Edition 3 | The Daily Hoopoe

The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing Allah as the Ever‑Living Sustainer

Affirmation of monotheism; God as the sole, eternal, sustaining being.

Front Page

highest

The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing Allah as the Ever‑Living Sustainer

Affirmation of monotheism; God as the sole, eternal, sustaining being.

God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal.

Surah 3, Ayah 2

Multi-Source Confirmation

sahih

Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.

arberry

God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Everlasting.

maududi

Allah, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting, Who sustains the entire order of the universe - there is no God but He.

yusufali

Allah! There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.

pickthall

Allah! There is no god save Him, the Alive, the Eternal.

highest

The Unveiled Witness: Allah Knows All

Nothing is hidden from God, on earth or in the heaven.

Surah 3, Ayah 5

highest

The Divine Architect of Life

It is He who forms you in the wombs as He wills. There is no god except He, the Almighty, the Wise.

Surah 3, Ayah 6

highest

The Illusion of Wealth as a Shield

As for those who disbelieve, neither their wealth nor their children will avail them anything against God. These...

Surah 3, Ayah 10

Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian

Breaking News

Divine Address

28 communiques

The Immutable Call: The Day of Reckoning

"“Our Lord, You will gather the people for a Day in which there is no doubt.” God will never break His promise."

Surah 3, Ayah 9 This verse, situated in Surah Al‑Imran during the Battle of Uhud, reminds believers that the Day of Judgment is not a mere possibility but a certainty—Allah will gather all on that day, and He never f

When Numbers Fail: The True Measure of Victory

"There was a sign for you in the two parties that met. One party fighting in the way of God, and the other was disbelieving. They saw them with their own eyes twice their number. But God supports with His help whomever He wills. In that is a lesson for those with insight."

Surah 3, Ayah 13 The battle of Badr, where the Muslims’ 313 men faced a Quraysh army of about a thousand, is vividly described in this verse. The Qur’an reminds us that what we perceive—size, strength, or manpower—doe

The Prayer of Sincere Belief: Seeking Mercy and Protection

"Those who say, “Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us our sins, and save us from the suffering of the Fire.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 16 The verse in 3:16 is a model of tawbah that blends belief, repentance, and the plea for protection. It reminds us that faith is not static; it requires active supplication for forgiveness and a consci

Bridging the Gap: Expanding the Distance Between Good and Evil

"On the Day when every soul finds all the good it has done presented. And as for the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between them. God cautions you of Himself. God is Kind towards the servants."

Surah 3, Ayah 30 On the Day of Judgment, every soul will stand before the record of its deeds. The Qur’an vividly describes a moment when each person will look back and see both the good and the evil they have done. T

Love, Follow, Be Forgiven: The Prophet’s Invitation

"Say, “If you love God, then follow me, and God will love you, and will forgive you your sins.” God is Forgiving and Merciful."

Surah 3, Ayah 31 In 3:31, Allah invites the Prophet to declare that love for Him is fulfilled only by following His Messenger. This coupling of love (mahabba) and obedience (ibda) reflects the Qur’anic principle that

Commanded Unity: The Call to Obey Allah and His Messenger

"Say, “Obey God and the Messenger.” But if they turn away—God does not love the faithless."

Surah 3, Ayah 32 The verse in 3:32 is a reminder that obedience to the Prophet is inseparable from obedience to Allah. Al‑Ghazali in *Ihya’ ‘Ulum al‑Din* stresses that the Prophet is the means by which Allah’s command

Mary’s Covenant: Naming and Protection in Divine Knowledge

"And when she delivered her, she said, “My Lord, I have delivered a female,” and God was well aware of what she has delivered, “and the male is not like the female, and I have named her Mary, and have commended her and her descendants to Your protection, from Satan the outcast.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 36 The verse reveals two profound truths: first, Allah’s knowledge surpasses all human doubt—He knows the unborn and the unseen. Second, He names and protects His creation with precision, as seen in Mary

The Divine Provision of Mary: Trusting Allah’s Unseen Supply

"Her Lord accepted her with a gracious reception, and brought her a beautiful upbringing, and entrusted her to the care of Zechariah. Whenever Zechariah entered upon her in the sanctuary, he found her with provision. He said, “O Mary, where did you get this from?” She said, “It is from God; God provides to whom He wills without reckoning.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 37 Maryam’s interaction with Zechariah illustrates the Qur’anic principle that Allah’s provision transcends human expectation. In 3:37, Zechariah’s surprise turns into affirmation: the sustenance that Ma

Yahya’s Celestial Declaration: A Call to Spiritual Purity

"Then the angels called out to him, as he stood praying in the sanctuary: “God gives you good news of John; confirming a Word from God, and honorable, and moral, and a prophet; one of the upright.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 39 Verse 3:39 records the angelic proclamation to Yahya (John) while he was in prayer. Scholars like Ibn Kathir note that the phrase ‘abstaining from women’ refers to chastity, not mere avoidance of wome

The Unseen Path of Patience

"He said, “My Lord, how will I have a son, when old age has overtaken me, and my wife is barren?” He said, “Even so, God does whatever He wills.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 40 The verse of Prophet Yusuf’s father reminds us that divine decree transcends human logic. Allah’s will is complete and perfect, encompassing both blessings and trials. The angel’s reply, “Such is Alla

The Silent Gesture of Trust

"He said, “My Lord, give me a sign.” He said, “Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days, except by gestures. And remember your Lord much, and praise in the evening and the morning.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 41 The verse reveals that a true sign is not a spectacle but a humble test of trust. Ibn Kathir explains that Moses’ silence for three days was a reminder that reliance on Allah supersedes reliance on wo

Mary’s Call to Humble Submission

"“O Mary, be devoted to your Lord, and bow down, and kneel with those who kneel.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 43 Mary (Maryam) is celebrated in the Qur’an as the epitome of humility and obedience. Her obedience is not merely a ritual; it is a conscious surrender of every facet of her being to Allah’s will. Al‑Im

The Divine Command: From 'Be' to Reality

"She said, “My Lord, how can I have a child, when no man has touched me?” He said, “It will be so. God creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 47 The miracle of Mary (Maryam) illustrates the power of a single divine utterance: "Be," and it is. In Islamic theology, creation is not a gradual process but an instantaneous act of command, as affirme

From Clay to Compassion: Embracing the Sign of Divine Permission

"A messenger to the Children of Israel: “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you out of clay the figure of a bird; then I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God’s leave. And I heal the blind and the leprous, and I revive the dead, by God’s leave. And I inform you concerning what you eat, and what you store in your homes. In that is a sign for you, if you are believers.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 49 The miracle described in 3:49 is not merely a display of prophetic power; it is a profound theological sign that every act of creation and healing requires Allah’s explicit permission (idhn). Scholars

Unifying the Divine: Worship as the Straight Path

"“God is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 51 The verse of Al‑Imran (3:51) crystallises the core of Tawhid: Allah is the sole Lord of every creation, and recognising Him as such transforms all aspects of life into worship. By declaring, ‘Indeed,

The Unyielding Solitude of the Unbeliever

"As for those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe punishment, in this world and the next, and they will have no helpers."

Surah 3, Ayah 56 Kufr, or disbelief, is the deliberate rejection of Allah’s guidance, a state that, according to scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah and Al‑Ghazali, erodes the very foundation of a believer’s life. Verse 3:56

The Dual Path of Faith and Action: Rewards and Repulsion

"And as for those who believe and do good works, He will give them their rewards in full. God does not love the unjust.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 57 The verse of 3:57 underscores the inseparable bond between belief (iman) and righteous action (amal salih). Scholars such as Ibn al‑Qayyim in *Al‑Hiyal al‑Taqribiyya* affirm that faith without deeds i

The Precision of Revelation: Embracing the Qur’an’s Exacting Wisdom

"This is what We recite to you of the Verses and the Wise Reminder."

Surah 3, Ayah 58 Al‑Qur’ān is not a loose collection of moral sayings; it is a meticulously crafted text in which every word carries a specific purpose. The verse in 3:58 reminds us that the verses we recite to the Pr

The Power of Allah’s Word: Creation by Command

"The likeness of Jesus in God’s sight is that of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him, “Be,” and he was."

Surah 3, Ayah 59 This verse juxtaposes Jesus and Adam to emphasize that both are creations of Allah, not divine beings. By stating that Allah created Jesus from dust and uttered "Be," the Qur’an affirms the absolute p

United Supplications: The Power of Collective Prayer

"And if anyone disputes with you about him, after the knowledge that has come to you, say, “Come, let us call our children and your children, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, and let us invoke God’s curse on the liars.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 61 The verse of 3:61, narrated in Sahih Muslim and narrated by Ibn Kathir, records the Prophet’s (ﷺ) strategy of gathering the community in a single, earnest supplication to counter the influence of liar

Guarding the Gate of Prophetic Humility

"No person to whom God has given the Scripture, and wisdom, and prophethood would ever say to the people, “Be my worshipers rather than God’s.” Rather, “Be people of the Lord, according to the Scripture you teach, and the teachings you learn.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 79 Prophethood in Islam is a trust, not a throne. The Qur’an warns that a prophet given the Scripture and authority should not turn that authority into a platform for personal worship: “Be servants to me

The Covenant of Belief: Upholding Prophetic Truth

"God received the covenant of the prophets, “Inasmuch as I have given you of scripture and wisdom; should a messenger come to you verifying what you have, you shall believe in him, and support him.” He said, “Do you affirm My covenant and take it upon yourselves?” They said, “We affirm it.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 81 The verse reminds us that Allah’s covenant with the prophets is not a mere historical footnote; it is a living contract that binds believers to the wisdom (hikmah) bestowed upon humanity. In classical

Unity of Prophetic Revelation: A Call to Inclusive Faith

"Say, “We believe in God, and in what was revealed to us; and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses, and Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we submit.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 84 The verse in Surah Al‑A’raf reminds believers that all prophets, from Adam to Muhammad, were part of a single, unbroken chain of revelation. It explicitly states that no distinction should be made amo

The Lawful Path: Rediscovering Divine Guidance

"All food was permissible to the Children of Israel, except what Israel forbade for itself before the Torah was revealed. Say, “Bring the Torah, and read it, if you are truthful.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 93 Al‑Qur’an reminds us that the Children of Israel once declared certain foods unlawful for themselves before the Torah clarified what was truly forbidden. This self‑imposed restriction illustrates how

The Authentic Path of Abraham: Truth and Tawhid

"Say, “God has spoken the truth, so follow the religion of Abraham the Monotheist; he was not a Pagan.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 95 The verse links the divine truth of Allah’s revelation with the monotheistic model of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who, unlike the polytheists, ‘inclined toward truth’ (tawhid). Scholars such as Al‑Ghaz

The Divine Ledger: Allah's Justice in Every Reward

"“This is on account of what your hands have forwarded, and because God is not unjust towards the creatures.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 182 Verse 3:182 reminds us that every reward is a direct result of the deeds we have earned, and that Allah’s justice guarantees that no servant is treated unjustly. This counters the human tendency to ov

The Mirage of Miraculous Proofs

"Those who said, “God has made a covenant with us, that we shall not believe in any messenger unless he brings us an offering to be consumed by fire.” Say, “Messengers have come to you before me with proofs, and with what you asked for; so why did you assassinate them, if you are truthful?”"

Surah 3, Ayah 183 The verse confronts a rationalist mindset that equates faith with spectacular miracles. In Islamic theology, the Qur’an stresses that a messenger’s proof is a composite of clear evidence: the consiste

The Unassisted Path: Recognizing Our Sole Responsibility

"“Our Lord, whomever You commit to the Fire, You have disgraced. The wrongdoers will have no helpers.”"

Surah 3, Ayah 192 The verse declares that those admitted to the Fire are disgraced, a loss of honor that only Allah can rectify. It also states that wrongdoers have no helpers—no one can intercede for them. This reflec

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi Bediuzzaman Said Nursi | Unseen Bureau Correspondent

Character Dossier

39 characters in this edition

Allah

spiritual entity

154 mentions this sura

4187 total mentions

Dominant: Transcendence

esteem

1.2

safety

3.2

transcendence

belonging love

1.0

self actualization

0.9

“Our Lord, You will gather the people for a Day in which there is no doubt.” God will never break His promise.

Surah 3, Ayah 9

There was a sign for you in the two parties that met. One party fighting in the way of God, and the other was disbelieving. They saw them with their own eyes twice their number. But God supports with His help whomever He wills. In that is a lesson for those with insight.

Surah 3, Ayah 13

On the Day when every soul finds all the good it has done presented. And as for the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between them. God cautions you of Himself. God is Kind towards the servants.

Surah 3, Ayah 30

Allah Angels divine_command

Allah Martyrs sustenance

Allah People of the Book divine_command

Believers

group

78 mentions this sura

878 total mentions

Dominant: Transcendence

esteem

0.5

safety

5.9

transcendence

belonging love

5.5

self actualization

5.3

Believers Disbelievers adversarial

Believers Hypocrites threat_of_expulsion

Believers Ibrahim prophetic_lineage

Believers People of the Book military_action

Believers Angels protection

Believers Martyrs concern

Believers Muhammad obedience

Disbelievers

group

37 mentions this sura

1145 total mentions

Dominant: Transcendence

transcendence

belonging love

0.2

self actualization

0.5

Disbelievers Believers adversarial

Sayyid Qutb Sayyid Qutb | Literary & Scene Correspondent

Witness Testimony

Allah

those who are firmly grounded in knowledge

Thou

Him

Isa

others , who , if entrusted with a single silver coin

a faction among the People of the Book

Believers

their Lord

the People of the Book

a woman of ' Imran

Zakariya

Angels

those outside your ranks

another band

men

The Consequence Column

Believers

adversarial

Disbelievers

3:118

Isa

adversarial

Jews

3:54

Jews

adversarial

Prophets

3:112

Ibn Khaldun Ibn Khaldun | War Correspondent & Political Analyst

Diplomatic Wire

Total Events

Diplomatic Events

Relationship Type: adversarial

Relationship Type: threat_of_expulsion

Relationship Type: messenger_to_people

Relationship Type: son_of

Relationship Type: prophetic_lineage

Relationship Type: prophecy

Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian

Faction Map

15 characters · 25 relationships

Allah (154)

Believers (78)

Disbelievers (37)

Muhammad (36)

People of the Book (19)

Isa (13)

Angels (9)

Maryam (8)

Messengers (8)

Ibrahim (7)

Mankind (6)

Prophets (6)

Zakariya (5)

Jews (5)

Martyrs (5)

Believers Disbelievers adversarial

Believers Hypocrites threat_of_expulsion

Children of Israel Isa messenger_to_people

Isa Maryam son_of

Isa Musa prophetic_lineage

Isa Muhammad prophecy

Imran Wife of Imran familial

Maryam Wife of Imran familial

Maryam Zakariya alliance

Yahya Zakariya familial

Isa Yahya prophetic_lineage

Wife of Zakariya Zakariya familial

Isa Jews adversarial

Adam Isa alliance

Ibrahim Muhammad prophetic_lineage

Believers Ibrahim prophetic_lineage

Believers People of the Book military_action

Muhammad Prophets prophetic_lineage

Jews Prophets adversarial

Allah Angels divine_command

Angels Believers protection

Allah Martyrs sustenance

Believers Martyrs concern

Muhammad Believers obedience

Allah People of the Book divine_command

Ibn Taymiyyah Ibn Taymiyyah | Opposition Desk Editor

Audio Edition

Full Chapter Audio

200 verse segments

Speaker Distribution

ye 2 Him 2 Isa 2 men 1 Thou 2 Allah 28 Angels 1 Unknown 1 Narrator 146 Zakariya 1 Believers 2 their Lord 2 another band 1 a woman of ' Imran 1 the People of the Book 1 those outside your ranks 1 a faction among the People of the Book 2 those who are firmly grounded in knowledge 2 others , who , if entrusted with a single silver coin 2

Verse Segments

Surah 3, Ayah 1 Narrator

Alif, Lam, Meem.

Surah 3, Ayah 2 Narrator

God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal.

Surah 3, Ayah 3 Narrator

He sent down to you the Book with the Truth, confirming what came before it; and He sent down the To

Surah 3, Ayah 4 Narrator

Aforetime, as guidance for mankind; and He sent down the Criterion. Those who have rejected God’s si

Surah 3, Ayah 5 Narrator

Nothing is hidden from God, on earth or in the heaven.

Surah 3, Ayah 6 Narrator

It is He who forms you in the wombs as He wills. There is no god except He, the Almighty, the Wise.

Surah 3, Ayah 7 those who are firmly grounded in knowledge

It is He who revealed to you the Book. Some of its verses are definitive; they are the foundation of

Surah 3, Ayah 8 those who are firmly grounded in knowledge

“Our Lord, do not cause our hearts to swerve after You have guided us, and bestow on us mercy from Y

Surah 3, Ayah 9 Allah

“Our Lord, You will gather the people for a Day in which there is no doubt.” God will never break Hi

Surah 3, Ayah 10 Narrator

As for those who disbelieve, neither their wealth nor their children will avail them anything agains

Sayyid Qutb Sayyid Qutb | Literary & Scene Correspondent

Editorial

Word of the Edition

Faith

Appears 186 times · 17.7% of themes

Faith

186

Guidance

Prophets

Knowledge

Creation

Accountability

Worship

Unity

Surah 3, Ayah 1 Unveiling the Divine Cipher Surah 3, Ayah 2 The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing... Surah 3, Ayah 3 The Unifying Testament: Revelation...

Fakhr al-Din al-Razi Fakhr al-Din al-Razi | Science & Cosmos Correspondent

Cross-Edition References

1, Ayah 6 -- Unveiling the Divine Cipher 83x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 6 -- Unveiling the Divine Cipher 83x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 7 -- Unveiling the Divine Cipher 83x cited

2, Ayah 8 -- Unveiling the Divine Cipher 83x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 1 -- The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing Allah as the Ever‑Living Sustainer 66x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 2 -- The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing Allah as the Ever‑Living Sustainer 66x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 3 -- The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing Allah as the Ever‑Living Sustainer 66x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 4 -- The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing Allah as the Ever‑Living Sustainer 66x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 65 -- The Mirage of Material Safety 8x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 76 -- The Mirage of Material Safety 8x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 87 -- The Mirage of Material Safety 8x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 104 -- The Mirage of Material Safety 8x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 3 -- The Dual Path of Faith and Action: Rewards and Repulsion 7x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 11 -- The Dual Path of Faith and Action: Rewards and Repulsion 7x cited

Surah Sura, Ayah 2 -- The Dual Path of Faith and Action: Rewards and Repulsion 7x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 44 -- The Dual Path of Faith and Action: Rewards and Repulsion 7x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 38 -- Guarding the Bonds of Faith: Choosing True Companions 6x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 84 -- Guarding the Bonds of Faith: Choosing True Companions 6x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 126 -- Guarding the Bonds of Faith: Choosing True Companions 6x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 190 -- Guarding the Bonds of Faith: Choosing True Companions 6x cited

Imam al-Qurtubi Imam al-Qurtubi | Senior Legal Analyst

Reader Action

Supplications

The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing Allah as the Ever‑Living Sustainer

O Allah, You are the Ever‑Living, the Sustainer of all that exists. Strengthen my heart to remember that all that is, is by Your will, and that my sustenance, my breath, and my life are in Your hands. Guide me to live in constant reliance upon You, and to trust in Your eternal sustenance.

Surah 3, Ayah 2

The Unveiled Witness: Allah Knows All

O Allah, You see the unseen; grant me the courage to live transparently, that my actions reflect Your knowledge and mercy. Make my heart a mirror that reflects Your truth in all I do.

Surah 3, Ayah 5

The Divine Architect of Life

O Allah, You are the One who forms us in the wombs, the Mighty and the Wise. Grant me humility to trust Your decree, courage to act within Your guidance, and gratitude for the miracle of my creation.

Surah 3, Ayah 6

Daily Actions

The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing Allah as the Ever‑Living Sustainer
Whenever doubt or distraction creeps in, pause, breathe, and silently affirm Allah as the only true Sustainer, anchoring your heart in His eternal existence.

Surah 3, Ayah 2

The Unveiled Witness: Allah Knows All
Whenever a choice feels like it could conceal motives, pause, jot down your true intention, and recite this verse before acting.

Surah 3, Ayah 5

The Divine Architect of Life
Before every decision today, pause and acknowledge that your existence and every choice are guided by Allah’s sovereign will.

Surah 3, Ayah 6

Reflect

The Unwavering Anchor: Recognizing Allah as the Ever‑Living Sustainer -- When I feel anxious or distracted, do I reach for worldly comforts or do I remember that only Allah sustains everything? How does this awareness change my choices and inner calm?

The Unveiled Witness: Allah Knows All -- When have I hidden a truth from myself or others, assuming Allah would not see? How would my actions and relationships change if I approached each decision with full transparency?

The Divine Architect of Life -- When have I tried to control outcomes that were beyond my influence, and how would my perspective shift if I accepted that Allah’s design governs all things?

Weekly Challenge

The Sustainer Journal: For seven days, each morning before any task, write the task, recite the verse, and note how your heart feels anchored. Throughout the day, whenever you notice doubt or fatigue, pause, recite the verse, and record the shift in your mindset. At the end of the week, review the entries: Did you feel more grounded? Did the act of reminding yourself of Allah’s perpetual sustenance reduce anxiety? Rate your sense of reliance on a scale of 1‑10 and set one concrete action to deepen that trust.

Surah 3, Ayah 2

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and recite ‘Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa, Al‑Hayyul Qayyum’ three times, feeling the steadiness of the Ever‑Living settle in your chest. Surah 3, Ayah 2

Stand in a quiet corner, take three deep breaths, write on a small card the one hidden thought or intention you’re carrying today, then say the verse aloud. Feel the weight of Allah’s awareness settle over you. Surah 3, Ayah 5

Imam al-Ghazali Imam al-Ghazali | Editor-in-Chief

The Revelation Transcript

200 verses

Alif, Lam, Meem.

God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal.

He sent down to you the Book with the Truth, confirming what came before it; and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel.

Aforetime, as guidance for mankind; and He sent down the Criterion. Those who have rejected God’s signs will have a severe punishment. God is Mighty, Able to take revenge.

Nothing is hidden from God, on earth or in the heaven.

It is He who forms you in the wombs as He wills. There is no god except He, the Almighty, the Wise.

those who are firmly grounded in knowledge

It is He who revealed to you the Book. Some of its verses are definitive; they are the foundation of the Book, and others are unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation, they follow the unspecific part, seeking descent, and seeking to derive an interpretation. But none knows its interpretation except God and those firmly rooted in knowledge say, “We believe in it; all is from our Lord.” But none recollects except those with understanding.

those who are firmly grounded in knowledge

“Our Lord, do not cause our hearts to swerve after You have guided us, and bestow on us mercy from Your presence; You are the Giver.”

Allah

“Our Lord, You will gather the people for a Day in which there is no doubt.” God will never break His promise.

As for those who disbelieve, neither their wealth nor their children will avail them anything against God. These will be fuel for the Fire.

Like the behavior of Pharaoh’s people and those before them. They rejected Our signs, so God seized them for their sins. God is Strict in retribution.

Say to those who disbelieve, “You will be defeated, and rounded up into Hell—an awful resting-place.”

Allah

Adorned for the people is the love of desires, such as women, and children, and piles upon piles of gold and silver, and branded horses, and livestock, and fields. These are the conveniences of the worldly life, but with God lies the finest resort.

Say, “Shall I inform you of something better than that? For those who are righteous, with their Lord are Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will remain forever, and purified spouses, and acceptance from God.” God is Observant of the servants.

Allah

Those who say, “Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us our sins, and save us from the suffering of the Fire.”

The patient, and the truthful, and the reverent, and the charitable, and the seekers of forgiveness at dawn.

God bears witness that there is no god but He, as do the angels, and those endowed with knowledge—upholding justice. There is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise.

Religion with God is Islam. Those to whom the Scripture was given differed only after knowledge came to them, out of envy among themselves. Whoever rejects the signs of God—God is quick to take account.

the People of the Book

If they argue with you, say, “I have surrendered myself to God, and those who follow me.” And say to those who were given the Scripture, and to the unlearned, “Have you surrendered?” If they have surrendered, then they are guided; but if they turn away, then your duty is to convey. God is Seeing of the servants.

As for those who defy God’s revelations, and kill the prophets unjustly, and kill those who advocate justice among the people—promise them a painful retribution.

They are those whose deeds will come to nothing, in this world and in the Hereafter; and they will have no saviors.

Have you not considered those who were given a share of the Scripture, as they were called to the Scripture of God to arbitrate between them; then some of them turned back, and declined?

Narrator

That is because they said, “The Fire will not touch us except for a limited number of days.” They have been misled in their religion by the lies they fabricated.

How about when We gather them for a Day in which there is no doubt, and each soul will be paid in full for what it has earned, and they will not be wronged?

Thou

Say, “O God, Owner of Sovereignty. You grant sovereignty to whom You will, and You strip sovereignty from whom you will. You honor whom you will, and You humiliate whom you will. In Your hand is all goodness. You are Capable of all things.”

Thou

“You merge the night into the day, and You merge the day into the night; and you bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living; and You provide for whom you will without measure.”

Believers are not to take disbelievers for friends instead of believers. Whoever does that has nothing to do with God, unless it is to protect your own selves against them. God warns you to beware of Him. To God is the destiny.

Say, “Whether you conceal what is in your hearts, or disclose it, God knows it.” He knows everything in the heavens and the earth. God is Powerful over everything.

Allah

Say, “If you love God, then follow me, and God will love you, and will forgive you your sins.” God is Forgiving and Merciful.

Allah

Say, “Obey God and the Messenger.” But if they turn away—God does not love the faithless.

God chose Adam, and Noah, and the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran, over all mankind.

Offspring one of the other. God is Hearer and Knower.

a woman of ' Imran

The wife of Imran said, “My Lord, I have vowed to You what is in my womb, dedicated, so accept from me; You are the Hearer and Knower.”

Allah

And when she delivered her, she said, “My Lord, I have delivered a female,” and God was well aware of what she has delivered, “and the male is not like the female, and I have named her Mary, and have commended her and her descendants to Your protection, from Satan the outcast.”

Allah

Her Lord accepted her with a gracious reception, and brought her a beautiful upbringing, and entrusted her to the care of Zechariah. Whenever Zechariah entered upon her in the sanctuary, he found her with provision. He said, “O Mary, where did you get this from?” She said, “It is from God; God provides to whom He wills without reckoning.”

Zakariya

Thereupon Zechariah prayed to his Lord; he said, “My Lord, bestow on me good offspring from Your presence; You are the Hearer of Prayers.”

Allah

Then the angels called out to him, as he stood praying in the sanctuary: “God gives you good news of John; confirming a Word from God, and honorable, and moral, and a prophet; one of the upright.”

Allah

He said, “My Lord, how will I have a son, when old age has overtaken me, and my wife is barren?” He said, “Even so, God does whatever He wills.”

Allah

He said, “My Lord, give me a sign.” He said, “Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days, except by gestures. And remember your Lord much, and praise in the evening and the morning.”

The angels said, “O Mary, God has chosen you, and has purified you. He has chosen you over all the women of the world.

Allah

“O Mary, be devoted to your Lord, and bow down, and kneel with those who kneel.”

These are accounts from the Unseen, which We reveal to you. You were not with them when they cast their lots as to which of them would take charge of Mary; nor were you with them as they quarreled.

Angels

The Angels said, “O Mary, God gives you good news of a Word from Him. His name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, well-esteemed in this world and the next, and one of the nearest.

Him

He will speak to the people from the crib, and in adulthood, and will be one of the righteous.”

Allah

She said, “My Lord, how can I have a child, when no man has touched me?” He said, “It will be so. God creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”

Him

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

Allah

A messenger to the Children of Israel: “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you out of clay the figure of a bird; then I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God’s leave. And I heal the blind and the leprous, and I revive the dead, by God’s leave. And I inform you concerning what you eat, and what you store in your homes. In that is a sign for you, if you are believers.”

“And verifying what lies before me of the Torah, and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. I have come to you with a sign from your Lord; so fear God, and obey me.”

Allah

“God is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”

Isa

When Jesus sensed disbelief on their part, he said, “Who are my allies towards God?” The disciples said, “We are God’s allies; we have believed in God, and bear witness that we submit.”

Isa

“Our Lord, we have believed in what You have revealed, and we have followed the Messenger, so count us among the witnesses.”

They planned, and God planned; but God is the Best of planners.

God said, “O Jesus, I am terminating your life, and raising you to Me, and clearing you of those who disbelieve. And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve, until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return; then I will judge between you regarding what you were disputing.

Allah

As for those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe punishment, in this world and the next, and they will have no helpers.

Allah

And as for those who believe and do good works, He will give them their rewards in full. God does not love the unjust.”

Allah

This is what We recite to you of the Verses and the Wise Reminder.

Allah

The likeness of Jesus in God’s sight is that of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him, “Be,” and he was.

The truth is from your Lord, so do not be of those who doubt.

Allah

And if anyone disputes with you about him, after the knowledge that has come to you, say, “Come, let us call our children and your children, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, and let us invoke God’s curse on the liars.”

This is the narrative of truth: there is no god but God. God is the Mighty, the Wise.

But if they turn away—God knows the corrupt.

Say, “O People of the Book, come to terms common between us and you: that we worship none but God, and that we associate nothing with Him, and that none of us takes others as lords besides God.” And if they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we have submitted.”

O People of the Book! Why do you argue about Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Will you not reason?

Here you are—you argue about things you know, but why do you argue about things you do not know? God knows, and you do not know.

Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a Monotheist, a Muslim. And he was not of the Polytheists.

The people most deserving of Abraham are those who followed him, and this prophet, and those who believe. God is the Guardian of the believers.

A party of the People of the Book would love to lead you astray, but they only lead themselves astray, and they do not realize it.

O People of the Book! Why do you reject the revelations of God, even as you witness?

O People of the Book! Why do you confound the truth with falsehood, and knowingly conceal the truth?

Some of the People of the Book say, “Believe in what was revealed to the believers at the beginning of the day, and reject it at its end, so that they may return.”

Unknown

And trust none except those who follow your religion.” Say, “Guidance is God’s guidance. If someone is given the like of what you were given, or they argue with you before your Lord, say, “All grace is in God’s hand; He gives it to whomever He wills.” God is Bounteous and Knowing.

He specifies His mercy for whomever He wills. God is Possessor of Sublime Grace.

others , who , if entrusted with a single silver coin

Among the People of the Book is he, who, if you entrust him with a heap of gold, he will give it back to you. And among them is he, who, if you entrust him with a single coin, he will not give it back to you, unless you keep after him. That is because they say, “We are under no obligation towards the gentiles.” They tell lies about God, and they know it.

Indeed, whoever fulfills his commitments and maintains piety—God loves the pious.

Those who exchange the covenant of God, and their vows, for a small price, will have no share in the Hereafter, and God will not speak to them, nor will He look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. They will have a painful punishment.

others , who , if entrusted with a single silver coin

And among them are those who twist the Scripture with their tongues, that you may think it from the Scripture, when it is not from the Scripture. And they say, “It is from God,” when it is not from God. They tell lies and attribute them to God, knowingly.

Allah

No person to whom God has given the Scripture, and wisdom, and prophethood would ever say to the people, “Be my worshipers rather than God’s.” Rather, “Be people of the Lord, according to the Scripture you teach, and the teachings you learn.”

Nor would he command you to take the angels and the prophets as lords. Would he command you to infidelity after you have submitted?

Allah

God received the covenant of the prophets, “Inasmuch as I have given you of scripture and wisdom; should a messenger come to you verifying what you have, you shall believe in him, and support him.” He said, “Do you affirm My covenant and take it upon yourselves?” They said, “We affirm it.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.”

Whoever turns away after that—these are the deceitful.

Do they desire other than the religion of God, when to Him has submitted everything in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him they will be returned?

Allah

Say, “We believe in God, and in what was revealed to us; and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses, and Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we submit.”

Whoever seeks other than Islam as a religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.

How will God guide a people who disbelieved after having believed, and had witnessed that the Messenger is true, and the clear proofs had come to them? God does not guide the unjust people.

Those—their penalty is that upon them falls the curse of God, and of the angels, and of all mankind.

Remaining in it eternally, without their punishment being eased from them, and without being reprieved.

Except those who repent afterwards, and reform; for God is Forgiving and Merciful.

As for those who disbelieve after having believed, then plunge deeper into disbelief, their repentance will not be accepted; these are the lost.

As for those who disbelieve and die disbelievers, even the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them, were he to offer it for ransom. These will have a painful torment, and will have no saviors.

You will not attain virtuous conduct until you give of what you cherish. Whatever you give away, God is aware of it.

Allah

All food was permissible to the Children of Israel, except what Israel forbade for itself before the Torah was revealed. Say, “Bring the Torah, and read it, if you are truthful.”

Whoever forges lies about God after that—these are the unjust.

Allah

Say, “God has spoken the truth, so follow the religion of Abraham the Monotheist; he was not a Pagan.”

The first house established for mankind is the one at Bekka; blessed, and guidance for all people.

In it are evident signs; the Station of Abraham. Whoever enters it attains security. Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to God for all who can make the journey. But as for those who refuse—God is Independent of the worlds.

a faction among the People of the Book

Say, “O People of the Scripture, why do you reject the Revelations of God, when God witnesses what you do?”

a faction among the People of the Book

Say, “O People of the Scripture, why do you hinder from God’s path those who believe, seeking to distort it, even though you are witnesses? God is not unaware of what you do.”

100

O you who believe! If you obey a party of those who were given the Scripture, they will turn you, after your belief, into disbelievers.

101

And how could you disbelieve, when God’s revelations are being recited to you, and among you is His Messenger? Whoever cleaves to God has been guided to a straight path.

102

O you who believe! Revere God with due reverence, and do not die except as Muslims.

103

And hold fast to the rope of God, altogether, and do not become divided. And remember God’s blessings upon you; how you were enemies, and He reconciled your hearts, and by His grace you became brethren. And you were on the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you from it. God thus clarifies His revelations for you, so that you may be guided.

104

And let there be among you a community calling to virtue, and advocating righteousness, and deterring from evil. These are the successful.

105

And do not be like those who separated and disputed after the clear proofs came to them; for them is a great punishment.

106

Narrator

On the Day when some faces will be whitened, and some faces will be blackened. As for those whose faces are blackened: “Did you disbelieve after your belief?” Then taste the punishment for having disbelieved.

107

But as for those whose faces are whitened: they are in God’s mercy, remaining in it forever.

108

These are the revelations of God. We recite them to you in truth. God desires no injustice for mankind.

109

To God belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth, and to God all events are referred.

110

You are the best community that ever emerged for humanity: you advocate what is moral, and forbid what is immoral, and believe in God. Had the People of the Scripture believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are the believers, but most of them are sinners.

111

They will do you no harm, beyond insulting you. And if they fight you, they will turn around and flee, then they will not be helped.

112

They shall be humiliated wherever they are encountered, except through a rope from God, and a rope from the people; and they incurred wrath from God, and were stricken with misery. That is because they rejected God’s revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. That is because they rebelled and committed aggression.

113

They are not alike. Among the People of the Scripture is a community that is upright; they recite God’s revelations throughout the night, and they prostrate themselves.

114

They believe in God and the Last Day, and advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and are quick to do good deeds. These are among the righteous.

115

Whatever good they do, they will not be denied it. God knows the righteous.

116

As for those who disbelieve, neither their possessions nor their children will avail them anything against God. These are the inhabitants of the Fire, abiding therein forever.

117

The parable of what they spend in this worldly life is that of a frosty wind that strikes the harvest of a people who have wronged their souls, and destroys it. God did not wrong them, but they wronged their own selves.

118

O you who believe! Do not befriend outsiders who never cease to wish you harm. They love to see you suffer. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their hearts conceal is worse. We have made the messages clear for you, if you understand.

119

those outside your ranks

There you are, you love them, but they do not love you, and you believe in the entire scripture. And when they meet you, they say, “We believe;” but when they are alone, they bite their fingers in rage at you. Say, “Die in your rage; God knows what is within the hearts.”

120

If something good happens to you, it upsets them; but if something bad befalls you, they rejoice at it. But if you persevere and maintain righteousness, their schemes will not harm you at all. God comprehends what they do.

121

Remember when you left your home in the morning, to assign battle-positions for the believers. God is Hearing and Knowing.

122

When two groups among you almost faltered, but God was their Protector. So in God let the believers put their trust.

123

God had given you victory at Badr, when you were weak. So fear God, that you may be thankful.

124

Narrator

When you said to the believers, “Is it not enough for you that your Lord has reinforced you with three thousand angels, sent down?”

125

It is; but if you persevere and remain cautious, and they attack you suddenly, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels, well trained.

126

God made it but a message of hope for you, and to reassure your hearts thereby. Victory comes only from God the Almighty, the Wise.

127

He thus cuts off a section of those who disbelieved, or subdues them, so they retreat disappointed.

128

It is no concern of yours whether He redeems them or punishes them. They are wrongdoers.

129

To God belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills. God is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

130

O you who believe! Do not feed on usury, compounded over and over, and fear God, so that you may prosper.

131

And guard yourselves against the Fire that is prepared for the disbelievers.

132

And obey God and the Messenger, that you may obtain mercy.

133

And race towards forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous.

134

Those who give in prosperity and adversity, and those who restrain anger, and those who forgive people. God loves the doers of good.

135

And those who, when they commit an indecency or wrong themselves, remember God and ask forgiveness for their sins—and who forgives sins except God? And they do not persist in their wrongdoing while they know.

136

Those—their reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. How excellent is the reward of the workers.

137

Many societies have passed away before you. So travel the earth and note the fate of the deniers.

138

This is a proclamation to humanity, and guidance, and advice for the righteous.

139

And do not waver, nor feel remorse. You are the superior ones, if you are believers.

140

If a wound afflicts you, a similar wound has afflicted the others. Such days We alternate between the people, that God may know those who believe, and take martyrs from among you. God does not love the evildoers.

141

So that God may prove those who believe, and eliminate the disbelievers.

142

Or do you expect to enter Paradise, before God has distinguished those among you who strive, and before He has distinguished the steadfast?

143

You used to wish for death before you have faced it. Now you have seen it before your own eyes.

144

Muhammad is no more than a messenger. Messengers have passed on before him. If he dies or gets killed, will you turn on your heels? He who turns on his heels will not harm God in any way. And God will reward the appreciative.

145

No soul can die except by God’s leave, at a predetermined time. Whoever desires the reward of the world, We will give him some of it; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter, We will give him some of it; and We will reward the appreciative.

146

How many a prophet fought alongside him numerous godly people? They did not waver for what afflicted them in the cause of God, nor did they weaken, nor did they give in. God loves those who endure.

147

Narrator

Their only words were, “Our Lord, forgive us our offences, and our excesses in our conduct, and strengthen our foothold, and help us against the disbelieving people.”

148

So God gave them the reward of this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. God loves the doers of good.

149

O you who believe! If you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you end up losers.

150

God is your Master, and He is the Best of Helpers.

151

We will throw terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they attribute to God partners for which He revealed no sanction. Their lodging is the Fire. Miserable is the lodging of the evildoers.

152

God has fulfilled His promise to you, and you defeated them by His leave; until when you faltered, and disputed the command, and disobeyed after He had shown you what you like. Some of you want this world, and some of you want the next. Then He turned you away from them, to test you; but He pardoned you. God is Gracious towards the believers.

153

Remember when you fled, not caring for anyone, even though the Messenger was calling you from your rear. Then He repaid you with sorrow upon sorrow, so that you would not grieve over what you missed, or for what afflicted you. God is Informed of what you do.

154

another band

Then after the setback, He sent down security upon you. Slumber overcame some of you, while others cared only for themselves, thinking of God thoughts that were untrue—thoughts of ignorance—saying, “Is anything up to us?” Say, “Everything is up to God.” They conceal within themselves what they do not reveal to you. And they say, “If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed here.” Say, “Even if you Had stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have marched into their death beds.” God thus tests what is in your minds, and purifies what is in your hearts. God knows what the hearts contain.

155

Those of you who turned back on the day when the two armies clashed—it was Satan who caused them to backslide, on account of some of what they have earned. But God has forgiven them. God is Forgiving and Prudent.

156

Narrator

O you who believe! Do not be like those who disbelieved, and said of their brethren who marched in the land, or went on the offensive, “Had they stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed.” So that God may make it a cause of regret in their hearts. God gives life and causes death. God is Seeing of what you do.

157

If you are killed in the cause of God, or die—forgiveness and mercy from God are better than what they hoard.

158

If you die, or are killed—to God you will be gathered up.

159

It is by of grace from God that you were gentle with them. Had you been harsh, hardhearted, they would have dispersed from around you. So pardon them, and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in the conduct of affairs. And when you make a decision, put your trust in God; God loves the trusting.

160

If God supports you, there is none who can overcome you. But if He fails you, who is there to help you after Him? So in God let the believers put their trust.

161

It is not for a prophet to act dishonestly. Whoever acts dishonestly will bring his dishonesty on the Day of Resurrection. Then every soul will be paid in full for what it has earned, and they will not be wronged.

162

Is someone who pursues God's approval the same as someone who incurs God's wrath and his refuge is Hell—the miserable destination?

163

They have different ranks with God, and God is Seeing of what they do.

164

God has blessed the believers, as He raised up among them a messenger from among themselves, who recites to them His revelations, and purifies them, and teaches them the Scripture and wisdom; although before that they were in evident error.

165

And when a calamity befell you, even after you had inflicted twice as much, you said, “How is this?” Say, “It is from your own selves.” God is Able to do all things.

166

What befell you on the day the two armies clashed was with God’s permission; that He may know the believers.

167

Believers

And that He may know the hypocrites. And it was said to them, “Come, fight in the cause of God, or contribute.” They said, “If we knew how to fight, we would have followed you.” On that day they were closer to infidelity than they were to faith. They say with their mouths what is not in their hearts; but God knows what they hide.

168

Believers

Those who said of their brethren, as they stayed behind, “Had they obeyed us, they would not have been killed.” Say, “Then avert death from yourselves, if you are truthful.”

169

Do not consider those killed in the cause of God as dead. In fact, they are alive, at their Lord, well provided for.

170

Delighting in what God has given them out of His grace, and happy for those who have not yet joined them; that they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

171

They rejoice in grace from God, and bounty, and that God will not waste the reward of the faithful.

172

Those who responded to God and the Messenger, despite the persecution they had suffered. For the virtuous and the pious among them is a great reward.

173

men

Those to whom the people have said, “The people have mobilized against you, so fear them.” But this only increased them in faith, and they said, “God is enough for us; He is the Excellent Protector.”

174

So they came back with grace from God, and bounty, and no harm having touched them. They pursued what pleases God. God possesses immense grace.

175

That is only Satan frightening his partisans; so do not fear them, but fear Me, if you are believers.

176

And do not be saddened by those who rush into disbelief. They will not harm God in the least. God desires to give them no share in the Hereafter. A terrible torment awaits them.

177

Those who exchange blasphemy for faith will not harm God in the least. A painful torment awaits them.

178

Those who disbelieve should not assume that We respite them for their own good. In fact, We only respite them so that they may increase in sinfulness. A humiliating torment awaits them.

179

God will not leave the believers as you are, without distinguishing the wicked from the sincere. Nor will God inform you of the future, but God elects from among His messengers whom He wills. So believe in God and His messengers. If you believe and practice piety, you will have a splendid reward.

180

Those who withhold what God has given them of his bounty should not assume that is good for them. In fact, it is bad for them. They will be encircled by their hoardings on the Day of Resurrection. To God belongs the inheritance of the heavens and the earth, and God is well acquainted with what you do.

181

Narrator

God has heard the statement of those who said, “God is poor, and we are rich.” We will write down what they said, and their wrongful killing of the prophets; and We will say, “Taste the torment of the burning.”

182

Allah

“This is on account of what your hands have forwarded, and because God is not unjust towards the creatures.”

183

Allah

Those who said, “God has made a covenant with us, that we shall not believe in any messenger unless he brings us an offering to be consumed by fire.” Say, “Messengers have come to you before me with proofs, and with what you asked for; so why did you assassinate them, if you are truthful?”

184

If they accuse you of lying, messengers before you were accused of lying. They came with the proofs, and the Psalms, and the Illuminating Scripture.

185

Every soul will have a taste of death, and you will receive your recompense on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever is swayed from the Fire, and admitted to Paradise, has won. The life of this world is merely enjoyment of delusion.

186

You will be tested through your possessions and your persons; and you will hear from those who received the Scripture before you, and from the idol worshipers, much abuse. But if you persevere and lead a righteous life—that indeed is a mark of great determination.

187

God received a pledge from those who were given the Scripture: “You shall proclaim it to the people, and not conceal it.” But they disregarded it behind their backs, and exchanged it for a small price. What a miserable exchange they made.

188

Do not think that those who rejoice in what they have done, and love to be praised for what they have not done—do not think they can evade the punishment. They will have a painful punishment.

189

To God belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. God has power over all things.

190

In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, are signs for people of understanding.

191

Those who remember God while standing, and sitting, and on their sides; and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: “Our Lord, You did not create this in vain, glory to You, so protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

192

Allah

“Our Lord, whomever You commit to the Fire, You have disgraced. The wrongdoers will have no helpers.”

193

“Our Lord, we have heard a caller calling to the faith: `Believe in your Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, and remit our misdeeds, and make us die in the company of the virtuous.”

194

their Lord

“Our Lord, and give us what You have promised us through Your messengers, and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Surely You never break a promise.”

195

their Lord

And so their Lord answered them: “I will not waste the work of any worker among you, whether male or female. You are one of another. For those who emigrated, and were expelled from their homes, and were persecuted because of Me, and fought and were killed—I will remit for them their sins, and will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow—a reward from God. With God is the ultimate reward.”

196

Do not be impressed by the disbelievers’ movements in the land.

197

A brief enjoyment, then their abode is Hell. What a miserable resort.

198

As for those who feared their Lord: for them will be gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever—hospitality from God. What God possesses is best for the just.

199

Among the People of the Scripture are those who believe in God, and in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed to them. They are humble before God, and they do not sell God’s revelations for a cheap price. These will have their reward with their Lord. God is swift in reckoning.

200

O you who believe! Be patient, and advocate patience, and be united, and revere God, so that you may thrive.

Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian