CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                         SECTION 17.  PART II

PART II

142  THE FOOLS AMONG THE PEOPLE WILL SAY 
FROM THE DIRECTION THEY HAD WHAT HAS TURNED THEM AWAY? 

SAY TO THEM, TO GOD BELONGS BOTH EAST AND WEST
AND HE GUIDES WHOM HE WILLS TO THE WAY THAT IS BEST

143  AND WE HAVE MADE YOU AN EXALTED NATION 
SO THAT YOU MIGHT BE WITNESSES TO THE NATIONS 
AND THE MESSENGER A WITNESS TO YOUR NATION
AND WE APPOINTED THE DIRECTION 
TO WHICH YOU WERE USED TO ONLY TO MAKE A CLEAR DISTINCTION 
FROM THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THE MESSENGER WITH CONVICTION
FROM THOSE WHO WOULD TURN ON THEIR HEELS IN REJECTION 
IT WAS A HARD TEST EXCEPT FOR THOSE GUIDED WITH CONVICTION
AND NEVER WOULD GOD MAKE OF NO EFFECT YOUR RELIGION
FOR GOD IS TO ALL PEOPLE FULL OF COMPASSION

144  WE SEE YOU NOW TURNING YOUR FACE TO THE HEAVENS 
NOW WE WILL TURN YOU TO A PLEASING DIRECTION 
SO TURN YOUR FACE IN THE DIRECTION 
OF THE SACRED MOSQUE AND FROM WHATEVER DIRECTION
YOU MAY BE IN, TURN YOUR FACE IN THAT DIRECTION 
THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK KNOW FOR CERTAIN 
THAT IT IS THE TRUTH FROM THE LORD OF ALL CREATION
AND GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU DO FOR CERTAIN

145  IF YOU BROUGHT TO THOSE TO WHOM THE BOOK HAS BEEN GIVEN
ALL THE SIGNS THEY WOULD NOT FOLLOW YOUR DIRECTION 
NOR ARE YOU GOING TO FOLLOW THEIR DIRECTION 
AND NEITHER WILL THEY FOLLOW EACH OTHERS DIRECTION 
IF AFTER THE KNOWLEDGE HAS COME INTO YOUR POSSESSION
WERE YOU TO FOLLOW THEIR DIRECTION 
WITHOUT QUESTION YOU WOULD BE IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

146  THOSE TO WHOM WE HAVE GIVEN REVELATION
THEY KNOW THIS AS THEY KNOW THEIR OWN SONS
BUT THEN SOME OF THEM CONCEAL THE REVELATIONS

147  THE TRUTH IS FROM THE LORD OF ALL CREATION 
SO BE NOT IN DOUBT ABOUT THIS REVELATION

17
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                        SECTION 18.  PART II

148  TO EACH GOD GIVES A GOAL, SO STRIVE TOGETHER 
TOWARDS ALL THAT IS PROPER 
AND WHEREVER YOU ARE GOD WILL BRING YOU TOGETHER 
FOR OVER ALL THINGS GOD HAS POWER 

149  WHEREVER YOU ARE, TURN YOUR FACE IN THE DIRECTION 
OF THE SACRED MOSQUE IN THE SACRED REGION
THAT IS FROM GOD THE TRUE INSTRUCTION 
AND GOD IS AWARE OF YOUR ACTIONS 
 
150  SO THEN FROM WHEREVER YOU START FORTH DEVOTEDLY
TURN YOUR FACE TO THE SACRED MOSQUE REPEATEDLY 
AND TURN TOWARDS IT WHEREVER YOU MAY BE 
SO NO DISPUTE AGAINST YOU MAY THERE BE
WITH EXCEPTION TO THOSE WHO ACT WICKEDLY
BUT DO NOT FEAR THEM BUT FEAR ONLY ME 
THAT YOU MAY RECEIVE FAVOR FROM ME
AND THAT YOU MAY ACT RIGHTEOUSLY

151  AND SO SIMILARLY WE HAVE SENT AMONG YOU A MESSENGER
FROM AMONG YOURSELVES RECITING TO YOU OUR SCRIPTURES
AND PURIFYING YOU AND INSTRUCTING YOU IN SCRIPTURE 
AND TEACHING YOU WISDOM YOU DID NOT KNOW PRIOR

152  THEREFORE REMEMBER ME AND IF YOU DO
THEN SURELY I WILL REMEMBER YOU 

SO BE GRATEFUL TO ME 
AND DO NOT REJECT FAITH IN ME

18
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                         SECTION 19.  PART II

153  OH YOU WHO BELIEVE, SEEK HELP BY BEING PATIENT 
AND PRAY, FOR GOD IS WITH THOSE WHO ARE PATIENT 

154  OF THOSE WHO ARE KILLED IN GOD'S WAY, SAY NOT
THAT THEY ARE DEAD, NO INDEED THEY ARE NOT
THEY LIVE ALTHOUGH YOU PERCEIVE IT NOT

155  BE SURE WE WILL TEST YOU WITH FEAR AND HUNGER
AND LOSS IN GOODS OR LIVES OR THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR
BUT GIVE GLAD TIDINGS TO THOSE WHO PATIENTLY PERSEVERE

156  WHO SAY WHEN AFFLICTED WITH CALAMITY 
WE BELONG TO GOD AND OUR RETURN IS TO GOD SURELY

157  THEY ARE ON WHO DESCEND BLESSINGS FROM GOD 
AND THEY ARE THE ONES THAT RECEIVE GUIDANCE FROM GOD

158  SAFA AND MARWA ARE AMONG GOD'S SIGNS
THOSE WHO VISIT THE HOUSE IN SEASON OR OTHER TIMES

IF THEY CIRCLE THEM THEY ARE HELD BLAMELESSLY 
AND IF ANY ONE DOES GOOD SPONTANEOUSLY 
GOD IS REWARDING AND IS FULL OF BOUNTY

159  THOSE WHO CONCEAL THE MESSAGES THAT WE HAVE SENT 
AND THE GUIDANCE AFTER WE HAVE MADE IT EVIDENT

SURELY ON THEM WILL BE GOD'S CURSE 
AND THE CURSE OF THOSE ENTITLED TO CURSE

160  EXCEPT THOSE WHO REPENT TO GOD SINCERELY
AND DECLARE THE TRUTH OPENLY AND HONESTLY
SURELY GOD IS FULL OF FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

161  THOSE WHO REJECT FAITH AND DIE IN REJECTION, ON THEM 
IS GOD'S CURSE AND THE CURSE OF THE ANGELS IS ON THEM
AND THE CURSE OF MANKIND ALL COMBINED IS ON THEM

162  AND THE HELL FIRE THEY WILL SURELY ABIDE IN IT
THEIR PENALTY WILL NOT BE LIGHTENED IN IT
NOR WILL THEY BE RESPITED

163  YOUR GOD IS ONE GOD, THERE IS NO GOD BUT HE 
MOST GRACIOUS AND MOST MERCIFUL IS HE

19
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                         SECTION 20.  PART II

164  AND IN THE CREATION OF THE EARTH AND THE HEAVENS 
AND IN THE NIGHT AND THE DAY IN THEIR ALTERNATION 
IN THE SAILING OF THE SHIPS THROUGH THE OCEAN 
FOR THE PROFIT OF AND THE SUSTAINING OF MEN
AND IN THE RAIN WHICH GOD SENDS FROM THE HEAVENS
AND THE LIFE TO A DEAD EARTH WHICH HE HAS THEN GIVEN 
AND IN THE BEASTS OF ALL KINDS THAT HE SCATTERS WITHIN
AND IN THE CHANGING OF THE WINDS 
AND THE CLOUDS BETWEEN EARTH AND HEAVEN
IN THESE THINGS THERE ARE SIGNS FOR MINDFUL MEN

165  YET THERE ARE MEN WHO TAKE FOR WORSHIP OTHER GODS
BESIDES GOD AS EQUALS WITH GOD 
THEY LOVE THEM AS THEY SHOULD LOVE GOD
BUT THE FAITHFUL OVERFLOW IN THEIR LOVE FOR GOD 

IF THE UNRIGHTEOUS COULD SEE
WHEN THEY WILL THEN SEE THE PENALTY 
AND THAT TO GOD BELONGS ALL POWER INDEED
AND THAT GOD WILL STRONGLY ENFORCE THE PENALTY

166  THEN THOSE WHO WERE FOLLOWED WILL SURELY
DENY THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THEM WHEN THEY SEE THE PENALTY
AND ALL THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THEM WILL BE CUT OF COMPLETELY
  
167  IT WILL BE SAID BY THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THEM
IF WE COULD WE WOULD DENY THEM
AS THEY DENIED US, SO WILL GOD SHOW THEM 
THE FRUITS OF THEIR DEEDS AS REGRETS TO THEM
NOR WILL THERE BE A WAY OUT OF THE FIRE FOR THEM

20
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                        SECTION 21.  PART II

168  OH YOU PEOPLE, EAT WHAT IS LAWFUL AND GOODLY
AND FOLLOW NOT SATAN'S FOOTSTEPS FOR SURELY
HE IS TO YOU AN AVOWED ENEMY

169  FOR HE COMMANDS YOU WHAT IS EVIL AND SHAMEFUL
AND TO SAY OF GOD THAT WHICH YOU ARE UNKNOWLEDGEABLE

170  WHEN IT IS SAID TO THEM, FOLLOW YOUR LORD'S SCRIPTURES
THEY SAY, NO WE FOLLOW THE WAYS OF OUR FATHERS
AND THEY SAY THIS EVEN THOUGH THEIR FATHERS 
WERE VOID OF WISDOM ALL TOGETHER

171  AND THE PARABLE OF THOSE WHO ARE DISBELIEVERS
IS AS IF ONE WERE TO SHOUT LIKE A GOAT-HERDER
TO THINGS THAT LISTEN ONLY TO CRIES AND CLAMOR 
DEAF, DUMB AND BLIND WITH NO WISDOM WHATSOEVER

172  SO EAT OF THE GOOD THINGS 
THAT WE HAVE PROVIDED FOR YOUR SUSTAINING
AND BE GRATEFUL TO GOD IF IT IS HE YOU ARE SERVING

173  HE HAS ONLY FORBIDDEN YOU TO EAT
THE FLESH OF SWINE, BLOOD AND DEAD MEAT 
AND THAT ON WHICH ANY NAME HAS BEEN BESEECHED 
BESIDES GOD'S NAME, BUT IF ONE IS FORCED BY NECESSITY 
WITHOUT BEING DISOBEDIENT WILLFULLY
AND WITHOUT TRANSGRESSING LIMITS THEN GUILTLESS IS HE 
FOR GOD IS FULL OF FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

174  THOSE WHO CONCEAL GOD'S SCRIPTURES
THEN SELL THEM TO INCREASE THEIR TREASURES
THEY SWALLOW NOTHING INTO THEMSELVES BUT FIRE 
AND THEIR LORD WILL NOT ADDRESS THEM IN THE HEREAFTER 
AND THEIRS WILL BE THE PENALTY OF THE HELL FIRE

175  THEY ARE THOSE WHO BUY ERROR INSTEAD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
AND WHO TRADE TORMENT IN PLACE OF FORGIVENESS 
THEY SHOW FOR THE FIRE SUCH BOLDNESS

176  THEIR DOOM IS BECAUSE GOD SENT DOWN THE BOOK IN TRUTH
BUT THOSE WHO SEEK IN THE BOOK CAUSES OF DISPUTE  
THEY ARE IN OPPOSITION TO THE TRUTH

21
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                        SECTION 22.  PART II

177  IT IS NOT RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT YOU TURN YOUR FACES 
TO THE EAST OR TO THE WEST BUT IT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS 

TO BELIEVE IN GOD AND THE LAST DAY AND THE ANGELS
AND THE BOOK AND THE MESSENGERS AND BE CHARITABLE

AND SPEND YOUR SUBSTANCE OUT OF LOVE FOR YOUR CREATOR 
AND FOR YOUR KIN AND FOR ORPHANS AND THE WAYFARER

AND FOR THOSE WHO ASK AND FOR THE NEEDY
AND FOR THE RANSOM OF SLAVES AND PRAY REGULARLY
AND PRACTICE REGULAR CHARITY 
AND FULFILL THE CONTRACTS WHICH YOU MAKE FAITHFULLY
AND BE FIRM AND PATIENT IN PAIN AND ADVERSITY
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ACT TRUTHFULLY
AND THESE ARE THE ONES THAT KEEP THEIR DUTY

178  OH YOU, WHO ARE BELIEVING ONES
PRESCRIBED FOR MURDER IS RETALIATION
THE FREE FOR THE FREE, THE WOMAN FOR THE WOMAN
THE SLAVE FOR THE SLAVE, BUT IF REMISSION 
IS MADE BY THE BROTHER OF THE SLAIN PERSON
HE SHOULD BE GIVEN REASONABLE COMPENSATION 
THIS IS FROM GOD A MERCY AND A CONCESSION  
AND WHOEVER EXCEEDS THE LIMITATION
WILL BE IN GRAVE PENALIZATION 

179  AND IN THE LAW OF EQUALITY THERE IS THE SAVING 
OF LIFE TO YOU, OH YOU MEN OF UNDERSTANDING 
IN ORDER THAT YOU MAY BE SELF RESTRAINING

180  AND IT IS PRESCRIBED WHEN DEATH APPROACHES ANY OF YOU
IF HE LEAVES GOODS FOR PARENTS AND NEAR OF KIN IT IS DUE
THAT HE MAKE A BEQUEST ACCORDING TO REASONABLE USE

181  AND IF ANYONE CHANGES THE BEQUEST AFTER HEARING 
THE GUILT WILL BE ON THOSE WHO DO THE CHANGING
FOR GOD HEARS AND KNOWS ALL THINGS

182  BUT IF ANYONE FEARS WRONG DOING OR PARTIALITY
ON THE PART OF THE TESTATOR AND PEACEFULLY
BRINGS RECONCILIATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES
THEN HE IS NOT WRONG IN THE LEAST DEGREE 
GOD IS FULL OF FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

22
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                         SECTION 23.  PART II

183  FASTING IS PRESCRIBED TO YOU 
AS IT WAS PRESCRIBED TO THOSE BEFORE YOU 
SO THAT SELF-RESTRAINT MAY BE LEARNED BY YOU

184  FASTING FOR DAYS OF A FIXED NUMBER 
BUT IF ANY ONE IS ILL OR ON A JOURNEY THEN THE NUMBER 
SHOULD BE MADE UP BY YOU FROM DAYS LATER 
FOR THOSE WHO FIND THIS TO BE HARDER
MAY EFFECT REDEMPTION BY FEEDING ONE WHO IS POOR
BUT HE THAT DOES GOOD SPONTANEOUSLY IT IS BETTER 
AND THAT YOU FAST IF YOU ONLY KNEW IT IS BETTER 

185  THE MONTH OF RAMADAN IS IN WHICH THE QURAN WAS SENT  
AS A GUIDE AND CLEAR SIGNS FOR GUIDANCE AND JUDGMENT 
BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG, SO EVERYONE WHO IS PRESENT
AT HIS HOME DURING THAT MONTH THEN HIS ASSIGNMENT
IS THAT IN FASTING IT SHOULD BE SPENT

BUT IF ANY IS ILL OR ON A JOURNEY 
THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD SHOULD BE MADE UP BELATEDLY
FOR GOD INTENDS FOR YOU EVERY FACILITY  
HE DOES NOT WANT TO PUT YOU TO DIFFICULTIES 
BUT HE WANTS YOU TO COMPLETE THE PERIOD EASILY
AND TO GLORIFY HIM IN THAT HE  HAS GUIDED YOU RIGHTLY
AND SO THAT YOU MAY ACT GRATEFULLY

186  WHEN MY SERVANTS ASK YOU CONCERNING ME 
I AM CLOSE TO THEM AND I LISTEN CLEARLY
TO THE PRAYER OF EVERY CALLER WHO CALLS ON ME 
SO LET THEM ALSO WHEN I CALL LISTEN TO ME
AND BELIEVE IN ME THAT THEY MAY ACT RIGHTEOUSLY 

187  ON THE NIGHT OF THE FAST YOU ARE PERMITTED 
TO APPROACH YOUR WIVES AS GOD HAS COMMANDED

THEY ARE YOUR GARMENTS
AND YOU ARE THEIR GARMENTS  

AND GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU USED TO SECRETLY DO 
BUT HE TURNED TO YOU AND HE FORGAVE YOU

SO ASSOCIATE WITH THEM
AND SEEK WHAT GOD HAS ORDAINED FOR YOU WITH THEM

AND EAT AND DRINK UNTIL THE DAWN'S WHITE THREAD 
APPEARS TO YOU DISTINCT FROM ITS BLACK THREAD 

THEN COMPLETE YOUR FAST UNTIL NIGHTFALL 
BUT DO NOT ASSOCIATE WITH YOUR WIVES AT ALL

WHILE YOU ARE IN THE MOSQUES CONFINING YOURSELVES
THOSE ARE LIMITS SET BY GOD FOR YOURSELVES

SO APPROACH THEM NOT, SO DOES GOD MAKE PLAIN
THE SIGNS TO MEN THAT THEY MAY LEARN TO RESTRAIN

188  DO NOT EAT UP YOUR PROPERTY 
AMONG YOU FOR THE PURPOSES OF VANITY 
NOR USE IT AS BAIT FOR THE JUDGES INTENTIONALLY
IN ORDER THAT YOU MAY EAT UP WRONGFULLY
A LITTLE OF OTHER PEOPLE'S PROPERTY

23
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                        SECTION 24.  PART II

189  THEY ASK YOU CONCERNING THE MOON'S QUARTERS
SAY, THEY ARE SIGNS USED AS TIME MEASURES
AND FOR PILGRIMAGE AND IT IS NO VIRTUE IF YOU ENTER 
YOUR HOUSES FROM THE BACK BUT IT IS VIRTUE IF YOU ENTER 
HOUSES THROUGH THE DOORS THAT ARE PROPER
AND FEAR GOD THAT YOU MAY PROSPER

190  AND IN GOD'S CAUSE BE FIGHTERS
AGAINST THOSE WHO AGAINST YOU ARE FIGHTERS
BUT DO NOT BE TRANSGRESSORS 
FOR GOD LOVES NOT TRANSGRESSORS

190  AND KILL THEM WHEREVER YOU CATCH THEM 
AND FROM WHERE THEY TURN YOU OUT DO THE SAME TO THEM
PERSECUTION IS WORSE THAN SLAUGHTER, BUT DO NOT FIGHT THEM 
AT THE SACRED MOSQUE UNLESS THEY FIGHT YOU, BUT KILL THEM  
IF THEY DO FIGHT YOU, THIS IS THE REWARD FOR THEM

192  BUT IF THEY CEASE FIGHTING
GOD IS MERCIFUL AND FORGIVING

193  FIGHT THEM UNTIL THERE IS NO MORE OPPRESSION
AND FAITH IN GOD PREVAILS AND THE TRUE RELIGION
BUT IF THEY CEASE LET THERE BE NO AGGRESSION
EXCEPT TO THOSE WHO PRACTICE OPPRESSION 

194  THE PROHIBITED MONTH 
FOR THE PROHIBITED MONTH 

THERE IS THE LAW OF EQUALITY FOR ALL PROHIBITIONS
IF AGAINST YOU ANY ONE TRANSGRESSES THE PROHIBITION 

TRANSGRESS AGAINST THEM BUT FEAR GOD
FOR WITH THOSE WHO RESTRAIN THEMSELVES IS GOD 

195  SPEND OF YOUR SUBSTANCE IN GOD'S CAUSE 
AND MAKE NOT YOUR OWN HANDS BE YOUR CAUSE 
OF YOU TO CONTRIBUTE TO A SELF DESTRUCTIVE CAUSE 
FOR YOUR LORD LOVES THOSE WHO DO GOOD IN HIS CAUSE

196  IN THE SERVICE OF GOD IS THE COMPLETING 
OF THE PILGRIMAGE AND THE VISIT BUT IF FROM ITS COMPLETING  
YOU ARE PREVENTED THEN FOR SACRIFICE SEND AN OFFERING 
SUCH AS YOU MAY FIND AND DO NO SHAVING 
TO YOUR HEADS UNTIL YOUR OFFERING 
REACHES THE PLACE OF SACRIFICING 
AND IF ANY OF YOU IS ILL OR HAS AN AILING
IN HIS SCALP NECESSITATING SHAVING 
HE SHOULD COMPENSATE EITHER BY FASTING 
OR FEEDING THE POOR OR A SACRIFICE OFFERING 
WHEN YOU ARE AGAIN IN PEACEFUL SURROUNDINGS
IF ANY ONE OF YOU WISHES TO CONTINUE THE VISITING
ON TO THE PILGRIMAGE THEN HE MUST MAKE AN OFFERING 
THAT IS WITHIN HIS AFFORDING
BUT IF HE CANNOT AFFORD IT HE SHOULD SPEND IN FASTING
FOR THREE DAYS DURING THE PILGRIMAGE AND SEVEN ON RETURNING
MAKING TEN DAYS AND THIS IS FOR THOSE WHOSE HOUSING
IS NOT IN THE PRECINCTS OF THE SACRED REGIONING
AND FEAR GOD FOR GOD IS STRICT IN PUNISHING

24
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                       SECTION 25.  PART II

197  FOR THE PILGRIMAGE THE MONTHS ARE DECREED 
IF ANY OF YOU UNDERTAKES THAT DUTY
IN IT LET THERE BE NO OBSCENITY 
NOR WRANGLING OR ACTING WICKEDLY
AND WHATEVER GOOD YOU DO GOD KNOWS IT SURELY
AND TAKE  PROVISIONS WITH YOU FOR THE JOURNEY
BUT THE BEST PROVISION IS TO ACT RIGHTEOUSLY
SO FEAR GOD, OH YOU WHO BELIEVE SINCERELY

198  AND IT IS NO CRIME IF YOU SEEK OF THE BOUNTY OF YOUR LORD 
DURING PILGRIMAGE, THEN WHEN FROM MOUNT ARAFAT YOU POUR 
OBSERVE THE PRAISES OF YOUR LORD
AT THE SACRED MONUMENT AND PRAISE YOUR LORD 
THE WAY YOU WERE DIRECTED BY YOUR LORD
EVEN THOUGH YOU WERE IN ERROR BEFORE 

199  THEN PASS ON AT QUICK PACES 
WHERE THE MULTITUDES HASTEN ON FROM THE PLACES 
WHEN IT IS USUAL TO DO SO, AND ASK FOR GOD'S FORGIVENESS
FOR GOD IS FULL OF MERCY AND KINDNESS

200  AND PRAISE GOD WHEN YOU HAVE PERFORMED YOUR DEVOTIONS 
AS YOU USED TO PRAISE YOUR FATHERS BUT WITH MORE DEVOTION
AND THERE ARE MEN WHO SAY, OUR LORD GIVE US OUR PORTION
IN THIS WORLD BUT IN THE HEREAFTER THEY HAVE NO PORTION

201  BUT THERE ARE MEN WHO SAY, GIVE US OH CREATOR 
IN THIS WORLD AND GIVE US GOOD IN THE HEREAFTER 
AND DEFEND US FROM THE TORMENT OF THE FIRE

202  TO THESE WILL BE ALLOTTED ON ACCOUNT
OF WHAT THEY HAVE EARNED AND GOD QUICKLY TAKES ACCOUNT

203  CELEBRATE THE PRAISES OF GOD DURING THE APPOINTED DAYS 
BUT IF ANY ONE HASTENS TO LEAVE IN TWO DAYS 
THERE IS NO BLAME ON HIM AND IF ANY ONE STAYS 
ON HIM THERE IS NO BLAME IF HE ACTS IN THE RIGHT WAY 
AND TO GOD KEEP YOUR DUTY DURING YOUR STAY
YOU WILL BE GATHERED TO GOD ON JUDGMENT DAY

204  THERE IS THE TYPE OF MAN WHOSE SPEECH 
ABOUT THIS WORLD'S LIFE MAY DAZZLE YOU INDEED
AND HE CALLS GOD TO WITNESS ABOUT WHAT HE DECREES
FROM HIS HEART, YET HE IS THE MOST CONTENTIOUS OF ENEMIES

205  WHEN HE TURNS HIS BACK HIS AIM IN CHIEF
IS TO EVERYWHERE THROUGH THE EARTH SPREAD MISCHIEF 
AND DESTROY CROPS AND CATTLE., BUT GOD LOVES NOT MISCHIEF

206  WHEN KEEP YOUR DUTY IS SAID TO HIM
MORE SIN IS THEN COMMITTED BY HIM 
HELL IS SURELY ENOUGH FOR HIM 
AN EVIL BED TO LIE ON FOR HIM

207  THERE IS THE TYPE OF MAN WHO GIVES HIS LIFE TO GOD
IN AN EFFORT TO EARN THE GOOD PLEASURES OF GOD 
AND FULL OF KINDNESS TO HIS DEVOTEES IS GOD

25
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                      SECTION 25 (CONT'D). PART I1

208  OH YOU WHO BELIEVE, ENTER INTO SUBMISSION WHOLE-HEARTEDLY 
AND FOLLOW NOT THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE DEVIL FOOLISHLY
FOR HE IS TO YOU AN AVOWED ENEMY

209  IF YOU BACKSLIDE AFTER THE CLEAR SIGNS HAVE COME TO YOU 
GOD IS ALL WISE AND EXALTED IN POWER OVER YOU

210  THEY WAIT FOR GOD'S COMING ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION  
IN CANOPIES OF CLOUDS WITH THE ANGELS IN DESCENSION
AND THEN COMPLETELY SETTLED WILL BE THE QUESTION 
TO GOD DO ALL QUESTIONS GO BACK FOR DECISION

SECTION 26

211  ASK THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HOW MANY SIGNS WE SENT 
IF ANY OF YOU AFTER TO HIM GOD'S SIGNS HAVE BEEN SENT
THEN SUBSTITUTES SOMETHING DIFFERENT
GOD IS STRICT IN PUNISHMENT

212  THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD IS ALLURING TO THE DISBELIEVERS
AND THEY SCOFF AT THOSE WHO ARE BELIEVERS
BUT ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION THE RIGHTEOUS BELIEVERS
WILL BE ABOVE THEM, FOR GOD BESTOWS HIS TREASURES
UPON WHOM HE PLEASES WITHOUT MEASURE

213  MAN WAS ONE SINGLE NATION AND GOD SENT MESSENGERS 
WITH GOOD NEWS AND AS WARNERS 
AND HE SENT WITH THEM THE BOOK IN TRUTH TO JUDGE MATTERS 
WHEREIN THEY DIFFERED, BUT THE PEOPLE OF THE SCRIPTURES
AFTER CLEAR SIGNS HAD COME TO THEM DID NOT DIFFER 
AMONG THEMSELVES EXCEPT FOR SELFISH CONTRIVERS 
BUT GOD BY HIS GRACE GUIDED THE BELIEVERS 
TO THE TRUTH OF THAT IN WHICH THEY DIFFERED 
FOR SURELY GOD GUIDES THOSE OF HIS PLEASURE
INTO THE STRAIGHT WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS DOERS

214  OR DO YOU THINK THAT THE GARDEN YOU WILL ENTER  
WITHOUT COMING TO YOU SUCH TRIALS AS CAME PRIOR
TO THE MEN WHO PASSED AWAY FORMER? 
FOR THEY WERE SO SHAKEN IN SPIRIT THAT THE MESSENGER
AND OF THOSE WHO WERE WITH HIM OF THE BELIEVERS
CRIED, WHEN WILL COME THE HELP OF THE CREATOR?
SURELY GOD'S HELP IS ALWAYS NEAR 

215  AND THEY ASK YOU WHAT THEY SHOULD SPEND OF THEIR TREASURES  
SAY, WHATEVER THAT IS GOOD FOR KIN, PARENTS AND WAYFARERS 
AND ORPHANS AND FOR THOSE IN WANT AND WHATEVER 
YOU DO THAT IS GOOD GOD IS THE KNOWER

216  FIGHTING IS PRESCRIBED FOR YOU 
AND YOU DISLIKE IT BUT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT YOU 
DISLIKE A THING WHICH IS GOOD FOR YOU 
AND THAT YOU LOVE A THING WHICH IS BAD FOR YOU 
BUT GOD KNOWS WHAT IS NOT KNOWN TO YOU

26
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                         SECTION 27.  PART II

217  THEY ASK YOU CONCERNING FIGHTING IN THE PROHIBITED MONTH.  
SAY, FIGHTING IS A GRAVE OFFENSE IN THE PROHIBITED MONTH

BUT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD IT IS GRAVER TO HINDER 
MEN FROM GOD'S PATH AND TO DENY HIM AND HINDER
MEN FROM THE SACRED MOSQUE AND DRIVE OUT ITS MEMBERS 
AND PERSECUTION AND OPPRESSION ARE WORSE THAN SLAUGHTER 
NOR WILL THEY CEASE FIGHTING YOU UNTIL THEY RENDER
YOU BACK TO DISBELIEF AFTER BEING A BELIEVER
AND IF ANY OF YOU TURN BACK FROM BEING A BELIEVER 
AND THEN DIES AFTER AS A DISBELIEVER
NO FRUIT IN THIS LIFE WILL THEIR WORKS BEAR  
AND IN THE HEREAFTER THEY WILL BE COMPANIONS OF THE FIRE 
AND THEY WILL ABIDE IN IT FOREVER

218  AND THOSE WHO BELIEVED AND THOSE WHO SUFFERED
AND FOUGHT AND WERE EXILED AND WERE STRUGGLERS
IN THE WAY OF THEIR LORD AND CHERISHER 
THEY HAVE THE HOPE OF THE MERCY OF THEIR MAKER 
AND GOD IS THE MOST MERCIFUL FORGIVER

219  CONCERNING WINE AND GAMBLING, THEY ASK YOU ABOUT IT
SAY, IN IT IS GREAT SIN FOR MEN AND SOME PROFIT 
BUT THE SIN IS GREATER THAN THE PROFIT 

THEY ASK YOU HOW MUCH THEY ARE TO SPEND IN CHARITY
SAY TO THEM, WHAT IS BEYOND YOUR NEEDS

GOD MAKES CLEAR TO YOU HIS SIGNS IN ORDER 
THAT YOU MAY CONSIDER-

220  ON THIS LIFE AND THE HEREAFTER 

AND THEY ASK YOU CONCERNING THE ORPHANS AFFAIRS
SAY, DO WHAT IS WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THEIR AFFAIRS
AND IF YOU MIX YOUR AFFAIRS WITH THEIRS 
REMEMBER THAT THEY ARE IN FAITH YOUR BROTHERS 
BUT GOD KNOWS THE MAN WHO MEANS TO BE FAIR
FROM THE MAN WHO MEANS NOT TO BE FAIR 
IF GOD WISHED HE COULD PUT YOU INTO DESPAIR 
FOR YOUR LORD IS ALL WISE AND EXALTED IN POWER

221  DO NOT MARRY WOMEN WHO ARE DISBELIEVERS
UNTIL THEY BECOME BELIEVERS  
A SLAVE WOMAN WHO IS A BELIEVER 
IS BETTER THAN A WOMAN WHO IS A DISBELIEVER
EVEN THOUGH SHE ALLURES YOU TO HER FAVOR 
NOR MARRY YOUR GIRLS TO DISBELIEVERS 
UNTIL THEY BECOME BELIEVERS 
SURELY A MAN SLAVE WHO IS A BELIEVER 
IS BETTER THAN A MAN THAT IS A DISBELIEVER
EVEN THOUGH HE DOES ALLURE YOU TO HIS FAVOR 
DISBELIEVERS DO BUT BECKON YOU TO THE FIRE 
BUT GOD INVITES YOU TO PARADISE FOREVER
AND GOD MAKES HIS MESSAGES CLEAR
THAT MEN MAY GIVE HIM PRAISE AND HONOR

27
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                        SECTION 28.  PART II

222  THEY ASK YOU CONCERNING WOMEN'S MENSTRUATION                      
SAY TO THEM, THEY ARE INDEED A HURT AND A POLLUTION
SO KEEP AWAY FROM WOMEN DURING MENSTRUATION

AND UNTIL THEY ARE CLEAN DO NOT APPROACH THEM 
BUT WHEN THEY HAVE PURIFIED THEMSELVES YOU MAY GO INTO THEM 
AS ORDAINED BY GOD CONCERNING THEM

GOD LOVES THOSE WHO TURN TO HIM CONSTANTLY
AND HE LOVES THOSE WHO ASCRIBE TO PURITY

223  YOUR WIVES ARE AS FERTILE EARTH TO YOU 
SO APPROACH THEM WHEN IT PLEASES YOU
BUT SEND SOME GOOD ACT BEFORE YOU
AND FEAR GOD AND KNOW THAT YOU

ARE TO MEET WITH GOD IN THE HEREAFTER
AND GIVE GOOD NEWS TO THE BELIEVERS

224  AND MAKE NOT GOD A REASON FOR EXCUSING YOU FROM MAKING 
PEACE BETWEEN PERSONS OR DOING GOOD OR PROPERLY ACTING  
FOR GOD IS ALL HEARING AND ALL KNOWING OF ALL THINGS

225  GOD WILL NOT CALL YOU 
TO ACCOUNT FOR THE VAIN OATHS OF YOU
BUT FOR THE INTENTION IN THE HEARTS OF YOU
GOD IS MOST FORGIVING AND FORBEARING TO YOU 

226  AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO TAKE AN OATH OF ABSTAINING
FROM THEIR WIVES, A PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS OF WAITING 
IS ORDAINED, IF THEN THEY CONSENT TO RETURNING 
GOD IS MOST MERCIFUL AND MOST FORGIVING

227  BUT IF THEIR INTENTION IS FIRM FOR DIVORCING 
GOD IS ALL HEARING AND ALL KNOWING OF ALL THINGS

228  DIVORCED WOMEN MUST WAIT A PERIOD
OF THREE MONTHLY PERIODS 

AND NEITHER IS IT LAWFUL FOR THEM TO HIDE AWAY
WHAT GOD HAS CREATED IN THEIR WOMBS IF THEY 
HAVE FAITH IN GOD AND IN THE LAST DAY

AND THEIR SPOUSES DO HAVE THE RIGHT OF REASON
TO TAKE THEM BACK AFTER THEIR COURSES ARE DONE
IF THEY DO WISH FOR RECONCILIATION

AND THE RIGHTS OF THE WOMEN 
WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE RIGHTS OF MEN
BUT MEN HAVE A DEGREE OF ADVANTAGE OVER WOMEN
AND YOUR LORD HAS POWER OVER ALL CREATION 

28
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                         SECTION 29.  PART II

229  A DIVORCE IS PERMISSIBLE TWICE ONLY, THEN AFTER 
THE TWO PARTIES SHOULD EITHER SEPARATE OR HOLD TOGETHER 
AND IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO TAKE FROM HER
ANY OF YOUR GIFTS YOU HAVE GIVEN TO HER
EXCEPT WHEN BOTH PARTIES DO FEAR
THAT THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO ADHERE 
TO THE LIMITS THAT ARE ORDAINED BY THEIR MAKER
THEREFORE IF YOU JUDGES DO FEAR
THAT THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO ADHERE 
TO THE LIMITS THAT ARE ORDAINED BY THEIR MAKER
THERE IS NO BLAME ON EITHER IF SHE GIVES SOMETHING TO FREE HER 
AND THESE ARE THE LIMITS ORDAINED BY THE CREATOR
SO DO NOT TRANSGRESS THE LIMITS ORDAINED BY YOUR MAKER
ANY  PERSONS WHO OF THESE ARE TRANSGRESSORS
WRONG THEMSELVES AS WELL AS OTHERS 

230  SO IF A HUSBAND DIVORCES HIS WIFE THE THIRD TIME
THEY CANNOT REMARRY AFTER THAT TIME

UNTIL SHE MARRIES ANOTHER HUSBAND AND HE DIVORCES HER 
THEN THERE IS NO BLAME IF THEY DO RETURN TO EACH OTHER
IF THEY CAN KEEP THE LIMITS ORDAINED BY THE CREATOR
AND THESE ARE THE LIMITS ORDAINED BY YOUR MAKER
WHICH IS PLAIN TO THOSE WHO ARE BELIEVERS

231  WHEN YOU DIVORCE WOMEN AND THEY FULFILL THEIR TERMS 
EITHER TAKE THEM BACK ON EQUITABLE TERMS
OR SET THEM FREE ON EQUITABLE TERMS 

BUT DO NOT TAKE THEM BACK TO INJURE THEM 
OR TO TAKE UNDUE ADVANTAGE OF THEM

IF ANY ONE DOES THAT HE WRONGS HIS OWN SOUL GREATLY 
AND DO NOT TREAT GOD'S MESSAGES LIGHTLY 
BUT REHEARSE GOD'S FAVORS SINCERELY 

AND THE FACT THAT HE SENT DOWN TO YOU BY INSPIRATION
THE BOOK AND WISDOM FOR YOUR INSTRUCTION
AND GOD KNOWS ALL THINGS IN CREATION

29
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                         SECTION 30.  PART II

232  AND WHEN YOU DIVORCE WOMEN AND THEY COMPLETELY
FULFILL THEIR TERMS DO NOT PREVENT THEM IF THEY AGREE
TO RETURN TO THEIR FORMER HUSBANDS AND REMARRY
THIS INSTRUCTION IS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO BELIEVE 
THAT IS THE COURSE MAKING FOR MOST PURITY 
GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU KNOW NOT SURELY

233  CHILDREN WILL BE NURSED BY THEIR MOTHERS 
FOR TWO WHOLE YEARS IF THE FATHER 
DESIRES COMPLETING THE TERM, BUT HE WILL BEAR 
ON EQUITABLE TERMS THE COST OF THEIR CARE
AND NO SOUL WILL BEAR
A BURDEN LAID ON IT GREATER THAT IT CAN BEAR 
NO MOTHER WILL BECAUSE OF HER CHILD BE TREATED UNFAIR 
NO FATHER BECAUSE OF HIS CHILD WILL BE TREATED UNFAIR
IN THE SAME WAY AN HEIR WILL BE HELD TO ANSWER 
IF THEY BOTH CONSENT ON WEANING TOGETHER 
THERE IS NO BLAME ON YOU IF YOU DECIDE ON A FOSTER MOTHER
FOR YOUR OFFSPRING PROVIDED YOU PAY THE MOTHER 
ON EQUITABLE TERMS WHAT YOU OFFERED
KEEP YOUR DUTY FOR YOU ARE SEEN BY YOUR MAKER 

234  IF ANY OF YOU DIE AND LEAVE WIDOWS BEHIND
THEY MUST WAIT FOUR MONTHS AND TEN DAYS RESIGNED

AND WHEN THEY HAVE FULFILLED THEIR OBLIGATIONS
THERE IS NO BLAME ON YOU IF THEY OF THEIR OWN DECISION

DISPOSE OF THEMSELVES IN A REASONABLE MANNER
AND OF ALL THAT YOU DO GOD IS THE SEER 

235  AND THERE IS NO BLAME ON YOU IF YOU MAKE A BETROTHAL
OR YOU HOLD IT IN YOUR HEARTS FOR YOUR LORD IS MINDFUL
THAT YOU LOVE THEM, BUT DO NOT MAKE SECRET COUNCIL
WITH THEM EXCEPT IN TERMS THAT ARE HONORABLE  
NOR RESOLVE ON THE TIE OF MARRIAGE UNTIL 
THE PRESCRIBED TERM HAS BEEN FULFILLED
 
AND WHAT IS IN YOUR HEARTS GOD IS ALL KNOWING
AND TAKE HEED OF HIM FOR HE IS FORGIVING 
AND YOUR LORD IS MOST FORBEARING

30
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                        SECTION 31.  PART II

236  THERE IS NO BLAME ON YOU IF YOU DIVORCE WOMEN 
BEFORE CONSUMMATION OF THE DOWER'S FIXATION 

BUT BESTOW ON THEM 
A SUITABLE GIFT FOR THEM

THE WEALTHY ACCORDING TO HIS MEANS 
AND THE POOR ACCORDING TO HIS MEANS 

A GIFT OF A REASONABLE AMOUNT IS OWING
FROM THOSE WHO WISH TO DO THE RIGHT THING

237  AND IF YOU DIVORCE THEM BEFORE CONSUMMATION 
BUT AFTER THE DOWER'S FIXATION
 
THEN HALF OF THE DOWER IS DUE TO THEM UNLESS THEY REMIT IT 
OR UNLESS THE MAN'S HALF IS REMITTED 

BY HIM IN WHOSE HANDS IS THE MARRIAGE TIE
THE REMISSION OF THE MAN'S HALF IS NEAREST TO RIGHT  

AND DO NOT FORGET LIBERALITY
FOR ALL THAT YOU DO GOD SEES CLEARLY

238  GUARD STRICTLY YOUR HABIT OF PRAYERS 
ESPECIALLY THE MIDDLE PRAYER 
AND STAND BEFORE GOD DEVOUTLY IN PRAYER

239  IF YOU FEAR AN ENEMY 
PRAY ON FOOT OR RIDING CONVENIENTLY
BUT THEN WHEN YOU ARE AGAIN IN SECURITY 
PRAY IN THE MANNER GOD HAS TAUGHT YOU PROPERLY
WHICH WAS NOT KNOWN TO YOU PREVIOUSLY

240  THOSE OF YOU WHO DIE AND LEAVE WIDOWS 
SHOULD BEQUEATH FOR THEIR WIDOWS 

A YEAR'S MAINTENANCE AND RESIDENCE 
BUT IF THEY LEAVE THE RESIDENCE 
 
 YOU ARE NOT BLAMEABLE
FOR WHAT THEY DO PROVIDED IT IS REASONABLE 
AND GOD IS EXALTED IN POWER AND KNOWLEDGEABLE

241  FOR DIVORCED WOMEN MAINTENANCE SHOULD BE 
PROVIDED ON A REASONABLE SCALE, THIS IS A DUTY 
ON THOSE OF YOU WHO ACT RIGHTEOUSLY

242  SO DOES GOD MAKE CLEAR HIS MESSAGES TO YOU
IN ORDER TO GIVE UNDERSTANDING TO YOU

31
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                        SECTION 32.  PART II

243  DID YOU NOT SEE THOSE WHO ABANDONED WHERE THEY DWELLED 
THOUGH THEIR NUMBERS WERE THOUSANDS FOR FEAR OF BEING KILLED  
AND GOD SAID TO THEM, DIE, AND THEN HE RESTORED THEM BY HIS WILL?
FOR YOUR LORD IS TO MAN GRACEFUL BUT MOST MEN ARE UNGRATEFUL

244  THEN FIGHT IN THE CAUSE OF GOD 
AND KNOW THAT ALL THINGS ARE KNOWN BY GOD

245  WHO IS HE THAT WILL LOAN A BEAUTIFUL LOAN TO GOD 
WHICH WILL BE DOUBLED TO HIS CREDIT AND MULTIPLIED BY GOD? 
HE GIVES YOU WANT OR PLENTY AND YOUR FINAL DESTINY IS TO GOD

246  HAVE YOU NOT TURNED YOUR VISION TO THE PRINCIPALS 
AFTER THE TIME OF MOSES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL 

WHEN THEY SAID TO THEIR PROPHET, APPOINT US A KING 
SO THAT IN THE CAUSE OF GOD WE MAY ENGAGE IN FIGHTING 
HE SAID, IS IT NOT POSSIBLE IF YOU WERE COMMANDED FIGHTING 
THAT MAYBE YOU WOULD REFRAIN FROM FIGHTING? 
THEY SAID, HOW COULD WE POSSIBLY REFUSE FIGHTING 
SEEING THAT WE HAVE BEEN TURNED OUT OF OUR DWELLINGS?   

BUT WHEN THE COMMAND TO FIGHT WAS GIVEN TO THEM
THEY TURNED BACK EXCEPT A SMALL BAND AMONG THEM
YOUR LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO DO WRONG AMONG THEM

249  AND THEIR PROPHET SAID TO THEM
THAT GOD APPOINTED SAUL AS KING OVER THEM

THEY SAID, HOW CAN HE OVER US EXERCISE AUTHORITY 
WHEN WE ARE MUCH BETTER SUITED THAN HE 
NOR DOES HE EVEN HAVE WEALTH ABUNDANTLY?
HE SAID, GOD HAS CHOSEN HIM ABOVE YOU SURELY
AND HAS GIFTED HIM WITH KNOWLEDGE ABUNDANTLY
AND GOD GRANTS TO WHOM HE PLEASES AUTHORITY 
AND ALL CARING AND ALL KNOWING IS HE 

248  FURTHER THEIR PROPHET SAID TO THEM, ADDITIONALLY
THERE WILL COME TO YOU AS A CLEAR SIGN OF HIS AUTHORITY  
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT WITH YOUR LORD'S ASSURETY   
AND THE RELICS LEFT BY MOSES AND AARON'S FAMILY 

CARRIED BY ANGELS 
FOR YOU THIS IS A SYMBOL 
IF YOU ARE  FAITHFUL

32
CHAPTER 2.  THE COW                                                                 SECTION 33.  PART II, III

249  AND SAUL SAID TO THEM WHEN HE SET FORTH WITH THE ARMY
WHEN YOU COME TO THE STREAM YOU WILL BE TESTED SURELY
ANY WHO DRINKS OF ITS WATER GOES NOT WITH MY ARMY 
ONLY THOSE WHO TASTE NOT OF IT GO WITH ME 

A MERE SIP OF THE HAND IS EXCUSED
BUT THEY ALL DRANK OF IT EXCEPT A FEW

AND WHEN THEY CROSSED THE RIVER
IT WAS SAID BY THE FAITHFUL BELIEVERS
WE CANNOT COPE WITH GOLIATH AND HIS SOLDIERS
BUT THOSE WHO KNEW THAT THEY MUST MEET THE CREATOR
SAID, HOW OFTEN BY THE WILL OF OUR MAKER
HAS A SMALL FORCE DEFEATED ONE THAT WAS GREATER? 
SURELY GOD IS WITH THOSE WHO CONSTANTLY PERSEVERE 

250  WHEN THEY ADVANCED TO MEET GOLIATH AND HIS FORCES 
THEY PRAYED, OUR LORD, POUR OUT CONSTANCY ON US 
AND MAKE OUR STEPS FIRM AND HELP US 
AGAINST THE DISBELIEVING FORCES

251  THEY PUT THEM TO FLIGHT BY THE WILL OF THE CREATOR
AND DAVID SLEW GOLIATH BY GOD'S POWER
AND TO DAVID GOD GAVE WISDOM AND POWER
AND HE TAUGHT HIM WHATEVER ELSE HE DESIRED
AND DID NOT GOD CHECK ONE PEOPLE BY ANOTHER 
THE EARTH WOULD BE FILLED UP OF MISCHIEF MAKERS
YOUR LORD IS THE LORD OF THE WORLDS, THE CHERISER

252  THESE ARE THE MESSAGES OF THE CREATOR  
WE RECITE THEM TO YOU TRUTHFULLY AND CLEAR
FOR YOU OH PROPHET, ARE ONE OF THE MESSENGERS