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	Part XVIII Chapter 23 Al-Mu'minûn (The Believers) (Revealed before Hijrah) With the name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful (I commence to read Sûrah Al-Mu'minûn). 1. Truly, success in this life and in the Hereafter does come to the believers, 2. Who turn (to God) in all humility in their Prayer, 3. And who keep aloof from all that is vain and idle, 4. And who act conscientiously for the sake of purity (and regularly present the Zakât), 5. And who guard their private parts, 6. Except from their spouses, that is those whom they justly and rightfully own in proper wedlock, in that case they are not to be blamed, 7. But those who seek anything else (to satisfy their sexual desire) beyond this, it is they who are the transgressors, 8. And who look after their trusts and their covenants, 9. And who are strict in the observance of their Prayers. 10. It is they who are the real heirs; 11. Who will own Paradise where they shall abide for ever. 12. We create a human being from an extract of clay; 13. Then We reduce him to a drop of sperm (and place him) in a safe depository; 14. Then We form the sperm into a clot; then We develop the clot into a lump of flesh; then We fashion bones out of this lump of flesh, then We clothe the bones with flesh, thereafter We evolve him into another being. Therefore blessed be Allâh the Best of Creators. 15. Then as you have passed (these seven stages of physical creation parallel to the above seven spiritual stages) you are heading towards death. 16. Then (after death), you will certainly be raised up to life on the Day of Resurrection. 17. And We have created above you seven ways, and We have never been neglectful of (the needs of) the creation. 18. And We send down water out of the cloud according to (a certain) measure and We lodge it in the earth (as long as it is required), and remember, surely it is We who determine its taking away (through the process of evaporation and many more), 19. And then with it ( - the water) We grow for you gardens of date-palms and vines and you have plenty of fruit in these (gardens) and of these (fruit) you eat. 20. And (with the water We produce) a tree which grows on Mount Sinai (- olive tree) which bears (in it) oil and (supplies) a condiment (also) for those who use it for food. 21. And you have an evidence in (the creation of) the cattle (too), which should lead you from ignorance to knowledge, We give you to drink of that (milk) which is in their bellies. You derive many other benefits from them and you (also) get food from some of them. 22. You are borne on them as well as on the ships. SECTION 2 23. And We sent Noah to his people and he said, `O my people! worship Allâh alone. You have no God other than He. Will you not then guard against evil and seek (His) protection?' 24. But the chiefs of those who disbelieved from among his people said, `He is nothing but a human being like yourselves, (only) he seeks to assert (his) superiority over you. And if Allâh had so willed He could have certainly sent down angels (with him). We have never heard of this (sort of a thing) happen in the times of our fathers of yore. 25. `He is but a man gone mad, you had better bear with him for a while (and see the consequences).' 26. (Noah) said (praying), `My Lord! help me for they treat me as a liar.'



	27. Then We sent Our revelation to him (directing him), `Make the Ark under Our eyes and (according to the dictates of) Our revelation. And when (the time of) Our judgment comes and the waters of the valley gush forth, then embark there in (the Ark) two of every species, a pair (of every thing that you may need), and your companions, except those of them against whom (Our) word (of condemnation for their misdeeds) has already gone forth. But do not plead with Me in favour of those who have acted unjustly for they are (doomed) to be drowned. 28. `Then when you and your companions are seated perfectly well in the Ark say (praying), "All true and perfect praise belongs to Allâh Who has delivered us from the wicked people." 29. `And say (while praying), "My Lord! enable me to make a blessed landing, for You are the Best of those who provide (people) with the fairest landing place".' 30. Verily, this (account of Noah) is full of (many) signs. Surely, thus do We reveal the hidden truth (about the people and We did try the people of Noah). 31. Then We raised another generation after them. 32. And We sent to them a Messenger from among themselves, (who said,) `Worship Allâh. You have no god other than He. Will you not then guard against evil (deeds)?' SECTION 3 33. And the chiefs of his people who disbelieved and cried lies to the meeting (with the Lord) in the Hereafter, and whom We had given ease and comfort in the present life, said, `He is but a human being like yourselves. He eats of (the food) which you eat and drinks of (the drinks) which you drink. 34. `And, surely, if you obey a human being like yourselves you will then be the losers indeed. 35. `Does he promise you that when you are dead and reduced to dust and bones you shall be brought forth (alive again from the graves? 36. `How very far and away (from truth and understanding) is that which you are promised! 37. `There is no life beyond our present life. (It is here) we die and (here) we live, and we shall not at all be raised up (to life again, so that there awaits us no Resurrection). 38. `He is only an ordinary man who has forged a lie in the name of Allâh and we are not at all going to believe in him.' 39. He said (praying), `My Lord! help me for they treat me as a liar.' 40. (The Lord) said, `They shall be remorseful before long (when caught by some punishment).' 41. Then the punishment overtook them justly and rightfully and We made them as scum (of the flood), so the people who do wrong are far removed (from the mercy of God). 42. Then We raised other generations after them. 43. No community can go ahead of its appointed time (and thus manage to escape their doom) nor can they remain behind (it, or delay it). 44. Then We sent Our Messengers successively (one after the other). Whenever there came to a community its Messenger (of God), they treated him as a liar. So We made some of them follow others (to destruction) and We reduced them to mere legendary tales. Therefore the people who do not believe are far removed (from the mercy of their Lord). 45. Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our Messages and a clear authority, 46. To Pharaoh and his courtiers but they waxed proud for they were a haughty (type of) people. 47. And they said, `Shall we believe in two human beings like ourselves while their people (- the Israelites) are our bondsmen?' 48. So they cried lies to both of them with the result they became of those who were destroyed. 49. And (after this event) We gave Moses the Book (-the Torah) so that they (- his people) might receive guidance (through it). 50. And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, (and a model of virtue), and We gave them both refuge upon a worth-living lofty plateau abounding in (green and fruitful) valleys and springs of running water. SECTION 4 51. O you Messengers! eat of the things which are clean, good and pure and (thus) do good works. Verily, I am Well-Aware of what you do. 52. Surely, (know that) this community of yours is (infact) one community (and your religion one religion), and I am your Lord, so take Me as (your) shield. 53. But the people, (rather than preserve their unity) split up their affair among themselves (forming themselves into factions) considering (each portion thus split up) as (the real) Scripture, every faction rejoicing in that which was with



	them. 54. So leave them in their utter confusion (due to their ignorance) for a time. 55. Do they think that because of what We go on adding to their (worldly) wealth and children, 56. We are in a hurry to do them good? Nay, but they do not realise (the true state of things). 57. As for those who out of the Majesty of their Lord are full of awe and reverence to Him, 58. And those who believe in the revelations of their Lord, 59. And those who associate not partners with their Lord, 60. And those who give whatever they can afford to give (as alms in the way of their Lord), while their hearts tremble (at the thought) that they are returning to their Lord (and whether their deeds will find His approval or not). 61. It is they who are quick and eager to do good works to outdo others and it is they who are (the) foremost for these (virtues, and shall win the race). 62. And We do not lay down responsibility upon any soul beyond its capacity and We have a book (of law) which speaks and acts justly and no injustice is done to anyone. 63. Nay, their (- the disbelievers') minds are in utter confusion (due to ignorance) about this (Qur'ân), and they are (engrossed) in deeds different from the (bindings of) revelations and they go on doing them. 64. Yet as soon as We take those of them given to a life of luxury to task, behold! they start appealing for succour. 65. (Whereupon it will be said to them,) `Do not appeal for succour this day, you shall receive no help from Us. 66. `My Messages were recited to you but you used to turn back on your heels, 67. `Treating them with disdain and arrogance, talking nonsense about this (Qur'ân) by night (in your meetings), you gave (it) up.' 68. Have they not then pondered over the (Divine) word? As a matter of fact there has come to them that which had not come to their fathers of old. 69. Or do they deny their Messenger because they do not recognise him? 70. Or do they say, `He is possessed?' Nay, but the fact is that he has brought them the truth while most of them are averse to the truth. 71. And had the Eternal Truth (true God) followed their vain and low desires, the heavens and the earth and all those who are (living) in them would have surely gone to ruin. But We have brought them that which will raise them to eminence, yet they are turning aside from their own means of (raising them to) eminence. 72. Or do you ask of them a tribute? (There is no such thing) as the tribute of your Lord is the best, for He is the Best of Providers. 73. And most surely you are calling them to a straight and right path. 74. But those who do not believe in the Here after, are indeed deviating from that path. 75. And even if We had shown them mercy and relieved them of their distress they would still persist in their transgression, wandering on blindly. 76. And We did seize them with punishment (in the past) but they did not humble themselves before their Lord, nor would they supplicate (to Him for mercy). 77. Behold! no sooner did We let loose on them a severe punishment than they are utterly despaired (of God's mercy) thereat. SECTION 5 78. And (disbelievers!) it is He Who has given you ears, eyes and hearts (yet) little is the gratitude you express. 79. And it is He Who has multiplied you in the earth and to Him you shall be gathered. 80. It is He Who gives life and causes death and He alone controls the alternation of night and day. Will you not then make use of your understanding? 81. But (rather than trying to understand) they repeated what the former people had said. 82. They had said, `What! shall we be certainly raised up to life when we are dead and reduced to mere dust and bones? 83. `Surely, we and our forefathers have already been given such promises before. These are nothing but only fables of the former people.' 84. Ask, `(Tell me) if you know whom the earth and all the creatures therein belong to.' 85. They will certainly say, `To Allâh.' (Thereupon) say, `Will you still pay no heed?' 86. Say, `Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the Great Throne (of power)?' 87. They will surely say, `(They all belong) to Allâh.' Say, `Will you not then guard against (refusal and evil deeds).' 88. Ask, `(Tell me) if you know who is it in whose hands lies the dominating control of everything and who protects (all) while against whom no protection can be had?'



	89. They will indeed say, `All these (attributes) belong to Allâh.' Say, `How and whither are you then being led away?' 90. The thing is that We have brought them the truth (about the unity of God) but they are sticking to lies (by refusing it repeatedly). 91. Allâh has taken to Himself no son, nor is there any other god along with Him. (Had there been any) each god would have left with what he had created, and some of them would surely have dominated over others. Holy is Allâh, far above all they attribute (to Him). 92. He has knowledge of (both) the hidden and the manifest realities. He is Highly-Exalted above (all the things) they associate (with Him). SECTION 6 93. Say (in prayer), `My Lord! if you should show me (in my-life time) that (punishment) they are threatened with, 94. `My Lord! then do not leave me among the wrong-doing people.' 95. As a matter of fact, We have every power of showing you (in your life-time) that (punishment) We threaten them with. 96. Repel (their) evil (by repaying it) with that which is the fairest. We know very well (the things) they allege (about you). 97. And say (in prayer), `My Lord! I seek refuge in You from the mischief-mongerings of the rebellious (people); 98. `Rather, I (also) seek refuge in You, my Lord! lest they should even come near me.' 99. Behold! when death approaches one of them (- the rebellious ones) he says (making entreaties repeatedly), `Send me back, My Lord! send me back, 100. `So that I may do righteous (deeds) which I failed to do (in the worldly life).' `Never, that can never be,' (is the answer he receives). It is but a word (of excuse) which he utters. And there is a barrier behind them which shall remain till the day when they shall be raised to life (again). 101. So when the trumpet is blown, ties of kinship will cease to exist between them (- the people to render assistance) that day, nor will they ask after one another. 102. Then (on that day there shall be a true weighing so that) whose scales are heavy (and their deeds of righteousness preponderant and manifold) it is they who are the triumphant. 103. But whose scales are light (and their deeds of righteousness of no account), it is they who have ruined their souls and who shall abide in Gehenna for long. 104 The Fire shall scorch their faces (so they will lie there disfigured with burning) and they will wear a grin (of pain and anguish). 105. (It will be said to them), `Is it not true that My Messages were recited to you but you went on crying them lies?' 106. They will say, `Our Lord! our misfortune got the better of us (when we gave ourselves up to evil doings) and we were actually an erring people; 107. `Our Lord! deliver us from this (Hell), we shall indeed be unjust if we return (to our evil ways of disobedience).' 108. (God) will say, `Begone with you, despised therein (the Hell), and do not speak to Me. 109. `There was a section from among My servants who said, "Our Lord! we believe, so protect us (against our sins) and have mercy on us, for you are the Best of those who show mercy." 110. `But you treated them as a laughing-stock and (you continued to laugh at them) until they, (so to say,) made you give up (even) My remembrance while you ever went on laughing at them. 111. `This day I have rewarded them for their patient endurance so that they are the ones who have attained their goals and achieved bliss.' 112. (God) will (then) say, `What number of years have you tarried on the earth?' 113. They will say, `We tarried only for a day or part of a day (we have no exact idea), but ask those who keep the count.' 114. (God) will say, `You tarried but a little while, if only you knew (what loss you have incurred by missing doing good). 115. `Did you then think that We had created you without purpose and that you would not be brought back to Us?' 116. Whereas Highly Exalted is Allâh, the Monarch, the Truly Existing One. There is no other, cannot be and will never be One worthy of worship but He, the Lord of the Glorious Throne! 117. And he who calls upon another god along with Allâh for (the god head of) which he has no proof, shall have to render an account to his Lord. Certainly, such disbelievers will never gain their object. 118. And say (in your prayer), `My Lord! protect and have mercy, and you are the Best of those who show mercy.' Chapter 24



	Al-Nûr (The Light) (Revealed after Hijrah) With the name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful (I commence to read Sûrah Al-Nûr). 1. (This is) a (highly dignified) Sûrah which We have revealed and (the ordinances of) which We have made obligatory and We have revealed in it clear commandments so that you may rise to great eminence. 2. Strike the fornicatress and adulteress and the fornicator and adulterer on the body of each one of them a hundred times. (This is the extreme limit,) and let no feelings of pity for the two hold you from obedience to Allâh (in executing His judgment), if you believe in Allâh and the Last Day. And let a section of the believers be present (there at the time of the execution of) their punishment. 3. The fornicator and adulterer cannot have sexual relations (without lawful marriage) except with a fornicatress and adulteress or polytheistic woman (of low morality), and the fornicatress and adulteress, none can have sexual relations with her except a fornicator and adulterer or a polytheistic man (of low morality). And this (adultery and fornication) is forbidden to the believers. 4. Strike eighty times on the bodies of those who calumniate chaste women and who do not support (their accusation) with four witnesses, and never accept their testimony (because) it is they who are the disobedient (and break the law); 5. Except those who repent after this and make amends, they will find Allâh Great Protector, Ever Merciful. 6. And those who charge their wives of adultery and have no witnesses (to support their charge) except their own selves, let each (husband) bear testimony (repeating it) four times over calling Allâh to witness that he is surely of those who speak the truth in (the matter of) charging his wife (of adultery). 7. And the fifth (time he should say on oath) that Allâh's wrath be upon him if he be of the liars. 8. But it shall avert the punishment from her (- the wife) if she calling Allâh to witness testifies four times over that he is of the liars (in bringing this charge against her). 9. And the fifth (time she should say on oath) that the wrath of Allâh be upon her if he (- her husband) has spoken the truth (about her). 10. But for Allâh's grace and His mercy (which rests) upon you and (but for the fact) that Allâh is Oft-Returning (with compassion), All-Wise (you would have come to grief). SECTION 2 11. Verily, those (- hypocrites) who brought the false accusation (against âishah, the wife of the Prophet), are a section of your own people. Do not think this (- incident) to be bad for you, rather it is good for you. (As for the accusers,) everyone of them shall receive (his due punishment according to) that which he has accomplished in the form) of sin. As for him (- Abdullâh bin Ubayy bin Salûl) who among them took the principal part thereof (in fabricating and spreading malicious scandal against her) there awaits him a grievous punishment. 12. When you heard of this (accusation) why did not the believing men and believing women have a better opinion in respect of their own people and say, `This (charge) is an obvious lie?' 13. Why did they (- the fabricators of this charge) not bring four witnesses in support of this (accusation of theirs)? Since they failed to produce the (required) witnesses, it is they who are the very liars in the sight of Allâh. 14. But for the fact that Allâh has shown His grace and mercy to you in the present world, and in the next a great punishment would have certainly befallen you on account of that (slander) which you spread. 15. When (some of) you began to learn this (slander) from each others tongues, you gave tongue to that (rumour and made statements) of which you had no knowledge; and you considered it a trivial thing while it was grave in the sight of Allâh. 16. And why did you not say as soon as you heard of it, `It does not behove us to talk like this. Holy are You (O Gracious God). This is a monstrous calumny,' 17. If you are (true) believers (you should bear in mind that) Allâh admonishes you never to repeat such a thing again. 18. And Allâh explains to you (His) commandments and Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise. 19. Those who love to spread immorality among the disbelievers, will have a woeful punishment in this world and the next. And Allâh knows while you do not know (the consequences of this evil). 20. But for the grace of Allâh and His mercy (that rests) upon you and (but for the fact) that Allâh is most Compassionate, Ever Merciful (none of you would have ever been so chaste and pure).



	SECTION 3 21. O you who believe! do not follow the footsteps of satan. He that follows the footsteps of satan (should remember that) he (- satan) surely enjoins immorality and indecency. But for the grace of Allâh and His mercy (that rests) upon you, not one of you would ever have been pure, but Allâh purifies him who wishes (to be purified). And Allâh is All-Hearing, All- Knowing. 22. And let not those of you who are possessed of grace (with moral virtue) and of plenty (of riches like Abû Bakr) swear that they will give nothing to the kindred, the needy and those who have left their homes for the cause of Allâh, but let them forgive and forbear (the offence). Do you not desire that Allâh should protect you (against your faults)? And Allâh is Great Protector, Ever Merciful. 23. Those who calumniate chaste, unwary, innocent believing women stand cursed in the present life and the Hereafter, and there awaits them a grievous punishment. 24. On the Day (of Requital) when their tongues and their hands and their feet shall bear witness against them for the (evil) deeds they used to do. 25. On that Day Allâh will pay them in full their just dues and they shall know that Allâh alone is the Absolute Truth, (and as well makes the Truth) manifest. 26. The evil and impure deeds are (a characteristic) of impure people and the bad and impure people are (inclined) towards the bad and impure deeds. Similarly good and pure deeds are (a characteristic) of good and pure people and the good and pure people are (inclined) towards good and pure deeds. It is they (- the good and pure) who are innocent of all that they (- the accusers) may allege (about them). There awaits them protection and an honourable and generous provision. SECTION 4 27. O you who believe! do not enter houses other than your own unless you have obtained willing permission and (mind!) you should greet the inmates of these (houses). That is better for you. You have been given this commandment that you may be heedful. 28. But if you find nobody in them do not enter therein, unless you have got (from the owners or the rightful care-taker previous) permission. And go back if you are told to go back, that would be pure and best for you. Indeed, Allâh is Well-Aware of all that you do. 29. It is no sin on your part to enter (freely) non-residential houses wherein your goods are lying. And Allâh knows all that you profess and all that you conceal. 30. Tell the believers to restrain their looks (in the presence of women not closely related to them and so lawful for marriage) and guard their chastity. That is purer and best for them. Surely, Allâh is Well-Aware of what they do. 31. And tell the believing women to restrain their looks (also in the presence of men who are not near of kin and so lawful for marriage) and guard their chastity and not to disclose their (natural and make-up) beauty except such as cannot be helped (and is apparent) and draw their head coverings over their bosoms, and they should not display their beauty save to their husbands or to their fathers or to their fathers- in-law or to their own sons or to the sons of their husbands or to their own brothers, or to the sons of their brothers or to the sons of their sisters or their women (who are their decent companions) or to their bondsmen or to such of their male attendants as have no sexual appetite or to such young children as have yet no knowledge of the frailties of women. And let them not strike (the ground with) their feet so that which they (must) hide of their beauty or adornment) may become known. And (O believers!) turn to Allâh; one and all, that you may attain (true happiness and) your ultimate goal. 32. Arrange marriages for those of you who are single and for your male and female slaves as are deserving and fit (to lead a married life). If they are poor Allâh will grant them means out of His bounty; Bountiful is Allâh, All-Knowing. 33. And those who find no (means of) marriage should (exercise restraint and) keep themselves chaste until Allâh grants them means (to marry) out of His grace and bounty. (There is another commandment,) as for those of your bondsmen (or women) as ask for a written contract (of freedom for themselves on payment of ransom), write this (deed of manumission for them) provided you find good capabilities in them and give them out of Allâh's wealth which He has given you. (Another commandment for you is that,) with a mind to gain (by this unrighteous means) the benefits of the present life do not constrain your slave-girls to unchaste life (by keeping them unmarried) when they desire (to marry) to preserve their virtue. But if anybody forces them (to abstain from marrying and to become unchaste) they will find, after they are forced, that God is Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful. 34. And We have sent down to you revelations which explain (to you the truth) and (have also revealed) some accounts of those who have passed away before you, and (we have sent in addition) an exhortation for those who guard against



	evil. SECTION 5 35. Allâh is the Extensive Light of the heavens and the earth. His light can be compared to a (lustrous) pillar on which a lamp is put. The lamp is inside a crystal globe. The globe of glass is as if it were a glittering star. It (- the lamp) is lit by (the oil of) a blessed olive tree which belongs neither to the east nor to the west (rather welds the whole world in its fold). Its oil is likely to glow forth of itself even if no fire touch it. This (lamp) is a combination of many lights over and over. Allâh guides towards His light whoever desires (to be enlightened). And Allâh sets forth excellent parables for the people, and Allâh alone has full knowledge of every thing. 36. (This light is now lit) in houses ( of the Companions) which Allâh has ordained to be exalted and His name be commemorated in them. Therein (are such as) glorify Him in the mornings and the evenings, 37. Men whom neither trade nor sale distracts from exalting (the name of) Allâh and from the observance of Prayer and from presenting Zakât (- purifying dues) regularly. They dread the day when the hearts and the eyes will be in a state of agitation and anguish; 38. With the result that Allâh will give them the reward according to their fairest deeds and will (even) give them much more by His grace and bounty. And Allâh does provide without measure to whom He will. 39. And (as to) those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert, the thirsty man assumes it to be water until he comes up to it and finds it is nothing at all. And (instead of water by his side) he finds (that) Allâh (has always been present) with him, and He then pays him his account in full, and Allâh is Swift at reckoning. 40. Or (the deeds of the disbelievers are) like thick utter darkness of the fathomless deep sea, waves on top of which there are higher waves covering its surface which is overcast by clouds. These are (layers of) darkness (piled) one upon the other (as opposed to light upon light for the believers) so that a person, however much he may try, can hardly see his hand when he holds it out. Indeed, there is no light at all for the person whom Allâh gives no light. SECTION 6 41. Have you not pondered that it is Allâh Whose praises celebrate those who are in the heavens and on the earth, and (so do) the birds on the wings. Each one of them knows his own (way of) prayer and glorification (according to his or its own faculties). And Allâh knows well what they do. 42. And to Allâh belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and to Allâh shall all (human beings) eventually return. 43. Have you not seen that Allâh drives the clouds steadily then He draws them together and then He makes them piled up so that you can see the rain pouring forth from their midst? And He sends down clouds (looking) like mountain, wherein is hail and He smites with them whom He pleases and averts them from whom He pleases. The (brilliant) flash of its lightening almost snatches away the sight (rendering the eyes sometimes blind). 44. Allâh sets the cycle of the night and the day. Surely, in this (law of retardation and acceleration working in this phenomenon of nature) is indeed a lesson (about the spiritual evolution of a human being) for those possessed of understanding. 45. And Allâh has created every animal from water. Some of them move upon their bellies and some move upon two feet and some among them move upon four. Allâh creates what He please. Verily, Allâh is Possessor of every power to do what He will. 46. We have certainly sent down revelations which explain the truth. And Allâh guides him who desires (to be guided) to the exact straight path. 47. And (some of the) people say, `We believe in Allâh and the Messenger and obey (them). But even after (professing) this a section of them (- the hypocrites) turn away. Such are no believers at all. 48. When they are summoned before Allâh and His Messenger, that he may judge between them, lo! a party of them turn away. 49. But if (they consider that) the right is on their side they come to him running showing submission. 50. Is it that their minds are diseased? Or do they suffer from doubts? Or do they fear that Allâh and His Messenger will deal with them unjustly? Nay, (wrong are their misgivings,) it is they themselves who are the unjust. SECTION 7 51. The only response of the believers, when they are summoned before Allâh and His Messenger so that he may judge between them, is that they say, `We hear and we obey.' It is they who will attain their goal. 52. And those who obey Allâh and His Messenger and hold Allâh in awe and take Him as a shield (for protection) it



	is they who shall be triumphant. 53. They (- the hypocrites) swear to Allâh by their most earnest oaths that if you only command them (for defensive fight) they will certainly march forth (from their homes). Say, `Do not swear, only reasonable obedience in what is right and lawful (is all that is required from you).' Surely, Allâh is Aware of what you do. 54. Say, `Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger.' But if you turn your back (remember that) he (- the Messenger) is responsible for what he is charged with (- the responsibility of conveying the Message) and you are responsible for what you are charged with (- the responsibility of following him). Indeed if you obey him you will be following the right path. (But if you do not, bear in mind,) the Messenger is not responsible but for the delivery (of the message to all) in clear terms. 55. Allâh has promised those of you who believe and do deeds of righteousness that surely, He will make them successors (vouchsafed with both spiritual and temporal leadership) on the earth as He made successors (from among) their predecessors, and that He will surely establish for them their Faith which He has approved for them, and that He will surely replace their state of fear with a state of security and peace. They will worship Me (alone) and they will not associate anything with Me. And those who show ingratitude for all the favours done to them after that (His promise is fulfilled), it is they who will be reckoned as the worst disobedient. 56. And (believers!) observe the Prayer, keep on presenting the Zakât (purifying dues) and obey the Messenger that you may be shown mercy. 57. Think not (O reader!) that those who disbelieve can ever be able to frustrate (Our plan on the earth) and escape Us. Their abode is Fire; what an evil resort! SECTION 8 58. O you who believe! it is binding on those whom your right hands possess (domestic servants) and those (of your children) who have not reached the age of puberty to ask your permission (before coming into your private rooms) in three instances, before the morning Prayer, and when you lay aside your clothes due to the heat (in summer) at noon and after the night Prayer. These are three times when your privacy should be respected. At other times no blame shall lie on you or on them (if they come to you without permission), for they have to move about (waiting upon you) some of you (attending) upon others (according to need). That is how Allâh explains to you His commandments, for Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise. 59. When the children among you reach the age of puberty they (too) should seek permission (to come to your rooms) just as those (elderly people mentioned) before them do. That is how Allâh explains to you His commandments and Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise. 60. And (as to the elderly spinsters who are past child-bearing age and) who do not hope for sexual intercourse, it is no offence for them to lay aside their outer garments provided they do not do it to display their beauty. But if they abstain (even from that) it is much better for them. Indeed Allâh is All-Hearing, All- Knowing. 61. There is no bar on (and not improper for) the blind, nor is there any bar on (nor improper for) the lame, nor is any bar on (nor improper for) the sick, nor on your people that you eat from your own houses, or the houses of your fathers (and children) or the houses of your mothers, or the houses of your brothers, or the houses of your sisters, or the houses of your paternal uncles, or the houses of your paternal aunts, or the houses of your maternal uncles, or the houses of your maternal aunts, or (from) that of which the keys are in your possessions (- which is under your charge), or (from the house of) a friend of yours. No blame lies on you whether you eat together or separately. And when you enter houses greet your people (present therein) with the salutation prescribed by Allâh (a salutation) full of blessings and purity. That is how Allâh explains to you (His) commandments that you may abstain (from evils). SECTION 9 62. True believers are only those who believe in Allâh and His Messenger, and who when they are with him (- the Messenger to confer) upon any matter of common importance which has brought (them) together, do not leave (the Messenger) until they have asked permission of him. Surely, it is those who ask your permission who (truly) believe in Allâh and His Messenger. So when they ask your permission for some (urgent and important) affair of their own, give your permission to whom you will of them and ask Allâh's protection for them. Verily, Allâh is Great Protector, Ever Merciful. 63. (Believers!) do not treat the call of the Messenger among yourselves like the call of one of you to another. Allâh indeed knows those of you who sneak away stealthily (from the conference). So let those who go against His command beware, lest some calamity should befall them or they receive some painful punishment. 64. Beware! whatever is in the heavens and on the earth belongs to Allâh. He ever knows in what state you are (and



	He knows what you are holding to). The day when all people shall be made to return to Him, He will tell them all they had been doing, for Allâh is the Possessor of full knowledge of everything. Chapter 25 Al-Furqân (The Standard of True and False) (Revealed before Hijrah) With the name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful (I commence to read Sûrah Al-Furqân). 1. Blessed is He Who revealed Al-Furqân (- this Qur'ân) to His servant that he may be a Warner to all the peoples. 2. It is He to Whom the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth belongs. And He has begotten nor taken to Himself a son, nor is there any associate with Him in the sovereignty. He has created everything and has determined its proper measure. 3. Yet people worship apart from Him gods who, rather than create anything, are themselves created and who have no power of (averting) harm or (doing) good to themselves, nor have they any control over death or life or Resurrection. 4. But those who disbelieve say, `This (Qur'ân) is nothing but a big lie which he (- the false claimant to Prophethood) has forged and other people have helped him in this,' (by) so (saying) they have perpetrated a great injustice and a big falsehood. 5. They (also) say, `(This Qur'ân consists of) fables of the ancients that he has got written down and now they are read out to him morning and evening.' 6. Say, `He Who knows every secret of the heavens and the earth has revealed this (Qur'ân). Verily, He is Great Protector, Ever Merciful.' 7. They say, `What sort of a Messenger is this that he even eats food and (also) goes about in the market-places? Why has no angel been sent down to him that he may (help him and) be a warner along with him? 8. `Or a treasure should have been sent to him or there should have been a garden from which he might eat.' Not only that, these unjust people say, `You follow none but a (mere) man who is given food.' 9. Look, what fantastic stories they concoct with regard to you! It is therefore that they have gone astray and are unable to find a way. SECTION 2 10. Blessed is He Who is pleased to assign to you (at the time of the Final victory of the Muslims) better than that (garden they devise for you) gardens (of Mesopotamia) served with running streams (rivers like Euphrates, Tigris and Jihûn and Sihûn), and will also assign to you palaces (of the Persian and Byzantine Emperors, and also the treasures of Chosroes and Caesars would be placed at your feet). 11. Nay, (the real fact is) they (- the disbelievers) cry lies to the Hour (of the evil doom of the disbelievers and final victory of the Muslims) and We have in store a blazing hell for him who cries lies to the Hour. 12. When it (- the blazing Fire) sees them from afar, they will hear its raging and roaring. 13. And when they are thrown into some narrow place of it, chained in fetters, they will call out for (total) destruction, there and then. 14. (It will be said to them,) `This is no time to call out for a single death, you had better call out for a series of deaths.' 15. Say, `Is this (end) better or the everlasting Paradise which is promised to those who guard against evil and which is their due reward and (ultimate) resort. 16. They shall have there all that they desire and they will abide (in this state of bliss for ever). It is a promise binding on your Lord (and) to be always earnestly prayed for (from Him). 17. Beware of the day when He will gather them together, and the things they worship, apart from Allâh. He will ask,



	`Was it you who led these servants of mine astray or did they themselves stray away from the right path?' 18. They will say, `Holy is Your name! It did not behove us to take patrons apart from You. But You bestowed on them and their fathers the good things of life to such an extent that they gave up remembrance of You and became a ruined people.' 19. (Then We shall say to the idol-worshipers), `Now these (deities) have given you the lie (and contradict you) with regard to what you said, so (today) you have no power to avert (the penalty) or get help (of any sort for yourselves); (remember) whosoever of you acts unjustly and goes wrong we shall make him suffer a great punishment.' 20. And We sent no Messengers before you but they surely ate food and walked in the market-places (and were human models for you to follow in every walk of life). And We try you one with another (to show) if you will (then) patiently persevere. And your Lord is ever All-Seeing.