It is He Who expelled the disbelievers of the People of the Book[1] from their homes as the first banishment[2]. You did not think that they would leave, and they thought that their fortresses would protect them from Allah. But [the punishment of] Allah came upon them from where they did not expect and He cast dread in their hearts, destroying their homes with their own hands[3] and the hands of the believers. So take a lesson, O you people of insight.
Had Allah not decreed exile for them, He would have surely punished them in this world. And in the Hereafter, there will be for them the punishment of the Fire.
Whatever gains Allah has bestowed upon His Messenger from them, you did not spur on any horses or camels for that[7], but Allah gives authority to His messengers over whom He wills, and Allah is Most Capable of all things.
Whatever gains Allah has bestowed upon His Messenger from the people of the towns belongs to Allah and the Messenger, and to his close relatives[8], orphans, the needy, and stranded wayfarers[9], so that wealth should not circulate only among those of you who are rich. Whatever the Messenger gives you, accept it, and whatever he forbids you, refrain from it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in punishment.
For the poor emigrants [there is a due share] who were driven out of their homes and their properties, seeking Allah’s bounty and pleasure, and helping the cause of Allah and His Messenger. It is they who are the truthful.
As for those who were settled in the city [of Madinah][10] and embraced Islam before them, they love those who migrated to them and find no covetous desire in their hearts for what they were given. Rather they give them preference over themselves even though they may be in dire need. Whoever is protected from the covetousness of their souls, it is they who are successful.
And those who came after them say, “Our Lord, forgive us and our brethren who preceded us in faith, and do not let there be any ill feelings in our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord, indeed, You are All-Gracious, Most Merciful.”
Have you not seen the hypocrites who say to their fellow disbelievers from the People of the Book[11], “If you are expelled, we will surely leave with you, and we will never obey anyone concerning you, and if you are attacked, we will surely come to your aid.” But Allah bears witness that they are truly liars.
If they are expelled, they will not leave with them, and if they are attacked, they will not come to their aid. Even if they come to their help, they will certainly turn and flee, then they will not be helped.
They will not fight you all together but in fortified towns or from behind walls. Their valor among themselves is great; you think they are united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are people who do not understand.
They are like Satan when he says to man, “Disbelieve,” then when he disbelieves, he says, “I have nothing to do with you. I surely fear Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”
O you who believe, fear Allah, and let every soul consider what it has sent forth for tomorrow[13]. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.
Had We sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and break asunder out of awe of Allah[14]. Such are the similitudes We set forth for people so that they may reflect.
He is Allah; none has the right to be worshiped except Him, the Sovereign[15], the Most Holy[16], the Most Perfect[17], the Granter of Security[18], the Watcher over all, the All-Mighty, the Compeller[19], the Supreme[20]. Glory be to Allah far above what they associate with Him.
He is Allah, the Creator[21], the Maker[22], the Fashioner[23]. He has the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and earth glorifies Him, for He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
