Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2

Revealed 87th in the Qur'an

Read the Full Text with References to the Torah and the Gospel

2:1
Alif, Lam, Meem.

2:2
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those who fear [God] -

2:3
Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them,

2:4
And who believe in what has been sent down to you, and what was sent down before you, and they are certain of the Hereafter.

2:5
Those are upon guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.

2:6
Indeed, those who disbelieve - it is all the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them - they will not believe.

2:7
God has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and a veil over their vision. *Isaiah 44:18, *John 12:40 And there is a great punishment for them.

2:8
And among the people are some who say, "We believe in God and the Last Day," but they are not believers.

2:9
They [think to] deceive God and those who believe, but they do not deceive [anyone] except themselves and they do not perceive.

2:10
There is disease in their hearts, so God has increased their disease; and there is a painful punishment for them because they used to lie.

2:11
And when it is said to them, "Do not cause corruption on the earth," they say, "We are only reformers."

2:12
Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they do not perceive.

2:13
And when it is said to them, "Believe as the people have believed," they say, "Should we believe as the foolish have believed?" Unquestionably, it is they who are the foolish, but they do not know.

2:14
And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe;" but when they are alone with their devils [from mankind or jinn], they say, "Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers."

2:15
[But] God mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly.

2:16
Those are the ones who have purchased error [in exchange] for guidance, so their transaction has brought no profit, nor were they guided.

2:17
Their example is like that of one who kindled a fire, but when it illuminated what was around him, God took away their light and left them in darkness [so that] they could not see.

2:18
Deaf, dumb and blind - so they will not return.

2:19
Or [it is] like a rainstorm from the sky within which is darkness, thunder and lightning. They put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps in dread of death. But God is Encompassing of the disbelievers.

2:20
The lightning almost snatches away their sight. Every time it lights [the way] for them, they walk therein; but when darkness comes over them, they stand [still]. And if God had willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, God is Powerful over all things.

2:21
O mankind, serve your Lord, who created you and those before you, so that you may fear [God] -

2:22
[He] who made the earth [as] a [spread out] bed for you, and the heaven [as] a ceiling, and sent down water from the heaven, and brought forth fruits thereby as provision for you. So do not attribute equals to God while you know.

2:23
And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our servant [Muhammad], then bring a chapter like it and call upon your witnesses other than God, if you should be truthful.

2:24
But if you do not - and you will never be able to - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, *Isaiah 9:19 prepared for the disbelievers.

2:25
And give good news to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have Gardens in which rivers flow beneath them. Whenever they are provided with a provision of fruit therefrom, they will say, "This is what we were provided with before." And it is given to them in likeness. And they will have purified spouses therein, and they will abide eternally therein.

2:26
Indeed, God is not timid to set forth an example - that of a mosquito or something above it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did God intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He does not mislead [anyone] except the defiantly disobedient,

2:27
Those who break the covenant of God after contracting it and sever that which God has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth. It is those who are the ones in loss.

2:28
How can you disbelieve in God when you were lifeless and He brought you to life; then He will cause you to die, then He will bring you [back] to life, and then you will be returned to Him.

2:29
It is He who created all of that which is on the earth for you. Then He directed Himself to the heaven, and fashioned them into seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things.

2:30
And when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make a successive authority upon the earth." They said, "Will You place one upon it who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" [God] said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."

2:31
And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, "Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful."

2:32
They said, "You are Exalted; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise."

2:33
He said, "O Adam, inform them of their names." And when he had informed them of their names, He said, "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you disclose and what you have concealed."

2:34
And when We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam;" *Hebrews 1:6 so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.

2:35
And We said, "O Adam, dwell in the Garden, you and your wife, and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, *Genesis 2:16 - 17 unless you should be among the wrongdoers."

2:36
But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that which they had been in. And We said, "Go down, [all of you], as enemies to one another, and you will have a place of settlement upon the earth and provision for a time."

2:37
Then Adam received [some] words from his Lord, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

2:38
We said, "Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

2:39
And those who disbelieve and deny Our verses - those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein."

2:40
O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and fulfill My covenant [upon you] so that I will fulfill your covenant [from Me], *Deuteronomy 29:1, *2 Chronicles 34:31 - 32 and be afraid of [only] Me.

2:41
And believe in what I have sent down confirming that which is [already] with you, and do not be the first to disbelieve in it. And do not exchange My verses for a small price, and fear [only] Me.

2:42
And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

2:43
And establish prayer and give purifying [alms] and bow with those who bow.

2:44
Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?

2:45
And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humble [to God],

2:46
Those who think that they will meet their Lord and that they will return to Him.

2:47
O Children of Israel, remember My favor that I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds.

2:48
And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will ransom be taken from it, *Book of Enoch 52:7, *Book of Enoch 63:10, *Book of Jubilees 5:23, *Job 36:18 - 19, *Psalms 49:6 - 7, *Proverbs 11:4, *Zephaniah 1:18, *Ezekiel 7:19 nor will they be aided.

2:49
And [remember] when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, who afflicted you with the worst torment, slaughtering your [newborn] sons and keeping your women alive. *Exodus 1:16, *Exodus 1:22 And there was a great trial in that from your Lord.

2:50
And [remember] when We parted the sea for you *Book of Enoch 89:24, *Exodus 14:21 - 22 and saved you *Exodus 14:30 and drowned the people of Pharaoh *Book of Enoch 89:27, *Exodus 14:28 while you were looking on.

2:51
And [remember] when We made an appointment with Moses for forty nights. *Exodus 24:18, *Exodus 34:28, *Deuteronomy 9:9, *Deuteronomy 9:11 Then you took the calf [as a god] after him, *Exodus 32:4 while you were wrongdoers. *Deuteronomy 9:16

2:52
Then We forgave you after that so that perhaps you would be grateful.

2:53
And [remember] when We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion so that perhaps you would be guided.

2:54
And [remember] when Moses said to his people, "O my people, indeed you have wronged yourselves by taking the calf [as a god]. So repent to your Creator and kill your own [wrongdoers among you]. *Exodus 32:27 That is best for [all of] you to your Creator." Then He accepted your repentance; indeed, He is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

2:55
And [remember] when you said, "O Moses, we will never believe you until we see God outright;" so the thunderbolt took you while you were looking on.

2:56
Then We revived you after your death so that perhaps you would be grateful.

2:57
And We shaded you with clouds and sent down manna to you *Exodus 16:15 and quails, *Exodus 16:13 [saying], "Eat from the good things with which We have provided you." And they did not wrong Us - but they were [only] wronging themselves.

2:58
And [remember] when We said, "Enter this city and eat from it wherever you will in [ease and] abundance, and enter the gate prostrating and say repentance. We will [then] forgive your sins for you, and We will increase the doers of good [in goodness and reward]."

2:59
But those who wronged changed [those words] to a statement other than that which had been said to them, so We sent a punishment down from the heaven upon those who wronged because they were defiantly disobeying.

2:60
And [remember] when Moses asked for water for his people, *Exodus 17:2 so We said, "Strike the stone with your staff." *Exodus 17:6, *Numbers 20:11 And twelve springs gushed forth from it, and every people knew its watering place, [saying,] "Eat and drink from the provision of God, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption."

2:61
And [remember] when you said, "O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth green herbs from the earth for us and [also] its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions." *Numbers 11:4 - 5 [Moses] said, "Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go to Egypt and indeed, you will have what you have asked." And they were struck with humiliation and poverty and incurred anger from God [upon themselves]. *Numbers 11:10 That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of God and killed the prophets without truth. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing.

2:62
Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans - those [among them] who believed in God and the Last Day and did righteousness will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

2:63
And [remember] when We took your covenant, [O Children of Israel] and We raised the Mount over you, [saying], "Take what We have given you with determination and remember what is in it so that perhaps you may fear [God]."

2:64
Then you turned away after that. And if not for the favor of God upon you and His mercy, you would have been among the ones in loss.

2:65
And you had already known about those who transgressed among you concerning the sabbath, and We said to them, "Be despised apes."

2:66
And We made it a deterrent punishment for those who were present and those who succeeded [them] and a lesson for those who fear [God].

2:67
And [remember] when Moses said to his people, "Indeed, God commands you to slaughter a cow." They said, "Do you take us in ridicule?" He said, "I seek refuge in God from being among the ignorant."

2:68
They said, "Call upon your Lord to make what it is clear to us." [Moses] said, "[God] says, 'It is a cow which is neither old nor virgin, but median between that,' so do what you are commanded."

2:69
They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us what her color is." He said, "He says, 'It is a yellow cow, bright in color - pleasing to the observers.'"

2:70
They said, "Call upon your Lord to make what it is clear to us. Indeed, [all] cows look alike to us. And indeed we will be guided if God wills."

2:71
He said, "He says, 'It is a cow neither trained to plow the earth nor to irrigate the field, one free from fault with no blemish upon her.'" ~*Deuteronomy 15:21, ~*Deuteronomy 17:1 They said, "Now you have come with the truth." So they slaughtered her, but they could hardly do it.

2:72
And [remember] when you slew a man and disputed over it, but God was to bring out that which you were concealing.

2:73
So, We said, "Strike the slain man with part of it." Thus, God brings the dead to life, and He shows you His signs so that you might reason.

2:74
Then your hearts became hardened after that, being like stones or even harder. For indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open and water comes out, and there are some of them that fall down for fear of God. And God is not unaware of what you do.

2:75
Do you hope that they would believe for you, while indeed a group of them used to hear the words of God and then distort them after they had understood it while they were knowing?

2:76
And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We have believed;" but when they are alone with one another, they say, "Do you talk to them about what God has disclosed to you so that they can argue with you about it before your Lord?" Then will you not reason?

2:77
But do they not know that God knows what they conceal and what they declare?

2:78
And among them are Gentiles who do not know the Scripture except in wishful thinking, but they are only assuming.

2:79
So woe to those who write the "scripture" with their own hands, then say, "This is from God," in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn. *Book of Enoch 98:15, *Book of Enoch 99:2

2:80
And they say, "The Fire will never touch us, except for a few days." Say, "Have you taken a covenant with God? *Isaiah 28:15, *Isaiah 28:18 For God will never break His covenant. Or do you say something about God which you do not know?" *Gospel of Barnabas 137:1

2:81
Yes, whoever earns evil and his sin has encompassed him - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.

2:82
But those who believe and do righteous deeds - those are the companions of the Garden; they will abide eternally therein.

2:83
And [remember] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], "Do not serve [anything] except God; and do good to parents and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak good [words] to people and establish prayer and give purifying [alms]." Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing. *Zechariah 7:9 - 11

2:84
And [remember] when We took your covenant, [saying], "Do not shed each other's blood or evict one another from your homes." Then you acknowledged [this] while you were witnessing.

2:85
Then, you are those [same ones who are] killing one another and evicting a group of your people from their homes, cooperating against them in sin and aggression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, although their eviction was forbidden to you. So do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? Then what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life? And on the Day of Resurrection they will be returned to the severest of punishment. And God is not unaware of what you do.

2:86
Those are the ones who have bought the life of this world [in exchange] for the Hereafter, so the punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be aided.

2:87
And We certainly gave Moses the Book and followed up with messengers after him. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Holy Spirit. *Isaiah 42:1, *Matthew 12:18, *Luke 4:1, *Acts 10:38 But is it [not] that every time a messenger came to you, with what your souls did not desire, you were arrogant? And you denied a group and you killed another group.

2:88
And they said, "Our hearts are uncircumcised." But God has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe in little.

2:89
And when a Book came to them from God confirming that which was with them - although they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieved before - but [then] when that which they recognized came to them, they disbelieved in it; so the curse of God will be upon the disbelievers.

2:90
How wretched is that for which they sold their souls - that they would disbelieve in what God has sent down through [their] outrage that God would send His favor down upon whom He wills from among His servants. So they incurred wrath upon wrath. And there is a humiliating punishment for the disbelievers.

2:91
And when it is said to them, "Believe in what God has sent down," they say, "We [only] believe in what was sent down to us." And they disbelieve in what came after it, *John 9:28 - 29 while it is the truth confirming that which is with them. Say, "Then why did you kill the prophets of God before, if you are [indeed] believers?"

2:92
And Moses had certainly brought you clear proofs. Then you took the calf [as a god] after that, *Exodus 32:4 while you were wrongdoers. *Deuteronomy 9:16

2:93
And [remember] when We took your covenant and raised the mount over you, [saying], "Take what We have given you with determination and listen." They said [instead], "We hear and disobey." And they were made to drink the calf into their hearts because of their disbelief. Say, "How wretched is that which your faith enjoins upon you, if you should be believers."

2:94
Say, "If the home of the Hereafter with God is for you alone and not the [other] people, then wish for death, if you should be truthful."

2:95
But they will never wish for it, ever, because of what their hands have put forth. And God is Knowing of the wrongdoers.

2:96
And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life - [even] more than those who associate others [with God]. One of them wishes that he could be granted life for a thousand years, ~*Book of Enoch 10:10 but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life. And God is Seeing of what they do.

2:97
Say, "Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel - it is [indeed] he who has brought [the Qur'an] down upon your heart, by permission of God, confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good news for the believers."

2:98
Whoever is an enemy to God and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael - then indeed, God is an enemy to the disbelievers. *Exodus 23:20 - 22

2:99
And We have certainly sent verses down to you [which are] clear proofs, and no one would deny them except the defiantly disobedient.

2:100
Is it not [true] that every time they took a covenant, a group of them threw it away? But, [in fact], most of them do not believe.

2:101
And when a messenger from God came to them confirming that which was with them, a group of those who had been given the Scripture threw the Scripture of God behind their backs as if they did not know [what it contained].

2:102
And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited over the kingdom of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was sent down to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. ~*Epistle of Barnabas 9:3 But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, "We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic]." And [yet] they learn [magic] from them in which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of God. And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have any share in the Hereafter. *Deuteronomy 18:10 - 11 And that for which they sold their souls is [indeed] wretched, if they only knew.

2:103
And if they had believed and feared [God], then the reward from God would have been [far] better, if they only knew.

2:104
O you who have believed, do not say [to God's messenger], "Shepherd us" but say, "Look at us" and listen. And there is a painful punishment for the disbelievers.

2:105
Neither those who disbelieve from the People of the Scripture nor the polytheists wish that any good should be sent down to you from your Lord. But God selects whom He wills for His mercy, and God is the possessor of great bounty.

2:106
We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth [one] better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that God is Powerful over all things?

2:107
Do you not know that the kingdom of the heavens and the earth [belongs] to God and [that] you do not have any protector or any helper besides God? *Isaiah 43:11, *Hosea 13:4, *Sirach 24:24

2:108
Or do you intend to ask your messenger as Moses was asked before? And whoever exchanges faith for disbelief has certainly strayed from the soundness of the way.

2:109
Many of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves [even] after the truth has become clear to them. So pardon and overlook until God delivers His command. Indeed, God is Powerful over all things.

2:110
And establish prayer and give purifying [alms], and whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with God. Indeed, God is Seeing of what you do.

2:111
And they say, "None will enter the Garden except one who is a Jew or a Christian." That is [merely] their wishful thinking, say, "Produce your proof, if you should be truthful."

2:112
Yes, whoever submits his face to God while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord. And there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

2:113
The Jews say, "The Christians [have] nothing [true]," and the Christians say, "The Jews [have] nothing [true]," although they [both] recite the Scripture. Thus those who do not know speak the same as their words. But God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning those [matters] in which they used to differ.

2:114
And who are more unjust than those who prevent the name of God from being remembered [or mentioned] in His mosques and strive toward their destruction? It is not for them to enter them except in fear. There is disgrace for them in this world, and they will have a great punishment in the Hereafter.

2:115
And the east and the west [belong] to God. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of God. Indeed, God is Encompassing and Knowing.

2:116
They say, "God has taken a son." *2 Ezra 2:47, *Mark 15:39, *Acts 8:37, *Acts 9:20 He is Exalted! Rather, whatever is in the heavens and the earth [belongs] to Him. All are devoutly obedient to Him,

2:117
Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, "Be," and it is. *Genesis 1:3, *Genesis 1:9, *Genesis 1:11, *Genesis 1:14 - 15, *Genesis 1:24, *Book of Jubilees 12:3, *Psalms 33:6, *Psalms 33:9, *Wisdom of Solomon 9:1, *Judith 16:14, *2 Ezra 16:55 - 56

2:118
Those who do not know say, "Why does God not speak to us or a sign come to us?" Thus those before them spoke like their words. Their hearts resemble each other. *Matthew 12:38, *Mark 8:11, *Luke 11:29 We have shown the signs clearly to a people who are certain [in faith].

2:119
Indeed, We have sent you with the truth as a bringer of good news and a warner, and you will not be asked about the companions of Hellfire.

2:120
And the Jews or the Christians will never approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, "Indeed, the guidance of God is the [only] guidance." If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have no protector or helper against God.

2:121
Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recital. They believe in it. And whoever disbelieves in it - it is those who are the ones in loss.

2:122
O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds.

2:123
And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, and no ransom will be accepted from it, *Book of Enoch 52:7, *Book of Enoch 63:10, *Book of Jubilees 5:23, *Job 36:18 - 19, *Psalms 49:6 - 7, *Proverbs 11:4, *Zephaniah 1:18, *Ezekiel 7:19 nor will any intercession benefit it, nor will they be aided.

2:124
And when Abraham was tested by his Lord with [certain] words and he fulfilled them. [God] said, "Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people." [Abraham] said, "And among my descendants?" [God] said, "My covenant does not include the wrongdoers."

2:125
And when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take a place of prayer from the standing place of Abraham. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], "Purify My House for those who circulate and for those who are devoted and for those who bow and prostrate [in prayer]."

2:126
And when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits - whoever of them believes in God and the Last Day." [God] said. "And whoever disbelieves - I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire, and it is wretched as a destination."

2:127
And when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House ~*Book of Jubilees 22:32 and Ishmael [with him], [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.

2:128
Our Lord, and make us in submission to You and [also] a nation from our descendants in submission to You. And show us our rites and turn to us [in forgiveness]. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

2:129
Our Lord, and raise up a messenger among them from themselves who will recite Your verses to them and teach them the Scripture and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Almighty, the Wise."

2:130
And who would be averse to the religion of Abraham except one who fooled himself? And We had chosen him in this world, and indeed he will be among the righteous in the Hereafter.

2:131
When his Lord said to him, "Submit", he said, "I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds."

2:132
And Abraham instructed his sons and Jacob, [saying], "O my sons, indeed God has chosen this religion for you, so do not die except while you are in submission [to God]." *Genesis 18:19, *Book of Jubilees 20:9 - 11

2:133
Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, "What will you serve after me?" They said, "We will serve your God ~*Book of Jasher 56:5 and the God of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac - one God. And we are in submission to Him."

2:134
That was a nation which has passed on. It will have what it earned, and you will have what you have earned. And you will not be asked about what they used to do.

2:135
They say, "Be Jews or Christians [so] you will be guided." Say, "Rather, [we follow] the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth, and he was not among the polytheists."

2:136
Say, "We have believed in God and what has been sent down to us and what has been sent down to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the [twelve] tribes [of Israel] and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no division between any of them, and we are in submission to Him."

2:137
So if they believe in the same as you believe in, then they have been [rightly] guided; but if they turn away, they are only in dissension, and God will be sufficient for you against them. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

2:138
[And say, "This is] the color [baptism] from God. And who is better at giving color [baptism] than God? And we are servants to Him."

2:139
Say, "Do you argue with us about God while He is our Lord and your Lord? Our deeds are for us, and your deeds are for you. And we are sincere to Him."

2:140
Or do you say that Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the [twelve] tribes [of Israel] were Jews or Christians? Say, "Are you more knowing or is God?" And who is more unjust than one who conceals a testimony he has from God? And God is not unaware of what you do.

2:141
That is a nation which has passed on. It will have what it earned, and you will have what you have earned. And you will not be asked about what they used to do.

2:142
The foolish among the people will say, "What has turned them away from their direction of prayer, which they used to face?" Say, "The east and the west [belong] to God. He guides whom He wills to a straight path."

2:143
And thus We have made you a moderate community so that you will be witnesses over the people and the messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the direction of prayer which you used to face except so that We might make it known who would follow the messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom God has guided. And God would have never caused you to lose your faith. Indeed God is Kind and Merciful to the people.

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We have certainly seen the turning of your face toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a direction of prayer which you will be pleased with. So turn your face toward the Forbidden [House]. ^9:28, ^14:37 And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces toward it [in prayer]. Indeed, those who have been given the Scripture well know that it is the truth from their Lord. And God is not unaware of what they do.

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And if you brought every sign to those who were given the Scripture, they would not follow your direction of prayer. Nor will you be a follower of their direction of prayer. Nor would they be followers of one another's direction of prayer. So if you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, indeed, you would then be among the wrongdoers.

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Those to whom We gave the Scripture know him as they know their own sons. But indeed, a group of them conceal the truth while they know [it].

2:147
The truth is from your Lord, so never be among the doubters.

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For each [religious following] is a direction toward which it faces. *Psalms 5:7, *Psalms 138:2, *1 Kings 8:29 - 30, *1 Kings 8:35, *1 Kings 8:41 - 42, *1 Kings 8:44, *1 Kings 8:48, *2 Chronicles 6:20 - 21, *2 Chronicles 6:26, *2 Chronicles 6:34, *2 Chronicles 6:38 So race to [all that is] good. Wherever you may be, God will bring you forth all together. Indeed, God is Powerful over all things.

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So from wherever you go out [for prayer], turn your face toward the Forbidden [House], ^9:28, ^14:37 and indeed, it is the truth from your Lord. And God is not unaware of what you do.

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And from wherever you go out [for prayer], turn your face toward the Forbidden [House]. ^9:28, ^14:37 And wherever you may be, turn your faces toward it in order that the people will not have any argument against you, except for those of them who commit wrong; so do not fear them but fear Me. And [it is] so I may complete My favor upon you and so that you may be guided.

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Just as We have sent a messenger among you from yourselves reciting Our verses to you and purifying you and teaching you the Scripture and wisdom and teaching you that which you did not know.

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So remember Me, I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

2:153
O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, God is with the patient.

2:154
And do not say about those who are killed in the way of God, "They are dead." Rather, they are alive, but you do not perceive.

2:155
And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good news to the patient -

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Who say when disaster strikes them, "Indeed we [belong] to God, and indeed we will return to Him."

2:157
Those are the ones for whom prayers are [answered] from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.

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Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of God. So whoever makes Pilgrimage [Hajj] to the House or visits [umrah] - there is no blame upon him for going back and forth between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, God is Appreciative and Knowing.

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Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture - *2 Ezra 12:36 - 37, *2 Ezra 14:6, *2 Ezra 14:26 those are cursed by God and cursed by those who curse,

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Except for those who repent and correct themselves and make [what they concealed] clear. Those - I will accept their repentance, and I am the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

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Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers - the curse of God and the angels and the people will be upon them, all together,

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Abiding eternally therein. The punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved.

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And your God is one God. *Deuteronomy 6:4, *Mark 12:29, *Mark 12:32, *James 2:19, *Shepherd of Hermas 26:1 There is no god except Him, *Deuteronomy 4:35, *Deuteronomy 4:39, *1 Samuel 2:2, *2 Samuel 7:22, *1 Kings 8:60, *Isaiah 44:6, *Isaiah 44:8, *Isaiah 45:5 - 6, *Isaiah 45:21, *Mark 12:32 the Gracious, the Merciful.

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Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what God has sent down from the heavens of water, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness, and dispersing every moving creature therein, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason.

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And [yet], among the people are those who take [idols] other than God as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love God. *Matthew 6:24, *Luke 16:13 But those who believe are stronger in love for God. And if only those who have wronged would consider [that] when they see the punishment, [they will be certain] that all power [belongs] to God *Book of Enoch 9:5, *Psalms 62:11, *Romans 13:1 and that God is severe in punishment.

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[And they should consider that] when those who have been followed disassociate themselves from those who followed [them], and they [all] see the punishment, and the ways [of escape] are cut off from them,

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Those who followed will say, "If only we had another turn [at worldly life] *Book of Enoch 63:1, *Book of Enoch 63:5, *Shepherd of Hermas 17:5 so we could disassociate ourselves from them as they have disassociated themselves from us." Thus, God will show them their deeds as regrets upon them. And they are never to emerge from the Fire.

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O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is a clear enemy to you.

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He only orders you to evil and immorality and to say what you do not know about God.

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And when it is said to them, "Follow what God has sent down," they say, "Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing." Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

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The example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at that which does not hear [anything] except for an [incomprehensible] call and a cry - deaf, dumb and blind, so they do not understand.

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O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to God if it is [indeed] Him that you serve.

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He has only forbidden dead [creatures] to you, *Leviticus 22:8 blood, *Genesis 9:4, *Leviticus 7:26, *Leviticus 17:12, *Book of Jubilees 6:10, *Book of Jubilees 6:17 - 19, *Deuteronomy 12:23, *Acts 15:20 the flesh of swine, *Leviticus 11:7 - 8, *Deuteronomy 14:8 and that which has been dedicated to [something] other than God. *Exodus 34:15, *Acts 15:28 - 29, *Acts 21:25, *1 Corinthians 10:28 But whoever is forced, neither desiring [it] nor transgressing, there is no sin upon him. Indeed, God is Forgiving and Merciful.

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Indeed, those who conceal what God has sent down of the Book *2 Ezra 12:36 - 37, *2 Ezra 14:6, *2 Ezra 14:26 and exchange it for a small price - those do not consume [anything] into their bellies except the Fire. And God will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. And they will have a painful punishment.

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Those are the ones who have exchanged guidance for error and forgiveness for punishment. How patient they are [in pursuit] of the Fire!

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That is because God has sent down the Book in truth. And indeed, those who differ over the Book are in extreme dissension.

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Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but righteousness is one who believes in God, the Last Day, the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets and gives wealth, [in spite of] love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask, and [for freeing] slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives purifying [alms]; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in suffering, hardship, and a time of battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who fear [God].

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O you who have believed, legal retribution is prescribed for you for those killed - the free [are prescribed legal retribution] for the free [who are killed], the slave [is prescribed legal retribution] for the slave [who is killed], and the female [is prescribed legal retribution] for the female [who is killed]. But whoever is pardoned anything from his brother, then there should be a suitable follow-up and payment to him with good conduct. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. But whoever transgresses after that will have a painful punishment.

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And there is [the restoring of] life for you in legal retribution, *Leviticus 24:21 O you [people] of understanding, so that you may fear [God].

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It is prescribed for you when death approaches one of you [and] if he leaves [some] good [that he should make] a will for the parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable - a true [duty] upon those who fear [God].

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Then whoever alters [the will] after he has heard it - the sin is only upon those who have altered it. Indeed, God is Hearing and Knowing.

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But if one fears [some] error or sin from the bequeather and corrects that which is between them, there is no sin upon him. Indeed, God is Forgiving and Merciful.

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O you who have believed, fasting is decreed upon you as it was decreed upon those before you so that you may fear [God] -

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[Fasting is for] a number of days. So whoever is ill or on a journey among you [during them] - then [an equal] number of other days. And upon those who are able to afford it - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [for each day]. And whoever volunteers [excess] good - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.

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The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur'an was sent down, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and the Criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then [an equal] number of other days. God intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify God for that which He has guided you [to]; and perhaps you will be grateful.

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And when My servants ask you, concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me so that they may be led aright.

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It has been made lawful for you to go to your wives the night [preceding] fasting. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. God knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned towards you and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which God has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes clear to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night. *Judges 20:26, *2 Samuel 1:12, *2 Samuel 3:35 And do not have relations with them as long as you are devoted in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] God, so do not approach them. Thus, God makes His verses clear to the people so that they may fear [Him].

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And do not consume one another's wealth by false [means] or send it [in bribery] to the rulers so that you may consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

2:189
They ask you about the crescents [of the new moons]. Say, "They are measurements of time for the people and for Pilgrimage [Hajj]." And it is not righteousness to enter houses from the back, but righteousness is [in] one who fears [God]. And enter houses from their doors. And fear God so that you may succeed.

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Fight those in the way of God who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, God does not love the transgressors.

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And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and oppression is worse than killing. And do not fight them at the Forbidden [House] ^9:28, ^14:37 until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. That is the recompense of the disbelievers.

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And if they cease, then indeed, God is Forgiving and Merciful.

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Fight them until there is no oppression and the religion is for God. But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the wrongdoers.

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The forbidden month is for the forbidden month, and for [all] forbidden [violations] is legal retribution. So whoever has transgressed against you, then transgress against him in the same way that he has transgressed against you. And fear God and know that God is with those who fear [Him].

2:195
And spend in the way of God and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction. *Wisdom of Solomon 1:12 And do good; indeed, God loves the doers of good.

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And complete the Pilgrimage [Hajj] and the visit [umrah] for God. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever is ill among you or has an ailment of the head, then a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever enjoys the visit [umrah] to the Pilgrimage [Hajj], then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] - then a fast of three days during Pilgrimage [Hajj] and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of the Forbidden [House]. ^9:28, ^14:37 And fear God and know that God is severe in penalty.

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Pilgrimage [Hajj] is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Pilgrimage [Hajj] obligatory upon himself therein, there is [to be] no sexual relations [for him] and no disobedience and no disputing during Pilgrimage [Hajj]. And whatever good you do - God knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear [of God]. And fear Me, O you of understanding.

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There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during Pilgrimage]. But when you depart from 'Arafat, remember God at the forbidden landmark. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were among those astray before that.

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Then depart from the place where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness from God. Indeed, God is Forgiving and Merciful.

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And when you have completed your rites, remember God like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world," and he will have no share in the Hereafter.

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But among them is he who says, "Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire."

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Those will have a share of what they have earned, and God is swift in account.

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And remember God during numbered days. Then whoever hastens [his departure] in [a few] days - there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays - there is no sin upon him - for him who fears [God]. And fear God and know that you will be gathered to Him.

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And among the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls God to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

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And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and progeny. And God does not love corruption.

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And when it is said to him, "Fear God," pride in the sin takes hold of him. Gehenna is sufficient for him, and it is wretched as a resting place.

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And among the people is he who sells his soul seeking the approval of God. And God is Kind to [His] servants.

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O you who have believed, enter completely into peace [by submitting to God] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is a clear enemy to you.

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But if you slip after clear proofs have come to you, then know that God is Almighty and Wise.

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Do they await [nothing] except that God should come to them in covers of clouds and the angels [as well] and the matter is [then] decided? And [all] matters are returned to God.

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Ask the Children of Israel how many signs [and verses] of evidence We have given them. And whoever exchanges the favor of God after it has come to him - then indeed, God is severe in penalty.

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The life of this world is beautified for those who disbelieve, and they ridicule those who believe. But those who fear [God] are above them on the Day of Resurrection. And God gives provision to whom He wills without account.

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Mankind was one nation; then God raised the prophets as bringers of good news and warners and sent the Scripture down with them in truth to judge between the people concerning those [matters] in which they differed. And none differed over [the Scripture] except those who were given it - after the clear proofs came to them - out of jealousy amongst themselves. And God guided those who believed to the truth concerning that in which they had differed, by His permission. And God guides whom He wills to a straight path.

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Or do you think that you will enter the Garden while such [trial] has not yet come to you as it came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, "When is the help of God?" Unquestionably, the help of God is near.

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They ask you what they should spend. Say, "Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good - indeed, God is Knowing of it."

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Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And God knows, while you do not know.

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They ask you about the forbidden month - about fighting therein. Say, "Fighting therein is great [sin], but averting [people] from the way of God and disbelief in Him and [preventing them from] the Forbidden [House] ^9:28, ^14:37 and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater [evil] to God. And oppression is greater [evil] than killing." And they will not cease to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able. And whoever of you reverts from his religion [to disbelief] and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide eternally therein.

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Indeed, those who have believed and those who have emigrated and striven in the way of God - those expect the mercy of God. And God is Forgiving and Merciful.

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They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, "There is great sin in them and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they should spend. Say, "The excess." Thus, God makes the verses clear to you so that you might give thought

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To this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans. Say, "Improvement for them is best. And if you mix your affairs with theirs - they are your brothers. And God knows the corrupter from the amender. And if God had willed, He could have put you in difficulty. Indeed, God is Almighty and Wise.

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And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe. And a believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you. And do not give [your women] in marriage to polytheistic men until they believe. And a believing slave is better than a polytheist, even though he might please you. Those invite [you] to the Fire, but God invites to the Garden and to forgiveness, by His permission. And He makes His verses clear to the people so that perhaps they may remember.

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And they ask you about menstruation. Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. *Ezekiel 18:6 And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where God has commanded you. Indeed, God loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."

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Your wives are a place of sowing seed for you, so come to your place of cultivation however you wish and send forth [good] for yourselves. And fear God and know that you will meet Him. And give good news to the believers.

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And do not make God an excuse in your oaths against being righteous and fearing [God] and making peace among people. And God is Hearing and Knowing.

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God does not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He imposes blame upon you for what your hearts have earned. And God is Forgiving and Forbearing.

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For those who swear [to not have sexual relations] with their wives, it is a waiting time of four months, but if they return [to normal relations] - then indeed, God is Forgiving and Merciful.

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And if they decide on divorce - then indeed, God is Hearing and Knowing.

2:228
Divorced women remain in waiting for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs if they believe in God and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this [period] if they want reconciliation. And due to [the wives] is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them. And God is Almighty and Wise.

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Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good [treatment]. And it is not lawful for you to take anything of what you have given them unless both fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of God. But if you fear that they will not keep [within] the limits of God, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that which she ransoms herself by. These are the limits of God, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of God - it is those who are the wrongdoers.

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And if he has divorced her, then she is not lawful to him afterward until [after] she marries a husband other than him. And if [the latter husband] divorces her [or dies], there is no blame upon [the woman and her former husband] for returning to each other if they think that they can keep [within] the limits of God. These are the limits of God, which He makes clear to a people who know.

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And when you divorce women and they have reached their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them to transgress [against them], intending harm. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses of God in jest. And remember the favor of God upon you and what has been sent down to you of the Book and wisdom by which He instructs you. And fear God and know that God is Knowing of all things.

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And when you divorce women and they have reached their term, do not prevent them from remarrying their [former] husbands if they agree amongst themselves on an acceptable basis. That is instructed to whoever of you believes in God and the Last Day. That is better for you and purer, and God knows and you do not know.

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Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Their provision and their clothing are upon the father, according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And similar to that is upon the heir. And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them. And if you wish to have your children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you submit what you give according to what is acceptable. And fear God and know that God is Seeing of what you do.

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And those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind - they should wait four months and ten [days]. And when they have reached their term, then there is no blame upon you for what they do with themselves in an acceptable manner. And God is Aware of what you do.

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There is no blame upon you for that which you [indirectly] allude to concerning a proposal to women or for what you conceal within yourselves. God knows that you will remember them. But do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying. And do not determine to undertake the knot of marriage until the Book's term is reached. And know that God knows what is within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that God is Forgiving and Forbearing.

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There is no blame upon you if you divorce women you have not touched nor obligated an obligation for them. But provide for them - the wealthy according to his means and the poor according to his means - a provision according to what is acceptable, a duty upon the doers of good.

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And if you divorce them before you have touched them and you have already obligated an obligation for them, then [give] half of what you obligated - unless they pardon it, or the one in whose hand the knot of marriage is pardons it. And to pardon it is nearer to fearing [God]. And do not forget graciousness between you. Indeed God is Seeing of whatever you do.

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Be watchful of the prayers and the middle prayer and stand devoutly obedient before God.

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And if you fear, [then pray] on foot or riding. But when you are secure, then remember God [in prayer], as He has taught you that which you did not [previously] know.

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And those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind - they should make a will for their wives as provision for one year without turning [them] out. But if they leave [on their own accord], then there is no blame upon you for what they do with themselves in an acceptable way. And God is Almighty and Wise.

2:241
And there is a provision for divorced women according to what is acceptable - a true [duty] upon those who fear [God].

2:242
Thus, God makes His verses clear to you so that you might use reason.

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Have you not seen those who left their homes in many thousands, fearing death? God said to them, "Die;" then He restored them to life. And God is full of bounty to the people, but most of the people do not show gratitude.

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And fight in the way of God and know that God is Hearing and Knowing.

2:245
Who is it that would loan God a good loan so that He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is God who withholds and extends [bounty], and you will be returned to Him.

2:246
Have you not considered the assembly of the Children of Israel after [the time of] Moses when they said to a prophet of theirs, "Raise a king for us, *1 Samuel 12:12, *Acts 13:21 and we will fight in the way of God"? *1 Samuel 8:19 - 20 He said, "Would you perhaps not fight if fighting was prescribed for you?" They said, "And why should we not fight in the way of God when we have been driven out from our homes and from our children?" But when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, *1 Samuel 13:6 except for a few of them. *1 Samuel 14:11 - 13 And God is Knowing of the wrongdoers.

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And their prophet said to them, "Indeed, God has raised Saul for you as a king." *Acts 13:21 They said, "How can he have kingship over us *1 Samuel 11:12 while we have truer [right] to kingship than him and he has not been given an abundance of wealth?" He said, "Indeed, God has chosen him over you and has increased him extensively in knowledge and stature. And God gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And God is Encompassing and Knowing."

2:248
And their prophet said to them, "Indeed, a sign of his kingship is that the ark will come to you *1 Samuel 14:18 in which is tranquility from your Lord and a remnant of what the family of Moses and the family of Aaron had left, *Exodus 25:16, *Deuteronomy 10:5, *1 Kings 8:9, *2 Chronicles 5:10 carried by the angels. Indeed there is a sign in that for you, if you are believers."

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And when Saul separated the soldiers, he said, "Indeed, God will be testing you [and your fast] with a river. So whoever drinks from it is not with me, *1 Samuel 14:24 and whoever does not taste it is indeed with me, excepting one who takes [from it] in the hollow of his hand." But they drank from it, except a [very] few of them. ~*Judges 7:4 - 7 Then when he had crossed it along with those who believed with him, they said, "There is no power for us against Goliath and his soldiers today." But those who were certain that they would meet God said, "How many small companies have overcome a large company by permission of God? And God is with the patient."

2:250
And when they went forth to [face] Goliath and his soldiers, they said, "Our Lord, pour patience upon us and plant our feet firmly and help us against the disbelieving people."

2:251
So they defeated them by permission of God, and David killed Goliath, *1 Samuel 17:50 and God gave him the kingdom and wisdom and taught him from that which He willed. And if it were not for God checking [some] people by means of others, the earth would have been corrupted, but God is full of bounty to the worlds.

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These are the verses of God which We recite to you in truth. And indeed, you are from among the messengers.

2:253
Those messengers - We caused some of them to exceed others. Among them were those whom God spoke to, and He raised some of them in degree. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs, and We supported him with the Holy Spirit. *Isaiah 42:1, *Matthew 12:18, *Luke 4:1, *Acts 10:38 If God had willed, those succeeding them would not have fought each other after the clear proofs had come to them. But they differed, and some of them believed and some of them disbelieved. And if God had willed, they would not have fought each other, but God does what He intends.

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O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before a Day comes in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession. And the disbelievers - they are the wrongdoers.

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God - there is no god except Him, *Deuteronomy 4:35, *Deuteronomy 4:39, *1 Samuel 2:2, *2 Samuel 7:22, *1 Kings 8:60, *Isaiah 44:6, *Isaiah 44:8, *Isaiah 45:5 - 6, *Isaiah 45:21, *Mark 12:32 the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. *Psalms 121:3 - 4 Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth [belong] to Him. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they do not encompass a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation does not tire Him. *Isaiah 40:28 And He is the Most High, the Most Great.

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[There should be] no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in false gods and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And God is Hearing and Knowing.

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God is the Savior of those who believe. *1 Timothy 4:10 He brings them out from darknesses into the light. And those who disbelieve - their saviors are false gods. They take them out of the light into darknesses. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.

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Have you not considered the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord [merely] because God had given him kingship? When Abraham said, "My Lord is the One who gives life and causes death," he said, "I give life and cause death." Abraham said, "Indeed, God brings the sun up from the east, so bring it up from the west." So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and God does not guide the wrongdoing people.

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Or [consider such an example] as the one who passed by a township which had fallen into ruin. He said, "How will God bring this to life after its death?" So God caused him to die for a hundred years; then He revived him. He said, "How long have you remained?" The man said, "I have remained a day or part of a day." He said, "Rather, you have remained one hundred years. Look at your food and your drink; they have not changed with time. And look at your donkey; and We will make you a sign for the people. And look at the bones [of this donkey] - how We raise them and then We cover them with flesh." And when it became clear to him, he said, "I know that God is Powerful over all things."

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And when Abraham said, "My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead." [God] said, "Have you not believed?" He said, "Yes, but [I] only [ask] so that my heart may be satisfied." [God] said, "Take four birds and incline them [to come] to yourself. Then put a portion of them on each mountain; ~*Genesis 15:9 - 10 then call them - they will come [flying] to you with effort. And know that God is Almighty and Wise."

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The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is like a seed which grows seven ears; there are a hundred grains in each ear. And God multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And God is Encompassing and Knowing.

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Those who spend their wealth in the way of God and then do not follow up with reminders [of] what they have spent, or [other] injury, will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

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Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And God is Free of need and Forbearing.

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O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as one who spends his wealth to be seen by the people and does not believe in God and the Last Day. His example is like that of a smooth stone upon which is dust and it is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. *Wisdom of Solomon 5:14 They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And God does not guide the disbelieving people.

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And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking the approval of God and assuring [reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour - so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And God is Seeing of what you do.

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Would one of you like to have a garden of palm trees and grapevines in which rivers flow underneath it [and] in which he has from every fruit? But he is afflicted with old age and has weak offspring, and it is hit by a whirlwind containing fire and is burned. Thus, God makes [His] verses clear to you so that you might give thought.

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O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have brought forth for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the bad therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that God is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

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Satan promises you poverty and orders you to immorality, while God promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And God is Encompassing and Knowing.

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He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

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And whatever you spend of expenditures or make of vows - indeed, God knows of it. And there are no helpers for the wrongdoers.

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If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove some of your misdeeds from you [thereby]. And God is Aware of what you do.

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[Responsibility for] their guidance is not upon you, but God guides whom He wills. And whatever good you spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the Countenance of God. And whatever you spend of good - it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.

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[Charity is] for the poor who have been restricted in the way of God, unable to move about in the land. An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their mark. They do not ask people persistently [or at all]. And whatever you spend of good - indeed, God is Knowing of it.

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Those who spend their wealth [in the way of God] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

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Those who consume interest cannot stand as one stands whom Satan confounds by his touch. That is because they say, "Trade is like interest." But God has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. *Leviticus 25:36 - 37, *Psalms 15:5, *Ezekiel 18:8, *Ezekiel 18:13, *Ezekiel 18:17, *Ezekiel 22:12 - 13 So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with God. But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury] - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.

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God destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And God does not love any sinning disbeliever.

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Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give purifying [alms] will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

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O you who have believed, fear God and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. *Nehemiah 5:9 - 10

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And if you do not, then you are permitting a war [against you] from God and His messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal - [thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.

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And if someone is in hardship, then [let there be] postponement until [a time of] ease. But if you give [from your right as] charity, then it is better for you, if you only knew.

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And fear a Day when you will be returned to God. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.

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O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice. Let no scribe refuse to write as God has taught him. So let him write and let the one who has the true [right] dictate. And let him fear God, his Lord, and not leave anything out of it. But if the one who has the true [right] is of limited understanding or weak or unable to dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And bring two witnesses from among your men to witness. And if there are not two men [available], then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses - so that if one [of the women] errs, then the other [woman, not the man,] can remind her. And do not let the witnesses refuse when they are called upon. And do not be [too] weary to write it, whether it is small or large, for its [specified] term. That is more just with God and stronger as testimony and more likely to prevent doubt between you, except when it is an immediate transaction which you conduct amongst yourselves. For [then] there is no blame upon you if you do not write it. And take witnesses when you conclude a contract. *Jeremiah 32:9 - 12 Let no scribe be harmed or any witness. For if you do so, indeed, it is [grave] disobedience in you. And fear God. And God teaches you. And God is Knowing of all things.

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And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then [take] a pledge in hand. And if one of you entrusts another, then let him who is entrusted discharge his trust [faithfully] and let him fear God, his Lord. And do not conceal testimony, for whoever conceals it - his heart is indeed sinful, and God is Knowing of what you do.

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Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth [belong] to God. Whether you disclose what is within yourselves or conceal it, God will bring you to account for it. Then He will forgive whom He wills and punish whom He wills, and God is Powerful over all things.

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The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in God and His angels and His Books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no division between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and the [final] destination is to You."

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God does not charge a soul except its capacity. It will have what it has earned, and [it will have] what it has earned against it. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and do not lay a burden upon us like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and do not burden us with that which we have no ability [to bear]. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our Protector, so help us against the disbelieving people."