Sura 3, The Amramites (Ãli-´Imrãn)
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
[3:1] A.L.M.*
Footnote
[3:2] GOD: there is no god except He; the Living, the Eternal.
[3:3] He sent down to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming
all previous scriptures, and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel
[3:4] before that, to guide the people, and He sent down the
statute book. Those who disbelieve in GOD's revelations incur
severe retribution. GOD is Almighty, Avenger.
[3:5] Nothing is hidden from GOD, on earth, or in the heaven.
[3:6] He is the One who shapes you in the wombs as He wills. There
is no other god besides Him; the Almighty, Most Wise.
[3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing
straightforward verses - which constitute the essence of the
scripture - as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses.
Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the
multiple-meaning verses to create confusion, and to extricate a
certain meaning. None knows the true meaning thereof except GOD
and those well founded in knowledge. They say, "We believe in this
- all of it comes from our Lord." Only those who possess
intelligence will take heed.
[3:8] "Our Lord, let not our hearts waver, now that You have
guided us. Shower us with Your mercy; You are the Grantor.
[3:9] "Our Lord, You will surely gather the people on a day that
is inevitable. GOD never breaks a promise."
[3:10] Those who disbelieve will never be helped by their money,
nor by their children, against GOD. They will be fuel for Hell.
[3:11] Like Pharaoh's people and those before them, they rejected
our revelations and, consequently, GOD punished them for their
sins. GOD is strict in enforcing retribution.
[3:12] Say to those who disbelieve, "You will be defeated, then
gathered in Hell; what a miserable abode!"
Believers: The Ultimate Victors
[3:13] An example has been set for you by the two armies who
clashed - one army was fighting in the cause of GOD, while the
other was disbelieving. They saw with their own eyes that they
were twice as many. GOD supports with His victory whomever He
wills. This should provide an assurance for those who possess
vision.
Different Priorities
[3:14] Adorned for the people are the worldly pleasures, such as
the women, having children, piles upon piles of gold and silver,
trained horses, livestock, and crops. These are the materials of
this world. A far better abode is reserved at GOD.
[3:15] Say, "Let me inform you of a much better deal: for those
who lead a righteous life, reserved at their Lord, are gardens
with flowing streams, and pure spouses, and joy in GOD's
blessings." GOD is Seer of His worshipers.
[3:16] They say, "Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us our
sins, and spare us the agony of the hellfire."
[3:17] They are steadfast, truthful, submitting, charitable, and
meditators at dawn.
The Most Important Commandment*
[3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do
the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and
equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the
Almighty, Most Wise.
Footnote
Submission: The Only Religion
[3:19] The only religion approved by GOD is "Submission."
Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who
dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received, due
to jealousy. For such rejectors of GOD's revelations, GOD is most
strict in reckoning.
[3:20] If they argue with you, then say, "I have simply submitted
myself to GOD; I and those who follow me." You shall proclaim to
those who received the scripture, as well as those who did not,
"Would you submit?" If they submit, then they have been guided,
but if they turn away, your sole mission is to deliver this
message. GOD is Seer of all people.
[3:21] Those who have rejected GOD's revelations, and killed the
prophets unjustly, and killed those who advocated justice among
the people, promise them a painful retribution.
[3:22] Their works have been nullified, both in this life and in
the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.
[3:23] Have you noted those who were given part of the scripture,
and how they are invited to uphold this scripture of GOD, and
apply it to their own lives, then some of them turn away in
aversion?
[3:24] This is because they said, "The hellfire will not touch us,
except for a few days." They were thus deceived in their religion
by their own fabrications.
[3:25] How will it be for them, when we summon them on that
inevitable day? Each soul will be paid for whatever it earned,
without the least injustice.
Attributes of God
[3:26] Say, "Our god: possessor of all sovereignty. You grant
sovereignty to whomever You choose, You remove sovereignty from
whomever You choose. You grant dignity to whomever You choose, and
commit to humiliation whomever You choose. In Your hand are all
provisions. You are Omnipotent.
[3:27] "You merge the night into the day, and merge the day into
the night. You produce the living from the dead, and produce the
dead from the living, and You provide for whomever You choose,
without limits."
Choose Your Friends Carefully
[3:28] The believers never ally themselves with the disbelievers,
instead of the believers. Whoever does this is exiled from GOD.
Exempted are those who are forced to do this to avoid persecution.
GOD alerts you that you shall reverence Him alone. To GOD is the
ultimate destiny.
[3:29] Say, "Whether you conceal your innermost thought, or
declare it, GOD is fully aware thereof." He is fully aware of
everything in the heavens and the earth. GOD is Omnipotent.
[3:30] The day will come when each soul will find all the good
works it had done brought forth. As for the evil works, it will
wish that they were far, far removed. GOD alerts you that you
shall reverence Him alone. GOD is Compassionate towards the
people.
[3:31] Proclaim: "If you love GOD, you should follow me." GOD will
then love you, and forgive your sins. GOD is Forgiver, Most
Merciful.
[3:32] Proclaim: "You shall obey GOD and the messenger." If they
turn away, GOD does not love the disbelievers.
The Birth of Mary
[3:33] GOD has chosen Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the
family of Amram (as messengers) to the people.
[3:34] They belong in the same progeny. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.
[3:35] The wife of Amram said, "My Lord, I have dedicated (the
baby) in my belly to You, totally, so accept from me. You are
Hearer, Omniscient."
[3:36] When she gave birth to her, she said, "My Lord, I have
given birth to a girl" - GOD was fully aware of what she bore -
"The male is not the same as the female. I have named her Mary,
and I invoke Your protection for her and her descendants from the
rejected devil."
[3:37] Her Lord accepted her a gracious acceptance, and brought
her up a gracious upbringing, under the guardianship of Zachariah.
Whenever Zachariah entered her sanctuary he found provisions with
her. He would ask, "Mary, where did you get this from?" She would
say, "It is from GOD. GOD provides for whomever He chooses,
without limits."
The Birth of John
[3:38] That is when Zachariah implored his Lord: "My Lord, grant
me such a good child; You are the Hearer of the prayers."
[3:39] The angels called him when he was praying in the sanctuary:
"GOD gives you good news of John; a believer in the word of GOD,
honorable, moral, and a righteous prophet."
[3:40] He said, "How can I have a boy, when I am so old, and my
wife is sterile?" He said, "GOD does whatever He wills."
[3:41] He said, "My Lord, give me a sign." He said, "Your sign is
that you will not speak to the people for three days, except
through signals. Commemorate your Lord frequently; and meditate
night and day."
Mary and Jesus
[3:42] The angels said, "O Mary, GOD has chosen you and purified
you. He has chosen you from all the women.
[3:43] "O Mary, you shall submit to your Lord, and prostrate and
bow down with those who bow down."
[3:44] This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You were
not there when they drew their raffles to select Mary's guardian.
You were not present when they argued with one another.
[3:45] The angels said, "O Mary, GOD gives you good news: a Word
from Him whose name is `The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary. He
will be prominent in this life and in the Hereafter, and one of
those closest to Me.'
[3:46] "He will speak to the people from the crib, as well as an
adult; he will be one of the righteous."
[3:47] She said, "My Lord, how can I have a son, when no man has
touched me?" He said, "GOD thus creates whatever He wills. To have
anything done, He simply says to it, `Be,' and it is.
[3:48] "He will teach him the scripture, wisdom, the Torah, and
the Gospel."
[3:49] As a messenger to the Children of Israel: "I come to you
with a sign from your Lord - I create for you from clay the shape
of a bird, then I blow into it, and it becomes a live bird by
GOD's leave. I restore vision to the blind, heal the leprous, and
I revive the dead by GOD's leave. I can tell you what you eat, and
what you store in your homes. This should be a proof for you, if
you are believers.
[3:50] "I confirm previous scripture - the Torah - and I revoke
certain prohibitions imposed upon you. I come to you with
sufficient proof from your Lord. Therefore, you shall observe GOD,
and obey me.
[3:51] "GOD is my Lord and your Lord;* you shall worship Him
alone. This is the right path."
Footnote
[3:52] When Jesus sensed their disbelief, he said, "Who are my
supporters towards GOD?" The disciples said, "We are GOD's
supporters; we believe in GOD, and bear witness that we are
submitters."
[3:53] "Our Lord, we have believed in what You have sent down, and
we have followed the messenger; count us among the witnesses."
The Death of Jesus*
[3:54] They plotted and schemed, but so did GOD, and GOD is the
best schemer.
Footnote
[3:55] Thus, GOD said, "O Jesus, I am terminating your life,
raising you to Me, and ridding you of the disbelievers. I will
exalt those who follow you above those who disbelieve, till the
Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is the ultimate destiny of all of
you, then I will judge among you regarding your disputes.
[3:56] "As for those who disbelieve, I will commit them to painful
retribution in this world, and in the Hereafter. They will have no
helpers."
[3:57] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, He will
fully recompense them. GOD does not love the unjust.
[3:58] These are the revelations that we recite to you, providing
a message full of wisdom.
Mathematical Confirmation*
[3:59] The example of Jesus, as far as GOD is concerned, is the
same as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him,
"Be," and he was.
Footnote
[3:60] This is the truth from your Lord; do not harbor any doubts.
Challenging the Disbelievers
[3:61] If anyone argues with you, despite the knowledge you have
received, then say, "Let us summon our children and your children,
our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us
invoke GOD's curse upon the liars."
[3:62] Absolutely, this is the narration of the truth. Absolutely,
there is no god except GOD. Absolutely, GOD is the Almighty, Most
Wise.
[3:63] If they turn away, then GOD is fully aware of the
evildoers.
Invitation to All Believers
[3:64] Say, "O followers of the scripture, let us come to a
logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship
except GOD; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up
any human beings as lords beside GOD." If they turn away, say,
"Bear witness that we are submitters."
[3:65] O followers of the scripture, why do you argue about
Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until
after him? Do you not understand?
[3:66] You have argued about things you knew; why do you argue
about things you do not know? GOD knows, while you do not know.
[3:67] Abraham was neither Jewish, nor Christian; he was a
monotheist submitter. He never was an idol worshiper.
[3:68] The people most worthy of Abraham are those who followed
him, and this prophet, and those who believe. GOD is the Lord and
Master of the believers.
[3:69] Some followers of the scripture wish to lead you astray,
but they only lead themselves astray, without perceiving.
[3:70] O followers of the scripture, why do you reject these
revelations of GOD though you bear witness (that this is the
truth)?
[3:71] O followers of the scripture, why do you confound the truth
with falsehood, and conceal the truth, knowingly?
[3:72] Some followers of the scripture say, "Believe in what was
sent down to the believers in the morning, and reject it in the
evening; maybe someday they will revert.
[3:73] "And do not believe except as those who follow your
religion." Say, "The true guidance is GOD's guidance." If they
claim that they have the same guidance, or argue with you about
your Lord, say, "All grace is in GOD's hand; He bestows it upon
whomever He wills." GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.
[3:74] He specifies His mercy for whomever He wills; GOD possesses
unlimited grace.
Be Honest With All People
[3:75] Some followers of the scripture can be trusted with a whole
lot, and they will give it back to you. Others among them cannot
be trusted with a single dinar; they will not repay you unless you
keep after them. That is because they say, "We do not have to be
honest when dealing with the gentiles!"* Thus, they attribute lies
to GOD, knowingly.
Footnote
[3:76] Indeed, those who fulfill their obligations and lead a
righteous life, GOD loves the righteous.
[3:77] As for those who trade away GOD's covenant, and their
obligations, for a cheap price, they receive no share in the
Hereafter. GOD will not speak to them, nor look at them, on the
Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. They have incurred a
painful retribution.
[3:78] Among them are those who twist their tongues to imitate the
scripture, that you may think it is from the scripture, when it is
not from the scripture, and they claim that it is from GOD, when
it is not from GOD. Thus, they utter lies and attribute them to
GOD, knowingly.
[3:79] Never would a human being whom GOD blessed with the
scripture and prophethood say to the people, "Idolize me beside
GOD." Instead, (he would say), "Devote yourselves absolutely to
your Lord alone," according to the scripture you preach and the
teachings you learn.
[3:80] Nor would he command you to idolize the angels and the
prophets as lords. Would he exhort you to disbelieve after
becoming submitters?
Major Prophecy Fulfilled* God's Messenger of the Covenant
[3:81] GOD took a covenant from the prophets, saying, "I will give
you the scripture and wisdom. Afterwards, a messenger will come to
confirm all existing scriptures. You shall believe in him and
support him." He said, "Do you agree with this, and pledge to
fulfill this covenant?" They said, "We agree." He said, "You have
thus borne witness, and I bear witness along with you."
Footnote
Rejectors of God's Messenger of the Covenant are Disbelievers
[3:82] Those who reject this (Quranic prophecy) are the evil ones.
[3:83] Are they seeking other than GOD's religion, when everything
in the heavens and the earth has submitted to Him, willingly and
unwillingly, and to Him they will be returned?
Make No Distinction Among God's Messengers
[3:84] Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us,
and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and
the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the
prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of
them. To Him alone we are submitters."
Only One Religion Approved by God
[3:85] Anyone who accepts other than Submission as his religion,
it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be
with the losers.
[3:86] Why should GOD guide people who disbelieved after
believing, and after witnessing that the messenger is truth, and
after solid proofs* have been given to them? GOD does not guide
the wicked.
Footnote
[3:87] These have incurred condemnation by GOD, and the angels,
and all the people.
[3:88] Eternally they abide therein; the retribution is never
commuted for them, nor will they be reprieved.
[3:89] Exempted are those who repent thereafter, and reform. GOD
is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
When Repentance is Unacceptable
[3:90] Those who disbelieve after believing, then plunge deeper
into disbelief, their repentance will not be accepted from them;
they are the real strayers.
[3:91] Those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers, an earthful
of gold will not be accepted from any of them, even if such a
ransom were possible. They have incurred painful retribution; they
will have no helpers.
[3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity
from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD
is fully aware thereof.
Do Not Prohibit What Is Lawful
[3:93] All food used to be lawful for the Children of Israel,
until Israel imposed certain prohibitions on themselves before the
Torah was sent down. Say, "Bring the Torah and read it, if you are
truthful."
[3:94] Those who fabricate false prohibitions after this, and
attribute them to GOD, are truly wicked.
[3:95] Say, "GOD has proclaimed the truth: You shall follow
Abraham's religion - monotheism. He never was an idolater."
[3:96] The most important shrine established for the people is the
one in Becca;* a blessed beacon for all the people.
Footnote
[3:97] In it are clear signs: the station of Abraham. Anyone who
enters it shall be granted safe passage. The people owe it to GOD
that they shall observe Hajj to this shrine, when they can afford
it. As for those who disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone.
[3:98] Say, "O followers of the scripture, why do you reject these
revelations of GOD, when GOD is witnessing everything you do?"
[3:99] Say, "O followers of the scripture, why do you repel from
the path of GOD those who wish to believe, and seek to distort it,
even though you are witnesses?" GOD is never unaware of anything
you do.
[3:100] O you who believe, if you obey some of those who received
the scripture, they will revert you, after having believed, into
disbelievers.
[3:101] How can you disbelieve, when these revelations of GOD have
been recited to you, and His messenger has come to you? Whoever
holds fast to GOD will be guided in the right path.
[3:102] O you who believe, you shall observe GOD as He should be
observed, and do not die except as Submitters.
Believers are United
[3:103] You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD, all of you, and do
not be divided. Recall GOD's blessings upon you - you used to be
enemies and He reconciled your hearts. By His grace, you became
brethren. You were at the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you
therefrom. GOD thus explains His revelations for you, that you may
be guided.
[3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is
good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the
winners.
[3:105] Do not be like those who became divided and disputed,
despite the clear proofs that were given to them. For these have
incurred a terrible retribution.
[3:106] The day will come when some faces will be brightened (with
joy), while other faces will be darkened (with misery). As for
those whose faces are darkened, they will be asked, "Did you not
disbelieve after believing? Therefore, suffer the retribution for
your disbelief."
[3:107] As for those whose faces are brightened, they will rejoice
in GOD's mercy; they abide therein forever.
[3:108] These are GOD's revelations; we recite them to you,
truthfully. GOD does not wish any hardship for the people.
[3:109] To GOD belongs everything in the heavens and everything on
earth, and all matters are controlled by GOD.
The Best Community
[3:110] You are the best community ever raised among the people:
you advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in
GOD. If the followers of the scripture believed, it would be
better for them. Some of them do believe, but the majority of them
are wicked.
[3:111] They can never harm you, beyond insulting you. If they
fight you, they will turn around and flee. They can never win.
[3:112] They shall be humiliated whenever you encounter them,
unless they uphold GOD's covenant, as well as their peace
covenants with you. They have incurred wrath from GOD, and,
consequently, they are committed to disgrace. This is because they
rejected GOD's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This
is because they disobeyed and transgressed.
Righteous Jews & Christians
[3:113] They are not all the same; among the followers of the
scripture, there are those who are righteous. They recite GOD's
revelations through the night, and they fall prostrate.
[3:114] They believe in GOD and the Last Day, they advocate
righteousness and forbid evil, and they hasten to do righteous
works. These are the righteous.
[3:115] Any good they do will not go unrewarded. GOD is fully
aware of the righteous.
[3:116] Those who disbelieved can never be helped by their money
or their children against GOD. They have incurred Hell, wherein
they abide forever.
[3:117] The example of their accomplishments in this life is like
a violent wind that hits the harvest of people who have wronged
their souls, and wipes it out. GOD never wronged them; it is they
who wronged themselves.
Do Not Befriend Hypocrites
[3:118] O you who believe, do not befriend outsiders who never
cease to wish you harm; they even wish to see you suffer. Hatred
flows out of their mouths and what they hide in their chests is
far worse. We thus clarify the revelations for you, if you
understand.
[3:119] Here you are loving them, while they do not love you, and
you believe in all the scripture. When they meet you they say, "We
believe," but as soon as they leave, they bite their fingers out
of rage towards you. Say, "Die in your rage." GOD is fully aware
of the innermost thoughts.
[3:120] When anything good comes your way they hurt, and when
something bad happens to you they rejoice. If you steadfastly
persevere, and maintain righteousness, their schemes will never
hurt you. GOD is fully aware of everything they do.
The Battle of Badr
[3:121] Recall that you (Muhammad) were among your people when you
set out to assign to the believers their positions for battle. GOD
is Hearer, Omniscient.
[3:122] Two groups among you almost failed, but GOD was their
Lord. In GOD the believers shall trust.
[3:123] GOD has granted you victory at Badr, despite your
weakness. Therefore, you shall observe GOD, to show your
appreciation.
God's Angels Help the Believers
[3:124] You told the believers, "Is it not enough that your Lord
supports you with three thousand angels, sent down?"
[3:125] Indeed, if you steadfastly persevere and maintain
righteousness, then they attack you suddenly, your Lord will
support you with five thousand* angels, well trained.
Footnote
[3:126] GOD thus informs you, in order to give you good news, and
to assure your hearts. Victory comes only from GOD, the Almighty,
Most Wise.
[3:127] He thus annihilates some disbelievers, or neutralizes
them; they always end up the losers.
[3:128] It is not up to you; He may redeem them, or He may punish
them for their transgressions.
[3:129] To GOD belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. He
forgives whomever He wills, and punishes whomever He wills. GOD is
Forgiver, Most Merciful.
Usury Prohibited*
[3:130] O you who believe, you shall not take usury, compounded
over and over. Observe GOD, that you may succeed.
Footnote
[3:131] Beware of the hellfire that awaits the disbelievers.
[3:132] You shall obey GOD and the messenger, that you may attain
mercy.
Attributes of the Righteous
[3:133] You should eagerly race towards forgiveness from your Lord
and a Paradise whose width encompasses the heavens and the earth;
it awaits the righteous,
[3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the
bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the
people. GOD loves the charitable.
[3:135] If they fall in sin or wrong their souls, they remember
GOD and ask forgiveness for their sins - and who forgives the sins
except GOD - and they do not persist in sins, knowingly.
[3:136] Their recompense is forgiveness from their Lord, and
gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. What a
blessed reward for the workers!
Victory for the Righteous
[3:137] Precedents have been set for you in the past; roam the
earth and note the consequences for the unbelievers.
[3:138] This is a proclamation for the people, and a guidance and
enlightenment for the righteous.
[3:139] You shall not waver, nor shall you grieve, for you are the
ultimate victors, if you are believers.
[3:140] If you suffer hardship, the enemy also suffers the same
hardship. We alternate the days of victory and defeat among the
people. GOD thus distinguishes the true believers, and blesses
some of you with martyrdom. GOD dislikes injustice.
[3:141] GOD thus toughens those who believe and humiliates the
disbelievers.
Our Claims Must Be Tested
[3:142] Do you expect to enter Paradise without GOD distinguishing
those among you who strive, and without distinguishing those who
are steadfast?
[3:143] You used to long for death before you had to face it. Now
you have faced it, right before your eyes.
[3:144] Muhammad was no more than a messenger like the messengers
before him. Should he die or get killed, would you turn back on
your heels? Anyone who turns back on his heels, does not hurt GOD
in the least. GOD rewards those who are appreciative.
Time of Death Predetermined
[3:145] No one dies except by GOD's leave, at a predetermined
time. Whoever seeks the vanities of this world, we give him
therefrom, and whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, we
bless him therein. We reward those who are appreciative.
[3:146] Many a prophet had godly people fight along with him,
without ever wavering under pressure in the cause of GOD, nor did
they hesitate or become discouraged. GOD loves the steadfast.
[3:147] Their only utterance was, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins,
and our transgressions, strengthen our foothold, and grant us
victory over the disbelievers."
[3:148] Consequently, GOD granted them the rewards of this world,
and the better rewards of the Hereafter. GOD loves the good doers.
[3:149] O you who believe, if you obey those who disbelieve, they
will turn you back on your heels, then you end up losers.
[3:150] GOD alone is your Lord and Master, and He is the best
supporter.
God Controls Your Enemies
[3:151] We will throw terror into the hearts of those who
disbelieved, since they set up besides GOD powerless idols. Their
destiny is Hell; what a miserable abode for the transgressors!
The Battle of Uhud
[3:152] GOD has fulfilled His promise to you, and you defeated
them by His leave. But then you wavered, disputed among
yourselves, and disobeyed after He had shown you (the victory) you
had longed for. But then, some of you became distracted by the
spoils of this world, while others were rightly concerned with the
Hereafter. He then diverted you from them to test you. He has
pardoned you. GOD showers the believers with His grace.
[3:153] Recall that you rushed (after the spoils), paying no
attention to anyone, even when the messenger was calling from
behind you. Consequently, He substituted one misery for another,
that you may not grieve over anything you had missed, or agonize
over any hardship you had suffered. GOD is Cognizant of everything
you do.
Moment of Death Predetermined
[3:154] After the setback, He sent down upon you peaceful slumber
that pacified some of you. Others among you were selfishly
concerned about themselves. They harbored thoughts about GOD that
were not right - the same thoughts they had harbored during the
days of ignorance. Thus, they said, "Is anything up to us?" Say,
"Everything is up to GOD." They concealed inside themselves what
they did not reveal to you. They said, "If it was up to us, none
of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed
in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into
their death beds." GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your
true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts. GOD is fully
aware of the innermost thoughts.
[3:155] Surely, those among you who turned back the day the two
armies clashed have been duped by the devil. This reflects some of
the (evil) works they had committed. GOD has pardoned them. GOD is
Forgiver, Clement.
[3:156] O you who believe, do not be like those who disbelieved
and said of their kinsmen who traveled or mobilized for war, "Had
they stayed with us, they would not have died or gotten killed."
GOD renders this a source of grief in their hearts. GOD controls
life and death. GOD is Seer of everything you do.
[3:157] Whether you get killed or die in the cause of GOD, the
forgiveness from GOD, and mercy are far better than anything they
hoard.
[3:158] Whether you die or get killed, you will be summoned before
GOD.
The Messenger's Kindness
[3:159] It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate
towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have
abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask
forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision,
carry out your plan, and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust
in Him.*
Footnote
[3:160] If GOD supports you, none can defeat you. And if He
abandons you, who else can support you? In GOD the believers shall
trust.
No One Above the Law
[3:161] Even the prophet cannot take more of the spoils of war
than he is entitled to. Anyone who takes more than his rightful
share will have to account for it on the Day of Resurrection. That
is when each soul is paid for whatever it earned, without the
least injustice.
[3:162] Is one who pursues GOD's pleasure the same as one who
incurs wrath from GOD and his destiny is Hell, the most miserable
abode?
[3:163] They certainly occupy different ranks at GOD. GOD is Seer
of everything they do.
[3:164] GOD has blessed the believers by raising in their midst a
messenger from among them, to recite for them His revelations, and
to purify them, and to teach them the scripture and wisdom. Before
this, they had gone totally astray.
[3:165] Now that you have suffered a setback, and even though you
inflicted twice as much suffering (upon your enemy), you said,
"Why did this happen to us?" Say, "This is a consequence of your
own deeds." GOD is Omnipotent.
[3:166] What afflicted you the day the two armies clashed was in
accordance with GOD's will, and to distinguish the believers.
[3:167] And to expose the hypocrites who were told, "Come fight in
the cause of GOD, or contribute." They said, "If we knew how to
fight, we would have joined you." They were closer to disbelief
then than they were to belief. They uttered with their mouths what
was not in their hearts. GOD knows what they conceal.
[3:168] They said of their kinsmen, as they stayed behind, "Had
they obeyed us, they would not have been killed." Say, "Then
prevent your own death, if you are truthful."
The Righteous Do Not Really Die*
[3:169] Do not think that those who are killed in the cause of GOD
are dead; they are alive at their Lord, enjoying His provisions.
Footnote
[3:170] They are rejoicing in GOD's grace, and they have good news
for their comrades who did not die with them, that they have
nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
[3:171] They have good news of GOD's blessings and grace, and that
GOD never fails to reward the believers.
[3:172] For those who respond to GOD and the messenger, despite
the persecution they suffer, and maintain their good works, and
lead a righteous life, a great reward.
[3:173] When the people say to them, "People have mobilized
against you; you should fear them," this only strengthens their
faith, and they say, "GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector."
[3:174] They have deserved GOD's blessings and grace. No harm ever
touches them, for they have attained GOD's approval. GOD possesses
infinite grace.
Fear: The Devil's Tool
[3:175] It is the devil's system to instill fear into his
subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are
believers.
[3:176] Do not be saddened by those who hasten to disbelieve. They
never hurt GOD in the least. Instead, GOD has willed that they
will have no share in the Hereafter. They have incurred a terrible
retribution.
[3:177] Those who choose disbelief, instead of belief, do not hurt
GOD in the least; they have incurred a painful retribution.
[3:178] Let not the disbelievers think that we lead them on for
their own good. We only lead them on to confirm their sinfulness.
They have incurred a humiliating retribution.
[3:179] GOD is not to leave the believers as you are, without
distinguishing the bad from the good. Nor does GOD inform you of
the future, but GOD bestows such knowledge upon whomever He
chooses from among His messengers.* Therefore, you shall believe
in GOD and His messengers. If you believe and lead a righteous
life, you receive a great recompense.
Footnote
[3:180] Let not those who withhold and hoard GOD's provisions
think that this is good for them; it is bad for them. For they
will carry their hoardings around their necks on the Day of
Resurrection. GOD is the ultimate inheritor of the heavens and the
earth. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.
Humans Continue to Defy God
[3:181] GOD has heard the utterances of those who said, "GOD is
poor, while we are rich." We will record everything they said,
just as we recorded their killing of the prophets unjustly, and we
will say, "Suffer the retribution of Hell.
[3:182] "This is the consequence of your own works." GOD is never
unjust towards the people.
[3:183] It is they who said, "GOD has made a covenant with us that
we shall not believe in any messenger, unless he produces an
offering that gets consumed by fire." Say, "Messengers before me
have come to you with clear proofs, including what you just
demanded. Why then did you kill them, if you are truthful?"
[3:184] If they reject you, messengers before you have been
rejected, even though they brought proofs, the Psalms, and the
enlightening scripture.
A Great Triumph
[3:185] Every person tastes death, then you receive your
recompense on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever misses Hell,
barely, and makes it to Paradise, has attained a great triumph.
The life of this world is no more than an illusion.
The Inevitable Test*
[3:186] You will certainly be tested, through your money and your
lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture,
and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly
persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength
of your faith.
Footnote
[3:187] GOD took a covenant from those who received the scripture:
"You shall proclaim it to the people, and never conceal it." But
they disregarded it behind their backs, and traded it away for a
cheap price. What a miserable trade.
[3:188] Those who boast about their works, and wish to be praised
for something they have not really done, should not think that
they can evade the retribution. They have incurred a painful
retribution.
[3:189] To GOD belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the
earth. GOD is Omnipotent.
Those Who Possess Intelligence
[3:190] In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the
alternation of night and day, there are signs for those who
possess intelligence.
[3:191] They remember GOD* while standing, sitting, and on their
sides, and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the
earth: "Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You
glorified. Save us from the retribution of Hell.
Footnote
[3:192] "Our Lord, whomever You commit to Hell are the ones You
have forsaken. Such transgressors have no helpers.
[3:193] "Our Lord, we have heard a caller calling to faith and
proclaiming: `You shall believe in your Lord,' and we have
believed. Our Lord, forgive us our transgressions, remit our sins,
and let us die as righteous believers.
[3:194] "Our Lord, shower us with the blessings you promised us
through Your messengers, and do not forsake us on the Day of
Resurrection. You never break a promise."
God Responds
[3:195] Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any
worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female - you
are equal to one another. Thus, those who immigrate, and get
evicted from their homes, and are persecuted because of Me, and
fight and get killed, I will surely remit their sins and admit
them into gardens with flowing streams." Such is the reward from
GOD. GOD possesses the ultimate reward.
[3:196] Do not be impressed by the apparent success of
disbelievers.
[3:197] They only enjoy temporarily, then end up in Hell; what a
miserable destiny!
[3:198] As for those who observe their Lord, they have deserved
gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. Such is
the abode given to them by GOD. What GOD possesses is far better
for the righteous.
Righteous Jews and Christians
[3:199] Surely, some followers of the previous scriptures do
believe in GOD, and in what was revealed to you, and in what was
revealed to them. They reverence GOD, and they never trade away
GOD's revelations for a cheap price. These will receive their
recompense from their Lord. GOD is the most efficient in
reckoning.
[3:200] O you who believe, you shall be steadfast, you shall
persevere, you shall be united, you shall observe GOD, that you
may succeed.
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