Righteousness
GENERAL
2: 2-5 This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear God; who believe in the Unseen , are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them; and who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time,
and have the assurance of the Hereafter, they are on (true) Guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.
2: 21 O ye people ! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness;
2: 25 But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens,
2: 43 And be steadfast in prayer ; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).
2:62 Those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish (scripture) , and the Christians and the Sabians, any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord : on them shall be no fear , nor shall they grieve.”
2: 83 Worship none but God; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people ; be steadfast in prayer; and practice regular charity. ( Covenant from the Children of Israel ).
2: 84 Shed no blood amongst you, not turn out your own people from your homes.
2:110 And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: and whatever good you send forth for your souls before you , you shall find it with God : for God sees well all that you do.
2: 111 And they say : “ None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.” …..
2: 112 Nay, - whoever submits his whole self to God and is a doer of good,- he will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
2:128 “ Our Lord ! make of us Muslims, bowing to thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to thy (Will).
2 :177 It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness – to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for
orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity, to fulfil the contracts which ye have made ; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God –fearing.
2: 179 …that you may restrain yourselves.
2: 207 … and there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of God; and God is full of kindness to devotees.
2:208 O you who have attained to faith! Surrender yourselves wholly unto God, and follow not Satan's footsteps, for, verily, he is your open foe.
2: 212 …. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for God bestows His Abundance without measure on whom He will.
2: 218 Verily, they who have attained to faith, and they who have forsaken the domain of evil and striving hard in God's cause - these it is who may look forward to God's grace:
2: 285 The Apostle, and the believers with him, believe in what has been bestowed upon him from on high by his Sustainer: they all believe in God, and His angels, and His revelations, and His apostles, making no distinction between any His apostles, and they say : “ We have heard, and we pay heed. Grant us thy forgiveness, O Sustainer, for with Thee is all journeys’ end !
3: 15 & 16
3:17 Those who show patience, firmness and self control; who are true (in word and deed) who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of God); and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.
3: 17 Those who are patient in adversity, and true to their word, and truly devout, and who spend (in God’s way) and pray for forgiveness from their innermost hearts.
3: 15 [al-i-Imran, Medina 89 ]
Yusuf Ali Say: shall I give you glad tidings of things far better than those? For the righteous are gardens in nearness to their Lord with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy) and the good pleasure of Allah. For in Allah's sight are (all) His servants.
Pickthall Say: Shall I inform you of something better than that? For those who keep from evil, with their Lord, are Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pure companions, and contentment from Allah. Allah is Seer of His bondmen.
Transliteration Qul a'unabbi'ukum bi khairim min za_likum, lillazinat taqau 'inda rabbihim janna_tun tajri min tahtihal anha_ru kha_lidina fiha_ wa azwa_jum mutahharatuw wa ridwa_num minalla_h(i), walla_hu basirum bil'iba_d(i).
3: 16
Yusuf Ali (Namely) those who say: "Our Lord! we have indeed believed: forgive us then our sins and save us from the agony of the fire."
Pickthall Those who say: Our Lord! Lo! we believe. So forgive us our sins and guard us from the punishment of Fire!
Transliteration Allazina yaqu_lu_na rabbana_ innana_ a_manna_ fagfir lana_ zunu_bana_ wa qina_ 'aza_ban na_r(i).
3: 17
Yusuf Ali Those who show patience firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allah); and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.
Pickthall The steadfast, and the truthful, and the obedient, those who spend (and hoard not), those who pray for pardon in the watches of the night.
Transliteration As sa_birina was sa_diqina wal qa_nitina wal munfiqina wal mustagfirina bil asha_r(i).
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3: 92 Never shall you attain to true piety unless you spend on others out of what you cherish yourselves; and whatever you spend – verily, God has full knowledge thereof.
3: 92 By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give , of a truth God knoweth it well.
3: 103 And hold fast, all together, unto the bond with God, and do not draw apart from one another. ……….
3: 104 and that there might grow out of you a community who invite unto all that is good, and enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong: ..
3: 133-35 [ al-Imran Madina 89 ]
Asad And vie with one another to attain to your Sustainer's forgiveness and to a paradise
as vast as the heavens and the earth, which has been readied for the God-conscious who spend (in His way) in time of plenty and in time of hardship, and hold in check their anger, and pardon their fellow-men because God loves the doers of good; and who when they have committed a shameful deed or have (otherwise) sinned against themselves, remember God and pray that their sins be forgiven - for thwo but God could forgive sins? And do not knowingly persist in doing whatever (wrong) they may have done.
3: 133
Yusuf Ali Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and for a garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth prepared for the righteous.
Pickthall And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil);
Transliteration Wa sa_ri'u_ ila_ magfiratim mir rabbikum wa jannatin'arduhas sama_wa_tu wal ard(u), u'iddatillmuttaqin(a).
2: 134
Yusuf Ali Those who spend (freely) whether in prosperity or in adversity; who restrain anger and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good.
Pickthall Those who spend (of that which Allah hath given them) in ease and in adversity, those who control their wrath and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loveth the good;
Transliteration Allazina yunfiqu_na fis sarra_'i wad darra_'i wal ka_ziminal gaiza wal 'a_fina'nin na_s(i), walla_hu yuhibbul muhsinin(a).
2: 135
Yusuf Ali And those who having done something to be ashamed of or wronged their own souls earnestly bring Allah to mind and ask for forgiveness for their sins and who can forgive sins except Allah? And are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.
Pickthall And those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins--Who forgiveth sins save Allah only?--and will not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did.
Transliteration Wallazina iza_ fa'alu_ fa_hisyatan au zalamu_ anfusahum zakarulla_ha fastagfaru_ li zunu_bihim, wa may yagfiruz zunu_ba illalla_h(u), wa lam yusirru_'ala_ ma_ fa'alu_ wa hum ya'lamu_n(a).
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3: 133 - 135 And vie with one another to attain to your Sustainer's forgiveness and to a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, which has been readied for the God-conscious who spend (in His way) in time of plenty and in time of hardship, and hold in check their anger, and pardon their fellow-men because God loves the doers of good; and who when they have committed a shameful deed or have (otherwise) sinned against themselves, remember God and pray that their sins be forgiven - for thwo but God could forgive sins? And do not knowingly persist in doing whatever (wrong) they may have done. Asad
3:133 … And a garden whose width is that of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,-
3: 135 And those who having done something to be ashamed of , or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring God to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except God! And are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong)
they have done. Ali
3: 200 O you who have attained to faith! Be patient in adversity, and vie in patience with one another, and be ever ready [to do what is right], and remain conscious of God, so that you might attain to a happy state!
4: 57 [an-Nisa, Medina 92]
Asad But those who attain faith and do righteous deeds..…..beyond the count of time………..
Yusuf Ali But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness We shall soon admit to gardens with rivers flowing beneath their eternal home: therein shall they have companions pure and holy: We shall admit them to shades cool and ever deepening.
Pickthall And as for those who believe and do good works, We shall make them enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow to dwell therein for ever; there for them are pure companions and We shall make them enter plenteous shade.
Transliteration Wallazina a_manu_ wa 'amilus sa_liha_ti sanudkhiluhum janna_tin min tahtihal anha_ru kha_lidina fiha_ abada_(n), lahum fiha_ azwa_jum mutahharah(tuw), wa nudkhiluhum zillan zalila_(n).
[[ Asad’s note 74 – The primary meaning of “zill” is shade, ……..However, in ancient Arabic usage, the word “zill” denotes also “a covering”, or a :a shelter” and, figuratively, “protection” (Raghib); and, finally, “a state of ease, pleasure and plenty” (cf. Lane V, 1915 f.), or simply “happiness” – and in the combination of “zill zalil”, “abundant happiness”…………….]]
[[ Ali’s notes - 578 Cf. ii. 25 and n. 44. (4.57)
579 The Garden is contrasted with the Fire: the shade is contrasted with the roasting, Evil grows with what it feeds on. So goodness and felicity grow with their practice. (4.57) ]]
4:69 For all who pay heed unto God and the apostle shall be among those upon whom God has bestowed His Blessings : the prophets and those who never deviated from the truth, and those who bore witness to the truth, and the righteous ones: and how goodly a company are these!
4: 70 Such is the bounty of God - and none has the knowledge which God has.
4: 122 Yet those who attain to faith and do righteous deeds We shall bring into gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide beyond the count of time: this, is in truth, God’s promise – and whose word could be truer than God’s?
4: 122
Yusuf Ali But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness We shall soon admit them to gardens with rivers flowing beneath to dwell therein for ever. Allah's promise is the truth and whose word can be truer than Allah's?
Pickthall But as for those who believe and do good works, We shall bring them into gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever. It is a promise from Allah in truth ; and who can be more truthful than Allah in utterance?
Transliteration Wallazina a_manu_ wa 'amilus sa_liha_ti sanudkhiluhum janna_tin tajri min tahtihal anha_ru kha_lidina fiha_ abada_(n), wa'dalla_hi haqqa_(n), wa man asdaqu minalla_hi qila_(n).
5: 27 And convey unto them, setting froth the truth, the story of the two sons of Adam – how each offered a sacrifice, and it was accepted from one of them whereas it was not accepted from the other.
[and Cain] said : “I will surely slay thee!
[Abel ] replied: “Behold, God accepts only from those who are conscious of Him
5: 92 Hence, pay heed unto God, and pay heed unto the Apostle, and be ever on your guard [against evil]; and if you turn away, then know that Our Apostle’s only duty is a clear delivery of the message [entrusted to him].
5: 93 Those who have attained to faith and do righteous deeds incur no sin by partaking of whatever they may, so long as they are conscious of God and [truly] believe and do righteous deeds, and continue to be conscious of God and to believe, and grow ever more conscious of God, and persevere in doing good: for God loves the doers of good.
7: 42 But those who attain to faith and do righteous deeds – We do not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear – they are destined for paradise, therein to abide, 7: 43 after We shall have removed whatever unworthy thoughts or feelings may have been in their bosoms. Running waters will flow at their feet; and they will say: All praise is due to God, who has guided us unto this; for we would certainly not have found the right path unless God had guided us ! Indeed, our Sustainer’s apostles have told us the truth!”
7; 196 Verily, my protector is God, who has bestowed this divine writ form on high: for it is He who protects the righteous, …………
9: 18 Only he should visit or tend God’s house of worship who believes in God and the Last Day, and in constant in prayer, and spends in charity, and stands in awe of none but God: for [only such as] these may hope to be among the right guided!.
25:63 And the servants of (God) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility , and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace !”
25:64 Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrate and standing;
25:65 Those who say “Our Lord! Avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is indeed an affliction grievous,-
(ALSO SEE 43: 89), 25: 67, 68
19 : 36 And Lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord , so serve Him : that is the right path.
22:37 And proclaim the Good News to all who do right.
Those who believe and work righteousness, for them is forgiveness and a sustenance most generous.
2: 143 Thus have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that you might be witnesses over the nations, and the Apostle a witness over yourselves :
2 : 40 ….Fear none but Me.
2: 41……Fear Me, and Me alone.
2: 63 Hold fast with (all your) strength into what We have vouchsafed you, and bear in mind all that is therein, so that you might remain conscious of God. (also see Y.Ali)
2: 150 …SO FEAR them not, BUT FEAR ME; and that I may complete my favors on you, and you may (consent) be guided.
FORGIVE
25:63 And the servants of (God) most gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility , and when the ignorant address them, they say, “ Peace !”
11: 23
Asad Behold, those who attain fo faith and do righteous deeds ……
Yusuf Ali But those who believe and work righteousness and humble themselves before their Lord they will be Companions of the Garden to dwell therein for aye!
Pickthall Lo! those who believe and do good works and humble themselves before their Lord: such are rightful owners of the Garden; they will abide therein.
Transliteration Innal lazina a_manu_ wa 'amilus sa_liha_ti wa akhbatu_ ila_ rabbihim, ula_'ika asha_bul jannah(ti), hum fiha_ kha_lidu_n(a).
11: 24
Yusuf Ali These two kinds (of men) may be compared to the blind and deaf and those who can see and hear well. Are they equal when compared? Will ye not then take heed?
Pickthall The similitude of the two parties is as the blind and the deaf and the seer and the hearer. Are they equal in similitude? Will ye not then be admonished?
Transliteration Masalul fariqaini kal a'ma_ wal asammi wal basiri was sami'(i), hal yastawiya_ni masala_(n), afala_ tazakkaru_n(a).
11: 49
Asad ……Be then [like Noah] patient in adversity – for, behold the future belongs to the God conscious!
Yusuf Ali Such are some of the stories of the Unseen which We have revealed unto thee: before this neither thou nor thy People knew them. So persevere patiently: for the End is for those who are righteous.
Pickthall This is of the tidings of the Unseen which We inspire in thee (Muhammad). Thou thyself knewest it not, nor did thy folk (know it) before this. Then have patience. Lo! the sequel is for those who ward off (evil).
Transliteration Tilka min amba_'il gaibi nu_hiha_ ilaik(a), ma_ kunta ta'lamuha_ anta wa la_ qaumuka min qabli ha_za_, fa-sbir, innal 'a_qibata lil muttaqin(a).
42:36
42:37 “ Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds and then are angry even then FORGIVE; …
42: 40 The recompense for am injury is an injury equal thereto (in degrees ) : but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from God : for (God) loveth not those who do wrong.
42: 43 But if indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.
MISCELLANEOUS
N. NO FEAR, NO GRIEF for the Righteous
2: 274, 2: 277, 6: 48,
6: 151 Say: “Come, let me convey unto you what God has [really] forbidden to you;
Do not ascribe divinity, in any way, to aught beside Him;
and do good unto your parents;
and do not kill your children for fear of poverty – for it is We who shall provide sustenance for you as well as for them;
and do not commit any shameful deeds, be they open or secret;
and do not take any human being’s life – which God has declared to be sacred –otherwise than in [the pursuit of] justice;
this has He enjoined upon you so that you might use your reason;
6: 152 And do not touch the substance of an orphan – save to improve it – before he comes of age.”
And give full measure and weight, with equity : [however], We do not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear; and when you voice an opinion, be just, even though it be against one near of kin.”
And [always] observe your bond with God: this has He enjoined upon you, so that you might keep it in mind.
6: 153 and [know] that this is the way leading straight unto Me: follow it, then, and follow not other ways, lest they cause you to deviate from His way. [All] this has He enjoined upon you, so that you might remain conscious of Him. Asad
6: 153 “..............That you may be righteous.” ali
13: 19
Asad …………Only they who are endowed with insight keep this in mind:
Yusuf Ali Is then one who doth know that that which hath been revealed unto these from thy Lord is the Truth like one who is blind? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition
Pickthall Is he who knoweth that what is revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the truth like him who is blind? But only men of understanding heed;
Transliteration Afamay ya'lamu annama_ unzila ilaika mir rabbikal haqqu ka man huwa a'ma_, innama_ yatazakkaru ulul alba_b(i),
Yatazakkaru – remember, they remember, derivative of zikkar allah [remembrance of Allah]
Ulul albab – those who have wisdom or good understanding.
[Ali’s note 1834 : In this section the contrast between Faith and Righteousness on the one hand and Infidelity and Evil on the other is set out. The righteous man is known as one who (1) receives admonition; (2) is true to his covenants; (3) follows the universal Religion of Faith and Practice joined together; (4) is patient and persevering in seeking Allah; and in practical matters he is known to be; (5) regular in prayer; (6) generous in true charity, whether open or secret; and (7) not revengeful, but anxious to turn off evil with good, thus breaking the chain of evil which tends to perpetuate itself. (13.19)]
[Ali’s note 1834: In this section the contrast between Faith and Righteousness on the one hand and Infidelity and Evil on the other is set out. The righteous man is known as one who (1) receives admonition; (2) is true to his covenants; (3) follows the universal Religion of Faith and Practice joined together; (4) is patient and persevering in seeking Allah; and in practical matters he is known to be; (5) regular in prayer; (6) generous in true charity, whether open or secret; and (7) not revengeful, but anxious to turn off evil with good, thus breaking the chain of evil which tends to perpetuate itself. (13.19)
[ Who has this insight or wisdom or understanding ? Answer follows: 13:20 - 24 ]
13: 20
Asad They who are true to their bond with God and never break their covenant;
Yusuf Ali Those who fulfil the Covenant of Allah and fail not in their plighted word;
Pickthall Such as keep the pact of Allah, and break not the covenant;
Transliteration Allazina yu_fu_na bi 'ahdilla_hi wa la_ yanqudu_nal misa_q(a),
[Asad note 42 The “covenant” is, in this context, a general term embracing the spiritual obligation arising from one’s faith in God and the moral and social obligations, resulting from that faith, towards one’s fellow-men (Zamakhshari)…..see 5:1..”ahd Allah” as “bond with God”, see sura 2, note 19. ]
13: 21
Asad and who keep together what God has bidden to be joined, and stand in awe of their Sustainer and fear the most evil reckoning
Yusuf Ali Those who join together those things which Allah hath commanded to be joined hold their Lord in awe and fear the terrible reckoning;
Pickthall Such as unite that which Allah hath commanded should be joined, and fear their Lord, and dread a woeful reckoning.
Transliteration Wallazina yasilu_na ma_ amaralla_hu bihi ay yu_sala wa yakhsyauna rabbahum wa yakha_fu_na su_'al hisa_b(i).
[ Asad note 43: This refers to all ties arising from human relationships – e.g., the bonds of family, responsibility for orphans and the poor, the mutual rights and duties of neighbor – as well as the spiritual and practical bonds which ought to exist between all who belong to the brotherhood of Islam ( see 8:75 and notes) ]
[ Ruby’s note: This bond also entails the responsibility toward all fellow human beings, Muslims or non-Muslims. Since God is the Only Judge as to the righteousness of a person, for any believer then all human beings before his/her belong to this brotherhood. Besides, one is asked to be overlooking other’s shortcomings and frailties with compassion ]
13: 22
Yusuf Ali Those who patiently persevere seeking the countenance their Lord; establish regular prayers; spend out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance secretly and openly; and turn off Evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (Eternal) Home
Pickthall Such as persevere in seeking their Lord's countenance and are regular in prayer and spend of that which We bestow upon them secretly and openly, and overcome evil with good. Theirs will be the sequel of the (heavenly) Home.
Transliteration Wallazina sabaru-btiga_'a wajhi rabbihim wa aqa_mus sala_ta wa anfaqu_ mimma_ razaqna_hum sirraw wa 'ala_niyataw wa yadra'u_na bil hasana_tis sayyi'ata ula_'ika lahum 'uqbad da_r(i),
[ Asad note 44: ………But the great majority of the classical commentators hold that the meaning is “they repay evil with good” : thus Al-hasan al-Basri (as quoted by Baghawi, Zamakhshari and Razi): “When they are deprived [of anything], they give; and when they are wronged, they forgive.” Tabari’s explanation is very similar: “They repel the evil done to them by doing good to those who did it”; and “they do not repay evil with evil, but repel it by [doing ] good”. See also 41:34-36. ]
13: 23
Yusuf Ali Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there as well as the righteous among their fathers their spouses and their offspring: and angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation):
Pickthall Gardens of Eden which they enter, along with all who do right of their fathers and their helpmeets and their seed. The angels enter unto them from every gate.
Transliteration Janna_tu 'adniy yadkhulu_naha_ wa man salaha mina a_ba_'ihim wa azwa_jihim wa zurriyya_tihim wal mala_'ikatu yadkhulu_na 'alaihim min kulli ba_b(in).
13: 24
Yusuf Ali "Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final Home!"
Pickthall (Saying): Peace be unto you because ye persevered. Ah, passing sweet will be the sequel of the (heavenly) Home.
Transliteration Sala_mun 'alaikum bima_ sabartum fa ni'ma 'uqbad da_r(i).
16: 97 [an-Nahl, Mecca 70]
Yusuf Ali Whoever works righteousness man or woman and has faith verily to him will We give a new life a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.
Pickthall Whosoever doeth right, whether male or female, and is a believer, him verily We shall quicken with good life, and We shall pay them a recompense in proportion to the best of what they used to do.
Transliteration Man 'amila sa_liham min zakarin au unsa_ wa huwa mu'minun fa lanuhyiyannahu_ haya_tan tayyibah(tan), wa lanajziyannahum ajrahum bi ahsani ma_ ka_nu_ ya'malu_n(a).
17: 25 [al-Israa, Mecca 50]
Yusuf Ali Your Lord knoweth best what is in your hearts: if ye do deeds of righteousness verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again (in true penitence).
Pickthall Your Lord is best aware of what is in your minds. If ye are righteous, then lo! He was ever Forgiving unto those who turn (unto Him).
Transliteration Rabbukum a'lamu bima_ fi nufu_sikum, in taku_nu_ sa_lihina fa innahu_ ka_na lil awwa_bina gafu_ra_(n).
18:110
Asad Say [O Prophet]: "I am but a mortal man like all of you. It has been revealed unto me that your
God is the One and Only God. Hence, whoever looks forward [with hope and awe] to meeting
his Sustainer [on Judgment Day], let him do righteous deeds, and let him not ascribe unto
anyone or anything a share in the worship due to his Sustainer!"
Ali Say: "I am but a man like yourselves, [but] the inspiration has come to me,
that your Allah is one Allah: whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work
righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.