The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

3: 20 The Family of Imran 35
do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. Grant us Your
mercy: You are the Ever Giving. 9 Our Lord, You will gather all
people on the Day of which there is no doubt: a God never breaks
His promise.’
10 Neither their possessions nor their children will be any use to
the disbelievers against God. The disbelievers will be fuel for the
Fire, 11 just as Pharaoh’s people and their predecessors denied Our
revelations, and God punished them for their sins: God is severe in
punishing. 12 [Prophet], say to the disbelievers, ‘You will be defeated
and driven together into Hell, a foul resting place. 13 You have already
seen a sign in the two armies that met in battle, one fighting for
God’s cause and the other made up of disbelievers. With their own
eyes [the former] saw [the latter] to be twice their number, b but God
helps whoever He will. There truly is a lesson in this for all with eyes
to see.’
14 The love of desirable things is made alluring for men – women,
children, gold and silver treasures piled up high, horses with fine
markings, livestock, and farmland – these may be the joys of this life,
but God has the best place to return to. 15 [Prophet], say, ‘Would you
like me to tell you of things that are better than all of these? Their
Lord will give those who are mindful of God Gardens graced with
flowing streams, where they will stay with pure spouses and God’s
good pleasure – God is fully aware of His servants – 16 those who say,
“Our Lord, we believe, so forgive us our sins and protect us from
suffering in the Fire,” 17 those who are steadfast, truthful, truly devout,
who give [in God’s cause] and pray before dawn for forgiveness.’
18 God bears witness that there is no god but Him, as do the angels
and those who have knowledge. He upholds justice. There is no
god but Him, the Almighty, the All Wise. 19 True Religion, in God’s
eyes, is islam: [devotion to Him alone]. c Those who were given the
Scripture disagreed out of rivalry, only after they had been given
knowledge – if anyone denies God’s revelations, God is swift to take
account – 20 if they argue with you [Prophet], say, ‘I have devoted
myself d to God alone and so have my followers.’ Ask those who were
a And on the day itself there will no longer be any doubt (see 102: 3–8).
b This is an allusion to the Battle of Badr, where the Muslim army was vastly outnumbered
but still victorious (see 8: 43–4).
c See note to 2: 128 above.
d Literally ‘submitted my face’.