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AYAH an-Nisa` 4:94 

Arabic Source and Roman Transliteration
Arabic يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَتَبَيَّنُوا وَلَا تَقُولُوا لِمَنْ أَلْقَىٰ إِلَيْكُمُ السَّلَامَ لَسْتَ مُؤْمِنًا تَبْتَغُونَ عَرَضَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا فَعِندَ اللَّهِ مَغَانِمُ كَثِيرَةٌ كَذَٰلِكَ كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلُ فَمَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكُمْ فَتَبَيَّنُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرً zoom
Transliteration Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo itha darabtum fee sabeeli Allahi fatabayyanoo wala taqooloo liman alqa ilaykumu alssalama lasta mu/minan tabtaghoona AAarada alhayati alddunya faAAinda Allahi maghanimu katheeratun kathalika kuntum min qablu famanna Allahu AAalaykum fatabayyanoo inna Allaha kana bima taAAmaloona khabeeran zoom
Transliteration-2 yāayyuhā alladhīna āmanū idhā ḍarabtum fī sabīli l-lahi fatabayyanū walā taqūlū liman alqā ilaykumu l-salāma lasta mu'minan tabtaghūna ʿaraḍa l-ḥayati l-dun'yā faʿinda l-lahi maghānimu kathīratun kadhālika kuntum min qablu famanna l-lahu ʿalaykum fatabayyanū inna l-laha kāna bimā taʿmalūna khabīra zoom
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
 O you who believe[d]! When you go forth in (the) way (of) Allah then investigate, and (do) not say to (the one) who offers to you (a greeting of) peace, "You are not a believer," seeking transitory gains (of) the life (of) the world, for with Allah (are) booties abundant. Like that you were from before, then conferred favor Allah upon you; so investigate. Indeed, Allah is of what you do All-Aware. zoom


Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad [Hence,] O you who have attained to faith, when you go forth [to war] in God's cause, use your discernment, and do not - out of a desire for the fleeting gains of this worldly life - say unto anyone who offers you the greeting of peace, "Thou art not a believer" for with God there are gains abundant. You, too, were once in the same condition - but God has been gracious unto you. Use, therefore, your discernment: verily, God is always aware of what you do zoom
M. M. Pickthall O ye who believe! When ye go forth (to fight) in the way of Allah, be careful to discriminate, and say not unto one who offereth you peace: "Thou art not a believer," seeking the chance profits of this life (so that ye may despoil him). With Allah are plenteous spoils. Even thus (as he now is) were ye before; but Allah hath since then been gracious unto you. Therefore take care to discriminate. Allah is ever Informed of what ye do zoom
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985) O ye who believe! When ye go abroad in the cause of Allah, investigate carefully, and say not to any one who offers you a salutation: "Thou art none of a believer!" Coveting the perishable goods of this life: with Allah are profits and spoils abundant. Even thus were ye yourselves before, till Allah conferred on you His favours: Therefore carefully investigate. For Allah is well aware of all that ye do zoom
Shakir O you who believe! when you go to war in Allah's way, make investigation, and do not say to any one who offers you peace: You are not a believer. Do you seek goods of this world's life! But with Allah there are abundant gains; you too were such before, then Allah conferred a benefit on you; therefore make investigation; surely Allah is aware of what you do zoom
Wahiduddin Khan Believers, when you go forth in the cause of God, make due investigation and do not say to those who offer you the greeting of peace, You are no believer! because you seek the good things of this life. With God there are good things in plenty. You yourself were in the same position before, but God conferred His special favour on you. Therefore, take care to investigate. Surely God is well-aware of what you do zoom
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar O those who believed! When you traveled in the way of God, then be clear and say not to whomever gave you a proposal of peace: Thou art not one who believes, looking for advantage in this present life. With God is much gain. Thus, you had been like that before, then God showed grace to you, so be clear. Truly, God had been Aware of what you do. zoom
T.B.Irving You who believe, whenever you campaign for God´s sake, discriminate carefully and do not tell someone who proffers you a greeting: ´You are no believer!" You crave the display of worldly life, while God holds many more prizes. That is what you were like previously, though God has showered His benefits on you; so discriminate. God is Informed about anything you do. zoom
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab O believers! When you struggle in the cause of Allah, be sure of who you fight. And do not say to those who offer you ˹greetings of˺ peace, “You are no believer!”—seeking a fleeting worldly gain. Instead, Allah has infinite bounties ˹in store˺. You were initially like them then Allah blessed you ˹with Islam˺. So be sure! Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what you do. zoom
Safi Kaskas So, believers, be careful when you fight in God's path, and use your discernment. Do not say to someone who offers you a greeting of peace, "You are not a believer, aspiring for worldly goods. God has plenty of gains for you. You were once in the same position, but God has been gracious to you. Therefore, use your discernment. God is always aware of what you do. zoom
Abdul Hye O you who believe! When you go forth (to fight) in the way of Allah, don’t distinguish and say to whoever offers to you greetings of peace: “You are not a believer” seeking advantage of life of this world. Allah has abundant booties like this for you. (Remember what) you were before but then Allah graced upon you. So distinguish (carefully before considering anyone disbeliever). Surely Allah is Well-Aware of what you do. zoom
The Study Quran O you who believe! When you go forth in the way of God, be discerning, and say not unto him who offers you peace, “You are not a believer,” seeking the ephemeralities of the life of this world, for with God are abundant spoils. Thus were you yourselves beforehand, but God has been gracious to you. Therefore be discerning. Truly God is Aware of whatsoever you do zoom
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition) O you who believe, if you attack in the cause of God then make a clear declaration, and do not say to those who greet you with peace: "You are not a believer!" You are seeking the vanity of this world; but with God are many riches. That is how you were before, but God favoured you, so make a clear declaration. God is expert over what you do zoom
Abdel Haleem So, you who believe, be careful when you go to fight in God’s way, and do not say to someone who offers you a greeting of peace, ‘You are not a believer,’ out of desire for the chance gains of this life- God has plenty of gains for you. You yourself were in the same position [once], but God was gracious to you, so be careful: God is fully aware of what you do zoom
Abdul Majid Daryabadi O Ye who believe! when ye march forth in the way of Allah, make things clear and say not unto one who giveth you a salutation: thou art none of a believer, seeking the perishable goods of the life of the world; for with Allah are spoils abundant. Even Thus were ye aforetime, then Allah favoured you. So make things clear; verily Allah is of that which ye work ever Aware zoom
Ahmed Ali O believers, when you go out on a journey in the way of God, be discreet and do not say to anyone who greets you in peace: "You are not a believer." You desire the gain of earthly life, but there are prizes in plenty with God. You were also like him (an unbeliever) in the past, but God has been gracious to you. So be careful and discreet, for God is aware of what you do zoom
Aisha Bewley You who have iman! when you go out to fight in the Way of Allah verify things carefully. Do not say, ´You are not a mumin´, to someone who greets you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the goods of this world. With Allah there is booty in abundance. That is the way you were before but Allah has been kind to you. So verify things carefully. Allah is aware of what you do. zoom
Ali Ünal O you who believe! When you go forth (to war) in God’s cause, investigate with care until the situation becomes fully clear to you, and do not say to anyone who offers you (the greeting of) peace (thereby indicating his being a Muslim), "You are not a believer," seeking the fleeting gains of the present, worldly life; for with God are gains abundant. Even thus (as he now is) were you before (ignorant of faith and what being a Muslim is, and you too entered Islam with a similar word); but God has since then been gracious to you. So investigate with care until the situation becomes fully clear to you. Surely God is fully aware of all that you do zoom
Ali Quli Qara'i O you who have faith! When you issue forth in the way of Allah, try to ascertain: do not say to someone who offers you peace, ‘You are not a believer,’ seeking the transitory wares of the life of this world. Yet with Allah are plenteous gains. You too were such earlier, but Allah did you a favour. Therefore, do ascertain. Allah is indeed well aware of what you do zoom
Hamid S. Aziz O you who believe! When you go forth in the way of Allah be discriminate, and do not say to him who offers you a salutation, "You art no believer," craving after the goods of this world´s life (wishing to exploit him), for with Allah are zoom
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali O you who have believed, when you strike (i.e. journey in the earth) in the way of Allah, then be discerning, and do not say to him who offers you the salutation, (Literally: casts the salutation, saying, "peace be upon you!") "You are not a believer, " inequitably seeking the advantage of the present (Literally: this lowly life, i.e., the life of this world) life; then in the Providence of Allah is plenteous booty. Thus you were earlier, then Allah has been bounteous to you, so be discerning. Surely Allah has been Ever-Cognizant of whatever you do zoom
Muhammad Sarwar Believers, if you march with arms for the cause of God, make sure that you know whom to fight. Do not accuse anyone who claims himself to be a Muslim of disbelief just for worldly gains. There is abundant bounty with God. Before, you were also like them, but God bestowed His favors upon you. Thus, make sure that you know whom to fight. God is Well Aware of what you do zoom
Muhammad Taqi Usmani O you who believe, when you go out in the way of Allah, be careful, and do not say to the one who offers you the Salam (salutation), .You are not a believer. to seek stuff of the worldly life. So, with Allah there are spoils in abundance. In the same state you were before; then Allah favored you. So, be careful. Surely, Allah is All-Aware of what you do zoom
Shabbir Ahmed O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! When you go forth in the Cause of Allah (to meet the armed challenge), use your discernment. And do not say, out of a desire for the fleeting gains of this worldly life, to anyone who offers you the greeting of peace, "You are not a believer." For with Allah are abundant gains. Remember, once you were ignorant, and you were weak like the disbelievers are now. Allah has been Gracious to you, so be gracious to His servants (9:128), (90:17). Use your discernment. Allah is always Aware of what you do zoom
Syed Vickar Ahamed O you who believe! When you go abroad in the cause of Allah, find out (everything) carefully, and do not say to anyone who offers you a greeting: "You are not a believer!" While wanting the perishable goods of the worldly life. With Allah are plenty of profits and spoils. Even though, you were yourselves (like this) before, till Allah conferred on you His favors: Therefore carefully find out everything (and detail). Verily, Allah is All Aware (Khabeer) of all that you do zoom
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International) O you who have believed, when you go forth [to fight] in the cause of Allah , investigate; and do not say to one who gives you [a greeting of] peace "You are not a believer," aspiring for the goods of worldly life; for with Allah are many acquisitions. You [yourselves] were like that before; then Allah conferred His favor upon you, so investigate. Indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted zoom
Farook Malik O believers! When you struggle in the way of Allah, investigate carefully, and do not say to anyone who offers you a saLutation: "You are not a believer" in order to seek worldly gain by this. Allah has abundant spoils for you. Remember that you yourselves were in the same condition before. Allah has conferred His favors on you. Therefore, make a thorough investigation before considering someone an unbeliever. Allah is well aware of all your actions zoom
Dr. Munir Munshey Oh you who believe! When you go out (to fight) in the path of Allah, make a distinction (between friends and foes). If someone wishes you the greeting of Islam, do not _ seeking the benefits of this world _ be quick and say, "You are not the believer." Allah has the most abundant booty and benefits for you. In fact, you were like that once, but Allah bestowed His favors upon you. Therefore, (verify and) ascertain the facts first. Indeed, Allah is very well Aware of everything you do zoom
Dr. Kamal Omar O you people who have Believed! When you have moved in the Way of Allah, then you verify (before you act) and do not say to that who greeted you with (the word) Salam: ‘You are not a Believer! — (Would you commit such a crime for) seehead of state the perishable goods of the worldly life? So, with Allah are booties and spoils in great number. Thus you (too) had been before, then Allah conferred favours on you, so do verify (before you declare a person a non-believer). Surely, Allah is All-Aware of what you do zoom
Talal A. Itani (new translation) O you who believe! When you journey in the way of God, investigate, and do not say to him who offers you peace, 'You are not a believer,' aspiring for the goods of this world. With God are abundant riches. You yourselves were like this before, and God bestowed favor on you; so investigate. God is well aware of what you do zoom
Maududi Believers! When you go forth in the way of Allah, discern (between friend and foe), and do not say to him who offers you the greeting of peace: ´You are not a believer.´ If you seek the good of this worldly life, there lies with Allah abundant gain. After all, you too were such before, and then Allah was gracious to you. Discern, then, for Allah is well aware of what you do zoom
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad You who believe, when you travel in God's way, then make it clear (and investigate thoroughly), and do not say to someone who offers you peace (or admits to submission) you are not a believer, looking for the wealth of this life. Whereas there are many spoils with God. That is how you were before, so God favored upon you, so make it clear. God is well aware of what you do zoom
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018) O you who believe, when you go abroad in the cause of God, observe carefully, and do not say to anyone who offers you a salutation, “You are not a believer.” They covet the perishable goods of this life. But with God are profits and goods abundant. You were like them yourselves until God conferred on you His favors. Therefore, carefully observe, for God is well aware of all that you do zoom
Musharraf Hussain Believers, when you set out on patrol in the path of Allah, be cautious. When someone gives you a greeting of peace, do not say: “You are not a believer,” seeking worldly gains, Allah has many other rewards. That is how you used to behave in the past until Allah favoured you with Islam, so be open and honest. Allah is aware of what you do zoom
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition) O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of God, you shall investigate carefully. And do not say to he who greets you with peace: "You are not a believer!" You are seeking the vanity of this world; but with God are many riches. That is how you were before, but God graced you, so investigate carefully. God is expert over what you do. zoom
Mohammad Shafi O you who believe! When you set out in Allah's way, ascertain facts and do not say to any one, who offers you peace, that he is not a believer, seeking benefits of this worldly life. With Allah, on the other hand, there are bounties abundant. You were like this before, when Allah conferred His Grace on you! So ascertain the facts. Allah is indeed aware of what you do zoom

Controversial, deprecated, or status undetermined works
Bijan Moeinian If you leave for fight in the cause of God, you must make enough investigation [to be sure of the hostile intention of the enemy.] If you are greeted and received a peace offer, do not refuse it by abruptly saying: “You are disbelievers.” If you take such an attitude for the sake of making some money [by engaging in the war], remember that God can offer you more wealth [if you adopt righteousness.] Remember that you were in a similar (weak) situation and God blessed you with His grace. You must be absolutely sure [of the hostile intention of the enemy as well as your pure intention of fighting for the cause of God and not for making some fortune] before you strike keeping in mind that God is fully aware of what you are doing zoom
Faridul Haque O People who Believe! When you go forth to fight in holy war, make a proper study, and do not say to the one who greets you, "You are not a Muslim," - you seek the means of this worldly life; so with Allah are the bounties in plenty; you too were like this before, then Allah bestowed His favour on you, therefore you must make a proper study; indeed Allah knows whatever you do zoom
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah Believers, if you are journeying in the way of Allah, do not say to those who offer you peace, until it has been clarified: 'You are not believers, ' seeking the enjoyment of the worldly life, with Allah there are many spoils. You were like that before, and Allah has been gracious to you. Therefore let it be clarified. Surely, Allah is Aware of what you do zoom
Maulana Muhammad Ali O you who believe, when you go forth (to fight) in Allah’s way, make investigation, and say not to any one who offers you salutation, Thou art not a believer, seeking the good of this world’s life. But with Allah there are abundant gains. You too were such before, then Allah conferred a benefit on you; so make investigation. Surely Allah is ever Aware of what you do zoom
Muhammad Ahmed - Samira You, you those who believed, if you moved in God's sake, so seek clarification/explanation , and do not say to who threw (offered) the peace/surrender/greeting , you are not a believer, you wish/desire the life the present's/worldly life's enjoyable accessories, so at God (are) many winnings/gains/spoils, like that you were from before, so God blessed on you, so seek clarification/explanation, that God was/is with what you make/do expert/experienced zoom
Sher Ali O ye who believe ! when you go forth to fight in the cause of ALLAH, make proper investigation and say not to anyone who greets you with the greeting of peace, Thou art not a believer.' You seek the goods of this life, but with ALLAH are good things in plenty. Such were you before this, but ALLAH conferred His special favour on you; so do make proper investigation. Surely, ALLAH is Aware of what you do zoom
Rashad Khalifa O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, "You are not a believer," seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. zoom
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi) 'O believers! When you march forth for a crusade then make proper investigation and he who greets you, say not to him, 'you are not Muslim, you seek the goods of living world, then with Allah there are spoils abundant. You too were such before, and then Allah conferred His favour on you; so you are duty bound to investigate. Undoubtedly, Allah is aware of what you do. zoom
Amatul Rahman Omar O you who believe! when you set forth in the cause of Allah, then make proper investigations (before you dub anyone as a disbeliever), and do not say to him who offers you `Salam', (- peace, the Muslim salutation to show himself thereby a Muslim,) `You are not a believer.' You seek the transitory goods of this life, but Allah has good things in plenty with Him. You were such (disbelievers) before that (you accepted Islam), but Allah has conferred His special favour on you, hence do make proper investigations. Surely, Allah is Well-Aware of what you do zoom
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri O believers! When you set out (to fight) in the way of Allah, carry out a careful probe, and do not say to him who greets you (as a Muslim): ‘You are not a believer.’ You seek goods of the worldly life (in the shape of spoils of war, after killing a Muslim declaring him a disbeliever). So, (rest assured that) Allah has gains and booties in plenty. Before this you (too) were the same. Then Allah conferred on you His Favour (and you became Muslims). So investigate and confirm the truth (about others as well). Surely, Allah is Well Aware of what you do zoom
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali O you who believe! When you go (to fight) in the Cause of Allah, verify (the truth), and say not to anyone who greets you (by embracing Islam): "You are not a believer"; seeking the perishable goods of the worldly life. There are much more profits and booties with Allah. Even as he is now, so were you yourselves before till Allah conferred on you His Favours (i.e. guided you to Islam), therefore, be cautious in discrimination. Allah is Ever WellAware of what you do zoom

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry O believers, when you are journeying in the path of God, be discriminating, and do not say to him who offers you a greeting, 'Thou art not a believer,' seeking the chance goods of the present life. With God are spoils abundant. So you were aforetime; but God has been gracious to you. So be discriminating; surely God is aware of the things you do zoom
Edward Henry Palmer O ye who believe! when ye are knocking about in the way of God be discerning, and do not say to him who offers you a salutation, 'Thou art no believer,' craving after the chances of this world's life, for with God are many spoils! So were ye aforetime, but God was gracious to you, be ye then discerning; verily, God of what ye do is well aware zoom
George Sale O true believers, when ye are on a march in defence of the true religion, justly discern such as ye shall happen to meet, and say not unto him who saluteth you, thou art not a true believer; seeking the accidental goods of the present life; for with God is much spoil: Such have ye formerly been; but God hath been gracious unto you; therefore make a just discernment, for God is well acquainted with that which ye do zoom
John Medows Rodwell O believers! when ye go forth to the fight for the cause of God, be discerning, and say not to every one who meeteth you with a greeting, "Thou art not a believer" in your greed after the chance good things of this present life! With God are abundant spoils. Such hath been your wont in times past; but god hath been gracious to you. Be discerning, then, for God well knoweth what ye do zoom
N J Dawood (2014) Believers, if you go to fight for the cause of God, show discernment and do not say to him that offers you peace: ‘You are not a believer,‘ seeking the chance booty of this world; for with God there are abundant gains. Such was your custom in days gone by, but now God has bestowed on you His grace. Therefore show discernment; God is cognizant of what you do zoom

New and/or Partial Translations, and works in progress
Linda “iLHam” Barto O Believers, when you travel for the cause of Allah, investigate carefully. Do not say to anyone who offers you [a greeting of] peace, “You are not a believer.” Do not seek perishable goods in this temporal life. Allah is in charge of abundant profits. You also were like that [materialistic] until Allah conferred His favor on you, so carefully investigate [a person’s true heart while he/she is in the midst of his/her spiritual journey]. Truly, Allah is greatly aware of all that you do. zoom
Sayyid Qutb Believers, when you go on an expedition to serve the cause of God, use your discernment and do not — out of a desire for the fleeting gains of this worldly life — say to one who offers you the greeting of peace: “You are not a believer”: for with God are abundant gains. Thus have you been in days gone by. But God has bestowed on you His grace. Therefore, use your discernment. Indeed God is always aware of what you do. zoom
Ahmed Hulusi O believers... When you go to war in the way of Allah, investigate well, and if one gives you a greeting (wants to make peace) do not say, “You are not a believer” aspiring for the goods of the worldly life... There are many spoils in the sight of Allah... You were like that yourself before, then Allah conferred His favor upon you... So research well... Indeed, Allah, as the creator of what you do, is the Habir. zoom
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli O you who have Faith! When you go forth (to fight) in the way of Allah, make investigation, and do not say to the one who offers you peace: ' You are not a believer,' seeking the goods of this world's life! But, with Allah are abundant spoils. You, too, were such before, then Allah conferred (His) grace on you; therefore make investigation. Verily Allah is aware of what you do zoom
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim O you who have conformed to Islam: When you journey into a foreign land in Allah's cause, you must distinguish by the sight and by other senses the disposition of the people whether or not they have conformed to Islam lest you spoil your best designs by faulty actuation. Nor should you say to anyone who greets you: "You are not a Muslim;" prompted by selfish motive principles of considering him a fit subject for plunder, in quest of the fleeting and evanescent glory of life below when glory, valuables, possessions and all graces abound in heaven's realm. Remember, if he is not a believer in Allah, thus were you before but Allah graced you with guidance to His path of righteousness. Therefore, discern the truth from what is false; Allah is ever 'Alimun of all that you d zoom
Mir Aneesuddin O you who believe ! when you go striking in the way of Allah, carefully investigate and do not say to one who offers you peace, (or salutation), "You are not a believer," seeking apparent good of the life of this world (by way of taking away his belongings as booty of war), because with Allah is abundant gain (better than the booty of war). Earlier, you too were like that but Allah bestowed His favour on you, so carefully investigate. Allah is certainly informed about what you do. zoom

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