Believers, spend of what We have given you before that Day arrives when there shall be neither trade, nor friendship, nor intercession. It is the unbelievers who are the harmdoers. 254 Allah! There is no God but he, the Living, the Sustainer. Slumber taketh hold of Him not, nor sleep. His is whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth. Who is he that shall intercede with Him except with His leave? He knoweth that which was before them and that which shall be after them, and they encompass not aught of His knowledge save that which He willeth. His throne comprehendeth the heavens and the earth, and the guarding of the twain wearieth Him not. And He is the High, the Supreme. 255 There is no compulsion in matter of faith. Distinct is the way of guidance now from error. He who turns away from the forces of evil and believes in God, will surely hold fast to a handle that is strong and unbreakable, for God hears all and knows everything. 256 God is the Protector of the believers; He brings them forth from the shadows into the light. And the unbelievers -- their protectors are idols, that bring them forth from the light into the shadows; those are the inhabitants of the Fire, therein dwelling forever. 257