The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

5: 101
The Feast 77
then are mindful of God and believe, then are mindful of God and
do good deeds: God loves those who do good deeds.
94 You who believe, God is sure to test you with game within reach
of your hands and spears, to find out who fears Him even though
they cannot see Him: from now on, anyone who transgresses will
have a painful punishment. a 95 You who believe, do not kill game
while you are in the state of consecration [for pilgrimage]. If someone
does so intentionally the penalty is an offering of a domestic
animal brought to the Kaba, equivalent – as judged by two just men
among you – to the one he has killed; alternatively, he may atone by
feeding the needy or by fasting an equivalent number of days, so that
he may taste the full gravity of his deed. God forgives what is
past, but if anyone re-offends, God will exact the penalty from him:
God is mighty, and capable of exacting the penalty. 96 It is permitted
for you to catch and eat seafood – an enjoyment for you and the
traveller – but hunting game is forbidden while you are in the state
of consecration [for pilgrimage]. Be mindful of God to whom you
will be gathered.
97 God has made the Kaba – the Sacred House – a means of
support for people, b and the Sacred Months, the animals for sacrifice
and their garlands: all this. Know that God has knowledge of all that
is in the heavens and earth and that He is fully aware of all things.
98 Know too that God is severe in punishment yet most forgiving and
merciful. c 99 The Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the message:
God knows what you reveal and what you conceal.
100 Say [Prophet], ‘Bad cannot be likened to good, though you may
be dazzled by how abundant the bad is. Be mindful of God, people of
understanding, so that you may prosper.’ 101 You who believe, do not
ask about matters which, if made known to you, might make things
difficult for you – if you ask about them while the Quran is being
revealed, they will be made known to you – for God has kept silent
a In the world to come.
b The Kaba is the centre of the pilgrimage, bringing in people from all over the
world, where Muslims are allowed to trade – the Sacred Months ensured their safety.
The offerings provide a means of livelihood to the poor and needy, and the custom of
garlanding an animal gives it special protection. In addition to all these material benefits,
there are the spiritual benefits of worshipping God. This is an example of bringing
people together in peace (Razi).
c This is a warning for those who violate these rites and refers back to verse 2 of this
sura.