The Test (Al-Mumtahanah)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O YOU who have attained to faith! Do not take My enemies - who are your enemies as well - for your friends, showing them affection even though they are bent on denying whatever truth has come unto you, [and even though] they have driven the Apostle and yourselves away, [only] because you believe in God, your Sustainer! If [it be true that] you have gone forth [from your homes] to strive in My cause, and out of a longing for My goodly acceptance, [do not take them for your friends,] inclining towards them in secret affection: for I am fully aware of all that you may conceal as well as of all that you do openly. And any of you who does this has already strayed from the right path. 1 If they gain ascendancy over you, they will become your enemies, and employ their hands and tongues with evil designs, and wish that you also became disbelievers. 2 Your relationship would not profit you, nor your children on the day of resurrection; He will decide between you; and Allah sees what you do. 3 Surely there hath been an excellent pattern for you in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said unto their people; verily we are quit of you and of that which ye worship beside Allah; we renounce you; and surely there hath appeared between us and you hostility and hatred for evermore until ye believe in Allah alone, except the saying of Ibrahim unto his father: surely I shall beg forgiveness for thee, and I have no power with Allah for thee at all. Our Lord! in Thee we put our trust, and unto Thee we turn, and unto Thee is the journeying. 4 O Lord, make us not an example of punishment for infidels, and forgive us, O Lord. You are all-mighty and all-wise." 5 Certainly there is for you in them a good example, for him who fears Allah and the last day; and whoever turns back, then surely Allah is the Self-sufficient, the Praised. 6