THE HOLY QUR'AAN

SURAH 2

 Al-Baqara  (The Cow)

INTRODUCTION:

This Surah consists of 286 verses, 6,121 sentences, 25,500 letters and 40 Ruku's.

Name

It takes its name from the story of the Cow occurring in (vv. 67-73). It has not, however, been used as a title to indicate the subject of the Surah. It will, therefore, be as wrong to translate the name Al-Baqarah into "The Cow" or "The Heifer" as to translate any English name, say Baker, Rice, Wolf etc., into their equivalents in other languages or vice versa, because this would imply that the Surah dealt with the subject of "The Cow". Many more Surahs of the Quran have been named in the same way because no comprehensive words exist in Arabic (in spite of its richness) to denote the wide scope of the subject discussed in them. As a matter of fact all human languages suffer from the same limitation.

Sequence

Though it is a Madani Surah, it follows a Makki Surah Al-Fatihah, which ended with the prayer: "Show us the straight way". It begins with the answer to that prayer, "This is the Book (that) . . . is guidance. The greater part of Al-Baqarah was revealed during the first two years of the Holy Prophet's life at Al-Madinah. The smaller part which was revealed at a later period has been included in this Surah because its contents are closely related to those dealt with in this Surah. For instance, the verses prohibiting interest were revealed during the last period of the Holy prophet's life but have been inserted in this Surah. For the same reason, the last verses (284-286) of this Surah which were revealed at Makkah before the migration of the Holy Prophet to Al-Madinah have also been included in it.

Historical Background

In order to understand the meaning of this Surah, we should know its historical background:

1.       At Makkah the Quran generally addressed the mushrik Quraish who were ignorant of Islam, but at Al-Madinah it was also concerned with the Jews who were acquainted with the creed of the Unity of Allah, Prophethood, Revelation, the Hereafter and angels. They also professed to believe in the law which was revealed by Allah to their Prophet Moses (Allah's peace be upon him), and in principle, their way was the same (Islam) that was being taught by Prophet Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him). But they had strayed away from it during the centuries of degeneration and had adopted many un-Islamic creeds, rites and customs of which there was no mention and for which there was no sanction in the Torah. Not only this: they had tampered with the Torah by inserting their own explanations and interpretations into its text. They had distorted even that part of the Word of God which had remained intact in their Scriptures and taken out of it the real spirit of true religion and were now clinging to a lifeless frame of rituals. Consequently their beliefs, their morals and their conduct had gone to the lowest depths of degeneration. The pity is that they were not only satisfied with their condition but loved to cling to it. Besides this, they had no intention or inclination to accept any kind of reform. So they became bitter enemies of those who came to teach them the Right Way and did their worst to defeat every such effort. Though they were originally Muslims, they had swerved from the real Islam and made innovations and alterations in it and had fallen victims to hair splitting and sectarianism. They had forgotten and forsaken Allah and begun to serve mammon. So much so that they had even given up their original name "Muslim" and adopted the name "Jew" instead, and made religion the sole monopoly of the children of Israel. This was their religious condition when the Holy Prophet went to Al-Madinah and invited the Jews to the true religion. That is why more than one third of this Surah has been addressed to the children of Israel. A critical review of their history, their moral degeneration and their religious perversions has been made; side by side with this the high standard of morality and the fundamental principles of the pure religion have been put forward in order to bring out clearly the nature of the degeneration of the community of a prophet when it goes astray and to draw clear lines of demarcation between real piety and formalism, and the essentials and non-essentials of the true religion.

2.       At Makkah Islam was mainly concerned with the propagation of its fundamental principles and the moral training of its followers. But after the migration of the Holy Prophet to Al-Madinah, where Muslims had come to settle from all over Arabia and where a tiny Islamic State had been set up with the help of the Ansar (local supporters), naturally the Quran had to turn its attention to the social, cultural, economic, political and legal problems as well. This accounts for the difference between the themes of the surahs revealed at Makkah and those at Al-Madinah. Accordingly about half of this Surah deals with those principles and regulations which are essential for the integration and solidarity of a community and for the solution of its problems.

After the migration to Al-Madinah, the struggle between Islam and un-Islam had also entered a new phase. Before this the Believers, who propagated Islam among their own clans and tribes, had to face its opponents at their own risk. But the conditions had changed at Al-Madinah, where Muslims from all parts of Arabia had come and settled as one community, and had established an independent city-state. Here it became a struggle for the survival of the Community itself, for the whole of non-Muslim Arabia was bent upon and united in crushing it totally. Hence the following instructions, upon which depended not only its success but its very survival, were revealed in this Surah

3.       During this period, a new type of "Muslims," munafiqin (hypocrites), had begun to appear. Though signs of duplicity had been noticed during the last days at Makkah, they took a different shape at Al-Madinah. At Makkah there were some people who professed Islam to be true but were not prepared to abide by the consequences of this profession and to sacrifice their worldly interests and relations and bear the afflictions that inevitably follow the acceptance of this creed. But at Al-Madinah different kinds of munafiqin (hypocrites) began to appear. There were some who had entered the Islamic fold merely to harm it from within. There were others who were surrounded by Muslims and, therefore, had become "Muslims" to safeguard their worldly interests. They, therefore, continued to have relations with the enemies so that if the latter became successful, their interests should remain secure. There were still others who had no strong conviction of the truth of Islam but had embraced it along with their clans. Lastly, there were those who were intellectually convinced of the truth of Islam but did not have enough moral courage to give up their former traditions, superstitions and personal ambitions and live up to the Islamic moral standards and make sacrifice in its way.

At the time of the revelation of Al-Baqarah, all sorts of hypocrites had begun to appear. Allah has, therefore, briefly pointed out their characteristics here. Afterwards when their evil characteristics and mischievous deeds became manifest, Allah sent detailed instructions about them.

Theme: Guidance

This Surah is an invitation to Divine Guidance and all the stories, incidents etc., revolve round this central theme. As this Surah has particularly been addressed to the Jews, many historical events have been cited from their own traditions to admonish and advise them that their own good lies in accepting the Guidance revealed to the Holy Prophet. They should, therefore, be the first to accept it because it was basically the same that was revealed to Prophet Moses (Allah's peace be upon him).

Maududi

THE HOLY QUR'AAN

SURAH 2

 AL-BAQARA (THE COW)

Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Section 1

2 : 1

(1. Alif-lam-meem)

Alif-Lâm-Mîm.

(Several Surahs in the Qur'aan begin with Arabic alphabets called 'al-Huruf-al-Muqatta 'at and are recited as part of the text. A variety of connotations  have been ascribed to them by different interpreters but without reaching any  consensus, the most widely accepted among them being that the true meaning of these mystical letters is known to no one but Allah)

2 : 2

2. Thalika alkitabu la rayba feehi hudan lilmuttaqeena

This is a Scripture concerning which there is no doubt, containing guidance for those who revere Allah -

(Guidance contained in the Qur'aan is not intended for those who refuse to believe in Him; repudiate His Revelations; revile His messengers; knowingly stray away from the straight path and stay away from it with sheer adamance and arrogance because they are the sycophants of the devil who had vowed to beguile His bondsmen and to inundate hell with the likes of them. Time and again it has been asserted in the Qur'aan that Allah will not give them any guidance, will not tolerate them, will not pamper them with gentle words, will not look at them on the Day of Judgement, will not even communicate with them nor consecrate them! 'They are fuel for the ferocious flames of hell in which they will abide forever!'

Guidance in the Qur'aan is only for the believers, foremost of whom rank the abstemious. Whether we refer to them as those who ward off evil or who fear their Lord, these are the people who exercise strict control over their inner selves by renouncing that which is forbidden; they censure what the eyes see, the ears absorb, the mouth utters, the tongue tastes, the nose smells, the throat gulps, the heart conceals, the brain contemplates, the hands perpetrate and the legs transport; they keep a firm control over their feelings, their desires, their tempers, their actions and their reactions).

2 : 3

3. Allatheena yu/minoona bialghaybi wayuqeemoona alssalata wamimma razaqnahum yunfiqoona

Who believe in the Unseen and establish worship and spend from the provision We have made for them -
 

(Believing in the Unseen is believing in that which the eye does not behold, foremost of whom is the Creator of the Universe and the Lord of the Worlds, whether we refer to Him in the Arabic language as Allah, or in Persian language as khuda or in English language as God or in Sanskrit language as bhagwan. We believe in Him without daring the audacity of casting our mortal eyes upon the Immortal, - His resplendence and His aura.

Believing in Allah reciprocates believing in the existence of Satan, whether we refer to him in Arabic language as Iblis, or in English language as the devil or in Sanskrit language as Yama. In the same way as existence of brightness implies existence of darkness, or as good presupposes bad and  virtue postulates evil, wherever the Light of Allah goes, there follows the voids of the Devil, as is reflected in the verse 'I seek refuge in Allah from the temptations of Satan, the renegade’  by casting the name of Allah and the name of Satan in the same sentence!

We also believe in the existence of Archangel Gabriel and a myriad other angels who tender tacit obedience to their Lord, 'some with two wings and some with three wings and some with four wings' and other celestial beings such as the Hurs and elemental spirits called the Jinn, who dwell on the outer plane, none of whom the eyes behold and yet it is imperative that, if we believe in Allah, we must also believe in their existence. And our faith would remain incomplete if we do not add to these the Resurrection, the Hereafter, the Garden, the Fire, the Soul and its Destiny.

Establishing worship includes being punctual, being consistent, being accurate, being dedicated, being clean, being alert, being humble, keeping our minds pinned on what we are doing; keeping our thoughts focused on Whom we are addressing and keeping our souls in communion with our Creator to the exclusion of all else, - and not simply going through the motions.

'Spending from the provision which He has made for us' implies not only that which is ordained for the believers as mandatory, such as contributing a fixed proportion of our wealth towards the upkeep of the deserving called Zakaat, or sharing the cost of warfare for the Cause of Allah, but also the secondary, such as taking care of our consanguines and kinsmen, performing their final rites, playing an active role in  maintenance of Allah's sanctuaries, arranging recitals of Qur'aan, celebrating religious festivals, giving alms to the suppliant, making donations towards promoting  charitable causes and a host of other acts of piety, summed up in the verse 'whatever good you do of your own accord for the good of your soul, its lucre rests in the safekeeping of your Lord!'

2 : 4

4. Waallatheena yu/minoona bima onzila ilayka wama onzila min qablika wabial-akhirati hum yooqinoona

And who believe in that which We have revealed to you (O Mohammed) and in that which We revealed to the other messengers before you, and who are firmly convinced of the Hereafter!

(In this verse three more stipulations are set out for us for the consummation of our faith : (i) Believing in the Qur’aan (ii) believing in the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospel revealed before it, including other Revelations inspired in His messengers by Allah, whether or not they were referred to; and (iii) being firmly convinced of the Hereafter, which implies an unconditional acceptance of the Day of Resurrection when the whole of mankind would be gathered before Allah for the Rendition of their accounts, leading us either into the Garden or into the Fire, both everlasting and both depending upon what we had sent ahead of us and what we have brought along with us).

2 : 5

5. Ola-ika AAala hudan min rabbihim waola-ika humu almuflihoona

They are the people who rely on Guidance from their Lord and are therefore assured of redemption!

(Guidance which teaches us how to become abstemious and remain on the righteous path after having set our feet on it, touching every aspect of our lives, - how we conduct ourselves, we behave towards one another, how we discharge our dues, what we uphold, what we enjoin, what we proscribe, whom we cherish, whom we wed, whom we trust, all in such astonishing detail that, if we manage to govern our lives in accordance with this indomitable guidance provided by Allah, there is absolutely no reason why we should not be redeemed and rewarded!)

2 : 6

6. Inna allatheena kafaroo sawaon AAalayhim aanthartahum am lam tunthirhum la yu/minoona

As for the disbelievers, it is the same thing whether you warn them or you warn them not, for they would never believe.

(The disbelievers were drawn from the indigenous tribes of Arabia who subscribed to a vast variety of denominations. The main body of them were the pagan Arabs who worshipped tangible gods whom their forefathers also worshipped, such as the elements, the stars, the planets and idols whom they carved with their own hands. They followed their time honoured customs and rituals, took an active part in trade and commerce because of which their land flourished and attracted traders from many neighbouring countries. Together with their land they too flourished, wielded substantial influence on other local tribes and soon became a force to reckon with. Mecca belonged to them; the Ka'ba bore the inscriptions sacred to their religion; the idols of their gods abided on all the mountains surrounding their city, guarding them, making or breaking their fortunes, punishing or rewarding their deeds.

Until suddenly there rose in their midst a mortal man whom they knew well and whose tribe was integrated with their own tribes, reviling their rituals, proscribing their deities, insulting their ancestors, laying claims to Prophethood, preaching to them the notion of One God and threatening to replace their many gods with Him. Hence they resented his audacity and decided to get rid of him

Their mission was strengthened by the addition of other groups such as Jews, Christians and the nomads, each of whom had their own reason to contain the serious threat posed by this new Prophet and the religion he preached, especially when they realized that the message he brought was so amazing and appealing that people were flocking to him in large numbers, - their friends, their neighbours, their tribes and even members of their own families!

2 : 7

7. Khatama Allahu AAala quloobihim waAAala samAAihim waAAala absarihim ghishawatun walahum AAathabun Aaatheemun

Allah has incarcerated their cores, plugged their auricles and sunk their vision in a chasm of oblivion. For them awaits a most acerbic castigation. (R)

(Their hearts have been rendered as indurate and impervious as the idols whom they worshipped and just as deaf and blind. It is repeatedly asserted in verses yet to come that he whom Allah sends astray, there is no one who can lead him to his goal, or to put it in other words, 'he who is bent on trekking the cinder path, no one can save him from blistering his feet!' Their punishment at the hands of Allah would be most acerbic because the punishment which they meted out to those who refused to fall into line with them was equally acerbic).

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

1. Alif-Lâm-Mîm. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'ân and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings].

2. This is the Book (the Qur'ân), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqûn [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allâh much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allâh much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)].

3. Who believe in the Ghaib ^[] and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), ^[] and spend out of what we have provided for them [i.e. give Zakât ^[], spend on themselves, their parents, their children, their wives, etc., and also give charity to the poor and also in Allâh's Cause - Jihâd, etc.].

4. And who believe in (the Qur'ân and the Sunnah) ^[] which has been sent down (revealed) to you (Muhammad Peace be upon him ) and in [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.] which were sent down before you and they believe with certainty in the Hereafter. (Resurrection, recompense of their good and bad deeds, Paradise and Hell, etc.).

5. They are on (true) guidance from their Lord, and they are the successful.

6. Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ) warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.

7. Allâh has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearings, (i.e. they are closed from accepting Allâh's Guidance), and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be a great torment.

002.001
YUSUFALI: A.L.M.
PICKTHAL: Alif. Lam. Mim.
SHAKIR: Alif Lam Mim. [1]

002.002
YUSUFALI: This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;
PICKTHAL: This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil).
SHAKIR: This Book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who guard (against evil).

002.003
YUSUFALI: Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
PICKTHAL: Who believe in the Unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have bestowed upon them;
SHAKIR: Those who believe in the unseen and keep up prayer and spend out of what We have given them.

002.004
YUSUFALI: And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
PICKTHAL: And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee, and are certain of the Hereafter.
SHAKIR: And who believe in that which has been revealed to you and that which was revealed before you and they are sure of the hereafter.

002.005
YUSUFALI: They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.
PICKTHAL: These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the successful.
SHAKIR: These are on a right course from their Lord and these it is that shall be successful.

002.006
YUSUFALI: As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.
PICKTHAL: As for the Disbelievers, Whether thou warn them or thou warn them not it is all one for them; they believe not.
SHAKIR: Surely those who disbelieve, it being alike to them whether you warn them, or do not warn them, will not believe.

002.007
YUSUFALI: Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil; great is the penalty they (incur).
PICKTHAL: Allah hath sealed their hearing and their hearts, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be an awful doom.
SHAKIR: Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing and there is a covering over their eyes, and there is a great punishment for them.

002.008
YUSUFALI: Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe.
PICKTHAL: And of mankind are some who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, when they believe not.
SHAKIR: And there are some people who say: We believe in Allah and the last day; and they are not at all believers.

SECTION 2

Context of Revelation: The following verses were revealed with reference to the Hypocrites who used to change their colours faster than the chameleon, treated Allah with contempt, looked upon the Prophet as if he was an aberration, and on the people surrounding him as if they were no more than just a pack of clowns.

2 : 8

8. Wamina alnnasi man yaqoolu amanna biAllahi wabialyawmi al-akhiri wama hum bimu/mineena

And among them are some who say : 'We believe in Allah and in the Last Day, though they carry no such convictions.
 

(The Hypocrites, on the other hand, were a group of devious and treacherous people in Madina who saw the potential the new religion Islam offered and stepped in to exploit it to their own advantage. To all intents and purposes, they embraced the religion and did whatever the Muslims did; frequented their mosques, performed worship, followed their tenets, emulated their rituals, even took part in their battles, but never with any true convictions. Inside the town their aim was to exacerbate feuds between Jews, Christians and Muslims, - the three Peoples of the Scriptures who were at odds with one another; and outside the town, in the battlefields, their aim was to help themselves to a lion's share in the Spoils)

2 : 9

9. YukhadiAAoona Allaha waallatheena amanoo wama yakhdaAAoona illa anfusahum wama yashAAuroona

Their aim is to cheat Allah and those who believe; but they cheat none except their own selves. This they do not realize.

(It was because their crooked designs and dangerous activities were being exposed by Allah through His Revelations, making public everything which they contrived in private, often bringing to the forefront the evil strategies they contemplated before they could even put them into practice. Far from deceiving Allah and the believers, they cheated their own selves by falling into the snares they prepared for others).

2 : 10

10. Fee quloobihim maradun fazadahumu Allahu maradan walahum AAathabun aleemun bima kanoo yakthiboona

Inside their hearts lies an affliction that Allah has exacerbated and He has set aside for them a most severe chastisement in order to requite their mendacity.

(The affliction of perfidy and of mendacity from which they suffered was similar to the cancer of the heart. If exacerbated by malevolence, it spreads throughout the body and takes it over and is not susceptible to potions nor is responsive to cures).

2 : 11

11. Wa-itha qeela lahum la tufsidoo fee al-ardi qaloo innama nahnu muslihoona

And when it is said to them : 'Desist from perpetrating feuds in the land!' they say : 'But we are advocates of truce!'

(Feud between people, setting up men against men, families against families, tribes against tribes, Muslims against the Christians and the Jews, by carrying tales and spreading false rumours behind peoples’ backs).

2 : 12

12. Ala innahum humu almufsidoona walakin la yashAAuroona

Nay! They are the real ones who perpetrate feuds, though they admit this not.

2 : 13

13. Wa-itha qeela lahum aminoo kama amana alnnasu qaloo anu/minu kama amana alssufahao ala innahum humu alssufahao walakin la yaAAlamoona

And when it is said to them: 'Believe as the others believe!' they say : 'Are we to believe as fools believe?' Nay! They are the real fools, though they realize it not!

(In this verse the others refers to the believers in general, but to a small group of Muslims in particular who remained loyal to the Prophet throughout his campaign, sharing with him his agony and his ecstasy, his trials and tribulations, his triumphs and defeats. Such was the extent of their love for him that laying down their lives for his sake was, to them, a small price to pay in order to benefit from his propinquity and wisdom.

2 : 14

14. Wa-itha laqoo allatheena amanoo qaloo amanna wa-itha khalaw ila shayateenihim qaloo inna maAAakum innama nahnu mustahzi-oona

And when they mingle with those who believe, they say : 'We too are believers!' But when they retreat to their devils, they say : 'We are on your side! We were merely making fun of them!'

(The devils refers to influential magnates and wealthy tycoons of Mecca who wielded considerable power over the disbelievers; whenever the Hypocrites visited them, they reassured them that, if they seemed to be leaning towards the Muslims, it was only because they were spying on their plans so that they could betray them to their enemies).

2 : 15

15. Allahu yastahzi-o bihim wayamudduhum fee tughyanihim yaAAmahoona

 Allah Himself is making fun of them by plunging them into the voids!

(Allah is levelling the scores by letting them drift with the current until they reach where the water is at its deepest and leave them there to drown! Allah making fun of people is not the same as Hypocrites making fun of the Muslims, - it contains a sting of requital which is sharper than the edge of a dagger).

2 : 16

16. Ola-ika allatheena ishtarawoo alddalalata bialhuda fama rabihat tijaratuhum wama kanoo muhtadeena

These are the ones who purchase guilt at the expense of guidance! Their barter profits them none; nay, but it deprives them of guidance.

(Instead of reaping the benefits of Allah's guidance to enhance the quality of their lives in this world and improve their chances of redemption in the other, they trade away such a precious harvest in return for solecism and culpability, - a senseless trade which can hardly be deemed lucrative).

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed with reference to those who believed in the hegemony of Allah for a while but abandoned their faith and rolled back into apostasy for one reason or the other.

2 : 17

17. Mathaluhum kamathali allathee istawqada naran falamma adaat ma hawlahu thahaba Allahu binoorihim watarakahum fee thulumatin la yubsiroona

Their situation is similar to the situation of those who kindle a torch in the darkness; but as soon as its glow lights up their surroundings, Allah takes away the light and plunges them back into the darkness in which they cannot see anything anymore -

2 : 18

18. Summun bukmun AAumyun fahum la yarjiAAoona

And being deaf, dumb and blind, they cannot emerge from it, either!

(The above verses were aimed at the contemporary Jews who were believers to begin with but renounced their faith later by refusing to accept Jesus and Mohammed as messengers of Allah; and at the Christians who renounced their true faith by claiming Jesus to be the son of God and raising him to the level of Divinity; and some of the idolaters who believed but renounced their faith later; as well as all the others who found the right path and walked on it for a short distance but were ambushed by the devil and scattered in wilderness without any sense of direction, - the hapless sailors who severed the harness with which their boat was tied and set it adrift in the midst of doldrums; who gave up the safety of the shore in preference to the perils of the vortex! Unlike the idolaters who wereborn in a persuasion which ordained for them idolatry, or the Hypocrites who consciously elected to use the spiritual as a tool for acquiring the temporal, the disbelievers were the most misguided of all because they had come so close to redemption and to absolution and yet let it slip through their fingers. Their plight is most eloquently summed up in the verses above and the verses which follow.

In the first of the two examples given, they are compared with those who kindle a fire in the dark but are deprived of its light by Allah and are plunged back into the darkness because they are insincere in their affiliations, - a darkness so dense that having eyes is no longer enough to read the signs; having ears is no longer enough to hear the message and having a mouth is no longer enough to ask for help! They remain plunged in the dark and keep sinking deeper and deeper into it!)

2 : 19

19. Aw kasayyibin mina alssama-i feehi thulumatun waraAAdun wabarqun yajAAaloona asabiAAahum fee athanihim mina alssawaAAiqi hathara almawti waAllahu muheetun bialkafireena

Or like those who are stranded in a storm coming down from the sky, festered by darkness, thunder and lightning; they thrust their fingers in their ears in order to muffle the roar of thunder, - from fear of death! Thus does Allah surround the disbelievers from every side -

2 : 20

20. Yakadu albarqu yakhtafu absarahum kullama adaa lahum mashaw feehi wa-itha athlama AAalayhim qamoo walaw shaa Allahu lathahaba bisamAAihim waabsarihim inna Allaha AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun

The lightning threatens to deprive them of their sight; whenever it flares, they take a few steps; when the darkness returns, they stand still! If it is Allah's will, He can destroy forever their auricles and their vision. Allah is able to all things! (R)

(In the second of these examples they are compared with those trapped in a storm which is festered by the darkness of ignorance, their emancipation hampered by the thunder and the lightning in the same way as apostasy was hampering them from their redemption! By thrusting their fingers in their ears whenever the Word of Allah is recited to them, they are not going to succeed in evading their destiny, nor fumble their way out of such darkness by simply relying on the random flares of lightning).

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

8. And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: "We believe in Allâh and the Last Day" while in fact they believe not.

9. They (think to) deceive Allâh and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!

10. In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allâh has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies.

11. And when it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "We are only peacemakers."

12. Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not.

13. And when it is said to them (hypocrites): "Believe as the people (followers of Muhammad Peace be upon him , Al-Ansâr and Al-Muhajirûn) have believed," they say: "Shall we believe as the fools have believed?" Verily, they are the fools, but they know not.

14. And when they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe," but when they are alone with their Shayâtin (devils - polytheists, hypocrites, etc.), they say: "Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking."

15. Allâh mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doings to wander blindly.

16. These are they who have purchased error for guidance, so their commerce was profitless. And they were not guided.

17. Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allâh took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see.

18. They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path).

19. Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder, and lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap for fear of death. But Allâh ever encompasses the disbelievers (i.e. Allâh will gather them all together).

20. The lightning almost snatches away their sight, whenever it flashes for them, they walk therein, and when darkness covers them, they stand still. And if Allâh willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Certainly, Allâh has power over all things.

002.008
YUSUFALI: Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe.
PICKTHAL: And of mankind are some who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, when they believe not.
SHAKIR: And there are some people who say: We believe in Allah and the last day; and they are not at all believers.

002.009
YUSUFALI: Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realise (it) not!
PICKTHAL: They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves; but they perceive not.
SHAKIR: They desire to deceive Allah and those who believe, and they deceive only themselves and they do not perceive.

002.010
YUSUFALI: In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves).
PICKTHAL: In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie.
SHAKIR: There is a disease in their hearts, so Allah added to their disease and they shall have a painful chastisement because they

002.011
YUSUFALI: When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "Why, we only Want to make peace!"
PICKTHAL: And when it is said unto them: Make not mischief in the earth, they say: We are peacemakers only.
SHAKIR: And when it is said to them, Do not make mischief in the land, they say: We are but peace-makers.

002.012
YUSUFALI: Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (it) not.
PICKTHAL: Are not they indeed the mischief-makers? But they perceive not.
SHAKIR: Now surely they themselves are the mischief makers, but they do not perceive.

002.013
YUSUFALI: When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe:" They say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know.
PICKTHAL: And when it is said unto them: believe as the people believe, they say: shall we believe as the foolish believe? are not they indeed the foolish? But they know not.
SHAKIR: And when it is said to them: Believe as the people believe they say: Shall we believe as the fools believe? Now surely they themselves are the fools, but they do not know.

002.014
YUSUFALI: When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe;" but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: "We are really with you: We (were) only jesting."
PICKTHAL: And when they fall in with those who believe, they say: We believe; but when they go apart to their devils they declare: Lo! we are with you; verily we did but mock.
SHAKIR: And when they meet those who believe, they say: We believe; and when they are alone with their Shaitans, they say: Surely we are with you, we were only mocking.

002.015
YUSUFALI: Allah will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (To and fro).
PICKTHAL: Allah (Himself) doth mock them, leaving them to wander blindly on in their contumacy.
SHAKIR: Allah shall pay them back their mockery, and He leaves them alone in their inordinacy, blindly wandering on.

002.016
YUSUFALI: These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction,
PICKTHAL: These are they who purchase error at the price of guidance, so their commerce doth not prosper, neither are they guided.
SHAKIR: These are they who buy error for the right direction, so their bargain shall bring no gain, nor are they the followers of the right direction.

002.017
YUSUFALI: Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see.
PICKTHAL: Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindleth fire, and when it sheddeth its light around him Allah taketh away their light and leaveth them in darkness, where they cannot see,
SHAKIR: Their parable is like the parable of one who kindled a fire but when it had illumined all around him, Allah took away their light, and left them in utter darkness-- they do not see.

002.018
YUSUFALI: Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path).
PICKTHAL: Deaf, dumb and blind; and they return not.
SHAKIR: Deaf, dumb (and) blind, so they will not turn back.

002.019
YUSUFALI: Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky: In it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!
PICKTHAL: Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder and the flash of lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears by reason of the thunder-claps, for fear of death, Allah encompasseth the disbelievers (in His guidance, His omniscience and His omnipotence).
SHAKIR: Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is utter darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers.

002.020
YUSUFALI: The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (Helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things.
PICKTHAL: The lightning almost snatcheth away their sight from them. As often as it flasheth forth for them they walk therein, and when it darkeneth against them they stand still. If Allah willed, He could destroy their hearing and their sight. Lo! Allah is able to do all things.
SHAKIR: The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them they walk in it, and when it becomes dark to them they stand still; and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have taken away their hearing and their sight; surely Allah has 

Section 3.

Context of Revelation : In the following verses the Creator is addressing His Creation and is admonishing them to organize their portfolio of priorities in such a way as to accomplish the goal set out for them, - to reach the finishing line which will lead them to the gateway of everlasting peace and tranquillity.
 

2 : 21

21. Ya ayyuha alnnasu oAAbudoo rabbakumu allathee khalaqakum waallatheena min qablikum laAAallakum tattaqoona

O mankind! Worship the Lord Who created you and created many others before you in the hope that you may ward off evil

(Worship is for the benefit of him who offers worshipand not of Him to whom it is offered; it makes no difference to the Divine ambience of Allah whether we offer it or not. See how Worship brings us to our knees in the presence of our Lord and at the same time it also brings us face to face with ourselves).

2 : 22

22. Allathee jaAAala lakumu al-arda firashan waalssamaa binaan waanzala mina alssama-i maan faakhraja bihi mina alththamarati rizqan lakum fala tajAAaloo lillahi andadan waantum taAAlamoona

He has spread out the earth like a floor and has arched the sky like a ceiling; He sends down water from the sky and with it He causes a myriad fruits to grow as food for you! Do not knowingly set up equals to Allah!

(In the first of the above two verses we are reminded of Who created us and all the others before us; and in the second verse we are reminded of the benefactions with which we are blessed : a vast landscape of the earth as a floor below our feet; an infinite expanse of the sky as a roof above our head; life bearing rainwater coming down from the sky and life supporting vegetation growing up from the earth!

By making random references to the simple facts of life we so often tend to take for granted, Allah forces us into deeper thoughts; encourages us to look around; to reflect; to wonder and glean. If we look above our heads, what we see is the dome of the blue sky stretching as far as the eye can travel, oft and on gathering wafers of clouds in its hem, - white, grey or black, - wafting messengers of good tidings for all mankind to say that they have, or soon will, bring with them the precious torrents of rain-water upon which we depend, to revive our land, to replenish our rivers, to rejuvenate our farms and crops, to quench our thirst and to give to the beasts in the wilderness that which we cannot give them - a new lease of life!

In the lap of the sky rotates the dazzling orb of the sun, flooding the earth with light, giving fragrance to flowers and adding taste to fruits. Then there comes upon the scenery a titillating change; the fiery sun retracts its rays as though they were his tentacles, sheds his heat, surrenders himself into the arms of the flared horizon and disappears from our sight, only to be replaced by yet an other chain of events, - never ending, never changing, never failing!

These are the amazing marvels of Creation for which we owe our Lord a great debt of gratitude and we are reminded of it again and again throughout the Qur'aan so that we never forget who is the Bestower and who is the recipient).

2 : 23

23. Wa-in kuntum fee raybin mimma nazzalna AAala AAabdina fa/too bisooratin min mithlihi waodAAoo shuhadaakum min dooni Allahi in kuntum sadiqeena

And if you have any doubts about that which We have revealed to Our slave (Mohammed), then produce a single verse comparable to it, - and a witness other than Allah to vouch for it, - if you are truthful.
 

(Comparable in magnitude, in consummation, in complexity, in erudition and in éclat!)

2 : 24

24. Fa-in lam tafAAaloo walan tafAAaloo faittaqoo alnnara allatee waqooduha alnnasu waalhijaratu oAAiddat lilkafireena

And if you do this not, - and you can do this not, - then guard yourselves against a fire the fuel of which consists of bodies of men and idols of stone, kept ready for those who refuse to believe.
 

(During the infancy of Islam, when the first Surah was revealed to the Prophet and then through him it reached the unwilling ears of his enemies, the Meccan heretics could not believe what they heard, coming as it did from the mouth of a man whom they had known to be an illiterate. Such was the profundity of the impact it had on its audience that, in a bid to diminish its aura and taint its sublime excellence, many an Arab, especially the learned pedagogues drawn from Jewish and Christian denominations, dubbed it the ramblings of a mad man'or lyrics of a poetor fables of men of oldor a self invented concoction or a transcript dictated by some mortal man. Small wonder that such a precocious challenge is thrown at them, repeated several times in the verses yet to come, but never taken up, neither then nor now).

2 : 25

25. Wabashshiri allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati anna lahum jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu kullama ruziqoo minha min thamaratin rizqan qaloo hatha allathee ruziqna min qablu waotoo bihi mutashabihan walahum feeha azwajun mutahharatun wahum feeha khalidoona

Give good tidings (O Mohammed) to the believers who perform righteous deeds that for them are Gardens underneath which rivers flow; whenever they are given to eat a fruit plucked from its trees, they say : 'Ah! This is the same fruit as was given to us before!' for, they will be given everything similar in appearance. And there they shall be paired with salubrious companions and abide in it forever!
 

(In the first of the above verses, a dire warningis delivered to those who refute the revelations of Allah and engage in idol worship, with a succinct description of the punishment that awaits them; and in the second verse, the situation is reversed by giving glad tidings to those who believe in the revelations of Allah and perform righteous deeds, - not only the deeds that have been ordained for us but also those we perform of our own accord - together with a description of the reward that awaits them.

The salubrious companions mentioned in the verse are Hurs, an entirely different creation of Allah for the righteous, given a fuller description in future verses).

* * *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in response to a complaint made by Hypocrites to the Prophet regarding the two examples given about them in verses 17 to 20 that it does not befit the status of Allah to coin such a similitude for describing them.

2 : 26

26. Inna Allaha la yastahyee an yadriba mathalan ma baAAoodatan fama fawqaha faamma allatheena amanoo fayaAAlamoona annahu alhaqqu min rabbihim waamma allatheena kafaroo fayaqooloona matha arada Allahu bihatha mathalan yudillu bihi katheeran wayahdee bihi katheeran wama yudillu bihi illa alfasiqeena

Allah does not hesitate from casting even a mite for a metaphor! While those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord, those who disbelieve say : 'What does Allah purport to accomplish by casting demeaning metaphors?' He purports to mislead some with His metaphors and He purports to guide the others with His metaphors and He misleads only those who are prone to insubordination!

* * *

2 : 27

27. Allatheena yanqudoona AAahda Allahi min baAAdi meethaqihi wayaqtaAAoona ma amara Allahu bihi an yoosala wayufsidoona fee al-ardi ola-ika humu alkhasiroona

Those who breach their Covenant with Allah after having ratified it; those who divide that which Allah has intended to unite and those who cause feuds in the land, they will end up as the ultimate losers.

(The Covenant refers to the stipulation laid down by Allah in the previous Scriptures that those who follow them will believe and co-operate with the Last of the Prophets, which stood ipso facto ratified when their recipients accepted their Scriptures.

Into the first category of losers fall the followers of the Torah and the Gospel, who were well aware of the bona fides of the Prophet and yet took a stance alongside the idolaters and against him.

Into the second category fall the Hypocrites who strive to divide families whom Allah intended to remain united by traducing wives in front of husbands, setting up fathers against sons, brothers against brothers and families against families, exploiting the frailties of human nature by resorting to defamation, rumours, gossip and scandal-mongering.

And into the third category fall men of power and influence who could manipulate large groups of people susceptible to influence, mobilize or demobilize public opinion, - the kingpins who have it in their grasp to make or break their adversaries).

2 : 28

28. Kayfa takfuroona biAllahi wakuntum amwatan faahyakum thumma yumeetukum thumma yuhyeekum thumma ilayhi turjaAAoona

How can you vituperate Allah when you were devoid of life until He breathed life into you; then He will inflict death on you and then He will givelife to you; and in the end it is to Him that you will return?

(The question is addressed to the disbelievers who bluntly refused to acknowledge the Cycle of Creation as envisaged in Islam : birth, death and Resurrection.

Allah created man from a drop of ejaculated fluid inside which he was nothing but just a bagatelle, a nullity, a substance that could disappear into thin air as soon as it emerged. By means of a fusion between two base fluids, He turns the nullity into an entity; then He reverts it to its state of nullity through death and then releases it into eternity through Resurrection. So how can man reject Him Who put this cycle in rotation and pretend as though He had nothing to do with this Creation?

According to certain commentators the verse means : 'how can you deny Allah when you were insensate in the stupor of heresy until He blessed you with a new life of erudition and conviction so that you may complete your appointed term upon the earth and return to Him, to be given a generous reward for your righteousness unbeknown to mankind and then to be set free into another life which will last forever?')

2 : 29

29. Huwa allathee khalaqa lakum ma fee al-ardi jameeAAan thumma istawa ila alssama-i fasawwahunna sabAAa samawatin wahuwa bikulli shay-in Aaaleemun

He created this earth for you with all its constituents. Then He turned His attention upon the heavens and designed them as seven. He has knowledge of everything! (R)

(The constituents include the flora and the fauna, mankind and beasts, land and oceans, everything on the earth which provides us with physical comfort and spiritual elation, the latter inspired by the marvels of Creation which surround us and bear witness to the Omnipotence, the Omnipresence and the Ubiquity of their Creator.

Then, after having thus perfected a habitat for mortals, He turned His attention upon the heavens in order to perfect a habitat for the immortals too and fashioned them as seven Heavens, the uppermost for His Mighty Throne and the rest for the Celestial beings who carry out His commands and constantly adulate Him).

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHL AND SHAKIR

MUHSIN:

21. O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allâh), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).

22. Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allâh (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped). ^[]

23. And if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur'ân) to Our slave (Muhammad Peace be upon him ), then produce a Sûrah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allâh, if you are truthful.

24. But if you do it not, and you can never do it, then fear the Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.

25. And give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous good deeds, that for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise). Every time they will be provided with a fruit therefrom, they will say: "This is what we were provided with before," and they will be given things in resemblance (i.e. in the same form but different in taste) and they shall have therein Azwâjun Mutahharatun ^[] (purified mates or wives), (having no menses, stools, urine, etc.) and they will abide therein forever.

26. Verily, Allâh is not ashamed to set forth a parable even of a mosquito or so much more when it is bigger (or less when it is smaller) than it. And as for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but as for those who disbelieve, they say: "What did Allâh intend by this parable?" By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). ^[]

27. Those who break Allâh's Covenant after ratifying it, and sever what Allâh has ordered to be joined (as regards Allâh's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism, and to practise its legal laws on the earth and also as regards keeping good relations with kith and kin ^[]), and do mischief on earth, it is they who are the losers.

28. How can you disbelieve in Allâh? Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life. Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life (on the Day of Resurrection) and then unto Him you will return.

29. He it is Who created for you all that is on earth. Then He Istawâ (rose over) towards the heaven and made them seven heavens and He is the All-Knower of everything.

002.021
YUSUFALI: O ye people! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness;
PICKTHAL: O mankind! worship your Lord, Who hath created you and those before you, so that ye may ward off (evil).
SHAKIR: O men! serve your Lord Who created you and those before you so that you may guard (against evil).

002.022
YUSUFALI: Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith Fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth).
PICKTHAL: Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set up rivals to Allah when ye know (better).
SHAKIR: Who made the earth a resting place for you and the heaven a canopy and (Who) sends down rain from the cloud then brings forth with it subsistence for you of the fruits; therefore do not set up rivals to Allah while you know.

002.023
YUSUFALI: And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.
PICKTHAL: And if ye are in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a surah of the like thereof, and call your witness beside Allah if ye are truthful.
SHAKIR: And if you are in doubt as to that which We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call on your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful.

002.024
YUSUFALI: But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones,- which is prepared for those who reject Faith.
PICKTHAL: And if ye do it not - and ye can never do it - then guard yourselves against the Fire prepared for disbelievers, whose fuel is of men and stones.
SHAKIR: But if you do (it) not and never shall you do (it), then be on your guard against the fire of which men and stones are the fuel; it is prepared for the unbelievers.

002.025
YUSUFALI: But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: "Why, this is what we were fed with before," for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein (for ever).
PICKTHAL: And give glad tidings (O Muhammad) unto those who believe and do good works; that theirs are Gardens underneath which rivers flow; as often as they are regaled with food of the fruit thereof, they say: this is what was given us aforetime; and it is given to them in resemblance. There for them are pure companions; there for ever they abide.
SHAKIR: And convey good news to those who believe and do good deeds, that they shall have gardens in which rivers flow; whenever they shall be given a portion of the fruit thereof, they shall say: This is what was given to us before; and they shall be given the like of it, and they shall have pure mates in them, and in them, they shall abide.

002.026
YUSUFALI: Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: "What means Allah by this similitude?" By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path),-
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah disdaineth not to coin the similitude even of a gnat. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord; but those who disbelieve say: What doth Allah wish (to teach) by such a similitude? He misleadeth many thereby, and He guideth many thereby; and He misleadeth thereby only miscreants;
SHAKIR: Surely Allah is not ashamed to set forth any parable-- (that of) a gnat or any thing above that; then as for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord, and as for those who disbelieve, they say: What is it that Allah means by this parable: He causes many to err by it and many He leads aright by it! but He does not cause to err by it (any) except the transgressors,

002.027
YUSUFALI: Those who break Allah's Covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what Allah Has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth: These cause loss (only) to themselves.
PICKTHAL: Those who break the covenant of Allah after ratifying it, and sever that which Allah ordered to be joined, and (who) make mischief in the earth: Those are they who are the losers.
SHAKIR: Who break the covenant of Allah after its confirmation and cut asunder what Allah has ordered to be joined, and make mischief in the land; these it is that are the losers.

002.028
YUSUFALI: How can ye reject the faith in Allah?- seeing that ye were without life, and He gave you life; then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to Him will ye return.
PICKTHAL: How disbelieve ye in Allah when ye were dead and He gave life to you! Then He will give you death, then life again, and then unto Him ye will return.
SHAKIR: How do you deny Allah and you were dead and He gave you life? Again He will cause you to die and again bring you to life, then you shall be brought back to Him.

002.029
YUSUFALI: It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.
PICKTHAL: He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned it as seven heavens. And He is knower of all things.
SHAKIR: He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth, and He directed Himself to the heaven, so He made them complete seven heavens, and He knows all things.

Section 4.

(The following verses, from 30 to 39, deal with the events that transpired in the heavens, culminating in the Creation of man and his subsequent ostracism from Paradise.)

2 : 30

30. Wa-ith qala rabbuka lilmala-ikati innee jaAAilun fee al-ardi khaleefatan qaloo atajAAalu feeha man yufsidu feeha wayasfiku alddimaa wanahnu nusabbihu bihamdika wanuqaddisu laka qala innee aAAlamu ma la taAAlamoona

When your Lord said to the angels : 'I am going to place my regent upon earth,' they said : 'Will You make him Your regent who will desecrate it with strife and bloodshed, whilst we are here, constantly hymning Your glory and adulating You?' He said : 'Ah! But I know that which you know not!'

(This verse pushes to the surface several issues:

Firstly, when bringing up the topic of man before the Angels, Allah did not say to them : I am planning  to place a new toy on the earth to amuse me with his fancy tricks!' He said : 'I am going to place my regent on earth’ - which is an onerous responsibility, a position of trust, a task that presupposes versatility and ingenuity. If my boss says to me : ‘keep an eye on things while I go to grab a bite’ I would automatically assume that I command his trust and that he thinks I have the ability to take over the show and run it for him as smoothly as he himself would.

Thus it becomes clear that the role Adam was destined to play upon the earth was already charted out for him, and that Allah decided to appoint him as a regent before He even created him; and also that, when Satan declined to prostrate to him and got them expelled from Paradise later on, he too was following the course of destiny as pre-ordained for everyone.

Secondly, when the angels said to their Lord 'will you place on earth as Your regent one who would desecrate it with strife and bloodshed?’ they were not questioning His sanity because they were created for servitude and tacit obedience and not for arguing with Him; nor were they complaining He was being unfair to them by choosing someone else to perform a task which they too were capable of performing, nor casting aspersions upon the integrity of man. They were only trying to ascertain if there was some hidden purpose why He should appoint as His regent on earth a creature who would desecrate it with feud and bloodshed.

Thirdly, Allah saying to the Angels : 'I know that which you know not!’ - which can also be rephrased as: 'I know (that which you know as well as) that which you know not’ - is clearly indicative of the fact that the knowledge given by Him to the angels about man was insufficient; that He knew the creature He was going to create was a complex creature; if he was capable of causing disharmony and blood-shed, he was also capable of giving love and making sacrifices; if he was capable of giving the world a Pharaoh, he was also capable of coming up with a Moses to take him on; if he was capable of inflicting pain on his fellow humans, he was also capable of alleviating the pain with his compassion and caring. In time, he would have the ability to acquire mastery over most things on earth; he could learn to swim like the fish and fly like the bird; he could explore his own planet and then go on to exploring the other planets; if the hearts with which humans are born reveal symptoms of fatigue and malfunctioning, he could repair or even replace them; he could create a new font of robots capable of a performance which in many ways could excel his own! That is why it is said elsewhere in this Tractate that, when Allah offered the onus of shouldering the Qur'aan on mountains and on the earth and on man, the mountains shuddered and the earth quaked from fear, but man agreed to discharge the responsibility without flinching).

2 : 31

31. WaAAallama adama al-asmaa kullaha thumma AAaradahum AAala almala-ikati faqala anbi-oonee bi-asma-i haola-i in kuntum sadiqeena

He taught Adam the names of all the things that exist upon the earth, then He showed the same things to the angels and said : 'Apprise me of the names of these, if you are truthful!'

(In this verse, it is being made clear that the most important requisite for regency is Knowledge and not Subservience).

2 : 32

32. Qaloo subhanaka la AAilma lana illa ma AAallamtana innaka anta alAAaleemu alhakeemu

They said : 'Glory be to You! We have no knowledge other than that which You imbibed in us! Verily You and only You are the Erudite and the Wise!

(In this verse, the angels admit that the only knowledge they possess is the knowledge which Allah gave them).

2 : 33

33. Qala ya adamu anbi/hum bi-asma-ihim falamma anbaahum bi-asma-ihim qala alam aqul lakum innee aAAlamu ghayba alssamawati waal-ardi waaAAlamu ma tubdoona wama kuntum taktumoona

He said : 'O Adam! Apprise them of their names!' And when Adam apprised them of their names, He said to the angels : 'Did I not say to you that I have knowledge of all the secrets of the heavens and the earth and that I have knowledge of that which you reveal as well as of that which you conceal?'
 

2 : 34

34. Wa-ith qulna lilmala-ikati osjudoo li-adama fasajadoo illa ibleesa aba waistakbara wakana mina alkafireena

And when We said to the angels : 'Prostrate before Adam!' they fell prostrate, all but Iblis. He declined to prostrate out of sheer spite and became a renegade.

(Prostration is of two kinds: prostration in worship, which is exclusive for Allah alone, and prostration in acknowledgement of ascendancy, offered by a subordinate to his superior as a measure of deference, subsequently proscribed in Islam by making prostration the sole prerogative of Allah alone. No Muslim ever touches the ground with his forehead before anyone other than Allah).

2 : 35

35. Waqulna ya adamu oskun anta wazawjuka aljannata wakula minha raghadan haythu shi/tuma wala taqraba hathihi alshshajarata fatakoona mina alththalimeena

And We said to Adam : 'O Adam! Abide in this Garden, you and your spouse, and eat all that you desire of its fruits, but go not near that tree, for then you would be a transgressor!'

2 : 36

36. Faazallahuma alshshaytanu AAanha faakhrajahuma mimma kana feehi waqulna ihbitoo baAAdukum libaAAdin AAaduwwun walakum fee al-ardi mustaqarrun wamataAAun ila heenin

But Satan contrived to distract them and got them expelled from where they dwelt. And We said : 'Fall down, - each of you to live as an enemy unto the other! There shall be a habitation for you upon the earth and a provision for a certain term.'

(In the case of Adam, the 'certain term' was until the moment of his death after which he would return to Paradise once again and abide therein forever; but in the case of his seed, it was until the moment of their death after which they will be gathered for the Reckoning before they are either cast in hell or entered into Paradise).

2 : 37

37. Fatalaqqa adamu min rabbihi kalimatin fataba AAalayhi innahu huwa alttawwabu alrraheemu

When Adam learnt words of guidance from His Lord and sought forgiveness, He relented towards him. Verily He is Magnanimous and Merciful!

(There are different interpretations about words Adam learnt from his Lord, but suffice it to say that, whatever they may be, they were vehicles of expression through which Adam conveyed to His Lord his immense remorse for having allowed himself to be tricked into disobeying His command).

2 : 38

38. Qulna ihbitoo minha jameeAAan fa-imma ya/tiyannakum minnee hudan faman tabiAAa hudaya fala khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoona

We said : 'Go down from here, all of you! But whenever there comes to you guidance from Me, those who follow My guidance shall have no cause for concern nor for despair!

2 : 39

39. Waallatheena kafaroo wakaththaboo bi-ayatina ola-ika as-habu alnnari hum feeha khalidoona

But those who reject it and repudiate Our revelations, they shall become denizens of the Fire and abide in it forever! (R)

(The promise of reward for those who follow Guidance and warning of punishment for those who reject Guidance is a theme that is repeated on every appropriate occasion throughout the Qur'aan).

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR

MUHSIN:

30. And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth." They said: "Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, - while we glorify You with praises and thanks (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You." He (Allâh) said: "I know that which you do not know."

31. And He taught Adam all the names (of everything) ^[], then He showed them to the angels and said, "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful."

32. They (angels) said: "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise."

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 Ghaib (unseen) in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been concealing?"

34. And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves before Adam.". And they prostrated except Iblîs (Satan), he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allâh).

35. And We said: "O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers)."

36. Then the Shaitân (Satan) made them slip therefrom (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were. We said: "Get you down, all, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time."

37. Then Adam received from his Lord Words ^[]. And his Lord pardoned him (accepted his repentance). Verily, He is the One Who forgives (accepts repentance), the Most Merciful.

38. We said: "Get down all of you from this place (the Paradise), then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever follows My Guidance, there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve.

39. But those who disbelieve and belie Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) such are the dwellers of the Fire, they shall abide therein forever.

002.030
YUSUFALI: Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not."
PICKTHAL: And when thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to place a viceroy in the earth, they said: Wilt thou place therein one who will do harm therein and will shed blood, while we, we hymn Thy praise and sanctify Thee? He said: Surely I know that which ye know not.
SHAKIR: And when your Lord said to the angels, I am going to place in the earth a khalif, they said: What! wilt Thou place in it such as shall make mischief in it and shed blood, and we celebrate Thy praise and extol Thy holiness? He said: Surely I know what you do not know.

002.031
YUSUFALI: And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the names of these if ye are right."
PICKTHAL: And He taught Adam all the names, then showed them to the angels, saying: Inform Me of the names of these, if ye are truthful.
SHAKIR: And He taught Adam all the names, then presented them to the angels; then He said: Tell me the names of those if you are right.
 

002.032
YUSUFALI: They said: "Glory to Thee, of knowledge We have none, save what Thou Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom."
PICKTHAL: They said: Be glorified! We have no knowledge saving that which Thou hast taught us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Knower, the Wise.
SHAKIR: They said: Glory be to Thee! we have no knowledge but that which Thou hast taught us; surely Thou art the Knowing, the Wise.
 

002.033
YUSUFALI: He said: "O Adam! Tell them their names." When he had told them, Allah said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what ye reveal and what ye conceal?"
PICKTHAL: 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 secret of the heavens and the earth? And I know that which ye disclose and which ye hide.
SHAKIR: He said: O Adam! inform them of their names. Then when he had informed them of their names, He said: Did I not say to you that I surely know what is ghaib in the heavens and the earth and (that) I know what you manifest and what you hide?
 

002.034
YUSUFALI: And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith.
PICKTHAL: And when We said unto the angels: Prostrate yourselves before Adam, they fell prostrate, all save Iblis. He demurred through pride, and so became a disbeliever.
SHAKIR: And when We said to the angels: Make obeisance to Adam they did obeisance, but Iblis (did it not). He refused and he was proud, and he was one of the unbelievers.
 

002.035
YUSUFALI: We said: "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression."
PICKTHAL: And We said: O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and eat ye freely (of the fruits) thereof where ye will; but come not nigh this tree lest ye become wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: And We said: O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the garden and eat from it a plenteous (food) wherever you wish and do not approach this tree, for then you will be of the unjust.
 

002.036
YUSUFALI: Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time."
PICKTHAL: But Satan caused them to deflect therefrom and expelled them from the (happy) state in which they were; and We said: Fall down, one of you a foe unto the other! There shall be for you on earth a habitation and provision for a time.
SHAKIR: But the Shaitan made them both fall from it, and caused them to depart from that (state) in which they were; and We said: Get forth, some of you being the enemies of others, and there is for you in the earth an abode and a provision for a time.
 

002.037
YUSUFALI: Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord Turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Then Adam received from his Lord words (of revelation), and He relented toward him. Lo! He is the relenting, the Merciful.
SHAKIR: Then Adam received (some) words from his Lord, so He turned to him mercifully; surely He is Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful.
 

002.038
YUSUFALI: We said: "Get ye down all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
PICKTHAL: We said: Go down, all of you, from hence; but verily there cometh unto you from Me a guidance; and whoso followeth My guidance, there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
SHAKIR: We said: Go forth from this (state) all; so surely there will come to you a guidance from Me, then whoever follows My guidance, no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.
 

002.039
YUSUFALI: "But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abide therein."
PICKTHAL: But they who disbelieve, and deny Our revelations, such are rightful Peoples of the Fire. They will abide therein.
SHAKIR: And (as to) those who disbelieve in and reject My communications, they are the inmates of the fire, in it they shall abide.

Section 5

The following verses are aimed at the Children of Israel, reminding them of what transpired during - and since - the times of Moses, the first messenger of Allah who was given the Written Word in the form of the Ten Commandments inscribed on Tablets, constituting the basis of the Torah.

2 : 40

40. Ya banee isra-eela othkuroo niAAmatiya allatee anAAamtu AAalaykum waawfoo biAAahdee oofi biAAahdikum wa-iyyaya fairhabooni

O Children of Israel! Remember the favour I bestowed upon you and discharge your part of the Covenant so that I too may discharge My part. And fear none but Me!

(It is unmistakably highlighted in this verse that the prime qualities of a believer are gratitude for favours received, honouring of covenants made and submission to none other than Allah).

2 : 41

41. Waaminoo bima anzaltu musaddiqan lima maAAakum wala takoonoo awwala kafirin bihi wala tashtaroo bi-ayatee thamanan qaleelan wa-iyyaya faittaqooni

And believe in that which I have now revealed, confirming the Scripture which you already possess; and be not among the foremost to repudiate My revelations nor trade them away in return for a trivial gain.  And adulate none but Me -

2 : 42

42. Wala talbisoo alhaqqa bialbatili wataktumoo alhaqqa waantum taAAlamoona

And confound not the Truth with Falsehood nor knowingly expurgate the Truth.

(The reference in the above two verses is to a group of influential Jewish clerics who used to exploit the wandering tribes by imposing annual levies on them and deliberately misleading them about the contents of the Torah, especially those which contained a vivid description of the Last Prophet, lest their source of wealth was taken away from them as a result of ‘competition’ from him, whom they considered to be their ‘rival’ .

2 : 43

43. Waaqeemoo alssalata waatoo alzzakata wairkaAAoo maAAa alrrakiAAeena

And perpetuate worship and give to the deserving their due and bow your heads along with those who bow their heads!
 

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed with reference to certain learned men amongst the Jews who did confirm to Meccan agnostics that the coming of a new Prophet was, indeed, prophesied in the Torah, so that they could make up their own minds regarding embracing the new religion, but when it came to their own convictions, they elected not to embrace it.

2 : 44

44. Ata/muroona alnnasa bialbirri watansawna anfusakum waantum tatloona alkitaba afala taAAqiloona

Preach you probity to the rest of mankind while exempting your own souls from practising it, - you, of all people, who are the recipients of a Scripture? Are you so devoid of sense?

*  *  *

2 : 45

45. WaistaAAeenoo bialssabri waalssalati wa-innaha lakabeeratun illa AAala alkhashiAAeena

Seek help with humility and through prayer. Prayer is, indeed, an arduous commitment, but not for those who are sincerely dedicated -

2 : 46

46. Allatheena yathunnoona annahum mulaqoo rabbihim waannahum ilayhi rajiAAoona

And are certain that soon they would have to face their Lord and that all must eventually return to Him! (R)

(In the above verses, the exhortation is to be patient in the moment of crisis and resort to worship when threatened with adversity so that we seek Divine help with deference and through invocation. Some people may find worship and fasting to an arduous imposition, but not those who solemnly believe in the munificence of Allah, nor those who pursue the truth. It is a well known fact that, whenever there was a crisis which needed a great effort to be resolved, the most important recourse to which our Prophet resorted for inspiration was the helping hand of Allah).

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR

MUHSIN:

40. O Children of Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill (your obligations to) My Covenant (with you) so that I fulfill (My Obligations to) your covenant (with Me), and fear none but Me.

41. And believe in what I have sent down (this Qur'ân), confirming that which is with you, [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], and be not the first to disbelieve therein, and buy [get (ÊÇÎÐ ÇÌÑÇ)] not with My Verses [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] a small price (i.e. getting a small gain by selling My Verses), and fear Me and Me Alone. (Tafsir At-Tabarî, Vol. I, Page 253).

42. And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth [i.e. Muhammad Peace be upon him is Allâh's Messenger and his qualities are written in your Scriptures, the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] while you know (the truth) ^[].

43. And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, and Irka' (i.e. bow down or submit yourselves with obedience to Allâh) along with Ar­Raki'ûn. ^[]

44. Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allâh) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, ^[] while you recite the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)]! Have you then no sense?

45. And seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khâshi'ûn [i.e. the true believers in Allâh - those who obey Allâh with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.)].

46. (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to return.

002.040
YUSUFALI: O Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfil your covenant with Me as I fulfil My Covenant with you, and fear none but Me.
PICKTHAL: O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you, and fulfil your (part of the) covenant, I shall fulfil My (part of the) covenant, and fear Me.
SHAKIR: O children of Israel! call to mind My favor which I bestowed on you and be faithful to (your) covenant with Me, I will fulfill (My) covenant with you; and of Me, Me alone, should you be afraid.

002.041
YUSUFALI: And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Me alone.
PICKTHAL: And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto Me.
SHAKIR: And believe in what I have revealed, verifying that which is with you, and be not the first to deny it, neither take a mean price in exchange for My communications; and Me, Me alone should you fear.

002.042
YUSUFALI: And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is).
PICKTHAL: Confound not truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth.
SHAKIR: And do not mix up the truth with the falsehood, nor hide the truth while you know (it).

002.043
YUSUFALI: And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).
PICKTHAL: Establish worship, pay the poor-due, and bow your heads with those who bow (in worship).
SHAKIR: And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and bow down with those who bow down.

002.044
YUSUFALI: Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (To practise it) yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?
PICKTHAL: Enjoin ye righteousness upon mankind while ye yourselves forget (to practise it)? And ye are readers of the Scripture! Have ye then no sense?
SHAKIR: What! do you enjoin men to be good and neglect your own souls while you read the Book; have you then no sense?

002.045
YUSUFALI: Nay, seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit,-
PICKTHAL: Seek help in patience and prayer; and truly it is hard save for the humble-minded,
SHAKIR: And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones,

002.046
YUSUFALI: Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.
PICKTHAL: Who know that they will have to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are returning.
SHAKIR: Who know that they shall meet their Lord and that they shall return to Him.

 

Section 6

2 : 47

 47. Ya banee isra-eela othkuroo niAAmatiya allatee anAAamtu AAalaykum waannee faddaltukum AAala alAAalameena

O Children of Israel! Remember My favour which I bestowed on you when I elevated you above the rest of My creatures -

(Any nation to whom a messenger of Allah is sent is a nation well elevated above the others by virtue of that very fact. Moses was chosen by Allah from among the Children of Israel and endowed with Prophethood and Wisdom and the Scripture so that he may bring to the whole of mankind the message of their Lord and lead them on to the path of righteousness)

2 : 48

48. Waittaqoo yawman la tajzee nafsun AAan nafsin shay-an wala yuqbalu minha shafaAAatun wala yu/khathu minha AAadlun wala hum yunsaroona

And protect yourselves against a Day when no soul will avail another soul, nor any intercession would be accepted from it, nor any ransom would be conceded to it, nor any help given to it!

(The Day mentioned here is the Day of Judgement when all mankind would be gathered before their Lord to speak for themselves; to render their own accounts; to seek His forgiveness for their sins; to plead for His mercy, to make out a case for the redemption of their souls so that Allah may cleanse their hearts and purge them of guilt and take them to His bosom. At such a precarious moment, no son will come to the aid of his father whom he revered all his life; no mother will look at the child whom she had given birth; no wife will be concerned about her husband whom she had loved and honoured; no plea bargaining will be permitted, no help will be conceded and no ransom will be accepted).

* * *

In the following verses the Children of Israel are reminded of many a favour they had received from Allah and yet so blatantly disregarded His Guidance.

2 : 49

49. Wa-ith najjaynakum min ali firAAawna yasoomoonakum soo-a alAAathabi yuthabbihoona abnaakum wayastahyoona nisaakum wafee thalikum balaon min rabbikum Aaatheemun

And (remember) when We rescued you from Pharaoh's folks who were plaguing you with an exorbitant torment by doing away with your sons and allowing only your daughters to live! That, in itself was a great gesture of generosity towards you from your Lord!

(Pharaoh was the generic title of kings who occupied the throne of Egypt. The despot who ruled during the times of Moses was a particularly ruthless person who despised the Children of Israel, forced them into hard labour in order to accomplish his pompous projects, imposed upon them exorbitant levies and punished those who were unable to pay. Then, when the learned men of his realm interpreted a poignant vision he had at the time as a presage that a son born to the Children of Israel would destroy him and end his dynasty, he ordered his soldiers to slay every son born in their households. Allah chose Moses from their midst as His messenger and entrusted to him the responsibility of delivering his folk from the clutches of Pharaoh, referred in this verse as 'a great gesture of generosity towards you from your Lord’

2 : 50

50. Wa-ith faraqna bikumu albahra faanjaynakum waaghraqna ala firAAawna waantum tanthuroona

And (remember) when We cleaved apart the ocean to deliver you and drowned the armies of Pharaoh in front of your very eyes!

(When Moses led his people out of Egypt but was trapped between Pharaoh's army on one side and the ocean on the other, Allah caused the water to cleave apart so that he and his people could pass through it in safety, while drowning Pharaoh and his armies in the sea in front of their very eyes).

1 : 51

51. Wa-ith waAAadna moosa arbaAAeena laylatan thumma ittakhathtumu alAAijla min baAAdihi waantum thalimoona

And (remember) when We sanctioned for Moses forty nights for meditation, but you chose the worship of a calf whilst he was away and turned yourselves into transgressors!

2 : 52

52. Thumma AAafawna AAankum min baAAdi thalika laAAallakum tashkuroona

Yet, in spite of that, We pardoned you lest you tendered your gratitude!

(When Moses deputized his brother Aaron to take charge of his people and went away for a period of forty days in order to keep his tryst with the Lord, they succumbed to the persuasion of an evil man and took to the worship of a Calf. Yet Allah favourably responded to the prayer of Moses and relented towards them. Whereas Pharaoh and his armies were annihilated without a trace in retaliation for their transgression, the Children of Israel were forgiven and delivered in spite of their transgression. That was because there were many a Prophet and Oracles and men of Wisdom yet to emerge from their seed).

2 : 53

53. Wa-ith atayna moosa alkitaba waalfurqana laAAallakum tahtadoona

And (remember) when We bestowed upon Moses the Scripture and the Criterion so that perchance you may heed the guidance contained in them.

(Moses received the Torah and the Criterion of right and wrong from his Lord so that his folks may make use of the unique opportunity and ameliorate themselves).

2 : 54

54. Wa-ith qala moosa liqawmihi ya qawmi innakum thalamtum anfusakum biittikhathikumu alAAijla fatooboo ila bari-ikum faoqtuloo anfusakum thalikum khayrun lakum AAinda bari-ikum fataba AAalaykum innahu huwa alttawwabu alrraheemu

And when Moses said to his people : 'O my people! You have wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf, so turn repentant to your Creator and slay with your hands those who misguided you! This is a more appropriate course of action for you to take in the eyes of your Creator and He will forgive you, for He is Magnanimous and Merciful!'

(Moses asked his people to ransom themselves for worshipping the Calf by carrying out the slaughter of those who worshipped it at the hands of those who refused to worship it. Allah accepted the ransom and conferred upon those who were slain the status of martyrs and reprieved all those who carried out the slaughter at the behest of Moses).

2 : 55

55. Wa-ith qultum ya moosa lan nu/mina laka hatta nara Allaha jahratan faakhathatkumu alssaAAiqatu waantum tanthuroona

And when you said : 'O Moses! We will never believe you until we have caught a glimpse of Allah with our own eyes!' you were struck down by lightning even as you stood and gazed!

2 : 56

56. Thumma baAAathnakum min baAAdi mawtikum laAAallakum tashkuroona

Then, after you became extinct, We revived you again so that perchance you may tender your gratitude!

(When they had the audacity to demand of Moses that he enabled them to see Allah with their own eyes in proof of his veracity, a fearsome thunderbolt emanated from the sky and struck them dead. Yet, in answer to the invocations of Moses, they were brought back to life)

2 : 57

57. Wathallalna AAalaykumu alghamama waanzalna AAalaykumu almanna waalssalwa kuloo min tayyibati ma razaqnakum wama thalamoona walakin kanoo anfusahum yathlimoona

We caused the cloud to provide you with shelter and sent down for you the Manna and the Quail, saying: 'Eat of the salubrious provisions We have made available to you!' We harmed them not but they harmed their own selves!

(When Moses led his people out of Egypt and headed towards the Promised Land in Syria, - the seat of Abraham and his seed, - they came across many a rigor of their tiresome journey along that desolate and seemingly interminable desert land, especially of heat and of hunger. In answer to the prayers of Moses, Allah caused a dense layer of white cloud to follow them wherever they went and shelter them from the heat of the sun, and sent down from heaven the Manna and the Quail to appease their hunger, with but one stipulation that they trusted Allah for the morrow and did not hoard it. Yet they fell short of trust and hoarded it, with the result that the clean food sent from heaven which they saved rotted in the heat of the sun. Hence the words 'We harmed them not but they harmed their own selves!’ )

2 : 58

58. Wa-ith qulna odkhuloo hathihi alqaryata fakuloo minha haythu shi/tum raghadan waodkhuloo albaba sujjadan waqooloo hittatun naghfir lakum khatayakum wasanazeedu almuhsineena

When We said : 'Go into this township and eat what you like without any restraints, but enter it through the gate prostrating and saying : 'We repent!' We will forgive you your sins and even enhance the reward for those of you who are righteous!'

2 : 59

59. Fabaddala allatheena thalamoo qawlan ghayra allathee qeela lahum faanzalna AAala allatheena thalamoo rijzan mina alssama-i bima kanoo yafsuqoona

But the sinful amongst you changed the word they were asked to utter and replaced it with another disparaging word. So We sent down upon them an heinous pestilence from the sky, in retaliation for their solecism. (R)

(When the weary travellers were asked to enter a town along the way which had been abandoned by its denizens but was copious in produce, full of trees laden with yield, they disobeyed the command of Allah again as a result of which a deadly pestilence from the sky descended on them in the form a plague and ravaged them.

The township referred to in this verse is either Jerusalem or Jerico).

EXAMPLES OF OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

47. O Children of Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you to the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns) (of your time period, in the past).

48. And fear a Day (of Judgement) when a person shall not avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from him nor will compensation be taken from him nor will they be helped.

49. And (remember) when We delivered you from Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) people, who were afflicting you with a horrible torment, killing your sons and sparing your women, and therein was a mighty trial from your Lord.

50. And (remember) when We separated the sea for you and saved you and drowned Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) people while you were looking (at them, when the sea-water covered them).

51. And (remember) when We appointed for Mûsa (Moses) forty nights, and (in his absence) you took the calf (for worship), and you were Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).

52. Then after that We forgave you so that you might be grateful.

53. And (remember) when We gave Mûsa (Moses) the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)] and the criterion (of right and wrong) so that you may be guided aright.

54. And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf. So turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the innocent kill the wrongdoers among you), that will be better for you with your Lord." Then He accepted your repentance. Truly, He is the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.

55. And (remember) when you said: "O Mûsa (Moses)! We shall never believe in you till we see Allâh plainly." But you were seized with a thunderbolt (lightning) while you were looking.

56. Then We raised you up after your death, so that you might be grateful.

57. And We shaded you with clouds and sent down on you Al-Manna ^[] and the quails, (saying): "Eat of the good lawful things We have provided for you," (but they rebelled). And they did not wrong Us but they wronged themselves.

58. And (remember) when We said: "Enter this town (Jerusalem) and eat bountifully therein with pleasure and delight wherever you wish, and enter the gate in prostration (or bowing with humility) and say: 'Forgive us,' and We shall forgive you your sins and shall increase (reward) for the good-doers."

59. But those who did wrong changed the word from that which had been told to them for another, so We sent upon the wrong-doers Rijzan (a punishment) ^[] from the heaven because of their rebelling against Allâh's Obedience. (Tafsir At-Tabarî, Vol. I, Page 305).

002.047
YUSUFALI: Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other (for My Message).
PICKTHAL: O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures.
SHAKIR: O children of Israel! call to mind My favor which I bestowed on you and that I made you excel the nations.

002.048
YUSUFALI: Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
PICKTHAL: And guard yourselves against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be received from it, nor will they be helped.
SHAKIR: And be on your guard against a day when one soul shall not avail another in the least, neither shall intercession on its behalf be accepted, nor shall any compensation be taken from it, nor shall they be helped.

002.049
YUSUFALI: And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: They set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live; therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord.
PICKTHAL: And (remember) when We did deliver you from Pharaoh's folk, who were afflicting you with dreadful torment, slaying your sons and sparing your women: that was a tremendous trial from your Lord.
SHAKIR: And when We delivered you from Firon's people, who subjected you to severe torment, killing your sons and sparing your women, and in this there was a great trial from your Lord.

002.050
YUSUFALI: And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people within your very sight.
PICKTHAL: And when We brought you through the sea and rescued you, and drowned the folk of Pharaoh in your sight.
SHAKIR: And when We parted the sea for you, so We saved you and drowned the followers of Firon and you watched by.

002.051
YUSUFALI: And remember We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence ye took the calf (for worship), and ye did grievous wrong.
PICKTHAL: And when We did appoint for Moses forty nights (of solitude), and then ye chose the calf, when he had gone from you, and were wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: And when We appointed a time of forty nights with Musa, then you took the calf (for a god) after him and you were unjust.

002.052
YUSUFALI: Even then We did forgive you; there was a chance for you to be grateful.
PICKTHAL: Then, even after that, We pardoned you in order that ye might give thanks.
SHAKIR: Then We pardoned you after that so that you might give thanks.

002.053
YUSUFALI: And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion (Between right and wrong): There was a chance for you to be guided aright.
PICKTHAL: And when We gave unto Moses the Scripture and the criterion (of right and wrong), that ye might be led aright.
SHAKIR: And when We gave Musa the Book and the distinction that you might walk aright.

002.054
YUSUFALI: And remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: So turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker." Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): For He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: And when Moses said unto his people: O my people! Ye have wronged yourselves by your choosing of the calf (for worship) so turn in penitence to your Creator, and kill (the guilty) yourselves. That will be best for you with your Creator and He will relent toward you. Lo! He is the Relenting, the Merciful.
SHAKIR: And when Musa said to his people: O my people! you have surely been unjust to yourselves by taking the calf (for a god), therefore turn to your Creator (penitently), so kill your people, that is best for you with your Creator: so He turned to you (mercifully), for surely He is the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful.

002.055
YUSUFALI: And remember ye said: "O Moses! We shall never believe in thee until we see Allah manifestly," but ye were dazed with thunder and lighting even as ye looked on.
PICKTHAL: And when ye said: O Moses! We will not believe in thee till we see Allah plainly; and even while ye gazed the lightning seized you.
SHAKIR: And when you said: O Musa! we will not believe in you until we see Allah manifestly, so the punishment overtook you while you looked on.

002.056
YUSUFALI: Then We raised you up after your death: Ye had the chance to be grateful.
PICKTHAL: Then We revived you after your extinction, that ye might give thanks.
SHAKIR: Then We raised you up after your death that you may give thanks.

002.057
YUSUFALI: And We gave you the shade of clouds and sent down to you Manna and quails, saying: "Eat of the good things We have provided for you:" (But they rebelled); to us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls.
PICKTHAL: And We caused the white cloud to overshadow you and sent down on you the manna and the quails, (saying): Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you - they wronged Us not, but they did wrong themselves.
SHAKIR: And We made the clouds to give shade over you and We sent to you manna and quails: Eat of the good things that We have given you; and they did not do Us any harm, but they made their own souls suffer the loss.

002.058
YUSUFALI: And remember We said: "Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as ye wish; but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in words, and We shall forgive you your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good."
PICKTHAL: And when We said: Go into this township and eat freely of that which is therein, and enter the gate prostrate, and say: "Repentance." We will forgive you your sins and will increase (reward) for the right-doers.
SHAKIR: And when We said: Enter this city, then eat from it a plenteous (food) wherever you wish, and enter the gate making obeisance, and say, forgiveness. We will forgive you your wrongs and give more to those who do good (to others).

002.059
YUSUFALI: But the transgressors changed the word from that which had been given them; so We sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, for that they infringed (Our command) repeatedly.
PICKTHAL: But those who did wrong changed the word which had been told them for another saying, and We sent down upon the evil-doers wrath from heaven for their evil-doing.
SHAKIR: But those who were unjust changed it for a saying other than that which had been spoken to them, so We sent upon those who were unjust a pestilence from heaven, because they transgressed.

Section 7

2 : 60

 60. Wa-ithi istasqa moosa liqawmihi faqulna idrib biAAasaka alhajara fainfajarat minhu ithnata AAashrata AAaynan qad AAalima kullu onasin mashrabahum kuloo waishraboo min rizqi Allahi wala taAAthaw fee al-ardi mufsideena

When Moses prayed for water for his people, We said : 'Strike that rock with your Staff!' and there emerged from it twelve fountains so that each tribe knew which one belonged to whom. (We said) 'Eat and drink of that which Allah has provided for you and desist from causing strife in the land!'

(In course of the epic journey when they ran out of water and were on the brink of death from thirst, Allah enabled Moses to perform a miracle and caused twelve fountains to gush forth from the rock so that all twelve of his tribes had a fountain each.

There is an uncorroborated tradition that Moses carried with him a special piece of rock reputed to have been brought on earth from Paradise by Adam and passed on to his descendants. It had the miraculous quality of producing water in abundance when rubbed against any other object).

2 : 61

61. Wa-ith qultum ya moosa lan nasbira AAala taAAamin wahidin faodAAu lana rabbaka yukhrij lana mimma tunbitu al-ardu min baqliha waqiththa-iha wafoomiha waAAadasiha wabasaliha qala atastabdiloona allathee huwa adna biallathee huwa khayrun ihbitoo misran fa-inna lakum ma saaltum waduribat AAalayhimu alththillatu waalmaskanatu wabaoo bighadabin mina Allahi thalika bi-annahum kanoo yakfuroona bi-ayati Allahi wayaqtuloona alnnabiyyeena bighayri alhaqqi thalika bima AAasaw wakanoo yaAAtadoona

And when you said : 'O Moses! We are tired of eating one kind of food everyday, so pray to your Lord to bring forth for us that which the earth grows, such as vegetables and cucumbers and wheat and lentils and onions!' He said : 'Prefer you the inferior over the superior? Then set up home in a township where you can get what you prefer.' Since then, depravity and dearth returned to them, as did the wrath of Allah. That was because they repudiated Allah's revelations and slew His Prophets without justification, - that was for their belligerence and transgression! (R)

(Their contempt towards the endless benefactions of their Lord reached its peak when they asked Moses to let them grow their own food from earth rather than eat the clean food that was coming from heaven because they were tired of eating the same things every day.

The messengers of Allah whom the Children of Israel slew without justification were Jethro, Zachariah, John and the betrayal of Jesus to the Romans).

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

60. And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) asked for water for his people, We said: "Strike the stone with your stick." Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each (group of) people knew its own place for water. "Eat and drink of that which Allâh has provided and do not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth."

61. And (remember) when you said, "O Mûsa (Moses)! We cannot endure one kind of food. So invoke your Lord for us to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its herbs, its cucumbers, its Fûm (wheat or garlic), its lentils and its onions." He said, "Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? Go you down to any town and you shall find what you want!" And they were covered with humiliation and misery, and they drew on themselves the Wrath of Allâh. That was because they used to disbelieve the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh and killed the Prophets wrongfully. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress the bounds (in their disobedience to Allâh, i.e. commit crimes and sins).

002.060 
YUSUFALI: And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said: "Strike the rock with thy staff." Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each group knew its 

own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah, and do no evil nor mischief on the (face of the) earth. 
PICKTHAL: And when Moses asked for water for his people, We said: Smite with thy staff the rock. And there gushed out therefrom twelve springs (so that) each tribe knew 

their drinking-place. Eat and drink of that which Allah hath provided, and do not act corruptly, making mischief in the earth. 
SHAKIR: And when Musa prayed for drink for his people, We said: Strike the rock with your staff So there gushed from it twelve springs; each tribe knew its drinking place: 

Eat and drink of the provisions of Allah and do not act corruptly in the land, making mischief. 
 

002.061 
YUSUFALI: And remember ye said: "O Moses! we cannot endure one kind of food (always); so beseech thy Lord for us to produce for us of what the earth groweth, 

-its pot-herbs, and cucumbers, Its garlic, lentils, and onions." He said: "Will ye exchange the better for the worse? Go ye down to any town, and ye shall find what ye 

want!" They were covered with humiliation and misery; they drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. This because they went on rejecting the Signs of Allah and slaying 

His Messengers without just cause. This because they rebelled and went on transgressing. 
PICKTHAL: And when ye said: O Moses! We are weary of one kind of food; so call upon thy Lord for us that He bring forth for us of that which the earth groweth - of its 

herbs and its cucumbers and its corn and its lentils and its onions. He said: Would ye exchange that which is higher for that which is lower? Go down to settled country, 

thus ye shall get that which ye demand. And humiliation and wretchedness were stamped upon them and they were visited with wrath from Allah. That was because they 

disbelieved in Allah's revelations and slew the prophets wrongfully. That was for their disobedience and transgression. 
SHAKIR: And when you said: O Musa! we cannot bear with one food, therefore pray Lord on our behalf to bring forth for us out of what the earth grows, of its herbs and 

its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions. He said: Will you exchange that which is better for that which is worse? Enter a city, so you will have what you 

ask for. And abasement and humiliation were brought down upon them, and they became deserving of Allah's wrath; this was so because they disbelieved in the 

communications of Allah and killed the prophets unjustly; this was so because they disobeyed and exceeded the limits. 

Section 8

Context of Revelation: The following verse was revealed by way of reassurance to all other contemporary creeds that their adherents have no cause for concern and that the reward for their righteous deeds is in the safe-keeping of Allah.

2 : 62

62. Inna allatheena amanoo waallatheena hadoo waalnnasara waalssabi-eena man amana biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri waAAamila salihan falahum ajruhum AAinda rabbihim wala khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoona

Those who believe in the Qur'aan; and the Jews and the Christians and the Sabaeans who believe in Allah and in the Last Day and perform good deeds, let them rest assured that their reward is in the safe keeping of their Lord and that they have no cause for concern nor for distress!

*  *  *

2 : 63

63. Wa-ith akhathna meethaqakum warafaAAna fawqakumu alttoora khuthoo ma ataynakum biquwwatin waothkuroo ma feehi laAAallakum tattaqoona

And remember (O Children of Israel) when We took a Covenant from you and suspended the Mount above your heads saying : 'Adhere to that which We have revealed to you and remember that which it embodies so that you may ward off evil!'

2 : 64

64. Thumma tawallaytum min baAAdi thalika falawla fadlu Allahi AAalaykum warahmatuhu lakuntum mina alkhasireena

And yet, even after all that, you retracted again! Were it not for Allah's Grace and Mercy on you, you would have been a generation lost!

2 : 65

65. Walaqad AAalimtumu allatheena iAAtadaw minkum fee alssabti faqulna lahum koonoo qiradatan khasi-eena

Surely you know about those of your brethren who broke the Sabbath and how We cursed them saying : 'Become apes, despised and ostracized' -

2 : 66

66. FajaAAalnaha nakalan lima bayna yadayha wama khalfaha wamawAAithatan lilmuttaqeena

And turned their plight into a lesson for present and future generations and an admonition for those who are abstemious.

(The Children of Israel were commanded to set aside one day of the week for worship and abstain from all mundane preoccupations, including angling for fish. They chose a Saturday towards it, which came to be known as the Sabbath day, and its sanctity was acknowledged by most of them. But there was a group of dissidents among them who were determined to flout the restriction and break the Sabbath, which they did by spending the Saturday in trapping fish in puddles of water alongside the river, if not in angling, to the chagrin of their own brethren who observed the Sabbath with firm dedication. So they were cursed by Allah and transmuted into apes).

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : Verses 67 to 73 deal with an incident which is said to have occurred near Madina during the times of Moses, a fuller explanation of which has been given after verse 73.

2 : 67

67. Wa-ith qala moosa liqawmihi inna Allaha ya/murukum an tathbahoo baqaratan qaloo atattakhithuna huzuwan qala aAAoothu biAllahi an akoona mina aljahileena

When Moses said to his people: 'Allah commands that you sacrifice a cow!' they said : 'Are you jesting with us?' he said : 'Allah forbid that I jest with you about such matters!'

2 : 68

68. Qaloo odAAu lana rabbaka yubayyin lana ma hiya qala innahu yaqoolu innaha baqaratun la faridun wala bikrun AAawanun bayna thalika faifAAaloo ma tu/maroona

They said : 'Do pray to your Lord to make it clear to us what sort of a cow she is to be!' Moses said : 'He says she is to be a cow that is neither too old nor too young but something in between. So, do that which you are being commanded to do!'

2 : 69

69. Qaloo odAAu lana rabbaka yubayyin lana ma lawnuha qala innahu yaqoolu innaha baqaratun safrao faqiAAun lawnuha tasurru alnnathireena

They said : 'Do pray to your Lord to make it clear to us of what colour is she to be!' Moses said : 'He says she is to be of a yellow hue, bright and pleasing to the eye of the beholder.'

2 : 70

70. Qaloo odAAu lana rabbaka yubayyin lana ma hiya inna albaqara tashabaha AAalayna wa-inna in shaa Allahu lamuhtadoona

They said : 'Do pray to your Lord to make it clear to us precisely what sort of a cow she is to be because all cows look the same to us. But if it is the will of Allah, we may be given the right guidance.'

2 : 71

71. Qala innahu yaqoolu innaha baqaratun la thaloolun tutheeru al-arda wala tasqee alhartha musallamatun la shiyata feeha qaloo al-ana ji/ta bialhaqqi fathabahooha wama kadoo yafAAaloona

Moses said, 'He says she is to be a cow that has not been burdened for ploughing the fields or for irrigating the crops, a cow intact and flawless!' They said : 'Now you have brought to us the whole of the truth!' and sacrificed the cow, - although reluctantly. (R)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

62. Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, ^[] whoever believes in Allâh and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve ^[].

63. And (O Children of Israel, remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying): "Hold fast to that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).

64. Then after that you turned away. Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allâh upon you, indeed you would have been among the losers.

65. And indeed you knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday). We said to them: "Be you monkeys, despised and rejected."

66. So We made this punishment an example to their own and to succeeding generations and a lesson to those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).

67. And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) said to his people: "Verily, Allâh commands you that you slaughter a cow." They said, "Do you make fun of us?" He said, "I take Allâh's Refuge from being among Al-Jâhilûn (the ignorants or the foolish)."

68. They said, "Call upon your Lord for us that He may make plain to us what it is!" He said, "He says, 'Verily, it is a cow neither too old nor too young, but (it is) between the two conditions', so do what you are commanded."

69. They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us its colour." He said, "He says, 'It is a yellow cow, bright in its colour, pleasing to the beholders.' "

70. They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us what it is. Verily to us all cows are alike, And surely, if Allâh wills, we will be guided."

71. He [Mûsa (Moses)] said, "He says, 'It is a cow neither trained to till the soil nor water the fields, sound, having no other colour except bright yellow.' " They said, "Now you have brought the truth." So they slaughtered it though they were near to not doing it.

002.062
YUSUFALI: Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
PICKTHAL: Lo! Those who believe (in that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
SHAKIR: Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the f Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.

002.063
YUSUFALI: And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you (The towering height) of Mount (Sinai) : (Saying): "Hold firmly to what We have given you and bring (ever) to remembrance what is therein: Perchance ye may fear Allah."
PICKTHAL: And (remember, O Children of Israel) when We made a covenant with you and caused the mount to tower above you, (saying): Hold fast that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein, that ye may ward off (evil).
SHAKIR: And when We took a promise from you and lifted the mountain over you: Take hold of the law (Tavrat) We have given you with firmness and bear in mind what is in it, so that you may guard (against evil).

002.064
YUSUFALI: But ye turned back thereafter: Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah to you, ye had surely been among the lost.
PICKTHAL: Then, even after that, ye turned away, and if it had not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy ye had been among the losers.
SHAKIR: Then you turned back after that; so were it not for the grace of Allah and His mercy on you, you would certainly have been among the losers.

002.065
YUSUFALI: And well ye knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: We said to them: "Be ye apes, despised and rejected."
PICKTHAL: And ye know of those of you who broke the Sabbath, how We said unto them: Be ye apes, despised and hated!
SHAKIR: And certainly you have known those among you who exceeded the limits of the Sabbath, so We said to them: Be (as) apes, despised and hated.

002.066
YUSUFALI: So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear Allah.
PICKTHAL: And We made it an example to their own and to succeeding generations, and an admonition to the Allah-fearing.
SHAKIR: So We made them an example to those who witnessed it and those who came after it, and an admonition to those who guard (against evil).

002.067
YUSUFALI: And remember Moses said to his people: "Allah commands that ye sacrifice a heifer." They said: "Makest thou a laughing-stock of us?" He said: "Allah save me from being an ignorant (fool)!"
PICKTHAL: And when Moses said unto his people: Lo! Allah commandeth you that ye sacrifice a cow, they said: Dost thou make game of us? He answered: Allah forbid that I should be among the foolish!
SHAKIR: And when Musa said to his people: Surely Allah commands you that you should sacrifice a cow; they said: Do you ridicule us? He said: I seek the protection of Allah from being one of the ignorant.

002.068
YUSUFALI: They said: "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what (heifer) it is!" He said; "He says: The heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middling age. Now do what ye are commanded!"
PICKTHAL: They said: Pray for us unto thy Lord that He make clear to us what (cow) she is. (Moses) answered: Lo! He saith, Verily she is a cow neither with calf nor immature; (she is) between the two conditions; so do that which ye are commanded.
SHAKIR: They said: Call on your Lord for our sake to make it plain to us what she is. Musa said: He says, Surely she is a cow neither advanced in age nor too young, of middle age between that (and this); do therefore what you are commanded.

002.069
YUSUFALI: They said: "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us Her colour." He said: "He says: A fawn-coloured heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders!"
PICKTHAL: They said: Pray for us unto thy Lord that He make clear to us of what colour she is. (Moses) answered: Lo! He saith: Verily she is a yellow cow. Bright is her colour, gladdening beholders.
SHAKIR: They said: Call on your Lord for our sake to make it plain to us what her color is. Musa said: He says, Surely she is a yellow cow; her color is intensely yellow, giving delight to the beholders.

002.070
YUSUFALI: They said: "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what she is: To us are all heifers alike: We wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills."
PICKTHAL: They said: Pray for us unto thy Lord that He make clear to us what (cow) she is. Lo! cows are much alike to us; and Lo! if Allah wills, we may be led aright.
SHAKIR: They said: Call on your Lord for our sake to make it plain to us what she is, for surely to us the cows are all alike, and if Allah please we shall surely be guided aright.

002.071
YUSUFALI: He said: "He says: A heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields; sound and without blemish." They said: "Now hast thou brought the truth." Then they offered her in sacrifice, but not with good-will.
PICKTHAL: (Moses) answered: Lo! He saith: Verily she is a cow unyoked; she plougheth not the soil nor watereth the tilth; whole and without mark. They said: Now thou bringest the truth. So they sacrificed her, though almost they did not.
SHAKIR: Musa said: He says, Surely she is a cow not made submissive that she should plough the land, nor does she irrigate the tilth; sound, without a blemish in her. They said: Now you have brought the truth; so they sacrificed her, though they had not the mind to do (it).

 Section 9

2 : 72

72. Wa-ith qataltum nafsan faiddara/tum feeha waAllahu mukhrijun ma kuntum taktumoona

And remember when you slew a man and altercated with one another over it, Allah brought out into the open that which you were attempting to conceal.

2 : 73

73. Faqulna idriboohu bibaAAdiha kathalika yuhyee Allahu almawta wayureekum ayatihi laAAallakum taAAqiloona

We said : 'Smite the victim with some of it! Thus does Allah bring the dead back to life and demonstrates His portents to you so that you comprehend!'

(The incident referred to in the above verses is that, when a wealthy Jew was murdered by his nephew for his wealth and the corpse left outside the gates of a neighbouring township, its residents brought the body to Moses and asked him to help them identify the culprit. Since he could not do it without Divine inspiration, he prayed to Allah and sought guidance. Allah responded by asking him to command the men to sacrifice a cow before they could be helped to find their quarry. But being by nature niggardly, they were reluctant to offer a somewhat expensive oblation for a matter in which their interest was merely perfunctory, and tried to dodge the command by asking all sorts of tiresome questions.

In the end, when they finally did what they were bidden to do, they were ordered to smite the dead man with a piece of the cow's flesh, at which the dead man came back to life and divulged the identity of the culprit.

The incident proves two vital points : if Allah wishes something to be brought out into the open, no one can nip it in the bud; and if Allah wishes to bring anyone back from the dead, it takes Him no more than the blinking of an eyelid to do it).

*  *  *

2 : 74

74. Thumma qasat quloobukum min baAAdi thalika fahiya kaalhijarati aw ashaddu qaswatan wa-inna mina alhijarati lama yatafajjaru minhu al-anharu wa-inna minha lama yashshaqqaqu fayakhruju minhu almao wa-inna minha lama yahbitu min khashyati Allahi wama Allahu bighafilin AAamma taAAmaloona

Thereafter your hearts hardened and became like rocks, even more impervious than rocks, for among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; and there are some which cleave apart and let water to pass through them; and there are some which quake and come rolling down by themselves from awe of Allah! Allah is not unaware of your deeds!

2 : 75

75. AfatatmaAAoona an yu/minoo lakum waqad kana fareequn minhum yasmaAAoona kalama Allahi thumma yuharrifoonahu min baAAdi ma AAaqaloohu wahum yaAAlamoona

Are you harbouring any realistic expectation that they will ever accede to you, when a group of them used to listen to the word of Allah and deliberately alter it even after having grasped its meaning?  

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed with reference to the hypocrites among the children of Israel who used to pretend to be believers in the presence of the believers, but behind their backs remonstrate each other for giving away to their adversaries the wisdom contained in the Torah, which they somehow deemed to be  exclusively theirs alone.

2 : 76

76. Wa-itha laqoo allatheena amanoo qaloo amanna wa-itha khala baAAduhum ila baAAdin qaloo atuhaddithoonahum bima fataha Allahu AAalaykum liyuhajjookum bihi AAinda rabbikum afala taAAqiloona

And when they mingle with those who believe, they say : 'We too believe!'  But when they are with each other, they say : 'Give you away to them the guidance which Allah disclosed to you, so that they are able to altercate with you before your Lord over it? Have you no sense?'

2 : 77

77. Awa la yaAAlamoona anna Allaha yaAAlamu ma yusirroona wama yuAAlinoona

Know they not that Allah is aware of that which they conceal and of that which they reveal?

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the non practising Jews whose knowledge of the Torah was next to nothing altered all those parts in it which contained the description of the Last Prophet in order to ensure that people who used to flock to them for instruction did not abandon them in preference to the clerics of the rival religion.

2 : 78

78. Waminhum ommiyyoona la yaAAlamoona alkitaba illa amaniyya wa-in hum illa yathunnoona

Amongst them are the unlettered ones who have no real knowledge of the Scripture other than performing oral recitations. They accept whatever they are told by others and speculate about the rest!

2 : 79

79. Fawaylun lillatheena yaktuboona alkitaba bi-aydeehim thumma yaqooloona hatha min AAindi Allahi liyashtaroo bihi thamanan qaleelan fawaylun lahum mimma katabat aydeehim wawaylun lahum mimma yaksiboona

Hence, damnation on those who write the Scripture with their own hands and say : 'This is from Allah!' to make a trivial gain out of it! Damnation on them for what their hands have written and damnation on them for whatever they have gained from it!

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Children of Israel claimed that they would never be cast in hell for a period longer than the period over which they worshipped the Calf,  which was forty days.

2 : 80

80. Waqaloo lan tamassana alnnaru illa ayyaman maAAdoodatan qul attakhathtum AAinda Allahi AAahdan falan yukhlifa Allahu AAahdahu am taqooloona AAala Allahi ma la taAAlamoona

They say : 'The Fire will not touch us except for a few days!' Say to them : 'Have you obtained a promise from Allah?' - If so, Allah will never break His promises - 'Or are you attributing to Allah that of which you have no knowledge?'

*  *  *

2 : 81

81. Bala man kasaba sayyi-atan waahatat bihi khatee-atuhu faola-ika as-habu alnnari hum feeha khalidoona

Nay! Those who gain from doing evil and are surrounded on all sides by their own contrition are denizens of the Fire in which they shall dwell forever -

2 : 82

82. Waallatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati ola-ika as-habu aljannati hum feeha khalidoona

Whereas those who believe and perform righteous deeds are denizens of the Garden in which they shall dwell forever! (R)

(The theme of punishment and reward, together with the attributes of those who are entitled to the former and those entitled the latter is repeated throughout the Qur'aan again and again because it forms the crux and the core of our religion.

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

72. And (remember) when you killed a man and fell into dispute among yourselves as to the crime. But Allâh brought forth that which you were hiding.

73. So We said: "Strike him (the dead man) with a piece of it (the cow)." Thus Allâh brings the dead to life and shows you His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) so that you may understand.

74. Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allâh. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do.

75. Do you (faithful believers) covet that they will believe in your religion inspite of the fact that a party of them (Jewish rabbis) used to hear the Word of Allâh [the Taurât (Torah)], then they used to change it knowingly after they understood it?

76. And when they (Jews) meet those who believe (Muslims), they say, "We believe", but when they meet one another in private, they say, "Shall you (Jews) tell them (Muslims) what Allâh has revealed to you [Jews, about the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him , that which are written in the Taurât (Torah)] ^[], that they (Muslims) may argue with you (Jews) about it before your Lord?" Have you (Jews) then no understanding?

77. Know they (Jews) not that Allâh knows what they conceal and what they reveal?

78. And there are among them (Jews) unlettered people, who know not the Book, but they trust upon false desires and they but guess.

79. Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, "This is from Allâh," to purchase with it a little price! Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for that they earn thereby.

80. And they (Jews) say, "The Fire (i.e. Hell-fire on the Day of Resurrection) shall not touch us but for a few numbered days." Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him to them): "Have you taken a covenant from Allâh, so that Allâh will not break His Covenant? Or is it that you say of Allâh what you know not?"

81. Yes! Whosoever earns evil and his sin has surrounded him, they are dwellers of the Fire (i.e. Hell); they will dwell therein forever.

82. And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh ÊÚÇáì - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will dwell therein forever.

002.072
YUSUFALI: Remember ye slew a man and fell into a dispute among yourselves as to the crime: But Allah was to bring forth what ye did hide.
PICKTHAL: And (remember) when ye slew a man and disagreed concerning it and Allah brought forth that which ye were hiding.
SHAKIR: And when you killed a man, then you disagreed with respect to that, and Allah was to bring forth that which you were going to hide.

002.073
YUSUFALI: So We said: "Strike the (body) with a piece of the (heifer)." Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His Signs: Perchance ye may understand.
PICKTHAL: And We said: Smite him with some of it. Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His portents so that ye may understand.
SHAKIR: So We said: Strike the (dead body) with part of the (Sacrificed cow), thus Allah brings the dead to life, and He shows you His signs so that you may understand.

002.074
YUSUFALI: Thenceforth were your hearts hardened: They became like a rock and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; others there are which when split asunder send forth water; and others which sink for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
PICKTHAL: Then, even after that, your hearts were hardened and became as rocks, or worse than rocks, for hardness. For indeed there are rocks from out which rivers gush, and indeed there are rocks which split asunder so that water floweth from them. And indeed there are rocks which fall down for the fear of Allah. Allah is not unaware of what ye do.
SHAKIR: Then your hearts hardened after that, so that they were like rocks, rather worse in hardness; and surely there are some rocks from which streams burst forth, and surely there are some of them which split asunder so water issues out of them, and surely there are some of them which fall down for fear of Allah, and Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.

002.075
YUSUFALI: Can ye (o ye men of Faith) entertain the hope that they will believe in you?- Seeing that a party of them heard the Word of Allah, and perverted it knowingly after they understood it.
PICKTHAL: Have ye any hope that they will be true to you when a party of them used to listen to the word of Allah, then used to change it, after they had understood it, knowingly?
SHAKIR: Do you then hope that they would believe in you, and a party from among them indeed used to hear the Word of Allah, then altered it after they had understood it, and they know (this).

002.076
YUSUFALI: Behold! when they meet the men of Faith, they say: "We believe": But when they meet each other in private, they say: "Shall you tell them what Allah hath revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?"- Do ye not understand (their aim)?
PICKTHAL: And when they fall in with those who believe, they say: We believe. But when they go apart one with another they say: Prate ye to them of that which Allah hath disclosed to you that they may contend with you before your Lord concerning it? Have ye then no sense?
SHAKIR: And when they meet those who believe they say: We believe, and when they are alone one with another they say: Do you talk to them of what Allah has disclosed to you that they may contend with you by this before your Lord? Do you not then understand?

002.077
YUSUFALI: Know they not that Allah knoweth what they conceal and what they reveal?
PICKTHAL: Are they then unaware that Allah knoweth that which they keep hidden and that which they proclaim?
SHAKIR: Do they not know that Allah knows what they keep secret and what they make known?

002.078
YUSUFALI: And there are among them illiterates, who know not the Book, but (see therein their own) desires, and they do nothing but conjecture.
PICKTHAL: Among them are unlettered folk who know the Scripture not except from hearsay. They but guess.
SHAKIR: And there are among them illiterates who know not the Book but only lies, and they do but conjecture.

002.079
YUSUFALI: Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say:"This is from Allah," to traffic with it for miserable price!- Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby.
PICKTHAL: Therefore woe be unto those who write the Scripture with their hands and then say, "This is from Allah," that they may purchase a small gain therewith. Woe unto them for that their hands have written, and woe unto them for that they earn thereby.
SHAKIR: Woe, then, to those who write the book with their hands and then say: This is from Allah, so that they may take for it a small price; therefore woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn.

002.080
YUSUFALI: And they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days:" Say: "Have ye taken a promise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? or is it that ye say of Allah what ye do not know?"
PICKTHAL: And they say: The Fire (of punishment) will not touch us save for a certain number of days. Say: Have ye received a covenant from Allah - truly Allah will not break His covenant - or tell ye concerning Allah that which ye know not?
SHAKIR: And they say: Fire shall not touch us but for a few days. Say: Have you received a promise from Allah, then Allah will not fail to perform His promise, or do you speak against Allah what you do not know?

002.081
YUSUFALI: Nay, those who seek gain in evil, and are girt round by their sins,- they are companions of the Fire: Therein shall they abide (For ever).
PICKTHAL: Nay, but whosoever hath done evil and his sin surroundeth him; such are rightful owners of the Fire; they will abide therein.
SHAKIR: Yea, whoever earns evil and his sins beset him on every side, these are the inmates of the fire; in it they shall abide.

002.082
YUSUFALI: But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide (For ever).
PICKTHAL: And those who believe and do good works: such are rightful owners of the Garden. They will abide therein.
SHAKIR: And (as for) those who believe and do good deeds, these are the dwellers of the garden; in it they shall abide.

Section 10

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed to remind the Children of Israel of the covenant which they made ipso facto with Allah when they accepted the Torah and yet persistently failed to abide by its stipulations.

2 : 83

83. Wa-ith akhathna meethaqa banee isra-eela la taAAbudoona illa Allaha wabialwalidayni ihsanan wathee alqurba waalyatama waalmasakeeni waqooloo lilnnasi husnan waaqeemoo alssalata waatoo alzzakata thumma tawallaytum illa qaleelan minkum waantum muAAridoona

And (remember) when We made a covenant with the Children of Israel (saying) : 'Worship none save Allah and be kind to your parents and to your kindred and to the orphans and to the destitutes; and be polite in your parlance and perpetuate worship and give to the deserving their due!' you retracted from it, except a few of you, because you are constantly engaged in disputes!
 

(In this verse our duties and responsibilities towards our parents are prioritized next only to our duty to worship none other than Allah, which highlights its importance. Being kind to them includes not saying anything or doing anything which could bruise their feelings; tending to their needs with our limbs and our belongings; being available to them in the moments of their need; speaking to them with due deference; maintaining a reconciliatory and amiable attitude towards them; not concealing our assets from them; giving them their final rites when they die and respecting their wishes in their Wills and bequests; giving alms for the absolution of their souls; including their names in our prayers for their forgiveness; visiting their graves, laying wreaths at them on appropriate occasions and looking after them etc.).
 

2 : 84

84. Wa-ith akhathna meethaqakum la tasfikoona dimaakum wala tukhrijoona anfusakum min diyarikum thumma aqrartum waantum tashhadoona

And when We made with you a Covenant saying : 'Do not draw the blood of your kinsmen nor drive any of them away from your homes!' you did ratify it and bore witness to it;

2 : 85

85. Thumma antum haola-i taqtuloona anfusakum watukhrijoona fareeqan minkum min diyarihim tathaharoona AAalayhim bial-ithmi waalAAudwani wa-in ya/tookum osara tufadoohum wahuwa muharramun AAalaykum ikhrajuhum afatu/minoona bibaAAdi alkitabi watakfuroona bibaAAdin fama jazao man yafAAalu thalika minkum illa khizyun fee alhayati alddunya wayawma alqiyamati yuraddoona ila ashaddi alAAathabi wama Allahu bighafilin AAamma taAAmaloona

Yet you slay one another and expel a group of them from your dwellings and encourage the commission of atrocities and excesses against them by their enemies; but if they are brought before you as captives, you ransom them even though their expulsion by itself was unlawful for you! Is it that you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject a part of it? The requital for those amongst you who perpetrate such deeds can be nothing but opprobrium in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection, a dire chastisement! Allah is not oblivious to your deeds!
 

(The first part of the covenant the Children of Israel made with Allah in the Torah lays down that they shall not slay their own folks nor turn them out of their homes nor encourage others to commit atrocities against them; and the second part of the covenant lays down that they shall ransom their brethren if they are brought before them in chains. If only because it worked out to their advantage, they fulfilled the second part of the contract and disregarded the first part saying : 'Thus has Allah ordained).
 

2 : 86

86. Ola-ika allatheena ishtarawoo alhayata alddunya bial-akhirati fala yukhaffafu AAanhumu alAAathabu wala hum yunsaroona

These are the people who have acquired the comforts of this world at the expense of the Hereafter and hence their torment will never be mitigated nor will they ever be helped! (R)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

83. And (remember) when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none but Allâh (Alone) and be dutiful and good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans and Al-Masâkîn ^[] (the poor), [Tafsir At-Tabarî, Vol. 10, Page 158 (Verse 9:60)] and speak good to people [i.e. enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, and say the truth about Muhammad Peace be upon him ], and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât. Then you slid back, except a few of you, while you are backsliders. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubî, Vol. 2, Page 392).

84. And (remember) when We took your covenant (saying): Shed not the blood of your people, nor turn out your own people from their dwellings. Then, (this) you ratified and (to this) you bear witness.

85. After this, it is you who kill one another and drive out a party of you from their homes, assist (their enemies) against them, in sin and transgression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, although their expulsion was forbidden to you. Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do.

86. Those are they who have bought the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter. Their torment shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.

002.083
YUSUFALI: And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practise regular charity. Then did ye turn back, except a few among you, and ye backslide (even now).
PICKTHAL: And (remember) when We made a covenant with the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none save Allah (only), and be good to parents and to kindred and to orphans and the needy, and speak kindly to mankind; and establish worship and pay the poor-due. Then, after that, ye slid back, save a few of you, being averse.
SHAKIR: And when We made a covenant with the children of Israel: You shall not serve any but Allah and (you shall do) good to (your) parents, and to the near of kin and to the orphans and the needy, and you shall speak to men good words and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate. Then you turned back except a few of you and (now too) you turn aside.
002.084
YUSUFALI: And remember We took your covenant (to this effect): Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out your own people from your homes: and this ye solemnly ratified, and to this ye can bear witness.
PICKTHAL: And when We made with you a covenant (saying): Shed not the blood of your people nor turn (a party of) your people out of your dwellings. Then ye ratified (Our covenant) and ye were witnesses (thereto).
SHAKIR: And when We made a covenant with you: You shall not shed your blood and you shall not turn your people out of your cities; then you gave a promise while you witnessed.
002.085
YUSUFALI: After this it is ye, the same people, who slay among yourselves, and banish a party of you from their homes; assist (Their enemies) against them, in guilt and rancour; and if they come to you as captives, ye ransom them, though it was not lawful for you to banish them. Then is it only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? but what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life?- and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
PICKTHAL: Yet ye it is who slay each other and drive out a party of your people from their homes, supporting one another against them by sin and transgression? - and if they came to you as captives ye would ransom them, whereas their expulsion was itself unlawful for you - Believe ye in part of the Scripture and disbelieve ye in part thereof? And what is the reward of those who do so save ignominy in the life of the world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be consigned to the most grievous doom. For Allah is not unaware of what ye do.
SHAKIR: Yet you it is who slay your people and turn a party from among you out of their homes, backing each other up against them unlawfully and exceeding the limits; and if they should come to you, as captives you would ransom them-- while their very turning out was unlawful for you. Do you then believe in a part of the Book and disbelieve in the other? What then is the re ward of such among you as do this but disgrace in the life of this world, and on the day of resurrection they shall be sent back to the most grievous chastisement, and Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.
002.086
YUSUFALI: These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their penalty shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.
PICKTHAL: Such are those who buy the life of the world at the price of the Hereafter. Their punishment will not be lightened, neither will they have support.
SHAKIR: These are they who buy the life of this world for the hereafter, so their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.

Section 11

2 : 87

87. Walaqad atayna moosa alkitaba waqaffayna min baAAdihi bialrrusuli waatayna AAeesa ibna maryama albayyinati waayyadnahu biroohi alqudusi afakullama jaakum rasoolun bima la tahwa anfusukumu istakbartum fafareeqan kaththabtum wafareeqan taqtuloona

Verily We gave Moses the Scripture and We sent a succession of messengers after him; We gave Jesus, son of Mary, many miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it then to be the case that, whenever a messenger comes to you with a message that does not match your whims, you become hostile to them, slandering some and slaying some?

2 : 88

88. Waqaloo quloobuna ghulfun bal laAAanahumu Allahu bikufrihim faqaleelan ma yu/minoona

They say : 'Our hearts are covered in drapes!' Nay! Allah has cursed them for their heresy and therefore not much is there in which they believe!
 

(The Jews jeeringly said to the Prophet that their hearts were impervious to him and his message because there were covers wrapped around them that prevent it from reaching their hearts and their minds. It was unfortunate that they should think so. Allah has blessed every human with three priceless benefactions : a conscience which recognizes right from wrong; a mind which accepts what the conscience has recognized and a heart which absorbs what the mind has accepted. Those who keep their hearts thus wrapped up in covers have no idea of what they are missing out!)

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed with reference to Jews who persisted in repudiating the status of the Prophet as a messenger of Allah even though it went against the prophesy contained in their Torah.

2 : 89

89. Walamma jaahum kitabun min AAindi Allahi musaddiqun lima maAAahum wakanoo min qablu yastaftihoona AAala allatheena kafaroo falamma jaahum ma AAarafoo kafaroo bihi falaAAnatu Allahi AAala alkafireena

When there comes to them a Scripture from Allah confirming that which they already possess, - and prior to it they were seeking a decisive victory over those who disbelieve, - yet when there comes to them that which they know (to be the Truth), they disbelieve in it! So the curse of Allah is upon those who disbelieve!
 

(The Scripture of Allah refers to Qur'aan and that which they already possess refers to Torah. Before the Qur'aan was revealed, the Jews used to invoke Divine help under the auspices of the unlettered Prophet whose coming was foretold in the Torah. And yet, when that Prophet and that Scripture knocked on their doors, they rejected both).
 

2 : 90

90. Bi/sama ishtaraw bihi anfusahum an yakfuroo bima anzala Allahu baghyan an yunazzila Allahu min fadlihi AAala man yashao min AAibadihi fabaoo bighadabin AAala ghadabin walilkafireena AAathabun muheenun

Disgraceful is the price at which they sell their souls when they denounce what Allah has revealed, out of envy that Allah chooses whom He will of His bondsmen for revealing His ordinances, thereby meriting wrath upon wrath! For those who disbelieve awaits a most opprobrious castigation!
 

(It was an ardent desire and a firm conviction of the Jews that whenever Allah decided to choose the Last Prophet mentioned in the Torah, he would choose him from among the Children of Israel. But when Allah chose him from among the Children of Ishmael, they were devastated with envy and bitterness. Hence it is unequivocally asserted in this verse that Allah chooses whom He will of His bondsmen to reveal His ordinances, regardless of what they think and how they feel about it).

*  *  *

2 : 91

91. Wa-itha qeela lahum aminoo bima anzala Allahu qaloo nu/minu bima onzila AAalayna wayakfuroona bima waraahu wahuwa alhaqqu musaddiqan lima maAAahum qul falima taqtuloona anbiyaa Allahi min qablu in kuntum mu/mineena

And when it is said to them : 'Believe in what Allah has revealed!' they say : 'We believe in that which was revealed to us,' and repudiate the rest, even though it is the Truth and attests that which they possess. Say (O Mohammed) : 'Why then did you slay the prophets of Allah in the past, if you were such true believers?'
 

(Had the Children of Israel truly believed in the Torah as they claimed, they would not have repudiated the Qur'aan which confirms the Torah, nor vituperated the Prophet whose coming is prophesied in it, nor slain other messengers of Allah in the past).

2 : 92

92. Walaqad jaakum moosa bialbayyinati thumma ittakhathtumu alAAijla min baAAdihi waantum thalimoona

Moses came to you with definitive portents, yet you apotheosized a calf soon after he left you and turned yourselves into transgressors!
 

(If the Children of Israel genuinely believed in the definitive portents Mosses brought to them in proof of Allah’ s hegemony and of his own prophethood, they would not have been in such a rush to abandon their faith in their messenger in preference to the worship of a golden Calf, set up for them by the scheming reprobate Samiri)
 

2 : 93

93. Wa-ith akhathna meethaqakum warafaAAna fawqakumu alttoora khuthoo ma ataynakum biquwwatin waismaAAoo qaloo samiAAna waAAasayna waoshriboo fee quloobihimu alAAijla bikufrihim qul bi/sama ya/murukum bihi eemanukum in kuntum mu/mineena

When We made a covenant with you and raised the Mount over you saying : 'Hold on to that which We have given you and then listen to the message!' they said : 'We hear it but we repudiate it!' - and their hearts were infatuated by the spell of the calf on account of their disbelief! Say to them : 'How sinful are the deeds which your misguided convictions tempt you into perpetrating, - if you are but believers!'
 

(According to accepted tradition, when Allah’ s resentment was provoked by the intransigence of the Children of Israel, trifling with the portents which Moses had brought with him, refusing to follow the concepts preached by their own Scripture, implementing changes in it, making covenants and breaking them at will; one moment worshipping Allah and the next moment apotheosizing the Calf, thus turning their faith into a mockery and trading their souls away for trifling gains, the Archangel descended upon them at the behest of Allah, raised Mount Sinai on the palm of his right hand and poised it above their heads by way of a threat, making no secret of his intentions to drop it on them. Scared by the spectacle of the Mountain on top of their heads, they first said ‘We hear and we obey’ but changed their words and their will as soon as the threat was withdrawn).

2 : 94

94. Qul in kanat lakumu alddaru al-akhiratu AAinda Allahi khalisatan min dooni alnnasi fatamannawoo almawta in kuntum sadiqeena

Say to them : 'If the Abode of the Hereafter in the discretion of Allah is exclusively for you alone and not for anyone else, then long for death, if you are that sure!'
 

(If they were so firmly convinced that Paradise belonged exclusively to them and that there was no need for them to become believers or to perform righteous deeds in order to gain access to it, then why not do away with the transient comforts of this life and go for the everlasting bliss of Paradise in the other life?)
 

2 : 95

95. Walan yatamannawhu abadan bima qaddamat aydeehim waAllahu AAaleemun bialththalimeena

But they will never long for death because of that which their own hands have sent ahead of them! Allah is well aware of who the pernicious are!
   

2 : 96

96. Walatajidannahum ahrasa alnnasi AAala hayatin wamina allatheena ashrakoo yawaddu ahaduhum law yuAAammaru alfa sanatin wama huwa bimuzahzihihi mina alAAathabi an yuAAammara waAllahu baseerun bima yaAAmaloona

You will find them to be the greediest for life in the whole of mankind, greedier than even the idolaters, each of whom longs to live for a thousand years, though a long life by itself would hardly distance them from their destiny! Allah is perusing all their deeds. (R)
 

(The reference is to the pagan ritual in which, when they greeted one another, each of them wished for the other a thousand years of life).

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

87. And indeed, We gave Mûsa (Moses) the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers. And We gave 'Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), clear signs and supported him with Rûh-ul-Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel) <><>]. Is it that whenever there came to you a Messenger with what you yourselves desired not, you grew arrogant? Some, you disbelieved and some, you killed.

88. And they say, "Our hearts are wrapped (i.e. do not hear or understand Allâh's Word)." Nay, Allâh has cursed them for their disbelief, so little is that which they believe.

89. And when there came to them (the Jews), a Book (this Qur'ân) from Allâh confirming what is with them [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], although aforetime they had invoked Allâh (for coming of Muhammad Peace be upon him ) in order to gain victory over those who disbelieved, then when there came to them that which they had recognised, they disbelieved in it. So let the Curse of Allâh be on the disbelievers.

90. How bad is that for which they have sold their ownselves, that they should disbelieve in that which Allâh has revealed (the Qur'ân), grudging that Allâh should reveal of His Grace unto whom He will of His slaves. So they have drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath. And for the disbelievers, there is disgracing torment.

91. And when it is said to them (the Jews), "Believe in what Allâh has sent down," they say, "We believe in what was sent down to us." And they disbelieve in that which came after it, while it is the truth confirming what is with them. Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him to them): "Why then have you killed the Prophets of Allâh aforetime, if you indeed have been believers?"

92. And indeed Mûsa (Moses) came to you with clear proofs, yet you worshipped the calf after he left, and you were Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).

93. And (remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying), "Hold firmly to what We have given you and hear (Our Word). They said, "We have heard and disobeyed." And their hearts absorbed (the worship of) the calf because of their disbelief. Say: "Worst indeed is that which your faith enjoins on you if you are believers."

94. Say to (them): "If the home of the Hereafter with Allâh is indeed for you specially and not for others, of mankind, then long for death if you are truthful."

95. But they will never long for it because of what their hands have sent before them (i.e. what they have done). And Allâh is All-Aware of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).

96. And verily, you will find them (the Jews) the greediest of mankind for life and (even greedier) than those who - ascribe partners to Allâh (and do not believe in Resurrection - Magians, pagans, and idolaters, etc.). Everyone of them wishes that he could be given a life of a thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even a little from (due) punishment. And Allâh is All-Seer of what they do.

002.087
YUSUFALI: We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you a messenger with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!
PICKTHAL: And verily We gave unto Moses the Scripture and We caused a train of messengers to follow after him, and We gave unto Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's sovereignty), and We supported him with the Holy spirit. Is it ever so, that, when there cometh unto you a messenger (from Allah) with that which ye yourselves desire not, ye grow arrogant, and some ye disbelieve and some ye slay?
SHAKIR: And most certainly We gave Musa the Book and We sent messengers after him one after another; and We gave Isa, the son of Marium, clear arguments and strengthened him with the holy spirit, What! whenever then a messenger came to you with that which your souls did not desire, you were insolent so you called some liars and some you slew.

002.088
YUSUFALI: They say, "Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah's Word: we need no more)." Nay, Allah's curse is on them for their blasphemy: Little is it they believe.
PICKTHAL: And they say: Our hearts are hardened. Nay, but Allah hath cursed them for their unbelief. Little is that which they believe.
SHAKIR: And they say: Our hearts are covered. Nay, Allah has cursed them on account of their unbelief; so little it is that they believe.

002.089
YUSUFALI: And when there comes to them a Book from Allah, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognised, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of Allah is on those without Faith.
PICKTHAL: And when there cometh unto them a scripture from Allah, confirming that in their possession - though before that they were asking for a signal triumph over those who disbelieved - and when there cometh unto them that which they know (to be the truth) they disbelieve therein. The curse of Allah is on disbelievers.
SHAKIR: And when there came to them a Book from Allah verifying that which they have, and aforetime they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieve, but when there came to them (Prophet) that which they did not recognize, they disbelieved in him; so Allah's curse is on the unbelievers.

002.090
YUSUFALI: Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, in that they deny (the revelation) which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of His Grace should send it to any of His servants He pleases: Thus have they drawn on themselves Wrath upon Wrath. And humiliating is the punishment of those who reject Faith.
PICKTHAL: Evil is that for which they sell their souls: that they should disbelieve in that which Allah hath revealed, grudging that Allah should reveal of His bounty unto whom He will of His slaves. They have incurred anger upon anger. For disbelievers is a shameful doom.
SHAKIR: Evil is that for which they have sold their souls-- that they should deny what Allah has revealed, out of envy that Allah should send down of His grace on whomsoever of His servants He pleases; so they have made themselves deserving of wrath upon wrath, and there is a disgraceful punishment for the unbelievers.

002.091
YUSUFALI: When it is said to them, "Believe in what Allah Hath sent down, "they say, "We believe in what was sent down to us:" yet they reject all besides, even if it be Truth confirming what is with them. Say: "Why then have ye slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?"
PICKTHAL: And when it is said unto them: Believe in that which Allah hath revealed, they say: We believe in that which was revealed unto us. And they disbelieve in that which cometh after it, though it is the truth confirming that which they possess. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Why then slew ye the prophets of Allah aforetime, if ye are (indeed) believers?
SHAKIR: And when it is said to them, Believe in what Allah has revealed, they say: We believe in that which was revealed to us; and they deny what is besides that, while it is the truth verifying that which they have. Say: Why then did you kill Allah's Prophets before if you were indeed believers?

002.092
YUSUFALI: There came to you Moses with clear (Signs); yet ye worshipped the calf (Even) after that, and ye did behave wrongfully.
PICKTHAL: And Moses came unto you with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), yet, while he was away, ye chose the calf (for worship) and ye were wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: And most certainly Musa came to you with clear arguments, then you took the calf (for a god) in his absence and you were unjust.

002.093
YUSUFALI: And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai): (Saying): "Hold firmly to what We have given you, and hearken (to the Law)": They said:" We hear, and we disobey:" And they had to drink into their hearts (of the taint) of the calf because of their Faithlessness. Say: "Vile indeed are the behests of your Faith if ye have any faith!"
PICKTHAL: And when We made with you a covenant and caused the Mount to tower above you, (saying): Hold fast by that which We have given you, and hear (Our Word), they said: We hear and we rebel. And (worship of) the calf was made to sink into their hearts because of their rejection (of the covenant). Say (unto them): Evil is that which your belief enjoineth on you, if ye are believers.
SHAKIR: And when We made a covenant with you and raised the mountain over you: Take hold of what We have given you with firmness and be obedient. They said: We hear and disobey. And they were made to imbibe (the love of) the calf into their hearts on account of their unbelief Say: Evil is that which your belief bids you if you are believers.

002.094
YUSUFALI: Say: "If the last Home, with Allah, be for you specially, and not for anyone else, then seek ye for death, if ye are sincere."
PICKTHAL: Say (unto them): If the abode of the Hereafter in the providence of Allah is indeed for you alone and not for others of mankind (as ye pretend), then long for death (for ye must long for death) if ye are truthful.
SHAKIR: Say: If the future abode with Allah is specially for you to the exclusion of the people, then invoke death if you are truthful.

002.095
YUSUFALI: But they will never seek for death, on account of the (sins) which their hands have sent on before them. and Allah is well-acquainted with the wrong-doers.
PICKTHAL: But they will never long for it, because of that which their own hands have sent before them. Allah is aware of evil-doers.
SHAKIR: And they will never invoke it on account of what their hands have sent before, and Allah knows the unjust.

002.096
YUSUFALI: Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life,-even more than the idolaters: Each one of them wishes He could be given a life of a thousand years: But the grant of such life will not save him from (due) punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do.
PICKTHAL: And thou wilt find them greediest of mankind for life and (greedier) than the idolaters. (Each) one of them would like to be allowed to live a thousand years. And to live (a thousand years) would be no means remove him from the doom. Allah is Seer of what they do.
SHAKIR: And you will most certainly find them the greediest of men for life (greedier) than even those who are polytheists; every one of them loves that he should be granted a life of a thousand years, and his being granted a long life will in no way remove him further off from the chastisement, and Allah sees what they do.

Section 12

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the Jews expressed their intense hostility to Angel Gabrielle who had, by the will and command of Allah, brought upon them and upon their forefathers many a devastating pestilence : the fatal thunderbolt that struck them dead, the devastating cataclysm, the shower of pebbles, the downpour of vermin, - besides a host of others as catalogued in the Qur'aan).

2 : 97

 97. Qul man kana AAaduwwan lijibreela fa-innahu nazzalahu AAala qalbika bi-ithni Allahi musaddiqan lima bayna yadayhi wahudan wabushra lilmu/mineena

Say (O Mohammed) to anyone who is an enemy of Gabriel that he it is who has inspired the Qur'aan in your heart by the Command of Allah, confirming the Scriptures revealed before it and containing guidance and glad tidings for those who believe.

2 : 98

98. Man kana AAaduwwan lillahi wamala-ikatihi warusulihi wajibreela wameekala fa-inna Allaha AAaduwwun lilkafireena

Whoever is an enemy of Allah and of His angels and of His messengers and of Gabriel and of Michael, let him know that Allah is a formidable enemy of those who disbelieve!
 

(It is made clear in this verse that hostility to Allah's Angels and Allah's messengers tantamount to hostility to Allah Himself!).

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a very prominent Jew asserted that the Prophet did not possess any such credentials of his prophethood which they could recognize, nor has he brought with him any portents which they could interpret.

2 : 99

99. Walaqad anzalna ilayka ayatin bayyinatin wama yakfuru biha illa alfasiqoona

We have revealed to you incontrovertible tokens and none but the invidious could dare deny them!

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Jews denied that there was a Covenant made between their forefathers and Allah even though this is clearly asserted in the Torah.

2 : 100

100. Awa kullama AAahadoo AAahdan nabathahu fareequn minhum bal aktharuhum la yu/minoona

Does it always have to be the case that, whenever you make a covenant, a group out of you come along and dismiss it? Nay, most of them are bereft of belief!
 

(The group referred in this verse are those Children of Israel who are categorized in the Qur'aan as the ‘disbelievers amongst the Children of Israel’ because they repudiated both the Gospel as well as the Qur'aan, even treated their own Scripture with contempt by introducing random changes in it with their own hands and then assigned them to Allah in order to discredit the Prophet.

Besides them, there are other categories mentioned in the Qur'aan as 'Hypocrites among the Children of Israel’ and 'the uninformed among the Children of Israel. As the names suggest, the former were pretenders who feigned belief in order to further their own ulterior motives, and the latter, themselves bereft of knowledge, formed wrong opinions on the strength of what they heard from others and forced them on those who were even less informed. There is only one group among them who is acknowledged by the Qur'aan as People of the Scripture because they believed in the Torah with truth, recited it with dedication, respected the dictums contained in it, disapproved of introducing any kind of alterations in the script and also gave the Qur'aan the status it deserved).

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verses refer to the reign of King Solomon who was not given the status of a Prophet by the Jews, but it was conferred upon him by Islam. In those days, the Children of Israel were obsessed with practising witchcraft they had learned from the two Angels of Babel called Harut and Marut. When Solomon heard about it, he confiscated the implements they used and parchments on which their incantations were written and got them buried underneath his throne. However, after he died, the jinn retrieved them and gave them back to the Children of Israel, imputing that King Solomon also practised the Craft and learned from it how to communicate with animals and to control the Elements.

The verse makes clear that Solomon was not a disbeliever; that the Angels were given the knowledge of the Craft only to test who is obedient and who is disobedient; that they never taught it to anyone without first warning them that they were only temptations and hence not to sacrifice their faith in order to learn it; that the Children of Israel misused the knowledge by using it for causing dissension between husbands and wives for money, although they could harm no one except by the will of Allah. It clarifies that the Children of Israel knowingly traded away their faith in order to acquire a knowledge that did more harm than good and that, if they had believed in Allah and warded off evil, their reward would surely have been far greater.

2 : 101

101. Walamma jaahum rasoolun min AAindi Allahi musaddiqun lima maAAahum nabatha fareequn mina allatheena ootoo alkitaba kitaba Allahi waraa thuhoorihim kaannahum la yaAAlamoona

When there comes to them a messenger of Allah, confirming that which they already possessed, a group of those who received the previous Scripture toss the new Scripture of Allah behind their backs and pretend as if they know nothing about it, -

2 : 102

102. WaittabaAAoo ma tatloo alshshayateenu AAala mulki sulaymana wama kafara sulaymanu walakinna alshshayateena kafaroo yuAAallimoona alnnasa alssihra wama onzila AAala almalakayni bibabila haroota wamaroota wama yuAAallimani min ahadin hatta yaqoola innama nahnu fitnatun fala takfur fayataAAallamoona minhuma ma yufarriqoona bihi bayna almar-i wazawjihi wama hum bidarreena bihi min ahadin illa bi-ithni Allahi wayataAAallamoona ma yadurruhum wala yanfaAAuhum walaqad AAalimoo lamani ishtarahu ma lahu fee al-akhirati min khalaqin walabi/sa ma sharaw bihi anfusahum law kanoo yaAAlamoona

And follow that which the devils alleged against the reign of King Solomon. Solomon himself was not a disbeliever, but the devils were, teaching mankind the Occult revealed to the two angels of Babel, Harut and Marut. And the angels taught it not to anyone without saying : 'We are only a temptation so renounce not the Guidance of Allah for our sake!' but they learnt from them the charms which cause rifts between husbands and wives, though none can hurt none save by Allah's leave; and they learnt from them that which yields loss rather than lucre, although they knew that whoever indulges in such a wicked trade forgoes his share in the Hereafter and that verily evil is the reward for which they sell their souls, if they but knew!

2 : 103

103. Walaw annahum amanoo waittaqaw lamathoobatun min AAindi Allahi khayrun law kanoo yaAAlamoona

If they had believed and warded off evil, their reward with Allah would have been far more prosperous, if they but knew! (R)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

97. Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ): "Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur'ân) down to your heart by Allâh's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and guidance and glad tidings for the believers.

98. "Whoever is an enemy to Allâh, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibrael (Gabriel) and Mikael (Michael), then verily, Allâh is an enemy to the disbelievers."

99. And indeed We have sent down to you manifest Ayât (these Verses of the Qur'ân which inform in detail about the news of the Jews and their secret intentions, etc.), and none disbelieve in them but Fâsiqûn (those who rebel against Allâh's Command).

100. Is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside? Nay! the truth is most of them believe not.

101. And when there came to them a Messenger from Allâh (i.e. Muhammad Peace be upon him ) confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Scripture threw away the Book of Allâh behind their backs as if they did not know!

102. They followed what the Shayâtin (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaimân (Solomon). Sulaimân did not disbelieve, but the Shayâtin (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Hârût and Mârût, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, "We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us)." And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allâh's Leave. And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew.

103. And if they had believed, and guarded themselves from evil and kept their duty to Allâh, far better would have been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew!

002.097
YUSUFALI: Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel-for he brings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah's will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe,-
PICKTHAL: Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): Who is an enemy to Gabriel! For he it is who hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers;
SHAKIR: Say: Whoever is the enemy of Jibreel-- for surely he revealed it to your heart by Allah's command, verifying that which is before it and guidance and good news for the believers.

002.098
YUSUFALI: Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and messengers, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith.
PICKTHAL: Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.
SHAKIR: Whoever is the enemy of Allah and His angels and His messengers and Jibreel and Meekaeel, so surely Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers.

002.099
YUSUFALI: We have sent down to thee Manifest Signs (ayat); and none reject them but those who are perverse.
PICKTHAL: Verily We have revealed unto thee clear tokens, and only miscreants will disbelieve in them.
SHAKIR: And certainly We have revealed to you clear communications and none disbelieve in them except the transgressors.

002.100
YUSUFALI: Is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside?- Nay, Most of them are faithless.
PICKTHAL: Is it ever so that when they make a covenant a party of them set it aside? The truth is, most of them believe not.
SHAKIR: What! whenever they make a covenant, a party of them cast it aside? Nay, most of them do not believe.

002.101
YUSUFALI: And when there came to them a messenger from Allah, confirming what was with them, a party of the people of the Book threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did not know!
PICKTHAL: And when there cometh unto them a messenger from Allah, confirming that which they possess, a party of those who have received the Scripture fling the Scripture of Allah behind their backs as if they knew not,
SHAKIR: And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah verifying that which they have, a party of those who were given the Book threw the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they knew nothing.

002.102
YUSUFALI: They followed what the evil ones gave out (falsely) against the power of Solomon: the blasphemers Were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching men Magic, and such things as came down at babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these taught anyone (Such things) without saying: "We are only for trial; so do not blaspheme." They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah's permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) would have no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell their souls, if they but knew!
PICKTHAL: And follow that which the devils falsely related against the kingdom of Solomon. Solomon disbelieved not; but the devils disbelieved, teaching mankind magic and that which was revealed to the two angels in Babel, Harut and Marut. Nor did they (the two angels) teach it to anyone till they had said: We are only a temptation, therefore disbelieve not (in the guidance of Allah). And from these two (angles) people learn that by which they cause division between man and wife; but they injure thereby no-one save by Allah's leave. And they learn that which harmeth them and profiteth them not. And surely they do know that he who trafficketh therein will have no (happy) portion in the Hereafter; and surely evil is the price for which they sell their souls, if they but knew.
SHAKIR: And they followed what the Shaitans chanted of sorcery in the reign of Sulaiman, and Sulaiman was not an unbeliever, but the Shaitans disbelieved, they taught men sorcery and that was sent down to the two angels at Babel, Harut and Marut, yet these two taught no man until they had said, "Surely we are only a trial, therefore do not be a disbeliever." Even then men learned from these two, magic by which they might cause a separation between a man and his wife; and they cannot hurt with it any one except with Allah's permission, and they learned what harmed them and did not profit them, and certainly they know that he who bought it should have no share of good in the hereafter and evil was the price for which they sold their souls, had they but known this.

002.103
YUSUFALI: If they had kept their Faith and guarded themselves from evil, far better had been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew!
PICKTHAL: And if they had believed and kept from evil, a recompense from Allah would be better, if they only knew.
SHAKIR: And if they had believed and guarded themselves (against evil), reward from Allah would certainly have been better; had they but known (this).

Section 13.

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed to prevent people from interrupting the Prophet during his sermons with words which, if expressed in the Hebrew language instead of in Arabic, conveyed a derogatory meaning, and the Jews exploited it for casting aspersions on him.

2 : 104

104. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo la taqooloo raAAina waqooloo onthurna waismaAAoo walilkafireena AAathabun aleemun

O those of you who believe! Do not say to the Prophet raa ‘inaa, but say unzurnaa and concentrate upon his sermon from the start. As for those who disparage, theirs is an acerbic castigation!
 

(The Arabic word raa’iana, which means ‘look at us’, could easily be swapped for the Hebrew word unzurnaa, which conveys a disparaging sense and was often used by the Jews in the Prophet's congregation to embarrass him

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed, warning the believers not to take their pretentious well-wishers on their face value.

2 : 105

105. Ma yawaddu allatheena kafaroo min ahli alkitabi wala almushrikeena an yunazzala AAalaykum min khayrin min rabbikum waAllahu yakhtassu birahmatihi man yashao waAllahu thoo alfadli alAAatheemi

Neither the disbelievers among the people of the Scriptures nor the idolaters bear to see that a benefaction is bestowed on you by your Lord! But Allah chooses whom He will for bestowing His special mercy, and Allah is profoundly merciful!

*  *  *

Context of Revelation: The following verses were revealed in answer to aspersions cast upon Allah and His revelations by the Jews whenever an ordinance was either superseded or scrapped.

2 : 106

106. Ma nansakh min ayatin aw nunsiha na/ti bikhayrin minha aw mithliha alam taAAlam anna Allaha AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun

When We repeal or delete any of Our edicts, We always replace it with something better or something similar. Know they not that Allah is Omnipotent over all things?

2 : 107

107. Alam taAAlam anna Allaha lahu mulku alssamawati waal-ardi wama lakum min dooni Allahi min waliyyin wala naseerin

And know you not that to Allah belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and that you have neither a stalwart nor a cohort besides Allah?
 

(It is in the nature of events as devised by Allah that one is superseded by the other : night is superseded by day; winter is superseded by summer; youth is superseded by senility; illness is superseded by healing; spring is superseded by fall. Thus, Guidance given to Adam was superseded by guidance given to the subsequent Prophets. For instance, engrossment in earthly matters that was made unlawful for the Jews on one Saturday was lawful for them on the Saturdays which came before it; or, consumption of certain animals made lawful for Noah and his folk were made unlawful for Moses and his folks! Yet, the unreasonably critical Jews were ready to cast aspersions on the revelations of Allah whenever they found an excuse to do so).

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Jews demanded that the Prophet produced a Scripture which was inspirited in him in the form one volume.

2 : 108

108. Am tureedoona an tas-aloo rasoolakum kama su-ila moosa min qablu waman yatabaddali alkufra bial-eemani faqad dalla sawaa alssabeeli

Or, wish you to ask of your messenger the same question as was asked of Moses in the past? Then beware that he who trades away his faith in return for heresy deflects from the path of righteousness!
 
 

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a group of Jews tried to persuade two devout believers to relinquish their new religion and return to the old ways, but without success.

2 : 109

109. Wadda katheerun min ahli alkitabi law yaruddoonakum min baAAdi eemanikum kuffaran hasadan min AAindi anfusihim min baAAdi ma tabayyana lahumu alhaqqu faoAAfoo waisfahoo hatta ya/tiya Allahu bi-amrihi inna Allaha AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun

Many a people of the Scriptures ardently wish to turn you back into heresy after you became believers, out of envy seated deep inside their hearts, despite the fact that the truth has become clearly manifest to them! Forgive and disregard them until Allah's command prevails. Allah has control over all things!

*  *  *

2 : 110

110. Waaqeemoo alssalata waatoo alzzakata wama tuqaddimoo li-anfusikum min khayrin tajidoohu AAinda Allahi inna Allaha bima taAAmaloona baseerun

Perform regular worship and give to the deserving their due and rest assured that whatever good you send ahead of you for the good of your souls, you will find it with Allah! And Allah is constantly perusing all your deeds!

2 : 111

111. Waqaloo lan yadkhula aljannata illa man kana hoodan aw nasara tilka amaniyyuhum qul hatoo burhanakum in kuntum sadiqeena

And they say : 'No one enters paradise save him who is either a Jew or a Christian!' This is the flight of their imagination! Say to them : 'Produce your proof, if you are truthful!'
 

(The reference is to the Jews who claimed that only the Jews shall enter Paradise and to the Christians who claimed that only the Christians shall enter Paradise, both making a firm bid to sow seeds of doubt in the minds of ordinary Muslims. Allah's reassurance to them is summed up in the following verse).
 

2 : 112

112. Bala man aslama wajhahu lillahi wahuwa muhsinun falahu ajruhu AAinda rabbihi wala khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoona

Nay, but those who submit to the will of Allah and are righteous, their reward is in the safekeeping of their Lord and they have no cause for concern nor for any distress! (R)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

104. O you who believe! Say not (to the Messenger Peace be upon him ) Râ'ina ^[] but say Unzurna (Do make us understand) and hear. And for the disbelievers there is a painful torment. (See Verse 4:46)

105. Neither those who disbelieve among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) nor Al-Mushrikûn (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, idolaters, polytheists, pagans, etc.) like that there should be sent down unto you any good from your Lord. But Allâh chooses for His Mercy whom He wills. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.

106. Whatever a Verse (revelation) do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring a better one or similar to it. Know you not that Allâh is able to do all things?

107. Know you not that it is Allâh to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Allâh you have neither any Walî (protector or guardian) nor any helper.

108. Or do you want to ask your Messenger (Muhammad Peace be upon him ) as Mûsa (Moses) was asked before (i.e. show us openly our Lord?) And he who changes Faith for disbelief, verily, he has gone astray from the right way.

109. Many of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) wish that if they could turn you away as disbelievers after you have believed, out of envy from their ownselves, even, after the truth (that Muhammad Peace be upon him is Allâh's Messenger) has become manifest unto them. But forgive and overlook, till Allâh brings His Command. Verily, Allâh is Able to do all things.

110. And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, and whatever of good (deeds that Allâh loves) you send forth for yourselves before you, you shall find it with Allâh. Certainly, Allâh is All-Seer of what you do.

111. And they say, "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian." These are their own desires. Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ), "Produce your proof if you are truthful."

112. Yes, but whoever submits his face (himself) to Allâh (i.e. follows Allâh's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism) and he is a Muhsin (good-doer i.e. performs good deeds totally for Allâh's sake only without any show off or to gain praise or fame, etc., and in accordance with the Sunnah of Allâh's Messenger Muhammad Peace be upon him ) then his reward is with his Lord (Allâh), on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. [See Tafsir Ibn Kathîr, Vol.1, Page 154].

002.104
YUSUFALI: O ye of Faith! Say not (to the Messenger) words of ambiguous import, but words of respect; and hearken (to him): To those without Faith is a grievous punishment.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe, say not (unto the Prophet): "Listen to us" but say "Look upon us," and be ye listeners. For disbelievers is a painful doom.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! do not say Raina and say Unzurna and listen, and for the unbelievers there is a painful chastisement.

002.105
YUSUFALI: It is never the wish of those without Faith among the People of the Book, nor of the Pagans, that anything good should come down to you from your Lord. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He will - for Allah is Lord of grace abounding.
PICKTHAL: Neither those who disbelieve among the people of the Scripture nor the idolaters love that there should be sent down unto you any good thing from your Lord. But Allah chooseth for His mercy whom He will, and Allah is of Infinite Bounty.
SHAKIR: Those who disbelieve from among the followers of the Book do not like, nor do the polytheists, that the good should be sent down to you from your Lord, and Allah chooses especially whom He pleases for His mercy, and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.

002.106
YUSUFALI: None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?
PICKTHAL: Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to do all things?
SHAKIR: Whatever communications We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things?

002.107
YUSUFALI: Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper.
PICKTHAL: Knowest thou not that it is Allah unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; and ye have not, beside Allah, any guardian or helper?
SHAKIR: Do you not know that Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and that besides Allah you have no guardian or helper?

002.108
YUSUFALI: Would ye question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? but whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hath strayed without doubt from the even way.
PICKTHAL: Or would ye question your messenger as Moses was questioned aforetime? He who chooseth disbelief instead of faith, verily he hath gone astray from a plain road.
SHAKIR: Rather you wish to put questions to your Messenger, as Musa was questioned before; and whoever adopts unbelief instead of faith, he indeed has lost the right direction of the way.

002.109
YUSUFALI: Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could Turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth hath become Manifest unto them: But forgive and overlook, Till Allah accomplish His purpose; for Allah Hath power over all things.
PICKTHAL: Many of the people of the Scripture long to make you disbelievers after your belief, through envy on their own account, after the truth hath become manifest unto them. Forgive and be indulgent (toward them) until Allah give command. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: Many of the followers of the Book wish that they could turn you back into unbelievers after your faith, out of envy from themselves, (even) after the truth has become manifest to them; but pardon and forgive, so that Allah should bring about His command; surely Allah has power over all things.

002.110
YUSUFALI: And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees Well all that ye do.
PICKTHAL: Establish worship, and pay the poor-due; and whatever of good ye send before (you) for your souls, ye will find it with Allah. Lo! Allah is Seer of what ye do.
SHAKIR: And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and whatever good you send before for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah; surely Allah sees what you do.

002.111
YUSUFALI: And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian." Those are their (vain) desires. Say: "Produce your proof if ye are truthful."
PICKTHAL: And they say: None entereth paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian. These are their own desires. Say: Bring your proof (of what ye state) if ye are truthful.
SHAKIR: And they say: None shall enter the garden (or paradise) except he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are their vain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you are truthful.

002.112
YUSUFALI: Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
PICKTHAL: Nay, but whosoever surrendereth his purpose to Allah while doing good, his reward is with his Lord; and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
SHAKIR: Yes! whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) he has his reward from his Lord, and there is no fear for him nor shall he grieve.

Section 14.

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Jews came to know that a delegation of Christians had come to talk to the Prophet about Islam and joined them in order to participate in the discussion, but ended up decrying one another.

2 : 113

113. Waqalati alyahoodu laysati alnnasara AAala shay-in waqalati alnnasara laysati alyahoodu AAala shay-in wahum yatloona alkitaba kathalika qala allatheena la yaAAlamoona mithla qawlihim faAllahu yahkumu baynahum yawma alqiyamati feema kanoo feehi yakhtalifoona

The Jews say : 'Christians are not true to their religion!' and the Christians say : 'Jews are not true to their religion!' although both are readers of  Scriptures! They say the same things the ignorant say and hence Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that over which they argue.
 

(Both are readers of their respective Scriptures and each is familiar with the Scripture and the Prophet of the other and yet they talk like ignoramus talk : the ignoramus meaning idolaters and pagans who did not have the benefit of Divine guidance and therefore uttered whatever they liked about whichever religion they chose to denigrate).

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when some of the idolaters desecrated the Holy House in Mecca and then imposed severe restrictions on the believers from gaining access to it for offering worship.

2 : 114

114. Waman athlamu mimman manaAAa masajida Allahi an yuthkara feeha ismuhu wasaAAa fee kharabiha ola-ika ma kana lahum an yadkhulooha illa kha-ifeena lahum fee alddunya khizyun walahum fee al-akhirati AAathabun AAatheemun

Who is a worse offender than him who bars men from entering the sanctuaries of Allah lest His name is echoed inside them, and abets in their vandalisation? It is not lawful for anyone to enter them except him who enters them with reverence! Theirs is disgrace in this world and theirs is a severe castigation in the Hereafter!
 

(According to Islamic scholars, the sanctuaries referred to in this verse were : al-Masjid-al- Haram in Mecca and al-Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. At one time or the other Muslims were hindered from entering them by the Jews, the Christians as well as the idolaters).

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a group of believers came to the Prophet and told him that, during a nocturnal journey when there was pitch darkness, they were unable to determine the correct direction of the Qiblah for offering worship and hence each of them faced a direction which he thought was the correct direction.

2 : 115

115. Walillahi almashriqu waalmaghribu faaynama tuwalloo fathamma wajhu Allahi inna Allaha wasiAAun AAaleemun

To Allah belongs the East and the West! Whichever direction you turn, you come face to face with Allah's countenance. Allah is Ubiquitous and Erudite!
 

(This verse asserts that, if you are on a journey and are in a situation at the time of worship that makes it difficult for you to determine the right direction to turn, it is no sin for you to approximate the direction and offer worship, because both the East and the West belong to the same Lord).

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the Jews claimed that a Prophet of theirs called Uzair was the son of God, and the Christians claimed that Jesus was the son of God and the pagans claimed the Angels were daughters of God!

2 : 116

116. Waqaloo itakhatha Allahu waladan subhanahu bal lahu ma fee alssamawati waal-ardi kullun lahu qanitoona

They say : 'Allah has taken for Himself a son!' May He rise above such a senseless blasphemy. Nay, but whatever is in the heavens and upon earth belongs to Him and everything is subservient to Him -

2 : 117

117. BadeeAAu alssamawati waal-ardi wa-itha qada amran fa-innama yaqoolu lahu kun fayakoonu

(Who is) the Originator of the heavens and the earth! When He decrees a thing, all He says is : 'Be!' and it is!
 

(When Allah decided to create the Universe, all He said was : ‘Be!’ and it was).

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Prophet was challenged by the pagan Arabs to make Allah speak with them face to face.

2 : 118

118. Waqala allatheena la yaAAlamoona lawla yukallimuna Allahu aw ta/teena ayatun kathalika qala allatheena min qablihim mithla qawlihim tashabahat quloobuhum qad bayyanna al-ayati liqawmin yooqinoona

Those who are devoid of knowledge say : 'Why does Allah speak not with us nor make manifest to us a clear sign?' This they say in the same way as others before them used to say because the hearts of these and the hearts of those are so much alike! We did make manifest many a sign, but only for those who are firm in faith.

*  *  *

2 : 119

119. Inna arsalnaka bialhaqqi basheeran wanatheeran wala tus-alu Aaan as-habi aljaheemi

Verily We have sent you (O Mohammed) with the Truth as a bearer of good tidings and a warner, and you will not be questioned about those who are the denizens of Hell!
 

('You shall not be questioned about those who entered hell despite the guidance provided to them because, as far as you are concerned, you have discharged your responsibility in full by passing it on to them).

2 : 120

120. Walan tarda AAanka alyahoodu wala alnnasara hatta tattabiAAa millatahum qul inna huda Allahi huwa alhuda wala-ini ittabaAAta ahwaahum baAAda allathee jaaka mina alAAilmi ma laka mina Allahi min waliyyin wala naseerin

And the Jews will never co-operate with you nor will the Christians, until you surrender to their dogmas, so say to them : 'The guidance given by Allah is the only worthwhile guidance!' But if you succumb to their persuasion even after the knowledge that has dawned on you, then beware that you too will have no guardian nor a cohort to protect you from Allah!
 

(The hostility of the followers of Torah and the followers of Gospel towards the followers of Qur'aan is historic and spans over centuries upon centuries. For the benefit of the readers of this translation who belong to a denomination other than Islam, it should be made clear that Islam did not set itself up as a rival to Judaism or to Christianity but is merely an extension of the two faiths.

From the very inception of mankind which began with the expulsion of Adam from Paradise, a tussle has carried on between forces of good and evil, - the good being the constant endeavour of man to regain his place in the Garden of Eden, and the evil being the constant endeavour of Satan to hamper him from doing so, - a war which commenced in heaven and can only end in heaven. Meanwhile there are battles going on between him and us, some of which we win and some of which we lose. For that reason Allah had promised Adam that He would, from time to time, choose messengers from the midst of man's own brotherhood and through them provide His Guidance to those who are facing defeats so that they stand firm in their resolve.

It was in keeping with this reassurance that, whenever too many men strayed away from the right path, Allah at once entrusted a messenger to guide them back to it. Such was Noah, such was Abraham, such was Moses, such was Jesus and such was Mohammed (may Allah's peace be on all of them) Each and every Scripture revealed to them bears the same message, the same guidelines and the same warning: 'Beware of the devil and forget Him not Who created you!' All the Qur'aan does is to remind mankind of what befell those who surrendered to the devil and forsook their Lord; it is a Reminder of the past and a Criterion of right and wrong for the future.

No doubt, it does differ from the Torah and the Gospel to a certain extent, but only in detail and not in essence, and only where the texts were tampered with by the hand of man and then assigned to the hand of God. No Christian nor a Jew can put his hand on his heart and swear that such a tampering was not carried out in their Scriptures. That is why, learning from experience, the learned men who compiled these verses revealed by Allah in the form of a single volume made sure that such tampering would not be done in the case of the Qur'aan, so that in a thousand years and beyond, a Muslim can always put his hand upon his heart and swear that no human hand ever dared to touch or to change or to dilute the message of his Lord.

There can therefore be no reason nor grounds for animosity between these three branches of a great religion. Time and again Allah asks the Prophet to declare it to them : 'We worship the same God whom you worship; we believe in the same messengers in whom you believe; we endorse the same values which you endorse, we are exhorted to follow the same path which you were exhorted to follow, so what is the problem? Why should there be any rivalry between us? Why can we not join our hands in accomplishing a common mission and unite against the devil?)

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a delegation of African and Syrian Jews met the Prophet and he found them to be flawless in their recital of the Torah.

2 : 121

121. Allatheena ataynahumu alkitaba yatloonahu haqqa tilawatihi ola-ika yu/minoona bihi waman yakfur bihi faola-ika humu alkhasiroona

Those to whom We have given the Scripture and who recite it as it ought to be recited, they are believers. And those who believe not in it, they are the forfeited! (R)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

113. The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing (i.e. are not on the right religion); and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing (i.e. are not on the right religion); though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allâh will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing.

114. And who is more unjust than those who forbid that Allâh's Name be glorified and mentioned much (i.e. prayers and invocations, etc.) in Allâh's Mosques and strive for their ruin? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them (Allâh's Mosques) except in fear. For them there is disgrace in this world, and they will have a great torment in the Hereafter.

115. And to Allâh belong the east and the west, so wherever you turn yourselves or your faces there is the Face of Allâh (and He is High above, over His Throne). Surely! Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knowing.

116. And they (Jews, Christians and pagans) say: Allâh has begotten a son (children or offspring). ^[] Glory be to Him (Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and all surrender with obedience (in worship) to Him.

117. The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it : "Be!" - and it is.

118. And those who have no knowledge say: "Why does not Allâh speak to us (face to face) or why does not a sign come to us?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike, We have indeed made plain the signs for people who believe with certainty.

119. Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ) with the truth (Islâm), a bringer of glad tidings (for those who believe in what you brought, that they will enter Paradise) and a warner (for those who disbelieve in what you brought, they will enter the Hell-fire). ^[] And you will not be asked about the dwellers of the blazing Fire.

120. Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ) till you follow their religion. Say: "Verily, the Guidance of Allâh (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism) that is the (only) Guidance. And if you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ) were to follow their (Jews and Christians) desires after what you have received of Knowledge (i.e. the Qur'ân), then you would have against Allâh neither any Walî (protector or guardian) nor any helper.

121. Those (who embraced Islâm from Banî Israel) to whom We gave the Book [the Taurât (Torah)] [or those (Muhammad's Peace be upon him companions) to whom We have given the Book (the Qur'ân)] recite it (i.e. obey its orders and follow its teachings) as it should be recited (i.e. followed), they are the ones that believe therein. And whoso disbelieves in it (the Qur'ân), those are they who are the losers. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubî. Vol. 2, Page 95).

002.113
YUSUFALI: The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they (Profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.
PICKTHAL: And the Jews say the Christians follow nothing (true), and the Christians say the Jews follow nothing (true); yet both are readers of the Scripture. Even thus speak those who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein they differ.
SHAKIR: And the Jews say: The Christians do not follow anything (good) and the Christians say: The Jews do not follow anything (good) while they recite the (same) Book. Even thus say those who have no knowledge, like to what they say; so Allah shall judge between them on the day of resurrection in what they differ.

002.114
YUSUFALI: And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah's name should be celebrated?-whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, an exceeding torment.
PICKTHAL: And who doth greater wrong than he who forbiddeth the approach to the sanctuaries of Allah lest His name should be mentioned therein, and striveth for their ruin. As for such, it was never meant that they should enter them except in fear. Theirs in the world is ignominy and theirs in the Hereafter is an awful doom.
SHAKIR: And who is more unjust than he who prevents (men) from the masjids of Allah, that His name should be remembered in them, and strives to ruin them? (As for) these, it was not proper for them that they should have entered them except in fear; they shall meet with disgrace in this world, and they shall have great chastisement in the hereafter.

002.115
YUSUFALI: To Allah belong the east and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing.
PICKTHAL: Unto Allah belong the East and the West, and whithersoever ye turn, there is Allah's Countenance. Lo! Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
SHAKIR: And Allah's is the East and the West, therefore, whither you turn, thither is Allah's purpose; surely Allah is Amplegiving, Knowing.

002.116
YUSUFALI: They say: "Allah hath begotten a son" :Glory be to Him.-Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything renders worship to Him.
PICKTHAL: And they say: Allah hath taken unto Himself a son. Be He glorified! Nay, but whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth is His. All are subservient unto Him.
SHAKIR: And they say: Allah has taken to himself a son. Glory be to Him; rather, whatever is in the heavens and the earth is His; all are obedient to Him.

002.117
YUSUFALI: To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is.
PICKTHAL: The Originator of the heavens and the earth! When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.
SHAKIR: Wonderful Originator of the heavens and the earth, and when He decrees an affair, He only says to it, Be, so there it is.

002.118
YUSUFALI: Say those without knowledge: "Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts).
PICKTHAL: And those who have no knowledge say: Why doth not Allah speak unto us, or some sign come unto us? Even thus, as they now speak, spake those (who were) before them. Their hearts are all alike. We have made clear the revelations for people who are sure.
SHAKIR: And those who have no knowledge say: Why does not Allah speak to us or a sign come to us? Even thus said those before them, the like of what they say; their hearts are all alike. Indeed We have made the communications clear for a people who are sure.

002.119
YUSUFALI: Verily We have sent thee in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner: But of thee no question shall be asked of the Companions of the Blazing Fire.
PICKTHAL: Lo! We have sent thee (O Muhammad) with the truth, a bringer of glad tidings and a warner. And thou wilt not be asked about the owners of hell-fire.
SHAKIR: Surely We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good news and as a warner, and you shall not be called upon to answer for the companions of the flaming
fire.

002.120
YUSUFALI: Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: "The Guidance of Allah,-that is the (only) Guidance." Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against Allah.
PICKTHAL: And the Jews will not be pleased with thee, nor will the Christians, till thou follow their creed. Say: Lo! the guidance of Allah (Himself) is Guidance. And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then wouldst thou have from Allah no protecting guardian nor helper.
SHAKIR: And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians until you follow their religion. Say: Surely Allah's guidance, that is the (true) guidance. And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper.

002.121
YUSUFALI: Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein,- the loss is their own.
PICKTHAL: Those unto whom We have given the Scripture, who read it with the right reading, those believe in it. And whoso disbelieveth in it, those are they who are the losers.
SHAKIR: Those to whom We have given the Book read it as it ought to be read. These believe in it; and whoever disbelieves in it, these it is that are the losers.

 Section 15.

2 : 122

 122. Ya banee isra-eela othkuroo niAAmatiya allatee anAAamtu AAalaykum waannee faddaltukum AAala alAAalameena

O Children of Israel! Remember the favour I bestowed upon you when I gave you precedence over all My other bondsmen -

2 : 123

123. Waittaqoo yawman la tajzee nafsun AAan nafsin shay-an wala yuqbalu minha AAadlun wala tanfaAAuha shafaAAatun wala hum yunsaroona

And prepare for the Day when no soul will be able to avail another soul nor will any ransom be accepted from it nor will intercession be of any use to it nor will help be given to it!
 

(The above verses were aimed at the Jews who used to boast that the men of wisdom and virtue from amongst their ancestors were bound to ransom their souls or intercede on their behalf or help them out in their hour of need, even if it be true that they were brought before their Lord on a certain Day).
 

2 : 124

124. Wa-ithi ibtala ibraheema rabbuhu bikalimatin faatammahunna qala innee jaAAiluka lilnnasi imaman qala wamin thurriyyatee qala la yanalu AAahdee alththalimeena

And (remember) when his Lord tested Abraham with certain commands and he succeeded in all, He said : 'I shall make you a leader amongst men!' Abraham said : 'And from among my seed?' He said : 'My promise extends not to the disbelievers among them!' -

2 : 125

125. Wa-ith jaAAalna albayta mathabatan lilnnasi waamnan waittakhithoo min maqami ibraheema musallan waAAahidna ila ibraheema wa-ismaAAeela an tahhira baytiya liltta-ifeena waalAAakifeena waalrrukkaAAi alssujoodi

When We appointed the House a nucleus and a safe haven for all mankind saying : 'Let the spot where
Abraham stood and prayed be a place of worship for all of you!' And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael saying : 'Consecrate My House for those who come there to go around it and to meditate and to bow to Me and to prostrate before Me!'
 

(A safe haven because no form of bloodshed or persecution is allowed in its sacrosanct perimeters, including game; and according to certain commentators, if a criminal has taken shelter in it, he becomes immune from arrest in the same way as a believer who has entered its doors is reprieved by Allah from divine castigation).
 

2 : 126

126. Wa-ith qala ibraheemu rabbi ijAAal hatha baladan aminan waorzuq ahlahu mina alththamarati man amana minhum biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri qala waman kafara faomattiAAuhu qaleelan thumma adtarruhu ila AAathabi alnnari wabi/sa almaseeru

When Abraham prayed : 'O Lord! Make this territory a haven of peace and bestow on those of its denizens who believe in Allah and in the Last Day a diversity of fruit!'  He said : 'As for him that  disbelieves, I shall give him a small portion and then impel him towards the torment of Fire, - a dreadful prospect!'
 

('A small portion’ refers to the comforts of the life of this world which are bestowed upon any man or woman who performs righteous deeds and follows the same code of conduct ordained for the believers by Allah, whether or not they acknowledge Him to be their Lord and surrender  to the His hegemony)
 

2 : 127

127. Wa-ith yarfaAAu ibraheemu alqawaAAida mina albayti wa-ismaAAeelu rabbana taqabbal minna innaka anta alssameeAAu alAAaleemu

And while raising the foundations of the House along with Ishmael, Abraham prayed : 'O Lord! Accept this from us, for verily You and only You hear and know everything! ' -
 

(According to tradition, the foundation stone for the Ka'ba, or the al-Hajar-al-Aswad as it is now known, was first laid by Adam, and after the Great Deluge of Noah, it fell into the share of Abraham's luck to re-lay it for the second time).
 

2 : 128

128. Rabbana waijAAalna muslimayni laka wamin thurriyyatina ommatan muslimatan laka waarina manasikana watub AAalayna innaka anta alttawwabu alrraheemu

'O Lord! Make us a people obedient to You and raise from our seed a nation obedient to You and show us our ways of worship and look upon us with mercy, for You and only You are the most Magnanimous and the most Merciful!' -

2 : 129

129. Rabbana waibAAath feehim rasoolan minhum yatloo AAalayhim ayatika wayuAAallimuhumu alkitaba waalhikmata wayuzakkeehim innaka anta alAAazeezu alhakimeen
 

'O Lord! And appoint for them a messenger chosen from their own brotherhood who shall recite to them Your Revelations and shall give them a firm knowledge about the Scripture and augment their wisdom and cleanse their souls! Verily You and only You are the Meritorious and the Sagacious!' (R)
 

(The messenger whom Allah appointed in response to this memorable prayer of Abraham was indeed our own beloved Prophet who did recite the Qur'aan to his fellow believers and augment their wisdom and cleanse their souls).

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

122. O Children of Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you to the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns) (of your time-period, in the past).

123. And fear the Day (of Judgement) when no person shall avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from him, nor shall intercession be of use to him, nor shall they be helped.

124. And (remember) when the Lord of Ibrâhim (Abraham) [i.e., Allâh] tried him with (certain) Commands, which he fulfilled. He (Allâh) said (to him), "Verily, I am going to make you a leader (Prophet) of mankind." [Ibrâhim (Abraham)] said, "And of my offspring (to make leaders)." (Allâh) said, "My Covenant (Prophethood, etc.) includes not Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)."

125. And (remember) when We made the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah) a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the Maqâm (place) of Ibrâhim (Abraham) [or the stone on which Ibrâhim (Abraham) <><> stood while he was building the Ka'bah] as a place of prayer (for some of your prayers, e.g. two Rak'at after the Tawâf of the Ka'bah at Makkah), and We commanded Ibrâhim (Abraham) and Ismâ'il (Ishmael) that they should purify My House (the Ka'bah at Makkah) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying (I'tikâf), or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in prayer).

126. And (remember) when Ibrâhim (Abraham) said, "My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allâh and the Last Day." He (Allâh) answered: "As for him who disbelieves, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!"

127. And (remember) when Ibrâhim (Abraham) and (his son) Ismâ'il (Ishmael) were raising the foundations of the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), (saying), "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." ^[]

128. "Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manâsik ^[] (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage - Hajj and 'Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.

129. "Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allâh answered their invocation by sending Muhammad Peace be upon him ), who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur'ân) and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the Islâmic laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophethood, etc.), and sanctify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise."

002.122
YUSUFALI: O Children of Israel! call to mind the special favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message).
PICKTHAL: O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures.
SHAKIR: O children of Israel, call to mind My favor which I bestowed on you and that I made you excel the nations.
002.123
YUSUFALI: Then guard yourselves against a-Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
PICKTHAL: And guard (yourselves) against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, nor will compensation be accepted from it, nor will intercession be of use to it; nor will they be helped.
SHAKIR: And be on your guard against a day when no soul shall avail another in the least neither shall any compensation be accepted from it, nor shall intercession profit it, nor shall they be helped.
002.124
YUSUFALI: And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: "I will make thee an Imam to the Nations." He pleaded: "And also (Imams) from my offspring!" He answered: "But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers."
PICKTHAL: And (remember) when his Lord tried Abraham with (His) commands, and he fulfilled them, He said: Lo! I have appointed thee a leader for mankind. (Abraham) said: And of my offspring (will there be leaders)? He said: My covenant includeth not wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: And when his Lord tried Ibrahim with certain words, he fulfilled them. He said: Surely I will make you an Imam of men. Ibrahim said: And of my offspring? My covenant does not include the unjust, said He.
002.125
YUSUFALI: Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma'il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).
PICKTHAL: And when We made the House (at Makka) a resort for mankind and sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship).
SHAKIR: And when We made the House a pilgrimage for men and a (place of) security, and: Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing-place of Ibrahim. And We enjoined Ibrahim and Ismail saying: Purify My House for those who visit (it) and those who abide (in it) for devotion and those who bow down (and) those who prostrate themselves.
002.126
YUSUFALI: And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." He said: "(Yea), and such as reject Faith,-for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire,- an evil destination (indeed)!"
PICKTHAL: And when Abraham prayed: My Lord! Make this a region of security and bestow upon its people fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day, He answered: As for him who disbelieveth, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the doom of Fire - a hapless journey's end!
SHAKIR: And when Ibrahim said: My Lord, make it a secure town and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the last day. He said: And whoever disbelieves, I will grant him enjoyment for a short while, then I will drive him to the chastisement of the fire; and it is an evil destination.
002.127
YUSUFALI: And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.
PICKTHAL: And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, (Abraham prayed): Our Lord! Accept from us (this duty). Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower.
SHAKIR: And when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House: Our Lord! accept from us; surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing:
002.128
YUSUFALI: "Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Our Lord! And make us submissive unto Thee and of our seed a nation submissive unto Thee, and show us our ways of worship, and relent toward us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Relenting, the Merciful.
SHAKIR: Our Lord! and make us both submissive to Thee and (raise) from our offspring a nation submitting to Thee, and show us our ways of devotion and turn to us (mercifully), surely Thou art the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful.
002.129
YUSUFALI: "Our Lord! send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them: For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
PICKTHAL: Our Lord! And raise up in their midst a messenger from among them who shall recite unto them Thy revelations, and shall instruct them in the Scripture and in wisdom and shall make them grow. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Mighty, Wise.
SHAKIR: Our Lord! and raise up in them a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Thy communications and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and purify them; surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise.

 
Section 16

Context of Revelation: The following verses were revealed when a learned Jew embraced Islam and invited his nephew and his niece to do the same, reminding them of the prediction in the Torah that the Last of the Prophets would hail from the seed of Abraham. While she accepted his advice, his nephew turned it down.

2 : 130

130. Waman yarghabu AAan millati ibraheema illa man safiha nafsahu walaqadi istafaynahu fee alddunya wa-innahu fee al-akhirati lamina alssaliheena

And who reviles the religion of Abraham but he who is an imbecile in his core! We cherished him in this world, and in the Hereafter We gave him a place among the most righteous!

2 : 131

131. Ith qala lahu rabbuhu aslim qala aslamtu lirabbi alAAalameena

When his Lord said to him : 'Surrender!' he said : 'I surrender to Him who is the Lord of the Worlds!'

2 : 132

132. Wawassa biha ibraheemu baneehi wayaAAqoobu ya baniyya inna Allaha istafa lakumu alddeena fala tamootunna illa waantum muslimoona

It was the same faith which Abraham handed down to his sons and to Jacob saying : 'O my sons! Allah has chosen this religion for you too, so die not except as those who have surrendered to Him!'

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the Jewish clerics claimed that, at the time of his death, Prophet Jacob exhorted his progeny to adhere to no other creed save Judaism.

2 : 133

133. Am kuntum shuhadaa ith hadara yaAAqooba almawtu ith qala libaneehi ma taAAbudoona min baAAdee qaloo naAAbudu ilahaka wa-ilaha aba-ika ibraheema wa-ismaAAeela wa-ishaqa ilahan wahidan wanahnu lahu muslimoona

Were you a witness when the moment of death arrived for Jacob? He said to his sons : 'Whom will you worship after my death?' They said : 'We will worship Him who is your  God and God of your forefathers Abraham and Ishmael and of Isaac! He is the One and the Only God and it is to Him that we surrender!

2 : 134

134. Tilka ommatun qad khalat laha ma kasabat walakum ma kasabtum wala tus-aloona AAamma kano yaAAmaloona

Theirs was a generation that has passed away! To them belongs that which they earned and to you belongs that which you earn and you will not be questioned about their deeds!
 

(Let those who level false imputations against the souls of those who passed away do well to remember that they are answerable for their own convictions and actions in the same way as you are answerable for yours).
 
 

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when Jews and Christians kept persistently claiming that only Judaism and Christianity are the true religions of God.

2 : 135

135. Waqaloo koonoo hoodan aw nasara tahtadoo qul bal millata ibraheema haneefan wama kana mina almushrikeena

They say : 'Be either a Jew or a Christian and you will find the right guidance!' Say to them : 'Nay, we prefer to follow the religion of Abraham, the upright, who was not of the idolaters!

2 : 136

136. Qooloo amanna biAllahi wama onzila ilayna wama onzila ila ibraheema wa-ismaAAeela wa-ishaqa wayaAAqooba waal-asbati wama ootiya moosa waAAeesa wama ootiya alnnabiyyoona min rabbihim la nufarriqu bayna ahadin minhum wanahnu lahu muslimoona

Say (together O believers!) : 'We believe in Allah and in that which is revealed to us and in that which was revealed to Abraham and to Ishmael and to Isaac and to Jacob and their descendants, and in the miracles that were bestowed by their Lord upon Moses and upon Jesus and upon all the other Prophets! And we discriminate not between them and we surrender not to anyone but Him!'
 

(Openly acknowledging and solemnly believing in this complex asseveration is at the core of Islam. A true Muslim not only believes in Allah and in the last of His Prophets and the last of His Scriptures, but also in all of His Prophets and all of His Scriptures with equal ardour).
 

2 : 137

137. Fa-in amanoo bimithli ma amantum bihi faqadi ihtadaw wa-in tawallaw fa-innama hum fee shiqaqin fasayakfeekahumu Allahu wahuwa alssameeAAu alAAaleemu

And if they believe as you believe, then they have found guidance; but if they refute, they remain tangled in controversies. Allah's strength will suffice you against their strength, for He hears everything and knows everything!
 

(Allah bound Himself with a promise in these memorable words, - which are recited again and again on the rosary by most devout Muslims, - that His strength and His backing will suffice those who believe in Him against the combined might of their adversaries, - a promise and a candid prediction which eventually did come true!)
 

2 : 138

138. Sibghata Allahi waman ahsanu mina Allahi sibghatan wanahnu lahu AAabidoona

We take our colour from Allah, and who is better at colouring than Allah? We worship Him alone.
 

(During those days, the Christian priests used to baptize their converts and new born babies with water tinted with yellow colour by dipping their head in a tub filled with yellow coloured water so that the hue caught on and only then accepted that the person or the baby had become a true Christian.

In sharp contrast to this ritual, Allah asks the believers to declare that we take our colour from Allah in the same way as a fabric takes its tone from a dye into which it is soaked, in totality and in entirety,- our hearts and our minds and our souls soaked in a colour that will last forever!)
 
 

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the Jews argued with Muslims that they were the adherents of the first revealed Scripture; that their Qiblah was the oldest Qiblah; that their religion was the most enduring religion; that all the Prophets in the past hailed from their creed and therefore, if their Prophet was also a true Prophet, he too would have hailed from the Jewish creed.

2 : 139

139. Qul atuhajjoonana fee Allahi wahuwa rabbuna warabbukum walana aAAmaluna walakum aAAmalukum wanahnu lahu mukhlisoona

Say to them : 'Why altercate with us over Allah when He is our Lord as well as your Lord? Our deeds are our concern and your deeds are your concern and we belong to no one but Him!
 

(After taking a good hard look at this glorious verse, can there be anyone in the entire world who can dub Islam an inflexible and fanatical religion, not prepared to co-exist with any other creed, as it is so often claimed?)

2 : 140

140. Am taqooloona inna ibraheema wa-ismaAAeela wa-ishaqa wayaAAqooba waal-asbata kanoo hoodan aw nasara qul aantum aAAlamu ami Allahu waman athlamu mimman katama shahadatan AAindahu mina Allahi wama Allahu bighafilin AAamma taAAmaloona

Or claim you that Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Tribes were either Jews or Christians? Say to them : 'Do you claim to know more than Allah?' Who can be more impetuous than him that conceals a testimony which he has received from Allah? Allah is not oblivious to your deeds!
 

(The Jews concealed from people the truth about Abraham as mentioned in the Torah that he was not an idolater but worshipped Allah alone as his only Lord, and the truth about Prophet Mohammed as prophesied in the same Scripture that the religion he was destined to preach was the only true religion of Allah).

2 : 141

141. Tilka ommatun qad khalat laha ma kasabat walakum ma kasabtum wala tus-aloona AAamma kanoo yaAAmaloona

Theirs was a generation that has passed away! To them belongs that which they earned and to you belongs that which you earn and you will not be questioned about their deeds! (R)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

130. And who turns away from the religion of Ibrâhim (Abraham) (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.

131. When his Lord said to him, "Submit (i.e. be a Muslim)!" He said, "I have submitted myself (as a Muslim) to the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists)."

132. And this (submission to Allâh, Islâm) was enjoined by Ibrâhim (Abraham) upon his sons and by Ya'qûb (Jacob), (saying), "O my sons! Allâh has chosen for you the (true) religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islâm (as Muslims - Islâmic Monotheism)."

133. Or were you witnesses when death approached Ya'qûb (Jacob)? When he said unto his sons, "What will you worship after me?" They said, "We shall worship your Ilâh ^[] (God - Allâh), the Ilâh (God) of your fathers, Ibrâhim (Abraham), Ismâ'il (Ishmael), Ishâque (Isaac), One Ilâh (God), and to Him we submit (in Islâm)."

134. That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do.

135. And they say, "Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided." Say (to them, O Muhammad Peace be upon him ), "Nay, (We follow) only the religion of Ibrâhim (Abraham), Hanifa [Islâmic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allâh (Alone)], and he was not of Al-Mushrikûn (those who worshipped others along with Allâh - see V.2:105)." ^[]

136. Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allâh and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrâhim (Abraham), Ismâ'il (Ishmael), Ishâque (Isaac), Ya'qûb (Jacob), and to Al-Asbât [the twelve sons of Ya'qûb (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Mûsa (Moses) and 'Iesa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islâm)."

137. So if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided, but if they turn away, then they are only in opposition. So Allâh will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

138. [Our Sibghah (religion) is] the Sibghah (Religion) of Allâh (Islâm) and which Sibghah (religion) can be better than Allâh's? And we are His worshippers. [Tafsir Ibn Kathîr.]

139. Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him to the Jews and Christians), "Dispute you with us about Allâh while He is our Lord and your Lord? And we are to be rewarded for our deeds and you for your deeds. ^[] And we are sincere to Him in worship and obedience (i.e. we worship Him Alone and none else, and we obey His Orders)."

140. Or say you that Ibrâhim (Abraham), Ismâ'il (Ishmael), Ishâque (Isaac), Ya'qûb (Jacob) and Al-Asbât [the twelve sons of Ya'qûb (Jacob)] were Jews or Christians? Say, "Do you know better or does Allâh (knows better… that they all were Muslims)? And who is more unjust than he who conceals the testimony [i.e. to believe in Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him when he comes, written in their Books. (See Verse 7:157)] he has from Allâh? And Allâh is not unaware of what you do."

141. That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned, and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do.

002.130
YUSUFALI: And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: And he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous.
PICKTHAL: And who forsaketh the religion of Abraham save him who befooleth himself? Verily We chose him in the world, and lo! in the Hereafter he is among the righteous.
SHAKIR: And who forsakes the religion of Ibrahim but he who makes himself a fool, and most certainly We chose him in this world, and in the hereafter he is most surely among the righteous.
002.131
YUSUFALI: Behold! his Lord said to him: "Bow (thy will to Me):" He said: "I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe."
PICKTHAL: When his Lord said unto him: Surrender! he said: I have surrendered to the Lord of the Worlds.
SHAKIR: When his Lord said to him, Be a Muslim, he said: I submit myself to the Lord of the worlds.
002.132
YUSUFALI: And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; "Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the Faith of Islam."
PICKTHAL: The same did Abraham enjoin upon his sons, and also Jacob, (saying): O my sons! Lo! Allah hath chosen for you the (true) religion; therefore die not save as men who have surrendered (unto Him).
SHAKIR: And the same did Ibrahim enjoin on his sons and (so did) Yaqoub. O my sons! surely Allah has chosen for you (this) faith, therefore die not unless you are Muslims.
002.133
YUSUFALI: Were ye witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons: "What will ye worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship Thy god and the god of thy fathers, of Abraham, Isma'il and Isaac,- the one (True) Allah: To Him we bow (in Islam)."
PICKTHAL: Or were ye present when death came to Jacob, when he said unto his sons: What will ye worship after me? They said: We shall worship thy god, the god of thy fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac, One Allah, and unto Him we have surrendered.
SHAKIR: Nay! were you witnesses when death visited Yaqoub, when he said to his sons: What will you serve after me? They said: We will serve your god and the god of your fathers, Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq, one Allah only, and to Him do we submit.
002.134
YUSUFALI: That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your case!
PICKTHAL: Those are a people who have passed away. Theirs is that which they earned, and yours is that which ye earn. And ye will not be asked of what they used to do.
SHAKIR: This is a people that have passed away; they shall have what they earned and you shall have what you earn, and you shall not be called upon to answer for what they did.
002.135
YUSUFALI: They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with Allah."
PICKTHAL: And they say: Be Jews or Christians, then ye will be rightly guided. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Nay, but (we follow) the religion of Abraham, the upright, and he was not of the idolaters.
SHAKIR: And they say: Be Jews or Christians, you will be on the right course. Say: Nay! (we follow) the religion of Ibrahim, the Hanif, and he was not one of the polytheists.
002.136
YUSUFALI: Say ye: "We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam)."
PICKTHAL: Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.
SHAKIR: Say: We believe in Allah and (in) that which had been revealed to us, and (in) that which was revealed to Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq and Yaqoub and the tribes, and (in) that which was given to Musa and Isa, and (in) that which was given to the prophets from their Lord, we do not make any distinction between any of them, and to Him do we submit.
002.137
YUSUFALI: So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice thee as against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
PICKTHAL: And if they believe in the like of that which ye believe, then are they rightly guided. But if they turn away, then are they in schism, and Allah will suffice thee (for defence) against them. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
SHAKIR: If then they believe as you believe in Him, they are indeed on the right course, and if they turn back, then they are only in great opposition, so Allah will suffice you against them, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
002.138
YUSUFALI: (Our religion is) the Baptism of Allah: And who can baptize better than Allah? And it is He Whom we worship.
PICKTHAL: (We take our) colour from Allah, and who is better than Allah at colouring. We are His worshippers.
SHAKIR: (Receive) the baptism of Allah, and who is better than Allah in baptising? and Him do we serve.
002.139
YUSUFALI: Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that We are sincere (in our faith) in Him?
PICKTHAL: Say (unto the People of the Scripture): Dispute ye with us concerning Allah when He is our Lord and your Lord? Ours are our works and yours your works. We look to Him alone.
SHAKIR: Say: Do you dispute with us about Allah, and He is our Lord and your Lord, and we shall have our deeds and you shall have your deeds, and we are sincere to Him.
002.140
YUSUFALI: Or do ye say that Abraham, Isma'il Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah? Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah? but Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!
PICKTHAL: Or say ye that Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know best, or doth Allah? And who is more unjust than he who hideth a testimony which he hath received from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what ye do.
SHAKIR: Nay! do you say that Ibrahim and Ismail and Yaqoub and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Are you better knowing or Allah? And who is more unjust than he who conceals a testimony that he has from Allah? And Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.
002.141
YUSUFALI: That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your case:
PICKTHAL: Those are a people who have passed away; theirs is that which they earned and yours that which ye earn. And ye will not be asked of what they used to do.
SHAKIR: This is a people that have passed away; they shall have what they earned and you shall have what you earn, and you shall not be called upon to answer for what they did.

Section 17

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Qiblah was changed for the Muslims from the Ka'ba in Mecca to Jerusalem at which the Jews, the Christians, the hypocrites and the idolaters poured scorn in one voice, claiming that the Prophet had lost his sense of direction and succumbed to the Jews

2 : 142

142. Sayaqoolu alssufahao mina alnnasi ma wallahum AAan qiblatihimu allatee kanoo AAalayha qul lillahi almashriqu waalmaghribu yahdee man yashao ila siratin mustaqeemin

Some fools among mankind say : 'Who has turned them away from the Qiblah which they once observed?' Say : 'To Allah belongs the East and the West! He guides whom He will on to the righteous path!
 

(Subsequent to the Prophet's emigration from Mecca to Madina along with his associates, Muslims were asked to face Jerusalem for a short time when offering worship. It upset the Jewish clerics because that was the same direction at which they faced when praying. Those who ridiculed the Prophet are referred to in the verse as fools because it stands to reason that the East belongs to Allah as much as the West does, and that facing a particular direction at the time of worship was merely a protocol imposed in order to bring about a synthesis between the peoples of different nations, scattered across the world).

*  *  *

2 : 143

143. Wakathalika jaAAalnakum ommatan wasatan litakoonoo shuhadaa AAala alnnasi wayakoona alrrasoolu AAalaykum shaheedan wama jaAAalna alqiblata allatee kunta AAalayha illa linaAAlama man yattabiAAu alrrasoola mimman yanqalibu AAala AAaqibayhi wa-in kanat lakabeeratan illa AAala allatheena hada Allahu wama kana Allahu liyudeeAAa eemanakum inna Allaha bialnnasi laraoofun raheemun

And such is the case that We made you an intermediary nation so that you may be a witness against all mankind and this messenger a witness against you. The Qiblah you once observed, We appointed that as well, so that We know who obeys the messenger and who turns round on his heels. It was, indeed, a hard test, except for those whom Allah has guided. It befits not Allah to render futile your faith, for verily Allah is full of kindness and pity towards mankind!
 

(On the Day of Judgement Allah will demand of His messengers the proof that they did what they were entrusted to do : conveyed His message to mankind with punctiliousness and efficacy. Whilst the rest of mankind would deny that their Prophets brought them Divine messages, the Muslims would stand firm in testifying that their Prophet did bring them a Divine message from Allah.

The verse clarifies that Jerusalem, which was decreed as the Qiblah for the Muslims in the past was also decreed by the same Allah in order to test who remained rooted to their faith and who would falter. Allah reassures us that, whichever direction we face when we worship, East or West, Jerusalem or Mecca, He will never render futile the faith which we conserve inside the inner sanctums of our hearts and our minds).
 

2 : 144

144. Qad nara taqalluba wajhika fee alssama-i falanuwalliyannaka qiblatan tardaha fawalli wajhaka shatra almasjidi alharami wahaythu ma kuntum fawalloo wujoohakum shatrahu wa-inna allatheena ootoo alkitaba layaAAlamoona annahu alhaqqu min rabbihim wama Allahu bighafilin AAamma yaAAmaloona

We have observed how you turn your face towards the heavens for guidance (O Mohammed), and We shall surely let you turn towards the Qiblah that you cherish! Turn towards the Hallowed Mosque, and you too (O Muslims), wherever you may be, turn your faces towards it when you pray. Those to whom the Scriptures were given before know well that this Revelation is the truth from their Lord! Allah is not oblivious to what they do!
 

(When this verse was revealed, the Prophet was leading a congregation and facing Jerusalem, but turned towards the al-Masjid-al-Haram in Mecca in course of the prayer, followed by the columns of Muslims standing behind him).
 

2 : 145

145. Wala-in atayta allatheena ootoo alkitaba bikulli ayatin ma tabiAAoo qiblataka wama anta bitabiAAin qiblatahum wama baAAduhum bitabiAAin qiblata baAAdin wala-ini ittabaAAta ahwaahum min baAAdi ma jaaka mina alAAilmi innaka ithan lamina alththalimeena

And even if you show to the people who have received the previous Scriptures any number of signs, they will not accept your Qiblah; nor is it binding on you to accept their Qiblah; nor are some of them followers of the Qiblah of others! And if you succumb to their whims after knowledge has come to you, then surely you too will be one with the sinful!
 

(The verse highlights how divided and distanced the Peoples of previous Scriptures had become over the centuries, each insisting on a Qiblah of their own, - the Qiblah being the direction at which we face at the time of worship, - the Jews facing Jerusalem, the Christians facing the Eastern wing of Jerusalem where the crucifixion of Jesus, according to them, had taken place, - as chosen by their own whims and not as ordained by Allah. On the contrary, the Prophet and his adherents faced the direction as ordained for them by Allah, - Jerusalem it was, if Jerusalem was ordained; Mecca it was if Mecca was ordained; regardless of what we cherished, regardless of how we felt, regardless how much we were ridiculed!

The verse also contains an admonishment to the Muslims not to succumb to their maverick whims and fancies lest they too became transgressors like them).
 

2 : 146

146. Allatheena ataynahumu alkitaba yaAArifoonahu kama yaAArifoona abnaahum wa-inna fareeqan minhum layaktumoona alhaqqa wahum yaAAlamoona

And those to whom We gave the Scripture are familiar with this messenger as intimately as they are with their own sons and yet a group of them knowingly suppress the truth!
 

(This familiarity stemmed from the vivid description of the Last Prophet mentioned in the Torah and in the Gospel about which the learned pedagogues of both communities were well aware).
 

2 : 147

147. Alhaqqu min rabbika fala takoonanna mina almumtareena

This is the truth from your Lord (O Mohammed) so be not of those who hesitate! (R)

EXAMPLES OF OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

142. The fools (pagans, hypocrites, and Jews) among the people will say, "What has turned them (Muslims) from their Qiblah [prayer direction (towards Jerusalem)] to which they were used to face in prayer." Say, (O Muhammad SAW) "To Allâh belong both, east and the west. He guides whom He wills to a Straight Way."

143. Thus We have made you [true Muslims - real believers of Islâmic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad SAW and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind^[] and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) be a witness over you. And We made the Qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy) except for those whom Allâh guided. And Allâh would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allâh is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind.

144. Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's SAW) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid- al-Harâm (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction. Certainly, the people who were given the Scriptures (i.e. Jews and the Christians) know well that, that (your turning towards the direction of the Ka'bah at Makkah in prayers) is the truth from their Lord. And Allâh is not unaware of what they do.

145. And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their Qiblah (prayer direction). And they will not follow each other's Qiblah (prayer direction). Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allâh), then indeed you will be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.).

146. Those to whom We gave the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognise him (Muhammad SAW or the Ka'bah at Makkah) as they recongise their sons. But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it - [i.e. the qualities of Muhammad SAW which are written in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)]^[].

147. (This is) the truth from your Lord. So be you not one of those who doubt.

002.142
YUSUFALI: The fools among the people will say: "What hath turned them from the Qibla to which they were used?" Say: To Allah belong both east and West: He guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight.
PICKTHAL: The foolish of the people will say: What hath turned them from the qiblah which they formerly observed? Say: Unto Allah belong the East and the West. He guideth whom He will unto a straight path.
SHAKIR: The fools among the people will say: What has turned them from their qiblah which they had? Say: The East and the West belong only to Allah; He guides whom He likes to the right path.
002.143
YUSUFALI: Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (From the Faith). Indeed it was (A change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah Make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Thus We have appointed you a middle nation, that ye may be witnesses against mankind, and that the messenger may be a witness against you. And We appointed the qiblah which ye formerly observed only that We might know him who followeth the messenger, from him who turneth on his heels. In truth it was a hard (test) save for those whom Allah guided. But it was not Allah's purpose that your faith should be in vain, for Allah is Full of Pity, Merciful toward mankind.
SHAKIR: And thus We have made you a medium (just) nation that you may be the bearers of witness to the people and (that) the Messenger may be a bearer of witness to you; and We did not make that which you would have to be the qiblah but that We might distinguish him who follows the Messenger from him who turns back upon his heels, and this was surely hard except for those whom Allah has guided aright; and Allah was not going to make your faith to be fruitless; most surely Allah is Affectionate, Merciful to the people.
002.144
YUSUFALI: We see the turning of thy face (for guidance to the heavens: now Shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.
PICKTHAL: We have seen the turning of thy face to heaven (for guidance, O Muhammad). And now verily We shall make thee turn (in prayer) toward a qiblah which is dear to thee. So turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship, and ye (O Muslims), wheresoever ye may be, turn your faces (when ye pray) toward it. Lo! Those who have received the Scripture know that (this revelation) is the Truth from their Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what they do.
SHAKIR: Indeed We see the turning of your face to heaven, so We shall surely turn you to a qiblah which you shall like; turn then your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and wherever you are, turn your face towards it, and those who have been given the Book most surely know that it is the truth from their Lord; and Allah is not at all heedless of what they do.
002.145
YUSUFALI: Even if thou wert to bring to the people of the Book all the Signs (together), they would not follow Thy Qibla; nor art thou going to follow their Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other's Qibla. If thou after the knowledge hath reached thee, Wert to follow their (vain) desires,-then wert thou Indeed (clearly) in the wrong.
PICKTHAL: And even if thou broughtest unto those who have received the Scripture all kinds of portents, they would not follow thy qiblah, nor canst thou be a follower of their qiblah; nor are some of them followers of the qiblah of others. And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then surely wert thou of the evil-doers.
SHAKIR: And even if you bring to those who have been given the Book every sign they would not follow your qiblah, nor can you be a follower of their qiblah, neither are they the followers of each other's qiblah, and if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, then you shall most surely be among the unjust.
002.146
YUSUFALI: The people of the Book know this as they know their own sons; but some of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.
PICKTHAL: Those unto whom We gave the Scripture recognise (this revelation) as they recognise their sons. But lo! a party of them knowingly conceal the truth.
SHAKIR: Those whom We have given the Book recognize him as they recognize their sons, and a party of them most surely conceal the truth while they know (it).
002.147
YUSUFALI: The Truth is from thy Lord; so be not at all in doubt.
PICKTHAL: It is the Truth from thy Lord (O Muhammad), so be not thou of those who waver.
SHAKIR: The truth is from your Lord, therefore you should not be of the doubters.

 
Section 18.

2 : 148

148. Walikullin wijhatun huwa muwalleeha faistabiqoo alkhayrati aynama takoonoo ya/ti bikumu Allahu jameeAAan inna Allaha AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun

Each and everyone of you has a goal of his own towards which he is drawn, so let your goal be to outdo one another in the performance of righteous deeds! Wherever you may be, Allah will gather you together! Verily Allah is Omnipotent over all things!
 

(It is in the ethos and in the entelechy of our hearts to set for ourselves a realistic goal and then strive to accomplish it. Different people have different goals according to which they organize their portfolio of priorities; some to wed a sweetheart, some to buy a dream house, some to scale the Everest, some to wear crowns and build empires. In this verse Allah admonishes us to set righteousness and munificence as our ultimate goals and compete with each other towards their accomplishment)
 

2 : 149

149. Wamin haythu kharajta fawalli wajhaka shatra almasjidi alharami wa-innahu lalhaqqu min rabbika wama Allahu bighafilin AAamma taAAmaloona

And wherever you emerge from, turn your face towards the Hallowed Mosque when you pray. Verily this is the truth from your Lord! Allah is not oblivious to your deeds!

2 : 150

150. Wamin haythu kharajta fawalli wajhaka shatra almasjidi alharami wahaythu ma kuntum fawalloo wujoohakum shatrahu li-alla yakoona lilnnasi AAalaykum hujjatun illa allatheena thalamoo minhum fala takhshawhum waikhshawnee wali-otimma niAAmatee AAalaykum walaAAallakum tahtadoona

Wherever you emerge from for your prayers (O Mohammed), turn your face towards the Hallowed Mosque; and wherever you are (O Muslims), turn your faces towards it so that none can argue with you about which direction you face except those who are troublesome. Fear them not but fear Me so that I may augment My benefactions to you and so that you are given the right guidance -

2 : 151

151. Kama arsalna feekum rasoolan minkum yatloo AAalaykum ayatina wayuzakkeekum wayuAAallimukumu alkitaba waalhikmata wayuAAallimukum ma lam takoonoo taAAlamoona

Such as this messenger whom We have sent to you, chosen from your own midst, who will recite to you Our Revelations and purify you; and who will teach you the Scripture and the Wisdom and teach you that which you knew not!

2 : 152

152. Faothkuroonee athkurkum waoshkuroo lee wala takfurooni

And hence remember Me so that  I remember you and tender your gratitude to Me and reject Me not. (R)

(Remembrance of Allah does not simply mean offering worship five times a day; it includes looking at the marvels of His Divinity and Ubiquity which are scattered all around us and reflecting on them, drawing inspiration from them, paying tribute to Him who is the Creator of all things great and small, saying His name as often as possible, acknowledging His hegemony and surrendering to His will! If we do this with solemnity and sincerity, He too will remember us, respond to us, reward us!).
 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

148. For every nation there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers). So hasten towards all that is good. Wheresoever you may be, Allâh will bring you together (on the Day of Resurrection). Truly, Allâh is Able to do all things.

149. And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah), that is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do.

150. And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah), and wheresoever you are, turn your faces towards, it (when you pray) so that men may have no argument against you except those of them that are wrong-doers, so fear them not, but fear Me! - And so that I may complete My Blessings on you and that you may be guided.

151. Similarly (to complete My Blessings on you) We have sent among you a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) of your own, reciting to you Our Verses (the Qur'ân) and sanctifying you, and teaching you the Book (the Qur'ân) and the Hikmah (i.e. Sunnah, Islâmic laws and Fiqh - jurisprudence), and teaching you that which you used not to know.

152. Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.).^[] I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.

153. O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer). Truly! Allâh is with As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).

154. And say not of those who are killed in the Way of Allâh, "They are dead." Nay, they are living, but you perceive (it) not.

155. And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).

156. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return."

157. They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.

158. Verily! As-Safâ and Al-Marwah (two mountains in Makkah) are of the Symbols of Allâh. So it is not a sin on him who perform Hajj or 'Umrah (pilgrimage) of the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah) to perform the going (Tawâf) between them (As-Safâ and Al-Marwah).^[] And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allâh is All-Recogniser, All-Knower.

159. Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allâh and cursed by the cursers.

002.148  

YUSUFALI: To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) Towards all that is good. Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you Together. For Allah Hath power over all things.
PICKTHAL: And each one hath a goal toward which he turneth; so vie with one another in good works. Wheresoever ye may be, Allah will bring you all together. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: And every one has a direction to which he should turn, therefore hasten to (do) good works; wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together; surely Allah has power over all things.
002.149
YUSUFALI: From whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from the Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
PICKTHAL: And whencesoever thou comest forth (for prayer, O Muhammad) turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship. Lo! it is the Truth from thy Lord. Allah is not unaware of what ye do.
SHAKIR: And from whatsoever place you come forth, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque; and surely it is the very truth from your Lord, and Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.
002.150
YUSUFALI: So from whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; and wheresoever ye are, Turn your face thither: that there be no ground of dispute against you among the people, except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not, but fear Me; and that I may complete My favours on you, and ye May (consent to) be guided;
PICKTHAL: Whencesoever thou comest forth turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship; and wheresoever ye may be (O Muslims) turn your faces toward it (when ye pray) so that men may have no argument against you, save such of them as do injustice - Fear them not, but fear Me! - and so that I may complete My grace upon you, and that ye may be guided.
SHAKIR: And from whatsoever place you come forth, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you are turn your faces towards it, so that people shall have no accusation against you, except such of them as are unjust; so do not fear them, and fear Me, that I may complete My favor on you and that you may walk on the right course.
002.151
YUSUFALI: A similar (favour have ye already received) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom, and in new knowledge.
PICKTHAL: Even as We have sent unto you a messenger from among you, who reciteth unto you Our revelations and causeth you to grow, and teacheth you the Scripture and wisdom, and teacheth you that which ye knew not.
SHAKIR: Even as We have sent among you a Messenger from among you who recites to you Our communications and purifies you and teaches you the Book and the wisdom and teaches you that which you did not know.
002.152
YUSUFALI: Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.
PICKTHAL: Therefore remember Me, I will remember you. Give thanks to Me, and reject not Me.
SHAKIR: Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.

Section 19.

2 : 153

153. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo istaAAeenoo bialssabri waalssalati inna Allaha maAAa alssabireena

O those of you who believe! Seek help with equanimity and through invocation, for verily Allah is on the side of those who are equanimous.

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in honour of martyrs, especially those who had lost their lives in the blood-soaked battle of Badr.

2 : 154

154. Wala taqooloo liman yuqtalu fee sabeeli Allahi amwatun bal ahyaon walakin la tashAAuroona

Refer not to those who laid down their lives in the way of Allah as 'dead'. Nay, but they are very much alive, though you see them not!
 

(Martyrs are Muslims who were slain whilst striving for the Cause of Allah. They are not to be thought of as dead because a new life begins for them after they have fallen and been laid to rest; their sustenance is provided for them by Allah from the bounties of Paradise, their righteous deeds continue and their rewards accumulate until the very Day of Judgement).

*  *  *

2 : 155

155. Walanabluwannakum bishay-in mina alkhawfi waaljooAAi wanaqsin mina al-amwali waal-anfusi waalththamarati wabashshiri alssabireena

And verily We shall try you from time to time with consternation and starvation and loss of possessions and of lives and of crops! But give glad tidings to those who are equanimous -

2 : 156

156. Allatheena itha asabat-hum museebatun qaloo inna lillahi wa-inna ilayhi rajiAAoona

And (who) say whenever a misfortune befalls them : 'We belong to Allah and we must return to Him in the end!

2 : 157

157. Ola-ika AAalayhim salawatun min rabbihim warahmatun waola-ika humu almuhtadoona

These are the people on whom shower blessings and mercies of their Lord and these are the people who are given the right guidance.
 

(In the above verses, Allah reminds us that we will be put through our paces from time to time by means of natural disasters such as famine, floods, storms, plagues, earthquakes, volcanoes, forest fires, blizzards, tornadoes, mostly inspiring fear and invariably resulting in loss of life and property and crops, in addition to man-made disasters such as nuclear warfare, experimentation, erosion of natural resources, abuse of our atmosphere, disbalancing the balance of nature as envisaged by Allah and a lot more besides, the examples of which are becoming manifest to us day after day. Although it is true that we are incapable of aborting or overcoming any of these, the righteous amongst us say at the onset of a disaster that we are all the property of Allah and therefore sooner or later we must return to Him. If deep down in our hearts we truly believe in this and reinforce our conviction with the spoken word by repeating these verses below our breath, no hurdle would seem beyond the scope of negotiating and no trial insurmountable. Let us all repeat these words as often as we can, either in the mornings when we are getting ready to face the rigours of an arduous new day, or at night before we fall asleep and escape into the unpredictable, - and see what a difference it makes!)

*  *  *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in order to reassure pilgrims that going around the mountains of As-Safa and Al-Marvah during pilgrimage is no longer to be treated as a pagan ritual.

2 : 158

158. Inna alssafa waalmarwata min shaAAa-iri Allahi faman hajja albayta awi iAAtamara fala junaha AAalayhi an yattawwafa bihima waman tatawwaAAa khayran fa-inna Allaha shakirun AAaleemun

The mountains of As-Safa and Al-Marvah are among the landmarks of Allah, so it is not sinful for those who are on a pilgrimage to the House of God, or are paying an informal visit, to circle around them. He who does good of his own accord, Allah is there to reward him for it and to take care of him!
 

(As-Safa and Al-Marvah are the two hills situated on the eastern side of the Ka'ba. According to Islamic tradition, at a time when this terrain was extremely hostile for human habitation, the barren desert land beleaguered by blistering heat and devastating sandstorms, without any water in sight nor any vegetation, Prophet Abraham's wife Hijrah took up residence there with her infant child Ishmael. Once, when the infant was badly dehydrated from lack of fluids and almost on the verge of death, she set out in search of water and, in sheer desperation, went round and round these hills one after the other. To commemorate the scale of dedication of these noble souls towards Allah, pilgrims are required  to perform the ritual of “sa'y” between these hills. In the beginning, the Muslims were hesitant to do this because the pagan Arabs had lodged on them two idols and also went round the hills to venerate their own deities, but after this reassuring verse was revealed, their concerns also quelled).