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AL-MAEDA (THE TABLE, THE TABLE SPREAD)
Total Verses: 120
Revealed At: Madina
Name
This surah takes its name from verse 112 in which the word Mai'dah occurs. Like the names of
many other surahs, this name has no special relation to the subject of the surah but has been
used merely as a symbol to distinguish it from other surahs.
Period of Revelation
The theme of this surah indicates, and traditions support it, that it was revealed after the treaty of
Hudaibiyah at the end of 6 A.H. or in the beginning of 7 A.H. That is why it deals with those
problems that arose from this treaty.
The Holy Prophet with 1400 Muslims went to Makkah in Zil-Qaadah 6 A.H. to perform Umrah, but
the Quraish, spurred by their enmity, prevented him from its performance, though it was utterly
against all the ancient religious traditions of Arabia. After a good deal of hard and harsh
negotiations, a treaty was concluded at Hudaibiyah according to which it was agreed that he could
perform Umrah the following year. That was a very appropriate occasion for teaching the Muslims
the right way of performing a pilgrimage to Makkah with the true Islamic dignity, and enjoining
that they should not prevent the disbelievers from performing pilgrimage to Makkah as a
retaliation for their misbehaviour. This was not difficult at all as many disbelievers had to pass
through Muslim territory on their way to Makkah. This is why the introductory verses deal with the
things connected with pilgrimage to Makkah and the same theme has been resumed in vv. 101-
104. The other topics of this surah also appear to belong to the same period.
The continuity of the subject shows that most probably the whole of the surah was revealed as a
single discourse at one and the same time. It is also possible that some of its verses were revealed
at a later period and inserted in this surah at different places where they fitted in. But there
appears to be not the least gap anywhere in the surah to show that it might have comprised two
or more discourses.
Occasion of Revelation
This surah was revealed to suit the requirements of the changed conditions which were now
different from those prevailing at the time of the revelation of Al-i-'Imran and An-Nisa. Then the
shock of the set-back at Uhud had made the very surroundings of Al-Madinah dangerous for the
Muslims, but now Islam had become an invulnerable power and the Islamic State had extended to
Najd on the east, to the Red Sea on the west, to Syria on the north and to Makkah on the south.
This set-back which the Muslims had suffered at Uhud had not broken their determination. It had
rather spurred them to action. As a result of their continuous struggle and unparalleled sacrifices,
the power of. The surrounding clans, within a radius of 200 miles or so, had been broken. The
Jewish menace which was always threatening Al-Madinah had been totally removed and the Jews
in the other parts of Hijaz had become tributaries of the State of Al-Madinah. The last effort of the
Quraish to suppress Islam had been thwarted in the Battle of the Ditch. After this, it had become
quite obvious to the Arabs that no power could suppress the Islamic movement. Now Islam was
not merely a creed which ruled over the minds and hearts of the people but had also become a State which dominated over every aspect of the life of the people who lived within its boundaries.
This had enabled the Muslims to live their lives without let or hindrance, in accordance with their
beliefs.
Another development had also taken place during this period. The Muslim civilization had
developed in accordance with the principles of Islam and the Islamic viewpoint. This civilization
was quite distinct from all other civilizations in all its details, and distinguished the Muslims clearly
from the non Muslims in their moral, social and cultural behaviour. Mosques had been built in all
territories, prayer had been established and Imam (leader) for every habitation and clan had been
appointed. The Islamic civil and criminal laws had been formulated in detail and were being
enforced through the Islamic courts. New and reformed ways of trade and commerce had taken
the place of the old ones. The Islamic laws of marriage and divorce, of the segregation of the
sexes, of the punishment for adultery and calumny and the like had cast the social life of the
Muslims in a special mould. Their social behaviour, their conversation, their dress, their very mode
of living, their culture etc., had taken a definite shape of its own. As a result of all these changes,
the non-Muslims could not expect that the Muslims would ever return to their former fold. Before the treaty of Hudaibiyah, the Muslims were so engaged in their struggle with the non-Muslim
Quraish that they got no time to propagate their message. This hindrance was removed by what was apparently a defeat but in reality a victory at Hudaibiyah. This gave the Muslims not only
peace in their own territory but also respite to spread their message in the surrounding territories.
Accordingly the Holy Prophet addressed letters to the rulers of Iran, Egypt and the Roman Empire
and the chiefs of Arabia, inviting them to Islam. At the same time the missionaries of Islam spread
among the clans and tribes and invited them to accept the Divine Way of Allah. These were the
circumstances at the time when Al-Ma'idah was revealed.
Topics
It deals with the following three main topics:
-
Commandments and instructions about the religious, cultural and political life of the Muslims. In
this connection, a code of ceremonial rules concerning the journey for Hajj has been prescribed;
the observance of strict respect for the emblems of Allah has been enjoined; and any kind of
obstruction or interference with the pilgrims to the Kaabah has been prohibited. Definite rules and
regulations have been laid down for what is lawful and unlawful in the matter of food, and selfimposed
foolish restrictions of the pre-Islamic age have been abolished. Permission has been given
to take food with the people of the Book and to marry their women. Rules and regulations for the
performance of Wudu (ablutions) and bath and purification and tayammum (ablutions with dust)
have been prescribed. Punishment for rebellion, disturbance of peace and theft have been
specified. Drinking and gambling have absolutely been made unlawful. Expiation for the breaking
of oath has been laid down and a few more things have been added to the law of evidence;
- Admonition to the Muslims. Now that the Muslims had become a ruling body, it was feared that
power might corrupt them. At this period of great trial, Allah had admonished them over and over
again to stick to justice and to guard against the wrong behaviour of their predecessors, the
people of the Book. They have been enjoined to remain steadfast to the Covenant of obedience to
Allah and His Messenger, and to observe strictly their commands and prohibitions in order to save
them- selves from the evil consequences which. befell the Jews and the Christians who had
violated them. They have been instructed to observe the dictates of the Holy Quran in the conduct
of all their affairs and warned against the attitude of hypocrisy;
- Admonition to the Jews and the Christians. As the power of the Jews had been totally weakened
and almost all their habitations in north Arabia had come under the rule of the Muslims, they have
been warned again about their wrong attitude and invited to follow the Right Way. At the same
time a detailed invitation has also been extended to the Christians. The errors of their creeds have
been clearly pointed out and they have been admonished to accept the guidance of the Holy
Prophet. Incidentally, it may be noted that no direct invitation has been made to the Majusis and
idolaters living in the adjoining countries, because there was no need for a separate address for
them as their condition had already been covered by the addresses to the mushrik Arabs.
Subject : Consolidation of the Islamic Community
In continuation of the instructions about the consolidation of the Islamic Community given in surah
AN-NISA, the Muslims have been directed to observe and fulfil all their obligations: further
regulations have been prescribed to train the Muslims for that purpose. They have also been
particularly warned as rulers to guard against the corruption, of power and directed to observe the
Covenant of the Quran. They have also been exhorted to learn lessons from the failings of their
predecessors, the Jews and the Christians, who in their turn have been admonished to give up
their wrong attitudes towards the Right Way and accept the guidance taught by Prophet
Muhammad (God's peace be upon him).
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
005.001
O ye who believe! fulfil (all) obligations. Lawful unto you
(for food) are all four-footed animals, with the exceptions named: But
animals of the chase are forbidden while ye are in the sacred precincts or
in pilgrim garb: for Allah doth command according to His will and plan.
005.002
O ye who believe! Violate not the sanctity of the symbols of
Allah, nor of the sacred month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor
the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people resorting to the
sacred house, seeking of the bounty and good pleasure of their Lord. But
when ye are clear of the sacred precincts and of pilgrim garb, ye may hunt
and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the
Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help
ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in
sin and rancour: fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment.
005.003
Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh
of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah;
that which hath been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a
headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly)
eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it (in due form);
that which is sacrificed on stone (altars); (forbidden) also is the
division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: that is impiety. This day have
those who reject faith given up all hope of your religion: yet fear them
not but fear Me. This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed
My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if
any is forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allah is
indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
005.004
They ask thee what is lawful to them (as food). Say: lawful
unto you are (all) things good and pure: and what ye have taught your
trained hunting animals (to catch) in the manner directed to you by Allah:
eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of Allah over it: and
fear Allah; for Allah is swift in taking account.
005.005
This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you.
The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful
unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who
are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed
before your time,- when ye give them their due dowers, and desire chastity,
not lewdness, nor secret intrigues if any one rejects faith, fruitless is
his work, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have
lost (all spiritual good).
005.006
O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces,
and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and
(wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial
impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one
of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with
women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth,
and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a
difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favour to you, that
ye may be grateful.
005.007
And call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto you, and His
covenant, which He ratified with you, when ye said: "We hear and we obey":
And fear Allah, for Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.
005.008
O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to
fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to
wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear
Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
005.009
To those who believe and do deeds of righteousness hath Allah
promised forgiveness and a great reward.
005.010
Those who reject faith and deny our signs will be companions
of Hell-fire.
005.011
O ye who believe! Call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto
you when certain men formed the design to stretch out their hands against
you, but (Allah) held back their hands from you: so fear Allah. And on Allah let
believers put (all) their trust.
005.012
Allah did aforetime take a covenant from the Children of Israel,
and we appointed twelve captains among them. And Allah said: "I am with you:
if ye (but) establish regular prayers, practise regular charity, believe in
my messengers, honour and assist them, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan,
verily I will wipe out from you your evils, and admit you to gardens with
rivers flowing beneath; but if any of you, after this, resisteth faith, he
hath truly wandered from the path or rectitude."
005.013
But because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them,
and made their hearts grow hard; they change the words from their (right)
places and forget a good part of the message that was sent them, nor wilt
thou cease to find them- barring a few - ever bent on (new) deceits: but
forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds): for Allah loveth those who are
kind.
005.014
From those, too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a
covenant, but they forgot a good part of the message that was sent them: so
we estranged them, with enmity and hatred between the one and the other, to
the day of judgment. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done.
005.015
O people of the Book! There hath come to you our Messenger,
revealing to you much that ye used to hide in the Book, and passing over
much (that is now unnecessary): There hath come to you from Allah a (new)
light and a perspicuous Book, -
005.016
Wherewith Allah guideth all who seek His good pleasure to ways
of peace and safety, and leadeth them out of darkness, by His will, unto
the light,- guideth them to a path that is straight.
005.017
In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the
son of Mary. Say: "Who then hath the least power against Allah, if His will
were to destroy Christ the son of Mary, his mother, and all every - one
that is on the earth? For to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and
the earth, and all that is between. He createth what He pleaseth. For Allah
hath power over all things."
005.018
(Both) the Jews and the Christians say: "We are sons of Allah,
and his beloved." Say: "Why then doth He punish you for your sins? Nay, ye
are but men,- of the men he hath created: He forgiveth whom He pleaseth,
and He punisheth whom He pleaseth: and to Allah belongeth the dominion of the
heavens and the earth, and all that is between: and unto Him is the final
goal (of all)"
005.019
O People of the Book! Now hath come unto you, making (things)
clear unto you, Our Messenger, after the break in (the series of) our
messengers, lest ye should say: "There came unto us no bringer of glad
tidings and no warner (from evil)": But now hath come unto you a bringer of
glad tidings and a warner (from evil). And Allah hath power over all things.
005.020
Remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Call in
remembrance the favour of Allah unto you, when He produced prophets among
you, made you kings, and gave you what He had not given to any other among
the peoples.
005.021
"O my people! Enter the holy land which Allah hath assigned unto
you, and turn not back ignominiously, for then will ye be overthrown, to
your own ruin."
005.022
They said: "O Moses! In this land are a people of exceeding
strength: Never shall we enter it until they leave it: if (once) they
leave, then shall we enter."
005.023
(But) among (their) Allah-fearing men were two on whom Allah had
bestowed His grace: They said: "Assault them at the (proper) Gate: when
once ye are in, victory will be yours; But on Allah put your trust if ye have
faith."
005.024
They said: "O Moses! while they remain there, never shall we
be able to enter, to the end of time. Go thou, and thy Lord, and fight ye
two, while we sit here (and watch)."
005.025
He said: "O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my
brother: so separate us from this rebellious people!"
005.026
Allah said: "Therefore will the land be out of their reach for
forty years: In distraction will they wander through the land: But sorrow
thou not over these rebellious people.
005.027
Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam.
Behold! they each presented a sacrifice (to Allah): It was accepted from one,
but not from the other. Said the latter: "Be sure I will slay thee."
"Surely," said the former, "Allah doth accept of the sacrifice of those who
are righteous.
005.028
"If thou dost stretch thy hand against me, to slay me, it is
not for me to stretch my hand against thee to slay thee: for I do fear Allah,
the cherisher of the worlds.
005.029
"For me, I intend to let thee draw on thyself my sin as well
as thine, for thou wilt be among the companions of the fire, and that is
the reward of those who do wrong."
005.030
The (selfish) soul of the other led him to the murder of his
brother: he murdered him, and became (himself) one of the lost ones.
005.031
Then Allah sent a raven, who scratched the ground, to show him
how to hide the shame of his brother. "Woe is me!" said he; "Was I not
even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?" then
he became full of regrets-
005.032
On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that
if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading
mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if
any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole
people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs,
yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the
land.
005.033
The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His
Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is:
execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from
opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this
world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter;
005.034
Except for those who repent before they fall into your power:
in that case, know that Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
005.035
O ye who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of
approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in his cause: that ye may
prosper.
005.036
As to those who reject Faith,- if they had everything on
earth, and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the Day of
Judgment, it would never be accepted of them, theirs would be a grievous penalty.
005.037
Their wish will be to get out of the Fire, but never will they get out therefrom:
their penalty will be one that endures.
005.038
As to the thief, Male or female, cut off his or her hands: a
punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted
in power.
005.039
But if the thief repents after his crime, and amends his
conduct, Allah turneth to him in forgiveness; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most
Merciful.
005.040
Knowest thou not that to Allah (alone) belongeth the dominion of
the heavens and the earth? He punisheth whom He pleaseth, and He forgiveth
whom He pleaseth: and Allah hath power over all things.
005.041
O Messenger! let not those grieve thee, who race each other into
unbelief: (whether it be) among those who say "We believe" with their lips
but whose hearts have no faith; or it be among the Jews,- men who will
listen to any lie,- will listen even to others who have never so much as
come to thee. They change the words from their (right) times and places:
they say, "If ye are given this, take it, but if not, beware!" If any one's
trial is intended by Allah, thou hast no authority in the least for him
against Allah. For such - it is not Allah's will to purify their hearts. For
them there is disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a heavy punishment.
005.042
(They are fond of) listening to falsehood, of devouring
anything forbidden. If they do come to thee, either judge between them, or
decline to interfere. If thou decline, they cannot hurt thee in the least.
If thou judge, judge in equity between them. For Allah loveth those who judge
in equity.
005.043
But why do they come to thee for decision, when they have
(their own) law before them?- therein is the (plain) command of Allah; yet
even after that, they would turn away. For they are not (really) People of
Faith.
005.044
It was We who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was
guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the
prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah's will, by the rabbis and the
doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah's book, and
they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell
not my signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light
of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers.
005.045
We ordained therein for them: "Life for life, eye for eye,
nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal."
But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of
atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah
hath revealed, they are (No better than) wrong-doers.
005.046
And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary,
confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel:
therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come
before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.
005.047
Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed
therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed,
they are (no better than) those who rebel.
005.048
To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the
scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between
them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires,
diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we
prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made
you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given
you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah;
it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute;
005.049
And this (He commands): Judge thou between them by what Allah
hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest
they beguile thee from any of that (teaching) which Allah hath sent down to
thee. And if they turn away, be assured that for some of their crime it is
Allah's purpose to punish them. And truly most men are rebellious.
005.050
Do they then seek after a judgment of (the days of) ignorance?
But who, for a people whose faith is assured, can give better judgment than
Allah?
005.051
O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for
your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each
other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them.
Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.
005.052
Those in whose hearts is a disease - thou seest how eagerly
they run about amongst them, saying: "We do fear lest a change of fortune
bring us disaster." Ah! perhaps Allah will give (thee) victory, or a decision
according to His will. Then will they repent of the thoughts which they
secretly harboured in their hearts.
005.053
And those who believe will say: "Are these the men who swore
their strongest oaths by Allah, that they were with you?" All that they do
will be in vain, and they will fall into (nothing but) ruin.
005.054
O ye who believe! if any from among you turn back from his
Faith, soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love
Him,- lowly with the believers, mighty against the rejecters, fighting in
the way of Allah, and never afraid of the reproaches of such as find fault.
That is the grace of Allah, which He will bestow on whom He pleaseth. And Allah
encompasseth all, and He knoweth all things.
005.055
Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and
the (fellowship of) believers,- those who establish regular prayers and
regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship).
005.056
As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His Messenger, and
the (fellowship of) believers,- it is the fellowship of Allah that must
certainly triumph.
005.057
O ye who believe! take not for friends and protectors those
who take your religion for a mockery or sport,- whether among those who
received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but
fear ye Allah, if ye have faith (indeed).
005.058
When ye proclaim your call to prayer they take it (but) as
mockery and sport; that is because they are a people without understanding.
005.059
Say: "O people of the Book! Do ye disapprove of us for no
other reason than that we believe in Allah, and the revelation that hath come
to us and that which came before (us), and (perhaps) that most of you are
rebellious and disobedient?"
005.060
Say: "Shall I point out to you something much worse than this,
(as judged) by the treatment it received from Allah? those who incurred the
curse of Allah and His wrath, those of whom some He transformed into apes and
swine, those who worshipped evil;- these are (many times) worse in rank,
and far more astray from the even path!"
005.061
When they come to thee, they say: "We believe": but in fact
they enter with a mind against Faith, and they go out with the same but Allah
knoweth fully all that they hide.
005.062
Many of them dost thou see, racing each other in sin and
rancour, and their eating of things forbidden. Evil indeed are the things
that they do.
005.063
Why do not the rabbis and the doctors of Law forbid them from
their (habit of) uttering sinful words and eating things forbidden? Evil
indeed are their works.
005.064
The Jews say: "Allah's hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up
and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands
are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He
pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in
most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have
placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle
the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do
mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief.
005.065
If only the People of the Book had believed and been
righteous, We should indeed have blotted out their iniquities and admitted
them to gardens of bliss.
005.066
If only they had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all
the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have
enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the
right course: but many of them follow a course that is evil.
005.067
O Messenger! proclaim the (message) which hath been sent to thee
from thy Lord. If thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and
proclaimed His mission. And Allah will defend thee from men (who mean
mischief). For Allah guideth not those who reject Faith.
005.068
Say: "O People of the Book! ye have no ground to stand upon
unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that
has come to you from your Lord." It is the revelation that cometh to thee
from thy Lord, that increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion
and blasphemy. But sorrow thou not over (these) people without Faith.
005.069
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish
(scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in Allah
and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor
shall they grieve.
005.070
We took the covenant of the Children of Israel and sent them
messengers, every time, there came to them a messenger with what they
themselves desired not - some (of these) they called impostors, and some
they (go so far as to) slay.
005.071
They thought there would be no trial (or punishment); so they
became blind and deaf; yet Allah (in mercy) turned to them; yet again many of
them became blind and deaf. But Allah sees well all that they do.
005.072
They do blaspheme who say: "Allah is Christ the son of Mary."
But said Christ: "O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your
Lord." Whoever joins other gods with Allah,- Allah will forbid him the garden,
and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help.
005.073
They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity:
for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of
blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.
005.074
Why turn they not to Allah, and seek His forgiveness? For Allah is
Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
005.075
Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger; many were
the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth.
They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah doth make His signs
clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!
005.076
Say: "Will ye worship, besides Allah, something which hath no
power either to harm or benefit you? But Allah,- He it is that heareth and
knoweth all things."
005.077
Say: "O people of the Book! exceed not in your religion the
bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the
vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by,- who misled many,
and strayed (themselves) from the even way.
005.078
Curses were pronounced on those among the Children of Israel
who rejected Faith, by the tongue of David and of Jesus the son of Mary:
because they disobeyed and persisted in excesses.
005.079
Nor did they (usually) forbid one another the iniquities which
they committed: evil indeed were the deeds which they did.
005.080
Thou seest many of them turning in friendship to the
Unbelievers. Evil indeed are (the works) which their souls have sent
forward before them (with the result), that Allah's wrath is on them, and in
torment will they abide.
005.081
If only they had believed in Allah, in the Prophet, and in what
hath been revealed to him, never would they have taken them for friends and
protectors, but most of them are rebellious wrong-doers.
005.082
Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find
the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt
thou find those who say, "We are Christians": because amongst these are men
devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not
arrogant.
005.083
And when they listen to the revelation received by the
Messenger, thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they
recognise the truth: they pray: "Our Lord! we believe; write us down among
the witnesses.
005.084
"What cause can we have not to believe in Allah and the truth
which has come to us, seeing that we long for our Lord to admit us to the
company of the righteous?"
005.085
And for this their prayer hath Allah rewarded them with gardens,
with rivers flowing underneath,- their eternal home. Such is the recompense
of those who do good.
005.086
But those who reject Faith and belie our Signs,- they shall be
companions of Hell-fire.
005.087
O ye who believe! make not unlawful the good things which Allah
hath made lawful for you, but commit no excess: for Allah loveth not those
given to excess.
005.088
Eat of the things which Allah hath provided for you, lawful and
good; but fear Allah, in Whom ye believe.
005.089
Allah will not call you to account for what is futile in your
oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for
expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the
food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that
is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the
oaths ye have sworn. But keep to your oaths. Thus doth Allah make clear to
you His signs, that ye may be grateful.
005.090
O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of)
stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination,- of Satan's
handwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper.
005.091
Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you,
with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah,
and from prayer: will ye not then abstain?
005.092
Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and beware (of evil): if ye do
turn back, know ye that it is Our Messenger's duty to proclaim (the message)
in the clearest manner.
005.093
On those who believe and do deeds of righteousness there is no
blame for what they ate (in the past), when they guard themselves from
evil, and believe, and do deeds of righteousness,- (or) again, guard
themselves from evil and believe,- (or) again, guard themselves from evil
and do good. For Allah loveth those who do good.
005.094
O ye who believe! Allah doth but make a trial of you in a little
matter of game well within reach of game well within reach of your hands
and your lances, that He may test who feareth him unseen: any who
transgress thereafter, will have a grievous penalty.
005.095
O ye who believe! Kill not game while in the sacred precincts
or in pilgrim garb. If any of you doth so intentionally, the compensation
is an offering, brought to the Ka'ba, of a domestic animal equivalent to
the one he killed, as adjudged by two just men among you; or by way of
atonement, the feeding of the indigent; or its equivalent in fasts: that he
may taste of the penalty of his deed. Allah forgives what is past: for
repetition Allah will exact from him the penalty. For Allah is Exalted, and
Lord of Retribution.
005.096
Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for
food,- for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel; but forbidden is
the pursuit of land-game;- as long as ye are in the sacred precincts or in
pilgrim garb. And fear Allah, to Whom ye shall be gathered back.
005.097
Allah made the Ka'ba, the Sacred House, an asylum of security
for men, as also the Sacred Months, the animals for offerings, and the
garlands that mark them: That ye may know that Allah hath knowledge of what
is in the heavens and on earth and that Allah is well acquainted with all things.
005.098
Know ye that Allah is strict in punishment and that Allah is
Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
005.099
The Messenger's duty is but to proclaim (the message). But Allah
knoweth all that ye reveal and ye conceal.
005.100
Say: "Not equal are things that are bad and things that are
good, even though the abundance of the bad may dazzle thee; so fear Allah, O
ye that understand; that (so) ye may prosper."
005.101
O ye who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if
made plain to you, may cause you trouble. But if ye ask about things when
the Qur'an is being revealed, they will be made plain to you, Allah will
forgive those: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing.
005.102
Some people before you did ask such questions, and on that
account lost their faith.
005.103
It was not Allah who instituted (superstitions like those of) a slit-ear
she-camel, or a she-camel let loose for free pasture, or idol
sacrifices for twin-births in animals, or stallion-camels freed from work:
It is blasphemers who invent a lie against Allah; but most of them lack
wisdom.
005.104
When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah hath revealed; come
to the Messenger": They say: "Enough for us are the ways we found our fathers
following." what! even though their fathers were void of knowledge and
guidance?
005.105
O ye who believe! Guard your own souls: If ye follow (right)
guidance, no hurt can come to you from those who stray. the goal of you all
is to Allah: it is He that will show you the truth of all that ye do.
005.106
O ye who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take)
witnesses among yourselves when making bequests,- two just men of your own
(brotherhood) or others from outside if ye are journeying through the
earth, and the chance of death befalls you (thus). If ye doubt (their
truth), detain them both after prayer, and let them both swear by Allah: "We
wish not in this for any worldly gain, even though the (beneficiary) be our
near relation: we shall hide not the evidence before Allah: if we do, then
behold! the sin be upon us!"
005.107
But if it gets known that these two were guilty of the sin (of
perjury), let two others stand forth in their places,- nearest in kin from
among those who claim a lawful right: let them swear by Allah: "We affirm
that our witness is truer than that of those two, and that we have not
trespassed (beyond the truth): if we did, behold! the wrong be upon us!"
005.108
That is most suitable: that they may give the evidence in its
true nature and shape, or else they would fear that other oaths would be
taken after their oaths. But fear Allah, and listen (to His counsel): for Allah
guideth not a rebellious people:
005.109
One day will Allah gather the messengers together, and ask: "What
was the response ye received (from men to your teaching)?" They will say:
"We have no knowledge: it is Thou Who knowest in full all that is hidden."
005.110
Then will Allah say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favour
to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy
spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in
maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel
and behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by
My leave, and thou breathest into it and it becometh a bird by My leave,
and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold!
thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the
Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the
clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: 'This is nothing but
evident magic.'
005.111
"And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me and
Mine Messenger: they said, 'We have faith, and do thou bear witness that we
bow to Allah as Muslims'".
005.112
Behold! the disciples, said: "O Jesus the son of Mary! can thy
Lord send down to us a table set (with viands) from heaven?" Said Jesus:
"Fear Allah, if ye have faith."
005.113
They said: "We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our
hearts, and to know that thou hast indeed told us the truth; and that we
ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle."
005.114
Said Jesus the son of Mary: "O Allah our Lord! Send us from
heaven a table set (with viands), that there may be for us - for the first
and the last of us - a solemn festival and a sign from thee; and provide
for our sustenance, for thou art the best Sustainer (of our needs)."
005.115
Allah said: "I will send it down unto you: But if any of you
after that resisteth faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have
not inflicted on any one among all the peoples."
005.116
And behold! Allah will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou
say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah'?" He
will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say).
Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest
what is in my heart, Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in
full all that is hidden.
005.117
"Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me
to say, to wit, 'worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord'; and I was a witness
over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast
the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things.
005.118
"If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy servant: If Thou dost
forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise."
005.119
Allah will say: "This is a day on which the truthful will profit
from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their
eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah: That is the
great salvation, (the fulfilment of all desires).
005.120
To Allah doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth,
and all that is therein, and it is He Who hath power over all things.
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