The Koran
CHAPTER LXII.
ENTITLED, THE ASSEMBLY; REVEALED AT MEDINA.
IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.
WHATEVER is in heaven and earth praiseth God; the King, the Holy, the Mighty,
the Wise. It is he who hath raised up amidst the illiterate Arabians an
apostle from among themselves, to rehearse his signs unto them, and to
purify them, and to teach them the scriptures and wisdom; whereas before
they were certainly in a manifest error, and others of them have not yet
attained unto them, by embracing the faith, though they also shall be converted
in God’s good time; for he is mighty and wise. This is the free grace of
God: he bestoweth the same on whom he pleaseth: and God is endued with
great beneficence. The likeness of those who were charged with the observance
of the law, and then observed it not, is as the likeness of an ass laden
with books. How wretched is the likeness of the people who charge the signs
of God with falsehood! and God directeth not the unjust people. Say, O
ye who follow the Jewish religion, if ye say that ye are the friends of
God above other men, wish for death, if ye speak truth. But they will never
wish for it, because of that which their hands have sent before them; and
God well knoweth the unjust. Say, Verily death, from which we fly, will
surely meet you: then shall ye be brought before him who knoweth as well
what is concealed as what is discovered; and he will declare unto you that
which ye have done. O true believers, when ye are called to prayer on the
day of the assembly, hasten to the commemoration of God, and leave merchandising.
This will be better for you, if ye knew it. And when prayer is ended, then
disperse yourselves through the land as ye list, and seek gain of the liberality
of God: and remember God frequently, that ye may prosper. But when they
see any merchandising or sport, they flock thereto, and leave thee standing
up in thy pulpit. Say, The reward which is with God is better than any
sport or merchandise; and God is the best provider.
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