The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

a
Some asked to 
fight, but when God ordained fighting they failed to do so.
b
Ahmad, like Muhammad, means ‘praised’ (for his good character).
c
Literally ‘a trade’.

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is better for you, if only you knew –
–
12and He will forgive your sins,
admit you into Gardens graced with 
flowing streams, into pleasant
dwellings in the Gardens of Eternity. That is the supreme triumph.
13And He will give you something else that will really please you: His
help and an imminent breakthrough. [Prophet], give the faithful the
good news. 
14You who believe, be God’s helpers. As Jesus, son of
Mary, said to the disciples, ‘Who will come with me to help God?’
The disciples said, ‘We shall be God’s helpers.’ Some of the Chil-
dren of Israel believed and some disbelieved: We supported the
believers against their enemy and they were the ones who came out
on top.
Solid Lines
371
61: 14

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62. THE DAY OF CONGREGATION
A Medinan sura which takes its title from the instruction to the believers to
observe the Friday prayer promptly and reliably when called (verses 
9–11).
The sura reminds the Muslims of God’s grace in granting them a prophet
and the chance to grow spiritually (verses 
2–4). Those who do not act in
accordance with the knowledge they have been given are criticized (verses
5–8).
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies God, the Controller,
the Holy One, the Almighty, the Wise. 
2It is He who raised a mes-
senger, among the people who had no Scripture, to recite His revela-
tions to them, to make them grow spiritually and teach them the
Scripture and wisdom –– before that they were clearly astray ––
3to
them and others yet to join them. He is the Almighty, the Wise:
4such is God’s favour that He grants it to whoever He will; God’s
favour is immense. 
5Those who have been charged to obey the
Torah, but do not do so, are like asses
a
carrying books: how base
such people are who disobey God’s revelations! God does not guide
people who do wrong.
6Say [Prophet], ‘You who follow the Jewish faith, if you truly
claim that out of all people you alone are friends of God, then you
should be hoping for death.’ 
7But because of what they have stored
up for themselves with their own hands they would never hope for
death –– God knows the wrongdoers very well ––
8so say, ‘The death
you run away from will come to meet you and you will be returned to
the One who knows the unseen as well as the seen: He will tell you
everything you have done.’
9Believers! When the call to prayer is made on the day of
congregation, hurry towards the reminder of God and leave o
ff your
trading –– that is better for you, if only you knew ––
10then when the
prayer has ended, disperse in the land and seek out God’s bounty.
Remember God often so that you may prosper. 
11Yet they scatter
a
Literally ‘an ass’, but the plural English construction requires the plural.

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towards trade or entertainment whenever they observe it, and leave
you [Prophet] standing there.
a
Say, ‘God’s gift is better than any
entertainment or trade: God is the best provider.’
a
This refers to two occasions. During congregational prayers at a time of famine, a
caravan arrived and some of the worshippers rushed out, leaving the Prophet standing
on the minbar (pulpit). On another occasion, worshippers rushed out because there was
a band playing for a wedding.