Surah 8 of 114 · Madani · 75 ayat
Al-Anfal الأنفال
The Spoils of War
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْأَنفَالِ قُلِ ٱلْأَنفَالُ لِلَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَصْلِحُوا۟ ذَاتَ بَيْنِكُمْ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
PickthallThey ask thee (O Muhammad) of the spoils of war. Say: The spoils of war belong to Allah and the messenger, so keep your duty to Allah, and adjust the matter of your difference, and obey Allah and His messenger, if ye are (true) believers.
Yusuf AliThey ask thee concerning (things taken as) spoils of war. Say: "(such) spoils are at the disposal of Allah and the Messenger: So fear Allah, and keep straight the relations between yourselves: Obey Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe."
The agreed readingThey ask you about the spoils. The word means what comes as an increase over a thing, which is why the voluntary acts of worship carry the same name. Say: the spoils belong to God and the Messenger, so the dispute over them is not yours to settle; be mindful of God, set right what is between you, and obey God and His Messenger, if you are believers. The commentaries record the occasion together: the question came after Badr, when those who had done the fighting and those who had held the lines behind them each claimed what had been taken.
إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتُهُۥ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَٰنًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
PickthallThey only are the (true) believers whose hearts feel fear when Allah is mentioned, and when His revelations are recited unto them they increase their faith, and who trust in their Lord;
Yusuf AliFor, Believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord;
The agreed readingThe believers are those whose hearts tremble when God is mentioned, whose faith increases when His signs are recited to them, and who place their trust in their Lord and in no one else. The increase spoken of here is in the strength of the faith, not in the number of the faithful.
ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
PickthallWho establish worship and spend of that We have bestowed on them.
Yusuf AliWho establish regular prayers and spend (freely) out of the gifts We have given them for sustenance:
The agreed readingThey establish the prayer, giving it its full due, and out of what We have provided them they spend in obedience to God.
أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا لَّهُمْ دَرَجَٰتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ
PickthallThose are they who are in truth believers. For them are grades (of honour) with their Lord, and pardon, and a bountiful provision.
Yusuf AliSuch in truth are the believers: they have grades of dignity with their Lord, and forgiveness, and generous sustenance:
The agreed readingThose are the believers in truth, the same inwardly as outwardly, saying only what is in their hearts. For them are ranks with their Lord, forgiveness, and a generous provision.
كَمَآ أَخْرَجَكَ رَبُّكَ مِنۢ بَيْتِكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَإِنَّ فَرِيقًا مِّنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ لَكَٰرِهُونَ
PickthallEven as thy Lord caused thee (Muhammad) to go forth from thy home with the Truth, and lo! a party of the believers were averse (to it).
Yusuf AliJust as thy Lord ordered thee out of thy house in truth, even though a party among the Believers disliked it,
The agreed readingThis is as your Lord brought you out from your house with the truth, while a party of the believers disliked it. The comparison is the point: the ruling on the spoils is right although they disliked it, exactly as the going out was right although they disliked that. What they disliked held good for them in their religion and in their worldly life alike, and they did not see it.
يُجَٰدِلُونَكَ فِى ٱلْحَقِّ بَعْدَ مَا تَبَيَّنَ كَأَنَّمَا يُسَاقُونَ إِلَى ٱلْمَوْتِ وَهُمْ يَنظُرُونَ
PickthallDisputing with thee of the Truth after it had been made manifest, as if they were being driven to death visible.
Yusuf AliDisputing with thee concerning the truth after it was made manifest, as if they were being driven to death and they (actually) saw it.
The agreed readingThey disputed with you about the truth, meaning the fighting, after it had already become clear, as though they were being driven towards a death they could see with their own eyes.
وَإِذْ يَعِدُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ إِحْدَى ٱلطَّآئِفَتَيْنِ أَنَّهَا لَكُمْ وَتَوَدُّونَ أَنَّ غَيْرَ ذَاتِ ٱلشَّوْكَةِ تَكُونُ لَكُمْ وَيُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُحِقَّ ٱلْحَقَّ بِكَلِمَٰتِهِۦ وَيَقْطَعَ دَابِرَ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
PickthallAnd when Allah promised you one of the two bands (of the enemy) that it should be yours, and ye longed that other than the armed one might be yours. And Allah willed that He should cause the Truth to triumph by His words, and cut the root of the disbelievers;
Yusuf AliBehold! Allah promised you one of the two (enemy) parties, that it should be yours: Ye wished that the one unarmed should be yours, but Allah willed to justify the Truth according to His words and to cut off the roots of the Unbelievers;-
The agreed readingGod promised you that one of the two parties would be yours: the trading caravan, or the armed column that had come out from Mecca. You wished for the one that carried no weapons, because it was the smaller and the easier of the two. But God willed to establish the truth by His words and to cut away the last root of those who refuse.
لِيُحِقَّ ٱلْحَقَّ وَيُبْطِلَ ٱلْبَٰطِلَ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ
PickthallThat He might cause the Truth to triumph and bring vanity to naught, however much the guilty might oppose;
Yusuf AliThat He might justify Truth and prove Falsehood false, distasteful though it be to those in guilt.
The agreed readingSo that He might establish the truth and bring falsehood to nothing, and the falsehood meant here is the refusal itself. This stands however much the guilty dislike it.
إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَٱسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّى مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ
PickthallWhen ye sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): I will help you with a thousand of the angels, rank on rank.
Yusuf AliRemember ye implored the assistance of your Lord, and He answered you: "I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, ranks on ranks."
The agreed readingWhen you called on your Lord for help and He answered you: I am reinforcing you with a thousand of the angels, following one behind another. The commentaries carry the occasion together: seeing how few they were against how many, the Prophet faced the qibla and kept calling on God with his hands outstretched, until his cloak fell from his shoulders.
وَمَا جَعَلَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بُشْرَىٰ وَلِتَطْمَئِنَّ بِهِۦ قُلُوبُكُمْ وَمَا ٱلنَّصْرُ إِلَّا مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
PickthallAllah appointed it only as good tidings, and that your hearts thereby might be at rest. Victory cometh only by the help of Allah. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise.
Yusuf AliAllah made it but a message of hope, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah: and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
The agreed readingGod made this only as good news, and so that your hearts would be set at rest by it. Victory comes from God alone and from nothing else, for the angels were never themselves the cause. God is the Mighty, the Wise.
إِذْ يُغَشِّيكُمُ ٱلنُّعَاسَ أَمَنَةً مِّنْهُ وَيُنَزِّلُ عَلَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً لِّيُطَهِّرَكُم بِهِۦ وَيُذْهِبَ عَنكُمْ رِجْزَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ وَلِيَرْبِطَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتَ بِهِ ٱلْأَقْدَامَ
PickthallWhen He made the slumber fall upon you as a reassurance from him and sent down water from the sky upon you, that thereby He might purify you, and remove from you the fear of Satan, and make strong your hearts and firm (your) feet thereby.
Yusuf AliRemember He covered you with a sort of drowsiness, to give you calm as from Himself, and he caused rain to descend on you from heaven, to clean you therewith, to remove from you the stain of Satan, to strengthen your hearts, and to plant your feet firmly therewith.
The agreed readingHe covered you with a sleep that was security from Him, and sent down water from the sky to purify you with it, to take from you the defilement of Satan, to bind your hearts and to make your feet firm. The commentaries carry the ground itself together: the Muslims stood on sand where the foot did not hold, and the rain packed it hard beneath them.
إِذْ يُوحِى رَبُّكَ إِلَى ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ أَنِّى مَعَكُمْ فَثَبِّتُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ سَأُلْقِى فِى قُلُوبِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱلرُّعْبَ فَٱضْرِبُوا۟ فَوْقَ ٱلْأَعْنَاقِ وَٱضْرِبُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ كُلَّ بَنَانٍ
PickthallWhen thy Lord inspired the angels, (saying): I am with you. So make those who believe stand firm. I will throw fear into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger.
Yusuf AliRemember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them."
The agreed readingWhen your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, so make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who refuse. Strike, then, above the necks, which is to say the heads, and strike from them every fingertip.
ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ شَآقُّوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
PickthallThat is because they opposed Allah and His messenger. Whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger, (for him) lo! Allah is severe in punishment.
Yusuf AliThis because they contended against Allah and His Messenger: If any contend against Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment.
The agreed readingThat was because they broke with God and His Messenger, and whoever breaks with God and His Messenger will find that God is severe in punishment.
ذَٰلِكُمْ فَذُوقُوهُ وَأَنَّ لِلْكَٰفِرِينَ عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
PickthallThat (is the award), so taste it, and (know) that for disbelievers is the torment of the Fire.
Yusuf AliThus (will it be said): "Taste ye then of the (punishment): for those who resist Allah, is the penalty of the Fire."
The agreed readingThat is yours, so taste it here and now, and know that for those who refuse there is the punishment of the Fire.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا لَقِيتُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ زَحْفًا فَلَا تُوَلُّوهُمُ ٱلْأَدْبَارَ
PickthallO ye who believe! When ye meet those who disbelieve in battle, turn not your backs to them.
Yusuf AliO ye who believe! when ye meet the Unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them.
The agreed readingYou who believe, when you meet those who refuse advancing against you in force, do not turn your backs to them. The word used pictures an army so many that they seem to come on crawling over the ground.
وَمَن يُوَلِّهِمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ دُبُرَهُۥٓ إِلَّا مُتَحَرِّفًا لِّقِتَالٍ أَوْ مُتَحَيِّزًا إِلَىٰ فِئَةٍ فَقَدْ بَآءَ بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَأْوَىٰهُ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
PickthallWhoso on that day turneth his back to them, unless manoeuvring for battle or intent to join a company, he truly hath incurred wrath from Allah, and his habitation will be hell, a hapless journey's end.
Yusuf AliIf any do turn his back to them on such a day - unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own)- he draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell,- an evil refuge (indeed)!
The agreed readingWhoever turns his back on them that day has drawn on himself anger from God, and his shelter is Hell, and it is an evil destination. Two turnings are not that turning, and the commentaries name them together: wheeling aside as a stratagem of war, showing the enemy a flight while intending to return to the attack, and withdrawing to join another company of the believers to draw strength from them.
فَلَمْ تَقْتُلُوهُمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَتَلَهُمْ وَمَا رَمَيْتَ إِذْ رَمَيْتَ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَمَىٰ وَلِيُبْلِىَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْهُ بَلَآءً حَسَنًا إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
PickthallYe (Muslims) slew them not, but Allah slew them. And thou (Muhammad) threwest not when thou didst throw, but Allah threw, that He might test the believers by a fair test from Him. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Knower.
Yusuf AliIt is not ye who slew them; it was Allah: when thou threwest (a handful of dust), it was not thy act, but Allah's: in order that He might test the Believers by a gracious trial from Himself: for Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things).
The agreed readingYou did not kill them, but God killed them, and you did not throw when you threw, but God threw. The commentaries carry the throw itself together: the Prophet took a handful of gravel and flung it into the faces of Quraysh, and a handful of gravel thrown by a man does not fill the eyes of an army. It was done so that He might bestow on the believers a good gift from Himself. God hears all and knows all.
ذَٰلِكُمْ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُوهِنُ كَيْدِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
PickthallThat (is the case); and (know) that Allah (it is) Who maketh weak the plan of disbelievers.
Yusuf AliThat, and also because Allah is He Who makes feeble the plans and stratagem of the Unbelievers.
The agreed readingThat is so, and know that God is the One who drains the strength out of the scheming of those who refuse.
إِن تَسْتَفْتِحُوا۟ فَقَدْ جَآءَكُمُ ٱلْفَتْحُ وَإِن تَنتَهُوا۟ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ وَإِن تَعُودُوا۟ نَعُدْ وَلَن تُغْنِىَ عَنكُمْ فِئَتُكُمْ شَيْـًٔا وَلَوْ كَثُرَتْ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Pickthall(O Qureysh!) If ye sought a judgment, now hath the judgment come unto you. And if ye cease (from persecuting the believers) it will be better for you, but if ye return (to the attack) We also shall return. And your host will avail you naught, however numerous it be, and (know) that Allah is with the believers (in His Guidance).
Yusuf Ali(O Unbelievers!) if ye prayed for victory and judgment, now hath the judgment come to you: if ye desist (from wrong), it will be best for you: if ye return (to the attack), so shall We. Not the least good will your forces be to you even if they were multiplied: for verily Allah is with those who believe!
The agreed readingIf you were asking for a judgement, the judgement has now come to you. If you stop, it is better for you; and if you return, We shall return, and your host will avail you nothing however many it is, for God is with the believers. The commentaries carry the asking together: it was the Meccans themselves who had called on God to decide between the two armies, and the decision they received was not the one they wanted.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَلَا تَوَلَّوْا۟ عَنْهُ وَأَنتُمْ تَسْمَعُونَ
PickthallO ye who believe! Obey Allah and His messenger, and turn not away from him when ye hear (him speak).
Yusuf AliO ye who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him when ye hear (him speak).
The agreed readingYou who believe, obey God and His Messenger, and do not turn away from him while you are hearing him.
وَلَا تَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوا۟ سَمِعْنَا وَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ
PickthallBe not as those who say, we hear, and they hear not.
Yusuf AliNor be like those who say, "We hear," but listen not:
The agreed readingDo not be like those who say we hear, and they do not hear. The hearing meant is the hearing that understands and accepts, not the sound reaching the ear.
إِنَّ شَرَّ ٱلدَّوَآبِّ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلصُّمُّ ٱلْبُكْمُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ
PickthallLo! the worst of beasts in Allah's sight are the deaf, the dumb, who have no sense.
Yusuf AliFor the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are the deaf and the dumb,- those who understand not.
The agreed readingThe worst of the creatures that walk the earth, in God's sight, are the deaf and the dumb who do not use their reason: deaf to hearing the truth, dumb from speaking it.
وَلَوْ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ فِيهِمْ خَيْرًا لَّأَسْمَعَهُمْ وَلَوْ أَسْمَعَهُمْ لَتَوَلَّوا۟ وَّهُم مُّعْرِضُونَ
PickthallHad Allah known of any good in them He would have made them hear, but had He made them hear they would have turned away, averse.
Yusuf AliIf Allah had found in them any good. He would indeed have made them listen: (As it is), if He had made them listen, they would but have turned back and declined (Faith).
The agreed readingHad God known any good in them He would have made them hear. And had He made them hear, they would still have turned away, refusing it.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ ٱلْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِۦ وَأَنَّهُۥٓ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ
PickthallO ye who believe! Obey Allah, and the messenger when He calleth you to that which quickeneth you, and know that Allah cometh in between the man and his own heart, and that He it is unto Whom ye will be gathered.
Yusuf AliO ye who believe! give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that which will give you life; and know that Allah cometh in between a man and his heart, and that it is He to Whom ye shall (all) be gathered.
The agreed readingYou who believe, respond to God and to the Messenger when he calls you to what gives you life. Know that God comes in between a man and his own heart, and that to Him you will be gathered.
وَٱتَّقُوا۟ فِتْنَةً لَّا تُصِيبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مِنكُمْ خَآصَّةً وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
PickthallAnd guard yourselves against a chastisement which cannot fall exclusively on those of you who are wrong-doers, and know that Allah is severe in punishment.
Yusuf AliAnd fear tumult or oppression, which affecteth not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong: and know that Allah is strict in punishment.
The agreed readingGuard yourselves against a trial that will not fall on the wrongdoers among you alone, but will reach them and others with them. The commentaries agree on how it is guarded against: by refusing to stay silent about what is wrong. And know that God is severe in punishment.
وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ أَنتُمْ قَلِيلٌ مُّسْتَضْعَفُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ تَخَافُونَ أَن يَتَخَطَّفَكُمُ ٱلنَّاسُ فَـَٔاوَىٰكُمْ وَأَيَّدَكُم بِنَصْرِهِۦ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
PickthallAnd remember, when ye were few and reckoned feeble in the land, and were in fear lest men should extirpate you, how He gave you refuge, and strengthened you with His help, and made provision of good things for you, that haply ye might be thankful.
Yusuf AliCall to mind when ye were a small (band), despised through the land, and afraid that men might despoil and kidnap you; But He provided a safe asylum for you, strengthened you with His aid, and gave you Good things for sustenance: that ye might be grateful.
The agreed readingRemember when you were few, counted weak in the land, and afraid that people would snatch you away. He gave you a refuge, strengthened you with His help, and provided you with good things, so that you might be thankful.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَخُونُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوٓا۟ أَمَٰنَٰتِكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallO ye who believe! Betray not Allah and His messenger, nor knowingly betray your trusts.
Yusuf AliO ye that believe! betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger, nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you.
The agreed readingYou who believe, do not betray God and the Messenger, and do not betray what has been placed in your keeping, knowing what you do. The commentaries carry the occasion together: a man sent to the Jewish tribe under siege, asked by them what the Prophet's judgement would be, gave them a sign that it was slaughter, because his family and his property were among them.
وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ
PickthallAnd know that your possessions and your children are a test, and that with Allah is immense reward.
Yusuf AliAnd know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with Whom lies your highest reward.
The agreed readingKnow that your possessions and your children are a trial for you, standing between you and the things of the next life, and that with God there is an immense reward.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِن تَتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَانًا وَيُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو ٱلْفَضْلِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ
PickthallO ye who believe! If ye keep your duty to Allah, He will give you discrimination (between right and wrong) and will rid you of your evil thoughts and deeds, and will forgive you. Allah is of Infinite Bounty.
Yusuf AliO ye who believe! if ye fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong), remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you, and forgive you: for Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded.
The agreed readingYou who believe, if you guard yourselves against God, He will give you a criterion, a thing that separates truth from falsehood and opens a way out for you from what you fear. He will strike your bad deeds from you and forgive you. God is of immense bounty.
وَإِذْ يَمْكُرُ بِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِيُثْبِتُوكَ أَوْ يَقْتُلُوكَ أَوْ يُخْرِجُوكَ وَيَمْكُرُونَ وَيَمْكُرُ ٱللَّهُ وَٱللَّهُ خَيْرُ ٱلْمَٰكِرِينَ
PickthallAnd when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters.
Yusuf AliRemember how the Unbelievers plotted against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah.
The agreed readingRemember when those who refuse were plotting against you, to shut you up, or kill you, or drive you out. They met and took counsel over it together. They plot, and God plots, and God is the best of plotters.
وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتُنَا قَالُوا۟ قَدْ سَمِعْنَا لَوْ نَشَآءُ لَقُلْنَا مِثْلَ هَٰذَآ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّآ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ
PickthallAnd when Our revelations are recited unto them they say: We have heard. If we wish we can speak the like of this. Lo! this is naught but fables of the men of old.
Yusuf AliWhen Our Signs are rehearsed to them, they say: "We have heard this (before): if we wished, we could say (words) like these: these are nothing but tales of the ancients."
The agreed readingAnd when Our signs are recited to them they say: we have heard; if we wished we could say the like of this. This is nothing but the tales of the ancients. They said it and never did it, and they were challenged to bring the like and could not.
وَإِذْ قَالُوا۟ ٱللَّهُمَّ إِن كَانَ هَٰذَا هُوَ ٱلْحَقَّ مِنْ عِندِكَ فَأَمْطِرْ عَلَيْنَا حِجَارَةً مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ أَوِ ٱئْتِنَا بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ
PickthallAnd when they said: O Allah! If this be indeed the truth from Thee, then rain down stones on us or bring on us some painful doom!
Yusuf AliRemember how they said: "O Allah if this is indeed the Truth from Thee, rain down on us a shower of stones form the sky, or send us a grievous penalty."
The agreed readingAnd when they said: God, if this is the truth from You, then rain stones on us from the sky, or bring us a painful punishment. They asked for it in mockery, as a show of being certain it was false.
وَمَا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَأَنتَ فِيهِمْ وَمَا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ مُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ
PickthallBut Allah would not punish them while thou wast with them, nor will He punish them while they seek forgiveness.
Yusuf AliBut Allah was not going to send them a penalty whilst thou wast amongst them; nor was He going to send it whilst they could ask for pardon.
The agreed readingBut God was not going to punish them while you were among them, and God is not going to punish them while they are asking forgiveness. A people is not destroyed while its prophet is still in their midst.
وَمَا لَهُمْ أَلَّا يُعَذِّبَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَهُمْ يَصُدُّونَ عَنِ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ وَمَا كَانُوٓا۟ أَوْلِيَآءَهُۥٓ إِنْ أَوْلِيَآؤُهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱلْمُتَّقُونَ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallWhat (plea) have they that Allah should not punish them, when they debar (His servants) from the Inviolable Place of Worship, though they are not its fitting guardians. Its fitting guardians are those only who keep their duty to Allah. But most of them know not.
Yusuf AliBut what plea have they that Allah should not punish them, when they keep out (men) from the sacred Mosque - and they are not its guardians? No men can be its guardians except the righteous; but most of them do not understand.
The agreed readingWhat have they, that God should not punish them, when they bar people from the Sacred Mosque and were never its guardians? Its guardians are only those who guard themselves, but most of them do not know it.
وَمَا كَانَ صَلَاتُهُمْ عِندَ ٱلْبَيْتِ إِلَّا مُكَآءً وَتَصْدِيَةً فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ
PickthallAnd their worship at the (holy) House is naught but whistling and hand-clapping. Therefore (it is said unto them): Taste of the doom because ye disbelieve.
Yusuf AliTheir prayer at the House (of Allah) is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands: (Its only answer can be), "Taste ye the penalty because ye blasphemed."
The agreed readingTheir prayer at the House was nothing but whistling and clapping. They put whistling and clapping in the place of the prayer they had been commanded. So taste the punishment for your refusal.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ لِيَصُدُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَسَيُنفِقُونَهَا ثُمَّ تَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسْرَةً ثُمَّ يُغْلَبُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ يُحْشَرُونَ
PickthallLo! those who disbelieve spend their wealth in order that they may debar (men) from the way of Allah. They will spend it, then it will become an anguish for them, then they will be conquered. And those who disbelieve will be gathered unto hell,
Yusuf AliThe Unbelievers spend their wealth to hinder (man) from the path of Allah, and so will they continue to spend; but in the end they will have (only) regrets and sighs; at length they will be overcome: and the Unbelievers will be gathered together to Hell;-
The agreed readingThose who refuse spend their wealth to bar people from the way of God. They will spend it, then it will turn to bitter regret over them, then they will be overcome. And those who refuse will be gathered to Hell.
لِيَمِيزَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْخَبِيثَ مِنَ ٱلطَّيِّبِ وَيَجْعَلَ ٱلْخَبِيثَ بَعْضَهُۥ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فَيَرْكُمَهُۥ جَمِيعًا فَيَجْعَلَهُۥ فِى جَهَنَّمَ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ
PickthallThat Allah may separate the wicked from the good, The wicked will He place piece upon piece, and heap them all together, and consign them unto hell. Such verily are the losers.
Yusuf AliIn order that Allah may separate the impure from the pure, put the impure, one on another, heap them together, and cast them into Hell. They will be the ones to have lost.
The agreed readingSo that God may separate the foul from the good, and pile the foul one piece upon another, heap it all up, and put it in Hell. Those are the losers.
قُل لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِن يَنتَهُوا۟ يُغْفَرْ لَهُم مَّا قَدْ سَلَفَ وَإِن يَعُودُوا۟ فَقَدْ مَضَتْ سُنَّتُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ
PickthallTell those who disbelieve that if they cease (from persecution of believers) that which is past will be forgiven them; but if they return (thereto) then the example of the men of old hath already gone (before them, for a warning).
Yusuf AliSay to the Unbelievers, if (now) they desist (from Unbelief), their past would be forgiven them; but if they persist, the punishment of those before them is already (a matter of warning for them).
The agreed readingSay to those who refuse: if they stop, what is already past will be forgiven them; and if they go back to it, the way God dealt with the peoples before them has already gone by.
وَقَٰتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ ٱلدِّينُ كُلُّهُۥ لِلَّهِ فَإِنِ ٱنتَهَوْا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
PickthallAnd fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do.
Yusuf AliAnd fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do.
The agreed readingAnd fight them until there is no more persecution and religion belongs entirely to God. The commentaries gloss the word here as the setting up of partners with God itself, the thing out of which the persecution came. And if they stop, God sees what they do.
وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَوْلَىٰكُمْ نِعْمَ ٱلْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ
PickthallAnd if they turn away, then know that Allah is your Befriender - a Transcendent Patron, a Transcendent Helper!
Yusuf AliIf they refuse, be sure that Allah is your Protector - the best to protect and the best to help.
The agreed readingAnd if they turn away, know that God is your Protector. An excellent Protector, and an excellent Helper.
وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُم مِّن شَىْءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلَّهِ خُمُسَهُۥ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ إِن كُنتُمْ ءَامَنتُم بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا يَوْمَ ٱلْفُرْقَانِ يَوْمَ ٱلْتَقَى ٱلْجَمْعَانِ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
PickthallAnd know that whatever ye take as spoils of war, lo! a fifth thereof is for Allah, and for the messenger and for the kinsman (who hath need) and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, if ye believe in Allah and that which We revealed unto Our slave on the Day of Discrimination, the day when the two armies met. And Allah is Able to do all things.
Yusuf AliAnd know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to Allah,- and to the Messenger, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in Allah and in the revelation We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing,- the Day of the meeting of the two forces. For Allah hath power over all things.
The agreed readingKnow that whatever you take as gains in war, a fifth of it belongs to God and to the Messenger, and to the near kin, the orphans, the needy and the traveller, if you believe in God and in what We sent down to Our servant on the Day of the Criterion, the day the two hosts met. And God has power over everything.
إِذْ أَنتُم بِٱلْعُدْوَةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَهُم بِٱلْعُدْوَةِ ٱلْقُصْوَىٰ وَٱلرَّكْبُ أَسْفَلَ مِنكُمْ وَلَوْ تَوَاعَدتُّمْ لَٱخْتَلَفْتُمْ فِى ٱلْمِيعَٰدِ وَلَٰكِن لِّيَقْضِىَ ٱللَّهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُولًا لِّيَهْلِكَ مَنْ هَلَكَ عَنۢ بَيِّنَةٍ وَيَحْيَىٰ مَنْ حَىَّ عَنۢ بَيِّنَةٍ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَسَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
PickthallWhen ye were on the near bank (of the valley) and they were on the yonder bank, and the caravan was below you (on the coast plain). And had ye trysted to meet one another ye surely would have failed to keep the tryst, but (it happened, as it did, without the forethought of either of you) that Allah might conclude a thing that must be done; that he who perished (on that day) might perish by a clear proof (of His Sovereignty) and he who survived might survive by a clear proof (of His Sovereignty). Lo! Allah in truth is Hearer, Knower.
Yusuf AliRemember ye were on the hither side of the valley, and they on the farther side, and the caravan on lower ground than ye. Even if ye had made a mutual appointment to meet, ye would certainly have failed in the appointment: But (thus ye met), that Allah might accomplish a matter already enacted; that those who died might die after a clear Sign (had been given), and those who lived might live after a Clear Sign (had been given). And verily Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things).
The agreed readingYou were on the near bank of the valley and they were on the far one, and the caravan was below you. Had you made an appointment with each other you would have failed to keep it, but it happened so that God might settle a matter already decreed: that whoever was to perish should perish on a clear sign, and whoever was to live should live on a clear sign. God hears all and knows all.
إِذْ يُرِيكَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى مَنَامِكَ قَلِيلًا وَلَوْ أَرَىٰكَهُمْ كَثِيرًا لَّفَشِلْتُمْ وَلَتَنَٰزَعْتُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَلَّمَ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ
PickthallWhen Allah showed them unto thee (O Muhammad) in thy dream as few in number, and if He had shown them to thee as many, ye (Muslims) would have faltered and would have quarrelled over the affair. But Allah saved (you). Lo! He knoweth what is in the breasts (of men).
Yusuf AliRemember in thy dream Allah showed them to thee as few: if He had shown them to thee as many, ye would surely have been discouraged, and ye would surely have disputed in (your) decision; but Allah saved (you): for He knoweth well the (secrets) of (all) hearts.
The agreed readingWhen God showed them to you in your sleep as few, and you told your companions and they were glad. Had He shown them to you as many, you would have lost heart and fallen to quarrelling over the matter. But God kept you safe. He knows what is in the breasts of men.
وَإِذْ يُرِيكُمُوهُمْ إِذِ ٱلْتَقَيْتُمْ فِىٓ أَعْيُنِكُمْ قَلِيلًا وَيُقَلِّلُكُمْ فِىٓ أَعْيُنِهِمْ لِيَقْضِىَ ٱللَّهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُولًا وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ ٱلْأُمُورُ
PickthallAnd when He made you (Muslims), when ye met (them), see them with your eyes as few, and lessened you in their eyes, (it was) that Allah might conclude a thing that must be done. Unto Allah all things are brought back.
Yusuf AliAnd remember when ye met, He showed them to you as few in your eyes, and He made you appear as contemptible in their eyes: that Allah might accomplish a matter already enacted. For to Allah do all questions go back (for decision).
The agreed readingAnd when you met, He made them few in your eyes and made you few in theirs, so that God might settle a matter already decreed. The commentaries carry the seeing itself together: a man on that day looked at the enemy and put them at seventy, and they were a thousand. To God all matters are returned.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَٱثْبُتُوا۟ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
PickthallO ye who believe! When ye meet an army, hold firm and think of Allah much, that ye may be successful.
Yusuf AliO ye who believe! When ye meet a force, be firm, and call Allah in remembrance much (and often); that ye may prosper:
The agreed readingYou who believe, when you meet a company in battle, stand firm and do not scatter, and remember God much, calling on Him for help, so that you may succeed.
وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَلَا تَنَٰزَعُوا۟ فَتَفْشَلُوا۟ وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ وَٱصْبِرُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ
PickthallAnd obey Allah and His messenger, and dispute not one with another lest ye falter and your strength depart from you; but be steadfast! Lo! Allah is with the steadfast.
Yusuf AliAnd obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: For Allah is with those who patiently persevere:
The agreed readingObey God and His Messenger, and do not fall to disputing with one another, or you will lose heart and your strength will go from you. The word used is the wind, and the commentaries read it together as the power and the turn of fortune that was blowing your way. Be patient: God is with the patient.
وَلَا تَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا۟ مِن دِيَٰرِهِم بَطَرًا وَرِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ
PickthallBe not as those who came forth from their dwellings boastfully and to be seen of men, and debar (men) from the way of Allah, while Allah is surrounding all they do.
Yusuf AliAnd be not like those who started from their homes insolently and to be seen of men, and to hinder (men) from the path of Allah: For Allah compasseth round about all that they do.
The agreed readingDo not be like those who came out from their houses swaggering, to be seen by people, barring others from the way of God. Word reached them on the road that the caravan was safe and they refused to turn back, meaning to be spoken of. God encompasses all that they do.
وَإِذْ زَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ وَقَالَ لَا غَالِبَ لَكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَإِنِّى جَارٌ لَّكُمْ فَلَمَّا تَرَآءَتِ ٱلْفِئَتَانِ نَكَصَ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ وَقَالَ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّنكُمْ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ مَا لَا تَرَوْنَ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱللَّهُ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
PickthallAnd when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them and said: No-one of mankind can conquer you this day, for I am your protector. But when the armies came in sight of one another, he took flight, saying: Lo! I am guiltless of you. Lo! I see that which ye see not. Lo! I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in punishment.
Yusuf AliRemember Satan made their (sinful) acts seem alluring to them, and said: "No one among men can overcome you this day, while I am near to you": But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he turned on his heels, and said: "Lo! I am clear of you; lo! I see what ye see not; Lo! I fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment."
The agreed readingAnd when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them and said: no one can overcome you today, and I am beside you. Then, when the two hosts came in sight of each other, he turned on his heels and said: I am clear of you, I see what you do not see, I fear God. And God is severe in punishment.
إِذْ يَقُولُ ٱلْمُنَٰفِقُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ غَرَّ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ دِينُهُمْ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
PickthallWhen the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease said: Their religion hath deluded these. Whoso putteth his trust in Allah (will find that) lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise.
Yusuf AliLo! the hypocrites say, and those in whose hearts is a disease: "These people,- their religion has misled them." But if any trust in Allah, behold! Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.
The agreed readingWhen the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, said: these people have been deluded by their religion. They said it because so few had gone out against so many. But whoever puts his trust in God will find that God is Mighty, Wise.
وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَٰرَهُمْ وَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلْحَرِيقِ
PickthallIf thou couldst see how the angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting faces and their backs and (saying): Taste the punishment of burning!
Yusuf AliIf thou couldst see, when the angels take the souls of the Unbelievers (at death), (How) they smite their faces and their backs, (saying): "Taste the penalty of the blazing Fire-
The agreed readingIf you could see the angels taking in death those who refuse, striking their faces and their backs: taste the punishment of the burning.
ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَيْسَ بِظَلَّٰمٍ لِّلْعَبِيدِ
PickthallThis is for that which your own hands have sent before (to the Judgment), and (know) that Allah is not a tyrant to His slaves.
Yusuf Ali"Because of (the deeds) which your (own) hands sent forth; for Allah is never unjust to His servants:
The agreed readingThat is for what your own hands sent ahead, and because God does not wrong His servants. He does not punish anyone for a sin he has not committed.
كَدَأْبِ ءَالِ فِرْعَوْنَ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَخَذَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
Pickthall(Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh's folk and those before them; they disbelieved the revelations of Allah, and Allah took them in their sins. Lo! Allah is Strong, severe in punishment.
Yusuf Ali"(Deeds) after the manner of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them: They rejected the Signs of Allah, and Allah punished them for their crimes: for Allah is Strong, and Strict in punishment:
The agreed readingTheir way is the way of Pharaoh's people and of those before them: they denied the signs of God, so God seized them for their sins. God is Strong, severe in punishment.
ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمْ يَكُ مُغَيِّرًا نِّعْمَةً أَنْعَمَهَا عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا۟ مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
PickthallThat is because Allah never changeth the grace He hath bestowed on any people until they first change that which is in their hearts, and (that is) because Allah is Hearer, Knower.
Yusuf Ali"Because Allah will never change the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls: and verily Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things)."
The agreed readingThat is because God does not change a favour He has conferred on a people until they change what is in themselves, and because God hears all and knows all.
كَدَأْبِ ءَالِ فِرْعَوْنَ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ فَأَهْلَكْنَٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَأَغْرَقْنَآ ءَالَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَكُلٌّ كَانُوا۟ ظَٰلِمِينَ
Pickthall(Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh's folk and those before them; they denied the revelations of their Lord, so We destroyed them in their sins. And We drowned the folk of Pharaoh. All were evil-doers.
Yusuf Ali(Deeds) after the manner of the people of Pharaoh and those before them": They treated as false the Signs of their Lord: so We destroyed them for their crimes, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh: for they were all oppressors and wrong-doers.
The agreed readingTheir way is the way of Pharaoh's people and of those before them: they denied the signs of their Lord, so We destroyed them for their sins, and We drowned Pharaoh's people. All of them were wrongdoers.
إِنَّ شَرَّ ٱلدَّوَآبِّ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
PickthallLo! the worst of beasts in Allah's sight are the ungrateful who will not believe.
Yusuf AliFor the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are those who reject Him: They will not believe.
The agreed readingThe worst of the creatures that walk the earth, in God's sight, are those who refuse and who hold to it, so that no belief is to be expected of them.
ٱلَّذِينَ عَٰهَدتَّ مِنْهُمْ ثُمَّ يَنقُضُونَ عَهْدَهُمْ فِى كُلِّ مَرَّةٍ وَهُمْ لَا يَتَّقُونَ
PickthallThose of them with whom thou madest a treaty, and then at every opportunity they break their treaty, and they keep not duty (to Allah).
Yusuf AliThey are those with whom thou didst make a covenant, but they break their covenant every time, and they have not the fear (of Allah).
The agreed readingThose of them with whom you made a treaty, and who then break their treaty every time they make one, and who do not guard themselves against God in their treachery.
فَإِمَّا تَثْقَفَنَّهُمْ فِى ٱلْحَرْبِ فَشَرِّدْ بِهِم مَّنْ خَلْفَهُمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
PickthallIf thou comest on them in the war, deal with them so as to strike fear in those who are behind them, that haply they may remember.
Yusuf AliIf ye gain the mastery over them in war, disperse, with them, those who follow them, that they may remember.
The agreed readingSo if you come upon them in war, deal with them in a way that scatters those behind them, so that they may take the lesson.
وَإِمَّا تَخَافَنَّ مِن قَوْمٍ خِيَانَةً فَٱنۢبِذْ إِلَيْهِمْ عَلَىٰ سَوَآءٍ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْخَآئِنِينَ
PickthallAnd if thou fearest treachery from any folk, then throw back to them (their treaty) fairly. Lo! Allah loveth not the treacherous.
Yusuf AliIf thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for Allah loveth not the treacherous.
The agreed readingAnd if you fear treachery from a people you have a treaty with, and signs of it show themselves to you, then throw their treaty back to them openly, so that you and they stand equal in knowing it is ended and they cannot accuse you of betrayal. God does not love the treacherous.
وَلَا يَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ سَبَقُوٓا۟ إِنَّهُمْ لَا يُعْجِزُونَ
PickthallAnd let not those who disbelieve suppose that they can outstrip (Allah's Purpose). Lo! they cannot escape.
Yusuf AliLet not the unbelievers think that they can get the better (of the godly): they will never frustrate (them).
The agreed readingAnd let not those who refuse think they have got away. They cannot escape Him, and they will not find Him unable to reach them.
وَأَعِدُّوا۟ لَهُم مَّا ٱسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن قُوَّةٍ وَمِن رِّبَاطِ ٱلْخَيْلِ تُرْهِبُونَ بِهِۦ عَدُوَّ ٱللَّهِ وَعَدُوَّكُمْ وَءَاخَرِينَ مِن دُونِهِمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُهُمْ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا۟ مِن شَىْءٍ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ
PickthallMake ready for them all thou canst of (armed) force and of horses tethered, that thereby ye may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others beside them whom ye know not. Allah knoweth them. Whatsoever ye spend in the way of Allah it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged.
Yusuf AliAgainst them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly.
The agreed readingPrepare against them whatever strength you can, and horses kept tethered and ready, to put fear into the enemy of God and your enemy, and into others besides them whom you do not know but God knows. Whatever you spend in the way of God will be paid back to you in full, and you will not be wronged. Both traditions carry the same word from the Prophet on what the strength is: it is shooting.
وَإِن جَنَحُوا۟ لِلسَّلْمِ فَٱجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
PickthallAnd if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Lo! He, even He, is the Hearer, the Knower.
Yusuf AliBut if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is One that heareth and knoweth (all things).
The agreed readingAnd if they lean towards peace, lean towards it yourself, and put your trust in God. He is the One who hears all and knows all.
وَإِن يُرِيدُوٓا۟ أَن يَخْدَعُوكَ فَإِنَّ حَسْبَكَ ٱللَّهُ هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَيَّدَكَ بِنَصْرِهِۦ وَبِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
PickthallAnd if they would deceive thee, then lo! Allah is Sufficient for thee. He it is Who supporteth thee with His help and with the believers,
Yusuf AliShould they intend to deceive thee,- verily Allah sufficeth thee: He it is That hath strengthened thee with His aid and with (the company of) the Believers;
The agreed readingAnd if they mean to deceive you by it, meaning to hold your companions off from fighting until their own position is strong, then God is enough for you. He is the One who strengthened you with His help and with the believers.
وَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ لَوْ أَنفَقْتَ مَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مَّآ أَلَّفْتَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ أَلَّفَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنَّهُۥ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
PickthallAnd (as for the believers) hath attuned their hearts. If thou hadst spent all that is in the earth thou couldst not have attuned their hearts, but Allah hath attuned them. Lo! He is Mighty, Wise.
Yusuf AliAnd (moreover) He hath put affection between their hearts: not if thou hadst spent all that is in the earth, couldst thou have produced that affection, but Allah hath done it: for He is Exalted in might, Wise.
The agreed readingAnd He joined their hearts together. Had you spent everything in the earth you could not have joined their hearts, but God joined them. The commentaries name them together: the two tribes of the helpers, between whom there had been long war and deep hatred before. He is Mighty, Wise.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ حَسْبُكَ ٱللَّهُ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
PickthallO Prophet! Allah is Sufficient for thee and those who follow thee of the believers.
Yusuf AliO Prophet! sufficient unto thee is Allah,- (unto thee) and unto those who follow thee among the Believers.
The agreed readingProphet, God is enough for you, and for those of the believers who follow you. The sufficiency is God's alone, and the believers who follow you are the help He sends along with it.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ حَرِّضِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَى ٱلْقِتَالِ إِن يَكُن مِّنكُمْ عِشْرُونَ صَٰبِرُونَ يَغْلِبُوا۟ مِا۟ئَتَيْنِ وَإِن يَكُن مِّنكُم مِّا۟ئَةٌ يَغْلِبُوٓا۟ أَلْفًا مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَّا يَفْقَهُونَ
PickthallO Prophet! Exhort the believers to fight. If there be of you twenty steadfast they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be of you a hundred (steadfast) they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are a folk without intelligence.
Yusuf AliO Prophet! rouse the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding.
The agreed readingProphet, urge the believers to fight. If there are twenty of you who are patient they will overcome two hundred, and if there are a hundred of you they will overcome a thousand of those who refuse, because they are a people who do not understand: they fight without reckoning on any reward, so they do not hold their ground as the believers hold theirs.
ٱلْـَٰٔنَ خَفَّفَ ٱللَّهُ عَنكُمْ وَعَلِمَ أَنَّ فِيكُمْ ضَعْفًا فَإِن يَكُن مِّنكُم مِّا۟ئَةٌ صَابِرَةٌ يَغْلِبُوا۟ مِا۟ئَتَيْنِ وَإِن يَكُن مِّنكُمْ أَلْفٌ يَغْلِبُوٓا۟ أَلْفَيْنِ بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ
PickthallNow hath Allah lightened your burden, for He knoweth that there is weakness in you. So if there be of you a steadfast hundred they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be of you a thousand (steadfast) they shall overcome two thousand by permission of Allah. Allah is with the steadfast.
Yusuf AliFor the present, Allah hath lightened your (task), for He knoweth that there is a weak spot in you: But (even so), if there are a hundred of you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred, and if a thousand, they will vanquish two thousand, with the leave of Allah: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.
The agreed readingNow God has lightened it for you, knowing that there is weakness in you. So if there are a hundred of you who are patient they will overcome two hundred, and if there are a thousand of you they will overcome two thousand by God's leave. And God is with the patient.
مَا كَانَ لِنَبِىٍّ أَن يَكُونَ لَهُۥٓ أَسْرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ يُثْخِنَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ تُرِيدُونَ عَرَضَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱللَّهُ يُرِيدُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
PickthallIt is not for any prophet to have captives until he hath made slaughter in the land. Ye desire the lure of this world and Allah desireth (for you) the Hereafter, and Allah is Mighty, Wise.
Yusuf AliIt is not fitting for a prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he hath thoroughly subdued the land. Ye look for the temporal goods of this world; but Allah looketh to the Hereafter: And Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.
The agreed readingIt is not for a prophet to hold captives until he has subdued the land, breaking the strength of the refusal by open fighting and making the faith strong. You want the fleeting gain of this world and God wants the next for you. God is Mighty, Wise.
لَّوْلَا كِتَٰبٌ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ سَبَقَ لَمَسَّكُمْ فِيمَآ أَخَذْتُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ
PickthallHad it not been for an ordinance of Allah which had gone before, an awful doom had come upon you on account of what ye took.
Yusuf AliHad it not been for a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe penalty would have reached you for the (ransom) that ye took.
The agreed readingHad a decree from God not gone before, a great punishment would have touched you for what you took.
فَكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا غَنِمْتُمْ حَلَٰلًا طَيِّبًا وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
PickthallNow enjoy what ye have won, as lawful and good, and keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf AliBut (now) enjoy what ye took in war, lawful and good: but fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
The agreed readingSo eat of what you have taken as spoils, lawful and good, and be mindful of God. God is Forgiving, Merciful.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ قُل لِّمَن فِىٓ أَيْدِيكُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَسْرَىٰٓ إِن يَعْلَمِ ٱللَّهُ فِى قُلُوبِكُمْ خَيْرًا يُؤْتِكُمْ خَيْرًا مِّمَّآ أُخِذَ مِنكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
PickthallO Prophet! Say unto those captives who are in your hands: If Allah knoweth any good in your hearts He will give you better than that which hath been taken from you, and will forgive you. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf AliO Prophet! say to those who are captives in your hands: "If Allah findeth any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful."
The agreed readingProphet, say to the captives in your hands: if God knows of any good in your hearts, He will give you better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you. God is Forgiving, Merciful. The good meant is belief and sincerity, and the better is repaid in this world and rewarded in the next.
وَإِن يُرِيدُوا۟ خِيَانَتَكَ فَقَدْ خَانُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مِن قَبْلُ فَأَمْكَنَ مِنْهُمْ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
PickthallAnd if they would betray thee, they betrayed Allah before, and He gave (thee) power over them. Allah is Knower, Wise.
Yusuf AliBut if they have treacherous designs against thee, (O Messenger!), they have already been in treason against Allah, and so hath He given (thee) power over them. And Allah so He Who hath (full) knowledge and wisdom.
The agreed readingAnd if they mean to betray you, they have betrayed God before this, and He gave you power over them. God knows all and is Wise.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَهَاجَرُوا۟ وَجَٰهَدُوا۟ بِأَمْوَٰلِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاوَوا۟ وَّنَصَرُوٓا۟ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَآءُ بَعْضٍ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَلَمْ يُهَاجِرُوا۟ مَا لَكُم مِّن وَلَٰيَتِهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ حَتَّىٰ يُهَاجِرُوا۟ وَإِنِ ٱسْتَنصَرُوكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ فَعَلَيْكُمُ ٱلنَّصْرُ إِلَّا عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍۭ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُم مِّيثَٰقٌ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
PickthallLo! those who believed and left their homes and strove with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah, and those who took them in and helped them: these are protecting friends one of another. And those who believed but did not leave their homes, ye have no duty to protect them till they leave their homes; but if they seek help from you in the matter of religion then it is your duty to help (them) except against a folk between whom and you there is a treaty. Allah is Seer of what ye do.
Yusuf AliThose who believed, and adopted exile, and fought for the Faith, with their property and their persons, in the cause of Allah, as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid,- these are (all) friends and protectors, one of another. As to those who believed but came not into exile, ye owe no duty of protection to them until they come into exile; but if they seek your aid in religion, it is your duty to help them, except against a people with whom ye have a treaty of mutual alliance. And (remember) Allah seeth all that ye do.
The agreed readingThose who believed and emigrated and struggled with their wealth and their lives in the way of God, and those who gave them shelter and helped them, are protectors of one another. As for those who believed but did not emigrate, you owe them no protection until they emigrate; but if they ask you for help in the matter of religion, then help is owed, unless it is against a people you have a treaty with. God sees what you do.
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَآءُ بَعْضٍ إِلَّا تَفْعَلُوهُ تَكُن فِتْنَةٌ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَفَسَادٌ كَبِيرٌ
PickthallAnd those who disbelieve are protectors one of another - If ye do not so, there will be confusion in the land, and great corruption.
Yusuf AliThe Unbelievers are protectors, one of another: Unless ye do this, (protect each other), there would be tumult and oppression on earth, and great mischief.
The agreed readingAnd those who refuse are protectors of one another. If you do not do this, there will be discord in the land and great corruption.
وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَهَاجَرُوا۟ وَجَٰهَدُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاوَوا۟ وَّنَصَرُوٓا۟ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا لَّهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ
PickthallThose who believed and left their homes and strove for the cause of Allah, and those who took them in and helped them - these are the believers in truth. For them is pardon, and bountiful provision.
Yusuf AliThose who believe, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith, in the cause of Allah as well as those who give (them) asylum and aid,- these are (all) in very truth the Believers: for them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous.
The agreed readingThose who believed and emigrated and struggled in the way of God, and those who gave them shelter and helped them, are the believers in truth. For them is forgiveness and a generous provision.
وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدُ وَهَاجَرُوا۟ وَجَٰهَدُوا۟ مَعَكُمْ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ مِنكُمْ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَرْحَامِ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلَىٰ بِبَعْضٍ فِى كِتَٰبِ ٱللَّهِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌۢ
PickthallAnd those who afterwards believed and left their homes and strove along with you, they are of you; and those who are akin are nearer one to another in the ordinance of Allah. Lo! Allah is Knower of all things.
Yusuf AliAnd those who accept Faith subsequently, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith in your company,- they are of you. But kindred by blood have prior rights against each other in the Book of Allah. Verily Allah is well-acquainted with all things.
The agreed readingAnd those who believed afterwards, and emigrated and struggled alongside you, are of you. And those bound by blood are nearer to one another in the decree of God. God knows everything.