Believers[1], if you accede to what a group[2] among those who were given the Book say, they will revert you to rejection[3] after you have accepted faith. [Beware of this fact] and [consider] how can you [have the audacity to] commit rejection while the verses of God are being recited to you and among you is His Messenger?[4] [Therefore hold on firmly to God] and [remember] whoever adheres firmly to God,[5] he indeed is guided to the straight path. (100 - 101)

Believers, fear God as He ought to be feared[6]. And [this fear of God must remain the guiding principle throughout your life; therefore,] do not die, except in a state of submission [to Him]. And hold fast, each one of you, to the string of God[7] and do not be divided [in differences]. And remember God's favor upon you that you were enemies of one another and He bonded your hearts and, thereafter, through His favor, you became brothers. And remember that you were right on the edge of a pit of fire and He saved you from it.[8] Thus [in this manner] God clarifies His verses for you, so that you keep to His guidance. And [for the purpose of saving yourselves from disunity] a group among you should be appointed, calling people to piety, enjoining goodness and dissuading from evil.[9] [You should make this arrangement.] And [remember that whoever makes this arrangement], they indeed shall be the successful. (102 - 104)

[You should make this arrangement in your society] and do not be like those, who became divided [into groups] and differed among themselves after manifest guidance had come to them.[10] They are the ones for whom there is a great punishment, on the day when some faces will be aglow [with glee] while others will be flushed [in dismay]. As for those, whose faces are flush [it will be asked]: "Did you turn to rejection after being fully convinced? Now taste the punishment of your rejection." And [on the other hand,] as for those, whose faces are aglow, they will be in [the shadows of] God's mercy and in this mercy they will reside forever. (105 - 108)

[Prophet,] these are the verses of God that we recite to you with complete accuracy and [these are being recited to you, because] God does not desire to subject humanity to injustice. [Therefore, like these people of the Book, do not let yourself be deceived by false hopes] and [remember that] to God belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth and to Him will all the matters be returned [in the end]. (109)

[Believers, by the grace of your Lord, at this time] you are the best of groups that has been raised [to be witnesses of God's justice] for [all] the people.[11] You enjoin goodness and discourage from evil and you truly believe in the One God. And had these People of the Book believed [in the Qur'an, as you do], it would have been better for them.[12] [There is no doubt that] among them are those who truly believe [in God], yet most of them are disobedient. They will not be able to harm you, except they might cause you a little pain. [They fear you in their hearts] and if they fight you, they will flee turning their backs to you, and then they will not find any help [from any of their allies].[13] Wherever they may be they are drowned in abasement. The only respite they get is on the basis of an agreement with God or an agreement with another nation. They have incurred the wrath of God and they are overcome with feebleness of spirit.[14] This is because they have been rejecting God's verses and have been killing His prophets unjustly; because they continuously disobeyed and transgressed [against God].[15] (110 - 112)

[However,] they are not all the same. Among these People of the Book is a group that has remained steadfast [in their covenant with God][16]; they recite the verses of God during the hours of the night and remain in prostration to Him. They firmly believe in God and in the Hereafter and [as a result] enjoin goodness [to others] and discourage [them] from evil; they try to surpass others in good deeds. These indeed are a pious people. And whatever deeds of goodness they do, they will never be refused of their rewards[17], for God is well aware of these pious people. (113 - 115)

Indeed those who are bent upon rejection [on the other hand], their wealth and their children will be of no avail to them against [the judgment of] God[18]; they are the people of the fire and in this fire will they reside forever. Whatever they spend [to give the impression of their piety] during the life of this world is [in its affects] only like the freezing breeze that afflicts the plantation of a people, who are unjust upon themselves, and destroys it. [This is what these people deserved;] God was not unjust to them in the least, but they themselves were guilty of injustice upon themselves; [deserving such a punishment][19]. (116 - 117)

Believers[20] [These people are not your friends. Therefore,] do not confide in others with your secrets. They will be unrelenting in trying to harm you. They desire that afflictions befall you. Their hatred is apparent from [the words of] their mouths; and whatever they conceal in their hearts is far greater [than what they show]. We have clearly stated these signs to you, if you are mindful. It is only you who are so fond of them but they do not [even] like you, even though you believe in all the books of God[21]. And when they run into you, they say we too are believers [just like you[22]] and when they are alone, they only gnaw at their fingers in their rage towards you - say [to them]: "Die in your rage [if you will]; God is indeed aware of all the secrets of the hearts" - if any good comes your way, they are distressed by it and if a misfortune befalls you, they are elated by it. [Therefore, do not take them as your friends] and [remember] if you remain steadfast and fear [God, in abiding by His limits], their schemes will not harm you in the least, because God encompasses all that they do. (118 - 120)

[Indeed they will not be able to harm you, in the least. The harm that you bore in the Battle of Uhud was not due to their schemes, rather it was because of your own weaknesses, from which you had to be cleansed.] Remind them, [O Prophet,] of the time when you proceeded out of your house to post the [army of the] believers at their stations for the battle. [God was fully aware of what was in their hearts and what they were discussing at the time] for God, indeed, is the Hearing, the Knowing. (121)

At that time, two groups[23] among you wanted to back out of the fight while God was their protector. And in God alone should the believers put their trust. And [they wanted to back out, even after having witnessed how] God had helped you in the battle of Badr, while you were extremely lacking [in numbers and armament]. [Your victory there was due to your trust in God alone.] Therefore, fear God [abiding by His directives] so that you are grateful [for all the victories that He grants you]. (122 - 123)

Recall when you said to the believers: "Would it not suffice you if your Lord were to strengthen you with three thousand angels specifically sent down [for this purpose]?" Undoubtedly, if you are steadfast and if you fear God [abiding by His directives]; He would strengthen you with five thousand angels, marked [specifically for this purpose], even if your enemy were to stage an offensive against you right now. (124 - 125)

And [even though there was no need to tell you about it,] God made this [information available] only as a glad tiding for you [so that you may rejoice] and so that your hearts are at ease with it - and the fact is that victory comes only from [the help of] God, the Mighty [in power], the Wise [in decisions]. [This indeed will come to pass,] so that He may sever a part of those who have rejected, or disgrace them so that they return frustrated [in their purpose]. (126 - 127)

[O Prophet,] you have no say in this matter;[24] whether [God disgraces them in this manner or] He accepts their repentance [if they repent], or He punishes them severely for they, indeed, are unjust. [All authority is in the hands of God alone.] And whatever is in the heavens and the earth is God's alone. [No one can influence Him in His decisions.] He will forgive whom He pleases and He will punish whom He pleases [according to His absolute justice.] And [whoever turns to God in repentance would surely find His mercy, for] God, indeed is extremely forgiving, His mercy extends forever. (128 - 129)

    Believers, [if you want God's support to continue for you then] do not devour interest, increasing it manifolds,[25] and fear God [abiding by His prescribed limits] so that you may be successful and [thereby] save yourselves from the fire that has been prepared for these rejecters; and [in contrast to them] remain obedient to God and His messenger, so that you may deserve [God's] mercy. And [rather than trying to excel in accumulating wealth unjustly, try to] race towards God's forgiveness and [towards earning] paradise, the expanse of which is like that of the heavens and the earth, which has especially been prepared for the God fearing: those who spend [their wealth in the way of God, under all circumstances] - be it prosperity or stringency - and those who keep their anger in check [at any misbehavior of those whom they have helped financially] and forgive these people. [It is such people who do good deeds in the most appropriate manner] and God holds those dear who do good deeds in the best of manners. And those, who seek God's forgiveness for their sins, when they indulge in any form of lewdness or when they wrong themselves [in any way] - and who else can forgive sins except God - and [those who] do not stubbornly persist in what they have done [of what is wrong], knowing [that it is evil]. They are the ones whose reward is the forgiveness of their Lord and gardens [that are abundantly watered,] with rivers flowing beneath them, abiding in these [gardens] forever. And what a beautiful reward for those who labor [for good deeds]! (130 - 136)

[Believers, if you are steadfast and if you fear God abiding by His directives then most certainly you will ultimately be the victors]. Many an example of this has passed by before you. Go around in this land [of yours] and see how was the end of the rejecters [of Our messengers]. This is a clear warning for these people [who are bent upon rejecting the Messenger of God] and [it is a] guidance and admonition for the God fearing. [Therefore be at peace,] and do not lose heart and do not fret [over this defeat at Uhud, for] you indeed will dominate, if you are truly believers[26]. If a blow has afflicted you [at this time], the enemy too has been afflicted by a similar blow [earlier at Bad'r]. We alternate these days [of victory and defeat] among people [to test them] and so that God knows the true believers [and distinguishes them from the hypocrites] and so that God selects from among you who are [honored to be] the witnesses [of the Truth by giving their lives in its cause] - [You are afflicted with this blow for such reasons only, not because God is siding with the rejecters.] And [remember] God does not love these unjust people - and [it is so done] so that God sieves out the true believers [from the hypocrites] and [then to] annihilate these rejecters - and did you think that you would enter Paradise, while God has not yet determined those who fight [in His way] from among you [and those who turn away from it][27] - and so that God determines the steadfast [from among you]. Before coming face to face with death, you were desirous of facing it [in the way of God][28]. So [your desire has come true, and] you have come in contact with death, staring it in the face. (137 - 143)

And [you became completely hopeless at the rumor of the Prophet's death in the battlefield. Remember,] Muhammad [is not God, he] is only a messenger of God; many a messenger have passed before him[29]. Then if he dies or is killed, would you turn back on your heels [from the guidance of God]? And [remember,] whoever turns back on his heels would not harm God in the least. And God will soon reward these thankful [servants].[30] (144)

[You lost heart at this rumor] and [forgot that] no person can die except with the will of God, only at a prescribed time and [also of the fact that] whoever desires the fruits of the world, we will give him of that; and whoever desires the fruits of the hereafter, we will give him of that. And we will surely reward those who are thankful.[31] (145)

And [bear in mind that] many a prophet has gone by in the company of whom many Godly people have fought [God's enemies]. And when they were afflicted by an injury in the way of God, they did not lose heart, neither were they weakened nor did they surrender [to the enemy; but, on the contrary, they remained standing steadfastly in the way of God] and indeed God loves the steadfast [in His ways]. And in these testing circumstances, they only prayed [to God], saying: Our Lord forgive us our sins and our transgressions in our affairs; strengthen us and help us against these rejecters. In response, God granted them their reward in this world and the most beautiful reward in the hereafter. [These are the Muhsins[32] in the eyes of God] and surely God loves such Muhsins. (146 - 148)

Believers, if you listen to what these rejecters say, they will surely turn you back [from your faith][33] and render you losers. [It is not these people], rather God is your helper and He is the best of helpers. [You will see that] We will instill fear in their hearts [towards you] because they ascribe equals to God, for which God has sent no authority; and [in the hereafter] the Fire will be their abode. How despicable is the destiny of these unjust! (149 - 151)

God fulfilled His promise with you, when you were bringing them down, by His permission,[34] till you yourselves projected weakness and differed in carrying out the directive and you disobeyed the Prophet, after God had shown you that which you desired. Indeed, among you were some who were desirous of the [possessions of the] world and among you were those who desired the [kingdom of the] hereafter. Thus, after that [initial victory], God turned you away from them, to test you [to separate those who are desirous only of the worldly possessions among you]. And God still forgave you [this grave mistake]. Indeed God is extremely kind for the believers. (152)

Recall, when you were fleeing away [from the battle field] and would not even care for anyone, while the Messenger was calling you, from behind you; [at that time] God afflicted you with one grief following another[35], so that [you realize that this life is a test and that] you are not to lose heart at any loss nor at any affliction.[36] [On the contrary, you are only to do what is right, under all circumstances,] and [remember that] God is fully aware of what you do. (153)

After this grief, God granted peace of heart to a group among you, in the shape of slumber that overcame them, while the others were only scared for their own lives.[37] They were only entertaining false opinions, opinions of ignorance[38] about God; Saying: 'Do we have any say in this matter[39] [or is the Prophet going to decide everything on his own]?' Tell them: 'All matters are decided only by God.' They hide in their hearts what they do not manifest in front of you. They say: 'If we had any say in this matter, we would not have been killed here'. Tell them: 'Even if you were [comfortably placed] in your homes, those who were destined to be killed here would have come out to their places of death [to meet their destiny]. [Therefore, do not forget that this was only a test to separate the true believers from the others, among you] and to test what you hide in your bosoms and to sieve the impurities in your hearts. God indeed is fully aware of what lies hidden in the hearts. (154)

Those who turned their backs on the day when the two troops came face to face [in the battle of Uhud][40], they were only tripped by Satan, because of their own actions [in the past]. [However,] God has forgiven them. Indeed God is extremely forgiving, His mercy extends forever. (155)

Believers, do not be like those rejecters who, when their brethren go out on a journey or for a battle [and are killed], say about them: Had they been with us, they would neither have died nor would have been killed. [God only makes them think that way] to make it a cause of anguish in their hearts. While, [the fact is that] it is only God that keeps [you] alive and causes [you] to die. And [remember,] God is indeed fully aware of what you do and [therefore,] if you are killed or you die in God's way then the forgiveness of God and the blessings that you will receive are much better than what they are accumulating for themselves. Moreover, whether you die or are killed, you are, under all circumstances, to return only to God.[41] (156 - 158)

Thus it is a special blessing of God [upon these people] that you, [O Prophet,] are extremely gentle with them. Had you been stern and fierce hearted towards them, they would then have broken away from you. Therefore, pardon them [their faults], seek forgiveness for them and [continue to] take their counsel in the matters [of the collectivity][42]; then when you arrive at any decision, put your trust in God.[43] Indeed God holds those dear who put their trust in Him. [Remember,] if God were to help you, then no one can overpower you; and if God were to leave your side then who would it be who can help you, after Him? And, therefore, surely the believers should put their trust solely in God.[44] (159 - 160)

[They say that opting to fight the enemy outside the boundaries of Medinah was a malicious decision. This is lie that they have forged.] It is not befitting for any prophet of God to hold malice [against anyone][45]. [The fact is that] whoever holds malice against anyone will come [in God's court] with his malice on the Day of Resurrection. Then everyone shall be fully rewarded for his deeds and he shall not be wronged [in the least]. [This would surely come by. After all,] would he, who desires God's pleasure and those, who deserve His wrath, be alike? [Absolutely not. The good and the evil will most surely be separated. The good will enjoy the bliss of paradise] and [as for the evil,] their abode shall be Hellfire - an extremely abominable abode. They shall all have separate grades with God. And God is watching over whatever you are doing. (161 - 163)

[They accuse the Prophet of malice, while the fact is that] it is indeed a great favor of God upon the believers that he raised in them a messenger, from among themselves, who recites the verses of God to them and who cleanses them and, for this purpose, educates them of the [Divine] Law and the [Divine] Wisdom[46], while, before this, they were in manifest error. (164)

Whatever befell you - the day the two armies came face to face - was with God's permission. [It befell you so that your weaknesses are removed][47] and so that He knows the true believers from those who had hypocrisy in their hearts. And they were asked: "Come, fight in God's way or [at least, come] to defend [your homes from the enemy]." They had replied: "Had we known fighting would take place, we would surely have accompanied you." That day, they were closer to rejection than to having faith in God. They were uttering from their mouths what was not in their hearts. And God was fully aware of what they were hiding. (165 - 167)

Do not [pay heed to their propaganda, O Prophet, and remember do not] consider those who lost their lives in God's way [during the battle of Uhud] as dead. On the contrary, they are alive being provisioned in the presence of God, joyful in whatever God has bestowed upon them of His grace; and receiving good news about [their companions] behind them [in the world] who have not joined them yet, that [soon they too will reach the Kingdom of God where] they will neither have any regret [of the past] nor any fear [of the future]; joyful of the bounties and grace of God and [of the fact] that God will not allow the reward of the believers to go to waste.[48] Those [true believers] who, even after they suffered injury, responded [with resolve] to the call of God and His Messenger; [surely] for those among them who did their deeds in the best of manners[49] and who feared God, will have a great reward. They are the ones to whom people said: "The people [of Arabia] have gathered against you, so fear them."  This only increased their faith, and they replied: "God is sufficient for us, He [indeed] is the best Guardian. Therefore, they returned [from the expedition] with God's favors and blessings without any harm; and they were only seeking God's pleasure and [in return, God will grant them what pleases them, for indeed] God is extremely bountiful. It was only Satan trying to instill fear of his allies. So, do not be afraid of them, fear Me, if you truly are believers. (169 - 175)

Do not let [the actions] of these people who excel in rejection aggrieve you [O Prophet]. They will not be able to harm [the plans of] God, in the least. God intends that He grants them no part of the [bounties in the] Hereafter. [They are indeed the guilty ones.] And for them shall [therefore] be a great punishment. Indeed those who have bartered their faith with rejection, they will not be able to harm [the plans of] God in the least and for them will [most definitely] be a torturous punishment. Those who have rejected [are only deceived by the respite that God has granted them in the test of this life, they] should not consider Our giving them respite to be in their favor. [It is not in their favor.] We are only giving them a temporary reprieve so that they can add to their sins. [Then to Us will they return.] And for them shall be an extremely abasing punishment. (176 - 178)

[Tell them, O Prophet, God allowed the believers to be afflicted to cleanse their collectivity, for] it was not befitting for God to have left you in the state you were without separating the pure [of heart] from the impure;[50] nor did God like to inform you about the secrets [of what they hide in their hearts to allow you to separate the impure from your group.] On the contrary, God selects from His messengers whom He pleases [and by putting their followers through various tests during the messengers' lives, He separates the pure from the impure]. Therefore, believe in God and His Messenger and remember that if you truly believe and fear God, [abiding by His directives,] then you shall surely earn a magnificent reward. (179)

    [They not only avoid striving in the way of God with their lives, they also discourage others from spending their money in the way of God.] Those who are being miserly with what God has granted them of His blessings should not consider this [behavior] beneficial for themselves; on the contrary, this will be extremely harmful for them. [They should be warned that], on the Day of Judgment they shall surely be collared by the very things that they were miserly with [and which they held back from spending in God's way at such a critical time]. And [remember,] the possession of the heavens and the earth is solely God's. [He has entrusted you with these blessings in this life to test you in how you use them.] And God is fully aware of what you are doing. [When We called for people to spend in God's way, these People of the Book derided it.] God has heard those who [sarcastically] said: 'God is in need [of people's help]; we [on the other hand,] are self sufficient.' We will most surely record what they say, and [We have also recorded] their killing of the prophets [of God] unjustly; and [on the Day of Judgment We shall hand them their records and] We shall say: 'Now taste the punishment of Fire. This [punishment] is all the earnings of your own hands. God does not do the least bit of injustice upon people.'  (180 - 182)

[There are] those who have said that God has made it binding upon us that we should not believe in a messenger unless he brings us [the sign of] a sacrifice that is devoured by [a heavenly] fire. Say [to them, O Prophet]: 'Many a messenger has come to you before me with manifest signs and even with the sign that you demand [now] why, then, did you kill them, if you are truthful?' If they continue to reject you [as a true messenger of God, remember that] many messengers before you who came with clear signs[51], scriptures[52] and the enlightening book[53] have also been rejected. [Ultimately, both the rejected and rejecters have completed their term of life on earth and were brought before the court of God. So will they who reject you today.] Each soul shall soon taste death. You shall all be given your reward in full, on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever [on that day,] is saved from the Fire and is granted entry to Paradise, he is the one truly successful. The life of this world is merely a stage of deception. (183 - 185)

[Believers,] you will most certainly be put through tests with regards to your lives and your wealth and you will hear many grievous things from those who were given the Book before you and also from those who ascribe to polytheism.[54] [Be prepared for this.] And [remember that] if you remain steadfast [in God's way] and be mindful of God [abiding by His limits, then you will certainly be the victors] for, indeed, this is an exceptional quality. And [these trustees of God's Book have forgotten their oath with God;] remind them [O Prophet,] when God took an oath from those who were given the Book [saying] that you shall clearly present this [book] in before all people and you will not conceal any part of it. But [now] they have turned away from this oath, tossing it over their backs[55] and have given it up for a measly gain[56]. How despicable is that which they have bartered it for. And do not think that these people who are rejoicing in their deeds[57] and who want to be praised for things they have not done; do not think that they will escape the punishment. For them will surely be an excruciating punishment. And [where will they run to escape this punishment?] Only God's is the whole dominion of the heavens and the earth and God has power over all things. (186 - 189)