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<Home> <Islam> <Holy Quran> <English Translation of the Meanings of Holy Qur'anic Verses> <Surat Al Baqarah> English Translation of the Meanings of Some Holy Qur'anic Verses Surat
Al-Baqarah (The Cow) (Verses
47 -62)
Verse 47: O Children of Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you to the 'Alamīn [mankind and jinn (of your time period, in the past)]. Verse 48: And fear a Day (of Judgement) when a person shall not avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from him nor will compensation be taken from him nor will they be helped. Verse 49: And (remember) when We delivered you from Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) people, who were afflicting you with a horrible torment, killing your sons and sparing your women, and therein was a mighty trial from your Lord. Verse 50: And (remember) when We separated the sea for you and saved you and drowned Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) people while you were looking (at them, when the sea-water covered them). Verse 51: And (remember) when We appointed for Mūsa (Moses) forty nights, and (in his absence) you took the calf (for worship), and you were Zālimūn (polytheists and wrong-doers,) Verse 52: Then after that We forgave you so that you might be grateful. Verse 53: And (remember) when We gave Mūsa (Moses) the Scripture [the Taurāt (Torah)] and the criterion (of right and wrong) so that you may be guided aright. Verse 54: And (remember) when Mūsa (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf. So turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the innocent kill the wrongdoers among you), that will be better for you with your Creator." Then He accepted your repentance. Truly, He is the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. Verse 55: And (remember) when you said: "O Mūsa (Moses)! We shall never believe in you till we see Allāh plainly." But you were seized with a thunderbolt (lightning) while you were looking. Verse 56: Then We raised you up after your death, so that you might be grateful. Verse 57: And We shaded you with clouds and sent down on you Al-Manna and the quails, (saying): "Eat of the good lawful things We have provided for you," (but they rebelled). And they did not wrong Us but they wronged themselves. Verse 58: And (remember) when We said: "Enter this town (Jerusalem) and eat bountifully therein with pleasure and delight wherever you wish, and enter the gate in prostration (or bowing with humility) and say: 'Forgive us,' and We shall forgive you your sins and shall increase (reward) for the good-doers." Verse 59: But those who did wrong changed the word from that which had been told to them for another, so We sent upon the wrong-doers Rijzan (a punishment) from the heaven because of their rebelling against Allāh's Obedience. Verse 60: And (remember) when Mūsa (Moses) asked for water for his people, We said: "Strike the stone with your stick." Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each (group of) people knew its own place for water. "Eat and drink of that which Allāh has provided and do not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth." Verse 61: And (remember) when you said, "O Mūsa (Moses)! We cannot endure one kind of food. So invoke your Lord for us to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its herbs, its cucumbers, its Fūm (wheat or garlic), its lentils and its onions." He said, "Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? Go you down to any town and you shall find what you want!" And they were covered with humiliation and misery, and they drew on themselves the Wrath of Allāh. That was because they used to disbelieve the Ayāt (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allāh and killed the Prophets wrongfully. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress the bounds (in their disobedience to Allāh, i.e. commit crimes and sins). Verse 62: Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in Allāh and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Verses
67 - 82)
Verse 67: And (remember) when Mūsa (Moses) said to his people: "Verily, Allāh commands you that you slaughter a cow." They said, "Do you make fun of us?" He said, "I take Allāh's Refuge from being among Al-Jāhilūn (the ignorants or the foolish)." Verse 68: They said, "Call upon your Lord for us that He may make plain to us what it is!" He said, "He says, 'Verily, it is a cow neither too old nor too young, but (it is) between the two conditions', so do what you are commanded." Verse 69: They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us its colour." He said, "He says, 'It is a yellow cow, bright in its colour, pleasing to the beholders.' " Verse 70: They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us what it is. Verily to us all cows are alike, And surely, if Allāh wills, we will be guided." Verse 71: He [Mūsa (Moses)] said, "He says, 'It is a cow neither trained to till the soil nor water the fields, sound, having no other colour except bright yellow.' " They said, "Now you have brought the truth." So they slaughtered it though they were near to not doing it. Verse 72: And (remember) when you killed a man and fell into dispute among yourselves as to the crime. But Allāh brought forth that which you were hiding. Verse 73: So We said: "Strike him (the dead man) with a piece of it (the cow)." Thus Allāh brings the dead to life and shows you His Ayāt (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) so that you may understand. Verse 74: Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allāh. And Allāh is not unaware of what you do. Verse 75: Do you (faithful believers) covet that they will believe in your religion inspite of the fact that a party of them (Jewish rabbis) used to hear the Word of Allāh [the Taurāt (Torah)], then they used to change it knowingly after they understood it? Verse 76: And when they (Jews) meet those who believe (Muslims), they say, "We believe", but when they meet one another in private, they say, "Shall you (Jews) tell them (Muslims) what Allāh has revealed to you [Jews, about the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him , that which are written in the Taurāt (Torah)], that they (Muslims) may argue with you (Jews) about it before your Lord?" Have you (Jews) then no understanding? Verse 77: Know they (Jews) not that Allāh knows what they conceal and what they reveal? Verse 78: And there are among them (Jews) unlettered people, who know not the Book, but they trust upon false desires and they but guess. Verse 79: Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, "This is from Allāh," to purchase with it a little price! Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for that they earn thereby. Verse 80: And they (Jews) say, "The Fire (i.e. Hell-fire on the Day of Resurrection) shall not touch us but for a few numbered days." Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him to them): "Have you taken a covenant from Allāh, so that Allāh will not break His Covenant? Or is it that you say of Allāh what you know not?" Verse 81: Yes! Whosoever earns evil and his sin has surrounded him, they are dwellers of the Fire (i.e. Hell); they will dwell therein forever. Verse 82: And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allāh swt- Islāmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will dwell therein forever. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Verses
183 - 187)
Verse 183: O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fast) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). Verse 184: [Observing Saum (fast)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (needy person) (for every day missed). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know. Verse 185: The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fast) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fast) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbir (Allahu Akbar; Allah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him. Verse 186: And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad PBUH) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright. Verse 187: It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of As-Saum (the fast). They are Libas [i.e. body cover, or screen, or Sakan, (i.e. you enjoy the pleasure of living with them)], for you and you are the same for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you (accepted your repentance) and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you (offspring), and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Saum (fast) till the nightfall. And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I'tikaf (i.e. confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques. These are the limits (set) by Allah, so approach them not. Thus does Allah make clear His Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelations, verses, laws, legal and illegal things, Allah's set limits, orders) to mankind that they may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). EXPLANATORY COMMENTS * As-Saum means fasting i.e. not to eat or drink or have sexual relations etc. from the Adhan of the Fajr (early morning) prayer till the sunset.
HADITH Narrated Talhah bin 'Ubaidullah: A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allah's Messenger PBUH and said, "O Allah's Messenger! Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards the Salat (prayers)." He replied: "You have to offer perfectly the five compulsory Salat (prayers) in a day and night (24 hours), unless you want to pray the Nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory)". The bedouin further asked, "Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards Saum (fast)." He replied, "You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want to fast more as Nawafil." The bedouin further asked, "Tell me how much Zakat Allah has enjoined on me." The narrator added: Then, Allah's Messenger PBUH informed him all about the Laws (i.e. fundamentals) of Islam. The bedouin then said, "By Him Who has honoured you, I will neither perorm any Nawafil nor will I decrease what Allah has enjoined on me." Allah's Messenger PBUH said, "If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or he will be granted Paradise)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No.115, Vol.3). Narrated Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu Anh: Allah's Messenger PBUH said, "As-Siyam (the fasting) is Junnah (protection or shield or a screen or a shelter from the Hell-fire*). So, the person observing Saum (fast) should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should say to him twice, 'I am fasting.' "The Prophet PBUH added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better with Allah -ta-Aala than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The Saum (fast) is for Me.** So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No.118, Vol.3) * See Fath Al-Bari, Vol. 5, Page 5. ** Although all practices of worshipping are for Allah, here Allah -ta-Aala singles out Saum (fast) because fasting cannot be practiced for the sake of showing-off, as nobody except Allah can know whether one is fasting or not. Therefore, fasting is a pure perormance that cannot be blemished with hypocrisy. (Fath Al-Bari, Vol.5 Page 10). Narrated Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu Anh: The Prophet PBUH said, "Whoever does not give up lying speech - false statements (i.e. telling lies) and acting on those (lies), and evil actions etc., then Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting*)". (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No.127, Vol.3) Narrated Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu Anh: Allah's Messenger PBUH said, "Allah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil till I love him. Then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge), and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoint him." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.8, Hadith No.509). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Verses
188 - 189) Verse 188: And eat up not one another's property unjustly (in any illegal way e.g. stealing, robbing, deceiving, etc.), nor give bribery to the rulers (judges before presenting your cases) that you may knowingly eat up a part of the property of others sinfully. Verse 189: They ask you (O Muhammad PBUH) about the new moons. Say: "They are sign to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage". It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness) that you enter the houses from the back but Al-Birr (is the quality of the one) who fears Allah. So enter house through their (proper) doors, and fear Allah that you may be successful. (Source: from the Noble Qur'an English Translation) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Verses
196 - 202)
verse 196 : And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) the Hajj and 'Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah) for Allah. But if you are prevented (from completing them), sacrifice a Hady (animal, i.e. a sheep, a cow, or a camel) such as you can afford, and do not shave your heads until the Hady reaches the place of sacrifice. And whosoever of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp (necessitating shaving), he must pay a Fidyah (ransom) of either observing Saum (fast) (threedays) or giving Sadaqah (charity - feeding six poor persons) or offering sacrifice (onesheep). Then if you are in safety and whosoever performs the 'Umrah in the months of Hajj, before (performing) the Hajj, (i.e. Hajj-at-Tamattu' and AlQiran), he must slaughter a Hady such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should observe Saum (fast)three days druing the Hajj and seven days after his return (to his home), making ten days in all. This is for him whose family is not present at Al-Masjid-Al-Haram (i.e. non-resident of Makkah). And fear Allah much and know that Allah is Severe in punishment. Verse 197: The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj (1) therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding! Verse 198: There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage by trading). Then when you leave 'Arafat' (2), remember Allah (by glorifying His Praises, i.e. prayers and invocations) at Al-Mash'ar il-Haram(3). And remember Him (by invoking Allah for all good.) as He has guided you, and verily, you were, before, of those who were astray. Verse 199: Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask Allah for His Forgiveness. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Verse 200: So when you have accomplished your Manasik(4), remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!" and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter. Verse 201: And of them there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!" Verse 202: Those for them there will be alloted a share for what they have earned. And Allah is Swift at reckoning. Commentary (V.197) [1] What is said regarding Hajj At-Tamattu', Hajj Al-Qiran, and Hajj Al-Ifrad. And whoever has not brought a Hady with him, he should finish the Ihram of Hajj, and make it as 'Umrah, (and then assume another Ihram for Hajj from Makkah, etc.) There are three ways of performing Hajj -- as follows: a) Hajj At-Tamattu': It means that you have no Hady with you and you assume Ihram only for 'Umrah first and after 'Umrah you finish your Ihram and assume another Ihram for performing Hajj, from Makkah, but you have to slaughter a Hady. b) Hajj Al-Qiran: It .means that one should have a Hady with him and should perform 'Umrah and then Hajj with the same state of Ihram. c) Hajj Al-Ifrad: It means that one assumes Ihram with the intention of performing Hajj only and odes not perform 'Umrah. (V. 198) [2] 'Arafat: a well known place near Makkah where pilgrims have to spend the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. (V.198) [3] Al-Mash'ar il-Haram, i.e. Muzdalifah, a well known place near Makkah, where pilgrims have to stop and stay for the whole night of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, or a great part of it. (V.200) [4] "Manasik" i.e. Ihram, Tawaf of the Ka'bah and As-Safa and Al-Marwah, stay at 'Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, Ramy of Jamarat (stoning of the specified pillars in Mina), slaughtering of Hady (animal). --------------------------------------------------------------------
(Verses
219 - 225) Verse 219: They ask you (O Muhammad PBUH) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: "In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit, for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: "That which is beyond your needs." Thus Allāh makes clear to you His Laws in order that you may give thought." Verse 220: In (to) this worldly life and in the Hereafter. And they ask you concerning orphans. Say: "The best thing is to work honestly in their property, and if you mix your affairs with theirs, then they are your brothers. And Allāh knows him who means mischief (e.g. to swallow their property) from him who means good (e.g. to save their property). And if Allāh had wished, He could have put you into difficulties. Truly, Allāh is All-Mighty, All-Wise." Verse 221: And do not marry Al-Mushrikāt (idolatresses, etc.) till they believe (worship Allāh Alone). And indeed a slave woman who believes is better than a (free) Mushrikah (idolatress), even though she pleases you. And give not (your daughters) in marriage to Al-Mushrikūn till they believe (in Allāh Alone) and verily, a believing slave is better than a (free) Mushrik (idolater), even though he pleases you. Those (Al-Mushrikūn) invite you to the Fire, but Allāh invites (you) to Paradise and Forgiveness by His Leave, and makes His Ayāt (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) clear to mankind that they may remember. Verse 222: They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha (a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses), therefore keep away from women during menses and go not unto them till they are purified (from menses and have taken a bath). And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allāh has ordained for you (go in unto them in any manner as long as it is in their vagina). Truly, Allāh loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers). Verse 223: Your wives are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth, when or how you will, and send (good deeds, or ask Allāh to bestow upon you pious offspring) for your ownselves beforehand. And fear Allāh, and know that you are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give good tidings to the believers (O Muhammad PBUH). Verse 224: And make not Allāh's (Name) an excuse in your oaths against your doing good and acting piously, and making peace among mankind. And Allāh is All-Hearer, All-Knower (i.e. do not swear much and if you have sworn against doing something good then give an expiation for the oath and do good). Verse 225: Allāh will not call you to account for that which is unintentional in your oaths, but He will call you to account for that which your hearts have earned. And Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Forbearing.
HADITH a) Narrated Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu Anh: Allāh's Messenger PBUH, said, "Whoever takes an oath in which he (forgetfully), mentions Lat and 'Uzza (i.e. two idols of Arab pagans) should say: "La ilaha illallah" (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and wheover says to his companion, 'Come along let us gamble,' must give alms ( as an expiation)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadith No.383) b) Narrated Ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu Anhuma: Allah's Messenger PBUH said, "Whoever drinks alcoholic drinks in this world and does not repent (i.e. stops drinking alcoholic drinks, and begs Allāh to forgive him before his death) will be deprived of it in the Hereafter." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.7, Hadith No.481) c) Narrated Ans Radiyallahu Anh: I heard from Allah's Mesenger PBUH a narration which none other than I will narrate to you. The Prophet PBUH said, "From among the portents of the Hour are the following: General ignorance (in religious affairs) will prevail, (religious) knowledge will decrease, illegal sexual intercourse will prevail, alcoholic drinks will be drunk ( in abundance), men will decrease and women will increase so much so that for every fifty women there will be one man to look after them." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.7, Hadith No.483) b) Narrated Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu Anh: The Prophet PBUH said, "An adulterer-fornicator, at the time he is committing illegal sexual intercourse is not a beliver; and a person, at the time of drinking an alcoholic drink is not a believer; and a thief, at the time of stealing, is not a believer. Ibn Shihab said: 'Abdul Malik bin Abi-Bakr bin 'Abdur-Rahman bin Al-Harith bin Hisham told me that Abu Bakr used to narrate that narration to him on the authority of Abu Hurairah. He used to add that Abu Bakr used to mention, besides the above cases: "And he who robs (takes illegally something by force) while the people are looking at him, is not a believer at the time he is robbing (taking it)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.7, Hadith No.484). (V. 221) Al-Mushrikun: polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger Muhammad PBUH. (V. 223) have sexual relations with your wives in any manner as long as it is in the vagina and not in the anus.
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(Verse
255 AYAT-UL-KURSI) Verse 255 (AYAT-UL-KURSI): Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyum (the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whaever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi[1] extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. Commentary [1] (V.255). Kursi: Literally a footstool or chair, and sometimes wrongly translated as Throne. The Kursi mentioned in this Verse should be distinguished from the 'Arsh (Throne) mentioned in elsewhere. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The Kursi compared to the 'Arsh is nothing but like a ring thrown out upon open space of the desert." If the Kursi extends over the entire universe, then how much greater is the 'Arsh. Indeed Allah, the Creator of both the Kursi and the 'Arsh, is the Most Great. Ibn Taimiyah said: a)
To believe in the Kursi. * Narrated Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu Anh: Allah's Messenger (PBUH) ordered me to guard the Zakat revenue of Ramadan. Then somebody came to me and started stealing of the foodstuff. I caught him and said, "I will take you to Allah's Messenger (PBUH)!" Then Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu Anh described the whole narration and said: That person said (to me), "(Please don't take me to Allah's Messenger (PBUH) and I will tell you a few words by which Allah will benefit you). When you go to your bed, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi, (V.255)for then there will be a guard from Allah who will protect you all night long, and Satan will not be able to come near you till dawn." (When the Prophet (PBUH) heard the story) he said (to me, "He (who came to you at night) told you the truth although he is a liar; and it was Satan." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadith No.530)
(Verses
261 - 271) Verse 261: The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. Verse 262: Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Verse 263: Kind words and forgiving (of faults) are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all needs) and He is Most-Forbearing. Verse 264 : O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqat (deeds of charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day. His likeness is the likeness of a smooth rock on which is (a little) dust; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people. Verse 265: And the likeness of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah's Pleasure while they in their ownselves are sure and certain that Allah will reward them (for their spending in His Cause), is the likeness of a garden on a height; heavy rain falls on it and it doubles its yield of harvest. And if it does not receive heavy rain, light rain suffices it. And Allah is All-Seer (knows well) of what you do. Verse 266: Would any of you wish to have a garden with date-palms and vines, with rivers flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruits for him therein, while he is striken with old age, and his children are weak (not able to look after themselves), then it is struck with a fiery whirlwind, so that it is burnt? Thus does Allah make clear His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses) to you that you may give thought. Verse 267: O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah is Rich (Free of all needs), and Worthy of all praise. Verse 268: Shaitan (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha' (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins); whereas Allah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. Verse 269: He grants Hikmah to whom He pleases, and he, to whom Hikmah is granted, is indeed granted abundant good. But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding. Verse270: And whatever you spend for spendings (e.g., in Sadaqah -- charity for Allah's Cause) or whatever vow you make, be sure Allah knows it all. And for the Zalimun (wrong-doers) there are no helpers. Verse 271: If you disclose your Sadaqat (alms-giving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HADITH Narrated Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu Anh: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Seven people will be shaded by Allah under His Shade on the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when there will be no shade except His. They are: a) a just ruler; b) a young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, [i.e. worships Allah (Alone) sincerely from his childhood]; c) a man whose heart is attached to the mosques (who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosques); d) two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake, and they meet and part in Allah's Cause only; e) a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: I fear Allah; f) a person who practises charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e., nobody knows how much he has given in charity). g) a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes become flooded with tears." (Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.2, Hadith No.504) --------------------------------------------
Verse 275: Those who eat Riba (usury) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like Riba (usury)," whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Riba (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Riba (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever return [to Riba (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fire -- they will abide therein forever. Verse 276. Allah will destroy Riba (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners. Verse 277. Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Verse 278. O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. Verse 279. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) [1] but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums). ----------------------------------
Commentary Riba (Usury): Usury is of two major kinds; (A) Riba An-Nasi'a i.e. interest on lent money; (B) Riba Al-Fadl, i.e. taking a superior thing of the same kind of goods by giving more of the same kind of goods of inferior quality, e.g., dates of superior quality for dates of inferior quality in great amounts. HADITH
Regarding
a Debt Verse 280: And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know. Verse 281: And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly. Verse 282: O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a fixed period, write it down. Let a scribe write it down in justice between you. Let not the scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him, so let him write. Let him (the debtor) who incurs the liability dictate, and he must fear Allah, his Lord, and diminish not anything of what he owes. But if the debtor is of poor understanding, or weak, or is unable to dictate for himself, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are not two men (available), then a man and two women, such as you agree for witnesses, so that if one of them (two women) errs, the other can remind her. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called (for evidence). You should not become weary to write it (your contract), whether it be small or big, for its fixed term, that is more just with Allah; more solid as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, save when it is a present trade which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, then there is no sin on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract. Let neither scribe nor witness suffer any harm, but if you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So be afraid of Allah; and Allah teaches you. And Allah is All-Knower of each and everything. Verse 283: And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then let there be a pledge taken (mortgaging); then if one of you entrust the other, let the one who is entursted discharge his trust (faithfully), and let him be afraid of Allah, his Lord. And conceal not the evidence for he, who hides it, surely his heart is sinful. And Allah is All-Knower of what you do. Verse 284: To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and whether you disclose what is in your ownselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Able to do all things. ----------------------
HADITH
Verse 285: The Messenger (Muhammad PBUH) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), "We make no distinction between any of His Messengers" -- and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to you is the return (of all).". Verse 286: Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Patron, Supporter and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people.
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