Sura 4: Women (Al-Nesaa')

I

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful


1. O people, observe your Lord; the One who created you from one being, and
created from it its mate, then spread from the two many men and women.
You shall regard GOD, by whom you swear, and regard the parents.
GOD is watching over you.*

Regard the Orphans

2. You shall hand over to the orphans
their rightful properties. Do not
substitute the bad for the good,
and do not consume their properties
by combining them with yours.
This would be a gross injustice.

Grounds For Polygamy*

3. If you deem it best for the orphans,
you may marry their mothers
you may marry two, three, or four.
If you fear lest you become unfair,
then you shall be content with only
one, or with what you already have.
Additionally, you are thus more likely
to avoid financial hardship.

4. You shall give the women their due
dowries, equitably. If they willingly
forfeit anything, then you may
accept it; it is rightfully yours.

5. Do not give immature orphans
the properties that GOD has entrusted with you as guardians. You shall provide
for them therefrom, and clothe them, and treat them kindly.

6. You shall test the orphans when they reach puberty. As soon as you find them
mature enough, give them their property. Do not consume it extravagantly in a
hurry, before they grow up. The rich guardian shall not charge any wage,
but the poor guardian may charge equitably. When you give them
their properties, you shall have witnesses. GOD suffices as Reckoner.

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*4:1 This is the second longest sura, and the title indicates that it aims at defending the women's rights. Any interpretation must favor the women's rights, not the other way around.
*4:3 See Appendix 30 for a detailed discussion of polygamy.
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Women's Inheritance Rights

7. The men get a share of what the parents and the relatives leave behind.
The women too shall get a share of what the parents and relatives leave behind.
Whether it is a small or a large inheritance,
(the women must get) a definite share.

8. During distribution of the inheritances, if relatives, orphans, and needy persons
are present, you shall give them therefrom, and treat them kindly.

9. Those who are concerned about
their own children, in case
they leave them behind, shall
observe GOD and be equitable.

10. Those who consume the orphans'
properties unjustly, eat fire into
their bellies, and will suffer in Hell.

If No Will Is Left*

11. GOD decrees a will for the benefit
of your children; the male gets
twice the share of the female.*
If the inheritors are only women,
more than two, they get two-thirds
of what is bequeathed. If only one
daughter is left, she gets one-half.
The parents of the deceased get
one-sixth of the inheritance each,
if the deceased has left any children.
If he left no children, and his parents
are the only inheritors, the mother
gets one-third. If he has siblings,
then the mother gets one-sixth.
All this, after fulfilling any will*
the deceased has left, and after
paying off all debts.
When it comes to your parents and
your children, you do not know which of
them is really the best to you and the most beneficial.
This is GOD's law.
GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.
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*4:11 Generally, the son is responsible for a family, while the daughter is taken care of by a husband. However, the Quran recommends in 2:180 that a will shall be left to conform with the specific circumstances of the deceased. For example, if the son is
rich and the daughter is poor, one may leave a will giving the daughter everything, or twice as much as the son.

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Inheritance For the Spouses

12. You get half of what your wives leave behind,
if they had no children.
If they had children,
you get one-fourth of what they leave.
All this, after fulfilling any will they had left,
and after paying off all debts.
They get one-fourth of what you leave behind,
if you had no children.
If you had children, they get
one-eighth of what you bequeath.
All this, after fulfilling any will
you had left, and after paying off
all debts. If the deceased man or
woman was a loner, and leaves two
siblings, male or female,
each of them gets one-sixth
of the inheritance.
If there are more siblings,
then they equally share
one-third of the inheritance.
All this, after fulfilling any will,
and after paying off all debts,
so that no one is hurt.
This is a will decreed by GOD.
GOD is Omniscient, Clement.

God Communicates With Us
Through His Messenger

13. These are GOD's laws.
Those who obey GOD
and His messenger,
He will admit them
into gardens with flowing streams,
wherein they abide forever.
This is the greatest triumph.

14. As for the one who disobeys GOD and His messenger,
and transgresses His laws,
He will admit him into Hell,
wherein he abides forever.
He has incurred a shameful retribution.

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Health Quarantine

15. Those who commit adultery among your women,
you must have four witnesses against them,
from among you. If they do bear witness,
then you shall keep such women
in their homes until they die,
or until GOD creates an exit for them.*

16. The couple who commits adultery shall be punished.*
If they repent and reform,
you shall leave them alone.
GOD is Redeemer, Most Merciful.

Repentance

17. Repentance is acceptable by GOD
from those who fall in sin out of
ignorance, then repent immediately
thereafter. GOD redeems them.
GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

18. Not acceptable is the repentance of
those who commit sins until death
comes to them, then say,
"Now I repent."
Nor is it acceptable from those
who die as disbelievers.
For these, we have prepared
a painful retribution.

19. O you who believe, it is not lawful
for you to inherit what the women
leave behind, against their will.
You shall not force them
to give up anything
you had given them, unless
they commit a proven adultery.
You shall treat them nicely.
If you dislike them, you may
dislike something wherein GOD has placed a lot of good.
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*4:15 A woman witnessed by four people in the act of committing adultery on four different occasions, with four different partners, represents a danger to public health. Such a woman is a depository of germs, and a health quarantine protects the society
from her. A good example of an exit that saves a quarantined woman is marriage--someone may wish to marry her, and thus protect her and the society.
*4:16 Public exposure of the sinners is a major deterrent, as we see in 5:38 and 24:2.
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Protection for Women

20. If you wish to marry another wife,
in place of your present wife,
and you had given any of them a great deal,
you shall not take back anything you had given her.
Would you take it fraudulently,
maliciously, and sinfully?

21. How could you take it back,
after you have been intimate
with each other, and they had
taken from you a solemn pledge?

Respect for the Father

22. Do not marry the women
who were previously married
to your fathers--existing marriages
are exempted and shall not be
broken--for it is a gross offense,
and an abominable act.

Incest Forbidden

23. Prohibited for you (in marriage)
are your mothers, your daughters,
your sisters, the sisters of your
fathers, the sisters of your mothers,
the daughters of your brother,
the daughters of your sister,
your nursing mothers, the girls who
nursed from the same woman as
you, the mothers of your wives,
the daughters of your wives
with whom you have consummated
the marriage--if the marriage
has not been consummated,
you may marry the daughter.
Also prohibited for you are the women
who were married to your
genetic sons. Also, you shall not
be married to two sisters
at the same time--but do not break up
existing marriages.
GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

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Mutual Attraction And Dowry Required

24. Also prohibited are the women who are already married,
unless they flee their disbelieving husbands who are at war with you.*
These are GOD's commandments to you.
All other categories are permitted for you in marriage,
so long as you pay them their due dowries.
You shall maintain your morality,
by not committing adultery.
Thus, whoever you like among them,
you shall pay them the dowry
decreed for them. You commit
no error by mutually agreeing to any
adjustments to the dowry.
GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

25. Those among you who cannot
afford to marry free believing
women, may marry believing slave
women. GOD knows best about
your belief, and you are equal to
one another, as far as belief
is concerned. You shall obtain
permission from their guardians
before you marry them,
and pay them their due dowry
equitably. They shall maintain moral
behavior, by not committing
adultery, or having secret lovers.
Once they are freed through
marriage, if they commit adultery,
their punishment shall be half of
that for the free women.*
Marrying a slave shall be a last resort
for those unable to wait.
To be patient is better for you.
GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

26. GOD wills to explain things for you,
and to guide you through past precedents,
and to redeem you. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

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*4:24 If believing women flee their disbelieving husbands who are at war with the believers, they do not have to obtain a divorce before remarriage. See 60:10.
*4:25 This law proves that the punishment for adultery could not possibly be stoning to death as stated in the laws of corrupted Muslims (see 24:2).
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God's Mercy

27. GOD wishes to redeem you,
while those who pursue their lusts
wish that you deviate a great deviation.

28. GOD wishes to lighten your burden,
for the human being is created weak.

Murder, Suicide, and Illicit Gains Prohibited

29. O you who believe,
do not consume each others'
properties illicitly--
only mutually acceptable
transactions are permitted.
You shall not kill yourselves.
GOD is Merciful towards you.

30. Anyone who commits these
transgressions, maliciously and
deliberately, we will condemn him to
Hell. This is easy for GOD to do.

31. If you refrain from committing
the gross sins that are prohibited
for you, we will remit your sins, and
admit you an honorable admittance.

Men and Women
Endowed With Unique Qualities

32. You shall not covet the qualities
bestowed upon each other by GOD;
the men enjoy certain qualities, and
the women enjoy certain qualities.
You may implore GOD
to shower you with His grace.
GOD is fully aware of all things.

Do Not Object to the Inheritance Laws Proposed by God

33. For each of you,
we have designated shares
from the inheritance left by
the parents and the relatives.
Also those related to you through marriage,
you shall give them their due share.
GOD witnesses all things.

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Do Not Beat Your Wife*

34. The men are made responsible for the women,** and GOD has endowed them
with certain qualities, and made them the bread earners. The righteous women
will cheerfully accept this arrangement, since it is GOD's commandment, and
honor their husbands during their absence. If you experience rebellion from the
women, you shall first talk to them, then (you may use negative incentives like)
deserting them in bed, then you may (as a last alternative) beat them.
If they obey you, you are not permitted to transgress against them.
GOD is Most High, Supreme.

Marriage Arbitration

35. If a couple fears separation, you shall
appoint an arbitrator from his family
and an arbitrator from her family;
if they decide to reconcile,
GOD will help them get together.
GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

Major Commandments

36. You shall worship GOD alone--
do not associate anything with Him.
You shall regard the parents, the
relatives, the orphans, the poor,
the related neighbor, the unrelated
neighbor, the close associate, the
traveling alien, and your servants.
GOD does not like the arrogant
show-offs.

37. The ones who are stingy, exhort
the people to be stingy, and conceal
what GOD has bestowed
upon them from His bounties.
We have prepared for the dis-
believers a shameful retribution.

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*4:34 God prohibits wife-beating by using the best psychological approach. For example, if I don't want you to shop at Market X, I will ask you to shop at Market Y, then at Market Z, then, as a last resort, at Market X. This will effectively stop you from shopping at Market X, without insulting you. Similarly, God provides alternatives to wife-beating; reasoning with her first, then employing certain negative incentives. Remember that the theme of this sura is defending the women's rights and countering the prevalent oppression of women. Any interpretation of the verses of this sura must be in favor of the women. This sura's theme is "protection of women."
**4:34 This expression simply means that God is appointing the husband as "captain of the ship." Marriage is like a ship, and the captain runs it after due consultation with his officers. A believing wife readily accepts God's appointment, without mutiny.
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38. They give money to charity only to show off,
while disbelieving in GOD and the Last Day.
If one's companion is the devil, that is the worst companion.

39. Why do they not believe in GOD and the Last Day,
and give from GOD's provisions to them?
GOD is fully aware of them.

Divine Justice

40. GOD does not inflict an atom's weight of injustice.
On the contrary, He multiplies
the reward manifold for the
righteous work, and grants from
Him a great recompense.

41. Thus, when the day (of judgment)
comes, we will call upon a witness
from each community, and you
(the messenger) will serve as a
witness among these people.

42. On that day, those who disbelieved
and disobeyed the messenger will
wish that they were level with the
ground; not a single utterance will
they be able to hide from GOD.

What Nullifies Ablution

43. O you who believe, do not observe
the Contact Prayers (Salat) while
intoxicated, so that you know what
you are saying. Nor after sexual
orgasm without bathing, unless you
are on the road, traveling; if you
are ill or traveling, or you had
urinary or fecal-related excretion
(such as gas), or contacted the women (sexually),
and you cannot find water, you shall observe
Tayammum (dry ablution) by touching clean dry soil,
then wiping your faces and hands therewith.
GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver.

44. Have you noted those who received
a portion of the scripture,
and how they choose to stray,
and wish that you stray from the path?

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45. GOD knows best who your enemies are.
GOD is the only Lord and Master.
GOD is the only Supporter.

46. Among those who are Jewish, some distort the words beyond the truth, and
they say, "We hear, but we disobey," and "Your words are falling on deaf ears,"
and "Raa'ena* (be our shepherd)," as they twist their tongues to mock the
religion. Had they said, "We hear, and we obey,"
and "We hear you," and "Unzurna (watch over us),"
it would have been better for them, and more righteous.
Instead, they have incurred
condemnation from GOD due to
their disbelief. Consequently, the
majority of them cannot believe.

47. O you who received the scripture,
you shall believe in what we reveal
herein, confirming what you have,
before we banish certain faces
to exile, or condemn them as we
condemned those who desecrated the
Sabbath. GOD's command is done.

The Unforgivable Sin

48. GOD does not forgive idolatry,*
but He forgives lesser offenses
for whomever He wills. Anyone
who sets up idols beside GOD,
has forged a horrendous offense.

49. Have you noted those who exalt
themselves? Instead, GOD is the
One who exalts whomever He
wills, without the least injustice.

50. Note how they fabricate lies about
GOD; what a gross offense this is!

51. Have you noted those who received
a portion of the scripture, and how
they believe in idolatry and false doctrine,
then say, "The disbelievers are
better guided than the believers!"?

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*4:46 The word "Raa'ena" was twisted by some Hebrew speaking people to sound like a dirty word. See 2:104.
*4:48 Idol worship is not forgivable, if maintained until death. One can always repent from any offense, including idolatry, before death comes (see 4:18 & 40:66).
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52. It is they who incurred GOD's condemnation,
and whomever GOD condemns, you will not find any helper for him.

53. Do they own a share of the sovereignty?
If they did, they would not give the people as much as a grain.

54. Are they envious of the people because GOD has showered them with
His blessings? We have given Abraham's family the scripture,
and wisdom; we granted them a great authority.

55. Some of them believed therein, and
some of them repelled therefrom;
Hell is the only just
retribution for these.

Allegorical Description of Hell

56. Surely, those who disbelieve in
our revelations, we will condemn
them to the hellfire.
Whenever their skins are burnt,
we will give them new skins.
Thus, they will suffer continuously.
GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

57. As for those who believe
and lead a righteous life,
we will admit them into gardens
with flowing streams;
they abide therein forever.
They will have pure spouses therein.
We will admit them into a
blissful shade.

Honesty & Justice Advocated

58. GOD commands you to give back
anything the people have entrusted
to you. If you judge among the people,
you shall judge equitably. The best enlightenment indeed is what GOD
recommends for you. GOD is Hearer, Seer.

59. O you who believe, you shall obey GOD,
and you shall obey the messenger, and those in charge among you.
If you dispute in any matter,
you shall refer it to GOD and the messenger,
if you do believe in GOD and the Last Day.
This is better for you, and provides you with the best solution.

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Believers Or Hypocrites?

60. Have you noted those who claim
that they believe in what was revealed to you,
and in what was revealed before you,
then uphold the unjust laws of their idols?
They were commanded to reject such laws.
Indeed, it is the devil's wish
to lead them far astray.

61. When they are told,
"Come to what GOD has revealed,
and to the messenger," you see
the hypocrites shunning you
completely.

62. How will it be when a disaster
hits them, as a consequence of
their own works? They will come to
you then and swear by GOD:
"Our intentions were good
and righteous!"

63. GOD is fully aware of their inner-
most intentions. You shall ignore
them, enlighten them,
and give them good advice
that may save their souls.

Unquestioning Submission:
Quality of the True Believers

64. We did not send any messenger
except to be obeyed in accordance
with GOD's will. Had they, when
they wronged their souls, come to
you and prayed to GOD for for-
giveness, and the messenger prayed
for their forgiveness, they would have
found GOD Redeemer, Most Merciful.

65. Never indeed, by your Lord;
they are not believers unless
they come to you to judge in their disputes,
then find no hesitation in their hearts whatsoever
in accepting your judgment.
They must submit a total submission.

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God's Tests Are Never Unreasonable

66. Had we decreed for them: "You must offer your lives,"
or "Give up your homes," they would not have done it,
except for a few of them.
(Even if such a command was issued,)
had they done what they were commanded to do,
it would have been better for them,
and would prove the strength of their faith.

67. And we would have granted them
a great recompense.

68. And we would have guided them
in the right path.

Equality of Believers

69. Those who obey GOD and the
messenger belong with those blessed
by GOD--the prophets, the saints,
the martyrs, and the righteous.
These are the best company.

70. Such is the blessing from GOD;
GOD is the best Knower.

71. O you who believe, you shall
remain alert, and mobilize as
individuals, or mobilize all together.

72. Surely, there are those among you
who would drag their feet, then,
if a setback afflicts you, they would
say, "GOD has blessed me that I
was not martyred with them."

73. But if you attain a blessing from
GOD, they would say, as if no friend-
ship ever existed between you and them,
"I wish I was with them, so I could share in such a great victory."

74. Those who readily fight in the cause of GOD
are those who forsake this world
in favor of the Hereafter.
Whoever fights in the cause of GOD,
then gets killed, or attains victory,
we will surely grant him a great recompense.

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The Believers are Fearless

75. Why should you not fight in the cause of GOD when weak men, women,
and children are imploring: "Our Lord, deliver us from this community
whose people are oppressive, and be You our Lord and Master."

76. Those who believe are fighting for the cause of GOD,
while those who disbelieve are fighting for the cause of tyranny.
Therefore, you shall fight the devil's allies; the devil's power is nil.

77. Have you noted those who were told, "You do not have to fight;
all you need to do is observe the
Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the
obligatory charity (Zakat)," then,
when fighting was decreed for them,
they feared the people as much as
they feared GOD, or even more?
They said, "Our Lord, why did You
force this fighting on us? If only You
respite us for awhile!" Say, "The
materials of this world are nil, while
the Hereafter is far better for the
righteous, and you never suffer
the slightest injustice."

God is the Doer of Everything*

78. Wherever you are, death will catch
up with you, even if you live in for-
midable castles. When something
good happens to them, they say,
"This is from GOD," and when
something bad afflicts them, they
blame you. Say, "Everything comes
from GOD." Why do these people
misunderstand almost everything?

Nothing Bad Comes From God

79. Anything good that happens to you is from GOD, and anything bad that
happens to you is from you. We have sent you as a messenger to the people,*
and GOD suffices as witness.
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*4:78 Bad things are consequences of our own deeds (42:30, 64:11), though God is the doer of everything (8:17). God created the fire to serve us, but you can decide to put your finger in it. We thus hurt ourselves. It is God's law that if you put your finger in
the fire, it will hurt.
*4:79 Muhammad was not given any proof of prophethood. Hence the expression "God suffices as a witness" (29:51-52). The gematrical value of "Muhammad" is 92, and 92+79=171=19x9.
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80. Whoever obeys the messenger is obeying GOD. As for those who turn away,
we did not send you as their guardian.

81. They pledge obedience, but as soon as they leave you, some of them harbor
intentions contrary to what they say. GOD records their innermost intentions.
You shall disregard them, and put your trust in GOD.
GOD suffices as an advocate.

Proof of Divine Authorship

82. Why do they not study the Quran carefully? If it were from other than GOD,
they would have found in it
numerous contradictions.*

Beware of the Devil's Rumors

83. When a rumor that affects security
comes their way, they spread it.
Had they referred it to the mes-
senger, and those in charge among
them, those who understand these
matters would have informed them.
If it were not for GOD's grace
towards you, and His mercy, you
would have followed the devil,
except a few.

84. You shall fight for the cause
of GOD; you are responsible only
for your own soul, and exhort the
believers to do the same.
GOD will neutralize the
power of those who disbelieve.
GOD is much more powerful,
and much more effective.

Responsibility

85. Whoever mediates a good deed
receives a share of the credit thereof,
and whoever mediates an evil work,
incurs a share thereof. GOD controls all things.

You Shall Be Courteous

86. When greeted with a greeting, you shall respond with a better greeting
or at least an equal one. GOD reckons all things.

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*4:82 Although the Quran was revealed during the dark ages, you cannot find any nonsense in it; another proof of divine authorship (see the Introduction and App. 1).
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87. GOD: there is no god except He.
He will surely summon you
on the Day of Resurrection--the inevitable day.
Whose narration is more truthful than GOD's?

How to Deal With the Hypocrites

88. Why should you divide yourselves
into two groups regarding hypocrites (among you)?
GOD is the one who condemned them
because of their own behavior.
Do you want to guide those
who are sent astray by GOD?
Whomever GOD sends astray, you
can never find a way to guide them.

89. They wish that you disbelieve as
they have disbelieved, then you
become equal. Do not consider
them friends, unless they mobilize
along with you in the cause of GOD.
If they turn against you, you shall
fight them, and you may kill them
when you encounter them in war.
You shall not accept them as
friends, or allies.*

90. Exempted are those who join
people with whom you have signed
a peace treaty, and those who come
to you wishing not to fight you, nor
fight their relatives. Had GOD
willed, He could have permitted
them to fight against you. Therefore,
if they leave you alone, refrain from
fighting you, and offer you peace,
then GOD gives you no excuse to fight them.

91. You will find others who wish
to make peace with you, and also with their people.
However, as soon as war erupts, they fight against you.
Unless these people leave you alone,
offer you peace, and stop fighting you,
you may fight them when you encounter them.
Against these, we give you a clear authorization.

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*4:89 The basic rule controlling all fighting is stated in 60:8-9.

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You Shall Not Kill

92. No believer shall kill another believer,
unless it is an accident.
If one kills a believer by accident,
he shall atone by freeing a believing slave,
and paying a compensation to the victim's family,
unless they forfeit such a compensation as a charity.
If the victim belonged to people
who are at war with you,
though he was a believer,
you shall atone by freeing
a believing slave. If he belonged to
people with whom you have signed
a peace treaty, you shall pay the
compensation in addition to freeing
a believing slave. If you cannot
find* a slave to free, you shall atone
by fasting two consecutive months,
in order to be redeemed by GOD.
GOD is Knower, Most Wise.

An Unforgivable Offense

93. Anyone who kills a believer on
purpose, his retribution is Hell,
wherein he abides forever,
GOD is angry with him,
and condemns him,
and has prepared for him
a terrible retribution.

94. O you who believe,
if you strike in the cause of GOD,
you shall be absolutely sure.
Do not say to one who offers you
peace, "You are not a believer,"
seeking the spoils of this world.
For GOD possesses infinite spoils.
Remember that you used to be like them,
and GOD blessed you.
Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure
(before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant
of everything you do.

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*4:92 Since slavery does not exist, the offender must atone by fasting two consecutive months.
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Higher Ranks for the Strivers

95. Not equal are the sedentary among the believers who are not handicapped, and those who strive in the cause of GOD with their money and their lives.
GOD exalts the strivers with their money
and their lives above the sedentary.
For both, GOD promises salvation, but GOD exalts the strivers
over the sedentary with a great recompense.

96. The higher ranks come from Him,
as well as forgiveness and mercy.
GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Apathy Condemned

97. Those whose lives are terminated
by the angels, while in a state of
wronging their souls, the angels will
ask them, "What was the matter with
you?" They will say, "We were
oppressed on earth." They will say,
"Was GOD's earth not spacious
enough for you to emigrate therein?"
For these, the final abode is Hell,
and a miserable destiny.

98. Exempted are the weak men,
women, and children who do not
possess the strength, nor the means
to find a way out.

99. These may be pardoned by GOD.
GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver.

100. Anyone who emigrates in the
cause of GOD will find on earth
great bounties and richness.
Anyone who gives up his home,
emigrating to GOD and His messenger,
then death catches up with him,
his recompense is reserved with GOD.
GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

101. When you travel, during war,
you commit no error by shortening your
Contact Prayers (Salat), if you fear that the disbelievers may attack you.
Surely, the disbelievers are your ardent enemies.

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War Precautions

102. When you are with them, and lead the Contact Prayer (Salat) for them,
let some of you stand guard; let them hold their weapons,
and let them stand behind you as you prostrate.
Then, let the other group that has not prayed
take their turn praying with you,
while the others stand guard
and hold their weapons.
Those who disbelieved wish
to see you neglect your weapons
and your equipment, in order to
attack you once and for all.
You commit no error, if you are
hampered by rain or injury,
by putting down your weapons,
so long as you remain alert.
GOD has prepared for the
disbelievers a shameful retribution.

The Contact Prayers

103. Once you complete your Contact
Prayer (Salat), you shall remember
GOD while standing, sitting,
or lying down.* Once the war is
over, you shall observe the Con-
tact Prayers (Salat); the Contact
Prayers (Salat) are decreed for
the believers at specific times.

104. Do not waver in pursuing the
enemy. If you suffer, they also
suffer. However, you expect from
GOD what they never expect.
GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

105. We have sent down to you
the scripture, truthfully, in order
to judge among the people in accordance with
what GOD has shown you. You shall not side with the betrayers.

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*4:103 Your god is whoever or whatever occupies your mind most of the day. In order to belong in God's kingdom, and enjoy His grace and protection, the Quran exhorts us to remember God "always" (2:152 & 200, 3:191, 33:41-42). This profound fact explains the numerous verses asserting that "most" of those who believe in God are going to Hell (12:106, 23:84-89, 29:61-63, 31:25, 39:38, 43:87). See Footnote 3:191 and Appendix 27.
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106. You shall implore GOD for forgiveness.
GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Do Not Defend the Transgressors

107. Do not argue on behalf of those
who have wronged their own souls;
GOD does not love any betrayer, guilty.

108. They hide from the people,
and do not care to hide
from GOD, though He is
with them as they harbor ideas
He dislikes. GOD is fully aware
of everything they do.

You Do Not Help Them by Being "Nice"

109. Here you are arguing on their
behalf in this world; who is going
to argue with GOD on their
behalf on the Day of Resurrection?
Who is going to be their advocate?

110. Anyone who commits evil, or
wrongs his soul, then implores
GOD for forgiveness,
will find GOD Forgiving,
Most Merciful.

111. Anyone who earns a sin, earns it
to the detriment of his own soul.
GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

112. Anyone who earns a sin, then
accuses an innocent person
thereof, has committed a
blasphemy and a gross offense.

113. If it were not for GOD's grace
towards you, and His mercy,
some of them would have misled you.
They only mislead themselves,
and they can never harm you in the least.
GOD has sent down to you
the scripture and wisdom,
and He has taught you what you never knew.
Indeed, GOD's blessings upon you have been great.

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114. There is nothing good about their private conferences,
except for those who advocate charity, or righteous works,
or making peace among the people.
Anyone who does this, in response to GOD's teachings,
we will grant him a great recompense.

115. As for him who opposes the messenger,
after the guidance has been
pointed out to him, and follows
other than the believers' way,
we will direct him in the direction
he has chosen, and commit him
to Hell; what a miserable destiny!

The Unforgivable Sin

116. GOD does not forgive idol worship
(if maintained until death),*
and He forgives lesser offenses for
whomever He wills. Anyone who
idolizes any idol beside GOD
has strayed far astray.

117. They even worship female gods
besides Him; as a matter of fact,
they only worship a rebellious devil.

118. GOD has condemned him,
and he said, "I will surely recruit a
definite share of Your worshipers.*

119. "I will mislead them, I will entice
them, I will command them to
(forbid the eating of certain meats
by) marking the ears of livestock,
and I will command them to distort
the creation of GOD." Anyone
who accepts the devil as a lord,
instead of GOD, has incurred a profound loss.

120. He promises them and entices them;
what the devil promises
is no more than an illusion.

121. These have incurred Hell as their final abode,
and can never evade it.

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*4:116 A simple definition of idolatry: Believing that anything beside God can help you.
*4:118 The majority of believers in God fall into idolatry (12:106).
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122. As for those who believe
and lead a righteous life,
we will admit them into gardens
with flowing streams, wherein they live forever.
Such is the truthful promise of GOD.
Whose utterances are more truthful than GOD's?

The Law

123. It is not in accordance with your wishes, or the wishes of the people
of the scripture: anyone who
commits evil pays for it, and will
have no helper or supporter,
against GOD.

124. As for those who lead a righteous
life, male or female, while
believing, they enter Paradise;
without the slightest injustice.

Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam*

125. Who is better guided in his religion
than one who submits totally to
GOD, leads a righteous life,
according to the creed of Abraham:
monotheism? GOD has chosen
Abraham as a beloved friend.

126. To GOD belongs everything
in the heavens and the earth.
GOD is in full control of all things.

127. They consult you concerning
women: say, "GOD enlightens you
regarding them, as recited for you
in the scripture. You shall restore
the rights of orphaned girls whom
you cheat out of their due dowries
when you wish to marry them:
you shall not take advantage of them.
The rights of orphaned boys
must also be protected as well.
You shall treat the orphans equitably.
Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof."

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*4:125 All messengers since Adam have preached one and the same religion. Abraham was the original messenger of the creed named "Islam" (22:78, Appendix 26). "Islam" is not a name, but rather a description meaning "Submission."
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Divorce Discouraged

128. If a woman senses oppression or desertion from her husband,
the couple shall try to reconcile their differences,
for conciliation is best for them.
Selfishness is a human trait, and
if you do good and lead a righteous life,
GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

Polygamy Discouraged*

129. You can never be equitable in
dealing with more than one wife,
no matter how hard you try.
Therefore, do not be so biased
as to leave one of them hanging
(neither enjoying marriage,
nor left to marry someone else).
If you correct this situation and
maintain righteousness, GOD
is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

130. If the couple must decide to part,
GOD will provide for each of them
from His bounties.
GOD is Bounteous, Most Wise.

131. To GOD belongs everything in
the heavens and the earth, and we
have enjoined on those who
received the scripture before you,
and enjoined on you, that you shall
reverence GOD. If you disbelieve,
then to GOD belongs everything
in the heavens and the earth.
GOD is in no need, Praiseworthy.

132. To GOD belongs everything in the heavens and the earth,
and GOD is the only Protector.

133. If He wills, He can annihilate you, O people, and substitute others
in your place. GOD is certainly able to do this.

134. Anyone who seeks the materials of this world should know that
GOD possesses both the materials of this world and the Hereafter.
GOD is Hearer, Seer.

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*4:129 See Appendix 30, entitled "Polygamy."
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You Shall Not Bear False Witness

135. O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable,
and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses,
even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives.
Whether the accused is rich or poor,
GOD takes care of both.
Therefore, do not be biased
by your personal wishes.
If you deviate or disregard
(this commandment), then
GOD is fully Cognizant
of everything you do.

136. O you who believe, you shall
believe in GOD and His messenger,
and the scripture He has revealed
through His messenger, and the
scripture He has revealed before
that. Anyone who refuses to
believe in GOD, and His angels,
and His scriptures, and His
messengers, and the Last Day,
has indeed strayed far astray.

137. Surely, those who believe,
then disbelieve, then believe,
then disbelieve, then plunge
deeper into disbelief, GOD will
not forgive them, nor will He
guide them in any way.

138. Inform the hypocrites that they
have incurred painful retribution.

139. They are the ones who ally them-
selves with disbelievers instead
of believers. Are they seeking dignity with them?
All dignity belongs with GOD alone.

140. He has instructed you in the scripture that:
if you hear GOD's revelations being mocked and ridiculed,
you shall not sit with them, unless they delve into another subject.
Otherwise, you will be as guilty as they are.
GOD will gather the hypocrites
and the disbelievers together in Hell.

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The Hypocrites

141. They watch you and wait; if you attain victory from GOD,
they say (to you), "Were we not with you?"
But if the disbelievers get a turn, they say (to them),
"Did we not side with you, and protect you from the believers?"
GOD will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection.
GOD will never permit the disbelievers to prevail over the believers.

142. The hypocrites think that they are
deceiving GOD, but He is the One
who leads them on. When they
get up for the Contact Prayer
(Salat), they get up lazily. That is
because they only show off in
front of the people, and rarely
do they think of GOD.

143. They waver in between, neither
belonging to this group, nor that
group. Whomever GOD sends
astray, you will never find a way
to guide him.

144. O you who believe, you shall not
ally yourselves with the disbelievers,
instead of the believers. Do you
wish to provide GOD with a
clear proof against you?

They Think That They Are Believers

145. The hypocrites will be committed
to the lowest pit of Hell, and
you will find no one to help them.

146. Only those who repent, reform,
hold fast to GOD, and devote their religion
absolutely to GOD alone,
will be counted with the believers.
GOD will bless the believers
with a great recompense.

147. What will GOD gain from punishing you,
if you became appreciative and believed?
GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient.

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Do Not Use Bad Language

148. GOD does not like the utterance of bad language,
unless one is treated with gross injustice. GOD is Hearer, Knower.

149. If you work righteousness--either declared or concealed--
or pardon a transgression, GOD is Pardoner, Omnipotent.

You Shall Not Make Any Distinction Among God's Messengers

150. Those who disbelieve in GOD
and His messengers, and seek to
make distinction among GOD
and His messengers, and say,
"We believe in some and reject
some," and wish to follow
a path in between;

151. these are the real disbelievers.
We have prepared for the disblievers a hameful retribution

152. As for those who believe in GOD
and His messengers, and make no
distinction among them, He will
grant them their recompense.
GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Lessons From Israel

153. The people of the scripture
challenge you to bring down to
them a book from the sky!
They have asked Moses for
more than that, saying,
"Show us GOD, physically."
Consequently, the lightning struck
them, as a consequence of their
audacity. Additionally, they worshiped
the calf, after all the miracles they had seen.
Yet, we pardoned all this.
We supported Moses with profound miracles.

154. And we raised Mount Sinai above them,
as we took their covenant.
And we said to them, "Enter the gate humbly."
And we said to them, "Do not desecrate the Sabbath."
Indeed, we took from them a solemn covenant.

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155. (They incurred condemnation) for violating their covenant, rejecting
GOD's revelations, killing the prophets unjustly, and for saying, "Our minds
are made up!" In fact, GOD is the One who sealed their minds, due to their
disbelief, and this is why they fail to believe, except rarely.

156. (They are condemned) for disbelieving and uttering about Mary a gross lie.

Crucifying "the Body" of Jesus*

157. And for claiming that they killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the mes-
senger of GOD. In fact, they never killed him, they never crucified him--they
were made to think that they did.
All factions who are disputing in
this matter are full of doubt
concerning this issue. They possess
no knowledge; they only conjecture.
For certain, they never killed him.*

158. Instead, GOD raised him to Him;
GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

159. Everyone among the people of
the scripture was required to
believe in him before his death.
On the Day of Resurrection, he
will be a witness against them.

160. Due to their transgressions, we
prohibited for the Jews good foods
that used to be lawful for them;
also for consistently repelling from
the path of GOD.

161. And for practicing usury, which
was forbidden, and for consuming
the people's money illicitly. We
have prepared for the disbelievers
among them painful retribution.

162. As for those among them who are
well founded in knowledge, and the believers, they believe in what was
revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you. They are observers of
the Contact Prayers (Salat), and givers of the obligatory charity (Zakat); they
are believers in GOD and the Last Day. We grant these a great recompense.

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*4:157-158 Jesus, the real person, the soul, was raised in the same manner as in the death of any righteous person. Subsequently, his enemies arrested, tortured, and crucified his living, but empty, body. See Appendices 17 & 22, and the book "Jesus: Myths and Message" by Lisa Spray (Universal Unity, Fremont, California, 1990 ).

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God's Messengers

163. We have inspired you, as we inspired Noah
and the prophets after him.
And we inspired Abraham,
Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, the Patriarchs,
Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon.
And we gave David the Psalms.

164. Messengers we have told you about, and messengers
we never told you about.
And GOD spoke to Moses directly.

165. Messengers to deliver good news,
as well as warnings. Thus, the
people will have no excuse when
they face GOD, after all these
messengers have come to them.
GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

166. But GOD bears witness concerning
what He has revealed to you;
He has revealed it with His
knowledge. And the angels
bear witness as well, but
GOD suffices as witness.

167. Surely, those who disbelieve and
repel from the way of GOD
have strayed far astray.

168. Those who disbelieve and
transgress, GOD will not forgive
them, nor will He guide them
in any way;

169. except the way to Hell,
wherein they abide forever.
This is easy for GOD to do.

170. O people, the messenger has come to you with the truth
from your Lord. Therefore, you shall believe
for your own good.
If you disbelieve,
then to GOD belongs everything
in the heavens and the earth.
GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

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Trinity: A False Doctrine

171. O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion,
and do not say about GOD except the truth.
The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary,
was a messenger of GOD,
and His word that He had sent to Mary,
and a revelation from Him.
Therefore, you shall believe in GOD
and His messengers.
You shall not say, "Trinity."
You shall refrain from this
for your own good.
GOD is only one god.
Be He glorified; He is much too
glorious to have a son.
To Him belongs everything in the
heavens and everything on earth.
GOD suffices as Lord and Master.

172. The Messiah would never disdain
from being a servant of GOD,
nor would the closest angels.
Those who disdain from worshiping
Him, and are too arrogant to
submit, He will summon them all
before Him.

173. As for those who believe
and lead a righteous life,
He will fully recompense them,
and shower them with His grace.
As for those who disdain and
turn arrogant, He will commit
them to painful retribution.
They will find no lord beside
GOD, nor a savior.

The Quran's Mathematical Code: Tangible, Irrefutable Proof

174. O people, a proof has come to you from your Lord;
we have sent down to you a profound beacon.

175. Those who believe in GOD, and hold fast to Him,
He will admit them into mercy from Him, and grace,
and will guide them to Him in a straight path.

176. They consult you; say, "GOD advises you concerning the single person. If one
dies and leaves no children, and he had a sister, she gets half the inheritance.
If she dies first, he inherits from her, if she left no children. If there were two sisters,
they get two-thirds of the inheritance. If the siblings are men and women, the
male gets twice the share of the female." GOD thus clarifies for you, lest you
go astray. GOD is fully aware of all things.

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