THE HOLY QUR'AAN
 


SURAH 3
Al-Imraan  (The Family Of 'Imran, The House Of 'Imran)
 

INTRODUCTION:

This Surah consists of 200 verses, 3,480 sentences, 14,520 letters and 20 Ruku's.

Name

It takes its name from v. 33. Al-i-Imran, and like the names of many other surahs, it is merely a name to distinguish it from other surahs and does not imply that the family of Imran has been discussed in it.

The Period of Revelation


This Surah consists of four discourses. The first discourse (vv. 1-32) was probably revealed soon after the Battle of Badr. The second discourse (vv. 33-63) was revealed in 9 A.H. on the occasion of the visit of the deputation from the Christians of Najran. The third discourse (vv. 64-120) appears to have been revealed immediately after the first one. The fourth discourse (vv. 121-200) was revealed after the Battle of Uhud.

Subject


Though these discourses were revealed at different periods and on different occasions, they are so inter-linked and so inter-connected in regard to their aim, object and central theme that they make together one continuous whole. This Surah has been especially addressed to two groups-the people of the Book (the Jews and the Christians) and the followers of Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him).

 

The message has been extended to the Jews and the Christians in continuation of the invitation in Al-Baqarah, in which they have been admonished for their erroneous beliefs and evil morals and advised to accept, as a remedy, the Truth of the Quran. They have been told here that Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him) taught the same right way of life that had been preached by their own Prophets; that it alone was the Right Way, the way of Allah; hence any deviation from it will be wrong even according to their own Scriptures.

 

The second group, the Muslims, who had been declared to be the best Community in Al-Baqarah and appointed torch-bearers of the Truth and entrusted with the responsibility of reforming the world, have been given additional instructions in continuation of those given in the preceding Surah. The Muslims have been warned to learn a lesson from religious and moral degeneration of former communities and to refrain from treading in their footsteps. Instructions have also been given about the reformative work they had to perform. Besides this, they have been taught how to deal with the people of the Book and the hypocrites who were putting different kinds of hindrances in the way of Allah. Above all, they have been warned to guard against those weaknesses that had come to the surface in the Battle of Uhud.

Background


The following is the background of the Surah:

1.       The Believers had met with all sorts of trials and hardships about which they had been forewarned in Al-Baqarah. Though they had come out victorious in the Battle of Badr, they were not out of danger yet. Their victory had aroused the enmity of all those powers in Arabia which were opposed to the Islamic Movement. Signs of threatening storms had begun to appear on all sides and the Muslims were in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety. It looked as if the whole Arabian world around the tiny state of Al-Madinah-which was no more than a village state at that time-was bent upon blotting out its very existence. This state of war was also adversely affecting its economy, which had already been badly disturbed by the influx of the Muslim refugees from Makkah.

2.       Then there was the disturbing problem of the Jewish clans who lived in the suburbs of Al-Madinah. They were discarding the treaties of alliance they had made with the Holy Prophet after his migration from Makkah. So much so that on the occasion of the Battle of Badr, these people of the Book syrnpathised with the evil aims of the idolaters, in spite of the fact that their fundamental articles of the Faith-Oneness of Allah, Prophethood, Life-after- death-were the same as those of the Muslims. After the Battle of Badr, they openly began to incite the Quraish and other Arab clans to wreak their vengeance on the Muslims. Thus those Jewish clans set aside their centuries-old friendly and neighbourly relations with the people of Al-Madinah. At last when their mischievous actions and breaches of treaties became unbearable, the Holy Prophet attacked the Bani-Qainu-qa'a, the most mischievous of all the other Jewish clans who had conspired with the hypocrites of Al-Madinah and the idolatrous Arab clans to encircle the Believers on all sides. The magnitude of the peril might be judged from the fact that even the life of the Holy Prophet himself was always in danger. Therefore his Companions slept in their armours during that period and kept watch at night to guard against any sudden attack, and whenever the Holy Prophet happened to be out of sight even for a short while, they would at once set out in search of him.

3.       This incitement by the Jews added fuel to the fire which was burning in the hearts of the Quraish and they began to make preparations to avenge the defeat they had suffered at Bad. A year after this an army of 3,000 strong marched out of Makkah to invade Al-Madinah and a battle took place at the foot of Mount Uhud. The Holy Prophet came out of Al-Madinah with one thousand men to meet the enemy. While they were marching to the battle-field, three hundred hypocrites deserted the army and returned to Al-Madinah, but there still remained a small band of hypocrites among the seven hundred who accompanied the Holy Prophet. They played their part and did their worst to create mischief and chaos in the ranks of the Believers during the Battle. This was the first clear indication of the fact that within the fold of the Muslim Community there was quite a large number of saboteurs who were always ready to conspire with the external enemies to harm their own brethren.

4.       Though the devices of the hypocrites had played a great part in the set-back at Uhud, the weaknesses of the Muslims themselves contributed no less to it. And it was but natural that the Muslims should show signs of moral weakness for they were a new community which had only recently been formed on a new ideology and had not as yet got a thorough moral training. Naturally in this second hard test of their physical and moral strength, some weaknesses came to the surface. That is why a detailed review of the Battle of Uhud was needed to warn the Muslims of their shortcomings and to issue instructions for their reform. It should also be noted that this review of the Battle is quite different from the reviews that are usually made by generals on similar occasions.

Subject: Guidance


This Surah is the sequel to Al-Baqarah and the invitation therein is continued to the people of the Book. In Al-Baqarah the Jews were pointedly invited to accept the Guidance and in this Surah the Christians have particularly been admonished to give up their erroneous beliefs and accept the Guidance of the Quran. At the same time, the Muslims have been instructed to nourish the virtues that may enable them to carry out their obligations and spread the Divine Guidance.

 

IMPORTANT: Please note that this Digest is based upon these outstanding translations and they have been reproduced here for the benefit of serious readers of the Qur’aan; the copyrights of these works are held by their respective authors/publishers from whom they can be purchased by anyone interested in acquiring them.    

 

 

 

 

THE HOLY QUR'AAN

 


SURAH III
AL-IMRAAN (THE FAMILY OF IMRAAN)
 

 

 

Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Section 1.
 

3 : 1.

1.      Alif-lam-meem

Alif-Lâm-Mîm.

 3 : 2.

2. Allahu la ilaha illa huwa alhayyu alqayyoomu

There is no God other than Allah, the Omnipresent, the Omnipotent.

3 : 3

3. Nazzala AAalayka alkitaba bialhaqqi musaddiqan lima bayna yadayhi waanzala alttawrata waal-injeela

He has revealed to you (O Mohammed) this Scripture with Truth, confirming that which was revealed in the form of the Torah and the Gospel -

3 : 4

4. Min qablu hudan lilnnasi waanzala alfurqana inna allatheena kafaroo bi-ayati Allahi lahum AAathabun shadeedun waAllahu AAazeezun thoo intiqamin

Before it, providing guidance to all mankind, and ushering in the Criterion of right and wrong. For those who repudiate the revelations of Allah awaits a dire punishment. Allah is Compassionate, yet Unrelenting.
 

(Al-Furqaan - the Criterion of Right and Wrong - is another name for the Qur'aan as it contains guidance with the help of which we are able to distinguish between what is right; what is acceptable; what is permissible; what puts us on the right path and what keeps us on it; and what is wrong; what is unacceptable; what is untenable; what deters us from the right track and forces us into wandering away. As mentioned in the previous Surah, the course of action the Qur'aan encourages us to follow in order to attain redemption and gain access to the Abode of the Hereafter is not something bizarre and outlandish; it is not prodigious and improbable; unfamiliar and unattainable; but something we know and aspire for in our day to day life, because we are born with a 'Furquaan' concealed deep inside our inner selves, our own conscience which does the same thing : warns us against evil and impels us towards virtue, puts in our minds an endless list of do's and 'don'ts' and then, at the end of each day, demands a Rendition of Accounts in order to pass Judgement on us, more or less in the same way as Allah does before awarding to us what we deserve, -redemption or requital, clemency or castigation, heaven or hell!).
 

 3 : 5

5. Inna Allaha la yakhfa AAalayhi shay-on fee al-ardi wala fee alssama/-i

Verily nothing is hidden from Allah, be it upon the earth, or be it in the heavens!

3 : 6

6. Huwa allathee yusawwirukum fee al-arhami kayfa yashao la ilaha illa huwa alAAazeezu alhakeemu

He it is who moulds your images inside the wombs according to His pleasure! There is no God other than Him - the Meritorious, the Sagacious!
 

(The marvel of birth which we take for granted for no other reason than that it is a day to day occurrence, deserves reflection and introspection,  - how out of a drop of ejected liquid lodged in a safe repository Allah brings forth a human child, its features already formed, its limbs in motion, its eyes scanning every corner of its surroundings, its mouth making impatient demands on her who bore it, its heart circulating blood, its lungs pumping in and out the air it needs for its very survival, accepting nourishment and rejecting waste! How amazing that Allah moulds and shapes the features of millions of babies arriving in this world every day, no two faces from two different wombs alike, no two finger-prints identical, no two sets of teeth similar!)
 

3 : 7

7. Huwa allathee anzala AAalayka alkitaba minhu ayatun muhkamatun hunna ommu alkitabi waokharu mutashabihatun faamma allatheena fee quloobihim zayghun fayattabiAAoona ma tashabaha minhu ibtighaa alfitnati waibtighaa ta/weelihi wama yaAAlamu ta/weelahu illa Allahu waalrrasikhoona fee alAAilmi yaqooloona amanna bihi kullun min AAindi rabbina wama yaththakkaru illa oloo al-albabi

He it is who has inspired in you this Scripture, containing some revelations that are unambiguous, - they are the Mother of the Book - and others that are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is malice dwell on the allegorical to create dissent among its followers by giving them conflicting interpretations. Since no one is aware of what their true interpretations are except Allah, those who are resolute in knowledge say : 'We believe it in its entirety because both aspects are from our Lord!' But none pay heed save those that are prudent!
 

(We learn from this verse that Allah's revelations fall into two distinct categories. The first of these are self-explanatory verses which need no interpretation or elaboration, such as reminders, parables, facts, guidelines, codes of conduct, decrees, edicts, regulations and admonitions; they mean what they say and they say what they mean. For instance, food that is made lawful or unlawful to us remains the same whichever way we look at it, as does the waiting term for divorced women or the situation of the Ka'ba.

However, there are other verses which do depend upon interpretation and elaboration by men of letters and wisdom because they convey more than what the words in which they are expressed convey, and hence their understanding and explanation varies according to changes in human knowledge.

The verses which formulate the crux of the Book and are easy to understand are designated as 'Mother of the Book' and men of wisdom qualified to interpret and depict the allegorical as 'those who are resolute in knowledge).

3 : 8

8. Rabbana la tuzigh quloobana baAAda ith hadaytana wahab lana min ladunka rahmatan innaka anta alwahhabu

'Our Lord! Allow not our hearts to deflect after having given us guidance, but bestow on us Your mercy, for verily You and only You are Infinite in Bestowing!'

2 : 9

9. Rabbana innaka jamiAAu alnnasi liyawmin la rayba feehi inna Allaha la yukhlifu almeeAAada

'Our Lord! You are the One who will gather mankind together on a Day about which there is no dispute! The term appointed by Allah will never change! (R)


 

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. Allâh! Lâ ilahâ illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.

3. It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Qur'ân) to you (Muhammad SAW) with truth, confirming what came before it. And he sent down the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel).

4. Aforetime, as a guidance to mankind, And He sent down the criterion [of judgement between right and wrong (this Qur'ân)]. Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, for them there is a severe torment; and Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution.

5. Truly, nothing is hidden from Allâh, in the earth or in the heavens.

6. He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

7. It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Qur'ân). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkâm (commandments, etc.), Al-Farâ'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)]; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allâh. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding. (Tafsir At-Tabarî).

8. (They say): "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower."

9. Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt. Verily, Allâh never breaks His Promise".


 

003.001
YUSUFALI: A. L. M.
PICKTHAL: Alim. Lam. Mim.
SHAKIR: Alif Lam Mim.
003.002
YUSUFALI: Allah! There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.
PICKTHAL: Allah! There is no god save Him, the Alive, the Eternal.
SHAKIR: Allah, (there is) no god but He, the Everliving, the Self-subsisting by Whom all things subsist
003.003
YUSUFALI: It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).
PICKTHAL: He hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture with truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.
SHAKIR: He has revealed to you the Book with truth, verifying that which is before it, and He revealed the Tavrat and the Injeel aforetime, a guidance for the people, and He sent the Furqan.
003.004
YUSUFALI: Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.
PICKTHAL: Aforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion (of right and wrong). Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong).
SHAKIR: Surely they who disbelieve in the communications of Allah they shall have a severe chastisement; and Allah is Mighty, the Lord of retribution.
003.005
YUSUFALI: From Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.
PICKTHAL: Lo! nothing in the earth or in the heavens is hidden from Allah.
SHAKIR: Allah-- surely nothing is hidden from Him in the earth or in the heaven.
003.006
YUSUFALI: He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
PICKTHAL: He it is Who fashioneth you in the wombs as pleaseth Him. There is no Allah save Him, the Almighty, the Wise.
SHAKIR: He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He likes; there is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise
003.007
YUSUFALI: He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.
PICKTHAL: He it is Who hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture wherein are clear revelations - they are the substance of the Book - and others (which are) allegorical. But those in whose hearts is doubt pursue, forsooth, that which is allegorical seeking (to cause) dissension by seeking to explain it. None knoweth its explanation save Allah. And those who are of sound instruction say: We believe therein; the whole is from our Lord; but only men of understanding really heed.
SHAKIR: He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation. but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding.
003.008
YUSUFALI: "Our Lord!" (they say), "Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thine own Presence; for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure.
PICKTHAL: Our Lord! Cause not our hearts to stray after Thou hast guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Thy Presence. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Bestower.
SHAKIR: Our Lord! make not our hearts to deviate after Thou hast guided us aright, and grant us from Thee mercy; surely Thou art the most liberal Giver.
003.009
YUSUFALI: "Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind Together against a day about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails in His promise."
PICKTHAL: Our Lord! Lo! it is Thou Who gatherest mankind together to a Day of which there is no doubt. Lo! Allah faileth not to keep the tryst.
SHAKIR: Our Lord! surely Thou art the Gatherer of men on a day about which there is no doubt; surely Allah will not fail (His) promise.
 

Section 2.
 

3 : 10

10. Inna allatheena kafaroo lan tughniya AAanhum amwaluhum wala awladuhum mina Allahi shay-an waola-ika hum waqoodu alnnari

In the case of those who disbelieve, neither their wealth nor their progeny will avail them to the slightest extent against the might of Allah. They will become fuel for the fire of hell -

3 : 11

11. Kada/bi ali firAAawna waallatheena min qablihim kaththaboo bi-ayatina faakhathahumu Allahu bithunoobihim waAllahu shadeedu alAAiqabi

As it happened to Pharaoh and his warlords and to those before them : they repudiated Our revelations and Allah seized them for their repudiation! Allah is severe in retribution!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following Verse was revealed when, on his way back from the Battle of Badr in which a crushing defeat was inflicted on the disbelievers by the Muslims, the Prophet warned the Jews of similar consequences if they persisted with their inflexible opposition to Islam. But the Jews dared him to try.

3 : 12

12. Qul lillatheena kafaroo satughlaboona watuhsharoona ila jahannama wabi/sa almihadu                          

Say (O Mohammed) to those who disbelieve : 'You will surely be subdued and thrown into hell, - and what an awful place it is to be thrown into!'

(Not too long after this verse was revealed, the prophesy contained in it did come true when the Muslims inflicted yet another crushing defeat on the Jewish disbelievers in which the Jews lost more than six hundred men, besides those who were taken prisoner, in addition to the imposition of a levy on the residents of one of their crucial territories).

*   *   *

3 : 13

13. Qad kana lakum ayatun fee fi-atayni iltaqata fi-atun tuqatilu fee sabeeli Allahi waokhra kafiratun yarawnahum mithlayhim ra/ya alAAayni waAllahu yu-ayyidu binasrihi man yashao inna fee thalika laAAibratan li-olee al-absari

And there was a portent for you when the two armies clashed with each other - one fighting for the Cause of Allah and the other fighting against Him - and you seemed to them like twice your number when they looked at you with their own eyes! Thus does Allah support whom He will with His help! Verily there is a lesson in it for those who have insight!

(The reference in this verse is to the Battle of Badr in which, even though the Muslims were badly out-numbered by the enemy, Allah made it appear to their adversaries as though the Muslim regiments were twice in number).

3 : 14

14. Zuyyina lilnnasi hubbu alshshahawati mina alnnisa-i waalbaneena waalqanateeri almuqantarati mina alththahabi waalfiddati waalkhayli almusawwamati waal-anAAami waalharthi thalika mataAAu alhayati alddunya waAllahu AAindahu husnu almaabi

Glamorized for mankind are the joys which come with women and offspring, heaps of gold and silver, branded horses, herds of cattle and vast stretches of land, - treasures pertaining to the life of this world, - whereas with Allah rests the Grand Abode!
 

(People who cherish and pursue the luxuries which attract them - and there is no shortage of these - seldom realize that they are transient comforts which last only for as long as their term on  earth lasts, sometimes even less than that. For, how many heads of kings and queens have we not known who wore glittering Crowns and were yet chopped off by the blade of the guillotine; how many tycoons have we not seen who once walked upon velvet carpets and have yet been driven into the streets on naked feet; how many politicians have we not encountered who held the balance of power across the world in their fists and yet breathed their last inside the darkness of prison cells!).
 

3 : 15

15. Qul aonabbi-okum bikhayrin min thalikum lillatheena ittaqaw AAinda rabbihim jannatun tajree min tahtiha al-anharu khalideena feeha waazwajun mutahharatun waridwanun mina Allahi waAllahu baseerun bialAAibadi

Say to them (O Mohammed) : 'Shall I tell you of a plane much better than that? For those who proscribe evil there are, with their Lord, gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they shall dwell forever, in the company of chaste companions and blessed with Allah's accord!' Allah watches over His bondsmen at all times -
 

(In sharp contrast to the earthly pleasures listed in verse 14, the everlasting pleasures of the Abode of the Hereafter are mentioned in verse 15 : the eternal Gardens bedecked with running streams; companions unsurpassable in beauty and matchless in loyalty; but above all, Allah's accord whose hospitality towards His righteous guests has no limits!)
 

3 : 16

16. Allatheena yaqooloona rabbana innana amanna faighfir lana thunoobana waqina AAathaba alnnari

Those who say: 'Our Lord! We believe in You, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the torment of hell' -

3 : 17

17. Alssabireena waalssadiqeena waalqaniteena waalmunfiqeena waalmustaghfireena bial-ashari

And those who are patient, truthful, obedient, and spend their wealth in the way of Allah and pray for His forgiveness during the ebb of night!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when two Syrian Jews, on a visit to Madina to see the Prophet, quizzed him about whose testimony is greatest of all in the testament of Allah.

3 : 18

18. Shahida Allahu annahu la ilaha illa huwa waalmala-ikatu waoloo alAAilmi qa-iman bialqisti la ilaha illa huwa alAAazeezu alhakeemu

Allah Himself bears witness that there is no God save Him! His angels and the learned men who uphold justice also bear witness that there is no God except Him, the Meritorious, the Sagacious!

*   *   *

3 : 19

 

19. Inna alddeena AAinda Allahi al-islamu wama ikhtalafa allatheena ootoo alkitaba illa min baAAdi ma jaahumu alAAilmu baghyan baynahum waman yakfur bi-ayati Allahi fa-inna Allaha sareeAAu alhisabi

The only true Religion in the eyes of Allah is the Surrender! The recipients of previous Scriptures differed after knowledge dawned upon them, out of malice towards each other. Whoever repudiate the revelations of Allah, let them know that Allah is expeditious in Reckoning!

(In this verse, Allah is making a summary pronouncement that Islam, which literally means 'surrender (to Allah's will and His Sovereignty)' is the only true religion to the exclusion of all other religions, and is unequivocally asserting that the adherents of other religions which were there before its inception knew this to be a fact and have yet conspired to oppose it for no better reason than that the man chosen to establish it did not have the same ancestry as theirs!).
 

3 : 20

20. Fa-in hajjooka faqul aslamtu wajhiya lillahi wamani ittabaAAani waqul lillatheena ootoo alkitaba waal-ommiyyeena aaslamtum fa-in aslamoo faqadi ihtadaw wa-in tawallaw fa-innama AAalayka albalaghu waAllahu baseerun bialAAibadi

If they argue with you (O Mohammed) say to them : 'I have surrendered to Allah, as have those who follow me!' And say to the readers of previous Scriptures and to those who cannot read : 'Have you surrendered?'  If they surrender, then it means they have received guidance. But if they turn their faces away, your duty is only to warn them! Allah is watching over His slaves! (R)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

10. Verily, those who disbelieve, neither their properties nor their offspring will avail them whatsoever against Allâh; and it is they who will be fuel of the Fire.

11. Like the behaviour of the people of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and those before them; they belied Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), so Allâh seized (destroyed) them for their sins. And Allâh is Severe in punishment.

12. Say (O Muhammad SAW) to those who disbelieve: "You will be defeated and gathered together to Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest."

13. There has already been a sign for you (O Jews) in the two armies that met (in combat i.e. the battle of Badr): One was fighting in the Cause of Allâh, and as for the other (they) were disbelievers. They (the believers) saw them (the disbelievers) with their own eyes twice their number (although they were thrice their number). And Allâh supports with His Victory whom He pleases. Verily, in this is a lesson for those who understand. (See Verse 8:44). (Tafsir At-Tabarî)

14. Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life; but Allâh has the excellent return (Paradise with flowing rivers, etc.) with Him.

15. Say: "Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2) there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein (is their) eternal (home) and Azwâjun Mutahharatun[] (purified mates or wives) [i.e. they will have no menses, urine, or stool, etc.], And Allâh will be pleased with them. And Allâh is All-Seer of the (His) slaves".

16. Those who say: "Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire."

17. (They are) those who are patient ones, those who are true (in Faith, words, and deeds), and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to Allâh. Those who spend [give the Zakât and alms in the Way of Allâh] and those who pray and beg Allâh's Pardon in the last hours of the night.

18. Allâh bears witness that Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. Lâ ilâh illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

19. Truly, the religion with Allâh is Islâm. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, then surely, Allâh is Swift in calling to account.

20. So if they dispute with you (Muhammad SAW) say: "I have submitted myself to Allâh (in Islâm), and (so have) those who follow me." And say to those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and to those who are illiterates (Arab pagans): "Do you (also) submit yourselves (to Allâh in Islâm)?" If they do, they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message; and Allâh is All-Seer of (His ) slaves[].


003.010
YUSUFALI: Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah: They are themselves but fuel for the Fire.
PICKTHAL: (On that Day) neither the riches nor the progeny of those who disbelieve will aught avail them with Allah. They will be fuel for Fire.
SHAKIR: (As for) those who disbelieve, surely neither their wealth nor their children shall avail them in the least against Allah, and these it is who are the fuel of the fire.
003.011
YUSUFALI: (Their plight will be) no better than that of the people of Pharaoh, and their predecessors: They denied our Signs, and Allah called them to account for their sins. For Allah is strict in punishment.
PICKTHAL: Like Pharaoh's folk and those who were before them, they disbelieved Our revelations and so Allah seized them for their sins. And Allah is severe in punishment.
SHAKIR: Like the striving of the people of Firon and those before them; they rejected Our communications, so Allah destroyed them on account of their faults; and Allah is severe in requiting (evil).
003.012
YUSUFALI: Say to those who reject Faith: "Soon will ye be vanquished and gathered together to Hell,-an evil bed indeed (to lie on)!
PICKTHAL: Say (O Muhammad) unto those who disbelieve: Ye shall be overcome and gathered unto Hell, an evil resting-place.
SHAKIR: Say to those who disbelieve: You shall be vanquished, and driven together to hell; and evil is the resting-place.
003.013
YUSUFALI: "There has already been for you a Sign in the two armies that met (in combat): One was fighting in the cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah; these saw with their own eyes Twice their number. But Allah doth support with His aid whom He pleaseth. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see."
PICKTHAL: There was a token for you in two hosts which met: one army fighting in the way of Allah, and another disbelieving, whom they saw as twice their number, clearly, with their very eyes. Thus Allah strengtheneth with His succour whom He will. Lo! herein verily is a lesson for those who have eyes.
SHAKIR: Indeed there was a sign for you in the two hosts (which) met together in encounter; one party fighting in the way of Allah and the other unbelieving, whom they saw twice as many as themselves with the sight of the eye and Allah strengthens with His aid whom He pleases; most surely there is a lesson in this for those who have sight.
003.014
YUSUFALI: Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver;
horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (To return to).
PICKTHAL: Beautified for mankind is love of the joys (that come) from women and offspring; and stored-up heaps of gold and silver, and horses branded (with their mark), and cattle and land. That is comfort of the life of the world. Allah! With Him is a more excellent abode.
SHAKIR: The love of desires, of women and sons and hoarded treasures of gold and silver and well bred horses and cattle and tilth, is made to seem fair to men; this is the provision of the life of this world; and Allah is He with Whom is the good goal (of life).
003.015
YUSUFALI: Say: Shall I give you glad tidings of things Far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy); and the good pleasure of Allah. For in Allah's sight are (all) His servants,-
PICKTHAL: Say: Shall I inform you of something better than that? For those who keep from evil, with their Lord, are Gardens underneath which rivers flow wherein they will abide, and pure companions, and contentment from Allah. Allah is Seer of His bondmen,
SHAKIR: Say:Shall}I tell you what is better than these? For those who guard (against evil) are gardens with their Lord, beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them, and pure mates and Allah's pleasure; and Allah sees the servants.
003.016
YUSUFALI: (Namely), those who say: "Our Lord! we have indeed believed: forgive us, then, our sins, and save us from the agony of the Fire;"-
PICKTHAL: Those who say: Our Lord! Lo! we believe. So forgive us our sins and guard us from the punishment of Fire;
SHAKIR: Those who say: Our Lord! surely we believe, therefore forgive us our faults and save us from the chastisement of the fire.
003.017
YUSUFALI: Those who show patience, Firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allah); and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.
PICKTHAL: The steadfast, and the truthful, and the obedient, those who spend (and hoard not), those who pray for pardon in the watches of the night.
SHAKIR: The patient, and the truthful, and the obedient, and those who spend (benevolently) and those who ask forgiveness in the morning times.
003.018

YUSUFALI: There is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.
PICKTHAL: Allah (Himself) is Witness that there is no Allah save Him. And the angels and the men of learning (too are witness). Maintaining His creation in justice, there is no Allah save Him the Almighty, the Wise.
SHAKIR: Allah bears witness that there is no god but He, and (so do) the angels and those possessed of knowledge, maintaining His creation with justice; there is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise.
003.019
YUSUFALI: The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): Nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account.
PICKTHAL: Lo! religion with Allah (is) the Surrender (to His Will and Guidance). Those who (formerly) received the Scripture differed only after knowledge came unto them, through transgression among themselves. Whoso disbelieveth the revelations of Allah (will find that) lo! Allah is swift at reckoning.
SHAKIR: Surely the (true) religion with Allah is Islam, and those to whom the Book had been given did not show opposition but after knowledge had come to them, out of envy among themselves; and whoever disbelieves in the communications of Allah then surely Allah is quick in reckoning
.
003.020
YUSUFALI: So if they dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted My whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me." And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, Thy duty is to convey the Message; and in Allah's sight are (all) His servants.
PICKTHAL: And if they argue with thee, (O Muhammad), say: I have surrendered my purpose to Allah and (so have) those who follow me. And say unto those who have received the Scripture and those who read not: Have ye (too) surrendered? If they surrender, then truly they are rightly guided, and if they turn away, then it is thy duty only to convey the message (unto them). Allah is Seer of (His) bondmen.
SHAKIR: But if they dispute with you, say: I have submitted myself entirely to Allah and (so) every one who follows me; and say to those who have been given the Book and the unlearned people: Do you submit yourselves? So if they submit then indeed they follow the right way; and if they turn back, then upon you is only the delivery of the message and Allah sees the servants
.
 

Section 3
 
3 : 21

21. Inna allatheena yakfuroona bi-ayati Allahi wayaqtuloona alnnabiyyeena bighayri haqqin wayaqtuloona allatheena ya/muroona bialqisti mina alnnasi fabashshirhum biAAathabin aleemin

Those who refute the revelations of Allah, slay His prophets without due cause and butcher those among mankind who enjoin fair play, give them tidings of an astringent castigation!
 

(According to some commentators, the reference in this verse is to the slaying of forty three of their Oracles by the Children of Israel within the batting of an eyelid one morning, and then the slaying of a further one hundred and twelve believing men who remonstrated them for their wickedness, on the same evening!).
 

3 : 22

22. Ola-ika allatheena habitat aAAmaluhum fee alddunya waal-akhirati wama lahum min nasireena

These are the people whose toils have come to a naught, both in this world as well as in the Hereafter, and they shall have no one to help them!
 

(It is once again accentuated in this verse that persecuting the Prophets and Oracles of Allah renders whatever good we have done in this world null and void, and leaves us  friendless in the other world).
 
 

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when  a Jew committed an act of illicit sex with a woman and the matter was brought before the Prophet in the hope that the Qur'aan may impose a less severe form of punishment for the offence than the Torah does, - which is death by stoning - because both the offenders hailed from families of high social status and the community wished to make an exception in their case. But when he upheld the punishment imposed by the Torah, they refused to abide by his judgement.

3 : 23

23. Alam tara ila allatheena ootoo naseeban mina alkitabi yudAAawna ila kitabi Allahi liyahkuma baynahum thumma yatawalla fareequn minhum wahum muAAridoona

Seen you not how those who were given the Scripture in the past resort to the Scripture of Allah in their disputes hoping that it might favourably judge between them, and then a group out of them turn their faces away and repudiate it?

3 : 24

24. Thalika bi-annahum qaloo lan tamassana alnnaru illa ayyaman maAAdoodatin wagharrahum fee deenihim ma kanoo yaftaroona

This they dare do because they say : 'The fire of hell shall not touch us except for a limited number of days!' They are being deluded by that which they invented on their own and then ascribed it to their religion!
 

(Forty days, which equals the number of days the Children of Israel spent worshipping the Calf soon after Moses went away to Mount Sinai for a tryst with the Lord).
 

3 : 25

25. Fakayfa itha jamaAAnahum liyawmin la rayba feehi wawuffiyat kullu nafsin ma kasabat wahum la yuthlamoona

So, what would be their plight when We gather them to face the Day about which there is no doubt; when every soul will be requited in full for that which it has earned and none will be wronged?

     *   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when, subsequent to the victory of Muslims in the Battle of Badr, the Prophet predicted similar victories for them in Persia and Rome, but the Jews claimed it was merely 'wishful thinking' on his part.

3 : 26

26. Quli allahumma malika almulki tu/tee almulka man tashao watanziAAu almulka mimman tashao watuAAizzu man tashao watuthillu man tashao biyadika alkhayru innaka AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun

Say : 'Allah! To You belongs the Sovereignty! You bestow the kingdom upon whom You will and You take away the kingdom from whom You will; and You exalt whom You will and You disgrace whom You will! In Your fist is held everything which is good and You are Omnipotent over all things!

3 : 27

27. Tooliju allayla fee alnnahari watooliju alnnahara fee allayli watukhriju alhayya mina almayyiti watukhriju almayyita mina alhayyi watarzuqu man tashao bighayri hisabin

'You can add a part of the night to the day and add a part of the day to the night! And You cause the living to emerge from the dead and You cause the dead to emerge from the living! And You give sustenance to whom You will without limitations!'
 

(How often have we not heard stories of men who rose out of the ashes of anonymity and then reached the peak of fame, only to be dumped back in the same ashes from which they rose; or of self-made millionaires on whom fortune smiled for a while and then sealed their doom! That is because Allah alone can put the crowns on the heads of those who wear the crowns, and bind the shackles around the hands of those who wear the shackles!).
 
 

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : During the Battle of Ahzaab, a close associate of the Prophet who had strong links with Jewish tribes suggested to him that, if it helped the Cause of Allah, he could enlist the support of the Jews who were loyal to him on account of tribal affinities, so that it bolstered the strength of the Muslim army. This revelation warns the believers to be weary of seeking support from the disbelievers.

3 : 28

28. La yattakhithi almu/minoona alkafireena awliyaa min dooni almu/mineena waman yafAAal thalika falaysa mina Allahi fee shay-in illa an tattaqoo minhum tuqatan wayuhaththirukumu Allahu nafsahu wa-ila Allahi almaseeru

Let no believer take as his friend a disbeliever in preference to a believer. Whoever does so will sever his bonds with Allah, - except if there was fear of retribution from them, - although Allah bids you to fear His retribution more than theirs, for it is to Him that you shall return!
 

(The exception is, in the event that there is a possibility of retribution by the disbelievers on those of the believers who refuse to make friends with them. However, since Allah is the protecting friend of the believers, they should fear Him more than they fear them).

*   *   *

3 : 29

 

29. Qul in tukhfoo ma fee sudoorikum aw tubdoohu yaAAlamhu Allahu wayaAAlamu ma fee alssamawati wama fee al-ardi waAllahu AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun

Say to them (O Mohammed) : 'Whether you conceal that which is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows. He knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is upon the earth and He is Omnipotent over all things!'

3 : 30

30. Yawma tajidu kullu nafsin ma AAamilat min khayrin muhdaran wama AAamilat min soo-in tawaddu law anna baynaha wabaynahu amadan baAAeedan wayuhaththirukumu Allahu nafsahu waAllahu raoofun bialAAibadi

On the Day when every soul shall confront the righteous deeds it performed and the evil it perpetrated, it will long for a great chasm to open up between it and the evil it had perpetrated! Allah warns you of His retribution and is yet full of Compassion for His bondsmen! (R)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

21. Verily! Those who disbelieve in the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh and kill the Prophets without right, and kill those men who order just dealings, … announce to them a painful torment.

22. They are those whose works will be lost in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.

23. Have you not seen those who have been given a portion of the Scripture? They are being invited to the Book of Allâh to settle their dispute, then a party of them turn away, and they are averse.

24. This is because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a number of days." And that which they used to invent regarding their religion has deceived them.

25. How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). And each person will be paid in full what he has earned? And they will not be dealt with unjustly.

26. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "O Allâh! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honour whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand[] is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things.

27. You make the night to enter into the day, and You make the day to enter into the night (i.e. increase and decrease in the hours of the night and the day during winter and summer), You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit (measure or account).

28. Let not the believers take the disbelievers as Auliyâ (supporters, helpers, etc.) instead of the believers, and whoever does that will never be helped by Allâh in any way, except if you indeed fear a danger from them. And Allâh warns you against Himself (His Punishment)[], and to Allâh is the final return.

29. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Whether you hide what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allâh knows it, and He knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. And Allâh is Able to do all things."

30. On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil. And Allâh warns you against Himself (His Punishment) and Allâh is full of Kindness to the (His) slaves.


003.021
YUSUFALI: As to those who deny the Signs of Allah and in defiance of right, slay the prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, and slay the prophets wrongfully, and slay those of mankind who enjoin equity: promise them a painful doom.
SHAKIR: Surely (as for) those who disbelieve in the communications of Allah and slay the prophets unjustly and slay those among men who enjoin justice, announce to them a painful chastisement.
003.022
YUSUFALI: They are those whose works will bear no fruit in this world and in the Hereafter nor will they have anyone to help.
PICKTHAL: Those are they whose works have failed in the world and the Hereafter; and they have no helpers.
SHAKIR: Those are they whose works shall become null in this world as well as the hereafter, and they shall have no helpers.
003.023

YUSUFALI: Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who have been given a portion of the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allah, to settle their dispute, but a party of them Turn back and decline (The arbitration).
PICKTHAL: Hast thou not seen how those who have received a portion of the Scripture invoke the Scripture of Allah (in their disputes) that it may judge between them; then a faction of them turn away, being opposed (to it)?
SHAKIR: Have you not considered those (Jews) who are given a portion of the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allah that it might decide between them, then a part of them turn back and they withdraw.
003.024
YUSUFALI: This because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days": For their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.
PICKTHAL: That is because they say: The Fire will not touch us save for a certain number of days. That which they used to invent hath deceived them regarding their religion.
SHAKIR: This is because they say: The fire shall not touch us but for a few days; and what they have forged deceives them in the matter of their religion.
003.025
YUSUFALI: But how (will they fare) when we gather them together against a day about which there is no doubt, and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned, without (favour or) injustice?
PICKTHAL: How (will it be with them) when We have brought them all together to a Day of which there is no doubt, when every soul will be paid in full what it hath earned, and they will not be wronged.
SHAKIR: Then how will it be when We shall gather them together on a day about which there is no doubt, and every soul shall be fully paid what it has earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly?
003.026
YUSUFALI: Say: "O Allah! Lord of Power (And Rule), Thou givest power to whom Thou pleasest, and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest: Thou enduest with honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest: In Thy hand is all good. Verily, over all things Thou hast power.
PICKTHAL: Say: O Allah! Owner of Sovereignty! Thou givest sovereignty unto whom Thou wilt, and Thou withdrawest sovereignty from whom Thou wilt. Thou exaltest whom Thou wilt, and Thou abasest whom Thou wilt. In Thy hand is the good. Lo! Thou art Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: Say: O Allah, Master of the Kingdom! Thou givest the kingdom to whomsoever Thou pleasest and takest away the kingdom from whomsoever Thou pleasest, and Thou exaltest whom Thou pleasest and abasest whom Thou pleasest in Thine hand is the good; surety, Thou hast power over all things.
003.027
YUSUFALI: "Thou causest the night to gain on the day, and thou causest the day to gain on the night; Thou bringest the Living out of the dead, and Thou bringest the dead out of the Living; and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest, without measure."
PICKTHAL: Thou causest the night to pass into the day, and Thou causest the day to pass into the night. And Thou bringest forth the living from the dead, and Thou bringest forth the dead from the living. And Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou choosest, without stint.
SHAKIR: Thou makest the night to pass into the day and Thou makest the day to pass into the night, and Thou bringest forth the living from the dead and Thou bringest forth the dead from the living, and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest without measure.
003.028
YUSUFALI: Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.
PICKTHAL: Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Allah biddeth you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Allah is the journeying.
SHAKIR: Let not the believers take the unbelievers for friends rather than believers; and whoever does this, he shall have nothing of (the guardianship of) Allah, but you should guard yourselves against them, guarding carefully; and Allah makes you cautious of (retribution from) Himself; and to Allah is the eventual coming.
003.029
YUSUFALI: Say: "Whether ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it all: He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth. And Allah has power over all things.
PICKTHAL: Say, (O Muhammad): Whether ye hide that which is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knoweth it. He knoweth that which is in the heavens and that which is in the earth, and Allah is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: Say: Whether you hide what is in your hearts or manifest it, Allah knows it, and He knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah has power over all things.
003.030
YUSUFALI: "On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done, and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him."
PICKTHAL: On the Day when every soul will find itself confronted with all that it hath done of good and all that it hath done of evil (every soul) will long that there might be a mighty space of distance between it and that (evil). Allah biddeth you beware of Him. And Allah is Full of Pity for (His) bondmen.
SHAKIR: On the day that every soul shall find present what it has done of good and what it has done of evil, it shall wish that between it and that (evil) there were a long duration of time; and Allah makes you to be cautious of (retribution from) Himself; and Allah is Compassionate to the servants.

Section 4.
 

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Prophet exhorted the idolaters of Mecca to renounce the worship of idols and revert to the religion of Abraham to which they originally belonged.  But they said they were convinced that the worship of idols draws them nearer to Allah!

3 : 31

 

31. Qul in kuntum tuhibboona Allaha faittabiAAoonee yuhbibkumu Allahu wayaghfir lakum thunoobakum waAllahu ghafoorun raheemun

Say to all mankind (O Mohammed) : 'If you love Allah, follow me. Allah will love you back and will forgive you your sins! Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful!

3 : 32

32. Qul ateeAAoo Allaha waalrrasoola fa-in tawallaw fa-inna Allaha la yuhibbu alkafireena

Say to them : 'Obey Allah and His Messenger!' But if they turn their faces away, then verily Allah cherishes not the disbelievers!
 

(For those who profess their love of Allah, there is no other way of attaining His proximity except by obeying His messenger).
 
 

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed to refute the Jewish claims that they alone were the true descendants of Abraham and that Judaism was the religion preached by him.

3 : 33

33. Inna Allaha istafa adama wanoohan waala ibraheema waala AAimrana AAala alAAalameena

Verily Allah preferred Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of Imraan above all His creatures.

3 : 34

34. Thurriyyatan baAAduha min baAAdin waAllahu sameeAAun AAaleemun

It is they who were the descendants of one another. Allah Hears and Knows everything!

*   *   *

3 : 35

35. Ith qalati imraatu AAimrana rabbi innee nathartu laka ma fee batnee muharraran fataqabbal minnee innaka anta alssameeAAu alAAaleemu

(Remember) when the wife of Imraan said :  'My Lord! I have taken a vow that the baby in my womb is to be dedicated to Your service. So accept this offering from me, for You Hear everything and You Know everything!'
 

(Imraan mentioned in this Surah is the father of Mary and not the other Imraan who was the father of Moses and Aaron, - a difference of eighteen hundred years between them.

The wife of Imraan and the wife of Zachariah were sisters. According to Islamic traditions, the wife of Imraan had no children. However, one day in her old age, she noticed a bird on the branch of a tree feeding its fledgling and was overcome by the desire to have a child of her own. So she prayed to Allah that if He blessed her with a child, she would dedicate his entire life in service to Him.

When she became pregnant despite her ripe years and her husband learned about her vow, it plunged him in despair because, in the event that she gave birth to a daughter instead of a son, she would not be able to fulfil her vow.

As destiny would have it, she did deliver a daughter instead of a son and sought Allah's help towards bringing her up as a chaste woman. Little did she realize that the daughter she gave birth to was later to be the mother of Jesus, one of the most cherished Prophets of Allah)
 

3 : 36

36. Falamma wadaAAat-ha qalat rabbi innee wadaAAtuha ontha waAllahu aAAlamu bima wadaAAat walaysa alththakaru kaalontha wa-innee sammaytuha maryama wa-innee oAAeethuha bika wathurriyyataha mina alshshaytani alrrajeemi

And then after she delivered her burden she said : 'My Lord! I have delivered a girl!' - and Allah was best aware of what she had delivered and that the son she had cherished was not the same as the daughter she delivered, - 'I have named her Mary, and I seek your protection for her and her children against Satan, the renegade!'

3 : 37

37. Fataqabbalaha rabbuha biqaboolin hasanin waanbataha nabatan hasanan wakaffalaha zakariyya kullama dakhala AAalayha zakariyya almihraba wajada AAindaha rizqan qala ya maryamu anna laki hatha qalat huwa min AAindi Allahi inna Allaha yarzuqu man yashao bighayri hisabin

And her Lord accepted the offering by His grace and ensured for her a suitable upbringing and made her a ward of Zachariah. Whenever Zachariah visited her in the recess where she resided, he invariably found salubrious victuals at her disposal and said : 'O Mary! Where do these come from?' She said : 'From Allah! Verily Allah provides for whom He will without restraint!'

(After the death of her father Imraan, her uncle Zachariah took over the responsibility of looking after her, - by the leave of Allah.

As it was customary for young ladies of decent upbringing to do, she spent much of her time inside the seclusion of a sanctuary, offering worship to Allah. Oft and on, whenever Zachariah visited her, he noticed that she always had salubrious nourishment with her, sometimes fruit which were not even in season. Amazed, when he asked her where it came from, she said that it came from Allah and that 'Allah provides for whom He will without stint.'

It was her remark that : Allah provides for whom He will without stint' which plunged him into deeper thoughts. Himself old, and his wife infertile, there was no chance of his having any children of his own, and yet he became optimistic that, if Allah could provide her with fruit which were not in season, He should also be able to give him a child of his own even if his wife was barren).

3 : 38 

38. Hunalika daAAa zakariyya rabbahu qala rabbi hab lee min ladunka thurriyyatan tayyibatan innaka sameeAAu aldduAAa/-i

Then Zachariah prayed to his Lord and said : 'My Lord! Bless me with the gift of virtuous offspring from You. You do, indeed, respond to invocation!'

3 : 39

39. Fanadat-hu almala-ikatu wahuwa qa-imun yusallee fee almihrabi anna Allaha yubashshiruka biyahya musaddiqan bikalimatin mina Allahi wasayyidan wahasooran wanabiyyan mina alssaliheena

And the angels called to him as he stood engrossed praying inside the sanctuary and said : 'Verily Allah gives you glad tidings of the birth of a son whose name will be Yahya and he will come to prophesy the fulfilment of a promise from Allah, blessed and chaste, a Prophet of the righteous!
 

(The tidings which the angels bore for him was the birth of John (the Baptist) who would prophesy to all mankind the coming of Jesus - 'a promise from Allah!' - ).
 

3 : 40

40. Qala rabbi anna yakoonu lee ghulamun waqad balaghaniya alkibaru waimraatee AAaqirun qala kathalika Allahu yafAAalu ma yasha/o

He said : 'My Lord! How can I have a son when I have already reached senility and my wife is infertile?' The angel answered : 'So shall it be, for Allah does what He will!'

3 : 41

41. Qala rabbi ijAAal lee ayatan qala ayatuka alla tukallima alnnasa thalathata ayyamin illa ramzan waothkur rabbaka katheeran wasabbih bialAAashiyyi waal-ibkari

He said : 'O my Lord! Send me a token!'  It was said to him : 'Your token is that you would not be able to communicate with anyone for three days except by signs! Remember your Lord much and hymn His glory at dusk and at dawn!' (R)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

31. Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): "If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur'ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

32. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW)." But if they turn away, then Allâh does not like the disbelievers[].

33. Allâh chose Adam, Nûh (Noah), the family of Ibrâhim (Abraham) and the family of 'Imrân above the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns) (of their times).

34. Offspring, one of the other, and Allâh is the All-Hearer, All-Knower.

35. (Remember) when the wife of 'Imrân said: "O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services (free from all worldly work; to serve Your Place of worship), so accept this, from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing."

36. Then when she delivered her [child Maryam (Mary)], she said: "O my Lord! I have delivered a female child," - and Allâh knew better what she delivered, - "And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam[] (Mary), and I seek refuge with You (Allâh) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast."

37. So her Lord (Allâh) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariyâ (Zachariya). Every time he entered Al-Mihrâb[] to (visit) her , he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Maryam (Mary)! From where have you got this?" She said, "This is from Allâh." Verily, Allâh provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit."

38. At that time Zakariyâ (Zachariya) invoked his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation."

39. Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in Al-Mihrâb (a praying place or a private room), (saying): "Allâh gives you glad tidings of Yahya (John), confirming (believing in) the Word from Allâh [i.e. the creation of 'Iesa (Jesus) <><>, the Word from Allâh ("Be!" - and he was!)], noble, keeping away from sexual relations with women, a Prophet, from among the righteous."

40. He said: "O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" Allâh said: "Thus Allâh does what He wills."

41. He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me." Allâh said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to mankind for three days except with signals. And remember your Lord much (by praising Him again and again), and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning.[]"


003.031
YUSUFALI: Say: "If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
PICKTHAL: Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your faults, and Allah is Forgiving, MercifuL
003.032
YUSUFALI: Say: "Obey Allah and His Messenger": But if they turn back, Allah loveth not those who reject Faith.
PICKTHAL: Say: Obey Allah and the messenger. But if they turn away, lo! Allah loveth not the disbelievers (in His guidance).
SHAKIR: Say: Obey Allah and the Messenger; but if they turn back, then surely Allah does not love the unbelievers.
003.033
YUSUFALI: Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people,-
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah preferred Adam and Noah and the Family of Abraham and the Family of 'Imran above (all His) creatures.
SHAKIR: Surely Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the descendants of Ibrahim and the descendants of Imran above the nations.
003.034
YUSUFALI: Offspring, one of the other: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.
PICKTHAL: They were descendants one of another. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
SHAKIR: Offspring one of the other; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.
003.035
YUSUFALI: Behold! a woman of 'Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest and knowest all things."
PICKTHAL: (Remember) when the wife of 'Imran said: My Lord! I have vowed unto Thee that which is in my belly as a consecrated (offering). Accept it from me. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower!
SHAKIR: When a woman of Imran said: My Lord! surely I vow to Thee what is in my womb, to be devoted (to Thy service); accept therefore from me, surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing.
003.036
YUSUFALI: When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!"- and Allah knew best what she brought forth- "And no wise is the male Like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected."
PICKTHAL: And when she was delivered she said: My Lord! Lo! I am delivered of a female - Allah knew best of what she was delivered - the male is not as the female; and lo! I have named her Mary, and lo! I crave Thy protection for her and for her offspring from Satan the outcast.
SHAKIR: So when she brought forth, she said: My Lord! Surely I have brought it forth a female-- and Allah knew best what she brought forth-- and the male is not like the female, and I have named it Marium, and I commend her and her offspring into Thy protection from the accursed Shaitan.
003.037
YUSUFALI: Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: To the care of Zakariya was she assigned. Every time that he entered (Her) chamber to see her, He found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" She said: "From Allah: for Allah Provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure."
PICKTHAL: And her Lord accepted her with full acceptance and vouchsafed to her a goodly growth; and made Zachariah her guardian. Whenever Zachariah went into the sanctuary where she was, he found that she had food. He said: O Mary! Whence cometh unto thee this (food)? She answered: It is from Allah. Allah giveth without stint to whom He will.
SHAKIR: So her Lord accepted her with a good acceptance and made her grow up a good growing, and gave her into the charge of Zakariya; whenever Zakariya entered the sanctuary to (see) her, he found with her food. He said: O Marium! whence comes this to you? She said: It is from Allah. Surely Allah gives to whom He pleases without measure.
003.038
YUSUFALI: There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer!
PICKTHAL: Then Zachariah prayed unto his Lord and said: My Lord! Bestow upon me of Thy bounty goodly offspring. Lo! Thou art the Hearer of Prayer.
SHAKIR: There did Zakariya pray to his Lord; he said: My Lord! grant me from Thee good offspring; surely Thou art the Hearer of prayer.
003.039
YUSUFALI: While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him: "Allah doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a Word from Allah, and (be besides) noble, chaste, and a prophet,- of the (goodly) company of the righteous."
PICKTHAL: And the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: Allah giveth thee glad tidings of (a son whose name is) John, (who cometh) to confirm a word from Allah lordly, chaste, a prophet of the righteous.
SHAKIR: Then the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: That Allah gives you the good news of Yahya verifying a Word from Allah, and honorable and chaste and a prophet from among the good ones.
003.040
YUSUFALI: He said: "O my Lord! How shall I have son, seeing I am very old, and my wife is barren?" "Thus," was the answer, "Doth Allah accomplish what He willeth."
PICKTHAL: He said: My Lord! How can I have a son when age hath overtaken me already and my wife is barren? (The angel) answered: So (it will be). Allah doeth what He will.
SHAKIR: He said: My Lord! when shall there be a son (born) to me, and old age has already come upon me, and my wife is barren? He said: even thus does Allah what He pleases.
003.041
YUSUFALI: He said: "O my Lord! Give me a Sign!" "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three days but with signals. Then celebrate the praises of thy Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the evening and in the morning."
PICKTHAL: He said: My Lord! Appoint a token for me. (The angel) said: The token unto thee (shall be) that thou shalt not speak unto mankind three days except by signs. Remember thy Lord much, and praise (Him) in the early hours of night and morning.
SHAKIR: He said: My Lord! appoint a sign for me. Said He: Your sign is that you should not speak to men for three days except by signs; and remember your Lord much and glorify Him in the evening and the morning.

 

Section 5.
 

3 : 42

42. Wa-ith qalati almala-ikatu ya maryamu inna Allaha istafaki watahharaki waistafaki AAala nisa-i alAAalameena

And when the Angels said : 'O Mary! Allah has chosen you and has hallowed you and has deemed you to be above all the other women in His Creation!

3 : 43

43. Ya maryamu oqnutee lirabbiki waosjudee wairkaAAee maAAa alrrakiAAeena

'O Mary! Stand in front of your Lord with reverence and prostrate before Him and bow to Him in worship along with those who bow!

3 : 44

44. Thalika min anba-i alghaybi nooheehi ilayka wama kunta ladayhim ith yulqoona aqlamahum ayyuhum yakfulu maryama wama kunta ladayhim ith yakhtasimoona

These are matters of the hidden that we inspirit in you (O Mohammed)! You were not present with them when they threw down their pens to know who would be the guardian of Mary, nor were you there when they argued over it!
 

(It was a time-honoured custom amongst the Children of Israel to draw lots by casting away their pens in the river so that the burden of choosing falls upon the water by letting the pen of the winner float).
 

 3 : 45

45. Ith qalati almala-ikatu ya maryamu inna Allaha yubashshiruki bikalimatin minhu ismuhu almaseehu AAeesa ibnu maryama wajeehan fee alddunya waal-akhirati wamina almuqarrabeena

When the angels said : 'O Mary! Allah gives the tidings of the birth of a son to you who will be known as the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, distinguished in this world and in the Hereafter, and blessed with Allah's propinquity!

3 : 46

46. Wayukallimu alnnasa fee almahdi wakahlan wamina alssaliheena

'And he will speak to mankind from his cradle and then later on during his manhood and he will be of the righteous!'

3 : 47

47. Qalat rabbi anna yakoonu lee waladun walam yamsasnee basharun qala kathaliki Allahu yakhluqu ma yashao itha qada amran fa-innama yaqoolu lahu kun fayakoonu

She said : 'My Lord! How can I bear a child when no mortal has ever touched me?' He said, 'So shall it be! Allah creates what He will! If He wishes a thing to occur, He says to it : 'Be!' and it is!

3 : 48

48. WayuAAallimuhu alkitaba waalhikmata waalttawrata waal-injeela

And He will teach him the Scripture and the Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel -

3 : 49

49. Warasoolan ila banee isra-eela annee qad ji/tukum bi-ayatin min rabbikum annee akhluqu lakum mina altteeni kahay-ati alttayri faanfukhu feehi fayakoonu tayran bi-ithni Allahi waobri-o al-akmaha waal-abrasa waohyee almawta bi-ithni Allahi waonabbi-okum bima ta/kuloona wama taddakhiroona fee buyootikum inna fee thalika laayatan lakum in kuntum mu/mineena

And will make him a messenger for the Children of Israel to whom he will declare : 'Verily I come to you with a token from your Lord! I mould for you the likeness of a bird out of this clay and I breath into it and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave! And I heal him who is born blind and him who is a leper and I raise him who is dead by Allah's leave! And I will tell you that which you have eaten as well as that which you have hidden inside your houses. Verily there are many a portent in this for you, if you are truly believers!

3 : 50

50. Wamusaddiqan lima bayna yadayya mina alttawrati wali-ohilla lakum baAAda allathee hurrima AAalaykum waji/tukum bi-ayatin min rabbikum faittaqoo Allaha waateeAAooni

'I confirm that which was revealed in the Torah before me and I make lawful for you some of that which was made unlawful for you. And I come to you with a token from your Lord, so fear Him and follow me!

3 : 51

51. Inna Allaha rabbee warabbukum faoAAbudoohu hatha siratun mustaqeemun

'Verily Allah is my Lord as He is your Lord, so worship Him! It is the straight path!'

3 : 52

52. Falamma ahassa AAeesa minhumu alkufra qala man ansaree ila Allahi qala alhawariyyoona nahnu ansaru Allahi amanna biAllahi waishhad bi-anna muslimoona

But when Jesus became aware of hostility in them, he said : 'Who would be my cohorts for the Cause of Allah?'  The disciples said : 'We will be your cohorts for the Cause of Allah! We believe in Allah, so bear witness for us that we have surrendered to Him!
 

(The 'disciples' or 'hawari' correspond to the celebrated and dedicated Apostles who are known to have accompanied Jesus wherever he went)
 

3 : 53

53. Rabbana amanna bima anzalta waittabaAAna alrrasoola faoktubna maAAa alshshahideena

(They prayed) : 'Our Lord! We believe in that which You have revealed to us and we follow him whom You have sent to us, so deem us among those who bear witness to the Truth!'

3 : 54

54. Wamakaroo wamakara Allahu waAllahu khayru almakireena

But the disbelievers plotted against Allah so Allah plotted against them! And Allah emerged the best of the plotters! (R)
 

(The disbelievers among the Children of Israel hatched a plot to get Jesus crucified by the Romans but did not succeed because Allah countered their plot by causing Jesus to ascend to Him and made them crucify a fellow convict who bore a strong resemblance to him.

Note that this version of events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus differs from the Biblical version followed by the Christians. According to them, the Resurrection of Jesus took place several days after he was slain, inside the tomb in which his body was laid to rest; but according to Qur'aan, Allah caused Jesus to ascend to Him before his crucifixion was carried out by the Roman soldiers, keeping His promise to him which is elaborated in the next verse).


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

 42. And (remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allâh has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns) (of her lifetime)."

43. O Mary! "Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allâh, by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkâ'i (bow down etc.) along with Ar-Râki'ûn (those who bow down etc.)."

44. This is a part of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past nations of which you have no knowledge) which We inspire you with (O Muhammad SAW). You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed.

45. (Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allâh gives you the glad tidings of a Word ["Be!" - and he was! i.e. 'Iesa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allâh."

46. "He will speak to the people in the cradle[] and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous."

47. She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me." He said: "So (it will be) for Allâh creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: "Be!" and it is.

48. And He (Allâh) will teach him ['Iesa (Jesus)] the Book and Al-Hikmah (i.e. the Sunnah, the faultless speech of the Prophets, wisdom, etc.), (and) the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel).

49. And will make him ['Iesa (Jesus)] a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allâh's Leave; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allâh's Leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe.

50. And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurât (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allâh and obey me.

51. Truly! Allâh is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the Straight Path.

52. Then when 'Iesa (Jesus) came to know of their disbelief, he said: "Who will be my helpers in Allâh's Cause?" Al-Hawâriûn (the disciples) said: "We are the helpers of Allâh; we believe in Allâh, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allâh)."

53. Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger ['Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh - none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh).

54. And they (disbelievers) plotted [to kill 'Iesa (Jesus) <><>], and Allâh planned too. And Allâh is the Best of the planners.


003.042
YUSUFALI: Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee- chosen thee above the women of all nations.
PICKTHAL: And when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah hath chosen thee and made thee pure, and hath preferred thee above (all) the women of creation.
SHAKIR: And when the angels said: O Marium! surely Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of of the world.

003.043
YUSUFALI: "O Mary! worship Thy Lord devoutly: Prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down."
PICKTHAL: O Mary! Be obedient to thy Lord, prostrate thyself and bow with those who bow (in worship).
SHAKIR: O Marium! keep to obedience to your Lord and humble yourself, and bow down with those who bow.

003.044
YUSUFALI: This is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee (O Messenger!) by inspiration: Thou wast not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary: Nor wast thou with them when they disputed (the point).
PICKTHAL: This is of the tidings of things hidden. We reveal it unto thee (Muhammad). Thou wast not present with them when they threw their pens (to know) which of them should be the guardian of Mary, nor wast thou present with them when they quarrelled (thereupon).
SHAKIR: This is of the announcements relating to the unseen which We reveal to you; and you were not with them when they cast their pens (to decide) which of them should have Marium in his charge, and you were not with them when they contended one with another.

003.045
YUSUFALI: Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah;
PICKTHAL: (And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).
SHAKIR: When the angels said: O Marium, surely Allah gives you good news with a Word from Him (of one) whose name is the '. Messiah, Isa son of Marium, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter and of those who are made near (to Allah).

003.046
YUSUFALI: "He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous."
PICKTHAL: He will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous.
SHAKIR: And he shall speak to the people when in the cradle and when of old age, and (he shall be) one of the good ones.

003.047
YUSUFALI: She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!
PICKTHAL: She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.
SHAKIR: She said: My Lord! when shall there be a son (born) to I me, and man has not touched me? He said: Even so, Allah creates what He pleases; when He has decreed a matter, He only says to it, Be, and it is.

003.048
YUSUFALI: "And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel,
PICKTHAL: And He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel,
SHAKIR: And He will teach him the Book and the wisdom and the Tavrat and the Injeel.

003.049
YUSUFALI: "And (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): "'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave: And I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah's leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;
PICKTHAL: And will make him a messenger unto the Children of Israel, (saying): Lo! I come unto you with a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave. I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave. And I announce unto you what ye eat and what ye store up in your houses. Lo! herein verily is a portent for you, if ye are to be believers.
SHAKIR: And (make him) a messenger to the children of Israel: That I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I determine for you out of dust like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird with Allah's permission and I heal the blind and the leprous, and bring the dead to life with Allah's permission and I inform you of what you should eat and what you should store in your houses; most surely there is a sign in this for you, if you are believers.

003.050
YUSUFALI: "'(I have come to you), to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (Before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me.
PICKTHAL: And (I come) confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful some of that which was forbidden unto you. I come unto you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Allah and obey me.
SHAKIR: And a verifier of that which is before me of the Taurat and that I may allow you part of that which has been forbidden t you, and I have come to you with a sign from your Lord therefore be careful of (your duty to) Allah and obey me.

003.051
YUSUFALI: "'It is Allah Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a Way that is straight.'"
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.
SHAKIR: Surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord, therefore serve Him; this is the right path.

003.052
YUSUFALI: When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My helpers to (the work of) Allah?" Said the disciples: "We are Allah's helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.
PICKTHAL: But when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah's helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear thou witness that we have surrendered (unto Him).
SHAKIR: But when Isa perceived unbelief on their part, he said Who will be my helpers in Allah's way? The disciples said: We are helpers (in the way) of Allah: We believe in Allah and bear witness that we are submitting ones.

003.053
YUSUFALI: "Our Lord! we believe in what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger; then write us down among those who bear witness."
PICKTHAL: Our Lord! We believe in that which Thou hast revealed and we follow him whom Thou hast sent. Enrol us among those who witness (to the truth).
SHAKIR: Our Lord! we believe in what Thou hast revealed and we follow the messenger, so write us down with those who bear witness.

003.054
YUSUFALI: And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah.
PICKTHAL: And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.
SHAKIR: And they planned and Allah (also) planned, and Allah is the best of planners.

 

Section 6.
 

3 : 55

55. Ith qala Allahu ya AAeesa innee mutawaffeeka warafiAAuka ilayya wamutahhiruka mina allatheena kafaroo wajaAAilu allatheena ittabaAAooka fawqa allatheena kafaroo ila yawmi alqiyamati thumma ilayya marjiAAukum faahkumu baynakum feema kuntum feehi takhtalifoona

And (remember) when Allah said : 'O Jesus! I am going to protect you by causing you to ascend to Me and I am going to keep you cleansed of the disbelievers and I am going to set those who follow you above those who refute you until the Day of Resurrection! And then it is to Me that all of must return when I shall adjudicate between you concerning that over which you differed!

3 ; 56

56. Faamma allatheena kafaroo faoAAaththibuhum AAathaban shadeedan fee alddunya waal-akhirati wama lahum min nasireena

As for those who disbelieve, I shall mete out to them a severe punishment in the life of this world as well as in the Hereafter and they will have no one to help them!

3 : 57

57. Waamma allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati fayuwaffeehim ojoorahum waAllahu la yuhibbu alththalimeena                    

But as for those who believe and perform righteous deeds, He will reward them in the fullest! For Allah cherishes not the iniquitous!

3 : 58

58. Thalika natloohu AAalayka mina al-ayati waalththikri alhakeemi

This which We recite to you is a Divine Revelation and a Sublime Admonition!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a delegation of Christians argued with the Prophet that, if Allah was not the father of Jesus, then it follows that Jesus was born without a father, which is a biological impossibility.

3 : 59

59. Inna mathala AAeesa AAinda Allahi kamathali adama khalaqahu min turabin thumma qala lahu kun fayakoonu

The likeness of Jesus (in the eyes of) Allah is the same as Adam. He created Adam out of dust, then He said to him : 'Be!' and he was!

(The comparison drawn between Adam and Jesus was to accentuate the fact that Allah has the power to do whatever pleases Him. If He could create Adam out of potter's clay without a father or a mother, why should He not be able to cause Jesus to be born to Mary without a father?

When we are talking about Adam and Jesus, we are not talking in terms of copulation and ovulation, but are delving into the realm of Divinity and Omnipotence!)

*   *  *

3 : 60

60. Alhaqqu min rabbika fala takun mina almumtareena

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

(This is precisely how events surrounding the birth and Resurrection of Jesus transpired, so let there be no doubts in anybody's minds about it).
 

3 : 61

61. Faman hajjaka feehi min baAAdi ma jaaka mina alAAilmi faqul taAAalaw nadAAu abnaana waabnaakum wanisaana wanisaakum waanfusana waanfusakum thumma nabtahil fanajAAal laAAnata Allahi AAala alkathibeena

If anyone comes to you forthwith in order to altercate with you over him even after this knowledge which has come to you, say to them : 'Why not bring together our children and your children and our women and your women and ourselves and yourselves, then pray to Allah to confirm the truth and invoke His curse upon those who lie?'
 

(This verse is known as the verse of 'Mubahala' that can be translated into English as the 'challenge'. When the delegation of Christians mentioned above was thus challenged by Allah through the Prophet, they declined to take it up after consultation with their priests).

3: 62

62. Inna hatha lahuwa alqasasu alhaqqu wama min ilahin illa Allahu wa-inna Allaha lahuwa alAAazeezu alhakeemu

Verily this is the true account: There is no god except Allah; and Allah-He is indeed the Exalted in Power, the Wise.

3 : 63

63. Fa-in tawallaw fa-inna Allaha AAaleemun bialmufsideena

And if they turn away, then surely, Allâh is aware of those who do mischief.


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

55. And (remember) when Allâh said: "O 'Iesa (Jesus)! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that 'Iesa (Jesus) is Allâh's son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allâh) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allâh, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad SAW, 'Iesa (Jesus), Mûsa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur'ân] till the Day of Resurrection[]. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute."

56. "As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers."

57. And as for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh) and do righteous good deeds, Allâh will pay them their reward in full. And Allâh does not like the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).

58. This is what We recite to you (O Muhammad SAW) of the Verses and the Wise Reminder (i.e. the Qur'ân).

59. Verily, the likeness of 'Iesa (Jesus) before Allâh is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" - and he was.

60. (This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt.

61. Then whoever disputes with you concerning him ['Iesa (Jesus)] after (all this) knowledge that has come to you, [i.e. 'Iesa (Jesus)] being a slave of Allâh, and having no share in Divinity) say: (O Muhammad SAW) "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves - then we pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allâh upon those who lie."

62. Verily! This is the true narrative [about the story of 'Iesa (Jesus)], and, Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh, the One and the Only True God, Who has neither a wife nor a son). And indeed, Allâh is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

63. And if they turn away (and do not accept these true proofs and evidences), then surely, Allâh is All-Aware of those who do mischief.


003.055
YUSUFALI: Behold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.
PICKTHAL: (And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.
SHAKIR: And when Allah said: O Isa, I am going to terminate the period of your stay (on earth) and cause you to ascend unto Me and purify you of those who disbelieve and make those who follow you above those who disbelieve to the day of resurrection; then to Me shall be your return, so l will decide between you concerning that in which you differed.
003.056
YUSUFALI: "As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help."
PICKTHAL: As for those who disbelieve I shall chastise them with a heavy chastisement in the world and the Hereafter; and they will have no helpers.
SHAKIR: Then as to those who disbelieve, I will chastise them with severe chastisement in this world and the hereafter, and they shall have no helpers.
003.057
YUSUFALI: "As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but Allah loveth not those who do wrong."
PICKTHAL: And as for those who believe and do good works, He will pay them their wages in full. Allah loveth not wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: And as to those who believe and do good deeds, He will pay them fully their rewards; and Allah does not love the unjust.
003.058
YUSUFALI: "This is what we rehearse unto thee of the Signs and the Message of Wisdom."
PICKTHAL: This (which) We recite unto thee is a revelation and a wise reminder.
SHAKIR: This We recite to you of the communications and the wise reminder.
003.059
YUSUFALI: The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was.
PICKTHAL: Lo! the likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is.
SHAKIR: Surely the likeness of Isa is with Allah as the likeness of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him, Be, and he was.
003.060
YUSUFALI: The Truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.
PICKTHAL: (This is) the truth from thy Lord (O Muhammad), so be not thou of those who waver.
SHAKIR: (This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of the disputers.
003.061
YUSUFALI: If any one disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge Hath come to thee, say: "Come! let us gather together,- our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!"
PICKTHAL: And whoso disputeth with thee concerning him, after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, say (unto him): Come! We will summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then we will pray humbly (to our Lord) and (solemnly) invoke the curse of Allah upon those who lie.
SHAKIR: But whoever disputes with you in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge, then say: Come let us call our sons and your sons and our women and your women and our near people and your near people, then let us be earnest in prayer, and pray for the curse of Allah on the liars.
 003.062
YUSUFALI: This is the true account: There is no god except Allah; and Allah-He is indeed the Exalted in Power, the Wise.
PICKTHAL: Lo! This verily is the true narrative. There is no Allah save Allah, and lo! Allah, He verily is, is the Mighty, the Wise.
SHAKIR: Most surely this is the true explanation, and there is no god but Allah; and most surely Allah-- He is the Mighty, the Wise.
003.063
YUSUFALI: But if they turn back, Allah hath full knowledge of those who do mischief.
PICKTHAL: And if they turn away, then lo! Allah is Aware of (who are) the corrupters.
SHAKIR: But if they turn back, then surely Allah knows the mischief-makers.

 

Section 7.
 

3 : 64

64. Qul ya ahla alkitabi taAAalaw ila kalimatin sawa-in baynana wabaynakum alla naAAbuda illa Allaha wala nushrika bihi shay-an wala yattakhitha baAAduna baAAdan arbaban min dooni Allahi fa-in tawallaw faqooloo ishhadoo bi-anna muslimoona

Say : 'O peoples of  the Scripture! Come towards a goal which is common to us and you : that we shall worship no one save Allah; and that we shall not ascribe partners to Him; and that we shall not accept as our Lord anyone besides Allah!' And if they turn away after that, then say : 'Bear witness that we are of those who have surrendered to Him!'

(Let all peoples of the Scriptures move together towards a common goal, which is the same in all the three Scriptures, and let there be no imputation that Jesus was the son of God nor that Jesus himself is God, and let there be no sort of apotheosis of humans by any of us in future).

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Jews and the Christians vehemently argued with one another,  - the Jews claiming that Abraham was a Jew and the Christians claiming that he was a Christian!

3 : 65

65. Ya ahla alkitabi lima tuhajjoona fee ibraheema wama onzilati alttawratu waal-injeelu illa min baAAdihi afala taAAqiloona

O people of the Scripture! Why altercate over Abraham when both the Torah and the Gospel were revealed long after he passed away? Have you no sense?

3 : 66

66. Ha antum haola-i hajajtum feema lakum bihi AAilmun falima tuhajjoona feema laysa lakum bihi AAilmun waAllahu yaAAlamu waantum la taAAlamoona

You are those who argue about that of which you have some knowledge! Why argue about that of which you have no knowledge? Allah knows whereas you know not!
 

(The Jews and the Christians contested the bona fides of the Prophet even though they had knowledge about him, clearly outlined in the Torah and the Gospel. But why contend about Abraham's faith when neither the Torah nor the Gospel were in existence during his lifetime?'
 

3 : 67

67. Ma kana ibraheemu yahoodiyyan wala nasraniyyan walakin kana haneefan musliman wama kana mina almushrikeena

Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian! He was a righteous man who had surrendered to Allah and distanced himself from idolatry!
 

(Hence neither the Jews can claim that he belonged to their faith, nor can the Christians say that he belonged to their faith, nor can the idolaters say that he belonged to theirs. He was a righteous man who surrendered to Allah alone and waged a fierce war on idols and those who worshipped them. If he was present in their midst, he most certainly would have waged an even fiercer war on those who claim that Jesus was the son of God, display his and his mother's statues in their churches and cathedrals and offer them worship!

For the benefit of readers of this translation who belong to a denomination other than Islam as well as its critics, it should be pointed out that, realizing how dangerously close devotion could be to deification, our Prophet Mohammed, - may peace be upon him - forbade people from drawing or painting his pictures, with the result that, despite his being the man who launched one of the greatest and most widely practised religions in the world, no picture exists of him to this day except a few caricatures drawn by western artists which no one has ever taken seriously.

He always vehemently insisted on his being treated as no more than just an ordinary mortal with an extra-ordinary mission, which he carried out with great insight and sincere dedication.

It is, therefore, not too surprising that, certain western scholars who did an analytical study of the Qur'aan and its propagator, dubbed him 'a tape recorder' because he said no more than what he was asked to say by the Revealing Angel, who was himself carrying out the command of his Lord).
 

3 : 68

68. Inna awla alnnasi bi-ibraheema lallatheena ittabaAAoohu wahatha alnnabiyyu waallatheena amanoo waAllahu waliyyu almu/mineena                        

Those among mankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet, and those who follow this Prophet. Allah is the protecting friend of those who believe!
 

(It is declared here in no uncertain terms that only those who adhered to him during his own lifetime, and this (our) Prophet, and the Muslims who adhere to him have the right to claim affinity with Abraham, - may Allah's peace be upon him).

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Jews tried to dissuade other Jews from embracing Islam; and if they already have, then to renounce it and revert to their previous denomination.

3 : 69

69. Waddat ta-ifatun min ahli alkitabi law yudilloonakum wama yudilloona illa anfusahum wama yashAAuroona

A group from the people of the Scripture ardently wish that you are somehow driven astray! They drive none astray save their own souls, though they realize it not!

3 : 70

70. Ya ahla alkitabi lima takfuroona bi-ayati Allahi waantum tashhadoona

O peoples of the Scriptures! Why vituperate the revelations of Allah when you bear witness to the truth yourselves?

3 : 71

71. Ya ahla alkitabi lima talbisoona alhaqqa bialbatili wataktumoona alhaqqa waantum taAAlamoona

O Peoples of the Scriptures! Why confound the Truth with Falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth? (R)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

64. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh[]. Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims."

65. O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Ibrâhim (Abraham), while the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense?

66. Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that which you have no knowledge? It is Allâh Who knows, and you know not.

67. Ibrâhim (Abraham) was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa (Islâmic Monotheism - to worship none but Allâh Alone) and he was not of Al-Mushrikûn (See V.2:105)[].

68. Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrâhim (Abraham) are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and those who have believed (Muslims). And Allâh is the Walî (Protector and Helper) of the believers.

69. A party of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not.

70. O people of the Scripture! (Jews and Christians): "Why do you disbelieve in the Ayât of Allâh, [the Verses about Prophet Muhammad SAW present in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] while you (yourselves) bear witness (to their truth)."

71. O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): "Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?"


003.064
YUSUFALI: Say: "O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah." If then they turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's Will).
PICKTHAL: Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to an agreement between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside Allah. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto Him).
SHAKIR: Say: O followers of the Book! come to an equitable proposition between us and you that we shall not serve any but Allah and (that) we shall not associate aught with Him, and (that) some of us shall not take others for lords besides Allah; but if they turn back, then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims.
003.065
YUSUFALI: Ye People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel Were not revealed Till after him? Have ye no understanding?
PICKTHAL: O People of the Scripture! Why will ye argue about Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye then no sense?
SHAKIR: O followers of the Book! why do you dispute about Ibrahim, when the Taurat and the Injeel were not revealed till after him; do you not then understand?
003.066
YUSUFALI: Ah! Ye are those who fell to disputing (Even) in matters of which ye had some knowledge! but why dispute ye in matters of which ye have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and ye who know not!
PICKTHAL: Lo! ye are those who argue about that whereof ye have some knowledge: Why then argue ye concerning that whereof ye have no knowledge? Allah knoweth. Ye know not.
SHAKIR: Behold! you are they who disputed about that of which you had knowledge; why then do you dispute about that of which you have no knowledge? And Allah knows while you do not know.
003.067
YUSUFALI: Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah's (Which is Islam), and he joined not gods with Allah.
PICKTHAL: Abraham was not a Jew, nor yet a Christian; but he was an upright man who had surrendered (to Allah), and he was not of the idolaters.
SHAKIR: Ibrahim was not a Jew nor a Christian but he was (an) upright (man), a Muslim, and he was not one of the polytheists.
003.068
YUSUFALI: Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Prophet and those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who have faith.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those of mankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who believe (with him); and Allah is the Protecting Guardian of the believers.
SHAKIR: Most surely the nearest of people to Ibrahim are those who followed him and this Prophet and those who believe and Allah is the guardian of the believers.
003.069
YUSUFALI: It is the wish of a section of the People of the Book to lead you astray. But they shall lead astray (Not you), but themselves, and they do not perceive!
PICKTHAL: A party of the People of the Scripture long to make you go astray; and they make none to go astray except themselves, but they perceive not.
SHAKIR: A party of the followers of the Book desire that they should lead you astray, and they lead not astray but themselves, and they do not perceive.
003.070
YUSUFALI: Ye People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, of which ye are (Yourselves) witnesses?
PICKTHAL: O People of the Scripture! Why disbelieve ye in the revelations of Allah, when ye (yourselves) bear witness (to their truth)?
SHAKIR: O followers of the Book! Why do you disbelieve in the communications of Allah while you witness (them)?
003.071
YUSUFALI: Ye People of the Book! Why do ye clothe Truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth, while ye have knowledge?
PICKTHAL: O People of the Scripture! Why confound ye truth with falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth?
SHAKIR: O followers of the Book! Why do you confound the truth with the falsehood and hide the truth while you know?


 

Section 8.
 

 Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed with reference to twelve Jewish Rabbis of Khaybar who conspired to embrace Islam in the morning and renounce it in the evening, claiming that 'Mohammed' did not match the description of 'Ahmed' prophesied in the Torah, so that doubts arose in the minds of those who were contemplating conversion to Islam.

3 : 72

72. Waqalat ta-ifatun min ahli alkitabi aminoo biallathee onzila AAala allatheena amanoo wajha alnnahari waokfuroo akhirahu laAAallahum yarjiAAoona

A group from the people of the Scripture say : 'Believe in that which has been revealed to the believers at the start of the day and then renounce it at the end of the day so that others may do the same, -

2 : 73

73. Wala tu/minoo illa liman tabiAAa deenakum qul inna alhuda huda Allahi an yu/ta ahadun mithla ma ooteetum aw yuhajjookum AAinda rabbikum qul inna alfadla biyadi Allahi yu/teehi man yashao waAllahu wasiAAun AAaleemun

And believe no one except the one who follows your religion. Say (O Muhammad): "Verily! Right guidance is the Guidance of Allâh" and do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received except when he follows your religion, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord. Say (O Muhammad): "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, the All-Knower."

 

3 : 74

74. Yakhtassu birahmatihi man yashao waAllahu thoo alfadli alAAatheemi

He repletes whom He will with His mercy! And Allah is infinite in His mercy!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed about those Jews who were irreproachable in matters of trust as opposed to the others who were dishonest and unreliable


3 : 75

 

75. Wamin ahli alkitabi man in ta/manhu biqintarin yu-addihi ilayka waminhum man in ta/manhu bideenarin la yu-addihi ilayka illa ma dumta AAalayhi qa-iman thalika bi-annahum qaloo laysa AAalayna fee al-ommiyyeena sabeelun wayaqooloona AAala Allahi alkathiba wahum yaAAlamoona

And among the people of the Scripture there is he who, if you entrust him with a trove of treasure, he will return it to you! And among them there is also he who, if you entrust him with a piece of gold, he will not return it unless you exert pressure on him. This is because they say: 'We are under no obligation about the affairs of the Gentiles and knowingly ascribe a lie to Allah!

3 : 76

76. Bala man awfa biAAahdihi waittaqa fa-inna Allaha yuhibbu almuttaqeena

Nay, but Allah prefers him who keeps his pledges and guards himself against evil and cherishes those who are abstemious.

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in order to rebuke certain elite Jews who intentionally introduced changes in the Torah for financial rewards, especially the parts which dealt with the prophesy about the Last Prophet.

3 : 77

77. Inna allatheena yashtaroona biAAahdi Allahi waaymanihim thamanan qaleelan ola-ika la khalaqa lahum fee al-akhirati wala yukallimuhumu Allahu wala yanthuru ilayhim yawma alqiyamati wala yuzakkeehim walahum AAathabun aleemun

Verily those who trade their covenant with Allah and their oaths in return for petty financial gains would have no share in the Hereafter. Allah will not communicate with them on the Day of Resurrection nor look at them nor consecrate them. For them awaits a dire castigation!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in order to rebuke the Jews and the Christians who tampered with the texts of the Torah and of the Gospel.

3 : 78

 

 

78. Wa-inna minhum lafareeqan yalwoona alsinatahum bialkitabi litahsaboohu mina alkitabi wama huwa mina alkitabi wayaqooloona huwa min AAindi Allahi wama huwa min AAindi Allahi wayaqooloona AAala Allahi alkathiba wahum yaAAlamoona

And verily there is a group among them who distort the Scripture by twisting their tongues in such a way as to make you think that what they recite is from the Scripture when it is not from the Scripture; and say it is from Allah when it is not from Allah; and knowingly assign to Allah a lie!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in response to claims made by the Christians that Jesus commanded his followers to apotheosize him.

3 : 79

79. Ma kana libasharin an yu/tiyahu Allahu alkitaba waalhukma waalnnubuwwata thumma yaqoola lilnnasi koonoo AAibadan lee min dooni Allahi walakin koonoo rabbaniyyeena bima kuntum tuAAallimoona alkitaba wabima kuntum tadrusoona

It is unlikely that any human being to whom Allah has given the Scripture and Wisdom and Prophethood would say to mankind : 'Be my slaves instead of Allah's!' On the contrary, he would say : 'Be devotees of your Lord by virtue of your constant involvement with the preaching and practising of the Scripture!'

3 : 80

80. Wala ya/murakum an tattakhithoo almala-ikata waalnnabiyyeena arbaban aya/murukum bialkufri baAAda ith antum muslimoona

Nor would he command you to treat the angels and the prophets as your Lords. Would he command you to become disbelievers after your surrender to Allah? (R)
 

(It becomes clear from the above verses that, if we are asked to perform an act which contravenes the knowledge given to us by our Lord, then we are under no obligation either to accept it or to uphold it).


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

72. And a party of the people of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers (Muslims), and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back.

73. And believe no one except the one who follows your religion. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Verily! Right guidance is the Guidance of Allâh" and do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received (of Revelation) except when he follows your religion, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "All the bounty is in the Hand[] of Allâh; He grants to whom He wills. And Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, the All-Knower."

74. He selects for His Mercy (Islâm and the Qur'ân with Prophethood) whom He wills and Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.

75. Among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is he who, if entrusted with a Cantar (a great amount of wealth, etc.), will readily pay it back; and among them there is he who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you constantly stand demanding, because they say: "There is no blame on us to betray and take the properties of the illiterates (Arabs)." But they tell a lie against Allâh while they know it.

76. Yes, whoever fulfils his pledge and fears Allâh much; verily, then Allâh loves those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).

77. Verily, those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allâh's Covenant and their oaths, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter (Paradise). Neither will Allâh speak to them, nor look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they shall have a painful torment.

78. And verily, among them is a party who distort the Book with their tongues (as they read), so that you may think it is from the Book, but it is not from the Book, and they say: "This is from Allâh," but it is not from Allâh; and they speak a lie against Allâh while they know it.

79. It is not (possible) for any human being to whom Allâh has given the Book and Al-Hukma (the knowledge and understanding of the laws of religion, etc.) and Prophethood to say to the people: "Be my worshippers rather than Allâh's." On the contrary (he would say): "Be you Rabbaniyun (learned men of religion who practise what they know and also preach others), because you are teaching the Book, and you are studying it."

80. Nor would he order you to take angels and Prophets for lords (gods)[]. Would he order you to disbelieve after you have submitted to Allâh's Will? (Tafsir At-Tabarî).


003.072
YUSUFALI: A section of the People of the Book say: "Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers, but reject it at the end of the day; perchance they may (themselves) Turn back;
PICKTHAL: And a party of the People of the Scripture say: Believe in that which hath been revealed unto those who believe at the opening of the day, and disbelieve at the end thereof, in order that they may return;
SHAKIR: And a party of the followers of the Book say: Avow belief in that which has been revealed to those who believe, in the first part of the day, and disbelieve at the end of it, perhaps they go back on their religion.
003.073
YUSUFALI: "And believe no one unless he follows your religion." Say: "True guidance is the Guidance of Allah: (Fear ye) Lest a revelation be sent to someone (else) Like unto that which was sent unto you? or that those (Receiving such revelation) should engage you in argument before your Lord?" Say: "All bounties are in the hand of Allah: He granteth them to whom He pleaseth: And Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things."
PICKTHAL: And believe not save in one who followeth your religion - Say (O Muhammad): Lo! the guidance is Allah's Guidance - that anyone is given the like of that which was given unto you or that they may argue with you in the presence of their Lord. Say (O Muhammad): Lo! the bounty is in Allah's hand. He bestoweth it on whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
SHAKIR: And do not believe but in him who follows your religion. Say: Surely the (true) guidance is the guidance of Allah-- that one may be given (by Him) the like of what you were given; or they would contend with you by an argument before your Lord. Say: Surely grace is in the hand of Allah, He gives it to whom He pleases; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing.
003.074
YUSUFALI: For His Mercy He specially chooseth whom He pleaseth; for Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.
PICKTHAL: He selecteth for His mercy whom He will. Allah is of Infinite Bounty.
SHAKIR: He specially chooses for His mercy whom He pleases; and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.
003.075
YUSUFALI: Among the People of the Book are some who, if entrusted with a hoard of gold, will (readily) pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless thou constantly stoodest demanding, because, they say, "there is no call on us (to keep faith) with these ignorant (Pagans)." but they tell a lie against Allah, and (well) they know it.
PICKTHAL: Among the People of the Scripture there is he who, if thou trust him with a weight of treasure, will return it to thee. And among them there is he who, if thou trust him with a piece of gold, will not return it to thee unless thou keep standing over him. That is because they say: We have no duty to the Gentiles. They speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.
SHAKIR: And among the followers of the Book there are some such that if you entrust one (of them) with a heap of wealth, he shall pay it back to you; and among them there are some such that if you entrust one (of them) with a dinar he shall not pay it back to you except so long as you remain firm in demanding it; this is because they say: There is not upon us in the matter of the unlearned people any way (to reproach); and they tell a lie against Allah while they know.
003.076
YUSUFALI: Nay.- Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright,-verily Allah loves those who act aright.
PICKTHAL: Nay, but (the chosen of Allah is) he who fulfilleth his pledge and wardeth off (evil); for lo! Allah loveth those who ward off (evil).
SHAKIR: Yea, whoever fulfills his promise and guards (against evil)-- then surely Allah loves those who guard (against evil).
003.077
YUSUFALI: As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter: Nor will Allah (Deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He cleans them (of sin): They shall have a grievous penalty.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah's covenant and their oaths, they have no portion in the Hereafter. Allah will neither speak to them nor look upon them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He make them grow. Theirs will be a painful doom.
SHAKIR: (As for) those who take a small price for the covenant of Allah and their own oaths-- surely they shall have no portion in the hereafter, and Allah will not speak to them, nor will He look upon them on the day of resurrection nor will He purify them, and they shall have a painful chastisement.
003.078
YUSUFALI: There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (As they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, "That is from Allah," but it is not from Allah: It is they who tell a lie against Allah, and (well) they know it!
PICKTHAL: And lo! there is a party of them who distort the Scripture with their tongues, that ye may think that what they say is from the Scripture, when it is not from the Scripture. And they say: It is from Allah, when it is not from Allah; and they speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.
SHAKIR: Most surely there is a party amongst those who distort the Book with their tongue that you may consider it to be (a part) of the Book, and they say, It is from Allah, while it is not from Allah, and they tell a lie against Allah whilst they know.
003.079
YUSUFALI: It is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the prophetic office, should say to people: "Be ye my worshippers rather than Allah's": on the contrary (He would say) "Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all: For ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly."
PICKTHAL: It is not (possible) for any human being unto whom Allah had given the Scripture and wisdom and the prophethood that he should afterwards have said unto mankind: Be slaves of me instead of Allah; but (what he said was): Be ye faithful servants of the Lord by virtue of your constant teaching of the Scripture and of your constant study thereof.
SHAKIR: It is not meet for a mortal that Allah should give him the Book and the wisdom and prophethood, then he should say to men: Be my servants rather than Allah's; but rather (he would say): Be worshippers of the Lord because of your teaching the Book and your reading (it yourselves).
003.080
YUSUFALI: Nor would he instruct you to take angels and prophets for Lords and patrons. What! would he bid you to unbelief after ye have bowed your will (To Allah in Islam)?
PICKTHAL: And he commanded you not that ye should take the angels and the prophets for lords. Would he command you to disbelieve after ye had surrendered (to Allah)?
SHAKIR: And neither would he enjoin you that you should take the angels and the prophets for lords; what! would he enjoin you with unbelief after you are Muslims? 

 

Section 9.

3 : 81

81. Wa-ith akhatha Allahu meethaqa alnnabiyyeena lama ataytukum min kitabin wahikmatin thumma jaakum rasoolun musaddiqun lima maAAakum latu/minunna bihi walatansurunnahu qala aaqrartum waakhathtum AAala thalikum isree qaloo aqrarna qala faishhadoo waana maAAakum mina alshshahideena

When Allah made His covenant with the Prophets, He said : 'Follow that which I gave you of the Scripture and knowledge; and when a new messenger comes to you confirming that which you have received, you will believe in him and help him!' And then He said : 'Do you accept and will you shoulder this burden of responsibility which I am placing upon you?' They said : 'We accept!' He said : 'Then bear you witness, and I too shall bear witness along with you!'

3 : 82

82. Faman tawalla baAAda thalika faola-ika humu alfasiqoona

Then, after this, whoever retracts from the covenant becomes a transgressor!

3 : 83

83. Afaghayra deeni Allahi yabghoona walahu aslama man fee alssamawati waal-ardi tawAAan wakarhan wa-ilayhi yurjaAAoona

Seek they a religion other than the religion of Allah, when whatever there is in the heavens and on the earth submits to Him, willingly or reluctantly, and when it is to Him that they will return in the end?

3 : 84

84. Qul amanna biAllahi wama onzila AAalayna wama onzila AAala ibraheema wa-ismaAAeela wa-ishaqa wayaAAqooba waal-asbati wama ootiya moosa waAAeesa waalnnabiyyoona min rabbihim la nufarriqu bayna ahadin minhum wanahnu lahu muslimoona

Say (O Mohammed) : 'We solemnly believe in Allah and in that which is revealed to us and in that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and to his descendants; and whatever was bestowed upon Moses and Jesus and on other prophets by their Lord! Though we do not discriminate between them in matters of faith, we bow our heads to no one but Him.'

3 : 85

85. Waman yabtaghi ghayra al-islami deenan falan yuqbala minhu wahuwa fee al-akhirati mina alkhasireena

And whoever seeks to pursue a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him, and he will be of the forfeited in the Hereafter.

(It is unequivocally asserted in the above three verses that the 'religion of Allah' is Islam; that to Him must all things return in the end; that the religion of Allah incorporates believing in all His Scriptures, past and present, written or spoken, and in the miracles bestowed on His messengers, past and present and without discrimination; that following any religion except  the religion of Allah is unacceptable to Him and that those who believe in any religion other than His are deemed forfeited.

According to the connotation of these verses, Islam supersedes all other religions based upon Divine Revelations, and the Qur'aan renders the Torah and the Gospel obsolete insofar as it updates the previous Scriptures).

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when Jews and Christians, who did acknowledge the Prophet as the one who was prophesied in the Torah as well as in the Gospel, changed their minds for financial considerations.

3 : 86

86. Kayfa yahdee Allahu qawman kafaroo baAAda eemanihim washahidoo anna alrrasoola haqqun wajaahumu albayyinatu waAllahu la yahdee alqawma alththalimeena

How can Allah guide any people who renounce their faith after becoming believers and then repudiate the messenger's authenticity after bearing witness to it, even though definitive portents of his verity had come to them? Allah guides not the impetuous!

3 : 87

87. Ola-ika jazaohum anna AAalayhim laAAnata Allahi waalmala-ikati waalnnasi ajmaAAeena

Their apt requital is that, the curse of Allah rests upon them and the curse of His angels and the curse of all mankind -

3 : 88

88. Khalideena feeha la yukhaffafu AAanhumu alAAathabu wala hum yuntharoona

And they will remain thus accursed forever! Neither their castigation will ever be mitigated nor will they be reprieved -

3 : 89

89. Illa allatheena taboo min baAAdi thalika waaslahoo fa-inna Allaha ghafoorun raheemun

Except those who repent and then straighten themselves out. Verily Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful!
 

(Verse 89 was revealed when a believer renounced Islam and reverted to his erstwhile faith, but regretted his decision and wanted to know if he would be forgiven by Allah in the event that he became a believer again and made amends)
 
 

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed with reference to the Jews who believed in the Torah but rejected the Gospel although it confirmed the Torah, and rejected the Qur'aan although it confirmed both the Torah as well as the Gospel.

3 : 90

90. Inna allatheena kafaroo baAAda eemanihim thumma izdadoo kufran lan tuqbala tawbatuhum waola-ika humu alddalloona

Verily those who disbelieve after having believed and then let their disbelief exacerbate, no expiation will be accepted from them. They have strayed too far away!

3 : 91

91. Inna allatheena kafaroo wamatoo wahum kuffarun falan yuqbala min ahadihim milo al-ardi thahaban walawi iftada bihi ola-ika lahum AAathabun aleemun wama lahum min nasireena

Verily those who disbelieved and died as disbelievers, all the gold contained in the world would not be accepted from them, if it was given as ransom to redeem their souls! For them awaits a severe castigation and they shall be without friends! (R)

(All three of the above verses repeatedly warn Peoples of the Scriptures against deflecting the believers from the path of Allah, repudiating the Revelations of Allah though they assert nothing but the truth, and deliberately confounding the truth with falsehood)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

81. And (remember) when Allâh took the Covenant of the Prophets, saying: "Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah (understanding of the Laws of Allâh, etc.), and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him." Allâh said: "Do you agree (to it) and will you take up My Covenant (which I conclude with you)?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses (for this)."

82. Then whoever turns away after this, they are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious: those who turn away from Allâh's Obedience).

83. Do they seek other than the religion of Allâh (the true Islâmic Monotheism worshipping none but Allâh Alone), while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him shall they all be returned.

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

85. And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers[].

86. How shall Allâh guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allâh guides not the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).

87. They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the Curse of Allâh, of the angels, and of all mankind.

88. They will abide therein (Hell). Neither will their torment be lightened, nor will it be delayed or postponed (for a while).

89. Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

90. Verily, those who disbelieved after their Belief and then went on increasing in their disbelief (i.e. disbelief in the Qur'ân and in Prophet Muhammad SAW) - never will their repentance be accepted [because they repent only by their tongues and not from their hearts]. And they are those who are astray.

91. Verily, those who disbelieved, and died while they were disbelievers, the (whole) earth full of gold will not be accepted from anyone of them even if they offered it as a ransom.[] For them is a painful torment and they will have no helpers.


003.081
YUSUFALI: Behold! Allah took the covenant of the prophets, saying: "I give you a Book and Wisdom; then comes to you a messenger, confirming what is with you; do ye believe in him and render him help." Allah said: "Do ye agree, and take this my Covenant as binding on you?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses."
PICKTHAL: When Allah made (His) covenant with the prophets, (He said): Behold that which I have given you of the Scripture and knowledge. And afterward there will come unto you a messenger, confirming that which ye possess. Ye shall believe in him and ye shall help him. He said: Do ye agree, and will ye take up My burden (which I lay upon you) in this (matter)? They answered: We agree. He said: Then bear ye witness. I will be a witness with you.
SHAKIR: And when Allah made a covenant through the prophets: Certainly what I have given you of Book and wisdom-- then an messenger comes to you verifying that which is with you, you must believe in him, and you must aid him. He said: Do you affirm and accept My compact in this (matter)? They said: We do affirm. He said: Then bear witness, and I (too) am of the bearers of witness with you.
003.082
YUSUFALI: If any turn back after this, they are perverted transgressors.
PICKTHAL: Then whosoever after this shall turn away: they will be miscreants.
SHAKIR: Whoever therefore turns back after this, these it is that are the transgressors.
003.083
YUSUFALI: Do they seek for other than the Religion of Allah?-while all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will (Accepted Islam), and to Him shall they all be brought back.
PICKTHAL: Seek they other than the religion of Allah, when unto Him submitteth whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and unto Him they will be returned.
SHAKIR: Is it then other than Allah's religion that they seek (to follow), and to Him submits whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him shall they be returned.
003.084
YUSUFALI: Say: "We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)."
PICKTHAL: Say (O Muhammad): 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 was vouchsafed unto Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.
SHAKIR: Say: We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed to Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq and Yaqoub and the tribes, and what was given to Musa and Isa and to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make any distinction between any of them, and to Him do we submit.
003.085
YUSUFALI: If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).
PICKTHAL: And whoso seeketh as religion other than the Surrender (to Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter.
SHAKIR: And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers.
003.086
YUSUFALI: How shall Allah Guide those who reject Faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that Clear Signs had come unto them? but Allah guides not a people unjust.
PICKTHAL: How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and (after) they bore witness that the messenger is true and after clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty) had come unto them. And Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
SHAKIR: How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their believing and (after) they had borne witness that the Messenger was true and clear arguments had come to them; and Allah does not guide the unjust people.
003.087
YUSUFALI: Of such the reward is that on them (rests) the curse of Allah, of His angels, and of all mankind;-
PICKTHAL: As for such, their guerdon is that on them rests the curse of Allah and of angels and of men combined.
SHAKIR: (As for) these, their reward is that upon them is the curse of Allah and the angels and of men, all together.
003.088
YUSUFALI: In that will they dwell; nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be (their lot);-
PICKTHAL: They will abide therein. Their doom will not be lightened, neither will they be reprieved;
SHAKIR: Abiding in it; their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be respited.
003.089
YUSUFALI: Except for those that repent (Even) after that, and make amends; for verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Save those who afterward repent and do right. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: Except those who repent after that and amend, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
003.090
YUSUFALI: But those who reject Faith after they accepted it, and then go on adding to their defiance of Faith,- never will their repentance be accepted; for they are those who have (of set purpose) gone astray.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those who disbelieve after their (profession of) belief, and afterward grow violent in disbelief: their repentance will not be accepted. And such are those who are astray.
SHAKIR: Surely, those who disbelieve a,fter their believing, then increase in unbelief, their repentance shall not be accepted, and these are they that go astray.
003.091
YUSUFALI: As to those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- never would be accepted from any such as much gold as the earth contains, though they should offer it for ransom. For such is (in store) a penalty grievous, and they will find no helpers.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those who disbelieve, and die in disbelief, the (whole) earth full of gold would not be accepted from such an one if it were offered as a ransom (for his soul). Theirs will be a painful doom and they will have no helpers.
SHAKIR: Surely, those who disbelieve and die while they are unbelievers, the earth full of gold shall not be accepted from one of them, though he should offer to ransom himself with it, these it is who shall have a painful chastisement, and they shall have no helpers.

 

Section 10.
 

3 : 92

 92. Lan tanaloo albirra hatta tunfiqoo mimma tuhibboona wama tunfiqoo min shay-in fa-inna Allaha bihi AAaleemun

You shall not enter the realm of righteousness until you have spent in the way of Allah that which you cherish the most! And whatever you thus spend, Allah is best aware of it!

(Even though the central theme of this verse is spending our wealth in the way of Allah, the real emphasis is laid on spending that 'which we cherish the most'.

There are several examples of how the associates of the Prophet put this recommendation into practice. For instance, there was one who used to purchase sacks of sugar and give it away in charity. When asked why he did not give the money with which he purchased those sacks instead, he replied he was more fond of sugar than he was of money!


Another glaring example is of an associate of the Prophet who wrote to a friend to send him a slave girl for domestic work. When she arrived, he liked her so much that he set her free at once, in the name of Allah).

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the Jews entered into an altercation with the Prophet over the consumption of camel flesh and camel milk which they claimed was made unlawful for them by Abraham.

3 : 93

93. Kullu alttaAAami kana hillan libanee isra-eela illa ma harrama isra-eelu AAala nafsihi min qabli an tunazzala alttawratu qul fa/too bialttawrati faotlooha in kuntum sadiqeena

All food was made lawful for the Children of Israel except that which Jacob forbade on himself prior to the revelation of the Torah. Say to them : 'Produce the Torah and read it out to us, if you are truthful.

3 : 94

94. Famani iftara AAala Allahi alkathiba min baAAdi thalika faola-ika humu althalimoona

Thereafter, whoever make up lies concerning Allah, they are deemed perpetrators of turpitude!

3 : 95

95. Qul sadaqa Allahu faittabiAAoo millata ibraheema haneefan wama kana mina almushrikeena

Say: 'Allah speaks the Truth! So follow the religion of Abraham who was a most righteous man and never did he surrender to idolatry!'

*   *   *

Context of revelation : The following verses were revealed to settle a dispute between the Jews and the Muslims over the Ka'ba, the latter claiming that the Ka'ba in Jerusalem which belongs to them was more auspicious, and the former saying that the Ka'ba in Mecca which belongs to them was more sacred and hallowed.  Thus did Allah settle the debate)

3 : 96

96. Inna awwala baytin wudiAAa lilnnasi lallathee bibakkata mubarakan wahudan lilAAalameena

The first sanctuary established for all mankind is the one situated in Becca, a blessed territory affording universal guidance;

3 : 97

97. Feehi ayatun bayyinatun maqamu ibraheema waman dakhalahu kana aminan walillahi AAala alnnasi hijju albayti mani istataAAa ilayhi sabeelan waman kafara fa-inna Allaha ghaniyyun AAani alAAalameena

Therein are definitive portents of Divine Guidance : the spot where Abraham once stood and prayed; and it vouchsafes protection to those who enter its premises; and pilgrimage to the House in the name of Allah is ordained for all those who afford to travel. As for him who vituperates, let him know that Allah's Eminence is not dependent upon his affiliations!

(In honour of the sanctity of the Ka'ba are many traditions which say that birds do not sit on its structure, nor fly over it nor foul it with droppings; that the healing power of the breeze surrounding the structure restores injured or sick birds back to health; that hounds decline out of their own accord to chase their prey in its hallowed surroundings; that there is a strange aura in its ambience which pulls the pilgrims towards it like a magnet; that tears of elation roll out of the eyes of those who behold it; that the spirits of holy men gather in its vicinity every Friday and that those who intend to vandalize it get smitten by ill fate.

While these are all matters of opinion which may are may not be right, the facts asserted in the verse are beyond dispute that it contains the spot where Abraham, the precursor of the true believers, stood and offered his celebrated prayer covered in the previous Surah; that it guarantees safe-conduct to those who are underneath its shelter; that its pilgrimage has been ordained for all those believers who can afford the costs and are physically fit to carry out the journey, - the costs being the total expenditure for themselves and their dependants from start to finish.

The verse ends on a note of disapproval towards those who vituperate the edicts of Allah that His Eminence is not dependent upon their affiliations or their accession).

*   *   *

3 : 98

98. Qul ya ahla alkitabi lima takfuroona bi-ayati Allahi waAllahu shaheedun AAala ma taAAmaloona

Say: 'O peoples of the Scriptures! Why vituperate you the revelations of Allah when Allah is perusing all your deeds?

3 : 99

99. Qul ya ahla alkitabi lima tasuddoona AAan sabeeli Allahi man amana tabghoonaha AAiwajan waantum shuhadao wama Allahu bighafilin AAamma taAAmaloona

Say: 'O peoples of the Scriptures! Why deflect you the believers from the path of Allah by attempting to confound them about a guidance to which you bore witness yourselves? Allah is not unaware of your misdeeds!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the Jews tried to trigger off fresh hostilities between two tribes who were once at loggerheads with each other, but had buried the hatchet after, - and as a result of, - embracing Islam.

3 : 100

100. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo in tuteeAAoo fareeqan mina allatheena ootoo alkitaba yaruddookum baAAda eemanikum kafireena

O those of you who believe! If you succumb to the persuasions of certain of the peoples of the Scripture, they will turn you into disbelievers, despite the guidance that has come to you!

3 : 101

101. Wakayfa takfuroona waantum tutla AAalaykum ayatu Allahi wafeekum rasooluhu waman yaAAtasim biAllahi faqad hudiya ila siratin mustaqeemin

And how can you renounce your faith when Allah's revelations are being constantly recited to you, and His messenger is present in your midst? He who relies upon Allah for guidance, he verily shall be shown the righteous path! (R)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

92. By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc., it means here Allâh's Reward, i.e. Paradise), unless you spend (in Allâh's Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allâh knows it well.

93. All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself before the Taurât (Torah) was revealed. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Bring here the Taurât (Torah) and recite it, if you are truthful."

94. Then after that, whosoever shall invent a lie against Allâh, … such shall indeed be the Zâlimûn (disbelievers).

95. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Allâh has spoken the truth; follow the religion of Ibrâhim (Abraham) Hanifa (Islâmic Monotheism, i.e. he used to worship Allâh Alone), and he was not of Al-Mushrikûn." (See V.2:105)

96. Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-'Alamîn (the mankind and jinns).

97. In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqâm (place) of Ibrâhim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allâh], then Allâh stands not in need of any of the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns)[].

98. Say: "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you reject the Ayât of Allâh (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) while Allâh is Witness to what you do?"

99. Say: "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you stop those who have believed, from the Path of Allâh, seeking to make it seem crooked, while you (yourselves) are witnesses [to Muhammad SAW as a Messenger of Allâh and Islâm (Allâh's Religion, i.e. to worship none but Him Alone)]? And Allâh is not unaware of what you do."

100. O you who believe! If you obey a group of those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians), they would (indeed) render you disbelievers after you have believed!

101. And how would you disbelieve, while unto you are recited the Verses of Allâh, and among you is His Messenger (Muhammad SAW)? And whoever holds firmly to Allâh, (i.e. follows Islâm Allâh's Religion, and obeys all that Allâh has ordered, practically), then he is indeed guided to a Right Path.


003.092
YUSUFALI: By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well.
PICKTHAL: Ye will not attain unto piety until ye spend of that which ye love. And whatsoever ye spend, Allah is Aware thereof.
SHAKIR: By no means shall you attain to righteousness until you spend (benevolently) out of what you love; and whatever thing you spend, Allah surely knows it.
003.093
YUSUFALI: All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel Made unlawful for itself, before the Law (of Moses) was revealed. Say: "Bring ye the Law and study it, if ye be men of truth."
PICKTHAL: All food was lawful unto the Children of Israel, save that which Israel forbade himself, (in days) before the Torah was revealed. Say: Produce the Torah and read it (unto us) if ye are truthful.
SHAKIR: All food was lawful to the children of Israel except that which Israel had forbidden to himself, before the Taurat was revealed. Say: Bring then the Taurat and read it, if you are truthful.
003.094
YUSUFALI: If any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust wrong-doers.
PICKTHAL: And whoever shall invent a falsehood after that concerning Allah, such will be wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: Then whoever fabricates a lie against Allah after this, these it is that are the unjust.
003.095
YUSUFALI: Say: "Allah speaketh the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham, the sane in faith; he was not of the Pagans."
PICKTHAL: Say: Allah speaketh truth. So follow the religion of Abraham, the upright. He was not of the idolaters.
SHAKIR: Say: Allah has spoken the truth, therefore follow the religion of Ibrahim, the upright one; and he was not one of the polytheists.
003.096
YUSUFALI: The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings:
PICKTHAL: Lo! the first Sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Becca, a blessed place, a guidance to the peoples;
SHAKIR: Most surely the first house appointed for men is the one at Bekka, blessed and a guidance for the nations.
003.097
YUSUFALI: In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.
PICKTHAL: Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth, (let him know that) lo! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures.
SHAKIR: In it are clear signs, the standing place of Ibrahim, and whoever enters it shall be secure, and pilgrimage to the House is incumbent upon men for the sake of Allah, (upon) every one who is able to undertake the journey to it; and whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is Self-sufficient, above any need of the worlds.
003.098
YUSUFALI: Say: "O People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, when Allah is Himself witness to all ye do?"
PICKTHAL: Say: O People of the Scripture! Why disbelieve ye in the revelations of Allah, when Allah (Himself) is Witness of what ye do?
SHAKIR: Say: O followers of the Book! why do you disbelieve in the communications of Allah? And Allah is a witness of what you do.
003.099
YUSUFALI: Say: "O ye People of the Book! Why obstruct ye those who believe, from the path of Allah, Seeking to make it crooked, while ye were yourselves witnesses (to Allah's Covenant)? but Allah is not unmindful of all that ye do."
PICKTHAL: Say: O People of the Scripture! Why drive ye back believers from the way of Allah, seeking to make it crooked, when ye are witnesses (to Allah's guidance)? Allah is not unaware of what ye do.
SHAKIR: Say: O followers of the Book! why do you hinder him who believes from the way of Allah? You seek (to make) it crooked, while you are witness, and Allah is not heedless of what you do.
003.100
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! If ye listen to a faction among the People of the Book, they would (indeed) render you apostates after ye have believed!
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! If ye obey a party of those who have received the Scripture they will make you disbelievers after your belief.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! if you obey a party from among those who have been given the Book, they will turn you back as unbelievers after you have believed.
003.101
YUSUFALI: And how would ye deny Faith while unto you are rehearsed the Signs of Allah, and among you Lives the Messenger? Whoever holds firmly to Allah will be shown a way that is straight.
PICKTHAL: How can ye disbelieve, when it is ye unto whom Allah's revelations are recited, and His messenger is in your midst? He who holdeth fast to Allah, he indeed is guided unto a right path.
SHAKIR: But how can you disbelieve while it is you to whom the communications of Allah are recited, and among you is His Messenger? And whoever holds fast to Allah, he indeed is guided to the right path.


 

Section 11
 

3 : 102

102. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ittaqoo Allaha haqqa tuqatihi wala tamootunna illa waantum muslimoona

O those of you who believe! Discharge your duty to Allah in keeping with His status and do not die as anyone except as those who surrendered to Allah.

3 : 103

103. WaiAAtasimoo bihabli Allahi jameeAAan wala tafarraqoo waothkuroo niAAmata Allahi AAalaykum ith kuntum aAAdaan faallafa bayna quloobikum faasbahtum biniAAmatihi ikhwanan wakuntum AAala shafa hufratin mina alnnari faanqathakum minha kathalika yubayyinu Allahu lakum ayatihi laAAallakum tahtadoona

Have a firm grip on the ligature of Allah, - together, - and drift not away from each other; and remember Allah's favour to you : how there was enmity between you and He replaced it with affection in your hearts towards one another so that by His Grace you became like brothers; and when you were on the verge of an abyss of fire, how He did rescue you from it! Thus does Allah expound His revelations to you so that you are rightly guided.
 

(The 'Ligature of Allah' has been interpreted by some commentators as the Qur'aan because those who hold fast to it find guidance whereas those who lose their grip on it go astray; and by others as rows formed during worship when believers stand shoulder to shoulder without any gaps, - the rich alongside the poor, the sinner alongside the saint, the sick alongside the healthy, the slave alongside the master, the Arab alongside the African!

Whatever be the case, there is no question of doubt that people who have been brought together by the bonds of Islam are tied with firmer links than any other religion in the whole world. As humans, we may have had certain conflicts in the way we practice what has been preached to us, but as Muslims, we are never at loggerheads with one another as to who our Creator is, who delivered to us the Guidance He provided, what must we do to attain His nearness and what must we avoid to avert His wrath! Despite the Karbala and the Crusade; despite the Arcanes and Milosovics of this nasty world, the healthy tree of Islam which has carried on burgeoning and yielding opulent harvests over the span of so many epoch making centuries will carry on burgeoning through the next millennium and beyond!)

3 : 104

104. Waltakun minkum ommatun yadAAoona ila alkhayri waya/muroona bialmaAAroofi wayanhawna AAani almunkari waola-ika humu almuflihoona

And there will rise from your roots a new generation who will lead you towards probity and enjoin upon you decency and prevent you from turpitude! These are the people who shall emerge triumphant in the end!
 

(How true is the saying that enjoining righteousness and proscribing evil is in itself a battle of amazing proportions which we wage in our day to day life, and that those who win this battle emerge triumphant in the end!)
 

3 : 105

105. Wala takoonoo kaallatheena tafarraqoo waikhtalafoo min baAAdi ma jaahumu albayyinatu waola-ika lahum AAathabun AAatheemun

And be not like those who are divided by mutual discords even after the definitive portents have come to them! For them awaits an acerbic castigation.

The exhortation given to the Muslims in this verse is to remain united and stand alongside one another and has many far-reaching implications. Muslims all over the world are hereby called upon never to participate in anything which tends to divide them, nor to encourage other people who create tensions in order to fish in troubled waters, nor to take help from them nor help them in matters that foment mutual dissension.

3 : 106

106. Yawma tabyaddu wujoohun wataswaddu wujoohun faamma allatheena iswaddat wujoohuhum akafartum baAAda eemanikum fathooqoo alAAathaba bima kuntum takfuroona

On the Day when some faces will be radiant and some faces will be soiled, it will be asked of those with soiled faces : 'Did you renounce your faith after having embraced it? Then taste the flavour of punishment in return for your apostasy!'
 

(According to some commentators, the reference here is to the Peoples of the Scriptures who received the Scripture of Allah and then disregarded many of its dictums such as those that relate to the Last Prophet; according to others, the addressees are the Hypocrites who did feign belief and then retracted from it; and according to several others, they are idolaters who did renounce their false deities for a short while but rolled back into apostasy)
 

3 : 107

107. Waamma allatheena ibyaddat wujoohuhum fafee rahmati Allahi hum feeha khalidoona

As for those with radiant faces, in Allah's mercy shall they take resort and shelter therein forever!

3 : 108

108. Tilka ayatu Allahi natlooha AAalayka bialhaqqi wama Allahu yureedu thulman lilAAalameena

These are Allah's Revelations and We recite them to you with Truth! Allah bears no ill will towards His bondsmen!

3 : 109

109. Walillahi ma fee alssamawati wama fee al-ardi wa-ila Allahi turjaAAu al-omooru

To Allah belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is upon the earth and to Him must all things return! (R)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

102. O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.

103. And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not divided among yourselves[], and remember Allâh's Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islâmic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allâh makes His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided.

104. Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islâm), enjoining Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.

105. And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment.

106. On the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when some faces will become white and some faces will become black; as for those whose faces will become black (to them will be said): "Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Then taste the torment (in Hell) for rejecting Faith."

107. And for those whose faces will become white, they will be in Allâh's Mercy (Paradise), therein they shall dwell forever.

108. These are the Verses of Allâh: We recite them to you (O Muhammad SAW) in truth, and Allâh wills no injustice to the 'Alâmîn (mankind and jinns).

109. And to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And all matters go back (for decision) to Allâh.


003.102
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah with right observance, and die not save as those who have surrendered (unto Him)
SHAKIR: O you who believe! be careful of (your duty to) Allah with the care which is due to Him, and do not die unless you are Muslims.
003.103
YUSUFALI: And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided.
PICKTHAL: And hold fast, all of you together, to the cable of Allah, and do not separate. And remember Allah's favour unto you: How ye were enemies and He made friendship between your hearts so that ye became as brothers by His grace; and (how) ye were upon the brink of an abyss of fire, and He did save you from it. Thus Allah maketh clear His revelations unto you, that haply ye may be guided,
SHAKIR: And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited, and remember the favor of Allah on you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts so by His favor you became brethren; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire, then He saved you from it, thus does Allah make clear to you His communications that you may follow the right way.
003.104
YUSUFALI: Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.
PICKTHAL: And there may spring from you a nation who invite to goodness, and enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency. Such are they who are successful.
SHAKIR: And from among you there should be a party who invite to good and enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong, and these it is that shall be successful.
003.105
YUSUFALI: Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty,-
PICKTHAL: And be ye not as those who separated and disputed after the clear proofs had come unto them. For such there is an awful doom,
SHAKIR: And be not like those who became divided and disagreed after clear arguments had come to them, and these it is that shall have a grievous chastisement.
003.106
YUSUFALI: On the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white, and some faces will be (in the gloom of) black: To those whose faces will be black, (will be said): "Did ye reject Faith after accepting it? Taste then the penalty for rejecting Faith."
PICKTHAL: On the Day when (some) faces will be whitened and (some) faces will be blackened; and as for those whose faces have been blackened, it will be said unto them: Disbelieved ye after your (profession of) belief? Then taste the punishment for that ye disbelieved.
SHAKIR: On the day when (some) faces shall turn white and (some) faces shall turn black; then as to those whose faces turn black: Did you disbelieve after your believing? Taste therefore the chastisement because you disbelieved.
003.107
YUSUFALI: But those whose faces will be (lit with) white,- they will be in (the light of) Allah's mercy: therein to dwell (for ever).
PICKTHAL: And as for those whose faces have been whitened, in the mercy of Allah they dwell for ever.
SHAKIR: And as to those whose faces turn white, they shall be in Allah's mercy; in it they shall-abide.
003.108
YUSUFALI: These are the Signs of Allah: We rehearse them to thee in Truth: And Allah means no injustice to any of His creatures.
PICKTHAL: These are revelations of Allah. We recite them unto thee in truth. Allah willeth no injustice to (His) creatures.
SHAKIR: These are the communications of Allah which We recite to you with truth, and Allah does not desire any injustice to the creatures.
003.109
YUSUFALI: To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: To Him do all questions go back (for decision).
PICKTHAL: Unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and unto Allah all things are returned.
SHAKIR: And whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is Allah's; and to Allah all things return  

 

Section 12.

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Jews claimed that, by comparison to the close associates of the Prophet, they were a much superior race, and that Judaism is a more coherent religion than Islam.

3 : 110

110. Kuntum khayra ommatin okhrijat lilnnasi ta/muroona bialmaAAroofi watanhawna AAani almunkari watu/minoona biAllahi walaw amana ahlu alkitabi lakana khayran lahum minhumu almu/minoona waaktharuhumu alfasiqoona

You are better than all the communities that emerged amidst mankind! You enjoin virtue and forbid evil and believe in Allah with sincerity. If the other peoples of the Scriptures also believed likewise, it would be for their own good. But only a few of them are believers and the rest are agnostics!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed to reassure the Jews who were being persecuted by their fellow Jews for embracing Islam.

3 : 111

111. Lan yadurrookum illa athan wa-in yuqatilookum yuwallookumu al-adbara thumma la yunsaroona

They can harm you none except inflicting upon you a certain amount of torment! If they are drawn into a confrontation, they will turn round and flee. And they will not be helped.

3 : 112

112. Duribat AAalayhimu alththillatu ayna ma thuqifoo illa bihablin mina Allahi wahablin mina alnnasi wabaoo bighadabin mina Allahi waduribat AAalayhimu almaskanatu thalika bi-annahum kanoo yakfuroona bi-ayati Allahi wayaqtuloona al-anbiyaa bighayri haqqin thalika bima AAasaw wakanoo yaAAtadoona

In their share is disgrace wherever they go, except if they hold the rope of Allah in one hand and the rope of men in the other! They have incurred the wrath of Allah, and upon them is imposed humiliation. That is because they used to oppugn the revelations of Allah and slew His prophets without justification.  They did so because they were insubordinate and arrogant.

(Holding the rope of Allah in one hand and the rope of men in the other means obeying the command of Allah on one hand and seeking refuge in the security offered by the believers on the other).
 

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a group of prominent Jews embraced Islam for which they were severely remonstrated by fellow Jews because they renounced the religion of their forefathers.

3 : 113

113. Laysoo sawaan min ahli alkitabi ommatun qa-imatun yatloona ayati Allahi anaa allayli wahum yasjudoona

Not all of them are alike. Among the People of the Scripture there are those who staunchly uphold the revelations of Allah and recite them through the tranquil hours of the night and prostrate to Him!

3 : 114

114. Yu/minoona biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri waya/muroona bialmaAAroofi wayanhawna AAani almunkari wayusariAAoona fee alkhayrati waola-ika mina alssaliheena            

They believe in Allah and in the Last Day and enjoin decent behaviour and forbid indecency and compete with one another in performing good deeds; these are the righteous!

3 : 115

115. Wama yafAAaloo min khayrin falan yukfaroohu waAllahu AAaleemun bialmuttaqeena

Whatever good they do, their guerdon towards it is not wasted, for Allah is aware of who the obedient really are!

(Contrary to what the Jews said to their brethren who embraced Islam that they forfeited a lifetime of seemly deeds which they had performed, Allah reassures them through this verse that their reward towards their righteous deeds would never go a waste).

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed with reference to Jews who were hostile towards the Prophet because, by preaching a religion which was different from their religion, he was posing a threat to a major source of their income!

3 : 116  

116. Inna allatheena kafaroo lan tughniya AAanhum amwaluhum wala awladuhum mina Allahi shay-an waola-ika as-habu alnnari hum feeha khalidoona

Neither their wealth nor their offspring will avail the disbelievers to the slightest extent against Allah! Hell is their destination and they will abide in it forever!

*   *   *

3 : 117

 

 

117. Mathalu ma yunfiqoona fee hathihi alhayati alddunya kamathali reehin feeha sirrun asabat hartha qawmin thalamoo anfusahum faahlakat-hu wama thalamahumu Allahu walakin anfusahum yathlimoona

The likeness of that which they spend on the life of this world is similar to a bitter wind that blows hard on the harvest of people who wronged themselves and destroys it! Allah punished them not but they punished their own souls!
 

(Whatever wealth is expended for procurement of earthly comforts, or for promoting nefarious causes, or for funding inauspicious projects, it is like a wind riddled with cold and frost which can only raise havoc in its wake rather than herald good fortune).
 
 

*   *   *

Context of  Revelation : The following verse was revealed in order to caution the believers about their social intercourse with the disbelievers.

3 : 118

118. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo la tattakhithoo bitanatan min doonikum la ya/loonakum khabalan waddoo ma AAanittum qad badati albaghdao min afwahihim wama tukhfee sudooruhum akbaru qad bayyanna lakumu al-ayati in kuntum taAAqiloona

O those of you who believe! Confide not in anyone except your own folk; they will spare no scruples in trying to destroy you because their aim is to harm you to the utmost. Whilst their rancour spills through their words, what they hide inside their heart is more virulent than what they utter! We have clearly indicated all the signs, - if you but have the sense to grasp!

3 : 119

119. Ha antum ola-i tuhibboonahum wala yuhibboonakum watu/minoona bialkitabi kullihi wa-itha laqookum qaloo amanna wa-itha khalaw AAaddoo AAalaykumu al-anamila mina alghaythi qul mootoo bighaythikum inna Allaha AAaleemun bithati alssudoori

It may be that you love them but they love you not; while you believe in all the Scriptures, they say : 'We believe', but only when they are in your company. Once they are alone, they bite their fingertips at you out of apathy. Say to them : 'Choke in your apathy! Allah knows quite well the secrets of your hearts!'

3 : 120  

120. In tamsaskum hasanatun tasu/hum wa-in tusibkum sayyi-atun yafrahoo biha wa-in tasbiroo watattaqoo la yadurrukum kayduhum shay-an inna Allaha bima yaAAmaloona muheetun

If you enjoy prosperity, they despair; if you suffer asperity, they are pleased! But if you are assiduous and keep away from evil, their plots will do you no harm. Allah is surrounding all their deeds! (R)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

110. You [true believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad SAW and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden), and you believe in Allâh[]. And had the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) believed, it would have been better for them; among them are some who have faith, but most of them are Al-Fâsiqûn (disobedient to Allâh – and rebellious against Allâh’s Command).

111. They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; and if they fight against you, they will show you their backs, and they will not be helped.

112. Indignity is put over them wherever they may be, except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allâh, and from men; they have drawn on themselves the Wrath of Allâh, and destruction is put over them. This is because they disbelieved in the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh and killed the Prophets without right. This is because they disobeyed (Allâh) and used to transgress beyond bounds (in Allâh’s disobedience, crimes and sins).

113. Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Verses of Allâh during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer.

114. They believe in Allâh and the Last Day; they enjoin Al-Ma’rûf (Islâmic Monotheism, and following Prophet Muhammad SAW) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and opposing Prophet Muhammad SAW); and they hasten in (all) good works; and they are among the righteous.

115. And whatever good they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allâh knows well those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious – see V.2:2).

116. Surely, those who reject Faith (disbelieve in Muhammad SAW as being Allâh’s Prophet and in all that which he has brought from Allâh), neither their properties, nor their offspring will avail them aught against Allâh. They are the dwellers of the Fire, therein they will abide[]. (Tafsir At­Tabarî, Vol. 4, Page 58).

117. The likeness of what they spend in this world is the likeness of a wind which is extremely cold; it struck the harvest of a people who did wrong aginst themselves and destroyed it, (i.e. the good deed of a person is only accepted if he is a monotheist and believes in all the Prophets of Allâh, including Christ <><> and Muhammad SAW). Allâh wronged them not, but they wronged themselves.

118. O you who believe! Take not as (your) Bitânah (advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends, etc.) those outside your religion (pagans, Jews, Christians, and hypocrites) since they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses) if you understand.

119. Lo! You are the ones who love them but they love you not, and you believe in all the Scriptures [i.e. you believe in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), while they disbelieve in your Book, the Qur’ân]. And when they meet you, they say, “We believe”. But when they are alone, they bite the tips of their fingers at you in rage. Say: “Perish in your rage. Certainly, Allâh knows what is in the breasts (all the secrets).”

120. If a good befalls you, it grieves them, but if some evil overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious – see V.2:2), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allâh surrounds all that they do.


003.110
YUSUFALI: Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.
PICKTHAL: Ye are the best community that hath been raised up for mankind. Ye enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency; and ye believe in Allah. And if the People of the Scripture had believed it had been better for them. Some of them are believers; but most of them are evil-livers.
SHAKIR: You are the best of the nations raised up for (the benefit of) men; you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah; and if the followers of the Book had believed it would have been better for them; of them (some) are believers and most of them are transgressors.
003.111
YUSUFALI: They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; if they come out to fight you, they will show you their backs, and no help shall they get.
PICKTHAL: They will not harm you save a trifling hurt, and if they fight against you they will turn and flee. And afterward they will not be helped.
SHAKIR: They shall by no means harm you but with a slight evil; and if they fight with you they shall turn (their) backs to you, then shall they not be helped.
003.112
YUSUFALI: Shame is pitched over them (Like a tent) wherever they are found, except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allah and from men; they draw on themselves wrath from Allah, and pitched over them is (the tent of) destitution. This because they rejected the Signs of Allah, and slew the prophets in defiance of right; this because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds.
PICKTHAL: Ignominy shall be their portion wheresoever they are found save (where they grasp) a rope from Allah and a rope from men. They have incurred anger from their Lord, and wretchedness is laid upon them. That is because they used to disbelieve the revelations of Allah, and slew the prophets wrongfully. That is because they were rebellious and used to transgress.
SHAKIR: Abasement is made to cleave to them wherever they are found, except under a covenant with Allah and a covenant with men, and they have become deserving of wrath from Allah, and humiliation is made to cleave to them; this is because they disbelieved in the communications of Allah and slew the prophets unjustly; this is because they disobeyed and exceeded the limits.
003.113
YUSUFALI: Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration.
PICKTHAL: They are not all alike. Of the People of the Scripture there is a staunch community who recite the revelations of Allah in the night season, falling prostrate (before Him).
SHAKIR: They are not all alike; of the followers of the Book there is an upright party; they recite Allah's communications in the nighttime and they adore (Him).
003.114
YUSUFALI: They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous.
PICKTHAL: They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency, and vie one with another in good works. These are of the righteous.
SHAKIR: They believe in Allah and the last day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good.
003.115
YUSUFALI: Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right.
PICKTHAL: And whatever good they do, they will not be denied the meed thereof. Allah is Aware of those who ward off (evil).
SHAKIR: And whatever good they do, they shall not be denied it, and Allah knows those who guard (against evil).
003.116
YUSUFALI: Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah: They will be companions of the Fire,-dwelling therein (for ever).
PICKTHAL: Lo! the riches and the progeny of those who disbelieve will not avail them aught against Allah; and such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.
SHAKIR: (As for) those who disbelieve, surely neither their wealth nor their children shall avail them in the least against Allah; and these are the inmates of the fire; therein they shall abide.
003.117
YUSUFALI: What they spend in the life of this (material) world May be likened to a wind which brings a nipping frost: It strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls: it is not Allah that hath wronged them, but they wrong themselves.
PICKTHAL: The likeness of that which they spend in this life of the world is as the likeness of a biting, icy wind which smiteth the harvest of a people who have wronged themselves, and devastateth it. Allah wronged them not, but they do wrong themselves.
SHAKIR: The likeness of what they spend in the life of this world is as the likeness of wind in which is intense cold (that) smites the seed produce of a people who haw done injustice to their souls and destroys it; and Allah is not unjust to them, but they are unjust to themselves.
003.118
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks: They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Take not for intimates others than your own folk, who would spare no pains to ruin you; they love to hamper you. Hatred is revealed by (the utterance of) their mouths, but that which their breasts hide is greater. We have made plain for you the revelations if ye will understand.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! do not take for intimate friends from among others than your own people; they do not fall short of inflicting loss upon you; they love what distresses you; vehement hatred has already appeared from out of their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater still; indeed, We have made the communications clear to you, if you will understand.
003.119
YUSUFALI: Ah! ye are those who love them, but they love you not,- though ye believe in the whole of the Book. When they meet you, they say, "We believe": But when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say: "Perish in you rage; Allah knoweth well all the secrets of the heart."
PICKTHAL: Lo! ye are those who love them though they love you not, and ye believe in all the Scripture. When they fall in with you they say: We believe; but when they go apart they bite their finger-tips at you, for rage. Say: Perish in your rage! Lo! Allah is Aware of what is hidden in (your) breasts.
SHAKIR: Lo! you are they who will love them while they do not love you, and you believe in the Book (in) the whole of it; and when they meet you they say: We believe, and when they are alone, they bite the ends of their fingers in rage against you. Say: Die in your rage; surely Allah knows what is in the breasts.
003.120
YUSUFALI: If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you; for Allah Compasseth round about all that they do.
PICKTHAL: If a lucky chance befall you, it is evil unto them, and if disaster strike you they rejoice thereat. But if ye persevere and keep from evil their guile will never harm you. Lo! Allah is Surrounding what they do.
SHAKIR: If good befalls you, it grieves them, and if an evil afflicts you, they rejoice at it; and if you are patient and guard yourselves, their scheme will not injure you in any way; surely Allah comprehends what they do.

 

Section 13.
 

3 : 121

 121. Wa-ith ghadawta min ahlika tubawwi-o almu/mineena maqaAAida lilqitali waAllahu sameeAAun AAaleemun

Remember when you emerged from your house at daybreak to assign battle positions to the believers? Allah hears and knows everything!

3 : 122

122. Ith hammat ta-ifatani minkum an tafshala waAllahu waliyyuhuma waAAala Allahi falyatawakkali almu/minoona

When two of your battalions came close to abandoning your side, Allah was their guardian, and in Allah do the believers put their trust!

3 : 123

123. Walaqad nasarakumu Allahu bibadrin waantum athillatun faittaqoo Allaha laAAallakum tashkuroona

Allah had already given you victory in Badr when your plight was abysmal, so render your duty to Allah and be thankful to Him!

(The reference is to the Battle of Uhud. After sustaining a humiliating defeat at the hands of Muslims in the Battle of Badr which preceded it, the idolaters and their allies came amply prepared to take on the Muslim army, their numbers enhanced, their equipment improved, their determination multiplied. When the Prophet came to know about this, he too raised an adequate force to confront them, but unlike in Badr, he was let down by the hypocrites who were cross with him because he accepted the advice given by others when drawing up the battle plans. This inevitably resulted in many severe setbacks for the Muslim army and led to their defeat. It was during this bitter battle of gore and blood, rendered poignant by the element of vendetta added to it, that the Prophet himself was badly wounded, not to mention the horrendous plight which befell so many of his cherished and trusted associates.

The lesson drawn from these excruciating events was that, whereas tacit obedience to Allah and His messenger led to their triumph in the previous battle, the lack of it on this occasion produced these catastrophic results).

3 : 124

 

124. Ith taqoolu lilmu/mineena alan yakfiyakum an yumiddakum rabbukum bithalathati alafin mina almala-ikati munzaleena

When you said to the believers : 'Is it not sufficient that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels to fight alongside you?

3 : 125

125. Bala in tasbiroo watattaqoo waya/tookum min fawrihim hatha yumdidkum rabbukum bikhamsati alafin mina almala-ikati musawwimeena

In fact, if you persevere and ward off evil, your Lord will help you with even five thousand skilful angels, should the enemy launch upon you a surprise assault!'

3 : 126

126. Wama jaAAalahu Allahu illa bushra lakum walitatma-inna quloobukum bihi wama alnnasru illa min AAindi Allahi alAAazeezi alhakeemi

Allah has given you this help as nothing but a good omen so that your hearts are at ease, - victory comes from none but Allah, the Meritorious, the Sagacious! -

3 : 127

127. LiyaqtaAAa tarafan mina allatheena kafaroo aw yakbitahum fayanqaliboo kha-ibeena

And so that a section of the disbelievers get severed from the rest and retreat, despairing in humiliation!

3 : 128

128. Laysa laka mina al-amri shay-on aw yatooba AAalayhim aw yuAAaththibahum fa-innahum thalimoona

It has nothing to do with you (Mohammed) whether He forgives them or punishes them for their solecism!

3 : 129

129. Walillahi ma fee alssamawati wama fee al-ardi yaghfiru liman yashao wayuAAaththibu man yashao waAllahu ghafoorun raheemun

And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is upon the earth, and He forgives whom He will and punishes whom He will! Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful! (R)


 

1 OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

21. And (remember) when you (Muhammad SAW) left your household in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle (of Uhud). And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

122. When two parties from among you were about to lose heart, but Allâh was their Walî (Supporter and Protector). And in Allâh should the believers put their trust.

123. And Allâh has already made you victorious at Badr, when you were a weak little force. So 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] that you may be grateful.

124. (Remember) when you (Muhammad SAW) said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord (Allâh) should help you with three thousand angels; sent down?"

125. "Yes, if you hold on to patience and piety, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction)."

126. Allâh made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allâh, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

127. That He might cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or expose them to infamy, so that they retire frustrated.

128. Not for you (O Muhammad SAW, but for Allâh) is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to (pardons) them or punishes them; verily, they are the Zâlimûn (polytheists, disobedients, and wrong-doers, etc.).

129. And to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.


003.121
YUSUFALI: Remember that morning Thou didst leave Thy household (early) to post the faithful at their stations for battle: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things:
PICKTHAL: And when thou settedst forth at daybreak from thy housefolk to assign to the believers their positions for the battle, Allah was Hearer, Knower.
SHAKIR: And when you did go forth early in the morning from your family to lodge the believers in encampments for war and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.
003.122
YUSUFALI: Remember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and in Allah should the faithful (Ever) put their trust.
PICKTHAL: When two parties of you almost fell away, and Allah was their Protecting Friend. In Allah let believers put their trust.
SHAKIR: When two parties from among you had determined that they should show cowardice, and Allah was the guardian of them both, and in Allah should the believers trust.
003.123
YUSUFALI: Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus May ye show your gratitude.
PICKTHAL: Allah had already given you the victory at Badr, when ye were contemptible. So observe your duty to Allah in order that ye may be thankful.
SHAKIR: And Allah did certainly assist you at Badr when you were weak; be careful of (your duty to) Allah then, that you may give thanks.
003.124
YUSUFALI: Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: "Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down?
PICKTHAL: When thou didst say unto the believers: Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should support you with three thousand angels sent down (to your help)?
SHAKIR: When you said to the believers: Does it not suffice you that your Lord should assist you with three thousand of the angels sent down?
003.125
YUSUFALI: "Yea, - if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels Making a terrific onslaught.
PICKTHAL: Nay, but if ye persevere, and keep from evil, and (the enemy) attack you suddenly, your Lord will help you with five thousand angels sweeping on.
SHAKIR: Yea! if you remain patient and are on your guard, and they come upon you in a headlong manner, your Lord will assist you with five thousand of the havoc-making angels.
003.126
YUSUFALI: Allah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah. The Exalted, the Wise:
PICKTHAL: Allah ordained this only as a message of good cheer for you, and that thereby your hearts might be at rest - Victory cometh only from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise -
SHAKIR: And Allah did not make it but as good news for you, and that your hearts might be at ease thereby, and victory is only from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise.
003.127
YUSUFALI: That He might cut off a fringe of the Unbelievers or expose them to infamy, and they should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose.
PICKTHAL: That He may cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or overwhelm them so that they retire, frustrated.
SHAKIR: That He may cut off a portion from among those who disbelieve, or abase them so that they should return disappointed of attaining what they desired.
003.128
YUSUFALI: Not for thee, (but for Allah), is the decision: Whether He turn in mercy to them, or punish them; for they are indeed wrong-doers.
PICKTHAL: It is no concern at all of thee (Muhammad) whether He relent toward them or punish them; for they are evil-doers.
SHAKIR: You have no concern in the affair whether He turns to them (mercifully) or chastises them, for surely they are unjust.
003.129
YUSUFALI: To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth and punisheth whom He pleaseth; but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. He forgiveth whom He will, and punisheth whom He will. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: And whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is Allah's; He forgives whom He pleases and chastises whom He pleases; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

 

Section 14.
 

3 : 130

130. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo la ta/kuloo alrriba adAAafan mudaAAafatan waittaqoo Allaha laAAallakum tuflihoona

O those of you who believe! Swallow not exorbitant interests by compounding them! Be tremulous of Allah at all times so that you may attain redemption.

(Exorbitant interest refers to compound interest that was customary amongst the pagan Arabs.

Having summarily abolished the practice of usury in the previous Surah, the issue is taken a step further in this Surah towards outlawing the nefarious practice of compound interest).

3 : 131

131. Waittaqoo alnnara allatee oAAiddat lilkafireena

And spare yourselves the Fire, which is kept ablaze for those who disbelieve.

3 : 132

132. WaateeAAoo Allaha waalrrasoola laAAallakum turhamoona

And obey Allah and the messenger so that you may find mercy!

3 : 133

133. WasariAAoo ila maghfiratin min rabbikum wajannatin AAarduha alssamawatu waal-ardu oAAiddat lilmuttaqeena                       

And compete with one another for redemption from your Lord and for a Paradise which is commodious enough to contain all the heavens and the earth put together, - awaiting those who ward off evil

(According to many commentators, the reason why the dimensions of Paradise are compared with the dimensions of heavens and earth is because they are visible to the human eye and it is easy for man to make a guess by imagining the infinite proportions of the earth and adding to it the infinite proportions of the sky. When the Prophet was asked where would hell be, if the dimensions of Paradise were so vast, he replied : 'Where does the night dwell, when the day shines upon the world?'

In the same way as night is placed on the other side of the globe when the sun shines on one side, each inaccessible to the other, Allah has placed hell on the other side of heaven, each inaccessible to the other!).

3 : 134

134. Allatheena yunfiqoona fee alssarra-i waalddarra-i waalkathimeena alghaytha waalAAafeena AAani alnnasi waAllahu yuhibbu almuhsineena

Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah during times of comfort and during times of stress and control their tempers and are tolerant towards mankind, these are the righteous whom Allah cherishes the most.

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when a merchant, who was a believer, deliberately inveigled a pretty woman customer into his house and attempted to molest her, but realized in time what an heinous sin it was, confessed to the Prophet and sought forgiveness of Allah.

3 : 135

135. Waallatheena itha faAAaloo fahishatan aw thalamoo anfusahum thakaroo Allaha faistaghfaroo lithunoobihim waman yaghfiru alththunooba illa Allahu walam yusirroo AAala ma faAAaloo wahum yaAAlamoona

And those who commit a random act of intemperance, or wrong themselves but remember Allah at once and implore His forgiveness for their sins, - who can forgive sins save Allah? - and will not knowingly repeat the offence, -

3 : 136

136. Ola-ika jazaohum maghfiratun min rabbihim wajannatun tajree min tahtiha al-anharu khalideena feeha waniAAma ajru alAAamileena

For them the reward from their Lord is forgiveness and Gardens underneath which rivers flow wherein they will abide forever. And how generous is the reward for those who exert themselves for it!

(Verses 133 to 136 prescribe a firm code of conduct for those who aspire for a portion in the Hereafter : (i) perform righteous deeds (ii) keep your duty to Allah (iii) spend from that which Allah has given you towards His Cause in times of prosperity as well as in times of asperity (iv) control your temper (v) be forgiving and (vi) repent and restitute. These are the golden principles upon which our faith is based and hence we should adhere to them with tenacity and perseverance).

*   *   *

3 : 137

137. Qad khalat min qablikum sunanun faseeroo fee al-ardi faonthuroo kayfa kana AAaqibatu almukaththibeena

Many an epoch making event has passed away before you, so travel the earth and discover for yourselves what became of those who repudiated their Prophets!

(Such as the plight which befell Pharaoh and his war-lords, the folk of Noah and the tribes of Aad and Thamud, to name but a few)
.
3 : 138

138. Hatha bayanun lilnnasi wahudan wamawAAithatun lilmuttaqeena

These assertions are aimed at providing guidance to all mankind and admonitions for those who ward off evil

3 : 139

139. Wala tahinoo wala tahzanoo waantumu al-aAAlawna in kuntum mu/mineena

Fear not nor grieve, for you shall prevail in the end, if you are a true believer!

(The above verse was revealed shortly after the Battle of Uhud in which the Muslims took a pounding and were drawn on the verge of renouncing their faith, so that their hearts are put at ease. The promise that the true believers will surely triumph and prevail in the end gave them a great deal of solace and dragged them out of the doldrums of despair in which they were plunged).
 

3 : 140

140. In yamsaskum qarhun faqad massa alqawma qarhun mithluhu watilka al-ayyamu nudawiluha bayna alnnasi waliyaAAlama Allahu allatheena amanoo wayattakhitha minkum shuhadaa waAllahu la yuhibbu alththalimeena

If you have sustained a blow, your opponents have sustained a similar blow; these are merely fluctuations that We cause for mankind so that they take turns, and so that Allah may discover who the true believers are and confer upon some of you the status of martyrdom!  And Allah cherishes not the invidious!

(It is in the Divine Providence of Allah that mankind should take turns in prosperity and in adversity, in triumphs and in defeats, in joys and in sorrows, so that Allah may distinguish between who is assiduous and who is a fake, who is the believer and who is the hypocrite).
 

3 : 141

141. Waliyumahhisa Allahu allatheena amanoo wayamhaqa alkafireena

And also that Allah may burgeon those who believe and blight those who refute!

(And then, after having set the two categories apart, He may reward those who truly believe in Him and punish those who merely feign to be believers).
 

3 : 142

142. Am hasibtum an tadkhuloo aljannata walamma yaAAlami Allahu allatheena jahadoo minkum wayaAAlama alssabireena

Or, think you that you will enter paradise whilst Allah has not yet winnowed those of you who truly strive, nor those of you who are equanimous?

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the believers who could not take part in the Battle of Badr insisted upon being enlisted for the Battle of Uhud.

3 : 143

143. Walaqad kuntum tamannawna almawta min qabli an talqawhu faqad raaytumoohu waantum tanthuroona

And verily you used to long for death before it met up with you in the battlefield. Now it is staring you in the eye! (R)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

130. O you who believe! Eat not Ribâ (usury)[] doubled and multiplied, but fear Allâh that you may be successful.

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

132. And obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) that you may obtain mercy.[]

133. And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).

134. Those who spend [in Allâh's Cause - deeds of charity, alms, etc.] in prosperity and in adversity,[] who repress anger,[] and who pardon men; verily, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn[] (the good­doers).

135. And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (illegal sexual intercourse etc.) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allâh and ask forgiveness for their sins; - and none can forgive sins but Allâh - And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know.[]

136. For such, the reward is Forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allâh's Orders).

137. Many similar ways (and mishaps of life) were faced by nations (believers and disbelievers) that have passed away before you (as you have faced in the battle of Uhud), so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allâh, and disobeyed Him and His Messengers).

138. This (the Qur'ân) is a plain statement for mankind, a guidance and instruction to those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).

139. So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers.

140. If a wound (and killing) has touched you, be sure a similar wound (and killing) has touched the others. And so are the days (good and not so good), We give to men by turns, that Allâh may test those who believe, and that He may take martyrs from among you. And Allâh likes not the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong­doers).

141. And that Allâh may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Do you think that you will enter Paradise before Allâh tests those of you who fought (in His Cause) and (also) tests those who are As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.)?

143. You did indeed wish for death (Ash­Shahâdah - martyrdom) before you met it. Now you have seen it openly with your own eyes.


003.130
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah; that ye may (really) prosper.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubling and quadrupling (the sum lent). Observe your duty to Allah, that ye may be successful.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! do not devour usury, making it double and redouble, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful.
003.131
YUSUFALI: Fear the Fire, which is repaired for those who reject Faith:
PICKTHAL: And ward off (from yourselves) the Fire prepared for disbelievers.
SHAKIR: And guard yourselves against the fire which has been prepared for the unbelievers.
003.132
YUSUFALI: And obey Allah and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy.
PICKTHAL: And obey Allah and the messenger, that ye may find mercy.
SHAKIR: And obey Allah and the Messenger, that you may be shown mercy.
003.133
YUSUFALI: Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,-
PICKTHAL: And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil);
SHAKIR: And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord; and a Garden, the extensiveness of which is (as) the heavens and the earth, it is prepared for those who guard (against evil).
003.134
YUSUFALI: Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men;- for Allah loves those who do good;-
PICKTHAL: Those who spend (of that which Allah hath given them) in ease and in adversity, those who control their wrath and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loveth the good;
SHAKIR: Those who spend (benevolently) in ease as well as in straitness, and those who restrain (their) anger and pardon men; and Allah loves the doers of good (to others).
003.135
YUSUFALI: And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah?- and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.
PICKTHAL: And those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins - Who forgiveth sins save Allah only? - and will not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did.
SHAKIR: And those who when they commit an indecency or do injustice to their souls remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their faults-- and who forgives the faults but Allah, and (who) do not knowingly persist in what they have done.
003.136
YUSUFALI: For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath,- an eternal dwelling: How excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!
PICKTHAL: The reward of such will be forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever - a bountiful reward for workers!
SHAKIR: (As for) these-- their reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them, and excellent is the reward of the laborers.
003.137
YUSUFALI: Many were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.
PICKTHAL: Systems have passed away before you. Do but travel in the land and see the nature of the consequence for those who did deny (the messengers).
SHAKIR: Indeed there have been examples before you; therefore travel in the earth and see what was the end of the rejecters.
003.138
YUSUFALI: Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah!
PICKTHAL: This is a declaration for mankind, a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil)
SHAKIR: This is a clear statement for men, and a guidance and an admonition to those who guard (against evil).
003.139
YUSUFALI: So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith.
PICKTHAL: Faint not nor grieve, for ye will overcome them if ye are (indeed) believers.
SHAKIR: And be not infirm, and be not grieving, and you shall have the upper hand if you are believers.
003.140
YUSUFALI: If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loveth not those that do wrong.
PICKTHAL: If ye have received a blow, the (disbelieving) people have received a blow the like thereof. These are (only) the vicissitudes which We cause to follow one another for mankind, to the end that Allah may know those who believe and may choose witnesses from among you; and Allah loveth not wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: If a wound has afflicted you (at Ohud), a wound like it has also afflicted the (unbelieving) people; and We bring these days to men by turns, and that Allah may know those who believe and take witnesses from among you; and Allah does not love the unjust.
003.141
YUSUFALI: Allah's object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of blessing Those that resist Faith.
PICKTHAL: And that Allah may prove those who believe, and may blight the disbelievers.
SHAKIR: And that He may purge those who believe and deprive the unbelievers of blessings.
003.142
YUSUFALI: Did ye think that ye would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (In His Cause) and remained steadfast?
PICKTHAL: Or deemed ye that ye would enter paradise while yet Allah knoweth not those of you who really strive, nor knoweth those (of you) who are steadfast?
SHAKIR: Do you think that you will enter the garden while Allah has not yet known those who strive hard from among you, and (He has not) known the patient.
003.143
YUSUFALI: Ye did indeed wish for death before ye met him: Now ye have seen him with your own eyes, (And ye flinch!)
PICKTHAL: And verily ye used to wish for death before ye met it (in the field). Now ye have seen it with your eyes!
SHAKIR: And certainly you desired death before you met it, so indeed you have seen it and you look (at it)


 

Section 15.
 

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when, in course of the Battle of Uhud, rumour broke out that the Prophet has been slain, which resulted in some of his close associates abandoning the battlefield in sheer distress, until news came that the rumour was false, after which they resumed their duties.

3 : 144

144. Wama muhammadun illa rasoolun qad khalat min qablihi alrrusulu afa-in mata aw qutila inqalabtum AAala aAAqabikum waman yanqalib AAala AAaqibayhi falan yadurra Allaha shay-an wasayajzee Allahu alshshakireena

Mohammed is only a messenger, - one amongst many a messenger who preceded him. So, if he dies or is slain in the battlefield, will you turn back on your heels? He who turns back hurts not Allah, and Allah will reward only the sedulous!

(This verse also comes to mind when, after our Prophet passed away, his adherents and his admirers could not believe that a phenomenon like him could succumb to such a mundane fact of life like death. Whilst some were overwhelmed with despair, others became so distraught that neither life nor religion seemed to hold any meaning for them any more. Realizing how desperately the community needed some moral support, Abu Bakr came into the Mosque of Madina and declared to them : 'If it was Mohammed whom you worshipped, then he has passed away! But if it is Allah you worship, He lives on forever and forever!)

*   *   *

3 : 145 

145. Wama kana linafsin an tamoota illa bi-ithni Allahi kitaban mu-ajjalan waman yurid thawaba alddunya nu/tihi minha waman yurid thawaba al-akhirati nu/tihi minha wasanajzee alshshakireena

No soul dies without the consent of Allah, nor before the term appointed! Whoever seeks his reward in this world, We shall give it to him in this world; and whoever seeks his reward in the Hereafter, We shall give it to him in the Hereafter! And We will reward those who are grateful, in any event.

(In this verse it is once again stressed that death is a predetermined inevitability. It does not come to a man unless Allah has decreed it, and never before the term appointed. But once that term runs out, no one can delay it by even a fraction of a moment).

 3 : 146

146. Wakaayyin min nabiyyin qatala maAAahu ribbiyyoona katheerun fama wahanoo lima asabahum fee sabeeli Allahi wama daAAufoo wama istakanoo waAllahu yuhibbu alssabireena

And how many a Prophet engaged in battles aided by their dedicated adherents! They were slackened not by the adversities they encountered in the way of Allah, nor were they enervated by them, nor subdued! Allah cherishes the equanimous!

3 : 147

147. Wama kana qawlahum illa an qaloo rabbana ighfir lana thunoobana wa-israfana fee amrina wathabbit aqdamana waonsurna AAala alqawmi alkafireena

They did nothing else other than praying : 'Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, and any excesses we may have committed in course of our duties; give us a firm foothold in the battlefield and give us victory over those who disbelieve!'

3 : 148

148. Faatahumu Allahu thawaba alddunya wahusna thawabi al-akhirati waAllahu yuhibbu almuhsineena

And so Allah gave them a worthy reward in this world and an even worthier reward in the Hereafter! Allah cherishes the righteous. (R)

(Their reward in this world was precisely what they sought : victory over the disbelievers; and their reward in the Hereafter is precisely what they are promised : redemption of their soul and absolution from sin).


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

144. Muhammad (SAW) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allâh, and Allâh will give reward to those who are grateful.

145. And no person can ever die except by Allâh's Leave and at an appointed term. And whoever desires a reward in (this) world, We shall give him of it; and whoever desires a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give him thereof. And We shall reward the grateful.

146. And many a Prophet (i.e. many from amongst the Prophets) fought (in Allâh's Cause) and along with him (fought) large bands of religious learned men. But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allâh's Way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allâh loves As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).

147. And they said nothing but: "Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgressions (in keeping our duties to You), establish our feet firmly, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk."

148. So Allâh gave them the reward of this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. And Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the good­doers - see the footnote of V.3:134).


003.144
YUSUFALI: Muhammad is no more than a messenger: many Were the messenger that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then Turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.
PICKTHAL: Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels? He who turneth back on his heels doth no hurt to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful.
SHAKIR: And Muhammad is no more than a messenger; the messengers have already passed away before him; if then he dies or is killed will you turn back upon your heels? And whoever turns back upon his heels!s, he will by no means do harm to Allah in the least and Allah will reward the grateful.
003.145
YUSUFALI: Nor can a soul die except by Allah's leave, the term being fixed as by writing. If any do desire a reward in this life, We shall give it to him; and if any do desire a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those that (serve us with) gratitude.
PICKTHAL: No soul can ever die except by Allah's leave and at a term appointed. Whoso desireth the reward of the world, We bestow on him thereof; and whoso desireth the reward of the Hereafter, We bestow on him thereof. We shall reward the thankful.
SHAKIR: And a soul will not die but with the permission of Allah the term is fixed; and whoever desires the reward of this world, I shall give him of it, and whoever desires the reward of the hereafter I shall give him of it, and I will reward the grateful.
003.146
YUSUFALI: How many of the prophets fought (in Allah's way), and with them (fought) Large bands of godly men? but they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah's way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast.
PICKTHAL: And with how many a prophet have there been a number of devoted men who fought (beside him). They quailed not for aught that befell them in the way of Allah, nor did they weaken, nor were they brought low. Allah loveth the steadfast.
SHAKIR: And how many a prophet has fought with whom were many worshippers of the Lord; so they did not become weak-hearted on account of what befell them in Allah's way, nor did they weaken, nor did they abase themselves; and Allah loves the patient.
003.147
YUSUFALI: All that they said was: "Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything We may have done that transgressed our duty: Establish our feet firmly, and help us against those that resist Faith."
PICKTHAL: Their cry was only that they said: Our Lord! forgive us for our sins and wasted efforts, make our foothold sure, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk.
SHAKIR: And their saying was no other than that they said: Our Lord! forgive us our faults and our extravagance in our affair and make firm our feet and help us against the unbelieving people.
003.148
YUSUFALI: And Allah gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For Allah Loveth those who do good.
PICKTHAL: So Allah gave them the reward of the world and the good reward of the Hereafter. Allah loveth those whose deeds are good.
SHAKIR: So Allah gave them the reward of this world and better reward of the hereafter and Allah loves those who do good (to others).

 

Section 16.
 

3 : 149

149. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo in tuteeAAoo allatheena kafaroo yaruddookum AAala aAAqabikum fatanqaliboo khasireena

O those of you who believe! If you follow what the disbelievers propose, they will make you turn round on your heels and you will return empty handed!

3 : 150

150. Bali Allahu mawlakum wahuwa khayru alnnasireena

Allah is your guardian and He is the best of friends!

3 : 151

151. Sanulqee fee quloobi allatheena kafaroo alrruAAba bima ashrakoo biAllahi ma lam yunazzil bihi sultanan wama/wahumu alnnaru wabi/sa mathwa alththalimeena

We shall throw a scare into the hearts of those who disbelieve because they assign partners to Allah for which they were given no warrant. Hell is their destination, and what an awful destination it makes for the invidious!

3 : 152

152. Walaqad sadaqakumu Allahu waAAdahu ith tahussoonahum bi-ithnihi hatta itha fashiltum watanazaAAtum fee al-amri waAAasaytum min baAAdi ma arakum ma tuhibboona minkum man yureedu alddunya waminkum man yureedu al-akhirata thumma sarafakum AAanhum liyabtaliyakum walaqad AAafa AAankum waAllahu thoo fadlin AAala almu/mineena

Allah kept His promise to you when you routed them by His leave, until the moment when your resolve faltered, you disagreed about the command and disobeyed your orders as soon as He showed you that for which you longed.  Since some of you desired the rewards of the world and some desired the rewards of the Hereafter, He made you flee from them in order that He may test you. Yet He has forgiven you! Allah does bestow His Grace upon the believers.

(The reference is to the Battle of Uhud, which went against the Muslims because a contingent of archers posted at a crucial spot and ordered not to abandon it under any circumstances disobeyed the command and did abandon the post, under the misconception that the battle was already won, and went after the Spoils).

3 : 153

153. Ith tusAAidoona wala talwoona AAala ahadin waalrrasoolu yadAAookum fee okhrakum faathabakum ghamman bighammin likay la tahzanoo AAala ma fatakum wala ma asabakum waAllahu khabeerun bima taAAmaloona

And when you advanced without looking back nor responding to the messenger while he sought your attention from the rear, Allah caused you distress in return for you causing him distress so that He might teach you not to regret that which you have lost, nor mull over that which you have endured. Allah is aware of all your deeds!

3 : 154

154. Thumma anzala AAalaykum min baAAdi alghammi amanatan nuAAasan yaghsha ta-ifatan minkum wata-ifatun qad ahammat-hum anfusuhum yathunnoona biAllahi ghayra alhaqqi thanna aljahiliyyati yaqooloona hal lana mina al-amri min shay-in qul inna al-amra kullahu lillahi yukhfoona fee anfusihim ma la yubdoona laka yaqooloona law kana lana mina al-amri shay-on ma qutilna hahuna qul law kuntum fee buyootikum labaraza allatheena kutiba AAalayhimu alqatlu ila madajiAAihim waliyabtaliya Allahu ma fee sudoorikum waliyumahhisa ma fee quloobikum waAllahu AAaleemun bithati alssudoori

Then, after distress, He sent down a peaceful slumber in which a group of you were sunk, while the other group, concerned with their own selves, began to cogitate spurious notions about Allah - notions resulting from ignorance - and said : 'Have we a choice in this matter?' Say to them (O Mohammed) : 'Choice belongs to Allah alone!' They hide inside their hearts a reproach which they dare not express to you, saying : 'If we had a choice in the matter, we would not be slain here!' Say : 'Even if you were in the safety of your homes, those who are destined to be slain will somehow reach the place where they are destined to be slain!' And this is so because Allah might assert what is inside your hearts and bring it out into the open. Allah is, indeed, aware of what is inside your hearts

(Allah by His Mercy caused the contingent of believers to plunge into slumber so that they woke up rejuvenated while keeping the hypocrites on their feet, sunk in worry, deeply concerned for their own safety, entertaining unwholesome thoughts about Allah that He has forsaken His messenger, sometimes wishing that the Prophet was really slain so that the nightmare of being caught up in the midst of the blood-soaked battle could end for them. But the decision when to end that nightmare or whether to end it at all rests in the hands of Allah!

The reproach the hypocrites kept concealed in their hearts was that, if it was up to them, they would not have been fighting for their lives on the battlefield that day. But Allah knew what was hidden in their hearts and asked the Prophet to bring home to them that, even if they were locked up in the safety of their own homes, death would have dragged them out to the spot where they were destined to breath their last).

3 : 155

155. Inna allatheena tawallaw minkum yawma iltaqa aljamAAani innama istazallahumu alshshaytanu bibaAAdi ma kasaboo walaqad AAafa Allahu AAanhum inna Allaha ghafoorun haleemun

Those of you who retreated on the day when the two armies confronted one another, it was Satan who tempted them to retreat because of their misdeeds. Allah, however, has forgiven them for it, because Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful! (R)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

149. O you who believe! If you obey those who disbelieve, they will send you back on your heels, and you will turn back (from Faith) as losers.[]

150. Nay, Allâh is your Maulâ (Patron, Lord, Helper and Protector, etc.), and He is the Best of helpers.

151. We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they joined others in worship with Allâh, for which He had sent no authority; their abode will be the Fire and how evil is the abode of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong­doers).

152. And Allâh did indeed fulfil His Promise to you when you were killing them (your enemy) with His Permission; until (the moment) you lost your courage and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed after He showed you (of the booty) which you love. Among you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then He made you flee from them (your enemy), that He might test you. But surely, He forgave you, and Allâh is Most Gracious to the believers.

153. (And remember) when you ran away (dreadfully) without even casting a side glance at anyone, and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) was in your rear calling you back. There did Allâh give you one distress after another by way of requital to teach you not to grieve for that which had escaped you, nor for that which had befallen you. And Allâh is Well­Aware of all that you do.

154. Then after the distress, He sent down security for you. Slumber overtook a party of you, while another party was thinking about themselves (as how to save their ownselves, ignoring the others and the Prophet SAW) and thought wrongly of Allâh - the thought of ignorance. They said, "Have we any part in the affair?" Say you (O Muhammad SAW): "Indeed the affair belongs wholly to Allâh." They hide within themselves what they dare not reveal to you, saying: "If we had anything to do with the affair, none of us would have been killed here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death," but that Allâh might test what is in your breasts; and to Mahis[] that which was in your hearts (sins), and Allâh is All­Knower of what is in (your) breasts.

155. Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts met (i.e. the battle of Uhud), it was Shaitân (Satan) who caused them to backslide (run away from the battlefield) because of some (sins) they had earned. But Allâh, indeed, has forgiven them. Surely, Allâh is Oft­Forgiving, Most Forbearing.


003. 149
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! If ye obey the Unbelievers, they will drive you back on your heels, and ye will turn back (from Faith) to your own loss.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! if ye obey those who disbelieve, they will make you turn back on your heels, and ye turn back as losers.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! if you obey those who disbelieve they will turn you back upon your heels, so you will turn back losers.
003.150
YUSUFALI: Nay, Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.
PICKTHAL: But Allah is your Protector, and He is the Best of Helpers.
SHAKIR: Nay! Allah is your Patron and He is the best of the helpers.
003.151
YUSUFALI: Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: And evil is the home of the wrong-doers!
PICKTHAL: We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve because they ascribe unto Allah partners, for which no warrant hath been revealed. Their habitation is the Fire, and hapless the abode of the wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they set up with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority, and their abode is the fire, and evil is the abode of the unjust.
003.152
YUSUFALI: Allah did indeed fulfil His promise to you when ye with His permission Were about to annihilate your enemy,-until ye flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) which ye covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then did He divert you from your foes in order to test you but He forgave you: For Allah is full of grace to those who believe.
PICKTHAL: Allah verily made good His promise unto you when ye routed them by His leave, until (the moment) when your courage failed you, and ye disagreed about the order and ye disobeyed, after He had shown you that for which ye long. Some of you desired the world, and some of you desired the Hereafter. Therefore He made you flee from them, that He might try you. Yet now He hath forgiven you. Allah is a Lord of Kindness to believers.
SHAKIR: And certainly Allah made good to you His promise when you slew them by His permission, until when you became weak-hearted and disputed about the affair and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you loved; of you were some who desired this world and of you were some who desired the hereafter; then He turned you away from them that He might try you; and He has certainly pardoned you, and Allah is Gracious to the believers.
003.153
YUSUFALI: Behold! ye were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at any one, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There did Allah give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for (the booty) that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had befallen you. For Allah is well aware of all that ye do.
PICKTHAL: When ye climbed (the hill) and paid no heed to anyone, while the messenger, in your rear, was calling you (to fight). Therefor He rewarded you grief for (his) grief, that (He might teach) you not to sorrow either for that which ye missed or for that which befell you. Allah is Informed of what ye do.
SHAKIR: When you ran off precipitately and did not wait for any one, and the Messenger was calling you from your rear, so He gave you another sorrow instead of (your) sorrow, so that you might not grieve at what had escaped you, nor (at) what befell you; and Allah is aware of what you do.
003.154
YUSUFALI: After (the excitement) of the distress, He sent down calm on a band of you overcome with slumber, while another band was stirred to anxiety by their own feelings, Moved by wrong suspicions of Allah-suspicions due to ignorance. They said: "What affair is this of ours?" Say thou: "Indeed, this affair is wholly Allah's." They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to thee. They say (to themselves): "If we had had anything to do with this affair, We should not have been in the slaughter here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death"; but (all this was) that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge what is in your hearts. For Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.
PICKTHAL: Then, after grief, He sent down security for you. As slumber did it overcome a party of you, while (the other) party, who were anxious on their own account, thought wrongly of Allah, the thought of ignorance. They said: Have we any part in the cause? Say (O Muhammad): The cause belongeth wholly to Allah. They hide within themselves (a thought) which they reveal not unto thee, saying: Had we had any part in the cause we should not have been slain here. Say: Even though ye had been in your houses, those appointed to be slain would have gone forth to the places where they were to lie. (All this hath been) in order that Allah might try what is in your breasts and prove what is in your hearts. Allah is Aware of what is hidden in the breasts (of men).
SHAKIR: Then after sorrow He sent down security upon you, a calm coming upon a party of you, and (there was) another party whom their own souls had rendered anxious; they entertained about Allah thoughts of ignorance quite unjustly, saying: We have no hand in the affair. Say: Surely the affair is wholly (in the hands) of Allah. They conceal within their souls what they would not reveal to you. They say: Had we any hand in the affair, we would not have been slain here. Say: Had you remained in your houses, those for whom slaughter was ordained would certainly have gone forth to the places where they would be slain, and that Allah might test what was in your breasts and that He might purge what was in your hearts; and Allah knows what is in the breasts.
003.155
YUSUFALI: Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts Met,-it was Satan who caused them to fail, because of some (evil) they had done. But Allah Has blotted out (their fault): For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those of you who turned back on the day when the two hosts met, Satan alone it was who caused them to backslide, because of some of that which they have earned. Now Allah hath forgiven them. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Clement.
SHAKIR: (As for) those of you who turned back on the day when the two armies met, only the Shaitan sought to cause them to make a slip on account of some deeds they had done, and certainly Allah has pardoned them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.
 

       

Section 17



  3 : 156

156. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo la takoonoo kaallatheena kafaroo waqaloo li-ikhwanihim itha daraboo fee al-ardi aw kanoo ghuzzan law kanoo AAindana ma matoo wama qutiloo liyajAAala Allahu thalika hasratan fee quloobihim waAllahu yuhyee wayumeetu waAllahu bima taAAmaloona baseerun

O those of you who believe! Be not like the disbelievers who said about their brethren who had gone on a journey in the land or were fighting in the battlefield : 'Had stayed with us, they would not have died nor been slain!' because Allah will surely fill their hearts soon with remorse. Allah bestows life and inflicts death; and Allah is perusing all your deeds!

(How often have we not heard stories about people safely asleep in the comfort of their bedrooms or sitting with their families in their living rooms and watching television when suddenly an aircraft crashed upon their roofs or a passing truck jack-knifed into their walls, killing some and sparing some! These things happen because the power to decide who lives and who dies belongs to Allah alone, as does the prerogative to choose who dies how, and who dies where!).

3 : 157

157. Wala-in qutiltum fee sabeeli Allahi aw muttum lamaghfiratun mina Allahi warahmatun khayrun mimma yajmaAAoona

Even if you get killed or die for the Cause of Allah, His forgiveness and His mercy are far more precious than all their wealth put together!

3 : 158

158. Wala-in muttum aw qutiltum la-ila Allahi tuhsharoona

It matters not whether you die or get killed, when it is to Allah that you will all be gathered in the end!

(It makes no difference whether you die of natural causes or are slain in the battlefield, for they all return to Allah in the end).

3 : 159

159. Fabima rahmatin mina Allahi linta lahum walaw kunta faththan ghaleetha alqalbi lainfaddoo min hawlika faoAAfu AAanhum waistaghfir lahum washawirhum fee al-amri fa-itha AAazamta fatawakkal AAala Allahi inna Allaha yuhibbu almutawakkileena

It was a mercy from Allah that you were lenient with them (Mohammed), for if you were uncompromising and impervious in your heart, they would have forsaken your side! So forgive them and seek forgiveness for them and consult with them in the affairs of the community. And when you have made a decision, then put your trust in Allah! Verily Allah cherishes those who bank their hopes in Him!

3 : 160

160. In yansurkumu Allahu fala ghaliba lakum wa-in yakhthulkum faman tha allathee yansurukum min baAAdihi waAAala Allahi falyatawakkali almu/minoona

If Allah is helping you, then no one can subdue you; but if He has forsaken you, who then is there that can help you? So let the believers put their trust in Allah alone!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when, subsequent to the battle of Badr, a portion of the Spoils went missing. Taking advantage of this, the hypocrites lost no time in putting the blame upon the Prophet, as if he would stoop to pilfering from the Spoils in order to stuff his own pockets!

3 : 161

161. Wama kana linabiyyin an yaghulla waman yaghlul ya/ti bima ghalla yawma alqiyamati thumma tuwaffa kullu nafsin ma kasabat wahum la yuthlamoona

It becomes not a prophet to delude others, for he who thus deludes will bring with him his deception on the Day of Resurrection when every soul shall be requited for that which it has earned, and no one will be wronged!

3 : 162

 

 

162. Afamani ittabaAAa ridwana Allahi kaman baa bisakhatin mina Allahi wama/wahu jahannamu wabi/sa almaseeru

Is he who has lived by Allah's accord similar to him who has incurred Allah's wrath? Hell is his destination, - and how awesome a destination it is to return to!

3 : 163

 

163. Hum darajatun AAinda Allahi waAllahu baseerun bima yaAAmaloona

With Allah there are different stages in reward and in punishment. He is perusing all your deeds!

3 : 164

164. Laqad manna Allahu AAala almu/mineena ith baAAatha feehim rasoolan min anfusihim yatloo AAalayhim ayatihi wayuzakkeehim wayuAAallimuhumu alkitaba waalhikmata wa-in kanoo min qablu lafee dalalin mubeenin

It is a favour from Allah to the believers that He has appointed for them a messenger chosen from their own ranks who recites to them His revelations and consecrates them and teaches the Scripture and the Wisdom, whereas before his arrival they were sunk in blatant error.

3 : 165

165. Awa lamma asabatkum museebatun qad asabtum mithlayha qultum anna hatha qul huwa min AAindi anfusikum inna Allaha AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun

Is this to be the case that, whenever you suffer a reversal, even if you have inflicted twice the number of reversals upon your enemies, you say : 'How come this has happened to us?' Say to them (O Mohammed) : 'You brought it upon yourselves!' Allah is Omnipotent over all things!

(Although in the Battle of Badr, which went in favour of the Muslims, they had inflicted upon their enemies twice the number of casualties as they sustained in the subsequent Battle of Uhud, the hypocrites were full of bitterness towards Allah for bringing upon them such a disaster.

The topic of 'disaster' introduced in the above verse has been fine-tuned in the next three verses to the effect that they had brought upon themselves the losses which they suffered, firstly by insisting that the Prophet should clash with the enemy outside Madina rather than inside, even though it went against his wishes, and secondly by abandoning their assigned posts in a rush to go after the Spoils.

In both cases, the main culprits were the hypocrites and not the Muslims).

3 : 166

166. Wama asabakum yawma iltaqa aljamAAani fabi-ithni Allahi waliyaAAlama almu/mineena

The reversal you suffered on the day when the two armies confronted one another, you suffered it at Allah's behest, so that He can test who the true believers are -

3 : 167

167. WaliyaAAlama allatheena nafaqoo waqeela lahum taAAalaw qatiloo fee sabeeli Allahi awi idfaAAoo qaloo law naAAlamu qitalan laittabaAAnakum hum lilkufri yawma-ithin aqrabu minhum lil-eemani yaqooloona bi-afwahihim ma laysa fee quloobihim waAllahu aAAlamu bima yaktumoona

And expose the hypocrites! When it was said to them : 'Come and strive for the Cause of Allah and repel the enemy!' they said : 'If we knew that there was going to be a campaign this day, we would surely have been alongside you!' On that day they were closer to being disbelievers rather than being believers! They utter with their mouths that which is not inside their hearts. Allah is aware of what they hide!

3 : 168

168. Allatheena qaloo li-ikhwanihim waqaAAadoo law ataAAoona ma qutiloo qul faidraoo AAan anfusikumu almawta in kuntum sadiqeena

Those who said about their brethren who were striving for the Cause of Allah while they sat at home in safety : 'If only they heeded our counsel, they would not have been slain!' Say to them (O Mohammed) : 'Then defer your own deaths, if you are right!'

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed in honour of those who lost their lives in holy wars in general, and of those who fell in the Battle of Uhud in particular.

3 : 169

169. Wala tahsabanna allatheena qutiloo fee sabeeli Allahi amwatan bal ahyaon AAinda rabbihim yurzaqoona

Refer not to those who laid down their lives in the way of Allah as dead, for they are living; and with their Lord have they their sustenance!

3 : 170

170. Fariheena bima atahumu Allahu min fadlihi wayastabshiroona biallatheena lam yalhaqoo bihim min khalfihim alla khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoona

Gratified with that which Allah has given them of His bounty; and rejoicing for those who are yet to join them and are still striving behind that they shall have no cause for concern nor for distress!

3 : 171

171. Yastabshiroona biniAAmatin mina Allahi wafadlin waanna Allaha la yudeeAAu ajra almu/mineena

They rejoice because of Allah's Grace and Mercy, and in the knowledge that Allah wastes not the toils of the believers! (R)

(There is a clear indication in the above verses that 'span of life' applies as much to the soul as it does to the body. The souls of those who are slain in battles for the cause of Allah do not perish along with their bodies but remain alive; they are sustained by Allah and carry on living, grateful to Him for the bounties lavished upon them and rejoicing for those who await their turn at martyrdom in unfinished crusades.

According to Islamic clerics, the bodies of martyrs and men of God do not succumb to the ravages of earth but remain in tact until the Day of Judgement.

This fact is borne out by several instances in which the dead were exhumed for one reason or another, or their graves cleaved apart owing to geological activity, but the bodies buried in them were found to be in an astonishing state of preservation).


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

 

MUHSIN:

156. O you who believe! Be not like those who disbelieve (hypocrites) and who say to their brethren when they travel through the earth or go out to fight: "If they had stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed," so that Allâh may make it a cause of regret in their hearts. It is Allâh that gives life and causes death. And Allâh is All­Seer of what you do.

157. And if you are killed or die in the Way of Allâh, forgiveness and mercy from Allâh are far better than all that they amass (of worldly wealths, etc.).

158. And whether you die, or are killed, verily, unto Allâh you shall be gathered.

159. And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh­hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allâh's) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allâh, certainly, Allâh loves those who put their trust (in Him).

160. If Allâh helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allâh (Alone) let believers put their trust.

161. It is not for any Prophet to take illegally a part of booty (Ghulul)[], and whosoever deceives his companions as regards the booty, he shall bring forth on the Day of Resurrection that which he took (illegally). Then every person shall be paid in full what he has earned, - and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.

162. Is then one who follows (seeks) the good Pleasure of Allâh (by not taking illegally a part of the booty) like the one who draws on himself the Wrath of Allâh (by taking a part of the booty illegally - Ghulul)? - his abode is Hell, - and worst, indeed is that destination!

163. They are in varying grades with Allâh, and Allâh is All­Seer of what they do.

164. Indeed Allâh conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses (the Qur'ân), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and instructing them (in) the Book (the Qur'ân) and Al­Hikmah [the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW (i.e. his legal ways, statements, acts of worship, etc.)], while before that they had been in manifest error.[]

165. (What is the matter with you?) When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say: "From where does this come to us?" Say (to them), "It is from yourselves (because of your evil deeds)." And Allâh has power over all things.

166. And what you suffered (of the disaster) on the day (of the battle of Uhud when) the two armies met, was by the leave of Allâh, in order that He might test the believers.

167. And that He might test the hypocrites, it was said to them: "Come, fight in the Way of Allâh or (at least) defend yourselves." They said: "Had we known that fighting will take place, we would certainly have followed you." They were that day, nearer to disbelief than to Faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allâh has full knowledge of what they conceal.

168. (They are) the ones who said about their killed brethren while they themselves sat (at home): "If only they had listened to us, they would not have been killed." Say: "Avert death from your ownselves, if you speak the truth."

169. Think not of those who are killed in the Way of Allâh as dead. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision.

170. They rejoice in what Allâh has bestowed upon them of His Bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred) that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve.

171. They rejoice in a Grace and a Bounty from Allâh, and that Allâh will not waste the reward of the believers.


 

003. 156
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Be not like the Unbelievers, who say of their brethren, when they are travelling through the Earth or engaged in fighting: "If they had stayed with us, they would not have died, or been slain." This that Allah may make it a cause of sighs and regrets in their hearts. It is Allah that gives Life and Death, and Allah sees well all that ye do.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Be not as those who disbelieved and said of their brethren who went abroad in the land or were fighting in the field: If they had been (here) with us they would not have died or been killed: that Allah may make it anguish in their hearts. Allah giveth life and causeth death; and Allah is Seer of what ye do.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! be not like those who disbelieve and say of their brethren when they travel in the earth or engage in fighting: Had they been with us, they would not have died and they would not have been slain; so Allah makes this to be an intense regret in their hearts; and Allah gives life and causes death and Allah sees what you do.
003.157
YUSUFALI: And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass.
PICKTHAL: And what though ye be slain in Allah's way or die therein? Surely pardon from Allah and mercy are better than all that they amass.
SHAKIR: And if you are slain in the way of Allah or you die, certainly forgiveness from Allah and mercy is better than what they amass.
003.158
YUSUFALI: And if ye die, or are slain, Lo! it is unto Allah that ye are brought together.
PICKTHAL: What though ye be slain or die, when unto Allah ye are gathered?
SHAKIR: And if indeed you die or you are slain, certainly to Allah shall you be gathered together.
003.159
YUSUFALI: It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).
PICKTHAL: It was by the mercy of Allah that thou wast lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust (in Him).
SHAKIR: Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who trust.
003.160
YUSUFALI: If Allah helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? in Allah, then, Let believers put their trust.
PICKTHAL: If Allah is your helper none can overcome you, and if He withdraw His help from you, who is there who can help you after Him? In Allah let believers put their trust.
SHAKIR: If Allah assists you, then there is none that can overcome you, and if He forsakes you, who is there then that can assist you after Him? And on Allah should the believers rely.
003.161
YUSUFALI: No prophet could (ever) be false to his trust. If any person is so false, He shall, on the Day of Judgment, restore what he misappropriated; then shall every soul receive its due,- whatever it earned,- and none shall be dealt with unjustly.
PICKTHAL: It is not for any prophet to embezzle. Whoso embezzleth will bring what he embezzled with him on the Day of Resurrection. Then every soul will be paid in full what it hath earned; and they will not be wronged.
SHAKIR: And it is not attributable to a prophet that he should act unfaithfully; and he who acts unfaithfully shall bring that in respect of which he has acted unfaithfully on the day of resurrection; then shall every soul be paid back fully what it has earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.
003.162
YUSUFALI: Is the man who follows the good pleasure of Allah Like the man who draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and whose abode is in Hell?- A woeful refuge!
PICKTHAL: Is one who followeth the pleasure of Allah as one who hath earned condemnation from Allah, whose habitation is the Fire, a hapless journey's end?
SHAKIR: Is then he who follows the pleasure of Allah like him who has made himself deserving of displeasure from Allah, and his abode is hell; and it is an evil destination.
003.163
YUSUFALI: They are in varying gardens in the sight of Allah, and Allah sees well all that they do.
PICKTHAL: There are degrees (of grace and reprobation) with Allah, and Allah is Seer of what they do.
SHAKIR: There are (varying) grades with Allah, and Allah sees what they do.
003.164
YUSUFALI: Allah did confer a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a messenger from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error.
PICKTHAL: Allah verily hath shown grace to the believers by sending unto them a messenger of their own who reciteth unto them His revelations, and causeth them to grow, and teacheth them the Scripture and wisdom; although before (he came to them) they were in flagrant error.
SHAKIR: Certainly Allah conferred a benefit upon the believers when He raised among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His communications and purifying them, and teaching them the Book and the wisdom, although before that they were surely in manifest error.
003.165
YUSUFALI: What! When a single disaster smites you, although ye smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, do ye say?- "Whence is this?" Say (to them): "It is from yourselves: For Allah hath power over all things."
PICKTHAL: And was it so, when a disaster smote you, though ye had smitten (them with a disaster) twice (as great), that ye said: How is this? Say (unto them, O Muhammad): It is from yourselves. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: What! when a misfortune befell you, and you had certainly afflicted (the unbelievers) with twice as much, you began to say: Whence is this? Say: It is from yourselves; surely Allah has power over all things.
003.166
YUSUFALI: What ye suffered on the day the two armies Met, was with the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers,-
PICKTHAL: That which befell you, on the day when the two armies met, was by permission of Allah; that He might know the true believers;
SHAKIR: And what befell you on the day when the two armies met (at Ohud) was with Allah's knowledge, and that He might know the believers.
003.167
YUSUFALI: And the Hypocrites also. These were told: "Come, fight in the way of Allah, or (at least) drive (The foe from your city)." They said: "Had we known how to fight, we should certainly have followed you." They were that day nearer to Unbelief than to Faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts but Allah hath full knowledge of all they conceal.
PICKTHAL: And that He might know the hypocrites, unto whom it was said: Come, fight in the way of Allah, or defend yourselves. They answered: If we knew aught of fighting we would follow you. On that day they were nearer disbelief than faith. They utter with their mouths a thing which is not in their hearts. Allah is Best Aware of what they hide.
SHAKIR: And that He might know the hypocrites; and it was said to them: Come, fight in Allah's way, or defend yourselves. They said: If we knew fighting, we would certainly have followed you. They were on that day much nearer to unbelief than to belief. They say with their mouths what is not in their hearts, and Allah best knows what they conceal.
003.168
YUSUFALI: (They are) the ones that say, (of their brethren slain), while they themselves sit (at ease): "If only they had listened to us they would not have been slain." Say: "Avert death from your own selves, if ye speak the truth."
PICKTHAL: Those who, while they sat at home, said of their brethren (who were fighting for the cause of Allah): If they had been guided by us they would not have been slain. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Then avert death from yourselves if ye are truthful.
SHAKIR: Those who said of their brethren whilst they (themselves) held back: Had they obeyed us, they would not have been killed. Say: Then avert death from yourselves if you speak the truth.
003.169
YUSUFALI: Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord;
PICKTHAL: Think not of those, who are slain in the way of Allah, as dead. Nay, they are living. With their Lord they have provision.
SHAKIR: And reckon not those who are killed in Allah's way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord;
003.170
YUSUFALI: They rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah: And with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (Martyrs) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they (cause to) grieve.
PICKTHAL: Jubilant (are they) because of that which Allah hath bestowed upon them of His bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not joined them but are left behind: That there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
SHAKIR: Rejoicing in what Allah has given them out of His grace and they rejoice for the sake of those who, (being left) behind them, have not yet joined them, that they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve.
003.171
YUSUFALI: They glory in the Grace and the bounty from Allah, and in the fact that Allah suffereth not the reward of the Faithful to be lost (in the least).
PICKTHAL: They rejoice because of favour from Allah and kindness, and that Allah wasteth not the wage of the believers.
SHAKIR: They rejoice on account of favor from Allah and (His) grace, and that Allah will not waste the reward of the believers.
 
 
 

Section 18.
 

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when news arrived that, having won the battle of Uhud, Abu Sufian had decided to wipe out what was left of the Muslim army and was lying in wait on the outskirts of Madina to ambush them. Rather than panic, the Prophet declared his intention to take them on and summoned his warriors to back up his resolve. They did, with exemplary courage, despite their dire state.

3 : 172

172. Allatheena istajaboo lillahi waalrrasooli min baAAdi ma asabahumu alqarhu lillatheena ahsanoo minhum waittaqaw ajrun Aaatheemun

As for those who responded to the summons from Allah and His messenger, even after the wounds they had already sustained, there is a great reward in store for their righteous deeds and their self-sacrifices.

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when, despite the severe losses sustained by Muslims in the battle of Uhud, false rumours were deliberately spread to scare them off that a much stronger force has been amassed by the Meccans for another skirmish, but the resolve of the Muslim warriors did not weaken.

3 : 173

173. Allatheena qala lahumu alnnasu inna alnnasa qad jamaAAoo lakum faikhshawhum fazadahum eemanan waqaloo hasbuna Allahu waniAAma alwakeelu

Those to whom people said : 'Verily a formidable force of men has been assembled to take you on again, so beware!' their determination multiplied and they replied, 'Allah will suffice us, - the most potent strategist!'

3 : 174

174. Fainqalaboo biniAAmatin mina Allahi wafadlin lam yamsas-hum soo-on waittabaAAoo ridwana Allahi waAllahu thoo fadlin Aaatheemin

Hence they returned home, laden with Allah's favours and His grace without any harm done to them and thereafter lived by the accord of Allah. Allah is of infinite bounty!

(After having levelled the scores against Muslims in the Battle of Uhud, which had titled in their favour in the Battle of Badr, the commander of the cavalry of idolaters and a sworn enemy of Islam Abu Sufian looked at the bleeding face of his adversary with cold contempt and said : 'O Mohammed! If you have the guts, then meet me in Badr one more time!' and rode off on his horse, trampling the bodies of the Muslim warriors scattered around. All the Prophet could do was to say : 'Inshallah', returned to Madina and commenced preparations to keep the tryst.

However, not too keen on launching another battle on the heels of the one he already waged, Abu Sufian persuaded a friend of his who was going to Madina just to throw a scare into the Muslims by exaggerating the size of the army he had raised to fight them.

Unruffled by the daunting rumours, the Prophet arrived in Badr as promised, along with his resolute and devout men and waited. But there was no sign of Abu Sufian, neither of the forces that he was said to have mustered.

After giving him ample time to back up his challenge with action, the Prophet and his men returned home, safe and sound, laden with profits made in trade along the way).

*   *   *

3 : 175

175. Innama thalikumu alshshaytanu yukhawwifu awliyaahu fala takhafoohum wakhafooni in kuntum mu/mineena

It is merely a ploy of the devil to frighten you with the might of his sycophants, so fear them not but fear only Me,  - if you truly believe.

3 : 176

 

176. Wala yahzunka allatheena yusariAAoona fee alkufri innahum lan yadurroo Allaha shay-an yureedu Allahu alla yajAAala lahum haththan fee al-akhirati walahum AAathabun Aaatheemun

Let not the behaviour of those who revert to apostasy too easily grieve you (O Mohammed) for they can do no harm to Allah! It is Allah's will not to apportion them any share in the Hereafter, because for them is set aside an acerbic castigation!

(This verse, as do many other similar verses, contain a clear indication that giving a 'portion in the Hereafter' is a matter of Allah's choice which He bestows only upon those whom He wills).

3 : 177

177. Inna allatheena ishtarawoo alkufra bial-eemani lan yadurroo Allaha shay-an walahum AAathabun aleemun

Those who traded away their faith in return for apostasy can do no harm to Allah. For them (too), there is a grievous punishment in store.

3 : 178

178. Wala yahsabanna allatheena kafaroo annama numlee lahum khayrun li-anfusihim innama numlee lahum liyazdadoo ithman walahum AAathabun muheenun

And Let not those who disbelieve be under the illusion that the loose rope which We give them is for the good of their souls. We loosen for them the rope only that they may increase in their sinfulness. And for them awaits a humiliating stricture!

(Once when the Prophet was asked : 'who is the best among men?' he replied : 'he who has a long life and performs righteous deeds'; when he was asked : 'who is the worst of men?' he replied : 'he who has a long life and perpetrates evil deeds!' - because, the longer the life of a righteous man, the more good he does; and the longer the life of an evil man, the more evil he perpetrates).

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Prophet claimed  he was given knowledge of the Unseen by Allah and the hypocrites mocked him. The verse is directly addressed to them

3 : 179

179. Ma kana Allahu liyathara almu/mineena AAala ma antum AAalayhi hatta yameeza alkhabeetha mina alttayyibi wama kana Allahu liyutliAAakum AAala alghaybi walakinna Allaha yajtabee min rusulihi man yashao faaminoo biAllahi warusulihi wa-in tu/minoo watattaqoo falakum ajrun Aaatheemun

It is not the intention of Allah to leave the believers in the state in which they are, until He has separated the vile from the virtuous; nor will He disclose the knowledge of the unseen to everyone. He chooses from His messengers whom He will to give them this knowledge, so believe in Allah and His messengers. If you believe in Allah and fend off evil, there is a great reward in it for you.

(According to some commentators, this verse was revealed when the Prophet claimed that Allah showed him the faces of those who would become his followers even before they came into being. The hypocrites mocked at it saying : 'We have been living alongside him for all these years and he has not yet discovered who we really are!' and then asked him if he could tell who amongst them was firm in his convictions and who was not).

     *   *   *

3 : 180

 

180. Wala yahsabanna allatheena yabkhaloona bima atahummu Allahu min fadlihi huwa khayran lahum bal huwa sharrun lahum sayutawwaqoona ma bakhiloo bihi yawma alqiyamati walillahi meerathu alssamawati waal-ardi waAllahu bima taAAmaloona khabeerun

Let those who hoard that which Allah has bestowed on them of His Grace think not that it is a good thing  for them. Nay, but it is a bad thing for them, for what they hoard will weigh them down like fetters around their necks on the Day of Resurrection! To Allah belongs the legacy of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is well aware of your deeds. (R)

(What is the point of not sharing our wealth with others, especially with those who are in dire need and deserve to be helped, when in the end we have to leave everything behind us for Allah - to whom belongs the legacy of the heavens and the earth?

When Alexander the Great died, he left instructions for his coffin to be paraded through the city which he had ruled, his empty hands exposed to view, so that his people could see that he had come into the world empty-handed and was going out of the world empty-handed, despite having built the largest empire in the world to date at so young an age, his only assets and liabilities being his good deeds and his bad deeds, to be placed before a Lord mightier than him - for His assessment!)


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

172. Those who answered (the Call of) Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) after being wounded; for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allâh, there is a great reward.

173. Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: "Allâh (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).[]"

174. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allâh. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allâh. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.

175. It is only Shaitân (Satan) that suggests to you the fear of his Auliyâ' [supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messenger, Muhammad SAW)], so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers.

176. And let not those grieve you (O Muhammad SAW) who rush with haste to disbelieve; verily, not the least harm will they do to Allâh. It is Allâh's Will to give them no portion in the Hereafter. For them there is a great torment.

177. Verily, those who purchase disbelief at the price of Faith, not the least harm will they do to Allâh. For them, there is a painful torment.

178. And let not the disbelievers think that Our postponing of their punishment is good for them. We postpone the punishment only so that they may increase in sinfulness. And for them is a disgracing torment.

179. Allâh will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good. Nor will Allâh disclose to you the secrets of the Ghaib (unseen), but Allâh chooses of His Messengers whom He pleases. So believe in Allâh and His Messengers. And if you believe and fear Allâh, then for you there is a great reward.

180. And let not those who covetously withhold of that which Allâh has bestowed on them of His Bounty (Wealth) think that it is good for them (and so they do not pay the obligatory Zakât). Nay, it will be worse for them; the things which they covetously withheld shall be tied to their necks like a collar on the Day of Resurrection[]. And to Allâh belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allâh is Well­Acquainted with all that you do.


003.172
YUSUFALI: Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward;-
PICKTHAL: As for those who heard the call of Allah and His messenger after the harm befell them (in the fight); for such of them as do right and ward off (evil), there is great reward.
SHAKIR: (As for) those who responded (at Ohud) to the call of Allah and the Messenger after the wound had befallen them, those among them who do good (to others) and guard (against evil)shall have a great reward.
003.173
YUSUFALI: Men said to them: "A great army is gathering against you": And frightened them: But it (only) increased their Faith: They said: "For us Allah sufficeth, and He is the best disposer of affairs."
PICKTHAL: Those unto whom men said: Lo! the people have gathered against you, therefor fear them. (The threat of danger) but increased the faith of them and they cried: Allah is Sufficient for us! Most Excellent is He in Whom we trust!
SHAKIR: Those to whom the people said: Surely men have gathered against you, therefore fear them, but this increased their faith, and they said: Allah is sufficient for us and most excellent is the Protector.
003.174
YUSUFALI: And they returned with Grace and bounty from Allah: no harm ever touched them: For they followed the good pleasure of Allah: And Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.
PICKTHAL: So they returned with grace and favour from Allah, and no harm touched them. They followed the good pleasure of Allah, and Allah is of Infinite Bounty.
SHAKIR: So they returned with favor from Allah and (His) grace, no evil touched them and they followed the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.
003.175
YUSUFALI: It is only the Evil One that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: Be ye not afraid of them, but fear Me, if ye have Faith.
PICKTHAL: It is only the devil who would make (men) fear his partisans. Fear them not; fear Me, if ye are true believers.
SHAKIR: It is only the Shaitan that causes you to fear from his friends, but do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers.
003.176
YUSUFALI: Let not those grieve thee who rush headlong into Unbelief: Not the least harm will they do to Allah: Allah's plan is that He will give them no portion in the Hereafter, but a severe punishment.
PICKTHAL: Let not their conduct grieve thee, who run easily to disbelief, for lo! they injure Allah not at all. It is Allah's Will to assign them no portion in the Hereafter, and theirs will be an awful doom.
SHAKIR: And let not those grieve you who fall into unbelief hastily; surely they can do no harm to Allah at all; Allah intends that He should not give them any portion in the hereafter, and they shall have a grievous chastisement.
003.177
YUSUFALI: Those who purchase Unbelief at the price of faith,- not the least harm will they do to Allah, but they will have a grievous punishment.
PICKTHAL: Those who purchase disbelief at the price of faith harm Allah not at all, but theirs will be a painful doom.
SHAKIR: Surely those who have bought unbelief at the price of faith shall do no harm at all to Allah, and they shall have a painful chastisement.
003.178
YUSUFALI: Let not the Unbelievers think that our respite to them is good for themselves: We grant them respite that they may grow in their iniquity: But they will have a shameful punishment.
PICKTHAL: And let not those who disbelieve imagine that the rein We give them bodeth good unto their souls. We only give them rein that they may grow in sinfulness. And theirs will be a shameful doom.
SHAKIR: And let not those who disbelieve think that Our granting them respite is better for their souls; We grant them respite only that they may add to their sins; and they shall have a disgraceful chastisement.
003.179
YUSUFALI: Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which ye are now, until He separates what is evil from what is good nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen. But He chooses of His Messengers (For the purpose) whom He pleases. So believe in Allah. And His messengers: And if ye believe and do right, ye have a reward without measure.
PICKTHAL: It is not (the purpose) of Allah to leave you in your present state till He shall separate the wicked from the good. And it is not (the purpose of) Allah to let you know the Unseen. But Allah chooseth of His messengers whom He will, (to receive knowledge thereof). So believe in Allah and His messengers. If ye believe and ward off (evil), yours will be a vast reward.
SHAKIR: On no account will Allah leave the believers in the condition which you are in until He separates the evil from the good; nor is Allah going to make you acquainted with the unseen, but Allah chooses of His messengers whom He pleases; therefore believe in Allah and His messengers; and if you believe and guard (against evil), then you shall have a great reward.
003.180
YUSUFALI: And let not those who covetously withhold of the gifts which Allah Hath given them of His Grace, think that it is good for them: Nay, it will be the worse for them: soon shall the things which they covetously withheld be tied to their necks Like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgment. To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
PICKTHAL: And let not those who hoard up that which Allah hath bestowed upon them of His bounty think that it is better for them. Nay, it is worse for them. That which they hoard will be their collar on the Day of Resurrection. Allah's is the heritage of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Informed of what ye do.
SHAKIR: And let not those deem, who are niggardly in giving away that which Allah has granted them out of His grace, that it is good for them; nay, it is worse for them; they shall have that whereof they were niggardly made to cleave to their necks on the resurrection day; and Allah's is the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is aware of what you do.

 

Section 19. 
 

3 : 181

181. Laqad samiAAa Allahu qawla allatheena qaloo inna Allaha faqeerun wanahnu aghniyaon sanaktubu ma qaloo waqatlahumu al-anbiyaa bighayri haqqin wanaqoolu thooqoo AAathaba alhareeqi

Allah has heard those who said : 'Allah is indigent and we are affluent!' We shall record this denigration alongside the crime of wrongfully slaying Our messengers and then We shall say to them : 'Taste now the flavour of burning!'

3 : 182

182. Thalika bima qaddamat aydeekum waanna Allaha laysa bithallamin lilAAabeedi

This is in retaliation for that which your hands have sent ahead of you! Allah persecutes not His bondsmen!

(When the verse 'Who will lend Allah a munificent loan so that He may repay them on the Day of Judgement two-fold?' was revealed, the Jews mocked the Prophet saying that his Lord has fallen to hard times and is seeking loans from His worshippers! This verse warns them that such a blatant blasphemy against Allah will be deemed equal to the sin of slaying His messengers and will be thus dealt with on the Day of Resurrection accordingly)

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Jews said that according to the Torah, they did not have to accept the prophethood of a messenger who is unable to perform a certain miracle as specified in it.

3 : 183

183. Allatheena qaloo inna Allaha AAahida ilayna alla nu/mina lirasoolin hatta ya/tiyana biqurbanin ta/kuluhu alnnaru qul qad jaakum rusulun min qablee bialbayyinati wabiallathee qultum falima qataltumoohum in kutum sadiqeena

They say : 'Allah has not charged us to believe in any messenger unless he brings to us an offering which the fire from heaven will devour!'  Say (O Mohammed) : 'Messengers came to you before me with miracles, including that one to which you allude! Why then did you slay them, if you are truthful?'

(The Jews, constantly on the look out for an excuse to challenge the Prophet's claim that he was a true messenger of Allah, came up with the assertion that the Torah forbade them to accept the credentials of any messenger who does not produce an oblation which is devoured by God in the form of a leaping tongue of fire from the sky!

It is a historic fact that prophets and men of God are often blessed with the power to perform miracles to convince those that are hostile to them, mostly in keeping with the times when they preached. For instance, sorcery being the order of the day, Moses was given the miracles of creating illusions in order to subdue the wizards whom he took on; sickness and poverty being prevalent during the times of Jesus, he was given the miracles of healing and raising the dead; erudition and philosophy being the predominant feature of the times when our Prophet arrived, he was blessed with the miracle of giving to the world a master-piece in literature, despite his being an 'unlettered Prophet', in order to convince his opponents.

Treating miracles of God as though they were commodities on the shelves of super-markets, available at a price jotted down on their labels, or as though they were songs played on the radio by disc jockeys, in response to the choice of listeners, tantamounts to the heinous sin of ridiculing Divinity itself).

*   *   *

3 : 184

 

184. Fa-in kaththabooka faqad kuththiba rusulun min qablika jaoo bialbayyinati waalzzuburi waalkitabi almuneeri

And if they vituperate you, then know that they similarly vituperated messengers who came before you, though they brought with them many a convincing miracle and inspiring Psalms and radiant Scriptures!

3 : 185

185. Kullu nafsin tha-iqatu almawti wa-innama tuwaffawna ojoorakum yawma alqiyamati faman zuhziha AAani alnnari waodkhila aljannata faqad faza wama alhayatu alddunya illa mataAAu alghuroori

Every soul tastes the flavour of death! And you will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which you deservedly earned. Whoever is spared the Fire and made to enter the Garden, he alone can be deemed to have attained salvation. As far as the luxuries in the life of this world are concerned, they are nothing but mere illusions!

(They will last only for as long as we last. But when Allah's emissaries descend, 'slapping on our knuckles to gather our souls', we surrender to them without a groan or a moan, leaving behind all the luxuries we cherished and revelled in, severing bonds of love, breaking pledges of loyalty, indifferent to the grief of our parting, unmindful of tears trickling down the eyes of those who loved us, the walls which surrounded us and protected us no longer sacrosanct, the condos and apartments for which we paid mortgages all our lives no longer significant, no longer essential, no longer ours! That, in brief, is the truth about the bonds and belongings which we cherished and acquired in the life of this world!

But with the rewards and bounties which we gain in the Hereafter, if we have earned any, it is a different story. They last forever; they never run out; there is no wear and tear in them; they are not at risk of being ‘repossessed’ by ‘celestial banks’, there is nothing outstanding on them, they are ours without any stipulations, without the small print, without the attestations!)

3 : 186

186. Latublawunna fee amwalikum waanfusikum walatasmaAAunna mina allatheena ootoo alkitaba min qablikum wamina allatheena ashrakoo athan katheeran wa-in tasbiroo watattaqoo fa-inna thalika min AAazmi al-omoori

Verily you will be tried in terms of your possessions and your persons, and verily you will hear a lot of aspersions cast on you by those who were given the Scripture before and by the idolaters. But if you can endure it and ward off evil, it will surely be your utmost accomplishment!

3 : 187

187. Wa-ith akhatha Allahu meethaqa allatheena ootoo alkitaba latubayyinunnahu lilnnasi wala taktumoonahu fanabathoohu waraa thuhoorihim waishtaraw bihi thamanan qaleelan fabi/sa ma yashtaroona

And (remember) when Allah took a covenant from those who received the Scripture that they will disclose it to all mankind and that they will not hide any of its contents from them, they cast it behind their backs in return for trivial financial rewards. What a pitiful trade was their trade!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed to remonstrate the Jews who took pride in misguiding others, considering themselves to be intellectuals despite their ignorance.

3 : 188

188. La tahsabanna allatheena yafrahoona bima ataw wayuhibboona an yuhmadoo bima lam yafAAaloo fala tahsabannahum bimafazatin mina alAAathabi walahum AAathabun aleemun

Think not that they who take pride in that which they have done, and seek adulation's for that which they have not done, are immune from chastisement. There is a painful doom in store for them!

3 : 189

 

189. Walillahi mulku alssamawati waal-ardi waAllahu AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun

To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth! Allah has the power to do all things. (R))


 

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

181. Indeed, Allâh has heard the statement of those (Jews) who say: "Truly, Allâh is poor and we are rich!" We shall record what they have said and their killing of the Prophets unjustly, and We shall say: "Taste you the torment of the burning (Fire)."

182. This is because of that (evil) which your hands have sent before you. And certainly, Allâh is never unjust to (His) slaves.

183. Those (Jews) who said: "Verily, Allâh has taken our promise not to believe in any Messenger unless he brings to us an offering which the fire (from heaven) shall devour." Say: "Verily, there came to you Messengers before me, with clear signs and even with what you speak of; why then did you kill them, if you are truthful?"

184. Then if they reject you (O Muhammad SAW), so were Messengers rejected before you, who came with Al-Baiyinât (clear signs, proofs, evidences) and the Scripture and the Book of Enlightenment.

185. Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).

186. You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in your personal selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Scripture before you (Jews and Christians) and from those who ascribe partners to Allâh, but if you persevere patiently, and become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2) then verily, that will be a determining factor in all affairs, and that is from the great matters, [which you must hold on with all your efforts].

187. (And remember) when Allâh took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) to make it (the news of the coming of Prophet Muhammad SAW and the religious knowledge) known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it, but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And indeed worst is that which they bought.

188. Think not that those who rejoice in what they have done (or brought about), and love to be praised for what they have not done,- think not you that they are rescued from the torment, and for them is a painful torment.

 189. And to Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Allâh has power over all things.


003.181
YUSUFALI: Allah hath heard the taunt of those who say: "Truly, Allah is indigent and we are rich!"- We shall certainly record their word and (their act) of slaying the prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say: "Taste ye the penalty of the Scorching Fire!
PICKTHAL: Verily Allah heard the saying of those who said, (when asked for contributions to the war): "Allah, forsooth, is poor, and we are rich!" We shall record their saying with their slaying of the prophets wrongfully and We shall say: Taste ye the punishment of burning!
SHAKIR: Allah has certainly heard the saying of those who said: Surely Allah is poor and we are rich. I will record what they say, and their killing the prophets unjustly, and I will say: Taste the chastisement of burning.
003.182
YUSUFALI: "This is because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent on before ye: For Allah never harms those who serve Him."
PICKTHAL: This is on account of that which your own hands have sent before (you to the judgment). Allah is no oppressor of (His) bondmen.
SHAKIR: This is for what your own hands have sent before and because Allah is not in the least unjust to the servants.
003.183
YUSUFALI: They (also) said: "Allah took our promise not to believe in an messenger unless He showed us a sacrifice consumed by Fire (From heaven)." Say: "There came to you messengers before me, with clear Signs and even with what ye ask for: why then did ye slay them, if ye speak the truth?"
PICKTHAL: (The same are) those who say: Lo! Allah hath charged us that we believe not in any messenger until he bring us an offering which fire (from heaven) shall devour. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Messengers came unto you before me with miracles, and with that (very miracle) which ye describe. Why then did ye slay them? (Answer that) if ye are truthful!
SHAKIR: (Those are they) who said: Surely Allah has enjoined us that we should not believe in any messenger until he brings us an offering which the fire consumes. Say: Indeed, there came to you messengers before me with clear arguments and with that which you demand; why then did you kill them if you are truthful?
003.184
YUSUFALI: Then if they reject thee, so were rejected messengers before thee, who came with Clear Signs, Books of dark prophecies, and the Book of Enlightenment.
PICKTHAL: And if they deny thee, even so did they deny messengers who were before thee, who came with miracles and with the Psalms and with the Scripture giving light.
SHAKIR: But if they reject you, so indeed were rejected before you messengers who came with clear arguments and scriptures and the illuminating book.
003.185
YUSUFALI: Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.
PICKTHAL: Every soul will taste of death. And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which ye have fairly earned. Whoso is removed from the Fire and is made to enter paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion.
SHAKIR: Every soul shall taste of death, and you shall only be paid fully your reward on the resurrection day; then whoever is removed far away from the fire and is made to enter the garden he indeed has attained the object; and the life of this world is nothing but a provision of vanities.
003.186
YUSUFALI: Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly Hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if ye persevere patiently, and guard against evil,-then that will be a determining factor in all affairs.
PICKTHAL: Assuredly ye will be tried in your property and in your persons, and ye will hear much wrong from those who were given the Scripture before you, and from the idolaters. But if ye persevere and ward off (evil), then that is of the steadfast heart of things.
SHAKIR: You shall certainly be tried respecting your wealth and your souls, and you shall certainly hear from those who have been given the Book before you and from those who are polytheists much annoying talk; and if you are patient and guard (against evil), surely this is one of the affairs (which should be) determined upon.
003.187
YUSUFALI: And remember Allah took a covenant from the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And vile was the bargain they made!
PICKTHAL: And (remember) when Allah laid a charge on those who had received the Scripture (He said): Ye are to expound it to mankind and not to hide it. But they flung it behind their backs and bought thereby a little gain. Verily evil is that which they have gained thereby.
SHAKIR: And when Allah made a covenant with those who were given the Book: You shall certainly make it known to men and you shall not hide it; but they cast it behind their backs and took a small price for it; so evil is that which they buy.
003.188
YUSUFALI: Think not that those who exult in what they have brought about, and love to be praised for what they have not done,- think escape the penalty. For them is a penalty Grievous indeed.
PICKTHAL: Think not that those who exult in what they have given, and love to be praised for what they have not done - Think not, they are in safety from the doom. A painful doom is theirs.
SHAKIR: Do not think those who rejoice for what they have done and love that they should be praised for what they have not done-- so do by no means think them to be safe from the chastisement, and they shall have a painful chastisement.
003.189
YUSUFALI: To Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and Allah hath power over all things.
PICKTHAL: Unto Allah belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. Allah is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: And Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and Allah has power over all things.

 

Section 20.             
  

3 : 190

 

 

190. Inna fee khalqi alssamawati waal-ardi waikhtilafi allayli waalnnahari laayatin li-olee al-albabi

Verily in the Creation of the heavens and the earth and in the succession of nights and days, there are clear indications for men of wisdom -

3 : 191

191. Allatheena yathkuroona Allaha qiyaman waquAAoodan waAAala junoobihim wayatafakkaroona fee khalqi alssamawati waal-ardi rabbana ma khalaqta hatha batilan subhanaka faqina AAathaba alnnari

Who constantly remember Allah, whether they are standing, sitting or lying down, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth saying : 'O Our Lord! You created this not in vain! Glory be to you! Protect us from the fire of hell!

3 : 192

192. Rabbana innaka man tudkhili alnnara faqad akhzaytahu wama lilththalimeena min ansarin

'Our Lord! Verily he whom you have cast in the Fire, him you have plunged into shame! Those without scruples are those without friends.

3 : 193

    

193. Rabbana innana samiAAna munadiyan yunadee lil-eemani an aminoo birabbikum faamanna rabbana faighfir lana thunoobana wakaffir AAanna sayyi-atina watawaffana maAAa al-abrari

'Our Lord! We heard a Crier convoke men towards Faith saying : 'Believe in your Lord!' so we believed in You. Our Lord!  Forgive us our sins and condone our weaknesses and give us death in par with those that are righteous!

3 : 194

194. Rabbana waatina ma waAAadtana AAala rusulika wala tukhzina yawma alqiyamati innaka la tukhlifu almeeAAada

'Our Lord! Give us that which was promised to us by Your Messengers and disappoint us not on the Day of Judgement. Verily, you never break your pledges!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a believing woman asked the Prophet why women are not mentioned by Allah in terms of reward for their righteous deeds as often as men are. This verse reassures righteous women that reward is dependent upon the deed and not upon the gender of the doer, and that, in the eyes of Allah, men and women are all equal.
 

3 : 195

195. Faistajaba lahum rabbuhum annee la odeeAAu AAamala AAamilin minkum min thakarin aw ontha baAAdukum min baAAdin faallatheena hajaroo waokhrijoo min diyarihim waoothoo fee sabeelee waqataloo waqutiloo laokaffiranna AAanhum sayyi-atihim walaodkhilannahum jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu thawaban min AAindi Allahi waAllahu AAindahu husnu alththawabi

Their Lord has heard their prayer and He says : 'Verily I waste not the toils of those who toil, be they men or women; after all, you emerged from one another! So those of you who emigrated, or were driven out of your homes, or have suffered hardship on account of Me, and who fought and were slain, I shall remit their sins and enter them in Gardens underneath which rivers flow - a reward from Allah! And with Allah alone are the richest of rewards!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when certain believers grumbled that, while those who rejected Allah and His messenger were well off, those who believed in them were sunk in penury.

3 : 196

196. La yaghurrannaka taqallubu allatheena kafaroo fee albiladi

Let not the changing fortunes of those who disbelieve deceive you (O Mohammed)!

2 : 197

197. MataAAun qaleelun thumma ma/wahum jahannamu wabi/sa almihadu

Their comfort in the life of this world is short-lived, but their abode in the Hereafter is hell, and how awful an abode it is to go to!

3 : 198

 

 

198. Lakini allatheena ittaqaw rabbahum lahum jannatun tajree min tahtiha al-anharu khalideena feeha nuzulan min AAindi Allahi wama AAinda Allahi khayrun lil-abrari

For those who ward off evil are Gardens underneath which rivers flow wherein they shall abide forever - a gesture of hospitality from Allah. And that which Allah has kept aside for the righteous, nothing else can match it!

*   *   *

Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Prophet performed a funeral service (in absentia) for Negus, the Emperor of Ethiopia, because of the help which he gave to the Muslims when they  fled Mecca in order to escape persecution at the hands of the Meccan idolaters and took shelter in his kingdom. But he was severely criticized by the Hypocrites for performing the final rites of a Christian in a Muslim mosque.

3 : 199

199. Wa-inna min ahli alkitabi laman yu/minu biAllahi wama onzila ilaykum wama onzila ilayhim khashiAAeena lillahi la yashtaroona bi-ayati Allahi thamanan qaleelan ola-ika lahum ajruhum AAinda rabbihim inna Allaha sareeAAu alhisabi

And verily there are those amongst the People of the Scripture who believe in Allah and in that which is revealed to you and in that which was revealed to them. They are submissive to Allah and trade not the revelations of Allah for trivial gains! These are they whose reward is in the safekeeping of their Lord! Verily Allah is swift at repaying!

*   *   *

3 : 200

200. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo isbiroo wasabiroo warabitoo waittaqoo Allaha laAAallakum tuflihoona

O those of you who believe! Be patient, excel in patience, be prepared and be tremulous of Allah so that you attain salvation! (R)



190. Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.

191. Those who remember Allâh (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): "Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.

192. "Our Lord! Verily, whom You admit to the Fire, indeed, You have disgraced him, and never will the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) find any helpers.

193. "Our Lord! Verily, we have heard the call of one (Muhammad SAW) calling to Faith: 'Believe in your Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and remit from us our evil deeds, and make us die in the state of righteousness along with Al-Abrâr (those who are obedient to Allâh and follow strictly His Orders).

194. "Our Lord! Grant us what You promised unto us through Your Messengers and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection, for You never break (Your) Promise."

195. So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female. You are (members) one of another, so those who emigrated and were driven out from their homes, and suffered harm in My Cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My Cause), verily, I will remit from them their evil deeds and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); a reward from Allâh, and with Allâh is the best of rewards."

196. Let not the free disposal (and affluence) of the disbelievers throughout the land deceive you.

197. A brief enjoyment; then, their ultimate abode is Hell; and worst indeed is that place for rest.

198. But, for those who fear their Lord, are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); therein are they to dwell (for ever), an entertainment from Allâh; and that which is with Allâh is the Best for Al­Abrâr (those who are obedient to Allâh and follow strictly His Orders).

199. And there are, certainly, among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), those who believe in Allâh and in that which has been revealed to you, and in that which has been revealed to them, humbling themselves before Allâh. They do not sell the Verses of Allâh for a little price, for them is a reward with their Lord. Surely, Allâh is Swift in account.

200. O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allâh, so that you may be successful.


003.190
YUSUFALI: Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding,-
PICKTHAL: Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His Sovereignty) for men of understanding,
SHAKIR: Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day there are signs for men who understand.
003.191
YUSUFALI: Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (With the thought): "Our Lord! not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire.
PICKTHAL: Such as remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! Thou createdst not this in vain. Glory be to Thee! Preserve us from the doom of Fire.
SHAKIR: Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord! Thou hast not created this in vain! Glory be to Thee; save us then from the chastisement of the fire:
003.192
YUSUFALI: "Our Lord! any whom Thou dost admit to the Fire, Truly Thou coverest with shame, and never will wrong-doers Find any helpers!
PICKTHAL: Our Lord! Whom Thou causest to enter the Fire: him indeed Thou hast confounded. For evil-doers there will be no helpers.
SHAKIR: Our Lord! surely whomsoever Thou makest enter the fire, him Thou hast indeed brought to disgrace, and there shall be no helpers for the unjust:
003.193
YUSUFALI: "Our Lord! we have heard the call of one calling (Us) to Faith, 'Believe ye in the Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous.
PICKTHAL: Our Lord! Lo! we have heard a crier calling unto Faith: "Believe ye in your Lord!" So we believed. Our Lord! Therefor forgive us our sins, and remit from us our evil deeds, and make us die the death of the righteous.
SHAKIR: Our Lord! surely we have heard a preacher calling to the faith, saying: Believe in your Lord, so we did believe; Our Lord! forgive us therefore our faults, and cover our evil deeds and make us die with the righteous.
003.194
YUSUFALI: "Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through Thine messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: For Thou never breakest Thy promise."
PICKTHAL: Our Lord! And give us that which Thou hast promised to us by Thy messengers. Confound us not upon the Day of Resurrection. Lo! Thou breakest not the tryst.
SHAKIR: Our Lord! and grant us what Thou hast promised us by Thy messengers; and disgrace us not on the day of resurrection; surely Thou dost not fail to perform the promise.
003.195
YUSUFALI: And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: Ye are members, one of another: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain,- verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath;- A reward from the presence of Allah, and from His presence is the best of rewards."
PICKTHAL: And their Lord hath heard them (and He saith): Lo! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost. Ye proceed one from another. So those who fled and were driven forth from their homes and suffered damage for My cause, and fought and were slain, verily I shall remit their evil deeds from them and verily I shall bring them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow - A reward from Allah. And with Allah is the fairest of rewards.
SHAKIR: So their Lord accepted their prayer: That I will not waste the work of a worker among you, whether male or female, the one of you being from the other; they, therefore, who fled and were turned out of their homes and persecuted in My way and who fought and were slain, I will most certainly cover their evil deeds, and I will most certainly make them enter gardens beneath which rivers flow; a reward from Allah, and with Allah is yet better reward.
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YUSUFALI: Let not the strutting about of the Unbelievers through the land deceive thee:
PICKTHAL: Let not the vicissitude (of the success) of those who disbelieve, in the land, deceive thee (O Muhammad).
SHAKIR: Let it not deceive you that those who disbelieve go to and fro in the cities fearlessly.
003.197
YUSUFALI: Little is it for enjoyment: Their ultimate abode is Hell: what an evil bed (To lie on)!
PICKTHAL: It is but a brief comfort. And afterward their habitation will be hell, an ill abode.
SHAKIR: A brief enjoyment! then their abode is hell, and evil is the resting-place.
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YUSUFALI: On the other hand, for those who fear their Lord, are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath; therein are they to dwell (for ever),- a gift from the presence of Allah; and that which is in the presence of Allah is the best (bliss) for the righteous.
PICKTHAL: But those who keep their duty to their Lord, for them are Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will be safe for ever. A gift of welcome from their Lord. That which Allah hath in store is better for the righteous.
SHAKIR: But as to those who are careful of (their duty to) their Lord, they shall have gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding in them; an entertainment from their Lord, and that which is with Allah is best for the righteous.
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YUSUFALI: And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to Allah: They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift in account.
PICKTHAL: And lo! of the People of the Scripture there are some who believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto you and that which was revealed unto them, humbling themselves before Allah. They purchase not a trifling gain at the price of the revelations of Allah. Verily their reward is with their Lord. Lo! Allah is swift to take account.
SHAKIR: And most surely of the followers of the Book there are those who believe in Allah and (in) that which has been revealed to you and (in) that which has been revealed to them, being lowly before Allah; they do not take a small price for the communications of Allah; these it is that have their reward with their Lord; surely Allah is quick in reckoning.
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YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may prosper.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Endure, outdo all others in endurance, be ready, and observe your duty to Allah, in order that ye may succeed.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful.
 

 Index

  SURAH 4