The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

2: 212
The Cow 23
you were astray. 199 Surge down where the rest of the people do, a and
ask forgiveness of God: He is most forgiving and merciful. 200 When
you have completed your rites, remember God as much as you
remember your own fathers, or even more. There are some who pray,
‘Our Lord, give us good in this world,’ and they will have no share in
the Hereafter; 201 others pray, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world
and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.’
202 They will have the share they have worked for: God is swift in
reckoning.
203 Remember God on the appointed days. b If anyone is in a hurry
to leave after two days, there is no blame on him, nor is there any
blame on anyone who stays on, so long as they are mindful of God.
Be mindful of God, and remember that you will be gathered to Him.
204 There is [a kind of] man whose views on the life of this world may
please you [Prophet], he even calls on God to witness what is in his
heart, yet he is the bitterest of opponents. 205 When he leaves, he sets
out to spread corruption in the land, destroying crops and livestock
– God does not like corruption. 206 When he is told, ‘Beware of
God,’ his arrogance leads him to sin. Hell is enough for him: a
dreadful resting place. 207 But there is also a kind of man who gives
his life away to please God, and God is most compassionate to His
servants. 208 You who believe, enter wholeheartedly into submission
to God c and do not follow in Satan’s footsteps, for he is your sworn
enemy. 209 If you slip back after clear proof has come to you, then be
aware that God is almighty and wise.
210 Are these people waiting for God to come to them in the
shadows of the clouds, together with the angels? But the matter
would already have been decided by then: d all matters are brought
back to God. 211 [Prophet], ask the Children of Israel how many clear
signs We brought them. If anyone alters God’s blessings after he has
received them, God is stern in punishment. 212 The life of this world
is made to seem glamorous to the disbelievers, and they laugh at
those who believe. But those who are mindful of God will be above
a Some arrogant tribes used to take a different route from the masses.
b These come after the day of sacrifice, when two or three days are spent in Mina to
perform the rite of stoning the Devil.
c Silm, which also means ‘peace’.
d It will be too late for them to repent.