Ye are the best of peoples evolved for mankind enjoining what is right forbidding what is wrong and believing in God. If only the People of the Book had faith it were best for them; among them are some who have faith but most of them are perverted transgressors.

 

They will do you no harm barring a trifling annoyance; if they come out to fight you they will show you their backs and no help shall they get.

 

Shame is pitched over them (like a tent) wherever they are found except when under a covenant (of protection) from God and from men; they draw on themselves wrath from God and pitched over them is (the tent of) destitution. This because they rejected the signs of God and slew the prophets in defiance of right; this because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds.

 

Not all of them are alike: of the People of the book are a portion that stand (for the right); they rehearse the signs of God all night long and then prostrate themselves in adoration.

 

They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong; and they (hasten in emulation) in (all) good works; they are in the ranks of the righteous.

 

Of the good that they do nothing will be rejected of them; for God knoweth well those that do right.

 

Those who reject faith neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against God; they will be companions of the fire dwelling therein (for ever).

 

What they spend in the life of this (material) world may be likened to a wind which brings a nipping frost: it strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls; it is not God that hath wronged them but they wrong themselves.

 

O ye who believe! take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks; they will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths; what their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs if ye have wisdom.

 

Ah! ye are those who love them but they love you not though ye believe in the whole of the Book. When they meet you they say “We believe”; but when they are alone they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say: “Perish in your rage; God knoweth well all the secrets of the heart.”

 

If aught that is good befalls you it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you they rejoice at it. But if ye are constant and do right not the least harm will their cunning do to you for God compasseth round about all that they do.

 

Section 13

 

Remember that morning thou didst leave the household (early) to post the faithful at their stations for battle: and God heareth and knoweth all things.

 

Remember two of your parties meditated cowardice; but God was their Protector and in God should the faithful (ever) put their trust.

 

God had helped you at Badr when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear God; thus may ye show your gratitude.

 

Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: “Is it not enough for you that God should help you with three thousand angels (specially) sent down?

 

“Yea” if ye remain firm and act aright even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels making a terrific onslaught.

 

God made it but a message of hope for you; and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from God the Exalted the Wise.

 

That he might cut off a fringe of the unbelievers or expose them to infamy and they should then be turned back frustrated of their purpose.

 

Not for thee (but for God) is the decision: whether He turn in mercy to them or punish them; for they are indeed wrong-doers.

 

To God belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth and punisheth whom He pleaseth: but God is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.

 

Section 14

 

O ye who believe! devour not usury doubled and multiplied; but fear God; that ye may (really) prosper.

 

Fear the fire which is prepared for those who reject faith.