2: 282 [al-Baqara, Medina 87 ]

Yusuf Ali O ye who believe! when ye deal with each other in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time reduce them to writing. Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate but let him fear his Lord Allah and not diminish aught of what he owes. If the party liable is mentally deficient or weak or unable himself to dictate let his guardian dictate faithfully. And get two witnesses out of your own men and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as ye choose for witnesses so that if one of them errs the other can remind her. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (for evidence). Disdain not to reduce to writing (your contract) for a future period whether it be small or big: it is juster in the sight of Allah more suitable as evidence and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves; but if it be a transaction which ye carry out on the spot among yourselves there is no blame on you if ye reduce it not to writing. But take witnesses whenever ye make a commercial contract; and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm. If ye do (such harm) it would be wickedness in you. So fear Allah; for it is Allah that teaches you. And Allah is well acquainted with all things.

Pickthall O ye who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term, record it in writing. Let a scribe record it in writing between you in (terms of) equity. No scribe should refuse to write as Allah hath taught him, so let him write, and let him who incurreth the debt dictate, and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord, and diminish naught thereof. But if he who oweth the debt is of low understanding, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, then let the guardian of his interests dictate in (terms of) equity. And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand) then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the one erreth (through forgetfulness) the other will remember. And the witnesses must not refuse when they are summoned. Be not averse to writing down (the contract) whether it be small or great, with (record of) the term thereof. That is more equitable in the sight of Allah and more sure for testimony, and the best way of avoiding doubt between you; save only in the case when it is actual merchandise which ye transfer among yourselves from hand to hand. In that case it is no sin for you if ye write it not. And have witnesses when ye sell one to another, and let no harm be done to scribe or witness. If ye do (harm to them) lo! it is a sin in you. Observe your duty to Allah. Allah is teaching you. And Allah is Knower of all things.

Transliteration a_ ayyuhal lazina a_manu_ iza_ tada_yantum bi dainin ila_ ajalim musamman faktubu_h(u), walyaktub bainakum ka_tibum bil'adl(i), wa la_ ya'ba_ka_tibun ay yaktuba kama_'allamahulla_hu falyaktub, walyumlilil lazi 'alaihil haqqu wal yattaqilla_ha rabbahu_ wa la_ yabkhas minhu syai'a_(n), fa in ka_nal lazi'alaihil haqqu safihan au da'ifan au la_ yastati'u ay yumilla huwa fal yumlil waliyyuhu_ bil 'adl(i), wastasyhidu_ syahidaini mir rija_likum, fa illam yaku_na_ rajulaini fa rajuluw wamra'ata_ni mimman tardauna minasy syuhada_'i an tadilla ihda_huma_ fa tuzakkira ihda_humal ukhra_, wa la_ ya'basy syuhada_'u iza_ ma_ du'u_, wa la_ tas'amu_ an taktubu_hu sagiran au kabiran ila_ ajalih(i), za_likum aqsatu 'indalla_hi wa aqwamu lisy syaha_dati wa adna_ alla_ tarta_bu_ illa_ an taku_na tija_ratan ha_diratan tudiru_naha_ bainakum fa laisa 'alaikum juna_hun alla_ taktubu_ha_, wa asyhidu_ iza_ taba_ya'tum, wa la_ yuda_rra ka_tibuw wa la_ syahid(un), wa in taf'alu_ fa innahu_ fusu_qum bikum, wattaqulla_h(a), wa yu'allimukumulla_h(u), walla_hu bi kulli syai'in'alim(un).

2: 283

Yusuf Ali If ye are on a journey and cannot find a scribe a pledge with possession (may serve the purpose). And if one of you deposits a thing on trust with another let the trustee (faithfully) discharge his trust and let him fear his Lord. Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it his heart is tainted with sin. And Allah knoweth all that ye do.

Pickthall If ye be on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a pledge in hand (shall suffice). And if one of you entrusteth to another let him who is trusted deliver up that which is entrusted to him (according to the pact between them) and let him observe his duty to Allah. Hide not testimony. He who hideth it, verily his heart is sinful. Allah is Aware of what ye do.

Wa in kuntum 'ala_ safariw wa lam tajidu_ ka_tiban fa riha_num maqbu_dah(tun), fa in amina ba'dukum ba'dan fal yu'addil lazi'tumina ama_natahu_ wal yattaqilla_ha rabbah(u_), wa la_ taktumusy syaha_dah(ta), wa may yaktumha_ fa innahu_ a_simun qalbuh(u_), walla_hu bima_ ta'malu_na 'alim(un).