| | The Ascendant Qur‘an, Muhammad H. al-‘Asi rendition of Surah The Cow(al-Baqarah)
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| 2:1 | | Alif-Lam-Mi |
| 2:2 | | That divine Writ [about it] there is no ambiguity; in it [is to be found] direction for the muttaqis |
| 2:3 | | Who believe and are committed to [the existence of] the ghayb, and who standardize the salah, and give out of what We have provided for them |
| 2:4 | | Those who are committed to that which has been sent to you and that which has been sent before you. And of the one to come they are sure |
| 2:5 | | It is they who are guided by their Sustainer and it is they who are prosperou |
| 2:6 | | As for the kuffar, it matters not whether you warn them or do not warn them: they will not acknowledge and commit [to Allah’s authoritative power] |
| 2:7 | | Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and over their vision is a haze; and theirs is a great affliction |
| 2:8 | | And there are [some] people who say, “We are committed to Allah and the Last Day,” while they are not [really] committed |
| 2:9 | | They collaborate to deceive Allah and those who are [really and actively] committed — but they [in fact] deceive none but themselves, and perceive it not |
| 2:10 | | In their hearts is disease, and so Allah lets their disease increase; and their share is a tormenting affliction because of their lying |
| 2:11 | | And when they are told, “Do not cause corruption on earth,” they say, “We are but improving things! |
| 2:12 | | Oh, verily, it is they, they who are spreading corruption — but they perceive it not |
| 2:13 | | And when they are told, “Commit yourselves as other people committed themselves,” they answer, “Shall we commit ourselves [to Allah] as the weak-minded committed them- selves?” Oh, but indeed, it is they, they who are weak-minded — but they know it not |
| 2:14 | | And when they meet those who have committed themselves [to Allah], they assert, “We are committed [as you are],” but when they are alone with their demons, they say, “Certainly, we are with you; we were only mocking! |
| 2:15 | | Allah will mock at them, and will protract their [appalling] aggression, while they act obscurely |
| 2:16 | | [For] it is they who have purchased deviation in exchange for guidance; and neither did their bargain yield a profit, nor did they wind up being guided |
| 2:17 | | They are like people who kindle a fire: but as soon as it illumined all around them, Allah takes away their light and leaves them in senseless darkness |
| 2:18 | | Deaf, dumb, blind — and [now there is] no recourse |
| 2:19 | | Or [like] a torrential storm accompanied by darkness, thunder and lightning: they put their fingers in their ears because of the thunderbolts in fear of death; but Allah encompasses [with His might] all who are kuffar |
| 2:20 | | The lightning well-nigh takes away their sight; whenever it gives them light they walk therein, and whenever the light is out, they stand still. And if Allah so willed, He could take away their hearing and their sight: for, truly, Allah has power over all thing |
| 2:21 | | O People! Conform to your Sustainer, Who has created you and those [who lived] before you, so that you may protect [yourselves from His displeasure] |
| 2:22 | | Who has made the earth a resting-place for you and the sky a canopy, and has sent down water from the sky and thereby sprouted fruits for your sustenance: do not, then, claim that there is any power that could match Allah, while you know [the truth] |
| 2:23 | | And if you doubt any part of what We have bestowed from on high, step by step, upon Our subject [Muhammad], then produce a surah of similar merit, and summon witnesses besides Allah — if what you say is true |
| 2:24 | | And if you cannot do it, and most certainly you cannot do it, then protect yourselves from the fire whose fuel is human beings, and the stones that await all kuffar |
| 2:25 | | But to those who are committed to Allah and do the good works, give the glad tidings that theirs shall be gardens through which running water flows. Whenever they are granted fruits therefrom [Paradise] as their appointed sustenance, they will say, “It is this that in times before [earthly life] was granted to us as our sustenance!” For they shall be given something [in appearance but not in substance] that will recall that [past]. And there they shall have spouses pure, and there they shall abide eternally |
| 2:26 | | Behold, Allah does not disdain to propound a parable of a gnat, or of something [even] less than that. Now, as for those who are committed [to Allah], they know that it is the truth from their Sustainer — whereas those who are bent on denying the truth say, “What could Allah mean by this parable?” In this way does He cause many a one to go astray, just as He guides many a one aright: but none does He cause thereby to go astray save the degenerates |
| 2:27 | | Who break their bond with Allah after it has been consolidated [in their nature], and cut asunder what Allah has deemed to be integrated; and spread corruption on earth: these it is that shall be the losers |
| 2:28 | | How can you refuse to acknowledge Allah, seeing that you were lifeless and He gave you life, and that He will cause you to die and then He will bring you again to life, whereupon unto Him you will be brought back |
| 2:29 | | He it is Who has created for you all that is on earth, and has applied His design to the heavens and fashioned them into seven heavens; and He alone has full knowledge of everything |
| 2:30 | | And Lo! Your Sustainer said unto the angels, “Behold, I am about to render on earth a khalifah (successor).” They said, “Will You place on it such as will spread corruption thereon and shed blood; whereas it is we who extol Your limitless glory, and praise You, and hallow Your name?” [Allah] answered, “Verily, I know that which you do not know. |
| 2:31 | | And He imparted unto Adam the names of all things; and then He exhibited them to the angels and said, “Declare unto Me the names of these [things], if what you say is true. |
| 2:32 | | They replied, “Limitless are You in Your glory! No knowledge have we save that which You have imparted unto us. Verily, You alone are All-Knowing, Truly Wise. |
| 2:33 | | Said He, “O Adam, convey unto them the names of these [things].” As soon as [Adam] had conveyed unto them their names, [Allah] said, “Did I not say unto you, verily, I alone know the hidden reality of the heavens and the earth, and know all that you bring into the open and all that you would conceal? |
| 2:34 | | And when We told the angels, “Prostrate yourselves before Adam!” they all prostrated themselves, except Iblis, who refused and gloried in his arrogance, and thus he became of the kuffar |
| 2:35 | | And We said, “O Adam, dwell you and your wife in the garden, and eat freely thereof, both of you, whatever you may wish; but do not approach this one tree, lest you become offenders. |
| 2:36 | | But Shaytan swayed them both therein, and thus ousted them from their erstwhile state. And so We said, “Down with you, [to become henceforth] enemies unto one another; and on earth you shall have your abode and your livelihood for a while! |
| 2:37 | | Thereupon Adam received words [of guidance] from his Sustainer, and He accepted his repentance: for, verily, He alone is the Acceptor of Repentance, the Dispenser of Grace |
| 2:38 | | [For although] We did say, “Down with you all from this [state],” there shall, nonetheless, most certainly come unto you guidance from Me, and those who follow My guidance need have no fear, and neither shall they grieve |
| 2:39 | | But those who are bent on denying [Me] and giving the lie to Our message, they are destined for the fire, and therein they shall abide forever |
| 2:40 | | O Children of Israel! Recall those privileges of Mine with which I dignified you, and fulfill your Covenant with Me, (So that) I shall fulfill My Covenant with you; and of Me, of Me be in awe |
| 2:41 | | Commit to that which I have [now] bestowed upon you from on high, confirming the truth already in your possession, and be not foremost amongst those who deny its truth; and do not barter away My messages for trifling gain; and of Me, of Me be guarded |
| 2:42 | | And do not coat the truth with falsity. And do not deliberately conceal the truth while you are in possession of it |
| 2:43 | | And have the affiliation with Allah as your standard, and a system of giving money [where it is due]. And humble yourselves with those who are likewise humble |
| 2:44 | | Do you urge people to be virtuous, while you forget your own selves — and [yet] you recite the divine Writ? Will you not use your reason |
| 2:45 | | Seek help in patience and salah; and truly it is difficult [to do so] except for those who are humble-minded |
| 2:46 | | Who know that they will have to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are returning |
| 2:47 | | O Children of Israel! Remember those blessings of Mine with which I graced you, and how I favored you over all people |
| 2:48 | | And remain conscious of [the coming of] a Day when no human being shall in the least avail another, nor shall intercession be accepted from any of them, nor ransom taken from them, and none shall be supported |
| 2:49 | | And [remember the time] when We saved you from Pharaoh’s affiliates, who afflicted you with cruel suffering, slaughtering your sons and sparing [only] your women — which was an awesome trial from your Sustainer |
| 2:50 | | And [also] when We cleft the sea before you, and thus saved you and caused Pharaoh’s people to drown before your very eyes |
| 2:51 | | And [remember] when We appointed for Moses forty nights [on Mount Sinai], and in his absence you took the [golden] calf [to worship], and thus became evildoers |
| 2:52 | | Yet, even after that, We blotted out your sin, so that you might [have cause to] be grateful |
| 2:53 | | And [remember] when We vouchsafed unto Moses the divine writ — and [thus] a standard [by which to discern the true from the false] — so that you might be guided aright |
| 2:54 | | And [remember] when Moses said unto his people, “O my people! Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf; turn, then, in repentance to your Maker and mortify yourselves; this will be the best for you in your Maker’s sight.” And thereupon He accepted your repentance: for behold, He alone is the Acceptor of Repentance, the Dispenser of Grace |
| 2:55 | | And [remember] when you said, “O Moses, indeed we shall not believe you until we see God face to face!” Whereupon the thunderbolt of punishment overtook you before your very eyes |
| 2:56 | | But We raised you again after you had been as dead, so that you might have cause to be grateful |
| 2:57 | | And We sent the clouds to comfort you with their shade, and sent down unto you manna and quails, [saying,] “Partake of the good things which We have provided for you as sustenance.” And [by all their sinning] they did no harm unto Us — but [only] against their own selves did they sin |
| 2:58 | | And [remember the time] when We said, “Enter this dominion, and eat of its food as you may desire, abundantly, but enter the passageway humbly and say, ‘Remove You from us the burden of our sins,’ [whereupon] We shall forgive you your sins, and shall amply reward the doers of good. |
| 2:59 | | But those who were offenders substituted another statement for that which had been given to them; and so We sent down upon those offenders a plague from heaven in requital for all their iniquity |
| 2:60 | | And [remember] when Moses prayed for water for his people and We replied, “Strike the rock with your staff!” Whereupon twelve springs gushed forth from it, so that all the people knew whence to drink. [And Moses said,] “Eat and drink the sustenance provided by Allah, and do not act wickedly on earth by spreading corruption. |
| 2:61 | | And [remember] when you said, “O Moses, indeed we cannot endure but one kind of food; pray, then, to your Sustainer that He bring forth for us aught of what grows from earth — of its herbs, its cucumbers, its garlic, its lentils, its onions.” Said Moses, “Would you take a lesser thing in exchange for what is [so much] better? Go back in shame to Egypt, and then you can you have what you are asking for!” And so ignominy and humiliation overshadowed them and they earned the burden of Allah’s condemnation. They were afflicted with all this because they persisted in denying the truth of Allah’s messages and in slaying the Prophets against all right. Also because they rebelled [against Allah] and per sisted in transgressing the bounds of what is right |
| 2:62 | | Indeed, those who are committed to [the power of] Allah [in this divine writ], as well as those who follow the Judaic faith, and the Christians, and the Sabians — all who are observant of Allah’s covenant and the Last Day and do hon- orable deeds — shall have their reward with their Sustainer; and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve |
| 2:63 | | And lo! We accepted your solemn pledge, raising the Mount high above you, [and saying,] “Hold fast with [all your] strength unto what We have vouchsafed you, and bear in mind all that is therein, so that you might remain conscious of Allah! |
| 2:64 | | And you turned away after that! And had it not been for Allah’s favor upon you and His grace, you would surely have found yourself among the losers |
| 2:65 | | For you are well aware of those from among you who profaned the Sabbath, whereupon We said unto them, “Be as apes despicable! |
| 2:66 | | And so We set them up as a warning and example for their time and for all times to come, as well as an admonition to all who are conscious of Allah [’s power] |
| 2:67 | | And lo! Moses said unto his people, “Behold, Allah bids you to sacrifice a cow.” They said, “Do you mock at us?” He an swered, “I seek refuge with Allah against being so ignorant! |
| 2:68 | | Said they, “Pray on our behalf unto your Sustainer that He make clear to us what she is to be like.” [Moses] replied, “Behold, He says it is to be a cow neither old nor immature, but an age in-between. Do, then, what you have been bidden! |
| 2:69 | | Said they, “Pray on our behalf unto your Sustainer that He make clear to us what her colour should be.” [Moses] answered, “Behold, He says it is to be a yellow cow, bright of hue, pleasing to the beholder. |
| 2:70 | | Said they, “Pray on our behalf unto your Sustainer that He make clear to us what she is to be like, for to us all cows resemble one another; and then, if Allah so wills, we shall truly be guided aright! |
| 2:71 | | [Moses] answered, “Behold, He says it is to be a cow not bro ken-in to plow the earth or water the crops, free of fault, without markings of any other colour.” Said they, “At last you have brought out the truth!” And thereupon they sac rificed her, although they had almost let it undone |
| 2:72 | | For, [O Children of Israel,] because you had slain a human being and then cast the blame for this [crime] upon one another — although Allah will bring to light what you would conceal |
| 2:73 | | We said, “Strike it [the corpse] with portions of it [the cow].” In this way Allah saves lives from death and shows you His will, so that you might [learn to] use your reason. |
| 2:74 | | And yet, after all this, your hearts hardened and became like rocks, or even harder. For, behold, there are rocks from which streams gush forth; and, behold, there are some from which, when they are cleft, water issues; and, behold, there are some that fall down for awe of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what you do! |
| 2:75 | | Can you, then, hope that they will commit themselves to what you are heralding — seeing that a good many of them were wont to listen to the word of Allah and then, after having understood it, to pervert it knowingly |
| 2:76 | | For, when they meet those who have committed [to Allah], they say, “We are committed to Allah as you are,” but when they find themselves alone with one another, they say, “Do you inform them of what God has disclosed to you, so that they might use it in argument against you, quoting the words of your Sustained Will you not, then, use your reason? |
| 2:77 | | Do they not know, then, that Allah is aware of all that they would conceal as well as all that they bring into the open |
| 2:78 | | And there are among them unlettered people who have no real knowledge of the divine writ, [following] only wishful beliefs, and depending on nothing but conjecture |
| 2:79 | | Woe to those who write scripture of their own dictate and then say, “This comes from Allah.” They do this for a trifling price. Woe, then, unto them for what their hands have writ ten, and woe unto them for all that they may have gained |
| 2:80 | | And they say, “The fire will most certainly not touch us for more than a limited number of days.” Say [unto the Israelis], “Have you secured Allah’s pact on this matter — for Allah never disavows his pact — or do you attribute statements to Allah which you have no knowledge of? |
| 2:81 | | Definitely. Those who earn evil and are engulfed by their sinfulness, they are destined for the fire, therein to abide |
| 2:82 | | Whereas those who are committed to Allah [’s power] and what are righteous deeds, they are destined for paradise, therein to abide |
| 2:83 | | And lo! We accepted this solemn pledge from [you,] the Children of Israel: You shall comply with none but God; and you shall do good unto your parents and kinsfolk, and the orphans, and the poor; and you shall speak unto all people in a kindly way; and you shall bear the standard of an [human] affiliation [with Allah]; and you shall [systematically] dedicate your wealth [by giving it to those in need]. And yet, save for a few of you, you turned away — for you are obstinate folk |
| 2:84 | | And lo! We accepted your solemn pledge that you would not shed one another’s blood, and would not drive one another from your homelands, whereupon you acknowledged it; and thereto you bear witness [even now] |
| 2:85 | | And yet, it is you who slay one another and drive some of your own from their homelands aiding one another against them in sin and hatred; but if they come to you as captives, you ransom them; although your very [act of] driving them away has been made unlawful to you. Do you, then, commit yourselves to some parts of the divine writ and deny the truth of the other parts? What, then, could be the reward of those among you who do such things but ignominy in the life of this world and, on the Day of Resurrection, assignment to most grievous suffering? For Allah is not unmindful of what you do |
| 2:86 | | All who buy the life of this world at the price of the life to come, their suffering shall not be lightened, nor shall they be promoted |
| 2:87 | | For indeed, We vouchsafed unto Moses the divine writ and caused apostle after apostle to follow him; and We vouchsafed unto Jesus, the son of Mary, all evidence of the truth, and strengthened him with holy inspiration. [Yet] is it not so that every time an apostle came unto you with something that was not to your liking, you glorified in your arrogance, and to some of them you gave the lie while others you would slay? |
| 2:88 | | But they say, “Our hearts are already full of knowledge.” Nay, but Allah has rejected them because of their refusal to acknowledge the truth; for, few are the things to which they are committed |
| 2:89 | | And whenever there came a new revelation from Allah, confirming the truth already in their possession — and [bear in mind that] aforetime they used to pray for victory over those who were bent on denying the truth — whenever there came unto them something which they recognized [as the truth], they would deny it. And Allah’s rejection is the due of all who deny the truth |
| 2:90 | | Vile is that [false pride] for which they have sold their own selves by denying the truth of what Allah has bestowed from on high, out of envy that Allah should bestow aught of His favor upon whomsoever He wills of His servants; and thus have they earned the burden of Allah’s condemnation, over and over. And for those who deny the truth there is shameful suffering in store |
| 2:91 | | For when they are told, “Believe in what Allah has bestowed from on high,” they reply, “We believe [only] in what has been bestowed on us,” and they deny the truth of everything else, although it be a truth confirming the one in their possession. Say, “Why, then, did you slay Allah’s Prophets aforetime, if you were [truly] committed [to Allah]? |
| 2:92 | | And indeed, there came unto you Moses with all evidence of the truth — and thereupon, in his absence, you took to identifying with the [golden] calf, and acted wickedly |
| 2:93 | | And lo! We accepted your solemn pledge, raising Mount Sinai high above you, [saying,] “Hold fast with [all your] strength unto what We have vouchsafed you, and harken unto it.” [But] they said, “We have heard, but we disobey” for their hearts are filled to overflowing with love of the [golden] calf because of their refusal to acknowledge the truth. Say, “Vile is what this [false] dedication of yours enjoins upon you — if indeed you are committed. |
| 2:94 | | Say [O Prophet], “If an afterlife with Allah is to be for you alone, to the exclusion of all other people, then you should long for death — if what you say is true. |
| 2:95 | | But never will they long for it, because [they are aware] of what their hands have sent ahead in this world; and Allah has full knowledge of offenders |
| 2:96 | | And you will most certainly find that they cling to life more eagerly than any other people, even more than those who are bent on ascribing divinity to other beings beside Allah; every one of them would love to live a thousand years, although the grant of long life could not save him from suffering [in the hereafter]; for Allah sees all that they do |
| 2:97 | | Say [O Prophet], “Whosoever is an enemy of Gabriel,” who verily, by Allah’s leave, has brought down upon your heart this [divine Writ] which confirms the truth of whatever there still remains [of earlier revelations], and is a guidance and a glad tiding for the committed believer |
| 2:98 | | “Whosoever is an enemy of Allah and His angels and His message-bearers, including Gabriel and Michael [should know that] verily, Allah is the enemy of all who deny the truth [of His power]” |
| 2:99 | | For, clear messages indeed have We bestowed upon you from on High; and none denies their truth save the iniquitous |
| 2:100 | | Is it not so that every time they made a promise [unto Allah], some of them cast it aside? Nay, indeed: most of them do not commit [themselves] |
| 2:101 | | And [even now] when there has come unto them an apostle from Allah, confirming the truth already in their possession, some of those who were granted revelation aforetime cast the divine Writ behind their backs as though unaware [of what it says] |
| 2:102 | | And they [the Israelis] follow what the satans dictated during Sulay man’s reign — for it was not Sulayman who denied the truth, but those satans denied it by teaching people sorcery — and [they follow] that which has come down through the two angels in Babylon, Harut and Marut, even though these two never taught it to anyone without first declaring, “We are but a temptation to evil: do not, then, deny the truth [of Allah’s power]!” And they learn from these two how to create discord between a man and his wife; but whereas they can harm none thereby save by Allah’s leave, they acquire a knowledge that only harms themselves and does not benefit them although they know, indeed, that he who acquires this [knowledge] shall have no share in the good of the life to come. For vile indeed is that for which they have sold their own selves, had they but known it |
| 2:103 | | And had they but committed themselves [to Allah] and been conscious of Him, reward from Allah would indeed have brought them good — had they but known it |
| 2:104 | | O You who are committed to [the power of ] Allah! Do not say [to the Prophet], “Listen to us,” but rather say, “Have patience with us,” and harken [unto him], since grievous suffering awaits those who deny the truth [of Allah’s power] |
| 2:105 | | Neither those from among the followers of earlier scriptures who are bent on denying the truth [of Allah’s power], nor those who ascribe authority and divinity to other beings beside Allah, would like to see any good ever bestowed upon you from your Sustainer; but Allah singles out for His grace whom He wills — for Allah is limitless in His great bounty |
| 2:106 | | Any message which We annul or consign to oblivion We replace with a better or a similar one. Do you not know that Allah has the power to will anything |
| 2:107 | | Do you not know that Allah’s is the dominion over the heavens and the earth, and that besides Allah you have none to protect you or bring you succor |
| 2:108 | | Would you, perchance, ask of the Apostle who has been sent unto you what was asked aforetime of Moses? But whoever chooses to deny the truth [of Allah’s power], instead of being committed to it, has already strayed from the right path |
| 2:109 | | Out of their selfish envy, many among the followers of earlier scripture would like to bring you back to denying the truth [of Allah’s power] after you have attained it — [even] after the truth has become clear unto them. Nonetheless, forgive and forebear, until Allah shall make manifest His will. Behold, Allah has the power to will anything |
| 2:110 | | And have salah as your standard affiliation with Allah, and institutionalize spending of your capital [to those in need]; for, whatever good deed you send ahead for your own selves, you shall find it with Allah. Behold, Allah sees all that you do |
| 2:111 | | And they claim, “None shall ever enter paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.” Such are their wishful beliefs! Say, “Produce an evidence for what you are claiming, if what you say is true! |
| 2:112 | | Yea, indeed: everyone who surrenders his whole being unto Allah, and is a doer of good withal, shall have this reward with his Sustainer; and all such need have no fear, and neither shall they grieve |
| 2:113 | | Furthermore, the Yahud assert, “The Christians have no valid ground for their beliefs,” while the Christians assert, “The Yahud have no valid ground for their beliefs” and both quote the scripture! Even thus, like unto what they say, have [always] spoken those who are devoid of knowledge; but it is Allah who will judge between them on Resurrection Day with regard to all on which they were wont to differ |
| 2:114 | | Who could be more wicked than those who bar the mention of Allah’s name from any of His houses and strive for their ruin, although they have no right to enter them save in fear? For them, in this world, there is ignominy in store; and for them, in the life to come, awesome suffering |
| 2:115 | | And Allah’s is the East and the West: and wherever you turn, there is Allah’s countenance. Behold, Allah is Infinite [in accommodation], All-Knowing |
| 2:116 | | And they say, Allah has taken unto Himself a son! Exalted is He in His eminence! Nay, but His is all that is in the heavens and on earth; all things devoutly yield to His will |
| 2:117 | | The Originator is He of the heavens and the earth; and when He wills a thing to be, He but says unto it, “Be” — and it is |
| 2:118 | | And those who do not know will say, “Why does Allah not speak to us, nor is a miracle produced for us?” Likewise did their predecessors say; their statements are similar. Their hearts are alike. We have clarified the ayat [manifestations of Allah’s power] for people who are [cogently and conclusively] certain |
| 2:119 | | Verily, We have sent you [O Prophet] with the truth, as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner; and you shall not be held accountable for those who are destined for the blazing fire |
| 2:120 | | For never will the Yahud be pleased with you, nor yet the Christians, unless you follow in their own worldview. Say, “Behold, Allah’s guidance is the only true guidance.” And, indeed, if you should follow their errant views after all the knowledge that has come unto you, you would have none to protect you from Allah, and none to bring you succor |
| 2:121 | | Those unto whom We have vouchsafed the divine writ [and who] follow it as it ought to be followed — it is they who [truly] are committed to it; whereas all who choose to deny its truth — it is they, they who are the losers |
| 2:122 | | O Children of Israel! Remember those blessings of Mine with which I graced you, and how I favored you above all other people |
| 2:123 | | And raise your guard to [the coming of] a Day when no human being shall in the least avail another, nor shall ransom be accepted from any of them, nor shall intercession be of any use to them, and none shall be succored |
| 2:124 | | And [remember this]: when his Sustainer tried Abraham by [His] commandments and the latter fulfilled them, He said, “Behold, I shall make you a leader of men.” [Abraham] asked, “And [will You make leaders of] my offspring as well?” [Allah] answered, “My covenant does not embrace the offenders. |
| 2:125 | | And lo! We designated the Sacred House a retreat for people and a sanctuary; take, then, Ibrahim’s seat of status as your shrine. And thus did We entrust Ibrahim and Isma’il to purify My Sacred House for the people who will walk around it, [its] devotees, and those who genuflect and prostrate |
| 2:126 | | And, lo, Ibrahim prayed, “O my Sustainer! Make this a land secure, and grant its people fruitful sustenance — such of them who are committed to Allah and the Last Day.” [Allah] answered, “And whoever shall deny the truth [of My power], him I will let enjoy himself for a short while — but in the end I shall drive him to suffering through fire: and how vile a journey’s end! |
| 2:127 | | And when Ibrahim and Isma’il were raising the foundations of the Sacred House, [they prayed,] “O our Sustainer! Accept You this from us; for, verily, You alone are All-Hearing, All-Knowing |
| 2:128 | | “O our Sustainer! Make us surrender ourselves unto You, and make of our offspring a community that shall surrender itself unto You, and show us our ways of worship, and accept our repentance; for, verily, You alone are the Acceptor of Repentance, the Dispenser of Grace |
| 2:129 | | “O our Sustainer! Raise up from the midst of our offspring an apostle, who shall convey unto them Your messages, and impart unto them revelation as well as wisdom, and cause them to grow in purity; for, verily, You alone are Almighty, Truly Wise! |
| 2:130 | | And who, unless he be weak of mind, would want to abandon Ibrahim’s doctrinal worldview, seeing that We have indeed raised him high in this world and that, verily, in the life to come he shall be among the righteous |
| 2:131 | | As his Sustainer said to him, “Yield to Me!” He [Ibrahim] answered, “I have yielded [to You], the Sustainer of all the worlds. |
| 2:132 | | And this very thing did Ibrahim bequeath unto his children, and [so did] Jacob, “O my children! Behold, Allah has given this din to you; so do not allow death to overtake you unless you have yielded to Him. |
| 2:133 | | Or were you [the Children of Israel] witnesses when Jacob was attended by death as he said to his descendants, “To whom will you conform after me?” They said, “We will conform to your God, the God of your forefathers Abraham, Isma‘il and Isaac, the One God to whom we will yield |
| 2:134 | | Now that social order has passed away; unto them shall be accounted what they have earned, and unto you, what you have earned; and you will not be judged on the strength [or weakness] of what they did |
| 2:135 | | And they say, “Be Jews — or, Christians — and you shall be guided.” Say, “No, but [ours is] the worldview of Abraham, who was independent of falsehood, and was not of those who default [on Allah’s authority]. |
| 2:136 | | Say, “We are committed to Allah, and to that which has been bestowed from on high upon us, and that which has been bestowed upon Abraham and Isma‘il and Isaac and Jacob and their descendants, and that which has been vouchsafed to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been vouchsafed to all the [other] Prophets by their Sustainer; we do not discriminate between any of them. And it is unto Him that we resign ourselves. |
| 2:137 | | And if [others] commit themselves to a likeness of your commitment, they will indeed find themselves on the right path; and if they turn away, it is but they who will be deeply in the wrong, and Allah will protect you from them: for He alone is All-Hearing, All-Knowing |
| 2:138 | | [Say, “Our life takes its] hue from Allah! And who could give a better hue [to life] than Allah, if we but truly conform to Him? |
| 2:139 | | Say [to the Jews and the Christians], “Do you argue with us about Allah? But He is our Sustainer as well as your Sustainer — and unto us shall be accounted our deeds, and unto you your deeds; and it is unto Him alone that we devote ourselves |
| 2:140 | | “Do you claim that Abraham and Isma‘il and Isaac and Jacob and their descendants were ‘Jews’ or ‘Christians’?” Say, “Do you know more than Allah does? And who could be more wicked than he who suppresses a testimony given to him by Allah? Yet Allah is not unmindful of what you do |
| 2:141 | | That was an ummah that predated [yours]. It shall have what it derived [of its worldly proceeds], as you will have what you derived [of your worldly proceeds] ; and you will not be held accountable for what they were doing |
