2:1  Alif. Lãm. Mĩm.

2:2  That timeless Book, without any doubt whatsoever in it, holds guidance for the God-conscious—

2:3  The ones who believe in the unseeable Reality, and they make the [daily] Prayer a steadfast anchor and spend charitably from what WE have bestowed upon them.

2:4  And the ones who have faith in what has been sent down upon you and what was sent down before you and have faith-certain in the Hereafter.

2:5  Those are on guidance from their Rabb, and it is they who are the spiritually prosperous.

2:6  Decidedly, those who disbelieve [in the unseeable Reality], it is the same to them whether you have warned them, or you warned them not. They will not believe.

2:7  Upon their hearts Allah has set a seal, and on their hearing, and a veil upon their sight. And for them is a transcendent consequence.

2:8  And of humankind are those who say we believe in Allah and in the Last Day, while they are not believers in any sense.

2:9  [Attempting] to dupe Allah and the faithful, whereas they do not dupe any but themselves! They are [spiritually] unaware.

2:10  In their hearts is a festering disease, so Allah lets the disease fester. For them is a painful suffering for their lying.

2:11  When it is said to them: do not promote discord and disharmony in the land, they say we are only restorers.

2:12  Unquestionably, they are the promoters of discord and disharmony, but they are [morally] unaware.

2:13  When it was said to them, “Believe as the other people have believed,” they say, “Shall we believe like the irrational ones?” Unquestionably, they are the irrational ones, but they know not.

2:14  When they meet those who have embraced Faith they say, “We have embraced faith,” but when they withdraw to their satanic associates they say, “For a fact, we are with you. We are neither more nor less than mockers.”

2:15  Allah intends to mock them through themselves, giving them leeway in their uncontained transgression, blindly adrift.

2:16  Those are the ones who have taken error in exchange for guidance; their trade therefore has not borne gain, and they were not ever acquirers of right guidance.

2:17  Their example is like the example of one who sought to light a flame. Then, come the moment, when it illuminated whatever was in its vicinity, Allah deprived them of their light, and left them unseeing in [layers of] darkness

2:18  deaf, dumb, and blind— they return not [to the light].

2:19  Or [like this parable of] a persistent storm from the sky, in which are borne [layers of] darkness, thunder, and lightning. They place their fingers into their ears against the thunderclaps, in wariness of death, while Allah is ever encompassing of the disbelievers—

2:20  The lightning nearly snatching away their sight. Whenever it lit for them, they walked therein and stood in place when it spread darkness upon them. If Allah had so willed, HE could have simply taken away their hearing and their sight. Know that Allah is forever in control of all things and their measure.

2:21  O Humanity serve your Rabb WHO created you and those who came before you. HE has enabled you to be conscious of HIM [to guard against doing wrong].

2:22  It is HE WHO has made for you the earth to be the ground under you and the sky a canopy above, and has sent down water from the sky, then brought forth all kinds of fruits as sustenance for you. Do not therefore set up peers with Allah while you know [the truth].

2:23  If you are in doubt of that which WE have successively sent down to OUR devotee, then bring a surah in its kind, and summon your witnesses besides Allah if you be truthful.

2:24  Consequently, if you cannot do so—and never can you do so—then be conscious of the fire whose fuel is men and stones, proportioned for the disbelievers.

2:25  Convey [God’s] tidings to those who have believed and have done the right deeds, that for them are gardens with rivers flowing in subservience. Whenever they were provided fruits from them as sustenance they said, “This is what we were provided before,” and through it they were given an evocative resemblance. And therein for them are purified mates and therein they abide.

2:26  Surely, Allah does not hesitate to illustrate through an example be that of a gnat— or be that more than it. Thereupon, as for the ones who have believed, they know that it is the truth from their Rabb. As for the ones who reject Faith, they thereof say, what has Allah intended by this example? HE sets astray many with it; and HE guides many with it. And none are set astray through it except the iniquitous.

2:27  Those who break Allah’s covenant after affirming it and sever what Allah has commanded to be made whole and cause discord in the land—it is they who are the losers.

2:28  How can you disbelieve in Allah, given that you were lifeless, and then HE gave life to you? In time, HE will cause you to die; then HE shall give life to you, then to HIM you will be returned.

2:29  HE it is WHO created for you all that is on earth, and then HE directed a matching balance to the skies. He then designed them as seven heavens. HE has complete knowledge of all things.

2:30  And [remember] when your Rabb said to the Angels, “I am One to place a vicegerent on earth.” They said, “Will YOU place therein someone who will spread discord and shed blood, whereas we renounce all glory for YOUR boundless glory in YOUR praise, and we cede all sanctity to YOU.” HE said, “I know what you do not know.”

2:31  HE taught Adam the names of all of it [i.e., divine manifestation], then HE showed them to the angels and said: tell me the names of these, if you have the claim to the truth.

2:32  They said, “YOURS is all glory and might. No knowledge is with us except what YOU have taught us. Truly, YOU alone are the all-knowing and the all-wise.”

2:33  HE said, “O Adam inform them with their names.” Accordingly, when [Adam] informed them with their names, HE said, “Did I not say to you, I alone know the unseeable Reality in the heavens and the earth, and I know whatever you manifest and whatever you hold within.”

2:34  When WE said to the angels to prostrate before Adam, they all prostrated in compliance, except Ib'līs. He refused and had arrogantly defied. He was to be of the disbelievers.

2:35  And WE said, “O Adam, you and your mate take the Garden for a serene home and you both eat from it freely— at will, from any place— but do not approach this Tree, lest you both be of the wrongdoers.”

2:36  Notwithstanding, Satan made them stumble over [their commitment] and caused their expulsion from [the state] they both were in. WE said: “Descend [into a lower realm], as adversaries unto each other. And for you on earth is a habitation along with a provision through a term.”

2:37  Thereupon Adam took cognizance of the words from his Rabb and so HE accepted his repentance. Indeed, HE is generous in accepting repentance and is forever merciful.

2:38  WE said, “Descend from it, all of you. So then [with mercy], when guidance does come to you from ME— whoever follows MY guidance— no fear to be upon them, and neither will they mourn [the loss].

2:39  And ones who will have disbelieved and denied OUR signs, those are reapers of the Fire, abiders therein.”

2:40  O Children of Israel, recall MY blessing which I conferred upon you. Fulfill MY covenant. I will fulfill your covenant. Only I [there is no other God]. So dread just ME.

2:41  And believe in that which I have [now] sent down— a validator it is of that which is with you and do not be a disbeliever out of compulsive haste and do not part with MY signs for a paltry [worldly] gain. Only I [there is no other God]. So be conscious of ME.

2:42  Do not dress the Truth in the garb of falsehood and do not knowingly suppress the Truth.

2:43  Maintain the Prayers for anchor, give Zakat and bow down with others who bow down.

2:44  Do you preach about the aspects of righteousness to people, and you forget your own selves, whereas you recite the Scripture? Do you then [recite] without trying to understand?

2:45  Seek assistance through perseverance and Prayer. It indeed is a formidable commitment, except for the submissive ones—

2:46  the ones who assume that they are ever in the presence of their Rabb, and that unto HIM they are ever returning.

2:47  O children of Israel recall MY blessing which I had bestowed upon you, and it was I Who graced you over all the realms.

2:48  Be conscious of a day when no soul will redeem another in any way, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will any reparation be taken from it, nor will they be aided.

2:49  And [recall] when WE delivered you from the ilk of Pharaoh. They were subjecting you to the direst of torments, slaughtering your sons and keeping your women alive. In that there was a tremendous test for you from your Rabb.

2:50  And [recall] when WE split the sea around you and saved you thus, and WE drowned the ilk of Pharaoh while you were watching.

2:51  And [recall] when WE appointed forty nights for Moses. Then, in his absence, you took to the calf and fell into spiritual darkness.

2:52  Then, after that, WE pardoned you to enable you to be grateful.

2:53  And [recall] when WE gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion [differentiating right from wrong], to enable you to acquire guidance.

2:54  And [recall] when Moses said to his people, “O my people, you have indeed wronged your souls by your adoption of the calf [for god]. Turn therefore in repentance to your Maker and purge yourselves—that is better for you in the sight of your Maker.” Thereupon, HE accepted your repentance. HE, truly, is oft-relenting, forever merciful.

2:55  And [recall] when you all said to Moses, “O Moses, never will we [fully] believe you, until we physically see Allah in plain shape. Accordingly, as you were waiting [to see God], the thunderbolt struck you.

2:56  Then, after your death, WE resurrected you, to enable you to be grateful.

2:57  WE spread the clouds upon you as shade and WE sent down manna and salwa upon you, [to say]: “Eat from amongst the pristine things that WE have provided for your sustenance.” They did not wrong US, but they were doing wrong to their own selves.

2:58  And [recall] when WE said, “Enter this settlement, and eat with freedom at any place you will. Pass through the gate bowing and utter a petition of relief from the burden of your sins. WE shall forgive you your sins and will surely increase OUR largesse for those who selflessly do good, in devotion to God.”

2:59  Even so, those who did wrong substituted the pleading with other than that which was stated to them. So, WE sent down a pestilence upon those who did wrong because they were being iniquitous.

2:60  And [recall] when Moses sought water for his people. To which WE said, “Tap the stone with your staff.” Dutifully, twelve springs gushed forth from it. Each people came to know their drinking place. [It was said], “Eat, and drink from the sustenance of Allah and do not act wickedly, causing discord and disharmony in the land.

2:61  And [recall] when you said, “O Moses, it is impossible for us to be content with only one kind of food. Therefore, plead on our behalf with your Rabb that HE brings forth for us from what the earth produces—its herbs, its squashes, its garlic, its lentils, and its onions.” Said he [i.e., Moses], “Do you seek to take in exchange that which is lowly for that which is better? Descend upon a capital city— what you have asked for is surely there for you.” And disgrace and destitution were stamped upon them. And they again incurred the indignation of Allah— that because they were rejecting the signs of Allah and killing the Prophets without right. That because they had disobeyed and were crossing bounds.

2:62  Those who have believed, and those who have followed the Jewish Faith and the Christians and the Sabeans—whoso came to believe in Allah and the Last Day and did righteous works, for them is a reward with their Rabb. No fear is to be upon them, and neither shall they grieve.

2:63  And [recall] when WE took your pledge, while WE raised the mountain above you [in witness]: “Take to what WE have bestowed upon you with firmness and remember what is in it, to enable you to be conscious of God.”

2:64  Then you turned away after that [pledge]. If it were not for the grace of Allah upon you and HIS mercy, you would surely have been of the ones who lost it all.

2:65  You have known of those from among you who broke the Sabbath. Thereupon WE said to them: “Be apes, irredeemably feeble [of resolve].”

2:66  We rendered them such as a fitting deterrence for what transpired in their time and for what followed them; and an admonition for the God-conscious.

2:67  And [recall] when Moses said to his people, “ALLAH! HE commands you that you sacrifice a cow.” They said, “Do you take us to be as playthings?” [Moses] said, “I seek protection with Allah that I ever be of the ignorant ones.”

2:68  They said, “Ask your Rabb on our behalf to make it plain to us as to which one.” [Moses] said, “HE says, ‘A cow, neither old nor young, middling of age between that.’ So, do as you have been commanded.”

2:69  They said, “Ask your Rabb on our behalf to make it plain to us as to what color.” He [Moses] said, “HE says, ‘A cow, bright saffron its hue, and pleasing to the beholders.’”

2:70  They said, “Ask your Rabb on our behalf to make it plain to us as to which one. Truly, all cows look alike to us. We will indeed, if God has willed, be unambiguously rightly guided.”

2:71  He [Moses] said, “HE says, ‘For sure a cow not ploughing the land or watering the field, sound and no defect in it.” Said they, “Now you have come with the truth.” So, they sacrificed her, having come close to not doing anything.”

2:72  And [recall] when you killed a soul, implicating one another in it, whereas Allah exposes at will what you conceal.

2:73  WE said, "Scrutinize it with parts of it." In that way, Allah gives life to the dead and shows you HIS signs, to enable you to apply reason.

2:74  Even after all that, your hearts hardened like stones— or even harder. And of certain, amongst stones there are indeed some from which streams gush forth, and certainly, from amongst them is such which readily splits so water may pass through it. And behold, of them are some which fall from their perch in awe of Allah. Allah is not in any way unaware about what you do.

2:75  Do you [O believers] then long that they believe alongside you, even while a group from among them was used to hearing the message of Allah and then distorting it after they had understood it? And they do well know.

2:76  When they meet with those who have believed, they say, “We have believed.” And when they huddle amongst themselves, they say, “Do you inform them with what Allah has laid open for you, so they could debate you through it— [something which is] with your Rabb? Do you not apply reason!”

2:77  Do they not know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they declare?

2:78  And among them are the unlettered ones, without any knowledge of the timeless Book, except wishful claims. They do no more than presume.

2:79  Woe, then, unto those who write the Book with their own hands and then say this is directly from Allah— to purchase with it a paltry [worldly] gain. Woe, then, unto them for what their hands have written and woe unto them for what they have thus earned.

2:80  They say, “The fire will not graze us except for limited number of days.” Say, “Have you extracted a pledge from Allah—for Allah never breaks HIS pledge. Or are you saying about Allah that which you do not know.”

2:81  Nay! Whosoever has earned an ill deed his folly has circumscribed him— [deservedly then], such are reapers of the fire. In it they abide.

2:82  Whereas those who have embraced Faith and have done the right deeds— they are deserving beneficiaries of the Garden. In it they abide.

2:83  And [recall] when WE took a pledge from the children of Israel: Do not worship except Allah and be good with your parents and with kindred, and with orphans, and with the needy and speak amiably to fellow human beings; maintain the Prayers for anchor and give Zakat. Thereafter you turned away, except for a few of you, and you were being averse [to your pledge].

2:84  And [recall] when WE took your pledge: not to shed your blood and not to eject [any part] of your own selves from your habitations. To which you agreed, and you attest.

2:85  Thereafter, here you are, killing yourselves and ejecting a party of you from their homes, ganging up against them in wrongdoing and enmity. If they come to be your captives [in your protective custody], you demand ransom for them, while their eviction was explicitly forbidden to you! So, is it that you believe in part of the Scripture and reject the other part? What then should be the recompense for such amongst you, who behaves thusly, except moral disgrace in the earthly life? And [that] on the Day of Resurrection, they be made to face the severest of punishments? Allah is not anywise unaware about what you do.

2:86  Those are the ones who have purchased the earthly life with the Hereafter. So, the punishment will not be alleviated from them, nor will they be helped.

2:87  WE did indeed give to Moses the Scripture and followed it up with Messengers. WE gave Jesus, son of Mary, telling proofs and WE empowered him with the Spirit of the Holy. Is it not that every time a Messenger came to you with that which was not to your liking, you arrogantly defied? A set [of them] you persistently denied while a set [of them] you would go on to kill.

2:88  They said, “Our hearts are draped [and insular thereby].” On the contrary, Allah has denounced them due to their disbelief. So little is what they will believe.

2:89  And when there has come to them a Scripture from Allah [i.e., the Quran], as a validator of that which is with them, while heretofore they were seeking victory over the disbelievers. So now, when there has come to them that which they have recognized as authentic— they have disbelieved in it! Due therefore, is Allah’s denunciation of the disbelievers.

2:90  Dismal is what they procured by selling their souls, that they reject what Allah has sent down, resenting that Allah would send down of HIS bounty upon whoever of HIS devotees HE wills. Thus, they reincurred indignation upon indignation. For the rebellious of faith, is a humbling punishment.

2:91  When it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah has revealed,” they say, “We believe in what has been revealed upon us,” and they disbelieve in what has followed it, even though it is the truth, as a validator for what is with them. Say, “Then why did you slay Allah’s prophets ere this, if you were believers [in what was revealed upon you]”

2:92  And Moses did indeed come to you with telling proofs, then after his absence, you took to [worshipping] the calf, and you were wrongdoers.

2:93  And [recall] when WE took your pledge, while the mountain, WE raised above you [witnessed]: “Take what WE have given you with firmness and do hear.” Said they, “We have heard, and we have disobeyed.” The calf had been infused into their hearts, through their disbelief. Say, “Dismal is what your faith impels you to, if you are believers."

2:94  Say, “If the home of the Hereafter with Allah is yours to have, to the exclusion of people at large, then long for death, if you be truthful.”

2:95  And never are they to ever long for it because of what their hands have sent ahead. Allah is ever knowing of the wrongdoers.

2:96  And you will most certainly find them to be the most possessive of men over life—even more than the idolaters. [Each] one of them would love being given a life of a thousand years. But that extended life would not be a means of his extrication from the punishment. Allah is ever seeing of what they do.

2:97  Say, “Whoever is in enmity to Gabriel— [it is Gabriel who], by Allah’s leave, brought it [i.e., the Quran] down upon your heart, as guidance and a divine tiding for believers, with validation for what was before it.”

2:98  Whoever is in enmity to Allah, HIS Angels, HIS Messengers, Gabriel, and Michael— indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.

2:99  Of certain, WE have sent down upon you telling signs and none will reject them except the iniquitous.

2:100  Is it not that whenever they made a covenant, a faction from them cast it aside? Nay! Most of them do not believe.

2:101  [And now] when there has come to them a Messenger from Allah, confirming that which is with them, a faction from among those who were given the Scripture, tossed the scripture of Allah behind their backs, as if they do not know.

2:102  They followed what was orated by the satanic entities, based on the reign of Solomon, while Solomon did not reject the path of truth. But the satanic entities rejected the path of truth, teaching people the magic [of their time] and that which was sent down upon the two angels in Babylon— Harut and Marut. Nor do the two angels teach anyone unless they first warn, “We are only a temptation, so do not reject the path of truth. Yet they learn from the two what splits man from his wife. But not through it can they be a source of harm to anyone except by the permission of Allah. What they learn harms them and it does not profit them. And they well know that whoever has acquired it, for him is not any portion in the Hereafter. They sold their souls for misery if they were to know.

2:103  Had they embraced Faith and attained to God-consciousness, a sure reward from Allah would have been better. Had it been for them to know!

2:104  O you who have embraced Faith, do not say [to the Prophet] "Rāʿinā" but instead say, "Unẓur'nā" and listen to what is said; for the scoffers of faith is a painful punishment.

2:105  Neither the scoffers of faith from the people of the Scripture, nor the polytheists cherish the sending down of any good from your Rabb upon you. Allah selects in HIS mercy whoever HE wills. Allah is the owner of the transcendent bounty.

2:106  Whatever of any of OUR messages WE let to be transcribed or whatever WE cause to be forgotten, WE bring one with more goodness than the former or like it. Do you not know that Allah has almighty control over all things?

2:107  Do you not know that to Allah belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and that for you, besides HIM, is neither an ally nor a helper?

2:108  Or do you wish that you question your messenger [from God], just like Moses was questioned before? Whoever exchanges Faith for the contrarian path—for certain, he has strayed from the defined confines of the Way.

2:109  A continuing many from among the people of the Scripture would have loved it, if they could have turned you back to disbelief after your attainment to faith—out of the envy they harbor within themselves, even after the truth has become abundantly clear to them. Nonetheless, efface and let it pass, until comes the command of Allah. Indeed, Allah has almighty control over all things.

2:110  Maintain the Prayers for anchor and give Zakat. Whatever goodness you send ahead for your soul, you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah has a clear insight into what you do.

2:111  They say none shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian. Those are their wishful claims. Say, “Show your proof if you be truthful.”

2:112  Nay! Whoever has surrendered his being to Allah, and is selflessly good unto others— for him, his reward is with Allah. And no fear is to be upon them, and neither shall they grieve.

2:113  The [exclusivists of the] Jews say that the [exclusivists of the] Christians have nothing upon which [they stake their faith] and the [exclusivists of the] Christians say the [exclusivists of the] Jews have nothing upon which [they stake their faith], while they [both] read and preach the Scripture. Likewise, is said a similar saying by those who do not know. So then, Allah shall judge between them on the Day of Resurrection, in all that wherein they chose to differ.

2:114  Who does more wrong than one who has forbidden—in the very places of worship of Allah—the remembrance of HIS name and strives for their ruin? It is not for those (who forbid) to enter these places except in fear. For them there is moral disgrace in the world, and for them in the Hereafter is a transcendent consequence.

2:115  To Allah belong the East and the West. Therefore, wherever you turn— [assuredly] there— is the Face of Allah. Truly, Allah is infinite and forever completely knowing.

2:116  They said Allah has taken a son. Beyond all limits is HE, Exalted, Mighty and Supreme. Nay! To HIM belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth. All are ever devoutly obedient to HIM.

2:117  Originator of the heavens and the earth, when HE decrees a matter, HE says to it, “Be”—so it comes into being.

2:118  Said those who lack knowledge, “Why does Allah not speak to us, or a [miraculous] sign not come to us?” Likewise, a similar saying was expressed by those before them. Alike are their hearts. WE indeed have made the signs clear for a people who pursue certainty.

2:119  Surely, WE have sent you with the Truth—as a conveyor of divine tidings and a warner. And you will not be asked to account for the reapers of Jaḥīm.

2:120  Never will the [exclusivists of the] Jews be pleased with you, and neither will be the [exclusivists of the] Christians, until you follow their creed. Say, “The guidance of Allah— that is the Guidance [to rely on].” And, assuredly, if you follow their whims after what has come to you from the [divine] knowledge, there will not be a protector or a helper to shield you from Allah.

2:121  Those to whom WE have given the Scripture, and those who read and heed it as it should be read and heeded—it is they who believe in it; while whoever disbelieves in it, [having lost their chance to gain the Truth]— they are the losers.

2:122  O children of Israel remember MY blessing which I bestowed upon you, and it was I who graced you over all the realms.

2:123  And be conscious of a day when no soul will redeem another in any way. And not any reparation will be accepted from it, nor will it profit by an intercession, nor will they be aided.

2:124  And [remember] when Abraham was put to test by his Rabb through pronouncements, and he carried out all of them. HE said, “I am your maker— [Who made you] a leader for humankind.” He said, “And from my progeny?” HE said, “My promise does not extend to the wrongdoers.”

2:125  And [remember] when WE made the House, a much-frequented place for humankind, and a sanctuary. And take [you all] from Abraham’s station a dedicated venue of prayer. And [for this purpose] WE had covenanted with Abraham and Ishmael: “Purify MY House for the devotees who come to circumambulate, and the devotees in spiritual retreat, and the devotees who bow and prostate.”

2:126  And [remember] when Abraham prayed, “O My Rabb, make this a secure territory and feed its dwellers from the fruits [of their devotion]—whoever among them believes in Allah and the Last Day. HE said, “And whoever has spurned faith, I shall let him indulge a little then I shall compel him toward the punishment of the fire. And miserable is the end.

2:127  And [remember] when Abraham and Ishmael were elevating the foundational tenets of the House, [praying], “Our Rabb, do accept this from us, YOU are the all-hearing, the ever knowing.

2:128  Our Rabb, render us both surrendered unto to YOU [i.e., make us Muslims] and [render] from our progeny a community surrendered unto YOU and show us our rites and accept our repentance. Surely, YOU are the acceptor of repentance, the ever merciful.

2:129  Our Rabb, raise in their midst a Messenger from among them who will convey to them YOUR signs and will teach them the timeless Book and wisdom and purify them spiritually. YOU indeed are the almighty, the all-wise.”

2:130  And who would be disinclined to the spiritual legacy of Abraham except one fooled by his own ego. WE did choose him in the world, and in the Hereafter, he shall be among the righteous.

2:131  Whenever his Rabb said to him, “Surrender,” he said, “I have surrendered to the Rabb of all realms.”

2:132  And Abraham bequeathed by it [i.e., his surrender] to his sons, and Jacob [in turn] too: “O my sons, Allah has chosen this Faith for you, so die not save while you are as ones surrendered unto HIM.”

2:133  Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, the while he asked his sons, “What will you worship after I am gone?” They replied, “We will worship your God and the God of our forefathers, Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac—the One God. Unto HIM we are ever surrendered.”

2:134  Those are a set of people who have passed away— for them is what they earned. And for you is what you have earned. You will not be questioned about what they were doing.

2:135  They said, “Be Jews or Christians to be rightly guided.” Say, “Nay! [The one true creed is] the creed of Abraham, the Truth seeker. He was not of the polytheists.”

2:136  [O believers], say, “We believe in Allah and what has been sent down upon us and what was sent down to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Tribes and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the Prophets by their Rabb. We make no distinction between any of them. We are ever surrendered unto HIM [i.e., Muslims].

2:137  So then, if they believe in likeness to what you believe in, they are already rightly guided. If they turn away, then it is they who are in schism. Allah will always suffice to protect you from them. And HE is the all-hearing, the ever knowing.

2:138  [All creation carries] a hue of Allah. Who could assign a better hue than Allah? And we are mere slaves unto HIM.”

2:139  Say, “Do you dispute with us about Allah, while He is our Rabb and your Rabb? For us, our deeds and for you, your deeds. We are faithfully sincere to HIM.”

2:140  Or do you say, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say, “Do you have more knowledge or Allah?” Who is more unjust than one who has concealed a testimonial which is with him, and which is from Allah? Allah is not in any way unaware about what you do.

2:141  That is a set of people who have passed away. For them is what they earned and for you is what you have earned. You will not be questioned about what they were doing.

2:142  The foolish amongst the people will ask, “What turned them away from the direction of prayer which they were upon?” Say, “To Allah belong the East and the West. HE guides whom HE wills to a timelessly straight path.”

2:143  Thus, have WE made you a centered community so that you may be witnesses over humankind, and that the Messenger be a witness over you. The direction of prayer, which you were [previously] upon, was not appointed by US except to bring out who will follow the Messenger versus who will turn back on his heels [when the direction is changed to the Inviolable House of Worship]. It was indeed a huge ask, except of those who Allah had guided. Allah is not One to let your faith go to waste. Allah is to humankind, most kind, ever merciful.

2:144  WE did see your face turned to the Heavens. So, [in answer to your prayer], WE most certainly are turning you to a direction of prayer which pleases you. So then, turn your face in the direction of the Inviolable House of Worship. Wherever you are, turn your faces in its direction. Know, that those who were given the Scripture well know that this is the Truth from their Rabb. Allah is not oblivious of what they do.

2:145  And even if you bring every sign to the ones given the Scripture— they will not follow your direction of prayer and not are you [in any obligation to be] a follower of their direction of prayer and neither are some of them [in any obligation to be] followers of the direction of prayers of others. And of certain if you followed their whims after that which from the true knowledge has come to you— you, in that case, would be one of the wrongdoers.

2:146  Those to whom WE gave the Scripture are as familiar with it as they are familiar with their sons. Yet a party of them do indeed conceal the Truth, while they do well know.

2:147  The Truth is from your Rabb—do not you ever be of the skeptical ones.

2:148  For every aim, HE is its aligner. So [rest your trust in HIM and], seek to be foremost in good works. Wherever you be, Allah will bring you forth, all together. Allah has almighty control over all things and their measure.

2:149  From wherever you took leave [for prayer]— turn your face in the direction of the Inviolable House of Worship. That is the assured right from your Rabb. Allah is not in any way unaware about what you do.

2:150  From wherever you take leave [for prayer]— turn your face in the direction of the Inviolable House of Worship. And wherever you [believers] be, turn your faces in its direction, so that people in general have no argument attributable to you, except those of them given to misattribution. Do not be in awe of them but be in awe of ME, so that I may fulfil MY blessing upon you and enable you to be rightly guided.

2:151  In line [with what was prayed for by Abraham], WE sent you a Messenger from amongst you who recites to you OUR signs and purifies you and teaches you the timeless words of Scripture and wisdom. He teaches you that which you do not know.

2:152  Therefore, remember ME and I will remember you. Be grateful to ME and do not deny ME.

2:153  O you who have embraced Faith, seek assistance through perseverance and prayer. Of certain, Allah is with the persevering.

2:154  And do not say about those who are killed in the cause of Allah, “They are dead.” Nay, they are alive, but you do not perceive.

2:155  WE shall indeed test you by means of fear, and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives, and the fruits [of your labor]. Give divine tidings to the persevering.

2:156  The ones who when a disastrous ordeal strikes them, they say, “Surely, we belong to Allah, and of certain, unto HIM we are returning.”

2:157  Those ones— upon them are blessings from their Rabb and mercy. And those very ones are the rightly guided.

2:158  Saffa and Marwah surely are amongst the commemorative markers of Allah. So, whoever performs Hajj or Umrah at the House, no offense is attributable to him if he makes the ritual circuit around them. For whosoever volunteers to undertake a good—surely, Allah is appreciative and ever knowing.

2:159  It is those who conceal what WE sent down of OUR telling proofs and Guidance after WE made it clear for humankind in the Scripture, those Allah abandons to their fate, and they will be denounced by all who have the discernment to denounce.

2:160  Except those who repent and make amends and bring into the open [the Truth they are concealing]. Thereupon, from those I accept repentance. I am the ready acceptor of repentance, the ever merciful.

2:161  It is those who have rejected the Truth and died while they are in the state of active disbelief, such as they, on them is the denunciation of Allah, and the angels and humankind, collectively and together.

2:162  Abiding therein. Their punishment will not be alleviated from them, nor will they be reprieved.

2:163  Your God is ONE God. There is no god but HE, the Source of Mercy, the ever merciful.

2:164  Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the contrast of the night and the day; and [in] the vessels which ply the sea, bearing that which profits humankind; and [in] what Allah has sent down from the sky of [measured] water, through which HE has given life to the earth after its death, and has spread therein a selection of all kinds of living beings; and [in the] free inflections of the winds, and the clouds channeled into service between the earth and the sky—[in all these are] vibrant signs for a people who apply reason [to gain understanding].

2:165  And yet there are amongst humankind those who adopt peers besides Allah, showing attachment to them as if it were attachment to Allah. Whereas those who have believed, their highest attachment is for Allah. If those who do wrong could but see [here and now, the moment ahead]— when they see the punishment [and realize] that power belongs to Allah in its totality and that Allah is stern of punishment—

2:166  When those who were followed will have disowned those who followed them, having seen the punishment. And all recourses will have severed from them.

2:167  And those who followed, lamented, “If we could have a redo— we would surely disown them as they have disowned us. Thus, shall Allah show them their deeds, as regrets obsessing them. And they are not to be exiting the fire.

2:168  O Humankind, eat of the earth that which is purely lawful. Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. Hearken, he is a blatant enemy to you.

2:169  He bids you only the odious and all indecencies, and also that you attribute to Allah what you do not know.

2:170  When it is said to them, follow what Allah has revealed, they say, we in fact follow [the way] upon which we routinely found our forefathers. What! Even if their forefathers were not using their intellect to understand anything and not on right guidance?

2:171  The example of those who oppose the Truth is like the example of one who joins a cawing call, in which he hears nothing except an invitation and an alarm call. Deaf, dumb, and blind are they because they do not apply their intellect.

2:172  O you who have embraced Faith, eat of the pristine and wholesome things by which WE sustain you. Be grateful to Allah if it is only HIM you worship.

2:173  Allah has forbidden only the carrion, and blood, and the flesh of swine and that over which other than the name of Allah has been invoked. Whoever is forced by necessity—other than wanting and not beyond limits of need—no sin shall be upon him. Of certain, Allah is forgiving and ever merciful.

2:174  Verily, those who conceal [any part] of what Allah has revealed from the timeless Book and trade it for a paltry [worldly] value, they are stuffing in their bellies nothing but fire. Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, neither does HE purify them. Theirs will be a painful punishment.

2:175  Those very ones have taken error in exchange of Guidance, and punishment in exchange of forgiveness. So then, what awards them perseverance against the fire [other than deafness, dumbness, and blindness]?

2:176  That because Allah has sent down HIS timeless Book, in [expression of] the Truth while those who set themselves in disagreement with the Scripture are surely in a far-gone breach.

2:177  The embodiment of righteousness is not the turning of your faces in the direction of the East or the West. But the embodiment of righteousness is one who has believed in Allah, and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the timeless Book, and the Prophets; and has given of his wealth—for the love of HIM—to those who are close by right of kinship, the orphans, the needy, the wayfarer, those who ask, and for the freeing of slaves; and one who has made Prayer an anchor and given Zakat. And the keepers and fulfillers of their promises whenever they have promised, and the ones who persevered through the tribulations and the adversities [they faced] and [persevered] during times of peril. It is they who have been truthful, and those very ones are the God-conscious.

2:178  O you who have embraced Faith, in cases of murder just retribution is prescribed for you. The freeman in [a fair consideration of the circumstances of] the freeman, the slave in [a fair consideration of the circumstances of] the slave and the woman in [a fair consideration of the circumstances of] the woman. So then, whoever is pardoned, to any extent, by his brother, then a prosecution in all fairness and restitution to him with grace. This is a remittance and a mercy from your Rabb. He who transgresses after this, for him is a painful punishment.

2:179  In just retribution there is life for you, O seekers of the essence, to enable you to acquire consciousness of God.

2:180  Prescribed for you— when death is on hand for one of you [and] if he be leaving wealth behind— is the bequest for the parents and the close relatives in fairness and empathy. Incumbent is that upon the God-conscious.

2:181  So [for its sanctity], whoever alters it [i.e., the bequest], after having heard it, the sin thereof then is squarely on those who alter it. Of certain, Allah is all-hearing, ever knowing.

2:182  So [for its sanctity], whoever having feared aberrant speech or sinfulness from the testator, [and instead] reconciled between them [i.e., the affected parties] there is no sin on him. Surely, Allah is forgiving, ever merciful.

2:183  O you who have embraced Faith, fasting has been prescribed for you like it was prescribed for those before you, to enable you to nurture consciousness of God.

2:184  [Fast a] limited number of days. So, if anyone among you is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. And upon those can endure it, the expiation is a needy person’s meal. Whoever volunteers to do better, the better for him. And fasting is better for you if you were to know.

2:185  The month of Ramaḍān is the one in which the Quran was sent down as guidance for humankind, and as telling evidence of the Guidance and the Criterion [of differentiating right from wrong]. So, whoever amongst you lives to see the month, he should fast through it and whoever is sick or on a journey, then a term of other days. Allah wants ease for you— not does HE want hardship—to enable you to complete the period and celebrate Allah’s greatness for what HE has guided you with and to enable you to be thankful.

2:186  When MY devotee asks you about ME, let him know that I am near. I respond to the prayer of the supplicant when he calls ME. So let them respond to ME and believe in ME, so they may head the right way.

2:187  Sexual advance toward your wives is permitted to you during nights of the fasts. They are a [personal] robe for you, and you are a [personal] robe for them. Allah knew that you were being dishonest with yourselves, so HE turned to you and pardoned you. So now pursue them and attain to what Allah has ordained for you. And eat and drink until, with the breaking day, the white strand becomes distinct to you from the black strand. Then fulfil the fast until night. Do not pursue your wives while you are in spiritual retreat in the mosques. Those are the boundaries set by Allah. So, come not close to them. Thus does Allah make HIS messages clear to all the people, enabling them to remain conscious of HIM.

2:188  Do not consume your possessions between yourselves in false pursuits [or through false claims] nor dangle them at the judges, to sinfully consume any part of peoples’ possessions, while you well know.

2:189  They ask you about the new moons. Say they are time-markers for people and for the Pilgrimage. And not is it the embodiment of righteousness that you [discreetly] approach residences from their rear, but the embodiment of righteousness is one who is conscious of God. And approach the houses from their doors and be conscious of God to enable you to attain transcendent success.

2:190  Fight, in the way of Allah against those who are fighting you. And do not transgress. Of certain, Allah does not love the transgressors.

2:191  And slay them [those who would slay you] inasmuch as you encounter them and drive them out from where they drove you out. The persecution [of peaceful worshippers] is more severe [a violation of the sanctity of time and place] than the killing [resulting from a declared war of necessary redress]. But do not fight them in the Inviolable House of Worship unless they [first] fight you therein. So, if they attack you, then slay them. Such is the recompense for those who reject [the sanctity of] Faith.

2:192  But then if they desist— then Allah surely is forgiving, ever merciful.

2:193  Fight them until there is no persecution, and the religion is for Allah. Thereupon, if they desist, then there is to be no hostility except against those who persist in doing wrong.

2:194  The sacred month is by [observance of] the sacred month, and retaliation for the violations. So, whoever has aggressed against you— aggress against such in kind to the aggression against you. Remain conscious of God and know that Allah is with the God-conscious.

2:195  Spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourself] into ruin with your own hands. And do good for goodness’ sake. Indeed, Allah loves those who selflessly do good unto others.

2:196  Perform conclusively the major pilgrimage [Hajj] and the minor pilgrimage [Umrah] for Allah, and if you are held back [from doing so], then [offer] what can be conveniently obtained of the sacrificial offering. Do not shave your heads [concluding the pilgrim state] until your sacrificial offering reaches its legitimate place. And whoever among you be sick or is with an ailment effecting his head, his release is through some fasting or alms or sacrifice. And when it is that you are secure, whoever is blessed with the minor pilgrimage [Umrah] and goes on to perform Hajj, then [offer] what can be conveniently obtained of the sacrificial offering. Whoever has lacked, let him fast three days during the pilgrimage and seven days upon his return. Those are ten days altogether. That is for anyone whose family is not in attendance of the Inviolable House of Worship. Be conscious of Allah and know that Allah is firm of requital.

2:197  Hajj is specifically assigned months. So, whoever within [the months] has set his firm intent to perform the pilgrimage, then not should he behave in an obscene manner, and no iniquity, nor any confrontation through the pilgrimage. Whatever you do of any good is always known to Allah. Be with provision for yourselves, though surely, the best of provisions is God-consciousness. Be ever conscious of ME, O seekers of the essence.

2:198  It is not an offense attributable to you that [during the pilgrimage] you seek bounty from your Rabb. So, when you pour forth [cleansed and renewed] from Arafat, remember Allah by al-mashʿaril-ḥarām and remember HIM, the way HE has guided you. Whereas heretofore you were certainly of the astray.

2:199  Then pour forth [cleansed and renewed] from where many a people have poured forth [cleansed and renewed], seeking forgiveness from Allah. It is so! Allah is forgiving, ever merciful.

2:200  [Having thus renewed your connection with your Rabb], when you have completed your devotional rites, remember Allah [for your belonging to HIM] like your remembrance of your fathers [for your belonging to them]—or a more [soul] penetrating remembrance. For amongst men is such who [fixated in the here and now] prays “Our Rabb, give us in this world,” Not for him is any portion in the Hereafter.

2:201  And among them is he who prays, “Our Rabb, give us good in the world and good in the Hereafter and spare us [from] the punishment of the fire.”

2:202  Those are the ones. For them is a sure share of what they will have earned. And Allah is swift of reckoning.

2:203  Remember Allah through the appointed days. Then whoever hurries on in two days, there is no sin upon him and whoever lingers on, there is again no sin upon him—for one who remains conscious of God. Stay ever conscious of Allah and know that unto HIM will you be gathered.

2:204  And among people is one whose speech amazes you in this life, and he calls Allah to witness what is in his heart. Whereas he is the most quarrelsome of the disputants.

2:205  And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land, to sow discord in it and to destroy the tilth and posterity. Allah does not love discord.

2:206  When it is said to him fear Allah, his hubris coupled with his sinfulness, seizes him. So, Jahannam is his reckoning, and surely miserable is the resting place.

2:207  And among the people is he who equates his worth to the pursuit of the assent of Allah. And Allah is most kind to HIS devotees.

2:208  O you who have embraced Faith, enter Islam [i.e., peaceful submission] wholly and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Surely, he is a blatant enemy to you.

2:209  For if you lapse after the telling proofs have come to you, then know that Allah is almighty, ever wise.

2:210  Are they looking for anything short of Allah and the angels coming to them in the backdrop of the clouds? And the matter be done with? Whereas unto Allah are all matters returned.

2:211  Ask the children of Israel how many of OUR telling signs WE gave to them. Whoever substitutes Allah’s blessing after it has come to him— deservedly and surely, Allah is firm of requital.

2:212  Earthly life has been made alluring to those who reject the Truth, and they ridicule those who have embraced Faith. Those who have been conscientious will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allah bestows sustenance to whom HE wills, beyond all reckoning.

2:213  Humankind was of one creed, then Allah dispatched prophets as bearers of divine tidings and as warners and sent down with them the timeless Book, bearing the Truth, to judge between people, concerning the matters wherein they differed. And none differed in it except the ones it was given to, after the telling proofs had come to them— locked in territorial strife between them. Then Allah guided by HIS leave those who had embraced Faith, regarding the part of the Truth wherein they differed. Allah guides whom HE wills to a timelessly straight path.

2:214  Do you think that you will enter Paradise while there has not come to you the like of the tribulation and adversity which scrubbed those who have passed away before you? They were shaken to the extent that the Messenger along with those who believed with him pled, “When will the help of Allah arrive?” Without question and of certain, the help of Allah is always near.

2:215  They ask you what to spend. Say, “Whatever you spend of any good— for parents, and for those in proximity to you, and the orphans, and the needy and the wayfarer.” There is not any good that you do, but Allah is ever knowing of it.

2:216  Fighting has been ordained upon you though it is hateful to you. It may well be that you hate a thing while it is good for you, and it may well be that you love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows whereas you do not know.

2:217  They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say, “Fighting therein is a monstrous [trespass], but hindering people from Allah’s path and rejecting HIM and [hindering people] from the Inviolable House of Worship and expelling its residents from it is a more monstrous [trespass] in the sight of Allah. The persecution [of peaceful worshippers] is greater [of a violation of the sanctity of time and place] than the killing [resulting from a declared war of necessary redress]. They will not cease to fight you until they make you turn away from your faith—if they have the capacity. Whoever from among you backs away from his faith and dies while he is in rejection of the Truth— their works have miscarried in the world and in the Hereafter. They are the reapers of the fire, abiders therein.

2:218  Those who have embraced Faith and those who emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah—those have hope of the mercy of Allah. Allah is forgiving, ever merciful.

2:219  They ask you about the intoxicants and the gambling [in your midst]. Say in both there is a far-reaching sin, and gains for men. The sin of them both is greater than the gain in both. They ask you what they should spend. Say, “That which you can forgo.” Thus, Allah makes HIS messages clear for you, to enable you to reflect deeply,

2:220  into the worldly life and the Hereafter. They ask you about the orphans. Say, “To improve their lot is best.” If you absorb them [in your households]— they are your brothers. Allah knows the spoiler from the restorer. If Allah had willed, HE could have made the undertaking [of caring for an orphan] more exacting. Know that Allah is almighty, all-wise.

2:221  Do not marry polytheistic women until they believe [in Allah]. A believing slave woman is better than a polytheistic woman, even if she be amazing to you. And do not give them in marriage to the polytheists until they come to believe [in Allah]. And indeed, a believing slave is better than an idolatrous man, even if he be amazing to you. They invite to the fire while Allah invites to the Garden and to Forgiveness by HIS leave and HE makes plain his messages for humankind, to enable them to mindfully reflect.

2:222  They ask you regarding menstruation. Say, “it is an impairment.” So, refrain from your women during menstruation and do not approach them until they have cleansed. Then when they have cleansed, come to them in a way Allah has directed you. Know that Allah loves those who turn to HIM in repentance, and HE loves those who maintain cleanliness.

2:223  Your women are your field to plant. So, come to your field where and how you will and prepare yourselves and stay conscious of Allah. Know that you are destined to meet HIM. And give divine tidings to the believers.

2:224  Do not make Allah a liability to your oaths, [to inhibit you], that you always do right and remain conscientious and make peace between people. Allah is all-hearing, ever knowing.

2:225  Allah will not take you to task for your oaths taken in impulse, but HE will take you to task for what your hearts have intended. Allah is forgiving, ever forbearing.

2:226  For those who swear to abstain from their wives— a waiting period of four months. Then if they return [to each other]— Indeed Allah is forgiving, ever merciful.

2:227  And if they have resolved on divorce, even so, Allah indeed is all-hearing, ever knowing.

2:228  The divorced women will wait, keeping to themselves, for three [menstrual] periods. It is not proper for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs— if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And in that [circumstance] their husband-guardians have first right in their coming back if they intend reconciliation. And for them [the women] are similar [rights and obligations] which are [incumbent] upon them— in fairness and empathy. The men are a degree above them [in right and duty]. Allah is almighty, all-wise.

2:229  Divorce is two times— then a retention in fairness and empathy or a release with grace. It is not permitted for you to take anything from what you had given to them, except if both fear that they cannot uphold the limits set by Allah. Thereupon, if you [i.e., the arbiters from the community] fear that the two cannot uphold the limits set by Allah, then there is no offense attributable to either of them if the woman secures a release with it [i.e., the dowry given by the husband when they got married]. These are the boundaries set by Allah— do not transgress them. Whosoever transgresses the limits set by Allah, it is they who are the unjust.

2:230  Then if he has divorced her, she is not thereafter lawful unto him until she marries a man other than him, and then if the latter has divorced her. In such a case there is no offense attributable to them that they get back together, if they both are sure that they can uphold the limits set by Allah. Those are limits set by Allah. HE makes them clear for a people who [seek to] know.

2:231  When you divorce your wives and they reach their [waiting] term, then retain them in fairness and empathy or release them in fairness and empathy. Do not retain them spitefully, that you transgress. Whosoever does that, he has done a disservice to himself. Do not adopt MY verses frivolously and remember the blessing of Allah upon yourselves and what has been sent upon you of the timeless Book and the wisdom, through which HE instructs you. Be ever conscious of Allah and know that Allah is ever knowing about all things.

2:232  When you have divorced your wives and then they have reached the end of their term, do not hinder them from marrying their husbands when they willingly agree between them, based on fairness and empathy. That is counseled to those among you who believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the most noble and most pure [course] for you. Allah knows whereas you do not know.

2:233  And the mothers are to suckle their children for two full years, for whoso has intended that the suckling be completed. It is incumbent upon him to whom the child is born, to provide for their sustenance and clothing, in a fair and empathic manner. No soul is to be tasked beyond its capacity. No mother is to be subjected to a hardship in connection with her child, nor he to whom the child is born in connection to his child. And the like of that is incumbent upon the heir. However, if they both want weaning, through consent and consultation between the two, no offense is attributable to either of them. And if you desire for your children to be suckled by a foster-mother, no offense is attributable to you, when you give in custody what [i.e., the child and child support] you give, in fairness and equity. Be ever conscious of Allah and know that Allah is ever seeing of all that you do.

2:234  Those from amongst you who are taken in death and leave behind spouses— they [i.e., widows] should, in regard to themselves, wait for a period of four months and ten [days]. Then when they have reached the end of their terms, there is no offense attributable to you [believers] in that they choose what to do with themselves in a fair and considered manner. Allah is ever aware with what you do.

2:235  And no offense is attributable to you, in that you intimated [during the term] a proposal of marriage to [these] women or held it close within yourselves. Allah knows that you will dwell on them, but do not promise them secretly— except stating a proper word. And do not resolve to tie the marriage knot until the prescribed waiting time reaches its term. And know that Allah knows what is in your souls, so beware of HIM. Know that Allah is forgiving, ever forbearing.

2:236  There is no offense attributable to you, if you divorce women whom you did not touch nor assume an obligation to them. [Even so] provide for them—incumbent is it upon the resourceful by his measure, and upon the one of limited means, by his measure—a provision in fairness and empathy. An incumbency due upon those who do good selflessly.

2:237  And if you divorce your wives before ever touching them, and you had assumed an obligation to them; then [you owe] half of what you assumed unless they forgo, or he, by whose hand the marriage knot was tied, forgoes. Whereas your forgoing is closer to God-consciousness. Forget not the essential grace between yourselves. Hearken, Allah is ever seeing of all that you do.

2:238  Be conscientious about the [daily] prayers and the central prayer. And stand devoutly in obedience to Allah.

2:239  If you be in fear, then [pray] on your feet or while mounted. Then when you are secure, remember Allah in the manner HE taught you— which you had [heretofore] not known.

2:240  Those among you who are taken in death and leave behind spouses, [implicit is] a bequeath for their spouses’ maintenance for the year, without having to leave [their husbands’ homes]. [Having been thus assured], if they leave, there is no offense attributable to you as to the fair and proper action they take for themselves. Allah is almighty, all-wise.

2:241  Provision for divorced women with fairness and empathy is duly incumbent upon the God-conscious.

2:242  Thus does Allah make HIS messages clear to you, to enable you to rationally understand.

2:243  Have you not considered those who fled their homes, in wariness of death, while they were in the thousands? So, Allah said unto them, “Die.” Then HE gave them life again. Indeed! Allah is the categorical Source-Owner of the bounty upon all men, but most people are ungrateful.

2:244  Fight in the cause of Allah and know that Allah is ever hearing, ever knowing.

2:245  Who is the one to lend to Allah a beautiful loan, so HE multiplies it for him many times over? And it is Allah— HE constricts and expands, and to HIM you are being returned.

2:246  Have you not considered the leaders among the children of Israel after Moses, when they said to a Prophet of theirs, “Install a king for us, we will fight in the way of Allah.” He said, “Is it possible, if fighting were prescribed for you that you will not fight?” They said, “And what could possibly make us not fight in the way of Allah now that we have already been displaced from our homes and our structures?” Yet when it came to be that fighting was prescribed from them, they turned away except a few. Allah is ever knowing of the wrongdoers.

2:247  Their Prophet said to them, “Behold! Allah has raised Saul as king over you.” They said, “How and why is it for him to have kingdom over us, when we have a greater right to the kingdom than him? And not has he been given the vastness of wealth!” He said, “Allah has chosen him over you, and HE has magnified him in Knowledge and physical stature. Allah gives HIS kingdom to whom HE wills. Allah is infinite, ever knowing.

2:248  And their Prophet said to them, “A definite sign of his kingship is that the chest will come to you, wherein is calming reassurance from your Rabb and remnants of what was left behind by the lineage of Moses and the lineage of Aaron. The angels will bear it. Surely, in that is a definite sign for you, if you be believers.

2:249  At length when Saul was done sorting out the troops he said, “Hearken! Allah will put you through a test by the river. Whoever drinks from it will not be of me, and whoever will not partake of it, he indeed will be of me. Excepted is he who drinks a single scoop in the palm of his hand. Yet they drank from it, except a few among them. Then when he moved past it— he and those who had kept faith alongside him, said, “We lack the power today against Goliath and his troops.” Said those who had contemplated meeting Allah, “How many times have fewer troops overpowered much larger troop strengths with the permission of Allah!” Allah is with the persevering.

2:250  When they came face to face with Goliath and his army, they said, “Our Rabb, pour out patience upon us and give us strength to stand our ground and help us against the people who fight the Truth.

2:251  So, by the leave of Allah they routed them, and David slew Goliath and Allah gave him the kingdom along with the wisdom and taught him of what HE willed. If it were not for Allah’s pushing back of men, some through others, the earth would be in rot. Yet Allah is the Source-Owner of bounty upon all realms.

2:252  Those there are signs of Allah. WE recite them unto you, with the right [that belongs to the Messenger and the Truth]. And you most certainly are of the Messengers.

2:253  Those Messengers—WE graced some above others. Among them are such who Allah spoke with and some HE raised above others in degrees. WE gave Jesus, son of Mary, telling proofs and aided him with the Spirit of the Holy. If Allah had willed, those who came after them would not have contended amongst themselves, after the telling proofs had come to them. But they differed. So, of them are some who embraced Faith and of them are some who disbelieved. If Allah had willed, they would not have contended between themselves, but Allah does what HE intends.

2:254  O you who have embraced Faith, spend [in alms] of what WE have provided you with, before the onset of a day in which there is no bargaining, no friendship, and no intercession. And the disbelievers, they are the unjust.

2:255  Allah! There is not any deity except HIM, the Ever Living, the Eternal Self-Subsisting Sustainer of all. Neither slumber nor sleep overtake HIM. For HIM is all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there to intercede with HIM, except by HIS leave? HE knows what is in their present and what is beyond them, while they encompass nothing of HIS knowledge except what HE wills. HIS seat of divine authority extends across the heavens and the earth. And their preservation strains HIM not. HE is The Exalted, The Transcendent.

2:256  There is no compulsion [whatsoever] in Faith. Sound judgement is certainly distinct from the fallacious. Whoever rejects false beliefs and overlords, and believes in Allah, he has indeed grasped the most dependable grip— not any fissure to it. Allah is all-hearing, ever knowing.

2:257  Allah is the protective guardian of those who have embraced Faith. HE takes them out of their [layers of] darkness into the Light. While those who reject the Truth, their protecting guardians are false beliefs and overlords. They take them out of the Light into the [layers of] darkness. They are the reapers of the fire; in it they abide.

2:258  Have you not turned your thought toward the one who contested with Abraham regarding his Rabb— [contesting] that Allah had given him his kingdom? When Abraham said, “My Rabb is HE WHO gives life, and HE causes death.” He said, “I give life, and I cause death.” Said Abraham, “It is Allah who brings the sun from the East, can you then bring it from the West.” Thereupon, he who was rejecting the truth, was rendered speechless. And Allah does not guide the unjust people.

2:259  Or [turn your thought to] the like of this one who passed by a town fallen into ruin. He said, “How and where will Allah give life to all this after its death.” Thereupon, Allah gave him death for a hundred years then HE resurrected him. HE asked, “How long did you tarry thus?” He said, “I tarried a day or a part of a day. HE said, “Nay you tarried a hundred years. Even so, look at your food and your drink, the years have not spoiled either. And look at your donkey. And [look at yourself] so that WE may make you a sign for humankind. And observe the bones, how WE stack them then dress them with flesh. Then, when it was explicitly shown to him, he said, “I have come to know that Allah has almighty control over all things and their measure.”

2:260  And [consider] when Abraham said to his Rabb, “My Rabb, show me how YOU give life to the dead.” HE said, “Have you not believed?” He said, “Of course, but for my heart to rest.” HE said, “So then, take any four birds and further to that bind them unto you by a call. Then [cut them up] and place a cut on every hill; then summon them, they shall hasten to you. Know that Allah is almighty, ever wise.

2:261  The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like the example of a grain, out of which grow seven ears and, in each ear, a hundred grains. Allah multiplies for whoever HE wills. Allah is infinite, ever knowing.

2:262  Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and further to that do not attach a favor or injury to what they spend, their reward is with their Rabb. No fear is to be upon them, and neither will they grieve.

2:263  A kind [and empathic] word and forgiveness are better than charity followed by an injury. Allah is self-sufficient without need, forbearing.

2:264  O you who have embraced Faith, do not void your charitable giving, [undertaking it] as the favors [you bestow] or as bothersome chores [upon you]; Like one who spends his wealth to be seen by men and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. For his example is like the example of a smooth rock, with [rich] soil upon it. So then, when deluged by torrential rain, it was left bare. No claim do they acquire. And no control do they have over anything which they have come to possess. Allah does not guide the disbelievers.

2:265  The example of those people who spend their wealth seeking the assent of Allah, and [spend] from the conviction of their inner selves, is the like the example of a garden in the highlands. So [by virtue of its height] when it is deluged by a torrential rain, it gives its harvest two-fold. And if no torrential rain had deluged it, then a gentle rain. Allah is fully seeing of all that you do.

2:266  Would any of you like that there be a garden for him, with date palms and grapes-vines, [fed] with subservient running streams. In it be all kinds of fruits for him, and then he is struck by old age while his children are still dependent, and then a whirlwind carrying fire within has struck [the garden] and incinerated it? Thus does Allah illustrate the messages to enable you to reflect.

2:267  O you who have embraced Faith, spend from the pristine and wholesome things which you have earned, or that which WE bring forth for you from the earth. Do not propose the rotten from the lot to give out, when you would not take it yourself, unless you were to shut your eyes to it. And know that Allah is self-sufficient without need, ever praised.

2:268  Satan promises you want. He instructs you [in and] to the indecent deeds. Allah promises you HIS forgiveness and grace. Allah is infinite and ever knowing.

2:269  HE grants Wisdom unto whom HE wills. Whoever is granted Wisdom—ever abundant good has he been granted. And none mindfully remembers, except the seekers of the essence.

2:270  Whatever you spend, of any spending, or pledge of any vow— for certain, Allah knows of it. And the wrongdoers have no helpers.

2:271  If you disclose your charitable giving—[still] blessed it is [for you], but if you give it to the needy confidentially— that is even better for you. HE will efface of your misdeeds from you. Allah is fully aware with what you do.

2:272  Their [following of] guidance is not upon you, but in fact it is Allah— HE guides whom HE wills. And whatever you give of goodness is for your own souls. And not do you [truly] give unless it is in the quest of the Face of Allah. Whatever you spend of good, will be fully repaid to you and you will not be wronged.

2:273  [Good spending is also] for the needy who being constrained in Allah’s service are unable to traverse the land [in search of livelihood]. The ignorant one construes them to be self-sufficient out of modesty [preventing them from asking]. You recognize them by their mark: they do not ask of men importunately. Whatever you spend of goodness, [of every bit], of certain, Allah is ever knowing.

2:274  Those who spend their wealth [in God’s way] by night and by day, secretly as well as publicly, shall have their reward with their Rabb. No fear is to be upon them, neither shall they grieve.

2:275  Those who devour usury are not steady of standing, save as one standing whom Satan knocks down from the touch [of temptations]. That, because they say, “Trading is similar to usury,” while Allah has made trading legitimate, and HE has forbidden usury. So, regarding him unto whom admonition from his Rabb has come, and he has renounced— for him it is what has passed, and his matter is unto Allah. And whosoever relapses— they are the reapers of the fire. In it they abide.

2:276  Allah blights all usury. HE awards gains for charitable deeds. Allah does not love all or any sinning ingrate.

2:277  Hearken! Those who have embraced Faith and have done the right deeds and took [their] Prayer for anchor and gave Zakat, for them their reward is with their Rabb, and they have nothing to fear, and neither will they grieve.

2:278  O you who have embraced Faith, be conscious of Allah and give up [your claim to] whatever remains of usury [payable to you], if you are believers.

2:279  If you do not do so, be notified of war from Allah and HIS Messenger. But if you repent, then your capital is for you to have. Do not be oppressive, and you will not be oppressed.

2:280  And if [your debtor] is gripped by difficulty, [grant] extension, to put him at ease. And if you remit it as a gift that is best for you—if you only knew.

2:281  Be conscious of a day in which you shall be returned to Allah, whereupon every soul will be fully repaid what it has earned, and they will not be wronged.

2:282  O you who have embraced Faith, if you incur the obligation of debt for a defined term, then write it down, and be scribed by a notary amongst you. The scribe must not refuse, and he should write as Allah has taught him. Therefore, let him write and let him, upon whom is the duty [to pay back], dictate, and let him be conscious of Allah, his Rabb. Do not diminish any detail. If he, upon whom is the duty [to pay back], finds it mentally challenging or he is disabled, or he lacks the capacity of dictation, then let his guardian-in-law dictate with justice. Ask for attestation by two witnesses from your men. If there are not two men, then one man and two women from among those you approve as witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other of the two may remind her. The witnesses must not refuse [to give evidence] when they are called to it. And do not balk at writing it whether it be insignificant or significant through its term. That for you is more equitable in the sight of Allah and more dependable as evidence, and it is fundamental that you are not vague. Excepted is the concurrent exchange you transact between yourselves. Not in such a case is it an offense attributable to you that you do not write it down. Have witnesses when you bind yourselves to a trade. Neither the scribe nor the witness should be harmed and if you do, it indeed will be an iniquity on your part. Be conscious of Allah. And Allah is teaching you. And Allah is ever knowing of all things.

2:283  If you are on a journey and you cannot find a notary, then a surety via a security deposit. If one of you holds in trust for another then let him, who is entrusted, fulfil his trust, and let him be conscious of Allah, his Rabb. Do not conceal evidence—whoever conceals it, then his heart is sinful. Allah is ever knowing of what you do.

2:284  To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Whether you disclose what is within yourselves, or you conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it; then HE will [mercifully] forgive whom HE wills and [justly] punish whom HE wills. Allah has almighty control over all things and their measure.

2:285  The Messenger has believed in what has been sent down to him from his Rabb and so have the believers. They all believe in Allah, HIS angels, and HIS timeless Books, and HIS Messengers, [testifying]: “We do not make a distinction between any one from amongst HIS Messengers. We have heard, and we do obey. Our Rabb, to YOU is the end [of all journeys].”

2:286  Allah does not task a soul beyond its capacity. For [every soul] is what it has earned and upon it is what it has deserved. “Our Rabb do not take us to account if we have been remiss or have erred. O our Rabb. And lay not upon us a binding encumbrance like that which YOU laid upon those before us. Our Rabb do not make us bear that for which we do not have the power, and efface from us our sins, and forgive us and have mercy on us. YOU are our Protector, help us then against the people who oppose the Truth.”