The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

30: 45
The Byzantines 259
instilled in mankind – there is no altering God’s creation – and this
is the right religion, though most people do not realize it. 31 Turn
to Him alone, all of you. Be mindful of Him; keep up the prayer;
do not join those who ascribe partners to God, 32 those who divide
their religion into sects, with each party rejoicing in their own.
33 When something bad happens to people, they cry to their Lord
and turn to Him for help, but no sooner does He let them taste His
blessing than – lo and behold! – some of them ascribe partners to
their Lord, 34 showing no gratitude for what We have given them.
‘Take your pleasure! You will come to know.’ 35 Did We send them
down any authority that sanctions the partners they ascribe to
God?
36 When We give people a taste of Our blessing, they rejoice, but
when something bad happens to them – because of their own
actions – they fall into utter despair. 37 Do they not see that God
gives abundantly to whoever He will and sparingly [to whoever He
will]? There truly are signs in this for those who believe. 38 So give
their due to the near relative, the needy, and the wayfarer – that is
best for those whose goal is God’s approval: a these are the ones who
will prosper. 39 Whatever you lend out in usury to gain value through
other people’s wealth will not increase in God’s eyes, but whatever
you give in charity, in your desire for God’s approval, will earn
multiple rewards. 40 It is God who created you and provided for you,
who will cause you to die and then give you life again. Which of
your ‘partners’ can do any one of these things? Glory be to God, and
exalted be He above the partners they attribute to Him. 41 Corruption
has flourished on land and sea as a result of people’s actions and
He will make them taste the consequences of some of their own
actions so that they may turn back. 42 Say, ‘Travel through the land,
and see how those before you met their end – most of them were
idolaters.’ 43 [Prophet], stand firm in your devotion to the upright
religion, before an irresistible Day comes from God. On that Day,
mankind will be divided: 44 those who rejected the truth will bear the
burden of that rejection, and those who did good deeds will have
made good provision for themselves. 45 From His bounty God will
reward those who believe and do good deeds; He does not like those
who reject the truth.
a Literally ‘face’.