O you who believe, seek courage in fortitude and prayer, for God is with those who are patient and persevere. 153 Do not say that those who are killed in the way of God, are dead, for indeed they are alive, even though you are not aware. 154 And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient, 155 who, when calamity befalls them, say: "Verily, unto God do we belong and verily, unto Him we shall return." 156 It is they who will receive blessings and mercy from God and who follow the right guidance. 157 ۞ Undoubtedly Safa and Marwah* are among the symbols of Allah; so there is no sin on him, for whoever performs the Hajj (pilgrimage) of this House (of Allah) or the Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), to go back and forth between them; and whoever does good of his own accord, then (know that) indeed Allah is Most Appreciative (rewards virtue), the All Knowing. (These are 2 hillocks near the Holy Ka’aba) 158 Indeed those who hide the clear proofs and the guidance which We sent down, after We made it clear to mankind in the Book – upon them is the curse of Allah and the curse of those who curse. 159 But from those who repent and mend their ways and make known the truth, I will certainly accept their repentance: I am the Ever Relenting, the Most Merciful. 160 Those who deny the truth, and die as deniers, on them shall be the curse of God and of angels and of men altogether. 161 Under which they will live, and their suffering will neither decrease nor be respite for them. 162 Your God is one God; there is no god other than He, the compassionate, ever-merciful. 163