Part II

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142. The weak-minded among the people will say, `What has made these (Muslims) turn from their (first) Qiblah (- the direction they were facing in their Prayer, the holy place of worship at Jerusalem) to which they conformed (so far)?' Say, `To Allâh belongs the east and the west, He guides him who wishes (to be guided) to the right path.'

143. And thus have We made you a nation exalted and justly balanced so that you may be a guiding example for all people (by carrying to them what you have learnt about Islam), and this perfect Messenger (of God) may be a guiding example for you. And We did not make that which you would have to be the Qiblah but that We might distinguish him who follows the Messenger from him who turns upon his heels. And this (change of Qiblah) is indeed a hard (test) except for those whom Allâh has guided aright. It was not Allâh's purpose that your faith and your worship should go in vain. Surely, Allâh is Compassionate and Ever Merciful to the people.

144. Verily, We have seen the turning of your attention (O Prophet!) repeatedly towards heaven, We will certainly give you possession of the Qiblah of your liking. So turn your attention in the direction of Masjid al-Harâm (- the Holy Mosque at Makkah) and wherever you (O Muslims!) be, turn your attentions in the direction of it. And surely those (scholars) who have been given the Scripture know for certain that this (change of Qiblah) is a true commandment proceeding from their Lord. And (as for the disbelievers,) Allâh is not at all unmindful as to what they do.

145. And even if you should bring to those (who went astray and) who have been given the Scripture (before you) all kinds of signs together, they would not follow your Qiblah, nor would you be the follower of their Qiblah, nor would some of them be the follower of one another's Qiblah. And if you (O reader!) should follow their low desires after (all) this knowledge that has come to you, then indeed, you would be of the unjust.

146. Those (of the righteous) to whom We have given the Book recognize him (- the Prophet and his truthfulness) as they recognize their own sons, but some of them do conceal the truth even though they know it.

147. It is the truth from your Lord, so (O reader!) do not be of those who doubt and so waver.

SECTION 18

148. And everyone has an ideal for which he bears up, so (your ideal should be to) vie one with another in doing all (moral and physical) good deeds. Wherever you may be, Allâh will bring you all together. Allâh indeed is the Possessor of full power to do all that He will.

149. And from wheresoever you (O Prophet!) may go forth keep your attention fixed in the direction of Masjid al-Harâm (- the Holy Mosque at Makkah) for that indeed is the true commandment proceeding from your Lord, and Allâh is not at all unaware of what you do.

150. And from wheresoever you come forth (for saying your Prayer) turn your attention in the direction of Masjid al-Harâm. And wheresoever you may be (O Muslims!), turn your faces in the direction of it, that people may have no excuse against you, except such of those as are unjust, then do not fear them (as they follow the wrong course), but you need only stand in awe of Me. And (this command has been given to you) that I may perfect My blessings upon you and that you may attain your goal.

151. Just as (the Ka`bah is a means to your guidance so,) We have sent to you a great Messenger from among yourselves who recites to you Our Messages and purifies you and teaches you the Book and the Wisdom and teaches you what you did not know.

152. So glorify Me and I will grant you eminence and be thankful to Me, and be not ungrateful to Me (for My favours to you).

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153. O you who believe! seek (God's) help with perfect patience and Prayer, for surely Allâh is with the patiently persevering.

154. And do not count as dead those who are killed in the cause of Allâh. Rather (they are) living, only you perceive not (their life).

155. And We will certainly reward you after disciplining you with something of fear and hunger and some loss of substance and of lives and of fruits (of your toils). Give good tidings to the patiently perservering;

156. Who, when a calamity befalls them, say, `Surely, we belong to Allâh and to Him, of course, we return (and in His will is our peace).'

157. It is they upon whom descend the benedictions from their Lord and His mercy, and it is they who are guided aright.

158. The Safâ and the Marwah (- the two eminences near Ka`bah) are certainly (two) of the symbols of Allâh, so

he who is on Pilgrimage to the House or performs `Umrah (- a visit to Ka`bah), there is no blame on him to perform Tawâf (- to run between) the two (eminences), and he who remains thoroughly dutiful and chooses to do good deeds spontaneously, then surely (he will find) Allâh is Appreciative and rewards every good deed done. Surely, Allâh is All-Knowing.

159. Verily, those who conceal the clear evidences and the guidance which We have revealed, after We have explained them to the people in this Book, these it is whom Allâh deprives of His mercy and also disapprove all those who can disapprove,

160. Except such (of them) as repent and amend (themselves) and declare clearly (the truth which they used to hide), it is they to whom I shall turn with mercy, for I am the Oft-Returning (with compassion and) the Ever Merciful.

161. But those who persist in disbelief and die while they are disbelievers, these are the ones upon whom be the disapproval of Allâh and of the angels and of people and (in short) of all of them.

162. They shall remain in this (state of disapproval) for long. Their punishment shall not be reduced for them, and no respite shall be given to them.

163. And your God is One God, there is no other, cannot be and will never be One worthy of worship but He, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful.

SECTION 20

164. Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation and the sequence of the night and the day and in the ships that sail in the ocean carrying the things which are useful to the people and in the water which Allâh sends down from the clouds with which He brings the dead earth into life and (in) all sorts of crawling animals which He has spread all over it and (in) the turning about of the winds and (in) the clouds subjected to (His) law between the heavens and the earth, there are, indeed, signs for a people who use their understanding.

165. (Inspite of all these evidences in support of the unity of God) there are some people who take to themselves compeers as opposed to Allâh. They love them as they should love Allâh. But those who believe are stauncher in (their) love for Allâh. And if only those who committed this wrong could but see (the time) when they shall see the punishment, (they would realize) that the complete power only belongs to Allâh and that Allâh is Severe at inflicting the punishment.

166. (At that time) when those who were followed (- the leaders) shall disown and sever themselves from their followers and they shall see the punishment (with their own eyes) and all their ties and means shall be cut asunder.

167. And (at that time) the followers shall say, `If we could only return (to the life of the world) we would disown them and sever ourselves from them as they disowned and severed themselves from us.' Thus Allâh will make them regret their deeds and they shall never (of themselves) get out of the Fire.

SECTION 21

168. O people! eat what is lawful and pure (of the produces) of the earth and follow not the footsteps of satan for he is your enemy severing you (from Allâh).

169. He (- satan) only bids you to indulge in evil and to (do) things foul and obscene and that you say against Allâh things you do not know.

170. And when it is said to them (- the disbelievers), `Follow what Allâh has revealed.' They say, `We would rather follow such things as we found our forefathers (doing and believing).' (Would they do so) even though their forefathers could not refrain (from evil), nor they could achieve their goal.

171. The case of (one that calls) those who refuse (to obey the commandments of God) is like the case of one who shouts to that (animal) who hears nothing, but a mere call and a cry (of a shepherd). (They are) deaf, dumb and blind, moreover they do not use their reason.

172. O you who believe! eat of the good and pure things We have provided you with, and render thanks to Allâh, if it is He alone whom you really worship.

173. He has forbidden you only (to eat carrion) that which dies of itself, the blood, the flesh of swine and that over (the sacrifice of) which the name of someone other than Allâh has been invoked. Yet he who is constrained (to use them) without desiring (them) nor going beyond the limits (of bare necessity), incurs no sin. Surely, Allâh is Great Protector, Ever Merciful.

174. Surely, those who hide (any part of the teaching) which Allâh has revealed in this perfect Book and take a paltry price (- worldly gains) for it, it is these who feed their bellies with nothing but fire, and Allâh will not speak to them (with affection and mercy) on the Day of Resurrection, nor He will treat them as pure, and there awaits them a grievous punishment.

175. It is these who have preferred error to guidance and punishment to protection. (The onlookers of these

sufferers will say,) `How very enduring they are at (the punishment of) the Fire!'

176. That (punishment) is because, whereas Allâh caused the perfect Book to be revealed to suit all the requirements of truth and wisdom (they have rejected it outright). Surely, those who dissented from the perfect Book have indeed gone far astray in enmity (of the truth) and in obstinacy.

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177. It is not the sole virtue that you turn your faces to the east or the west but true virtue is theirs, who believe in Allâh, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and in the Prophets, and who give away their wealth (and substance) out of love for Him, to the near of kin, the orphans, the needy, the wayfarer and to those who ask (in charity) and in ransoming the slaves; and who observe the Prayer, who go on presenting the Zakât (- the purifying alms) and those who always fulfill their pledges and agreements when they have made one, and those who are patiently persevering in adversity and distress and (steadfast) in times of war. It is these who have proved truthful (in their promises and in their faith) and it is these who are strictly guarded against evil.

178. O you who believe! equitable retaliation has been ordained for you in (the matter of) the slain. (Everyone shall pay for his own crime,) the freeman (murderer) for the freeman (murdered), and the slave (murderer) for the slave (murdered), and the female (murderer) for the female (murdered), but who has been granted any remission by his (aggrieved) brother (or family) then pursuing (of the matter) shall be done with equity and fairness, and the payment (of the blood money) to him (the heir) should be made in a handsome manner. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. But he who exceeds the limits after this (commandment), for him is a grievous punishment.

179. O people of pure and clear wisdom! your very life lies in (the law of) equitable retaliation, (you have been so commanded) so that you may enjoy security.

180. It has been prescribed for you at the time of death to any one of you, that if the (dying) person is leaving considerable wealth behind, to make a will to his parents and the near of kin to act with equity and fairness. This is an obligation incumbent on those who guard against evil.

181. He who alters it (- the will) after he has heard it, (should know that) it is those that alter it who shall bear the burden of sin. Allâh indeed is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

182. If anyone apprehends that the testator is partial or follows a sinful course there will be no blame on him provided he sets things right (and so brings about reconciliation) between them (- the parties concerned under the will). Surely, Allâh is Great Protector, Ever Merciful.

SECTION 23

183. O you who believe! you are bound to observe fasting as those before you (- followers of the Prophets) were bound, so that you may guard against evil.

184. (You are required to fast) for a prescribed number of days. But if anyone of you is sick or is on a journey he shall fast (to make up) the prescribed number in other days. And for those who are able to fast is an expiation (as thanksgiving) the feeding of a poor person (daily for the days of fasting). And he who volunteers (extra) good, (will find that) it is even better for him. And that you observe fasting is better for you, if you only know.

185. The (lunar) month of Ramadzân is that in which the Qur'ân (started to be) revealed as a guidance for the whole of people with its clear evidences (providing comprehensive) guidance and the Discrimination (between right and wrong). Therefore he who shall witness the month, should fast (for full month) during it, but he who is sick or is on a journey shall fast (to make up) the prescribed number in other days. Allâh wishes facility for you and does not wish hardship for you. (This facility is given to you) that you may complete the number (of required fasts) and you may exalt the greatness of Allâh for His having guided you, and that you may render thanks (to Him).

186. And when My servants ask you concerning Me (tell them), I am nearby indeed, I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to Me, so they should respond to My call, and believe in Me (that I possess all these attributes) so that they may proceed in the right way.

187. (Though during Fasting you must abstain from all the urges of nature including the sexual urge) it is made lawful for you on the nights of the fasts to approach and lie with your wives (for sexual relationship). They are (a sort of) garment for you and you are (a sort of) garment for them. Allâh knows that you have been doing injustice to yourselves (by restricting conjugal relations with your wives even at night), so He turned to you with mercy and provided you relief; now enjoy their company (at night during Ramadzân) and seek what Allâh has ordained for you. Eat and drink till the white streak of the dawn becomes distinct to you from the black streak (of the darkness), then complete the fast till nightfall. And you shall not lie with them (- your wives) while you perform I`tikâf (- while you are secluding in the mosque for prayer and devotion to God). These are the limits (imposed) by Allâh so do not approach these (limits). Thus does Allâh explains His commandments for people that they may become secure against evil.

188. Do not appropriate one another's property with inequity (and by false means) nor seek to gain access thereby to the authorities so that you may appropriate a portion of (other) people's property by sinful means (and bribery) and that (too) knowingly (that you have no right to do so).

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189. They ask you about the lunar months. Say, `They are appointed periods of time for (general convenience of) people and for determining the time of Pilgrimage. And it is no virtue that you come into the houses from the backs of them but the true virtue is his who guards against evils. So (instead of fostering superstitious habits) you should rather enter the houses from their proper doors and take Allâh as a shield so that you may be successful.

190. And fight in the cause of Allâh those who fight and persecute you, but commit no aggression. Surely, Allâh does not love the aggressors.

191. And slay them (the aggressors against whom fighting is made incumbent) when and where you get the better of them, in disciplinary way, and turn them out whence they have turned you out. (Killing is bad but) lawlessness is even worse than carnage. But do not fight them in the precincts of Masjid al-Harâm (the Holy Mosque at Makkah) unless they fight you therein. Should they attack you (there) then slay them. This indeed is the recompense of such disbelievers.

192. But if they desist (from aggression) then, behold, Allâh is indeed Great Protector, Ever Merciful.

193. And fight them until persecution is no more and religion is (freely professed) for Allâh. But if they desist (from hostilities) then (remember) there is no punishment except against the unjust (who still persist in persecution).

194. (The violation of) a sacred month may be retaliated in the sacred month and for (the violation of) all sacred things the law of retaliation is prescribed. Then he who transgresses against you, punish him for his transgression to the extent he has transgressed against you, and take Allâh as a shield, and know that Allâh is with those who guard against evil

195. And spend in the cause of Allâh and do not cast yourselves into ruin with your own hands, and do good to others, and verily Allâh loves the doers of good to others.

196. Accomplish the Hajj (- the Greater Pilgrimage to Makkah) and the `Umrah (- the minor pilgrimage) for the sake of Allâh. But if you are kept back, then (offer) whatever sacrifice is easily available, and do not shave your heads (as is prescribed for the Pilgrims) till the offering reaches its destination (in time, or place). And whosoever of you is sick and has an ailment of his head (necessitating shaving before time) then he should make an expiation either by fasting or alms-giving or by making a sacrifice. When you are in peaceful conditions then he, who would avail himself of the `Umrah (- a visit to the Ka`bah or a minor Hajj) together with the Hajj (- the Greater Pilgrimage and thus performs Tammattu`) should make whatever offering is easily available; and whosoever finds none (for an offering) should fast for three days during (the days of) the pilgrimage and (for) seven (days) when he returns (home) - these are ten complete (days of fasting in all). This is for him whose family does not reside near the Masjid al-Harâm (- the Holy Mosque at Makkah). Take Allâh as a shield, and know that Allâh is Severe in retribution (if you neglect your duties).

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197. The months of performing the Hajj are well Known; so whoever undertakes to perform the Hajj in them (should remember that) there is (to be) no obscenity, nor abusing, nor any wrangling during the (time of) Hajj. And whatever good you do Allâh knows it. And take provisions for yourselves. Surely, the good of taking provision is guarding (yourselves) against the evil (of committing sin and begging). Take Me alone as (your) shield, O people of pure and clear wisdom!

198. There is no blame on you that you seek munificence from your Lord (by trading during the time of Hajj). When you pour forth (in large numbers) from `Arafât then glorify Allâh (with still more praises) near Mash`aral- Harâm (- Holy Mosque in Muzdalifah), and remember Him (with gratitude) as He has guided you, though formerly you were certainly amongst the astray.

199. And (then) proceed (to return from `Arafât) from where the people proceed (to come back) and seek Allâh's protection. Verily. Allâh is All Protector, Ever Merciful.

200. When you have completed the rites of devotion of the Hajj prescribed for you, remember Allâh with praises as your lauding of your parents or yet more earnest devout lauding. Now, there are some of people who say, `Our Lord! grant us all things in this (very) world,' and there is no share for such in the Hereafter.

201. And there are others among them who say, `Our Lord! grant us good in this world as well as good in the Hereafter, and guard us against the chastisement of the Fire.'

202. It is they, for whom is a (very large) portion (of the reward) of what (good deeds) they have accomplished.

And Allâh is Quick at reckoning.

203. Remember Allâh (at Minâ) with His praises during (these) days appointed (for this purpose). However if any one hastens (to leave the valley of Minâ) after two days there is no sin for him and if any one stays behind, it is no sin for him either. (This direction is) for him who guards against evil (under all circumstances). So take Allâh as a shield, and know that you shall all be brought together before Him.

204. Of the people there is he whose talk on the present life pleases you, and he calls Allâh to witness as to that (sincerity) which is in his heart, and yet he is of the most contentious of all the adversaries (hence your most stubborn enemy).

205. And when he is in authority, he runs about in the land (striving) to create chaos and lawlessness in it, and to destroy the tillage and the stock, but Allâh does not love disorder (and lawlessness).

206. When it is said to him, `Take Allâh as a shield,' vain pride holds him to sin, Gehenna shall suffice him (as a reward); and how evil a resort it is!

207. Of the people there is he who sacrifices his very life seeking the pleasure of Allâh. And Allâh is very Kind and Compassionate toward such (of His) servants.

208. O you who believe! enter into (the fold of those showing) complete submission (to Allâh) all of you, and do not follow the footsteps of satan, verily he is your enemy, severing (you from Allâh).

209. But if you slip off even after the clear proofs that have come to you, then bear in mind, that Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

210. (If the people do not believe even now,) they look for nothing but that Allâh should come to them (with the threatened punishment) in the shadows of the clouds as well as the angels (to execute His orders) and the matter be settled. And to Allâh are returned all matters (for decisions).

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211. Ask the Children of Israel how many a clear Sign did We gave them. And whoever changes the favour of Allâh after it has come to him (with every convincing proof, and so makes himself deserving of punishment) he will find that Allâh is surely Severe in retribution.

212. Decked out fair is this present life (to make it appear attractive) to those who disbelieve, and they hold those who believe in condemnation. But those who guard against evil shall be (placed) above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allâh provides (His gifts) for whom He will without reckoning and measure.

213. Humankind are a single community (but they differed), so Allâh raised (His) Prophets as Bearers of good tidings and as Warners, and with them He revealed the Scriptures containing the truth, that He might judge between various people concerning all their mutual differences. But none differed therein except the very (astray) whom it (- the Scripture) had been given, and (they differed only) after clear proofs had come to them, out of spite against one another. Now Allâh guided those who believed, by His leave, to the truth concerning which they (- the disbelievers) had differed. And Allâh guides whosoever wishes (to be guided) to the right and straight path.

214. Do you think that you will enter Paradise, while there has not yet come upon you the like of that which befell those who passed away before you? Distress and afflictions befell them, and they were made to suffer the violent tremors, so that the Messenger and those who believed along with him spoke out, `When (will come) the help of Allâh?' (Then they were told), `Behold! surely, the help of Allâh is always nearby.'

215. They question you as to what they should spend (to seek the pleasure of Allâh). Say, `Whatever of good and abundant wealth you spend, should be for parents and near of kin, and the orphans and the needy, and the wayfarer. And whatever good you do, surely Allâh knows it fully well.'

216. Fighting has been ordained for you, though it is hard for you. But it may be that a thing is hard upon you though it is (really) good for you, and it may be that you love a thing while it is bad for you. Allâh knows (all things) while you do not know.

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217. They ask you with regard to fighting in the Sacred Month. Say, `Fighting in it is (a) grave (offence). But to bar (people) from Allâh's cause and disbelief in Him and (to hinder people from) the Holy Mosque and to turn out its people therefrom is still grave in the sight of Allâh, and persecution is all the more grave an offence than killing.' And they will not cease to fight you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And whoso from amongst you turns back from his faith, and dies while he is a disbeliever, it is they, then, whose deeds go in vain in this world and the Hereafter; and it is they who are the fellows of the Fire and therein they shall abide for long.

218. Verily, as to those who believe and those who emigrate and struggle hard in the cause of Allâh, it is they who do (rightly) hope for Allâh's mercy. And Allâh is Great Protector, Ever Merciful.

219. They ask you concerning intoxicants and games of chance. Say, `In both of them is a great sin and both are harmful too, and they have some uses for people, but the sin inherent in them is even more serious than their usefulness.' They ask you how much they should spend. Say, `The surplus (- what you can spare after spending on your basic requirement).' Thus does Allâh make clear His commandments so that you may reflect -

220. Upon this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you concerning the orphans. Say, `To set (their affairs) right (keeping in view the promotion of their welfare) is (an act of great) virtue, and if you intermix with them they are (after all) your brethren. And Allâh knows the wrongdoers from the right-doers. And if Allâh had so willed, He would certainly have made matters difficult for you. Verily, Allâh is All- Mighty, All-Wise.

221. And marry not an idolatress until she believe; while a believing maid is certainly better than an idolatress even though she may highly please you. And do not give (believing women) in marriage to an idolaters until they believe. And a believing slave is better than a (free) idolater even though he may highly please you. It is they who invite to the Fire, but Allâh calls to the Paradise and to the protection by His command. He makes His Messages clear for the people so that they may take heed.

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222. They ask you about (having conjugal relations during) the menstruation. Say, `It (having conjugal relations) is harmful and a pollution, so keep aloof from women during menstruation, and do not approach them (for sexual relation) until they are thoroughly cleansed. But when they have fully cleaned themselves you may come to them as Allâh has ordained you. Verily, Allâh loves those who frequently turn (to Him) with repentance and He loves the strivers to purification of themselves.

223. Your wives are (as) a tilth (to produce and rear children) for you, so come to your tilth when and how you like and send forward (some good) for yourselves, and take Allâh as a shield, and know that you shall meet Him, and give good tidings to the believers.

224. And make not Allâh an excuse through your oaths, that you may (thereby) abstain from doing good and from becoming secure against evil and from setting the affairs right and from making peace between various people. And Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

225. Allâh will not call you to account for what is vain (and unintentional) in your oaths, but He calls you to account for what your minds resolve and accomplish (by intentional swearing). And Allâh is Great Protector (against faults), Highly Forbearing.

226. Those who vow (to abstain) from their wives, (the maximum) period of waiting (for them) is four months (after which divorce becomes inevitable), then if they (are reconciled within four months and) revert (to their normal relations), then, surely, Allâh is Great Protector, Ever Merciful.

227. But if they have resolved on divorce, then (they should know that) surely Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

228. And the divorced women must keep themselves waiting for three (monthly) courses (as `Iddat), and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allâh has created in their wombs, if indeed they believe in Allâh and the Last Day. And their husbands have a better right to take them back in the meanwhile, provided they desire and mean reconciliation. And women have their rights similar to their obligations in an equitable and just manner; yet men have a place above them. And Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

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229. Such a (revocable) divorce may be (pronounced) twice, then, (after the second pronouncement) there should be either retaining (the wife) with honour and fairness or letting (her) leave with goodness. And it is not lawful for you to take (back) anything of what you have given them (your wives); however, if both (the husband and the wife) fear that they cannot abide by the injunctions of Allâh, and if you (- the Muslim community, also) fear that they cannot observe the limits (prescribed) by Allâh then there is no blame on either of them in what she gives up to redeem herself (as Khula`). These are the injunctions of Allâh, therefore, do not violate them; and whoso violates the injunctions of Allâh, it is they who are really the wrongdoers.

230. But if he divorces her (for the third time) then she is not lawful for him after that, until she has married another husband. Now if he (- the second husband also) divorces her (of his own accord) then there is no blame on them (- the former husband and wife) to return to each other (by remarriage) provided they are sure that they will be able to abide by the injunctions of Allâh. These are the injunctions of Allâh. He makes them clear to the people who would know.

231. And when you divorce (your) women (a revocable divorce), and they approach the end of their `Iddat (-the prescribed period of waiting after divorce) then either retain them in an equitable manner or send them away (- freeing them) in an equitable manner. And do not retain them wrongfully that you may exceed the proper limits (and do them harm and maltreat them). And whosoever does that he has indeed done wrong and injustice to himself. Do not take Allâh's commandments in a light way; and remember Allâh's favour upon you and what He

has revealed to you of the Book and the Wisdom, wherewith He exhorts you. And take Allâh as a shield and know that Allâh has perfect knowledge of everything.

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232. When (some of) you divorce (their) women (for the first or the second time) and they approach the end of the prescribed period of waiting (- `Iddat) then do not prevent them from remarrying their (former) husbands when they have agreed between themselves to an equitable and decent contract. This is an exhortation for those among you who believe in Allâh and the Last Day. This is more blissful for you and purer. And Allâh knows while you do not know.

233. The mothers shall give suck to their children for two full years, (this instruction is) for him who desires to complete the (period of) suckling. And it is incumbent on the man to whom the child is born (- the father) to provide them (- the mothers) the usual maintenance and their clothing (for this period) equitably and according to usage. No soul is charged with a duty except to its capacity. Neither shall a mother be made to suffer on account of her (love for her) child, nor shall he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) on account of his child. The (father's) heir has a like duty. However if (mother and father) both desire weaning, by mutual consent and consultation, then there is no blame on (either of) them. And if you desire to provide a wet-nurse for your children there is no blame on you, provided you hand over what you have agreed to pay equitably (and in accordance with popular usage). And keep your duty to Allâh and know that Allâh is Seer of what you do.

234. Those of you who die and leave wives behind, these (wives) should keep themselves in waiting for four months and ten days (as `Iddat). So when they reach the end of their (prescribed) term (of waiting) then there is no blame on you for what they do with regard to themselves (about their remarriage) in an equitable manner. And Allâh is fully Aware of what you do.

235. There is no blame on you respecting that which you speak indirectly, regarding a proposal of marriage, to these (widowed) women (within their period of waiting), or whether you keep it (the proposal) hidden in your minds. Allâh knows that you will think of them, (in this connection) yet make no agreement (or promises) with them secretly, except that you say a decent word. And confirm not the marriage tie until the prescribed period of waiting reaches its end. And know that Allâh knows what is in your minds, therefore beware of Him and know that Allâh is indeed a Great Protector (against faults), Highly Forbearing.

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236. There is no blame on you if you divorce women, while you have not touched them and you have not yet settled for them any marriage portion (- dowry money). But provide for them, - the affluent man according to his means and the one in straitened circumstances according to his means - a provision in an equitable manner (and in accordance with popular usage; this is) an obligation on the doers of good to others.

237. But if you divorce them before you have touched them, while you have already settled for them a marriage portion, then half of what you have settled (is due to them) unless they (-the women forgo their full due or a portion of it) or he, (the husband) in whose hand is the tie of marriage, forgoes (a portion or the full half which he is entitled to deduct and thus pays the whole dowry money), and that you (husband) forgo (and pay the whole dowry money) is nearer to becoming secure against evil. And do not neglect to do good to one another. Verily, Allâh sees well what you do.

238. Be watchful over the Prayers especially the middle (and most excellent) Prayer (which comes in the midst of rush of work and business), and do stand up before Allâh truly obedient (and in all humility).

239. And if you apprehend (any danger) then (say your Prayer) on foot or mounted, but when you are secure, then remember Allâh in the manner He taught you (and) which (manner) you did not know (before).

240. And those of you who die and leave wives behind, there is a binding injunction (of God) for their wives for a year's maintenance without being turned out (of their homes). But if they go out (of their own accord during this period) there is no blame on you with regard to what they do about themselves in an equitable and decent manner. And Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

241. And for the divorced women (also) a provision (should be made) in a fair and equitable manner. This is an obligation binding on those who guard against evil (and have regard for duty).

242. Thus does Allâh make His commandments clear to you so that you may abstain (from evil).

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243. Have you not considered the case of those (Israelites) who (in their exodus) fled from their homes (in Egypt with Moses) and they were (a congregation of) thousands, for fear of death? Then Allâh said to them, `Die', (with the result that this generation perished while wandering in the wilderness for forty years). Then (from the next generation) He revived them, (and made them inherit the Promised land). Allâh is Munificent to people; but most

of the people give (Him) no thanks.

244. And fight in the cause of Allâh, and know that Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

245. Who is there that (performs for Allâh an act of the noblest virtue and) cuts off a portion of his goodly gifts for Allâh so He multiplies it to him manifold. And Allâh receives (the sacrifices) and amplifies and to Him you shall be made to return (to get the amplified reward of your deeds).

246. Have you not considered (the case of) the Chiefs of the Children of Israel (who lived) after (the time of) Moses? When they said to a Prophet of theirs, (- Samuel), `Appoint for us a controlling authority that we may fight in the cause of Allâh.' He said, `Is it not likely, that if

fighting is prescribed for you, you will not fight?' They said, `And what reason have we that we should not fight in the cause of Allâh, and we have been indeed driven forth from our homes and (parted from) our children?' Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they backed out except a few of them. And Allâh knows the unjust well.

247. And their Prophet (of God) said to them, `Verily, Allâh has appointed Tâlût (- Saul) to be a controlling authority over you.' They said, `How can he have sovereignty over us, whereas we are better entitled to sovereignty than he, and he has not been given abundance of wealth?' He (- their Prophet of God) replied, `Surely, Allâh has chosen him above you and He has given him a vast deal of knowledge and of bodily strength.' And Allâh gives His sovereignty to whom He wills, for Allâh is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

248. And their Prophet (of God) said to them, `The sign of his sovereignty is indeed that there shall come to you (in his reign) the Tâbût (- the heart) in which there will be Shechinah (- tranquillity) from your Lord and legacy (of good) left by the followers of Moses and the followers of Aaron, the angels bearing it. Verily, there is a sign for you in that, when you are true believers.'

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249. So when Tâlût (- Saul) marched out with the forces, he said, `Verily, Allâh is going to test you by (the ordeal of) a stream, whosoever drinks of it, he will not then belong to me, and whoso does not taste it, he shall certainly belong to me, excepting him who takes (only) a handful (of water) with his hand.' But they drank of it except a few of them. So that when he had crossed it, he and those who believed along with him, they said, `We have no power today against Jâlût (- the assailant, the Goliath) and his forces.' But those who held it as certain that they (one day) were going to meet Allâh said, How often a small company has triumphed over a numerous host, by the leave of Allâh! And Allâh is with the patiently-persevering.'

250. And when they confronted Jâlût (-Goliath) and his forces they said, `Our Lord! grant us perseverance and keep our footholds firm and help us against the disbelieving people.'

251. At last, they routed them by the leave of Allâh, and David killed Jâlût, and Allâh gave him the sovereignty and the wisdom and taught him of what He pleased. And had it not been for Allâh repelling the people - some of them by the others - the earth would have been in a state of disorder; but Allâh is full of grace to the worlds.

252. These are the Messages of Allâh, We recite them to you with the truth; and you are indeed (one) of the Messengers.