The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

The Qur
an
16: 87
172

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Spirit
a
has brought the Revelation with the Truth step by step from
your Lord, to strengthen the believers and as guidance and good
news to the devout. 
103We know very well that they say, ‘It is a man
who teaches him,’ but the language of the person they allude to is
foreign, while this revelation is in clear Arabic. 
104If people do not
believe in God’s revelation, God does not guide them, and a painful
punishment awaits them. 
105Falsehood is fabricated only by those
who do not believe in God’s revelation: they are the liars. 
106With the
exception of those who are forced to say they do not believe,
although their hearts remain 
firm in faith, those who reject God after
believing in Him and open their hearts to disbelief will have the
wrath of God upon them and a grievous punishment awaiting them.
107This is because they love the life of this world more than the one
to come, and God does not guide those who reject Him. 
108These are
people whose hearts, hearing, and sight have been closed o
ff by God:
they are heedless, 
109and there is no doubt that they will be the losers
in the Hereafter. 
110But your Lord will be most forgiving and most
merciful to those who leave their homes after persecution, then strive
and remain steadfast. 
111On the Day when every soul will come
pleading for itself, every soul will be paid in full for all its actions –
–
they will not be wronged. 
112God presents the example of a town that
was secure and at ease, with provisions coming to it abundantly from
all places. Then it became ungrateful for God’s blessings, so God
a
fflicted it with the garment of famine and fear, for what its people
had done. 
113A messenger who was one of them came to them, but
they called him a liar. So punishment overwhelmed them in the
midst of their evildoing.
114So eat of the good and lawful things God has provided for you
and be thankful for His blessings,
b
if it is Him that you worship. 
115He
has forbidden you only these things: carrion, blood, pig’s meat, and
animals over which any name other than God’s has been invoked.
But if anyone is forced by hunger, not desiring it nor exceeding
their immediate need, God is forgiving and merciful. 
116Do not say
falsely, ‘This is lawful and that is forbidden,’ inventing a lie about
God: those who invent lies about God will not prosper –
–
117they
may have a little enjoyment, but painful punishment awaits them.
a
This refers to the Angel Gabriel.
b
Unlike the ungrateful people just mentioned.
The Bee
173
16: 117

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118[Prophet], We forbade the Jews what We told you about.
a
We did
not wrong them; they wronged themselves. 
119But towards those
who do wrong out of ignorance, and afterwards repent and make
amends, your Lord is most forgiving and merciful.
120Abraham was truly an example: devoutly obedient to God and
true in faith. He was not an idolater; 
121he was thankful for the
blessings of God who chose him and guided him to a straight path.
122We gave him blessings in this world, and he is among the right-
eous in the Hereafter. 
123Then We revealed to you [Muhammad],
‘Follow the creed of Abraham, a man of pure faith who was not an
idolater.’
124The Sabbath was made obligatory only for those who
di
ffered about it. On the Day of Resurrection your Lord will judge
between them as to their di
fferences.
125[Prophet], call [people] to the way of your Lord with wisdom
and good teaching. Argue with them in the most courteous way, for
your Lord knows best who has strayed from His way and who is
rightly guided. 
126If you [believers] have to respond to an attack,
make your response proportionate, but it is best to stand fast. 
127So
[Prophet] be steadfast: your steadfastness comes only from God. Do
not grieve over them; do not be distressed by their scheming, 
128for
God is with those who are mindful of Him and who do good.