About the Surah

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Alif. Lam. Mim. (Allah Alone knows their meanings)

       None has the right to be worshipped except Allah – Ever living and Ever Protector (of everything).

       He sent down the Book to you [Prophet Muhammad ( )] with truth which confirms (the Books) sent before this. And He sent down Taurat and Injeel (before this).

       Before this, for the guidance of the people. And He also sent down that which makes absolute distinction between the truth and the falsehood (i.e. the Quran). Indeed, those who disbelieve in the revelations of Allah, there is a severe torment for them. Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able to take revenge.

       Indeed, there is nothing in the earth and in the heavens which is hidden from Allah.

       It is He who shapes you in the wombs of your mothers as He Wills. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah – the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

       He has sent down to you [Muhammad ( )] the Book in which there are absolutely clear Verses and these are the foundation (or substance) of the Book. There are also Verses whose meanings are not entirely clear (i.e. allegorical). So the people who have deviation (from the truth) in their minds fol-low the Verses whose meanings are not entirely clear seeking trial (dis-belief) and their hidden meanings. And nobody knows the explana-tions of these Verses except Allah. And the people who are sound in knowledge say: “We believe in it. All (Verses) are from our Creator.” And only the people of understand-ing learn a lesson from it.

       (They say:) “Our Creator! Please don’t make our hearts go astray after You have granted us the guidance, and bestow upon us Your mercy since You are the Bestower.

       “Our Creator! Indeed, You will gather mankind on the Day about which there is no doubt. Indeed, Allah never breaks His promise.”

       Neither the riches nor the children of disbelievers will benefit them a bit against Allah and they will be the fuel of the Hell-Fire.

       (Disbelievers will be treated) as were treated the followers of Firaun and the people before them. They denied Our revelations. Hence, Allah punished them for their sins. Allah is Severe in punishment.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] Tell the disbelievers: “You shall soon be overcome (in this world) and (on the Day of Judgement) will be gathered to Hell-Fire and it is a very bad resting place.”

       There is a sign for you in the two armies which met (in Badr). One army was fighting in the Path of Allah and the other army was of the disbelievers. They saw each other double their number by their naked eyes. And Allah strengthens whosoever He wills with His help. Indeed, in this there is a lesson for sensible people.

       The love of the pleasing things is beautified for the people, such as women, children, heaps of gold and silver, the horses branded (with their marks), cattle and crops. These are luxuries of worldly life. And there is an excellent reward with Allah.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] Say to them: “Shall I inform you of something better than that? For pious people there are Gardens underneath which rivers flow. They will reside there forever, and they will have pure companions and (above all) the bliss (or pleasure) of Allah. Allah is All-Seer of (His) slaves.” 

       Those who say: “O Allah! We have, indeed, believed. Hence, forgive our sins and save us from the punishment of Fire.”

       (Characteristics of these slaves of Allah are). They are the steadfast, and truthful, and devoted (to Allah) and who spend (in the Cause of Allah) and they ask for forgiveness in the last part of the night.

       Allah (Himself) bears witness (in all Scriptures) that none has the right to be worshipped except Him alone, so do the angels (in their remembrance of Allah) and the people with knowledge (in their speeches and books). (They also witness that) He is conducting all affairs with full justice. (It is repeated that) None has the right to be worshipped but Him, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

       Indeed, the only (correct and acceptable) religion with Allah is Islam. And the People of the Scripture differed after the know-ledge had reached them simply due to their mutual jealousy. And who-soever disbelieves the revelations of Allah, then Allah is swift in ac-countability.

       So if they dispute with you, [O Muhammad ( )!], say to them: “I have totally surrendered myself to Allah and so have my followers too.” Then say to the People of the Scripture and the idolaters: “Do you surrender yourselves to Allah?” So if they surrender, then they are rightly guided, and if they turn away, then your duty is only to convey them the message. And Allah is All-Seer of (His) slaves (i.e. Allah will deal with them).

       Indeed, those who disbelieve in the revelations of Allah, and kill the Prophets without any justification and kill those who establish justice among the people, so inform them of a painful torment.

       The deeds of such people will become null and void in this world and also in the Hereafter. And they will have no helpers.

       Did you not see those people who have been given a portion of the Scripture (i.e. Taurat), and they are invited to settle their mutual differences in the light of the Book of Allah. Yet a group of them turns away and they (love to) oppose it.

       This is because they say: “The Hell-Fire will not touch us except for a few days.” They are deceived by their fabrications in their religion.

       Then how will it be when We will gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt, and each person will be rewarded fully according to his deeds, and they will not be wronged?

       Say: “O Allah! The Owner of the kingdom, You give kingdom to whom You will and You take away kingdom from whom You will. You honour whom You will and disgrace whom You will. All (forms of) goodness is only and only in Your hand. Indeed, You are Able to do all things.

       “You make the night pass into the day and You cause the day to pass into the night. You bring forth the dead from the living and You bring forth the living from the dead and You give unlimited wealth to whom You will.”

       Let not the believers make the disbelievers their friends instead of the believers. Whosoever does that he is not in the protection of Allah, unless it is to safeguard you against their evil. And Allah warns you against Himself (His punishment). And you have to return to Allah.

       Say [O Muhammad ( )!]: “Whether you hide what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it. He knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth, and Allah is Able to do all things.”

       On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good and evil he has done, he will wish that there be a great distance between him and his bad deeds. Allah warns you against Himself (His punishment). And Allah is full of kindness for (His) servants.

       Say [O Muhammad ( )!]: “If you truly love Allah, then follow my guidance. Allah will not only love you, but also will forgive your sins. Allah is Very-Forgiving and Most-Merciful.”

       Say: “Obey Allah and the mes-senger.” So if they turn away, Allah does not like the disbelievers.

       Indeed, Allah made Adam ( ), Nuh ( ), the family of Ibrahim ( )and the family of Imran dis-tinguished above all the people of the universe (of that time).

       They are descendants of one another. Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

       (Remember) when the wife of Imran said: “O my Creator! Indeed, I have vowed to keep totally free for You whatever is in my belly (i.e. fully devote the expected child for Your services) So, please, accept this from me. Indeed, You are All-Hearer, the All-Knower.”

       And when she delivered the baby she said: “O my Creator! Indeed, I have given birth to a fe-male”, and Allah fully knows what she has delivered, and a male is not like a female. (She added :) “I have named her Maryam. I seek Your protection for her and for her chil-dren from Satan the outcast.”

       Hence, Allah accepted her with excellent acceptance and brought her up in the best possible way and appointed Zakariya ( ) as her guardian. Whenever Zakariya ( )entered the room where she was kept, he found lot of food there. Zakariya ( )said (to baby Maryam): “O Maryam! From where does this food come to you (since the house was always locked up.)?” (Child) Maryam said: “From Allah. Indeed, Allah grants unlimited provisions to whom He wills.

       At that time, Zakariya ( )made the following supplication to his Creator. He said: “O my Creator! Grant me from You a pious child. Indeed, You are All-Hearer of prayer.”

       So the angels called Zakariya ( )when he was offering prayer in the praying place: “Indeed, Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya ( ), who will confirm (i.e. believe in) the Word of Allah [i.e. Isa )]. He will be a leader in religion, and an absolute chaste person, and a Prophet from among the righteous people.”

       Zakariya ( )said: “O my Creator! How can I have a son when I am very old and my wife is barren?” (Allah) said: “Thus Allah does what He wills.” (i.e. a child will be born to you even in this condition)

       Zakariya ( )said: “O my Creator! Please make a sign for me.” (Allah) said: “Your sign is that you will not be able to speak to people for three days except with signals. (When this happens, you should know that your wife has conceived). And (during these days) engage yourself in the remembrance of Allah excessively and glorify Him during the night and in the morning.

       And (that time is worth remem-bering) when angels said: “O Maryam, indeed, Allah has chosen you and purified you (from disbelief) and has made you highly distinguished among all the women of the universe (of that time).”

       (Angels added): “O Maryam! Be obedient to your Creator and prostrate yourself and bow down with those who bow down (in worship).”

       This news is revealed to you [O, Muhammad ( )] from the unseen. You were not with them when they threw their pens (to test whose pen moves in opposite direction to the direction of flow of water) to decide which of them should be the guardian of Maryam. And you were not with them when they disputed about it.

       (That time is worth remem-bering) when the angels said: “O Maryam! Indeed. Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Allah (i.e. a child will be born simply by the Word of Allah). His name will be the Messiah Isa, the son of Maryam. He will be highly respected in this world and in the Hereafter and will be one of those who are near to Allah.

       “And he will speak to the people in the cradle (like a mature person) and in his full manhood (i.e. when he returns to earth), and he will be one of the righteous (people).”

       Maryam said: “How shall I have a child when no man has touched me.” The angel said: “That’s how Allah creates what He wills. When He intends to bring about a thing, He says to it: ‘Be’- and it is done at once”.

       And (distinguished features of this child will be as follows) Allah will teach him the writing and wisdom and the Taurat and the Injeel.

       And he will be a messenger for the Children of Israel (saying): “I have brought to you a proof (of my Prophethood) from your Creator. I make shape of a bird out of clay for you, then I breathe into it, it be-comes a live bird by Allah’s Leave. (Secondly) I heal him who is blind by birth and the leper; (Thirdly) I bring the dead to life by Allah’s Permission. (Fourthly) I inform you what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed, there is a sign for you in it if you (care to) believe me.

       “And I have come to confirm that which was before me of the Taurat, and (I have come to you) to make certain things lawful for you which were made unlawful [at the time of Musa (pbuh)]. And I have come to you with a proof from your Creator, hence fear Allah and obey me.

       “Indeed, my Creator and your Creator is Allah. Hence, worship Him Alone. This is the Straight Path.”

       When Isa ( )became con-scious of their disbelief, he said: “Who will be my helper in the Cause of Allah?” The disciples said: “We will be helpers of Allah (i.e. helpers of Allah’s religion). We believe in Allah and you bear witness that we have fully submitted to Allah.”

       “O our Creator! We believe in that which You have sent down and we obey the messenger, please write us among the witnesses (to the truth).”

       And they (the disbelievers) plotted [to kill Isa (pbuh)], and Allah plotted too. And Allah has the best strategy.

       (That time is worth remember-ing) when Allah said: “O Isa ( )! I shall cause you to ascend to Me (saving you from the mischief of the Jews) and purify you (from the disbelievers) and then make you die (after I sent you back to the earth). And I will make your (true) followers dominate the dis-believers till the Day of Judgement. Then you will (all) return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to differ.”

       (Details of judgement is:) “So those who disbelieve, I will inflict a severe punishment upon them in this world and in the Hereafter and they will have no helper.”

       “And those who believe and do good deeds, I will give them their full reward.” And Allah does not like the wrong-doers.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] These which We are reciting to you are the Verses and a Wise Reminder.

       Indeed, the example of Isa (pbuh)with Allah is like the example of Adam (pbuh). He created him of dust and then said to him: “Be” – and he was.

       (This description is) the very truth from your Creator, so don’t be of those who doubt it.

       Whoever disputes with you about him [i.e. Isa ( )] after (plenty of) knowledge has come to you, [O Muhammad ( )!] say to them: “Come, let us gather our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then we will pray humbly for the Curse of Allah upon those who lie.”

       Indeed, it is the true narration [about Isa ( )]. And none has the right to be worshipped except Allah. And Allah is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

       (After all these proofs) if they turn away, then Allah is fully Aware of the mischief-makers.

       Say: “O People of the Scripture! Come to a common and just point between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we do not ascribe partners with Him, and that we do not take any god besides Allah.” Then if they turn away, then you say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.”

       O People of the Scripture! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim ( )(i.e. Did he follow Taurat or Injeel?), although the Taurat and the Injeel were revealed till after his time? Don’t you have any sense? 

       Listen, you have disputed about those matters about which you had some knowledge (e.g. your religion). So why do you argue about a matter about which you have no knowledge? And Allah knows and you know not.

       Ibrahim ( )was not a Jew, nor a Christian. He was an upright (pure and true) Muslim. And he was not at all an idolater.

       And among the people who are nearest to Ibrahim ( )are those who obeyed him (at his time) and Prophet Muhammad ( ) and followers of Prophet Muhammad ( ). And Allah is the Protector of the believers. 

       A group of the People of the Scripture wishes to lead you astray. They make none to go astray except themselves, but they don’t perceive it.

       O People of the Scripture! “Why do you disbelieve in the revelations of Allah, when you, yourselves, bear witness (to their truth)?”

       O People of the Scripture! “Why do you mix truth with false-hood and conceal the truth know-ingly?”

       And a group of the People of the Scripture says: “Believe in that which has been revealed to those who believe, at the beginning of the day, and disbelieve in that in the later part of the day in order that they may revert (to disbelief by this plan).

       “And don’t believe anybody except the one who follows your religion. [O Muhammad ( )!] Say: “Indeed, the true guidance is Allah’s guidance.” (And do not believe) that someone can receive (guidance) like that which you have received, otherwise they will argue with you before your Creator.” [O Muhammad ( )!] Say: “All the bounty is in Allah’s hand. He bestows upon whom He wills. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

       “He specially chooses for His Mercy whom He wills. Allah is the owner of Great Bounty”.

       And among the People of the Scripture there is he who, if you entrust him with a large treasure, he will (promptly) return it to you. And among them there is he who, if you trust him with one coin of gold, he will not return it to you unless you keep demanding from him. (This is because) they say: “There is no sin for us to take away the rights of illiterates (i.e. non-Jews).” And they coin a lie against Allah while they know it.

       In fact, he who fulfils his promise and fears Allah, then, Allah loves such pious persons. 

       Those who sell promises made with Allah and their oaths for petty gains will have no portion in the Hereafter. Allah will not speak to them nor will look towards them (with Mercy), nor will He purify them (of their sins) and they will have painful punishment.

       And indeed, one group of them distort the Book with their tongues, so that you may think that it is from the Book, although it is not from the Book, and they even say: “This is from Allah,” but it is not from Allah, and they speak a lie against Allah knowingly.

       When Allah gives a person the Book, the wisdom (for under-standing of the religion) and Prophet-hood, it is not proper for that person to say to the people: “Worship me instead of Allah.” In fact, he would say: “Worship Allah Alone, since you teach this (Allah’s) Book to others and study it yourselves too.”

       And he will not order you to make angels and Prophets your gods. Would he order you to be a disbeliever after you have become a believer?

       And (that time is worth remembering) when Allah took a promise from the Prophets saying: “Take what I have given you from the Book and wisdom (to understand religion), and later on when a Prophet [Muhammad ( )] will come to you confirming what is with you, then you must believe in him and help him.” (Allah said:) “Do you agree to it and will carry My burden (of promise, i.e. will you fulfil your promise made with Me?)” They said: “We agree.” Allah said: “So bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.”

       Then whoever turns away after this, they are disobedient (to Allah).

       Do they seek other religion than that of Allah while all creatures in the heavens and in the earth have submitted to Him willingly or unwillingly? And they shall all return to Him.

       [O Muhammad ( )!] Say: “We believe in Allah and in what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim ( ), Ismail ( ), Ishaq ( ), Yaqub ( ), the chil-dren of Yaqub, and what was given to Musa ( )and Isa ( ), and to other Prophets from their Creator. We make no distinction among them and we strictly obey Allah Alone.”

       And whoever will seek other religion than Islam, his religion will not be accepted by Allah and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.

       How shall Allah guide such people who disbelieved after their belief, and after they bore witness that Prophet [Muhammad (pbuh)] is a true messenger and clear proofs had come to them? And Allah does not guide the wrong-doers.

       Their punishment is that there is curse of Allah, of angels and of all mankind upon them.

       They will be in (Hell) forever. Their punishment will not be lightened nor will it be delayed.

       Except those who repent and reform themselves (by good deeds), then, indeed, Allah is very Forgiving, Most Merciful.

       Indeed those who reverted to disbelief after their belief and then they increased their disbelief, their repentance will never be accepted. And they are those who have gone astray.

       Indeed, those who disbelieved and died in the state of disbelief, if they offered the whole earth full of gold to free themselves (from the torment), it will not be accepted from them. They have a painful punishment and they will have no helper.

       You cannot attain ultimate piety unless you spend (in Allah’s Cause) from what you love (the most), and whatever you spend (in the Cause of Allah), Allah fully knows it.

       All food was lawful for the Children of Israel, except that which    Yaqub () made unlawful for himself before the revelation of Taurat. [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Bring here the Taurat and recite it if you are truthful (in your claim).”

       So whoever shall invent a lie against Allah after that, then they shall be of the wrong-doers.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Allah has spoken the truth. So you should follow the straight and upright religion of Ibrahim () (i.e. Islam). And he [Ibrahim ( )] was not from the idolaters.”

       Indeed, the first House (of worship) setup for mankind was at Makkah. It is full of blessing and guidance for mankind and jinn.

       There are clear signs in it; one of them is the Place of Ibrahim (). And whoever enters it, be-comes totally secure. Allah has made Hajj or pilgrimage of this House obligatory for those who have means to visit Makkah. Whoever (able person) denies (performing this pilgrimage), then Allah is free of any need from anybody from mankind, jinn and all that exists. 

       Say: “O People of the Scripture! Why do you reject the revelations of Allah? And Allah is Witness of what you do.

       Say: “O People of the Scrip-ture! Why do you hinder believers from the Path of Allah and you look for crookedness in it while you yourselves are witnesses [that Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is a true messenger as stated in your Books]? And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”

       O you who believe! If you obey any group of the People of the Scripture, they will revert you to disbelief after you have believed.

       And how can you disbelieve while the Verses of Allah are recited to you and among you is Allah’s messenger? And whoever adheres firmly to (the religion of) Allah, then he has, definitely been guided to the Right Path.

       (Muslims’ power depends on taqwa and unity) O you who be-lieve! Fear Allah as He should be feared (just as you save yourselves from disbelief, similarly save your-selves from sin). And don’t die except as (sincere) Muslims.

       And all of you hold firmly to the rope of Allah (i.e. the Quran) and don’t create divisions among yourselves. And keep in mind the favour of Allah, when you were enemies of each other, Allah induced mutual love in your hearts. (As a result of this) then you became brothers by His Grace. (Another favour of Allah is that) you were on the brink of a pit of fire (due to your disbelief), Allah saved you from falling into this pit. In this way Allah makes His revelations clear to you so that you may be guided.

       (Apart from personal reform, Muslims should reform their bro-thers too). There should be a group in you who invites others to all that is good and commands them to do good deeds and forbids them to do evil deeds. And they shall, indeed, be successful (on the Day of Judgement).

       And don’t be like those who created divisions (in the religion) and created splits among themselves (for personal reasons) after proofs came to them. And they shall have, indeed, a big torment (on the Day of Judgement).

       On that day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection), some faces will be-come white (i.e. bright) and other faces will become black (i.e. dark). Then it will be said to those with black faces: “Did you turn to dis-belief after your belief? So taste the punishment for your disbelief.”

       And those whose faces will be bright, they will be in Allah’s Mercy (i.e. Paradise). They shall live there forever (Hence, entry into paradise is only by Allah’s Mercy).

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] We recite these Verses of Allah to you in truth. And Allah does not intend to do injustice to mankind, jinn and all that exists.

       And all that is in the heavens and in the earth belongs to Allah. And all matters go back to Allah (for settlement). 

       [O the followers of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] You are the best com-munity ever raised for man-kind; you command others for good conduct and forbid them from indecent conduct, while you be-lieve in Allah. And if the People of the Scripture had believed (like you), it would have been better for them. Some of them are believers but most of them are disobedient to Allah.

       (The People of the Scripture) will not be able to do you any harm except a slight annoyance. In case they decide to fight with you, they will flee turning their backs to you, and then they will not be helped.

       Humiliation and disgrace is thrust upon them wherever they may be except when they are under the protection of Allah or under the protection of some people (through truce). And they have earned the Wrath of Allah and poverty is laid upon them. This is because they used to disbelieve in the revelations of Allah and killed the Prophets without any justification. This is also because they disobeyed (Allah) and used to transgress (beyond human limits, repeatedly).

       They are not all alike. A group of the People of the Scripture is adhering to the truth. They recite Allah’s Verses (i.e. the Quran) during the hours of night and they pros-trate themselves (in prayer).

       They (firmly) believe in Allah and the Day of Resurrection. And they encourage others for good con-duct and forbid others from evil conduct, and hasten to do good deeds. And they are among the righteous people.

       And whatever good they do, they will not be deprived of its reward. And Allah knows well those who are pious people.

       Indeed, the properties, and children of disbelievers will not benefit them in any way against Allah. And they are residents of Hell-Fire and they will reside there forever.

       The example of what they (the disbelievers) spend in this world is the likeness of a strong wind with bitter coldness in it. It struck the crop of these people who have wronged themselves (due to disbelief), and totally destroyed their crop. (Similarly the spending of disbelievers will go waste on the Day of Resurrection). And Allah did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves.

       O you who believe! Don’t make your intimate friends except the believers since others try their best to ruin you. They desire hardships for you. Their hatred has been revealed (by what they utter) from their mouths, but what is hidden in their hearts is much greater. Indeed, We have made Our Verses clear to you, if you understand.

       Listen, you are those who love them but they don’t love you in spite of the fact that you believe in all Books (including their Books). When they meet you, they (hypocritically) say: “We believe.” But when they are alone, they bite their finger-tips at you in rage. Say: “Perish in your rage. Indeed, Allah knows what is (hidden) in (your) breasts.”

       If good embraces you, it grieves them, and if some misfortune strikes you, they rejoice at it. But if you remain patient and observe piety, none of their evil plots will harm you. Indeed, Allah encompasses (through His knowledge) all that they do.

       And (that time is worth remem-ber-ing) when you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] left your family early in the morning to assign the believers their positions in the battle (of Uhud). And Allah is All-Hearer, All Knower.

       When two tribes (Bani Salmah and Bani Harithah) among you intended to act cowardly but Allah was their Protector. So the believers should put their trust in Allah.

       And Allah already helped you in the battle of Badr (by making you victorious) while you were a very weak force. So fear Allah so that you may be grateful (to Him).

       (That time is worth remem-bering) when you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] said to the believers: “Is it not enough for you that Allah will send down three thousand angels to help you?” (Though many angels are already on the earth, special dis-tinguished angels will be sent down for this job.)

       Yes, indeed, if you be patient and observe piety, and the enemy attacks you all of a sudden, Allah will help you with five thousand angels having special marks of distinction.

       And (this help of Allah with angels) is simply to give you glad tiding (of your victory in this war) and also to strengthen and soothe your hearts. And (in fact) there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

       (The purpose of this help of Allah was) that one group of the disbelievers be killed or humiliated, so that (all of them) retreat frus-trated.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] It is not up to you to decide whether Allah turns in mercy to (forgive) them or punishes them since they are wrong-doers.

       And all that is in the heaven and all that is in the earth belong to Allah. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills, and Allah is Very Forgiving, Most Merciful.

       O Believers! Don’t indulge in usury by doubling and redoubling. And fear Allah so that you may be successful.

       And fear the Fire, which is prepared for the disbelievers.

       And obey Allah and the mes-senger [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] so that Allah’s Mercy is showered upon you.

       Hurry (by good deeds) to-wards the forgiveness from your Creator and Paradise whose width is equal to the heavens and the earth and is prepared for the pious people.

       (Characteristics of pious people are that) they spend (in Allah’s Cause) in ease and also during the hardship, they control their wrath, and forgive other people. Verily Allah loves the good-doers.

       And if they happen to do an indecent act or have committed a sin, they engage in the remembrance of Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins. And none can forgive sins except Allah. They (the pious people) don’t persist in (or repeat) what (wrong) they have done, while they know.

       The reward for such people is forgiveness from Allah and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath. They shall reside there forever. What an excellent reward for such doers (of the righteous deeds).

       Many such events have taken place before you. So travel in the land and see what the fate of those who denied (the truth) was.

       This (the Quran) is a plain nar-ration to mankind; and it is guid-ance and advice for the pious peo-ple (since only they ponder over it).

       (True, you suffered defeat in Uhud). And don’t lose heart and don’t be grieved. (In the long run) you will have superiority if you are (true) believers.

       (Even in defeat there is some hidden wisdom). (Firstly) if you suffered wounds (in Uhud), the dis-believers have experienced similar wounds (in Badr). We rotate (good and bad) days among the people. And (secondly) in order that Allah let those be known who are the true believers. And (thirdly) it was to make some of you martyrs. And Allah does not like the wrong-doers.

       And (fourthly) so that Allah may purify the believers (from sins), and (fifthly) wipe-out the disbelievers.

       Do you think you will enter Paradise although Allah has not let those be known who fought in the Path of Allah and those who were patient among you?

       And, indeed, you used to wish for death (as a martyr) before you met it. Now you have seen with your own eyes. 

       And Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is only a Messenger (not God who cannot die or be killed). Many other messengers have passed before him. Hence, if he dies or becomes a martyr, would you turn back on your heels (i.e. quit Islam or quit Jihad)? And he who turns back on his heels will not harm Allah in any way. And Allah will soon give reward to those who are grateful (and remain steadfast in Islam and fighting). 

       (Why should you panic about death?) No person can ever die except with Allah’s Permission, at the written appointed time. And whoever desires the reward in this world, We shall give him some of that. And whoever desires the reward in the Hereafter, We shall give him from that (apart from worldly benefits). And We shall soon reward the grateful people.

       (For more encouragement the examples of steadfastness of the previous Prophets and their followers are described). And many a Prophets did fight along with many devoted or Godly men. So that they did not lose heart due to the hardships they faced in the Path of Allah nor did they show any weakness, nor gave in (due to pressure). And Allah loves the patient people.

       And (there were no short comings in their actions) yet they kept saying: “O our Creator! For-give our sins and any excesses in our affairs, and make our feet firm and help us against the disbelieving people.”

       Hence, Allah gave them reward of this world (i.e. victory) and an excellent reward of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise). And Allah loves the good-doers.

       O you who believe! If you obey the disbelievers, they will send you back on your heels (i.e. revert you to disbelief), then you will become absolute losers.

       In fact, Allah is your Protector, and He is the Best of helpers.

       Soon, We shall cast terror into the hearts of the disbelievers (so that they don’t return after the battle of Uhud and attack Madinah) since they ascribe partners in worship with Allah for which Allah has sent down no authority. Their abode is Hell and how evil is the abode for the wrong-doers.

       And Allah did, indeed, fulfil his promise to you when you were killing them (the disbelievers) with Allah’s Permission until you lost your courage, and you disputed about the order and disobeyed [the order of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] after We had fulfilled your wish (i.e. the initial victory of  the battle of Uhud). And some of you desired the world and some of you desired the Hereafter. (Allah removed his help) and then made you run away from them (the disbelievers) to test you (i.e. your Faith). (Although this temporary defeat was due to your actions) Allah has, indeed, forgiven you, and Allah is Most Gracious to the believers.

       (That time is worth remember-ing) when you were running away and did not even look to anyone and the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was calling you from your rear. (You did not pay at-tention to him). Allah gave you dis-tress (change of victory to defeat) followed by another distress (in-juries to believers etc.) to teach you neither to grieve for what you have lost, nor to grieve for the hardships that had fallen on you. Allah is Well-Aware of what you do. (Hence, He provided you with proper punishment and training).

       Then He provided you with comfort after this distress when slumber overcame a group of you (and it wiped out your distress). And another group (hypocrites) was only worried about them and had wrong ideas about Allah. (These ideas) were the same as that time of ignorance. They said: “Do we have any say in the matter?” [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say to them: “All authority belongs to Allah. They hide within themselves that which they do not reveal to you. They say: “If we had any say in the matter, none of us would have been killed here.” Say to them: “Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed, they would have come forth to the (appointed) places of their death.” And (this took place) so that Allah might test what is in your breast (i.e. Faith) and purify your hearts (from any doubts). Allah is All-Knower of what is in (your) breasts.

       Indeed, those who turned their backs on the day when two armies came face to face (in the battle of Uhud), it was Satan who made them slip due to some of their (past) deeds. But, indeed, Allah has forgiven them. Indeed, Allah is Very Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

       O you who believe! Don’t act like disbelievers (hypocrites) who say regarding their brethren when they (their brethren) travel in the land or go out to fight in the Path of Allah: “If they had stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed,” so that Allah may make it a cause of regret in their hearts. It is Allah Who gives life and causes death. And Allah is All-Seer of what you do.

       And if you die or be killed in the Path of Allah, Forgiveness and Mercy from Allah is far superior to what they accumulate (of worldly wealth).

       And whether you die or be killed, definitely you shall be gathered to Allah.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] So by the Mercy of Allah, you are gentle with them. If you were severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from you. Hence, pardon their mistakes, ask forgiveness for them and consult them in affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your full trust in Allah, Allah loves those who put their trust in Allah.

       If Allah helps you, nobody can dominate you. And if Allah forsakes you, who can help you besides Him? And believers should put their trust in Allah (Alone).

       And it is impossible that any Prophet be dishonest (regarding booty). Whoever deceives, he will bring the stolen items with him on the Day of Resurrection. Then everybody will be fully rewarded according to his actions and nobody will be wronged.

       Can a person who is seeking the Pleasure of Allah be like the one who earned the Wrath of Allah? His abode is Hell-Fire, which is a very bad destination.

       There are different grades (levels) with Allah for them, and Allah is All-Seer of what they do. 

       Indeed, Allah has done a great favour to the believers when He sent among them a messenger [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] from them. He recites to them His Verses and purifies them (from sins) and teaches them the Book (the Quran) and wisdom [i.e. sayings of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)]. And, indeed, before this they were in obvious ignorance

       How come when a hardship struck you (in Uhud), although you have done twice the harm to your enemy (in Badr), you say: “From where has this (misery) fallen upon us?” Say to them: “It is because of your own (evil) deeds.” Indeed, Allah has the power over all things.

       The hardships you faced when two armies met (in Uhud), were by Allah’s Permission and it was to let the believers be known (openly).

       And also to let the hypocrites be known (openly). And when it was said to them (the hypocrites): “Come and fight in the battle or at least help in the defence.” They said: “Had we known that fighting will certainly take place, we would have followed you.” (Battle is very unlikely since disbelievers are 3-4 times the believers). That day they were much closer to disbelief than Islamic Faith. They were saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah has full knowledge of what they conceal.

       They not only stayed at home but also said about their (killed) brethren: “If they had obeyed us, they would not have been killed. Say: “Avert death from yourselves if you are truthful.”

       And don’t consider those who are killed in the Path of Allah as dead persons. They are, in fact, alive with their Creator and He gives them the provision.

       They are jubilant since Allah has bestowed His Bounty upon them. They also rejoice about those who are left behind and have not yet joined them (as martyrs). They are also happy since they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. 

       They rejoice in Grace and Bounty from Allah. (And they also rejoice to see that) indeed, Allah does not waste the reward of believers.

       Those who (promptly) res-ponded to the Call of Allah and his Prophet even after they had suffered wounds (in Uhud). For those among then who performed good deeds and feared Allah, there is a great reward for them.

       Those (i.e. the believers) whom the people (hypocrites) said: “The people have gathered against you a big force, you better fear them. (This alarming news) fur-ther strengthened the faith of the be-lievers and they said: “Allah is Suf-ficient for us (in any hardship) and He is the most excellent guardian.

       Hence, they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah and no harm touched them. They truly followed the good Pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.

       It is Satan who tries to make you fear his supporters. Hence, don’t fear them, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] And let not those grieve you who hasten towards disbelief. Indeed, they will not be able to do any harm to Allah. Allah intends that they should have no portion in the Hereafter. And for them there is a great torment.

       Indeed, those who purchase disbelief at the cost of Faith, they will not be able to harm Allah a bit. And for them is painful torment.

       And let not the disbelievers think that Our delaying (of their punishment) will do any good to them. We delay their torment simply to let them increase their sins. And for them there is a shameful torment.

       Allah will not leave the believers in the present state until He separates the wicked people from the good people. Allah, generally, does not inform the people about the unseen. Allah, however, chooses some of His messengers whom He wills (to inform them about part of the unseen). Hence, believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and observe piety, then for you is a tremendous reward.

       And let not those whom Allah has given His Bounty think that their miserliness is good for them. In fact it is an evil thing for them. The things with which they did miserliness will be tied around their necks like a collar on the Day of Resurrection. And whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. And He is Well Acquainted with all that you do.

       Allah has definitely heard the statement of those who say: “Indeed, Allah is poor and we are rich.” (We have not only heard it but also) We shall record what they have said and We shall also record their killing of the Prophets unjustly, and We shall say: “Taste the torment of the burning (Fire).” 

       This (torment) is because of your (evil) deeds you sent forth and Allah is not cruel to (His) slaves.

       They say: “Allah has taken a promise from us not to believe in a Prophet till he brings us an offering which the fire (from heaven) should burn it (in our presence). [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say to them: “Several messengers came to you before me with clear proofs and even with what you are demanding, why then did you kill them, if you are truthful (in your claim)?”

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!]. (Don’t be sad). If they are denying you, indeed, many messengers were denied before you who came with clear proofs and the Scripture and Book of Enlightenment.

       Every one shall taste death. And, indeed, you will be paid in full on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he has, indeed, succeeded. This worldly life is nothing but a fun in deception.

       You shall certainly be tested with your wealth and (loss of) your lives and you will definitely hear many (painful) things from the people of the Scripture before you and from the idolaters too (against your religion). And if you be patient and adhere to piety, then, indeed, you have displayed a great courage in these matters.

       And (remember) when Allah took a promise from the people of the Scripture to make the Scripture known to the people and not to hide (any part of it). They threw this promise behind their backs and purchased with it a tiny (worldly) gain. So indeed, it is a very bad purchase they have made.

       Do not think that those who are boastful of what they have done and also love to be praised for what they have not done, are safe from the torment. They will have painful torment.

       And everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah and Allah has power to do everything.

       Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alteration of the night and the day there are proofs (of Oneness of Allah) for the people of under-standing.

       Those who remember Allah standing, sitting and lying down on their sides, and they reflect about the creation of the heavens and the earth (saying): “Our Creator! You have not created these without meaning and purpose. (Your cre-ation proves Your Oneness). Glory to You! So save us from the punishment of the Fire.

       “O our Creator! Indeed, whom You cause to enter the Fire, You definitely have disgraced him and there is no helper for the wrong-doers.

       “O our Creator! Indeed, we have heard the announcer who is loudly inviting to Faith (saying): ‘Believe in your Creator’, so we have believed. O our Creator! Forgive us our sins and remove (erase) our evil deeds and make us die along with the righteous (people). 

       “O our Creator! Grant us what You promised us through Your messengers and don’t disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection, since You never break Your promise.”

       Hence, their Creator accept-ed their supplication (stating): “In-deed, I don’t let the (good) deeds of any one of you, male or female, go waste, since you are from same kind (hence, male and female are equal in reward). Hence, those who emigrated and were driven out from their homes, and were tortured in My Path, and they fought in My Path, and became martyrs, I will definitely remove their sins and they will be admitted into the Gardens beneath which rivers flow(i.e. Paradise) a reward from Allah, and Allah has the fantastic reward.

       Let the successful business activities of the disbelievers in the land not deceive you.

       It is a short lived fun, then their abode is Hell, and what a terrible abode it is.

       But those who observe piety, there are Gardens for them beneath which rivers flow, they will reside there forever. This is the (initial) hospitality or welcome for them from Allah, and which is with Allah for the righteous people is even more superior.

       And, indeed, among the People of the Scripture are those who do believe in Allah and in that which has been sent to you, and in that which has been sent to them, humbling themselves before Allah. They don’t sell the Verses of Allah for a petty gain. There is a reward for them with Allah. Indeed, Allah is Swift in taking account.

       O you who believe! Be patient in all forms of worship, and be patient against the enemy, and be prepared and watchful for any confrontation with enemy, and observe piety (in all situations), so that you may be successful.