The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

61. SOLID LINES
A Medinan sura encouraging the believers to stick together in support of God’s
cause (hence the title of the sura, cf. verse 4). It criticizes those who broke their
word (verse 3) and those who argued against the faith (verses 7–8). Moses and
Jesus are cited as examples of prophets whose communities were divided: the
rebellious were left to stray and the faithful granted success (verses 5–6, 14).
The rewards of those who strive in God’s cause are described in some detail
(verses 11–13).
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies God––He is the
Almighty, the Wise. 2 You who believe, why do you say things and
then do not do them? a 3 It is most hateful to God that you say things
and then do not do them; 4 God truly loves those who fight in solid
lines for His cause, like a well-compacted wall.
5 Moses said to his people, ‘My people, why do you hurt me when
you know that I am sent to you by God?’ When they went astray,
God left their hearts to stray: God does not guide rebellious people.
6 Jesus, son of Mary, said, ‘Children of Israel, I am sent to you by
God, confirming the Torah that came before me and bringing good
news of a messenger to follow me whose name will be Ahmad.’ b Yet
when he came to them with clear signs, they said, ‘This is obviously
sorcery.’
7 Who could be more wrong than someone who invents lies against
God when called to submit to Him? God does not guide the wrongdoers:
8 they wish to put His light out with their mouths. But He will
perfect His light, even though the disbelievers hate it; 9 it is He who
sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to show
that it is above all [other] religions, even though the idolaters hate it.
10 You who believe, shall I show you a bargain c that will save you
from painful torment? 11 Have faith in God and His Messenger and
struggle for His cause with your possessions and your persons––that
a Some asked to fight, but when God ordained fighting they failed to do so.
b Ahmad, like Muhammad, means ‘praised’ (for his good character).
c Literally ‘a trade’.