3: 85

Asad For, if one goes in search of a religion other than self- surrender unto God, it will never be accepted from him, and in the life to come he shall be among the lost.

Yusuf Ali If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).

Pickthall And whoso seeketh as religion other than the Surrender (to Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter.

Transliteration Wa may yabtagi gairal isla_mi dinan falay yuqbala minh)u), wa huwa fil a_khirati minal kha_sirin(a).

[ Ali’s note - 418 The Muslim position is clear. The Muslim does not claim to have a religion peculiar to himself. Islam is not a sect or an ethnic religion. In its view all Religion is one, for the Truth is one. It was the religion preached by all the earlier Prophets. It was the truth taught by all the inspired Books. In essence it amounts to a consciousness of the Will and Plan of Allah and a joyful submission to that Will and Plan. If any one wants a religion other than that, he is false to his own nature, as he is false to Allah's Will and Plan. Such a one cannot expect guidance, for he has deliberately renounced guidance. (A) Cf. ii. 161-62. (3.85) ]

3: 86

Asad How would God bestow his guidance upon people who have resolved to deny the truth after having attained to faith,…………and [after] all evidence of the truth has come unto them [ note 69].

Yusuf Ali How shall Allah guide those who reject faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Apostle was true and that clear signs had come unto them? But Allah guides not a people unjust.

Pickthall How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and (after) they bore witness that the messenger is true and after clear proofs (of Allah's sovereignty) had come unto them. And Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.

Transliteration Kaifa yahdilla_hu qauman kafaru_ ba'da ima_nihim wa syahidu_ annar rasu_la haqquw wa ja_'ahumul bayyina_t(u), walla_hu la_ yahdil qaumaz za_limin(a).

[ Asad’s note 69 – The people referred to are the Jews and the Christians. Their acceptance of the Bible, which predicts the coming of the Prophet Muhammad, has made them “witness” to the truth of his prophet-hood.]

3: 23 [al-i-Imran, Medina 89 ]

Yusuf Ali Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who have been given a portion of the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allah to settle their dispute but a party of them turn back and decline (the arbitration).

Pickthall Hast thou not seen how those who have received the Scripture invoke the Scripture of Allah (in their disputes) that it may judge between them; then a faction of them turn away, being opposed (to it)?

Transliteration Alam tara ilal lazina u_tu_ nasibam minal kita_bi yad'u_na ila_ kita_billa_hi liyahkuma bainahum summa yatawalla_ fariqum minhum wa hum mu'ridu_n(a).

[ Ali’s notes - 366 A portion of the Book. I conceive that Allah's revelation as a whole throughout the ages is "The Book". The Law of Moses, and the Gospel of Jesus were portions of the Book. The Qur-an completes the revelation and is par excellence the Book of Allah. (3.23)

367 The Commentators mention a particular incident when a dispute was submitted by the Jews for arbitration to the Holy Prophet. He appealed to the authority of their own books, but they tried to conceal and prevaricate. The general lesson is that the People of the Book should have been the first to welcome in Muhammad the living exponent of the Message of Allah as a whole, and some of them did so: but others turned away from guilty arrogance, relying on corrupted texts and doctrines forged out of their own fancies, though they were not conformable to reason and good sense. (3.23)

368 Cf. Q. ii. 80. (3.24)

368 Cf. Q. ii. 80. (3.26) ]

3: 24

Yusuf Ali This because they say: "The fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days"; for their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.

Pickthall That is because they say: The Fire will not touch us save for a certain number of days. That which they used to invent hath deceived them regarding their religion.

Transliteration Za_lika bi annahum qa_lu_ lan tamassanan na_ru illa_ ayya_mam ma'du_da_t(in), wa garrahum fi dinihim ma_ ka_nu_ yaftaru_n(a).

3: 25

Yusuf Ali But how (will they fare) when We gather them together against a day about which there is no doubt and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned without (favor or injustice)?

Pickthall How (will it be with them) when We have brought them all together to a Day of which there is no doubt, when every soul will be paid in full what it hath earned, and they will not be wronged.

Transliteration Fa kaifa iza_ jama'na_hum li yaumil la_ raiba fih(i), wa wuffiyat kullu nafsim ma_ kasabat wa hum la_ yuzlamu_n(a).

3: 26

Yusuf Ali Say: "O Allah! Lord of Power (and Rule) thou givest Power to whom Thou pleasest and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest thou enduest with honor whom thou pleasest and thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest; in Thy hand is all Good. Verily over all things thou hast power.

Pickthall Say: O Allah! Owner of Sovereignty! Thou givest sovereignty unto whom Thou wilt, and Thou withdrawest sovereignty from whom Thou wilt. Thou exaltest whom Thou wilt and Thou abasest whom Thou wilt. In Thy hand is the good. Lo! Thou art Able to do all things.

Transliteration Qulilla_humma ma_likal mulki tu'til mulka man tasya_'u wa tanzi'ul mulka mimman tasya_'(u), wa tu'izzu man tasya_'u wa tuzillu man tasya_'(u),biyadikal khair(u), innaka 'ala_ kulli syai'in qadir(un).

2: 147

Asasd the truth from thy Sustainer! Be not, then, among the doubters;

Yusuf Ali The truth is from thy Lord so be not at all in doubt.

Pickthall It is the Truth from thy Lord (O Muhammad), so be not thou of those who waver.

Transliteration Wa likulliw wijhatun huwa muwalliha_ fastabiqul khaira_t(i), ainama_ taku_nu_ ya'ti bikumulla_hu jami'a_(n), innalla_ha 'ala_ kulli syai'in qadir(un).

2: 148

Yusuf Ali To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) toward all that is good. Wheresoever ye are Allah will bring you together. For Allah hath power over all things.

Pickthall And each one hath a goal toward which he turneth; so vie with one another in good works. Wheresoever ye may be, Allah will bring you all together. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.

Transliteration Wa min haisu kharajta fawalli wajhaka syatral masjidil hara_m(i), wa innahu_ lal haqqu mir rabbik(a), wa malla_hu bi ga_filin 'amma_ ta'malu_n(a).

[Asad’s note 123: Lit., “everyone has a direction………..”, etc. Almost all of the classical commentators, from the Companions of the Prophet downwards, interpret this as a reference to the various religious communities and their different modes of “turning towards God” in worship. Ibn Kathir, in his commentary on this verse, stresses its inner resemblance to the phrase occurring in 5:48 : “unto every one of you have We appointed a [different] law and way of life.” The statement that “every community faces a direction its own” in its endeavor to express its submission to God implies, firstly, that at various times and in various circumstances man’s desire to approach God in prayer has taken different forms………………….does not represent the essence of faith as such: for, as the Quran says, “true piety does nto consist in turning your faces towards the east or the west” (2:177), and, “God’s is the east and the west” (2:115 and 142). Consequently, the revelation which established the Kabah as the qiblah of the Muslims should not be a matter of contention for people of other faiths, nor a cause of their disbelief in the truth of the Quranic revelation as such (Manar II 21f) ]

[ Ali’s note 148 The sacred Mosque: The Ka'ba in the sacred city of Mecca. It is not correct to suggest that the command making the Ka'ba the Qibla abrogates ii. 115, where it is stated that East and West belong to God, and He is everywhere. This is perfectly true at all times, before and after the institution of the Qibla. As if to emphasise this, the same words about East and West are repeated in this very passage; see ii, 142 above. Where the Itqan mentions mansukh in this connection, I am sorry I cannot follow that opinion, unless mansukh is defined in a special way, as some of the commentators do. (2.144) ]

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3: 69

Yusuf Ali It is the wish of a section of the People of the Book to lead you astray. But they shall lead astray (not you) but themselves and they do not perceive!

Pickthall A party of the people of the Scripture long to make you go astray; and they make none to go astray except themselves, but they perceive not.

Transliteration Waddat ta_'ifatum min ahlil kita_bi lau yudillu_nakum, wa ma_ yudillu_na illa_ anfusahum wa ma_ yasy'uru_n(a).

3: 70

Asad O followers of earlier revelation! why do you deny the truth of God’s Message to which you yourselves bear witness [note 53] ?

Yusuf Ali Ye People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah of which ye are (yourselves) witnesses?

Pickthall O People of the Scripture! Why disbelieve ye in the revelations of Allah, when ye (yourselves) bear witness (to the truth) ?

Transliteration Ya_ ahlal kita_bi lima takfuru_na bi a_ya_tilla_hi wa antum tasyhadu_n(a).

3: 71

Asad ………..conceal the truth of which you are [so well] aware?

Yusuf Ali Ye People of the Book! Why do ye clothe truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while ye have knowledge [note 405]?

Pickthall O People of the Scripture! Why confound ye truth with falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth?

Transliteration Ya_ ahlal kita_bi lima talbisu_nal haqqa bil ba_tili wa taktumu_nal haqqa wa antum ta'lamu_n(a).

3: 72

Asad And some of the followers of earlier revelation say [to one another]: “Declare your belief in what has been revealed unto those who believe [in Muhammad] at the beginning of the day, and deny the truth of what came later [note 54], so that they might go back [on their faith];

Yusuf Ali A section of the People of the Book say: "Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers but reject it at the end of the day; perchance they may (themselves) turn back.

Pickthall And a party of the People of the Scripture say: Believe in that which hath been revealed, unto those who believe at the opening of the day, and disbelieve at the end thereof, in order that they may return;

Transliteration Wa qa_lat ta_'ifatum min ahlil kita_bi a_minu_ billazi unzila'alallazina a_manu_ wajhan naha_ri wakfuru_ a_khirahu_ la'allahum yarji'u_n(a).

3: 73

Asad “but do not [really] believe anyone who does not follow your own faith.”

Say: “Behold, all [true] guidance is God’s guidance, consisting in one’s being granted [revelation] such as you have been granted.[note 55]” Or would they contend against you before your Sustainer?

Say: :Behold, all bounty is in the hand of God; He grants it unto whom He wills [note 56]: for God is infinite, all knowing,

Yusuf Ali "And believe no one unless he follows your religion." Say: "True guidance is the guidance of Allah; (fear ye) lest a revelation be sent to someone (else) like unto that which was sent unto you. Or that those (receiving such revelation) should engage you in argument before your Lord." Say: "All bounties are in the hand of Allah: He granteth them to whom He pleaseth; and Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things."

Pickthall And believe not save in one who followeth your religion--Say (O Muhammad): Lo! the guidance is Allah's guidance--that any one is given the like of that which was given unto you or that they may argue with you in the presence of their Lord. Say (O Muhammad): Lo! the bounty is in Allah's hand. He bestoweth it on whom He will. Allah is All Embracing, All Knowing.

Transliteration Wa la_ tu'minu_ illa_ liman tabi'a dinakum, qul innal huda_ hudalla_h(i), ay yu'ta_ ahadum misla ma_ u_titum au yuha_jju_kum 'inda rabbikum, qul innal fadla biyadilla_h(i), yu'tihi may yasya_'u, walla_hu wa_si'un'alim(un).

3: 74

Asad singling out for His grace whom He wills. And God is limitless in His great bounty.”

Yusuf Ali For His Mercy He specially chooseth whom He pleaseth: for Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.

Pickthall He selecteth for His mercy whom He will. Allah is of infinite bounty.

Transliteration Yakhtassu bi rahmatihi may yasya_'(u), walla_hu zul fadlil 'azim(i).

[ Ruby’s note – This verse exposes in clear terms the attempt by some Jews and others to confuse Muslims by their hypocrisy and double faces. This is as simple as that. A belief cannot be repeatedly accepted and rejected except playing a political and evil game of maneuvering.]

[ Asad’s notes – 53 – Lit., “when you [yourselves] bear witness”: an allusion to the Biblical prophecies relation the coming of the Prophet Muhammad.

Note 54 – Most of the commentators, relying on views current among some of the ‘tabiun (i.e., the generation that came after the Companions of the Prophet), understand this passage thus: “Declare at the beginning of the day your belief in what has been revealed unto those who believe in Muhammad, and deny the truth [thereof] in its latter part.” ………

note 56 – In this context, the term fadl (“bounty”) is synonymous with the bestowal of divine revelation.]

[ ALI’S NOTE - 405 There are many ways of preventing the access of people to the truth. One is to tamper with it, or trick it out in colours of falsehood: haf-truths are often more dangerous than obvious falsehoods. Another is to conceal it altogether. Those who are jealous of a prophet of Allah, whom they actually see before them, do not allow his credentials or virtues to be known, or vilify him, or conceal facts which would attract people to him. When people do this of set purpose, against their own light ("of which ye are yourselves witnesses"), they are descending to the lowest depths of degradation, and they are doing more harm to themselves than to anyone else. (3.71) ]

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3: 75

Asad ……….and [so] they tell a lie about God, being well aware [that it is a lie]

Yusuf Ali Among the People of the Book are some who if entrusted with a hoard of gold will (readily) pay it back; others who if entrusted with a single silver coin will not repay it unless thou constantly stoodest demanding because they say "There is no call on us (to keep faith) with these ignorant (pagans)." But they tell a lie against Allah and (well) they know it.

Pickthall Among the People of the Scripture there is he who, if thou trust him with a weight of treasure, will return it to thee. And among them there is he who, if thou trust him with a piece of gold, will not return it to thee unless thou keep standing over him. That is because they say: We have no duty to the Gentiles. They speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.

Transliteration Wa min ahlil kita_bi man in ta'manhu bi qinta_riy yu'addihi ilaik(a), wa minhum man in ta'manhu bi dina_ril la_ yu'addihi ilaika illa_ ma_ dumta 'alaihi qa_'ima_(n), za_lika bi annahum qa_lu_ laisa 'alaina_ fil umiyyina sabil(un), wa yaqu_lu_na 'alalla_hil kaziba wa hum ya'lamu_n(a).

3: 76

Yusuf Ali Nay. Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright verily Allah loves those who act aright.

Pickthall Nay, but (the chosen of Allah is) he who fulfilleth his pledge and wardeth off (evil); for lo! Allah loveth those who ward off (evil).

Transliteration Bala_ man aufa_ bi 'ahdihi wattaqa_ fa innalla_ha yuhibbul muttaqin(a).

[ Ruby’s note – Since this is in the context of the people of the Book (Jews Christians and Others to revelation came), the “muttaqin” among them is meant. ]

3: 77

Yusuf Ali As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price they shall have no portion in the hereafter: nor will Allah (deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment nor will He cleanse them (of sin); they shall have a grievous penalty.

Pickthall Lo! those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah's covenant and their oaths, they have no portion in the Hereafter. Allah will neither speak to them nor look upon them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He make them grow. Theirs will be a painful doom.

Transliteration Innal lazina yasytaru_na bi'ahdilla_hi wa aima_nihim samanan qalilan ula_'ika la_ khala_qa lahum fil a_khirati wa la_ yukallimuhumulla_hu wa la_ yanzuru ilaihim yaumal qiya_mati wa la_ yuzakkihim, wa lahum 'aza_bun alim(un).

3: 77 [al-i’Imran, Medina 89 ]

Asad Behold, those who barter away their bond with God and their own pledges for a trifling gain – they shall not partake in the blessings of the life to come; and God will neither speak unto them nor look upon them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He cleanse them of their sins; and grievous suffering awaits them.

Yusuf Ali As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price they shall have no portion in the hereafter: nor will Allah (deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment nor will He cleanse them (of sin); they shall have a grievous penalty.

[ Ruby’s note – The group of people indicated here may be from the time of Prophet Muhammad (the people of the Book in particular), however, this group exists among the followers of all brands of faith and exists in every society and in every period. These people are the worst: knowingly they change the truth for some worldly gain, they deliberately hide or distort the Message from God for a trifling gain, that is to retain power and influence in a society, to pursue vested interests or to receive favors from the powerbrokers, etc., they distort and deliberately hide God’s Truth knowingly. This is group who are in a seat of authority in a society that is why they are capable of changing the truth or God Message, namely the clergy or theologians in a society. One cannot break Bond with God or betray God in a state of ignorance or without intention. Neither one can help achieve this kind of distortion in a society without being in a place of importance and authority. This has to be done in a state of knowing the truth and then selling the truth for lies for some worldly gain, a deliberate action to defy or betray God. This group is responsible, down through the ages, for all the distortions of religion in the past and they are responsible for all the dissention and division, and all the clashes and disharmony that exist among humankind. The truth is that there is One God and therefore there is One religion and there is one Humanity. But due to the evilness and irresponsibility of these people, this truth become lost and humankind remain divisive. Their betrayal is not only with God but with their fellow human beings to let them live in falsehood and go astray. This is group that is responsible for such heinous and despicable actions. Therefore, this is one of the HIGHEST evilness and sin before God. They have completely lost their soul deserving this

[ Ali’s notes - 412 All our duties to our fellow creatures are referred to the service and faith we owe to Allah. But in the matter of truth an appeal is made to our self-respect as responsible beings: is it becoming that we should be false to our own word, to ourselves? And then we are reminded that the utmost we can gain by falsifying Allah's word or being untrue to ourselves is but a miserable price. We get at best something very paltry as the price for selling our very souls. (3.77)

413 Even on sinners-ordinary sinners-Allah will look with compassion and mercy: He will speak words of kindness and cleanse them of their sins. But those who are in active rebellion against Allah and sin against their own light,-what mercy can they expect? (3.77) ]

3: 78

Yusuf Ali There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues; (as they read) you would think it is a part of the Book but it is no part of the Book; and they say "That is from Allah" but it is not from Allah: it is they who tell a lie against Allah and (well) they know it!

Pickthall And Lo! there is a party of them who distort the Scripture with their tongues, that ye may think that what they say is from the Scripture, when it is not from the Scripture. And they say: It is from Allah, when it is not from Allah; and they speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.

Transliteration Wa inna minhum la fariqay yalwu_na alsinatahum bil kita_bi litahsabu_hu minal kita_bi wa ma_ huwa minal kita_b(i), wa yaqu_lu_na huwa min 'indilla_hi wa ma_ huwa min 'indilla_h(i), wa yaqu_lu_na 'alalla_hil kaziba wa hum ya'lamu_n(a).

3: 79

Asad It is not conceivable that a human being unto whom God had granted revelation, and sound judgment, and prophet-hood, should therefore have said unto people, “Worship me beside God”………

Yusuf Ali It is not (possible) that a man to whom is given the Book and Wisdom and the prophetic office should say to people: "Be ye my worshippers rather than Allah's; on the contrary (he would say): "Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly."

Pickthall It is not (possible) for any human being unto whom Allah had given the Scripture and wisdom and the Prophethood that he should afterwards have said unto mankind: Be slaves of me instead of Allah; but (what he said was): Be ye faithful servants of the Lord by virtue of your constant teaching of the Scripture and of your constant study thereof.

Transliteration Ma_ ka_na libasyarin ay yu'tiyahulla_hul kita_ba wal hukma wan nubuwwata summa yaqu_la linna_si ku_nu_ 'iba_dal li min du_nilla_hi wa la_kin ku_nu_ rabba_niyyina bima_ kuntum tu'allimu_nal kita_ba wa bima_ kuntum tadrusu_n(a).

3: 80

Yusuf Ali Nor would he instruct you to take angels and prophets for Lords and Patrons. What! Would he bid you to unbelief after ye have bowed your will (to Allah in Islam)?

Pickthall And he commanded you not that ye should take the angels and the Prophets for lords. Would he command you to disbelieve after ye had surrendered (to Allah)?

Transliteration Wa la_ ya'murakum an tattakhizul mala_'ikata wan nabiyyina arba_ba_(n), aya'murukum bil kufri ba'da iz antum muslimu_n(a).

3: 181 [al-Imran, Medina 89 ]

Asad ……We shall record what they have said, as well as their slaying of prophets against all right [note 140], ………….

Yusuf Ali Allah hath heard the taunt of those who say: "Truly Allah is indigent and we are rich!" We shall certainly record their word and (their act) of slaying the Prophets in defiance of right and We shall say: "Taste ye the penalty of the Scorching Fire!.

Pickthall Verily Allah heard the saying of those who said, (when asked for contributions to the war): "Allah, forsooth, is poor, and we are rich!" We shall record their saying with their slaying of the Prophets wrongfully and We shall say: Taste ye the punishment of burning!

Transliteration Laqad sami'alla_hu qaulal lazina qa_lu_ innalla_ha faqiruw wa nahnu agniya_'(u), sanaktubu ma_ qa_lu_ wa qatlahumul ambiya_'a bi gairi haqq(iw), wa naqu_lu zu_qu_ 'aza_bal hariq(i).

[[ Asad’s note 139 – According to several authentic Traditions, the Jews of Medina were given to satirizing the phraseology of the Quran, and especially 2:245 – “Who is it that will offer up unto God a goodly loan, which He will amply repay, with manifold increase?”

note 140 – Regarding this accusation leveled against the Jews, see surah 2, note 48]

[[ Ali’s notes - 486 In ii. 245 we read: "Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan?" In other places charity or spending in the way of Allah is metaphorically described as giving to Allah. The Holy Prophet often used that expression in appealing for funds to be spent in the way of Allah. The scoffers mocked and said: "So Allah is indigent and we are rich!" This blasphemy was of a piece with all their conduct in history, in slaying the Prophets and men of God. (3.181)

Note 487 For the expression "slaying in defiance of right," Cf. iii. 21, and iii. 112. (3.181)]]

3: 182

Asad in return for what your own hands have wrought – for never does God do the least wrong to His creatures!”

Yusuf Ali "This is because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent on before ye: for Allah never harms those who serve Him."

Pickthall This is on account of that which your own hands have sent before (you to the judgment). Allah is no oppressor of (His) bondmen.

Transliteration Za_lika bima_ qaddamat aidikum wa annalla_ha laisa bi zalla_mil lil'abid(i).

[[ Ali’s note - 488 Cf. ii. 95 and note. (3.182) ]]

3: 183

Asad As for those who maintain, “Behold, God has bidden us not to believe in any apostle unless he comes unto us with burnt offerings” [note 141]…..

Yusuf Ali They (also) said: "Allah took our promise not to believe in an Apostle unless He showed us a sacrifice consumed by fire (from heaven)." Say: "There came to you Apostles before me with clear signs and even with what ye ask for: why then did ye slay them if ye speak the truth?

Pickthall (The same are) those who say: Lo! Allah hath charged us that we believe not in any messenger until he bring us an offering which fire (from heaven) shall devour. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Messengers came unto you before me with miracles, and with that (very miracle) which ye describe. Why then did ye slay them? (Answer that) if ye are truthful!

Transliteration Allazina qa_lu_ innalla_ha'ahida ilaina_ alla_ nu'mina lirasu_lin hatta_ ya'tiyana_ bi qurba_nin ta'kuluhun na_r(u), qul qad ja_'akum rasu_lum min qabli bil bayyina_ti wa billazi qultum falima qataltumu_hum in kuntum sa_diqin(a).

[[ Asad’s note 141 – Lit., “with an offering which the fire consumes” - - in other words, unless he confirms to Mosaic Law, which prescribes burnt offerings as an essential part of divine services. Although this aspect of the Law had been left in abeyance ever since the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the Jews of post-Talmudic times were convinced that the Messiah promised to them would restore the Mosaic rites in their entirety; and so they refused to accept as a prophet anyone who did not conform to the Law of the Torah in every detauil. ]]

[[ Ali’s note - 489 Burn sacrifices figured in the Mosaic Law, and in the religious ceremonies long before Moses, but it is not true that the Mosaic Law laid down a fire from heavens on a burnt sacrifice as a test of the credentials of Prophets. Even if it had been so, did the Jews obey the Prophets who showed this Sign? In Leviticus ix. 23-24, we are told a burnt offering prepared by Moses and Aaron: "and there came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat." Yet the people rebelled frequently against Moses. Abel's offering (sacrifice) was probably a burnt offering: it was accepted by Allah, and he was killed by Cain out of jealousy: Gen. iv. 3-8. Mosaic sacrifices were no longer needed by the people of Jesus or the people of Muhammad. (3.183) ]]

3: 184

Asad And if they give thee the lie-even so, before thy time, have [other] apostles been given the lie when they came with all evidence of the truth, and with books of divine wisdom, and with light-giving revelation.

Yusuf Ali Then if they reject thee so were rejected Apostles before thee who came with clear Signs Books of dark prophecies and the Book of enlightenment.

Pickthall And if they deny thee, even so did they deny messengers who were before thee, who came with miracles and with the Psalms and with the Scripture giving light.

Transliteration Fa in kazzabu_ka faqad kuzziba rusulum min qablika ja_'u_ bil bayyina_ti waz zuburi wal kita_bil munir(i).

[[ Ali’s note - 490 The three things mentioned in the Text are: (1) Clear Signs (baiyinat); (2) zubur, and (3) kitab-il-Munir. The signification of (1) I have explained in the note to iii. 62, as far as they relate to Jesus. In a more general sense, it means the clear evidence which Allah's dealings furnish about a Messenger of Allah having a true mission: e.g., Moses in relation to Pharaoh. (2) The word Zubur has been translated as scriptures. It comes from the root Zabara which implies something hard. The commentators are not agreed, but the prophetic writings which seemed to contemporaries difficult to understand may well be meant here. David's psalms (Zabur, iv. 163) may also come under this description. As to (3), there is no doubt about the literal meaning of the words, "the Book of Enlightenment". But what does it precisely refer to? I take it to mean the fundamental guide to conduct,-the clear rules laid down in all Dispensations to help men to lead good lives. (3.184)]]

3: 186 [al-Imran, Medina 89]

Asad ……….But if you remain patient in adversity and conscious of Him – this, behold, is something to set one’s heart upon.

Yusuf Ali Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if ye persevere patiently and guard against evil then that will be a determining factor in all affairs.

Pickthall Assuredly ye will be tried in your property and in your persons, and ye will hear much wrong from those who were given the Scripture before you, and from the idolaters. But if ye persevere and ward off (evil), then that is of the steadfast heart of things.

Transliteration Latublaunna fi amwa_likum wa anfusikum, wa latasma'unna minal lazina u_tul kita_ba min qablikum wa minal lazina asyraku_ azan kasira_(n), wa in tasbiru_ wa tattaqu_ fa inna za_lika min'azmil umu_r(i).

[[ Ali’s note 493 Not wealth and possessions only (or want of them), are the means of our trial. All our personal talents, knowledge, opportunities, and their opposites,-in fact everything that happens to us and makes up our personality is a means of our testing. So is our Faith: we shall have to put up for it many insults from those who do not share it. (3.186)

4: 53

Asad Have they, perchance, a share in [God’s] dominion [note 70]? But [if they had], lo, they would not give to other people as much as [would fill] the groove of a date-stone!

Yusuf Ali Have they a share in dominion or power? Behold they give not a farthing to their fellow-men!

Pickthall Or have they even a share in the Sovereignty? Then in that case, they would not give mankind even the speck on a date stone.

Transliteration Am lahum nasibum minal mulki fa izal la_ yu'tu_nan na_sa naqira_(n).

[[ Asad’s note 70 –An allusion to the Jews belief that they occupy a privileged position in the sight of God.]]

4: 54

Asad Do they, perchance, envy other people for what God has granted them out of His bounty [note 71]? But then, We did grant revelation and wisdom unto the House of Abraham, and We did bestow on them a mighty dominion:

Yusuf Ali Or do they envy mankind for what Allah hath given them of His bounty? But We had already given the people of Abraham the Book and Wisdom and conferred upon them a great kingdom.

Pickthall Or are they jealous of mankind because of that which Allah of His bounty hath bestowed upon them? For We bestowed upon the house of Abraham (of old) the Scripture and Wisdom, and We bestowed on them a mighty kingdom.

Transliteration Am yahsudu_nan na_sa 'ala_ ma_ a_ta_humulla_hu min fadlih(i), faqad a_taina_ a_la ibra_himal kita_ba wal hikmata wa a_taina_hum mulkan 'azima_(n).

[[ Asad’s note 71 – I.e., revelation, which – according to the Jews – ahs been reserved to them alone.]]

[[ Ruby’s note – If one is submissive to God’s Will reflected in the reality, one does not have any reason for envy and jealousy. Besides one should reflect on the things one got from God and be thankful. The People of the Book were given Books and dominion before, now if God wants otherwise, they should not feel envy.]]

4: 55

Asad Among them are such as [truly] believe in him [note 72], and among them are such as have turned away from him. And nothing could be as burning as [the fire of] hell:

Yusuf Ali Some of them believed and some of them averted their faces from him: and enough is hell for a burning fire.

Pickthall And of them were (some) who believed therein and of them were (some) who disbelieved therein. Hell is sufficient for (their) burning.

Transliteration Fa minhum man a_mana bihi wa minhum man sadda 'anh(u), wa kafa_ bi jahannama sa'ira_(n).

4: 56

Yusuf Ali Those who reject Our Signs We shall soon cast into the fire: as often as their skins are roasted through We shall change them for fresh skins that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power Wise.

Pickthall Lo! Those who disbelieve Our revelations, We shall expose them to the Fire. As often as their skins are consumed We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the torment. Lo! Allah is ever Mighty, Wise.

Transliteration Innal lazina kafaru_ bi a_ya_tina_ saufa nuslihim na_ra_(n), kullama_ nadijatjula_duhum baddalna_hum julu_dan gairaha_ layuaza_qul'aza_b(a), innalla_ha ka_na'azizan hakima_(n).

[[ Ali’s notes -- 575 The word I have translated farthing is naqir, the groove in a date stone, a thing of no value whatever. Close-fistedness and envy are among the worst forms of selfishness, and appear specially incongruous in people of power, authority, or influence, from whom is expected generosity in giving and generosity in seeing other people's prosperity or happiness. (4.53)

576 Such as the kingdoms of David and Solomon, for they had international fame. (4.54)

577 Cf. iv. 97, viii. 37, ix. 95, ixx. 68. (4.55)]]

5: 65

Yusuf Ali If only the people of the Book had believed and been righteous We should indeed have blotted out their iniquities and admitted them to gardens of Bliss.

Pickthall If only the People of the Scripture would believe and ward off (evil), surely We should remit their sins from them and surely We should bring them into Gardens of Delight.

Transliteration Wa lau anna ahlal kita_bi a_manu_ wattaqau lakaffarna_'anhum sayyi'a_tihim wa la'adkhalna_hum janna_tin na'im(i).

5: 66

Asad and if they would but truly observe the Torah and the Gospel and all [the revelation] that has been bestowed from on high upon them by their Sustainer, they would indeed partake of all the blessings of heaven and earth. Some of them do pursue a right course; but as for most of them – vile indeed is what they do!

Yusuf Ali If only they had stood fast by the Law the Gospel and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course; but many of them follow a course that is evil.

Pickthall If they had observed the Torah and the Gospel and that which was revealed unto them from their Lord, they would surely have been nourished from above them and from beneath their feet. Among them there are people who are moderate, but many of them are of evil conduct.

Transliteration Wa lau annahum aqa_mut taura_ta wal injila wa ma_ unzila ilaihim mir rabbihim la'akalu_ min fauqihim wa min tahti arjulihim, minhum ummatum muqtasidah(tun), wa kasirum minhum sa_'a ma_ ya'malu_n(a).

[[ Asad’s note 84 – …..an observance of the moral principles laid down in the genuine teachings of the Bible. It should be borne in mind that the phrase “if they would but truly observe [law annahum aqamu] the Torah and the Gospel”, etc., implies an observance of those scriptures in their genuine spirit, free of the arbitrary distortions due to that “wishful thinking” of which the Quran so often accuses the Jews and the Christians -………]]

[[Ruby’s note – The above verse gives validity to the Torah and Gospel, therefore, these Scriptures should be seriously studied and compared with the Quran. There are distortions and deviations in these Books that one must be aware of but overall this verse is upholding the existing forms of these Scriptures at the time of the Prophet as reflecting God’s moral laws. ]]

5: 67

Asad ………Behold, God does not guide people who refuse to acknowledge the truth.

Yusuf Ali O Apostle! proclaim the (Message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord. If thou didst not thou wouldst not have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission: and Allah will defend thee from men (who mean mischief). For Allah guideth not those who reject faith.

Pickthall O Messenger! Make known that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord, for if thou do it not, thou will not have conveyed His message. Allah will protect thee from mankind. Lo! Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk.

Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhar rasu_lu ballig ma_ unzila ilaika mir rabbik(a), wa illam taf'al fama_ ballagta risa_latah(u_),walla_hu ya'simuka minan na_s(i), innalla_ha la_ yahdil qaumal ka_firin(a).

5: 68

Yusuf Ali Say: "O People of the Book! ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law the Gospel and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord." It is the revelation that cometh to thee from thy Lord that increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But sorrow thou not over (these) people without Faith.

Pickthall Say: O People of the Scripture! Ye have naught (of guidance) till ye observe the Torah and the Gospel and that which was revealed unto you from your Lord. That which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) from thy Lord is certain to increase the contumacy and disbelief of many of them. But grieve not for the disbelieving folk.

Transliteration Qul ya_ ahlal kita_bi lastum'ala_ syai'in hatta_ tuqimut taura_ta wal injila wa ma_ unzila ilaikum mir rabbikum, wa layazidanna kasiram minhum ma_ unzila ilaika mir rabbika tugya_naw wa kufra_(n), fala_ ta'sa 'alal qaumil ka_firin(a).

5: 69

Yusuf Ali Those who believe (in the Qur'an) those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures) and the Sabians and the Christians any who believe in Allah and the Last Day and work righteousness on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.

Pickthall Lo! those who believe, and those who are Jews, and Sabaeans, and Christians whosoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.

Transliteration Innal lazina a_manu_ wal lazina ha_du_ was sa_bi'u_na wan nasa_ra_ man a_mana billa_hi wal yaumil a_khiri wa 'amila sa_lihan fala_ khaufun'alaihim wa la_ hum yahzanu_n(a).

13: 36 [ar-R’ad, Medina 96]

Yusuf Ali Those to whom We have given the Book rejoice at what hath been revealed unto thee: but there are among the clans those who reject a part thereof. Say: "I am commanded to worship Allah and not to join partners with Him. Unto Him do I call and unto Him is my return."

Pickthall Those unto whom We gave the Scripture rejoice in that which is revealed unto thee. And of the clans there are who deny some of it. Say: I am commanded only that I serve Allah and ascribe unto Him no partner. Unto Him I cry, and unto Him is my return.

Yuksel Those to whom We have previously given the book rejoice at what has been sent down to you, but there are some of the groups that reject parts of it. Say, "I am only ordered to serve God and not to associate any partner with Him. To Him I pray and to Him is the return."

Transliteration Wallazina a_taina_humul kita_ba yafrahu_na bima_ unzila ilaika wa minal ahza_bi may yunkiru ba'dah(u_), qul innama_ umirtu an a'budalla_ha wa la_ usyrika bih(i), ilaihi ad'u_ wa ilaihi ma'a_b(i).

19: 145 [ Maryum , Mecca 44 ]

Asad

Yusuf Ali Even if thou wert to bring to the people of the Book all the signs (together) they would not follow thy Qiblah; nor art thou going to follow their Qiblah; nor indeed will they follow each other's Qiblah. If thou after the knowledge hath reached thee wert to follow their (vain) desires then wert thou indeed (clearly) in the wrong.

Pickthall And even if thou broughtest unto those who have received the Scripture all kinds of portents, they would not follow thy qiblah, nor canst thou be a follower of their qiblah; nor are some of them followers of the qiblah of others. And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then surely wert thou of the evil doers.

Transliteration Allazina a_taina_humu kita_ba ya'rifu_nahu_ kama_ ya'rifu_na abna_'ahum, wa inna fariqam minhum layaktumu_nal haqqa wa hum ya'lamu_n(a).

19: 146

Asad They unto whom We have vouchsafed revelation aforetime know it as they know their own children: but, behold some of them knowingly suppress the truth -

Yusuf Ali The people of the Book know this as they know their own sons; but some of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.

Pickthall Those unto whom We gave the Scripture recognize (this revelation) as they recognize their sons. But lo! a party of them knowingly conceal the truth.

Transliteration Al haqqu mir rabbika fala_ taku_nanna minal mumtarin(a).

[Asad’s note 122 This refers, in the first instance, to the fact tat the Kabah was Abraham’s qiblah, as well as to the Biblical prophecies relating to Ishmael as the progenitor of a “great nation” (Genesis xxi, 13 and 18) from whom a prophet “like unto Moses” would one day arise: fro it was through Ishmael’s descendant, the Arabian Prophet, that the commandment relating to the qiblah was revealed. (Regarding the still more explicit predictions of the future advent of the Prophet Muahmmad, forthcoming from the canonical Gospels, see 61:6 and the corresponding note.)