Sura 3: The Amramites (Aali-`Imraan)


In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. A.L.M.*

2. GOD: there is no god except He;
the Living, the Eternal.

3. He sent down to you this scripture,
truthfully, confirming all previous
scriptures, and He sent down
the Torah and the Gospel

4. before that, to guide the people, and
He sent down the statute book.
Those who disbelieve in GOD's
revelations incur severe retribution.
GOD is Almighty, Avenger.

5. Nothing is hidden from GOD,
on earth, or in the heaven.

6. He is the One who shapes you in the
wombs as He wills. There is no other
god besides Him; the Almighty,
Most Wise.

7. He sent down to you this scripture,
containing straightforward verses--
which constitute the essence of the
scripture--as well as multiple-mean-
ing or allegorical verses. Those who
harbor doubts in their hearts will
pursue the multiple-meaning verses
to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning.
None knows the true meaning thereof except GOD and those well founded
in knowledge. They say, "We believe in this--all of it comes from our Lord."
Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.

8. "Our Lord, let not our hearts waver, now that You have guided us. Shower us
with Your mercy; You are the Grantor.

9. "Our Lord, You will surely gather the people on a day that is inevitable.
GOD never breaks a promise."

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*3:1 See Footnote 2:1 and Appendix One.
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10. Those who disbelieve will never be helped by their money,
nor by their children, against GOD.
They will be fuel for Hell.

11. Like Pharaoh's people and those before them,
they rejected our revelations and, consequently,
GOD punished them for their sins.
GOD is strict in enforcing retribution.

12. Say to those who disbelieve,
"You will be defeated,
then gathered in Hell;
what a miserable abode!"

Believers: The Ultimate Victors

13. An example has been set for you
by the two armies who clashed--
one army was fighting in the cause
of GOD, while the other was dis-
believing. They saw with their own
eyes that they were twice as many.
GOD supports with His victory
whomever He wills. This should
provide an assurance for those
who possess vision.

Different Priorities

14. Adorned for the people are
the worldly pleasures,
such as the women, having children,
piles upon piles of gold and silver,
trained horses, livestock, and crops.
These are the materials of
this world. A far better abode
is reserved at GOD.

15. Say, "Let me inform you of a much better deal:
for those who lead a righteous life,
reserved at their Lord
are gardens with flowing streams,
and pure spouses,
and joy in GOD's blessings."
GOD is Seer of His worshipers.

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16. They say, "Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us our sins,
and spare us the agony of the hellfire."

17. They are steadfast, truthful, submitting, charitable, and meditators at dawn.

The Most Important Commandment*

18. GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and
those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god;
there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise.

Submission: The Only Religion

19. The only religion approved by GOD
is "Submission." Ironically, those
who have received the scripture are
the ones who dispute this fact,
despite the knowledge they have
received, due to jealousy. For such
rejectors of GOD's revelations,
GOD is most strict in reckoning.

20. If they argue with you, then say,
"I have simply submitted myself to
GOD; I and those who follow me."
You shall proclaim to those who
received the scripture, as well as
those who did not, "Would you sub-
mit?" If they submit, then they have
been guided, but if they turn away,
your sole mission is to deliver this
message. GOD is Seer of all people.

21. Those who have rejected GOD's
revelations, and killed the prophets
unjustly, and killed those who advo-
cated justice among the people,
promise them a painful retribution.

22. Their works have been nullified, both in this life and in the Hereafter,
and they will have no helpers.
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*3:18 The proclamation of faith (Shahaadah) that is decreed by God is: "There is no god except God," in Arabic "La Elaaha Ella Allah" (see also 37:35, 47:19). The corrupted Muslims insist upon adding a second "Shahaadah" proclaiming that Muhammad is God's messenger. This is by definition "Shirk" (idolatry) and a flagrant defiance of God and His messenger. Additionally, it violates the major commandments in 2:136, 2:285, 3:84, & 4:150-152 prohibiting any distinction among God's messengers. By proclaiming that "Muhammad is a messenger of God," and failing to make the same proclamation for other messengers such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Saleh, and Jonah, a distinction is committed and a major commandment is violated.
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23. Have you noted those who were given part of the scripture,
and how they are invited to uphold this scripture of GOD,
and apply it to their own lives,
then some of them turn away in aversion?

24. This is because they said, "The hellfire will not touch us,
except for a few days."
They were thus deceived in their
religion by their own fabrications.

25. How will it be for them, when we
summon them on that inevitable day?
Each soul will be paid for whatever
it earned, without the least injustice.

Attributes of God

26. Say, "Our god: possessor of all
sovereignty. You grant sovereignty
to whomever You choose, You
remove sovereignty from whomever
You choose. You grant dignity to
whomever You choose, and commit
to humiliation whomever You
choose. In Your hand is all
provisions. You are Omnipotent.

27. "You merge the night into the day,
and merge the day into the night.
You produce the living from the
dead, and produce the dead from the
living, and You provide for whom-
ever You choose, without limits."

Choose Your Friends Carefully

28. The believers never ally themselves
with the disbelievers, instead of the
believers. Whoever does this is exiled from GOD.
Exempted are those who are forced to do this
to avoid persecution. GOD alerts you that you shall reverence Him alone.
To GOD is the ultimate destiny.

29. Say, "Whether you conceal your innermost thought,
or declare it, GOD is fully aware thereof."
He is fully aware of everything in the heavens and the earth.
GOD is Omnipotent.

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30. The day will come when each soul will find all the good works
it had done brought forth. As for the evil works,
it will wish that they were far, far removed.
GOD alerts you that you shall reverence Him alone.
GOD is Compassionate towards the people.

31. Proclaim: "If you love GOD, you should follow me."
GOD will then love you, and forgive your sins.
GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

32. Proclaim: "You shall obey GOD and
the messenger." If they turn away,
GOD does not love the disbelievers.

The Birth of Mary

33. GOD has chosen Adam, Noah,
the family of Abraham, and the family
of Amram (as messengers)
to the people.

34. They belong in the same progeny.
GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

35. The wife of Amram said, "My Lord,
I have dedicated (the baby) in my
belly to You, totally, so accept from
me. You are Hearer, Omniscient."

36. When she gave birth to her,
she said, "My Lord, I have given
birth to a girl"--GOD was fully
aware of what she bore--"The male
is not the same as the female. I have
named her Mary, and I invoke Your
protection for her and her descen-
dants from the rejected devil."

37. Her Lord accepted her a gracious
acceptance, and brought her up a gracious upbringing,
under the guardianship of Zachariah.
Whenever Zachariah entered her sanctuary
he found provisions with her. He would ask,
"Mary, where did you get this from?"
She would say, "It is from GOD.
GOD provides for whomever He chooses, without limits."

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The Birth of John

38. That is when Zachariah implored his Lord:
"My Lord, grant me such a good child;
You are the Hearer of the prayers."

39. The angels called him when he was praying in the sanctuary:
"GOD gives you good news of John;
a believer in the word of GOD,
honorable, moral, and a righteous prophet."

40. He said, "How can I have a boy,
when I am so old, and my wife is
sterile?" He said, "GOD does
whatever He wills."

41. He said, "My Lord, give me a sign."
He said, "Your sign is that you will
not speak to the people for three
days, except through signals.
Commemorate your Lord frequently;
and meditate night and day."

Mary and Jesus

42. The angels said, "O Mary, GOD has
chosen you and purified you. He has
chosen you from all the women.

43. "O Mary, you shall submit to your
Lord, and prostrate and bow down
with those who bow down."

44. This is news from the past that we
reveal to you. You were not there
when they drew their raffles to select
Mary's guardian. You were not
present when they argued with
one another.

45. The angels said, "O Mary, GOD gives you
good news: a Word from Him whose name is
'The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary.'
He will be prominent in this life
and in the Hereafter,
and one of those closest to Me."

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46. "He will speak to the people
from the crib, as well as an adult;
he will be one of the righteous."

47. She said, "My Lord, how can I have a son,
when no man has touched me?"
He said, "GOD thus creates whatever He wills.
To have anything done,
He simply says to it, 'Be,' and it is.

48. "He will teach him the scripture,
wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel."

49. As a messenger to the Children of
Israel: "I come to you with a sign
from your Lord--I create for you
from clay the shape of a bird, then I
blow into it, and it becomes a live bird
by GOD's leave. I restore vision to
the blind, heal the leprous, and
I revive the dead by GOD's leave.
I can tell you what you eat,
and what you store in your homes.
This should be a proof for you,
if you are believers.

50. "I confirm previous scripture--
the Torah--and I revoke certain
prohibitions imposed upon you.
I come to you with sufficient proof
from your Lord. Therefore, you shall
observe GOD, and obey me.

51. "GOD is my Lord and your Lord;*
you shall worship Him alone.
This is the right path."

52. When Jesus sensed their disbelief,
he said, "Who are my supporters
towards GOD?" The disciples said,
"We are GOD's supporters; we believe in GOD,
and bear witness that we are submitters.

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*3:51 This is precisely what Jesus is quoted to say throughout the New Testament. See for example the Gospel of John 20:17, and the book "Jesus: Myths and Message" by Lisa Spray, Ch. 4 (Universal Unity, Fremont, CA 1992).
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53. "Our Lord, we have believed in what You have sent down,
and we have followed the messenger; count us among the witnesses."

The Death of Jesus*

54. They plotted and schemed, but so did GOD, and GOD is the best schemer.

55. Thus, GOD said, "O Jesus, I am terminating your life,
raising you to Me, and ridding you
of the disbelievers. I will exalt those
who follow you above those who dis-
believe, till the Day of Resurrection.
Then to Me is the ultimate destiny
of all of you, then I will judge among
you regarding your disputes.

56. "As for those who disbelieve, I will
commit them to painful retribution
in this world, and in the Hereafter.
They will have no helpers."

57. As for those who believe and lead a
righteous life, He will fully
recompense them.
GOD does not love the unjust.

58. These are the revelations that we
recite to you, providing a message
full of wisdom.

Mathematical Confirmation*

59. The example of Jesus, as far as GOD
is concerned, is the same as that of
Adam; He created him from dust,
then said to him, "Be," and he was.

60. This is the truth from your Lord;
do not harbor any doubts.

Challenging the Disbelievers

61. If anyone argues with you, despite the knowledge you have received, then say,
"Let us summon our children and your children, our women and your women,
ourselves and yourselves, then let us invoke GOD's curse upon the liars."
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*3:54-55 We learn that Jesus' soul, the real person, was raised, i.e., Jesus' life on earth was terminated, prior to the arrest, torture, and crucifixion of his empty, soulless, but physiologically living body (See the details in Appendix 22).
*3:59 The "equality" of the creation of Jesus and Adam is confirmed mathematically; Jesus and Adam are mentioned in the Quran the same number of times; 25 times each.
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62. Absolutely, this is the narration of the truth.
Absolutely, there is no god except GOD.
Absolutely, GOD is the Almighty, Most Wise.

63. If they turn away, then GOD is fully aware of the evildoers.

Invitation to All Believers

64. Say, "O followers of the scripture,
let us come to a logical agreement
between us and you: that we shall not
worship except GOD; that we never
set up any idols besides Him, nor set
up any human beings as lords beside
GOD." If they turn away, say, "Bear
witness that we are submitters."

65. O followers of the scripture, why
do you argue about Abraham,
when the Torah and the Gospel
were not revealed until after him?
Do you not understand?

66. You have argued about things you
knew; why do you argue about things
you do not know? GOD knows,
while you do not know.

67. Abraham was neither Jewish,
nor Christian; he was a monotheist
submitter. He never was
an idol worshiper.

68. The people most worthy of Abraham
are those who followed him, and this
prophet, and those who believe.
GOD is the Lord and Master
of the believers.

69. Some followers of the scripture
wish to lead you astray,
but they only lead themselves astray,
without perceiving.

70. O followers of the scripture,
why do you reject these revelations of GOD
though you bear witness (that this is the truth)?

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71. O followers of the scripture, why do you confound the truth with falsehood,
and conceal the truth, knowingly?

72. Some followers of the scripture say, "Believe in what was sent down
to the believers in the morning, and reject it in the evening;
maybe someday they will revert.

73. "And do not believe except as those
who follow your religion."
Say, "The true guidance is GOD's
guidance." If they claim that they
have the same guidance, or argue
with you about your Lord, say, "All
grace is in GOD's hand; He bestows
it upon whomever He wills."
GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.

74. He specifies His mercy for
whomever He wills;
GOD possesses unlimited grace.

Be Honest With All People

75. Some followers of the scripture
can be trusted with a whole lot,
and they will give it back to you.
Others among them cannot be
trusted with a single dinar;
they will not repay you unless you
keep after them. That is because they
say, "We do not have to be honest
when dealing with the gentiles!"*
Thus, they attribute lies to GOD,
knowingly.

76. Indeed, those who fulfill their
obligations and lead a righteous life,
GOD loves the righteous.

77. As for those who trade away GOD's covenant, and their obligations,
for a cheap price, they receive no share in the Hereafter.
GOD will not speak to them, nor look at them, on the Day of Resurrection,
nor will He purify them. They have incurred a painful retribution.

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*3:75 Prior to the discovery of the Quran's mathematical code, some scholars falsely claimed that Muhammad was an illiterate man who could not write such a great book. They distorted the meaning of the word "Ummy," claiming that it meant "illiterate." This verse proves that "Ummiyyeen" means "gentiles" (See also 62:2 & Appendix 28).
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78. Among them are those who twist their tongues to imitate the scripture,
that you may think it is from the scripture, when it is not from the scripture,
and they claim that it is from GOD, when it is not from GOD.
Thus, they utter lies and attribute them to GOD, knowingly.

79. Never would a human being whom GOD blessed with the scripture
and prophethood say to the people, "Idolize me beside GOD."
Instead, (he would say), "Devote yourselves absolutely to your Lord alone,"
according to the scripture you preach and the teachings you learn.

80. Nor would he command you to
idolize the angels and the prophets
as lords. Would he exhort you to dis-
believe after becoming submitters?

Major Prophecy Fulfilled*
God's Messenger of the Covenant

81. GOD took a covenant from the
prophets, saying, "I will give you
the scripture and wisdom. Afterwards,
a messenger will come to confirm
all existing scriptures. You shall
believe in him and support him."
He said, "Do you agree with this,
and pledge to fulfill this covenant?"
They said, "We agree." He said,
"You have thus borne witness, and I
bear witness along with you."

Rejectors of God's Messenger of
the Covenant are Disbelievers

82. Those who reject this (Quranic
prophecy)
are the evil ones.

83. Are they seeking other than GOD's
religion, when everything in the
heavens and the earth has submitted to Him,
willingly and unwillingly, and to Him they will be returned?

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*3:81 This major prophecy has now been fulfilled. God's Messenger of the Covenant, as prophesied in this verse and in the Bible's Malachi 3:1-21, Luke 17:22-36, & Matthew 24:27 is to purify and unify God's messages which were delivered by God's prophets. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. have been severely corrupted. It is the will of Almighty God to purify them and unify them under the banner of worshiping Him alone. Overwhelming evidence has been provided by God in support of His Messenger of the Covenant, whose name is incontrovertibly specified into the Quran's mathematical code as "Rashad Khalifa." For example, adding the gematrical value of "Rashad" (505), plus the value of "Khalifa" (725), plus the verse number (81) gives 1311, or 19x69 (see Appendix 2 for the detailed evidence).
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Make No Distinction Among God's Messengers

84. Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us,
and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs,
and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord.
We make no distinction among any of them.
To Him alone we are submitters."

Only One Religion Approved by God

85. Anyone who accepts other than
Submission as his religion, it will not
be accepted from him, and in the
Hereafter, he will be with the losers.

86. Why should GOD guide people
who disbelieved after believing,
and after witnessing that the
messenger is truth, and after solid
proofs* have been given to them?
GOD does not guide the wicked.

87. These have incurred condemnation
by GOD, and the angels, and all the
people.

88. Eternally they abide therein; the
retribution is never commuted for
them, nor will they be reprieved.

89. Exempted are those who repent
thereafter, and reform.
GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

When Repentance is Unacceptable

90. Those who disbelieve after believing,
then plunge deeper into disbelief,
their repentance will not be accepted
from them; they are the real strayers.

91. Those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers, an earthful of gold will not be
accepted from any of them, even if such a ransom were possible.
They have incurred painful retribution; they will have no helpers.

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*3:86 Verses 3:82-90 inform us that those who reject God's Messenger of the Covenant are no longer submitters (Muslims), since they no longer believe the Quran. The proofs mentioned in 3:86 refer to the Quran's mathematical code, which was revealed through God's Messenger of the Covenant. Both 3:86 and 3:90 talk about "disbelieving after
believing."

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92. You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions
you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof.

Do Not Prohibit What Is Lawful

93. All food used to be lawful for the Children of Israel, until Israel imposed certain
prohibitions on themselves before the Torah was sent down.
Say, "Bring the Torah and read it, if you are truthful."

94. Those who fabricate false prohibitions after this,
and attribute them to GOD, are truly wicked.

95. Say, "GOD has proclaimed the truth:
You shall follow Abraham's religion--
monotheism. He never was
an idolater."

96. The most important shrine
established for the people is
the one in Becca;* a blessed beacon
for all the people.

97. In it are clear signs: the station of
Abraham. Anyone who enters it
shall be granted safe passage.
The people owe it to GOD that they
shall observe Hajj to this shrine,
when they can afford it. As for those
who disbelieve, GOD does not need
anyone.

98. Say, "O followers of the scripture,
why do you reject these revelations
of GOD, when GOD is witnessing
everything you do?"

99. Say, "O followers of the scripture,
why do you repel from the path of
GOD those who wish to believe,
and seek to distort it, even though you are witnesses?"
GOD is never unaware of anything you do.

100. O you who believe, if you obey some of those who received the scripture,
they will revert you, after having believed, into disbelievers.

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*3:96 This is an M-initialed sura, and this peculiar spelling of "Mecca" as "Becca" causes the occurrence of "M" to conform to the Quran's mathematical code. The normal spelling "Mecca" would have increased the frequency of occurrence of "M" (Appendix 1).
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101. How can you disbelieve, when these revelations of GOD
are being recited to you, and His messenger is in your midst?
Whoever holds fast to GOD
will be guided in the right path.

102. O you who believe, you shall observe GOD as He should be observed,
and do not die except as Submitters.

Believers are United

103. You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD,
all of you, and do not be divided.
Recall GOD's blessings upon you--
you used to be enemies and He
reconciled your hearts. By His
grace, you became brethren.
You were at the brink of a pit of
fire, and He saved you therefrom.
GOD thus explains His revelations
for you, that you may be guided.

104. Let there be a community of you
who invite to what is good,
advocate righteousness, and forbid
evil. These are the winners.

105. Do not be like those who became
divided and disputed, despite the
clear proofs that were given to
them. For these have incurred
a terrible retribution.

106. The day will come when some faces
will be brightened (with joy), while
other faces will be darkened (with
misery). As for those whose faces
are darkened, they will be asked,
"Did you not disbelieve after believing?
Therefore, suffer the retribution for your disbelief."

107. As for those whose faces are brightened,
they will rejoice in GOD's mercy;
they abide therein forever.

108. These are GOD's revelations;
we recite them to you, truthfully.
GOD does not wish any hardship for the people.

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109. To GOD belongs everything in the heavens
and everything on earth,
and all matters are controlled by GOD.

The Best Community

110. You are the best community ever raised among the people:
you advocate righteousness and forbid evil,
and you believe in GOD.
If the followers of the scripture believed,
it would be better for them.
Some of them do believe, but the
majority of them are wicked.

111. They can never harm you, beyond
insulting you. If they fight you,
they will turn around and flee.
They can never win.

112. They shall be humiliated whenever
you encounter them, unless they
uphold GOD's covenant, as well as
their peace covenants with you.
They have incurred wrath from
GOD, and, consequently, they
are committed to disgrace. This is
because they rejected GOD's
revelations, and killed the prophets
unjustly. This is because they
disobeyed and transgressed.

Righteous Jews & Christians

113. They are not all the same; among
the followers of the scripture,
there are those who are righteous.
They recite GOD's revelations
through the night,
and they fall prostrate.

114. They believe in GOD and the Last Day,
they advocate righteousness and forbid evil,
and they hasten to do righteous works.
These are the righteous.

115. Any good they do will not go unrewarded.
GOD is fully aware of the righteous.
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116. Those who disbelieved can never be helped
by their money or their children against GOD.
They have incurred Hell, wherein they abide forever.

117. The example of their accomplishments in this life
is like a violent wind that hits the harvest of people
who have wronged their souls, and wipes it out.
GOD never wronged them;
it is they who wronged themselves.

Do Not Befriend Hypocrites

118. O you who believe, do not befriend
outsiders who never cease to wish
you harm; they even wish to see
you suffer. Hatred flows out of
their mouths and what they hide
in their chests is far worse.
We thus clarify the revelations
for you, if you understand.

119. Here you are loving them,
while they do not love you, and
you believe in all the scripture.
When they meet you they say,
"We believe," but as soon as
they leave they bite their fingers
out of rage towards you. Say,
"Die in your rage." GOD is fully
aware of the innermost thoughts.

120. When anything good comes your
way they hurt, and when something
bad happens to you they rejoice.
If you steadfastly persevere,
and maintain righteousness, their
schemes will never hurt you.
GOD is fully aware of everything they do.

The Battle of Badr

121. Recall that you (Muhammad) were among your people
when you set out to assign to the believers their positions
for battle. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

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122. Two groups among you almost failed, but GOD was their Lord.
In GOD the believers shall trust.

123. GOD has granted you victory at Badr, despite your weakness.
Therefore, you shall observe GOD,
to show your appreciation.

God's Angels Help the Believers

124. You told the believers, "Is it not enough that your Lord supports you
with three thousand angels, sent down?"

125. Indeed, if you steadfastly persevere
and maintain righteousness, then
they attack you suddenly, your
Lord will support you with five
thousand* angels, well trained.

126. GOD thus informs you, in order to
give you good news, and to assure
your hearts. Victory comes only
from GOD, the Almighty,
Most Wise.

127. He thus annihilates some dis-
believers, or neutralizes them;
they always end up the losers.

128. It is not up to you; He may redeem
them, or He may punish them
for their transgressions.

129. To GOD belongs everything in the
heavens and the earth. He forgives
whomever He wills, and punishes
whomever He wills. GOD is
Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Usury Prohibited*

130. O you who believe, you shall not take usury, compounded over and over.
Observe GOD, that you may succeed.

131. Beware of the hellfire that awaits the disbelievers.

132. You shall obey GOD and the messenger, that you may attain mercy.

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*3:124-125 Thirty different numbers are mentioned in the Quran. Their total comes to 162146, 19x8534. This conforms with the Quran's mathematical miracle (See Appendix One).
*3:130 Interest on bank deposits and interest charged on loans are lawful if they are not excessive (5-15%). Banks invest and their profits are passed on to the depositors. Since all parties are happy and no one is victimized, it is perfectly lawful to take interest from the bank (see 2:275).
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Attributes of the Righteous

133. You should eagerly race towards forgiveness from your Lord
and a Paradise whose width encompasses
the heavens and the earth; it awaits the righteous,

134. who give to charity during the good
times, as well as the bad times.
They are suppressors of anger,
and pardoners of the people.
GOD loves the charitable.

135. If they fall in sin or wrong their
souls, they remember GOD and ask
forgiveness for their sins--and who
forgives the sins except GOD--and
they do not persist in sins,
knowingly.

136. Their recompense is forgiveness
from their Lord, and gardens with
flowing streams; they abide therein
forever. What a blessed reward
for the workers!

Victory for the Righteous

137. Precedents have been set for you
in the past; roam the earth
and note the consequences
for the unbelievers.

138. This is a proclamation for the
people, and a guidance and
enlightenment for the righteous.

139. You shall not waver, nor shall you
grieve, for you are the ultimate
victors, if you are believers.

140. If you suffer hardship, the enemy also
suffers the same hardship. We alternate
the days of victory and defeat among
the people. GOD thus distinguishes the
true believers, and blesses some of you
with martyrdom. GOD dislikes injustice.

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141. GOD thus toughens those who believe
and humiliates the disbelievers.

Our Claims Must Be Tested

142. Do you expect to enter Paradise
without GOD distinguishing
those among you who strive, and without
distinguishing those who are steadfast?

143. You used to long for death
before you had to face it. Now
you have faced it, right before
your eyes.

144. Muhammad was no more than a
messenger like the messengers
before him. Should he die or get
killed, would you turn back on
your heels? Anyone who turns
back on his heels, does not hurt
GOD in the least. GOD rewards
those who are appreciative.

Time of Death Predetermined

145. No one dies except by GOD's leave,
at a predetermined time. Whoever
seeks the vanities of this world,
we give him therefrom, and whoever
seeks the rewards of the Hereafter,
we bless him therein. We reward
those who are appreciative.

146. Many a prophet had godly people
fight along with him, without ever
wavering under pressure in the
cause of GOD, nor did they hesitate
or become discouraged. GOD loves the steadfast.

147. Their only utterance was, "Our Lord,
forgive us our sins, and our transgressions,
strengthen our foothold, and grant us victory over the disbelievers."

148. Consequently, GOD granted them
the rewards of this world,
and the better rewards of the Hereafter.
GOD loves the good doers.

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149. O you who believe,
if you obey those who disbelieve,
they will turn you back on your heels,
then you end up losers.

150. GOD alone is your Lord and Master,
and He is the best supporter.

God Controls Your Enemies

151. We will throw terror into the hearts
of those who disbelieved,
since they set up besides GOD
powerless idols. Their destiny
is Hell; what a miserable abode
for the transgressors!

The Battle of Uhud

152. GOD has fulfilled His promise
to you, and you defeated them
by His leave. But then you wavered,
disputed among yourselves,
and disobeyed after He had shown
you (the victory) you had longed for.
But then, some of you became
distracted by the spoils of this
world, while others were rightly
concerned with the Hereafter.
He then diverted you from them
to test you. He has pardoned you.
GOD showers the believers
with His grace.

153. Recall that you rushed (after the
spoils), paying no attention to
anyone, even when the messenger
was calling from behind you.
Consequently, He substituted
one misery for another,
that you may not grieve
over anything you have missed,
or agonize over any hardship you have suffered.
GOD is Cognizant of everything you do.

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Moment of Death Predetermined

154. After the setback, He sent down upon you
peaceful slumber that pacified some of you.
Others among you were selfishly concerned
about themselves. They harbored
thoughts about GOD that were not right--
the same thoughts they had harbored
during the days of ignorance.
Thus, they said, "Is anything
up to us?" Say, "Everything is up to
GOD." They concealed inside them-
selves what they did not reveal
to you. They said, "If it was up to
us, none of us would have been
killed in this battle." Say, "Had you
stayed in your homes, those
destined to be killed would have
crawled into their death beds."
GOD thus puts you to the test
to bring out your true convictions,
and to test what is in your hearts.
GOD is fully aware of the inner-
most thoughts.

155. Surely, those among you who
turned back the day the two
armies clashed have been duped
by the devil. This reflects some of
the (evil) works they had
committed. GOD has pardoned
them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement.

156. O you who believe, do not be like
those who disbelieved and said of
their kinsmen who traveled or mobilized for war,
"Had they stayed with us, they would not have died or gotten killed."
GOD renders this a source of grief in their hearts.
GOD controls life and death.
GOD is Seer of everything you do.

157. Whether you get killed or die in the cause of GOD,
the forgiveness from GOD,
and mercy are far better
than anything they hoard.

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158. Whether you die or get killed, you will be summoned before GOD.

The Messenger's Kindness

159. It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate towards them.
Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you.
Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them,
and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan,
and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust in Him.*

160. If GOD supports you, none can defeat you.
And if He abandons you,
who else can support you?
In GOD the believers shall trust.

No One Above the Law

161. Even the prophet cannot take
more of the spoils of war than he
is entitled to. Anyone who takes
more than his rightful share
will have to account for it
on the Day of Resurrection.
That is when each soul is paid
for whatever it earned,
without the least injustice.

162. Is one who pursues GOD's pleasure
the same as one who incurs wrath
from GOD and his destiny is Hell,
the most miserable abode?

163. They certainly occupy different
ranks at GOD. GOD is Seer
of everything they do.

164. GOD has blessed the believers by
raising in their midst a messenger
from among them, to recite for them
His revelations, and to purify them, and to teach them the scripture and
wisdom. Before this, they had gone totally astray.

165. Now that you have suffered a setback, and even though you inflicted
twice as much suffering (upon your enemy), you said, "Why did this happen
to us?" Say, "This is a consequence of your own deeds." GOD is Omnipotent.

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*3:159 The currency of the U.S.A. is the only currency that carries the phrase: "In God we trust." It is a fact that the American dollar has been the strongest currency in the world, and the standard by which all other currencies are measured.
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166. What afflicted you the day the two armies clashed was in accordance
with GOD's will, and to distinguish the believers.

167. And to expose the hypocrites who were told,
"Come fight in the cause of GOD, or contribute."
They said, "If we knew how to fight,
we would have joined you."
They were closer to disbelief then than they were to belief.
They uttered with their mouths
what was not in their hearts.
GOD knows what they conceal.

168. They said of their kinsmen, as they
stayed behind, "Had they obeyed us,
they would not have been killed."
Say, "Then prevent your own death,
if you are truthful."

The Righteous Do Not Really Die*

169. Do not think that those who are
killed in the cause of GOD are
dead; they are alive at their Lord,
enjoying His provisions.

170. They are rejoicing in GOD's grace,
and they have good news for their
comrades who did not die with
them, that they have nothing to
fear, nor will they grieve.

171. They have good news of GOD's
blessings and grace, and that
GOD never fails to reward
the believers.

172. For those who respond to GOD and
the messenger, despite the
persecution they suffer, and maintain
their good works, and lead a righteous life, a great reward.

173. When the people say to them,
"People have mobilized against you;
you should fear them," this only strengthens their faith,
and they say, "GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector."
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*3:169 We learn from the Quran that the righteous do not really die; they simply leave their worldly bodies and go directly to the same Paradise where Adam and Eve once lived (2:154, 8:24, 16:32, 22:58, 44:56, & 36:26-27; see also Appendix 17).
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174. They have deserved GOD's blessings and grace.
No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD's approval.
GOD possesses infinite grace.

Fear: The Devil's Tool

175. It is the devil's system to instill fear into his subjects.
Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers.

176. Do not be saddened by those who hasten to disbelieve.
They never hurt GOD in the least.
Instead, GOD has willed that they
will have no share in the Hereafter.
They have incurred a terrible
retribution.

177. Those who choose disbelief,
instead of belief, do not hurt
GOD in the least; they have
incurred a painful retribution.

178. Let not the disbelievers think
that we lead them on for their own
good. We only lead them on to
confirm their sinfulness. They have
incurred a humiliating retribution.

179. GOD is not to leave the believers
as you are, without distinguishing
the bad from the good. Nor does
GOD inform you of the future,
but GOD bestows such knowledge
upon whomever He chooses from
among His messengers.* Therefore,
you shall believe in GOD and His
messengers. If you believe and lead
a righteous life, you receive
a great recompense.

180. Let not those who withhold and hoard GOD's provisions
think that this is good for them; it is bad for them.
For they will carry their hoardings around their necks
on the Day of Resurrection. GOD is the ultimate inheritor of the heavens
and the earth. GOD is fully Cognizant
of everything you do.
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*3:179 The end of the world is one example of future events revealed to God's Messenger of the Covenant. See Footnote 72:27.
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Humans Continue to Defy God

181. GOD has heard the utterances of those who said,
"GOD is poor, while we are rich."
We will record everything they said,
just as we recorded their killing of the prophets unjustly,
and we will say, "Suffer the retribution of Hell.

182. "This is the consequence of your own works."
GOD is never unjust towards the people.

183. It is they who said, "GOD has
made a covenant with us that we
shall not believe in any messenger,
unless he produces an offering
that gets consumed by fire."
Say, "Messengers before me
have come to you with clear proofs,
including what you just demanded.
Why then did you kill them,
if you are truthful?"

184. If they reject you, messengers
before you have been rejected,
even though they brought proofs,
the Psalms, and the enlightening
scripture.

A Great Triumph

185. Every person tastes death,
then you receive your recompense
on the Day of Resurrection.
Whoever misses Hell, barely, and
makes it to Paradise, has attained
a great triumph. The life of this
world is no more than an illusion.

The Inevitable Test*

186. You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives,
and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the
idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead
a righteous life, this will prove
the strength of your faith.
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*3:186 After passing the admission tests, the proven worshipers of God ALONE enjoy a perfect life, now and forever. See 10:62, 24:55, and 29:2-3.
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187. GOD took a covenant from those who received the scripture:
"You shall proclaim it to the people, and never conceal it."
But they disregarded it behind their backs, and traded it away
for a cheap price. What a miserable trade.

188. Those who boast about their works, and wish to be praised
for something they have not really done,
should not think that they can evade the retribution.
They have incurred a painful retribution.

189. To GOD belongs the sovereignty
of the heavens and the earth.
GOD is Omnipotent.

Those Who Possess Intelligence

190. In the creation of the heavens and
the earth, and the alternation of
night and day, there are signs
for those who possess intelligence.

191. They remember GOD* while
standing, sitting, and on their sides,
and they reflect upon the creation
of the heavens and the earth:
"Our Lord, You did not create all
this in vain. Be You glorified. Save
us from the retribution of Hell.

192. "Our Lord, whomever You commit
to Hell are the ones You have
forsaken. Such transgressors
have no helpers.

193. "Our Lord, we have heard a caller
calling to faith and proclaiming:
'You shall believe in your Lord,'
and we have believed. Our Lord,
forgive us our transgressions,
remit our sins, and let us die as righteous believers.

194. "Our Lord, shower us with the blessings you promised us
through Your messengers, and do not forsake us
on the Day of Resurrection.
You never break a promise."

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*3:191 Your god is whoever or whatever occupies your mind most of the time. The true believers are those who remember God most of the time. See 23:84-89 and Appendix 27.
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God Responds

195. Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker
among you for any work you do, be you male or female--
you are equal to one another. Thus, those who immigrate, and get evicted
from their homes, and are persecuted because of Me, and fight
and get killed, I will surely remit their sins and admit them
into gardens with flowing streams." Such is the reward from GOD.
GOD possesses the ultimate reward.

196. Do not be impressed by the
apparent success of disbelievers.

197. They only enjoy temporarily,
then end up in Hell;
what a miserable destiny!

198. As for those who observe their
Lord, they have deserved gardens
with flowing streams; they abide
therein forever. Such is the abode
given to them by GOD.
What GOD possesses is far better
for the righteous.

Righteous Jews and Christians

199. Surely, some followers of the
previous scriptures do believe
in GOD, and in what was revealed
to you, and in what was revealed
to them. They reverence GOD,
and they never trade away GOD's
revelations for a cheap price.
These will receive their recompense
from their Lord. GOD is the
most efficient in reckoning.

200. O you who believe,
you shall be steadfast,
you shall persevere,
you shall be united,
you shall observe GOD,
that you may succeed.

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