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soon give their (due) rewards: for God is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful.
004.153 The people of the Book ask thee to cause a book to descend to them from heaven: Indeed they asked Moses
for an even greater (miracle), for they said: "Show us God in public," but they were dazed for their presumption, with
thunder and lightning. Yet they worshipped the calf even after clear signs had come to them; even so we forgave them;
and gave Moses manifest proofs of authority.
004.154 And for their covenant we raised over them (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai); and (on another occasion)
we said: "Enter the gate with humility"; and (once again) we commanded them: "Transgress not in the matter of the
sabbath." And we took from them a solemn covenant.
004.155 (They have incurred divine displeasure): In that they broke their covenant; that they rejected the signs of God;
that they slew the Messengers in defiance of right; that they said, "Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve God's
Word; We need no more)";- Nay, God hath set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they believe;-
004.156 That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;
004.157 That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Apostle of God";- but they killed him
not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no
(certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:-
004.158 Nay, God raised him up unto Himself; and God is Exalted in Power, Wise;-
004.159 And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death; and on the Day of
Judgment he will be a witness against them;-
004.160 For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain (foods) good and wholesome which had been
lawful for them;- in that they hindered many from God's Way;-
004.161 That they took usury, though they were forbidden; and that they devoured men's substance wrongfully;- we
have prepared for those among them who reject faith a grievous punishment.
004.162 But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what hath been
revealed to thee and what was revealed before thee: And (especially) those who establish regular prayer and practise
regular charity and believe in God and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a great reward.
004.163 We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to
Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and solomon, and to David We gave the
Psalms.
004.164 Of some apostles We have already told thee the story; of others We have not;- and to Moses God spoke
direct;-
004.165 Apostles who gave good news as well as warning, that mankind, after (the coming) of the apostles, should have
no plea against God: For God is Exalted in Power, Wise.
004.166 But God beareth witness that what He hath sent unto thee He hath sent from His (own) knowledge, and the
angels bear witness: But enough is God for a witness.
004.167 Those who reject Faith and keep off (men) from the way of God, have verily strayed far, far away from the
Path.
004.168 Those who reject Faith and do wrong,- God will not forgive them nor guide them to any way-
004.169 Except the way of Hell, to dwell therein for ever. And this to God is easy.
004.170 O Mankind! The Apostle hath come to you in truth from God: believe in him: It is best for you. But if ye reject
Faith, to God belong all things in the heavens and on earth: And God is All-knowing, All-wise.
004.171 O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of God aught but the truth. Christ Jesus
the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of God, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit
proceeding from Him: so believe in God and His apostles. Say not "Trinity" : desist: it will be better for you: for God
is one God: Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on
earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs.
004.172 Christ disdaineth nor to serve and worship God, nor do the angels, those nearest (to God): those who disdain
His worship and are arrogant,-He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer).
004.173 But to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will give their (due) rewards,- and more, out of
His bounty: But those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will punish with a grievous penalty; Nor will they find,