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002.124 And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: "I will
make thee an Imam to the Nations." He pleaded: "And also (Imams) from my offspring!" He answered: "But My
Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers."
002.125 Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of
Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma'il, that they should sanctify My House for
those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).
002.126 And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits,-such of
them as believe in God and the Last Day." He said: "(Yea), and such as reject Faith,-for a while will I grant them their
pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire,- an evil destination (indeed)!"
002.127 And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): "Our Lord! Accept
(this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.
002.128 "Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy
(will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the
Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
002.129 "Our Lord! send amongst them an Apostle of their own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct
them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them: For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
002.130 And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose
and rendered pure in this world: And he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous.
002.131 Behold! his Lord said to him: "Bow (thy will to Me):" He said: "I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of
the Universe."
002.132 And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; "Oh my sons! God hath chosen the
Faith for you; then die not except in the Faith of Islam."
002.133 Were ye witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons: "What will ye worship
after me?" They said: "We shall worship Thy God and the God of thy fathers, of Abraham, Isma'il and Isaac,- the one
(True) God: To Him we bow (in Islam)."
002.134 That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of
their merits there is no question in your case!
002.135 They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather)
the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with God."
002.136 Say ye: "We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the
Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference
between one and another of them: And we bow to God (in Islam)."
002.137 So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in
schism; but God will suffice thee as against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
002.138 (Our religion is) the Baptism of God: And who can baptize better than God? And it is He Whom we worship.
002.139 Say: Will ye dispute with us about God, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for
our doings and ye for yours; and that We are sincere (in our faith) in Him?
002.140 Or do ye say that Abraham, Isma'il Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know
better than God? Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from God? but God is not
unmindful of what ye do!
002.141 That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of
their merits there is no question in your case:
002.142 The fools among the people will say: "What hath turned them from the Qibla to which they were used?" Say:
To God belong both east and West: He guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight.
002.143 Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the
Apostle a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who
followed the Apostle from those who would turn on their heels (From the Faith). Indeed it was (A change) momentous,
except to those guided by God. And never would God Make your faith of no effect. For God is to all people Most
surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.