Surah Al-Baqarah Part Five: Verses 208 to 252 | Quran Study Guide

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Part four ended on two men, one who ruined and one who sold himself. This section opens by demanding the whole person rather than a portion of him. Enter into peace entirely. Then it takes six real questions the community asked and answers each one without softening the answer: what do we spend, what about fighting in the sacred month, what about wine and gambling, what about the orphans, what about marriage, what about the monthly cycle. In the middle it legislates the hardest thing a family does, and spends more verses on the manner of the exit than on the mechanics of it. It closes with an army marched to a river and thinned twice, and a boy who killed a giant while the majority who had demanded the war were no longer standing there.

The Surah · Verses 208 to 252

﴾208﴿ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ فِى ٱلسِّلْمِ كَآفَّةًۭ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّۭ مُّبِينٌۭ

Yaaa ayyuhal lazeena aamanud khuloo fis silmi kaaaffatanw wa laa tattabi'oo khutuwaatish Shaitaan; innahoo lakum 'aduwwum mubeen

You who believe, enter into peace entirely, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. He is an open enemy to you.

﴾209﴿ فَإِن زَلَلْتُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْكُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتُ فَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

Fa in zalaltum mim ba'di maa jaaa'atkumul baiyinaatu fa'lamooo annal laaha 'Azeezun Hakeem

If you slip after the clear proofs have come to you, know that Allah is almighty, wise.

﴾210﴿ هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّآ أَن يَأْتِيَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى ظُلَلٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْغَمَامِ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ وَقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ ۚ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ ٱلْأُمُورُ

Hal yanzuroona illaaa ai yaatiyahumul laahu fee zulalim minal ghamaami walmalaaa'ikatu wa qudiyal amr; wa ilal laahi turja'ul umoor

Are they waiting for anything except that Allah comes to them in shades of cloud, with the angels, and the matter is settled? To Allah all matters are returned.

﴾211﴿ سَلْ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ كَمْ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُم مِّنْ ءَايَةٍۭ بَيِّنَةٍۢ ۗ وَمَن يُبَدِّلْ نِعْمَةَ ٱللَّهِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْهُ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ

Sal Baneee Israaa'eela kam aatainaahum min aayatim baiyinah; wa mai yubaddil ni'matal laahi mim ba'di maa jaaa'athu fa innal laaha shadeedul 'iqaab

Ask the Children of Israel how many clear signs We gave them. Whoever exchanges the favour of Allah after it has come to him, Allah is severe in penalty.

﴾212﴿ زُيِّنَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَيَسْخَرُونَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ۘ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا۟ فَوْقَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَآءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍۢ

Zuyyina lillazeena kafarul hayaatud dunyaa wa yaskharoona minal lazeena aamanoo; wallazeenat taqaw fawqahum Yawmal Qiyaamah; wallaahu yarzuqu mai yashaaa'u bighairi hisaab

The life of this world has been made attractive to those who reject faith, and they mock those who believe. Those who guard themselves will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. Allah provides for whoever He wills without measure.

﴾213﴿ كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ ۚ وَمَا ٱخْتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتُ بَغْيًۢا بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ فَهَدَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لِمَا ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍۢ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

Kaanan naasu ummatanw waahidatan fab'asal laahun Nabiyyeena mubashshireena wa munzireena wa anzala ma'ahumul kitaaba bilhaqqi liyahkuma bainan naasi feemakh talafoo feeh; wa makh talafa feehi illal lazeena ootoohu mim ba'di maa jaaa'athumul baiyinaatu baghyam bainahum fahadal laahul lazeena aamanoo limakh talafoo feehi minal haqqi bi iznih; wallaahu yahdee mai yashaaa'u ilaa Siraatim Mustaqeem

People were one community, then Allah raised the prophets bringing good news and warning, and sent down with them the Book with the truth to judge between people in what they disagreed about. Only those who were given it disagreed about it, after the clear proofs came to them, out of rivalry between themselves. Then Allah guided those who believed to the truth of what they disagreed about, by His permission. Allah guides whoever He wills to a straight path.

﴾214﴿ أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَن تَدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَأْتِكُم مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ خَلَوْا۟ مِن قَبْلِكُم ۖ مَّسَّتْهُمُ ٱلْبَأْسَآءُ وَٱلضَّرَّآءُ وَزُلْزِلُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَ ٱلرَّسُولُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥ مَتَىٰ نَصْرُ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ نَصْرَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌۭ

Am hasibtum an tadkhulul jannata wa lammaa yaatikum masalul lazeena khalaw min qablikum massathumul baasaaa'u waddarraaa'u wa zulziloo hattaa yaqoolar Rasoolu wallazeena aamanoo ma'ahoo mataa nasrul laah; alaaa inna nasral laahi qareeb

Or did you think you would enter the Garden without what came to those who passed before you reaching you? Hardship and injury touched them, and they were shaken until the messenger and those who believed with him said, when is the help of Allah? The help of Allah is near.

﴾215﴿ يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ ۖ قُلْ مَآ أَنفَقْتُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍۢ فَلِلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ وَٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمٌۭ

Yas'aloonaka maazaa yunfiqoona qul maaa anfaqtum min khairin falil waalidaini wal aqrabeena walyataamaa walmasaakeeni wabnis sabeel; wa maa taf'aloo min khairin fa innal laaha bihee 'Aleem

They ask you what they should spend. Say, whatever good you spend goes to parents, near relatives, orphans, the poor, and the traveller. Whatever good you do, Allah knows it.

﴾216﴿ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْقِتَالُ وَهُوَ كُرْهٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكْرَهُوا۟ شَيْـًۭٔا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تُحِبُّوا۟ شَيْـًۭٔا وَهُوَ شَرٌّۭ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Kutiba 'alaikumul qitaalu wa huwa kurhul lakum wa 'asaaa an takrahoo shai'anw wa huwa khairul lakum wa 'asaaa an tuhibboo shai'anw wa huwa sharrul lakum; wallaahu ya'lamu wa antum laa ta'lamoon

Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. You may dislike a thing and it is good for you, and you may love a thing and it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.

﴾217﴿ يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلشَّهْرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ قِتَالٍۢ فِيهِ ۖ قُلْ قِتَالٌۭ فِيهِ كَبِيرٌۭ ۖ وَصَدٌّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَكُفْرٌۢ بِهِۦ وَٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ وَإِخْرَاجُ أَهْلِهِۦ مِنْهُ أَكْبَرُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَٱلْفِتْنَةُ أَكْبَرُ مِنَ ٱلْقَتْلِ ۗ وَلَا يَزَالُونَ يُقَٰتِلُونَكُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَرُدُّوكُمْ عَن دِينِكُمْ إِنِ ٱسْتَطَٰعُوا۟ ۚ وَمَن يَرْتَدِدْ مِنكُمْ عَن دِينِهِۦ فَيَمُتْ وَهُوَ كَافِرٌۭ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَٰلُهُمْ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْءَاخِرَةِ ۖ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ

Yas'aloonaka 'anish Shahril Haraami qitaalin feehi qul qitaalun feehi kabeerunw wa saddun 'an sabeelil laahi wa kufrum bihee wal Masjidil Haraami wa ikhraaju ahlihee minhu akbaru 'indal laah; walfitnatu akbaru minal qatl; wa laa yazaaloona yuqaatiloonakum hattaa yaruddookum 'an deenikum inis tataa'oo; wa mai yartadid minkum 'an deenihee fayamut wa huwa kaafirun fa ulaaa'ika habitat a'maaluhum fid dunyaa wal aakhirati wa ulaaa'ika ashaabun Naari hum feehaa khaalidoon

They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say, fighting in it is a serious matter. Blocking the way of Allah, rejecting Him, blocking the Sacred Mosque, and driving its people out of it are more serious with Allah. Persecution is worse than killing. They will not stop fighting you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can. Whoever among you turns back from his religion and dies as a rejecter, their works come to nothing in this world and the next, and they are the companions of the Fire, staying in it.

﴾218﴿ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا۟ وَجَٰهَدُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ

Innal lazeena aamanoo wallazeena haajaroo wa jaahadoo fee sabeelil laahi ulaaa'ika yarjoona rahmatal laah; wallaahu Ghafoorur Raheem

Those who believed, and those who migrated and struggled in the way of Allah, those are the ones who hope for the mercy of Allah. Allah is forgiving, merciful.

﴾219﴿ يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْخَمْرِ وَٱلْمَيْسِرِ ۖ قُلْ فِيهِمَآ إِثْمٌۭ كَبِيرٌۭ وَمَنَٰفِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَإِثْمُهُمَآ أَكْبَرُ مِن نَّفْعِهِمَا ۗ وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ قُلِ ٱلْعَفْوَ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمُ ٱلْءَايَٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ

Yas'aloonaka 'anil khamri walmaisiri qul feehimaaa ismun kabeerunw wa manaafi'u linnaasi wa ismuhumaaa akbaru min naf'ihimaa; wa yas'aloonaka maazaa yunfiqoona qulil 'afw; kazaalika yubaiyinul laahu lakumul aayaati la'allakum tatafakkaroon

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, in both there is great sin and some benefit for people, and their sin is greater than their benefit. They ask you what they should spend. Say, what you can spare. That is how Allah makes the signs clear for you, so that you may think.

﴾220﴿ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْءَاخِرَةِ ۗ وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ ۖ قُلْ إِصْلَاحٌۭ لَّهُمْ خَيْرٌۭ ۖ وَإِن تُخَالِطُوهُمْ فَإِخْوَٰنُكُمْ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ ٱلْمُفْسِدَ مِنَ ٱلْمُصْلِحِ ۚ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَعْنَتَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌۭ

Fid dunyaa wal aakhirah; wa yas'aloonaka 'anil yataamaa qul islaahul lahum khair; wa in tukhaalitoohum fa ikhwaanukum; wallaahu ya'lamul mufsida minal muslih; wa law shaaa'al laahu la a'natakum; innal laaha 'Azeezun Hakeem

In this world and the next. They ask you about the orphans. Say, setting their affairs right is best. If you mix your affairs with theirs, they are your brothers. Allah knows the one who ruins from the one who sets right. If Allah willed, He could have made it hard on you. Allah is almighty, wise.

﴾221﴿ وَلَا تَنكِحُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكَٰتِ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنَّ ۚ وَلَأَمَةٌۭ مُّؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌۭ مِّن مُّشْرِكَةٍۢ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تُنكِحُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ ۚ وَلَعَبْدٌۭ مُّؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌۭ مِّن مُّشْرِكٍۢ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكُمْ ۗ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى ٱلنَّارِ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَٱلْمَغْفِرَةِ بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۖ وَيُبَيِّنُ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

Wa laa tankihul mushrikaati hattaa yu'minn; wa la amatum mu'minatun khairum mim mushrikatinw wa law a'jabatkum; wa laa tunkihul mushrikeena hattaa yu'minoo; wa la'abdum mu'minun khairum mim mushrikinw wa law a'jabakum; ulaaa'ika yad'oona ilan Naari wallaahu yad'ooo ilal Jannati walmaghfirati bi iznih; wa yubaiyinu Aayaatihee linnaasi la'allahum yatazakkaroon

Do not marry women who set up partners with Allah until they believe. A believing servant woman is better than one who sets up partners, even if she impresses you. Do not give in marriage to men who set up partners with Allah until they believe. A believing servant man is better than one who sets up partners, even if he impresses you. Those call to the Fire, and Allah calls to the Garden and to forgiveness by His permission, and He makes His signs clear to people so that they may remember.

﴾222﴿ وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْمَحِيضِ ۖ قُلْ هُوَ أَذًۭى فَٱعْتَزِلُوا۟ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فِى ٱلْمَحِيضِ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ ۖ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلتَّوَّٰبِينَ وَيُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ

Wa yas'aloonaka 'anil maheedi qul huwa azan fa'tazilun nisaaa'a fil maheedi wa laa taqraboohunna hattaa yathurna fa izaa tatahharna faatoohunna min haisu amarakumul laah; innal laaha yuhibbut Tawwaabeena wa yuhibbul mutatahhireen

They ask you about the monthly cycle. Say, it is a discomfort, so keep apart from women during it and do not approach them until they are clear. When they have purified themselves, come to them as Allah has directed you. Allah loves those who turn back to Him, and He loves those who keep themselves clean.

﴾223﴿ نِسَآؤُكُمْ حَرْثٌۭ لَّكُمْ فَأْتُوا۟ حَرْثَكُمْ أَنَّىٰ شِئْتُمْ ۖ وَقَدِّمُوا۟ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّكُم مُّلَٰقُوهُ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Nisaaa'ukum harsul lakum faatoo harsakum annaa shi'tum wa qaddimoo li anfusikum; wattaqul laaha wa'lamooo annakum mulaaqooh; wa bashshiril mu'mineen

Your wives are a tilth for you, so come to your tilth as you wish, and send something ahead for yourselves. Guard yourselves against Allah, and know that you will meet Him. Give good news to the believers.

﴾224﴿ وَلَا تَجْعَلُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عُرْضَةًۭ لِّأَيْمَٰنِكُمْ أَن تَبَرُّوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ وَتُصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ

Wa laa taj'alul laaha 'urdatal li aymaanikum an tabarroo wa tattaqoo wa tuslihoo bainan naas; wallaahu Samee'un 'Aleem

Do not make Allah an obstacle in your oaths against doing good, guarding yourselves, and setting matters right between people. Allah is hearing, knowing.

﴾225﴿ لَّا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِٱللَّغْوِ فِىٓ أَيْمَٰنِكُمْ وَلَٰكِن يُؤَاخِذُكُم بِمَا كَسَبَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌۭ

Laa yu'aakhizukumul laahu billaghwi feee aymaanikum wa laakiny yu'aakhizukum bimaa kasabat quloobukum; wallaahu Ghafoorun Haleem

Allah does not hold you to account for careless words in your oaths, but He holds you to account for what your hearts have earned. Allah is forgiving, forbearing.

﴾226﴿ لِّلَّذِينَ يُؤْلُونَ مِن نِّسَآئِهِمْ تَرَبُّصُ أَرْبَعَةِ أَشْهُرٍۢ ۖ فَإِن فَآءُو فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ

Lillazeena yu'loona min nisaaa'ihim tarabbusu arba'ati ashhurin fa in faaa'oo fa innal laaha Ghafoorur Raheem

For those who swear off their wives there is a wait of four months. If they return, Allah is forgiving, merciful.

﴾227﴿ وَإِنْ عَزَمُوا۟ ٱلطَّلَٰقَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ

Wa in 'azamut talaaqa fa innal laaha Samee'un 'Aleem

If they are set on divorce, Allah is hearing, knowing.

﴾228﴿ وَٱلْمُطَلَّقَٰتُ يَتَرَبَّصْنَ بِأَنفُسِهِنَّ ثَلَٰثَةَ قُرُوٓءٍۢ ۚ وَلَا يَحِلُّ لَهُنَّ أَن يَكْتُمْنَ مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ فِىٓ أَرْحَامِهِنَّ إِن كُنَّ يُؤْمِنَّ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ ۚ وَبُعُولَتُهُنَّ أَحَقُّ بِرَدِّهِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ إِنْ أَرَادُوٓا۟ إِصْلَٰحًۭا ۚ وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَيْهِنَّ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌۭ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

Walmutallaqaatu yatarabbasna bi anfusihinna salaasata qurooo'; wa laa yahillu lahunna ai yaktumna maa khalaqal laahu feee arhaamihinna in kunna yu'minna billaahi wal yawmil aakhir; wa bu'oolatuhunna ahaqqu biraddihinna fee zaalika in araadooo islaahaa; wa lahunna mislul lazee 'alaihinna bilma'roof; wa lirrijaali 'alaihinna darajah; wallaahu 'Azeezun Hakeem

Divorced women wait by themselves for three cycles. It is not lawful for them to hide what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. Their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period if they want to set things right. Women have rights matching the duties on them, in a fair way, and men have a degree over them. Allah is almighty, wise.

﴾229﴿ ٱلطَّلَٰقُ مَرَّتَانِ ۖ فَإِمْسَاكٌۢ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ تَسْرِيحٌۢ بِإِحْسَٰنٍۢ ۗ وَلَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمْ أَن تَأْخُذُوا۟ مِمَّآ ءَاتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ شَيْـًٔا إِلَّآ أَن يَخَافَآ أَلَّا يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا فِيمَا ٱفْتَدَتْ بِهِۦ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا تَعْتَدُوهَا ۚ وَمَن يَتَعَدَّ حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ

At talaaqu marrataani fa imsaakum bima'roofin aw tasreehum bi ihsaan; wa laa yahillu lakum an taakhuzoo mimmaaa aataitumoohunna shai'an illaaa ai yakhaafaaa allaa yuqeemaa hudoodal laahi fa in khiftum allaa yuqeemaa hudoodal laahi falaa junaaha 'alaihimaa feemaf tadat bih; tilka hudoodul laahi falaa ta'tadoohaa; wa mai yata'adda hudoodal laahi fa ulaaa'ika humuz zaalimoon

Divorce is twice. Then keep her in a fair way or release her with kindness. It is not lawful for you to take back anything you gave them, unless both fear they cannot keep the limits of Allah. If you fear they cannot keep the limits of Allah, there is no blame on either of them in what she gives back for her release. These are the limits of Allah, so do not cross them. Whoever crosses the limits of Allah, those are the wrongdoers.

﴾230﴿ فَإِن طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا تَحِلُّ لَهُۥ مِنۢ بَعْدُ حَتَّىٰ تَنكِحَ زَوْجًا غَيْرَهُۥ ۗ فَإِن طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَآ أَن يَتَرَاجَعَآ إِن ظَنَّآ أَن يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَتِلْكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِ يُبَيِّنُهَا لِقَوْمٍۢ يَعْلَمُونَ

Fa in tallaqahaa falaa tahillu lahoo mim ba'du hattaa tankiha zawjan ghairah; fa in tallaqahaa falaa junaaha 'alaihimaaa ai yataraaja'aaa in zannaaa ai yuqeemaa hudoodal laah; wa tilka hudoodul laahi yubaiyinuhaa liqawminy ya'lamoon

If he divorces her a third time, she is not lawful to him afterwards until she marries another husband. If that husband divorces her, there is no blame on the two of them in returning to each other, if they believe they can keep the limits of Allah. These are the limits of Allah, made clear for people who know.

﴾231﴿ وَإِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَبَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمْسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ سَرِّحُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍۢ ۚ وَلَا تُمْسِكُوهُنَّ ضِرَارًۭا لِّتَعْتَدُوا۟ ۚ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَقَدْ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُۥ ۚ وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوٓا۟ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ هُزُوًۭا ۚ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَمَآ أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ وَٱلْحِكْمَةِ يَعِظُكُم بِهِۦ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌۭ

Wa izaa tallaqtumun nisaaa'a fabalaghna ajalahunna fa amsikoohunna bima'roofin aw sarrihoohunna bima'roof; wa laa tumsikoohunna diraaral lita'tadoo; wa mai yaf'al zaalika faqad zalama nafsah; wa laa tattakhizooo aayaatil laahi huzuwaa; wazkuroo ni'matal laahi 'alaikum wa maaa anzala 'alaikum minal kitaabi wal hikmati ya'izukum bih; wattaqul laaha wa'lamooo annal laaha bikulli shai'in 'Aleem

When you divorce women and they reach the end of their term, keep them in a fair way or release them in a fair way. Do not keep them to cause harm, so as to transgress. Whoever does that has wronged himself. Do not take the signs of Allah as a joke. Remember the favour of Allah on you, and what He sent down to you of the Book and the wisdom, teaching you with it. Guard yourselves against Allah, and know that Allah knows everything.

﴾232﴿ وَإِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَبَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَلَا تَعْضُلُوهُنَّ أَن يَنكِحْنَ أَزْوَٰجَهُنَّ إِذَا تَرَٰضَوْا۟ بَيْنَهُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ يُوعَظُ بِهِۦ مَن كَانَ مِنكُمْ يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ ۗ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَزْكَىٰ لَكُمْ وَأَطْهَرُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Wa izaa tallaqtumun nisaaa'a fabalaghna ajalahunna falaa ta'duloohunna ai yankihna azwaajahunna izaa taraadaw bainahum bilma'roof; zaalika yoo'azu bihee man kaana minkum yu'minu billaahi wal yawmil aakhir; zaalikum azkaa lakum wa athar; wallaahu ya'lamu wa antum laa ta'lamoon

When you divorce women and they reach the end of their term, do not prevent them from marrying their husbands again when they agree between themselves in a fair way. That is an instruction for whoever among you believes in Allah and the Last Day. That is purer for you and cleaner. Allah knows and you do not know.

﴾233﴿ وَٱلْوَٰلِدَٰتُ يُرْضِعْنَ أَوْلَٰدَهُنَّ حَوْلَيْنِ كَامِلَيْنِ ۖ لِمَنْ أَرَادَ أَن يُتِمَّ ٱلرَّضَاعَةَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلْمَوْلُودِ لَهُۥ رِزْقُهُنَّ وَكِسْوَتُهُنَّ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ لَا تُكَلَّفُ نَفْسٌ إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَا تُضَآرَّ وَٰلِدَةٌۢ بِوَلَدِهَا وَلَا مَوْلُودٌۭ لَّهُۥ بِوَلَدِهِۦ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلْوَارِثِ مِثْلُ ذَٰلِكَ ۗ فَإِنْ أَرَادَا فِصَالًا عَن تَرَاضٍۢ مِّنْهُمَا وَتَشَاوُرٍۢ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا ۗ وَإِنْ أَرَدتُّمْ أَن تَسْتَرْضِعُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُمْ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا سَلَّمْتُم مَّآ ءَاتَيْتُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۗ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌۭ

Walwaalidaatu yurdi'na awlaadahunna hawlaini kaamilaini liman araada ai yutimmar radaa'ah; wa 'alal mawloodi lahoo rizquhunna wa kiswatuhunna bilma'roof; laa tukallafu nafsun illaa wus'ahaa; laa tudaaarra waalidatum biwaladihaa wa laa mawloodul lahoo biwaladih; wa 'alal waarisi mislu zaalik; fa in araadaa fisaalan 'an taraadim minhumaa wa tashaawurin falaa junaaha 'alaihimaa; wa in arattum an tastardi'ooo awlaadakum falaa junaaha 'alaikum izaa sallamtum maaa aataitum bilma'roof; wattaqul laaha wa'lamooo annal laaha bimaa ta'maloona baseer

Mothers nurse their children two full years, for the one who wants to complete the nursing. The father must provide their food and clothing in a fair way. No soul is charged beyond its capacity. No mother is to be harmed through her child, and no father through his child, and the same duty falls on the heir. If the two want to wean by mutual agreement and consultation, there is no blame on them. If you want to arrange a wet nurse for your children, there is no blame on you, so long as you hand over what you agreed in a fair way. Guard yourselves against Allah, and know that Allah sees what you do.

﴾234﴿ وَٱلَّذِينَ يُتَوَفَّوْنَ مِنكُمْ وَيَذَرُونَ أَزْوَٰجًۭا يَتَرَبَّصْنَ بِأَنفُسِهِنَّ أَرْبَعَةَ أَشْهُرٍۢ وَعَشْرًۭا ۖ فَإِذَا بَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا فَعَلْنَ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِنَّ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌۭ

Wallazeena yutawaffawna minkum wa yazaroona azwaajai yatarabbasna bi anfusihinna arba'ata ashhurinw wa 'ashran fa izaa balaghna ajalahunna falaa junaaha 'alaikum feemaa fa'alna feee anfusihinna bilma'roof; wallaahu bimaa ta'maloona Khabeer

Those of you who die and leave wives behind, the wives wait by themselves four months and ten days. When they reach the end of their term, there is no blame on you for what they do with themselves in a fair way. Allah is aware of what you do.

﴾235﴿ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا عَرَّضْتُم بِهِۦ مِنْ خِطْبَةِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ أَوْ أَكْنَنتُمْ فِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ سَتَذْكُرُونَهُنَّ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تُوَاعِدُوهُنَّ سِرًّا إِلَّآ أَن تَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًۭا مَّعْرُوفًۭا ۚ وَلَا تَعْزِمُوا۟ عُقْدَةَ ٱلنِّكَاحِ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ ٱلْكِتَٰبُ أَجَلَهُۥ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ فَٱحْذَرُوهُ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌۭ

Wa laa junaaha 'alaikum feemaa 'arradtum bihee min khitbatin nisaaa'i aw aknantum feee anfusikum; 'alimal laahu annakum satazkuroonahunna wa laakil laa tuwaa'idoohunna sirran illaaa an taqooloo qawlam ma'roofaa; wa laa ta'zimoo 'uqdatan nikaahi hattaa yablughal kitaabu ajalah; wa'lamooo annal laaha ya'lamu maa feee anfusikum fahzarooh; wa'lamooo annal laaha Ghafoorun Haleem

There is no blame on you in hinting at a proposal to such women, or in keeping it inside yourselves. Allah knows you will be thinking of them. Do not make a private promise to them, except to speak a decent word, and do not settle the marriage contract until the prescribed term has run its course. Know that Allah knows what is inside you, so be careful of Him, and know that Allah is forgiving, forbearing.

﴾236﴿ لَّا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِن طَلَّقْتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ مَا لَمْ تَمَسُّوهُنَّ أَوْ تَفْرِضُوا۟ لَهُنَّ فَرِيضَةًۭ ۚ وَمَتِّعُوهُنَّ عَلَى ٱلْمُوسِعِ قَدَرُهُۥ وَعَلَى ٱلْمُقْتِرِ قَدَرُهُۥ مَتَٰعًۢا بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

Laa junaaha 'alaikum in tallaqtumun nisaaa'a maa lam tamassoohunna aw tafridoo lahunna fareedah; wa matti'oohunna 'alal moosi'i qadaruhoo wa 'alal muqtiri qadaruhoo mataa'am bilma'roofi haqqan 'alal muhsineen

There is no blame on you if you divorce women before touching them or fixing a dower for them. Provide for them, the wealthy according to his means and the straitened according to his, a fair provision, a duty on those who do good.

﴾237﴿ وَإِن طَلَّقْتُمُوهُنَّ مِن قَبْلِ أَن تَمَسُّوهُنَّ وَقَدْ فَرَضْتُمْ لَهُنَّ فَرِيضَةًۭ فَنِصْفُ مَا فَرَضْتُمْ إِلَّآ أَن يَعْفُونَ أَوْ يَعْفُوَا۟ ٱلَّذِى بِيَدِهِۦ عُقْدَةُ ٱلنِّكَاحِ ۚ وَأَن تَعْفُوٓا۟ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَلَا تَنسَوُا۟ ٱلْفَضْلَ بَيْنَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ

Wa in tallaqtumoohunna min qabli an tamassoohunna wa qad faradtum lahunna fareedatan fanisfu maa faradtum illaaa ai ya'foona aw ya'fuwal lazee biyadihee 'uqdatun nikaah; wa an ta'fooo aqrabu littaqwaa; wa laa tansawul fadla bainakum; innal laaha bimaa ta'maloona Baseer

If you divorce them before touching them and you have already fixed a dower, then half of what you fixed, unless they forgo it, or the one who holds the marriage contract forgoes it. That you forgo is closer to guarding yourselves. Do not forget generosity between yourselves. Allah sees what you do.

﴾238﴿ حَٰفِظُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلصَّلَوَٰتِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ٱلْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا۟ لِلَّهِ قَٰنِتِينَ

Haafizoo 'alas salawaati was Salaatil Wustaa wa qoomoo lillaahi qaaniteen

Guard the prayers, and the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in devotion.

﴾239﴿ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ فَرِجَالًا أَوْ رُكْبَانًۭا ۖ فَإِذَآ أَمِنتُمْ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَمَا عَلَّمَكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُوا۟ تَعْلَمُونَ

Fa in khiftum farijaalan aw rukbaanan fa izaaa amintum fazkurul laaha kamaa 'allamakum maa lam takoonoo ta'lamoon

If you are in fear, then on foot or riding. When you are secure, remember Allah as He taught you what you did not know.

﴾240﴿ وَٱلَّذِينَ يُتَوَفَّوْنَ مِنكُمْ وَيَذَرُونَ أَزْوَٰجًۭا وَصِيَّةًۭ لِّأَزْوَٰجِهِم مَّتَٰعًا إِلَى ٱلْحَوْلِ غَيْرَ إِخْرَاجٍۢ ۚ فَإِنْ خَرَجْنَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِى مَا فَعَلْنَ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِنَّ مِن مَّعْرُوفٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌۭ

Wallazeena yutawaffawna minkum wa yazaroona azwaajanw wasiyyatal li azwaajihim mataa'an ilal hawli ghaira ikhraaj; fa in kharajna falaa junaaha 'alaikum fee maa fa'alna feee anfusihinna mim ma'roof; wallaahu 'Azeezun Hakeem

Those of you who die and leave wives behind should make a bequest for their wives, provision for a year without turning them out. If they leave, there is no blame on you for what they do with themselves in a fair way. Allah is almighty, wise.

﴾241﴿ وَلِلْمُطَلَّقَٰتِ مَتَٰعٌۢ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ

Wa lilmutallaqaati mataa'um bilma'roofi haqqan 'alal muttaqeen

Divorced women have a fair provision, a duty on those who guard themselves.

﴾242﴿ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

Kazaalika yubaiyinul laahu lakum aayaatihee la'allakum ta'qiloon

That is how Allah makes His signs clear for you, so that you may reason.

﴾243﴿ أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا۟ مِن دِيَٰرِهِمْ وَهُمْ أُلُوفٌ حَذَرَ ٱلْمَوْتِ فَقَالَ لَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مُوتُوا۟ ثُمَّ أَحْيَٰهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ

Alam tara ilal lazeena kharajoo min diyaarihim wa hum uloofun hazaral mawti faqaala lahumul laahu mootoo summa ahyaahum; innal laaha lazoo fadlin 'alan naasi wa laakinna aksaran naasi laa yashkuroon

Have you not considered those who left their homes in their thousands, in fear of death? Allah said to them, die, then He gave them life. Allah holds favour for people, but most people are not grateful.

﴾244﴿ وَقَٰتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ

Wa qaatiloo fee sabeelil laahi wa'lamooo annal laaha Samee'un 'Aleem

Fight in the way of Allah, and know that Allah is hearing, knowing.

﴾245﴿ مَّن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يُقْرِضُ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًۭا فَيُضَٰعِفَهُۥ لَهُۥٓ أَضْعَافًۭا كَثِيرَةًۭ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْصُۜطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ

Man zal lazee yuqridul laaha qardan hasanan fayudaa'ifahoo lahooo ad'aafan kaseerah; wallaahu yaqbidu wa yabsutu wa ilaihi turja'oon

Who will lend Allah a good loan, so that He multiplies it for him many times over? Allah withholds and gives in plenty, and to Him you are returned.

﴾246﴿ أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلْمَلَإِ مِنۢ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مُوسَىٰٓ إِذْ قَالُوا۟ لِنَبِىٍّۢ لَّهُمُ ٱبْعَثْ لَنَا مَلِكًۭا نُّقَٰتِلْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ قَالَ هَلْ عَسَيْتُمْ إِن كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْقِتَالُ أَلَّا تُقَٰتِلُوا۟ ۖ قَالُوا۟ وَمَا لَنَآ أَلَّا نُقَٰتِلَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَقَدْ أُخْرِجْنَا مِن دِيَٰرِنَا وَأَبْنَآئِنَا ۖ فَلَمَّا كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْقِتَالُ تَوَلَّوْا۟ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا مِّنْهُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌۢ بِٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

Alam tara ilal malai mim Baneee Israaa'eela mim ba'di Moosaaa iz qaaloo li Nabiyyil lahumub 'as lanaa malikan nuqaatil fee sabeelil laahi qaala hal 'asaitum in kutiba 'alaikumul qitaalu allaa tuqaatiloo qaaloo wa maa lanaaa allaa nuqaatila fee sabeelil laahi wa qad ukhrijnaa min diyaarinaa wa abnaaa'inaa falammaa kutiba 'alaihimul qitaalu tawallaw illaa qaleelam minhum; wallaahu 'aleemum biz zaalimeen

Have you not considered the chiefs of the Children of Israel after Moses, when they said to a prophet of theirs, appoint a king for us and we will fight in the way of Allah. He said, is it possible that if fighting is prescribed for you, you will not fight? They said, why would we not fight in the way of Allah, when we have been driven from our homes and our children? Then when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except a few of them. Allah knows the wrongdoers.

﴾247﴿ وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طَالُوتَ مَلِكًۭا ۚ قَالُوٓا۟ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱلْمَالِ ۚ قَالَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَهُۥ بَسْطَةًۭ فِى ٱلْعِلْمِ وَٱلْجِسْمِ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يُؤْتِى مُلْكَهُۥ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ

Wa qaala lahum Nabiyyuhum innal laaha qad ba'asa lakum Taaloota malikaa; qaalooo annaa yakoonu lahul mulku 'alainaa wa nahnu ahaqqu bilmulki minhu wa lam yu'ta sa'atam minal maal; qaala innal laahas tafaahu 'alaikum wa zaadahoo bastatan fil 'ilmi waljism; wallaahu yu'tee mulkahoo mai yashaaa'; wallaahu Waasi'un 'Aleem

Their prophet said to them, Allah has appointed Talut as a king for you. They said, how can he hold kingship over us, when we have a better right to it than he does, and he has not been given wealth in abundance? He said, Allah has chosen him over you and given him greater breadth in knowledge and in body. Allah gives His kingship to whoever He wills. Allah is vast, all knowing.

﴾248﴿ وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ ءَايَةَ مُلْكِهِۦٓ أَن يَأْتِيَكُمُ ٱلتَّابُوتُ فِيهِ سَكِينَةٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَبَقِيَّةٌۭ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ ءَالُ مُوسَىٰ وَءَالُ هَٰرُونَ تَحْمِلُهُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَءَايَةًۭ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

Wa qaala lahum Nabiyyuhum inna Aayata mulkiheee ai yaatiyakumut Taabootu feehi sakeenatum mir Rabbikum wa baqiyyatum mimmaa taraka Aalu Moosaa wa Aalu Haaroona tahmiluhul malaaa'ikah; inna fee zaalika la Aayatal lakum in kuntum mu'mineen

Their prophet said to them, the sign of his kingship is that the ark will come to you, carrying tranquillity from your Lord and a remnant of what the family of Moses and the family of Aaron left behind, borne by the angels. In that is a sign for you, if you are believers.

﴾249﴿ فَلَمَّا فَصَلَ طَالُوتُ بِٱلْجُنُودِ قَالَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُبْتَلِيكُم بِنَهَرٍۢ فَمَن شَرِبَ مِنْهُ فَلَيْسَ مِنِّى وَمَن لَّمْ يَطْعَمْهُ فَإِنَّهُۥ مِنِّىٓ إِلَّا مَنِ ٱغْتَرَفَ غُرْفَةًۢ بِيَدِهِۦ ۚ فَشَرِبُوا۟ مِنْهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا مِّنْهُمْ ۚ فَلَمَّا جَاوَزَهُۥ هُوَ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥ قَالُوا۟ لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا ٱلْيَوْمَ بِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِۦ ۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُم مُّلَٰقُوا۟ ٱللَّهِ كَم مِّن فِئَةٍۢ قَلِيلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةًۭ كَثِيرَةًۢ بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ

Falammaa fasala Taalootu biljunoodi qaala innal laaha mubteleekum binaharin faman shariba minhu falaisa minnee wa mal lam yat'amhu fa innahoo minneee illaa manigh tarafa ghurfatam biyadih; fashariboo minhu illaa qaleelam minhum; falammaa jaawazahoo huwa wallazeena aamanoo ma'ahoo qaaloo laa taaqata lanal yawma bi Jaaloota wa junoodih; qaalal lazeena yazunnoona annahum mulaaqul laahi kam min fi'atin qaleelatin ghalabat fi'atan kaseeratam bi iznil laah; wallaahu ma'as saabireen

When Talut set out with the forces he said, Allah will test you with a river. Whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste it is with me, except one who takes a single scoop in his hand. They drank from it, except a few of them. When he had crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said, we have no power today against Jalut and his forces. Those who were certain they would meet Allah said, how many a small group has overcome a large group by the permission of Allah. Allah is with those who are patient.

﴾250﴿ وَلَمَّا بَرَزُوا۟ لِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِۦ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًۭا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

Wa lammaa barazoo li Jaaloota wa junoodihee qaaloo Rabbanaaa afrigh 'alainaa sabranw wa sabbit aqdaamanaa wansurnaa 'alal qawmil kaafireen

When they came out against Jalut and his forces they said, our Lord, pour patience over us, make our feet firm, and help us against the people who reject faith.

﴾251﴿ فَهَزَمُوهُم بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ وَقَتَلَ دَاوُۥدُ جَالُوتَ وَءَاتَىٰهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُلْكَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَهُۥ مِمَّا يَشَآءُ ۗ وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ ٱللَّهِ ٱلنَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍۢ لَّفَسَدَتِ ٱلْأَرْضُ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

Fahazamoohum bi iznil laahi wa qatala Daawoodu Jaaloota wa aataahul laahul mulka wal Hikmata wa 'allamahoo mimmaa yashaaa'; wa law laa daf'ul laahin naasa ba'dahum biba'dil lafasadatil ardu wa laakinnal laaha zoo fadlin 'alal 'aalameen

So they defeated them by the permission of Allah, and David killed Jalut, and Allah gave him kingship and wisdom and taught him what He willed. If Allah did not push back some people by means of others, the earth would fall into ruin, but Allah holds favour over all the worlds.

﴾252﴿ تِلْكَ ءَايَٰتُ ٱللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ ۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَمِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ

Tilka Aayaatul laahi natloohaa 'alaika bilhaqq; wa innaka laminal mursaleen

These are the signs of Allah, recited to you with the truth. You are one of the messengers.

The Tafsir · The Breakdown

What This Part Means

Verses 208 to 214

All of You, Not Part of You.

The command is one word longer than it needs to be, and that word carries the passage. Enter into peace entirely. Kaaffatan, wholly, all of it. The alternative is not rejection, it is partial entry, keeping a portion of yourself outside the arrangement while the rest of you attends. Part two put the same failure in the form of a question, do you believe in part of the Book and reject part of it. Here it is put as a command instead of a charge.

Then the same warning that opened the food passage in part four returns word for word. Do not follow the footsteps of Satan. He is an open enemy to you. The repetition is not filler. Partial surrender is exactly the condition in which a single step goes unnoticed.

Verse 212 names why the partial version is attractive. The life of this world has been made attractive, zuyyina, dressed up, and those who take the dressing seriously mock the ones who do not. The verse answers the mockery with a position rather than an argument. Those who guard themselves will be above them on the Day of Resurrection.

Verse 214 then removes the last comfortable assumption. Or did you think you would enter the Garden without what came to those who passed before you reaching you? It describes them shaken until the messenger himself asked when is the help of Allah. That question, in the mouth of a prophet, is placed in the Book on purpose. The verse does not rebuke it. It answers it. The help of Allah is near.

Verses 215 to 223

Six Questions, Six Straight Answers.

This passage is built on a repeated phrase, yas'aloonaka, they ask you. Six times a real question arrives and six times the answer refuses to flatter the asker.

What should we spend. The answer skips the amount and gives the destination: parents, near relatives, orphans, the poor, the traveller. When the question is asked again at verse 219 the amount finally comes, and it is al afw, what you can spare. Not a percentage. A description of the remainder after your obligations.

Verse 216 sits between the two spending questions and gives the section its hardest sentence. Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. The dislike is not denied, it is recorded. Then the principle that reaches far past war. You may dislike a thing and it is good for you, and you may love a thing and it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know. Preference is stated here as evidence about the person rather than evidence about the thing.

What about fighting in the sacred month. Verse 217 concedes the point before answering it, fighting in it is a serious matter, and then places four heavier items beside it: blocking the way of Allah, rejecting Him, blocking the Sacred Mosque, and expelling its people. The answer does not defend the smaller wrong. It refuses to let the smaller wrong be weighed alone.

What about wine and gambling. Verse 219 admits the benefit rather than denying it, and rules on the balance. In both there is great sin and some benefit for people, and their sin is greater than their benefit. A ruling that begins by conceding the attraction is harder to argue with than one that pretends the attraction does not exist.

What about the orphans. Verse 220 chooses their welfare over the guardian's convenience, then relieves the guardian anyway, if you mix your affairs with theirs, they are your brothers. Verse 221 sets belief above attraction in marriage, twice, with the same clause attached both times, even if she impresses you, even if he impresses you. Verse 222 answers a question about the monthly cycle by calling it a discomfort rather than an impurity of the person, and closes on two loves, Allah loves those who turn back to Him, and He loves those who keep themselves clean.

Verses 224 to 237

The Exit, Legislated Kindly.

Verse 224 blocks a specific abuse before the family law begins. Do not make Allah an obstacle in your oaths against doing good and setting matters right between people. Swearing an oath in anger and then citing the oath as a reason to stay estranged uses the name of Allah as a lock on a door that should be opened. Verse 225 follows with mercy for careless words and accountability for what the heart earned.

Then the law of separation. Verse 226 gives a man who has sworn off his wife four months, a cooling period with a deadline rather than an open ended limbo. Verse 228 gives the waiting period, forbids concealing a pregnancy, gives the husband the better right to reconcile within it if reconciliation is what he wants, and states the principle that governs the whole passage: women have rights matching the duties on them, in a fair way.

Verse 229 is the structural heart. Divorce is twice. Then keep her in a fair way or release her with kindness. A practice with no ceiling is given a count, and each ending is required to be decent, whichever way it goes. Read the verbs. Keeping is qualified by bilma'roof, what is recognised as right. Releasing is qualified by ihsaan, excellence. The Book spends more language on how the exit is performed than on how it is triggered.

Verse 231 names the abuse the law is guarding against. Do not keep them to cause harm, so as to transgress. Whoever does that has wronged himself. A man holding a marriage open in order to punish someone is told, in the same breath, whom he has actually damaged. Then the line that lifts the whole section, do not take the signs of Allah as a joke.

Verse 232 forbids the family of a divorced woman from blocking her remarriage to the same man when the two of them have agreed. Verse 233 gives nursing two years, provision on the father, and a ceiling on obligation that has become one of the most quoted lines in the Book, no soul is charged beyond its capacity. Verse 237 closes the financial settlement and then declines to close it. That you forgo is closer to guarding yourselves. Do not forget generosity between yourselves. The law states the minimum and then asks for more than the minimum, from both sides.

Verse 238 sits in the middle of all this. Guard the prayers, and the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in devotion. The instruction to keep the prayer appears inside the passage on marital breakdown, which is where prayer is hardest to keep and most needed.

Verses 243 to 245

Thousands Who Ran, and a Loan.

Verse 243 gives a scene without a date. Thousands left their homes in fear of death. Allah said to them, die. Then He gave them life. Whatever the historical episode, the argument is placed where the reader cannot miss it, immediately before an instruction to fight. Running from death is not a strategy for avoiding it. The thing they fled reached them in flight, and the thing they thought they were preserving was never theirs to hold.

Verse 245 then reframes the whole demand in commercial language, and the framing is deliberately strange. Who will lend Allah a good loan. The Owner of everything describes what you give as a loan, and the repayment as many times over. Then, in case the arrangement is read as leverage, the verse states the actual position in five words, Allah withholds and gives in plenty. The loan language is a courtesy extended to the lender.

Verses 246 to 252

A River, and the Small Group.

The chiefs ask for a king so they can fight. The prophet asks the only question that matters, is it possible that if fighting is prescribed for you, you will not fight. They answer with grievance rather than commitment, we have been driven from our homes and our children. Verse 246 then records what happened when the order came. They turned away, except a few of them. The desire for the war and the willingness to fight it turned out to be different quantities.

Verse 247 sorts the leadership objection. They object to Talut on the basis of wealth and lineage. The answer names two qualifications instead, breadth in knowledge and in body, and then removes the question from human hands entirely, Allah gives His kingship to whoever He wills. The audit continues at verse 248 with the ark, carrying sakinah, tranquillity, which is the thing an anxious army needs more than numbers.

Verse 249 is the sorting mechanism, and it is a river. Whoever drinks from it is not with me. Whoever does not taste it is with me. Then the concession, except one who takes a single scoop in his hand. The test is not thirst, because a scoop is permitted. The test is whether a man who is exhausted and hot can take the amount he was allowed and stop. Most did not. They drank from it, except a few of them.

Then the second thinning. The ones who crossed looked at the enemy and said, we have no power today against Jalut and his forces. In one verse the army is cut twice, once by appetite and once by arithmetic. What is left is the group that said the sentence the section is built to deliver. How many a small group has overcome a large group by the permission of Allah. Allah is with those who are patient.

Verse 250 gives their prayer, and the order of the three requests is worth noting. Pour patience over us. Make our feet firm. Help us against the people. Interior first, posture second, outcome third. Verse 251 gives the result in a single clause, and David killed Jalut, and then adds the line that explains why any of this was legislated at all: if Allah did not push back some people by means of others, the earth would fall into ruin.

Structural Summary

Verses 208 to 252. Enter Into Peace Entirely.

Verses 208 to 214. The whole person. Enter into peace entirely, the world dressed up, and the assumption that the Garden comes without shaking removed.

Verses 215 to 223. Six questions. Spending, fighting in the sacred month, wine and gambling, orphans, marriage, and the monthly cycle, each answered without softening.

Verses 224 to 242. The family. Oaths, the four month wait, divorce counted at twice, the manner of the exit, nursing, provision, and the prayer kept in the middle of it.

Verses 243 to 252. Numbers and outcomes. Thousands who fled death and met it, a loan invited by the Owner of everything, an army thinned at a river, and a small group that won.

The Practice · Daily Integration

Verses 208 to 252. Take the Measure and Stop.

Verse 208 asks for entry that is whole. Name the one area of your life you have kept outside the arrangement, the part you would not want examined against the rest. Write it down. Naming it is the entire exercise this week.

Verse 216 says you may love a thing that is bad for you. List three things you currently want. Beside each one write the evidence you have that it is good for you, other than the fact that you want it.

Verse 249 permitted a single scoop and most men still drank. Name the thing you are allowed a small measure of and habitually take more of. Take the measure this week, and stop at it.

آمِين

Prepared with discipline · Ameen

Verse-By-Verse · Test Yourself

The Quiz

Two questions per verse. Translation and a key Arabic word. Walk through it slow. The goal is comprehension, not speed.

Verses 208 to 2521 / 12

Verse 208

What does verse 208 command?