Page 273 صفحة ٢٧٣

Let them show ingratitude for the favours We have shown them; ‘Enjoy your brief time- soon you will know.’

They set aside part of the sustenance We give them, for [idols] about which they have no true knowledge. By God! You will be questioned about your false inventions.

They assign daughters to God––may He be exalted!––and the [sons] they desire to themselves.

When one of them is given news of the birth of a baby girl, his face darkens and he is filled with gloom.

In his shame he hides himself away from his people because of the bad news he has been given. Should he keep her and suffer contempt or bury her in the dust? How ill they judge!

Those who do not believe in the Hereafter should have the contemptible image, and God should have the highest one: He is the Mighty, the Wise.

If God took people to task for the evil they do, He would not leave one living creature on earth, but He reprieves them until an appointed time: when their time comes they cannot delay it for a moment nor can they bring it forward.

They attribute to God what they themselves dislike while their own tongues utter the lie that the best belongs to them. Without doubt it is the Fire that belongs to them: they will be given priority there!

By God, We have sent messengers before you [Muhammad] to other communities, but Satan made their foul deeds seem alluring to them. He is the patron of these present disbelievers too, and a painful punishment awaits them all.

We have sent down the Scripture to you only to make clear to them what they differ about, and as guidance and mercy to those who believe.