Sura 9: Ultimatum
(Barã’ah)
No Basmalah*

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براءة من الله ورسوله الى الذين عاهدتم من المشركين

An ultimatum is herein issued from GOD and His messenger to the idol worshipers who enter into a treaty with you.

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فسيحوا في الارض اربعة اشهر واعلموا انكم غير معجزي الله وان الله مخزي الكافرين

Therefore, roam the earth freely for four months, and know that you cannot escape from GOD, and that GOD humiliates the disbelievers.

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واذان من الله ورسوله الى الناس يوم الحج الاكبر ان الله بريء من المشركين ورسوله فان تبتم فهو خير لكم وان توليتم فاعلموا انكم غير معجزي الله وبشر الذين كفروا بعذاب اليم

A proclamation is herein issued from GOD and His messenger to all the people on the great day of pilgrimage, that GOD has disowned the idol worshipers, and so did His messenger. Thus, if you repent, it would be better for you. But if you turn away, then know that you can never escape from GOD. Promise those who disbelieve a painful retribution.

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الا الذين عاهدتم من المشركين ثم لم ينقصوكم شيئا ولم يظاهروا عليكم احدا فاتموا اليهم عهدهم الى مدتهم ان الله يحب المتقين

If the idol worshipers sign a peace treaty with you, and do not violate it, nor band together with others against you, you shall fulfill your treaty with them, until the expiration date. GOD loves the righteous.

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فاذا انسلخ الاشهر الحرم فاقتلوا المشركين حيث وجدتموهم وخذوهم واحصروهم واقعدوا لهم كل مرصد فان تابوا واقاموا الصلاة واتوا الزكاة فخلوا سبيلهم ان الله غفور رحيم

Once the Sacred Months are past, (and they refuse to make peace) you may kill the idol worshipers when you encounter them, punish them, and resist every move they make. If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), you shall let them go. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

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وان احد من المشركين استجارك فاجره حتى يسمع كلام الله ثم ابلغه مامنه ذلك بانهم قوم لا يعلمون

If one of the idol worshipers sought safe passage with you, you shall grant him safe passage, so that he can hear the word of GOD, then send him back to his place of security. That is because they are people who do not know.

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كيف يكون للمشركين عهد عند الله وعند رسوله الا الذين عاهدتم عند المسجد الحرام فما استقاموا لكم فاستقيموا لهم ان الله يحب المتقين

How can the idol worshipers demand any pledge from GOD and from His messenger? Exempted are those who have signed a peace treaty with you at the Sacred Masjid. If they honor and uphold such a treaty, you shall uphold it as well. GOD loves the righteous.

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كيف وان يظهروا عليكم لا يرقبوا فيكم الا ولا ذمة يرضونكم بافواههم وتابى قلوبهم واكثرهم فاسقون

How can they (demand a pledge) when they never observed any rights of kinship between you and them nor any covenant, if they ever had a chance to prevail. They pacified you with lip service, while their hearts were in opposition, and most of them are wicked.

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اشتروا بايات الله ثمنا قليلا فصدوا عن سبيله انهم ساء ما كانوا يعملون

They traded away GOD’s revelations for a cheap price. Consequently, they repulsed the people from His path. Miserable indeed is what they did!

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لا يرقبون في مؤمن الا ولا ذمة واولئك هم المعتدون

They never observe any rights of kinship towards any believer, nor do they uphold their covenants; these are the real transgressors.

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Repentance: Cleaning the Slate

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فان تابوا واقاموا الصلاة واتوا الزكاة فاخوانكم في الدين ونفصل الايات لقوم يعلمون

If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), then they are your brethren in religion. We thus explain the revelations for people who know.

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وان نكثوا ايمانهم من بعد عهدهم وطعنوا في دينكم فقاتلوا ائمة الكفر انهم لا ايمان لهم لعلهم ينتهون

If they violate their oaths after pledging to keep their covenants, and attack your religion, you may fight the leaders of paganism −you are no longer bound by your covenant with them− that they may refrain.

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الا تقاتلون قوما نكثوا ايمانهم وهموا باخراج الرسول وهم بدءوكم اول مرة اتخشونهم فالله احق ان تخشوه ان كنتم مؤمنين

Would you not fight people who violated their treaties, tried to banish the messenger, and they are the ones who started the war in the first place? Are you afraid of them? GOD is the One you are supposed to fear, if you are believers.

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قاتلوهم يعذبهم الله بايديكم ويخزهم وينصركم عليهم ويشف صدور قوم مؤمنين

You shall fight them, for GOD will punish them at your hands, humiliate them, grant you victory over them, and cool the chests of the believers.

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ويذهب غيظ قلوبهم ويتوب الله على من يشاء والله عليم حكيم

He will also remove the rage from the believers’ hearts. GOD redeems whomever He wills. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

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The Inevitable Test

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ام حسبتم ان تتركوا ولما يعلم الله الذين جاهدوا منكم ولم يتخذوا من دون الله ولا رسوله ولا المؤمنين وليجة والله خبير بما تعملون

Did you think that you will be left alone without GOD distinguishing those among you who strive, and never ally themselves with GOD’s enemies, or the enemies of His messenger, or the enemies of the believers? GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

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ما كان للمشركين ان يعمروا مساجد الله شاهدين على انفسهم بالكفر اولئك حبطت اعمالهم وفي النار هم خالدون

The idol worshipers are not to frequent the masjids of GOD, while confessing their disbelief. These have nullified their works, and they will abide forever in Hell.

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انما يعمر مساجد الله من امن بالله واليوم الاخر واقام الصلاة واتى الزكاة ولم يخش الا الله فعسى اولئك ان يكونوا من المهتدين

The only people to frequent GOD’s masjids are those who believe in GOD and the Last Day, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and do not fear except GOD. These will surely be among the guided ones.

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Question to the Arabs

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اجعلتم سقاية الحاج وعمارة المسجد الحرام كمن امن بالله واليوم الاخر وجاهد في سبيل الله لا يستوون عند الله والله لا يهدي القوم الظالمين

Have you considered the watering of the pilgrims and caring for the Sacred Masjid a substitute for believing in GOD and the Last Day, and striving in the cause of GOD? They are not equal in the sight of GOD. GOD does not guide the wicked people.

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Good News

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الذين امنوا وهاجروا وجاهدوا في سبيل الله باموالهم وانفسهم اعظم درجة عند الله واولئك هم الفائزون

Those who believe, and emigrate, and strive in the cause of GOD with their money and their lives, are far greater in rank in the sight of GOD. These are the winners.

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يبشرهم ربهم برحمة منه ورضوان وجنات لهم فيها نعيم مقيم

Their Lord gives them good news: mercy and approval from Him, and gardens where they rejoice in everlasting bliss.

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خالدين فيها ابدا ان الله عنده اجر عظيم

Eternally they abide therein. GOD possesses a great recompense.

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If You Have to Make a Choice

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يا ايها الذين امنوا لا تتخذوا اباءكم واخوانكم اولياء ان استحبوا الكفر على الايمان ومن يتولهم منكم فاولئك هم الظالمون

O you who believe, do not ally yourselves even with your parents and your siblings, if they prefer disbelieving over believing. Those among you who ally themselves with them are transgressing.

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Important Criterion*

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قل ان كان اباؤكم وابناؤكم واخوانكم وازواجكم وعشيرتكم واموال اقترفتموها وتجارة تخشون كسادها ومساكن ترضونها احب اليكم من الله ورسوله وجهاد في سبيله فتربصوا حتى ياتي الله بامره والله لا يهدي القوم الفاسقين

Proclaim: “If your parents, your children, your siblings, your spouses, your family, the money you have earned, a business you worry about, and the homes you cherish are more beloved to you than GOD and His messenger,** and the striving in His cause, then just wait until GOD brings His judgment.” GOD does not guide the wicked people.

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لقد نصركم الله في مواطن كثيرة ويوم حنين اذ اعجبتكم كثرتكم فلم تغن عنكم شيئا وضاقت عليكم الارض بما رحبت ثم وليتم مدبرين

GOD has granted you victory in many situations. But on the day of Hunayn, you became too proud of your great number. Consequently, it did not help you at all, and the spacious earth became so straitened around you, that you turned around and fled.

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ثم انزل الله سكينته على رسوله وعلى المؤمنين وانزل جنودا لم تروها وعذب الذين كفروا وذلك جزاء الكافرين

Then GOD sent down contentment upon His messenger and upon the believers. And He sent down invisible soldiers; He thus punished those who disbelieved. This is the requital for the disbelievers.

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ثم يتوب الله من بعد ذلك على من يشاء والله غفور رحيم

Ultimately, GOD redeems whomever He wills. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

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يا ايها الذين امنوا انما المشركون نجس فلا يقربوا المسجد الحرام بعد عامهم هذا وان خفتم عيلة فسوف يغنيكم الله من فضله ان شاء ان الله عليم حكيم

O you who believe, the idol worshipers are polluted; they shall not be permitted to approach the Sacred Masjid after this year. If you fear loss of income, GOD will shower you with His provisions, in accordance with His will. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

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قاتلوا الذين لا يؤمنون بالله ولا باليوم الاخر ولا يحرمون ما حرم الله ورسوله ولا يدينون دين الحق من الذين اوتوا الكتاب حتى يعطوا الجزية عن يد وهم صاغرون

You shall fight back against those who do not believe in GOD, nor in the Last Day, nor do they prohibit what GOD and His messenger have prohibited, nor do they abide by the religion of truth − among those who received the scripture − until they pay the due tax, willingly or unwillingly.

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Blasphemies

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وقالت اليهود عزير ابن الله وقالت النصارى المسيح ابن الله ذلك قولهم بافواههم يضاهئون قول الذين كفروا من قبل قاتلهم الله انى يؤفكون

The Jews said, “Ezra is the son of GOD,” while the Christians said, “Jesus is the son of GOD!” These are blasphemies uttered by their mouths. They thus match the blasphemies of those who have disbelieved in the past. GOD condemns them. They have surely deviated.

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Upholding the Teachings<br>of Religious Leaders<br>Instead of God’s Teachings

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اتخذوا احبارهم ورهبانهم اربابا من دون الله والمسيح ابن مريم وما امروا الا ليعبدوا الها واحدا لا اله الا هو سبحانه عما يشركون

They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords,* instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having any partners.

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يريدون ان يطفئوا نور الله بافواههم ويابى الله الا ان يتم نوره ولو كره الكافرون

They want to put out GOD’s light with their mouths, but GOD insists upon perfecting His light, in spite of the disbelievers.

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“Submission” Destined to Prevail*

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هو الذي ارسل رسوله بالهدى ودين الحق ليظهره على الدين كله ولو كره المشركون

He is the One who sent His messenger* with the guidance and the religion of truth, and will make it dominate all religions, in spite of the idol worshipers.

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Beware of Professional Religionists

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يا ايها الذين امنوا ان كثيرا من الاحبار والرهبان لياكلون اموال الناس بالباطل ويصدون عن سبيل الله والذين يكنزون الذهب والفضة ولا ينفقونها في سبيل الله فبشرهم بعذاب اليم

O you who believe, many religious leaders and preachers take the people’s money illicitly, and repel from the path of GOD. Those who hoard the gold and silver, and do not spend them in the cause of GOD, promise them a painful retribution.

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يوم يحمى عليها في نار جهنم فتكوى بها جباههم وجنوبهم وظهورهم هذا ما كنزتم لانفسكم فذوقوا ما كنتم تكنزون

The day will come when their gold and silver will be heated in the fire of Hell, then used to burn their foreheads, their sides, and their backs: “This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you have hoarded.”

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God’s System:<br>Twelve Months Per Year*

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ان عدة الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرا في كتاب الله يوم خلق السماوات والارض منها اربعة حرم ذلك الدين القيم فلا تظلموا فيهن انفسكم وقاتلوا المشركين كافة كما يقاتلونكم كافة واعلموا ان الله مع المتقين

The count of months, as far as GOD is concerned, is twelve.* This has been GOD’s law, since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred. This is the perfect religion; you shall not wrong your souls (by fighting) during the Sacred Months. However, you may declare all-out war against the idol worshipers (even during the Sacred Months), when they declare all-out war against you, and know that GOD is on the side of the righteous.

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Altering the Sacred Months*

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انما النسيء زيادة في الكفر يضل به الذين كفروا يحلونه عاما ويحرمونه عاما ليواطئوا عدة ما حرم الله فيحلوا ما حرم الله زين لهم سوء اعمالهم والله لا يهدي القوم الكافرين

Altering the Sacred Months is a sign of excessive disbelief; it augments the straying of those who have disbelieved. They alternate the Sacred Months and the regular months, while preserving the number of months consecrated by GOD. They thus violate what GOD has consecrated. Their evil works are adorned in their eyes. GOD does not guide the disbelieving people.

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يا ايها الذين امنوا ما لكم اذا قيل لكم انفروا في سبيل الله اثاقلتم الى الارض ارضيتم بالحياة الدنيا من الاخرة فما متاع الحياة الدنيا في الاخرة الا قليل

O you who believe, when you are told, “Mobilize in the cause of GOD,” why do you become heavily attached to the ground? Have you chosen this worldly life in place of the Hereafter? The materials of this world, compared to the Hereafter, are nil.

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الا تنفروا يعذبكم عذابا اليما ويستبدل قوما غيركم ولا تضروه شيئا والله على كل شيء قدير

Unless you mobilize, He will commit you to painful retribution and substitute other people in your place; you can never hurt Him in the least. GOD is Omnipotent.

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God’s Invisible Soldiers

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الا تنصروه فقد نصره الله اذ اخرجه الذين كفروا ثاني اثنين اذ هما في الغار اذ يقول لصاحبه لا تحزن ان الله معنا فانزل الله سكينته عليه وايده بجنود لم تروها وجعل كلمة الذين كفروا السفلى وكلمة الله هي العليا والله عزيز حكيم

If you fail to support him (the messenger), GOD has already supported him. Thus, when the disbelievers chased him, and he was one of two in the cave, he said to his friend, “Do not worry; GOD is with us.” GOD then sent down contentment and security upon him, and supported him with invisible soldiers. He made the word of the disbelievers lowly. GOD’s word reigns supreme. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

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Better Believers Strive in the Cause of God

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انفروا خفافا وثقالا وجاهدوا باموالكم وانفسكم في سبيل الله ذلكم خير لكم ان كنتم تعلمون

You shall readily mobilize, light or heavy, and strive with your money and your lives in the cause of GOD. This is better for you, if you only knew.

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The Sedentary

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لو كان عرضا قريبا وسفرا قاصدا لاتبعوك ولكن بعدت عليهم الشقة وسيحلفون بالله لو استطعنا لخرجنا معكم يهلكون انفسهم والله يعلم انهم لكاذبون

If there were a quick material gain, and a short journey, they would have followed you. But the striving is just too much for them. They will swear by GOD: “If we could, we would have mobilized with you.” They thus hurt themselves, and GOD knows that they are liars.

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عفا الله عنك لم اذنت لهم حتى يتبين لك الذين صدقوا وتعلم الكاذبين

GOD has pardoned you: why did you give them permission (to stay behind), before you could distinguish those who are truthful from the liars?

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لا يستاذنك الذين يؤمنون بالله واليوم الاخر ان يجاهدوا باموالهم وانفسهم والله عليم بالمتقين

Those who truly believe in GOD and the Last Day do not ask your permission to evade the opportunity to strive with their money and their lives. GOD is fully aware of the righteous.

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انما يستاذنك الذين لا يؤمنون بالله واليوم الاخر وارتابت قلوبهم فهم في ريبهم يترددون

The only people who wish to be excused are those who do not really believe in GOD and the Last Day. Their hearts are full of doubt, and their doubts cause them to waver.

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ولو ارادوا الخروج لاعدوا له عدة ولكن كره الله انبعاثهم فثبطهم وقيل اقعدوا مع القاعدين

Had they really wanted to mobilize, they would have prepared for it thoroughly. But GOD disliked their participation, so He discouraged them; they were told, “Stay behind with those who are staying behind.”

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لو خرجوا فيكم ما زادوكم الا خبالا ولاوضعوا خلالكم يبغونكم الفتنة وفيكم سماعون لهم والله عليم بالظالمين

Had they mobilized with you, they would have created confusion, and would have caused disputes and divisions among you. Some of you were apt to listen to them. GOD is fully aware of the transgressors.

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لقد ابتغوا الفتنة من قبل وقلبوا لك الامور حتى جاء الحق وظهر امر الله وهم كارهون

They sought to spread confusion among you in the past, and confounded matters for you. However, the truth ultimately prevails, and GOD’s plan is carried out, in spite of them.

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ومنهم من يقول ائذن لي ولا تفتني الا في الفتنة سقطوا وان جهنم لمحيطة بالكافرين

Some of them would say, “Give me permission (to stay behind); do not impose such a hardship on me.” In fact, they have thus incurred a terrible hardship; Hell is surrounding the disbelievers.

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ان تصبك حسنة تسؤهم وان تصبك مصيبة يقولوا قد اخذنا امرنا من قبل ويتولوا وهم فرحون

If something good happens to you, they hurt, and if an affliction befalls you, they say, “We told you so,” as they turn away rejoicing.

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قل لن يصيبنا الا ما كتب الله لنا هو مولانا وعلى الله فليتوكل المؤمنون

Say, “Nothing happens to us, except what GOD has decreed for us. He is our Lord and Master. In GOD the believers shall trust.”

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قل هل تربصون بنا الا احدى الحسنيين ونحن نتربص بكم ان يصيبكم الله بعذاب من عنده او بايدينا فتربصوا انا معكم متربصون

Say, “You can only expect for us one of two good things (victory or martyrdom), while we expect for you condemnation from GOD and retribution from Him, or at our hands. Therefore, wait, and we will wait along with you.”

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قل انفقوا طوعا او كرها لن يتقبل منكم انكم كنتم قوما فاسقين

Say, “Spend, willingly or unwillingly. Nothing will be accepted from you, for you are evil people.”

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The Contact Prayer Existed<br>Before Muhammad*

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وما منعهم ان تقبل منهم نفقاتهم الا انهم كفروا بالله وبرسوله ولا ياتون الصلاة الا وهم كسالى ولا ينفقون الا وهم كارهون

What prevented the acceptance of their spending is that they disbelieved in GOD and His messenger, and when they observed the Contact Prayers (Salat),* they observed them lazily, and when they gave to charity, they did so grudgingly.

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Apparent Worldly Success

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فلا تعجبك اموالهم ولا اولادهم انما يريد الله ليعذبهم بها في الحياة الدنيا وتزهق انفسهم وهم كافرون

Do not be impressed by their money, or their children. GOD causes these to be sources of retribution for them in this life, and (when they die) their souls depart while they are disbelievers.

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ويحلفون بالله انهم لمنكم وما هم منكم ولكنهم قوم يفرقون

They swear by GOD that they belong with you, while they do not belong with you; they are divisive people.

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لو يجدون ملجا او مغارات او مدخلا لولوا اليه وهم يجمحون

If they could find a refuge, or caves, or a hiding place, they would go to it, rushing.

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ومنهم من يلمزك في الصدقات فان اعطوا منها رضوا وان لم يعطوا منها اذا هم يسخطون

Some of them criticize your distribution of the charities; if they are given therefrom, they become satisfied, but if they are not given therefrom, they become objectors.

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ولو انهم رضوا ما اتاهم الله ورسوله وقالوا حسبنا الله سيؤتينا الله من فضله ورسوله انا الى الله راغبون

They should be satisfied with what GOD and His messenger have given them. They should have said, “GOD suffices us. GOD will provide for us from His bounties, and so will His messenger. We are seeking only GOD.”

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Distribution System for Charities

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انما الصدقات للفقراء والمساكين والعاملين عليها والمؤلفة قلوبهم وفي الرقاب والغارمين وفي سبيل الله وابن السبيل فريضة من الله والله عليم حكيم

Charities shall go to the poor, the needy, the workers who collect them, the new converts, to free the slaves, to those burdened by sudden expenses, in the cause of GOD, and to the traveling alien. Such is GOD’s commandment. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

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ومنهم الذين يؤذون النبي ويقولون هو اذن قل اذن خير لكم يؤمن بالله ويؤمن للمؤمنين ورحمة للذين امنوا منكم والذين يؤذون رسول الله لهم عذاب اليم

Some of them hurt the prophet by saying, “He is all ears!” Say, “It is better for you that he listens to you. He believes in GOD, and trusts the believers. He is a mercy for those among you who believe.” Those who hurt GOD’s messenger have incurred a painful retribution.

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يحلفون بالله لكم ليرضوكم والله ورسوله احق ان يرضوه ان كانوا مؤمنين

They swear by GOD to you, to please you, when GOD and His messenger are more worthy of pleasing, if they are really believers.

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Retribution for Opposing God<br>and His Messenger

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الم يعلموا انه من يحادد الله ورسوله فان له نار جهنم خالدا فيها ذلك الخزي العظيم

Did they not know that anyone who opposes GOD and His messenger has incurred the fire of Hell forever? This is the worst humiliation.

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The Hypocrites

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يحذر المنافقون ان تنزل عليهم سورة تنبئهم بما في قلوبهم قل استهزئوا ان الله مخرج ما تحذرون

The hypocrites worry that a sura may be revealed exposing what is inside their hearts. Say, “Go ahead and mock. GOD will expose exactly what you are afraid of.”

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ولئن سالتهم ليقولن انما كنا نخوض ونلعب قل ابالله واياته ورسوله كنتم تستهزئون

If you ask them, they would say, “We were only mocking and kidding.” Say, “Do you realize that you are mocking GOD, and His revelations, and His messenger?”

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لا تعتذروا قد كفرتم بعد ايمانكم ان نعف عن طائفة منكم نعذب طائفة بانهم كانوا مجرمين

Do not apologize. You have disbelieved after having believed. If we pardon some of you, we will punish others among you, as a consequence of their wickedness.

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المنافقون والمنافقات بعضهم من بعض يامرون بالمنكر وينهون عن المعروف ويقبضون ايديهم نسوا الله فنسيهم ان المنافقين هم الفاسقون

The hypocrite men and the hypocrite women belong with each other − they advocate evil and prohibit righteousness, and they are stingy. They forgot GOD, so He forgot them. The hypocrites are truly wicked.

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وعد الله المنافقين والمنافقات والكفار نار جهنم خالدين فيها هي حسبهم ولعنهم الله ولهم عذاب مقيم

GOD promises the hypocrite men and the hypocrite women, as well as the disbelievers, the fire of Hell, wherein they abide forever. It suffices them. GOD has condemned them; they have incurred an everlasting retribution.

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God’s System Does Not Change

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كالذين من قبلكم كانوا اشد منكم قوة واكثر اموالا واولادا فاستمتعوا بخلاقهم فاستمتعتم بخلاقكم كما استمتع الذين من قبلكم بخلاقهم وخضتم كالذي خاضوا اولئك حبطت اعمالهم في الدنيا والاخرة واولئك هم الخاسرون

Some of those before you were stronger than you, and possessed more money and children. They became preoccupied with their material possessions. Similarly, you have become preoccupied with your material possessions, just like those before you have become preoccupied. You have become totally heedless, just as they were heedless. Such are the people who nullify their works, both in this world and in the Hereafter; they are the losers.

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The Losers

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الم ياتهم نبا الذين من قبلهم قوم نوح وعاد وثمود وقوم ابراهيم واصحاب مدين والمؤتفكات اتتهم رسلهم بالبينات فما كان الله ليظلمهم ولكن كانوا انفسهم يظلمون

Have they not learned anything from the previous generations; the people of Noah, ‘Ãd, Thamûd, the people of Abraham, the dwellers of Midyan, and the evildoers (of Sodom and Gomorrah)? Their messengers went to them with clear proofs. GOD never wronged them; they are the ones who wronged their own souls.

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The Winners

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والمؤمنون والمؤمنات بعضهم اولياء بعض يامرون بالمعروف وينهون عن المنكر ويقيمون الصلاة ويؤتون الزكاة ويطيعون الله ورسوله اولئك سيرحمهم الله ان الله عزيز حكيم

The believing men and women are allies of one another. They advocate righteousness and forbid evil, they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they obey GOD and His messenger. These will be showered by GOD’s mercy. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

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وعد الله المؤمنين والمؤمنات جنات تجري من تحتها الانهار خالدين فيها ومساكن طيبة في جنات عدن ورضوان من الله اكبر ذلك هو الفوز العظيم

GOD promises the believing men and the believing women gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever, and magnificent mansions in the gardens of Eden. And GOD’s blessings and approval are even greater. This is the greatest triumph.

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You Shall Be Stern<br>With the Disbelievers

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يا ايها النبي جاهد الكفار والمنافقين واغلظ عليهم وماواهم جهنم وبئس المصير

O you prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern in dealing with them. Their destiny is Hell; what a miserable abode!

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يحلفون بالله ما قالوا ولقد قالوا كلمة الكفر وكفروا بعد اسلامهم وهموا بما لم ينالوا وما نقموا الا ان اغناهم الله ورسوله من فضله فان يتوبوا يك خيرا لهم وان يتولوا يعذبهم الله عذابا اليما في الدنيا والاخرة وما لهم في الارض من ولي ولا نصير

They swear by GOD that they never said it, although they have uttered the word of disbelief; they have disbelieved after becoming submitters. In fact, they gave up what they never had. They have rebelled even though GOD and His messenger have showered them with His grace and provisions. If they repent, it would be best for them. But if they turn away, GOD will commit them to painful retribution in this life and in the Hereafter. They will find no one on earth to be their lord and master.

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ومنهم من عاهد الله لئن اتانا من فضله لنصدقن ولنكونن من الصالحين

Some of them even pledged: “If GOD showered us with His grace, we would be charitable, and would lead a righteous life.”

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فلما اتاهم من فضله بخلوا به وتولوا وهم معرضون

But when He did shower them with His provisions, they became stingy, and turned away in aversion.

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فاعقبهم نفاقا في قلوبهم الى يوم يلقونه بما اخلفوا الله ما وعدوه وبما كانوا يكذبون

Consequently, He plagued them with hypocrisy in their hearts, till the day they meet Him. This is because they broke their promises to GOD, and because of their lying.

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الم يعلموا ان الله يعلم سرهم ونجواهم وان الله علام الغيوب

Do they not realize that GOD knows their secrets, and their conspiracies, and that GOD is the Knower of all secrets?

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الذين يلمزون المطوعين من المؤمنين في الصدقات والذين لا يجدون الا جهدهم فيسخرون منهم سخر الله منهم ولهم عذاب اليم

Those who criticize the generous believers for giving too much, and ridicule the poor believers for giving too little, GOD despises them. They have incurred a painful retribution.

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Satan’s Most Effective Bait:<br>The Myth of Intercession*

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استغفر لهم او لا تستغفر لهم ان تستغفر لهم سبعين مرة فلن يغفر الله لهم ذلك بانهم كفروا بالله ورسوله والله لا يهدي القوم الفاسقين

Whether you ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them −even if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times− GOD will not forgive them. This is because they disbelieve in GOD and His messenger. GOD does not guide the wicked people.

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فرح المخلفون بمقعدهم خلاف رسول الله وكرهوا ان يجاهدوا باموالهم وانفسهم في سبيل الله وقالوا لا تنفروا في الحر قل نار جهنم اشد حرا لو كانوا يفقهون

The sedentary rejoiced in their staying behind the messenger of GOD, and hated to strive with their money and their lives in the cause of GOD. They said, “Let us not mobilize in this heat!” Say, “The fire of Hell is much hotter,” if they could only comprehend.

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فليضحكوا قليلا وليبكوا كثيرا جزاء بما كانوا يكسبون

Let them laugh a little, and cry a lot. This is the requital for the sins they have earned.

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فان رجعك الله الى طائفة منهم فاستاذنوك للخروج فقل لن تخرجوا معي ابدا ولن تقاتلوا معي عدوا انكم رضيتم بالقعود اول مرة فاقعدوا مع الخالفين

If GOD returns you to a situation where they ask your permission to mobilize with you, you shall say, “You will never again mobilize with me, nor will you ever fight with me against any enemy. For you have chosen to be with the sedentary in the first place. Therefore, you must stay with the sedentary.”

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ولا تصل على احد منهم مات ابدا ولا تقم على قبره انهم كفروا بالله ورسوله وماتوا وهم فاسقون

You shall not observe the funeral prayer for any of them when he dies, nor shall you stand at his grave. They have disbelieved in GOD and His messenger, and died in a state of wickedness.

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Worldly Materials Are Nil

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ولا تعجبك اموالهم واولادهم انما يريد الله ان يعذبهم بها في الدنيا وتزهق انفسهم وهم كافرون

Do not be impressed by their money or their children; GOD causes these to be sources of misery for them in this world, and their souls depart as disbelievers.

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واذا انزلت سورة ان امنوا بالله وجاهدوا مع رسوله استاذنك اولو الطول منهم وقالوا ذرنا نكن مع القاعدين

When a sura is revealed, stating: “Believe in GOD, and strive with His messenger,” even the strong among them say, “Let us stay behind!”

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رضوا بان يكونوا مع الخوالف وطبع على قلوبهم فهم لا يفقهون

They chose to be with the sedentary. Consequently, their hearts were sealed, and thus, they cannot comprehend.

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True Believers are Eager to Strive

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لكن الرسول والذين امنوا معه جاهدوا باموالهم وانفسهم واولئك لهم الخيرات واولئك هم المفلحون

As for the messenger and those who believed with him, they eagerly strive with their money and their lives. These have deserved all the good things; they are the winners.

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اعد الله لهم جنات تجري من تحتها الانهار خالدين فيها ذلك الفوز العظيم

GOD has prepared for them gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever. This is the greatest triumph.

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وجاء المعذرون من الاعراب ليؤذن لهم وقعد الذين كذبوا الله ورسوله سيصيب الذين كفروا منهم عذاب اليم

The Arabs made up excuses, and came to you seeking permission to stay behind. This is indicative of their rejection of GOD and His messenger − they stay behind. Indeed, those who disbelieve among them have incurred a painful retribution.

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ليس على الضعفاء ولا على المرضى ولا على الذين لا يجدون ما ينفقون حرج اذا نصحوا لله ورسوله ما على المحسنين من سبيل والله غفور رحيم

Not to be blamed are those who are weak, or ill, or do not find anything to offer, so long as they remain devoted to GOD and His messenger. The righteous among them shall not be blamed. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

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ولا على الذين اذا ما اتوك لتحملهم قلت لا اجد ما احملكم عليه تولوا واعينهم تفيض من الدمع حزنا الا يجدوا ما ينفقون

Also excused are those who come to you wishing to be included with you, but you tell them, “I do not have anything to carry you on.” They then turn back with tears in their eyes, genuinely saddened that they could not afford to contribute.

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انما السبيل على الذين يستاذنونك وهم اغنياء رضوا بان يكونوا مع الخوالف وطبع الله على قلوبهم فهم لا يعلمون

The blame is on those who ask your permission to stay behind, even though they have no excuse. They have chosen to be with the sedentary. Consequently, GOD has sealed their hearts, and thus, they do not attain any knowledge.

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Hard Times Serve to Expose<br>the Hypocrites

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يعتذرون اليكم اذا رجعتم اليهم قل لا تعتذروا لن نؤمن لكم قد نبانا الله من اخباركم وسيرى الله عملكم ورسوله ثم تردون الى عالم الغيب والشهادة فينبئكم بما كنتم تعملون

They apologize to you when you return to them (from battle). Say, “Do not apologize; we no longer trust you. GOD has informed us about you.” GOD will see your works, and so will the messenger, then you will be returned to the Knower of all secrets and declarations, then He will inform you of everything you had done.

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سيحلفون بالله لكم اذا انقلبتم اليهم لتعرضوا عنهم فاعرضوا عنهم انهم رجس وماواهم جهنم جزاء بما كانوا يكسبون

They will swear by GOD to you, when you return to them, that you may disregard them. Do disregard them. They are polluted, and their destiny is Hell, as a requital for the sins they have earned.

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يحلفون لكم لترضوا عنهم فان ترضوا عنهم فان الله لا يرضى عن القوم الفاسقين

They swear to you, that you may pardon them. Even if you pardon them, GOD does not pardon such wicked people.

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The Arabs

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الاعراب اشد كفرا ونفاقا واجدر الا يعلموا حدود ما انزل الله على رسوله والله عليم حكيم

The Arabs are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and the most likely to ignore the laws that GOD has revealed to His messenger. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

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ومن الاعراب من يتخذ ما ينفق مغرما ويتربص بكم الدوائر عليهم دائرة السوء والله سميع عليم

Some Arabs consider their spending (in the cause of God) to be a loss, and even wait in anticipation that a disaster may hit you. It is they who will incur the worst disaster. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

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ومن الاعراب من يؤمن بالله واليوم الاخر ويتخذ ما ينفق قربات عند الله وصلوات الرسول الا انها قربة لهم سيدخلهم الله في رحمته ان الله غفور رحيم

Other Arabs do believe in GOD and the Last Day, and consider their spending to be a means towards GOD, and a means of supporting the messenger. Indeed, it will bring them nearer; GOD will admit them into His mercy. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

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والسابقون الاولون من المهاجرين والانصار والذين اتبعوهم باحسان رضي الله عنهم ورضوا عنه واعد لهم جنات تجري تحتها الانهار خالدين فيها ابدا ذلك الفوز العظيم

As for the early vanguards who immigrated (Muhãjerin), and the supporters who gave them refuge (Ansãr) and those who followed them in righteousness, GOD is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. He has prepared for them gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever. This is the greatest triumph.

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Retribution Doubled for the Hypocrites*

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وممن حولكم من الاعراب منافقون ومن اهل المدينة مردوا على النفاق لا تعلمهم نحن نعلمهم سنعذبهم مرتين ثم يردون الى عذاب عظيم

Among the Arabs around you, there are hypocrites. Also, among the city dwellers, there are those who are accustomed to hypocrisy. You do not know them, but we know them. We will double the retribution for them, then they end up committed to a terrible retribution.

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واخرون اعترفوا بذنوبهم خلطوا عملا صالحا واخر سيئا عسى الله ان يتوب عليهم ان الله غفور رحيم

There are others who have confessed their sins; they have mixed good deeds with bad deeds. GOD will redeem them, for GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

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خذ من اموالهم صدقة تطهرهم وتزكيهم بها وصل عليهم ان صلاتك سكن لهم والله سميع عليم

Take from their money a charity to purify them and sanctify them. And encourage them, for your encouragement reassures them. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

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الم يعلموا ان الله هو يقبل التوبة عن عباده وياخذ الصدقات وان الله هو التواب الرحيم

Do they not realize that GOD accepts the repentance of His worshipers, and takes the charities, and that GOD is the Redeemer, Most Merciful?

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وقل اعملوا فسيرى الله عملكم ورسوله والمؤمنون وستردون الى عالم الغيب والشهادة فينبئكم بما كنتم تعملون

Say, “Work righteousness; GOD will see your work, and so will His messenger and the believers. Ultimately, you will be returned to the Knower of all secrets and declarations, then He will inform you of everything you had done.”

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واخرون مرجون لامر الله اما يعذبهم واما يتوب عليهم والله عليم حكيم

Others are waiting for GOD’s decision; He may punish them, or He may redeem them. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

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Masjids that Oppose God and His Messenger*

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والذين اتخذوا مسجدا ضرارا وكفرا وتفريقا بين المؤمنين وارصادا لمن حارب الله ورسوله من قبل وليحلفن ان اردنا الا الحسنى والله يشهد انهم لكاذبون

There are those who abuse the masjid by practicing idol worship, dividing the believers, and providing comfort to those who oppose GOD and His messenger. They solemnly swear: “Our intentions are honorable!” GOD bears witness that they are liars.

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Do Not Pray in Those Masjids

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لا تقم فيه ابدا لمسجد اسس على التقوى من اول يوم احق ان تقوم فيه فيه رجال يحبون ان يتطهروا والله يحب المطهرين

You shall never pray in such a masjid. A masjid that is established on the basis of righteousness from the first day is more worthy of your praying therein. In it, there are people who love to be purified. GOD loves those who purify themselves.

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افمن اسس بنيانه على تقوى من الله ورضوان خير ام من اسس بنيانه على شفا جرف هار فانهار به في نار جهنم والله لا يهدي القوم الظالمين

Is one who establishes his building on the basis of reverencing GOD and to gain His approval better, or one who establishes his building on the brink of a crumbling cliff, that falls down with him into the fire of Hell? GOD does not guide the transgressing people.

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لا يزال بنيانهم الذي بنوا ريبة في قلوبهم الا ان تقطع قلوبهم والله عليم حكيم

Such a building that they have established remains a source of doubt in their hearts, until their hearts are stilled. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

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The Most Profitable Investment

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ان الله اشترى من المؤمنين انفسهم واموالهم بان لهم الجنة يقاتلون في سبيل الله فيقتلون ويقتلون وعدا عليه حقا في التوراة والانجيل والقران ومن اوفى بعهده من الله فاستبشروا ببيعكم الذي بايعتم به وذلك هو الفوز العظيم

GOD has bought from the believers their lives and their money in exchange for Paradise. Thus, they fight in the cause of GOD, willing to kill and get killed. Such is His truthful pledge in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran—and who fulfills His pledge better than GOD? You shall rejoice in making such an exchange. This is the greatest triumph.

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The Believers

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التائبون العابدون الحامدون السائحون الراكعون الساجدون الامرون بالمعروف والناهون عن المنكر والحافظون لحدود الله وبشر المؤمنين

They are the repenters, the worshipers, the praisers, the meditators, the bowing and prostrating, the advocators of righteousness and forbidders of evil, and the keepers of GOD’s laws. Give good news to such believers.

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You Shall Disown God’s Enemies:<br>Abraham Disowned His Father

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ما كان للنبي والذين امنوا ان يستغفروا للمشركين ولو كانوا اولي قربى من بعد ما تبين لهم انهم اصحاب الجحيم

Neither the prophet, nor those who believe shall ask forgiveness for the idol worshipers, even if they were their nearest of kin, once they realize that they are destined for Hell.

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وما كان استغفار ابراهيم لابيه الا عن موعدة وعدها اياه فلما تبين له انه عدو لله تبرا منه ان ابراهيم لاواه حليم

The only reason Abraham asked forgiveness for his father was that he had promised him to do so. But as soon as he realized that he was an enemy of GOD, he disowned him. Abraham was extremely kind, clement.

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وما كان الله ليضل قوما بعد اذ هداهم حتى يبين لهم ما يتقون ان الله بكل شيء عليم

GOD does not send any people astray, after He had guided them, without first pointing out for them what to expect. GOD is fully aware of all things.

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ان الله له ملك السماوات والارض يحيي ويميت وما لكم من دون الله من ولي ولا نصير

To GOD belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. He controls life and death. You have none beside GOD as a Lord and Master.

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لقد تاب الله على النبي والمهاجرين والانصار الذين اتبعوه في ساعة العسرة من بعد ما كاد يزيغ قلوب فريق منهم ثم تاب عليهم انه بهم رءوف رحيم

GOD has redeemed the prophet, and the immigrants (Muhãjireen) and the supporters who hosted them and gave them refuge (Ansãr), who followed him during the difficult times. That is when the hearts of some of them almost wavered. But He has redeemed them, for He is Compassionate towards them, Most Merciful.

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Do Not Abandon the Messenger

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وعلى الثلاثة الذين خلفوا حتى اذا ضاقت عليهم الارض بما رحبت وضاقت عليهم انفسهم وظنوا ان لا ملجا من الله الا اليه ثم تاب عليهم ليتوبوا ان الله هو التواب الرحيم

Also (redeemed were) the three who stayed behind. The spacious earth became so straitened for them, that they almost gave up all hope for themselves. Finally, they realized that there was no escape from GOD, except to Him. He then redeemed them that they may repent. GOD is the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

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يا ايها الذين امنوا اتقوا الله وكونوا مع الصادقين

O you who believe, you shall reverence GOD, and be among the truthful.

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ما كان لاهل المدينة ومن حولهم من الاعراب ان يتخلفوا عن رسول الله ولا يرغبوا بانفسهم عن نفسه ذلك بانهم لا يصيبهم ظما ولا نصب ولا مخمصة في سبيل الله ولا يطئون موطئا يغيظ الكفار ولا ينالون من عدو نيلا الا كتب لهم به عمل صالح ان الله لا يضيع اجر المحسنين

Neither the dwellers of the city, nor the Arabs around them, shall seek to stay behind the messenger of GOD (when he mobilizes for war). Nor shall they give priority to their own affairs over supporting him. This is because they do not suffer any thirst, or any effort, or hunger in the cause of GOD, or make a single step that enrages the disbelievers, or inflict any hardship upon the enemy, without having it written down for them as a credit. GOD never fails to recompense those who work righteousness.

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ولا ينفقون نفقة صغيرة ولا كبيرة ولا يقطعون واديا الا كتب لهم ليجزيهم الله احسن ما كانوا يعملون

Nor do they incur any expense, small or large, nor do they cross any valley, without having the credit written down for them. GOD will surely reward them generously for their works.

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The Importance of<br>Religious Education

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وما كان المؤمنون لينفروا كافة فلولا نفر من كل فرقة منهم طائفة ليتفقهوا في الدين ولينذروا قومهم اذا رجعوا اليهم لعلهم يحذرون

When the believers mobilize, not all of them shall do so. A few from each group shall mobilize by devoting their time to studying the religion. Thus, they can pass the knowledge on to their people when they return, that they may remain religiously informed.

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The Disbelievers

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يا ايها الذين امنوا قاتلوا الذين يلونكم من الكفار وليجدوا فيكم غلظة واعلموا ان الله مع المتقين

O you who believe, you shall fight the disbelievers who attack you − let them find you stern − and know that GOD is with the righteous.

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The Hypocrites

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واذا ما انزلت سورة فمنهم من يقول ايكم زادته هذه ايمانا فاما الذين امنوا فزادتهم ايمانا وهم يستبشرون

When a sura was revealed, some of them would say, “Did this sura strengthen the faith of anyone among you?” Indeed, it did strengthen the faith of those who believed, and they rejoice in any revelation.

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واما الذين في قلوبهم مرض فزادتهم رجسا الى رجسهم وماتوا وهم كافرون

As for those who harbored doubts in their hearts, it actually added unholiness to their unholiness, and they died as disbelievers.

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اولا يرون انهم يفتنون في كل عام مرة او مرتين ثم لا يتوبون ولا هم يذكرون

Do they not see that they suffer from exacting trials every year once or twice? Yet, they consistently fail to repent, and fail to take heed?

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A Historical Crime Unveiled:<br>Tampering With the<br>Word of God*<br>God Provides Irrefutable Evidence

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واذا ما انزلت سورة نظر بعضهم الى بعض هل يراكم من احد ثم انصرفوا صرف الله قلوبهم بانهم قوم لا يفقهون

Whenever a sura was revealed, some of them would look at each other as if to say: “Does anyone see you?” Then they left. Thus, GOD has diverted their hearts, for they are people who do not comprehend.

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