Chapter 3

Surah Al i Imran (The Family of Imran)

3.121

surah 3 - verse 121

translator's name verse
Arberry When thou wentest forth at dawn from thy people to lodge the believers in their pitches for the battle -- God is All-hearing, All-knowing --
Maududi (O Messenger! Remind the Muslims of the occasion) when you went forth from your home at early dawn (to the battlefield of Uhud) and placed the believers in battle arrays. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
Pickthall And when thou settedst forth at daybreak from thy housefolk to assign to the believers their positions for the battle, Allah was Hearer, Knower.
Sahih And [remember] when you, [O Muhammad], left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle [of Uhud] - and Allah is Hearing and Knowing -
Yusuf Ali Remember that morning Thou didst leave Thy household (early) to post the faithful at their stations for battle: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things:

3.122

surah 3 - verse 122

translator's name verse
Arberry when two parties of you were about to lose heart, though God was their Protector -- and in God let the believers put all their trust --
Maududi And recall when two groups from among you were inclined to flag although Allah was their protector; it is in Allah that the believers should put their trust.
Pickthall When two parties of you almost fell away, and Allah was their Protecting Friend. In Allah let believers put their trust.
Sahih When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allah was their ally; and upon Allah the believers should rely.
Yusuf Ali Remember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and in Allah should the faithful (Ever) put their trust.

3.123

surah 3 - verse 123

translator's name verse
Arberry and God most surely helped you at Badr, when you were utterly abject. So fear God, and haply you Will be thankful.
Maududi For sure Allah helped you at Badr when you were utterly weak. Beware, then, of Allah; perhaps you will be thankful.
Pickthall Allah had already given you the victory at Badr, when ye were contemptible. So observe your duty to Allah in order that ye may be thankful.
Sahih And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah; perhaps you will be grateful.
Yusuf Ali Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus May ye show your gratitude.

3.124

surah 3 - verse 124

translator's name verse
Arberry When thou saidst to the believers, 'Is it not enough for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down upon you?
Maududi And recall when you said to the believers: 'Will it not suffice you that your Lord will aid you by sending down three thousand angels?
Pickthall When thou didst say unto the believers: Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should support you with three thousand angels sent down (to your help)?
Sahih [Remember] when you said to the believers, "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?
Yusuf Ali Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: "Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down?

3.125

surah 3 - verse 125

translator's name verse
Arberry Yea; if you are patient and godfearing, and the foe come against you instantly, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand swooping angels.'
Maududi If you are steadfast and mindful of God, even though the enemy should suddenly fall upon you, your Lord will help you even with five thousand marked angels.
Pickthall Nay, but if ye persevere, and keep from evil, and (the enemy) attack you suddenly, your Lord will help you with five thousand angels sweeping on.
Sahih Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction]
Yusuf Ali "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.

3.126

surah 3 - verse 126

translator's name verse
Arberry God wrought this not, save as good tiding to you, and that your hearts might be at rest; help comes only from God the All-mighty, the All-wise;
Maududi Allah has reminded you of this only as a glad tiding to you and so as to let your hearts be at rest. Help can only come from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
Pickthall Allah ordained this only as a message of good cheer for you, and that thereby your hearts might be at rest - Victory cometh only from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise -
Sahih And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise -
Yusuf Ali Allah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah. The Exalted, the Wise:

3.127

surah 3 - verse 127

translator's name verse
Arberry and that He might cut off a part of the unbelievers or frustrate them, so that they turned in their tracks, disappointed.
Maududi And Allah provided this aid to you in order to cut off a part of those who disbelieved and frustrate them so that they retreat in utter disappointment.
Pickthall That He may cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or overwhelm them so that they retire, frustrated.
Sahih That He might cut down a section of the disbelievers or suppress them so that they turn back disappointed.
Yusuf Ali 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.

3.128

surah 3 - verse 128

translator's name verse
Arberry No part of the matter is thine, whether He turns towards them again, or chastises them; for they are evildoers.
Maududi (O Messenger!) It is not for you to decide whether He will accept their repentance or chastise them, for they surely are wrongdoers.
Pickthall It is no concern at all of thee (Muhammad) whether He relent toward them or punish them; for they are evil-doers.
Sahih Not for you, [O Muhammad, but for Allah], is the decision whether He should [cut them down] or forgive them or punish them, for indeed, they are wrongdoers.
Yusuf Ali Not for thee, (but for Allah), is the decision: Whether He turn in mercy to them, or punish them; for they are indeed wrong-doers.

3.129

surah 3 - verse 129

translator's name verse
Arberry To God belongs all that is in the heavens and earth; He forgives whom He will, and chastises whom He will; God is All-forgiving, All-compassionate.
Maududi Whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. He forgives whom He wills, and chastises whom He wills: Allah is indeed All-Forgiving, Most-Compassionate.
Pickthall Unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. He forgiveth whom He will, and punisheth whom He will. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Sahih And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Yusuf Ali To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth and punisheth whom He pleaseth; but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

3.130

surah 3 - verse 130

translator's name verse
Arberry O believers, devour not usury, doubled and redoubled, and fear you God; haply so you will prosper.
Maududi Believers! Do not swallow interest, doubled and redoubled, and be mindful of Allah so that you may attain true success.
Pickthall O ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubling and quadrupling (the sum lent). Observe your duty to Allah, that ye may be successful.
Sahih O you who have believed, do not consume usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful.
Yusuf Ali O ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah; that ye may (really) prosper.

3.131

surah 3 - verse 131

translator's name verse
Arberry And fear the Fire prepared for the unbelievers,
Maududi And have fear of the Fire which awaits those who deny the Truth.
Pickthall And ward off (from yourselves) the Fire prepared for disbelievers.
Sahih And fear the Fire, which has been prepared for the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali Fear the Fire, which is repaired for those who reject Faith:

3.132

surah 3 - verse 132

translator's name verse
Arberry and obey God and the Messenger; haply so you will find mercy.
Maududi And obey Allah and the Messenger, that you may be shown mercy. And hasten to the for-giveness of your Lord and to a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the God-fearing who spend in the way of Allah both in plenty and hardship, who restrain their anger, and forgive others. Allah loves such good-doers."
Pickthall And obey Allah and the messenger, that ye may find mercy.
Sahih And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.
Yusuf Ali And obey Allah and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy.

3.133

surah 3 - verse 133

translator's name verse
Arberry And vie with one another, hastening to forgiveness from your Lord, and to a garden whose breadth is as the heavens and earth, prepared for the godfearing
Maududi And hasten to the for-giveness of your Lord and to a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the God-fearing.
Pickthall And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil);
Sahih And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous
Yusuf Ali Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,-

3.134

surah 3 - verse 134

translator's name verse
Arberry who expend in prosperity and adversity in almsgiving, and restrain their rage, and pardon the offences of their fellowmen; and God loves the good-doers;
Maududi who spend in the way of Allah both in plenty and hardship, who restrain their anger, and forgive others. Allah loves such good-doers."
Pickthall Those who spend (of that which Allah hath given them) in ease and in adversity, those who control their wrath and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loveth the good;
Sahih Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good;
Yusuf Ali Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men;- for Allah loves those who do good;-

3.135

surah 3 - verse 135

translator's name verse
Arberry who, when they commit an indecency or wrong themselves, remember God, and pray forgiveness for their sins -- and who shall forgive sins but God? -- and do not persevere in the things they did and that wittingly.
Maududi These are the ones who, when they commit any indecency and wrong against themselves, instantly remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins - for who will forgive sins save Allah? - and who do not wilfully persist in the wrong they did.
Pickthall And those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins - Who forgiveth sins save Allah only? - and will not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did.
Sahih And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.
Yusuf Ali And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah?- and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.

3.136

surah 3 - verse 136

translator's name verse
Arberry Those -- their recompense is forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens beneath which rivers flow, therein dwelling forever; and how excellent is the wage of those who labour!
Maududi They shall be recompensed by forgiveness from their Lord and by gardens beneath which rivers flow; there they shall abide. How good is the reward of those who labour!
Pickthall The reward of such will be forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever - a bountiful reward for workers!
Sahih Those - their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens beneath which rivers flow [in Paradise], wherein they will abide eternally; and excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers.
Yusuf Ali For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath,- an eternal dwelling: How excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!

3.137

surah 3 - verse 137

translator's name verse
Arberry Divers institutions have passed away before you; journey in the land, and behold how was the end of those that cried lies.
Maududi Many eras have passed before you. Go about, then, in the land and behold the end of those who gave the lie to (the directives and ordinances of Allah).
Pickthall Systems have passed away before you. Do but travel in the land and see the nature of the consequence for those who did deny (the messengers).
Sahih Similar situations [as yours] have passed on before you, so proceed throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied.
Yusuf Ali Many were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.

3.138

surah 3 - verse 138

translator's name verse
Arberry This is an exposition for mankind, and a guidance, and an admonition for such as are godfearing.
Maududi This is a plain exposition for men, and a guidance and admonition for the Godfearing.
Pickthall This is a declaration for mankind, a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil)
Sahih This [Qur'an] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of Allah.
Yusuf Ali Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah!

3.139

surah 3 - verse 139

translator's name verse
Arberry Faint not, neither sorrow; you shall be the upper ones if you are believers.
Maududi Do not, then, either lose heart or grieve: for you shall surely gain the upper hand if you are true men of faith.
Pickthall Faint not nor grieve, for ye will overcome them if ye are (indeed) believers.
Sahih So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.
Yusuf Ali So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith.

3.140

surah 3 - verse 140

translator's name verse
Arberry If a wound touches you, a like wound already has touched the heathen; such days We deal out in turn among men, and that God may know who are the believers, and that He may take witnesses from among you; and God loves not the evildoers;
Maududi If a wound has befallen you a similar wound has already befallen the people who are opposed to you. We make such movements to men in turn so that Allah might mark out those who are the true men of faith and select from among you those who do really bear witness (to the Truth): for Allah does not love the wrong-doers,
Pickthall If ye have received a blow, the (disbelieving) people have received a blow the like thereof. These are (only) the vicissitudes which We cause to follow one another for mankind, to the end that Allah may know those who believe and may choose witnesses from among you; and Allah loveth not wrong-doers.
Sahih If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers -
Yusuf Ali If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loveth not those that do wrong.