Muhammed Caricatures
UPDATE Feb 13, 2006: HAMSHAHRI HOLOCAUST CARTOONS HERE
UPDATE Feb 4, 2006: MUSLIM RESPONSE IS HERE
Here is a permanent home for the 12 Muhammed caricatures that were printed in the Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten. If you don’t have a sense of humor then leave. They are just cartoons and nothing more. Comments will be enabled on here so please feel free to leave them. Keep it civil and please don’t storm my website with RPGs and machine guns. Oh, flag burning is unacceptable aswell. But feel free to boycot my site as that is a peaceful means of protest.
UPDATE Feb 13, 2006: HAMSHAHRI HOLOCAUST CARTOONS HERE
February 14th, 2006 at 2:17 am
Hisham El Shiaty #999
What you are saying shows your way of thinking.
The Cheistians Defending Jesus. The Jews Defend Moses and the Muslims Defend Mohammed.
What a load of medieval !!
As if these three have appoited anyone as their lawyer.
“What happened showed how ignorant and narrow minded the westerns are”
I am a westerner and you dont care who you hurt probably because “muhammed gave you the power to do it”
Your words are the witness of your deeds, my friend in God.
February 14th, 2006 at 1:54 am
We Muslims we hate nobody neither Christians nor Jewish BUT we don’t ACCEPT making fun and silly jokes on Muhammad. People who think they’ve got the right to make jokes are dumhead and deserves to pay hard for it and to be made as an example to all other humans
If jokes were for Jesus he has Christians to defend him and if it were for Moses then he’s got Jewish to defend him and if they both don’t then it is Christians and Jewish problem not Muslims.
What happened showed how ignorant and narrow minded the westerns are. I hope they learn more before talking about Muslims and Islam
Hisham El Shiaty
February 14th, 2006 at 1:09 am
Bir basın açıklaması yapıp toplantıya katılan DABF baÅŸkanı Feramuz Acar, “Ä°slam’ı kötüye kullanılmasına izin vermeyin” diyen BaÅŸbakan Anders Fogh’a: “Her ne ararsanız kendinizde arayın, Düşmanımın düşmanı dost misali sosyalist ülkelere karşı uzun yıllar ABD ve siz radikal Ä°slam ve aşırı milliyetçiliÄŸe destek verdiniz, Ä°slamı kötüye kullandınız, imamlarla iÅŸbirliÄŸi yaparak hala kullanıyorsunuz. Ardından Dünya petrollerini kontrol altında almak için BM’den destek almanda kanunsuzca Irak’ı iÅŸgal edip yüz binlerce cana kıydınız. Birde burada ABD ve DK askerleri Irakta insan deÄŸil terörist öldürüyor diyorsunuz. Hükümetinizin çıkardığı ırkçı ayrımcı kanunlarla uygulamalarla Danimarka’da da terörün yeÅŸermesi için uygun ortam hazırlıyorsunuz. Bir birilerine yine görüşme sözü veren baÅŸbakan ve imamlara, karşı ben bu meclise dahil olup hükümetin Irak iÅŸgali ve baskı politikalarını onaylamak istemiyorum, bundan sonraki toplantılarınıza katılmayacağım” dedi.
February 14th, 2006 at 1:06 am
Til Statsministeren og offentligheden.
Statsministeren har sammen med en række folkevalgte, foreningens repræsentanter og muslimske imamer, også
inviteret mig som byrådsmedlem (Randers) til et møde i dag d. 20.9.2005 på Marienborg, mhp. på at få vores klar
afstandtagen til terror handlinger, og støtte til hans, regeringens terror bekæmpelses plan.
Jeg har, som mange andre indbudte overvejet meget om det nu klogt at deltage i sådant sammensat forsamling.
Men da jeg er folkevalgt, jeg sidder i forskellige etniske og danske foreninger, og er formand for Alevi Forbundet i
Danmark, (se http://www.alevi.dk.) og 100% imod terror og terrorister, følte jeg mig, opfordret af mit bagland, forpligtet
til at deltage i mødet. Og dermed har jeg en mulighed for klart at giver udtryk for mine og deres holdninger. Også
selv om jeg skulle komme på PET og al-kaida´s sort liste.
Først må man blive enig om en definition på terror og terrorister, dens baggrund årsager mv. ellers kan man ikke
bekæmpe den. Her savner jeg et oplæg fra regeringen, og møde deltagerne.
Jeg er ikke ekspert på området, men vil meget gerne komme med mit bidrag.
Vi har et ordsprog der siger â€uanset hvad du søger, sÃ¥ søg i dig selv førstâ€.
På indbydelse nævner Statsministeren direkte islam, terror og vestlige hovedstader i sammenhæng.
Denne sammenblanding, har dog sit ophav et andet sted, end regeringens nuværende terrorbekæmpelse politik, og
her er det nødvendigt at regeringen og dennes partier tager del i det ansvar de har for denne udvikling. Man kan
roligt sige at den nuværende konflikt, med de fundamentalistiske religiøse kræfter, startede med USAs og vestens,
herunder de nuværende regeringspartiers, aktive støtte til højreekstremistiske fundamentalistiske nationalistiske og
religiøse kræfter i bl.a. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Tyrkiet, Balkan, Østeuropa, Polen mv. hvor man har etableret
sÃ¥kaldt et â€grønt bælteâ€. Man havde en klar interesse i â€hellig krig†mod Sovjetunionen og de venstreorienterede
kræfter i verden for ca. 30 år siden.
Fx. støttede USA militærjuntaen i Tyrkiet, der i 1982 indført tvungen religions/islam undervisning, fordoblet
antallet at koran kurser og moskeer i Tyrkiet.
Nu sidder de religiøse på den økonomiske og politiske magt i Tyrkiet. En situation der ligeledes gælder i andre af
de ovennævnte lande.
Virkeligheden er, at USA og vesten i de sidste 30 år har brugt islam og direkte støttet f.eks. Bin-Laden og andre
mujahidin grupper, ud fra devisen â€mine fjendens fjende, er min venâ€, og med dette udgangspunkt, har man
tidligere betegnet de nuværende terrorister som frihedskæmpere.
Man har aktivt støttet, og gør det stadigt, antidemokratiske regimer, diktatur og kongedømmer i olierige lande i og
omkring mellemøsten, så multinationale olieselskaber forsat kunne suge af landenes oliereserver.
Situationen er så den i dag at pga. olielandendes befolkningers stigende ønske om nationalisere olien til fordel for
deres land og folk, blev USA og olie selskaberne bange for miste kontrol med olien, at få fuld og direkte kontrol
over verdens oliefelter. Dette har medført at USA og desværre Danmark ulovlig har besat Irak og Afghanistan.
Besættelser der indtil dato har kostet flere hundrede tusinde civile mennesker deres liv.
Det er ikke en hemmelighed, at mange danske kapital interesser, har eller har haft aktier i amerikanske våben
fabrikker og mange danske virksomheder, har â€sugerøret†i oliepengene ifm. fx genopretning af Irak, efter
krigsødelæggelserne.
Denne sammenblanding af vestlige kapital interesser, misbrug af religion (herunder islam) og del og hersk politik,
har nu alvor givet bagslag. En stor del af de misbrugte (muslimske) kræfter man tidligere støttede trænede, gav
våben mv. nu desperat forsøger at ramme på deres tidligere herre, i deres hovedsteder, med mange uskyldige liv til
følge. Dette er uacceptabelt, men den Danske regering bør se deres bidrag og ansvar i ovenstående proces.
Statsministeren ønsker vores synspunkter og forslag til at forhindrer terror i Danmark mv.
Jeg vil der gerne komme med et par forslag.
1. Vis man ikke fjerner hovedårsagerne til terrorisme, som er uretfærdighed, udbytning og undertrykkelse,
fattigdom, manglende uddannelse, så kan man aldrig stoppe den.
En hilsen til Statsministeren bør være:
- Træk øjeblikkeligt de danske soldater hjem fra Irak.
- Danmark skal ikke være med til en uretfærdig behandling, udbytning og undertrykkelse af andre lande, hverken
militæret, politisk eller økonomisk og Danmark bør tage afstand fra USAs â€del hersk politikâ€.
- Danmark bør gå i front i bekæmpelsen af fattigdom, manglende uddannelse, og militæret bør fremover kun
deltage i FN´s fredsbevarende aktioner.
2- Denne regering, med støtte fra Dansk Folkeparti og medierne, har bidraget til at ydmyge, håne, stigmatisere
flygtninge indvandrere grupper og dermed bl.a. radikalisere islam i Danmark. Unødvendige stramninger i
udlændingeloven, 24 år reglen, tilknytningskrav, starthjælp til flygtninge mv., blot for at nævne nogle af dem.
En hilsen til justitsministeren bør være,:
- Fjern øjeblikkeligt disse diskriminerende love, regler og udtalelser.
3- Denne regering har bl.a. fjernet støtten til etniske foreninger, indført brugerbetaling og skåret ned på dansk
undervisning, indført tvangs/straks aktivering, stedet for sproglig og faglig udvikling. Regeringen har næsten
afskaffet modersmålsundervisningen, og eller overladt, disse integrationsindsatsen til stramme kommunale
budgetter.
Næsten alt støtte til etniske grupper foreninger, er nu betinget af bureaukrati, total assimilation.
Dette har. bla. betydet at tidligere demokratiske indvandreforeninger, der samarbejdende med danske
organisationer, myndigheder gjorde et godt stykke frivillige social, kulturelt integrationsarbejde gik nedenom og
hjem. Nu er de fleste etniske foreninger domineret af religion, og / eller nationalfølelse. Nogle af dem udfører do
fortsat en social rolle, men det tidligere sammenspil mellem danske og udenlandske foreninger, om fælles indsats
og mål, er kraftigt forringet, hvilket er skadeligt for integrationsprocessen.
Et eksempel på hvordan regeringen direkte har støttet op om denne udvikling, kan findes i deres holdninger til
modersmålsundervisningen. Tidligere var denne undervisning en integreret del af folkeskolen, som støttede de
etniske børns danske skolegang. Med regeringens førte politik, er denne undervisning nu næsten overladt til
private, foreninger, religiøse friskoler der så tilbyder koranundervisning som sidegevinst.
Selv om nøglen til integration i samfundet er sprog og uddannelse, har regeringen skåret ned på hvor længe man
kan få dansk undervisning, og indført brugerbetaling til dansk undervisning, nedsat kontanthjælpen mv. så dem d
har rigtig behov, men ingen penge har ikke kan få den nødvendige undervisning.
Tvangs/straks aktivering forhindrer folks mulighed for at udvikle deres sproglig og faglig ressourcer,
konkurrenceevne på arbejdsmarkedet og fastholder dem i kontanthjælp systemet. Nedsættelse af eller stop for
kontanthjælp, har øget kriminalitet og sort arbejde. Alt dette er med til at udstøde etniske grupper, og fastholde d
i deres sociale arv og miljøer.
En hilsen regeringen og integrationsministeren bør være:
- Afskaf tvangsaktivering og etabler i stedet offentlige servicejobs. Afskaf trangsbestemt kontanthjælp, starthjæl
mv. Skab reelle offentlige jobs.
- Styrk udlændinges mulighed for at få dansk undervisning og uddannelse. Kun dette vil øge udlændinges
integration i samfundet og ændre deres syn på religion og kultur.
- Giv pædagogisk fripladser til etniske og socialt belastede børnefamilier til daginstitutioner børnehaver
fritidsklubber.
- Støt etniske foreningernes forebyggende sociale og kulturelle integration aktiviteter, uden alt for meget
bureaukrati.
- Integrere modersmålsundervisning i folkeskolen.
Uanset hvordan vi vender og drejer virkeligheden, så vil der indtil eksistensen af GUD total er bevist eller
modbevist være en form for Gudedyrkelse og religion. Man skal ikke glemme religiøse institutioner påtager sig
stort, socialt og humanistisk opgave. Det bliver der ikke mindre af, når den nuværende liberale regering, skære n
på offentlige socialsystem og slipper markedskræfterne løs.
Enhver religions budskab er som udgangspunkt menneskelig og human og afspejler samfunds- forholdende på de
tidspunkt de er opstået. Dette gælder også islam. En hvert forstenet syn på religion og hellige tekster, vil gøre
mennesker og samfund tilbagestående. Fordi Jesus og Muhammed spiste med fingrene, behøves nu vi da ikke spi
alt med fingrene, når nu kniv og gaffel er opfundet. Religion kan og bør reformeres og tilpasses tid tiden, det
gælder også islam. Her må imamer starte med sig selv, og det må være et krav fra samfundet side, at religiøse
forkynder har en uddannelse der kan anerkendes. Jeg skal advare regeringen mod, at politisere og puste religiøse
ledere, imamer op ved hele tiden at referere til dem og holde møde med dem. Høre efter hvad vi folkevalgte og
foreningsrepræsentanter siger vi er trods alt valgt af vores bagland.
20.09.2005
Feramuz Acar
Byrådsmedlem Randers.
February 13th, 2006 at 11:07 pm
III. Alevis and Islam
(“The greatest holy book to be read is a human being.â€)
One of the first questions asked about Alevis is where they fit in Islam. I assume that if the
reader has been exposed to Islam at all, he will be familiar with the commonly taught six
basic Muslim articles of faith and the so-called five pillars of Islamic practice. Therefore, I
will use this familiar framework as a starting point to describe Alevi faith and practice. Many
Alevis will disagree that these six beliefs and five pillars are true Islam. However, I am using
them as a starting point because, rightly or wrongly, almost every foreigner who hears about
Alevism asks how it relates to these Islamic beliefs and practices. I leave it to the reader to
make his own comparison between the Alevi and orthodox interpretations of these concepts.
Later I will look at other aspects of Alevi belief and practice.
Six Beliefs of Islam
The commonly taught six essential beliefs of Islam are as follows:
1. Belief in one God
2. Belief in angels
3. Belief in the holy books
4. Belief in the prophets
5. Belief in final judgment
6. Belief in predestination
1. God (Allah / Tanri / Hak)
If you ask ten Alevis for a description of God, you will probably get ten different answers.
Most Alevis I have talked with or whose works I have read believe one or a combination of
the following concepts of God:
“Ali is a manifestation of God.â€
“Perfect human beings are God.â€
“God consists of all things in the universe.â€
“God consists of all humanity.â€
“You and I are God.â€
“God is inside you.â€
“God is an undefined force or power.â€
“God is truth, love, and knowledge.â€
“God is the creator.â€
Quite often, Alevis will define God by what he is not. Their purpose is to contrast their belief
with what they think other religious groups believe about God. For example, almost all will
declare that whatever God is, he is certainly not an angry master who delights in forcing the
slaves he has created to obey strict religious rules or face the penalty of burning for eternity.
In the same line of thinking, almost all Alevis will deny that God is one who will reward
those who follow his rules on earth with eternal pleasures in heaven.
2. Angels (Melekler)
Alevis often say that man is the highest created being, and that the angels “bowed down to
Adam when he was created†(Adem’e secde ettiler). Many say that the angel Gabriel was the
messenger between God and Muhammed during the transmission of the Kuran.
Alevis who believe in literal good and bad angels and spirits (cinler) often practice
superstition to benefit from good ones and to avoid harm from bad ones.
However, many Alevis do not believe in these supernatural beings and say something like,
“Satan is simply the selfish desires (nefis) within you.â€
3. Holy Books (Kutsal Kitaplar / Hak Kitaplar)
Alevis generally speak of four major holy books: Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Kuran (Tevrat,
Zebur, Incil, Kuran). These belong to the monotheistic “religions with books,†that is,
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Almost all Alevis will say that the four holy books were “let
down from heaven†(indirilmis) to certain prophets: the Torah to Moses, the Psalms to David,
the Gospel to Jesus, and the Kuran to Muhammed. Most will say these books were God’s
written revelation when they appeared, and that the Kuran is the last written revelation of
God.
Almost all Alevis say that the Kuran contains everything that was in the first three books, or
that all four books are basically the same. Many Alevis claim that the first three books
predicted Muhammed’s coming. Some say that the Biblical prophet Elijah is Ali.
Most Alevis believe that the original Kuran stated clearly that Ali, Muhammed’s cousin and
son-in-law, was to be the Prophet’s successor, that is, God’s vice-regent on earth, or caliph
(veli, halife). But most claim that the parts of the original Kuran related to Ali were taken out
by his rivals.
According to Alevis, the Kuran should be interpreted esoterically, inwardly, or mystically
(batini yorum). For them, there are much deeper spiritual truths in the Kuran than the strict
rules and regulations that appear on the literal surface (zahiri yorum). However, most Alevi
writers will quote individual Kuranic verses as an appeal for authority to support their view
on a given topic, or to justify a certain Alevi religious tradition. Alevis generally promote
reading the Kuran in Turkish rather than in Arabic, stressing that it is important for a person
to understand exactly what he or she is reading.
However, many Alevis do not read the Kuran or the other holy books, nor base their daily
beliefs and practices on them. They consider these ancient books irrelevant today.
Alevis also look to other religious books outside the four major ones as sources for their
beliefs and practices. These include:
1. the hadith (hadisler), the traditions of Muhammed;
2. the Nahjul Balagha, the traditions and sayings of Ali;
3. the Buyruks, the collections of doctrine and practices of several of the 12 imams, especially
Cafer;
4. the Vilayetnameler or Menakibnameler, books that describe events in the lives of great
Alevis such as Haji Bektash.
A significant number of unwritten Alevi teachings and legends are credited to Ali,
Muhammed, Haji Bektash, and others (rivayetler).
Alevis generally place greater importance on living human revelation and wisdom than on the
written Kuran or other holy books. Alevis often quote these two statements:
“Ali is the speaking Kuran.â€
Ali konusan Kuran’dir.
“The greatest holy book to be read is a human being.â€
Okunacak en büyük kitap insandir.
Apart from books, perhaps the most important source of Alevi beliefs and thought are the
mystical poems and musical ballads (deyisler, nefesler) that have been passed down from
generation to generation, many of which have not been recorded in writing.
Canadian you really point out a very important decision.
February 13th, 2006 at 10:44 pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alevi
Alevis
Adherents of Alevism (in Turkish Alevîlik) are called Alevis. The exact number of Alevis is not known, with estimates varying from 20 to 30% of the population of Turkey alone, i.e. 14-21 million believers in Turkey, with perhaps as many as three million in Iran and Turkmenistan and half a million turkmenic Alevis in Iraq. Alevism has integrated many diverse religious influences over time, such as ancient Turkish Shamanism and pre-Islamic religions of Near East. The Bektashi Sufi holy order is a significant element in Alevism. Both Bektashi Alevi and Kizilbaş Alevi revere Hajji Bektash Wali. Turkish is used in Alevi rituals and while worshipin
People
Alevis can be ethnic Zazas, Turks, Kurds, Turkmens and Azeri with a particular concentration in mid-Eastern Turkey in a belt from Çorum in the West to Muş in the East. In the Balkans, especially in Albania there is a further large Alevi-Bektashi community. There are also many Alevi who have migrated to the large cities of Western and Southern Turkey, as well as to Western Europe, especially Germany.
Today, Alevi community in Turkey is heavily urbanised due to mass migration (1960s to present) from their often mountainous and barren rural residence to cities. When compared to general Sunni population, on average, they have significantly higher rates of literacy, higher education, and female employment and a lower fertility rate.
There are also large communities of Alevis in some regions of Iranian Azarbaijan. The town of Ilkhichi (İlxıçı), which is located 87km south west of Tabriz is almost entirely populated by Alevis. For political reasons, one of which was to create a distinct identity for these communities, they have not been called Alevi since the early 20th century. They are called various names, such as Alli Allahi, Ahle Hag and Goran. Groups with similar beliefs also exist in Iranian Kurdistan.
[edit]
Belief
Alevis are followers of the Twelvers, a Shia sect. Belief in Allah is varied. Though some accept the idea of a personal creator, many believe that Allah is merely the good in man. This is expressed by the Alevi saying “insan Hakta Hak insanda” (man is in God, God is in man).
While the Sunnis follow the four caliphs Omar, Uthman, Abu Bakr and Ali, the Alevis recognize only one of the caliphs, Ali ibn Abi Talib and his two sons, Imam Hussain and Imam Hassan, just like the Shia Muslims.
Though expressing belief in the Qur’an, most Alevis in Turkey reject concepts like polygamyhaving more than one spouse, jannahheaven (Turkish: cennet) and jahannam hell(Turkish: cehennem), salat (Turkish: namaz), fasting (Turkish: oruç), and hajj (Turkish: hac). Traditionally, Alevi worship is not conducted in a mosque, but is intimately connected with the dede (elder), cem (a gathering), and the cemevi (meeting house).
Hajji Bektash Wali, who lived in the 13th century, is just one of the Alevi’s principal theologians. Yunus Emre and Pir Sultan Abdal are two other teachers. Like the Sufis, the Alevis also use religious music and dance, called semah, to show their belief in Allah. Modern Alevi theology has been profoundly influenced by humanism and universalism. Thus, while many of the older generation view Alevism as a religious belief, many of the younger generation prefer to term it a philosophy. In Turkey, there is an ongoing discussion about whether Alevism is part of Islam or not.
Further, relations with other Muslim groups must be considered. As Ilhan Ataseven has noted, there is some tension between family-tradition Alevis and the Bektashi Order, which is a Sufi order founded on Alevi beliefs. In certain Turkish communities, other Sufi orders, namely the Helveti-Jerahi and some of the Rifa’i, have incorporated significant Alevi influence. Though generally regarded as a Sunni group historically, some Rifa’is accept the Alevi identity. This is particularly common among Turkish teacher Sherif Baba’s Rifa’i Marufi Order, whose worship combines elements of typical Alevi traditions with the practice of zikr, commonly associated with the Sunni Sufi orders. This pattern can be traced to a traditional fluidity between non-orthodox Muslim practices and also to the polarity between secular and religious worldviews in contemporary Turkey. Though to many contemporary Turks the line between tarikat (traditionally meaning a Sufi order, but since the 1980s used by Turkish journalists to describe militant Muslim groups such as Hizbullah) and Alevi seems vast, in other areas of the world and even in Turkey until recently, the Arabic word “tariqa” referred to Sufi orders, such as the Mevlevi. Such groups shared many principles with the Alevi, though membership was by initiation rather than familial ties. Most notable among these was the Bektashi, whose identity has been virtually fused with the Alevi, even at a popular level. Smaller orders such as the Rifa’i Marufi, have sometimes identified with the Alevi, with whom they share secularist principles, a general scepticism of extreme orthodoxy, an emphasis on men and women worshipping together, a common group of revered saints such as Hajji Bektash Veli and Pir Sultan Abdal, and a deep devotion to the family of the Prophet Muhammad. That said, such groups stand a bit ouside of the main body of Alevi culture in significant ways.
[edit]
Historical
The Alevis have traditionally been discriminated against and persecuted in the rural areas of East Central Turkey which are their heartland. Their religion is tolerated in Turkey, but while compared to the Sunnis they suffer less state intervention into their internal affairs and the contents of their teaching, they also enjoy considerably less financial and organizational privileges. The Turkish state has built and financed Sunni mosques in many almost completely Alevi villages and small towns; many Alevis consider this a purposeful humiliation.
In recent years, the Alevi community has developed contested definitions for itself. Some Alevis consider their faith to be the Turkish branch of Shi’i Islam, others see it as a Sufi order, or a form of folk Islam. There are a few Alevis who see their faith as blending of Christianity and Islam, and many who see Alevilik as either a new faith with Islamic roots or a continuation of Central Asian shamanism that maintained itself by accepting certain elements of Islam as a guise. Though the debate continues, there is probably a certain elemement of truth in each of these positions.
[edit]
Recent History
In the 20th century, many Alevis became involved in secularist left-wing politics in Turkey, both in the establishment Republican People’s Party and parties further to the left, some to the point of left-wing extremism. This meant that Alevis bore the brunt of the anti-leftwing backlash after the military coup of 1980, and of Islamic fundamentalist violence. In the 1980s an ephemeral left-wing organisation called Kızıl Yol (Red Path) announced to struggle for an independent “Socialist People’s Republic of Alevistan”. The oppression reached its dénouement in Sivas on 2 July 1993, when 36 Alevis and a Dutch anthropologist attending a cultural conference were burned to death in a hotel by Sunni locals. attending the conference was a left-wing turkish intellectual Aziz Nesin who was vastly hated amongst the sunni turkish community as it was he who first published salman rushdies contraversial novel satanic versus, in turkey. the sunni locals in sivas after attending friday prayers in a near by mosque marched to the hotel in which the conference was taking place in and set the building on fire. the turkish goverment see this incident as being aimed at aziz nesin only yet most agree that the target was really the Alevis. The response from the security forces at the time and afterwards was weak. the assault took 8 hours without a single intervention by the police. Alevi’s and most intellectuals in turkey argue that the incident was triggered off by the local goverment as flyers and leaflets were published and given out for days before the incident. the turkish goverment refer to the sivas madimak hotel incident as an attack towards the intellectuals but refuse to see it as an incident directed towards alevis.
alevis are generally left wing in and are well known for supporting mainstream centre-left and left parties.
[edit]
Music and Poetry
Alevis have had an influence even greater than their numbers because of their significant role in Turkish music and poetry. The most important figure is perhaps the mystical poet Yunus Emre, widely regarded as having been Alevi. Other significant poets include Pir Sultan Abdal and Kaygusuz Abdal. Songs attributed to these poet-saints have been not only important to Alevis themselves, but also embraced by musicians on the political left, who saw in the Alevi tradition a link between folk religion and socialist and humanist themes.
Because the saz (long-necked lute) is sacred to their gatherings, saz-playing is a particularly vital artform among Alevis. Many of the major traditional musicians in Turkey are Alevi, including Arif Sag, Musa Eroglu, Erdal Erzincan, Neshet Ertash, Muharram Ertash, Ashik Mahsuni Sherif, Feyzullah Çinar, Ashik Veysel, Sabahat Akkiraz, and Belkis Akkale. Other non-Alevis, such as Zulfu Livaneli, have recorded many Alevi songs. More recently, Mercan Dede, an artist with ties to the Rifa’i Marufi Order (see above)has recorded innovative ambient/techno music, frequently employing Alevi themes, sometimes in collaboration with established Alevi artists such as Sabahat Akkiraz.
[edit]
Name
The name is derived from the name of Ali. They are not to be confused with the Alawi of Syria, who are another heterodox branch of the Shia (though also named for Ali), with distinct, although related, beliefs.
Women in Islam Political Islam pls also check this
February 13th, 2006 at 10:42 pm
My Dad wrote ‘they cannot take it’…how funny is that?
February 13th, 2006 at 10:38 pm
canadian Says:
February 8th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
A few ransom thoughts from a canadian perspective that doesn’t really support anybody in the affair.. except to really not support the people, or “NONâ€-muslims, who are burning and killing “supposedly†because of a cartoon (which I don’t believe)..
I think this is a good time for muslims to split up into different religions (kind of like the different christian religions where they each have different beliefs. I.E. catholic, protestant…)
many times above, muslims have criticised others for not understanding their religion. that the people going out and killing in the name of islam do not follow islam. the thing is, when people above were speaking out against the idiocy of these “muslimsâ€, most of them were not speaking out about islam in general, but against the idiots with the guns.
There are obviously two different beliefs here, so to avoid insulting those who follow the peaceful islam, we need to use a different name to describe the idiots burning down the embassies..which by the makes absolutly no sense. they are obviously not protesting against the caricatures, because then they would be protesting against the papers that published, and owuld go out and blow up the buildings that printed them. instead, they burn down government buildings that had nothing to do with the printing of the paper. the danish government condemned the printing, and had no way to stop it from being printed. not in this era of free speach (which is the western belief). now many stores are boycotting danish products (even though these companies had even less to say about the caricatures than the government did) I really don’t understand this.
The caricatures are just an excuse for idiots to go burn things and do violence. they(the idiots, not all muslims).
if people want to protest against ideas like the invasion of iraq. that sounds like a reason to become little violent when you consider all the innocents that are dying, but the americans are ultimatly responsible for this, not the danish..and even most americans are against the war..I still can’t figure out how bush was re-elected..
many of these “false-muslims†clearly follow a different religion than the “Peace†muslims. they clearly promote death to all infedels (infedel being everyone), and will put down and insult any other religion, while starting all this violence because they feel others shouldn’t do that to them.. sorry but everytime I see on the news more images of these people stomping on flagsm burning flags and buildings, I have less and less sympathy for them, at first I would have agreed that the caricatures shouldn’t have been printed.. but now I think everyone should see them, just to know what all the fuss is about.
I also don’t think anyone has a right to do anything about the printing of the caricatures. I do believe in the freedom of the press (its what keeps the governments in check). if anyone feels that a paper prints something against their religion, then they have the right to not buy that paper.
I also think anyone should be able say what they want about other religions, because sometimes its the only way to see the truth. I used to be christian.. and believed in the bible and everything. it was only by seeing all the points showing the falsehood of this religion was a I able to see it for what it really is.. and so I don’t believe in any religion anymore. they all seem to promote predjudice on one level or the other (many people killing in the name of islam[peace] these days. many christians killing in the name of god during the crusades, even long afterwords, christianty has hated jews because they believed they let jesus be killed) I’ve been shown that so much of the bible doesn’t make sense, and only because here were allowed to say bad things about religions. The key is to not be insulting about it on purpose (and the danish newspaper isn’t muslim, so I don’t believe they new that your not supposed draw any image of muhammed). after all, people do that about every other religion all the time (look at the “buddy christ†idea in the movie dogma –great movie by the way) this movie was loved by many christians, even though it really insults the core of the religion.
now please yell at me and insult me for my views.. I feel it coming
http://www.alevi.dk/ denmark you can wiew the contents in english and also in danish
You need to check about Alevis , canadian
Alevis are modern people and they are the modernists of the anatolia and middle east and also in some parts of europe.They are also known as Bektasi.They are very important in art and music and science and for the modernism.There are so many poets painters philosophers musicians such as Meovlana Jelaleddin-i RUMI,Yunus Emre,Bektash Veli,Hassan Sabbah there are alot of significant alevis.
The problem is they are holocosted several times even in the early years.so the radicals are not only a problem of Christians they are also a big problem for Alevi people.I think Christians need to know about them.There are 30 million alevis Living in turkiye and also 1 million in Europe.They are very tolerated and they live in a modern way because for ages they always live tolerated and in the modernist way.So they have problems with the radicals and the other branches of islam always attacked them and killed them several times.But they never give up.Ataturk is also very important for them.They dont wear veils or scarfs the Alevi women are free.They drink alchol and many more stuff.the christians must search about them.they have great poets and songs and Sufism is their way of life. Just type Alevi in google and search it yourself but pls read RUMI and Yunus Emre you will sshock how they can have this Philosopy at that time more than 600 yeras ago.And Alevis are fighting aganist secularism and radicals with love and peace for more than 900 years.So pls all my friends search this great people and decide yourself how brave they are to insist on love and peace and modernism and Freedom of speech aganist radicals in their own lands. Canadian You can Also Learn Sufism ,how to play NEY (one of the instruments in Alevi ceremony ),even you can learn turkish to understan them in Canada there are placeses in Canada about this philosopy.There are alot of Canadian,European who learn about Sufism.You dont have to be Muslim to learn.They are really humanistic I am not turkish norI am not a muslim but this is not a problem for them.You can Learn about Yunus Emre ,Rumi and Bektash Veli from the United Nations also.
http://www.angelfire.com/az/rescon/ALEVI.html an objective link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alevi
its main theme is LOVE is God And GOD is LOVE very easy :)
not to Hate but to Love Peace and Harmony for you all.
February 13th, 2006 at 10:18 pm
Humour is the greatest remedy of all times. Those who cannot handle it will not survive.
February 13th, 2006 at 9:56 pm
soory, the link should have been: http://www.drawmohammed.com
February 13th, 2006 at 9:55 pm
I do not want to make any comments abot these cartoons. but —if you can stand it—, check out the drawings on the site below, and read the comments made. they make these cartoons seem innocent(although it is debatable whether they are or not). you might see who are really fascist and who have the most prejudice against “the other”.
http://www.drawmohammad.com
February 13th, 2006 at 9:42 pm
akin hakli az soylemis hatta
ya bu siir senin soludugun havanin suyun bu topraklarin gokyuzunun tapusu be sen ne yapmissin arkadasim ya susuyorum neden sustugumu anlatmama gerek yok heralde omrunde canakkaleyi gormemis anitkabirde aglamamissindir sen nedesem bos sana
Mehmet Akif ,Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,Kagnici Ana senden ozur diliyorum emanetine sahip cikamadik Ana ne desen haklisin Seni sevmeyi ogrenemedik guzel ulkem Anadolum bu cehalet bu suc hep bizim sen yinede bize herseyin en guzelini verdin aglarken gozumun yasini yine sen sildin Anadolu nedesem bos iste
February 13th, 2006 at 9:29 pm
The Ä°MAM Says:
February 11th, 2006 at 4:40 am
iSTiKLAL MARÅžI
Korkma, sönmez bu şafaklarda yüzen al sancak
Sönmeden yurdumun üstünde tüten en son ocak.
O benim milletimin yıldızıdır, parlayacak!
O benimdir, o benim milletimindir ancak!
Çatma, kurban olayım, çehreni ey nazlı hilal!
Kahraman ırkıma bir gül… ne bu şiddet, bu celal?
Sana olmaz dökülen kanlarımız sonra helal.
Hakkıdır, Hakk’a tapan milletimin istiklal.
Ben ezelden beridir hür yaşadım, hür yaşarım;
Hangi çılgın bana zincir vuracakmış? Şaşarım!
Kükremiş sel gibiyim, bendimi çiğner, aşarım.
Yırtarım dağları, enginlere sığmam, taşarım.
Garbın âfâkını sarmışsa çelik zırhlı duvar.
Benim iman dolu göğsüm gibi serhaddim var.
Ulusun, korkma! Nasıl böyle bir imanı boğar,
‘Medeniyyet!’ dediğin tek dişi kalmış canavar?
Arkadaş, yurduma alçakları uğratma sakın;
Siper et gövdeni, dursun bu hayâsızca akın.
Doğacaktır sana va’dettiği günler Hakk’ın,
Kim bilir, belki yarın, belki yarından da yakın.
Bastığın yerleri ‘toprak!’ diyerek geçme, tanı!
Düşün altındaki binlerce kefensiz yatanı.
Sen şehid oğlusun, incitme, yazıktır, atanı.
Verme, dünyâları alsan da bu cennet vatanı.
Kim bu cennet vatanın uğruna olmaz ki feda?
Şühedâ fışkıracak toprağı sıksan, şühedâ!
Cânı, cânânı, bütün varımı alsın da Hudâ,
Etmesin tek vatanımdan beni dünyâda cüdâ.
Rûhumun senden ilahî, şudur ancak emeli:
Değmesin ma’ bedimin göğsüne na-mahrem eli!
Bu ezanlar-ki şehâdetleri dinin temeli-
Ebedî yurdumun üstünde benim inlemeli.
O zaman vecd ile bin secde eder -varsa- taşım.
Her cerîhamdan, İlâhi, boşanıp kanlı yaşım,
Fışkırır rûh-ı mücerred gibi yerden na’şım;
O zaman yükselerek arşa değer belki başım!
Dalgalan sen de şafaklar gibi ey şanlı hilâl!
Olsun artık dökülen kanlarımın hepsi helâl.
Ebediyyen sana yok, ırkıma yok izmihlâl;
Hakkıdır, hür yaşamış, bayrağımın hürriyet,
Hakkıdır, Hakk’a tapan milletimin istiklâl!
Mehmet Akif Ersoy
walla bunları yapanın ta amına koymak gerek ama neyse Allah belalarını versin bunları yapanları
Salak herif sen kimsinde bu ulkenin marsinin altina bu kufurleri yaziyosun rezillik yapma defol git surdan sen daha ozune sahip cikmayi bilmiyosun git biraz mehmet Akif oku nasil biriymis ogren soytari o mars kanla yazilmis o marsi yazan sair parasiz kalmis ama hamiyetsiz kalmamis
herkes haddini bilsin bu ulkenin tum dunyaya ornek olmus yegane eserini kullanma hakkin yok senin burada
bu mars her gorusten insanin en dokunulmazidir bu ulkede dedelerimiz var konuylada ilgisi yok haddini bil.sen bu ulke icin hayatinda ne yaptin gorebildigim olsa olsa rezillik yapmis olabilirsin seviyen belli.esseklik baki kalir ilim nere irfan nere sen nere..
February 13th, 2006 at 9:00 pm
he s right check omaar hayyam
February 13th, 2006 at 8:57 pm
seccadeye tapanlar eÅŸek deÄŸil de nedirler?
küfelerle riya çamuru yüklenirler gezerler.
işin kötüsü,din perdesi arkasında bunlar,
müslüman geçinirken gavurdan beterler.
Omaar Hayyam
marla Says:
February 13th, 2006 at 6:14 pm
as an atheist woman, I am trying to survive in a shitty islamic country. It is really hard! I fully support the ideas reflected in the comics above, those are the truths actually.. Why do they get so nervous when they confront the truths?
never give up marla
This cartoons is about freedom so we all support them nobody has any rights to decide someone must be killed you stupid radicals must first learn this.inthis site some mother fuckers swear in turkish and act like turkish but they are not turkish.they say that turkish army is goin to attack etc such foolish stuff turkish army is aganist radicals and maybe they will attack some where if it goes like this but this wont be the civilased world instead the anti democratic states should afraid of our army.we are not the soldiers of arabs they must first form their democracy and they must support modern leaders instead of dictators.and they must stop terror aganist modernism and womenrights!We love you marla.People like marla can live with us but we wont let radicals to fuck our peace.
the shity thing is,art is banned in islam for sure music dance every good thing is banned.Turkish army is the army of Ataturk and you radicals know that very well our army wont let your poison in to our borders dont even think of it no way to live in my country with that caveman mind.
marla you are not alone! we must support freedom art and we must protect children and women aganist those radical killers.
February 13th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
No one can judge my religious belief…Who the hell r u? What r u trying to do? do u want 3rd world war? do u wanna kill more children? (U.S.A does that anyway) Ä°f i dont draw my prophet’s face,then you must respect..On the other hand cursing can’t solve anything,it only prooves your cowardice…Do something for mankind and stop this bullshit…
Ä° DONT WANT TO HARM ANYBODY..I DONT TO BE HARMED…I DONT WANT WAR…
February 13th, 2006 at 7:19 pm
Check this out, from BBC
“There is a consensus in the West as to what constitutes offensive material, for example, child pornography, or dead soldiers. Some of these issues are even regulated by law. ”
To non-muslim out there who defend this kind of action, do you willing to give this freedom freedom thingy to child pornography to be at the same level of porn? For US government to show dead US soldiers in any newspaper around the world and freedom for opinion to say that holocaust didn’t happened or widely discuss? Or to allow nazi personnel to work with the newspaper anywhere they want and put some articles on holocaust?
Please answer me with attitude.
February 13th, 2006 at 6:14 pm
as an atheist woman, I am trying to survive in a shitty islamic country. It is really hard! I fully support the ideas reflected in the comics above, those are the truths actually.. Why do they get so nervous when they confront the truths?
February 13th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
özkan Says:
February 13th, 2006 at 4:36 pm bla..bla…bla…
fuck off to SaudiArabia or iran
Your leaders are all very rich and most of them leave in USa or Europe they dont leave in arabia Why
They rob the people using religion Turkey is not iran and never will be fuck off to iran
Most of this mother fucker radicals are i am sure same person probably he is not turkish
We hate radicals your terror injured killed alot of innocent people here so go to hell idiots
Freedom is overlord of all Freedom cannot be banned thats easy if you want to live as an ashhole goto arabia Why are you still stayin here you dont even need a visa hurry up
if you dont go we will kick your asses soon
February 13th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Say : O ye that reject Faith!
2. I worship not that which ye worship,
3. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
4. And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to worship,
5. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
6. To you be your Way, and to me mine.
February 13th, 2006 at 4:41 pm
277. Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
278. O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers.
279. If ye do it not, take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger. But if ye repent, ye shall have your capital sums: Deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly.
280. If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only knew.
281. And fear the Day when ye shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly.
282. 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 witness 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.
283. 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 Allah, his Lord. Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it,- His heart is tainted with sin. And Allah Knoweth all that ye do.
284. To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah Calleth you to account for it. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth, and punisheth whom He pleaseth, for Allah hath power over all things.
285. The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers. “We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His messengers.” And they say: “We hear, and we obey: (we seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.”
286. On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Grant us victory over the unbelievers
February 13th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif. Lám. MÃm.
2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;
3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.
6. As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.
7. Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing. And on their eyes is a veil; great is the penalty they (incur).
8. Of the people there are some who say: “We believe in Allah and the Last Day;” but they do not (really) believe.
9. Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realize (it) not!
10. In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves).
11. When it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “Why, we only want to make peace!”
12. Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize (it) not.
13. When it is said to them: “Believe as the others believe:” They say: “Shall we believe as the fools believe?” Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know.
14. When they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe;” but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: “We are really with you: We (were) only jesting.”
15. Allah will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro).
16. These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction,
17. Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see.
18. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path).
19. Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky: In it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!
20. The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (Helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things.
21. O ye people! Worship your Guardian Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may become righteous;
22. Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith Fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth).
23. And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sürah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.
24. But if ye cannot - and of a surety ye cannot - then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones,- which is prepared for those who reject Faith.
25. But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: “Why, this is what we were fed with before,” for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein spouses purified; and they abide therein (for ever).
26. Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things, even of a gnat as well as anything above it. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: “What means Allah by this similitude?” By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path),-
27. Those who break Allah’s Covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what Allah Has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth: These cause loss (only) to themselves.
28. How can ye reject the faith in Allah?- seeing that ye were without life, and He gave you life; then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to Him will ye return.
29. It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Then He turned to the heavens, and made them into seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.
30. Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” They said: “Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?” He said: “I know what ye know not.”
31. And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: “Tell me the names of these if ye are right.”
32. They said: “Glory to Thee, of knowledge We have none, save what Thou Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom.”
33. He said: “O Adam! Tell them their natures.” When he had told them, Allah said: “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what ye reveal and what ye conceal?”
34. And behold, We said to the angels: “Bow down to Adam” and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: he was of those who reject Faith.
35. And We said: “O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression.”
36. Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. And We said: “Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling place and your means of livelihood - for a time.”
37. Then learnt Adam from his Lord certain words, and (Allah) accepted his repentance; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
38. We said: “Get ye down all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
39. “But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abide therein.”
40. O Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favor which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your covenant with Me as I shall fulfill My covenant with you, and fear none but Me.
41. And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Me alone.
42. And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is).
43. And be steadfast in prayer; give Zakat; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).
44. Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (to practice it) yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?
45. Nay, seek (Allah’s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who are humble,-
46. Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.
47. O Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message).
48. Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
49. And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: They set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live; therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord.
50. And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people within your very sight.
51. And remember We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence ye took the calf (for worship), and ye did grievous wrong.
52. Even then We did forgive you; there was a chance for you to be grateful.
53. And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion (Between right and wrong): There was a chance for you to be guided aright.
54. And remember Moses said to his people: “O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: So turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker.” Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): For He is Oft- Returning, Most Merciful.
55. And remember ye said: “O Moses! We shall never believe in thee until we see Allah manifestly,” Thereupon ye were dazed with thunderbolt even as ye looked on.
56. Then We raised you up after your death; ye had the chance to be grateful.
57. And We gave you the shade of clouds and sent down to you Manna and quails, saying: “Eat of the good things We have provided for you:” (But they rebelled); to Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls.
58. And remember We said: “Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as ye wish; and enter the gate prostrating (with humility), and say: “Forgive (us)”; We shall forgive you your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good.”
59. But the transgressors changed the word from that which had been given them; so We sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, for that they infringed (Our command) repeatedly.
60. And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said: “Strike the rock with thy staff.” Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah, and do no evil nor mischief on the (face of the) earth.
61. And remember ye said: “O Moses! we cannot endure one kind of food (always); so beseech thy Lord for us to produce for us of what the earth groweth, -its pot-herbs, and cucumbers, Its garlic, lentils, and onions.” He said: “Will ye exchange the better for the worse? Go ye down to any town, and ye shall find what ye want!” They were covered with humiliation and misery; they drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. This because they went on rejecting the Signs of Allah and slaying His Messengers without just cause. This because they rebelled and went on transgressing.
62. Those who believe (in the Qurán), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
63. And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (Sinai) : (Saying): “Hold firmly to what We have given you and bring (ever) to remembrance what is therein: Perchance ye may fear Allah.”
64. But ye turned back thereafter: Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah to you, ye had surely been among the lost.
65. And well ye knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: We said to them: “Be ye apes, despised and rejected.”
66. So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear Allah.
67. And remember Moses said to his people: “Allah commands that ye sacrifice a heifer.” They said: “Makest thou a laughing-stock of us?” He said: “Allah save me from being an ignorant (fool)!”
68. They said: “Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what (heifer) it is!” He said; “He says: The heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middling age. Now do what ye are commanded!”
69. They said: “Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us her color.” He said: “He says: A fawn-colored heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders!”
70. They said: “Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what she is: To us are all heifers alike: We wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills.”
71. He said: “He says: A heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields; sound and without blemish.” They said: “Now hast thou brought the truth.” Then they offered her in sacrifice, and they scarcely did it.
72. Remember ye slew a man and fell into a dispute among yourselves as to the crime: But Allah was to bring forth what ye did hide.
73. So We said: “Strike the (body) with a piece of the (heifer).” Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His Signs: Perchance ye may understand.
74. Thenceforth were your hearts hardened: They became like a rock and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; others there are which when split asunder send forth water; and others which sink for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
75. Can ye (O ye men of Faith) entertain the hope that they will believe in you?- Seeing that a party of them heard the Word of Allah, and perverted it knowingly after they understood it.
76. Behold! when they meet the men of Faith, they say: “We believe”: But when they meet each other in private, they say: “Shall you tell them what Allah hath revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?”- Do ye not understand (their aim)?
77. Know they not that Allah knoweth what they conceal and what they reveal?
78. And there are among them illiterates, who know not the Book, but (see therein their own) desires, and they do nothing but conjecture.
79. Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say: “This is from Allah,” to traffic with it for miserable price!- Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby.
80. And they say: “The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days:” Say: “Have ye taken a promise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? or is it that ye say of Allah what ye do not know?”
81. Nay, those who seek gain in evil, and are girt round by their sins,- they are companions of the Fire: Therein shall they abide (for ever).
82. But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide (For ever).
83. And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah. treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and give Zakat. Then did ye turn back, except a few among you, and ye backslide (even now).
84. And remember We took your covenant (to this effect): Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out your own people from your homes: and this ye solemnly ratified, and to this ye were witness.
85. After this it is ye, the same people, who slay among yourselves, and banish a party of you from their homes; assist (their enemies) against them, in guilt and transgression; and if they come to you as captives, ye ransom them, though it was not lawful for you to banish them. Then is it only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? but what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life?- and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
86. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their penalty shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.
87. We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you a messenger with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!
88. They say, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word: we need no more).” Nay, Allah’s curse is on them for their blasphemy: Little is it they believe.
89. And when there comes to them a Book from Allah, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognized, they refuse to believe in it, but the curse of Allah is on those without Faith.
90. Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, in that they deny (the revelation) which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of His Grace should send it to any of His servants He pleases: Thus have they drawn on themselves Wrath upon Wrath. And humiliating is the chastisement of those who reject Faith.
91. When it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah Hath sent down, “they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us:” yet they reject all besides, even if it be Truth confirming what is with them. Say: “Why then have ye slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?”
92. There came to you Moses with clear (Signs); yet ye worshipped the calf (even) after that, and ye did behave wrongfully.
93. And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you them Mount (Sinai): (Saying): “Hold firmly to what We have given you, and hearken (to the Law)”: They said:” We hear, and we disobey:” And their hearts were filled (with the love) of the calf because of their Faithlessness. Say: “Vile indeed are the behests of your Faith if ye have any faith!”
94. Say: “If the last Home, with Allah, be for you specially, and not for anyone else, then seek ye for death, if ye are sincere.”
95. But they will never seek for death, on account of the (sins) which their hands have sent on before them. And Allah is well-acquainted with the wrong-doers.
96. Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life,-even more than the idolaters: Each one of them wishes he could be given a life of a thousand years: But the grant of such life will not save him from (due) punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do.
97. Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel - for he brings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe,-
98. Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and messengers, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith.
99. We have sent down to thee Manifest Signs (ayat); and none reject them but those who are perverse.
100. Is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside?- Nay, Most of them are faithless.
101. And when there came to them a messenger from Allah, confirming what was with them, a party of the People of the Book threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did not know!
102. They followed what the Satans recited (falsely) over Solomon’s kingdom. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the Satans disbelieved, teaching men magic, and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these taught anyone (Such things) without saying: “We are only for trial; so do not blaspheme.” They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah’s permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) would have no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell their souls, if they but knew!
103. If they had kept their Faith and guarded themselves from evil, far better had been the reward from Allah, if they but knew!
104. O ye of Faith! Say not (to the Messenger) Ráìná, but say unthurna (i.e. say not words of ambiguous import, but words of respect); and hearken (to him): To those without Faith is a grievous punishment.
105. It is never the wish of those without Faith among the People of the Book, nor of the polytheists, that anything good should come down to you from your Lord. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He will - for Allah is Lord of grace abounding.
106. None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?
107. Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper.
108. Would ye question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? but whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hath strayed without doubt from the even way.
109. Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the truth hath become manifest unto them: But forgive and overlook, till Allah brings about his command; for Allah Hath power over all things.
110. And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah. for Allah sees Well all that ye do.
111. And they say: “None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.” Those are their (vain) desires. Say: “Produce your proof if ye are truthful.”
112. Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
113. The Jews say: “The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: “The Jews have naught (to stand) upon.” Yet they (profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.
114. And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, His name should be celebrated?-whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, an exceeding torment.
115. To Allah belong the East and the West: whithersoever ye turn, there is Allah’s face. For Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
116. They say: “(Allah) hath begotten a son” :Glory be to Him.-Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything renders worship to Him.
117. The Originator of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: “Be,” and it is.
118. Say those without knowledge: “Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?” So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts).
119. Verily, We have sent thee in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner: But of thee no question shall be asked of the companions of the Blazing Fire.
120. Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: “The Guidance of Allah,-that is the (only) Guidance.” Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither protector nor helper against Allah.
121. Those to whom We have given the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein,- the loss is their own.
122. O Children of Israel! call to mind the special favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others.
123. Then guard yourselves against a Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
124. And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: “I will make thee an Imam to the Nations.” He pleaded: “And also (Imams) from my offspring!” He answered: “But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers.”
125. Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Ismail, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).
126. And remember Abraham said: “My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He said: “(Yea), and such as reject Faith,-for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire,- an evil destination (indeed)!”
127. And remember Abraham and Ismail raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”
128. “Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (Will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Relenting, Most Merciful.
129. “Our Lord! send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them: For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
130. And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: And he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous.
131. Behold! his Lord said to him: “Submit (thy will to Me):” He said: “I submit (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe.”
132. And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; “Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the state of submission.”
133. Were ye witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons: “What will ye worship after me?” They said: “We shall worship Thy God and the God of thy fathers, of Abraham, Ismail and Isaac,- the One (True) God. To Him do we submit (in Islám).”
134. That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Ye shall not be asked about what they did.
135. They say: “Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (to salvation).” Say thou: “Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with Allah.”
136. Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we submit to Allah (in Islám).”
137. So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice thee as against them, and He is the All- Hearing, the All-Knowing.
138. (Our religion) takes its hue from Allah. And who can give a better hue than Allah. And it is He Whom we worship.
139. Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that we are sincere (in our faith) in Him?
140. Or do ye say that Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah. Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah. But Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!
141. That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your case:
142. The fools among the people will say: “What hath turned them from the Qibla to which they were used?” Say: To Allah belong both East and West: He guideth whom He will to a way that is straight.
143. Thus, have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (from the Faith). Indeed it was (a change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah Make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.
144. We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now Shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The People of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.
145. Even if thou wert to bring to the People of the Book all the Signs (together), they would not follow thy Qibla; nor art thou going to follow their Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other’s Qibla. If thou after the knowledge hath reached thee, Wert to follow their (vain) desires,- then wert thou Indeed (clearly) in the wrong.
146. The People of the Book know this as they know their own sons; but some of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.
147. The Truth is from thy Lord; so be not at all in doubt.
148. To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) towards all that is good. Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you together. For Allah Hath power over all things.
149. From whencesoever thou startest forth, turn thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from thy Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
150. So from whencesoever thou startest forth, turn thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; and wheresoever ye are, turn your face thither: that there be no ground of dispute against you among the people. Except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not, but fear Me; and that I may complete My favors on you, and ye May (consent to) be guided;
151. A similar (favor have ye already received) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom, and in new knowledge.
152. Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.
153. O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.
154. And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah. “They are dead.” Nay, they are living, though ye perceive (it) not.
155. Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,-
156. Who say, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”:-
157. They are those on whom (descend) blessings from their Lord, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.
158. Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good,- be sure that Allah is He Who recogniseth and knoweth.
159. Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear for the People in the Book,-on them shall be Allah’s curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse,-
160. Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare (the Truth): to them I turn; for I am Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
161. Those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- on them is Allah’s curse, and the curse of angels, and of all mankind;
162. They will abide therein: Their penalty will not be lightened, nor will respite be their (lot).
163. And your God is One God. There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
164. Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah Sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;- (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise.
165. Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah, as equal (with Allah): They love them as they should love Allah. But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. If only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would see the penalty: that to Allah belongs all power, and Allah will strongly enforce the punishment.
166. Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow (them) : They would see the Chastisement, and all relations between them would be cut off.
167. And those who followed would say: “If only we had one more chance, we would clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us.” Thus will Allah show them (the fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets. Nor will there be a way for them out of the Fire.
168. O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of the Satan, for he is to you an avowed enemy.
169. For he commands you what is evil and shameful, and that ye should say of Allah that of which ye have no knowledge.
170. When it is said to them: “Follow what Allah hath revealed:” They say: “Nay! we shall follow the ways of our fathers.” What! even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance?
171. The parable of those who reject Faith is as if one were to shout like a goat- herd, to things that listen to nothing but calls and cries: Deaf, dumb, and blind, they are void of wisdom.
172. O ye who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him ye worship.
173. He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.
174. Those who conceal Allah’s revelations in the Book, and purchase for them a miserable profit,- they swallow into themselves naught but Fire; Allah will not address them on the Day of Resurrection, nor purify them: Grievous will be their penalty.
175. They are the ones who buy Error in place of Guidance and Torment in place of Forgiveness. Ah! what boldness (they show) for the Fire!
176. (Their doom is) because Allah sent down the Book in truth but those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism Far (from the purpose).
177. It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah 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 give Zakat (regular charity); to fulfill 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.
178. O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave chastisement.
179. In the Law of Equality there is (saving of) Life to you, O ye men of understanding; that ye may restrain yourselves.
180. It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if he leave any goods that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable usage; this is due from the God- fearing.
181. If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt shall be on those who make the change. For Allah hears and knows (All things).
182. But if anyone fears partiality or wrong-doing on the part of the testator, and brings about a settlement amongst (the parties concerned), there is no wrong in him: For Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.
183. O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-
184. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.
185. Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qurán, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
186. When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I respond to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.
187. Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint.
188. And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) people’s property.
189. They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage. It is no virtue if ye enter your houses from the back: It is virtue if ye fear Allah. Enter houses through the proper doors: And fear Allah. That ye may prosper.
190. Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.
191. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for persecution and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.
192. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
193. And fight them on until there is no more persecution or oppression, and the religion becomes Allah’s. But if they cease. Let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.
194. The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
195. And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.
196. And complete the Hajj or Umrah in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (from completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (necessitating shaving), (he should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the Umrah on to the Hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is strict in punishment.
197. For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, O ye that are wise.
198. It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage). Then when ye pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, even though, before this, ye went astray.
199. Then return from the place whence it is usual for the multitude so to do, and ask for Allah’s forgiveness. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
200. So when ye have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of Allah, as ye used to celebrate the praises of your fathers,- yea, with far more heart and soul. There are men who say: “Our Lord! Give us (Thy bounties) in this world!” but they will have no portion in the Hereafter.
201. And there are men who say: “Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire!”
202. To these will be allotted what they have earned; and Allah is quick in account.
203. Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days. But if any one hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if any one stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah, and know that ye will surely be gathered unto Him.
204. There is the type of man whose speech about this world’s life may dazzle thee, and (on the sight of the people) he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies.
205. When he turns his back, His aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and progeny. But Allah loveth not mischief.
206. When it is said to him, “Fear Allah.”, He is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell;-An evil bed indeed (to lie on)!
207. And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is full of kindness to (His) devotees.
208. O ye who believe! Enter into Islám whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of Satan; for he is to you an avowed enemy.
209. If ye backslide after the clear (Signs) have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
210. Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is (thus) settled? but to Allah do all questions go back (for decision).
211. Ask the Children of Israel how many clear (Signs) We have sent them. But if any one, after Allah’s favor has come to him, substitutes (something else), Allah is strict in punishment.
212. The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for Allah bestows His abundance without measure on whom He will.
213. Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guided whom He will to a path that is straight.
214. Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of Bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? they encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: “When (will come) the help of Allah.” Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!
215. They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever wealth ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -Allah knoweth it well.
216. Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not.
217. They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say: “Fighting therein is a grave (offense); but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members.” Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the Hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire and will abide therein.
218. Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of Allah,- they have the hope of the Mercy of Allah. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
219. They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: “In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.” They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: “What is beyond your needs.” Thus doth Allah make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider-
220. (Their bearings) on this life and the Hereafter. They ask thee concerning orphans. Say: “The best thing to do is what is for their good; if ye mix their affairs with yours, they are your brethren; but Allah knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise.”
221. Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of Bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise.
222. They ask thee concerning women’s courses. Say: They are a hurt and a pollution: So keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, ye may approach them as ordained for you by Allah. For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly; and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.
223. Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe.
224. And make not Allah’s (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons; for Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth all things.
225. Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
226. For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained; if then they return, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
227. But if their intention is firm for divorce, Allah heareth and knoweth all things.
228. Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah Hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
229. A divorce is only permissible twice: after that, the parties should either hold together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you, (men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. If ye (judges) do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah. so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong (themselves as well as others).
230. So if a husband divorces his wife (irrevocably), he cannot, after that, re- marry her until after she has married another husband and he has divorced her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they re-unite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah. Such are the limits ordained by Allah, which He makes plain to those who understand.
231. When ye divorce women, and they (are about to) fulfill the term of their (ÃŒddah), either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them, (or) to take undue advantage; if any one does that; he wrongs his own soul. Do not treat Allah’s Signs as a jest, but solemnly rehearse Allah’s favors on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and Wisdom, for your instruction. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is well acquainted with all things.
232. When ye divorce women, and they fulfill the term of their (ÃŒddah), do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is (the course making for) most virtue and purity amongst you. And Allah knows, and ye know not.
233. The mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years, for him (the father) who desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child. Nor father on account of his child, an heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If ye decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided ye pay (the foster mother) what ye offered, on equitable terms. But fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what ye do.
234. If any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten days: When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.
235. There is no blame on you if ye make an indirect offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts. Allah knows that ye cherish them in your hearts: But do not make a secret contract with them except in terms honorable, nor resolve on the tie of marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that Allah Knoweth what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him; and know that Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
236. There is no blame on you if ye divorce women before consummation or the fixation of their dower; but bestow on them (A suitable gift), the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means;- a gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do the right thing.
237. And if ye divorce them before consummation, but after the fixation of a dower for them, then the half of the dower (is due to them), unless they remit it or (the man’s half) is remitted by him in whose hands is the marriage tie; and the remission (of the man’s half) is the nearest to righteousness. And do not forget liberality between yourselves. For Allah sees well all that ye do.
238. Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind).
239. If ye fear (an enemy), pray on foot, or riding, (as may be most convenient), but when ye are in security, celebrate Allah’s praises in the manner He has taught you, which ye knew not (before).
240. Those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows a year’s maintenance and residence; but if they leave (the residence), there is no blame on you for what they do with themselves, provided it is reasonable. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
241. For divorced women maintenance (should be provided) on a reasonable (scale). This is a duty on the righteous.
242. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to you in order that ye may understand.
243. Didst thou not turn by vision to those who abandoned their homes, though they were thousands (in number), for fear of death? Allah said to them: “Die”: Then He restored them to life. For Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but Most of them are ungrateful.
244. Then fight in the Cause of Allah, and know that Allah Heareth and Knoweth all things.
245. Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply many times? It is Allah that giveth (you) want or plenty, and to Him shall be your return.
246. Has thou not turned thy vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? they said to a prophet (that was) among them: “Appoint for us a king, that we may fight in the cause of Allah.” He said: “Is it not possible, if ye were commanded to fight, that ye will not fight?” They said: “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?” but when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah Has full knowledge of those who do wrong.
247. Their Prophet said to them: “Allah hath appointed Talut as king over you.” They said: “How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted, with wealth in abundance?” He said: “Allah hath chosen him above you, and hath gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: Allah Granteth His authority to whom He pleaseth. Allah is All-Embracing, and He knoweth all things.”
248. And (further) their Prophet said to them: “A sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of the Covenant, with (an assurance) therein of security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels. In this is a symbol for you if ye indeed have faith.”
249. When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: “Allah will test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, he goes not with my army: Only those who taste not of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused.” But they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river,- he and the faithful ones with him,- they said: “This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they must meet Allah, said: “How oft, by Allah’s will, hath a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.”
250. When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed: “Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: Help us against those that reject