What does it mean in Islam, Do not take the unbelievers for friends?

Question :


In the Quraan, it says that we can not take the Kuffaar as awliyaa, but what does that mean? I mean, to what degree? Can we do business with them still? If I'm at school, can we play basketball with them? Can we talk to them about basketball and stuff? Can we hang out with them as long as they keep their beliefs to themselves? The reason I ask is because someone I know does hang out with them in this way and it doesn't affect his beliefs, but I still tell him, "Why don't you hang out with the muslims instead?" He says that most or many of the Muslims drink and take drugs where they hang out and they have girlfriends and he's afraid that the sins of the Muslims will lure him, yet he's sure that the Kufr of the Kaafirs will not lure him because that's something that isn't attractive to him. So is hanging out with them, playing sports with them, and talking with them about sports considered as "taking them as awliyaa instead of the believers" keeping in mind that he is doing that for his own eemaan?.

Answer :

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

Allaah has forbidden the believers to take the kaafireen (disbelievers) as friends, and He has issued a stern warning against doing that.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Awliyaa’ (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Awliyaa’ of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Awliyaa’), then surely, he is one of them. Verily, Allaah guides not those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers and unjust)”

[al-Maa’idah 5:51]

Shaykh al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

In this verse Allaah tells us that whoever takes the Jews and Christians as friends is one of them because of his taking them as friends. Elsewhere Allaah states that taking them as friends incurs the wrath of Allaah and His eternal punishment, and that if the one who takes them as friends was a true believer he would not have taken them as friends. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“You see many of them taking the disbelievers as their Awliyaa’ (protectors and helpers). Evil indeed is that which their ownselves have sent forward before them; for that (reason) Allaah’s Wrath fell upon them, and in torment they will abide.

81. And had they believed in Allaah, and in the Prophet (Muhammad) and in what has been revealed to him, never would they have taken them (the disbelievers) as Awliyaa’ (protectors and helpers); but many of them are the Faasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allaah)”

[al-Maa’idah 5:80-81]

Elsewhere Allaah forbids taking them as friends and explains the reason for that, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Take not as friends the people who incurred the Wrath of Allaah (i.e. the Jews). Surely, they have despaired of (receiving any good in) the Hereafter, just as the disbelievers have despaired of those (buried) in graves (that they will not be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection)”

[al-Mumtahanah 60:13]

In another verse Allaah explains that this is so long as they are not taken as friends because of fear or taqiyah (i.e., being friendly with them in order to avoid harm); if that is the case then the one who does that is excused. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Let not the believers take the disbelievers as Awliyaa’ (supporters, helpers) instead of the believers, and whoever does that, will never be helped by Allaah in any way, except if you indeed fear a danger from them”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:28]

This verse explains all the verses quoted above which forbid taking the kaafirs as friends in general terms. What that refers to is in cases where one has a choice, but in cases of fear and taqiyah it is permissible to make friends with them, as much as is essential to protect oneself against their evil. That is subject to the condition that one’s faith should not be affected by that friendship and the one who is behaves in that manner out of necessity is not one who behaves in that manner out of choice.

It may be understood from the apparent meaning of these verses that the one who deliberately takes the kuffaar as friends by choice and because he likes them, is one of them. End quote.

Adwa’ al-Bayaan, 2/98,99

One of the forms of making friends with the kaafirs which is forbidden is taking them as friends and companions, mixing with them and eating and playing with them.

In the answer to question no. 10342 we have quoted Shaykh Ibn Baaz as saying:

Eating with a kaafir is not haraam if it is necessary to do so, or if that serves some shar’i interest. But they should not be taken as friends, so you should not eat with them for no shar’i reason or for no shar’i purpose. You should not sit and chat with them and laugh with them. But if there is a reason to do so, such as eating with a guest, or to invite them to Islam or to guide them to the truth, or for some other shar’i reason, then it is OK.

The fact that the food of the People of the Book is halaal for us does not mean that we may take them as friends and companions. It does not mean that we may eat and drink with them for no reason and for no shar’i purpose.

Shaykh Muhammad al-Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about the ruling on mixing with the kuffaar and treating them kindly hoping that they will become Muslim. He replied:

Undoubtedly the Muslim is obliged to hate the enemies of Allaah and to disavow them, because this is the way of the Messengers and their followers. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibraaheem (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: ‘Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah, we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you, hostility and hatred for ever until you believe in Allaah Alone’”

[al-Mumtahanah 60:4]

“You (O Muhammad) will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad), even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Rooh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself”

[al-Mujaadilah 58:22]

Based on this, it is not permissible for a Muslim to feel any love in his heart towards the enemies of Allaah who are in fact his enemies too. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth”

[al-Mumtahanah 60:1]

But if a Muslim treats them with kindness and gentleness in the hope that they will become Muslim and will believe, there is nothing wrong with that, because it comes under the heading of opening their hearts to Islam. But if he despairs of them becoming Muslim, then he should treat them accordingly. This is something that is discussed in detail by the scholars, especially in the book Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah by Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him).

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 3, question no. 389.

Secondly:

With regard to what this person says about not mixing with sinful Muslims for fear that he may be tempted by their sins, but the kufr of the kuffaar does not tempt him, the answer to that is:

As for not mixing with Muslims who commit sin, he is doing well thereby, if he is not able to advise them and forbid them to do evil, and he fears that he may fall into the same sins and think it is something good.

With regard to mixing with the kuffaar, the reason why mixing with the kuffaar is not allowed is not only the fear that one may fall into kufr, rather the main reason for this ruling is their enmity towards Allaah and His Messenger and the believers. Allaah has indicated this reason in the verse where He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth (i.e. Islamic Monotheism, this Qur’aan, and Muhammad), and have driven out the Messenger (Muhammad) and yourselves (from your homeland) because you believe in Allaah your Lord”

[al-Mumtahanah 60:1]

So how can it be appropriate for a Muslim to keep company with the enemy of Allaah and his enemy, and make friends with him?

How can he be certain that he will not start to think of their ways as good? Many Muslims have fallen into kufr and heresy and have apostatized from Islam because of keeping company with the kuffaar and living in their countries. Some of them have become Jews and some have become Christians, and some have embraced atheistic philosophies.

We ask Allaah to make us steadfast in following His religion.

See also the answer to question no. 2179, which explains the important principle of the prohibition on taking the kuffaar as close friends. It also describes many forms of the kinds of friendship that are forbidden.

In the answer to question no. 43270 you will find the ruling on saying that the morals and manners of the kuffaar are better than those of the Muslims, and there is a quotation from Shaykh Ibn Baaz on the prohibition on saying such a thing.

In the answer to question no. 26118 and 23325 it is stated that it is forbidden to keep company with the kuffaar and make friends with them.

And Allaah knows best.



Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)

Are you one of the Belivers? Do you think you are or are you?

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Selamunalaykum,


We Muslims say "?mana Bill-?llah" (We belive in Allah) But do we fulfill the criteria for being a muslim, The ones who belive in Allah ?, a Brother once explained to me that a Foot-ball player must play football if he call's himself "football-player" This is the same case for a Muslim!, If you call yourself a muslim you must know the criteria for being a muslim.

Copy this article and summarize the critieras for being a muslim, Then print it with huge letters and hang it infront of your bed, And see it every night and think about the actions you have done And if you have fullfilled criteria for being a Muslim!

May Allah help us all and Help the Mujehadin!


THE BELIEVERS

The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then have had no doubt and have strived with their wealth and themselves in the Way of Allah. They are the ones who are true to their word. (Qur'an, 49:15)



THEY FEAR ALLAH ALONE

Those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord. (Qur'an, 70:27)

You who believe! Have fear of Allah the way He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims. (Qur'an, 3:102)

You who believe! If you have fear of Allah, He will give you discrimination and erase your bad actions from you and forgive you. Allah's favour is indeed immense. (Qur'an, 8:29)

You can only warn those who act on the Reminder (the Qur'an) and fear the All-Merciful in the Unseen. Give them the good news of forgiveness and a generous reward. (Qur'an, 36:11)

So have fear of Allah, as much as you are able to, and listen and obey and spend for your own benefit. It is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are successful. (Qur'an, 64:16)

The believers are those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, whose faith is increased when His Signs are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord. (Qur'an, 8:2)




THEY WORSHIP ALLAH ALONE

Say: 'Mankind! If you are in any doubt about my religion, I do not worship those you worship besides Allah. Rather I worship Allah who will take you back to Him and I am commanded to be one of the believers. (Qur'an, 10:104)

We have sent down the Book to you with truth. So worship Allah, making your religion sincerely His. Indeed is the sincere religion not Allah's alone? If people take protectors besides Him-'We only worship them so that they may bring us nearer to Allah'- Allah will judge between them regarding the things about which they differed. Allah does not guide anyone who is an ungrateful liar. (Qur'an, 39:2-3)

My servants, you who believe, My earth is wide, so worship Me alone! (Qur'an, 29:56)




THEY ESTEEM ALLAH ABOVE ALL THINGS

Those to whom people said, 'The people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But that merely increased their faith and they said, 'Allah is enough for us and the Best of Guardians.' (Qur'an, 3:173)

Some people set up equals to Allah, loving them as they should love Allah. But those who believe have greater love for Allah. If only you could see those who do wrong at the time when they see the punishment, and that truly all strength belongs to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment. (Qur'an, 2:165)

You who believe! If any of you renounce your religion, Allah will bring forward a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble to the believers, fierce to the unbelievers, who strive in the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah is Boundless, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 5:54)

We responded to him and gave him Yahya, restoring for him his wife's fertility. They outdid one another in good actions, calling out to Us in yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves to Us. (Qur'an, 21:90)

(There are man who are) not distracted by trade or commerce from the remembrance of Allah and the performance of prayer and the giving of alms; fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in turmoil. (Qur'an, 24:37)




THEY SEEK NO OTHER GOD THAN ALLAH

It has been revealed to you and those before you: 'If you associate others with Allah, your actions will come to nothing and you will be among the losers.' No! Worship Allah and be among the thankful. They do not measure Allah with His true measure. The whole earth will be a mere handful for Him on the Day of Rising the heavens folded up in His right hand. Glory be to Him! He is exalted above the partners they ascribe! (Qur'an, 39:65-67)

Do not call on any other god along with Allah. There is no god but Him. All things are passing except His Face. Judgement belongs to Him. You will be returned to Him. (Qur'an, 28:88)

Allah does not forgive anything being associated with Him but He forgives whoever He wills for anything other than that. Anyone who associates something with Allah has committed a terrible crime. (Qur'an, 4:48)

Those (prophets) who conveyed Allah's Message and had fear of Him, fearing no one except Allah. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (Qur'an, 33:39)

That was only satan who intimidated his adherents. But do not fear them-fear Me if you are believers. (Qur'an, 3:175)

Say, 'People of the Book! Come to a proposition which is the same for us and you - that we should worship none but Allah and not associate any partners with Him and not take one another as lords besides Allah.' If they turn away, say, 'Bear witness that we are Muslims.' (Qur'an, 3:64)

Say: 'What thing is greatest as a witness?' Say: 'Allah. He is Witness between me and you. This Qur'an has been revealed to me so that I may warn you by it, and anyone else it reaches. Do you then bear witness that there are other gods together with Allah?' Say: 'I do not bear witness.' Say: 'He is only One God, and I am free of all you associate with Him.' (Qur'an, 6:19)

Allah has promised those of you who believe and do right actions that He will make them successors in the land as He made those before them successors, and will firmly establish for them their religion with which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear, security. 'They worship Me, not associating anything with Me.' Any who do not believe after that, such people are deviators. (Qur'an, 24:55)


Those who say that the Messiah, son of Maryam, is Allah are unbelievers. The Messiah said, 'Tribe of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. If anyone associates anything with Allah, Allah has forbidden him the Garden and his refuge will be the Fire.' The wrongdoers will have no helpers. (Qur'an, 5:72)

Except those who repent and put things right and hold fast to Allah and dedicate their religion to Allah alone; they are with the believers. Allah will give the believers an immense reward. (Qur'an, 4:146)

Say: 'I am only a human being like yourselves. It is revealed to me that your god is One God. So let him who hopes to meet his Lord act rightly and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.' (Qur'an, 18:110)

So set your face firmly towards the Religion, as a pure natural believer, Allah's natural pattern on which He made mankind. There is no changing Allah's creation. That is the true Religion - but most people do not know it. (Qur'an, 30:30)




THEY DO NOT FOLLOW THEIR FATHERS BLINDLY

Similarly We never sent any warner before you to any city without the affluent among them saying, 'We found our fathers following a religion and we are simply following in their footsteps.' (Qur'an, 43:23)

When they are told: 'Follow what Allah has sent down,' they say, 'No, we will follow what we found our fathers doing.' What! Even if satan is calling them to the punishment of the Blazing Fire? (Qur'an, 31:21)

So be in no doubt about what these people worship. They only worship as their forebears worshipped previously. We will pay them their portion in full, with no rebate! (Qur'an, 11:109)

When they are told, 'Come to what Allah has sent down and to the Messenger,' they say, 'What we found our fathers doing is enough for us.' What! Even if their fathers did not know anything and were not guided! (Qur'an, 5:104)




THEY BELIEVE WITH CERTAINTY

The judgement concerning anything you differ about is Allah's concern. That is Allah, my Lord -I have put my trust in Him and to Him I turn. (Qur'an, 42:10)

The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then have had no doubt and have strived with their wealth and themselves in the Way of Allah. They are the ones who are true to their word. (Qur'an, 49:15)

When they listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they recognise of the truth. They say, 'Our Lord, we believe! So write us down among the witnesses. (Qur'an, 5:83)




THEY BELIEVE IN THE UNSEEN

Those who believe in the Unseen and perform prayer and spend from what We have provided for them. (Qur'an, 2:3)

Those who fear their Lord in the Unseen and are apprehensive about the Hour. (Qur'an, 21:49)

You can only warn those who act on the Reminder (the Qur'an) and fear the All-Merciful in the Unseen. Give them the good news of forgiveness and a generous reward. (Qur'an, 36:11)

Those who fear their Lord in the Unseen will have forgiveness and an immense reward. (Qur'an, 67:12)




THEY KNOW THAT ALL THINGS ARE FROM ALLAH

But you will not will unless Allah wills, the Lord of all the Worlds. (Qur'an, 81:29)

Say: 'Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in Allah that the believers should put their trust.' (Qur'an, 9:51)

Say: 'I possess no power to harm or help myself except as Allah wills. Every nation has an appointed time. When their appointed time comes, they cannot delay it a single hour or bring it forward.' (Qur'an, 10:49)

Never say about anything, 'I am doing that tomorrow,' without adding 'If Allah wills.' Remember your Lord when you forget, and say, 'Hopefully my Lord will guide me to something closer to right guidance than this.' (Qur'an, 18:23-24)

No misfortune occurs except by Allah's permission. Whoever believes in Allah-He will guide his heart. Allah has knowledge of all things. (Qur'an, 64:11)

You did not kill them; it was Allah Who killed them; and you did not throw, when you threw; it was Allah Who threw: so He might test the believers with this excellent trial from Him. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 8:17)

Nothing occurs, either in the earth or in yourselves, without its being in a Book before We make it happen. That is something easy for Allah. (Qur'an, 57:22)




THEIR TRUE INTENTION IS THE PLEASURE OF ALLAH

So they returned with blessings and bounty from Allah and no evil touched them. They pursued the pleasure of Allah. Allah's favour is indeed immense. (Qur'an, 3:174)

There is no good in much of their secret talk, except in the case of those who enjoin charity, or what is right, or putting things right between people. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We will give him an immense reward. (Qur'an, 4:114)

(Those) desiring only the Face of their Lord Most High. They will certainly be satisfied. (Qur'an, 92:20-21)

Those who are steadfast in seeking the face of their Lord, and perform prayer and give from the provision We have given them, secretly and openly, and stave off evil with good, it is they who will have the Ultimate Abode. (Qur'an, 13:22)

Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, desiring His face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring the attractions of this world. And do not obey someone whose heart We have made neglectful of Our remembrance and who follows his own whims and desires and whose life has transgressed all bounds. (Qur'an, 18:28)

Give relatives their due, and the poor and travellers. That is best for those who seek the pleasure of Allah. They are the ones who are successful. (Qur'an, 30:38)

Who is better: someone who founds his building on fear of Allah and His good pleasure, or someone who founds his building on the brink of a crumbling precipice so that it collapses with him into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not love wrongdoers. (Qur'an, 9:109)

You are not responsible for their guidance, but Allah guides whoever He wills. Whatever good you give away is to your own benefit, when you give desiring only the Face of Allah. Whatever good you give away will be repaid to you in full. You will not be wronged. (Qur'an, 2:272)

You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good pleasure from their Lord. When you have come out of pilgrim dress, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for a people who debar you from the Masjid al-Haram incite you into going beyond the limits. Help each other to goodness and heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdoing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is severe in retribution. (Qur'an, 5:2)

Is someone who pursues the pleasure of Allah the same as someone who incurs displeasure from Allah and whose refuge is Hell? What an evil destination! (Qur'an, 3:162)

By it, Allah guides those who follow what pleases Him to the ways of Peace. He will bring them from the darkness to the light by His permission, and guide them to a straight path. (Qur'an, 5:16)

And among the people there are some who give up everything, desiring the good pleasure of Allah. Allah is Ever-Gentle with His servants. (Qur'an, 2:207)

Say, 'Shall I tell you of something better than that?' Those who guard against evil will have Gardens with their Lord, with rivers flowing under them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever, and purified wives, and the Pleasure of Allah. Allah sees His servants. (Qur'an, 3:15)

The metaphor of those who spend their wealth, desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside. When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its produce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is dew. Allah sees what you do. (Qur'an, 2:265)

Do not chase away those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face. Their reckoning is in no way your responsibility and your reckoning is in no way their responsibility. Indeed if you did chase them away, you would be among the wrongdoers. (Qur'an, 6:52)

"We feed you only out of desire for the Face of Allah. We do not want any repayment from you or any thanks." (Qur'an, 76:9)








THEY LIVE THEIR ENTIRE LIVES FOR THE PLEASURE OF ALLAH ALONE

"We feed you only out of desire for the Face of Allah. We do not want any repayment from you or any thanks." (Qur'an, 76:9)

Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, desiring His face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring the attractions of this world. And do not obey someone whose heart We have made neglectful of Our remembrance and who follows his own whims and desires and whose life has transgressed all bounds. (Qur'an, 18:28)




THEY PRESERVE THE LIMITS OF ALLAH

You who believe! Do not make forbidden the good things Allah has made lawful for you, and do not overstep the limits. Allah does not love people who overstep the limits. (Qur'an, 5:87)

Those who repent, those who worship, those who praise, those who fast, those who bow, those who prostrate, those who command the right, those who forbid the wrong, those who preserve the limits of Allah: give good news to the believers. (Qur'an, 9:112)

Call on your Lord humbly and secretly. He does not love those who overstep the limits. (Qur'an, 7:55)

Divorce can be pronounced two times; in which case wives may be retained with correctness and courtesy or released with good will. It is not lawful for you to keep anything you have given them unless a couple fear that they will not remain within Allah's limits. If you fear that they will not remain within Allah's limits, there is nothing wrong in the wife ransoming herself with some of what she received. These are Allah's limits, so do not overstep them. Those who overstep Allah's limits are wrongdoers. (Qur'an, 2:229)




THEY ARE AWARE OF THEIR HELPLESSNESS BEFORE HIM

They said, 'Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If you do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be among the lost.' (Qur'an, 7:23)

Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against it, what it has merited. Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not place on us a load we have not the strength to bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us against the people of the unbelievers. (Qur'an, 2:286)

Say: 'No one can protect me from Allah and I will never find any refuge apart from Him. (Qur'an, 72:22)

Say: 'I possess no power to help or harm myself, except as Allah wills. If I had had knowledge of the Unseen, I would have sought to gain much good and no evil would have touched me. I am only a warner and a bringer of good news to people who believe.' (Qur'an, 7:188)




THEY ARE SINCERELY SUBSERVIENT TO THE REVELATION OF ALLAH

Ibrahim was forbearing, compassionate, penitent. (Qur'an, 11:75)

As for those who believe and do right actions and humble themselves before their Lord, they are the Companions of the Garden. Remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (Qur'an, 11:23)

Who could have a better religion than someone who submits himself completely to Allah and is a good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief? Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend. (Qur'an, 4:125)

Turning towards Him. Have fear of Him and perform prayer. Do not be among the idolaters. (Qur'an, 30:31)

The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, the givers, and those who seek forgiveness before dawn. (Qur'an, 3:17)

Whose hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and who are steadfast in the face of all that happens to them, those who perform prayer and give of what We have provided for them. (Qur'an, 22:35)

Those who submit themselves completely to Allah and do good have grasped the Firmest Handhold. The end result of all affairs is with Allah. (Qur'an, 31:22)

Not so! All who submit themselves completely to Allah and are good-doers will find their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (Qur'an, 2:112)




THEY PUT THEIR TRUST IN ALLAH

O Prophet! Allah is enough for you, and for the believers who follow you. (Qur'an, 8:64)

He (Ya'qub) said, 'My sons! You must not enter through a single gate. Go in through different gates. But I cannot save you from Allah at all, for judgement comes from no one but Allah. In Him I put my trust, and let all those who put their trust, put it in Him alone.' (Qur'an, 12:67)

Those to whom people said, 'The people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But that merely increased their faith and they said, 'Allah is enough for us and the Best of Guardians.' (Qur'an, 3:173)

Those who are steadfast and put their trust in their Lord. (Qur'an, 16:42)

And why indeed should we not put our trust in Allah when He has guided us to our ways? We will be steadfast however much you harm us. Those who trust put their trust in Allah.' (Qur'an, 14:12)

Put your trust in the Living who does not die and glorify Him with praise. He is well aware of the wrong actions of His servants: (Qur'an, 25:58)

Those who are steadfast and put their trust in their Lord. (Qur'an, 29:59)

Do not obey the unbelievers and hypocrites and disregard their abuse of you. Put your trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a Protector. (Qur'an, 33:48)

They have the word, 'Obedience!' on their tongues but when they leave your presence, a group of them spend the night plotting to do other than what you say. Allah is recording their nocturnal plotting. So let them be and put your trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian. (Qur'an, 4:81)

If an evil impulse from satan provokes you, seek refuge in Allah. He is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (Qur'an, 7:200)

You who believe! Remember Allah's blessing to you when certain people were on the verge of raising their hands against you and He held their hands back from you. Have fear of Allah. The believers should put their trust in Allah. (Qur'an, 5:11)

If Allah helps you, no one can vanquish you. If He forsakes you, who can help you after that? So the believers should put their trust in Allah. (Qur'an, 3:160)

But if they turn away, say, 'Allah is enough for me. There is no god but Him. I have put my trust in Him. He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.' (Qur'an, 9:129)

Musa said, 'My people! If you believe in Allah, then put your trust in Him, if you are Muslims.' (Qur'an, 10:84)

So put your trust in Allah. You are clearly on a path of truth. (Qur'an, 27:79)




THEY KNOW THAT HELP COMES FROM ALLAH ALONE

There was a sign for you in the two parties which met face to face, one party fighting in the Way of Allah and the other unbelievers. You saw them as twice their number with your own eyes. Allah reinforces with His help whoever He wills. There is instruction in that for people of insight. (Qur'an, 3:13)

And remember when two of your clans were on the point of losing heart and Allah was their Protector. Let the believers put their trust in Allah. (Qur'an, 3:122)

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, the All-Merciful, the Most Merciful, the King of the Day of Judgement. You alone we worship. You alone we ask for help. (Qur'an, 1:1-4)

Say: 'My Lord, make my entry sincere and make my leaving sincere and grant me supporting authority direct from Your Presence.' (Qur'an, 17:80)

Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against it, what it has merited. Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not place on us a load we have not the strength to bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us against the people of the unbelievers. (Qur'an, 2:286)

Musa said to his people, 'Seek help in Allah and be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He bequeathes it to any of His servants He wills. The successful outcome is for those who guard against evil.' (Qur'an, 7:128)

They then produced his shirt with false blood on it. He said, 'It is merely that your lower selves have suggested something to you which you did; but beauty lies in showing steadfastness. It is Allah alone Who is my Help in face of the event that you describe.' (Qur'an, 12:18)




THEY REPEATEDLY REMEMBER ALLAH

(There are men who are) not distracted by trade or commerce from the remembrance of Allah and the performance of prayer and the giving of alms; fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in turmoil. (Qur'an, 24:37)

Remember your Lord in yourself humbly and fearfully, without loudness of voice, morning and evening. Do not be one of the unaware. (Qur'an, 7:205)

Those who remember Allah, standing, sitting and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: 'Our Lord, You have not created this for nothing. Glory be to You! So safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire. (Qur'an, 3:191)

Those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allah. Only in the remembrance of Allah can the heart find peace.' (Qur'an, 13:28)

You who believe! When you meet a troop, stand firm and remember Allah repeatedly so that hopefully you will be successful. (Qur'an, 8:45)

You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much. (Qur'an, 33:21)

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and perform prayer. Prayer precludes indecency and wrongdoing. And remembrance of Allah is greater still. Allah knows what you do. (Qur'an, 29:45)




THEY DO NOT TRUST THEIR OWN POWER AND MEANS, BUT ONLY ALLAH

When Talut marched out with the army, he said, 'Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who does not taste it is with me-except for him who merely scoops up a little in his hand.' But they drank from it-except for a few of them. Then when he and those who believed with him had crossed it, they said, 'We do not have the strength to face Goliath and his troops today.' But those who were sure that they were going to meet Allah said, 'How many a small force has triumphed over a much greater one by Allah's permission! Allah is with the steadfast. (Qur'an, 2:249)

Allah has helped you on many occasions, including the Day of Hunayn when your great numbers delighted you but did not help you in any way, and the earth seemed narrow to you for all its great breadth, and you turned your backs. Then Allah sent down His serenity on His Messenger and on the believers, and sent down troops you could not see, and punished those who did not believe. That is how the unbelievers are repaid. (Qur'an, 9:25-26)




THEY HOLD FAST TO THE QUR'AN

And remember the Signs of Allah and the wise words which are recited in your rooms. Allah is All-Pervading, All-Aware. (Qur'an, 33:34)

So do not obey the unbelievers but use this (the Qur'an) to battle against them with all your might. (Qur'an, 25:52)

Those to whom We have given the Book, who recite it in the way it should be recited, such people believe in it. As for those who reject it, they are the losers. (Qur'an, 2:121)

As for those who hold fast to the Book and perform prayer, We will not let the wage of the righteous be wasted. (Qur'an, 7:170)

This (the Qur'an) is a Book We have sent down and blessed, confirming what came before it, so that you can warn the Mother of Cities (Makka) and the people around it. Those who believe in the hereafter believe in it and safeguard their prayer. (Qur'an, 6:92)

We have sent down the Book to you with the truth so that you can judge between people according to what Allah has shown to you. But do not be an advocate for the treacherous. (Qur'an, 4:105)

It is not right for any human being that Allah should give him the Book and Judgement and Prophethood, and then that he should say to people, 'Be worshippers of me rather than Allah.' Rather he will say, 'Be people of the Lord because of your knowledge of the Book and because you study.' (Qur'an, 3:79)

Abandon those who have turned their religion into a game and a diversion and who have been deluded by the life of this world. Remind by it lest a person is delivered up to destruction for what he has earned with no protector or intercessor besides Allah. Were he to offer every kind of compensation, it would not be accepted from him. Such people are delivered up to destruction for what they have earned. They will have scalding water to drink and a painful punishment because they did not believe. (Qur'an, 6:70)

Judge between them by what Allah has sent down and do not follow their whims and desires. And beware of them lest they lure you away from some of what Allah has sent down to you. If they turn their backs, then know that Allah wants to afflict them with some of their wrong actions. Many of mankind are deviators. (Qur'an, 5:49)

Is it not enough for them that We have sent down to you the Book which is recited to them? There is certainly a mercy and reminder in that for people who believe. (Qur'an, 29:51)

Those who, when they are reminded of the Signs of their Lord, do not turn their backs, deaf and blind to them; (Qur'an, 25:73)




THE QUR'AN INCREASES THEIR FAITH AND THEIR FEAR OF ALLAH

Those are some of the Prophets Allah has blessed, from the descendants of Adam and from those We carried with Nuh, and from the descendants of Ibrahim and Isra'il and from those We guided and chose. When the Signs of the All-Merciful were recited to them they fell on their faces, weeping, in prostration. (Qur'an, 19:58)

Say: 'Believe in it or do not believe in it.' Certainly, when it is recited to them, those who were given knowledge before it fall on their faces in prostration, saying, 'Glory be to our Lord! The promise of our Lord is truly fulfilled!' Weeping, they fall to the ground in prostration, and it increases them in humility. (Qur'an, 17:107-109)

The believers are those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, whose faith is increased when His Signs are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord; (Qur'an, 8:2)

Allah has sent down the Supreme Discourse, a Book consistent in its frequent repetitions. The skins of those who fear their Lord tremble at it and then their skins and hearts yield softly to the remembrance of Allah. That is Allah's guidance by which He guides whoever He wills. And no one can guide those whom Allah misguides. (Qur'an, 39:23)

Whose hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and who are steadfast in the face of all that happens to them, those who perform prayer and give of what We have provided for them. (Qur'an, 22:35)




THEY NEVER DISPLAY INGRATITUDE TOWARDS ALLAH

He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, 'I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.' And when he (Sulayman) saw it standing firmly in his presence, he said, 'This is part of my Lord's favour to test me to see if I will give thanks or show ingratitude. Whoever gives thanks only does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful, my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous.' (Qur'an, 27:40)




THEY BELIEVE IN THE DAY OF RESURRECTION WITH CERTAINTY

Those who fear their Lord in the Unseen and are apprehensive about the Hour. (Qur'an, 21:49)

Accordingly We have revealed to you an Arabic Qur'an so that you may warn the Mother of Cities (people of Makka) and those around it, and give warning of the Day of Gathering about which there is no doubt: one group in the Garden, the other in the Blazing Fire. (Qur'an, 42:7)



THEY FEAR THE DAY OF RESURRECTION

(There are men who are) not distracted by trade or commerce from the remembrance of Allah and the performance of prayer and the giving of alms; fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in turmoil - (Qur'an, 24:37)

They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and orphans and captives: 'We feed you only out of desire for the Face of Allah. We do not want any repayment from you or any thanks. Truly We fear from our Lord a glowering, calamitous Day.' (Qur'an, 76:8-10)




THEY BELIEVE IN THE HEREAFTER WITH CERTAINTY

Those who believe in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down before you, and are certain about the hereafter. (Qur'an, 2:4)

Allah has bought from the believers their selves and their wealth in return for the Garden. They fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an and who is truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in the bargain you have made. That is the great victory. (Qur'an, 9:111)

Those who perform prayer and give alms and are certain of the hereafter. (Qur'an, 31:4)

So let those who sell the life of this world for the hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or is victorious, We will pay him an immense reward. (Qur'an, 4:74)

Seek the abode of the hereafter with what Allah has given you, without forgetting your portion of this world. And do good as Allah has been good to you. And do not seek to cause corruption in the earth. Allah does not love corrupters.' (Qur'an, 28:77)

Those who perform prayer and give alms and are certain about the hereafter. (Qur'an, 27:3)

Indeed we are returning to our Lord!' (Qur'an, 43:14)

Those who affirm the Day of Judgement, (Qur'an, 70:26)

We purified their sincerity through sincere remembrance of the Abode. (Qur'an, 38:46)




THEY DO NOT GROW ATTACHED TO THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD

Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, desiring His face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring the attractions of this world. And do not obey someone whose heart We have made neglectful of Our remembrance and who follows his own whims and desires and whose life has transgressed all bounds. (Qur'an, 18:28)

Do not let their wealth and children impress you. Allah merely wants to punish them by them during their life in this world and for them to expire while they are unbelievers. (Qur'an, 9:55)

Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We have given certain of them to enjoy. Do not feel sad concerning them. And take the believers under your wing. (Qur'an, 15:88)

Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We have given certain of them to enjoy, the flower of the life of this world, so that We can test them by it. Your Lord's provision is better and longer lasting. (Qur'an, 20:131)

Do not let their wealth and their children impress you. Allah merely wants to punish them by them in this world, and for them to expire while they are unbelievers. (Qur'an, 9:85)

And what of him the evil of whose actions appears fine to him so that he sees them as good? Allah misguides whoever He wills and guides whoever He wills. So do not let yourself waste away out of regret for them. Allah knows what they do. (Qur'an, 35:8)

You who believe! Do not let your wealth or children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. Whoever does that is lost. (Qur'an, 63:9)




THEY LOOK TOWARDS THE HEREAFTER

You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much. (Qur'an, 33:21)

So let those who sell the life of this world for the hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or is victorious, We will pay him an immense reward. (Qur'an, 4:74)

We purified their sincerity through sincere remembrance of the Abode. (Qur'an, 38:46)

Allah has bought from the believers their selves and their wealth in return for the Garden. They fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an and who is truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in the bargain you have made. That is the great victory. (Qur'an, 9:111)

Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the people who guard against evil: (Qur'an, 3:133)




THEY FEEL NO APPREHENSION OF THE FUTURE

Recite to them the story of Nuh when he said to his people, 'My people, if my standing here and reminding you of Allah's Signs has become too much for you to bear, know that I have put my trust in Allah. So decide, you and your gods, on what you want to do and be open about it. Do with me whatever you decide and do not keep me waiting. If you turn your backs, I have not asked you for any wage. My wage is the responsibility of Allah alone. I am commanded to be one of the Muslims.' (Qur'an, 10:71-72)

Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you to avarice. Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and abundance. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 2:268)




THEY FULLY BELIEVE IN THE PRE-ORDAINED DECREE

Say: 'Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in Allah that the believers should put their trust.' (Qur'an, 9:51)

Nothing occurs, either in the earth or in yourselves, without its being in a Book before We make it happen. That is so that you will not be grieved about the things that pass you by or exult about the things that come to you. Allah does not love any vain or boastful man: (Qur'an, 57:22-23)




THEY ARE AWARE THAT THEY OWE THEIR PROPERTIES TO ALLAH

My Lord, You have granted power to me on earth and taught me the true meaning of events. Originator of the heavens and earth, You are my Friend in this world and the Next. So take me as a Muslim at my death and join me to the people who are righteous.' (Qur'an, 12:101)

He taught Adam the names of all things. Then He arrayed them before the angels and said, 'Tell me the names of these if you are telling the truth.' They said, 'Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.' (Qur'an, 2:31-32)

He said, 'No meal to feed you will arrive before I have informed you what they mean. That is part of what my Lord taught me. For I have left the religion of a people who clearly have no faith in Allah and are unbelievers about the world to come. (Qur'an, 12:37)




THEY REGARD EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO THEM AS GOOD

Say: 'Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in Allah that the believers should put their trust.' (Qur'an, 9:51)




THEY EARNESTLY OBEY ALLAH, HIS COMMANDS AND HIS MESSENGERS

When Allah and His Messenger have decided something it is not for any man or woman of the believers to have a choice about it. Anyone who disobeys Allah and His Messenger is clearly misguided. (Qur'an, 33:36)

But those of you who are obedient to Allah and His Messenger and act rightly will be given their reward twice over; and We have prepared generous provision for them. (Qur'an, 33:31)

Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and beware! If you turn your backs, know that Our Messenger is only responsible for clear transmission. (Qur'an, 5:92)

Say, 'If you love Allah, then follow me and Allah will love you and forgive you for your wrong actions. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.' (Qur'an, 3:31)




THEY FOLLOW THE WAY OF THE PROPHETS AND MESSENGERS

You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much. (Qur'an, 33:21)

Or were you present when death came to Ya'qub and he said to his sons, 'What will you worship when I have gone?' They said, 'We will worship your God, the God of your forefathers, Ibrahim, Isma'il and Ishaq-one God. We are Muslims submitted to Him.' (Qur'an, 2:133)

Say, 'We believe in Allah and what has been sent down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim and Isma'il and Ishaq and Ya'qub and the Tribes, and what Musa and 'Isa were given, and what all the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. We are Muslims submitted to Him.' (Qur'an, 2:136)

I hold fast to the creed of my forebears Ibrahim and Ishaq and Ya'qub. We don't associate anything with Allah. And that is how Allah has favoured us and all mankind, but most do not give thanks. (Qur'an, 12:38)




THEY FOLLOW THE PRACTICES OF THE PROPHET

Those who follow the Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, whom they find written down with them in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding them to do right and forbidding them to do wrong, making good things lawful for them and bad things forbidden for them, relieving them of their heavy loads and the chains which were around them. Those who believe in him and honour him and help him, and follow the Light that has been sent down with him, they are the ones who are successful.' (Qur'an, 7:157)




THEY ARE NOT INFLUENCED BY SATAN

If an evil impulse from satan provokes you, seek refuge in Allah. He is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. As for those who guard against evil, when they are bothered by visitors from satan, they remember and immediately see clearly. (Qur'an, 7:200-201)

He (satan) said, 'My Lord, because You misled me, I will make things on the earth seem good to them and I will mislead them all, every one of them, except Your servants among them who are sincere.' He said, 'This is a Straight Path to Me. You have no authority over any of My servants except for the misled who follow you.' (Qur'an, 15:39-42)

Whenever you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed satan. He has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. (Qur'an, 16:98-99)




THEY CONSIDER SATAN AND HIS FOLLOWERS AS AN ENEMY

Satan is your enemy so treat him as an enemy. He summons his party so they will be among the people of the Searing Blaze. (Qur'an, 35:6)

Do not let satan bar your way. He truly is an outright enemy to you. (Qur'an, 43:62)

Children of Adam! Do not let satan tempt you into trouble as He expelled your parents from the Garden, stripping them of their covering and disclosing to them their private parts. He and his tribe see you from where you do not see them. We have made the satans friends of those who do not believe. (Qur'an, 7:27)

You will find that the people most hostile to those who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You will find the people most affectionate to those who believe are those who say, 'We are Christians.' That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Qur'an, 5:82)

You who believe! Do not take My enemy and your enemy as friends, showing love for them when they have rejected the truth that has come to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If you go out to strive in My Way and to seek My pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for them, I know best what you conceal and what you make known. Any of you who do that have strayed from the right way. (Qur'an, 60:1)




THEY TAKE ONLY ALLAH AND THE BELIEVERS AS THEIR INTIMATES

Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and those who believe: those who perform prayer and give alms, and bow. As for those who make Allah their friend, and His Messenger and those who believe: it is the party of Allah who are victorious! (Qur'an, 5:55-56)

You who believe! Do not take the unbelievers as friends rather than the believers. Do you want to give Allah clear proof against you? (Qur'an, 4:144)

Or did you suppose that you would be left without Allah knowing those of you who have strived and who have not taken anyone as their intimate friends besides Allah and His Messenger and the believers? Allah is aware of what you do. (Qur'an, 9:16)

You will not find people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having love for anyone who opposes Allah and His Messenger, though they be their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such people's hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit from Him and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. Such people are the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah who are successful. (Qur'an, 58:22)

Allah merely forbids you from taking as friends those who have fought you in the religion and driven you from your homes and who supported your expulsion. Any who take them as friends are wrongdoers. (Qur'an, 60:9)

Those who do not believe are the friends and protectors of one another. If you do not act in this way (do not protect each other) there will be turmoil in the land and great corruption. (Qur'an, 8:73)

You who believe! Do not befriend your fathers and brothers if they prefer disbelief to faith. Those among you who do befriend them are wrongdoers. (Qur'an, 9:23)

You who believe! Do not take any outside yourselves as intimates. They will do anything to harm you. They love what causes you distress. Hatred has appeared out of their mouths, but what their breasts hide is far worse. We have made the Signs clear to you if you use your intellect. (Qur'an, 3:118)




THEY ARE TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER BELIEVERS

Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, desiring His face. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring the attractions of this world. And do not obey someone whose heart We have made neglectful of Our remembrance and who follows his own whims and desires and whose life has transgressed all bounds. (Qur'an, 18:28)

You who believe! Have fear of Allah and be with the truly sincere. (Qur'an, 9:119)

But if they try to make you associate something with Me about which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. Keep company with them correctly and courteously in this world but follow the Way of him who turns to Me. Then you will return to Me and I will inform you about the things you did.' (Qur'an, 31:15)

You who believe! Do not take any outside yourselves as intimates. They will do anything to harm you. They love what causes you distress. Hatred has appeared out of their mouths, but what their breasts hide is far worse. We have made the Signs clear to you if you use your intellect. (Qur'an, 3:118)




THEY SAFEGUARD THEIR PRAYER

Safeguard the prayer-especially the middle one. Stand in obedience to Allah. (Qur'an, 2:238)

Those who perform prayer and give of what We have provided for them. (Qur'an, 8:3)

It is the believers who are successful: those who are humble in their prayer; (Qur'an, 23:1-2)

Those who safeguard their prayer: (Qur'an, 23:9)

(They are) not distracted by trade or commerce from the remembrance of Allah and the performance of prayer and giving alms; fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in turmoil. (Qur'an, 24:37)

Except for those who perform prayer and are constant in it. (Qur'an, 70:22-23)




THEY WORSHIP AT NIGHT AS WELL

The part of the night they spent asleep was small and they would seek forgiveness before the dawn. (Qur'an, 51:17-18)




THEY ASK FORGIVENESS FOR THEIR BAD ACTIONS

Our Lord, we heard a caller calling us to faith: "Believe in your Lord!" and we believed. Our Lord, forgive us our wrong actions, erase our bad actions from us and take us back to You with those who are truly good. (Qur'an, 3:193)

Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against it, what it has merited. Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not place on us a load we have not the strength to bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us against the people of the unbelievers. (Qur'an, 2:286)

My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and all who enter my house as believers, and all the men and women of the believers. But do not increase the wrongdoers except in ruin!' (Qur'an, 71:28)

Those who, when they act indecently or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their bad actions (and who can forgive bad actions except Allah?) and do not knowingly persist in what they were doing. (Qur'an, 3:135)

(They are) those who say, 'Our Lord, we believe, so forgive us our wrong actions and safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire.' The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, the givers, and those who seek forgiveness before dawn. (Qur'an, 3:16-17)

All they said was, 'Our Lord, forgive us our wrong actions and any excesses we went to in what we did and make our feet firm and help us against these disbelieving people.' (Qur'an, 3:147)

Those who have come after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and do not put any ancour in our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord, You are All-Gentle, Most Merciful.' (Qur'an, 59:10)

And they would seek forgiveness before the dawn. (Qur'an, 51:18)




THEY ASK FORGIVENESS FOR THEIR OWN SINS AND FOR THOSE OF THE BELIEVERS

Know then that there is no god except Allah and ask forgiveness for your wrongdoing, and for the men and women who believe. Allah knows both your activity and your repose. (Qur'an, 47:19)

Those who have come after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and do not put any ancour in our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord, You are All-Gentle, Most Merciful.' (Qur'an, 59:10)




THEY TRY HARD TO DRAW NEARER TO ALLAH

You who believe! Have fear of Allah and seek the means of drawing near to Him, and strive in His Way, so that hopefully you will be successful. (Qur'an, 5:35)

And the Forerunners, the Forerunners. Those are the Ones Brought Near. (Qur'an, 56:10-11)




THEY ARE THANKFUL TO ALLAH

You who believe! Eat of the good things We have provided for you and give thanks to Allah if you worship Him alone. (Qur'an, 2:172)

We gave Luqman wisdom: 'Give thanks to Allah. Whoever gives thanks only does so to his own good. Whoever is ungrateful, Allah is Rich Beyond Need, Praiseworthy.' (Qur'an, 31:12)

They made for him (Sulayman) anything he wished: high arches and statues, huge dishes like cisterns, great built-in cooking vats. 'Work, family of Dawud, in thankfulness!' But very few of My servants are thankful. (Qur'an, 34:13)

And when your Lord announced: "If you are grateful, I will certainly give you increase, but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe."' (Qur'an, 14:7)

Descendants of those We carried with Nuh. He was a grateful servant. (Qur'an, 17:3)

Allah brought you out of your mothers' wombs knowing nothing at all, and gave you hearing, sight and hearts so that perhaps you would show thanks. (Qur'an, 16:78)

Why should Allah punish you if you are thankful and believe? Allah is All-Thankful, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 4:147)

The two seas are not the same: the one is sweet, refreshing, delicious to drink, the other salty, bitter to the taste. Yet from both of them you eat fresh flesh and extract ornaments for yourselves to wear; and you see ships on them, cleaving through the waves so that you can seek His bounty and so that hopefully you will be thankful. (Qur'an, 35:12)




THEY DO THEIR BEST IN THE WAY OF ALLAH

But the Messenger and those who believe along with him have strived with their wealth and with themselves. They are the people who will have the good things. They are the ones who are successful. (Qur'an, 9:88)

Those who believe and migrate and strive in the Way of Allah with their wealth and themselves have a higher rank with Allah. They are the ones who are victorious. (Qur'an, 9:20)

Fight them! Allah will punish them at your hands, and disgrace them and help you against them, and heal the hearts of those who believe. (Qur'an, 9:14)

You who believe! Shall I direct you to a transaction which will save you from a painful punishment? It is to believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the Way of Allah with your wealth and your selves. That is better for you if you only knew. (Qur'an, 61:10-11)

The believers are only those who have belived in Allah and His Messenger and then have had no doubt and have strived with their wealth and themselves in the Way of Allah. They are the ones who are true to their word. (Qur'an, 49:15)

What reason could you have for not fighting in the Way of Allah-for those men, women and children who are oppressed and say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city whose inhabitants are wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give us a helper from You!'? (Qur'an, 4:75)

Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has selected you and not placed any constraint upon you in the religion-the religion of your forefather Ibrahim. He named you Muslims before and also in this, so that the Messenger could be witness against you and you could be witnesses against all mankind. So perform prayer and give alms and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector-the Best Protector, the Best Helper. (Qur'an, 22:78)

Go out to fight, light-armed and heavy-armed, and strive with your wealth and yourselves in the Way of Allah. That is better for you if you only knew. (Qur'an, 9:41)

Whoever strives does it entirely for himself. Allah is Rich Beyond Need of any being. (Qur'an, 29:6)




HARDSHIPS NEVER CAUSE THEM TO ABANDON THEIR FAITH

Those who did good and guard against evil, among those who responded to Allah and the Messenger after the wound had been inflicted will have an immense reward: those to whom people said, 'The people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But that merely increased their faith and they said, 'Allah is enough for us and the Best of Guardians.' (Qur'an, 3:172-173)

It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, despite their love for it, give away their wealth to their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, and to travellers and beggars and to set slaves free, and who perform prayer and give alms; those who honour their contracts when they make them, and are steadfast in poverty and illness and in battle. Those are the people who are true. They are the people who guard against evil. (Qur'an, 2:177)




THEY CONVEY ALLAH'S MESSAGE

He (Nuh) said, 'My Lord, I have called my people night and day but my calling has only made them more evasive. Indeed, every time I called them to Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their ears, wrapped themselves up in their clothes and were overweeningly arrogant. Then I called them openly. Then I addressed them publicly and addressed them privately. (Qur'an, 71:5-9)

When their brother Hud said to them, 'Will you not guard against evil? I am a faithful Messenger to you so have fear of Allah and obey me. I do not ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of no one but the Lord of all the worlds. (Qur'an, 26:124-127)

When their brother Nuh said to them, 'Will you not guard against evil? I am a faithful Messenger to you so have fear of Allah and obey me. I do not ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of no one but the Lord of all the worlds. So have fear of Allah and obey me.' (Qur'an, 26:106-110)

(Mine is) only transmitting from Allah and His Messages. As for him who disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he will have the Fire of Hell, remaining in it timelessly, for ever and ever.' (Qur'an, 72:23)




THEY NEVER WEAKEN IN THEIR FIGHT IN THE WAY OF ALLAH

Many a Prophet has fought, when there were many thousands with him! They did not give up in the face of what assailed them in the Way of Allah, nor did they weaken, nor did they yield. Allah loves the steadfast. (Qur'an, 3:146)

Do not relax in pursuit of the enemy. If you feel pain, they too are feeling it just as you are, but you hope for something from Allah which they cannot hope for. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Qur'an, 4:104)

So be steadfast. Allah's promise is true. Do not let those who have no certainty make you impatient and shake your firmness. (Qur'an, 30:60)

Do not give up and do not be downhearted. You shall be uppermost if you are believers. (Qur'an, 3:139)




THEY MAKE PREPARATIONS FOR FIGHTING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH

Go out to fight, light-armed and heavy-armed, and strive with your wealth and yourselves in the Way of Allah. That is better for you if you only knew. (Qur'an, 9:41)

Arm yourselves against them with all the firepower and cavalry you can muster, to terrify the enemies of Allah and your enemies, and others besides them whom you do not know. Allah knows them. Anything you spend in the Way of Allah will be repaid to you in full. You will not be wronged. (Qur'an, 8:60)

If they had really desired to go out, they would have made proper preparations for it, but Allah was averse to their setting out so He held them back and they were told: 'Stay behind with those who stay behind.' (Qur'an, 9:46)

You who believe! When you go out to fight in the Way of Allah verify things carefully. Do not say, 'You are not a believer', to someone who greets you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the goods of this world. With Allah there is booty in abundance. That is the way you were before but Allah has been kind to you. So verify things carefully. Allah is aware of what you do. (Qur'an, 4:94)




THEY ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER IN THE STRUGGLE

So fight in the way of Allah-you are only answerable for yourself-and spur on the believers. It may well be that Allah will curb the force of the unbelievers. Allah has greater force and greater power to punish. (Qur'an, 4:84)

O Prophet! Spur on the believers to fight. If there are twenty of you who are steadfast, they will overcome two hundred; and if there are a hundred of you, they will overcome a thousand of those who are unbelievers, because they are people who do not understand. (Qur'an, 8:65)




THEY WAGE THE STRUGGLE AT THE RIGHT TIME

And how is it with you that you do not give in the Way of Allah, when the inheritance of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah? Those of you who gave and fought before the Victory are not the same as those who gave and fought afterwards. They are higher in rank. But to each of them Allah has promised the Best. Allah is aware of what you do. (Qur'an, 57:10)




THEY MAY CONCEAL THEIR FAITH DURING STRUGGLE IF NECESSARY

A man among Pharaoh's people who believed, but kept his faith concealed, said, 'Are you going to kill a man for saying "My Lord is Allah" when he has brought you Clear Signs from your Lord? If he is telling a lie, be it on his own head. But if he is telling the truth, then some of what he is promising you will certainly happen to you. Allah does not guide any unbridled inveterate liar. (Qur'an, 40:28)




THEY FIGHT THE RULING CIRCLE OF DISBELIEVERS

If they break their oaths after making their treaty and defame your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief-they have no binding oaths-so that hopefully they will stop. (Qur'an, 9:12)

You who believe! Fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find you implacable. Know that Allah is with those who guard against evil. (Qur'an, 9:123)

Fight them until there is no more persecution and the religion is Allah's alone. If they stop, Allah sees what they do, (Qur'an, 8:39)




THEY ARE FIERCE AND UPRIGHT TOWARDS THE DISBELIEVERS

O Prophet! Strive against the unbelievers and hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their refuge is Hell. What an evil destination! (Qur'an, 66:9)

The worst of animals in the sight of Allah are those who do not believe and do not believe, those with whom you make a treaty and who then break it every time. They don't guard against evil. So if you come upon such people in war, make a harsh example of them to deter those coming after them so that hopefully they will pay heed. (Qur'an, 8:55-57)

You who believe! If any of you renounce your religion, Allah will bring forward a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble to the believers, fierce to the unbelievers, who strive in the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah is Boundless, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 5:54)




THEY ARE CAUTIOUS AGAINST THOSE WHO ARE DISBELIEVERS

That was the situation when we woke them up so they could question one another. One of them asked, 'How long have you been here?' They replied, 'We have been here for a day or part of a day.' They said, 'Your Lord knows best how long you have been here. Send one of your number into the city with this silver you have, so he can see which food is purest and bring you some of it to eat. But he should go about with caution so that no one is aware of you, (Qur'an, 18:19)

He (Ya'qub) said, 'My sons! You must not enter through a single gate. Go in through different gates. But I cannot save you from Allah at all, for judgement comes from no one but Allah. In Him I put my trust, and let all those who put their trust, put it in Him alone.' (Qur'an, 12:67)

You who believe! Take all necessary precautions, then go out to fight in separate groups or go out as one body. (Qur'an, 4:71)

When you are with them and leading them in prayer, a group of them should stand with you, keeping hold of their weapons. When they prostrate, the others should guard your backs. Then the other group who have not yet prayed should come and pray with you. They too should be careful and keep hold of their weapons. Those who do not believe would like you to be negligent of your arms and equipment so that they can swoop down on you once and for all. There is nothing wrong, if you are bothered by rain or you are ill, in laying your weapons down; but take every precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating punishment for the unbelievers. (Qur'an, 4:102)




THEY SET TRAPS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO FAITH

Then when he had supplied them with their needs, he put the goblet in his brother's bag. A herald called out, 'Caravan! You are thieves!' They turned to them and said, 'What are you missing?' They said, 'We're missing the goblet of the king. The man who brings it will get a camel's load. Regarding that I stand as guarantor.' They said, 'By Allah, you know we did not come to corrupt the land and that we are not thieves.' They said, 'What is the reparation for it if it in fact transpires that you are liars?' They said, 'Its reparation shall be him in the saddlebags of whom it is discovered. With us that is how wrongdoers are repaid.' He started with their bags before his brother's. and then produced it from his brother's bag. In that way We devised a cunning scheme for Yusuf. He could not have held his brother according to the statutes of the King - only because Allah had willed it so. We raise the rank of anyone We will. Over everyone with knowledge is a Knower. (Qur'an, 12:70-76)

Remember when you left your family early in the day to instal the believers in their battle stations. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 3:121)

They said, 'Did you do this to our gods, Ibrahim?' He said, 'No, this one, the biggest of them, did it. Ask them if they are able to speak!' They consulted among themselves and said, 'It is you yourselves who are wrongdoers.' But then they relapsed back into their disbelief: 'You know full well these idols cannot talk.' He said, 'Do you then worship, instead of Allah, what cannot help or harm you in any way? Shame on you and what you worship besides Allah! Will you not use your intellect?' (Qur'an, 21:62-67)




THE STRATAGEMS OF THE DISBELIEVERS AGAINST THE BELIEVERS COME TO NOTHING

If something good happens to you, it galls them. If something bad strikes you, they rejoice at it. But if you are steadfast and guard against evil, their scheming will not harm you in any way. Allah encompasses what they do. (Qur'an, 3:120)

They concocted their plots, but their plots were with Allah, even if they were such as to make the mountains vanish. (Qur'an, 14:46)

Allah will defend those who believe. Allah does not love any thankless traitor. (Qur'an, 22:38)

When those who do not believe were plotting against you to imprison you or kill you or expel you: they were plotting and Allah was plotting, but Allah is the Best of Plotters. (Qur'an, 8:30)

Those before them also plotted, and Allah came at their building from the foundations and the roof caved in on top of them. The punishment came at them from where they did not expect. (Qur'an, 16:26)

His Lord replied to him (Yusuf) and turned away from him their guile and deviousness. He is the One Who Hears, the One Who Knows. (Qur'an, 12:34)

(Yusuf said In this way he may know at last that I did not dishonour him behind his back and that Allah most surely does not guide the deviousness of the dishonourable. (Qur'an, 12:52)

They said, 'Build a pyre for him (Ibrahim) and fling him into the blaze!' They tried to outwit him but We made them the lowest. (Qur'an, 37:97-98)

Do you not see what your Lord did with the Companions of the Elephant? Did He not bring all their schemes to nothing, (Qur'an, 105:1-2)

When he (Musa) brought them the truth from Us they said, 'Slaughter the sons of those who believe with him but let their women live.' The stratagems of the unbelievers are nothing but errors. (Qur'an, 40:25)




THEY TURN AWAY FROM THE DISBELIEVERS

Did they bequeathe this to each other? Indeed they are an unbridled people. So turn away from them, for you are not to blame. (Qur'an, 51:53-54)




THEY PREVENT THE TYRANNY OF THE DISBELIEVERS

Fight them! Allah will punish them at your hands, and disgrace them and help you against them, and heal the hearts of those who believe. He will remove the rage from their hearts. Allah turns to anyone He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Qur'an, 9:14-15)

If the hypocrites and those with sickness in their hearts and the rumour-mongers in Madina do not desist, We will set you onto them. Then they will only be your neighbours there a very short time. They are an accursed people. Wherever they are found they should be seized and mercilessly put to death. This is Allah's pattern with those who passed away before. You will not find any alteration in Allah's pattern. (Qur'an, 33:60-62)

Whatever booty from them Allah has given to His Messenger-and you spurred on neither horse nor camel in its acquisition, but Allah gives power to His Messengers over anyone He wills, Allah has power over all things. (Qur'an, 59:6)

Say: 'What do you await for us except for one of the two best things? But what we await for you is for Allah to inflict a punishment on you either directly from Himself or at our hands. So wait, we are waiting with you!' (Qur'an, 9:52)




THEY FIGHT THOSE WHO ACT HYPOCRITICALLY

You who believe! Fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find you implacable. Know that Allah is with those who guard against evil. (Qur'an, 9:123)

O Prophet, strive against the unbelievers and hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their shelter will be Hell. What an evil destination! (Qur'an, 9:73)




THEY DO NOT ALLOW THOSE WHO ACT HYPOCRITICALLY TO STAY AMONGST THEM

When you go out to get the booty, those who remained behind will say, 'Allow us to follow you,' desiring to alter Allah's words. Say: 'You may not follow us. That is what Allah said before.' They will say, 'It is only because you envy us.' No indeed! How little they have understood! (Qur'an, 48:15)

They will swear to you by Allah when you return to them, so that you leave them alone. Leave them alone, then! They are filth. Their shelter will be Hell as repayment for what they did. (Qur'an, 9:95)

If Allah returns you to a group of them, and they ask you for permission to go out, say, 'You will never go out with me, nor will you ever fight an enemy with me. You were happy to stay behind the first time, so stay behind with those who are left behind.' (Qur'an, 9:83)



THEY PUNISH THOSE WHO ACT HYPOCRITICALLY

Do not try to excuse yourselves. You have become unbelievers after believing. If one group of you is pardoned, another group will be punished for being evildoers.' (Qur'an, 9:66)

He (Musa) said, 'What do you think you were doing, Samaritan?' He said, 'I saw what they did not see. So I gathered up a handful from the Messenger's footprints and threw it in. That is what my inner self urged me to do.' He said, 'Go! In this world you will have to say, "Untouchable!" And you have an appointment which you will not fail to keep. Look at your god to which you devoted so much time. We will burn it up and then scatter it as dust into the sea. (Qur'an, 20:95-97)




THEY GIVE FROM WHAT ALLAH HAS PROVIDED THEM

So have fear of Allah, as much as you are able to, and listen and obey and spend for your own benefit. It is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are successful. (Qur'an, 64:16)

The metaphor of those who spend their wealth, desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside. When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its produce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is dew. Allah sees what you do. (Qur'an, 2:265)

Give from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only you would give me a little more time so that I can give charity and be one of the righteous!' (Qur'an, 63:10)

Those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, and then do not follow what they have spent by demands for gratitude or insulting words will have their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (Qur'an, 2:262)

You will not attain true goodness until you give of what you love. Whatever you give away, Allah knows it. (Qur'an, 3:92)

Those who give in times of both ease and hardship, those who control their rage and pardon other people-Allah loves the good-doers. (Qur'an, 3:134)

Nor will they give away any amount, whether large or small, nor will they cross any valley, without it being written down for them so that Allah can recompense them for the best of what they did. (Qur'an, 9:121)

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and give of that to which He has made you successors. Those of you who believe and give will have an immense reward. (Qur'an, 57:7)

And how is it with you that you do not give in the Way of Allah, when the inheritance of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah? Those of you who gave and fought before the Victory are not the same as those who gave and fought afterwards. They are higher in rank. But to each of them Allah has promised the Best. Allah is aware of what you do. (Qur'an, 57:10)




THEY GIVE FROM THE PROVISIONS ALLAH HAS GIVEN THEM, BOTH SECRETLY AND OPENLY

Those who are steadfast in seeking the face of their Lord, and perform prayer and give from the provision We have given them, secretly and openly, and stave off evil with good, it is they who will have the Ultimate Abode. (Qur'an, 13:22)




THEY SPEND IN THE WAY OF ALLAH AS IS DUE

Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and those who believe: those who perform prayer and give alms, and bow. (Qur'an, 5:55)

Those who give alms; (Qur'an, 23:4)

Prescribe good for us in this world and the hereafter. We have truly turned to You.' He said, 'As for My punishment, I strike with it anyone I will. My mercy extends to all things but I will prescribe it for those who guard against evil and give alms, and those who believe in Our Signs: (Qur'an, 7:156)

Perform prayer and give alms. Any good you send ahead for yourselves, you will find with Allah. Certainly Allah sees what you do. (Qur'an, 2:110)




THEY MOVE AS A GROUP, IF NECESSARY

Those who believe and have migrated and strived with their wealth and themselves in the Way of Allah, and those who have given refuge and help, they are the friends and protectors of one another. But as for those who believe but have not migrated, you are not in any way responsible for their protection until they migrate. But if they ask you for help in respect of the religion, it is your duty to help them, except against people you have a treaty with. Allah sees what you do. (Qur'an, 8:72)

The angels ask those they take while they are wronging themselves, 'What were your circumstances?' They reply, 'We were oppressed on earth.' They say, 'Was Allah's earth not wide enough for you to have migrated to elsewhere in it?' The shelter of such people will be Hell. What an evil destination! (Qur'an, 4:97)

Those who migrate in the Way of Allah will find many places of refuge on the earth and ample sustenance. If anyone leaves his home, migrating to Allah and His Messenger, and death catches up with him, it is Allah Who will reward him. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 4:100)

Those who migrate in the Way of Allah and then are killed or die, Allah will provide for them handsomely. Truly Allah is the best Provider. He will admit them by an entrance which is pleasing to them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Forbearing. (Qur'an, 22:58-59)

But to those who migrated after they were persecuted and then strived and remained steadfast, to them your Lord is All-Compassionate, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 16:110)

As for those who migrate for Allah's sake after being wronged, We shall give them good lodging in this world, and the reward of the hereafter is greater still if they only knew. (Qur'an, 16:41)




THEY HONOUR THEIR TRUSTS

Those who honour their trusts and their contracts; (Qur'an, 23:8)

Allah commands you to return to their owners the things you hold on trust and, when you judge between people, to judge with justice. How excellent is what Allah exhorts you to do! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (Qur'an, 4:58)

Among the People of the Book there are some who, if you entrust them with a pile of gold, will return it to you. But there are others among them who, if you entrust them with just a single dinar, will not return it to you, unless you stay standing over them. That is because they say, 'We are under no obligation where the gentiles are concerned.' They tell a lie against Allah and they know it. (Qur'an, 3:75)

Those who honour their trusts and contracts; (Qur'an, 70:32)




THEY ARE TRUSTWORTHY PEOPLE

I am a faithful Messenger to you. (Qur'an, 26:178)

The King said, 'Bring him to me straight away! So I may draw him very close to me.' When he had spoken with him, he declared, 'Today you are trusted, established in our sight.' (Qur'an, 12:54)

Before them We put Pharaoh's people to the test when a noble Messenger came to them, saying 'Hand over to me the servants of Allah. I am a trustworthy Messenger to you.' (Qur'an, 44:17-18)

He (Hud) said, 'My people, I am by no means a fool, but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of all the worlds, transmitting my Lord's Message to you, and I am a faithful counsellor to you. (Qur'an, 7:67-68)

One of them came walking shyly up to him and said, 'My father invites you so that he can pay you your wage for drawing water for us.' When he came to him and told him the whole story he said, 'Have no fear, you have escaped from wrongdoing people.' One of them said, 'Hire him, father. The best person to hire is someone strong and trustworthy.' (Qur'an, 28:25-26)

Truly it (the Qur'an) is the speech of a noble Messenger, possessing great strength, securely placed with the Lord of the Throne, obeyed there, trustworthy. (Qur'an, 81:19-21)




THEY ARE OF STRONG CHARACTER

Ibrahim was a community in himself, exemplary, obedient to Allah, a man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the idolaters. (Qur'an, 16:120)

Mention Maryam in the Book, how she withdrew from her people to an eastern place, (Qur'an, 19:16)




THEY ARE BRAVE AND DETERMINED

Say: 'Everyone is waiting expectantly so wait expectantly. You will soon know who are the Companions of the Right Path and who is guided.' (Qur'an, 20:135)

Recite to them the story of Nuh when he said to his people, 'My people, if my standing here and reminding you of Allah's Signs has become too much for you to bear, know that I have put my trust in Allah. So decide, you and your gods, on what you want to do and be open about it. Do with me whatever you decide and do not keep me waiting. (Qur'an, 10:71)

Say: 'What do you await for us except for one of the two best things? But what we await for you is for Allah to inflict a punishment on you either directly from Himself or at our hands. So wait, we are waiting with you!' (Qur'an, 9:52)

I have sought refuge with my Lord and your Lord against your stoning me. If you do not believe in me, then leave me alone.' (Qur'an, 44:20-21)

Do they have legs they can walk with? Do they have hands they can grasp with? Do they have eyes they can see with? Do they have ears they can hear with? Say: 'Call on your partner-gods and try all your wiles against me and grant me no reprieve. (Qur'an, 7:195)

If anyone argues with you about him after the knowledge that has come to you, say, 'Come then! Let us summon our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves. Then let us make earnest supplication and call down the curse of Allah upon the liars.' (Qur'an, 3:61)

Say to those who have no faith: 'Do as you think best. That is what we are doing. (Qur'an, 11:121)

We would be inventing lies against Allah if we returned to your religion after Allah has saved us from it. We could never return to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Lord encompasses everything in His knowledge. We have put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge between us and our people with truth. You are the best of judges.' (Qur'an, 7:89)




THEY RESPOND TO EVIL WITH WHAT IS BETTER

Ward off evil with what is better. We know very well what they express. (Qur'an, 23:96)

They will be given their reward twice over because they have been steadfast and because they ward off the bad with the good and give from what we have provided for them. (Qur'an, 28:54)

A good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel the bad with something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will be like a bosom friend. (Qur'an, 41:34)




THEY COMMAND WHAT IS RIGHT AND FORBID WHAT IS WRONG

My son, perform prayer and command what is right and forbid what is wrong and be steadfast in the face of all that happens to you. That is certainly the most resolute course to follow. (Qur'an, 31:17)

those who, if We establish them firmly on the earth, will perform prayer and give alms, and command what is right and forbid what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with Allah. (Qur'an, 22:41)

You are the best nation ever to be produced before mankind. You enjoin the right, forbid the wrong and believe in Allah. If the People of the Book were to believe, it would be better for them. Some of them are believers but most of them are deviators. (Qur'an, 3:110)

They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and compete in doing good. They are among the righteous. (Qur'an, 3:114)

Let there be a community among you who call to the good, and enjoin the right, and forbid the wrong. They are the ones who have success. (Qur'an, 3:104)

Those who repent, those who worship, those who praise, those who travel (for the cause of Islam), those who bow, those who prostrate, those who command the right, those who forbid the wrong, those who preserve the limits of Allah: give good news to the believers. (Qur'an, 9:112)

The men and women of the believers are friends of one another. They command what is right and forbid what is wrong, and perform prayer and give alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Qur'an, 9:71)




THEY CONSISTENTLY BEHAVE WELL AND PROPERLY

We did not create the heavens and earth and everything between them, except with truth. The Hour is certainly coming, so turn away graciously. (Qur'an, 15:85)

It is not your wealth or your children that will bring you near to Us- only in the case of people who believe and act rightly; such people will have a double recompense for what they did. They will be safe from all harm in the High Halls of Paradise. (Qur'an, 34:37)

Anyone, male or female, who does right actions and is a believer, will enter the Garden. They will not be wronged by so much as the tiniest speck. (Qur'an, 4:124)

Those who listen well to what is said and follow the best of it, they are the ones whom Allah has guided, they are the people of intelligence. (Qur'an, 39:18)

The heedful will be among Gardens and Fountains, receiving what their Lord has given them. Certainly before that they were good-doers. (Qur'an, 51:15-16)

If anyone wants honour, all honour belongs to Allah. All good words rise to Him and virtuous deeds lift them up. But people who plot evil deeds will suffer a harsh punishment. The plotting of such people is profitless. (Qur'an, 35:10)

You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good pleasure from their Lord. When you have come out of pilgrim dress, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for a people who debar you from the Masjid al-Haram incite you into going beyond the limits. Help each other to goodness and heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdoing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is severe in retribution. (Qur'an, 5:2)

And most surely you conform (yourself) to sublime morality. (Qur'an, 68:4)

Correct and courteous words accompanied by forgiveness are better than charity followed by insulting words. Allah is Rich Beyond Need, All-Forbearing. (Qur'an, 2:263)

Who could say anything better than someone who summons to Allah and acts rightly and says, 'I am one of the Muslims'? (Qur'an, 41:33)

Those who believe and do right actions and perform prayer and give alms, will have their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (Qur'an, 2:277)

Except for those who, after that, repent and put things right. Truly Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful (Qur'an, 3:89)

As for those who believe and do right actions- We impose on no self any more than it can bear- they are the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (Qur'an, 7:42)




THEY COMPETE IN DOING GOOD

We responded to him and gave him Yahya, restoring for him his wife's fertility. They outdid one another in good actions, calling out to Us in yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves to Us. (Qur'an, 21:90)

Such people are truly racing towards good things, and they are the first to reach them. (Qur'an, 23:61)

Then We made Our chosen servants inherit the Book. But some of them wrong themselves; some are ambivalent; and some outdo each other in good by Allah's permission. That is the great favour. (Qur'an, 35:32)

Mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other. The noblest among you in Allah's sight is the one who best performs his duty. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Qur'an, 49:13)

They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and compete in doing good. They are among the righteous. (Qur'an, 3:114)


THEY ARE TOLERANT AND FORGIVING



The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent to it. But if someone pardons and puts things right, his reward is with Allah. Certainly He does not love wrongdoers. But if people do defend themselves when they are wronged, nothing can be held against them for doing that. There are only grounds against those who wrong people and act as tyrants in the earth without any right to do so. Such people will have a painful punishment. But if someone is steadfast and forgives, that is the most resolute course to follow. (Qur'an, 42:40-43)

Correct and courteous words accompanied by forgiveness are better than charity followed by insulting words. Allah is Rich Beyond Need, All-Forbearing. (Qur'an, 2:263)

Whether you reveal a good act or keep it hidden, or pardon an evil act, Allah is Ever-Pardoning, All-Powerful. (Qur'an, 4:149)

Make allowances for people, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant. (Qur'an, 7:199)

We did not create the heavens and earth and everything between them, except with truth. The Hour is certainly coming, so turn away graciously. (Qur'an, 15:85)




THEY ARE JUST

If you fear treachery on the part of a people, revoke your treaty with them fairly. Allah does not love treacherous people. (Qur'an, 8:58)

Allah commands you to return to their owners the things you hold on trust and, when you judge between people, to judge with justice. How excellent is what Allah exhorts you to do! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (Qur'an, 4:58)

You who believe! Do not profane the sacred rites of Allah or the sacred months, or the sacrificial animals, or the ritual garlands, or those heading for the Sacred House, desiring profit and good pleasure from their Lord. When you have come out of pilgrim dress, then you may hunt. Do not let hatred for a people who debar you from the Masjid al-Haram incite you into going beyond the limits. Help each other to goodness and heedfulness. Do not help each other to wrongdoing and enmity. Have fear of Allah. Allah is severe in retribution. (Qur'an, 5:2)

You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being just. Be just. That is closer to heedfulness. Have fear of Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. (Qur'an, 5:8)

You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for Allah alone, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives. Whether they are rich or poor, Allah is nearer to them. Do not follow your own desires and deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, Allah is aware of what you do. (Qur'an, 4:135)

If two parties of the believers fight, make peace between them. But if one of them attacks the other unjustly, fight the attackers until they revert to Allah's command. If they revert, make peace between them with justice, and be even-handed. Allah loves those who are even-handed. (Qur'an, 49:9)

Allah does not forbid you from being good to those who have not fought you in the religion or driven you from your homes, or from being just towards them. Allah loves those who are just. (Qur'an, 60:8)




THEY ARE HUMBLE

We have appointed a rite of sacrifice for every nation so that they may invoke Allah's name over the livestock He has given them. Your God is One God so submit to Him. Give good news to the humble-hearted, (Qur'an, 22:34)

Do not avert your face from people out of haughtiness and do not strut about arrogantly on the earth. Allah does not love anyone who is vain or boastful. (Qur'an, 31:18)

That is so that you will not be grieved about the things that pass you by or exult about the things that come to you. Allah does not love any vain or boastful man: (Qur'an, 57:23)

That abode of the hereafter-We grant it to those who do not seek to exalt themselves in the earth or to cause corruption in it. The successful outcome is for those who guard against evil. (Qur'an, 28:83)

The people who truly do believe in Our Signs are those who fall to the ground prostrating when they are reminded of them, and glorify their Lord with praise, and are not arrogant. (Qur'an, 32:15)

Do not strut arrogantly about the earth. You will certainly never split the earth apart nor will you ever rival the mountains in height. (Qur'an, 17:37)

Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives and to orphans and the very poor, and to neighbours who are related to you and neighbours who are not related to you, and to companions and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not love anyone vain or boastful. (Qur'an, 4:36)

The servants of the All-Merciful are those who walk on the earth in humbleness and, who, when the ignorant speak to them, say, 'Peace'; (Qur'an, 25:63)




THEY ARE GENTLE AND MERCIFUL

It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, they would have scattered from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult with them about the matter. Then when you have reached a firm decision, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. (Qur'an, 3:159)

Ibrahim was forbearing, compassionate, oft-returning (to Allah). (Qur'an, 11:75)

A Messenger has come to you from among yourselves. Your suffering is distressing to him; he is deeply concerned for you; he is gentle and merciful to the believers. (Qur'an, 9:128)

And (We gave him) tenderness and purity from Us-he was conscientious. (Qur'an, 19:13)




THEY DO NOT USE FORCE OR CONSTRAIN ANYONE TO BECOME A MUSLIM

Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition, and argue with them in the kindest way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided from His way. And He knows best who are guided. (Qur'an, 16:125)

So remind them! You are only a reminder. You are not in control of them. (Qur'an, 88:21-22)

If your Lord had willed, all the people on the earth would have believed. Do you think you can force people to be believers? (Qur'an, 10:99)

We know best what they say. You are not a dictator over them. So remind, with the Qur'an, whoever fears My Threat. (Qur'an, 50:45)

There is no compulsion where the religion is concerned. Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false gods and believes in Allah has grasped the Firmest Handhold, which will never give way. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 2:256)

When they hear worthless talk they turn away from it and say, 'We have our actions and you have your actions. Peace be upon you. We do not desire the company of the ignorant.' (Qur'an, 28:55)

But if they turn their backs, you are only responsible for clear transmission. (Qur'an, 16:82)

If any of the idolaters ask you for protection, give them protection until they have heard the words of Allah. Then convey them to a place where they are safe. That is because they are a people who do not know. (Qur'an, 9:6)

Say: 'Mankind! The truth has come to you from your Lord. Whoever is guided is only guided for his own good. Whoever is misguided is only misguided to his detriment. I have not been set over you as a guardian.' (Qur'an, 10:108)




THEY ARE NOT OVERWHELMED BY THEIR RAGE

Those who give in times of both ease and hardship, those who control their rage and pardon other people-Allah loves the good-doers. (Qur'an, 3:134)

Those who avoid major wrong actions and indecencies and who, when they are angered, then forgive; (Qur'an, 42:37)




THEY DO NOT DRAW BACK FROM SPEAKING THE TRUTH

It is a Book sent down to you-so let there be no constriction in your breast because of it-so that you can give warning by it and as a reminder to the believers. (Qur'an, 7:2)

You who believe! If any of you renounce your religion, Allah will bring forward a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble to the believers, fierce to the unbelievers, who strive in the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah is Boundless, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 5:54)

O Messenger! Transmit what has been sent down to you from your Lord. If you do not do it you will not have transmitted His Message. Allah will protect you from people. Allah does not guide the people of the unbelievers. (Qur'an, 5:67)





THEY DO NOT SEEK ANY ADVANTAGE FROM PEOPLE IN RETURN FOR CONVEYING ALLAH'S MESSAGE

If you turn your backs, I have not asked you for any wage. My wage is the responsibility of Allah alone. I am commanded to be one of the Muslims.' (Qur'an, 10:72)

So have fear of Allah and obey me. I do not ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of no one but the Lord of all the worlds. (Qur'an, 26:179-180)

They are the ones Allah has guided, so be guided by their guidance. Say, 'I do not ask you for any wage for it. It (the Qur'an) is simply a reminder to all beings.' (Qur'an, 6:90)




THEY MANAGE THEIR AFFAIRS BY MUTUAL CONSENT

Those who respond to their Lord and perform prayer, and manage their affairs by mutual consultation and give of what We have provided for them; (Qur'an, 42:38)




THEY REFER TO THOSE WHO HAVE KNOWLEDGE

You who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in command among you. If you have a dispute about something, refer it back to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best thing to do and gives the best result. (Qur'an, 4:59)

When news of any matter reaches them they spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to the Messenger and those in command among them, those among them able to discern the truth about it would have had proper knowledge of it. If it were not for Allah's favour to you and His mercy, all but a very few of you would have followed satan. (Qur'an, 4:83)



THEY DO NOT ACT UPON THEIR WHIMS AND DESIRES

I do not say my self was free from blame. The self indeed commands to evil acts-except for those my Lord has mercy on. My Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful.' (Qur'an, 12:53)

Have you seen him who has taken his whims and desires to be his god? Will you then be his guardian? (Qur'an, 25:43)




THEY BEHAVE WITH MODERATION

Do not avert your face from people out of haughtiness and do not strut about arrogantly on the earth. Allah does not love anyone who is vain or boastful. Be moderate in your tread and lower your voice. The most hateful of voices is the donkey's bray.' (Qur'an, 31:18-19)

Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life of this world. But, in your Lord's sight, right actions which are lasting bring a better reward and are a better basis for hope. (Qur'an, 18:46)




THEY ARE STEADFAST

Allah does not let the wage of good-doers go to waste. (Qur'an, 11:115)

You who believe, be steadfast; be supreme in steadfastness; be firm on the battlefield; and have fear of Allah; so that hopefully you will be successful. (Qur'an, 3:200)

Such people will be repaid for their steadfastness with the Highest Paradise, where they will meet with welcome and with 'Peace'. (Qur'an, 25:75)

Now Allah has made it lighter on you, knowing there is weakness in you. If there are a hundred of you who are steadfast, they will overcome two hundred; and if there are a thousand of you, they will overcome two thousand with Allah's permission. Allah is with the steadfast. (Qur'an, 8:66)

Be steadfast for your Lord. (Qur'an, 74:7)

Those who are steadfast and put their trust in their Lord. (Qur'an, 16:42)

What is with you runs out but what is with Allah goes on for ever. Those who were steadfast will be recompensed according to the best of what they did. (Qur'an, 16:96)

So be steadfast. Allah's promise is true. Do not let those who have no certainty make you impatient and shake your firmness. (Qur'an, 30:60)

You will be tested in your wealth and in yourselves and you will hear many abusive words from those given the Book before you and from those who are idolaters. But if you are steadfast and guard against evil, that is the most resolute course to take. (Qur'an, 3:186)

We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. But give good news to the steadfast: (Qur'an, 2:155)

When they came out against Goliath and his troops, they said, 'Our Lord, pour down steadfastness upon us, and make our feet firm, and help us against this disbelieving people.' (Qur'an, 2:250)




THEY DO NOT ACT UPON THEIR FEELINGS,BUT UPON THEIR WISDOM

Do not let those who rush headlong into disbelief sadden you. They do not harm Allah in any way. Allah desires to assign no portion to them in the hereafter. They will have a terrible punishment. (Qur'an, 3:176)

We have instructed man to honour his parents, but if they endeavour to make you associate with Me something about which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. It is to Me you will return and I will inform you about the things you did. (Qur'an, 29:8)

Do not grieve over them and do not let the plots they make distress you. (Qur'an, 27:70)

If their turning away is hard on you, then go down a tunnel deep into the earth, if you can, or climb up a ladder into heaven, and bring them a Sign. If Allah had wanted to He would have gathered them all to guidance. So do not be among the ignorant. (Qur'an, 6:35)

Ibrahim would not have asked forgiveness for his father but for a promise he made to him, and when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah, he renounced him. Ibrahim was tender-hearted and forbearing. (Qur'an, 9:114)




THEY DO NOT INSIST ON THEIR ERRORS

(By) the self and what proportioned it and inspired it with depravity or heedfulness, he who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it up has failed. (Qur'an, 91:7-10)

Do not ever stand in it. A mosque founded on performing one's duty from the very first day has a greater right for you to stand in it. In it there are men who love to purify themselves. Allah loves those who purify themselves. (Qur'an, 9:108)

Those who were already settled in the abode (Madina), and in faith, before they came, love those who have migrated to them and do not find in their hearts any need for what they have been given and prefer them to themselves even if they themselves are needy. It is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are successful. (Qur'an, 59:9)

But if anyone repents after his wrongdoing and puts things right, Allah will turn towards him. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 5:39)

No burden-bearer can bear another's burden. If someone weighed down calls for help to bear his load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his next of kin. You can only warn those who fear their Lord in the Unseen and perform prayer. Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone. Allah is your final destination. (Qur'an, 35:18)

One of his followers in faith was Ibrahim when he came to his Lord with an unblemished heart, (Qur'an, 37:83-84)

He who has purified himself will have success, (Qur'an, 87:14)

Those who, when they act indecently or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their bad actions (and who can forgive bad actions except Allah?) and do not knowingly persist in what they were doing. (Qur'an, 3:135)

Except for those who repent and put things right and make things clear. I turn towards them. I am the Ever-Returning, the Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 2:160)




THEY DO NOT RIDICULE OTHERS

You who believe! People should not ridicule others who may be better than themselves; nor should any women ridicule other women who may be better than themselves.And do not find fault with one another or insult each other with derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a name for evil conduct after coming to faith! Those people who do not turn from it are wrongdoers. (Qur'an, 49:11)




THEY DO NOT FOLLOW MOST OF THOSE ON EARTH, BUT ONLY THE TRUTH

If you obeyed most of those on earth, they would misguide you from Allah's Way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing and lying. (Qur'an, 6:116)




ALLAH'S HELP IS ALWAYS WITH THEM

Allah has written, 'I will be victorious, I and My Messengers.'Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (Qur'an, 58:21)

That they would certainly be helped. It is Our army which will be victorious. (Qur'an, 37:172-173)

My Protector is Allah Who sent down the Book. He takes care of the righteous.' (Qur'an, 7:196)

Do not give up and do not be downhearted. You shall be uppermost if you are believers. (Qur'an, 3:139)

If you do not help him, Allah did help him when the unbelievers drove him out and there were two of them in the Cave. He said to his companion, 'Do not be despondent, Allah is with us.' Then Allah sent down His serenity upon him and reinforced him with troops you could not see. He made the word of the dibelievers undermost. It is the word of Allah which is uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Qur'an, 9:40)

We supported them and so they were the victors. (Qur'an, 37:116)

If they intend to deceive you, Allah is enough for you. It is He Who supported you with His help and with the believers, (Qur'an, 8:62)




THEY DO NOT SAY WHAT THEY WILL NOT DO

You who believe! Why do you say what you do not do? It is deeply abhorrent to Allah that you should say what you do not do. (Qur'an, 61:2-3)




THEY GIVE THE PLEASURE OF OTHER BELIEVERS PREFERENCE OVER THEMSELVES

Those who were already settled in the abode (Madina), and in faith, before they came, love those who have migrated to them and do not find in their hearts any need for what they have been given and prefer them to themselves even if they themselves are needy. It is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are successful. (Qur'an, 59:9)



THEY HONOUR THEIR CONTRACTS

They fulfil their vows and fear a Day whose evil will spread far and wide. (Qur'an, 76:7)

Those who fulfil Allah's contract and do not break their agreement; (Qur'an, 13:20)

Those who honour their trusts and their contracts; (Qur'an, 23:8)

Be true to Allah's contract when you have agreed to it, and do not break your oaths once they are confirmed and you have made Allah your guarantee. Allah knows what you do. (Qur'an, 16:91)

No, the truth is, if people honour their contracts and have fear of Him, Allah loves those who guard against evil. (Qur'an, 3:76)




THEY ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED FOR EACH OTHER

The men and women of the believers are friends of one another. They command what is right and forbid what is wrong, and perform prayer and give alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Qur'an, 9:71)

My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and all who enter my house as believers, and all the men and women of the believers. But do not increase the wrongdoers except in ruin! (Qur'an, 71:28)

Those who have come after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and do not put any ancour in our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord, You are All-Gentle, Most Merciful.' (Qur'an, 59:10)

You who believe! If any of you renounce your religion, Allah will bring forward a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble to the believers, fierce to the unbelievers, who strive in the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of any censurer. That is the unbounded favour of Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah is Boundless, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 5:54)




THEY ARE RESPECTFUL AND GENTLE TOWARDS EACH OTHER

When you are greeted with a greeting, return the greeting or improve on it. Allah takes account of everything. (Qur'an, 4:86)

You who believe! do not enter houses other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted their inhabitants. That is better for you, so that hopefully you will pay heed. And if you find no one at home do not go in until permission has been granted you. And if you are told to go away then go away. That is purer for you. Allah knows what you do. (Qur'an, 24:27-28)

There is no objection to the blind, no objection to the lame, no objection to the sick nor to yourselves if you eat in your own houses or your fathers' houses or your mothers' houses or your brothers' houses or your sisters' houses or the houses of your paternal uncles or paternal aunts or the houses of your maternal uncles or maternal aunts or places to which you own the keys or those of your friends. There is nothing wrong in your eating together or eating separately. And when you enter houses greet one another with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this way Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that hopefully you will use your intellect. (Qur'an, 24:61)




THEY AVOID DISPUTES AMONG THEMSELVES

You who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in command among you. If you have a dispute about something, refer it back to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best thing to do and gives the best result. (Qur'an, 4:59)

Those who do not believe are the friends and protectors of one another. If you do not act in this way there will be turmoil in the land and great corruption. (Qur'an, 8:73)




THEY ARE NOT EXTRAVAGANT

Children of Adam! Wear fine clothing in every mosque and eat and drink but do not be profligate. He does not love the profligate. (Qur'an, 7:31)

It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest, and do not be profligate. He does not love the profligate. (Qur'an, 6:141)

Give your relatives their due, and the very poor and travellers but do not squander what you have. Squanderers are brothers to the satans, and satan was ungrateful to his Lord. (Qur'an, 17:26-27)

Do not keep your hand chained to your neck but do not extend it either to its full extent so that you sit there blamed and destitute. (Qur'an, 17:29)

Those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor mean, but take a stance mid way between the two; (Qur'an, 25:67)




THEY PROTECT THE DESTITUTE

They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and orphans and captives: (Qur'an, 76:8)

Those in whose wealth there is a known share for beggars and the destitute; (Qur'an, 70:24-25)




THEY MARRY IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE COMMANDS OF THE QUR'AN

A man who has fornicated may only marry a woman who has fornicated or a woman of the idolaters. A woman who has fornicated may only marry a man who has fornicated or a man of the idolaters. Doing such a thing is forbidden for the believers. (Qur'an, 24:3)

Corrupt women are for corrupt men and corrupt men are for corrupt women, Good women are for good men and good men are for good women. The latter are innocent of what they say. They will have forgiveness and generous provision. (Qur'an, 24:26)

Do not marry women of the idolaters until they believe. A slavegirl who is one of the believers is better for you than a woman of the idolaters, even though she may attract you. And do not marry men of the idolaters until they believe. A slave who is one of the believers is better for you than a man of the idolaters, even though he may attract you. Such people call you to the Fire whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they will pay heed. (Qur'an, 2:221)

Among His Signs is that He created spouses for you of your own kind so that you might find tranquillity in them. And He has placed affection and compassion between you. There are certainly Signs in that for people who reflect. (Qur'an, 30:21)

Today all good things have been made lawful for you. And the food of those given the Book is also lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. So are chaste women from among the believers and chaste women of those given the Book before you, once you have given them their marriage portions, not in fornication or taking them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects faith, his actions will come to nothing and in the hereafter he will be among the losers. (Qur'an, 5:5)

You who believe! When women who believe come to you as emigrants, submit them to a test. Allah has best knowledge of their faith. If you know they are believers, do not return them to the unbelievers. They are not lawful for the unbelievers nor are the unbelievers lawful for them. Give the unbelievers whatever dowry they paid. And there is nothing wrong in your marrying them provided you pay them their due. Do not hold to any marriage ties with women who do not believe. Ask for what you paid and let them ask for what they paid. That is Allah's judgement. Allah will judge between you. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Qur'an, 60:10)

Marry off those among you who are unmarried and those of your slaves and slavegirls who are righteous. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 24:32)




THEY ARE RIGHTEOUS WITNESSES

Those who do not bear false witness and who, when they pass by worthless talk, pass by with dignity; (Qur'an, 25:72)

Those who stand by their testimony; (Qur'an, 70:33)

Then when they have reached the end of their term either retain them with correctness and courtesy or part from them with correctness and courtesy. Call two upright men from among yourselves as witnesses and they should carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admonishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last Day. Whoever has fear of Allah - He will give him a way out (Qur'an, 65:2)

You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being just. Be just. That is closer to heedfulness. Have fear of Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. (Qur'an, 5:8)




THEY TURN AWAY FROM WORTHLESS TALK

Those who do not bear false witness and who, when they pass by worthless talk, pass by with dignity; (Qur'an, 25:72)

When they hear worthless talk they turn away from it and say, 'We have our actions and you have your actions. Peace be upon you. We do not desire the company of the ignorant.' (Qur'an, 28:55)

Those who turn away from worthless talk; (Qur'an, 23:3)




THEY DO NOT GO TO EXTREMES IN RELIGION

You who believe! Do not make forbidden the good things Allah has made lawful for you, and do not overstep the limits. Allah does not love people who overstep the limits. (Qur'an, 5:87)

Say: 'People of the Book! do not go to extremes in your religion, asserting other than the truth, and do not follow the whims and desires of people who were misguided previously and have misguided many others, and are far from the right way.' (Qur'an, 5:77)

People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah. The Messiah, 'Isa son of Maryam, was only the Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He cast into Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say, 'Three.' It is better that you stop. Allah is only One God. He is too Glorious to have a son! Everything in the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him. Allah suffices as a Guardian. (Qur'an, 4:171)

If only they had implemented the Torah and the Gospel and what was sent down to them from their Lord (the Qur'an), they would have been fed from above their heads and beneath their feet. Among them there is a moderate group but what most of them do is evil. (Qur'an, 5:66)




THEY GUARD THEIR CHASTITY

Say to the believers that they should lower their eyes and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Allah is aware of what they do. Say to the believing women that they should lower their eyes and guard their chastity and not display their adornments-except for what normally shows-and draw their head-coverings across their breasts. They should only display their adornments to their husbands or their fathers or their husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons or their brothers or their brothers' sons or their sisters' sons or their women or those they own as slaves or their male attendants who have no sexual desire or children who still have no awareness of women's private parts. Nor should they stamp their feet so that their hidden ornaments are known. Turn to Allah every one of you, believers, so that hopefully you will have success. (Qur'an, 24:30-31)

Those who guard their chastity- except from their wives or those they own as slaves, in which case they are not blameworthy; (Qur'an, 23:5-6)

Remain in your houses and do not display your beauty as it was previously displayed in the Time of Ignorance. Perform prayer and give alms and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah desires to remove all impurity from you, People of the House, and to purify you completely. (Qur'an, 33:33)

And Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran, who guarded her chastity-We breathed Our Spirit into her and she confirmed the Words of her Lord and His Book and was one of the obedient. (Qur'an, 66:12)

Those who guard their chastity (Qur'an, 70:29)




THEY DO NOT DEVOUR ONE ANOTHER'S PROPERTY BY FALSE MEANS

My people! Give full measure and full weight with justice; do not diminish people's goods; and do not go about the earth, corrupting it. (Qur'an, 11:85)

Do not diminish people's goods and do not go about the earth, corrupting it. (Qur'an, 26:183)

He (Dawud) said, 'He has wronged you by asking for your ewe to add to his ewes. Truly many partners are unjust to one another-except those who believe and do right actions, and how few they are!' Dawud realised that We had put him to the test. He begged forgiveness from his Lord and fell down prone, prostrating, and repented. (Qur'an, 38:24)

Give just weight-do not skimp in the balance. (Qur'an, 55:9)

Give orphans their property, and do not substitute bad things for good. Do not assimilate their property into your own. Doing that is a serious crime. (Qur'an, 4:2)

Do not devour one another's property by false means nor offer it to the judges as a bribe, trying through crime to knowingly usurp a portion of other people's property. (Qur'an, 2:188)



THEY ARE SELF-SACRIFICING

They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and orphans and captives: (Qur'an, 76:8)

You will not attain true goodness until you give of what you love. Whatever you give away, Allah knows it. (Qur'an, 3:92)

Those who give in times of both ease and hardship, those who control their rage and pardon other people-Allah loves the good-doers. (Qur'an, 3:134)

Nor is anything held against those who, when they came to you for you to provide them with mounts and you said, 'I cannot find anything on which to mount you,' turned away with their eyes overflowing with tears, overcome by grief at having nothing to give. (Qur'an, 9:92)

Those who were already settled in the abode (Madina), and in faith, before they came, love those who have migrated to them and do not find in their hearts any need for what they have been given and prefer them to themselves even if they themselves are needy. It is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are successful. (Qur'an, 59:9)




THEY AVOID SELFISHNESS AND JEALOUSY

If a woman fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part, there is nothing wrong in the couple becoming reconciled. Reconciliation is better. But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do good and guard against evil, Allah is aware of what you do. (Qur'an, 4:128)




THEY NEVER FALL INTO DESPAIR

They (guests of Ibrahim) said, 'We bring you good news of the truth, so do not be among those who despair.' (Qur'an, 15:55)

Say : 'My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' (Qur'an, 39:53)

My sons! Seek news of Yusuf and his brother. Do not despair of solace from Allah. No one despairs of solace from Allah except for people who are unbelievers.' (Qur'an, 12:87)




THEY DO NOT PROTECT THE GUILTY

You who believe! Do not take My enemy and your enemy as friends, showing love for them when they have rejected the truth that has come to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If you go out to strive in My Way and to seek My pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for them, I know best what you conceal and what you make known. Any of you who do that have strayed from the right way. (Qur'an, 60:1)

You will not find people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having love for anyone who opposes Allah and His Messenger, though they be their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such people's hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit from Him and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. Such people are the party of Allah. Truly it is the party of Allah who are successful. (Qur'an, 58:22)




THEY ARE PEACE-MAKERS AND CONCILIATORS

Do not, by your oaths, make Allah a pretext to avoid good action and guarding against evil and putting things right between people. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 2:224)

But if someone fears bias or wrongdoing on the part of the person making the will, and puts things right between the people involved, in that case he has not committed any crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 2:182)

The believers are brothers, so make peace between your brothers and have fear of Allah so that hopefully you will gain mercy. (Qur'an, 49:10)

If you fear a breach between a couple, send an arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her people. If the couple desire to put things right, Allah will bring about a reconciliation between them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Qur'an, 4:35)

There is no good in much of their secret talk, except in the case of those who enjoin charity, or what is right, or putting things right between people. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We will give him an immense reward. (Qur'an, 4:114)




THEY HOLD ART IN HIGH ESTEEM

They made for him (Sulayman) anything he wished: high arches and statues, huge dishes like cisterns, great built-in cooking vats. 'Work, family of Dawud, in thankfulness!' But very few of My servants are thankful. (Qur'an, 34:13)

She (Queen of Sheba) was told: 'Enter the courtyard,' but when she saw it she supposed it to be a pool and bared her legs. He said, 'It is a courtyard paved with glass.' She said, 'My Lord, I have wronged myself but I have submitted with Sulayman to the Lord of all the worlds.' (Qur'an, 27:44)




THEY DO NOT BACKBITE AND SEARCH FOR FAULTS

You who believe! People should not ridicule others who may be better than themselves; nor should any women ridicule other women who may be better than themselves. And do not find fault with one another or insult each other with derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a name for evil conduct after coming to faith! Those people who do not turn from it are wrongdoers. You who believe! Avoid most suspicion. Indeed some suspicion is a crime. And do not spy and do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat his brother's dead flesh? No, you would hate it. And have fear of Allah. Allah is Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 49:11-12)




THEY PROTECT THEIR HEALTH AND DO NOT CAUSE THEIR BODIES TO SUFFER

We made your sleep a break. (Qur'an, 78:9)

Allah is He Who appointed the night for you so that you might rest in it, and the day for seeing. Allah pours out His favour on mankind but most people do not show thanks. (Qur'an, 40:61)




THEY BEHAVE WELL TOWARDS THEIR PARENTS

We have instructed man to honour his parents, but if they endeavour to make you associate with Me something about which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. It is to Me you will return and I will inform you about the things you did. (Qur'an, 29:8)

Your Lord has decreed that you should worship none but Him, and that you should show kindness to your parents. Whether one or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'Ugh!' to them out of irritation and do not be harsh with them but speak to them with gentleness and generosity. (Qur'an, 17:23)

We have instructed man concerning his parents. Bearing him caused his mother great debility and the period of his weaning was two years: 'Give thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your final destination. (Qur'an, 31:14)




THEY ARE NOT DAUNTED BY DIFFICULTIES

Or did you imagine that you were going to enter the Garden without Allah knowing those among you who had struggled and knowing the steadfast? (Qur'an, 3:142)

Or did you suppose that you would enter the Garden without facing the same as those who came before you? Poverty and affliction befell them and they were shaken to the point that the Messenger and those who believed with him said, 'When is Allah's help coming?' Be assured that Allah's help is very near. (Qur'an, 2:214)

Many a Prophet has fought, when there were many thousands with him! They did not give up in the face of what assailed them in the Way of Allah, nor did they weaken, nor did they yield. Allah loves the steadfast. (Qur'an, 3:146)

Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'We belong to Allah and to Him we will return.' (Qur'an, 2:156)

We will test you until We know the true fighters among you and those who are steadfast and test what is reported of you. (Qur'an, 47:31)

Their Lord responds to them: 'I will not let the deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male or female- you are both the same in that respect. Those who migrated and were driven from their homes and suffered harm in My Way and fought and were killed, I will erase their bad actions from them and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, as a reward from Allah. The best of all rewards is with Allah.' (Qur'an, 3:195)

Do not obey the unbelievers and hypocrites and disregard their abuse of you. Put your trust in Allah. Allah suffices as a Protector. (Qur'an, 33:48)

Those who did good and guarded against evil among those who responded to Allah and the Messenger after the wound had been inflicted will have an immense reward: (Qur'an, 3:172)

Messengers before you were also denied but they were steadfast in the face of the denial and injury they suffered until Our help arrived. There is no changing the Words of Allah. And news of other Messengers has come to you. (Qur'an, 6:34)




THEY DO NOT FEAR DYING OR BEING KILLED IN THE WAY OF ALLAH

Allah has bought from the believers their selves and their wealth in return for the Garden. They fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an and who is truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in the bargain you have made. That is the great victory. (Qur'an, 9:111)

He (Pharaoh) said, 'Have you believed in him before I authorised you? He is your chief who taught you magic. But you will soon know! I will cut off your alternate hands and feet and I will crucify every one of you.' They said, 'We do not care! We are returning to our Lord. (Qur'an, 26:49-50)

So let those who sell the life of this world for the hereafter fight in the Way of Allah. If someone fights in the Way of Allah, whether he is killed or is victorious, We will pay him an immense reward. (Qur'an, 4:74)

If you are killed in the Way of Allah or if you die, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are better than all that they amass. If you die or you are killed, it is to Allah that you will be gathered. (Qur'an, 3:157-158)

You who believe! Do not be like those who do not believe and say of their brothers, when they are going on journeys or military expeditions, 'If they had only been with us, they would not have died or been killed,' so that Allah can make that anguish for them in their hearts. It is Allah Who gives life and causes to die. Allah sees what you do. (Qur'an, 3:156)

Do not suppose that those killed in the Way of Allah are dead. No indeed! They are alive and well provided for in the very presence of their Lord, delighting in the favour Allah has bestowed on them, rejoicing over those they left behind who have not yet joined them, feeling no fear and knowing no sorrow, (Qur'an, 3:169-170)

Those to whom people said, 'The people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But that merely increased their faith and they said, 'Allah is enough for us and the Best of Guardians.' (Qur'an, 3:173)




THEY ARE NOT INFLUENCED BY WEALTH AND STATUS

Those who, if We establish them firmly on the earth, will perform prayer and give alms, and command what is right and forbid what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with Allah. (Qur'an, 22:41)

He (Qarun) went out among his people in his finery. Those who desired the life of this world said, 'Oh! If only we had the same as Qarun has been given! What immense good fortune he possesses.' But those who had been given knowledge said, 'Woe to you! Allah's reward is better for those who believe and act rightly. But only the steadfast will obtain it.' (Qur'an, 28:79-80)




THEY PROTECT AND CARE FOR WOMEN

Let them (who you divorce) live where you live, according to your means. Do not put pressure on them, so as to harass them. If they are pregnant, maintain them until they give birth. If they are suckling for you, give them their wages and consult together with correctness and courtesy. But if you make things difficult for one another, another woman should do the suckling for you. (Qur'an, 65:6)

Divorce can be pronounced two times; in which case wives may be retained with correctness and courtesy or released with good will. It is not lawful for you to keep anything you have given them unless a couple fear that they will not remain within Allah's limits. If you fear that they will not remain within Allah's limits, there is nothing wrong in the wife ransoming herself with some of what she received. These are Allah's limits, so do not overstep them. Those who overstep Allah's limits are wrongdoers. (Qur'an, 2:229)

Those who accuse chaste believing women, unaware (of the evil), are cursed both in this world and the hereafter, and they will have a terrible punishment (Qur'an, 24:23)

But those who make accusations against chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses: flog them with eighty lashes and never again accept them as witnesses. Such people are deviators - (Qur'an, 24:4)

When you divorce women and they are near the end of their term, then either retain them with correctness and courtesy or release them with correctness and courtesy. Do not retain them by force, thus overstepping the limits. Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do not make a mockery of Allah's Signs. Remember Allah's blessing to you and the Book and Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has knowledge of all things. (Qur'an, 2:231)

You who believe! It is not lawful for you to inherit women by force. Nor may you treat them harshly so that you can make off with part of what you have given them, unless they commit an act of flagrant indecency. Live together with them correctly and courteously. If you dislike them, it may well be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed a lot of good. (Qur'an, 4:19)

Divorced women should receive maintenance given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for all who guard against evil. (Qur'an, 2:241)




THEY ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO CLEANLINESS

And when We made the House (Kaaba) a place of return, a sanctuary for mankind: They took the Maqam of Ibrahim as a place of prayer. We contracted with Ibrahim and Isma'il: 'Purify My House for those who circle it, and those who stay there, and those who bow and who prostrate.' (Qur'an, 2:125)

Purify your clothes. Shun all filth. (Qur'an, 74:4-5)

Mankind! Eat what is good and lawful on the earth. And do not follow in the footsteps of satan. He truly is an outright enemy to you. (Qur'an, 2:168)




THE FACT THEY ARE BELIEVERS CAN BE SEEN IN THEIR FACES

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are fierce to the unbelievers, merciful to one another. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking Allah's good favour and His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the traces of prostration. That is their likeness in the Torah. And their likeness in the Gospel is that of a seed which puts up a shoot and makes it strong so that it thickens and grows up straight upon its stalk, filling the sowers with delight-so that by them He may infuriate the unbelievers. Allah has promised those of them who believe and do right actions forgiveness and an immense reward. (Qur'an, 48:29)




THEY ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF ALLAH

Those who anticipate the worst for you say, 'Were we not with you?' whenever you gain a victory from Allah, but if the unbelievers have a success they say, 'Did we not have the upper hand over you and yet in spite of that keep the believers away from you?' Allah will judge between you on the Day of Rising. Allah will not give the unbelievers any way against the believers. (Qur'an, 4:141)

They are people who listen to lies and consume ill-gotten gains. If they come to you, you can either judge between them or turn away from them. If you turn away from them, they cannot harm you in any way. But if you do judge, judge between them justly. Allah loves the just. (Qur'an, 5:42)

You are the best nation ever to be produced before mankind. You enjoin the right, forbid the wrong and believe in Allah. If the People of the Book were to believe, it would be better for them. Some of them are believers but most of them are deviators. They will not harm you except with abusive words. If they fight you, they will turn their backs on you. Then they will not be helped. (Qur'an, 3:110-111)

You who believe! You are only responsible for yourselves. The misguided cannot harm you as long as you are guided. All of you will return to Allah and He will inform you about what you were doing. (Qur'an, 5:105)




THEY SPEAK THAT WHICH IS BEST

Who could say anything better than someone who summons to Allah and acts rightly and says, 'I am one of the Muslims'? (Qur'an, 41:33)

Do you do not see how Allah makes a metaphor of a good word: a good tree whose roots are firm and whose branches are in heaven? (Qur'an, 14:24)

It bears fruit regularly by its Lord's permission. Allah makes metaphors for people so that hopefully they will pay heed. (Qur'an, 14:25)
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…Allah will guide to the ways of peace those who follow what pleases Him. He will bring them by His will from darkness to the light, and will guide them to a straight path. (Surat al-Ma'ida: 16)


Say: Lâ-ilâha-Ila-Allâh