2:1  Alif, Laam, Meem

2:2  This is the Book. In it is guidance, sure, without doubt, for all who are mindful

2:3  Who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and give from what We have given them

2:4  And who believe in the revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and those who have an assurance of the hereafter

2:5  They are guided by their Lord, and it is these who will flourish

2:6  As for those who reject faith, it is the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe

2:7  God has placed a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and over their eyes is a blindfold, terrible is the punishment they incur

2:8  And of the people there are some who say, “We believe in God and the Last Day,” but they do not really believe

2:9  They attempt to deceive God and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, yet they realize it not

2:10  In their hearts is a disease, and God has increased their disease, and horrifying is the penalty they incur, because they are false to themselves

2:11  When it is said to them, “Do no harm on the earth,” they say, “We only want to make things right.

2:12  But indeed they do harm, though they realize it not

2:13  When it is said to them, “Believe as the others believe,” they say, “Shall we believe as the fools believe?” No, certainly, they are the fools, yet they realize it not

2:14  When they meet with those who believe they say, “We believe.” But when they are alone with their evil ones they say, “We are really with you, we were only joking.

2:15  God will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their trespasses, so they will wander like blind ones

2:16  These have bartered guidance for error, their business is profitless, and they have lost their way

2:17  Their likeness is that of a man who kindled a fire. When it lights all around him, God took away his light and left them in darkness

2:18  Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return to the path

2:19  Or it is like that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky. In it are zones of darkness, thunder and lightning. They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap, while in fear of death, but God encompasses those who reject faith

2:20  The lightning nearly snatches away their sight. Every time the light flashes before them they walk in it. But when darkness covers them they stand still. And if God willed, He could take away their ability to hear and see, for God has power over all things

2:21  O you people, adore your Guardian Lord, Who created you and those who came before you, that you may become righteous

2:22  Who has made the earth your couch, and the skies your canopy, and sent down rain from the skies, and grew with it fruits for your sustenance. So do not set up rivals with God when you know the truth

2:23  And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Surah like it, and call your witnesses or helpers, besides God, if your doubts are true

2:24  But if you cannot, and surely you cannot, then be aware of the fire whose fuel is people and stones, which is prepared for those who reject faith

2:25  But give the good news to those who believe and work righteousness, that their reward is gardens with rivers flowing through them. Every time they are fed with fruits from it they say, “This is what we were fed with before.” They are given similar things, they have therein companions who are pure, and they will live there forever

2:26  God does not hesitate to use examples of the lowest of things as well as the highest. Those who believe know that this is the truth from their Lord, but those who do not believe say, “What does God mean by this parable?” By it He allows many to stray, and many He leads to the straight path, but He allows none to stray except those who leave the path

2:27  Those who break God's sacred agreement after it is confirmed, and who separate what God has ordered to be joined, and do wrong on earth, these cause harm to themselves

2:28  How can you lose faith in God, seeing that you were without life, and He gave you life? Then He will cause you to die, and will again bring you to life, and again to Him you will return

2:29  It is He Who has created for you all things that are on earth, then He turned to the heaven, and fashioned it into seven firmaments, and He has perfect knowledge of all things

2:30  "Behold," your Lord said to the angels, “I will evolve a creation of free will on the earth.” They said, “Will You place one there who will do harm and shed blood, while we celebrate and praise You?” He said, “I know what you know not.

2:31  And He taught Adam the names of all things, then He placed them before the angels and said, “Tell me the names of these if you are right.

2:32  They said, “Glory be to You, we have no knowledge, except what You have taught us. In truth it is You Who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom.

2:33  He said, “O Adam, tell them their names.” When he told them, God said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heaven and earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you conceal?

2:34  And behold, We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam.” They bowed down, but Lucifer did not. He refused and was bigoted, and he was of those who do not believe

2:35  We said, “O Adam, dwell you and your mate in the paradise, and eat of the bountiful things therein, as you please, but do not approach this tree, or you will collide into harm and transgression.

2:36  Then Satan made them slip, and enticed them out of the state in which they had been. We said, “Get down, all of you, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your home and your means of livelihood for a time.

2:37  Then Adam learned from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned to him, for He is Oft-Returning, Mercifully Redeeming

2:38  We said, “Get down from here, and if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whoever follows My guidance, on them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve

2:39  “But those who do not believe and ignore Our signs, they will be companions of the fire, they will live there forever.

2:40  O Children of Israel, call to mind the favor which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your covenant with Me, as I fulfill My covenant with you, and fear none but Me

2:41  And believe in what I reveal, reflecting the truth of the revelation that is with you, and be not the first to disbelieve in it, nor sell My signs for a miserable price, and fear Me, and Me alone

2:42  And do not dress truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth when you know what it is

2:43  And be steadfast in prayer, give zakat, and bow your heads with those who bow

2:44  Do you encourage right conduct on people and forget to practice it yourselves, though you study the Scripture? Will you not understand

2:45  No, seek help with patient-perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard, except for those who bring a humble spirit

2:46  Who remember with certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they will return to Him

2:47  O Children of Israel, call to mind the favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others

2:48  Guard against a day when one soul will not avail another, nor will intercession be accepted for her, nor will compensation be taken from her, nor will they be helped

2:49  And remember We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh. They gave you hard work and punishment, slaughtered your males, and let your females live, this was a tremendous trial from your Lord

2:50  And remember We divided the sea for you, We saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people, and you saw it with your own eyes

2:51  And remember We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence, you took the calf, and you did a great wrong

2:52  Even then, We forgave you, and there was a chance for you to be grateful

2:53  And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion. There was a chance for you to be guided aright

2:54  And remember Moses said to his people, “O my people, You have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf. So turn to your Maker, and slay yourselves, that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker.” Then He forgave you, for He is Oft-Forgiving, the Merciful Redeemer

2:55  And remember you said, “O Moses, we will never believe in you until we see God with our own eyes,” but you were dazed with thunder and lightning even as you looked on

2:56  Then when We raised you up after your death, you had the chance to be grateful

2:57  And We gave you shade from clouds, and sent down to you manna and quail. Eat of the good things We have provided for you. To Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own selves

2:58  And remember We said, “Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as you wish, but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in word, and We will remove your faults and increase those who do right.

2:59  But the transgressors changed a word from that which had been given them, so We sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, because they ignored repeatedly

2:60  And remember Moses prayed for water for his people. We said, “Split the rock with your staff.” Then there gushed forth from it twelve springs. Each group knew its place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by God, and do no wrong on the earth

2:61  And remember you said, “O Moses, we cannot endure one kind of food, so ask your Lord for us to produce for us what the earth grows, its pot herbs and cucumbers, its garlic, lentils, and onions.” He said, “Will you exchange what is better for what is worse? Go down to any town and you will find what you want.” They were covered with humiliation and misery. They brought on themselves the punishment of God. This is because they went on rejecting the signs of God and slaying His messengers without just cause. This is because they rebelled and went on transgressing

2:62  Those who believe, and those who are Jewish, and the Christians, and the Sabaeans, and any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, they will have their reward with their Lord, on them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve

2:63  And remember We took your covenant, and We raised above you the Mountain saying, “Hold firm to what We have given you and bring it to remembrance so that perhaps you may be aware.

2:64  But you turned back thereafter. Had it not been for the grace and mercy of God to you, you would have surely been among the lost

2:65  And you knew well those among you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath. We said to them, “Become apes, despised and rejected.

2:66  So We made it a lesson in their own time, and for their descendants, and a lesson to those who are aware of God

2:67  And remember Moses said to his people, “God commands that you sacrifice a heifer.” They said, “Are you trying to make a fool of us?” He said, “I seek refuge with God from being ignorant.

2:68  They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us what heifer it is.” He said, “He says the heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middle age, now do what you are asked.

2:69  They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us its color.” He said, “He says a fawn-colored heifer, natural and rich in tone, the admiration of all beholders.

2:70  They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make clear to us which kind, to us all heifers are alike. We indeed wish for guidance, if God wills.

2:71  He said, “He says, a heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields, healthy and without blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth.” Then they offered it in sacrifice, but without good intentions

2:72  Remember you killed a person and argued among yourselves concerning the crime, but God would expose what you hid

2:73  So We said, “Strike him with a part of it.” This is like the way God brings the dead to life. He shows you His signs that perhaps you may understand

2:74  Then your hearts were hardened, they became like a rock, or even worse in hardness, for even among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth. Others when split open, send forth water. Yet others sink for fear of God, and God is not unmindful of what you do

2:75  Can you entertain the hope that they will believe in you, seeing that a group of them heard the word of God, and corrupted it knowingly after they understood it

2:76  Behold, when they meet the people of faith they say, “We believe.” But when they meet each other in private they say, “Shall you tell them what God has revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?” Do you not understand

2:77  Do they not know that God knows what they conceal and what they reveal

2:78  There are among them illiterates who do not know the Book, but only their desires and they do nothing but speculate

2:79  Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, “This is from God,” to sell it for a miserable price. Woe to them for what their hands write, and for the gain they make with it

2:80  But they say, “The fire will not touch us, except for just a few number of days.” Say, “Have you taken a promise from God, for He never breaks His promise? Or is it that you say of God what you do not know?

2:81  No, those who wrongfully seek gain, and are surrounded by wrong, they are companions of the fire, and they will live there forever

2:82  But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the paradise, they will live there forever

2:83  And remember We took this covenant from the Children of Israel, “Worship none but God, treat with kindness your parents and other family, and orphans, and those in need, speak fair to people, be steadfast in prayer, and give zakat. Then you turned back, except a few among you, and you backslide

2:84  And remember We took this covenant, “Shed no blood among you, nor banish your own people from your homes.” And this you solemnly ratified, and to this, you can bear witness

2:85  After this it is you, the same people who slay those among yourselves, and banish a group of you from their homes, assist others against them in wrong and transgression, and if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, though it was not permissible for you to banish them. So is it only parts of the Book that you believe in, and do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this, except disgrace in this life, and on the Day of Accountability, they will be assigned to the most terrible penalty, for God is not unmindful of what you do

2:86  These are the people who buy the life of the present at the price of the hereafter. Their penalty will not be lightened nor will they be helped

2:87  We gave Moses the Book, and followed him with a succession of prophets. We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, guidance and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you a messenger with what you do not desire, you are puffed up with pride? Some you called impostors, and others you slay

2:88  They say, “Our hearts are the wrappings which preserves God’s words. We need no more” No, God's curse is on them for their blasphemy. Little is it they believe

2:89  And when there comes to them a book from God reflecting the truth of what is with them, although they prayed for victory against those without faith. When there comes to them that which they recognized, they refused to believe in it, but the curse of God is on those without faith

2:90  Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, for they deny that which God has sent down, because in insolent envy they disapprove that God, of His grace, should send it to any of His servants He pleases. So they have drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath, and humiliating is the punishment for those who reject faith

2:91  When it is said to them, “Believe in what God has sent down,” they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us.” And they reject all else, even if it is truth reflecting what is with them. Say, “Why then have you slain the Prophets of God throughout history if you did indeed believe?

2:92  Moses came to you with guidance, yet you worshipped the calf even after that, and you behaved wrongfully

2:93  And remember We took your sacred agreement, and We raised above you the Mountain saying, “Hold firmly to what We have given you and listen to it”. They said, “We hear but we do not follow.” So they had to drink into their hearts from the calf, because of their faithlessness. Say, “Evil is what encourages you to do it, as well as your incorrect faith, if you are in fact believers in that faith.

2:94  Say, “If the last home with God is for you alone, and not for anyone else, then seek death if you are sincere.

2:95  But they will never seek death, because of that which their hands have sent before them, and God is well acquainted with the wrongdoers

2:96  You will indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life, even more than the idolaters. Each one of them wishes that he could be given a life of a thousand years, but the granting of such life will not save him from punishment, because God sees well all that they do

2:97  Say, whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, though he brings down to your heart, by God's will, a reflection of the truth that went before, guidance and good news for those who believe

2:98  Whoever is an enemy to God, His angels and messengers, and to Gabriel and Michael, God then is an enemy to those who do not believe

2:99  We have sent down to you clear signs, and none reject them except those who are perverse

2:100  Is it not that every time they make a covenant, some group among them throw it aside? Certainly, most of them are faithless

2:101  And when there came to them a messenger from God, reflecting the truth of what was with them, a group of the people of the Book threw away the Book of God behind their backs, as if they did not know it

2:102  They followed what the devils recited against the power of Solomon. The blasphemer was not Solomon, but the devils, teaching human beings illusions, and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut, but neither of these taught anyone without saying, “We are only a trial, so do not blaspheme.” They learned from them the means to sow discord between husband and wife. But they could not harm anyone except by God's permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of wrong would have no share in the happiness of the hereafter, and awful was the price for which they sold their souls, if they but knew

2:103  But if they had kept their faith and guarded themselves from harm, far better would have been the reward from their Lord, if they only knew

2:104  O you people of faith, say not words of ambiguity, but words of respect, and act urgently. And for those without faith is a terrible punishment

2:105  It is never the wish of those without faith among the people of the Book, nor of the pagans, that anything good should come down to you from your Lord. But God will choose for His special mercy whom He wills, for God is Lord of grace abounding

2:106  None of Our revelations do We allow to be lost, but We substitute something better or similar. Do you not know that God has power over all things

2:107  Do you not know that to God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him, you have neither patron nor helper

2:108  Would you question your messenger as Moses was questioned previously? But whoever changes from belief to unbelief has strayed without doubt from the balanced way

2:109  Many of the people of the Book wish they could turn you back to infidelity after you have believed. To selfish envy, after the truth has become manifest to them. But forgive and overlook until God accomplishes His purpose. For God has power over all things

2:110  And be steadfast in prayer and give zakat, and whatever good you send ahead for your souls before you, you will find it with God, for God sees well all that you do

2:111  And they say, “None will enter paradise unless he is Jewish or Christian.” Those are merely their desires. Say, “Produce your proof if you are right.

2:112  No, whoever submits his whole self to God and is a doer of good, he will receive his reward with his Guardian Evolver. On them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve

2:113  Jews say, “The Christians have nothing to stand upon. And Christians say, “Jews have nothing to stand upon.” Yet they all read the Book. Their words are like those who know not. But God will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Accountability

2:114  And who is more unjust than he who forbids in places for the worship of God, that God's name should be praised, and whose zeal is to ruin them? It was not fitting that they should enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in the present, and in the hereafter, an exceeding torment

2:115  To God belong the East and West. Wherever you turn, there is the Presence of God, for God is Ever Present, All Knowing

2:116  They say, “God has a son, glory be to him.” No, to God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and everything renders worship to Him

2:117  From Him is the origin of the heavens and the earth, when He decrees a matter He says to it: “Be”. And it is

2:118  Those without knowledge say, “Why does God not speak to us, or why does a sign not come to us?” As did the people say before them. Their words are similar, and their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the signs to any who hold firmly to faith

2:119  Indeed We have sent you, in truth, as a bearer of good news and a warner. But no question will be asked of you from the companions of the blazing fire

2:120  Never will Jews or Christians be satisfied with you unless you follow their way. Say, “The way of God, that is the only way.” If you followed their desires after the knowledge has reached you, then you would find neither protector nor helper

2:121  Those to whom We have sent the Book, read it as it should be read, they are the ones who believe. Those who do not believe, the loss is their own

2:122  O Children of Israel, call to mind the favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others

2:123  So guard yourselves against a day when no soul will avail another, nor will compensation be accepted from her, nor will intercession profit her, nor will anyone be helped

2:124  And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands which he fulfilled. He said, “I will make you a leader of the nations.” He pleaded, “And also from my offspring.” He answered, “But My promise is not within reach of the wrongdoers.

2:125  Remember We made the House a place of assembly for humanity and a place of safety. And take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer. And We made a covenant with Abraham and Ishmael, that they should redeem My house for those who circle it, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves

2:126  And remember Abraham said, “My Lord, make this a city of peace, and feed its people with fruit, those of them who believe in God and the Last Day.” He said, “And those who do not believe, I will grant them their pleasure for a while, but will soon drive them to the torment of the fire, a miserable destination indeed.

2:127  And remember Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House with this prayer, “Our Lord, accept this from us. Indeed You alone are the All Hearing, the All Knowing.

2:128  “Our Lord, make us people of peace, raise from our offspring people at peace, teach us ways to worship, and forgive us, indeed You are Most Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming.

2:129  “Our Lord, send among them a messenger of their own who will rehearse Your signs to them, instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them, for You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

2:130  And who would turn away from the way of Abraham, except to debase their souls? We chose him and rendered him refined in this life. And he will be in the hereafter among the righteous

2:131  Behold, his Lord said to him, “Bow down.” He said, “I do bow to the Lord of the universe.

2:132  And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, as did Jacob. He said, “Oh my sons, God has chosen the way for you, so die not except as those at peace.

2:133  Were you witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We will worship your God and the God of your fathers Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac, the one God, and to Him we bow.

2:134  That was a community who passed away. They will reap the fruit of what they sow, and you of what you sow. And you will not be asked about what they used to do

2:135  They say, “Become Jews or Christians if you are to be guided.” Say, “No, enough is the philosophy of Abraham the true, and he did not join gods with God.

2:136  Say, “We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to the other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between them, and we are at peace with Him.

2:137  So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right path. But if they turn back, they are in disunity. But God will suffice for you against them, and He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing

2:138  The baptism of God, who can baptize better than God? And it is He Whom we worship

2:139  Say, “Will you dispute with us about God, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord? That we are responsible for our deeds, and you for yours? And that We are sincere before Him

2:140  “Or do you say that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say, “Do you know better than God? Who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from God, and God is not unmindful of what you do.

2:141  They were a community who have passed away. They will reap the fruit of what they sow, and you of what you sow. And you will not be asked about what they used to do. 141 (End of Part 1

2:142  The foolish among the people will say, “What has turned them from the qibla to which they were accustomed?” Say, “To God belong both East and West, He guides whom He wills to a straight way.

2:143  Thus we have made you a balanced community, that you might be witnesses over the nations, and the messenger a witness over you. And We appointed the qibla from that which you were used to, only to make evident he who followed the messenger and he who would turn on his heels. Indeed it was momentous, except for those guided by God. And never would God make your faith meaningless, for God is to all people full of kindness, the Merciful Redeemer

2:144  We see you turning your face to the heavens. Now We will turn you to a qibla that will please you. So turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that it is the truth from their Lord, nor is God unmindful of what they do

2:145  Even if you were to bring to the people of the Book all the signs at once, they would not follow your qibla, nor are you going to follow their qibla, nor will they follow each other’s qibla. If you, after the knowledge has reached you, follow their desires, you are then clearly in the wrong

2:146  The people of the Book know this as they know their own children. But some of them conceal the truth which they know

2:147  The truth is from your Lord, so do not be among those in doubt

2:148  To each is a goal to which God turns them. So strive together towards all that is good. Wherever you are, God will bring you together, for God has power over all things

2:149  From wherever you are, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Masjid. That is indeed the truth from the Guardian Evolver. And God is not unmindful of what you do

2:150  And from wherever you start out, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you are, turn your face in that direction. There is no grounds of dispute for you among the people, except those of them who are bent on corruption. So do not fear them, but fear Me, so that I may complete My favor on you, and so that you may be guided

2:151  And We have sent among you a messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our signs, and helping to refine you, and teaching you the book and the wisdom, and that which you did not know

2:152  Then remember Me, I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject it

2:153  O you who believe, seek help with patient perseverance and prayer. For God is with those who patiently persevere

2:154  And do not say of those who are slain in the way of God, “They are dead.” No, they are living, though you cannot see them

2:155  Know that We will challenge you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives, or your fruits. But give good news to those who patiently persevere

2:156  That say when afflicted with calamity, “To God we belong, and to Him is our reversion.

2:157  They are those on whom descend blessings from God— and mercy. And they are the ones who receive guidance

2:158  Behold, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of God. So whoever circles the House while performing Hajj or Umra, there is no wrong in that. And whoever follows his own impulse to do good, be sure that God is He Who recognizes and knows it

2:159  Those who conceal the clear signs We have sent down, and the guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, on them is God's curse, a curse for those deserving curse

2:160  Except those who repent and make it right, and openly declare it. To them I turn, for I am Oft-Returning, Mercifully Redeeming

2:161  Those who do not believe and die rejecting, on them is God's curse, and the curse of the angels, and all humanity

2:162  They will live there. Their penalty will not be lightened, nor will they be given respite

2:163  And your God is One God. There is no god but He, the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Redeemer

2:164  Indeed in the creation of the heavens and the earth. In the alternation of the night and the day. In the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of humanity. In the rain that God sends down from the skies. And the life which He gives to land that is dead. In the creatures of all kinds that He scatters through the earth. In the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth. Indeed in these are signs for people who are wise

2:165  Yet there are people who take others besides God as equals. They love them as they should love God. But those of faith are overflowing in their love for God. If only those who are not right could see, behold, they would see the penalty. To God belongs all power, and God will strictly enforce the penalty

2:166  Then those who are followed will clear themselves of those who follow them. They will see the penalty, and all relations between them would be severed

2:167  And those who followed would say, “If only We had one more chance, we would clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us.” God will show them their deeds as regrets. And there will not be a way for them out of the fire

2:168  O you people, eat of what is on the earth, permissible and healthy. And do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is to you a sworn enemy

2:169  He only commands you what is harmful and shameful. And to say about God that which you do not know

2:170  When it is said to them, “Follow what God has revealed,” they say, “No, we will follow the ways of our parents.” What, even though their parents were void of wisdom and guidance

2:171  The parable of those who do not believe is as if one were to shout like a goat-herd to things that listen to nothing, but calls and cries. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they are void of wisdom

2:172  O you who believe, eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to God, if it is Him you worship

2:173  He has only forbidden you animals found dead, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name has been invoked besides that of God. But if one is forced by necessity, without willfully rejecting, nor transgressing due limits, then he is guiltless, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming

2:174  Those who conceal God's revelation in the Book, and purchase them for a miserable profit, they swallow into themselves nothing but fire. God will not address them on the Day of Resurrection, nor redeem them, and terrible will be their penalty

2:175  They are the ones who buy error instead of guidance, and torment in place of forgiveness. What boldness they show for the fire

2:176  This is because God sent down the Book in truth. But those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in disharmony

2:177  It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West. But it is righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, the Book, and the messengers. To give of your sustenance, out of love for Him, for your family, for orphans, for the needy, and for displaced persons, for those who ask, and for the freeing of slaves. To be steadfast in prayer, and give zakat. To fulfill the contracts which you have made, and to be firm and patient in pain and suffering, and adversity, and through all periods of crisis. Such are the people of truth, the realized

2:178  O you who believe, the law of equality is prescribed to you in the case of homicide. The free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the woman for the woman. Also, if any pardon is made by the sibling of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate them with gratitude. This is a concession and a mercy from your Lord. After this, whoever exceeds the limits will be in grave penalty

2:179  In the Law of Equality, there is good for you, O you people of understanding, that you may restrain yourselves

2:180  It is prescribed when death approaches any of you, if he leaves good, that he make a will for parents and next of kin, according to what is reasonable. This is a duty from those who are regardful

2:181  If anyone changes the will after hearing it, the guilt will be on those who make the change, for God hears and knows

2:182  But if anyone fears partiality or wrongdoing on the part of the testator, and makes peace between them, there is no sin on him, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming

2:183  O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you might increase in consciousness and awareness

2:184  Abstain for a fixed number of days. But if any of you are ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number should be made up days later, for those who can do it, is an exchange of feeding one who needs food. But he who will give more of his own free will it is better for him. And it is better for you that you abstain, if you only knew

2:185  Ramadan is the month the Quran was revealed as a guide to humanity, as proof, and as the guidance and the criterion. So every one of you who are present during that month should spend it fasting, but if anyone is ill or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up days later. God intends good for you, He does not want to make it difficult for you, instead He wants for you to complete the prescribed period, and to praise Him, for He has guided you, so that you might be grateful

2:186  When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed near. I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me. Let them also, willingly, listen to My call, and believe in Me, that they may walk in the right way

2:187  Encouraged for you on the night of the fast is sexual relations with your wives. They are garments for you and you are garments for them. God knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves, but He turned to you and forgave you. So associate with them now, and seek what God has ordained for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread. Then continue to fast until night. But do not be intimate with your wives while you are in retreat in the masjid. Those are limits set by God, do not come near it. God makes clear His signs to humanity, that they may become realized

2:188  And do not consume your property among yourselves in vanity, nor use it as bribes for the judges, with intent that you may consume wrongfully and knowingly, a little of other people’s property

2:189  They ask you concerning the new moons. Say, “They are signs to mark fixed periods of time for humanity, including the Hajj.” It is not righteous to enter your houses from the back. But it is righteous to be one who is conscious of God, and to enter houses through there proper doors, and to be aware of God, that you may flourish

2:190  Fight in the cause of God, those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for God does not love transgressors

2:191  And slay them wherever you catch them. And drive them out from where they have driven you out, for oppression is worse than slaughter. But do not fight them at the Sacred Masjid, unless they attack you there, and if they attack you, slay them. Such is the punishment of those who suppress faith

2:192  But if they cease, indeed God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming

2:193  And fight against them until there is no more oppression, and justice prevails, as does faith in God. But if they cease, let there be no hostility to any except those who practice oppression

2:194  The prohibited month for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. But if anyone transgresses the prohibition against you, respond likewise against him, but be aware of God, and know that God is with those who show restraint

2:195  And give of your sustenance in the cause of God, and do not make your hands contribute to your own destruction. But do good, for God loves those who do good

2:196  And complete the Hajj and ‘Umra in service of God. But if you are prevented, send something of value which is manageable. And do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you are sick, or has an ailment in his scalp, he should in exchange either fast, feed the poor, or offer sacrifice. When ready, if anyone wishes to continue the ‘Umra, on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford. But if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in the Sacred Masjid. And be aware of God, and know that God is strict in punishment

2:197  The Hajj months are knowledge based. If anyone undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor corruption, nor wrangling during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, God knows it. And take provisions with you for the journey. But the best of provisions is consciousness. So be conscious of Me, O you who are wise

2:198  It is no sin on you if you seek of the bounty of your Lord. Then when you depart from Arafat, praise God at the sacred landmark, and praise Him as He has directed you, even though, before this, you went astray

2:199  Then continue at a quick pace from the place where it is usual for the crowd to do so, and ask for God's forgiveness, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming

2:200  So when you have completed your rites, praise God, as you used to praise your ancestors. Yes, with even far more heart and soul. There are those who say, “Our Lord, give us Your bounties in the present.” But they will have no portion in the hereafter

2:201  Then there are those who say, “Our Lord, give us good in the present and good in the hereafter, and save us from the torment of the fire.

2:202  To these will be allotted what they have earned, and God is quick in account

2:203  Glorify God by praising Him during the numbered days. But if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if anyone stays, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. And be regardful of God, and know that you will surely be gathered to Him

2:204  There is the type of person whose speech about the present life may dazzle you. And he calls God to witness what is in his heart, yet he is the most contentious of enemies

2:205  When he turns his back, his aim is to instigate problems through the earth, and destroy crops and livestock. But God does not love wrongdoing

2:206  When it is said to him, “Be conscious of God”, he is led by arrogance to harmful deeds. Enough for him is hell, an agonizing place indeed

2:207  And there is the type of person who gives his life to earn the pleasure of God, and God is full of kindness to the devotees

2:208  O you who believe, enter into Al-Islam whole-heartedly, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is to you a sworn enemy

2:209  If you backslide, after guidance has come to you, know then that God is Exalted in Power, the Wise

2:210  Will they wait until God comes to them in canopies of clouds, and the question is settled? And to God do all questions go back

2:211  Ask the Children of Israel how many clear signs We have sent them. And if anyone, after God's favor has come to him, substitutes something in its place, God is strict in punishment

2:212  The life of the present is alluring to those who do not believe. And they ridiculed those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection, for God bestows His abundance without measure on whom He wills

2:213  Humankind was once one nation. And God sent messengers with good news and warnings, and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between the people in matters wherein they differed, but the people of the Book, after the clear signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through stubborn refusal. God, by His grace, guided the believers to the truth concerning that wherein they differed, for God guides whom He wills to a path that is straight

2:214  Or do you think that you will enter paradise without such things coming to you as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit, that even the messenger and those of faith who were with him cried, “When will come the help of God.” Indeed the help of God is near

2:215  They ask you what they should give. Say, “Whatever you give that is good, is for parents, family, orphans, those in want, and for displaced persons.” And whatever you do that is good, God knows it well

2:216  Fighting is prescribed for you though you dislike it. But it is possible that you may dislike a thing that is good for you, and that you may love a thing that is harmful to you, but God knows and you know not

2:217  They ask you concerning fighting in the prohibited month. Say, “Fighting therein is a grave offense, but worse in the sight of God is to prevent access to the path of God, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Masjid, and to drive out its members.” Oppression is worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life, and in the hereafter, they will be companions of the fire and will live therein forever

2:218  Those who believed, and those who suffered exile and fought in the path of God, they have the hope of the mercy of God, and God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming

2:219  They ask you concerning intoxicants and gambling. Say, “In both of them is great harm and benefit for humanity, but the harm outweighs the benefit.” They ask you how much they are to give. Say, “That which is beyond your needs.” Indeed God makes clear to you His signs in order that you may contemplate

2:220  This life and the hereafter. They ask you concerning orphans. Say, “The best things to do is what is best for them. If you mix their affairs with yours, then they are your brothers, but God knows the person who means harm from the person who means well, and if God had willed, He could have put you into difficulties. He is indeed the Exalted in Power.

2:221  Do not marry disbelieving women until they believe. A slave woman who believes is better than a disbelieving woman is, though she is attractive to you. Nor marry disbelieving men until they believe. A slave man who believes is better than a disbeliever is, even though he is attractive to you. Disbelievers lead you to the fire, but God leads, by His grace, to the garden and forgiveness, and makes His signs clear to humanity, that they may remember

2:222  They ask you concerning women’s menses. Say, “It is a renewal. Thus decline them during their menses, nor go unto them until they are renewed. But once renewed you may approach them in the manner ordained for you by God. For God loves those who constantly turn to Him, and He loves those who refine themselves.

2:223  Your wives are tilth to you. So approach your tilth when and how you two decide. But do some good acts for yourselves beforehand, and be conscious of God, and know that you are to meet Him. And give good news to those who believe

2:224  And do not make God an excuse in your promises against doing good, or acting right, or making peace between people. For God is the One who hears and knows all things

2:225  God will not call you to account for the thoughtlessness in your promises, but for the intention in your hearts. And He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Understanding

2:226  For those who take an oath of abstention from their wives, a waiting period for four months is ordained. If then they return, God is the Oft-Forgiving, the Merciful Redeemer

2:227  But if their intention is firm for divorce, God hears and knows all things

2:228  Divorced women should wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. And it is not permissible for them to hide what God has created in their wombs, if they have faith in God and the Last Day. And their husbands have the right to reunite in that period if they wish for reconciliation. But women have rights the same as the rights on them according to what is equitable. But men should take a final position concerning them, and God is Exalted in Power, the Wise

2:229  Divorce no more than twice. After that, the parties should either hold together on fair terms, or separate with kindness. It is not permissible for you to take back any of your gifts from your wives, except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by God. If you indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits set down by God, there is no blame on either of them if she negotiates with it. These are the limits established by God, so do not transgress them. If any transgress the limits prescribed by God, they are doing wrong

2:230  So if a husband divorces his wife irrevocably, he cannot re-marry her after that, until after she has married a different husband and he has divorced her. In that case, there is no blame on either of them if they reunite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by God. Such are the limits established by God which He makes plain to those who understand

2:231  If you divorce women and they fulfill the terms of their ‘iddat, either take them back on fair terms or let them go on fair terms. But do not take them back to injure them or to take undue advantage of them. If anyone does that, he wrongs his own self. Do not treat God's signs without regard, but solemnly rehearse God's favors on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and the Wisdom for your instruction. And be conscious of God, and know that God is well acquainted with all things

2:232  If you divorce women and they fulfill the term of their ‘iddat, do not prevent them from marrying their husbands, if they mutually agree on fair terms. This instruction is for all among you who believe in God and the Last Day, the virtuous and refined. And God knows and you know not

2:233  And mothers wean their offspring in two complete years, for those who wish to complete the weaning. And he will bear the cost of their food and clothing on fair terms. No soul will have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother should be treated unfairly because of her child, nor a father because of his child. An heir should be treated the same. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If you decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided you pay the mother what you offered on fair terms. But be conscious of God, and know that God sees well all that you do

2:234  If any of you die and leave widows behind, they should wait concerning themselves, four months and ten days. When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if they deal with themselves in a just and reasonable manner, and God is well acquainted with all that you do

2:235  There is no blame on you if you make an offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts. God knows that you cherish them in your hearts. But do not make secret promises to them except in honorable terms. Nor decide on marriage until the term prescribed is completed. And know that God knows what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him, and know that God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Understanding

2:236  There is no blame on you if you divorce women before consummation or the fixation of their dowry. But bestow on them a suitable gift, the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means. A gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do right

2:237  And if you divorce them before consummation but after the fixation of a dowry, then half of the dowry is due to them, unless they decline it, or the one in whose hands is the marriage declines it. And the declining of the man’s half is nearest to righteousness. And do not forget generosity between yourselves, for God sees well all that you do

2:238  Remember prayers, especially the middle prayer. And stand before God in a devout frame of mind

2:239  If you are concerned, pray on foot or when riding. But when you are secure, remember God in the manner He has taught you which you knew not

2:240  Those of you who die and leave spouses, should leave for their spouse a year’s cost of living. But if they leave, there is no blame on you for what they do with themselves, it is acceptable, and God is Exalted in Power, the Wise

2:241  For divorced women, maintenance should be provided on a reasonable scale. This is an obligation on the righteous

2:242  And God makes clear His signs to you, in order that you may understand

2:243  Did you not turn your vision to those who abandoned their homes, though they were thousands, for fear of death? God said to them, “Die.” Then He restored them to life, for God is full of bounty to humanity. But most of them are ungrateful

2:244  Then strive in the cause of God, and know that God hears and knows all things

2:245  Who will loan to God a handsome loan which God will double to his credit and multiply many times? It is God Who gives you want or plenty. And to Him will be your reversion

2:246  Have you not turned your vision to the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses? They said to a prophet among them, “Appoint for us a king, so that we may fight in the cause of God.” He said, “Is it possible that if you were asked to fight that you will not fight?” They said, “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of God, seeing that we were banished from our homes and from our families?” But when they were asked to fight, they turned back, except a small group among them, but God has full knowledge of those who do wrong

2:247  Their prophet said to them, “God has appointed Talut as king over you.” They said, “How can he have authority over us when we are better fitted than he to have authority, and when he has not been given great wealth?” He said, “God has chosen him above you and has given him great knowledge and substance. God grants His authority to whom He pleases. God cares for all and He knows all things.

2:248  And their prophet said to them, “A sign of his authority is that there will come to you the Ark of the Covenant with an assurance of security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Moses, and the family of Aaron carried by angels. Indeed in this is a symbol for you if you are believers.

2:249  When Talut marched with the soldiers he said, “God will challenge you at the stream. If any drinks of its water, he will not go with my army. Only those who do not drink it will go with me, a little sip from the hand is excused.” But they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river, he and the faithful with him said, “This day We cannot cope with Goliath and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they must meet God said, “How often, by God's will, has a small force vanquished a large one? God is with those who steadfastly persevere.

2:250  When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed, “Our Lord, pour out constancy on us and make our steps sure, and help us against those who do not believe.

2:251  By God's will they defeated them, and David slew Goliath. And God gave him power and wisdom, and taught him whatever he wished. And if God did not check one set of people by way of another, the earth would indeed be full of chaos. But God is full of bounty to all the worlds

2:252  These are the signs of God. We rehearse them to you in truth because indeed you are one of the messengers. 252 (End of Part 2

2:253  Some of the messengers We endowed with gifts above others. Among them is one to whom God spoke. Others He raised through levels. To Jesus the son of Mary We gave guidance and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If God had willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among themselves after guidance came to them. But they were divided, some believing and others rejecting. If God had willed they would not have fought each other, but God fulfills His plan

2:254  O you who believe, give from what We have given you before the day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And those who reject it, they are the wrongdoers

2:255  God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Sufficient, the Eternal. No exhaustion can overcome Him, nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there that can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what is before, after, and behind them. And they will not grasp any of His knowledge except as He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them, for He is the Most High, the Supreme

2:256  Let there be no compulsion in religion. Indeed right is clear, as is wrong. Whoever rejects wrong and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never slips, and God hears and knows all things

2:257  God is the Protector of those who have faith. From the depths of darkness He will lead them out into the light. Of those who do not believe, their companions are the wrongdoers. From light, they will lead them down into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein forever

2:258  Have you not turned your vision to one who disputed with Abraham about his Lord because God had granted him power? Abraham said, “My Lord is He Who gives life and death.” He said, “I give life and death.” Abraham said, “And it is God Who causes the Sun to rise from the East, can you cause it to rise from the West?” Then he was angered, he who rejected. And God does not give guidance to those people who are wrongdoers

2:259  Or it is like one who passed over a neighborhood in ruins up to its rooftops. He said, “How will God bring it to life after its death?” So God caused him to die for a hundred years then raised him up. He said, “How long have you been here?” He said, “A day or part of a day.” He said, “No, you have been here a hundred years. But look at your food and drink, they show no sign of age, and look at your donkey. And We will make you a sign for humanity. Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh.” Once this became clear to him he said, “I know that God has power over all things.

2:260  Behold, Abraham said, “My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.” He said, “Do you not believe?” He said, “I do, but show me to satisfy my heart.” He said, “Take four birds, and train them to return to you. Put a part of them on every hill and call to them. They will come to you with speed. So know that God is Exalted in Power, the Wise.

2:261  The comparison of those who give their sustenance in the way of God is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred kernels. God gives abundant increase to whom He pleases, and God cares for all and He knows all things

2:262  Those who give their sustenance in the cause of God, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, for them, their reward is with their Lord. Upon them should be no fear, nor shall they grieve

2:263  Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. But God is free of all wants, and He is Enduring

2:264  O you who believe, do not cancel out your charity with reminders of your generosity or by insults, like one who gives their sustenance to be seen by people, but believe neither in God nor in the Last Day. His similitude is like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil. On it falls heavy rain which leaves it a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with what they have earned, and God does not guide those who do not believe

2:265  And the likeness of those who give their sustenance seeking the pleasure of God and to strengthen themselves is as a garden high and fertile. Heavy rain falls on it, and makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it does not receive heavy rain, a drizzle suffices it. And God sees all that you do

2:266  Do any of you wish that he would have a garden with date palms, and vines, and streams flowing through, and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age and his children are not yet strong? That it would be caught in a whirlwind with fire and be burned up? In this way, God makes clear to you His signs so that you may consider

2:267  O you who believe, give of the good things that you have earned, and of the fruits of the earth that We have produced for you. And do not aim at getting anything in the wrong way, in order that out of it you may give away something when you yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that God is free of all wants and worthy of all praise

2:268  Satan threatens you with poverty and invites you to indecent conduct, while God promises you His forgiveness and bounties, and God cares for all and He knows all things

2:269  He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and he to whom wisdom is granted, indeed receives a benefit overflowing, but none will grasp the message except people of understanding

2:270  And whatever you give in charity or devotion, be sure God knows it all, but the wrongdoers have no helpers

2:271  If you disclose your charity, that is fine. But if you give anonymously to those in need, that is best for you. It will remove from you some of your guilt, and God is well acquainted with what you do

2:272  It is not required of you to guide them, but God guides whom He pleases. Whatever good you give, benefits your own souls, but you should only do so seeking the Face of God. Whatever good you give, will be repaid to you, and you will not be dealt with unjustly

2:273  It is for those in need, who in God's cause, are restricted and cannot move around in the land to seek opportunity. The ignorant person thinks because of their modesty, that they are free from want. You will know them by their mark, not by them constantly begging. And whatever good you give, be assured God knows it well

2:274  Those who give of their resources by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord. On them will be no fear nor shall they grieve

2:275  Those who devour usury will not stand except as one stands who Satan, by his touch, has driven to madness. Because they say, “Trade is like usury.” But God has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who cease after receiving direction from their Lord will be forgiven for their past, and their case is for God. But those who continue are companions of the fire, they will live therein forever

2:276  God will deprive usury of all blessings, but will give more for deeds of charity, for He does not love ungrateful wrong-doers

2:277  Those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, who establish prayer and give zakat, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve

2:278  O you who believe, be conscious of God and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if you are indeed believers

2:279  If you do not, then prepare for war from God and His messenger. But if you turn back, you will have your capital gains. So do not deal unjustly, because you will not be dealt with unjustly

2:280  If the debtor is in difficulty, grant him time until it is easy for him to repay. But if you forgive it as a charity, that is best for you if you only knew

2:281  And fear the day when you will be brought back to God. Then every soul will be paid what she earned, and none will be dealt with unjustly

2:282  O you who believe, when you deal with each other in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, put them in writing. Let a scribe write it down correctly for the parties involved, and the scribe should not refuse to write. God has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear his Lord and not omit any of what he owes. If the party liable is mentally deficient or weak, or unable to dictate, let his guardian dictate correctly. And get two witnesses from your men. If not two men, then a man and two women, of whom you agree to be witnesses, so that if one of the two errs, then one of the two can remind the other. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called on. Do not refuse to reduce things to writing for a future period, whether it is small or large. This is more just in the sight of God, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves. But if it is a transaction which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you if you do not reduce it to writing, but take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract, and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm. If you do, it would be wrong on your part. So be regardful of God, for it is God who teaches you, and God is well acquainted with all things

2:283  If you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then pledge with your possessions. And if one of you deposits a thing on trust with another, let the trustee discharge his trust and let him be regardful of his Lord. And do not conceal evidence, and whoever conceals it, his heart is then tainted with corruption. And God knows all that you do

2:284  To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether you reveal what is in you or conceal it, God calls you to account for it. He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases, and God has power over all things

2:285  The messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the people of faith. Each one believes in God, His angels, His books, and His messengers. They say, “We make no distinction between one and another of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear, and we follow. We seek Your forgiveness Our Lord, and to You is the end of all journeys.

2:286  On no soul does God place a burden greater than she can bear. She gets every good that it earns and she suffers from every ill that she earns. Pray, “Our Lord, condemn us not if we forget or fall into error. Our Lord, lay not on us a burden like that which You laid on those before us. Our Lord, lay not on us a burden greater than we have the strength to bear. Blot out our sins, grant us forgiveness, and have mercy on us. You are our Protector, and help us against those who reject it.”