Surah 3 of 114 · Madani · 200 ayat

Ali 'Imran آل عمران

Family of Imran

3:1#
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ الٓمٓ

PickthallAlim. Lam. Mim.

Yusuf AliA. L. M.

The agreed readingThe surah opens with the disjoined letters Alif Lam Mim. The commentaries agree on one thing about them and say no more: God knows best what He means by them.
3:2#
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ

PickthallAllah! There is no god save Him, the Alive, the Eternal.

Yusuf AliAllah! There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.

The agreed readingGod, there is no god but He, the Living, the One who sustains Himself and sustains everything else. The surah begins where the argument it is about to make must begin, with the oneness of God: everything that exists is held up by Him, and He is held up by nothing.
3:3#
نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنزَلَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ وَٱلْإِنجِيلَ

PickthallHe hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture with truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.

Yusuf AliIt is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).

The agreed readingHe sent down this Book upon you, Muhammad, with the truth, confirming the scriptures that came before it, and it was He who sent down the Torah and the Gospel. The Qur'an does not arrive as a stranger to what came before it; it verifies it, and one Sender stands behind all of them.
3:4#
مِن قَبْلُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ ٱلْفُرْقَانَ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو ٱنتِقَامٍ

PickthallAforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion (of right and wrong). Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong).

Yusuf AliThen those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.

The agreed readingThose earlier books came before this one as guidance for people, and He sent down the Criterion, which separates truth from falsehood. Those who refuse God's signs have a severe punishment waiting; God is mighty, and He requites.
3:5#
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَخْفَىٰ عَلَيْهِ شَىْءٌ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ

PickthallLo! nothing in the earth or in the heavens is hidden from Allah.

Yusuf AliFrom Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.

The agreed readingNothing on earth or in heaven is hidden from God. The commentaries note that heaven and earth are named because the senses reach no further than the two of them, so the ayah covers everything a person could imagine hiding anything in.
3:6#
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُصَوِّرُكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْحَامِ كَيْفَ يَشَآءُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ

PickthallHe it is Who fashioneth you in the wombs as pleaseth Him. There is no Allah save Him, the Almighty, the Wise.

Yusuf AliHe it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

The agreed readingHe is the One who shapes you in the wombs however He wills: male or female, one form or another, and none of it out of your hands or anyone else's. There is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise.
3:7#
هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِنْهُ ءَايَٰتٌ مُّحْكَمَٰتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَٰبِهَٰتٌ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَٰبَهَ مِنْهُ ٱبْتِغَآءَ ٱلْفِتْنَةِ وَٱبْتِغَآءَ تَأْوِيلِهِۦ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَٱلرَّٰسِخُونَ فِى ٱلْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّآ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ

PickthallHe it is Who hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture wherein are clear revelations - they are the substance of the Book - and others (which are) allegorical. But those in whose hearts is doubt pursue, forsooth, that which is allegorical seeking (to cause) dissension by seeking to explain it. None knoweth its explanation save Allah. And those who are of sound instruction say: We believe therein; the whole is from our Lord; but only men of understanding really heed.

Yusuf AliHe it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.

The agreed readingIt is He who sent down the Book upon you. In it are clear signs which are the foundation of the Book and the thing everything else is referred back to, and others whose meaning is not laid open. Those with a swerve in their hearts pursue what is not laid open, seeking discord and seeking to force an interpretation on it, when no one knows its interpretation but God; and those firmly grounded in knowledge say: we believe in it, all of it is from our Lord.
3:8supplication#
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْوَهَّابُ

PickthallOur Lord! Cause not our hearts to stray after Thou hast guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Thy Presence. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Bestower.

Yusuf Ali"Our Lord!" (they say), "Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thine own Presence; for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure.

The agreed readingOur Lord, do not let our hearts swerve after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from Your presence; You are the Bestower. The prayer follows straight on from the ayah before it: having seen how hearts go crooked, the believers ask to be kept from it.
3:9supplication#
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ ٱلنَّاسِ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ

PickthallOur Lord! Lo! it is Thou Who gatherest mankind together to a Day of which there is no doubt. Lo! Allah faileth not to keep the tryst.

Yusuf Ali"Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind Together against a day about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails in His promise."

The agreed readingOur Lord, You are the one who will gather all people for a Day about which there is no doubt. God does not break His appointment.
3:10#
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَن تُغْنِىَ عَنْهُمْ أَمْوَٰلُهُمْ وَلَآ أَوْلَٰدُهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًٔا وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمْ وَقُودُ ٱلنَّارِ

Pickthall(On that Day) neither the riches nor the progeny of those who disbelieve will aught avail them with Allah. They will be fuel for Fire.

Yusuf AliThose who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah: They are themselves but fuel for the Fire.

The agreed readingOn that Day neither the wealth nor the children of those who refuse will keep anything of God's punishment away from them. They are themselves the fuel of the Fire.
3:11#
كَدَأْبِ ءَالِ فِرْعَوْنَ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَأَخَذَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَٱللَّهُ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ

PickthallLike Pharaoh's folk and those who were before them, they disbelieved Our revelations and so Allah seized them for their sins. And Allah is severe in punishment.

Yusuf Ali(Their plight will be) no better than that of the people of Pharaoh, and their predecessors: They denied our Signs, and Allah called them to account for their sins. For Allah is strict in punishment.

The agreed readingTheir case is like the case of Pharaoh's people and those before them: they denied Our signs, so God seized them for their sins. God is severe in punishment.
3:12#
قُل لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ سَتُغْلَبُونَ وَتُحْشَرُونَ إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمِهَادُ

PickthallSay (O Muhammad) unto those who disbelieve: Ye shall be overcome and gathered unto Hell, an evil resting-place.

Yusuf AliSay to those who reject Faith: "Soon will ye be vanquished and gathered together to Hell,-an evil bed indeed (to lie on)!

The agreed readingSay to those who refuse: you will be overcome and gathered to Hell, and an evil resting place it is. The commentaries carry the occasion together: it was said to the Jews of Medina after Badr, when the Prophet gathered them and warned them not to expect a different end from the one Quraysh had just met.
3:13#
قَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ ءَايَةٌ فِى فِئَتَيْنِ ٱلْتَقَتَا فِئَةٌ تُقَٰتِلُ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَأُخْرَىٰ كَافِرَةٌ يَرَوْنَهُم مِّثْلَيْهِمْ رَأْىَ ٱلْعَيْنِ وَٱللَّهُ يُؤَيِّدُ بِنَصْرِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَعِبْرَةً لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَبْصَٰرِ

PickthallThere was a token for you in two hosts which met: one army fighting in the way of Allah, and another disbelieving, whom they saw as twice their number, clearly, with their very eyes. Thus Allah strengtheneth with His succour whom He will. Lo! herein verily is a lesson for those who have eyes.

Yusuf Ali"There has already been for you a Sign in the two armies that met (in combat): One was fighting in the cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah; these saw with their own eyes Twice their number. But Allah doth support with His aid whom He pleaseth. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see."

The agreed readingThere was a sign for you in the two forces that met at Badr: one fighting in the way of God and the other refusing, and the believers were seen as twice their number by the plain sight of the eye. God strengthens with His help whom He wills; in that is a lesson for those who have eyes to see.
3:14#
زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ ٱلشَّهَوَٰتِ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلْبَنِينَ وَٱلْقَنَٰطِيرِ ٱلْمُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ ٱلذَّهَبِ وَٱلْفِضَّةِ وَٱلْخَيْلِ ٱلْمُسَوَّمَةِ وَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ وَٱلْحَرْثِ ذَٰلِكَ مَتَٰعُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُۥ حُسْنُ ٱلْمَـَٔابِ

PickthallBeautified for mankind is love of the joys (that come) from women and offspring; and stored-up heaps of gold and silver, and horses branded (with their mark), and cattle and land. That is comfort of the life of the world. Allah! With Him is a more excellent abode.

Yusuf AliFair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (To return to).

The agreed readingMade beautiful to people is the love of the things they desire: women and sons, heaped-up hoards of gold and silver, branded horses, cattle and tilled land. All of that is the enjoyment of the life of this world; it is with God that the best return is.
3:15#
قُلْ أَؤُنَبِّئُكُم بِخَيْرٍ مِّن ذَٰلِكُمْ لِلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا۟ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ جَنَّٰتٌ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا وَأَزْوَٰجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ وَرِضْوَٰنٌ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ بَصِيرٌۢ بِٱلْعِبَادِ

PickthallSay: Shall I inform you of something better than that? For those who keep from evil, with their Lord, are Gardens underneath which rivers flow wherein they will abide, and pure companions, and contentment from Allah. Allah is Seer of His bondmen,

Yusuf AliSay: Shall I give you glad tidings of things Far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy); and the good pleasure of Allah. For in Allah's sight are (all) His servants,-

The agreed readingSay: shall I tell you of something better than all of that? For those who guard themselves there are, with their Lord, Gardens with rivers running beneath them, where they stay, and pure spouses, and God's good pleasure. God sees His servants.
3:16supplication#
ٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

PickthallThose who say: Our Lord! Lo! we believe. So forgive us our sins and guard us from the punishment of Fire;

Yusuf Ali(Namely), those who say: "Our Lord! we have indeed believed: forgive us, then, our sins, and save us from the agony of the Fire;"-

The agreed readingThey are the ones who say: our Lord, we have truly believed, so forgive us our sins and guard us from the punishment of the Fire.
3:17#
ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ وَٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ وَٱلْقَٰنِتِينَ وَٱلْمُنفِقِينَ وَٱلْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِٱلْأَسْحَارِ

PickthallThe steadfast, and the truthful, and the obedient, those who spend (and hoard not), those who pray for pardon in the watches of the night.

Yusuf AliThose who show patience, Firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allah); and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.

The agreed readingThe patient, the truthful, the obedient, those who spend, and those who ask forgiveness in the last hours of the night. The commentaries agree on the hour named here: the stretch before dawn, when a person is awake for nothing but this.
3:18#
شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمِ قَآئِمًۢا بِٱلْقِسْطِ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ

PickthallAllah (Himself) is Witness that there is no Allah save Him. And the angels and the men of learning (too are witness). Maintaining His creation in justice, there is no Allah save Him the Almighty, the Wise.

Yusuf AliThere is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.

The agreed readingGod bears witness that there is no god but He, and so do the angels and those given knowledge, and He upholds His creation in justice. There is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise.
3:19#
إِنَّ ٱلدِّينَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْإِسْلَٰمُ وَمَا ٱخْتَلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلْعِلْمُ بَغْيًۢا بَيْنَهُمْ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ

PickthallLo! religion with Allah (is) the Surrender (to His Will and Guidance). Those who (formerly) received the Scripture differed only after knowledge came unto them, through transgression among themselves. Whoso disbelieveth the revelations of Allah (will find that) lo! Allah is swift at reckoning.

Yusuf AliThe Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): Nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account.

The agreed readingThe religion with God is submission. Those who were given the Scripture did not differ until after the knowledge had reached them, and then only out of transgression between themselves. Whoever refuses God's signs will find that God is swift in reckoning.
3:20#
فَإِنْ حَآجُّوكَ فَقُلْ أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِىَ لِلَّهِ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِ وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْأُمِّيِّـۧنَ ءَأَسْلَمْتُمْ فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُوا۟ فَقَدِ ٱهْتَدَوا۟ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْبَلَٰغُ وَٱللَّهُ بَصِيرٌۢ بِٱلْعِبَادِ

PickthallAnd if they argue with thee, (O Muhammad), say: I have surrendered my purpose to Allah and (so have) those who follow me. And say unto those who have received the Scripture and those who read not: Have ye (too) surrendered? If they surrender, then truly they are rightly guided, and if they turn away, then it is thy duty only to convey the message (unto them). Allah is Seer of (His) bondmen.

Yusuf AliSo if they dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted My whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me." And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, Thy duty is to convey the Message; and in Allah's sight are (all) His servants.

The agreed readingIf they argue with you, Muhammad, say: I surrender my whole face to God, and so do those who follow me. And say to those given the Scripture and to those with no scripture: have you submitted? If they submit they are guided, and if they turn away your duty is only to deliver the message. God sees His servants.
3:21#
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكْفُرُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ وَيَقْتُلُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ

PickthallLo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, and slay the prophets wrongfully, and slay those of mankind who enjoin equity: promise them a painful doom.

Yusuf AliAs to those who deny the Signs of Allah and in defiance of right, slay the prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty.

The agreed readingThose who refuse God's signs, and kill the prophets without any right, and kill the people who call for justice: give them the news of a painful punishment. The commentaries take the ayah as one charge, not two: killing the messenger and killing the ordinary man who says what is right come from the same arrogance.
3:22#
أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَٰلُهُمْ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّٰصِرِينَ

PickthallThose are they whose works have failed in the world and the Hereafter; and they have no helpers.

Yusuf AliThey are those whose works will bear no fruit in this world and in the Hereafter nor will they have anyone to help.

The agreed readingThose are the ones whose deeds have come to nothing in this world and in the Hereafter. Whatever good they did carries no weight, because the one condition it needed was missing, and they will have no helpers.
3:23#
أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ نَصِيبًا مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ يُدْعَوْنَ إِلَىٰ كِتَٰبِ ٱللَّهِ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ يَتَوَلَّىٰ فَرِيقٌ مِّنْهُمْ وَهُم مُّعْرِضُونَ

PickthallHast thou not seen how those who have received a portion of the Scripture invoke the Scripture of Allah (in their disputes) that it may judge between them; then a faction of them turn away, being opposed (to it)?

Yusuf AliHast thou not turned Thy vision to those who have been given a portion of the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allah, to settle their dispute, but a party of them Turn back and decline (The arbitration).

The agreed readingHave you not seen those given a share of the Scripture being called to the Book of God so that it may judge between them, and then a party of them turns away, refusing? They are being invited to be judged by what they themselves acknowledge, and they will not have it.
3:24#
ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا۟ لَن تَمَسَّنَا ٱلنَّارُ إِلَّآ أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍ وَغَرَّهُمْ فِى دِينِهِم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ

PickthallThat is because they say: The Fire will not touch us save for a certain number of days. That which they used to invent hath deceived them regarding their religion.

Yusuf AliThis because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days": For their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.

The agreed readingThat is because they said: the Fire will never touch us except for a counted number of days. What they had invented about their own religion deceived them, and made the punishment look small enough to risk.
3:25#
فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَٰهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ وَوُفِّيَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ

PickthallHow (will it be with them) when We have brought them all together to a Day of which there is no doubt, when every soul will be paid in full what it hath earned, and they will not be wronged.

Yusuf AliBut how (will they fare) when we gather them together against a day about which there is no doubt, and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned, without (favour or) injustice?

The agreed readingHow will it be with them when We gather them for a Day about which there is no doubt, and every soul is paid in full for what it earned, and no one is wronged?
3:26supplication#
قُلِ ٱللَّهُمَّ مَٰلِكَ ٱلْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِى ٱلْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَنزِعُ ٱلْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَآءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَآءُ بِيَدِكَ ٱلْخَيْرُ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

PickthallSay: O Allah! Owner of Sovereignty! Thou givest sovereignty unto whom Thou wilt, and Thou withdrawest sovereignty from whom Thou wilt. Thou exaltest whom Thou wilt, and Thou abasest whom Thou wilt. In Thy hand is the good. Lo! Thou art Able to do all things.

Yusuf AliSay: "O Allah! Lord of Power (And Rule), Thou givest power to whom Thou pleasest, and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest: Thou enduest with honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest: In Thy hand is all good. Verily, over all things Thou hast power.

The agreed readingSay: O God, Owner of all dominion, You give dominion to whom You will and You take it away from whom You will; You raise whom You will and You bring low whom You will. All good is in Your hand; You have power over everything.
3:27supplication#
تُولِجُ ٱلَّيْلَ فِى ٱلنَّهَارِ وَتُولِجُ ٱلنَّهَارَ فِى ٱلَّيْلِ وَتُخْرِجُ ٱلْحَىَّ مِنَ ٱلْمَيِّتِ وَتُخْرِجُ ٱلْمَيِّتَ مِنَ ٱلْحَىِّ وَتَرْزُقُ مَن تَشَآءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

PickthallThou causest the night to pass into the day, and Thou causest the day to pass into the night. And Thou bringest forth the living from the dead, and Thou bringest forth the dead from the living. And Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou choosest, without stint.

Yusuf Ali"Thou causest the night to gain on the day, and thou causest the day to gain on the night; Thou bringest the Living out of the dead, and Thou bringest the dead out of the Living; and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest, without measure."

The agreed readingYou make the night pass into the day and the day pass into the night, so that each grows by what the other loses. You bring the living out of the dead and the dead out of the living, and You provide for whom You will without any reckoning.
3:28#
لَّا يَتَّخِذِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَلَيْسَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ فِى شَىْءٍ إِلَّآ أَن تَتَّقُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ تُقَىٰةً وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسَهُۥ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمَصِيرُ

PickthallLet not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Allah biddeth you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Allah is the journeying.

Yusuf AliLet not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.

The agreed readingLet the believers not take those who refuse as allies in place of the believers; whoever does that has nothing to do with God. The one exception the commentaries agree on is a person living under their power who guards himself out of fear, keeping his faith while showing them peace. God warns you of Himself, and the return is to God.
3:29#
قُلْ إِن تُخْفُوا۟ مَا فِى صُدُورِكُمْ أَوْ تُبْدُوهُ يَعْلَمْهُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

PickthallSay, (O Muhammad): Whether ye hide that which is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knoweth it. He knoweth that which is in the heavens and that which is in the earth, and Allah is Able to do all things.

Yusuf AliSay: "Whether ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it all: He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth. And Allah has power over all things.

The agreed readingSay: whether you hide what is in your breasts or make it plain, God knows it. He knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and He has power over everything.
3:30#
يَوْمَ تَجِدُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا عَمِلَتْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ مُّحْضَرًا وَمَا عَمِلَتْ مِن سُوٓءٍ تَوَدُّ لَوْ أَنَّ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَهُۥٓ أَمَدًۢا بَعِيدًا وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسَهُۥ وَٱللَّهُ رَءُوفٌۢ بِٱلْعِبَادِ

PickthallOn the Day when every soul will find itself confronted with all that it hath done of good and all that it hath done of evil (every soul) will long that there might be a mighty space of distance between it and that (evil). Allah biddeth you beware of Him. And Allah is Full of Pity for (His) bondmen.

Yusuf Ali"On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done, and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him."

The agreed readingOn the Day every soul finds present before it whatever good it did and whatever evil it did, it will wish there were a vast distance between itself and its evil. God warns you of Himself, and God is kind to His servants.
3:31#
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحْبِبْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

PickthallSay, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Yusuf AliSay: "If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

The agreed readingSay: if you love God, then follow me, and God will love you and forgive you your sins; God is forgiving and merciful. The commentaries make the ayah the test of the claim: love that does not become following is only a claim, and the sign that God loves a servant is that the servant is following His Messenger.
3:32#
قُلْ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

PickthallSay: Obey Allah and the messenger. But if they turn away, lo! Allah loveth not the disbelievers (in His guidance).

Yusuf AliSay: "Obey Allah and His Messenger": But if they turn back, Allah loveth not those who reject Faith.

The agreed readingSay: obey God and the Messenger. If they turn away, then God does not love those who refuse.
3:33#
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰٓ ءَادَمَ وَنُوحًا وَءَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَءَالَ عِمْرَٰنَ عَلَى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

PickthallLo! Allah preferred Adam and Noah and the Family of Abraham and the Family of 'Imran above (all His) creatures.

Yusuf AliAllah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people,-

The agreed readingGod chose Adam, and Noah, and the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran above all people. The commentaries read the choosing in one way: He placed prophethood in their line, so that what came after them came through them.
3:34#
ذُرِّيَّةًۢ بَعْضُهَا مِنۢ بَعْضٍ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

PickthallThey were descendants one of another. Allah is Hearer, Knower.

Yusuf AliOffspring, one of the other: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

The agreed readingThey were one line, descended one from another. The commentaries read the chosen families of the ayah before as a single succession rather than four separate choosings, each generation carrying what the one before it received. God hears and knows.
3:35#
إِذْ قَالَتِ ٱمْرَأَتُ عِمْرَٰنَ رَبِّ إِنِّى نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِى بَطْنِى مُحَرَّرًا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّىٓ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ

Pickthall(Remember) when the wife of 'Imran said: My Lord! I have vowed unto Thee that which is in my belly as a consecrated (offering). Accept it from me. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower!

Yusuf AliBehold! a woman of 'Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest and knowest all things."

The agreed readingRemember when the wife of Imran said: my Lord, I have vowed to You what is in my womb, dedicated to You alone; accept it from me, You are the Hearing, the Knowing. The commentaries agree on what the vow meant: the child would be released from all worldly work and given to the service of the sanctuary.
3:36#
فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتْهَا قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّى وَضَعْتُهَآ أُنثَىٰ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتْ وَلَيْسَ ٱلذَّكَرُ كَٱلْأُنثَىٰ وَإِنِّى سَمَّيْتُهَا مَرْيَمَ وَإِنِّىٓ أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ

PickthallAnd when she was delivered she said: My Lord! Lo! I am delivered of a female - Allah knew best of what she was delivered - the male is not as the female; and lo! I have named her Mary, and lo! I crave Thy protection for her and for her offspring from Satan the outcast.

Yusuf AliWhen she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!"- and Allah knew best what she brought forth- "And no wise is the male Like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected."

The agreed readingWhen she delivered she said: my Lord, I have delivered a female. God knew best what she had delivered, and the male is not like the female. I have named her Mary, and I place her and her offspring in Your protection from Satan the rejected. She had expected a boy, because it was boys who were dedicated in this way.
3:37#
فَتَقَبَّلَهَا رَبُّهَا بِقَبُولٍ حَسَنٍ وَأَنۢبَتَهَا نَبَاتًا حَسَنًا وَكَفَّلَهَا زَكَرِيَّا كُلَّمَا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا زَكَرِيَّا ٱلْمِحْرَابَ وَجَدَ عِندَهَا رِزْقًا قَالَ يَٰمَرْيَمُ أَنَّىٰ لَكِ هَٰذَا قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَآءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

PickthallAnd her Lord accepted her with full acceptance and vouchsafed to her a goodly growth; and made Zachariah her guardian. Whenever Zachariah went into the sanctuary where she was, he found that she had food. He said: O Mary! Whence cometh unto thee this (food)? She answered: It is from Allah. Allah giveth without stint to whom He will.

Yusuf AliRight graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: To the care of Zakariya was she assigned. Every time that he entered (Her) chamber to see her, He found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" She said: "From Allah: for Allah Provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure."

The agreed readingHer Lord accepted her with a beautiful acceptance and made her grow beautifully, and He placed her in the care of Zachariah. Whenever Zachariah entered the sanctuary where she was he found provision with her, and he asked: Mary, where is this from? She said: it is from God; God provides for whom He wills without any reckoning.
3:38#
هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهُۥ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِى مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ ٱلدُّعَآءِ

PickthallThen Zachariah prayed unto his Lord and said: My Lord! Bestow upon me of Thy bounty goodly offspring. Lo! Thou art the Hearer of Prayer.

Yusuf AliThere did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer!

The agreed readingThere and then Zachariah called upon his Lord: my Lord, grant me from Your presence good offspring; You are the Hearer of prayer. He had seen provision come to Mary out of season, and understood that the One who can do that can give a child in old age.
3:39#
فَنَادَتْهُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَآئِمٌ يُصَلِّى فِى ٱلْمِحْرَابِ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَىٰ مُصَدِّقًۢا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَسَيِّدًا وَحَصُورًا وَنَبِيًّا مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ

PickthallAnd the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: Allah giveth thee glad tidings of (a son whose name is) John, (who cometh) to confirm a word from Allah lordly, chaste, a prophet of the righteous.

Yusuf AliWhile he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him: "Allah doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a Word from Allah, and (be besides) noble, chaste, and a prophet,- of the (goodly) company of the righteous."

The agreed readingThe angels called to him while he stood praying in the sanctuary: God gives you good news of John, who will confirm a word from God, and who will be a master, chaste, and a prophet among the righteous. The commentaries agree that the word from God he would confirm is Jesus.
3:40#
قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِى غُلَٰمٌ وَقَدْ بَلَغَنِىَ ٱلْكِبَرُ وَٱمْرَأَتِى عَاقِرٌ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ ٱللَّهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَآءُ

PickthallHe said: My Lord! How can I have a son when age hath overtaken me already and my wife is barren? (The angel) answered: So (it will be). Allah doeth what He will.

Yusuf AliHe said: "O my Lord! How shall I have son, seeing I am very old, and my wife is barren?" "Thus," was the answer, "Doth Allah accomplish what He willeth."

The agreed readingHe said: my Lord, how can I have a boy when old age has already reached me and my wife is barren? He was told: so it will be; God does what He wills. The question is not doubt but the ordinary reckoning of what a body can do, and the answer sets that reckoning aside.
3:41#
قَالَ رَبِّ ٱجْعَل لِّىٓ ءَايَةً قَالَ ءَايَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ ٱلنَّاسَ ثَلَٰثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلَّا رَمْزًا وَٱذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًا وَسَبِّحْ بِٱلْعَشِىِّ وَٱلْإِبْكَٰرِ

PickthallHe said: My Lord! Appoint a token for me. (The angel) said: The token unto thee (shall be) that thou shalt not speak unto mankind three days except by signs. Remember thy Lord much, and praise (Him) in the early hours of night and morning.

Yusuf AliHe said: "O my Lord! Give me a Sign!" "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three days but with signals. Then celebrate the praises of thy Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the evening and in the morning."

The agreed readingHe said: my Lord, appoint a sign for me. He was told: your sign is that you will not speak to people for three days except by gesture. Remember your Lord much, and glorify Him in the evening and the morning. He was held back from speaking to people, not from remembering God.
3:42#
وَإِذْ قَالَتِ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ يَٰمَرْيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَٱصْطَفَىٰكِ عَلَىٰ نِسَآءِ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

PickthallAnd when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah hath chosen thee and made thee pure, and hath preferred thee above (all) the women of creation.

Yusuf AliBehold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee- chosen thee above the women of all nations.

The agreed readingAnd when the angels said: Mary, God has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds. The commentaries take the last phrase as the women of her own time.
3:43#
يَٰمَرْيَمُ ٱقْنُتِى لِرَبِّكِ وَٱسْجُدِى وَٱرْكَعِى مَعَ ٱلرَّٰكِعِينَ

PickthallO Mary! Be obedient to thy Lord, prostrate thyself and bow with those who bow (in worship).

Yusuf Ali"O Mary! worship Thy Lord devoutly: Prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down."

The agreed readingMary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord, prostrate, and bow with those who bow. The commentaries read the last phrase together: pray with those who pray, in their company.
3:44#
ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآءِ ٱلْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يُلْقُونَ أَقْلَٰمَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ يَكْفُلُ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ

PickthallThis is of the tidings of things hidden. We reveal it unto thee (Muhammad). Thou wast not present with them when they threw their pens (to know) which of them should be the guardian of Mary, nor wast thou present with them when they quarrelled (thereupon).

Yusuf AliThis is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee (O Messenger!) by inspiration: Thou wast not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary: Nor wast thou with them when they disputed (the point).

The agreed readingThis account is from the news of the unseen, revealed to you, Muhammad. You were not there when they cast their pens to decide which of them would take Mary into his care, and you were not there when they argued over it. The story itself is the proof that what you bring is revelation.
3:45#
إِذْ قَالَتِ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ يَٰمَرْيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ ٱسْمُهُ ٱلْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَجِيهًا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَمِنَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ

Pickthall(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).

Yusuf AliBehold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah;

The agreed readingWhen the angels said: Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him whose name is the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honoured in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near. The commentaries note that he is called son of Mary here, to her face, because he would have no father.
3:46#
وَيُكَلِّمُ ٱلنَّاسَ فِى ٱلْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا وَمِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ

PickthallHe will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous.

Yusuf Ali"He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous."

The agreed readingHe will speak to people in the cradle and in his manhood, and he is one of the righteous. Speech in the cradle is named as one of his signs: a word before the age of words.
3:47#
قَالَتْ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِى وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِى بَشَرٌ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكِ ٱللَّهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ إِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ

PickthallShe said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.

Yusuf AliShe said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!

The agreed readingShe said: my Lord, how can I have a child when no man has touched me? He said: even so; God creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter He only says to it Be, and it is.
3:48#
وَيُعَلِّمُهُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ وَٱلْإِنجِيلَ

PickthallAnd He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel,

Yusuf Ali"And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel,

The agreed readingAnd He will teach him writing and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel. The commentaries note that the two books are named on their own after the general word, because they are the two he was sent with and to.
3:49#
وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ أَنِّى قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِـَٔايَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ أَنِّىٓ أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطِّينِ كَهَيْـَٔةِ ٱلطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًۢا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ وَأُبْرِئُ ٱلْأَكْمَهَ وَٱلْأَبْرَصَ وَأُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِى بُيُوتِكُمْ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

PickthallAnd will make him a messenger unto the Children of Israel, (saying): Lo! I come unto you with a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave. I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave. And I announce unto you what ye eat and what ye store up in your houses. Lo! herein verily is a portent for you, if ye are to be believers.

Yusuf Ali"And (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): "'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave: And I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah's leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;

The agreed readingAnd He will send him as a messenger to the Children of Israel: I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I shape for you from clay the form of a bird, and I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by God's leave; I heal the one born blind and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by God's leave; and I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses. In that is a sign for you, if you are believers. The commentaries hear the refrain the same way: every wonder is by God's leave, so the wonder points at the Sender, not the messenger.
3:50#
وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ ٱلَّذِى حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَجِئْتُكُم بِـَٔايَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ

PickthallAnd (I come) confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful some of that which was forbidden unto you. I come unto you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Allah and obey me.

Yusuf Ali"'(I have come to you), to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (Before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me.

The agreed readingAnd I come confirming what is before me of the Torah, and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so be mindful of God and obey me.
3:51#
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبُّكُمْ فَٱعْبُدُوهُ هَٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ

PickthallLo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.

Yusuf Ali"'It is Allah Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a Way that is straight.'"

The agreed readingGod is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path. The commentaries read it as the one call every messenger made, the word they all shared.
3:52#
فَلَمَّآ أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ ٱلْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ قَالَ ٱلْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَٱشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

PickthallBut when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah's helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear thou witness that we have surrendered (unto Him).

Yusuf AliWhen Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My helpers to (the work of) Allah?" Said the disciples: "We are Allah's helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.

The agreed readingWhen Jesus sensed their refusal, he said: who are my helpers towards God? The disciples said: we are God's helpers. We believe in God; bear witness that we have submitted.
3:53supplication#
رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا بِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ وَٱتَّبَعْنَا ٱلرَّسُولَ فَٱكْتُبْنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ

PickthallOur Lord! We believe in that which Thou hast revealed and we follow him whom Thou hast sent. Enrol us among those who witness (to the truth).

Yusuf Ali"Our Lord! we believe in what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger; then write us down among those who bear witness."

The agreed readingOur Lord, we believe in what You have sent down and we follow the messenger, so write us among those who bear witness.
3:54#
وَمَكَرُوا۟ وَمَكَرَ ٱللَّهُ وَٱللَّهُ خَيْرُ ٱلْمَٰكِرِينَ

PickthallAnd they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.

Yusuf AliAnd (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah.

The agreed readingAnd they schemed, and God schemed, and God is the best of schemers. The commentaries carry the same account: those who plotted to kill Jesus by stealth were themselves outschemed when God raised him and their plan closed on someone else.
3:55#
إِذْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَٰعِيسَىٰٓ إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ

Pickthall(And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.

Yusuf AliBehold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.

The agreed readingWhen God said: Jesus, I am taking you and raising you to Myself, and purifying you of those who refuse, and setting those who follow you above those who refuse until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you in what you differed over.
3:56#
فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَأُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّٰصِرِينَ

PickthallAs for those who disbelieve I shall chastise them with a heavy chastisement in the world and the Hereafter; and they will have no helpers.

Yusuf Ali"As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help."

The agreed readingAs for those who refuse, I will punish them severely in this world and the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.
3:57#
وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

PickthallAnd as for those who believe and do good works, He will pay them their wages in full. Allah loveth not wrong-doers.

Yusuf Ali"As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but Allah loveth not those who do wrong."

The agreed readingAs for those who believe and do righteous deeds, He will pay them their rewards in full. God does not love the wrongdoers.
3:58#
ذَٰلِكَ نَتْلُوهُ عَلَيْكَ مِنَ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ وَٱلذِّكْرِ ٱلْحَكِيمِ

PickthallThis (which) We recite unto thee is a revelation and a wise reminder.

Yusuf Ali"This is what we rehearse unto thee of the Signs and the Message of Wisdom."

The agreed readingThis that We recite to you is of the signs and the wise reminder. The commentaries take it as the seal on the account of Jesus just given: what you have been told is not a story gathered from men but revelation, and it is recited to you as it stands.
3:59#
إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ ءَادَمَ خَلَقَهُۥ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ

PickthallLo! the likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is.

Yusuf AliThe similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was.

The agreed readingThe likeness of Jesus with God is the likeness of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him Be, and he is. The commentaries state the argument the same way: if a man created with no father must be divine, what of the man created with no father and no mother? The stranger case answers the strange one.
3:60#
ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ

Pickthall(This is) the truth from thy Lord (O Muhammad), so be not thou of those who waver.

Yusuf AliThe Truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.

The agreed readingThe truth is from your Lord, so do not be among the doubters. The commentaries read it as addressed to the Prophet in form and to the hearer in fact: the matter of Jesus has now been settled by the One who made him, and after that there is nothing left to weigh.
3:61#
فَمَنْ حَآجَّكَ فِيهِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا۟ نَدْعُ أَبْنَآءَنَا وَأَبْنَآءَكُمْ وَنِسَآءَنَا وَنِسَآءَكُمْ وَأَنفُسَنَا وَأَنفُسَكُمْ ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَى ٱلْكَٰذِبِينَ

PickthallAnd whoso disputeth with thee concerning him, after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, say (unto him): Come! We will summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then we will pray humbly (to our Lord) and (solemnly) invoke the curse of Allah upon those who lie.

Yusuf AliIf any one disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge Hath come to thee, say: "Come! let us gather together,- our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!"

The agreed readingWhoever disputes with you about him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then pray earnestly and place the curse of God upon those who lie. The commentaries carry the occasion together: the Christians of Najran, who had argued about Jesus to the end of argument, were summoned to this mutual imprecation and drew back from it.
3:62#
إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْقَصَصُ ٱلْحَقُّ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ

PickthallLo! This verily is the true narrative. There is no Allah save Allah, and lo! Allah, He verily is, is the Mighty, the Wise.

Yusuf AliThis is the true account: There is no god except Allah; and Allah-He is indeed the Exalted in Power, the Wise.

The agreed readingThis is the true account. There is no god but God, and God is the Mighty, the Wise.
3:63#
فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ

PickthallAnd if they turn away, then lo! Allah is Aware of (who are) the corrupters.

Yusuf AliBut if they turn back, Allah hath full knowledge of those who do mischief.

The agreed readingAnd if they turn away, God knows the corrupters. The commentaries hear the turning away as the answer they actually gave: invited to a mutual imprecation and to a shared word, they would neither swear nor agree, and the ayah names what that refusal makes them.
3:64#
قُلْ يَٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ تَعَالَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَآءٍۭ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَقُولُوا۟ ٱشْهَدُوا۟ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

PickthallSay: O People of the Scripture! Come to an agreement between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside Allah. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto Him).

Yusuf AliSay: "O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah." If then they turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's Will).

The agreed readingSay: People of the Scripture, come to a word that is the same between us and you: that we worship none but God, that we set up no partner with Him, and that none of us takes another as a lord besides God. If they turn away, then say: bear witness that we are the ones who have submitted.
3:65#
يَٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لِمَ تُحَآجُّونَ فِىٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَتِ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةُ وَٱلْإِنجِيلُ إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦٓ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

PickthallO People of the Scripture! Why will ye argue about Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye then no sense?

Yusuf AliYe People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel Were not revealed Till after him? Have ye no understanding?

The agreed readingPeople of the Scripture, why do you argue about Abraham when the Torah and the Gospel were only sent down after him? Do you not use reason? The commentaries carry the occasion together: the Jews claimed Abraham as a Jew and the Christians claimed him as a Christian, and the ayah answers both with a date.
3:66#
هَٰٓأَنتُمْ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ حَٰجَجْتُمْ فِيمَا لَكُم بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ فَلِمَ تُحَآجُّونَ فِيمَا لَيْسَ لَكُم بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

PickthallLo! ye are those who argue about that whereof ye have some knowledge: Why then argue ye concerning that whereof ye have no knowledge? Allah knoweth. Ye know not.

Yusuf AliAh! Ye are those who fell to disputing (Even) in matters of which ye had some knowledge! but why dispute ye in matters of which ye have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and ye who know not!

The agreed readingHere you are, arguing about what you have some knowledge of; why then argue about what you have no knowledge of at all? God knows, and you do not know.
3:67#
مَا كَانَ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ يَهُودِيًّا وَلَا نَصْرَانِيًّا وَلَٰكِن كَانَ حَنِيفًا مُّسْلِمًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

PickthallAbraham was not a Jew, nor yet a Christian; but he was an upright man who had surrendered (to Allah), and he was not of the idolaters.

Yusuf AliAbraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah's (Which is Islam), and he joined not gods with Allah.

The agreed readingAbraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but a man turning away from everything else towards the one God, submitting to Him, and he was not one of those who set up partners with God.
3:68#
إِنَّ أَوْلَى ٱلنَّاسِ بِإِبْرَٰهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُ وَهَٰذَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱللَّهُ وَلِىُّ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

PickthallLo! those of mankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who believe (with him); and Allah is the Protecting Guardian of the believers.

Yusuf AliWithout doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Prophet and those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who have faith.

The agreed readingThe people with the strongest claim to Abraham are those who followed him in his own time, and this Prophet, and those who believe with him. God is the protector of the believers. The claim runs through following, not through descent.
3:69#
وَدَّت طَّآئِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لَوْ يُضِلُّونَكُمْ وَمَا يُضِلُّونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ

PickthallA party of the People of the Scripture long to make you go astray; and they make none to go astray except themselves, but they perceive not.

Yusuf AliIt is the wish of a section of the People of the Book to lead you astray. But they shall lead astray (Not you), but themselves, and they do not perceive!

The agreed readingA party of the People of the Scripture would love to lead you astray, but they lead astray only themselves, and they do not perceive it.
3:70#
يَٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَأَنتُمْ تَشْهَدُونَ

PickthallO People of the Scripture! Why disbelieve ye in the revelations of Allah, when ye (yourselves) bear witness (to their truth)?

Yusuf AliYe People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, of which ye are (Yourselves) witnesses?

The agreed readingPeople of the Scripture, why do you refuse God's signs when you yourselves bear witness that they are true?
3:71#
يَٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ ٱلْحَقَّ بِٱلْبَٰطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ ٱلْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

PickthallO People of the Scripture! Why confound ye truth with falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth?

Yusuf AliYe People of the Book! Why do ye clothe Truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth, while ye have knowledge?

The agreed readingPeople of the Scripture, why do you dress the truth in falsehood and conceal the truth, knowing what you do?
3:72#
وَقَالَت طَّآئِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ ءَامِنُوا۟ بِٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَجْهَ ٱلنَّهَارِ وَٱكْفُرُوٓا۟ ءَاخِرَهُۥ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

PickthallAnd a party of the People of the Scripture say: Believe in that which hath been revealed unto those who believe at the opening of the day, and disbelieve at the end thereof, in order that they may return;

Yusuf AliA section of the People of the Book say: "Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers, but reject it at the end of the day; perchance they may (themselves) Turn back;

The agreed readingA party of the People of the Scripture said: believe in what was sent down on the believers at the start of the day, and refuse it at its end, so that they may turn back. The commentaries describe the same manoeuvre: a staged conversion and a staged desertion, designed to plant doubt in the believers about their own religion.
3:73#
وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوٓا۟ إِلَّا لِمَن تَبِعَ دِينَكُمْ قُلْ إِنَّ ٱلْهُدَىٰ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ أَن يُؤْتَىٰٓ أَحَدٌ مِّثْلَ مَآ أُوتِيتُمْ أَوْ يُحَآجُّوكُمْ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ قُلْ إِنَّ ٱلْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ ٱللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَآءُ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

PickthallAnd believe not save in one who followeth your religion - Say (O Muhammad): Lo! the guidance is Allah's Guidance - that anyone is given the like of that which was given unto you or that they may argue with you in the presence of their Lord. Say (O Muhammad): Lo! the bounty is in Allah's hand. He bestoweth it on whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

Yusuf Ali"And believe no one unless he follows your religion." Say: "True guidance is the Guidance of Allah: (Fear ye) Lest a revelation be sent to someone (else) Like unto that which was sent unto you? or that those (Receiving such revelation) should engage you in argument before your Lord?" Say: "All bounties are in the hand of Allah: He granteth them to whom He pleaseth: And Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things."

The agreed readingAnd they said: trust none except one who follows your religion. Say: the guidance is God's guidance. They spoke so that no one else be given the like of what they were given, and so that no one argue against them before their Lord. Say: bounty is in God's hand; He gives it to whom He wills, and God is vast, knowing.
3:74#
يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو ٱلْفَضْلِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ

PickthallHe selecteth for His mercy whom He will. Allah is of Infinite Bounty.

Yusuf AliFor His Mercy He specially chooseth whom He pleaseth; for Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.

The agreed readingHe singles out for His mercy whom He wills, and God is the possessor of immense bounty.
3:75#
وَمِنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مَنْ إِن تَأْمَنْهُ بِقِنطَارٍ يُؤَدِّهِۦٓ إِلَيْكَ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ إِن تَأْمَنْهُ بِدِينَارٍ لَّا يُؤَدِّهِۦٓ إِلَيْكَ إِلَّا مَا دُمْتَ عَلَيْهِ قَآئِمًا ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا۟ لَيْسَ عَلَيْنَا فِى ٱلْأُمِّيِّـۧنَ سَبِيلٌ وَيَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ

PickthallAmong the People of the Scripture there is he who, if thou trust him with a weight of treasure, will return it to thee. And among them there is he who, if thou trust him with a piece of gold, will not return it to thee unless thou keep standing over him. That is because they say: We have no duty to the Gentiles. They speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.

Yusuf AliAmong the People of the Book are some who, if entrusted with a hoard of gold, will (readily) pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless thou constantly stoodest demanding, because, they say, "there is no call on us (to keep faith) with these ignorant (Pagans)." but they tell a lie against Allah, and (well) they know it.

The agreed readingAmong the People of the Scripture is the one who, entrusted with a heap of treasure, returns it to you; and among them is the one who, entrusted with a single coin, will not return it unless you stand over him. That is because they say: we owe nothing on account of the unlettered. And they say a lie against God, knowing it — the commentaries agree the licence they claimed for themselves is nowhere in what God sent down.
3:76#
بَلَىٰ مَنْ أَوْفَىٰ بِعَهْدِهِۦ وَٱتَّقَىٰ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ

PickthallNay, but (the chosen of Allah is) he who fulfilleth his pledge and wardeth off (evil); for lo! Allah loveth those who ward off (evil).

Yusuf AliNay.- Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright,-verily Allah loves those who act aright.

The agreed readingNot so: whoever keeps his pledge and guards himself — God loves those who guard themselves.
3:77#
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَشْتَرُونَ بِعَهْدِ ٱللَّهِ وَأَيْمَٰنِهِمْ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَا خَلَٰقَ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَلَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَا يَنظُرُ إِلَيْهِمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ وَلَا يُزَكِّيهِمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

PickthallLo! those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah's covenant and their oaths, they have no portion in the Hereafter. Allah will neither speak to them nor look upon them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He make them grow. Theirs will be a painful doom.

Yusuf AliAs for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter: Nor will Allah (Deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He cleans them (of sin): They shall have a grievous penalty.

The agreed readingThose who sell God's covenant and their own oaths for a small price have no share in the Hereafter. God will not speak to them or look at them on the Day of Resurrection, and He will not purify them; theirs is a painful punishment.
3:78#
وَإِنَّ مِنْهُمْ لَفَرِيقًا يَلْوُۥنَ أَلْسِنَتَهُم بِٱلْكِتَٰبِ لِتَحْسَبُوهُ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ وَمَا هُوَ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ وَيَقُولُونَ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ

PickthallAnd lo! there is a party of them who distort the Scripture with their tongues, that ye may think that what they say is from the Scripture, when it is not from the Scripture. And they say: It is from Allah, when it is not from Allah; and they speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.

Yusuf AliThere is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (As they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, "That is from Allah," but it is not from Allah: It is they who tell a lie against Allah, and (well) they know it!

The agreed readingAmong them is a party who twist their tongues with the Scripture so that you think it is from the Scripture when it is not from the Scripture, and they say it is from God when it is not from God. They say a lie against God, knowing it.
3:79#
مَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَن يُؤْتِيَهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْحُكْمَ وَٱلنُّبُوَّةَ ثُمَّ يَقُولَ لِلنَّاسِ كُونُوا۟ عِبَادًا لِّى مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَٰكِن كُونُوا۟ رَبَّٰنِيِّـۧنَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تُعَلِّمُونَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَبِمَا كُنتُمْ تَدْرُسُونَ

PickthallIt is not (possible) for any human being unto whom Allah had given the Scripture and wisdom and the prophethood that he should afterwards have said unto mankind: Be slaves of me instead of Allah; but (what he said was): Be ye faithful servants of the Lord by virtue of your constant teaching of the Scripture and of your constant study thereof.

Yusuf AliIt is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the prophetic office, should say to people: "Be ye my worshippers rather than Allah's": on the contrary (He would say) "Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all: For ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly."

The agreed readingIt is not for any human being to whom God has given the Scripture, the wisdom and the prophethood to then say to people: be servants of mine instead of God. Rather: be people of the Lord, by what you have been teaching of the Scripture and by what you have been studying. The commentaries carry the point together: no true messenger ever called anyone to himself.
3:80#
وَلَا يَأْمُرَكُمْ أَن تَتَّخِذُوا۟ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ وَٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ أَرْبَابًا أَيَأْمُرُكُم بِٱلْكُفْرِ بَعْدَ إِذْ أَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ

PickthallAnd he commanded you not that ye should take the angels and the prophets for lords. Would he command you to disbelieve after ye had surrendered (to Allah)?

Yusuf AliNor would he instruct you to take angels and prophets for Lords and patrons. What! would he bid you to unbelief after ye have bowed your will (To Allah in Islam)?

The agreed readingNor would he command you to take the angels and the prophets as lords. Would he command you to refuse, after you had submitted?
3:81#
وَإِذْ أَخَذَ ٱللَّهُ مِيثَٰقَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ لَمَآ ءَاتَيْتُكُم مِّن كِتَٰبٍ وَحِكْمَةٍ ثُمَّ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مُّصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَكُمْ لَتُؤْمِنُنَّ بِهِۦ وَلَتَنصُرُنَّهُۥ قَالَ ءَأَقْرَرْتُمْ وَأَخَذْتُمْ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكُمْ إِصْرِى قَالُوٓا۟ أَقْرَرْنَا قَالَ فَٱشْهَدُوا۟ وَأَنَا۠ مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ

PickthallWhen Allah made (His) covenant with the prophets, (He said): Behold that which I have given you of the Scripture and knowledge. And afterward there will come unto you a messenger, confirming that which ye possess. Ye shall believe in him and ye shall help him. He said: Do ye agree, and will ye take up My burden (which I lay upon you) in this (matter)? They answered: We agree. He said: Then bear ye witness. I will be a witness with you.

Yusuf AliBehold! Allah took the covenant of the prophets, saying: "I give you a Book and Wisdom; then comes to you a messenger, confirming what is with you; do ye believe in him and render him help." Allah said: "Do ye agree, and take this my Covenant as binding on you?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses."

The agreed readingWhen God took the covenant of the prophets: whatever I give you of Scripture and wisdom, and then a messenger comes to you confirming what is with you, you will believe in him and you will help him. He said: do you affirm, and take up My bond on those terms? They said: we affirm. He said: then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses. The commentaries agree on whom the covenant points to: every prophet was bound to the messenger who confirms what is with them.
3:82#
فَمَن تَوَلَّىٰ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْفَٰسِقُونَ

PickthallThen whosoever after this shall turn away: they will be miscreants.

Yusuf AliIf any turn back after this, they are perverted transgressors.

The agreed readingWhoever turns away after that — those are the ones who have broken out of obedience.
3:83#
أَفَغَيْرَ دِينِ ٱللَّهِ يَبْغُونَ وَلَهُۥٓ أَسْلَمَ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا وَإِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ

PickthallSeek they other than the religion of Allah, when unto Him submitteth whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and unto Him they will be returned.

Yusuf AliDo they seek for other than the Religion of Allah?-while all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will (Accepted Islam), and to Him shall they all be brought back.

The agreed readingDo they seek some religion other than God's, when whoever is in the heavens and the earth has submitted to Him, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him they will be returned?
3:84#
قُلْ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْمَٰعِيلَ وَإِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَٱلْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَٱلنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ

PickthallSay (O Muhammad): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was vouchsafed unto Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.

Yusuf AliSay: "We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)."

The agreed readingSay: we believe in God, and in what was sent down on us, and in what was sent down on Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted.
3:85#
وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ ٱلْإِسْلَٰمِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

PickthallAnd whoso seeketh as religion other than the Surrender (to Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter.

Yusuf AliIf anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).

The agreed readingWhoever seeks a religion other than submission, it will never be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.
3:86#
كَيْفَ يَهْدِى ٱللَّهُ قَوْمًا كَفَرُوا۟ بَعْدَ إِيمَٰنِهِمْ وَشَهِدُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱلرَّسُولَ حَقٌّ وَجَآءَهُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتُ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

PickthallHow shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and (after) they bore witness that the messenger is true and after clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty) had come unto them. And Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.

Yusuf AliHow shall Allah Guide those who reject Faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that Clear Signs had come unto them? but Allah guides not a people unjust.

The agreed readingHow shall God guide a people who refused after their belief, after bearing witness that the Messenger is true, and after the clear proofs had come to them? God does not guide wrongdoing people.
3:87#
أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ جَزَآؤُهُمْ أَنَّ عَلَيْهِمْ لَعْنَةَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ

PickthallAs for such, their guerdon is that on them rests the curse of Allah and of angels and of men combined.

Yusuf AliOf such the reward is that on them (rests) the curse of Allah, of His angels, and of all mankind;-

The agreed readingTheir recompense is that upon them is the curse of God, the angels and mankind all together.
3:88#
خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا لَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ

PickthallThey will abide therein. Their doom will not be lightened, neither will they be reprieved;

Yusuf AliIn that will they dwell; nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be (their lot);-

The agreed readingThey remain in it: the punishment is not lightened for them, and they are not given respite.
3:89#
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ وَأَصْلَحُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

PickthallSave those who afterward repent and do right. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Yusuf AliExcept for those that repent (Even) after that, and make amends; for verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

The agreed readingExcept those who repent after that and set things right — God is forgiving and merciful. The door closes on no one who turns back and repairs what he did.
3:90#
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بَعْدَ إِيمَٰنِهِمْ ثُمَّ ٱزْدَادُوا۟ كُفْرًا لَّن تُقْبَلَ تَوْبَتُهُمْ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلضَّآلُّونَ

PickthallLo! those who disbelieve after their (profession of) belief, and afterward grow violent in disbelief: their repentance will not be accepted. And such are those who are astray.

Yusuf AliBut those who reject Faith after they accepted it, and then go on adding to their defiance of Faith,- never will their repentance be accepted; for they are those who have (of set purpose) gone astray.

The agreed readingThose who refuse after their belief and then go on increasing in refusal — their repentance will not be accepted, and they are the ones astray. The commentaries read the rejected repentance as the one put off to the end, offered only when dying and still refusing.
3:91#
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَمَاتُوا۟ وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْ أَحَدِهِم مِّلْءُ ٱلْأَرْضِ ذَهَبًا وَلَوِ ٱفْتَدَىٰ بِهِۦٓ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّٰصِرِينَ

PickthallLo! those who disbelieve, and die in disbelief, the (whole) earth full of gold would not be accepted from such an one if it were offered as a ransom (for his soul). Theirs will be a painful doom and they will have no helpers.

Yusuf AliAs to those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- never would be accepted from any such as much gold as the earth contains, though they should offer it for ransom. For such is (in store) a penalty grievous, and they will find no helpers.

The agreed readingThose who refuse and die refusing — the whole earth full of gold would not be accepted from any one of them, even if he offered it as ransom. Theirs is a painful punishment, and they have no helpers.
3:92#
لَن تَنَالُوا۟ ٱلْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا۟ مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا۟ مِن شَىْءٍ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمٌ

PickthallYe will not attain unto piety until ye spend of that which ye love. And whatsoever ye spend, Allah is Aware thereof.

Yusuf AliBy no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well.

The agreed readingYou will not attain righteousness until you spend from what you love; and whatever you spend, God knows it. The commentaries carry the same picture of how the Companions heard it: a man's dearest property was the first thing he gave.
3:93#
كُلُّ ٱلطَّعَامِ كَانَ حِلًّا لِّبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ إِلَّا مَا حَرَّمَ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلُ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِۦ مِن قَبْلِ أَن تُنَزَّلَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةُ قُلْ فَأْتُوا۟ بِٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ فَٱتْلُوهَآ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ

PickthallAll food was lawful unto the Children of Israel, save that which Israel forbade himself, (in days) before the Torah was revealed. Say: Produce the Torah and read it (unto us) if ye are truthful.

Yusuf AliAll food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel Made unlawful for itself, before the Law (of Moses) was revealed. Say: "Bring ye the Law and study it, if ye be men of truth."

The agreed readingAll food was lawful to the Children of Israel except what Israel forbade himself, before the Torah was sent down. Say: bring the Torah and recite it, if you are truthful. The commentaries agree on the argument: the prohibitions they attributed to Abraham's religion began with Jacob's own vow, and their own book proves the date.
3:94#
فَمَنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ

PickthallAnd whoever shall invent a falsehood after that concerning Allah, such will be wrong-doers.

Yusuf AliIf any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust wrong-doers.

The agreed readingWhoever fabricates the lie against God after that — those are the wrongdoers. The commentaries fix what the ayah means by after that: after the proof has been produced and the date of the prohibition is known, so that the claim can no longer be made in ignorance.
3:95#
قُلْ صَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ فَٱتَّبِعُوا۟ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

PickthallSay: Allah speaketh truth. So follow the religion of Abraham, the upright. He was not of the idolaters.

Yusuf AliSay: "Allah speaketh the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham, the sane in faith; he was not of the Pagans."

The agreed readingSay: God has spoken the truth. So follow the way of Abraham, who turned away from everything else towards the one God, and he was not one of those who set up partners with God.
3:96#
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِى بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِّلْعَٰلَمِينَ

PickthallLo! the first Sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Becca, a blessed place, a guidance to the peoples;

Yusuf AliThe first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings:

The agreed readingThe first house set up for mankind is the one at Bakka — Mecca — blessed, and a guidance for the worlds. The commentaries carry the answer it gives together: the Kaaba precedes Jerusalem, so the qibla the believers face is the older sanctuary, not the newer.
3:97#
فِيهِ ءَايَٰتٌۢ بَيِّنَٰتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنًا وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلْبَيْتِ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

PickthallWherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth, (let him know that) lo! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures.

Yusuf AliIn it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.

The agreed readingIn it are clear signs: the standing-place of Abraham; whoever enters it is safe. Pilgrimage to the House is God's due upon every person able to make the way. As for whoever refuses, God has no need of the worlds.
3:98#
قُلْ يَٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ شَهِيدٌ عَلَىٰ مَا تَعْمَلُونَ

PickthallSay: O People of the Scripture! Why disbelieve ye in the revelations of Allah, when Allah (Himself) is Witness of what ye do?

Yusuf AliSay: "O People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, when Allah is Himself witness to all ye do?"

The agreed readingSay: People of the Scripture, why do you refuse God's signs when God is witness over everything you do?
3:99#
قُلْ يَٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لِمَ تَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ مَنْ ءَامَنَ تَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا وَأَنتُمْ شُهَدَآءُ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَٰفِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ

PickthallSay: O People of the Scripture! Why drive ye back believers from the way of Allah, seeking to make it crooked, when ye are witnesses (to Allah's guidance)? Allah is not unaware of what ye do.

Yusuf AliSay: "O ye People of the Book! Why obstruct ye those who believe, from the path of Allah, Seeking to make it crooked, while ye were yourselves witnesses (to Allah's Covenant)? but Allah is not unmindful of all that ye do."

The agreed readingSay: People of the Scripture, why do you turn away from God's path those who believe, seeking to make it crooked, when you are witnesses to it yourselves? God is not unaware of what you do.
3:100#
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِن تُطِيعُوا۟ فَرِيقًا مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَرُدُّوكُم بَعْدَ إِيمَٰنِكُمْ كَٰفِرِينَ

PickthallO ye who believe! If ye obey a party of those who have received the Scripture they will make you disbelievers after your belief.

Yusuf AliO ye who believe! If ye listen to a faction among the People of the Book, they would (indeed) render you apostates after ye have believed!

The agreed readingYou who believe, if you obey a party of those given the Scripture, they will turn you back into refusers after your belief. The commentaries carry the occasion together: a man of the Jews set the Aws and the Khazraj reciting the grudges of their old war until swords were nearly drawn, and the ayah came down on that fire.
3:101#
وَكَيْفَ تَكْفُرُونَ وَأَنتُمْ تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ ءَايَٰتُ ٱللَّهِ وَفِيكُمْ رَسُولُهُۥ وَمَن يَعْتَصِم بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ هُدِىَ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

PickthallHow can ye disbelieve, when it is ye unto whom Allah's revelations are recited, and His messenger is in your midst? He who holdeth fast to Allah, he indeed is guided unto a right path.

Yusuf AliAnd how would ye deny Faith while unto you are rehearsed the Signs of Allah, and among you Lives the Messenger? Whoever holds firmly to Allah will be shown a way that is straight.

The agreed readingHow can you refuse, when God's signs are recited to you and His Messenger is among you? Whoever holds fast to God has been guided to a straight path.
3:102#
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ

PickthallO ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah with right observance, and die not save as those who have surrendered (unto Him)

Yusuf AliO ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam.

The agreed readingYou who believe, be mindful of God as He deserves, and do not die except in submission. The commentaries carry the same account of what mindfulness as He deserves means: that He is obeyed and not defied, remembered and not forgotten, thanked and not denied.
3:103#
وَٱعْتَصِمُوا۟ بِحَبْلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا۟ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ كُنتُمْ أَعْدَآءً فَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُم بِنِعْمَتِهِۦٓ إِخْوَٰنًا وَكُنتُمْ عَلَىٰ شَفَا حُفْرَةٍ مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ فَأَنقَذَكُم مِّنْهَا كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ

PickthallAnd hold fast, all of you together, to the cable of Allah, and do not separate. And remember Allah's favour unto you: How ye were enemies and He made friendship between your hearts so that ye became as brothers by His grace; and (how) ye were upon the brink of an abyss of fire, and He did save you from it. Thus Allah maketh clear His revelations unto you, that haply ye may be guided,

Yusuf AliAnd hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided.

The agreed readingHold fast, all of you together, to the rope of God, and do not split apart. Remember God's favour upon you: you were enemies and He joined your hearts, so that by His favour you became brothers, and you stood on the edge of a pit of the Fire and He rescued you from it. So God makes His signs clear to you, that you may be guided.
3:104#
وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى ٱلْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ

PickthallAnd there may spring from you a nation who invite to goodness, and enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency. Such are they who are successful.

Yusuf AliLet there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.

The agreed readingLet there be from among you a community calling to good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong; those are the ones who succeed.
3:105#
وَلَا تَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّذِينَ تَفَرَّقُوا۟ وَٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتُ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

PickthallAnd be ye not as those who separated and disputed after the clear proofs had come unto them. For such there is an awful doom,

Yusuf AliBe not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty,-

The agreed readingDo not be like those who split apart and differed after the clear proofs had come to them; for them is a tremendous punishment.
3:106#
يَوْمَ تَبْيَضُّ وُجُوهٌ وَتَسْوَدُّ وُجُوهٌ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْوَدَّتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ أَكَفَرْتُم بَعْدَ إِيمَٰنِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ

PickthallOn the Day when (some) faces will be whitened and (some) faces will be blackened; and as for those whose faces have been blackened, it will be said unto them: Disbelieved ye after your (profession of) belief? Then taste the punishment for that ye disbelieved.

Yusuf AliOn the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white, and some faces will be (in the gloom of) black: To those whose faces will be black, (will be said): "Did ye reject Faith after accepting it? Taste then the penalty for rejecting Faith."

The agreed readingOn the Day some faces are whitened and some faces are blackened. As for those whose faces are blackened: did you refuse after your belief? Then taste the punishment for what you refused.
3:107#
وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱبْيَضَّتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ فَفِى رَحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ

PickthallAnd as for those whose faces have been whitened, in the mercy of Allah they dwell for ever.

Yusuf AliBut those whose faces will be (lit with) white,- they will be in (the light of) Allah's mercy: therein to dwell (for ever).

The agreed readingAnd as for those whose faces are whitened, they are in God's mercy, and in it they remain. The commentaries read the mercy as the Garden itself.
3:108#
تِلْكَ ءَايَٰتُ ٱللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ يُرِيدُ ظُلْمًا لِّلْعَٰلَمِينَ

PickthallThese are revelations of Allah. We recite them unto thee in truth. Allah willeth no injustice to (His) creatures.

Yusuf AliThese are the Signs of Allah: We rehearse them to thee in Truth: And Allah means no injustice to any of His creatures.

The agreed readingThese are the signs of God; We recite them to you with the truth. God wills no wrong for the worlds.
3:109#
وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ ٱلْأُمُورُ

PickthallUnto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and unto Allah all things are returned.

Yusuf AliTo Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: To Him do all questions go back (for decision).

The agreed readingTo God belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and to God all matters are returned.
3:110#
كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَلَوْ ءَامَنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُم مِّنْهُمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمُ ٱلْفَٰسِقُونَ

PickthallYe are the best community that hath been raised up for mankind. Ye enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency; and ye believe in Allah. And if the People of the Scripture had believed it had been better for them. Some of them are believers; but most of them are evil-livers.

Yusuf AliYe are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.

The agreed readingYou are the best community brought out for mankind: you enjoin what is right, you forbid what is wrong, and you believe in God. Had the People of the Scripture believed, it would have been better for them; among them are believers, but most of them have broken out of obedience. The commentaries tie the rank to the work: the community is best while it does what it is named here as doing.
3:111#
لَن يَضُرُّوكُمْ إِلَّآ أَذًى وَإِن يُقَٰتِلُوكُمْ يُوَلُّوكُمُ ٱلْأَدْبَارَ ثُمَّ لَا يُنصَرُونَ

PickthallThey will not harm you save a trifling hurt, and if they fight against you they will turn and flee. And afterward they will not be helped.

Yusuf AliThey will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; if they come out to fight you, they will show you their backs, and no help shall they get.

The agreed readingThey will not harm you beyond an injury of words; and if they fight you they will turn their backs, and then they will not be helped.
3:112#
ضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلذِّلَّةُ أَيْنَ مَا ثُقِفُوٓا۟ إِلَّا بِحَبْلٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَحَبْلٍ مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَبَآءُو بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْمَسْكَنَةُ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يَكْفُرُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ ٱلْأَنۢبِيَآءَ بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا۟ وَّكَانُوا۟ يَعْتَدُونَ

PickthallIgnominy shall be their portion wheresoever they are found save (where they grasp) a rope from Allah and a rope from men. They have incurred anger from their Lord, and wretchedness is laid upon them. That is because they used to disbelieve the revelations of Allah, and slew the prophets wrongfully. That is because they were rebellious and used to transgress.

Yusuf AliShame is pitched over them (Like a tent) wherever they are found, except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allah and from men; they draw on themselves wrath from Allah, and pitched over them is (the tent of) destitution. This because they rejected the Signs of Allah, and slew the prophets in defiance of right; this because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds.

The agreed readingHumiliation is struck over them wherever they are found, except by a bond from God and a bond from people. They have drawn on themselves anger from God, and wretchedness is struck over them. That is because they kept refusing God's signs and killing the prophets without right; that is because they disobeyed and kept overstepping.
3:113#
لَيْسُوا۟ سَوَآءً مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أُمَّةٌ قَآئِمَةٌ يَتْلُونَ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ ءَانَآءَ ٱلَّيْلِ وَهُمْ يَسْجُدُونَ

PickthallThey are not all alike. Of the People of the Scripture there is a staunch community who recite the revelations of Allah in the night season, falling prostrate (before Him).

Yusuf AliNot all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration.

The agreed readingThey are not all alike. Among the People of the Scripture is an upright community who recite God's signs through the hours of the night, prostrating. The commentaries carry the same referent: those of them who believed, of whom Abdullah ibn Salam is named as the example.
3:114#
يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَيُسَٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ

PickthallThey believe in Allah and the Last Day, and enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency, and vie one with another in good works. These are of the righteous.

Yusuf AliThey believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous.

The agreed readingThey believe in God and the Last Day, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and race one another in good works; those are among the righteous.
3:115#
وَمَا يَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلَن يُكْفَرُوهُ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌۢ بِٱلْمُتَّقِينَ

PickthallAnd whatever good they do, they will not be denied the meed thereof. Allah is Aware of those who ward off (evil).

Yusuf AliOf the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right.

The agreed readingWhatever good they do, they will never be denied it; and God knows those who guard themselves.
3:116#
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَن تُغْنِىَ عَنْهُمْ أَمْوَٰلُهُمْ وَلَآ أَوْلَٰدُهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًٔا وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ

PickthallLo! the riches and the progeny of those who disbelieve will not avail them aught against Allah; and such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.

Yusuf AliThose who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah: They will be companions of the Fire,-dwelling therein (for ever).

The agreed readingAs for those who refuse, neither their wealth nor their children will keep anything of God away from them. Those are the companions of the Fire; they remain in it.
3:117#
مَثَلُ مَا يُنفِقُونَ فِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا كَمَثَلِ رِيحٍ فِيهَا صِرٌّ أَصَابَتْ حَرْثَ قَوْمٍ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ فَأَهْلَكَتْهُ وَمَا ظَلَمَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَٰكِنْ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ

PickthallThe likeness of that which they spend in this life of the world is as the likeness of a biting, icy wind which smiteth the harvest of a people who have wronged themselves, and devastateth it. Allah wronged them not, but they do wrong themselves.

Yusuf AliWhat they spend in the life of this (material) world May be likened to a wind which brings a nipping frost: It strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls: it is not Allah that hath wronged them, but they wrong themselves.

The agreed readingWhat they spend in this worldly life is like a wind carrying a killing frost that strikes the harvest of a people who wronged themselves and destroys it. God did not wrong them; they wrong themselves. The spending fails for the same reason the harvest did: the fault was in the ground it landed on, not in the Giver.
3:118#
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَتَّخِذُوا۟ بِطَانَةً مِّن دُونِكُمْ لَا يَأْلُونَكُمْ خَبَالًا وَدُّوا۟ مَا عَنِتُّمْ قَدْ بَدَتِ ٱلْبَغْضَآءُ مِنْ أَفْوَٰهِهِمْ وَمَا تُخْفِى صُدُورُهُمْ أَكْبَرُ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

PickthallO ye who believe! Take not for intimates others than your own folk, who would spare no pains to ruin you; they love to hamper you. Hatred is revealed by (the utterance of) their mouths, but that which their breasts hide is greater. We have made plain for you the revelations if ye will understand.

Yusuf AliO ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks: They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom.

The agreed readingYou who believe, do not take intimates from outside yourselves: they will spare no effort to corrupt you and they love whatever distresses you. Hatred has already shown from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have made the signs clear to you, if you will use reason. The commentaries gloss the word the same way: the intimate here is the confidant a man lets into his secrets.
3:119#
هَٰٓأَنتُمْ أُو۟لَآءِ تُحِبُّونَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِبُّونَكُمْ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْكِتَٰبِ كُلِّهِۦ وَإِذَا لَقُوكُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْا۟ عَضُّوا۟ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْأَنَامِلَ مِنَ ٱلْغَيْظِ قُلْ مُوتُوا۟ بِغَيْظِكُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ

PickthallLo! ye are those who love them though they love you not, and ye believe in all the Scripture. When they fall in with you they say: We believe; but when they go apart they bite their finger-tips at you, for rage. Say: Perish in your rage! Lo! Allah is Aware of what is hidden in (your) breasts.

Yusuf AliAh! ye are those who love them, but they love you not,- though ye believe in the whole of the Book. When they meet you, they say, "We believe": But when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say: "Perish in your rage; Allah knoweth well all the secrets of the heart."

The agreed readingThere you are, loving them while they do not love you, and you believe in all of the Book. When they meet you they say: we believe; and when they are alone they bite their fingertips at you in rage. Say: die in your rage; God knows what is in the breasts.
3:120#
إِن تَمْسَسْكُمْ حَسَنَةٌ تَسُؤْهُمْ وَإِن تُصِبْكُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَفْرَحُوا۟ بِهَا وَإِن تَصْبِرُوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ لَا يَضُرُّكُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْـًٔا إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ

PickthallIf a lucky chance befall you, it is evil unto them, and if disaster strike you they rejoice thereat. But if ye persevere and keep from evil their guile will never harm you. Lo! Allah is Surrounding what they do.

Yusuf AliIf aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you; for Allah Compasseth round about all that they do.

The agreed readingIf good touches you it grieves them, and if harm strikes you they rejoice at it. But if you are patient and guard yourselves, their scheming will not harm you at all; God surrounds everything they do.
3:121#
وَإِذْ غَدَوْتَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ تُبَوِّئُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ مَقَٰعِدَ لِلْقِتَالِ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

PickthallAnd when thou settedst forth at daybreak from thy housefolk to assign to the believers their positions for the battle, Allah was Hearer, Knower.

Yusuf AliRemember that morning Thou didst leave Thy household (early) to post the faithful at their stations for battle: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things:

The agreed readingRemember when you left your household at daybreak to set the believers in their positions for battle — God hears and knows. The commentaries agree this is the morning of Uhud.
3:122#
إِذْ هَمَّت طَّآئِفَتَانِ مِنكُمْ أَن تَفْشَلَا وَٱللَّهُ وَلِيُّهُمَا وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ

PickthallWhen two parties of you almost fell away, and Allah was their Protecting Friend. In Allah let believers put their trust.

Yusuf AliRemember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and in Allah should the faithful (Ever) put their trust.

The agreed readingWhen two parties of you were on the point of losing heart, and God was the protector of both; in God let the believers put their trust. The commentaries name them together: two clans of the Helpers who wavered when the hypocrites withdrew, and were held firm.
3:123#
وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَأَنتُمْ أَذِلَّةٌ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

PickthallAllah had already given you the victory at Badr, when ye were contemptible. So observe your duty to Allah in order that ye may be thankful.

Yusuf AliAllah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus May ye show your gratitude.

The agreed readingGod had already helped you at Badr when you were weak and few; so be mindful of God, that you may be thankful.
3:124#
إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَٰثَةِ ءَالَٰفٍ مِّنَ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ مُنزَلِينَ

PickthallWhen thou didst say unto the believers: Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should support you with three thousand angels sent down (to your help)?

Yusuf AliRemember thou saidst to the Faithful: "Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down?

The agreed readingWhen you said to the believers: is it not enough for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?
3:125#
بَلَىٰٓ إِن تَصْبِرُوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ وَيَأْتُوكُم مِّن فَوْرِهِمْ هَٰذَا يُمْدِدْكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِخَمْسَةِ ءَالَٰفٍ مِّنَ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ مُسَوِّمِينَ

PickthallNay, but if ye persevere, and keep from evil, and (the enemy) attack you suddenly, your Lord will help you with five thousand angels sweeping on.

Yusuf Ali"Yea, - if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels Making a terrific onslaught.

The agreed readingYes indeed — and if you are patient and guard yourselves, and the enemy comes down on you in their fury, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels, marked for battle.
3:126#
وَمَا جَعَلَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بُشْرَىٰ لَكُمْ وَلِتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُكُم بِهِۦ وَمَا ٱلنَّصْرُ إِلَّا مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْحَكِيمِ

PickthallAllah ordained this only as a message of good cheer for you, and that thereby your hearts might be at rest - Victory cometh only from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise -

Yusuf AliAllah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah. The Exalted, the Wise:

The agreed readingGod made it only good news for you, and so that your hearts would be at rest by it. Help comes from no one but God, the Mighty, the Wise — the commentaries press the point together: not from numbers and not from equipment.
3:127#
لِيَقْطَعَ طَرَفًا مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَوْ يَكْبِتَهُمْ فَيَنقَلِبُوا۟ خَآئِبِينَ

PickthallThat He may cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or overwhelm them so that they retire, frustrated.

Yusuf AliThat He might cut off a fringe of the Unbelievers or expose them to infamy, and they should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose.

The agreed readingSo that He might cut off a flank of those who refused, or throw them down, and they turn back with nothing gained.
3:128#
لَيْسَ لَكَ مِنَ ٱلْأَمْرِ شَىْءٌ أَوْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ أَوْ يُعَذِّبَهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ ظَٰلِمُونَ

PickthallIt is no concern at all of thee (Muhammad) whether He relent toward them or punish them; for they are evil-doers.

Yusuf AliNot for thee, (but for Allah), is the decision: Whether He turn in mercy to them, or punish them; for they are indeed wrong-doers.

The agreed readingNone of the matter belongs to you: whether He turns to them in mercy or punishes them, for they are wrongdoers. The commentaries carry the occasion together: it came down at Uhud, when the Prophet's face was wounded and he despaired aloud of a people who had bloodied their own prophet.
3:129#
وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَآءُ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

PickthallUnto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. He forgiveth whom He will, and punisheth whom He will. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Yusuf AliTo Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth and punisheth whom He pleaseth; but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

The agreed readingTo God belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills, and God is forgiving, merciful.
3:130#
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَأْكُلُوا۟ ٱلرِّبَوٰٓا۟ أَضْعَٰفًا مُّضَٰعَفَةً وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

PickthallO ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubling and quadrupling (the sum lent). Observe your duty to Allah, that ye may be successful.

Yusuf AliO ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah; that ye may (really) prosper.

The agreed readingYou who believe, do not consume usury, doubled and redoubled, and be mindful of God, that you may succeed. The commentaries agree the phrase describes what their usury was actually like — a debt regrown at every due date — not a licence for a smaller rate.
3:131#
وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱلنَّارَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَٰفِرِينَ

PickthallAnd ward off (from yourselves) the Fire prepared for disbelievers.

Yusuf AliFear the Fire, which is repaired for those who reject Faith:

The agreed readingAnd guard yourselves against the Fire that has been prepared for those who refuse.
3:132#
وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

PickthallAnd obey Allah and the messenger, that ye may find mercy.

Yusuf AliAnd obey Allah and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy.

The agreed readingAnd obey God and the Messenger, that you may be shown mercy. The commentaries note the form of the promise: mercy is set out as something hoped for and not as a wage owed, so that the obedience is not turned into a claim on God.
3:133#
وَسَارِعُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

PickthallAnd vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil);

Yusuf AliBe quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,-

The agreed readingAnd race towards forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden whose breadth is the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who guard themselves.
3:134#
ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِى ٱلسَّرَّآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ وَٱلْكَٰظِمِينَ ٱلْغَيْظَ وَٱلْعَافِينَ عَنِ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

PickthallThose who spend (of that which Allah hath given them) in ease and in adversity, those who control their wrath and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loveth the good;

Yusuf AliThose who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men;- for Allah loves those who do good;-

The agreed readingThose who spend in ease and in hardship, who choke back their rage, and who pardon people — God loves those who do good. The commentaries read the three marks in the same order: giving in every state, holding anger when able to act on it, then going past holding it to pardon.
3:135#
وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُوا۟ فَٰحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ فَٱسْتَغْفَرُوا۟ لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَن يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَلَمْ يُصِرُّوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُوا۟ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ

PickthallAnd those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins - Who forgiveth sins save Allah only? - and will not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did.

Yusuf AliAnd those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah?- and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.

The agreed readingAnd those who, when they commit an indecency or wrong themselves, remember God and ask forgiveness for their sins — and who forgives sins but God? — and do not knowingly persist in what they did.
3:136#
أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ جَزَآؤُهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَجَنَّٰتٌ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا وَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ ٱلْعَٰمِلِينَ

PickthallThe reward of such will be forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever - a bountiful reward for workers!

Yusuf AliFor such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath,- an eternal dwelling: How excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!

The agreed readingTheir reward is forgiveness from their Lord and Gardens with rivers running beneath them, where they remain — an excellent reward for those who work.
3:137#
قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ

PickthallSystems have passed away before you. Do but travel in the land and see the nature of the consequence for those who did deny (the messengers).

Yusuf AliMany were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.

The agreed readingWays of God have passed before you, worked out on the peoples that denied. So travel through the land and see what the end of the deniers was. The commentaries read the instruction plainly: the ruins are evidence, left to be looked at.
3:138#
هَٰذَا بَيَانٌ لِّلنَّاسِ وَهُدًى وَمَوْعِظَةٌ لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ

PickthallThis is a declaration for mankind, a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil)

Yusuf AliHere is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah!

The agreed readingThis is a plain statement for mankind, and guidance, and an admonition for those who guard themselves.
3:139#
وَلَا تَهِنُوا۟ وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا۟ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلْأَعْلَوْنَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

PickthallFaint not nor grieve, for ye will overcome them if ye are (indeed) believers.

Yusuf AliSo lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith.

The agreed readingDo not weaken and do not grieve, for you are the uppermost, if you are believers. The commentaries set it at Uhud: spoken to men who had just lost.
3:140#
إِن يَمْسَسْكُمْ قَرْحٌ فَقَدْ مَسَّ ٱلْقَوْمَ قَرْحٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ وَتِلْكَ ٱلْأَيَّامُ نُدَاوِلُهَا بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَيَتَّخِذَ مِنكُمْ شُهَدَآءَ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

PickthallIf ye have received a blow, the (disbelieving) people have received a blow the like thereof. These are (only) the vicissitudes which We cause to follow one another for mankind, to the end that Allah may know those who believe and may choose witnesses from among you; and Allah loveth not wrong-doers.

Yusuf AliIf a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loveth not those that do wrong.

The agreed readingIf a wound has touched you, a wound like it touched the other people. Such days We rotate among mankind, so that God may mark out those who believe and take witnesses from among you — God does not love the wrongdoers.
3:141#
وَلِيُمَحِّصَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَيَمْحَقَ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

PickthallAnd that Allah may prove those who believe, and may blight the disbelievers.

Yusuf AliAllah's object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of blessing Those that resist Faith.

The agreed readingAnd so that God may purify those who believe and wipe out those who refuse. The commentaries carry both halves of the turning: the same rotation of days cleanses one side and wears the other away.
3:142#
أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَن تَدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَعْلَمِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ جَٰهَدُوا۟ مِنكُمْ وَيَعْلَمَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ

PickthallOr deemed ye that ye would enter paradise while yet Allah knoweth not those of you who really strive, nor knoweth those (of you) who are steadfast?

Yusuf AliDid ye think that ye would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (In His Cause) and remained steadfast?

The agreed readingOr did you suppose you would enter the Garden before God has marked out those of you who struggled, and marked out the patient?
3:143#
وَلَقَدْ كُنتُمْ تَمَنَّوْنَ ٱلْمَوْتَ مِن قَبْلِ أَن تَلْقَوْهُ فَقَدْ رَأَيْتُمُوهُ وَأَنتُمْ تَنظُرُونَ

PickthallAnd verily ye used to wish for death before ye met it (in the field). Now ye have seen it with your eyes!

Yusuf AliYe did indeed wish for death before ye met him: Now ye have seen him with your own eyes, (And ye flinch!)

The agreed readingYou used to wish for death before you met it; now you have seen it, and you were looking on.
3:144#
وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ ٱلرُّسُلُ أَفَإِي۟ن مَّاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ ٱنقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَعْقَٰبِكُمْ وَمَن يَنقَلِبْ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَن يَضُرَّ ٱللَّهَ شَيْـًٔا وَسَيَجْزِى ٱللَّهُ ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ

PickthallMuhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels? He who turneth back on his heels doth no hurt to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful.

Yusuf AliMuhammad is no more than a messenger: many Were the messenger that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then Turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.

The agreed readingMuhammad is only a messenger; messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels will not harm God at all, and God will reward the thankful. The commentaries carry the occasion together: the cry at Uhud that the Prophet had been killed, and what that rumour did.
3:145#
وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفْسٍ أَن تَمُوتَ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ كِتَٰبًا مُّؤَجَّلًا وَمَن يُرِدْ ثَوَابَ ٱلدُّنْيَا نُؤْتِهِۦ مِنْهَا وَمَن يُرِدْ ثَوَابَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ نُؤْتِهِۦ مِنْهَا وَسَنَجْزِى ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ

PickthallNo soul can ever die except by Allah's leave and at a term appointed. Whoso desireth the reward of the world, We bestow on him thereof; and whoso desireth the reward of the Hereafter, We bestow on him thereof. We shall reward the thankful.

Yusuf AliNor can a soul die except by Allah's leave, the term being fixed as by writing. If any do desire a reward in this life, We shall give it to him; and if any do desire a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those that (serve us with) gratitude.

The agreed readingNo soul dies except by God's leave, at a term written and fixed. Whoever wants the reward of this world, We give him from it; and whoever wants the reward of the Hereafter, We give him from it; and We will reward the thankful.
3:146#
وَكَأَيِّن مِّن نَّبِىٍّ قَٰتَلَ مَعَهُۥ رِبِّيُّونَ كَثِيرٌ فَمَا وَهَنُوا۟ لِمَآ أَصَابَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا ضَعُفُوا۟ وَمَا ٱسْتَكَانُوا۟ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ

PickthallAnd with how many a prophet have there been a number of devoted men who fought (beside him). They quailed not for aught that befell them in the way of Allah, nor did they weaken, nor were they brought low. Allah loveth the steadfast.

Yusuf AliHow many of the prophets fought (in Allah's way), and with them (fought) Large bands of godly men? but they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah's way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast.

The agreed readingHow many a prophet has fought with many godly men beside him. They did not weaken at what struck them in the way of God, they did not flag, and they did not bow; God loves the patient.
3:147supplication#
وَمَا كَانَ قَوْلَهُمْ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسْرَافَنَا فِىٓ أَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

PickthallTheir cry was only that they said: Our Lord! forgive us for our sins and wasted efforts, make our foothold sure, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk.

Yusuf AliAll that they said was: "Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything We may have done that transgressed our duty: Establish our feet firmly, and help us against those that resist Faith."

The agreed readingTheir only words were: our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses in our affair, make our feet firm, and help us against the refusing people. The commentaries make the same observation: men of that rank met catastrophe with a prayer of repentance, putting their own sins before their enemy.
3:148#
فَـَٔاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ثَوَابَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَحُسْنَ ثَوَابِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

PickthallSo Allah gave them the reward of the world and the good reward of the Hereafter. Allah loveth those whose deeds are good.

Yusuf AliAnd Allah gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For Allah Loveth those who do good.

The agreed readingSo God gave them the reward of this world and the beautiful reward of the Hereafter; God loves those who do good.
3:149#
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِن تُطِيعُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يَرُدُّوكُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَعْقَٰبِكُمْ فَتَنقَلِبُوا۟ خَٰسِرِينَ

PickthallO ye who believe! if ye obey those who disbelieve, they will make you turn back on your heels, and ye turn back as losers.

Yusuf AliO ye who believe! If ye obey the Unbelievers, they will drive you back on your heels, and ye will turn back (from Faith) to your own loss.

The agreed readingYou who believe, if you obey those who refuse, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will turn back as losers.
3:150#
بَلِ ٱللَّهُ مَوْلَىٰكُمْ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلنَّٰصِرِينَ

PickthallBut Allah is your Protector, and He is the Best of Helpers.

Yusuf AliNay, Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.

The agreed readingRather God is your Protector, and He is the best of helpers. The commentaries set it against the ayah before: the ones offering to help you would hand you back to refusal, and the One who actually holds you needs no other alongside Him.
3:151#
سَنُلْقِى فِى قُلُوبِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱلرُّعْبَ بِمَآ أَشْرَكُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ سُلْطَٰنًا وَمَأْوَىٰهُمُ ٱلنَّارُ وَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

PickthallWe shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve because they ascribe unto Allah partners, for which no warrant hath been revealed. Their habitation is the Fire, and hapless the abode of the wrong-doers.

Yusuf AliSoon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: And evil is the home of the wrong-doers!

The agreed readingWe will cast terror into the hearts of those who refuse, because they set up beside God partners for which He never sent down any authority. Their refuge is the Fire, and evil is the lodging of the wrongdoers. The commentaries carry the same sequel: the enemy that had considered turning back to finish Medina was seized by this dread and went home.
3:152#
وَلَقَدْ صَدَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَعْدَهُۥٓ إِذْ تَحُسُّونَهُم بِإِذْنِهِۦ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَشِلْتُمْ وَتَنَٰزَعْتُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ وَعَصَيْتُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ مَآ أَرَىٰكُم مَّا تُحِبُّونَ مِنكُم مَّن يُرِيدُ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَمِنكُم مَّن يُرِيدُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ ثُمَّ صَرَفَكُمْ عَنْهُمْ لِيَبْتَلِيَكُمْ وَلَقَدْ عَفَا عَنكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

PickthallAllah verily made good His promise unto you when ye routed them by His leave, until (the moment) when your courage failed you, and ye disagreed about the order and ye disobeyed, after He had shown you that for which ye long. Some of you desired the world, and some of you desired the Hereafter. Therefore He made you flee from them, that He might try you. Yet now He hath forgiven you. Allah is a Lord of Kindness to believers.

Yusuf AliAllah did indeed fulfil His promise to you when ye with His permission Were about to annihilate your enemy,-until ye flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) which ye covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then did He divert you from your foes in order to test you but He forgave you: For Allah is full of grace to those who believe.

The agreed readingGod kept His promise to you when you were cutting them down by His leave — until you lost heart, quarrelled over the order, and disobeyed after He had shown you what you love. Among you were those who wanted this world, and among you were those who wanted the Hereafter. Then He turned you from them to test you, and He has pardoned you; God is bountiful to the believers. The commentaries carry the same account: the archers left the position they had been commanded to hold, when the spoils came into view.
3:153#
إِذْ تُصْعِدُونَ وَلَا تَلْوُۥنَ عَلَىٰٓ أَحَدٍ وَٱلرَّسُولُ يَدْعُوكُمْ فِىٓ أُخْرَىٰكُمْ فَأَثَٰبَكُمْ غَمًّۢا بِغَمٍّ لِّكَيْلَا تَحْزَنُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَلَا مَآ أَصَٰبَكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

PickthallWhen ye climbed (the hill) and paid no heed to anyone, while the messenger, in your rear, was calling you (to fight). Therefor He rewarded you grief for (his) grief, that (He might teach) you not to sorrow either for that which ye missed or for that which befell you. Allah is Informed of what ye do.

Yusuf AliBehold! ye were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at any one, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There did Allah give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for (the booty) that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had befallen you. For Allah is well aware of all that ye do.

The agreed readingWhen you were climbing away without turning for anyone, and the Messenger was calling you from behind. So He repaid you grief upon grief, so that you would not sorrow over what escaped you or what struck you; God is aware of what you do.
3:154#
ثُمَّ أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ ٱلْغَمِّ أَمَنَةً نُّعَاسًا يَغْشَىٰ طَآئِفَةً مِّنكُمْ وَطَآئِفَةٌ قَدْ أَهَمَّتْهُمْ أَنفُسُهُمْ يَظُنُّونَ بِٱللَّهِ غَيْرَ ٱلْحَقِّ ظَنَّ ٱلْجَٰهِلِيَّةِ يَقُولُونَ هَل لَّنَا مِنَ ٱلْأَمْرِ مِن شَىْءٍ قُلْ إِنَّ ٱلْأَمْرَ كُلَّهُۥ لِلَّهِ يُخْفُونَ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِم مَّا لَا يُبْدُونَ لَكَ يَقُولُونَ لَوْ كَانَ لَنَا مِنَ ٱلْأَمْرِ شَىْءٌ مَّا قُتِلْنَا هَٰهُنَا قُل لَّوْ كُنتُمْ فِى بُيُوتِكُمْ لَبَرَزَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْقَتْلُ إِلَىٰ مَضَاجِعِهِمْ وَلِيَبْتَلِىَ ٱللَّهُ مَا فِى صُدُورِكُمْ وَلِيُمَحِّصَ مَا فِى قُلُوبِكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ

PickthallThen, after grief, He sent down security for you. As slumber did it overcome a party of you, while (the other) party, who were anxious on their own account, thought wrongly of Allah, the thought of ignorance. They said: Have we any part in the cause? Say (O Muhammad): The cause belongeth wholly to Allah. They hide within themselves (a thought) which they reveal not unto thee, saying: Had we had any part in the cause we should not have been slain here. Say: Even though ye had been in your houses, those appointed to be slain would have gone forth to the places where they were to lie. (All this hath been) in order that Allah might try what is in your breasts and prove what is in your hearts. Allah is Aware of what is hidden in the breasts (of men).

Yusuf AliAfter (the excitement) of the distress, He sent down calm on a band of you overcome with slumber, while another band was stirred to anxiety by their own feelings, Moved by wrong suspicions of Allah-suspicions due to ignorance. They said: "What affair is this of ours?" Say thou: "Indeed, this affair is wholly Allah's." They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to thee. They say (to themselves): "If we had had anything to do with this affair, We should not have been in the slaughter here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death"; but (all this was) that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge what is in your hearts. For Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.

The agreed readingThen, after the grief, He sent down security upon you: a drowsiness that overcame one party of you, while another party, anxious only for themselves, thought wrongly of God, the thought of the days of ignorance, saying: do we have any share in the matter? Say: the matter belongs entirely to God. They hide within themselves what they do not show you, saying: had we any share in the matter we would not have been killed here. Say: had you stayed in your houses, those for whom killing was written would have gone out to where they now lie — so that God might test what is in your breasts and refine what is in your hearts. God knows what the breasts hold.
3:155#
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَلَّوْا۟ مِنكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْتَقَى ٱلْجَمْعَانِ إِنَّمَا ٱسْتَزَلَّهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ بِبَعْضِ مَا كَسَبُوا۟ وَلَقَدْ عَفَا ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ

PickthallLo! those of you who turned back on the day when the two hosts met, Satan alone it was who caused them to backslide, because of some of that which they have earned. Now Allah hath forgiven them. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Clement.

Yusuf AliThose of you who turned back on the day the two hosts Met,-it was Satan who caused them to fail, because of some (evil) they had done. But Allah Has blotted out (their fault): For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

The agreed readingThose of you who turned away on the day the two forces met — it was Satan who made them slip, by some of what they had earned. God has pardoned them; God is forgiving, forbearing.
3:156#
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَقَالُوا۟ لِإِخْوَٰنِهِمْ إِذَا ضَرَبُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَوْ كَانُوا۟ غُزًّى لَّوْ كَانُوا۟ عِندَنَا مَا مَاتُوا۟ وَمَا قُتِلُوا۟ لِيَجْعَلَ ٱللَّهُ ذَٰلِكَ حَسْرَةً فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ وَٱللَّهُ يُحْىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ

PickthallO ye who believe! Be not as those who disbelieved and said of their brethren who went abroad in the land or were fighting in the field: If they had been (here) with us they would not have died or been killed: that Allah may make it anguish in their hearts. Allah giveth life and causeth death; and Allah is Seer of what ye do.

Yusuf AliO ye who believe! Be not like the Unbelievers, who say of their brethren, when they are travelling through the Earth or engaged in fighting: "If they had stayed with us, they would not have died, or been slain." This that Allah may make it a cause of sighs and regrets in their hearts. It is Allah that gives Life and Death, and Allah sees well all that ye do.

The agreed readingYou who believe, do not be like those who refused and said of their brothers who travelled the land or went out to fight: had they stayed with us they would not have died or been killed — so that God makes it an anguish in their hearts. It is God who gives life and gives death, and God sees what you do.
3:157#
وَلَئِن قُتِلْتُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْ مُتُّمْ لَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَحْمَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ

PickthallAnd what though ye be slain in Allah's way or die therein? Surely pardon from Allah and mercy are better than all that they amass.

Yusuf AliAnd if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass.

The agreed readingAnd if you are killed in the way of God, or die, forgiveness from God and mercy are better than everything they gather.
3:158#
وَلَئِن مُّتُّمْ أَوْ قُتِلْتُمْ لَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

PickthallWhat though ye be slain or die, when unto Allah ye are gathered?

Yusuf AliAnd if ye die, or are slain, Lo! it is unto Allah that ye are brought together.

The agreed readingAnd whether you die or are killed, it is to God that you will be gathered. The commentaries put the two ayat together: the first says what you gain by dying in His way, and this one says that the gathering happens either way, so the manner of death changes the reward and not the destination.
3:159#
فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلْقَلْبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنْ حَوْلِكَ فَٱعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ

PickthallIt was by the mercy of Allah that thou wast lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust (in Him).

Yusuf AliIt is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).

The agreed readingIt was by a mercy from God that you were gentle with them; had you been harsh and hard of heart they would have scattered from around you. So pardon them, ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in the matter; then, when you have resolved, put your trust in God — God loves those who trust Him. The commentaries all pause at the same wonder: the men being pardoned and consulted here are the very men whose disobedience had just cost the battle.
3:160#
إِن يَنصُرْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ فَلَا غَالِبَ لَكُمْ وَإِن يَخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَنصُرُكُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ

PickthallIf Allah is your helper none can overcome you, and if He withdraw His help from you, who is there who can help you after Him? In Allah let believers put their trust.

Yusuf AliIf Allah helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? in Allah, then, Let believers put their trust.

The agreed readingIf God helps you, none can overcome you; and if He abandons you, who is there to help you after Him? In God let the believers put their trust. The commentaries set the two halves against the two battles: the day of Badr and the day of Uhud.
3:161#
وَمَا كَانَ لِنَبِىٍّ أَن يَغُلَّ وَمَن يَغْلُلْ يَأْتِ بِمَا غَلَّ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ

PickthallIt is not for any prophet to embezzle. Whoso embezzleth will bring what he embezzled with him on the Day of Resurrection. Then every soul will be paid in full what it hath earned; and they will not be wronged.

Yusuf AliNo prophet could (ever) be false to his trust. If any person is so false, He shall, on the Day of Judgment, restore what he misappropriated; then shall every soul receive its due,- whatever it earned,- and none shall be dealt with unjustly.

The agreed readingIt is not for any prophet to defraud; whoever defrauds will come carrying what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then every soul is paid in full what it earned, and they are not wronged. The commentaries carry the same occasion: a missing piece of spoils, and a whisper that reached even the Prophet — answered by declaring the thing unthinkable of prophethood itself.
3:162#
أَفَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضْوَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ كَمَنۢ بَآءَ بِسَخَطٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَأْوَىٰهُ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ

PickthallIs one who followeth the pleasure of Allah as one who hath earned condemnation from Allah, whose habitation is the Fire, a hapless journey's end?

Yusuf AliIs the man who follows the good pleasure of Allah Like the man who draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and whose abode is in Hell?- A woeful refuge!

The agreed readingIs one who pursues God's good pleasure like one who returns carrying God's displeasure, whose refuge is Hell? An evil destination it is.
3:163#
هُمْ دَرَجَٰتٌ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ بَصِيرٌۢ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ

PickthallThere are degrees (of grace and reprobation) with Allah, and Allah is Seer of what they do.

Yusuf AliThey are in varying gardens in the sight of Allah, and Allah sees well all that they do.

The agreed readingThey are of different degrees with God, and God sees what they do. The commentaries read the degrees as running both ways: ranks above for those who pursued His good pleasure, and ranks below for those who returned carrying His displeasure, each placed by what he actually did.
3:164#
لَقَدْ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا۟ مِن قَبْلُ لَفِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

PickthallAllah verily hath shown grace to the believers by sending unto them a messenger of their own who reciteth unto them His revelations, and causeth them to grow, and teacheth them the Scripture and wisdom; although before (he came to them) they were in flagrant error.

Yusuf AliAllah did confer a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a messenger from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error.

The agreed readingGod has conferred a favour on the believers by raising among them a messenger from among themselves, who recites His signs to them, purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom — though before that they were in plain error.
3:165#
أَوَلَمَّآ أَصَٰبَتْكُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَدْ أَصَبْتُم مِّثْلَيْهَا قُلْتُمْ أَنَّىٰ هَٰذَا قُلْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ أَنفُسِكُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

PickthallAnd was it so, when a disaster smote you, though ye had smitten (them with a disaster) twice (as great), that ye said: How is this? Say (unto them, O Muhammad): It is from yourselves. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.

Yusuf AliWhat! When a single disaster smites you, although ye smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, do ye say?- "Whence is this?" Say (to them): "It is from yourselves: For Allah hath power over all things."

The agreed readingAnd when a calamity struck you, though you had struck them with twice its like, did you say: how is this? Say: it is from yourselves; God has power over everything. The commentaries carry the same arithmetic: seventy dead at Uhud, against seventy killed and seventy taken at Badr.
3:166#
وَمَآ أَصَٰبَكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْتَقَى ٱلْجَمْعَانِ فَبِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

PickthallThat which befell you, on the day when the two armies met, was by permission of Allah; that He might know the true believers;

Yusuf AliWhat ye suffered on the day the two armies Met, was with the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers,-

The agreed readingWhat struck you on the day the two forces met was by God's leave, and so that He might mark out the believers.
3:167#
وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ نَافَقُوا۟ وَقِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا۟ قَٰتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَوِ ٱدْفَعُوا۟ قَالُوا۟ لَوْ نَعْلَمُ قِتَالًا لَّٱتَّبَعْنَٰكُمْ هُمْ لِلْكُفْرِ يَوْمَئِذٍ أَقْرَبُ مِنْهُمْ لِلْإِيمَٰنِ يَقُولُونَ بِأَفْوَٰهِهِم مَّا لَيْسَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَكْتُمُونَ

PickthallAnd that He might know the hypocrites, unto whom it was said: Come, fight in the way of Allah, or defend yourselves. They answered: If we knew aught of fighting we would follow you. On that day they were nearer disbelief than faith. They utter with their mouths a thing which is not in their hearts. Allah is Best Aware of what they hide.

Yusuf AliAnd the Hypocrites also. These were told: "Come, fight in the way of Allah, or (at least) drive (The foe from your city)." They said: "Had we known how to fight, we should certainly have followed you." They were that day nearer to Unbelief than to Faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts but Allah hath full knowledge of all they conceal.

The agreed readingAnd so that He might mark out those who played the hypocrite. They were told: come, fight in the way of God, or at least defend; they said: if we knew fighting would happen, we would have followed you. That day they were nearer to refusal than to belief, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts — and God knows best what they conceal. The commentaries name the withdrawal together: Abdullah ibn Ubayy turning back with his men.
3:168#
ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوا۟ لِإِخْوَٰنِهِمْ وَقَعَدُوا۟ لَوْ أَطَاعُونَا مَا قُتِلُوا۟ قُلْ فَٱدْرَءُوا۟ عَنْ أَنفُسِكُمُ ٱلْمَوْتَ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ

PickthallThose who, while they sat at home, said of their brethren (who were fighting for the cause of Allah): If they had been guided by us they would not have been slain. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Then avert death from yourselves if ye are truthful.

Yusuf Ali(They are) the ones that say, (of their brethren slain), while they themselves sit (at ease): "If only they had listened to us they would not have been slain." Say: "Avert death from your own selves, if ye speak the truth."

The agreed readingThose who sat at home and said of their brothers: had they obeyed us they would not have been killed. Say: then push death away from yourselves, if you are truthful.
3:169#
وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَمْوَٰتًۢا بَلْ أَحْيَآءٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ

PickthallThink not of those, who are slain in the way of Allah, as dead. Nay, they are living. With their Lord they have provision.

Yusuf AliThink not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord;

The agreed readingDo not reckon those killed in the way of God to be dead. Rather they are alive, with their Lord, provided for.
3:170#
فَرِحِينَ بِمَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ وَيَسْتَبْشِرُونَ بِٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَلْحَقُوا۟ بِهِم مِّنْ خَلْفِهِمْ أَلَّا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

PickthallJubilant (are they) because of that which Allah hath bestowed upon them of His bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not joined them but are left behind: That there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.

Yusuf AliThey rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah: And with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (Martyrs) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they (cause to) grieve.

The agreed readingRejoicing in what God has given them of His bounty, and glad for those behind them who have not yet joined them: that no fear shall be upon them, and they shall not grieve.
3:171#
يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ بِنِعْمَةٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَفَضْلٍ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

PickthallThey rejoice because of favour from Allah and kindness, and that Allah wasteth not the wage of the believers.

Yusuf AliThey glory in the Grace and the bounty from Allah, and in the fact that Allah suffereth not the reward of the Faithful to be lost (in the least).

The agreed readingThey rejoice in blessing and bounty from God, and that God does not let the reward of the believers be lost.
3:172#
ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَجَابُوا۟ لِلَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَآ أَصَابَهُمُ ٱلْقَرْحُ لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ

PickthallAs for those who heard the call of Allah and His messenger after the harm befell them (in the fight); for such of them as do right and ward off (evil), there is great reward.

Yusuf AliOf those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward;-

The agreed readingThose who answered God and the Messenger even after the wound had struck them — for those of them who did good and guarded themselves there is a tremendous reward. The commentaries carry the same scene: the day after Uhud, the wounded went out again because they were called.
3:173#
ٱلَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا۟ لَكُمْ فَٱخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَٰنًا وَقَالُوا۟ حَسْبُنَا ٱللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيلُ

PickthallThose unto whom men said: Lo! the people have gathered against you, therefor fear them. (The threat of danger) but increased the faith of them and they cried: Allah is Sufficient for us! Most Excellent is He in Whom we trust!

Yusuf AliMen said to them: "A great army is gathering against you": And frightened them: But it (only) increased their Faith: They said: "For us Allah sufficeth, and He is the best disposer of affairs."

The agreed readingThose who were told: the people have gathered against you, so fear them — and it only increased them in faith, and they said: God is enough for us, and what an excellent Trustee.
3:174#
فَٱنقَلَبُوا۟ بِنِعْمَةٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَفَضْلٍ لَّمْ يَمْسَسْهُمْ سُوٓءٌ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ رِضْوَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَظِيمٍ

PickthallSo they returned with grace and favour from Allah, and no harm touched them. They followed the good pleasure of Allah, and Allah is of Infinite Bounty.

Yusuf AliAnd they returned with Grace and bounty from Allah: no harm ever touched them: For they followed the good pleasure of Allah: And Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.

The agreed readingSo they returned with blessing and bounty from God; no harm touched them, and they pursued God's good pleasure — and God is the possessor of immense bounty.
3:175#
إِنَّمَا ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ يُخَوِّفُ أَوْلِيَآءَهُۥ فَلَا تَخَافُوهُمْ وَخَافُونِ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

PickthallIt is only the devil who would make (men) fear his partisans. Fear them not; fear Me, if ye are true believers.

Yusuf AliIt is only the Evil One that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: Be ye not afraid of them, but fear Me, if ye have Faith.

The agreed readingThat was only Satan, making his own partisans into a fright. So do not fear them; fear Me, if you are believers.
3:176#
وَلَا يَحْزُنكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُسَٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْكُفْرِ إِنَّهُمْ لَن يَضُرُّوا۟ ٱللَّهَ شَيْـًٔا يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَلَّا يَجْعَلَ لَهُمْ حَظًّا فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

PickthallLet not their conduct grieve thee, who run easily to disbelief, for lo! they injure Allah not at all. It is Allah's Will to assign them no portion in the Hereafter, and theirs will be an awful doom.

Yusuf AliLet not those grieve thee who rush headlong into Unbelief: Not the least harm will they do to Allah: Allah's plan is that He will give them no portion in the Hereafter, but a severe punishment.

The agreed readingDo not let those who race into refusal grieve you: they will not harm God at all. God intends to give them no share in the Hereafter, and theirs is a tremendous punishment.
3:177#
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱشْتَرَوُا۟ ٱلْكُفْرَ بِٱلْإِيمَٰنِ لَن يَضُرُّوا۟ ٱللَّهَ شَيْـًٔا وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

PickthallThose who purchase disbelief at the price of faith harm Allah not at all, but theirs will be a painful doom.

Yusuf AliThose who purchase Unbelief at the price of faith,- not the least harm will they do to Allah, but they will have a grievous punishment.

The agreed readingThose who buy refusal at the price of belief will not harm God at all, and theirs is a painful punishment.
3:178#
وَلَا يَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَا نُمْلِى لَهُمْ خَيْرٌ لِّأَنفُسِهِمْ إِنَّمَا نُمْلِى لَهُمْ لِيَزْدَادُوٓا۟ إِثْمًا وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُّهِينٌ

PickthallAnd let not those who disbelieve imagine that the rein We give them bodeth good unto their souls. We only give them rein that they may grow in sinfulness. And theirs will be a shameful doom.

Yusuf AliLet not the Unbelievers think that our respite to them is good for themselves: We grant them respite that they may grow in their iniquity: But they will have a shameful punishment.

The agreed readingLet those who refuse not reckon that the rein We give them is good for them; We give them rein only so that they increase in sin, and theirs is a humiliating punishment. The commentaries read the rein the same way: long life and delay, mistaken for favour.
3:179#
مَّا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيَذَرَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَنتُمْ عَلَيْهِ حَتَّىٰ يَمِيزَ ٱلْخَبِيثَ مِنَ ٱلطَّيِّبِ وَمَا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيُطْلِعَكُمْ عَلَى ٱلْغَيْبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَجْتَبِى مِن رُّسُلِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ فَـَٔامِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَإِن تُؤْمِنُوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ فَلَكُمْ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ

PickthallIt is not (the purpose) of Allah to leave you in your present state till He shall separate the wicked from the good. And it is not (the purpose of) Allah to let you know the Unseen. But Allah chooseth of His messengers whom He will, (to receive knowledge thereof). So believe in Allah and His messengers. If ye believe and ward off (evil), yours will be a vast reward.

Yusuf AliAllah will not leave the believers in the state in which ye are now, until He separates what is evil from what is good nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen. But He chooses of His Messengers (For the purpose) whom He pleases. So believe in Allah. And His messengers: And if ye believe and do right, ye have a reward without measure.

The agreed readingGod would not leave the believers as you are until He separates the foul from the good. Nor would God show you the unseen; but God chooses from His messengers whom He wills. So believe in God and His messengers; and if you believe and guard yourselves, yours is a tremendous reward.
3:180#
وَلَا يَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَبْخَلُونَ بِمَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ هُوَ خَيْرًا لَّهُم بَلْ هُوَ شَرٌّ لَّهُمْ سَيُطَوَّقُونَ مَا بَخِلُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ وَلِلَّهِ مِيرَٰثُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

PickthallAnd let not those who hoard up that which Allah hath bestowed upon them of His bounty think that it is better for them. Nay, it is worse for them. That which they hoard will be their collar on the Day of Resurrection. Allah's is the heritage of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Informed of what ye do.

Yusuf AliAnd let not those who covetously withhold of the gifts which Allah Hath given them of His Grace, think that it is good for them: Nay, it will be the worse for them: soon shall the things which they covetously withheld be tied to their necks Like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgment. To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.

The agreed readingLet those who are miserly with what God has given them of His bounty not reckon it better for them — it is worse for them. What they hoarded will be hung around their necks on the Day of Resurrection. To God belongs the inheritance of the heavens and the earth, and God is aware of what you do.
3:181#
لَّقَدْ سَمِعَ ٱللَّهُ قَوْلَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ فَقِيرٌ وَنَحْنُ أَغْنِيَآءُ سَنَكْتُبُ مَا قَالُوا۟ وَقَتْلَهُمُ ٱلْأَنۢبِيَآءَ بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ وَنَقُولُ ذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلْحَرِيقِ

PickthallVerily Allah heard the saying of those who said, (when asked for contributions to the war): "Allah, forsooth, is poor, and we are rich!" We shall record their saying with their slaying of the prophets wrongfully and We shall say: Taste ye the punishment of burning!

Yusuf AliAllah hath heard the taunt of those who say: "Truly, Allah is indigent and we are rich!"- We shall certainly record their word and (their act) of slaying the prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say: "Taste ye the penalty of the Scorching Fire!

The agreed readingGod has heard the words of those who said: God is poor and we are rich. We will write down what they said, together with their killing of the prophets without right, and We will say: taste the punishment of the burning. The commentaries carry the occasion together: it was said in mockery when the call came to lend God a beautiful loan.
3:182#
ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَيْسَ بِظَلَّامٍ لِّلْعَبِيدِ

PickthallThis is on account of that which your own hands have sent before (you to the judgment). Allah is no oppressor of (His) bondmen.

Yusuf Ali"This is because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent on before ye: For Allah never harms those who serve Him."

The agreed readingThat is for what your own hands sent ahead, and because God does no wrong to His servants. The commentaries make the same point about the wording: the hands stand for the whole person, because it is by them that most deeds are done.
3:183#
ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَهِدَ إِلَيْنَآ أَلَّا نُؤْمِنَ لِرَسُولٍ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَنَا بِقُرْبَانٍ تَأْكُلُهُ ٱلنَّارُ قُلْ قَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِى بِٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ وَبِٱلَّذِى قُلْتُمْ فَلِمَ قَتَلْتُمُوهُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ

Pickthall(The same are) those who say: Lo! Allah hath charged us that we believe not in any messenger until he bring us an offering which fire (from heaven) shall devour. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Messengers came unto you before me with miracles, and with that (very miracle) which ye describe. Why then did ye slay them? (Answer that) if ye are truthful!

Yusuf AliThey (also) said: "Allah took our promise not to believe in an messenger unless He showed us a sacrifice consumed by Fire (From heaven)." Say: "There came to you messengers before me, with clear Signs and even with what ye ask for: why then did ye slay them, if ye speak the truth?"

The agreed readingThose who said: God has charged us not to believe any messenger until he brings us an offering that fire consumes. Say: messengers came to you before me with the clear proofs and with the very thing you describe — so why did you kill them, if you are truthful?
3:184#
فَإِن كَذَّبُوكَ فَقَدْ كُذِّبَ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ جَآءُو بِٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ وَٱلزُّبُرِ وَٱلْكِتَٰبِ ٱلْمُنِيرِ

PickthallAnd if they deny thee, even so did they deny messengers who were before thee, who came with miracles and with the Psalms and with the Scripture giving light.

Yusuf AliThen if they reject thee, so were rejected messengers before thee, who came with Clear Signs, Books of dark prophecies, and the Book of Enlightenment.

The agreed readingIf they call you a liar, messengers before you were called liars — men who came with the clear proofs, the psalms, and the illuminating Book.
3:185#
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ ٱلنَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا مَتَٰعُ ٱلْغُرُورِ

PickthallEvery soul will taste of death. And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which ye have fairly earned. Whoso is removed from the Fire and is made to enter paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion.

Yusuf AliEvery soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.

The agreed readingEvery soul tastes death, and you are paid your rewards in full only on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to the Garden has triumphed; the life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion.
3:186#
لَتُبْلَوُنَّ فِىٓ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ وَلَتَسْمَعُنَّ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوٓا۟ أَذًى كَثِيرًا وَإِن تَصْبِرُوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ ٱلْأُمُورِ

PickthallAssuredly ye will be tried in your property and in your persons, and ye will hear much wrong from those who were given the Scripture before you, and from the idolaters. But if ye persevere and ward off (evil), then that is of the steadfast heart of things.

Yusuf AliYe shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly Hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if ye persevere patiently, and guard against evil,-then that will be a determining factor in all affairs.

The agreed readingYou will surely be tested in your wealth and your selves, and you will surely hear much hurt from those given the Scripture before you and from those who set up partners with God. But if you are patient and guard yourselves — that is of the matters that demand resolve.
3:187#
وَإِذْ أَخَذَ ٱللَّهُ مِيثَٰقَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ لَتُبَيِّنُنَّهُۥ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَكْتُمُونَهُۥ فَنَبَذُوهُ وَرَآءَ ظُهُورِهِمْ وَٱشْتَرَوْا۟ بِهِۦ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا فَبِئْسَ مَا يَشْتَرُونَ

PickthallAnd (remember) when Allah laid a charge on those who had received the Scripture (He said): Ye are to expound it to mankind and not to hide it. But they flung it behind their backs and bought thereby a little gain. Verily evil is that which they have gained thereby.

Yusuf AliAnd remember Allah took a covenant from the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And vile was the bargain they made!

The agreed readingWhen God took the covenant of those given the Scripture: you shall make it clear to people and not conceal it. But they threw it behind their backs and bought a small price with it — and evil is what they bought.
3:188#
لَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفْرَحُونَ بِمَآ أَتَوا۟ وَّيُحِبُّونَ أَن يُحْمَدُوا۟ بِمَا لَمْ يَفْعَلُوا۟ فَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّهُم بِمَفَازَةٍ مِّنَ ٱلْعَذَابِ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

PickthallThink not that those who exult in what they have given, and love to be praised for what they have not done - Think not, they are in safety from the doom. A painful doom is theirs.

Yusuf AliThink not that those who exult in what they have brought about, and love to be praised for what they have not done,- think escape the penalty. For them is a penalty Grievous indeed.

The agreed readingDo not reckon that those who exult in what they have done, and love to be praised for what they never did, have escaped the punishment; theirs is a painful punishment.
3:189#
وَلِلَّهِ مُلْكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

PickthallUnto Allah belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. Allah is Able to do all things.

Yusuf AliTo Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and Allah hath power over all things.

The agreed readingTo God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and God has power over everything.
3:190#
إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَـَٔايَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ

PickthallLo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His Sovereignty) for men of understanding,

Yusuf AliBehold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding,-

The agreed readingIn the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day there are signs for people of understanding.
3:191supplication#
ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَٰمًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَٰطِلًا سُبْحَٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

PickthallSuch as remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! Thou createdst not this in vain. Glory be to Thee! Preserve us from the doom of Fire.

Yusuf AliMen who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (With the thought): "Our Lord! not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire.

The agreed readingThose who remember God standing, sitting, and on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: our Lord, You did not create this in vain — glory be to You — so guard us from the punishment of the Fire. The commentaries hold the two acts together: remembrance in every posture, and thought about the making of things, each feeding the other.
3:192supplication#
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ ٱلنَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُۥ وَمَا لِلظَّٰلِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ

PickthallOur Lord! Whom Thou causest to enter the Fire: him indeed Thou hast confounded. For evil-doers there will be no helpers.

Yusuf Ali"Our Lord! any whom Thou dost admit to the Fire, Truly Thou coverest with shame, and never will wrong-doers Find any helpers!

The agreed readingOur Lord, whomever You admit to the Fire You have disgraced, and the wrongdoers have no helpers.
3:193supplication#
رَّبَّنَآ إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِى لِلْإِيمَٰنِ أَنْ ءَامِنُوا۟ بِرَبِّكُمْ فَـَٔامَنَّا رَبَّنَا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّـَٔاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ ٱلْأَبْرَارِ

PickthallOur Lord! Lo! we have heard a crier calling unto Faith: "Believe ye in your Lord!" So we believed. Our Lord! Therefor forgive us our sins, and remit from us our evil deeds, and make us die the death of the righteous.

Yusuf Ali"Our Lord! we have heard the call of one calling (Us) to Faith, 'Believe ye in the Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous.

The agreed readingOur Lord, we heard a caller calling to belief — believe in your Lord — and we believed. Our Lord, forgive us our sins, wipe away our evil deeds, and take us to Yourself with the devout.
3:194supplication#
رَبَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ

PickthallOur Lord! And give us that which Thou hast promised to us by Thy messengers. Confound us not upon the Day of Resurrection. Lo! Thou breakest not the tryst.

Yusuf Ali"Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through Thine messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: For Thou never breakest Thy promise."

The agreed readingOur Lord, give us what You promised us through Your messengers, and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection; You do not break the appointment. The commentaries note the same thing about this asking: they ask for what was already promised, out of servanthood, not out of doubt.
3:195#
فَٱسْتَجَابَ لَهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ أَنِّى لَآ أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَٰمِلٍ مِّنكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ بَعْضُكُم مِّنۢ بَعْضٍ فَٱلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا۟ وَأُخْرِجُوا۟ مِن دِيَٰرِهِمْ وَأُوذُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِى وَقَٰتَلُوا۟ وَقُتِلُوا۟ لَأُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتِهِمْ وَلَأُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ جَنَّٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ ثَوَابًا مِّنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُۥ حُسْنُ ٱلثَّوَابِ

PickthallAnd their Lord hath heard them (and He saith): Lo! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost. Ye proceed one from another. So those who fled and were driven forth from their homes and suffered damage for My cause, and fought and were slain, verily I shall remit their evil deeds from them and verily I shall bring them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow - A reward from Allah. And with Allah is the fairest of rewards.

Yusuf AliAnd their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: Ye are members, one of another: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain,- verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath;- A reward from the presence of Allah, and from His presence is the best of rewards."

The agreed readingTheir Lord answered them: I do not let the work of any worker among you be lost, male or female — you are of one another. Those who emigrated, were driven from their homes, were hurt in My way, fought and were killed — I will wipe away their evil deeds and admit them to Gardens with rivers running beneath, a reward from God; and with God is the most beautiful reward.
3:196#
لَا يَغُرَّنَّكَ تَقَلُّبُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ

PickthallLet not the vicissitude (of the success) of those who disbelieve, in the land, deceive thee (O Muhammad).

Yusuf AliLet not the strutting about of the Unbelievers through the land deceive thee:

The agreed readingDo not be deceived by the free moving of those who refuse through the lands. The commentaries carry the same occasion of the thought it answers: the believers were in hardship and saw the enemies of God at ease in their trade and their travel, and wondered.
3:197#
مَتَٰعٌ قَلِيلٌ ثُمَّ مَأْوَىٰهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمِهَادُ

PickthallIt is but a brief comfort. And afterward their habitation will be hell, an ill abode.

Yusuf AliLittle is it for enjoyment: Their ultimate abode is Hell: what an evil bed (To lie on)!

The agreed readingA small enjoyment; then their refuge is Hell, and evil is the resting place. The commentaries measure the two halves against each other: what they are given is little and it ends, and what follows it does not.
3:198#
لَٰكِنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا۟ رَبَّهُمْ لَهُمْ جَنَّٰتٌ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا نُزُلًا مِّنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيْرٌ لِّلْأَبْرَارِ

PickthallBut those who keep their duty to their Lord, for them are Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will be safe for ever. A gift of welcome from their Lord. That which Allah hath in store is better for the righteous.

Yusuf AliOn the other hand, for those who fear their Lord, are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath; therein are they to dwell (for ever),- a gift from the presence of Allah; and that which is in the presence of Allah is the best (bliss) for the righteous.

The agreed readingBut those who are mindful of their Lord have Gardens with rivers running beneath, remaining in them — a welcome from God; and what is with God is better for the devout.
3:199#
وَإِنَّ مِنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لَمَن يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ خَٰشِعِينَ لِلَّهِ لَا يَشْتَرُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ

PickthallAnd lo! of the People of the Scripture there are some who believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto you and that which was revealed unto them, humbling themselves before Allah. They purchase not a trifling gain at the price of the revelations of Allah. Verily their reward is with their Lord. Lo! Allah is swift to take account.

Yusuf AliAnd there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to Allah: They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift in account.

The agreed readingAmong the People of the Scripture are those who believe in God, and in what was sent down to you, and in what was sent down to them, humbling themselves before God, not selling God's signs for a small price. They have their reward with their Lord; God is swift in reckoning.
3:200#
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱصْبِرُوا۟ وَصَابِرُوا۟ وَرَابِطُوا۟ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

PickthallO ye who believe! Endure, outdo all others in endurance, be ready, and observe your duty to Allah, in order that ye may succeed.

Yusuf AliO ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may prosper.

The agreed readingYou who believe, be patient, outlast the enemy in patience, stand guard at the frontier, and be mindful of God, that you may succeed. The commentaries read the ladder in order: patience in oneself, then patience against an adversary who is also enduring, then the manned post.