Sūrah Āl ʿImrān

āyāt 1–3

This passage opens with Arabic letters whose meaning is known only to Allāh. It then states that Allāh is the only deity, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining. He has revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet ﷺ with truth, confirming the earlier scriptures that came before it, including the Torah and the Gospel.

āyāt 4–6

Allāh sent down the Criterion, the Qur'ān, as a guide for humanity, and those who reject His revelations will face a severe punishment, for Allāh is All-Mighty and the Lord of Retribution. Nothing in the heavens or on earth is hidden from Allāh. He is the One who shapes you in the womb as He wills, and there is no god but Him, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

āyāt 8–10

This section begins with a prayer from those who are firm in faith. They ask their Lord not to let their hearts stray after He has guided them, and to grant them mercy, for He is the Giver of all good things. They also pray, affirming that their Lord will surely gather all people on a Day about which there is no doubt, and that God never fails in His promise. Then, the text states that for those who deny the truth, neither their wealth nor their children will be of any benefit to them against God, and it is they who will be fuel for the Fire.

āyāt 11–13

These verses explain that the disbelievers' fate will be like that of Pharaoh's people and those before them who rejected Allāh's signs; Allāh seized them for their sins, and Allāh is severe in punishment. The Prophet ﷺ is told to inform the disbelievers that they will be overcome and gathered into Hell, which is a miserable resting place. There was a clear sign in the two armies that met in battle: one fought for Allāh's cause, while the other comprised disbelievers. The disbelievers saw the believers as twice their own number, but Allāh grants victory to whomever He wills, and this indeed contains a lesson for those who can see.

āyāt 14–16

This passage describes how people are naturally attracted to the love of various worldly desires, such as women, children, large amounts of gold and silver, fine horses, cattle, and cultivated lands. It then clarifies that these are merely the provisions of this worldly life, but Allāh has a far better destination. The text then instructs to ask if there is anything better than these worldly attractions. For those who are mindful of Allāh, there are gardens with their Lord, beneath which rivers flow, where they will live forever. They will have purified spouses and Allāh's approval, for Allāh is fully aware of His servants. These are the ones who declare, "Our Lord, we have indeed believed, so forgive our sins and safeguard us from the torment of the Fire."

āyāt 17–19

These verses describe the qualities of righteous people: they are patient, truthful, obedient, generous, and seek God's forgiveness in the early morning hours. God Himself testifies, and so do the angels and those with knowledge, that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, and He upholds all creation with justice. Indeed, God is Almighty and Wise, and the only true religion in His sight is Islām. The people who received earlier scriptures only disagreed among themselves, out of envy, after they had already received clear knowledge. For anyone who denies God's verses, God is swift to hold them accountable.

āyāt 20–22

The Prophet ﷺ is instructed that if people argue with him, he should declare his submission to God, and that his followers do so too. He should also ask the People of the Scripture and the unlearned if they have submitted; if they do, they are guided, but if they turn away, his duty is only to convey the message, for God sees all His servants. As for those who reject God's signs, kill prophets عليه السلام unjustly, and kill those who advocate for justice, they are warned of a painful punishment. Their deeds will be fruitless in this world and the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.

āyāt 23–25

This passage asks if you have observed those who received a portion of the Scripture, yet when invited to Allāh's Scripture to settle their disputes, a group among them turns away in refusal. This rejection stems from their belief that the Fire will only touch them for a few limited days, a deception caused by their own inventions in their religion. So, what will their situation be when Allāh gathers them on a Day that is certain to come, when every soul will be fully paid for what it earned, and no one will suffer injustice?

āyāt 26–28

This passage begins by addressing Allāh as the Owner of all dominion, who grants power to whomever He wishes and removes it from whomever He wishes, honoring some and humbling others. All good is in His hand, and He is capable of all things. Allāh is also the One who makes the night merge into the day and the day into the night; He brings life from death and death from life, and provides sustenance to whomever He wills without measure. Believers are then warned not to take disbelievers as allies instead of other believers; anyone who does so has no connection with Allāh, unless it is done out of cautious self-preservation. Allāh warns you of Himself, and to Him is the ultimate return.

āyāt 29–31

This passage explains that Allāh knows everything, whether it is hidden in your hearts or openly declared, and He knows all that is in the heavens and on the earth, for He has power over everything. It describes the Day when each person will see their good deeds and their evil deeds laid out, wishing there was a vast distance between themselves and their evil, and Allāh warns you about His own power, yet He is kind to His servants. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is instructed to tell people that if they love Allāh, they should follow him, and in return, Allāh will love them and forgive their sins, for Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

āyāt 32

This āyah instructs the Prophet ﷺ to tell people to obey Allāh and the Messenger ﷺ. It then clarifies that if anyone turns away from this obedience, Allāh does not love those who disbelieve.

āyāt 33–34

Allāh chose certain individuals and families above all others in the world: Adam عليه السلام, Nūḥ عليه السلام, the family of Ibrāhīm عليه السلام, and the family of ʿImrān. These individuals and families are all interconnected as descendants of one another, and Allāh is All-Hearing and All-Knowing.

āyāt 36–38

When she gave birth, she said to her Lord that she had delivered a female child, and God knew best what she had delivered, and that a male is not like a female. She named her Maryam and sought God's protection for her and her offspring from Satan, the outcast. So, her Lord accepted Maryam with good acceptance, raised her well, and placed her in the care of Prophet Zakariyyā عليه السلام. Whenever Prophet Zakariyyā عليه السلام visited her in her prayer chamber, he found sustenance with her and asked where it came from. Maryam replied that it was from God, who provides for whomever He wills without measure. At this, Prophet Zakariyyā عليه السلام prayed to his Lord, asking for good offspring, for God is indeed the Hearer of prayers.

āyāt 39–41

While Zachariah عليه السلام was praying in his chamber, the angels called out to him with good news: Allāh was giving him a son named John, who would confirm a word from Allāh, be honorable, abstain from women, and be a prophet among the righteous. Zachariah عليه السلام asked how he could have a son when he was old and his wife was barren, to which the angel replied that Allāh does as He wills. Zachariah عليه السلام then asked for a sign, and was told that his sign would be that he would not be able to speak to people for three days except through gestures, and that he should remember and glorify his Lord often, morning and evening.

āyāt 43–45

This passage begins with an instruction to Maryam عليه السلام to be devoted to her Lord, to prostrate, and to bow in prayer with others who pray. It then reveals that these events are news from the unseen that Allah is disclosing to the Prophet ﷺ, clarifying that the Prophet ﷺ was not present when people cast lots to decide who would care for Maryam, nor during their disputes. The passage continues by recounting when the angels brought good news to Maryam عليه السلام of a 'word from Allah', whose name would be the Messiah, ʿĪsā, the son of Maryam, who would be distinguished in this world and the Hereafter, and among those close to Allah.

āyāt 46–48

The divine message reveals that ʿĪsā عليه السلام will speak to people from his cradle and continue to do so in his maturity, and he will be among the righteous. Upon hearing this, Maryam asked how she could have a child when no man had ever touched her. The reply came that this is how Allāh acts; He creates whatever He wills, and when He decides something, He merely says to it, 'Be,' and it comes into existence. Furthermore, Allāh will teach ʿĪsā عليه السلام writing, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel.

āyāt 49–51

The Prophet ʿĪsā عليه السلام declared himself a messenger to the Children of Israel, stating that he came with signs from his Lord. These signs included shaping clay into a bird-like form, breathing into it, and it becoming a bird by Allāh's permission. He also cured the blind and lepers, brought the dead back to life by Allāh's permission, and revealed what people ate and stored in their houses, all as signs for those who believe. He confirmed the Torah before him and made some previously forbidden things lawful, urging them to fear Allāh and obey him. The Prophet ʿĪsā عليه السلام then affirmed that Allāh is his Lord and their Lord, instructing them to worship Him, as that is the straight path.

āyāt 52–54

When ʿĪsā عليه السلام sensed persistent disbelief from some people, he asked who would support him in Allāh's cause. His disciples responded that they would be Allāh's supporters, affirming their belief in Allāh and declaring themselves to be Muslims who submit to Him. They prayed to Allāh, confirming their belief in what He revealed and their following of the messenger, asking to be counted among the witnesses to truth. The disbelievers then devised a plan, but Allāh also planned, and Allāh is the best of planners.

āyāt 55–57

Allāh states that He said to Prophet ʿĪsā عليه السلام that He would take him, raise him to Himself, and purify him from those who disbelieved, making his followers superior to disbelievers until the Day of Resurrection. All would then return to Allāh, and He would judge between them concerning their differences. Allāh would inflict a severe punishment upon those who disbelieved in this world and the Hereafter, and they would have no helpers. However, those who believed and did good deeds would receive their full rewards, for Allāh does not love the wrongdoers.

āyāt 58–60

This is a recitation of God's signs and a wise message. God tells us that the creation of Jesus عليه السلام is like that of Adam عليه السلام, whom He created from dust and simply commanded, "Be!" and he was. This is the truth from your Lord, so do not doubt it.

āyāt 61–63

This stretch of āyāt instructs the Prophet ﷺ that if anyone continues to argue with him about the truth after he has received clear knowledge, he should challenge them to gather their sons, their women, and themselves, and he will do the same, so they can earnestly supplicate and invoke Allāh's curse upon those who are lying among them. It then confirms that what has been revealed is indeed the true narration, and that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh, Who is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. Finally, it states that if people turn away from this truth, then Allāh is fully aware of those who cause corruption.

āyāt 59–61

This passage explains that the creation of Jesus عليه السلام is like the creation of Adam عليه السلام; Allāh created Adam عليه السلام from dust, then simply commanded him to "Be," and he came into existence. It then states that the truth comes from your Lord, so you should not be among those who doubt. Therefore, if anyone continues to argue with you about this matter after receiving this knowledge, you are to invite them to gather with their sons, your sons, their women, your women, and yourselves, to pray sincerely and call for Allāh's curse upon those who are lying.

āyāt 62–64

This is the true account of what you have been hearing, and there is no god but Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty and All-Wise. If people turn away from this truth, then Allah certainly knows those who spread corruption. The Prophet ﷺ is instructed to call the People of the Scripture to an agreement that is fair between everyone: that we will worship none but Allah, associate nothing with Him, and not take one another as lords instead of Allah. If they still turn away, then Muslims should declare that they submit to Allah.

āyāt 65–67

This passage asks the People of the Scripture why they argue about Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام, when the Torah and the Gospel were revealed long after his time. It points out that they debate things they have some knowledge of, but also things they have no knowledge of, while Allāh knows everything and they do not. It then clarifies that Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but rather he was a man of pure faith, a Muslim who submitted to Allāh, and he was not among those who associated partners with Allāh.

āyāt 68–70

The most deserving people to follow Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام are those who submitted to God as he did, along with this Prophet ﷺ and all who believe in his message; God is indeed the Protector of the believers. Some among the People of the Scripture desire to lead you astray, but they only lead themselves astray without realizing it. God asks the People of the Scripture why they reject God's signs, even though they bear witness to their truth.

āyāt 71–73

This passage asks the People of the Scripture why they deliberately mix truth with falsehood and hide what they know to be true. It then describes a plan by some among the People of the Scripture to outwardly accept what was revealed to the believers in the morning, only to reject it by evening, hoping this might cause the believers to abandon their faith. They also advise each other not to trust anyone outside their own religion. The passage responds by stating that the true guidance is from Allāh. It challenges them, asking if they fear that others might receive knowledge similar to what they have, or that others might use that knowledge to argue against them before their Lord. It concludes by affirming that all bounty is in Allāh's hand; He grants it to whomever He wills, and Allāh is all-Encompassing and Wise.

āyāt 74–76

Allāh chooses to bestow His mercy upon whomever He wishes, for He is the Lord of immense generosity. Among the People of the Scripture, some are trustworthy and will return a large amount of wealth entrusted to them, while others are dishonest and will not return even a small coin unless constantly pressured. They justify this by claiming there is no sin in cheating those who are not like them, thus knowingly uttering a falsehood about Allāh. However, whoever keeps their promises and remains mindful of Allāh will find that Allāh loves those who are mindful of Him.

āyāt 77–79

This passage speaks about those who trade away their commitment to Allāh and their promises for something of little value; they will have no share in the Hereafter. Allāh will not speak to them, look at them, or purify them on the Day of Resurrection, and a painful punishment awaits them. It also highlights that some people twist the Scripture with their tongues to make it seem like it's from the Scripture when it isn't, claiming it's from Allāh when it's not, knowingly speaking lies about Allāh. Furthermore, it is not fitting for any human prophet, after Allāh has given him the Scripture, authority, and prophethood, to then tell people to worship him instead of Allāh; rather, such a prophet would instruct them to be devoted to Allāh based on their knowledge and study of the Scripture.

āyāt 80

The divine message clarifies that no prophet, including the Prophet ﷺ, would ever command people to take angels or other prophets عليه السلام as their lords. It asks rhetorically how a prophet could order anyone to disbelieve after they have already submitted to God.

āyāt 81–83

Allāh reminds us of the covenant He took from all the prophets عليه السلام, that whenever He gave them scripture and wisdom, and then a messenger came confirming what they had, they were to believe in him and support him. Allāh asked them if they acknowledged this and took on His commitment, and they replied that they did. He then told them to bear witness, and He Himself would be among the witnesses. Allāh states that whoever turns away after this is indeed defiantly disobedient, and then asks if they desire a religion other than Allāh's, even though everyone in the heavens and on earth has submitted to Him, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him they will all return.

āyāt 84–86

This passage instructs us to declare our belief in God, in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham عليه السلام, Ishmael عليه السلام, Isaac عليه السلام, Jacob عليه السلام, and their descendants. It also includes belief in what was given to Moses عليه السلام and Jesus عليه السلام, and to all the prophets from their Lord, emphasizing that we make no distinction between any of them and are Muslims, submitting to God alone. It then states that anyone who desires a religion other than Islam, submission to God, will never have it accepted, and in the Hereafter, they will be among those who have lost everything. Finally, it questions how God would guide people who disbelieved after they had believed, witnessed the truthfulness of the Messenger, and seen clear signs, clarifying that God does not guide the wrongdoing people.

āyāt 87–89

The āyāt tell us that certain people will face the curse of Allāh, the angels, and all people, collectively. This curse means they will remain in punishment forever, with no relief or reprieve. However, those who genuinely repent after this and mend their ways will find Allāh to be Forgiving and Merciful.

āyāt 90–92

This passage speaks about people who first believe, then reject faith, and even grow in their disbelief; their repentance will not be accepted because they have gone astray. It also warns that those who disbelieve and die in that state cannot ransom themselves from punishment, even with the entire earth filled with gold, and they will have no one to help them. Finally, it teaches that you will not reach true goodness until you spend in God's way from the things you love, and God is fully aware of whatever you spend.

āyāt 93–95

These āyāt explain that all food was permissible for the Children of Israel, except for what Yaʿqūb عليه السلام himself chose to forbid before the Torah was sent down. The Prophet ﷺ is then commanded to challenge those who disagree to bring the Torah and recite it, if they are truthful. It further states that anyone who invents lies about Allāh after this is truly unjust, and then instructs us to affirm that Allāh speaks the truth, and to follow the pure religion of Ibrāhīm عليه السلام, who was not among those who associated partners with Allāh.

āyāt 96–98

The very first House of worship built for all humanity was in Bakkah (Makkah), a blessed place and a source of guidance for everyone. This House contains clear signs, such as the standing place of Abraham عليه السلام, and whoever enters its sacred precinct will be safe. It is a duty to Allāh for people to make a pilgrimage to this House if they are able to find a way to it, but whoever denies this, then Allāh is truly in no need of anyone in all the worlds. The Prophet ﷺ is told to ask the People of the Scripture why they reject Allāh's revelations, even though Allāh witnesses everything they do.

āyāt 99–101

This passage asks the People of the Scripture why they try to turn believers away from Allah’s path and distort it, even though they know the truth. It then warns believers that if they listen to some of the People of the Scripture, they risk losing their faith and becoming disbelievers again. Finally, it reminds the believers that they have Allah’s āyāt recited to them and His Messenger ﷺ among them, so how could they disbelieve? Whoever holds firmly to Allah is guided to a straight path.

āyāt 102

Believers are commanded to fear God as He ought to be feared and to ensure they remain in submission to Him until their death.

āyāt 102

This āyah calls upon those who believe to fear Allah as He truly deserves to be feared. It then instructs them to ensure that they do not die except in a state of complete submission to Him.

āyāt 104–106

This stretch of āyāt urges a community to emerge from among you, one that calls to all good, encourages what is right, and prevents what is wrong, for these are the ones who will succeed. It warns against becoming like those who split into factions and disagreed after clear proofs had come to them, as they will face a great punishment. On the Day of Judgement, some faces will be bright and others dark; those whose faces are dark will be asked if they rejected faith after believing, and will then be told to taste the punishment for their rejection.

āyāt 107–109

However, for those whose faces will be bright on that Day, they will be within Allāh's mercy, living there forever. These are Allāh's clear messages, which He recites to you, O Prophet ﷺ, in truth, because Allāh does not desire any injustice for His creation. Everything in the heavens and on the earth belongs to Allāh, and to Him alone will all affairs ultimately return.

āyāt 111–113

This section of the sūrah begins by reassuring believers that their opponents will cause them no significant harm, only minor annoyance, and if they engage in battle, they will flee and receive no help. It then describes how these opponents are destined for humiliation wherever they are found, unless they cling to a covenant from Allāh or a treaty with people. They have incurred Allāh's anger and have been afflicted with destitution, all because they rejected Allāh's revelations, killed the prophets عليه السلام unjustly, and persistently disobeyed and transgressed. However, the āyāt clarify that not all of the People of the Scripture are alike; among them is a upright community that recites Allāh's verses in the night and prostrates in prayer.

āyāt 114–116

These verses describe people who believe in God and the Last Day, who encourage what is good and discourage what is wrong, and who strive to do good deeds. Such people are counted among the righteous. Whatever good they do will never be disregarded by God, for God knows the righteous well. In contrast, those who disbelieve will find that their wealth and children will be of no benefit to them against God; they are destined for the Fire, where they will remain forever.

āyāt 117–119

The good deeds of those who wrong themselves in this life are like a harvest struck and destroyed by a frosty wind; God does not wrong them, but they wrong themselves. Believers are warned not to befriend non-believers, as they wish you harm and their hatred is evident in their words and even more so in their hearts. These people do not love you, even though you believe in all of God's scripture. They outwardly claim belief when they meet you, but privately, their anger against you is so intense they bite their fingertips in rage. Tell them to die in their rage, for God knows what is hidden in their hearts.

āyāt 120

If good things happen to you, it causes distress to those who harbor ill will against you. Conversely, if something bad befalls you, they are pleased by it. However, if you are patient and remain mindful of Allah, their schemes will not be able to harm you in any way, for Allah fully encompasses all that they do.

āyāt 121–123

This passage recalls when the Prophet ﷺ left his family early in the morning to position the believers for battle, knowing that Allāh hears and knows all. It mentions a moment when two groups among them almost lost heart, but Allāh was their Protector, and upon Allāh alone should the believers depend. It then reminds them that Allāh had already given them victory at Badr, even when they were few in number, urging them to fear Allāh so that they might be grateful.

āyāt 124–126

This passage recalls a time when the Prophet ﷺ asked the believers if it was not enough for them that their Lord would support them with three thousand angels sent down. He ﷺ then added that if they remained patient and mindful of Allāh, and the enemy attacked them fiercely, their Lord would reinforce them with five thousand angels bearing distinguishing marks. Allāh decreed this as good news for them and to reassure their hearts, because true victory comes only from Allāh, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

āyāt 127–129

The purpose of these events was for God to diminish a part of those who disbelieve or to make them retreat in utter disappointment. The decision of whether to diminish them, or to forgive them, or to punish them belongs solely to God, for indeed they are wrongdoers. To God belongs everything in the heavens and on the earth, and He forgives whomever He wills and punishes whomever He wills, for God is Forgiving and Merciful.

āyāt 130–132

This passage calls upon those who believe to avoid consuming usury, which is money that is excessively doubled and multiplied, and instead to be mindful of God so they may achieve success. It further warns believers to fear the Fire, which has been prepared for those who disbelieve. Finally, it instructs them to obey God and the Messenger ﷺ so that they may receive mercy.

āyāt 133–135

These verses urge believers to hasten towards their Lord’s forgiveness and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, which has been prepared for the righteous. These are people who spend in God’s cause in times of ease and hardship, who control their anger, and who pardon others, for God loves those who do good. They are also those who, when they commit a sin or wrong themselves, remember God and seek His forgiveness for their misdeeds—and indeed, no one can forgive sins except God. And crucially, they do not knowingly persist in their wrong actions.

āyāt 136–138

Those who are righteous will receive forgiveness from their Lord and gardens in Paradise with flowing rivers, where they will live forever; this is a wonderful reward for those who do good deeds. You should know that similar events and trials have happened to nations before you, so travel the earth and see what happened to those who rejected the truth. This Qur'ān is a clear message for all people, and it is a guide and lesson for those who are mindful of Allah.

āyāt 140–142

If you have suffered a wound, remember that your opponents have suffered a similar wound. God alternates these days of differing conditions among people so that He may make clear who truly believes, and to select martyrs from among you, for God does not love those who do wrong. He does this to purify the believers through trials and to destroy those who reject the truth. Do you imagine that you will enter Paradise without God first making evident those among you who strive in His cause and show steadfastness?

āyāt 143–145

Before the battle, you wished for death in the cause of God, and then you saw it right before your eyes. Remember that Muḥammad ﷺ is only a messenger, and many messengers before him have passed away. So if he were to die or be killed, would you abandon your faith? Anyone who abandons their faith will not harm God in any way; God will certainly reward those who are grateful. No one can die except by God's permission, at a time He has already decreed. Whoever seeks the rewards of this world will receive some of it, and whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter will also receive some of it. God will reward those who are grateful.

āyāt 146–148

Many prophets have fought in battle, accompanied by numerous devout followers who never lost heart, weakened, or submitted to difficulties they faced in God's cause, because God loves those who persevere. Their prayer was for God to forgive their sins and excesses, to strengthen their resolve, and to grant them victory over disbelievers. In response, God rewarded them in this world and with an excellent reward in the Hereafter, for God loves those who do good.

āyāt 149–151

This stretch of āyāt begins by warning believers that if they obey those who disbelieve, they will be turned away from their faith and will become losers. It then reassures them that Allāh is their protector and the best helper. Finally, it states that Allāh will instill terror in the hearts of those who disbelieve because they have associated partners with Him without any divine authority, and their ultimate dwelling will be the Fire, which is a wretched abode for wrongdoers.

āyāt 153–155

The āyāt recall a time when you fled up the mountain without looking back, even as the Messenger ﷺ called out to you from behind. Allāh, therefore, gave you distress upon distress, so you would not grieve over what you lost or what befell you, for He is fully aware of all you do. Then, after this distress, He sent security in the form of drowsiness over some of you, while others worried only about themselves, harboring ignorant thoughts about Allāh and questioning if they had any say in the matter. Allāh states that the whole matter belongs entirely to Him, and even if those destined to die had stayed in their homes, they still would have gone to their deathbeds, all so Allāh could test what is in your chests and purify your hearts, and Allāh knows what is within the chests. Those who turned back when the two armies met did so because Satan made them slip due to some of their past actions, but Allāh has already forgiven them, for He is Forgiving and Forbearing.

āyāt 155–157

This stretch of āyāt begins by explaining that those who retreated on the day the two armies met did so because Satan caused them to falter due to some of their past actions, but Allah has already forgiven them, for He is Forgiving and Forbearing. It then warns the believers not to be like those who disbelieved and, when their brothers traveled or went out to fight, claimed that if they had stayed, they would not have died or been killed. Allah causes such thoughts to become a source of regret in their hearts, for it is Allah who gives life and causes death, and He sees all that you do. Finally, it states that if you are killed or die in the cause of Allah, then forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than anything people accumulate in this world.

āyāt 158

Whether you pass away naturally or are slain, everyone will ultimately be gathered back to Allāh. This means that all people, regardless of how they meet their end, will return to Him.

āyāt 160–162

This passage begins by assuring believers that if God helps them, no one can ever defeat them, but if He abandons them, no one else can come to their aid; therefore, believers should place their trust in God alone. It then states that no prophet would ever deceive or cheat, and whoever does so will bring their ill-gotten gains with them on the Day of Resurrection, when every soul will be fully compensated for their deeds without any injustice. Finally, it asks if someone who seeks God's pleasure is like someone who incurs God's wrath and whose ultimate dwelling is Hell, which is a terrible destination.

āyāt 163–165

Allāh sees everything people do, and He has different ranks for them. He truly blessed the believers by sending them a Messenger from among themselves, who recites His āyāt, purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom, even though they were clearly misguided before. So when a single misfortune struck you, after you had inflicted twice as much upon your enemies, you questioned how this could happen. Tell them it was from your own doing, for Allāh has power over all things.

āyāt 166–168

What happened to you on the day the two armies met at Uḥud was by Allah's permission, so that He could make clear who the true believers were. He also intended to expose those who are hypocrites, because when they were told, "Come, fight for Allah's cause or at least defend," they responded, "If we had known there would be a real battle, we would have followed you." On that day, they were closer to disbelief than to faith, speaking with their mouths what was not in their hearts, and Allah knows best what they hide. These are the ones who, while sitting at home, spoke about their brothers, saying, "If only they had obeyed us, they would not have been killed." Tell them, "Then ward off death from yourselves, if you are truthful."

āyāt 170–172

Those who have been martyred are rejoicing in Allāh's bounty, and they receive glad tidings for those who will follow them, knowing that no fear or grief will touch them. They are happy with the favor and bounty from Allāh, because Allāh never lets the reward of the believers be lost. This refers to the believers who answered Allāh and the Messenger ﷺ even after suffering injuries; for those among them who did good and were mindful of Allāh, there is a great reward.

āyāt 173–175

Some people came to them saying that others had gathered against them and they should be afraid. But this only made them stronger in faith, and they declared that Allah is sufficient for them and the best to entrust all affairs to. As a result, they returned with Allah's favor and bounty, untouched by any harm, because they sought Allah's pleasure, and Allah is the source of immense favor. This fear is only Shayṭān trying to scare you with his allies; therefore, do not fear them, but fear Allah alone, if you are truly believers.

āyāt 176–178

The Prophet ﷺ is told not to be saddened by those who quickly fall into disbelief, because they can never harm Allah. Instead, Allah intends for them to have no share in the Hereafter, and a severe punishment awaits them. Those who exchange faith for disbelief will also never harm Allah, and they will receive a painful punishment. Disbelievers should not think that the extended time they are given on Earth is good for them; rather, it is only to allow them to accumulate more sin, and a humiliating punishment awaits them.

āyāt 179–181

Allāh would not leave the believers in a state of confusion; instead, He will distinguish the good from the evil. Allāh does not reveal the unseen to everyone, but He chooses from His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allāh and His messengers, and if you believe and fear Him, you will receive a great reward. Do not think that withholding what Allāh has given you from His bounty is good for you; rather, it is worse, and what you withheld will encircle your necks on the Day of Resurrection, for to Allāh belongs everything in the heavens and the earth, and He is fully aware of all you do. Allāh has indeed heard the statement of those who said that Allāh is poor and they are rich; He will record their words and their wrongful killing of the prophets, and then they will be told to taste the punishment of the Blazing Fire.

āyāt 182–184

This is a consequence of what people have sent forth with their own hands, and Allāh is never unjust to His servants. These are the ones who claimed that Allāh had made them promise not to believe any messenger unless he brought them a sacrifice consumed by fire from heaven. The Prophet ﷺ is told to ask them why they killed earlier messengers who came before him with clear signs and even what they asked for, if they were truthful. If they deny the Prophet ﷺ, then messengers before him were also denied, even though they came with clear proofs, written scriptures, and enlightening books.

āyāt 185–187

Every soul will experience death, and you will receive your full reward on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever is kept away from the Fire and entered into Paradise has truly succeeded, for the life of this world is merely a fleeting enjoyment that deceives. You will certainly face trials concerning your wealth and yourselves, and you will hear many hurtful words from those who received earlier scriptures and from idolaters. However, if you are patient and mindful of Allāh, this is indeed a sign of strong resolve. Allāh once took a solemn promise from those given the Scripture to make its message clear to people and not to hide it. But they disregarded this covenant and traded it for a small worldly gain, and how terrible was that exchange.

āyāt 188–189

These verses warn against assuming that people who delight in their wrongdoings and wish to be commended for things they haven't done will escape punishment; a painful punishment awaits them. It then reminds us that God owns everything in the heavens and the earth, and He is capable of all things.

āyāt 192–194

The believers pray to their Lord, acknowledging that anyone sent to the Fire is truly disgraced, and wrongdoers will find no helpers there. They express that they heard the Prophet ﷺ calling to faith, and they responded, believing in their Lord. They ask God to forgive their sins, remove their misdeeds, and grant them death among the righteous. They also ask God to fulfill His promises made through His messengers and not to disgrace them on the Day of Resurrection, affirming that God never fails in His promise.

āyāt 195–197

Their Lord responds that He will never let the work of any worker among them, male or female, be lost, for they are all from one another. He promises that those who migrated, were driven from their homes, were harmed for His sake, fought, or were killed, will have their misdeeds removed and will enter gardens with flowing rivers as a reward from God, and God has the best reward. Do not be deceived by how freely the disbelievers move throughout the land, for this is only a brief enjoyment, and their ultimate destination will be Hell, a wretched resting place indeed.

āyāt 198–200

Those who were mindful of their Lord will be granted gardens through which rivers flow, living there forever as a generous provision from God. Indeed, what is with God is far better for those who are upright. Among the People of the Scripture, there are certainly those who believe in God, and in what was revealed to you, and what was revealed to them, all while being humble before God. They do not trade away God's signs for a small gain; these individuals will receive their reward from their Lord, for God is swift in reckoning. O you who believe, be patient, endure, stand firm, and be mindful of God, so that you may succeed.