Some of them indeed hearken to thee, until when they go out from thee, they say with sneers to those to whom “the knowledge” hath been given, “What is this he said?” These are they whose hearts God hath sealed up, and who follow their own lusts.

But as to those who have the guidance, He will increase their guidance, and He will teach them what to fear.

For what do the infidels wait, but that the Hour come suddenly on them? Already are its signs come,⁵ and when it hath come on them indeed, how can they be warned then?

Know, then, that there is no god but God: and ask pardon for thy sin, and for believers, both men and women. God knoweth your busy movements, and your final resting-places.

The believers say, “Oh, would that a Sura were sent down!”⁶ but when a peremptory Sura is revealed, whose burden is war, thou mayest see the diseased of heart look toward thee, with a look of one on whom the shadows of death have fallen! But better in them would be obedience and becoming language.

And if, when the command for war is issued, they are true to God, it will be assuredly best for them.

Were ye not ready, if ye had turned back from Him, to spread disorder in the land, and violate the ties of blood?

These are they whom God hath cursed, and made deaf, and blinded their eyes!

Will they not then meditate on the Koran? Are locks upon their hearts?

But as to those who return to their errors after “the guidance” hath been made plain to them, Satan shall beguile them, and fill them with his suggestions.

This—because they say to those who abhor what God hath sent down, “We will comply with you in part of what ye enjoin.” But God knoweth their secret reservations.

But how? When the angels, in causing them to die, shall smite them on the face and back!

This—because they follow that which angereth God, and abhor what pleaseth Him: therefore will He make their works fruitless.

Think these men of diseased hearts, that God will not bring out their malice to light?

If such were our pleasure, we could point them out to thee, and thou surely know them by their tokens: and know them thou shalt, by the strangeness of their words.⁷ God knoweth your doings.

And we will surely test you, until we know the valiant and the steadfast among you: and we will test the reports of your conduct.

Verily they who believe not, and turn others from the way of God, and separate from the Apostle after that “the guidance” hath been clearly shewn them, shall in no way injure God: but their works shall he bring to nought.

Believers! obey God and the Apostle: and render not your works vain.

Verily those who believe not, and who pervert others from the way of God, and then die in unbelief, God will not forgive.

Be not fainthearted then; and invite not the infidels to peace when ye have the upper hand: for God is with you, and will not defraud you of the recompense of your works.