Al-Baqara (The Heifer)

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Compassionate.

(2:1) Alif. Lam. Mim.

(2:2) This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guide for the responsible.

(2:3) Those who trust the unseen, and observe the prayer (sala), and from Our provisions to them, they spend.

(2:4) Those who trust what was sent down to you, and what was sent down before you, and regarding the Hereafter they are certain.

(2:5) These are the ones guided by their Lord, and these are the winners.

(2:6) As for those who do not appreciate, it is same to them, whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not trust.

(2:7) God has sealed their hearts and their ears; and over their eyes (is) a veil. They will incur a great retribution.

(2:8) Among the people are those who say, "We trust God and the Last day," but they do not acknowledge.

(2:9) They seek to deceive God and those who trust, but they only deceive themselves without noticing.

(2:10) In their hearts is a disease, so God increases their disease, and they will have a painful retribution, because they used to lie.

(2:11) If they are told "Do not make evil in the land," they say, "Verily, we are the improvers!"

(2:12) No, they are the evildoers, but they do not perceive.

(2:13) If they are told, "trust as the people have acknowledge," they say, "Shall we acknowledge as the fools have acknowledge?" No, they are the fools but they do not know.

(2:14) If they come across those who have acknowledge, they say, "We acknowledge," and when they are alone with their devils they say, "We are with you, we were only mocking."

(2:15) God mocks them, and leaves them prolonged in their transgression.

(2:16) These are those who have purchased straying for guidance; their trade did not profit them, nor were they guidance.

(2:17) Their example is like one who lights a fire, so when it illuminates what is around him, God takes away his light and leaves him in the darkness not seeing.

(2:18) Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return.

(2:19) Or like a storm from the sky, in it are darkness, thunder, and lightning. They place their fingers in their ears from thunderclaps out of fear of death; and God is aware of the ingrates.

(2:20) The lightning nearly snatches away their sight, whenever it lights the path, they walk in it, and when it becomes dark for them, they stand. Had God willed, He would have taken away their hearing and their sight. God is capable of all things.

(2:21) O people, serve your Lord who has created you and those before you that you may (show) responsibility.

(2:22) The One who made the land a habitat, and the sky a structure, and He sent down from the sky water with which He brought out fruit as a provision for you. So do not make any equals with God while you now know.

(2:23) If you are in doubt as to what We have sent down to Our servant, then bring a chapter like this, and call upon your witnesses other than God if you are truthful.

(2:24) If you cannot do this - and you will not be able to do this - then beware of the fire whose fuel is people and stones; it has been prepared for the ingrates.

(2:25) Give good news to |those who acknowledge and do the reforms, that they will have gardens with rivers flowing beneath. Every time they receive of its fruit, they say, "This is what we have been provisioned before," and they are given its likeness/allegories. Moreover, there they will have pure spouses, and there they will abide.

(2:26) God does not shy away from citing the example of a mosquito, or anything above it. As for those who acknowledge, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for the unappreciative, they say, "What did God intend by this example?" He lets many stray by it, and He guides many, but He only lets stray the evildoers.

(2:27) The ones who break their pledge to God after making the covenant, and they sever what God had ordered to be joined. Moreover, they make corruption on earth; these are the losers.

(2:28) How can you deny God, while you were dead, then He brought you to life? Then He will cause you to die, then He will give you life again, then to Him you will be returned.

(2:29) He is the One who created for you all that is in the earth, then He attended to the Universe and made it seven universes, and He is aware of all things.

(2:30) Your Lord said to the angels, "I am placing a successor on earth." They said, "Would You place in it he who would corrupt it, and shed blood, while we sing Your glory with Your praises, and sanctify You?" He said, "I know what you do not know."

(2:31) He taught Adam the description of all (things), and then He displayed them to the angels and said, "Inform Me the descriptions of these things if you are truthful."

(2:32) They said, "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us, You are the Knowledgeable, the Wise."

(2:33) He said, "O Adam, inform them of the descriptions of these." When he informed them of their descriptions, He said, "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen of the heavens and the earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you were hiding?"

(2:34) We said to the angels, "Submit to Adam," so they submitted except for Iblis, he refused and became arrogant, and became of the ingrates.

(2:35) We said, "O Adam, reside you and your spouse in the paradise, and eat from it bountifully as you both wish, and do not approach this tree, else you will be of those who did wrong."

(2:36) So, the devil tricked both and he brought both of them out from what they were in, and We said, "Descend, you are all enemies of one another. In the land shall be stability for you and luxury for a while."

(2:37) Adam then received words from His Lord, so He forgave him; He is The Forgiver, The Compassionate.

(2:38) We said, "Descend from it all of you, so when the guidance comes from Me, then whoever follows My guidance, they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve."

(2:39) Those who do not appreciate and deny Our signs, they are the dwellers of fire, in it they will abide.

(2:40) O Children of Israel! Remember My blessings that I had blessed you with, and fulfill your pledge to Me that I may fulfill My pledge to you, and revere Me alone.

(2:41) Acknowledge what I have sent down, authenticating what is already with you, and do not be the first to reject it! Moreover, do not purchase with My signs a cheap gain; and of Me you shall be conscientious.

(2:42) Do not obscure the truth with falsehood, hiding the truth while you know.

(2:43) Observe the prayer, and contribute towards betterment, and kneel with those who kneel.

(2:44) Do you order the people to do goodness, but forget yourselves, while you are reciting the book? Do you not reason?

(2:45) Seek help through patience, and the prayer. It is a difficult thing, but not so for the humble.

(2:46) The ones who conceive that they will meet their Lord and that to Him they will return.

(2:47) O Children of Israel, remember My blessings that I had blessed you with, and that I had preferred you to all the worlds!

(2:48) Beware of a day where no person can avail another person, nor will any intercession be accepted from it, nor will any ransom be taken, nor will they have supporters.

(2:49) We guaranteed you from the people of Pharaoh; they were afflicting you (with) horrible torment, killing your children, and shaming your women. In that was a great trial from your Lord.

(2:50) We parted the sea for you, thus We saved you and drowned the people of Pharaoh while you were watching.

(2:51) And when We appointed for Moses (period of) forty nights, then you took the calf after him while you were wicked.

(2:52) Then We forgave you after so that perhaps you would be thankful.

(2:53) We gave Moses the book and the criterion so that perhaps you would be guided.

(2:54) Moses said to his people, "O my people, you have wronged yourselves by taking the calf, so repent to your Maker, and face yourselves. That is better for you with your Maker, so He would forgive you. He is the Forgiving, the Compassionate."

(2:55) When you said, "O Moses, we will not acknowledge you until we see God publicly!" the thunderbolt took you while you were still staring.

(2:56) Then We resurrected you after your death that you may be appreciative.

(2:57) We shaded you with clouds, and sent down to you manna and quails, "Eat from the goodness of the provisions We have provided you." They did not wrong Us, but it was themselves that they wronged.

(2:58) We said, "Enter this town, and eat from it as plentifully as you wish; and enter the gate humbly, and talk amicably, We will then forgive your mistakes, and We will increase for the good-doers."

(2:59) But the wicked altered what was said to them into a different saying, thus We sent down upon the wicked an affliction from the sky because they had transgressed.

(2:60) Moses was seeking water for his people, so We said, "Strike the rock with your staff." Thus, twelve springs burst out of it; each tribe then knew from where to drink. "Eat and drink from God's provisions, and do not roam the earth as corruptors."

(2:61) You said, "O Moses, we will not be patient to one type of food, so call for us your Lord that He may bring forth what the earth grows of its beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions." He said, "Would you trade what is lowly with what is good?" Descend to Egypt, you will have in it what you have asked for. They were thus stricken with humiliation and disgrace, and they remained under God's wrath for they were not appreciating God's signs, and killing the prophets with no justification. This is for what they have disobeyed and they were transgressing.

(2:62) Surely those who acknowledge, and those who are Jewish, and the Nazarenes, and those who follow other religions, any one of them who acknowledge God and the Last day, and do reform, they will have their reward with their Lord, with no fear over them, nor will they grieve.

(2:63) We took your covenant, and raised the mount above you, "Take what We have given you with strength, and remember what is in it that you may be conscientious."

(2:64) Then you turned away after this. Had it not been for God's favor upon you and His mercy, you would have been of the losers.

(2:65) You have come to know who it was amongst you that transgressed the Sabbath, We said to them, "Be despicable apes!"

(2:66) We did this as a punishment for what they had done on it and afterwards, and a reminder to the righteous.

(2:67) Moses said to his people, "God orders you to slaughter a cow." They said, "Do you mock us?" He said, "I seek refuge with God lest I be of the ignorant ones."

(2:68) They said, "Call upon your Lord for us that He may clarify to us which it is." He said, "He says it is a cow neither too old nor too young, an age between that. So now do as you are commanded."

(2:69) They said, "Call upon your Lord for us that He may clarify what color it is." He said, "He says it is a yellow cow with a bright color, pleasing to those who see it."

(2:70) They said, "Call upon your Lord for us that He may clarify which one it is, for the cows all look alike to us and we will, God willing, be guided."

(2:71) He said, "He says it is a cow which was never subjugated to plough the land, or water the crops, free from any blemish." They said, "Now you have come with the truth." They slaughtered it, though they had nearly not done so.

(2:72) You had murdered a person, and then disputed in the matter; God was to bring out what you were keeping secret.

(2:73) We said, "Strike him with parts from it."It is thus that God brings the dead to life, and He shows you His signs that you may reason.

(2:74) Then your hearts became hardened after that, they became like stones or even harder; but even from the stones there are rivers that burst forth, or from them are those that crack so that the water comes forth, or from them are what fall from the fear of God; God is not unaware of what you do.

(2:75) Did you expect that they would acknowledge for you, when a group of them had heard God's words then altered them knowingly after what they had reasoned?

(2:76) When they come across those who acknowledge, they say, "We acknowledge!", and when they are alone with each other they say, "Why do you inform them about what God has said to us? Then, they would use it in an argument against us at your Lord. Do you not reason?"

(2:77) Do they not know that God knows what they conceal and what they declare?

(2:78) Amongst them are Gentiles, who do not know the Book except by hearsay, and they only conjecture.

(2:79) So woe to those who write the book with their hands then say, "This is from God," so that they can seek a cheap gain! Woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they have gained.

(2:80) They said, "The fire will not touch us except for a few number of days." Say, "Have you taken a pledge with God? If so, then God will not break His pledge. Or do you say about God what you do not know?"

(2:81) Indeed, whoever gains a bad deed and his mistakes surround him; those are the people of the fire, there they abide eternally.

(2:82) Those who acknowledge and do the reformation, they are the people of paradise, in it they abide eternally.

(2:83) We took the covenant of the Children of Israel, "You shall not serve except God, and regard your parents, and regard the relatives, and the orphans, and the poor, and say kind things to the people, and observe the prayer, and contribute towards betterment." Then you turned away, except a few of you; you were objecting.

(2:84) We have taken a covenant with you, "You shall not spill each other's blood, nor drive each other out from your homes." You agreed to this while bearing witness.

(2:85) But here you are killing each other, and driving out a group of you from their homes; you backup (each other) against them with evil and animosity. If they come to you as prisoners, you ransom them while it was forbidden for you to drive them out! Do you acknowledge some of the book and reject some? The punishment for those amongst you who do so is humiliation in this worldly life; and on the day of Resurrection, they will be returned to the most severe retribution. God is not oblivious of what you all do.

(2:86) These are the ones who have purchased this lowly/worldly life instead of the Hereafter. The retribution will not be reduced for them, nor will they be supported.

(2:87) We gave Moses the book, and after him, We sent the messengers. Later We gave Jesus son of Mary the clear proofs, and We supported Him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that every time a messenger comes to you with what your minds do not desire, you become arrogant? A group of them you deny, and a group of them you kill!

(2:88) They said, "Our hearts are connected!" No, it is God who has cursed them for their rejection, for very little do they acknowledge.

(2:89) When a book came to them from God, authenticating what is with them - yet before that they were asking for victory against those who were unappreciative - so when what they knew came to them, they did not appreciate it! God's curse is upon the ingrates.

(2:90) Miserable indeed is with what they traded themselves by not appreciating what God has sent down. They did so because of their resentment that God would send down from His grace to whom He pleases from among His servants; thus, they have incurred wrath upon wrath. The ingrates will have a humiliating retribution.

(2:91) If it is said to them, "Acknowledge what God has sent down," they say, "We acknowledge only what was sent down to us," and they do not appreciate what came after it, while it is the truth authenticating what is with them. Say, "Why then did you kill God's prophets if you were those who acknowledge?"

(2:92) Moses had come to you with the clear proofs, then you took the calf after him; you were wicked!

(2:93) We took your covenant, and raised the mount above you, "Take what We have given you with strength, and listen." They said, "We hear and disobey!" and they had consumed the calf inside their hearts by their rejection. Say, "Miserable indeed is what your acknowledgement instructs you if you are those who acknowledge!"

(2:94) Say, "If the abode of the Hereafter has been set exclusively for you to the exception of all other people, then you should wish for death if you are truthful!"

(2:95) They will never wish for it because of what their hands have done; and God is aware of the wicked.

(2:96) You will find them the most obsessive people regarding long life; as well as those who have set up partners; each one of them wishes that he could live a thousand years. It will not change for him the retribution even if he lived that long; God is watchful over what you do.

(2:97) Say, "Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, then (know) that he has sent it down into your heart by God's permission, authenticating what is already present, and a guide and good news for those who acknowledge."

(2:98) "Whoever was an enemy to God and His angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then so God is the enemy to the rejectors."

(2:99) We have sent down to you clear signs; only the evil ones would not appreciate them.

(2:100) Whenever they make a pledge, does a group of them break it? Alas, most of them do not acknowledge.

(2:101) When a messenger came to them from God, authenticating what was with them, a group of those who had already received the book placed God's book behind their backs as if they did not know.

(2:102) They followed what the devils recited regarding Solomon's kingship. Solomon did not reject, but it was the devils that rejected by teaching people magic and what was sent down on the two angels in Babylon, Haroot and Maroot. They would not teach anyone until they would say, "We are a test, so do not be unappreciative!" Thus, they teach what can separate a person from his mate; but they cannot harm anyone except by God's permission. They learn what harms them and does not benefit them, and they have known that he who purchases such a thing has no place in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed is what they traded themselves with; if only they knew!

(2:103) Had they acknowledged and been aware, it would have brought them a reward from God which is far better if they knew!

(2:104) O you who trust! Do not say, "Shepherd us," but say, "Pay attention to us," and listen. For the ingrates is a painful retribution.

(2:105) Neither do those who have not appreciated among the people of the book, nor from among those who have set up partners, wish that any good comes down to you from your Lord. Nevertheless, God chooses with His mercy whom/whomever He wishes; and from God is the greatest favor.

(2:106) We do not duplicate a sign, or make it forgotten, unless We bring one which is like it or even greater. Did you not know that God is capable of all things?

(2:107) Did you not know that to God belongs the kingship of the heavens and earth, and that you do not have besides God any guardian or supporter?

(2:108) Or do you want to ask your messenger as Moses was asked before? Whoever replaces acknowledgement with rejection, has indeed strayed from the right path.

(2:109) Many of the people of the book have wished that they could return you to being unappreciative after your acknowledgement, out of envy from themselves after the truth was made clear to them. You shall forgive them and overlook it until God brings His will. God is capable of all things.

(2:110) Observe the prayer, and contribute towards betterment, and what you bring forth of good for yourselves, you will find it with God. God sees what you do.

(2:111) They said, "None shall enter The Garden except those who are Jewish or Nazarenes;" this is what they wish! say, "Bring forth your proof if you are truthful."

(2:112) No, whosoever peacefully surrenders his face to God, while being a gooddoer; he will have his reward with his Lord. There will be no fear over them, nor will they grieve.

(2:113) The Jews said, "The Nazarenes have no basis," and the Nazarenes said, "The Jews have no basis," while they are both reciting the book! Similarly, those who do not know have said the same thing. God will judge between them on the day of Resurrection in what they disputed.

(2:114) Who are more wicked than those who prohibit God's temples; so that His name not be mentioned in them; and they seek their destruction? It is they who should not be able to enter them except in fear; they will have humiliation in this world and in the Hereafter a painful retribution.

(2:115) To God belongs the east and the west, so wherever you turn, there is God's presence. God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.

(2:116) They said, "God has taken a son!" Be He glorified. To Him is all that is in the heavens and in the earth, all are humbled to Him.

(2:117) Initiator of the Universes and the Earth, when He decrees a command, He merely says to it, "Be," and it is.

(2:118) Those who do not know said, "If only God would speak to us, or a sign would come to us!" The people before them have said similar things; their hearts are so similar! We have clarified the signs for a people who have conviction.

(2:119) We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good news and as a warner. You will not be questioned about the people of hell.

(2:120) Neither the Jews nor the Nazarenes will be pleased with you until you follow their creed. Say, "The guidance is God's guidance." If you follow their wishes after the knowledge has come to you, then none can help or protect you against God.

(2:121) Those whom We have given the book and they recite it truthfully the way it deserves to be recited; they acknowledge it. As for those who do not appreciate it, they are the losers.

(2:122) O Children of Israel, remember My blessings that I have bestowed upon you, and that I have preferred you to all the worlds.

(2:123) Beware of a day when no person can avail another person, nor will any amendment be accepted from it, nor will any intercession help it; they will not be supported.

(2:124) Abraham was tested by commands from His Lord, which he completed. He said, "I will make you a leader for the people." He said, "Also from my progeny?" He said, "My pledge will not encompass the wicked."

(2:125) We have made the sanctuary to be a model for the people and a security. Utilize the place of Abraham to reach out. We had entrusted to Abraham and Ishmael, "You shall purify My sanctuary for those who visit, those who are devoted, and for those who kneel and prostrate."

(2:126) Abraham said, "My Lord, make this town secure, and provide for its inhabitants of the fruits for whoever acknowledges God and the Last day." He said, "As for he who does not appreciate, I will let him enjoy for a while, then I will force him to the retribution of the fire, what a miserable destiny!"

(2:127) As Abraham raised the foundations for the sanctuary with Ishmael, "Our Lord accept this from us, You are the Hearer, the Knowledgeable."

(2:128) "Our Lord, and let us peacefully surrender to You and from our progeny a nation peacefully surrendering to You, and show us our rites and forgive us; You are the Most Forgiving, the Compassionate."

(2:129) "Our Lord, and send amongst them a messenger from among themselves, that he may recite to them Your signs and teach them the book and the wisdom, and purify them. You are the Noble, the Wise."

(2:130) Who would abandon the creed of Abraham except one who fools himself? We have selected him in this world, and in the Hereafter, he is of the reformers.

(2:131) When his Lord said to him, "Peacefully surrender," he said, "I peacefully surrender to the Lord of the worlds."

(2:132) Abraham enjoined his sons and Jacob, "O my sons, God has selected the system for you, so do not die except as ones who have peacefully surrendered."

(2:133) Or were you present when death came to Jacob and he told his sons, "Who shall you serve after I am gone?" They said, "Your god, and the god of your fathers Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac; One god and to Him we peacefully surrender."

(2:134) That was a nation that has passed away. To them is what they have earned, and to you is what you have earned; and you will not be asked regarding what they did.

(2:135) They said, "Be Jews or Nazarenes so that you may be guided!" Say, "No, rather the creed of Abraham, monotheism; for he was not of those who set up partners."

(2:136) Say, "We trust God and what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs, what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make a distinction between any of them and to Him we peacefully surrender."

(2:137) So, if they acknowledge exactly as you have acknowledged, then they are guided; but if they turn away, then they are in opposition, and God will suffice you against them; He is the Hearer, the Knower.

(2:138) Such is God's coloring. Who is better than God in coloring? To Him we are in service.

(2:139) Say, "Do you debate with us regarding God? He is our Lord and your Lord, and we have our work and you have your work, and to Him we are devoted."

(2:140) "Or do you say that Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Patriarchs were all Jewish or Nazarene?" Say, "Are you more knowledgeable or is God?" Who is more wicked than one who conceals a testimony with him from God? God is not oblivious of what you do.

(2:141) That was a nation that passed away; to them is what they earned and to you is what you have earned; you will not be asked about what they did.

(2:142) The foolish from amongst the people will say, "What has turned them away from the paradigm that they were on?" Say, "To God belongs the east and the west, He guides whomsoever He wishes to a straight path."

(2:143) As such, We have made you a balanced nation, so that you may be witnesses over the people, and that the messenger may be witness over you. We did not make the paradigm that you came on, except so that we know who follows the messenger, from those who will turn on their heels. It was a big deal indeed except for those whom God had guided; God was not to waste your acknowledgement. God is Kind and Compassionate over the people.

(2:144) We see the shifting of your face towards the sky; We will thus set for you a paradigm that will be pleasing to you, "You shall set yourself towards the Restricted Temple; and wherever you may be, you shall all set yourselves towards it." Those who have been given the book know it is the truth from their Lord. God is not oblivious of what you do.

(2:145) Even if you come to those who have been given the book with every sign, they will not follow your paradigm, nor will you follow their paradigm, nor will some of them even follow each other's paradigm. If you were to follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, then you would be one of the wicked.

(2:146) Those to whom We have given the book know it as they know their own children, and a group of them hides the truth while they know.

(2:147) The truth is from your Lord; so do not be one of those who doubt.

(2:148) To each is a direction that he will take, so you shall race towards good deeds. Wherever you may be, God will bring you all together. God is capable of all things.

(2:149) From wherever you go out, you shall set yourself towards the Restricted Temple; it is the truth from your Lord; and God is not oblivious of what you do.

(2:150) Wherever you go out, you shall set yourself towards the Restricted Temple. Wherever you may be, you shall set yourselves towards it; that the people will have no room for debate with you, except those of them who are wicked. You shall not fear them, but fear Me so that I may complete My blessings upon you and that you may be guided.

(2:151) As We have sent a messenger to you from amongst yourselves reciting Our signs to you, purifying you, and teaching you the book and the wisdom, and teaching you what you did not know.

(2:152) So remember Me that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me and do not become unappreciative.

(2:153) O you who trust, seek help through patience and the Contact prayer; God is with the patient ones.

(2:154) Do not say of those who are killed in the sake of God that they are dead; no, they are alive but you do not perceive.

(2:155) We will test you with some fear and hunger, and a shortage in money and lives and fruits. Give good news to those who are patient.

(2:156) The ones who, when afflicted with adversity, say, "We are to God and to Him we will return."

(2:157) To these will be a bonding from their Lord and a mercy; they are the guided ones.

(2:158) The serenity and chivalry are amongst God's emblems. Therefore, whosoever makes Pilgrimage to the sanctuary, or is merely passing through, commits no error by oscillating between them. Whoever volunteers for goodness; indeed God is Appreciative, Knowledgeable.

(2:159) Surely those who conceal what We have sent down to them which was clear, and the guidance, after God had made it clear in the book; these will be cursed by God and be cursed by those who curse;

(2:160) Except those who repent, reform and clarify; for those I will accept their repentance, for I am the One who accepts repentance, the Compassionate.

(2:161) Surely, those who have not appreciated and then died as ingrates; they will be cursed by God, and the angels, and all the people.

(2:162) They will abide therein, where the retribution will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved.

(2:163) Your god is but One god, there is no god but He, the Gracious the Compassionate.

(2:164) Surely, in the creation of heavens and earth, the succession of night and day, and the ships that sail in the sea for the benefit of people, and what God has sent down of water from the sky therewith He brings the earth back to life after it had died, and He disperses on it different creatures, and the movement of the winds and the clouds that have been designated between the earth and the sky are signs for a people that reason.

(2:165) Among the people are some who take other than God as equals to Him, they love them as they love God; but those who acknowledge love God more strongly; and when those who were wicked see the retribution, they will see that all power belongs to God, and that God is severe in retribution.

(2:166) When those who were followed will disown those who followed them, they will see the retribution; all means have abandoned them.

(2:167) Those who followed them said, "If we only could have a chance to disown them as they have disowned us." It is such that God will show them their works, which will be regretted by them; they will not leave the fire.

(2:168) O people, eat of what is in the earth as good and lawful, and do not follow the steps of the devil; he is to you a clear enemy.

(2:169) He only orders you evil and sin, and that you may say about God what you do not know.

(2:170) If they are told, "Follow what God has sent down," they say, "No, we will follow what we found our fathers doing!" What if their fathers did not reason much and were not guided?

(2:171) The example of those who are unappreciative is like the one who repeats what he has heard of calls and shouts; deaf, dumb, and blind; they do not reason.

(2:172) O you who trust, eat of the good things We have provided for you, and be thankful to God if it is Him you serve.

(2:173) He has only forbidden for you what is already dead, the blood, the meat of pig, and what was dedicated to other than God. Whoever finds himself forced out of need and without disobedience or animosity, there is no sin upon him. God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

(2:174) Surely, those who conceal what God has sent down of the book, and purchase with it a cheap price; they will not eat into their stomachs except the fire, and God will not speak to them on the day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they will have a painful retribution.

(2:175) These are the ones who have purchased straying for guidance, and retribution for forgiveness. What made them patient towards the fire!

(2:176) This is because God has sent down the book with truth; and those who have disputed in the book are in far opposition.

(2:177) Piety is not to turn your faces towards the east and the west, but piety is one who acknowledges God and the Last day, and the angels, and the book, and the prophets, and he gives money out of love to the near relatives, and the orphans, and the needy and the wayfarer, and those who ask, and to free the slaves, and he observes the Contact prayer, and contributes towards betterment; and those who keep their pledges when they make a pledge, and those who are patient in the face of good and bad and during persecution. These are the ones who have been truthful, and they are the righteous.

(2:178) O you who trust, equivalent execution has been decreed for you in the cases of killings: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. Whoever is forgiven anything by his brother, then it is to be followed with good deeds and kindness towards him; that is alleviation from your Lord, and a mercy. Whoever transgresses after that, he will have a painful retribution.

(2:179) Through equivalent execution, you will be protecting life, O you who possess intelligence, that you may be righteous.

(2:180) It is decreed for you that if death should come to any of you, that it is best he leaves a will for his family and relatives according to recognized norms. This is a truth for the righteous.

(2:181) Whoever alters it after having heard, the sin will be upon those who alter it. God is Hearer, Omniscient.

(2:182) If anyone fears deviation or sin from his beneficiary, then he does not commit sin by reconciling what is between them. God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

(2:183) O you who trust, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you that perhaps you may be righteous.

(2:184) A number of days. Whoever of you is ill or traveling, then the same number from different days; and as for those who can do so but with difficulty, they may redeem by feeding the needy. Whoever does good voluntarily, it is better for him. If you fast, it is better for you if you knew.

(2:185) The month of Ramadan, in which the Quran was sent down as a guide to the people and a clarification of the guidance and the criterion. Therefore, those of you who witness the month shall fast therein. Whoever is ill or traveling, then the same number from different days. God wants to bring you ease and not to bring you hardship; and so that you may complete the count, and glorify God because He has guided you, that you may be thankful.

(2:186) If My servants ask you about Me, I am near answering the calls of those who call to Me. So let them respond to Me and acknowledge Me that they may be guided.

(2:187) It has been made lawful for you during the night of fasting to approach your women sexually. They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. God knows that you used to betray yourselves so He has accepted your repentance, and forgiven you; now you may approach them and seek what God has written for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread is distinct from the black thread of dawn; then you shall complete the fast until night; and do not approach them while you are devoted in the temples. These are God's boundaries, so do not transgress them. It is thus that God makes His signs clear to the people that they may be righteous.

(2:188) Do not consume your money between you unjustly by bribing the decisionmakers so that you may consume a part of the other people's money sinfully while you know!

(2:189) They ask you regarding the new moons, say, "They are a timing mechanism for the people as well as for the Pilgrimage." Piety is not that you would enter a home from its back, but piety is whoever is aware and comes to the homes through their main doors. Be conscientious of God that you may succeed.

(2:190) Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress, God does not like the aggressors.

(2:191) Kill them wherever you find them, and expel them from where they expelled you, and know that persecution is worse than being killed. Do not fight them at the Restricted Temple unless they fight you in it; if they fight you then kill them. Thus is the reward of those who do not appreciate.

(2:192) If they cease, then God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

(2:193) Fight them so there is no more persecution, and so that the system is God's. If they cease, then there will be no aggression except against the wicked.

(2:194) The Restricted Month is for the Restricted Month. The restrictions are mutual. Whoever attacks you, then you shall attack him the same as he attacked you; and be conscientious of God, and know that God is with the righteous.

(2:195) Spend in the cause of God, but do not throw your resources to disaster. Do kindness, for God loves those who do kindness.

(2:196) Complete the Pilgrimage and the visit for God. But, if you are prevented, then make what is affordable of donation, and do not shave your heads until the donation reaches its destination. Whoever of you is ill or has an affliction to his head, then he may redeem by fasting or giving a charity or a sacrifice. But if you are able, then whoever continues the visit until the Pilgrimage, then he shall provide what is affordable of donation. If one cannot find anything, then he must fast for three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when he returns; this will make a complete ten; this is for those whose family is not present at the Restricted Temple. Be conscientious of God, and know that God is severe in retribution.

(2:197) The Pilgrimage is in the four known months. So, whosoever decides to perform the Pilgrimage in them, then there shall be no sexual approach, nor vileness, nor quarreling in the Pilgrimage. Any good that you do, God is aware of it; and bring provisions for yourselves, though the best provision is awareness; and be conscientious of Me O you who possesses intelligence.

(2:198) There is no blame on you to seek goodness from your Lord. So when you disperse from the places of identification/recognition, then remember God towards the restricted place of perception, and remember Him as He has guided you, for you were before that straying.

(2:199) Then you shall disperse from where the people dispersed, and seek God's forgiveness; God is surely Forgiving, Compassionate.

(2:200) When you have completed your rites, then remember God as you remember your fathers or even greater. Among the people are those who say, "Our Lord, give us from this world!", but in the Hereafter he has no part.

(2:201) Some of them say, "Our Lord, give us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and spare us from the retribution of the fire."

(2:202) These will have a benefit for what they have gained; and God is quick in computing.

(2:203) Remember God during a number of days. Whoever hurries to two days, there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays, there is no sin upon him if he is being righteous. Be conscientious of God, and know that it is to Him that you will be gathered.

(2:204) Among the people are those whose words you admire in this worldly life, but God is witness as to what is in his heart, for he is the worst in opposition.

(2:205) If he gains power, he seeks to corrupt the earth and destroy its crops, and people's lineage. God does not like corruption.

(2:206) If he is told, "Be conscientious of God," his pride leads to more sin. Samsara shall be sufficient for him; what a miserable abode!

(2:207) And among the People there is one who dedicates his person by seeking God's favor, and God is Kind to His servants.

(2:208) O you who trust, join in peace, all of you, and do not follow the footsteps of the devil. He is to you a clear enemy.

(2:209) But if you slip after the proof has come to you, then know that God is Noble, Wise.

(2:210) Are they waiting for God to come to them shadowed in clouds with the angels? The matter would then be finished! To God all matters will return.

(2:211) Ask the Children of Israel how many clear signs We gave them. Whoever changes God's favor after it has come to him, then God is Mighty in retribution.

(2:212) This lowly/worldly life has been made pleasing to the ingrates, and they mock those who acknowledge. Those who are aware will be above them on the day of Resurrection; God provides for whomever He wishes without counting.

(2:213) The people used to be one nation, then God sent the prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and He sent down with them the book with the facts so that they may judge between the people in what they were disputing. But after receiving the proof, the people disputed in it due to animosity between them. God guided those who acknowledged with His permission regarding what they disputed in of the truth. God guides whoever/whomever (He) wishes to a straight path.

(2:214) Or did you calculate that you would enter paradise, while the example of those who were before you came to you; they were stricken with adversity and hardship, and they were shaken until the messenger and those who acknowledged with him said, "When is God's victory?" Yes indeed, God's victory is near.

(2:215) They ask you what they should spend, say, "What you spend out of goodness should go to your family and the relatives and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer. Any good you do, God is fully aware of it."

(2:216) Warfare has been decreed for you while you hate it; and perhaps you may hate something while it is good for you, and perhaps you may love something while it is bad for you; God knows while you do not know.

(2:217) They ask you about fighting in the restricted month. Say, "Fighting in it is great offense," yet repelling from the path of God and not appreciating Him and the Restricted Temple, driving its inhabitants out is far greater with God. Persecution is worse than being killed." They still will fight you until they turn you back from your system if they are able. Whoever of you turns back from his system, and dies as ingrates, then these have nullified their work in this life and the next; these are the people of the fire; there they will abide eternally!

(2:218) Those who trust, and those who have emigrated and strived in the cause of God; these are seeking God's compassion, and God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

(2:219) They ask you about intoxicants and gambling. Say, "In them is great harm, and a benefit for people; but their harm is greater than their benefit." They ask you how much are they to give, say, "The excess." Thus, God clarifies for you the signs, perhaps they will use allegorical thinking.

(2:220) In this world and the next. They also ask you regarding the orphans, say, "To reform their situation is best, and if you are to care for them, then they are your brothers." God knows the corrupt from the reformer, and had God wished He could have made things difficult. God is Noble, Wise.

(2:221) Do not marry the females who set up partners until they acknowledge. An acknowledging servant is better than one who sets up partners even if she attracts you. Do not also marry the males who set up partners until they acknowledge. An acknowledging servant is better than one who sets up partners even if s/he attracts you. These invite to the fire, while God is inviting to paradise and forgiveness by His leave. He clarifies His signs for the people that they may remember.

(2:222) They ask you about menstruation? Say, "It is painful; so retire yourselves sexually from the women during the menstruation, and do not approach them until they are cleansed. When they are cleansed, then you may approach them as God has commanded you." God loves the repenters and He loves the cleansed.

(2:223) Your women are cultivation for you. So approach your cultivation as you wish towards goodness. Be conscientious of God and know that you will meet Him, and give good news to those who acknowledge.

(2:224) Do not make God the subject of your oaths; to be pious, aware, and reform relations among people; and God is Hearer, Knower.

(2:225) God will not call you to account for your casual oaths, but He will call you to account for what has entered your hearts. God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

(2:226) For those who are discontent with their wives, let them wait for four months. If they reconcile, then God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

(2:227) If they insist on the divorce, then God is Hearer, Knowledgeable.

(2:228) The divorced women shall wait for three periods; and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs, if they acknowledge God and the Last day. Their husbands are more justified to return to them, if they both wish to reconcile. The women have rights similar to their obligations, according to the recognized norms. But the men will have a degree over them. God is Noble, Wise.

(2:229) The divorce is allowed twice. So, either remain together equitably, or part ways with kindness. It is not lawful for you to take back anything you have given the women unless you fear that they will not uphold God's limits. So if you fear that they will not uphold God's limits, then there is no sin upon them for what is given back. These are God's limits so do not transgress them. Whoever shall transgress God's limits are the wicked.

(2:230) So if he divorces her again, then she will not be lawful for him until she has married another husband. If the other husband divorces her, then they are not blamed for coming back together if they think they will uphold God's limits. These are God's limits; He clarifies them for a people that know.

(2:231) If you have divorced the women, and they have reached their required interim period, then either remain together equitably, or part ways equitably. Do not reconcile with them so you can harm them out of animosity. Whoever does so is doing wickedness to his person. Do not take God's signs lightly; remember God's blessings towards you, and what was sent down to you of the book and the wisdom, He warns you with it. Be conscientious of God and know that God is Knowledgeable in all things.

(2:232) If you divorce the women, and they have reached their required interim period, then do not prevent them from remarrying their husbands if they amicably agree amongst themselves out of what is best. This is to remind any of you who acknowledge God and the Last day, this is better for you and purer; and God knows while you do not know.

(2:233) The birth mothers suckle their children two full years, for those who wish to complete the suckling. The man for whom the child is born is responsible for both their provisions and clothing equitably. A person should not be burdened beyond its means. No mother shall be harmed because of her child, nor shall a father be harmed because of his child. For the guardian is the same requirement. So if they wish to separate out of mutual agreement and council, then there is no blame on them. If you want to hire nursing mothers, then there is no blame on you if you return what you have been given according to the recognized norms. Be conscientious of God, and know that God is watching over what you do.

(2:234) For those of you who pass away and leave widows behind, then their widows will have a required interim period of four months and ten days. When they reach their required interim, then there is no blame on you for what they do to themselves according to the recognized norms. God is Ever-aware of what you do.

(2:235) There is no blame upon you if you openly propose marriage to these women, or you keep it between yourselves. God knows that you will be thinking of them, but do not meet them secretly, unless you have something righteous to say. Do not consummate the marriage until the required interim is reached in the book. Know that God knows what is in your minds, so be conscientious of Him, and know that God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

(2:236) There is no blame on you if you divorce the women before having sexual intercourse with them, or before committing to what was agreed for them. Let them have compensation, the rich according to his means, and the poor according to his means. Compensation, which is according to the recognized norms, is a responsibility for gooddoers.

(2:237) If you divorce them before having sexual intercourse with them, but you have already agreed to the dowry, then you must give half of what you have agreed, unless they forgive or the guardian over the marriage contract forgives. If you forgive, it is closer to awareness. Do not forget the favor between you; God is Seer over what you do.

(2:238) Preserve the prayers, and the middle prayer, and stand devoutly for God.

(2:239) But if you are in a state of worry, then you may do so while walking or riding. If you become secure, then remember God as He has taught you what you did not know.

(2:240) Those of you who pass away and leave widows behind, leave a will for them that they may enjoy for one year without being evicted. If they leave, then there is no blame on you for what they do to themselves out of the recognized norms; and God is Noble, Wise.

(2:241) For the divorced women compensation is an obligation upon the conscientious.

(2:242) It is such that God clarifies to you His signs that you may reason.

(2:243) Did you not see those who were evicted from their homes in groups, all the while they were wary of death; so God said to them, "Die," then He resurrected them. God has great favor over the people, but most people are not thankful. (1)

(2:244) Fight in the cause of God and know that God is the Hearer, the Knowledgeable.

(2:245) Who will credit God a credit of goodness that He may multiply it for him? God collects and He distributes, and to Him you will return.

(2:246) Did you not note the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, they said to their prophet, "Send us a king that we may fight in the cause of God;" he said, "Are you not concerned that if fighting is decreed upon you, you will then not fight?" They said, "Why should we not fight in the cause of God when we have been driven out from our homes with our children." Yet, when fighting was decreed for them, they turned away, except for a few of them! God is fully aware of the wicked.

(2:247) Their prophet said to them, "God has sent Saul to you as a king." They said, "How can he have the kingship when we are more deserving kingship than him, and he has not been given an abundance of wealth?" He said, "God has chosen him over you and increased him in knowledge and stature." God grants His sovereignty to whom He chooses; and God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.

(2:248) Their prophet said to them, "The sign of his kingship shall be that he brings to you the ark in which there is tranquility from your Lord and the legacy of what was left behind by the descendants of Moses and the descendants of Aaron being carried by the angels. In this is a sign for you if you acknowledge."

(2:249) So when Saul set out with the soldiers, he said, "God will test you with a river, whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste from it except one scoop with his hand is with me." They all drank from it, except a few of them. So when he and those who acknowledged with him crossed it, they said, "We have no power today against Goliath and his soldiers!" But the ones who understood that they would meet God said, "How many a time has a small group beaten a large group by God's leave, and God is with the patient ones!"

(2:250) When they came forth to Goliath and his soldiers, they said, "Our Lord grant us patience, and make firm our foothold, and grant us victory over the ingrates."

(2:251) So they defeated them by God's leave. Thus, David killed Goliath, and God gave him the kingship and the wisdom and taught him what He wished. Had it not been for God restrain the people to challenge one another, then the earth would have long been corrupted. But God has done favor over the worlds.

(2:252) These are God's signs, We recite them to you with truth, and you are of the messengers.

(2:253) Such messengers, We have preferred some to others; some of them talked to God, and He raised some of them in ranks, and We gave Jesus son of Mary the proofs and We supported him with the Holy Spirit. Had God wished, the people after them would not have fought after the proofs had come to them, but they disputed, some of them acknowledged and some of them did not appreciate. Had God wished they would not have fought, but God does whatever He wishes.

(2:254) O you who trust, spend from what We have provided for you before a day will come when there is no trade, nor friendship, nor intercession; and the ingrates are the wicked.

(2:255) God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Sustainer. No sunnah or sleep overtakes Him; to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth. Who will intercede with Him except by His leave? He knows their present and their future, and they do not have any of His knowledge except for what He wishes. His throne encompasses all of the heavens and the earth and it is easy for Him to preserve them. He is the High, the Great.

(2:256) There is no compulsion in (paying) the Debt; The Awareness has been made clear from The Unawareness. Whoever rejects the transgressors, and acknowledges God, then he has taken hold of the strongest bond that will never break. God is Hearer, Knower.

(2:257) God is the ally of those who acknowledge, He brings them out of the darkness and into the light. As for those who reject, their allies are the transgressors; they bring them out of the light and into the darkness. These are the people of the fire; there they will abide eternally.

(2:258) Did the news come to you of the person who debated with Abraham regarding his Lord, though God had given him the kingship? Abraham said, "My Lord is the One who gives life and death," he said, "I bring life and death." Abraham said, "God brings the sun from the east, so you bring it from the west!" The one who did not appreciate was confounded! God does not guide the wicked people.

(2:259) Or like the one who passed by a town, while it had ruined completely. He said, "How can God possibly resurrect this after its death?" So God put him to death for one hundred calendar years, then He resurrected him. He said, "How long have you stayed here?" He said, "I have stayed here a day or part of a day." He said, "No, you have stayed here for one hundred calendar years! Look at your food and drink, they have not changed, but look at your mule. Thus, We will make you a sign for the people; and look at the bones how We grow them, and then We cover them with flesh." When it was clear to him what happened, he said, "I now know that God is capable of all things!"

(2:260) Abraham said, "My Lord, show me how you resurrect the dead." He said, "Do you not already acknowledge?" He said, "I do, but to assure my heart." He said, "Choose four birds, then cut them, then place parts of the birds on each mountain, then call them to you; they will come racing towards you. Know that God is Noble, Wise."

(2:261) The example of those who spend their money in the cause of God is like a seed that sprouts forth seven pods, in each pod there is one hundred seeds; and God multiplies for whomever He chooses, and God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.

(2:262) Those who spend their money in the cause of God, then do not follow what they have spent with either insult or harm; they will have their reward with their Lord, there is no fear over them nor will they grieve.

(2:263) Kind words and forgiveness are far better than charity that is followed by harm. God is Rich, Compassionate.

(2:264) O you who trust, do not nullify your charities with insult and harm; like the one who spends his money in vanity to show the people, and he does not acknowledge God and the Last day. His example is like a stone on which there is dust, then it is subjected to heavy rain, which leaves it bare. They cannot do anything with what they earned; and God does not guide the ingrates.

(2:265) The example of those who spend their money seeking God's grace, and to save themselves, is like the example of a garden on a high ground which is subjected to a heavy rain, and because of that it produces double its crop! If no heavy rain comes, then light rain is enough. God is Seer over all you do.

(2:266) Does anyone of you desire that he have a garden with palm trees and grapevines, and rivers flowing beneath it, and in it for him are all kinds of fruits, then he is afflicted with old age and his progeny is weak, and a whirlwind with fire strikes it and it all burns? It is thus that God makes clear for you the signs that you may reflect.

(2:267) O you who trust, spend from the good things that you have earned, and from what We have brought forth from the earth. Do not choose the rotten out of it to give, while you would not take it yourselves unless you close your eyes regarding it. Know that God is Rich, Praiseworthy.

(2:268) The devil promises you poverty and orders you to evil, while God promises forgiveness from Him and favor. God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.

(2:269) He grants wisdom to whom He chooses, and whoever is granted wisdom, has been given much good. Only those with intelligence will take heed.

(2:270) Whatever you spend out of your monies, or whatever you pledge as a promise, certainly, God knows it. The wicked have no supporters.

(2:271) If you declare your charity, then it is acceptable; but if you conceal it and give it to the poor, then that is better for you. It depreciates some of your sins; and God is Ever-aware of all that you do.

(2:272) You are not responsible for their guidance, but it is God who will guide whomever He wishes. Whatever you spend out of goodness is for yourselves. Anything you spend should be in seeking God's presence. Whatever you spend out of goodness will be retuned to you, and you will not be wronged.

(2:273) As for the poor who face hardship in the cause of God, and cannot leave the land; the ignorant ones think they are rich from their abstention; you know them by their similitude, they do not ask the people repeatedly. What you spend out of goodness, God is fully aware of it.

(2:274) Those who spend their money in the night and in the day, secretly and openly, they will have their reward at their Lord, there is no fear over them nor will they grieve.

(2:275) Those who consume usury, do not rise except as the one who is being beaten by the devil out of direct touch. That is because they have said, "Trade is like usury." Indeed God has made trade lawful, yet He has forbidden usury. Whoever has received understanding from His Lord and ceases, then he will be forgiven for what was before this and his case will be with God. But whoever returns, then they are the people of the fire, in it they will abide eternally.

(2:276) God wipes out the usury, and grants growth to the charities. God does not like any ingrate sinner.

(2:277) Those who trust and do the reforms, and observe the Contact prayer, and contribute towards betterment, they will have their rewards at their Lord and there is no fear over them nor will they grieve.

(2:278) O you who trust, be beware of God and give up what is left of the usury if you are faithful.

(2:279) If you will not do this, then take notice of a war from God and His messenger. However, if you repent, then you will have back your principal money, you will not be wronged nor will you wrong.

(2:280) If the person is facing insolvency, then you shall wait until he becomes able. If you relinquish it as a charity it is better for you if you knew.

(2:281) Be conscientious of a day when you will be returned to God then every person will be paid what it has earned, they will not be wronged.

(2:282) O you who trust, if you borrow debt for a specified period, then you shall record it. Let a scribe of justice record it for you. No scribe should refuse to record as God has taught him. Let him record and let the person who is borrowing dictate to him, and let him be conscientious of God, and let him not reduce from it anything. If the borrower is mentally incapable, weak or cannot dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate with justice; and bring two witnesses from amongst your men. If they are not two men, then a man and two women from whom you will accept their testimony, so that if one of them errs, then one can remind the other. The witnesses should not decline if they are called, and you should not fail to record it no matter how small or large including the time of repayment. That is more just with God and better for the testimony, and better that you do not have doubts; except if it is a trade to be done on the spot between you, then there is no blame on you if you do not record it. Have witnesses/evidence if you trade. No scribe shall be harmed nor any witness; for if you do so then it is vileness on your part. Be conscientious of God so that God teaches you; and God is aware of all things.

(2:283) If you are traveling or do not find a scribe, then a pledge of collateral. If you trust each other then let the one who was entrusted deliver his trust, and let him be conscientious of God, and do not hold back the testimony. Whoever holds it back, then he has sinned in his heart; God is aware of what you do.

(2:284) To God is what is in the heavens and in the earth, and if you declare what is in your minds or hide it, God will call you to account for it. He will forgive whom He wishes, and punish whom He wishes, and God is capable of all things.

(2:285) The messenger acknowledges in what was sent down to him from his Lord and those who have acknowledged. All acknowledged God, His angels, His books, and His messengers, "We do not discriminate between any of His messengers;" and they said, "We hear and obey, forgive us O Lord, and to you is our destiny."

(2:286) God does not impose a person beyond its capacity. For it is what it earns, and against it is what it earns. "Our Lord, do not mind us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, do not place a burden upon us as You have placed upon those before us. Our Lord, do not burden us beyond our power; pardon us, and forgive us, and have compassion on us; You are our patron, help us against the ingrates."