ENTITLED, MUTUAL DECEIT; REVEALED AT MECCA.z
IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.
WHATEVER is in heaven and earth celebrateth the praises of GOD: his is
the kingdom, and unto him is the praise due; for he is almighty.
It is he who hath created you; and one of you is predestined to be an
unbeliever, and another of you is predestined to be a believer: and GOD
beholdeth that which ye do.
He hath created the heavens and the earth with truth; and he hath
fashioned you, and given you beautiful forms: and unto him must ye all go.
He knoweth whatever is in heaven and earth: and he knoweth that which ye
conceal, and that which ye discover; for GOD knoweth the innermost part of
men's breasts.
Have ye not been acquainted with the story of those who disbelieved
heretofore, and tasted the evil consequence of their behavior? And for them
is prepared in the life to come a tormenting punishment.
This shall they suffer, because their apostles came unto them with
evident proofs of their mission, and they said, Shall men direct us?
Wherefore they believed not, and turned their backs. But GOD standeth in need
of no person: for GOD is self-sufficient, and worthy to be praised.
The unbelievers imagine that they shall not be raised again. Say, Yea,
by my LORD, ye shall surely be raised again; then shall ye be told that which
ye have wrought; and this is easy with GOD.
Wherefore believe in GOD and his apostle, and the light which we have
sent down: for GOD is well acquainted with that which ye do.
On a certain day he shall assemble you, at the day of the general
assembly: that will be the day of mutual deceit.a And whoso shall believe in
GOD, and shall do that which is right, from him will he expiate his evil
deeds, and he will lead him into gardens beneath which rivers flow, to remain
therein forever. This will be great felicity.
10 But they who shall not believe, and shall accuse our signs of falsehood,
those shall be the inhabitants of hell fire, wherein they shall remain
forever; and a wretched journey shall it be thither!
No misfortune happeneth but by the permission of GOD; and whoso believeth
in GOD, he will direct his heart: and GOD knoweth all things.
Wherefore obey GOD, and obey the apostle: but if ye turn back, verily the
duty incumbent on our apostle is only public preaching.
GOD! there is no GOD but he: wherefore in GOD let the faithful put their
trust.
O true believers, verily of your wives and your children ye have an
enemy:b wherefore beware of them. But if ye pass over their offences, and
pardon, and forgive them;c GOD is likewise inclined to forgive, and merciful.
z The commentators are not agreed whether this chapter was revealed at
Mecca, or at Medina; or partly at the one place, and partly at the other.
a When the blessed will deceive the damned, by taking the places which
they would have had in paradise had they been true believers; and
contrariwise.1
b For these are apt to distract a man from his duty, especially in time
of distress;2 a married man caring for the things that are of this world,
while the unmarried careth for the things that belong to the LORD.3
c Considering that the hindrance they may occasion you proceeds from
their affection, and their ill bearing your absence in time of war, &c.
1 Idem, Jallalo'ddin, Yahya. 2 Idem. 3 See I Cor. vii.
25, &c.
Your wealth and your children are only a temptation; but with GOD is a
great reward.
Wherefore fear GOD, as much as ye are able; and hear, and obey: and give
alms, for the good of your souls; for whoso is preserved from the covetousness
of his own soul, they shall prosper.
If ye lend unto GOD an acceptable loan, he will double the same unto you,
and will forgive you: for GOD is grateful, and long-suffering,
knowing both what is hidden, and what is divulged; the Mighty, the Wise.
________