade. (4:57) Allah’s good pleasure is even greater. That is the
But as for those who believe and do right actions, great victory. (9:72)
We will admit them into Gardens with rivers Allah has prepared Gardens for them with rivers
flowing under them, remaining in them time- flowing under them, remaining in them time-
lessly, for ever and ever. Allah’s promise is true. lessly, for ever. That is the great victory. (9:89)
Whose speech could be truer than Allah’s? The forerunners–the first of the Migrants
(4:122) (Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar)–and
Allah made a covenant with the tribe of Israel those who have followed them in doing good:
and We raised up twelve leaders from among Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased
them. Allah said, ‘I am with you. If you perform with Him. He has prepared Gardens for them
prayer and give the alms, and believe in My with rivers flowing under them, remaining in
Messengers and respect and support them, and them timelessly, for ever and ever. That is the
make a generous loan to Allah, I will erase your great victory. (9:100)
wrong actions from you and admit you into But as for those who believe and do right actions,
Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Any of their Lord will guide them by their faith. Rivers
you who disbelieve after that have gone astray will flow under them in Gardens of Delight.
from the right way.’ (5:12) (10:9)
Allah will reward them for what they say with It is He Who stretched out the earth and placed
Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain- firmly embedded mountains and rivers in it and
ing in them timelessly, for ever. That is the rec- made two types of every kind of fruit. He covers
ompense of the good-doers. (5:85) over day with night. There are Signs in that for
Allah will say, ‘This is the Day when the sincerity people who reflect. (13:3)
of the sincere will benefit them. They will have He sends down water from the sky and river-beds
Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain- fill up and flow according to their size, and the
ing in them timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah is floodwater carries with it an increasing layer of
pleased with them and they are pleased with scum; a similar kind of scum comes from what
Him. That is the Great Victory.’ (5:119) you heat up in the fire, when you desire to make
Have they not seen how many generations We jewellery or other things. That is how Allah de-
destroyed before them which We had estab- picts the true and the false. As for the scum, it is
lished on the earth far more firmly than We have quickly swept away. But as for that which is of
established you? We sent down heaven upon use to people, it remains behind in the ground.
them in abundant rain and made rivers flow That is a metaphor which Allah has made.
under them. But We destroyed them for their (13:17)
wrong actions and raised up further generations What is the Garden promised to those who guard
after them. (6:6) against evil like? It has rivers flowing under it and
We will strip away any rancour in their hearts. its foodstuffs and cool shade never fail. That is
Rivers will flow under them and they will say, the final fate of those who guard against evil. But
650
the final fate of the disbelievers is the Fire. better than that: Gardens with rivers flowing under
(13:35) them; and He will grant you Palaces. (25:10)
Those who believed and did right actions will be He Who made the earth a stable dwelling place
admitted into Gardens with rivers flowing under and appointed rivers flowing through its midst
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever by and placed firmly embedded mountains on it
the permission of their Lord. Their greeting there and set a barrier between the two seas. Is there
is ‘Peace!’ (14:23) another god besides Allah? No indeed, but most
Allah is He Who created the heavens and the of them do not know it! (27:61)
earth and sends down water from the sky and by As for those who believe and do right actions,
it brings forth fruits as provision for you. He has We will lodge them in lofty chambers in the
made the ships subservient to you to run upon Garden, with rivers flowing under them, remain-
the sea by His command, and He has made the ing in them timelessly, for ever. How excellent is
rivers subservient to you. (14:32) the reward of those who act. (29:58)
He cast firmly embedded mountains on the earth But those who have fear of their Lord will have
so it would not move under you, and rivers and high-ceilinged Halls, and more such Halls built
pathways so that hopefully you would be guided. one above the other, and rivers flowing under
(16:15) them. That is Allah’s promise. Allah does not
Gardens of Eden which they enter, with rivers break His promise. (39:20)
flowing under them, where they have whatever Pharaoh called to his people, saying, ‘My peo-
they desire. That is how Allah repays those who ple, does the kingdom of Egypt not belong to me?
guard against evil. (16:31) Do not all these rivers flow under my control? Do
They say, ‘We will not believe you until you you not then see?’ (43:51)
make a spring gush out from the earth for us; or Allah will admit those who believe to Gardens
have a garden of dates and grapes which you with rivers flowing under them. Those who dis-
make rivers come pouring through.’ (17:90-91) believe have their enjoyment, eating as cattle
They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow- eat, but the Fire will be their final residence.
ing under them. They will be adorned in them (47:12)
with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar- An image of the Garden which is promised to
ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade, those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers
reclining there on couches under canopies. of water which will never spoil and rivers of milk
What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re- whose taste will never change and rivers of wine,
pose! (18:31) delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey
Both gardens yielded their crops and did not suf- of undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of
fer any loss, and We made a river flow right every kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that
through the middle of them. (18:33) like those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for
Gardens of Eden with rivers flowing under them, ever, with boiling water to drink which lacerates
remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the their bowels? (47:15)
reward of those who purify themselves. (20:76) It is He Who sent down serenity into the hearts of
Allah will admit those who believe and do right the believers thereby increasing their faith with
actions into Gardens with rivers flowing under more faith–the legions of the heavens and the
them. Allah does whatever He wishes. (22:14) earth belong to Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
But Allah will admit those who believe and do Wise–so that He may admit the men and women
right actions into Gardens with rivers flowing of the believers into Gardens with rivers flowing
under them where they will be adorned with gold under them, remaining in them timelessly, for
bracelets and pearls, and where their clothing will ever, and erase their bad actions from them; and
be of silk. (22:23) in Allah’s sight that is a mighty victory. (48:4-5)
Blessed be He Who, if He wishes, will grant you There is no constraint on the blind, nor on the
651
lame, nor on the sick. We will admit all who under them on the Day when Allah will not dis-
obey Allah and His Messenger into Gardens with grace the Prophet and those who believed along
rivers flowing under them. But We will punish with him. Their light will stream out ahead of
with a painful punishment anyone who turns his them and on their right. They will say, ‘Our Lord,
back. (48:17) perfect our light for us and forgive us! You have
The people who guard against evil will be amid power over all things.’ (66:8)
Gardens and Rivers. (54:54) But those who believe and do right actions will
On the Day you see the men and women of the have Gardens with rivers flowing under them.
believers, with their light streaming out in front of That is the Great Victory. (85:11)
them, and to their right: ‘Good news for you Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden
today of Gardens with rivers flowing under them, with rivers flowing under them, remaining in
remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the them timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah is
Great Victory.’ (57:12) pleased with them and they are pleased with
You will not find people who believe in Allah Him. That is for those who fear their Lord. (98:8)
and the Last Day having love for anyone who op-
poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be ROCK
their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their And (remember) when Musa was looking for
clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo- water for his people, We said, ‘Strike the rock
ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit with your staff.’ Then twelve fountains gushed
from Him and admit them into Gardens with out from it and all the people knew their drinking
rivers flowing under them, remaining in them place. ‘Eat and drink of Allah's provision and do
timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them not go about the earth corrupting it.’ (2:60)
and they are pleased with Him. Such people are Then your hearts became hardened after that, so
the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah they were like rocks or even harder still. There
who are successful. (58:22) are some rocks from which rivers gush out, and
He will forgive you your wrong actions and others which split open and water pours out, and
admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing under others which crash down from fear of Allah.
them, and fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. Allah is not unaware of what you do. (2:74)
That is the Great Victory. (61:12) Say: ‘It would not matter if you were rock or iron
On the Day He gathers you for the Day of or indeed any created thing that you think is
Gathering–that is the Day of Profit and Loss. As harder still!’ They will say, ‘Who will bring us
for those who believe in Allah and act rightly, We back again?’ Say: ‘He Who brought you into
will erase their bad actions from them and admit being in the first place.’ They will shake their
them into Gardens with rivers flowing under heads at you and ask, ‘When will it happen?’ Say:
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever and ‘It may well be that it is very near.’ (17:50-51)
ever. That is the Great Victory! (64:9) He (Musa’s servant) said, ‘Do you see what has
(Allah has sent down) a Messenger reciting happened? When we went to find shelter at the
Allah’s Clear Signs to you to bring those who be- rock, I forgot the fish. No one made me forget to
lieve and do right actions out of the darkness into remember it except Satan. It found its way into
the Light. Whoever believes in Allah and acts the sea in an amazing way.’ (18:63)
rightly, We will admit him into Gardens with (Luqman said,) ‘My son, even if something
rivers flowing under them remaining in them weighs as little as a mustard-seed and is inside a
timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah has provided rock or anywhere else in the heavens or earth,
for him excellently! (65:11) Allah will bring it out. Allah is All-Pervading, All-
You who believe! Repent to Allah. It may be that Aware.’ (31:16)
your Lord will erase your bad actions from you And Thamud who carved out rocks in the valley-
and admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing side (was one of the tyrants). (89:9)
652
ROLLING OF THE EYES The assembly will be routed and will turn their
When they came at you from above you and backs in flight. (54:45)
below you, when your eyes rolled and your
hearts rose to your throats, and you thought un- RUBY
worthy thoughts about Allah, at that point the be- Like precious gems of ruby and pearl. (55:58)
lievers were tested and severely shaken.
(33:10-11) RUG
Allah knows the obstructers among you and (Believers will be) reclining on green quilts and
those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and exquisite rugs. (55:76)
who only come to fight a very little, and are be- (In the Garden are) spread-out rugs. (88:16)
grudging towards you. Then when fear comes,
you see them looking at you, their eyes rolling RUH (SEE SPIRIT)
like people scared to death. But when fear de-
parts they flay you with sharp tongues, grasping RULING
for wealth. Such people have no faith and Allah They request from you a ruling concerning
will make their actions come to nothing. That is women. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling about
easy for Allah. (33:18-19) them; and also what is recited to you in the Book
about orphan girls to whom you do not give the
ROMANS inheritance they are owed, while at the same
The Romans have been defeated in the land time desiring to marry them; and also about
nearby, but after their defeat they will themselves young children who are denied their rights: that
be victorious in a few years’ time. The affair is you should act justly with respect to orphans.’
Allah’s from beginning to end. On that day, the Whatever good you do, Allah knows it. (4:127)
believers will rejoice. (30:2-4) They request from you a ruling. Say: ‘Allah gives
you a ruling about people who die without direct
ROOF heirs: If a man dies childless but has a sister she
Those before them also plotted, and Allah came at receives half of what he leaves, and he is her heir
their building from the foundations and the roof if she dies childless. If there are two sisters they
caved in on top of them. The punishment came at receive two-thirds of what he leaves. If there are
them from where they did not expect. (16:26) brothers and sisters the males receive the share of
We made the sky a preserved and protected roof two females. Allah makes things clear to you so
yet still they turn away from Our Signs. (21:32) you will not go astray. Allah has knowledge of all
Were it not that mankind might all become one things.’ (4:176)
community, We would have given those who re-
ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses
and silver stairways to ascend. (43:33)

ROUT
And with Allah's permission they routed them.
Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king-
ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He
willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some peo-
ple back by means of others, the earth would
have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to
all the worlds. (2:251)
Even a whole army of Confederates will be
routed there! (38:11)
653
S differed about it. Your Lord will judge between
them on the Day of Rising regarding the things
SA’IBA about which they differed. (16:124)
Allah did not institute any such thing as bahira or
sa’iba or wasila or hami. Those who disbelieved SABR (SEE STEADFASTNESS)
invented lies against Allah. Most of them do not
use their intellect. (5:103) SACRED (FORBIDDEN) MONTHS
Sacred month in return for sacred month–sacred
SABAEANS things are subject to retaliation. So if anyone
Those with faith, those who are Jews, and the oversteps the limits against you, overstep against
Christians and Sabaeans, all who believe in Allah him the same as he did to you. But have fear of
and the Last Day and act rightly, will have their Allah. Know that Allah is with those who guard
reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and against evil. (2:194)
will know no sorrow. (2:62) They will ask you about the Sacred Month and
Those who believe and those who are Jews and fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat-
the Sabaeans and the Christians, all who believe ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re-
in Allah and the Last Day and act rightly will feel jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred
no fear and will know no sorrow. (5:69) Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo-
As for those who believe and those who are Jews ple from it are far more serious in the sight of
and the Sabaeans and the Christians, Magians Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will
and idolaters, Allah will distinguish between not stop fighting you until they make you revert
them on the Day of Rising. Allah is witness of all from your religion, if they are able. As for any of
things. (22:17) you who revert from their religion and die disbe-
lievers, their actions will come to nothing in this
SABBATH world and the hereafter. They are the
(THE BAN OF THE SABBATH) Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
You are well aware of those of you who broke lessly, for ever. (2:217)
the Sabbath. We said to them, ‘Be apes, de- You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
spised, cast out.’ (2:65) of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
You who have been given the Book! Believe in animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
what We have sent down confirming what is for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
with you, before We obliterate faces, turning pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
them inside out, or We curse you as We cursed is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
the Companions of the Sabbath. Allah’s com- a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
mand is always carried out. (4:47) (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
We lifted up the Mount above their heads in ac- the limits. Help each other to goodness and
cordance with the covenant they had made, and heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
We said to them, ‘Enter the gate prostrating,’ and ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se-
We said to them, ‘Do not break the Sabbath,’ and vere in retribution. (5:2)
We made a binding covenant with them. (4:154) Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a
Ask them about the town which was by the sea special institution for mankind, and also the sa-
when they broke the Sabbath–when their fish cred months and the sacrificial animals and the
came to them near the surface on their Sabbath ritual garlands. That is so you will know that
day but did not come on the days which they did Allah knows what is in the heavens and in the
not keep the Sabbath. In this way We put them to earth and that Allah has knowledge of all things.
the test because they were deviators. (7:163) (5:97)
The Sabbath was only enjoined on those who Then, when the sacred months are over, kill the
654
idolaters wherever you find them, and seize Thankful, All-Knowing. (2:158)
them and besiege them and lie in wait for them Kill them wherever you come across them and
on every road. If they repent and perform prayer expel them from where they expelled you.
and give the alms, let them go on their way. Allah Corruption is worse than killing. Do not fight
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:5) them in the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)
There have been twelve months with Allah in the until they fight you there. But if they do fight you,
Book of Allah, from the day He first created the then kill them. That is how the disbelievers
heavens and earth. Four of them are forbidden. should be repaid. (2:191)
That is the True Religion. So do not wrong one Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for
another during them. However, fight the idol- Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what-
aters totally just as they fight you totally, and ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
know that Allah is with those who guard against heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the
evil. (9:36) place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a
Deferring a sacred month is an increase in disbe- head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or
lief by which those who have disbelieved are led sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And
astray. One year they make it profane and an- if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of
other sacred to tally with the number Allah has a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make
made sacred. In that way they profane what whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who
Allah has made sacred. Their bad actions are cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage
made to seem good to them. Allah does not and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is
guide disbelieving people. (9:37) for anyone whose family does not live near the
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of
SACRED LANDMARK Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution.
There is nothing wrong in seeking bounty from (2:196)
your Lord. When you pour down from Arafat, re- You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
member Allah at the Sacred Landmark. of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
Remember Him because He has guided you, animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
even though before this you were astray. (2:198) for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
SACRED MOSQUE, THE is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
(MASJID AL-HARAM) a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the the limits. Help each other to goodness and
place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il: ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se-
‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and vere in retribution. (5:2)
those who stay there, and those who bow and But why should Allah not punish them now
who prostrate.’ (2:125) when they bar access to the Sacred Mosque
Wherever you come from, turn your face to the (Masjid al-Haram)? They are not its guardians.
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). This is cer- Only people who guard against evil can be its
tainly the truth from your Lord. Allah is not un- guardians. But most of them do not know that.
aware of what you do. (2:149) (8:34)
Safa and Marwa are among the Landmarks of Their prayer at the House is nothing but whistling
Allah, so anyone who goes on pilgrimage to the and clapping. So taste the punishment because
House (Kaaba) or does the pious visit incurs no you disbelieved! (8:35)
wrong in going back and forth between them. If How could any of the idolaters possibly have a
anyone spontaneously does good, Allah is All- treaty with Allah and with His Messenger, except
655
for those you made a treaty with at the Sacred vere in retribution. (5:2)
Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)? As long as they are That is it. As for those who honour Allah’s sacred
straight with you, be straight with them. Allah rites should do so from heartfelt heeding. (22:32)
loves those who guard against evil. (9:7)
Do you make the giving of water to the pilgrims SACRIFICIAL ANIMAL
and looking after the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for
Haram) the same as believing in Allah and the Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what-
Last Day and striving in the Way of Allah? They ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
are not equal in the sight of Allah. Allah does not heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the
guide wrongdoing people. (9:19) place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a
Glory be to Him Who took His servant on a jour- head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or
ney by night from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And
Haram) to the Further Mosque (Masjid al-Aqsa), if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of
whose surroundings We have blessed, in order to a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make
show him some of Our Signs. He is the All- whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who
Hearing, the All-Seeing. (17:1) cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage
Those who disbelieve and bar access to the Way and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is
of Allah and to the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- for anyone whose family does not live near the
Haram) which We have appointed for all Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of
mankind–equally for those who live near it and Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution.
those who come from far away–those who desire (2:196)
to profane it with wrongdoing, We will let them Those who say, ‘Allah has made a contract with
taste a painful punishment. (22:25) us that we should not believe in any Messenger
And We located the position of the House until he brings us a sacrifice consumed by fire.’
(Kaaba) for Ibrahim: ‘Do not associate anything Say, ‘Messengers came to you before me with the
with Me and purify My House for those who cir- Clear Signs and with what you say. So why did
cle it, and those who stand and bow and pros- you kill them if you are telling the truth?’ (3:183)
trate.’ (22:26) You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
(We said to Ibrahim,) ‘Then they should end their of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
state of self-neglect and fufil their vows and cir- animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
cle the Ancient House.’ (22:29) for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
You can make use of the sacrificial animals until pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
a specified time, and then their place of sacrifice is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
is by the Ancient House. (22:33) a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
(Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
SACRED RITE the limits. Help each other to goodness and
You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se-
animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading vere in retribution. (5:2)
for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good Recite to them the true report of Adam’s two sons
pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage when they offered a sacrifice and it was accepted
is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for from one of them but not accepted from the
a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque other. The one said, ‘I shall kill you.’ The other
(Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond said, ‘Allah only accepts from people who guard
the limits. Help each other to goodness and against evil.’ (5:27)
heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo- You who believe! Do not kill game while you are
ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se- in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any
656
deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock ani- Trustworthy, the Safeguarder, the Almighty, the
mal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by Compeller, the Supremely Great. Glory be to
two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the Allah above all they associate with Him. (59:23)
Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fast-
ing commensurate with that, so that he may taste SAFETY
the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has And when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, make this a
pardoned all that took place in the past; but if place of safety and provide its inhabitants with
anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on fruits–all of them who believe in Allah and the
him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. Last Day,’ He said, ‘I will let anyone who be-
(5:95) comes a disbeliever enjoy himself a little but
Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a then I will drive him to the punishment of the
special institution for mankind, and also the sa- Fire. What an evil destination!’ (2:126)
cred months and the sacrificial animals and the Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for
ritual garlands. That is so you will know that Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what-
Allah knows what is in the heavens and in the ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
earth and that Allah has knowledge of all things. heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the
(5:97) place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a
We have appointed the sacrificial animals for head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or
you as one of the sacred rites of Allah. There is sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And
good in them for you, so invoke Allah’s name if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of
over them, as they stand in rows. And then when a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make
they collapse on their sides, eat of them and feed whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who
both those who ask and those who are too shy to cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage
ask. In this way We have subjected them to you and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is
so that hopefully you will be thankful. (22:36) for anyone whose family does not live near the
When he was of an age to work with him, he Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of
(Ibrahim) said, ‘My son, I saw in a dream that I Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution.
must sacrifice you. What do you think about (2:196)
this?’ He said, ‘Do as you are ordered, father. If you are afraid, then perform prayer on foot or
Allah willing, you will find me resolute.’ (37:102) mounted. But when you are safe, remember
We ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice. Allah in the way He taught you when previously
(37:107) you did not know. (2:239)
So pray to your Lord and sacrifice. (108:2) In it are Clear Signs–the place where Ibrahim
stood (to pray). All who enter it are safe.
SADAQA (SEE CHARITY) Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah
by all mankind–those who can find a way to do
SAFA AND MARWA it. But if anyone disbelieves, Allah is Rich
Safa and Marwa are among the Landmarks of Beyond Need of any being. (3:97)
Allah, so anyone who goes on pilgrimage to the You will find others who desire to be safe from
House or does the pious visit incurs no wrong in you and safe from their own people. Each time
going back and forth between them. If anyone they are returned to dissension they are over-
spontaneously does good, Allah is All-Thankful, whelmed by it. If they do not keep away from
All-Knowing. (2:158) you or submit to you or refrain from fighting,
seize them and kill them wherever you find
SAFEGUARDER them. Over such people We have given you
He is Allah–there is no god but Him. He is the clear authority. (4:91)
King, the Most Pure, the Perfect Peace, the When you have finished prayer remember Allah
657
standing, sitting and lying on your sides. When him. (33:56)
you are safe again perform prayer in the normal We placed between them and the cities We had
way. The prayer is prescribed for the believers at blessed other clearly conspicuous cities, making
specific times. (4:103) them measured stages on the way: ‘Travel be-
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Why should I fear what you have tween them in safety by night and day.’ (34:18)
associated with Him when you yourselves appar- It is not your wealth or your children that will
ently have no fear of associating partners with bring you near to Us–only in the case of people
Allah for which He has sent down no authority to who believe and act rightly; such people will
you? Which of the two parties is more entitled to have a double recompense for what they did.
feel safe, if you have any knowledge? Those who They will be safe from all harm in the High Halls
believe and do not mix up their faith with any of Paradise. (34:37)
wrongdoing, they are the ones who are safe; it is Those who adulterate Our Signs are not con-
they who are guided.’ (6:81-82) cealed from Us. Who is better–someone
If any of the idolaters ask you for protection, give who will be thrown into the fire or someone who
them protection until they have heard the words will arrive in safety on the Day of Rising? Do
of Allah. Then convey them to a place where what you like. He sees whatever you do. (41:40)
they are safe. That is because they are a people The people who guard against evil will be in a
who do not know. (9:6) safe place. (44:51)
Then when they entered into Yusuf’s presence, Allah has confirmed His Messenger’s vision with
he drew his parents close to him and said, ‘Enter truth: ‘You will enter the Sacred Mosque (Masjid
Egypt safe and sound, if Allah wills.’ (12:99) al-Haram) in safety, Allah willing, shaving your
When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord! Make this land a heads and cutting your hair without any fear.’ He
place of safety and keep me and my sons from knew what you did not know and ordained, in
worshipping idols.’ (14:35) place of this, an imminent victory. (48:27)
They (the people of Al-Hijr) carved out houses So let them worship the Lord of this House Who
from the mountains, feeling safe. (15:82) has preserved them from hunger and secured
Allah makes an example of a city which was safe them from fear. (106:3-4)
and at peace, its provision coming to it plenti-
fully from every side. Then it showed ingratitude SALAM (SEE PEACE)
for Allah’s blessings so Allah made it wear the
robes of hunger and fear for what it did. (16:112) SALAT (SEE PRAYER)
Those who perform good actions will receive
better than them and will be safe that Day from SALIH (AS) AND THAMUD
terror. (27:89) And to Thamud We sent their brother Salih, who
They say, ‘If we follow the guidance with you, said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no
we shall be forcibly uprooted from our land.’ other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to
Have We not established a safe haven for them to you from your Lord. This is the She-Camel of
which produce of every kind is brought, provi- Allah as a Sign for you. Leave her alone to eat on
sion direct from Us? But most of them do not Allah’s earth and do not harm her in any way or a
know it. (28:57) painful punishment will afflict you. Remember
Do they not see that We have established a safe when He appointed you successors to ‘Ad and
haven while people all round them are violently settled you in the land. You built palaces on its
dispossessed? So why do they believe in false- plains and carved out houses from the moun-
hood and reject the blessing of Allah? (29:67) tains. Remember Allah’s blessings and do not go
Allah and His angels call down blessings on the about the earth, corrupting it.’ (7:73-74)
Prophet. You who believe! Call down blessings The ruling circle of those of his people who were
on him and ask for complete peace and safety for arrogant said to those who were oppressed–those
658
among them who believed–‘Do you know that Salih and those who believed along with him by
Salih has been sent from his Lord?’ They said, a mercy from Us from the disgrace of that day.
‘We believe in what he has been sent with.’ Your Lord is the All-Strong, the Almighty. (11:66)
(7:75) The Great Blast seized hold of those who did
Those who were arrogant said, ‘We reject Him in wrong and morning found them lying flattened in
Whom you believe.’ (7:76) their homes. (11:67)
And they hamstrung the She-Camel, spurning It was as if they had never lived there at all. Yes
their Lord’s command, and said, ‘Salih! Bring us indeed! Thamud rejected their Lord. So away
what you have promised us if you are one of the with Thamud! (11:68)
Messengers.’ (7:77) (Shu‘ayb said,) ‘My people! Do not let your
So the earthquake seized them and morning breach with me provoke you into doing wrong so
found them lying flattened in their homes. (7:78) that the same thing happens to you as happened
He turned away from them and said, ‘My people, to the people of Nuh and the people of Hud and
I transmitted my Lord’s message to you and gave the people of Salih; and the people of Lut are not
you good counsel. However, you do not like far distant from you.’ (11:89)
good counsellors!’ (7:79) When Our command came, We rescued Shu‘ayb
Has the news of those who came before them not and those who believed along with him by a
reached them, the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and mercy from Us. The Great Blast seized hold of
Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in- those who did wrong and morning found them
habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities? lying flattened in their homes as if they had never
Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs. lived there at all. Yes indeed! Away with Madyan
Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged just like Thamud! (11:94-95)
themselves. (9:70) Has news not reached you of those who came
To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, before you, the peoples of Nuh and ‘Ad and
‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god Thamud, and those who came after them who
apart from Him. He brought you into being from are known to no one but Allah? Their Messengers
the earth and made you its inhabitants. So ask came to them with Clear Signs, but they put their
His forgiveness and then repent to Him. My Lord hands to their mouths, saying, ‘We reject what
is Close and Quick to Respond.’ (11:61) you have been sent with. We have grave doubts
They said, ‘Salih, we had great hopes in you be- about what you are calling us to.’ (14:9)
fore this happened. Do you forbid us to worship Nothing has prevented Us sending you Signs ex-
what our fathers worshipped? We have grave cept the fact that the previous peoples denied
doubts about what you are calling us to.’ (11:62) them. We gave Thamud the she-camel as a visi-
He said, ‘My people! What do you think? If I ble Sign, and then they mistreated her. We do not
were to possess a Clear Sign from my Lord and send Signs except to frighten people. (17:59)
He had given me mercy from Him: who would If they deny you, the people of Nuh before them
help me against Allah if I disobeyed Him? You denied him and those of ‘Ad and of Thamud.
would not increase me in anything but loss. My (22:42)
people! Here is the she-camel of Allah as a Sign The same goes for ‘Ad and Thamud and the
for you. So leave her alone to eat on Allah’s earth Companions of the Rass and many generations in
and do not inflict any harm on her or you will be between. (25:38)
overcome by an imminent punishment.’ (11:63- Thamud denied the Messengers, when their
64) brother Salih said to them, ‘Will you not guard
But they hamstrung her, so he said, ‘Enjoy your- against evil? I am a faithful Messenger to you so
selves in your land for three more days. That is a have fear of Allah and obey me. I do not ask you
promise which will not be belied.’ (11:65) for any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility
Then when Our command came We rescued of no one but the Lord of all the worlds. Are you
659
going to be left secure amid what is here, amid And ‘Ad and Thamud–it must be clear to you
gardens and clear springs, and cultivated fields from their dwelling places! Satan made their ac-
and palms with supple spathes? Will you con- tions seem good to them and so debarred them
tinue hewing houses from the mountains with from the Way, even though they were intelligent
exultant skill? So have fear of Allah and obey me. people. (29:38)
Do not obey the orders of the profligate, those And Thamud and the people of Lut and the
who corrupt the earth and do not put things Companions of the Thicket. Those too were
right.’ (26:141-152) Confederates. Each one of them denied the
They said, ‘You are merely someone bewitched. Messengers and so My punishment was justly
You are nothing but a human being like our- carried out. (38:13-14)
selves, so produce a Sign if you are telling the The man who believed said, ‘My people! I fear
truth.’ (26:153-154) for you a day like that of the Confederates, the
He said, ‘Here is a she-camel. She has a time for same as happened to the people of Nuh and ‘Ad
drinking and you have a time for drinking–on and Thamud and those who followed after them.
specified days. Do not do anything to harm her Allah does not want any injustice for His ser-
or the punishment of a terrible day will come vants.’ (40:30-31)
down on you.’ (26:155-156) If they turn away, then say, ‘I warn you of a light-
But they hamstrung her and woke up full of re- ning-bolt like the lightning-bolt of ‘Ad and of
morse, for the punishment did come down them. Thamud.’ When the Messengers came to them
There is certainly a Sign in that, yet most of them from in front and from behind, saying, ‘Do not
are not believers. Truly your Lord is the Almighty, worship anyone but Allah’, they said, ‘If our Lord
the Most Merciful. (26:157-159) had willed, He could have sent angels down, so
To Thamud We sent their brother Salih telling we reject the Message you have been sent with.’
them to worship Allah, and straightaway they di- (41:13-14)
vided in two, arguing with one another. He said, As for Thamud, We guided them, but they pre-
‘My people, why are you so anxious to hasten ferred blindness to guidance. So the lightning-
the bad before the good? If only you would ask bolt of the punishment of humiliation seized
for forgiveness from Allah, so that mercy might them on account of what they earned. And We
perhaps be shown to you.’ They said, ‘We see rescued those who believed and guarded against
you, and those with you, as an evil omen.’ He evil. (41:17-18)
said, ‘No, your evil omen is with Allah; you are Before them the people of Nuh also denied the
merely a people undergoing a trial.’ There was a truth and the Companions of Rass and Thamud,
group of nine men in the city causing corruption (50:12)
in the land and not putting things right. They And also in Thamud, when they were told:
said, ‘Let us make an oath to one another by ‘Enjoy yourselves a while!’ But they spurned their
Allah that we will fall on him and his family in Lord’s command,so the Blast seized them as they
the night and then say to his protector, "We did looked. They could not stand upright and they
not witness the destruction of his family and we were not helped. (51:43-45)
are telling the truth."’ They hatched a plot and And (He destroyed) Thamud as well, sparing
We hatched a plot while they were not aware. So none of them, (53:51)
look at the end result of all their plotting; We ut- Thamud denied the warnings. They said, ‘Are we
terly destroyed them and their whole people! to follow a human being, one of us? Then we
These are the ruins of their houses because of the would truly be misguided, quite insane! Has the
wrong they did. There is certainly a Sign in that Reminder been given to him of all of us? No in-
for people with knowledge. We rescued those deed! He is an impudent liar.’ ‘They will know
who believed and who guarded against evil. tomorrow who the impudent liar is. We will send
(27:45-53) the she-camel as a trial for them. Just keep a
660
watchful eye on them and be steadfast. Inform SAMARITAN
them that the water is to be shared out between He (Allah) said, ‘We tried your people after you
them, each drinking by turn.’ They called on left and the Samaritan has misguided them.’
their companion and he set to it and hamstrung (20:85)
her. How terrible were My punishment and Musa returned to his people in anger and great
warnings! We sent a single Blast against them sorrow. He said, ‘My people, did not your Lord
and they were just like a thatcher’s reeds. (54:23- make you a handsome promise? Did the fulfil-
31) ment of the contract seem too long to you or did
Thamud and ‘Ad denied the Crushing Blow. you want to unleash your Lord’s anger upon
Thamud were destroyed by the Deafening Blast. yourselves, so you broke your promise to me?’
(69:4-5) (20:86)
Has the story reached you of the legions of They said, ‘We did not break our promise to you
Pharaoh and Thamud? (85:17-18) of our own volition. But we were weighed down
Do you not see what your Lord did with with the heavy loads of the people’s jewelry and
‘Ad–Iram of the Columns whose like was not cre- we threw them in, for that is what the Samaritan
ated in any land–and Thamud who carved out did.’ (20:87)
rocks in the valley-side, and Pharaoh of the Then he produced a calf for them, a physical
Stakes, all of whom were tyrants in their lands form which made a lowing sound. So they said,
and caused much corruption in them? (89:6-12) ‘This is your god–and Musa’s god as well, but he
Thamud denied in their excessive tyranny–when forgot.’ (20:88)
the worst of them rushed ahead, and the Could they not see that it did not reply to them
Messenger of Allah had said to them, ‘This is the and that it possessed no power to either harm or
she-camel of Allah, so let her drink!’ But they de- benefit them? (20:89)
nied him and they hamstrung her, so their Lord Harun had earlier said to them, ‘My people! It is
crushed them for their sin and flattened them. just a trial for you. Your Lord is the All-Merciful,
And He does not fear the consequences. (91:11- so follow me and obey my command!’ (20:90)
15) They said, ‘We will not stop devoting ourselves
to it until Musa returns to us.’ (20:91)
SALIHUN (SEE RIGHTEOUS) He (Musa) said, ‘What prevented you following
me, Harun, when you saw that they had gone
SALSABIL astray? Did you too, then, disobey my com-
In it there is a flowing spring called Salsabil. mand?’ (20:92-93)
(76:18) He (Harun) said, ‘Son of my mother! Do not
seize me by the beard or by the hair. I was afraid
SALT that you would say, "You have caused division in
It is He Who has unloosed both seas–the one the tribe of Israel and taken no notice to anything
sweet and refreshing, the other salty and I said."’ (20:94)
bitter–and put a dividing line between them, an He (Musa) said, ‘What do you think you were
uncrossable barrier. (25:53) doing, Samaritan?’ (20:95)
The two seas are not the same: the one is sweet, He (Samaritan) said, ‘I saw what they did not see.
refreshing, delicious to drink, the other salty, bit- So I gathered up a handful from the Messenger’s
ter to the taste. Yet from both of them you eat footprints and threw it in. That is what my inner
fresh flesh and extract ornaments for yourselves self urged me to do.’ (20:96)
to wear; and you see ships on them, cleaving He (Musa) said, ‘Go! In this world you will have
through the waves so that you can seek His to say, "Untouchable!" And you have an appoint-
bounty and so that hopefully you will be thank- ment which you will not fail to keep. Look at
ful. (35:12) your god to which you devoted so much time.
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We will burn it up and then scatter it as dust into All-Knowing. (2:268)
the sea. Your god is Allah alone, there is no god Those who practise usury will not rise from the
but Him. He encompasses all things in His grave except as someone driven mad by Satan's
knowledge.’ (20:97-98) touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade is the
same as usury.’ But Allah has permitted trade and
SANCTUARY He has forbidden usury. Whoever is given a
And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place warning by his Lord and then desists, can keep
of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the what he received in the past and his affair is
place where Ibrahim stood (to pray) as a place of Allah’s concern. But all who return to it will be
prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma‘il: the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
‘Purify My House for those who circle it, and lessly, for ever. (2:275)
those who stay there, and those who bow and We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam!’ and
who prostrate.’ (2:125) they prostrated, with the exception of Diabolis.
He refused and was arrogant and was one of the
SANDAL disbelievers. (2:34)
(A voice called out to Musa,) ‘I am your Lord. But Satan made them slip up by means of it, ex-
Take off your sandals. You are in the holy valley pelling them from where they were. We said, ‘Go
of Tuwa.’ (20:12) down from here as enemies to each other! You
will have residence on the earth and enjoyment
SATAN (SHAYTAN) for a time.’ (2:36)
They follow what the Satans recited in the reign Those of you who turned their backs on the day
of Sulayman. Sulayman did not disbelieve, but the two armies clashed–it was Satan who made
the Satans did, teaching people sorcery and what them slip for what they had done. But Allah has
had been sent down to Harut and Marut, the two pardoned them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-
angels in Babylon, who taught no one without Forbearing. (3:155)
first saying to him, ‘We are merely a trial and That was only Satan who intimidated his adher-
temptation, so do not disbelieve.’ People learned ents. But do not fear them–fear Me if you are be-
from them how to separate a man and his wife lievers. (3:175)
but they cannot harm anyone by it, except with When she gave birth, she said, ‘My Lord! I have
Allah's permission. They have learned what will given birth to a girl’–and Allah knew very well
harm them and will not benefit them. They know what she had given birth to, male and female are
that any who deal in it will have no share in the not the same–‘and I have named her Maryam
hereafter. What an evil thing they have sold and placed her and her children in Your safe-
themselves for if they only knew! (2:102) keeping from the accursed Satan.’ (3:36)
When they meet those who believe, they say, What they call on apart from Him are female
‘We believe.’ But then when they go apart with idols. What they call on is an arrogant Satan.
their Satans, they say, ‘We are really with you. (4:117)
We were only mocking.’ (2:14) As for those who are tight-fisted and direct others
Mankind! Eat what is good and lawful on the to be tight-fisted, and hide the bounty Allah has
earth. And do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. given them, We have prepared a humiliating
He truly is an outright enemy to you. (2:168) punishment for those who disbelieve, and also
You who believe! Enter Islam totally. Do not fol- for those who spend their wealth to show off to
low in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright people, not believing in Allah and the Last Day.
enemy to you. (2:208) Anyone who has made Satan his comrade, what
Satan promises you poverty and commands you an evil comrade he is! (4:37-38)
to avarice. Allah promises you forgiveness from Do you not see those who claim that they believe
Him and abundance. Allah is All-Encompassing, in what has been sent down to you and what was
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sent down before you, still desiring to turn to a Allah has provided for you and do not follow in
satanic source for judgement in spite of being or- the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to
dered to reject it? Satan wants to misguide them you. (6:142)
far away. (4:60) If only they had humbled themselves when Our
Those who believe fight in the Way of Allah. violent force came upon them! However, their
Those who disbelieve fight in the way of false hearts were hard and Satan made what they were
gods. So fight the friends of Satan! Satan’s schem- doing seem attractive to them. (6:43)
ing is always feeble. (4:76) When you see people engrossed in mockery of
When news of any matter reaches them they Our Signs, turn from them until they start to talk
spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or of other things. And if Satan should ever cause
disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to you to forget, once you remember, do not stay
the Messenger and those in command among sitting with the wrongdoers. (6:68)
them, those among them able to discern the truth Say: ‘Are we to call on something besides Allah
about it would have had proper knowledge of it. which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn
If it were not for Allah’s favour to you and His on our heels after Allah has guided us, like some-
mercy, all but a very few of you would have fol- one the Satans have lured away in the earth,
lowed Satan. (4:83) leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the
(Satan said,) ‘I will lead them astray and fill them fact that he has companions calling him to guid-
with false hopes. I will command them and they ance, saying, "Come with us!"?’ Say: ‘Allah's
will cut off cattle’s ears. I will command them guidance, that is true guidance. We are com-
and they will change Allah’s creation.’ Anyone manded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all
who takes Satan as his protector in place of Allah the worlds,’ (6:71)
has clearly lost everything. He makes promises to We created you and then formed you and then
them and fills them with false hopes. But what We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam,’
Satan promises them is nothing but delusion. and they prostrated–except for Diabolis. He was
(4:119-120) not among those who prostrated. He said, ‘What
You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al- prevented you from prostrating when I com-
tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi- manded you to?’ He replied, ‘I am better than
work of Satan. Avoid them completely so that him. You created me from fire and You created
hopefully you will be successful. Satan wants to him from clay.’ He said, ‘Descend from Heaven.
stir up enmity and hatred between you by means It is not for you to be arrogant in it. So get out!
of wine and gambling, and to debar you from re- You are one of the abased.’ He said, ‘Grant me a
membrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you reprieve until the day they are raised up.’ He
not then give them up? (5:90-91) said, ‘You are one of the reprieved.’ He said, ‘By
In this way We have appointed as enemies to Your misguidance of me, I will lie in ambush for
every Prophet Satans from both mankind and them on your straight path. Then I will come at
from the jinn, who inspire each other with delu- them, from in front of them and behind them,
sions by means of specious words–if your Lord from their right and from their left. You will not
had willed, they would not have done it, so find most of them thankful.’ He said, ‘Get out of
abandon them and all they fabricate. (6:112) it, reviled and driven out. As for those of them
Do not eat anything over which the name of who follow you, I will fill up Hell with every one
Allah has not been mentioned. To do so is sheer of you.’ ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and your
deviance. The Satans inspire their friends to dis- wife, and eat of it wherever you like. But do not
pute with you. If you obeyed them you would go near this tree lest you become wrongdoers.’
then be idolaters. (6:121) Then Satan whispered to them, disclosing to
And also animals for riding and for haulage and them their private parts that had been concealed
animals for slaughtering and for wool. Eat what from them. He said, ‘Your Lord has only forbid-
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den you this tree lest you become angels or ‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of
among those who live for ever.’ He swore to the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come
them, ‘I am one of those who give you good ad- true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of
vice.’ So he enticed them to do it by means of prison and brought you from the desert when
trickery. Then when they tasted the tree, their pri- Satan had caused dissent between me and my
vate parts were disclosed to them and they brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He
started stitching together the leaves of the is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise. (12:100)
Garden in order to cover themselves. Their Lord He (Yusuf) said to the one of them he knew was
called out to them,‘Did I not forbid you this tree saved, ‘Please mention me when you are with
and say to you, "Satan is an outright enemy to your lord,’ but Satan made him forget to remind
you"?’ (7:11-22) his lord, and so he stayed in prison for several
Children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you years. (12:42)
into trouble as He expelled your parents from the He said, ‘My son, don’t tell your brothers your
Garden, stripping them of their covering and dis- dream lest they devise some scheme to injure
closing to them their private parts. He and his you, Satan is a clear-cut enemy to man. (12:5)
tribe see you from where you do not see them. When the affair is decided Satan will say, ‘Allah
We have made the Satans friends of those who made you a promise, a promise of truth, and I
have no faith. (7:27) made you a promise but broke my promise. I had
One group He guided; but another group got the no authority over you, except that I called you
misguidance they deserved. They took the Satans and you responded to me. Do not, therefore,
as friends instead of Allah and thought that they blame me but blame yourselves. I cannot come
were guided. (7:30) to your aid nor you to mine. I reject the way you
Recite to them the tale of him to whom We gave associated me with Allah before.’ The wrongdo-
Our Signs, but who then cast them to one side ers will have a painful punishment. (14:22)
and Satan caught up with him. He was one of They would only say, ‘Our eyesight is befuddled!
those lured into error. (7:175) Or rather we have been put under a spell!’ We
If an evil impulse from Satan provokes you, seek have placed constellations in heaven and made
refuge in Allah. He is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. As them beautiful for those who look. We have
for those who guard against evil, when they are guarded them from every cursed Satan–except
bothered by visitors from Satan, they remember for the one who listens stealthily, and he is fol-
and immediately see clearly. But as for their lowed by an open flame. (15:15-18)
brothers, the visitors lead them further into error. He (Satan) said, ‘My Lord, because You misled
And they do not stop at that! (7:200-202) me, I will make things on the earth seem good to
And when He overcame you with sleep, making them and I will mislead them all, every one of
you feel secure, and sent you down water from them, except Your servants among them who are
heaven to purify you and remove the taint of sincere.’ He said, ‘This is a Straight Path to Me.
Satan from you, and to fortify your hearts and You have no authority over any of My servants
make your feet firm. (8:11) except for the misled who follow you.’ (15:39-
When Satan made their actions appear good to 42)
them, saying, ‘No one will overcome you today By Allah, We sent Messengers to communities
for I am at your side.’ But when the two parties before your time, but Satan made their actions
came in sight of one another, he turned right seem good to them. Therefore today he is their
round on his heels saying, ‘I wash my hands of protector. They will have a painful punishment.
you. I see what you do not see. I fear Allah. Allah (16:63)
is severe in retribution.’ (8:48) Whenever you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge
He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne. with Allah from the accursed Satan. He has no
The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said, authority over those who believe and put their
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trust in their Lord. He only has authority over Then We will rescue those who guarded against
those who take him as a friend and associate oth- evil and We will leave the wrongdoers in it on
ers with Allah. (16:98-100) their knees. (19:68-72)
Squanderers are brothers to the Satans, and Satan But Satan whispered to him, saying, ‘Adam, shall
was ungrateful to his Lord. (17:27) I show you the way to the Tree of Everlasting Life
Say to My servants that they should only say the and to a kingdom which will never fade away?’
best. Satan wants to stir up trouble between (20:120)
them. Satan is an outright enemy to man. (17:53) And some of the Satans dived for him and did
(He said,) ‘Stir up any of them you can with your other things apart from that. And We were
voice and rally against them your cavalry and watching over them. (21:82)
your infantry and share with them in their chil- Among people there is one who argues about
dren and their wealth and make them promises! Allah without knowledge, and follows every re-
The promise of Satan is nothing but delusion. But bellious Satan. It is written of him that if anyone
as for My servants, you will not have any author- takes him as a friend, he will mislead him and
ity over them.’ Your Lord suffices as a guardian. guide him to the punishment of the Searing
(17:64-65) Blaze. (22:3-4)
He (Musa’s servant) said, ‘Do you see what has We did not send any Messenger or any Prophet
happened? When we went to find shelter at the before you without Satan insinuating something
rock, I forgot the fish. No one made me forget to into his recitation while he was reciting. But
remember it except Satan. It found its way into Allah revokes whatever Satan insinuates and
the sea in an amazing way.’ (18:63) then Allah confirms His Signs–Allah is All-
When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your- Knowing, All-Wise–so that He can make what
selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep- Satan insinuates a trial for those with sickness in
tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and their hearts and for those whose hearts are
wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do hard–the wrongdoers are entrenched in hostility–
you take him and his offspring as protectors apart (22:52-53)
from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is Say: ‘My Lord, I seek refuge with You from the
the exchange the wrongdoers make! I did not goadings of the Satans.’ (23:97)
make them witnesses of the creation of the heav- You who believe! Do not follow in the footsteps
ens and the earth nor of their own creation. I of Satan. Anyone who follows in Satan’s foot-
would not take as assistants those who lead steps should know that he commands indecency
astray! (18:50-51) and wrongdoing. Were it not for Allah’s favour to
Do you not see that We send the Satans against you and His mercy, not one of you would ever
those who disbelieve to goad them on? (19:83) have been purified. But Allah purifies whoever
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Father, do not worship Satan. He wills. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
Satan was disobedient to the All-Merciful. Father, (24:21)
I am afraid that a punishment from the All- (On the Day a wrongdoer will say,) ‘He led me
Merciful will afflict you, and turn you into a com- astray from the Reminder after it came to me.’
rade of Satan.’ (19:44-45) Satan always leaves man in the lurch. (25:29)
By your Lord, We will collect them and the The Satans did not bring it (the Qur’an) down.
Satans together. Then We will assemble them (26:210)
around Hell on their knees. Then We will drag Shall I tell you upon whom the Satans descend?
out from every sect the one among them most in- They descend on every evil liar. They give them a
solent towards the All-Merciful. Then it is We hearing and most of them are liars. (26:221-223)
Who will know best those most deserving to (The hoopoe said,) ‘I found both her and her peo-
roast in it. There is not one of you who will not ple prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. Satan
come to it. That is the final decision of your Lord. has made their actions seem good to them and
665
debarred them from the Way so they are not a human being out of clay. When I have formed
guided.’ (27:24) him and breathed My Spirit into him, fall down
He (Musa) entered the city at a time when its in- in prostration to him!’ So the angels prostrated,
habitants were unaware and found two men all of them together, except for Diabolis who was
fighting there–one from his party and the other arrogant and was one of the disbelievers. He
from his enemy. The one from his party asked for said, ‘Diabolis, what prevented you prostrating
his support against the other from his enemy. So to what I created with My own Hands? Were you
Musa hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said, overcome by arrogance or are you one of the ex-
‘This is part of Satan’s handiwork. He truly is an alted?’ He said, ‘I am better than him. You cre-
outright and misleading enemy.’ (28:15) ated me from fire but You created him from clay.’
And ‘Ad and Thamud–it must be clear to you He said, ‘Get out! You are accursed! My curse is
from their dwelling places! Satan made their ac- upon you until the Day of Reckoning.’ He said,
tions seem good to them and so debarred them ‘My Lord, grant me a reprieve until the Day they
from the Way, even though they were intelligent are raised again.’ He said, ‘You are among the re-
people. (29:38) prieved until the Day whose time is known.’ He
When they are told: ‘Follow what Allah has sent said, ‘By Your might, I will mislead all of them
down,’ they say, ‘No, we will follow what we except for Your chosen servants among them.’
found our fathers doing.’ What! Even if Satan is He said, ‘By the truth–and I speak the truth–I will
calling them to the punishment of the Blazing fill up Hell with you and every one of them who
Fire? (31:21) follows you.’ (38:71-85)
Diabolis was correct in his assessment of them If an evil urge from Satan eggs you on, seek
and they followed him, except for a group of the refuge in Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the All-
believers. (34:20) Knowing. (41:36)
Mankind! Allah’s promise is true. Do not let the If someone shuts his eyes to the remembrance of
life of this world delude you and do not let the the All-Merciful, We assign him a Satan who be-
Deluder delude you about Allah. Satan is your comes his bosom friend–they debar them from
enemy so treat him as an enemy. He summons the path, yet they still think they are guided– so
his party so they will be among the people of the that, when he reaches Us, he says, ‘If only there
Searing Blaze. (35:5-6) was the distance of the two Easts between you
‘Did I not make a contract with you, tribe of and me!’ What an evil companion! It will not
Adam, not to worship Satan, who truly is an out- benefit you today, since you did wrong, that you
right enemy to you.’ (36:60) share equally in the punishment. (43:36-39)
Its (the tree of Zaqqum’s) fruits are just like the Do not let Satan bar your way. He truly is an out-
heads of Satans. (37:65) right enemy to you. (43:62)
We have adorned the lowest heaven with the Those who have turned back in their tracks after
beauty of the planets and guarded it against the guidance became clear to them, it was Satan
every defiant Satan. They cannot eavesdrop on who talked them into it and filled them with false
the Highest Assembly and they are stoned from hopes. (47:25)
every side, repelled with harshness–they will suf- Conferring in secret is from Satan, to cause grief
fer eternal punishment–except for him who to those who believe; but it cannot harm them at
snatches a snippet and then is pursued by a all, unless by Allah’s permission. So let the be-
piercing flame. (37:6-10) lievers put their trust in Allah. (58:10)
And the Satans, every builder and diver. (38:37) Satan has gained mastery over them and made
Remember Our servant Ayyub when he called them forget the remembrance of Allah. Such
on his Lord: ‘Satan has afflicted me with exhaus- people are the party of Satan. No indeed! It is the
tion and suffering.’ (38:41) party of Satan who are the losers. (58:19)
Your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am going to create They are the same as those a short time before
666
them who tasted the evil consequences of what ing is always feeble. (4:76)
they did. They will have a painful punishment. That is your reward. Allah always confounds the
They are like Satan when he says to a human schemes of the disbelievers. (8:18)
being, ‘Disbelieve,’ and then when he disbe- (Hud said,) ‘So scheme against me, all of you to-
lieves, says, ‘I wash my hands of you. Truly I fear gether, and then grant me no respite.’ (11:55)
Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.’ The final fate of He (Yusuf's father) said, ‘My son, don’t tell your
both of them is that they will be timelessly, for brothers your dream lest they devise some
ever in the Fire. That is the repayment of the scheme to injure you, Satan is a clear-cut enemy
wrongdoers. (59:15-17) to man.’ (12:5)
We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps Then when he had supplied them with their
and made some of them stones for the Satans for needs, he (Yusuf) put the goblet in his brother’s
whom We have prepared the punishment of the bag. A herald called out, ‘Caravan! You are
Blaze. (67:5) thieves!’ They turned to them and said, ‘What are
Nor is it (the Qur’an) the word of an accursed you missing?’ They said, ‘We’re missing the gob-
Satan. (81:25) let of the king. The man who brings it will get a
camel’s load. Regarding that I stand as guaran-
SCALE tor.’ They said, ‘By Allah, you know we did not
The weighing that Day will be the truth. As for come to corrupt the land and that we are not
those whose scales are heavy, they are the suc- thieves.’ They said, ‘What is the reparation for it
cessful. (7:8) if it in fact transpires that you are liars?’ They
As for those whose scales are light, they are the said, ‘Its reparation shall be him in the saddle-
ones who have lost their own selves because bags of whom it is discovered. With us that is
they wrongfully rejected Our Signs. (7:9) how wrongdoers are repaid.’ He started with
Those whose scales are heavy, they are the suc- their bags before his brother’s and then produced
cessful. (23:102) it from his brother’s bag. In that way We devised
Those whose scales are light, they are the losers a cunning scheme for Yusuf. He could not have
of their selves, remaining in Hell timelessly, for held his brother according to the statutes of the
ever. (23:103) King–only because Allah had willed it so. We
raise the rank of anyone We will. Over everyone
SCANT YIELD with knowledge is a Knower. (12:70-76)
Good land yields up its plants by its Lord’s per- This is news of the Unseen which We reveal to
mission, but that which is bad only yields up you. You were not with them when they decided
scantily. In this way We vary the Signs for people what to do and devised their scheme. (12:102)
who are thankful. (7:58) So Pharaoh went away and concocted his
scheme and then he arrived. (20:60)
SCHEME They said, ‘These two magicians desire by their
If something good happens to you, it galls them. magic to expel you from your land and abolish
If something bad strikes you, they rejoice at it. your most excellent way of life, so decide on
But if you are steadfast and guard against evil, your scheme and then arrive together in force.
their scheming will not harm you in any way. He who gains the upper hand today will defi-
Allah encompasses what they do. Remember nitely prosper.’ (20:63-64)
when you left your family early in the day to in- (Ibrahim said,) ‘By Allah, I will devise some
stal the believers in their battle stations. Allah is scheme against your idols when your backs are
All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (3:120-121) turned.’ (21:57)
Those who believe fight in the Way of Allah. They said, ‘Did you do this to our gods, Ibrahim?’
Those who disbelieve fight in the way of false He said, ‘No, this one, the biggest of them, did it.
gods. So fight the friends of Satan! Satan’s schem- Ask them if they are able to speak!’ They con-
667
sulted among themselves and said, ‘It is you thing, ask them from behind a screen. That is
yourselves who are wrongdoers.’ But then they purer for your hearts and their hearts. It is not
relapsed back into their disbelief: ‘You know full right for you to cause annoyance to the
well these idols cannot talk.’ He said, ‘Do you Messenger of Allah or ever to marry his wives
then worship, instead of Allah, what cannot help after him. To do that would be a dreadful thing in
or harm you in any way? Shame on you and what Allah’s sight. (33:53)
you worship besides Allah! Will you not use your They say, ‘Our hearts are covered up against
intellect?’ (21:62-67) what you call us to and there is a heaviness in
Those deemed weak will say to those deemed our ears. There is a screen between us and you.
great, ‘No, it was your scheming night and day So act–we are certainly acting.’ (41:5)
when you commanded us to reject Allah and as-
sign equals to Him.’ But they will show their re- SCRIBE
morse when they see the punishment. We will (The Qur'an is) inscribed on Honoured Pages,
put iron collars round the necks of those who exalted, purified by the hands of scribes, noble,
disbelieve. Will they be repaid for anything but virtuous. (80:13-16)
what they did? (34:33)
Pharaoh said, ‘Haman, build me a tower so that SEA
perhaps I may gain means of access, access to And when We parted the sea for you and rescued
the heavens, so that I can look on Musa’s God. you, and drowned the people of Pharaoh while
Truly I think he is a liar.’ That is how Pharaoh’s you watched. (2:50)
evil actions were made attractive to him and he In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the
debarred others from the Path. Pharaoh’s schem- alternation of the night and day, and the ships
ing led to nothing but ruin. (40:36-37) which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the
They left early, intent on carrying out their water which Allah sends down from the sky–by
scheme. (68:25) which He brings the earth to life when it was
Do you not see what your Lord did with the dead and scatters about in it creatures of every
Companions of the Elephant? Did He not bring kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and
all their schemes to nothing? (105:1-2) the clouds subservient between heaven and
earth, there are Signs for people who use their in-
SCORN tellect. (2:164)
No wonder you are surprised as they laugh with Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you,
scorn! (37:12) and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that
When they see a Sign they only laugh with scorn. of travellers, but land game is forbidden for you
(37:14) while you are in the state of pilgrimage. So have
Do you nonetheless regard this discourse with fear of Allah, Him to Whom you will be gath-
scorn? (56:81) ered. (5:96)
The keys of the Unseen are in His possession. No
SCREEN one knows them but Him. He knows everything
You who believe! Do not go into the Prophet’s in the land and sea. No leaf falls without His
rooms except when you are invited to come and knowing it. There is no seed in the darkness of
eat. Do not wait there while the food is being the earth, and nothing moist or dry which is not
cooked. However, when you are called, go in, in a Clear Book. (6:59)
and when you have eaten, disperse, not remain- Say: ‘Who rescues you from the darkness of the
ing there to chat with one another. Doing that land and sea? You call on Him humbly and se-
causes annoyance to the Prophet though he is cretly: "If you rescue us from this, we will truly be
too reticent to tell you so. But Allah is not reticent among the thankful."’ (6:63)
with the truth. When you ask his wives for some- It is He Who has appointed the stars for you so
668
you might be guided by them in the darkness of indeed Most Merciful to you. (17:66)
the land and sea. We have made the Signs clear When harm occurs to you at sea, those you call
for people who have knowledge. (6:97) on vanish–except for Him alone! But when He
Then We took revenge on them and drowned delivers you to dry land, you turn away. Man
them in the sea because they denied Our Signs truly is ungrateful. (17:67)
and paid no attention to them. (7:136) We have honoured the sons of Adam and con-
We conveyed the tribe of Israel across the sea veyed them on land and sea and provided them
and they came upon some people who were de- with good things and favoured them greatly over
voting themselves to some idols which they had. many We have created. (17:70)
They said, ‘Musa, give us a god just as these peo- Remember when Musa said to his servant, ‘I will
ple have gods.’ He said, ‘You are indeed an igno- not give up until I reach the meeting-place of the
rant people.’ (7:138) two seas, even if I must press on for many years.’
Ask them about the town which was by the sea (18:60)
when they broke the Sabbath–when their fish But when they reached their meeting-place, they
came to them near the surface on their Sabbath forgot their fish which quickly burrowed its way
day but did not come on the days which they did into the sea. (18:61)
not keep the Sabbath. In this way We put them to He (Musa’s servant) said, ‘Do you see what has
the test because they were deviators. (7:163) happened? When we went to find shelter at the
It is He Who conveys you on both land and sea rock, I forgot the fish. No one made me forget to
so that when some of you are on a boat, running remember it except Satan. It found its way into
before a fair wind, rejoicing at it, and then a vio- the sea in an amazing way.’ (18:63)
lent squall comes upon them and the waves (He said to Musa,) ‘As for the boat, it belonged to
come at them from every side and they realise some poor people who worked on the sea. I
there is no way of escape, they call on Allah, wanted to damage it because a king was coming
making their religion sincerely His: ‘If You rescue behind them, commandeering every boat.’
us from this, we will truly be among the thank- (18:79)
ful.’ (10:22) Say: ‘If all the sea was ink to write down the
We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and Words of my Lord, it would run out long before
Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of the Words of my Lord ran out,’ even if We were
tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the to bring the same amount of ink again. (18:109)
point of drowning, he said, ‘I believe that there is He (Allah) said, ‘Your request has been granted,
no god but Him in whom the tribe of Israel be- Musa. We were gracious to you another time
lieve. I am one of the Muslims.’ (10:90) when We revealed to your mother: "Place him
Allah is He Who created the heavens and the into the box and throw it into the sea and the sea
earth and sends down water from the sky and by will wash it up on the shore, where an enemy of
it brings forth fruits as provision for you. He has Mine and his will pick it up." I showered you
made the ships subservient to you to run upon with love from Me so that you would be brought
the sea by His command, and He has made the up under My supervision.’ (20:36-39)
rivers subservient to you. (14:32) We revealed to Musa, ‘Travel with My servants
It is He Who made the sea subservient to you so by night. Strike a dry path for them through the
that you can eat fresh flesh from it and bring out sea. Have no fear of being overtaken and do not
from it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships be afraid.’ (20:77)
cleaving through it so that you can seek His Pharaoh pursued them with his troops and the
bounty, and so that hopefully you will show sea overwhelmed them utterly. (20:78)
thanks. (16:14) He (Musa) said, ‘Go! In this world you will have
Your Lord is He Who propels the ships on the sea to say, "Untouchable!" And you have an appoint-
for you so that you may seek His bounty. He is ment which you will not fail to keep. Look at
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your god to which you devoted so much time. If all the trees on earth were pens and all the sea,
We will burn it up and then scatter it as dust into with seven more seas besides, was ink Allah’s
the sea. (20:97) words still would not run dry. Allah is Almighty,
Do you not see that Allah has made everything All-Wise. (31:27)
on the earth subservient to you and the ships run- Do you not see that ships sail on the sea by
ning upon the sea by His command? He holds Allah’s blessing so that He can show you some-
back the heaven, preventing it from falling to the thing of His Signs? There are certainly Signs in
earth–except by His permission. Allah is All- that for everyone who is steadfast and thankful.
Compassionate to mankind, Most Merciful. (31:31)
(22:65) The two seas are not the same: the one is sweet,
Or they (the actions of disbelievers) are like the refreshing, delicious to drink, the other salty, bit-
darkness of a fathomless sea which is covered by ter to the taste. Yet from both of them you eat
waves above which are waves above which are fresh flesh and extract ornaments for yourselves
clouds, layers of darkness, one upon the other. If to wear; and you see ships on them, cleaving
he puts out his hand, he can scarcely see it. through the waves so that you can seek His
Those Allah gives no light to, they have no light. bounty and so that hopefully you will be thank-
(24:40) ful. (35:12)
It is He Who has unloosed both seas–the one Among His Signs are the tall ships sailing like
sweet and refreshing, the other salty and mountains through the sea. (42:32)
bitter–and put a dividing line between them, an (It was revealed to Musa,) ‘Leave the sea divided
uncrossable barrier. (25:53) as it is. They are an army who will be drowned.’
So We revealed to Musa, ‘Strike the sea with your (44:24)
staff.’ And it split in two, each part like a towering It is Allah Who has made the sea subservient to
cliff. (26:63) you so that the ships sail on it at His command,
He Who made the earth a stable dwelling place enabling you to seek His bounty, so that hope-
and appointed rivers flowing through its midst fully you will be thankful. (45:12)
and placed firmly embedded mountains on it So We seized him (Pharaoh) and his armies and
and set a barrier between the two seas. Is there hurled them into the sea, and he was to blame.
another god besides Allah? No indeed, but most (51:40)
of them do not know it! (27:61) He has let loose the two seas, converging to-
He Who guides you in the darkness of land and gether, with a barrier between them; they do not
sea and sends out the winds bringing advance break through. (55:19-20)
news of His mercy. Is there another god besides His, too, are the ships sailing like mountain
Allah? May Allah be exalted above what they as- peaks on the sea. (55:24)
sociate with Him! (27:63) When the seas flood and overflow, (82:3)
We revealed to Musa’s mother, ‘Suckle him and
then when you fear for him cast him into the sea. SECRET
Do not fear or grieve; We will return him to you Do they not know that Allah knows what they
and make him one of the Messengers.’ (28:7) keep secret and what they make public? (2:77)
So We seized him (Pharaoh) and his troops and There is no good in much of their secret talk, ex-
flung them into the sea. See the final fate of the cept in the case of those who enjoin charity, or
wrongdoers! (28:40) what is right, or putting things right between peo-
Corruption has appeared in both land and sea ple. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of
because of what people’s own hands have Allah, We will give him an immense reward.
brought about so that they may taste something (4:114)
of what they have done so that hopefully they Yet you see those with sickness in their hearts
will turn back. (30:41) rushing to them, saying, ‘We fear the wheel of
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fate may turn against us.’ But it may well be that SECURITY
Allah will bring about victory or some other con- Then He sent down to you, after the distress, se-
tingency from Him. Then they will deeply regret curity, restful sleep overtaking a group of you,
their secret thoughts. (5:52) whereas another group became prey to anxious
He is Allah in the heavens and in the earth. He thoughts, thinking other than the truth about
knows what you keep secret and what you make Allah–thoughts belonging to the Time of
public and He knows what you earn. (6:3) Ignorance–saying, ‘Do we have any say in the af-
Do they not know that Allah knows their secrets fair at all?’ Say, ‘The affair belongs entirely to
and their private talk, and that Allah is the Allah.’ They are concealing things inside them-
Knower of all unseen things? (9:78) selves which they do not disclose to you, saying,
See how they wrap themselves round trying to ‘If we had only had a say in the affair, none of us
conceal their feelings from Him! No, indeed! would have been killed here in this place.’ Say,
When they wrap their garments round them- ‘Even if you had been inside your homes, those
selves, He knows what they keep secret and people for whom killing was decreed would
what they make public. He knows what their have gone out to their place of death.’ So that
hearts contain. (11:5) Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge
It makes no difference whether you keep secret what is in your hearts. Allah knows the contents
what you say or voice it out loud, whether you of your hearts. (3:154)
hide in the night or go out in the day. (13:10) Do the people of the cities feel secure against
Allah knows what you keep secret and what you Our violent force coming down on them in the
make public. (16:19) night while they are asleep? (7:97)
There is no doubt that Allah knows what they Or do the people of the cities feel secure against
keep secret and what they make public. He does Our violent force coming down on them in the
not love people puffed up with pride. (16:23) day while they are playing games? (7:98)
Though you speak out loud, He knows your se- Do they feel secure against Allah’s devising? No
crets and what is even more concealed. (20:7) one feels secure against Allah’s devising except
Say: ‘The One Who sent it down is He Who for those who are lost. (7:99)
knows all hidden secrets in the heavens and And when He overcame you with sleep, making
earth. He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (25:6) you feel secure, and sent you down water from
So do not let their words distress you. We know heaven to purify you and remove the taint of
what they keep secret and what they divulge. Satan from you, and to fortify your hearts and
(36:76) make your feet firm. (8:11)
Or do they imagine that We do not hear their se- Do they feel secure that the all-enveloping pun-
crets and their private talk? On the contrary Our ishment of Allah will not come upon them, or
messengers are right there with them writing it that the Last Hour will not come upon them all of
down! (43:80) a sudden when they least expect it? (12:107)
That is because they said to those who hate what Those who guard against evil will be amid
Allah has sent down, ‘We will obey you in part of Gardens and Springs: ‘Enter them in peace, in
the affair.’ But Allah knows their secrets. (47:26) complete security!’ (15:45-46)
He knows everything in the heavens and earth. He Do those who plot evil actions feel secure that
knows what you keep secret and what you divulge. Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them
Allah knows what the heart contains. (64:4) up or that a punishment will not come upon
Whether you keep your words secret or say them them from where they least expect? (16:45)
out loud He knows what the heart contains. Do you feel secure against Him causing the
(67:13) shore to swallow you up or sending against you a
On the Day when the secrets are sought out. sudden squall of stones? Then you will find no
(86:9) one to be your guardian. (17:68)
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Or do you feel secure against Him taking you olives and pomegranates, both similar and dis-
back into it another time and sending a violent similar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and
storm against you and drowning you for your in- ripen. There are Signs in that for people who be-
gratitude? Then you will find no one to defend lieve. (6:99)
you against Us. (17:69) We will set up the Just Balance on the Day of
Allah has promised those of you who believe and Rising and no self will be wronged in any way.
do right actions that He will make them succes- Even if it is no more than the weight of a grain of
sors in the land as He made those before them mustard-seed, We will produce it. We are suffi-
successors, and will firmly establish for them their cient as a Reckoner. (21:47)
religion with which He is pleased and give them, (Luqman said,) ‘My son, even if something weighs
in place of their fear, security. ‘They worship Me, as little as a mustard-seed and is inside a rock or
not associating anything with Me.’ Any who disbe- anywhere else in the heavens or earth, Allah will
lieve after that, such people are deviators. (24:55) bring it out. Allah is All-Pervading, All-Aware.’
(Salih said to his people,) ‘Are you going to be left (31:16)
secure amid what is here?’ (26:146) He Who has created all things in the best possible
(Allah said,) ‘Throw down your staff!’ Then when way. He commenced the creation of man from
he saw it slithering like a snake he turned and fled clay; then produced his seed from an extract of
and did not turn back again. ‘Musa, approach and base fluid. (32:7-8)
have no fear! You are one of those who are se- Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
cure.’ (28:31) who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
They will call there for fruit of every kind, in com- merciful to one another. You see them bowing and
plete security. (44:55) prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and His
Do you feel secure against Him Who is in heaven pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the traces of
causing the earth to swallow you up when sud- prostration. That is their likeness in the Torah. And
denly it rocks from side to side? (67:16) their likeness in the Gospel is that of a seed which
Or do you feel secure against Him Who is in puts up a shoot and makes it strong so that it thick-
heaven releasing against you a sudden squall of ens and grows up straight upon its stalk, filling the
stones, so that you will know how true My warn- sowers with delight–so that by them He may infu-
ing was? (67:17) riate the disbelievers. Allah has promised those of
them who believe and do right actions forgiveness
SEED and an immense reward. (48:29)
The keys of the Unseen are in His possession. No (I swear) by Heaven with its cyclical systems and
one knows them but Him. He knows everything the earth with its splitting seeds, it is truly a
in the land and sea. No leaf falls without His Decisive Word. (86:11-13)
knowing it. There is no seed in the darkness of
the earth, and nothing moist or dry which is not SELF (NAFS)
in a Clear Book. (6:59) And when Musa said to his people, ‘My people,
Allah is He Who splits the seed and kernel. He You wronged yourselves by adopting the Calf so
brings forth the living from the dead, and pro- turn towards your Maker and kill yourselves. That
duces the dead out of the living. That is Allah, so is the best thing for you in your Maker’s sight.’ And
how are you perverted? (6:95) He turned towards you. He is the Ever-Returning,
It is He Who sends down water from the sky from the Most Merciful. (2:54)
which We bring forth growth of every kind, and And We shaded you with clouds and sent down
from that We bring forth the green shoots and manna and quails to you: ‘Eat of the good things
from them We bring forth close-packed seeds, We have provided for you.’ They did not wrong
and from the spathes of the date palm date clus- Us; rather it was themselves they were wronging.
ters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and (2:57)
672
What an evil thing they have sold themselves for this world is that of a wind with an icy bite to it
in rejecting what Allah has sent down, outraged which strikes the crops of a people who have
that Allah should send down His favour on wronged themselves and destroys them. Allah
whichever of His servants He wills. They have did not wrong them; rather it was themselves
brought down anger upon anger on themselves. they were wronging. (3:117)
The disbelievers will have a humiliating punish- (Believers are) those who, when they act inde-
ment. (2:90) cently or wrong themselves, remember Allah and
They follow what the Satans recited in the reign ask forgiveness for their bad actions (and who
of Sulayman. Sulayman did not disbelieve, but can forgive bad actions except Allah?) and do not
the Satans did, teaching people sorcery and what knowingly persist in what they were doing.
had been sent down to Harut and Marut, the two (3:135)
angels in Babylon, who taught no one without No self can die except with Allah’s permission, at
first saying to him, ‘We are merely a trial and a predetermined time. If anyone desires the re-
temptation, so do not disbelieve.’ People learned ward of this world, We will give him some of it. If
from them how to separate a man and his wife anyone desires the reward of the hereafter, We
but they cannot harm anyone by it, except with will give him some of it. We will recompense the
Allah's permission. They have learned what will thankful. (3:145)
harm them and will not benefit them. They know It is not for any prophet to be false to his trust.
that any who deal in it will have no share in the Those who are false will arrive on the Day of
hereafter. What an evil thing they have sold Rising with what they have misappropriated.
themselves for if they only knew! (2:102) Then every self will be paid in full for what it
Many of the People of the Book would love it if earned. They will not be wronged. (3:161)
they could turn you back to disbelief after you Every self will taste death. You will be paid your
have become believers, showing their innate wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who
envy now that the truth is clear to them. But you is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the
should pardon and overlook until Allah gives His Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is
command. Truly Allah has power over all things. just the enjoyment of delusion. (3:185)
(2:109) O mankind! Have fear of your Lord Who created
On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have you from a single self and created its mate from it
sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth- and then disseminated many men and women
ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that from the two of them. Have fear of Allah in
you have been betraying yourselves and He has Whose name you make demands on one another
turned towards you and excused you. Now you and also in respect of your families. Allah
may have sexual intercourse with them and seek watches over you continually. (4:1)
what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink You who believe! Do not consume one another’s
until you can clearly discern the white thread property by false means, but only by means of
from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the mutually agreed trade. And do not kill your-
fast until the night appears. But do not have sex- selves. Allah is Most Merciful to you. (4:29)
ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat We sent no Messenger except to be obeyed by
in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do Allah’s permission. If only when they wronged
not go near them. In this way does Allah make themselves they had come to you and asked
His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they Allah’s forgiveness and the Messenger had asked
will guard against evil. (2:187) forgiveness for them they would have found
A group of the People of the Book would love to Allah Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (4:64)
misguide you. They only misguide themselves The angels ask those they take while they are
but they are not aware of it. (3:69) wronging themselves, ‘What were your circum-
The metaphor of what they spend in their life in stances?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed on
673
earth.’ They say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not wide against ourselves.’ The life of this world deluded
enough for you to have migrated elsewhere in it?’ them and they will testify against themselves that
The shelter of such people will be Hell. What an they were disbelievers. (6:130)
evil destination! (4:97) Say: ‘Am I to desire other than Allah as Lord
Do not argue on behalf of those who betray when He is the Lord of all things?’ What each self
themselves. Allah does not love any evildoing earns is for itself alone. No burden-bearer can
traitors. (4:107) bear another’s burden. Then you will return to
Were it not for Allah’s favour to you and His your Lord, and He will inform you regarding the
mercy, a group of them would almost have man- things about which you differed. (6:164)
aged to mislead you. But they mislead no one but As for those whose scales are light, they are the
themselves and do not harm you in any way. ones who have lost their own selves because
Allah has sent down the Book and Wisdom to they wrongfully rejected Our Signs. (7:9)
you and taught you what you did not know be- They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged our-
fore. Allah’s favour to you is indeed immense. selves. If you do not forgive us and have mercy
(4:113) on us, we will be among the lost.’ (7:23)
We made a covenant with the tribe of Israel and We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu-
We sent Messengers to them. Each time a nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people
Messenger came to them with something their asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
lower selves did not desire, they denied some staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
and they murdered others. (5:70) the people knew their drinking place. And We
You see many of them taking those who disbe- shaded them with clouds and sent down manna
lieve as their friends. What their lower selves and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We
have advanced for them is evil indeed, bringing have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us;
Allah’s anger down upon them. They will suffer rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160)
punishment timelessly, for ever. (5:80) When your Lord took out all their descendants
You who believe! You are only responsible for from the loins of the children of Adam and made
yourselves. The misguided cannot harm you as them testify against themselves ‘Am I not your
long as you are guided. All of you will return to Lord?’ they said, ‘We testify that indeed You are!’
Allah and He will inform you about what you Lest you say on the Day of Rising, ‘We knew
were doing. (5:105) nothing of this.’ (7:172)
Say: ‘To whom does everything in the heavens How evil is the metaphor of those who deny Our
and earth belong?’ Say: ‘To Allah.’ He has made Signs. It is themselves that they have badly
mercy incumbent on Himself. He will gather you wronged. (7:177)
to the Day of Rising about which there is no It is He Who created you from a single self and
doubt. As for those who have lost their own made from him his spouse so that he might find
selves, they have no faith. (6:12) repose in her. Then when he covered her she
They keep others from it and avoid it themselves. bore a light load and carried it around. Then
They are only destroying themselves but they are when it became heavy they called on Allah, their
not aware of it. (6:26) Lord, ‘If You grant us a healthy child, we will be
It is He Who first produced you from a single self, among the thankful!’ (7:189)
then from a resting-place and a repository. We Do they make things into partner-gods which
have made the Signs clear for people who under- cannot create anything and are themselves cre-
stand. (6:98) ated; which are not capable of helping them and
Company of jinn and men! Did not Messengers cannot even help themselves? (7:191-192)
come to you from among yourselves relating My If it had been a case of easy gains and a short
Signs to you and warning you of the encounter of journey, they would have followed you, but the
this Day of yours? They will say, ‘We testify distance was too great for them. They will swear
674
by Allah: ‘Had we been able to, we would have acts–except for those my Lord has mercy on. My
gone out with you.’ They are destroying their Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful.’ (12:53)
own selves. Allah knows that they are lying. Everyone has a succession of angels in front of
(9:42) him and behind him, guarding him by Allah’s
Has the news of those who came before them not command. Allah never changes a people’s state
reached them, the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and until they change what is in themselves. When
Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in- Allah desires evil for a people, there is no avert-
habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities? ing it. They have no protector apart from Him.
Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs. (13:11)
Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged Warn mankind of the Day when the punishment
themselves. (9:70) will reach them. Those who did wrong will say,
And (He turned) also towards the three who were ‘Our Lord, reprieve us for a short time. We will
left behind, so that when the earth became nar- respond to Your call and follow the Messengers.’
row for them, for all its great breadth, and their ‘But did you not swear to Me before that you
own selves became constricted for them and would never meet your downfall, even though
they realised that there was no refuge from Allah you inhabited the houses of those who had
except in Him, He turned to them so that they wronged themselves and it was made clear to
might turn to Him. Allah is the Ever-Returning, you how We had dealt with them and We gave
the Most Merciful. (9:118) you many examples?’ (14:44-45)
It was not for people of Madina, and the desert As for those the angels take in death while they
arabs around them, to remain behind the are wronging themselves, they will offer their
Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to submission: ‘We did not do any evil.’ Oh yes you
him. That is because no thirst or weariness or did! Allah knows what you were doing. (16:28)
hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor What are they waiting for but the angels to come
will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe- to them or your Lord's command to come? That
lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy, is like what those before them did. Allah did not
without a right action being written down for wrong them; rather they wronged themselves.
them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of (16:33)
the good-doers go to waste. (9:120) Allah has given you wives from among your-
Then and there every self will be tried for what it selves, and given you children and grandchil-
did before. They will be returned to Allah, their dren from your wives, and provided good things
Master, the Real, and what they invented will for you. So why do they believe in falsehood and
abandon them. (10:30) reject the blessings of Allah? (16:72)
Allah does not wrong people in any way; rather it On that Day We will raise up among every com-
is people who wrong themselves. (10:44) munity a witness against them from amongst
If every self that did wrong possessed everything themselves, and bring you as a witness against
on earth, it would offer it as a ransom. They will them. We have sent down the Book to you mak-
show remorse when they see the punishment. ing all things clear and as guidance and mercy
Everything will be decided between them justly. and good news for the Muslims. (16:89)
They will not be wronged. (10:54) We forbade the Jews those things We told you
We did not wrong them; rather they wronged about before. We did not wrong them; rather
themselves. The gods they called upon besides they wronged themselves. (16:118)
Allah did not help them at all when Allah’s com- Every self will taste death. We test you with both
mand came upon them. They did nothing but in- good and evil as a trial. And you will be returned
crease their ruin. (11:101) to Us. (21:35)
(Yusuf said,) ‘I do not say my self was free from Or do they have gods besides Us who will pro-
blame. The self indeed commands to evil tect them? They cannot even help themselves!
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They will not be safe from Us. (21:43) make Our Signs clear for people who use their
We will set up the Just Balance on the Day of intellect. (30:28)
Rising and no self will be wronged in any way. No self knows the delight that is hidden away for
Even if it is no more than the weight of a grain of it in recompense for what it used to do. (32:17)
mustard-seed, We will produce it. We are suffi- The Prophet is closer to the believers than their
cient as a Reckoner. (21:47) own selves, and his wives are their mothers. But
They will not hear the slightest hint of it and they blood-relations have closer ties to one another in
will remain there timelessly, for ever, among the Book of Allah than other believers and the
everything their selves desire. (21:102) emigrants, except that you should act in a proper
Those whose scales are light, they are the losers manner towards your close associates. That is in-
of their selves, remaining in Hell timelessly, for scribed in the Book. (33:6)
ever. (23:103) They said, ‘Our Lord, put more distance between
But they have adopted gods apart from Him our staging posts.’ They wronged themselves so
which do not create anything but are themselves We made legends of them and scattered them
created. They have no power to harm or help without a trace. There are certainly Signs in that
themselves. They have no power over death or for everyone who is steadfast and thankful.
life or resurrection. (25:3) (34:19)
Those who do not expect to meet Us say, ‘Why Glory be to Him Who created all the pairs: from
have angels not been sent down to us? Why do what the earth produces and from themselves
we not see our Lord?’ They have become arro- and from things unknown to them. (36:36)
gant about themselves and are excessively inso- He created you from a single self, then produced
lent. (25:21) its mate from it, and sent down livestock to
We seized each one of them for their wrong ac- you–eight kinds in pairs. He creates you stage by
tions. Against some We sent a sudden squall of stage in your mothers’ wombs in a threefold
stones; some of them were seized by the Great darkness. That is Allah, your Lord. Sovereignty is
Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up; His. There is no god but Him. So what has made
and some We drowned. Allah did not wrong you deviate? (39:6)
them; rather they wronged themselves. (29:40) Those who disbelieved will be addressed:
Every self will taste death. Then you will be re- ‘Allah’s hatred of you, when you were called to
turned to Us. (29:57) faith but then chose disbelief, is even greater
Have they not reflected within themselves? Allah than your hatred of yourselves.’ (40:10)
did not create the heavens and the earth and Every self will be repaid today for what it earned.
everything between them except with truth and Today there will be no injustice. Allah is swift at
for a fixed term. Yet many people reject the meet- reckoning. (40:17)
ing with their Lord. (30:8) We are your protectors in the life of this world
Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the and the hereafter. You will have there all that
final fate of those before them? They had greater your selves could wish for. You will have there
strength than them and cultivated the land and everything you demand. (41:31)
inhabited it in far greater numbers than they do. We will show them Our Signs on the horizon and
Their Messengers also came to them with the within themselves until it is clear to them that it is
Clear Signs. Allah would never have wronged the truth. Is it not enough for your Lord that He is
them; but they wronged themselves. (30:9) a witness of everything? (41:53)
He has made an example for you from among (He is) the Bringer into Being of the heavens and
yourselves. Are any of the slaves you own part- the earth: He has given you mates from among
ners with you in what We have provided for you yourselves, and given mates to the livestock, in
so that you are equal in respect of it, you fearing that way multiplying you. Nothing is like Him.
them the same as one another? In that way We He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. (42:11)
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You will see them as they are exposed to it, ab- night and day. He knows you will not keep count
ject in their abasement, glancing around them of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as
furtively. Those who believe will say, ‘Truly the much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows
losers are those who lose themselves and their that some of you are ill and that others are travel-
families on the Day of Rising.’ The wrongdoers ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that
are in an everlasting punishment. (42:45) others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite
Allah created the heavens and earth with truth so as much of it as is easy for you. And perform
that every self might be repaid for what it earned prayer and give the alms and lend a generous
and they will not be wronged. (45:22) loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for
You who believe! People should not ridicule oth- yourselves you will find it with Allah as some-
ers who may be better than themselves; nor thing better and as a greater reward. And seek
should any women ridicule other women who forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
may be better than themselves. And do not find Most Merciful. (73:20)
fault with one another or insult each other with Every self is held in pledge against what it
derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a earned. (74:38)
name for evil conduct after coming to faith! When the selves are arranged into classes...
Those people who do not turn from it are wrong- (81:7)
doers. (49:11) Then each self will know what it has done.
(On that Day) every self will come together with (81:14)
a driver and a witness. (50:21) Each self will know what it has sent ahead and
There are certainly Signs in the earth for people left behind. (82:5)
with certainty; and in yourselves as well. Do you There is no self which has no guardian over it.
not then see? (51:20-21) (86:4)
They are nothing but names which you your- ‘O self at rest and at peace,’ (89:27)
selves have given, you and your forefathers. We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of
Allah has sent down no authority for them. They Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of
are following nothing but conjecture and what Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with
their own selves desire. And that when guidance the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a
has reached them from their Lord! (53:23) Messenger came to you with something your
Nothing occurs, either in the earth or in your- lower selves did not desire, did you grow arro-
selves, without its being in a Book before We gant, and deny some of them and murder others?
make it happen. That is something easy for Allah. (2:87)
(57:22) Who would deliberately renounce the religion of
Those who were already settled in the abode, Ibrahim except someone who reveals himself to
and in faith, before they came, love those who be a fool? We chose him in this world and in the
have migrated to them and do not find in their hereafter he will be one of the righteous. (2:130)
hearts any need for what they have been given When you divorce women and they are near the
and prefer them to themselves even if they them- end of their waiting period, then either retain
selves are needy. It is the people who are safe- them with correctness and courtesy or release
guarded from the avarice of their own selves who them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re-
are successful. (59:9) tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits.
Do not be like those who forgot Allah so He Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do
made them forget themselves. Such people are not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember
the deviators. (59:19) Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and
Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two- Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish
thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has
a group of those with you. Allah determines the knowledge of all things. (2:231)
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Allah does not impose on any self any more than ciate others with Allah! Say: ‘Name them! Or
it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against would you inform Him of something in the earth
it, what it has brought upon itself. ‘Our Lord, do He does not know, or are they words which are
not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! simply guesswork on your part?’ However, the
Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one plotting of those who disbelieve seems good to
You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not them and they bar the way. Anyone misguided
place on us a load we have not the strength to by Allah has no guide. (13:33)
bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have Those before them plotted but all plotting be-
mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us longs to Allah. He knows what each self earns,
against the people of the disbelievers.’ (2:286) and the disbelievers will soon know who has the
But how will it be when We gather them all to- Ultimate Abode. (13:42)
gether for a Day about which there is no doubt? So that Allah may repay every self for what it
Every self will be paid in full for what it earned. earned. Allah is swift at reckoning. (14:51)
They will not be wronged. (3:25) On that Day every self will come to argue for it-
On the Day that each self finds the good it did, self and every self will be paid in full for what it
and the evil it did, present there in front of it, it did. They will not be wronged. (16:111)
will wish there were an age between it and then. ‘Read your Book! Today your own self is reck-
Allah advises you to beware of Him. Allah is oner enough against you!’ (17:14)
Ever-Gentle with His servants. (3:30) He entered his garden and wronged himself by
Anyone who does evil or wrongs himself and saying, ‘I do not think that this will ever end.’
then asks Allah’s forgiveness will find Allah Ever- (18:35)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:110) He (Samaritan) said, ‘I saw what they did not see.
So his lower self persuaded him to kill his So I gathered up a handful from the Messenger’s
brother, and he killed him and became one of the footprints and threw it in. That is what my inner
lost. (5:30) self urged me to do.’ (20:96)
And that you do not go near the property of or- He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I have wronged my-
phans before they reach maturity–except in a self. Forgive me.’ So He forgave him. He is the
good way; that you give full measure and full Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. (28:16)
weight with justice–We impose on no self any Whoever strives does it entirely for himself. Allah
more than it can bear; that you are equitable is Rich Beyond Need of any being. (29:6)
when you speak–even if a near relative is con- When you said to him whom Allah has blessed
cerned; and that you fulfil Allah’s contract. That and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep
is what He instructs you to do, so that hopefully your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’
you will pay heed. (6:152) while concealing something in yourself which
They then produced his shirt with false blood on Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing
it. He (Ya‘qub) said, ‘It is merely that your lower people when Allah has more right to your fear.
selves have suggested something to you which Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to
you did; but beauty lies in showing steadfastness. you so that there should be no restriction for the
It is Allah alone Who is my Help in face of the believers regarding the wives of their adopted
event that you describe.’ (12:18) sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s
He said, ‘It’s merely that your lower selves sug- command is always carried out. (33:37)
gested something to you which you did. But And what of him the evil of whose actions ap-
beauty lies in having steadfastness. Perhaps Allah pears fine to him so that he sees them as good?
will bring them all together. He is indeed All- Allah misguides whoever He wills and guides
Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:83) whoever He wills. So do not let yourself waste
What then of Him Who is standing over every away out of regret for them. Allah knows what
self seeing everything it does? Yet still they asso- they do. (35:8)
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No burden-bearer can bear another’s burden. If He has given it. Allah will appoint after difficulty,
someone weighed down calls for help to bear his ease. (65:7)
load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his No! I swear by the self-reproaching self. (75:2)
next of kin. You can only warn those who fear In fact, man will be clear proof against himself.
their Lord in the Unseen and perform prayer. (75:14)
Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone. But as for him who feared the Station of his Lord
Allah is your final destination. (35:18) and forbade the lower self its appetites, the
Then We made Our chosen servants inherit the Garden will be his refuge. (79:40-41)
Book. But some of them wrong themselves; some It is the Day when a self will have no power to
are ambivalent; and some outdo each other in help any other self in any way. The command
good by Allah’s permission. That is the great that Day will be Allah’s alone. (82:19)
favour. (35:32) And (I swear by) the self and what proportioned
We showered blessings upon him and upon it, (91:7)
Ishaq. Among their descendants are good-doers
and also people who clearly wrong themselves. SELFISH
(37:113) If a woman fears cruelty or aversion on her hus-
Every self will be repaid in full for what it did. He band’s part, there is nothing wrong in the couple
knows best what they are doing. (39:70) becoming reconciled. Reconciliation is better.
Here you are then: people who are called upon But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do
to spend in the Way of Allah and then some of good and guard against evil, Allah is aware of
you are tight-fisted! But whoever is tight-fisted is what you do. (4:128)
only tight-fisted to himself. Allah is Rich and you
are poor. If you turn away, He will replace you SELF-SUFFICIENT
with a people other than yourselves and they will Whoever strives does it entirely for himself. Allah
not be like you. (47:38) is Rich Beyond Need of any being. (29:6)
We created man and We know what his own self That is because their Messengers brought them
whispers to him. We are nearer to him than his the Clear Signs but they said, ‘Are human beings
jugular vein. (50:16) going to guide us?’ So they disbelieved and
So have fear of Allah, as much as you are able to, turned away. But Allah is completely independ-
and listen and obey and spend for your own ben- ent of them. Allah is Rich Beyond Need,
efit. It is the people who are safe-guarded from Praiseworthy. (64:6)
the avarice of their own selves who are success- As for him who thinks himself self-sufficient, you
ful. (64:16) give him your complete attention, but it is not up
O Prophet! When any of you divorce women, di- to you whether or not he is purified. (80:5-7)
vorce them during their period of purity and cal- No indeed! Truly man is unbridled, seeing him-
culate their waiting period carefully. And have self as self-sufficient. (96:6-7)
fear of Allah, your Lord. Do not evict them from
their homes, nor should they leave, unless they SERENITY
commit an outright indecency. Those are Allah’s Their Prophet said to them, ‘The sign of his king-
limits, and anyone who oversteps Allah’s limits ship is that the Ark will come to you, containing
has wronged himself. You never know, it may serenity from your Lord and certain relics left by
well be that after that Allah will cause a new sit- the families of Musa and Harun. It will be borne
uation to develop. (65:1) by angels. There is a sign for you in that if you are
He who has plenty should spend out from his believers.’ (2:248)
plenty, but he whose provision is restricted Then Allah sent down His serenity on His
should spend from what Allah has given him. Messenger and on the believers, and sent down
Allah does not demand from any self more than troops you could not see, and punished those
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who disbelieved. That is how the disbelievers are people was to say, ‘Bring us Allah’s punishment if
repaid. (9:26) you are telling the truth.’ (29:28-29)
If you do not help him, Allah did help him when
those who disbelieved drove him out and there SHADE - SHADOW
were two of them in the Cave. He said to his And We shaded you with clouds and sent down
companion, ‘Do not be despondent, Allah is manna and quails to you: ‘Eat of the good things
with us.’ Then Allah sent down His serenity upon We have provided for you.’ They did not wrong
him and reinforced him with troops you could Us; rather it was themselves they were wronging.
not see. He made the word of those who disbe- (2:57)
lieved undermost. It is the word of Allah which is What are they waiting for but for Allah to come
uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (9:40) to them in the shadows of the clouds, together
It is He Who sent down serenity into the hearts of with the angels, in which case the matter will
the believers thereby increasing their faith with have been settled? All matters return to Allah.
more faith–the legions of the heavens and the (2:210)
earth belong to Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All- But as for those who believe and do right actions,
Wise. (48:4) We will admit them into Gardens with rivers
Allah was pleased with the believers when they flowing under them, remaining in them time-
pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He lessly, for ever and ever. In them they will have
knew what was in their hearts, and sent down spouses of perfect purity and We will admit them
serenity to them and has rewarded them with an into cool, refreshing shade. (4:57)
imminent victory. (48:18) We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu-
Those who disbelieve filled their hearts with fa- nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people
natical rage–the fanatical rage of the Time of asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
Ignorance–and Allah sent down serenity to His staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
Messenger and to the believers, and bound them the people knew their drinking place. And We
to the expression of heedfulness which they had shaded them with clouds and sent down manna
most right to and were most entitled to. Allah has and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We
knowledge of all things. (48:26) have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us;
rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160)
SEXUALLY PERVERTED Everyone in heaven and earth prostrates to Allah
(Lut said to his people,) ‘Of all beings, do you lie willingly or unwillingly, as do their shadows in
with males, leaving the wives Allah has created the morning and the evening. (13:15)
for you? You are a people who have overstepped What is the Garden promised to those who guard
the limits.’ They said, ‘Lut, if you do not desist against evil like? It has rivers flowing under it and
you will be expelled.’ (26:165-167) its foodstuffs and cool shade never fail. That is
And when Lut said to his people: ‘Do you ap- the final fate of those who guard against evil. But
proach depravity with open eyes? Do you come the final fate of the disbelievers is the Fire.
with lust to men instead of women? You are a (13:35)
people who are deeply ignorant’ the only re- Do they not see the things Allah has created,
sponse of his people was to say: ‘Drive the the casting their shadows to the right and to the left,
family of Lut out of your city! They are people prostrating themselves before Allah in complete
who keep themselves pure!’ (27:54-56) humility? (16:48)
When Lut said to his people, ‘You are committing Allah has made shaded places for you in what
an obscenity not perpetrated before you by any- He has created and He has made shelters for you
one in all the worlds. Do you lie with men and in the mountains and He has made shirts for you
waylay them on the road and commit depravities to protect you from the heat and shirts to protect
within your gatherings?’ the only answer of his you from each other’s violence. In that way He
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perfects His blessing on you so that hopefully is exclusively for our men and forbidden for our
you will become Muslims. (16:81) wives. But if it is stillborn, they can share in it.’
Do you not see how your Lord stretches out He will repay them for their false depiction. He is
shadows? If He had wished He could have made All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6:139)
them stationary. Then We appoint the sun to be (He said to Satan,) ‘Stir up any of them you can
the pointer to them. (25:45) with your voice and rally against them your cav-
They denied him and the punishment of the Day alry and your infantry and share with them in
of Shadow came down on them. It was indeed their children and their wealth and make them
the punishment of a terrible Day. (26:189) promises! The promise of Satan is nothing but
So he (Musa) drew water for them and then with- delusion.’ (17:64)
drew into the shade and said, ‘My Lord, I am (Musa said,) ‘Strengthen my back by him and let
truly in need of any good You have in store for him share in my task.’ (20:31-32)
me.’ (28:24) Say: ‘Call on those you make claims for besides
The blind and seeing are not the same nor are Allah. They have no power over even the small-
darkness and light nor are cool shade and fierce est particle, either in the heavens or in the earth.
heat. (35:19-21) They have no share in them. He has no need of
Do you not see that Allah sends down water from their support.’ (34:22)
the sky and by it We bring forth fruits of varying If anyone desires to cultivate the hereafter, We
colours? And in the mountains there are streaks will increase him in his cultivation. If anyone de-
of white and red, of varying shades, and rocks of sires to cultivate this world, We will give him
deep jet black. (35:27) some of it but he will have no share in the here-
The Companions of the Garden are busy enjoy- after. (42:20)
ing themselves today, they and their wives reclin-
ing on couches in the shade. (36:55-56) SHATTERER
For those who fear the Station of their Lord there No indeed! He will be flung into the Shatterer.
are two Gardens. So which of your Lord’s bless- And what will convey to you what the Shatterer
ings do you both then deny? Shaded by spread- is? The kindled Fire of Allah reaching right into
ing branches. (55:46-48) the heart. It is sealed in above them in towering
And (the Companions of the Right are amid) columns. (104:4-9)
wide-spreading shade. (56:30)
Its shading branches will droop down over them, SHAVE
its ripe fruit hanging ready to be picked. (76:14) Allah has confirmed His Messenger’s vision with
(Deniers!) Proceed to a shadow which forks into truth: ‘You will enter the Sacred Mosque (Masjid
three but gives no shade or protection from the al-Haram) in safety, Allah willing, shaving your
flames. (77:30-31) heads and cutting your hair without any fear.’ He
The heedful will be amid shade and fountains. knew what you did not know and ordained, in
(77:41) place of this, an imminent victory. (48:27)
Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for
SHARE Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make what-
When you have completed your rites, remember ever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
Allah as you used to remember your forefa- heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the
thers–or even more. There are some people who place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a
say, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world.’ They head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or
will have no share in the hereafter. (2:200) sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And
They will have a good share from what they have if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of
earned. Allah is swift at reckoning. (2:202) a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make
They say, ‘What is in the wombs of these animals whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who
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cannot, there is three days’ fast on pilgrimage give me wealth when what Allah has given me is
and seven on your return–that is ten in all. That is better than what He has given you? No, rather it
for anyone whose family does not live near the is you who delight in your gift. Return to them.
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of We will come to them with troops they cannot
Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution. face and we will expel them from it abased and
(2:196) humiliated.’ (27:36-37)
He said, ‘Council! Who among you will bring
SHAYTAN (SEE SATAN) me her throne before they come to me in submis-
sion?’ (27:38)
SHEBA A demon of the jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you
However, it was not long delayed, and then it before you get up from your seat. I am strong and
(hoopoe) said, ‘I have comprehended something trustworthy enough to do it.’ (27:39)
you have not and bring you accurate intelligence He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, ‘I
from Sheba. I found a woman ruling over them will bring it to you before your glance returns to
who has been given everything. She possesses a you.’ And when he saw it standing firmly in his
mighty throne. I found both her and her people presence, he said, ‘This is part of my Lord's
prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. Satan has favour to test me to see if I will give thanks or
made their actions seem good to them and de- show ingratitude. Whoever gives thanks only
barred them from the Way so they are not guided does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful,
and do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings out my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous.’
what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and (27:40)
knows what you conceal and what you divulge. He said, ‘Disguise her throne. We shall see
Allah–there is no god but Him–the Lord of the whether she is guided or someone who is not
Mighty Throne.’ (27:22-26) guided.’ (27:41)
He (Sulayman) said, ‘We will soon see if you Then when she came, she was asked, ‘Is your
have told the truth or are a liar. Take this letter of throne like this?’ She said, ‘It is exactly like it.’
mine and deliver it to them and then withdraw ‘We were given knowledge before her and were
from them a little and see how they respond.’ already Muslims, but what she worshipped be-
(27:27-28) sides Allah impeded her. She was from an unbe-
She said, ‘Council! A noble letter has been deliv- lieving people.’ (27:42-43)
ered to me. It is from Sulayman and says: "In the She was told: ‘Enter the courtyard,’ but when she
name of Allah, All-Merciful, Most Merciful. Do saw it she supposed it to be a pool and bared her
not rise up against me, but come to me in sub- legs. He said, ‘It is a courtyard paved with glass.’
mission."’ (27:29-31) She said, ‘My Lord, I have wronged myself but I
She said, ‘Council! Give me your opinion about have submitted with Sulayman to the Lord of all
this matter. It is not my habit to make a final deci- the worlds.’ (27:44)
sion until I have heard what you have to say.’
(27:32) SHEEP
They said, ‘We possess strength and we possess There are eight in pairs: A pair of sheep and a
great force. But the matter is in your hands so pair of goats–Say: ‘Is it the two males He has
consider what you command.’ (27:33) made forbidden, or the two females, or what the
She said, ‘When kings enter a city, they lay waste wombs of the two females contain? Tell me with
to it and make its mightiest inhabitants the most knowledge if you are being truthful.’ (6:143)
abased. That is what they too will do. I will send We made forbidden for the Jews every animal
them a gift and then wait and see what the mes- with an undivided hoof, and in respect of cattle
sengers bring back.’ (27:34-35) and sheep, We made their fat forbidden for them,
When it reached Sulayman he said, ‘Would you except what is attached to their backs or guts or
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mixed up with bone. That is how We repaid it brings forth fruits as provision for you. He has
them for their insolence. And We certainly speak made the ships subservient to you to run upon
the truth. (6:146) the sea by His command, and He has made the
He (Musa) said, ‘It is my staff. I lean on it and rivers subservient to you. (14:32)
beat down leaves for my sheep with it and have It is He Who made the sea subservient to you so
other uses for it.’ (20:18) that you can eat fresh flesh from it and bring out
And Dawud and Sulayman when they gave from it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships
judgement about the field, when the people’s cleaving through it so that you can seek His
sheep strayed into it at night. We were Witness to bounty, and so that hopefully you will show
their judgement. (21:78) thanks. (16:14)
(One of the two litigants said to Dawud,) ‘This Your Lord is He Who propels the ships on the sea
brother of mine has ninety-nine ewes and I have for you so that you may seek His bounty. He is
only one. He said, "Let me have charge of it," and indeed Most Merciful to you. (17:66)
got the better of me with his words.’ He said, ‘He Do you not see that Allah has made everything
has wronged you by asking for your ewe to add on the earth subservient to you and the ships run-
to his ewes. Truly many partners are unjust to one ning upon the sea by His command? He holds
another–except those who believe and do right back the heaven, preventing it from falling to the
actions, and how few they are!’ Dawud realised earth–except by His permission. Allah is All-
that We had put him to the test. He begged for- Compassionate to mankind, Most Merciful.
giveness from his Lord and fell down prone, (22:65)
prostrating, and repented. (38:23-24) And you are conveyed on them (your livestock)
and on ships as well. (23:22)
SHEETS OF PAPER We revealed to him (Nuh): ‘Build the Ship under
They do not measure Allah with His true meas- Our supervision and as We reveal. When Our
ure when they say, ‘Allah would not send down command comes and water bubbles up from the
anything to a mere human being.’ Say: ‘Who, earth, load into it a pair of every species, and
then, sent down the Book which Musa brought your family–except for those among them against
as a Light and Guidance for the people?’ You put whom the word has already gone ahead. And do
it down on sheets of paper to display it while not address Me concerning those who do wrong.
concealing much. You were taught things you They shall be drowned.’ (23:27)
did not know, neither you nor your forefathers. When you and those with you are settled in the
Say: ‘Allah!’ Then leave them engrossed in play- Ship, then say: "Praise be to Allah Who has res-
ing their games. (6:91) cued us from the people of the wrongdoers!"
(23:28)
SHIP So We rescued him (Nuh) and those with him in
In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the the loaded ship. (26:119)
alternation of the night and day, and the ships When they embark in ships, they call on Allah,
which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the making their religion sincerely His, but then
water which Allah sends down from the sky–by when He delivers them safely to the land, they
which He brings the earth to life when it was associate others with Him. (29:65)
dead and scatters about in it creatures of every Among His Signs is that He sends the winds bear-
kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and ing good news, to give you a taste of His mercy,
the clouds subservient between heaven and and to make the ships run by His command, and
earth, there are Signs for people who use their in- to enable you to seek His bounty so that hope-
tellect. (2:164) fully you will be thankful. (30:46)
Allah is He Who created the heavens and the Do you not see that ships sail on the sea by
earth and sends down water from the sky and by Allah’s blessing so that He can show you some-
683
thing of His Signs? There are certainly Signs in She said, ‘How should a man whose intention
that for everyone who is steadfast and thankful. was to harm your family be punished for what he
(31:31) did except with prison or painful punishment?’
The two seas are not the same: the one is sweet, He (Yusuf) said, ‘It was she who tried to seduce
refreshing, delicious to drink, the other salty, bit- me.’ A witness from her people then declared, ‘If
ter to the taste. Yet from both of them you eat his shirt is torn in front, she speaks the truth and
fresh flesh and extract ornaments for yourselves he has clearly told a shameless lie. If his shirt is
to wear; and you see ships on them, cleaving torn at the back, then she has lied and he has
through the waves so that you can seek His clearly told the simple truth.’ He saw the shirt
bounty and so that hopefully you will be thank- torn at the back and said, ‘The source of this is
ful. (35:12) women’s deviousness. Without a doubt your
A Sign for them is that We carried their families guile is very great.’ (12:25-28)
in the laden ship. (36:41) (Yusuf said,) ‘Go with this shirt of mine and cast it
When he (Yunus) ran away to the fully laden on my father’s face and he will see again. Then
ship. (37:140) come to me with all your families.’ (12:93)
You gain various benefits from them (livestock), That Day you will see the evildoers yoked to-
and on them you can obtain what your hearts de- gether in chains, wearing shirts of tar, their faces
sire, and on them and on the ships you are trans- enveloped in the Fire. (14:49-50)
ported. (40:80) Allah has made shaded places for you in what
Among His Signs are the tall ships sailing like He has created and He has made shelters for you
mountains through the sea. (42:32) in the mountains and He has made shirts for you
It is He Who created all the species and gave you to protect you from the heat and shirts to protect
ships and livestock for you to ride. (43:12) you from each other’s violence. In that way He
It is Allah Who has made the sea subservient to perfects His blessing on you so that hopefully
you so that the ships sail on it at His command, you will become Muslims. (16:81)
enabling you to seek His bounty, so that hope- (Allah said to Musa,) ‘Put your hand inside your
fully you will be thankful. (45:12) shirt front. It will emerge pure white, yet quite
We bore him (Nuh) on a planked and well- unharmed–one of nine Signs to Pharaoh and his
caulked ship, which ran before Our eyes–a re- people. They are a people of deviators.’ (27:12)
ward for him who had been rejected. (54:13-14) (Allah said to Musa,) ‘Put your hand inside your
His, too, are the ships sailing like mountain shirt front. It will emerge pure white yet quite un-
peaks on the sea. (55:24) harmed. And hug your arms to your sides to still
When the waters rose We carried you in the ship. your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord
(69:11) for Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They are a de-
viant people.’ (28:32)
SHIRK (SEE ASSOCIATING PARTNERS
WITH ALLAH) SHOWING OFF
You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by
SHIRT demands for gratitude or insulting words, like
They then produced his (Yusuf’s) shirt with false him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo-
blood on it. He (Yusuf’s father) said, ‘It is merely ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day.
that your lower selves have suggested something His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with
to you which you did; but beauty lies in showing soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left
steadfastness. It is Allah alone Who is my Help in stripped bare. They have no power over anything
face of the event that you describe.’ (12:18) they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe-
They raced to the door. She tore his (Yusuf’s) shirt lieving people. (2:264)
at the back. They met her husband by the door. As for those who are tight-fisted and direct others
684
to be tight-fisted, and hide the bounty Allah has the best of judges.’ The ruling circle of those of
given them, We have prepared a humiliating his people who disbelieved said, ‘If you follow
punishment for those who disbelieve, and also Shu‘ayb, you will definitely be lost.’ So the earth-
for those who spend their wealth to show off to quake seized them and morning found them
people, not believing in Allah and the Last Day. lying flattened in their homes. (7:85-91)
Anyone who has made Satan his comrade, what Has the news of those who came before them not
an evil comrade he is! (4:37-38) reached them, the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and
The hypocrites think they deceive Allah, but He Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in-
is deceiving them. When they get up to pray, habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities?
they get up lazily, showing off to people, and Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs.
only remembering Allah a very little. (4:142) Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged
Do not be like those who left their homes in arro- themselves. (9:70)
gance, showing off to people and barring them And (We have sent) to Madyan their brother
from the way of Allah–Allah encompasses what Shu‘ayb. He said, ‘My people, worship Allah!
they do. (8:47) You have no god apart from Him. Do not give
So woe to those who perform prayer, and are for- short measure and short weight. I see you pros-
getful of their prayer, those who show off. (107:4- pering and I fear for you the punishment of an
6) all-encompassing Day.’ (11:84)
When Our command came, We rescued Shu‘ayb
SHU‘AYB (AS) AND MADYAN and those who believed along with him by a
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb mercy from Us. The Great Blast seized hold of
who said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have those who did wrong and morning found them
no other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to lying flattened in their homes as if they had never
you from your Lord. Give full measure and full lived there at all. Yes indeed! Away with Madyan
weight. Do not diminish people’s goods. Do not just like Thamud! (11:94-95)
cause corruption in the land after it has been put (Allah said,) ‘When your sister went and said,
right. That is better for you if you are believers. "Shall I direct you to someone who will take care
Do not lie in wait on every pathway, threatening of him?" that was how We returned you to your
people, barring those who believe from the Way mother so that she might delight her eyes and not
of Allah, seeking in it something crooked. be grieved. You killed a man and We rescued
Remember when you were few and He in- you from trouble and tested you with many trials.
creased your number: see the final fate of the You stayed some years among the people of
corrupters! There is a group of you who believe Madyan. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained
in what I have been sent with and a group who time, Musa!’ (20:40)
do not, so be steadfast until Allah judges be- And the companions of Madyan (denied); and
tween us. He is the best of judges.’ The ruling cir- Musa was denied as well. I allowed time to the
cle of those of his people who were arrogant disbelievers but then I seized them. How terrible
said, ‘We will drive you out of our city, Shu‘ayb, was My denial! (22:44)
you and those who believe along with you, un- When turned his face in the direction of Madyan,
less you return to our religion.’ He said, ‘What, he (Musa) said, ‘Hopefully my Lord will guide
even though we detest it? We would be inventing me to the right way.’ (28:22)
lies against Allah if we returned to your religion When he (Musa) arrived at the water of Madyan,
after Allah has saved us from it. We could never he found a crowd of people drawing water there.
return to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Standing apart from them, he found two women,
Lord encompasses everything in His knowledge. holding back their sheep. He said, ‘What are you
We have put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge two doing here?’ They said, ‘We cannot draw
between us and our people with truth. You are water until the shepherds have driven off their
685
sheep. You see our father is a very old man.’ Messenger will be unjust to them? No, it is simply
(28:23) that they are wrongdoers. (24:50)
Yet We produced further generations and ages There is no objection to the blind, no objection to
passed. Nor did you live among the people of the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your-
Madyan and recite Our Signs to them, yet We selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa-
have sent you news of them. (28:45) thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb, brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the
he said, ‘My people, worship Allah and look to houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts or
the Last Day and do not act unjustly on earth, the houses of your maternal uncles or maternal
corrupting it.’ (29:36) aunts or places to which you own the keys or those
of your friends. There is nothing wrong in your eat-
SHUKR (SEE THANKSGIVING) ing together or eating separately. And when you
enter houses greet one another with a greeting
SICKNESS from Allah, blessed and good. In this way Allah
There is a sickness in their hearts and Allah has makes the Signs clear to you so that hopefully you
increased their sickness. They will have a painful will use your intellect. (24:61)
punishment on account of their denial. (2:10) When the hypocrites and people with sickness in
Yet you see those with sickness in their hearts their hearts said, ‘What Allah and His Messenger
rushing to them, saying, ‘We fear the wheel of fate promised us was mere delusion.’ (33:12)
may turn against us.’ But it may well be that Allah Wives of the Prophet! You are not like other
will bring about victory or some other contin- women provided you guard against evil. Do not be
gency from Him. Then they will deeply regret their too soft-spoken in your speech lest someone with
secret thoughts. (5:52) sickness in his heart becomes desirous. Speak cor-
And when the hypocrites and those with sickness rect and courteous words. (33:32)
in their hearts said, ‘These people have been de- If the hypocrites and those with sickness in their
luded by their religion.’ But those who put their hearts and the rumour-mongers in Madina do not
trust in Allah will find Allah to be Almighty, All- desist, We will set you onto them. Then they will
Wise. (8:49) only be your neighbours there a very short time.
Nothing is held against the weak and sick nor (33:60)
against those who find nothing to spend, provided And (Ibrahim) said, ‘I am sick.’ (37:89)
they are true to Allah and His Messenger–there is So We cast him (Yunus) up onto the beach and he
no way open against good-doers, Allah is Ever- was sick. (37:145)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:91) Those who believe say, ‘If only a sura could be sent
But as for those with sickness in their hearts, it down.’ But when a straightforward sura is sent
adds defilement to their defilement, and they die down and fighting is mentioned in it, you see those
while they are disbelievers. (9:125) with sickness in their hearts looking at you with the
We did not send any Messenger or any Prophet look of someone about to faint from fear of death.
before you without Satan insinuating something More fitting for them would be obedience and ho-
into his recitation while he was reciting. But Allah nourable words. Once the matter is resolved upon,
revokes whatever Satan insinuates and then Allah being true to Allah would be better for them.
confirms His Signs–Allah is All-Knowing, All- (47:20-21)
Wise–so that He can make what Satan insinuates a Or did those with sickness in their hearts imagine
trial for those with sickness in their hearts and for that Allah would not expose their malevolence?
those whose hearts are hard–the wrongdoers are (47:29)
entrenched in hostility. (22:52-53) There is no constraint on the blind, nor on the
Is there a sickness in their hearts or do they have lame, nor on the sick. We will admit all who
misgivings or do they fear that Allah and His obey Allah and His Messenger into Gardens with
686
rivers flowing under them. But We will punish It is He Who has created hearing, sight and hearts
with a painful punishment anyone who turns his for you. What little thanks you show! (23:78)
back. (48:17) Do you not see that Allah propels the clouds then
We have only appointed angels as masters of the makes them coalesce then heaps them up, and
Fire and We have only specified their number as then you see the rain come pouring out of the
a trial for those who disbelieve; so that those who middle of them? And He sends down mountains
were given the Book might gain in certainty, and from the sky with hail inside them, striking with it
those who believe might increase in their faith, anyone He wills and averting it from anyone He
and both those who were given the Book and the wills. The brightness of His lightning almost
believers might have no doubt; and so that those blinds the sight. (24:43)
with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers Then (He) formed him and breathed His Spirit
might say, ‘What did Allah intend by this exam- into him and gave you hearing, sight and hearts.
ple?’ In this way Allah misguides those He wills What little thanks you show! (32:9)
and guides those He wills. No one knows the le- He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You
gions of your Lord but Him. This is nothing but a will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-
reminder to all human beings. (74:31) Merciful. Look again– do you see any gaps? Then
look again and again. Your sight will return to
SIGHT you dazzled and exhausted! (67:3-4)
The lightning all but takes away their sight. Say: ‘It is He Who brought you into being and
Whenever they have light, they walk in it but gave you hearing, sight and hearts. What little
whenever darkness covers them, they halt. If thanks you show!’ (67:23)
Allah wished, He could take away their hearing
and their sight. Allah has power over all things. SIGN - MIRACLE
(2:20) They said, ‘No matter what kind of Sign you
We will overturn their hearts and sight, just as bring us to bewitch us, we will not believe in
when they did not believe in it at first, and We you.’ (7:132)
will abandon them to wander blindly in their ex- So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice,
cessive insolence. (6:110) frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but
Say: ‘Who provides for you out of heaven and they proved arrogant and were an evildoing peo-
earth? Who controls hearing and sight? Who ple. (7:133)
brings forth the living from the dead and the dead Put your hand under your arm and press it to
from the living? Who directs the whole affair?’ your side. It will emerge pure white yet quite un-
They will say, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘So will you not guard harmed, another Sign. (20:22)
against evil?’ (10:31) In this way We show you some of Our greatest
But when the bringer of the good news came, he Signs. (20:23)
(Yusuf's father) cast it on his face and sight re- Then he (Musa) showed him the Great Sign.
turned. He said, ‘Did I not say to you before, I (79:20)
know things from Allah you do not know?’
(12:96) SIJJIN
Do not consider Allah to be unaware of what the No indeed! The book of the dissolute is in Sijjin.
wrongdoers perpetrate. He is merely deferring (83:7)
them to a Day on which their sight will be trans- And what will convey to you what Sijjin is?
fixed, rushing headlong–heads back, eyes vacant, (83:8)
hearts hollow. (14:42-43)
Those are the people whose hearts, hearing and SILK
sight Allah has sealed up. They are the unaware. They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flow-
(16:108) ing under them. They will be adorned in them
687
with bracelets made of gold and wear green gar- community, We would have given those who re-
ments made of the finest silk and rich brocade, ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses
reclining there on couches under canopies. and silver stairways to ascend and silver doors to
What an excellent reward! What a wonderful re- their houses and silver couches on which to re-
pose! (18:31) cline. (43:33-34)
But Allah will admit those who believe and do (In the Garden of Paradise) vessels of silver and
right actions into Gardens with rivers flowing goblets of pure crystal will be passed round
under them where they will be adorned with among them, crystalline silver–they have meas-
gold bracelets and pearls, and where their cloth- ured them very exactly. (76:15-16)
ing will be of silk. (22:23) They will wear green garments of fine silk and
They will enter Gardens of Eden where they will rich brocade. They will be adorned with silver
be adorned with gold bracelets and pearls, and bracelets. And their Lord will give them a pure
where their clothing will be of silk. (35:33) draught to drink. (76:21)
(Believers will be) wearing fine silk and rich bro-
cade, face to face with one another. (44:53) SIN
And (Allah) will reward them for their steadfast- He (Qarun) said, ‘I have only been given it be-
ness with a Garden and with silk. (76:12) cause of knowledge I have.’ Did he not know
They will wear green garments of fine silk and that before him Allah had destroyed generations
rich brocade. They will be adorned with silver with far greater strength than his and far more
bracelets. And their Lord will give them a pure possessions? The evildoers will not be ques-
draught to drink. (76:21) tioned about their sins. (28:78)
That Day no man or jinn will be asked about his
SILVER sin. (55:39)
To mankind the love of worldly appetites is But they denied him and they hamstrung her (the
painted in glowing colours: women and chil- she-camel), so their Lord crushed them for their
dren, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver, sin and flattened them. (91:14)
and horses with fine markings, and livestock and
fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment SINAI (SEE MOUNT SINAI)
of the life of this world. The best homecoming is
in the presence of Allah. (3:14) SINCERITY (IKHLAS)
You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks Allah will say, ‘This is the Day when the sincerity
devour people’s property under false pretences of the sincere will benefit them. They will have
and bar people from access to the Way of Allah. Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain-
As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do ing in them timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah is
not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the pleased with them and they are pleased with
news of a painful punishment. (9:34) Him. That is the Great Victory.’ (5:119)
That was the situation when we woke them up so You who believe! Have fear of Allah and be with
they could question one another. One of them the truly sincere. (9:119)
asked, ‘How long have you been here?’ They He (Satan) said, ‘My Lord, because You misled
replied, ‘We have been here for a day or part of a me, I will make things on the earth seem good to
day.’ They said, ‘Your Lord knows best how long them and I will mislead them all, every one of
you have been here. Send one of your number them, except Your servants among them who are
into the city with this silver you have, so he can sincere.’ (15:39-40)
see which food is purest and bring you some of it Say: ‘My Lord, make my entry sincere and make
to eat. But he should go about with caution so my leaving sincere and grant me supporting au-
that no one is aware of you.’ (18:19) thority direct from Your Presence.’ (17:80)
Were it not that mankind might all become one Mention Musa in the Book. He was truly sincere
688
and was a Messenger and a Prophet. (19:51) that no one’s rights are prejudiced. This is an in-
When We made a covenant with all the struction from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
Prophets–with you and with Nuh and Ibrahim Forbearing. (4:12)
and Musa and ‘Isa son of Maryam–We made a Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your
binding covenant with them, so that He would daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts
be able to question the truthful about their truth; and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters
and He has prepared a painful punishment for and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers
the disbelievers. (33:7-8) who have suckled you, your foster sisters by suck-
So that Allah might recompense the truthful for ling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaughters who
their truth and punish the hypocrites, if He wills, are under your protection: the daughters of your
or turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, wives whom you have had sexual relations with
Most Merciful. (33:24) (though if you have not had sexual relations with
They used to say, ‘If we had only had a Reminder them there is nothing blameworthy for you in it
from the previous peoples, we would certainly then), the wives of your sons whom you have fa-
have been sincere servants of Allah!’ (37:167-169) thered, and marrying two sisters at the same
We purified their sincerity through sincere remem- time–except for what may have already taken
brance of the Abode. (38:46) place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Indeed is the sincere religion not Allah’s alone? If (4:23)
people take protectors besides Him–‘We only They request from you a ruling. Say: ‘Allah gives
worship them so that they may bring us nearer to you a ruling about people who die without direct
Allah’–Allah will judge between them regarding heirs: If a man dies childless but has a sister she re-
the things about which they differed. Allah does ceives half of what he leaves, and he is her heir if
not guide anyone who is an ungrateful liar. (39:3) she dies childless. If there are two sisters they re-
Those who believe in Allah and His ceive two-thirds of what he leaves. If there are
Messengers–such people are the truly sincere–and brothers and sisters the males receive the share of
the martyrs who are with their Lord will receive two females. Allah makes things clear to you so
their wages and their light. But those who disbe- you will not go astray. Allah has knowledge of all
lieve and deny Our Signs, will be Companions of things.’ (4:176)
the Blazing Fire. (57:19) He will say, ‘Enter the Fire together with the na-
It (booty) is for the poor of the emigrants who were tions of jinn and men who have passed away be-
driven from their homes and wealth desiring the fore you.’ Each time a nation enters, it will curse its
favour and the pleasure of Allah and supporting sister nation, until, when they are all gathered to-
Allah and His Messenger. Such people are the gether in it, the last of them will say to the first,
truly sincere. (59:8) ‘Our Lord, those are the ones who misguided us,
so give them a double punishment in the Fire.’ He
SISTER will say, ‘Each will receive double. But you do not
You receive half of what your wives leave if they know it.’ (7:38)
are childless. If they have children you receive a (Her people said to Maryam,) ‘Sister of Harun,
quarter of what they leave after any bequest they your father was not an evil man nor was your
make or any debts. They receive a quarter of mother an unchaste woman!’ (19:28)
what you leave if you are childless. If you have (Allah said,) ‘When your sister went and said,
children they receive an eighth of what you leave "Shall I direct you to someone who will take care
after any bequest you make or any debts. If a of him?" that was how We returned you to your
man or woman has no direct heirs, but has a mother so that she might delight her eyes and not
brother or sister, each of them receives a sixth. If be grieved. You killed a man and We rescued you
there are more than that they share in a third after from trouble and tested you with many trials. You
any bequest you make or any debts, making sure stayed some years among the people of Madyan.
689
Then you arrived at the pre-ordained time, Musa!’ expel you from your land, so what do you rec-
(20:40) ommend?’ They said, ‘Detain him and his
Say to the believing women that they should brother and send out marshals to the cities, to
lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not bring you all the skilled magicians.’ (7:109-112)
display their adornments–except for what nor- He (Pharaoh) said to the High Council round
mally shows–and draw their head-coverings about him, ‘This certainly is a skilled magician
across their breasts. They should only display their who desires by his magic to expel you from your
adornments to their husbands or their fathers or land, so what do you recommend?’ They said,
their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or their hus- ‘Detain him and his brother and send out mar-
bands’ sons or their brothers or their brothers’ sons shals to the cities, to bring you all the skilled ma-
or their sisters’ sons or their women or those they gicians.’ (26:34-37)
own as slaves or their male attendants who have (Salih said to his people,) ‘Will you continue
no sexual desire or children who still have no hewing houses from the mountains with exultant
awareness of women’s private parts. Nor should skill?’ (26:149)
they stamp their feet so that their hidden orna-
ments are known. Turn to Allah every one of you, SKIN
believers, so that hopefully you will have success. As for those who reject Our Signs, We will roast
(24:31) them in a Fire. Every time their skins are burned
There is no objection to the blind, no objection to off, We will replace them with new skins so that
the lame, no objection to the sick nor to your- they can taste the punishment. Allah is Almighty,
selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa- All-Wise. (4:56)
thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your Here are two rival groups who disputed concern-
brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the ing their Lord. Those who disbelieve will have
houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts or garments of fire cut out for them, and boiling
the houses of your maternal uncles or maternal water poured over their heads, which will melt
aunts or places to which you own the keys or those the contents of their bellies as well as their skin.
of your friends. There is nothing wrong in your eat- (22:19-20)
ing together or eating separately. And when you Allah has sent down the Supreme Discourse, a
enter houses greet one another with a greeting Book consistent in its frequent repetitions. The
from Allah, blessed and good. In this way Allah skins of those who fear their Lord tremble at it
makes the Signs clear to you so that hopefully you and then their skins and hearts yield softly to the
will use your intellect. (24:61) remembrance of Allah. That is Allah’s guidance
She said to his sister, ‘Go after him.’ And she kept by which He guides whoever He wills. And no
an eye on him from afar and they were not aware. one can guide those whom Allah misguides.
(28:11) (39:23)
We first made him refuse all wet-nurses, so she (his When they reach it (the Fire), their hearing, sight
sister) said, ‘Shall I show you to a household who and skin will testify against them concerning
will feed him for you and be good to him?’ (28:12) what they did. They will ask their skins, ‘Why did
They incur no blame in respect of their fathers or you testify against us?’ and they will reply, ‘Allah
their sons or their brothers or their brothers’ or sis- gave us speech as He has given speech to every-
ters’ sons, or their women or any slaves they own. thing. He created you in the first place and you
Have fear of Allah. Allah is witness of all things. will be returned to Him. You did not think to
(33:55) shield yourselves from your hearing, sight and
skin testifying against you and you thought that
SKILL Allah would never know much of what you did.
The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘This (41:20-22)
is certainly a skilled magician who desires to
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SLANDER Allah, and animals which have been strangled,
If you desire to exchange one wife for another and animals which have been killed by a blow,
and have given your original wife a large and animals which have fallen to their death,
amount, do not take any of it. Would you take it and animals which have been gored, and ani-
by means of slander and outright crime? (4:20) mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those
Anyone who commits an error or an evil action, you are able to slaughter properly–and animals
and then ascribes it to someone innocent, bears which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid-
the weight of slander and clear wrongdoing. ing things by means of divining arrows–that is
(4:112) deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de-
And on account of their disbelief, and their utter- spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not
ance of a monstrous slander against Maryam, be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I
and their saying, ‘We killed the Messiah, ‘Isa son have perfected your religion for you and com-
of Maryam, Messenger of Allah.’ They did not kill pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased
him and they did not crucify him but it was made with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is
to seem so to them. Those who argue about him forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing,
are in doubt about it. They have no real knowledge Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)
of it, just conjecture. But they certainly did not kill And also (He provides) animals for riding and for
him. (4:156-157) haulage and animals for slaughtering and for
Why, when you heard it, did you not say, ‘We have wool. Eat what Allah has provided for you and
no business speaking about this. Glory be to You! do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an
This is a terrible slander!’? (24:16) outright enemy to you. (6:142)
And those who abuse men and women who are Remember when Musa said to his people,
believers, when they have not merited it, bear the ‘Remember Allah’s blessing to you when He res-
weight of slander and clear wrongdoing. (33:58) cued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were
(Do not obey) any backbiter, slandermonger, inflicting an evil punishment on you, slaughter-
(68:11) ing your sons and letting your women live. In
(A band of the jinn listened and said,) "The fools that there was a terrible trial from your Lord.’
among us have uttered a vile slander against (14:6)
Allah. " (72:4) (Sulayman said,) ‘I will certainly punish it (the
hoopoe) most severely or slaughter it if it does
SLAUGHTER not bring me clear authority.’ (27:21)
Remember when We rescued you from the peo- Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land
ple of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil pun- and divided its people into camps, oppressing
ishment on you–slaughtering your sons and one group of them by slaughtering their sons and
letting your women live. In that there was a terri- letting their women live. He was one of the cor-
ble trial for you from your Lord. (2:49) rupters. (28:4)
Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were When he (Musa) brought them the truth from Us
slaughtering them by His permission. But then they said, ‘Slaughter the sons of those who be-
you faltered, disputing the command, and dis- lieve with him but let their women live.’ The
obeyed after He showed you what you love. stratagems of the disbelievers are nothing but er-
Among you are those who want this world and rors. (40:25)
among you are those who want the hereafter.
Then He turned you from them in order to test SLAVE
you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East
favour to the believers. (3:152) or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork, are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
and what has been consecrated to other than the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
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despite their love for it, give away their wealth to Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92)
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, What they call on apart from Him are female
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves idols. What they call on is an arrogant Satan
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; whom Allah has cursed. He (Satan) said, ‘I will
those who honour their contracts when they take a certain fixed proportion of Your slaves.’
make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill- (4:117-118)
ness and in battle. Those are the people who are Allah does not take you to task for your inadver-
true. They are the people who guard against evil. tent oaths, but He will take you to task for oaths
(2:177) you make intentionally. The expiation in that
You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for case is to feed ten poor people with the average
you in the case of people killed: free man for free amount you feed your family, or clothe them, or
man, slave for slave, female for female. But if free a slave. Anyone without the means to do so
someone is absolved by his brother, blood- should fast three days. That is the expiation for
money should be claimed with correctness and breaking oaths when you have sworn them. Keep
paid with good will. That is an easement and a your oaths. In this way Allah makes His Signs
mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond clear to you, so that hopefully you will be thank-
the limits after this will receive a painful punish- ful. (5:89)
ment. (2:178) The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those
Do not marry women of the idolaters until they who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free-
believe. A slavegirl who is one of the believers is ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of
better for you than a woman of the idolaters, Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from
even though she may attract you. And do not Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60)
marry men of the idolaters until they believe. A Some city women said, ‘The governor’s wife so-
slave who is one of the believers is better for you licited her slave. He’s fired her heart with love.
than a man of the idolaters, even though he may We see that she’s the one to blame.’ (12:30)
attract you. Such people call you to the Fire Marry off those among you who are unmarried
whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to and those of your slaves and slavegirls who are
the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs righteous. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them
clear to people so that hopefully they will pay from His bounty. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-
heed. (2:221) Knowing. (24:32)
If you are afraid of not behaving justly towards Those who cannot find the means to marry
orphans, then marry other permissible women, should be abstinent until Allah enriches them
two, three or four. But if you are afraid of not from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to
treating them equally, then only one, or those make a contract to free themselves, write it for
you own as slaves. That makes it more likely that them if you know of good in them and give them
you will not be unfair. (4:3) some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not
A believer should never kill another believer un- force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if
less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer they desire to be virtuous women out of your de-
by mistake should free a believing slave and pay sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces
blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as them, then after they have been forced, Allah is
a charity. If he is from a people who are your en- Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33)
emies and is a believer, you should free a believ- You who believe! Those you own as slaves and
ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty those of you who have not yet reached puberty
with, blood money should be paid to his family should ask your permission to enter at three
and you should free a believing slave. Anyone times: before the Dawn Prayer, when you have
who cannot find the means should fast two con- undressed at noon, and after the Prayer of
secutive months. This is a concession from Allah. Night–three times of nakedness for you. There is
692
nothing wrong for you or them at other times in Self-Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness
moving around among yourselves from one to or sleep. Everything in the heavens and the earth
another. In this way Allah makes the Signs clear belongs to Him. Who can intercede with Him
to you. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (24:58) except by His permission? He knows what is be-
(Musa said to Pharaoh,) ‘And anyway you can fore them and what is behind them but they can-
only reproach me with this favour because you not grasp any of His knowledge save what He
made the tribe of Israel into slaves!’ (26:22) wills. His Footstool encompasses the heavens
O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your and the earth and their preservation does not tire
wives to whom you have given dowries and any Him. He is the Most High, the Magnificent.
slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al- (2:255)
lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un- So We sealed their ears with sleep in the cave for
cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and a number of years. (18:11)
the daughters of your maternal uncles and the You would have supposed them to be awake
daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi- whereas in fact they were asleep. We moved
grated with you and any believing woman who them to the right and to the left, and, at the en-
gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires trance, their dog stretched out its paws. If you
to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to had looked down and seen them, you would
the rest of the believers–We know very well what have turned from them and run and have been
We have prescribed for them regarding their filled with terror at the sight of them. (18:18)
wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order It is He Who made the night a cloak for you and
that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever- sleep a rest, and He made the day a time for ris-
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50) ing. (25:47)
After that no other women are lawful for you nor Allah takes back people’s selves when their
may you exchange them for other wives, even death arrives and those who have not yet died,
though their beauty might be pleasing to you, while they are asleep. He keeps hold of those
with the exception of any you own as slaves. whose death has been decreed and sends the
Allah is watchful over all things. (33:52) others back for a specified term. There are cer-
They incur no blame in respect of their fathers or tainly Signs in that for people who reflect. (39:42)
their sons or their brothers or their brothers’ or We made your sleep a break. (78:9)
sisters’ sons, or their women or any slaves they
own. Have fear of Allah. Allah is witness of all SLIPPING OF THE FOOT
things. (33:55) But Satan made them slip up by means of it, ex-
Those who divorce their wives by equating them pelling them from where they were. We said, ‘Go
with their mothers, and then wish to go back on down from here as enemies to each other! You
what they said, must set free a slave before the will have residence on the earth and enjoyment
two of them may touch one another. This is what for a time.’ (2:36)
you are enjoined to do. Allah is aware of what Those of you who turned their backs on the day
you do. (58:3) the two armies clashed–it was Satan who made
(Believers are) those who guard their private them slip for what they had done. But Allah has
parts except from their wives and any slaves they pardoned them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-
own, in which case they incur no blame. (70:29- Forbearing. (3:155)
30) Do not make your oaths a means of deceiving
What will convey to you what the steep ascent one another or your foot will slip after it was
is? It is freeing a slave... (90:12-13) firmly placed and you will taste evil for barring
access to the Way of Allah and you will have a
SLEEP terrible punishment. (16:94)
Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the
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SLOPE Messengers have no fear.’ (27:10)
When you were on the nearer slope, and they (A voice called out to Musa,) ‘Throw down your
were on the further slope and the caravan was staff!’ Then when he saw it slithering like a snake
lower down than you. If you had made an ap- he turned and fled and did not turn back again.
pointment with them you would have broken the ‘Musa, approach and have no fear! You are one
appointment. However, it happened so that of those who are secure.’ (28:31)
Allah could settle a matter whose result was pre-
ordained: so that those who died would die with SNOUT
clear proof, and those who lived would live with When Our Signs are recited to him, he says, ‘Just
clear proof. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. myths of previous peoples!’ We will brand him
(8:42) on the snout! (68:15-16)
When Yajuj and Majuj are let loose and rush
down from every slope, (21:96) SOIL (SEE EARTH)

SMOKE SOLOMON (SEE SULAYMAN (AS))


Say: ‘It is the truth from your Lord; so let whoever
wishes believe and whoever wishes disbelieve.’ SONS
We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of
whose billowing walls of smoke will hem them Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of
in. If they call for help, they will be helped with Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with
water like seething molten brass, frying their the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a
faces. What a noxious drink! What an evil re- Messenger came to you with something your
pose! (18:29) lower selves did not desire, did you grow arro-
Then He turned to heaven when it was smoke gant, and deny some of them and murder others?
and said to it and to the earth, ‘Come willingly or (2:87)
unwillingly.’ They both said, ‘We come will- They say, ‘Allah has a son.’ Glory be to Him! No,
ingly.’ (41:11) everything in the heavens and earth belongs to
So be on the watch for a day when heaven brings Him. Everything is obedient to Him. (2:116)
forth a distinctive smoke, which enshrouds Or were you present when death came to Ya‘qub
mankind. ‘This is a painful punishment!’ (44:10- and he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship
11) when I have gone?’ They said, ‘We will worship
He will pursue you with a piercing flame and your God, the God of your forefathers, Ibrahim,
fiery smoke, and you will not be helped. (55:35) Isma‘il and Ishaq–one God. We are Muslims sub-
(The Companions of the Left are) amid searing mitted to Him.’ (2:133)
blasts and scalding water and the murk of thick These Messengers: We favoured some of them
black smoke, providing no coolness and no over others. Allah spoke directly to some of them
pleasure. (56:42-44) and raised up some of them in rank. We gave
Clear Signs to ‘Isa, son of Maryam, and rein-
SNAKE forced him with the Purest Spirit. If Allah had
So He (Musa) threw down his staff and there it willed, those who came after them would not
was, unmistakably a snake. (7:107, 26:32) have fought each other after the Clear Signs
He (Musa) threw it down and suddenly it was a came to them, but they differed. Among them
slithering snake. (20:20) there are those who believe and among them
(A voice called out to Musa,) ‘Throw down your there are those who disbelieve. If Allah had
staff.’ Then when he saw it slithering like a snake willed, they would not have fought each other.
he turned and fled and did not turn back again. But Allah does whatever He desires. (2:253)
‘Have no fear, Musa. In My Presence the He (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord, how can I possi-
694
bly have a son when I have reached old age and Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of
my wife is barren?’ He said, ‘It will be so. Allah Allah.’ They did not kill him and they did not
does whatever He wills.’ (3:40) crucify him but it was made to seem so to them.
When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives Those who argue about him are in doubt about
you good news of a Word from Him. His name is it. They have no real knowledge of it, just con-
the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem jecture. But they certainly did not kill him.
in this world and the hereafter, and one of those (4:156-157)
brought near.’ (3:45) People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your
If anyone argues with you about him after the religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah.
knowledge that has come to you, say, ‘Come The Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, was only the
then! Let us summon our sons and your sons, our Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast
women and your women, ourselves and your- into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe
selves. Then let us make earnest supplication and in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, ‘Three.’
call down the curse of Allah upon the liars.’ It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God.
(3:61) He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in
Allah instructs you regarding your children: A the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him.
male receives the same as the share of two fe- Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:171)
males. If there are more than two daughters they Those who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, son of
receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one Maryam,’ disbelieve. Say: ‘Who possesses any
on her own she receives a half. Each of your par- power at all over Allah if He desires to destroy
ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you the Messiah, son of Maryam, and his mother, and
have children. If you are childless and your heirs everyone else on earth?’ The kingdom of the
are your parents your mother receives a third. If heavens and the earth and everything between
you have brothers or sisters your mother receives them belongs to Allah. He creates whatever He
a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts. wills. Allah has power over all things. (5:17)
With regard to your fathers and your sons, you Recite to them the true report of Adam’s two sons
do not know which of them is going to benefit when they offered a sacrifice and it was accepted
you more. These are obligatory shares from from one of them but not accepted from the
Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11) other. The one said, ‘I shall kill you.’ The other
Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your said, ‘Allah only accepts from people who guard
daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts against evil. (5:27)
and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in
and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came
who have suckled you, your foster sisters by before him. We gave him the Gospel containing
suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh- guidance and light, confirming the Torah that
ters who are under your protection: the daugh- came before it, and as guidance and admonition
ters of your wives whom you have had sexual for those who guard against evil. (5:46)
relations with (though if you have not had sexual Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam,
relations with them there is nothing blameworthy is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe
for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.
you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah
the same time–except for what may have already has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will
taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no
Merciful. (4:23) helpers. (5:72)
And (We punished them) on account of their dis- The Messiah, the son of Maryam, was only a
belief, and their utterance of a monstrous slander Messenger, before whom other Messengers came
against Maryam, and their saying, ‘We killed the and went. His mother was a woman of truth.
695
Both of them ate food. See how We make the He (Ya‘qub) said, ‘My son, don’t tell your brothers
Signs clear to them! Then see how they are per- your dream lest they devise some scheme to injure
verted! (5:75) you, Satan is a clear-cut enemy to man.’ (12:5)
Those among the tribe of Israel who disbelieved (The eldest of Yusuf's brothers said,) ‘Return now to
were cursed on the tongue of Dawud and that of your father and say to him, "Your son stole, father.
‘Isa, son of Maryam. That is because they re- We can do no more than testify to what we know
belled and overstepped the limits. (5:78) and we are not the guardians of the Unseen."’
And when the Disciples said, ‘‘Isa son of (12:81)
Maryam! Can your Lord send down a table to us (Ya‘qub said,) ‘My sons! Seek news of Yusuf and his
out of heaven?’ He said, ‘Have fear of Allah if brother. Do not despair of solace from Allah. No
you are believers!’ (5:112) one despairs of solace from Allah except for people
‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Allah, our Lord, send who are disbelievers.’ (12:87)
down a table to us out of heaven to be a feast for He (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord! How can I have a
us, for the first and last of us, and as a Sign from boy when my wife is barren and I have reached ad-
You. Provide for us! You are the Best of vanced old age?’ (19:8)
Providers!’ (5:114) That is ‘Isa, son of Maryam, the word of truth about
And when Allah says, ‘‘Isa son of Maryam! Did which they are in doubt. (19:34)
you say to people, "Take me and my mother as He (Harun) said, ‘Son of my mother! Do not seize
gods besides Allah?"’ he will say, ‘Glory be to me by the beard or by the hair. I was afraid that you
You! It is not for me to say what I have no right to would say, "You have caused division in the tribe of
say! If I had said it, then You would have known Israel and taken no notice to anything I said."’
it. You know what is in my self but I do not know (20:94)
what is in Your Self. You are the Knower of all un- And We made the son of Maryam and his mother a
seen things.’ (5:116) Sign and gave them shelter on a mountainside
Yet they make the jinn co-partners with Allah where there was a meadow and a flowing spring.
when He created them! And they attribute sons (23:50)
and daughters to Him without any knowledge. Say to the believing women that they should
Glory be to Him! He is far above what they de- lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not
scribe! (6:100) display their adornments–except for what nor-
The Jews say, ‘‘Uzayr is the son of Allah,’ and the mally shows–and draw their head-coverings
Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’ across their breasts. They should only display
That is what they say with their mouths, copying their adornments to their husbands or their fa-
the words of those who disbelieved before. Allah thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or
fight them! How perverted they are! (9:30) their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their
They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their
besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of women or those they own as slaves or their male
Maryam. Yet they were commanded to worship attendants who have no sexual desire or children
only one God. There is no god but Him! Glory be who still have no awareness of women’s private
to Him above anything they associate with Him! parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that
(9:31) their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah
It sailed with them through mountainous waves, every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you
and Nuh called out to his son, who had kept him- will have success. (24:31)
self apart, ‘My son! Come on board with us. Do When Luqman said to his son, counselling him,
not stay with the disbelievers!’ (11:42) ‘My son, do not associate anything with Allah.
Nuh called out to his Lord and said, ‘My Lord, my Associating others with Him is a terrible wrong.’
son is one of my family and Your promise is surely (31:13)
the truth and You are the Justest of Judges.’ (11:45) (Luqman said,) ‘My son, even if something
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weighs as little as a mustard-seed and is inside a enemy and they became victorious. (61:14)
rock or anywhere else in the heavens or earth, (On the Day) no good friend will ask about his
Allah will bring it out. Allah is All-Pervading, All- friend even though they can see each other. An
Aware.’ My son, perform prayer and command evildoer will wish he could ransom himself from
what is right and forbid what is wrong and be the punishment of that Day, by means of his
steadfast in the face of all that happens to you. sons, (70:10-11)
That is certainly the most resolute course to fol-
low.’ (31:16-17) SOOTHSAYER
When We made a covenant with all the Remind them then! For, by the blessing of your
Prophets–with you and with Nuh and Ibrahim Lord, you are neither a soothsayer nor a mad-
and Musa and ‘Isa son of Maryam–We made a man. (52:29)
binding covenant with them. (33:7)
They incur no blame in respect of their fathers or SORCERY
their sons or their brothers or their brothers’ or They follow what the Satans recited in the reign
sisters’ sons, or their women or any slaves they of Sulayman. Sulayman did not disbelieve, but
own. Have fear of Allah. Allah is witness of all the Satans did, teaching people sorcery and what
things. (33:55) had been sent down to Harut and Marut, the two
When he was of an age to work with him, he angels in Babylon, who taught no one without
(Ibrahim) said, ‘My son, I saw in a dream that I first saying to him, ‘We are merely a trial and
must sacrifice you. What do you think about temptation, so do not disbelieve.’ People learned
this?’ He said, ‘Do as you are ordered, father. from them how to separate a man and his wife
Allah willing, you will find me resolute.’ (37:102) but they cannot harm anyone by it, except with
When an example is made of the son of Maryam Allah's permission. They have learned what will
your people laugh uproariously. (43:57) harm them and will not benefit them. They know
Then We sent Our Messengers following in their that any who deal in it will have no share in the
footsteps and sent ‘Isa son of Maryam after them, hereafter. What an evil thing they have sold
giving him the Gospel. We put compassion and themselves for if they only knew! (2:102)
mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.
They invented monasticism–We did not pre- SOUND INTELLECT
scribe it for them–purely out of desire to gain the Eat and pasture your cattle. Certainly there are
pleasure of Allah, but even so they did not ob- Signs in that for people of sound intellect. (20:54)
serve it as it should have been observed. To those Are they not guided by the many generations We
of them who believed We gave their reward but have destroyed before them, among whose
many of them are deviators. (57:27) dwelling places they walk about? There are Signs
And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Tribe of in that for people of sound intellect. (20:128)
Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, con-
firming the Torah which came before me and giv- SPARK
ing you the good news of a Messenger after me Proceed to a shadow which forks into three but
whose name is Ahmad.’ When he brought them gives no shade or protection from the flames,
the Clear Signs, they said, ‘This is downright shooting up great sparks the size of castles, like a
magic.’ (61:6) herd of yellow camels. (77:30-33)
You who believe! Be helpers of Allah as ‘Isa son
of Maryam said to the Disciples, ‘Who will be SPATHE
my helpers to Allah?’ The Disciples said, ‘We will (Salih said to his people,) ‘Are you going to be
be the helpers of Allah.’ One faction of the tribe left secure amid what is here, amid gardens and
of Israel believed and the other disbelieved. So clear springs, and cultivated fields and palms
We supported those who believed against their with supple spathes?’ (26:146-148)
697
And We sent down blessed water from the sky There is a prescribed limit to every term. (13:38)
and made gardens grow by it and grain for har- No nation can advance its appointed time nor
vesting and soaring date-palms with layered can they delay it. (15:5)
spathes, (50:9-10) And were it not for a prior word from your Lord,
and a specified term, it would inevitably have al-
SPECIFIED TERM ready taken place. (20:129)
No self can die except with Allah’s permission, at No nation can advance its appointed time nor
a predetermined time. If anyone desires the re- can they delay it. (23:43)
ward of this world, We will give him some of it. If They ask you to hasten the punishment. If it were
anyone desires the reward of the hereafter, We not for a stipulated term, the punishment would
will give him some of it. We will recompense the have come to them already. It will come upon
thankful. (3:145) them suddenly when they are not expecting it.
It is He Who created you from clay and then de- (29:53)
creed a fixed term, and another fixed term is If Allah were to take mankind to task for what
specified with Him. Yet you still have doubts! they have earned, He would not leave a single
(6:2) creature crawling on it, but He is deferring them
It is He Who takes you back to Himself at night, until a specified time. Then, when their time
while knowing the things you perpetrate by day, comes, Allah sees His servants! (35:45)
and then wakes you up again, so that a specified He created the heavens and the earth with truth.
term may be fulfilled. Then you will return to He wraps the night around the day and wraps the
Him. Then He will inform you about what you day around the night, and has made the sun and
did. (6:60) moon subservient, each one running for a speci-
Have they not looked into the dominions of the fied term. Is He not indeed the Almighty, the
heavens and the earth and what Allah has cre- Endlessly Forgiving? (39:5)
ated, and seen that it may well be that their ap- Allah takes back people’s selves when their
pointed time is near? In what discourse after this death arrives and those who have not yet died,
will they believe? (7:185) while they are asleep. He keeps hold of those
If Allah were to hasten evil for people the way whose death has been decreed and sends the
they try to hasten good, their term would already others back for a specified term. There are cer-
have been completed for them. We abandon tainly Signs in that for people who reflect. (39:42)
those who do not expect to meet Us to wander It is He Who created you from earth, then from a
blindly in their excessive insolence. (10:11) drop of sperm, then from a clot of blood, then He
Say: ‘I possess no power to harm or help myself brings you out as infants, then so you may
except as Allah wills. Every nation has an ap- achieve full strength, then so you may become
pointed time. When their appointed time comes, old men–though some of you may die before that
they cannot delay it a single hour or bring it for- time–so that you may reach a predetermined age
ward.’ (10:49) and so that hopefully you will use your intellect.
Allah is He Who raised up the heavens without (40:67)
any support–you can see that–and then estab- They only split up after knowledge came to them,
lished Himself firmly on the Throne. He made the tyrannising one another. And were it not for a prior
sun and moon subservient, each running for a decree from your Lord for a specified term, the
specified term. He directs the whole affair. He judgement between them would already have
makes the Signs clear so that hopefully you will be been made. Those who inherited the Book after
certain about the meeting with your Lord. (13:2) them are indeed in grave doubt about it. (42:14)
We sent Messengers before you and gave them Allah will not give anyone more time, once their
wives and children. Nor was any Messenger able time has come. Allah is aware of what you do.
to bring a Sign except by Allah’s permission. (63:11)
698
(Nuh said to his people,) ‘He will forgive you power over even the smallest speck. (35:13)
your wrong actions and defer you until a speci-
fied time. When Allah’s time comes it cannot be SPENDING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH
deferred, if you only knew.’ (71:4) (Those who guard against evil are) those who be-
lieve in the Unseen and perform prayer and
SPECK spend from what We have provided for them.
Allah does not wrong anyone by so much as the (2:3)
smallest speck. And if there is a good deed Allah Spend in the Way of Allah. Do not cast your-
will multiply it and pay out an immense reward selves into destruction. And do good: Allah loves
direct from Him. (4:40) good-doers. (2:195)
Do you not see those who claim to be purified? They will ask you what they should give away.
No, Allah purifies whoever He wills. They will Say, ‘Any wealth you give away should go to
not be wronged by so much as the smallest your parents and relatives and to orphans and the
speck. (4:49) very poor and travellers.’ Whatever good you do,
Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back Allah knows it. (2:215)
from fighting but perform prayer and give the They will ask you about alcoholic drinks and
alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them, gambling. Say, ‘There is great wrong in both of
a group of them fear people as Allah should be them and also certain benefits for mankind. But
feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.’
Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If They will ask you what they should give away.
only You would give us just a little more time!’ Say, ‘Whatever is surplus to your needs.’ In this
Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief. way Allah makes the Signs clear to you, so that
The hereafter is better for those who guard hopefully you will reflect. (2:219)
against evil. You will not be wronged by so much You who believe! Give away some of what We
as the smallest speck.’ (4:77) have provided for you before a Day arrives on
Anyone, male or female, who does right actions which there is no trading, no close friendship
and is a believer, will enter the Garden. They will and no intercession. It is the disbelievers who are
not be wronged by so much as the tiniest speck. the wrongdoers. (2:254)
(4:124) The metaphor of those who spend their wealth in
You do not engage in any matter or recite any of the Way of Allah is that of a grain which pro-
the Qur’an or do any action without Our wit- duces seven ears; in every ear there are a hun-
nessing you while you are occupied with it. Not dred grains. Allah gives such multiplied increase
even the smallest speck eludes your Lord, either to whoever He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing,
on earth or in heaven. Nor is there anything All-Knowing. (2:261)
smaller than that, or larger, which is not in a Those who spend their wealth in the Way of
Clear Book. (10:61) Allah, and then do not follow what they have
On the Day We summon every people with their spent by demands for gratitude or insulting
records, those who are given their Book in their words will have their reward with their Lord.
right hand will read their Book and they will not They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.
be wronged by even the smallest speck. (17:71) (2:262)
We will advance on the actions they have done You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by
and make them scattered specks of dust. (25:23) demands for gratitude or insulting words, like
He makes night merge into day and day merge him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo-
into night, and He has made the sun and moon ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day.
subservient, each one running until a specified His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with
time. That is Allah, your Lord. The Kingdom is soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left
His. Those you call on besides Him have no stripped bare. They have no power over anything
699
they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe- punishment for those who disbelieve, and also
lieving people. (2:264) for those who spend their wealth to show off to
The metaphor of those who spend their wealth, people, not believing in Allah and the Last Day.
desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for Anyone who has made Satan his comrade, what
themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside. an evil comrade he is! (4:37-38)
When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its pro- What harm would it have done them to have be-
duce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is lieved in Allah and the Last Day and to have
dew. Allah sees what you do. (2:265) given of what Allah has provided for them? Allah
You who believe! Give away some of the good knows everything about them. (4:39)
things you have earned and some of what the The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their
earth produces for you. Do not have recourse to hands are chained and they are cursed for what
bad things when you give, things you would only they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and
take with your eyes tight shut! Know that Allah is He gives however He wills. What has been sent
Rich Beyond Need, Praiseworthy. (2:267) down to you from your Lord increases many of
Whatever amount you spend or vow you make, them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited
Allah knows it. The wrongdoers have no helpers. enmity and hatred between them until the Day of
(2:270) Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war,
You are not responsible for their guidance, but Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth
Allah guides whoever He wills. Whatever good corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters.
you give away is to your own benefit, when you (5:64)
give desiring only the Face of Allah. Whatever (The believers are) those who perform prayer and
good you give away will be repaid to you in full. give of what We have provided for them. (8:3)
You will not be wronged. (2:272) Arm yourselves against them with all the fire-
It (charity) is for the poor who are held back in power and cavalry you can muster, to terrify the
the Way of Allah, unable to travel in the land. enemies of Allah and your enemies, and others
The ignorant consider them rich because of their besides them whom you do not know. Allah
reticence. You will know them by their mark. knows them. Anything you spend in the Way of
They do not ask from people insistently. Allah will be repaid to you in full. You will not be
Whatever good you give away, Allah knows it. wronged. (8:60)
(2:273) You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks
Those who give away their wealth by night and devour people’s property under false pretences
day, secretly and openly, will have their reward and bar people from access to the Way of Allah.
with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do
know no sorrow. (2:274) not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the
The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, the news of a painful punishment. (9:34)
givers, and those who seek forgiveness before Say: ‘Whether you give readily or reluctantly, it
dawn. (3:17) will not be accepted from you. You are people
You will not attain true goodness until you give who are deviators.’ (9:53)
of what you love. Whatever you give away, Allah Nothing prevents what they give from being ac-
knows it. (3:92) cepted from them but the fact that they have re-
(The people who guard against evil are) those jected Allah and His Messenger, and that they
who give in times of both ease and hardship, only come to prayer lethargically, and that they
those who control their rage and pardon other only give reluctantly. (9:54)
people–Allah loves the good-doers. (3:134) The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those
As for those who are tight-fisted and direct others who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free-
to be tight-fisted, and hide the bounty Allah has ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of
given them, We have prepared a humiliating Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from
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Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60) who are steadfast in the face of all that happens
Nothing is held against the weak and sick nor to them, those who perform prayer and give of
against those who find nothing to spend, pro- what We have provided for them. (22:34-35)
vided they are true to Allah and His They will be given their reward twice over be-
Messenger–there is no way open against good- cause they have been steadfast and because they
doers, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful–nor ward off the bad with the good and give from
is anything held against those who, when they what we have provided for them. (28:54)
came to you for you to provide them with Their sides eschew their beds as they call on their
mounts and you said, ‘I cannot find anything on Lord in fear and ardent hope. And they give of
which to mount you,’ turned away with their what We have provided for them. (32:16)
eyes overflowing with tears, overcome by grief at Those who recite the Book of Allah and perform
having nothing to give. (9:91-92) prayer and give of what We have provided for
Among the desert arabs there are some who re- them, secretly and openly, hope for a transaction
gard what they give as an imposition and are which will not prove profitless. (35:29)
waiting for your fortunes to change. The evil turn And when they are told, ‘Spend from the provi-
of fortune will be theirs! Allah is All-Hearing, All- sion Allah has given you,’ those who disbelieve
Knowing. (9:98) say to those who believe, ‘Why should we feed
And among the desert arabs there are some who someone whom, if He wished, Allah would feed
believe in Allah and the Last Day and regard Himself? You are clearly in error.’ (36:47)
what they give as something which will bring (Believers are) those who respond to their Lord
them nearer to Allah and to the prayers of the and perform prayer, and manage their affairs by
Messenger. It does indeed bring them near. Allah mutual consultation and give of what We have
will admit them into His mercy. Allah is Ever- provided for them. (42:38)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:99) Here you are then: people who are called upon
Nor will they give away any amount, whether to spend in the Way of Allah and then some of
large or small, nor will they cross any valley, you are tight-fisted! But whoever is tight-fisted is
without it being written down for them so that only tight-fisted to himself. Allah is Rich and you
Allah can recompense them for the best of what are poor. If you turn away, He will replace you
they did. (9:121) with a people other than yourselves and they will
Those who are steadfast in seeking the face of not be like you. (47:38)
their Lord, and perform prayer and give from the Believe in Allah and His Messenger and give of
provision We have given them, secretly and that to which He has made you successors.
openly, and stave off evil with good, it is they Those of you who believe and give will have an
who will have the Ultimate Abode. (13:22) immense reward. (57:7)
Tell My servants who believe that they should And how is it with you that you do not give in the
perform prayer and give from what We have pro- Way of Allah, when the inheritance of the heav-
vided for them, secretly and openly, before a Day ens and the earth belongs to Allah? Those of you
arrives on which there will be no trading and no who gave and fought before the Victory are not
friendship. (14:31) the same as those who gave and fought after-
Allah does make a metaphor: an owned slave wards. They are higher in rank. But to each of
possessing no power over anything, and some- them Allah has promised the Best. Allah is aware
one We have given plentiful provision who gives of what you do. (57:10)
out from it secretly and openly. Are they the They are the people who say, ‘Do not spend on
same? Praise be to Allah! They are not! But most those who are with the Messenger of Allah, so
people do not know it. (16:75) that they may go away.’ The treasuries of the
... Give good news to the humble-hearted, heavens and earth belong to Allah. But the hyp-
whose hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and ocrites do not understand this. (63:7)
701
Give from what We have provided for you before Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in
death comes to one of you and he says, ‘My the cradle and when you were fully grown; and
Lord, if only you would give me a little more time when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and
so that I can give charity and be one of the right- the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created
eous!’ (63:10) a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and
So have fear of Allah, as much as you are able to, then breathed into it and it became a bird by My
and listen and obey and spend for your own ben- permission; and healed the blind and the leper
efit. It is the people who are safe-guarded from by My permission; and when you brought forth
the avarice of their own selves who are success- the dead by My permission; and when I held
ful. (64:16) back the tribe of Israel from you, when you
He who has plenty should spend out from his brought them the Clear Signs and those of them
plenty, but he whose provision is restricted who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down-
should spend from what Allah has given him. right magic";’ (5:110)
Allah does not demand from any self more than (Your Lord said to the angels,) ‘When I have
He has given it. Allah will appoint after difficulty, formed him and breathed My Spirit into him, fall
ease. (65:7) down in prostration in front of him!’ (15:29)
He sends down angels with the Spirit of His com-
SPIDER mand to any of His servants He wills: ‘Give
The metaphor of those who take protectors be- warning that there is no god but Me, so have fear
sides Allah is that of a spider which builds itself a of Me!’ (16:2)
house; but no house is flimsier than a spider’s Say: ‘The Purest Spirit has brought it down from
house, if they only knew. (29:41) your Lord with truth, to make those who believe
firm, and as guidance and good news for the
SPIRIT (RUH) Muslims.’ (16:102)
We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of They will ask you about the Spirit. Say: ‘The
Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of Spirit is my Lord’s concern. You have only been
Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with given a little knowledge.’ (17:85)
the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a Mention Maryam in the Book, how she withdrew
Messenger came to you with something your from her people to an eastern place, and veiled
lower selves did not desire, did you grow arro- herself from them. Then We sent Our Spirit to her
gant, and deny some of them and murder others? and it took on for her the form of a handsome,
(2:87) well-built man. (19:16-17)
These Messengers: We favoured some of them And she (Maryam) who protected her private
over others. Allah spoke directly to some of them parts. We breathed into her some of Our Spirit
and raised up some of them in rank. We gave and made her and her son a Sign for all the
Clear Signs to ‘Isa, son of Maryam, and rein- worlds. (21:91)
forced him with the Purest Spirit. If Allah had The Faithful Spirit brought it (the revelation)
willed, those who came after them would not down. (26:193)
have fought each other after the Clear Signs Then (He) formed him and breathed His Spirit
came to them, but they differed. Among them into him and gave you hearing, sight and hearts.
there are those who believe and among them What little thanks you show! (32:9)
there are those who disbelieve. If Allah had (Your Lord said to the angels,) ‘When I have
willed, they would not have fought each other. formed him and breathed My Spirit into him, fall
But Allah does whatever He desires. (2:253) down in prostration to him!’ (38:72)
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of He is the Raiser of ranks, the Possessor of the
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to Throne, He sends the Spirit by His command to
your mother when I reinforced you with the whichever of His servants He wills so that he
702
may warn mankind about the Day of Meeting: (Salih said,) ‘Are you going to be left secure amid
(40:15) what is here, amid gardens and clear springs?’
And Maryam, the daughter of ‘Imran, who (26:146-147)
guarded her chastity–We breathed Our Spirit into We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and
her and she confirmed the Words of her Lord and cause springs to gush out in it. (36:34)
His Book and was one of the obedient. (66:12) (The believers will have) a cup from a flowing
spring passing round among them (in Gardens of
SPOUSE Delight). (37:45)
Give the good news to those who believe and do Do you not see that Allah sends down water from
right actions that they will have Gardens with the sky and threads it through the earth to emerge
rivers flowing under them. When they are given as springs and then by it brings forth crops of
fruit there as provision, they will say, ‘This is varying colours, which then wither and you see
what we were given before.’ But they were only them turning yellow and then He makes them
given a simulation of it. They will have there into broken stubble? There is a reminder in that
spouses of perfect purity and will remain there for people of intelligence. (39:21)
timelessly, for ever. (2:25) And (We) made the earth burst forth with gushing
But as for those who believe and do right actions, springs. And the waters met together in a way
We will admit them into Gardens with rivers which was decreed. (54:12)
flowing under them, remaining in them time- In them (the Gardens) are two clear flowing
lessly, for ever and ever. In them they will have springs. (55:50)
spouses of perfect purity and We will admit them In them are two gushing springs. (55:66)
into cool, refreshing shade. (4:57) The truly good will drink from a cup mixed with
It is He Who created you from a single self and the coolness of camphor, a spring from which
made from him his spouse so that he might find Allah’s servants will drink, making it gush forth at
repose in her. Then when he covered her she will abundantly. (76:5-6)
bore a light load and carried it around. Then In it there is a flowing spring called Salsabil.
when it became heavy they called on Allah, their (76:18)
Lord, ‘If You grant us a healthy child, we will be (The inhabitants of the Fire will be) drinking from
among the thankful!’ (7:189) a boiling spring. (88:5)
Among His Signs is that He created spouses for In it is a gushing spring. (88:12)
you of your own kind so that you might find tran-
quillity in them. And He has placed affection and STAKE
compassion between you. There are certainly Before them the people of Nuh denied the truth,
Signs in that for people who reflect. (30:21) as did ‘Ad and Pharaoh of the Stakes. (38:12)
And Pharaoh of the Stakes (was one of the
SPRING tyrants). (89:10)
Those who guard against evil will be amid
Gardens and Springs. (15:45) STAMP
They say, ‘We will not believe you until you And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up
make a spring gush out from the earth for us;’ with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to
(17:90) supply to us some of what the earth produces–its
We expelled them (Pharaoh and his people) from green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
gardens and springs. (26:57) onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
Have fear of Him Who has supplied you with better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
what you know, supplied you with livestock and then you will have what you are asking for.’
children and gardens and clear springs. (26:132- Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
134) them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
703
themselves. That was because they rejected Allah’s When Yusuf told his father, ‘Father! I saw eleven
Signs and killed the Prophets without any right to bright stars, and the sun and moon as well. I saw
do so. That was because they rebelled and went them all prostrate in front of me.’ (12:4)
beyond the limits. (2:61) He has made night and day subservient to you, and
Because of the fact that they broke their covenant, the sun and moon and stars, all subject to His com-
and rejected Allah’s Signs, and killed the Prophets mand. There are certainly Signs in that for people
without any right to do so and said, ‘Our hearts are who use their intellect. (16:12)
uncircumcised,’ Allah has stamped them with dis- He cast firmly embedded mountains on the earth
belief, so they do not believe except for very few. so it would not move under you, and rivers and
(4:155) pathways so that hopefully you would be guided,
They are pleased to be with those who stay behind. and landmarks. And they are guided by the stars.
Their hearts have been stamped so they do not un- (16:15-16)
derstand. (9:87) Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and
everyone on the earth prostrates to Allah, and the
STANDING UP sun and moon and stars and the mountains, trees
We fortified their hearts when they stood up and and beasts and many of mankind? But many of
said, ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the them inevitably merit punishment. Those Allah hu-
earth and We will not call on any god apart from miliates will have no one to honour them. Allah
Him. We would in that case have uttered an abom- does whatever He wills. (22:18)
ination. (18:14) Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The
And We located the position of the House for metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in which is
Ibrahim: ‘Do not associate anything with Me and a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass like a bril-
purify My House for those who circle it, and those liant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of
who stand and bow and prostrate.’ (22:26) the east nor of the west, its oil all but giving off light
He Who sees you when you stand up to pray. even if no fire touches it. Light upon Light. Allah
(26:218) guides to His Light whoever He wills and Allah
Say: ‘I exhort you to do one thing alone: to stand makes metaphors for mankind and Allah has
before Allah in pairs and on your own and then re- knowledge of all things. (24:35)
flect. Your companion is not possessed. He is only He (Ibrahim) took a look at the stars. (37:88)
a warner come to you ahead of a terrible punish- And glorify Him in the night and when the stars
ment.’ (34:46) fade out. (52:49)
By the star when it descends, (53:1)
STAR And I swear by the falling of the stars. (56:75)
When night covered him he (Ibrahim) saw a star When the stars are extinguished, (77:8)
and said, ‘This is my Lord!’ Then when it set he When the stars fall in rapid succession, (81:2)
said, ‘I do not love what sets.’ (6:76) When the stars are strewn about, (82:2)
It is He Who has appointed the stars for you so you And what will convey to you what the Night-
might be guided by them in the darkness of the Comer is? The Piercing Star! (86:2-3)
land and sea. We have made the Signs clear for
people who have knowledge. (6:97) STATE OF PILGRIMAGE (SEE IHRAM)
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and
the earth in six days and then settled Himself firmly STATUE
on the Throne. He covers the day with the night, When he (Ibrahim) said to his father and his peo-
each pursuing the other urgently; and the sun and ple, ‘What are these statues you are clinging to?’
moon and stars are subservient to His command. (21:52)
Both creation and command belong to Him. They made for him (Sulayman) anything he
Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. (7:54) wished: high arches and statues, huge dishes like
704
cisterns, great built-in cooking vats. ‘Work, fam- It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East
ily of Dawud, in thankfulness!’ But very few of or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness
My servants are thankful. (34:13) are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who,
STEADFASTNESS despite their love for it, give away their wealth to
Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. But that is their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
a very hard thing, except for the humble. (2:45) and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves
You who believe! Seek help in steadfastness and free, and who perform prayer and give the alms;
prayer. Allah is with the steadfast. (2:153) those who honour their contracts when they
We will test you with a certain amount of fear make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
But give good news to the steadfast: (2:155) true. They are the people who guard against evil.
When they came out against Goliath and his (2:177)
troops, they said, ‘Our Lord, pour down stead- When Talut marched out with the army, he said,
fastness upon us, and make our feet firm, and ‘Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who
help us against this disbelieving people.’ (2:250) drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who
You who believe, be steadfast; be supreme in does not taste it is with me–except for him who
steadfastness; be firm on the battlefield; and have merely scoops up a little in his hand.’ But they
fear of Allah; so that hopefully you will be suc- drank from it–except for a few of them. Then
cessful. (3:200) when he and those who believed with him had
(The magicians said to Pharaoh,) ‘You are only crossed it, they said, ‘We do not have the
avenging yourself on us because we believed in strength to face Goliath and his troops today.’ But
our Lord’s Signs when they came to us. Our Lord, those who were sure that they were going to
pour down steadfastness upon us and take us meet Allah said, ‘How many a small force has tri-
back to You as Muslims.’ (7:126) umphed over a much greater one by Allah’s per-
Now Allah has made it lighter on you, knowing mission! Allah is with the steadfast. (2:249)
there is weakness in you. If there are a hundred The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, the
of you who are steadfast, they will overcome two givers, and those who seek forgiveness before
hundred; and if there are a thousand of you, they dawn. (3:17)
will overcome two thousand with Allah’s permis- If something good happens to you, it galls them.
sion. Allah is with the steadfast. (8:66) If something bad strikes you, they rejoice at it.
They then produced his shirt with false blood on But if you are steadfast and guard against evil,
it. He (Yusuf’s father) said, ‘It is merely that your their scheming will not harm you in any way.
lower selves have suggested something to you Allah encompasses what they do. (3:120)
which you did; but beauty lies in showing stead- Yes indeed! But if you are steadfast and guard
fastness. It is Allah alone Who is my Help in face against evil and they come upon you suddenly,
of the event that you describe.’ (12:18) your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand
He (Yusuf’s father) said, ‘It’s merely that your angels, clearly identified. (3:125)
lower selves suggested something to you which Or did you imagine that you were going to enter
you did. But beauty lies in having steadfastness. the Garden without Allah knowing those among
Perhaps Allah will bring them all together. He is you who had struggled and knowing the stead-
indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:83) fast? (3:142)
So be steadfast in the face of what they say and Many a Prophet has been fought, when there
glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of were many thousands with him! They did not
the sun and before its setting. And glorify Him dur- give up in the face of what assailed them in the
ing part of the night and at both ends of the day, so Way of Allah, nor did they weaken, nor did they
that hopefully you will be pleased. (20:130) yield. Allah loves the steadfast. (3:146)
705
You will be tested in your wealth and in your- Those who are steadfast in seeking the face of
selves and you will hear many abusive words their Lord, and perform prayer and give from the
from those given the Book before you and from provision We have given them, secretly and
those who are idolaters. But if you are steadfast openly, and stave off evil with good, it is they
and guard against evil, that is the most resolute who will have the Ultimate Abode. (13:22)
course to take. (3:186) ... Angels will enter in to welcome them from
Messengers before you were also denied but they every gate: ‘Peace be upon you because of your
were steadfast in the face of the denial and injury steadfastness! How wonderful is the Ultimate
they suffered until Our help arrived. There is no Abode!’ (13:23-24)
changing the Words of Allah. And news of other We sent Musa with Our Signs: ‘Bring your people
Messengers has come to you. (6:34) from the darkness to the light and remind them of
Musa said to his people, ‘Seek help in Allah and the Days of Allah.’ There are certainly Signs in
be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He be- that for everyone who is steadfast, thankful.
queathes it to any of His servants He wills. The (14:5)
successful outcome is for those who guard (Their Messengers said,) ‘And why indeed should
against evil.’ (7:128) we not put our trust in Allah when He has guided
And We bequeathed to the people who had been us to our ways? We will be steadfast however
oppressed the easternmost part of the land We much you harm us. Those who trust put their
had blessed, and its westernmost part as well. trust in Allah.’ (14:12)
The most excellent Word of your Lord was ful- (Believers are) those who are steadfast and put
filled for the tribe of Israel on account of their their trust in their Lord. (16:42)
steadfastness. And We utterly destroyed what What is with you runs out but what is with Allah
Pharaoh and his people made and the buildings goes on for ever. Those who were steadfast will
they constructed. (7:137) be recompensed according to the best of what
Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not quar- they did. (16:96)
rel among yourselves lest you lose heart and your But to those who migrated after they were perse-
momentum disappear. And be steadfast. Allah is cuted and then strived and remained steadfast, to
with the steadfast. (8:46) them your Lord is All-Compassionate, Most
Follow what has been revealed to you and be Merciful. (16:110)
steadfast until Allah’s judgement comes. He is And Isma‘il and Idris and Dhu’l-Kifl–each one
the Best of Judges. (10:109) was among the steadfast. (21:85)
Except for those who are steadfast and do right ... Give good news to the humble-hearted,
actions. They will receive forgiveness and a large whose hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and
reward. (11:11) who are steadfast in the face of all that happens
That is some of the news of the Unseen which to them, those who perform prayer and give of
We reveal to you. Neither you nor your people what We have provided for them. (22:34-35)
knew it before this time. So be steadfast. The best (Allah will say,) ‘Today I have rewarded them for
end result is for those who guard against evil. being steadfast. They are the ones who are victo-
(11:49) rious.’ (23:111)
And be steadfast. Allah does not let the wage of We never sent any Messengers before you who
good-doers go to waste. (11:115) did not eat food and walk in the market-place.
They said, ‘Are you Yusuf?’ He said, ‘I am indeed But We have made some of you a trial for others
Yusuf, and this here is my brother. Allah has to see if you will be steadfast? Your Lord sees
acted graciously to us. As for those who fear everything. (25:20)
Allah and are steadfast, Allah does not allow to Such people will be repaid for their steadfastness
go to waste the wage of any people who do with the Highest Paradise, where they will meet
good.’ (12:90) with welcome and with ‘Peace’. (25:75)
706
They will be given their reward twice over be- your oath.’ We found him steadfast. What an ex-
cause they have been steadfast and because they cellent servant! He truly turned to his Lord.
ward off the bad with the good and give from (38:44)
what we have provided for them. (28:54) Say: ‘Servants of Mine who believe! Have fear of
But those who had been given knowledge said, your Lord. For those who do good in this world
‘Woe to you! Allah’s reward is better for those there is good and Allah’s earth is spacious. The
who believe and act rightly. But only the stead- steadfast will be paid their wages in full without
fast will obtain it.’ (28:80) any reckoning.’ (39:10)
(Believers are) those who are steadfast and put So remain steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Ask
their trust in their Lord. (29:59) forgiveness for your wrong action and glorify
So be steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Do not let your Lord with praise in the evening and the
those who have no certainty make you impatient early morning. (40:55)
and shake your firmness. (30:60) So be steadfast, Allah’s promise is true. Whether
(Luqman said,) ‘My son, perform prayer and We show you some of what We have promised
command what is right and forbid what is wrong them, or take you back to Us, they will in any
and be steadfast in the face of all that happens to case be returned to Us. (40:77)
you. That is certainly the most resolute course to If they are steadfast, the Fire will still be their res-
follow. (31:17) idence! If they ask for favour, no favour will be
Do you not see that ships sail on the sea by given. (41:24)
Allah’s blessing so that He can show you some- None will obtain it but those who are truly stead-
thing of His Signs? There are certainly Signs in fast. None will obtain it but those who have great
that for everyone who is steadfast and thankful. good fortune. (41:35)
(31:31) If He wills He makes the wind stop blowing and
We appointed leaders from among them, guiding then they lie motionless on its back. There are
by Our command when they were steadfast and certainly Signs in that for everyone who is stead-
when they had certainty about Our Signs. (32:24) fast and thankful. (42:33)
Men and women who are Muslims, men and So be steadfast as the Messengers with firm re-
women who are believers, men and women who solve were also steadfast. And do not seek to has-
are obedient, men and women who are truthful, ten it for them. On the Day they see what they
men and women who are steadfast, men and were promised, it will be as if they had only tar-
women who are humble, men and women who ried for just one hour of a single day. It has been
give charity, men and women who fast, men and transmitted! Will any be destroyed except for de-
women who guard their chastity, men and viant people? (46:35)
women who remember Allah much: Allah has We will test you until We know the true fighters
prepared forgiveness for them and an immense among you and those who are steadfast and test
reward. (33:35) what is reported of you. (47:31)
They said, ‘Our Lord, put more distance between So wait steadfastly for the judgement of your
our staging posts.’ They wronged themselves so Lord–you are certainly before Our eyes. And glo-
We made legends of them and scattered them rify and praise your Lord when you get up.
without a trace. There are certainly Signs in that (52:48)
for everyone who is steadfast and thankful. We will send the she-camel as a trial for them.
(34:19) Just keep a watchful eye on them and be stead-
Be steadfast in the face of what they say and re- fast. (54:27)
member Our servant Dawud, who possessed So wait steadfastly for the judgement of your
true strength. He truly turned to his Lord. (38:17) Lord. Do not be like the Companion of the Fish
(We said to Ayyub,) ‘Take a bundle of rushes in when he called out in absolute despair. (68:48)
your hand and strike with that but do not break Be steadfast in the face of what they say and cut
707
yourself off from them–but courteously. (73:10) tions. Against some We sent a sudden squall of
Be steadfast for your Lord. (74:7) stones; some of them were seized by the Great
And (Allah) will reward them for their steadfast- Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up;
ness with a Garden and with silk. (76:12) and some We drowned. Allah did not wrong
(The steep ascent is) then to be one of those who them; rather they wronged themselves. (29:40)
believe and urge each other to steadfastness and We unleashed a sudden squall of stones against
urge each other to compassion. (90:17) all of them, except the family of Lut, who We res-
By the Late Afternoon, truly man is in loss–except cued before dawn. (54:34)
for those who believe and do right actions and Or do you feel secure against Him Who is in
urge each other to the truth and urge each other heaven releasing against you a sudden squall of
to steadfastness. (103:1-3) stones, so that you will know how true My warn-
ing was? (67:17)
STEEP Did He not bring all their schemes to nothing,
But he has not braved the steep ascent. What will unleashing upon them flock after flock of birds,
convey to you what the steep ascent is? It is free- bombarding them with stones of hard-baked
ing a slave or feeding on a day of hunger an or- clay, making them like stripped wheat-stalks
phaned relative or a poor man in the dust; then to eaten bare? (105:2-5)
be one of those who believe and urge each other
to steadfastness and urge each other to compas- STORE
sion. (90:11-17) He (Yusuf) said, ‘Entrust the country's stores to
me. In truth I am a knowing guardian.’ (12:55)
STONE There is nothing that does not have its stores with
If you have doubts about what We have sent Us and We only send it down in a known meas-
down to Our servant, produce another sura ure. (15:21)
equal to it, and call your witnesses, besides We send forth the pollinating winds and send
Allah, if you are telling the truth. If you do not do down water from the sky and give it to you to
that–and you will not do it–then fear the Fire drink. And it is not you who keep its stores.
whose fuel is people and stones, made ready for (15:22)
the disbelievers. (2:23-24) Say: ‘Even if you possessed the vast storehouses
You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al- of my Lord’s mercy, you would still hold back,
tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi- fearing they would run out.’ (17:100)
work of Satan. Avoid them completely so that So he (Musa) drew water for them and then with-
hopefully you will be successful. (5:90) drew into the shade and said, ‘My Lord, I am
And they say, ‘Allah, if this is really the truth from truly in need of any good You have in store for
You, rain down stones on us out of heaven or me.’ (28:24)
send a painful punishment down on us.’ (8:32)
When Our command came, We turned their STRIVING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH
cities upside down and rained down on them Those who believe and migrate and strive in the
stones of hard baked clay. (11:82) Way of Allah can expect Allah’s mercy. Allah is
We turned the place completely upside down Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:218)
and rained down on them stones of hard-baked They would like you to disbelieve as they disbe-
clay. (15:74) lieve so that you will all be the same. Do not take
Do you feel secure against Him causing the any of them as friends until they have migrated in
shore to swallow you up or sending against you a the Way of Allah. But if they run away then seize
sudden squall of stones? Then you will find no them and kill them wherever you find them. Do
one to be your guardian. (17:68) not take any of them as either a friend or helper.
We seized each one of them for their wrong ac- (4:89)
708
Those believers who stay behind–other than have a higher rank with Allah. They are the ones
those forced to by necessity–are not the same as who are victorious. (9:20)
those who strive in the Way of Allah, sacrificing Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers
their wealth and themselves. Allah has given or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you
those who strive with their wealth and them- have acquired, or any business you fear may
selves a higher rank than those who stay behind. slump, or any house which pleases you, are
Allah has promised the Best to both, but Allah dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and
has preferred those who strive over those who striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings
stay behind by an immense reward. (4:95) about His command. Allah does not guide peo-
You who believe! Have fear of Allah and seek the ple who are deviators.’ (9:24)
means of drawing near to Him, and strive in His Go out to fight, light-armed and heavy-armed,
Way, so that hopefully you will be successful. and strive with your wealth and yourselves in the
(5:35) Way of Allah. That is better for you if you only
Those who believe and have migrated and knew. (9:41)
strived with their wealth and themselves in the Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day do
Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge not ask you to excuse them from striving with
and help, they are the friends and protectors of their wealth and themselves. Allah knows the
one another. But as for those who believe but people who guard against evil. (9:44)
have not migrated, you are not in any way re- O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and
sponsible for their protection until they migrate. hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their shelter
But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli- will be Hell. What an evil destination! (9:73)
gion, it is your duty to help them, except against Those who were left behind were glad to stay be-
people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what hind the Messenger of Allah. They did not want
you do. (8:72) to strive with their wealth and themselves in the
Those who believe and have migrated and Way of Allah. They said, ‘Do not go out to fight
strived in the Way of Allah and those who have in the heat.’ Say: ‘The Fire of Hell is much hotter,
given refuge and help, they are the true believers. if they only understood.’ (9:81)
They will have forgiveness and generous provi- When a sura is sent down saying: ‘Believe in
sion. (8:74) Allah and strive together with His Messenger,’
Those who believe and migrate later on and ac- those among them with wealth will ask you to
company you in striving, they also are of your excuse them, saying, ‘Let us remain with those
number. But blood relations are closer to one an- who stay behind.’ (9:86)
other in the Book of Allah. Allah has knowledge But the Messenger and those who believe along
of all things. (8:75) with him have strived with their wealth and with
Or did you suppose that you would be left with- themselves. They are the people who will have
out Allah knowing those of you who have strived the good things. They are the ones who are suc-
and who have not taken anyone as their intimate cessful. (9:88)
friends besides Allah and His Messenger and the But to those who migrated after they were perse-
believers? Allah is aware of what you do. (9:16) cuted and then strived and remained steadfast, to
Do you make the giving of water to the pilgrims them your Lord is All-Compassionate, Most
and looking after the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- Merciful. (16:110)
Haram) the same as believing in Allah and the Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He
Last Day and striving in the Way of Allah? They has selected you and not placed any constraint
are not equal in the sight of Allah. Allah does not upon you in the religion–the religion of your
guide wrongdoing people. (9:19) forefather Ibrahim. He named you Muslims be-
Those who believe and migrate and strive in the fore and also in this, so that the Messenger could
Way of Allah with their wealth and themselves be witness against you and you could be wit-
709
nesses against all mankind. So perform prayer ignorant of their studies.’ (6:156)
and give the alms and hold fast to Allah. He is We have not given them any books which they
your Protector–the Best Protector, the Best are studying nor did We send, before you, any
Helper. (22:78) warner to them. (34:44)
Whoever strives does it entirely for himself. Allah Or do you have a Book which you study? (68:37)
is Rich Beyond Need of any being. (29:6)
As for those who strive in Our Way, We will SUCCESS
guide them to Our Paths. Truly Allah is with the They are the people guided by their Lord. They
good-doers. (29:69) are the ones who have success. (2:5)
The believers are only those who have believed They will ask you about the crescent moons. Say,
in Allah and His Messenger and then have had ‘They are set times for mankind and for the pil-
no doubt and have strived with their wealth and grimage.’ It is not devoutness for you to enter
themselves in the Way of Allah. They are the houses by the back. Rather devoutness is pos-
ones who are true to their word. (49:15) sessed by those who guard against evil. So come
You who believe! Do not take My enemy and to houses by their doors and have fear of Allah,
your enemy as friends, showing love for them so that hopefully you will be successful. (2:189)
when they have rejected the truth that has come Let there be a community among you who call to
to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves the good, and enjoin the right, and forbid the
simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If wrong. They are the ones who have success.
you go out to strive in My Way and seeking My (3:104)
pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for You who believe! Do not feed on usury, multi-
them, I know best what you conceal and what plied and then remultiplied. Have fear of Allah
you make known. Any of you who do that have so that hopefully you will be successful. (3:130)
strayed from the right way. (60:1) You who believe, be steadfast; be supreme in
You who believe! Shall I direct you to a transac- steadfastness; be firm on the battlefield; and have
tion which will save you from a painful punish- fear of Allah; so that hopefully you will be suc-
ment? It is to believe in Allah and His Messenger cessful. (3:200)
and strive in the Way of Allah with your wealth Those who anticipate the worst for you say,
and your selves. That is better for you if you only ‘Were we not with you?’ whenever you gain a
knew. (61:10-11) victory from Allah, but if the disbelievers have a
O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and success they say, ‘Did we not have the upper
hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their refuge hand over you and yet in spite of that keep the
is Hell. What an evil destination! (66:9) believers away from you?’ Allah will judge be-
tween you on the Day of Rising. Allah will not
STUDYING give the disbelievers any way against the believ-
It is not right for any human being that Allah ers. (4:141)
should give him the Book and Judgement and You who believe! Have fear of Allah and seek the
Prophethood, and then that he should say to peo- means of drawing near to Him, and strive in His
ple, ‘Be worshippers of me rather than Allah.’ Way, so that hopefully you will be successful.
Rather he will say, ‘Be people of the Lord be- (5:35)
cause of your knowledge of the Book and be- You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al-
cause you study.’ (3:79) tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi-
That is how We vary the Signs, so that they say, work of Satan. Avoid them completely so that
‘You have been studying,’ and so We can make it hopefully you will be successful. (5:90)
clear to people who know. (6:105) Say: ‘Bad things and good things are not the
So you cannot say: ‘The Book was only sent same, even though the abundance of the bad
down to the two groups before us and we were things may seem attractive to you.’ Have fear of
710
Allah, people of intelligence, so that hopefully Say: ‘People who invent lies against Allah will
you will be successful. (5:100) not be successful.’ (10:69)
Who could do greater wrong than someone who Musa said, ‘Do you say to the truth when it
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs? comes to you, "This is magic"? Magicians are not
The wrongdoers are certainly not successful. successful.’ (10:77)
(6:21) He (Shu‘ayb) said, ‘My people! What do you
Say: ‘My people, do as you are doing, just as I am think? If I do possess a Clear Sign from my Lord
doing. You will certainly come to know who will and He has given me His good provision, I
have the best home in the end. The wrongdoers would clearly not want to go behind your backs
will certainly not be successful.’ (6:135) and do something I have forbidden you to do. I
The weighing that Day will be the truth. As for only want to put things right as far as I can. My
those whose scales are heavy, they are the suc- success is with Allah alone. I have put my trust in
cessful. (7:8) Him and I turn to Him.’ (11:88)
Or are you astonished that a reminder should Do not say about what your lying tongues de-
come to you from your Lord by way of a man scribe: ‘This is lawful and this is forbidden,’ in-
among you in order to warn you? Remember venting lies against Allah. Those who invent lies
when He appointed you successors to the people against Allah are not successful. (16:116)
of Nuh, and increased you greatly in stature. That was the situation when we woke them up so
Remember Allah’s blessings, so that hopefully they could question one another. One of them
you will be successful.’ (7:69) asked, ‘How long have you been here?’ They
Musa said to his people, ‘Seek help in Allah and replied, ‘We have been here for a day or part of a
be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He be- day.’ They said, ‘Your Lord knows best how long
queathes it to any of His servants He wills. The you have been here. Send one of your number
successful outcome is for those who guard into the city with this silver you have, so he can
against evil.’ (7:128) see which food is purest and bring you some of it
(Allah said, ‘Believers are) those who follow the to eat. But he should go about with caution so
Messenger, the Ummi, whom they find written that no one is aware of you, for if they find out
down with them in the Torah and the Gospel, about you they will stone you or make you revert
commanding them to do right and forbidding to their religion and then you will never have
them to do wrong, making good things lawful for success.’ (18:19-20)
them and bad things forbidden for them, reliev- You who believe! Bow and prostrate and wor-
ing them of their heavy loads and the chains ship your Lord, and do good, so that hopefully
which were around them. Those who believe in you will be successful. (22:77)
him and honour him and help him, and follow It is the believers who are successful. (23:1)
the Light that has been sent down with him, they Those whose scales are heavy, they are the suc-
are the ones who are successful.’ (7:157) cessful. (23:102)
You who believe! When you meet a troop, stand Whoever calls on another god together with
firm and remember Allah repeatedly so that Allah, has no grounds for doing so at all and his
hopefully you will be successful. (8:45) reckoning is with his Lord. Truly the disbelievers
But the Messenger and those who believe along have no success. (23:117)
with him have strived with their wealth and with Say to the believing women that they should
themselves. They are the people who will have lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not
the good things. They are the ones who are suc- display their adornments–except for what nor-
cessful. (9:88) mally shows–and draw their head-coverings
Who could do greater wrong than someone who across their breasts. They should only display
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs? their adornments to their husbands or their fa-
Evildoers are certainly not successful. (10:17) thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or
711
their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah
brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or other who are successful. (58:22)
women or those they own as slaves or their male Those who were already settled in the abode,
attendants who have no sexual desire or children and in faith, before they came, love those who
who still have no awareness of women’s private have migrated to them and do not find in their
parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that hearts any need for what they have been given
their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah and prefer them to themselves even if they them-
every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you selves are needy. It is the people who are safe-
will have success. (24:31) guarded from the avarice of their own selves who
The reply of the believers when they are sum- are successful. (59:9)
moned to Allah and His Messenger so that he Then when the prayer is finished spread through
can judge between them, is to say, ‘We hear and the earth and seek Allah’s bounty and Allah
we obey.’ They are ones who are successful. much so that hopefully you will be successful.
(24:51) (62:10)
Musa said, ‘My Lord knows best who has come So have fear of Allah, as much as you are able to,
with guidance from Him and who will have the and listen and obey and spend for your own ben-
best Home in the end. The wrongdoers will cer- efit. It is the people who are safe-guarded from
tainly not be successful.’ (28:37) the avarice of their own selves who are success-
But as for those who repent and act rightly, they ful. (64:16)
will hopefully be successful. (28:67) He who has purified himself will have success.
Those who had longed to take his place the day (87:14)
before woke up saying, ‘Allah expands the provi-
sion of any of His servants He wills or restricts it. SUCCESSION - SUCCESSOR
If Allah had not shown great kindness to us, we When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am putting
would have been swallowed up as well. Ah! a successor (khalif) on the earth,’ they said, ‘Why
Truly the disbelievers are not successful.’ (28:82) put on it one who will cause corruption on it and
That abode of the hereafter–We grant it to those shed blood when we glorify You with praise and
who do not seek to exalt themselves in the earth proclaim Your purity?’ He said, ‘I know what you
or to cause corruption in it. The successful out- do not know.’ (2:30)
come is for those who guard against evil. (28:83) We gave Musa the Book and sent a succession of
Give relatives their due, and the poor and trav- Messengers after him. We gave ‘Isa, son of
ellers. That is best for those who seek the pleas- Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with
ure of Allah. They are the ones who are the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a
successful. (30:38) Messenger came to you with something your
Such people are following guidance from their lower selves did not desire, did you grow arro-
Lord. They are the ones who are successful. gant, and deny some of them and murder others?
(31:5) (2:87)
You will not find people who believe in Allah It is He Who appointed you successors (khalif)
and the Last Day having love for anyone who op- on the earth and raised some of you above others
poses Allah and His Messenger, though they be in rank so He could test you regarding what He
their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their has given you. Your Lord is Swift in Retribution;
clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such peo- and He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:165)
ple’s hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit (Hud said to his people,) ‘Or are you astonished
from Him and admit them into Gardens with that a reminder should come to you from your
rivers flowing under them, remaining in them Lord by way of a man among you in order to
timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them warn you? Remember when He appointed you
and they are pleased with Him. Such people are successors to the people of Nuh, and increased
712
you greatly in stature. Remember Allah’s bless- you pay heed! (27:62)
ings, so that hopefully you will be successful.’ It is He Who made you successors (khalif) on the
(7:69) earth. So whoever disbelieves, his disbelief is
(Salih said to his people,) ‘Remember when He against himself. In Allah’s sight, the disbelief of
appointed you successors to ‘Ad and settled you the disbelievers only increases their loathsome-
in the land. You built palaces on its plains and ness; the disbelief of the disbelievers only in-
carved out houses from the mountains. creases their loss. (35:39)
Remember Allah’s blessings and do not go about (We said), ‘Dawud! We have made you a succes-
the earth, corrupting it.’ (7:74) sor (khalif) on the earth, so judge between people
They said, ‘We suffered harm before you came to with truth and do not follow your own desires,
us and after you came to us.’ He (Musa) said, ‘It letting them misguide you from the Way of Allah.
may well be that your Lord is going to destroy Those who are misguided from the Way of Allah
your enemy and make you the successors in the will receive a harsh punishment because they
land so that He can see how you behave.’ (7:129) forgot the Day of Reckoning.’ (38:26)
We set aside thirty nights for Musa and then com- Believe in Allah and His Messenger and give of
pleted them with ten, so the appointed time of that to which He has made you successors.
his Lord was forty nights in all. Musa said to his Those of you who believe and give will have an
brother Harun, ‘Be my successor (khalif) among immense reward. (57:7)
my people. Keep order and do not follow the What is the matter with you that you do not hope
way of the corrupters.’ (7:142) for honour from Allah, when He created you by
Then We appointed you after them to be succes- successive stages? (71:13-14)
sors (khalif) on the earth so We might observe (I swear) by those sent forth in succession, (77:1)
how you would act. (10:14) When the stars fall in rapid succession. (81:2)
But they denied him (Nuh) so We rescued him,
and all those with him, in the Ark and We made SUCKLING
them the successors and We drowned the people Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your
who denied Our Signs. See the final fate of those daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts
who were warned! (10:73) and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters
Everyone has a succession of angels in front of him and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers
and behind him, guarding him by Allah’s com- who have suckled you, your foster sisters by
mand. Allah never changes a people’s state until suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh-
they change what is in themselves. When Allah de- ters who are under your protection: the daugh-
sires evil for a people, there is no averting it. They ters of your wives whom you have had sexual
have no protector apart from Him. (13:11) relations with (though if you have not had sexual
Allah has promised those of you who believe and relations with them there is nothing blameworthy
do right actions that He will make them succes- for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom
sors in the land as He made those before them you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at
successors, and will firmly establish for them the same time–except for what may have already
their religion with which He is pleased and give taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
them, in place of their fear, security. ‘They wor- Merciful. (4:23)
ship Me, not associating anything with Me.’ Any We revealed to Musa’s mother, ‘Suckle him and
who disbelieve after that, such people are devia- then when you fear for him cast him into the sea.
tors. (24:55) Do not fear or grieve; We will return him to you
He Who responds to the oppressed when they and make him one of the Messengers.’ (28:7)
call on Him and removes their distress, and has Let them live where you live, according to your
appointed you as successors (khalif) of the earth. means. Do not put pressure on them, so as to ha-
Is there another god besides Allah? How little rass them. If they are pregnant, maintain them
713
until they give birth. If they are suckling for you, in tight ranks. Then, when they reached the
give them their wages and consult together with Valley of the Ants, an ant said, ‘Ants! Enter your
correctness and courtesy. But if you make things dwellings so that Sulayman and his troops do not
difficult for one another, another woman should crush you unwittingly.’ He smiled, laughing at its
do the suckling for you. (65:6) words, and said, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for
the blessing You have bestowed on me and on
SULAYMAN (AS) (SOLOMON) my parents, and keep me acting rightly, pleasing
They follow what the Satans recited in the reign You, and admit me, by Your mercy, among Your
of Sulayman. Sulayman did not disbelieve, but servants who are righteous.’ He inspected the
the Satans did, teaching people sorcery and what birds and said, ‘How is it that I do not see the
had been sent down to Harut and Marut, the two hoopoe? Or is it absent without leave? I will cer-
angels in Babylon, who taught no one without tainly punish it most severely or slaughter it if it
first saying to him, ‘We are merely a trial and does not bring me clear authority.’ However, it
temptation, so do not disbelieve.’ People learned was not long delayed, and then it said, ‘I have
from them how to separate a man and his wife comprehended something you have not and
but they cannot harm anyone by it, except with bring you accurate intelligence from Sheba. I
Allah's permission. They have learned what will found a woman ruling over them who has been
harm them and will not benefit them. They know given everything. She possesses a mighty throne.
that any who deal in it will have no share in the I found both her and her people prostrating to the
hereafter. What an evil thing they have sold sun instead of Allah. Satan has made their ac-
themselves for if they only knew! (2:102) tions seem good to them and debarred them from
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh the Way so they are not guided and do not pros-
and the Prophets who came after him. And We trate to Allah, Who brings out what is hidden in
revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and the heavens and the earth, and knows what you
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and conceal and what you divulge. Allah–there is no
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave god but Him–the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’ He
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) said, ‘We will soon see if you have told the truth
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom or are a liar. Take this letter of mine and deliver it
We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh. to them and then withdraw from them a little and
And among his descendants were Dawud and see how they respond.’ She said, ‘Council! A
Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun. noble letter has been delivered to me. It is from
That is how We recompense the good-doers. Sulayman and says: "In the name of Allah, All-
(6:84) Merciful, Most Merciful. Do not rise up against
And to Sulayman We gave the fiercely blowing me, but come to me in submission."’ She said,
wind, speeding at his command towards the land ‘Council! Give me your opinion about this mat-
which We had blessed. And We had full knowl- ter. It is not my habit to make a final decision
edge of everything. And some of the Satans dived until I have heard what you have to say.’ They
for him and did other things apart from that. And said, ‘We possess strength and we possess great
We were watching over them. (21:81-82) force. But the matter is in your hands so consider
We gave knowledge to Dawud and Sulayman what you command.’ She said, ‘When kings
who said, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has favoured enter a city, they lay waste to it and make its
us over many of His servants who are believers.’ mightiest inhabitants the most abased. That is
Sulayman was Dawud’s heir. He said, ‘Mankind! what they too will do. I will send them a gift and
We have been taught the speech of birds and we then wait and see what the messengers bring
have been given everything. This is indeed clear back.’ When it reached Sulayman he said,
favour.’ Sulayman’s troops, made up of jinn and ‘Would you give me wealth when what Allah has
men and birds, were assembled for him, paraded given me is better than what He has given you?
714
No, rather it is you who delight in your gift. We gave Dawud Sulayman. What an excellent
Return to them. We will come to them with servant! He truly turned to his Lord. When swift
troops they cannot face and we will expel them horses, champing at the bit, were displayed be-
from it abased and humiliated.’ He said, fore him in the afternoon, he said, ‘Truly do I love
‘Council! Who among you will bring me her the love of good, with a view to the glory of my
throne before they come to me in submission?’ A Lord until the sun disappeared behind its veil.
demon of the jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you be- Return them to me!’ And he set about slashing
fore you get up from your seat. I am strong and through their shanks and necks. We tested
trustworthy enough to do it.’ He who possessed Sulayman and placed a lifeless body on his
knowledge of the Book said, ‘I will bring it to you throne. Then he repented. He said, ‘My Lord, for-
before your glance returns to you.’ And when he give me and give me a kingdom the like of which
saw it standing firmly in his presence, he said, will never be granted to anyone after me. Truly
‘This is part of my Lord's favour to test me to see You are the Ever-Giving.’ So We subjected the
if I will give thanks or show ingratitude. Whoever wind to him to blow at his command, softly, wher-
gives thanks only does so to his own gain. ever he directed. And the Satans, every builder
Whoever is ungrateful, my Lord is Rich Beyond and diver, and others of them, yoked together in
Need, Generous.’ He said, ‘Disguise her throne. chains. ‘This is Our gift: so bestow it or withhold it
We shall see whether she is guided or someone without reckoning.’ He will have nearness to Us
who is not guided.’ Then when she came, she and a good Homecoming. (38:30-40)
was asked, ‘Is your throne like this?’ She said, ‘It
is exactly like it.’ ‘We were given knowledge be- SUMMONING
fore her and were already Muslims, but what she Remember when you were scrambling up the
worshipped besides Allah impeded her. She was slope, refusing to turn back for anyone, and the
from an unbelieving people.’ She was told: ‘Enter Messenger was calling to you from the rear. Allah
the courtyard,’ but when she saw it she supposed rewarded you with one distress in return for an-
it to be a pool and bared her legs. He said, ‘It is a other so you would not feel grief for what es-
courtyard paved with glass.’ She said, ‘My Lord, I caped you or what assailed you. Allah is aware
have wronged myself but I have submitted with of what you do. (3:153)
Sulayman to the Lord of all the worlds.’ (27:15-44) (Believers say,) ‘Our Lord, we heard a caller call-
And We gave Sulayman power over the wind–a ing us to faith: "Believe in your Lord!" and we be-
month’s journey in the morning and a month in lieved. Our Lord, forgive us our wrong actions,
the afternoon. And We made a fount of molten erase our bad actions from us and take us back to
brass flow out for him. And some of the jinn You with those who are truly good.’ (3:193)
worked in front of him by his Lord’s permission. They said, ‘Salih, we had great hopes in you be-
And if a single one of them deviates at all from fore this happened. Do you forbid us to worship
Our command, We let him taste the punishment what our fathers worshipped? We have grave
of the Searing Blaze. They made for him anything doubts about what you are calling us to.’ (11:62)
he wished: high arches and statues, huge dishes Say: ‘This is my way. I call to Allah with inner
like cisterns, great built-in cooking vats. ‘Work, sight, I and all who follow me. Glory be to Allah!
family of Dawud, in thankfulness!’ But very few I am not one of the idolaters!’ (12:108)
of My servants are thankful. Then when We de- Those to whom We gave the Book rejoice at
creed that he should die, nothing divulged his what has been sent down to you but some of the
death to them except the worm which ate his parties refuse to acknowledge part of it. Say: ‘I
staff; so that when he fell down it was made clear have only been ordered to worship Allah and not
to the jinn that if they had truly had knowledge of to associate anything with Him. I summon to
the Unseen they need not have stayed there suf- Him and to Him I will return.’ (13:36)
fering humiliating punishment. (34:12-14) Has news not reached you of those who came
715
before you, the peoples of Nuh and ‘Ad and He (Nuh) said, ‘My Lord, I have called my people
Thamud, and those who came after them who night and day but my calling has only made them
are known to no one but Allah? Their Messengers more evasive. Indeed, every time I called them to
came to them with Clear Signs, but they put their Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their
hands to their mouths, saying, ‘We reject what ears, wrapped themselves up in their clothes and
you have been sent with. We have grave doubts were overweeningly arrogant. Then I called them
about what you are calling us to.’ (14:9) openly.’ (71:5-8)
Their Messengers said, ‘Is there any doubt about
Allah, the Bringer into Being of the heavens and SUN
the earth? He summons you to forgive you for What about the one who argued with Ibrahim
your wrong actions and to defer you until a spec- about his Lord, on the basis that Allah had given
ified time.’ They said, ‘You are nothing but him sovereignty? Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord is He
human beings like ourselves who want to debar Who gives life and causes to die.’ He said, ‘I too
us from what our fathers worshipped; so bring us give life and cause to die.’ Ibrahim said, ‘Allah
a clear authority.’ (14:10) makes the sun come from the East. Make it come
You are calling them to a straight path. (23:73) from the West.’ And the one who was a disbe-
One of them came walking shyly up to him liever was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide
(Musa) and said, ‘My father invites you so that he wrongdoing people. (2:258)
can pay you your wage for drawing water for us.’ Then when he (Ibrahim) saw the sun come up he
When he came to him and told him the whole said, ‘This is my Lord! This is greater!’ Then when
story he said, ‘Have no fear, you have escaped it set he said, ‘My people, I am free of what you
from wrongdoing people.’ (28:25) associate with Allah!’ (6:78)
When they are told: ‘Follow what Allah has sent It is He Who splits the sky at dawn, and appoints
down,’ they say, ‘No, we will follow what we the night as a time of stillness and the sun and
found our fathers doing.’ What! Even if Satan is moon as a means of reckoning. That is what the
calling them to the punishment of the Blazing Almighty, the All-Knowing has ordained. (6:96)
Fire? (31:21) Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and
So call and go straight as you have been ordered the earth in six days and then settled Himself
to. Do not follow their whims and desires but firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the
say, ‘I believe in a Book sent down by Allah and I night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the
am ordered to be just between you. Allah is our sun and moon and stars are subservient to His
Lord and your Lord. We have our actions and command. Both creation and command belong
you have your actions. There is no debate be- to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the
tween us and you. Allah will gather us all to- worlds. (7:54)
gether. He is our final destination.’ (42:15) It is He Who appointed the sun to give radiance,
Our people, respond to Allah’s caller and believe and the moon to give light, assigning it phases so
in Him. He will forgive you some of your wrong you would know the number of years and the
actions and save you from a painful punishment. reckoning of time. Allah did not create these
(46:31) things except with truth. We make the Signs clear
(A group of jinn said to their people,) ‘Those who for people who know. (10:5)
do not respond to Allah’s caller cannot thwart When Yusuf told his father, ‘Father! I saw eleven
Allah on earth and have no protectors apart from bright stars, and the sun and moon as well. I saw
Him. Such people are clearly misguided.’ (46:32) them all prostrate in front of me.’ (12:4)
Their eyes will be downcast, darkened by de- Allah is He Who raised up the heavens without
basement; for they were called on to prostrate any support–you can see that–and then estab-
when they were in full possession of their facul- lished Himself firmly on the Throne. He made
ties. (68:43) the sun and moon subservient, each running for
716
a specified term. He directs the whole affair. He and beasts and many of mankind? But many of
makes the Signs clear so that hopefully you will them inevitably merit punishment. Those Allah
be certain about the meeting with your Lord. humiliates will have no one to honour them.
(13:2) Allah does whatever He wills. (22:18)
And He has made the sun and moon subservient Do you not see how your Lord stretches out
to you holding steady to their courses, and He shadows? If He had wished He could have made
has made the night and day subservient to you. them stationary. Then We appoint the sun to be
(14:33) the pointer to them. (25:45)
He has made night and day subservient to you, (The hoopoe said,) ‘I found both her (Queen of
and the sun and moon and stars, all subject to Sheba) and her people prostrating to the sun in-
His command. There are certainly Signs in that stead of Allah. Satan has made their actions seem
for people who use their intellect. (16:12) good to them and debarred them from the Way
Perform prayer from the time the sun declines so they are not guided.’ (27:24)
until the darkening of the night, and also the If you ask them, ‘Who created the heavens and
recitation at dawn. The dawn recitation is cer- the earth and made the sun and moon sub-
tainly witnessed. (17:78) servient?’ they will say, ‘Allah.’ So how have they
You would have seen the sun, when it rose, in- been perverted? (29:61)
clining away from their cave towards the right, Do you not see that Allah makes night merge into
and, when it set, leaving them behind on the left, day and day merge into night, and that He has
while they were lying in an open part of it. That made the sun and moon subservient, each one
was one of Allah’s Signs. Whoever Allah guides running for a specified time, and that Allah is
is truly guided. But if He misguides someone, aware of what you do? (31:29)
you will find no protector for them to guide them He makes night merge into day and day merge
rightly. (18:17) into night, and He has made the sun and moon
So he followed a way until he reached the setting subservient, each one running until a specified
of the sun and found it setting in a muddy spring time. That is Allah, your Lord. The Kingdom is
and found a people by it. We said, ‘Dhu’l- His. Those you call on besides Him have no
Qarnayn! You can either punish them or else you power over even the smallest speck. (35:13)
can treat them with gentleness.’ (18:85-86) And the sun runs to its resting place. That is the
Then he (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) followed a way until decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing. (36:38)
he reached the rising of the sun and found it ris- It is not for the sun to overtake the moon nor for
ing on a people to whom We had not given any the night to outstrip the day; each one is swim-
shelter from it. (18:89-90) ming in a sphere. (36:40)
(We said to Adam,) ‘You will not go thirsty in it We subjected the mountains to glorify with him
(the Garden) or burn in the sun.’ (20:119) (Dawud) in the evening and at sunrise. (38:18)
So be steadfast in the face of what they say and He (Sulayman) said, ‘Truly do I love the love of
glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of good, with a view to the glory of my Lord until
the sun and before its setting. And glorify Him the sun disappeared behind its veil.’ (38:32)
during part of the night and at both ends of the He created the heavens and the earth with truth.
day, so that hopefully you will be pleased. He wraps the night around the day and wraps the
(20:130) day around the night, and has made the sun and
It is He Who created night and day and the sun moon subservient, each one running for a speci-
and moon, each one swimming in a sphere. fied term. Is He not indeed the Almighty, the
(21:33) Endlessly Forgiving? (39:5)
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and Among His Signs are the night and day and the
everyone on the earth prostrates to Allah, and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun nor to
sun and moon and stars and the mountains, trees the moon. Prostrate to Allah Who created them,
717
if you worship Him. (41:37) for any price, even to a near relative, and we will
So be patient in the face of what they say and not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we
glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of would indeed be wrongdoers.’ If it then comes to
the sun and before it sets. (50:39) light that the two of them have merited the alle-
The sun and the moon both run with precision. gation of wrongdoing, two others who have the
(55:5) most right to do so should take their place and
Do you not see how He created seven heavens in swear by Allah: ‘Our testimony is truer than their
layers, and placed the moon as a light in them testimony. We have not committed perjury. If we
and made the sun a blazing lamp? (71:15-16) had we would indeed be wrongdoers.’ That
And (when) the sun and moon are fused together, makes it more likely that they will give their evi-
(75:9) dence properly or be afraid that their oaths will
Reclining in it (the Garden) on couches, they will be refuted by subsequent oaths. Have fear of
experience there neither burning sun nor bitter Allah and listen carefully. Allah does not guide
cold. (76:13) deviant people. (5:106-108)
When the sun is compacted in blackness, (81:1) He (Satan) swore to them, ‘I am one of those who
By the sun and its morning brightness, (91:1) give you good advice.’ (7:21)
The Companions of the Ramparts will call out to
SUNNAH (SEE PATTERN) men they recognise by their mark, saying, ‘What
you amassed was of no use to you, nor was your
SUPPORTERS (SEE ANSAR) arrogance. Are these the people you swore that
Allah’s mercy would never reach?’ ‘Enter the
SUWA Garden. You will feel no fear and know no sor-
They have hatched a mighty plot saying, "Do not row.’ (7:48-49)
abandon your gods. Do not abandon Wadd or If it had been a case of easy gains and a short
Suwa‘ or Yaghuth or Ya‘uq or Nasr." (71:22-23) journey, they would have followed you, but the
distance was too great for them. They will swear
SWEAR by Allah: ‘Had we been able to, we would have
Those who swear to abstain from sexual relations gone out with you.’ They are destroying their
with their wives can wait for a period of up to own selves. Allah knows that they are lying.
four months. If they then retract their oath, Allah (9:42)
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:226) They swear by Allah that they are of your num-
How will it be when a disaster strikes them be- ber, but they are not of your number. Rather, they
cause of what they have done, and then they are people who are scared. (9:56)
come to you swearing by Allah: ‘We desired They swear to you by Allah in order to please
nothing but good and reconciliation’? (4:62) you, but it would be more fitting for them to
Those who believe say, ‘Are these the people please Allah and His Messenger if they are be-
who swore by Allah, with their most earnest lievers. (9:62)
oaths, that they were with you?’ Their actions They will swear to you to make you pleased with
have come to nothing and they now are losers. them, but even if you are pleased with them,
(5:53) Allah is certainly not pleased with deviant peo-
You who believe! When one of you is near to ple. (9:96)
death and makes a will, two just men from As for those who have set up a mosque, causing
among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are harm and out of disbelief, to create division be-
travelling when the misfortune of death occurs, tween the believers, and in readiness for those
two men who are strangers to you. You should who previously made war on Allah and His
detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful, Messenger, they will swear, ‘We only desired the
they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it best.’ But Allah bears witness that they are truly
718
liars. (9:107)
They swear by Allah with their most earnest
oaths that Allah will not raise up those who die,
when, on the contrary, it is a binding promise on
Him; but most people do not know it. (16:38)
They have sworn by Allah with their most earnest
oaths that if you give them the command, they
will go out. Say: ‘Do not swear. Honourable obe-
dience is enough. Allah is aware of what you do.’
(24:53)
They swore by Allah with their most earnest
oaths that if a warner came to them they would
be better guided than any other community. But
then when a warner did come to them, it only in-
creased their aversion. (35:42)
And I swear by the falling of the stars–and that is
a mighty oath if you only knew. (56:75-76)
Do you not see those who have turned to people
with whom Allah is angry? They belong neither
to you nor to them. And they swear to falsehood
and do so knowingly. (58:14)
On the Day Allah raises up all of them together
they will swear to Him just as they have sworn to
you and imagine they have something to stand
upon. No indeed! It is they who are the liars.
(58:18)
I swear both by what you see. (69:38)
No! I swear by the Lord of the Easts and Wests
that We have the power. (70:40)
No! I swear by the planets with their retrograde
motion, (81:15)
No, I swear by the evening glow, (84:16)
I swear by this city, (90:1)

719
T Allah has been kind to you. So verify things care-
fully. Allah is aware of what you do. (4:94)
TABLE When you are with them and leading them in
And when the Disciples said, ‘‘Isa son of prayer, a group of them should stand with you,
Maryam! Can your Lord send down a table to us keeping hold of their weapons. When they pros-
out of heaven?’ He said, ‘Have fear of Allah if trate, the others should guard your backs. Then
you are believers!’ (5:112) the other group who have not yet prayed should
‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Allah, our Lord, send come and pray with you. They too should be
down a table to us out of heaven to be a feast for careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those
us, for the first and last of us, and as a Sign from who disbelieve would like you to be negligent of
You. Provide for us! You are the Best of your arms and equipment so that they can swoop
Providers!’ (5:114) down on you once and for all. There is nothing
wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill,
TABLETS in laying your weapons down; but take every
We wrote about everything for him on the precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating
Tablets as an admonition and making all things punishment for the disbelievers. (4:102)
clear. ‘Seize hold of it vigorously and command You who believe! When you encounter those
your people to adopt the best in it. I will show who disbelieve advancing in massed ranks into
you the home of the deviators!’ (7:145) battle, do not turn your backs on them. (8:15)
When Musa returned to his people in anger and Anyone who turns his back on them that day, un-
great sorrow, he said, ‘What an evil thing you did less he is withdrawing to rejoin the fight or with-
in my absence after I left! Did you want to hasten drawing to support another group, brings Allah’s
your Lord’s command?’ He threw down the anger down upon himself. His refuge is Hell.
Tablets and seized hold of his brother’s head, What an evil destination! (8:16)
dragging him towards him. Harun said, ‘Son of If you fear treachery on the part of a people, re-
my mother, The people oppressed me and almost voke your treaty with them mutually. Allah does
killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat not love treacherous people. (8:58)
over me. Do not include me with the wrongdo- Arm yourselves against them with all the fire-
ing people.’ (7:150) power and cavalry you can muster, to terrify the
When Musa’s anger abated he picked up the enemies of Allah and your enemies, and others
Tablets and in their inscription was guidance and besides them whom you do not know. Allah
mercy for all of them who feared their Lord. knows them. Anything you spend in the Way of
(7:154) Allah will be repaid to you in full. You will not be
wronged. (8:60)
TABUK (SEE EXPEDITION TO TABUK) If they incline to peace, you too incline to it, and
put your trust in Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the
TACTICS MADE AND PRECAUTIONS All-Knowing. (8:61)
TAKEN DURING THE BATTLE If they had really desired to go out (to fight), they
You who believe! Take all necessary precautions, would have made proper preparations for it, but
then go out to fight in separate groups or go out Allah was averse to their setting out so He held
as one body. (4:71) them back and they were told: ‘Stay behind with
You who believe! When you go out to fight in the those who stay behind.’ (9:46)
Way of Allah verify things carefully. Do not say, Allah has made shaded places for you in what
‘You are not a believer’, to someone who greets He has created and He has made shelters for you
you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the in the mountains and He has made shirts for you
goods of this world. With Allah there is booty in to protect you from the heat and shirts to protect
abundance. That is the way you were before but you from each other’s violence. In that way He
720
perfects His blessing on you so that hopefully willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some peo-
you will become Muslims. (16:81) ple back by means of others, the earth would
We taught him the art of making garments for have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to
you to protect you against each others’ violence. all the worlds. (2:251)
But do you show any thanks? (21:80)
TAWAKKUL (SEE PUTTING ONE'S TRUST IN
TAFAKKUR (SEE PONDER; SEE REFLECT) ALLAH)

TAQWA (SEE FEAR OF ALLAH; TAWBAH (SEE REPENTANCE)


HEED; GUARDING AGAINST EVIL)
TAWHID (SEE ONENESS OF ALLAH)
TALUT
Their Prophet said to them, ‘Allah has appointed TEAR
Talut to be your king.’ They said, ‘How can he That night they came back to their father in tears.
have kingship over us when we have much more (12:16)
right to kingship than he does? He has not even Neither heaven nor earth shed any tears for them
got much wealth!’ He said, ‘Allah has chosen (Pharaoh and his troops) and they were granted
him over you and favoured him greatly in knowl- no reprieve. (44:29)
edge and physical strength. Allah gives kingship (Has he not been informed) that it is He Who
to anyone He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, brings about both laughter and tears? (53:43)
All-Knowing.’ (2:247)
Their Prophet said to them, ‘The sign of his king- TEST - TRIAL
ship is that the Ark will come to you, containing Remember when We rescued you from the peo-
serenity from your Lord and certain relics left by ple of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil pun-
the families of Musa and Harun. It will be borne ishment on you–slaughtering your sons and
by angels. There is a sign for you in that if you are letting your women live. In that there was a terri-
believers.’ (2:248) ble trial for you from your Lord. (2:49)
When Talut marched out with the army, he said, They follow what the Satans recited in the reign
‘Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who of Sulayman. Sulayman did not disbelieve, but
drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who the Satans did, teaching people sorcery and what
does not taste it is with me–except for him who had been sent down to Harut and Marut, the two
merely scoops up a little in his hand.’ But they angels in Babylon, who taught no one without
drank from it–except for a few of them. Then first saying to him, ‘We are merely a trial and
when he and those who believed with him had temptation, so do not disbelieve.’ People learned
crossed it, they said, ‘We do not have the from them how to separate a man and his wife
strength to face Goliath and his troops today.’ But but they cannot harm anyone by it, except with
those who were sure that they were going to Allah's permission. They have learned what will
meet Allah said, ‘How many a small force has tri- harm them and will not benefit them. They know
umphed over a much greater one by Allah’s per- that any who deal in it will have no share in the
mission! Allah is with the steadfast.’ (2:249) hereafter. What an evil thing they have sold
When they came out against Goliath and his themselves for if they only knew! (2:102)
troops, they said, ‘Our Lord, pour down stead- Remember when Ibrahim was tested by his Lord
fastness upon us, and make our feet firm, and with certain words which he carried out com-
help us against this disbelieving people.’ (2:250) pletely. He said, ‘I will make you a model for
And with Allah's permission they routed them. mankind.’ He asked, ‘And what of my descen-
Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king- dants?’ He said, ‘My contract does not include
ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He the wrongdoers.’ (2:124)
721
We will test you with a certain amount of fear course to take. (3:186)
and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. And We have sent down the Book to you with
But give good news to the steadfast. (2:155) truth, confirming and conserving the previous
When Talut marched out with the army, he said, Books. So judge between them by what Allah has
‘Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who sent down and do not follow their whims and de-
drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who sires deviating from the Truth that has come to
does not taste it is with me–except for him who you. We have appointed a law and a practice for
merely scoops up a little in his hand.’ But they every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would
drank from it–except for a few of them. Then have made you a single community, but He
when he and those who believed with him had wanted to test you regarding what has come to
crossed it, they said, ‘We do not have the you. So compete with each other in doing good.
strength to face Goliath and his troops today.’ But Every one of you will return to Allah and He will
those who were sure that they were going to inform you regarding the things about which you
meet Allah said, ‘How many a small force has tri- differed. (5:48)
umphed over a much greater one by Allah’s per- You who believe! Allah will test you with game
mission! Allah is with the steadfast.’ (2:249) animals which come within the reach of your
Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were hands and spears, so that Allah will know those
slaughtering them by His permission. But then who fear Him in the Unseen. Anyone who over-
you faltered, disputing the command, and dis- steps the limits after this will have a painful pun-
obeyed after He showed you what you love. ishment. (5:94)
Among you are those who want this world and In this way We try some of them by means of oth-
among you are those who want the hereafter. ers so that they say, ‘Are these the people among
Then He turned you from them in order to test us to whom Allah has shown His favour?’ Does
you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows not Allah know best those who are thankful?
favour to the believers. (3:152) (6:53)
Then He sent down to you, after the distress, se- It is He Who appointed you successors on the
curity, restful sleep overtaking a group of you, earth and raised some of you above others in
whereas another group became prey to anxious rank so He could test you regarding what He has
thoughts, thinking other than the truth about given you. Your Lord is Swift in Retribution; and
Allah–thoughts belonging to the Time of He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:165)
Ignorance–saying, ‘Do we have any say in the af- Remember when We rescued you from
fair at all?’ Say, ‘The affair belongs entirely to Pharaoh’s people who were inflicting an evil
Allah.’ They are concealing things inside them- punishment on you, killing your sons and letting
selves which they do not disclose to you, saying, your women live. In that there was a terrible trial
‘If we had only had a say in the affair, none of us from your Lord. (7:141)
would have been killed here in this place.’ Say, Musa chose seventy men from his people for Our
‘Even if you had been inside your homes, those appointed time and when the earthquake seized
people for whom killing was decreed would them he said, ‘My Lord, if You had willed, You
have gone out to their place of death.’ So that could have destroyed them previously and me as
Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge well. Would you destroy us for what the fools
what is in your hearts. Allah knows the contents among us did? It was only a trial from You by
of your hearts. (3:154) which You misguided those You willed and
You will be tested in your wealth and in your- guided those You willed. You are our Protector so
selves and you will hear many abusive words forgive us and have mercy on us. You are the Best
from those given the Book before you and from of Forgivers.’ (7:155)
those who are idolaters. But if you are steadfast Ask them about the town which was by the sea
and guard against evil, that is the most resolute when they broke the Sabbath–when their fish
722
came to them near the surface on their Sabbath good and evil as a trial. And you will be returned
day but did not come on the days which they did to Us. (21:35)
not keep the Sabbath. In this way We put them to We did not send any Messenger or any Prophet
the test because they were deviators. (7:163) before you without Satan insinuating something
You did not kill them; it was Allah Who killed into his recitation while he was reciting. But
them; and you did not throw, when you threw; it Allah revokes whatever Satan insinuates and
was Allah Who threw: so He might test the be- then Allah confirms His Signs–Allah is All-
lievers with this excellent trial from Him. Allah is Knowing, All-Wise–so that He can make what
All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (8:17) Satan insinuates a trial for those with sickness in
It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in their hearts and for those whose hearts are
six days when His Throne was on the water, in hard–the wrongdoers are entrenched in hostility.
order to test which of you has the best actions. If (22:52-53)
you say, ‘You will be raised up after death,’ those There are Signs in that. We are always putting
who disbelieve will say, ‘This is nothing but people to the test. (23:30)
downright magic.’ (11:7) Do not make the Messenger’s summoning of you
Do not be like a woman who spoils the thread the same as your summoning of one another.
she has spun by unravelling it after it is strong, by Allah knows those of you who sneak away.
making your oaths a means of deceiving one an- Those who oppose his command should beware
other, merely because one community is bigger of a testing trial coming to them or a painful pun-
than another. Allah is only testing you by this. He ishment striking them. (24:63)
will make clear to you on the Day of Rising the We never sent any Messengers before you who
things about which you differed. (16:92) did not eat food and walk in the market-place.
When We said to you, ‘Surely your Lord encom- But We have made some of you a trial for others
passes the people with His knowledge.’ We only to see if you will be steadfast? Your Lord sees
appointed the vision We showed you and the everything. (25:20)
Accursed Tree in the Qur’an as a trial and temp- He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, ‘I
tation for the people. We frighten them, but it will bring it to you before your glance returns to
only increases them in their excessive insolence. you.’ And when he (Sulayman) saw it standing
(17:60) firmly in his presence, he said, ‘This is part of my
We made everything on the earth adornment for Lord's favour to test me to see if I will give thanks
it so that We could test them to see whose ac- or show ingratitude. Whoever gives thanks only
tions are the best. (18:7) does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful,
(Allah said,) ‘When your sister went and said, my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous.’
"Shall I direct you to someone who will take care (27:40)
of him?" that was how We returned you to your They said, ‘We see you, and those with you, as
mother so that she might delight her eyes and not an evil omen.’ He (Salih) said, ‘No, your evil
be grieved. You killed a man and We rescued omen is with Allah; you are merely a people un-
you from trouble and tested you with many trials. dergoing a trial.’ (27:47)
You stayed some years among the people of Do people imagine that they will be left to say,
Madyan. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested? (29:2)
time, Musa!’ (20:40) We tested those before them so that Allah would
Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We know the truthful and would know the liars.
have given certain of them to enjoy, the flower of (29:3)
the life of this world, so that We can test them by When they came at you from above you and
it. Your Lord’s provision is better and longer last- below you, when your eyes rolled and your
ing. (20:131) hearts rose to your throats, and you thought un-
Every self will taste death. We test you with both worthy thoughts about Allah, at that point the be-
723
lievers were tested and severely shaken. (33:10- you is best in action. He is the Almighty, the Ever-
11) Forgiving. (67:2)
He (Dawud) said, ‘He has wronged you by ask- If only they were to go straight on the Path, We
ing for your ewe to add to his ewes. Truly many would give them abundant water to drink so that
partners are unjust to one another–except those We could test them by it. Whoever turns aside
who believe and do right actions, and how few from the remembrance of his Lord, He will intro-
they are!’ Dawud realised that We had put him to duce him to an arduous punishment. (72:16-17)
the test. He begged forgiveness from his Lord and We created man from a mingled drop to test him,
fell down prone, prostrating, and repented. and We made him hearing and seeing. (76:2)
(38:24) As for man, when his Lord tests him by honour-
We tested Sulayman and placed a lifeless body ing him and favouring him, he says, ‘My Lord has
on his throne. Then he repented. (38:34) honoured me!’ But then when He tests him by re-
Before them We put Pharaoh’s people to the test stricting his provision, he says, ‘My Lord has hu-
when a noble Messenger came to them, saying miliated me!’ (89:15-16)
‘Hand over to me the servants of Allah. I am a
trustworthy Messenger to you.’ (44:17-18) TEXT
Therefore when you meet those who disbelieve If they deny you, Messengers before you were
strike their necks. Then when you have deci- also denied, who brought the Clear Signs and
mated them, tie their bonds tightly and set them written texts and the illuminating Book. (3:184)
free or ransom them, until the war is finally over. They say, ‘If only he would bring us a Sign from
That is how it is to be. If Allah willed, He could his Lord!’ Have they not received the Clear Sign
avenge Himself on them. But it is so that He can of what is written in the earlier texts? (20:133)
test some of you by means of others. As for those Or has he not been informed what is in the texts
who fight in the Way of Allah, He will not let of Musa? (53:36)
their actions go astray. (47:4) This is certainly in the earlier texts, the texts of
We will test you until We know the true fighters Ibrahim and Musa. (87:18-19)
among you and those who are steadfast and test The People of the Book who disbelieve and the
what is reported of you. (47:31) idolaters would not be cut off until the Clear Sign
Those who lower their voices when they are with came to them: a Messenger from Allah reciting
the Messenger of Allah are people whose hearts purified texts. (98:1-2)
Allah has tested for heedfulness. They will have
forgiveness and an immense reward. (49:3) THANKSGIVING
You who believe! When women who believe Then We pardoned you after that so that perhaps
come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test. you would show thanks. (2:52)
Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you Then We brought you back to life after your
know they are believers, do not return them to death, so that perhaps you would show thanks.
the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis- (2:56)
believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them. Remember Me–I will remember you. Give
Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid. thanks to Me and do not be ungrateful. (2:152)
And there is nothing wrong in your marrying You who believe! Eat of the good things We have
them provided you pay them their due. Do not provided for you and give thanks to Allah if you
hold to any marriage ties with women who dis- worship Him alone. (2:172)
believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask The month of Ramadan is the one in which the
for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement. Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind,
Allah will judge between them. Allah is All- with Clear Signs containing guidance and dis-
Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10) crimination. Any of you who are resident for the
He Who created death and life to test which of month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or
724
on a journey should fast a number of other days. In this way We try some of them by means of oth-
Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire dif- ers so that they say, ‘Are these the people among
ficulty for you. You should complete the number us to whom Allah has shown His favour?’ Does
of days and proclaim Allah’s greatness for the not Allah know best those who are thankful?
guidance He has given you so that hopefully you (6:53)
will be thankful. (2:185) Say: ‘Who rescues you from the darkness of the
Allah helped you at Badr when you were weak land and sea? You call on Him humbly and se-
so have fear of Allah, so that hopefully you will cretly: "If you rescue us from this, we will truly be
be thankful. (3:123) among the thankful."’ (6:63)
Muhammad is only a Messenger and he has been We have established you firmly on the earth and
preceded by other Messengers. If he were to die granted you your livelihood in it. What little
or be killed, would you turn on your heels? thanks you show! (7:10)
Those who turn on their heels do not harm Allah (Satan said,) ‘Then I will come at them, from in
in any way. Allah will recompense the thankful. front of them and behind them, from their right
(3:144) and from their left. You will not find most of them
No self can die except with Allah’s permission, at thankful.’ (7:17)
a predetermined time. If anyone desires the re- Good land yields up its plants by its Lord’s per-
ward of this world, We will give him some of it. If mission, but that which is bad only yields up
anyone desires the reward of the hereafter, We scantily. In this way We vary the Signs for people
will give him some of it. We will recompense the who are thankful. (7:58)
thankful. (3:145) He said, ‘Musa, I have chosen you over all
Why should Allah punish you if you are thankful mankind for My Message and My Word. Take
and believe? Allah is All-Thankful, All-Knowing. what I have given you and be among the thank-
(4:147) ful.’ (7:144)
You who believe! When you get up to perform It is He Who created you from a single self and
prayer, wash your faces and your hands and your made from him his spouse so that he might find
arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads, repose in her. Then when he covered her she
and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If you are in a bore a light load and carried it around. Then
state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. when it became heavy they called on Allah, their
But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come Lord, ‘If You grant us a healthy child, we will be
from the lavatory, or have touched women, and among the thankful!’ (7:189)
cannot find any water, then take for yourselves When you were few and oppressed in the land,
clean earth, and wipe your faces and your hands afraid that the people would snatch you away,
therewith. Allah does not want to make things He gave you refuge and supported you with His
difficult for you, but He does want to purify you help and provided you with good things so that
and to perfect His blessing upon you so that hopefully you would be thankful. (8:26)
hopefully you will be thankful. (5:6) It is He Who conveys you on both land and sea
Allah does not take you to task for your inadvertent so that when some of you are on a boat, running
oaths, but He will take you to task for oaths you before a fair wind, rejoicing at it, and then a vio-
make intentionally. The expiation in that case is to lent squall comes upon them and the waves
feed ten poor people with the average amount you come at them from every side and they realise
feed your family, or clothe them, or free a slave. there is no way of escape, they call on Allah,
Anyone without the means to do so should fast making their religion sincerely His: ‘If You rescue
three days. That is the expiation for breaking oaths us from this, we will truly be among the thank-
when you have sworn them. Keep your oaths. In ful.’ (10:22)
this way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so What will those who invent lies against Allah
that hopefully you will be thankful. (5:89) think on the Day of Rising? Allah shows favour to
725
mankind but most of them are not thankful. It is He Who made night and day succeed each
(10:60) other for those who want to pay heed or to give
(Yusuf said,) ‘I hold fast to the creed of my fore- thanks. (25:62)
bears Ibrahim and Ishaq and Ya‘qub. We don’t He (Sulayman) smiled, laughing at its words, and
associate anything with Allah. And that is how said, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing
Allah has favoured us and all mankind, but most You have bestowed on me and on my parents,
do not give thanks.’ (12:38) and keep me acting rightly, pleasing You, and
We sent Musa with Our Signs: ‘Bring your people admit me, by Your mercy, among Your servants
from the darkness to the light and remind them of who are righteous.’ (27:19)
the Days of Allah.’ There are certainly Signs in He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, ‘I
that for everyone who is steadfast, thankful. will bring it to you before your glance returns to
(14:5) you.’ And when he (Sulayman) saw it standing
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of firmly in his presence, he said, ‘This is part of my
my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti- Lord's favour to test me to see if I will give thanks
vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer! or show ingratitude. Whoever gives thanks only
Make the hearts of mankind incline towards does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful,
them and provide them with fruits, so that hope- my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous.’
fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37) (27:40)
It is He Who made the sea subservient to you so Allah shows favour to mankind but most of them
that you can eat fresh flesh from it and bring out are not thankful. (27:73)
from it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships But part of His mercy is that He has made both
cleaving through it so that you can seek His night and day for you so that you can have your
bounty, and so that hopefully you will show rest and seek His bounty, and so that hopefully
thanks. (16:14) you will be thankful. (28:73)
Allah brought you out of your mothers’ wombs (Ibrahim said to his people,) ‘Instead of Allah you
knowing nothing at all, and gave you hearing, worship only idols. You are inventing a lie. Those
sight and hearts so that perhaps you would show you worship besides Allah have no power to pro-
thanks. (16:78) vide for you. So seek your provision from Allah
So eat from what Allah has provided for you, and worship Him and give thanks to Him. It is to
lawful and good, and be thankful for the blessing Him you will be returned.’ (29:17)
of Allah if it is Him you worship. (16:114) Among His Signs is that He sends the winds bear-
He (Ibrahim) was thankful for His blessings. ing good news, to give you a taste of His mercy,
Allah chose him and guided him to a straight and to make the ships run by His command, and
path. (16:121) to enable you to seek His bounty so that hope-
We taught him the art of making garments for fully you will be thankful. (30:46)
you to protect you against each others’ violence, We gave Luqman wisdom: ‘Give thanks to Allah.
but do you show any thanks? (21:80) Whoever gives thanks only does so to his own
We have appointed the sacrificial animals for good. Whoever is ungrateful, Allah is Rich
you as one of the sacred rites of Allah. There is Beyond Need, Praiseworthy.’ (31:12)
good in them for you, so invoke Allah’s name over We have instructed man concerning his parents.
them, as they stand in rows. And then when they Bearing him caused his mother great debility and
collapse on their sides, eat of them and feed both the period of his weaning was two years: ‘Give
those who ask and those who are too shy to ask. In thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final
this way We have subjected them to you so that destination.’ (31:14)
hopefully you will be thankful. (22:36) Do you not see that ships sail on the sea by
It is He Who has created hearing, sight and hearts Allah’s blessing so that He can show you some-
for you. What little thanks you show! (23:78) thing of His Signs? There are certainly Signs in
726
that for everyone who is steadfast and thankful. enabling you to seek His bounty, so that hope-
(31:31) fully you will be thankful. (45:12)
Then (He) formed him and breathed His Spirit We have instructed man to be good to his par-
into him and gave you hearing, sight and hearts. ents. His mother bore him with difficulty and
What little thanks you show! (32:9) with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing
They made for him anything he (Sulayman) and weaning take thirty months. Then when he
wished: high arches and statues, huge dishes like achieves his full strength and reaches forty, he
cisterns, great built-in cooking vats. ‘Work, fam- says, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing
ily of Dawud, in thankfulness!’ But very few of You bestowed on me and on my parents, and
My servants are thankful. (34:13) keep me acting rightly, pleasing You. And make
There was also a sign for Saba in their dwelling my descendants righteous. I have repented to
place: two gardens–one to the right and one to You and I am truly one of the Muslims.’ (46:15)
the left. ‘Eat of your Lord’s provision and give It was a blessing direct from Our presence. That
thanks to Him: a bountiful land and a forgiving is how We recompense those who give thanks.
Lord.’ (34:15) (54:35)
They said, ‘Our Lord, put more distance between If We wished We could have made it (the water
our staging posts.’ They wronged themselves so that you drink) bitter, so will you not give thanks?
We made legends of them and scattered them (56:70)
without a trace. There are certainly Signs in that Say: ‘It is He Who brought you into being and
for everyone who is steadfast and thankful. gave you hearing, sight and hearts. What little
(34:19) thanks you show!’ (67:23)
The two seas are not the same: the one is sweet, We created man from a mingled drop to test him,
refreshing, delicious to drink, the other salty, bit- and We made him hearing and seeing. We
ter to the taste. Yet from both of them you eat guided him on the Way, whether he is thankful or
fresh flesh and extract ornaments for yourselves unthankful. (76:2-3)
to wear; and you see ships on them, cleaving
through the waves so that you can seek His THATCHER
bounty and so that hopefully you will be thank- We sent a single Blast against them and they
ful. (35:12) were just like a thatcher’s reeds. (54:31)
We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and
cause springs to gush out in it, so they may eat its THIEF - STEALING
fruits–they did not do it themselves. So will they As for thieves, both male and female, cut off their
not be thankful? (36:34-35) hands in reprisal for what they have done: an ob-
And they have other uses for them, and milk to ject lesson from Allah. Allah is Almighty, All-
drink. So will they not be thankful? (36:73) Wise. (5:38)
No! Worship Allah and be among the thankful. Then when he (Yusuf) had supplied them with
(39:66) their needs, he put the goblet in his brother’s bag.
Allah is He Who appointed the night for you so A herald called out, ‘Caravan! You are thieves!’
that you might rest in it, and the day for seeing. (12:70)
Allah pours out His favour on mankind but most They said, ‘By Allah, you know we did not come
people do not show thanks. (40:61) to corrupt the land and that we are not thieves.’
If He wills He makes the wind stop blowing and (12:73)
then they lie motionless on its back. There are They said, ‘If he steals now, his brother stole be-
certainly Signs in that for everyone who is stead- fore.’ But Yusuf kept it to himself and still did not
fast and thankful. (42:33) disclose it to them, saying, ‘The plight that you
It is Allah Who has made the sea subservient to are in is worse than that. Allah knows best the
you so that the ships sail on it at His command, matter you describe.’ (12:77)
727
(The eldest of Yusuf’s brothers said,) ‘Return now with it and drink scalding water on top of it,
to your father and say to him, "Your son stole, fa- slurping like thirst-crazed camels. (56:51-55)
ther. We can do no more than testify to what we
know and we are not the guardians of the THOSE FIRMLY ROOTED
Unseen."’ (12:81) IN KNOWLEDGE
Mankind! An example has been made, so listen It is He Who sent down the Book to you from
to it carefully. Those whom you call upon be- Him: verses containing clear judgements–they
sides Allah are not even able to create a single are the core of the Book–and others which are
fly, even if they were to join together to do it. And open to interpretation. Those with deviation in
if a fly steals something from them, they cannot their hearts follow what is open to interpretation
get it back. How feeble are both the seeker and in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning.
the sought! (22:73) No one knows its inner meaning but Allah.
O Prophet! When women who believe come to Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be-
you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only peo-
that they will not associate anything with Allah ple of intelligence pay heed. (3:7)
or steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a But those of them who are firmly rooted in
false ascription of paternity–making up lies about knowledge, and the believers, believe in what
their bodies–or disobey you in respect of any- has been sent down to you and what was sent
thing right, then accept their pledge and ask for- down before you: those who perform prayer and
giveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most give the alms, and believe in Allah and the Last
Merciful. (60:12) Day–We will pay such people an immense
wage. (4:162)
THING OF THE PAST
We made them a thing of the past, an example THOSE IN COMMAND
for later peoples. (43:56) You who believe! Obey Allah and obey the
Messenger and those in command among you. If
THIRST you have a dispute about something, refer it back
It was not for people of Madina, and the desert to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in
arabs around them, to remain behind the Allah and the Last Day. That is the best thing to
Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to do and gives the best result. (4:59)
him. That is because no thirst or weariness or When news of any matter reaches them they
hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or
will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe- disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to
lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy, the Messenger and those in command among
without a right action being written down for them, those among them able to discern the truth
them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of about it would have had proper knowledge of it.
the good-doers go to waste. (9:120) If it were not for Allah’s favour to you and His
(We said, Adam,) ‘You will not go thirsty in it or mercy, all but a very few of you would have fol-
burn in the sun.’ (20:119) lowed Satan. (4:83)
But the actions of those who disbelieve are like a
mirage in the desert. A thirsty man thinks it is THOSE WHO FLEE FROM BATTLE
water but when he reaches it, he finds it to be Among you there are people who hang back and
nothing at all, but he finds Allah there. He will if you encounter a setback then they say, ‘Allah
pay him his account in full. Allah is swift at reck- has blessed me in that I was not there with them.’
oning. (24:39) (4:72)
Then you, you misguided, you deniers will eat But if you meet with favour from Allah they
from the tree of Zaqqum, filling your stomachs say–as if there were no friendship between you
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and them–‘Oh! If only I had been with them so Go out to fight, light-armed and heavy-armed,
that I too might have won a great victory.’ (4:73) and strive with your wealth and yourselves in the
... Do not take any of them as either a friend or Way of Allah. That is better for you if you only
helper–except for those who seek shelter with knew. (9:41)
people with whom you have a treaty, or who If it had been a case of easy gains and a short
come to you greatly perturbed at the prospect of journey, they would have followed you, but the
fighting either you or their own people. If Allah distance was too great for them. They will swear
had willed, He could have given them the upper by Allah: ‘Had we been able to, we would have
hand over you and then they would have fought gone out with you.’ They are destroying their
you. If they keep away from you and do not fight own selves. Allah knows that they are lying.
you and submit to you, Allah has not given you (9:42)
any way against such people. (4:89-90) Allah pardon you! Why did you excuse them
You will find others who desire to be safe from until it was clear to you which of them were
you and safe from their own people. Each time telling the truth and until you knew the liars?
they are returned to dissension they are over- (9:43)
whelmed by it. If they do not keep away from Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day do
you or submit to you or refrain from fighting, not ask you to excuse them from striving with
seize them and kill them wherever you find their wealth and themselves. Allah knows the
them. Over such people We have given you people who guard against evil. (9:44)
clear authority. (4:91) Only those who do not believe in Allah and the
You who believe! When you encounter those Last Day ask you to excuse them. Their hearts are
who disbelieve advancing in massed ranks into full of doubt and in their doubt they waver to and
battle, do not turn your backs on them. (8:15) fro. (9:45)
Anyone who turns his back on them that day, un- If they had really desired to go out (to fight), they
less he is withdrawing to rejoin the fight or with- would have made proper preparations for it, but
drawing to support another group, brings Allah’s Allah was averse to their setting out so He held
anger down upon himself. His refuge is Hell. them back and they were told: ‘Stay behind with
What an evil destination! (8:16) those who stay behind.’ (9:46)
You who believe! What is the matter with you If they had gone out among you, they would
that when you are told, ‘Go out and fight in the have added nothing to you but confusion. They
way of Allah,’ you sink down heavily to the would have scurried about amongst you seeking
earth? Are you happier with this world than the to cause conflict between you, and among you
hereafter? Yet the enjoyment of this world is very there are some who would have listened to them.
small compared to that of the hereafter. (9:38) Allah knows the wrongdoers. (9:47)
If you do not go out to fight, He will punish you They have already tried to cause conflict before,
with a painful punishment and substitute another and turned things completely upside down for
people in your place. You will not harm Him in you, until the truth came and Allah’s command
any way. Allah has power over all things. (9:39) prevailed even though they detested it. (9:48)
If you do not help him, Allah did help him when Among them are there some who say, ‘Give me
those who disbelieved drove him out and there permission to stay. Do not put temptation in my
were two of them in the Cave. He said to his way.’ Have they not fallen into that very tempta-
companion, ‘Do not be despondent, Allah is tion? Hell hems in the disbelievers. (9:49)
with us.’ Then Allah sent down His serenity upon If good happens to you it galls them. If a mishap
him and reinforced him with troops you could occurs to you, they say, ‘We made our prepara-
not see. He made the word of those who disbe- tions in advance,’ and they turn away rejoicing.
lieved undermost. It is the word of Allah which is (9:50)
uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (9:40) Say: ‘Nothing can happen to us except what
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Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is When the hypocrites and people with sickness in
in Allah that the believers should put their trust.’ their hearts said, ‘What Allah and His Messenger
(9:51) promised us was mere delusion.’ and a group of
Say: ‘What do you await for us except for one of them said, ‘People of Yathrib, Your position is un-
the two best things? But what we await for you is tenable so return!’, some of them asked the
for Allah to inflict a punishment on you either di- Prophet to excuse them, saying, ‘Our houses are
rectly from Himself or at our hands. So wait, we exposed,’ when they were not exposed; it was
are waiting with you!’ (9:52) merely that they wanted to run away. (33:12-13)
Say: ‘Whether you give readily or reluctantly, it If they had been overrun from every side, and
will not be accepted from you. You are people had then been asked to revert to disbelief, they
who are deviators.’ (9:53) would have done so and hesitated very little
They swear by Allah that they are of your num- about it. (33:14)
ber, but they are not of your number. Rather, they Yet they had previously made a contract with
are people who are scared. (9:56) Allah that they would never turn their backs.
If they could find a bolt-hole, cave or burrow, Contracts made with Allah will be asked about.
they would turn and scurry away into it. (9:57) (33:15)
Those who were left behind were glad to stay be- Say: ‘Flight will not benefit you if you try to run
hind the Messenger of Allah. They did not want away from death or being killed. Then you will
to strive with their wealth and themselves in the only enjoy a short respite.’ (33:16)
Way of Allah. They said, ‘Do not go out to fight Say: ‘Who is going to shield you from Allah if He
in the heat.’ Say: ‘The Fire of Hell is much hotter, desires evil for you or desires mercy for you?’
if they only understood.’ (9:81) They will find no one to protect or help them be-
Let them laugh little and weep much, in repay- sides Allah. (33:17)
ment for what they have earned. (9:82) Allah knows the obstructers among you and
If Allah returns you to a group of them, and they those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and
ask you for permission to go out, say, ‘You will who only come to fight a very little, and are be-
never go out with me, nor will you ever fight an grudging towards you. Then when fear comes,
enemy with me. You were happy to stay behind you see them looking at you, their eyes rolling
the first time, so stay behind with those who are like people scared to death. But when fear de-
left behind.’ (9:83) parts they flay you with sharp tongues, grasping
Never pray over any of them who die or stand at for wealth. Such people have no faith and Allah
their graves. They rejected Allah and His will make their actions come to nothing. That is
Messenger and died as deviators. (9:84) easy for Allah. (33:18-19)
They will swear to you to make you pleased with They think that the Confederates have not de-
them, but even if you are pleased with them, parted and if the Confederates did appear then
Allah is certainly not pleased with deviant peo- they would wish they were out in the desert with
ple. (9:96) the Arabs, asking for news of you. If they were
You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to with you they would only fight a very little.
you when forces came against you and We sent a (33:20)
wind against them and other forces you could
not see. Allah sees what you do. (33:9) THOSE WHO HAVE PERMISSION
When they came at you from above you and NOT TO FIGHT
below you, when your eyes rolled and your Nothing is held against the weak and sick nor
hearts rose to your throats, and you thought un- against those who find nothing to spend, pro-
worthy thoughts about Allah, at that point the be- vided they are true to Allah and His
lievers were tested and severely shaken. Messenger–there is no way open against good-
(33:10-11) doers, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful–nor
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is anything held against those who, when they The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said,
came to you for you to provide them with ‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of
mounts and you said, ‘I cannot find anything on the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come
which to mount you,’ turned away with their true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of
eyes overflowing with tears, overcome by grief at prison and brought you from the desert when
having nothing to give. (9:92) Satan had caused dissent between me and my
There is no objection to the blind, no objection brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He
to the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your- is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:100)
selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa- (The hoopoe said,) ‘I found a woman ruling over
thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your them who has been given everything. She pos-
brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the sesses a mighty throne.’ (27:23)
houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts He (Sulayman) said, ‘Council! Who among you
or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater- will bring me her throne before they come to me
nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or in submission?’ (27:38)
those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in He (Sulayman) said, ‘Disguise her throne. We
your eating together or eating separately. And shall see whether she is guided or someone who
when you enter houses greet one another with a is not guided.’ (27:41)
greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this Then when she came, she was asked, ‘Is your
way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that throne like this?’ She said, ‘It is exactly like it.’
hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61) ‘We were given knowledge before her and were
There is no constraint on the blind, nor on the already Muslims,’ (27:42)
lame, nor on the sick. We will admit all who We tested Sulayman and placed a lifeless body
obey Allah and His Messenger into Gardens with on his throne. Then he repented. (38:34)
rivers flowing under them. But We will punish
with a painful punishment anyone who turns his THRONE, THE
back. (48:17) Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and
the earth in six days and then settled Himself
THROAT firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the
When they came at you from above you and night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the
below you, when your eyes rolled and your sun and moon and stars are subservient to His
hearts rose to your throats, and you thought un- command. Both creation and command belong
worthy thoughts about Allah, at that point the be- to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the
lievers were tested and severely shaken. worlds. (7:54)
(33:10-11) But if they turn away, say, ‘Allah is enough for
And warn them of the Day of Immediacy when me. There is no god but Him. I have put my trust
hearts rise choking to the throat. The wrongdoers in Him. He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’
will have no close friend nor any intercessor who (9:129)
might be heard. (40:18) Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and
Why then, when death reaches his throat and the earth in six days and then established Himself
you are at that moment looking on–and We are firmly on the Throne. He directs the whole affair.
nearer him than you but you cannot see–why No one can intercede except with His permis-
then, if you are not subject to Our command, do sion. That is Allah your Lord, so worship Him.
you not send it back if you are telling the truth? Will you not pay heed? (10:3)
(56:83-87) It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in
six days when His Throne was on the water, in
THRONE order to test which of you has the best actions. If
He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne. you say, ‘You will be raised up after death,’ those
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who disbelieve will say, ‘This is nothing but and who follow Your Way and safeguard them
downright magic.’ (11:7) from the punishment of the Blazing Fire.’ (40:7)
Allah is He Who raised up the heavens without He is the Raiser of ranks, the Possessor of the
any support–you can see that–and then estab- Throne, He sends the Spirit by His command to
lished Himself firmly on the Throne. He made whichever of His servants He wills so that he
the sun and moon subservient, each running for may warn mankind about the Day of Meeting.
a specified term. He directs the whole affair. He (40:15)
makes the Signs clear so that hopefully you will Glory be to the Lord of the heavens and the
be certain about the meeting with your Lord. earth, the Lord of the Throne, beyond what they
(13:2) describe. (43:82)
Say: ‘If there had, as you say, been other gods to- It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in
gether with Him, they would have sought a way six days, then established Himself firmly on the
to the Master of the Throne.’ (17:42) Throne. He knows what goes into the earth and
(The Qur’an is) a Revelation from Him Who cre- what comes out of it, what comes down from
ated the earth and the high heavens, the All- heaven and what goes up into it. He is with you
Merciful, established firmly upon the Throne. wherever you are–Allah sees what you do. (57:4)
(20:4-5) The angels will be gathered round its edge. On
If there had been any gods besides Allah in that Day, eight will bear the Throne of their Lord
heaven or earth, they would both be ruined. above their heads. (69:17)
Glory be to Allah, Lord of the Throne, beyond Truly it (the Qur’an) is the speech of a noble
what they describe! (21:22) Messenger, possessing great strength, securely
Say: ‘Who is the Lord of the Seven Heavens and placed with the Lord of the Throne. (81:19-20)
the Lord of the Mighty Throne?’ (23:86) (He is) the Possessor of the Throne, the All-
Exalted be Allah, the King, the Real. There is no Glorious. (85:15)
god but Him, Lord of the Noble Throne. (23:116)
He Who created the heavens and the earth and THUNDER
everything in between them in six days, and then Or (their likeness is) that of a storm-cloud in the
established Himself firmly on the Throne; the All- sky, full of darkness, thunder and lightning. They
Merciful–ask anyone who is informed about put their fingers in their ears against the thunder-
Him. (25:59) claps, fearful of death. Allah encompasses the
(The hoopoe said,) ‘Allah–there is no god but disbelievers. (2:19)
Him–the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’ (27:26) And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not believe
Allah is He Who created the heavens and the in you until we see Allah with our own eyes.’ So
earth and everything between them in six days the thunder-bolt struck you dead while you were
and then established Himself firmly upon the looking. (2:55)
Throne. You have no protector or intercessor The thunder glorifies His praise, as do the angels,
apart from Him. So will you not pay heed? (32:4) out of fear of Him. He discharges the thunder-
You will see the angels circling round the bolts, striking with them anyone He wills. Yet still
Throne, glorifying their Lord with praise. It will they argue about Allah when He is inexorable in
be decided between them with truth. And it will His power! (13:13)
be said: ‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the
worlds.’ (39:75) TIGHT-FISTED
Those who bear the Throne, and all those around Those who are tight-fisted with the bounty Allah
it, glorify their Lord with praise and believe in has given them should not suppose that that is
Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe: better for them. No indeed, it is worse for them!
‘Our Lord, You encompass everything in mercy What they were tight-fisted with will be hung
and knowledge! Forgive those who turn to You around their necks on the Day of Rising. Allah is
732
the inheritor of the heavens and the earth and morning they called out to one another, ‘Leave
Allah is aware of what you do. (3:180) early for your land if you want to pick the fruit.’ So
As for those who are tight-fisted and direct others they set off, quietly saying to one another, ‘Do not
to be tight-fisted, and hide the bounty Allah has let any poor man into it today while you are there.’
given them, We have prepared a humiliating They left early, intent on carrying out their
punishment for those who disbelieve. (4:37) scheme. But when they saw it, they said, ‘We must
You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks have lost our way. No, the truth is we are desti-
devour people’s property under false pretences tute!’ The best of them said, ‘Did I not say to
and bar people from access to the Way of Allah. you,"Why do you not glorify Allah?"’ They said,
As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do ‘Glory be to our Lord! Truly we have been wrong-
not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the doers.’ They turned to face each other in mutual
news of a painful punishment on the Day it is accusation. They said, ‘Woe to us! We were in-
heated up in the fire of Hell and their foreheads, deed inordinate. Maybe our Lord will give us
sides and backs are branded with it: ‘This is what something better than it in exchange. We entreat
you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you our Lord.’ Such is the punishment. And the pun-
were hoarding!’ (9:34-35) ishment of the hereafter is much greater if they
But when He does give them of His bounty they only knew. (68:17-33)
are tight-fisted with it and turn away. (9:76) He used not to believe in Allah the Magnificent,
Do not keep your hand chained to your neck but nor did he urge the feeding of the poor. (69:33-34)
do not extend it either to its full extent so that you No indeed! You do not honour orphans nor do
sit there blamed and destitute. (17:29) you urge the feeding of the poor. (89:17-18)
Say: ‘Even if you possessed the vast storehouses of But no! It is a Raging Blaze stripping away the
my Lord’s mercy, you would still hold back, fear- limbs and scalp, which calls for all who drew
ing they would run out.’ (17:100) back and turned away, and amassed and hoarded
(Believers are) those who, when they spend, are up. (70:15-18)
neither extravagant nor mean, but take a stance Nor is he miserly with the Unseen. (81:24)
mid way between the two. (25:67) But as for him who is stingy and self-satisfied, and
If He did ask you for it and put you under pressure, denies the Good, We will pave his way to
you would be tight-fisted and it would bring out Difficulty. His wealth will not help him when he
your malevolence. (47:37) plummets to the depths. (92:8-11)
Here you are then: people who are called upon to Have you seen him who denies the religion? He is
spend in the Way of Allah and then some of you the one who harshly rebuffs the orphan and does
are tight-fisted! But whoever is tight-fisted is only not urge the feeding of the poor. (107:1-3)
tight-fisted to himself. Allah is Rich and you are
poor. If you turn away, He will replace you with a TIME BEFORE DAWN
people other than yourselves and they will not be The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, the
like you. (47:38) givers, and those who seek forgiveness before
(Allah does not love) those who are tight-fisted dawn. (3:17)
and tell others to be tight-fisted. If anyone turns The part of the night they spent asleep was small
away, Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the and they would seek forgiveness before the
Praiseworthy. (57:24) dawn. (51:17-18)
We have tried them as We tried the owners of the We unleashed a sudden squall of stones against
garden when they swore that they would harvest all of them, except the family of Lut, who We res-
in the morning but did not say the redeeming cued before dawn. (54:34)
words, ‘If Allah wills’. So a visitation from your
Lord came upon it while they slept and in the TIREDNESS
morning it was like burnt land stripped bare. In the They will not be affected by any tiredness there
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and they will never be made to leave. (15:48) not want to purify. They will have disgrace in this
When they had gone a distance further on, he world and in the hereafter they will have a terri-
(Musa) said to his servant, ‘Bring us our morning ble punishment. (5:41)
meal. Truly this journey of ours has made us Those among the tribe of Israel who disbelieved
tired.’ (18:62) were cursed on the tongue of Dawud and that of
Everyone in the heavens and the earth belongs to ‘Isa, son of Maryam. That is because they re-
Him. Those in His presence do not consider belled and overstepped the limits. (5:78)
themselves too great to worship Him and do not If We had wanted to, We would have raised him
grow tired of it. (21:19) up by them. But he gravitated towards the earth
If they grow arrogant, those who are with your and pursued his whims and base desires. His
Lord glorify Him night and day and never grow metaphor is that of a dog: if you chase it away, it
tired. (41:38) lolls out its tongue and pants, and if you leave it
Man never tires of praying for the good and if evil alone, it lolls out its tongue and pants. That is the
touches him, he despairs and loses hope. (41:49) metaphor of those who deny Our Signs. So tell
the story so that hopefully they will reflect.
TONGUE (7:176)
Among them is a group who distort the Book They allot to Allah what they themselves dislike
with their tongues so that you think it is from the and their tongues frame the lie that they will re-
Book when it is not from the Book. They say, ‘It is ceive the Best. There is no doubt at all that they
from Allah,’ but it is not from Allah. They tell a lie will receive the Fire and that they are people
against Allah and they know it. (3:78) who go to excess. (16:62)
Some of the Jews distort the true meaning of Do not say about what your lying tongues de-
words, saying, ‘We hear and disobey,’ and ‘Listen scribe: ‘This is lawful and this is forbidden,’ in-
without listening,’ and ‘Listen to us!’ twisting venting lies against Allah. Those who invent lies
them with their tongues, disparaging the religion. against Allah are not successful. (16:116)
If they had said, ‘We hear and we obey,’ and We have made it easy on your tongue so that you
‘Listen,’ and, ‘Look at us!’ that would have been can give good news to those who guard against
better for them and more upright. But Allah has evil and warn stubbornly hostile people by it.
cursed them for their disbelief. Very few of them (19:97)
believe. (4:46) (Musa said, ‘O Lord,) loosen the knot in my
They have the word, ‘Obedience!’ on their tongue.’ (20:27)
tongues but when they leave your presence, a You were bandying it about on your tongues,
group of them spend the night plotting to do your mouths uttering something about which
other than what you say. Allah is recording their you had no knowledge. You considered it to be a
nocturnal plotting. So let them be and put your trivial matter, but, in Allah’s sight, it is immense.
trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian. (4:81) (24:15)
O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who ... they will have a terrible punishment on the
rush headlong into disbelief among those who Day when their tongues and hands and feet will
say ‘We believe’ with their tongues when their testify against them about what they were doing.
hearts contain no faith. And among the Jews are (24:23-24)
those who listen to lies, listening to other people He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I fear they will deny
who have not come to you, distorting words from me and that my breast will be constricted and
their proper meanings, saying, ‘If you are given that my tongue will not be free, so send Harun as
this, then take it. If you are not given it, then be- a Messenger as well.’ (26:12-13)
ware!’ If Allah desires misguidance for someone, The Faithful Spirit brought it down to your heart
you cannot help him against Allah in any way. so you would be one of the Warners in a clear
Those are the people whose hearts Allah does Arabic tongue. (26:193-195)
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Allah knows the obstructers among you and When a Book does come to them from Allah,
those who say to their brothers, ‘Come to us,’ and confirming what is with them (Torah)–even
who only come to fight a very little, and are be- though before that they were praying for victory
grudging towards you. Then when fear comes, over the disbelievers–yet when what they recog-
you see them looking at you, their eyes rolling nise does come to them, they reject it. Allah’s
like people scared to death. But when fear de- curse is on the disbelievers. (2:89)
parts they flay you with sharp tongues, grasping He has sent down the Book to you with truth,
for wealth. Such people have no faith and Allah confirming what was there before it. And He sent
will make their actions come to nothing. That is down the Torah and the Gospel. (3:3)
easy for Allah. (33:18-19) He will teach him (‘Isa) the Book and Wisdom,
If We had made it a Qur’an in a foreign tongue and the Torah and the Gospel. (3:48)
they would have said, ‘Why have its Signs not (‘Isa said,) ‘I come confirming the Torah I find al-
been made plain? What! A foreign language for ready there, and to make lawful for you some of
an Arab? ’Say: ‘It is guidance and healing for what was previously forbidden to you. I have
people who believe. Those who do not believe brought you a Sign from your Lord. So have fear
have heaviness in their ears and for them it is of Allah and obey me.’ (3:50)
blindness. Such people are being called from a (Say,) ‘People of the Book! Why do you argue
very distant place.’ (41:44) concerning Ibrahim when the Torah and Gospel
We have made it easy in your own tongue so that were only sent down after him? Why do you not
hopefully they will pay heed. (44:58) use your intellect?’ (3:65)
But before it there was the Book of Musa as a All food was lawful for the tribe of Israel except
model and a mercy. And this is a corroborating what Israel made unlawful for himself before the
Book in the Arabic tongue so that you may warn Torah was sent down. Say, ‘Bring the Torah and
those who do wrong, and as good news for the read it out if you are telling the truth.’ (3:93)
good-doers. (46:12) You who have been given the Book! Believe in
Those Arabs who remained behind will say to what We have sent down confirming what is
you, ‘Our wealth and families kept us occupied, with you (the Torah and Gospel), before We
so ask forgiveness for us.’ They say with their obliterate faces, turning them inside out, or We
tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: ‘Who can curse you as We cursed the Companions of the
control Allah for you in any way whether He Sabbath. Allah’s command is always carried out.
wants harm for you or wants benefit for you?’ (4:47)
Allah is aware of what you do. (48:11) How can they make you their judge when they
If they come upon you, they will be your ene- have the Torah with them which contains the
mies and stretch out their hands and tongues judgement of Allah? Then even after that they
against you with evil intent, and they would turn their backs! Such people are certainly not
dearly love you to disbelieve. (60:2) believers. (5:43)
Do not move your tongue trying to hasten it. Its We sent down the Torah containing guidance
collection and recitation are Our affair. (75:16- and light, and the Prophets who had submitted
17) themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as
Have We not given him two eyes, and a tongue did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they
and two lips? (90:8-9) had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to
which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of
TORAH people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs
Believe in what I have sent down, confirming for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by
what is with you (Torah). Do not be the first to re- what Allah has sent down, such people are dis-
ject it and do not sell My Signs for a paltry price. believers. (5:44)
Have fear of Me alone. (2:41) We prescribed for them in it: a life for a life, an
735
eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding them
ear, a tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for to do right and forbidding them to do wrong,
wounds. But if anyone forgoes that as a charity, it making good things lawful for them and bad
will act as expiation for him. Those who do not things forbidden for them, relieving them of their
judge by what Allah has sent down, such people heavy loads and the chains which were around
are wrongdoers. (5:45) them. Those who believe in him and honour him
And We sent ‘Isa son of Maryam following in and help him, and follow the Light that has been
their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came sent down with him, they are the ones who are
before him. We gave him the Gospel containing successful.’ (7:156-157)
guidance and light, confirming the Torah that Allah has bought from the believers their selves
came before it, and as guidance and admonition and their wealth in return for the Garden. They
for those who guard against evil. (5:46) fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are
If only they had implemented the Torah and the killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the
Gospel and what was sent down to them from Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is
their Lord (the Qur’an), they would have been truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in
fed from above their heads and beneath their the bargain you have made. That is the great vic-
feet. Among them there is a moderate group but tory. (9:111)
what most of them do is evil. (5:66) Say: ‘Bring a Book, then, from Allah which
Say: ‘People of the Book! You have nothing to guides better than both of them (the Torah and
stand on until you implement the Torah and the the Qur’an) and follow it if you are telling the
Gospel and what has been sent down to you truth.’ (28:49)
from your Lord.’ What has been sent down to Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
you from your Lord increases many of them in in- who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
solence and disbelief. So do not waste your grief merciful to one another. You see them bowing
on the people of the disbelievers. (5:68) and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the
your mother when I reinforced you with the Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and promised those of them who believe and do right
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My actions forgiveness and an immense reward.
permission; and healed the blind and the leper (48:29)
by My permission; and when you brought forth And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Tribe of
the dead by My permission; and when I held Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, con-
back the tribe of Israel from you, when you firming the Torah which came before me and giv-
brought them the Clear Signs and those of them ing you the good news of a Messenger after me
who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down- whose name is Ahmad.’ When he brought them
right magic"’ (5:110) the Clear Signs, they said, ‘This is downright
... He said, ‘As for My punishment, I strike with it magic.’ (61:6)
anyone I will. My mercy extends to all things but The metaphor of those who were charged with
I will prescribe it for those who guard againt evil the Torah but then have not upheld it, is that of a
and give the alms, and those who believe in Our donkey loaded with weighty tomes. How evil is
Signs: those who follow the Messenger, the the metaphor of those who deny Allah’s Signs!
Ummi, whom they find written down with them Allah does not guide wrongdoing people. (62:5)
736
TOWN to every town. (25:51)
Remember when We said, ‘Go into this town and They will not fight against you all together as a
eat from it wherever you like, freely. Enter the group except in fortified towns or behind high
gate prostrating and say, "Relieve us of our bur- walls. Their hostility towards each other is in-
dens!" Your mistakes will be forgiven. We will tense. They are full of bravado in each other’s
grant increase to all good-doers.’ (2:58) company. You consider them united but their
Or (what about) the one who passed by a town hearts are scattered wide. That is because they
which had fallen into ruin? He asked, ‘How can are people who do not use their intellect. (59:14)
Allah restore this to life when it has died?’ Allah
caused him to die a hundred years then brought TRACE
him back to life. Then He asked, ‘How long have How many generations We have destroyed be-
you been here?’ He replied, ‘I have been here a fore them! Do you see a trace of any one of them
day or part of a day.’ He said, ‘Not so! You have or hear even a whisper of them? (19:98)
been here a hundred years. Look at your food They said, ‘Our Lord, put more distance between
and drink–it has not gone bad–and look at your our staging posts.’ They wronged themselves so
donkey so We can make you a Sign for all We made legends of them and scattered them
mankind. Look at the bones–how We raise them without a trace. There are certainly Signs in that
up and clothe them in flesh.’ When it had be- for everyone who is steadfast and thankful.
come clear to him, he said, ‘Now I know that (34:19)
Allah has power over all things.’ (2:259) Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the
When they were told: ‘Live in this town and eat final fate of those before them? They were greater
of it wherever you like and say, "Relieve us of our than them in strength and left far deeper traces
burdens!" and enter the gate prostrating. Your on the earth, yet Allah seized them for their
mistakes will be forgiven you. We will grant in- wrong actions and they had no one to protect
crease to good-doers.’ (7:161) them from Allah. (40:21)
Ask them about the town which was by the sea Have they not travelled in the land and seen the
when they broke the Sabbath–when their fish final fate of those before them? They were more
came to them near the surface on their Sabbath numerous than them and greater in strength and
day but did not come on the days which they did left more and deeper traces on earth, but what
not keep the Sabbath. In this way We put them to they earned was of no use to them. (40:82)
the test because they were deviators. (7:163) Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those
So they went on until they reached the inhabi- who are with him are fierce to the disbelievers,
tants of a town. They asked them for food but merciful to one another. You see them bowing
they refused them hospitality. They found there a and prostrating, seeking Allah’s good favour and
wall about to fall down and he built it up. Musa His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the
said, ‘If you had wanted, you could have taken a traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the
wage for doing that.’ (18:77) Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a
‘As for the wall, it belonged to two young or- seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong
phans in the town and there was a treasure un- so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its
derneath it, belonging to them. Their father was stalk, filling the sowers with delight–so that by
one of the righteous and your Lord wanted them them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has
to come of age and then to unearth their treasure promised those of them who believe and do right
as a mercy from Him. I did not do it of my own actions forgiveness and an immense reward.
volition. That is the explanation of the things (48:29)
about which you were not able to restrain your-
self.’ (18:82) TRADE
If We had wished We could have sent a warner Those who practise usury will not rise from the
737
grave except as someone driven mad by Satan's ment they scatter off to it and leave you standing
touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade is the there. Say: ‘What is with Allah is better than trade
same as usury.’ But Allah has permitted trade and or entertainment. Allah is the Best of Providers.’
He has forbidden usury. Whoever is given a (62:11)
warning by his Lord and then desists, can keep
what he received in the past and his affair is TRANSACTION
Allah’s concern. But all who return to it will be You who believe! When you take on a debt for a
the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- specified period, write it down. A writer should
lessly, for ever. (2:275) write it down between you justly. No writer
You who believe! When you take on a debt for a should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him,
specified period, write it down. A writer should so he should write. The one incurring the debt
write it down between you justly. No writer should dictate and should have fear of Allah his
should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him, Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person
so he should write. The one incurring the debt incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or un-
should dictate and should have fear of Allah his able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate
Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person for him justly. Two men among you should act as
incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or un- witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a
able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate man and two women with whom you are satis-
for him justly. Two men among you should act as fied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the
witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a other can remind her. Witnesses should not re-
man and two women with whom you are satis- fuse when they are called upon. Do not think it
fied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the too trivial to write down, whether small or large,
other can remind her. Witnesses should not re- with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more
fuse when they are called upon. Do not think it just in Allah’s sight and more helpful when bear-
too trivial to write down, whether small or large, ing witness and more likely to eliminate any
with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more doubt–unless it is an immediate transaction hand
just in Allah’s sight and more helpful when bear- to hand, taken and given without delay. There is
ing witness and more likely to eliminate any nothing wrong in your not writing that down.
doubt–unless it is an immediate transaction hand Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer
to hand, taken and given without delay. There is nor witness should be put under pressure. If you
nothing wrong in your not writing that down. do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of
Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer Allah and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah
nor witness should be put under pressure. If you has knowledge of all things. (2:282)
do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of Those who recite the Book of Allah and perform
Allah and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah prayer and give of what We have provided for
has knowledge of all things. (2:282) them, secretly and openly, hope for a transaction
You who believe! Do not consume one another’s which will not prove profitless. (35:29)
property by false means, but only by means of You who believe! Shall I direct you to a transac-
mutually agreed trade. And do not kill your- tion which will save you from a painful punish-
selves. Allah is Most Merciful to you. (4:29) ment? (61:10)
... there are men who proclaim His glory morn-
ing and evening, not distracted by trade or com- TRANSMISSION
merce from the remembrance of Allah and the If they argue with you, say, ‘I have submitted my-
performance of prayer and the giving of the alms; self completely to Allah, and so have all who fol-
fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in low me.’ Say to those given the Book and those
turmoil. (24:36-37) who have no Book, ‘Have you become Muslim?’
But when they see a chance of trade or entertain- If they become Muslim, they have been guided.
738
If they turn away, you are only responsible for But if they turn their backs, you are only respon-
transmission. Allah sees His servants. (3:20) sible for clear transmission. (16:82)
O Messenger! Transmit what has been sent down And if you deny it, nations before you also de-
to you from your Lord. If you do not do it you will nied the truth. The Messenger is only responsible
not have transmitted His Message. Allah will pro- for clear transmission. (29:18)
tect you from people. Allah does not guide the They (messengers) said, ‘Our Lord knows we
people of the disbelievers. (5:67) have been sent as Messengers to you. We are
Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and be- only responsible for clear transmission.’ (36:16-
ware! If you turn your backs, know that Our 17)
Messenger is only responsible for clear transmis- But if they turn away, We have not sent you to be
sion. (5:92) their guardian. You are only responsible for trans-
The Messenger is only responsible for transmis- mission. When We let a man taste mercy from Us
sion. Allah knows what you divulge and what he exults in it. But if something bad strikes him
you hide. (5:99) for what he has done he is ungrateful. (42:48)
He (Nuh) said, ‘My people, I am not in error at all He said, ‘All knowledge is with Allah. I only
but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of all transmit to you what I have been sent with. But I
the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s Message to see that you are a people who are ignorant.’
you and giving you good counsel, and I know (46:23)
from Allah what you do not know.’ (7:61-62) So be steadfast as the Messengers with firm re-
He (Hud) said, ‘My people, I am by no means a solve were also steadfast. And do not seek to has-
fool, but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of ten it for them. On the Day they see what they
all the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s Message to were promised, it will be as if they had only tar-
you, and I am a faithful counsellor to you.’ (7:67- ried for just one hour of a single day. It has been
68) transmitted! Will any be destroyed except for de-
He (Salih) turned away from them and said, ‘My viant people? (46:35)
people, I transmitted my Lord’s message to you Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. But if you
and gave you good counsel. However, you do turn your backs, the Messenger is only responsi-
not like good counsellors!’ (7:79) ble for clear transmission. (64:12)
So he (Shu‘ayb) turned away from them and said, Say: ‘No one can protect me from Allah and I
‘My people, I transmitted My Lord’s message to will never find any refuge apart from Him–only
you and gave you good counsel. Why should I in transmitting from Allah and His Messages. As
grieve for a disbelieving people?’ (7:93) for him who disobeys Allah and His Messenger,
(Hud said,) ‘If you turn your backs, I have trans- he will have the Fire of Hell, remaining in it time-
mitted to you what I was sent to you with, and lessly, for ever and ever.’ (72:22-23)
my Lord will replace you with another people, (It is) so that He may know that they have indeed
and you will not harm Him at all. My Lord is the transmitted the Messages of their Lord. He en-
Preserver of everything.’ (11:57) compasses what is in their hands and has
Whether We show you something of what We counted the exact number of everything. (72:28)
have promised them or We take you back to Us,
your responsibility is transmission and the TRAVEL
Reckoning is Ours. (13:40) It (the charity) is for the poor who are held back
The idolaters say, ‘If Allah had willed we would in the Way of Allah, unable to travel in the land.
not have worshipped anything apart from Him, The ignorant consider them rich because of their
neither we nor our fathers, nor would we have for- reticence. You will know them by their mark.
bidden anything without His say.’ Those before They do not ask from people insistently.
them said the same. Are the Messengers responsi- Whatever good you give away, Allah knows it.
ble for anything but clear transmission? (16:35) (2:273)
739
Whole societies have passed away before your guided but others received the misguidance they
time, so travel about the earth and see the final deserved. Travel about the earth and see the final
fate of the deniers. (3:137) fate of the deniers. (16:36)
You who believe! Do not approach the prayer Or (do those who plot evil actions feel secure)
when you are drunk, so that you will know what that He will not seize them on their travels,
you are saying, nor in a state of major impu- something they are powerless to prevent? (16:46)
rity–unless you are travelling–until you have (Your Lord revealed to the bees:) ‘Then eat from
washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or every kind of fruit and travel the paths of your
on a journey, or any of you have come from the Lord, which have been made easy for you to fol-
lavatory or touched women, and you cannot find low.’ From inside them comes a drink of varying
any water, then take for yourselves clean earth, colours, containing healing for mankind. There is
wiping your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever- certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect.
Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43) (16:69)
When you are travelling in the land, there is Allah has made your houses places of rest for you
nothing wrong in your shortening your prayer if and made houses for you out of cattle hides
you fear that those who disbelieve may harass which are light for you to carry both when you
you. The disbelievers are your clear-cut enemies. are travelling and when you are staying in one
(4:101) place. And from their wool and fur and hair you
You who believe! When one of you is near to obtain clothing and carpets and household uten-
death and makes a will, two just men from sils for a time. (16:80)
among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are We revealed to Musa, ‘Travel with My servants
travelling when the misfortune of death occurs, by night. Strike a dry path for them through the
two men who are strangers to you. You should sea. Have no fear of being overtaken and do not
detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful, be afraid.’ (20:77)
they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it Have they not travelled about the earth and do
for any price, even to a near relative, and we will they not have hearts to understand with or ears to
not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we hear with? It is not their eyes which are blind but
would indeed be wrongdoers.’ (5:106) the hearts in their breasts which are blind.
An announcement to those idolaters you have a (22:46)
general treaty with that Allah and His Messenger We revealed to Musa: ‘Travel with Our servants
are free of them: ‘You may travel about in the by night. You will certainly be pursued.’ (26:52)
land for four months and know that you cannot Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see the final fate
thwart Allah and that Allah will humiliate the dis- of the evildoers.’ (27:69)
believers.’ (9:1-2) Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see how He
We sent none before you but men inspired with brought creation out of nothing. Then later Allah
revelation from among the people of the cities. will bring about the next existence. Allah has
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the power over all things.’ (29:20)
final fate of those before them? The abode of the Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the
hereafter is better for those who guard against final fate of those before them? They had greater
evil. So will you not use your intellect? (12:109) strength than them and cultivated the land and
(Messengers said to Lut,) ‘Travel with your family inhabited it in far greater numbers than they do.
in the dead of night, following behind with them Their Messengers also came to them with the
in front of you. None of you must look back. Go Clear Signs. Allah would never have wronged
where you are ordered to.’ (15:65) them; but they wronged themselves. (30:9)
We sent a Messenger among every people say- Say: ‘Travel about the earth and see the final fate
ing: ‘Worship Allah and keep clear of all false of those before. Most of them were idolaters.’
gods.’ Among them were some whom Allah (30:42)
740
We placed between them and the cities We had their relatives and to orphans and the very poor,
blessed other clearly conspicuous cities, making and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves free,
them measured stages on the way: ‘Travel be- and who perform prayer and give the alms; those
tween them in safety by night and day.’ (34:18) who honour their contracts when they make them,
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the and are steadfast in poverty and illness and in bat-
final fate of those before them? They were far tle. Those are the people who are true. They are the
greater than them in strength. Allah cannot be people who guard against evil. (2:177)
withstood in any way, either in the heavens or on They will ask you what they should give away.
earth. He is All-Knowing, All-Powerful. (35:44) Say, ‘Any wealth you give away should go to
Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the your parents and relatives and to orphans and the
final fate of those before them? They were greater very poor and travellers.’ Whatever good you do,
than them in strength and left far deeper traces Allah knows it. (2:215)
on the earth, yet Allah seized them for their Worship Allah and do not associate anything
wrong actions and they had no one to protect with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives
them from Allah. (40:21) and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh-
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the bours who are related to you and neighbours
final fate of those before them? They were more who are not related to you, and to companions
numerous than them and greater in strength and and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not
left more and deeper traces on earth, but what love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36)
they earned was of no use to them. (40:82) Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you,
Have they not travelled about the earth and seen and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that
the final fate of those before them? Allah de- of travellers, but land game is forbidden for you
stroyed them utterly. And those who disbelieve while you are in the state of pilgrimage. So have
will suffer the same fate. (47:10) fear of Allah, Him to Whom you will be gath-
Your Lord knows that you stay up nearly two- ered. (5:96)
thirds of the night–or half of it, or a third of it–and Know that when you take any booty a fifth of it
a group of those with you. Allah determines the belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to
night and day. He knows you will not keep count close relatives, orphans, the very poor and trav-
of it, so He has turned towards you. Recite as ellers, if you believe in Allah and in what We
much of the Qur’an as is easy for you. He knows sent down to Our servant on the Day of
that some of you are ill and that others are travel- Discrimination, the day the two groups
ling in the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and that met–Allah has power over all things. (8:41)
others are fighting in the Way of Allah. So recite The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those
as much of it as is easy for you. And perform who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free-
prayer and give the alms and lend a generous ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of
loan to Allah. Whatever good you send ahead for Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from
yourselves you will find it with Allah as some- Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60)
thing better and as a greater reward. And seek One of them said, ‘Do not take Yusuf’s life but
forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, throw him to the bottom of the well, so that some
Most Merciful. (73:20) travellers may discover him, if this is something
that you have to do.’ (12:10)
TRAVELLER Some travellers came that way and then dis-
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East patched their water-drawer who let his bucket
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness down. He said, ‘Good news for me, I’ve found a
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, boy!’ They then hid him away among their
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, goods. Allah knew very well what they were
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to doing. (12:19)
741
Give your relatives their due, and the very poor uries of Allah, nor do I know the Unseen, nor do
and travellers but do not squander what you I say to you that I am an angel. I only follow what
have. (17:26) has been revealed to me.’ Say: ‘Are the blind the
Give relatives their due, and the poor and trav- same as those who can see? So will you not re-
ellers. That is best for those who seek the pleas- flect?’ (6:50)
ure of Allah. They are the ones who are Perhaps you are leaving aside part of what has
successful. (30:38) been revealed to you and your breast is con-
Have you thought about the fire that you light? Is stricted by this because they say, ‘Why has treas-
it you who make the trees that fuel it grow or are ure not been sent down to him or an angel not
We the Grower? We have made it to be a re- accompanied him?’ You are only a warner and
minder and a comfort for travellers in the wild. Allah is Guardian over all things. (11:12)
(56:71-73) (Nuh said to his people,) ‘I do not say to you that
Whatever booty Allah gives to His Messenger I possess the treasuries of Allah; nor do I know
from city dwellers belongs to Allah and to the the Unseen; nor do I say that I am an angel; nor
Messenger and to near relatives and orphans and do I say to those who are vile in your eyes that
the very poor and travellers, so that it does not Allah will not give them any good. Allah knows
become something which merely revolves be- best what is in their hearts. If I did, I would cer-
tween the rich among you. Whatever the tainly be one of the wrongdoers.’ (11:31)
Messenger gives you you should accept and (He said to Musa,) ‘As for the wall, it belonged to
whatever he forbids you you should forgo. Have two young orphans in the town and there was a
fear of Allah–Allah is severe in retribution. (59:7) treasure underneath it, belonging to them. Their
father was one of the righteous and your Lord
TREACHERY wanted them to come of age and then to unearth
We have sent down the Book to you with the their treasure as a mercy from Him. I did not do it
truth so that you can judge between people ac- of my own volition. That is the explanation of the
cording to what Allah has shown to you. But do things about which you were not able to restrain
not be an advocate for the treacherous. (4:105) yourself.’ (18:82)
But because of their breaking of their covenant, (Disbelievers say,) ‘Why has treasure not been
We have cursed them and made their hearts showered down on him? Why does he not have a
hard. They distort the true meaning of words and garden to give him food?’ The wrongdoers say,
have forgotten a good portion of what they were ‘You are merely following a man who is be-
reminded of. You will never cease to come upon witched.’ (25:8)
some act of treachery on their part, except for a We expelled them (Pharaoh and his troops) from
few of them. Yet pardon them, and overlook. gardens and springs, from treasures and a splen-
Allah loves good-doers. (5:13) did situation. (26:57-58)
If you fear treachery on the part of a people, re- Qarun was one of the people of Musa but he
voke your treaty with them mutually. Allah does lorded it over them. We gave him treasures, the
not love treacherous people. (8:58) keys alone to which were a heavy weight for a
When the waves hang over them like canopies, party of strong men. When his people said to
they call on Allah, making their religion sincerely him, ‘Do not gloat. Allah does not love people
His. But then when He delivers them safely to the who gloat. Seek the abode of the hereafter with
land, some of them are ambivalent. None but a what Allah has given you, without forgetting
treacherous, thankless man denies Our Signs. your portion of this world. And do good as Allah
(31:32) has been good to you. And do not seek to cause
corruption in the earth. Allah does not love cor-
TREASURE - TREASURY rupters’, he said, ‘I have only been given it be-
Say: ‘I do not say to you that I possess the treas- cause of knowledge I have.’ Did he not know
742
that before him Allah had destroyed generations and you should free a believing slave. Anyone
with far greater strength than his and far more who cannot find the means should fast two con-
possessions? The evildoers will not be ques- secutive months. This is a concession from Allah.
tioned about their sins. (28:76-78) Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92)
Or do they possess the treasuries of your Lord’s The worst of animals in the sight of Allah are
mercy, the Almighty, the Ever-Giving? (38:9) those who disbelieve and do not believe, those
Or do they possess the treasuries of your Lord or with whom you make a treaty and who then
do they have control of them? (52:37) break it every time. They don't guard against evil.
They are the people who say, ‘Do not spend on So if you come upon such people in war, make a
those who are with the Messenger of Allah, so harsh example of them to deter those coming
that they may go away.’ The treasuries of the after them so that hopefully they will pay heed. If
heavens and earth belong to Allah. But the hyp- you fear treachery on the part of a people, revoke
ocrites do not understand this. (63:7) your treaty with them mutually. Allah does not
love treacherous people. (8:55-58)
TREATY Those who believe and have migrated and
They will be plunged into abasement wherever strived with their wealth and themselves in the
they are found, unless they have a treaty with Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge
Allah and with the people. They have brought and help, they are the friends and protectors of
down anger from Allah upon themselves, and one another. But as for those who believe but
they have been plunged into destitution. That have not migrated, you are not in any way re-
was because they rejected Allah’s Signs and sponsible for their protection until they migrate.
killed the Prophets without any right to do so. But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli-
That was because they disobeyed and went be- gion, it is your duty to help them, except against
yond the limits. (3:112) people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what
They would like you to disbelieve as they disbe- you do. (8:72)
lieve so that you will all be the same. Do not take An announcement to those idolaters you have a
any of them as friends until they have migrated in general treaty with that Allah and His Messenger
the Way of Allah. But if they run away then seize are free of them: ‘You may travel about in the
them and kill them wherever you find them. Do land for four months and know that you cannot
not take any of them as either a friend or thwart Allah and that Allah will humiliate the dis-
helper–except for those who seek shelter with believers.’ A proclamation from Allah and His
people with whom you have a treaty, or who Messenger to mankind on the day of the greater
come to you greatly perturbed at the prospect of pilgrimage: ‘Allah is free of the idolaters, as is His
fighting either you or their own people. If Allah Messenger. If you repent, it will be better for you.
had willed, He could have given them the upper But if you turn your backs, know that you cannot
hand over you and then they would have fought thwart Allah.’ Give those who disbelieve the
you. If they keep away from you and do not fight news of a painful punishment–except those
you and submit to you, Allah has not given you among the idolaters you have treaties with, who
any way against such people. (4:89-90) have not then broken their treaties with you in
A believer should never kill another believer un- any way, nor granted assistance to anyone
less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer against you. Honour their treaties until their time
by mistake should free a believing slave and pay runs out. Allah loves those who guard against
blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as evil. (9:1-4)
a charity. If he is from a people who are your en- How could any of the idolaters possibly have a
emies and is a believer, you should free a believ- treaty with Allah and with His Messenger, except
ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty for those you made a treaty with at the Sacred
with, blood money should be paid to his family Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)? As long as they are
743
straight with you, be straight with them. Allah And We make some things better to eat than oth-
loves those who guard against evil. How indeed! ers. There are Signs in that for people who use
For if they get the upper hand over you, they will their intellect. (13:4)
respect neither kinship nor treaty. They please Do you not see how Allah makes a metaphor of a
you with their mouths but their hearts belie their good word: a good tree whose roots are firm and
words. Most of them are deviators. (9:7-8) whose branches are in heaven? (14:24)
They respect neither kinship nor treaty where a The metaphor of a corrupt word is that of a rotten
believer is concerned. They are the people who tree, uprooted on the surface of the earth. It has
overstep the limits. (9:10) no staying-power. (14:26)
If they break their oaths after making their treaty Your Lord revealed to the bees: ‘Build dwellings
and defame your religion, then fight the leaders in the mountains and the trees, and also in the
of disbelief–they have no binding oaths–so that structures which men erect.’ (16:68)
hopefully they will stop. (9:12) When We said to you, ‘Surely your Lord encom-
passes the people with His knowledge.’ We only
TREE appointed the vision We showed you and the
We said, ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and Accursed Tree in the Qur’an as a trial and temp-
your wife, and eat freely from it wherever you tation for the people. We frighten them, but it
will. But do not approach this tree and so be- only increases them in their excessive insolence.
come wrongdoers.’ (2:35) (17:60)
It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated But Satan whispered to him, saying, ‘Adam, shall
and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse I show you the way to the Tree of Everlasting Life
kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar and to a kingdom which will never fade away?’
and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear (20:120)
fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest, Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and
and do not be profligate. He does not love the everyone on the earth prostrates to Allah, and the
profligate. (6:141) sun and moon and stars and the mountains, trees
(Allah said,) ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and and beasts and many of mankind? But many of
your wife, and eat of it wherever you like. But do them inevitably merit punishment. Those Allah
not go near this tree lest you become wrongdo- humiliates will have no one to honour them.
ers.’ (7:19) Allah does whatever He wills. (22:18)
Then Satan whispered to them, disclosing to By means of it (water) We produce gardens of
them their private parts that had been concealed dates and grapes for you, in which there are
from them. He said, ‘Your Lord has only forbid- many fruits for you and from which you eat, and
den you this tree lest you become angels or a tree springing forth from Mount Sinai yielding
among those who live for ever.’ (7:20) oil and a seasoning to those who eat. (23:19-20)
So he (Satan) enticed them to do it by means of Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.
trickery. Then when they tasted the tree, their pri- The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in
vate parts were disclosed to them and they which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass
started stitching together the leaves of the like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an
Garden in order to cover themselves. Their Lord olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all
called out to them, ‘Did I not forbid you this tree but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light
and say to you, "Satan is an outright enemy to upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He
you"?’ (7:22) wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind
In the earth there are diverse regions side by side and Allah has knowledge of all things. (24:35)
and gardens of grapes and cultivated fields, and He Who created the heavens and the earth and
palm-trees sharing one root and others with indi- sends down water for you from the sky by which
vidual roots, all watered with the same water. We make luxuriant gardens grow–you could
744
never make their trees grow. Is there another god TRIBE OF ISRAEL
besides Allah? No indeed, but they are people (CHILDREN OF ISRAEL)
who equate others with Him! (27:60) Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I con-
If all the trees on earth were pens and all the sea, ferred on you. Honour My contract and I will ho-
with seven more seas besides, was ink Allah’s nour your contract. Have dread of Me alone.
words still would not run dry. Allah is Almighty, (2:40)
All-Wise. (31:27) Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I con-
But they turned away so We unleashed against ferred on you and that I preferred you over all
them the flood from the great dam and ex- other beings. (2:47)
changed their two gardens for two others con- Remember when We made a covenant with the
taining bitter-tasting plants and tamarisk and a tribe of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and be
few lote trees. (34:16) good to your parents and to relatives and or-
Say ‘He Who made them in the first place will phans and the very poor. And speak good words
bring them back to life. He has total knowledge to people. And perform prayer and give the
of each created thing; He Who produces fire for alms.’ But then you turned away–except a few of
you from green trees so that you use them to light you–you turned aside. (2:83)
your fires.’ (36:79-80) Tribe of Israel! Remember the blessing I con-
Is that better by way of hospitality or the tree of ferred on you, and that I preferred you over all
Zaqqum which We have made to be an ordeal other beings. (2:122)
for the wrongdoers? It is a tree that emerges in the Ask the tribe of Israel how many Clear Signs We
depths of the Blazing Fire. (37:62-64) gave to them. If anyone alters Allah’s blessing
And We caused a gourd tree to grow over him after it has come to him, Allah is fierce in retribu-
(Yunus). (37:146) tion. (2:211)
The Tree of az-Zaqqum is the food of the wicked. What do you think about the council of the tribe
(44:43) of Israel after Musa’s time when they said to one
Allah was pleased with the believers when they of their Prophets, ‘Give us a king and we will
pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He fight in the Way of Allah!’? He said, ‘Is it not pos-
knew what was in their hearts, and sent down sible that if fighting were prescribed for you, you
serenity to them and has rewarded them with an would not fight?’ They said, ‘How could we not
imminent victory. (48:18) fight in the way of Allah when we have been
He saw him again another time by the Lote-tree driven from our homes and children?’ But then
of the Final Limit, beside which is the Garden of when fighting was prescribed for them, they
Refuge, when that which covered the Lote-tree turned their backs–except for a few of them.
covered it. (53:13-16) Allah knows the wrongdoers. (2:246)
The stars and the trees all bow down in prostra- He will teach him (‘Isa) the Book and Wisdom,
tion. (55:6) and the Torah and the Gospel, as a Messenger to
(The Companions of the Right are) amid thorn- the tribe of Israel, saying: ‘I have brought you a
less lote-trees. (56:28) Sign from your Lord. I will create the shape of a
(Deniers) will eat from the tree of Zaqqum. bird out of clay for you and then breathe into it
(56:52) and it will be a bird by Allah’s permission. I will
Is it you who make the trees that fuel it grow or heal the blind and the leper, and bring the dead
are We the Grower? (56:72) to life, by Allah’s permission. I will tell you what
Whatever palm-trees you cut down, or left stand- you eat and what you store up in your homes.
ing upright on their roots, it was done by Allah’s There is a Sign for you in that if you are believ-
permission in order to disgrace the deviators. ers.’ (3:48-49)
(59:5) All food was lawful for the tribe of Israel except
what Israel made unlawful for himself before the
745
Torah was sent down. Say, ‘Bring the Torah and the cradle and when you were fully grown; and
read it out if you are telling the truth.’ (3:93) when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and
Allah made a covenant with the tribe of Israel the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created
and We raised up twelve leaders from among a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and
them. Allah said, ‘I am with you. If you perform then breathed into it and it became a bird by My
prayer and give the alms, and believe in My permission; and healed the blind and the leper
Messengers and respect and support them, and by My permission; and when you brought forth
make a generous loan to Allah, I will erase your the dead by My permission; and when I held
wrong actions from you and admit you into back the tribe of Israel from you, when you
Gardens with rivers flowing under them. Any of brought them the Clear Signs and those of them
you who disbelieve after that have gone astray who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down-
from the right way.’ (5:12) right magic"’ (5:110)
Then Allah sent a crow which scratched at the Musa said, ‘Pharaoh! I am truly a Messenger
earth to show him (one of Adam’s two sons) how from the Lord of all the worlds, duty bound to say
to conceal his brother’s corpse. He said, ‘Woe is nothing about Allah except the truth. I have
me! Can I not even be like this crow and conceal come to you with a Clear Sign from your Lord. So
my brother’s corpse?’ And he became one of send the tribe of Israel away with me.’ (7:104-
those who suffer bitter remorse on account of 105)
that. So We decreed for the tribe of Israel that if Whenever the plague came down on them they
someone kills another person–unless it is in retal- said, ‘Musa, pray to your Lord for us by the con-
iation for someone else or for causing corruption tract He has with you. If you remove the plague
in the earth–it is as if he had murdered all from us, we will definitely believe in you and
mankind. And if anyone gives life to another per- send the tribe of Israel away with you.’ (7:134)
son, it is as if he had given life to all mankind. And We bequeathed to the people who had been
Our Messengers came to them with Clear Signs oppressed the easternmost part of the land We
but even after that many of them committed out- had blessed, and its westernmost part as well.
rages in the earth. (5:31-32) The most excellent Word of your Lord was ful-
We made a covenant with the tribe of Israel and filled for the tribe of Israel on account of their
We sent Messengers to them. Each time a steadfastness. And We utterly destroyed what
Messenger came to them with something their Pharaoh and his people made and the buildings
lower selves did not desire, they denied some they constructed. (7:137)
and they murdered others. (5:70) We conveyed the tribe of Israel across the sea
Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam, and they came upon some people who were de-
is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe voting themselves to some idols which they had.
of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. They said, ‘Musa, give us a god just as these peo-
If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah ple have gods.’ He said, ‘You are indeed an igno-
has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will rant people.’ (7:138)
be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and
helpers. (5:72) Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of
Those among the tribe of Israel who disbelieved tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the
were cursed on the tongue of Dawud and that of point of drowning, he said, ‘I believe that there is
‘Isa, son of Maryam. That is because they re- no god but Him in Whom the tribe of Israel be-
belled and overstepped the limits. (5:78) lieve. I am one of the Muslims.’ (10:90)
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of We settled the tribe of Israel in a noble place and
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to gave them good things as provision. They did not
your mother when I reinforced you with the differ until knowledge came to them. Your Lord
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in will decide between them on the Day of Rising
746
regarding the things about which they differed. and made an appointment with you on the right
(10:93) hand side of the Mount and sent down manna
We gave Musa the Book and made it guidance and quails for you. (20:80)
for the tribe of Israel: ‘Do not take anyone be- He (Harun) said, ‘Son of my mother! Do not
sides Me as a guardian.’ (17:2) seize me by the beard or by the hair. I was afraid
We decreed in the Book for the tribe of Israel: that you would say, "You have caused division in
‘You will twice cause corruption on the earth and the tribe of Israel and taken no notice to anything
you will rise to a great height. When the prom- I said."’ (20:94)
ised first time came, We sent against you servants (Allah said to Musa,) ‘Go to Pharaoh and say,
of Ours possessing great force, and they ran- "We are the Messenger of the Lord of all the
sacked your houses, rampaging right through worlds to tell you to send the tribe of Israel away
them. It was a promise which was fulfilled. Then with us."’ (26:16-17)
once again We gave you the upper hand over (Musa said to Pharaoh,) ‘And anyway you can
them and supplied you with more wealth and only reproach me with this favour because you
children and made you the most numerous made the tribe of Israel into slaves!’ (26:22)
group. If you do good, you do it to yourselves. If So it was! And We bequeathed them to the tribe
you do evil, you do it to your detriment. When of Israel. (26:59)
the next promised time arrived, it was so that Is it not indeed a Sign for them that the scholars
they could injure you and enter the Temple as of the tribe of Israel have knowledge of it?
they had entered it the first time, and in order to (26:197)
completely destroy what they had conquered. It Certainly this Qur’an narrates to the tribe of
may well be that your Lord will have mercy on Israel most of the things about which they differ.
you. But if you revert to what you did, We also (27:76)
will revert. We have made Hell a prison for the We gave Musa the Book–be in no doubt about
disbelievers.’ (17:4-8) the meeting with him–and made it a guidance for
We gave Musa nine Clear Signs. Ask the tribe of the tribe of Israel. (32:23)
Israel about when he came to them and Pharaoh We gave Musa the guidance and bequeathed the
said to him, ‘Musa, I think you are bewitched.’ Book to the tribe of Israel. (40:53)
(17:101) He (the son of Maryam) is only a servant on
We said to the tribe of Israel after that, ‘Inhabit whom We bestowed Our blessing and whom We
the land and, when the promise of the hereafter made an example for the tribe of Israel. (43:59)
comes, We will produce you as a motley crowd.’ We rescued the tribe of Israel from the humiliat-
(17:104) ing punishment. (44:30)
Those are some of the Prophets Allah has We gave the Book and Judgement and
blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from Prophethood to the tribe of Israel and provided
those We carried with Nuh, and from the descen- them with good things and favoured them over
dants of Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We all other people. (45:16)
guided and chose. When the Signs of the All- Say: ‘What do you think? If it is from Allah and
Merciful were recited to them they fell on their you reject it, when a witness from the tribe of
faces, weeping, in prostration. (19:58) Israel testifies to its similarity and believes while
(Allah said to Musa,) ‘Go to him (Pharaoh) and you are arrogant...! Allah certainly does not
say, "We are your Lord’s Messengers so send the guide wrongdoing people.’ (46:10)
tribe of Israel away with us and do not punish And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said, ‘Tribe of
them. We have brought you a Sign from your Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, con-
Lord. Peace be upon those who follow the guid- firming the Torah which came before me and giv-
ance."’ (20:47) ing you the good news of a Messenger after me
Tribe of Israel! We rescued you from your enemy whose name is Ahmad.’ When he brought them
747
the Clear Signs, they said, ‘This is downright asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
magic.’ (61:6) staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
You who believe! Be helpers of Allah as ‘Isa son the people knew their drinking place. And We
of Maryam said to the Disciples, ‘Who will be shaded them with clouds and sent down manna
my helpers to Allah?’ The Disciples said, ‘We will and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We
be the helpers of Allah.’ One faction of the tribe have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us;
of Israel believed and the other disbelieved. So rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160)
We supported those who believed against their Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers
enemy and they became victorious. (61:14) or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you
have acquired, or any business you fear may
TRIBES slump, or any house which pleases you, are
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings
and Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, about His command. Allah does not guide peo-
and what Musa and ‘Isa were given, and what all ple who are deviators.’ (9:24)
the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not ‘Did I not make a contract with you, tribe of
differentiate between any of them. We are Adam, not to worship Satan, who truly is an out-
Muslims submitted to Him.’ (2:136) right enemy to you, but to worship Me? That is a
Or do they say that Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq straight path.’ (36:60-61)
and Ya‘qub and the Tribes were Jews or Mankind! We created you from a male and fe-
Christians? Say, ‘Do you know better or does male, and made you into peoples and tribes so
Allah?’ Who could do greater wrong than some- that you might come to know each other. The no-
one who hides the evidence he has been given blest among you in Allah’s sight is the one of you
by Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do. who best performs his duty. Allah is All-Knowing,
(2:140) All-Aware. (49:13)
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim, TRIBUTE
Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and They said, ‘Dhu’l-Qarnayn! Yajuj and Majuj are
what Musa and ‘Isa and all the Prophets were causing corruption in the land. Can we, there-
given by their Lord. We do not differentiate be- fore, pay tribute to you in return for your con-
tween any of them. We are Muslims submitted to structing a barrier between us and them?’ (18:94)
Him.’ (3:84)
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh TROOP
and the Prophets who came after him. And We When Talut marched out with the army, he said,
revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and ‘Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave does not taste it is with me–except for him who
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) merely scoops up a little in his hand.’ But they
Children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you drank from it–except for a few of them. Then
into trouble as He expelled your parents from the when he and those who believed with him had
Garden, stripping them of their covering and dis- crossed it, they said, ‘We do not have the
closing to them their private parts. He and his strength to face Goliath and his troops today.’ But
tribe see you from where you do not see them. those who were sure that they were going to
We have made the Satans friends of those who meet Allah said, ‘How many a small force has tri-
have no faith. (7:27) umphed over a much greater one by Allah’s per-
We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu- mission! Allah is with the steadfast.’ (2:249)
nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people When they came out against Goliath and his
748
troops, they said, ‘Our Lord, pour down stead- They will be bundled into it head first, they and
fastness upon us, and make our feet firm, and the misled, and every one of Diabolis’s regi-
help us against this disbelieving people.’ (2:250) ments. (26:94-95)
If it was a decisive victory you were seeking, that Sulayman’s troops, made up of jinn and men and
victory has clearly been won. If you desist, it will birds, were assembled for him, paraded in tight
be better for you; but if you return, We also will ranks. (27:17)
return. Your troops will not help you at all, how- Then, when they reached the Valley of the Ants,
ever many they are. Allah is with the believers. an ant said, ‘Ants! Enter your dwellings so that
(8:19) Sulayman and his troops do not crush you unwit-
Know that when you take any booty a fifth of it tingly.’ (27:18)
belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to (Sulayman said,) ‘Return to them. We will come
close relatives, orphans, the very poor and trav- to them with troops they cannot face and we will
ellers, if you believe in Allah and in what We expel them from it abased and humiliated.’
sent down to Our servant on the Day of (27:37)
Discrimination, the day the two groups And (We desired to) establish them firmly in the
met–Allah has power over all things. (8:41) land and to show Pharaoh and Haman and their
You who believe! When you meet a troop, stand troops the very thing that they were fearing from
firm and remember Allah repeatedly so that them. (28:6)
hopefully you will be successful. (8:45) The family of Pharaoh picked him (Musa) up so
Then Allah sent down His serenity on His that he might be an enemy and a source of grief
Messenger and on the believers, and sent down to them. Certainly Pharaoh and Haman and their
troops you could not see, and punished those troops were in the wrong. (28:8)
who disbelieved. That is how the disbelievers are He (Pharaoh) and his troops were arrogant in the
repaid. (9:26) land without any right. They thought that they
If you do not help him, Allah did help him when would not return to Us. So We seized him and
those who disbelieved drove him out and there his troops and flung them into the sea. See the
were two of them in the Cave. He said to his final fate of the wrongdoers! (28:39-40)
companion, ‘Do not be despondent, Allah is You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to
with us.’ Then Allah sent down His serenity upon you when forces came against you and We sent a
him and reinforced him with troops you could wind against them and other forces you could
not see. He made the word of those who disbe- not see. Allah sees what you do. (33:9)
lieved undermost. It is the word of Allah which is
uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (9:40) TRUNK
We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a
Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of date-palm. She (Maryam) said, ‘Oh if only I had
tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the died before this time and was something dis-
point of drowning, he said, ‘I believe that there is carded and forgotten!’ (19:23)
no god but Him in Whom the tribe of Israel be- (A voice called out to Maryam), ‘Shake the trunk
lieve. I am one of the Muslims.’ (10:90) of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe dates will
Say: ‘As for those who are astray, let the All- drop down onto you.’ (19:25)
Merciful prolong their term until they see what Pharaoh said, ‘Do you believe in him before I
they were promised, whether it be the punish- have authorised you? He is your chief, the one
ment or the Hour. Then they will know who is in who taught you magic. I will cut off your hands
the worse position and has the weaker troops.’ and feet alternately and have you crucified on
(19:75) palm trunks. Then you will know for certain
Pharaoh pursued them with his troops and the which of us has the harsher and longer lasting
sea overwhelmed them utterly. (20:78) punishment.’ (20:71)
749
TRUST trusted must deliver up his trust and have fear of
If you are on a journey and cannot find a writer, Allah his Lord. Do not conceal testimony. If
something can be left as a security. If you leave someone does conceal it, his heart commits a
things on trust with one another the one who is crime. Allah knows what you do. (2:283)
trusted must deliver up his trust and have fear of Among the People of the Book there are some
Allah his Lord. Do not conceal testimony. If who, if you entrust them with a pile of gold, will
someone does conceal it, his heart commits a return it to you. But there are others among them
crime. Allah knows what you do. (2:283) who, if you entrust them with just a single dinar,
(A group of the People of the Book say,) ‘Do not will not return it to you, unless you stay standing
trust anyone except for those who follow your re- over them. That is because they say, ‘We are
ligion.’ Say, ‘Allah’s guidance is true guidance. under no obligation where the gentiles are con-
But you think it is impossible for anyone to be cerned.’ They tell a lie against Allah and they
given the same as you were given, or to argue know it. (3:75)
with you before your Lord.’ Say, ‘All favour is in Allah commands you to return to their owners
Allah’s Hand and He gives it to whoever He the things you hold on trust and, when you judge
wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.’ between people, to judge with justice. How ex-
(3:73) cellent is what Allah exhorts you to do! Allah is
They said, ‘Our Father! What is wrong with you All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (4:58)
that you refuse to trust us with Yusuf when in You who believe! Do not betray Allah and His
truth we only wish him well? (12:11) Messenger, and do not knowingly betray your
The King said, ‘Bring him to me straight away! So trusts. (8:27)
I may draw him very close to me.’ When he had (Believers are) those who honour their trusts and
spoken with him, he declared, ‘Today you are their contracts. (23:8)
trusted, established in our sight.’ (12:54) We offered the Trust to the heavens, the earth and
He (Yusuf's father) said, ‘How will my trusting the mountains but they refused to take it on and
him to your care be different from entrusting his shrank from it. But man took it on. He is indeed
brother before? The Best of Guardians, however, wrongdoing and ignorant. (33:72)
is Allah. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.’ (Believers are) those who honour their trusts and
(12:64) contracts. (70:32)
A demon of the jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you
before you get up from your seat. I am strong and TUBBA (SEE PEOPLE OF TUBBA)
trustworthy enough to do it.’ (27:39)
One of them said, ‘Hire him, father. The best per- TUNNEL
son to hire is someone strong and trustworthy.’ If their turning away is hard on you, then go
(28:26) down a tunnel deep into the earth, if you can, or
(Nuh said to Pharaoh,) ‘Hand over to me the ser- climb up a ladder into heaven, and bring them a
vants of Allah. I am a trustworthy Messenger to Sign. If Allah had wanted to He would have gath-
you.’ (44:18) ered them all to guidance. So do not be among
Truly it (the Qur’an) is the speech of a noble the ignorant. (6:35)
Messenger, possessing great strength, securely
placed with the Lord of the Throne, obeyed TUWA
there, trustworthy. (81:19-21) (Allah said to Musa,) ‘I am your Lord. Take off
your sandals. You are in the holy valley of Tuwa.’
(HONOURING) TRUSTS (20:12)
If you are on a journey and cannot find a writer, Has the story of Musa reached you: when his
something can be left as a security. If you leave Lord called out to him in the holy valley of Tuwa?
things on trust with one another the one who is (79:15-16)
750
TYRANNY - TYRANT Thamud denied in their excessive tyranny.
They said, ‘There are tyrants in it, Musa. We will (91:11)
not enter it until they leave. If they leave it, then
we will go in.’ (5:22)
We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and
Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of
tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the
point of drowning, he said, ‘I believe that there is
no god but Him in whom the tribe of Israel be-
lieve. I am one of the Muslims.’ (10:90)
That was ‘Ad. They denied the Signs of their Lord
and disobeyed His Messengers and followed the
command of every obdurate tyrant. (11:59)
They asked for Allah’s victory, and every obdu-
rate tyrant failed. (14:15)
Allah commands justice and doing good and giv-
ing to relatives. And He forbids indecency and
doing wrong and tyranny. He warns you so that
hopefully you will pay heed. (16:90)
(Hud said to his people,) ‘Do you build a tower
on every hilltop, just to amuse yourselves, and
construct great fortresses, hoping to live for ever,
and when you attack, attack as tyrants do?’
(26:128-130)
But when he was about to grab the man who was
their common enemy, he said, ‘Musa! Do you
want to kill me just as you killed a person yester-
day? You only want to be a tyrant in the land; you
do not want to be a reformer.’ (28:19)
They only split up after knowledge came to
them, tyrannising one another. And were it not
for a prior decree from your Lord for a specified
term, the judgement between them would al-
ready have been made. Those who inherited the
Book after them are indeed in grave doubt about
it. (42:14)
We made the Commandments very clear to them
and they only differed after knowledge came to
them, tyrannising one other. Your Lord will de-
cide between them on the Day of Rising regard-
ing the things they differed about. (45:17)
Do you not see what your Lord did with
‘Ad–Iram of the Columns whose like was not cre-
ated in any land–and Thamud who carved out
rocks in the valley-side, and Pharaoh of the
Stakes, all of whom were tyrants in their lands
and caused much corruption in them? (89:6-12)
751
U did not know, neither you nor your forefathers.
Say: ‘Allah!’ Then leave them engrossed in play-
UHUD (SEE BATTLE OF UHUD) ing their games. (6:91)
They said, ‘No matter what kind of Sign you
UMMI bring us to bewitch us, we will not believe in
... He said, ‘As for My punishment, I strike with it you.’ (Qur’an, 7:132)
anyone I will. My mercy extends to all things but I will divert from My Signs all those who are ar-
I will prescribe it for those who guard against evil rogant in the earth without any right. If they see
and give the alms, and those who believe in Our every Sign, they will not believe in it. If they see
Signs: those who follow the Messenger, the the way of right guidance, they will not take it as
Ummi, whom they find written down with them a way. But if they see the way of error, they will
in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding them take that as a way. That is because they denied
to do right and forbidding them to do wrong, Our Signs and paid no attention to them. (7:146)
making good things lawful for them and bad We created many of the jinn and mankind for
things forbidden for them, relieving them of their Hell. They have hearts they do not understand
heavy loads and the chains which were around with. They have eyes they do not see with. They
them. Those who believe in him and honour him have ears they do not hear with. Such people are
and help him, and follow the Light that has been like cattle. No, they are even further astray! They
sent down with him, they are the ones who are are the unaware. (7:179)
successful.’ (7:156-157) Remember your Lord in yourself humbly and
Say: ‘Mankind! I am the Messenger of Allah to fearfully, without loudness of voice, morning and
you all, of Him to Whom the kingdom of the evening. Do not be one of the unaware. (7:205)
heavens and earth belongs. There is no god but Then after him We sent Messengers to their peo-
Him. He gives life and causes to die.’ So believe ple, and they brought them the Clear Signs, but
in Allah and His Messenger, the Ummi, who be- they were never going to believe in something
lieves in Allah and His words, and follow him so which they had previously denied. That is how
that hopefully you will be guided. (7:158) We seal up the hearts of those who overstep the
limits. (10:74)
Those are the people whose hearts, hearing and
UNAWARENESS
sight Allah has sealed up. They are the unaware.
Because of the fact that they broke their
(16:108)
covenant, and rejected Allah’s Signs, and killed
When you recite the Qur’an, We place an ob-
the Prophets without any right to do so and said,
scuring veil between you and those who do not
‘Our hearts are uncircumcised,’ Allah has
believe in the hereafter. (17:45)
stamped them with disbelief, so they do not be-
We have placed covers on their hearts, prevent-
lieve except for very few. (4:155)
ing them from understanding it, and heaviness in
Even if We were to send down a book to you on
their ears. When you mention your Lord alone in
parchment pages and they were actually to touch
the Qur’an, they turn their backs and run away.
it with their own hands, those who disbelieve
(17:46)
would still say, ‘This is nothing but downright
Who could do greater wrong than someone who
magic.’ (6:7)
is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then
They do not measure Allah with His true meas-
turns away from them, forgetting all that he has
ure when they say, ‘Allah would not send down
done before? We have placed covers on their
anything to a mere human being.’ Say: ‘Who,
hearts, preventing them from understanding it,
then, sent down the Book which Musa brought
and heaviness in their ears. Though you call
as a Light and Guidance for the people?’ You put
them to guidance, they will nonetheless never be
it down on sheets of paper to display it while
guided. (18:57)
concealing much. You were taught things you
752
(On the Day of Threat, they will be told,) ‘You UNCLE
were heedless of this so We have stripped you of There is no objection to the blind, no objection
your covering and today your sight is sharp.’ to the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your-
(50:22) selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa-
Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your
their Lord morning and evening, desiring His brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the
face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts
the attractions of this world. And do not obey or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater-
someone whose heart We have made neglectful nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or
of Our remembrance and who follows his own those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in
whims and desires and whose life has trans- your eating together or eating separately. And
gressed all bounds. (18:28) when you enter houses greet one another with a
Warn them of the Day of Bitter Regret when the greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this
affair will be resolved. But they take no notice. way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that
They have no faith. (19:39) hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61)
Mankind’s Reckoning has drawn very close to O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your
them, yet they heedlessly turn away. (21:1) wives to whom you have given dowries and any
And (when) the True Promise is very close, the slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al-
eyes of those who disbelieved will be transfixed: lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un-
‘Alas for us! We were unmindful of this! No, cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and
rather we were definitely wrongdoers.’ (21:97) the daughters of your maternal uncles and the
So leave them in their glut of ignorance for a daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi-
while. (23:54) grated with you and any believing woman who
However, their hearts are overwhelmed by igno- gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires
rance about this matter and they do other things to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to
as well. (23:63) the rest of the believers–We know very well what
If you asked them, ‘Who created the heavens and We have prescribed for them regarding their
the earth?’ they would say, ‘Allah!’ Say: ‘Praise be wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order
to Allah!’ But most of them do not know. (31:25) that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever-
They say, ‘Our hearts are covered up against Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50)
what you call us to and there is a heaviness in
our ears. There is a screen between us and you. UNCLEAN
So act–we are certainly acting.’ (41:5) Say: ‘I do not find, in what has been revealed to
Have you seen him who takes his whims and de- me, any food it is forbidden to eat except for car-
sires to be his god–whom Allah has misguided rion, flowing blood, and pork–for that is un-
knowingly, sealing up his hearing and his heart clean–or some deviance consecrated to other
and placing a blindfold over his eyes? Who then than Allah. But if anyone is forced to eat it, with-
will guide him after Allah? So will you not pay out desiring to or going to excess in it, your Lord
heed? (45:23) is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (6:145)
That is because they have believed and then re- You who believe! The idolaters are unclean, so
turned to disbelief. So their hearts have been after this year they should not come near the
sealed up and they cannot understand. (63:3) Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). If you fear
Say: ‘Allah gives you life, then causes you to die, impoverishment, Allah will enrich you from His
and then will gather you together for the Day of bounty if He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
Rising about which there is no doubt. But most Wise. (9:28)
people do not know it.’ (45:26)

753
UNDERSTANDING It is He Who first produced you from a single self,
We said, ‘Hit him (the body of the person you then from a resting-place and a repository. We
killed) with part of it (the cow you sacrificed)!’ In have made the Signs clear for people who under-
that way Allah gives life to the dead and He stand. (6:98)
shows you His Signs so that hopefully you will We created many of the jinn and mankind for
understand. (2:73) Hell. They have hearts they do not understand
Do you really hope they will follow you in faith with. They have eyes they do not see with. They
when a group of them heard Allah’s Word and have ears they do not hear with. Such people are
then, after grasping it, knowingly distorted it? like cattle. No, they are even further astray! They
(2:75) are the unaware. (7:179)
When they are told, ‘Follow what Allah has sent O Prophet! Spur on the believers to fight. If there
down to you,’ They say, ‘We are following what are twenty of you who are steadfast, they will
we found our fathers doing.’ What, even though overcome two hundred; and if there are a hun-
their fathers did not understand a thing and were dred of you, they will overcome a thousand of
not guided! (2:170) those who disbelieve, because they are people
Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the who do not understand. (8:65)
Self-Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness They are pleased to be with those who stay be-
or sleep. Everything in the heavens and the earth hind. Their hearts have been stamped so they do
belongs to Him. Who can intercede with Him not understand. (9:87)
except by His permission? He knows what is be- Each time a sura is sent down, they look at one
fore them and what is behind them but they can- another, implying, ‘Can anyone see you?’ Then
not grasp any of His knowledge save what He they turn away. Allah has turned their hearts
wills. His Footstool encompasses the heavens away because they are people who do not un-
and the earth and their preservation does not tire derstand. (9:127)
Him. He is the Most High, the Magnificent. Among them there are some who listen to you.
(2:255) But can you make the deaf hear even though
Wherever you are, death will catch up with you, they cannot understand? (10:42)
even if you are in impregnable fortresses. If a They said, ‘Shu‘ayb, We do not understand much
good thing happens to them, they say, ‘This has of what you say and we see you are weak among
come from Allah.’ But if a bad thing happens to us. Were it not for your clan, we would have
them, they say, ‘This has come from you.’ Say, stoned you. We do not hold you in high esteem!’
‘Everything comes from Allah.’ What is the mat- (11:91)
ter with these people that they scarcely under- The seven heavens and the earth and everyone in
stand a single word? (4:78) them glorify Him. There is nothing which does
Some of them listen to you but We have placed not glorify Him with praise but you do not under-
covers on their hearts, preventing them from un- stand their glorification. He is All-Forbearing,
derstanding it, and heaviness in their ears. Ever-Forgiving. (17:44)
Though they see every Sign, they still have no We have placed covers on their hearts, prevent-
faith, so that when they come to you, disputing ing them from understanding it, and heaviness in
with you, those who disbelieve say, ‘This is noth- their ears. When you mention your Lord alone in
ing but the myths of previous peoples!’ (6:25) the Qur'an, they turn their backs and run away.
Say: ‘He possesses the power to send you pun- (17:46)
ishment from above your heads or from beneath Who could do greater wrong than someone who
your feet, or to confuse you in sects and make is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then
you taste one another’s violence.’ Look how We turns away from them, forgetting all that he has
vary the Signs so that hopefully they will under- done before? We have placed covers on their
stand. (6:65) hearts, preventing them from understanding it,
754
and heaviness in their ears. Though you call He has given you everything you have asked
them to guidance, they will nonetheless never be Him for. If you tried to number Allah’s blessings,
guided. (18:57) you could never count them. Man is indeed
Then he (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) followed a path until wrongdoing, ungrateful. (14:34)
he arrived between the two mountains where he (Musa said to his people,) ‘And when your Lord
found a people scarcely able to understand announced: "If you are grateful, I will certainly
speech. (18:92-93) give you increase, but if you are ungrateful, My
Loosen the knot in my tongue so that they will punishment is severe."’ (14:7)
understand my words. (20:27-28) Allah makes an example of a city which was safe
We gave Sulayman understanding of it. We gave and at peace, its provision coming to it plenti-
each of them judgement and knowledge. We fully from every side. Then it showed ingratitude
subjected the mountains to Dawud, glorifying, for Allah’s blessings so Allah made it wear the
and the birds as well. This is something We are robes of hunger and fear for what it did. (16:112)
well able to do. (21:79) But when He removes the harm from you, a
Have they not travelled about the earth and do group of you associate others with their Lord, un-
they not have hearts to understand with or ears to grateful for what We have given them. Enjoy
hear with? It is not their eyes which are blind but yourselves. You will soon know! (16:54-55)
the hearts in their breasts which are blind. Squanderers are brothers to the Satans, and Satan
(22:46) was ungrateful to his Lord. (17:27)
Do you suppose that most of them hear or under- When harm occurs to you at sea, those you call
stand? They are just like cattle. Indeed they are on vanish–except for Him alone! But when He
even more astray! (25:44) delivers you to dry land, you turn away. Man
Such metaphors–We devise them for mankind; truly is ungrateful. (17:67)
but only those with knowledge understand them. Or do you feel secure against Him taking you
(29:43) back into it another time and sending a violent
People will ask you about the Last Hour. Say: storm against you and drowning you for your in-
‘Only Allah has knowledge of it. What will make gratitude? Then you will find no one to defend
you understand? It may be that the Last Hour is you against Us. (17:69)
very near.’ (33:63) Allah will defend those who believe. Allah does
You are a greater cause of terror in their breasts not love any thankless traitor. (22:38)
than Allah! That is because they (the hypocrites) It is He Who gave you life and then will cause
are people who do not understand. (59:13) you to die and then will give you life again. Man
That is because they have believed and then re- is truly ungrateful. (22:66)
turned to disbelief. So their hearts have been (Pharaoh said to Musa,) ‘Yet you did the deed
sealed up and they cannot understand. (63:3) you did and were ungrateful.’ (26:19)
They are the people who say, ‘Do not spend on He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, ‘I
those who are with the Messenger of Allah, so will bring it to you before your glance returns to
that they may go away.’ The treasuries of the you.’ And when he saw it standing firmly in his
heavens and earth belong to Allah. But the hyp- presence, he (Sulayman) said, ‘This is part of my
ocrites do not understand this. (63:7) Lord's favour to test me to see if I will give thanks
or show ingratitude. Whoever gives thanks only
UNGRATEFULNESS does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful,
Remember Me–I will remember you. Give thanks my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous.’
to Me and do not be ungrateful. (2:152) (27:40)
If We let man taste mercy from Us, and then take it Let them be ungrateful for what We have given
away from him, he is despairing, ungrateful. them! Let them enjoy themselves–they will soon
(11:9) know! (29:66)
755
When harm touches people they call on their momentum disappear. And be steadfast. Allah is
Lord, repenting to Him. But then, when He gives with the steadfast. (8:46)
them a taste of mercy from Him, a group of them He has laid down the same religion for you as He
immediately associate others with their Lord to enjoined on Nuh: that which We have revealed
show ingratitude for what We have given them. to you and which We enjoined on Ibrahim, Musa
‘Enjoy yourselves–you will soon know.’ (30:33- and ‘Isa: ‘Establish the religion and do not make
34) divisions in it.’ What you call the idolaters to fol-
When the waves hang over them like canopies, low is very hard for them. Allah chooses for
they call on Allah, making their religion sincerely Himself anyone He wills and guides to Himself
His. But then when He delivers them safely to the those who turn to Him. (42:13)
land, some of them are ambivalent. None but a Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks
treacherous, thankless man denies Our Signs. like well-built walls. (61:4)
(31:32)
That is how We repaid them for their ingratitude. UNSEEN, THE (AL-GAYB)
Are any but the ungrateful repaid like this? ... It (the Qur’an) contains guidance for those
(34:17) who guard against evil: those who believe in the
Whereas for those who disbelieve there will be Unseen and perform prayer and spend from what
the Fire of Hell. They will not be killed off so that We have provided for them. (2:2-3)
they die and its punishment will not be lightened He said, ‘Adam, tell them their names.’ When he
for them. That is how We repay every thankless had told them their names, He said, ‘Did I not tell
man. (35:36) you that I know the Unseen of the heavens and
But if they turn away, We have not sent you to be the earth, and I know what you make known and
their guardian. You are only responsible for trans- what you hide?’ (2:33)
mission. When We let a man taste mercy from Us This is news from the Unseen which We reveal to
he exults in it. But if something bad strikes him you. You were not with them when they cast
for what he has done he is ungrateful. (42:48) their reeds to see which of them would be the
They have assigned to Him a portion of His crea- guardian of Maryam. You were not with them
tures! Truly man is openly ungrateful. (43:15) when they quarrelled. (3:44)
We guided him on the Way, whether he is thank- Allah will only leave the believers in the position
ful or unthankful. (76:3) you now are in so that He can sift out the rotten
Therefore wait patiently for the judgement of from the good. Allah has not given you access to
your Lord. Do not obey any evildoer or thankless the Unseen. But Allah chooses those of His
man among them. (76:24) Messengers whom He wills. So believe in Allah
Curse man for his ingratitude! (80:17) and His Messengers. If you believe and guard
Truly man is ungrateful to his Lord. (100:6) against evil you will have an immense reward.
(3:179)
UNITY You who believe! Allah will test you with game
Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do animals which come within the reach of your
not separate. Remember Allah’s blessing to you hands and spears, so that Allah will know those
when you were enemies and He joined your who fear Him in the Unseen. Anyone who over-
hearts together so that you became brothers by steps the limits after this will have a painful pun-
His blessing. You were on the very brink of a pit ishment. (5:94)
of the Fire and He rescued you from it. In this On the day Allah gathers the Messengers to-
way Allah makes His Signs clear to you, so that gether and says, ‘What response did you re-
hopefully you will be guided. (3:103) ceive?’ they will say, ‘We do not know. You are
Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not quar- the Knower of unseen things.’ (5:109)
rel among yourselves lest you lose heart and your And when Allah says, ‘‘Isa son of Maryam! Did
756
you say to people, "Take me and my mother as him from his Lord?’ Say: ‘The Unseen belongs to
gods besides Allah?"’ he will say, ‘Glory be to Allah alone. So wait, I am waiting with you.’
You! It is not for me to say what I have no right to (10:20)
say! If I had said it, then You would have known (Nuh said to his people,) ‘I do not say to you that
it. You know what is in my self but I do not know I possess the treasuries of Allah; nor do I know
what is in Your Self. You are the Knower of all un- the Unseen; nor do I say that I am an angel; nor
seen things.’ (5:116) do I say to those who are vile in your eyes that
Say: ‘I do not say to you that I possess the treas- Allah will not give them any good. Allah knows
uries of Allah, nor do I know the Unseen, nor do best what is in their hearts. If I did, I would cer-
I say to you that I am an angel. I only follow what tainly be one of the wrongdoers.’ (11:31)
has been revealed to me.’ Say: ‘Are the blind the That is some of the news of the Unseen which
same as those who can see? So will you not re- We reveal to you. Neither you nor your people
flect?’ (6:50) knew it before this time. So be steadfast. The best
The keys of the Unseen are in His possession. No end result is for those who guard against evil.
one knows them but Him. He knows everything (11:49)
in the land and sea. No leaf falls without His The Unseen of the heavens and the earth belongs
knowing it. There is no seed in the darkness of to Allah and the whole affair will be returned to
the earth, and nothing moist or dry which is not Him. So worship Him and put your trust in Him.
in a Clear Book. (6:59) Your Lord is not unaware of what you do.
It is He Who created the heavens and the earth (11:123)
with truth. The day He says ‘Be!’ it is. His speech (The eldest of them said,) ‘Return now to your fa-
is Truth. The Kingdom will be His on the Day the ther and say to him, "Your son stole, father. We
Trumpet is blown, the Knower of the Unseen and can do no more than testify to what we know and
the Visible. He is the All-Wise, the All-Aware. we are not the guardians of the Unseen."’ (12:81)
(6:73) This is news of the Unseen which We reveal to
Say: ‘I possess no power to help or harm myself, you. You were not with them when they decided
except as Allah wills. If I had had knowledge of what to do and devised their scheme. (12:102)
the Unseen, I would have sought to gain much (He is) the Knower of the Unseen and the Visible,
good and no evil would have touched me. I am the Most Great, the High-Exalted. (13:9)
only a warner and a bringer of good news to peo- The Unseen of the heavens and earth belongs to
ple who believe.’ (7:188) Allah. The matter of the Hour is only the blink of
Do they not know that Allah knows their secrets an eye away, or even nearer. Allah has power
and their private talk, and that Allah is the over all things. (16:77)
Knower of all unseen things? (9:78) They will say, ‘There were three of them, their
They will make excuses to you when you return dog being the fourth.’ They will say, ‘There were
to them. Say: ‘Do not make excuses, we will not five of them, their dog being the sixth,’ guessing
believe you. Allah has already informed us about at the Unseen. And they will say, ‘There were
you. Allah will see your actions, as will His seven of them, their dog being the eighth.’ Say:
Messenger. Then you will be returned to the ‘My Lord knows best their number. Those who
Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, and He know about them are very few.’ So do not enter
will inform you regarding what you did.’ (9:94) into any argument concerning them, except in
Say: ‘Act, for Allah will see your actions, and so relation to what is clearly known. And do not
will His Messenger and the believers. You will be seek the opinion of any of them regarding them.
returned to the Knower of the Unseen and the (18:22)
Visible and He will inform you regarding what Say: ‘Allah knows best how long they stayed. The
you did.’ (9:105) Unseen of the heavens and the earth belongs to
They say, ‘Why has a Sign not been sent down to Him. How perfectly He sees, how well He hears!
757
They have no protector apart from Him. Nor earth. Allah knows what the heart contains.
does He share His rule with anyone.’ (18:26) (35:38)
Gardens of Eden which the All-Merciful has You can only warn those who act on the
promised to His servants in the Unseen. His Reminder and fear the All-Merciful in the
promise is always kept. (19:61) Unseen. Give them the good news of forgiveness
Has he surveyed the Unseen or has he a contract and a generous reward. (36:11)
with the All-Merciful? (19:78) Say: ‘O Allah, Originator of the heavens and the
... for the heedful: those who fear their Lord in earth, Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, You
the Unseen and are apprehensive about the will judge between Your servants regarding what
Hour. (21:48-49) they differed about.’ (39:46)
Knower of the Unseen and the Visible! May He Allah knows the unseen things of the heavens
be exalted above all they associate with Him! and the earth. Allah sees what you do. (49:18)
(23:92) (The Garden is for) those who fear the All-
Say: ‘No one in the heavens and the earth knows Merciful in the Unseen and come with a contrite
the Unseen except Allah.’ They are not aware of heart. (50:33)
when they will be raised. (27:65) Or is the Unseen in their hands so they can write
That is the Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, out what is to happen? (52:41)
the Almighty, the Most Merciful. (32:6) Does he have knowledge of the Unseen, en-
Those who disbelieve say, ‘The Hour will never abling him to see? (53:35)
come.’ Say: ‘Yes, by my Lord, it certainly will We sent Our Messengers with the Clear Signs
come!’ He is the Knower of the Unseen, Whom and sent down the Book and the Balance with
not even the weight of the smallest particle them so that mankind might establish justice.
eludes, either in the heavens or in the earth; nor And We sent down iron in which there lies great
is there anything smaller or larger than that force and which has many uses for mankind, so
which is not in a Clear Book. (34:3) that Allah might know those who help Him and
Then when We decreed that he should die, noth- His Messengers in the Unseen. Allah is All-
ing divulged his death to them except the worm Strong, Almighty. (57:25)
which ate his staff; so that when he fell down it He is Allah–there is no god but Him. He is the
was made clear to the jinn that if they had truly Knower of the Unseen and the Visible. He is the
had knowledge of the Unseen they need not All-Merciful, the Most Merciful. (59:22)
have stayed there suffering humiliating punish- Say: ‘Death, from which you are fleeing, will cer-
ment. (34:14) tainly catch up with you. Then you will be re-
Say: ‘My Lord hurls forth the Truth–the Knower of turned to the Knower of the Unseen and the
all unseen things.’ (34:48) Visible and He will inform you about what you
They will say, ‘We believe in it,’ but how can did.’ (62:8)
they reach out for it from a distant place when (Allah is) the Knower of the Unseen and the
beforehand they had rejected it, shooting forth Visible, the Almighty, the All-Wise. (64:18)
about the Unseen from a distant place? (34:52- Those who fear their Lord in the Unseen will
53) have forgiveness and an immense reward.
No burden-bearer can bear another’s burden. If (67:12)
someone weighed down calls for help to bear his Or is the Unseen in their hands, so they can write
load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his out what is to happen? (68:47)
next of kin. You can only warn those who fear He is the Knower of the Unseen, and does not di-
their Lord in the Unseen and perform prayer. vulge His Unseen to anyone–except a Messenger
Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone. with whom He is well pleased, and then He
Allah is your final destination. (35:18) posts sentinels before him and behind him.
Allah knows the Unseen of the heavens and (72:26-27)
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Nor is he miserly with the Unseen. (81:24)

USURY (RIBA)
Those who practise usury will not rise from the
grave except as someone driven mad by Satan's
touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade is the
same as usury.’ But Allah has permitted trade and
He has forbidden usury. Whoever is given a
warning by his Lord and then desists, can keep
what he received in the past and his affair is
Allah’s concern. But all who return to it will be
the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
lessly, for ever. (2:275)
Allah obliterates usury but makes charity grow in
value! Allah does not love any persistently un-
grateful wrongdoer. (2:276)
You who believe! Have fear of Allah and forgo
any remaining usury if you are believers. If you
do not, know that it means war from Allah and
His Messenger. But if you repent you may have
your capital, without wronging and without
being wronged. (2:278-279)
You who believe! Do not feed on usury, multi-
plied and then remultiplied. Have fear of Allah
so that hopefully you will be successful. (3:130)
And because of their practising usury when they
were forbidden to do it, and because of their
consuming people’s wealth by wrongful means,
We have prepared for the disbelievers among
them a painful punishment. (4:161)
What you give with usurious intent, aiming to get
back a greater amount from people’s wealth,
does not become greater with Allah. But any-
thing you give as alms, seeking the Face of
Allah–all who do that will get back twice as
much. (30:39)

UZAYR (AS)
The Jews say, ‘‘Uzayr is the son of Allah,’ and the
Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’
That is what they say with their mouths, copying
the words of those who disbelieved before. Allah
fight them! How perverted they are! (9:30)

759
V green vegetables, cucumbers, grains, lentils and
onions,’ he said, ‘Do you want to replace what is
VAINGLORY better with what is inferior? Go back to Egypt,
But those who disbelieve are full of vainglory then you will have what you are asking for.’
and entrenched in hostility. (38:2) Abasement and destitution were stamped upon
them. They brought down anger from Allah upon
VALLEY themselves. That was because they rejected
Nor will they give away any amount, whether Allah’s Signs and killed the Prophets without any
large or small, nor will they cross any valley, right to do so. That was because they rebelled
without it being written down for them so that and went beyond the limits. (2:61)
Allah can recompense them for the best of what
they did. (9:121) VEIL
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord! I have settled some of When you recite the Qur'an, We place an ob-
my offspring by Your Sacred House in an unculti- scuring veil between you and those who do not
vated valley. Our Lord! Let them perform prayer! believe in the hereafter. (17:45)
Make the hearts of mankind incline towards Mention Maryam in the Book, how she withdrew
them and provide them with fruits, so that hope- from her people to an eastern place, and veiled
fully they will be thankful.’ (14:37) herself from them. Then We sent Our Spirit to her
(Allah said to Musa) ‘I am your Lord. Take off and it took on for her the form of a handsome,
your sandals. You are in the holy valley of Tuwa.’ well-built man. (19:16-17)
(20:12) He (Sulayman) said, ‘Truly do I love the love of
Then, when they reached the Valley of the Ants, good, with a view to the glory of my Lord until
an ant said, ‘Ants! Enter your dwellings so that the sun disappeared behind its veil.’ (38:32)
Sulayman and his troops do not crush you unwit- It does not befit Allah to address any human
tingly.’ (27:18) being except by inspiration, or from behind a
But when he reached it a voice called out to him veil, or He sends a messenger who then reveals
from the right hand side of the valley in the part by His permission whatever He wills. He is in-
which was full of blessing, from out of the bush: deed Most High, All-Wise. (42:51)
‘Musa, I am Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.’ No indeed! Rather that Day they will be veiled
(28:30) from their Lord. (83:15)
When they saw it as a storm cloud advancing on
their valleys they said, ‘This is a storm cloud VEIN
which will give us rain.’ No, rather it is what you We created man and We know what his own self
desired to hasten–a wind containing painful pun- whispers to him. We are nearer to him than his
ishment. (46:24) jugular vein. (50:16)
Has the story of Musa reached you: when his
Lord called out to him in the holy valley of Tuwa? VERSES THAT ARE THE CORE OF
(79:15-16) THE BOOK (MUHKAM VERSES)
Do you not see what your Lord did with It is He Who sent down the Book to you from
‘Ad–Iram of the Columns whose like was not cre- Him: verses containing clear judgements–they
ated in any land–and Thamud who carved out are the core of the Book–and others which are
rocks in the valley-side? (89:6-9) open to interpretation. Those with deviation in
their hearts follow what is open to interpretation
VEGETABLES in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning.
And when you said, ‘Musa, we will not put up No one knows its inner meaning but Allah.
with just one kind of food so ask your Lord to Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be-
supply to us some of what the earth produces–its lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only peo-
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ple of intelligence pay heed. (3:7) Messengers.’ Allah is Most Strong, Almighty.
(58:21)
VERSES THAT ARE OPEN TO INTERPRETA- You who believe! Be helpers of Allah as ‘Isa son
TION (MUTASHABIH VERSES) of Maryam said to the Disciples, ‘Who will be
It is He Who sent down the Book to you from my helpers to Allah?’ The Disciples said, ‘We will
Him: verses containing clear judgements–they be the helpers of Allah.’ One faction of the tribe
are the core of the Book–and others which are of Israel believed and the other disbelieved. So
open to interpretation. Those with deviation in We supported those who believed against their
their hearts follow what is open to interpretation enemy and they became victorious. (61:14)
in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning.
No one knows its inner meaning but Allah. VICTORY
Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We be- When a Book does come to them from Allah,
lieve in it. All of it is from our Lord.’ But only peo- confirming what is with them–even though be-
ple of intelligence pay heed. (3:7) fore that they were praying for victory over the
disbelievers–yet when what they recognise does
come to them, they reject it. Allah’s curse is on
VICTORIOUS the disbelievers. (2:89)
So let those who sell the life of this world for the These are Allah’s limits. As for those who obey
hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone Allah and His Messenger, We will admit them
fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, re-
is victorious, We will pay him an immense re- maining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the
ward. (4:74) Great Victory. (4:13)
Two men among those who were afraid, but But if you meet with favour from Allah they
whom Allah had blessed, said, ‘Enter the gate say–as if there were no friendship between you
against them! Once you have entered it, you will and them–‘Oh! If only I had been with them so
be victorious. Put your trust in Allah if you are that I too might have won a great victory.’ (4:73)
believers.’ (5:23) Those who anticipate the worst for you say,
As for those who make Allah their friend, and His ‘Were we not with you?’ whenever you gain a
Messenger and those who believe: it is the party victory from Allah, but if the disbelievers have a
of Allah who are victorious! (5:56) success they say, ‘Did we not have the upper
Those who believe and migrate and strive in the hand over you and yet in spite of that keep the
Way of Allah with their wealth and themselves believers away from you?’ Allah will judge be-
have a higher rank with Allah. They are the ones tween you on the Day of Rising. Allah will not
who are victorious. (9:20) give the disbelievers any way against the believ-
(Allah will say,) ‘Today I have rewarded them for ers. (4:141)
being steadfast. They are the ones who are victo- Yet you see those with sickness in their hearts
rious.’ (23:111) rushing to them, saying, ‘We fear the wheel of
All who obey Allah and His Messenger and have fate may turn against us.’ But it may well be that
awe of Allah and fear of Him, they are the ones Allah will bring about victory or some other con-
who are victorious. (24:52) tingency from Him. Then they will deeply regret
In the land nearby, but after their defeat they will their secret thoughts. (5:52)
themselves be victorious. (30:3) Allah will say, ‘This is the Day when the sincerity
It is Our army which will be victorious. (37:173) of the sincere will benefit them. They will have
Allah will give security those who guarded Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remain-
against evil in their victorious Safe Haven. No ing in them timelessly, for ever and ever. Allah is
evil will touch them and they will know no sor- pleased with them and they are pleased with
row. (39:61) Him. That is the Great Victory.’ (5:119)
Allah has written, ‘I will be victorious, I and My
761
Anyone from whom punishment is averted on the words of Allah. That is the great victory!
that Day has been shown great mercy by Allah. (10:64)
That is the Clear Victory. (6:16) They asked for Allah’s victory, and every obdu-
Remember when you called on your Lord for rate tyrant failed. (14:15)
help and He responded to you: ‘I will reinforce (Allah will say,) ‘Today I have rewarded them for
you with a thousand angels riding rank after being steadfast. They are the ones who are victo-
rank.’ Allah only did this to give you good news rious.’ (23:111)
and that so your hearts would be at rest. Victory All who obey Allah and His Messenger and have
comes from no one but Allah. Allah is Almighty, awe of Allah and fear of Him, they are the ones
All-Wise. (8:9-10) who are victorious. (24:52)
If it was a decisive victory you were seeking, that The Romans have been defeated in the land
victory has clearly been won. If you desist, it will nearby, but after their defeat they will themselves
be better for you; but if you return, We also will be victorious in a few years’ time. The affair is
return. Your troops will not help you at all, how- Allah’s from beginning to end. On that day, the
ever many they are. Allah is with the believers. believers will rejoice in Allah’s help. He grants
(8:19) victory to whoever He wills. He is the Almighty,
Those who believe and migrate and strive in the the Most Merciful. (30:2-5)
Way of Allah with their wealth and themselves They say, ‘When will this victory come if you are
have a higher rank with Allah. They are the ones telling the truth?’ (32:28)
who are victorious. (9:20) Say: ‘On the Day of Victory the faith of those
Allah has promised the men and women of the who disbelieved will be of no use to them. They
believers Gardens with rivers flowing under will be granted no reprieve.’ (32:29)
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever, and He will put your actions right for you and forgive
fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And you your wrong deeds. All who obey Allah and
Allah’s good pleasure is even greater. That is the His Messenger have won a mighty victory.
great victory. (9:72) (33:71)
Allah has prepared Gardens for them with rivers Truly this is the Great Victory! (37:60)
flowing under them, remaining in them time- Allah will give security those who guarded
lessly, for ever. That is the great victory. (9:89) against evil in their victorious Safe Haven. No
The forerunners–the first of the Migrants evil will touch them and they will know no sor-
(Muhajirun) and the Supporters (Ansar)–and row. (39:61)
those who have followed them in doing good: (Angels ask forgiveness for those who believe:)
Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased ‘And safeguard them from evil acts. Those You
with Him. He has prepared Gardens for them safeguard from evil acts are truly the recipients of
with rivers flowing under them, remaining in Your mercy on that Day. That is the Mighty
them timelessly, for ever and ever. That is the Victory.’ (40:9)
great victory. (9:100) A favour from your Lord. That is the Great
Allah has bought from the believers their selves Victory. (44:57)
and their wealth in return for the Garden. They As for those who believed and did right actions,
fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are their Lord will admit them into His mercy. That is
killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the the Clear Victory. (45:30)
Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is Truly We have granted you a clear victory, so that
truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in Allah may forgive you your earlier errors and any
the bargain you have made. That is the great vic- later ones and complete His blessing upon you,
tory. (9:111) and guide you on a Straight Path and so that
There is good news for them in the life of this Allah may help you with a mighty help. (48:1-3)
world and in the hereafter. There is no changing (It is) so that He may admit the men and women
762
of the believers into Gardens with rivers flowing is the Great Victory! (64:9)
under them, remaining in them timelessly, for For those who guard against evil there is triumph.
ever, and erase their bad actions from them; and (78:31)
in Allah’s sight that is a mighty victory. (48:5) But those who believe and do right actions will
Allah was pleased with the believers when they have Gardens with rivers flowing under them.
pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He knew That is the Great Victory. (85:11)
what was in their hearts, and sent down serenity to When Allah’s help and victory have arrived and
them and has rewarded them with an imminent you have seen people entering Allah’s religion in
victory, and with much booty which they will take. droves, then glorify your Lord’s praise and ask His
Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (48:18-19) forgiveness. He is the Ever-Returning. (110:1-3)
Allah has confirmed His Messenger’s vision with
truth: ‘You will enter the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- VIRGIN
Haram) in safety, Allah willing, shaving your heads They said, ‘Ask your Lord to make it clear to us
and cutting your hair without any fear.’ He knew what it should be like.’ He (Musa) said, ‘He says
what you did not know and ordained, in place of it should be a cow, not old or virgin, but some-
this, an imminent victory. (48:27) where between the two. So do as you have been
And how is it with you that you do not give in the told.’ (2:68)
Way of Allah, when the inheritance of the heav- (In Paradise) We have brought maidens into
ens and the earth belongs to Allah? Those of you being and made them purest virgins. (56:35-36)
who gave and fought before the Victory are not It may be that if he does divorce you, his Lord
the same as those who gave and fought after- will give him in exchange better wives than you:
wards. They are higher in rank. But to each of Muslim women, believing women, obedient
them Allah has promised the Best. Allah is aware women, penitent women, women who worship,
of what you do. (57:10) women who fast much–previously married
On the Day you see the men and women of the women as well as virgins. (66:5)
believers, with their light streaming out in front of
them, and to their right: ‘Good news for you VISION
today of Gardens with rivers flowing under them, The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat cows
remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears
Great Victory.’ (57:12) of wheat and seven others which were dry. O
The Companions of the Fire and the Companions counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you are
of the Garden are not the same. It is the those who can interpret visions!’ (12:43)
Companions of the Garden who are the victors. When We said to you, ‘Surely your Lord encom-
(59:20) passes the people with His knowledge.’ We only
He will forgive you your wrong actions and admit appointed the vision We showed you and the
you into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, Accursed Tree in the Qur’an as a trial and temp-
and fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. That is tation for the people. We frighten them, but it
the Great Victory. (61:12) only increases them in their excessive insolence.
And other things you love: support from Allah and (17:60)
imminent victory. Give good news to the believers! We called out to him, ‘Ibrahim! You have dis-
(61:13) charged your vision.’ That is how We recom-
On the Day He gathers you for the Day of pense good-doers. (37:104-105)
Gathering–that is the Day of Profit and Loss. As for Allah has confirmed His Messenger’s vision with
those who believe in Allah and act rightly, We will truth: ‘You will enter the Sacred Mosque (Masjid
erase their bad actions from them and admit them al-Haram) in safety, Allah willing, shaving your
into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, re- heads and cutting your hair without any fear.’ He
maining in them timelessly, for ever and ever. That knew what you did not know and ordained, in
763
place of this, an imminent victory. (48:27) (A voice called out to Maryam,) ‘Eat and drink
and delight your eyes. If you should see anyone
VOICE at all, just say, "I have made a vow of abstinence
Remember your Lord in yourself humbly and to the All-Merciful and today I will not speak to
fearfully, without loudness of voice, morning and any human being."’ (19:26)
evening. Do not be one of the unaware. (7:205) (We said to Ibrahim,) ‘Then they should end their
(Allah said to Satan,) ‘Stir up any of them you can state of self-neglect and fulfil their vows and cir-
with your voice and rally against them your cav- cle the Ancient House.’ (22:29)
alry and your infantry and share with them in They fulfil their vows and fear a Day whose evil
their children and their wealth and make them will spread far and wide. (76:7)
promises!’ The promise of Satan is nothing but
delusion. (17:64)
A voice called out to her (Maryam) from under
her, ‘Do not grieve! Your Lord has placed a small
stream at your feet.’ (19:24)
Then when he reached it, a voice called out,
‘Musa!’ (20:11)
On that day they will follow the Summoner who
has no crookedness in him at all. Voices will be
humbled before the All-Merciful and nothing but
a whisper will be heard. (20:108)
But when he (Musa) reached it, a voice called
out to him, ‘Blessed be Him who is in the Fire
and all who are around it. Glory be to Allah, the
Lord of all the worlds!’ (27:8)
But when he reached it a voice called out to him
from the right hand side of the valley in the part
which was full of blessing, from out of the bush:
‘Musa, I am Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.’
(28:30)
(Luqman said to his son,) ‘Be moderate in your
tread and lower your voice. The most hateful of
voices is the donkey’s bray.’ (31:19)
You who believe! Do not raise your voices above
the voice of the Prophet and do not be as loud
when speaking to him as you are when speaking
to one another, lest your actions should come to
nothing without your realising it. (49:2)
Those who lower their voices when they are with
the Messenger of Allah are people whose hearts
Allah has tested for heedfulness. They will have
forgiveness and an immense reward. (49:3)

VOW
Whatever amount you spend or vow you make,
Allah knows it. The wrongdoers have no helpers.
(2:270)
764
W have received guidance.’ (36:21)
Say: ‘I do not ask you for any wage for it, nor am
WADD I a man of false pretensions.’ (38:86)
They have hatched a mighty plot saying, "Do not That is the good news which Allah gives to His
abandon your gods. Do not abandon Wadd or servants who believe and do right actions. Say: ‘I
Suwa‘ or Yaghuth or Ya‘uq or Nasr." (71:22-23) do not ask you for any wage for this–except for
you to love your near of kin. If anyone does a
WAGE good action, We will increase the good of it for
They are the ones Allah has guided, so be guided him. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Thankful.’
by their guidance. Say, ‘I do not ask you for any (42:23)
wage for it. It is simply a reminder to all beings.’ Or do you ask them for a wage so they are
(6:90) weighed down with debt? (52:40)
(Hud said,) ‘My people! I do not ask you for any Let them (the women you divorced) live where
wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of Him you live, according to your means. Do not put
Who brought me into being. So will you not use pressure on them, so as to harass them. If they are
your intellect?’ (11:51) pregnant, maintain them until they give birth. If
You do not ask them for any wage for it. It is only they are suckling for you, give them their wages
a reminder to all beings. (12:104) and consult together with correctness and cour-
So they went on until they reached the inhabi- tesy. But if you make things difficult for one an-
tants of a town. They asked them for food but other, another woman should do the suckling for
they refused them hospitality. They found there a you. (65:6)
wall about to fall down and he built it up. Musa Or do you ask them for a wage so they are
said, ‘If you had wanted, you could have taken a weighed down with debt? (68:46)
wage for doing that.’ (18:77)
Say: ‘I do not ask you for any wage for it–only WAITING PERIOD (FOR WOMEN) (IDDAH)
that anyone who wants to should make his way Divorced women should wait by themselves for
towards his Lord.’ (25:57) three menstrual cycles; and it is not lawful for
(Nuh said,) ‘I do not ask you for any wage for it. them to conceal what Allah has created in their
My wage is the responsibility of no one but the wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day.
Lord of all the worlds.’ (26:109) Their husbands have the right to take them back
(Hud said,) ‘I do not ask you for any wage for it. within that time, if they desire to be reconciled.
My wage is the responsibility of no one but the Women possess rights similar to those held over
Lord of all the worlds.’ (26:127) them to be honoured with fairness; but men have
(Salih said,) ‘I do not ask you for any wage for it. a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All-
My wage is the responsibility of no one but the Wise. (2:228)
Lord of all the worlds.’ (26:145) When you divorce women and they are near the
(Lut said,) ‘I do not ask you for any wage for it. end of their waiting period, then either retain
My wage is the responsibility of no one but the them with correctness and courtesy or release
Lord of all the worlds.’ (26:164) them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re-
(Shu‘ayb said,) ‘I do not ask you for any wage for tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits.
it. My wage is the responsibility of no one but the Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do
Lord of all the worlds.’ (26:180) not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember
Say: ‘I have not asked you for any wage–it is all Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and
for you. My wage is the responsibility of Allah Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish
alone. He is witness of everything.’ (34:47) you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has
(A man from the far side of the city said,) ‘Follow knowledge of all things. (2:231)
those who do not ask you for any wage and who When you divorce women and they are near the
765
end of their waiting period, do not prevent them touched them, there is no waiting period for you
from marrying their first husbands if they have to calculate for them, so give them a gift and let
mutually agreed to it with correctness and cour- them go with kindness. (33:49)
tesy. This is an admonition for those of you who O Prophet! When any of you divorce women, di-
believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better vorce them during their period of purity and cal-
and purer for you. Allah knows and you do not culate their waiting period carefully. And have
know. Mothers should nurse their children for fear of Allah, your Lord. Do not evict them from
two full years–those who wish to complete the their homes, nor should they leave, unless they
full term of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to commit an outright indecency. Those are Allah’s
feed and clothe them with correctness and cour- limits, and anyone who oversteps Allah’s limits
tesy–no self is charged with more than it can has wronged himself. You never know, it may
bear. No mother should be put under pressure in well be that after that Allah will cause a new sit-
respect of her child nor any father in respect of uation to develop. Then when they have reached
his child. The same duty is incumbent on the the end of their waiting period either retain them
heir. If the couple both wish weaning to take with correctness and courtesy or part from them
place after mutual agreement and consultation, with correctness and courtesy. Call two upright
there is nothing wrong in their doing that. If you men from among yourselves as witnesses and
wish to find wet-nurses for your children, there is they should carry out the witnessing for Allah.
nothing wrong in your doing that provided you This is admonishment for all who believe in
hand over to them what you have agreed to give Allah and the Last Day. Whoever has fear of
with correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah Allah–He will give him a way out and provide for
and know that Allah sees what you do. Those of him from where he does not expect. Whoever
you who die leaving wives behind: they should puts his trust in Allah–He will be enough for him.
wait by themselves for four months and ten Allah always achieves His aim. Allah has ap-
nights. When their waiting period comes to an pointed a measure for all things. In the case of
end, you are not to blame for anything they do those of your wives who are past the age of men-
with themselves with correctness and courtesy. struation, if you have any doubt, their waiting pe-
Allah is aware of what you do. (2:232-234) riod should be three months, and that also
Nor is there anything wrong in any allusion to applies to those who have not yet menstruated.
marriage you make to a woman, nor for any you The time for women who are pregnant is when
keep to yourself. Allah knows that you will say they give birth. Whoever has fear of Allah–He
things to them. But do not make secret arrange- will make matters easy for him. That is Allah’s
ments with them, rather only speak with correct- command which He has sent down to you.
ness and courtesy. Do not finally decide on the Whoever has fear of Allah–He will erase his bad
marriage contract until the prescribed period has actions from him and greatly increase his reward.
come to its end. Know that Allah knows what is Let them live where you live, according to your
in your selves, so beware of Him! And know that means. Do not put pressure on them, so as to ha-
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:235) rass them. If they are pregnant, maintain them
Those of you who die leaving wives behind until they give birth. If they are suckling for you,
should make a bequest to their wives of mainte- give them their wages and consult together with
nance for a year without them having to leave correctness and courtesy. But if you make things
their homes. But if they do leave you are not to difficult for one another, another woman should
blame for anything they do with themselves with do the suckling for you. He who has plenty
correctness and courtesy. Allah is Almighty, All- should spend out from his plenty, but he whose
Wise. (2:240) provision is restricted should spend from what
You who believe! When you marry believing Allah has given him. Allah does not demand
women and then divorce them before you have from any self more than He has given it. Allah
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will appoint after difficulty, ease. (65:1-7) now all their roofs and walls are fallen in; how
many abandoned wells and stuccoed palaces!
WALK LIGHTLY (22:45)
The servants of the All-Merciful are those who That Day the men and women of the hypocrites
walk lightly on the earth and, who, when the ig- will say to those who believe, ‘Wait for us so that
norant speak to them, say, ‘Peace’; (25:63) we can borrow some of your light.’ They will be
told, ‘Go back and look for light!’ And a wall will
WALL be erected between them with a gate in it, on the
There will be a dividing wall between them and inside of which there will be mercy but before
on the ramparts there will be men who recognise whose exterior lies the punishment. (57:13)
everyone by their mark. They will call out to the They (the hypocrites) will not fight against you all
people of the Garden: ‘Peace be upon you!’ They together as a group except in fortified towns or
will not enter it for all their ardent desire to do so. behind high walls. Their hostility towards each
(7:46) other is intense. They are full of bravado in each
Accordingly We made them chance upon them other’s company. You consider them united but
unexpectedly so they might know that Allah’s their hearts are scattered wide. That is because
promise is true and that there is no doubt about they are people who do not use their intellect.
the Hour. When they were arguing among them- (59:14)
selves about the matter, they said, ‘Wall up their Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks
cave, their Lord knows best about them.’ But like well-built walls. (61:4)
those who got the better of the argument con-
cerning them said, ‘We will build a place of wor- WAR
ship over them.’ (18:21) If you do not, know that it means war from Allah
Say: ‘It is the truth from your Lord; so let whoever and His Messenger. But if you repent you may
wishes believe and whoever wishes disbelieve.’ have your capital, without wronging and without
We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire being wronged. (2:279)
whose billowing walls of smoke will hem them The reprisal against those who wage war on
in. If they call for help, they will be helped with Allah and His Messenger, and go about the earth
water like seething molten brass, frying their corrupting it, is that they should be killed or cru-
faces. What a noxious drink! What an evil re- cified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut
pose! (18:29) off, or be banished from the land. That will be
So they went on until they reached the inhabi- their degradation in this world and in the here-
tants of a town. They asked them for food but after they will have a terrible punishment. (5:33)
they refused them hospitality. They found there a The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ Their
wall about to fall down and he built it up. Musa hands are chained and they are cursed for what
said, ‘If you had wanted, you could have taken a they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and
wage for doing that.’ (18:77) He gives however He wills. What has been sent
(He said to Musa,) ‘As for the wall, it belonged to down to you from your Lord increases many of
two young orphans in the town and there was a them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited
treasure underneath it, belonging to them. Their enmity and hatred between them until the Day of
father was one of the righteous and your Lord Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war, Allah
wanted them to come of age and then to unearth extinguishes it. They rush about the earth corrupt-
their treasure as a mercy from Him. I did not do it ing it. Allah does not love corrupters. (5:64)
of my own volition. That is the explanation of the So if you come upon such people in war, make a
things about which you were not able to restrain harsh example of them to deter those coming after
yourself.’ (18:82) them so that hopefully they will pay heed. (8:57)
How many wrongdoing cities We destroyed, and As for those who have set up a mosque, causing
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harm and out of disbelief, to create division be- turn away from them and warn them and speak
tween the believers, and in readiness for those to them with words that take effect. (4:63)
who previously made war on Allah and His Messengers bringing good news and giving
Messenger, they will swear, ‘We only desired the warning, so that people will have no argument
best.’ But Allah bears witness that they are truly against Allah after the coming of the Messengers.
liars. (9:107) Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (4:165)
Therefore when you meet those who disbelieve People of the Book! Our Messenger has come to
strike their necks. Then when you have deci- you, making things clear to you, after a period
mated them, tie their bonds tightly and set them with no Messengers, lest you should say, ‘No one
free or ransom them, until the war is finally over. came to us bringing good news or warning.’
That is how it is to be. If Allah willed, He could Someone has come to you bringing good news
avenge Himself on them. But it is so that He can and a warning. Allah has power over all things.
test some of you by means of others. As for those (5:19)
who fight in the Way of Allah, He will not let It is a Book sent down to you–so let there be no
their actions go astray. (47:4) constriction in your breast because of it–so that
you can give warning by it and as a reminder to
WAR OF BADR (SEE BADR) the believers. (7:2)
Have they not reflected? Their companion is not
WARNING - WARNER mad. He is only a clear warner. (7:184)
We made it an exemplary punishment for those Say: ‘I possess no power to help or harm myself,
there then, and those coming afterwards, and a except as Allah wills. If I had had knowledge of
warning to those who guard against evil. (2:66) the Unseen, I would have sought to gain much
We have sent you with the Truth, bringing good good and no evil would have touched me. I am
news and giving warning. Do not ask about the only a warner and a bringer of good news to peo-
inhabitants of the Blazing Fire. (2:119) ple who believe.’ (7:188)
Mankind was a single community. Then Allah Perhaps you are leaving aside part of what has
sent out Prophets bringing good news and giving been revealed to you and your breast is con-
warning, and with them He sent down the Book stricted by this because they say, ‘Why has treas-
with truth to decide between people regarding ure not been sent down to him or an angel not
their differences. Only those who were given it accompanied him?’ You are only a warner and
differed about it, after the Clear Signs had come Allah is Guardian over all things. (11:12)
to them, envying one another. Then, by His per- Those who disbelieve say, ‘If only a Sign could
mission, Allah guided those who believed to the be sent down to him from his Lord!’ You are only
truth of that about which they had differed. Allah a warner. Every people has a guide. (13:7)
guides whoever He wills to a straight path. This is a communication to be transmitted to
(2:213) mankind so that they may be warned by it and so
Those who practise usury will not rise from the that they will know that He is One God and so
grave except as someone driven mad by Satan's that people of intelligence will pay heed. (14:52)
touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade is the Say: ‘I am indeed a clear warner.’ (15:89)
same as usury.’ But Allah has permitted trade and Allah commands justice and doing good and giv-
He has forbidden usury. Whoever is given a ing to relatives. And He forbids indecency and
warning by his Lord and then desists, can keep doing wrong and tyranny. He warns you so that
what he received in the past and his affair is hopefully you will pay heed. (16:90)
Allah’s concern. But all who return to it will be We only send the Messengers to bring good news
the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time- and to give warning. Those who disbelieve use
lessly, for ever. (2:275) fallacious arguments to deny the truth. They
Allah knows what is in such people’s hearts so make a mockery of My Signs and also of the
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warning they were given. (18:56) warner to them. (34:44)
Say: ‘Mankind, I am only a clear warner to you.’ Say: ‘I exhort you to do one thing alone: to stand
(22:49) before Allah in pairs and on your own and then
Allah warns you never to repeat the like of it reflect. Your companion is not possessed. He is
again if you are believers. (24:17) only a warner come to you ahead of a terrible
Blessed be He Who has sent down the Furqan punishment.’ (34:46)
(Discrimination) to His servant so that he can be You are only a warner. (35:23)
a warner to all beings; (25:1) We have sent you with the truth bringing good
They say, ‘What is the matter with this news and giving warning. There is no commu-
Messenger, that he eats food and walks in the nity to which a warner has not come. (35:24)
market-place? Why has an angel not been sent They will shout out in it, ‘Our Lord! Take us out!
down to him so that it can be a warner along We will act rightly, differently from the way we
with him?’ (25:7) used to act!’ Did We not let you live long enough
If We had wished We could have sent a warner for anyone who was going to pay heed to pay
to every town. (25:51) heed? And did not the warner come to you? Taste
(Nuh said,) ‘I am only a clear warner.’ (26:115) it then! There is no helper for the wrongdoers.
The Faithful Spirit brought it down to your heart (35:37)
so you would be one of the Warners. (26:193- They swore by Allah with their most earnest
194) oaths that if a warner came to them they would
We have never destroyed a city without giving it be better guided than any other community. But
prior warning. (26:208) then when a warner did come to them, it only in-
(Say:) ‘And (I have been ordered) to recite the creased their aversion, (35:42)
Qur’an.’ Whoever is guided is only guided to his Most of the earlier peoples went astray before
own good; if someone is misguided just say, ‘I them though We sent warners to them. (37:71-
am only a warner.’ (27:92) 72)
Nor were you on the side of the Mount when We They are surprised that a warner should come to
called, yet it is a mercy from your Lord so that them from among themselves. The disbelievers
you can warn a people to whom no warner came say, ‘This is a lying magician.’ (38:4)
before, so that hopefully they will pay heed. Say: ‘I am only a warner. There is no god except
(28:46) Allah, the One, the All-Conquering,’ (38:65)
They say, ‘Why have no Signs been sent down to (Say:) ‘It is only revealed to me that I am a clear
him from his Lord?’ Say: ‘The Signs are with warner.’ (38:70)
Allah. I am only a clear warner.’ (29:50) A Book whose verses have been demarcated for
Or do they say, ‘He has invented it’? No indeed! people who know as an Arabic Qur'an, bringing
It is the truth from your Lord to warn a people to good news and giving warning; but most of them
whom, before you, no warner came, so that have turned away and do not hear. (41:3-4)
hopefully they will be guided. (32:3) Say: ‘I am nothing new among the Messengers. I
O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, and a have no idea what will be done with me or you.
bringer of good news and a warner, (33:45) I only follow what has been revealed to me. I am
We only sent you for the whole of mankind, only a clear warner.’ (46:9)
bringing good news and giving warning. But Remember the brother of ‘Ad when he warned
most of mankind do not know it. (34:28) his people by the sand-dunes–and warners
We never sent a warner into any city without the passed away before and after him–‘Worship no
affluent people in it saying, ‘We reject what you one but Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a
have been sent with.’ (34:34) terrible Day.’ (46:21)
We have not given them any books which they We have sent you bearing witness, bringing good
are studying nor did We send, before you, any news and giving warning. (48:8)
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Nonetheless they are amazed that a warner covered by waves above which are waves above
should have come to them from among them- which are clouds, layers of darkness, one upon
selves and those who disbelieve say, ‘What an the other. If he puts out his hand, he can scarcely
extraordinary thing! (50:2) see it. Those Allah gives no light to, they have no
This is a warning like the warnings of old. (53:56) light. (24:40)
It all but bursts with rage. Each time a group is When the waves hang over them like canopies,
flung into it its custodians will question them: they call on Allah, making their religion sincerely
‘Did no warner come to you?’ (67:8) His. But then when He delivers them safely to the
They will say, ‘Yes indeed, a warner did come to land, some of them are ambivalent. None but a
us but we denied him and said, "Allah has sent treacherous, thankless man denies Our Signs.
nothing down. You are just greatly misguided."’ (31:32)
(67:9) The two seas are not the same: the one is sweet,
Say: ‘The knowledge is with Allah alone and I am refreshing, delicious to drink, the other salty, bit-
only a clear warner.’ (67:26) ter to the taste. Yet from both of them you eat
He (Nuh) said, ‘My people, I am a clear warner fresh flesh and extract ornaments for yourselves
to you.’ (71:2) to wear; and you see ships on them, cleaving
You are only the warner of those who fear it. through the waves so that you can seek His
(79:45) bounty and so that hopefully you will be thank-
ful. (35:12)
WASWAS (SEE WHISPERING OF SATAN)
WEAKNESS
WAVE You who believe! When you take on a debt for a
It is He Who conveys you on both land and sea specified period, write it down. A writer should
so that when some of you are on a boat, running write it down between you justly. No writer
before a fair wind, rejoicing at it, and then a vio- should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him,
lent squall comes upon them and the waves so he should write. The one incurring the debt
come at them from every side and they realise should dictate and should have fear of Allah his
there is no way of escape, they call on Allah, Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person
making their religion sincerely His: ‘If You rescue incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or un-
us from this, we will truly be among the thank- able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate
ful.’ (10:22) for him justly. Two men among you should act as
It sailed with them through mountainous waves, witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a
and Nuh called out to his son, who had kept man and two women with whom you are satis-
himself apart, ‘My son! Come on board with us. fied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the
Do not stay with the disbelievers!’ (11:42) other can remind her. Witnesses should not re-
He (Nuh's son) said, ‘I will take refuge on a fuse when they are called upon. Do not think it
mountain; It will protect me from the flood.’ He too trivial to write down, whether small or large,
said, ‘There is no protection from Allah’s com- with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more
mand today except for those He has mercy on.’ just in Allah’s sight and more helpful when bear-
The waves surged in between them and he was ing witness and more likely to eliminate any
among the drowned. (11:43) doubt–unless it is an immediate transaction hand
We will abandon them, that Day, to pound to hand, taken and given without delay. There is
against each other in surging waves and the nothing wrong in your not writing that down.
Trumpet will be blown and We will gather them Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer
all together. (18:99) nor witness should be put under pressure. If you
Or they (the actions of those who disbelieve) are do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of
like the darkness of a fathomless sea which is Allah and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah
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has knowledge of all things. (2:282) those who honour their contracts when they
Allah helped you at Badr when you were weak make them, and are steadfast in poverty and ill-
so have fear of Allah, so that hopefully you will ness and in battle. Those are the people who are
be thankful. (3:123) true. They are the people who guard against evil.
Now Allah has made it lighter on you, knowing (2:177)
there is weakness in you. If there are a hundred There is nothing wrong in your divorcing women
of you who are steadfast, they will overcome two before you have touched them or allotted a
hundred; and if there are a thousand of you, they dowry to them. But give them a gift–he who is
will overcome two thousand with Allah’s permis- wealthy according to his means and he who is
sion. Allah is with the steadfast. (8:66) less well off according to his means–a gift to be
It is Allah Who created you from a weak begin- given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
ning then after weakness gave you strength then all good-doers. (2:236)
after strength ordained weakness and grey hair. Their Prophet said to them, ‘Allah has appointed
He creates whatever He wills. He is All- Talut to be your king.’ They said, ‘How can he
Knowing, All-Powerful. (30:54) have kingship over us when we have much more
Those who disbelieve say, ‘We will never believe right to kingship than he does? He has not even
in this Qur'an, nor in what came before it.’ If only got much wealth!’ He said, ‘Allah has chosen
you could see when the wrongdoers, standing in him over you and favoured him greatly in knowl-
the presence of their Lord, cast accusations back edge and physical strength. Allah gives kingship
and forth at one another! Those deemed weak to anyone He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing,
will say to those deemed great, ‘Were it not for All-Knowing.’ (2:247)
you, we would have been believers!’ (34:31) The metaphor of those who spend their wealth in
Those deemed great will say to those deemed the Way of Allah is that of a grain which pro-
weak, ‘Did we debar you from the guidance duces seven ears; in every ear there are a hun-
when it came to you? No, it is you who were dred grains. Allah gives such multiplied increase
evildoers.’ (34:32) to whoever He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing,
Those deemed weak will say to those deemed All-Knowing. (2:261)
great, ‘No, it was your scheming night and day Those who spend their wealth in the Way of
when you commanded us to reject Allah and as- Allah, and then do not follow what they have
sign equals to Him.’ But they will show their re- spent by demands for gratitude or insulting
morse when they see the punishment. We will words will have their reward with their Lord.
put iron collars round the necks of those who dis- They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.
believe. Will they be repaid for anything but (2:262)
what they did? (34:33) You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by
demands for gratitude or insulting words, like
WEALTH – WEALTHY him who spends his wealth, showing off to peo-
We will test you with a certain amount of fear ple and not believing in Allah and the Last Day.
and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with
But give good news to the steadfast. (2:155) soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East stripped bare. They have no power over anything
or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness they have earned. Allah does not guide disbe-
are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, lieving people. (2:264)
the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, The metaphor of those who spend their wealth,
despite their love for it, give away their wealth to desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for
their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside.
and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its pro-
free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; duce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is
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dew. Allah sees what you do. (2:265) way to punish them. Allah is All-High, Most
Those who give away their wealth by night and Great. (4:34)
day, secretly and openly, will have their reward As for those who are tight-fisted and direct others
with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will to be tight-fisted, and hide the bounty Allah has
know no sorrow. (2:274) given them, We have prepared a humiliating
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and punishment for those who disbelieve, and also
children will not help them against Allah in any for those who spend their wealth to show off to
way. They are fuel for the Fire. (3:10) people, not believing in Allah and the Last Day.
As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and Anyone who has made Satan his comrade, what
children will not help them against Allah in any an evil comrade he is! (4:37-38)
way. They are the Companions of the Fire, re- Those believers who stay behind–other than
maining in it timelessly, for ever. (3:116) those forced to by necessity–are not the same as
You will be tested in your wealth and in your- those who strive in the Way of Allah, sacrificing
selves and you will hear many abusive words their wealth and themselves. Allah has given
from those given the Book before you and from those who strive with their wealth and them-
those who are idolaters. But if you are steadfast selves a higher rank than those who stay behind.
and guard against evil, that is the most resolute Allah has promised the Best to both, but Allah
course to take. (3:186) has preferred those who strive over those who
Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a stay behind by an immense reward. (4:95)
marriageable age, then if you perceive that they And because of their practising usury when they
have sound judgement hand over their property were forbidden to do it, and because of their
to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and consuming people’s wealth by wrongful means,
precipitately before they come of age. Those We have prepared for the disbelievers among
who are wealthy should abstain from it alto- them a painful punishment. (4:161)
gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly Know that your wealth and children are a trial
and correctly. When you hand over their prop- and that there is an immense reward with Allah.
erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on (8:28)
their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6) Those who disbelieve spend their wealth barring
And also married women, except for those you access to the Way of Allah. They will spend it;
have taken in war as slaves. This is what Allah then they will regret it; then they will be over-
has prescribed for you. Apart from that He has thrown. Those who disbelieve will be gathered
made all other women lawful for you provided into Hell. (8:36)
you seek them with your wealth in marriage and Those who believe and have migrated and
not in fornication. When you consummate your strived with their wealth and themselves in the
marriage with them give them their prescribed Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge
dowry. There is nothing wrong in any further and help, they are the friends and protectors of
agreement you might come to after the dowry one another. But as for those who believe but
has been given. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. have not migrated, you are not in any way re-
(4:24) sponsible for their protection until they migrate.
Men have charge of women because Allah has But if they ask you for help in respect of the reli-
preferred the one above the other and because gion, it is your duty to help them, except against
they spend their wealth on them. Right-acting people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what
women are obedient (to Allah), guarding the un- you do. (8:72)
seen as Allah has guarded. If there are women Those who believe and migrate and strive in the
whose disobedience you fear, you may admon- Way of Allah with their wealth and themselves
ish them, refuse to sleep with them, and then have a higher rank with Allah. They are the ones
beat them. But if they obey you, do not look for a who are victorious. (9:20)
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Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers Allah has bought from the believers their selves
or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you and their wealth in return for the Garden. They
have acquired, or any business you fear may fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are
slump, or any house which pleases you, are killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the
dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an and who is
striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in
about His command. Allah does not guide peo- the bargain you have made. That is the great vic-
ple who are deviators.’ (9:24) tory. (9:111)
Go out to fight, light-armed and heavy-armed, Musa said, ‘Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh
and strive with your wealth and yourselves in the and his ruling circle finery and wealth in the life
Way of Allah. That is better for you if you only of this world, Our Lord, so that they may be mis-
knew. (9:41) guided from Your Way. Our Lord, obliterate their
Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day do wealth and harden their hearts so that they do
not ask you to excuse them from striving with not believe until they see the painful punish-
their wealth and themselves. Allah knows the ment.’ (10:88)
people who guard against evil. (9:44) (Nuh said,) ‘My people! I do not ask you for any
Do not let their wealth and children impress you. wealth for it. My wage is the responsibility of
Allah merely wants to punish them by them dur- Allah alone. I will not chase away those who be-
ing their life in this world and for them to expire lieve. They are surely going to meet their Lord.
while they are disbelievers. (9:55) However, I see you as ignorant people.’ (11:29)
Like those before you who had greater strength They said, ‘Shu‘ayb, do your prayers instruct you
than you and more wealth and children. They that we should abandon what our fathers wor-
enjoyed their portion; so enjoy your portion as shipped or stop doing whatever we want to with
those before you enjoyed theirs. You have our wealth? You are clearly the forbearing, the
plunged into defamation as they plunged into it. rightly-guided!’ (11:87)
The actions of such people come to nothing in Then once again We gave you the upper hand
this world or the hereafter. They are the lost. over them and supplied you with more wealth
(9:69) and children and made you the most numerous
Those who were left behind were glad to stay be- group. (17:6)
hind the Messenger of Allah. They did not want (Allah said to Satan,) ‘Stir up any of them you can
to strive with their wealth and themselves in the with your voice and rally against them your cav-
Way of Allah. They said, ‘Do not go out to fight alry and your infantry and share with them in
in the heat.’ Say: ‘The Fire of Hell is much hotter, their children and their wealth and make them
if they only understood.’ (9:81) promises!’ The promise of Satan is nothing but
Do not let their wealth and their children impress delusion. (17:64)
you. Allah merely wants to punish them by them He was a man of wealth and property and he
in this world, and for them to expire while they said to his companion, debating with him, ‘I
are disbelievers. (9:85) have more wealth than you and more people
But the Messenger and those who believe along under me.’ (18:34)
with him have strived with their wealth and with (His companion said to the garden owner,) ‘Why,
themselves. They are the people who will have when you entered your garden, did you not say, "It
the good things. They are the ones who are suc- is as Allah wills, there is no strength but in Allah"?
cessful. (9:88) Though you see me with less wealth and children
Take charity from their wealth to purify and than you possess, it may well be that my Lord will
cleanse them and pray for them. Your prayers give me something better than your garden and
bring relief to them. Allah is All-Hearing, All- send down on it a fireball from the sky so that
Knowing. (9:103) morning finds it a shifting heap of dust.’ (18:39-40)
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Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life It is not your wealth or your children that will
of this world. But, in your Lord’s sight, right ac- bring you near to Us–only in the case of people
tions which are lasting bring a better reward and who believe and act rightly; such people will
are a better basis for hope. (18:46) have a double recompense for what they did.
Have you seen him who rejects Our Signs and They will be safe from all harm in the High Halls
says, ‘I will certainly be given wealth and chil- of Paradise. (34:37)
dren there’? (19:77) The life of this world is merely a game and a di-
Do they imagine that, in the wealth and children version. If you believe and guard against evil, He
We extend to them, We are hastening to them will pay you your wages and not ask you for all
with good things? No indeed, but they have no your wealth. (47:36)
awareness! (23:55-56) Those Arabs who remained behind will say to
Those of you possessing affluence and ample you, ‘Our wealth and families kept us occupied,
wealth should not make oaths that they will not so ask forgiveness for us.’ They say with their
give to their relatives and the very poor and those tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: ‘Who can
who have migrated in the way of Allah. They control Allah for you in any way whether He
should rather pardon and overlook. Would you wants harm for you or wants benefit for you?’
not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever- Allah is aware of what you do. (48:11)
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:22) The believers are only those who have believed
Those who cannot find the means to marry in Allah and His Messenger and then have had
should be abstinent until Allah enriches them no doubt and have strived with their wealth and
from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to themselves in the Way of Allah. They are the
make a contract to free themselves, write it for ones who are true to their word. (49:15)
them if you know of good in them and give them And beggars and the destitute received a due
some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not share of their wealth. (51:19)
force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if Know that the life of this world is merely a game
they desire to be virtuous women out of your de- and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of
sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo
them, then after they have been forced, Allah is one another in wealth and children: like the
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33) plant-growth after rain which delights the culti-
The Day when neither wealth nor sons will be of vators, but then it withers and you see it turning
any use. (26:88) yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In
When it reached Sulayman he said, ‘Would you the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also
give me wealth when what Allah has given me is forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure.
better than what He has given you? No, rather it The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy-
is you who delight in your gift.’ (27:36) ment of delusion. (57:20)
What you give with usurious intent, aiming to get Neither their wealth nor their children will help
back a greater amount from people’s wealth, them at all against Allah. Such people are the
does not become greater with Allah. But any- Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
thing you give as alms, seeking the Face of lessly, for ever. (58:17)
Allah–all who do that will get back twice as It is for the poor of the emigrants who were
much. (30:39) driven from their homes and wealth desiring the
He bequeathed their land, their houses and their favour and the pleasure of Allah and supporting
wealth to you, and another land you had not yet Allah and His Messenger. Such people are the
trodden on. Allah has power over all things. truly sincere. (59:8)
(33:27) It is to believe in Allah and His Messenger and
They also said, ‘We have more wealth and chil- strive in the Way of Allah with your wealth and
dren. We are not going to be punished.’ (34:35) your selves. That is better for you if you only
774
knew. (61:11) of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and
You who believe! Do not let your wealth or chil- clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no
dren divert you from the remembrance of Allah. self is charged with more than it can bear. No
Whoever does that is lost. (63:9) mother should be put under pressure in respect
Your wealth and children are a trial. But with Allah of her child nor any father in respect of his child.
there is an immense reward. (64:15) The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the
But do not obey any vile swearer of oaths, any couple both wish weaning to take place after
backbiter, slandermonger, impeder of good, evil mutual agreement and consultation, there is
aggressor, gross, coarse and furthermore, despica- nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to
ble, simply because he possesses wealth and sons. find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth-
(68:10-14) ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand
(He who is given his Book in his left hand will say,) over to them what you have agreed to give with
‘My wealth has been of no use to me.’ (69:28) correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and
(Believers are) those in whose wealth there is a know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233)
known share for beggars and the destitute. (70:24- We have instructed man concerning his parents.
25) Bearing him caused his mother great debility and
He will send heaven down on you in abundant the period of his weaning was two years: ‘Give
rain and reinforce you with more wealth and sons, thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final
and grant you gardens and grant you waterways. destination.’ (31:14)
(71:11-12) We have instructed man to be good to his par-
Nuh said, ‘My Lord, they have disobeyed me and ents. His mother bore him with difficulty and
followed those whose wealth and children have with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing
only increased them in loss.’ (71:21) and weaning take thirty months. Then when he
Leave the person I created on his own to Me achieves his full strength and reaches forty, he
alone, him to whom I have given great wealth, says, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing
(74:11-12) You bestowed on me and on my parents, and
And you have an insatiable love of wealth. (89:20) keep me acting rightly, pleasing You. And make
He says, ‘I have consumed vast quantities of my descendants righteous. I have repented to
wealth.’ (90:6) You and I am truly one of the Muslims.’ (46:15)
His wealth will not help him when he plummets
to the depths. (92:11) WEARINESS
The most heedful will be far removed from it: It was not for people of Madina, and the desert
those who give their wealth to purify them- arabs around them, to remain behind the
selves–not to repay someone else for a favour Messenger of Allah nor to prefer themselves to
done–desiring only the Face of their Lord Most him. That is because no thirst or weariness or
High. (92:17-20) hunger will afflict them in the Way of Allah, nor
Truly he is fierce in his love of wealth. (100:8) will they take a single step to infuriate the disbe-
Woe to every faultfinding backbiter who has lievers, nor secure any gain from the enemy,
amassed wealth and hoarded it! (104:1-2) without a right action being written down for
He thinks his wealth will make him live for ever. them because of it. Allah does not let the wage of
(104:3) the good-doers go to waste. (9:120)
His wealth has not helped him nor anything he They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah Who has re-
has earned. (111:2) moved all sadness from us. Truly our Lord is Ever-
Forgiving, Ever-Thankful: He Who has lodged us,
WEANING out of His favour, in the Abode of Permanence
Mothers should nurse their children for two full where no weariness or fatigue affects us.’ (35:34-
years–those who wish to complete the full term 35)
775
WEEP with a level balance. That is better and gives the
Let them (those who were left behind) laugh little best result. (17:35)
and weep much, in repayment for what they Those are the people who reject their Lord’s
have earned. (9:82) Signs and the meeting with Him. Their actions
Weeping, they fall to the ground in prostration, will come to nothing and, on the Day of Rising,
and it increases them in humility. (17:109) We will not assign them any weight. (18:105)
Those are some of the Prophets Allah has Those whose scales are heavy, they are the suc-
blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from cessful. Those whose scales are light, they are the
those We carried with Nuh, and from the descen- losers of their selves, remaining in Hell time-
dants of Ibrahim and Isra’il and from those We lessly, for ever. (23:102-103)
guided and chose. When the Signs of the All- Weigh with a level balance. (26:182)
Merciful were recited to them they fell on their Give just weight–do not skimp in the balance.
faces, weeping, in prostration. (19:58) (55:9)
As for him whose balance is heavy, he will have
WEIGHT a most pleasant life. But as for him whose bal-
And (He instructs) that you do not go near the ance is light, his motherland is Hawiya. (101:6-9)
property of orphans before they reach matu-
rity–except in a good way; that you give full WELL
measure and full weight with justice–We impose One of them said, ‘Do not take Yusuf’s life but
on no self any more than it can bear; that you are throw him to the bottom of the well, so that some
equitable when you speak–even if a near relative travellers may discover him, if this is something
is concerned; and that you fulfil Allah’s contract. that you have to do.’ (12:10)
That is what He instructs you to do, so that hope- But when, in fact, they did go out with him and
fully you will pay heed. (6:152) gathered all together and agreed to put him at the
The weighing that Day will be the truth. As for bottom of the well, We then revealed to him that:
those whose scales are heavy, they are the suc- ‘You will inform them of this deed they perpe-
cessful. As for those whose scales are light, they trate at a time when they are totally unaware.’
are the ones who have lost their own selves be- (12:15)
cause they wrongfully rejected Our Signs. (7:8-9) How many wrongdoing cities We destroyed, and
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb now all their roofs and walls are fallen in; how
who said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have many abandoned wells and stuccoed palaces!
no other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to (22:45)
you from your Lord. Give full measure and full
weight. Do not diminish people’s goods. Do not WET-NURSING
cause corruption in the land after it has been put We first made him (Musa) refuse all wet-nurses,
right. That is better for you if you are believers.’ so she (his sister) said, ‘Shall I show you to a
(7:85) household who will feed him for you and be
And (We have sent) to Madyan their brother good to him?’ (28:12)
Shu‘ayb. He said, ‘My people, worship Allah! Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your
You have no god apart from Him. Do not give daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts
short measure and short weight. I see you pros- and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters
pering and I fear for you the punishment of an and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers
all-encompassing Day. My people! Give full who have suckled you, your foster sisters by
measure and full weight with justice; do not di- suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh-
minish people's goods; and do not go about the ters who are under your protection: the daugh-
earth, corrupting it.’ (11:84-85) ters of your wives whom you have had sexual
Give full measure when you measure and weigh relations with (though if you have not had sexual
776
relations with them there is nothing blameworthy sent down and do not follow their whims and de-
for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom sires deviating from the Truth that has come to
you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at you. We have appointed a law and a practice for
the same time–except for what may have already every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would
taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most have made you a single community, but He
Merciful. (4:23) wanted to test you regarding what has come to
Mothers should nurse their children for two full you. So compete with each other in doing good.
years–those who wish to complete the full term Every one of you will return to Allah and He will
of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and inform you regarding the things about which you
clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no differed. (5:48)
self is charged with more than it can bear. No Judge between them by what Allah has sent
mother should be put under pressure in respect down and do not follow their whims and desires.
of her child nor any father in respect of his child. And beware of them lest they lure you away from
The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the some of what Allah has sent down to you. If they
couple both wish weaning to take place after turn their backs, then know that Allah wants to
mutual agreement and consultation, there is afflict them with some of their wrong actions.
nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to Many of mankind are deviators. (5:49)
find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth- Say: ‘People of the Book! Do not go to extremes
ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand in your religion, asserting other than the truth,
over to them what you have agreed to give with and do not follow the whims and desires of peo-
correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and ple who were misguided previously and have
know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233) misguided many others, and are far from the right
way.’ (5:77)
WHIMS AND DESIRES Say: ‘I am forbidden to worship those you call
The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased upon besides Allah.’ Say: ‘I do not follow your
with you until you follow their religion. Say, whims and desires. If I did I would go astray and
‘Allah’s guidance is the true guidance.’ If you not be among the guided.’ (6:56)
were to follow their whims and desires, after the What is the matter with you that you do not eat
knowledge that has come to you, you would find that over which the name of Allah has been men-
no protector or helper against Allah. (2:120) tioned, when He has made clear to you what He
If you were to bring every Sign to those given the has made forbidden for you except when you are
Book, they still would not follow your direction. forced to eat it? Many people lead others astray
You do not follow their direction. They do not through their whims and desires without having
follow each other’s direction. If you followed any knowledge. Your Lord knows best those who
their whims and desires, after the knowledge that overstep the limits. (6:119)
has come to you, you would then be one of the Say: ‘Produce your witnesses to testify that Allah
wrongdoers. (2:145) made this forbidden.’ If they do testify, do not tes-
You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bear- tify with them and do not follow the whims and
ing witness for Allah alone, even against your- desires of people who deny Our Signs, and who
selves or your parents and relatives. Whether do not believe in the hereafter and make others
they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look equal to their Lord. (6:150)
after them. Do not follow your own desires and If We had wanted to, We would have raised him
deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, up by them. But he gravitated towards the earth
Allah is aware of what you do. (4:135) and pursued his whims and base desires. His
And We have sent down the Book to you with metaphor is that of a dog: if you chase it away, it
truth, confirming and conserving the previous lolls out its tongue and pants, and if you leave it
Books. So judge between them by what Allah has alone, it lolls out its tongue and pants. That is the
777
metaphor of those who deny Our Signs. So tell am ordered to be just between you. Allah is our
the story so that hopefully they will reflect. Lord and your Lord. We have our actions and
(7:176) you have your actions. There is no debate be-
Accordingly We have sent it down as a judge- tween us and you. Allah will gather us all to-
ment in Arabic. If you followed their whims and gether. He is our final destination.’ (42:15)
desires after the knowledge that has come to you, Then We placed you on the right road of Our
you would have no protector or defender against Command so follow it. Do not follow the whims
Allah. (13:37) and desires of those who do not know. (45:18)
Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on Have you seen him who takes his whims and de-
their Lord morning and evening, desiring His sires to be his god–whom Allah has misguided
face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring knowingly, sealing up his hearing and his heart
the attractions of this world. And do not obey and placing a blindfold over his eyes? Who then
someone whose heart We have made neglectful will guide him after Allah? So will you not pay
of Our remembrance and who follows his own heed? (45:23)
whims and desires and whose life has trans- Is someone on a clear path from his Lord like
gressed all bounds. (18:28) those whose bad actions have been made to
Do not let those who have no faith in it and fol- seem good to them and who follow their own de-
low their whims and desires debar you from it or sires? (47:14)
you will be destroyed. (20:16) Among them are those who listen to you and
If the truth were to follow their whims and de- then, when they leave your presence, say to
sires, the heavens and the earth and everyone in those who have been given knowledge, ‘What
them would have been brought to ruin. No in- was that he just said?’ They are those whose
deed! We have given them their Reminder, but hearts Allah has sealed up and who follow their
they have turned away from it. (23:71) own desires. (47:16)
Have you seen him who has taken his whims and Your companion is not misguided or misled; nor
desires to be his god? Will you then be his does he speak from whim. (53:2-3)
guardian? (25:43) They (the idols) are nothing but names which
If they do not respond to you then know that they you yourselves have given, you and your forefa-
are merely following their whims and desires. thers. Allah has sent down no authority for them.
And who could be further astray than someone They are following nothing but conjecture and
who follows his whims and desires without any what their own selves desire. And that when
guidance from Allah? Allah does not guide the guidance has reached them from their Lord!
people of the wrongdoers. (28:50) (53:23)
However, those who do wrong pursue their They have denied the truth and followed their
whims and desires without any knowledge. Who whims and desires, but everything has its time.
can guide those whom Allah has led astray? They (54:3)
will have no helpers. (30:29)
(We said), ‘Dawud! We have made you a succes- WHIP
sor on the earth, so judge between people with And they will be beaten with whips made of iron.
truth and do not follow your own desires, letting (22:21)
them misguide you from the Way of Allah. Those So your Lord unleashed on them a scourging
who are misguided from the Way of Allah will re- punishment. (89:13)
ceive a harsh punishment because they forgot
the Day of Reckoning.’ (38:26) WHISPERING OF SATAN
So call and go straight as you have been ordered (Satan said,) ‘I will lead them astray and fill them
to. Do not follow their whims and desires but with false hopes. I will command them and they
say, ‘I believe in a Book sent down by Allah and I will cut off cattle’s ears. I will command them
778
and they will change Allah’s creation.’ Anyone Do not be like those who split up and differed
who takes Satan as his protector in place of Allah after the Clear Signs came to them. They will
has clearly lost everything.’ (4:119) have a terrible punishment on the Day when
He (Satan) makes promises to them and fills them faces are whitened and faces are blackened. As
with false hopes. But what Satan promises them for those whose faces are blackened: ‘What! Did
is nothing but delusion. (4:120) you disbelieve after having believed? Taste the
Then Satan whispered to them, disclosing to punishment for your disbelief!’ (3:105-106)
them their private parts that had been concealed As for those whose faces are whitened, they are
from them. He said, ‘Your Lord has only forbid- in Allah’s mercy, remaining in it timelessly, for
den you this tree lest you become angels or ever. (3:107)
among those who live for ever.’ (7:20) And he (Musa) drew out his hand and there it
As for those who guard against evil, when they was, pure white to those who looked. (7:108)
are bothered by visitors from Satan, they remem- He (Yusuf's father) turned himself away from
ber and immediately see clearly. (7:201) them and said, ‘What anguish is my sorrow for
But Satan whispered to him, saying, ‘Adam, shall Yusuf!’ And then his eyes turned white from hid-
I show you the way to the Tree of Everlasting Life den grief. (12:84)
and to a kingdom which will never fade away?’ And (Zakariyya) said, ‘My Lord, my bones have
(20:120) lost their strength and my head is crowned with
We created man and We know what his own self white, but in calling on You, My Lord, I have
whispers to him. We are nearer to him than his never been disappointed.’ (19:4)
jugular vein. (50:16) (It was revealed to Musa,) ‘Put your hand under
Say: ‘I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, the your arm and press it to your side. It will emerge
King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the pure white yet quite unharmed, another Sign.’
evil of the insidious whisperer who whispers in (20:22)
people’s breasts.’ (114:1-5) And he (Musa) drew out his hand and there it
was, pure white to those who looked. (26:33)
WHISTLE (It was revealed to Musa,) ‘Put your hand inside
Their (disbelievers’) prayer at the House is noth- your shirt front. It will emerge pure white, yet
ing but whistling and clapping. So taste the pun- quite unharmed–one of nine Signs to Pharaoh
ishment because you disbelieved! (8:35) and his people. They are a people of deviators.’
(27:12)
WHITE (A voice called out to Musa,) ‘Put your hand in-
On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have side your shirt front. It will emerge pure white yet
sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth- quite unharmed. And hug your arms to your
ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that sides to still your fear. These are two proofs from
you have been betraying yourselves and He has your Lord for Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They
turned towards you and excused you. Now you are a deviant people.’ (28:32)
may have sexual intercourse with them and seek Do you not see that Allah sends down water from
what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink the sky and by it We bring forth fruits of varying
until you can clearly discern the white thread colours? And in the mountains there are streaks
from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the of white and red, of varying shades, and rocks of
fast until the night appears. But do not have sex- deep jet black. (35:27)
ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat In Gardens of Delight on couches face to face;
in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do (believers will have) a cup from a flowing spring
not go near them. In this way does Allah make passing round among them, as white as driven
His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they snow, delicious to those who drink. (37:43-46)
will guard against evil. (2:187)
779
WIFE daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts
We said, ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters
your wife, and eat freely from it wherever you and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers
will. But do not approach this tree and so be- who have suckled you, your foster sisters by
come wrongdoers.’ (2:35) suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh-
Those who swear to abstain from sexual relations ters who are under your protection: the daugh-
with their wives can wait for a period of up to ters of your wives whom you have had sexual
four months. If they then retract their oath, Allah relations with (though if you have not had sexual
is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:226) relations with them there is nothing blameworthy
Those of you who die leaving wives behind: they for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom
should wait by themselves for four months and you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at
ten nights. When their waiting period comes to the same time–except for what may have already
an end, you are not to blame for anything they do taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
with themselves with correctness and courtesy. Merciful. (4:23)
Allah is aware of what you do. (2:234) They say, ‘What is in the wombs of these animals
Those of you who die leaving wives behind is exclusively for our men and forbidden for our
should make a bequest to their wives of mainte- wives. But if it is stillborn, they can share in it.’
nance for a year without them having to leave He will repay them for their false depiction. He is
their homes. But if they do leave you are not to All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6:139)
blame for anything they do with themselves with Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers
correctness and courtesy. Allah is Almighty, All- or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you
Wise. (2:240) have acquired, or any business you fear may
Say, ‘Shall I tell you of something better than slump, or any house which pleases you, are
that?’ Those who guard against evil will have dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and
Gardens with their Lord, with rivers flowing striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings
under them, remaining in them timelessly, for about His command. Allah does not guide peo-
ever, and purified wives, and the Pleasure of ple who are deviators.’ (9:24)
Allah. Allah sees His servants. (3:15) Gardens of Eden which they will enter, and all of
You receive half of what your wives leave if they their parents, wives and children who were right-
are childless. If they have children you receive a eous. Angels will enter in to welcome them from
quarter of what they leave after any bequest they every gate. (13:23)
make or any debts. They receive a quarter of We sent Messengers before you and gave them
what you leave if you are childless. If you have wives and children. Nor was any Messenger able
children they receive an eighth of what you leave to bring a Sign except by Allah’s permission.
after any bequest you make or any debts. If a There is a prescribed limit to every term. (13:38)
man or woman has no direct heirs, but has a Allah has given you wives from among your-
brother or sister, each of them receives a sixth. If selves, and given you children and grandchil-
there are more than that they share in a third after dren from your wives, and provided good things
any bequest you make or any debts, making sure for you. So why do they believe in falsehood and
that no one’s rights are prejudiced. This is an in- reject the blessings of Allah? (16:72)
struction from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All- We said, ‘Adam, this is an enemy for you and
Forbearing. (4:12) your wife, so do not let him (Satan) expel you
If you desire to exchange one wife for another from the Garden and thus make you miserable.’
and have given your original wife a large (20:117)
amount, do not take any of it. Would you take it We responded to him and gave him Yahya,
by means of slander and outright crime? (4:20) restoring for him his wife’s fertility. They outdid
Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your one another in good actions, calling out to Us in
780
yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves wives to whom you have given dowries and any
to Us. (21:90) slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al-
(Believers are) those who guard their chastity–ex- lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un-
cept from their wives or those they own as slaves, cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and
in which case they are not blameworthy. (23:5-6) the daughters of your maternal uncles and the
Those who make an accusation against their daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi-
wives and have no witnesses except themselves, grated with you and any believing woman who
such people should testify four times by Allah gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires
that they are telling the truth. (24:6) to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to
(Believers are) those who say, ‘Our Lord, give us the rest of the believers–We know very well what
joy in our wives and children and make us a We have prescribed for them regarding their
good example for those who guard against evil’; wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order
(25:74) that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever-
(Lut said to his people,) ‘Of all beings, do you lie Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50)
with males, leaving the wives Allah has created After that no other women are lawful for you nor
for you? You are a people who have overstepped may you exchange them for other wives, even
the limits.’ (26:165-166) though their beauty might be pleasing to you,
Allah has not allotted to any man two hearts with the exception of any you own as slaves.
within his breast, nor has He made those of your Allah is watchful over all things. (33:52)
wives you equate with your mothers your actual You who believe! Do not go into the Prophet’s
mothers, nor has He made your adopted sons rooms except when you are invited to come and
your actual sons. These are just words coming eat. Do not wait there while the food is being
out of your mouths. But Allah speaks the truth cooked. However, when you are called, go in,
and He guides to the Way. (33:4) and when you have eaten, disperse, not remain-
The Prophet is closer to the believers than their ing there to chat with one another. Doing that
own selves, and his wives are their mothers. But causes annoyance to the Prophet though he is
blood-relations have closer ties to one another in too reticent to tell you so. But Allah is not reticent
the Book of Allah than other believers and the with the truth. When you ask his wives for some-
emigrants, except that you should act in a proper thing, ask them from behind a screen. That is
manner towards your close associates. That is in- purer for your hearts and their hearts. It is not
scribed in the Book. (33:6) right for you to cause annoyance to the
O Prophet, tell your wives: ‘If you desire the life Messenger of Allah or ever to marry his wives
of this world and its finery, come and I will give after him. To do that would be a dreadful thing in
you all you need and release you with kindness.’ Allah’s sight. (33:53)
(33:28) O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and
When you said to him whom Allah has blessed the women of the believers to draw their outer
and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep garments closely round themselves. This makes it
your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’ more likely that they will be recognised and not
while concealing something in yourself which be harmed. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing Merciful. (33:59
people when Allah has more right to your fear. The Companions of the Garden are busy enjoy-
Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to ing themselves today, they and their wives reclin-
you so that there should be no restriction for the ing on couches in the shade. (36:55-56)
believers regarding the wives of their adopted (Those who bear the Throne ask forgiveness for
sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s the believers,) ‘Our Lord, admit them to the
command is always carried out. (33:37) Gardens of Eden You have promised them, and
O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your all of their parents, wives and children who acted
781
rightly. Truly You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.’ sons, or his wife or his brother or his family who
(40:8) sheltered him or everyone else on earth, if that
(Believers will be told,) ‘Enter the Garden, you only meant that he could save himself. (70:10-
and your wives, delighting in your joy.’ (43:70) 14)
If any of your wives rejoin the disbelievers, you (Believers are) those who guard their chastity ex-
should have compensation. So repay to those cept from their wives and any slaves they own, in
whose wives have gone the dowry they paid out. which case they incur no blame. (70:29-30)
Have fear of Allah–Him in Whom you believe. (A band of the jinn said,) "He–exalted be the
(60:11) Majesty of our Lord!–has neither wife nor son."
You who believe! Some of your wives and chil- (72:3)
dren are an enemy to you, so be wary of them. When the Deafening Blast comes, the Day a man
But if you pardon and exonerate and forgive, will flee from his brother and his mother and his
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (64:14) father, and his wife and his children: on that Day
O Prophet! Why do you make forbidden what every man among them will have concerns
Allah has made lawful for you, seeking to please enough of his own. (80:33-37)
your wives? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Ruin to the hands of Abu Lahab and ruin to him!
Merciful. (66:1) His wealth has not helped him nor anything he
The Prophet confided a certain matter to one of has earned. He will burn in a Flaming Fire. And
his wives, then when she divulged it Allah dis- so will his wife, the firewood-carrier, with a rope
closed that to him, and he communicated part of of twisted fibre round her neck. (111:1-5)
it and withheld part of it. When he told her of it,
she said, ‘Who told you of this?’ He said, ‘The WIND
All-Knowing and All-Aware informed me of it.’ In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the
(66:3) alternation of the night and day, and the ships
If the two of you (Prophet’s wives) would only which sail the seas to people’s benefit, and the
turn to Allah, for your hearts clearly deviated... water which Allah sends down from the sky–by
But if you support one another against him, Allah which He brings the earth to life when it was
is his Protector and so are Gabriel and every dead and scatters about in it creatures of every
right-acting man of the believers and, further- kind–and the varying direction of the winds, and
more, the angels too will come to his support. the clouds subservient between heaven and
(66:4) earth, there are Signs for people who use their in-
It may be that if he does divorce you, his Lord tellect. (2:164)
will give him in exchange better wives than you: The metaphor of what they spend in their life in
Muslim women, believing women, obedient this world is that of a wind with an icy bite to it
women, penitent women, women who worship, which strikes the crops of a people who have
women who fast much–previously married wronged themselves and destroys them. Allah
women as well as virgins. (66:5) did not wrong them; rather it was themselves
Allah has made an example for those who disbe- they were wronging. (3:117)
lieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad-
were married to two of Our servants who were vance news of His mercy, so that when they have
righteous but they betrayed them and were not lifted up the heavy clouds, We dispatch them to a
helped at all against Allah. They were told, ‘Enter dead land and send down water to it, by means
the Fire along with all who enter it.’ (66:10) of which We bring forth all kinds of fruit. In the
(On that Day) no good friend will ask about his same way We will bring forth the dead, so that
friend even though they can see each other. An hopefully you will pay heed. (7:57)
evildoer will wish he could ransom himself from It is He Who conveys you on both land and sea
the punishment of that Day, by means of his so that when some of you are on a boat, running
782
before a fair wind, rejoicing at it, and then a vio- He wills. He forms them into dark clumps and
lent squall comes upon them and the waves you see the rain come pouring out from the mid-
come at them from every side and they realise dle of them. When He makes it fall on those of
there is no way of escape, they call on Allah, His servants He wills, they rejoice. (30:48)
making their religion sincerely His: ‘If You rescue But if We send a wind, and they see it turning
us from this, we will truly be among the thank- yellow, still they persist after that in disbelieving.
ful.’ (10:22) (30:51)
The metaphor of those who reject their Lord is You who believe! Remember Allah’s blessing to
that their actions are like ashes scattered by you when forces came against you and We sent a
strong winds on a stormy day. They have no wind against them and other forces you could
power at all over anything they have earned. not see. Allah sees what you do. (33:9)
That is extreme misguidance. (14:18) And We gave Sulayman power over the wind–a
We send forth the pollinating winds and send month’s journey in the morning and a month in
down water from the sky and give it to you to the afternoon. And We made a fount of molten
drink. And it is not you who keep its stores. brass flow out for him. And some of the jinn
(15:22) worked in front of him by his Lord’s permission.
Make a metaphor for them of the life of this And if a single one of them deviates at all from
world. It is like water which We send down from Our command, We let him taste the punishment
the sky and the plants of the earth combine with of the Searing Blaze. (34:12)
it but then become dry chaff scattered by the It is Allah Who sends the winds which raise the
winds. Allah has absolute power over every- clouds which We then drive to a dead land and
thing. (18:45) by them bring the earth to life after it was dead.
And to Sulayman We gave the fiercely blowing That is how the Resurrection will be. (35:9)
wind, speeding at his command towards the land So We subjected the wind to him to blow at his
which We had blessed. And We had full knowl- command, softly, wherever he directed. (38:36)
edge of everything. (21:81) If He wills He makes the wind stop blowing and
Be people of pure natural belief in Allah, not as- then they lie motionless on its back. There are
sociating anything else with Him. As for anyone certainly Signs in that for everyone who is stead-
who associates others with Allah, it is as though fast and thankful. (42:33)
he had fallen from the sky and the birds had And in the alternation of night and day and the
seized him and carried him away or the wind provision Allah sends down from the sky, bring-
had dropped him in a distant place. (22:31) ing the earth to life by it after it has died, and the
It is He Who sends out the winds, bringing ad- varying direction of the winds, there are Signs for
vance news of His mercy. And We send down people who use their intellect. (45:5)
from heaven pure water. (25:48) When they saw it as a storm cloud advancing on
He Who guides you in the darkness of land and their valleys they said, ‘This is a storm cloud
sea and sends out the winds bringing advance which will give us rain.’ No, rather it is what you
news of His mercy. Is there another god besides desired to hasten–a wind containing painful pun-
Allah? May Allah be exalted above what they as- ishment. (46:24)
sociate with Him! (27:63) And also in ‘Ad when We unleashed against
Among His Signs is that He sends the winds bear- them the barren wind, (51:41)
ing good news, to give you a taste of His mercy,
and to make the ships run by His command, and WINE
to enable you to seek His bounty so that hope- You who believe! Wine and gambling, stone al-
fully you will be thankful. (30:46) tars and divining arrows are filth from the handi-
It is Allah Who sends the winds which stir up work of Satan. Avoid them completely so that
clouds which He spreads about the sky however hopefully you will be successful. Satan wants to
783
stir up enmity and hatred between you by means You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.’ (2:32)
of wine and gambling, and to debar you from re- (Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord, raise up among them a
membrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you Messenger from them to recite Your Signs to
not then give them up? (5:90-91) them and teach them the Book and Wisdom and
Two servants entered prison along with him. One purify them. You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.’
said, ‘I dreamt that I was pressing grapes.’ The (2:129)
other said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread upon my For this We sent a Messenger to you from among
head and birds were eating it. Tell us the true you to recite Our Signs to you and purify you and
meaning of these dreams. We see that you’re one teach you the Book and Wisdom and teach you
of the righteous.’ (12:36) things you did not know before. (2:151)
(Yusuf said,) ‘My fellow-captives, one of you will If you backslide after the Clear Signs have come
serve his lord with wine, the other of you will be to you, know that Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
crucified and birds will eat his head. The thing (2:209)
you asked about is foreordained.’ (12:41) (Allah makes the Signs clear to you, so that hope-
An image of the Garden which is promised to fully you will reflect) on this world and the here-
those who guard against evil: in it there are rivers after. They will ask you about the property of
of water which will never spoil and rivers of milk orphans. Say, ‘Managing it in their best interests
whose taste will never change and rivers of wine, is best.’ If you mix your property with theirs, they
delightful to all who drink it, and rivers of honey are your brothers. Allah knows a squanderer
of undiluted purity; in it they will have fruit of from a good manager. If Allah had wanted, He
every kind and forgiveness from their Lord. Is that could have been hard on you. Allah is Almighty,
like those who will be in the Fire timelessly, for All-Wise. (2:220)
ever, with boiling water to drink which lacerates When you divorce women and they are near the
their bowels? (Qur7an, 47:15) end of their waiting period, then either retain
They are given the choicest sealed wine to drink. them with correctness and courtesy or release
(83:25) them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re-
tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits.
WING Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do
Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember
have given certain of them to enjoy. Do not feel Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and
sad concerning them. And take the believers Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish
under your wing. (15:88) you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has
And take the believers who follow you under knowledge of all things. (2:231)
your wing. (26:215) Those of you who die leaving wives behind
Praise be to Allah, the Bringer into Being of the should make a bequest to their wives of mainte-
heavens and earth, He Who made the angels nance for a year without them having to leave
messengers, with wings–two, three or four. He their homes. But if they do leave you are not to
adds to creation in any way He wills. Allah has blame for anything they do with themselves with
power over all things. (35:1) correctness and courtesy. Allah is Almighty, All-
Have they not looked at the birds above them, Wise. (2:240)
with wings outspread and folded back? Nothing And with Allah's permission they routed them.
holds them up but the All-Merciful. He sees all Dawud killed Goliath and Allah gave him king-
things. (67:19) ship and wisdom and taught him whatever He
willed. If it were not for Allah’s driving some peo-
WISDOM - WISE ple back by means of others, the earth would
They (the angels) said, ‘Glory be to You! We have have been corrupted. But Allah shows favour to
no knowledge except what You have taught us. all the worlds. (2:251)
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When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord, show me how You have children. If you are childless and your heirs
bring the dead to life.’ He asked, ‘Do you not are your parents your mother receives a third. If
then believe?’ He replied, ‘Indeed I do! But so you have brothers or sisters your mother receives
that my heart may be at peace.’ He said, ‘Take a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts.
four birds and train them to yourself. Then put a With regard to your fathers and your sons, you
part of them on each mountain and call to them; do not know which of them is going to benefit
they will come rushing to you. Know that Allah is you more. These are obligatory shares from
Almighty, All-Wise.’ (2:260) Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11)
He gives wisdom to whoever He wills and he Allah only accepts the repentance of those who
who has been given wisdom has been given do evil in ignorance and then quickly repent after
great good. But no one pays heed but people of doing it. Allah turns towards such people. Allah
intelligence. (2:269) is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:17)
It is He Who forms you in the womb however He And also (forbidden for you are) married women,
wills. There is no god but Him, the Almighty, the except for those you have taken in war as slaves.
All-Wise. (3:6) This is what Allah has prescribed for you. Apart
He will teach him (‘Isa) the Book and Wisdom, from that He has made all other women lawful
and the Torah and the Gospel. (3:48) for you provided you seek them with your wealth
That is what We recite to you of the Signs and the in marriage and not in fornication. When you
wise Reminder. (3:58) consummate your marriage with them give them
This is the true account: there is no other god be- their prescribed dowry. There is nothing wrong
sides Allah. Allah–He is the Almighty, the All- in any further agreement you might come to after
Wise. (3:62) the dowry has been given. Allah is All-Knowing,
Remember when Allah made a covenant with All-Wise. (4:24)
the Prophets: ‘Now that We have given you a Allah desires to make things clear to you and to
share of the Book and Wisdom, and then a mes- guide you to the correct practices of those before
senger comes to you confirming what is with you and to turn towards you. Allah is All-
you, you must believe in him and help him.’ He Knowing, All-Wise. (4:26)
asked, ‘Do you agree and undertake my commis- Or do they in fact envy other people for the
sion on that condition?’ They replied, ‘We agree.’ bounty Allah has granted them? We gave the
He said, ‘Bear witness, then. I am with you as family of Ibrahim the Book and Wisdom, and We
one of the witnesses.’ (3:81) gave them an immense kingdom. (4:54)
Allah only did this for it to be good news for you As for those who reject Our Signs, We will roast
and so that your hearts might be set at rest by it them in a Fire. Every time their skins are burned
(help comes from no one but Allah, the Almighty, off, We will replace them with new skins so that
the All-Wise). (3:126) they can taste the punishment. Allah is Almighty,
Allah showed great kindness to the believers All-Wise. (4:56)
when He sent a Messenger to them from among A believer should never kill another believer un-
themselves to recite His Signs to them and purify less it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer
them and teach them the Book and Wisdom, by mistake should free a believing slave and pay
even though before that they were clearly mis- blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as
guided. (3:164) a charity. If he is from a people who are your en-
Allah instructs you regarding your children: A emies and is a believer, you should free a believ-
male receives the same as the share of two fe- ing slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty
males. If there are more than two daughters they with, blood money should be paid to his family
receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one and you should free a believing slave. Anyone
on her own she receives a half. Each of your par- who cannot find the means should fast two con-
ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you secutive months. This is a concession from Allah.
785
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:92) back the tribe of Israel from you, when you
Do not relax in pursuit of the enemy. If you feel brought them the Clear Signs and those of them
pain, they too are feeling it just as you are, but who disbelieved said, "This is nothing but down-
you hope for something from Allah which they right magic";’ (5:110)
cannot hope for. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (‘Isa son of Maryam will say,) ‘If You punish
(4:104) them, they are Your servants. If you forgive them,
If anyone commits an evil action the responsibil- You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.’ (5:118)
ity for it is his alone. Allah is All-Knowing, All- He is the Absolute Master over His servants. He
Wise. (4:111) is the All-Wise, the All-Aware. (6:18)
Were it not for Allah’s favour to you and His It is He Who created the heavens and the earth
mercy, a group of them would almost have man- with truth. The day He says ‘Be!’ it is. His speech
aged to mislead you. But they mislead no one but is Truth. The Kingdom will be His on the Day the
themselves and do not harm you in any way. Trumpet is blown, the Knower of the Unseen and
Allah has sent down the Book and Wisdom to the Visible. He is the All-Wise, the All-Aware.
you and taught you what you did not know be- (6:73)
fore. Allah’s favour to you is indeed immense. This is the argument We gave to Ibrahim against
(4:113) his people. We raise in rank anyone We will.
If a couple do separate, Allah will enrich each of Your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6:83)
them from His boundless wealth. Allah is All- On the Day We gather them all together:
Encompassing, All-Wise. (4:130) ‘Company of jinn, you gained many followers
Allah raised him (‘Isa) up to Himself. Allah is among mankind.’ And their friends among
Almighty, All-Wise. (4:158) mankind will say, ‘Our Lord, we benefited from
Messengers bringing good news and giving one another, and now we have reached the term
warning, so that people will have no argument which You determined for us.’ He will say, ‘The
against Allah after the coming of the Messengers. Fire is your home. You will be in it timelessly, for
Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (4:165) ever, except as Allah wills. Your Lord is All-Wise,
Mankind! The Messenger has brought you the All-Knowing.’ (6:128)
truth from your Lord, so it is better for you to be- They say, ‘What is in the wombs of these animals
lieve. But if you disbelieve, everything in the is exclusively for our men and forbidden for our
heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. Allah is wives. But if it is stillborn, they can share in it.’
All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:170) He will repay them for their false depiction. He is
As for thieves, both male and female, cut off their All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6:139)
hands in reprisal for what they have done: an ob- Allah only did this to give you good news and
ject lesson from Allah. Allah is Almighty, All- that so your hearts would be at rest. Victory
Wise. (5:38) comes from no one but Allah. Allah is Almighty,
Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of All-Wise. (8:10)
Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to And when the hypocrites and those with sickness
your mother when I reinforced you with the in their hearts said, ‘These people have been de-
Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in luded by their religion.’ But those who put their
the cradle and when you were fully grown; and trust in Allah will find Allah to be Almighty, All-
when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and Wise. (8:49)
the Torah and the Gospel; and when you created And (He) unified their (believers’) hearts. Even if
a bird-shape out of clay by My permission, and you had spent everything on the earth, you could
then breathed into it and it became a bird by My not have unified their hearts. But Allah has uni-
permission; and healed the blind and the leper fied them. He is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:63)
by My permission; and when you brought forth It is not fitting for a Prophet to take captives until
the dead by My permission; and when I held he has thoroughly subdued the land. You desire
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the goods of this world, whereas Allah desires All-Wise. (9:110)
the hereafter. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:67) Alif Lam Ra. Those are the Signs of the Wise
But if they mean to betray you, they have already Book. (10:1)
previously betrayed Allah, so He has given you Alif Lam Ra. A Book whose verses are perfectly
power over them. Allah is All-Knowing, All- constructed, and then demarcated, coming di-
Wise. (8:71) rectly from One who is All-Wise, All-Aware.
He will remove the rage from their hearts. Allah (11:1)
turns to anyone He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, (Yusuf's father said,) ‘Accordingly your Lord will
All-Wise. (9:15) pick you out and teach you the true meaning of
You who believe! The idolaters are unclean, so events and perfectly fulfil His blessing on you as
after this year they should not come near the well as on the family of Ya‘qub as He fulfilled it
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). If you fear perfectly before upon your forebears, Ibrahim
impoverishment, Allah will enrich you from His and Ishaq. Most certainly your Lord is Knowing,
bounty if He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All- Wise.’ (12:6)
Wise. (9:28) He (Yusuf's father) said, ‘It’s merely that your
If you do not help him, Allah did help him when lower selves suggested something to you which
those who disbelieved drove him out and there you did. But beauty lies in having steadfastness.
were two of them in the Cave. He said to his Perhaps Allah will bring them all together. He is
companion, ‘Do not be despondent, Allah is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:83)
with us.’ Then Allah sent down His serenity upon He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne.
him and reinforced him with troops you could The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said,
not see. He made the word of those who disbe- ‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of
lieved undermost. It is the word of Allah which is the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come
uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (9:40) true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of
The alms are for: the poor, the destitute, those prison and brought you from the desert when
who collect it, reconciling people’s hearts, free- Satan had caused dissent between me and my
ing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He
Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise. (12:100)
Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60) We have not sent any Messenger except with the
The men and women of the believers are friends language of his people so he can make things
of one another. They command what is right and clear to them. Allah misguides anyone He wills
forbid what is wrong, and perform prayer and and guides anyone He wills. He is the Almighty,
give the alms, and obey Allah and His the All-Wise. (14:4)
Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah It is your Lord Who will gather them. He is All-
will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. Wise, All-Knowing. (15:25)
(9:71) Those who do not believe in the hereafter have
The desert arabs are more obdurate in disbelief an evil likeness. Allah’s is the Highest Likeness.
and hypocrisy and more likely not to know the He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (16:60)
limits which Allah has sent down to His Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and
Messenger. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. fair admonition, and argue with them in the kind-
(9:97) est way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided
And others are left awaiting Allah’s command as from His way. And He knows best who are
to whether He will punish them or turn to them. guided. (16:125)
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:106) That is part of the wisdom your Lord has revealed
The buildings they have built will not cease to be to you. Do not set up another god together with
a bone of contention in their hearts, until their Allah and so be thrown into Hell, blamed and
hearts are cut to shreds. Allah is All-Knowing, driven out. (17:39)
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We did not send any Messenger or any Prophet be- Need, Praiseworthy.’ (31:12)
fore you without Satan insinuating something into If all the trees on earth were pens and all the sea,
his recitation while he was reciting. But Allah re- with seven more seas besides, was ink Allah’s
vokes whatever Satan insinuates and then Allah words still would not run dry. Allah is Almighty,
confirms His Signs–Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. All-Wise. (31:27)
(22:52) O Prophet! Have fear of Allah and do not obey the
Were it not for Allah's favour to you and His disbelievers and hypocrites. Allah is All-Knowing,
mercy... and that Allah is Ever-Returning, All-Wise. All-Wise. (33:1)
(24:10) And remember the Signs of Allah and the wise
Allah makes the Signs clear to you and Allah is All- words which are recited in your rooms. Allah is
Knowing, All-Wise. (24:18) All-Pervading, All-Aware. (33:34)
You who believe! Those you own as slaves and Praise be to Allah, to Whom everything in the
those of you who have not yet reached puberty heavens and everything in the earth belongs, and
should ask your permission to enter at three times: praise be to Him in the hereafter. He is the All-
before the Dawn Prayer, when you have undressed Wise, the All-Aware. (34:1)
at noon, and after the Prayer of Night–three times Say: ‘Show me those you have joined to Him as as-
of nakedness for you. There is nothing wrong for sociates. No indeed! He is Allah, the Almighty, the
you or them at other times in moving around All-Wise.’ (34:27)
among yourselves from one to another. In this way Any mercy Allah opens up to people, no one can
Allah makes the Signs clear to you. Allah is All- withhold, and any He withholds, no one can after-
Knowing, All-Wise. (24:58) wards release. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise.
Once your children have reached puberty, they (35:2)
should ask your permission to enter as those before (I swear) by the Wise Qur’an. (36:2)
them also asked permission. In this way Allah We made his (Dawud’s) kingdom strong and gave
makes His Signs clear to you. Allah is All-Knowing, him wisdom and decisive speech. (38:20)
All-Wise. (24:59) The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the
You receive the Qur’an directly from One who is Almighty, the All-Wise. (39:1)
All-Wise, All-Knowing. (27:6) (Angels ask forgiveness for believers,) ‘Our Lord,
‘Musa, I am Allah, the Almighty, the All-Wise.’ admit them to the Gardens of Eden You have prom-
(27:9) ised them, and all of their parents, wives and chil-
And Lut believed in him. He said, ‘I am leaving this dren who acted rightly. Truly You are the Almighty,
place to follow the pleasure of my Lord. He is the the All-Wise.’ (40:8)
Almighty, the All Wise.’ (29:26) Falsehood cannot reach it (the Qur’an) from before
Allah knows what you call upon besides Himself. it or behind it–it is a revelation from One who is
He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (29:42) All-Wise, Praiseworthy. (41:42)
It is He Who originated creation and then regener- That is how He sends revelation to you and those
ates it. That is very easy for Him. His is the most ex- before you. Allah is the Almighty, the All-Wise.
alted designation in the heavens and the earth. He (42:3 )
is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (30:27) It does not befit Allah to address any human
Those are the Signs of the Wise Book. (31:2) being except by inspiration, or from behind a
For those who believe and do right actions there veil, or He sends a messenger who then reveals
are Gardens of Delight, to remain in them time- by His permission whatever He wills. He is in-
lessly, for ever. Allah’s promise is true. He is the deed Most High, All-Wise. (42:51)
Almighty, the All-Wise. (31:8-9) It is in the Source Book with Us, high-exalted,
We gave Luqman wisdom: ‘Give thanks to Allah. full of wisdom. (43:4)
Whoever gives thanks only does so to his own And when ‘Isa came with the Clear Signs, he
good. Whoever is ungrateful, Allah is Rich Beyond said, ‘I have come to you with Wisdom and to
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clarify for you some of the things about which And there is nothing wrong in your marrying
you have differed. Therefore have fear of Allah them provided you pay them their due. Do not
and obey me. (43:63) hold to any marriage ties with women who dis-
It is He Who is God in heaven and God on earth. believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask
He is the All-Wise, the All-Knowing. (43:84) for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement.
During it (the blessed night) every wise decree is Allah will judge between them. Allah is All-
specified. (44:4) Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10)
The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the It is He Who raised up among the unlettered peo-
Almighty, the All-Wise. (45:2) ple a Messenger from them to recite His Signs to
All greatness belongs to Him in the heavens and them and purify them and teach them the Book
earth. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (45:37) and Wisdom, even though before that they were
The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the clearly misguided. And others of them who have
Almighty, the All-Wise. (46:2) not yet joined them. He is the Almighty, the All-
It is He Who sent down serenity into the hearts of Wise. (62:2-3)
the believers thereby increasing their faith with The Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, the
more faith–the legions of the heavens and the Almighty, the All-Wise. (64:18)
earth belong to Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All- Allah has made the expiation of your oaths oblig-
Wise. (48:4) atory for you. Allah is your Master–He is the All-
The legions of the heavens and the earth belong Knowing, the All-Wise. (66:2)
to Allah. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (48:7) But you will not will unless Allah wills. Allah is
And (He has rewarded the believers) with much All-Knowing, All-Wise. (76:30)
booty which they will take. Allah is Almighty,
All-Wise. (48:19) WITNESS
It is a great favour from Allah and a blessing. If you have doubts about what We have sent
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (49:8) down to Our servant, produce another sura
They said, ‘That is what your Lord says. He is the equal to it, and call your witnesses, besides
All-Wise, the All-Knowing.’ (51:30) Allah, if you are telling the truth. (2:23)
News has come to them which contains a threat: And when We made a covenant with you not to
consummate wisdom–but warnings are profit- shed your blood and not to expel one another
less. (54:4-5) from your homes, you agreed and were all wit-
He is Allah–the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of nesses. (2:84)
Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. In this way We have made you a middlemost
Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies community, so that you may act as witnesses
Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (59:24) against mankind and the Messenger as a witness
Everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies against you. We only appointed the direction
Allah. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (57:1, you used to face in order to know those who fol-
59:1, 61:1) low the Messenger from those who turn round on
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord, do not make us a target their heels. Though in truth it is a very hard
for those who disbelieve and forgive us. Our thing–except for those Allah has guided. Allah
Lord, You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.’ (60:5) would never let your faith go to waste. Allah is
You who believe! When women who believe All-Gentle, Most Merciful to mankind. (2:143)
come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test. Among the people there is someone whose
Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you words about the life of this world excite your ad-
know they are believers, do not return them to miration, and he calls Allah to witness what is in
the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis- his heart, while he is in fact the most hostile of
believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them. adversaries. (2:204)
Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid. You who believe! When you take on a debt for a
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specified period, write it down. A writer should the Prophets: ‘Now that We have given you a
write it down between you justly. No writer share of the Book and Wisdom, and then a mes-
should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him, senger comes to you confirming what is with
so he should write. The one incurring the debt you, you must believe in him and help him.’ He
should dictate and should have fear of Allah, his asked, ‘Do you agree and undertake my commis-
Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person sion on that condition?’ They replied, ‘We agree.’
incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or un- He said, ‘Bear witness, then. I am with you as
able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate one of the witnesses.’ (3:81)
for him justly. Two men among you should act as How can Allah guide a people who have disbe-
witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a lieved after having believed? They bore witness
man and two women with whom you are satis- that the Messenger was true and that the Clear
fied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the Signs had come to them. Allah does not guide
other can remind her. Witnesses should not re- people who are wrongdoers. (3:86)
fuse when they are called upon. Do not think it Say, ‘People of the Book, why do you reject
too trivial to write down, whether small or large, Allah’s Signs when Allah is witness of everything
with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more you do?’ (3:98)
just in Allah’s sight and more helpful when bear- Say, ‘People of the Book, why do you bar those
ing witness and more likely to eliminate any who believe from the Way of Allah, seeking in it
doubt–unless it is an immediate transaction hand something crooked, when you yourselves are
to hand, taken and given without delay. There is witnesses to it? Allah is not unaware of what you
nothing wrong in your not writing that down. do.’ (3:99)
Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a
nor witness should be put under pressure. If you marriageable age, then if you perceive that they
do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of have sound judgement hand over their property
Allah and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah to them. Do not consume it extravagantly and
has knowledge of all things. (2:282) precipitately before they come of age. Those
Allah bears witness that there is no god but Him, who are wealthy should abstain from it alto-
as do the angels and the people of knowledge, gether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly
upholding justice. There is no god but Him, the and correctly. When you hand over their prop-
Almighty, the All-Wise. (3:18) erty to them ensure that there are witnesses on
When ‘Isa sensed disbelief on their part, he said, their behalf. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (4:6)
‘Who will be my helpers to Allah?’ The disciples If any of your women commit fornication, four of
said, ‘We are Allah's helpers. We believe in you must be witnesses against them. If they bear
Allah. Bear witness that we are Muslims. Our witness, detain them in their homes until death
Lord, we believe in what You have sent down releases them or Allah ordains another proce-
and have followed the Messenger, so write us dure for their case. (4:15)
down among the witnesses.’ (3:52-53) We have appointed heirs for everything that par-
Say, ‘People of the Book! Come to a proposition ents and relatives leave. If you have a bond with
which is the same for us and you–that we should people, give them their share. Allah is a witness
worship none but Allah and not associate any of all things. (4:33)
partners with Him and not take one another as How will it be when We bring a witness from
lords besides Allah.’ If they turn away, say, ‘Bear every nation and bring you as a witness against
witness that we are Muslims.’ (3:64) them? (4:41)
People of the Book! Why do you reject Allah’s Any good thing that happens to you comes from
Signs when you yourselves are there as wit- Allah. Any bad thing that happens to you comes
nesses? (3:70) from yourself. We have sent you to mankind as a
Remember when Allah made a covenant with Messenger. Allah suffices as a Witness. (4:79)
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You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bear- lieve in Me and in My Messenger, they said, "We
ing witness for Allah alone, even against your- believe. Bear witness that we are Muslims."’
selves or your parents and relatives. Whether (5:111)
they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look They (the Disciples) said, ‘We want to eat from it
after them. Do not follow your own desires and and for our hearts to be at peace and to know
deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, that you have told us the truth and to be among
Allah is aware of what you do. (4:135) those who witness it.’ (5:113)
There is not one of the People of the Book who (‘Isa said,) ‘I said to them nothing but what You
will not believe in him before he dies; and on the ordered me to say: "Worship Allah, my Lord and
Day of Rising he will be a witness against them. your Lord." I was a witness against them as long
(4:159) as I remained among them, but when You took
But Allah bears witness to what He has sent me back to You, You were the One watching
down to you. He has sent it down with His over them. You are Witness of all things.’ (5:117)
knowledge. The angels bear witness as well. And Say: ‘What thing is greatest as a witness?’ Say:
Allah suffices as a Witness. (4:166) ‘Allah. He is Witness between me and you. This
You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of Qur’an has been revealed to me so that I may
Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let ha- warn you by it, and anyone else it reaches. Do
tred for a people incite you into not being just. Be you then bear witness that there are other gods
just. That is closer to heedfulness. Have fear of together with Allah?’ Say: ‘I do not bear witness.’
Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. (5:8) Say: ‘He is only One God, and I am free of all
We sent down the Torah containing guidance you associate with Him.’ (6:19)
and light, and the Prophets who had submitted And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is
themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews–as it the two males He has made forbidden, or the
did their scholars and their rabbis–by what they two females, or what the wombs of the two fe-
had been allowed to preserve of Allah’s Book to males contain? Were you then witnesses when
which they were witnesses. Do not be afraid of Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do
people, be afraid of Me. And do not sell My Signs greater wrong than someone who invents lies
for a paltry price. Those who do not judge by against Allah thus leading people astray without
what Allah has sent down, such people are dis- any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people
believers. (5:44) of the wrongdoers. (6:144)
When they listen to what has been sent down to Say: ‘Produce your witnesses to testify that Allah
the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing made this forbidden.’ If they do testify, do not tes-
with tears because of what they recognise of the tify with them and do not follow the whims and
truth. They say, ‘Our Lord, we believe! So write desires of people who deny Our Signs, and who
us down among the witnesses.’ (5:83) do not believe in the hereafter and make others
You who believe! When one of you is near to equal to their Lord. (6:150)
death and makes a will, two just men from It is not for the idolaters to maintain the mosques
among you should act as witnesses; or, if you are of Allah, bearing witness against themselves of
travelling when the misfortune of death occurs, their disbelief. They are the ones whose actions
two men who are strangers to you. You should will come to nothing. They will be in the Fire
detain them after prayer and, if you are doubtful, timelessly, for ever. (9:17)
they should swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell it As for those who have set up a mosque, causing
for any price, even to a near relative, and we will harm and out of disbelief, to create division be-
not conceal the testimony of Allah. If we did we tween the believers, and in readiness for those
would indeed be wrongdoers.’ (5:106) who previously made war on Allah and His
(Remember when Allah said, ‘‘Isa, son of Messenger, they will swear, ‘We only desired the
Maryam,) when I inspired the Disciples to be- best.’ But Allah bears witness that they are truly
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liars. (9:107) ing all things clear and as guidance and mercy
(Their partner-gods will say,) ‘Allah is a sufficient and good news for the Muslims. (16:89)
witness between us and you. We were unaware Perform prayer from the time the sun declines
of your worship.’ (10:29) until the darkening of the night, and also the
Whether We show you something of what We recitation at dawn. The dawn recitation is cer-
have promised them or take you back to Us, they tainly witnessed. (17:78)
will still return to Us. Then Allah will be witness Say: ‘Allah is a sufficient witness between me
against what they are doing. (10:46) and you. He is certainly aware of and sees His
You do not engage in any matter or recite any of servants.’ (17:96)
the Qur’an or do any action without Our wit- I did not make them witnesses of the creation of
nessing you while you are occupied with it. Not the heavens and the earth nor of their own cre-
even the smallest speck eludes your Lord, either ation. I would not take as assistants those who
on earth or in heaven. Nor is there anything lead astray! (18:51)
smaller than that, or larger, which is not in a They said, ‘Bring him before the people’s eyes so
Clear Book. (10:61) they can be witnesses.’ (21:61)
But as for those who have clear evidence from And Dawud and Sulayman when they gave
their Lord followed up by a witness from judgement about the field, when the people’s
Him–and before it the Book of Musa came as a sheep strayed into it at night. We were Witness to
model and a mercy–such people believe in it. their judgement. (21:78)
Any faction which rejects it is promised the Fire. As for those who believe and those who are Jews
Be in no doubt about it. It is the Truth from your and the Sabaeans and the Christians, Magians
Lord. But most people have no faith. (11:17) and idolaters, Allah will distinguish between
Who could do greater wrong than those who in- them on the Day of Rising. Allah is witness of all
vent lies against Allah? Such people will be ar- things. (22:17)
rayed before their Lord and the witnesses will Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He
say, ‘Those are the ones who lied against their has selected you and not placed any constraint
Lord.’ Yes indeed! Allah’s curse is on the wrong- upon you in the religion–the religion of your
doers. (11:18) forefather Ibrahim. He named you Muslims be-
We only say that one of our gods has driven you fore and also in this, so that the Messenger could
mad.’ He said, ‘I call on Allah to be my witness, be witness against you and you could be wit-
and you also bear witness, that I am free of all the nesses against all mankind. So perform prayer
gods you have apart from Him.’ (11:54) and give the alms and hold fast to Allah. He is
He (Yusuf) said, ‘It was she who tried to seduce your Protector–the Best Protector, the Best
me.’ A witness from her people then declared, ‘If Helper. (22:78)
his shirt is torn in front, she speaks the truth and A woman and a man who commit fornication:
he has clearly told a shameless lie.’ (12:26) flog both of them with one hundred lashes and
Those who disbelieve say, ‘You are not a do not let compassion for either of them possess
Messenger.’ Say: ‘Allah is a sufficient witness be- you where Allah’s religion is concerned, if you
tween you and me, and anyone else who has believe in Allah and the Last Day. A number of
knowledge of the Book.’ (13:43) believers should witness their punishment. (24:2)
On the Day We raise up a witness from every na- But those who make accusations against chaste
tion, those who disbelieved will not be excused women and then do not produce four witnesses:
nor will they be able to appease Allah. (16:84) flog them with eighty lashes and never again ac-
On that Day We will raise up among every com- cept them as witnesses. Such people are devia-
munity a witness against them from amongst tors. (24:4)
themselves, and bring you as a witness against Those who make an accusation against their
them. We have sent down the Book to you mak- wives and have no witnesses except themselves,
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such people should testify four times by Allah Knowledge of the Hour is referred to Him. And
that they are telling the truth (24:6) no fruit emerges from its husk, nor does any fe-
Why did they not produce four witnesses to it? male get pregnant or give birth, without His
Since they did not bring four witnesses, in Allah’s knowledge. On the Day He calls out to them:
sight, they are liars. (24:13) ‘Where are My associates?’ they will say, ‘We de-
(Believers are) those who do not bear false wit- clare to you that none of us is a witness.’ (41:47)
ness and who, when they pass by worthless talk, We will show them Our Signs on the horizon and
pass by with dignity; (25:72) within themselves until it is clear to them that it is
They said, ‘Let us make an oath to one another the truth. Is it not enough for your Lord that He is
by Allah that we will fall on him and his family in a witness of everything? (41:53)
the night and then say to his protector, "We did They have designated the angels as female, those
not witness the destruction of his family and we who are in the presence of the All-Merciful!
are telling the truth."’ (27:49) Were they present to witness their creation? Their
You were not on the western side when We gave testimony will be recorded and they will be
Musa the command. You were not a witness. asked about it! (43:19)
(28:44) Those you call upon apart from Him possess no
We will drag out a witness from each nation and power of intercession–only those who bore wit-
will say, ‘Produce your evidence!’ They will ness to the truth and have full knowledge.
know then that the truth is with Allah and that (43:86)
what they invented has forsaken them. (28:75) Or do they say, ‘He has invented it’? Say: ‘If I
Say: ‘Allah is a sufficient witness between me have invented it, then you possess no power to
and you.’ He knows everything in the heavens help me against Allah in any way. He knows best
and the earth. Those who believe in falsehood what you hold forth about. He is witness enough
and reject Allah, they are the losers. (29:52) between me and you. He is the Ever-Forgiving,
O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, and a the Most Merciful.’ (46:8)
bringer of good news and a warner, (33:45) Say: ‘What do you think? If it is from Allah and
They incur no blame in respect of their fathers or you reject it, when a witness from the tribe of
their sons or their brothers or their brothers’ or Israel testifies to its similarity and believes while
sisters’ sons, or their women or any slaves they you are arrogant...! Allah certainly does not
own. Have fear of Allah. Allah is witness of all guide wrongdoing people.’ (46:10)
things. (33:55) We have sent you bearing witness, bringing good
Say: ‘I have not asked you for any wage–it is all news and giving warning. (48:8)
for you. My wage is the responsibility of Allah It is He Who sent His Messenger with the
alone. He is witness of everything.’ (34:47) Guidance and the Religion of Truth to exalt it
Today We seal up their mouths and their hands over every other religion and Allah suffices as a
speak to us, and their feet bear witness to what witness. (48:28)
they have earned. (36:65) Every self will come together with a driver and a
Or did We create the angels female, with them as witness. (50:21)
witnesses? (37:150) On the Day Allah raises up all of them together,
And the earth will shine with the Pure Light of its He will inform them of what they did. Allah has
Lord; the Book will be put in place; the Prophets recorded it while they have forgotten it. Allah is a
and witnesses will be brought; it will be decided Witness of all things. (58:6)
between them with the truth; and they will not be Did you not see the hypocrites saying to their
wronged. (39:69) brothers, those among the People of the Book
We will certainly help Our Messengers and those who disbelieve, ‘If you are driven out we will
who believe both in the life of this world and on leave with you, we will never obey anyone to
the Day the witnesses appear, (40:51) your detriment. And if you are fought against we
793
will help you’? Allah bears witness that they are Women possess rights similar to those held over
truly liars. (59:11) them to be honoured with fairness; but men have
When the hypocrites come to you they say, ‘We a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All-
bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger Wise. (2:228)
of Allah.’ Allah knows that you are indeed His It is He Who forms you in the womb however He
Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hyp- wills. There is no god but Him, the Almighty, the
ocrites are certainly liars. (63:1) All-Wise. (3:6)
Then when they have reached the end of their Remember when the wife of ‘Imran said, ‘My
waiting period either retain them with correct- Lord, I have pledged to You what is in my womb,
ness and courtesy or part from them with correct- devoting it to Your service. Please accept my
ness and courtesy. Call two upright men from prayer. You are the All-Hearing, the All-
among yourselves as witnesses and they should Knowing.’ (3:35)
carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admon- They say, ‘What is in the wombs of these animals
ishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last is exclusively for our men and forbidden for our
Day. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him wives. But if it is stillborn, they can share in it.’
a way out. (65:2) He will repay them for their false depiction. He is
We have sent you a Messenger to bear witness All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6:139)
against you just as We sent Pharaoh a Messenger. There are eight in pairs: A pair of sheep and a
(73:15) pair of goats–Say: ‘Is it the two males He has
Those brought near will witness it. (83:21) made forbidden, or the two females, or what the
And (I swear by) the witness and the witnessed... wombs of the two females contain? Tell me with
(85:3) knowledge if you are being truthful.’ (6:143)
Him to Whom the Kingdom of the heavens and And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is
the earth belongs. Allah is Witness of all things. it the two males He has made forbidden, or the
(85:9) two females, or what the wombs of the two fe-
Truly man is ungrateful to his Lord and indeed he males contain? Were you then witnesses when
bears witness to that. (100:6-7) Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do
greater wrong than someone who invents lies
WOLF against Allah thus leading people astray without
They (brothers of Yusuf) said, ‘If a wolf does any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people
come and eat him up when together we make up of the wrongdoers. (6:144)
a powerful group in that case we would truly be Allah knows what every female bears and every
in loss!’ (12:14) shrinking of the womb and every swelling.
That night they (brothers of Yusuf) came back to Everything has its measure with Him. (13:8)
their father in tears, saying, ‘Father, we went out Allah brought you out of your mothers’ wombs
to run a race and left Yusuf together with our knowing nothing at all, and gave you hearing,
things and then a wolf appeared and ate him up sight and hearts so that perhaps you would show
but you are never going to believe us now, not thanks. (16:78)
even though we really tell the truth.’ (12:16-17) On the day they see it, every nursing woman will
be oblivious of the baby at her breast, and every
WOMB pregnant woman will abort the contents of her
Divorced women should wait by themselves for womb, and you will think people drunk when
three menstrual cycles; and it is not lawful for they are not drunk; it is just that the punishment
them to conceal what Allah has created in their of Allah is so severe. (22:2)
wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. Mankind! If you are in any doubt about the
Their husbands have the right to take them back Rising, know that We created you from dust then
within that time, if they desire to be reconciled. from a drop of sperm then from a clot of blood
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then from a lump of flesh, formed yet unformed, may have sexual intercourse with them and seek
so We may make things clear to you. We make what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink
whatever We want stay in the womb until a spec- until you can clearly discern the white thread
ified time and then We bring you out as children from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the
so that you can reach your full maturity. Some of fast until the night appears. But do not have sex-
you die and some of you revert to the lowest ual intercourse with them while you are in retreat
form of life so that, after having knowledge, they in the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do
then know nothing at all. And you see the earth not go near them. In this way does Allah make
dead and barren; then when We send down His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they
water onto it it quivers and swells and sprouts will guard against evil. (2:187)
with luxuriant plants of every kind. (22:5) They will ask you about menstruation. Say, ‘It is
Truly Allah has knowledge of the Hour and sends an impurity, so keep apart from women during
down abundant rain and knows what is in the menstruation and do not approach them until
womb. And no self knows what it will earn to- they have purified themselves. But once they
morrow and no self knows in what land it will have purified themselves, then go to them in the
die. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (31:34) way that Allah has enjoined on you.’ Allah loves
He created you from a single self, then produced those who turn back from wrongdoing and He
its mate from it, and sent down livestock to loves those who purify themselves. (2:222)
you–eight kinds in pairs. He creates you stage by Your women are fertile fields for you, so come to
stage in your mothers’ wombs in a threefold your fertile fields however you like. Send good
darkness. That is Allah, your Lord. Sovereignty is ahead for yourselves and have fear of Allah.
His. There is no god but Him. So what has made Know that you are going to meet Him. And give
you deviate? (39:6) good news to the believers. (2:223)
To whoever avoids the major wrong actions and Those who swear to abstain from sexual relations
indecencies–except for minor lapses–truly your with their wives can wait for a period of up to
Lord is vast in forgiveness. He has most knowl- four months. If they then retract their oath, Allah
edge of you when He first produced you from the is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. If they are deter-
earth, and when you were embryos in your mined to divorce, Allah is All-Hearing, All-
mothers’ wombs. So do not claim purity for your- Knowing. (2:226-227)
selves. He knows best those who guard against Divorced women should wait by themselves for
evil. (53:32) three menstrual cycles; and it is not lawful for
them to conceal what Allah has created in their
WOMEN wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day.
We said, ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and Their husbands have the right to take them back
your wife, and eat freely from it wherever you within that time, if they desire to be reconciled.
will. But do not approach this tree and so be- Women possess rights similar to those held over
come wrongdoers.’ (2:35) them to be honoured with fairness; but men have
Remember when We rescued you from the peo- a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All-
ple of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil pun- Wise. (2:228)
ishment on you–slaughtering your sons and Divorce can be pronounced two times; in which
letting your women live. In that there was a terri- case wives may be retained with correctness and
ble trial for you from your Lord. (2:49) courtesy or released with good will. It is not law-
On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have ful for you to keep anything you have given them
sexual relations with your wives. They are cloth- unless a couple fear that they will not remain
ing for you and you for them. Allah knows that within Allah’s limits. If you fear that they will not
you have been betraying yourselves and He has remain within Allah’s limits, there is nothing
turned towards you and excused you. Now you wrong in the wife ransoming herself with some of
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what she received. These are Allah’s limits, so do should wait by themselves for four months and
not overstep them. Those who overstep Allah’s ten nights. When their waiting perio comes to an
limits are wrongdoers. (2:229) end, you are not to blame for anything they do
But if a man divorces his wife a third time, she is with themselves with correctness and courtesy.
not lawful for him after that until she has married Allah is aware of what you do. (2:234)
another husband. Then if he divorces her, there is Nor is there anything wrong in any allusion to
nothing wrong in the original couple getting marriage you make to a woman, nor for any you
back together provided they think they will re- keep to yourself. Allah knows that you will say
main within Allah’s limits. These are Allah’s lim- things to them. But do not make secret arrange-
its which he has made clear to people who ments with them, rather only speak with correct-
know. (2:230) ness and courtesy. Do not finally decide on the
When you divorce women and they are near the marriage contract until the prescribed period has
end of their waiting period, then either retain come to its end. Know that Allah knows what is
them with correctness and courtesy or release in your selves, so beware of Him! And know that
them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re- Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:235)
tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits. There is nothing wrong in your divorcing women
Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do before you have touched them or allotted a
not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember dowry to them. But give them a gift–he who is
Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and wealthy according to his means and he who is
Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish less well off according to his means–a gift to be
you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
knowledge of all things. (2:231) all good-doers. (2:236)
When you divorce women and they are near the If you divorce them before you have touched
end of their waiting period, do not prevent them them but have already allotted them a dowry,
from marrying their first husbands if they have they should have half the amount which you al-
mutually agreed to it with correctness and cour- lotted, unless they forgo it or the one in charge of
tesy. This is an admonition for those of you who the marriage contract forgoes it. To forgo it is
believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better closer to heedfulness. Do not forget to show gen-
and purer for you. Allah knows and you do not erosity to one another. Allah sees what you do.
know. (2:232) (2:237)
Mothers should nurse their children for two full Those of you who die leaving wives behind
years–those who wish to complete the full term should make a bequest to their wives of mainte-
of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and nance for a year without them having to leave
clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no their homes. But if they do leave you are not to
self is charged with more than it can bear. No blame for anything they do with themselves with
mother should be put under pressure in respect correctness and courtesy. Allah is Almighty, All-
of her child nor any father in respect of his child. Wise. (2:240)
The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the Divorced women should receive maintenance
couple both wish weaning to take place after given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
mutual agreement and consultation, there is all who guard against evil. (2:241)
nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to Remember when the wife of ‘Imran said, ‘My
find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth- Lord, I have pledged to You what is in my womb,
ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand devoting it to Your service. Please accept my
over to them what you have agreed to give with prayer. You are the All-Hearing, the All-
correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and Knowing.’ (3:35)
know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233) When she gave birth, she said, ‘My Lord! I have
Those of you who die leaving wives behind: they given birth to a girl’–and Allah knew very well
796
what she had given birth to, male and female are Men receive a share of what their parents and
not the same–‘and I have named her Maryam relatives leave and women receive a share of
and placed her and her children in Your safe- what their parents and relatives leave, a fixed
keeping from the accursed Satan.’ (3:36) share, no matter whether it is a little or a lot. (4:7)
Her Lord accepted her with approval and made Allah instructs you regarding your children: A
her grow in health and beauty. And Zakariyya male receives the same as the share of two fe-
became her guardian. Every time Zakariyya vis- males. If there are more than two daughters they
ited her in the Upper Room, he found food with receive two-thirds of what you leave. If she is one
her. He said, ‘Maryam, how did you come by on her own she receives a half. Each of your par-
this?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. Allah provides for ents receives a sixth of what you leave if you
whoever He wills without any reckoning.’ (3:37) have children. If you are childless and your heirs
And when the angels said, ‘Maryam, Allah has are your parents your mother receives a third. If
chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you you have brothers or sisters your mother receives
over all other women.’ (3:42) a sixth, after any bequest you make or any debts.
This is news from the Unseen which We reveal to With regard to your fathers and your sons, you
you. You were not with them when they cast do not know which of them is going to benefit
their reeds to see which of them would be the you more. These are obligatory shares from
guardian of Maryam. You were not with them Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:11)
when they quarrelled. (3:44) You receive half of what your wives leave if they
She (Maryam) said, ‘My Lord! How can I have a are childless. If they have children you receive a
son when no man has ever touched me?’ He quarter of what they leave after any bequest they
said, ‘It will be so.’ Allah creates whatever He make or any debts. They receive a quarter of
wills. When He decides on something, He just what you leave if you are childless. If you have
says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is. (3:47) children they receive an eighth of what you leave
If anyone argues with you about him after the after any bequest you make or any debts. If a
knowledge that has come to you, say, ‘Come man or woman has no direct heirs, but has a
then! Let us summon our sons and your sons, our brother or sister, each of them receives a sixth. If
women and your women, ourselves and your- there are more than that they share in a third after
selves. Then let us make earnest supplication and any bequest you make or any debts, making sure
call down the curse of Allah upon the liars.’ that no one’s rights are prejudiced. This is an in-
(3:61) struction from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-
O mankind! Have fear of your Lord Who created Forbearing. (4:12)
you from a single self and created its mate from it If any of your women commit fornication, four of
and then disseminated many men and women you must be witnesses against them. If they bear
from the two of them. Have fear of Allah in witness, detain them in their homes until death
Whose name you make demands on one another releases them or Allah ordains another proce-
and also in respect of your families. Allah dure for their case. (4:15)
watches over you continually. (4:1) You who believe! It is not lawful for you to in-
If you are afraid of not behaving justly towards herit women by force. Nor may you treat them
orphans, then marry other permissible women, harshly so that you can make off with part of
two, three or four. But if you are afraid of not what you have given them, unless they commit
treating them equally, then only one, or those an act of flagrant indecency. Live together with
you own as slaves. That makes it more likely that them correctly and courteously. If you dislike
you will not be unfair. (4:3) them, it may well be that you dislike something
Give women their dowry as an outright gift. But if in which Allah has placed a lot of good. (4:19)
they are happy to give you some of it, make use If you desire to exchange one wife for another
of it with pleasure and goodwill. (4:4) and have given your original wife a large
797
amount, do not take any of it. Would you take it Do not covet what Allah has given to some of
by means of slander and outright crime? How you in preference to others–men have a portion
could you take it when you have been intimate of what they acquire and women have a portion
with one another and they have made a binding of what they acquire; but ask Allah for His
contract with you? (4:20-21) bounty. Allah has knowledge of all things. (4:32)
Do not marry any women your fathers mar- We have appointed heirs for everything that par-
ried–except for what may have already taken ents and relatives leave. If you have a bond with
place. That is an indecent act, a loathsome thing people, give them their share. Allah is a witness
and an evil path. (4:22) of all things. (4:33)
Forbidden for you are: your mothers and your Men have charge of women because Allah has
daughters and your sisters, your maternal aunts preferred the one above the other and because
and your paternal aunts, your brothers’ daughters they spend their wealth on them. Right-acting
and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers women are obedient (to Allah), guarding the un-
who have suckled you, your foster sisters by seen as Allah has guarded. If there are women
suckling, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaugh- whose disobedience you fear, you may admon-
ters who are under your protection: the daugh- ish them, refuse to sleep with them, and then
ters of your wives whom you have had sexual beat them. But if they obey you, do not look for a
relations with (though if you have not had sexual way to punish them. Allah is All-High, Most
relations with them there is nothing blameworthy Great. (4:34)
for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom If you fear a breach between a couple, send an
you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her
the same time–except for what may have already people. If the couple desire to put things right,
taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Allah will bring about a reconciliation between
Merciful. And also married women, except for them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (4:35)
those you have taken in war as slaves. This is Worship Allah and do not associate anything
what Allah has prescribed for you. Apart from with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives
that He has made all other women lawful for you and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh-
provided you seek them with your wealth in mar- bours who are related to you and neighbours
riage and not in fornication. When you consum- who are not related to you, and to companions
mate your marriage with them give them their and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not
prescribed dowry. There is nothing wrong in any love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36)
further agreement you might come to after the You who believe! Do not approach the prayer
dowry has been given. Allah is All-Knowing, All- when you are drunk, so that you will know what
Wise. (4:23-24) you are saying, nor in a state of major impu-
If any of you do not have the means to marry free rity–unless you are travelling–until you have
women who are believers, you may marry slave- washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or
girls who are believers. Allah knows best about on a journey, or any of you have come from the
your faith; you are all the same in that respect. lavatory or touched women, and you cannot find
Marry them with their owners’ permission and any water, then take for yourselves clean earth,
give them their dowries correctly and courte- wiping your faces and your hands. Allah is Ever-
ously as married women, not in fornication or Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (4:43)
taking them as lovers. When they are married, if What reason could you have for not fighting in
they commit fornication they should receive half the Way of Allah–for those men, women and
the punishment of free women. This is for those children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord,
of you who are afraid of committing fornication. take us out of this city whose inhabitants are
But being patient is better for you. Allah is Ever- wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:25) us a helper from You!’? (4:75)
798
The angels ask those they take while they are things.’ (4:176)
wronging themselves, ‘What were your circum- As for thieves, both male and female, cut off their
stances?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed on hands in reprisal for what they have done: an ob-
earth.’ They say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not wide ject lesson from Allah. Allah is Almighty, All-
enough for you to have migrated elsewhere in it?’ Wise. (5:38)
The shelter of such people will be Hell. What an Yet they make the jinn co-partners with Allah
evil destination! Except for those men, women when He created them! And they attribute sons
and children who really are oppressed and do and daughters to Him without any knowledge.
not have any other possibility and are not guided Glory be to Him! He is far above what they de-
to any way. (4:97-98) scribe! (6:100)
Anyone, male or female, who does right actions He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth.
and is a believer, will enter the Garden. They will How could He have a son when He has no wife?
not be wronged by so much as the tiniest speck. He created all things and He has knowledge of
(4:124) all things. (6:101)
They request from you a ruling concerning They say, ‘What is in the wombs of these animals
women. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling about is exclusively for our men and forbidden for our
them; and also what is recited to you in the Book wives. But if it is stillborn, they can share in it.’
about orphan girls to whom you do not give the He will repay them for their false depiction. He is
inheritance they are owed, while at the same All-Wise, All-Knowing. (6:139)
time desiring to marry them; and also about (Lut said to his people,) ‘You come with lust to
young children who are denied their rights: that men instead of women. You are indeed a de-
you should act justly with respect to orphans.’ praved people.’ (7:81)
Whatever good you do, Allah knows it. (4:127) The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said, ‘Are
If a woman fears cruelty or aversion on her hus- you going to leave Musa and his people to cause
band’s part, there is nothing wrong in the couple corruption in the earth and abandon you and
becoming reconciled. Reconciliation is better. your gods?’ He said, ‘We will kill their sons and
But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do let their women live. We have absolute power
good and guard against evil, Allah is aware of over them!’ (7:127)
what you do. (4:128) Remember when We rescued you from
You will not be able to be completely fair be- Pharaoh’s people who were inflicting an evil
tween your wives, however hard you try. But do punishment on you, killing your sons and letting
not be completely partial so as to leave a wife, as your women live. In that there was a terrible trial
it were, suspended in mid-air. And if you make from your Lord. (7:141)
amends and guard against evil, Allah is Ever- It is He Who created you from a single self and
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:129) made from him his spouse so that he might find
If a couple do separate, Allah will enrich each of repose in her. Then when he covered her she
them from His boundless wealth. Allah is All- bore a light load and carried it around. Then
Encompassing, All-Wise. (4:130) when it became heavy they called on Allah, their
They request from you a ruling. Say: ‘Allah gives Lord, ‘If You grant us a healthy child, we will be
you a ruling about people who die without direct among the thankful!’ (7:189)
heirs: If a man dies childless but has a sister she Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers
receives half of what he leaves, and he is her heir or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you
if she dies childless. If there are two sisters they have acquired, or any business you fear may
receive two-thirds of what he leaves. If there are slump, or any house which pleases you, are
brothers and sisters the males receive the share of dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and
two females. Allah makes things clear to you so striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings
you will not go astray. Allah has knowledge of all about His command. Allah does not guide peo-
799
ple who are deviators.’ (9:24) met her husband by the door. She said, ‘How
The men and women of the hypocrites are as bad should a man whose intention was to harm your
as one another. They command what is wrong family be punished for what he did except with
and forbid what is right and keep their fists tightly prison or painful punishment?’ He said, ‘It was
closed. They have forgotten Allah, so He has for- she who tried to seduce me.’ A witness from her
gotten them. The hypocrites are deviators. (9:67) people then declared, ‘If his shirt is torn in front,
Allah has promised the men and women of the she speaks the truth and he has clearly told a
hypocrites and disbelievers the Fire of Hell, re- shameless lie. If his shirt is torn at the back, then
maining in it timelessly, for ever. It will suffice she has lied and he has clearly told the simple
them. Allah has cursed them. They will have truth.’ He saw the shirt torn at the back and said,
everlasting punishment. (9:68) ‘The source of this is women’s deviousness.
The men and women of the believers are friends Without a doubt your guile is very great. Yusuf,
of one another. They command what is right and ignore all this, and you, my wife, should ask for-
forbid what is wrong, and perform prayer and giveness for your evil act. There is no doubt that
give the alms, and obey Allah and His you are in the wrong.’ Some city women said,
Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah ‘The governor’s wife solicited her slave. He’s
will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. fired her heart with love. We see that she’s the
(9:71) one to blame.’ But when she heard of their mali-
Allah has promised the men and women of the cious talk, she sent for them and made a sumptu-
believers Gardens with rivers flowing under ous meal and then she gave a knife to each of
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever, and them. She said (to Yusuf), ‘Go out to them.’ When
fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And they saw him, they were amazed by him and cut
Allah’s good pleasure is even greater. That is the their hands. They said, ‘Allah preserve us! This is
great victory. (9:72) no man. What can this be but a noble angel
His (Ibrahim’s) wife was standing there and she here!’ She said, ‘You see! It’s him you blamed me
laughed out loud. So We gave her the good news for. I tried seducing him but he refused. If he does
of Ishaq, and beyond Ishaq, Ya‘qub. She said, not do what I order him, he will be put in prison
‘Woe is me! How can I give birth when I am an and brought low.’ (12:23-32)
old woman and my husband here is an aged man? He (Yusuf) raised his parents up onto the throne.
This is indeed an astonishing thing!’ (11:71-72) The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said,
The Egyptian who had bought him (Yusuf) told his ‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of
wife, ‘Look after him with honour and respect. It’s the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come
possible he will be of use to us or perhaps we true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of
might adopt him as a son.’ And thus We estab- prison and brought you from the desert when
lished Yusuf in the land to teach him the true Satan had caused dissent between me and my
meaning of events. Allah is in control of His affair. brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He
However, most of mankind do not know. (12:21) is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ (12:100)
The woman whose house it was solicited him Allah knows what every female bears and every
(Yusuf). She barred the doors and said, ‘Come shrinking of the womb and every swelling.
over here!’ He said, ‘Allah is my refuge! He is My Everything has its measure with Him. (13:8)
lord and has been good to me with where I live. Gardens of Eden which they will enter, and all of
Those who do wrong will surely not succeed.’ their parents, wives and children who were right-
She wanted him and he would have wanted her, eous. Angels will enter in to welcome them from
had he not seen the Clear Proof of his Lord. That every gate. (13:23)
happened so We might avert from him all evil We sent Messengers before you and gave them
and lust. He was Our chosen servant. They raced wives and children. Nor was any Messenger able
to the door. She tore his shirt at the back. They to bring a Sign except by Allah’s permission.
800
There is a prescribed limit to every term. (13:38) He can give you a pure boy.’ She said, ‘How can
Remember when Musa said to his people, I have a boy when no man has touched me and I
‘Remember Allah’s blessing to you when He res- am not an unchaste woman?’ He said, ‘It will be
cued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were so! Your Lord says, "That is easy for Me. It is so
inflicting an evil punishment on you, slaughter- that We can make him a Sign for mankind and a
ing your sons and letting your women live. In mercy from Us." It is a matter already decreed.’
that there was a terrible trial from your Lord. So she conceived him and withdrew with him to
(14:6) a distant place. The pains of labour drove her to
He (Lut) said, ‘Here are my daughters if you are the trunk of a date-palm. She said, ‘Oh if only I
determined to do something.’ (15:71) had died before this time and was something dis-
They allot daughters to Allah–glory be to carded and forgotten!’ (19:16-23)
Him!–while they have what they want! (16:57) She (Maryam) brought him to her people, carry-
When one of them is given the good news of a ing him. They said, ‘Maryam! You have done an
baby girl, his face darkens and he is furious. unthinkable thing! Sister of Harun, your father
(16:58) was not an evil man nor was your mother an un-
Allah has given you wives from among your- chaste woman!’ She pointed towards him. They
selves, and given you children and grandchil- said, ‘How can a baby in the cradle speak?’
dren from your wives, and provided good things (19:27-29)
for you. So why do they believe in falsehood and (Allah said to Musa,) ‘When your sister went and
reject the blessings of Allah? (16:72) said, "Shall I direct you to someone who will take
Allah brought you out of your mothers’ wombs care of him?" that was how We returned you to
knowing nothing at all, and gave you hearing, your mother so that she might delight her eyes
sight and hearts so that perhaps you would show and not be grieved. You killed a man and We res-
thanks. (16:78) cued you from trouble and tested you with many
Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a trials. You stayed some years among the people
believer, We will give them a good life and We of Madyan. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained
will recompense them according to the best of time, Musa!’ (20:40)
what they did. (16:97) We said, ‘Adam, this is an enemy for you and
Your Lord has decreed that you should worship your wife, so do not let him expel you from the
none but Him, and that you should show kind- Garden and thus make you miserable.’ (20:117)
ness to your parents. Whether one or both of So the two of them ate from it and their private
them reach old age with you, do not say ‘Ugh!’ to parts were disclosed to them and they started
them out of irritation and do not be harsh with stitching together the leaves of the Garden to
them but speak to them with gentleness and gen- cover themselves. Adam disobeyed his Lord and
erosity. (17:23) became misled. (20:121)
(Zakariyya said,) ‘I fear my relatives when I am And she (Maryam) who protected her chastity. We
gone and my wife is barren, so give me an heir breathed into her some of Our Spirit and made her
from You.’ (19:5) and her son a Sign for all the worlds. (21:91)
And (We gave Yahya) devotion to his parents–he And We made the son of Maryam and his mother
was not insolent or disobedient. (19:14) a Sign and gave them shelter on a mountainside
Mention Maryam in the Book, how she withdrew where there was a meadow and a flowing spring.
from her people to an eastern place, and veiled (23:50)
herself from them. Then We sent Our Spirit to her A woman and a man who commit fornication:
and it took on for her the form of a handsome, flog both of them with one hundred lashes and
well-built man. She said, ‘I seek refuge from you do not let compassion for either of them possess
with the All-Merciful if you guard against evil.’ you where Allah’s religion is concerned, if you
He said, ‘I am only your Lord’s messenger so that believe in Allah and the Last Day. A number of
801
believers should witness their punishment. (24:2) Knowing. (24:32)
A man who has fornicated may only marry a Those who cannot find the means to marry
woman who has fornicated or a woman of the should be abstinent until Allah enriches them
idolaters. A woman who has fornicated may only from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to
marry a man who has fornicated or a man of the make a contract to free themselves, write it for
idolaters. Doing such a thing is forbidden for the them if you know of good in them and give them
believers. (24:3) some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not
But those who make accusations against chaste force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if
women and then do not produce four witnesses: they desire to be virtuous women out of your de-
flog them with eighty lashes and never again ac- sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces
cept them as witnesses. Such people are devia- them, then after they have been forced, Allah is
tors. (24:4) Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33)
Those who make an accusation against their As for women who are past child-bearing age
wives and have no witnesses except themselves, and no longer have any hope of getting married,
such people should testify four times by Allah there is nothing wrong in their removing their
that they are telling the truth and a fifth time that outer clothes, provided they do not flaunt their
Allah’s curse will be upon them if they are lying. adornments; but to refrain from doing so is better
And the punishment is removed from her if she for them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
testifies four times by Allah that he is lying and a (24:60)
fifth time that Allah’s anger will be upon her if he (Believers are) those who say, ‘Our Lord, give us
is telling the truth. (24:6-9) joy in our wives and children and make us a
Corrupt women are for corrupt men and corrupt good example for those who guard against evil’.
men are for corrupt women, good women are for (25:74)
good men and good men are for good women. (Lut said to his people,) ‘Of all beings, do you lie
The latter are innocent of what they say. They with males, leaving the wives Allah has created
will have forgiveness and generous provision. for you? You are a people who have overstepped
(24:26) the limits.’ (26:165-166)
Say to the believing women that they should Therefore We rescued him (Lut) and all his fam-
lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not ily–except for an old woman who remained be-
display their adornments–except for what nor- hind. (26:170-171)
mally shows–and draw their head-coverings She (Queen of Sheba) said, ‘Council! Give me
across their breasts. They should only display your opinion about this matter. It is not my habit
their adornments to their husbands or their fa- to make a final decision until I have heard what
thers or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons or you have to say.’ (27:32)
their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their Then when she came, she was asked, ‘Is your
brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or their throne like this?’ She said, ‘It is exactly like it.’
women or those they own as slaves or their male ‘We were given knowledge before her and were
attendants who have no sexual desire or children already Muslims, but what she worshipped be-
who still have no awareness of women’s private sides Allah impeded her. She was from an unbe-
parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that lieving people.’ She was told: ‘Enter the
their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah courtyard,’ but when she saw it she supposed it
every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you to be a pool and bared her legs. He (Sulayman)
will have success. (24:31) said, ‘It is a courtyard paved with glass.’ She said,
Marry off those among you who are unmarried ‘My Lord, I have wronged myself but I have sub-
and those of your slaves and slavegirls who are mitted with Sulayman to the Lord of all the
righteous. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them worlds.’ (27:42-44)
from His bounty. Allah is All-Encompassing, All- (Lut said to his people,) ‘Do you come with lust
802
to men instead of women? You are a people who your actual sons. These are just words coming
are deeply ignorant.’ (27:55) out of your mouths. But Allah speaks the truth
So We rescued him (Lut) and his family–except and He guides to the Way. (33:4)
for his wife. We ordained her to be one of those The Prophet is closer to the believers than their
who stayed behind. (27:57) own selves, and his wives are their mothers. But
We revealed to Musa’s mother, ‘Suckle him and blood-relations have closer ties to one another in
then when you fear for him cast him into the sea. the Book of Allah than other believers and the
Do not fear or grieve; We will return him to you emigrants, except that you should act in a proper
and make him one of the Messengers.’ (28:7) manner towards your close associates. That is in-
The wife of Pharaoh said, ‘A source of delight for scribed in the Book. (33:6)
me and for you; do not kill him. It may well be O Prophet, tell your wives: ‘If you desire the life
that he will be of use to us or perhaps we could of this world and its finery, come and I will give
adopt him as a son.’ They were not aware. you all you need and release you with kindness.
Musa’s mother felt a great emptiness in her heart But if you desire Allah and His Messenger and
and she almost gave him away; only We fortified the abode of the hereafter, Allah has prepared an
her heart so that she would be one of the believ- immense reward for those among you who are
ers. She said to his sister, ‘Go after him.’ And she good-doers.’ (33:28-29)
kept an eye on him from afar and they were not Wives of the Prophet! If any of you commits an
aware. We first made him refuse all wet-nurses, obvious act of indecency she will receive double
so she said, ‘Shall I show you to a household the punishment. That is an easy matter for Allah.
who will feed him for you and be good to him?’ But those of you who are obedient to Allah and
That is how We returned him to his mother so His Messenger and act rightly will be given their
that she might delight her eyes and feel no grief reward twice over; and We have prepared gener-
and so that she would know that Allah’s promise ous provision for them. (33:30-31)
is true. But most of them do not know this. (28:9- Wives of the Prophet! You are not like other
13) women provided you guard against evil. Do not
We have instructed man to honour his parents, be too soft-spoken in your speech lest someone
but if they endeavour to make you associate with with sickness in his heart becomes desirous.
Me something about which you have no knowl- Speak correct and courteous words. Remain in
edge, do not obey them. It is to Me you will re- your houses and do not display your beauty as it
turn and I will inform you about the things you was previously displayed in the Time of
did. (29:8) Ignorance. Perform prayer and give the alms and
We have instructed man concerning his parents. obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah desires to
Bearing him caused his mother great debility and remove all impurity from you, People of the
the period of his weaning was two years: ‘Give House, and to purify you completely. And re-
thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final member the Signs of Allah and the wise words
destination. But if they try to make you associate which are recited in your rooms. Allah is All-
something with Me about which you have no Pervading, All-Aware. (33:32-34)
knowledge, do not obey them. Keep company Men and women who are Muslims, men and
with them correctly and courteously in this world women who are believers, men and women who
but follow the Way of him who turns to Me. Then are obedient, men and women who are truthful,
you will return to Me and I will inform you about men and women who are steadfast, men and
the things you did.’ (31:14-15) women who are humble, men and women who
Allah has not allotted to any man two hearts give charity, men and women who fast, men and
within his breast, nor has He made those of your women who guard their chastity, men and
wives you equate with your mothers your actual women who remember Allah much: Allah has
mothers, nor has He made your adopted sons prepared forgiveness for them and an immense
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reward. (33:35) though their beauty might be pleasing to you,
When Allah and His Messenger have decided with the exception of any you own as slaves.
something it is not for any man or woman of the Allah is watchful over all things. (33:52)
believers to have a choice about it. Anyone who They incur no blame in respect of their fathers or
disobeys Allah and His Messenger is clearly mis- their sons or their brothers or their brothers’ or
guided. (33:36) sisters’ sons, or their women or any slaves they
When you said to him whom Allah has blessed own. Have fear of Allah. Allah is witness of all
and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep things. (33:55)
your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’ And those who abuse men and women who are
while concealing something in yourself which believers, when they have not merited it, bear
Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing the weight of slander and clear wrongdoing.
people when Allah has more right to your fear. (33:58)
Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and
you so that there should be no restriction for the the women of the believers to draw their outer
believers regarding the wives of their adopted garments closely round themselves. This makes it
sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s more likely that they will be recognised and not
command is always carried out. (33:37) be harmed. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
You who believe! When you marry believing Merciful. (33:59)
women and then divorce them before you have This was so that Allah might punish the men and
touched them, there is no waiting period for you women of the hypocrites, and the men and
to calculate for them, so give them a gift and let women of the idolaters, and turn towards the
them go with kindness. (33:49) men and women of the believers. Allah is Ever-
O Prophet! We have made lawful for you: your Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:73)
wives to whom you have given dowries and any Allah created you from dust and then from a drop
slavegirls you own from the booty Allah has al- of sperm and then made you into pairs. No fe-
lotted you and the daughters of your paternal un- male becomes pregnant or gives birth except
cles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and with His knowledge. And no living thing lives
the daughters of your maternal uncles and the long or has its life cut short without that being in
daughters of your maternal aunts who have mi- a Book. That is easy for Allah. (35:11)
grated with you and any believing woman who The Companions of the Garden are busy enjoy-
gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires ing themselves today, they and their wives reclin-
to marry her: exclusively for you as opposed to ing on couches in the shade. (36:55-56)
the rest of the believers–We know very well what There will be dark-eyed maidens with them, with
We have prescribed for them regarding their eyes reserved for them alone, just like closely
wives and any slavegirls they possess–in order guarded pearls. (37:48-49)
that there be no restriction on you. Allah is Ever- When We rescued him (Lut) and all his
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:50) family–except an old woman among those who
You may refrain from any of them you will and stayed behind. (37:134-135)
keep close to you any of them you will. And if So inquire of them: does your Lord have daugh-
you desire any you have left alone, there is noth- ters while they themselves have sons? (37:149)
ing wrong in that. This makes it more likely they Has He chosen daughters over sons? (37:153)
will be comforted and not be grieved, and all of He created you from a single self, then produced
them will be content with what you give them. its mate from it, and sent down livestock to
Allah knows what is in your hearts. Allah is All- you–eight kinds in pairs. He creates you stage by
Knowing, All-Forbearing. (33:51) stage in your mothers’ wombs in a threefold
After that no other women are lawful for you nor darkness. That is Allah, your Lord. Sovereignty is
may you exchange them for other wives, even His. There is no god but Him. So what has made
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you deviate? (39:6) You who believe! People should not ridicule oth-
(Angels ask forgiveness for believers,) ‘Our Lord, ers who may be better than themselves; nor
admit them to the Gardens of Eden You have should any women ridicule other women who
promised them, and all of their parents, wives may be better than themselves. And do not find
and children who acted rightly. Truly You are the fault with one another or insult each other with
Almighty, the All-Wise.’ (40:8) derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a
When he (Musa) brought them the truth from Us name for evil conduct after coming to faith!
they said, ‘Slaughter the sons of those who be- Those people who do not turn from it are wrong-
lieve with him but let their women live.’ The doers. (49:11)
stratagems of the disbelievers are nothing but er- Mankind! We created you from a male and fe-
rors. (40:25) male, and made you into peoples and tribes so
Has He then taken daughters from what He has that you might come to know each other. The no-
created and chosen sons for you? (43:16) blest among you in Allah’s sight is the one of you
When any of them is given the good news of the who best performs his duty. Allah is All-Knowing,
very thing which he himself has ascribed to the All-Aware. (49:13)
All-Merciful, his face darkens and he is furious. His (Ibrahim’s) wife came up with a shriek and
‘What! Someone brought up among pretty trin- struck her face and said, ‘What, and me a barren
kets who cannot produce a cogent argument!’ old woman!’ (51:29)
(43:17-18) They will recline on couches ranged in rows and
We have instructed man to be good to his par- We will marry them to dark-eyed maidens.
ents. His mother bore him with difficulty and (52:20)
with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing (Has he not been informed) that He created the
and weaning take thirty months. Then when he two sexes–male and female? (53:45)
achieves his full strength and reaches forty, he On the Day you see the men and women of the
says, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing believers, with their light streaming out in front of
You bestowed on me and on my parents, and them, and to their right: ‘Good news for you
keep me acting rightly, pleasing You. And make today of Gardens with rivers flowing under them,
my descendants righteous. I have repented to remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the
You and I am truly one of the Muslims.’ (46:15) Great Victory.’ (57:12)
But what of him who says to his parents, ‘Fie on The men and women who give charity and make
you! Do you promise me that I will be resur- a good loan to Allah will have it increased for
rected when generations before me have passed them and they will have a generous reward.
away?’ They both call on Allah for help: ‘Woe to (57:18)
you! Believe! Allah’s promise is true.’ But he You who believe! When women who believe
says, ‘This is nothing but the myths of previous come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test.
peoples.’ (46:17) Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you
(It is) so that He may admit the men and women know they are believers, do not return them to
of the believers into Gardens with rivers flowing the disbelievers. They are not lawful for the dis-
under them, remaining in them timelessly, for believers nor are the disbelievers lawful for them.
ever, and erase their bad actions from them; and Give the disbelievers whatever dowry they paid.
in Allah’s sight that is a mighty victory. And so And there is nothing wrong in your marrying
that He might punish the men and women of the them provided you pay them their due. Do not
hypocrites and the men and women of the idol- hold to any marriage ties with women who dis-
aters–those who think bad thoughts about Allah. believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask
They will suffer an evil turn of fate. Allah is angry for what they paid. That is Allah’s judgement.
with them, and has cursed them and prepared Allah will judge between them. Allah is All-
Hell for them. What an evil destination! (48:5-6) Knowing, All-Wise. (60:10)
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If any of your wives rejoin the disbelievers, you do the suckling for you. (65:6)
should have compensation. So repay to those He who has plenty should spend out from his
whose wives have gone the dowry they paid out. plenty, but he whose provision is restricted
Have fear of Allah–Him in Whom you believe. should spend from what Allah has given him.
(60:11) Allah does not demand from any self more than
O Prophet! When women who believe come to He has given it. Allah will appoint after difficulty,
you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds ease. (65:7)
that they will not associate anything with Allah O Prophet! Why do you make forbidden what
or steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a Allah has made lawful for you, seeking to please
false ascription of paternity–making up lies about your wives? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
their bodies–or disobey you in respect of any- Merciful. (66:1)
thing right, then accept their pledge and ask for- The Prophet confided a certain matter to one of
giveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most his wives, then when she divulged it Allah dis-
Merciful. (60:12) closed that to him, and he communicated part of
O Prophet! When any of you divorce women, di- it and withheld part of it. When he told her of it,
vorce them during their period of purity and cal- she said, ‘Who told you of this?’ He said, ‘The
culate their waiting period carefully. And have All-Knowing and All-Aware informed me of it.’
fear of Allah, your Lord. Do not evict them from (66:3)
their homes, nor should they leave, unless they If the two of you (Prophet’s wives) would only
commit an outright indecency. Those are Allah’s turn to Allah, for your hearts clearly deviated...
limits, and anyone who oversteps Allah’s limits But if you support one another against him, Allah
has wronged himself. You never know, it may is his Protector and so are Gabriel and every
well be that after that Allah will cause a new sit- right-acting man of the believers and, further-
uation to develop. (65:1) more, the angels too will come to his support.
Then when they have reached the end of their (66:4)
waiting period either retain them with correct- It may be that if he does divorce you, his Lord
ness and courtesy or part from them with correct- will give him in exchange better wives than you:
ness and courtesy. Call two upright men from Muslim women, believing women, obedient
among yourselves as witnesses and they should women, penitent women, women who worship,
carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admon- women who fast much–previously married
ishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last women as well as virgins. (66:5)
Day. Whoever has fear of Allah–He will give him Allah has made an example for those who disbe-
a way out. (65:2) lieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They
In the case of those of your wives who are past were married to two of Our servants who were
the age of menstruation, if you have any doubt, righteous but they betrayed them and were not
their waiting period should be three months, and helped at all against Allah. They were told, ‘Enter
that also applies to those who have not yet men- the Fire along with all who enter it.’ (66:10)
struated. The time for women who are pregnant Allah has made an example for those who be-
is when they give birth. Whoever has fear of lieve: the wife of Pharaoh when she said, ‘My
Allah–He will make matters easy for him. (65:4) Lord, build a house in the Garden for me in Your
Let them live where you live, according to your presence and rescue me from Pharaoh and his
means. Do not put pressure on them, so as to ha- deeds and rescue me from this wrongdoing peo-
rass them. If they are pregnant, maintain them ple.’ (66:11)
until they give birth. If they are suckling for you, And Maryam, the daughter of ‘Imran, who
give them their wages and consult together with guarded her chastity–We breathed Our Spirit into
correctness and courtesy. But if you make things her and she confirmed the Words of her Lord and
difficult for one another, another woman should His Book and was one of the obedient. (66:12)
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(Nuh said,) ‘My Lord! Forgive me and my parents His name from being remembered in them, and
and all who enter my house as believers, and all goes about destroying them? Such people will
the men and women of the believers. But do not never be able to enter them–except in fear. They
increase the wrongdoers except in ruin!’ (71:28) will have disgrace in this world and in the here-
And (there are) nubile maidens of similar age (for after they will have a terrible punishment. (2:114)
those who guard against evil). (78:33) Who would deliberately renounce the religion of
When the baby girl buried alive is asked. (81:8) Ibrahim except someone who reveals himself to
Those who persecute men and women of the be- be a fool? We chose him in this world and in the
lievers, and then do not repent, will have the hereafter he will be one of the righteous. (2:130)
punishment of Hell, will have the punishment of When you have completed your rites, remember
the Burning. (85:10) Allah as you used to remember your forefa-
And (say: ‘I seek refuge with the Lord of thers–or even more. There are some people who
Daybreak) from the evil of women who blow on say, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world.’ They
knots.’ (113:4) will have no share in the hereafter. (2:200)
And there are others who say, ‘Our Lord, give us
WOOL good in this world, and good in the hereafter, and
Allah has made your houses places of rest for you safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire.’
and made houses for you out of cattle hides (2:201)
which are light for you to carry both when you Among the people there is someone whose
are travelling and when you are staying in one words about the life of this world excite your ad-
place. And from their wool and fur and hair you miration, and he calls Allah to witness what is in
obtain clothing and carpets and household uten- his heart, while he is in fact the most hostile of
sils for a time. (16:80) adversaries. (2:204)
On the Day the sky is like molten brass and the To those who disbelieve, the life of this world is
mountains like tufts of coloured wool. (70:8-9) painted in glowing colours and they laugh at
It is the Day when mankind will be like scattered those who believe. But on the Day of Rising
moths and the mountains like tufts of coloured those who fear Allah will be over them. Allah
wool. (101:4-5) provides for whoever He wills without any reck-
oning. (2:212)
WORLD, THE (DUNYA) They will ask you about the Sacred Month and
Then you are the people who are killing one an- fighting in it. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a serious mat-
other and expelling a group among you from ter; but barring access to the Way of Allah and re-
their homes, ganging up against them in wrong- jecting Him and barring access to the Sacred
doing and enmity. Yet if they are brought to you Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and expelling its peo-
as captives, you ransom them, when it was for- ple from it are far more serious in the sight of
bidden for you to expel them in the first place! Allah. Discord is worse than killing.’ They will
Do you, then, believe in one part of the Book and not stop fighting you until they make you revert
reject the other? What repayment will there be from your religion, if they are able. As for any of
for any of you who do that except disgrace in this you who revert from their religion and die disbe-
world? And on the Day of Rising, they will be re- lievers, their actions will come to nothing in this
turned to the harshest of punishments. Allah is world and the hereafter. They are the
not unaware of what you do. (2:85) Companions of the Fire, remaining in it time-
Those are the people who trade the hereafter for lessly, for ever. (2:217)
this world. The punishment will not be lightened They will ask you about alcoholic drinks and
for them. They will not be helped. (2:86) gambling. Say, ‘There is great wrong in both of
Who could do greater wrong than someone who them and also certain benefits for mankind. But
bars access to the mosques of Allah, preventing the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.’
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They will ask you what they should give away. you faltered, disputing the command, and dis-
Say, ‘Whatever is surplus to your needs.’ In this obeyed after He showed you what you love.
way Allah makes the Signs clear to you, so that Among you are those who want this world and
hopefully you will reflect on this world and the among you are those who want the hereafter.
hereafter. They will ask you about the property of Then He turned you from them in order to test
orphans. Say, ‘Managing it in their best interests you–but He has pardoned you. Allah shows
is best.’ If you mix your property with theirs, they favour to the believers. (3:152)
are your brothers. Allah knows a squanderer Every self will taste death. You will be paid your
from a good manager. If Allah had wanted, He wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who
could have been hard on you. Allah is Almighty, is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the
All-Wise. (2:219-220) Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is
To mankind the love of worldly appetites is just the enjoyment of delusion. (3:185)
painted in glowing colours: women and chil- So let those who sell the life of this world for the
dren, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver, hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone
and horses with fine markings, and livestock and fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or
fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment is victorious, We will pay him an immense re-
of the life of this world. The best homecoming is ward. (4:74)
in the presence of Allah. (3:14) Do you not see those who were told: ‘Hold back
They are the ones whose actions come to noth- from fighting but perform prayer and give the
ing in this world or the hereafter. They will have alms’? Then when fighting is prescribed for them,
no helpers. (3:22) a group of them fear people as Allah should be
When the angels said, ‘Maryam, your Lord gives feared, or even more than that. They say, ‘Our
you good news of a Word from Him. His name is Lord, why have you prescribed fighting for us? If
the Messiah, ‘Isa, son of Maryam, of high esteem only You would give us just a little more time!’
in this world and the hereafter, and one of those Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is very brief.
brought near.’ (3:45) The hereafter is better for those who guard
(Allah said,) ‘As for those who disbelieve, I will against evil. You will not be wronged by so much
punish them with a harsh punishment in this as the smallest speck.’ (4:77)
world and the hereafter. They will have no You who believe! When you go out to fight in the
helpers.’ (3:56) Way of Allah verify things carefully. Do not say,
The metaphor of what they spend in their life in ‘You are not a believer’, to someone who greets
this world is that of a wind with an icy bite to it you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the
which strikes the crops of a people who have goods of this world. With Allah there is booty in
wronged themselves and destroys them. Allah abundance. That is the way you were before but
did not wrong them; rather it was themselves Allah has been kind to you. So verify things care-
they were wronging. (3:117) fully. Allah is aware of what you do. (4:94)
No self can die except with Allah’s permission, at Here you are arguing on their behalf in this
a predetermined time. If anyone desires the re- world, but who will argue with Allah on their be-
ward of this world, We will give him some of it. If half on the Day of Rising? Who will act as
anyone desires the reward of the hereafter, We guardian for them then? (4:109)
will give him some of it. We will recompense the If anyone desires the reward of this world, the re-
thankful. (3:145) ward of both this world and hereafter is with
So Allah gave them the reward of this world and Allah. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (4:134)
the best reward of the hereafter. Allah loves The reprisal against those who wage war on
good-doers. (3:148) Allah and His Messenger, and go about the earth
Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you were corrupting it, is that they should be killed or cru-
slaughtering them by His permission. But then cified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut
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off, or be banished from the land. That will be ‘Disbelievers are) those who took their religion
their degradation in this world and in the here- as a diversion and a game, and were deluded by
after they will have a terrible punishment. (5:33) the life of this world.’ Today We will forget them
O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who just as they forgot the encounter of this Day and
rush headlong into disbelief among those who denied Our Signs. (7:51)
say ‘We believe’ with their tongues when their As for those who adopted the Calf, anger from
hearts contain no faith. And among the Jews are their Lord will overtake them together with
those who listen to lies, listening to other people abasement in the life of this world. That is how
who have not come to you, distorting words from we repay the purveyors of falsehood. (7:152)
their proper meanings, saying, ‘If you are given (Musa said,) ‘Prescribe good for us in this world
this, then take it. If you are not given it, then be- and the hereafter. We have truly turned to You.’
ware!’ If Allah desires misguidance for someone, He said, ‘As for My punishment, I strike with it
you cannot help him against Allah in any way. anyone I will. My mercy extends to all things but
Those are the people whose hearts Allah does I will prescribe it for those who guard against evil
not want to purify. They will have disgrace in this and give the alms, and those who believe in Our
world and in the hereafter they will have a terri- Signs.’ (7:156)
ble punishment. (5:41) It is not fitting for a Prophet to take captives until
The life of this world is nothing but a game and a he has thoroughly subdued the land. You desire
diversion. The hereafter is better for those who the goods of this world, whereas Allah desires
guard against evil. So will you not use your intel- the hereafter. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (8:67)
lect? (6:32) You who believe! What is the matter with you
Abandon those who have turned their religion that when you are told, ‘Go out and fight in the
into a game and a diversion and who have been way of Allah,’ you sink down heavily to the
deluded by the life of this world. Remind by it earth? Are you happier with this world than the
lest a person is delivered up to destruction for hereafter? Yet the enjoyment of this world is very
what he has earned with no protector or interces- small compared to that of the hereafter. (9:38)
sor besides Allah. Were he to offer every kind of Do not let their wealth and children impress you.
compensation, it would not be accepted from Allah merely wants to punish them by them dur-
him. Such people are delivered up to destruction ing their life in this world and for them to expire
for what they have earned. They will have scald- while they are disbelievers. (9:55)
ing water to drink and a painful punishment be- Like those before you who had greater strength
cause they disbelieved. (6:70) than you and more wealth and children. They en-
Company of jinn and men! Did not Messengers joyed their portion; so enjoy your portion as those
come to you from among yourselves relating My before you enjoyed theirs. You have plunged into
Signs to you and warning you of the encounter of defamation as they plunged into it. The actions of
this Day of yours? They will say, ‘We testify such people come to nothing in this world or the
against ourselves.’ The life of this world deluded hereafter. They are the lost. (9:69)
them and they will testify against themselves that They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but
they were disbelievers. (6:130) they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and
Say: ‘Who has forbidden the fine clothing Allah returned to disbelief after their Islam. They
has produced for His servants and the good kinds planned something which they did not achieve
of provision?’ Say: ‘On the Day of Rising such and they were vindictive for no other cause than
things will be exclusively for those who believed that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them
during their life in this world.’ In this way We from His bounty. If they were to repent, it would
make the Signs clear for people who know. be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah
(7:32) will punish them with a painful punishment in
(Companions of the Garden will say, this world and the hereafter, and they will not
809
find any protector or helper on the earth. (9:74) We removed from them the punishment of dis-
Do not let their wealth and their children impress grace in the life of this world and We let them
you. Allah merely wants to punish them by them have enjoyment for a time. (10:98)
in this world, and for them to expire while they As for those who desire the life of this world and
are disbelievers. (9:85) its finery, We will give them full payment in it for
As for those who do not expect to meet Us and their actions. They will not be deprived here of
are content with the life of this world and at rest their due. (11:15).
in it, and those who are heedless of Our Signs, They were pursued by a curse in this world and
their shelter will be the Fire because of what they on the Day of Rising. Yes indeed! ‘Ad rejected
earned. (10:7-8) their Lord, so away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud!
But then, when He does rescue them, they be- (11:60)
come rebellious in the earth without any right to They are pursued by a curse in this world and on
do so. Mankind, your rebelliousness is only the Day of Rising. What an evil gift to be given!
against yourselves. There is the enjoyment of the (11:99)
life of this world and then you will return to Us (Yusuf said,) ‘My Lord, You have granted power
and We will inform you about what you did. to me on earth and taught me the true meaning of
(10:23) events. Originator of the heavens and earth, You
The metaphor of the life of this world is that of are my Friend in this world and the Next. So take
water which We send down from the sky, and me as a Muslim at my death and join me to the
which then mingles with the plants of the earth to people who are righteous.’ (12:101)
provide food for both people and animals. Then, Allah expands provision to anyone He wills and
when the earth is at its loveliest and takes on its restricts it. They rejoice in the life of this world.
fairest guise and its people think they have it Yet the life of this world, compared to the here-
under their control, Our command comes upon after, is only fleeting enjoyment. (13:26)
it by night or day and We reduce it to dried-out They will receive punishment in the life of this
stubble, as though it had not been flourishing just world and the punishment of the hereafter is
the day before! In this way We make Our Signs harsher still. They have no defender against
clear for people who reflect. (10:24) Allah. (13:34)
Those who believe and have done their duty, Those who prefer the life of this world to the
there is good news for them in the life of this hereafter, and bar access to the way of Allah,
world and in the hereafter. There is no changing seeking in it something crooked; they are greatly
the words of Allah. That is the great victory! misguided. (14:3)
(10:63-64) Allah makes those who believe firm with the
There is the enjoyment of this world. Then they Firm Word in the life of this world and the here-
will return to Us. Then We will let them taste the after. But Allah misguides the wrongdoers. Allah
terrible punishment because they disbelieved. does whatever He wills. (14:27)
(10:70) He (Satan) said, ‘My Lord, because You misled
Musa said, ‘Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh me, I will make things on the earth seem good to
and his ruling circle finery and wealth in the life them and I will mislead them all, every one of
of this world, Our Lord, so that they may be mis- them.’ (15:39)
guided from Your Way. Our Lord, obliterate their When those who have fear of Allah are asked,
wealth and harden their hearts so that they do ‘What has your Lord sent down?’ their reply is,
not believe until they see the painful punish- ‘Good!’ There is good in this world for those who
ment.’ (10:88) do good, and the abode of the hereafter is even
How is it that there has never been a city that be- better. How wonderful is the abode of those who
lieved, whose faith then brought it benefit, ex- guard against evil. (16:30)
cept the people of Yunus? When they believed As for those who migrate for Allah’s sake after
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being wronged, We shall give them good lodging ing. (20:131)
in this world, and the reward of the hereafter is He (Musa) said, ‘Go! In this world you will have
greater still if they only knew. (16:41) to say, "Untouchable!" And you have an appoint-
That is because they prefer the life of this world ment which you will not fail to keep. Look at
to the hereafter and because Allah does not your god to which you devoted so much time.
guide disbelieving people. (16:107) We will burn it up and then scatter it as dust into
We gave him good in this world and in the here- the sea.’ (20:97)
after he will be one of the righteous. (16:122) Among the people there is one who worships
As for anyone who desires this fleeting existence, Allah right on the edge. If good befalls him, he is
We hasten in it whatever We will to whoever We content with it, but if a trial befalls him, he re-
want. Then We will consign him to Hell where verts to his former ways, losing both this world
he will roast, reviled and driven out. (17:18) and the hereafter. That is indeed sheer loss.
Those who are blind in this world will be blind in (22:11)
the hereafter and even further off the Path. Anyone who thinks that Allah will not help him
(17:72) in this world and the hereafter should stretch a
Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on rope up to the ceiling and then cut (it) off. Let him
their Lord morning and evening, desiring His see whether his stratagem gets rid of what en-
face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring rages him! (22:15)
the attractions of this world. And do not obey The ruling circle of his people–those who disbe-
someone whose heart We have made neglectful lieved and denied the encounter of the hereafter
of Our remembrance and who follows his own and whom We had given opulence in this
whims and desires and whose life has trans- world–said, ‘This is nothing but a human being
gressed all bounds. (18:28) like yourselves who eats what you eat and drinks
Make a metaphor for them of the life of this what you drink.’ (23:33)
world. It is like water which We send down from (They said,) ‘What is there but our life in this
the sky and the plants of the earth combine with world? We die and we live and we will not be
it but then become dry chaff scattered by the raised again.’ (23:37)
winds. Allah has absolute power over every- Were it not for Allah’s favour to you and His
thing. (18:45) mercy, both in this world and the hereafter, a ter-
Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life rible punishment would have afflicted you for
of this world. But, in your Lord’s sight, right ac- your plunging headlong into it. (24:14)
tions which are lasting bring a better reward and People who love to see filth being spread about
are a better basis for hope. (18:46) concerning those who believe will have a painful
Say: ‘Shall I inform you of the greatest losers in punishment both in this world and the hereafter.
their actions? People whose efforts in the life of Allah knows and you do not know. (24:19)
this world are misguided while they suppose that Those who accuse chaste believing women, un-
they are doing good.’ (18:103-104) aware (of the evil), are cursed both in this world
They (magicians) said (to Pharaoh), ‘We will and the hereafter, and they will have a terrible
never prefer you to the Clear Signs which have punishment. (24:23)
come to us nor to Him Who brought us into Those who cannot find the means to marry
being. Decide on any judgment you like. Your ju- should be abstinent until Allah enriches them
risdiction only covers the life of this world.’ from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to
(20:72) make a contract to free themselves, write it for
Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We them if you know of good in them and give them
have given certain of them to enjoy, the flower of some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not
the life of this world, so that We can test them by force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if
it. Your Lord’s provision is better and longer last- they desire to be virtuous women out of your de-
811
sire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces thing with Me about which you have no knowl-
them, then after they have been forced, Allah is edge, do not obey them. Keep company with
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:33) them correctly and courteously in this world but
We pursued them with a curse in this world and follow the Way of him who turns to Me. Then
on the Day of Rising they will be hideous and you will return to Me and I will inform you about
spurned. (28:42) the things you did.’ (31:15)
Anything you have been given is only the enjoy- Mankind! Have fear of your Lord and fear a day
ment of the life of this world and its finery. What when no father will be able to atone for his son,
is with Allah is better and longer lasting. So will or son for his father, in any way. Allah’s promise
you not use your intellect? (28:60) is true. So do not let the life of this world delude
Is someone whom We have promised good and you and do not let the Deluder delude you con-
who then obtains it, the same as someone whom cerning Allah. (31:33)
We have given enjoyment in the life of this world O Prophet, tell your wives: ‘If you desire the life
and who then, on the Day of Rising, is one of of this world and its finery, come and I will give
those brought to punishment? (28:61) you all you need and release you with kindness.’
He is Allah. There is no god but Him. Praise be to (33:28)
Him in this world and the hereafter. Judgement As for those who abuse Allah and His Messenger,
belongs to Him. You will be returned to Him. Allah’s curse is on them in this world and the
(28:70) hereafter. He has prepared a humiliating punish-
(His people said to Qarun,) ‘Seek the abode of ment for them. (33:57)
the hereafter with what Allah has given you, Mankind! Allah’s promise is true. Do not let the
without forgetting your portion of this world. And life of this world delude you and do not let the
do good as Allah has been good to you. And do Deluder delude you about Allah. (35:5)
not seek to cause corruption in the earth. Allah Say: ‘Servants of Mine who believe! Have fear of
does not love corrupters.’ (28:77) your Lord. For those who do good in this world
He went out among his people in his finery. there is good and Allah’s earth is spacious. The
Those who desired the life of this world said, steadfast will be paid their wages in full without
‘Oh! If only we had the same as Qarun has been any reckoning.’ (39:10)
given! What immense good fortune he pos- So Allah made them taste disgrace in the life of
sesses.’ (28:79) this world and the punishment of the hereafter is
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘You have adopted idols apart far worse if they only knew. (39:26)
from Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this (The man who believed said,) ‘My people! The
world. But then on the Day of Rising you will re- life of this world is only fleeting enjoyment. It is
ject one another and curse one another. The Fire the hereafter which is the abode of permanence.’
will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.’ (40:39)
(29:25) (The man who believed said,) ‘There is no ques-
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub and placed tion that what you call me to has no foundation
Prophethood and the Book among his progeny. either in this world or the hereafter, that our re-
We gave him his reward in this world and in the turn is to Allah, and that the profligate will be
hereafter he will be among the righteous. (29:27) Companions of the Fire.’ (40:43)
The life of this world is nothing but a game and a We will certainly help Our Messengers and those
diversion. The abode of the hereafter–that is truly who believe both in the life of this world and on
Life if they only knew. (29:64) the Day the witnesses appear. (40:51)
They know an outward aspect of the life of this So We sent a howling wind against them on dis-
world but are heedless of the hereafter. (30:7) astrous ill-fated days to make them taste the pun-
(We have instructed man concerning his par- ishment of degradation in this world. And the
ents:) ‘But if they try to make you associate some- punishment of the hereafter is even more degrad-
812
ing. And they will not be helped. (41:16) boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo
We are your protectors in the life of this world one another in wealth and children: like the
and the hereafter. You will have there all that plant-growth after rain which delights the culti-
your selves could wish for. You will have there vators, but then it withers and you see it turning
everything you demand. (41:31) yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In
If anyone desires to cultivate the hereafter, We the hereafter there is terrible punishment but also
will increase him in his cultivation. If anyone de- forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure.
sires to cultivate this world, We will give him The life of this world is nothing but the enjoy-
some of it but he will have no share in the here- ment of delusion. (57:20)
after. (42:20) If Allah had not prescribed banishment for them,
Whatever you have been given is only the enjoy- He would have punished them in this world. But
ment of the life of this world. What is with Allah in the hereafter they will have the punishment of
is better and longer lasting for those who believe the Fire. (59:3)
and trust in their Lord. (42:36) So Allah made an example of him seizing him
Is it, then, they who allocate the mercy of your with punishment in this world and the hereafter.
Lord? We have allocated their livelihood among (79:25)
them in the life of this world and raised some of As for him who overstepped the bounds and pre-
them above others in rank so that some of them ferred the life of this world, the Blazing Fire will
are subservient to others. But the mercy of your be his refuge. (79:37-39)
Lord is better than anything they amass. (43:32) Yet still you prefer the life of this world when the
Were it not that mankind might all become one hereafter is better and longer lasting. (87:16-17)
community, We would have given those who re- The Last will be better for you than the First.
ject the All-Merciful silver roofs to their houses (93:4)
and silver stairways to ascend and silver doors to
their houses and silver couches on which to re- WORM
cline, and gold ornaments. All that is merely the Then when We decreed that he (Sulayman)
trappings of the life of this world. But the here- should die, nothing divulged his death to them
after with your Lord is for those who guard except the worm which ate his staff; so that when
against evil. (43:33-35) he fell down it was made clear to the jinn that if
They say, ‘There is nothing but our existence in they had truly had knowledge of the Unseen they
this world. We die and we live and nothing de- need not have stayed there suffering humiliating
stroys us except for time.’ They have no knowl- punishment. (34:14)
edge of that. They are only conjecturing. (45:24) They will say, ‘Are we to be restored to how we
(Disbelievers will be told,) ‘That is because you were? When we have become perished, worm-
made a mockery of Allah’s Signs and the life of eaten bones?’ (79:10-11)
this world deluded you.’ Therefore, today they
will not get out of it. They will not be able to ap- WORSHIP
pease Allah. (45:35) You alone we worship. You alone we ask for
The life of this world is merely a game and a di- help. (1:4)
version. If you believe and guard against evil, He Mankind! Worship your Lord, Who created you
will pay you your wages and not ask you for all and those before you, so that hopefully you will
your wealth. (47:36) guard against evil. (2:21)
So turn away from him who turns away from Our Remember when We made a covenant with the
remembrance and desires nothing but the life of tribe of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and be
this world. (53:29) good to your parents and to relatives and or-
Know that the life of this world is merely a game phans and the very poor. And speak good words
and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of to people. And perform prayer and give the
813
alms.’ But then you turned away–except a few of worse than that: that of those whom Allah has
you–you turned aside. (2:83) cursed and with whom He is angry–turning some
(Ibrahim said,) ‘Our Lord, make us both Muslims of them into monkeys and into pigs–and who
submitted to You, and our descendants a Muslim worshipped false gods? Such people are in a
community submitted to You. Show us our rites worse situation and further from the right way.’
of worship and turn towards us. You are the Ever- (5:60)
Returning, the Most Merciful.’ (2:128) Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam,
Or were you present when death came to Ya‘qub is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe
and he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.
when I have gone?’ They said, ‘We will worship If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah
your God, the God of your forefathers, Ibrahim, has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will
Isma‘il and Ishaq–one God. We are Muslims sub- be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no
mitted to Him.’ (2:133) helpers. (5:72)
The colouring of Allah–and what colouring Say: ‘Do you worship, besides Allah, something
could be better than Allah’s? It is Him we wor- which has no power to harm or help you when
ship. (2:138) Allah is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing?’ (5:76)
You who believe! Eat of the good things We have (‘Isa will say,) ‘I said to them nothing but what
provided for you and give thanks to Allah if you You ordered me to say: "Worship Allah, my Lord
worship Him alone. (2:172) and your Lord." I was a witness against them as
(‘Isa will say,) ‘Allah is my Lord and your Lord so long as I remained among them, but when You
worship Him. That is a straight path.’ (3:51) took me back to You, You were the One watch-
Say, ‘People of the Book! Come to a proposition ing over them. You are Witness of all things.
which is the same for us and you–that we should (5:117)
worship none but Allah and not associate any Say: ‘I am forbidden to worship those you call
partners with Him and not take one another as upon besides Allah.’ Say: ‘I do not follow your
lords besides Allah.’ If they turn away, say, ‘Bear whims and desires. If I did I would go astray and
witness that we are Muslims.’ (3:64) not be among the guided.’ (6:56)
It is not right for any human being that Allah That is Allah, your Lord. There is no god but
should give him the Book and Judgement and Him, the Creator of everything. So worship Him.
Prophethood, and then that he should say to peo- He is responsible for everything. (6:102)
ple, ‘Be worshippers of me rather than Allah.’ We sent Nuh to his people and he said, ‘My peo-
Rather he will say, ‘Be people of the Lord be- ple, worship Allah! You have no other god than
cause of your knowledge of the Book and be- Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful
cause you study.’ (3:79) Day.’ (7:59)
Worship Allah and do not associate anything And to ‘Ad We sent their brother Hud, who said,
with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no other
and to orphans and the very poor, and to neigh- god than Him. So will you not guard against
bours who are related to you and neighbours evil?’ (7:65)
who are not related to you, and to companions They said, ‘Have you come to us to make us wor-
and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not ship Allah alone and abandon what our fathers
love anyone vain or boastful. (4:36) used to worship? Then bring us what you have
The Messiah would never disdain to be a servant promised us if you are telling the truth.’ (7:70)
to Allah nor would the angels near to Him. If any And to Thamud We sent their brother Salih, who
do disdain to worship Him, and grow arrogant, said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no
He will in any case gather them all to Him. other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to
(4:172) you from your Lord. This is the She-Camel of
Say: ‘Shall I tell you of a reward with Allah far Allah as a Sign for you. Leave her alone to eat on
814
Allah’s earth and do not harm her in any way or a people in houses in Egypt and make your houses
painful punishment will afflict you.’ (7:73) places of worship and perform prayer and give
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb good news to the believers.’ (10:87)
who said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have Say: ‘Mankind! If you are in any doubt about my
no other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to religion, I do not worship those you worship be-
you from your Lord. Give full measure and full sides Allah. Rather I worship Allah Who will take
weight. Do not diminish people’s goods. Do not you back to Him and I am commanded to be one
cause corruption in the land after it has been put of the believers.’ (10:104)
right. That is better for you if you are believers.’ ‘Do not worship anyone but Allah! I am a warner
(7:85) and bringer of good news to you from Him.’
Those who are in the presence of your Lord do (11:2)
not consider themselves too great to worship (Nuh said to his people,) ‘Worship none but
Him. They glorify His praise and they prostrate to Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a painful
Him. (7:206) day.’ (11:26)
They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords And to ‘Ad We sent their brother Hud. He said,
besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of ‘My people! Worship Allah. You have no god
Maryam. Yet they were commanded to worship apart from Him. You are merely fabricators.’
only one God. There is no god but Him! Glory be (11:50)
to Him above anything they associate with Him! To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said,
(9:31) ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no god
Those who repent, those who worship, those apart from Him. He brought you into being from
who praise, those who fast, those who bow, the earth and made you its inhabitants. So ask
those who prostrate, those who command the His forgiveness and then repent to Him. My Lord
right, those who forbid the wrong, those who is Close and Quick to Respond.’ (11:61)
preserve the limits of Allah: give good news to They said, ‘Salih, we had great hopes in you be-
the believers. (9:112) fore this happened. Do you forbid us to worship
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and what our fathers worshipped? We have grave
the earth in six days and then established Himself doubts about what you are calling us to.’ (11:62)
firmly on the Throne. He directs the whole affair. And (We sent) to Madyan their brother Shu‘ayb.
No one can intercede except with His permis- He said, ‘My people, worship Allah! You have no
sion. That is Allah your Lord, so worship Him. god apart from Him. Do not give short measure
Will you not pay heed? (10:3) and short weight. I see you prospering and I fear
They worship, instead of Allah, what can neither for you the punishment of an all-encompassing
harm them nor help them, saying, ‘These are our Day.’ (11:84)
intercessors with Allah.’ Say: ‘Would you inform They said, ‘Shu‘ayb, do your prayers instruct you
Allah of something about which He does not that we should abandon what our fathers wor-
know either in the heavens or on the earth?’ May shipped or stop doing whatever we want to with
He be glorified and exalted above what they as- our wealth? You are clearly the forbearing, the
sociate with Him! (10:18) rightly-guided!’ (11:87)
On the Day We gather them all together, We will So be in no doubt about what these people wor-
say then to those who associated others with ship. They only worship as their forebears wor-
Allah, ‘To your place, you and your partner- shipped previously. We will pay them their
gods!’ Then We will sift them out, and their part- portion in full, with no rebate! (11:109)
ner-gods will say, ‘It was not us you worshipped. The Unseen of the heavens and the earth belongs
Allah is a sufficient witness between us and you. to Allah and the whole affair will be returned to
We were unaware of your worship.’ (10:28-29) Him. So worship Him and put your trust in Him.
We revealed to Musa and his brother: ‘Settle your Your Lord is not unaware of what you do. (11:123)
815
What you serve apart from Him are only names So eat from what Allah has provided for you,
which you and your forefathers have made up. lawful and good, and be thankful for the blessing
There is no mandate for them from Allah. Allah of Allah if it is Him you worship. (16:114)
alone is qualified to judge. His order is to wor- Your Lord has decreed that you should worship
ship none but Him. That is in truth the straight none but Him, and that you should show kind-
and upright religion, but most of mankind simply ness to your parents. Whether one or both of
do not know. (12:40) them reach old age with you, do not say ‘Ugh!’ to
Those to whom We gave the Book rejoice at them out of irritation and do not be harsh with
what has been sent down to you but some of the them but speak to them with gentleness and gen-
parties refuse to acknowledge part of it. Say: ‘I erosity. (17:23)
have only been ordered to worship Allah and not (We said to them,) ‘When you have separated
to associate anything with Him. I summon to yourselves from them and everything they wor-
Him and to Him I will return.’ (13:36) ship except Allah, take refuge in the cave and
Their Messengers said, ‘Is there any doubt about your Lord will unfold His mercy to you and open
Allah, the Bringer into Being of the heavens and the way to the best for you in your situation.’
the earth? He summons you to forgive you for (18:16)
your wrong actions and to defer you until a spec- Accordingly We made them chance upon them
ified time.’ They said, ‘You are nothing but unexpectedly so they might know that Allah’s
human beings like ourselves who want to debar promise is true and that there is no doubt about
us from what our fathers worshipped; so bring us the Hour. When they were arguing among them-
a clear authority.’ (14:10) selves about the matter, they said, ‘Wall up their
When Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord! Make this land a cave, their Lord knows best about them.’ But
place of safety and keep me and my sons from those who got the better of the argument con-
worshipping idols.’ (14:35) cerning them said, ‘We will build a place of wor-
And worship your Lord until what is Certain ship over them.’ (18:21)
comes to you. (15:99) Say: ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It
The idolaters say, ‘If Allah had willed we would is revealed to me that your god is One God. So
not have worshipped anything apart from Him, let him who hopes to meet his Lord act rightly
neither we nor our fathers, nor would we have and not associate anyone in the worship of his
forbidden anything without His say.’ Those be- Lord.’ (18:110)
fore them said the same. Are the Messengers re- ‘Allah is my Lord and your Lord so worship Him.
sponsible for anything but clear transmission? This is a straight path.’ (19:36)
(16:35) Remember when he (Ibrahim) said to his father,
We sent a Messenger among every people say- ‘Father, why do you worship what can neither
ing: ‘Worship Allah and keep clear of all false hear nor see and is not of any use to you at all?
gods.’ Among them were some whom Allah Father, knowledge which never reached you has
guided but others received the misguidance they come to me, so follow me and I will guide you to
deserved. Travel about the earth and see the final the right path. Father, do not worship Satan.
fate of the deniers. (16:36) Satan was disobedient to the All-Merciful.
Allah has given you wives from among your- (19:42-44)
selves, and given you children and grandchildren When he (Ibrahim) had separated himself from
from your wives, and provided good things for them, and what they worshipped besides Allah,
you. So why do they believe in falsehood and re- We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, making each of
ject the blessings of Allah, and worship, instead of them a Prophet. (19:49)
Allah, things that have no control over their provi- He is Lord of the heavens and the earth and
sion from the heavens or earth in any way, and are everything in between them, so worship Him
themselves completely impotent? (16:72-73) and persevere in His worship. Do you know of
816
any other with His Name? (19:65) We sent Nuh to his people and he said, ‘My peo-
No indeed! They will reject their worship and ple, worship Allah. You have no god other than
will be opposed to them. (19:82) Him. So will you not guard against evil?’ (23:23)
I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship And (We) sent a Messenger to them from them-
Me and perform prayer to remember Me. (20:14) selves: ‘Worship Allah. You have no god other
Everyone in the heavens and the earth belongs to than Him! So will you not guard against evil?’
Him. Those in His presence do not consider (23:32)
themselves too great to worship Him and do not Allah has promised those of you who believe and
grow tired of it. (21:19) do right actions that He will make them succes-
We sent no Messenger before you without re- sors in the land as He made those before them
vealing to him: ‘There is no god but Me, so wor- successors, and will firmly establish for them
ship Me.’ (21:25) their religion with which He is pleased and give
They said, ‘We found our fathers worshipping them, in place of their fear, security. ‘They wor-
them.’ (21:53) ship Me, not associating anything with Me.’ Any
He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Do you then worship, instead who disbelieve after that, such people are devia-
of Allah, what cannot help or harm you in any tors. (24:55)
way? Shame on you and what you worship be- On the Day We gather them together, and those
sides Allah! Will you not use your intellect?’ they worship besides Allah, and say, ‘Did you
(21:66-67) misguide these servants of Mine or did they stray
We made them leaders, guiding by Our com- from the way of their own accord?’ (25:17)
mand, and revealed to them how to do good ac- Yet they worship instead of Allah what can nei-
tions and perform prayer and give the alms, and ther help nor harm them. The disbeliever is ever,
they worshipped Us. (21:73) against his Lord, an assistant (to Satan). (25:55)
We responded to him (Ayyub) and removed from Recite to them the story of Ibrahim when he said
him the harm which was afflicting him and re- to his father and his people, ‘What do you wor-
stored his family to him, and the same again with ship?’ They said, ‘We worship idols and will con-
them, as a mercy direct from Us and a Reminder tinue to cling to them.’ (26:69-71)
to all worshippers. (21:84) He (Ibrahim) said, ‘Have you really thought
This nation of yours is one nation and I am your about what you worship?’ (26:75)
Lord, so worship Me. (21:92) They will be asked, ‘Where are those you used to
You and what you worship besides Allah are fuel worship besides Allah?’ (26:92)
for Hell. You will go down into it. (21:98) But what she (the Queen of Sheba) worshipped
Certainly there is a transmission in this for people besides Allah impeded her. She was from an un-
who worship. (21:106) believing people. (27:43)
Among the people there is one who worships To Thamud We sent their brother Salih telling
Allah right on the edge. If good befalls him, he is them to worship Allah, and straightaway they di-
content with it, but if a trial befalls him, he re- vided in two, arguing with one another. (27:45)
verts to his former ways, losing both this world ‘I have simply been ordered to worship the Lord
and the hereafter. That is indeed sheer loss. of this land which He has declared sacred–every-
(22:11) thing belongs to Him–and I have been ordered to
They worship besides Allah something for which be one of the Muslims.’ (27:91)
no authority has come down, something about Those against whom the Word has been justly
which they have no knowledge. There is no carried out will say, ‘Our Lord, those people we
helper for the wrongdoers. (22:71) misled, we only misled them as we too were mis-
You who believe! Bow and prostrate and wor- led. We declare our innocence to You. It was not
ship your Lord, and do good, so that hopefully us they were worshipping!’ (28:63)
you will be successful. (22:77) And Ibrahim, when he said to his people,
817
‘Worship Allah and have fear of Him. That is bet- should dictate and should have fear of Allah his
ter for you if you only knew. Instead of Allah you Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person
worship only idols. You are inventing a lie. Those incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or un-
you worship besides Allah have no power to pro- able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate
vide for you. So seek your provision from Allah for him justly. Two men among you should act as
and worship Him and give thanks to Him. It is to witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a
Him you will be returned.’ (29:16-17) man and two women with whom you are satis-
And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu‘ayb, fied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the
he said, ‘My people, worship Allah and look to other can remind her. Witnesses should not re-
the Last Day and do not act unjustly on earth, fuse when they are called upon. Do not think it
corrupting it.’ (29:36) too trivial to write down, whether small or large,
My servants, you who believe, My earth is wide, with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more
so worship Me alone! (29:56) just in Allah’s sight and more helpful when bear-
On the Day We gather them all together and then ing witness and more likely to eliminate any
say to the angels, ‘Was it you whom these people doubt–unless it is an immediate transaction hand
were worshipping?’ they will say, ‘Glory be to to hand, taken and given without delay. There is
You! You are our Protector, not them. No, they nothing wrong in your not writing that down.
were worshipping the jinn. They mostly had faith Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer
in them.’ (34:40-41) nor witness should be put under pressure. If you
do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of
WORTHLESS TALK Allah and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah
(Believers are) those who turn away from worth- has knowledge of all things. (2:282)
less talk. (23:3) If you are on a journey and cannot find a writer,
(Believers are) those who do not bear false wit- something can be left as a security. If you leave
ness and who, when they pass by worthless talk, things on trust with one another the one who is
pass by with dignity. (25:72) trusted must deliver up his trust and have fear of
When they hear worthless talk they turn away Allah his Lord. Do not conceal testimony. If
from it and say, ‘We have our actions and you someone does conceal it, his heart commits a
have your actions. Peace be upon you. We do crime. Allah knows what you do. (2:283)
not desire the company of the ignorant.’ (28:55)
(TO) WRONG
WRETCHED And when Musa said to his people, ‘My people,
On the Day it comes, no self will speak except by You wronged yourselves by adopting the Calf so
His permission. Some of them will be wretched turn towards your Maker and kill yourselves.
and others glad. (11:105) That is the best thing for you in your Maker’s
As for those who are wretched, they will be in sight.’ And He turned towards you. He is the
the Fire, where they will sigh and gasp. (11:106) Ever-Returning, the Most Merciful. (2:54)
I have warned you of a Fire which rages, in And We shaded you with clouds and sent down
which only the most wretched will roast. (92:14- manna and quails to you: ‘Eat of the good things
15) We have provided for you.’ They did not wrong
Us; rather it was themselves they were wronging.
WRITER (2:57)
You who believe! When you take on a debt for a When you divorce women and they are near the
specified period, write it down. A writer should end of their waiting period, then either retain
write it down between you justly. No writer them with correctness and courtesy or release
should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him, them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re-
so he should write. The one incurring the debt tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits.
818
Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do We divided them up into twelve tribes–commu-
not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember nities. We revealed to Musa, when his people
Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with your
Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish staff.’ Twelve fountains flowed out from it and all
you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has the people knew their drinking place. And We
knowledge of all things. (2:231) shaded them with clouds and sent down manna
If you do not, know that it means war from Allah and quails to them: ‘Eat of the good things We
and His Messenger. But if you repent you may have provided you with.’ They did not wrong Us;
have your capital, without wronging and without rather it was themselves they wronged. (7:160)
being wronged. (2:279) How evil is the metaphor of those who deny Our
The metaphor of what they spend in their life in Signs. It is themselves that they have badly
this world is that of a wind with an icy bite to it wronged. (7:177)
which strikes the crops of a people who have (Angels will say to the disbelievers,) ‘That is for
wronged themselves and destroys them. Allah what you did. Allah does not wrong His ser-
did not wrong them; rather it was themselves vants.’ (8:51)
they were wronging. (3:117) There have been twelve months with Allah in the
... Allah loves the good-doers–those who, when Book of Allah, from the day He first created the
they act indecently or wrong themselves, re- heavens and earth. Four of them are forbidden.
member Allah and ask forgiveness for their bad That is the True Religion. So do not wrong one
actions (and who can forgive bad actions except another during them. However, fight the idol-
Allah?) and do not knowingly persist in what they aters totally just as they fight you totally, and
were doing. (3:134-135) know that Allah is with those who guard against
That is on account of what you did. Allah does evil. (9:36)
not wrong His servants. (3:182) Has the news of those who came before them not
We sent no Messenger except to be obeyed by reached them, the people of Nuh and ‘Ad and
Allah’s permission. If only when they wronged Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim and the in-
themselves they had come to you and asked habitants of Madyan and the overturned cities?
Allah’s forgiveness and the Messenger had asked Their Messengers brought them the Clear Signs.
forgiveness for them they would have found Allah did not wrong them; rather they wronged
Allah Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (4:64) themselves. (9:70)
The angels ask those they take while they are Allah does not wrong people in any way; rather it
wronging themselves, ‘What were your circum- is people who wrong themselves. (10:44)
stances?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed on Every nation has a Messenger and when their
earth.’ They say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not wide Messenger comes everything is decided between
enough for you to have migrated elsewhere in it?’ them justly. They are not wronged. (10:47)
The shelter of such people will be Hell. What an If every self that did wrong possessed everything
evil destination! (4:97) on earth, it would offer it as a ransom. They will
Anyone who does evil or wrongs himself and show remorse when they see the punishment.
then asks Allah’s forgiveness will find Allah Ever- Everything will be decided between them justly.
Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:110) They will not be wronged. (10:54)
Allah does not like evil words being voiced out We did not wrong them; rather they wronged
loud, except in the case of someone who has themselves. The gods they called upon besides
been wronged. Allah is All-Hearing, All- Allah did not help them at all when Allah’s com-
Knowing. (4:148) mand came upon them. They did nothing but in-
They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged our- crease their ruin. (11:101)
selves. If you do not forgive us and have mercy Warn mankind of the Day when the punishment
on us, we will be among the lost.’ (7:23) will reach them. Those who did wrong will say,
819
‘Our Lord, reprieve us for a short time. We will those who believe and do right actions and re-
respond to Your call and follow the Messengers.’ member Allah repeatedly and defend themselves
‘But did you not swear to Me before that you after they have been wronged? Those who do
would never meet your downfall, even though wrong will soon know the kind of reversal they
you inhabited the houses of those who had will receive! (26:225-227)
wronged themselves and it was made clear to She (Queen of Sheba) was told: ‘Enter the court-
you how We had dealt with them and We gave yard,’ but when she saw it she supposed it to be a
you many examples?’ (14:44-45) pool and bared her legs. He said, ‘It is a court-
What are they waiting for but the angels to come yard paved with glass.’ She said, ‘My Lord, I have
to them or your Lord's command to come? That wronged myself but I have submitted with
is like what those before them did. Allah did not Sulayman to the Lord of all the worlds.’ (27:44)
wrong them; rather they wronged themselves. He (Musa) said, ‘My Lord, I have wronged my-
(16:33) self. Forgive me.’ So He forgave him. He is the
As for those who migrate for Allah’s sake after Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. (28:16)
being wronged, We shall give them good lodging We seized each one of them for their wrong ac-
in this world, and the reward of the hereafter is tions. Against some We sent a sudden squall of
greater still if they only knew. (16:41) stones; some of them were seized by the Great
On that Day every self will come to argue for it- Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up;
self and every self will be paid in full for what it and some We drowned. Allah did not wrong
did. They will not be wronged. (16:111) them; rather they wronged themselves. (29:40)
We forbade the Jews those things We told you Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the
about before. We did not wrong them; rather final fate of those before them? They had greater
they wronged themselves. (16:118) strength than them and cultivated the land and
He entered his garden and wronged himself by inhabited it in far greater numbers than they do.
saying, ‘I do not think that this will ever end.’ Their Messengers also came to them with the
(18:35) Clear Signs. Allah would never have wronged
The Book will be set in place and you will see the them; but they wronged themselves. (30:9)
evildoers fearful of what is in it. They will say, They said, ‘Our Lord, put more distance between
‘Alas for us! What is this Book which does not our staging posts.’ They wronged themselves so
pass over any action, small or great, without We made legends of them and scattered them
recording it?’ They will find there everything they without a trace. There are certainly Signs in that
did and your Lord will not wrong anyone at all. for everyone who is steadfast and thankful.
(18:49) (34:19)
An evil generation succeeded them who neg- Then We made Our chosen servants inherit the
lected the prayer and followed their appetites. Book. But some of them wrong themselves; some
They will plunge into the Valley of Evil–except are ambivalent; and some outdo each other in
for those who repent and believe and act rightly. good by Allah’s permission. That is the great
They will enter the Garden and they will not be favour. (35:32)
wronged in any way. (19:59-60) Today no self will be wronged in any way. You
‘That is for what you did before. Allah does not will only be repaid for what you did. (36:54)
wrong His servants.’ (22:10) We showered blessings upon him and upon
Permission to fight is given to those who are Ishaq. Among their descendants are good-doers
fought against because they have been and also people who clearly wrong themselves.
wronged–truly Allah has the power to come to (37:113)
their support. (22:39) He (Dawud) said, ‘He has wronged you by ask-
Do you not see how they ramble on in every ing for your ewe to add to his ewes. Truly many
style and say things which they do not do, except partners are unjust to one another–except those
820
who believe and do right actions, and how few were wrongdoers. (2:51)
they are!’ Dawud realised that We had put him to But those who did wrong substituted words other
the test. He begged forgiveness from his Lord and than those they had been given. So We sent
fell down prone, prostrating, and repented. down a plague from heaven on those who did
(38:24) wrong because they were deviators. (2:59)
Whoever acts rightly, it is to his own good. Then you are the people who are killing one an-
Whoever does evil, it is to his detriment. Your other and expelling a group among you from
Lord does not wrong His servants. (41:46) their homes, ganging up against them in wrong-
(Believers are) those who, when they are doing and enmity. Yet if they are brought to you
wronged, defend themselves. (42:39) as captives, you ransom them, when it was for-
But if people do defend themselves when they bidden for you to expel them in the first place!
are wronged, nothing can be held against them Do you, then, believe in one part of the Book and
for doing that. (42:41) reject the other? What repayment will there be
There are only grounds against those who wrong for any of you who do that except disgrace in this
people and act as tyrants in the earth without any world? And on the Day of Rising, they will be re-
right to do so. Such people will have a painful turned to the harshest of punishments. Allah is
punishment. (42:42) not unaware of what you do. (2:85)
We have not wronged them; it was they who Musa brought you the Clear Signs; then, after he
were wrongdoers. (43:76) left, you adopted the Calf and were wrongdoers.
Allah created the heavens and earth with truth so (2:92)
that every self might be repaid for what it earned But they will never ever long for it because of
and they will not be wronged. (45:22) what they have done. Allah knows the wrongdo-
Everyone will be ranked according to what they ers. (2:95)
did. We will pay them in full for their actions and Who could do greater wrong than someone who
they will not be wronged. (46:19) bars access to the mosques of Allah, preventing
(He will say,) ‘My Word, once given, is not sub- His name from being remembered in them, and
ject to change and I do not wrong My servants.’ goes about destroying them? Such people will
(50:29) never be able to enter them–except in fear. They
O Prophet! When any of you divorce women, di- will have disgrace in this world and in the here-
vorce them during their period of purity and cal- after they will have a terrible punishment. (2:114)
culate their waiting period carefully. And have Remember when Ibrahim was tested by his Lord
fear of Allah, your Lord. Do not evict them from with certain words which he carried out com-
their homes, nor should they leave, unless they pletely. He said, ‘I will make you a model for
commit an outright indecency. Those are Allah’s mankind.’ He asked, ‘And what of my descen-
limits, and anyone who oversteps Allah’s limits dants?’ He said, ‘My contract does not include
has wronged himself. You never know, it may the wrongdoers.’ (2:124)
well be that after that Allah will cause a new sit- Or do they say that Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq
uation to develop. (65:1) and Ya‘qub and the Tribes were Jews or
Christians? Say, ‘Do you know better or does
WRONG - WRONGDOING - Allah?’ Who could do greater wrong than some-
WRONGDOER one who hides the evidence he has been given
We said, ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and by Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do.
your wife, and eat freely from it wherever you (2:140)
will. But do not approach this tree and so be- If you were to bring every Sign to those given the
come wrongdoers.’ (2:35) Book, they still would not follow your direction.
And when We allotted to Musa forty nights. Then You do not follow their direction. They do not
you adopted the Calf when he had gone and you follow each other’s direction. If you followed
821
their whims and desires, after the knowledge that limits are wrongdoers. (2:229)
has come to you, you would then be one of the But if a man divorces his wife a third time, she is
wrongdoers. (2:145) not lawful for him after that until she has married
Wherever you come from, turn your face to the another husband. Then if he divorces her, there is
Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Wherever nothing wrong in the original couple getting
you are, turn your faces towards it so that people back together provided they think they will re-
will have no argument against you–except for main within Allah’s limits. These are Allah’s lim-
those among them who do wrong and then you its which he has made clear to people who
should not fear them but rather fear Me–and so know. (2:230)
that I can complete My blessing to you so that What do you think about the council of the tribe
hopefully you will be guided. (2:150) of Israel after Musa’s time when they said to one
Some people set up equals to Allah, loving them of their Prophets, ‘Give us a king and we will
as they should love Allah. But those who believe fight in the Way of Allah!’? He said, ‘Is it not pos-
have greater love for Allah. If only you could see sible that if fighting were prescribed for you, you
those who do wrong at the time when they see would not fight?’ They said, ‘How could we not
the punishment, and that truly all strength be- fight in the way of Allah when we have been
longs to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punish- driven from our homes and children?’ But then
ment. (2:165) when fighting was prescribed for them, they
But if someone fears bias or wrongdoing on the turned their backs–except for a few of them.
part of the person making the will, and puts Allah knows the wrongdoers. (2:246)
things right between the people involved, in that You who believe! Give away some of what We
case he has not committed any crime. Allah is have provided for you before a Day arrives on
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:182) which there is no trading, no close friendship
Remember Allah on the designated days. Those and no intercession. It is the disbelievers who are
who hurry on in two days have done no wrong, the wrongdoers. (2:254)
and those who stay another day have done no What about the one who argued with Ibrahim
wrong–those of them who guard against evil. So about his Lord, on the basis that Allah had given
have fear of Allah. And know that you will be him sovereignty? Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord is He
gathered back to Him. (2:203) Who gives life and causes to die.’ He said, ‘I too
They will ask you about alcoholic drinks and give life and cause to die.’ Ibrahim said, ‘Allah
gambling. Say, ‘There is great wrong in both of makes the sun come from the East. Make it come
them and also certain benefits for mankind. But from the West.’ And the one who was a disbe-
the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.’ liever was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide
They will ask you what they should give away. wrongdoing people. (2:258)
Say, ‘Whatever is surplus to your needs.’ In this Whatever amount you spend or vow you make,
way Allah makes the Signs clear to you, so that Allah knows it. The wrongdoers have no helpers.
hopefully you will reflect. (2:219) (2:270)
Divorce can be pronounced two times; in which Allah obliterates usury but makes charity grow in
case wives may be retained with correctness and value! Allah does not love any persistently un-
courtesy or released with good will. It is not law- grateful wrongdoer. (2:276)
ful for you to keep anything you have given them As for those who disbelieve, their wealth and
unless a couple fear that they will not remain children will not help them against Allah in any
within Allah’s limits. If you fear that they will not way. They are fuel for the Fire, as was the case
remain within Allah’s limits, there is nothing with the people of Pharaoh and those before
wrong in the wife ransoming herself with some of them. They denied Our Signs so Allah seized
what she received. These are Allah’s limits, so do them for their wrong actions. Allah is fierce in
not overstep them. Those who overstep Allah’s retribution. (3:10-11)
822
As for those who believe and do right actions, You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites
We will pay them their wages in full. Allah does of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial
not love wrongdoers. (3:57) animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading
How can Allah guide a people who have disbe- for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good
lieved after having believed? They bore witness pleasure from their Lord. When your pilgrimage
that the Messenger was true and that the Clear is over, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for
Signs had come to them. Allah does not guide a people who debar you from the Sacred Mosque
people who are wrongdoers. (3:86) (Masjid al-Haram) incite you into going beyond
So any who, after this, invent a lie against Allah the limits. Help each other to goodness and
are indeed wrongdoers. (3:94) heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdo-
You have no part in the affair. Either He will turn ing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is se-
towards them or He will punish them, for they vere in retribution. (5:2)
are wrongdoers. (3:128) Forbidden for you are carrion, blood and pork,
If you have received a wound, they have already and what has been consecrated to other than
received a similar wound. We deal out such days Allah, and animals which have been strangled,
to people turn by turn, so that Allah will know and animals which have been killed by a blow,
those who believe and can gather martyrs from and animals which have fallen to their death,
among you–Allah does not love wrongdoers. and animals which have been gored, and ani-
(3:140) mals which wild beasts have eaten–except those
We will cast terror into the hearts of those who you are able to slaughter properly–and animals
disbelieve because they have associated others which have been sacrificed on altars, and decid-
with Allah for which He has not sent down any ing things by means of divining arrows–that is
authority. Their shelter will be the Fire. How evil deviance. Today those who disbelieve have de-
is the abode of the wrongdoers! (3:151) spaired of overcoming your religion. So do not
(People with intelligence remember Allah:) ‘Our be afraid of them but be afraid of Me. Today I
Lord, those You cast into the Fire, You have in- have perfected your religion for you and com-
deed disgraced. The wrongdoers will have no pleted My blessing upon you and I am pleased
helpers.’ (3:192) with Islam as a religion for you. But if anyone is
As for anyone who does that out of enmity and forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing,
wrongdoing, We will roast him in a Fire. That is Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)
an easy matter for Allah. (4:30) (One of Adam’s two sons said to the other,) ‘I
If you avoid the serious wrong actions you have want you to take on both my wrongdoing and
been forbidden, We will erase your bad actions your wrongdoing and so become one of the
from you and admit you by a Gate of Honour. Companions of the Fire. That is the repayment of
(4:31) the wrongdoers.’ (5:29)
What reason could you have for not fighting in We prescribed for them in it: a life for a life, an
the Way of Allah–for those men, women and eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an
children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord, ear, a tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for
take us out of this city whose inhabitants are wounds. But if anyone forgoes that as a charity, it
wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give will act as expiation for him. Those who do not
us a helper from You!’? (4:75) judge by what Allah has sent down, such people
Anyone who commits an error or an evil action, are wrongdoers. (5:45)
and then ascribes it to someone innocent, bears Judge between them by what Allah has sent
the weight of slander and clear wrongdoing. down and do not follow their whims and desires.
(4:112) And beware of them lest they lure you away from
Allah will not forgive those who disbelieve and some of what Allah has sent down to you. If they
do wrong or guide them on any path. (4:168) turn their backs, then know that Allah wants to
823
afflict them with some of their wrong actions. greatest knowledge of the wrongdoers.’ (6:58)
Many of mankind are deviators. (5:49) When you see people engrossed in mockery of
You who believe! Do not take the Jews and Our Signs, turn from them until they start to talk
Christians as your friends; they are the friends of of other things. And if Satan should ever cause
one another. Any of you who takes them as you to forget, once you remember, do not stay
friends is one of them. Allah does not guide sitting with the wrongdoers. (6:68)
wrongdoing people. (5:51) Who could do greater wrong than someone who
You see many of them rushing to wrongdoing invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs, or
and enmity and acquiring ill-gotten gains. What who says, ‘It has been revealed to me,’ when
an evil thing they do! (5:62) nothing has been revealed to him, or someone
Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam, who says, ‘I will send down the same as Allah
is Allah are disbelievers. The Messiah said, ‘Tribe has sent down’? If you could only see the wrong-
of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. doers in the throes of death when the angels are
If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah stretching out their hands, saying, ‘Disgorge your
has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will own selves! Today you will be repaid with the
be the Fire.’ The wrongdoers will have no punishment of humiliation for saying something
helpers. (5:72) other than the truth about Allah, and being arro-
If it then comes to light that the two of them have gant about His Signs.’ (6:93)
merited the allegation of wrongdoing, two others Abandon wrong action, outward and inward.
who have the most right to do so should take Those who commit wrong action will be repaid
their place and swear by Allah: ‘Our testimony is for what they perpetrated. (6:120)
truer than their testimony. We have not commit- And likewise in every city We set up its greatest
ted perjury. If we had we would indeed be wrongdoers to plot in it. They plot against them-
wrongdoers.’ (5:107) selves alone, but they are not aware of it. (6:123)
Who could do greater wrong than someone who In that way We make the wrongdoers friends of
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs? one another because of what they have done.
The wrongdoers are certainly not successful. (6:129)
(6:21) Say: ‘My people, do as you are doing, just as I am
We know that what they say distresses you. It is doing. You will certainly come to know who will
not that they are calling you a liar; the wrongdo- have the best home in the end. The wrongdoers
ers are just denying Allah’s Signs. (6:33) will certainly not be successful.’ (6:135)
So the last remnant of the people who did wrong And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle–Say: ‘Is
was cut off. Praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of it the two males He has made forbidden, or the
all the worlds! (6:45) two females, or what the wombs of the two fe-
Say: ‘What do you think? If Allah’s punishment males contain? Were you then witnesses when
were to come upon you suddenly by night or Allah gave you this instruction?’ Who could do
openly by day, would any but the wrongdoing greater wrong than someone who invents lies
people be destroyed?’ (6:47) against Allah thus leading people astray without
Do not chase away those who call on their Lord any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people
morning and evening, seeking His Face. Their of the wrongdoers. (6:144)
reckoning is in no way your responsibility and Nor can you say: ‘If the Book had been sent
your reckoning is in no way their responsibility. down to us, We would have been better guided
Indeed if you did chase them away, you would than they were.’ For a Clear Sign has come to you
be among the wrongdoers. (6:52) from your Lord, and guidance and mercy. Who
Say: ‘If I did have in my possession what you are could do greater wrong than someone who de-
in such haste to bring about, the affair between nies Allah’s Signs and turns away from them? We
me and you would have been decided. Allah has will repay those who turn away from Our Signs
824
with the worst kind of punishment because they killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat
turned away. (6:157) over me. Do not include me with the wrongdo-
And their only utterance, when Our violent force ing people.’ (7:150)
came down upon them, was the cry: ‘Truly we But those of them who did wrong substituted
have been wrongdoers!’ (7:5) words other than those they had been given. So
(Allah said,) ‘Adam, live in the Garden, you and We sent a plague on them from heaven for their
your wife, and eat of it wherever you like. But do wrongdoing. (7:162)
not go near this tree lest you become wrongdo- Then when they forgot what they had been re-
ers.’ (7:19) minded of, We rescued those who had forbidden
Who could do greater wrong than someone who the evil and seized those who did wrong with a
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs? harsh punishment because they were deviators.
Such people’s portion of the Book will catch up (7:165)
with them so that when Our messengers come to Be fearful of trials which will not afflict solely
them to take them in death, saying, ‘Where are those among you who do wrong. Know that
those you called upon besides Allah?’ they will Allah is severe in retribution. (8:25)
say, ‘They have forsaken us,’ testifying against Such was the case with Pharaoh’s people and
themselves that they were disbelievers. (7:37) those before them. They denied their Lord’s Signs
They will have Hell as a resting-place and cover- so We destroyed them for their wrong actions.
ing layers on top of them. That is how We repay We drowned Pharaoh’s people. All of them were
wrongdoers. (7:41) wrongdoers. (8:54)
The Companions of the Garden will call out to Do you make the giving of water to the pilgrims
the Companions of the Fire, ‘We have found that and looking after the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-
what our Lord promised us is true. Have you Haram) the same as believing in Allah and the
found that what your Lord promised you is true?’ Last Day and striving in the Way of Allah? They
They will say, ‘Yes, we have!’ Between them a are not equal in the sight of Allah. Allah does not
herald will proclaim: ‘May the curse of Allah be guide wrongdoing people. (9:19)
on the wrongdoers.’ (7:44) You who believe, do not befriend your fathers
When they turn their eyes towards the and brothers if they prefer disbelief to faith.
Companions of the Fire, they will say, ‘Our Lord, Those among you who do befriend them are
do not place us with the people of the wrongdo- wrongdoers. (Quru’an, 9:23)
ers!’ (7:47) If they had gone out among you, they would
Is it not clear to those who have inherited the have added nothing to you but confusion. They
earth after these people that, if We wanted to, We would have scurried about amongst you seeking
could strike them for their wrong actions, sealing to cause conflict between you, and among you
up their hearts so that they cannot hear? (7:100) there are some who would have listened to them.
After he left, Musa’s people adopted a calf made Allah knows the wrongdoers. (9:47)
from their ornaments, a form which made a low- But others have acknowledged their wrong ac-
ing sound. Did they not see that it could not tions and mixed a right action with another
speak to them or guide them to any way? They which is wrong. It may well be that Allah will
adopted it and so they were wrongdoers. (7:148) turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
When Musa returned to his people in anger and Merciful. (9:102)
great sorrow, he said, ‘What an evil thing you did Who is better: someone who founds his building
in my absence after I left! Did you want to hasten on fear of Allah and His good pleasure, or some-
your Lord’s command?’ He threw down the one who founds his building on the brink of a
Tablets and seized hold of his brother’s head, crumbling precipice so that it collapses with him
dragging him towards him. Harun said, ‘Son of into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not love wrong-
my mother, The people oppressed me and almost doers. (9:109)
825
We destroyed generations before you when they wrong and morning found them lying flattened in
did wrong. Their Messengers brought them the their homes. (11:67)
Clear Signs, but they were never going to be- When Our command came, We turned their
lieve. That is how We repay evildoers. (10:13) cities upside down and rained down on them
Who could do greater wrong than someone who stones of hard baked clay, piled on top of one an-
invents lies against Allah or denies His Signs? other in layers, each one earmarked by your
Evildoers are certainly not successful. (10:17) Lord. And they are never far from the wrongdo-
No, the fact is that they have denied something ers. (11:82-83)
which their knowledge does not embrace and When Our command came, We rescued Shu‘ayb
the meaning of which has not yet reached them. and those who believed along with him by a
In the same way those before them also denied mercy from Us. The Great Blast seized hold of
the truth. See the final fate of the wrongdoers! those who did wrong and morning found them
(10:39) lying flattened in their homes. (11:94)
Then it will be said to those who did wrong, Such is the iron grip of your Lord when He seizes
‘Taste the punishment of eternity! Have you been the cities which do wrong. His grip is painful, vi-
repaid for anything other than what you earned?’ olent. (11:102)
(10:52) Do not rely on those who do wrong thus causing
They said, ‘We have put our trust in Allah. Our the Fire to afflict you, for you have no protector
Lord, do not make us a target for this wrongdoing besides Allah; then you will not be helped.
people.’ (10:85) (11:113)
(Say:) ‘Do not call on something besides Allah Would that there had been more people with a
which can neither help nor harm you. If you do, vestige of good among the generations of those
you will then be wrongdoers.’ (10:106) who came before you, who forbade corruption
Who could do greater wrong than those who in- in the earth, other than the few among them
vent lies against Allah? Such people will be ar- whom We saved. Those who did wrong gladly
rayed before their Lord and the witnesses will pursued the life of luxury that they were given
say, ‘Those are the ones who lied against their and were evildoers. (11:116)
Lord.’ Yes indeed! Allah’s curse is on the wrong- The woman whose house it was solicited him.
doers. (11:18) She barred the doors and said, ‘Come over here!’
(Nuh said,) ‘I do not say to you that I possess the He (Yusuf) said, ‘Allah is my refuge! He is My
treasuries of Allah; nor do I know the Unseen; lord and has been good to me with where I live.
nor do I say that I am an angel; nor do I say to Those who do wrong will surely not succeed.’
those who are vile in your eyes that Allah will not (12:23)
give them any good. Allah knows best what is in They said, ‘Its reparation shall be him in the sad-
their hearts. If I did, I would certainly be one of dlebags of whom it is discovered. With us that is
the wrongdoers.’ (11:31) how wrongdoers are repaid.’ (12:75)
(It was revealed to Nuh:) ‘Build the Ark under He said, ‘Allah forbid that we should take any-
Our supervision and as We reveal and do not ad- one but him with whom our goods were found.
dress Me concerning the wrongdoers. They shall In that case we would clearly be wrongdoers.’
be drowned.’ (11:37) (12:79)
It was said, ‘Earth, swallow up your water!’ and, Those who disbelieved said to their Messengers,
‘Heaven, hold back your rain!’ And the water ‘We will drive you from our land unless you re-
subsided and the affair was concluded and the turn to our religion.’ Their Lord revealed to them,
Ark came to land on al-Judi. And it was said, ‘We will destroy those who do wrong.’ (14:13)
‘Away with the people of the wrongdoers!’ When the affair is decided Satan will say, ‘Allah
(11:44) made you a promise, a promise of truth, and I
The Great Blast seized hold of those who did made you a promise but broke my promise. I had
826
no authority over you, except that I called you in. If they call for help, they will be helped with
and you responded to me. Do not, therefore, water like seething molten brass, frying their
blame me but blame yourselves. I cannot come faces. What a noxious drink! What an evil re-
to your aid nor you to mine. I reject the way you pose! (18:29)
associated me with Allah before.’ The wrongdo- When We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate your-
ers will have a painful punishment. (14:22) selves to Adam,’ they prostrated with the excep-
Allah makes those who believe firm with the tion of Diabolis. He was one of the jinn and
Firm Word in the life of this world and the here- wantonly deviated from his Lord’s command. Do
after. But Allah misguides the wrongdoers. Allah you take him and his offspring as protectors apart
does whatever He wills. (14:27) from Me when they are your enemy? How evil is
He has given you everything you have asked the exchange the wrongdoers make! (18:50)
Him for. If you tried to number Allah’s blessings, Who could do greater wrong than someone who
you could never count them. Man is indeed is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then
wrongdoing, ungrateful. (14:34) turns away from them, forgetting all that he has
Do not consider Allah to be unaware of what the done before? We have placed covers on their
wrongdoers perpetrate. He is merely deferring hearts, preventing them from understanding it,
them to a Day on which their sight will be trans- and heaviness in their ears. Though you call
fixed. (14:42) them to guidance, they will nonetheless never be
The people of the Thicket were also wrongdoers. guided. (18:57)
(15:78) Those cities: We destroyed them when they did
When those who did wrong see the punishment, wrong and fixed a promised time for their de-
it will not be lightened for them. They will be struction. (18:59)
granted no reprieve. (16:85) He (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) said, ‘As for those who do
How many generations We destroyed after Nuh! wrong, we will punish them and then they will
Your Lord is well able to be aware of and see the be returned to their Lord and He will punish
wrong actions of His servants! (17:17) them with a dreadful punishment.’ (18:87)
We know how they listen when they listen to How clear will be their hearing, how perfect
you, and when they confer together secretly, and their sight, on the Day they come to Us; whereas
when the wrongdoers say, ‘You are only follow- today the wrongdoers are clearly misguided.
ing a man who is bewitched!’ (17:47) (19:38)
We send down in the Qur’an that which is a Then We will rescue those who guarded against
healing and a mercy to the believers, but it only evil and We will leave the wrongdoers in it on
increases the wrongdoers in loss. (17:82) their knees. (19:72)
Do they not see that Allah, Who created the We seized each one of them for their wrong ac-
heavens and earth, has the power to create the tions. Against some We sent a sudden squall of
like of them, and has appointed fixed terms for stones; some of them were seized by the Great
them of which there is no doubt? But the wrong- Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up;
doers still spurn anything but disbelief. (17:99) and some We drowned. Allah did not wrong
The Companions of the Cave said, ‘These people them; rather they wronged themselves. (20:40)
of ours have taken gods apart from Him. Why do Their hearts are distracted. Those who do wrong
they not produce a clear authority concerning confer together secretly, saying, ‘Is this man any-
them? Who could do greater wrong than some- thing but a human being like yourselves? Do you
one who invents a lie against Allah?’ (18:15) succumb to magic with your eyes wide open?’
Say: ‘It is the truth from your Lord; so let whoever (21:3)
wishes believe and whoever wishes disbelieve.’ How many cities which did wrong have We ut-
We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire terly destroyed, raising up other people after
whose billowing walls of smoke will hem them them! (21:11)
827
They said, ‘Alas for us! We were indeed wrong- mand comes and water bubbles up from the
doers!’ (21:14) earth, load into it a pair of every species, and
Were any of them to say, ‘I am a god apart from your family–except for those among them against
Him,’ We would repay him with Hell. That is whom the word has already gone ahead. And do
how We repay wrongdoers. (21:29) not address Me concerning those who do wrong.
If even a single waft of the punishment were to They shall be drowned.’ (23:27)
touch them, they would say, ‘Alas for us! We When you and those with you are settled in the
were indeed wrongdoers.’ (21:46) Ship, then say: "Praise be to Allah Who has res-
They said, ‘Who has done this to our gods? He is cued us from the people of the wrongdoers!"
definitely one of the wrongdoers!’ (21:59) (23:28)
They consulted among themselves and said, ‘It is The Great Blast seized hold of them inexorably
you yourselves who are wrongdoers.’ (21:64) and We turned them into dirty scum. Away with
And Dhu’n-Nun when he left in anger and the people of the wrongdoers! (23:41)
thought We would not punish him. He called out Say: ‘My Lord, if You let me see what they have
in the pitch darkness: ‘There is no god but You! been promised, do not then, my Lord, put me
Glory be to You! Truly I have been one of the among the wrongdoing people!’ (23:93-94)
wrongdoers.’ (21:87) They will say, ‘Our Lord, our miserable destiny
When Yajuj and Majuj are let loose and rush overpowered us. We were misguided people.
down from every slope, and the True Promise is Our Lord, remove us from it! Then if we revert
very close, the eyes of those who disbelieved will again, we will definitely be wrongdoers.’
be transfixed: ‘Alas for us! We were unmindful of (23:106-107)
this! No, rather we were definitely wrongdoers.’ Is there a sickness in their hearts or do they have
(21:96-97) misgivings or do they fear that Allah and His
Those who disbelieve and bar access to the Way Messenger will be unjust to them? No, it is sim-
of Allah and to the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al- ply that they are wrongdoers. (24:50)
Haram) which We have appointed for all There is no objection to the blind, no objection
mankind–equally for those who live near it and to the lame, no objection to the sick; nor to your-
those who come from far away–those who desire selves if you eat in your own houses or your fa-
to profane it with wrongdoing, We will let them thers’ houses or your mothers’ houses or your
taste a painful punishment. (22:25) brothers’ houses or your sisters’ houses or the
How many wrongdoing cities We destroyed, and houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts
now all their roofs and walls are fallen in; how or the houses of your maternal uncles or mater-
many abandoned wells and stuccoed palaces! nal aunts or places to which you own the keys or
(22:45) those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in
How many wrongdoing cities I allowed time to your eating together or eating separately. And
and then I seized them. I am their final destina- when you enter houses greet one another with a
tion! (22:48) greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this
(It is) so that He can make what Satan insinuates way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that
a trial for those with sickness in their hearts and hopefully you will use your intellect. (24:61)
for those whose hearts are hard–the wrongdoers (They say,) ‘Why has treasure not been showered
are entrenched in hostility. (22:53) down on him? Why does he not have a garden to
They worship besides Allah something for which give him food?’ The wrongdoers say, ‘You are
no authority has come down, something about merely following a man who is bewitched.’
which they have no knowledge. There is no (25:8)
helper for the wrongdoers. (22:71) So now they have disowned you for what you
We revealed to him: ‘Build the Ship under Our said, and they cannot avert it or give you any
supervision and as We reveal. When Our com- help. As for anyone among you who has done
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wrong, We will make him suffer great punish- And who could be further astray than someone
ment. (25:19) who follows his whims and desires without any
And when the people of Nuh denied the guidance from Allah? Allah does not guide the
Messengers, We drowned them and made them people of the wrongdoers. (28:50)
a Sign for all mankind. We have prepared a Your Lord would never destroy any cities without
painful punishment for the wrongdoers. (25:37) first sending to the chief of them a Messenger to
Put your trust in the Living Who does not die and recite Our Signs to them. We would never de-
glorify Him with praise. He is well aware of the stroy any cities unless their inhabitants were
wrong actions of His servants. (25:58) wrongdoers. (28:59)
And on the Day of Rising his punishment will be We sent Nuh to his people and he remained
doubled and he will be humiliated in it time- among them for fifty short of a thousand years;
lessly, for ever, except for those who repent and yet the Flood engulfed them while they were
believe and act rightly: Allah will transform the wrongdoers. (29:14)
wrong actions of such people into good–Allah is When Our messengers came with the good news
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (25:69-70) to Ibrahim, they said, ‘We are going to destroy
When your Lord called out to Musa: ‘Go to the the people of this city. Truly its inhabitants are
wrongdoing people.’ (26:10) wrongdoers.’ (29:31)
(We said,) ‘Throw down your staff.’ Then when Only argue with the People of the Book in the
he saw it slithering like a snake he turned and kindest way–except in the case of those of them
fled and did not turn back again. ‘Have no fear, who do wrong–saying, ‘We believe in what has
Musa. In My Presence the Messengers have no been sent down to us and what was sent down to
fear–except for one who did wrong and if he then you. Our God and your God are one and we sub-
changes evil into good, I am Ever-Forgiving, Most mit to Him.’ (29:46)
Merciful. (27:10-11) No, it is Clear Signs reposited in the hearts of
These are the ruins of their houses because of the those who have been given knowledge. Only
wrong they did. There is certainly a Sign in that wrongdoers deny Our Signs. (29:49)
for people with knowledge. (27:52) Who could do greater wrong than someone who
The Word will be carried out against them for the invents lies against Allah or denies the truth
wrong they did and they will not speak. (27:85) when it comes to him? Is there not shelter in Hell
So he (Musa) left there fearful and on his guard, for the disbelievers? (29:68)
saying, ‘My Lord, rescue me from the people of However, those who do wrong pursue their
the wrongdoers!’ (28:21) whims and desires without any knowledge. Who
One of them came walking shyly up to him and can guide those whom Allah has led astray? They
said, ‘My father invites you so that he can pay will have no helpers. (30:29)
you your wage for drawing water for us.’ When On that Day the excuses of those who did wrong
he (Musa) came to him and told him the whole will not help them nor will they be able to ap-
story he said, ‘Have no fear, you have escaped pease Allah. (30:57)
from wrongdoing people.’ (28:25) This is Allah’s creation. Show me then what
Musa said, ‘My Lord knows best who has come those besides Him have created! The wrongdo-
with guidance from Him and who will have the ers are clearly misguided. (31:11)
best Home in the end. The wrongdoers will cer- Who could do greater wrong than someone who
tainly not be successful.’ (28:37) is reminded of the Signs of his Lord and then turns
So We seized him and his troops and flung them away from them? We will take revenge on the
into the sea. See the final fate of the wrongdoers! evildoers. (32:22)
(28:40) And those who abuse men and women who are
If they do not respond to you then know that they believers, when they have not merited it, bear the
are merely following their whims and desires. weight of slander and clear wrongdoing. (33:58)
829
He will put your actions right for you and forgive The Forgiver of wrong action, the Accepter of re-
you your wrong deeds. All who obey Allah and pentance, the Severe in retribution, the Possessor
His Messenger have won a mighty victory. of abundance. There is no god but Him. He is the
(33:71) final destination. (40:3)
We offered the Trust to the heavens, the earth and And warn them of the Day of Immediacy when
the mountains but they refused to take it on and hearts rise choking to the throat. The wrongdoers
shrank from it. But man took it on. He is indeed will have no close friend nor any intercessor who
wrongdoing and ignorant. (33:72) might be heard. (40:18)
Those who disbelieve say, ‘We will never believe Have they not travelled in the earth and seen the
in this Qur'an, nor in what came before it.’ If only final fate of those before them? They were greater
you could see when the wrongdoers, standing in than them in strength and left far deeper traces
the presence of their Lord, cast accusations back on the earth, yet Allah seized them for their
and forth at one another! Those deemed weak wrong actions and they had no one to protect
will say to those deemed great, ‘Were it not for them from Allah. (40:21)
you, we would have been believers!’ (34:31) The Day when the excuses of the wrongdoers
‘Today you possess no power to help or harm will not help them. The curse will be on them
one another.’ And We will say to those who did and they will have the most evil Home. (40:52)
wrong, ‘Taste the punishment of the Fire which So remain steadfast. Allah’s promise is true. Ask
you denied.’ (34:42) forgiveness for your wrong action and glorify
Say: ‘Have you thought about your partner gods, your Lord with praise in the evening and the
those you call upon besides Allah? Show me early morning. (40:55)
what they have created of the earth; or do they If Allah had willed, He would have made them a
have a partnership in the heavens?’ Have We single nation. But He admits whoever He wills
given them a Book whose Clear Signs they fol- into His mercy and the wrongdoers have no pro-
low? No indeed! The wrongdoers promise each tector and no helper. (42:8)
other nothing but delusion. (35:40) Or do they have partners who have laid down a
Assemble those who did wrong together with religion for them for which Allah has not given
their associates and what they worshipped. any authority? Were it not for the prior Word of
(37:22) Decision, the judgement between them would
Is someone who tries to shield himself with his already have been made. The wrongdoers will
face from the worst of the torment on the Day of have a painful punishment. (42:21)
Rising...? The wrongdoers will be told, ‘Taste You will see the wrongdoers afraid of what they
what you have earned.’ (39:24) have earned, when it is about to land right on top
Who could do greater wrong than those who lie of them, whereas those who believe and do right
about Allah and deny the truth when it comes to actions will be in the lush Meadows of the
them? Do the disbelievers not have a dwelling Gardens. They will have whatever they wish for
place in Hell? (39:32) with their Lord. That is the great favour. (42:22)
If those who did wrong owned everything on (Believers are) those who avoid major wrong ac-
earth, and the same again with it, they would tions and indecencies and who, when they are
offer it as a ransom to save themselves from the angered, then forgive. (42:37)
evil of the punishment on the Day of Rising. The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent
What confronts them from Allah will be some- to it. But if someone pardons and puts things
thing they did not reckon with. (39:47) right, his reward is with Allah. Certainly He does
The evil deeds they earned caught up with them. not love wrongdoers. (42:40)
And the evil deeds which the wrongdoers among Whoever Allah misguides has no one to protect
these people earn will also catch up with them them after that. You will see the wrongdoers say-
and they can do nothing to prevent it. (39:51) ing, when they see the punishment, ‘Is there no
830
way back?’ (42:44) foolish talk and no wrong action in it. (52:23)
You will see them as they are exposed to it, ab- And those who do wrong will have a punishment
ject in their abasement, glancing around them besides that but most of them do not know it.
furtively. Those who believe will say, ‘Truly the (52:47)
losers are those who lose themselves and their To whoever avoids the major wrong actions and
families on the Day of Rising.’ The wrongdoers indecencies–except for minor lapses–truly your
are in an everlasting punishment. (42:45) Lord is vast in forgiveness. He has most knowl-
It will not benefit you today, since you did edge of you when He first produced you from the
wrong, that you share equally in the punishment. earth, and when you were embryos in your
(43:39) mothers’ wombs. So do not claim purity for your-
The various factions among them differed. Woe selves. He knows best those who guard against
then to those who did wrong on account of the evil. (53:32)
punishment of a painful Day! (43:65) They will hear no prattling in it (Gardens of
We have not wronged them; it was they who Delight) nor any word of wrong. (56:25)
were wrongdoers. (43:76) Before that they were living in luxury, persisting
They will not help you in any way against Allah. in immense wrongdoing. (56:45-46)
The wrongdoers are protectors of one another Do you not see those who were forbidden to
but Allah is the Protector of those who guard confer together secretly returning to the very
against evil. (45:19) thing they were forbidden to do, and conferring
Say: ‘What do you think? If it is from Allah and together secretly in wrongdoing and enmity and
you reject it, when a witness from the tribe of disobedience to the Messenger? And when they
Israel testifies to its similarity and believes while come to you they greet you with words Allah has
you are arrogant...! Allah certainly does not never used in greeting you, and say to them-
guide wrongdoing people.’ (46:10) selves ‘Why does Allah not punish us for what
But before it there was the Book of Musa as a we say?’ Hell will be enough for them! They will
model and a mercy. And this is a corroborating roast in it. What an evil destination! (58:8)
Book in the Arabic tongue so that you may warn You who believe! When you confer together se-
those who do wrong, and as good news for the cretly, do not do so in wrongdoing and enmity
good-doers. (46:12) and disobedience to the Messenger; rather con-
Know then that there is no god except Allah and fer together in goodness and fear of Allah. Have
ask forgiveness for your wrongdoing, and for the fear of Allah–Him to Whom you will be gath-
men and women who believe. Allah knows both ered. (58:9)
your activity and your repose. (47:19) The final fate of both of them is that they will be
You who believe! People should not ridicule oth- timelessly, for ever in the Fire. That is the repay-
ers who may be better than themselves; nor ment of the wrongdoers. (59:17)
should any women ridicule other women who Allah merely forbids you from taking as friends
may be better than themselves. And do not find those who have fought you in the religion and
fault with one another or insult each other with driven you from your homes and who supported
derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a your expulsion. Any who take them as friends are
name for evil conduct after coming to faith! wrongdoers. (60:9)
Those people who do not turn from it are wrong- Who could do greater wrong than someone who
doers. (49:11) invents a lie against Allah when he has been
Those who do wrong will have their due, the called to Islam? Allah does not guide wrongdo-
same as that of their friends. So they should not ing people. (61:7)
hurry Me! (51:59) He will forgive you your wrong actions and
They will pass round there (in the Gardens of admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing under
Paradise) a drinking cup to one another with no them, and fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden.
831
That is the Great Victory. (61:12)
But they will never ever wish for it because of
what they have done. Allah knows the wrongdo-
ers. (62:7)
Allah has made an example for those who be-
lieve: the wife of Pharaoh when she said, ‘My
Lord, build a house in the Garden for me in Your
presence and rescue me from Pharaoh and his
deeds and rescue me from this wrongdoing peo-
ple.’ (66:11)
Then they will acknowledge their wrong actions.
Away with the Companions of the Blaze! (67:11)
They said, ‘Glory be to our Lord! Truly we have
been wrongdoers.’ (68:29)
(Nuh said, ‘My Lord,) they have misguided many
people. Do not increase the wrongdoers in any-
thing but misguidance!’ (71:24)
(Nuh said,) ‘My Lord! Forgive me and my parents
and all who enter my house as believers, and all
the men and women of the believers. But do not
increase the wrongdoers except in ruin!’ (71:28)
He admits whoever He wills into His mercy. But
He has prepared a painful punishment for the
wrongdoers. (76:31)

832
Y and beyond Ishaq, Ya‘qub. (11:71)
(Zakariyya said, ‘My Lord,) I fear my relatives
YA‘QUB (AS) (JACOB) when I am gone and my wife is barren, so give
Ibrahim directed his sons to this, as did Ya‘qub: me an heir from You to be my inheritor and the
‘My sons! Allah has chosen this religion for you, inheritor of the family of Ya‘qub, and make him,
so do not die except as Muslims.’ (2:132) my Lord, pleasing to You.’ (19:5-6)
Or were you present when death came to Ya‘qub When he had separated himself from them, and
and he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship what they worshipped besides Allah, We gave
when I have gone?’ They said, ‘We will worship him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, making each of them a
your God, the God of your forefathers, Ibrahim, Prophet. (19:49)
Isma‘il and Ishaq–one God. We are Muslims sub- Those are some of the Prophets Allah has
mitted to Him.’ (2:133) blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent those We carried with Nuh, and from the descen-
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim dants of Ibrahim and Isra’il (Ya‘qub) and from
and Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, those We guided and chose. When the Signs of
and what Musa and ‘Isa were given, and what all the All-Merciful were recited to them they fell on
the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not their faces, weeping, in prostration. (19:58)
differentiate between any of them. We are We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub and placed
Muslims submitted to Him.’ (2:136) Prophethood and the Book among his progeny.
Or do they say that Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq We gave him his reward in this world and in the
and Ya‘qub and the Tribes were Jews or hereafter he will be among the righteous. (29:27)
Christians? Say, ‘Do you know better or does And in addition to that We gave him Ishaq and
Allah?’ Who could do greater wrong than some- Ya‘qub and made both of them righteous. We
one who hides the evidence he has been given made them leaders, guiding by Our command,
by Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do. and revealed to them how to do good actions
(2:140) and perform prayer and give the alms, and they
Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been sent worshipped Us. (21:72-73)
down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim, And remember Our servants Ibrahim, Ishaq and
Isma‘il and Ishaq and Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and Ya‘qub, men of true strength and inner sight. We
what Musa and ‘Isa and all the Prophets were purified their sincerity through sincere remem-
given by their Lord. We do not differentiate be- brance of the Abode. In Our eyes they are among
tween any of them. We are Muslims submitted to the best of chosen men. (38:45-47)
Him.’ (3:84)
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh YA‘UQ
and the Prophets who came after him. And We They have hatched a mighty plot saying, "Do not
revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and abandon your gods. Do not abandon Wadd or
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and Suwa‘ or Yaghuth or Ya‘uq or Nasr." (71:22-23)
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) YAGHUTH
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom They have hatched a mighty plot saying, "Do not
We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh. abandon your gods. Do not abandon Wadd or
And among his descendants were Dawud and Suwa‘ or Yaghuth or Ya‘uq or Nasr." (71:22-23)
Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun.
That is how We recompense the good-doers. YAHYA (AS) (JOHN)
(6:84) Then and there Zakariyya called on his Lord and
His wife was standing there and she laughed out said, ‘O Lord, grant me by Your favour an upright
loud. So We gave her the good news of Ishaq, child. You are the Hearer of Prayer.’ The angels
833
called out to him while he was standing in prayer exposed; it was merely that they wanted to run
in the Upper Room: ‘Allah gives you the good away. (33:13)
news of Yahya, who will come to confirm a
Word from Allah, and will be a leader and a celi- YOUTH
bate, a Prophet and one of the righteous.’ (3:38- Circulating among them there will be youths like
39) hidden pearls. (52:24)
And Zakariyya, Yahya, ‘Isa and Ilyas. All of them There will circulate among them, ageless youths.
were among the righteous. (6:85) (56:17)
(Zakariyya said, ‘My Lord,) I fear my relatives Ageless youths will circulate among them, serv-
when I am gone and my wife is barren, so give ing them. Seeing them, you would think them
me an heir from You to be my inheritor and the scattered pearls. (76:19)
inheritor of the family of Ya‘qub, and make him,
my Lord, pleasing to You.’ (Allah said,) YUNUS (AS) (JONAH)
‘Zakariyya! We give you the good news of a boy We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh
named Yahya, a name we have given to no one and the Prophets who came after him. And We
else before.’ (19:5-7) revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and
(We said,) ‘Yahya, take hold of the Book with Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and
vigour.’ We gave him judgement while still a Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave
child, and tenderness and purity from Us–he Dawud the Zabur. (4:163)
guarded against evil–and devotion to his par- And Isma‘il, al-Yasa‘, Yunus and Lut. All of them
ents–he was not insolent or disobedient. Peace We favoured over all beings. And some of their
be upon him the day he was born, and the day he forebears, descendants and brothers; We chose
dies, and the day he is raised up again alive. them and guided them to a straight path. (6:86-
(19:12-15) 87)
We responded to him and gave him Yahya, How is it that there has never been a city that be-
restoring for him his wife’s fertility. They outdid lieved, whose faith then brought it benefit, ex-
one another in good actions, calling out to Us in cept the people of Yunus? When they believed
yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves We removed from them the punishment of dis-
to Us. (21:90) grace in the life of this world and We let them
have enjoyment for a time. (10:98)
YAJUJ AND MAJUJ (GOG AND MAGOG) Yunus too was one of the Messengers. When he
They said, ‘Dhu’l-Qarnayn! Yajuj and Majuj are ran away to the fully laden ship and cast lots and
causing corruption in the land. Can we, there- lost. Then the fish devoured him and he was to
fore, pay tribute to you in return for your con- blame. Had it not been that he was a man who
structing a barrier between us and them?’ (18:94) glorified Allah, he would have remained inside
When Yajuj and Majuj are let loose and rush its belly until the Day they are raised again. So
down from every slope, and the True Promise is We cast him up onto the beach and he was sick;
very close, the eyes of those who disbelieved will and We caused a gourd tree to grow over him.
be transfixed: ‘Alas for us! We were unmindful of We sent him to a hundred thousand or even
this! No, rather we were definitely wrongdoers.’ more. They believed and so We gave them en-
(21:96-97) joyment for a time. (37:139-148)
And Dhu’n-Nun (Yunus) when he left in anger
YATHRIB and thought We would not punish him. He
And a group of them said, ‘People of Yathrib, called out in the pitch darkness: ‘There is no god
Your position is untenable so return!’ some of but You! Glory be to You! Truly I have been one
them asked the Prophet to excuse them, saying, of the wrongdoers.’ We responded to him and
‘Our houses are exposed,’ when they were not rescued him from his grief. That is how We res-
834
cue the believers. (21:87-88) send him out with us tomorrow so he can enjoy
So wait steadfastly for the judgement of your himself and play about? All of us will make sure
Lord. Do not be like the Companion of the Fish that he is safe.’ (12:11-12)
(Yunus) when he called out in absolute despair. He said, ‘It grieves me to let him go with you I
Had a blessing from his Lord not overtaken him, fear a wolf might come and eat him up while you
he would have been thrown up on the naked are heedless, not attending him.’ (12:13)
shore, for he was at fault. But his Lord chose him They said, ‘If a wolf does come and eat him up
and made him one of the righteous. (68:48-50) when together we make up a powerful group in
that case we would truly be in loss!’ (12:14)
YUSUF (AS) (JOSEPH) But when, in fact, they did go out with him and
We gave him Ishaq and Ya‘qub, each of whom gathered all together and agreed to put him at the
We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh. bottom of the well, We then revealed to him that:
And among his descendants were Dawud and ‘You will inform them of this deed they perpe-
Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun. trate at a time when they are totally unaware.’
That is how We recompense the good-doers. (12:15)
(6:84) That night they came back to their father in tears,
We tell you the best of stories in revealing this saying, ‘Father, we went out to run a race and left
Qur’an to you, even though you were unaware Yusuf together with our things and then a wolf
of it before it came. (12:3) appeared and ate him up but you are never going
When Yusuf told his father, ‘Father! I saw eleven to believe us now, not even though we really tell
bright stars, and the sun and moon as well. I saw the truth.’ (12:16-17)
them all prostrate in front of me.’ (12:4) They then produced his shirt with false blood on
He said, ‘My son, don’t tell your brothers your it. He said, ‘It is merely that your lower selves
dream lest they devise some scheme to injure have suggested something to you which you did;
you, Satan is a clear-cut enemy to man. but beauty lies in showing steadfastness. It is
Accordingly your Lord will pick you out and Allah alone Who is my Help in face of the event
teach you the true meaning of events and per- that you describe.’ (12:18)
fectly fulfil His blessing on you as well as on the Some travellers came that way and then dis-
family of Ya‘qub as He fulfilled it perfectly before patched their water-drawer who let his bucket
upon your forebears, Ibrahim and Ishaq. Most down. He said, ‘Good news for me, I’ve found a
certainly your Lord is Knowing, Wise.’ (12:5-6) boy!’ They then hid him away among their
In Yusuf and his brothers there are Signs for every goods. Allah knew very well what they were
one of those who wants to ask. (12:7) doing. (12:19)
When they declared, ‘Why! Yusuf and his They sold him for a pittance, a few small coins,
brother are dearer to our father than we are al- considering him to be of little worth. (12:20)
though we constitute a powerful group. Our fa- The Egyptian who had bought him told his wife,
ther is clearly making a mistake. Kill Yusuf or ‘Look after him with honour and respect. It’s pos-
expel him to some land so that your father will sible he will be of use to us or perhaps we might
look to you alone and then you can be people adopt him as a son.’ And thus We established
who do right.’ (12:8-9) Yusuf in the land to teach him the true meaning
One of them said, ‘Do not take Yusuf’s life but of events. Allah is in control of His affair.
throw him to the bottom of the well, so that some However, most of mankind do not know. (12:21)
travellers may discover him, if this is something And then when he became a full-grown man, We
that you have to do.’ (12:10) gave him knowledge and right judgement too.
They said, ‘Our Father! What is wrong with you That is how We reward all doers of good. (12:22)
that you refuse to trust us with Yusuf when in The woman whose house it was solicited him.
truth we only wish him well? Why don’t you She barred the doors and said, ‘Come over here!’
835
He said, ‘Allah is my refuge! He is My lord and dreamt that I was pressing grapes.’ The other
has been good to me with where I live. Those said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread upon my head and
who do wrong will surely not succeed.’ (12:23) birds were eating it. Tell us the true meaning of
She wanted him and he would have wanted her, these dreams. We see that you’re one of the right-
had he not seen the Clear Proof of his Lord. That eous.’ He said, ‘No meal to feed you will arrive
happened so We might avert from him all evil before I have informed you what they mean. That
and lust. He was Our chosen servant. (12:24) is part of what my Lord taught me. For I have left
They raced to the door. She tore his shirt at the the religion of a people who clearly have no faith
back. They met her husband by the door. She in Allah and who refuse to acknowledge the truth
said, ‘How should a man whose intention was to of the world to come. I hold fast to the creed of
harm your family be punished for what he did my forebears Ibrahim and Ishaq and Ya‘qub. We
except with prison or painful punishment?’ don’t associate anything with Allah. And that is
(12:25) how Allah has favoured us and all mankind, but
He said, ‘It was she who tried to seduce me.’ A most do not give thanks. My fellow-prisoners, are
witness from her people then declared, ‘If his many lords better, or Allah, the only One, the
shirt is torn in front, she speaks the truth and he Conqueror? What you serve apart from Him are
has clearly told a shameless lie. If his shirt is torn only names which you and your forefathers have
at the back, then she has lied and he has clearly made up. There is no mandate for them from
told the simple truth.’ (12:26-27) Allah. Allah alone is qualified to judge. His order
He saw the shirt torn at the back and said, ‘The is to worship none but Him. That is in truth the
source of this is women’s deviousness. Without a straight and upright religion, but most of
doubt your guile is very great. Yusuf, ignore all mankind simply do not know. My fellow-cap-
this, and you, my wife, should ask forgiveness for tives, one of you will serve his lord with wine,
your evil act. There is no doubt that you are in the other of you will be crucified and birds will
the wrong.’ Some city women said, ‘The gover- eat his head. The thing you asked about is foreor-
nor’s wife solicited her slave. He’s fired her heart dained.’ He said to the one of them he knew was
with love. We see that she’s the one to blame.’ saved, ‘Please mention me when you are with
But when she heard of their malicious talk, she your lord,’ but Satan made him forget to remind
sent for them and made a sumptuous meal and his lord, and so he stayed in prison for several
then she gave a knife to each of them. She said, years. The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat
‘Go out to them.’ When they saw him, they were cows which seven thin ones ate and seven green
amazed by him and cut their hands. They said, ears of wheat and seven others which were dry.
‘Allah preserve us! This is no man. What can this O counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you
be but a noble angel here!’ She said, ‘You see! It’s are those who can interpret visions!’ (12:28-43)
him you blamed me for. I tried seducing him but They said, ‘A jumbled mass of mixed-up dreams!
he refused. If he does not do what I order him, he We do not know the meaning of such things.’
will be put in prison and brought low.’ He said, The one of them who had been saved then said,
‘My Lord, the prison is preferable to me than remembering after a period, ‘I will tell you what
what they call on me to do. Unless You turn their it signifies, so send me out.’ ‘O truthful Yusuf, tell
guile away from me, it may well be that I will fall us of seven fat cows which seven thin ones ate
for them and so become a man of ignorance.’ His and seven green ears of wheat and seven others
Lord replied to him and turned away from him which were dry so that I can return to them and
their female guile and deviousness. He is the let them know.’ He said, ‘Sow for seven years in
One Who Hears, the One Who Knows. Then, the normal way and leave that which you harvest
after they had seen the Signs, they thought that in the ear except for a small amount from which
they should still imprison him for a time. Two ser- you eat. Then after that seven hard years will ar-
vants entered prison along with him. One said, ‘I rive in which you can eat from what you set
836
aside for them, except for a little which you store. perhaps they will return again.’ Then when they
Then after that another year will come in which got back to their father’s house, they said,
the people will be helped by rain in plenty and ‘Father! Our measure has been denied. Please
when they once more will press.’ The King said, send our brother with us so we may obtain our
‘Bring him to me straight away!’ but when the measure. We will take care of him.’ He said,
envoy came to him, he said, ‘Go back to your ‘How will my trusting him to your care be differ-
master and enquire of him what happened about ent from entrusting his brother before? The Best
the women who cut their hands. My Lord has of Guardians, however, is Allah. He is the Most
knowledge of their cunning guile.’ He said, Merciful of the merciful.’ Then when they
‘What was this past affair of yours when you so- opened up their saddlebags and found their mer-
licited Yusuf?’ Then they said ‘Allah forbid! We chandise returned to them, they said, ‘Our fa-
know no bad of him.’ The governor’s wife then ther! What more could we ask! Here is our
said, ‘The truth has now emerged. Indeed I tried merchandise returned to us. We can provide our
to seduce him then and he has simply told the families with food, and guard our brother and get
honest truth.’ (Yusuf said,) ‘In this way he may an extra load. That is an easy measure to obtain.’
know at last that I did not dishonour him behind He said, ‘I will not send him out with you until
his back and that Allah most surely does not you make a covenant with Allah to bring him
guide the deviousness of the dishonourable.’ home unless you are overwhelmed.’ When they
(12:44-52) had made their covenant, he said, ‘Allah is
(Yusuf said,) ‘I do not say my self was free from Guardian over what we say.’ He said, ‘My sons!
blame. The self indeed commands to evil You must not enter through a single gate. Go in
acts–except for those my Lord has mercy on. My through different gates. But I cannot save you
Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful.’ The King said, from Allah at all, for judgement comes from no
‘Bring him to me straight away! So I may draw one but Allah. In Him I put my trust, and let all
him very close to me.’ When he had spoken with those who put their trust, put it in Him alone.’
him, he declared, ‘Today you are trusted, estab- (12:53-67)
lished in our sight.’ He said, ‘Entrust the country's But when they entered as their father said, it did
stores to me. In truth I am a knowing guardian.’ not save them from Allah at all, yet a need in
And thus We established Yusuf in the land so he Ya‘qub’s soul was satisfied. He had knowledge
could live in any place he pleased. We grant Our which We had taught him, but most of mankind
grace to anyone We will and We do not allow to simply do not know. Then when they entered
go to waste the wage of any people who do into Yusuf’s presence, he drew his brother close
good. But the wages of the hereafter are the best to him and said, ‘I am your brother. Do not be
for people who believe and fear their Lord. The distressed concerning all the things they used to
brothers of Yusuf came into his presence and he do.’ Then when he had supplied them with their
knew them but they did not know him. Then, needs, he put the goblet in his brother’s bag. A
having supplied their needs, he said to them, herald called out, ‘Caravan! You are thieves!’
‘Bring me your brother, your father’s youngest They turned to them and said, ‘What are you
son. Do you not see that I dispense full measure missing?’ They said, ‘We’re missing the goblet of
and am the most hospitable of hosts? But if you the king. The man who brings it will get a camel’s
do not bring him here to me, your measure from load. Regarding that I stand as guarantor.’ They
me then will be denied and you will not come said, ‘By Allah, you know we did not come to
near to me at all.’ They said, ‘We will request our corrupt the land and that we are not thieves.’
father for him. That is something we will surely They said, ‘What is the reparation for it if it in fact
do.’ He told his serving men, ‘Put back their transpires that you are liars?’ They said, ‘Its repa-
goods into their saddlebags for them to find ration shall be him in the saddlebags of whom it
when they arrive back to their families so that is discovered. With us that is how wrongdoers
837
are repaid.’ He started with their bags before his except for people who are disbelievers.’ So when
brother’s and then produced it from his brother’s they came into his presence, they said, ‘Your
bag. In that way We devised a cunning scheme Eminence! Hardship has hit us and our families.
for Yusuf. He could not have held his brother ac- We bring scant merchandise, but fill the measure
cording to the statutes of the King–only because for us generously. Allah always rewards a gener-
Allah had willed it so. We raise the rank of any- ous giver.’ He said, ‘Are you aware of what you
one We will. Over everyone with knowledge is a did to Yusuf and his brother in ignorance?’ They
Knower. They said, ‘If he steals now, his brother said, ‘Are you Yusuf?’ He said, ‘I am indeed
stole before.’ But Yusuf kept it to himself and still Yusuf, and this here is my brother. Allah has
did not disclose it to them, saying, ‘The plight acted graciously to us. As for those who fear
that you are in is worse than that. Allah knows Allah and are steadfast, Allah does not allow to
best the matter you describe.’ They said, ‘Your go to waste the wage of any people who do
Eminence! He has an old and venerable father, good.’ They said, ‘By Allah, Allah has favoured
so take one of us instead of him. We see without you above us. Clearly we were in the wrong.’ He
a doubt that you are of the people who do good.’ said, ‘No blame at all will fall on you. Today you
He said, ‘Allah forbid that we should take any- have forgiveness from Allah. He is the Most
one but him with whom our goods were found. Merciful of the merciful. Go with this shirt of
In that case we would clearly be wrongdoers.’ mine and cast it on my father’s face and he will
When they despaired of him, they went apart to see again. Then come to me with all your fami-
talk alone. The eldest of them said, ‘You know lies.’ (12:83-93)
full well your father had you make a covenant And when the caravan went on its way, their fa-
with Allah concerning this, and how before you ther said, ‘I can smell Yusuf’s scent! You probably
failed him with Yusuf. I will not leave this land think I have become senile.’ They said, ‘By Allah!
until I have permission from my father, or Allah Your mind is still astray.’ But when the bringer of
decides about the case on my behalf. Truly He is the good news came, he cast it on his face and
the justest Judge of all. Return now to your father sight returned. He said, ‘Did I not say to you be-
and say to him, "Your son stole, father. We can do fore, I know things from Allah you do not know?’
no more than testify to what we know and we are They said, ‘Our father, may we be forgiven for all
not the guardians of the Unseen. Ask questions of the many wrongs that we have done. We were
the town in which we were and of the caravan in indeed greatly mistaken men.’ He said, ‘I will ask
which we came for we are surely telling you the my Lord to pardon you. He is Ever-Forgiving,
truth."’ (12:68-82) Most Merciful.’ Then when they entered into
He (their father) said, ‘It’s merely that your lower Yusuf’s presence, he drew his parents close to
selves suggested something to you which you him and said, ‘Enter Egypt safe and sound, if
did. But beauty lies in having steadfastness. Allah wills.’ He raised his parents up onto the
Perhaps Allah will bring them all together. He is throne. The others fell prostrate in front of him.
indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’ He turned He said, ‘My father, truly this is now the interpre-
himself away from them and said, ‘What anguish tation of the dream I had. My Lord has made it all
is my sorrow for Yusuf!’ And then his eyes turned come true; and He was kind to me by letting me
white from hidden grief. They said, ‘By Allah, out of prison and brought you from the desert
you will not ever cease to mention Yusuf, till you when Satan had caused dissent between me and
waste away or are among the people of the my brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills.
grave!’ He said, ‘I make complaint about my grief He is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise. My
and sorrow to Allah alone because I know things Lord, You have granted power to me on earth
from Allah you do not know. My sons! Seek news and taught me the true meaning of events.
of Yusuf and his brother. Do not despair of solace Originator of the heavens and earth, You are my
from Allah. No one despairs of solace from Allah Friend in this world and the Next. So take me as
838
a Muslim at my death and join me to the people
who are righteous.’ This is news of the Unseen
which We reveal to you. You were not with them
when they decided what to do and devised their
scheme. But most people, for all your eagerness,
are not believers. You do not ask them for any
wage for it. It is only a reminder to all beings.
(12:94-104)
(The man who believed said, ‘My people!) Yusuf
brought you the Clear Signs before, but you
never stopped doubting what he brought to you
to the extent that when he died, you said, "Allah
will never send another Messenger after him."
That is how Allah misguides those who are un-
bridled and full of doubt.’ (40:34)

839
Z strength and my head is crowned with white, but
in calling on You, My Lord, I have never been
ZABUR (PSALMS) disappointed. I fear my relatives when I am gone
We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh and my wife is barren, so give me an heir from
and the Prophets who came after him. And We You to be my inheritor and the inheritor of the
revealed to Ibrahim and Isma‘il and Ishaq and family of Ya‘qub, and make him, my Lord, pleas-
Ya‘qub and the Tribes, and ‘Isa and Ayyub and ing to You.’ ‘Zakariyya! We give you the good
Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave news of a boy named Yahya, a name we have
Dawud the Zabur. (4:163) given to no one else before.’ He said, ‘My Lord!
My Lord knows best everyone in the heavens and How can I have a boy when my wife is barren
earth. We favoured some of the Prophets over and I have reached advanced old age?’ He said,
others. And We gave Dawud the Zabur. (17:55) ‘It will be so! Your Lord says, "That is easy for me
We wrote down in the Zabur, after the Reminder to do. I created you before, when you were not
came: ‘It is My servants who are righteous who anything."’ He said, ‘My Lord, give me a Sign.’
will inherit the earth.’ (21:105) He said, ‘Your Sign is not to speak to people for
three nights despite the fact that you are perfectly
ZAKAH (SEE ALMS) able to.’ He came out to his people from the
Upper Room and gestured to them to glorify
ZAKARIYYA (AS) Allah in the morning and the evening. (19:2-11)
Her Lord accepted her with approval and made And Zakariyya when he called out to his Lord,
her grow in health and beauty. And Zakariyya ‘My Lord, do not leave me on my own, though
became her guardian. Every time Zakariyya vis- You are the Best of Inheritors.’ (21:89)
ited her in the Upper Room, he found food with
her. He said, ‘Maryam, how did you come by ZAQQUM
this?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. Allah provides for Is that better by way of hospitality or the tree of
whoever He wills without any reckoning.’ Then Zaqqum which We have made to be an ordeal
and there Zakariyya called on his Lord and said, for the wrongdoers? (37:62-63)
‘O Lord, grant me by Your favour an upright It is a tree that emerges in the depths of the
child. You are the Hearer of Prayer.’ The angels Blazing Fire. (37:64)
called out to him while he was standing in prayer Its fruits are just like the heads of Satans. (37:65)
in the Upper Room: ‘Allah gives you the good They will eat from it and fill their bellies with it.
news of Yahya, who will come to confirm a (37:66)
Word from Allah, and will be a leader and a celi- The Tree of az-Zaqqum is the food of the wicked,
bate, a Prophet and one of the righteous.’ He seething in the belly like molten brass, as boiling
said, ‘My Lord, how can I possibly have a son water bubbles and seethes. (44:43-46)
when I have reached old age and my wife is bar- Then you, you misguided, you deniers will eat
ren?’ He said, ‘It will be so. Allah does whatever from the tree of Zaqqum, filling your stomachs
He wills.’ He said, ‘My Lord, appoint a Sign for with it. (56:51-53)
me.’ He said, ‘Your Sign is that you will not speak
to people for three days, except by gesture. ZAYD
Remember your Lord much and glorify Him in When you said to him whom Allah has blessed
the evening and after dawn.’ (3:37-41) and you yourself have greatly favoured, ‘Keep
And Zakariyya, Yahya, ‘Isa and Ilyas. All of them your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah,’
were among the righteous. (6:85) while concealing something in yourself which
Remembering your Lord’s mercy to His servant Allah wished to bring to light, you were fearing
Zakariyya, when he called on his Lord in secret people when Allah has more right to your fear.
and said, ‘My Lord, my bones have lost their Then when Zayd divorced her We married her to
840
you so that there should be no restriction for the
believers regarding the wives of their adopted
sons when they have divorced them. Allah’s
command is always carried out. (33:37)

ZIHAR (SEE EQUATING ONE’S WIFE WITH


ONE’S MOTHER)

ZINAH (SEE FORNICATION)

ZULM (SEE WRONG - WRONGDOING -


WRONGDOER)

841
THE DECEPTION
OF EVOLUTION

D
arwinism, in other words the theory of evolution, was put
forward with the aim of denying the fact of creation, but is in
truth nothing but failed, unscientific nonsense. This theory,
which claims that life emerged by chance from inanimate matter, was
invalidated by the scientific evidence of clear "design" in the universe
and in living things. In this way, science confirmed the fact that Allah
created the universe and the living things in it. The propaganda carried
out today in order to keep the theory of evolution alive is based solely
on the distortion of the scientific facts, biased interpretation, and lies
and falsehoods disguised as science.
Yet this propaganda cannot conceal the truth. The fact that the the-
ory of evolution is the greatest deception in the history of science has
been expressed more and more in the scientific world over the last 20-
30 years. Research carried out after the 1980s in particular has revealed
that the claims of Darwinism are totally unfounded, something that has
been stated by a large number of scientists. In the United States in par-
ticular, many scientists from such different fields as biology, biochem-
istry and paleontology recognize the invalidity of Darwinism and
employ the concept of intelligent design to account for the origin of life.
This "intelligent design" is a scientific expression of the fact that Allah
created all living things.
We have examined the collapse of the theory of evolution and the
proofs of creation in great scientific detail in many of our works, and are
still continuing to do so. Given the enormous importance of this sub-
ject, it will be of great benefit to summarize it here.
842
The Scientific Collapse of Darwinism
Although this doctrine goes back as far as ancient Greece, the theory
of evolution was advanced extensively in the nineteenth century. The
most important development that made it the top topic of the world of sci-
ence was Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species, published in 1859. In
this book, he denied that Allah created different living species on Earth
separately, for he claimed that all living beings had a common ancestor
and had diversified over time through small changes. Darwin's theory was
not based on any concrete scientific finding; as he also accepted, it was
just an "assumption." Moreover, as Darwin confessed in the long chapter
of his book titled "Difficulties of the Theory," the theory failed in the face
of many critical questions.
Darwin invested all of his hopes in new scientific discoveries,
which he expected to solve these difficulties. However, contrary to his
expectations, scientific findings expanded the dimensions of these diffi-
culties. The defeat of Darwinism in the face of science can be reviewed
under three basic topics:
1) The theory cannot explain how life originated on Earth.
2) No scientific finding shows that the "evolutionary mechanisms"
proposed by the theory have any evolutionary power at all.
3) The fossil record proves the exact opposite of what the theory
suggests.
In this section, we will examine these three basic points in general
outlines:

The First Insurmountable Step:


The Origin of Life
The theory of evolution posits that all living species evolved from a
single living cell that emerged on the primitive Earth 3.8 billion years
ago. How a single cell could generate millions of complex living species
843
and, if such an evolution really occurred, why traces of it cannot be ob-
served in the fossil record are some of the questions that the theory can-
not answer. However, first and foremost, we need to ask: How did this
"first cell" originate?
Since the theory of evolution denies creation and any kind of su-
pernatural intervention, it maintains that the "first cell" originated coin-
cidentally within the laws of nature, without any design, plan or
arrangement. According to the theory, inanimate matter must have pro-
duced a living cell as a result of coincidences. Such a claim, however, is
inconsistent with the most unassailable rules of biology.

"Life Comes from Life"


In his book, Darwin never referred to the origin of life. The primi-
tive understanding of science in his time rested on the assumption that
living beings had a very simple structure. Since medieval times, sponta-
neous generation, which asserts that non-living materials came together
to form living organisms, had been widely accepted. It was commonly
believed that insects came into being from food leftovers, and mice
from wheat. Interesting experiments were conducted to prove this the-
ory. Some wheat was placed on a dirty piece of cloth, and it was be-
lieved that mice would originate from it after a while.
Similarly, maggots developing in rotting meat was assumed to be
evidence of spontaneous generation. However, it was later understood
that worms did not appear on meat spontaneously, but were carried
there by flies in the form of larvae, invisible to the naked eye.
Even when Darwin wrote The Origin of Species, the belief that
bacteria could come into existence from non-living matter was widely
accepted in the world of science.
However, five years after the publication of Darwin's book,
Louis Pasteur announced his results after long studies and experi-
ments, that disproved spontaneous generation, a cornerstone of
844
Darwin's theory. In his triumphal lecture at the Sorbonne in 1864,
Pasteur said: "Never will the doctrine of spontaneous generation re-
cover from the mortal blow struck by this simple experiment."1
For a long time, advocates of the theory of evolution resisted these
findings. However, as the development of science unraveled the com-
plex structure of the cell of a living being, the idea that life could come
into being coincidentally faced an even greater impasse.

I n c o n c l u s i v e E ff o r t s
i n t h e Tw e n t i e t h C e n t u r y
The first evolutionist who took up the subject of the origin of life in
the twentieth century was the renowned Russian biologist Alexander
Oparin. With various theses he advanced in the 1930s, he tried to prove
that a living cell could originate by coincidence. These studies, how-
ever, were doomed to failure, and Oparin had to make the following
confession:
Unfortunately, however, the problem of the origin of the cell is per-
haps the most obscure point in the whole study of the evolution of
organisms.2
Evolutionist followers of Oparin tried to carry out experiments to
solve this problem. The best known experiment was carried out by the
American chemist Stanley Miller in 1953. Combining the gases he al-
leged to have existed in the primordial Earth's atmosphere in an experi-
ment set-up, and adding energy to the mixture, Miller synthesized
several organic molecules (amino acids) present in the structure of pro-
teins.
Barely a few years had passed before it was revealed that this ex-
periment, which was then presented as an important step in the name of
evolution, was invalid, for the atmosphere used in the experiment was
very different from the real Earth conditions.3
845
After a long silence, Miller confessed that the atmosphere medium
he used was unrealistic.4
All the evolutionists' efforts throughout the twentieth century to ex-
plain the origin of life ended in failure. The geochemist Jeffrey Bada,
from the San Diego Scripps Institute accepts this fact in an article pub-
lished in Earth magazine in 1998:
Today as we leave the twentieth century, we still face the biggest un-
solved problem that we had when we entered the twentieth century:
How did life originate on Earth?5

The Complex Structure of Life


The primary reason why the theory of evolution ended up in such
a great impasse regarding the origin of life is that even those living or-
ganisms deemed to be the simplest have incredibly complex structures.
The cell of a living thing is more complex than all of our man-made
technological products. Today, even in the most developed laboratories
of the world, a living cell cannot be produced by bringing organic
chemicals together.
The conditions required for the formation of a cell are too great in
quantity to be explained away by coincidences. The probability of pro-
teins, the building blocks of a cell, being synthesized coincidentally, is
1 in 10950 for an average protein made up of 500 amino acids. In math-
ematics, a probability smaller than 1 over 1050 is considered to be im-
possible in practical terms.
The DNA molecule, which is located in the nucleus of a cell and
which stores genetic information, is an incredible databank. If the infor-
mation coded in DNA were written down, it would make a giant library
consisting of an estimated 900 volumes of encyclopedias consisting of
500 pages each.

846
A very interesting dilemma emerges at this point: DNA can repli-
cate itself only with the help of some specialized proteins (enzymes).
However, the synthesis of these enzymes can be realized only by the in-
formation coded in DNA. As they both depend on each other, they have
to exist at the same time for replication. This brings the scenario that life
originated by itself to a deadlock. Prof. Leslie Orgel, an evolutionist of
epute from the University of San Diego, California, confesses this fact in
the September 1994 issue of the Scientific American magazine:
It is extremely improbable that proteins and nucleic acids, both of
which are structurally complex, arose spontaneously in the same
place at the same time. Yet it also seems impossible to have one with-
out the other. And so, at first glance, one might have to conclude that
life could never, in fact, have originated by chemical means.6
No doubt, if it is impossible for life to have originated from natural
causes, then it has to be accepted that life was "created" in a supernatu-
ral way. This fact explicitly invalidates the theory of evolution, whose
main purpose is to deny creation.

Imaginary Mechanisms of Evolution


The second important point that negates Darwin's theory is that
both concepts put forward by the theory as "evolutionary mechanisms"
were understood to have, in reality, no evolutionary power.
Darwin based his evolution allegation entirely on the mechanism
of "natural selection." The importance he placed on this mechanism was
evident in the name of his book: The Origin of Species, By Means of
Natural Selection…
Natural selection holds that those living things that are stronger and
more suited to the natural conditions of their habitats will survive in the
struggle for life. For example, in a deer herd under the threat of attack by
wild animals, those that can run faster will survive. Therefore, the deer
herd will be comprised of faster and stronger individuals. However, un-
847
questionably, this mechanism will not cause deer to evolve and trans-
form themselves into another living species, for instance, horses.
Therefore, the mechanism of natural selection has no evolutionary
power. Darwin was also aware of this fact and had to state this in his
book The Origin of Species:
Natural selection can do nothing until favourable individual differ-
ences or variations occur.7

Lamarck's Impact
So, how could these "favorable variations" occur? Darwin tried to
answer this question from the standpoint of the primitive understanding
of science at that time. According to the French biologist Chevalier de
Lamarck (1744-1829), who lived before Darwin, living creatures passed
on the traits they acquired during their lifetime to the next generation.
He asserted that these traits, which accumulated from one generation to
another, caused new species to be formed. For instance, he claimed that
giraffes evolved from antelopes; as they struggled to eat the leaves of
high trees, their necks were extended from generation to generation.
Darwin also gave similar examples. In his book The Origin of
Species, for instance, he said that some bears going into water to find
food transformed themselves into whales over time.8
However, the laws of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel
(1822-84) and verified by the science of genetics, which flourished in
the twentieth century, utterly demolished the legend that acquired traits
were passed on to subsequent generations. Thus, natural selection fell
out of favor as an evolutionary mechanism.

Neo-Darwinism and Mutations


In order to find a solution, Darwinists advanced the "Modern
Synthetic Theory," or as it is more commonly known, Neo-Darwinism,
848
at the end of the 1930's. Neo-Darwinism added mutations, which are
distortions formed in the genes of living beings due to such external fac-
tors as radiation or replication errors, as the "cause of favorable varia-
tions" in addition to natural mutation.
Today, the model that stands for evolution in the world is Neo-
Darwinism. The theory maintains that millions of living beings formed
as a result of a process whereby numerous complex organs of these or-
ganisms (e.g., ears, eyes, lungs, and wings) underwent "mutations," that
is, genetic disorders. Yet, there is an outright scientific fact that totally
undermines this theory: Mutations do not cause living beings to de-
velop; on the contrary, they are always harmful.
The reason for this is very simple: DNA has a very complex struc-
ture, and random effects can only harm it. The American geneticist B.G.
Ranganathan explains this as follows:
First, genuine mutations are very rare in nature. Secondly, most mu-
tations are harmful since they are random, rather than orderly
changes in the structure of genes; any random change in a highly or-
dered system will be for the worse, not for the better. For example, if
an earthquake were to shake a highly ordered structure such as a
building, there would be a random change in the framework of the
building which, in all probability, would not be an improvement.9
Not surprisingly, no mutation example, which is useful, that is,
which is observed to develop the genetic code, has been observed so
far. All mutations have proved to be harmful. It was understood that mu-
tation, which is presented as an "evolutionary mechanism," is actually a
genetic occurrence that harms living things, and leaves them disabled.
(The most common effect of mutation on human beings is cancer.) Of
course, a destructive mechanism cannot be an "evolutionary mecha-
nism." Natural selection, on the other hand, "can do nothing by itself,"
as Darwin also accepted. This fact shows us that there is no "evolution-
ary mechanism" in nature. Since no evolutionary mechanism exists, no
such any imaginary process called "evolution" could have taken place.
849
The Fossil Record: No Sign of
Intermediate Forms
The clearest evidence that the scenario suggested by the theory of
evolution did not take place is the fossil record.
According to this theory, every living species has sprung from a
predecessor. A previously existing species turned into something else
over time and all species have come into being in this way. In other
words, this transformation proceeds gradually over millions of years.
Had this been the case, numerous intermediary species should
have existed and lived within this long transformation period.
For instance, some half-fish/half-reptiles should have lived in the
past which had acquired some reptilian traits in addition to the fish traits
they already had. Or there should have existed some reptile-birds,
which acquired some bird traits in addition to the reptilian traits they al-
ready had. Since these would be in a transitional phase, they should be
disabled, defective, crippled living beings. Evolutionists refer to these
imaginary creatures, which they believe to have lived in the past, as
"transitional forms."
If such animals ever really existed, there should be millions and
even billions of them in number and variety. More importantly, the re-
mains of these strange creatures should be present in the fossil record.
In The Origin of Species, Darwin explained:
If my theory be true, numberless intermediate varieties, linking most
closely all of the species of the same group together must assuredly
have existed.... Consequently, evidence of their former existence
could be found only amongst fossil remains.10

Darwin's Hopes Shattered


However, although evolutionists have been making strenuous ef-
forts to find fossils since the middle of the nineteenth century all over
850
the world, no transitional forms have yet been uncovered. All of the fos-
sils, contrary to the evolutionists' expectations, show that life appeared
on Earth all of a sudden and fully-formed.
One famous British paleontologist, Derek V. Ager, admits this fact,
even though he is an evolutionist:
The point emerges that if we examine the fossil record in detail,
whether at the level of orders or of species, we find – over and over
again – not gradual evolution, but the sudden explosion of one group
at the expense of another.11
This means that in the fossil record, all living species suddenly
emerge as fully formed, without any intermediate forms in between.
This is just the opposite of Darwin's assumptions. Also, this is very
strong evidence that all living things are created. The only explanation
of a living species emerging suddenly and complete in every detail with-
out any evolutionary ancestor is that it was created. This fact is admitted
also by the widely known evolutionist biologist Douglas Futuyma:
Creation and evolution, between them, exhaust the possible expla-
nations for the origin of living things. Organisms either appeared on
the earth fully developed or they did not. If they did not, they must
have developed from pre-existing species by some process of modifi-
cation. If they did appear in a fully developed state, they must indeed
have been created by some omnipotent intelligence.12
Fossils show that living beings emerged fully developed and in a
perfect state on the earth. That means that "the origin of species," con-
trary to Darwin's supposition, is not evolution, but creation.

T h e Ta l e o f H u m a n E v o l u t i o n
The subject most often brought up by advocates of the theory of
evolution is the subject of the origin of man. The Darwinist claim
holds that modern man evolved from ape-like creatures. During this

851
alleged evolutionary process, which is supposed to have started 4-5
million years ago, some "transitional forms" between modern man
and his ancestors are supposed to have existed. According to this
completely imaginary scenario, four basic "categories" are listed:
1. Australopithecus
2. Homo habilis
3. Homo erectus
4. Homo sapiens
Evolutionists call man's so-called first ape-like ancestors
Australopithecus, which means "South African ape." These living beings
are actually nothing but an old ape species that has become extinct.
Extensive research done on various Australopithecus specimens by two
world famous anatomists from England and the USA, namely, Lord Solly
Zuckerman and Prof. Charles Oxnard, shows that these apes belonged
to an ordinary ape species that became extinct and bore no resem-
blance to humans.13
Evolutionists classify the next stage of human evolution as "homo,"
that is "man." According to their claim, the living beings in the Homo se-
ries are more developed than Australopithecus. Evolutionists devise a
fanciful evolution scheme by arranging different fossils of these crea-
tures in a particular order. This scheme is imaginary because it has
never been proved that there is an evolutionary relation between these
different classes. Ernst Mayr, one of the twentieth century's most impor-
tant evolutionists, contends in his book One Long Argument that "par-
ticularly historical [puzzles] such as the origin of life or of Homo
sapiens, are extremely difficult and may even resist a final, satisfying ex-
planation."14
By outlining the link chain as Australopithecus > Homo habilis >
Homo erectus > Homo sapiens, evolutionists imply that each of these
species is one another's ancestor. However, recent findings of paleoan-
thropologists have revealed that Australopithecus, Homo habilis, and
Homo erectus lived at different parts of the world at the same time.15
852
Moreover, a certain segment of humans classified as Homo erectus
have lived up until very modern times. Homo sapiens neandarthalensis
and Homo sapiens sapiens (modern man) co-existed in the same re-
gion.16
This situation apparently indicates the invalidity of the claim that
they are ancestors of one another. A paleontologist from Harvard
University, Stephen Jay Gould, explains this deadlock of the theory of
evolution, although he is an evolutionist himself:
What has become of our ladder if there are three coexisting lineages
of hominids (A. africanus, the robust australopithecines, and H. ha-
bilis), none clearly derived from another? Moreover, none of the
three display any evolutionary trends during their tenure on earth.17
Put briefly, the scenario of human evolution, which is "upheld"
with the help of various drawings of some "half ape, half human" crea-
tures appearing in the media and course books, that is, frankly, by
means of propaganda, is nothing but a tale with no scientific founda-
tion.
Lord Solly Zuckerman, one of the most famous and respected sci-
entists in the U.K., who carried out research on this subject for years and
studied Australopithecus fossils for 15 years, finally concluded, despite
being an evolutionist himself, that there is, in fact, no such family tree
branching out from ape-like creatures to man.
Zuckerman also made an interesting "spectrum of science" ranging
from those he considered scientific to those he considered unscientific.
According to Zuckerman's spectrum, the most "scientific"—that is, de-
pending on concrete data—fields of science are chemistry and physics.
After them come the biological sciences and then the social sciences. At
the far end of the spectrum, which is the part considered to be most "un-
scientific," are "extra-sensory perception"—concepts such as telepathy
and sixth sense—and finally "human evolution." Zuckerman explains
his reasoning:
We then move right off the register of objective truth into those fields
853
of presumed biological science, like extrasensory perception or the
interpretation of man's fossil history, where to the faithful [evolution-
ist] anything is possible – and where the ardent believer [in evolu-
tion] is sometimes able to believe several contradictory things at the
same time.18
The tale of human evolution boils down to nothing but the preju-
diced interpretations of some fossils unearthed by certain people, who
blindly adhere to their theory.

Darwinian Formula!
Besides all the technical evidence we have dealt with so far, let us
now for once, examine what kind of a superstition the evolutionists
have with an example so simple as to be understood even by children:
Evolutionary theory asserts that life is formed by chance. According
to this claim, lifeless and unconscious atoms came together to form the
cell and then they somehow formed other living things, including man.
Let us think about that. When we bring together the elements that are
the building-blocks of life such as carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen and
potassium, only a heap is formed. No matter what treatments it under-
goes, this atomic heap cannot form even a single living being. If you
like, let us formulate an "experiment" on this subject and let us examine
on the behalf of evolutionists what they really claim without pronounc-
ing loudly under the name "Darwinian formula":
Let evolutionists put plenty of materials present in the composition
of living beings such as phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, iron,
and magnesium into big barrels. Moreover, let them add in these barrels
any material that does not exist under normal conditions, but they think
as necessary. Let them add in this mixture as many amino acids-which
have no possibility of forming under natural conditions-and as many
proteins-a single one of which has a formation probability of 10-950-as
they like. Let them expose these mixtures to as much heat and moisture
854
as they like. Let them stir these with whatever technologically devel-
oped device they like. Let them put the foremost scientists beside these
barrels. Let these experts wait in turn beside these barrels for billions,
and even trillions of years. Let them be free to use all kinds of conditions
they believe to be necessary for a human's formation. No matter what
they do, they cannot produce from these barrels a human, say a profes-
sor that examines his cell structure under the electron microscope. They
cannot produce giraffes, lions, bees, canaries, horses, dolphins, roses,
orchids, lilies, carnations, bananas, oranges, apples, dates, tomatoes,
melons, watermelons, figs, olives, grapes, peaches, peafowls, pheas-
ants, multicoloured butterflies, or millions of other living beings such as
these. Indeed, they could not obtain even a single cell of any one of
them.
Briefly, unconscious atoms cannot form the cell by coming to-
gether. They cannot take a new decision and divide this cell into two,
then take other decisions and create the professors who first invent the
electron microscope and then examine their own cell structure under
that microscope. Matter is an unconscious, lifeless heap, and it comes to
life with Allah's superior creation.
Evolutionary theory, which claims the opposite, is a total fallacy
completely contrary to reason. Thinking even a little bit on the claims of
tevolutionists discloses this reality, just as in the above example.

Te c h n o l o g y i n t h e E y e a n d t h e E a r
Another subject that remains unanswered by evolutionary theory is
the excellent quality of perception in the eye and the ear.
Before passing on to the subject of the eye, let us briefly answer the
question of how we see. Light rays coming from an object fall oppo-
sitely on the eye's retina. Here, these light rays are transmitted into elec-
tric signals by cells and reach a tiny spot at the back of the brain, the
"center of vision." These electric signals are perceived in this center as

855
an image after a series of processes. With this technical background, let
us do some thinking.
The brain is insulated from light. That means that its inside is com-
pletely dark, and that no light reaches the place where it is located.
Thus, the "center of vision" is never touched by light and may even be
the darkest place you have ever known. However, you observe a lumi-
nous, bright world in this pitch darkness.
The image formed in the eye is so sharp and distinct that even the
technology of the twentieth century has not been able to attain it. For
instance, look at the book you are reading, your hands with which you
are holding it, and then lift your head and look around you. Have you
ever seen such a sharp and distinct image as this one at any other
place? Even the most developed television screen produced by the
greatest television producer in the world cannot provide such a sharp
image for you. This is a three-dimensional, colored, and extremely
sharp image. For more than 100 years, thousands of engineers have
been trying to achieve this sharpness. Factories, huge premises were
established, much research has been done, plans and designs have
been made for this purpose. Again, look at a TV screen and the book
you hold in your hands. You will see that there is a big difference in
sharpness and distinction. Moreover, the TV screen shows you a two-
dimensional image, whereas with your eyes, you watch a three-dimen-
sional perspective with depth.
For many years, tens of thousands of engineers have tried to make
a three-dimensional TV and achieve the vision quality of the eye. Yes,
they have made a three-dimensional television system, but it is not pos-
sible to watch it without putting on special 3-D glasses; moreover, it is
only an artificial three-dimension. The background is more blurred, the
foreground appears like a paper setting. Never has it been possible to
produce a sharp and distinct vision like that of the eye. In both the cam-
era and the television, there is a loss of image quality.
Evolutionists claim that the mechanism producing this sharp and
856
distinct image has been formed by chance. Now, if somebody told you
that the television in your room was formed as a result of chance, that all
of its atoms just happened to come together and make up this device
that produces an image, what would you think? How can atoms do
what thousands of people cannot?
If a device producing a more primitive image than the eye could
not have been formed by chance, then it is very evident that the eye and
the image seen by the eye could not have been formed by chance. The
same situation applies to the ear. The outer ear picks up the available
sounds by the auricle and directs them to the middle ear, the middle ear
transmits the sound vibrations by intensifying them, and the inner ear
sends these vibrations to the brain by translating them into electric sig-
nals. Just as with the eye, the act of hearing finalizes in the center of
hearing in the brain.
The situation in the eye is also true for the ear. That is, the brain is
insulated from sound just as it is from light. It does not let any sound in.
Therefore, no matter how noisy is the outside, the inside of the brain is
completely silent. Nevertheless, the sharpest sounds are perceived in
the brain. In your completely silent brain, you listen to symphonies, and
hear all of the noises in a crowded place. However, were the sound
level in your brain was measured by a precise device at that moment,
complete silence would be found to be prevailing there.
As is the case with imagery, decades of effort have been spent in
trying to generate and reproduce sound that is faithful to the original.
The results of these efforts are sound recorders, high-fidelity systems,
and systems for sensing sound. Despite all of this technology and the
thousands of engineers and experts who have been working on this en-
deavor, no sound has yet been obtained that has the same sharpness and
clarity as the sound perceived by the ear. Think of the highest-quality hi-
fi systems produced by the largest company in the music industry. Even
in these devices, when sound is recorded some of it is lost; or when you
turn on a hi-fi you always hear a hissing sound before the music starts.
857
However, the sounds that are the products of the human body's tech-
nology are extremely sharp and clear. A human ear never perceives a
sound accompanied by a hissing sound or with atmospherics as does a
hi-fi; rather, it perceives sound exactly as it is, sharp and clear. This is
the way it has been since the creation of man.
So far, no man-made visual or recording apparatus has been as
sensitive and successful in perceiving sensory data as are the eye and
the ear. However, as far as seeing and hearing are concerned, a far
greater truth lies beyond all this.

To W h o m D o e s t h e C o n s c i o u s n e s s T h a t
Sees and Hears within the Brain Belong?
Who watches an alluring world in the brain, listens to sym-
phonies and the twittering of birds, and smells the rose?
The stimulations coming from a person's eyes, ears, and nose
travel to the brain as electro-chemical nerve impulses. In biology,
physiology, and biochemistry books, you can find many details about
how this image forms in the brain. However, you will never come
across the most important fact: Who perceives these electro-chemi-
cal nerve impulses as images, sounds, odors, and sensory events in
the brain? There is a consciousness in the brain that perceives all this
without feeling any need for an eye, an ear, and a nose. To whom
does this consciousness belong? Of course it does not belong to the
nerves, the fat layer, and neurons comprising the brain. This is why
Darwinist-materialists, who believe that everything is comprised of
matter, cannot answer these questions.
For this consciousness is the spirit created by Allah, which needs
neither the eye to watch the images nor the ear to hear the sounds.
Furthermore, it does not need the brain to think.
Everyone who reads this explicit and scientific fact should pon-
der on Almighty Allah, and fear and seek refuge in Him, for He
858
squeezes the entire universe in a pitch-dark place of a few cubic cen-
timeters in a three-dimensional, colored, shadowy, and luminous
form.

A Materialist Faith
The information we have presented so far shows us that the the-
ory of evolution is a incompatible with scientific findings. The the-
ory's claim regarding the origin of life is inconsistent with science,
the evolutionary mechanisms it proposes have no evolutionary
power, and fossils demonstrate that the required intermediate forms
have never existed. So, it certainly follows that the theory of evolu-
tion should be pushed aside as an unscientific idea. This is how many
ideas, such as the Earth-centered universe model, have been taken
out of the agenda of science throughout history.
However, the theory of evolution is kept on the agenda of science.
Some people even try to represent criticisms directed against it as an "at-
tack on science." Why?
The reason is that this theory is an indispensable dogmatic belief
for some circles. These circles are blindly devoted to materialist philos-
ophy and adopt Darwinism because it is the only materialist explana-
tion that can be put forward to explain the workings of nature.
Interestingly enough, they also confess this fact from time to time. A
well-known geneticist and an outspoken evolutionist, Richard C.
Lewontin from Harvard University, confesses that he is "first and fore-
most a materialist and then a scientist":
It is not that the methods and institutions of science somehow com-
pel us accept a material explanation of the phenomenal world, but,
on the contrary, that we are forced by our a priori adherence to ma-
terial causes to create an apparatus of investigation and a set of con-
cepts that produce material explanations, no matter how
counter-intuitive, no matter how mystifying to the uninitiated.
859
Moreover, that materialism is absolute, so we cannot allow a Divine
Foot in the door.19
These are explicit statements that Darwinism is a dogma kept
alive just for the sake of adherence to materialism. This dogma main-
tains that there is no being save matter. Therefore, it argues that inan-
imate, unconscious matter created life. It insists that millions of
different living species (e.g., birds, fish, giraffes, tigers, insects, trees,
flowers, whales, and human beings) originated as a result of the in-
teractions between matter such as pouring rain, lightning flashes, and
so on, out of inanimate matter. This is a precept contrary both to rea-
son and science. Yet Darwinists continue to defend it just so as "not
to allow a Divine Foot in the door."
Anyone who does not look at the origin of living beings with a
materialist prejudice will see this evident truth: All living beings are
works of a Creator, Who is All-Powerful, All-Wise, and All-Knowing.
This Creator is Allah, Who created the whole universe from non-exis-
tence, designed it in the most perfect form, and fashioned all living
beings.

The Theory of Evolution is the Most


P o t e n t S p e l l i n t h e Wo r l d
Anyone free of prejudice and the influence of any particular ideol-
ogy, who uses only his or her reason and logic, will clearly understand
that belief in the theory of evolution, which brings to mind the supersti-
tions of societies with no knowledge of science or civilization, is quite
impossible.
As explained above, those who believe in the theory of evolution
think that a few atoms and molecules thrown into a huge vat could pro-
duce thinking, reasoning professors and university students; such sci-
entists as Einstein and Galileo; such artists as Humphrey Bogart, Frank
Sinatra and Luciano Pavarotti; as well as antelopes, lemon trees, and
860
carnations. Moreover, as the scientists and professors who believe in
this nonsense are educated people, it is quite justifiable to speak of this
theory as "the most potent spell in history." Never before has any other
belief or idea so taken away peoples' powers of reason, refused to
allow them to think intelligently and logically and hidden the truth
from them as if they had been blindfolded. This is an even worse and
unbelievable blindness than the Egyptians worshipping the Sun God
Ra, totem worship in some parts of Africa, the people of Saba worship-
ping the Sun, the tribe of Prophet Ibrahim (as) worshipping idols they
had made with their own hands, or the people of the Prophet Musa (as)
worshipping the Golden Calf.
In fact, Allah has pointed to this lack of reason in the Qur'an. In
many verse, He reveals in many verses that some peoples' minds will be
closed and that they will be powerless to see the truth. Some of these
verses are as follows:
As for those who do not believe, it makes no difference to them
whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.
Allah has sealed up their hearts and hearing and over their eyes is a
blindfold. They will have a terrible punishment. (Qur'an, 2: 6-7)
… They have hearts with which they do not understand. They have
eyes with which they do not see. They have ears with which they do
not hear. Such people are like cattle. No, they are even further
astray! They are the unaware. (Qur'an, 7: 179)
Even if We opened up to them a door into heaven, and they spent the
day ascending through it, they would only say: "Our eyesight is befud-
dled! Or rather we have been put under a spell!" (Qur'an, 15: 14-15)
Words cannot express just how astonishing it is that this spell
should hold such a wide community in thrall, keep people from the
truth, and not be broken for 150 years. It is understandable that one
or a few people might believe in impossible scenarios and claims full
of stupidity and illogicality. However, "magic" is the only possible ex-

861
planation for people from all over the world believing that uncon-
scious and lifeless atoms suddenly decided to come together and
form a universe that functions with a flawless system of organization,
discipline, reason, and consciousness; a planet named Earth with all
of its features so perfectly suited to life; and living things full of count-
less complex systems.
In fact, the Qur'an relates the incident of Prophet Musa and
Pharaoh to show that some people who support atheistic philosophies
actually influence others by magic. When Pharaoh was told about the
true religion, he told Prophet Musa to meet with his own magicians.
When Musa did so, he told them to demonstrate their abilities first. The
verses continue:
He said: "You throw." And when they threw, they cast a spell on the
people's eyes and caused them to feel great fear of them. They pro-
duced an extremely powerful magic. (Qur'an, 7: 116)
As we have seen, Pharaoh's magicians were able to deceive every-
one, apart from Musa and those who believed in him. However, his ev-
idence broke the spell, or "swallowed up what they had forged," as the
verse puts it.
We revealed to Musa, "Throw down your staff." And it immediately
swallowed up what they had forged. So the Truth took place and
what they did was shown to be false. (Qur'an, 7: 117-119)
As we can see, when people realized that a spell had been cast
upon them and that what they saw was just an illusion, Pharaoh's
magicians lost all credibility. In the present day too, unless those
who, under the influence of a similar spell, believe in these ridicu-
lous claims under their scientific disguise and spend their lives de-
fending them, abandon their superstitious beliefs, they also will be
humiliated when the full truth emerges and the spell is broken. In
fact, Malcolm Muggeridge, an atheist philosopher and supporter of
evolution, admitted he was worried by just that prospect:

862
I myself am convinced that the theory of evolution, especially the ex-
tent to which it's been applied, will be one of the great jokes in the
history books in the future. Posterity will marvel that so very flimsy
and dubious an hypothesis could be accepted with the incredible
credulity that it has.20
That future is not far off: On the contrary, people will soon see
that "chance" is not a deity, and will look back on the theory of evo-
lution as the worst deceit and the most terrible spell in the world.
That spell is already rapidly beginning to be lifted from the shoulders
of people all over the world. Many people who see its true face are
wondering with amazement how they could ever have been taken in
by it.

T h e y s a i d " G l o r y b e t o Yo u !
We h a v e n o k n o w l e d g e e x c e p t
w h a t Yo u h a v e t a u g h t u s .
Yo u a r e t h e A l l - K n o w i n g ,
t h e A l l - Wi s e . "
(Qur'an, 2: 32)
NOTES
1. Sidney Fox, Klaus Dose, Molecular Evolution and The Origin of Life, W.H. Freeman and
Company, San Francisco, 1972, p. 4.
2. Alexander I. Oparin, Origin of Life, Dover Publications, NewYork, 1936, 1953 (reprint),
p. 196.
3. "New Evidence on Evolution of Early Atmosphere and Life", Bulletin of the American
Meteorological Society, vol 63, November 1982, p. 1328-1330.
4. Stanley Miller, Molecular Evolution of Life: Current Status of the Prebiotic Synthesis of
Small Molecules, 1986, p. 7.
5. Jeffrey Bada, Earth, February 1998, p. 40.
6. Leslie E. Orgel, "The Origin of Life on Earth", Scientific American, vol. 271, October
1994, p. 78.
7. Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, The Modern
Library, New York, p. 127.
8. Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species: A Facsimile of the First Edition, Harvard
University Press, 1964, p. 184.
9. B. G. Ranganathan, Origins?, Pennsylvania: The Banner Of Truth Trust, 1988, p. 7.
10. Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species: A Facsimile of the First Edition, Harvard
University Press, 1964, p. 179.
11. Derek A. Ager, "The Nature of the Fossil Record", Proceedings of the British Geological
Association, vol 87, 1976, p. 133.
12. Douglas J. Futuyma, Science on Trial, Pantheon Books, New York, 1983. p. 197.
13. Solly Zuckerman, Beyond The Ivory Tower, Toplinger Publications, New York, 1970, pp.
75-94; Charles E. Oxnard, "The Place of Australopithecines in Human Evolution: Grounds
for Doubt", Nature, vol 258, p. 389.
14. "Could science be brought to an end by scientists' belief that they have final answers or
by society's reluctance to pay the bills?" Scientific American, December 1992, p. 20.
15. Alan Walker, Science, vol. 207, 7 March 1980, p. 1103; A. J. Kelso, Physical
Antropology, 1st ed., J. B. Lipincott Co., New York, 1970, p. 221; M. D. Leakey, Olduvai
Gorge, vol. 3, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1971, p. 272.
16. Jeffrey Kluger, "Not So Extinct After All: The Primitive Homo Erectus May Have Survived
Long Enough To Coexist With Modern Humans," Time, 23 December 1996.
17. S. J. Gould, Natural History, vol. 85, 1976, p. 30.
18. Solly Zuckerman, Beyond The Ivory Tower, p. 19.
19. Richard Lewontin, "The Demon-Haunted World," The New York Review of Books,
January 9, 1997, p. 28.
20. Malcolm Muggeridge, The End of Christendom, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980, p. 43.

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