أُتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ

45. (Esteemed Prophet!) Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish the prayer. Indeed, prayer prevents indecencies and wrongs. And the remembrance of Allah is (even) greater. And Allah knows whatever (deeds) you perform.

46. (Believers!) Do not argue with the People of the Book except in the most graceful manner, barring such of them who act wrongfully. And say: ‘We believe in what has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is only One. And to Him, we (fully) submit.’

47. Similar (to the past messengers), We have revealed the Book to you (O Prophet). So (the faithful among) those to whom We have given the Book believe in it. And among these (inhabitants of Mecca), some (also) believe in it. And none rejects Our revelations except the disbelievers.

48. You have never recited any Scripture before this, nor did you ever transcribe it with your right hand, for then the falsifiers would have been suspicious.

49. Rather, it is (preserved as) manifest revelations in the breasts of those gifted with knowledge. And none rejects Our revelations except the wrongdoers.

50. They say: ‘Why were some (miraculous) signs not sent down upon him from his Lord?’ Say: ‘The (miraculous) signs are with Allah alone, and I am simply a clear warner.’

51. Is it not enough for them that We have revealed to you the Book (which is) recited to them? There is indeed mercy in it and a reminder for people who believe.

52. Say: ‘Allah suffices as a Witness between you and me. He knows whatever is in the heavens and the earth. And those who believe in falsehood and disbelieve in Allah, it is they who are the losers.’

53. And they ask you to hasten the punishment. Had the time not been specified, the punishment would have surely come to them. And indeed, it will overtake them suddenly while they are unaware.

54. They challenge you to hasten the punishment. Indeed, Hell will besiege the disbelievers.

55. On the Day the punishment will overwhelm them from above them and from beneath their feet, He will say: ‘Taste what you used to do!’

56. O My servants who believe! Indeed, My earth is vast. Therefore, Me alone should you worship.

57. Every soul shall taste death. Then you shall be brought back to Us.

58. And those who believe and perform righteous deeds, We will surely settle them in lofty dwellings of Paradise, (graced) with streams flowing beneath them, remaining therein forever. How excellent is the reward of the righteous workers,

59. those who are patient and put their trust in their Lord!

60. How many creatures do not carry their provision, but Allah provides for them and you (as well)? And He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

61. If you ask them: ‘Who created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon?’ they will surely say: ‘Allah.’ How, then, do they turn away?

62. Allah expands (the means of) provision for whom He pleases among His servants and straitens it for whom (He wills). Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

63. If you ask them: ‘Who sends down water from the sky, then gives life to the earth with it after its death?’ they will surely say: ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘All praise belongs to Allah!’ But most of them have no understanding.

64. The life of this word is nothing but diversion and play. As for the abode of the Hereafter, it is indeed the (real) life if only they knew.

65. Whenever they board a ship, they call upon Allah, devoting (their) faith exclusively to Him. But, once He has delivered them safely to land, behold, they start ascribing partners (to Him again).

66. So let them be ungrateful for what We have granted them. And let them enjoy themselves. Soon, they will know (the truth).

67. And do they (i.e. the Meccan disbelievers) not see that We have made (the city of Mecca) a secure sanctuary, whereas people are being snatched away all around them? Would they still believe in falsehood and be ungrateful towards the blessing of Allah?

68. Who is more unjust than one who fabricates a lie against Allah or denies the truth after it has reached him? Is not the (final) abode of the disbelievers in Hell?

69. As for those who strive hard for Us, We shall surely guide them in Our ways. And Allah is indeed with the virtuously excellent.

1. Alif, Lam, Mim.

2. The Romans have been defeated,

3. in a land nearby. But after their defeat, they will become victorious,

4. within a few years. All command belongs to Allah, before and after. And on that day, the believers will rejoice,

5. upon Allah’s help. He helps whom He pleases. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful.

6. (This is) Allah’s promise. Allah does not break His promise, but most people do not know.

7. They know just an outward aspect of the worldly life. But they are neglectful about the Hereafter.

8. Do they not reflect within themselves? Allah did not create the heavens, the earth and whatever is between them except for a true purpose and a fixed term. And yet most people disbelieve in the meeting with their Lord.

9. Have they not travelled in the land and seen how was the end of those before them? They were greater than them in strength. And they cultivated and developed the land more than these (Meccans) have ever developed it. Their messengers came to them with clear proofs. Allah would never have wronged them, but it was they who used to wrong themselves.

10. Then the end of those who committed evil deeds was most evil, for they denied the revelations of Allah and used to mock them.

11. Allah originates the creation, then He repeats it, and then to Him, you will be returned.

12. On the Day the Hour sets in, the guilty shall despair.

13. And they will have no intercessors among those partners they ascribed (to Allah), and they will then disbelieve in their associate gods.

14. And on the Day the Hour sets in, they shall be separated (from one another).

15. As for those who believed and performed righteous deeds, they shall be made to rejoice in a Garden.

16. While those who disbelieved and denied Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter, they shall be brought to punishment.

17. So glorify Allah when you enter the evening and rise in the morning.

18. And to Him belongs all praise in the heavens and the earth, and at nightfall and when you are in the late afternoon.

19. He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living. And He gives life to the earth after its death. Likewise, you (too) shall be raised (from the dead).

20. Among His signs is that He created you from dust. Then, behold, you are humans scattered (all over the world).

21. And among His signs is that He created spouses for you from yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He established love and compassion between you. Indeed, there are signs in this for people who reflect.

22. And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colours. There are indeed signs in this for the knowledgeable.

23. And among His signs is your sleep by night and day, and your pursuit of His grace. There are indeed signs in this for people who listen.

24. And among His signs is that He shows you lightning, arousing fear and hope. And He sends water down from the sky. Then He revives the earth after its death. There are indeed signs in it for people who apply reason.

25. And among His signs is that the heavens and the earth persist by His command. Then, when He calls you out of the earth with a single call, behold, you will come forth.

26. And to Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth. All are submissive to Him.

27. It is He Who originates the creation and then returns it—which is even easier for Him. To Him belongs the most exalted description in the heavens and the earth. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

28. He sets forth for you an example relating to yourselves. Do you have among your slaves any partners (whom you may allow to share) in whatever We have provided you so that you may become equal in its respect and that you may fear them as you fear each other? That is how We make the signs clear for people who understand.

29. Rather, the wrongdoers merely follow their desires without any knowledge. Who then can guide those whom Allah led astray? And they shall have no helpers.

30. So, set your face (and heart) steadfastly to the faith in an upright and pure state—the natural way made by Allah upon which He has originated humankind. Let there be no change in the creation of Allah; that is the upright religion. But most people do not know.

31. (Always) keep turning to Him in repentance. Be conscious of Him, establish the prayer, and be not among the polytheists.

32. (And do not be like) those who divided their religion and split into sects—each faction rejoicing in what they have.

33. When something terrible happens to people, they supplicate their Lord, turning to Him in repentance. But as soon as He gives them a taste of His Mercy, a group of them begins to associate (partners) with their Lord (in worship),

34. being ungrateful for what We have given them. So enjoy yourselves for a while. You shall soon come to know.

35. Have We sent down any authority to them that speaks (in favour) of what they associate with Him?

36. When We make people taste some mercy, they become prideful of it. If something bad happens to them for what their hands have sent forth, they instantly fall into utter despair.

37. Have they not seen that Allah expands (His) provision for whomever He wishes and tightens (it for whomever He wills)? There are indeed signs in this for people who believe.

38. So give the close relative his right, as well as the poor and the (needy) traveller. That is better for those who seek Allah’s pleasure. And it is they who are successful.

39. Whatever you lend out in usury so that it may increase at the expense of people’s wealth will not gain value in Allah’s sight. But whatever you give in alms due (i.e. the mandatory charity) seeking Allah’s pleasure—it is they who receive a manifold increase.

40. Allah is He Who created you, and then He nourished you. Then He causes you to die, and then He will bring you to life. Is there any of your associate gods who can do any of that? Glory be to Him, and Exalted is He above what they ascribe to Him.

41. Corruption has appeared in the land and the sea because of what people’s hands have earned. So that He may make them taste some (of the consequences) of what they have done; perhaps they may return (to the right path).

42. (Esteemed Prophet!) Say: ‘Travel upon the earth, and then observe how was the end of those before you! Most of them were polytheists.’

43. So set your face to the upright religion before a day comes from Allah that cannot be averted. On that day, they will separate from one another.

44. Whoever disbelieves shall bear (the burden of) his disbelief. And those who act righteously only prepare (pleasing abodes) for themselves,

45. so that He may reward those who believe and perform righteous deeds out of His Grace. Indeed, He does not like the disbelievers.

46. Among His signs is that He sends the winds as bearers of good news so that He may make you taste His mercy, and that the ships may sail by His command and that you may seek of His grace, and perhaps you may give thanks (to Him).

47. (Esteemed Prophet!) Indeed, We sent messengers before you to their (respective) people, and they came to them with clear proofs. Then, We took vengeance upon those who were guilty. And it was incumbent upon Us to help the believers (out of Our grace).

48. Allah is the One Who sends the winds. Then, they raise a cloud. Then He spreads it out in the sky as He pleases and forms it into fragments. Then you see the rain coming out from its midst. Then, when He causes it to fall upon whom He pleases among His servants, they (instantly) rejoice,

49. though previously, before it was sent down upon them when they had been in despair.

50. So observe the effects of Allah’s mercy—how He revives the earth after its death! Indeed, He is the Reviver of the dead. And He is All-Capable of everything.

51. And if We send a (harsh) wind (over their crops) and they see them turning yellow, they will indeed deny (old favours) right after.

52. Indeed, you cannot make the dead (i.e. the disbelievers) hear, nor can you make the deaf (i.e. the deniers) hear the call when they turn their backs (upon you).

* Here al-mawta (the dead) and al-summa (the deaf) denote the disbelievers. The Companions and the Followers have also narrated the same meaning. References: Tafsir al-Tabari (20:12); Tafsir al-Qurtubi (13:232); Tafsir al-Baghawi (3:428); Zad al-Masir by Ibn al-Jawzi (6:189); Tafsir Ibn Kathir (3:375, 439); Tafsir al-Lubab by Ibn ‘Adil al-Damashqi (16:126); al-Durr al-Manthur by al-Suyuti (6:376) and Fath al-Qadir by al-Shawkani (4:150).

53. Nor can you lead the blind out of their misguidance. You can make none hear (the truth) except those who believe in Our revelations while they (fully) submit (to Allah).

54. Allah is the One Who created you from a state of weakness. Then He gave (you) strength after weakness. Then, after (your) strength, He gave (you) weakness and old age. He creates whatever He wills. And He is the All-Knowing, the All-Capable.

55. On the Day the Hour arrives, the guilty will swear that they had stayed (in the world) only for an hour. In this way, they were (always) deluded.

56. Those gifted with knowledge and faith will say: ‘Certainly you stayed according to Allah’s Book until the Day of Resurrection. So here is the Day of Resurrection, but you did not know(it was true).’

57. So on that day, the excuses of the wrongdoers will not benefit them, nor will they be allowed to make amends.

58. We have indeed set for people in this Qur’an every kind of illustration. And if you bring them any sign (according to their demand), the disbelievers will still say: ‘You are nothing but false claimers.’

59. That is how Allah seals the hearts of those who do not (want to) know (the truth).

60. So be patient! Allah’s promise is indeed true. And do not let those who are not certain (in Allah’s promise) disquiet you.

1. Alif, Lam, Mim.

2. These are the Verses of the Wise Book,

3. guidance and mercy for the virtuous,

4. those who establish the prayer, pay the alms due, and have sure faith in the Hereafter.

5. It is they who are upon guidance from their Lord. And it is they who will be successful.

6. But among the people are those who buy idle discourse only to lead (others) astray from Allah’s way without knowledge and to take it in mockery. For such (people), there shall be a humiliating punishment.

7. Whenever Our revelations are recited to him, he turns away arrogantly as if he did not hear them, as if there was deafness in his ears. So give him tidings of a painful punishment.

8. Surely those who believe and perform righteous deeds will have Gardens of Bliss,

9. abiding in them forever. A true promise of Allah. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

10. He created the heavens without pillars, as you see, and placed firm mountains inside the earth lest it should shake with you (during its rotation). And He spread in it every kind of animal. And We sent down water from the sky and caused every generous kind (of vegetation) to grow in it.

11. This is Allah’s Creation. Now show Me what others besides Him have created. Instead, the wrongdoers are in clear error.

12. Surely, We blessed Luqman with wisdom, saying: ‘Be thankful to Allah. And whoever gives thanks gives thanks only for his (own) good. And whoever is thankless—then indeed Allah is All-Sufficient, All-Praised.’

13. And when Luqman told his son, as he was counselling him: ‘O my son! Never associate any partners with Allah. Ascribing partners (to Allah) is indeed the worst injustice.’

14. We have commanded human being regarding his parents (to honour them). His mother carried him with strain upon strain, and his weaning took two years: ‘So be grateful to Me and your parents. To Me will be the final return.

15. But if they urge you to associate (partners) with Me that you do not know about, then do not obey them. Yet keep their company in this world in a kind manner. But follow the way of those who turn to Me in true devotion. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall inform you what you used to do.’

16. (Luqman continued:) ‘My son! Even if a deed were the weight of a mustard seed (hidden) in a rock, or (high above) in the heavens or (deep) in the earth, Allah will produce it (on the Day of Judgement). Indeed, Allah is All-Attentive, All-Aware.

17. My son! Establish the prayer, encourage what is good, forbid what is wrong and be patient through whatever befalls you. That is indeed a course worthy of high resolve.

18. Do not turn your face arrogantly away from people, nor walk exultantly on the land. Indeed, Allah does not like whoever is arrogant (or) boastful.

19. Be moderate in your pace. Lower your voice. Indeed, the most hateful of all voices is the braying of donkeys.’

20. Have you not seen that Allah has subjected for you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and that He has showered His blessings upon you outwardly and inwardly? Still, some people dispute about Allah without knowledge, without guidance, and without an enlightening scripture.

21. And when it is said to them: ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they reply: ‘We will rather follow what we found our forefathers following.’ What! Even if Satan is calling them to the punishment of the Blaze.

22. And whoever completely submits himself to Allah and is excellently virtuous has grasped the firmest handhold. And with Allah rests the outcome of all matters.

23. (O Prophet!) Whoever disbelieves, let not his disbelief sadden you. To Us will be their return, and We will inform them about what they have done. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of what is (hidden) in the breasts.

24. We grant them enjoyment for a little while, then We will force them towards a harsh punishment.

25. If you ask them: ‘Who created the heavens and the earth?’ They will surely say: ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘All praise belongs to Allah.’ Yet most of them do not know.

26. To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. Indeed, Allah is the All-Sufficient, the All-Praiseworthy.

27. And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the ocean refilled with seven more oceans (were ink), the Words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

28. The creation and resurrection of you (all) is only like that of a single soul (for Him). Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

29. Do you not see that Allah causes the night to merge into the day and causes the day to merge into the night, and that He has subjected the sun and the moon, each orbiting for a specified term? And Allah is well aware of what you do.

30. That is because Allah is the Ultimate Reality. And whatever they worship besides Him is falsehood. And Allah is the All-Exalted, the All-Great.

31. Do you not see that the ships sail upon the sea by Allah’s blessing, that He may show you some of His signs? Most surely, there are signs in it for every patient (and) grateful (person).

32. When a wave overwhelms them like mountains, they cry out to Allah with exclusive devotion to Him. But when He delivers them (safely) towards the land, only some of them are relatively grateful. And no one rejects Our signs except a treacherous (and) ungrateful person.

33. O people! Be conscious of your Lord and fear the day when no parent shall be able to expiate for his child, nor will a child be able to expiate for its parent in any way. Indeed, Allah’s promise is true. So let not the life of this world deceive you, nor let the Arch-Deceiver (Satan) deceive you about Allah.

34. Indeed, with Allah lies the knowledge of the Hour. He sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.

1. Alif, Lam, Mim.

2. The revelation of the Book, there is no doubt in it, is from the Lord of all worlds.

3. Do they say: ‘He has fabricated it?’ No! It is the truth from your Lord so that you may warn a people to whom no warner has come before you—that perhaps they may be guided (to the right path).

4. Allah is the One Who created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them in six periods. Then He established (His authority) over the Throne (befitting His Glory). Apart from Him, you have neither any protector nor intercessor. Will you not then become mindful (of advice)?

5. He governs every affair from the heavens to the earth. Then it all ascends to Him in a day whose measure is a thousand years by your counting.

6. That is the Knower of the Unseen and the seen—the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful,

7. Who perfected everything that He created and originated the creation of humankind from clay.

* Comprising minerals, metals, salts and chemical elements like calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, natrum, kalium, silicon, chlorine, iodine, fluorine, magnesium, zinc, sulfur, ferrum, cuprum, etc. These and other elements of clay also form the ingredients of a balanced diet essential for our nourishment. The animals whose meat and milk we take live on the vegetable world. The grain, vegetables, fruits and roots that form our food feed on the soil they grow in and absorb all its chemicals.

8. Then, He made his progeny from an extract of an ignoble fluid.

9. Then, He proportioned him and breathed into him from His spirit. Then He made for you ears, eyes and hearts. Yet you hardly give thanks.

10. Still, they say (mockingly): ‘When we are lost in the earth, shall we certainly be (raised) in a new creation?’ Instead, they disbelieve in the meeting of their Lord.

11. Say: ‘The angel of death, who has been given charge of you, will take you (i.e. your soul) away. Then to your Lord, you shall be returned.’

12. And if you could see when the guilty, hanging their heads (in shame) in the presence of their Lord, (will confess:) ‘Our Lord! We have seen and heard; therefore, send us back (to the world) so that we may act righteously. Indeed, we are (now) convinced.’

13. And had We willed, We could have given each soul its guidance, but the Word from Me is confirmed (against the defiant): ‘I will indeed fill up Hell with the (guilty) jinn and humans all together.’

14. So taste (the punishment), for you forgot the meeting of this day of yours. We (too) have forgotten you. And taste the everlasting punishment for what you used to do.

15. The (true) believers in Our revelations are only those who, when reminded of them, fall into prostration and glorify their Lord’s praise, and are not arrogant.

16. Their sides abandon their beds, calling upon their Lord out of fear and hope. And they spend (in charity) from what We have provided them.

17. No soul knows what has been kept hidden for them of comfort to the eyes as a reward for what they used to do.

18. Is one who believes like the one who is a transgressor? They are not equal.

19. Those who believe and perform righteous deeds will have the Gardens of Eternal abode as a hospitality for what they used to do.

20. As for those who disobeyed, their refuge is the Fire. Whenever they desire to come out of it, they will be driven back into it and told: ‘Taste the torment of the Fire which you used to deny.’

21. We will surely make them taste some of the minor punishment (of this world) before the greater punishment (of the Hereafter). Perhaps they may return (to the right path).

22. Who is a greater wrongdoer than the one who is reminded of his Lord’s signs and then turns away from them? Indeed, We shall take vengeance upon the guilty.

23. And We certainly gave Musa (Moses) the Book. So be not in doubt regarding his meeting (with Him). And We made him a guide for the Children of Israel.

24. We raised leaders among them, guiding (the people) according to Our command when they patiently endured and firmly believed in Our revelations.

25. Surely your Lord will decide between them on the Day of Resurrection about what they used to differ.

26. Does it not guide them: how many generations We have destroyed before them, amidst (the ruins of) whose dwellings they walk? There are indeed signs in it. Will they not then listen?

27. Do they not see that We carry rainwater to the barren land and produce (various) crops through it, from which they and their cattle eat? Do they not observe?

28. And they say: ‘When is this victory (of yours coming) if you are truthful?’

29. Say: ‘On the Day of victory, faith will not benefit those who disbelieved (in this world), nor will they be given respite.’

30. So turn away from them and wait, and they (too) are waiting.

1. O Prophet! Remain mindful of Allah (as ever) and do not yield (to the suggestions of) the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

2. And keep following what is revealed to you by your Lord. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

3. And maintain your trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian.

4. Allah does not place two hearts in a person’s breast. Nor does He consider your wives whom you repudiate by zihar* (to be unlawful for you) as your (real) mothers. Nor does He consider your adopted sons as your (actual) sons. These are only words from your mouths, but Allah speaks the truth. And He (alone) guides the way.

* Zihar was a pre-Islamic Arabian practice in which a man could repudiate his wife by saying: ‘You are to me as my mother’s back (zahr).’ By declaring this, the wife was deprived of her marital rights but was not yet free to contract another marriage. Islam abolished this unjust practice.

5. Call them (i.e. your adopted sons) after their (real) fathers’ (names). That is more equitable in the sight of Allah. But if you do not know their fathers, then they are your brethren in faith and close associates. There is no blame for what you did by mistake, barring what your hearts may deliberately intend. And Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

6. The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) is closer to the believers than their (own) souls,* while his wives are their mothers. The blood relatives are more entitled to inherit from one another according to the Book of Allah than (the rest of) the believers and the emigrants unless you show kindness to your close friends (through bequest). All this is written in the Book.

*

Or: The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) has a greater right and authority over the believers than they have over themselves.

Or: The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) should be considered and felt more beloved by the believers than their own selves.

7. And (remember) when We took a pledge from the prophets, as well as from you, and Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary). We took from them a solemn pledge (to call the people towards the upright religion),

8. so that He may question the truthful about their truthfulness. And He has prepared for the disbelievers a painful punishment.

9. O believers! Remember Allah’s blessing upon you when the (enemy) armies massed upon you. Then We sent against them a strong wind and troops (of angels) whom you could not see. And Allah is All-Seeing of whatever you do.

10. When they invaded you from above (i.e. the higher side of the eastern valley) and from below (i.e. the lower side of the western valley), and when the eyes got rolled (with fear), and the hearts rose to the throats, and you started thinking many (conflicting) things about Allah.

11. At that stage, the believers were put to the test and were most violently shaken.

12. And (remember) when the hypocrites and those with sickness in their hearts said: ‘Allah and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion.’

13. And when a group of them said: ‘O people of Yathrib! (This is) not a place for you to stay (safely), so retreat.’ Another group of them began to seek permission from the Prophet, saying: ‘Our houses are lying exposed (to the enemy),’ although they were not exposed. They just wanted to run away.

14. If they had been invaded from all sides of the city and asked to commit treachery, they would have committed it and would not have hesitated except very little.

15. Yet they had already pledged to Allah earlier that they would not turn their backs (in retreat). And a pledge to Allah must be called to account.

16. Say: ‘Fleeing will not benefit you (at all). If you manage to escape death or slaughter, you will not be granted enjoyment except for a little while.’

17. Say: ‘Who is the one that can protect you from Allah if He intends to cause you harm or desires to grant you mercy?’ They will not find for themselves any protector or helper besides Allah.

18. Surely, Allah knows those among you who discourage others and those who say to their brothers (secretly): ‘Come and join us (in staying behind), and they hardly take part in the fighting.’

19. (They do so) being miserly towards you. So when a situation of danger comes, you see them staring at you with their eyes rolling like someone fainting at death. But when the panic is over, they afflict you with sharp tongues in their greed for worldly gains (from the spoils). These people have never believed. So Allah has rendered their deeds void. And that is easy for Allah.

20. They (still) think that the allied forces have not yet withdrawn. And if the allied forces were to come (again), they would wish they were in the desert among the Bedouins, asking for news about you. And if they were among you, they would not fight except very little.

21. Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example for whoever looks forward to Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah abundantly.

22. And when the believers saw the allied forces, they said: ‘This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us. And Allah and His Messenger spoke the truth.’ And this only increased them in faith and submission.

23. Among the believers are men who have proven true what they pledged to Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their pledge, and some of them are still waiting, and they have not changed (their commitment) in the least.

24. (All of this is) so that Allah may reward the truthful for their truthfulness and punish the hypocrites if He so wills, or He may relent towards them (and accept their repentance). Indeed, Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

25. Allah drove back the disbelievers with their rage, for they failed to achieve any success. And Allah was Sufficient for the believers in the battle (against the allied forces). And Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

26. And He brought down from their strongholds those who had backed them (i.e. the Meccan aggressors) from the People of the Book (i.e. the Banu Qurayza—who acted treacherously in breach of their peace treaty with the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and the Muslims). And He cast horror into their hearts. You killed a (treacherous) group among them and took another group as war captives.

27. And He passed on to you their land, their houses, their possessions and territory where you had not even stepped in (before). And Allah is All-Capable of everything.

28. O Prophet! Say to your wives: ‘If you desire the life of this world and its glamour, then come! I will provide you (with suitable compensation), and I will release you graciously.

29. But if you desire Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and the abode of the Hereafter, then Allah has surely prepared a tremendous reward for the virtuous amongst you.’

30. O wives of the Prophet! Whoever of you were to commit gross misconduct, the punishment would be doubled for her. And that is easy for Allah.