An-Nisa 4:44–95

(Seest thou not) have you not been informed in the Scripture about (those unto whom a portion of the Scripture hath been given) those who were given knowledge of the Torah, (how they purchase error?) they choose Judaism, (and seek to make you (Muslims) err from the right way) i.e. abandon Islam. This was revealed about al-Yasa' and Rafi' the sons of Harmalah, two Jewish Rabbis, who invited 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his friends to embrace their religion.

(Allah knoweth best (who are) your enemies) from among the hypocrites and the Jews. (Allah is sufficient as a Friend) as a Protector, (and Allah is sufficient as a Helper) as a Defender against them.

(Some of those who are Jews) Malik Ibn al-Sayf and his friends (change words from their context) they change the traits and description of Muhammad after these were exposited upon in the Torah, and then come to Muhammad (and say: �We hear) your words, O Muhammad (and disobey) your command, when he is not around them; and we (hear thou) O Muhammad (as one who heareth not� and �Listen to us!� distorting with their tongues and slandering religion. If they had said: �We hear) your saying, O Muhammad (and we obey) your command; (hear you) hear from us, (and look at us� it had been better for them) than their insults and defamation, (and more upright) and more correct. (But Allah hath cursed them) punishes them by making them pay the capitation tax (for their disbelief) as a punishment for their disbelief, (so they believe not, save a few) among them who have accepted Islam such as 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his friends.

(O ye unto whom the Scripture hath been given!) O you to whom knowledge of the traits and description of Muhammad in the Torah has been given. (Believe in what We have revealed) the Qur'an (concerning that which) confirms what (ye possess) in terms of Allah's divine Oneness and the traits and description of Muhammad (pbuh) (before We destroy countenances) before We change your hearts (so as to confound them) so as to turn them away from the lights of guidance and transform their faces to the back of their heads, (or curse them) turn them into animals (as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers (of old time)) by turning them into apes. (And the commandment of Allah is always executed) after the revelation of this verse 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his companions embraced Islam.

(Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him) if one dies in such a state. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will) to whomever repents. (Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin) a tremendous lie. This verse was revealed about Wahshiyy, the murderer of Hamzah, the uncle of the Prophet (pbuh).

(Hast thou not seen) have you not been informed in the Scripture about (those who praise themselves for purity?) those who absolve themselves from transgression. The reference here is to Buhayr Ibn 'Amr and Marhab Ibn Zayd. (Nay, Allah purifieth) absolves from sins (whom He will) whoever is fit for it, (and they will not be wronged even the hair upon a date stone) their sins will not be diminished even by the hair upon a date stone.

(See) O Muhammad, (how they invent lies about Allah!) by saying: the sins that we commit during the day will be forgiven at night, and the sins we commit during the night will be forgiven in the day. (That of itself is flagrant sin) a clear lie about Allah.

(Hast thou not seen) have you not been informed, O Muhammad, about (those unto whom a portion of the Scripture has been given) those who have been given knowledge of the Torah in relation to your trait and attribute, the verse of stoning [married people who commit fornication], and similar other issue, namely. Malik Ibn al-Sayf and his friends who were about seventy people, (how they believe in idols) this is Huyayy Ibn Akhtab (and false deities) Ka'b Ibn Ashraf, (and bow they say of those (idolaters) who disbelieve) the unbelievers of Mecca: (�These are more rightly guided) they have a better religion (than those who believe?�) in the Qur'an and in Muhammad and his Religion.

(Those are they whom Allah hath cursed) Allah has punished them by imposing on them the capitation tax, (and he whom Allah hath cursed) he whom Allah punishes in this world or in the Hereafter, (thou) O Muhammad (wilt find for him no helper) to save him from Allah's punishment.

(Or have they even a share) if the Jews had a share (in the Sovereignty? Then in that case, they would not give mankind) they would not give Muhammad and his Companions (even the speck on a date stone).

(Or are they jealous) nay, they are jealous (of mankind) of Muhammad and his Companions (because of that which Allah of His bounty hath bestowed upon them?) the Scripture, prophethood and marrying many wives. (For We bestowed upon the house of Abraham) David and Solomon ((of old) the Scripture and Wisdom) knowledge, understanding and prophethood, (and We bestowed on them a mighty kingdom) We honoured them with prophethood and Islam and bestowed upon them sovereignty over the Children of Israel. David had 100 legitimate wives, and Solomon had 300 legitimate wives plus 700 concubines.

(And of them) of the Jews (were (some) who believed therein) believed in the Scripture of David and Solomon (and of them were (some) who disbelieved therein. Hell is sufficient for (their) burning) i.e. Ka'b and his followers.

(Lo! Those who disbelieve Our revelations) Muhammad and the Qur'an, (We shall expose them to the Fire) in the Hereafter. This is a threat to them. (As often as their skins are consumed) by the Fire (We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the torment) so that they feel the torment. (Lo! Allah is ever Mighty) by taking vengeance on them, (Wise) He ruled that burnt skins be exchanged for fresh ones.

Then Allah said about the believers: (And as for those who believe) in Muhammad, the Qur'an and in all Scriptures and messengers (and do good works) acts of obedience, i.e. they sincerely perform that which is between them and their Lord, (We shall make them enter) in the Hereafter (Gardens beneath which) beneath its trees and walls (rivers) rivers of wine, milk, honey and water (flow to dwell therein for ever) dwelling in Paradise, never to die or be removed; (there for them) in Paradise (are pure companions) they are pure from menstruation and filth (and We shall make them enter plenteous shade) a protected retreat; and it is also said that this means: an extended shade.

Regarding the key that the Prophet (pbuh) took from 'Uthman Ibn Talhah as a deposit, Allah commanded His Messenger to give back deposits to their owner, saying: (Lo! Allah commandeth you that ye restore deposits) to give back the key (to their owners) to 'Uthman Ibn Talhah, (and, if ye judge between mankind) between 'Uthman Ibn Talhah and 'Abbas Ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib, (that you judge justly) that you give back to 'Uthman and the providing of water (siqaya) to al-'Abbas. (Lo! comely is this which Allah admonisheth you) comely is this which Allah commands you, of giving back deposits to their owners and judging justly. (Lo! Allah is ever Hearer) when al-'Abbas said: O Messenger of Allah! give me both the key and the providing of water, (Seer) of what 'Uthman Ibn Talhah did when he refused to give the key and said: By Allah's trust! Give me my right, O Messenger of Allah!

(O ye who believe!) 'Uthman Ibn Talhah and his fellow believers. (Obey Allah) in that which He has commanded you, (and obey the messenger) in that which he commands you (and those of you who are in authority) the leaders of military expeditions; it also said that this means: the men of sacred knowledge; (and if ye have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah) to the Book of Allah (and the messenger) and to the practice of the Messenger (if you are (in truth) believers in Allah and the Last Day) resurrection after death. (That) referring the matter to the Book of Allah and the practice of His Messenger (is better and more seemly in the end).

(Hast thou not seen) have you not been informed, O Muhammad, about (those who pretend that they believe in that which is revealed unto thee) i.e. the Qur'an (and that which was revealed before thee) i.e. the Torah, (how they would go for judgement (in their disputes) to false deities) Ka'b Ibn al-Ashraf (when they have been ordered) in the Qur'an (to abjure them?) to disavow them. (Satan would mislead them far astray) from the Truth and guidance. This verse was revealed about a hypocrite by the name of Bishr whom 'Umar Ibn al-Khattab had killed. This hypocrite had a dispute with a Jewish man.

(And then it is said unto them) to Hatib Ibn Abi Balta'ah, the hypocrite, who had a dispute with al-Zubayr Ibn al-'Awwam, the cousin of the Prophet (pbuh): (Come unto that which Allah hath revealed) come to the ruling which Allah has revealed in the Qur'an (and unto the messenger) and to the judgement of the messenger, (thou seest the hypocrites) Hatib Ibn Abi Balta'ah (turn from you with aversion) turn away from your judgement in complete rejection.

(How would it be) what shall they do (if a misfortune) a punishment (smote them because of that which their own hands have sent before (them)) because of turning away (they come unto you) after that, (swearing by Allah) i.e. Hatib swearing by Allah (that they were seeking naught) when they turned away (but harmony) in speech (and kindness) correctness.

(Those are they) i.e. him who did turn away from the Prophet (pbuh) (the secrets of whose hearts Allah knoweth) He knows the hypocrisy in the heart of Hatib Ibn Abi Balta'ah. Another interpretation of the above verse is: How shall they do-those who established a counter mosque-when a punishment strikes them, because of the counter mosque they built, and then afterward came to you-Tha'labah and Hatib-swearing by Allah that they did not intend by the building of the mosque except kindness to the believers and religious harmony, so that you send us a man of knowledge to teach us? Allah knows the hypocrisy and antagonism in the hearts of those who built this counter mosque. (So oppose them) leave them and do not punish them this time (and admonish them) with your words so that they do not do it again, (and address them in plain terms about their souls) threaten them in an unequivocal way that you will punish them if they do it again.

(We sent no messenger save that he) that the messenger (should be obeyed by Allah's leave) by Allah's command; We do not send him so that he is opposed or has his judgement rejected by turning away from him. (And if, when they) those who built the counter mosque and Hatib (had wronged themselves) by so building it and turning away from you, (they had but come unto thee) to repent (and asked forgiveness of Allah) repented to Allah for their actions (and asked forgiveness of the messenger) and the Messenger prayed for them, (they would have found Allah Forgiving) He overlooks their transgressions, (Merciful) He is after repentance.

(But nay, by your lord) Allah swore by Himself and by the age of Muhammad, (they will not believe) in secret nor deserve to be called believers when alone (until they make thee judge of what is in dispute between them and find within themselves) in their hearts (no dislike) no doubt (of that which thou decidest) between them, (and submit with full submission) totally submit to you.

(And if We had decreed for them) as We decreed for the Children of Israel: (Lay down your lives or go forth from your dwellings) empty handed, (but few of them) among the sincere ones, i.e. their leader Thabit Ibn Qays Ibn Shammas al-Ansari (would have done it) with a good disposition of the soul; (though if they) the hypocrites (did what they are exhorted) commanded (to do) of repentance and sincerity (it would be better for them) in the Hereafter than the condition they are in secret, (and more strengthening) and more real in this world;

(And then) if they did what they were commanded to do (We should bestow upon them from Our presence) from Us (an immense reward) an abundant reward in Paradise,

(And should guide them unto a straight path) and We would have made them in this world firm upon an established Religion that We are pleased with, i.e. Islam.

(Whoso obeyeth Allah and the messenger) this verse was revealed about Thawban, the client of Allah's Messenger (pbuh) who said: �I am afraid not to meet you in the Hereafter, O Messenger of Allah!� This is because he loved him intensely and could not bear being away from him. Allah's Messenger saw the change in him and so Allah mentioned the honour bestowed on him, saying: whoever obeys Allah regarding the obligations and obeys the Prophet regarding the prophetic practices (they are) in Paradise (with those unto whom Allah hath shown favour, of the Prophets) Muhammad (pbuh) and the other prophets, (and the saints) the best among the Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) (and the martyrs) those who were martyred in the way of Allah (and the righteous) the righteous among the Community of Muhammad (pbuh). (The best of company are they) in Paradise!

(Such) keeping the company of the prophets, saints, martyrs and righteous (is the bounty of Allah) a favour from Allah, (and Allah sufficeth as knower) of the love of Thawban and the honour and reward bestowed upon him in Paradise.

Knowing that they went out to fight in the way of Allah, Allah said: (O ye who believe) in Muhammad and the Qur'an! (Take your precautions) against your enemy and do not advance dispersed, (then advance the proven ones) then put forward the ones that are the best, (or advance all together) with your Prophet.

(Lo! among you) O group of believers (there is he who loitereth) there is him who cannot bring himself to go out in the way of Allah-meaning 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy-but rather waits to see what happens to you on your expedition; (and if) on your expedition (disaster) death, defeat or hardship (overtook you, he) 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy (would say: Allah hath been gracious unto me) by my staying back (since I was not present with them) on that expedition.

(And if) on that expedition (a bounty) conquest and booty (from Allah befell you, he) 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy (would surely cry, as if there had been no love between you and him:) a bond of Religion and acquaintance due to keeping each other's company between you (Oh, would that I had been with them!) on the expedition, (then should I have achieved a great success) I would have gained abundant booty and a great share.

Allah then commanded them to fight in the way of Allah, if they happened to be hypocrites, saying: (Let those fight in the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah (who sell the life of this world for the other) those who prefer this world over the next; it is also said that this verse was revealed about sincere believers, telling them: let those who prefer the Hereafter over this world fight in the way of Allah. Then Allah mentioned their reward, saying: (Whoso fighteth in the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah, (be he slain) martyred (or be he victorious) triumphant over the enemy, (on him We shall bestow) in both cases (a vast reward) an abundant reward in Paradise.

Allah then mentioned their dislike of fighting in the way of Allah, saying: (How should ye) O group of believers (not fight for the cause of Allah) in obedience of Allah against the people of Mecca (and of the feeble among men and of the women and the children who are crying) in Mecca: (Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Bring us forth from out this town) i.e. Mecca (of which the people are oppressors!) whose people are idolaters (Oh, give us from Thy presence) from You (some protecting friend!) a protector, meaning: 'Itab Ibn Usayd. (Oh, give us from Thy presence) from You (some defender!) who would prevent us from suffering. Allah answered their prayers and made the Prophet (pbuh) their defender and 'Itab their protecting friend.

Then Allah mentioned their fighting in the way of Allah, saying: (Those who believe) Muhammad and his Companions (do battle for the cause of Allah; and those who disbelieve) Abu Sufyan and his companions (do battle for the cause of idols) in obedience of Satan. (So fight the minions of the devil) the soldiers of the devil. (Lo! the devil's strategy) the devil's work and stratagem (is ever weak) in that he will let them down as he did on the Day of Badr.

Allah then mentioned their dislike of joining the Prophet on the lesser Badr, saying: (Hast thou not seen) have you not been informed, O Muhammad, about (those unto whom it was said) those to whom you said in Mecca, referring to 'Abd al-Rahman Ibn 'Awf al-Zuhri, Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas al-Zuhri, Qudamah Ibn Maz'un al-Jumahi, Miqdad Ibn al-Aswad al-Kindi and Talhah Ibn 'Abdullah al-Tamimi: (Withhold your hands) from killing and beating, for I have not ordered the initiation of fighting, (establish worship) establish the five daily prayers in full with their bowings and prostrations and that which is obligated therein of their appointed times (and pay the poor-due) give the poor their due from your wealth, (but when fighting) jihad in the way of Allah (was prescribed) obligated (for them) in Medina (behold, a party of them) among them Talhah Ibn 'Abdullah (fear mankind) the people of Mecca (even as their fear of Allah or with greater fear, and say: Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Why hast Thou ordained fighting for us?) why have You obligated on us jihad in Your way? (If only Thou wouldst give us respite yet a while!) if only You would keep us safe for a short while before death. (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (The comfort of this world) the benefit of this world (is scant) in the Hereafter; (the Hereafter) the reward of the Hereafter (will be better for him who wardeth off (evil)) who ward off disbelief, idolatry and indecencies; (and ye will not be wronged the down upon a date stone) their good deeds will not be diminished even if it be as much as the down on a date stone.

(Wheresoever ye may be) O sincere believers, on land or on the sea, in settlement or travelling, (death will overtake you, even though ye were in lofty towers) in fortified towers. Allah then mentioned the saying of the Jews and hypocrites: �since Muhammad and his Companions came to us, our harvests and fields have kept ever decreasing�, saying: (Yet if a happy thing) land fertility, lower prices and continuous rain throughout the year (befalleth them) the Jews and hypocrites (they say: This is from Allah) for He knew that we were good; (and if an evil thing) drought, dearth, hardship and high prices (befalleth them they say: This is of your doing) this is because of the ill-omen of Muhammad and his Companions. (Say (unto them)) unto the Jews and hypocrites, O Muhammad: (All) hardship and blessing (is from Allah. What is amiss with these people) the Jews and hypocrites (that they come not nigh to understand a happening?) that both hardship and bounty are from Allah.

Allah then mentioned that which brings bounty and hardship, saying: (Whatever of good) of land fertility, low prices and continuous rain throughout the year (befalleth thee) O Muhammad (it is from Allah) it is of Allah's bounty for you. Although Allah addressed Muhammad (pbuh) here it was his people who were meant by it, (and whatever of ill) drought, dearth and high prices (befalleth thee it is from yourself) it is because of the purity of yourself, in that He purifies you because of it; it is also said that the above means: whatever good befalls you, such as conquest and booty, it is from Allah, as an honour from Allah; and whatever bad happens, such as killing and defeat as was the case at Uhud, is due to the transgression of your Companions when they left their positions. It is also said that this means: whatever good you do is because of Allah's given success and help; and whatever evil you commit is due to the transgression of your soul and His having forsaken you. (We have sent thee (Muhammad) as a messenger) to convey the message (unto mankind) to the jinn and human beings (and Allah is sufficient as witness) of that which they say: whatever good befalls them is from Allah and whatever evil befalls them is due to the ill-omen of Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions. It is also said that this means: Allah is sufficient as witness for their saying: bring a witness to testify that you are a messenger from Allah.

When the verse (We sent no messenger save that he should be obeyed by Allah's leave) was revealed, 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy said: " Muhammad commands us to obey him instead of obeying Allah " , so Allah revealed the following: (Whoso obeyeth the messenger) in that which he commands (obeys Allah) because the Messenger never commands anything unless Allah has commanded it, (and whoso turneth away) from obeying the messenger: (We have not sent thee as a warder) a custodian (over them).

(And they say) i.e. the hypocrites 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his followers: ((It is) obedience) your command is obeyed, O Muhammad. Command us with whatever you will and we shall comply; (but when they have gone forth from thee a party of them) of the hypocrites (spend the night in planning other than what thou sayest) what you command. (Allah recordeth what they plan by night) He records their planning to change your command. (So oppose them) but do not punish them (and put thy trust in Allah) rely on Allah regarding that which they are good for. (Allah is sufficient as Trustee) He is sufficient to give you triumph and sovereignty over them.

(Will they not then ponder on the Qur'an?) do they not reflect on the Qur'an that its different parts are harmonious and support each other and it further contains that which the Prophet (pbuh) commands them? (If it had been from other than Allah) if this Qur'an had come from anyone other than Allah (they would have found therein much incongruity) much contradictions whereby its different parts are not harmonious.

Allah then mentioned the betrayal of the hypocrites, saying: (And if any tidings whether of safety) any news about the army, conquest or booty, they insist on it out of resentful envy (or fear) and when they receive any news about the army, killings or defeat, (come unto them, they noise it abroad) they divulge it, (whereas if they had referred it) the news of the army (to the messenger) until the messenger informs them (and such of them as are in authority) those possessed of reason and understanding, i.e. Abu Bakr and his companions, (those among them who are able to think out the matter would have known it) i.e. the precise news. (If it had not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy) by means of His given success and protection (you would have followed Satan) all of you, (save a few (of you)) who would not divulge the news.

Then Allah commanded His Prophet to engage in jihad in the way of Allah and proceed to the Lesser Badr, saying: (So fight (O Muhammad) in the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah. (Thou are not taxed) you are not commanded this (except for thyself and urge on the believers) to advance with you. (Peradventure Allah) peradventure when it is used in relation to Allah means that Allah will take it upon Himself (will restrain) will stop (the might) the fighting (of those who disbelieve) the unbelievers of Mecca. (Allah is stronger in might) in His torment (and stronger in inflicting punishment).

Allah then mentioned the reward of him who believes and the punishment of him who disbelieves, referring respectively to Abu Bakr and Abu Jahl, saying: (Whoso interveneth in a good cause) whoever helps to unite or reconcile two parties (will have the reward thereof) a reward of that good deed, (and whoso interveneth in an evil cause) who ascribes partners to Allah or acts as a tale-bearer (will bear the consequence thereof) will bear the onus of such an evil deed. (Allah overseeth all things) He rewards good and bad deeds; it is also said that this means: He oversees the sustenance of everyone: those who do good works as well as those who do evil.

(When ye are greeted with a greeting) when someone greets you with a greeting, (greet ye with a better than it) this is for those of your Religion and belief by adding to the formula of greeting (or return it) or return the exact greeting, if the one who greets you happens to be of another religion. (Lo! Allah taketh count of all things) of greeting and the return of greetings, just as He is a witness and will reward all. This verse was revealed about a group of people who refrained from returning greetings.

Allah then declared His divine Oneness, saying: (Allah! There is no God save Him. He gathers you all unto a Day of Resurrection) on the Day of Judgement (whereof there is no doubt. Who is more true in statement) in words (than Allah?).

The following was revealed about ten hypocrites who left Islam and Medina for Mecca: (What aileth you) O group of believers (that you are become two parties) one party of the view that the hypocrites' wealth and blood are lawful and a party holding the opposite view (regarding the hypocrites) who abandoned Islam, (when Allah cast them back (to disbelief) because of what they earned) because of their hypocrisy and evil intentions? (Seek you to guide) to the religion of Allah (him whom Allah hath sent astray) from His religion? (He whom Allah sendeth astray) from His religion, (for him thou (O Muhammad) canst not find a road) you cannot find a religion or argument in their favour.

(They long that you should disbelieve) in Muhammad and the Qur'an (even as they disbelieve, that ye may be upon a level (with them)) in following idolatry. (So choose not friends from them) in religion or for seeking assistance and backing (till they forsake their homes) until they believe again and migrate (in the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah; (if they turn back) from faith and migration (then take them) as prisoners (and kill them wherever you find them) in the Sacred Precinct or anywhere else, (and choose no friend) in religion or for seeking assistance and backing (nor helper) a protector (from among them),

Allah then made an exception, saying: (Except those) among the ten men who fled to Mecca (who seek refuge with a people) i.e. the people of Hilal Ibn 'Uwaymir al-Aslami (between whom and you there is a covenant) a pact and peace, (or (those who)) the people of Hilal (come unto you because their hearts forbid them to make war) they come to you because they are annoyed at the huge cost they have to pay due to this pact (on you or make war on their own folk) due to their ties of kinship. (Had Allah willed He could have given them power over you) i.e. the people of Hilal Ibn 'Uwaymir (so that assuredly they would have fought you) together with their people upon the conquest of Mecca. (So, if they hold aloof from you and wage not war against you) upon the conquest of Mecca (and offer you peace) they submit to you through peace and honouring the pact they made, (Allah alloweth you no way against them) He does not give you any excuse for killing them.

(You will find others) other than the people of Hilal, Asad and Ghatafan for example (who desire that they should have security from you) they desire that their persons and wealth and families be safe from you by the declaration of �there is no god but Allah�, (and security from their own folk) and desire to be safe from their clan by adhering to disbelief. (So often as they are returned to hostility) to idolatry (they are plunged therein) they revert to it. (If they keep not aloof from you) upon the conquest of Mecca (nor offer you peace) nor submit to you by means of a treaty (nor hold their hands) from fighting you upon the conquest of Mecca, (then take them) as prisoners (and kill them wherever you find them) in the Sacred Precinct or anywhere else. (Against such) i.e. Asad and Ghatafan (We have given you clear warrant) to kill them.

(It is not for a believer) it is not allowed for a believer, meaning here 'Ayyash Ibn Abi Rabi'ah (to kill a believer) Harith Ibn Zayd ((unless (it be) by mistake) even if it be by mistake. (He who hath killed a believer by mistake must set free a believing slave) a slave who believes in Allah and His Messenger, (and pay the blood money) in full (to the family of the slain) to the next of kin of the victim who have the right to demand retaliation, (unless they remit it as a charity) unless the next of kin of the victim remit the blood money to the killer as a charity. (If he) the victim (be of a people hostile unto you) who are at war with you, (and he) i.e. the victim (is a believer, then (the penance is) to set free a believing slave) the killer should set free a slave who believes in Allah and His Messenger and so does not have to pay the blood money. Harith belonged to a people who were at war with the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). (And if he) the victim (cometh of a folk between whom and you there is a covenant) a treaty and peace, (then the blood money must be paid) in full (unto his folk) to the next of kin of the victim (and (also) a believing slave must be set free) a slave who believes in the divine Oneness of Allah. (And whoso hath not the wherewithal) to set free a believing slave (must fast two consecutive months) continuously. (A penance from Allah) if he does this, Allah will forgive him for killing a believer by mistake. (Allah is Knower) of him who kills by mistake, (Wise) in that which he ought to do.

Then Allah revealed about Miqyas Ibn Sababah, the killer of al-Fihri, the emissary of Allah's Messenger (pbuh) who, after taking the blood money for the killing of his brother Hisham Ibn Sababah, left Islam and fled to Mecca, saying: (Whoso slayeth a believer of set purpose, his reward is hell) for this wilful killing (for ever) due to his idolatry. (Allah is wroth against him) for taking the blood money (and He hath cursed him) because he killed a person who did not kill his brother (and prepared for him an awful doom) because of his boldness towards Allah.

Then Allah revealed about Usamah Ibn Zayd who killed Mirdas Ibn Nuhayk al-Farari, a fellow believer, saying: (O ye who believe! When ye go forth (to fight) in the way of Allah) in jihad, (be careful to discriminate) between who is a believer and who is an unbeliever, (and say not unto one who offereth you peace) he who greets you and says to you �there is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah�: (�Thou art not a believer�;) and then kill him (seeking the chance profits of this life) so that you may despoil him. (With Allah are plenteous spoils) He has with Him a tremendous reward for him who avoids killing a fellow believer. (Even thus (as he now is) were ye before) with your people feeling safe with the believers and with Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions because of the attestation of �there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah�, before the Emigration; (but Allah hath since then been gracious unto you) by migrating from the unbelievers. (Therefore take care to discriminate) such that you do not kill believers. (Allah is ever informed of what ye do) whether it is killing someone or other things.

Allah then explained the reward of those who fight in the way of Allah, saying: (Those of the believers who sit still) although they do not suffer from any disabling hurt, and do not participate in jihad, (other than those who have a (disabling) hurt) if they were to participate in jihad, i.e. either they are weak in their bodies or have lost their sight, as with 'Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum and 'Abdullah Ibn Jahsh al-Asdi, (are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth) by spending their money (and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank) a merit (above the sedentary) who do not have any disabling hurt. (Unto each) those who engage in jihad and those who do not (Allah hath promised good) Paradise due to their faith, (but He hath bestowed on those who strive) those who engage in jihad in his way (a great reward) an abundant reward in Paradise (above the sedentary) who do not have any disabling hurt;