الٓمّٓ

1. All praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds,

2. the Most Compassionate, the All-Merciful,

3. Master of the Day of Judgement.

4. (O Allah!) You alone we worship, and from You alone we seek help.

5. Guide us upon the straight path,

6. the path of those whom You have blessed,

7. not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray.

1. Alif, Lam, Mim.

2. This is the (Glorious) Book. There is no doubt about it. It is a guide for those who are God-conscious,

3. who believe in the Unseen, establish prayer and spend from what we have provided them,

4. and who believe in what has been revealed to you (O Prophet) and what was revealed before you, and have sure faith in the Hereafter.

5. They are the ones upon guidance from their Lord, and they are the ones who shall be successful.

6. As for those who persist in disbelief, it is the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will never believe.

7. Allah (as a result of their choice) has set a seal on their hearts and their hearing, and there is a blindfold on their eyes. And there is a grievous punishment for them.

8. And among the people are some who (apparently) say: ‘We believe in Allah and the Last Day,’ but they are not believers.

9. They seek to deceive Allah and the believers, but they deceive none except themselves, though they do not realise it.*

* There is an omitted and inherent co-related noun (al-mudaf al-mahdhuf), which is referred to the Messenger (al-Rasul). The words ‘they seek to deceive Allah’ in fact, denote ‘they seek to deceive the Messenger of Allah’. Most of the leading authorities of tafsir have drawn the same meaning. See: Tafsir al-Qurtubi, al-Baydawi, al-Baghawi, al-Nasafi, al-Kashshaf, al-Mazhari, Zad al-Masir, al-Khazin, et al.

10. There is a sickness in their hearts, which Allah has increased, and there will be a painful punishment for them because of the lies they used to tell.

11. When it is said to them, ‘Do not cause corruption in the land,’ they reply: ‘We are only reformers’.

12. However, they themselves are the corrupters, but they do not realise it.

13. And when they are told: ‘Believe as others believe,’ they reply, ‘Are we to believe as fools believe?’ It is they who are the fools, but they do not know (it).

14. When they (i.e. the hypocrites) meet the believers, they declare, ‘We too are believers,’ but when they are alone with their devils, they say (to them), ‘We are with you. We are only mocking (the believers).’

15. Allah shall throw their mockery back at them and leave them alone, wandering confused in their rebellion.

16. They are the ones who bought error for guidance, but their trade did not profit them, nor are they on the right path.

17. Their parable is that of one who kindled a fire, but as soon as it lit up all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness; they do not see.

18. (They are) deaf, dumb and blind; they shall never return (to the right path).

19. Alternatively, (their parable is) that of a rainstorm from the sky, with utter darkness, thunder and lightning. They put their fingers into their ears, fearing death due to the thunderclaps. Allah thus encompasses the disbelievers.

20. The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it flashes upon them, they start walking on, but as soon as darkness falls over them, they stand still. Had Allah willed, He would have taken away their hearing and sight. Indeed, Allah is All-Capable of everything.

21. O people! Worship your Lord, Who has created you and those before you, perhaps you may become God-conscious.

22. He Who has made the earth a bed for you and the sky a dome, and sends down rain from the cloud, and with it He brings forth fruits for your sustenance. Therefore, do not set up rivals to Allah knowingly.

23. If you are in doubt concerning what we have revealed to Our (exalted) servant, produce only one chapter comparable to this Book (the Qur’an). And call upon your helpers (to assist you) besides Allah if you are truthful.

24. However, if you cannot do so, and you will not, then fear the Fire whose fuel is humans (i.e. the disbelievers) and stones (i.e. their idols), prepared for the disbelievers.

25. So give glad tidings to those who believe and perform righteous deeds. They shall have Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them. Whenever they are given its fruit to eat, they will say: ‘This is what we were given before,’ for they shall be given the like. In Paradise, there shall be chaste spouses for them, and they shall abide there forever.

26. Indeed, Allah is not reluctant to draw a parable, whether it is a gnat or anything more substantial than that. As for the believers, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for the disbelievers, they ask: ‘What could Allah mean by this parable?’ He leaves many to stray and guides many by the same. However, He leaves none to stray except the evildoers.

27. Those who break the covenant of Allah after it is confirmed, and sever (the relationship), which Allah has commanded to be joined, and cause corruption on the earth, it is they who have much to lose.

28. How do you disbelieve in Allah, (seeing that) you were lifeless and He gave you life, then He will cause you to die, and then He shall restore you to life, and then you shall be returned to Him (at last)?

29. He is the One Who created for you all that is on the earth. Then He turned to the higher regions (of the universe) and fashioned them into seven heavens. And He is All-Knowing of everything.

30. (Recall) when your Lord said to the angels: ‘Indeed, I am placing a vicegerent upon the earth.’ They submitted: ‘Will You place in it someone who will cause corruption in it and shed blood, while we glorify Your praise and proclaim Your sanctity?’ He said: ‘Indeed, I know what you do not know.’

31. He taught Adam the names of all things, then presented them to the angels and said: ‘Tell Me the names of these (things) if you are truthful (in your assumption).’

32. They (humbly) replied: ‘Glory be to You! We do not know except what You have taught us. Surely, You are the All-Knowing, All-Wise.’

33. He said: ‘O Adam! Tell them their names.’ So when he told them their names, He said: ‘Did I not tell you that I know the unseen of the heavens and the earth? I know all that you reveal and all that you were concealing?’

34. And (recall) when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate before Adam.’ They all prostrated except Iblis (Satan), who refused and acted arrogantly. And he was among the disbelievers.

35. Then We said: ‘O Adam, live you and your wife in Paradise, and eat of its fruits freely, wherever you wish, but never approach this tree, lest you shall both become wrongdoers.’

36. But Satan made them both fall from it and caused them to depart from what they were in. We said: ‘Descend (to the earth); may (your offspring) be enemies of one other. And there shall be a dwelling place and sustenance for you on the earth for a while.’

37. Then Adam received certain words (of repentance) from his Lord. So He turned to him mercifully. Indeed, He is the Most-Clement, the All-Merciful.

38. We said: ‘Go down hence all! When the guidance comes to you from Me, those who follow My guidance shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve.

39. However, those who deny and reject Our revelations shall be the heirs of Hell, and they shall abide in it forever.’

40. O Children of Israel! Remember My blessing I bestowed upon you, and fulfil My covenant (so that) I may fulfil your covenant. And fear Me alone.

41. Believe in (the Book) that I have revealed (to My Messenger Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him), which verifies (the Scriptures) that are with you. And do not be the first to deny it, and do not sell My revelations for a paltry gain. And fear Me alone.

42. Do not confound truth with falsehood, nor hide the truth while you know (it).

43. Establish the prayers, pay the alms due and bow down with those who bow down (in worship).

44. Would you enjoin righteousness on others and neglect yourselves, even though you recite the Scripture? Do you not then understand?

45. Take recourse to patience and prayer. It may indeed be hard, except for the devoutly humble,

46. those who are confident that they will meet their Lord and that they will return to Him.

47. O Children of Israel! Remember My blessing I bestowed upon you, and that I exalted you above the nations (of your age).

48. Fear that Day when no soul shall compensate for another. Neither any intercession (of a person who does not have permission to intercede) shall be accepted from it, nor any ransom shall be taken from it, nor shall they be helped (against Allah’s decree).

49. (Remember) when We delivered you from Pharaoh’s people, who had oppressed you terribly, slaying your sons and sparing your daughters. There was a great trial in that from your Lord.

50. (Recall) When We parted the sea for you, We delivered you and drowned Pharaoh’s people as you were yourselves watching.

51. (Remember) when We settled with Musa (Moses) an appointment for forty nights. Then you took up the calf (for worship) in his absence, and you were transgressors.

52. We still pardoned you after that; perhaps you would be thankful.

53. And (remember) when We gave Musa (Moses) the Book and the Criterion (that distinguishes between right and wrong), perhaps you might be guided.

54. And (recall) when Musa (Moses) said to his people: ‘Indeed you have wronged yourselves, my people, by taking up the calf (for worship). Now turn in repentance to your Creator. So, slay (the guilty among) your folks. This (act) would be better for you (as repentance) in the sight of your Creator.’ Then He relented towards you. Indeed, He is the Most-Clement, the All-Merciful.

55. (Remember) when you said: ‘O Musa (Moses)! We will not believe you until we see Allah manifestly.’ So, a thunderbolt struck you while you were watching.

56. Then We revived you after your death (accepting Musa’s supplication) so that you might become thankful.

57. And (remember when) We shaded you with clouds (in the Tiha valley) and sent down to you manna and quails, saying: ‘Eat of the good things We have given you.’ They did not harm Us (by disobeying), but they used to harm (only) themselves.

58. And (remember) when We said: ‘Enter this town,* and eat from it freely wherever you wish, but enter prostrating at the gate (of the town), and say: ‘We repent (for all of our sins),’ that We may forgive your sins. And We shall soon increase the virtuous (in their rewards).’

* The town here is said to be Jerusalem, or Ariha (Jericho), a Palestinian city in the West Bank, or the land of Syria, or Palestine generally.

59. But the wrongdoers substituted a different word from the one they were told. So, We sent down upon the wrongdoers a plague (as a punishment) from heaven because of their persistent disobeying.

60. (Remember) when Musa (Moses) prayed for water for his people, We said (to him): ‘strike the rock with your staff.’ Thereby, twelve springs gushed from it. Each tribe came to know its drinking place. (We said): ‘Eat and drink of Allah’s provision, but do not act sinfully in the land, causing corruption.’

61. And (remember) when you said, ‘O Musa (Moses), we cannot bear to eat only one kind of food (i.e. manna and quails), so pray to your Lord to bring out for us some of the earth’s produce, its green herbs, its cucumbers, its garlic, its lentils and its onions.’ ‘What!’ He answered, ‘Would you exchange what is better for what is worse? Go down to any city. There you shall find all that you have asked for.’ So they were struck with disgrace and poverty. And they incurred the wrath of Allah because they persistently rejected the signs of Allah and killed the Prophets unjustly. All this was because they used to disobey and would (always) commit transgressions.

62. Indeed, the (Muslim) believers, the Jews, the Christians and the Sabians—all those who (sincerely) believe in Allah and the Last Day and act piously shall have their reward with their Lord. There shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve.

63. (Remember) when We took a pledge from you and raised the Mount (of Sinai) above you, (and said:) ‘Hold fast to what We have given you, and bear its contents in mind, so that you may be God-conscious.’

64. Even after that, you turned away. Had it not been for Allah’s favour and His mercy on you, you would have certainly been among the losers.

65. Certainly, you know those of you who violated the Sabbath. So We said to them: ‘Be like apes: disgraced and rejected.’

66. So, We made it an exemplary punishment for the present and for succeeding generations, and a lesson to those who are God-conscious.

67. (Recall) when Musa (Moses) said to his people: ‘Indeed, Allah commands you to slaughter a cow.’ They said: ‘Are you making fun of us?’ Musa (Moses) said: ‘I seek Allah’s protection from being among the ignorant.’

68. They said: ‘Call upon your Lord for us, that He may clarify for us what she is.’ He answered: ‘God says the cow should neither be too old nor too young, but in between. So do as you are commanded.’

69. They said: ‘Call upon your Lord for us, that He may clarify for us what her colour should be.’ He said: ‘God says it should be yellow, a bright yellow cow, pleasing to the viewers.’

70. They said: ‘Call upon your Lord for us, that He may clarify for us what exact type of cow it is; all cows are more or less alike to us. If God wills, we shall be guided (to the right one).’

71. Musa (Moses) said: ‘Your Lord says: ‘It should be a healthy cow, not broken with cultivating the earth or watering the field, sound and free from any blemish.’’ They said: ‘Now you have brought the truth.’ So they slaughtered it after they had nearly failed to do so.

72. (Recall) when you killed someone and accused one another of it, although Allah was to expose what you were concealing.

73. Then We said: ‘Strike the corpse with a part of this (cow).’ Thus, Allah restores the dead to life and shows you His signs so you may understand.

74. Then after that, your hearts became as hard as rocks, or even harder, for there are some rocks from which streams spring out, and some from which water comes out when they split asunder, and some which crash down in fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

75. (O believers!) Do you still hope that such people will believe you when some of them have already heard Allah’s word and then distorted it after they have understood it? And they knew (what they were doing).

76. When they meet the believers, they say: ‘We too are believers.’ But when they meet one another in privacy, they say: ‘Do you tell them what Allah has revealed to you (in the Torah about Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) so they may argue with it against you before your Lord. Do you not understand?’

77. Do they not know that Allah is aware of whatever they conceal and whatever they reveal?

78. There are some illiterate men among them (the Jews) who know nothing of the Book except lies and vague fancies. They rely only on assumption and speculation.

79. So, woe to those who write down the scripture with their hands and then claim, ‘This is from God,’ so they may sell it for a paltry gain. Woe to them for what their hands have written! Woe to them for what they have earned.

80. They say: ‘The Fire will never touch us except for a few days.’ Say: ‘Have you received a promise from Allah? If so, Allah will never break His promise. Or do you assert about Allah what you have no means to know?’

81. Truly, whoever commits misdeeds and is surrounded by his evil, it is they who shall be the inmates of the Hellfire. They shall abide in it forever.

82. And those who believe and perform righteous deeds, it is they who shall be the residents of Paradise. They shall abide in it forever.

83. (Remember) when We took a pledge from the Children of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah and behave excellently with (your) parents and near kinsfolk, and the orphans and the poor. Speak good words to all people. Establish prayer and pay the alms-due.’ Then all except a few of you turned away (from the pledge), and you are but averse (to the truth).

84. (Recall) when We took a pledge from you: ‘You shall not shed your (own people’s) blood, nor shall you expel one another from your homelands.’ Then you acknowledged this (covenant) and testified to it.

85. Yet here you are, killing your kinsfolk, banishing some of your people from their homelands and helping others against them with sin and aggression. Had they come to you as captives, you would have ransomed them (so that they remained obliged to you), whereas their expulsion was (also) unlawful for you. Do you believe in one part of the Book and deny another? So the punishment for those of you who act like this will be nothing but disgrace in the worldly life, and on the Day of Resurrection, they shall be returned to the harshest torment. Allah is not unaware of your deeds.

86. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter. Their punishment shall not be lightened, nor shall they be helped.

87. Surely We gave Musa (Moses) the Book (the Torah) and sent (many) messengers after him in succession, and We gave ‘Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. How is it that whenever a messenger brought you something which did not suit your fancies, you became arrogant, charging some with imposture and slaying others?

88. They (the Jews) say: ‘Our hearts are wrapped up in covers (i.e. unreceptive).’ Instead, Allah has cursed them for their disbelief. They have but little faith.

89. When that Book (the Qur’an) came to them from Allah, confirming what they already had; whereas, before, they used to pray for victory against the disbelievers (through the means of the Last Prophet, Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him), and his Book, the Qur’an). But when there came to them (the Prophet) whom they had (already) recognised (through their scriptures), they denied him. May the curse of Allah be on such disbelievers.

90. Low indeed is the price for which they have bartered away their souls to deny Allah’s revelation, grudging that Allah should reveal His bounty to whom He chooses from His servants. So they have ended up with wrath upon wrath. There is a humiliating punishment for the disbelievers.

91. When it is said to them: ‘Believe in what Allah has revealed,’ they say: ‘We only believe in what was revealed to us,’ and they reject what is besides that. However, it is the truth which corroborates the scriptures they already possess. Say: ‘Then why did you kill the prophets of Allah in the past if you were true believers?’

92. Indeed, Musa (Moses) brought you clear signs, but in his absence, you chose to worship the calf, and you committed wrong.

93. (Remember) when We took your pledge and raised the Mount (of Sinai) high above you, (declaring:) ‘Hold fast to what We have given you and listen to (Our commandment).’ They said: ‘We hear but disobey.’ So, for their disbelief, they were made to drink (the love of) the calf, which sunk deep into their hearts. Say: ‘How evil is what your (so-called) faith prompts you to do if you (actually) believe (in the Torah).’

94. Say: ‘If the abode of the Hereafter in the sight of Allah is to be for you alone and no one else, then you should long for death (without any fear) if your claim is true.’

95. However, they will never long for it because of what their hands have sent ahead. Allah is All-Knowing of the wrongdoers.

96. Indeed, you will find them ambitious for life more eagerly than any other people, even the polytheists. Each of them would wish to be given a life of a thousand years. Even if their lives were prolonged, it would not save them from the torment. Allah is All-Seeing of what they do.

97. (O Prophet) say: ‘Whoever is an enemy of Jibril ([Gabriel], should know that) it is he who has brought down the Qur’an on your heart with the command of Allah, confirming the previous scriptures, as a guide and glad tidings for the believers.

98. Whoever is an enemy of Allah, His angels, His Messengers and Jibril (Gabriel) and Mika’il (Michael), (should know that) Allah is indeed the enemy of such disbelievers.’

99. Certainly, We have sent down clear revelations to you; none will deny them except the evildoers.

100. Is it not so that whenever they make a covenant, some of them cast it away? Rather, most of them do not believe.

101. And (now) when a Messenger (Muhammad [blessings and peace be upon him]) has come to them from Allah, confirming that which they already had, some of those given the Book (i.e. the Torah) throw the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if they did not know (that it was Allah’s Book).

102. Moreover, they follow what the devils fabricated about the kingdom of Sulayman (Solomon). Not that Sulayman (Solomon) was faithless, but the devils themselves were faithless. They used to teach people black magic and what was sent down upon the two angels named Harut and Marut in Babylon. Yet, these two would not teach anyone until they had said, ‘We are only a temptation (to test you); do not renounce your faith (by trusting in black magic).’ However, they learnt (black magic) from both of them by which they could cause separation between husband and wife, although they harm no one with it except by Allah’s Leave. They would learn what would harm them and bring them no benefit. And they certainly knew that anyone who buys it has no share in the Hereafter. Most evil is that for which they sold their souls. Had they known (this)!

103. Had they believed and become God-conscious, the reward from Allah would have been far better if they only knew!

104. O believers! Do not say (when seeking the attention of the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him): ‘ra‘ina (Pay attention to us).’ But say: ‘unzurna (Bless us with your kind regards),’ and attentively listen (to him). The disbelievers shall have a painful punishment.

105. Neither the disbelievers among the People of the Book nor the polytheists wish that any blessings should be sent upon you from your Lord. However, Allah especially chooses whom He pleases for His mercy. Allah is the Lord of Mighty Grace.

106. If We abrogate any verse or cause it to be forgotten, We will replace it with one better or similar. Do you not know that Allah is All-Capable of everything?

107. Do you not know that the kingdom of the heavens and the earth belong to Allah and that there is none besides Him to protect or help you (but with His command)?

108. (O Muslims!) Do you wish to question your Messenger as Musa (Moses) was questioned before? So, whoever exchanges belief for disbelief has undoubtedly strayed from the right path.

109. Many of the People of the Book wish to turn you back into disbelievers after you have believed, out of envy in their souls, even after the truth has become clear to them. Excuse (them) and forbear until Allah issues His edict. Indeed, Allah is All-Capable of everything.

110. Establish the prayer and pay the alms-due. Whatever good you send ahead for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

111. They (i.e. the People of the Book also) say: ‘None shall enter Paradise except one who is Jew or a Christian.’ These are their false hopes. Say: ‘Produce your evidence if you are truthful.’

112. Nay, whosoever surrenders himself entirely to Allah and is excellent (in devotion), shall have his reward with his Lord. There shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve.

113. The Jews say: ‘The Christians stand on nothing,’ and the Christians say: ‘The Jews stand on nothing,’ though they all recite the (same) Book. Likewise, they (the polytheists) who do not have any (heavenly) knowledge make statements similar to what they say. Surely, Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning what they used to dispute.

114. Who is a greater wrongdoer than one who prohibits His name from being celebrated in the mosques of Allah and strives to ruin them? Such people have no right to enter these (places) except with fear (in their hearts). There is a disgrace for them in this world and a great punishment for them in the Hereafter.

115. To Allah belong the East and the West. So, whichever way you turn, there is the Face of Allah. Surely, Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.

116. They assert: ‘Allah has begotten a son.’ Glory be to Him! Instead, everything the heavens and the earth contain belongs to Him. All things (being His creatures) are devoutly obedient to Him.

117. He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees (to originate) a thing, He only says to it, ‘Be!’ And it is.

118. The ignorant say: ‘Why does Allah not speak to us, or why does any (miraculous) sign not come to us (directly)?’ People before them said the same thing: their hearts are all alike. However, We have (already) made our Signs clear enough for those who are firm (in their faith).

119. (Esteemed Prophet!) Indeed, We have sent you with the truth as a Bearer of good news and as a Warner. You will not be questioned about the inmates of Hell.

120. Never will the Jews be pleased with you, nor the Christians, unless you follow their faith. Say: ‘Surely, the guidance of Allah is the only true guidance.’ If you were to follow their desires after the knowledge has come to you (from Allah), you would not have any guardian nor any helper (against the wrath of Allah).’

121. Those to whom We have given the Book, who recite (and follow) it as is the right of its recitation, are the ones who genuinely believe in it. However, those who deny its truth shall be the real losers.

122. O Children of Israel! Remember My blessing I bestowed upon you and favoured you over other nations (of that age).

123. Fear the Day when no soul shall compensate for another, neither shall any ransom be accepted from it, nor shall any intercession benefit it (without Allah’s permission), nor shall they be helped (against the command of Allah).

124. Remember when the Lord of Ibrahim (Abraham) tested him with certain commandments, which he fulfilled. He said: ‘I am going to make you the leader of humankind.’ He asked: ‘And from my descendants as well?’ Allah answered: ‘(Yes, but) My promise does not extend to the unjust.’

125. (Remember) when We made this House (i.e. the Ka‘ba) a place of visitation for humankind and a sanctuary (for peace and security), saying: ‘Take the standing place of Ibrahim (Abraham) as a place of prayer.’ We enjoined Ibrahim and Isma‘il (Abraham and Ishmael), saying: ‘Purify My House for those who circulate it, who stay there in retreat, and who kneel and prostrate (in worship).’

126. (Recall) when Ibrahim (Abraham) prayed: ‘O my Lord, make this a land of peace and bestow plenty of produce upon its people, those among them who believe in Allah and the Last Day.’ (Allah) said: ‘And as for those who disbelieve, I will (also) grant them enjoyment for a short while and then subject them to the torment of the Fire. That is an evil destination.’

127. As Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma‘il (Ishmael) raised the foundations of the House, (they prayed:) ‘O our Lord, accept (this) from us. Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’

128. ‘Our Lord! Make both of us submissive to You and (raise) from our descendants a nation submissive to You. Teach us our ways of worship and turn to us mercifully. Indeed, You are the Most-Relenting, the All-Merciful.

129. Our Lord! And raise a Messenger to them from among them, who shall recite Your revelations to them, teach them the Book and Wisdom, and purify them. Indeed, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.’

130. And who will ever renounce the faith of Ibrahim (Abraham) except one who fools himself? Indeed, We have chosen him in the (present) world, and most surely, he shall be among the righteous in the Hereafter.

131. (Recall) when his Lord said to him: ‘Submit.’ He answered: ‘I have submitted to the Lord of all worlds.’

132. Moreover, Ibrahim (Abraham) enjoined this (faith) upon his children, and (so did) Ya‘qub (Jacob), saying: ‘My children, Allah has indeed chosen for you the (true) religion. Therefore, never die except as Muslims.’

133. Were you (Jews) present when death came upon Ya‘qub (Jacob), when he said to his sons: ‘What will you worship after me?’ They said: ‘We will worship your God and the God of your forefathers Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma‘il (Ishmael) and Ishaq (Isaac): the One God, and to Him, do we submit.’

134. It was a community that had already gone before. Whatever they earned belonged to them, and whatever you earn belongs to you. You shall not be questioned about their actions.

135. They say: ‘Become Jews or Christians, that you may be (rightly) guided.’ Say: ‘Instead, (we follow) the faith of Ibrahim (Abraham), the upright one. He was not among the polytheists.’

136. Say: ‘We believe in Allah and in what was revealed to us, and what was revealed to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma‘il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya‘qub (Jacob) and the Tribes, and what Musa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus) were given, and what was given to other Prophets by their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him, do we submit.’

137. So if they believe as you believe in Him, they shall be surely guided, and if they turn away, they shall only be (steeped) in defiance and hostility. So Allah shall suffice you against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

138. The colouring of Allah, and who can give a better colour than Allah? Moreover, Him do we worship.

139. Say (to the Jews and Christians): ‘Would you dispute with us about Allah, whereas He is (not only) our Lord but your Lord (too)? Our deeds belong to us, and your deeds belong to you. And we devote ourselves sincerely to Him.

140. (O People of the Book!) ‘Do you say that Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma‘il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya‘qub (Jacob) and their sons and the Tribes were Jews or Christians?’ Ask them: ‘Who knows better, you or Allah?’ Who is more unjust than him who conceals the testimony that is with him (in the Book) from Allah? Allah is not negligent of what you do.

141. It was a community that had already gone before. Whatever they earned belonged to them, and whatever you earn belongs to you. You will not be questioned about what they used to do.