He propounds unto you a parable drawn from your own life: Would you [agree to] have some of those whom your right hands possess as [full-fledged] partners in whatever We may have bestowed upon you as sustenance, so that you [and they] would have equal shares in it, and you would fear [to make use of it without consulting] them, just as you might fear [the more powerful of] your equals? Thus clearly do We spell out these messages unto people who use their reason. 28 In fact, the unjust have followed their desires without knowledge. Who will guide those whom God has caused to go astray? No one will be their helper. 29 Therefore set your attention for obeying Allah, devoted solely to Him; the foundation set by Allah, upon which He created man; do not change what Allah has created; this is the proper religion – but most people do not know. 30 ۞ Turn towards Him and be dutiful to Him; be firm in devotion, and do not become an idolater, 31 Those who split up their Religion, and become (mere) Sects,- each party rejoicing in that which is with itself! 32 And when harm afflicts men, they call upon their Lord, turning to Him, then when He makes them taste of mercy from Him, lo! some of them begin to associate (others) with their Lord, 33 In order to be ungrateful for Our bestowal; “Therefore enjoy”; you will soon come to know. 34 Or have We revealed unto them any warrant which speaketh of that which they associate with Him? 35 When people receive mercy, they are happy with it. However, when hardship befalls them because of their own deeds, they despair. 36 Behold they not that Allah expandeth the provision for whomsoever He will, and stinteth? Verily herein are signs for a people who believe. 37 Therefore give the relative his right, and to the needy, and to the traveller; this is better for those who seek the pleasure of Allah; and it is they who are the successful. 38 That which ye lay out for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah: but that which ye lay out for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase): it is these who will get a recompense multiplied. 39 It is God who has created you and given you sustenance. He will make you die and will bring you back to life. Can any of your idols do such things? God is too Exalted to be considered equal to anything else. 40