006 Al-An'aam

It is He Who created you from clay, then decreed a term [for your life], and another term [for resurrection] known only to Him – yet you still doubt.

He is Allah in the heavens and on earth[1]. He knows your secrets and what you reveal, and knows whatever you earn.

Translation notes: [1] Who is rightfully worshiped by the dwellers of these two realms.

No sign ever comes to them from their Lord except that they turn away from it.

They rejected the truth when it came to them, but soon they will face the consequences of what they used to ridicule.

Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? We had made them more powerful in the land than We have made you. We sent down for them abundant rain and made rivers flow beneath them. Yet We destroyed them for their sins and brought forth after them other generations.

Even if We had sent down to you [O Prophet] a revelation written on paper, and they were to touch it with their hands, the disbelievers would still have said, “This is nothing but clear magic!”

They say: Why has no angel been sent down to him[2]? If We did send down an angel, the matter would have been decided and then they would not be given any respite.

Translation notes: [2] Testifying for his prophethood (ﷺ).

And if We had made him an angel, We would have surely made him [appear as] a man[3], and We would have caused them confusion just as they are confused.

Translation notes: [3] This shows that they were not sincere in their demand.

And there were messengers before you [O Prophet] who were ridiculed, but those who mocked them were overwhelmed by what they used to ridicule.

Say, “Travel through the land, then see how was the end of the deniers.”

Say, “To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and earth?” Say, “To Allah.” He has taken it upon Himself to be Merciful. He will surely gather you for the Day of Resurrection about which there is no doubt. Those who have ruined themselves will not believe.

To Him belongs all that rests in the night and in the day, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

Say [O Prophet], “Should I take any guardian other than Allah, the Originator of the heavens and earth, Who feeds but is not fed?” Say, “I have been commanded to be the first to submit [to Allah] and not to be one of those who associate partners with Allah.”

Say, “If I disobey my Lord, I fear the punishment of a momentous Day.”

Whoever is spared the punishment on that Day is blessed with His mercy. That is the clear triumph.

If Allah afflicts you with harm, there is none to remove it except Him; if He grants you good, He is Most Capable of all things.

He is the Vanquisher over His slaves, and He is the All-Wise, the All-Aware.

Say, “Whose testimony is the greatest?” Say, “Allah is Witness between me and you. This Qur’an has been revealed to me so that I may warn you thereby and whomsoever it reaches[4]. Do you really bear witness that there are other gods besides Allah?” Say, “I do not bear such witness.” Say, “Indeed, He is One God, and I disown all that you associate [with Him].”

Translation notes: [4] At every time and place until the Day of Judgment.

Those to whom We gave the Scripture recognize [Muhammad][5] just as they recognize their own sons. Those who have ruined their own souls will not believe.

Translation notes: [5] They had an exact description of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in their Scriptures.

Who does greater wrong than one who fabricates lies against Allah or rejects His verses? The wrongdoers will never succeed.

On the Day when We will gather them all together, then We will say to those who associated partners with Allah, “Where are your partners whom you claimed [to be equal to Allah]?”

Then they will have no excuse but to say, “By Allah, our Lord, we never associated any partners [with Allah][6].”

Translation notes: [6] They will falsely swear, thinking they have something to stand on.

See how they will lie against themselves, and all what they used to fabricate will vanish from them.

There are some among them who listen to you[7], but We have placed covers on their hearts so that they do not understand it, and deafness in their ears. Even if they were to see every sign, they would still not believe in them. When they come to you arguing, the disbelievers say, “This is nothing but ancient fables.”

Translation notes: [7] When you recite the Qur’an.

They prevent others from him, and they themselves keep away from him; they destroy none but themselves, but they do not realize.

If you could only see when they will be made to stand before the Fire, they will say, “If only we were sent back, we would not reject the verses of our Lord, and we would be among the believers.”

But that which they used to conceal before will become apparent to them. And even if they were sent back, they would surely return to what they were forbidden, for they are indeed liars.

They say, “There is nothing beyond our life in this world, and we will not be resurrected.”

If you could only see when they are made to stand before their Lord. He will say, “Is this not the truth?” They will say, “Yes indeed, by our Lord.” He will say, “So taste the punishment for your disbelief.”

Losers indeed are those who deny the meeting with Allah, until when the Hour comes upon them by surprise, they will say, “Woe to us for having ignored this!” They will bear their burdens on their backs. Terrible indeed is their burden!

The life of this world is nothing but play and amusement, but the Home of the Hereafter is far better for those who fear Allah. Do you not then understand?

We know well that what they say grieves you [O Prophet]. It is not you that they doubt, rather it is the verses of Allah that the wrongdoers deny.

There were messengers rejected before you, but they endured patiently their rejection and persecution until Our help came to them. None can change the words of Allah. You have already received some accounts of those messengers[8].

Translation notes: [8] “We relate to you [O Prophet] the stories of the messengers to strengthen your heart.” See 11:120.

If you find their denial hard to bear, then seek – if you can – a tunnel into the earth or a stairway into the sky to bring them a sign. If Allah had willed, He could have brought them all to guidance; so do not be of those who are ignorant.

Only those who listen will respond. As for the dead[9], Allah will resurrect them, then to Him they will be returned.

Translation notes: [9] i.e., the dead of heart, meaning the disbelievers.

They say, “Why has no sign been sent down to him from his Lord?” Say, “Allah is Capable to send down a sign,” but most of them do not know [the consequences].

There is no moving creature on earth or a bird flying with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have missed nothing in the Record[10], then to their Lord they will be gathered.

Translation notes: [10] i.e., the Preserved Tablet.

Those who reject Our verses are deaf and dumb in the depths of darkness. Whomever Allah wills, He causes him to stray and whomever He wills, He leads him to a straight path.

Say, “What do you think[11], if there comes upon you the punishment of Allah or the Hour comes upon you, would you then call upon anyone other than Allah, if you are truthful?”

Translation notes: [11] i.e., “Tell me..."

No, it is Him alone you would call upon[12]. If He willed, He could remove whatever harm made you call upon Him, and you would forget whatever partners you associate with Him.”

Translation notes: [12] When you are touched by hardship.

We sent messengers to nations before you and seized them with poverty and hardship, so that they may humble themselves.

If only they had humbled themselves when Our affliction came upon them, but their hearts were hardened, and Satan made their misdeeds appealing to them.

When they forgot the reminder that they were given[13], We opened for them the doors of everything – until when they rejoiced in pride for what they were given, We seized them by surprise, so they fell into utter despair.

Translation notes: [13] i.e., their trial by hardship or the warning of their prophets.

Then the wrongdoers were totally exterminated. And all praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

Say, “What do you think, if Allah were to take away your hearing and your sight, and seal up your hearts – which god other than Allah could restore them to you?” See how We diversify the signs, yet they still turn away.

Say, “What do you think, if the punishment of Allah were to come upon you, suddenly or predictably, who would be destroyed except the wrongdoing people?”

We do not send the messengers except as bringers of glad tidings and as warners. Those who believe and mend their ways, they will have no fear, nor will they grieve.

But those who reject Our verses will be afflicted with the punishment for their evil deeds.

Say [O Prophet], “I do not tell you that I have the treasuries of Allah, nor do I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.” Say, “Is the blind equal to the one who can see[14]? Do you not then contemplate?”

Translation notes: [14] The analogy of the blind and the seeing, the dead and the living, is indicating to the disbeliever who is blind of seeing the truth, and the believer who sees it and believes in it.

Warn with this [Qur’an] those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord – having no protector or intercessor other than Him – so that they may become righteous.

Do not send away [O Prophet] those who invoke their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face [pleasure]. You are not accountable for them whatsoever, nor are they accountable for you whatsoever. If you still send them away, you will be one of the wrongdoers.

Thus We have tested some of them by means of others, so that they may say, “Are these the ones whom Allah has favored among us[15]?” Does Allah not know best those who are grateful?

Translation notes: [15] The poor Muslims with the Prophet (ﷺ). The influential leaders of Quraysh disdained sitting with them.

When those who believe in Our verses come to you, say, “Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed mercy upon Himself; whoever among you commits a sin out of ignorance then repents afterwards and mends his ways, then Allah is indeed All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

This is how We explain the verses in detail, so that the way of the evildoers may become known.

Say, “I have been forbidden to worship those whom you supplicate besides Allah.” Say, “I do not follow your desires[16]. If I did, I would go astray and I would not be one of those who are guided.”

Translation notes: [16] Following vain desires is what leads people to stray.

Say [O Prophet], “I am on clear evidence from my Lord, yet you have denied it. I do not have that [punishment] which you seek to hasten. The decision rests with Allah alone; He tells the truth and He is the Best of Judges.”

Say, “If that which you seek to hasten were within my power, the matter would have already been decided between me and you. But Allah knows best the wrongdoers.”

He alone has the keys of the unseen[17]; no one knows them except Him. He knows what is in the land and sea. Not a leaf falls without His knowledge, nor a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything moist or dry, but is [written] in a Clear Record[18].

Translation notes: [17] Keys of the Unseen, such as the knowledge of the Hour; sending down of rain; knowledge of what is in the wombs. No one knows what one will earn for tomorrow, and where one will die. See 31:34. [18] The Preserved Tablet.

It is He Who takes your souls by night[19] and knows what you do by day, then He raises you up therein so that an appointed term may be fulfilled[20]. Then to Him is your return, and He will inform you of what you used to do.

Translation notes: [19] When you sleep. [20] i.e., so that one’s life comes to an end.

He is the Subjugator over His servants and sends over you recording-angels until when death comes upon one of you, Our angels take his soul, and they never fall short in their duty.

Then they will be returned to Allah, their true Lord. Indeed, judgment belongs to Him alone, and He is the Swiftest Reckoner.

Say, “Who rescues you from the darkness of the land and sea? You invoke Him humbly and privately[21], ‘If only He rescues us from this, we will certainly be among those who are grateful.’”

Translation notes: [21] The Arabs of that time did not deny Allah’s Lordship (tawhīd al-rubūbiyyah) Whom they turned to in times of hardship, but they denied His sole Divinity (tawhīd al-ulūhiyyah), i.e., worshiping none but Allah.

Say, “Allah rescues you from it and from every distress, yet you associate partners with Him.”

Say, “He is Capable of sending a punishment from above you or from beneath your feet, or split you into factions, and make you suffer at the hands of one another.” See how We diversify the signs, so that they may understand.

But your people [O Prophet] have rejected this [Qur’an] although it is the truth. Say, “I am not a keeper over you.

Every matter has an appointed time, and you will soon come to know.

When you see those who ridicule Our verses, turn away from them until they engage in another discourse. If Satan should make you forget, then as soon as you remember, do not remain with the wrongdoing people.

Those who fear Allah are in no way accountable for them; their duty is only to remind, so that they may abstain [from mockery].

Leave those who take their religion as play and amusement, and are deluded by the life of this world. But admonish them with this [Qur’an], so no soul should be ruined for its misdeeds – having no protector or intercessor other than Allah. Even if they were to offer every form of ransom, it would not be accepted. Such are the ones who will be ruined for their misdeeds. They will have scalding water to drink and a painful punishment for their disbelief.

Say, “Shall we invoke[22] besides Allah that which can neither benefit nor harm us, and shall we turn back to disbelief after being guided by Allah? Just like the one whom devils have tempted in the land leaving him bewildered, although he has companions inviting him to guidance[23], “Come to us.” Say, “Allah’s guidance is the [true] guidance, and we are commanded to submit to the Lord of the worlds,

Translation notes: [22] i.e., worship. [23] The example given is of one who lost his way and is further confused by evil ones, tempting him to follow various directions, all leading to destruction; although his sincere friends call him to the right direction, but he ignores them.

and to establish prayer and fear Him, for it is He to Whom you will all be gathered.

It is He Who created the heavens and earth for a true purpose. On the Day [of Resurrection] He will say, “Be,” and it will be. His word is the truth. His is the dominion on the Day the Trumpet will be blown. He is the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He is the All-Wise, the All-Aware.”

And [remember] when Abraham said to his father, Āzar, “Do you take idols as gods? I see that you and your people are clearly misguided.”

Thus We showed Abraham the dominion of the heavens and earth so that he would be of those who have certain faith.

When the night grew dark upon him, he saw a star and said, “This is my Lord.” But when it set, he said, “I do not like those that set.”[24]

Translation notes: [24] Abraham wanted to show them futility and folly of worshiping mere idols by a logical conclusion.

Then when he saw the moon rising, he said, “This is my Lord.” But when it set, he said, “Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the misguided people.”

Then when he saw the sun rising, he said, “This is my Lord; this is greater.” But when it set, he said, “O my people, I disown all what you associate with Allah.

I turn my face towards the One Who originated the heavens and earth, inclining to true faith, and I am not one of those who associate partners with Allah.”

His people argued with him. He said, “Do you argue with me concerning Allah when He has guided me? I do not fear what you associate with Him, [none can harm me] except what my Lord wills. My Lord encompasses everything in His knowledge. Will you not then take heed?

Why should I fear what you associate with Him, when you do not fear that you associate with Allah for which He has not sent down any authority? So which of the two parties has more right to feel secure, if you really know?

Those who believe and do not mix their faith with falsehood[25] are the ones who will be secure, and it is they who are rightly guided.

Translation notes: [25] i.e., they do not worship others besides Allah.

That was Our argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We elevate in ranks whom We will. Your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.

We granted him Isaac and Jacob – each of them We guided as We previously guided Noah, and among his descendants: David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. Thus do We reward those who do good.

And Zachariah, John, Jesus, and Elias – each was among the righteous.

Also Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah, and Lot – each of them We preferred over all other people [of their times].

And some of their fathers, their descendants, and their brothers – We chose them and guided them to a straight path.

This is Allah’s guidance with which He guides whom He wills of His slaves. If they were to associate others with Him, all their deeds would have been nullified.

They are those whom We gave the Scripture, wisdom and prophethood. But if these [pagans] disbelieve in it, then We have entrusted it to a people who will not disbelieve in it.

They are those whom Allah has guided, so follow their guidance. Say, “I do not ask you any reward for it. It is but a reminder for the worlds.”

They did not revere Allah His true reverence when they said, “Allah has sent down nothing to human beings.” Say [O Prophet], “Who then sent down the Scripture that Moses brought as a light and guidance for people, but you make it into separate sheets – revealing some and concealing much, although you have been taught [this Qur’an] which neither you nor your forefathers knew?” Say, “Allah [sent it down].” Then leave them to amuse themselves in their falsehood.

This is a blessed Book which We have sent down – confirming what came before it, so that you will warn the Mother of Cities [i.e., Makkah] and all those around it[26]. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it and are mindful of their prayers.

Translation notes: [26] i.e., all other peoples.

Who does greater wrong than the one who fabricates lies against Allah or says, “A revelation has come to me” – whereas nothing has been revealed to him, or the one who says, “I can send down the like of what Allah has sent down.” If only you could see the wrongdoers in the throes of death while the angels are stretching out their hands[27] [saying], “Give up your souls! Today you will be recompensed with a disgracing punishment, because you used to tell lies against Allah and you arrogantly rejected His verses.”

Translation notes: [27] Striking them, as they are not willing to give up their souls out of the fear of account.

“Now you have come to Us alone[28] just as We created you the first time – leaving behind all that We had bestowed upon you. We do not see with you your intercessors[29] whom you claimed to be associates [with Allah]. Now all your ties have been severed[30] and all your claims have failed you.”

Translation notes: [28] On the Day of Judgment. [29] Whom you thought to intercede for you with Allah. [30] Between you and the claimed associates and intercessors.

It is Allah Who causes the grain and fruit-stones to sprout. He brings forth the living from the dead and the dead from the living. Such is Allah! So how are you being turned away?

It is He Who cleaves the daybreak, and made the night for rest, and the sun and the moon with a precise measurement[31]; that is the design of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing.

Translation notes: [31] i.e., their precise movement.

And He made the stars as your guide through the darkness of the land and sea. We have made the signs clear for people who know.

It is He Who originated you from a single soul, then assigned for you a place to stay and a place to rest[32]. We have made the signs clear for people who understand.

Translation notes: [32] Mustaqarr, Mustawda‘: i.e., the loins of men, the wombs of women; the surface of earth, the belly of earth after death.

It is He Who sends down water from the sky and We produce thereby vegetation of all kinds. We produce from it greenery from which We bring forth clustered grains. From the spathes of palm trees emerge clusters of dates hanging within reach and gardens of grapevines, olives, and pomegranates – similar [in shape] yet different [in taste]. Look at their fruit when they bear fruit and ripen. Indeed, there are signs in these for people who believe.

They regard the jinn as partners of Allah, even though He created them, and they falsely attribute to Him sons and daughters without knowledge. Glorified and Exalted is He far above what they ascribe to Him.

He is the Originator of the heavens and earth. How could He have a son when He never had a companion? He created all things, and He is All-Knowing of everything.

Such is Allah, your Lord; none has the right to be worshiped except Him, the Creator of all things. So worship Him, for He is the Maintainer of all things.

No vision can encompass Him[33], but He encompasses all vision, and He is the Most Subtle, the All-Aware.

Translation notes: [33] The people of Paradise will be able to see Allah in the Hereafter. See 75:22-23.

There have come to you insights from your Lord. Whoever chooses to see [the truth], it is for his own good. But whoever turns a blind eye, it is to his own loss. And [say], “I am not a keeper over you.”

This is how We diversify the verses, so that they may say, “You have studied [previous scriptures][34]”, and so that We may make it clear for people who know.

Translation notes: [34] Accusing the Prophet (ﷺ) of having learned from the People of the Book.

Follow [O Prophet] what is revealed to you from your Lord – none has the right to be worshiped except Him – and turn away from those who associate partners with Allah.

If Allah had willed, they would not have associated partners with Him. We have not made you a keeper over them, nor are you their trustee[35].

Translation notes: [35] Your duty is only to deliver the message.

Do not revile those whom they supplicate besides Allah, lest they revile Allah out of spite and lack of knowledge. This is how We made the deeds of every people appealing to them. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them of what they used to do.

They swear by Allah their most solemn oaths that if a sign came to them, they would certainly believe in it. Say [O Prophet], “Signs are only with Allah.” How do you know that even if it came to them, they would still not believe?

We will turn their hearts and eyes away [from the truth] just as they refused to believe in it the first time, and We will leave them to wander blindly in their obstinacy.

Even if We did send the angels down to them, and the dead spoke to them, and We gathered before them everything, they would still not believe, unless Allah so willed, but most of them are ignorant.

Similarly did We make for every prophet enemies, devils from among men and jinn, whispering to one another alluring words of delusion. If Allah had willed, they would not have done so. So leave them to their fabrications,

so that the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter may incline towards it and be pleased with it, and may commit whatever sins they want.

[Say], “Should I seek a judge other than Allah when He is the One Who has sent down to you the Book explained in detail?” Those whom We gave the Book know that it has been sent down from your Lord in truth, so never be among those who doubt.

The Word of your Lord is perfect in truthfulness and justice; none can change His Words[36], and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

Translation notes: [36] Allah says: “It is We Who have sent down the Reminder [the Qur’an], and it is We Who will preserve it.” See 15:9.

If you obey most of those on earth, they will lead you away from the way of Allah. They follow nothing but assumptions and they do nothing but lie.

Your Lord knows best who strays from His way, and He knows best those who are guided.

So eat of that [meat] over which the name of Allah is mentioned[37] if you [truly] believe in his verses.

Translation notes: [37] Upon slaughtering it.

Why should you not eat of that over which the name of Allah is mentioned when He has expounded clearly what is forbidden to you, unless you are compelled by necessity[38]? Indeed, many [deviants] lead others astray by their desires, without any knowledge. Your Lord knows best the transgressors.

Translation notes: [38] Allah says: “But if someone is compelled by necessity – neither driven by desire nor exceeding immediate need – then there is no sin upon him.” See 2:173.

Avoid committing sin, whether openly or in secret. Indeed, those who commit sin will be recompensed for what they used to do.

Do not eat of that [meat] over which the name of Allah is not mentioned, for this is a grave disobedience. But the devils whisper to their [human] friends to argue with you; if you were to obey them[39], you would surely become polytheists.

Translation notes: [39] As obedience being the basis of worship.

Is the one who was dead and We gave him life [by faith] and gave him a light with which he walks among people like the one in darkness from which he can never escape[40]? This is how the deeds of the disbelievers have been made appealing to them.

Translation notes: [40] The simile given here is about someone who is guided by light of guidance and someone who is bereft of the light of guidance.

Thus We have placed in every city the most wicked ones to conspire in it, yet they only conspire against themselves, without even realizing it.

When a sign comes to them, they say, “We will never believe until we are given the like of what was given to the messengers of Allah.” Allah knows best where to place His message. Those who are wicked will be afflicted with disgrace from Allah and a severe punishment for their plots.

Whoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his heart to Islam; and whoever He wills to lead astray, He makes his heart tight and constricted[41], as if he were climbing up into the sky. This is how Allah punishes those who do not believe.

Translation notes: [41] Due to his arrogance and persistence in sin.

This is the straight path of your Lord. We have made the verses clear for people who take heed.

They will have the Home of Peace with their Lord, and He will be their Protector because of what they used to do.

On the Day when He will gather them all together [saying], “O assembly of jinn, you have misled many humans.” Their human friends will say, “Our Lord, we have benefited from one another[42], but now we have reached our term which You appointed for us.” He will say, “The Fire is your abode, abiding therein forever, except if Allah wills otherwise.” Your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.

Translation notes: [42] The jinn enjoyed the humans by obeying and worshiping them and the humans enjoyed the jinn by fulfilling their wishes and gratifying their lusts.

This is how We make the wrongdoers take control over one another[43] because of what they used to do.

Translation notes: [43] By misguiding and inciting to do evil deeds.

“O assembly of jinn and humans, did there not come to you messengers from among you, reciting to you My verses and warning you of meeting this Day of yours?” They will say, “We testify against ourselves.” They were deluded by the life of this world, and they will testify against themselves that they were disbelievers.

This is because your Lord would never destroy a town for their wrongdoing while its people are unaware [of the truth].

Everyone will be assigned ranks according to their deeds, for your Lord is not unaware of what they do.

Your Lord is the Self-Sufficient and full of Mercy. If He wills, He can take you away and replace you with whoever He wills, just as He brought you forth from the offspring of other people.

Indeed, what you have been promised will come to pass, and you will have no escape.

Say [O Prophet], “O my people, carry on in your way, and so will I; you will come to know who will have the [best] ultimate abode. Indeed, the wrongdoers will never succeed.”

They assign to Allah a portion of the crops and livestock He created, saying, “This is for Allah” – as they claim – “and this is for our partners [i.e., idols].” But that which is assigned for their partners does not reach Allah, while that which is assigned for Allah reaches their partners[44]. How unfair their judgment is!

Translation notes: [44] It was an Arab heathen ritual to allocate two shares out of their livestock; a share for God and a share for idols. If a portion of God’s share was mixed with that of their idols, they would not deduct it, saying that God is in no need of it. Yet if a portion of their idols’ share fell with that of God’s they would readily cut it and add it on to their idols’ share.

Similarly, the evil associates of the pagans have made the killing of their children[45] appealing to them, in order to lead them to destruction and confuse them in their faith. If Allah had willed, they would not have done that. So leave them to their fabrications.

Translation notes: [45] Out of fear of poverty.

They say, “These livestock and crops are reserved, none may eat them except those[46] whom we wish,” – as they claim – and there are livestock whose backs are forbidden [from labor][47], and livestock over whom they do not mention the name of Allah [while slaughtering] – fabricating lies against Him[48]. He will punish them for their lies.

Translation notes: [46] i.e., the servants of idols and others. [47] The four categories of grazing livestock were dedicated to their idols and false deities, and they were forbidden from riding and labor. See 5:103. [48] i.e., false claims that these practices are part of Allah’s religion.

They also say, “What is in the bellies of these livestock[49] is exclusively for our males and forbidden to our females, but if it is stillborn, they all will have a share in it. He will punish them for what they attribute[50]. He is All-Wise, All-Knowing.

Translation notes: [49] i.e., their milk and offspring. [50] i.e., for making things lawful and unlawful as they wish.

Losers indeed are those who kill their children foolishly out of ignorance and prohibit what Allah has provided for them – fabricating lies against Him. They have gone astray and are not guided.

It is He Who brings into being gardens – trellised and untrellised – and palm trees and crops of different flavors, and olives and pomegranates – similar [in shape] yet different [in taste]. Eat of their fruit when they bear fruit and give out its due on the day of harvest. But do not be wasteful, for He does not like those who are wasteful.

Among livestock are some that carry loads and others not. Eat of what Allah has provided for you, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan[51], for He is your sworn enemy.

Translation notes: [51] By falsely making some provisions lawful and others unlawful.

[They are] eight [in four] pairs: a pair of sheep and a pair of goats. Say, “Has He forbidden the two males or the two females, or what the wombs of the two females contain? Tell me on the basis of knowledge, if you are truthful.”

Likewise, a pair of camels and a pair of cattle. Say, “Has He forbidden the two males or the two females, or what the wombs of the two females contain? Or were you present when Allah gave you this commandment?” So who does greater wrong than the one who fabricates lies against Allah in order to mislead people without knowledge? Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

Say [O Prophet], “I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to eat except carrion, running blood or the swine flesh – which is impure – or a sinful offering in the name of other than Allah. However, if someone is compelled by necessity – neither driven by desire nor transgressing due limit – then your Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

To the Jews We forbade every animal of undivided hooves[52], and of the cattle and sheep, We forbade their fat except what attaches to their backs or intestines, or what sticks to their bones. This is how We recompensed them for their transgression, and We are Truthful.

Translation notes: [52] i.e., clawed animals that have nails in their toes, e.g. camels, ostriches, etc.

But if they reject you [O Prophet], then say, “Your Lord is the possessor of infinite mercy, but His punishment cannot be averted from the wicked people.”

Those who associate partners with Allah will say, “If Allah had willed, neither we nor our forefathers would have associated anything with Him, nor would we have made anything forbidden[53].” Likewise, those who came before them rejected the truth until they tasted Our punishment. Say, “Do you have any knowledge that you can present to us? You follow nothing but assumption and you do nothing but lie.

Translation notes: [53] They falsely argue by citing predestination (al-qadar), when they were given the choice of choosing the right or wrong path.

Say, “Allah alone has the most conclusive argument. If He had willed, He could have guided you all.”

Say [O Prophet], “Bring your witnesses who can testify that Allah has forbidden all this.” If they testify, do not testify with them. Do not follow the desires of those who reject Our verses, and who disbelieve in the Hereafter, and they set up equals to their Lord.

Say [O Prophet], “Come, I will recite to you what your Lord has forbidden to you: do not associate any partners with Him[54], and honor your parents. Do not kill your children for fear of poverty, for We provide for you and for them. Do not approach shameful acts, whether openly or in secret. Do not kill the soul sanctified by Allah, except lawfully. This is what He commands you, so that you may understand.

Translation notes: [54] Monotheism (tawhīd) is the fountainhead of all virtue, whereas associating others with Allah (shirk) is the source of all evil.

Do not approach the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he attains maturity. Give full measure and weight with justice. We do not burden any soul beyond what it can bear. And maintain justice when you speak, even if it be about a close relative. And fulfill the covenant of Allah. This is what He commands you, so that you may take heed.

This is My straight path; follow it and do not follow other ways, lest they lead you away from His way. This is what He commands you, so that you may become righteous.”

Then We gave Moses the Scripture, completing [Our favor] upon those who do good, and explaining everything in detail, and as a guidance and a mercy, so that they may believe in their meeting with their Lord.

This [Qur’an] is a blessed Book which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah, so that you may be shown mercy.

You [pagans] may no longer say, “Scriptures were only sent down to two groups before us, and we were unaware of their teachings.”

Or you would say, “If only the Scriptures had been sent down to us, we would have been better guided than they.” Now there has come to you a clear proof from your Lord, a guidance and a mercy. Who does greater wrong than he who denies the verses of Allah and turns away from them? We will recompense those who turn away from Our verses with the worst punishment, for their turning away.

Are they waiting for the coming of the angels, or the coming of your Lord, or the coming of some of your Lord’s signs[55]? On the Day when some of your Lord’s signs come, belief will be of no benefit to those who did not believe before, or those who did not do some good through their faith. Say, “Wait then; we too are waiting.”

Translation notes: [55] These denoting the approach of the Last Hour: angel of death, Allah’s judgment on the Day of Judgment, or signs of the Hour.

Those who have made divisions in their religion and turned into factions[56], you have nothing to do with them. Their case rests with Allah alone; He will inform them of what they used to do.

Translation notes: [56] The People of the Book or others.

Whoever comes with a good deed will be rewarded tenfold, but whoever comes with an evil deed will only be punished with its like, and none will be wronged.

Say [O Prophet], “Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path, an upright religion, the faith of Abraham, inclining to the true faith[57], and he was not one of those who associate partners with Allah.”

Translation notes: [57] See 2:135.

Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all for Allah[58], Lord of the worlds.

Translation notes: [58] One should dedicate all acts of worship to Allah, and rely upon Him in every aspect of life and death.

He has no partner. This is what I have been commanded, and I am the first to submit to Allah.”

Say [O Prophet], “Should I seek a lord other than Allah, when He is the Lord of everything?” Every soul will face the consequences of its actions. No bearer of burden will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.

It is He Who has made you successors on earth and raised some of you over others in ranks, so that He may test you with that which He has given you. Your Lord is swift in punishment, and He is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.